__Guests__
By Desiree Mysinger
Part One: The Arrival
The slayers home was crammed full of potentials at today. Saturday,
no school, for the others Rupert Giles however was studying away.
Buffy had taken the girls out on patrol with her. The house was
nearly empty only Rupert and Willow remained. Giles was studying old
watchers journals and writing in his own. He found this task
amazingly therapeutic his journals were always filled with vivid
details of the life and trails of the watcher and his slayer. When
Rupert chronicled he gets lost in his writing not noticing things
around him such as the doorbell ringing.
Willow had been cleaning the kitchen and organizing a shopping list
when she heard the doorbell. She knew full well that when Giles got
lost in his writing he noticed nothing around him. She giggled to
herself when she saw him still writing away as she passed to answer
the door.
Opening the door Willow saw for the first time a woman about her age.
The woman wore glasses and a black sheath dress to about knee
length, with a black leather jacket of the same length. On one shoulder she
had a rather over stuffed briefcase, and on the other a large
military duffle bag. Her red hair stood out also to the notice of
Willow.
The woman startled Willow out of her appraisal when she
spoke.
"Excuse me, please, but may I speak with either Rupert Giles or Buffy
Summers?" The woman said.
Looking the woman over one more time Willow answered. "Sure, give
me a minute and I'll get Rupert Giles for you." She said.
Willow walked over to Giles and placed a hand on his
shoulder, which startled him out of his musings. He looked up at her
with a bewildered look. Then it suddenly hit her what she thought was
strange about the woman a magical signature.
"Giles there is someone at the door asking for you or Buffy. She has
a strong magical signature though." Willow told him which immediately
got him out of his chair.
Giles arrived at the door and right away noticed it was another
former watcher. He called them former now that the council had blown
sky high. He also knew right away what the magical signature that
Willow had spoken of was. It was a glamour spell, this girl was
hiding something.
"I'm Rupert Giles, you were a watcher correct?" He asked.
"Yes, I am a watcher, no matter what happened to the council. My name
is Desiree Mysinger and I have brought my research to you for the
slayer." She told him.
"Fine, drop the glamour spell first." He told her harshly.
Closing her eyes she concentrated on the spell and broke it down.
Gasping out, "Blessed Be." Before the last remains of the spell were
lost. She opened her eyes to see a stunned Giles.
Giles saw deep cuts and bruises over every inch of exposed skin. He
gasped and waited for her to say something.
"Mr. Giles, I'm sorry about the glamour but I wouldn't have maid it
through the airport let alone customs without it. Some of my
information can seem a bit dangerous and considering how I look
without it I would surely been rushed to the nearest hospital. I need
to get her more than that. I won't ask you to invite me in because
that is just rude and dangerous, so I will just hand you my briefcase
over the threshold and be on my way to a hotel. I am extremely
tired." Desiree babbled and blushed.
He smiled at her and took her hand as it passed through the invisible
barrier, which would have stopped any vampire.
"It's quite alright. Lets go into the other room and you can fill me
in and rest." He told her as he shut the door.
She smiled and nodded her consent. Willow saw the way Giles was
looking at the girl with a kinship, and followed them into the living
room.
"Desiree, I would like you to meet Willow Rosenberg. Willow this is
Desiree fellow watcher. She brought us her research." He said.
"Wow, really. Hopefully it will help." Willow said happily.
"Well, It must be more important than I first though. I was in Tibet
when the Bringers arrived. This is their handy work. I fought them
off, thanks to the council's insistantance that I be trained like a
slayer and watcher I was able to escape." She said.
Giles' reaction to this shocked even him; he reached out and brushed
her red hair off her shoulder.
"I performed the glamour before arriving in the town to catch a ride
to the airport. The monks didn't make it though. I had to use my
magic to even shield myself from them until I reached the Hellmouth.
Unfortunately the spell won't work here." She told them.
"Why won't your spell work here?" Willow asked out of curiosity.
"That's simply a matter of the effects of the Hellmouth on a natural
witch. It troughs some of my spells off and I felt that one brake as
soon as I passed the now entering Sunnydale sigh. It also took a lot
more strength for that simple glamour. If I wasn't so powerful it
wouldn't have held either." She told them honestly.
"Natural witch, Oh Dear." Giles said.
Just then the slayer and the potentials arrived back from
patrol. Giles jumped to his feet to greet them and found Buffy
holding a guitar case. Looking at Buffy he heard Desiree mumble, "Oh,
I forgot about that on the porch."
He glanced over at her with a raised eyebrow. "This is yours." He
asked.
"Yeah, It's the only personal, sentimental thing I take with me
except my journal. I can't believe I forgot about that, I must be
more tired than I thought." She answered shyly.
Part Two: Introductions
Buffy just looked at the woman and then turned to her
watcher. He was looking at the girl with interesting eyes that seemed
to sparkle a little with amusement. That's what made her take a
closer look at the woman who was blushing almost as red as the color
of Willow's hair. Bruises and cuts covered the girl's skin and Buffy
would bet that if the girl took off her jacket there would be more.
Buffy walked up to her and handed her the case.
"Since this is yours I'll just give it to you. Hi, I'm Buffy Summers.
Who may I ask are you?" She asked sweetly.
"Hello, My name is Desiree. Thank you for finding my guitar it means
a lot to me. It was the last thing my mother gave me. She died when I
was three and told me my father had a gift for the instrument and to
study, one day maybe I would be as good as him." She said gratefully.
"I'm sorry to hear that. So you play, can I ask what you're doing
here?" She asked sitting next to the girl.
"Well, I found some information. I kind of stole it from the council
head quarters and was working with some monks to translate it. It's
about, should I really be discussing this with the potentials in the
room?" She asked Buffy quietly.
"Give me a few minutes to get them settled and then we'll have a big
Scooby meeting." Buffy told her.
Desiree opened the case and made sure her guitar was ok then closed
it with a sigh. Giles and Willow smiled at this gesture. Spike had
come in just as the girl opened the case and noticed the age of the
instrument. It looked to be over a hundred years old. He saw the
sparkle in the girl's eye looking at the instrument and knew she
loved to play. Xander had yet to enter the house because he couldn't
get past Spike who was blocking the doorway.
Part Three: Scooby Introductions
When Buffy returned to the room everyone had just been
seated. Giles stood and cleared his throat to get everyone's
attention.
"Everyone this is Desiree Mysinger one of the few surviving Watchers
left. She arrived a short while ago and says she has information for
us. I think we should hear her out." Giles said.
Buffy nodded and Xander snickered at the look on the slayer's face.
She looked as if she had doubts.
Spike watched as the woman stood and removed her leather jacket.
When the jacket was removed the rest of her injuries were visible. The one
that stood out the most was a long slash on the girl's right shoulder.
"Six months ago I was sent to a monastery in Tibet with the express
purpose of translating some of the most obscure books in the councils
library. The place was chose because they thought I would have fewer
distractions away from England. The monks of the order have all taken
a vow of silence. In one of my books I found a prophecy with a sever
problems in it. I tried for a month to get off that damn mountain.
When I finally did the Bringers were arriving." She started to
explain before Xander interrupted.
"Wait, you got away from the Bringer's when some of the potentials
couldn't?" He asked.
"Well, not only am I a trained watcher I've been living in the
Watcher's estate since I was a baby and was training right along with
a few slayers. If I were a slayer I would be healed by now. Hell, I
was five when I learned of my magical abilities. To bad Travers isn't
here he could have shown you his scar." She told Xander as the others
listened in awe.
"What scar would that be, Red?" Spike asked truly curious.
"The one where the pencil I floated punctured his arse." She
snickered.
"Oh bloody hell, really?" Spike asked.
Giles had heard of the incident through the grape vine because
Travers had been rushed to the hospital to have it removed, only he
never knew whom or what had done it.
"Yes, five year olds don't particular like being told that they were
to stop singing and get to bloody work translating the Cranklin
Tomb." She told him.
"Oh dear lord, you translated that?" Rupert.
"Yes, Rupert I did at the age of 4 years old I picked it up and just
started on my own translating it, by the time I was six I had
completed it. This however is not what I came her to discuss, could I
please continue?" She asked frustrated.
Everyone nodded.
"The prophecy contains a spell to end the First rain in this realm,
or reality. It talks of a slayer who protects possible chosen. With
friends of mixed backgrounds, one vampire with a soul, and two
watchers who was one come natural witch. The Red headed virgin witch
is to perform the spell with the blood of seven doves and a mix of
other things. There was a star chart that plotted the course of the
stars and where they needed to a line for the spell. The spell should
be done in one month from tomorrow." She said in one longed breath
so as not to be interrupted again.
Breathing deeply, she continued, "Any questions?"
Rupert spoke first, "Do you have all of your research with you?"
She nodded and reached for her bag. Grabbing the book and her notes
handed it to him. "Everything is in her, for the spell. I also need
to talk you later in private about some files I confiscated from the
Council for sending me away. I've been a bur up Quentin's side since
the day I arrived at the Council." She said.
Snickers filled the room; she looked around and noticed that everyone
in the room was looking at her with a cracked smile.
"Oh, yes I forgot the rouge team. The Council's second worst
nightmare the first being me. I'm the daughter of a member that
doesn't even know I exists because at the time of conception he and
my mother were too busy with magic to think of a thing called birth
control." She said to herself.
Everyone just looked at her quietly as she talked to herself.
"Had to steal my own medical records and personal file from Travers'
office to even get my mother's diary and the name of my father. No
one would even tell me how I got to the blasted Council to begin
with." She sighed to herself. After months of no one to talk to but
silent monks she often rambled to herself just to hear something.
She looked up at Rupert's cough. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry after months
of no one to talk to I tend to ramble to myself." She said blushing.
"Quite alright. I think everyone here needs sometime to absorb the
information you gave us. You can stay with me at the condo. I'll take
you there now and we can return in the morning to research." He told
her and the group off handily.
"If I won't be imposing. My house should be ready in a day or two. I
hacked into public records and purchased a large house from the city
with my watcher funds. I have been saving since I was three. The
house should be large enough for everyone to have their own room, if
they want." She told everyone.
"We can discus that with everyone tomorrow. Good night everyone."
Giles said leading her out of Buffy's house.
Part Four: A Giles Reunion
Walking into the condo Giles had continued to own since his
first arrival in Sunnydale seven years before. Giles had no idea what
to say to this girl. Through the bruises and cuts she looked familiar
to him, he just couldn't put his finger on it.
"Would you like some tea?" He asked walking into the kitchen.
"No, thank you anyway." She answered taking off her jacket again. She
hung it up and brought her briefcase to the living room and sat on
the couch removing important material that she needed to discus with
him in private.
Giles entered the room knowing she wanted to talk about something else
She sensed him there and began talking slowly to him, but no looking
at him.
"When I found out I was being shipped off, I had planned to runaway.
I broke into Quinton's office and into his most guarded files. You
must understand he had been my guardian since I was three years old.
He had control over every part of my life. I felt trapped, but there
was information I needed. I needed my medical history and other
papers they had on the identity of my father." She paused and waited
for him so say something.
Giles had listened and understood that feeling, having come from a
long line of Watchers. "So the files you have here are theses?" He
asked.
"Yes, along with the file they had collected on my mother. She died
when I was three and since the council had been lets just say keeping
her employed for a while they took over." She finally looked at him
and he came to sit next to her.
"Have you looked through every thing?" He asked.
"Almost everything, after I finished her journal about the year
before and of my birth I read her medical records and the paternity
tests. They have known since I was born who my father was and
decided it was in their best interest to keep us apart. The file says he
needed to be focused on his slayer; he was prone to emotional
baggage. I stopped there I wasn't sure if I could look at the names,
would you help me with this?" She asked quietly.
"Of course, what was your mother's name?" He asked.
"Sarah Mysinger, according to her diary a friend of my father knew
she was pregnant and that was who turned her over to the council
before she could tell him." She told him.
Giles heart dropped when her heard this. He knew who the father was
now; there was really no need to finish looking at the papers. Sarah
and Ripper had dated and dabbled in the dark arts together a year
before she just disappeared one night after talking with Ethan.
Desiree reached out to grab the journal off the table. That was when
she bumped one of the files that feel onto the floor. It was the file
Travers had been keeping on Desiree's progress in magic and her
powers they had observed. Rupert noticed it and picked it up without
saying anything and began to read the report.
~23rd, February of 1998
Desiree's powers have excided expectation her intelligence is
amazing. She has translated nearly half of the books in the library
no one knew how. He grasps on languages is interesting, almost second
nature. When she first levitated that pencil into my buttocks we were
shocked. Since then I have witnessed several more instances where she
herself has been shocked at the new discovery. The most proximate
change yet came just today when her first vision arrived after
touching the shoulder of one of the young Watchers, Mr. Wesley
Wydeham-Pryce, she saw him with a slayer but not here in England like
I would have wanted she stated he was to replace Mr. Giles as Buffy
Ann Summers watcher. When I looked up his new assignment and sure
enough he was to leave the next day. After the vision she collapsed.
Her powers grow at an expeditious rate. We will send her to the coven
tomorrow for further training that new power could be very useful.
Still we keep knowledge from her and her father. Together the council
knows that we will no longer be needed in the handling of the slayer
I just hope her grandfather never figures out who she belongs to. He
assumes that the girl was Ethan Rayne love child not Rupert Giles'.
The elder Mr. Giles would have my head; he is still upset I fired his
son.
End Communication~
Giles had finished reading and knew everything he had questioned was
right her in Travers' own confession.
"What's the matter, did you find something?" Desiree asked.
"Indeed, you have visions, is that how you knew to come here?" He
asked just one of the questions he was dieing to ask his daughter.
She smiled and nodded. "I saw a few flashes of information. An
address, a few names and some feelings of trust and kin ship, my
visions often come in more completely but being injured slowed them.
I think because I was using so much power on a few spells at the time
my vision had a rough time braking down the way to my brain. Is that
what that paper is about. Travers was always having a fit if he
missed one. After my first vision I was sent to the coven and they
tried to teach me control over my visions."
"Where they successful in that venture?" He asked.
"No, they just caused them to go hay wire and rapid fire. I was
restricted to my bed for a week. The magic involved was too
complicated even for the coven and Travers was pissed to say the
least. One of the members was hurt by a shock wave of back flash
magic. Since then I have been studying on my own for fear of possibly
hurting others." She told him sadly.
"Quentin was usually an arse. Has your magic every done anything else
that might harm anyone?" He asked.
"No, I don't do spells or anything unless I know the consequences of
my actions and possible side effects. Logic states for every action
there is an equal and opposite reaction. Magic fallows that rule and
so should the practionor. At least that is how I feel, I still feel
guilty that Martha got hurt because of me." Desiree told Giles.
"Sensible, I like it. Following the Wiccan Reed is important to you
isn't?" Rupert asked with a crooked smile.
"Yes, we see too much evil for it not to be." She smiled at him.
"Indeed, I think you should read this report of Travers' it will tell
you everything you need and then we can talk some more." He told her.
"Okay." She answered nervously taking the report.
Ten minutes later Rupert saw her jaw drop and her eyes widen as she
dropped the report onto the floor. He knew which part she had gotten
to, the part that said he was her father.
"This.this says.you're.my father. I.I don't know what to think." She
whispered.
"I loved you're mother very much. One night I came back to our home,
a group of us shared and she was gone. I looked for her but my mind
wasn't totally devoted to that hunt. I was using magiks and drugs to
get high. My friend Ethan was always there. Do you know who told the
council about your mother?" He asked sitting down next to her taking
her hand gently.
"Yes, it was your friend Ethan, he told her himself. He needed you
attention focused on the magic your group was working and she was a
distraction for you. It was all in the journal, especially the night
I was conceived. Ethan's name was the only one mentioned in the
journal at all." Desiree told him.
He looked at her just then seeing the honesty on her face and the
fear of the unknown in her eyes.
"It will be alright, we'll figure this out together. Would you like
to get to know each other?" He asked her.
"Yes, very much so, but I think that it needs to wait until the first
has been locked away. I'm also very tired, I heal fast but I need to
sleep if that's okay with you?" She told him.
"Certainly, we'll discuss this later. It is quite late; lets put
these away and get some sleep. Do you want to tell the other's or do
you think we should wait?" He asked.
"Well, father, I think since I just met these people it should be up
to you." She told him with a smile.
"Indeed, I think it should be discussed with them tomorrow. Honesty
right now is the best policy." He told her with a big smile.
"I agree. Honesty right now with the first playing games is best."
She told him as he led her to the guest room.
"Goodnight, I think tomorrow is going to difficult to say the least.
Sleep well." Rupert told his daughter for the first time allowing
himself to think it.
"Goodnight too, I'm sorry to just dump everything on you. You were
the only person I could think of that would logically help me with
that problem. Of course I could have called LA, Wesley still owes me
a few favors." She told him with a smile.
Part Six: Scooby's gain a new member
The next morning Giles woke up to find his daughter; yes,
daughter, smiling with closed eyes playing her guitar quietly. Her
fingers played quickly and smoothly, with care humming started and he
loved it. He cleared his throat, just as she started to sing. Her
eyes snapped open and she giggled.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" She asked setting the instrument into the
case.
"No, you play quite well. I didn't even know you were playing until I
came down. Who taught you who to play so well?" He asked sitting with
her.
"I did, when ever I had time I would be singing or playing and I
taught myself a great number of things. This is my second favorite
instrument, my first will always be singing. Hell, Wesley loved it as
much as I did." Desiree giggled to herself.
"Wesley, he like when you sang, why?" He asked trying to learn more
about his girl.
"Wes and I dated for a year, right up until the point of my first
vision, when all our playing for the future seem to be falling apart.
I knew he would have to take on his role as watcher more seriously
and would appear stuffy if you didn't know him. We remained friends
though." She told him deliberately leaving out the part where she and
Wes had been planning on getting married if they could get Travers'
approval.
"You dated him, dear lord." Rupert said jumping up and started
cleaning his glasses.
"Yes, father I dated. I have dated a grand total of one man in the
twenty-five years of my life. I have felt loved and charished just as
often. As a matter of fact when Wesley told you he was calling the
Council in fact he was calling me to complain about you and Faith. He
was rather fond of Buffy and how she stood up for her self. He wished
to be more like her so we could be married like we were hoping before
he left. Bloody hell, I truly didn't want to tell you that." She
explained.
"The way he acted around me, and the others made it seem as if he
didn't want to be here. He acted so stuffy and quite British, was
that an act. His suits and things, those were just for our
impressions." He asked not really talking to her.
"Yes, all of it. He was happy in England, he is British and proper
when it came to us and standing up to the Council, but he had other
sides. None of you took the time or patients to learn that about him.
He dressed in those suits because that is what was expected and he
didn't have me there telling him that he didn't need to do it all by
the manual. I missed him greatly, he was my calming point, someone
who loved me and wanted me around." She told him sadly.
"Do you know what he's been up to since he left here? Why didn't he
go back to you after Graduation?" He asked.
"I know everything that has happened to him, I know he works with
Angelus now. I think he was ashamed of how things turned out and his
behavior toward Cordelia to come home. Plus being fired there was no
way Quentin would have allowed he to even leave the compound to see
him. I was actually pushed because of him." She said with tears in
her eyes.
"This must be hard for you know he's so close and not going to see
him, do you want to talk about this?" Giles asked her.
"No, could we please drop it and move on to the work for today?" She
said.
"Indeed, let's get to Buffy's house and start working." He said.
An hour later the Scooby gang was working furiously with the new
information Desiree had brought. Willow noticed Desiree had the spell
to eliminate the first a little off, now doves' blood was needed.
Willow and Desiree were furiously trying to finish the spell
translations and components. The rest of the group was reading what
she had already translated. The only one not researching besides the
potentials was Spike who kept looking at the new arrival and trying
to study her. He sent was familiar and she seemed interesting the
vampire. Suddenly the new witch jumped out of her chair grabbing her
head. Spike was the second to realize what was happening.
Desiree's vision hit with sudden clarity and need. Willow was needed
elsewhere.
Willow was needed in Los Angelus.
Angelus was free and needed to be caged.
Wesley needed Willow there now.
When her vision stopped Desiree found her self surrounded by the
Scooby's, her father was holding her head as she laid on he floor. He
was the first to recognize the sighs of the visions and of her waking.
"What did you see?" He asked softly trying not to draw the others
attentions just yet.
"Willow, she's needed in LA like yesterday. Angelus is loose; Wesley
is in so need of a spanking when I see him. Can I have some juice?"
She told him in whispered voice.
"Sure, Luv. Xander can you get some juice please. Willow, you need to
head to LA, some one let Angelus out and he needs locked up again."
Giles said without batting an eye at this news he was worried about
the woman who laid in his arms. They still hadn't told the others
that she was his daughter.
She smiled up at him and said, "I'll be fine, and it usually isn't
that strong. I will beat that man within an inch of his life though.
It might also be a good time for a break and to tell them now."
"Quite right, let's set you up and we'll do just that before Willow
leaves. Everyone please be seated we have news. Desiree has visions,
which is what just happened. We also just found out through her own
thievery that she is my daughter." Giles stated smiling.
Gasps and Bloody hells filled the room while she drank her juice.
Then the questions started flying.
"Since when?"
"Bloody hell, I knew she smell familiar."
"What happens now?"
"Do I leave now?"
"Does this mean she get part of the shop?"
"How did Angelus get out?"
Rupert just shook his head and sighed. Desiree on the other hand
smiled and began answering the questions she could.
"Ok, lets go in order. One since the day he had sex with my mother.
Two, my smell is familiar because I slept in his house last night and
used his hand soap. Three, Not real sure except Willow goes and helps
in LA. Four, in a minute, I have a message for Wes if you don't mind.
Five, A Shaman used magic to release him, at the request of Angel and
Wesley in order to defeat an evil. Anything else?" She answered
calmly.
"No, that's fine. What's the message?" Willow answered now seeing the
resemblance between the two.
"Please tell him I'm in town and when he gets a chance I would like
to see him. And the rest is personal that only he will get; please
tell him A candle opens much to the minds eye. He gets it." She asked
Willow with a smile.
"Oh, he's not the only one. I will make sure he knows that. I should
go, I have to locate the book and other things." She said.
"Ok, safe journey, blessed be. Thanks." Desiree said smiling at
Willow.
"What do you have to do with Wesley?" Buffy asked.
"Much more than you know Slayer. My private life need not concern
you." She told Buffy calmly.
"Fine, but I still don't see the connection." Buffy said.
Xander had been watching the woman, everyone thought he wasn't as
wise as he should be but he knew many things. One day he had walked
in on a conversations the young watcher had been having on the phone.
He had told the person that he loved them and wanted to come home
and get married. He knew Wesley's secret that the rest didn't, he never
wanted to be there. He had left his love, even if he was making
bugged eyes at Cordy. He finally spoke up.
"Buff, drop it. Obviously a touchy subject there that isn't really
your business, or any of ours." He said.
"Thanks, Xander. I would very much like to get back to work, now. I
also want to help with patrol if I can?" Desiree asked.
"Chits trained let's use `er." Spike said noticing Xander might know
something.
"Fine with me. I'll work with her, besides she could probably use
some ass kicking time." Buffy said as an apology without having to
actually say it.
The new member of the team was actually accepted.
Part Seven: Patrolling with the new bee
That night the gang went on patrol with Desiree, meanwhile
Willow was kicking ass in LA. Patrol started out slow until about
midnight, when a group of vamps surrounded the gang. They fanned out
and took vamps in groups according to skill. Desiree was left by
herself with one.
"Hmm, you must be new, little hint don't attack a slayer unless you
have at least a century behind you. You might want to think about
that while I kick your arse. If you leave here undead remember that."
She told him.
The vamp attacked and Desiree quickly dodged it. She swung and kicked
it in the head sending it flying a few feet. It made it's way back
and started throwing punches that Desiree quickly missed. While the
vampire grew more frustrated Desiree pulled her stake out and rammed
it home, and spun staking another fast approaching vampire.
The gang had just finished and watched Desiree stake both vampires.
Giles just smiled proudly. When Desiree turned looking for any
further threats and noticed everyone looking at her she giggled.
"What never saw a person stake a couple of vamps?" She giggled.
"Na, Pet just didn't register that you meant you had trained with
slayers. Good job." Spike said.
"Thanks. They never even touched me, too slow. Must've not fed yet,
not much of a challenge. We could spar later if ya want. Sleeping
isn't something I do too much of, three or four hours a night." She
said to Spike.
The rest of the gang just stared on, except for Giles who notice the
easy banter going on.
"Quite, why is that? Sleeping for humans is usually a must, and you
even for unfed fledglings you were faster." Spike asked.
"Well, except the Bringers it's been six months since I have had a
good fight and I was really over charged. I usually just do hand to
hand until bored and then use magic to incinerate them but I didn't
want to accidentally dust you. I do believe if you have an allie
don't hurt them." She told him.
"Really, nice of you Luv." Spike quipped.
"Not nice just smart, if I was being nice I would have just dusted
the lot, and told you to back up." She told him walking away.
"Oi, what's that supposed to mean?" Spike said following to catch up,
with the rest of the gang following him.
"It mean ya poof that I didn't need the hand to hand to dust eight
vampires, but then again it's more fun." She said.
"Bint, don't call me a poof." Spike said as she turned and faced him.
"Why not you're acting like one, just because you have a soul doesn't
mean automatic wanker time. Grow some balls and deal with the guilt,
it's not going away, but if you deal with it now that twinkle of
insanity in your eyes will go away." She looked him in the eyes and
said calmly.
He just looked at her as she continued. "Part of my gifts is visions,
but they don't only happen when the PTB have a message they want to
pass along. Most of my visions come from touch, when you touched my
arm earlier, I had one of you. Don't let your past with women drive
how you love. Cecile didn't know what a treasure it is to be loved
like that. She had no idea what the gift you shared with her meant,
that gift is about feelings weather it was good or badly written
makes no difference. Dru was insane, that wasn't your fault. And
lastly Buffy, no matter how much she or you wanted you are just too
different. Love liked you show, is with all of you and is never
wrong. Remember that, and don't let that determine how you love in
the future. But until you release the guilt you can't love like that,
so you'll never find the right person for you. Let go, let William
out to see a new world." She finished but touching his cheek that now
had blood tears on it.
Spike brought his hand up and cover hers and smiled a genuine smile
and said, "Thanks, Desiree."
"Your Welcome, William Ashton." Desiree said.
The rest of the group was amazed at the display and the things
communicated by the two in the last few minutes. That's when Buffy
spoke up.
"Patrol is pretty much done for tonight lets go home and rest." Buffy
said.
"Actually, if you don't mind Buffy I would like to stop by the house
I bought and get the keys from the lock box, then we could check it
out. It's quite huge and then maybe if you would like we could
discuss my offer of letting the house become the headquarters and
then everyone would have their own room." Desiree said.
"Cool, first that then rest." Buffy said and the rest nodded.
Part Eight: New Scooby House
Twenty minutes later the Scooby gang minus Willow were
checking out the new house. The house was really one of the older
mansions on Crawford Street that had been newly renovated by the city
in hopes of encouraging new residents. It was perfect for them. It
even had one bedroom in the middle of the house that was window free
for Spike. In the basement was a training room and in a separate room
down there, there was a dance studio. Each of the bedrooms had been
sound proofed to avoid waking some one who might be cranky. This
house had the rest of the gang wondering just how much money the girl
had.
Rupert found his daughter in one of the upper floor bedrooms sitting
on the bed that had already been delivered, with tears down her face.
"What's the matter?" Giles asked.
"Nothing really, I'm fine. So how do you like it?" She asked him with
a fake smile.
"It's beautiful and there really are enough rooms for everyone and
then some. Now, why don't you tell me what's really the matter?"
Giles said sitting next to her.
"I should be happy, I know, I finally met you and now it seems like I
might be making friends, but I just feel empty. Everyone I have ever
cared even just a tiny bit has now either died, or left me some how,
or I just met them. I don't know what to do. The only thing I know
how to do is get back to work, and prepare for what's coming. I don't
know how to relate to people." She told him with out looking up from
the floor.
"You'll do fine, look at how well you handled Spike this evening." He
told her.
"I had a vision of what has happened to cause him emotional pain in
the last one hundred and fifty years it makes it a little easier to
talk to. I told him things he needed to know to help him, and they
were true." She told Giles finally looking at him with a small smile.
"Indeed, however I do believe that was one of the most kindest things
I've ever seen. So have you chosen a room yet or are you going to let
someone else have first pick?" Giles asked.
"Well, this room is nice, but I think I'll let the potentials choose
first. They've been moved around too much and I think they need at
least first pick. The second floor has the bigger rooms and those are
to be left to the adults, it's also the same floor Spike's room is
on." She told him starting to feel better.
Giles saw the light returning to her eyes and smiled with a nod.
"We should however hold off for Willow's return. Not really far for
the adults to pick rooms if not all are here." She told him.
"True, Let's go home and get some sleep I think we could all use some
more." Giles told her as they left the room.
Part Nine: Willow's Surprise
Willow walked into the Hyperion Hotel and immediately saw
Wesley and a girl she remembered as Fred at the counter. They were
talking and then Fred noticed Willow and smiled.
"We'll we're running out of options." Wesley commented and Willow
couldn't help but snicker.
"Well then I guess you need a witch. I just happen to be one." Willow
said.
"Willow, what are you doing here?" Wes asked.
"Friend of mine had a vision said Angelus was loose and I was needed
here. So was she correct were you foolish enough to let him out?"
Willow asked walking to stand in front of Wesley.
"Yes. What can you do to help?" He asked.
"Didn't you think that it might be handy to have the one who cursed
him handy before letting him out?" Willow asked.
"Indeed, so what do we do now?" Wesley asked Willow.
"One you tell me everything, I need details to find a way to help.
Then I fix it and go home. Oh plus I deliver a message I'm supposed
to, but that can wait." Willow said.
"Message, from who?" Fred finally spoke.
"Someone from the past. Wesley, could we start please." Willow asked.
Six hours later:
Wesley and the rest of the LA gang gathered around to say
good-bye and thanks to Willow for her help. Willow was just about to
leave when she remember the message she was supposed to deliver.
"Oh, Hey Wes. I was supposed to deliver that message. I was supposed
to tell you Desiree is in Sunnydale, and a candle opens much to the
minds eye. She said you would understand, Oh and that you've been
naughty." Willow said with a giggle.
"Oh, Bloody hell. Thanks; tell her open minds find each other in the
obis. She'll get it." Wes said with a small smirk.
"Yeah, but now I think I get it. She taught you a few magiks didn't
she?" Willow asked.
"Yes, she taught me astral travel, and projection. Quiet fascinating
I assure you, Thank you again Willow." He told her as she left.
Only Angel had heard the exchange and had his curiosity peaked.
A few hours later everyone but Wesley and Angel had gone to bed.
Angel had been itching to ask Wesley about the girl and who she was
to him.
"So Wesley what did Willow have to say, ya know the message?" Angel
asked.
"Just that someone from my past was in Sunnydale and wanted to chat
on the other plane. She's a witch and I've know her for a while." He
told Angel knowing that Angel with vamp hearing had already heard
most of it.
"So, what is she to you?" He asked.
"We were in love and planning a life together before one of her
visions and my Watcher life separated us. Her first vision was of me
in Sunnydale with the slayers. Needless to say we've been separated
for nearly five years. We've still talked until about six months ago
when she disappeared. I think the Council had something to do with
that though. She's very special. I still love her very much." Wesley
told Angel honestly.
"So you left her with the Watcher's Council why?" Angel asked a
little worried for his friend.
"She was already working for them since she was a small child. Her
language skills are amazing. She's been translating ancient books
since she was three. I really thought that they would take care of
her. I'm guessing she has quite a story for me. I should go and try
to contact her; with everything that's been going on the last few
months I didn't even try astral projection she hopefully will
understand." Wesley said getting up.
"Hey Wes, don't tell her yet, but when this whole Cordelia mess is
taken care of we'll all take a vacation to the hellmouth. Do you
think you'd like that?" Angel said with a smile.
"Sure thing, I am sorry you know. I was wrong, I also should have
told you that sooner. I want to work on our friendship if we could,
Angel." Wesley told him.
"Wesley it's going to take time for us to forgive each other. You
should also talk to Fred about Desiree, oh an Gunn could use an
apology ya did kiss his girl." Angel said.
"Indeed, on both of those accounts. Hopefully Gunn will forgive me,
and Fred will understand about Desiree. I hope both of those women
will forgive me." Wesley said leaving the room to go to his own.
Part Ten: Meeting Grounds
Desiree took the small white pillar candle out of her
shopping bag, and set it down on the guess room dresser. Lighting it
she said a small calming chant. Desiree's meditation was peaceful,
and soon she was on the astral plane. On the plane Desiree felt at
one and relaxed. Picturing Wesley the way he looked the last time
they were together she was able to push her psyche closer to his.
Soon she was close, she could actually feel him.
Wesley finally got to his room and started to prepare, he
changed into comfortable closes and found his white candle and lit
it, with the small chant. Relaxing for the first time in months he
felt the slip that echoed the on coming astral travel. Pushing his
way to the woman who he always loved. It didn't take long before he
was standing in front of her.
"Wes, oh god. I've missed you so much. I can't stay too long, too
many possible interruptions. You look rough, are you okay?" Desiree
rambled with tears pricking her eyes.
"I'm going to be fine, Luv. I've missed you so, I'm so sorry it took
this long to come to you. You look a little rough yourself. How are
you?" Wesley said touching her cheek.
"Like you said I'll be fine. It's from the Bringers and I would
assume those injuries are from Angelus and the Beast. Wes, I need to
tell you a few things incase I don't make it." Desiree said as a tear
slipped free.
"Desiree, don't talk like that." Wes said whipping the lone tear away.
"I have to, I'm the only who can do the spell to lock the First away.
Wes, I will always love you and I forgive for not coming back. How
could I blame you when it is so obvious that it wasn't meant for us?
If Fred is the woman for you, and you have to know for sure, fight
for her. If you think after everything is over you and I should meet
you're going to have to initiate it." Desiree told him.
"I understand that, but how can you forgive me so easily?" Wes asked.
"Wes, come on I've had five years to, and six months of it with no
one but myself to talk to. Time heals all wounds. I've gotta go now,
someone's coming. Love you." Desiree said before reaching up and
kissing his cheek.
Desiree disappeared leaving him alone on the astral plane, and
understanding everything she had told him. He knew they still had
lots to discuss but now wasn't the time. Wesley got up out of his bed
and snuffed out the candle.
Part Eleven: Spelltaskic
One month had pasted since Desiree had arrived. Many things
had happened since then, the First had reemerged, Willow had returned
after re-ensouling Angelus, and Faith had returned to the side of
good and Sunnydale. Most importantly the spell was prepared and ready
to be performed. Tonight the night of the Blue moon was the night of
the spell.
Sitting in an open field just inside the Sunnydale limits sat Desiree
and the Scooby gang. Focusing her mental energy on that of her
connection she has with the earth Desiree meditates. Spike watches
his new friend with added interest; her breathing became shallow and
soft. As her body relaxed he noticed a swirl of light began to move
around Desiree's body. The light was of deep green and white; the
swirl began at the ground just below Desiree and came up to swirl
just above her head.
Suddenly Desiree head shot up and her eyes opened to be pure white as
the swirl pulled itself into her body and she began the spell to rid
this plan of the First.
Three Hours Later.
The battle completed with Desiree passed out in the center of the
circle, Buffy breathing heavily from fighting fledglings. The rest of
the group was unharmed, and the battle with the first complete.
Willow closed the circle and ran to her new friends prone body.
Rupert was right behind her wanting desperately to check on his
daughter.
When they reached her, Desiree was just starting to wakeup.
"Mhmmm, Did we win?" She asked Willow.
"Yeah, we really kicked it's ass. Mostly you and Buff but hay I got
to watch." Willow said with a smile.
"Yeah, but we all know you're the big gun." Desiree said with a
giggle.
"Luv, you're alright?" Giles asked his daughter.
"Yeah, father just fine. The magic is gone for now, no spells for a
while, but that's fine. We should get out of her, dawns coming soon."
Desiree said.
"She's right watcher dawns coming fast. I'll carry her and we need to
make a run for the vehicles." Spike said picking up his friend.
"You did real good, ducks." Spike whispered to her.
"Thanks, goose!" Desiree said.
"Very funny, ha bloody ha, Luv." Spike smirked.
The group disappeared to celebrate another victory for the side of
good.
Part Twelve: Visitors
Three Weeks later:
Spike was enjoying helping Desiree pick out her out fit for
the Bronze tonight.
He also enjoyed knowing all of the gang's secrets. Desiree's were
one of the most interesting. Over a week ago Desiree had been hired
by a band as guitar player and singer and tonight was their first
performance at the Bronze. The entire gang thought she was staying
home tonight but he knew and was going, just to see their faces when
she walked out. He also knew things that she didn't the LA gang were
coming for a visit, Wesley and the gang were meeting at the Bronze to
hear the new band everyone was raving about. The advertisement left
out Desiree's name just to be mysterious.
"So, Spike what about my leather pants and emerald halter top, with
boots?" Desiree asked coming out from behind her dressing screen.
"That's the one. The color will look good onstage, plus you got that
whole bad girl thing going." Spike smirked.
He knew she was still in love with the other watcher and that he
loved the other witch but it was funny having a friend.
"Yeah, I think so too. So have you told Willow that you want to date
yet?" She asked moving over to her vanity.
"Luv, Willow likes girls nothing I do will ever change that." Spike
said sadly.
"She dated the wolf and loved Xapper for a long time. In my opinion
she fall for the soul not the body, even if it's hot. I mean look at
you beautiful inside and out. Now, how are you ever going to know
unless you tell her?" Desiree said applying her makeup.
"I wouldn't call him Xapper in front of the others, pet they might
get mad. Hell, probably stake me for it." Spike snickered.
"Yeah, but I got you to laugh didn't I? I'm ready to go, they left
what an hour ago so I should be safe?" Desiree asked.
"Yeah, ready. I'll walk you and then go and get a good seat for the
show." Spike said as they left the house.
At The Bronze:
"Alright Spike, I have to go in the back way, so I'll see you after
okay?" Desiree said giving her friend a hug.
"Alright, ducks. See ya later." Spike said leaving her at the back
entrance.
Inside the LA gang and most of the Scooby gang were sitting around
chatting about the occurrences of the last few months. The only one
not really paying attention was Wesley who was talking to Willow.
"Willow, why did she stay home again?" Wes asked.
"I don't know Wes, honestly she's been keeping to herself lately. The
only people she really spend anytime with are Giles and Spike."
Willow said just as Spike arrived at the table.
"Hello mates. Lovely night isn't?" Spike asked with a smirk. Spike
smiled even bigger noticing even Giles was at the little gathering.
Angel smiled at his childe, every since Angelus' time being loose
this last time he and his childe had been talking trying to work out
the differences. To that charge Spike had told Angel about Desiree's
new job and about tonight. That is what made Angel decide tonight was
the night for a visit.
Loren was watching the stage and saw the lights come on. He was
dieing to see who was singing tonight, a new person to read and no
evil with it. Just a fun reading. Being Sunnydale no one looked twice
at Loren being green with red horns.
From the stage a guy with his guitar walked up to the main microphone.
"Hello, Bronze. My name is Michael and this is my band however
tonight we are testing our new singer's ability to rile you up so
please give your a due to Des." Michael said.
Clapping was heard as the music started and a red headed vixen that
Loren noticed right away.
The music started and all the occupants of the table stopped talking
to hear. A Gasp is heard from most of the of the table when she
starts to sing.
"Ha Hmm
Mmm Hmm
There were times
I swear I know
You're here,
When I forget about my fears
Feeling you my tears
Watching over me
And my hope sings
What the future will bring
When you wrap me in your wings
And take me where you are
Where you and I will breathe together
Once again will be dancing in the moonlight
Just like we used to do
And you'll be smiling back at me
Only then will I be free
When I can be where you are," Desiree sang.
"And I can see your face
Your kiss I can still tastes
Not a memory erased," Michael sang.
"Ohhh, I see your star shining down on me
And I'd do anything
If I could just be right there where you are
Where you and I will breathe together
Once again will be dancing in the moonlight
Just like we used to do
And you'll be smiling back at me
Only then will I be free
Then I will be free
So take me where you are," Desiree sang.
"Baby there are times when selfishly
I wishin' that you where here with me
And whip the tears from your eyes
And make you see
Every night when you are dreamin'
I'm here to guide you from afar," Michael sang.
"And anytime I feel alone
I close my eyes and dream of
Where you are
Where you and I will breathe together
Once again will be dancing in the moonlight
And you'll be smiling back at me
Only then will I be free
Then I will be free
Baby I still believe
Ohhh, I got to believe
I still believe
I will touch you that sweet day
Let's you take me there
Ohhh, I got to believe
I still believe
I will touch you that sweet day
Let's you take me there
Where you are
I'll always be waiting here for you
I still believe
I will touch you that sweet day
Let's you take me there
Where you are," Desiree and Michael sang the end of the song together.
Wesley was shocked to hear the song that sounded so much like their
life together in England. Angel watched his friend and nearly laughed
at the ex-watchers expression. Spike was also watching Wesley to see
if the what he thought.
Giles smiled with pride that his daughter had the crowed mesmerized
and wowed. She was a natural performer; Willow whispered in his ear
that they were very much alike in that aspect.
The rest of the group watched their friend finish the song, and take
her bow.
"Thank you everyone, but since it's my first night and my boss man
here says I can celebrate with my friends that I didn't know were
coming here, I will be taking my break. Good night." Desiree said
with a huge smile.
Desiree was shaking because just as she was finishing the song she
saw Wesley at the table. Walking over to the table Desiree was
greeted with applause.
"Thank you all. Some introductions are in order I do believe."
Desiree said practically ignoring Wes.
"Luv, this is the LA gang of do gooders. My sire Angelus, Cordelia
Chase, Connor, Loren the reader, and of course you know Wesley."
Spike said nicely.
"It's an honor meeting all of you. I'm going to get a drink, I'll be
right back." Desiree said just about to leave when Spike handed her a
beer.
"Thanks. So, what are you all doing here any how?" She asked.
"Well, we came here to see the new band and meet up with these guys.
When did you start working?" Buffy asked her.
"About a week ago, I'll be here every night after patrol and two days
a week. The owner of the club is paying us for our practice gigs
because he's going to be making the place a restaurant during the
day." Desiree said excitedly.
"Cool, so where did you get that top?" Cordelia asked.
"England, but you won't find another like it, the guy died. Each of
his pieces were originals designed for the person wearing it." She
told Cordy.
"Wow, So are you even going to talk to Wes?" Willow asked.
"He know how to get my attention when he wants it, Will. If he wants
me he needs to show me." And with that said Desiree turned to go
dance.
"Thank you Willow, but she's right. I really need to show her. I
already talked to Fred; her and Gunn are back together. I told Fred
about her but I haven't shown her I wanted anything to do with her
except show up just now. I'm going to go dance." Wes told Willow.
Everyone was looking at Willow with questioning eyes, "What, they are
so in love it's ridiculous I was just trying to help?" She said.
Wesley walked out onto the dance floor looking for Desiree, when he
found her she was talking with Michael about the gig for the next
night.
"Excuse me, may I speak with Desiree for a moment?" Wes asked
interrupting.
"Sure man, no problem. Des remember 10pm tomorrow." Michael said
leaving them alone.
"Desiree, please dance with me?" Wes asked.
"Alright." Desiree answered.
Moving onto the dance floor Wesley took her into his arms and started
dancing to the slow music.
"Wes, what do you want from me?" Desiree asked moving out of his
arms
just to look him in the eye.
"Forgiveness, and a chance. I love you. I know those are just words
to you right now, but I do. I told Fred about us and told her to go
back to Gunn. She understood and I'm still her friend. I miss you so
bloody much it's killing me." He told her.
Mean while back at the table.
Angel and Loren where watching the couple and talking about what
Loren had read.
"She loves only him. Their actual soul mates Angel cakes. Those two
have even past lives together. It's intense the feels she's been
locking up the last five years." Loren told Angel with a smile.
"So, have you ever seen anything like it?" Angel asked.
"No, they are connected even closer than any other couple I've read."
He told him.
Spike had returned with the drinks, and joined the conversation.
"Bloody hell, it took long enough. She's been crying every night for
the past six weeks. The wall between our bathrooms isn't sound
proofed and I've heard her. My friend missed him something fierce."
Spike told the other men. Just as Spike finished his explanation
Wesley leaned down and kissed Desiree.
The whole group watched as Desiree reached up and yanked him down
to deepen the kiss. The whole club felt the passion between the two.
They all knew this was one guest that wouldn't be leaving for long.
Love had been a guest between the two for far to long.
* * *