Destiny - Chapters 21 & 22
Nov. 6th, 2003 07:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
psubratAuthor: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: The Wolfram & Hart traitor is revealed while the Twelve begin to experience their destinies...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Drawing of the Twelve"
The tensions in the Magic Box increased ten fold when Wesley suddenly announced his presence by crashing through the door. Each side of the shop had their own reasons for their dislike of the scruffy looking man in the doorway. A low, steady growl began to emanate from within Angel; the demon wanting to take over and rip the man apart, the man that had betrayed him in the worst possible way. Lorne reached over and placed a hand on the vampire’s shoulder to ground him, let him know that he was still surrounded by those who cared. On the other side of the room, Buffy was already standing, her annoyance with the man written all over her face. He was the last person that she had expected to see this evening and she tensed even more when she saw just who he had brought with him.
"Do you have it?" Giles asked hopefully, heedless of the glares from the group.
Wesley nodded as he harshly pulled Lilah in behind him. Connor followed the woman, his eyes cast downward, not wanting to make contact with anyone in the room, especially not Angel or Dawn.
"What is he doing here?" Xander demanded as he protectively placed his arm around Anya’s shoulders.
From his position behind the counter, Angel hadn’t seen his son enter behind Lilah. He slowly stood and walked over next to Giles. "If you don’t get rid of him, I will." His eyes flashed gold as he tried to keep the demon at bay.
Before Giles could answer him, Cordelia gently placed her hand on his arm. "Angel, look." She nodded towards the doorway where Connor was trying to look inconspicuous.
"Connor?" Angel asked incredulously. When his eyes met with Connor’s, the boy quickly looked away. Pain etched its way across the vampire’s features. Why was his son with the traitor? Had Wesley taken him away yet again? He would kill the son of a bitch this time if he had.
Dawn rose from her seat and hesitantly walked to the bottom of the stairs, trying to make eye contact with Connor. She needed to know why he had tried to kill Buffy. She needed to know because she was in love with him and just the thought of him trying to play her, ripped her apart inside. "Steven?" She had tried to sound strong but her voice choked out the name instead as her tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.
The anguish in her voice brought him out of his thoughts. He wanted to run to her and hold her, to tell her that things would be okay and that he loved her, but he knew that he could not do these things. Not anymore. Not ever again. He had failed on so many levels, this being the worst of all.
"Dawn," Buffy said in protective mode, never taking her eyes off the boy who had tried to kill her earlier. "Get away from him. Now."
"But Buffy..."
"I mean it. Now."
"I want you all to take a seat immediately," Giles demanded, tiring of the standoff that was occurring. They had very little time to formulate a plan. When no one moved, his voice took on a menacing tone, one vaguely reminiscent to his Ripper days. "Bloody hell people! I will not tolerate any more of these outbursts. We have things to do and an apocalypse to avert. Now sit the hell down!"
Perhaps it had been his tone or maybe it was the look in his eyes, but those who were out of their seats, quickly sat back down again and were quiet. The trio on the top landing hesitated at first but then found seats as well.
Giles went to the back, to the corner of the shop where the bookshelves were located and brought out a thick book, along with all of the notes that he, Willow and Tara had made before they passed through the portal into Sunnydale. He used the research table to spread the items out, so he could ensure that he didn't forget to mention anything
"If you’ll recall, before Wesley arrived, I was explaining that we were all brought together for a reason. It’s called the Drawing of the Twelve. Most everyone in this room will be playing a major part in what is to come. We don’t know all of the details or exactly who all twelve are since the prophecy is very vague but we do know a few of the key players. Dawn and Buffy are mentioned by name, the Key and the Slayer."
"How lucky for me," Buffy sighed. "Nice to know I’m always prophecy worthy."
"Hey," Dawn replied. "You’re not alone this time."
"Quite right Dawn," Giles continued. "As I said earlier, parts of the prophecy are missing but through some effort, Wesley has been able to secure the rest of it. Hopefully it will shed some light on who the other key players might well be."
That was Wesley’s cue to hand over what he had been able to discover in the vaults at Wolfram and Hart.
"Thank you Wesley. Before I continue, I believe that it is absolutely imperative that every one of you understand the role Wesley has played in the translations of the prophecy."
"I really don’t care what he did," Angel growled. "He’s a traitor. To his friends. To himself. I refuse to work with him. I can’t even stand to be in the same room as him!"
"Angel you don’t have a choice..." Giles began but was interrupted by Wesley.
"It’s okay Rupert," he said as he lifted his head to stare boldly at Angel. "I may have made mistakes in the past Angel, but I never set out to hurt you intentionally. Don’t you think I haven’t had to live with what I did everyday since then? Dole out your best punishment Angel because chances are, it’ll be nowhere near to how I’ve punished myself already."
Angel continued to glare at the man who had taken Connor away from him, but the pain in Wesley’s eyes told him that what he had said was true. There was no punishment that he could throw at him that was worse than what that the man hadn’t already done to himself. He closed his eyes and turned his head. He could feel Cordelia’s hand on his, trying to calm him.
After Wesley had taken his seat again, Giles continued. "Several months ago, Wesley contacted me about what had happened in Los Angeles. At that time, the prophecy was still going through preliminary analysis for authenticity. The members of the Council who were authenticating the document, ran across the mention of a prophecy that was linked to this one; one that they knew was in the possession of Wolfram and Hart. It was then that Wesley and I devised a plan for him to infiltrate their offices and get his hands on the prophecy that we needed." He paused and glared at Lilah. "You gave us the perfect opening."
Lilah’s face fell when she realized what Giles was referring to, the night Wesley took her to bed for the first time. She had been played and quite well. If Wesley hadn’t been blocking her path to the exit, she would have bolted immediately but she was trapped. She could feel the anger rising in her cheeks but she couldn’t act on it. She sat and listened. "You bastard," she stated venomously.
"Sorry, sweetheart," Wesley stated dryly. "But you know how it goes...anything to get the job done properly."
"I hope you burn in hell," she yelled at him.
"I believe I’m already there, but if not, be a dear and save me a seat, would you?"
"Let’s focus, shall we?" Giles demanded with a growl. "There’ll be plenty of time later for everyone to kill one another." He looked around the room; everyone’s attention was back on him, or so it seemed. Good. "I’m going to read off the other twelve that are mentioned in the prophecy. We have some idea of who they may be, but it’s only our best guess. The remaining twelve are; the Watcher, the Witch, the Loyal, the Demon, the Sorceress, the Prodigy, the Seer, the Champion, the Souled and the Betrayer."
"We think," Willow stated, "that I’m the Witch and that Tara is the Sorceress. Makes sense, right?" Several heads nodded back at her, including Wesley. "We’re a little unclear on who the Watcher may be since there are three of you in this room right now."
"Giles has been a watcher the longest," William commented. "He’s also the oldest so I say he’s probably the one they’re referring to."
"I don’t believe seniority, or age for the matter," he said, giving William a hard stare, "have anything to do with who each of the Twelve are."
William smiled at his friend and nodded. "Well then, let’s have a little brainstorming session to suss out who’s who."
"Splendid idea William," Giles said sarcastically. "I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before."
Fred giggled and Buffy covered a smiled. This didn’t have to be all serious, did it?
"Obviously the Souled is Angel," Cordelia interjected trying to add her thoughts into the discussion. "That’s a given."
"No," Wesley replied. "It isn’t."
Dawn walked through the sand. Her hair loose and flowing in the gentle breeze. She shielded her eyes from the sun as she tried to take in her surroundings. How had she gotten here? Hadn’t she just been listening to Giles talk about the Drawing of the Twelve? Creepy. Slowly she walked on. The sand was warm and soft beneath her bare feet. She felt free, yet there was a sense of urgency nagging at the back of her mind. In the distance, she saw a woman standing with her back to her. The woman’s hair gleaned gold in the sun while her white tunic fluttered with the air currents. Suddenly Dawn’s heartbeat increased as recognition set in.
"Mom," she called out to the woman in front of her.
Joyce turned to face her daughter, a wide smile covering her face. "My little pumpkin belly," she cried as she held out her arms for Dawn to run in to.
"Mom," Dawn sobbed as she threw herself at her mother, hugging her tightly. "I’ve missed you so much."
"I know sweetheart. I’ve missed you too but don’t be upset. I’m very happy and at peace."
Dawn hugged her mother tighter to her and cried. "I love you, Mom. Things are so different without you."
"I love you too sweetie. Of course they’re different. Nothing is ever meant to stay the same. Dawn, darling, I want you to listen to me, okay? Can you do that?"
Dawn nodded into her mother’s chest, still clinging to her.
"Sweetie, look at me," Joyce demanded as she cupped her youngest daughter’s chin in her hand and lifted it gently. "The Last Judgment is coming..."
"I know. Giles is telling us all about it..."
"Then you know it’s going to be very dangerous. You have to be strong and you have to have faith in one another in order to defeat him. There’s no other way. Believe in yourself and in the others. Can you do that for me?"
"I don’t understand what you’re talking about..."
"I’ve delivered my message to you Dawn, I have to go..."
"No," Dawn screamed trying to reach out to her mother who was now fading away.
"Believe," Joyce whispered as she disappeared.
"Dawn," a voice called to her from behind.
"Steven?" She asked incredulously as she spun around to face him. "What are you doing here?"
"I’m not sure but we have to leave." His voice was insistent. There was something wrong, something awful coming for them.
"You do realize that I’m mad at you, right?" She asked him, her voice full of anger and frustration. "You tried to kill Buffy! She’s never going to let me see you again and I really don’t know if I’ll fight her on that. How could you?"
Before he could answer her, they were both suddenly transported to the inside of a cave. Dawn looked around wildly trying to see in the somewhat darkened interior. Had they not just come in from the blinding sunlight, she would have been able to see without problem. Steven instinctively put his arm around her to calm her and protect her. His eyesight was fine. He supposed that was one of the advantages of being born the son of two vampires.
A sound from behind them sent chills down both their spines. "Ah yes and so it has begun. I knew you would come, both of you. It was only a matter of time."
"Who, who are you?" Dawn demanded, terrified of the voice.
"I am the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega," the voice laughed evilly.
"Show yourself!" Steven demanded. "Are you a coward?"
"Far from it my boy," the Master stated as he stepped out of the shadows.
Dawn gasped while Steven struck a defensive posture.
"I think you two shall be the most fun. I just love young ones. So innocent. So sweet." He lunged for Dawn and sank his teeth into her neck. All Steven could do was stand helplessly and watch.
"No," Dawn and Connor both shouted as they woke from their dream. Their screaming startled everyone.
"Dawn, what’s wrong?" Buffy asked urgently, reaching for her sister who had fallen asleep at the table.
Dawn stood up abruptly and gazed at Connor. The two locked eyes and stared at each other intently, questioningly, acknowledging that they had indeed just shared the vision.
"I...I mean we...we just had a vision of the Master," Dawn sputtered. "How?"
Giles took off his glasses, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. It had started, right in front of them. There was no turning back or stopping it now. The best they could do was hope and pray that they could defeat the Master. "This is how we are to be called. In dreams and visions. Steven is to be your partner then. The prophecy states that those who are called will be partnered with another of the Twelve."
"Let me get this straight," Gunn interrupted, frowning. "I’m gonna have a vision of this bad ass ugly creature? He’s gonna come crawling around in my mind? I don’t remember signing up for anything like this."
"I’m sorry young man," Giles said softly with a smile. "I cannot remember your name..."
"Gunn. Charles Gunn."
"Mr. Gunn, I’m not certain of anything but I do know this, there are sixteen of us in this shop, only twelve are being called. My guess is that you are not one of them."
Gunn took a deep breath and sighed. "Thank God for that!"
Giles chuckled softly and continued. "We need to continue with the task of eliminating the possibilities..."
Cordelia stood up and placed her hands on her hips. "Well I for one want to know what Wesley meant when he said that Angel wasn’t necessarily the Souled guy."
All eyes turned to Wesley and waited for his explanation.
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: A surprise is revealed that sends reverberations through the group while the Twelve continue to be called...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Dreamscapes"
Wesley cleared his throat and tried not to look too nervous about what he was about to reveal. It was an understatement, to say the least that the information he had uncovered at Wolfram and Hart, was going to send shockwaves through certain members of the group. There was a part of him that feared the repercussions. There would still be a purpose for this individual, just not what they had originally thought. He worried that, as a result, backs would be turned on the Powers That Be and all hope would be lost.
"Well Wesley?" Xander prodded impatiently. "Gonna tell us why Angel isn’t soul boy after all?"
"Right," he croaked, his throat suddenly dry. He nervously looked towards Giles for permission to take over their little session. After getting the nod, he began. "The Souled is one who is tied closely to a second prophecy." He then turned to the group at the counter. "Most of you are aware of the Shanshu prophecy."
"I think we all know what it is," Fred replied, speaking for the group.
"Then it means that Angel is definitely the Souled," Cordelia blurted out.
Angel searched Wesley’s eyes; the man’s face wasn’t reflecting his true thoughts. Suddenly he felt a sense of dread. "No," he said quietly. "It isn’t me."
"But why not?" Cordelia demanded. "You have a soul, duh, hence being the Souled. Plus Shanshu, that’s you too."
"I’m afraid not Cordelia," Wesley stated, lowering his eyes and turning away from his former employer. "In order for this vampire to be the Souled, he must already be human."
"Someone care to explain what this sushi stuff is all about?" Buffy inquired, folding her arms across her chest, her curiosity peaked. The whole Fang Gang was starting to get on her nerves. It was too bad she couldn’t just send them packing back to Los Angeles.
"It’s a prophecy about Angel," Cordelia huffed. "About him becoming human."
"What?" Buffy demanded, eyes wide. "You’re supposed to become human? You never told me about that!"
"I didn’t think it was necessary..."
"You didn’t think it was necessary," she yelled at him. "How long have you known about this...?"
"It doesn’t really matter," Wesley growled, interrupting the shouting match that had erupted in the room. "The Shanshu has already taken place."
"It has?" Buffy asked in shock.
"What?" Cordelia demanded as she poked at Angel. "If you’re human and you haven’t told anyone buddy, you’re in big trouble!"
"Cordelia, I’m not human," the vampire assured her trying to hide his pain.
"But then who?" She asked looking around the room frowning. "All vampires are accounted for..."
"No they aren’t," Buffy whispered, her eyes wide. The Scoobies turned their attention towards William.
William sat in stunned silence as the pieces started falling into place. He had only been half listening at first since the cheerleader was yapping and doing her rah-rah thing for Angel. Now he wished he had been paying closer attention. Everyone was staring at him, including those on the other side of the room. He felt like he was on display, a freak in a sideshow exhibit.
"Spike’s the Souled?" Xander asked incredulously.
"Spike doesn’t even have a soul," Cordelia began impatiently, continuing her crusade to convince everyone that Angel was the proper choice for the position.
"Yes he does," Buffy said quietly as she took William’s hand, conveying her love for him in one bright smile.
"Are you sure about this Wesley?" Angel asked, almost begged.
"It’s true," Lorne responded before Wesley could.
Angel frowned at his friend. "How do you know?"
"He sang for me."
"I didn’t sing for anyone," William shot back.
"Okay so sang isn’t the right word," Lorne sighed, rolling his eyes. "Semantics. Adonis over there hummed for me. Everything Wesley is saying is true. We’ve all made a terrible mistake about the Shanshu prophecy being for you, well not all of us, but that’s besides the point."
"But you’ve heard me sing," Angel stated, confusion coating his voice.
William began to chuckle and then laughed heartily. "Just trying to picture peaches singing a song. Woulda paid money for that!"
Buffy swatted at him playfully. "Be nice," she said trying not to giggle as well.
Ignoring the conversation around him, Angel’s mood turned dark and broody. "How could the Powers...?"
"Sweetcakes, listen to me," Lorne soothed. "There is a higher purpose for you. You’re still the champion of the Powers. I have no doubt that you’ll have your reward in the end."
Angel frowned. He felt lost, his center of being suddenly pulled out of him. What did all of this mean for him? Was he doomed to be a vampire forever despite his retributions? A part of him wanted to scream out in anguish and the other part, his demon part, wanted to destroy everything within his reach. Suddenly he was brought out of his thoughts by a cheery voice from the other side of the room.
"I suppose we just figured out who the Champion is," Tara smiled, trying to lighten the mood in the room.
"Indeed we have," Wesley agreed with a nod.
"Hold up there English," Gunn said with confusion in his voice. "You telling me that the man here is not going to become human ‘cause the prophecy has already happened?"
"Precisely," Giles replied stepping into the conversation.
"Oh, I get it," Cordelia said smirking as she folded her arms across her chest. Then she scowled. "No I don’t. I need some enlightenment here..."
Xander laughed. "Ya know, for a half demon..."
"And former higher being," Dawn chimed in.
"...You’re not all that bright are you?" Xander continued with a grin.
Cordelia blinked hard at the young man that had been her boyfriend once upon a time. What had she ever seen in him? Clearly, he was all wrong for her, she saw that now. He was definitely not as handsome or as strong as her dark knight. No wonder all of her so-called friends had thought her pathetic when it came to Xander Harris. He was nothing then and he was still nothing now, all wrapped up in that ex-demon who was much too clingy for her liking. If her time in L.A. had taught her anything, it was that she was much too good for Xander and much too good for Sunnydale. Oh yeah, she definitely made the better choice this time around. Wait. Why wasn’t Angel coming to her defense? Why wasn’t he putting Xander in his place? She was a higher being now - former higher being, she reminded herself - and she deserved to be treated as such.
"You’re just jealous Xander," she said sarcastically and with a sweet smile, trying to cover the pain she was feeling from Angel’s lack of attention. "I became someone important while you stayed here in Sunnydale and became even more of a loser than you were in high school."
Xander said nothing in return; he just shook his head and closed his eyes. She never ceased to amaze him.
"I think we’re gonna have to draw Cordelia some pictures," Buffy grinned. "Giles, why don’t you get out the white board and we’ll start with the basics. Oh and make sure you don’t go too fast for her, wouldn’t want to leave the higher being behind."
Everyone in the Scooby group chuckled at Buffy’s remark but it was William that spoke up to defend her. "Buffy, luv, please. We have more things to worry about than the cheerleader’s insecurities." He turned to Cordelia. "Let me make this simple," he continued, pointing to himself. "Went to Africa for a soul. Passed the trials. Found out I already had one. Asked the demon to make me what I was and he did. Now I’m human. End of story. Understand?"
"Uhhhh, yeah. I guess," Cordelia said with a frown. "Only one question."
"Yes, pet?" He asked in a rushed voice, suddenly becoming annoyed with all of the focus turned on him.
"Where did you get your soul? I mean did Willow make with the magic and curse you?"
"That’s a very good question," Angel concurred. "I’m interested in hearing the answer to that myself."
William shrugged his shoulders. "No idea."
"What do you mean you have no idea," Angel roared at him, his eyes flashing yellow with his anger. He was standing next to the former vampire in a flash, his fists balled against his legs, trying hard to keep his demon in check. "Vampires just aren’t given souls."
"I bloody don’t know how I got it, alright? So back off peaches. Just because I’m not a vampire anymore doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass."
"I know how," Wesley stated quietly, looking down at his feet. His voice had barely been audible but Angel had caught it and so had Buffy.
"How did it happen, Wes, how?" Angel demanded with a growl.
Wesley took a step back from Angel. He could feel the anger rolling off of the vampire. "The Powers That Be gave him his soul after Buffy died." He took a deep breath, knowing that his next few sentences would only add to Angel’s anguish. "There was more to the Shanshu prophecy than what we had, Angel. I found more in the vaults at Wolfram and Hart."
"That impossible. I burned it."
"You burned a copy," Lilah sneered at him. "A forgery. The original was safe and sound in my files."
If Wesley hadn’t stepped in between the two, he was sure that Angel would have ripped her head off. "Angel, we had no idea of knowing, without the second part, that the prophecy wasn’t meant for you. If we’d had it, we certainly would have known that it was referring to William the Bloody. I’m sorry, Angel." His heart went out to the vampire.
"What makes him so god-damned more important, huh?" Angel raged as he pushed William, making the man stumble and almost fall. Buffy was there to support him, to keep him from falling as he had done so many times for her after she’d been brought back from the dead.
"Don’t touch him again Angel. I mean it."
Angel backed off after seeing the anger in her eyes. It was true. She really did have everything now, everything that he could never give her. Quietly he went back to his seat, turning his back to the others.
"Wes, please tell us the rest of the prophecy," Buffy begged. She needed to hear it. She needed to hear why the Powers had given Spike his soul and why it had to do with her.
Wesley recognized the need for information in her eyes. He walked over to where William stood, still in utter shock over the whole revelation. "The Powers gave you a soul because you performed a selfless act. You made a promise to the Slayer before her death and you honored that promise, whatever it was," he paused, hoping that William would elaborate.
William raised his hand and caressed Buffy’s cheek, all the while looking into her eyes. "I made a promise to a lady," he choked out in a whisper. It was such a simple promise, but he had made it in good faith and he had kept it out of love, love for the woman he thought he’d never have, or see again.
Dawn sat at the table watching the exchange, smiling and with tears running down her cheeks. She knew what that promise had been and it made her heart swell with love and admiration for the one time vampire. No one deserved to receive a soul more than Spike. She was so proud.
Wesley cleared his throat and continued, realizing that no more words were going to come out of William at this time. "However, it wasn’t just the promise that you kept that gave you your soul, it was your continued fight on the side of good that secured it. The prophecy stated that you would be faced with a choice after the death of the Slayer. The first choice would continue to lead you down the path of damnation and the second choice..."
"Redemption and restoration," William said softly.
"Correct. Shanshu. Therefore, you, Spike, are the Souled."
"And he and Buffy are paired," Giles added. "They’ve been sharing dreams about the Master for weeks now."
"The prophecy foretold that as well. I’m sorry that I couldn’t get word to you Rupert, I just couldn’t risk it."
"No, I understand. It was more important for us to have the document and you alive than to have you dead and nothing to show for it."
"Don’t worry," Lilah seethed. "He’ll be dead soon enough."
"Give it a rest already honey," Lorne sighed. "No one really cares what you have to say."
"I’ll agree with that one," Gunn added with grimace.
Suddenly the room erupted into an outburst of curses and accusations.
While most everyone was engaged in a war of words with the woman from the law firm, Willow watched in awe as Cordelia floated, a light emanating from within her. "Uh, would someone care to explain why Cordy’s gone all glowy and is floating?"
"It’s a vision thing," Fred replied as everyone turned his or her attention to Cordelia. "She gets like this when the powers are sending her a message."
"I hope they’re sending her an instruction booklet on how to defeat the Master," Dawn commented as she watched the glowing woman from across the room.
No one noticed the glazed look on Angel’s face or the fact that he was talking to himself until he started screaming. "Cordelia! No!"
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: The Wolfram & Hart traitor is revealed while the Twelve begin to experience their destinies...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Drawing of the Twelve"
- 21 -
Dreamscapes
Dreamscapes
The tensions in the Magic Box increased ten fold when Wesley suddenly announced his presence by crashing through the door. Each side of the shop had their own reasons for their dislike of the scruffy looking man in the doorway. A low, steady growl began to emanate from within Angel; the demon wanting to take over and rip the man apart, the man that had betrayed him in the worst possible way. Lorne reached over and placed a hand on the vampire’s shoulder to ground him, let him know that he was still surrounded by those who cared. On the other side of the room, Buffy was already standing, her annoyance with the man written all over her face. He was the last person that she had expected to see this evening and she tensed even more when she saw just who he had brought with him.
"Do you have it?" Giles asked hopefully, heedless of the glares from the group.
Wesley nodded as he harshly pulled Lilah in behind him. Connor followed the woman, his eyes cast downward, not wanting to make contact with anyone in the room, especially not Angel or Dawn.
"What is he doing here?" Xander demanded as he protectively placed his arm around Anya’s shoulders.
From his position behind the counter, Angel hadn’t seen his son enter behind Lilah. He slowly stood and walked over next to Giles. "If you don’t get rid of him, I will." His eyes flashed gold as he tried to keep the demon at bay.
Before Giles could answer him, Cordelia gently placed her hand on his arm. "Angel, look." She nodded towards the doorway where Connor was trying to look inconspicuous.
"Connor?" Angel asked incredulously. When his eyes met with Connor’s, the boy quickly looked away. Pain etched its way across the vampire’s features. Why was his son with the traitor? Had Wesley taken him away yet again? He would kill the son of a bitch this time if he had.
Dawn rose from her seat and hesitantly walked to the bottom of the stairs, trying to make eye contact with Connor. She needed to know why he had tried to kill Buffy. She needed to know because she was in love with him and just the thought of him trying to play her, ripped her apart inside. "Steven?" She had tried to sound strong but her voice choked out the name instead as her tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.
The anguish in her voice brought him out of his thoughts. He wanted to run to her and hold her, to tell her that things would be okay and that he loved her, but he knew that he could not do these things. Not anymore. Not ever again. He had failed on so many levels, this being the worst of all.
"Dawn," Buffy said in protective mode, never taking her eyes off the boy who had tried to kill her earlier. "Get away from him. Now."
"But Buffy..."
"I mean it. Now."
"I want you all to take a seat immediately," Giles demanded, tiring of the standoff that was occurring. They had very little time to formulate a plan. When no one moved, his voice took on a menacing tone, one vaguely reminiscent to his Ripper days. "Bloody hell people! I will not tolerate any more of these outbursts. We have things to do and an apocalypse to avert. Now sit the hell down!"
Perhaps it had been his tone or maybe it was the look in his eyes, but those who were out of their seats, quickly sat back down again and were quiet. The trio on the top landing hesitated at first but then found seats as well.
******
Giles went to the back, to the corner of the shop where the bookshelves were located and brought out a thick book, along with all of the notes that he, Willow and Tara had made before they passed through the portal into Sunnydale. He used the research table to spread the items out, so he could ensure that he didn't forget to mention anything
"If you’ll recall, before Wesley arrived, I was explaining that we were all brought together for a reason. It’s called the Drawing of the Twelve. Most everyone in this room will be playing a major part in what is to come. We don’t know all of the details or exactly who all twelve are since the prophecy is very vague but we do know a few of the key players. Dawn and Buffy are mentioned by name, the Key and the Slayer."
"How lucky for me," Buffy sighed. "Nice to know I’m always prophecy worthy."
"Hey," Dawn replied. "You’re not alone this time."
"Quite right Dawn," Giles continued. "As I said earlier, parts of the prophecy are missing but through some effort, Wesley has been able to secure the rest of it. Hopefully it will shed some light on who the other key players might well be."
That was Wesley’s cue to hand over what he had been able to discover in the vaults at Wolfram and Hart.
"Thank you Wesley. Before I continue, I believe that it is absolutely imperative that every one of you understand the role Wesley has played in the translations of the prophecy."
"I really don’t care what he did," Angel growled. "He’s a traitor. To his friends. To himself. I refuse to work with him. I can’t even stand to be in the same room as him!"
"Angel you don’t have a choice..." Giles began but was interrupted by Wesley.
"It’s okay Rupert," he said as he lifted his head to stare boldly at Angel. "I may have made mistakes in the past Angel, but I never set out to hurt you intentionally. Don’t you think I haven’t had to live with what I did everyday since then? Dole out your best punishment Angel because chances are, it’ll be nowhere near to how I’ve punished myself already."
Angel continued to glare at the man who had taken Connor away from him, but the pain in Wesley’s eyes told him that what he had said was true. There was no punishment that he could throw at him that was worse than what that the man hadn’t already done to himself. He closed his eyes and turned his head. He could feel Cordelia’s hand on his, trying to calm him.
After Wesley had taken his seat again, Giles continued. "Several months ago, Wesley contacted me about what had happened in Los Angeles. At that time, the prophecy was still going through preliminary analysis for authenticity. The members of the Council who were authenticating the document, ran across the mention of a prophecy that was linked to this one; one that they knew was in the possession of Wolfram and Hart. It was then that Wesley and I devised a plan for him to infiltrate their offices and get his hands on the prophecy that we needed." He paused and glared at Lilah. "You gave us the perfect opening."
Lilah’s face fell when she realized what Giles was referring to, the night Wesley took her to bed for the first time. She had been played and quite well. If Wesley hadn’t been blocking her path to the exit, she would have bolted immediately but she was trapped. She could feel the anger rising in her cheeks but she couldn’t act on it. She sat and listened. "You bastard," she stated venomously.
"Sorry, sweetheart," Wesley stated dryly. "But you know how it goes...anything to get the job done properly."
"I hope you burn in hell," she yelled at him.
"I believe I’m already there, but if not, be a dear and save me a seat, would you?"
"Let’s focus, shall we?" Giles demanded with a growl. "There’ll be plenty of time later for everyone to kill one another." He looked around the room; everyone’s attention was back on him, or so it seemed. Good. "I’m going to read off the other twelve that are mentioned in the prophecy. We have some idea of who they may be, but it’s only our best guess. The remaining twelve are; the Watcher, the Witch, the Loyal, the Demon, the Sorceress, the Prodigy, the Seer, the Champion, the Souled and the Betrayer."
"We think," Willow stated, "that I’m the Witch and that Tara is the Sorceress. Makes sense, right?" Several heads nodded back at her, including Wesley. "We’re a little unclear on who the Watcher may be since there are three of you in this room right now."
"Giles has been a watcher the longest," William commented. "He’s also the oldest so I say he’s probably the one they’re referring to."
"I don’t believe seniority, or age for the matter," he said, giving William a hard stare, "have anything to do with who each of the Twelve are."
William smiled at his friend and nodded. "Well then, let’s have a little brainstorming session to suss out who’s who."
"Splendid idea William," Giles said sarcastically. "I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before."
Fred giggled and Buffy covered a smiled. This didn’t have to be all serious, did it?
"Obviously the Souled is Angel," Cordelia interjected trying to add her thoughts into the discussion. "That’s a given."
"No," Wesley replied. "It isn’t."
******
Dawn walked through the sand. Her hair loose and flowing in the gentle breeze. She shielded her eyes from the sun as she tried to take in her surroundings. How had she gotten here? Hadn’t she just been listening to Giles talk about the Drawing of the Twelve? Creepy. Slowly she walked on. The sand was warm and soft beneath her bare feet. She felt free, yet there was a sense of urgency nagging at the back of her mind. In the distance, she saw a woman standing with her back to her. The woman’s hair gleaned gold in the sun while her white tunic fluttered with the air currents. Suddenly Dawn’s heartbeat increased as recognition set in.
"Mom," she called out to the woman in front of her.
Joyce turned to face her daughter, a wide smile covering her face. "My little pumpkin belly," she cried as she held out her arms for Dawn to run in to.
"Mom," Dawn sobbed as she threw herself at her mother, hugging her tightly. "I’ve missed you so much."
"I know sweetheart. I’ve missed you too but don’t be upset. I’m very happy and at peace."
Dawn hugged her mother tighter to her and cried. "I love you, Mom. Things are so different without you."
"I love you too sweetie. Of course they’re different. Nothing is ever meant to stay the same. Dawn, darling, I want you to listen to me, okay? Can you do that?"
Dawn nodded into her mother’s chest, still clinging to her.
"Sweetie, look at me," Joyce demanded as she cupped her youngest daughter’s chin in her hand and lifted it gently. "The Last Judgment is coming..."
"I know. Giles is telling us all about it..."
"Then you know it’s going to be very dangerous. You have to be strong and you have to have faith in one another in order to defeat him. There’s no other way. Believe in yourself and in the others. Can you do that for me?"
"I don’t understand what you’re talking about..."
"I’ve delivered my message to you Dawn, I have to go..."
"No," Dawn screamed trying to reach out to her mother who was now fading away.
"Believe," Joyce whispered as she disappeared.
"Dawn," a voice called to her from behind.
"Steven?" She asked incredulously as she spun around to face him. "What are you doing here?"
"I’m not sure but we have to leave." His voice was insistent. There was something wrong, something awful coming for them.
"You do realize that I’m mad at you, right?" She asked him, her voice full of anger and frustration. "You tried to kill Buffy! She’s never going to let me see you again and I really don’t know if I’ll fight her on that. How could you?"
Before he could answer her, they were both suddenly transported to the inside of a cave. Dawn looked around wildly trying to see in the somewhat darkened interior. Had they not just come in from the blinding sunlight, she would have been able to see without problem. Steven instinctively put his arm around her to calm her and protect her. His eyesight was fine. He supposed that was one of the advantages of being born the son of two vampires.
A sound from behind them sent chills down both their spines. "Ah yes and so it has begun. I knew you would come, both of you. It was only a matter of time."
"Who, who are you?" Dawn demanded, terrified of the voice.
"I am the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega," the voice laughed evilly.
"Show yourself!" Steven demanded. "Are you a coward?"
"Far from it my boy," the Master stated as he stepped out of the shadows.
Dawn gasped while Steven struck a defensive posture.
"I think you two shall be the most fun. I just love young ones. So innocent. So sweet." He lunged for Dawn and sank his teeth into her neck. All Steven could do was stand helplessly and watch.
******
"No," Dawn and Connor both shouted as they woke from their dream. Their screaming startled everyone.
"Dawn, what’s wrong?" Buffy asked urgently, reaching for her sister who had fallen asleep at the table.
Dawn stood up abruptly and gazed at Connor. The two locked eyes and stared at each other intently, questioningly, acknowledging that they had indeed just shared the vision.
"I...I mean we...we just had a vision of the Master," Dawn sputtered. "How?"
Giles took off his glasses, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. It had started, right in front of them. There was no turning back or stopping it now. The best they could do was hope and pray that they could defeat the Master. "This is how we are to be called. In dreams and visions. Steven is to be your partner then. The prophecy states that those who are called will be partnered with another of the Twelve."
"Let me get this straight," Gunn interrupted, frowning. "I’m gonna have a vision of this bad ass ugly creature? He’s gonna come crawling around in my mind? I don’t remember signing up for anything like this."
"I’m sorry young man," Giles said softly with a smile. "I cannot remember your name..."
"Gunn. Charles Gunn."
"Mr. Gunn, I’m not certain of anything but I do know this, there are sixteen of us in this shop, only twelve are being called. My guess is that you are not one of them."
Gunn took a deep breath and sighed. "Thank God for that!"
Giles chuckled softly and continued. "We need to continue with the task of eliminating the possibilities..."
Cordelia stood up and placed her hands on her hips. "Well I for one want to know what Wesley meant when he said that Angel wasn’t necessarily the Souled guy."
All eyes turned to Wesley and waited for his explanation.
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: A surprise is revealed that sends reverberations through the group while the Twelve continue to be called...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Dreamscapes"
- 22 -
To Shanshu In Sunnydale
To Shanshu In Sunnydale
Wesley cleared his throat and tried not to look too nervous about what he was about to reveal. It was an understatement, to say the least that the information he had uncovered at Wolfram and Hart, was going to send shockwaves through certain members of the group. There was a part of him that feared the repercussions. There would still be a purpose for this individual, just not what they had originally thought. He worried that, as a result, backs would be turned on the Powers That Be and all hope would be lost.
"Well Wesley?" Xander prodded impatiently. "Gonna tell us why Angel isn’t soul boy after all?"
"Right," he croaked, his throat suddenly dry. He nervously looked towards Giles for permission to take over their little session. After getting the nod, he began. "The Souled is one who is tied closely to a second prophecy." He then turned to the group at the counter. "Most of you are aware of the Shanshu prophecy."
"I think we all know what it is," Fred replied, speaking for the group.
"Then it means that Angel is definitely the Souled," Cordelia blurted out.
Angel searched Wesley’s eyes; the man’s face wasn’t reflecting his true thoughts. Suddenly he felt a sense of dread. "No," he said quietly. "It isn’t me."
"But why not?" Cordelia demanded. "You have a soul, duh, hence being the Souled. Plus Shanshu, that’s you too."
"I’m afraid not Cordelia," Wesley stated, lowering his eyes and turning away from his former employer. "In order for this vampire to be the Souled, he must already be human."
"Someone care to explain what this sushi stuff is all about?" Buffy inquired, folding her arms across her chest, her curiosity peaked. The whole Fang Gang was starting to get on her nerves. It was too bad she couldn’t just send them packing back to Los Angeles.
"It’s a prophecy about Angel," Cordelia huffed. "About him becoming human."
"What?" Buffy demanded, eyes wide. "You’re supposed to become human? You never told me about that!"
"I didn’t think it was necessary..."
"You didn’t think it was necessary," she yelled at him. "How long have you known about this...?"
"It doesn’t really matter," Wesley growled, interrupting the shouting match that had erupted in the room. "The Shanshu has already taken place."
"It has?" Buffy asked in shock.
"What?" Cordelia demanded as she poked at Angel. "If you’re human and you haven’t told anyone buddy, you’re in big trouble!"
"Cordelia, I’m not human," the vampire assured her trying to hide his pain.
"But then who?" She asked looking around the room frowning. "All vampires are accounted for..."
"No they aren’t," Buffy whispered, her eyes wide. The Scoobies turned their attention towards William.
******
William sat in stunned silence as the pieces started falling into place. He had only been half listening at first since the cheerleader was yapping and doing her rah-rah thing for Angel. Now he wished he had been paying closer attention. Everyone was staring at him, including those on the other side of the room. He felt like he was on display, a freak in a sideshow exhibit.
"Spike’s the Souled?" Xander asked incredulously.
"Spike doesn’t even have a soul," Cordelia began impatiently, continuing her crusade to convince everyone that Angel was the proper choice for the position.
"Yes he does," Buffy said quietly as she took William’s hand, conveying her love for him in one bright smile.
"Are you sure about this Wesley?" Angel asked, almost begged.
"It’s true," Lorne responded before Wesley could.
Angel frowned at his friend. "How do you know?"
"He sang for me."
"I didn’t sing for anyone," William shot back.
"Okay so sang isn’t the right word," Lorne sighed, rolling his eyes. "Semantics. Adonis over there hummed for me. Everything Wesley is saying is true. We’ve all made a terrible mistake about the Shanshu prophecy being for you, well not all of us, but that’s besides the point."
"But you’ve heard me sing," Angel stated, confusion coating his voice.
William began to chuckle and then laughed heartily. "Just trying to picture peaches singing a song. Woulda paid money for that!"
Buffy swatted at him playfully. "Be nice," she said trying not to giggle as well.
Ignoring the conversation around him, Angel’s mood turned dark and broody. "How could the Powers...?"
"Sweetcakes, listen to me," Lorne soothed. "There is a higher purpose for you. You’re still the champion of the Powers. I have no doubt that you’ll have your reward in the end."
Angel frowned. He felt lost, his center of being suddenly pulled out of him. What did all of this mean for him? Was he doomed to be a vampire forever despite his retributions? A part of him wanted to scream out in anguish and the other part, his demon part, wanted to destroy everything within his reach. Suddenly he was brought out of his thoughts by a cheery voice from the other side of the room.
"I suppose we just figured out who the Champion is," Tara smiled, trying to lighten the mood in the room.
"Indeed we have," Wesley agreed with a nod.
"Hold up there English," Gunn said with confusion in his voice. "You telling me that the man here is not going to become human ‘cause the prophecy has already happened?"
"Precisely," Giles replied stepping into the conversation.
"Oh, I get it," Cordelia said smirking as she folded her arms across her chest. Then she scowled. "No I don’t. I need some enlightenment here..."
Xander laughed. "Ya know, for a half demon..."
"And former higher being," Dawn chimed in.
"...You’re not all that bright are you?" Xander continued with a grin.
******
Cordelia blinked hard at the young man that had been her boyfriend once upon a time. What had she ever seen in him? Clearly, he was all wrong for her, she saw that now. He was definitely not as handsome or as strong as her dark knight. No wonder all of her so-called friends had thought her pathetic when it came to Xander Harris. He was nothing then and he was still nothing now, all wrapped up in that ex-demon who was much too clingy for her liking. If her time in L.A. had taught her anything, it was that she was much too good for Xander and much too good for Sunnydale. Oh yeah, she definitely made the better choice this time around. Wait. Why wasn’t Angel coming to her defense? Why wasn’t he putting Xander in his place? She was a higher being now - former higher being, she reminded herself - and she deserved to be treated as such.
"You’re just jealous Xander," she said sarcastically and with a sweet smile, trying to cover the pain she was feeling from Angel’s lack of attention. "I became someone important while you stayed here in Sunnydale and became even more of a loser than you were in high school."
Xander said nothing in return; he just shook his head and closed his eyes. She never ceased to amaze him.
"I think we’re gonna have to draw Cordelia some pictures," Buffy grinned. "Giles, why don’t you get out the white board and we’ll start with the basics. Oh and make sure you don’t go too fast for her, wouldn’t want to leave the higher being behind."
Everyone in the Scooby group chuckled at Buffy’s remark but it was William that spoke up to defend her. "Buffy, luv, please. We have more things to worry about than the cheerleader’s insecurities." He turned to Cordelia. "Let me make this simple," he continued, pointing to himself. "Went to Africa for a soul. Passed the trials. Found out I already had one. Asked the demon to make me what I was and he did. Now I’m human. End of story. Understand?"
"Uhhhh, yeah. I guess," Cordelia said with a frown. "Only one question."
"Yes, pet?" He asked in a rushed voice, suddenly becoming annoyed with all of the focus turned on him.
"Where did you get your soul? I mean did Willow make with the magic and curse you?"
"That’s a very good question," Angel concurred. "I’m interested in hearing the answer to that myself."
William shrugged his shoulders. "No idea."
"What do you mean you have no idea," Angel roared at him, his eyes flashing yellow with his anger. He was standing next to the former vampire in a flash, his fists balled against his legs, trying hard to keep his demon in check. "Vampires just aren’t given souls."
"I bloody don’t know how I got it, alright? So back off peaches. Just because I’m not a vampire anymore doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass."
"I know how," Wesley stated quietly, looking down at his feet. His voice had barely been audible but Angel had caught it and so had Buffy.
"How did it happen, Wes, how?" Angel demanded with a growl.
******
Wesley took a step back from Angel. He could feel the anger rolling off of the vampire. "The Powers That Be gave him his soul after Buffy died." He took a deep breath, knowing that his next few sentences would only add to Angel’s anguish. "There was more to the Shanshu prophecy than what we had, Angel. I found more in the vaults at Wolfram and Hart."
"That impossible. I burned it."
"You burned a copy," Lilah sneered at him. "A forgery. The original was safe and sound in my files."
If Wesley hadn’t stepped in between the two, he was sure that Angel would have ripped her head off. "Angel, we had no idea of knowing, without the second part, that the prophecy wasn’t meant for you. If we’d had it, we certainly would have known that it was referring to William the Bloody. I’m sorry, Angel." His heart went out to the vampire.
"What makes him so god-damned more important, huh?" Angel raged as he pushed William, making the man stumble and almost fall. Buffy was there to support him, to keep him from falling as he had done so many times for her after she’d been brought back from the dead.
"Don’t touch him again Angel. I mean it."
Angel backed off after seeing the anger in her eyes. It was true. She really did have everything now, everything that he could never give her. Quietly he went back to his seat, turning his back to the others.
"Wes, please tell us the rest of the prophecy," Buffy begged. She needed to hear it. She needed to hear why the Powers had given Spike his soul and why it had to do with her.
Wesley recognized the need for information in her eyes. He walked over to where William stood, still in utter shock over the whole revelation. "The Powers gave you a soul because you performed a selfless act. You made a promise to the Slayer before her death and you honored that promise, whatever it was," he paused, hoping that William would elaborate.
William raised his hand and caressed Buffy’s cheek, all the while looking into her eyes. "I made a promise to a lady," he choked out in a whisper. It was such a simple promise, but he had made it in good faith and he had kept it out of love, love for the woman he thought he’d never have, or see again.
Dawn sat at the table watching the exchange, smiling and with tears running down her cheeks. She knew what that promise had been and it made her heart swell with love and admiration for the one time vampire. No one deserved to receive a soul more than Spike. She was so proud.
Wesley cleared his throat and continued, realizing that no more words were going to come out of William at this time. "However, it wasn’t just the promise that you kept that gave you your soul, it was your continued fight on the side of good that secured it. The prophecy stated that you would be faced with a choice after the death of the Slayer. The first choice would continue to lead you down the path of damnation and the second choice..."
"Redemption and restoration," William said softly.
"Correct. Shanshu. Therefore, you, Spike, are the Souled."
"And he and Buffy are paired," Giles added. "They’ve been sharing dreams about the Master for weeks now."
"The prophecy foretold that as well. I’m sorry that I couldn’t get word to you Rupert, I just couldn’t risk it."
"No, I understand. It was more important for us to have the document and you alive than to have you dead and nothing to show for it."
"Don’t worry," Lilah seethed. "He’ll be dead soon enough."
"Give it a rest already honey," Lorne sighed. "No one really cares what you have to say."
"I’ll agree with that one," Gunn added with grimace.
Suddenly the room erupted into an outburst of curses and accusations.
While most everyone was engaged in a war of words with the woman from the law firm, Willow watched in awe as Cordelia floated, a light emanating from within her. "Uh, would someone care to explain why Cordy’s gone all glowy and is floating?"
"It’s a vision thing," Fred replied as everyone turned his or her attention to Cordelia. "She gets like this when the powers are sending her a message."
"I hope they’re sending her an instruction booklet on how to defeat the Master," Dawn commented as she watched the glowing woman from across the room.
No one noticed the glazed look on Angel’s face or the fact that he was talking to himself until he started screaming. "Cordelia! No!"
