buffy: king of the dark chapter 10

7/31/2019 Buffy: King of the Dark Chapter 10

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Isabel wore an outfit identical to Daniels. The school board had originall y told the

parents that the little girls had to wear skirts, but Willow had reminded them that not only wasthat a sexist attitude, but that the money she paid in tuition for the school entitled her to have

some input in her childs outfits. Isabel didnt seem to mind the skirts all that much, but she

admitted the pants were warmer, and that was that. So she stood in front of her mother with tiny

black pants and matching shoes, a white shirt, and a wildly colorful tie that featured an artisticrepresentation of the rainforest.

Did Daddy choose your tie? Willow asked.

Isabel nodded yes.

Do you like it? Willow wondered.

I like the ladybug, Isabel told her in a shy, soft voice, pointing to the little red speck at

the bottom of the bright green and yellow print.

Okay, then, sweetie, as long as you like it.

Isabel leaned forward and hugged Willow, lean little arms stretching around her mothersneck. Willow kissed her girl on the forehead and whispered, Go help Daddy with Daniel,

sweetie.

Isabel kissed Willow on the cheek and scampered off up the stairs. Willow watched herdepart, and then turned back to the Atlantean writing. Ah, the hell with you for the moment,

she muttered, telling the flattop to close the window. I dont want some crazyold monks bad

news in my kitchen after that display.

She sipped on her coffee and looked out the window at the yard, thoughts bouncing

around in her head, thinking of all that had happened to she and Oz in the last few weeks. Buffywas alive; the old gang, what was left of them, had reunited again in Los Angeles for what would

probably be the last time one way or the other; and every single member of the Watchers

Council in the world -- all five of them -- were gathered here as well. Willow had extended her

leave of absence at work, and Oz had begged off for another three weeks. She had a lot to getdone today; finish the translation and compare notes with Wesley and Sam; talk to Shelley about

the medallion and the metallic ball with all the crosses. She wanted to see Laura, if there was

time, to take a gander at those ruby rings, and if she could peel Xander away from Buffy, she

wouldnt have minded a look at his sword too. And Ill have to get someone to come in and takecare of the shrubs, too, she noted, her eyes running over the raggedy green shrubbery. Oz came

down into the kitchen with the children and she turned to face them.

All Osbornes present and accounted for, maam, Oz deadpanned.Willow smiled at him. Oz always glowed when he hung around the kids; paternity suited

him surprisingly well. He would rather spend time with his little ones than do any work. In some

ways it had been harder for him then them when they had started school the previous fall. Withall that was going on in his life right now, with strange werewolves coming into town by the

dozens on a daily basis looking for him, with all the stress of playing werewolf king and

organizing a defense that would attempt to stump the King, Willow figured Oz needed as much

time with his children as possible.

Ill see you guys when daddy brings you home this afternoon, she told them. Be goodand dont talk back to your teachers. Especially you, Isabel, she said, winking.

The girl smiled, winking back with both eyes.

Okay, Oz said,taking their hands, off we go. You guys are late and mommy has a lotof work to do. Wave bye-bye now.


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Two tiny hands waved, Daniel like he was cleaning a huge plate window and Isabel as if

she imitated Queen Elizabeth II of England, and Oz blew Willow a kiss as he shepherded themout the door. When the kitchen door clicked shut, Willow sighed, polishing off her coffee and

rinsing the mug out in the sink.

Alpha, she addressed the computer, see if Wesley is available online.

Wesley is currently online, Alpha responded.Contact him, Willow instructed.

A moment later Wesleys voice drifted out from the speaker. Good morning, Willow. I

trust you slept well and are ready to get to work?

Right on both counts, Willow agreed.

I take it were still concentrating on looking for a weakness in the King?

Willow nodded. We dont know enough about him from conventional sources. Its time

for prophecy to cough up something.

Wayland states specifically that the champion of light must vanquish him, Wesley

spoke. Willow, you know that. We arent likely to find out much more than that. Wayland was

a vague prophet, at best.

We have to find more, Willow replied. We know the King is coming. He might attacktonight. And we have to be armed with more than we have now.

Very well, Wesley acquiesced. Ill let Sam know. Well be at your place shortly.

Ill get the tea brewing, Willow promised.

That would be appreciated, Wesley admitted.

*Los Angeles

Casca set the heavy bag down on the table, scattering some dust. Faded white sheetscovered all the furniture in the room, save for a low purple couch on which the King and Kasindareclined. Steven had chosen the floor.

You know, it was a good idea, choosin this place, Casca remarked. Lotsa space, most

of it underground, easy to barricade, hard to get in, and the tunnels! He stripped off his jacket,

setting it next to the bag. Man the tunnels that lead in here connect to everywhere in the wholefriggin city! I got to the hospital easy enough, but you can get to city hall, all the local cop

shops, everywhere. You could live down here for years and never be found out!

Thats just what the previous owner did, the King spoke. Kasinda dozed atop him,curled toward his chest, presenting her back to Casca. He had ambition but lacked the talent to

back it up. His name was Tomarik. The King smiled, showing pointed teeth. He thought he

would use the Eye of Agrimatto to start killing slayers. Somehow he managed to lose both theEye and his life. The King shook his head. He should have left such an endeavor to someonewho could carry it out.

They say he was killed by Angelus, Casca noted.

The King shrugged. I never met the demon with the angels face. I wish I had. I heardgreat things about him -- great and terrible things, actually. The King frowned. Too bad hecouldnt be here to help us now. From what I have read, he was close to this slayer Ill have to

fight.


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Kasinda stirred on his chest, and he slid an arm around her.

About that whole fighting thing, Casca continued. Not to question your leadership or

anything, but, ya know, like, when are we gonna get to that? He gestured around them. Notthat I dont like hiding out in some dead vampires basement, but, um, I dontlike hiding out in

some dead vampires basement. Im ready for some action,. and I think after Denver, my boys

and your boys are ready for some action too.And they will get it, the King assured Casca. When all of them are in Los Angeles,

and all of the werewolves are too. He shook his head. They are gearing up for the final battle

in this war. After it, there will still be skirmishes and brawls, but this battle will be the last greateffort by our enemies to stop us. I want as many of them dead as possible. If they gather all of

their forces here, their loss will be that much greater. They will never dare oppose me again,

ever. They wont be able to.

Casca nodded. Yeah, yeah, I know the drill, but...how long are we gonna wait? I mean,

theres just four of us. And we know not one but twoslayers are runnin around loose in this city.Now, I know, you say you got it covered, you got it covered, but still, ya know, Im feelin like

were sorta askin for it by hangin so close to the one person who has the goods to do us in.

Casca opened the bag, withdrawing a blood bag. Its too risky.The King shook his head. We must keep the slayers here. If they bolt, it could be years

before we find them again. Some vampire presence is needed in the city. We still have thelimousine -- we can move about in the daytime if we must. But someone must remain here to

keep the slayers on edge. They know we are here, but Im sure they dont know where, and even

they cannot search such a huge city on foot. They wont find us until it is too late for them --

until I want them to.

So, okay, we need some vampires here to pin them down. Fine. But why you? Why us?

Dont you find that just a little too risky?

The King nodded. No. If they did find me, I would welcome it now; Im nearly

invulnerable.

See, its that nearlyIm having a problem with, Casca pointed out.

The King chuckled. Casca, we are shielded by the First. He will hide us until it is time to

face the slayers. The King sat up, inadvertently waking Kasinda. The slayer could be rightupstairs and she would never find us. Once you told me who he was, I questioned him; and you

were correct, he is indeed the greatest among us, the strongest of all the demons. Masking us is

childs play for him.

If hes sogreat, ya know, why doesnt he kill the slayers, right? And then we wouldnthave to worry about them comin bustin in here and stakin us all.

He doesnt have his full powers, the King disclosed. He is still powerful beyond yourunderstanding, but until I have ascended to my destiny and defeated the champion of the light, he

cannot return in full force to this world which once was his.

He dont need his full force, Casca maintained. Just enough of it to kill a couplea

girls.

That is not hisdestiny, the King returned. That is my destiny. I will kill the slayersand the forces of darkness will prevail. And then we will throw open the gates of Hell and ask

our brethren to join us. And when I do that, the First will regain his powers, and darkness shall

cover the earth. The King shook his head. Dont you read prophecy?

Im not big on books, Casca admitted. I usually wait for the disc.


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*Wesley finished his tea, making a face, and set the cup down on the low coffee table that

the hotel had provided for him. Sam sat on the bed, massaging his bad knee, peering through tiny

glasses at his flattop. Pike and Shelley sat on the couch, and Riley and Laura sat cross-legged on

the floor.We dont have much time before I have to be at Willows, so Ill be brief about this. I

dont have to repeat to you all how important this is, Wesley spoke. We must be sure who the

champion of light really is, regardless of whether or not Willow has any faith in her husband.

Oz cant do it, Pike spoke. Hes not up to it. She pretty much told us so.

And you should have heard him with Jordi in the SUV on the way back from Denver,

Shelley spoke. Hes afraid, Wesley. He wants to help, he wants to do the right thing, but Willowis right, Boston scared the fight right out of him. She sighed. Hes got almost a thousand

werewolves here, but he keeps finding reasons to put off going and looking for the King. Sheticked off fingers. Barricades. Lines of retreat. Fall back positions. She shook her head. No

one can follow his battle plan. Its too complicated. Hes psyched himself out with this, and

unless we do something, hes gonna lead them into another massacre.Its not too complicated, Riley argued. Its not straightforward, like a lot of our pl ans

used to be, but its not too complicated. He leaned forward slightly. Oz has set up a battle planthat will split the main vampire army up into little sections and create chaos. At the same time,

the wolves can fall back or retreat into safe places if they get overrun or overwhelmed. Its not a

bad plan or overcomplicated. He looked at them in turn. Its just not a plan designed to win,

thats all. Its designed to minimize losses and confuse the vampires.

Thats not the best approach, Shelley offered.

There are worse ones, Riley defended.

The boys too busy thinking about tomorrow, Sam put in, closing the window on the

file Oz had sent them that roughly described his plan. Hes looking down the road, to a timewhen we have to do this again. Put his folks in a battle against a terrible enemy, and most of

them come out okay, thatll build confidence for the next fight. Sam removed his glasses. Itd

be a nice way to start a campaign, maybe, but it wont do here.

There is no down the road, Pike observed. This is it. This is the last chance we get,right? We blow this one... he trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.

Thats very likely, Wesley agreed. We already know the Kings objective is to killseven slayers, and that hes only one shy. Now, Ozs plan may work -- it may confuse the

vampires, or most of them -- but it will not fool the King. He is too old and too experienced, and

he will see the stall tactic for just what it is. Wesley glanced around. I still say we, the Council,do what must be done. We know the King is after the slayer, and we know that Buffy, whatever

her current strengths and weaknesses, whatever her mental state, is a more experienced slayer

than Laura. He sat back. I repeat what I stated before; we cannot take the chance that the King

will go straight for Laura and defeat her and become invulnerable. We must keep Laura away

from that battle.

Im right here, she reminded them sulkily. No need to talk about me like I cant hear

you.

And we want you to stay right here, Wesley agreed, for many years. Which is why--

Wesley, Sam interrupted.

The Englishman gazed at his friend.


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Its her choice. We cant make it for her. Even Riley cant. This one has to come from

Laura.Wesley shookhis head. Like hell it does. No offense intended, Laura, but this could be

the very end of the world were talking about here. He shifted his eyes back to Sam. This

decision is too big to allow a young slayer to make on her own. Too many lives hang in the

balance on this one. Wesley swallowed. Everything could lie in the balance on this one. If theKing manages to get to Laura, he becomes unbeatable, and weve lost.

Youre assuming the King could beat Laura in combat, Riley stated. Thats not a

foregone conclusion, Wesley.

I understand you are justly proud of all that Laura has accomplished, Wesley replied,and I am most impressed by her rapid progress and considerable skill. But the fact remains that

the King is several thousand years old and has fought hundreds of battles like this in his

lifetime.

Everybody makes a mistake sooner or later, Riley argued. Seems like its the Kingsturn.

Wesley blinked. I dont believe this! Were to throw away the whole world because you

dont want tohurt a young womans feelings? He shook his head. Forget it, Riley. Youvedone a commendable job with Laura, especially under the circumstances. But Im afraid Im

going to have to set my foot down on this one and pull rank. Laura is to go nowhere near that

battlefield. Shes to leave town as soon as she can and fly far away. You can go with her, if youlike, but--

Youre just like Oz, Laura snapped. You accuse him of fighting not to lose rather than

to win, and youre doing the same thing here. Well have two slayers! One can distract him, theother can attack him. It can work, and I know it can.

Thats that, Riley confirmed.

That is most certainly not that! Wesley cried.

You cant have it both ways, Wes, Pike spoke. Either we throw all the eggs in this

basket and try to kill him, or we hedge our bets and screw the whole thing up because we didnt

commit all the way. He folded his arms. Taking Laura out of that fight is hedging our bets. We

shouldnt do that. Hell, we cant do it.Wesley began to speak, but Shelley cut him off. Wesley, we didnt know we were going

to have Buffy. That changes everything. She sat back. I dont think theres much doubt that

shes the champion of light. And since shes gonna be at this battle, this is going to be our best

chance to get the King. Why not put all the weapons we have into play at once? And Lauras apretty damn big weapon.

We cant be sure the prophecy speaks of Buffy, Wesley countered. I understand itsays that the champion is one who has been chosen by fate, but so has Oz, from a certain point of

view. I wasnt there when the Atlantean spell was thrown on him, making him the prime alpha,so I dont know all of the history first-hand like you two do. He gestured to Pike and Shelley.

But Wayland is decidedly vague on the subject, except for that line about the immortal, and

Briareus clearly states the champion will be able to shed his armor after the great duel. Hetapped on the table. That sounds like a werewolf changing shape to me , regardless of whatever

Willow wants us to see in that book.

Lets take a vote, Riley suggested. There are six of us. If we get a draw, we ask Oz tobreak the tie.

Sounds good to me, Pike agreed.


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There will be no vote! Wesley corrected them. This is too important to--

Motions been moved and seconded, Wesley. You know the rules, you cant say no

now. We vote. Sam smiled.Wesley stared at him crossly. Very well. To the great surprise of no one, I vote no.

Laura stays away from the battle. He scowled at Sam. Happy?

Yes, actually, Sam replied. I vote no as well. He looked at Laura. Nothing againstyour abilities, honey; I have a lot of faith in you. But I think hes gonna go straight for you, and

Id rather have more time ready to train you for that day.

Laura nodded and looked up at Riley.

I vote yes, she goes, Riley said. If she wants to.

Yes, Shelley voted. Its meant to be. Dangerous or not.

Pike? Riley polled.

Pike leaned forward in his chair. Im inclined to say yes, he admitted. But its not up

to me. Its up to Laura. So I vote whatever she votes. He gestured to her. Well, darlin?

Laura looked around at them. Yall have trained me as best as you could. And yall

knew there might come a day when I fall before a vampire. Thats a possibility that all of us

accept, and I accept it too. She took a deep breath. I mean, eventually Im gonna die. And itsprobably gonna be in battle against a vampire. She took Rileys hand. So why not make it a

battle thats gonna count for something? She squeezed Rileys palm in hers. I hear what yall

are sayin, but I vote yes. Im gonna be there.

Wesley crossed his arms and frowned as Riley scooped up Laura and held her tightly.

*Beverly Hills

Cordelia rolled over, squinting at the light that streamed in through her curtains. Silk

sheets rustled as she shifted to lean over toward the nightstand. The clock had fallen off its perch,so she checked her watch. Quarter to eleven? she croaked. Jesus Christ, I never sleep that

late.

Beside her in the bed, Jordi stirred. Hmm? he grunted contentedly.

Cordelia glanced over at the young man as he lay, smiling, eyes closed, face turnedslightly away from her. How drunk was I? she wondered. Oh, shit, I didnt... She realized at

once that she was naked and told herself, Oh, yes, I did.

We have to get up, Cordelia spoke.

You sound like Amy, Jordi mumbled drowsily.

Cordelia rapped him on the shoulder. I dont care who I sound like. Get your ass out of

my bed.

Jordi rolled over to face her. I will if you will. Id follow your ass anywhere.Cordelia shook her head. Jordi, really. Im not one of your little bimbos.

Jordi smiled at her. No, youre not. You got a whole lot more class than any woman Ive

everbeen with. He winked. A lot more stamina, too.

Cordelia closed her eyes. I was drunk, you were willing, and it had been a really long

time for me, dont make any more of this than it is, kid. Look, Cordelia began. Jordi, I dontthink --


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He chuckled. Is this where I get the speech that you were drunk and I was in the right

place at the right time but you cant do that to your husband again, some shit like that? He

rubbed a hand through his hair. Yeah, like you love that guy. Give it a rest.

Ido love him.

Jordi laughed. You dont love him any more than you love me, Cordelia. You just use

him like you used me. Only difference is, you only used me for one night. You been using himyour whole life.

Cordelia sat up, gathering the sheet to her breast. Who the hell do you think you are?

she growled at him.

Im the guy you cheated on your husband with, he grinned at her. I know exactly whoI am. And you, he spoke, pointing a finger at her, you talk even more when youre drunk.

She pressed a palm to her forehead and closed her eyes. God...

Jordi reached for her hand and kissed it. Dont worry, Cordelia, I didnt expect anything

from you anyway. I was a roll in the hay for you last night. Ive been there, lots of times. UsuallyIm theone saying, what the hell the next morning, but every once in a while the shoes on the

other foot. He shrugged, releasing her hand. Its cool. I wont embarrass you or anything. Just

let me take a shower and Im out of here.Cordelia sighed. Jordi, wait, she said as he started to exit the bed. He stopped and

turned to face her. I didnt mean to be, you know...

Bitchy? he sniped.

Bitchy, she allowed. But really, wheres this gonna go? I was drunk, and you know it.

And I was horny, and you know it. Lets be realistic here. Im gonna leave my husband for a

werewolf who doesnt have a steady job? She arched an eyebrow. Come on, youre a littlesmarter than that.

Jordi shook his head. I never expected that. I mean, shit, itd be nice, because, like I

said, you got a lot more class than Im used to. And youre fun to be with. Really. But I know

you quit the whole weird life gig, and I never can. And I know Im nothin next to a guy whosnever here and doesnt want to touch that magnificent body of yours... Jordi shook his head. Is

he fucking crazy, Cordelia? Has he ever really looked at you?

Enough about him, Cordelia spoke. This isnt about him. This is about me and you

and how there is no me and you.

You dont have to leave him, you know, Jordi suggested. You and I can still have fun

and you dont have to give all of this up.

Hed find out, sooner or later. Cordelia rubbed her neck. Im never been what you callgood at keeping secrets.

Yeah, Jordi admitted. And your friends would be bound to notice that contented glow

on your features.

I am not glowing, she scowled at him.

Jordi shrugged. Fine. Shouldnt I be going now?

Cordelia sighed. This is not how I wanted this to turn out.

Im guessing you wanted to wake up alone, have me gone, with a note on the pillow

saying how great it was?

Cordelia shook her head. Youre pretty bitter for someone who hasnt even turned thirty

yet, she noted.

Yeah, the sting of rejection really doesnt agree with me, Jordi admitted.


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Cordelia furrowed her brow. You pretty much said last night you knew this was just a

fling, she reminded him. You said you were okay with that.

I am, he told her. I just thought youd be a little nicer about it, thats all. And seeinghow it went so well, you know, yeah, I was thinkin maybe we could do it again some time. But

you know, these little morning chats just sort of take the fun out of it.

I didnt lead you on, Cordelia countered. I specifically remember you seducing me.And I specifically remember you not complaining last night. He slipped out bed, naked,

and moved to gather up his clothes. What a difference daybreak makes.

I didnt promise you anything, Cordelia told him.

He nodded. Good thing, too, or thisd be even more unpleasant. She began to speakagain when he raised a hand. Look, Im going, okay? Just dont talk any more. You made your

point. He tugged on his jeans. And dont worry, I wont call you or anything. Ill just stay

away. He looked at her. Thats what you want, right? Make it easier to forget?

Jordi, Cordelia spoke, you dont --

Yeah, I do, he interrupted. Look, Cordelia, I know the difference between having fun

for a couple of hours and maybe making a connection with someone. He slipped on his shirt.

Sue me for getting those two things a little confused last night. He picked up his shoes andexited the bedroom before she could say anything in reply.

She lay back on the bed, sighing. Well, this just sucks, she exhaled.

*Inglewood

Xander handed Buffy a Diet Pepsi. You sure you shouldnt be working out or

something? he wondered.

She glanced around his apartment. In the last few days, since she had shown up, he had

made an effort to tidy up a lot. Shed helped him do all his laundry and clean all his dishes, andwhile they had gotten the place into some sort of shape, Buffy didnt like the little one bedroomflat. It reeked of surrender and hopelessness, like a cave where a wounded lion slinks off to die.

On some level it bothered Buffy that she had driven Xander to this type of life, this deadened,

uncaring existence he had led before he had rediscovered her. But on another level it onlymotivated her to make it up to him all the more when her business with this vampire was

complete. You dont have anything heavy enough to lift, she told him.

You could always bench press the car, he offered, grinning.

She shook her head. Still not heavy enough.

He raised an eyebrow. Youre joking, right?

Buffy sipped on the Pepsi and gave him a look.

Youre not joking, Xander murmured, his voice quivering slightly.Buffy reached over and touched his hand. Ive been a slayer for twenty years, Xander.

Thats twenty years of fate playing with my body, making me stronger, tougher, faster. She

traced a line down the back of his hand. Theres nothing Hell could throw at me now that I

couldnt handle. I could probably tear apart most demons with my bare hands.

Xander nodded. I think I see now why youre shy about having sex with me, he told

her.


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Buffy shifted on the couch. That isnt it at all, she supplied. I can control it, Xander. I

wouldnt hurt you. Not even during... you know. I could keep it under control.He met her eyes, silently willing her to continue.

She sighed. You remember how it felt when we got together the very first time? You

took me to the Banks and we got steak and shrimp and you ordered this really expensive

champagne?Xander grinned at the memory. You had this long golden dress on. Every guy in th e

place was staring at you.

And you wore the sharpest suit I ever saw, she reminded him, her fingers curling

around his hand, seeking his palm. You must have saved for like a month to be able to afford allof that. And you had the guy with the violin come over and everything. She met his eyes. You

made me feel like the most special woman on the whole planet.

Because you are, he spoke.

She nodded. I believe it, when you say it. But my point is, you made a big deal out of it.You were so nervous and excited and... She chuckled, God, you were such a gentleman that

night. I didnt know when we left home that evening that that would be the night. But you were

just...so perfect, I figured, damn, therell never be another night like this again. So why not makeit even more special?

He slid down on the couch next to her. I remember it like it was yesterday, he told her.

She squeezed his hand lightly. I want it to be a big deal again. I want us to take the timeto do it right, you know, get dressed up and act all romantic and go dancing and all that. She

gestured to his bedroom. We can do it any time. But I want our second first time to be an event,

like our first first time was.

He moved to her, embracing her. Im glad that part of you didntchange, he whispered,

kissing her cheek.

Still just a chick underneath it all, she smiled, kissing him on the lips.

So, he began, this is all gonna take place after you beat Nosferatu Jones out there?

Buffy nodded. Yup. I may be Wonder Woman, but this guy is still kicking some pretty

serious ass. She kissed his hand. I guess I better take him seriously.

He could be bad news if he gets to Laura first, Xander pointed out.

Buffy shook her head. You know Im not gonna let that happen, she said. I cantcontrol what Oz does with his wolf people, but I can protect one girl in all of that mess theyre

gonna create.

Xander played with Buffys ponytail absently. You goin soft on the new girl?

No, she replied, but Willow says hell be invulnerable if he kills her. I never did like

the sound of invulnerable. Tough, sure. Strong, fine. Even pissed. Pissed is okay. Invulnerable?

Thats bad. I dont need that, and neither does anyone else. Im not worried about him killingme, but he could get to her. Since thatll make my life a pain, I just make sure it doesnt happen,thats all.

Xander nodded. Buff, listen, tell me to shut up if Im out of line, but shouldnt we bedown there with Willow and Oz and Pike and the other eggheads discussing strategy? You know,

drawing xs and os on a chalkboard or something?

Buffy chuckled. That hasnt given you a headache yet?The expression on his face indicated that indeed it had.

The thing is, they can say and do whatever they want. No one gets to tell me what to do,

and its not like they really know what the hell theyre doing, right? Oz got his ass kicked in


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Boston, and what hes trying to set up here is so complicated it makes me dizzy. I cant follow

all of that. She leaned her head against Xanders shoulder. I never was good with the tactics.

I remember, he agreed. You always were think on your feet girl.

It worked, she pointed out.

He kissed the top of her head. And I know itll work again. But I bet they would be

happy if we showed up, you know, lent a little moral support and all that.Buffy pulled back to regard him. Xander Harris, diplomat? When did this happen?

It cant hurt, Buff. I know its a little dull, but this way it looks like youre being a team

player, and thatll make everyone happy. And they might stumble onto something that can help

you figure out that dream you had about Angel.

I knew I shouldnt have told you, she sighed.

Just because Im clueless doesnt mean you should be too, he told her.

I just dont like the way Willow looks at me when she thinks Im not watching, Buffy

admitted. Like she doesnt really trust me.

Well, Buff, you did fake your death and not tell her, he suggested.

You forgave me, she returned.

He slid a hand down her side. I get to sleep with you half naked, he responded. Thatmakes forgiveness a little easier.

She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. And theres the whole deal that if

shes wrong about you being the queen of the light and all that, then this vampire guy is gonna

make flank steaks out of her husband. So shes got all that on her mind too.

Buffy nodded, but at that moment her stomach rumbled audibly.

And, Will probably has food at her place, he added.

Buffy tsked. Come on, lets go.

*

Los Angeles

I call in sick again, Im gonna have to barf up a lung, Michael disclosed. But Im goodhere until Monday or Tuesday, I guess. After that, I have to have a hospital slip.

Rachel patted his hand. Thanks for staying.

This is it, right? Michael wondered. Showdown at the O.K. Corral? Where else wouldI be?

Akilah shook her head. I had to take a leave of absence. Unpaid. She hissed air through

her teeth. We better get this guy soon, or Im gonna go broke.

Billy chuckled; the others glanced at him in the corner of the hotel room. The place was

small and cheap but it suited their needs; pay by the week, no questions asked, and it had a small

refrigerator, so Billy could store blood in the room. Rachel had tracked down a butcher who hadbeen a little too accommodating; she hadnt known about him in the old days, when she hadlived in L.A., and when the current crisis was over, she would mention him to Pike and Shelley.

The guy obviously was used to selling blood for some reason, though Rachel couldnt think of a

more despicable one than selling it to vampires. But unsouled vampires dontbuy blood, Rachelruminated. She shook her head to clear it of that line of thought for now and asked Billy,

Whats so funny?


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You know, I never worked. Ever. Never worked a day in my entire life. And the way

you lot all bitch about it, Im not missin nothin, am I? He raised an eyebrow. Another perk of

bein dead, I spose.

Yeah, laugh all you want, Billy, Akilah responded. Until we stop footing the bill for

your blood.

I could always go hunting again, he shrugged, and they looked at him sternly.Jokin, he offered.

So, Rachel picked up the discussion, what do we do? You guys have all seen Ozs

plan. What do you think?

It stinks, Billy groused.

It stinks on ice, Akilah agreed. We could have done better.

We have done better, Michael concurred. I dont know, maybe it makes sense if

youre a werewolf. But to me it just seemed like a lot of running around and trying to confuse

people. He folded his arms. I didnt see any big thrust against the King, or any part of the planthat would trap just him or anything.

It probably will save lives, Billy admitted. But its got an awful weak streak in it. Its

all defense. Theres no offense to it.I still think we should confront him about it, Akilah spoke. Im all for having a united

front, but we cant let this guy get us killed. Oz seems really nice, and I know hes got our bestinterests at heart, but come on, gang, the guy is no Napoleon. Even if his plan works, all we have

is a draw. And that aint gonna do it.

So we all agree, Rachel summed up. Now, what do we do about it? We cant just

blindly follow Ozs plan. But if we stay in L.A. and help out, we cant really go against him, canwe? She sat down on the rickety couch next to Michael. So what do we do?

In a manner of speakin, this aint our problem, Billy pointed out. Were supposed to

be guardin the Hellmouth, mind you, keepin it safe and demon-free. Who knows whats been

goin on down there with all that time weve been gone?

Akilah nodded in agreement. We could always say that we have to go back and guard

the Hellmouth, she suggested. That gets us out of operation: suicide.

Michael shook his head. Its too weak. Theyll know were just using it as an excuse.

We want to leave, we have to have a really good reason to, not just, gotta look in on theHellmouth. He slid an arm around Rachels shoulders. We could tell him the truth, that were

not werewolves or something, that we arent equipped to take on that many vampires at once.

Hed know, Rachel grunted. Oz isnt stupid. Hes a poor general, but hes not stupid. Iknow nobody here is all that close to him, but itll stil l look like a betrayal if we undercut him

like that.

So youre sayin we cant leave? Akilah questioned.

Im not saying that, Rachel answered her. Im just trying to figure out what we shoulddo.

If we leave, Billy offered, we should go back home, back to our own lives.

Mikeys right, though, Akilah spoke up. That is too weak. Sounds too much likechickening out.

If thats the best reason we have to go, and its not good enough, then it sounds like

were staying, Michael assessed. If were gonna stay, how can we tell Oz that we dont like hisplan?

Suck it up and agree to it? Akilah offered.


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Agree to it and do what we want, Rachel corrected her. Tell Oz sure, then formulate

some kind of battle plan amongst ourselves that make more sense and uses our strengths to their

best advantage.

Four against an army? Michael wondered. Thats gonna have to be a hell of a plan.

Its not really four against an army, Billy told him. Therell be lots of other blokes on

our side. We wont even stand out. He smiled. Hell, Ill probably blend right in on the otherside.

Rachel peered at him through narrowed eyes.

What? he growled, staring back at her.

How about playing spy, Billy? she asked him.

Spy? he echoed. Hows that?

You can get in and out of their camp, wherever it is, Michael realized, understanding

where Rachel was headed. Hell, if you find it early, we might even be able to take the attack to

them.

Oz wouldnt go for it, Akilah maintained.

Even if he doesnt, Rachel admitted, we still have a great source of inside information

on the vamps. She shook her head. I cant believe we didnt think of it sooner.Billy held up his hands. Lets run this plan by the eggheads, okay? he said. They

might know something about the King you lot dont. In fact, Id bet on it.

Like what? Akilah inquired. Like he can sense souls or something?

We can all sense slayers, Billy disclosed. Its not impossible he might notice Im just

a bit out of the ordinary.

Youre not afraid, are you? Akilah teased him.

Not afraid. Smart. I wanna know what Im gettin into. He sat up a little. Isnt that the

whole point of this little meetin?

*Burbank

I have a meeting with most of the werewolf leaders later in theafternoon, Oz disclosed.

Itd be nice to tell them what weve decided on.

The extended group of them had assembled in Oz and Willows large den. It was a littlepast one, and everyone had finished with lunch and now sat comfortably on various chairs or on

the floor, resting on thick off-white carpeting.

I think the consensus is that your plan, however well intentioned, is a little toocomplicated for most of us to follow, Oz, Wesley pointed out. We all want to work together on

this as a team, pool our resources and all of that. But your plan seems so inordinately intricate

that most of us are having a hard time digesting its complexity. The wolves will get it, Oz responded.

Jordi shook his head. I dont know if they will. Even the wolves would have a hard time

following that.

Oz frowned at his cousin. It makes sense. Its how a wolf thinks. Attack, jump back,

attack... Oz gestured to the map that hung on the wall, suspended by two clothespins andbearing a mass of criss-crossing lines. We take advantage of the terrain and slowly draw them

toward the sea.


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Why? Riley asked. Once you get them out on the beach, they can mass in greater

numbers, which the rest of the plan seems bent on avoiding. It looks like most of your defense isset up on splintering the vampire army up into little pieces we can take on a bit at a time, but if

they get to the beach --

The water will be blessed ahead of time, Oz assured them. By the time they get to the

beach, theyll be angry, annoyed that the big confrontation theyre looking for hasnt happenedyet. Theyll come at us, and all we have to do is retreat into the water. If they come in, try and

follow us... He shrugged. Lotta pain on their end.

Theyll think of that possibility, Sam Zabuto spokeup. Vampires avoid open water if

they can.

Hes right on that, Billy added.

Then theyll be stuck on the beach, Willow said. And they cant stay there forever,

because the sun will be up in a few hours.

Thats a long time to be stuck in the water in January, yall, Laura mentioned.

Better than the alternative, Amy spoke.

Buffy gestured to the map. Where do you want me and Laura in all of that, Oz? she

inquired.Oz stood and pointed at the map, stepping over Beletseri and Irnini to reach the large

sheet of paper. I want you guys on the beach. Actually, I want most of you here on the beach.

By the time they reach there, theyll be aggravated, like I said, but theyll be disorganized and alittle tired. Then you guys, and some wolves I hold in reserve, can hit them hard. If were lucky,

and I dont think well be this lucky, you guys might even get the King before the vampires can

regroup. But at the very least youll be a surprise, and youll throw them off. He shrugged.Depending on how well we do before that, we might be able to regroup and attack them full

force on the beach.

Youre throwing all your eggs in the slayer basket? Jordi wondered. Youre willing to

throw away wolf lives just so the slayers have a shot at the King?

Oz nodded. Yup.

Jordi shook his head and swore under his breath; Cordelia looked up at him from her

perch on the floor but said nothing.

Waylands prophecies talk about the champion of the light being one who... Shelleypaused to glance at her notes. One who whose strength gathers in the long light, she finished.

Since you guys draw your power from the moon, its a safe bet that youre not--

Wesley removed his glasses. Thats not how that is translated, he corrected Shelley,looking over her shoulder. Thats not quite right.

You sure? Pike questioned the Englishman. We went over it a bunch of times,

checked it against a lot of translation guides.

Wesley traced his finger along Shelleys notes, skipping upward to where the originaltext had been copied. Hes talking about the soshyans, the savior who will close the gates of

Hell and trap the daevas inside.

Whats that got to do with anything? Jordi growled.

Wesley replaced his glasses; Buffy blinked at how much Wesley reminded her of Giles.

You asked why the werewolves should play second fiddle, as it were, to the slayers. Well, Jordi,the answer is simple. The prophecy says that the champion of light, the soshyans, will be the one

whose strength is gathered in the time of long brightness.

What the hell does that mean? Xander wondered.


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Long brightness, Billy repeated. Daytime. Not night. Not wolf-time.

Or vampire-time, Jordi shot back.

I dont think he meant daytime by long brightness, Wesley clarified. Thats not the

way he refers to daylight in the rest of his work.

Time of long brightness, Willow murmured. She looked over at Wesley. Long days,

maybe?Summertime, Pike supplied.

Wesley turned to look at Buffy. The champion of light will be the one whose strength is

gathered in Summers, he spoke.

Buffy sighed. Yeah, Im the big heebie-jeebie chosen one. I get it. Isnt that obvious?

And thats why we put the wolves up front and let the slayers stay in the back, Oz told

Jordi. Because were the distraction, and theyre the main show. He exhaled. How many

times do we have to have this speech? I thought everyone was on board with this.

The wolves arent on board with this, Jordi said. Or they shouldnt be.

No, Amy corrected him, youarent,Jordi. Nobody else has a problem with this.

Maybe you should, Jordi snapped at her, moving toward the door. Hes supposed to

be the king alpha werewolf. How come its so easy for him to step aside when its big playtime? He shook his head. I dontget it, Oz. Nothings clearer than the fact that this is the time

of the wolves. This guy needs to kill slayers to win, right? Then why the hell are they even gonnabe there? Why not let us take it to the vamps, in a battle where he cantkill a slayer and turn

invulnerable. He opened the door. I dont care what prophecy says. Thats the past, and youre

all too caught up in all of that to look at the future. The future is the wolves, scattering the

vampires across the planet, until there arent any more. He looked at Oz. You think PayneHollis gave us these powers so we could step aside and let the slayers do our job for us?

Jordi-- Willow began, but the young man exited the room, slamming the door behind

him.

Ill go after him, Amy offered.

Ill go with you, Cordelia said.

Amy glared at the older woman.

Hey. I may not feel about him the way you do, but that doesnt mean I want him to go

off and do something stupid.

Amy exhaled through clenched teeth. All right. Come on, lets go.

*Wesley eased himself down into the chair, wincing slightly as his leg twitched when he

sat. Willow handed him his tea -- on a saucer -- and sat down on the end chair opposite his.

Books and flattops lay stacked on the long coffee table; Sam, Pike, and Shelley shared the couch.

Riley and Laura sat cross-legged on the floor. So, you guys all wanted to see me why? Willow

wondered, sipping on her own tea.

We have discovered a few items that, despite our best efforts, we cannot identify withabsolute certainty, Wesley disclosed. We thought perhaps someone of your abilities -- both

intellectual and magical -- might be able to help us.

Willow shrugged, setting down her teacup. Its worth a try, she offered, glancing at herwatch. What have you got?


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Wesley withdrew the three glass jars that Xander had originally received from Geoff

Kerwin. We know one of them is Mohra demon blood, he told her.

Willow leaned closer. Theyve been aging it?

Wesley glanced at Pike and Shelley, who raised their shoulders.

If they have, Willow continued, itll be even more potent. One drop of that should

heal a pretty nasty wound. She peered at the jar. Thats a lot of blood gathered there.We assume someone was diligent, Wesley relayed. The other one we have id entified

as the ashes of the first Japanese slayer. We havent figured out the significance of this yet.

Ancestor worship, Willow responded. I did a paper on it in college. Most of the

greater Asian cultures indulge in some sort of ancestor worship. Willow indicated the jar.

Though she didnt have any children, Im guessing, whoever preserved her ashes probably felt

they contained some power that could help a future slayer.

Wesley restrained the urge to slap himself on the forehead. Ancestor worship! Of

course! I should have seen that.

Willow sipped on her tea. Its not like its obvious. And anyway, I still dont know what,

if anything, we could do with a moldy old jar of ashes.

Wesley nodded and pushed the third jar, filled with a clear liquid, forward. The bestweve been able to translate this one as is He looked over at Shelley. Im sorry, Shelley,

what was it you said?

Fire of Heaven, Shelley supplied as Willow inspected the jar.

Mehktlar, Willow murmured. The bindings at the top of the jar unwrapped themselves

neatly, and the lid spun itself off slowly. Laura gaped as the top floated off into Willows freehand. The witch snipped at the clear liquid, then dabbed a pinky into it, barely touching the

surface, and withdrew the digit. She licked carefully at the drop on her nail. Its water, she

pronounced. Some kind of holy water, is my guess.

Fire of heaven? Pike wondered. Weird name for holy water.

Not if its from Mount Fuji, Willow provided. She arched an eyebrow. Am I the onlyperson who studied Japanese history in this whole group?

Pike and Shelley shifted in their seats. Riley and Laura glanced at one another. Sam

spoke, We havent exactly had the time for esoteric research in the last few years -- you know,

since someone trashed the Council.

Willow nodded sympathetically. I know, I heard about it. And I know what youre

feeling. I went through the same thing with the Pratt witch hunts. Trust me, I had my rough times

too. She sighed. But anyway, this could be water distilled from snow at the top of Mount Fuji

and purified by priests in a really long ritual. I dont remember the name of the ritual exactly, but

bathing in this stuff -- or even anointing yourself with it -- is supposed to center the spirit,

something like that.

Courage in a bottle, Riley said.

Not the usual kind, Willow smiled at his joke. But if Im right, yeah, thats what this

is, essentially. She gazed at Wesley. What else do you have?

Sam gestured to Laura. Show her.

Laura held up her hands, displaying the two silver rings inlaid with rubies.

Theyre pretty, Willow remarked.

Theyre called the Eyes of the Dragon, Sam provided. They protect the wearer fromheat, and fire, from the legend. They only work on a slayer.

And they keep you warm, Laura added.


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Willow stared at the rings for a moment. Somebody went to a lot of trouble to gather

this stuff together. She pointed at the rings. Those are a much later period than any of thosejars. Somebody went to a lot of effort here.

Thats not all, Riley piped up. Xander has this sword -- he wont give it to us -- with a

red blade. Its some kind of blessed weapon, whenever it cuts vampires, they disintegrate.

Its called the Red Dragon, Wesley informed her. Its about four hundred years old orso, maybe a little older. Its been written of extensively in Watcher lore. He adjusted his glasses.

Frankly, I thought it was a myth, myself, but someone figured out a way to craft such a blade. I

havent seen it inaction, but the others have, and they swear by it.

Its really neat, actually, Laura offered. He just has to cut them, and poof, they burnup. Its just like holy water.

Anything else? Willow wondered.

Pike nodded. Now that you mention it, yes. We do have two more items we were hoping

you could help with, because we cant find much about them anywhere. He placed the pendantwith the odd character on it and the ball carved with crosses on the table. Ever heard of these?

Willow examined the reddish-gold ball. Never heard of this, she admitted, setting it

back down.We believe its called an Orb of Order, Wesley relayed. But other than that, we

havent been able to figure out what it does or how to activate it, or anything of the sort.Willow shrugged. Ive never stumbled across any Orb of Order in my research, Willow

admitted. But Ill ask Liz. Shes got a hobby about religious artifacts that actually have magical

powers. She smiled. Guess that comes from being raised a Catholic.Willow picked up the obviously aged bronze pendant, holding it close to her, eyes slitted

as she stared at it. If this is what I think it is She stood up, taking the pendant with her, and

moved to a shelf covered with books. She ran her hands along the leather spines until she came

to one toward the middle of the shelf about halfway down the case. Here it is, she informed

them, opening the book and spotting the necklace within. Its a soul cage.

A what? Wesley inquired.

Its a soul cage, Willow repeated. She read aloud from the book. If the bearer is on

the verge of death, or about to be killed in a sudden or violent manner, if they are wearing this

pendant, they can command their soul to be gathered into it and not lost for all eternity. Willow

frowned. What do you do with it then?

Im sure the Romany would know, Wesley remarked.

Willow closed the book. Of course! You restore it!

In another body? Laura asked. Wouldnt that drive out the soul that was already in

there?

Not if you put it in a body that didnt have a soul, Shelley pointed out.

A vampire, Riley realized. You could put whoevers soul is in here in a vampire. Ifthere was a soul in there, I mean.

There is, Willow told them. See that character? Thats a name. If there was nobody in

there, itd be blank. Smooth.

Sam held out his hand, gesturing; Willow handed him the pendant for his examination.

Wonder whos inside this thing? he mused.

*


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Hey! Amy called out, chasing after Jordi. The afternoon had grown colder as the sun

had begun to slide down the western sky, and while they had a few hours of daylight left, Amy

wished shed donned her coat before stomping out after Jordi. Cordelia jogged at her side.

Jordi! Cordelia called out.

Up ahead, he stopped, standing near his car. He turned to face them but said nothing.

The two women caught up to him quickly. What the hell you think youre doin? Amychallenged him.

Ive had enough of that crap, Jordi growled. Oz lost his balls somewhere. I love th e

guy, but hes gonna lead us to another giant defeat. He doesnt know what the hell to do, so hes

trying to confuse everybody.

Thats not true, Amy argued. Hes just trying to save lives.

Nobody ever won a battle by trying not to lose, Jordi snarled at her. Look, Im not having this

conversation. Im not asking anyone to follow me, but I am leaving.

To go where? Cordelia wondered.

Jordi looked at her. Someplace I can make my own decisions. Somewhere I wont have

to hide behind Ozs tail andhope the vampires mess up. He turned his attention to Amy. You

heard all of them in there. Buffys the big hope. Buffys the big savior. He shook his head.They wont miss one little werewolf in all that.

We will, Amy countered.

Youll get over it, he spat.

Dont do this, Jordi, Cordelia urged him.

He unlocked the door of his Alpine.

Jordi, Amy spoke softly, you leave now and no ones gonna come looking for you.The battles too close, we got too much other shit to worry about. Oz cant spare anybody, and

he sure cant spare himself again. She reached out a hand toward him. Think about this, Jordi.

You leave this time, youre gonna be on your own. Nothin any of us can do to help you after

this.

Ill take my chances, he told them, opening the door.

Dont be stupid! Cordelia raised her voice. Look, Jordi, no one has ever been more

jealous of Buffy than me -- ever! Nobody has had their life more screwed up by her than me. I

cant stand her, you know. I really cant. She took a step toward him. But when your ass is onthe line, and all the creepoids of the universe are after you, there is just nobody better to have on

your side than Buffy Summers. She kicks ass like you wouldnt believe. Shes killed monstersand demons and things you cant even imagine. She folded her arms. Nobody is less happyshes come back from wherever she went than me, believe me. But even Im not a big enough

jerk to refuse her help. If were gonna make it through this, its because of her. So swallow alittle of that damned wolf pride and get back in the house and lets do this Ozs way. Because

maybe if we do, well all get to live to see another day.

Jordi took a deep breath and let it go. Nice try, Cordy, he admitted. You should have

made that speech this morning, gave me a better reason not to leave. He slipped into the car.

Jordi! Amy called out. Dont go!

He started the car and took off.

Dammit, Amy swore.

Cordelia turned to her. We tried.

Amy looked up at her. Thats it? Youre gonna let him go just like that? With a we

tried?


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Amy, Cordelia spoke, we cant force him to see sense. We can shout at him until

were blue in the face and it wont make anydifference. Jordis gotta follow his own path rightnow. It might be a stupid path and its probably gonna get him killed, but we cant shake himfrom it. If we force him to come back -- and Im not sure we could -- hell just resent us for it.

Amy sighed. I know. But I dont want him to die.

Cordelia nodded in sympathy. Neither do I.You dont love him, Amy accused her.

Cordelia shook her head. I dont. And you shouldnt either, if you knew what was good

for yourself.

Amy hung her head. I cant help it. I still love the guy. And I dont want to see him gethurt.

Cordelia appraised her. So go after him.

Amy gazed up at Cordelia. Hmm?

Go after him! Cordelia repeated.

I thought you just said --

Never mind what I just said, Cordelia ordered her. You love him, you go get him.

Listen, Amy, I made a mistake a long time ago -- I let a good guy get away and I ended up withsomeone safe, someone easy, someone totally wrong for me. Dont do what I did. Dont wait for

him to come to you. Go after him -- even if it makes him mad. If you really love Jordi, dont let

him run off alone.

Amy hesitated for a moment.

What, are you deaf? Cordelia hollered. Go!Amy took off, heading for her own car.

Cordelia watched until she pulled away, and then moved back toward Willows house.

Im involved in all of this why? she asked herself as she stepped back inside.

*Thanks for coming, Oz spoke, raising his voice slightly so that they all could hear him

clearly. I really appreciate it.

Nine people sat comfortably in the Osborne cellar. Oz didnt know any of them

personally; the only contact he had ever had with them was through a pair of eyephones. But

they had come, and brought their followers with them; that had been the first step.

I guess you all know why were here, Oz addressed them. You all know whathappened in Denver last week. You know how many of us were killed. And you know its only

going to happen again and again until we put a stop to it.

Like yall did in Boston? a burly man with a thick southern accent drawled. Hescratched at his long sideburns. No offense, genral, but that wasnt exactly inspirin.

I know, Oz admitted. I miscalculated and a lot of people died. He looked around at

those assembled. But if we do nothing, everyone dies anyway. Im not happy that everyone diedthere,but at least I learned a lesson.

Not enough of one, a woman spoke. She wore her dark hair short, spiky. She reminded

Oz briefly of his cousin Moira. Josh Logan lost his life shortly after he met with you. Now Im

in charge of his tribe. She glared at Oz with dark eyes. We want revenge, and we wanna stopthe vampires. But we have reservations.


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We all do, a tall man of Amerindian descent spoke. We know youre the alpha, and

we all know you mean well. But lately there has been talk. Talk that you dont know what youre

doing. That you are overmatched by the King were supposed to fight. He folded his arms. Weknow you were at ground zero the night the spell was thrown. We can sense that. But we need

somethin more than your word that this is all gonna be okay.

Oz set his flattop down on the floor and stood up, glancing around at them. You knowwhat we are, right? he queried. Were accidents. Mistakes. Beta versions. He set his hands on

his hips. The powers we serve -- or we say we serve, anyway -- screwed up when they made us.

I used to think for a long time that it was our duty to clean up the vampire mess. But it isnt. And

thats why weve been losing this war, thats why the King has been winning. We are supposedto fight vampires, sure. You all know that, and you all feel it. But we arent the ones who can

win this. Thats not our job, and we have to stop thinking that it is. Thats why weve been

getting killed. He exhaled. And nobody seems to understand that.

I understand it, a young bald man piped up. He lowered his purple eyephones. Sowhats the sitch? We bail, or what?

Murmurs of no way and never cluttered the room.

No, we dont bail, Oz answered him. We fight. But we dont fight to kill this guy,because thats not our fate. We fight to trap him. We fight to lead him into a little box he cant

get out of. And then, we hand him over to the slayer.

The slayer? the burly southerner echoed. Slayers a fairy tale story.

Not this one, Oz corrected him. Shes real. Ive known her for years. And shes got

the goods to beat the King. He gestured to them. We just have to stop thinking its our jobs to

lead. I know, thats a tough sell. Were wolves; we dont take orders from anyone except one ofour own. But thats exactly why we havent gotten anything done in the war -- too many

individuals and not enough teamwork. He shook his head. We have to know our roles here,

and we have to play them.

Whats your plan? the Amerindian wondered.

Oz tapped on his flattop. Set up a bunch of collapsing barriers, he informed them.

Lure vampires in. Kill a few, then double back. When they try to follow us, they run into a fresh

bunch of wolves. He glanced at them. Keep all the battles small. In smaller numbers, we have

the advantage. One on one, they cant beat us. So make the battle a bunch of skirmishes, the typeof fight where we have the edge. And keep retreating, pulling back; dont stand up to them. Until

--

The beach, the spiky-haired woman snapped. The water. Blessed?

Oz shook his head. They cant follow us there.

Well be trapped, the bald man spoke.

Oz nodded. True. But only until sunrise. And by then, itll all be over. The slayer will bewaiting on the beach. The King will come after us, his vampires will follow us back to the water.

And the slayer will catch him off guard and kill him. Thatll confuse the vampires, disorient

them. Itll turn it into a free-for-all, and --

And well kick ass in a free-for-all, the southerner confirmed.

We sure as hell will, the spiky-haired woman agreed.

Oz looked around at them, paying more attention to the quiet half of the room. So, he

spoke, are we all on board with this?

Full moons not for another six days, one of the silent ones pointed out.And we aint

all alphas.


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I have a plan for that, Oz responded. Dont worry.

Any chance we can meet this slayer? the southerner asked. Im gonna lay my ass onthe line, tell all the Bayou Boys they gotta follow me, I at least wanna meet this gir ly whosgonna kill that sumbitch.

Oz grinned at him. I think that can be arranged.

* * *

buffy: king of the dark chapter 10

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