Chapter Nine

August 6th, 1998 Boca Del Infierno (Sunnydale)

This is she, Joyce said into the telephone. A pause, then, Oh, hello Melanie. How are you? What can I do for you? Joyce asked. I know Rupert pretty well, she answered Melanies question. Why do you ask? Joyce smiled at Melanies response. No, no, were just friends, Melanie. I dont know, Joyce answered the next question. He just lost someone recently, so Im not sure if hes... Joyce stopped. No, no. Certainly Ill ask him. No harm in that. All right, Joyce told her. Talk to you soon. Joyce nearly hung up the phone when Melanie told her one last item. Oh, you will? Joyce asked. Oh good! Ill see you tonight, then. Bye. Joyce put the phone down and smiled. Melanie is interested in Rupert. How charming. Though she is a little flamboyant for him, I think. But it would be good for him, after Ms. Calendar, and-The front door almost blew off its hinges. Mom! Mom! Fear knifed through Joyce at the urgency in her daughters voice. Buffy? she called out as she headed for the living room. Mom! Buffy said as they almost collided where the living room blended into the dining room. Buffy, are you all right? Joyce asked, stopping short as she saw Giles, Willow, Xander, Cordelia, and Oz, all apparently poised for action in the living room. Mom, Buffy repeated again. Youre okay. Was there some reason to think I wouldnt be? Joyce asked. Well... not exactly, Buffy said, sheepishly. Joyce looked at the gang, who had all relaxed considerably. What is going on, Buffy? Buffy replied, Mom, you could be in a lot of danger. Joyce folded her arms. From what? That guy with the shock-broom thing is a vampire, Mom. A really nasty one. Or the servant of a really nasty one, Willow piped up. Buffy nodded. Either way, this guy is not roll out the red carpet material. Raymond Stark? Joyce asked. What makes you say that? He has that thing, that disk thing, and we know vampires were the last to be seen with it. Buffy took a step toward her mother. I think you oughtta stay close to us until we can deal with this guy. Joyce shook her head. What? Mom, this guy is serious bad news. A lot worse than Ted. Joyce blinked. Buffy, this man is harmless. A little overworked, maybe, but that hardly qualifies him as dangerous. She looked up at Giles. I dont understand. Shes right, Joyce, Giles said. Raymond Stark is the servant of an ancient and terrible vampire known as the First One. He-- Giles, the short form, Buffy interrupted.
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Yes, of course, Giles said. The First One has come to Sunnydale, we dont know why, Raymond and Melanie are his servants, we dont know what they are up to, terrible peril, youre not safe dealing with them. The entire gang blinked. That was really good, Cordelia said. Can you do that all the time and you just dont? Xander asked him. Giles silenced them with a stare. Joyce looked at Giles. Youre absolutely certain? He nodded. If thats the case, Joyce said, why did Melanie ask me to ask you out on a date? A date? Giles asked. G-man, scoring with the babes, Xander said. Xander, shes a vampire, Willow frowned. Buffy dated a vampire, Xander argued. Its doable. Xander! Willow scolded him. In theory, he finished quietly. They must want you for something, Buffy spoke. Giles nodded. This isnt really a good sign. What are you talking about? Joyce asked. Mom, Melanie is a vampire. They dont ask us out on dates. They feed on us. Joyce frowned. Its some sort of trap? she wondered. Bingo, Oz said. So what do we do? Willow asked. We say no, Giles said. Cordelia spoke, What if you wanted to turn it around on them? What do you mean? Giles replied. Well, this she-demon wants you for something, right? I mean, besides the usual reason for a date, Cordelia speculated. Apparently, Giles agreed. So, go and find out what she wants. That would be called walking into the trap, Cordy, Xander said. Not if we knew it was a trap, Cordelia rejoined. Giles glanced at Buffy and raised an eyebrow. Buffy nodded. It could work. I dont know, Willow spoke. It sounds dangerous to me. Joyce looked back and forth. Im not convinced shes a vampire. Mom, trust me on this one, Buffy told her. But Buffy, I-- Mom? Buffy interrupted. Joyce nodded. Do me a favor? Take this one on faith? For me? Buffy, I just think-- Please, Buffy urged. Okay, Buffy, for you. Joyce closed her eyes. Oh no. What? Im supposed to meet her tonight at the gallery. Buffy smiled. Perfect. Now it can be a blind date. A blind date? Willow asked. Yep, Buffy said. Vamp lady shows up; we blind-side her.

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Joyce sat at her desk, too preoccupied by the events about to unfold to do anything more than pretend to get work done Im still not completely sure about this talk of Melanie being a vampire, she thought, but its harmless enough to let them test her by looking at her in a mirror. Joyce frowned. If I looked like Melanie Stark, looking at myself in a mirror would not be a problem. In the main gallery, Cordelia and Xander posed as suitably trendy yuppies. Cordelia absolutely looked the part; hair pulled back, subtle and expensive jewelry, and her blazer all but whispered money. Xander, on the other hand, while he wore his only suit, looked far too young to pass for a wealthy anything. But Buffy had insisted they all be there, that they all join in on the undercover operation. Giles milled about the gallery, studying the objects for sale with a genuine interest. Whatever else Stark is, hes a man-- a vampire-- of excellent taste. All of the ancient objects had been kept in shockingly good condition, and Giles wondered how authentic the claims of age could be on these items. Sumerian kingship helmet from 1200 B.C.E.? Its not even tarnished. He shook his head. Oz, clad in a dirty jumpsuit, sat in the corner with an open toolbox at his side. He had an electrical socket plate removed and very carefully did nothing, making sure that he didnt touch anything electronically sensitive while looking like he did. Occasionally he would glance up at Willow, who stood near a long dagger. She held a drawing pad and a paper with some tentative lines sketched on the page; but Joyce had drawn them. Willow had protested at the assignment, insisting that she couldnt draw. But Giles had reasoned that she probably wouldnt have to do any actual drawing, and that no one needed to know about her relative lack of skill. Buffy hid near the emergency exit in the rear of the gallery, in the store room. Though she didnt care to be so far away from the action, Giles had argued that a vampire as crafty as Melanie would more than likely recognize a Slayer, even if she didnt recognize Buffy Summers. Buffy had debated Giles logic, but Giles had assured her that she wouldnt be far away, and that the four of them had tackled a few vampires earlier in the summer, and that Xander could stall Melanie until Buffy could come to the rescue, should that be necessary. Buffy had pouted, but she had agreed to remain out of sight. The front door opened, and Melanie Stark walked in. Ruput! she exclaimed. What uh pleasant suhprise! Hello, Melanie, Giles said as she came over to him. In her heels, Melanie had a slight height advatage on him. Ahm happy to see you. Actually, Ah had tah ask you a question. Giles gave her a smile. Yes? Melanie was interrupted as Joyce came out of the office. Hah Joyce! Melanie said She is so fake, Cordelia hissed under her breath. That accent is so bogus. She continued looking at the armor in front of her. Xander. He said nothing. Xander, she murmured. Silence. Cordelia looked up to see Xander openly gawking at Melanie. Hello, Cordelia said, tugging on his arm.

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Xander turned around to face her. That can not be a vampire, he said. What? No way, he said. Nothing that gorgeous could be evil. Cordelia tilted her head. Shes all right, I suppose, she said. All right? Xander asked, glancing back at Melanie. Shes a whole lot more than all right. She-- Cordelia dug her nails into the back of Xanders hand. Ow, he said, whirling around to face her. Could you at least save the salivating for when Im not here? Cordelia growled. Xander rubbed his hand. Ow, he said again. Youll live, Cordelia said. Willow glanced over at Oz, who had abandoned his attempts to avoid electrocuting himself to gaze at Melanie. Willow followed his gaze and examined the vampire. A mass of black hair topped off Melanies tall, slim physique; perfect cheekbones framed very red lips and piercing blue eyes. A jolt of fear stabbed through Willow as she recognized Melanies face. Oz, she whispered, but he sat too far away to hear her. Oz! He was too enraptured to respond. Ah was just tellin Ruput about that, Melanie said. Mah Uncle Raymond is very pleased with how well awla his stuff is sellin that he was thinkin about bringin some moah in. If thats awl raht, Joyce. Joyce smiled. The collection has done very well. Id be very interested in carrying anything else Raymond might have, she said. Yes, Giles said. Id be interested in seeing any additional pieces as well. This is a fascinating display. Youre a bahyer? Melanie asked. Giles smiled pleasantly. Mostly just a student of antiquities, he replied. But I would be interested in any more chakrams your uncle might have. Melanies eyes bored into Giles. Would yah? Yes, Giles said. Im very interested in this one, over here. It has a very unusual design. he turned toward the chakram and pointed, only to see Willow trying to get his attention. He frowned, and Willow mouthed Its her! Whos that? Melanie asked, her eyes meeting Willows. Willows jolt of fear intensified into a current that ran through her entire body. Shes an art student, Joyce said. She practically begged me to let her have a look at all of these old pieces. You ah one lousy lahr, Joyce, Melanie said. Joyce blinked. Excuse me? Did yall think Ah was stupid? Melanie asked. Ah know damn well who that is. Buffy! Willow warbled. Melanies blue eyes blazed at Giles and Joyce. Yall brought yah lil snoop. She pushed between them and walked over toward Willow. Fear practically rooted Willow to the ground. You should have listened to me when you had the chance, Melanie said, her accent disappearing as she backhanded Willow, knocking her over. Xander leapt at Melanie; one long arm shot out and she grabbed him by the shirt and threw him past her, tossing him into one of the displays and knocking it over.

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Buffy! Oz called, taking a running leap at Melanie. She aimed a kick at him; her shoe flew off, hitting him in the face and knocking him off balance. Oz skidded to a halt on the floor. Giles hit Melanie from behind; she staggered forward, then spun around, kicking off her other shoe. I dont think so, Watcher, she said, slamming him hard in the ribs. Giles doubled over as Joyce looked on in horror. Hey! a voice called, and Melanie spun around. Youre pretty good against my buddies, Buffy said. Wanna see how good you are against me? Melanie revealed her hunting face. Slayer! she snarled. Buffy shrugged. Not as stupid as you look. You cant stop us! Melanie said. Youre already too late. I dont know who us is, Buffy said. But I bet I can stop you. Melanie leapt at Buffy; the Slayer sidestepped the attack; agile herself, Melanie slipped away from Buffy and landed on her feet. Cordelia! Buffy said. The water guns. In the office! Now! Cordelia nodded and bolted for Joyces office. Melanie took off after her. Buffy chased the vampire, but before the Slayer could catch her, Xander moved between Cordelia and Melanie. Child, Melanie said, swatting at him. Xander dodged the blow and hit her square on the chin. Talented child, Melanie said, kicking him in the groin. Xander toppled over, but Buffy hit Melanie from behind, knocking her down. The two tangled on the ground. You okay? Oz asked as he knelt over Willow. No, Willow said, holding her cheek. It really hurts. Melanie managed to throw Buffy off and rolled to her feet. Cordelia appeared in the doorway of the office carrying two water guns. Buffy! she called out. Giles! Buffy directed Cordelia as she aimed a kick at Melanie, who blocked it. Cordelia threw one super-soaker to Giles, who had recovered enough to catch the gun and aim it at Melanie. He fired, but the vampire dodged the stream of water. In doing so, she left herself open to attack from Buffy, who hit her across the face so hard that it nearly spun Melanie around. The vampire fell to the floor. Is she dead? Joyce asked. That comes next, Buffy said. Cordelia-- stake! Cordelia nodded and went back into the office. Xander got up gingerly. Jesus, that hurt, he said. Buffy, Giles said, panting from the exertion. We need information from her. Sorry, Giles, Buffy said. We get her and we get the disc thingy. Too good an opportunity to pass up. Buffy turned her head. Cordelia! Before she wakes up! Melanie lashed out with her leg, hitting Buffy in the stomach and knocking her back. The vampire jumped up and swung at Giles, who backed away, fumbling with the water gun. Melanie made a bee-line for Willow, Buffy following two paces behind her. Oz stood up, ready to protect Willow, when Melanie swerved away from him. Buffy adjusted a step late, plowing into Oz and knocking him over as she continued chasing Melanie. Oz landed next to Willow. Melanie stopped in front of the chakram, her blue eyes glowing. Stop! Giles said. Dont touch it! Melanie reached down and grasped it.

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The sickening sound of sizzling flesh filled the air as the metal disk burned her palm. Melanie howled in pain, holding up the chakram. Smoke rose from her scorched flesh; the burning skin stank. Yuck! Cordelia exclaimed from the office doorway, holding two stakes. Giles flinched involuntarily as Melanie screamed in agony. Cordelia, now! Buffy yelled. Cordelia threw Buffy a stake. Slayer to Slayer, Melanie said. Now youll get a fight, you little bitch. Think youre up for it? Buffy asked Melanie. Melanie moved with a speed equal to Buffys, smacking her with the flat side of the disk and sending Buffy flying across the room. She turned on Giles, about to strike him, when suddenly her face filled with confusion. What have you done to me? she asked, a look of revulsion overtaking her features. Giles frowned, holding the water gun high. Buffy got up and turned to face Melanie. You... Melanie stammered. You didnt... Buffy launched herself at Melanie, but the second she did so all confusion vanished. Melanie deflected the stake with the chakram and smacked Buffy in the back of the head with the disc. Buffy fell past her, hitting the floor hard. No! Melanie said, staring in horror at Buffy as her hunting face vanished. She turned to Giles. Kill me! Giles blinked. Kill me before she regains control! Giles shook his head. I dont understand... If Dahak can harness this power... she said, but before she could say anything else, Melanie revealed her hunting face. Shoot her! Joyce screamed, and Giles fired a stream of water at Melanie. She backflipped away from the holy water and took off toward the door. Xander moved to intercept her; she somersaulted over his head, landing by the front door. She threw the door open so hard that the glass panes shattered, and Melanie ran off into the darkness. Joyce ran to her daughter. Buffy! she cried out. Buffy managed to get herself in a sitting position. Ill be okay, Mom. Just a headache. Joyce helped Buffy rise. Giles, Buffy said, what just happened? His shoulders sagged as the adrenaline rush began to subside. Im not entirely certain. But I think she was able to tap the power of the chakram. But it burned her, Xander said. That was her! Willow said. That was the vampire that visited me that night! Creeperella. You can say that again, Oz added. Cordelia came over to Xander. You okay? Nothing broken, he said. Yes, it did burn her, Giles said thoughtfully. Giles, Buffy stated. Lets do the instant replay on this someplace safe, like your apartment, okay? Psycho lady there could come back with reinforcements, and this is not exactly a good time for a rematch. Giles nodded. Buffys right. Lets get moving, everyone.

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What about my gallery? Joyce asked. Giles said, I take it you have insurance? Joyce nodded. File a claim in the morning. Joyce gestured. But the other items... Giles said, Joyce, believe me, Stark does not care about these other pieces. They are entirely inconsequential to him. The chakram was the piece that mattered. What if one of the other items has some sort of magic power? Willow asked. Giles nodded. Good point. Giles turned to the group and said, Lets gather these pieces up and take them with us. Within five minutes they had left.

Oz examined the large round golden helmet, looking at his own distorted reflection in the crown. 1200 B.C., huh? he mused as his face stretched and contorted when he moved the helmet around. Looks like it was made yesterday. They knew how to work with gold back then. Willow sat down next to him and gave him a cup of tea. Thanks, he said. Oz looked at her and brushed her hair out of her face. You okay? he asked her. Willow shook her head, pointing at the purplish bruise on her cheek. This hurts worse than it looks. Geez, Oz told her. It looks pretty bad. Willow favored him with a glare. Sorry, he said. It could be worse, though. I know, Willow said. Oz pointed to his forehead. At least yours isnt shoe-shaped. Willow sipped her tea, and Oz let the silence settle between them. Cordelia worked on Xanders left shoulder, alternately massaging the shoulder blade and the top of the arm. Youre pretty good at this, Xander admitted. That comes from having jock boyfriends, she said. Theyre always getting hurt in practice or games or something. And they always want me to make it better. Xander glanced up, wincing at the twinge in his shoulder as he did so. Thanks a lot, Cordy. Nice image of you with your hands all over other guys to round out the evening, he said. Cordelia leaned over and kissed him briefly on the lips. Xander, shut up. Youre the jock boyfriend now, got it? Whats past is past. Xander shrugged, but instantly regretted it. Besides, she said, working his arm and making him grunt, you dont have to be ashamed that she beat you or anything. She beat Buffy, and Buffy can kick your-- Cordelia? Xander interrupted. Hmmm? More massage, less commentary, okay? All right, Cordelia said. She leaned over to Xander and said, Dont forget that confidence is way sexier than acting all depressed. Xander pondered her words. Mom, Buffy complained as Joyce parted her daughters hair to check on her head.

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I have to look, Joyce said. She hit you twice on the head, Buffy. Mom, Ill be okay. Joyce frowned. Thats an awfully big lump. Buffy rolled her eyes. Giles, isnt there some Watcher thing you can tell her to convince her that Ill be fine? You will be fine, Giles said without looking up from his book. See? Buffy said to Joyce. As soon as your mother is done inspecting you. Joyce flashed Giles a grateful look, though his head remained buried in the text. Giles! Buffy said, but Joyce let her go. I dont see any blood, she said. But those were two nasty hits you took. All part of the job, mom, Buffy said. Welcome to Slayer field training. Buffy, this is serious, Joyce said. No, mom, Buffy replied, pointing to her skull, this is a bump on the head. Its not serious until theres bleeding involved. Buffy, Joyce scolded her. I know you dont mean that. No, actually, she does, Giles said. Joyce shook her head. This is definitely going to take some getting used to. No it isnt, Buffy said to her mother. I beg your pardon? Joyce asked, stepping away from her daughter. All done. Buffy stood up. Mom, I think you should hide for a while. Maybe leave town. Joyce folded her arms. Why? Buffy said, Because were going to kill those two, that creepy lady and her creepy friend, and probably a lot more vampires before were done. She took a step toward Joyce. And vampires tend to take it very personally when I come after them. Some of them get really pissed off and they attack the people around me. Buffy, Im not leaving you. I just got you back. Buffy closed her eyes. I know, mom. But this guy Stark and his daughter-- Niece, Joyce corrected her. Fine, his niece, Buffy continued. They came to town and they came to you. That puts you really high up there on the target list. That, and youre my mom. I dont understand why that-- Vampires place a high value on killing the Slayer, Giles spoke up, still poring over his book. Or anyone close to her. And no one is closer to Buffy than you, Joyce. Youre on her side? Joyce asked Giles. Actually, Im on your side, Joyce. Buffys right. Stark or one of his minions will likely come after you when they realize you have helped trick them and that you are the Slayers mother. At last he looked up. We injured someone close to a very powerful vampire tonight. Buffys right-- vampires thrive on revenge. They will try to return the favor. But wouldnt I be safer with you? Joyce asked. Buffy, your job is to kill vampires-you were chosen to do that by... fate, right? And Rupert-- who could possibly know more about whats going on than you? Giles and Buffy shared a glance. Advantage, Slayers mom, Xander muttered to Cordelia. She has a point, Giles admitted. Dont change sides on me, Buffy said. Giles adjusted his glasses. I already said I was on your mothers side, so technically Im not--

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Grown-ups, Buffy said. Could one of you guys possibly overcome the generation thing and agree with me? Giles said, I make it a habit of agreeing with you as often as possible. Buffy looked at him, satisfied. When youre right. She frowned. Joyce, if you do stay, you must follow our advice, do you understand? You have to do as we suggest and follow whatever plan we make. Joyce nodded. No being like me, mom, Buffy said. Dont say yes and do whatever you feel like anyway. Joyce scowled at Buffy. Was that out loud? Buffy asked. Oops. So, Giles, Xander asked. Have you found anything yet? Smooth change of subject, Cordelia murmured to Xander. Remind me never to have you cover for me. Giles looked over at Xander and Cordelia. Actually, yes, I have found something. But not much. And Ill have to check it tomorrow at the school. He closed his eyes. After I clean the place up, that is. We can help, Willow offered, and Oz nodded in agreement. I would appreciate any assistance, Giles said. Count me in, Buffy said. Cleaning is my joy in life. Joyce smiled at her daughters sarcasm. Rupert, should I...? Joyce asked. Giles furrowed his brows. Theoretically they shouldnt be able to get at you during the day, Joyce. Besides, Giles told her, youll be busy tomorrow cleaning up a mess of your own at the gallery, I suspect. Joyce closed her eyes. Youre right. Oh, what a disaster. So whatd you find? Xander asked. Giles stared at him. Oh, right, well be there, Xander assured him. Right Cordy? Cordelia flashed her best fake smile. Sure, no problem. Giles nodded. Very well. I found out that there are no mentions of the chakram anywhere outside of Janice Covingtons journals. All other records of this weapon have been destroyed. Convenient, Willow said. They didnt want us knowing about it. Its more than that, Giles said. Janice very specifically stated that not just anyone could tap into the power of the chakram. Only Melinda Pappas seemed to be able to.... Giles stopped. Good lord, he said. Pappas, Joyce said. From my dream? Giles nodded. Giles, Willow began, you dont think that thing, that creepy woman-- you dont think thats her, do you? Thats why I need to check the library tomorrow, Giles replied. I dont want to think that, but at the moment its the only logical explanation. Melanie Stark is Melinda Pappas. So? Cordelia asked.

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So, that means that our enemies have the ability to tap into a mystical source of power that has never been fully understood. And thats a bad thing, right? Oz asked. Much badness, Willow said. Thats like if the Nazis got the Ark. Oz nodded. But they had that thing for years, Buffy argued. Why wait until now? Why here? I dont get it. Thats why I need to do more research, Giles said. So far all of what we know doesnt add up to any clear picture. Thats the point! Willow said, jumping to her feet. What? Giles asked. They like us not knowing. Theyre trying to keep us in the dark-- keep us ignorant of whatever theyre doing. Thats generally a sound tactic, Giles argued. But this is different, Willow continued. Think about it. So far they havent attacked any of us-- well, except for last night, she said, touching her bruise. But what have they done? They trashed the library. They came after me because I knew something. Because I was a snoop. I... Willows eyes lit up. Its them! she said. Will, try this again with footnotes so we can all follow, Xander said. Dont you get it? Willow asked. They were too careful! Everyone else shook their heads. Okay, Willow spoke, Creepy woman called me a snoop, right? Check, Oz said. And a month ago she said she knew I had questions, right? Gotcha, Xander agreed. So... what have I been researching that we couldnt find out anything about? The Parsis... and Zoroastrianism, Giles provided. Exactly! Willow said. You think theyre connected to the chakram? Giles asked. Theyre connected to this somehow, Willow said. I think it was Creepy and her boyfriend-- Uncle, Joyce corrected. Uncle, Willow amended, who were going around cutting off access to these people, and information about them. Because... Buffy asked. Because these Parsi people know something that the Starks dont want us finding out. Remember how Creepy got all wiggy when you said chakram, Giles? We arent supposed to know about it at all. I think youre right, Giles said. I have to be, Willow said. Theyre planning something and they dont want us finding out enough about them to be able to stop them. The question is, Buffy asked, what are they planning? Willow looked Buffy squarely in the eyes. I have no idea, she said.

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Melanie ran through the graveyard, her face a mask of pain. Blisters covered the hand that gripped the chakram, and some of the skin had peeled away. The injury had bled badly for some time, but the bleeding had slowed when she had stopped to feed on a man walking home from a convenience store by himself. Melanie had drained him of his blood and had kept running. Too far to make it back to Starks mansion, she thought as she headed toward the mausoleum. Hopefully hell have someone watching the Masters old lair, someone who can contact him. She stumbled over a fresh grave but kept running until she reached the mausoleum. Melanie slipped inside and pushed the broken gates aside. She headed down the stairway quickly, her bare feet flapping on the stone, and came to the cavern at the bottom. She smiled, baring her fangs; several lamps had been lit, casting a dim glow over the Masters former lair. Someone must be here, she realized. Hello? Melanie called out. The shadows that hung between the pools of light stirred; they began to coalesce into a being, which took on the shape of a man. Melanie, its voice said. She bowed. Master. The form solidified further, taking on the appearance of a human being. Why do you have the chakram? What happened? Sire, she said, looking up as the shadow had completed its transformation to Raymond Stark. He held out his hand. Rise, my dear. She stood. Put down the chakram, he said, and she did so, laying it on the ground. Give me your hand, he said, and she held up her arm. Lightly Stark took her hand in his, his long fingers tracing the scarred flesh, feeling the pain that she felt. She tried to enter you, didnt she? Stark asked. She succeeded, for a moment, Melanie said. She asked them to kill me. He closed his hand around hers, and Melanie stiffened in pain; but she sighed as she felt his power seep into her hand, as the darkness repaired her undead flesh, restoring it and making it whole. You resisted her? Stark asked. She was surprised that I was a vampire, Melanie said. I dont think Id be able to resist her again. Stark nodded, and he pointed at the chakram. Ill get someone to have that moved. You are not to touch it, do you understand? Never again. I dont want to lose you, my Melanie. He leaned forward and kissed her, tilting her head backward. They parted; Melanie felt almost faint from such close contact with the power that Stark commanded. Why not just destroy the chakram? she asked. Vampires were better off when it was lost in that tomb. Our enemies tried to hide it. They broke it and tried to bury it. Only after we had done all the work of finding it, and repairing it, did they come after it again. He scowled, his yellow eyes gazing far away. Many vampires died so that we could possess that artifact. It is too dear to let go of now. But if its that dangerous-- Melanie began. They dont want us to have it. That is reason enough to hold on to it. Stark shook his head. We have been this close to our goal a handful of times in history since that first great effort. He looked at the chakram. We must remind ourselves that no matter how careful we

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are, there is always someone plotting against us. That we are not the only ones who are vigilant. That the forces of the flame do not rest either. Melanie looked up at him. You loved her, didnt you? she asked. Thats the real reason why you cant bear to see it destroyed. Stark smiled. I love few, Melanie. I havent loved anyone in over eight hundred years. And I certainly did not love the destroyer of our hope. Melanie challenged him. You loved her friend, then. Dahaks first bride. The bard. Stark shook his head. That one would have been easy to love; she was certainly easy to mislead. But she was for Dahak, not for me. He kissed Melanies forehead. You are for me. He gestured at the chakram. And when Dahak comes into the world, he will feast upon her spirit and shell know fear for all eternity. Stark took Melanies hand. We are nearly ready, he said. Once we have our bride, and we have destroyed our last remaining ancient enemy, no one will stand in the way. Except Melanie said, trailing off. Stark raised an eyebrow. Yes? The Slayer. She has returned to the Hellmouth. Shes here. Are you sure? Im positive, Melanie replied. She tried to stop me along with Giles and their henchmen. Stark frowned. She is a complication, my dear, nothing more. No Slayer has even been able to stop me. He cast a significant glance at the chakram. Ever. Stark slid an arm around Melanie and pulled her close. I have summoned others, he said. We will return the chakram to the mansion, and get some rest. And then? she asked him. Then we prepare for the arrival of his bride, the one who will bring him into this world.

Xander, Cordelia said softly as he nibbled on her neck. He continued his gentle biting; apparently he hadnt heard her. Xander, she said more insistently as he moved his lips up, kissing her along her jawline and her chin. Xander, I dont think we should-- He kissed her on the mouth, silencing her, his tongue pressing against hers. Xander slid his hands up to her shoulders and pulled her body to his; her hands slid from his chest around his ribs as she held him, her nails scraping across his back. They came up for air, both breathing heavily, and Xander asked, Did you say something? Im just worried we shouldnt be out here, she said, kissing him again. Come again? he asked, kissing her back. Its just that, she started, kissing him, didnt they say the vampires, continuing the kiss, would be out, and again, tonight? Yeah, Xander murmured, but it sounded more like a grunt. Well, Cordelia asked, kissing him deeply, shouldnt we be, more kissing, inside? Xander pulled back a second. I guess, he said. You guess? she asked. Its dangerous out here. Youre worth the risk, he said, his lips meeting hers. Mmmmm, Cordelia thought. Hes learning...

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Xander, she said when they stopped. Theres that whole revenge thing Buffy was talking about, where the really angry vampires come after us? Yeah, he said. Cordelia raised her eyebrows. Well? Xander backed away a little. Youre serious, he said. Duh, she said. Yes, Im serious. I dont want to die at the hands of some pissed off vampire just because Im a victim of raging hormones. Youre so romantic, Cordy, he said. She frowned at him. Romance can take a back seat to staying alive, she said. Xander nodded. Hard to argue with that one. He adjusted his shirt. Okay, Cordy, better take me home. She kissed him again. Im not happy about it either, she said, her eyes meeting his. Cordelia started the car as she took Xander in, smiling at the way he gawked at her. Then the hand broke through the drivers side window, showering Cordelia with safety glass. She screamed as the hand grabbed her hair. Cordy, go! Xander said as he leaned over and grabbed the things hand. Cold, dead. Great, a vampire! Cordelia threw the car in reverse and hit the gas; the vampire held on, yanking her head toward the window. Owwwww! she screeched. Xander leaned over and bit the vampires hand, the cool flesh filling his mouth. When he released his bite, the vampire yanked its hand away. How do you like it? Xander asked the vampire as Cordelia accelerated in reverse. Look out! Xander said as she plowed into a second vampire, knocking him over. Hes the one who should be looking out, Cordelia said as she shifted into forward and slammed the gas pedal to the floor. The Corvettes engine roared, and the car shot toward the parking lot exit. Another vampire moved to cut them off, but Cordelia ran him down; his body flipping up over the top of the car and landing behind them. Go! Go! Xander said as Cordelia peeled out of the parking lot and took off down the street. She blew past the stop sign at the end of the block and kept driving, running on adrenaline, her hands gripping the wheel and her eyes wide and unblinking. After a few minutes of careening down side streets, Cordelia came to a screeching halt at a red light. I think we lost them, he told her. There might be more, Cordelia said, staring up at the light. Xander looked around. I dont see any, he said. Still, we gotta get off the streets. I hear that, Cordelia said, stepping on the gas as the light changed and speeding away. After several blocks blurred by, Xander asked her, Cordelia, where are we going? As far away from those vampires as we can get, she answered. Um, I know Im not the answer man, Cordy, but dontcha think we oughtta head someplace safe rather than just going whatever direction the car is pointing? Im open to suggestion, she said as she rounded a corner, tires squealing in protest. Xander looked out the window. My place is closer, he said. Lets go to my house. Cordelia nodded and took the next right, then turned left on the cross street. Seven blocks down she turned on Xanders street and pulled the car into his driveway. You gonna be all right? he asked her. Why do they always grab the hair? she asked him. Isnt it enough that theyre dead, they have to try to make us look bad too? Cordelia, he said, and she turned to look at him. Are you okay?

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Do I look okay? she asked him. Xander grinned. Id say you look pretty damn good for a woman who just performed vehicular manslaughter on the undead. I didnt kill anybody, she asserted. I wish I had, though. Xander put a hand on her arm. Maybe we should go inside, where they cant get us? Cordelia nodded and turned off the car. She paused. Wait, she said. Xander raised an eyebrow. Ive never been inside your house, she told him. Its a mess, he said. But it beats driving home alone. Doubt flashed across Cordelias face, but she nodded in agreement, grabbed her purse, and followed him to the front door. My moms probably asleep, he said. Dad works nights, so the coast should be clear. Just try to be quiet. Cordelia nodded as he led her inside. He closed the door, plunging them into the darkness of his house, and he took her hand. Come on, he whispered, guiding her through the living room and up the stairs to his bedroom. He eased open the door, ushered her in, closed the door and wedged it shut with a doorstop. Watch your step, he said as he turned on the light. Cordelia had no firm mental picture of what Xanders room would look like-- she had never imagined a time when she would ever need to go there-- but it surprised her that clutter and mess had not completely overtaken the area. A pile of shirts and jeans guarded the closet, and a Playstation and its assorted accessories dominated the area near the television. But she could actually see most of the rug, and it shocked her to see that hed made his bed. Cordelia looked at the display of pictures on the night stand near his bed. He and Willow were featured in three of them, at varying ages; in front of them he had placed a copy of Buffys school portrait from last year. Cordelia was about to frown when she noticed that Xander had somehow managed to obtain a photo of her in her cheerleader outfit, and that he had put her in front of all the other photos. Hed even framed it. Its... nice, she ventured. Its a sty, Xander said. And its not a thrill to me that you had to see it this way. Its a lot neater than I thought it would be, she admitted. Xander nodded, and Cordelia let out a long sigh. Are you sure youre-- She pressed herself against him, burying her face in his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him. Dont let go of me, she said. You got it, he whispered, kissing the top of her head. Cordelia glanced up. Well sleep on top of the covers, okay? Clothes on? Sure, Cordy. Whatever you want. She closed her eyes. I am so creeped out right now, she said. I just dont want to be alone for a second. Xander held her. Two attacks in one night can do that to you. Tell me about it, Cordelia agreed. They sat down on the bed, still holding each other. You know what the worst part is? she asked Xander. Your dads gonna have a heart attack when you dont come home? She shook her head. Car window? he asked. More head shaking.

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Xander furrowed his brow. Your hair? he wondered. She shook her head once more. He raised an eyebrow. Cordelias eyes met his. I am so horny, she murmured. Failing to see a downside there, C, he whispered back. She kissed him fiercely, grabbing his hair, pulling his head back as she pressed him to the bed and slid atop him.

Joyce smiled as she closed the door to Buffys room. She didnt have any problem with me tucking her in tonight, Joyce mused. Normally that would be unthinkable. I guess there are tiny upsides to having a superhero daughter-- she gets tired from fighting bad guys and lets you care for her. Joyce entered her own bedroom and closed the door, sliding under the sheets and turning out the lights. All that time Melanie and Raymond were vampires, and they never once did anything to me, never even acted unkind in any way. So what the hell did they want with me? Why my gallery? What was the connection? Joyce rolled over, frowning at her inability to see any clear plan in the actions of the vampires. But before she could dwell on it too deeply, she had fallen asleep. In the next room, Buffy had sunk into a deep sleep, her mouth open, snoring softly. She lay motionless on the bed, only a thin sheet covering her in the warm August evening; but soon her eyes began darting back and forth beneath closed eyelids, and Buffy began to dream. Giles entered the stable behind her, dressed like a knight. He peered over her shoulder, Buffy looked up at him. Giles, not now! she said. Is everything alright? he asked, a sword still in his hand. No! Buffy answered him. Now go! He nodded and ducked out. Willow lay on the floor, her face contorted in pain. Willow, Buffy said, can you hear me? Willows eyes opened, and Buffy remembered that this was not-Willow; green eyes filled with pain stared at her. Buffy, not-Willow murmured. Help me! What? Buffy asked. What can I do? The pain, not-Willow said. The pain! Cant you give me something? Buffy shook her head. We dont have time for that, Buffy said. She looked around the stable, searching for something she could use to ease not-Willows discomfort. The dark and unfamiliar stable offered her no assistance in her search, however; Buffy reached down and grabbed not-Willows hand. Im here. Now push! I am pushing! not-Willow snarled. It hurts! I know, Buffy said. Try to get past the pain. I am trying, not-Willow responded. Agggh! Buffy noticed that a black ram watched the birthing very calmly, his alert yellow eyes following their every move. Buffy growled at him, but he ignored her. I have waited for this for three thousand years, the ram said, looking at Buffy. Nothing you can do will stop me. This is the moment I have anticipated since before your kind was brought into the world.

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Not-Willow screamed, and Buffy looked down to see a tiny head emerge from her loins. There she is! the ram said. Our hope. Get away from here! Buffy said to the ram. The dark beast laughed. I wouldnt miss this for the world. Buffy leaned over to not-Willow and said, Push a little more! Youre almost there! Im pushing! not-Willow yelled, but the babys torso slid out, and tiny legs followed. Buffy held the child as it exited the womb. She looked around and saw a blanket hanging over one of the railings in the stable. Taking care not to harm the baby, she severed the umbilical cord and carried the infant over and wrapped it in the blanket, drying it off and taking a look at it. It looked normal enough; a brief check showed Buffy that it was a girl. How is she? not-Willow asked. Buffy moved over to not-Willow and handed her the baby. Shes beautiful! not-Willow crooned, holding her close. Can I see? the ram asked, and Buffy reached down to grab her sword. Her hand felt metal and she pulled it toward her. As she raised the weapon, she saw that it was the disk... The disk Melanie had attacked her with... The very same weapon... not merely a look-alike, but the very same one... But how the hell...? The future has taken root in the present, the ram said to her. It has begun. In my time, and soon enough in yours. Buffy threw the disk at the ram; she sliced his head off, and it fell to the floor. The body stood for a second before it toppled over next to the severed head. Too late for that! the rams head spoke. You dont even have the weapon any more, Slayer. Youve lost. I will enter the world through her and demons will rule once more. Ill find a way to stop you, Buffy said. No you wont, the ram said. The first Slayer only delayed me, and you have neither her strength nor her allies. It is hopeless for you, Slayer. Your time is almost over. I dont know who you are, Buffy said, but I-- No, you dont know who I am, the rams head sneered at her. And that will be your undoing. Yours, and the worlds. The severed head began to laugh; Buffy grew more and more angry, and she retrieved the disk and sliced the head in half, silencing it. She turned to not-Willow, who looked up at her. Are you all right? Buffy asked not-Willow. Buffy, Im fine, not-Willow replied. Come look at the baby. Buffy ran a hand over not-Willows damp hair and knelt down next to her. Show me, she said. Not-Willow held up the bundle and unwrapped the baby; Buffy recoiled in horror as the baby smiled at her, its undead yellow eyes alight with glee. Im going to call her Hope, not-Willow said, because she will be the hope of all of those who have no protector, no savior. Buffy stared at not-Willow, frightened by the beatific look on her face. Then the Slayer screamed. Not just once, but again and again and again.... Buffy! Still she screamed, fear and desperation overcoming her. Buffy! Joyce said, slapping her daughter. Buffy, wake up! Buffys hazel eyes shot open, and she gazed around the room quickly. Mom? she asked.

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Im right here, honey, she said. Mom, Buffy murmured, starting to cry. Joyce pulled her daughter to her and stroked her hair. There, there, dear. You were having a nightmare. Buffy buried her face in Joyces neck. Mom, I was having the nightmare. She shuddered. Its over, Buffy. Youre safe now. No, Buffy said in a hollow voice. No ones safe now.

Bullets ricocheted off a building, spraying brick and cement shrapnel out into the street. The two gunmen ducked back behind cover, their dark eyes meeting as they shared a nod. Other fighters hunched down across the street, three of them, all wielding outdated Russian-made firearms that had so far proven ineffective. One soldier popped up and fired; his shots sounded off in the night, but he couldnt tell if he hit anything. The three of them waited, listening, but there no one returned fire. The eldest of them, a man in his forties, moved out from behind cover, his machine gun sweeping the area for targets. The other two men covered him as he dashed across the street to where his two sons lay in wait. The older man ducked underneath a beaten-up old wreck of a truck and slid to the other side. Did they get away? he asked as he made his way out from under the truck. I think so, papa, the younger brother said. We bought them enough time. Good, the father said. If they are safely away from here, then we should join them before they get too far. The two sons nodded and moved away from cover. The father whistled the signal to withdraw, and all three men headed off toward the jeep that they had hidden under a tarp earlier that day. The other two fighters from across the street joined them, and the five men climbed into the jeep as the father started it up. Going somewhere? a deep voice queried. The men turned, surprised to see the largest man any of them had ever seen. Whats your rush? the tall man asked, smiling, revealing two long fangs. Yellow eyes blazed at the five men. I already slaughtered the rest of your village-- even the women and children who thought they had escaped. One of the sons leapt out of the jeep, drawing a knife and advancing on the man. Rullah! the father cried out. No! The young man ignored his father and stabbed at the tall vampire. Huge hands grabbed his wrist, breaking it, and causing him to drop the knife. Then the vampire pulled the man close and bit his throat, drinking in his warm blood for a moment before dropping him to the ground. Ive fed well tonight, he said. Youll pay for your crimes! the father said. The big vampire laughed. I already have, many times over. Theres nothing a puny man like you could do to me. The father drew a stake and threw it at the big vampire, but he caught it and threw it back, sinking it into the mans shoulder. The father cried out in pain, and the three younger men hopped out of the jeep and formed a triangle around the big vampire.
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He laughed at them. Youre braver than you are smart, he said to them. Your village is gone, your elders have been slain, and your texts destroyed. He gestured at the father, who sat in the front seat of the jeep bleeding to death. By this time next week, there wont be a Parsi left in the whole world. Two of the men leapt at the tall vampire, who caught one and neatly swung him into the other. He snapped the neck of the man he held up, and then he leapt on the other one, who had fallen over. The man tried to resist, but the vampire proved exceptionally strong; he choked the soldier to death and turned to face the last man. The man dropped his weapon and held up his hands. I dont take prisoners, the vampire said. This is war. The Parsi kept his hands up. The vampire shrugged. Suit yourself, he said, approaching the man. As the vampire closed in, the Parsi held up a small silver cross. The vampire stepped back. Do you really think that will stop me? Monster! the man said, advancing on the vampire with the small cross. I will make you pay for what you did to my father. And your mother, and your sister, and your wife, the tall vampire teased him. One huge hand reached out and closed around the Parsis fist, wrapping his fingers around the cross. Some of it touched the vampires flesh, but only a tiny corner. I am the King, the vampire said as he closed his fist tightly, crushing the mans hand. I ruled this land before your people even existed, and I will rule it again when Dahak enters the world. We will stop him, the man said through clenched teeth and the King continued breaking his hand. Compared to him, I am nothing, the King said, and your entire village couldnt stop me. He released the mans shattered hand and smiled at him mockingly as he sank to his knees in agony. What hope do you have against the essence of darkness itself? The Parsi was in too much pain to answer. None at all, the King said, bending over and sinking his teeth into the mans neck.

Joyce swept up the last of the glass and paused to take a deep breath. The day had not yet gotten hot, and she enjoyed the fresh air, even if it wafted in through the paneless front door. She had already called a glass worker, explaining that the shop had been busted into; they would show up around four. Her insurance adjuster had promised to arrive at the same time. All in all, not so bad, she thought. The place is mostly tidied up, and its not quite eleven. She tossed the glass shards into a box and carted it to the dumpster in the back alley. Then she returned to the shop. Looking almost bearable, she said to no one. Now if only I had something to sell in here. She glanced at the phone and considered calling Buffy. Her daughter had had a terrible nightmare, awaking Joyce with her screaming. Buffy had been nearly inconsolable after that, insisting everyone was going to die. Technically shes right, Joyce admitted, but I get the feeling she wasnt talking about old age. She reached for the phone and picked it up; but she hesitated a moment and put it down again. Ive called her three times this morning. I dont want to overdo it. She finally let me in to a little bit of her life. Ive got to show her I can deal with this Slayer

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thing by not turning into super-worry Mom. Joyce shook her head. Im starting to talk like Buffy. I must be worried. Joyce stepped into her office and poured herself a second cup of coffee. She stirred in some instant creamer and a packet of Equal and sipped on the hot liquid, closing her eyes and savoring the taste. This is going to be a long day, she mused. Call all of the usual suspects to try and line up another show, talk to the adjuster, the glass guy, the security people... She shook her head. Owning your own business can be a pain in the ass when vampires come to town. A voice startled her by asking, Hello? Joyce came out of her office and into the main showroom. Can I help you? she asked. I hope, she added as she got a good look at the man who had stepped inside the door. He smiled warmly. I hope so, he asked. This is the Summers Gallery? Joyce nodded. Thats right. Would you look at those shoulders? Football. Definitely football. Maybe high school, probably college, definitely a quarterback. And look at those hands! My god, he must have a... You wouldnt happen to be the owner, would you? the tall man asked, smiling. That would be me, Joyce replied. Joyce Summers. Nice to meet you. She extended a hand, which he shook gently. His hands are so warm, Joyce thought, looking up into his blue eyes. Jason Corveer, he said. Im new in Sunnydale. Ill say, Joyce replied silently. Aloud, she said, Well, welcome to town. Thanks, he said. Ill be teaching at the high school in the fall. Oh? Joyce asked. Not a good time to mention that I have a daughter going there. What subject? English, he answered. Joyce nodded. I hope you enjoy it. Jason smiled. I hope so too. He gestured at the empty gallery. I guess I must have caught you at a bad time, he ventured. Joyce frowned. No, she said. Were just between collections right now. Just a little scheduling mix-up, thats all. She sipped on her coffee. Anything in particular you were looking for? I heard you had a fantastic exhibit of treasures from the ancient world, he said. Im sorry I missed it. Joyce heard the faintest warning buzzer sound in her head. It just closed last night. Corveer raised an eyebrow. Thats funny. The listing said it would be running through mid-September. We had a little unexpected trouble with the owner of the collection, Joyce told him. We were forced to pull it early. Jason tilted his head. Thats too bad. Joyce nodded in agreement. It is. There were some wonderful pieces. Jason looked around. Its a really nice space you have here. I like the way the sun comes in. Joyce smiled. Thanks, she said. Dont forget that the last guy who showed up out of the blue who liked the place was a vampire, Joyce told herself. But then, it is daylight. So this guy cant be one of those. Still... He took a few steps into the showroom. Can I ask you a question? Of course, Joyce said. Im not getting any strange vibes off this guy. Of course, old clueless Joyce didnt pick up that the last guy was a servant of darkness, either....

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Well, its about the ancient worlds exhibit, he told her. Sure, Joyce said. Would you happen to have an inventory list? Joyce frowned. Im gonna be sorry I ever met Stark, arent I? Im sorry, Joyce said. That information is confidential. Jason held up his hands. No problem. I didnt want to intrude. Its just that, from the description of some of the items, I was wondering if there was a certain piece in the collection, thats all. He smiled. I minored in ancient history in college. Its sort of a hobby. He seems nice enough, but... Im sorry, she said. Even though the owner pulled out, I just cant give you that information. I understand, Jason said. No problem. Well, Joyce said, I hope youll come visit again when theres something here to look at, she said. Corveer nodded his head and smiled. Count on it, he said. Thanks anyway, and have a nice day. You too, Joyce said, watching him walk out the door. Very nice, she thought. Very nice indeed. He turned around at the door, surprising her as she watched him. What happened to the door? he asked. Kids, she said. Skateboarders. Oh, he shrugged. By the way, there wasnt a chakram in the collection, was there? Joyce stood stock still. What? He nodded in understanding. Thats...what I thought. Have a nice day, Joyce. You too, she said as he left. Why in the hell did he ask me that? she thought. I better call Giles and tell him... Whenever anyone asks about the chakram, you are to call Melanie, do you understand? I understand, Joyce answered the voice in her head as she picked up the phone and dialed Melanies number.

Buffy woke up from her dozing as the mailbox clanked shut. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and squinted at the patch of sunlight on the floor. Didnt think Id ever want to sleep again after that nightmare last night, she thought, but I guess my body had other ideas. Buffy yawned, stretching as she stood up, and walked outside to get the mail. She plucked the letters from the mailbox and rifled through them. Window. Window. TV Guide. Oh, she said. Postcard from Rachel. That was fast. Buffy smiled as she read the sloppy handwriting on the other side. Were in Monterey. It is so beautiful, Buff, you have to come with us next time. I think Pike and Shelley have had sex about twenty times already. Buffy laughed at the beaming smiley face Rachel drew next to that last statement. Rachel! she tsked, reading onward. Miss you. Mr. Teddy says hello. Call me when I get back next week! Rachel.

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Buffy grinned and put the postcard on top of the mail. As she did so, a letter slipped between her fingers and dropped to the ground. She picked it up and frowned at the return address. Board of Education? she asked. Buffy held up the letter to the sun, but could not read through the envelope. Technically its addressed to Joyce Summers, Buffy said. But I know theyre talking about me. I should steam this open and find out what it says. But since Ive never steamed anything open before, and as Im not sure how thats even done... She tore the letter open and read it. Joyce Summers, We at the Board of Education have reviewed the matter of your daughters expulsion and we believe it may have been issued prematurely. Buffy Summers has been reinstated as a senior at Sunnydale High School. But we wish to reiterate that she will be watched closely for further transgressions. This reinstatement was not done lightly, nor should it ever be taken for granted. Sincerely, Principal Snyder. Toad, Buffy said. Gnome. She furrowed her brows. Who the hell could have gotten me reinstated? Giles, she said. Buffy looked up as a car zipped around the corner, tires squealing in protest, and raced down the street to screech to a halt in front of her house. Great. Cordelia, Buffy drawled. Cordelia stepped out of the Corvette. Buffy! she said, waving. Hello, Cordelia, Buffy said. Giles sent me to get you. Buffy frowned. Whats up? You promised to help us clean up the library, remember? Buffy rolled her eyes. Oh, yeah. Hold on, let me get some shoes on. Could you hurry? Cordelia asked. Buffy nodded. She seems pretty into this whole clean the library thing. Buffy stepped inside, putting the mail where her mother would find it. She picked up the letter from the Board of Education and the postcard and took them with her as she dashed upstairs to get her shoes. She dropped off the postcard on her dresser and grabbed her sneakers and headed back down the stairs, locking the door behind her as she went outside. Still barefoot, she hopped into Cordelias car and buckled her seatbelt. Hey, Cordelia offered as she sped off down the street. Buffy turned to look at Cordelia. Can you really not stand to be away from Xander for more than two minutes, or do you have a good reason for driving like Mario Andretti? Im just not big on being alone right at the moment, Cordelia told her. Hello? Im right here, Buffy pointed out. Cordelia slowed down for a red light. She turned to Buffy. We were attacked last night. Buffy raised her eyebrows. What?

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By vampires, Cordelia said. After the gallery? Buffy asked. Cordelia nodded, accelerating as the light changed. I thought you were just taking Xander home, Buffy said. I was, Cordelia said. But they ambushed us. How many? Buffy asked. Three of them, Cordelia told her. I hit two and we drove off. Buffy nodded. Oh, thank your mom for me, Cordelia said. Buffy raised an eyebrow. Completely missed that connection, she said. Well, Cordelia explained, naturally I was too scared to drive home by myself last night, and my father would kill me if I brought a boy home overnight, so... So you stayed at Xanders. Buffy shook her head. You go, girl. Buffy! Cordelia said. We didnt do anything. Uh huh. Okay, Cordelia admitted, we did a little. But we didnt do what you were thinking we did. What was I thinking? Buffy teased Cordelia. Never mind, Cordelia said. Anyway, my father would break out the chainsaw if I told him I had slept at Xanders, so I told him that we all stayed at your house for a slumber party to welcome you back into town. Smooth, Buffy said. I dont think fast in the morning, Cordelia said. And that was the safest thing I could tell him. Then I called your mom to tell her that my dad would be calling, and she was like totally cool with it. Thats my mom, Buffy said flatly. Mrs. Cool. So, tell her thanks, Cordelia said. Dont worry, Buffy responded without any enthusiasm. I will. Cordelia rounded the corner and came to the school. Oh, wait a minute, she said. What now? Buffy asked. Didnt they kick you out of school? You cant come back. She looked at Buffy. Lucky you. I cant believe we spaced on that last night. Buffy held up the letter from Snyder. I can get in now. They reinstated me. Cordelia frowned. Who hates you that much? Tell me about it, Buffy said. Beats home schooling, though. Ewww, Cordelia said. Kinda hard to slip into a closet there and-- She noticed Buffys look of rapt attention. Never mind. Shall we? Buffy asked, and the two girls got out of the car and made their way into the school. When they entered the library, Cordelia and Buffy split up. Cordelia went over to Xander, kissing him lightly on the lips and helping him stack books on the rear shelves. Buffy said hello to Willow and Oz, and then she went to find Giles, who sat in his office looking at seven different tomes spread open on his desk. I thought expelled students couldnt be on school grounds, Oz said as they watched Buffy enter Giles office. Shes Buffy, Willow said. If vampire lords and demons cant stop her, what makes you think Principal Snyder can? You mean hes from hell too? Oz asked.

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Willow nodded seriously. All evidence seems to support that theory. Yikes, Oz said. Makes a weird sort of sense, though. Buffy closed the door behind her and sat down across from Giles. Thank you, she said. Giles glanced up. Buffy, hello. Then he frowned. Thank me? For what? She pulled out the letter. This. Giles opened it and read it. He sat back in his chair and re-read it, then handed the letter back to Buffy. As relieved as I am to read this, I must admit I had nothing to do with it. Huh? Buffy asked. Giles, who else could possibly have done this? Youre the only thing close to a faculty member who cares about me. Thank you, he said. I think. But I hadnt said anything to Snyder about it. Buffy gave him a look. Im the librarian, Buffy. I dont make policy here, and theres relatively little I can do to influence it, outside these walls. Maybe Snyder had a change of heart. Buffy said, You have got to be kidding. Yes, well, that does seem to be a bit optimistic, Giles said. I suppose it doesnt matter whos in your corner, so long as someone is. Maybe some stickler for detail reminded Principal Snyder that he lacks the authority to expel students. Like that would stop the Goblin King, Buffy said. Giles tilted his head. I see your point. But Im afraid I cant offer any better explanation than that. Buffy folded the letter back up and slid it into her pocket. Ill ask my mom when she gets home tonight. Maybe shes heard something. Giles nodded. Do let me know. Giles, Buffy said, I didnt exactly come here to clean up. Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his nose. Neither did anyone else. Ive never seen anyone take so long to stack books before. Youd think they were allergic to them. Buffy smiled. Giles, they lack your librarians secret super powers. Theyre just ordinary mortals doing the best they can in a messy library. Giles stared at Buffy. Okay, so you dropped the ball on the work assignments, Buffy told him. I dont follow you, he told her. Giles, it doesnt take a genius-- or a librarian-- to realize you do not let the couples work together if you want to get anything done. Giles frowned at her. I thought they would make better teams. Buffy shook her head. Uh-huh. You really didnt get out much this summer, did you? Giles began, Well, I-- First of all, if Xander and Cordelia can concentrate on anything besides each other, Id faint with surprise. Especially after they spent the night together last night. Giles leaned forward. They... spent the night together? Whoops, Buffy said. Im guessing that was a little more than they told you. Xander and Cordelia told me they were attacked by a few vampires, but that Cordelia drove off before anyone could get hurt. Thats the PG-13 version, Buffy said. Giles rubbed his eyes. Good lord... Dont worry, Giles, the whole thing was PG-13. There will eventually be a point to all of this? Giles asked. Just that youre not getting any work done because you havent split up the couples.

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Giles nodded. I see. So I could have them getting no work done quietly and happily, or I could have them getting no work done and complaining about being split up and talking across the library at one another while Im in here reading texts in three languages? Buffy furrowed her brows. You have a sneaky streak that worries me sometimes, she chided him. One does tend to learn from ones environment, Giles replied. What does that mean? Buffy asked pointedly. Giles cleared his throat and replaced his glasses. I believe you said you came here to see me about something other than cleaning the library? Nice segue, Buffy said. Giles raised an eyebrow. Buffy pouted. Okay, sneaky man. She leaned forward. I had a dream about that stockroom. Giles frowned. I beg your pardon? That frisbee thing that Melanie hit me with. The chakram? Giles asked. Thats it, Buffy said. What sort of dream? he asked her. I was with Willow--well, it wasnt Willow, but it sort of was. And you were there, dressed up like a knight of some sort. And Willow was pregnant and she gave birth to this demon baby, and this talking ram said that the world was gonna come to an end. Buffy shivered. Major creepiness. It completely wigged me out. A talking ram? Giles asked. He was black. And he had vampire eyes. Giles picked up a book and flipped a few pages. Did it look like this? Buffy peered at the woodcut illustration. Nope. This guy was all ram, black wool, yellow eyes. And he talked. He knew I was the Slayer. What? Giles asked. He called me Slayer at one point, Buffy said. He said hed been waiting three thousand years for Willow to give birth. More likely he was waiting for her offspring, Giles offered. Buffy shrugged. And Willow called the baby Hope, because it would be the Hope of so many people in the world. But it had demonic eyes? Giles asked. Yellow as a lemon, Buffy assured him. Well, a rotting lemon... The ram is often a symbol for Satan, or a demon who specializes in concealing the truth. A corrupter, if you will. Giles flipped pages in one of his books. Satan was originally in charge of testing peoples loyalty to God, Giles read. But he never worked through offspring or birth like that. Buffys eyes widened. Are we talking about, like, the Satan? Like Lucifer, the Devil, Jumpin Jack Flash? Thats Jack Scratch, Giles corrected her. And no, I dont think were talking about him. Good, Buffy said. I dont want to fight the devil. Giles frowned. I mean, I want to fight the devil as opposed to going shopping with him, but I dont really want to go up against the Devil.

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Actually, hes just a devil, Giles said. Likely no worse than some of the other demons youve bested. If thats the case, hes got a hell of a p.r. department. No pun intended. Giles raised an eyebrow. Anyway, like I said, this isnt his style, from what I can tell. Satan seems to work on a sort of barter system, bestowing temporal power in exchange for souls. Hes a soul eater. That a completely different kind of demon. Giles? Buffy asked. Yes? How do you ever sleep at night knowing all the stuff you know? I mean, even the stuff youve forgotten could probably scare a good sized village full of people. Giles shook his head. I dont think about it. I have to know these sorts of things in order to help you do your job. He shrugged. Its part of the job description, I suppose. And I thought I had it tough, Buffy murmured. In your dream, Willows baby is a vampire. A demon, if you will. Yah, Buffy said. Totally wiggy. And she called it Hope? Giles asked, scribbling on a note pad. Uh huh. And she had that new-mom glow about her too. But she herself was not vampiric? She seemed normal, Buffy told him. So she didnt see the truth about that baby? That it was a vampire. No, Buffy said, shaking her head. She was all look how gorgeous my little darling is. I see, Giles said. And the disk, the chakram? What did it do? Its a weapon, she said. I threw it at the ram and cut its head off. Giles folded his hands. Your mother had a dream about the chakram, that it couldnt be obtained without a key. But you were able to use it as a weapon. Meaning? Giles looked at her. Perhaps youre the key to unlocking the power of the chakram. Buffy frowned. No, I saw what it did to that vampires hand. No thanks. Holy water would have the same effect, Giles told her. So you think that disk is some kind of... what, a holy weapon? Precisely. And Im the key that unlocks it? You may be. Buffy folded her arms. Nice time to figure that out, after Creepy babe runs off with it. Giles pointed to one of the open books; it was one of Covingtons journals. Ive been reading up on this. Melinda Pappas tapped the source of power in the chakram when she touched it. Janice Covington seemed to think that it was because Pappas was descended from the warrior who originally wielded the weapon. She wrote that only someone of the lineage of this family could utilize this power. Buffy said, So Im descended from some ancient warrior? Not exactly, Giles said. At least, I dont think exactly. The Pappas line died out with Melinda. Since vampires cant have children-- Fortunately, Buffy interjected. Indeed, Giles agreed. But, since there are no more Pappas descendants milling about... Then Im not the key, Buffy said. I cant be.

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Giles shook his head. The warrior who first used the chakram was a woman. Some sort of Amazon who traveled all over the world fighting evil, according to Covingtons writing. So were talking lots of kids in lots of places, or...? No, Giles said. But Covington stresses that she fought against the gods, that she fought monsters, and demons and... She was a Slayer, Buffy said. Not just a Slayer, Giles spoke. I think she was the very first one. Buffy sat up in the chair. The original Slayer? Giles nodded. Exactly. She was the first woman in history to be blessed with your skills, your powers... the first one chosen by fate to fight the forces of darkness. He looked up at Buffy. There are scrolls that are lost to us that could tell her whole story. All I have are the slim fragments that Janice Covington wrote in her journals. Barely enough for me to come up with this hypothesis. Buffy furrowed her brows. Then that frisbee belongs to me, she said. Sort of, anyway. You have more of a right to it than the vampires do, Giles agreed. Even Melinda. Come to think of it, she did get stronger when she picked that thing up. If it possesses a power that only descendants can unleash-- or Slayers-- then there is a possibility that Stark can direct that power... Giles stopped. Oh no. Oh no what, Giles? Giles seemed not to hear her as he turned around and moved to the shelves in the back of his office. He pulled down an old tome and began flipping through it. Giles? Buffy asked, but he held up a hand and kept flipping pages. He stopped after a moment and sank back in his chair. No, he said. Giles, what is with the oh woe is me stuff? Spill! Giles put the heavy book on his desk. Melanie seemed to be fighting the power of the chakram during the battle last night. She seemed almost... possessed somehow. At one point she said to me, If Dahak can harness this power... And? Buffy asked. Look, Giles said bleakly, pointing to an inscription in the book. Dahak... Buffy read aloud. Little is known about this powerful demon who was banished when the initial warding spell was cast, expelling the demons from the Earth. Buffy looked up. This guy was on Earth once? Keep reading, Giles said. It is believed that it is Dahaks aim to re-enter the world, as is the case with most demons. Dahak seems to be partial to rebirthing ceremonies. Buffy looked up. It was him, she murmured. In my dream. Talking to me. Giles barely nodded. The fact that he could reach you from beyond the veil indicates a being of enormous power. Far worse than anything we have faced before. Giles close his eyes. We must not allow him to enter this world. Ill back that plan. How? Giles looked over at Buffy. Willow had the baby in your dream, he said. You think Willow is in danger? Giles nodded. She may be. He frowned. I wish we could get our hands on those scrolls. I wish I knew what role the chakram plays in all of this. Im more worried about Willow, Buffy said. I dont think shes up for having a demon child. Quite so, Giles said. I think until we can figure out--

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A knock sounded on the door. Come in, Giles said. Willow poked her head in, a big smile on her face. Theres someone here who wants to see you, Giles, she said. Who? Giles asked. I dont know who he is, Willow said. Then she looked at Buffy and mouthed, beefcake. Did he say what he wanted? Giles asked. He said he wanted to see you, Willow said. I think Buffy should come too. Giles stood, frowning; Buffys expression matched his. Will? she asked. Willow whispered, You gotta see this guy. Hmmm, Buffy said, leading Giles out of his office. Little help here, Cordy, Xander said, his arms full of books. In a minute, Cordelia said, staring at the newcomer. Xander followed her gaze. What? he asked. That guy? Mmmm-hmmm. Should I get a towel for all that drool? he asked, plopping the books down. Sure, Cordelia said absently. Xander tugged on her hair, but she didnt respond. He tugged again, harder, and Cordelia looked over at him. Ow, she said. Knock it off! He held up his hand. Remember last night? When you accused me of drooling? This is different, Cordelia said. How? Xander asked. Its daylight. This guy cant be a vampire. Thats not what I mean, Xander said. I mean... Could you hold that thought a second? Cordelia asked. When Xander nodded yes, she turned back to gaze at the visitor. Can I help you? Giles asked. Rupert Giles? the tall man asked. Yes? Im Jason Corveer. Ill be teaching senior English this year. Giles shook one of Corveers enormous hands. Pleasure to meet you, Giles said. I needed to ask you some questions about my curriculum, Jason said. Is there someplace private we can talk? Do you have an office? Its... Giles hesitated. Its a tad messy just now. Perhaps we could go to the faculty lounge. Thatd be fine, Corveer said. Well, if youd follow me, Giles said. Jason turned to Willow and said, Thank you. Not at all, Willow replied, smiling from ear to ear. As he turned to follow Giles, his eyes met Buffys. A spark passed between them, an instant of recognition; then the tall teacher followed Giles out of the library. Dibs! Cordelia called out. They sure dont grow them like that around here, Willow murmured. Will! Buffy said.

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Willow turned to look at Buffy. I have a hunch youll be needing help with your English this year. Oz came up behind them. Catch your breath yet, little missy? he asked. Willow blushed furiously. Is it just me, Buffy asked, or is everyone going gaga over that guy? She looked at Willow, who nodded, her face still flushed. I dunno, Oz said. I think hes kinda cute in that midwestern farmboy kinda way. Buffy glanced back at Xander, who dragged Cordelia behind the stacks. He does not look happy. Hes not bad, Buffy said. Not bad? Willow blurted out. Buffy turned to look at her. Oz reached over and took her hand. I think Xander had the right idea. He turned to Buffy. Excuse us. He might have asked for Giles, Buffy thought, but he was really looking for me.

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