The next morning the three decided to head to the mall before going to the magic box for the meeting that night. They walked though the mall window-shopping for what they wanted when they could afford it and looking for something nice they could afford. They came upon a new designer clothing store. They had to take a look. The manager came out to greet them.
“Hello, my name is Roberto, I am the manager for “IN” my employers are various designer who would like to try out new clothing lines. My home country Italy has given birth to some of the greatest artist and designers in history. I have a little problem, I think maybe you can help me with.” The man said looking a bit nervous. Anne and Dillon began to get a bit worried. “What kind of problem?” Anne asked. Roberto was nervous but asked anyway, “Well, I would not normally admit this but my family studied what you would call witchcraft and I can see things about some people. While you three are a puzzle, I also feel drawn to you for help with this matter. There seems to be something that keeps breaking into my store at night. My staff refuses to stay in the store after dark, they say that is when people go missing on this floor. I found one of my employees and from the stories my Nonie once told me it seemed like…. Oh your going to think I am crazy, but it looked like a bite mark on her neck.”
Anne sighed. “Roberto, what did you do when you found her?” Roberto gulped, “I knew she was dead so I…I cut off her head before the cops got here. I felt sick doing it but part of me believes the stories Nonie told me about them. Said my Aunt died fighting them. I just could not take the chance that she might rise.” He started to cry. Dawn and Anne helped him sit down. Dillon stretched out with his senses to see if he could tell if the man was lying. He came over to a spot and sniffed.
Dillon turned to them, “Roberto, you did the right thing. It was here correct?” Getting a nod he continued. It was almost as if he saw the whole thing happen in his mind. “Anne love, the girl was done by that loud mouth we ran into the other night. Been quite a number of different things through here though. He’s right the top floor is the most dangerous one after dark. Most of the people here at that time are kids who hang out at the music stores and such downstairs.” Anne looked at Roberto, “Roberto, have you ever heard of a hellmouth.” Roberto began crossing himself and praying before looking at the trio watching him. “Was asking that the goddess watch over me. I do not like to speak of such things but yes; I grew up with stories of the circles of hell and the weak points. I also know a good bit about some types of demons. I’m not sure what kind you are that you could know what happened, but I sense great goodness around you.”
If the situation had not been so serious, Dillon would have laughed. Instead he just looked at Roberto before speaking his thoughts, “Roberto,I think we can help each other. We will tell you a bit about us and about this town, if you will let us know when unexplained events happen at the mall. Anne, I was thinking about the needing work situation; why don’t we open an investigation office like Angelus. I mean we could use it as a place for people to find us when they need help instead of us hoping to find them and them thinking no one would listen. We both know the cops here are useless. We could make money doing what we do best. I think that is one of the reasons we were given our reward anyway. Cause we help when we can.” Anne thought for a moment, “I like that. We can talk to Giles later; maybe, the Watchers can help for once. At least with papers we need.” Roberto looked on his eyes widening more and more at what was revealed to him without them even knowing it, but then again they were not trying to hide what they were talking about. He spoke hesitantly, “I have heard of watchers before too. My Aunt had one. She died not one week after she met that man. My family is not very fond of them. I will be glad to help you in any way, if you can keep my shop safe from the dark forces.” Anne smiled, “Well, since we won’t have to explain everything in detail this will be simpler. Sunnydale is on a hellmouth. Soon a new Slayer will be reporting here since the old one kind of died a few nights ago.”
At the look of horror on Roberto’s face Lady Dawn made an appearance. “Roberto, you family has served the Powers That Be over the years, it is not by accident that you are here. I am Lady Dawn. I am keeper of the keys to the gates. These are the protectors of my human host. Anne was the Slayer who did die and Dillon was once a Vampire who would give his life for her. We rewarded them by making them higher beings. They are still finding their way in this new life but you have provided a new start for them. They will need the help of you and your family. They have witches among them. One reborn of Avalon, the other calls upon the gods of Egypt. Your grandmother will have something’s for them that belonged to her child and to ancestors past.” As soon as The Lady spoke Roberto recognized the essence of one of The Powers That Be and took a knee in front of her. “I will do my best My Lady; my family is at your service as always.” He said reverently. “Anne, Dillon; Roberto is a descendant of the settlers of Salem. His family still practices the old ways. After your encounter with the burning stake I think you Anne can explain much to them and find a common ground. Dillon, I think you should not only think about the investigation agency but the possible market value for what you kill as well. You two will also need the watcher and vengeance to help identify and research uses for bits of this or so that you can properly destroy dangerous items before they fall into the wrong hands.” The Lady explained. Anne and Dillon looked at each other as if in silent communication then nodded. “It will be as you ask.” Anne replied. Roberto closed the shop before dark and the four of them headed for the magic box to meet with the Scoobies and decide their futures.
Once at the Magic Box Roberto was introduced to the group. He was reluctant to talk with Giles until Anne told him that Giles was not you typical watcher and had even quit for her. After a few minutes the two were talking like old friends. Willow and Tara wanted to know all about Salem. Anya asked about the clothing at the shop. Roberto was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the attention; Anne and Dillon noticed so they called everyone to order.
“Rupert, Anne and I need you to get our paperwork. We talked about it and here is the info we have you can fill in any blanks,” Dillon said as he took a piece of paper out and handed it to Willow. Willow was impressed by the elegant penmanship and knew Anne had so not written it.
Dillon began telling the others what was on the paper, “Anne Edmonds born March 4th and is currently 21 years of age. Was a distant cousin to Buffy on her Father’s side, we will deal with Hank if need be. She was working as a waitress in LA and was enrolled to start school at UCLA when she was called about her cousin’s death and came out to Sunnydale with her boyfriend to fulfill her family obligations.
Dillon Goodwin born October 2nd and is currently 28 years old and recently inherited money from a dead relative. Money was kept in an account until the last living heir was found. I will give you the information on that later. Moved to LA to seek out business venture fell in love and followed girlfriend to Sunnydale when they learned of her cousins death and the families request that the estate and custody of the minor, Dawn, be placed in her care.
As far as what now, we are a young couple given a hard duty and now we must make lemons into lemonade as it were. I have money we can live on until we get started. For the first month we will work to establish our identities and then we are starting an investigation agency similar to the one Angelus has in LA. The Lady also suggested that Rupert and Anya help us in a side venture by providing help disposing of things. By that I mean, if it needs to be destroyed or keep guarded or it can be sold for something useful. Also, Rupert, you can help us with the new Slayer when she comes and keep the council off our backs. I fear they would want to try and carve Anne and myself up and I know they don’t want yet another Slayer to learn that their demon = evil theory is a load of hogwash.” He sat down next to Anne as he finished.
Giles was surprised, “ That sounds like a good plan Spike… I mean Dillon. I got word that Margaret O’Shea will be arriving from Ireland tomorrow. Her watcher has raised her. Her parents were killed by a demon just before she was found at the age of nine. Her watcher will be coming with her so that may cause a bit of a problem as I have not met him yet but we will deal with that when they arrive. As for the paperwork we will have that done in a few hours and Willow and Tara know each of you well enough to fill in any necessary blanks. Dillon, we can go into the training room to speak of other matters while Anne works out things with her friends.” Giles and Dillon left the room.
Anya, blunt as ever, told Xander to take Roberto to get coffee. That left the girls to talk in ‘Private’. Anya looked at Anne and asked, “So, have you two set a date yet?” The other girls looked at her in shock with the exception of Dawn who was smirking at them and Anne who looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Anya was glad she was one of the first to know for a change. “What are you talking about Anya?” Willow asked in shock. Anya rolled her eyes, “Hello! the ring on her finger and the orgasm afterglow?” Willow and Tara looked at Anne and waited. Anne sighed, “Thanks Anya. I was hoping to save that for a later time. No, we have not set a date, he just asked me this morning. Even then it was more of a promise than an engagement.” Dawn practically exploded with excitement. Anne could not tell if it was a teenager thing or a glowing ball of light thing, “To which you responded and I quote, “oh honey, we can wait if you want but I would marry you right now if you asked me to”. I say you should make it official soon before someone is stupid enough to try and hone in on your territory.” The rest of the girls giggled.
Willow thought for a moment, “Anne Goodwin???? I like it. I wish you had called me to tell me. I guess this is as good a time as any to tell you our news. Tara and I almost lost each other when Glory took her. Now that I have her back we decided to make it official. We can’t get married being gay and all but we are going to have a handfasting that will join us in the eyes of the PTB and our friends. We want to have it on Beltane. I know it is months away and I would like to do it under the full moon that should be that night but…Full moon and Hellmouth are not very mixy for a happy occasion.” Before anyone could react to the news Anya added, “Xander said not to say anything but since you all shared you news…Xander is taking me shopping for a ring. Anne and I should set dates around yours. We should have a few months in between them so people have time to get gifts and not cheap stuff. I will have to ask some friends what to get to higher beings when they get married.” Everyone laughed and shared congratulations. Xander and Roberto came back in once they thought it was safe.
Dillon had been listening in to part of the conversation while speaking with Giles. “Rupert” Dillon began, “you are the closest thing that Anne has had to a father. I was hoping to ask you permission to have her hand. I have already spoken with her and obtained her approval. She is even wearing my Mother’s ring. I know we have not always gotten along and for good reason, but your blessing would mean so much to both of us.” Giles sighed, “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. While you were a vampire I feared the two of you were getting too close. In light of recent revelations, I can get over my prejudice and see the good in this relationship. I think of her as a daughter and I would be proud to have you as my son, Mr. Goodwin. Now about your inheritance, what do I need to know and why not tell Willow?”
Dillon looked like the cat who ate the canary, “Well, Lord Rupert, I am the last remaining descendant of William Drogo Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester. I bought our family home Kimbolton Castle in 1950. I was originally born in 1852. My Mother Ann was his mistress at the time and I was illegitimate. She later married Baron Ashburnham and I was called his heir, as he was unable to have children of his own. I have worked to establish the truth of my parentage while keeping it secret from Angelus, Darla and Drusilla. I now have a sizeable amount of money from a trust set up for my heirs and have invested well. Dillon Goodwin will be the latest heir in my line. I will need your assistance setting this up as I no longer trust my lawyers to handle it.” Dillon smirked at the astonished look on Giles’s face. Not only was Dillon rich and intelligent, but he out ranked Giles himself. “Well, this is a strange development. I must say we always thought you to be a street urchin or something; but, I always wondered as you seemed to have had some kind of education. Who are your lawyers?” Giles asked as he ignored his inner Englishman, who was demanding he show proper respect to a noble of higher rank. His inner Ripper on the other hand was just annoyed that he was a noble of high rank. (Just a story don’t blast me for adding real people or places or for changing history. Just a story)
Dillon let it go but smiled inwardly as he saw the man struggle not to react, “They work with Wolfram and Hart. I have been working to get my records out of their control for a decade now. When I first started using them it was safer. I was an evil vampire and they were an evil law firm. I didn’t have to fake my death every fifty years or so with them. Now with an offshore account in Zurich and a few more here and there I can hide my money and leave it to my heirs without so much paperwork. With my ‘death’ I think that I can be done with the lawyers. They will not like it but I believe they will be persuaded. I plan to pay off the mortgage on the house, maybe add on to it. I also want a trust fund set up for Dawn and I plan to pay for Anne and Dawn to go to college. I plan on finding an office building and setting up the investigation agency and I want to have a basement with storage for merchandise. I plan to have a training room your new Slayer maybe able to use as well. I would like your input on it as you will be training her and we need the space for Anne and myself to test our new abilities.” Giles nodded as he thought of the possibilities, “I think we should join the others now.” He finally said and they reentered the room.
Giles looked at Anne with his sternest _expression, “Anne, I have spoken with Dillon and you have my blessing on one condition.” Anne look nervous. “I get to walk you down the isle and give you away.” He finished with a smile and opened his arms as she ran to hug him. Anne whispered thank you over and over as she hugged him, until a cough from some one broke it up. The men were brought up to speed on the news of the up coming weddings. Finally everyone went home for the night.
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The next day Anne and Dillon went to look at possible office buildings. They went to the old factory district. It was where Spike had lived when he first came to Sunnydale. Dillon bought not one but three of the buildings right next to each other. He took the blue prints to Xander and spent the afternoon making plans to renovate them while Anya and Anne looked at magazines for ideas on remodeling the house. Dawn, Willow, and Tara waited at the magic box for Giles’ new slayer to arrive.
Maggie, Sarah, and Charlie got off the bus in Sunnydale. They had grown up in the Irish countryside and this was a big city to them even though Charlie had studied in London. Sarah and Charlie have raised Maggie as their own daughter since she was nine. Charlie was sent by the council to take the girl and begin training her. When he first found her she was only three and he and Sarah decided to wait and let her live with her parents. They became fast friends with the O’Shea family and were made Maggie’s godparents. Charlie started training her in fighting skills such as fencing when she was but five. He still had not told her parents of Slayers or Watchers or Demons. They planed to tell her parents when Maggie turned ten so they would work with them in getting her ready for and if she would be called. Maggie’s mother was a descendant of the Celts and still studied the ways of her people. On Maggie’s seventh birthday she took a walk with Charlie. During this walk she talked to him of what she knew.
(FLASHBACK)
Morgaine O’Shea looked at the English man in front of her, “Charlie, my friend. I am a child of the old ways. My blood is that of both Celts and Avalon. I know you are more than you seem, as is my daughter. I was aware that there was something supernatural about her from the moment she was born. I have not talked with her father, nor will I unless it is needed. I will however, ask that you tell me what my daughter is and what is her connection to you and your wife. I know the three of you have a destiny that is tied together, but I know not what it is. I also know that one day I will lose my daughter but I would like to be prepared first by knowing the why, if not the how.” Charlie hung his head and directed them to a bench in a nearby park. He looked at the red head. She was pure Irish; even without knowing old magic she could be an imposing figure.
Charlie sighed, “Morgaine, I understand. Have you ever heard of the Chosen one, the Slayer?” he waited. Morgaine thought for a moment before speaking, “There was a story among my people that spoke of a child of balance. This child was said to be born with a demon inside her. This demon was different and sought to destroy it’s own kind to correct an imbalance caused by the soulless hybrids. Is that what my child is a demon?” She asked worried about her child.
“Not quite. The Powers created the first Slayer when the hybrids emerged. This was after the Old Ones where banished from this plane. The Girl was only fourteen years of age and the Powers gave her the same essence that created the hybrids. The Chosen One, the one girl in the entire world with the power to fight the darkness and win. She has speed and strength equal to those she fights. There is what we call potentials all over the world. When we find one the child is taken from their family and raised by their watcher. They are to keep their identity secret. This is to protect the child and their family. They are tutored and kept isolated. This is how it has been for centuries. Sarah and I were sent her to take Maggie. We decided not to. Instead I began her training while allowing her to live a normal life. I planned to tell you upon her tenth birthday. I do not want her to know unless it becomes necessary. Sarah and I think of her like a niece and want her to have a normal life. There is a chance she will never be called and I don’t want to ruin her innocence yet. Most are called after they become a teenager. If she is not called by the time she is seventeen then she will not have to know at all. Being a child of the old ways you must be careful. Some demons will be drawn to the power you and your daughter hold. I must tell you too that most Slayers do not live more that a few years after being called. There was one that held the record of four years. She too was of Avalon descent.” Charlie finished his explanation and waited for the woman’s wrath. It never came.
Morgaine thought for a moment. She was angry that anyone would think she would give up her child to strangers, destiny or not. She was glad someone like Charlie and Sarah were sent and not some pencil pushing ass kisser. She finally looked at Charlie, “Charlie, I must tell you of a dream I had recently. I saw a blonde girl in America fighting Vampires. I feel this is still a bit in the future. This Slayer will break all the rules, will live to be the oldest ever and will help train my daughter. I know your people have taught you their ways. I also know you do not agree with all of them. You must look up the archives and journals. Look for those who had disciplinary action taking against them. You must look past what you were taught and find the truth or you will rebel against your destiny in the future and become what you dislike. There will be those who want to get rid of this new Slayer because they cannot control her and she knows that they need her to exist, but that she will exist with or without them. She will have unlikely allies. Look into the origins of the Slayer and into rogue Slayers. Pay attention to mentions of their connection to Vampires. Also, look up prophesies that refer to good vampires or ones with souls. This information will help you in the future, though I know not how. I trust you with my child’s life and though it grieves me to say it I know my time with her is short. I know not why or how, but the Powers have given me this much of a warning. I will be leaving you and Sarah in charge of our estate, if you agree to take care of it for Maggie.”
Charlie was shocked, “Oh Morgaine, I will do as you ask my dear friend. Though it pains me to think of this world without you and your husband in it, but I will honor your memory and heed your words. I will teach her your traditions as well, if the time comes. I do hope you are wrong about this though. I would like to see Maggie grow up and marry and have grandchildren that the four of us can spoil. We must get back before our spouses think we ran away together.” He said and they laughed as they made their way back to the O’Shea home.
(Flash forward) Just after Maggie turned nine a group of vampires came into town. They were all around a hundred years turned. There were four of them. They had been heard boasting that they were to be bigger than even the scourge of Europe had been. They also had found out that there was a watcher in town, which meant a potential Slayer.
None of them were confident enough to go after a Slayer, but they did idolize the Slayer of Slayers, Spike. They thought if they could take out a potential Slayer it would win them the reputation they wanted. They found Charlie training Maggie in her back yard. Sarah was shopping and planned to make dinner for the five of them.
Morgaine felt something was wrong and went out the back door. Just as she did they attacked. Maggie and Charlie had been fighting with swords. Charlie yelled at Maggie to go for the heart or cut off the head. Maggie was afraid but something inside her responded and began fighting off the monsters. She managed to kill one of the females. Charlie killed one of the males. Morgaine was preparing a fire spell when her husband came out to see what was going on. The remaining two vampires attacked. Morgaine hesitated to call her magic because her husband was there. That moment’s hesitation cost them both. The two vampires snapped their necks. Maggie screamed as her parent’s bodies hit the ground. A fury welled up inside her that Charlie could tell was pure Avalon magic. She grabbed hold of the female Vampire and broke her neck. Then she went after the male and quickly took his head. She then turned to the female who was recovering from her injury and spoke with an ancient voice, “I am a child of ancient magic. The Powers blessed my people and now you have evoked our people’s vengeance. You and your entire line shall be punished from this day forth.” The female screamed and ran into the night. Seconds afterward Maggie collapsed exhausted into Charlie’s arms and began to mourn her parents.
Charlie and Sarah helped Maggie follow the instructions her Mother had left on how to perform the burial rites. Things her mother wished her to have were packed and moved over to the Bruce’s home. They already had a room for her as she sometimes stayed with them. For the next few years Maggie was trained to understand the ways of her people both Celtic and Avalon. Charlie sought out teachers for her to learn what she was capable of and how to control it. She learned about demons and Slayers. Somehow she knew she would be called one day and made Charlie help her learn until they both were exhausted, both mentally and physically.
(Flash to the future time)
Maggie awoke with a start. A few years ago she would have woke up screaming from such a dream as she just had. At this time, however, she woke with purpose. She walked to her Watcher’s room and knocked. “Uncle Charlie, wake up. It’s happened. I’ve been called and we must go soon. We have to prepare to go to America and guard the hellmouth of Sunnydale. Another has been chosen for the other.” Charlie was half asleep but at the words, “I’ve been called”, he bolted from the bed, Sarah at his side, “I heard there were now two somehow. I guess that means Buffy has died. I wonder what happened. I did not think anything could take her down.” Maggie shrugged, “She jumped into a portal to save the world after stopping a hell god.” Charlie looked at her with his mouth open in shock. He could not tell what shocked him more. That Buffy had done what Maggie said or that Maggie knew and acted like it was nothing. “I have the memories of the past Slayers now. Do not worry. She is not gone but merely ascended. The Powers rewarded her. You will know more when we arrive.” Maggie finished and turned to go back to her room before they saw the slight smirk on her face. **Maggie 1; Watcher 0! What a way to start a morning** Maggie thought.
Charlie did not have time to process what she had said before the phone rang. Charlie answered and nodded to Sarah. It was the council calling to give them orders to move to Sunnydale. Transport had been arranged and they had two days to pack up their belongings. Charlie was told he was to work with Buffy’s watcher but to keep and send daily reports to the council as most did not trust Lord Giles accounts anymore. Charlie smirked knowing they wanted the control of him and Maggie that they could not get over Buffy and Rupert.
Charlie had studied the things Morgaine had asked him to and knew the council and their dirty tactics well. He kept a close eye on the reports and rumor concerning Buffy and Rupert. He knew more about them and the council than either did about themselves. Charlie had managed to hide the fact that Maggie had old magic in her blood. He was sure the council would take her away from them if they knew. Charlie was eager to met Rupert but was not sure how to approach actually talking to him. It seemed from reports that he was close to his Slayer. Charlie was not sure how he would handle loosing Maggie and just hoped what she said about Buffy was true.
(Back to present day)
Charlie asks for directions to the Magic Box. It was only a few miles away so they picked up their luggage and headed in that direction. They had packed only the things they each would need for a few days. Once they were settled they would have their belongings shipped to them. They had only walked about a mile, when a SUV pulled up with a blond couple. The man that was driving said something like “I smell tweed” in a British accent to the girl in the passenger seat. She giggled before addressing them.
“You guys are headed for the Magic Box, right?” without waiting for an answer she continued. “I’m Anne and this is Dillon. You must be the friends Giles - I mean Rupert told us about. Would you guys like a ride?” Anne asked. Charlie looks at Sarah and Maggie. He almost told them no, but something in Maggie’s eyes told him to accept. Charlie looked at the young couple. They looked nice and helpful, but he felt something was off with them. He blamed it on hellmouth vibes and hoped Maggie was right about the two, “Yes, I’m an old friend of Lord Rupert. My Name is Charlie and this is my wife Sarah and our daughter Maggie. I think the ladies would appreciate a ride, though we don’t want to put you through any trouble.” He said. Anne smiled at how truly British he seemed, yet not Watcherish. He was very Giles like she hought, “Not at all. Giles is like a father to Dillon and me. How would it look if we let you walk when we are headed here to meet you ourselves? Let me move some things around and we can get going.” Anne replied.
She got out and opened the back hatch. Made a few adjustments to cover rhe “hidden” arsenal in her car and put their bags in. Another similar switch to the back seat and they where buckled in. Charles and Sarah were a bit nervous but Maggie was trying not to laugh. She knew exactly who these two were and what they were. Charlie thought he had studied them so well. Did he ever think to look at a picture? She would let the newly ascended pair have their fun. Dillon parked in front of the Magic Box and they all got out.
“So Charlie, do you had a place set up for ya yet?” Dillon asked. Sarah answered for them; “We thought we would stay in a hotel while we look for a house and get Maggie enrolled in school.” Anne rolled her eye remembering her move to Sunnydale. “Sarah, seeing as you’re an old friend of the family, you can stay with us if you like. We recently looked into the market for office space but there is always property for sale. Unfortunately, people leave our small town rather quickly for one reason or another.” Anne offered. Had Sarah been looking at Anne at that moment she would have seen the mischief dancing in her eyes and gotten a clue, but she was looking at Maggie and remained clueless. “I would not want to put you out.” Anne cut her off with a wave of her hand. “No bother really. You two can use the guest room and Maggie can stay with my sis..umm…cousin. Dawn is only a few years older than her and can use the company. Everyone lately just wants to tell her sorry about your family. It will be good to have someone she can talk to about things that knows the truth about our family.” Anne said winking at Maggie. She knew Maggie knew a lot more than the “Adults” did at the moment.
Dillon held the door for the group to enter. Sarah had finally got the cryptic messages but Charlie was still struggling. Maggie giggled silently. Her Watcher is not always very observant. Giles welcomed everyone and hugged Anne and Dillon before directing them to take their seats. “Well, now that everyone is here. I would like to welcome Maggie, Sarah and Charlie to Sunnydale. I don’t want to waste time talking around things. If Maggie is going to survive here, there are things she will need to know, Anne will you go talk to Maggie in the training room for a moment. Anne seems to think you have secrets and that if we share them with each other we can build trust. She is a wise woman and I trust her judgment. While they talk for a moment I have some questions to ask you Charlie. Can we speak business in front of your wife?” Giles asked. Charlie was shocked. He expected British manners of at least offering tea and small talk before business. He found he liked Rupert’s direct approach much better. “We can indeed Lord Rupert. What of your friends here?” Charlie asked as he looked around at the assortment of people who were barely past their teen years. Giles smiled, “Charlie, please call me Giles or Rupert, we have no peerage here. As for my children, we will do introductions when the girls return and your question will be answered in dept; until then, yes, you can trust them.
Are you aware there is a division growing among the council? If so, what are your views on the matter?” Charlie looked at the man as he thought about his words. Reading about this watcher had turned him into a sort of mentor, though he would never tell the council that, “I have studied the council law, but I have also researched the ancient journals. I know the old ways shall we say. I have also kept close watch over you and your own charge. I will speak frankly and say I believe we need new leadership; though, I do not entirely agree with either side I think Travers is a controlling jack arse.” The room erupted with laughter. Dillon placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. Charlie could feel the power flowing off him. He was curious but would not pry until introductions were done.
“I see truth in his word, Rupert. Only someone of like mind could speak about Travers like that without his voice giving it away. Sarah what about you.” Dillon asked. Sarah was a mother lioness looking into those blue eyes saying, “If it were left up to the council, I would not have that sweet little girl in there. I would have a trained assassin at their beck and call. I love my daughter and will give my life to save hers.” Dillon nodded. He felt the same about Anne and Dawn.
Anne and Maggie came back in sweating a bit. Everyone looked at them in surprise, “Sorry! she saw the training room and wanted to spar. Wait till Dillon and I get done building ours. The plans for the obstacle course the guys want to build is like right out of Xmen.” Anne told Maggie. They both looked like some one told them it was their birthday, Christmas, and a shoe sale all at once. Maggie grinned with glee as she joined her godparents once more. She looked at Charlie and simply said, “Everything.” Charlie’s eyes widened, “Are you sure Maggie? I like them too but we just met them and…” Maggie rolled her eyes, “Relax poppa bear, Anne’s story balances it out. No one here trusts the council with the whole truth and they don’t want theirs out any more than we want mine. Trust me on this one, will ya.” Charlie nodded and began telling Maggie’s story. Giles then told the stories of the Scooby’s group ending with Dillon and Anne. They left out Dawn’s story for her safety and he felt it was up to Dawn or Anne to tell her. He also left out parts of Dillon’s story, being as some of the Scoobies did not even know of his titles or how much money he had. Besides he wanted to watch and see how Charlie took the news.
It had been a long night so the group finally broke up so Anne and Dillon could take the Bruce’s home for the night. Charlie’s mind was churning with questions about the extraordinary people he met this night. Giles’s mind was similarly occupied thinking of the young Slayer with the power of Avalon in her veins. Part of him not wanting to believe in the mystical Isles of Avalon, but the part of him that knew magic screamed it’s belief.
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Early the next morning Charlie found Maggie, Anne and Dillon in the basement. Anne and Maggie were sparing. Anne, Dillon, and Maggie all needed to have this work out to test each other’s skills as well as their own. Dillon and Anne were not aware of what all they could do now that they were higher beings and Maggie was still learning her true abilities as a Slayer. As if on cue they all stopped to say good morning to Charlie like it was a scheduled break. Dillon excused himself to start breakfast while the girls cleaned up and Anne set the table. Charlie said he would go tell Sarah and they all went their own way until meeting at the table thirty minutes later.
“We can start showing you houses today, if you would like. We also thought we would take Maggie on a patrol later. Early shift I think. It will get her familiar with the area and the nightlife. Also, she can see how we do it here in the field. Charlie, you can join Giles and observe if you want as well. He will make sure nothing happens to you or Sarah if she wants to come too. I will be asking you to let Dillon and me take the later patrol. It has been almost a week since we were out at night. I’m afraid that news of the Slayer’s death and that a fresh Slayer has arrived will bring out some things I don’t think Maggie is ready for yet.” Anne said. Maggie started to protest but Anne cut her off.
“Maggie, you say you have some of my Slayer memories correct?” Maggie nodded. “Do you just see them or feel them too?” Maggie thought for a moment, “Some are edited by the PTB, kinda PG 13, most I get surround senses, visual, physical, smell, taste, occasionally emotion. Those I think are more to help me learn from your lessons and not have to repeat them myself. Like I felt both the love and loss you felt for your first. I’m thankful I did not get details only the feeling of how lost you were for a time while dealing with it. It is a tactile version of a parent telling their child what happened to them in hopes that the child will not make the same mistake. I don’t understand though is why you could not make it work, when I felt so much love between you.” Anne sighed and was surprised when Dillon answered for her and not in a sarcastic way either. He spoke softly to her, “Maggie, you know who I am, what I am, and what I was. Look into my eyes child of Avalon and know the truth beyond your years.” Anne was in awe. She had never heard him speak like that but once or twice when he had let more of his human side show to her. Maggie looking into his blue eyes with her green ones, her eyes began to glow and everyone felt the magic in her grow tangible in the room. “I see, she was looking for you. The man you thought you loved so deeply was a pale reminder of the soul mate your heart looked for. The connection in this life was that being his sire made them part of each other and your soul latched on to the first thing that felt like it’s mate, until it found its mate. How did this vampire take your union?”
Dillon smirked “Like you bloody well think he would. He’s the one who left her on her own cause she didn’t fit into his mold of perfection, yet tells her I was the evil one who can not be trusted. In the end he had to get over himself and admit that he loved us but we were never his to lose. He had to let us go. He did that the night we died. We still carry that mark in our hearts even if it was cleared from our bodies.” Anne smiled and said, “I think that is how the demon population knew about our passing but they will learn soon enough that the hellmouth is still well guarded. You, me, Dillon, Dawn, the watchers, the witches, and the various other Scoobies got a lockdown on it. Now if we can figure out how to use our abilities, we will all be okay.” With that they all giggled and dove back into their pancakes and sausage.
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They gathered together as the sun began to set. The day had been spent touring Sunnydale and talking of their life there and all they had faced. Maggie was in pure hero worship of the two blondes. Anne broke out the weapons and everyone got geared up. Charlie was a bit surprised to see how smoothly the Scooby gang fell into step almost like soldiers. Then he realized they had been doing this for several years. He and Sarah were handed crossbows and stakes. Then the group made sure they knew how to use them. Anne had them stand in a V pattern. It was Anne, Dillon, Willow, Tara, Charlie and Maggie. Sarah stayed behind with Giles, Dawn, Xander, and Anya. They set up a base where the group would check back in at every hour or so and they were ready to move in and help when needed. Watches in sync and radios with batteries checked. Weapons at the ready the group headed out for the first cemetery.
Restfield was the first stop. Dillon found the old crypt had been taken over by a group of fledges. One look at Anne and she silently took the others out of view just as the vamps smelled humans and came out to find Dillon standing there. Two took a knee immediately in front of him.
The vampire who had showed him respect before spoke up “My Prince, I hope we have not earned your disfavor but the children of Aurelius have gathered here to await your orders, my Lord” The other right took a knee when they realized who stood before them. “What is your name childe?” Dillon asked. “Richard, my lord, Richard Bantana.” He answered. “Tell me your history.” Dillon commanded. Richard told him, “My sire was killed when the slayer and Lord Angelus killed the Master. His name was Mathew, childe of Thomas, childe of Darla, childe of the Master of Aurelius. I was turned eighteen years ago and traveled here with my sire two years later. Now I am at your service, my prince.” Dillon had no idea why he did what he did next but he felt compelled.
“Come to me Richard. Kneel in front of me. The rest of you come kneel beside him. Here and here.” Dillon said and each did as they were told and formed a half circle two deep in front on Dillon. He then instructed them to each tell their history in turn. Richard was the oldest at 18. Marcus, Joe, Erik, and Damon were the other males of the group and around ten years turned, give or take a year. Each claimed a tie to Darla. The girls were Tory, Aren, Heather, Leah, and Krista. Heather claimed to be childe of Darla directly. Richard was Sire to Tory and Aren both being around ten years turned. Leah and Krista were closer to fifteen years turned and had been twins. They claimed to be tied to a childe Dru had made in New York. They said there were a few more children of Aurelius on their way to this gathering. One fledgling claimed to have been turned by Angelus when he was unleashed in Sunnydale. When they were finished Dillon looked at each one in the eye.
“Joe and Heather come stand before me.” Dillon called. The others backed up a good five feet knowing he was displeased. They knew the two had not told the truth from what they had told them to begin with. “Heather, you claim to be childe of Darla. Joe you claim to be sired by one of her childer. Look into my eyes.” They did as commanded but both knew they had foolishly stepped over a line. “You are deceivers and spies. You think that the Prince of the order of Aurelius cannot tell his own clan. You think I would miss the mark of Lemur on your neck. Does your master dare think any one Aurelius over thirty would be fooled by such a challenge?” Dillon asked. The disgust was plain in his voice and the two began to tremble. “Joe, you will return to your Master and tell him that the head of Aurelius clan is strong and well and that I am still Master of Sunnydale. Tell him all challenges will be met in traditional ways. Tell him to warn the lesser clans that we Aurelians do not take kindly to spies or lesser Lords who think us unintelligent. Tell him he has two nights to get as far away from me as possible for on the full moon I will crush him and my reach is long. If I again sense a Lemur in my territory they will not live seconds beyond that. Deliver my message soon and you may yet live another night.” Dillon then turned to the vampiress, “Heather, you are very presumptuous. Not only do you assume I would mistake you for a member of clan Aurelius, but that you were a princess as well. You presume to be higher than me even. I am not sure if you thought you would be able to one up the twins or you are just that stupid. Your ambition has cost you dearly. DUST!” With the one word Heather turned to dust. The other Vampires gasped and some lay their faces into the dirt afraid to even look at the being in front of them. Joe took off as if the host of heaven were after him for all the evil he had ever done.
Dillon looked on the twins, “Leah, Krista, I remember our Sire speaking of you as her pair of porcelain dolls. I feel her mark upon you. We are embarking on a new journey. If you swear by me, I will make you new beings. I will raise you above others of the order. I will claim you as my childer and make you above all others in line. You must prove your worth to me. You must do all I ask knowing I will see the truth as I did with the spies and my reach is long. You may ask a question before you decide.” Leah licked her lips nervously, “I am sorry, my Prince, but what are you now. I see in you the form of my Prince but you have a heartbeat, yet you are not human. You are some kind of day walker, yes?” Dillon smiled slightly, “Do not fear asking an honest question of me, childe. I have been lifted up to become a higher being. Yes, I may go in the sun and I do not have to drink as much blood to live. By taking my cup and becoming my Childer you will not become a higher being, nor will you be day walkers. You will be a new breed, unique. You will have more power than other vampires twice your age and you will need less blood. You also must follow my rules and obey without question.” “My lord, If you will be ascending to Master and King of the Clan then, what about a Queen? Will you choose one of your own line or of another?” Krista asked. She hoped he would choose her or her sister but would never dare to ask that. Dillon’s smile widened, “Oh! that spot is already taken, childe. My Childer will meet her soon and they will call her queen and mother, others will call her the white death. Now choose. Kneel with head bowed before me, or leave quickly.” He commanded. All eight bowed their heads. Dillon placed a hand on each head bowed before moving away to sit on a bench.
Dillon called each of them by name and gave them their title. They each pledged their loyalty to him and he then sent Richard after a box he had left hidden in the crypt. Once Dillon had it in his hands again memories came to him. Dru had given him this box before she left him. It was the only property of the clan not under lock and key in their vault. It was to be kept by the head of the clan for such moments as this. He had left it in his crypt when he thought he had left this all behind him. He opened the box and took out the clan symbol. This he placed around his neck. Next he took out a cup, a ritual knife, a quill and a book.
Dillon called, “Baron Richard, come forth and give your blood to the clan.” Richard came forward and cut his finger with the tip of the blade Dillon held out. He used his blood to write his name in the book with the quill then cut himself again on the other hand and placed eighteen drops of blood into the cup, one for each year. Dillon called the others up in turn and all did the same. he then cut himself and let his blood pour into the cup. He was not patient enough to count out over two hundred drops. He swirled the blood around in the cup mixing it. Then each of the vampires came and took a sip of the mixed blood. Soon the blood was most gone and they all returned to their positions in front of Dillon. “Blood binds us, keeps us, and delivers us from death. Your blood is now mine, you are my childer, and you are mine to keep or mine to kill. I am your Sire above all Sires. I am Clan Aurelius.” Dillon said. “We are yours by oath and blood. We have no Sire above you. Our lives and our blood belongs to you, our lord and King.” All the vampires said as one. “Arise childer of Aurelius. Tonight you shall drink and be merry. In two nights you will begin your new training and education. I will teach you what it is to be Childer of a King. Tonight I will make my presence known among the demon population. Drink and be merry my Childer. You have two hours to get what you need. NO HUMANS. You will not drink any HUMAN blood for two days. Stay within a hundred feet of this crypt once you return with supplies. If you are out after the two hours then Childer or not you will die. Am I clear? Baron Richard and the two Princesses are in charge. Princesses you will report to Richard until I say further. Richard I give you great responsibility. Do not let me down nor abuse the power given, it can be taken back painfully.” Dillon ordered. “Yes, my lord we will do as you command.” Richard said with a nod. Dillon returned to the others while Richard began sending the childer out for what they would need. As much as he hated it he himself went to the butcher for blood. No Human Blood. Dillon and the others resumed patrol and said nothing about the last hour he had spent with a group of vamps. Dillon knew they would wait until they all got home.
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Author's Chapter Notes:
Disclaimers:
I obviously do not own or claim to own any of the people, places or events written for BTVS or Angel. I do own all original people, places, and events in my stories. If I borrow from another writer I claim no ownership they own what I borrow and will have credit for it. I think that covers it.
I obviously do not own or claim to own any of the people, places or events written for BTVS or Angel. I do own all original people, places, and events in my stories. If I borrow from another writer I claim no ownership they own what I borrow and will have credit for it. I think that covers it.