Riley entered his and Spike's room, throwing his briefcase to the floor. Sighing, he tore his tie off and limped to the kitchenette. Pulling out a soft drink and a bag of chips, he went back to the living room and flopped onto the couch where he proceeded to stare into space.

A few minutes later, Spike entered.

"Um, pet? You ok?"

"I'm fine."

"Right, which is why you look like you're auditioning for the part of Angel in the movie they're making."

Riley blinked and glanced at his lover. "I never brood."

"You never brood on days that end with 'y'," the vampire corrected. He walked to the couch and kissed Riley before laying down, head in the former soldier's lap. "Tell Dr. Spike all about it."

Riley sighed and slumped. "It's a fucking teacher, Spike."

"Come again?"

"One of the other teachers, Jonathan Mather, the literature teacher, is the one undermining my authority. One of the few students that doesn't hate me told me today that he's saying inappropriate things about me to his classes."

"Like what?" Spike asked, his voice dark.

"Well, there are general anti-military comments. Well, not anti-military, exactly, but some over educated, elite bullshit that says there is a separation of the fighting class and the learned class. Then, there are the general 'how could he be stupid enough to actually let a vampire bite him' bits."

"Wait, you told them about the vamps?"

"No, I didn't. I don't know how he found out, he just did. Then there are the general 'look at the fucking freak' comments, followed by the 'how the hell did that Neanderthal get to be a psyche teacher' and . . .well, some incredibly wrong comments about my sexuality. Did I mention that not only is he strongly anti-vampire, but hates homosexuals as well?"

"Did you tell him you're bisexual?"

"I don't think it matters to him, Spike. All he knows is that I am involved with a male vampire, which, of course, leads him right back to the 'how could he be so stupid' stuff." Riley sighed. "And I've been wondering why I can't get control of these kids. They are not going to respect me if my co-workers don't."

"Want me to kill him?"

The human threaded his fingers through Spike's hair. "What scares me the most is that I know you're not kidding. Please don't say things like that, Spike."

"He shouldn't be saying those things."

"It doesn't give you the right to kill him."

Spike sighed. "Yeah, I know. You should quit, then. Get a job at another school; maybe an elementary school like you used to want." The vampire sat up, straddled Riley's legs, and began to unbutton his shirt.

"I'd scare them, Spike, and the parents would freak. I'm a monster, remember? Look at me."

"I am." The vampire pushed the shirt off his lover, then ripped the undershirt off as well to lay the skin bare. With gentle fingers and soft lips he began tracing the scars that covered the soldier's skin. " 'Side's, it'd be good for them. Teach them a lesson."

Eyes closed, mouth open, mind clouded with lust, it took a moment for Riley to be able to respond. "But, ah, no one would hire me."

"Can't discriminate." Spike got off the couch, and slid Riley's pants off.

"Mmmm, not, but they'd find a way. Oh, God!" Riley groaned loudly, and held Spike's head where it was.

The vampire teasingly flicked his tongue out at the sensitive area, then said, "It'd be worth a try to get you out of where you are. At least apply at another school."

"I, ah, don't want to run away. Hey! Where are you going?"

Spike had pulled back and was glaring at Riley. "How many times to I have to tell you that * I* am the stupid one in this relationship? I resedve the sole right to say stupid things like 'I don't want to run away.' You, on the other hand, are the responsible one. You are supposed to say things like 'I am being unfairly persecuted at my job so I am going to look for a better one.' Got it?"

"Yeah, I got it." He sighed. "Spike. . .William, it's just that . . ."

"It's Will."

"Huh?"

"If you are going to use my real name, you have to say it right. Will."

Riley blinked. "Ok, Will," he said, the unfamiliar name feeling strangely intimate. "I'm .. I'm self conscious. My students think I'm a freak, little kids stare and point in stores, I just . . .I hate it. Every day is a fucking battle to get any small bit of respect, only to lose it when the kids have Mather or remember that we live in a world that demands beauty and perfection. I hate . . .I hate what I am. If I had just . .."

"Don't you dare say died." Spike grabbed his lover by the shoulders. "Don't say it." His voice cracked. "If you had died, where the hell would I be? In Azazel's bed, unhappy because the one thing I need would be denied to me. Don't say it, don't think it. Nothing you've done, nothing you have ever done has been so bad that you need to punish yourself like this. Riley, there is nothing wrong with you. You do not deserve to be miserable because some bloody asshole doesn't want to look at you and see the person you are." He kissed Riley gently. "You saved me, let me save you."

The former solider laughed bitterly. "From what?"

"From yourself.." Spike took an unneeded breath. "I love you, you know."

"No, I didn't know that," responded Riley, feeling his entire being react to his lover's declaration. "I . . .well, I love you too."

"Good." With a lustful smile, Spike leaned back, falling off the couch and onto the floor, pulling Riley with him. Pulling off the rest of their clothes, Spike kissed his lover all over, using his body to prove his words, whispering over and over, "I love you."

When they were both spent and laying in an exhausted heap on the carpet, Spike said,"I"ve been thinking a lot about Angel and Xander lately."

"How many times do I have to tell you no? I don't ever want to see either one of them naked."

The vampire lifted his head. "No, not that. It's just that, well, they haven't really ever had a chance just to be with each other, alone like. They've been together over a year and what with the war and everything, they've been too busy to be together."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. And now Angel's going to England with the boys and Xander's staying here and it just seems stupid. They should be together."

"So what are you saying?"

Spike rested his head on Riley's stomach, gazing up at him. "Maybe we should go to England and Angel and Xander stay behind."

Riley sighed and shook his head. "Angel is not going to let either one of them out of his sight, or at least he won't let them be that far away, not after Hawaii. Nothing is going to keep him from going."

"Then Xander should go too. He can write over there as well as he does over here. And, besides, it'd be a romantic get away for them."

"You do know why Xander is staying, don't you?"

"Because no one trusts me not to get a hold of the surprise for the boys and mess it up," Spike answered promptly.

Riley smiled in amusement. Spike sounded like a school boy reciting a lesson. "Admit it, Will, you want to make your mark on it."

" 'Course I do, don't you?"

Riley shook his head. "Not really." He shifted, feeling uncomfortable and suddenly too light.

"Pet? You ok?" Spike asked, sitting up immediately.

"What time is it?"

The vampire checked the clock. "It's five. I'll go get them." He rose and went to the bathroom. "It's not like I can really do anything, though. I can draw lines across the plans, that's about it, and no one is going to build random lines," Spike called from the other room. A moment later, he re-entered, carrying a glass of water and two pills.

Sitting next to his lover, who was concentrating very hard on breathing and a patch of ceiling, the vampire helped Riley sit up and swallow the pills. Holding him tightly, Spike rested his head on Riley's soft, unkempt hair and said, "Besides, it's not like you would let me do anything."

For a long moment, Riley didn't answer. The pills usually worked fast, although he had taken them about an hour late. Held in Spike's comforting arms, feeling safe and loved, the former solider calmed, allowing his body to relax as well.

"Do you need anything, luv?"

"No, I'm ok." Riley took a deep breath and rubbed his chest before saying, "You're right, I wouldn't let you do anything. So, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that. . . . that maybe I'll promise to be good - within reason - if Xander goes to England with Angel. But . . ." he trailed off.

"But what?"

"But you have to promise to go skinny dipping with me."

"No."

"Oh, come on! It'd be fun. And what's the use of having a big, private pool in the back if we don't use it? Angel never specifically said we couldn't."

"No."

Spike ran his cold hands up Riley's side, causing the mortal to shiver from the pleasurable sensation. "We'd be all wet, under the moonlight, all alone where I could have my wicked way with you. I don't have to breath you know," he whispered seductively.

Riley's breath caught at the thought, but he shook his head firmly. "Spike, I can't. Please." His voice held a note of pleading.

The vampire sighed and moved so that they were face to face. "Riley, come on. There won't really be anyone to see us. Angel, Xander and the boy's would be gone; Willow and Rupert spend all their time at their new magic shop - 'sides, Rupert can't see; Anne spends her nights at the shelter, and the Princess is busy with her Pea so she could care less. The weather's been perfect, the moons almost full, nothing is standing in our way but you."

"You know how I feel about my body."

"And you know how I feel about your body," Spike shot back. "And you know I think you're being stupid and, may I remind you that I . . ."

"You are the stupid one, yes, I know." Riley sighed. "I'm just not used to this. You - *anyone * wanting me. Wanting to touch me. And you, even, seem to want to show me off."

"I do. You're beautiful. No, don't contradicted me; to me you are. And all I'm asking is for you to be with me, and just me, for a few hours under the stars. And in return, I swear I will not touch Lindsey and Wesley's surprise while Angel and Xander are gone. Just for me, please?"

Riley gazed into Spike's stormy eyes, feeling loved and frightened. He hated to expose himself; even making love to Spike had been hard for him in the beginning. After everything that had happened, all the injures and surgeries and medications, he had been lucky to get anyone to go out with him, much less anything else. Riley began to cover as much as himself as possible, not touching anyone, not letting too much of anything show.

Then the Powers had called and sent him to Spike. Spike, who needed to touch and be touched, and to say how he felt and hear it in return.

The vampire was slowly but surely forcing Riley out of the lonely, safe place in which he resided. It was working. Every day the former solider grew a little more comfortable with himself and the way he looked.

But to expose so much of himself . . .it was hard. But, on the other hand, how could he say no?

Finally, he sighed. "Ok, but only if no one else is around. And, you have to promise . . ."

"I swear. I swear anything," Spike replied happily. He eased Riley onto his back, kissing him passionately. "You won't regret it."

Riley closed his eyes as the heated flush of arousal swept over his body. "I hope not," he sighed as he was once again carried away on a tide of passion. "I hope not."

* * *

Riley rose early the next morning, before the sun rose. Kissing Spike's forehead, he slipped on a shirt and pair of sweats, grabbed his robe and tied it tightly before leaving the room. He made his way downstairs to the main kitchen, gazing longingly at the coffee pot. His medication called for no caffeine and no alcohol among other things.

He really missed coffee.

Outside, Riley sat on the bench facing across the garden towards the pool. That damn pool in which he had agreed to go in - naked - with Spike. He sighed and rubbed the skin around his prosthetic leg idly.

"Morning, Riley."

"Morning. Isn't it dangerous for you to be out here, Angel?"

The vampire sat next to him on the bench. "I've got about forty-five minutes until the sun rises to destroy me."

"Ah." Riley fell silent, gazing out past the pool

"So?"

"He agreed. But he thinks it was his idea, so I wouldn't say anything to him."

"He thinks it's *his * idea?" Angel repeated. "How did you manage that?"

The former solider grinned. "I've been saying all week how it's too bad that Xander has to stay behind and how the two of you spend too much time apart. Then, all by himself, he came up with the idea that Xander should go to England with you. And he promised not to touch the plans."

"Wow, you were right."

"Well, I know my Will, uh, Spike."

Angel smiled. "I guess you do. Thank you."

"My pleasure," Riley answered, smiling back.

"I'm giving the blue prints to you, the master copy. I want you to keep them locked up," Angel said. "Preferably in your desk as school."

"I won't let him touch them." He glanced out at the small tool shed standing at the far edge of the property, past the pool. "Xander finished with them then?"

"He went over the final plans with the architect yesterday; they're ready to begin building as soon as the plane leaves."

"And Wesley and Lindsey have no idea?"

Angel shrugged. "As far as I know, they don't." He paused, then said, "I know my Spike too. Did you have to promise him anything in return?"

"Um, yeah. I had to promise to go swimming with him. Naked. In the pool."

"Chlorine," the vampire said immediately, his voice sounding a touch desperate. "Please use lots and lots of chlorine when you are done."

"You aren't going to forbid it?"

The vampire hook his head. "No, I'm not. Do you want to know why?"

"Since it seems out of character, so, yes, I do."

"Because I know why he's doing it, besides the obvious, and I approve. You're among friends, Ri, you don't need to hide yourself." Angel rose and squeezed Riley's shoulder affectionately. "Thanks again." He turned to go, leaving the former solider to digest what his lover's sire had said.

*****
Part 17:

"What are you doing up?" Cordelia asked Anne, her voice sleepy.

Anne looked up from the baby she was holding in her arms. "Kimmy was hungry. I had a vision and then, since I was up, decided to feed her."

"You had a vision?" Cordelia repeated, sitting on the couch next to Anne. "Who did you tell? Angel, Xander, and the boys left already."

"Spike. I figured he might be able to do something. He called Raoul and they went to take care of it." Anne pulled the bottle from the baby and set it down.

"Spike; who'd have thought? I mean, big bad vampire like that, you'd think he would have been out of here long ago. But he's staying and, God forbid, helping. And he loves Kimmy. Did you see him bouncing as Lindsey left? So excited that his main competition for her attention is gone." She shook her head.

"I thought they were cute. Who knew those two would be such pushover's for a kid? Wesley and Riley should watch out before their lovers start pushing for their own children."

"Right; can you imagine Spike with his own child? Lin and Wes, yes, but Spike? I think he's probably just going to be a permanent admirer of Kimmy." Cordelia laid her head on the couch, her hand reaching out to brush Anne's shoulder. "Did you know you're beautiful?"

Anne's breath caught and she looked over at her friend. "Thanks."

"No, I mean it. I'm not just saying it. I just, well, you're my best friend and . . .and you mean a lot to me. I don't know what I'd do without you and I just. . .I mean. . ."

"Cordelia?" Anne whispered, leaning close.

"I think I'm in love with you, Anne."

Smiling, Anne kissed Cordelia gently. "I'm definitely in love with you."

Kimmy stirred and opened her eyes, beginning to bawl. Kissing Anne back, Cordelia took the crying baby.

"I hope you aren't trying to give me a sign, Kimmy. Because I think Anne's going to be with us for a long time." She settled against her friend, who immediately wrapped her arms around Cordelia.

"You two don't have a lullaby yet, do you?"

"No. My mom never sang one, so I never learned any that I liked. Besides, I really can't sing."

Anne grinned. "I know; I've heard you, remember? It's ok; she'd still love your voice no matter what."

"Why don't you sing?"

The blond hesitated a moment then began singing in a soft, sweet voice, "Sleep, my love and peace ascend thee, all through the night." Soon, the baby stopped crying and all three relaxed, comfortable and happy in each other's arms as Anne sang their song.

*****
Part 18:

"So, this is it? A big empty field?" Lindsey asked, gazing around.

"I can't believe you are actually wearing that hat," Angel said for perhaps the hundredth time since leaving Wesley's family house.

Lindsey grinned and ran his hand over the brim of his brown fedora. "Wesley says it looks good on me."

"Wesley would think tofu looks good on you."

"What does that mean?"

"Boys!" Xander broke in. "Will you stop bickering? Wesley is pacing." He pointed at the sorcerer, who was indeed walking the grounds in a systematic fashion.

Wesley stopped and looked up. "It's here. I can feel it. I think, I think it's just outside of this dimension's reality."

"And that means what?" asked Angel.

"That means I have to go into a trance to get to it and you need to move far enough away so you don't distract me."

Xander laughed. "Are you implying Angel and I are a distraction?"

"Dear Heavens no, I am flat out saying it. So. . .go to the edge of those trees, please. You too, Lindsey."

"But, baby. . ."

Wesley took Lindsey's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll be fine. I should be in view the whole time, unless they pull me into the other dimension physically. But this is something I have to do alone."

Lindsey frowned and pulled Wesley to him. After kissing him gently, he whispered, "Be careful?"

"Of course. Go." He pushed Lindsey gently away and turned.

After walking to the exact center of the field, Wesley knelt and closed his eyes. He began breathing deeply, tapping into his power source, feeling the energy from the earth fill him. There were no words to say, no music to play, no incense to burn: only Wesley, the field and his power.

Moments passed. Wesley sank deeper and deeper into himself until, suddenly, he felt the world lurch around him.

"Greetings, Quester. Welcome to the hall of the Fisher King. We have been waiting," a voice said.

Wesley opened his eyes. In front of him was a woman dressed in a simple white gown, her long black hair cascading down her back, sword strapped to her waist.

"The Fisher king awaits."

"Thank you." Wesley rose.

Without another word, the woman led him down a long corridor that fed into a large receiving hall. Rich, embroidered tapestries of hunts and knights and wars hung on the walls. At the far end of the room, seated on a small throne, was a large man with red hair and sea blue eyes. Above him was a mural of the sea and one lone fisherman, perpetually at wait for the perfect bite.

The woman strode confidently across the hall, knelt in front of the man, and said, "The Quester has arrived."

"Welcome!" the man boomed, his voice jovial. "Welcome to my hall. Please, come closer. Tell me, what do you seek?"

Wesley, feeling awed and a touch frightened, walked forward, bowed, and said, "The Grail, sir."

"And what is this Grail?"

His breath caught. "That is what I hoped you could tell me."

The king smiled. "You make no claims to know what it is?"

"I only know what others have said and what I have read from the legends, but these offer me no true knowledge."

The woman, now standing by the Fisher King's throne, looked scornful. "Do you have faith?"

"I beg your pardon?" Wesley replied, taken by surprise.

"Do you have faith? In the Grail, in your friends, in your self?"

He hesitated a moment before replying, "Yes?"

"You sound unsure."

"I have faith in the Grail and my friends."

"But not yourself," she said. She shook her head and glanced pointedly at the king.

The Fisher king sighed and asked, "Why do you believe you are worthy to possess it if you do not believe in yourself?"

"I don't understand."

"Why do you want the Grail? Why do you seek it?" the king asked instead.

Wesley took a deep breath, thinking of his answer carefully. "I found it once in another life and I remember I was told to watch it for all time. Somewhere along the line, I lost it, I don't know how. In this life I have always felt there was something important missing, something I was supposed to do but I never knew what. I think I am missing the Grail. I mean, that perhaps, after all those centuries it became a part of me and now that it's gone, I am lost. Now, I have been assigned to guard and control Azazel. I don't want to make a decision now to become Immortal; I think it would be too easy to grow bored and neglectful if I did. The Grail seems to be the answer; find it and I can chose to live or chose to die."

"Is that the only reason?" the woman asked. Wesley shook his head. "I want Lindsey to be with me and the Grail could make that happen. He is my love, my soul and I can't imagine life without him."

"You say that now, but what if you fall out of love?"

The question took the Sorcerer by surprise. He hesitated a moment, then replied," Well, then, we can leave each other and continue aging. Or he could leave and I could then make my final choice."

The Fisher King stirred. "So you do not protest to us that your love is eternal and never ending and that you will never fall out of love?"

"I cannot say what I will do in a year, or a hundred years or a thousand. All I can say is how I feel right now, this moment. And in this moment I can swear I do not want to live without Lindsey. He means so much to me, that to make a decision and not have him part of it is painful. I love him," Wesley replied honestly.

"If you do not find the Grail and everyone says that the best thing to do is become Immortal, what will you do?" the woman asked.

Once again, Wesley hesitated before answering, searching inside himself for the answer. "I probably would . . . .do what I felt was right. I am afraid to die and leave Azazel unattended in the world for even a few years. He is too powerful and I can't trust him, especially not alone. Being lonely is a terrible thing. I suppose I would choose that over dying."

"You would choose Azazel over your Lindsey?"

His breath caught as the implications of that settled over him. He shook his head, tears in his eyes. "I don't know," he whispered. He looked down, hiding.

"You have passed. Ask your question."

"What?"

The woman smiled at him, but her eyes were still cynical. "You are right; you cannot know what you will do until you do it. But not trying to make us think you are in control of everything, you have passed the test. Ask the question you have come to ask."

"What is the Grail?" Wesley asked quickly, before they changed their minds.

The Fisher King leaned back. "The Grail is an energy force. When it is formless, it is partially sentient. It can make decisions and create life. It created you, the soul of you. It was lonely and need a companion to care for it so it would not be misused. The form it takes is immaterial; it has been a cup, a sword, a stone, a person and more. What you do with it is also unimportant. You can use it for ultimate knowledge or longer life or nothing. If you so choose, you may keep the Grail and never use any of it's abilities; that is your decision."

"How did I lose it?"

The woman answered. "You were a solider and came across a demon about three hundred years ago; the demon managed to wrest it away from you, then killed you before you were reunited. You have been searching for it the last few lives, driven by that force that made you feel as if you were missing something."

A demon," he repeated. An uncomfortable feeling settled in his stomach. "Was it Azazel?"

"Yes."

He sighed. "Of course. May I ask another question?"

"Yes."

The sorcerer thought for a moment, then said, "A healer recently told me that the Grail seeks for the one worthy to posses it. You just told me that the Grail created me. Am I the one it seeks?"

"Do you think you are the one worthy to possess it?" the woman asked.

"I don't know."

She crossed her arms. "The Grail created you and you lost it. Now it is searching for the one worthy to posses it. Once it was you, but, then, that was why you were created. You know as Galahad you were not as other humans; you lacked the ability to love anyone but God and were devoted only to finding and possessing the Grail. Now, many lives later, you have become your own person, with all the emotions and flaws that you did not have when you were first formed. Perhaps your true quest is to discover if you are still the one the grail wants and still the one worthy of it."

Wesley's heart sank, the task now becoming nearly impossible. "I don't suppose you will tell me that answer?"

The Fisher king grinned and shook his head. "That is your quest. May fortune smile upon you." He faded away, leaving Wesley and the woman behind.

"I am still unsure of you, Quester; you lack faith and faith is what you need to complete this task. And yet, there is much goodness in you. I know how you were joined with Azazel and the method you chose - giving him pleasure instead of simplyy making it about power - reveals much about your character. So, I will tell you this much about the Grail: finding it is not as important as believing in it. It has the potential of being the most important and most precious thing *ever * to you. Remember that."

Wesley nodded. "I will. Thank you."

"You are welcome, Quester. Good luck and farewell." She disappeared along with the hall, leaving Wesley lying on the wet grass, feeling slightly euphoric.

He sat up, the residual of power leaking from him, leaving him shaky and sweaty.

"You ok?" Lindsey called across the field, running to him.

Wesley nodded, joy filling him at the sight of his lover. It was then that he realized he had lied to the Fisher King. He didn't always feel as if something were missing and that he was lost. When he was with Lindsey, he felt complete.

*****
Part 19:

"Mr. Finn? Can I talk to you?"

Riley turned. "Megan, yes. Come in. What can I do for you?"

The girl sat in one of the desks facing his and put her back pack down. "I'm having a problem and I . . .I need to talk to someone about it. I feel comfortable with you and think you might understand."

Riley leaned on his desk. "What's going on?"

"You know Mr. Mather, the English teacher? Of course you do. He's been, uh, saying things about me. And I really don't think it's right."

"Like what?"

She pushed her hair off her shoulders, then said, "My dad runs a bar that caters to vampires. Mr. Mather found out and he started on his anti-vampire platform in class and was saying how any human who has any dealings with a vampire is evil too. "Fallen from the light," to be exact. And then he accused me of giving out sexual favors to the vampires, which isn't true. I mean, I was flirting with one once, but I wouldn't because . . .I mean in that lecture you gave about safe sex a few weeks ago and we were talking about sex and vampires, what you said made a lot of sense. I mean, why would you want to sleep with someone who views you as dinner?"

Riley felt his face grow warm, but said, "That sounds very responsible of you."

She looked at him with amused sympathy on her face. "I know your lover is a vampire, Mr. Finn; he comes into the bar sometimes. It's ok, I understand."

"It's a bit of a different situation, Megan. You see, Spike, well . ."

"Oh, I know; he has a soul. He . ." her eyes widened suddenly in horror, as she glanced away. When she turned back, there was a very innocent and guileless expression on her face. "I mean, doesn't he?"

"I'd rather not get into it right now, if you don't mind.," the teacher responded, eyeing her. She seemed so guilty for making an assumption; almost like. . .He shook off the thought. "So, he's making comments about you. Is he doing this in front of the other students?"

"Yes. And now some of the guys are doing it too, like, all the time. He also. . .never mind."

"No, what? Tell me."

She looked down at her desk. "You're probably going to think I'm really stupid for saying this but. .. but sometimes he just makes me uncomfortable. The way he looks at me, like, like he wants to do something to me. You know, sexually. He's made comments about my figure and personal life and stuff before, privately or in front of the class. Sometimes he accidentally brushes against me, but I don't always think it's an accident. I'm sorry; this is stupid."

"No, it's not. Megan, look at me."

The girl looked up.

"If he is making you uncomfortable, he needs to stop. We need to correct this situation; even if everything is in your mind, and I don't think it is, you should not have to come here everyday and have to go into a class where you don't feel comfortable. First of all, he should keep his political viewpoints out of the class or be so general as to not single out a student. You should not be made an example for his beliefs. And if you think he's threatening you sexually, you probably aren't imagining it." He gazed at her a moment. "Do you want me to talk to him?"

"No. I know he doesn't like you and he basically treats you the same way. It wouldn't be fair to you." She bit her lip. "Could we maybe talk to the principal?"

"We could do that. Do you want to go together?"

"Yes. I just . . .I just didn't know who else to go to and you're one of my favorite teachers. I know it's hard for you because of what he says and I just thought that maybe you would believe me."

Riley smiled. "I'm going to try and kneel so I can be on your level, but it might take a second, so hang on." Megan smiled and waited at the teacher struggled to the floor.

"And now I'm shorter. Oh well. Yes, I trust you, and I'm glad you feel like you can come to me. The world's a little insane right now and I am currently living in one of the headquarters for insanity. I'd like to think I'm here for all my students. Thank you for trusting me."

"And thank you for believing in me."

* * *

Jonathan Mather sat in the back of the local diner, a cup of coffee in front of him. A woman was walking to him, an air of serenity around her.

"Are you Jonathan Mather?"

"Yes. And you are Induna, right?"

She smiled slightly and sat across from him. "That is right. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. I was at this bar about a month ago and I heard you talking. You have found the slayer, right? The girl born to kill vampires?" he asked, leaning forward.

"I know where she is, but I must warn you, I do not give out information for free."

"I can pay." His brown eyes burned with a zealous fire. "I can pay a lot."

"Good. Then, this information is two thousand dollars; that is for everything I give you today. Plus the one thousand meeting fee, of course."

Mather pulled out his wallet and slid the money across the table to her. "Well? Where is she?"

"She is an infant. You have, of course, heard of Angel Investigations?"

"Yes, I have."

"The slayer is the child of one of the workers. The mother is named Cordelia Chase. The child is only a few months old."

"I've heard there is a way to transfer the power of a slayer into another being. Is this true?"

One of the woman's eyebrows raised. "I have heard of such a ritual, but it is nearly impossible. You need a vessel for the power - a female, a male will not work - human. You need an Orb of the order of Kali and a vampire born with a soul."

"That's no problem. I've got the girl picked out, I can get the orb and the child and we'll just use Angel."

"No."

"No?"

Induna shook her head. "The vampire you have chosen will not work. He was not born with a soul."

"But he has a soul," Mather said.

"Yes, but he was given it later in his vampire life. What you need is a vampire who, when turned, did not lose his soul."

Mather fell silent, thinking. Finally, he said, "I thought all vampires lost their soul when turned."

"Almost all; a select few do not. The circumstances must be right. There is a prophecy about one such being."

"Prophecy?"

She shrugged. "I do not know it off hand, but I will help you find it. I also cannot complete the ritual, although I can help."

"Can you find someone to do it?"

She nodded. "Yes, for a price."

"Anything. I want control of the slayer so I can bring about the end of the vampire disease."

"Then I will help you. The warlock's name is Ethan Rayne; I will contact him. We can make this happen, for you, Jonathan Mather. The slayer's power will be yours."

*****