Blood Ties: Two Worlds Collide


Prologue: Character Breakdown / Chapter 1 – Divine Intervention



Prologue: Character Breakdown



‘Nana’ Clara Antoinette James:

Clara was born September 3, 1834 in Bristol, England, but grew up in Andover, England. She has cobalt eyes and dark brown hair with a touch of silver before it changed white. She is thin and average in height. She had an arranged marriage to Colin Chester James, age 26, an already widowed man on August 29, 1851. Clara was married at 17 years of age. In spite of it being arranged, Clara loved Colin immensely, as he loved her. On September 22, 1854, Colin and Clara had their first child Darien Colin James. Clara was 20 and Colin was 29. Their second child, Julian Thomas James was born October 3, 1858. Colin and Clara had a third child whom they named Arya Louisa James, who died at child birth. She lost Colin shortly after to consumption.

Present (2004) –

Age — 175 years, 120 years old widow, due to familial claim she accepted at age 55 from Armand and her son Darien.

Nana is human and has a gentle nature, but quite temperamental at absurd and foolish beings.

She is Empathic, Wiccan, Immortal, and part Guardian. She turned down Guardianship for her family. During Willow's scythe spell giving the Potentials the Slayer power Nana's hair turned white because the Guardian was still very much part of her. She is part of the scythe that helped aid Willow in performing the spell without failure. During this she accepted the gift of part Guardian thus allowing her to remain with her family.

She can also read past, present, and futures.


Darien Colin James:

He was born September 22, 1854 in Andover, England. He has blue eyes and dark brown hair. He is toned and very tall. His looks take after his mothers, while his height takes after his fathers' side. He was 34 when he finally met the woman of his dreams. He married Keera Rose Montgomery, 28, on November 3, 1888. They had no children. He was turned a week after his and Keera's wedding anniversary. They mated November 3, 1890. With his new family that consisted of Armand, Keera, Ronin, Jacob, Nola, Aubrey, Julian, Wolfe, and his mother Clara — they set off for America soil. They settled on Santa Maria, California in early January 1981. His marriage with Keera was strained for a time during their travels to Santa Maria, California. He was unable to have a child with Keera. January 19, 1981 he was given the opportunity to acquire a child for him and his wife, Keera. He brought home a little girl whom they immediately fell in love with. They named her Catherine Chloe James.

Present (2004) –

Age — 150 years, Living vampire for 115 years, and human for 35 years, Immortal.

He is very laid back and quiet by nature. He is very much like his mother. He is a fierce protector and will do anything for his family — even at the risk of his own life. He risked his own morale to ‘obtain' Catherine.

He is a very powerful Sorcerer.


Keera Rose James:

She was born in Winchester, England on May 21, 1860 as Keera Rose Montgomery. She has very long blonde hair and blue eyes. She is very petite in height and frame. She finally married after a long courtship with Darien Colin James on November 3, 1888. During their time together, Keera would ponder why they hadn't had children. (However, it wouldn't come up until they travelled across to America finally settling in Santa Maria, California.) A few weeks after Darien's disappearance, Darien came home ‘changed'. When told in great detail what her husband now was, she firmly stated she would not perform the mating ritual until their wedding anniversary.

Present (2004) –

Age — 144 years, Mated to Darien for 114 years, and 30 years when she stopped aging.

Though soft spoken, she is strong—willed like her cousin Aubrey.

A gifted Empath with telekinesis abilities.

She dabbles in white magic, and is Immortal. She senses ‘heart and good' in others through their voices that she can read as they speak.

Mother to Catherine Chloe James through what she was told was an adoption. She does know Darien's secret regarding Cat (Catherine), and still raises her as her mother.


Aubrey Elise James:

She was born in Petersfield, England on March 12, 1861 as Aubrey Elise Hawkins. She has medium length blonde hair that looks strikingly white at times. Her frame is curvaceous yet thin, but her height is average. She is almost the same height as her husband Julian. Her eyes are otherworldly as they change colors ranging between a very light blue, and green. She is Keera's cousin. During a fight against the Council of Watchers she protected Darien as she was closer to him. She was severely wounded. Darien sired her at the age of 28; the year was 1889 roughly around December. She'd married her cousin's husband/mate Darien's younger brother Julian Thomas James on February 1, 1886. She was married for three years as a human and then mated with Julian after being sired.

Present (2004) –

Age — 143 years, Living vampire for 115 years, and 28 as a human, Immortal.

Her temperament is very confident and strong—willed. When making a mistake or a failure occurs, this doesn't deter her into thinking negatively. She moves past it and forward.

She can shape shift into a snow—white eagle and a snow—white wolf.

She receives messages from the Divine Balance.

She sired her distant cousin Wolfe when fleeing England from the Council of Watchers.


Julian Thomas James:

He was born in Andover, England on October 3, 1858. He has light brown hair and blue eyes. His looks take after his father, while his height borders between both of his parents. He is toned but his frame is averagely proportion. He married Aubrey February 1, 1886. He was married to human Aubrey for three years, but mated with her when she became a vampire.

Present (2004) –

Age — 146 years, Mated to Aubrey since 1889 for 115 years, 31 years as a human. He, too, is an Immortal.

His temperament is quiet, but he also tends to question everything. He has a lot of trust issues and only Aubrey is able to push past those issues. He needs proof not instinctual feelings. However, when this trait of his happens with Aubrey — he tends to be docile. In this case Aubrey tends to wear the ‘pants' in this relationship.

Like his brother Julian, he is a practicing Sorcerer. His abilities would rival his brother Darien's, if Darien was human.

He shares a closer relationship with his mother, ‘Nana' Clara.


Armand Arturo Solus:

He was born in Bath, England on January 1, 1504. He is tall, dark brown hair, and piercing blue eyes. He felt a change on his birthday in 1533. He was visited by an angel in his dreams telling him of his ‘new' destiny. In this dream he was told he was a living vampire. These types of vampires kept their souls, and any that he would turn or re—sire would keep or have their soul returned to them. He does not have a demon mask. As a living vampire he has fangs, silver eyes, and can live out in the open just as a human. It is questionable if his line can procreate. He believes they can, but certain circumstances must occur that he has yet to find out about. This line of vampires is unlike any others. He had to travel across the world alone as he dealt with his new calling in life. While living his new life in solitude for 356 years he watched many Orders of vampires kill relentlessly and some Orders feed to live, but never killing. He did this to learn. He didn't kill those who viciously slaughtered across the globe. He knew he should have, but he needed knowledge. He came across the Order of Aurelius many times, yet always remained hidden in the shadows.

Present (2004) –

Age — 500 years old, 29 as a human, Transformed in sleep by a higher power as a living vampire for 471 years. He is an Immortal.

His temperament is calculating at times, quiet, and authoritative. He is extremely knowledgeable and enhanced battle skills. He has a romantic vision of life, love, friendship, family, and happiness.

His abilities are his speed, endurance, shape shifting abilities (though he never attempted it, yet), telepathy with others besides his mate, and blending in the shadows during the day and night.

He is Cat's watcher along with Ronin.

He mated with Raven Carmichael, one of Cat's best friends, on January 20, 2000 when she turned 19.


Wolfe Walter McNamara:

He was born June 30, 1928 in Liverpool, England. He lost his parents to the war. He was an only child. He is tall, dirty blonde hair, and baby blue eyes. His build is toned and muscular. His past was with the army, but having been discharged had been in a rather brutal bar fight when he came across his distant cousin and her ‘new' family. He was severely wounded. He was strongly opposed to being turned if he didn't keep his soul or morale. He believed in what was good and evil as well as what was right from wrong. He never married which was primarily due to his honorable trait of serving his country. He also never met the woman he felt was compatible with him.

Present (2004) –

Age — 76 years old, 34 as a human and 42 as a living vampire, Immortal. His distant cousin Aubrey sired him.

His temperament is determined, morally centered, laid back, quiet — but will answer if spoken to, and has a temper at times. He is also a fierce fighter.

His heart though hardened will open up more when he finds his mate.

He is very close to Esme, who is very much like the sister he never had.


Valerius Order:

Much like the Order of Aurelius, a prophet vampire started this Order of Vampires in 700 – 1200.

Master Valerian:

Vlad Valerian was born March 6, 1170. He was an orphan. He never had a family and was watched closely until he was a man in his 30's. He has brown eyes, and long dark brown hair. Vlad took over the Order as soon as he was turned by the prophet vampire. He killed his maker that day and called himself — Master Valerian of the Valerius Order. He does not have a soul. His Order is one that Armand also watched carefully.

He killed many, but only took one Childer. While travelling through Russia he came across a man who sparked some interest in him. He turned him and found out his name was Vane Morstikoff.

He couldn't control Vane and wished that he didn't turn the fledgling. He turned to the aide of the Watchers Council to take care of his problem. The only amount of control he had was a demand to never take a mate. However, Vane vanished for a long period of time with his turned Slayer Verona Richards. He finally caught up to them in London, England on January 30, 1932. He dusted his Childer right before Verona's eyes. Verona, however, enacted her revenge and dusted him then ran towards the home she had sought refuge at, James Arthur Pratt's.

The Master Valerian was a vampire for 732 years, but a human for 30 years. He was turned soon after he turned 30. He was a vile, vicious vampire who took what he wanted, and when he wanted. He was very much the same as a human man — ruthless and cold.


Vane Morstikoff:

Vane was born in The Baltic Lands — Vladimir, Moscow December 3, 1402. He was an orphan who never knew his parents. He was taken to England soon after, and spent his time in an orphanage. He was much like Vlad except he did have more of a heart. He was ruthless, but felt love as he was given this warmth from the women in the orphanage. Vane was still a troublemaker, and would grow to be somewhat of a ‘ladies man'. He had black hair and dark brown eyes. He had a muscular build. He was rather cocky at times, but was able to meddle his way out of his reckless habits. He was turned the eve of Christmas of 1432. He was even more cocky, vile, and reckless as a vampire. He killed for sustenance.

When he met the Slayer Verona Richards in December 1882 he fell for her. He turned her right away, following her orders only killing vile inhuman people. This confused him, but he did it, nevertheless.

He was killed eventually, by his maker, Vlad on January 30, 1932 — right before his loves eyes.

Vlad placed a thrall on Vane that didn't allow him to mate with Verona. This thrall broke during his fight with his Sire.
He died loving Verona and regretting never ‘knowing' to have mated with her. His heart dusted sought for revenge.


Verona Richards:

She was born December 31, 1863. She has piercing blue eyes, and dark brown hair. Her frame is thin and she is average in height. She was taken from her family by the Watchers Council and trained early as a Potential Slayer. When she turned 19, she became a Slayer. She did well, except she was tired of the control the Council had over her. She met Vane before her 20th birthday. It was on her birthday that he took action. She didn't know that she would keep her soul when he struck quickly, killing her, but turning her. She became a vampire December 31, 1883. She was Vane's lover, but constantly fled with him to lose his Sire Vlad Valerian, and the Watchers Council.

However, they caught up with them on January 30, 1932 in London, England. Vane's Sire dusted her lover. Verona lost in grief dusted her grandsire, Vlad, making her the Master of the Order of Valerius. In utter devastation she ran back to the home she took refuge in, James Arthur Pratt's home. After his losses, James accepted Verona's offer to turn him.

Present (2000, no this isn’t a mistake – this is when she shows up!) –

Age — 137 years old, 116 as a Vampire with her Soul, 19 years as a human, 1 year as a Slayer, and years as a Potential Slayer.

Her temperament is a bit sneaky, devious, but overall she just wants acceptance as she is still dealing with her grievance of losing her one and only lover. Yes, she is very bitter losing him. She does like causing trouble. Which is understandable considering everything that has changed her life since the Watcher's Council took her. She often wondered what she would be like if she hadn't been taken from her family. She does kill evil humans without remorse. Since losing her lover she has gotten careless and unpredictable.

Her abilities are her Slayer power, strength, stamina, healing, and speed. She can't shape shift or fly. She doesn't have the ability to go out in the light. Her world is stuck in the dark. Underneath it all she is trying to break free from the hold her hardened, angry, and bitter heart, has on her.


‘Ronin’ James Arthur Pratt:

He was born on February 14, 1904 in Cambridge, London. He has dark blonde hair and striking blue eyes. He is muscular and tall. His parents were Elisabeth Prescott and William Pratt whom were killed January 30, 1932 by the Council of Watchers setting fire to his home. He made it out seeking shelter in his underground fireproof cellar. This was where Verona turned him into another vampire with a soul. He thought he lost his entire family when he agreed to protect the vampire lovers. When he arose as a vampire, he took the name Ronin. When he learned his sister was still alive, he asked Mary if she wanted forever with him. She agreed after learning ‘vampire' ways, and that she would keep her soul.

Present (2004) –

Age — 100 years old, 72 years as a living vampire with his soul, 28 as a human, and an Immortal.

His temperament is constantly fluctuating. He can be cocky and charismatic or he can be thoughtful and quiet. He is fiercely protective of those he loves. He takes his Sire responsibilities with care and seriousness. His Sire was previously Verona Richards, but because of her inability to remain with him and his sister he was re—sired soon after by Armand Solus, becoming a living vampire. He did the same with his sister, who did the same with her mate Jacob.

His abilities range between speed, endurance, and on occasion shape shifting to a mountain lion.
He is also, along with Armand, Cat's Watcher, as well as her mate. He mated with her on her 19th birthday on January 19, 2000.



‘Nola’ Mary Margaret Pratt:

She was born August 7, 1910 in Cambridge, London. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She is very petite and curvy. She is ‘Ronin' James's sister. Since she was the baby of the family, she was doted on by her parents, and her brother. They were a very close family. Mary was enraged to find out her family had been murdered by the Watcher's Council when she had been with Jacob. She has intense hatred towards the Council, and actively seeks ways to make them pay for killing what was the last to the Pratt line.

She mated with her lover Jacob Charles Schuyler on February 1, 1932. From then on she became known as Nola Mary Margaret Schuyler. She met Armand and the other members of the Order of Solus when her brother, and mate Jacob were leaving England for America later that year in June 1932, this happened because Verona left them. She was re—sired by her brother after he became a living vampire when he was re—sired by Armand. She re—sired her lover, and mate Jacob when she arose.

She was very much present when Darien and Keera brought Cat home when they arrived in Santa Maria, California. She was her nanny. However, as Cat grew older they became friends, and then ultimately Nola was like Cat's older sister. They are very close. Neither was disturbed by the fact Nola practically raised Cat along with Keera.

Nola along with Nana had taken care of other kids. Among those kids were Esme, Raven, Ember, and Jonas. These families would be very close in the years to come.

Present (2004) –

Age — 94 years old, 72 years as a living vampire, 22 as a human. She is an Immortal.

Her temperament is volatile. She is effervescent, yet when she is pushed hard enough, she retaliates. She happens to be very stubborn and hard headed. Jacob, Ronin, and Cat help ease her intense emotions. She is in love with the battle, and isn't far from Cat when there is patrolling and evil to be fought. This helps her release her aggressions and anger. (In fact, think of a female Spike)

Her abilities range from incredible strength, stamina, and speed. She has been known to shape shift while intensely emotional. She has taken the form of a Siberian white tiger, but has also taken form of a snow leopard. She has dabbled a bit in magic, but prefers the fight instead. She has incredible instincts as well as good intuition.


Jacob Charles Schuyler:

He was born February 15, 1905 in Cambridge, England. He grew up next to the Pratt's. He was friends with both James and Mary. He has dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He is tall, lean, and very fit. His parents didn't want him to leave, but let him go when Mary and James changed to Ronin and Nola.

Jake had no hesitation in becoming a vampire to be with Nola or her brother. He even mated with her on February 1, 1932. Even though he loved his family, he was closer to the Pratt's. He really took their parent's death to heart. He constantly kept Nola leveled headed when she wanted to rush off and massacre every member of the Watcher's Council. When Verona left them to fend for themselves because of her grief, they took off and met up with the Order of Solus later that year in June 1932. It was then he was re—sired after his mate was re—sired as a living vampire.

Present (2004) –

Age — 99 years old, 72 years as a living vampire, 27 years as a human, and an Immortal.

His temperament is down to earth, laid back, and fiercely loyal. He isn't much of a fighter, but he wouldn't run from a fight to aide those he loved or protect humanity. He is very smart and is one besides Armand that his family and friends would go to if they needed something answered quickly, as he has a photographic memory.

His abilities do include speed, and strength, but his lay more with his intelligence and memory.


‘Cat’ Catherine Chloe James – Pratt:

She was born January 19, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. She is Darien and Keera's adopted daughter and she lived her life in Santa Maria, California. She doesn't know the details of her adoption yet, but she will. She has light— to—dark brown hair and green eyes with a button sized nose (slightly different than her twins' nose). She is thin and tiny. She was trained all her life. They were preparing for the time she would possibly become the Slayer. When the day came of her 15th birthday, she became the Slayer. Unbeknownst to her, her twin Buffy Anne Summers also became the Slayer. She mated with Ronin on January 19, 2000, she was 19 years old. Something to note though — she was in love with Ronin since she was 15, but didn't start dating until she was 17.

She always sensed something was missing in her life.
Present (2004) –

Age — 23 years old at the time of the destruction of the world due to what Angel caused by starting the Last War. The Divine Balance took her and her family to help change the world by turning back time to the end of May 2000. Even though they were taken from their bodies in 2004 they combined with their 2000 bodies — future mind, body, and souls.

Her temperament is determined, spirited, and light-hearted. She takes things as they come, and constantly questions everything. If something feels amiss she gets the facts, and then goes from there. She basically lives her life, and listens to advice, but never lets anyone run her life. She is the one to control her own life. This is something Ronin highly respects about Cat. She follows her instincts and slays evil. She doesn't indiscriminately kill all demons.

Her abilities are the Slayer, her enhanced healing abilities, and a few abilities she gets from sharing strengths with her mate Ronin. They don't do this often because it is something they are still figuring out. She is Immortal, and her eyes do turn Silver while her canines do lengthen although not in the same as a living vampire or regular vampire.


Raven Amethyst Carmichael – Solus:

She was born January 20, 1981 in Santa Maria, California. She has black hair, olive skin, and has very unusual eyes that are almost lavender in color. Her frame is thin, but fit, and her height is average. Her family was close to the James's. She grew up with them while Nola and Nana took care of her along with her and Cat's other friends. Raven trained in numerous areas of magic, combat, and languages. Her mother and father died in a plane crash when she turned 15 years old. She lived with the James's until she finally mated with Armand on her 19th birthday. She dated him since she was 18 years old before making a forever commitment.

Present (2004) –

Age — 23, though the same applies to her and the whole family when the Divine Balance took them to change things after evil won from the battle Angel started. She will go back into her 19 year old body with her future mind, and soul. She is Immortal.

Her temperament is quite feisty. She doesn't let anyone walk all over her. She is quite hot—headed. Even though she doesn't have any extra strength or healing powers — she does assist Cat and Nola on patrolling and fighting off evil.

Her abilities are amazing determination to fight in combat, her language skills, and her powerful ability as a white Witch.

She is very close to all of her family and friends, but she is closer to Esme and Aubrey. Together they help hone her skills as a Witch. She is close to Nola and Cat to enhance her fighting skills. They all spend a lot of time together perfecting these skills which enables them to grow closer in friendship and family.


‘Esme’ Esmerelda Crystal Williams:

She was born January 21, 1981 in Santa Maria, California. She has long curly black hair, and light teal colored eyes. She is very petite and soft curves. Her mother, Grace Williams, was very close to the James's. Her father, Harold Steele, a practicing warlock, placed her mother in a coma when she was 15. Wolfe, enraged by Esme's father, placed a vengeance dominance claim on him. This didn't kill him, but gave him immense pain for the remainder of his days. Wolfe is very protective of Esme, and treats her like she is the sister he never had. Her family and friends aided Esme in sending Grace to the Divine Balance. They had known Grace wouldn't come out of the coma. She still misses her mother. They were extremely close.

Present (2004) –

Age — 23, When the Divine Balance turn back time, Esme will be back in the year 2000 with her future mind, along with the rest of her family and friends.

Her temperament is quite critical on herself. She is very patient, kind, and serene.

Her abilities are white magic, her mother's power she inherited when she passed on to the Divine Balance, and she is an extreme emotionally driven Empath. So, it's rather good that she is a calm person; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to handle the emotions constantly coming off everyone around her. This is part of the gift her mother gave her, but she had it before, only to a lesser degree. She has help from Nana, Aubrey, and Keera to perfect this skill.

She is extremely close to Raven, Cat, and even closer to Wolfe — they have a very brotherly/sisterly bond.


Ember Candice Davidson & Jonas Nicholas Davidson:

Ember and Jonas are twins who were born on February 19, 1981 in Santa Maria, California. They are fraternal twins. They have some similarities but are quite different from one another. Ember has light brown hair and hazel eyes. She is tall and slender.

Jonas has brown hair and blue—green eyes. He is muscular and tall. They were abandoned by their family at the age of 5 and were taken in by the James family. The James's suspected foul play or vampires, but found nothing to find the missing parents. They became Ember and Jonas's foster family, and then ultimately adoptive family. However, when Ember and Jonas turned 19, they were attacked by vampires. Jonas survived, but Ember did not, and Wolfe sired her. Jonas was then, after much arguing, turned into a living vampire by his twin sister, Ember. Jonas sired a fledgling he found in Los Angeles named Aidan William Winters who was out of his mind with grief.

Present (2004) –

Age — 23, a little over 4 years as living vampires, and Immortal. They were also taken by the Divine Balance to help go back in time to their 19 year old selves, but intact as they were currently. Only their minds would know future and more past events.

Embers temperament is wild and boisterous. She is outgoing, a slight self centered streak, but overall she is still growing and hides from who she really can be. She tends to act first, think later. She jumps to her own conclusions and rarely talks it out in fear those won't back her up. She is friendly and close to the others and her family, however, she is very cautious around others. She does have a secret that isn't known. Her brother suspects, as do the others, but is still not known.

Jonas is very loyal, charming, loves to fight evil. He is usually in combat with the girls (Cat, Nola, and Raven), and then Armand, and Wolfe.

Their abilities as living vampires are like the others, their eyes change silver and they only have fangs. They can go out in the day and night. Ember dabbles in magic, although, the magic she has experience in is of the black arts. Jonas has an amazing ability to jump far distances. He believes this is due to his experiences with the catapult and the track team.

Ember is close to Raven, but closer to Aubrey, Aidan, and her brother Jonas.


Aidan William Winters:

Aidan was born on July 7, 1980 in Santa Monica, California. He is tall, lean, and fit. He has azure eyes and blonde hair. He has no family. He was turned a few days after Darla was re—sired by Drusilla December 19, 2000. His first meal when he awoke as a blood thirsty vampire was his fiancé. He was unable to control his hunger as they were chained together in a rundown warehouse. Left to fend for himself he went mad with grief. His Sire, Darla, left him, and he brutally killed his fiancé. As luck would have it, Wolfe, Armand, and Jonas came across him. Jonas offered him the option for death or to atone and have his soul returned to him. Aidan chose his soul. He felt it was too easy to ask for a mercy killing for what he had done.

Present (2004) –

Age — 24, 4 years as a living vampire with soul, 20 years as a human, and an Immortal. He like the others will go back in time, except with him, he is chosen to go back as he is, rather than the human he was in the year 2000 before he became a vampire.

His temperament is laid back bordering on agitation spiced with cockiness. He complains quite a bit, but it is mostly to joke around with the others. He really took to the family and became quite close to them all. He's close to Esme and Jonas, but loves to play jokes on Ember. He is the youngest of the Solus Order.

He and his mate help bring about a new era of beings.

---

Chapter 1 – Divine Atonement


Every true, eternal problem is an equally true, eternal fault; every answer an atonement, every realization an improvement.
Otto Weininger



“Let's go to work…”



Blood soaked every corner of the alley as the battle raged on. Warriors and demons battled on through the torrents of rain pouring from the heavens. Each side – good and evil – had only two thoughts on their minds, to win or the very least survive. Both sides could taste the win, but would it be victorious like they thought? Should this war have even started? Was this war instigated by a vampire with a personal vendetta? Did the world and the warriors have any hope left?



The Realm of Divine Balance – Boss to the Powers that Be



Joyce trembled in rage as these very questions raced through her mind. She took deep calming breaths then shot an icy glare at the smelly demon now gracing her with his presence. She shook her head in annoyance knowing he’d only been following orders, but he would not gain her pity or help. She inwardly smiled when the demon gulped looking around frantically for a way to escape her wrath. Joyce smiled finally speaking, “Your boss isn't going to interfere this time. The Divine Balance isn't pleased with the Powers’ part in Angel's diabolical plan. The Powers are in for a rude awakening.”


Joyce stepped closer to the abashed demon grasping his arm gently, “You really ought to let the Divine Balance take you on as an emissary, but that's up to you. The Powers that Be – will be dealt with. Whistler, you do realize that with the orders given by the Powers that Be that you set this all into motion. You’re lucky that I am a respectable emissary by controlling my rage and not taking it out on you! You brought that disturbed vampire into my daughter’s life!”


Whistler gulped. Ever since Joyce had become an emissary for the Divine Balance, she had been nothing but sweet. Seeing her this way made him fear her more than her daughter, Buffy. Moreover, he knew he was guilty. ‘The Powers that Be, will not take too kindly to these turn of events,’ he considered.


Sighing, he turned to Joyce. “You're right.”


Joyce raised an eyebrow, clearly indicating he should go on.


He walked closer to the looking glass that took up half the room. He shuddered as he observed the already waging battle. He straightened his hat, shuffled his feet then shoved his hands in his pocket groaning at his failure.



He turned back to Joyce resignedly, “This is my error. The Powers wanted to give Angel a chance. There was a prophecy that foretold of a vampire that would fight with the slayer in the last battle, but it was unclear what side this vampire would be on. We weren't even sure who the vampire was. I know it was questionable, but acting as an emissary to the Powers, I made the decision to involve Angel at their suggestion.”


Joyce sat at the table that adorned the room in boredom. She already knew all of this, but for the sake of the smelly demon finally admitting it – was too good to be true! Sighing happily she looked at him attentively and listened.


“I really thought it might have been him. I took a lot on faith, and hoped that his love for Buffy would be enough, but seeing the events unfold…I know that I was mistaken. I knew even then when I showed Buffy to him at Hemery High that he fell for her. I heard that he fell in love with her heart, her heart!” Whistler growled in frustration.


Disgusted, he drawled on as Joyce tried hard to contain her mirth at his ramblings.


“How could I have been so wrong? Looking back on it now I should have seen the disgust of that! A 240—year—old vampire, for crying out loud, falling in love with a fifteen year—old child and then says they are soul mates. How would he know that? I just showed him the Slayer and pushed him in the direction to seek redemption but now this…Oh, God, what have I done?”


Joyce patted his shoulder in sympathy until he suddenly turned to her looking straight in her eyes. “Joyce, do what you must. Stall this war. I must speak with the Divine Balance.” Chuckling slightly, he added, “I’m really moving up the line of authority when I'm reporting to the big boss.”


Whistler inwardly thought, ‘Although, the Powers that Be, knew all, some things happened that they could not prevent, or they must have overlooked them as insignificant. I wonder if they are purposely staying back knowing the Divine Balance has stepped in? If it is, then it's about time the Divine Balance used their authority.'


Shaking his head, he went in search of Anne the Divine Balance, in the realm, hoping to calm his conscience by aiding them. He only hoped the Powers that Be, would not give him trouble for helping the Devine Balance.


Joyce just rolled her eyes, “Damn those Powers and their emissaries.”


Settling herself on the ground Indian style in front of the looking glass displaying the intense war, Joyce centered herself and began her chant.


“Now time suspends, as I bend my will. This I pledge as an emissary of the Divine Balance. Vicis Congelo. Vicis Congelo. Vicis Congelo.”


Joyce waved her hand over the looking glass as she finished chanting, and successfully froze the war. It was at that moment that Joyce saw her daughter on the ground in a pool of blood.


“No! No! Not my baby! Not my Buffy!” she cried in anguish, but inwardly added seething, ‘Angel will pay for this. I swear he will pay!”


As her grief ripped through her body, she felt peace and power radiating around her. The Divine Balance had heeded her silent plea. “Well, hello, Anne.”


“Joyce, my dear loyal emissary, all will be well, this, I promise you“


Anne continued, “I will tell you what my plans are to save this dire situation, but first; I need to speak to you about what this entails — or more importantly, who. What you will witness will be a shock.”


Anne paused gathering her thoughts, “I need you to understand this is not to hurt you. Before I get into these details, I must, from my standpoint inform you first, that your death is decreed. Your fate is here, in this realm.”


At Joyce's cautious but curious nod of acceptance, Joyce urged her on.


“What you will be witnessing from afar, and what you will learn from the Oracles will be shocking. Even so, I must emphasize that you will only have less than a year to spend time with this woman. She is vital and essential to bringing the balance back in our favor. You may not believe this but…”


While Joyce felt Anne's hand on her forehead, she felt a warmth spread throughout her body as a glow enveloped her. Joyce fell to her knees in absolute shock.


“No...That's impossible. I would have known!” Joyce cried out shaking wholly desolated by this unknown knowledge.


“But, Joyce, deep within you, you have always sensed something missing, and it wasn't Dawn. Yes, she satisfied this emptiness. Nevertheless, Dawn was not your child.”


Joyce turned glaring angrily at Anne, only her glower spoke of anguished tears rather than fury. Anne genuinely sympathized with her and patiently awaited Joyce's response.


“I know that, but I loved her just as much as Buffy.” Joyce replied in kind remembrance.


“Yes, I know you did, but the answer still remains same, Dawn was not your child.” Anne placidly avowed. She realized that an explanation was needed. Sighing, she took Joyce's hands and looked into her eyes with determination. “Dawn is Buffy's.”


Anne was not surprised by Joyce’s gasp of astonishment. Still holding on Joyce's hands, she progressed towards her explanation, “This is where it becomes guileful. Dawn would have been a clone of Buffy had the monks only used Buffy's blood. The monks with the aid from me used Spike's specimens from the Initiative to produce Dawn with Buffy. In time this will come to light.”


Joyce gasped.


‘Could it be? Vampires couldn't procreate, but now, looking at it from a different standpoint, she could clearly see it. Why had they not seen this? Of course the monks couldn't make Dawn out of just Buffy, because if they did, she would be an exact replica of Buffy. Of course the Divine Balance stepped in, in order to manipulate the memories for the sake of the situation. What a field day she would have with this.'


She couldn't voice her conviction to Anne. However, she knew Anne could sense and hear her thoughts. Joyce wasn't concerned by this nor did it bother her that Anne knew her thoughts. In fact, it made things easier when speaking to the Goddess. She promised that with these details she learned more of; she would let Buffy, Spike, and Dawn know first. That watcher and Buffy's friends would be the last to know.


Anne tilted her head delightfully and raised an eyebrow, knowing full well what was going on in Joyce's head. Joyce nodded for Anne to go on.


“I will get to the point, as we haven't much time, and she will be here shortly. This young woman is your child, Joyce. I know it seems wrong to have taken her from you, but rest assured, she has always been well taken care of. She has to help Buffy; she needs to finally have the inner peace she has been missing, her twin sister, and you, Joyce, her mother. Don't deny it, Joyce. Come, accompany me, and see for yourself.” Anne gestured in front of them to the looking glass displayed before them.


Joyce had tears streaming down her face, observing her twin daughter grow before her eyes. It was heartbreaking to watch that she had not been a part of her twin daughter's life, and yet, her twin daughter led a remarkable and loving life. Then she saw her…her daughter… and her mate with the Oracles. She saw how she had grown and the love that radiated between her daughter and her mate.


She turned to Anne, a question on the tip of her tongue, but Anne spoke first.


“Before you say anything, Joyce, please hear me out. I believe you yearn to go back even further back to when she was born, but particular occurrences must take place for your other daughter. You must realize this. As a mother, you should understand this.”


Joyce lowered her head at her selfish desire to spend as much time with her newly discovered twin daughter as she could.


“How long will I have? Will I remember all of this so that I won't waste any time figuring it out?” Joyce desperately pleaded.


“Joyce, you will only have six months, and as a gift until you return to the Divine Balance realm, you will be granted this one heart's desire. Time will fold on itself, setting time to May 23rd, 2000 four months before Dracula came to visit Buffy. It was September when he appeared. Do you remember this?”


At Joyce's vigorous nod, she persisted, “Before this time comes, your other daughter will be given all the memories as well as the current life—altering events. Joyce, as you saw the demons won hands down. No one would have endured after the last battle. The Divine Balance needed to step in. We trusted this vampire to aspire in doing the right thing. We allowed numerous of his misdeeds during the years' slide and continued to grant him chance after chance to atone. However, I regret having this confidence in him, whilst I ought to have had more belief in…”


Her breath hitched as she struggled to hold back her tears, her next words barely audible, “…My own son.”


Joyce lifted her head in bewilderment only for a split second, but knew this to be true. Glancing at Anne, she undoubtedly saw the staggering resemblance to Spike.


“You are William's mother.”


“I am, regretfully I permitted my mulishness and my emotions of treachery and heartbreak to impose how I felt. I denounced him for a long time for turning me, but now…” Anne sighed.


“Over time while observing him, I grasped that he turned me wishing to release me from my sickness. He loved me so much that he attempted to take away my pain, but rather he let out a monster. In his own desolation on my turning and how my demon responded to him, he released the demon by staking me. I was indignant about it for some time but my son was affected and never seemed to have recovered from this. I am hopeful that we will come upon our peace considering that he really did save me.” Anne mournfully recounted the incident as if it were yesterday.


“Oh, Anne, now you have the opportunity to make it right.” Bestowing a soothing affectionate squeeze to Anne's trembling hands, Joyce glanced over and grinned. “We can make it up to both of our children, to family, new and old friends. When the time arrives, I will return, although, I have a request.” Hopefulness burned in Joyce's eyes as she wished that Anne would approve.


“Go on,” Anne replied, curiosity piqued. Glancing at the expression on Joyce's face, she knew that what she was about to request would benefit them both. She, nonetheless, held a considerable amount of grief in her heart for not believing in her own son's capabilities.


“When I return, we should together oversee all of our champions and children. We cannot let those with evil intent steer our hope down the wrong path after severely changing it to bring balance. Please allow us to visit them to give them hope and guide them. Do you believe this is possible?”


Joyce was anxious, she wanted this so desperately, moreover she longed for it. It would still give her purpose, and she would follow all her children and those she cared so deeply about.


Anne contemplated this for a few moments. ‘Could they?' The thought excited her, gave her hope to mend what was lost with her son. She had the power to fold time and start over. She knew she could have herself and Joyce in their lives. She had the power, and it wouldn't disrupt the universe.


‘Why haven't I considered this previously?' she questioned.


‘The bitterness was still there, and I didn't regard who my son was and his motives…then. It was for a greater cause. It would be for love, humanity, her supernatural Immortal champions of light, the children to come, her family…Her son, and most of all, the balance.' She knew what to do.


“Joyce, it is possible. However, first, are you willing to accept a position beside me as a Divine Balance, a goddess as I am? By accepting you will have all the power that a Divine Balance goddess holds inside rather than what you have as an emissary to the Divine Balance. However, you will still face your own death with less pain. There will be no brain tumor as you will depart peacefully in your slumber. Accepting the Divine Balance power is the only way to make this binding plus enable us both passage to the living world. Will you consent to a position as a Divine Balance goddess?” Anne queried.


Resolutely, Joyce proclaimed, without any hesitation, as an emissary her Divine Balance declaration. “I consent to be a Divine Balance goddess, and assist carrying out balance whenever it is essential. For this, I vow.”


Anne grasped Joyce in her arms, embracing her, and laid a kiss on her forehead. Radiant light pulsated between the two now Divine Balance goddesses. Joyce was gifted her new power, and then she vanished.


“See you soon, Joyce…Send my love until it's time for me to join you,” she whispered tears forming in her eyes.


Sensing the Powers well known emissary approaching, she turned to Whistler. She was appalled and incensed, but with a sigh, she admitted that he was not to blame.


The Divine Balance, the Powers that Be, the emissaries, and the Oracles had all aspired that Angel would expiate himself also change for the better. And yet, he failed. Even when all the higher beings attempted to see that he could do well for humanity they failed to take into account Liam and who he really was. It seemed that both Angel/Angelus weren't far from who Liam O’Connor was.


They all genuinely thought they were giving him the chance to redeem by bestowing Liam, his human counterpart, a chance to additionally change. He enacted by using power and control thus skated on a thin line towards how Angelus truly was. Anne wouldn't be surprised if his demon was enticing his soul into corruption.


“Whistler, worry not. We strongly thought what had been done had been for the best. I should have known that it was meant for William to be the vampire foretold of in the prophecy, for Joyce's daughter, Buffy. That William and Buffy would prevail in bringing the balance, along with blood kin and all the Immortal Champions of Light. I have failed in this, but now we must change these events. Joyce's time holding is still in place. I presume?”


“Yes, your graciousness.”


“Brilliant. Time will unfold to almost 4 months before Dracula's time in Sunnydale. The Immortal Champions of Light will be sent to a time dated May 23, 2000. This will allow them some time to get situated and comfortable in Sunnydale. By the time August comes around, they will be able to approach the others. That is to say, if things run smoothly. Buffy may rebel against this, but when she learns of what her mother knows, it will lessen her reservations. Even so, she will still hold a chip on her shoulder. This is not a new feeling for Buffy, but I do believe her twin sister will change the way she sees things.”


Whistler snickered, while Anne gave a conspiratorial smirk that was eerily like her William, ridiculously known as Spike. She frowned derisively at the name he had acquired.


“It will be pledged, your greatness.”


“Thank you, Whistler. At some point, you will join with another emissary. Joyce and I, goddesses of the Divine Balance, along with the emissaries will meet with all the champions to give them knowledge of these changes. We will prevail over the war instigated by Angel. Mark my words, he will pay!” Anne spat in anger (eerily the very same words Joyce had stated in her mind earlier.) all the while pacing back and forth – well, actually hovering back and forth — yet still, she was enraged.


Whistler turned to the looking glass and watched in dismay the battle, all the gore and bloodshed, and what would have been the end of the world. This was done by egotistical desires to abolish the Black Thorn and, Wolfram & Hart.


The Black Thorn and Wolfram & Hart had been dealt with and reached an agreement stipulated by the Divine Balance. Angel really outdid it this time. This even took the cake over the whole Acathla world—ending incident.


He may have been seeking redemption, but he lost his champion position the day he disregarded the message that was given to him by Cordelia.


Angel took it upon him to handle this situation in his own way ultimately costing the world and his team. Anne was losing her patience. It was time to bring the guests into the great hall of the Divine's realm.


“Whistler, please bring Brother and Sister, and our guests, to me. It is time.” Anne requested.


With a last fleeting look at the devastation, Whistler heeded to his orders. However, upon arriving in the room that the guests were gathered in what he saw shocked him.


“Buffy Summers?”


“No, but I can't wait to meet her. The Oracles used their cool mirror to show us Buffy’s life. She’s bitchy, and acts like she's all high and mighty, doesn’t she?” The girl alleged while smirking at the emissary, she wasn’t surprised to see him on the floor laughing.


“Oh I like you.” Cat beamed at Whistler’s observation.



“While I'm not a fan of her attitude – watching Buffy’s life, as heartbreaking as it was, enticed me so much more to meet her. Name's Catherine Chloe James – Pratt, and the others are my family, but please, call me Cat. Let's not keep the Divine Balance waiting. I was told you were coming to escort us, so buddy, let's get this show on the road.” As she walked energetically in front of him, Whistler couldn't help snickering at the uncanny likeness to Buffy Summers in this girl.


“You got it, kid. Follow me.”

Chapter 2– Shattered by Duplicity

Shall I tell you what the real evil is? To cringe to the things that are called evils, to surrender to them our freedom, in defiance of which we ought to face any suffering.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!
Sir Walter Scott

Duplicity is an instance of deliberate deceptiveness; double-dealing.

---

Meanwhile…The battle rages on behind the crumbling Wolfram & Hart building…


Stepping out from the portal, thousands of Slayers lined up behind their leaders, awaiting orders.


Willow glanced over at her long time friend. She noted Buffy's flushed puffy eyes that she tried to conceal under her new hairstyle that she’d managed to get in London before they came through the portal. Willow thought she looked amazing going out into battle. The others had their suspicions why Buffy did this, but Willow thought it made her best friend look very chic. She was dressed head to toe in black except for the red camisole she wore under her black leather duster. Even her boots were black leather. Willow gulped realizing where her thoughts started to wander off to. ‘Buffy is my best friend not someone to ogle! I need to focus!’ Willow berated herself.

Willow frowned as she recognized the facial expressions, and then felt the pain emanating from Buffy. There was no mistaking that patented determined Buffy look when facing a battle or apocalypse. Even so, Willow knew her friend well, and she could see the underlying tension, fear, anticipation, and anguish surrounding her friend's aura as well as on her face. She saw Buffy's eyes sweeping the war zone frantically searching for her intended. Willow woefully sighed and grasped her dearest friend's hand in support. She sadly smiled when Buffy squeezed her hand back but didn’t turn to look at her. There was no doubt in her mind, Buffy was completely devastated even though she was sorely hiding it beneath those constructed walls she built since finding out this ultimate duplicity. She had to be strong. They all had to be.


‘Goddess, I wish Tara was here.’ Willow’s breath hitched at the thought of her former, her other half—her one true love she had colossally screwed up with. She’d cherished those last few precious good memories with Tara before everything went straight to hell.


She thanked Gaia with her entire soul that she’d a few months back had finally broken free from Kennedy. She really had no idea what she was thinking with that relationship, but decided it all came down to settling. She was going through the motions just as they all had done at one point or other to avoid facing the realities of their losses or choices. Clearing her head of thoughts that repeatedly crossed her and her friends’ minds, she then chanted her powerful incantation protecting them all before they lunged into battle. She needed to frequently remind herself to not fall under her own magic’s spell. She was in control, and she silently swore it would stay that way.

She felt the power flow through her body and outwards to those it was also intended for. She’d bound all the witches and Wiccans from the coven, and the Slayers. The Demons couldn’t penetrate their protective shield that encased each of them. She smirked to herself realizing how far she had come at perfecting her art as a Witch. They used every ounce of their power to attain this feat.


Everyone stayed inside their protective shield until it was time to engage in battle. Each knew the incantation to replace the protection shield up should they need it—Tutela Contego. Willow felt the power, but briefly wondered if they were using too much, and too soon.

---

Buffy stood with her sister Slayers, her sister, her friends, and Giles, with the scythe in hand. When Willow grabbed her hand, obviously to give her support, she had been broken from her intense reverie. So many thoughts ran rapid through her mind. This war, she couldn’t wrap her mind around it.


After dealing with the Immortal, she had come to find out Spike was alive—well, undead. On his last breath, the Immortal told her that Spike was among the living, but said the winged one was keeping him from her. She couldn’t understand this until she was told who else had come to Rome with Spike.


Angel.


Angel couldn't stop controlling her life. Oh, no. He couldn't very well be intimate without Angelus coming out to shatter her, so he left her. She positively thought she had loved him with her whole being, but now she was starting to doubt if she ever really did.


Spike's speech about how she was the one – In Spikeism, was a bloody revelation. This showed her what real love was truly about. Not some idealist fantasy love but real messy true love. She was still too young and naive to experience anything that intense. Then her young adulthood came, and Spike happened. Spike took her by surprise, but as always, she couldn't love, due to Angel/us, he had shattered her heart. Which, ironically, he seemed to be doing yet again, except same cast different lead or Big Bad, in this case.


That last year, even after that year of pain and abuse, severe depression, and their not-so-secret-anymore love affair, they had…Something changed…She changed, and the walls constricted around her heart began crumbling as her heart started to mend.


Spike succeeded an impossible and impressive risk. He played by his own rules and did what no vampire should be in search of: his soul, for her, to not hurt her again. He wanted to be what she deserved. How poetic was that?


Nonetheless, a voice in her head, sounding suspiciously like her mother, told her, “You hurt him and pushed it to this point,” Buffy flinched at the voice. She knew things would have been different had she handled it differently, but she couldn't change it.


Buffy considered all of these things, but all she felt now, was a rage inside her. The Slayer was furious. Buffy the girl was crushed beyond repair that her first love had ruined her reunion with her true love. Buffy was out for blood.


The Slayer wanted to bring a new type of pain to Angel for keeping the girl from her destined mate, and was irritated supposedly ‘good intentions’. This Slayer was far above him. Buffy, the girl, had begun to wholly accept her Slayer side, and was even more powerful than ever. The Slayer within Buffy knew what the girl inside did not. Buffy's blood ties to another gave her more power than any other Slayer had, but the Slayer knew that soon things would change…Until then the Slayer would wait.


Buffy just couldn't grasp the battle scene. Angel brought on the last war. Angel. Not Angelus, but Angel—Angel with a soul.


Okay, she had to admit that perhaps they truthfully weren't too different from each other. Spike was right. He confirmed that to her in the last year they were together. Yes, he was a tad softer, except, he was still the same Spike. He even still loved her with his soul.


She blew a piece of bangs away from her eyes as she surveyed the fight. She shook her head when she realized that maybe she shouldn't have been analyzing this at a battle scene. Still, when her eyes landed on him, she was captivated by the site of Spike from afar taking on demons from all sides. When she managed to look away from Spike to observe Angel fight a dragon, she had to question Angel and his intentions. She was really starting to wonder if she knew Angel at all. Shaking off her thoughts, she turned to her sister Slayers.


“Listen up, everyone. This will be the battle of our lives, the greatest fight, and a 'to the death apocalypse’ of them all. I know this sounds extremely negative, but it doesn't look very good. This is... This is the last battle,” Buffy paused gathering her thoughts as everyone gathered around her, listening intently.


“Angel brought this on masterminding a series of events that brought us to now, to this. Others may have aided him, but he still began this war. This is serious. This is world endage,” Buffy deadpanned.


“We are all wigged and scared. Use this to fight. I will understand if you back down from this fight, but I should warn you. You won't live even a day after they defeat those who stay,” Buffy paced up and down the line as she emphasized on what she believed to be true.


Buffy stopped and turned towards the warriors standing before her, and felt a tremendous amount of pride for each of them. She stood as tall as her 5’3” tiny body could and once again gave them a choice.


“You've all made the choice to fight against evil, whereas you could have walked away. Now it's time again to make that choice count for something! Would you rather go out fighting or running away? Would you want to fight to your death believing that you tried to make a difference? Don't answer that. I know you're all with me on this,” Buffy looked to her sister Slayers, friends and family and felt extremely proud of their cheers, loyalty, and bravery. Controlling her inner rage she rushed on sensing the others need to jump into the battle.


“If you're in this fight, leave Angel to me. I am his executioner, no one else, just me. After learning that Angel killed Drogyn, the keeper of the Deeper Wells, he lost his last ‘get out of jail card’. And Faith, I know you trust him. Just please understand, I have to do this.” Buffy pleaded as she looked directly at Faith's chocolate brown eyes praying she would understand.


Faith just nodded with casual indifference for her to proceed, but held her tongue. She knew there must have been reasons, and sure she did sympathize with Angel, but he did kill, even if it seemed to her that he could have been coerced. Still, she said nothing because she knew regardless of how or why, he could have called for some back up.


Buffy felt the tension dissipate from her body and was relieved that Faith decided to not argue this point with her. Turning to her third in command, she gave her orders, “Vi, take your team and look after Spike. He must be protected. If the prophecy we came across in the Chronicles is true, then he is one of the Immortal Champions of Light. Keep him safe, Vi, please,” Vi nodded noting the sense of urgency in Buffy’s orders to her, and then ran off with her team.


“To the rest of you––good luck, and if we don't make it…” Buffy let the obvious hang for them all then added, “Trust your instincts and do the best you can. Angel will pay but the mission is what matters. Kick demon butt! Remember, I will deal with Angel.”


Tears formed in her eyes when she finally looked at her closest and dearest family and friends. They crumbled in a tearful group hug, grief evident on all of their faces. However, as one, they were all in agreement. “For us and Spike, Angel is dust.”


It was time to put the past to rest, and step out of the Nile. Poignant eyes were met with equally sorrowful eyes, and yet, seemed to intensely stare at the others around them desperately memorizing the others—knowing this would be the last time they would all be together. To know this was their death was terrifying, but they had faced this for years knowing this very fact. To actually know the day, left them craving for more time. Bravely, they turned accepting their fate.


The warriors leaped into the fray. Blood was shed. Their perseverance and anger fueled them into cutting through demons of all sorts and Turok-Han, which shocked Buffy as she assumed they were eliminated while battling the First. Did some get out of Sunnydale? And if so, how and when did they?


On the other hand, was this because the gates had opened for all demons to come through that also included the much feared Turok-Han? Gulping she hoped enough demons were slain before she confronted Angel.


This was, by far, worse than the First messing with them, and its massive army that was gathering in the mouth of hell. This was death, and yet, they wouldn't give in without a fight. They would go down fighting.


Buffy had never been more proud to lead her warriors. Yes, her warriors. She was their mentor. She was even an adviser towards the now–rehabilitated Faith. She knew they weren't going to win. Spike called fighting with her a dance, but this…This wasn’t a dance. This is a fight to the death. She wouldn't complain considering that this is what she’d prepared for in all the time she was the Slayer. She would not grow weary. She could feel the determination racing through her veins, sending a thrill through her, and it definitely wasn’t Slayer tingles from all the demons. She was made for this.


Looking at Spike to see that he was okay, she then turned to her goal…Angel. ‘This ends now! I am so going to beat him to a bloody pulp and dust his ass.’ Smirking, she took off with a vengeance, the scythe in hand leaping into the hoards of demons, slaughtering them as she got closer to her destination.

---

Gunn didn't even last a mere second. His previous fight had wounded him badly. Even so, he went out knowing that he fought well, regardless of what he believed of this deliberate war of Angel's. He silently prayed to his family and friends that he was coming to them, and then he was gone.

---

Illyria needed to do more violence, and it didn't come better than this. She was truly in her element. She stayed close to her pet, Spike, and they watched each other's backs. They fought vigorously. Illyria knew more had come to their aid, but she dismissed them, just as they surrounded Spike and fought off demons.


The god's only thought was—more violence—And Wesley's death. She fought on, still unable to understand the feelings that this shell held for Wesley. As a beast landed a brutal hit to her chest, she fell back momentarily. Nonetheless, now angered she flew at the beast tackling him ferociously ripping its tentacles clean from its body. She reveled in her art of violence. The God vowed she would fight until there was nothing left.

---

Spike had never felt anything like this. This death dance surpassed the two Slayers he’d killed. His demon shivered in remembrance, but his William side scolded him for his thoughts. He grimaced shaking the thoughts. ‘Stupid sodding soul,' he thought.


This was exceeded battling Angelus with Buffy, and definitely topped Adam when he finally at the end assisted Buffy and the Scoobies. This bested the lopsided bitch, Glory—though, that apocalypse definitely came close to this one. This greatly transcended his burn up in the Hellmouth fighting the First. His didn’t cower knowing this was to be the last battle. He knew he wasn't going to make it, but he would go out in a blaze of glory.


He felt them, the baby Slayers—The Slayers that Willow had used magic through the scythe to awaken. It wasn't them that he felt so strongly, though.


It was her. She was here. ‘Buffy luv, why'd you come here?’ Still, he knew in his heart that this would be the last battle, and she'd be in it, fighting to the death.


He knew, for some reason, the baby Slayers seemed to be surrounding him. He didn't know why, but he was grateful for the help because he could feel himself growing weary of endlessly fighting demons of all shapes and sizes, and worse Turok-Han. Strangely, he wondered how Angel was faring. ‘Stupid sodding soul! What the bleedin' fuck! Why should I give a toss about the ponce? Yeah, we came to an understanding, but he will always be a selfish, manipulative, gelled-haired wanker.'


Smirking, he got his second wind and jumped right back into fray, and to hell with thinking.

---

Angel glanced up quickly checking on those left of the team, but he couldn't see any of them. Flipping up onto the back of the dragon, he pierced its neck. The dragon bucked and threw him into a wall.


Muttering to himself, “Damn, why won't this dragon just die?” He leapt to his feet and plunged his axe deep into the dragon's heart. The beast roared and took its last breath of fire. Angel ducked and ran for cover.

---

A scream alerted Buffy causing her to hastily place her shield back up, a scream coming from her sister and Willow. Buffy hesitated with going after Angel; she scowled at being delayed, but quickly turned back towards Dawn and Willow.


“What...” Buffy shouted, but her sentence trailed off seeing Dawn and Willow fall to their knees, sobbing. It was then; she finally realized what they had screamed—they had screamed for Spike.


Her heart must have stopped because she couldn’t breathe. Buffy's eyes fluttered rapidly, and then shut them tightly, desperately trying to calm her fears by taking deep meditative breaths. Turning frantically she whispered repeatedly, ‘No. Please, God, no. Please, Spike, be ok.’ She spotted Vi and the other Slayers where they were surrounding Spike and a curious looking blue woman. Buffy scanned the area to see what had devastated Dawn and Willow.


She saw it then. Her eyes impossibly wide in fear became glassy pools. Wiping her eyes haphazardly she felt the rage consume her only to be stopped cold when she saw the dragon roar, then collapse to the ground but not before…No!


“Spike, William! I love you! I love you, baby! Get out of there now! Dragon! Fire! Run for cover!” Buffy hysterically screamed as she tried to reach him, cutting through demons more brutally than ever. She had to get to him to see his cerulean eyes. She needed to get to him, and yet she couldn't understand why tears were running down her cheeks. There was no time for crying, she had to get to Spike!

---

Spike couldn't believe what he heard. She said it again, and he still couldn't believe it.


How could she still love him when she had been with the Immortal? Was she even with the Immortal at all?


‘Wait, she'd called him William and Buffy only did that when she truly meant what she was saying.’ Spike reasoned with his head, though his heart cautioned him.


He didn't let this give him hope, but that didn't mean he still didn't love her. He would always love her; he would love her for an eternity. Even so, he would not repeat what was said last time in the cave, so he told her what was still very much in his heart all while ripping a demons' head from its body.

---

Further away, Angel heard it all. “Buffy?”


‘Of course she would be screaming his pathetic grand Childe's name. Good riddance.’ Angel shook his head sadly but his lips twitched into a slight smirk with what he knew came next. He arrogantly observed the flames travel towards Spike, a group of girls, and Illyria. ‘Take that you insufferable prick.' Smugly, he watched.

---

“Buffy, luv? I love you, too! What fire?” Spike bellowed back in confusion.


“Nooooooo! Run for cover! Oh, God, don't leave me again!” Buffy cried helplessly. She really tried, she did, but she couldn't get over to him; there were just too many demons on the ground. Everywhere she ran, she slipped through blood and guts. ‘This isn't happening, not again. I need to get to him. I can't watch him die again.’


At this point, for Spike and Buffy, everything appeared to move in slow motion.


That's when Spike realized he'd seen Angel finally finish off the dragon while he fought off demons, and then the dragon collapsed in a heap. He saw the dragon's last breath, but he saw Angel run from the battle looking smug. ‘I should have known you'd run, you oversized fore-headed gelled pillock. Buggerin' hell...fire.'


‘Bollocks.’ Spike cursed. This couldn't be happening. He wanted her near him, but she was too far from him. Instead of denying her, he embraced her words from afar.


He knew the flames would engulf him and dust him with no hope of coming back. No Liz Taylor jewelry somehow bringing him back. There was no cave and interlocking flame lit hands. Tears welled up as he collapsed the heat too strong he managed to speak while his heart was breaking.


“Buffy, luv, I believe you! I love you…”


Then he was gone.


Buffy collapsed to the ground heedless of the blood and gore, she fell in. She was then unexpectedly surrounded by demons—one kicking her viciously in the stomach sending her flying through the air leaving her to land face-first in the bloodied ground. Buffy shook her head hoping the ringing in her ears would stop. The rain, now only a drizzle, gave her some relief to wash the blood from her face that she was now covered in. She hadn’t realized she’d taken the protection shield off leaving herself open for attack, something she wouldn’t recklessly do again. Sneering she tore into the demons violently using the torment and heartache forged from watching Spike dust from the flames of a dragons' last breath. Whispering the chant to protect her, she dropped to her knees and cried.


She was numb but he'd believed her.


He'd believed her. She was numb.



He was gone.


‘No, not gone, he will come back. Spike never gives up. Spike always comes back, that's what Spike does.’ Buffy tried hard to convince her heart while her head stubbornly told her a truth she didn’t want to know.


She would wait. She was positively numb. So numb she didn't realize her friends and sister were holding her while she cried.

‘When did she start crying, and when did the others get here?’ Buffy numbly thought to herself.


She was enraged and numb and so very cold. She knew her friends were still getting used to the idea, of how she felt for Spike, but her sister…She had told Dawn everything. Dawn had really ripped her one. Dawn didn't talk to her for nearly two months. Buffy had known during that time, Dawnie went through immense pain and regret over how she had treated Spike after learning the true truth.


As a result, now with his second demise she glanced at Dawnie and realized she wouldn't get her chance to make amends. She felt more anger engulf her.


She clutched her sister in a powerful hug whispering in her ear, “Angel’s going down, Dawnie, I swear to you. This is for Spike, for you and for me. I love you, be safe.” Sparing Dawn one last longing look, then she took off. She skidded to a halt when she heard very familiar screams reach her ears. She dodged to the side as a Fyarl demon tried to break past her shield. She really didn't want to turn around. Grasping for a breath as her heart pounded hard and fast in her chest at the possibilities of what happened since she ran off from those she held close to her heart.


She really didn't want to turn around, but she did. Then she saw…Her friends, Giles, and her sister. They never had a chance, the protection spell had weakened it appeared. It would explain why she felt the slight weakening of the shield when the Fyarl knocked into her.


With a feral leap, she attacked the beast going after her sister. Her friends were gone. She couldn't have saved them, but Dawnie with fear in her eyes was bravely holding her own. Buffy saw though, her sister was barely hanging on, fighting for her life.


From what Buffy could tell Dawnie was weak. She was badly injured bleeding tremendously from the wound on her neck from what the claws of the beast did to her. Buffy tackled the demon from behind ferociously ripping its head clear off its body.


Buffy rushed worriedly to her sister scarcely in time to catch her. Buffy howled, her heart in her throat, wrenching despairingly to the heavens above. “If there is a great power up there that is watching over us please, please protect us!”


She fell to the ground with Dawnie holding onto her for dear life, emotionally exhausted. She didn’t know how much more she could take. She lost Spike again, her friends, Slayers, and now she was losing her sister. She knew this was inevitable, they all had known, but it didn’t hurt any less. Her heart shattered beyond repair by Angel’s duplicity, her first loves attempt at taking out evil he should have never done alone. Buffy looked down at her sister in despair trying hard to shush her from speaking. However, Dawn ignored her efforts.


“I remember when I first came to you Buffy” Taking a gasping breath, she needed to say this, so she hoped there was someone out there to generously help her hang on. She desperately had something to tell Buffy. Buffy just held on and tried to quiet her but Dawn tenaciously managed to eye ball her.



“I remember. I k-know where I came from B-Buffy. Oh God he doesn't know how sorry I am, and he will never know” She coughed up blood.


“Hang on Dawnie, please don't leave yet. Wait...What do you mean you know where you came from? Dawn you came from me. You came from Summers’ blood. Of course Spike forgave you, he loves you Dawnie. Spike always…” Dawn cut her off seeing that she knew she didn't have much time.



“No Buffy. L-Listen I have checked. Remember those two months I-I was mad a-at y-you. I checked and re-re-checked it. I know he forgave me in his own way, but I would, would have liked to have said it to him myself, y-ya know.” Taking a breath she continued praying she could get this out.



“B-B-Buffy my real parents are…” Dawn painfully grimaced from the pain by her neck.



“Dawnie, stay with me, damn it! What are you talking about?” Buffy hysterically cried. Her baby sister was talking nonsense and slowly fading from her.



Dawn spewed coughing up blood, gasping, she held on for this last moment. She had to say this. “I love you Buffy”



“I love you too Dawnie, come on fight it!” She desperately tore off her shirt to stop the blood flow coming from Dawnie's neck.



“D-D-Don't B-B-Buffy, it's my time. Listen things will be changing for the better” In this moment she had a moment of lucidity, and she heeded to the voice, the voice she once knew—Joyce. No, not her mother, but still she felt her love was maternal.



“Buffy, I have to be quick; a higher power is giving you a message.” Dawn paused taking a shuddering breath she continued, “Fight hard champion, all is not lost. Have hope. Open your heart, and when the time comes upon, a higher power will turn back to a time changing it—bringing the balance. Stay true as you are chosen above all. You are our daughter. This is our gift to you when it changes…Your heart and dreams will lead you. Do what you were destined to do—take out your enemy and follow the time light”


‘Huh?’ Buffy was seriously wigging, but this was just like the Powers. She was actually surprised that she didn’t see the smelly Whistler emissary for the Powers lurking about, except a thought just occurred to Buffy. Something bigger was going on because Dawnie didn’t say the Powers. In fact, she called them a higher power. She couldn’t figure that out right now given that she needed to understand the message. Looking down at her dying sister she pleaded while cradling Dawnie in her arms. She was slightly panicked when she noticed that her sister’s temperature had dropped drastically.



“Dawnie please tell me, in plain English, come on, we can fight this, you can do it, Fight it!!” Buffy felt her fading fast even as a pain she'd never felt coursed through her blood, through her bones, through her body. This loss felt like it did when…When Spike was gone. ‘Huh?’



“Buffy be strong. B-B-B-Beat him Buffy. Beat him for daddy, and for you, mommy. Y-Y-You and S-S-Spike a-a-are my p-p-parents…I love you…” But Dawnie took her last breath with her last word.


“Mommy”


Buffy was stunned, and yet she couldn’t stop the hot endless river of tears falling from her emerald green eyes.



‘Was it true? Dawnie was hers and Spike's?’ Buffy wiped manically at her tears.


Looking down at Dawn she knew in her heart it was true. It really explained a lot actually. Buffy held onto her sis…No…her daughter—hers and Spike's. Her heart bled for what could have been. Heart racking sobs escaped as she cried for her, Dawnie, and Spike. Inconsolably she cried, except she was being crudely interrupted in her grief and dawning realization or in Spike terms, ‘Another bloody revelation’.


“I'm sorry Buffy, you shouldn't have come. This wasn't your fight” He simply chided sympathetically.


Silently, she said her goodbye to her daughter and her true love, Spike, hoping they were together as father and daughter. Giving her silent wish of seeing them soon but not before she took this piece of shit out.


Placing a chaste kiss to her daughter's forehead “I love you baby girl,” she turned to the murderous bastard who started this. With a feral smile, she gave him what he deserved.



“Why Angel, would I not be here to save the world? I may not be the one and only chosen one, but I am the chosen one.” She spat out barely able to quell the unbearable rage threatening to overtake her before she had it out with the fool who started this war too soon.


‘Arrogant control freak—thinks he’s the all-freaking-mighty!' Ok, so her internal insults weren't that great, but she did pack a mean punch! Snickering internally he wouldn't see it coming. His last ‘get out of jail free card’ expired. She would not listen to his reasons this time.


“I know that Buffy but this wasn't your fight!” Angel shot back exasperated.



Buffy was near breaking; she was approaching past her boiling rage limit. She really needed to hold this off to get what she needed to say out before she startled pummeling his ass.



“Really, Angel? By the Council's records, you just started the last war and forced the side of evil to prevail. So I tell you this—why wouldn't I be here when the world is ending? No, don't you even try to answer that. Angel, I am the Chosen Champion. You are a Cursed Vampire fatally attempting redemption, I will add. What you've done…” Taking a deep breath she placed the spell around them to keep the demons away so she could get this done. And then, she could finally find her peace once again.



She was ready. She wanted her family. She was tired and this aggravating asshole was getting on her last nerve!



‘First love my ass. What was I thinking?' Buffy rolled her eyes at her own naivety.



She could just imagine what Spike was saying. ‘Pet, you have bloody appalling taste in men, but you have a big heart, and you followed it. Don't let Peaches get to you, luv.'


With intense feeling of love for Spike, for their Dawnie, for her friends, Giles and for her mother she faced this pretender.



“Buffy I love you. I have always loved you. Please understand I needed to take this evil…” Angel maintained gazing down at her unhappily with his puppy brown eyes expecting she would recognize his good intentions.



“Just stop. You didn't need to do anything. You started this Apocalypse all by your itty-bitty self—Just you. You call yourself a champion? Yeah right!” Angel started to open his mouth to refute.



And Buffy jumped closer snarling, “No do not interrupt me, I’m not finished!”



Angel gave her the sad brown-eyed pout in hopes she would forgive him, she’d always in the past. He had to wonder why it wasn’t working now.



“So not going to work this time Angel. You are under the delusion that you and Angelus are two different people. Judging by this battle all around us just proves me right. You are one and the same. This is worse than Acathla, Angel!” Buffy fumed as she inched closer ready to strike if necessary.


Angel really tried to come to his defense, but she wouldn't hear of it, so he kept his mouth grimly shut. He didn't know this girl. What happened to that sweet innocent girl he knew back in Sunnydale?


‘Spike did this. The fucking ungrateful bastard! He changed my Buffy. What was she saying?’ Coming out of his thoughts he truly fought to keep his enraged demon down because this girl, his love, was questioning his motives, his authority. ‘Who was this girl?' Angel snarled internally.



“Angel I'm going to say this once. What you have done is unforgivable. You have taken from me. You have killed my family, my friends and my sister Slayers. You have killed the entire world, and for what—for petty revenge? On the other hand, all because of a threat Wolfram & Hart held over you because of your son? So you accept their offer for a position as CEO of the company with intentions to take them out from the inside? Puh-lease.” Buffy folded her arms scoffing. Raising an eyebrow she knew she had him right where she wanted him. He said nothing, but his eyes grew impossibly huge in surprise very likely because she knew.


“Yes Angel I knew of your liaison with Darla and the son you had with her. Thank Cordelia for that one. Yes, Angel, Cordy paid us a visit. Where was I? Oh, that's right—At least Darla did the right thing this time by dusting herself for her son. What did you do? You deceived your team; your friends, me, and even more—you lied to your son!” Buffy heatedly exclaimed.



Buffy stepped closer even as she saw the anger build in Angel’s face. “You have just sentenced this world and brought everyone down with you. Angel you even killed your own team for what vengeance? It's about the mission Angel, and frankly I don't believe—actually I know you never had it in you to succeed in your redemption. It was all about a reward wasn't it?”


Angel calmed fractionally hoping maybe she would see the reason and softly pleaded, “Buffy you don't understand the Black Thorne…I signed away my right to the prophecy to become human.”


Buffy shook her head in disgust, “I don't want to hear it Angel. You gave up being a human once before. No, don’t you dare to deny it. God was I delusional. I was a child Angel. That love you felt—looking back on it was disgusting. It makes me feel dirty. You stole my innocence with your cryptic talk. You proceeded to sweep me off my feet with your hero crap, and then Angelus came out to play. It really makes me wonder if you knew about it.”


“Buffy…” Angel interrupted only to be shot down by a very irate Buffy.


“I said don’t interrupt me!” Buffy seethed.


Angel was really trying but his demon was getting closer and closer to the surface.



Buffy calmly pressed on, “This war ended that get out of jail pass. You say you love me, but yet you walked away from me. I genuinely thought I loved you, but now, now I don't even know what to believe. You have taken everyone I have loved from me. You are a manipulative, controlling, and patronizing Vampire. It has to be your way or no way.”



Buffy’s temper boiled exponentially as she held the Scythe in hand. Her hands were holding the weapon so tightly that for a second she thought would it break or the very least splinter. She was surprised it didn’t then look at Angel and directly in his eyes, “I finally understand you now; you only think of yourself, everything you did was done with only your own selfish motives in mind, letting everyone else be damned! Not anymore! Cause I've had it with you and your actions! Angel, I can say this with complete confidence; I didn't know what true love was until Spike. Spike with me—is love. Angel, your love with me is a joke—as you once referred us as a freak show pleading, I look for normal.”



With a smirk that could rival her Spike, she told him with clarity that she knew would shock him cold. “I never loved you like, I love Spike! With Spike, what he and I shared that last year was true love. That's the definition of soul mates! Spike loved me when he had no soul, and because of that love, he protected my family and friends, even when I was dead! What I had with you was the real freak show! You could never be the man that Spike was! Yes, spike was a man, and you're a self-centered selfish monster!”



Buffy leaped knocking him to the ground done suppressing her rage, devastation, and shattered heart. At his shocked face, she punched him in the nose with every ounce of strength that she possessed. Grabbing his shirt she pulled him up from the ground as she stood, flinging him into one of the walls of the alley, repeatedly again as her rage consumed her.



Angel slumped to the ground groaning. Buffy didn’t stop. She grabbed him again by his shirt hoisting him up punching him so hard he flew across the alley, sliding down a wall in a heap. Having him flat on the ground again, she stood over him and again continued to pummel him.



“You” punch “Sick” crack “Disgusting Asshole” kick "Selfish Perverted Prick" crack "Evil Monster" punch. Buffy blindly thrashed Angel, her emotions so high, she didn’t feel anything.



“You took everything from me!!” With more strength than she’d ever known she punched him, feeling the cracking of a bone in his face. She wiped furiously at the scorching tears scolding her already flushed face.


Angel's demon was incensed. Coughing up blood, he really tried to break away from her, but it seemed Buffy wasn't having any of it.



“Lover didn't know you still cared” Angel mocked.



“Ah, there you are Angelus,” She spat out in contempt. She attacked his bloodied face with vehemence now that the demon came out, not even trying to hold back her true strength.



“Knew that…” Angel derided coughing blood, “that you couldn't stay away, lover.”



“I will never be your lover—never again. I wish with everything I am that I was never your lover!” With quickness, no one ever saw of Buffy—not even from any demon that met imminent death against her, she whipped out the stake driving it home straight into his un-beating heart.



Losing his game face he managed out one word. “Buffy?”


Without a backwards glance she knew Angel was gone.


Her Slayer was euphoric.


Buffy the woman was at peace. She was finally going home, but then in a sudden realization, she knew what Dawnie had meant when she died. With wide eyes, she silently wondered. ‘Turn back to a time, and change it,' as her thoughts formed someone sounding suspiciously like her mother said, ‘Yes, Buffy, do it over, and do it well, see you soon'



As she basked in the silent request, a spectacular smile graced her lips. She vibrantly smiled even as the barrier fell and a Turok-Han tore into her neck with precise accuracy draining her life away.



Buffy had been the last one standing, the last warrior to fall. The Turok-Han dropped her to the ground roaring in triumph. Buffy’s heart beat barely hung on but as she took her last breath and said with perfect clarity, “I'm coming home Spike–my love, my Dawnie, and…mommy”


Her heart beat its last time, and the greatest Slayer ever to live, succumbed to her peace with a smile gracing her lips. Then there was darkness.

Blood Ties: Two Worlds Collide

Chapter 3 – Revelation
Every Warrior of the Light have felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons. Every Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.
~ Paulo Coelho from Warrior of the Light

---

Sunnydale, California June of 2010



Immortal Defenders of Balance
First entry, by ‘Cat’ Catherine Chloe James – Pratt




Ten years have since passed that it was decided a journal for our family, and the Defenders of Balance should be started. I chose to go first. Although, my sister wanted to be the first, and well, in the end we drew straws—I won.


Who are we? We consist of quite a lot of families—James’, Pratt’s, Winters’, Harris’s, Maclay-Rosenberg’s, James-Giles’, Schuylers’, Solus’, McNamara’s, Davidson’s, Osbourne’s, Wyndam-Price’s, Addison-Lehane’s, Lawson’s, and the Gunn’s.


We are all scattered across the globe. However, my family, and my sister’s family resides in Sunnydale, California. At one time we were all stationed in known ‘hot spots’, but things have changed over the years. I know you’re thinking what these hot spots are. They are Hellmouth’s that attract evil. Straight to the point—we're supernatural beings put on this world to Defend the Balance by stopping evil from taking over the world. We keep things balanced because we can’t take evil completely out of the world. It would be fantastic if the world consisted of just good, but then that would be unrealistic. We defend those that don’t know of this type of world or rather stay in denial by helping keep the supernatural worlds’ secret. This is our legacy, and our words that we share.


Our journey started when time was turned back from 2004 to 2001. As amazing as that was—it was harder to believe that two Orders' of Vampire families had intermingled with soon-to-be Immortal humans and not to mention literally changed two Vampire lines, well a few, from their previous line. It was a simple re-siring from the line that kept their souls. It's quite remarkable actually. However, before getting into those minor details let me take you to the beginning. To understand my growing family and friends, I must start at the beginning.


My name is ‘Cat’ Catherine Chloe James – Pratt. I was born in a Los Angeles hospital on January 19, 1981, but grew up in Santa Maria most of my life with my adoptive parents Keera and Darien James. My family had grown exponentially over the years. We had friends that we loved dearly that departed from us tragically, but leaving their children behind. These children I grew up with became my closest friends as well as my family. Though, as we grew older we met our mates. That will be discussed throughout.


We had a great life living in Santa Maria until one dark day when the world was near destruction that my family and friends lives changed forever. What we thought would be the battle for our very lives, actually turned out to be a turn-back-time journey that would irrevocably change us all–especially me.


My family, friends, and I have been through a great deal over the many years. Save for going back in time, there was nothing we hadn’t already contended with. Turning back time, Defenders of Balance, Warriors of Light, Witches, Shape-Shifters, Living Vampires, Werewolves, Living Werepires, Demons, Empathic abilities, Telekinesis, and any other supernatural ability or beings—will strike those as strange or deny what they don’t wish to know. We considered ourselves as extraordinary beings that were outside the realm of humans who chose to live their lives in denial—living in normalcy. My life was living, learning, and bringing those around us together, but still maintaining some secrecy of our world. We needed to blend, which required magic or moving around to avoid questions. Sunnydale, California is the exception as it holds the most power and those living there among us keep our secret, as they have all sworn to do so. We live our lives as humans do, but we defend the balance—so essentially we are like humans yet beyond normalcy. By no means is my life normal as my sister once pined away for. My life is extraordinary. She wanted normalcy, but yet, she couldn't live without the power of the Slayer.


A Slayer, quite simply put—is a chosen defender, a warrior to protect the innocents from evil and to maintain peace or balance. Although my sisters' teachings were different than mine, you'll just have to deal. She was taught that all things that ‘go bump in the night’ are all evil. Hey, not my saying! Nevertheless, it is true to some extent. It all depends on how, and what they were born into. If you are considering vampires and if not—it all boils down to the race of the demon. Is it peaceful or evil? Slayers, like me, are able to see each demon for what they are. For example: Is their intention to do evil or can they be rehabilitated? My sister learned differently. I guess with my background of living with living vampires it made it easier?


It took a bit of time to have Buffy Anne Summers, my sister, to change her ways. I sadly feel that her watcher, Rupert Giles had been completely misled. He took even longer to convince. The Council, and even Angel, really did a number on them all. I really sympathize with them, but not one of them except for Dawn, Joyce, and Spike did they question the real hard truth.


The Watcher's Council was about control, deception, malice and just plain bigotry. These teachings would have to condone what murder's, rapists, or evil vindictive humans plotted against the human race. Now I didn't execute a human nor would I. I was smart enough to put them away for a long time when they crossed my path. This thinking that all supernatural creatures should be put down is where I drew the line.


Why would we let the peace loving demon die when he did nothing wrong? Yet, allow the man who brutally raped a teenage girl continue to live? This was how it was and it took time to overcome and re-teach a new way, a new credence. Overall it was a struggle, but I say with absolute confidence that it was worth every moment.


I will never forget that day my family's lives had changed. This moment changed both Buffy's and my life forever. There was a time I didn't even know I had a sister that existed. Yet, deep inside me, I'd known I was missing a part of myself. My life changed for the better. Aside from finding my mate Ronin, re-uniting with my sister gave me this incredibly happy fulfilled feeling.


I know Buffy is extremely happy about the outcome over the years, but she would see this as a bad omen to impending doom. Still, unlike her, I see this as a new era…A Revelation. I see the good and the balance we impress on those around us.


We changed the world. Demons who want to live in peace live among us now. We all work together and defeat those who rebel the balance. We have embraced our destinies and fulfilled the long awaited lost prophecy…


The Immortal Defenders of Balance


The last battle instigated,
With the heavenly winged one's vendetta,
Thy evil took the cup.
Higher Realms did they engage,
Orchestrating with time and space,
Powers times two,
Power sent through time,
Righting wrongs,
Power sent with destiny.
Blood linked with thy sister.
Balance they claimed.
Together as one,
The link joined times three.
Births of a new renewed hope
Stand tall stand true
A new era
Immortal Defenders of Balance
Bringers of a new life


Prophecies were undeniably not loved by most of us, but this one, among a few that we came across over the years, gave us hope. Hope that not all prophecies were only about a horrible fate, but optimistic probabilities. Let me take you back. Like I said, it was the dawning of a new era.

Chapter 4 – It’s Begun

The future looks extremely bright indeed, with lots of possibilities ahead -- big possibilities. Like the song says, ''We've just begun. And, so it begins.
~Unknown


Present Day May 19, 2004 Santa Maria, California




The James Household Mansion 1930 Laguna Avenue



Catherine’s family and friends gathered around discussing rather heatedly the events occurring. Each of them tried to come up with necessary plans of action to defeat the rise of evil coming from Los Angeles. The horror and devastation of the damage already done had been felt from all in the room. Warriors across the world could feel the change, the evil taking over. Hearts breaking knowing that their world was coming to an end made them stronger.


Ronin brushed a kiss to his mate Cat’s hand. Catherine beamed beatifically at him then disappeared right in front of him.


“Caaaat! Nooooooo,” Ronin wildly looked towards the matriarch of the family. “Nana, where is she! I can't feel my sweet, Catherine!” Collapsing to the floor in agony, he roared in immense heartache when his connection to his mate Catherine severed.


“Nana Clara, please, say something,” Ronin begged and pleaded. He grasped the elder woman weeping in despair over losing his love, his everything, vanishing before his eyes.


“My dear Ronin, she has not left you”


Nana, the elderly woman with long flowing white hair and deep blue almost violet like eyes shifted her gaze from Ronin to the skylight looking to the skies above. Sighing she turned to Aubrey, Julian's mate. She trusted Aubrey.


Aubrey, though powerful, was so exotically beautiful she often wondered why she was taken with Julian, who was so average looking. It wasn't that she loved her son Julian any less or considered he deserved less, but he was just your average man. Standing tall nearly 6'3” blue eyes, average build and long light brown hair. Aubrey had men weak at the knees with just a glance. She looked very much like that actress Olivia Wilde, but her curves made her fuller and more enticing. Her eyes were otherworldly. Just as her own eyes, which Nana supposed could be also intriguing; Aubrey's eyes were a different story.


Aubrey, a talented Seer, Vampiress, and Shape Shifter could stop anyone with just a look. Her eyes were as she believed of an old soul. This woman knows much, and feels more, and being a vampiress enabled her handle the visions the Divine Balance sends her. Even when she brought forth the vampire visage her eyes were never gold.


‘Hmm, that could be said for the entire Vampire Solus Order. The whole line’s eyes never turned gold, they are all silver.’ Nana mused.


Looking at Aubrey's green almost teal speckled with silver eyes it was then Nana knew this was not what caught everyone's attention. Her right eye was teal speckled with silver, while the left was the palest blue with silver and green. ‘She is absolutely breathtaking.’ Nana thought.


Aubrey felt somewhat confused as to why Nana stared at her so intently. Nana was her family so it warmed her heart to have such a respected family member staring so undeniably at her.

“Nana, did you feel it too?” Aubrey softly spoke.


“Yes my dear. Aubrey you should get a mess…” Nana abruptly cut off as she noticed Aubrey's eyes changed swirling into silver, blue's, and green's. The Divine Balance was sending their message to their Seer, their family. Nana felt tremendous relief knowing they were getting the needed message so quickly. Just as the message came, it was gone after only mere seconds. However, Nana knew that Aubrey had deciphered it quickly.


Aubrey slightly weakened grasped hold of Julian her mate. She lightly brushed a loving kiss on his lips then mumbled that she was fine. Leaning against him, she thought that even though being a living Vampiress these visions did take a lot out of her. They may be given in a loving gentle matter, and still, they tended to be so overpowering it would exhaust her of energy. She took a cleansing breath closing her eyes in the same moment because what she learned broke her heart. The message the Divine Balance sent had left her emotions in turmoil. Desperately wanting to know, she turned abruptly towards her brother-in-law her eyes full of fire. How could he have kept this from them? Weren’t they all family? Did he trust his family so little?


“Darien, what did you do? How could you keep this from us, your family?” Aubrey exclaimed. Everyone took in what Aubrey had said and turned to look at Darien, whom they felt in their hearts, was their father, their family. They all had the same thought. 'What could he have possibly done that was so wrong?'


Darien, with tears falling from his eyes, lowered his head in shame. His long kept secret was now about to unravel…

---

Meanwhile in the Divine Balance Realm…Boss to the Powers that Be



“Has she awoken yet?” The cloaked being spoke.


“Brother, please be patient. This is a very delicate matter” The identical cloaked being retorted. There were times Sister hated being all-knowing and together with more facts than that of her Brother. Looking down at the young and beautiful Slayer, she sighed. This was going to be very messy indeed. Sensing her brothers need to speak, she turned to him.


“Sister,” The being hesitantly spoke.


“Yes, Brother,” His Sister responded quite intrigued.


“We can ease her pain.” The answer simply stated.


“How, my Brother shall we accomplish this feat?” Sister questioned perturbed by not realizing this very factor bringing the Slayer to the Divine Balance Realm.


“By allowing her mate's connection or to have him here with her” Brother answered.


The Sister considered this for a moment then nodded. Saying but only a few words there was a flash of light and Ronin Pratt appeared laying aside his mate, Catherine James-Pratt.


“Now Brother we wait”

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Back in the James Mansion~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Darien glanced around the room apprehensively. He felt the urgency to seek his sire. Looking to Armand he was taken back to a time that felt incredibly less painful than his secret…Remembering his awakening as he looked deep within to help aid him in his grave error…


150 years ago Bath, England…



“Do you wish to live?” The Vampire leered at his victim. His golden eyes seemingly glowed more golden when the aroma of fear enticed its Demon.


“Dear God, what are you? Oh god yes, please let me live! My precious Keera awaits me,” Darien cried out in fear for his life.


“As you wish,” growled the Vampire completely ignorant of his soon-to-be fledgling’s needs.


“Please don't hurt me…” his voice faded out screaming from the pain the monstrous bite the Vampire inflicted. The vampire bit harder laughing into his throat consuming of his blood. Darien only prayed to the gods to keep him well. Before his life faded to black, his last thoughts and memories were of his beloved Keera.


When he awoke, he felt more powerful and alive as a Vampire than he did as human. However, upon waking, he felt hunger, despair, pain, and so much loss. He fell to his knees screaming to the gods, pleading for the pain to go away. This had to be more than the pain he felt at the fear of his Keera not loving the monster he had become. He pounded on the ground vowing he would get his revenge against the monstrosity who would do this to him. The pain was so unbearable, but the hunger was immense, and yet, he refused to take a life. He would rather die than to take after that morbid creature that drank of his blood.


Did this mean he still had his soul? No, he felt empty, but yet, still felt the same. ‘Interesting,' he marveled. ‘Are these creatures that vile or is it how they are taught,’ he pondered?


The scholar and sorcerer in him wanted to further this but the pain was too much. Crawling on his hands and knees he felt his demon in so much torment, but he had to go on, he needed to do something to get away from the cruddy and dusty old crypt.


“You are in pain because your Sire has dusted,” Armand cautiously approached Darien.


Wearily, Darien raised his head “Sire? Dusted? What…Are you like me? Am I dead and evil? Please, I have a wife. Help me to end this suffering. I can’t bear the thought of feeling anymore pain than I am right now. It pains me that my darling Keera does not know what has become of me; I've been gone for too long.”


Armand reached for Darien and pulled him up. “Oh, dear fledgling, you smell divine, so pure and untainted. Do you wish for your soul to return to you?”


“What…How can that be possible?” Darien spoke in awe.


“I can ease your pain by merely transferring Sire ownership. My bloodline, my Order keeps their souls. I was born into this, and never really understood how this can be, but it is. Do you want this?” Armand eyed Darien intently, which only compelled Darien to nod his head affirmatively. As soon as Armand learned more about his new soon-to-be Childe, he began.


Armand gathered Darien in his arms placed an innocent kiss to his forehead before marking his new Childe, he whispered upon Darien, “I take thee Darien James into my family, the Order of Solus. You are my Childe as I am your Sire – Accept with your heart”


Armand bit deeply sinking his fangs into his neck drinking until there was but a drop left. He offered his wrist to Darien, his first Childe. Darien silently accepted stared into Armand's eyes then closed his eyes as he bit and drank deeply.


Armand had never felt such an exquisite feeling of home as he did with Darien. He was more than a Childe, he was brother kin. He would cherish all who came into this Childe's un-life, and he would protect their family for all of eternity, this, he vowed.


Darien surrendered to oblivion knowing Armand would see to Keera, and that he had saved him from the animal he could have become.


’Ah the memories,’ he thought.


This still did not make it any easier. The ramifications of his actions would soon come to full knowledge with all in this room – never mind those who already knew.


Wiping away his tears he turned back to them. They had all been through too much. Praying to the Gods he hoped that this too would not damage their close-knit family. It just never ended.


Sighing he started to form something to say to them but was stopped even before he could speak.


A flash of light appeared and vanished as quickly as it came just as it did with his Catherine. After everyone adjusted his or her own eyes they all saw and heard Nola crying in agony.


Ronin, Cat’s mate, and Nola’s brother, was gone.