By Alex
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The sleek
black Lear jet glided easily out of the gun-metal grey sky and landed smoothly
at the small private airstrip just outside Sunnydale. It taxied directly to a
large hanger that sat away from the other buildings.
The only break
in the planes shining black exterior were the white “call” letters required by
international laws and the crossed gold keys of the Vatican.
It sat all
alone on the tarmac like some solitary bird of prey.
No one moved
toward the plane and there was no movement from inside the curious aircraft. A
long black limousine pulled into the airstrip driving onto the tarmac heading
directly to the waiting private jet. It came to a halt next to the plane and
the planes passenger door opened.
A chauffeur
got out of the limo and hurried to the rear door closest to the plane, opening
it then turning to look expectantly toward the plane. Three men, in long black
coats and black hats with wide flat brims that partially hid their faces, got
out of the aircraft and headed straight to the limo.
The first two
entered the car with only a slight nod of acknowledgment to the driver. The
third stopped and held out his hand to the nervous young man who immediately
knelt down and kissed the large ring on the man's finger.
“Welcome your
Eminence,” the driver said reverently as he stood up.
“Thank you
Brother Jeffrey,” the man said his voice soft and deep, with a middle European
accent. “You know where we need to go and please in this capacity I am a simple
Abbot, nothing more.”
“As you wish
father,” the driver answered. “If you wish we can go straight there now.”
“Fine, brother
Jeffrey, fine,” the man said placing a hand on the eager younger mans shoulder
and giving it a friendly squeeze. “You are efficient and prepared as always my
son, which is why you were chosen for this particular mission. Our Order is
pleased and proud of the way you have handled this difficult and unusual task.”
The driver
blushed slightly at the praise from his revered superior. He mumbled his thanks
and after the man was in the limo he shut the door securely and hurried and
slid into the drivers seat.
The limo
swiftly and silently left the airstrip and smoothly onto the road headed toward
Sunnydale.
==============
The last
crimson rays of sunset faded from the sky, surrendering to the black velvet
blanket of night. The Slayer sat on the couch between her lover’s legs, leaning
back into Willow using her for a backrest.
Willow had her
arms wrapped around Buffy, enjoying the feel of her lover against her and
feeling her warmth even through their clothing. The witch rested her chin on
top of the Slayers blonde head, leaning down every once to whisper some random
lovers secret in Buffy’s ear causing her to shiver with delight.
This was the
first time in weeks either of them had been this relaxed, even though they both
knew they’d soon be facing one of the most dangerous enemies any of them had
ever faced.
The
revelations of earlier in the day, along with Giles plan slowly coming together
had gone a long way toward normalizing their emotions. Even though they knew
that when they made it past this night they still faced two of the most
important days of their young lives they were positive they could get through
it together.
Both Willow
and Buffy knew that one of the smartest decisions they’d made was putting
Cordelia in charge of the wedding arrangements. They were amazed and proud of
the way Cordy had handled it all and was still on speaking terms with both of
their mothers. In their eyes their friend was a miracle worker.
Being an
indispensable part of Giles’ plan, Xander and Cordy ‘the Miracle Worker’ had
arrived earlier and had already been briefed on what they were expected to do
during the nights activities. They already had chosen the weapons necessary to
the tasks.
Willow had
pulled her life long friend aside and given him some “special” instructions
about the others involved in the plan. Xander let Willow know he completely
understood and he had no problem what so ever doing as she asked.
Now the young
lovers were sharing one of Giles overstuffed easy chairs. Cordelia was on
Xander’s lap her legs draped over, one arm her arms wrapped around his neck.
They were now engaged in a passionate kiss after several minutes gazing into
each other’s eyes or as Cordelia once put it, looking all gooey eyed at each
other.
Giles came out
of the kitchen with his cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey and frowned slightly at
the sight of the two couples open displays of affection in his living room.
“I feel like
I’m living in some sort of teenage brothel,” he said shaking his head and
chuckling softly.
“What’s the
matter G-man, jealous?” quipped Xander, causing the three girls to laugh at the
thought.
“That, my dear
Xander, is not the point.” Giles grumbled at the laughter at his expense.
“Somebody is
certainly Mr. Cranky this evening.” Willow scolded the ex-Watcher. “This is
just the logical expression of one persons love for another. So there!”
The redhead
stuck her tongue out at the complaining man causing her lover to giggle causing
Giles further frustration.
Then he
suddenly laughed at himself when he realized what he must sound like. “Dear
lord,” he mused. “I sound like my father.”
Before he
could make any further revelations he was interrupted by a knock at the front
door.
“Must be a
guest,” he mumbled as he left the room. “I don’t think I know anyone that has
the courtesy to knock any more.”
Giles returned
quickly with a man that looked very familiar to Willow. Buffy felt her lover’s
body become ridged with tension and moved so she could see Willows face trying
to determine the problem.
The sight
caused Buffy to slide over to the far end of the couch.
Willows
normally open loving and compassionate face had been replaced by a hard,
suspicious, angry, glaring one. Her eyes seemed to radiate a pulsating green
glow that was apparently aimed at the man that just entered with Giles.
“What is it
sweetheart?” Buffy asked concerned by her lover’s sudden change and a little
frightened. “What’s the matter?”
“Why is HE
here, Giles?” the witch snarled not bothering to hide her anger and distrust of
the man's presence. “No one here is ill or requires the services of this
‘doctor’.”
“You know why
I’m here, young one,” the man said softly before Giles could say anything.
Willow and the
man stared at each other, everybody was looking first at Giles then at Willow
then at the newcomer then back to Giles searching for some explanation for
their friends strangely hostile behaviour.
“Who is this
Giles?” Buffy asked, rising from the couch disturbed by Willows
uncharacteristic behaviour.
“I doubt if
you remember Buffy.” Giles answered eyeing Willow. “This man is the doctor that
tried to help you during your recent illness. This is Dr. Jeffrey Fallon.”
“Pleased to
meet you doctor,” Buffy said holding out her hand.
“NO!” Willow
barked angrily.
Buffy stopped
and looked at her obviously very upset friend. She started to ask why she was
being so rude when three more men entered the room.
Buffy’s
attention was drawn away by a low menacing growl coming from her lover as the
three strangely dressed men came in. She was shocked by the hostility that
Willow gave off in waves.
Buffy could
tell the young witch was bristling with fury, apparently caused by the
newcomers.
“What is your
purpose here priest?” Willow snarled challengingly. “Come to murder my soulmate
and I, like your pious forefathers did our sisters just a few centuries ago?”
The glow from
Willows eyes seemed to spread out, first around Willow herself, then it
expanded to engulf her other half.
Everyone else
in the room wisely moved back out of the line of fire, surprised by their
normally sweet even tempered friends sudden display of hostility and power.
Giles stepped
up and started to speak but was stopped by the raised hand of the shortest and
oldest of the newcomers.
“You are the
one that found and destroyed our hidden archives,” the man stated as fact not a
question with a slight sad smile. “Do not interfere Watcher, knowing what she
read in those files she has every reason not to trust any of our calling.”
“Why...ARE..you..here..PRIEST?”
Willow spat out each word like a curse.
“Be calmed Sorceress,” the
man said. “We are here to help you and to
attempt to atone for a grievous error in judgment made by a misinformed church
because of untruths given her by certain over zealous, over ambitious and yes even envious men that misrepresented
the facts over one thousand years ago.”
Willow snorted
in anger.
“Your kind
slaughtered an entire class of women whose only sin was to love each other and
be warriors of the light.” Willow stated, her contempt dripped from her voice
like venom. “How do you plan to atone for their lives, how do you plan to
justify your betrayal of their innocent souls?”
“Willow
really,” Giles said trying to stop her recriminations. “They are here to help
after all. You knew this, we discussed it.”
“The Sorceress
speaks her heart Watcher,” The man said. “Her suspicions are well founded.”
“But your
Emin....” Jeffrey Fallon tried to protest but was stopped by the older man.
“Please,
Brother Jeffrey, we discussed this,” he scolded softly. “On this mission I am a
simple Abbot.”
“You think to
hide your true self from me priest?”
Willow asked sarcastically. “Why, if not to hide your true intentions?”
“Not from you
Sorceress,” the abbot said his middle European accent becoming more pronounced
as he spoke. “But from others less dedicated to our mission. The Darkness has
its allies everywhere.”
This
revelation brought a heavy silence to the room. Willow faced the newcomers, her
attention focused on the Abbot, searching his face for any hint of deception.
The pulsating green aura swirled and glowed around both Buffy and Willow
shielding the lovers from any attempt at treachery.
“We have known
that once a Slayer and her Sorceress were together on the Hellmouth, the
joining of their souls would eventually occur,” the Abbot explained. “And with
that joining would come the rebirth of the Sisters. As part of the Church’s
commitment, our Order was formed to watch over the two of you when the time
came and provide what ever assistance we could.”
“At first we
hoped that Brother Jeffrey’s treating of the Slayers illness would be all that
would be required,” his explanation continued. “But circumstances have arisen
that have caused us to take a more active role in your joining. This joining
was destined to happen and according to terms created before the age of man the
joining was considered sacred and was deemed inviolate by both sides.
Apparently someone on the side of Darkness has taken it upon themselves to
violate the agreement and interfere. This being is powerful and has a limited
number of extremely powerful allies, those however are nearly depleted. There
will be no reinforcement so they are desperate.”
“So now by the
powers given us by God through the Holy Father in Rome, we have left another
office we hold in the church to return to our first and foremost duty, as
Brother warriors in the war against the dark and to insure the your joining in
the manner of the ancient Celtic sect known as the Sisters of the Soul and in
the name of the Church to welcome that sect as allies in our continuing war for
universal balance.”
“Pretty words
priest,” Willow growled, conceding reluctantly. “But given the track record of
your kind, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not trusting you completely. As you
know both the Slayer and I are sworn not to take a human life, our friends
however have no such limitations.”
She looked at
Xander and when their eyes met Willow nodded slightly and Xander smiled coldly.
“No prob
Will.” Xander said as he turned a hard humorless smile on the clerics and
hefted a 9mm automatic that appeared almost magically in his hand. “No one will
get a shot at your back.”
The eerie
green glow now enveloped all four young people. This development caused a
debate among the clerics, that was soon interrupted by Willow.
“If you are
truly here to help us priest, then we’ll gladly accept.” The witch said her voice
soft and clear while showing the iron in her words. “But if you are
contemplating treachery then as you can see we are prepared to deal with it. We
have no time for subtleties and negotiations, no talks no compromises. Tonight
is all or nothing.”
Seeing the
fiercely protective look in Xander’s hard dark eyes and hearing the calm
confidence in Willows voice, and the determined looks on all of the young
peoples faces, Giles knew that they were not bluffing.
He felt a deep
sense of pride of the loyalty they displayed, but a cold chill ran down his
spine at the easy manner that Xander displayed in his willingness to defend his
friends, even to the point of murder.
“You seem to
inspire great loyalty, Sorceress,” the Abbot commented. “That speaks well of
you, but right now if we can, I need to speak privately to you, the Slayer, and
your Watcher.”
“Is
there somewhere that we can speak?” the Abbot asked. “I do not wish to be rude,
but there are some things that are only for the three of you can divulge to
anyone else.”
“Of
course Abbot,” Giles said indicating the door to his study. “We can speak in my
study. I’m sure everyone can calm themselves enough for that.”
The
Abbot followed Giles with a very wary Willow and Buffy not far behind. The
girls sat together on the love seat, while Giles sat in a large overstuffed
easy chair, turning his desk and chair over to the Abbot.
The
older man laid a large wooden case on the desk. Buffy studied the case and was
fascinated by the intricately carved and obviously ancient case and wondered
what it could possibly contain of interest to them.
She
knew that Willow wasn’t comfortable with these people and so she was naturally
suspicious because her friend was the one that saw the good in every one. If her
Wills didn’t trust these guys than Buffy resolved that she’d watch their every
move.
The
Abbot sat back in the comfortable desk chair and let out a heavy sigh of both
relief and exhaustion.
“I
am getting too old for this,” the elderly cleric said smiling wearily at Giles.
“This running around the world is a young persons game. I am only glad to have
lived long enough to see the culmination of my life’s dream and to finally be
able to carry out the duties of my office of
Abbot.”
“What’s
your dreams and duties got to do with me and Wills?” Buffy asked not sure she
wanted the answer.
“You
Slayer,” the Abbot said locking eyes with the young blonde. “You and your
beloved little witch are my life’s work. It’s what I and my predecessors have
lived and worked secretly for over three hundred years. Our duty is to help the
Slayer and the Sorceress fulfill their destiny and, God willing, begin to pay
back a debt long past due.”
He
paused for a moment to be sure he had the attention of everyone in the room before
continuing.
“You
must understand when the errors of our predecessors were discovered, the Holy
Father at the time was appalled and was determined to make it right.” The
Abbots deep slightly accented voice helped his listeners to relax and absorb his
narrative. “In an effort to see that the Church and its representatives did
their duty, that Pope and every one since has maintained a secret Order of a
few dedicated individuals to gather, keep, and preserve all the records,
legends, and artifacts we could gather pertaining to the Sisters and keep them
in trust for this time.”
“Over
the generations our brothers have searched and waited keeping an eye on the
Watchers Council and their Slayers knowing it was only a matter of time until
the Slayer and her Sorceress of their time would be joined, thus renewing the
ancient sect. Many times it came close
but the Slayer usually died before destiny could join her with her Sorceress.
It was as if someone or something was trying to kill them off to keep destiny
from joining. When it was reported that the two of you had met early and when
we learned this Slayer had lived past her 18th birthday we were further
encouraged because you my dear are the first to do so and it appears that you
are truly destiny’s chosen ones.”
Buffy
and Willow looked at each other and gasped in awe at what they’d just learned
and the ramifications it carried. For the first time they realized that Buffy
and Willow were the Chosen Ones, not just Buffy. They both were relieved that
now some of the weight destiny had placed on Buffy’s shoulders would now be
shared by the two of them.
Buffy
knew that for the first since becoming the Slayer she was never going to be
alone again. With his words the Abbot had confirmed everything they had learned
from Brigit and Morrigan. It really was destiny that brought them together.
Not
everyone was relieved by the Abbots words, everything that Giles knew and
believed was shaken to the core by the truth revealed by the Abbots history
lessons. Giles knew the rest of the truth behind the failure of the Slayers’
premature deaths, and he knew why his Slayer was the exception.
“The
test.” Giles whispered, horrified by his revelation and the treachery of his
own organization. "Those bastards were so afraid of losing their control
over the Slayers they murdered them so they couldn’t be joined and become
independent. If I had followed orders blindly like the rest they would have
made me an accomplice in Buffy’s murder. All their high and mighty talk and the
marvelous ideals they preached, all CRAP!”
Giles
slammed his fist down on the desk as he roared those last words. He leapt from
his chair and began pacing the floor of his study. His rage was becoming a
living thing feeding on his outrage and grief as his world fell apart around
him.
Before
he’d thought that only a few individuals were responsible for the problems and
inconsistencies he’d come across, but now he knew the entire Council was
corrupt from its very foundations.
He
was lost. For the first time in his life he questioned his reasons for living.
As if reading his mind Willow reached out and caught the agitated man as he
past her.
She
pulled him over to stand in front of her and Buffy and waited until he looked
into her eyes, then she began to comfort the man she had come to consider a
father to herself and the person she loved most in the world.
“Giles
please don’t blame yourself." Willow said her voice soft and warm,
wrapping around his raging spirit like a comforting blanket and stilling his anger.
“You are the finest, most honorable man we’ve ever known. You have always dealt
fairly and honestly with all of us, and more importantly you have always
followed your conscience even, when it cost you dearly. You’ve always put Buffy
and her welfare ahead of everything else. When the Council tried to set her up
and ordered you to drug her you did everything you could to thwart them. You
are the single most important reason my Buffy is alive to be with me today. For
that alone how can we help but love you and forgive any mistakes you may have
made because you trusted men who lied and manipulated you.”
“Yeah
Giles-y, what she said.” Buffy said trying to lighten the mood. “I mean it’s
like your my Dad, and what Dad hasn’t screwed up raising their kid because they
listened to some idiot that tried to tell them how to do their job? So do what
other dads do. Admit your mistake, say you’re sorry and GET OVER IT! So deal
okay. Now I think the Abbot-guy has
some more to tell us and I don’t think I got time. Remember I'm getting’
married tomorrow and the little spitfire I’m getting’ hitched to isn’t gonna
take any excuses from you or me for being late.”
Giles
looked down at the two girls and was overcome with emotion. He fell to his
knees and hugged both of them. Then realizing what he was doing he blushed at
his lack of control.
He
straightened up removed his glasses and began cleaning them as he went back to
his seat.
“You
are quite correct Buffy,” the Watcher said. “I am sorry for the interruption, please
continue father, it won’t happen again.”
The
Abbot sat quietly for a moment reflecting on what Giles had said and the trust
displayed by the two girls. He was more than a little surprised at the
closeness shared by these three and was glad that they had each other. His
studies and experiences had shown him how important that could be.
“What
you say about the Watchers Council would explain much,” the Abbot said as he
absorbed the gist of what had been said. “It would also explain their very
active role in the witch hunts.”
“I
hope you wouldn’t try to divert attention from the role your own people played
in the atrocities during the Burning Times priest,” Willow snapped
sarcastically. “I imagine they simply followed your example, they just never
stopped. They do however have valid reasons to fear the
Sorceress.
When we have time I'm sure we’ll get around to what to do about the Council and
their role in all this.”
That
statement left the room with an ominous silence until the full impact of what
had been said hit Buffy like a ton of bricks.
“Okay
you mean that the reason the Council tried to get me killed was to keep me and
Wills from getting together,” Buffy blurted out suddenly outraged. “Why
those...those...those not nice guys...they...I ought to...that’s just...that’s
just about the funniest thing I ever heard.”
Buffy
started laughing so hard it hurt and tears were streaming from her eyes, then
she noticed that the others were looking at her like she’d lost her mind. Buffy
straightened up and tried to explain.
“I
just thought about all the sneakiness and hateful things they’ve done to us,
just to keep me and Wills apart. All they did was bring us closer together, and
drive a good man away from them, and give me a Dad.” Buffy smiled mischievously
at the two people. "Oh boy I bet someone is really pissed at somebody for
that foul up. I suppose when this is over we really should send the Council a
note of thanks for helping us get together.
“What do ya’ say Wills, you want to write it or should I?”
Willow
broke out laughing at the thought of the look on the faces of the Council when
they received that particular piece of correspondence. When she shared her
thoughts with the ex-Watcher he too had to chuckle and asked to help compose
it, which caused all three of them to break out in laughter again.
The
Abbot watched the easy and natural camaraderie displayed by the Watcher and his
two charges. Being in his position he knew how rare and valuable such closeness
was when facing the unknown dangers these people shared every day.
He
hated to interrupt but he had a lot to take care of and limited time in which
to do it.
“I’m
sorry to interrupt but I really must get this done before we leave for the
confrontation we face tonight,” the Abbot sighed. Then he sat up and, after
pushing some hidden latches on the wooden case, the Abbot opened it. “As we are
instructed by prophecy when the Slayer and the
Sorceress
come together, the artifacts gathered in their names shall be returned to them,
so I believe these belong to you.” He
turned the open case around to show its contents to the two girls.
Buffy
and Willow craned their necks to see into the case and gaped at what they saw.
The
case contained a large collection of wood, crystal, and silver items along with
some well maintained leather gauntlets with long sharp silver spikes.
They
could feel the power and history of the items calling to them. There were also
several sealed bottles and vials of powders and liquids that radiated their
metaphysical strength, even Giles could feel the power that was contained in
the case the Abbot had just presented to the girls.
“I
am not an expert in the meanings and uses of all of these items, that is
Jeffrey’s area of expertise,”" the Abbot explained as he picked up two
amulets on silver chains. “These two however I have reserved to give to you
myself, as has every one that has held my office.”
He
walked around the desk to the love seat where the two girls sat watching him
intently. The first amulet was a crystal and silver swan.
This
one he handed to Willow as she held it the amulet took on a pulsating green
light that pulsed in time with the young witch’s heartbeat.
“This
is for you to give to your beloved,” he told her his voice reflecting the
reverence and respect he had for the small ceremony that was about to take
place. “It is the symbol of your love and commitment to her and a token of your
promise to protect her always and to remain at her side to share her joys and
sorrows for the span of your lives.”
Willow
locked eyes with the old priest and she could see the deep emotion he was
feeling and finally understood the true meaning behind his actions. He was
truly happy for the two girls and was giving their union the closest thing to a
blessing the tenets of his religion would allow.
She
smiled up at him and nodded her consent as a single tear fell down her cheek.
The
old man turned to Buffy and put a delicate looking crystal rose amulet in her
hand, it was soon glowing with a bluish white light that pulsed in time with
the Slayer’s heartbeat.
“Since
the beginning of known records, the single white rose has been the symbol of
the Slayer,” he began. Buffy and Willow gasped when they realized that Buffy
had always favored white roses. “This is for you to give to your beloved
Sorceress as a symbol of your love and commitment and a token of your vow to
protect and cultivate her soul. It also is a notice to all creatures that she
is the mate of the Slayer that to assault her is to incur the wrath of the
Slayer, something even the most powerful minions of the dark would think twice
about.”
“Thank
you,” Buffy whispered, in awe of what the old Abbot had just told her.
“Over
the years I have found that love and trust like you two have for each other is
a rare and precious find where ever you find it.” The Abbot told the girls
seriously. “Many of my own colleagues would disagree with me even to the point
of condemnation and excommunication.
Even
the Church cannot publicly support you. Privately however is another story.
Before we leave this place both you and your Watcher will be given several
diverse methods of contacting our Order. We are authorized to provide with any
and all the support you need, all the resources of the Church are available to
us. Then there is of course Brother
Jeffrey, he will be available to you at any time. I think you will find him to
be an intelligent and reasonably liberal thinking man and he is well educated
in other religions.”
The
old Abbot looked down at the two young people and was touched by the love and
respect they openly held for each other.
<>They
are lucky to have each other.<> the old cleric thought, considering the
terrors they faced on a daily basis. <>No one should have to face that
alone.<>
Realizing
how late it was getting he decided to move right on to the next part of his
reason for being there in person.
“It
is time for the rest of the purpose of my visit,” the Abbot said with quiet reverence.
“There is a small ceremony that is not mentioned in any of the reference
material, the reason being our order removed it.”
“How
dare you presume....” Willow started to protest, but the Abbot held up his hand
“Please
before you condemn us let me explain, please Sorceress.” He asked her and when
she nodded her consent, he continued. “Yes I will admit we removed it for
selfish reasons. After everything our predecessors did, we wanted to reserve
this one thing to be our gift, so to speak. To prove our sincerity and, to be
honest, every Abbot since the conception of our Order has reserved this for
themselves.”
His
only hope was that the two young people in front of him would understand and
accept his explanation.
Chapter
14
In order to explain the motives for his predecessors
interference in the affairs of an ancient sect long extinct and until recently
unknown to anyone outside the Church, the Abbot felt he must explain the sacred
duties of his office and the dedication of the men that held it through the
centuries.
“At the time we are chosen for this office we spent many hours
studying the rituals until we are able to recite them from memory perfectly.
Only then are we allowed to take our position as Abbot.”
“Every Abbot has dreamed that he would be the one to perform
this ritual and I am fortunate enough to be chosen by destiny to be the one
that performs the first of your joining rituals, a sort of betrothal ceremony.
I think you will be surprised at the benefits you will receive as you complete
each stage of your joining.”
Willow studied the man’s face, concentrating on his dark brown
eyes, and could find no hint of deception. She was still leery of the
intentions of the Church, but her ability to read people had been greatly
enhanced by her powers, and if there was some ulterior motive behind this
gesture the man standing in front of her had no part of it.
“I have one question before I can agree to this unknown ritual.”
Willow said, the contempt and sarcasm now gone from her voice. “It is a matter
of honesty and trust between us and it goes no farther than this room. Do you
agree?”
Seeing her sincerity and genuine willingness to cooperate the
Abbot answered her. “As long as it pertains only to me personally I see no
problems with your request, Sorceress. Ask your question.”
“I understand that while you’re here, you are a simple Abbot in
charge of a highly unorthodox order of brothers, but still only an Abbot. That
isn’t exactly a powerful enough office to carry out all the things you have
promised us.” Willow said watching the old man’s face intently looking for any
sign of deceit. “So my question my dear priest is, when you aren’t running all
over the world on the order’s business, just what is your office within the
Church. Or as an old friend of mine used to say, what’s your day job?”
The Abbot thought for a moment then realizing the witch probably
already knew the answer, or at least had an idea, he chose to tell them the
truth.
“Good question my dear and fair considering the nature of our
relationship,” the Abbot said looking Willow straight in the eye. “When I am
not on business for the Order, I am a Cardinal and personal assistant to the
Holy Father. So as you can see, I am well placed to keep any promises I have
made. Does that answer your question satisfactorily, Sorceress?”
Willow looked up at him for a few seconds then smiled a
triumphant grin, knowing the Abbot had just stepped over the line and had
trusted them to keep his secret. It was enough for her.
“When do we do this ritual and what do we need to perform it?”
The now satisfied witch asked brightly.
The others in the room gave a sigh of relief as it became clear
that Willow believed the Abbot and was going to trust him as much as her own
natural suspicions of the Church would allow.
“What we need is already here,” the Abbot began. “This is like a
kind of betrothal ceremony. The two of you announce in front of two official
witnesses your feelings and intentions toward each other, while exchanging the
amulets. I will officiate and Giles is the second witness. I chose him not for
his position as Watcher but because of his close personal relationship with the
two of you. As for when, I believe there is no time like the present. It is an
informal ritual and it needs to be done before we face whatever we must face
tonight.”
Buffy and Willow locked eyes and searched for any doubt, seeing
none they leaned forward and kissed lightly. They turned to the Abbot who was
smiling down at them his eyes alight with hope and compassion for the two
girls.
They nodded their consent to begin.
“So it begins,” the Abbot said with quiet reverence. “Willow now
that you have found the mate of your soul, and have agreed to join with her,
place your amulet around your beloved’s neck and tell her what is in your
heart.”
With trembling hands she carefully put the chain around the
Slayer’s slender neck, and with some initial nervous fumbling she eventually
closed the intricate clasp, which faded away leaving a permanent joining.
“Buffy, my love, what can I say?” Willow began, her trembling
voice so soft only Buffy and the Abbot could hear. “I’ve loved you since the
day I met you. You have become my life,
my world, my universe. All that I am, all I do, and all I’ll ever be is because
of you. Without you I’m nothing, I would not exist. I need you, I want you, but
more than anything else I love you and with your consent I will spent my life
trying to make you as happy as you make me by just looking at me. Please let me
be at your side to face with you all that life has to offer for good or
bad. I’ll always be there for you and
as long as we have each other, there is nothing that can defeat us.”
Willow stopped, no longer able to speak her throat constricted
by the overwhelming emotion she felt for her lover at this moment. Her eyes
shone with unshed tears and her entire body was trembling.
“Now you Slayer,” the Abbot indicated to the petite blonde
barely able to control her own raw emotions the redhead had made her feel. “It
is time to declare your true feelings and intentions.”
Following her lover’s example she leaned forward and tenderly
placed the white rose amulet around Willow's neck. Once the clasp closed, it
also disappeared leaving two fused links in it’s place.
“I love you Wills.” Buffy whispered reverently almost as if she
were praying. “I don’t have a lot of fancy poetic words to describe how much I
feel. If you were only in my heart or my mind we wouldn’t be here, but what I
feel goes way beyond that. You’re in my heart, my mind, my soul, in the very
core of my being. If I was dissected and put under a microscope they would see
you.
Without you there is no Slayer, no Buffy, I need you in my life
to make me complete. I want you in my life to be my love and life long
companion. Please stay with me and never leave because, if you go, you take my
heart and soul with you leaving me nothing but a hollow shell, just waiting to
die.”
As Buffy finished speaking the two amulets slowly changed the
rhythm of their pulsating until they became synchronized.
The Abbot stepped forward and gently placed one of his large
strong hand on each girls shoulder.
“Now the two are becoming one,” the Abbot intoned repeating the
words he’d memorized years ago in preparation for just this moment. “You walk
the world as one, face adversity as one, and face the forces of Darkness as
one. As you celebrate your union with your community and before the gods of
Light remember you face them as one. What one feels the other feels, what one
knows the other knows. For now and forever your love and devotion have made you
one that is stronger than any force the Dark can bring against you. My hopes,
both for you and for humankind, go with you.”
The Abbot turned and left the room without further comment.
Buffy and Willow shared a deep passionate kiss, then separated to look into
each other’s eyes as if finding visions in their depths they’d never seen
before.
“Wow that...” Buffy began.
“...was different.” Willow finished.
“Hey how did you...”
“...do that? I don’t know...”
“...I just knew what you...”
“...were going to say.”
The two girls looked at each other wide eyed with confusion.
Every time one of them had a thought the other would have the same thought at
almost the same moment.
“This is kinda...” Buffy started.
“...sorta really spooky.” Willow again finished the thought.
They stared at each other for a few moments then they both
remembered the Abbot’s words…What one knows the other knows. They smiled
realizing they were remembering the same thing and coming to the same
conclusion, time to go, they’d study this new phenomenon later.
They turned to look at Giles who was watching them fascinated by
this newly developed link, how fast the girls were adjusting to it, and curious
as to how deep it went.
“Giles, don’t you...” Buffy started.
“...think we should really be going.” Willow again finished.
“Well...ah...yes...I ah...suppose so.” Giles answered still a
little taken back by the easy way Buffy and Willow simply slipped into this new
situation like it was nothing special, plus he wasn’t sure which one to answer.
“We really need to talk though, very soon, so we can study this
new....ah...development.”
“Fine, later but for now...” the Slayer spoke first.
“...let’s pass out those weapons...” her lover continued without
missing a beat.
“...and get moving.” Buffy finished as she and Willow broke out
giggling at the look on Giles face.
When they’d first become lovers Buffy and Willow could tell what
the other was feeling with a lot of concentration, but now with a casual effort
they could share every conscious thought.
“Wow this is...” Buffy stated.
“..kinda weird but..” Willow continued.
“...it could be...”
“...really handy...”
“...not to mention...”
"...a lot of fun.”
Both girls laughed at Giles as he rolled his eyes.
“You two are going to be impossible to live with now,” the
ex-Watcher sigh in mock frustration. “I’ll never know who is speaking for who
or...or...oh whatever.”
Both girls beamed innocently at him, giving their surrogate
father their best ‘who me’ face causing the normally reserved man to chuckle at
their antics.
“I’m going to help the Brothers arm themselves.” Giles said as
he rose from his chair. “And I’ll have Brother Jeffrey come in and help you
find any items that may be useful to us tonight.”
“Okay Giles and hey could you...” Buffy began.
“...also send in Xander and Cordy, I have a strange feeling...”
Willow joined in.
“...there’s some stuff in here for them too.” Buffy finished the
girls looking at each other perplexed over where that knowledge had come from.
Giles took one last look at the two girls before he left,
pondering how the shy, confused, uncertain children he’d met all those years
ago had turned into these strong, sure, confident young adults. Even Xander was
showing signs of maturity and strength that had been hidden deep inside him for
so long.
Giles realized he couldn’t be prouder of the Scoobies (he
laughed quietly at the name the kids had given themselves years ago) if they
were his own children.
As he turned to finish his preparations he sent out a silent
prayer that they get through this night safely.
================
A few hours later Buffy and Willow walked out of the townhouse
with Xander and Cordelia, they walked together until they reached the main
through street.
They split up like they did every night, Xander and Cordelia
turning east toward their new apartment, and the Slayer and her partner headed
for one of the many cemeteries that were a large part of Sunnydale.
This night they headed south to the oldest of the cemeteries as
planned.
Xander and Cordelia kept walking until the other two were out of
sight, and as sure as they could be that they weren’t being followed, then they
quickly cut across back yards to get to Cordelia’s car that she’d hidden
earlier.
They jumped in and headed for the rendezvous Giles had set up earlier
near the old cemetery where Giles had set up the ambush.
Around an hour later Giles and the four clerics left the
townhouse and as two groups made their way separately to meet the other two to
set up their part in the ambush.
As they neared their destination Giles was hoping the “secret
weapon” he’d sent for would come, preferably in time to help and that Buffy
wouldn’t be mad at him for using it.