Guardians Of The Veil

By David Knapton

========== BtVS ==========

Dawn walked hand in hand with Kevin she looked over her shoulder at her best friend walking with her boyfriend Rob, "Now remember let me do all the talking." She smiled putting her hand on the shop door.

"Don't you always," said Lisa smirking.

Dawn stuck her tongue out as she pushed the door open and led them inside. Tara and Willow were studying some books at the table; Anya was just handing a young woman her purchase. Giles and Buffy were nowhere to be seen. Dawn guessed that they were probably in the back training. She looked at her friends all three had nervous looks on their faces.

"Don't worry guys, trust me," Dawn whispered to them.

"And what exactly shouldn't they be worried about?" Said Buffy walking out of the back with Giles, she was wiping her face in a towel.

All four jumped. As Dawn turned and smiled nervously at her sister, "Oh hi Buffy, you know Lisa and Kevin right and this is Rob."

"Yes Dawn I've know Lisa, who has been your best friend since we came to Sunnydale for 4 years ago and Kevin has been to our house for dinner quiet a bit over the last couple of months. Hi Lisa, Kevin, nice to met you Rob." She smiled at them before turning back to her sister, "So Dawn what shouldn't they be worried about?"

"Well after the other week when Tara was captured by those things that worship Glory or did... anyway you all explained about demons and vamps to them, well we were talking about it with Rob..."

"Dawnie the three of you haven't been telling people have you?" asked Tara, a worried look on her face.

"Of course not, we only told Rob because he's our friend." explained Dawn.

"Ok but you must understand that it is very important that you keep quiet, you have no idea the problems it would cause," put in Willow, shivering as she though of the last time things came out and Buffy and her almost got burned alive.

"Yeah we know. But what we were thinking was that you could teach us to fight vampires."

"No absolutely not," said Giles using the tone usually reserved for Buffy.

"But Giles," whined Dawn.

"No Buts... I have enough children around here as it is..." He stopped as he realized what he had just said, "I mean young people."

"So Giles you still think of us as children!" Said Willow arching her eyebrow.

"Ah... Oh... Huh... No of course not... Look it would be to dangerous, if they were hurt or even killed..." stuttered Giles trying to stir the conversation away from the revelation he had just let out.

"Giles wouldn't it be safer if we were with you rather than did it without you!" Said Dawn in a quiet voice.

"Ok be here at 10 tomorrow morning and Buffy will teach you how to defend yourselves. If she thinks your up to it you can come on patrol with us on three conditions, one you do as your told, two you do not try going out alone and three you stay home when we tell you, you can't come." Stated Willow.

Buffy arched her eyebrow at Willow, "Are you sure Will?"

"Yes I'm sure sweety you heard what Dawn said about going anyway and you know how stubborn she can be," smiled Willow.

"She is your sister after all Buffy," smirked Tara, receiving a raised eyebrow in return.

"Now just a minute Willow I will not have you inviting just anyone to join us. I'm Buffy's watcher. Patrol isn't a school outing it is far too dangerous."

"Yes Giles and I'm one of Buffy's girlfriends who do you think she will listen too? We'll keep them safe. Or would you rather they go out on there own."

Giles throw his arms up in the air, "Have it your own way Willow."

She walked over to him and patted him on the back, "Everything will be ok, you'll see."

Dawn smiled "Great we'll go now I'll see you at home later ok," she smiled as she led the others out, they heard her talking as she closed the door, "I told you, we'll be the Scooby Gang TNG."

"TNG!" Giles frowned.

"The Next Generation," smiled Willow, she turned to Buffy, "Make sure you give them a hard time tomorrow."

"Of course, I was thinking of getting Spike to help, get him to frighten the crap out of them."

"Good idea Buff." smiled Tara.

"What are you all talking about?" Asked a confused Giles.

Willow looked at him "Giles you don't think we are really going to allow them to patrol if we can help it..." They could see him start to blush, "You did! I'm really disappointed that you would think that. But anyway as I said you know how stubborn Dawn is so we think if we can discouraged them all the better."

"Well ah quite, but have you considered that they may not get discouraged."

"Yes. Well maybe! Anyway if they don't they will deserve to join us." smiled Willow.

"I think I'll go and do some paperwork in the office." Giles said as he left the public area shaking his head.

As Willow sat back down Buffy plumps down on Tara's lap and wraps her arms around her neck planting a kiss on her lips, "So my witchies have you finished your homework cuz we could oh I donno go home and do something more interesting."

Smirking Tara shook her head "Buffy you're incorrigible. Willow I think we've created a monster."

"Yeah but she's our monster," smiled Willow, "Yes we've finished for now, but we have dinner to make."

"We'll order pizza." Smiled Buffy.

"Ok let's go," Willow said gathering her things.

========== BtVS ==========

Buffy slowly licked her way down from Tara's breast towards her centre; she stopped at her naval blowing into it.

"That tickles," giggled Tara.

Willow leaned over grabbing Tara's nipple between her teeth grazing gently on it. Just as Buffy started to lick at Tara centre there was a gentle knock on the door. Having discussed it with Dawn they had agreed that if the door to their room was closed she would not enter without getting their permission first.

"Ah Buffy are you there only I think you should come down... There's someone here to see you." Came Dawn's voice from the other side, she sounded uneasy.

Tara giggled when all three of them moaned, "Who is it Dawnie?" She called out.

"It's Riley."

All three looked at each other, "Ok Dawn tell him I'll be there in a minute," said Buffy.

"Ok... I haven't told him anything."

"Ok," said Buffy as they started getting off the bed.

Buffy wrapped her robe around her naked body, "I'll go on down, come down when your ready." she said heading for the door.

Buffy walked with some trepidation into the living room; Riley rose as he saw her enter.

"Buffy I'm glad to see the rumour I heard about your death wasn't true."

"We'll actually the rumour wasn't exactly false!"

Confusion crossed his face, "What do you mean?"

"I died, but Willow, Tara and a demon called Kellem brought me back."

At that moment Dawn walked in carrying a tray of coffee, putting it down she turned to Buffy, "I think I'll go over to Lisa's for a while."

"Alright we'll see you later," smiled Buffy.

Just as the front door closed Willow and Tara walked in, "Where's Dawn gone?"

"She's gone to see Lisa. Coffee Riley," said Buffy sitting in the middle of the settee.

"Ah yeah... Thanks," answered Riley, he watched as Willow and Tara sat either side of Buffy each taking a mug that she pored for them.

"How are you?" Asked Willow.

"Great, I just got back from Central America. I have to decide if I want my commission back. They've given me a week to decide."

"So what are you doing here?" Asked Buffy.

"As I said I came to see if the rumour was true... So you two are staying here now?" Said Riley looking at the three identical robes they were wearing.

"Yeah we moved in about three months ago," said Willow.

"Two months three weeks and four days ago to be exact." put in Buffy smiling at them.

"I didn't know you were keeping count?" Tara smiled back.

"I'm not but she told me you are."

"Oh I forgot she would know." Nodded Tara.

"She! What are you talking about?" Asked Riley.

"It's a little complicated! It has to do with the way Willow, Tara and Kellem brought me back. It involved them being bound to me only it didn't work out exactly how they thought. Because I ended up only being bound to Willow and Tara." Buffy explained.

"Bound! What do you mean?" He asked looking more closely at how closely the three were sat to each other.

"Riley there is no really easy way to say this so here goes...... Our souls, our life force if you will is joined forever, we are lovers, soulmates..." Buffy tried to explain.

"Lovers. All three of you! Buffy do you know how weird that sounds! You're telling me you have become gay because of this bond? And have two girlfriends."

"Yes... No... I'm not sure!" she frowned trying to figure it out herself, "I mean I think I always had a thing for Willow," she smiled at the redhead, turning back to Riley, "Anyway there is no going back now even if I wanted to, which I don't not anymore."

Riley stood up; "Well at least this has made my decision for me."

"What do you mean?" Asked Buffy.

"I had hoped we could try again, I guess that's out... Look I think I better go." He started to move towards the door.

Buffy got up moving towards him, "Riley please don't leave like this," she said tears standing in her eyes.

"I'm sorry but you have no idea what it feels like to know your ex- girlfriend is with another girl let alone two girls."

"Please Riley I miss you. Can't you stay, be my friend!" The tears began to run down her cheeks.

"Buffy it was bad enough when I thought you were going back to Angel. There is no way I could stay and see you with Willow and Tara," he opened the door and walked out before turning to look at her for what he was sure would be the last time, "Goodbye Buffy maybe I'll see you around sometime." He walked to his car got in and drove down the street.

Buffy stayed on the porch until his car had disappeared into the distance; she turned and went back inside. Willow and Tara were still on the settee they could see the tears and feel the sadness coming from her, she sat back down and rested her head on Willow's shoulder as the redhead held her gently.

"I did love him. Why couldn't I tell him that?"

"We know you did sweetie but I think you know he was right, it would have been the worse type of torture for him to stay here... Maybe one day." Said Tara gently stroking Buffy's hair.

"Yeah I know, but it doesn't make it any easier."

"Do you wanna go back upstairs?" Willow asked wiping the tears from her cheek.

"No the moods gone sour, can we just stay here I just want you to hold me," she answered almost like a small child.

"Of course sweetie," Buffy turned around so she was facing Tara before easing herself onto Willow's lap and putting her legs into Tara's lap.

That was how Dawn and Lisa found them when they walked in about an hour later, all three were asleep. Dawn motioned her friend to be quiet and to follow her up to her room.

Lisa plumped down on Dawn's bed looking around; "It still seems strange to think of this as your room and not your sister's."

"Yeah I know but after Buffy finally sorted out her feelings for Willow and Tara I couldn't stay in my old room, I could hear way to much."

"Doesn't it freak you out? I mean thinking of your sister with two other women."

"Yeah sometimes but I know they love each other. And I can get away with a lot more stuff now than I could when it was just Buffy and me living here."

"Is that right!" came a voice from the doorway.

Dawn jumped as she turned to see Willow stood there her arms crossed, "Oh hi Willow did you have a nice nap?"

"Yes thanks, I came to ask if Lisa was staying for dinner."

"Yeah if that's ok!" Said Dawn looking nervously at Lisa.

"Fine," nodded Willow turning to go, but stopping and putting her head back around the door, "Oh and you can do the washing up for what is left of this week and all next week... After all Tara and I don't what you to think we'll let you get away with anything, do we."

Dawn groaned as she sat down on her bed, "I just had to open my big mouth."

"Well it could have been worse she could have changed you into a frog for a week." Laughed Lisa.

"Now that's one thing I know she wouldn't do cuz she has frog fear," smiled Dawn.

"Do you think she would teach me some spell's?" Mused Lisa.

"I donno we could ask her, but I think we should wait until after they let us join the gang."

"Do you think they will?"

"Knowing Buffy and the others they probably plan to try and frighten you off tomorrow when you start training, I wouldn't put it past them to ask Spike to help them." Dawn half smiled, she knew how her sister's mind worked, that was how she could annoy her sister so easily when growing up.

"Spike that vampire that was here when those things broke in?"

"Yeah he's really cool, he used to be this really badass vamp when he came here, but this secret government agency did something to him so he can't hurt people. He still moans about it, but I think he's starting to realize that it's the only thing that stops Buffy from dusting him."

========== BtVS ==========

The next day Dawn and her friends entered the training room the only one there was Buffy. Willow and Tara were in the shop helping Anya and Giles with the customers. Buffy had told them to dress in comfortable loose fitting clothes.

She started them off slow showing them how to block various attacks, Lisa seemed to pick it up quiet quickly, so after about half an hour she paired them off Dawn with Lisa and Kevin with Rob.

"Now I want you to practice, one of you attack while the other defends then when I tell you, you change places, Dawn and Kevin you attack first, and Dawn just remember you've had more experience so be careful. Begin."

As she watched them she would occasionally give them instructions on what they were doing wrong, Kevin and Rob were quiet good, Rob was doing a good job of stopping Kevin's attacks but some did connect. Lisa was stopping everyone of Dawn's attacks, after a few minutes Dawn realized that Lisa seemed to be a natural so she began to use all the training that Buffy had taught her over the last couple of months but still Lisa easily block them. When Buffy told them to change Dawn found herself on the mate in seconds.

"Stop," called Buffy when they all turned to look at her she smiled, "I want to check on something I want you all the line up side by side about three feet apart facing away from the door. I want you all to try and sense your surroundings, try and sense where I am in the room."

<Please ask Willow and Tara to bring Giles in here he should see this, tell them to be quiet.> Buffy asked the bond.

Buffy walked quietly over to the weapons rack and picked up a knife, she saw the others coming in, she put her finger to her lips as she saw Giles about to ask her something. She walked back to the middle of the room balancing the knife in her hand, "Keep trying to feel where I am... Lisa catch," she throw the knife at Lisa's back.

Lisa spun around and instinctively caught the knife by the handle. The look on her face told them that she was as surprised as everyone else, with the exception of Buffy.

"How did you do that?" Asked Dawn.

"I don't know!" Frowned Lisa.

"Lisa don't worry about it, I'll explain it to you later. I'll see you all here at 6 tonight before we all go on patrol," smiled Buffy trying to give them something else to think about, "Dawn we'll see you at home about 4 so we can have something to eat okay... And guys remember keep your mouths shut... Oh and if your parents want to know where your going you can tell them you're going to be at my house."

They all trooped out of the training area heading for the exit.

"Buffy what just happened?" Asked Tara.

"Let's go to the office we need to talk." Buffy said by way of answering, at their nods Giles led the way.

They sat around just looking at each other before Tara broke the silence, "Is she a slayer!"

"Yes she must have become active when I died. How come the council didn't find her?" said Buffy.

"I... Ah didn't get around to informing them you had died. At first there was all the arrangements to be made, then when you came back there seemed no point!" Explained Giles.

"So now what?" Asked Willow.

"I better phone the council," said Giles reaching for the phone.

"NO," said Buffy grabbing his arm.

Giles frowned, "Buffy the council need to know they will want to send a watcher," he explained.

"Yeah and ruin another girl's life! Giles she's the same age I was when I was called, it ruined my life... at least at first. I don't what the council to know, let her have a life. Between us we can train her, teach her everything she needs to know. After all it's not as if we're really in need of another slayer!" Buffy pleaded with him. "I wonder if this will happen every time you die!" mused Tara, they all looked at her, "Well Willow and I will always be able to bring you back. But still it's something we should think about. I mean unless we eventually tell the council about us they are going to get suspicious when all these other slayers start popping up!"

"Well as much as it makes me happy to know you two can do that I think we have plenty of time to decide if we are going to tell the council, after all I don't plan on dying that often." Buffy grabbed hold of Tara's hand giving it a gentle squeeze as she smiled at her.

"All right I'll not contact the council. You do realize if they find out they'll probably fire me again," smirked Giles.

"Well we'll just have to keep it quiet. After patrol tonight we'll all have a talk with her, try and explain everything and leave it up to her if she wants the council involved then we'll support her in whatever she decides." Smiled Buffy.

"Very well Buffy we'll do it your way," Giles said returning her smile.

Giles did not normally go on patrol these days but felt under the circumstances he needed to be there to observe Lisa. So as there were so many going they split into two groups Giles, Lisa, Dawn and their boyfriends went with Buffy, while Willow, Tara, Xander and Anya went with Spike.

The two groups split the cemeteries between them while Buffy's group swept Weatherly Park and Spikes took the area around the bronze. Between them they dusted 7 vamps and 2 demons, Dawn and Lisa made a surprisingly good team with a little help from Kevin and Rob they dusted two vampires.

As both Kevin and Rob lived near the park so they saw them home before going back to Buffy's house where Lisa was staying as her parents had a family crisis in LA and wouldn't be back until tomorrow. Willow and Tara were already home when they got there, Buffy turned to Dawn and Lisa, "Why don't you two go and wash up then come into the kitchen we need to talk to you."

After they sat Lisa down they explained that she was a slayer and all that entailed.

"Now Buffy asked me not to contact the council, because she feels under the circumstances that the decision should be yours!" explained Giles.

"What would this council do?" Asked a slightly worried Lisa.

"Well for one thing they would assign you your own watcher, Buffy really forced them to reinstate me as her watcher. This watcher would be responsible for your training and telling you where you had to patrol. I don't wish to alarm you but if they decided you needed to be in another part of the country they have enough power to have your parents jobs moved to that area."

"Did that happen with me?" asked a suddenly angry Buffy.

Giles turned a level gaze at her, "I cannot be certain all I was told was that the slayer was coming to Sunnydale and that they had secured me a job as the school librarian."

Buffy nodded musing over everything that had happened between her setting the gym on fire and their arrival in Sunnydale. Several things suddenly slotted into place like her expulsion from Hemry even though there was no proof she had started the fire, an acquaintance of her mum's telling her that the gallery here was up for sale.

"Ah Buffy what do you think I should do?" asked Lisa.

"Huh what... Oh sorry just thinking about something! Well as anyone here will tell you I don't like the council, I only tolerate them because they can help. But one thing me and Faith the other slayer learned the hard way is that they don't care about us. To them all we are is a weapon they can use against the dark, if we die so what another will be sent to replace us." Lisa could hear the contempt in what Buffy was saying.

"Lisa whatever you decide we will help you, your part of our little family know," smiled Willow the others nodded their agreement.

"Yeah Lis you're my best friend, beside we make a good team with my brains and your strength we can't lose!" smirked Dawn trying to make her friend laugh.

"Well as long as it's not my brains and your strength!" She laughed before turning a serious expression towards Giles, "Will you be my watcher Mr Giles if Buffy trusts you, I trust you."

Giles smiled as he got up, "Very well we will start your training tomorrow, Buffy can you bring her to the magic shop about 9.30."

Buffy stage whispered to Lisa "See what you've done it took me years to get Giles to let me have Sundays off and now I have to start helping him train you."

"Very funny Buffy. Goodnight I'll see you in the morning," with that he left them.

Buffy got up smiling, "Right girls slumber party."

========== BtVS ==========

To cover Lisa's training schedule Giles gave her a weekend job at the shop; she also started to hangout with Dawn more at the shop after school. Then luck was with them when Lisa's mum had to stay in LA during the week when her company temporally transferred her to their offices there, Buffy agreed to let Lisa stay at her home until the school year ended.

After a week or so Lisa started patrolling each night with Buffy and one or two of the others. After a couple of weeks with some trepidation Buffy and Giles allowed her to go out on her own, but only when she took a pager and stuck to a set route.

By the end of the school year Buffy and Giles regarded Lisa as a good slayer, only Willow and Tara knew how proud Buffy was of her pupil. Lisa's mum took her to LA to stay with her until she was transferred back at the end of August. Buffy contacted Angel and arranged for her 'to work in is office' helping Cordelia and Fred. Her mother was very pleased to think that Lisa was getting some experience of the real world.

A couple of days after they said goodbye to Lisa, Hank and Jennifer came to pick up Dawn for the summer, his company had finally transferred him to San Diego, she promised to phone them regularly and that she would see them the week before school started. After a quick patrol that night Buffy made it clear to what was left of the gang that she and her girlfriends, who had stayed at home to get dinner for the three of them, were under no circumstances short of the end of the world to be called or visited for the next twenty four hours.

Buffy shut the front door behind her and turned the lock, she smiled it had been almost four days since she had made lover to her girlfriends. The anticipation had been building all day, her dad and Jennifer had arrived that morning to pick up Dawn and stayed most of the day. Which of course meant no kissing, no touching and defiantly no sex.

<We're waiting for us in the dinning room.>

<Thanks.> Buffy thought back. It was still a little strange to know that the bond was always there in hers as well as Will and Tara's heads. But at least they could tell each other stuff without the risk of being overheard. But they did find much to Buffy's disappointment that the bond wouldn't give away any secrets or surprises the others knew.

She walked into the dining room, the room was bathed in soft candlelight, stood side by side next to the table were two naked witches, what was it they called it, skyclad! Yeah that was it skyclad, Buffy's mind informed her as her lust filled eyes slowly took in the sight.

She could see the mischief in their eyes as Willow smiled at her before announcing, "Your dinners ready!"

Buffy throw a quick glance at the empty table before returning to stare at her girlfriends, she slowly walked towards them, "Buffy very hungry," she said slipping into what they thought of as cave slayer speech! She grabbed hold of their hands and led them up to the bedroom.

As Buffy began to lead them to the bed they pulled her up short, she turned arching her eyebrow. They smiled at her; "You're way over dressed Buff." pointed out Willow as she started to unbutton her blouse. Tara wrapped her arms around Buffy from behind planting kisses on her neck as her hands slowly began to undo her leather pants.

They worked in tandem to remove her clothes, as Willow was ready to remove her blouse Tara had finished unfastening her pants slowly pulling them down as she knelt behind her. Buffy lifted her legs automatically for her to fully remove them, as she slowly trailed her hands up towards Buffy's panties it caused a shiver go through each of them as they opened themselves fully to the things that they were each feeling.

Willow reached around and unclipped Buffy's bra; as she leaned in and started sucking on her pulse point, Buffy let out a moan. She brought her hands up to lightly caress Willow's breasts before moving one of her hands to her head and pulling on her hair gently until Willow pulled back far enough for her to capture her lips in a bruising kiss forcing Willow's lips apart she pushed her tongue into her mouth. Meanwhile Tara had removed Buffy's panties and was planting kisses up the back of her thighs finally reaching her butt cheeks, a mischievous grin appeared on her face, leaning in she lightly kissed the right cheek before she bite the same spot.

Buffy let out a yelp and jumped about a foot into the air, she looked crossly at Tara who wore an apologetic expression, "I'm sorry but I couldn't help myself your dimples looked so cute I wanted to eat them up." she smirked.

Buffy tried to look over her shoulder to see the damage, "Mmm your forgiven but I think you should kiss it better," she smirked.

"Of course I'll kiss your booboo better." She moved back in as Buffy turned around to give her access she began placing kiss on the area then wrapping her arms around Buffy's hips she rested the side of her check on the spot, "Better."

"Better, ah guys now that I'm wearing exactly the same amount of clothes as you two can I have my dinner now!" she grinned.

"Oh yeah, we want a special!" smiled Willow. Special was the word they used when they wanted her to use her mental training as she did the first night she made love to them.

As they moved towards their bed she smirked, "Ok but it's been a couple of weeks! I'm a bit out of practice it may take me several try's to get it right!"

"That's alright Buffy we don't mind you practising on us." Smiled Tara.

========== BtVS ==========

<Oh my head. What's that ringing?> thought Buffy.

<It's the phone dummy!>

<Hey watch who your calling a dummy.>

<Well we are! We cut ourselves off from the bond to increase our sexual gratification and then moan about the headache we get in the morning.>

"Will answer the phone its making my head hurt." Groaned Buffy.

"You get it your closer," whispered Willow, "And please don't shout!" Buffy rolled over and grabbed the phone struggling to get it the right way up, "Whoever this is your dead." She growled down the phone.

"Ah... Is that you Buffy?" Came Giles voice on the other end, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," she looked over at the clock it said 8.30, "I only went to sleep about 3 hours ago!"

"Why is there a problem?"

"No Giles the three of us were renewing the bond, you know that thing we have to do to stay alive, would you like the details! Cuz we haven't been able to do it for four days!" Buffy continued to growl down the phone.

"Ah that's alright Buffy, do you mind if I come over I need to discuss something with the three of you."

"What is it?"

"Oh nothing much, I just wondered if you three would like to help some friends of mine out in England."

"England!" Exclaimed Buffy sitting up, fully awake now.

"Yes England."

"You better come over. Give us about an hour okay."

"Very well, see you in a while then, bye Buffy."

"Bye," said Buffy quietly almost to herself as she replaced the receiver.

She turned to the others, who were still tangled up in the bedclothes as well as each other, oblivious to the phone conversation. She shook them gently, "Guys that was Giles... He want's us to go to England." Two sets of eyes sprang open as they tried to untangle themselves from the bedclothes and sit up, Buffy laughed then continued, "Giles is coming over he'll be here in an hour. While you two shower I'll fix us breakfast then I'll take my shower," she said springing off their bed.

When Giles arrived he got straight to the point.

"Several powerful Witches near my former home have vanished over the last week. There have also been several deaths and for some unknown reason according to a friend the police have been told not to do anything other than go through the motions of finding who is responsible. Several covens fear this may be the start of a new burning time all be it covertly! They know I'm the watcher of the slayer so they asked Olivia to contact me."

Willow turned to Buffy, "If they are right we must help them, I mean if it is a new burning time how long before it spreads to other countries including the US."

"Okay we'll help if we can! But how are we going to afford the airfare?"

"That's alright Buffy I can pay for all of us to go. And if it turns out to be something supernatural the council will reimburse yours and my fare." Explained Giles.

"Ok great. Giles you go and order the tickets, Anya can run the shop, as its summer Hellmouth activity is minimal so with Kevin and Rob's help her and Xander should be able to hold down the fort. I'll phone Dawn let her know we'll be away for a while get her to tell dad you invited us to visit some friends of yours in England." Buffy got up to phone her sister.

"Right Tara we better go pack some clothes. Ah Giles what should we pack? Will we need warm clothing and our raincoats?"

"Willow its summer there as well! It may not be as hot or sunny as California but contrary to what you may have heard it does not always rain in England... Although it is the middle of the cricket season... Maybe you should pack your raincoats!" Then to himself, "I wonder if I'll be able to watch the Ashes!"

Tara and Willow turned confused looks at each other, then Willow shrugged, "Must be an English thing!" Tara nodded as they left to pack. ========== BtVS ==========

Chapter 2 ========== BtVS ==========

Six hours later they were on a plane bound for New York where they would get a connection to London. The plane was less than half-full, Buffy, Willow and Tara were sat together while Giles sat across the gangway on his own. Buffy turned to Tara who was sat in the middle; she smiled as she slowly ran her finger up and down Tara's forearm. Tara turned to see her face full of mischief she smiled back as Buffy leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Baby you wanna join the mile high club?"

Tara's eyes bugged out as Willow who was sat opposite Giles began to choke on the coffee she had been drinking, Tara turned to Willow thumping her on the back before turning back to Buffy, "Buffy what are we going to do with you?" She said shaking her head.

"Anything you want baby!" Smirked Buffy stretching like a pampered cat. Over the months since she had finally excepted their relationship Buffy's sex-drive had increased dramatically; she was almost always the instigator of their love making.

<Tell Buffy to behave.> thought Willow.

<Why we think it would be fun.>

<Yes I know we do, BUT we have to keep our hormones in check... For now anyway!>

Buffy turned to Willow, "Spoil my fun."

<Willow said to tell us if we don't behave we will tell Giles who broke the statue of Diana in the shop last week.>

Buffy's eyes bugged out, "You wouldn't?"

"Try me, now behave," smiled Willow.

Buffy sank back into her seat a pout on her face, Tara smiled as she leaned over her, "I promise that we'll more than make up for it when we get to England we'll let you have your naughty way with us."

"Promise," smirked Buffy.

"Have I ever lied to you?"

"Yes on our four month anniversary."

"Well yeah but that was because we wanted to surprise you, that doesn't count," smirked Tara.

"Ok I'll behave until we get there, then I'll have my wicked way with you." ========== BtVS ==========

It was 9.30 in the morning by the time they got through customs, carrying their luggage they exited the terminal.

"So what now Giles?" Asked Buffy.

"There's suppose to be someone to meet us."

"So why didn't they hold one of those funny little signs up with 'Giles party' on or something," asked Willow.

"Because it's supposed to be someone I know," sighed Giles.

"Who?" Asked Buffy.

"Olivia didn't say just that it was a surprise."

Just then they heard a female voice call out to Giles just before he was almost bowled over as a blonde girl who looked to be a few years older than them, Giles was trying to hold onto his bags and hug the girl at the same time.

"Uncle Rupert you finally got here, we were looking for you inside, have you been waiting long?" She asked.

"No we just got through customs. Sarah this is the Slayer Buffy Summers and her two girlfriends Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay... Buffy, Willow, Tara this is my niece Sarah Grant."

"Girlfriends! That's gotta be fun," smirked Sarah, "Nice to meet you," she shook their hands.

"So I assume you have a car," asked Giles.

"Yeah after I spotted you I sent Jimmy to get it... Oh here he is now," smiled Sarah.

They all turned to see a man with short brown hair and glasses pull up in a people carrier, he got out and came around to help with their luggage.

"Jimmy this is my Uncle Rupert, and his friends Buffy, Willow and Tara... Guys this is my boyfriend James Smith."

"Pleased to meet you," he smiled.

"Your American?" Smiled Buffy.

"Yeah, Iowa to be exact. I came here with the Air Force."

"Great another farmboy!" Groaned Buffy.

Sarah look confused, while James had an annoyed look on his face.

Willow turned to give Buffy an angry stare before turning back to the others, "I apologize for my girlfriend's attitude, but she use to go out with a boy from Iowa. They broke up, then he came back a while ago and got upset that she was with Tara and me then left again."

Buffy looked embarrassed; "Yeah I'm sorry I don't really have an excuse other than jetlag."

"Apology excepted. Now lets get your luggage loaded," smiled James picking up a bag.

The three of them curled up on the backseat and were asleep before they had gone a mile.

Buffy lifted her head from Willow's shoulder looking out the window they were travelling through countryside it was raining lightly she looked back at the others in the car the only ones that seemed to be awake were Sarah and James.

"Have a nice sleep?" Asked Sarah looking at Buffy through the rear- view mirror.

"Yes thanks, so is it much further?"

"No we're almost there about twenty minutes or so."

"So Sarah what do you do?" Asked Buffy stifling a yawn.

"I work for a publishing company."

"That sounds interesting what type of publishing?"

"Mainly guide book I get to travel now that I got promoted, I get to check out the different facilities in cities all over Europe its great," smiled Sarah.

"What about you James? In the Air Force I mean."

"I'm a systems analyst at an Airbase in Gloucestershire," said James turning round, "And call me Jimmy, only the older people around here call me James."

"Okay Jimmy I have no idea where that is! You should get on well with Willow she's our resident computer nerd. So how did you two meet?"

"We meet when Jimmy was initiated into the covenant my mum and dad are the high priest and priestess of," smiled Sarah.

"So your both witches you'll get on well with Will and Tara, you can talk Witchy stuff."

"I take it your not into the Craft!" said Jimmy smiling.

"Na I leave that to my girlfriends, being a slayer is enough for me."

"What's it like being a slayer?" He asked.

"When I was first called you can't imagine how much my life sucked, I lost all my so called friends, got expelled from school."

"I know want you mean." said Sarah barely above a whisper.

"Huh," said Buffy.

"Nothing... So how did you meet Willow and Tara?"

"Well I met Will when I moved to Sunnydale, we went to school together her and a guy called Xander found out about me being the slayer and helped."

"What about Tara?"

"I met her through Willow when we went to College."

"Ah tell me to mind my own business if you like, but how come the three of you are together?" asked Sarah.

"No its ok, well let's see, about 18 months ago Willow and Tara got together then about 6 months ago I died. The ritual they used to bring me back bound the three of us together forever now we are almost like one soul inhabiting three bodies."

"Couldn't have put it better myself!" Smiled Willow wiping the sleep out of her eyes.

"Morning sweety... or whatever," smiled Buffy giving her a peek on the lips.

"Mmm morning... So were are we?"

"How should I know England."

"We're just coming to my parents home in a place called Timsbury." Explained Sarah.

"So what can you tell us about what's going on?" asked Willow.

"Not much I've only been back in the country myself for a couple of days, mum will have to feel us all in at home," Sarah explained before turning to Jimmy, "I should have been here, not trying to farther my career."

"Sarah your mum gave you her blessing, you shouldn't beat yourself up over it." Said Jimmy putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Buffy and Willow exchanged a confused look.

They were quite for what remained of the journey; they pulled up outside what Willow had always imagined every British country house looked like. Olde worlde with a thatched roof, a woman with longish blonde hair about Giles age was waiting at the door, she looked enough like Sarah that Willow guessed she must be her mother.

They all piled out of the car while Buffy and Giles helped Jimmy get their luggage Sarah led Willow and Tara up to the woman who she hugged.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here mum," said Sarah.

"You have nothing to be sorry about, but we'll talk about it later. Now are you going to make the introductions."

"Ok mum this is Willow, Tara and Buffy guys this is my mum Louisa Grant."

"Welcome, please come in," smiled Louisa.

"Thank you Mrs Grant," said Willow.

"Please call me Louisa or Lou Mrs Grant is my mother-in-law," laughed Louisa.

"Alright Louisa it is," Laughed Willow, her laughter seemed to be infectious.

When everyone was inside Louisa turned to Giles taking him into her arms, "I've missed you little brother. How have you been? You haven't written for a long time."

"I've missed you too Lou, I'm sorry for not writing more but things got a bit hectic this year."

"And the award for understatement goes to my watcher," Buffy shock her head from side to side. "Giles we had to fight a god... Oh yeah and I died," she laughed rolling her eyes.

"Yes well quiet," smiled Giles.

"You died?" Asked Louisa.

"It's a long story when we have time Willow, Tara and I will tell you."

"Well I think the four of you should have a little rest, then we'll have something to eat before going to meet the others." Said Louisa.

"Very well, we are sort of tired," said Giles stifling a yawn.

"We're a bit pushed for space here, so I hope you three girls don't mind sharing?" Smiled Louisa. Sarah and the three lovers burst out laughing, "What's so funny?" she asked confusion clear for all to see on her face.

"Mum there in a relationship together as in gay."

"Oh I see, well then you definitely won't mind," laughed Louisa, "Sarah can you show them to Di's room."

As Sarah showed them to their room Willow turned to her, "Whose Di?"

"My older sister, she's in the states at the moment," smiled Sarah as she pushed the bedroom door open, "I'm afraid its going to be a squeeze with the three of you in her bed but I'm sure you won't mind that," they could see the mischief in her eyes.

"I think I'm going to like you Sarah," said Buffy returning Sarah's smirk.

"I think that goes both ways Buffy, I'll leave you to get some rest now," Sarah said leaving the room. She stuck her head back around the door a second later, "oh almost forgot we need to leave here by about 7 tonight, so have a nice rest you three," she laughed and closed the door.

Tara went to the bed and tested it, "Goddess I'm tired," she yawned beginning to unbutton her blouse.

Buffy stood in the middle of the room, her hands on her hips, "Oh no you don't, you promised I could have my wicked way with you if I behaved on the plane."

"But Buffy we're tired," said Willow also beginning to undress.

"Oh really," smiled Buffy coming up to Willow and grabbing the sides of her head and planting a passionate kiss on her mouth. On hearing a low whimper coming from her Buffy broke the kiss and saw the lust in Willow's eyes, "Are you sure?"

On hearing Tara moan the other two turned to her, her eyes sprang open as she sensed her lovers looking at her.

"I don't think I would feel right making love in a strangers bed," she whispered as if she feared someone might have been listening at the door.

"Tara baby they know we're going to have sex... well Sarah does and probably Giles and Louisa as well, and-and you did promise Buffy we would and-and you should always keep your promises... unless its to get away from some evil vampire or something..." Babbled Willow beginning to get aroused at what Buffy hand was doing to her breast. <Where did my bra go!>

<It's on the floor where Buffy dropped it.> Replied the bond helpfully.

<Oh right I forgot.> Willow thought back as she let out a moan.

"I don't know about this," said Tara as she watched what Buffy was doing to Willow.

Buffy could hear in her voice as well as the smell of Tara's building arousal that her resistance was crumbling, "Tara baby why don't you come over here and help me with Willow," she said before taking one of Willow's nipples into her mouth.

"Uh okay," she replied almost in a dais as she got up and walked over to them. ========== BtVS ==========

It was 6.30 when they came down to see Giles sat with Louisa, Sarah and a rather large overweight man.

"Good evening did you sleep well?" Said Giles.

"Yes thank," said Buffy catching the smirk on Sarah face out of the corner of her eye, "So where's Jimmy?" She asked looking around.

"He got called back to base, something about a problem with the computers." Said Sarah. "Oh this is my dad John, dad this is Buffy, Willow and Tara."

"Pleased to meet you Mr Grant," said Willow.

"John please," he said taking a large curved pipe out of this mouth.

"Ok John," Nodded Willow.

"There's some food for you in the dining room. When you're ready we'll leave to meet the others," said John pointing at what they assumed was the dining room

"Thanks," smiled Buffy leading the way out of the room.

When they sat down Buffy looked towards the door to the room the others were in, "Something more than some missing witches is going on I can feel it."

"What do you mean Buffy? I don't think they mean us or Giles harm," said Willow.

"I don't mean they what to harm anyone, it's just that they are holding something back."

"I think your right Buffy they are very worried about it," said Tara, "But I mostly feel fear coming from them but I can't tell what about!"

Because there was so may going to the meeting and Jimmy had taken the people carrier Buffy, Willow and Tara went with John in his car, while Giles and Sarah went with Louisa. They parked the cars and walked the couple of hundred yards to a pub.

Buffy who was bringing up the rear stopped at the entrance slowly scanning the surrounding buildings the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end she knew someone no scratch that something was watching her. She sighed as she looked up at the name 'The Hobgoblin', <Hope there isn't really a Hobgoblin.> then walked into the large room with a bar at the far end, in the middle of the room was a wide staircase leading down to another room. The bar was full of mostly young people two men were stopping anyone from going down the stairs. As they got closer they heard one of the men tell a young girl that there was a private function going on.

On seeing John and Louisa the two men let them pass, they led the group down the stairs and around behind them. Sat at a table near the back was Jimmy the only other person Buffy could see was a woman behind the bar.

As they took their seats at a couple of tables Sarah gave Jimmy a quick peck then grabbed Buffy's arm, "Let's get the drinks in," she looked at her parents, "You want your usual."

"Yes dear that will be nice," her mum smiled.

"Yeah sweetheart," smiled Jimmy.

"Uncle Rupert?" Sarah asked looking at Giles.

"Pint of 6X," he smiled, "I haven't had one for over 4 years."

"I don't think so little brother," Louisa said shaking her head then looked at Sarah, "Get him a half," as Sarah smirked Louisa turned back to Giles seeing the look he was directing at her. "It's to strong and we have a lot to talk about, I don't want you embarrassing me by falling around drunk."

"Oh all right Lou," Giles sighed.

"Giles you're so whipped," laughed Buffy, stopping almost instantly when Willow and Tara shot her disapproving looks.

"Come on Buffy lets get the drinks," said Sarah getting a nod from Buffy.

On getting to the bar Sarah introduced Buffy to the barmaid, "Hi Mary this is Buffy she's the Slayer who has come to help, Buffy this is Mary Hunt she's a friend and a hedge witch."

Buffy extended her hand, "Nice to meet you Mary, what's a hedge witch?"

"In the simplest terms it means I practise the Craft on my own. So Sarah what can I get everyone?"

"We'll have our usual plus half a 6X," Sarah said then turned to Buffy, "What are you three going to have... I know Mary get them three rum and cokes."

Buffy looked around nervously before shaking her head, "Tara and Willow don't drink alcohol, I don't think they would approve of me having alcohol either and anyway were underage," she half smiled.

"And you said uncle Rupert is whipped, the legal age in this country Buffy is 18 not 21," laughed Sarah.

"No I'm not," pouted Buffy, "Alright I'll have a rum and coke but Willow and Tara will just have cokes."

"So how do you like Britain Buffy," asked Mary while going about preparing their drinks.

"Nice enough I suppose what I've seen, which isn't much as I was asleep on the drive from the airport, but is it always so cold and wet?" said Buffy giving a little shiver.

"No not really but I think coming from Southern California you've been spoilt," laughed Sarah, before turning to Mary putting on a sober expression, "I heard that our sisters Julie and Ann were the one's that were killed we'll find out who is behind this and revenge their deaths."

Mary nodded half smiling, "I hope so Sarah," she said as she handed over the tray of drinks, "These are on the house in memory of Julie and Ann."

"Thanks we'll talk later ok," said Sarah returning the half smile.

As Buffy followed Sarah back to the others she was frowning, she turned to Sarah, "What's going on here Sarah why did you say that this Julie and Ann were your sisters?"

"Everything will be explained when the others arrive I can't tell you very much anyway," Sarah sighed.

"Ok but I'm not known for my patience."

"Nor am I, I knew I'd like you Buffy," Sarah laughed putting the tray down.

Buffy noticed other women and a few men coming down the stairs some around her age while others were older one had to be about 60. She took a seat beside Willow and sipped her drink, deciding she liked the taste she felt her girlfriends eyes on her, looking up she gave them her best innocent look, "What!"

"No more tonight ok," said Willow her resolve face in place.

"Ok... But it does taste nice," answered Buffy.

Sarah leaned over and smirked at Buffy, "Like I said you're so whipped."

"Sarah that will do its none of your business," said Louisa sternly.

"Yes mother," answered Sarah lowering her head.

Buffy smirked, "Whose whipped?"

Sarah looked up beginning to blush; the look started Buffy, Jimmy, and her parents laughing very shortly it spread to the others finally Sarah joined in almost falling off her chair setting everyone off again.

"So did you solve the computer problem?" Asked Willow with a certain professional interest.

"Yeah someone had tried hacking into the base computer database, what was strange was they didn't seem to be after military secrets but recent delivers of spare parts and food orders... anyway whoever it was didn't really have a clue they got detected by the security program, they were picked up by the police in a house in London." He took a sip of his beer before smiling, "At least there was one good point about getting called back, I ran into an old friend from home he arrived just before I left to come here he wants to meet you Sarah."

"Well see if he can come to Cadillacs on Friday we'll see if we can set him up with someone... He's not married or anything is he?" said Sarah.

"No the last I heard Riley was still single although he was dating someone up to about 6 months ago," smiled Jimmy.

"Sorry Jimmy but did you just say your friends name is Riley, that wouldn't be Riley Finn by any chance would it?" Asked Buffy going slightly pale at the possibility that it could be her former boyfriend.

"Yeah, why do you know him..." Jimmy asked, then the realisation dawned on him, "He was the boyfriend from Iowa you broke-up with."

"Y-yes. What's he doing here?" asked Buffy.

"No idea the last time I saw him he was taken out of special force training for some other job," answered Jimmy.

"That would have been the Initiative," put in Willow grabbing Buffy's hand.

"The Initiative!" asked Jimmy frowning.

"The Initiative James was a covert wing of the US Government that at face value was after stopping the Demons and Vampires getting out of hand. But what they were really doing was far more sinister they hoped to create a super soldier," explained Giles.

"Did they succeed?" Asked Sarah.

"Oh yes but the creature Adam as its creator named it had plans of its own, it killed its creator and collected most of the local demons into an army. We finally managed to destroy him but it was a close run thing," sighed Giles shaking his head as he though of the arrogance of most Governments and the people who ran them.

"Jimmy if you see him again will you do both of us a favour and don't mention you know about us or that I'm in England," Buffy pleaded with him.

"Of course, I doubt I'll see him again anyway but if I do he won't hear anything from me," stated Jimmy.

Suddenly James, Louisa, John and Sarah as well as most of the others in the room sprang to their feet facing the two women who had just come down the stairs. Buffy recognised one as Olivia Giles friend the other was about 5'6 slightly over weight with shoulder length dark brown hair. Buffy also noticed Mary coming over and watched as she hugged the woman that held everyone's attention.

Giles frowned at the woman before rising and walking over to her, "Maggie!"

"Ripper how have you been?" smiled Maggie; "It must be almost 20 years."

He smiled back as he hugged her, "I go by Rupert these days, I didn't know you knew Olivia or Lou."

"Yes for many years now, they kept me apprised of your location and what you were doing," replied Maggie.

Giles frowned, "Why? And why didn't they tell me?" He didn't like being kept in the dark.

"For several reasons, for one thing I forbade them from telling you, for another our Seer was sent a vision that one day you and your young charges would be needed. But mostly because you were a watcher and may have told the council about us, they are not to be completely trusted," explained Maggie.

"Something I can relate too," smirked Buffy.

"Yes dear I'm sure you can, but that will..." she stopped as they all heard screams coming from the room above and then one of the men that had been stopping people coming down stairs appeared at the rail seeking someone. When he saw Maggie he shouted to her, "My lady several dozen vampires have entered the pub, for your own safety you must leave."

"Quickly the back door get it open," ordered Maggie before turning to Mary, "You and your sisters must stop them, meet us at the mine when you can," she then turned to Buffy, "Would you help them dear, the sisters have not got your experience with vampires. It's imperative that none get away to report to their Mistress."

"Okay but when this is over I want answers," said Buffy picking up a chair and snapping off one of the legs to use as an impromptu stake and running to the stairs, she was followed by Sarah, Mary and six other young women.

Meanwhile Maggie had turned to the others, "We must go it is not time to confront the Warlock or her minions."

"But we have to help Buffy," said Tara not liking the idea of leaving her.

Willow nodded her agreement; "We can't leave her."

"You must you two are to important to the Goddess to die in a meaningless skirmish. Your Buffy will be fine but if you go to help her you could accidentally hurt the sisters who are use to fighting together, Buffy being the Slayer will be able to adapt to their fighting style," Maggie tried to reassure them. "Please trust me on this everything will be fine."

Giles noticed the people in the room moving through a door he had not noticed before he turned to Willow and Tara who he could see were still hesitating, "I think we should do as Maggie asks I trust her."

"Alright Giles we'll leave with you," nodded Willow as Maggie directed them towards the door.

On entering what was obviously the cellar with barrels and crates of beer. They stood in the room while John and Jimmy pushing on the far wall, as the secret panel opened their noses were assaulted by the smell of centuries old decay they could also hear the trickle of running water.

Jimmy and several others had grabbed some torches that were obviously stored here for the purpose of giving some light in the oppressive darkness of the passage. It was so old that had it not been for the occasional patches of old brick work and being straight Willow would have though it a natural feature. It was hard going as there was a lot of debris in places almost completely blocking the passage when they got to the end they were all covered in century old muck.

The end was blocked by a metal grate Maggie past a key forward from her position in the middle of the group John used it to unlock the grate.

Answering the question she could see in Giles eyes Maggie explained, "We have a few friends on the local council they provided us with keys to several locations in and around the City."

On getting to the opening Tara and Willow could see a metal ladder at the bottom was a canal-boat, a middle-aged man was helping some of the party onto the boat as he helped Maggie on she smiled at him, "Keeping secrets from me again Steve?"

"Only when it is necessary my Lady you were required to meet Rupert Giles young friends I knew you would need a means of escape so I borrowed my friend's boat. It's not as fast as a car but safer as your cars are being watched by agents of the Warlock," explained Steve.

"As always my friend you serve the Goddess to the best of your abilities," Maggie smiled at him before turning to Giles and his friends, "This is the Seer Steve Langley, Steve this is Rupert Giles, Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay."

"What do you mean THE Seer?" Asked Tara, ever since she had met these people her senses had been assaulted by the power coming from most of them. She had not shared any of this with Buffy or Willow but when she heard Maggie describe Steve as the Seer she remembered something her mother had once told her about her great grandmother being the Seer of the Goddess.

Although the question was directed at Maggie it was Steve who answered, "Yes child I am the Seer of the Goddess as was your maternal great grandmother."

Tara paled then she turned bowing towards Maggie, "Great Lady Buffy, Willow and I pledge ourselves to you and your priestesses."

"Tara what are you talking about?" Asked Giles frowning.

"Later Rupert we must get away from here everything will be explained when we get to the mine," reassured Maggie. ========== BtVS ==========

Buffy led the way up the stairs ducking a kick aimed at her head from a vampire on the top stair she grabbed its foot and heaved upwards sending it flying into two others coming up behind. As she got into the room proper she made a quick scan other than the combatants the room was empty except for about half a dozen bodies lying around, one of the bouncers was dead the other seemed to be coping with the two vamps attacking him and the young barman. Five of the vamps were finishing off some of the patrons that were beyond help the other eighteen or so were advancing on the stairs.

Buffy ran at them delivering a flying kick to the chest of the large vampire in the lead as she landed she plunged the stake in the chest of another before sweeping the legs from under another two staking one before springing to her feet. Sarah led three of her sisters to the left, while Mary lead the other three to the right. As she ran Sarah picked up a chair and smashed it into a vamps head shattering it and making the vampire stagger back, Sarah found that she still had the jagged back of the chair in her hand and shoved it into the vamps chest. She saw Jane sweep the legs from under a vamp to the right and when a second attempted to kick Jane in the head Gail blocked it before plunging her stack in its chest. As she used the back of the chair to ward off the vamps in front she saw Jackie her newest sister take a kick to her chest sending her half way across the room. Sarah screamed her name and sweeping the chair-back in fury at the neck of the vamp embedding two of the supports into its neck and out through the back then backhanding a vamp coming at her from the front.

Mary easily dusted the first two vampires before confronting a hulk of a beast that had to be over six and a half feet tall and weighed at least 300 pounds, after blocking his first blow it felt like her forearm had been hit by an iron bar. She tried kicking him in the stomach but he grabbed her foot and throw her back hitting her head on something, she saw Buffy stake the vamp before she blacked out.

Buffy found herself grabbed from behind by two vamps she brought the heel of her shoe down on the instep of the one on her right. When it loosened its grip she elbowed him in stomach causing it to release her, she swung around and staked the one still holding her left arm then reversed direction to stake the one to her right.

Buffy took the opportunity to survey the situation, there were only eight vampires still standing but four of the women that had followed her from below including Mary were either unconscious or dead, as were the bouncer and barman. Four of the vampires evidently decided that staying and fighting these women was a bad idea and ran out the door the other four began to advance on her.

As she prepared to meet them she called to the others, "Go after them I'll handle these four, besides I'd get lost out there."

Sarah was breathing hard when she heard Buffy shout looking up she saw the four vamps run out the door she nodded at Buffy in acknowledgement before turning to her remaining sisters, "We must stop them before they can get back to the Warlock," she lead them after the vamps.

As the leading vampire went to punch her in the face she used its momentum to throw it down the stairs then delivered a left cross to the next and plunged the stake into its chest. The other two had flanked her and were know moving from both left and right judging that the one to the right would get to her first she moved towards him and grabbed hold of its jacket lend back, planted her feet in its midsection and heaved it over and into the other vampire. As she flipped back up she saw the vamp that she throw down the stair running back up, not waiting for it to get to her she throw her stake into its heart. Turning around she grabbed a chair that had somehow managed to survive intact and planted it down through the chest of the two remaining vamps.

Buffy walked over to Mary and felt for a pulse letting out a sigh of relief when she found she was still alive as she was standing up to check on the others a male voice called out to her. "Police stay where you are," she spun around to see a dozen or so police officers enter the pub. ========== BtVS ==========

Chapter 3 ========== BtVS ==========

Sarah and her three sisters had dispatched the four vampires and were returning to the pub. As they rounded the corner they pulled up short just in time to see Buffy in handcuff's being placed in the back of a police car, getting into the front was someone all to familiar to all the sisters. Sarah pulled out her phone and pressed the speed dial, she turned to the others, "Kim take Gail and go and watch the police station just to make sure they take Buffy there, but stay out of sight."

They both nodded before turning and running through the back streets that they knew would get them into place before the car carrying Buffy could get to its destination.

It seemed to take a long time for anyone to answer the other end but in reality it was only seconds.

"Hello Sarah are you ok?" She could hear the worry in her boyfriend's voice.

"Yeah Jimmy I'm fine but we gotta problem the police have arrested Buffy... Jimmy the Warlock is with them," Sarah informed him.

"What! Are you sure?" She could hear the shock in his voice.

"James Smith I am of the Sisterhood her face is the first thing we learn," stated Sarah a flash of anger entering her voice.

"I'm sorry lover," there was a short pause before Jimmy asked, "What do you want me to do?"

"I think you better let me speak to Maggie."

"Okay I'll see you later, love you."

Sarah could hear some mumbled conversation before Maggie was speaking; "Yes dear what can you tell me?"

"My Lady the Warlock has taken Buffy to the police station I sent Kim and Gail to observe while I get instructions. The Warlock was just bringing Buffy out when we got back she appears to be using the police to help her, should I go to the police and try and get Buffy out?"

"No Sarah not yet, if she is having to use the police I think Buffy is safe for the moment, in fact it may be useful in getting some information on what the Warlock is really up to. What happened to your other sisters?"

"Jane is with me I think Jackie is dead as for Mary, Wendy and Kelly I don't know but there are Paramedics inside... Wait there bring some people out... Yes its Mary, Kelly and the barman Jake," Sarah informed Maggie.

"Ok dear their probably taking them to the RUH follow them and get a report on your sisters conditions then meet us at the mine. Oh and be careful dear Steve said our cars are being watched."

"I will My Lady," said Sarah closing the flap. She turned to Jane, "Steve told Maggie that our cars are being watched go and get your car and see if you can draw them out so I can spot them. Drive around the block then stop just down there," smiled Sarah pointing to a spot about a hundred yards away, "Keep the engine running while I have a talk with them."

"Okay but next time you can be the bait," laughed Jane as she ran towards the car park.

Sure enough just as Jane pulled out a dark coloured estate car just down from where Sarah was hiding pulled away following her. Sarah waited about five minutes before seeing Jane's car come back around the corner followed a few seconds later by the dark estate, which as she hoped stopped next to her hiding place. Smiling as she walked out she went around to the driver's side she elbowed the window grabbed the driver's head and bashed it into the steering wheel, she smiled at the passenger "Oops sorry about that. I think I'll keep these," she finished, pulling the car keys out before running to Jane's car. "Lets get to the Hospital and see how our sisters are doing.

========== BtVS ==========

Maggie handed the phone back to Jimmy before turning to Giles and the others, "Buffy appears to have been arrested, the Warlock seems to be using the police as part of her plans whatever they are! But it does explain the police's attitude to the deaths and disappearances."

"My Lady if she has finally come out of hiding her plans must be close to completion," mused Olivia.

"What is going to happen to Buffy My Lady," asked Tara holding onto Willow.

"I think she will be safe for now, we'll discuss what's to be done when we get to our destination."

"Very well My Lady," nodded Tara.

"Why do you keep addressing Maggie by that title she's not our High Priestess Tara," Willow asked looking at her lover.

"But she is Willow, she's THE High Priestess of the Goddess."

Willow went white as still in Tara's arms she turned to face Maggie, "I'm sorry My Lady I didn't know, I always thought you were a myth well not you yourself of course but the position because you obviously exist because we wouldn't be talking would we and...."

"Sweetie calm down before you start to hyperventilate," said Tara stopping Willow's babble as she gently rubbed Willow's back.

Willow took a deep breath "Ah yeah thanks sweetheart," she said smiling at Tara before returning to look at Maggie, "Sorry My Lady but I tend to babble when I get frightened or excited."

"That's all right dear I reacted in much the same way when I found out when I was about your age," smiled Maggie.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on here," asked Giles between clenched teeth finding it harder and harder to keep 'Ripper' under control.

"Very well 'Ripper'" nodded Maggie "But lets go below and we'll give you some details," she smiled remembering the man he use to be, the man she had once thought she would marry.

"Ok after you," said Giles.

"Olivia, Louisa you two better come as well," said Maggie looking at them.

"As you wish My Lady," nodded Olivia as they fell in behind Maggie.

Taking a seat at the dinning table next to Willow and Tara Giles turned to Maggie, "All right Maggie what the hell is really going on here?"

"Well before I can tell you that I'll have to give you a history lesson, a history that no outsider has heard in over 1000 years," Maggie began. "Before time the One came into being, the One was alone..."

"Maggie I know the legend can we skip a few million millennia." Interrupted Giles.

Maggie smiled, "If you wish Rupert I'll skip as much of the background as I can," she said giving a little laugh, he may have become a watcher but his Ripper was never far below the surface. "Very well Rupert when the demons entered this reality the Goddess saw the danger they posed to mortal animals both after birth and after death she spoke with the One who seeing its children's children were in danger allowed the Goddess the chance to provide aid to the dead as well as the living. For many days the Goddess contemplated the actions that needed to be done, she realised that the greatest danger was to Summerland and the souls that rested there. If anything was to happen to them there would be no rebirth and mortal animals would cease to exist so joining with the God they used magicks no mortal or demon could ever hope to master the they created the Veil between the living and death realms. The Goddess then instructed her most devoted followers in how to maintain the Veil and also how to cross it if they ever needed too. The greatest of these followers was chosen as the first High Priestess, her name is Brighid. When her sister Morrigan a warrior of note found out that her beloved sister's life would always be in danger she went before the Goddess beseeching her that she be given the opportunity to protect her sister. Seeing the love that existed between them she granted her wish, for them to fulfil their destiny the Goddess infused some of her essence with them. The Goddess then called before her those lovers and family members of the other priestesses most devoted to them she gave them the same chance to protect their loved ones, that was how the Sisterhood came to be." Maggie paused to take a sip of water.

"My Lady are you saying that Brighid and Morrigan were human?" Asked Tara.

"They were but when the Goddess gave them part of her essence they became far more, in some ways they became part of the Goddess. It is they who choose the Priestesses and those of the Sisterhood like Sarah and Mary, although only those who except it freely become members," explained Maggie.

"So you are Guardians of the realm of the dead? Who are the Guardians of the Living?" Asked Giles.

"The Watchers Council and the Slayer," answered Maggie smiling at the gasps coming from Giles, Willow and Tara.

"I'm sorry Maggie but I have heard none of this, if this is true and at the moment I can't dispute what you are telling us, why was I or my predecessors never told these things?" Frowned Giles.

"It is simple Rupert over the last Millennia or so the rise of the followers of the god of Abraham suppressed the knowledge of the Lord and Lady in favour of their own teachings, at first they had very little success. But when the Normans finally conquered Saxon England they brought with them their feudal form of government which changed the role of women, which I will not go into now but anyway because the Watchers council feared that the Norman Kings would destroy their growing influence because of their connection with the Goddess they suppressed that knowledge. Our information is that only the very top people within the Watcher's Council know the truth."

"Very well I will believe you mainly because I and a few others have suspected for some time that the Council was corrupt but this amount of deception is unforgivable," said Giles between clenched teeth.

"My Lady Willow and I appreciate the things you are teaching us but what has any of this got to do with the present situation?" Asked Tara.

"Well dear the present situation began around 1500 years ago," sighed Maggie pausing to collect her thoughts. "Okay at the time of the Roman withdraw from what is now England and Wales there was great turmoil. The great landholders attempted to hold things together but with the Saxons, Angles and Jutes beginning to settle in the east of the country these landholders began to fight among themselves for a smaller and smaller area of land even hiring mercenaries from among the invaders. This was one of their biggest mistakes as those same mercenaries on returning to their homes told of the wealth to the west. The Angles and Saxons joined in an alliance against the Briton's; with the aim of conquest they raised an army of thousands and began the attack. At this time a great leader arose in what is now Winchester, he lead his fathers men against a Saxon army many times their number and routed them."

"Your not talking about King Arthur are you My Lady," asked Willow.

"No dear not quite the man was his father who became known in the later legend as Uther his real name was Eugenius who had served in the Roman legions before returning home," smiled Maggie. <Lady Brighid was right Willow is very quick, we may yet beat the warlock> she thought before continuing. "Anyway after his son's route of the Saxons many of the other landholders offered men and supplies to Eugenius' father if Eugenius would lead them against the Angle army that was moving from the north east. Now Eugenius's father was old but cunning he forced them to swear allegiance and a blood oath that should Eugenius be victorious he would become King of the Britons. Having little choice most agreed only those to the far west refused feeling safe from the invaders. Anyway the combined armies of the Britons met the army of the Angles and the few remaining Saxons in the area of what is now the town of Swindon. It is said that the battle raged for almost three days with the advantage swinging first towards the Britons then the invaders. Then on the last day a new army appeared in the west, realising that this was another army of Britons the invaders began to withdraw, on seeing this Eugenius led his mounted troops in a charge destroying the enemies rearguard and capturing many enemy chieftains, it took the Angles and the Saxons almost two generations to recover."

Maggie paused to take a sip of water that Olivia handed her before continuing, "When Eugenius returned that night with his troops the truth of the other army became apparent. A landholder from the west called Marcus, one that had refused to swear allegiance had persuaded many of the others to swear allegiance to him; he had led his army from the far west and kept concealed until he judged it was the best time to appear, then on seeing Eugenius led his mount troops after the invaders Marcus fell on the infantry that remained on the field slaughtering them to a man. Eugenius' reaction was terrible if predictable instead of holding the enemy leaders for ransom as was normal he let them go after swearing allegiance to him and then he swore that if they and any men they could get to join him that they could have their pick of any spoils. He then gathered his remaining forces and moved south towards his home where he gathered every able bodied man he could and began training them awaiting the arrival of his Angle and Saxon allies. On midsummer's eve he moved out with an army of almost 15,000 men everything went as planned until they made camp at Aquae Sulis as Bath was then called, one of his followers who followed the way of the Goddess suggested getting the then High Priestess to give her blessing to the campaign. So while the army stayed at Aquae Sulis he had this man lead him and an escort of 100 men to the location of the High Priestess on what is now Glastonbury Tor." Maggie paused they were surprised to see tears begin to rundown her cheeks as well as Olivia's and Louisa's.

"I'm sorry for crying but this next part is very upsetting to us," explained Maggie dabbing her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself she continued the story. "When Eugenius was finally granted an ordinance he demanded that the High Priestess give him and his army the Goddess' blessing and also acknowledge his right to rule all the Britons. The High Priestess refused telling him that the son of Marcus's wife was destined to be the first and only King of the Britons. With this revelation Eugenius became crazed and struck down the High Priestess and with his escort killed the other 18 Priestesses of the Goddess as well as their protectors. As the last died Brighid appeared before him all there except Eugenius fell on their faces in fear of the anger on her face. She announced his punishment declaring that for his traitorous act he would die by the sword of one of his own men but worst of all that his soul would not be allowed entry into Summerland, doomed to wander the land for all time."

"Oh Goddess that's terrible what happened next," asked Willow wiping her own tear's away.

"Yes it was but it was her right. Well having returned to the army he moved into what is know Devon and Cornwall, the encounter with Brighid had changed him he seems to have decided to take vengeance on all the followers of the Goddess. So instead of moving to attack Marcus at his stronghold he spread his force out along a wide front driving everything before him, burning crops and leaving only death in his wake. It took is forces a month to eventually gather at Boscastle and begin the siege," Maggie smiled as both Willow and Tara gasped at the location of the stronghold, "I see you two know what is now at Boscastle?"

"Yes My Lady are the two things somehow connected?" Frowned Tara.

"Only partially dear, maybe when the present situation is resolved you can visit the site," replied Maggie, hoping that they would indeed be able to visit the location and learn something's about their origins.

"What is so special about Boscastle as I recall it is only a small village in Cornwall," interrupted Giles on seeing the smiles on the faces of the five women.

"Boscastle Rupert is the location of the Museum of Witchcraft as well as what the uninformed call a mystical site as the Tor or Avebury, it is a place where large amounts of what you would call magickal energy reaches the surface," explained Louisa.

"It is also where many of our most important artefacts and books are hidden," smiled Maggie, "Now where was I... Ah yes the siege, it lasted for months by November just when it looked like Eugenius would have to withdraw until spring Marcus under a flag of truce and met Eugenius before the gates. He told the suspicious Eugenius that if the siege were lifted he and all his followers would swear allegiance to him, Eugenius agreed and Marcus offered Eugenius and his commanders the hospitality of his feasting hall. That night Eugenius first saw Marcus's wife one Miranda, he was smitten and swore to himself that he would have this woman. That night he went in search of the hermit that was said to live in the nearby sea caves, this hermit was said to be the most powerful user of magic ever to have lived. On finding this hermit he asked for his aid in bedding Miranda, the hermit agreed on condition that any offspring of the union was given to him. To this Eugenius agreed his only interest was his lust for the wife of his vassal Marcus. What Eugenius did not know was that the hermit was the Seer of the Goddess and the future teacher of the next High Priestess Morganna called the Fey who also happened to be the daughter of Marcus and Miranda. Now it may seem strange that the hermit would aid the killer of a High Priestess and all her followers but the hermit was following the commands fate had laid down and had Eugenius not killed the innocent and listened to what was told to him all would have been different. The High Priestess had told him that the wife of Marcus would bare the only king of the Britons, Eugenius had always been fated to be his father."

After taking yet another drink of water Maggie continued, "Anyway the hermit gave Eugenius two potions one that he would have to get to Marcus and his men at dinner the other to Miranda. The following night at the end of the feasting having bribed the cup-barer to slip the first potion into Marcus and his men's cups and the second potion into Miranda's cup. The potion given to Marcus was a simple sleeping draft but Miranda's was enchanted to make the first man to enter her bedchamber appear to be her husband. Well everything went as they were meant too and Miranda became pregnant, what no one knew at the time was that Morganna had seen everything, seeking revenge on the man that had defiled her mother she went to her father who slept in the great hall. Using magicks that would later make her second only to Brighid as the most powerful High Priestess in history, she broke the enchantment on her father and told all she had seen. An enraged Marcus took up his sword and entering his bedchamber and struck down the unarmed rapist, having discovered she had been deceived she begged for her husband's forgiveness, which because of his love for her and seeing the truth in her eyes did forgive her."

"Well this story is not quite how I have read it Maggie," Frowned Giles.

"There are several reasons for that for one when Geoffrey of Gloucester wrote his version he did a lot of amending," she smiled mischiefly at him, "And another is that I have spoken to several of those involved."

Giles went white, "W-what? H-h-how?" he stuttered.

"May I My Lady," asked Tara when Maggie nodded she turned to Giles, "Don't you remember what Maggie said earlier about the High Priestess being able to cross the Veil."

Giles frowned at her, "Well yes but I assumed she meant that only Brighid was given that ability."

"No Giles all the High Priestesses are given that power but can only pass while we are alive, when we die that power is taken from us. Only Brighid and her sister Morrigan being part of the Goddess can move freely between the realms."

Just as she was about to continue the story Jimmy poked his head through the hatch, "My Lady Steve said to tell you that this is as far as we can go by boat so he has arranged for some cars to take us the rest of the way." He then frowned and whispered almost to himself, "It's really freaky how he always knows what to prepare for!"

"That is his function James you know he cannot reveal anything that the Lord or Lady have not given him leave to do so," replied Louisa almost sternly.

"I'm sorry my lady but it just so frustrating," sighed Jimmy.

As Giles walked towards the hatch he mumbled to himself, "With all these me' ladies its going to get confusing."

Louisa, who was just behind him smiled, "Not really little brother James addressed me as my lady because I am the High Priestess of his Coven but everyone addresses Maggie as My Lady because she is the High Priestess of the Goddess. You little brother can still call me Lou."

"Thanks Lou I appreciate that," Giles said sarcastically.

Patting him on the shoulder she burst out laughing, "Think nothing of it."

========== BtVS ==========

Buffy sat quietly on the hard bed in a police cell waiting, so the sergeant in charge had said, to be interviewed about the charges they were holding her on. It had been over an hour since they had brought her in she had tried telling them at the pub that she had been helping the people that had been hurt and killed that a gang had started trouble. That had been the best she could come up with at the time not wanting to come across as a nut by telling them it was vampires.

After the bond had passed on the information that Maggie had told Willow and Tara that the big, bad they were here to help destroy seemed to be using the police in her plans. Because this Warlock was using the police, they assured her that she would be safe for the moment and that two of the sisters were watching the police station.

<Tara suggests that when they take us to be interviewed that we demand to see someone from our Embassy, the police will then have to wait until someone is sent to see us before they can talk to us.> the bond informed Buffy.

<Why do I have to do that can't someone just come here and tell them I didn't do it?>

<Maggie what's us to try and find out what the Warlock is up to.>

<Okay but can you ask Tara to ask the others what the police could do with me?>

After a few minutes the bond relayed the information, <John says that because of the charges they are accusing us of they will ask a local judge to hold us in prison until a trial. Maggie thinks the Warlock was just using the incident at the pub as an excuse and that the real target for the raid by the police was her and the others?>

Just then Buffy heard the door being unlocked, she looked up to see the custody sergeant and another police officer, "Ok they're ready to interview you now," the sergeant informed her.

On exiting the cell she was escorted back to the room they had first brought her too, stood by the sergeant's desk were a man and a woman in civilian clothes, the woman she recognised from the police raid the one that was supposed to be behind all this.

The man took hold of her arm guiding her towards another corridor "This way Elizabeth, this shouldn't take to long to sort out," smiled the man as he walked on one side and the woman on the other, as if trying to reassure her.

"I don't think it will be that simple sir," said the woman looking at him briefly.

The man's face went blank for a second before his whole demeanour changed and he turned an angry stare at Buffy, "Of course if I have my way you would get life for what you did tonight."

<Tell Tara and Willow this Warlock or whatever she is seems to be using some kind of mind control but it doesn't last for long and only when she is with the person.>

Opening a door and switching on a light they entered a small room with a table and four chairs, the man guided Buffy to one of the chairs on the far side then took a seat opposite her, while the woman seemed to be placing tape cassettes in a machine.

<Maggie said to tell us that that is a very interesting piece of information.>

The woman pressed a button on the machine and turned to Buffy, "This is a taped interview, the time is 21.30 those present are DS Fey," said the woman.

"And DI Haines," added the man.

"Also present is, please state your full name for the tape," said the woman looking at Buffy.

Buffy cleared her throat, "Buff... I mean Elizabeth Anne Summers."

"You have the right to remain silent, but anything you do say maybe giving in evidence in a court of law, if you fail to give evidence that you later rely on in court it may effect your case," said DS Fey a smirk on her face.

Buffy returned the smirk, "I think I would like a lawyer but first I'd like to talk to someone from my embassy."

"I don't think you want that, I think you want to confess now and save yourself anymore problems," said DS Fay.

Buffy suddenly felt a pressure in her head almost like a headache, she shook her head and as quickly as it came it disappeared, "No I think I'll talk to someone from my embassy first."

For the briefest moment DS Fey's eyes darkened, "I see," anger crossed her face, "It seems I underestimated you," she hissed before turning the machine off before turning to the man, "Sir why don't you phone Miss Summers embassy while I escort her back to her cell."

"Yes excellent idea," nodded the Inspector with a bemused look on his face as if he was trying to remember what he was doing here.

As he left DS Fey turned back to Buffy, "I don't know how you managed to shield your mind from me slayer, but no matter I know you're here to interfere with my plans but I don't think you will be a problem from a prison cell."

"I wouldn't count on it DS Fey or can I just call you Morganna?" Buffy smirked as the Warlock's eyes darkened once more.

"Somehow I don't think you will be getting a visit from your embassy. I think I'll turn you over to the Watcher's council, I understand that some of them are not very pleased with your attitude over the last few years and have been pressing the others to bring you to England for 're-education'." It was the Warlock's turn to smirk at Buffy as her face went pale. "Of course if you were to co-operate and tell me where the remaining priestesses are hiding I could get you released?"

"I don't know where they are," lied Buffy, "And even if I did I wouldn't tell you."

The Warlock returned her to custody without saying another word, from there she was led back to her cell, the door making an ominous echoing sound as it was shut behind her. She sighed as she sat down on the bed <Tell Will and Tara that the Warlock is planning to turn me over to the council for re-education.> Buffy instructed the bond.

========== BtVS ==========

As they left the boat and began walking towards the waiting cars Willow and Tara let out a whimper and hugged each other, Giles could see tears running down their cheeks; "What is it has something happened to Buffy?" he asked.

Willow turned towards him and Olivia who was walking by his side, "The Warlock plans to turn Buffy over to the council for re- education, she told her that some of the watcher's council don't like the way she has undermined them over the last couple of years. Giles we have to help her, she's very frightened about what the council will do."

Jimmy who was just behind them looked over to where Maggie had been just about to get into a car when Willow and Tara had cried out, "My Lady with your permission I may know some people who could help."

Maggie arched an eyebrow at him before turning to look at Steve, "Well Steve what do you advise?"

"He should be allowed to try, if the council get hold of Buffy all maybe lost," advised Steve.

"Very well James you have my permission, but no outsider must know about us or what is really going on," said Maggie the authority in her voice clearly evident.

"We want to help," said Tara turning to Jimmy.

"That would not be advisable Tara, the two of you are very important in our fight against the Warlock, you two and Buffy are the only ones that seem to be immune to her mind powers," said Olivia.

"And you really don't want to met some of the people that James is going to get to help, at least not yet," added Steve, he then turned to Jimmy, "That car is for you," he smiled pointing at the red one at the end.

"You know I really hate your link to the Lord and Lady," sighed Jimmy shaking his head as he walking towards the car.

"Oh James when you get Buffy you will need to persuade her to trust your friends," Steve called out.

"What's that suppose to mean Steve," asked Willow stepping to his side.

"Believe me at this moment you do not want to know, you must trust me this is meant to happen."

"All right we'll trust you but if anything happens to Buffy we won't be very happy," stated Willow.

Steve smiled, "As you told Dawn sometime ago as long as one of you is alive nothing can happen to the others."

"How did you know that?" asked Tara.

Steve's face darkened momentarily, "I am privy to many things, many I would give almost anything not too know," he sighed "We should go you still need to hear the full story of the Warlock and time is pressing."

Willow and Tara shared a car with Giles and Olivia.

As they followed the other cars Olivia turned to Giles who occupied the front passenger seat, "Am I forgiven for keeping secrets," a mischievous smile on her face.

Giles chuckled, "I suppose I deserve that after asking you the same question after the gentlemen appeared in Sunnydale. Yes your forgiven but now we are both being honest with each other did your visit have anything to do with those demons or the present situation?"

"No Louisa had not heard from you for several months so Maggie asked me to check on you," Olivia smiled and looked at Willow and Tara through the rearview mirror, "Although the demons arrival did help with one thing I had been instructed to try and accomplice."

"And what exactly was that Olivia?" Asked Willow noticing the sly look the older woman was directing at her and Tara.

"I was instructed by the goddess via Steve to make sure that a certain couple of witches who were meant to get together did so. Those demons saved me some problems helping to get you two together," she laughed at the two blushing in the mirror, "Willow fate has a way of stepping in when something needs to be achieved."

"S-so you-re saying that th-those people got killed so we would find each other?" sobbed Tara.

"I weep with you sister, but try to remember that fate can be a hard taskmaster it does what it needs too, I think that before this is all over there will be a lot more heartache," sighed Olivia.

The rest of the journey was spent in silence.

As they drove through the gates of some kind of Transport Company Giles frowned "Where exactly are we going?"

"One of our last havens that no one outside the inner circle is aware of," she replied as she drove into an empty warehouse and stopped next to the other cars. Olivia turned to the others, "We have to walk about a mile from here I'm afraid, there is no road access," she explained.

They followed Olivia and the others out of the yard via another gate into a field with what looked like a barn in the centre.

Willow turned to Olivia as they got to the double doors, "I thought you said we had to walk for a mile? That wasn't even 200 yards."

"Ah but we haven't got to where we are going yet," she smiled and pointed into the back of the building as someone switched the lights on.

On looking into the back they could see the floor sloping down into utter blackness, they followed the other inside and the doors were closed behind them.

"You want us to go down there?" Asked Willow.

"It isn't as bad as you might think," Maggie reassured them. "This is an old stone mine, the passages extend for over 28 miles, most is now unsafe but the main passage and one or two of the side sections are okay, in fact it has its own generator and toilets as well as cooking and sleeping areas. As long as you stay in the lit area you will be perfectly safe."

There was some steps on one side of the mineshaft they had to walk in single file, the stairs seemed to go on forever but eventually they got to the bottom. The passage continued on into the distance, they occasionally passed a large steel door that Olivia told them led to sections that could be unstable. After about half a mile they came to a side passage that didn't have steel doors like the others, they turned into this passage. It was well lit they could see lots of side passages branching off, the ceiling was also lower Willow was surprised that it was pleasantly warm she commented on this, being told that the mine stayed at the same temperature all year round. After another quarter of a mile they entered a large more open area, to the left was a panelled off area through the windows they could see was a kitchen/dinning room and in front of them a dozen alcoves that had beds in with curtains in front.

"Let's go and sit in the dinning room, I don't know about the rest of you but I could do with a drink," smiled Maggie.

"Yes an excellent idea, then you can finish telling us about this Warlock," smiled Giles following Maggie through the door and with Willow and Tara took a seat at the same table as the High Priestess.

"So what happened after Marcus killed Eugenius?" Asked Willow.

"Well things pretty much went back to the way they had been before Eugenius united the Britons except that without the outside threat from the invaders they battled against each other. Within six months of Eugenius death Marcus and many of his followers were also dead, Miranda now heavily pregnant fled Boscastle with Morganna, seeking sanctuary in a nunnery on the south coast. There just after her baby was born to the anger of Morganna she converted to Christianity, when her mother and the nuns tried changing Morganna's path away from the Lord and Lady she used her growing powers against them," Maggie sighed. "That was when the hermit appeared at the gates demanding to see Miranda and Morganna, had he been able to find them sooner many things that happened later may have been avoided, but the Lord and Lady forbade him to interfere. Anyway he met with Miranda and Morganna telling them that Eugenius was the father of Miranda's baby and that Morganna was destined to be the next High Priestess, he told them of the baby's future and the agreement that the baby be handed over to him as payment for Eugenius' night of passion."

"My Lady how could the hermit be so cruel to demand the baby," asked Tara.

"You must try and remember that the times were different then and the hermit like Steve deal with primal forces they serve the Lord and Lady almost totally, always having to do what is required and not what they would wish. Several times throughout history whenever a Seer has tried to go against their vows it has turned out badly. Anyway as I was saying the hermit demanded the baby but Miranda refused going to the mother superior and telling her what was said. Now the mother superior was a devious woman and thought to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. She wished to be rid of Morganna who she feared and saw a way of getting a christen king, so she eventually persuaded Miranda to hand over the baby to the hermit on the conditions that he take Morganna and that the baby be raised a christen," Maggie stopped to take a drink.

Taking the opportunity to query something Willow looked around the table, "A lot of what you have told us tonight reminds me of a movie Xander dragged me to see some years ago called 'Excalibur'?"

Maggie smiled, "That's because Steve's predecessor had a hand in the script making the odd suggestion to the writer, he felt that it was time the truth started to come out, we have been slowly revealing things so that it doesn't come as such a shock when the whole truth is revealed," she explained.

"You mean a bit like what happened in the old movies where the native Americans were always the bad guys and the cowboys the good guys? Then they started changing showing a more realistic position," asked Willow.

"Yes dear something like that," nodded Maggie.

"What do you mean by 'when the whole truth is revealed'?" Asked Giles not liking the sound of that.

"Steve as told us that very soon, for those who wish to see it, the truth will be revealed very soon. What that means I have no real idea he will not tell any of us anymore about it, but I think I can guess what he maybe talking about!" Smiled Maggie the smile on her face seeming to light up the room.

"Now on with the story. Morganna was more than happy to leave the nunnery but when she heard the hermit agree to her mother's demand that her half brother be raised a Christian she had what we would call a tantrum, had it not been for the hermit's greater knowledge of magick the nunnery would have been levelled..."

"That must have been some tantrum," laughed Giles.

"It was," said Maggie returning the laugh.

Willow frowned at Giles, ever since they had met Maggie; Giles had been acting very un-Giles like? She made a mental note to speak to him about it later.

"As I was saying Miranda handed over her children to the hermit, she never saw them again. The hermit asked a wealthy landowner he knew to take the baby in and raise him as his own, the nobleman's wife had just lost her own baby son and having Arturus as they named the baby helped with her loss. The hermit then left the area with Morganna; they travelled into mid-Wales where the Goddess had instructed the new Priestesses and the sisters to gather. There the hermit spent a dozen years teaching Morganna and the other Priestesses their duties as the guardians of the veil. Morganna's power and knowledge soon surpassed that of the hermit as the Goddess had decreed it would but not her wisdom. She was ever hateful of the Christians as more and more of the Lord and Lady's followers seemed to turn from the path. What she did not have the wisdom to see was that even as they seemingly turned from the path the old beliefs became part of the Christian faith, it was not until the time of the Norman Conquest that things really changed. Only one thing the hermit refused to teach Morganna and that was the words of power, this, as many thing seemed to, angered the High Priestess. All the hermit would say whenever she confronted him was that he would reveal them when the Goddess willed. Just before Morganna's 22nd birthday the hermit informed her that it was time for her to accompany him to the home of her half brother and to reveal his destiny. In the years since the hermit had left Arturus with the landholder and is wife had been hard for the child his stepmother was killed by raiders when he was three, then when he was thirteen his stepfather was mortally wounded when another local landholder besieged his stronghold. That incident was a catalyst for the young Arturus he rallied his fathers men and led a sortie against the besiegers routing them and capturing the leaders but instead of killing or ransoming them he talked them into swearing allegiance to him. Over the following year, before the hermit and his sister arrived Arturus had talked almost half the landholder into pledging their loyalty. When the hermit revealed Arturus's true lineage, he realised that because of the nature of the oaths that had been pledged to Eugenius before and after the siege of Boscastle all the landholders and their descendants owed fidelity to him." Maggie stopped when she saw Willow try and stifle a yawn, "Maybe I should finish the story in the morning, you've had a really long day."

"No My Lady I'll be okay I don't think I could sleep at the moment with Buffy in a police cell, please finish the story," said Willow stifling another yawn.

"No I'll see you in the morning, if you don't get some sleep you won't be of any use to us tomorrow, now go to bed, Louisa will show you which is yours," Insisted Maggie.

"Very well My Lady," sighed Willow as she and Tara rose, "Night Giles," they followed Louisa out the door.

========== BtVS ==========

Buffy was trying to get some rest but found it hard with the light on. She rolled over on her side pulling the blanket over her head trying to block out the light, having good night-vision may help her fight the forces of darkness but it did have a downside. She just wished that she was with Willow and Tara, she couldn't even get reassurances from them as the bond informed her that they were asleep.

<It's so not fair they have a nice warm, soft bed to cuddle in and what do I get? I get a depressing cell with a hard bed and a nice view of a toilet.>

<Would we really want one of our loves here in our place?> asked the bond.

<Well duh of course not, but its still not fair.>

Just then she heard the key in the cell door, she threw the blanket aside and sat up facing the door, when it opened she was confronted by the Warlock and a sergeant she didn't recognise, "Well Miss Summers it seems there are some people that wish to talk to you," said the Warlock an smirk on her face.

As she went to exit the cell the Warlock turned to the sergeant, "You better handcuff her hands behind her back she is very dangerous."

As with DI Haines earlier the sergeant's face went blank for a second before turning to Buffy, "Turn around and put you hands behind your back," on doing so Buffy felt the cold steel press against her skin. The sergeant then grabbed her arm and guided her towards the charge room.

On entering the room Buffy was confronted by a middle aged man a little taller than her holding a see-through bag, she could see held her things, and three athletic type men all in suits.

The older man turned to the sergeant as two of the other men moved to her sides, "We'll take it from here, Miss Summers is wanted by us on some very serious charges," he said as the two men grabbed her upper arms and marched her to the exit. She heard the Warlock tell the sergeant that she would see them off the premises.

Outside as the other man opened the one of the rear doors and push her in the Warlock smiled at her, "I hope you enjoy your re-education slayer," her laugh sending shivers down Buffy's spine.

As one of the men got in beside her and fixed her into some kind of harness and snapped ankle cuffs to her legs she looked at the middle-aged man, "Your from the council right? Look I don't know how much you are aware of but that bitch is not what she seems, she's a Warlock that me and my friends are trying to stop. You have to let me go before it's to late," she pleaded.

"Miss Summers for sometime now you have been out of control, undermining our authority and even aiding the other rogue slayer when a team was sent to retrieve her. You consort with vampires even taking one as a lover and on top of that you try and lay down conditions by which you will consent to re-join us," said the man with obvious contempt in his voice.

"Look yes I did aid Faith after your interference you only made matters worse but in the end she did the right thing and gave herself up to the police..."

"It isn't your place to question the council, all that has been achieved by Faith being placed in prison is that she will be unavailable for a number of years," interrupted the man.

"Well maybe it's about time that the slayers started questioning the council's motives. And as for consorting with vampires, haven't you heard the saying 'you catch more fly's with honey than vinegar', as for my love life it really is none of the council's business."

"You see that's just what the council suspected you are out of control," nodded the man.

"What do you intend doing to me?" Asked Buffy in a quiet voice.

"Well Miss Summers first there will be the psychological evaluations and then our psychologist will assess how much behavioural modification you will need," a small smile appeared on his face when he saw Buffy pale, "You don't think the Initiative and professor Walsh were the first to come up with the idea were you?" He turned back to face the front as they pulled out onto the road.

The sky was beginning to lighten so Buffy could workout that they were travelling in a northerly direction, the clock on the dashboard told her it was five in the morning very little traffic was about just the odd truck or car. They had been driving for about an hour when Buffy heard what sounded like air escaping from the tyres then she was thrown against the straps of the restrains as the driver applied the brakes. As the men went to open the doors, the car was suddenly surrounded by armed men in combat gear and wearing ski masks.

"On the floor," shouted one of the men, as the men were being searched one of the men in ski masks got in beside her and undid the ankle cuffs and the harness before helping her out, he turned to the man searching the middle-aged man, "Find the key to Miss Summers cuffs, after a few moments the man throw the key to the one that seemed to be in charge who unlocked the cuffs.

Buffy rubbed her sore wrists, "Who are you!" she asked the one that seemed to be in charge.

"We're here to rescue you, a couple of mutual friends asked for our help," he explained just as a car driven by Jimmy came around the corner and stopped.

The leader got into the front and one of the others got into the back with Buffy and they drove off back the way they had came. Buffy leaned forward and placed a hand on Jimmy's shoulder, "Thanks Jimmy I won't forget this. So who are your friends?" she said looking at the two men still in ski masks.

The man in front pulled his off, he had a rugged looking face with short brown hair, "I'm Captain Henry Jones of the Coldstream Guards presently attached to the Special Air Service. I'm pleased to meet you Miss Summers," he introduced himself extending his hand to her.

"Pleased to meet you and call me Buffy, so who's your friend here?" She nodded her head towards the other man that had helped rescue her, he pulled his ski mask off and looked at her, for a second she lost her ability to speak before exclaiming, "Riley."

========== BtVS ==========

Meanwhile back at the site of the ambush.

The Warlock stepped out from behind a tree with a man about Giles age. They watched the other men from the SAS snatch team get into another car and drive off, leaving the watchers on the side of the road, neither groups seem to notice them. The Warlock turned to the man, "This had better work Ethan or your punishment will be beyond anything anyone has suffered before."

"It will as long as you placed the spell on the slayer My Lady," said Ethan going pale for a moment he could feel the power radiating from this woman that he had rescued nine months ago.

"Of course I placed the spell on her," hissed the Warlock as they walked into a mist that had appeared in front of them, they vanished without a sound as they walked into it.

========== BtVS ==========

Chapter 4

========== BtVS ==========

"Jimmy I asked you not to tell Riley I was in England," growled Buffy

between clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry Buffy but it was the only way I could get you out in time," replied Jimmy.

Buffy huffed then turned to Riley, "So what are you doing in England?"

"I'm here unofficially as an advisor to the British military," explained Riley.

"Advisor about what?"

"Just over 6 months ago some strange things began happening, sudden deaths, strange orders etc. certain government ministers started to become concerned and activated certain secret orders that give some military units such as the SAS and SBS as well as MI5 & 6 a great deal of leeway," explained Captain Jones. "Demons and Vampires started appearing in numbers unheard off in this country, at least since the Middle Ages. We first approached the watchers council for advice but they refused to help, then I suggested contacting an old friend of my father's, he told me about the original Initiative and suggested I contact is son who happened to be stationed in England, Jimmy here," he finished by nodding towards Jimmy.

Buffy stared at Jimmy's back frowning, "The original Initiative?"

"Yes, originally my father helped set-up the Initiative as a means to protect the general population from demons and vampires. Then certain Senators and Pentagon officials began to subvert the idea for darker purposes; they squeezed out the more rational minded like my dad. Riley told me most of what happened last year in Sunnydale, my father is now in charge again, I contacted him and he told me he would send Riley over as a liaison," finished Jimmy.

"Alright your forgiven Jimmy," sighed Buffy, she looked at Captain Jones, "So you say that your government has been giving strange orders, like what?" she asked.

"Well they ordered several teams of SAS and SBS to snatch key members of national and local government to be held incognito and also started sending more and more of our troops abroad, when MI5 discovered what was happening a meeting was organised between our organisations, the government officials then 'escaped'. Over the last few months, we have slowly been gathering information, we now know that two individuals are subverting our leaders by the use of dark majiks, we suspect that they are the ones that are targeting your friends, we wish to offer our aid."

"No, I'm sorry I was told that I cannot involve outsides Harry," said Jimmy.

"I didn't agree to that, Maggie maybe your High Priestess but I say they help," smiled Buffy, "Besides Steve told you that you needed to get me to trust your friends, I do."

"What are you talking about Buffy?" Asked Riley giving her a curious look.

Buffy smiled at him, "You remember Willow, Tara and I told you we were bound together," at his nod she continued, "The bond allows us to relay information between the three of us. Well Jimmy's friend Steve told him that he would have to persuade me to trust his friends, which I do because I know you Riley to be an honourable man and everything Harry has told us has a ring of truth about it. But I don't want you with us directly, I'd like you to arrange it so you can back us up when we need it," she said.

"Very well Buffy," said Harry, he held up a pager, "This is programmed to contact only one number, if you press the green button we will know you have been captured but you do not want our help. If you need help press the red button, ten minutes later a message will be sent to the pager, phone the number and tell us what you want. If you don't phone the number within twenty minutes a locator will be activated in the pager," he handed the pager to her.

"Ok, now what?" nodded Buffy.

"Jimmy just drop us off at the next village, we'll contact my team from a callbox," said Harry.

"Right, and thanks for helping Harry," smiled Jimmy.

"It was my pleasure, anyway I think this is only the beginning," mused Harry.

"Riley, about what happened when you came to my house! I'm sorry it upset you, if I have the chance I'd like to try and make it up to you, if you'll let me," said Buffy.

"I don't know Buffy, did you ever love me, back in Sunnydale?"

"Yes I did, I know I never told you and I know I treated you really badly at the end, but I did, I still do in a way. I was under so much pressure back then, first Glory, then my mum's illness, everything just got screwed up back than, I'm so sorry Riley," Buffy sobbed reaching over and hugging him.

After holding Buffy for several minutes gently stroking her hair, "Buffy I've met someone," he said quietly.

Buffy slowly pulled away from him, she smiled at him, "I'm happy for you, I hope she treats you better than I did!"

"How could she not," smirked Riley.

Buffy playfully swatted his arm, "I guess I asked for that, where is she now?"

"She's back in the States, she helps me in fighting demons and vampires. Maybe when we sort this mess out I can bring her to meet all of you," smiled Riley.

"Yes I think we'd like that," agreed Buffy, "I think Xander misses having another boy around, I mean there's Giles but he's so old!" she giggled.

At that moment, Jimmy pulled up next to a phone-box and Riley and Harry got out.

Buffy got out and walked around to the front passenger seat, she shook Harry's hand and hugged Riley, "I hope we meet again and thank you for rescuing me from the council," she said as she got into the car.

"As I said Buffy it was my pleasure, good luck and don't forget the pager," smiled Harry as they drove off.

========== BtVS ==========

Willow tried to brush away the irruption that was dancing across her face, it came again, she slowly opened her eyes, she found herself looking into a pair of blue eyes. Her own eyes went wide as she realised who's eyes she was looking at, she grabbed hold of Buffy and pulled her down into a hug, "Buffy," she laughed.

Tara stirred from sleep to find her two girlfriends hugging, "Hey is it a private party or can anyone join in?" she laughed.

"No, but only you two are invited," Buffy smiled as she drew Tara into a three-way hug, "God I missed you guys."

"We missed you too, are you ok?" sighed Tara, Buffy could hear the relief in her voice.

"Yeah I'm fine now. One of Jimmy's friends that helped rescue me turned out to be Riley," Buffy sighed as she melted into the arms of her lovers.

"Really! I can see why Steve would warn Jimmy about getting you to trust them," said Willow.

"Yeah are you okay with it?" said Tara absently tucking Buffy's hair behind her ear.

Buffy sighed again, "You know I think I am, I've moved on, so as Riley, when this mess is sorted out he wants to bring his girlfriend to Sunnydale to meet all of us." She leaned over slightly and kissed Tara then Willow, "God I want you," she growled.

"We know Buffy, but we can't, to many people around," moaned Willow absently nibbling on Buffy's ear.

Tara jumped up off the bed, she slapped Buffy playfully on the butt, "Later you two, when we have a room with a door and a lock," she stood by the bed her arms crossed, "Now up the pair of you," she ordered.

Buffy rolled off of Willow with a sigh, "Yes mum."

========== BtVS ==========

After they had showered and dressed they went to the dinning room, most of their friends were already there, only the two sisters at the entrance to the mine and the two at the side passage junction were absent. After helping themselves to the food, they joined Giles who was sat with Maggie and Olivia.

Maggie smiled at them, "Good morning Willow, Tara did you sleep well? And Buffy I'm glad to see you safe and well."

"Not really My Lady, we missed Buffy," said Tara taking a seat.

"Thanks," said Buffy taking her seat between Willow and Tara, "So what happens now?"

"Well I think after breakfast, I finish telling you the story of the Warlock, then you tell us what you learned about her, then we discuss what we do next because in two days time we must perform the Rites of the Veil at Lughnasadh which is part of our sacred duty," explained Maggie.

After breakfast they went to what Maggie explained used to be the foreman's office when the mine was operational, now it had a couple of settees and a armchair, taking their seats Maggie began the story.

"As I said last night just before Morganna's 22nd birthday the hermit took her to see her half brother Arturus, he revealed Arturus's true lineage, who realised that because of the nature of the oaths that had been pledged to his father Eugenius, before and after the siege of Boscastle all the landholders and their descendants owed fidelity to him. After talking it over with the hermit, Arturus sent-out heralds to all those landholders still holding out against him, calling them to a great council at Boscastle. At the suggestion of the hermit, he had the Archbishop of Canterbury and his sister the High Priestess send letters endorsing the proposed council, thereby preventing any landholder from refusing and incurring the displeasure of the church or the Goddess." Maggie sighed, "That was probably the only time both sides helped to bring about peace, even if it was for their own ends? Anyway all came but three who lived at the extreme western tip of Cornwall, these were his mother's brother and his two sons. The great council after hearing the hermit's declaration, all were aware that as the Seer he could not lie, Arturus was crowned King of the Britons as he was destined to be. At the crowning ceremony had Arturus given equal prominence to the Lord and Lady as he did the God of Abraham many sorrows may have been avoided later, oh well such was the will of the Lord and Lady. After the feasting was over King Arturus led a large army against his uncle and two cousins, the fight was brutal, Arturus destroyed their standing army and laid siege to his uncle's stronghold. After two months the hermit appeared within the stronghold and told Arturus's uncle that unless he agreed terms his entire line would cease to be, such was the Goddess's will. Well the siege ended and at the celebrations after, Arturus met his future wife, his uncle's niece Guenever on his wife's side, they were married the following spring. For about five years there was peace throughout the British Isles, it was a golden age,