Not Too Late
Parts 13-15
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Part Thirteen
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Joyce walked into the living room to see that Whistler was seated with Rupert, Xander and Oz. Willow was sitting on the chair across from them and Cordeila took the other chair next to her. They all looked up at Joyce as she entered the room.
"Uh, I have something to say to you all,"Joyce started nervously."Um, this maybe a shock to you, but, I have something to say."
"Yes, Joyce?"said Giles paiently. He noted that she seemed more agitated than usualy. [Poor woman, her nerves must be shot. I know that mine are.] “Do you need any help?”
"Thank yu, but not. I just wanted to tell you all that-Well, I have invited, for several times, someone that you all consider unsuitable into the house,"she started. She looked at faces around her, finally resting on Giles’s unshaven one."And I want you all to remain calm, because he won't hurt any of you. He promised."
"Who,Mrs. Summers?"Willow asked. Suddenly, loud growls and a crash was heard from the kitchen. Joyce turned and ran towards it, with the others hot on her heels.
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Joyce ran into the kitchen, and her heart flew into her throat. Spike and Angel had their game faces on, and were wrestling with each other on the ground. They flung themselves over the kitchen island. Joyce tried to follow them, but Giles grabbed her and held her back from the melee.
"God! That's Spike! How did he get in here?"
Joyce turned to answer when she heard another crash from the two. She turned to see a fist flying in the air. Finally standing, Angel grabbed Spike by the shirt, and threw a hard right that only fazed Spike a little. Still standing, Spike growled then held Angel's shirt with his left and gave Angel a right cross then gave him a knee in the groin. Angel went down. Spike then threw Angel against the wall, when Joyce cried out.
"Stop! Stop this! Liam! Stop!"
Joyce's eyes went wide when she saw Hlin come from behind Spike as he turned to look at her with his normal face. Next thing she knew, she was grabbing Spike's shirt and throwing him to the side. She screamed as she felt a hot, searing pain at her right shoulder, then felt herself falling to her knees.
"*NO!* MUM!"shouted Spike as he saw in slow motion the stake come down into Joyce's right shoulder. He made to catch her before she fully hit the ground. "MUM!"
"Joyce!"Rupert shouted as he saw Joyce fling Spike away and take the stake that was meant for Spike into her shoulder.
Spike cradled Joyce in his arms, and shook her a little. Spike paid little notice to the fresh, warm blood that was covering his hands. He touched her face and cried desperately,"Mum...Mum, are you all right? Mum, speak to me! Mum!"
[God! It's been so long since I've been a human! Is she hurt? Is she dead?] thought Spike wildly. Spike shook the still form in his arms again."Mum! Wake up! You're not really hurt, Mum! Mum, wake up! Wake up...Mummy, don't leave me...Mum."
“Joyce...”Giles whispered hoarsely as he saw Spike cradle her in his arms. He moved to go near her, but Spike’s game face flashed up at him.
Spike held her tighter when he felt a warm body approach.”Leave her be! How could you let this happen to her, Watcher! How? What kind of a Watcher are you to let the Slayer’s Mother get hurt by a stranger?”
Pain filled Giles as he looked at Joyce’s pale face.”Not a very good one it would seem...”
“You got that right, Watcher,”Spike snarled at him. He looked down when he heard a small hitching of breath.”Mum? Mum..it’s me..wake up, Mum. Please? Mum...”
Hlin saw in horror what she had done. In trying to kill the vampire, she had somehow harmed the Slayer's Mother. Now, hearing the pleas of the vampire who held the Slayer's mother, she was a little unsure of what was going on, except that she had to correct the damage that she made. She knelt before the vampire that was cradling her so very gently, and reached out to him."Give her to me, Spike."
Spike growled at her."You stay away from her, you bloody bitch! You stay the bloody hell away from her, you caused this! It's all your fault!"
Spike was about to rise to attack the woman that dared to hurt his Mum. "I'm gonna kill you slowly, bitch,"he threatened.
"No,"said a hoarse voice. Then stronger."No, Liam, you promised, no killing in this house."
"Mum?"Spike questioned hopefully. She opened her brown eyes at him. "Mum!"
Joyce smiled weakly before she touched his badly scarred face with trembling fingers.She looked at Spike, her eyes pleading."Liam, you said that you could help Buffy. You need help to save Buffy. Please...no fighting. Just bring her back to me, Liam. Help bring my little girl home, for me."
Spike's jaw hardened before he nodded."I'll get her back for you, Mum. I promise."
He lifted her up into his arms, intent on taking her to a hosptial when Hlin stopped him."I can heal her,"she declared.
Spike raised his scarred eyebrow at her skeptically.”You hurt her.”
"I can heal her before you reach the hospital. She's lost too much blood, vampire. She could die before you reach the hospital,"she declared again.
"You won't bloody well touch her,"he growled."You'll end up killing her, like you nearly did me."
"Why should I kill the Slayer's Mother?" She shot back."I have no quarrel with her. Only you demon."
Giles stepped forth."Ahem! Spike, give Joyce to me. By the time you reach the hosptital, she could be dead. And we have no choice. Give her to me, Soike. Give me Joyce."
“Why?”Spike growled. He stared hard at the Watcher, ignoring the growl coming from Angel.
Giles straightened as he looked at the vampire squarely.”Because I am the one that watches over her.”
Spike looked at the Watcher hard then gently placed her in his arms. Giles made off to her room, and laid her on the bed. Her eyes were closed again as he gently drew the hair from her face. He turned to face Hlin. He gave her a threatening look. "You won't have to worry about Spike if you hurt her."
"I'll be dead before I hurt the Slayer's Mother intentionally,"she muttered as she sat beside Joyce on the bed. She reached into a pouch that was at her side. She took out some brown dust with her right hand, hovered her left hand over it and started to chant.
"From the earth we came. From the earth we will return the same. Until the time when We of the earth are all One,Heal this wound that was done. So I pray, so I will,So this shall be, I pray, so mote be."
Hlin the sprinkled the dust over Joyce's wound, and then quickly pulled the stake out from her shoulder. Joyce screamed, and Spike lunged at Hlin. Angel and Giles caught him, wrestling him away from Hlin as she placed her right hand over Joyce's wound. Suddenly, a glow came from under her hand, and then stopped. Hlin turned to face Spike. "You could hardly expect her to heal with that stake sticking out from her shoulder. Come let us go, she needs rest. She will be better within the hour."
Hlin turned heel and went down the stairs. Reluctantly, they followed with Giles closing the door.
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"So what's the deal? Why the hell are *you* calling Mrs.Summers 'Mum'?" demanded Xander. Spike ignored the annoying human and looked at the Watcher in disgust.
"I need help to save the Slayer,"he said with disgust. Giles looked at Spike with surprise.
"You want us to help you save Buffy?"
"Why?"Angel growled threateningly. Spike growled back.
"Because if you don't then all vampires are going to go the way of the dodo, you nit!"
"Explain to me on why this is a bad thing,"Xander demanded."It would be a pretty good future to me if there were no more vamps in this world. An even better future for Buffy."
"She wouldn't even have a future, you nodcock! She's be pushing daisies," Spike said in disgust."Listen up, people. The Slayer's the key to all this. Lilith kills the Slayer to kill all the vampires in the world, but that's not all that she wants to kill. She decided to kill all of humanity with them. After about ten thousand years, she's decided that humans are not worth being around, and since you all have a real death wish. She might as well get rid of all of us at one shot."
"Who did you say was the one that wanted to kill the Slayer?" asked Whistler. His face was pale, even for a demon.
"Lilith. She's the first demon of our kind, and we all obey her, to an extent. Especially if she has the power to eat us,"Spike said a bit impaitently."Now are you gonna help me or not?"
"I'm still stuck on why he's calling Mrs.Summers 'Mum',"said Xander as he looked at Giles.
"Well, I'm stuck on this Lilith chick," Oz admitted as he looked at Willow then at Giles. She looked at Giles after galncing at Oz.
"I'm stuck on the ten thousand,"she admitted.
"And I'm still stuck on the killing of Buffy that will lead to the killing of all the vampires and humanity part. I mean, isn't there a way to do half a spell?"asked Cordelia.”You got any thing you’re stuck on, Giles?”
Giles looked up the stairs.”I’m still wondering how Joyce is. And about why the hell Spike is still invited in this house!”
"I don't beleive this! Are you all like this daft?"said Spike stunned as he involuntarily looked at Angel.
"I'm stuck on the fact as to why you are willing to help us rescue Buffy," Angel growled."What the hell does this matter to you?"
Spike took a threatening step towards Angel."Pay attention you fool, I'm helping you noddies for three reasons. First, I'm helping you idiots to save the Slayer because I have no desire to be like a dinosaur. Second, when the Slayer is free, she'll go after Dru who is in this blasted town. Got that?”
Angel looked down at the younger vampire and growled.”And what’s the third reason you’re going to help us? You’re doing it out of the goodness of your unbeating heart?”
“The third reason is this,"Spike growled in a low, but no less threatening tone,"Mum asked me to."
“Which still brings us to why are you calling Buffy’s mother ‘Mum’, Spike,” Xander growled back. Then glared at Willow when she smacked him on his chest.”What?”
Before Willow could answer, Hlin asked,"What do you know about this ritual? Or when it is to happen?"
"It will happen on the night of the full moon, which she called the Night of Gaia. The ritual is some kind of dance relating to someone called Shiv? Shive? Anyway, I have no idea of where it's going to happen. They were going to move again when I rushed here." Spike answered. He thought some more."She also said that if her friends should reach her, it wouldn't matter. It would be too late."
"How do you know so much about this?"Xander asked suspiciously.
"Because I over heard her. She was telling the Slayer why she was going to kill her as she brushed her hair,"Spike shook his head."She's some weird chick. Went on about how her kid was killed by vampires and how she had waited for this Slayer to show up."
"And her name was Lilith,"Whistler said slowly."And she's gathering all the vampires here to Sunnydale."
"What? What do you know?"Giles asked. Whistler looked at the Watcher, not really seeing him.
"I'm not sure, but...Did she say anything else?" Whistler asked Spike. He shook his head. "I can't remember ten thousand years ago so well, it's all very vague."
"So we only know why and when she wants to kill Buffy, but not where," Joyce said slowly as she came down the stairs. Giles and Spike went to her, but she waved them off."I'm fine. Whistler, what else do you know? Why did she let us believe that Buffy was dead?"
"Mum, you sure you should be up?" Joyce gave Spike an impatient look. "You’re looking weak."
"I'm fine, Liam."
“He’s right, Joyce. You do look pale,”Giles said as his hand hesitantly brushed a hair from her face. He ignored Spike’s protective growl.”Sit down, please. If only to make us all feel better.”
“He’s right about that, Mum,”Spike pleaded lowly.”It’d make me feel better if you would sit.”
After a moment, Joyce nodded and allowed the two males to lead her to a seat on the couch.”That I can do.”
Following them closely, Xander piped up belligerently."What's with this ‘Liam and Mum’ stuff? Why are you calling her ‘Mum’? I mean, she's not your mum, she's Buffy's mum."
After he set a pillow behind Joyce, Spike growled at Xander."I can call her Mum if I want to."
"Not if you value you life,Spikey,"Angel growled. Spike started to go towards Angel again, but Joyce stopped him with a small touch on his shoulder. He looked at her fragile hand, and to the amazement of the others in the room, he stayed where he was.
“I won’t hurt him much, Mum,”Spike growled as he looked at her, pleadingly. ”Honest I won’t. Just rip off his bollocks and stuff the bit of it down his throat.”
“No, Liam. Please, no fighting. I just want my daughter back,”Joyce said as she looked at him. Spike bit his lip, then slowly nodded. She gave him a small smile, then looked at everyone.
"Kids. Rupert. Angel, Whistler. Hlin,"called Joyce tiredly. She looked at them as determinedly as she could."Stop this fighting right now. No more fighting with each other until we get Buffy back. Is that understood?"
At her hard gaze, everyone looked at her, each other, then at the hand she never removed from Spike’s shoulder. The hand that was keeping him still. Her eyes never leaving that hand, Willow softly asked,”Will he attack us?”
Joyce shook her head while Spike growled at the witch.”Bloody Hell. As long as this truce is on, if you don’t attack me, I won’t attack you. Got it?”
“Got it. But I don’t like it,”Hlin growled at the vampire. She glared at Spike. ”The Slayer’s Mother has no business in associating with the likes of you, vampire. You shouldn’t even be touching her. You should be dusted.”
Spike snarled at her.”Yeah, you go and try that-”
“That is enough,”Joyce gritted out harshly. Spike stopped but glared balefully at Hlin. Hlin returned the look.”My daughter is gone. And I associate with whom I like. I want her back and I want this bickering to end. is that clear?”
Both looked at Joyce, then nodded.”As crystal, my lady.” “Whatever you say goes, Mum.”
As she laid herself back onto the couch, the phone rang. Giles gingerly answered the phone."Hallo? Oh. Mr. Summers. It's Rupert Giles. Oh, I'm here because of- "
He listened to the ranting man for a moment."Yes, she's here now. I'll give it to her right away."
She went over to answer it and gave Spike and Xander a severe look. "Not another word from any of you."
"Hello? Hank.Hi. What's-"she started, then listened. As her brow lowered, Giles bit his lip. [Rupert, be nice. The blasted pillock thinks that he’s grieving for his daughter. Calm down, be nice. But if he hurts Joyce with his words, then you can beat the crap out of him.]
"No, the funeral's not set yet. But Buffy's not dead." Wincing, she pulled the phone away from her ear. Spike growled menacingly when he heard the loud voice over the phone. His vampiric hearing allowing him to listen quite clearly the words being said. And the angry tone it was being said in.
Angel growled as his eyes focused on the phone. He *did* not like the other man on the phone. Even if it was Buffy’s father.
Joyce turned her back to the two vampires as she tried to get a word in edgewise with her ex-husband."No, it was another girl that was wearing Buffy's jacket. No, she's not here. I really don't know where she is. Hank-"
"Hank-"she started again."Hank. Buffy's-. Hank!"
Spike grabbed the phone from Joyce's hand. And growled into the phone. "Your daughter's bloody not here, ace. She's not dead though. We're still out looking for her. And now it's four in the morning, and we're all bloody tired. Mum's very tired from a long day. So we're goinna go to sleep now, so call back later, mate. Bye."
He hung up the phone with a smart click. Everyone was staring at him with open mouths. "What?"
Rubbing her head, Joyce sighed as she looked around."Never mind. So what do we know about Buffy's disappearence?"
Willow summed it up for everyone."Buffy's in the hands of a demon called Lilith who intends to sacrifice her to destroy the vampires and humanity. We now have an obscure prophecy to look at. Vampires are gathering in Sunnydale at the night of the full moon. And Oz will be a werewolf for the next three nights."
"And she said it all in one breath. I am impressed. How are you at mouth to mouth?" said Whistler with a small leer. Xander and Oz glared angrily at him. "What did I say?"
"Just keep your thoughts about her breath to yourself, boy,"Oz said.
"So what's the deal?"asked Cordelia. Hlin answered.
"We wait until the texts get here. Then we must plan to find out where the Slayer is, and act accordingly."
Looking at the tired faces around him, Giles agreed."In the meantime we all should get some rest. Joyce, you need to rest that shoulder of yours."
From her seat, Joyce nodded."You're all welcome to crash here. Hlin, Willow, and Cordelia, you can sleep in Buffy's room if you want. Xander, Oz, you both can have the guest room upstairs. Whistler? Do you need to avoid sunlight?"
Whistler nodded. Joyce then decided."Fine then. You, Angel, and Liam. The basement has two beds and a couch. Decide who gets what. Rupert, you know your usual room is ready."
At this, everyone turned to look at the Watcher's red face. Spike and Angel both took an unconcious step towards the Watcher. He stammered. "Ah, she means the usual guest room that I stay in. The one next to the study."
Joyce looked at Rupert increduously."Well, of course it's the room next to the study. Which one do you think I meant? All the other rooms are taken."
Joyce then looked at everyone's faces in the room. From Rupert's red one to Whistler's and Hlin's amused one. And to Willow and Cordelia's pink blushing ones."Oh. You mean that you all thought. Oh. Ahem. Well then...Move along."
As everyone broke up to go to their respective quarters, she heard the arguements fly.
"I need the bathroom, first." "Don't take too long."
"Want to raid the fridge, Oz?" "Sounds cool."
"I need a book."
"I get the bed." "And so do I."
"Dream on, Angel boy, dream on. It's mine. I'm more of a welcome guest than you."
[I need a bed. Fast.] thought Joyce. [Oh, heavens. Please let Buffy be safe.]
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Part Fourteen
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Buffy slowly opened her eyes, automatically putting her hand over them to shield them from the glare of the sun. She felt the warmth against the skin of her cheek, and smiled. She was above ground again, and it felt good.
"Are you awake?"asked a voice quietly. Buffy's eyes widened as she sat up quickly. She instantly took a battle stance as she mentally took in where she was. From what she could see, there were clinging plants that were growing on the side of the grey stone walls. She was standing in the front of something that looked like an altar. "Take it easy, Slayer. It's only me, I've come to bring you breakfast."
Lady Lilith entered the sun lighted atrium with a tray filled with fruit, cheeses, fresh bread, cereals, juice and milk. For a moment, she stood still and looked at the sun, as if absorbing its warm rays. Her raven hair was still, and for a moment she looked like a normal woman.
[A normal woman that didn't plan to sacrifice her tomorrow night.]thought Buffy sardonically. "What's that?"
"Food, Slayer, to keep you from being hungry,"she replied mildly."I told you, I have no plan on sacrifing you until tomorrow when the moon is full. Sit, we will have a picnic, Slayer."
Buffy reluctantly sat at the base of the altar. She didn't take time to notice it before, but someone or demon had placed a down mattress and comforter upon the stone steps. These also were a different shade of blue with a trim of silver. "I guess you like blue, Lilith,"Buffy said as she pointed to the dress and makeshift bed.
"It is the color of royalty, Slayer. And that is what you are,"Lilith replied as she divided an apple."And you are a type of royalty, Slayer. You are the Chosen One."
"I'd like to be the Forgotten One,"Buffy muttered to herself."Or at least the Normal One."
Lilith gave her a ghost of a smile that caused Buffy to narrow her eyes.
“What?"
"Nothing, Slayer. Something that I was remembering from a long time ago. A very long time ago."
"Something like around ten thousand years ago?"snorted Buffy as she started eating the apple that Lilith handed to her."So where did you live back then?"
"In a home like this one. A palace that was filled with flowers, sun and loved ones. Atlantis was beautiful before it was destroyed,"Lilith said wistfully.
She closed her eyes and allowed the happy memories wash over her. She smiled wistfully as her head tilted towards the sun."My beloved, though he seemed not, was an incredible romantic. He supplied me with flowers and wore them when I asked. Once, as I was learning how to knit, I created a shirt for him that a lot of flowers. He didn't want to wear it, but he did. My beloved did try to make me happy and protect me. And he did for a time."
"He sounds like quite a guy,"Buffy said gently. Damned if she was feeling sorry for the creature that was planning to sacrifice her. Lilith looked at the Slayer consideringly.
"You are different,Slayer. You have family and friends, even a life of your own. That is something that has not been allowed for some time. I am surprised that the one that guides you has not objected."
Buffy smiled wryly."He did. But I won the arguement."
Lilith smiled warmly."I am glad. Even if you had not a child, at least you had a life."
"Children are not on my agenda right now."
"Because the one that you love is a vampire with a soul?"Lilith shook her head."You should have at least tried for a child with someone else then. Then you would have know the joy of holding a litlle one that was a piece of you."
Impaitent, Buffy grabbed a knife to butter the bread."So your kid died by vampires and humans, that doesn't mean that you have to kill off the humans too. It’s like, overkill."
"But, I do, Slayer. Humans, I have found, are inherently evil. They are often not like you, honorable, brave, tempermental. They are often greedy and selfish. They would embrace evil if it would get them what they want,"Lilith replied seriously. Her voice then dropped."When I kill off all the vampires, who is to say that there will not be a human to resurrect their kind?"
Buffy had no answer to that as Lilith continued."Besides, little one, I would think that you would be happy that as soon as the Dance of Shiva is done, then there will be no more Slayers. No more Chosen Ones. Only-"
"Only nothing and nobody to do anything,"Buffy said angrily."Thanks, but I'd rather be a Chosen Slayer than to have nothing in the future to look forward to."
"Look at it this way, Slayer,"Lilith said with a shrug,"This is one way that you will be guarenteed to meet your Maker and to give Him a piece of your mind about His choosing you to do His work."
"Are you teasing me? 'Cause it isn't funny,"Buffy said through narrowed eyes. Lilith looked at her innocently.
"Heavens forbid that I tease the Slayer,"Lilith said as she dramatically brought her hand against her chest. Buffy was about to retort when they were interupted.
"Lady Lilith, there is a need for your attention,"said a vampire in his game face as he was standing in the doorway, well away from the sunlight."There seems to be a problem with the intruments that you need for the ceremony."
"I will be there anon, Jack,"Lilith called out."Begone!"
The vampire left quietly, backing away with his head bowed.
"Stupid blood suckers,"Lilith sighed."Can't do anything right. Not even in bringing about their own demise."
Buffy bit back an insane urge to giggle. Lilith turned to her."Eat the food, child. Enjoy the sun and the garden. You may come into the house, but you cannot leave. The house is filled with vampires, and they have been told to keep you here in any means they can."
"Short of killing me. Right Lilith? For tomorrow's ceremony for the Dance of Sneeze."
"Shiva."corrected Lilith as she nodded."Yes, short of killing you. You cannot escape, we are not near Sunnydale, you cannot call for help or go anywhere. There is no escape, Slayer. From here or your destiny. It is too late for that. I will see you at even time, Slayer. With more food and clothes."
"Clothes?"
"Yes,"Lilith smiled sadly."It is the least that I can do for you. You are the key that will finally avenge my husband and child's death. It is my duty to take care of you the best way that I know how."
"By feeding me and clothing me? I'd really rather trade it for a ticket out of here."
"As you said once,not possible,"Lilith said sadly as she walked out. Buffy watched as the figure disappeared in the darkened doorway. Buffy looked up at the walls covered with the clinging plants, and started to plan. She only had about ten hours of sun light to escape.
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Hlin entered the Summers home with four packages all wrapped in brown paper. Giles moved forth to her as she was about to set them down on the coffee table.
"Where is everyone, Watcher? Where are the demons? And the Slayer's Mother?"Hlin demanded.
"She's down with the others in the basement giving them fresh pig's blood. They were a bit hungry,"Giles said absently."Is that-"
"Are you mad, Watcher?!?" hollered Hlin as she bolted towards the basement. Giles followed quickly.”I cannot believe that you of all people have sent the Slayer’s Mother to be with those *demons*!”
"Hey!"Xander exclaimed startled as he opened the basement door. "Where's the fire?"
"Hlin is a bit nervous with Spike, Whistler and Angel down in the basement," Giles explained with some little amusement. Hlin shot him a deadly look.
"It is not easy to think that there are demons who are on the side of the Slayer. Especially when two of them have no soul. Their motives are suspicious," Hlin retorted.
"And I disagree,"said Joyce as she walked up the stairs."I will accept anyone's help in finding my daughter.And furthermore, young lady, I-"
"Hey! Let go of that packet! It's mine!"
"No! I got it first! Let go!"
"Exscuse me,"Joyce said gracefully as she started back down the stairs. Curious, Hlin followed.
Joyce ignored the two vampires that were fighting over a packet of pig's blood and went straight to a closet at the other end of the room. Eyeing the militant walk of the Slayer's Mother, Whistler came between the two vampires to try and stop their bickering.
"Uh, guys? Guys! Stop this now! You're making her mad!"
Angel grunted as he firmed his grip onto the packet."I got it first. The damn packet is mine!"
"Like bloody hell it is, you Irish dog!"growled Spike loudly as he also tightened his grip."Let go of the packet! Mum got it for me!"
Suddlenly a flash of metal was seen in the air, and it swung toward Angel and then Spike. Both vampires let go of the packet of blood as they grabbed their now painfully hurting heads.
"I told you two boys no more fighting! You're giving me a bloody headache!" Joyce said, her voice filled with angry annoyance. She glared at the two vampires and then grabbed the packet from the floor.
Looking at it for a second, she then threw it to Whistler, who caught it in surprise. Outraged looks were given Joyce's way."I told you, everything was divided equally between the three of you."
"There was an extra packet, Mum,"protested Spike."I saw it first!"
"Did not! I smelled it before you did!"growled Angel. Spike started to double up his fists.
"Enough!"Joyce yelled. She glared at the two vampires."It wasn't enough for you two to keep everyone up with your fighting. It wasn't enough for you two to break some of the furniture down here! Now you *both* have to fight about blood?!?"
"Yeah!"shouted Whistler happily at the two. Joyce glared at him before she continued. Whistler saw the look and quickly shut his mouth.
"Well, let me tell you something, the next one that so much as starts arguing will get more than a hit with my axe. It'll be buried in your immortal thick hides, is that clear?"
The two vampires looked at each other in mutual dislike, and then at Joyce's axe which was next to her impaitent toe that was tapping on the floor. They both looked to the ground.
"Uh, yes Mum."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good,"said Joyce as she was about to start up the steps.
Amazed, Hlin just stared at Joyce. Giles looked at Hlin with not a little amusement. She caught his amusement and looked at him questioningly.
Giles indicated to the axe with a tilt of his head.”And that’s the real reason of why demons don’t go after the Slayer’s Mother. She swings a mean axe.”
Walking towards the stairs, Joyce rolled her eyes at Giles.”Rupert, stop teasing me. I’m not in the mood.”
“Can I tease you when you’re in the mood?”Giles quipped before he thought about it. He smiled blandly when he felt others focus on him.
Joyce rolled her eyes as she sighed.”I’ll let you know.”
Hlin moved aside to let her through, then caught her arm. Joyce looked at her questioningly. Hlin spoke urgently."Mother, we must meet down here. There is important news and plans to be done if we are to help your daughter."
Her lips tightening, Hlin gave a hard look at the demons.”And it seems that what I must say concerns all of the Slayer’s allies.”
Joyce nodded and started to call the other downstairs to the basement.
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Part Fifteen
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Buffy climbed over the wall of the atrium, and stood at its ledge. All she hoped was that she could see was not there. There was nothing but woods, water and a deserted beach. There was no town that could be seen nearby, only sand.
[Well, Buffy] she thought as she jumped down from the twelve foot wall. [Better get going. It's going to be sun down in nine more hours.]
Lyle Gorach hissed as he took the blue blanket away from the opening of the atrium. The sun's bright rays started to burn his skin. He hissed again. "That damn bitch!"he muttered. He peered through the doorway, and saw nothing. His stomach dropped to the ground. "Get Lady Lilith!"he hollered."The Slayer gal escaped!"
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Joyce came down the steps leaning slightly on Giles’s arm, followed by Oz and Cordelia. As soon as they saw Joyce descend the stairs, Spike and Hlin immediately rose from their respective seats. And immediately glared at each other. Joyce smiled when she saw the relative calm in the basement. At least most of the furniture was still intact.
Spike rushed over to Joyce, drawing her gently from Giles’s arm.”Here, Mum. You’re still pale. You can sit on the armchair. We didn’t destroy it.”
The Slayerettes, Whistler, Giles and Hlin all watched with relative shock as they saw Spike the Master Slayer, AKA William the Bloody, move Joyce towards a seat with all the gentleness of one that was touching fragile crystal.
As Spike fluffed and added pillows to her back, Giles scowled at the vampire. When he walked towards Joyce, intent on standing by her side, Spike looked at him and growled, but stopped when Joyce touched his hand. ”Liam. Be good.”
Spike looked down at her and grinned earnestly.”But I am, Mum. I’m not feeding off him, aren’t I?”
“Liam, that’s not what I mean,”Joyce chided gently with a small chuckle.”He won’t hurt me. Let him stand on the other side, it’ll make him and everybody else feel better.”
“Why would I want everyone else feel better,”Spike said flippantly with a boyish grin. When Joyce just gave him a chiding look, one that she often used on her daughter, Spike shrugged.”Fine. He can stand near you. Do you need any more pillows?”
Angel’s eyebrows raised when he saw how solicitous he was being to Buffy’s mother. But what amazed him the most was that Joyce was acting as if it was a natural thing with him. Even at his best, he *never* saw him act that way with Drucilla. He muttered,”Will wonders never cease.”
Hearing that, Spike stood ramrod straight and glared at Angel, his fists ready to fly. “What’s *that* supposed to mean, ducks?”
“Liam,”Joyce murmured in warning. Spike looked down at her, then merely growled lowly at Angel before standing by her side again.
"So what's going on?"Xander asked as he sat gingerly on the couch beside Willow who was on Oz’s lap. "What's the plan?"
"And why are we all here in the basement?"Cordelia asked as she stood next to where Xander was sitting."It's damp down here."
"Well, no one's asking you to stay,"Spike shot at her. Joyce merely touched his arm, and he quieted.
"Everyone's here, Hlin,"Joyce said quietly."Do you have any news about my daughter? Or any way that you can help find her?"
Hlin shook her head slowly."Not yet, but there will be soon. First, I must tell you what my Elders have informed me."
"What's with the packages?"Oz asked as he pointed to the four items that Hlin carried in her hands.
"I will tell you in time,"Hlin said patiently as she set the packages down on to the coffee table."First, I must say that I am not allowed to kill Whistler."
"Well, that's a relief,"he said wryly."I was getting worried there."
"A relief for who?"Spike muttered. Angel glared at Spike, who ignored it.
Ignoring him, Hlin continued as her hands clenched and unclenched her hands. Her jaw hardened as she set her eyes on Spike.
"Second, I am not allowed to kill Spike for now,"Hlin said with a glare at the vampire. Spike turned to her and showed his game face.
"I'd like to bloody well see you try,"he snarled. Hlin took a step up to his face and gave him a cold smile.
"Anytime, any place, vampire,"she snarled back. Rising quickly from her seat, Joyce grabbed Hlin's arm and pulled her back from Spike’s face.
Stepping between Spike and Hlin, Joyce demanded,"What's the next thing? Hlin? Answer me."
With a deep breath, Hlin reluctantly backed down from the vampire's challenge and looked sadly at the Slayer's mother."I cannot kill the one that took the Slayer. I cannot kill the one called Lilith."
"What? Are you crazy?!?"Xander exploded as he jumped up from his seat. "Some demon has Buffy, and we're not allowed to kill it?"
Willow hit Xander in the shoulder to shut him up. She was about to speak when Angel interrupted her with his own outrage.
"What's wrong your Elders, Elemental? Are they so old that they feel for the demons?"He snarled. Hlin's eyes grew black in anger and she thrust her chin up at him belligerently.
"Obviously not, since I was not given the strict order to *not* kill you, vampire,"she said as she started to reach behind her. Willow jumped in front of the two, her arms spread.
"Hey! Stop this! This isn't helping Buffy at all. Giles, tell them!"
"Yes, it's not. There must be a reason that you are not allowed to kill Lilith," Giles agreed as he stood by Joyce’s side."Do you know, Hlin?"
Her jaw hardening, Hlin shook her head."I only know what I am told, Watcher. It has something to do with the Mana-kai/Slayer/Watcher history. That is all that I know."
"So then what about these packages?"Oz asked again. Hlin picked one up and handed it to Giles after she opened it.
"This is the Tiberius Manifesto. It contains the ritual for the Night of Gaia, which occurs on a full moon every two thousand years. The ritual must be performed at the Hour of the Tiger. But the exact purpose of the ritual is not clear,"she said as Giles looked through the passages that were marked. He handed the text to Angel, who was trying to read the words.
Hlin opened another package and handed it to Giles."See if you can read this, Watcher. It should have the prophecy that we found in the Pergamon Codex."
As he gingerly held the book, Giles squinted at the strange scribbles, and then his eyes grew clearer as he recognized the words. "I can barely make out the words. Once a Slayer...Slayer Once...Immortal..."
Curious, Joyce came over and looked over his shoulder."You missed a few lines there, Rupert. It says: On Mother's Night, Shall meet once a Slayer....a Slayer once perished...Forever Slayer to be..."
"An Immortal shall see...that fate not set..."Giles continued, then lowered the book so that she could see. Joyce nodded at him as she squinted at the words also, she leaned closer to his arm as she tried to read the words.
Joyce read the next line."That fate yet to be...Shall create a destiny..."
Giles nodded as she looked at him for confirmation. Then he finished,"Or not to be..."
Closing the book, but leaving his finger to mark to page on the tome, Giles looked at everyone."Well..that was rather...vague."
"What does it all mean?"Joyce wondered as she shook her head."Why are you looking at me strangely,Hlin?"
"You can read the Neith Inscriptions?"
"Yes, not clearly, but yes. Why?"
"Because the book will not allow just anyone to read it,"Hlin said flatly. Giles dropped the old book, startled. Joyce jumped slightly as the book fell to the basement floor.
"You mean that book's alive?"Willow yelped as she stared at it, then to Hlin.
"No, but it is blessed. It is forever changing as time and destiny is. It tells of the past, present and future. No one can read it if it does not wish itself to be read. That a Watcher can read most of the words is incredible, but to have someone else be able to read the inscriptions more clearly than the Watcher is nearly impossible,"Hlin said flatly. She turned quickly as she saw Angel throw his hands away from the book on the floor.
"The book burned me,"Angel said, amazed. Everyone’s eyes widened when he saw the burn marks on his hands. Hlin picked up the book.
"No one with the touch of evil can hold the book for long. It would kill the holder,"Hlin explained. Everyone grew silent at that.
"So what's in the other packages?"Cordelia finally asked. Hlin opened the third one, and revealed an ornately carved old wooden box. She handed it to Whistler, who was sitting on the couch. He took it in puzzlement.
"I was told to give this to you, demon. You are to have this."
"Oh, why does he get presents?"Xander said in mock jealousy. Cordelia then hit him in the arm."Why am I the only one that's getting hit here?"
Whistler opened the box, and it revealed an ornately carved wooden rapier. He raised it from the box, and peered at it. The hilt was a silver metal, with the sign of a dragon carved on it, but the blade was wood, but it didn't look it. The wood was jet-black and sharp. A small ring of roses was carved at the base near the hilt.
Joyce stared at the rapier.”Oh my. I have never seen that design before. It’s breath-taking. And I’m feeling dizzy.”
Spike immediately grabbed one arm as Giles grabbed her other, and both men led her to the couch. When she was settled, all three turned their attention back to Whistler who was still silently staring at the rapier with wonder.
"It's beautiful,"Willow whispered."What is that? Wood? Metal?"
"It's Black Rowan,"Whistler said softly as he touched the blade."I can’t remember clearly of what happened ten thousand years ago, but I do remember this rapier. I remember the ring of flowers. Why?"
He looked at Hlin who shrugged. The he looked at the rapier. Slowly, he took off the end of the hilt, and revealed a small engraved picture.”What is this? Who is this?”
"That's you! And you have a baby!"Willow exclaimed as he looked over Whistler’s shoulder. Frowning, Whistler studied the engraving.
"I have no idea of who that baby is,"Whistler said slowly."Do you?"
"I only know two things demon. I am not to kill you and that I was to give you this rapier. That is all."
"So what's in package number four? Drum rolls please,"Xander said as he picked it up to hand it to Hlin.
"This is for the Slayer's Mother. It is a scarf that will protect her from any mystical harm. It was woven specially by my people,"Hlin said as she handed it to Joyce who took it gracefully.
"It's beautiful,"she whispered as she wrapped the scarf around her neck. Hlin nodded, pleased.
"You are the first Slayer's Mother that we have been in contact for a very long time. It is our duty to keep you safe,"Hlin said seriously."The Slayer's Mother shall always be safe with us."
"What about the rest of us?"Cordelia asked."I mean, don't we get any protection? We're the Slayer's Friends."
Hlin was about to answer that when Giles interrupted."So we have all these items, and we still don't know where Buffy is, or what is it that's going on."
"But we do know that she is the key to all this,"Spike said."From what the prophecy said, she's the Once dead Slayer."
"But who are the others? The Once a Slayer? or the Immortal?" mused Willow as she looked at her mentor.
"And what's this stuff about destiny?"Oz added with a frown." By the way what time is it?"
"It's nearly three. Plenty of time before we have to chain you, honey," Willow said as she patted his arm."If we only have more to go on."
"Well, the Hour of the Tiger is between two and three in the morning in the Oriental calendar, and Gaia is known in the Greek world as the Great Mother,"Joyce mused."Liam? What do you remember about what Lilith was telling Buffy? A place? Time?"
"Only that there was going to be a dance of Shiv performed, on the night of the full moon,"he said slowly.”And I have no idea who that is or when that dance is supposed to happen.”
"Shiv? Shiva?"Giles asked. Spike nodded."I think that's it."
"Oh dear,"Giles fretted as he ran his fingers through his hair and started to pace around the basement.
"G-man, you’re in a serious pace mode. What's that I'm missing?"Xander asked."What gives?"
"If we’re going by what Joyce just told us....Shiva was the god of destruction in Hindu mythology,"Giles explained."By the tone of what seems to be going on, Lilith wants to destroy the entire world. By using Buffy."
Everyone grew quiet at that thought. The phone then rang from Joyce's pocket.
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"Come on, Mom! Pick up! Pick up!"Buffy willed as she heard the tone ring. It was less than three hours to sunset, but something felt...off. She looked nervously around her, there was no one, but she felt that she was being watched.
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Startled, Joyce jumped, then reached into her sweater pocket sheepishly. "Oh, god! I forgot that I had it there. Hello?"
Joyce listened to the voice that she thought she would never hear again. "Buffy! Honey! Where are you?What?"
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"Mom! Listen! I don't know where I am. I'm not dead! Get someone to help me! There's this funky demon with tentacle hair called Lady Lilith that wants to kill me, humanity and vampires all at one shot,”Buffy said quickly as she looked around her desperately for anything that could give her mother an idea of where she was.”I don’t know where I am-”
“There are mountains, lots of trees, and near a beach, I think.... I’m being chased. I’ve got to run. I don’t know how long I’m gonna be safe. She wants to sacrifice me....Tomorrow night at the full moon. Mom-"
"Slayer, you shouldn't have run,"Lilith said as she came from behind Buffy.
For a second, Buffy froze. Then dropping the phone, Buffy flew out a back kick, but Lilith caught her leg with her writhing hair."Let's go home, little one. It is almost time."
“Get the HELL away from me, Octopus for hair!”Buffy hollered as she tried to break free from the steel lock of Lilith’s hair. Another lock caught Buffy’s hands.”Go to a barber!”
“Now, now, child. None of this. It is too late,”Lady Lilith said as a glow of blue light traveled from her hair to Buffy’s body.”Much too late.”
With that, Lilith absorbed Buffy's energy, and then carried her, encased in hair to the woods near by.
The phone jangled. "Buffy? Buffy? BUFFY!!!"
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