Until his ink were tempered with love's sighs.
O then his lines would ravish savage ears,
And plant in tyrants mild humility.’
The faint scratch of pen on paper and the quiet susurration of turning pages were the only sounds in the room. The group of people contained there were deeply engrossed in their various tasks, brows wrinkled in concentration and lips chewed upon thoughtfully as they delved into various grimoires and arcane texts, checked tomes on herb lore and crystal energies and investigated illustrations of totems and sigils. Their research arose out the suggestion that Xander had made the previous day about placing a protection spell on Buffy.
They’d spent the rest of the afternoon researching, well those who had the patience for researching did; the restless ones went off for a training session with the baby slayers. What the researchers discovered was that although some protection spells involved visualization, many of the stronger, more effective spells were concerned with enchanting an object like an amulet or a charm.
Willow explained, “If you’re Wiccan, you can perform a ritual and create an amulet for your protection. Pentacles are often used as protection charms.”
“So we could buy Buffy a cute necklace and place a protection spell on it?” asked Dawn.
“Well, that may work,” Giles said, “but what if she forgot to put it on at some point? And, I’m concerned that if the forces who may target her and the child were somehow able to remove the necklace, it would also remove her protection.”
“And from what the dream tells us, the target is the baby. Now Spike loves Buffy, but he is absolutely devoted to their child as well.” Cat said. “And he is almost always at Buffy’s side. So in order to get to Buffy, they’d need to go through Spike first, or at least separate them somehow. From his dream it seems apparent he survives, but isn’t he at risk too? Would an amulet work just as well for a vampire?”
“Oh somehow, I don’t think Captain Peroxide is gonna want to have anything to do with amulets, ever again!” Xander commented, while the others murmured their agreement.
“So maybe not an amulet, ‘cos its too detachable. And a bit bad memoryish!” said Willow. “What we need is something more fixed and permanent.”
“What about a tattoo?” Oz asked. He’d arrived back at Ashdown just that afternoon, his band’s tour on hold for a week while the lead singer recovered from laryngitis. From the reaction to his suggestion, it seemed like good timing.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Giles said. “We could place the protection spell on the tattoo itself. Its not removable, so permanent protection would be involved. It would also safeguard Buffy herself, and the child as it lies within her body. I think it would work.”
“Maybe, we could amplify the protection by adding ground crystals and herbs that are known to have protective qualities to the tattoo inks themselves.” Said Rowan. “I’d be happy to find out which ones we could use.”
“That sounds quite feasible dear. Now we’ll need to find a tattooist who could ink the design onto Buffy’s skin, and Spike’s also if he’s agreeable. And come up with a design that would be appropriate,” mused Giles.
“I might be able to help with that,” Oz offered. “I’ve got a bit of ink myself, tied in with my control charms. Did some research at the time, on different signs and sigils. Don’t mind throwing together some designs."
“And there’s a tattooist that often works with the coven, Wiccan and Celtic designs mainly. I could contact Gran and get the guy’s name and number,” Rowan suggested.
“Right, thank you Oz and Rowan, that sounds marvelous. Willow, you and I will need to start researching the actual spellwork and blessing involved. Xander, I know you’re busy getting the dorms ready for the next group of girls, but maybe when things are a little quieter we could call on you to pick up the various crystals, herbs and resins we’ll need for the inkwork. Cat sweetheart, maybe you could help Rowan out.”
They’d moved around the room, settling into different groupings and resorting the books they needed. Everything had just settled down again when Buffy and Spike had burst into the room, the Slayer babbling excitedly.
“See, I knew I was better at thinking on my feet than in front of a book. I was showing the French and Spanish girls how to block an attack, when it came to me. You use your strongest weapon to defend yourself right. When you’ve got nothing, you use arms and legs, but if I had a choice, I’d choose Sagaria. That’s my strongest weapon, apart from Spike of course, but Sagaria, well she’s ‘ours’ but also mine really. And she links me to Sineya as well, so I’d be getting protection from her as well.”
The others were all looking a little confused, so Spike stepped in. “What the Slayer’s trying to say is, couldn’t we use Sagaria and somehow invoke Sineya’s protection over her and the wee one? Buffy’s one of her chosen ones yeah? Must have a vested interest and all.”
“Well, they do say that the best safeguard against evil is to align yourself with the Divine, and that the best way to do that is by accepting the protection of the most powerful ally you have. That is undoubtedly Sineya,” agreed Giles.
But what about Spike?” Dawn asked. “Sineya’s unlikely to offer him protection, he’s the enemy after all. Shouldn’t we find another deity that would come to Spike’s aid?”
“Oi, hold on a minute Bit. What’s this about protection for me? Thought we were just sorting out the Slayer?”
“Actually Spike, we’ve all agreed that your wellbeing is just as important to safeguarding the child’s as Buffy’s. If you are well protected, its makes it that much harder for anyone to go through you in order to get to Buffy.”
“Okay, okay, can’t argue with that. But a protection spell, seems a bit over the top don’t it? And while you’re at it, I’m not wearing any poncy Liz Taylor jewelry thank you very much.” Spike scowled. “Sides which, doubt you’ll find any divinity willing to sponsor my safety, less it’s a demon of course.”
“Wow, honey surly much,” Buffy said, hands on hips. “Okay, one thing at a time! I definitely want you fully protected. We’re a team, a partnership, and I want you by my side every step of the way, fighting to keep our baby and me safe. Well you can’t do that if some Big Bad’s taken you out at the first hurdle. And what’s more, you’re a key player in the Song of Sagaria. Remember, both the mighty warrior parents and their child have to claim Sagaria or it won’t work, the Legion-strengthening bit. So get with the protection spell programme, alright? But I gotta agree with you on the amulet thing, burning up, not a good look for you baby.”
“No, Oz had a much better idea,” Willow said excitedly. “Tattoos. You know, some pattern or sigil printed onto your skin that we could bespell. We could incorporate all sorts of protective components into both the design and the inks. Rowan’s checking that out now. What do you think?”
“Seems cool, I’ve always wanted a tat,” Spike tried to keep the excitement out of his voice. “As long as its not a poncy one like Peaches has. Sodding angel wings! What a poof! Not sure how you’ll keep it there though. Tats don’t tend to take with vamps, what with our accelerated healing and all.”
“Hmmm, aye, I’ve been thinking about that,” Cat responded. “I think I’ve got a solution, but let me do a wee bit of research and talk to Willow and Rowan first.”
“Fair enough. What about you pet? Fancy a bit of ink? Might look right tasty on you.”
“Spike, behave. But, yep, I like the idea, as long as it looks tasteflu. It won’t harm the baby will it?” Buffy asked.
“Oh Lord, I hadn’t thought about that. I wouldn’t think so, but with all that added herbs and resins and powdered barks and roots, we’ll have to be very careful. What do you think Cat?”
“Well I’m not sure, but what I’m thinking of will be more like a mystically bonded decal than a pigment injected process. That should address both Spike’s permanence issues and Buffy’s health concerns, but as I say, let me do a spot of research first, aye?”
“Sounds awesome Cat. So what about the design?” Buffy asked.
“The image design is Oz’s job, he has some experience in the field,” Giles said. “Perhaps Spike, you would like to work with Oz.”
“Fine with me. But still don’t see who you’ll call on to activate my protection charm.”
“Actually, honey, what about that fire guy you hung out with after you got sucked into the amulet? What was his name? He’s a pretty big deal right?”
“Ah, yes Buffy, Atar, a manifestation of the Zoroastrian concept of holy fire, burning and unburning, visible and invisible. I think you may well be right. Spike, didn’t you describe it as passing a fiery test, and attaining physical and spiritual strength, wisdom, truth and love with serenity? If that’s the case, I’m sure Atar, as your most powerful ally, could be prevailed upon to grant you his protection.”
“Invoking both Sineya and Atar also aligns nicely with the traditional Wiccan concept of duotheism,” Rowan informed them, “the worship of both God and Goddess. In Wiccan terms it’s usually the Horned God and Moon Goddess, but a Fire God and Warrior Goddess would be comparable to the Sun God and Artemis/Diana, Goddess of the hunt, both of which are aspects of the Lord and Lady. As long as you have complementary opposites or dualities, representing the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine, then a standard Wiccan invocation should work well.”
“Well put Rowan, thank you. I think if everyone agrees, we’ll call it a halt for the evening and meet back here tomorrow morning. Dinner’s calling, and then an early night I think.”
Everyone laughed and Cat smirked, Giles’ recent fondness for early nights a well-established euphemism for more stimulating activities than sleeping.
Almost twenty-four hours later, they were about to pack up again, having put in a full day of investigating, consulting, crafting and designing. Willow and Giles had gathered all the info they had on Sineya and Atar, and contacted Althanea for advice on protection spells, before finalizing most of the elements of the various rituals. Rowan had devised a set of mystically enhanced, protection-based recipes for the inks and had ordered a range of powdered crystals, herbs and resins that would be used as key ingredients.
Cat had researched the construction of ink based skin transfers and had ordered a dozen sheets of plastic backed transfer paper that could be run through Ashdown’s laser printer. Oz and Spike had gathered a range of designs that would look great, and spiritually, mystically and philosophically align with the spell’s intent.
While Dawn slept and Xander did a couple of runs out to the airport to pick up the latest gaggle of baby slayers, 20 girls from Mexico and 18 from the East Coast of the USA, Buffy bounced around the room, checking what everyone was doing, asking questions, approving colors and designs, adding in her two cents worth about various herbs and the wording of the spells. Giles and Willow spoke with her at length about Sineya. Although they had both had deathly dream experiences involving Sineya, Buffy, who had interacted with the First Slayer the most, was the acknowledged expert.
~ ~ ~
A week passed before they were finally ready to perform the spell. Quite apart from the spell research, it had been a busy week. Ashdown Academy had held its official opening on the Monday, and most of them were involved in the proceedings to a greater or lesser degree. Willow and Giles were of course up at the school for most of the day, and off and on during the week, and Buffy and Spike had their teaching responsibilities, but the others were mostly free. Dawn had portalled out to China, meeting Chao-Ahn and her team there, so they could begin the massive Slayer scan of the world’s most populous country. She would be gone for six days, her own school due to start the following week.
For most of Monday, Oz and Spike had worked on the sigil. Oz had suggested a yin-yang symbol as the basis of the design, and Spike had liked both the shape and the symbolism. Yin-yang or taijitu, the instantly recognizable symbol of Taoism, the Chinese religion and philosophical tradition, was used to represent the concept of opposites or dualities existing in harmony, not as good and evil, but as light and dark, sunlight and shadow, male and female, hard and soft, fire and water, the opposites manifesting more strongly in the presence of the other, as part of an indivisible whole.
This idea, of course, aligned strongly with not only the whole Buffy/Spike, female/male, Slayer/Vampire duality but also with the Sineya/Atar dichotomy, echoing the Wiccan tradition of duotheism. They’d chosen the classic divided circle arrangement, simple black and white, the white yang, male element rising on the left, while the dark yin, female descended on the right. Each area also contained a large dot of the opposing color at its fullest point; the two dots aligned directly one above the other. The emblem was simple and clean, and very them.
They’d decided to add tribal flames flaring out to either side of the central symbol to represent the element of fire. The connection with Atar was obvious, and although water was the common elemental opposite, they both felt that Sineya’s element would also be fire. The flames would be inked in either red or orange.
Finally, Spike insisted that they add two weapons to represent the Divine Entities they were invoking, handles crossed above the taijitu, shafts extended out diagonally to right and left, entangled in the flames, the effect much like a coat of arms. Sagaria lay to the right, aligned with the black, female side of the pattern. Operating on pure instinct, Spike sketched out a short, straight, double-edged blade with an ornate, gold decorated hilt to adorn the left, the male side.
As a whole, the sigil was strong, attractive and highly symbolic, admired and approved of by all. There was some talk of it being adopted as a group emblem, or even a company logo for Amazon International as a whole. There was plenty of time to make those sorts of decisions later. For now, they needed to get Buffy and Spike’s safety sorted out.
On the Monday night, Spike and Oz had taken their hand drawn and colored design to Sackville Academy where they met up with a third year student, Max Roberts. Max had completed his undergrad degree at Eton, majoring in Art History and minoring in graphic design. He scanned their sigil and ran it through his graphics software, making it symmetrical, evening out the proportions and ensuring that Sagaria and the short sword were to scale and accurately but simply represented. He’d printed out several full color copies of the final design for them.
On Tuesday night Cat had run the design through the copier, printing two copies onto the special transfer paper. Rowan’s supplies had arrived earlier that day and she spent the day mixing up the four colors. She used an ethanol base for each one then added different ingredients, depending on the color.
For black she’d begun by adding powdered onyx, obsidian and black tourmaline to the base, all three stones known for their protective qualities and defense against negativity. She had taken Angelica root, and the herbs Aspand and Agrimony to ward off evil, and Dragon’s Blood resin for protection and courage and burned them over charcoal, adding the resulting ashes and liquid to the mix, creating a deep, rich, glossy shade of black.
For the white she added ground moonstone to balance yin and yang, selenite to bring light down from the higher realms and white agate, used to protect mother and baby from harm. When mixed with powdered white mustard seed, which protects the bearer from dangers, both physical and spiritual, a shimmering, almost iridescent white ink resulted.
Ground carnelian and sunstone provided the orange coloring, along with the warmth, strength and energy that the sun provides. When combined with gold cinnamon powder for healing and personal protection, the ink became a warm, vibrant shade.
Lastly, but by no means least, Rowan used finely ground red jasper and fire agate as the base of the red ink. The astonishing fire agate produced a protective flame energy that not only resonated feelings of safety and security, but was expected to create a shield around the body. Powdered bloodroot and red sandalwood enhanced the spells woven throughout the inks, and added the rich red coloring they needed.
As she burned and sprinkled and mixed the ingredients, Rowan murmured words of love and protection and strength, snippets she’d heard many times over at her Grandmother’s knee, phrases especially constructed by Giles and Willow and herself for the major spell, and others that seemed to flow naturally from deep inside her. The words wove themselves in and out of each element, strengthening the mystical qualities of each, binding them together, and embedding the inks with a life force of their own.
On the Wednesday night, Max joined them, using his steady hand and artist’s eye to brush the inks onto the printed designs. By Thursday, the tattoos were ready to imprint on the skin of their two recipients, but Willow and Giles weren’t available till the next evening, and if they waited till the weekend, Dawn would be back from China, Cat would have finished her shifts at the hospital, and Althanea could drive up from Devon to take part in the spell casting. So, wait they did.
Finally, Sunday afternoon arrived and they were ready to carry out the ritual. Everyone was present, with Giles leading the proceedings.
“Thank you everyone for coming to this blessing. Willow and Althanea, could you cast the circle while Cat and Rowan are applying the tattoos to Buffy and Spike’s skin.”
Rowan and Xander had moved the furniture around in the research center, pushing the table over to the side to create a large, clear space, and wheeling through a gurney from the medical room. Spike stood beside her, while Buffy hopped up onto the bed and lay down, wriggling her hips and pushing her leggings down a little so that the waistband sat just above her groin. She’d decided to get her tattoo inked just above her pubic line. In that spot it would provide the best protection for her baby, and Buffy thought it would look cool there.
Cat cleaned Buffy’s skin with Green Soap and wiped the area down with spirits. Rowan quickly marked Buffy up, drawing lines on her upper groin, just on the gentle upward swell of her belly, to ensure the sigil would be centered and straight. Then Cat carefully applied the design to Buffy’s skin, pressing in one firm movement to ensure adhesion. Finally she peeled the backing paper away, leaving the vibrant design on Buffy’s skin. They both stood back and checked the effect, pleased with the look of the tattoo.
“Oooh, pretty,” Buffy exclaimed, as she admired the finished product in a hand mirror. Spike lightly ran his fingertips over the design, his dilated pupils and tongue-moistened lips a testament to his approval.
“Okay Spike, take off your t-shirt and sit on this chair,” Cat instructed.
The vampire made a production of it of course, slowly peeling the black shirt off, revealing his hot, tight upper body to the delight of the three women around him.
“Damn,” Cat murmured, Rowan nodding in agreement and Buffy giggling with delight.
“Come on Big Bad,” she said good humoredly, “Stop showing off and get your sexy butt on the chair.”
The two women repeated the tattoo application process, this time on Spike’s left bicep. It seemed to take the distracted pair a little longer, but finally the sigil sat securely, decorating Spike’s arm.
Rowan got Buffy to lie back down and moved Spike’s chair around so that she could stand comfortably between the two of them, one hand on the Slayer’s tat, the other on the vampire’s.
“Blessed be the God and Goddess,
As two become one,
As the lichen clings to the tree,
Bind this sigil and the ink composed thereof,
And all the powers contained therein,
To the skin that lies beneath,
Make it one with the flesh of its bearer,
So mote it be.”
The two recipients felt a gentle warmth and a tightening sensation of the skin where their tattoos lay. When Rowan removed her hands, they checked out the results.
“Looks good pet,” Spike complimented Rowan’s work.
“Mmmm, smooth and sleek,” Buffy agreed, running her fingers over the ink work.
Indeed, the tattoo now lay totally flush against her skin, embedded into the top layer of the epidermis as if part of the surface on which it lay. The colors shone just as clear and bright and the whole sigil seemed to somehow exude a vibrancy and vitality of its own. A quick check over at Spike confirmed identical results on his arm.
“Right, all finished?” Giles asked as he walked towards them. “Oh gosh, those do look very, ah, attractive don’t they?” He glanced at Cat, eyebrow raised, “Perhaps we might acquire some of our own? Purely for protection purposes of course!” Everyone smirked and shook their heads. Giles blushed, but grinned good-naturedly. “ Right, anyway, good timing, we’re all set to go over here. Rowan, if you could go and sit behind the red candle then we will begin. Buffy, Spike and Cat, could you go and stand outside the circle beside Dawn, Xander and Oz.”
Everyone quickly moved into place, Giles and Rowan joining Willow and Althanea who were already seated inside the edge of the circle, at two of the four cardinal points. Giles began the ritual, using a lit taper to light the yellow candle that sat before him as Althanea invoked the blessing.
“Guardians of the East,
I call upon you to watch over these rites.
Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air,
We ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.
Let all who enter the circle under your protectionr
Do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”
Giles passed the taper to his left, handing it to Rowan, who used it to light the red candle in front of her. Althanea spoke again,
“Guardians of the South,
I call upon you to watch over these rites.
Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire,
We ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.
Let all who enter the circle under your protection,
Do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”
The taper then went to Willow, who lit the blue candle facing her.
“Guardians of the West,
I call upon you to watch over these rites.
Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water,
We ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.
Let all who enter the circle under your protection,
Do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”
Finally, the taper was passed to Althanea herself, who lit the green candle in front of her and completed the blessing.
“Guardians of the North,
I call upon you to watch over these rites.
Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth,
We ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle.
Let all who enter the circle under your protection,
Do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”
Althanea then stood up and moved to the center. “The circle is now cast. Buffy and Spike, if you could come to the edge of the circle. You’ll need to have the tattoos exposed, so leave your clothing as it is. How do you enter the circle?” she asked.
“In perfect love and perfect trust,” the pair intoned, having been instructed to do so earlier by Giles. Quietly, they moved to the middle of the circle, picked up Sagaria from the floor and stood side by side, hands linked via the Scythe’s handle, facing towards Rowan at the South point. Behind them, Althanea was admitting Dawn, Xander, Cat and Oz to the circle, each one murmuring their pure intent before entering and walking to their own places at the ordinal points.
Finally everyone was in position, Althanea having moved back to the North cardinal. She began the ritual, her strong voice ringing out.
“Blessed be the Lady Sineya,
Fierce Warrior Mistress who battles the demons,
Blessed be the Lord Atar,
Master of the Holy Fire that burns continuously”
Giles was next to speak,
“Thanks be for the gifts that you have shared with these two,
Slayer and Vampire, your precious chosen ones.
The gifts of strength and speed and cunning,
The gifts of life renewed and life conceived.”
Rowan called out clearly,
“We call on thee, to bestow your protection upon these two,
To keep them and their child safe from danger that may seek them,
To defend them from any being that may try to harm them
To grant them your shelter.”
Then it was Willow’s turn,
“Look upon this sigil, created to honor you both
Look upon it and be glad
They have been so marked in your names,
That others may know them as your own.”
Althanea completed the invocation,
“Bless this sigil and those who bear it
With the hand of your protection
Anoint it with your holy fire,
That it may draw a shield of flame about them.”
Finally, all four spoke one last time, together, “So mote it be.”
Buffy and Spike had been standing in the middle of the group throughout the ritual, eyes closed, quietly listening to the words of the invocation. But as the final words of the spell were uttered, they were hit by a flash of light and wave of warm energy.
Buffy’s eyes popped open and she gasped. Beside her she felt Spike tense up and squeeze her hand tighter. They were no longer in Ashdown’s Research Center. Instead, with sand beneath their feet, they seemed to be in a desert. Although it was hard to tell, as a wall of flame encircled them, blocking off any view of the surrounding environs.
“What the fucking hell?” Spike roared. “What have your mates bloody well got us into now pet?”
“Shush Spike, they’re your mates now, just as much as mine. And I’m sure whatever’s happening, its all good. Its probably just something all ritually.” Buffy soothed. “In fact, this looks a bit like the place where I’ve met Sineya before.”
Sure enough, at that point a dark figure passed through the flames to stand before them. Sineya, the First Slayer, the Primeval One. Mind you, Buffy’s recognition of Sineya was definitely context dependent; she wouldn’t have recognized her from previous interactions, her appearance markedly different. Her face was free of the tribal markings that usually covered it, and Buffy was surprised to see how beautiful she looked without them, her high cheekbones, full lips and gorgeous almond shaped eyes clearly visible.
Her hair, although still in dreads, was drawn back from her face, and seemed less matted and scraggly than in the past. She was bare foot, but clad in a long, white halter neck gown. She held herself very upright, another distinctive difference from her usually crouched, predatory posture. Buffy realized she was witnessing the Divine aspect of Sineya’s spirit. The goddess then startled her once again, by speaking.
“Greetings Daughter,” Sineya said, inclining her head slightly towards Buffy. “Welcome to the spirit realm. You seek my protection and my blessing I understand.”
“Wanna introduce us luv?” Spike asked Buffy, interrupting her audience with the First Slayer.
“Uh, oh yeah. Spike this is Sineya; Sineya, Spike,” Buffy gestured one to the other.
“Nice to meet you pet,” Spike offered, nodding deferentially at the Slayer Goddess.
Sineya narrowed her eyes and hissed, “Vampire,” she spat out, “Who are you to dare enter this realm? Who are you to stand before me? You dare to defile my daughter, corrupt her with your demon ways,”
“Whoa, sister, no harm, no foul,” Spike held his hands up in a gesture of conciliation.
“I am not your sister, I am your worst nightmare, demon. You are nothing but dirt beneath my feet.”
“Stop it! You’re wrong.” Buffy spoke calmly, but with authority. She shifted Sagaria and reached out and grabbed Spike’s hand, but eyeballed Sineya intently as she spoke. “He is my consort, my beloved, my soul mate. He is the father of my unborn child. He has stood up for me, fought alongside me, died for me. He has earned the right to stand beside me.”
Sineya’s eyes were cold and haughty, but she bowed her head in reluctant acceptance. “I have heard of his deeds; I will tolerate his presence. But do not expect me to grant him my protection.”
“That is of no consequence sister,” a voice interrupted Sineya, and a figure passed through the fiery wall to stand beside, “for his protection is mine to grant.”
The man moved forward to stand beside the First Slayer. Clad in a simple white robe, he was tall and broad shouldered, the red sash cinched around his middle testament to his slim waist. With olive skin and long dark hair, his startling blue eyes stood out beneath his heavy brows and finely chiseled facial features. In a word, Buffy thought, he was hot.
“Cheers Atar,” Spike called out in greeting.
“Greetings William. You look well. Is this your lady?” Atar asked politely.
“Yeah mate, this is Buffy. Love of my life and mother to be of my baby.” Spike preened as he squeezed her hand lovingly.
“Greetings Buffy. It is my pleasure to meet the woman that William spent so many hours extoling. If I may say so, I can see why. Congratulations on your happy news. The child will be much loved no doubt, and of great significance I predict. You have done well, both of you.”
Buffy blushed and smiled nervously. Wow, compliments from a studly God. Awkward! “Um, thanks. Yeah we’re pretty stoked. Oh, and thanks for rescuing Spike and looking after him for me. And for all the special upgrades, the heartbeat and sun resistance. I loved him before, just as he was, but life sure is much more convenient now that he’s all flame proof.”
“You’re welcome, my dear,” Atar replied, “William passed every test put before him and earned each and every one of those enhancements, as well as the chance to shape a new life for himself and those he loves. As I’m sure we’re all aware.” He turned his head to glance at the First Slayer beside him, eyebrow raised in question.
Sineya’s body language had clearly communicated her displeasure at Atar’s interaction with Spike, arms folded across her chest and frown firmly in place. Her glare had darkened even more as the God made his last declaration. She looked annoyed and frustrated, but declined to comment aside from an ungracious nod of her head. Given Sineya’s petulant silence, Buffy thought it likely that the fire deity outranked her, a fact that the blonde was grateful for given the Slayer goddess’ obvious mistrust of Spike.
“Right, I believe you are here to seek our protection, for yourselves and for your child. It goes without saying that we will grant it, both of us, isn’t that correct Sineya?” The First Slayer once again parted with a reluctant, surly nod. “But before we begin, some advice. You are stronger when you are together. This will also be the case with the protection spell, being in close contact multiplies the strength and effectiveness of the shield.”
Spike put his right arm around Buffy’s shoulder, drawing her closer in a gesture of agreement. “It a given mate. Don’t aim to let ‘er outta my sight. Any words of wisdom about what’s coming for us?”
“I am not permitted to disclose the nature of the paths that lay ahead. But I foresee the rise of ancient evil. To push back the encroaching darkness and burn away the night, you will need many hands, and the weapons to arm them. Be ever watchful William, for yours will be forthcoming. You will need it to turn the tide. We wish you good fortune in this endeavor. Sineya?”
“Yes, I too would wish for your victory in this coming conflict. For, I too have foreseen the days ahead. And in this matter Daughter,” Sineya paused, arching her brow condescendingly, “my earlier advice to you may be put aside. I still believe a slayer’s journey should be traveled alone, but in this case your best hope is in strength of numbers. I suppose you may count family and friends among those,” she conceded reluctantly. “Regardless, your path, unorthodox as it is, has led you far, your mission intact. I…” she hesitated, “I am proud of you Daughter. I wish you well, both of you.”
“We are ready for the blessing. Hold Sagaria between you, please.” Atar moved shoulder to shoulder with Sineya, and the two Deities took a step back towards the wall of fire. Together they lifted their outer arms, and began to chant, ancient words in an indecipherable tongue. The fiery wall around them flashed and flared, leaping to greater heights as twin streams of light shot out from their upraised palms and encircled the stunned warriors. The light converged behind them, sparking and flickering as it met, before continuing its journey, a broad ring of light gushing and tumbling around them.
The shaft of light suddenly surged, and the flash blinded Buffy and Spike. A ball of heat erupted over the vampire’s left bicep and the Slayer’s lower abdomen, and the wind was knocked out of them. Spike threw his arms around Buffy as the world turned black and they crumpled to the ground.