3 Weeks Later--Gunn and Dawn's Headquarters

Gunn strode through the halls of the renovated warehouse. He was on his way to meet with Wesley and Giles to receive an update on the upcoming crisis. When Wesley had first come to Gunn he was at first wary. He had not seen the Englishman for close to 12 years, ever since Angel went non-talking on them. He had not heard anything from him either so when the former Watcher had shown up with bad news he was immediately on the alert.

They had sat down and talked about why Wesley was there. It turns out that Wesley had seen a symbol engraved in blood on the side of a building at a murder scene he was investigating in Rome. At first Gunn couldn't figure why it had put the former watcher on the alert until he began to explain.

Apparently when he was training to become a watcher, he took a class on ancient prophecies. Most of what he had learned was garbage but he was shown a series of symbols. The young watcher was told that if they were to see any of these symbols at any time they were to run and immediately inform the council. They were directly associated with the apocalypse and not to be taken lightly.

At this point Gunn had pointed out that they had averted apocalypses before and had asked what made this one so special. The answer had damn near made him run for the hills. It wasn't just your average apocali. This was the big one. The final one. The battle in which Lucifer himself would take place.

It seems that every 6,000 years Lucifer would grow strong enough to break free and thus take control. This battle would include all the forces of heaven and hell and would result in worldwide and dimension wide battles. It was the ultimate war and there was no stopping and no avoiding it. It would come and it would scar the world for all time. Wesley explained all this with the air of someone telling of a simple college lecture but the terror he truly felt lay just beneath the surface and though it had been a long time since they last saw each other Gunn read him easily. It was no comfort.

Wesley didn't know much more than that. The details were never explained and thus they were all poorly equipped to handle it. Then Gunn had suggested that they didn't need to worry about it. The big event probably wouldn't take place for several years if even in their lifetime so there was no rush. That hope was quickly shot down. The first symbol would appear exactly 1 year before the first battle would take place. There was no time and there was nowhere to run.

They had absorbed this news with varying degrees of horror. One week later Giles had shown up at their doorway with slightly more information. He had tried the offices of Angel Investigations but had realized it was abandoned. Out of some last sense of loyalty Gunn had always had the place watched and it had been some of his men who had found the Watcher prowling around. He had been brought to the warehouse and they had caught up.

Giles' information brought little better news. He had with him three books that he had stolen from the council. They were the Myesha Chronicles and from what Giles had already translated it was a detailed accounting of the last battle between heaven and hell. It spoke of the coming signs and warnings and the appearance of Gods and Lucifer's chosen. He had translated so far only the meanings of the symbols. There were five in total and they would appear in succession as a sort of countdown. Each new symbol would mark the coming of three new things. One it would symbolize the countdown aspect. Two an event would take place. The event could be anything from Lucifer's chosen being revealed or Gods chosen being revealed to the mark of a significant change. I.e. weather. The third would mark a chosen battlefield. There would be more than five battle fields but the five chosen by the symbols would be the place of ultimate battle, where the chosen warriors would fight for a specific victory. Since the symbol that Wesley had seen denoted the first mark they were trying to figure out where the first place of battle would take place. So far they were having little success. Since there had been no significant change in either weather or worldwide news, they could only concluded that each side had begun it's choosing. Those warriors who would in the end be the last hope for both sides. They could find no references so far on how these chosen would appear or even who they would be. They could be anyone from the King of England to a grub farmer in Mexico. There was no way of knowing.

As Gunn passed thru the doorway of the hastily constructed library he saw Wesley and Giles in deep discussion over one of the books. Looking up Giles spotted Gunn standing there and waved him over.

"Gunn, good. We have some new information. We think we've located the area of the first battle. It seems here that when the last battle took place 6,000 years ago the first confrontation took place in the wilder lands of corn or something similar to that." Glancing up from his notes Wesley paused to make sure Gunn was paying attention. Seeing that he was, the demon hunter continued. "Since corn was only discovered in America it would be wise to assume that the first battle will take place in the U.S. Somewhere in the middle states I suppose though we can't get anything closer than that." Finishing his speech, Wesley leaned back in his chair and looked at Gunn.

"Great, so the fight's gonna take place in Nowhere, USA. That at least gives us an idea of the location. I guess we can't ask for anything more than that. Any news on who these people might be who are actually gonna fight?"

"Not yet." Giles replied. "However, I can assume that they will be made known in some form. We have the Chronicles so both sides are going to come looking for them. They prove to be invaluable references and I suppose we'll find out then."

"Right. I'll step up the guards surrounding this place and see if I can't get the boys to find any more info." As Gunn turned his back to the room Wesley saw a small tattoo on the back of Gunn's neck.

"When did you get that tattoo Gunn?" Wesley inquired. From his vantage point he couldn't get a clear view of what it was.

Gunn turned around again a confused look etched on his face. "What tattoo?"

"The one on the back of your neck." Wesley watched as Gunn's hand flew up. Confusion and a touch of fear crossed the black man's brow as he felt a small rise on his flesh.

"I don't know where it came from. What does it look like?" He said rushing over to the sitting men. Turning his back he did not see the ashen expression on the two watcher's faces as they studied Gunn's new mark.

"Oh, dear." Giles said. "It appears as if you've been chosen."

*****

Angel was growing frustrated. He had returned home from England and began his search for Giles but was coming up empty handed. He just knew he had to get to the Watcher with his new information but he couldn't figure out why. After all it wasn't as if the final battle would happen anytime soon. He picked up the book again and stared at it as if the answers would suddenly spring up from its bindings.

He heard a knock at his door and looked up as it opened. He was sitting behind his desk in his small office at the shelter. A young boy of around 14 entered the room and approached Angel. He was dressed in clothes slightly too big for him and with his blond hair and huge blue eyes he was the very picture of a lost waif. Angel smiled in greeting and promptly forgot about his concerns for the moment.

"Can I help you Jacob?" Angel inquired. Jacob was one of his favorite wards and never ceased to bring a lightness to Angel's heart even knowing the past the young boy came from.

"Yes, Mr. Angel. Mark and Tony have been picking on me again. I normally wouldn't rat or nothin' but they took all my money I saved up from workin' in the yard and I need that money for Sarah's birthday." Sarah was Jacob's 12 year old sister who was also a resident of the home. They had been abandoned by their parents 2 years ago and had sought out Angel's shelter when they heard about it on the streets. Mark and Tony were some of the older kids Angel cared for. They were mean and nothing but bullies but Angel couldn't bring himself to simply abandon them as they had been before.

"Ok Jacob. Thanks for letting me know. I'll take care of it. And in the future I want you to tell me anytime that they mess with you. I can't fix the problem if I don't know about it. Nodding his head, Jacob came over and stood next to Angel. Jacob regarded Angel as his new father. He took good care of both him and his sister and for that he had received the boy's unswerving loyalty.

Leaning over Jacob looked at the book lying on Angel's desk. "What's that?" He asked.

"Oh, it's just some research I'm doing. What do you say we go and find Sarah?" Angel said.

"Ok!" Getting up the two headed out of the room but Angel was brought up short by Jacob's next words.

"I didn't know you had a tattoo Mr. Angel."

Confusion lighting his brow the vampire turned to look at the young boy. "Yes, it's a griffin. I had it put on my back a long time ago. How do you know about it?" As far as Angel could remember the children had never seen him without his shirt off and he had never spoken of that part of his life.

"Really you have two! That's so cool. When I get older I wanna get one!"

"What do you mean two? I only have the one." Angel was beginning to worry now. He had a suspicion of what was going on.

"Well, you said you have one on your back and you got a funny sign on the back of your neck." At those words a cold dread filled the vampire as he made his way back to his desk. Pulling out a piece of paper and a pen he asked Jacob to draw a picture of what he saw. Waiting in frightened anticipation the vampire began to think of the meaning behind this new development. His thoughts were not good.

Finally finishing, Jacob handed Angel the piece of paper and watched as the vampire turned even paler than he normally was. He saw Angel release the paper to let it flutter to the floor and witnessed him collapsing to his knees as a desperate keen erupted from his lips.

Frightened the boy could only ask one question. "What's it mean?"

The dark vampire slowly raised his eyes and stared straight at the young boy who shivered under the touch. For the first time Jacob grew afraid of the man he considered his father.

"I have been chosen."

*****

Fred hobbled down the sidewalk towards the University. The cast on her leg made walking difficult due to the crutches she had to use. She had woken up three weeks ago in the hospital. She had a broken leg and a pretty severe concussion that had left her bed ridden for several days. Remembering back to her attack was difficult. All of the details were fuzzy and jumbled together. The only thing she could clearly remember was their eyes. Blood red eyes. It was then that she knew it was no ordinary humans that had tried to take her life. Her only question now was why. She had been out of the demon fighting business for over 12 years and it was a brief part of her life at that. Her trip to Pilea had come up but again, why would they cross dimensions just to collect someone they thought of as being nothing better than livestock.

These thoughts had tumbled through her brain until she finally pushed them to the side. Her attackers had disappeared and though this made her slightly nervous she doubted they would be coming back. Reaching the steps to her building, she began the slow and difficult climb up them. In the hall she shuffled to her office and quickly opened the door. Once inside she turned on the lights and proceeded to get ready for her first class of the day.

Several hours and 2 classes later, Fred found herself back in her office again grading papers. Looking out her window she grunted as she remembered being in this exact position the day she was attacked. So it was with some trepidation when she heard the knocking on her door. Breaking out into an icy sweat, she reached for one of her crutches and grasped it firmly. Calling out a soft come in, she watched as the door slowly opened.

A young man walked into the room and Fred's breath caught at his beauty. He was tall, around 6' and had long black hair. His skin was pale and his eyes glowed a startling emerald. His lithe frame could not hide a strong body which was displayed as he casually walked across the room to stand in front of Fred's desk. Fred had completely forgotten about her makeshift weapon and openly gawked at this stunning creature before her.

"It is time." The man spoke. His voice was like a soft breeze on a summer's day but it carried the strength of a raging tornado. Still Fred could not find her voice so enraptured by this creature was she.

"Come child, it is time." Finally finding her voice Fred replied.

"Wh..who are y..you?" She asked, a breathless stutter in her voice. The man smiled and it so lit his face that Fred once again found herself incapable of speech.

"I am called Degan. I have come to help you leave. It is time." Slowly Fred muddled her way thru to the words the man had spoke.

"Wh...what do you mean leave?" She was beginning to come out of her sight induced awe and was growing confused.

"The time has come for the warriors to gather. Time grows short and the enemy more powerful. You must go to them." Degan answered. He now wore a slightly concerned look on his face as his bore into Fred's.

"Who needs me? What warriors and what enemies?"

"All will be explained. You must return home and seek out old friends. You must hurry." At these words Fred felt a slight tingling sensation on the back of her neck as she watched the man begin to leave.

"Wait!" Fred called out frantically. The man paused and turned back to her. "Who are you?" The man simply smiled and as he left Fred was given the faint impression of wings gracing his back.

She had been chosen.

*****

Tara watched as the clouds drifted by from her seat at the window of her flight. She sighed heavily as the man sitting next to her once again began to regale her with tales of his family. Pasting a slightly worn smile on her face she tuned the man out and thought of her reasons for taking this flight.

After seeing the woman at the magic shop she had immediately rushed home and began tearing through her library. She knew that symbol from her mother's teachings and though it had left a sour feeling in the pit of her stomach she could not remember the details behind it. It had taken her 2 weeks, 30 phone calls, and indebting herself to several people before she had finally gotten her answers. What she had found had now led her to sitting on this plane next to Mr. Chatterbox. She was going to Sunnydale to seek help from the only people she knew who could possibly help.

Unbidden, memories of her life from so long ago began to creep up. Friends and fights. Loves and enemies. It had been a wild and educating time for her centered around a red headed witch who she had given her heart too. She had not thought of Sunnydale in years and now that she had the memories came rushing up to greet her. She smiled as all of the good and not so good times replayed themselves in her head with Willow as the featured star. Old emotions and sensations creeped through her and Tara felt a pang in heart for what she had lost.

She remembered the day clearly when Willow had come home from visiting Xander. She was cold and brief, dismissing Tara almost immediately. Willow had spent the better part of the next week being cold, ruthless, and completely uncaring. It was when Tara found out that Xander had left town that she knew the reasoning behind her love's strange behavior and let it pass. The next blow came when they lost Dawn, though in retrospect Tara could see where Willow had all but abandoned the girl already. She became even more sullen and angry after that, lashing out for no good reason, destroying favored objects and letting loose vicious words. Finally Tara had left, unable to cope with a drastically changed Willow.

She was brought out of her reverie by the stewardess announcing they were to arrive in several moments and to buckle seatbelts. The decent and taxing seemed to take forever but they finally managed to arrive at the gate. Grabbing her carry on she made her way over to the baggage claim and picked up her lone suitcase. She had never been a material person and what was in her two bags was quite literally just about everything she owned. She was a light traveler. Making her way outside she hailed a cab and gave instructions to the Rosenburg house. She was nervous and scared but Willow would be the first person she had to talk to since as far as she knew Willow was the only one remaining in Sunnydale.

Pulling up in front of the house, Tara noted that it looked exactly the same. Some of the plants were fuller and a new coat of paint had been applied but overall it was as if she had never left all those years ago. Bracing herself, she exited the cab and asked him to wait. Walking up slowly to the door she hesitated before knocking. She had come too far to go back now. She knocked. It was a few moments before she heard movement in the house and a gracefully matured woman opened the door. Tara immediately recognized her as Mrs. Rosenburg.

"Hi Mrs. Rosenburg. I don't know if you remember me but I was a friend of Willow's a long time ago. My name is Tara." The older lady simply stared at Tara for a moment before remembrance dawned.

"Tara! Yes, now I remember. Please come in." Mrs. Rosenburg said stepping away from the door. She guided Tara into the living room and told her to take a seat. "Would you like some coffee or tea?"

"No ma'am. I came to see Willow. It's really important I see her right away. Do you know where she is? I have a cab waiting outside."

"I'm sorry dear but Willow doesn't live in Sunnydale anymore. She moved some years ago." At the crestfallen look on the young woman's face Mrs. Rosenburg explained further. "She moved to Washington some time ago. She's married now and has children. We don't talk much anymore but I guess that's what happens when your children grow up and move out." She finished with a slightly wistful look on her face.

"Oh, married....and she has children." At the nod of conformation Tara once again felt a pang for all the things she'd lost. Shaking her head to dispel the feelings she chatted with Mrs. Rosenburg for several minutes before thinking it was now appropriate to leave. Calling out last goodbye's she made her way to the cab and lost herself in thought. She was disturbed a moment later by the cabdriver.

"I'm sorry what?"

"Where to miss?"

"Oh...the nearest car rental agency. I have to get to L.A."

*****

Spike strode down the darkened alley toward the sound of the club's beating music. He had been in New York for 2 1/2 weeks now and he was having no luck in finding this kitten that Dru had spoken of. He had left his Dark Princess in South America and set off on his own. The amount of relief he felt when he crossed into the states had immediately told him he would not be going back. He loved his Dark Goddess beyond anything but their time together had drawn to a close. It was time for him to set off alone.

Approaching the line of people waiting to enter the club he immediately began to scan it for a potential meal. After several moments he spotted two girls giggling near the back of the line. Perfect. Grinning he sidled up behind them and began his usual speech to coerce these young girls to leave with him. As always it worked like a charm and he soon had them attached to either of his arms as he guided them to the alley he had just left. Once out of earshot of the remaining people he quickly drained the girls, ignoring the begging and whimpers. Satisfied with his meal, Spike once again approached the club and sought entrance which he was quickly granted after flashing a bit of fang.

As Spike entered the club, oddly name the Cat's Craddle, the music pounded at him. To Spike's sensitive ears it was like a soothing balm. The swarm of warm, sweaty bodies surrounding him would have caused him to go into immediate vamp mode if not for his recent meal. Already enjoying himself he made his way to the bar and sat down. Calling the bartender over he was immediately struck by some pictures hanging on the wall. They were to say the least, startling. He was distracted from his staring by the bartender. Ordering a bottle of Jack Daniels he stopped the young man from turning away by inquiring about the photos.

"Those are amazing. Who took them?"

"Dunno." the bartender replied. "I can ask the manager if you want." Nodding his head in acquiesce Spike once again began to stare. The photos were amazingly clear and the context was...eye catching. The faces were of people in the throes of dancing, passion and exuberance flushing their faces as they ground together. Whoever had taken the pictures had an amazing eye for detail, blurring the backgrounds to focus solely on a face or a couple.

Spike was once again brought out of his reverie by a large, burly looking man who tapped him on the shoulder.

"I'm the manager. What do ya want?"

"Who took those pics?"

The man turned around to look where Spike was pointing. "Oh them, a guy who comes round here a lot. Dunno his name. But if you want to talk to him he's over there." He waved his hand at a lone figure sitting hunched at a table in a dark corner of the club nursing a beer.

Nodding his thanks, the vampire picked up his drink and made his way over to the table. Setting down his drink he was about to speak when the man looked up. Stunned silence passed between them for a moment before it was broken by Spike speaking.

"Bloody hell.....Harris?"

Seems he found his kitten.

*****

Willow woke up slowly from her drug induced slumber. She had needed the drugs to fall asleep every night since the accident. She blinked against the harsh sunlight pouring into the room and tried to focus her gaze on the clock above her bed. Almost noon. Good, her children would be by to see her soon. Groaning as her body began to throb she couldn't help but reflect on the last three weeks.

The first thing she remembered was bright lights and a voice sounding far away and then coming more into focus. She was terrified at first. It had taken three orderlies and a shot of sedatives to calm her down enough to be told what had happened. She had been in a car accident. Brian, and oh god did it still hurt to even think his name, had died on impact of a broken neck. Her daughter and son had made it out with cuts and bruises and were fine. Then the bombshell, news the doctor obviously had not wanted to share. The baby was gone. Her seatbelt had slammed into her stomach so hard it had caused severe hemorraging. The doctor told her the baby had died fast and probably painlessly.

As the memories rushed thru her she moved her hand down to her now flat stomach and a silent sob broke thru as she thought of all the things she would never have with her lost child. After a few moments she forced herself to calm down. Her children would be here soon and she needed to be strong for them. They had lost a father and new baby brother.

As she shifted, her bruised ribs screamed at her and she had to catch her breath before she could relax again. Of them all she had suffered the worst. Bruised ribs and a broken left arm were her minor injuries. She had bleed heavily from the miscarriage and the doctor's had been forced to remove her womb to stop the bleeding. She was barren now and that cut her deeper than she would have liked to believe.

Hearing a tentative knock on her door, Willow forced a smile to her lips as she called for them to come in. Daniel and Joyce came walking in, their faces haunted with their new found grief. Behind them stood a tall, thin woman of middle years.

"Hi babies! Were they good for you Miss. Thomas?" Willow inquired of her nanny. With a slight nod and a brief smile the woman made a quick exit. Sighing in relief she focused on her children. Miss. Thomas made a great nanny but a cold woman. She reminded Willow of how she used to be before Brian had come along.

The children stayed for an hour before the nurse ushered in and said their time was up. Before leaving Daniel spoke to Willow a last time.

"Mommy, I had a dream last night!"

"About what baby?"

"There was a man in it and he had red eyes. He was really scary but then another man came up and scared him away. The other man was kinda weird. He had funny hair."

Stunned into silence Willow could only give her boy a quick peck on the cheek before he was ushered out of the room. That dream was her dream. The one she'd been having just about every night for the last 3 weeks. Ever since the accident. She knew who the man with the funny hair was. It was Spike but she didn't know why she would be dreaming of him. She hadn't thought about any of her old friends in several years. Why would they start showing up now?

Her silent contemplation was broken as the nurse wheeled in the sponge bath. Familiar with the routine Willow silently went thru the motions as thoughts drifted in and out of her mind.

"That's funny."

"I'm sorry...what?"

"Its just that I never noticed this tattoo before. I could have sworn it wasn't there yesterday." The nurse replied.

"What tattoo?" Willow asked as a cold shiver ran thru her. She could have sworn someone had just walked over her grave.

"This sign on the back of your neck. It's quit unusual I have to say."

"Draw me a picture of it will you?" At the blank look on the nurse's face Willow hurried to make an excuse. "It's just that it's been a while since I've seen it. I've forgotten what it looks like."

Frowning, the nurse pulled a pad and pen from her pockets and drew a quick sketch of Willow's mark. Handing the piece of paper to the red head she proceeded to finish bathing her charge. She didn't see Willow grow more pale or hear the sharp intake of breath.

Willow knew that sign. She was in trouble.

*****

In the fields of Nebraska a fire burned. The flames danced among the rows of corn, igniting stalks and scorching the earth. The fire burned bright and hot but this was no ordinary fire. It had a purpose, a mind of it's own. It skipped from stalk to stalk, leaving some and burning others. As quickly as the fire appeared it vanished. In it's wake was a swath of destruction in the shape of a symbol.

*****
Part 3: Dark Children

A Place Without Time

The Eyalca stood in a circle surrounding a large pentagram emblazoned on the ground. They were dressed in pitch-black robes trimmed in blood red. Hoods covered their faces until the only thing that could be seen was the red glow of their unholy eyes. They began to chant in unison. Softly at first, barely heard, then louder and louder until they were screaming at the tops of their voices. A foul wind whipped around their bodies as they cried out their ceremony. When they thought they could scream no more a small hole appeared in the air above the center of their circle. Slowly it grew wider and as it did faint sounds could be heard emanating from it. The noise grew louder as the portal opened further. It was the sound of screaming, countless voices raised in anguish and despair. They cried out for mercy and salvation that would never come. The portal was larger now and the voices within it had drowned out the Eyalca's chanting, becoming so loud it sounded like one long plaintive wail. Then the first claw appeared. It was massive. Mottled in shades of black, brown and red it resembled the charred flesh of a burn victim. Slowly a leg appeared as the new beast stepped forward. It inched its way out tearing at the gates of the prison that had contained it to a new freedom. Once it fully appeared the Eyacla stopped.

They stared at what they had called forth. It was huge, bulky and resembled the tormented visage of a hellhound. Large fangs dripped with saliva as the monster surveyed its surroundings, body twitching with long forgotten sensations. As its gaze came to focus on the standing worshippers it let out a bellow that shook the ground and made the blood freeze.

The Eyacla began to chant again, this time using normal voices. A faint buzzing began in the back of their minds becoming sharper and more painful the longer they chanted. Finally, their essences were ripped from their bodies to dance around the form of the beast. With another bellow the demon called to the energy surrounding him and absorbed it into his flesh. And as the beast stepped from the ring of bodies to begin its journey a symbol could be seen blazoned upon its neck.

*****

Tom Maxon was an ordinary man. He had a very boring job as an accountant. A small typical bachelor's pad and he even had a cat. He was tall and gangly with unruly red hair that was forever getting in his way and his clothes were cheap Wal-Mart brands. Tom had an unusual gift however, one that no one knew about. He kept it hidden and secret. The only thing special about him. He was a chameleon.

He first discovered this new ability when he was 7. He had been sitting on his porch while his mother and father had fought. They had gotten pretty loud and Tom knew that his dad would soon come looking for him and start yelling at him too. As he heard his father's footsteps approaching the front door, Tom had *willed* his father not see him...and he hadn't.

Tom heard his dad shouting at him and his brow furrowed as the large man lumbered right past him. Looking down at himself he gasped. His skin had turned into the mottled pattern of the flaking white paint on the outside of the house and even his clothes had taken on it's appearance. The wood grain of the bench streaked across his lap and legs and his shoes held the pattern of the concrete floor they rested on. He had panicked and it seemed to break the spell of whatever had happened to his body. He had run into the house to his room and it had taken his mother 2 days to coax him out. He never told her why. Over the years Tom had worked with his new gift. At first he had feared it but after a while he accepted it. He had gotten very good.

Tom had a penchant for fine things. He liked quality merchandise but his accountant's wages simply didn't allow him to pursue this passion of his. He had started stealing things in his teen years. Small things at first, bubblegum, cigarettes, even alcohol but as he got older his interests became broader and now he frequented jewelry shops and fine antique stores. He was always careful not to show anything in his home, keeping his beloved items hidden from any eyes that might see. He was also very careful in making sure he wasn't caught on cameras or tapes. The last thing he needed was the government chasing after him because of his gift. That was why he had a nice, boring, unassuming facade. Jail simply was not an option.

But what Tom didn't know was that he *had* caught someone's attention.

He was walking to work on a normal ordinary Thursday, taking his nice normal route when he was stopped by a beautiful woman. She was dressed in a loose fitting summer dress and her golden hair spilled from beneath a quaint wide brimmed hat. She smiled at Tom and he was so thrown by this new experience that he simply stood there in stunned amazement.

The woman smiled inwardly. This was gonna be to easy. Slowly approaching Tom she entered his personal space and began to speak.

"Tom, aren't you tired of being invisible?" She asked in a breathy whisper. One of her hands came to rest lightly on his arm and began to rub in slow circles. "Don't you want to be seen? To be known? To never have to hide again? I can help you."

Snapping out of his daze, Tom took a step back, shaking himself from the woman's gentle grasp.

"Who are you?" He demanded, more authority in his voice than he expected. Clearing his throat he softened his tone. "What do you mean by hiding?"

"Oh, Tom." She sighed. "You know what I mean. Hiding in shadows, fearing people will find out about your...special gift."

Taken aback, hundreds of question began to run thru Tom's mind. He didn't know what to think. Who was this woman? How did she know? What did she know and how much of it? He stood there, mind whirling until the woman gently coughed bringing his focus back to her.

"I know you must have many questions. Why don't you come with me? I can answer them all." Still stunned Tom could only nod his head and follow the woman. As she placed an arm around his waist and guided him down the street, a small tattoo flared on the back of Tom's neck and for a moment the woman's eyes flashed red.

*****

Jessica ran. Her heart was pounding, beating a cadence in her chest that seemed to match the rhythm of her footsteps. Her breath came in labored gasps but she continued on. To stop now was unthinkable. She flung herself around a corner and speed past a line of long closed stores. The streets were empty in the small town. Darkness crept into every corner and her fear filled mind picked imagined monsters at every turn. She couldn't hear her pursuers anymore but that didn't matter. They were just waiting for her to stop, relax, and they would jump again. She couldn't let them get her again.

She had just crossed a street and was heading for the town church when a figure stepped in front of her. Startled by his abrupt appearance Jessica attempted to stop, losing her footing and falling onto the sidewalk. Scared, she attempted to back pedal only to be brought up short by another figure standing behind her. Terrified now, she froze and looked up into the face of the first man.

"Why are you running, Jessica?"

Terror clouding her mind she answered without hesitation. "They're chasing me! They're behind me!" She panted. The adrenaline pumping thru her body was cresting and she had to *run*.

"Don't be afraid Jessica. We won't hurt you." The first man stated, holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture. The second man also made the same gesture and the woman allowed herself to relax a little. Still looking at the first man she turned when the second began to speak.

"Stand up child." Shaking, Jessica did as she was bidden and rose to her feet leaning on the wall of a nearby shop for support.

"How would you like to never have to run again?" The first man asked. Jessica snorted to herself. That was a wish she had given up on long ago. She had tried leaving the town once when she was young but her daddy and brothers had found her. What they had done to her had convinced her to never leave again though she still ran. Sometimes they didn't catch her and she could have a day or two before she was found again.

She was about to tell them the impossibility of that when the first man waved his hand in a silencing gesture. "Hush. I can make it where they'll never find you again. Where there is no more running and hiding. No more pain." His voice was low and quiet, hypnotic to the ears of the still shivering girl. She glanced from one man to the other before nodding her head.

The first man held out his hand, a large smile crossing his plain features. As Jessica placed her hand in his, a mark flared to life on the back of her neck and both men's eyes glowed red.

*****

Tara walked around the dilapidated remains of Angel Investigations. She could tell this place had been abandoned long ago. Cobwebs and dust coated every surface and the air was stale. But there was something curious here. A hum she could feel in her bones. The place called to her, echoed with the past and the cries of the future. This place was power and she sang with it.

She had driven the two hours to L.A. before finally admitting to herself she was exhausted. Rather than go to Angel in her current state she had found a hotel and rested. Now, the next day she realized she was once again thwarted in her attempt to find someone who could help her. She was growing frustrated. She had news to tell and she needed to find someone now!

She was about to leave to figure out her next step when a faint rustling came to her ears. She was immediately tense and began to quickly draw in power should she need it. She could not place where the sound had come from for like this place the sound had echoed.

"Wh..who's there?" Her long forgotten stutter making a reappearance. Silence greeted her and she began to back slowly to the door, eyes darting around trying to detect any movement.

She had almost made it to the exit when the sound was repeated followed by a man stepping from the shadows. He was tall and thin of obvious Hispanic origins. He was dressed in loose plain clothing and had an impressive crossbow pointed straight at her chest. She immediately froze.

"Who are you?" The man asked, gaze never wavering from hers.

"T..tara. I'm looking for Angel." Fear giving her voice a few octaves.

"Another one? Paul, make sure she doesn't have any weapons." The man called out.

Another man, presumably Paul stepped from the shadows and approached Tara. She remained still trying to seem harmless. Paul stepped up to her and briefly patted her down before giving the man with the crossbow a quick nod and stepping back.

"What do you want?" Tara asked anger beginning to creep into her voice. Who were these people that they thought they could treat her like this? After all she was just someone off the streets to these people.

"The question isn't what we want but what you want. Why do you seek Angel?"

"I'm an old friend of his. I need his help. Please....tell me. Do you know where he is?"

"No." Her heart fell. "But, maybe someone else can help you. Do you know Gunn?" Her brow furrowed in concentration. The name sounded vaguely familiar. "I see you don't. How about Rupert Giles?"

Tara's face brightened and she shook her head in the affirmative. "Ok, then come with us. We'll take you too him. But no funny stuff or you'll find out what an arrow feels like in your heart." Shuddering at that mental image Tara followed the man out of the building. It wasn't until she was outside that she realized she still didn't know his name.

*****

Angel quickly packed his suitcase, throwing things in a manner that clearly stated his mental state. After all, he was practically famous for his neatness but now his room looked as if a hurricane had passed thru. Clothes were strewn over chairs and tables. Discarded packages, bathroom supplies, and trash lay scattered around the floor. He was searching under the bed frantically looking for an old box.

Sighing in relief, he pulled a small rosewood box out of it's hiding place and kneeled up to rest it on the mattress. Opening it reverently, he gently sifted thru the contents. There were a few pictures of his Childer from his pre-soul days. Druscilla dressed in elegant finery, the madness in her eyes showing thru the brown and white paper. Spike dressed to the nines in fashionable turn of the century gentleman's wear, marred only by the loosened tie and the sardonic grin. Penn, sitting stoic as he addressed the camera with barely concealed disdain.

Deeper in the box were bits and pieces of jewelry. A bracelet bought for Penn shortly after his turning. A locket given to his Sire shortly before their trip to Romania. A snippet of hair from his beloved mortal sister. At the bottom of the box rested an old amulet, scuffed and scared by years of use. It gleamed faintly in the dim light and when Angel touched it his hand was warmed by the energy thrumming thru it.

Drawing it out, he closed the box and placed it in his suitcase, snapping the lid closed before picking it up and heading out of the room. He walked to his office and took care of some last minute business before heading towards the upstairs rooms where the children slept. It was day out and most of the kids where in the yard or around town. But he knew he would find Jacob in his room reading. The boy loved to read and consumed books in a stunning manner.

Gently knocking he swung the door open and saw Jacob sitting in a window seat absorbed in a new book. The vampire walked over to him, making sure to stay out of the sun's killing rays, and touched his shoulder. Startled, Jacob jerked his head up only to relax once he recognized his caretaker.

"Hi Mr. Angel!"

"Hello Jacob." Angel smiled fondly. He kneeled on one knee next to Jacob and spoke. "Jacob, I have to leave for awhile." At the boy's crestfallen look he hurried to explain. "There is some very important business that I need to take care of. I have to go immediately. I'm sorry." Jacob nodded his head. Angel had to leave sometimes and he was used to it by now. He was reassured only because the older man always came back. "I have something for you." Creasing his brow Jacob looked into Angel's open palm and reached out a tentative hand to touch the amulet. He let out a startled gasp when he felt the metal was warm and not cool and that it sent a tingle straight thru his arm.

"It's a special necklace that I want you to wear. Don't ever take it off." Angel slipped the amulet over the boy's head and tucked it under his shirt. "It's very important not to let anyone see it and not to let anyone take it from you. You understand?"

"Yes Mr. Angel." Jacob answered in a small voice. "Mr. Angel? Why?"

"I can't explain right now but trust me. One day you'll need it. Just do as I say, ok?" Nodding his head Jacob stood up with Angel and followed him to the door.

"Go back to reading. I don't know when I'll be back so you need to take special care for your sister and don't get into any trouble." Jacob acknowledged this with a faint smile and a nod.

Angel left the room not looking back. He made his way into the basement and down the sewer access panel, so lost in thought he never saw the boy creep after him, watching. Angel was headed to L.A. and to the only person he knew of who could help him. Gunn.

Jacob made his way silently into Angel's office and began to go thru the desk. Something about his surrogate father had been off and he had a bad feeling about this trip. Searching for almost an hour he finally found where Angel had written down a short itinerary for his journey. Making a quick decision, Jacob ran up the stairs. He and Sarah were going on a road trip.

*****

Spike looked over at the snoring figure lying on his hotel bed. Shortly after their shocking meeting in the nightclub they had proceeded to catch each other up, Spike leaving out the little detail of his now non-functioning chip. They had talked and drank and drank and talked until they were both staggeringly drunk. They had decided to crash at Spike's place since it was closer and Xander couldn't remember in which direction he lived.

The boy was asleep almost instantly when he hit the bed and Spike, not as drunk as he pretended to be, had proceeded to stare at the mortal turning things over in his mind. That Xander was the kitten was obvious to him. Hell, he had found the whelp in a nightclub name the Cat's Cradle for Christ's sake. The only question that remained was what now? Dru had sent him to help the boy..no he was a man now, that much was obvious, escape from something that was chasing him but Xander didn't seem to be running. In fact, the only bad thing in his life that the vampire could tell was the recent death of his friend Cordelia. It just didn't make any sense.

Reaching into his duster he extracted a cigarette and lit up. Just then Xander stirred on the bed and gave out a low agonized groan. Rolling over he stared at the ceiling waiting for it to stop spinning as he tried to figure out where he was.

"In me hotel room, whelp." The boy gave out a startled squeak and sat up only to keel over as the room once again began to spin crazily. He hadn't realized he said that out loud.

"Spike? What am I doing here?"

"Don't remember?"

"No. Hold on. Just give me a sec." Grasping his head between his hands he forced himself to focus on the previous night. It came back to him slowly and his body relaxed when he realized he wasn't in any immediate danger.

"God....bathroom?" Spike waved his hand in a general direction and Xander staggered off in search of it.

Closing the door he let out a silent moan of relief when he discovered the lights in the bathroom where muted. Sending up a silent thank you he used the toilet and felt more than saw his way to the sink. After washing his hands he splashed cold water in his face and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked like shit. Warmed over shit. His eyes were sunken and red from his crying. His face was pale and his hair resembled something from a drain pipe. Focusing more closely he could tell where his cheeks were beginning to look gaunt from his lack of eating. All in all.....warmed over shit.

It had been three weeks since Cordelia's death and he still hadn't recovered from it. He had loved her, though not in a romantic way since high school. She had been the only friend he had in this city and the only one from his past that he was still in contact with. Her death had hit him hard, almost too hard and it took all his willpower not to sink into the oblivion he had fallen into after Anya and Buffy's deaths.

Sighing he let his mind drift to the present. What had possessed him to go home with a vampire? And Spike of all vampires? He must have hit the bottle *hard*. Realizing he was stalling for time, he opened the door and made his way to the bed again before sitting down heavily.

"So....what brings you to New York? I don't remember you telling me."

"No reason. Got bored with Dru I did and decided to visit a favorite haunt."

"Oh ya. You killed a slayer here right?" At Spike's truly gleeful smile at the memory Xander shuddered. Of course the vampire had come to re-visit old memories. And trust himself to mention it, but for some reason Xander could tell that wasn't all there was too it. Shaking his head at himself he stood again. Time to go home.

"Well, thanks for letting me crash here. I'll be going now."

"Oi! Wait up a minute, whelp. Why the rush?"

"Umm....I'm tired and hung over. Not to mention the fact that I'm in a hotel room with an evil soulless demon." Xander replied flippantly.

"Right. Well then you best be off." Spike said casually. He didn't want Xander to know how much he wanted him to stay. He needed to figure out what was going on.

Nodding his head, the former Scooby headed to the door and walked into the hall. He was half way down it before he paused. Damnit, why was Spike here? He didn't believe for one second that he would come to New York to 'visit a favorite haunt' and then proceed to take him, Xander Harris, back to his hotel room after a night of binging. It just wasn't likely. Sighing to himself, he turned around and walked back to the door. Mentally preparing himself he knocked on the door and waited...and waited....and waited. He was just about to give up and head home when the door swung open to a smirking Spike.

"Forget somethin'?"

"Ya, a real explanation." Wow, he didn't think he could do that anymore. Quick comebacks had faded somewhere around Nevada when he had first left Sunnydale.

"Whatcha mean, pet?" Pet!? Pet?! Where the bloody hell had that come from. Covering up his shock at using the endearment he smirked again.

"You know what I mean, Fangless." It was amazing how quickly the old comebacks had come back and he owed it all to the vampire leaning casually on the doorframe in front of him. Great. "Let me in. We're gonna talk and I want a real answer this time."

Sighing, Spike stepped back from the doorway, a million lies coming to his mind and being quickly discarded as the brown haired man made his way once again to the bed. Sitting down Xander made himself comfortable while Spike lit up another cigarette and sat down in the room's only chair.

"Right then. Whatcha wanna know?" Spike couldn't believe he was actually going to answer Xander truthfully but something was pulling at him making him feel as if lying was a bad way to go. And Spike trusted his instincts. They had saved him too many times to just be discarded.

Xander was just opening his mouth to respond when the lights in the room went out and the suite was plunged into darkness. Spike could hear Xander's heart rate pick up and a faint waft of fear emanating from the mortal. Then abruptly the room had four new occupants. With his keen sight Spike could easily see the men materialize from nowhere and descend on the blinded man.

Shifting to game face he jumped the nearest figure to him and proceeded to kick and punch the man until he fell unconscious to the floor. Meanwhile the other three arrivals had been trying to go after Xander. But even blinded the former Scooby had not forgotten his training from fighting along side the Slayer and he was keeping them successfully at bay with wide swings and kicks. Spike crept up and pulled two more men away, leaving only one to circle Xander. The lone attacker completely ignored Spike as the vampire ripped his companions to pieces. Spike had just let the last body fall when he saw more men appear. They were dressed like the first, in plain ordinary clothes but now that he had paused for a second he realized that every single one of them had glowing red eyes.

Realizing the men would just keep coming he rushed over to Xander. "Come on, whelp! More just came for some fun." With that said he grabbed the boy's jacket and propelled him toward the hotel room door. Following, the vampire rained down kicks and blows on the strange men before reaching around the boy and yanking the door open.

Shoving Xander into the hall he quickly snapped out a kick on a too close pursuer and slammed the door closed. Panting needlessly he watched as Xander caught his breath and widened his eyes.

"Right then whelp. Wanna tell me what's goin' on?"

"I..I don't know! Who were those guys?" Xander exclaimed sharply. His body was quivering in a delayed reaction to the events that had just taken place. A loud banging could be heard on the door and Spike leaned on it harder.

"Don't know. I was hopein' you could tell me." Abruptly the pounding stopped and the men appeared in the hall. "Time to run!" Grabbing Xander's hand they pounded down the hall and crashed into the door leading to the stairwells. Opening it, the vampire shoved the mortal thru and glanced back. The pursuers were following them closely. Jumping thru the doorway and shutting the door, Spike followed the already descending mortal down. Several flights later they came to the ground floor. He was about to follow the mortal out when a beam of sunlight brushed his face. He hissed with the contact and reached out to stop Xander from going any further.

Xander quickly realized the problem and pulled Spike towards a set of doors leading into the kitchen area. Running thru cooks and rows of shelves they found another staircase leading downwards towards the basement. They ran side by side now dodging hotel staff as they made their way further downward.

Once there Spike spotted a grate leading to a sewer entrance. Running to it he lifted the grate and grabbed Xander, pushing him down thru the hole. Following the former Scooby, he replaced the lid and jumped down. The sewers where dark and rank smelling. Noticing that the man was having trouble seeing, Spike took his hand and proceeded at a run down one of the tunnels. It was several minutes later that they stopped to allow Xander to rest.

"Ok Pet, looks to me like we have a bit of a problem." And there he went calling him Pet again. He was getting his brain checked as soon as he was out of this mess. Maybe the chip had damaged him more than he thought?

"You could say that. Who were those...." Xander's voice trailed off as his body became tense. In the darkness, Spike could see his body sway and quickly reached out to grab the mortal. In his arms, Xander's body shook and jerked and when the vampire looked at his face, he could see Xander's eyes were a solid milky white. Uncertain as to what was going on he simply held the mortal until his shaking finally stopped and his eyes returned to their normal chocolate brown.

"Pet? You ok?"

"Wow." Xander's voice held an odd quaver and he looked directly into Spike's face. "Do me a favor? Look at the back of my neck and tell me what you see." Puzzled at this unexpected request, Spike lifted the man's hair and examined. He saw a dark tattoo in a weird symbol etched into the skin. Relaying this, he was surprised when Xander began to weep.

"Oi Pet? What's the matter?" Receiving no response, he picked the disturbed man up and followed the tunnels. Breakdown or not they needed to find a safe place to go before they were found. After about 20 minutes Xander finally calmed down and Spike allowed him to stand on his own two feet. "Feel like talkin' now?"

"Ya. Oh boy this is bad." Seeing the look on the vampires face, he continued. "We need to go to Washington."

"What?"

"Washington and fast. There's something I have to do."

*****

Fred stepped out of the airport lobby and looked around for a cab. Her two suitcases lay beside her and a deep frown was etched across her face. The flight had been long and tiring and all she wanted to do now was rest but she couldn't. They were still some things she had to do.

After the beautiful man had left she had returned home and tried to figure out what was going on. She had sat down on her couch and spent several hours going over all the facts. She had been attacked by strange men with glowing red eyes who were obviously bent on killing her and then three weeks later she was approached by yet another man and told she had to leave and that old friends would need her. The only friends she could think of were Angel, Gunn, Wesley and Cordelia whom she had left behind several years ago. What was going on? Why did they need her and who were all these strange people? She had realized that none of these questions were going to be answered here. She had made a few calls and began to pack her things.

Blinking, she was brought to the present by a woman standing in front of her speaking.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I said, do you need a ride." The woman pointed to a cab and lifted an eyebrow. Nodding her head, she picked up her bags and placed them in the trunk of the car. Giving the cabbie directions to the Hyperion she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.

What on earth was going on?

*****

Wesley let out a quiet scream of frustration as he gazed at the book. He couldn't believe it. He had been studying one of the passages in the book when suddenly, in mid sentence, the language had completely changed. He had flipped thru the next few pages only to discover the text written in the strange new tongue.

Hearing the cry, Giles looked up from the notes he was reviewing and gave his fellow researcher a puzzled look.

"The language. It's completely altered in mid-sentence and I can not make any sense of it." Wesley spoke, holding out the book to Giles. Reaching out, the Watcher took the tome and perused it.

"Yes, I see. How odd."

"That's not the most frustrating part. The text I was translating was speaking about the original war, giving detailed accounts on what happened between God and Lucifer when Heaven was first split. It was describing how the angels had chosen sides and what happened to the warrior's for each." Letting out another scream, Wesley dropped his head into his hands and tried to release the frustration coursing thru him.

"Tell me exactly what it said. Perhaps there will be something to help us." Giles spoke, frowning over the book.

"It states that Lucifer grew jealous of God's power. He coveted it for himself and began to sow discord amongst the Archangels. It states specifically Archangels as they were the most powerful in the Kingdom aside from God himself. Lesser Angels were almost ignored during the entire thing. It told how Lucifer managed charm a number of the ArchAngels to his side before he directly challenged God. There were around 40 in all but the most powerful were his strongest supporters. There were seven in total. It speaks how the struggle for power and the punishment God bestowed upon his children when the battle was over. Lucifer and three of his followers were cast down into the deepest pits of hell, where they were locked away. They became slaves to Lucifer there and were the basis for many of the demons that he eventually made. The other four were locked in individual prisons. There, they were twisted and re-shaped into horrible monsters that would be feared by all who saw them. Apparently the rest of the angels who followed Lucifer were also cast down but the book was just beginning to describe what happened to them when the words changed." Finishing his speech, Wesley removed his glasses and began to polish them.

Giles nodded at this new information and once again turned to the book. This new language seemed demonic in nature and he could swear he recognized it from somewhere. Frowning, he scanned his mind for where he had seen it last. After a few minutes, he sat up straight and spoke to Wesley.

"Would please go and fetch Gunn. I think I recognized this language. If I'm correct I'm going to need a certain demon." Wesley stood up and left the room in search of their host. He trusted Giles to know what he was talking about. And besides he wanted answers.

*****

James strode down the alleyway heading for home. He was very happy with himself. He had found a young girl on his way to the local grocery store and had proceeded to chat her up. Using his charm, he convinced the young lady to follow him into the alley where he had proceeded to beat and rape her. When he was done he had taken out his favorite knife from it's hiding place along his back and had cut her into several small pieces, saving her left ear for his trophy collection.

James loved hearing woman scream. He got off on the thrill of having that much power over another life. Ever since he was 10 and had accidentally killed his sister he had enjoyed his hobby. Mutilation, rape, beatings, he loved them all and he was never happier than when he had a woman laid out before him, ready for his ministrations.

He was brought out of his memories when a man stepped in front of him. He was dressed plainly in black slacks and a grey shirt. He was ordinary looking. In fact he had the kind of face that if seen would never be remembered clearly.

"What do you want?" James asked, his hand already creeping towards the hidden knife.

"You enjoy hurting woman. It gives you power." A small burst of fear blossomed in James and his breathing quickened. Had this man seen? Did he know?

"What are talking about?"

"Come now James. You know. But it's all right. I have a proposition for you."

"Proposition?"

"Yes. How would you like to do me a favor? In return, I'll lead you to a place where you can hurt as many girls as you want in whichever way you want."

James licked his lips as the possibilities rolled thru him. Unlimited access to woman. To do with them what ever he wanted. It was almost too good to be true.

"What do you want?"

"There's a certain young lady that I need taken care. In a way only your special talents can do. Do you agree?"

Making a quick decision, James nodded. The man smiled and held out his hand. After a brief pause James reached out and took his hand. He felt a curious sensation on the back of his neck but brushed the feeling off as the strange man spoke again.

"Her name is Willow. And she lives...." The voices trailed off in the distance as the two figures walked into the night. Unseen by either a shadow stepped out into the light. As the light shone down it hit the face of the figure and woman's face could clearly be seen. Her blond hair glowed and her perfect face held a sad look.

It was time to go.

*****

In the early morning hours a shaking disturbed the city of London. It was slight at first, barely noticeable, but then the shaking grew and grew until buildings began to tumble to the ground. Left and right they fell. Apartment and office buildings, schools and parks, streets and power lines all came tumbling down. But the most curious thing was the way they fell. If anyone had been awake on the streets they would have experienced the strangest of things. If they were too walk just 10 feet away from this area the ground was completely calm and undisturbed but they would have seen things crashing right before their eyes.

After several minutes the shaking stopped and all was quiet. The damage was extensive, leveling everything to the ground and if seen from the air, some would swear it was in the shape of a symbol.

*****