Giles took another sip of tea as he leafed through the Codex. There had been some unusual occurrences recently, and he was hoping there was something written on the pages of the hallowed book. He knew he’d seen something somewhere, and could only hope it was here.
"......they were just too easy to kill." He turned at the voice of his slayer. The library now seemed full of teenagers as she and the slayerettes wandered in. It amazed him how much their little group was growing. For something that was supposed to be a secret, quite a few people knew about his and Buffy’s occupations.
He stood and walked out of his office. "Trouble?"
Buffy turned to her watcher. "Not really. I mean, there were a lot of vamps out there, but they were pretty easy to stake."
"Maybe that’s because you’re just too good for them."
Giles responded to Willow’s comment. "Perhaps. But, it does seem as though the vampires are becoming weaker. What about you Xander?"
"We met up with a couple, but nothing we couldn’t handle." He and Cordelia had undertaken a task for Giles. "You’re right. They are weaker."
"I don’t like it."
"Giles has this thing about the good guys winning." Buffy moved toward the desk. "He’s worried it might be a portal or something."
"Portent. And I would be happy if the, er, good guys did win. But we must always be cautious and take all precautions."
"And watch out for the three-headed sheep."
Giles looked at Xander. "Have you seen one?"
"No. Why? Does it mean the end of the world, or something?" Xander felt a shiver run up his very yellow spine.
"No. That’s the two-headed sheep. A three-headed one usually means eternal salvation for all."
The slayerettes looked at him in shock as he moved back toward his office. Buffy shook her head in disgust. "Guys. He’s joking. That - was a joke, wasn’t it?"
The older man turned back. His face was held a look of deep seriousness. "Actually. Yes, it was."
Chapter Two
The clock struck three. The half-full cup of tea had a small film over it. And still, the librarian leafed through the book. Something Xander had said as the younger people left triggered a memory. A blue moon. That, and the apparent weakness of vampires. Something big was happening. Something he’d been taught as a child.....
He slammed the book closed in disgust. It was a legend among the watchers. He hadn’t read it in the codex, but one of the watcher journals. He moved toward the cage, excitement making his movements jerky. He reached into one of the trunks and pulled a small box out. Reverently, he carried it back to his desk before opening the lid. Inside sat an old book. Perhaps even older than the codex. One of the first watcher journals.
He opened the cover and began to slowly turn the pages. The writing was archaic, and faded, making it hard to read. Finally, a word caught his eye. Depletion. Strength. Ah, here it was. Blue moon. Increase of numbers. Fire in the sky. Death of.......
His head jerked up in shock. He hoped his eyes had deceived him. He looked through the passage again. No. It was there. A prophecy. A death. Dear god. He removed his glasses, pressing his hand against his forehead. What was he to do? Who could he turn to? Once, there had been someone. But now. He had never felt so alone.
He stood up, closing the book with determination. There was much to do, and not long to do it in. Preparations had to be made. And a visit to be paid.
Chapter Three
Angel woke at the knock on his door. A check on the digital clock showed it was almost dawn. Nobody would visit him at this hour. Except perhaps Buffy.
Rising out of the bed, he pulled his pants on, and moved toward the door. Whoever was on the other side was impatient. He opened the door, and stared in shock. The last person he expected to see was standing on the other side.
“I - I need to speak to you.” Giles pushed past the frozen vampire. He moved into the living area, looking around with interest. He’d never been here before.
“I never expected to see you again.”
“Buffy tells me you’re leaving.” The other man nodded his head. He now knew why Giles was here. To make him leave earlier. “Don’t go.”
“What?”
“At least not yet. Buffy...” He paused. “Buffy may need you.”
“What’s happening? Is she in danger?”
“She’s always in danger. But, in the next few weeks, she may need you near her. I want your promise you’ll stay for that time.”
“You’ve read a prophecy.” Angel felt fear thrill through him. It was the only explanation for Giles being here. And for his strange request. “Tell me what it says. How else can I protect her?”
“I’ll do whatever needs to be done to protect her.” Giles’ voice had raised in anger. He took a calming breathe. “All I need from you is your promise.”
“You know you have it.”
He nodded. “Also, you mustn’t tell her I came here. I don’t want her worrying.”
On this, Angel was more hesitant. But he knew he had no choice. He nodded.
It wasn’t until the Englishman left that he realised he hadn’t looked him in the face once. Some things would never change. If Giles came here when he still felt that strongly against him, something bad was coming.
Chapter Four
The next morning Buffy, Xander and Willow entered the library. They were surprised to find it empty. Buffy had almost expected to find her watcher asleep at his desk, after putting in a full night of research. It wouldn’t have been the first time he’d done that. “I wonder where he is.”
“Maybe he slept in.” The two girls looked at their friend. “Allright. Giles doesn’t know how to sleep in. But he isn’t here.”
Willow moved toward her computer. “Maybe he’s at a faculty meeting or something.” She turned the machine on, then waited for it to boot up before logging onto the internet. “It would have to be something important to make him.....Oh.”
Buffy looked at her confused friend. “What is it?”
“I’ve had an acknowledgment for my mail.”
“And that’s bad. How?”
She looked at the others. “I didn’t send any mail. A-and this is to the watcher council.”
The others moved toward the monitor.
Rupert Giles entered the library door to find three angry teenagers waiting for him. “Wh-what is it? What’s wrong?”
Buffy acted as spokesperson. “We were about to ask you the same thing.”
“Sorry?”
“Since when have you known how to use the computer?”
He shifted nervously. “I can’t. I-I leave Willow to look after that - thing.”
“Well who else would mail the watcher council?”Willow felt hurt that he was lying to them.
“How...?” He paused. “I mean, who would know about the council?” P> “Nobody but us.”
“Was there any way to identify the message?”
“There wasn’t a message. Just an acknowledgment.”
He relaxed with relief. “Then there is no way to know who sent it. Could somebody else have come in and gained access to the net?”
“Maybe. If they knew what they were doing.”
“In the future, you had better make sure nobody can. I’ll, er, call the council to see what the message said. That may give us a clue to our mysterious author.” He walked past them to the office. That was close. He wasn’t sure if they believed him, but at least it bought him some more time. He hated lying to them. But it was the only way to protect them.
Chapter Five
Buffy patrolled the cemetery one more time. Things were quiet tonight. Made a change after the last few nights. It also gave her time to think. About her watcher, and his increased weird factor.
She turned the corner, the moon catching her eye. It looked so blue tonight. It was beginning to wig her out. Something else to add to her long list of wigginess. She must remember to ask Giles about it. If she could keep him still long enough to ask him. For the past few days, he was always moving. Especially if she or the others came near him. It was like he was afraid to stop long enough to talk to them. Which meant he was hiding something.
She stopped as her spidey senses went on red alert. After a few moments, she relaxed. There was only one vamp that wouldn’t have attacked her by now. “Come to say goodbye?”
Angel reluctantly stepped out of the shadows. “No. Just passing by.” At her incredulous look, he changed tack. “Okay. I was worried. Thought I’d see how you were doing.”
“Fine. I’m doing just fine.” She waited for him to say something else. It soon became obvious he had no intention of doing so. “So. When are you leaving? Not that I’m eager to see you go or anything. Just curious.”
He hesitated, weighing up his words. “I don’t know. I was gonna leave at the end of the week, but I thought I might hang around a bit longer.”
“Why?” He was hiding something from her. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he and Giles had gotten together..... ”Have you been talking to Giles?”
“You know Giles can’t even look me in the face.” He was not going to lie to her. Not even for the watcher.
“Yeah. You’re right. It’s just that he’s been acting kinda strange lately.” She shook off the cobwebs. “Forget it. It doesn’t look as though there are any vamps out tonight. I think I might call it quits....Angel? What is it? What’s wrong?” She rushed to him as he staggered back.
He shrugged off the dizziness. “I don’t know. I just felt a bit woozy. Almost as if....” He paused, shocked. It couldn’t be.
“What? As if what? Come on, Angel. Give.”
“Do me a favour?”
“Sure.”
“Hit me.”
“What?”
“Just do it Buffy. Hit me. Hard.”
Angel’s grunt of pain could be heard as he flew across the cemetery. She’d taken him at his word.
“Are you allright?”
“Yeah. Just winded.”
“What happened? Why’d you collapse like that?”
“I don’t know. It’s like I’m not strong any more. Like I’m as weak as a human.”
Buffy paused, thinking hard. “I think it’s time I had a talk with my watcher.”
“Yeah. Mind if I tag along?”
Chapter Six
Giles finished packing up the books. He’d had to work late at night, to ensure the others didn’t see him. He wanted everything ready in time.
He sighed. It was time. Looking around the room that had been like a home to him for the past few years, he gathered his supplies and walked toward the library doors.
His exit was blocked by some very annoyed slayerettes, a confused vampire, and a furious slayer. “What are you all doing here?”
Buffy moved forward, stalking her prey. “Not this time. This time, we ask the questions. And you answer them. Got it?” He nodded nervously and backed away from her. “Let’s start with....”
“The email.” Willow followed her friend, the anger making her bold. “How long have you known how to send email? What was in the one you sent the other day? And why did you lie to us?”
“Chill Will. He can only answer one at a time.” Xander almost felt sorry for the Englishman. Almost.
“Wh-, er, which one would you like answered first?” He knew he was stalling, but he needed time to think. They all looked at him. And waited. He finally capitulated. “Jenny taught me how to send emails. I never told you because I don’t like doing it. And you do.” This last was addressed to Willow. He didn’t know if he had pacified her or not. She still looked upset. “I didn’t lie to you. I just pretended I didn’t send it. I didn’t want you to know.”
“Why not?”
“I didn’t want to worry you.”
Buffy had finally reached him. She looked up at him. He could see the pain and fear on her face. He was afraid it mirrored his own. “You’re worrying us now. Please. It can’t be any worse than what we’re thinking. You’ve read a prophecy, haven’t you?” He nodded slowly. Sadly. “What did it say?”
He closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them again, she could see the moisture gathering there. “I think you already know.”
“Nooooo!” Her cry of pain echoed around the otherwise silent room, as she threw herself into his arms, sobbing.
Realization dawned on the others. Willow wrapped her arms around her waist and sunk to the ground. Oz hurried to her, enveloping her in his arms as she wept her heart out. Xander turned away, wiping the tears from his eyes. He felt a hand on his arm, and turned toward his girlfriend. Tears were pouring down her face, but she opened her arms to him. He went into them gratefully. Angel staggered to the wall, letting it support his weight. He turned his head away, not able to see their pain when he had to deal with his own. Giles was going to die.
Chapter Seven
He’d finally calmed them down. They were now sitting around the main study table. He knew he was running out of time, but he had to take care of them first. His ‘destiny’ could wait a few minutes longer.
Xander had done a good job at hiding the fact that he’d been crying. You could only tell if you saw the puffy eyes. Cordelia just sat, looking at nothing. She hadn’t even taken the time to repair her make-up. They sat together. Not touching, but drawing strength from each other.
Willow was still sobbing quietly. Oz had made her sit on his lap, so he could cuddle her. Giles knew that as long as her boyfriend was close by, she’d make it. She’d be devastated, and she’d grieve. He’d seen her do the same with Jenny. But she would pull through.
Angel stood slightly behind him, away from the group. His grief had been palatable. And his anger. Unfortunately, Giles couldn’t console him. He didn’t know where to start. Besides, all of his energy was, as usual, on his slayer.
Buffy wouldn’t let go of him. Even now, she had a deathlike grip on his hand. He rested against the table, so she would sit on a chair. She wouldn’t look at him, but if he moved, she held on tight. He knew he’d have a fight when he tried to leave again.
He took a deep breathe. Time to explain.
"A long time ago there was a watcher called Bracon. He was a very wise man. He was also a prophet. A seer. He foretold many things. And they all came to fruition. Except one."
"The death of a watcher." Buffy’s voice was barely above a whisper.
"Yes. He thought it was his death he foretold. It wasn’t. Since then, the legend has been handed down to each successive watcher. At a young age, we are taught the prophecy. And to watch for the signs."
"What signs?" Angel hadn’t heard of this prophecy. He was curious.
"A blue moon. An increase in vampire activity, and their loss of strength. A change in weather."
Xander looked up. "You mean because Spring has come early, you’ve decided it’s time to die." The anger made his voice harsh.
"No. That’s only one of the signs. I-I wish it weren’t true. But it is."
Buffy finally looked at his face. She needed to know what their enemy was. "So. What does it mean? How do..." She swallowed. "How is the watcher supposed to die?"
He could see her mind ticking over. His brave slayer was looking for a dragon to fell. "I’m not too sure. A monster, of some sort. A demon. It appears to draw the strength from other demons. Feeds on them."
"A vampire’s vampire?" Giles smiled at Xander’s feeble attempt at humour. He was beginning to recover from the shock.
"In a way. It will continue to draw on them, until it’s strong enough to destroy the world."
"Another end of the world as we know it baddy." Now she had an idea of what she was facing. "And where does the watcher come into this?"
He hesitated. Will they understand? "The only way to destroy the monster is to confront it before it becomes too strong. If a slayer went after it, it would just drain her strength, then kill her. It must be destroyed with wit."
"Thus the need of a watcher. But why must the watcher die?"
"Because he’s a sacrifice." This was the first time Willow had spoken. He wished she wasn’t so smart. So logical. "To destroy the monster, he must sacrifice himself. Isn’t that right?"
They were all looking at him accusingly. He could only nod.
"That’s crazy. There must be another way."
"Buffy...."
"No! We’ve fought everything else. And won. Even the prediction of my own death. We’re a team. You think. I fight. Together we’re unbeatable. We can beat this. You can’t just give up. I need you."
"I’ve already requested another watcher....."
"I don’t need another watcher! I need you. Giles. When Jenny died.." She was sorry if she hurt them both with the memory, but she had to get through to him. "When Jenny died, you promised you wouldn’t leave me. Don’t break that promise now."
He looked at her. His heart broke for her. And himself. Was he just giving up? Accepting the prophecy? Was there a way? He nodded.
Chapter Eight
The clock struck two. They had all tried. Researched everywhere they could think. But there wasn’t any information. One by one, sleep had overcome them. And he'd allowed it. Now there was only one.
“You knew it was no good.”
“Yes. I’d hoped....But, it kept them occupied. At least they know they tried.” They were both whispering, so as not to disturb the others.
“And failed.”
Giles turned toward Angel. “They didn’t fail. They tried. They never gave up. That isn’t failure.”
“And so now you go to your death.”
“It has to be stopped.”
“I could stop you.”
“How? You’re no stronger than me. And no match.”
“Then let me go with you.”
“So you can die by my side?”
“I know I’m not worthy....”
“Don’t be stupid. I can’t forgive the things the demon did, but I know you are worthy. Worthy enough to live. I don’t want you throwing your life away needlessly. Besides, you promised to stay with her.”
“Until her new watcher comes?”
“Yes.” He gathered his things and moved toward the exit. “Stay with her until she wakes. If you can, try to stop her following me.”
“How will we know if you succeeded?”
Giles smiled. “The moon won’t be blue any more.”
Chapter Nine
He moved further into the sewers. His one fear had been to meet up with some vampires. But there were none to be found. This demon, whatever it was, must be extremely powerful to keep them away. And there was only one place it could be. At the mouth of Hell.
Buffy had shown him where The Master had resided. When they had visited, there was nothing to show his presence. Except the hole in the ground. They had considered covering it over, but were unable to get near it. So, they’d ensured the Helmouth was mystically sealed, but left everything else as it was. Or thought they had.
Seeing the gap in the wall, he exited the sewer, and moved down into the caverns, the torch in his hand his only source of light. His ears strained for a sound, any warning that his enemy was near. Yet all was silence. At last, he came to the final bend. A faint glow reflecting off the walls indicated the possibility of habitation. Taking a deep breathe, he braced himself and turned the corner to meet his nemesis.
Candles surrounded the cavern, their light creating an almost religious-like ambiance to the atmosphere. The stalagmites and stalactites reflected the light, their quartz particles shining like bright jewels waiting to be plucked. And in the centre, was a chess table. With some of the most exquisite pieces he had ever seen. Obviously very old.
“Welcome.” He looked up at the sound of the husky voice. One of the most beautiful women he’d ever encountered looked back at him, her mahogany hair framing a pale face. The deep brown of the almond-shaped eyes and bright red of the lips were the only colours on that feature. Her lithe form was covered in a pure white floor-length gown that contoured to her perfect form. Her lips curved into a parody of a smile. “I had sensed you might find this form pleasing.”
He frowned in confusion until realization dawned. She’d somehow picked up on his memories of Jenny. Enough to take the basic features, but not to become an exact replica of his lost love. “Thank you. What makes you think I would not appreciate your own, er,shape?”
A taloned fingernail pointed. “He did not. And he is one of mine.” The object in question squirmed. Obviously a vampire, the little creature was terrified of his host. He desperately scanned the board before hesitantly lifting his hand, and making a move.
Curious, Giles edged forward.
“Do you like chess?”
He looked up at the creature. The malevolence seemed to seep from it’s pores. He knew he had to tread carefully. “I don’t play.” He answered almost absent - mindedly as she made her move.
“Pity. This fool used to be quite good as a human. Now, he is just boring.” The vampire whimpered as he made his next move.
Giles followed the game in silence, watching the way the beast was able to counteract the moves of the vampire. Almost as if.....He hesitated, looking up at her. Deliberately, he thought of a countermove to the vampire’s previous actions. He was not completely surprised when the beast made that move. Again and again, whatever strategy he thought, the beast would follow.
Knowing he could not help the pitiful creature that was her current victim, he cleared his mind of thoughts of the game, and proceeded to attack a difficult math project that he had never quite completed. Whether the beast realised his strategy, he didn’t know. Instead, it took it’s lead from it’s opponent. In a very short time, it had checked, then mated the vampire.
“No! Please No!” Giles looked away as the vampire screamed in agony, it’s life force literally drained away from it. After silence had returned, he turned back, to see a sprinkle of dust settle on the chair. The beast was smiling at him.
“It wasn’t a very good game. I have been trapped for so long, and all I’ve wanted is a decent opponent.”
“How did you get out of the Hellmouth? It was sealed.”
“By you? Unfortunately, there was a...leak. I was not in my physical form at the time. Are you ready to play me now?”
“Why should I? What do I get out of it?”
“A wager?” The smile grew, becoming more supercilious. “If you lose, you die. Of course. If you win, name your price.”
“Your return to the Hellmouth.”
The beast laughed. “Why not? Now, enter my sanctum.”
Giles stepped forward, feeling the energy surround him. He was now trapped. The only way out was through his death.
Chapter Ten
Clearing the vampire dust from the seat, Giles lowered himself down. He placed his duffel bag beside him, secretly removing on of its contents. He looked at the board as the creature placed the pieces in their starting position. He glanced up at the beautiful, yet evil face. It indicated the board. “You may go first.”
They played a game of cat and mouse. Giles played hesitantly, dragging the time out as long as possible. No matter the result of the match, he had to ensure the creature was not able to leave tonight. Remembering his lesson from watching the previous match, he made his move, while thinking of several alternative countermoves. He also flooded his mind and memory with problems, equations, thoughts of the people he loved. Anything to prevent the creature from being able to accurately read his strategy.
He wasn’t sure at first that it was working. Even without it’s mind-reading ability, the creature was an excellent player. Many times he found himself on the defensive, having to back away, change his strategy. Many times he was afraid he’d lose his concentration, give the beast the foothold it needed to his mind.
In the end, he hung onto the one memory. The talisman against the beast’s intrusiveness and his own fears. Buffy. He remembered their times together, planned training sessions he would never give her. Held onto her strength and courage to fortify his own.
After over an hour of play, he sensed a change. In both himself and the creature. Control was shifting, moving. The beast’s moves were becoming more desperate. He was winning. Trying to control his triumph, he concentrated more fully on the match. A few minutes later he was able to predict checkmate for himself using several strategies. He allowed the beast access to that thought.
It screamed in rage, standing up and moving away from the table. “You lied to me! You said you didn’t play!”
“But I did not say I couldn’t play.”
“You deceived me. And for that you must die.”
Giles stood up, backing away from the table. Moving closer to the gaping hole in the ground. “You promised. We had a wager.”
The creature stopped, almost amused. “I lied.”
Giles stopped at the edge of the hole, waiting for the beast to come. As it did, it’s shape began to change. Becoming it’s true self. He wanted to turn away from it’s ugliness, but forced himself to stand his ground. He began to understand. Before, it wasn’t completely solid. It didn’t have the energy to form. That was why it drained the other vampires. Until it was in it’s full strength, it was trapped here. As the Master had been.
Still it came closer. His hand wrapped round the object in his pocket. It was almost upon him now. Where it’s hands once were, tentacles lifted, reaching for him. He shifted back, his heels on the edge of the hole. It followed, it’s tentacles almost touching him.
“Now!” He moved as he called, jumping to the side. The sound of something flying through the air distracted the beast. Before it could react, a wooden bolt pierced the left side where it’s heart should have been. It screamed in agony, looking for the cause of the mortal wound. Giles jumped up, removing the bottle from his pocket, and throwing the contents into the beast’s face. It screamed as the holy water began to eat at it’s flesh.
The sound of running feet was the only warning it received, before a great force pushed against it, causing it to move forward with great momentum. It screamed again as it teetered on the edge of the abyss. Another blow sent it toppling over the edge, it’s scream continuing for several seconds.
Chapter Eleven
Giles looked at the spot where the creature fell over, then turned toward his Slayer. “You are meant to be fast asleep at the library.”
Buffy smiled. “Did anybody tell you that you’re as quiet as a herd of elephants when you leave a room?” She sobered. “How did you know I was there?” He shrugged, unable to answer. “I sensed it somehow. When I was playing the beast, I felt my concentration slipping. Then, I felt your presence. It kept me going.” He hesitated. “Thank you.”
It was her turn to shrug. “I told you. We’re a team. We can beat anything.” They smiled at each other.
“I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised at your patience. You must have been bored watching the match.”
“Not really. I was enjoying it. Next time you want to play though, just ask me.”
He couldn’t hide his surprise. “You play?”
She pouted. “Come on Giles. You don’t really believe that nasty rumour that I’m dumb do you?”
Before he could formulate a fitting retort they heard the clamber of running feet. They turned toward the entrance as what appeared to be a horde of teenagers entered the cavern.
“What happened? Are we too late?” Xander tried to catch his breathe as he rushed his questions.
Buffy looked toward the vampire standing behind the slayerettes. “You were meant to keep them in the library.”
“He was also meant to keep you there.”
Angel smiled at the Watcher. “If I couldn’t stop you, how did you expect me to stop the slayer? And all four of the ‘Scooby Gang’?” Giles nodded in acknowledgment.
Willow looked from slayer to watcher, taking in their relaxed stance. “So? Is it over?”
“Yeah Will. It’s over.”
Nobody noticed the tentacle that slowly edged it’s way out of the abyss and moved toward the warm flesh of the human standing nearby. They had no warning of the still eminent danger until it wrapped itself around the leg and pulled.
“Giles!” Buffy screamed as her watcher toppled and clawed for a hold in the ground as he was dragged toward the edge of the abyss.
Chapter Twelve
Buffy dived, grabbing Giles’ shoulders. She tried to pull him back, but found herself being propelled forward.
“Buffy! Let go!”
“No!”
Suddenly she was no longer alone. Angel caught Giles’ right side, lending his own weight and strength in an attempt to rescue the Englishman. His demon strength was returning to him slowly. He only hoped it would be enough.
Xander, Willow and Cordelia stepped to the edge of the abyss, each with a crossbow in their hands. Their faces showed calm and determination as they fired accurately at the beast. Their watcher had trained them all well.
The beast screamed as the bolts hit, relaxing it’s hold a little. Buffy and Angel were able to pull Giles back, but still the creature would not release its prey. Oz moved to Giles’ leg, an axe in his hand. He raised it above his head, and brought it down on the tentacle repeatedly, putting as much force into the blows as he could. Finally, the beast gave up it’s prize, and shrank back to where it came from.
Buffy gently rolled Giles onto his back. He was obviously in great pain. Hearing a startled gasp from Oz she looked up, then followed the direction of his eyes. The material covering Giles’ leg was shredded, and his skin was covered in lacerations. What was truly horrifying though, was the trail of green running up his leg and moving beyond the wounds.
“Poison.” She turned toward Angel. “It’ll kill him.”
She shook her head in denial. They hadn’t gone through all that, just to lose him like this.
Angel moved closer to the wounded limb. “The poison will have to be drawn out if we have a chance to save him.”
Only Giles appeared to understand what the vampire intended to do. “No. If you swallow.....”
Angel smiled. “So I won’t swallow.” He looked toward Buffy, reading the confusion in there. And the pleading. He morphed then bent over the leg.
Giles turned toward the slayerettes. He was feeling his concentration slip. There wasn’t much time. “Willow... My duffel bag....” Willow turned toward where he pointed and brought the bag toward him. “Book...Hurry.” Rummaging around, she found what he looked for and passed it over. Giles found the page, his vision already blurring. “By the co-command of Arlec, I....call ..call upon the....”
The book was gently removed from his hand. “By the command of Arlec, I call upon the powers of .....”
“No!” Willow ignored his pleas as she continued to recite the spell. After her trouble with the soul curse, they’d agreed that she should never do this again. Yet now, she endangered herself because he couldn’t do his duty.
“....seal this abomination of the powers of balance forever more, allowing no evil to wend it’s spirit through the portal.” An almighty rush warned of activity in the abyss. The gang watched as a powerful force lifted up into the cavern, only to hit what appeared to be a forcefield, then was pushed back down into the hole.
Cordelia knelt beside the fallen watcher, keeping an eye on Angel as he drew the poison from Giles’ leg. He lifted his head up, and swayed. “Are you all right?”
He half-smiled sheepishly. “The poison isn’t hard to dispose of. But watcher blood tastes almost as sweet as a slayer's.” Cordelia decided she really didn’t need to hear that as the vampire bent and continued his work.
Giles knew he only had a few moments of consciousness left. “Buffy....Must close the entry completely....Understand?” She nodded, the tears falling freely down her face. “Cordelia...When ..When Angel is finished, the wounds must be cauterized with Holy Water? Can you.....?” He sighed with relief when she nodded, then let unconsciousness claim him.
When Giles regained consciousness, he found himself being gently carried. He opened his eyes, to see Angel’s profile as they moved through the sewers. He wasn’t surprised.
A rumbling behind them caused him to turn his head. He saw Buffy and Xander running up, being followed by a cloud of dust. They must have sealed the cavern. He turned back toward Angel. “You can put me down now.”
Angel hesitated, before obeying. Giles leant against the sewer wall, waiting for the strength to return to his legs. He looked down at the injured limb. Cordelia had done as he asked. The wounds were now closed.
He looked up as Buffy came up to him and smiled. Taking her offered arm, he leant on her as the gang made their way to the surface. They stopped as they reached the opening.
“It’s almost dawn. I have to get going.” Angel turned back toward the sewer.
“Angel.” He turned toward the watcher. “Thank you.” He nodded then left. It wasn’t until later that he realised that Giles had, for the first time since his return, looked him fully in the face.
Giles turned toward his slayer. “You were wrong about one thing you know.” She looked at him inquiringly. “It isn’t just you and I. As a team, we are all invincible.” He smiled at his charges with pride and gratitude, then turned to look at the now white moon.