Giles set the cup of tea down on his desk and wondered why he had agreed to be a bloody high school librarian. Oh yes, that’s right, because of the slayer. He sat down at his desk and began going through the morning mail. With half his mind on something other than what he was doing, he almost missed the small, letter-sized envelope. It was rather thick, and had no return address.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he slit open the end of the envelope with a dagger-shaped letter opener and peered inside. Seeing nothing but a sheet of paper folded up to fit in the envelope, he dumped it out onto the desk. The paper looked old, was very thick and wrinkled. Taking great care, he unfolded it and stared in astonishment.

Tucked into the top fold of the old paper, was a smaller note on clean white paper.

Mr. Giles,

I came across this paper a few weeks ago and set it aside as I am unable to translate it. Certain events that have transpired recently, along with the recommendation of several acquaintances of whom we have in common, has prompted me to forward this paper to you.

I believe it is a prophecy concerning not only the Hellmouth on which you reside, but also pertains to your slayer. I hope you have better luck translating it than I did, which is to say I had no luck at all.

Yours,

Mr. L.B. Kitchener

Giles blinked and snatched up the heavy sheet of parchment. Written in a dark ink, were several lines in what appeared to be Egyptian Hieroglyphics, but if the attached note were to be believed, it was not that simple. Maybe an earlier form of pictographic writing? Only research would solve the questions that ran rampant through his mind.

His tea, and his surroundings, completely forgotten Giles bent himself to the task of trying to solve this particularly interesting puzzle he had been given.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy sighed softly to herself as she exited her apartment. Checking to make sure the door was locked; she pocketed the key and headed out into the night. As she passed Mrs. Zhuāng, she gave her a wave and a small smile.

The elderly Chinese lady waved cheerfully at Buffy and shouted after her. “You be careful Xiao Zhàn Shì, come back in one piece, with no holes! I have supper waiting for you when you come back. You come see me right away!”

Buffy turned and gave Mrs. Zhuāng a quick nod and a tender smile. “Of course Mrs. Zhuāng, I’ll be careful. You don’t have to cook for me though.”

Mrs. Zhuāng put her hands on her hips and glared at Buffy. “You save my little Lian from those bad boys. You family now. Do not argue with me Zhàn Shì, you know I right. You come back safe and eat food I make for you.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll eat the food. You know I love your cooking.” Buffy grinned. “Besides, I don’t want you swatting me with that broom again. It hurt.”

“Okay, good. You go now and do your job. Protect innocent from bad things. I see you later.” Mrs. Zhuāng waved her hands in a shooing motion, then turned around, and went back inside the rear door of her kitchen.

Buffy shook her head and wondered when her life had become so complicated and yet simplified. As she turned to begin her nightly patrol of the neighborhood, she laughed mockingly at herself. She knew exactly when her life had become so complicated as well as when it simplified itself.

Thinking back, she remembered the day he first approached her. She had thought he was some old pervert out looking for underage sex. Turned out he was looking for her, specifically. Told her a few things, which she had laughed off, until he had thrown that knife at her, and she had caught it. Yeah, Merrick had complicated her life, and yet she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Buffy was distracted from her thoughts by the sound of a woman’s voice, begging to be left alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giles was so engrossed in trying to decipher the parchment he had been sent, that he did not hear the knock on his office door.

“Mr. Giles? Are you in there Mr. Giles?” the voice of a young girl wafted through the door. Just then, the door opened and the pixie-like face of a redheaded girl popped into view. “Oh there you are. We were wondering where you were. Everyone is here, and well, we don’t know where to start or even what to do. Oh and Angel is here, says he needs to talk to you about something important, and Mrs. Summers is here looking for you…” her voice trailed off as Giles finally turned his attention to her.

“Willow? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in classes?” Giles enquired.

“Classes are out for the day Mr. Giles. It’s after 4 o’clock.” Willow informed him.

“Oh my. I seem to have lost track of the time. Well I guess we should get down to business then. I’ll just be a moment more.” Giles turned back to his desk and picked up the parchment, before standing up and ushering Willow back out into the main part of the library.

Everyone looked up as Giles cleared his throat. “Right then, down to business. Angel, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to patrol again tonight.”

“That’s fine. I figured I would do a couple of sweeps before sunrise anyway. I just stopped in to tell you that something seems to be disturbing the demon population. I’m not too sure what it is, but with the Harvest not too far off…” Angel trailed off as Giles simply nodded at him.

“Fine, fine. Let me know if you hear anything more about preparations for the Harvest.” Giles requested.

Angel simply nodded and melted back into the stacks, making his way to the tunnel system beneath Sunnydale.

“Now then, I received a rather puzzling letter this morning. Seems I was sent what appears to be an original copy of a prophecy pertaining to the Hellmouth and to the slayer.” Giles started, spreading out the parchment on the table. “Unfortunately, neither the gentleman who sent it to me, nor I, can figure out what it means. I may need your help in translating it.”

“You can count on me Giles. I just love puzzles.” Willow bounced excitedly in her seat.

“I’ll just go fetch some donuts and coffee,” Xander said, rising to his feet. “Cordie, can you drive me?”

“Sure, anything to get away from this place, even spending time with you.” Cordelia replied as she haughtily exited the library.

Joyce laughed as Xander hurriedly followed Cordelia out of the room. “Well, let’s see this mysterious paper that kept you bottled up in your office all day.” She slid the paper over so she could look at it, and frowned. “Does any of this make sense to you?”

“Not at all I’m afraid. It looks like some form of pictographical writing, but I can not make heads or tails out of it.” Giles answered with a sigh as he wandered over to the cage where he kept some of his more interesting books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy darted into the dark alley that she heard the woman’s voice coming from. She took in the scene with one glance. There were five rather rough looking men pulling at a young, dark-haired girl in long dress. “Didn’t your mothers ever teach you to pick on someone your own size?” Buffy asked in a serious tone of voice. “I suggest you let the girl go and get out of here before something happens that you won’t like.”

The leader of the group turned to Buffy with an evil smirk on his face. “Oh something will happen, cupcake. But I guarantee I’m going to enjoy it.” He shifted into his vampiric features and advanced on Buffy. “I’m going to enjoy this a lot.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A/N: Translations

Xiao Zhàn Shì – Little Warrior

Buffy laughed derisively at the inane posturing of the vampire. “Well, if you enjoy turning to dust, I’m sure you are going to love this.” With a casual flick of her wrist, Buffy sent a thin, carved piece of wood flying through the air.

The vampire who had challenged Buffy, stood with a stupefied expression on his face, he was not used to people, especially little girls, who didn’t run or scream (sometimes both) at the sight of his face. He barely had time to become aware of the thin stake Buffy had flung his way, before it became imbedded in his heart.

“One down, four to go. Are you boys going to play nice and leave the girl alone, or do I have to dust you all as well?” Buffy inquired casually.

The smallest of the remaining four vampires darted glances at his companions. “If we loose the girl, the master won’t be pleased.”

“Yeah, but if SHE kills us…” one of the others started to say but was interrupted.

“At least we’ll die quickly,” the new apparent leader said.

At some unseen and unheard signal, the vampires rushed Buffy as a group, hoping to catch her off-guard.

Buffy stood her ground, a stake clutched firmly in her right hand, waiting for them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Xander and Cordelia burst into the library, carrying boxes of donuts and a carry-tray of drinks. “See Cordy, I told you they’d still be here.” Xander said with a small snicker.

“Yeah, well, you need to be right once in a while Xander Harris.” Cordelia said with ill-disguised sarcasm.

“I’ll have you know that the Xan-man is always right,” Xander said with some indignation, placing the boxes on the long table.

Willow’s whispered comment was barely heard, “Except when he’s wrong…”

Xander stopped and stared at Willow in feigned shock. “I heard that missy. No jellies for you!” Xander declared in an authoritative voice, pointing his index finger at her.

“Seeing as she doesn’t like jelly donuts, Xander, I’m sure it’s no big hardship.” Cordelia said with a put-upon sigh, placing the drinks tray on the table.

Joyce looked up from her perusal of the parchment, a motherly smile on her face. “Thank you Cordelia, and you too Xander, for the donuts and drinks.”

“Not a problem Mrs. S., glad to do it.” Xander grinned sheepishly as he passed out the drinks to everyone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the quartet reached her, Buffy struck out, punching one in the face as she darted past them, to place herself between them and their intended victim. She spun around to face the group once more and a small smile played across her lips. “Well boys, what are you waiting for? The sun to rise?”

The dark haired girl collapsed to the pavement, moaning under her breath.

“I don’t care who you think you are bitch, but we are taking that flake,” and he motioned to the young girl behind Buffy, “back with us. Now you can either step aside or die.” The vampire tried to sound menacing, but the effect was ruined as he was dusted at the end of his speech by another one of Buffy’s slender thrown stakes.

The figure behind Buffy giggled and uttered in a low voice, “What once were four is now to two, and soon those two shall be none.”

The softly spoken words seemed to cause the remaining two vampires to make up their minds to run, as the both darted for the end of the alley. Their progress was halted rather abruptly by Buffy.

“Running away so soon? And here we never got a chance to introduce ourselves.” Buffy quipped as she slammed her stake into the heart of one of the vampires. She then directed her attention to the last, and said with a grin. “Say goodnight Gracie.” She backhanded him hard across the face, and shoved him into a pile of broken crates, dusting him immediately. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Buffy turned her attention to the young girl she had saved, and was astonished to find her on her feet, giggling softly.

“Sunshine has saved Princess from the bad men.” The girl then started to sway and moan weakly. “So tired, so cold. Will Sunshine warm me?”

Buffy shook her head in amusement as she approached the confused and confusing girl. “Come with me, okay? You’ll be safe.” Wrapping an arm around the girl, Buffy started to lead her out of the alley. “What’s your name, Princess?”


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


A large black car careened down the alley towards an abandoned warehouse. The driver was apparently either insane or furious, maybe both, as he drove right through the door, breaking it open. The occupants of the warehouse scattered before they became vampiric pancakes. The car came to a sudden stop, well clear of the broken door, which now let sun light into the depths of the warehouse.

“What the fuck is this shit, man,” the largest of the vampires growled to nobody in particular.

“Duh Chris, it’s a car,” a small, rat-faced vampire responded.

Chris whirled on the smart ass and backhanded him into the wall. “I KNOW that dumbass! What I want to know is why it’s in the middle of my fucking lair!” Chris glared around at the rest of his companions. “You, Marty, open the door and haul the asshole out of the car.”

Marty reached over to open the door of the car, but was preempted when the door was abruptly and violently opened, smashing into him. “OW!” Marty hollered as his legs collapsed out from under him from the force of the blow.

Suddenly, the remains of a lit cigarette came flying over the top of the car door, and landed squarely on Mary’s head. The sounds of someone lighting another cigarette can be heard from within the car, its owner clearly not willing to be rushed. One booted foot landed heavily on the pavement beside the car, as its owner prepared to exit his vehicle. This merely announced the emergence of the intruder.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


It had been two days since Giles received the puzzling letter. Two days of frustration and dead ends, as he could not manage to decipher even the language the text was written in. He sighed, and removed his glasses. “Why is this so difficult? I know just about all the major archaic language forms, and this doesn’t match any of the criteria for any of them.”

“Still working on that letter, dear?” A sweet, gentle voice wafted from the kitchen, along with the scent of frying sausages and eggs. “Why don’t you run upstairs and have a shower while I finish up breakfast. You have to be at work in just over an hour.”

“It’s that time already? Where has the weekend gone?” Giles slowly and stiffly rose from the dining room chair, where he had apparently spent most of the weekend.

Joyce leaned against the dining room door, a gentle smile on her face. “It apparently was sucked into the Hellmouth, in order to slow your attempts at figuring out that letter,” she said with a slight laugh.


“Yes, well. It certainly is frustrating.” Giles brushed a kiss across Joyce’s cheek as he made his way to the stairs. “I’ll just go have that shower. Care to join me?” he asked with a wicked grin.

“Oh you!” Joyce gave him a playful shove. “We don’t have time for those kinds of games.”

“Yes dear.” Giles gave a huge sigh, which was ruined by a playful leer. “But we will be playing those games… later.” He bounded up the stairs and to the shower, Joyce’s laughter following him.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Spike emerged from his Desoto, a lit cigarette firmly between his lips, a scowl on his face. A snort of amusement issued from him as he surveyed the group of vampires surrounding his car. “What’s all this then? A welcoming committee for little ol’ me? You shouldn’t have,” Spike said with false modesty.

“Ain’t no welcoming committee you fuckwad. This here is MY lair and MY gang. YOU are trespassing, and we are gonna show you what we do to trespassers.” Chris said as he turned to order his companions to attack. His motion was cut short as his head was ripped from his shoulders.

Spike dusted his hands off, a smirk gracing his lips. “Now then, this is how we are gonna play this. I am going to ask the questions. You lot are going to provide the answers. And if I don’t like the answers, you can join the loudmouth in his dusty demise.”

“Um, Sir?” The small, rat-faced vampire spoke from where he had been standing against the wall. “I don’t know about the rest of them, but I’ll do whatever you want. Get you anything you need or want.” He slowly approached Spike.

“Stop right there rat-face.” Spike said. “At the moment what I need AND want is information. Can you provide that?”

Everyone started nodding, very eager to remain undusted. “Of course we can, can’t we guys? We are full of all kinds of information.” Rat-face eagerly assured Spike.

“Right then. I’m looking for a bird…” Spike started, but was interrupted.

“A bird?” Marty asked as he clambered to his feet. “Why not try a pet store?”

Spike pinned Marty with an icy glare. “You wanna be a smart ass, Marty?”

“Umm no sir, just… we don’t have any birds here.” Marty stammered beneath Spike’s piercing perusal.

“Wait, hold on guys,” a feminine voice piped up from the back of the group, “he’s British, so I’m gonna guess ‘bird’ means girl. Am I right, Sir?” A slender girl with blue-streaked brunette hair shoved her way forward.

“Bingo.” Spike pointed a finger at her. “Now this girl, dark hair like you, but without the blue accents. Dark blue eyes, very slender, dresses in old-fashioned clothes. Tends to talk in riddles. Sound familiar to anyone?

Puzzled looks came over nearly everyone’s face. The only one who did not look puzzled was Rat-face. “I think I know of the girl you described. Never heard her talk, just giggled a lot. I think she was drugged or something man.”

Spike lunged at Rat-face, slamming him into the wall. “Where did you see her?”

“I---I---I didn’t see her exactly, but a friend of mine talked about this chick some dude calling himself the Immortal had. Said she was off her rocker.” Rat-face stammered out.

Slamming Rat-face against the wall once more before releasing him, Spike spun away to pace furiously. “The Immortal? You sure about that mate?” Spike asked in clipped tones.

“Y---yes sir.” Rat-face stammered. “But, I don’t think he has her anymore.”

“Oh? And why do you say that?” Spike asked with fake calm.

“’Cause my friend who helped him guard her, said she escaped a couple days ago. And the guys that were sent out after her… never came back.” Marty stated.

“Sir?” the girl said, “I don’t think you are gonna find her by dusting us.”

Spike smirked, “Maybe not, but it’d relieve a crap-load of frustration now wouldn’t it?”

“Maybe… but I might know someone who can help you find her.” The girl spoke with confidence.

Spike sauntered over to the girl, placing an arm around her shoulders. “And just who might this ‘someone’ be, pet?”

“He runs this bar, just outside of China Town, called Caritas. He might be able to help you. He hears things, rumors and the like. Goes by the name of Lorne. Just tell him ‘Candy’ sent you.” She smiled up at Spike, clearly flirting with him now.

Releasing Candy, Spike walked back to his car. “Guess I’ll nap here till sundown then, and go look up this Lorne after dark.” Spike climbed back into his car, the few vampires in the warehouse already put from his mind as he thought about his Black Princess.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


In a small, basement apartment under a Chinese restaurant, Buffy watched as her new roommate flitted about the room. “Careful Princess, don’t get yourself too worn out. You know you aren’t feeling well. Let’s see if some more…”

“Liquid sunshine? OooOOoo yes please!” Drusilla clapped her hands together. “It makes my insides tingle ever just so.”

Buffy laughed in amusement. “So you’ve said. Hopefully this helps you get better.” Buffy walked over to Drusilla and wrapped an arm around her. “C’mon, let sit down and do this okay?” Buffy led Dru to the couch and lifted a slender wrist. “Time for your medicine, Princess.”

Dru ran gentle fingers across Buffy’s wrist and smiled softly. “You are so good to Princess…” She shifted in her vampiric visage and gently sunk her fangs into Buffy’s wrist.





Xiao Zhàn Shì – Little Warrior
Mrs. Zhuāng – Buffy’s landlady
Lian – Mrs. Zhuāng’s granddaughter

Buffy gratefully accepted the glass of orange juice that Drusilla gave her. “Thanks Princess.”

“Sunshine takes care of Princess, Princess takes care of Sunshine.” Drusilla said as she started to twirl. “My tummy feels all tingly now!”

Buffy laughed as she watched Drusilla twirl about the room. “Do you want to go see Lorne tonight sweetie?”

“Oh, yes please! Maybe there will be funny people singing funny songs there tonight. Princess can see if the Vision Seeker sees what Princess sees.” Drusilla stopped spinning and fixed a devilishly devious smile on Buffy. “And maybe Sunshine will sing for Princess?”

“Maybe Dru, maybe. Nevertheless, don’t get your hopes up. Buffy and singing, not so mixy.” Buffy said as she rinsed out the glass.

Drusilla smiled to herself as she waited for Buffy to finish getting ready. Her Knight would be there tonight, and it was time for Sunshine and the Knight to meet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


The sun had set about an hour ago, beckoning the denizens of the darkness out to frolic in the moonlit streets and alleyways. One such denizen was currently pacing back and forth in front of a recessed door, over which a sign that simply read “Caritas” was hung.

“Nope, not going in there. I can’t believe that lil twit sent me to a bleeding karaoke bar!” Spike half shouted, half muttered to himself. “I have a reputation to maintain! I’m a bloody Master Vampire. I’ve killed two slayers. I do not do karaoke!” Spike paused in his pacing and glared at the door. “But this guy Lorne, supposedly can help me find m’girl.” Spike sighed heavily. “Right then, looks like it’s into the lions den, so to speak.” Looking for all the world as if he was about to be executed, Spike yanked open the door to Caritas and passed through the dimly lit entrance.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Having spent a rather harrowing day at work, dealing with the principal and his ideas about maximizing student usage of the library, Giles was more than happy to hear the bell that signaled the end of the school day. Shortly after the bell had rung, he heard the sounds of voices approaching.

“C’mon Wills, we can at least tell Giles my idea. You never know, it could be just the thing to crack the mystery of this letter.” Xander loudly defended his idea.

“I don’t know Xander, it seems a little…” Willow started to say, but was interrupted.

“Childish. That’s the word you are looking for Willow. Childish. But what can you expect from someone who spends his time reading comic books.” Cordelia haughtily stated as she shoved past the two bickering teens and into the library.

“What is childish?” Giles inquired, hoping to forestall the argument he could sense brewing in the air around the three teens.

Xander turned to Giles, practically bouncing as he told Giles his idea. “I was thinking about the letter you got. You know the one that looks kind of like a puzzle. Well I was watching this show, and it made me wonder if what they did to hide their message was what whoever wrote this did.”

“Oh come on Harris. Just because some idiot actor did it on a TV show doesn’t mean that it’s even remotely possible. Grow up and enter reality.” Cordelia snapped.

“Please Miss Chase; I want to hear what Xander has to say. Yes Xander? Do go on, what did these people do on the show?” Giles gently encouraged Xander.

“Well, they wrote the word down, and then erased part of it. You know? Like this.” Xander ripped a page out of his notebook and demonstrated by writing the word “school” and then erasing part of it, on the diagonal, and drew a line to connect some of the letters together. “Makes it look like it’s complete, but doesn’t mean anything unless you know what’s been done.”

Giles looked at Xander in astonishment, but before he could say anything Willow piped up. “See Xander, he doesn’t think it’s possible. I mean they probably didn’t even have mirrors back then.”

“On the contrary Willow. I think Xander has hit the proverbial nail on the head.” Giles said. “This means that I might be able to figure out at least the first word of this blasted letter, if not the entire line.” Giles eagerly placed the letter on the table and sat down. “Who is up for helping me?”

“Not me,” Cordelia snapped. “I have better things to do than hang around all night in the school library.” This said, she picked up her books and stormed out of the library.

“Sure G-man, I’ll help. After all, it was my idea and you might need my expertise to help you through the process.” Xander said with some pride.

“Count me in Giles; I want to see how this works.” Willow sat down across from Giles and looked over at the paper.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Across town, in the darkened interior of an abandoned factory, Angel was waiting for someone. He hoped they got there soon, as he had to make an appearance of protecting the innocents so that the watcher would continue to trust him.

“You are always were prompt, weren’t you Angel.” A feminine voice spoke from the shadows. “Do you have anything to report?”

“Not much, just that the watcher got a letter the other day, and is having trouble deciphering the language it’s written in.” Angel said, trying to catch a glimpse of his companion.

“Do you think this letter has any bearing on our plans?” The voice asked.

“Not unless it contains information as to where the slayer is.” Angel answered. “Which I doubt. Even the Watcher’s Council can’t seem to locate the girl.”

“Good. Keep us informed of any developments,’ the figure moved slightly. “Oh, and there are a few minions in Shady Hill cemetery. They’ve been sent there to help you keep up appearances.” With this said, the figure disappeared into the shadows and was gone.

Angel strode through the darkness that enveloped the city of Sunnydale. He hated having to pretend to help the watcher. After all, it wasn’t as if he had been sent here to help an over-the-hill Englishman, but to watch over, protect and guide that luscious blonde he had seen sitting on the steps of her school in L.A. He wondered where she was, and why she hadn’t come to him as soon as possible. After all, they were destined to be together.

“Well, I guess I should go and dispose of those fledges that were sent there. I do need something to report to Giles after all.” Angel thought to himself, a frown creasing his brow.

As he walked towards Shady Hill Cemetery, he fantasized about all the things he would teach the nubile slayer. “Seeing her sitting there on that step… sucking on that lollipop… I’d give her something to suck on all right… teach her how to do it right…”


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giles sat at his desk, with the parchment spread out before him, a notepad to one side and a pen in his hand. “Lets see, if this is reversed… and this squiggle removed… it resembles the cuneiform symbol for girl or daughter…,” he muttered to himself.

Joyce walked into the den, and placed her hand on Giles’ back. “C’mon dear, supper is getting cold. The parchment wont be going anywhere.”

Giles looked up and smiled at Joyce. “What would I do without you my dear?”

Joyce laughed, “You’d starve to death, that’s what you’d do. Now c’mon.”

Giles laid his pen down and stood up. “Lead the way my dear.” And he motioned for Joyce to precede him from the room.

“Ever the gentleman, Rupert.” Joyce said with a smile.

Giles held the chair for Joyce as she sat down, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I hope I never have to find out what my life would be like without you in it, now that I have had the pleasure of you being part of it.” He took his seat cross the table from her. “The only thing that would make this even better is if we knew where you daughter is, and why she hasn’t tried to get in touch with you.”

Joyce raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is that the concerned, sweet, soon-to-be stepfather talking? Or the stuffy, tweed-wearing watcher?”

“A little of both, I do believe. We do know that she is alive, somewhere, which is a good thing. I just wish for your sake that she would contact you and let you know that she’s alright,” Giles said with a depreciating shrug.

“Is the Council any closer to finding her?” Joyce asked with a worried frown.

“Not as such, they believe she is somewhere in California, but they can not seem to pinpoint her location,” Giles sighed softly. “And considering how many people make California their home, it may take some time for even an approximate location to be forthcoming.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike stood there glaring at the green-skinned, red-eyed demon who was wearing a suit that was comprised of every known color in existence. “I. Do. Not. Do. Karaoke.” He bit off each word as if it were the enemy.

“Listen scrumptious. If you want me to help you, you have to sing.” Lorne stated with the infinite patience of one who has argued this point many times. “That’s all there is to it, you sing, I see what you need to know, and I pass along the information. No singing? No information. It’s as simple as that.”

Spike growled in frustration, his eyes glowing a brilliant gold. “Alright, just give me the bloody list and I’ll pick something that won’t embarrass me anymore than just being in here has.” He grabbed the play list from Lorne’s hands and stalked over to one of the darker corners of the room, grumbling under his breath the entire way.

Shaking his head at Spike’s posturing, Lorne turned back towards the bar, a gleam of burnished gold catching his eye as he did so. “Cupcake! Long time no see.” Lorne crossed the room with a wide smile on his face. “And you’ve brought your ever lovely shadow with you as well.”

Buffy smiled widely at Lorne’s exuberant greeting. “Yup, thought this place could use a little class. Ya know, of the gentle persuasion.”

“Seeker, have you no hug for me?” Drusilla pouted, a twinkle in her eyes.

Lorne wrapped his arms around Drusilla and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Always have a hug for you, my little chocolate strudel.” Turning to Buffy, with one arm still wrapped around Drusilla, he asked, “So, are you going to grace us with a song tonight?”

“You know me and music, Lorne. Not with the mixy.” Buffy mumbled, shuffling her feet.

“Tell you what. You two head on over to the bar, order yourself a drink and think on it. I’ve got to go talk to the Chirago that just made Brittany Spears sound worse…” Lorne shook his head as he walked off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giles looked up with a start at the tapping on the window above his desk. He semi-relaxed when he saw that it was just Angel. He stood up and opened the window, bearing in mind that Joyce did not want him in her home. “I’m assuming you are here to report on how your patrol went?” Giles queried as soon as the window was open.

“Twelve vamps down over at Shady Hill, and I didn’t see anything else out tonight.” Angel informed him rather haughtily. “I did manage to find out that the Master is apparently setting up a proxy for the harvest. I did not manage to discover who it is yet.”

“Thank you Angel. Please do inform me if you find out who this proxy is.” Giles requested with a grim smile.

“Have you managed to translate the prophecy yet?” Angel asked with an almost innocent look on his face.

“No, not yet. It’s proving to be harder than I had anticipated.” Giles said, not willing to share with Angel what he had managed to translate so far.

“I’ll let you get back to that then, and I will talk to you tomorrow night.” Angel said as he turned away, walking off into the night.

Giles closed the window and made sure it was locked before sitting down at his desk. He glanced over the paper he had been writing on and shook his head. “I wonder why he’s so interested in the prophecy all of a sudden.” Glancing at the clock, he realized that it was getting rather late. Turning off the light, he made his way out of his study and up the stairs to bed.

In the darkened study, the ancient parchment glimmered as ancient magics took hold. The words of the first line that Giles had spent so long puzzling over, shimmered and shifted beneath the glimmering light. When the light had faded, four words now read in English…

Daughter of the Sun,

The rest remained in the obscure language it had been written in.

Buffy slid onto a barstool towards the rear wall of the bar and ordered a diet coke, giggling as the bartender blushed and stammered under Dru’s twinkling gaze. “Quit teasing the boy and sit down, Dru. He’s gonna spill all the drinks.” She ordered a glass of O neg. for Dru, and told him to make sure it was body temperature.

Dru slipped onto the stool beside Buffy and winked at the bartender. “Sunshine tries to ruin all my fun. But we both know, you and I, that she can not ruin it all.” Dru giggled and took a sip from her glass.

“Yes Ma’am,” the bartender said as he ran a cloth across the counter. “Is there anything else I can get you ladies this evening?”

Buffy leaned back against the bar, facing away from it. “Hear anything interesting lately? Anything I might be interested in?”

The bartender nodded, even though Buffy could not see him. “There is a small group of T’largin demons over by the stage. I heard them say they were looking for someone their boss had lost.” He cast a quick glance at Dru. “I think they are looking for your pretty friend here. I’d be careful if I were you.”

“Which ones are the T’Largin?” Buffy asked quietly as she sipped her drink.

“They are the dark red ones on the left side of the stage, the ones with the eye in the center of their foreheads,” the bartender answered, rubbing the cloth in circles. “I hear tell they are formidable fighters.”

“Thanks Sam. Anything else I need to be aware of?” Buffy asked as she a flash of blond and black caught her eye.

“Nothing so far Miss. If I hear anything I’ll let you know.” Sam said and walked down the bar to serve the Fylarl down at the other end.

Buffy placed her half-empty glass on the bar and watched as Lorne ascended the stage and grabbed the microphone. She wondered what was going to assault her ears tonight.

“Ladies and Gentle beings, please welcome to the Caritas stage for the first time… Spike!” Lorne waved Spike up onto the stage and handed him the microphone. “Have fun sweet cheeks,” He said as he stepped off the stage and stood to one side.

Buffy inhaled sharply as she took in the features of the man on stage. From his beautiful blue eyes and sharp cheekbones, to the way his black t-shirt clung to his torso, he was a walking piece of art.

Dru leaned close to Buffy and whispered in her ear, “Princess thinks that the Sunshine likes what she sees of the Knight.” She traced one finger along the top of Buffy’s shoulder. “Does Sunshine want to see more of the Knight?” Dru giggled as Buffy squirmed and shot her a glare over her shoulder.

“Shhhh. I wanna see if his voice is a yummy as the rest of him.” Buffy said with a huff. She turned back to face the stage and stared at Spike as he tapped the microphone. “Besides, I know the night quite well. Don’t need to become more acquainted with it.

Dru giggled again, leaning back on her stool and commented, “I believe the Sunshine will indeed become more acquainted with the Knight, as well as the Night.

“Dru, some days I just don’t understand these riddles you seem so fond of.” Buffy said over her shoulder before returning her attention to the stage, and Spike.

Spike glared menacingly across the bar, daring anyone to make fun of him for standing on a karaoke stage, about to sing. He noticed a cute blonde over at the bar was staring at him and he flashed a wink as the music started. Spike decided that since he had to do this, he was going to do it right. He took a deep breath and started singing.

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
You cunt, I’m not a queer
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
And each and every highway
And yet, much more than this
I did it my way

He let his eyes wander around the room, taking notice of everyone in it, but most especially the blonde by the bar.

And yes, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
But dig, what I have to do
I’ll see it through with no devotion
Of that, take care and just
Be careful along the highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

He saw her speak over her shoulder to someone, but couldn’t quite see who she was talking to.

There were times, I’m sure you knew
When there was nothing fucking else to do
But through it all, when there was doubt
I shot it up or kicked it out
I fought the just as before
And did it my way

He was really getting into the music now and started growling out the words to the song.

Knocked out in bed last night
I’ve had my fill, my share of looting
And now, the tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think, I killed a cat
And may I say, oh no, not their way
But no, no, not me
I did it my way

He noticed that the group of red demons sitting off to his right was more interested in casing the bar than they were in what he was singing, and glared at them during the final verse.

For what is a brat, what has he got
When he finds out that he cannot
Say the things he truly thinks
But only the words, not what he feels
The record shows, I’ve got no clothes
And did it my way!

Spike hopped down from the stage just as Lorne walked out onto it. “Let’s hear it for the vampire with the golden throat! What a song!” As the audience clapped, Lorne followed Spike off to one side and prepared to tell him what he saw.

Just as Lorne walked up to him, Spike noted that the demons who had ignored his singing were pointing towards the bar and seemed quite interested in the blonde, or maybe in her companion. Spike determined to himself that he was going to find out what they were up to after he heard what Lorne had to say.

“Well cupcake, are you ready to hear what I can tell you about what you need to do,” Lorne asked with a grin.

“Damned straight,” Spike snarled. “Tell me where my girl is!”

“Hold up there, luscious. That’s not how this thing works.” Lorne said, raising a hand to stop Spike from blowing a gasket. “I can’t tell you where you sire is right this second, BUT I can tell you where you have to be.”

“Get on with it then, I don’t have all night,” Spike complained.

“Okay then, here is what I can tell you.” Lorne carefully glanced around to make sure they were not being overheard. “It seems your sire is ill…”

“Dru is sick?” Spike grabbed Lorne by the lapels of his overly colorful jacket and growled at him. “Where is…”

“Easy there, handsome.” Lorne removed Spike’s hands from his jacket and straightened out the lapels. “She’s being rather well taken care of. In fact she’s possible safer than you, all things considered,” Lorne said with a thoughtful frown. “Anyway, you need to take a trip to the mouth of hell just north of here, and take the sunshine and its shadow with you.”

“Wait a minute,” Spike said. “First off, I don’t like hellmouth’s especially that one. Too many family members running around, acting all high and mighty. Moreover, I do not want to see any of them. Second, how in bloody hell am I supposed to take the sunshine and a shadow there?”

“I can’t tell you that, blue eyes. I can only tell you what the Powers show me, sorry.” Lorne shrugged apologetically. “However, I can tell you that things are not always what they seem, and to keep an open mind about things that seem unusual.”

Spike grumbled and glared at Lorne, but quickly realized that he would not get anything else out of him. He nodded and thanked Lorne for his time, and then turned towards the bar, planning on having a drink or ten. Maybe even chat up that blonde he had seen earlier. A flash of dark hair near the bar caught his eye and he peered through the shadows trying to see whom it belonged to, as the form looked familiar. “What the bloody hell,” Spike muttered, “That looks like Dru!” He couldn’t see her face, but the way the woman walked, along with her long, dark hair, definitely reminded him of his sire. After excusing himself from Lorne, he started towards her, when he was rudely shoved out of the way by the self-same demons he had noticed casing the bar earlier. The woman headed towards the exit, and the group of red-skinned demons followed her outside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giles slipped into bed alongside Joyce and tried to fall asleep. However, he was not having much luck as his mind kept bouncing from one subject to another. What kept lingering in the forefront of his mind, surprisingly, was not the parchment he had received, but Angel’s sudden interest in a prophecy he had previously ignored as unimportant. He tossed and turned for several minutes, unable to sleep. He finally gave up the attempt and climbed out of bed when he noticed his restlessness was starting to disturb Joyce. “Since I can’t sleep, I might as well see if I can make any headway on the prophecy,” he muttered to himself as he slipped his robe on and headed back downstairs to the study.

He bypassed the study in favor of the kitchen, deciding he needed a cup of tea before settling in for a long night of sleepless pondering. While waiting for the kettle to boil, he thought back over the way Angel had been earlier. When they had first found out about the prophecy, he had seemed disinterested and apathetic, and yet he had seemed almost eager when he had shown up after his patrol this evening. “Wonder what he’s up to,” Giles pondered to himself, startling a little when the kettle started to whistle. He made himself a cup and carried it into the study.

Settling into his chair, he sipped at his tea while gazing, without really seeing, at the parchment on the desk. “BLOODY HELL!” He shouted, almost dropping the cup, when he noticed the words, in clear English, on the paper. “I don’t bloody well believe this…,” he muttered, placing the cup carefully off to one side as he stared at the words

Daughter of the Sun,

“Well, it seems someone wants this prophecy translated, I wonder who could have done it though…” Giles trailed off, deep in thought. Suddenly his eyes lit up and he scrambled for one of the photocopies he had made the day before. “This could work! I can use the translated portion, replace the symbols that look the same…,” Giles trailed off as his pen fairly flew over the photocopy of the prophecy. A knock on the door interrupted his musings. “Come in,” he called.

Joyce opened the door and walked over to Giles. “Did you come to bed at all?”

“I waited up for Angel’s report, and then came up to bed, but I had trouble sleeping so I thought I’d come work on the prophecy,” Giles said as he stood up and wrapped his arms around Joyce.

“Did you make any headway?” Joyce asked.

“Some. When I came in, part of the first line had translated itself,” Giles said as he reached for the parchment to show her. “I had this idea to use these four words to help with the rest.”

Joyce nodded and smiled, “Like one of those cryptogram puzzles you make fun of me for doing.” She reached up and ruffled her fingers through his hair.
“Right. Sorry about that.” Giles said with a sheepish look on his face. He turned back to the desk and picked up the paper he had been writing on. “I managed to do some of it, but unfortunately there isn’t much to go on.” He showed the paper to Joyce.


Daughter of the Sun, ____ of ____.
____ of the ____, ____ of ____.
____ the ____ of ____ ____,
____ ____ ____ ____ the ____,
____ ____ ____ ____.



“It’s not much, but it is a start,” Joyce said with a frown. “To bad the symbols don’t denote letters, instead of words. It would be much easier.”

Giles nodded distractedly and placed the paper on the desk. “I think I should get dressed. Somehow I don’t think I should go to work in my robe.”

Joyce grinned and patted his behind. “I don’t know, you look rather fetching.” She squealed and darted out the door, with Giles hot on her heels.

Spike cast a glance around the bar even as he followed the demons, and ultimately, the woman who reminded him of his sire. He noticed that the blonde he had been eyeing for the past hour or so seemed to have left. Once outside he quickly noted that the group of demons had backed the dark haired woman into the alley across from the bar. Eyes alight with the anticipation of a fight; Spike boldly crossed to the alley and calmly lit a cigarette. “Is this a private party or can anybody crash?”

“Mind your own business vampire,” one of the demons said. “There’s a bounty on this slut’s head and we aim to collect it.”

“I see,” said Spike. “In that case I’ll just leave you to it then.” Spike turned around as if to walk away, but turned suddenly and grabbed the demon closest to him, wrenching its head sideways, breaking its neck. “On second thought, I’ll just have my own party.”

The woman that the demons had followed was backed up against the wall, her face hidden by her long dark hair. A low moan issued from her, as she seemed to sway and collapse weakly to the ground.

From the shadows deeper in the alley a soft feminine voice rang out. “Didn’t your mother’s teach you any manners? It’s not polite to accost a lady.” With these words a small blonde whirlwind erupted from the shadows and backhanded the closest demon into the wall opposite the collapsed woman.

Spike looked up and saw the blonde girl he had been eyeing in the bar, and a feral grin crossed his face. ‘Things are definitely looking up…’ Spike thought as he dodged a punch from another demon. A quick headcount showed one dead demon, one slightly dazed, and eight more fighting mad. He slammed his fist into the left temple of the demon that had tried to punch him, and moved to stand beside the blonde.

“We can’t let them get to her; she’ll end up dead, or worse.” The blonde said, ducking as the demon in front of her tried to punch her.

“Right, protect the girl, and have fun doing it!” Spike crowed as he grabbed the demon who had tried to punch the girl beside him. “Names Spike, what’s yours?” Spike grunted as one of the demons managed to land a blow to his midsection.

“I’m Buffy,” Buffy said as she delivered a roundhouse kick to another demon, driving it into the wall, stunning it.

Neither noticed the smile on the face of the dark haired woman they were both trying to protect.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Angel sauntered along the street, hands in his pockets, whistling a tune he had learned shortly after being turned. He felt like he was on top of the world these days. He had people who looked up to him and counted on him. He had a nice little setup here, and was definitely looking forward to the arrival of the slayer, once she was located. The things he wanted to show her, and teach her. A sickening smile crossed his face at the thought of the young slayer and what he could make her do. He was so caught up in his thoughts and fantasies that he didn’t notice he was being watched from the bakery across the street.

“I didn’t know he could smile,” Xander said to himself. He rubbed one ear, “and I wish he wouldn’t whistle, it’s like nails on a chalkboard.” Xander started down the street, his breakfast in hand. “Wonder what’s got him so chipper this morning.” He turned towards the school, reminding himself to tell Giles about what he had seen that morning.

Giles sat at his desk, the parchment spread out before him, as he pondered the one phrase that had translated itself in the early morning hours. “Daughter of the Sun,” he murmured to himself. “Who or what could that possible be referring to…” His voice trailed off as he sank deeper into thought, not noticing as Xander slipped into the library.

“Hey G-Man, never guess who I saw braving the early dawn hours!” Xander quipped as he strode into Giles’ office. “And he was acting major weird, whistling and talking to himself. Oh! And he was even smiling, in a creepy sort of way.” Xander stopped talking when he realized Giles wasn’t paying him any notice. He reached out and placed a hand on Giles’ shoulder, causing Giles to start rather abruptly.

“Good Lord! Are you trying to give me a coronary?” Giles gasped out as he struggled to slow his heart rate, which had sky-rocketed when Xander touched him. “Wait a minute, did you say you saw Angel at dawn this morning? Whistling and smiling?” Giles frowned for a moment. “Are you sure it was him?”

“Oh yeah, it was him. Its hard to mistake the stick-up hair and the broody expression, which by the way, wasn’t so broody. He was starting to creep me out with his weird smiling.” Xander said with a shudder. He looked at the parchment spread out on the desk. “Hey, I see you managed to translate some of it.” He reached out as if to pick up the paper and Giles slapped his fingers.


“I didn’t. It translated itself early this morning,” Giles said with a sigh. “I just wish I knew what or who it refers to.”

“Lemme see it for a moment,” Xander said as he bent over the desk. “Well, Daughter is obviously female, so it’s most likely a girl or a woman, and Sun… sunshine… maybe they are talking about a California girl?” Xander scratched the back of his neck with one hand.

“Mr. Kitchener did say that it pertained to my missing slayer.” Giles said as he stood up and began to pace the tiny office. “Daughter of the Sun… Buffy Summers? She was born in Los Angeles I believe…” Giles began muttering to himself, all but ignoring Xander.

“What’s with this other paper?” Xander said, picking it up.

“Using the symbols that were translated, I found matching ones in the first stanza of the prophecy, and replaced them with the English words they transformed into,” Giles said as he took the paper back from Xander. But I’m afraid it makes little sense.”

“Maybe you just need to try it on the second one?” Xander asked with a smirk.” It can’t hurt, right?

“Indeed, it might even help.” So saying, Giles sat himself down and took the paper from Xander and began to go over the second stanza, adding it to the first.

Daughter of the Sun, ____ of ____.
____ of the ____, ____ of ____.
____ the ____ of ____ ____,
____ ____ ____ ____ the ____,
____ ____ ____ ____.

____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____.
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____ ____ ____.

“Well that certainly didn’t do any good. Not one symbol from the first can be found in the second,” Xander said as he read over Giles’ shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out, I need to get to class.” So saying Xander ran out of the library, leaving Giles to go over the rest of the prophecy by himself.”

Spike threw the demon that he was fighting with into another one that was trying to sneak up on Buffy from the side. “Careful there, pet. Don’t want these buggers sneaking up on you!”

“Thanks Spike!” Buffy shouted as she sidestepped a third demon, before grabbing him and slamming him headlong into the wall behind her.

“I think we are about to have unwanted company!” Spike shouted as the sounds of approaching sirens reached his sensitive ears. “Company of the law enforcement variety!”

“Dammit!” Buffy grumbled loudly. “I so don’t need to them involved in this.” Dodging the two demons trying to grab her, Buffy ran over to the other girl’s side crouched down beside her. “C’mon Princess, time to disappear,” she muttered as she helped the trembling female to her feet.

The girl bent her head and whispered in Buffy’s ear, “Bring the shining knight. He will be needed.”

Knowing that her companion sometimes knew things before they happened, Buffy agreed. “You bet.” Buffy didn’t take the time to question why the blond man would be needed. Raising her voice she caught Spike’s attention, “Quit playing around Spike. Time to go!”

Slamming his fist into the temple of the demon he was fighting, Spike called back. “Lead the way blondie!” Turning to the demons he said, “Unless you have a desire to stick around for the boys in blue, I suggest we take this up another time.” So saying he turned and strode over to where Buffy and the dark-haired female were standing. “I’ll carry her; don’t look like she can move very fast right now.” So saying, he swept the girl up into his arms and waited for Buffy to indicate which direction to go in.

Buffy motioned for him to follow her and as she led him deeper in to the alley she casually said over her shoulder, “Just so you know, if you even think of hurting her, or taking off with her, I will kill you.”

Spike was taken aback by the cold menace in the tiny blondes words, but didn’t let it show on his face. He glanced down at the girl in his arms, who had buried her head into his chest, her long dark hair hiding her face, and a grin danced on his lips. “Not gonna hurt her. She reminds me of someone I lost a while back.”

Buffy nodded and led Spike down a couple of side streets and alleyways until she came to a set of stairs leading down to a red door. “We’ll be safe here,” she whispered as she started down the stairs.

Spike started down the stairs but paused when he heard shouting from above.

“Xiao Zhàn Shì, nǐ shì yú huàn?” Two boyish-looking faces appeared at a second story window across the alleyway from the stairwell. “Néng wǒ men yuán zhù?”

Buffy looked up and smiled, “I think we lost the ones following us. But if you see anyone, or anything suspicious, let me know?”

“Wěi! Wǒ men biǎo shǒu tì nǐ!” The faces disappeared from the window and moments later one of the boys appeared on the roof of the building, while the other darted out the back door of the building and took off down the street, yelling “Bǐ rén yì fēn fù biǎo shǒu!”

“Interesting neighbours you have pet. Mind telling me what that was all about?” Spike said as they paused at the door, which Buffy proceeded to unlock.

“My landlady’s grandsons. They asked if they could help.” Buffy rolled her eyes and smirked. “By now the entire teenage population of Chinatown is keeping watch for us.” Buffy opened the door and stepped inside. “Set her down on the couch please.” Buffy turned away to remove her coat when she noticed Spike hadn’t moved. “Is there a problem?”

“Uhhh….” Spike paused, not quite sure how he should tell her when he got the shock of his unlife.

“Invite the prince in, Sunshine,” the girl in his arms said quietly.

Spike’s eyes opened wide and he stared down in shock. “Sire? Dru?”

A slender hand reached up and stroked the side of Spike’s face. “Yes, my Spike. You will be a good boy for Mummy, wont you?”

Buffy simply shook her head and said, “Come in Spike.”

Spike stumbled across the threshold towards the couch, still stunned by the revelation. He placed Drusilla on the couch and stood there, just staring at her.

With a smirk on her face Buffy walked over to Drusilla and said, “I think we broke him.”


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Shaking his head as Xander slammed the door to the library on his way out, Giles turned back to the papers in front of him. “Well, the second stanza did not pan out as hoped; maybe the third will offer some kind of clue.” So saying, he picked up a pen and proceeded to go over the third and last stanza.

____ ____ ____ ____ the ____.
____ ____ ____ the ____.
____ ____ Daughter, ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____ ____.
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ the ____ ____.

“Well, that helped a little bit. Hmm…” Giles trailed off in thought, wonder how he was going to make sense of something that, to him, seemed without sense. Time passed and before he knew it, it was lunch time, and his library was invaded by a bubbly redheaded genius.

“Giles! Are you here?” Willow leaned over the counter and peered behind it.

“I’m in my office Willow.” Giles replied absentmindedly.

Willow came around behind the counter and paused in the open office door. “Xander said some of the prophecy translated itself? Can I see?”

“Of course Willow.” Giles motioned the girl over. “Maybe you can make sense of it.”

Willow looked over both papers and scrunched up her nose. “Giles, these two symbols seem to be exact opposites of these two that were translated…” she showed him which symbols she meant. “So, if the symbols are opposite, maybe the meanings are as well?”

“Of course!” Giles smiled at the young girl. “I always said you were smart.” He looked at the papers and thought for a moment. “Well, the opposite of daughter… would be son…” he broke off as Willow bounce in place a moment.

“OH! And the opposite of sun would be moon!” Willow’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Indeed… so let’s put these in and see if it makes any sense…” Giles trailed off as he inserted the words into the places he believed they belonged. After staring at it for a moment, he added the word ‘and’ between two of the translated words and smiled, noticing that it also went in other places within the prophecy.

“Uh, Giles…”Willow trailed off, her expression thoughtful. “Going by what we have, and the fact that these two symbols,” and she briefly touched them, “are also opposites, maybe they mean ‘sun’ and ‘moon’?”

Giles thought about it for a moment and then nodded his head. “I believe you may be correct Willow. It does seem to make sense.” Giles added those two words to the translated paper as well, and then sat back and read it over.


Daughter of the Sun, ____ of ____.
Son of the Moon, ____ of ____.
____ the ____ of ____ ____,
Night and Day ____ the ____,
____ ____ ____ ____.

____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____.
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____,
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____,
____ and ____ ____ ____.

____ ____ ____ ____ the ____.
____ ____ ____ the ____.
Son and Daughter, Night and Day,
____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____ ____.
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ the ____ ____.


“If the ‘Daughter of the Sun’ refers to the missing slayer, as I believe it does, then maybe the ‘Son of the Moon’ is her direct opposite as well.” Giles stated with some conviction.

Xander, having walked in at just that moment, and having heard Giles’ statement, made one of his own. “Wouldn’t that be a vampire then? You know, Daughter vs. Son. Sun vs. Moon, Slayer vs. Vampire. Kinda fits, in a weird sort of way.”

Giles turned to Xander and turned pale. “Oh my.”





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translations

Xiao Zhàn Shì, nǐ shì yú huàn? – Little Warrior, are you in trouble?
Néng wǒ men yuán zhù? – Can we help?
Wěi! Wǒ men biǎo shǒu tì nǐ! – Yes! We keep watch for you!
Bǐ rén yì fēn fù biǎo shǒu! – I go tell others to keep watch!