Disclaimer: see part 1
Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Carol.Clarke@mail.state.ky.us
Chapter 17
Landing Lights On
Breakfast was actually very pleasant in Santa Fe. It was a lovely city with lost of pink adobe houses and bright sunshine. Light was the on word that described Santa Fe. They had been walking across the street to a small café.
They were only a block from the palace. Everything in the city had a feel of warmth. It was a feel of goodness. For two people who lived their life on the Hellmouth and fought evil most of their young lives the feel of the town was over whelming.
Since both Buffy and Willow were creatures of magic, the mystical center in the town flowed through them like a flood through their soul. They were giddy and drunk with the power of the magic surrounding them.
Santa Fe stood on the sight of a heaven's gate. It was the exact opposite of a Hellmouth. The Indians of the area had lived and guarded it for centuries, before Coronado conquered and destroyed the southwest looking for Eldorado. The conquistadors had been fools. They were looking for gold and walked right through the golden city of light. The power Santa Fe had was far more valuable then gold.
The lovers had felt the power right away when they landed. Renting a car Willow almost fainted from the power she was absorbing. They both forgot about the plans to finish the games they started in the plane's bathroom. It was simply too strong for them.
When they checked in to their room they curled up against each other and let the power roll over them. They were wordless but happy. It was the most peaceful night of sleep either had since they discovered vampires were real.
Breakfast too was silent. Though Willow did giggle a little when Buffy sat down and remembered she still wore the plug from last night. It was so very peaceful. After breakfast they both walked around the city, looking at the churches and the people laying out blankets with jewelry to sell. After that they walked back to their room. Willow waited out side while Buffy removed her toy.
Then they pulled out the map and headed off to find Willow's only living relative, if the records were to be believed. Catherine Putnam lived in the desert in a small house. She owned one of the many new age book and crystal stores in town. If Willow’s information was right, she would be opening her store at 10 AM. The lovers planned to be her first customer of the day.
They arrived 10 minutes to ten. Both the Slayer and the Witch could feel people inside of the store. It took all Buffy’s will not to rip the door open. Willow too was struggling not to use her magic to open the door.
At 10:15 a girl about 20 opened the door and let the women in. Buffy was struck by the girl’s eyes. They were the piercing green of Willow's. After making it inside they just stood there not knowing what to do. Then they began to wonder around the store not really knowing what to do or look at. Most of the store had little to do with magic and a lot to do with new age hype.
Both Willow and Buffy knew too much about real magic not to know the difference.
“Is there something in particular you are looking for?” The green eyed 20 year old asked.
Buffy who was never good at under cover or patience stated, “Yes, we really would like to speak to the owner.”
“She’s not here now. But I can help you.” The girl said with fear in her eyes.
“Is she at home now?” Willow asked anxiously.
“Ah no, she is away for the weekend.”
Buffy knew when she was being lied to, “Stop lying, we are not going to hurt her we just want to talk to her.” Buffy was swelling with the power of the Heaven’s Gate. The magic was filling her as her anger and tension grew.
“Look what ever you are just leave.” The girl drew out a cross holding it up to protect her.
“Leah put the cross down, it will not protect you from these women. This one draws her power from the Light. I have never seen such anger, or power. You are one of the Warriors of Light?” The older women stepped out of no where, to stand behind Buffy and Willow.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Buffy said feeling the power from the woman, letting it wash over her, calming her. Easing the wash of power from the Heaven’s Gate.
“I would guess from your size, sex and relative age you are the Slayer? Though you must be one of the older Slayers. Not many make it to there late 20’s.” It was more of a statement then a question.
“What are you doing to us?” Willow asked letting her Witch self-follow the flow of magic.
“Ah little one, you are also a Warrior of Light, though unlike your friend you choose this path. Or did you. You are strong little one, fire. But you have been practicing the craft to close to the dark side. You both have been touched by the dark side, though you are stronger for it.”
“And that still doesn’t answer my question.” Willow asked.
“Do you think what I am doing is harming you?”
“No” Willow said pouting. She knew the woman wasn’t harming them she just wanted to know what she was doing. Visions of Ellen danced in her head for a minute.
The woman laughed. “Curiosity is neither evil or good little one. It just is. I am washing some of the magic of the land out of your systems. It has overwhelmed you both. Your bodies have spent so much time in the darkness fighting it, when brought to a place of light your bodies were overwhelmed. It is like taking in too much oxygen. I have just helped you slow down you intake of the land. Are you not feeling less light headed?”
“Yes, now who the hell are you?” Buffy said impatiently. She had the wiggins. Plus she had liked the light-headedness.
“You two are too much, she is helping you and you still come off as, thugs ready to beat us up.” Leah said.
“Leah, she is the Slayer, it is her nature, what allows her to survive, you would not find fault with the wolf for eating the rabbit. Leah, study them, see their light, they are frightened, and are seeking wholeness. They are hungry like the wolf.”
“So mom, we are the rabbit and should just roll over and let them eat us? Or worse, do you think we should break into 1980’s song flashbacks?”
“No we should ask them into the back room for tea and then find out why they are here.”
In a few minutes they were in the back drinking green tea, and staring at each other.
“Are you Catherine Putnam?” Willow asked
“Yes, and this is my daughter, Leah.”
Both Buffy and Willow just stared at Leah and her green eyes, so like Willow’s.
“What is with you two?” Leah said as they stared at her.
“It would be nice to know your names.” Catherine said before taking a drink of tea.
“Sorry” Willow said bowing her head. “I am Dr. Willow Rosenberg and this is Buffy Summers.” Willow wondered why she used her doctor title, but she knew this woman was somehow related to her and she wanted to impress her.
“A doctor, of what may I ask.” Catherine already had guessed why the women were there. The redheads eyes were not only those of her daughter Leah, but of her mother Rachel. The blond was a mystery. She could have been one of her nine missing children. She had been told one of them was a Slayer. But this girl’s light was too bright, even for a Slayer, she was not a product of a lab and cruel men playing god. No, there was no demon trace in this one.
Catherine reached into the blonde farther. Her light could be addicting but it was a light she had felt before. Then it hit her. This girl may have been a Slayer, but she could not have been more then a generation or two away from an angel. Her light was that of the angels. Well, if demons made plans for humanity over centuries so must the angels.
“Pathology”
“Interesting, Where do you work?”
“I ah,” Willow always had a hard time when people asked her this. She was already digging into her pockets to find her ID’s. “I work for the CIA” Willow finally said embarrassed dropping both her FBI and CIA badge on the table.
Leah picked them up and just laughed. Willow wasn't sure if she believed her or not but it was definitely amusing her. Willow was struck by how Faith-like her laugh was, her mouth, as she smiled. Leah handed the badges over to mother.
Catherine looked at them and smiled, then she asked, “I take it you do not like working for the CIA?”
“I do sometimes, many of the projects help people and stuff, it just, Oh I didn’t have much of a choice, It was kind of work for us or go to jail.” Willow babbled.
“I see,” Catherine said as the visions of Willows arrest, her work at the CIA. The girl did like much of her work and she did work on the side of Light. But the images of the future were the real concern. Catherine closed her eyes and let the images rush through her. She could see the love the two women had for each other. Love was a key to the future. Much must be done.
“You and Buffy are lovers correct. You have gotten married.” Catherine asked Willow took Buffy’s hand and held it before answering, “Yes, I love her. I’m pretty sure she loves me.” Love poured from the Slayer and Witch as they looked in the others eyes.
“Yes, that is easily seen, but Willow you need to let her bottom heal for a few days before you spank her again even though she loves for you to abuse her this way. Your power is growing, You are far stronger now then you have ever been. If she wasn’t a Slayer you might have hurt her. And she loves the feel of the leather so much she would never tell you to stop. The pain you give her takes the darkness away with it as it fades. So much darkness, so much blame. She will always need you do discipline her. To take the blame, self-hatred, and more importantly the anger away.”
“You two are a very good match. Still, now is a dangerous time for you. Your friend ....Doyle....his visions are right. You are playing a game. Even finding me was part of the game. Pawn takes knight. It is a dangerous game little one. The spell was not an accident. But its purpose was not what you have assumed. It made you face your own dark demons. The caster knew it would bring you together. Teach you the act of master and servant. The name Donna Reed keeps popping up, but I don't think it’s important.”
They knew you would both be lost in your demon and your adjustment to the lifestyle the spell forced you to confront. You both would have reached this point in time with your relationship just not all at once. But the changes were a distraction. The search for me is a distraction as well. You are becoming little one. Where your sister failed and chose the Dark side before returning to the Light, you walked in the shadows always on the side of light. And now you are Becoming. It is a dangerous time for you are and your sister. You need her help, she can take you where your lover can’t. You must complete the circle.” Catherine grew weak and she fell deep asleep.
Buffy carried the woman to a near by couch covering her with a blanket.
“So you guys are really into the whole S & M thing. I guess you really are CIA,” Was all Leah said.
They waited around the store for Catherine to wake, too afraid to talk to each other. Willow did managed to write most of what she remembered down.
Buffy left and picked up food for all of them. The store was mildly busy and Willow found herself studying the entire store. Buffy just kept leaving and coming back.
The Slayer never was good at waiting, age had not improved that.
“Your girlfriend is really wired.” Leah said.
“She doesn’t like waiting.” Willow answered
“What exactly is a Slayer? Mom takes about them all the time. Mostly in her sleep. She is always taking about this crazy daughter of hers,” Leah didn’t get to finish
“Faith,” Catherine said. “Is she still alive? She walked in the dream world for such a long time.”
“Yes, alive and kicking. She was in a coma for a long time.”
“Was your wife the one who put her there? She spoke with me often in the dream world. Succubuses are almost as good at dreamwalking as Dreamwalkers or Slayers. It’s how they first take the hearts of men.”
“Does she know who you are to her?” Willow wondered why she asked the question. But she had the blood of a Dreamwalker. She had walked in Buffy’s dreams, in the shadows of her dreams. Had she too spoken with her mother?
More and more Willow was beginning to see this woman as her mother.
“Some little one. More when you were a child than now. You have questions? Ask them.”
“Who am I. Why? Are you my mother? Well, one of them? Faith’s too? What do they want, why did they do this? How does it go back to Auschwitz and the Nameless place?” Willow babbled out.
“Buffy is about to return and I wish Leah to hear this as well so why don’t we return to the backroom after we close the store.”
Once again they were gathered around a table with glasses of tea.
“If you are here then they have lead you to the achieve. I can see parts of the future. The Putnam witches were gifted this way. Leaving me alive and the note in the archives was a test. A chess move. It was not an accident you found the archive. It was the same with finding me. In time both you and Faith would have seen me in your dreams. You would have crossed the dreamworld and found me. So I am part of the test. I do not know who or why. That part of my visions is always left blank. But the chessboard always has white pieces and dark pieces. Like the warriors of Light and Dark. Demons and Angels.”
“Fine but what does it have to do with Willow “Buffy asked. She felt the walls closing in like she did in the museum the first time. The images were overwhelming.
“Patience warrior, it is a long story. The archive you read starts with the Nazi’s. My story is much older. The Bible talks of a great war in heaven. A group of Angels trying to take over heaven and being cast out of heaven. What you may not know is they were cast out to the earth, where they became demons and beget more demons, many think that was the age of dinosaurs. At any rate, the time came for mortals to live on earth and the demons were sent to demon realms.”
“Before the last of the demons left earth it mixed it’s blood with a human’s making Vampires etc. So to counter the demon blood in humans Angels were sent to earth and mixed some of their blood with humans, making Slayers, all the Warriors of Light. So then the demons decided the wanted to keep their reign on earth and with the help of their children they opened dimensional gates to their realm. Do you know what a Hellmouth is?”
“Yes” Buffy and Willow said together.
“It is one kind of a doorway. Here in Santa Fe, we have a Heavens Gate. Same as a Hellmouth, only it opens the other direction. In to the land of light, not really heaven but a place under it’s control. Over the centuries these doorways have opened and closed. Demons have ascended only to be destroyed, Angels have fallen. The balance is kept. There are even Oracles, beings here to keep the balance of power. The Yin and the Yang.”
“They are playing this game of chess between the light and the dark, each side determined to win. Only the beings who are playing this game, think in Millennia, not years. They plot and plan in terms of centuries. Now comes the fun part of the story. Somewhere along the way they were given rules for the game. One of the rules is there can be only one Slayer at a time.”
“Since there is only one Slayer at a time one of the dark-side chess players, came up with and idea to rid the world of the Slayer. It was called the Spanish Inquisition. The Inquisition targeted people with money and power. They taught people to fear magic. Anything they wanted could be called magic. Instead of having demons run this little war they used humans. Plain, old, evil humans. The money was the key element. The church wanted the land, power and money of the people the Inquisition claimed. Magic had little to do with it.”
“The Knight’s Templar was one of the first groups to fall. They were a group that opened trade routes to the Holy Land. They ended the Crusades by trade agreement. These agreements opened the Silk Road into Europe and made the knights very wealthy. The knights used their money for knowledge. They were the Watcher’s counselors of their time. They were Warriors of Light. They were one of the main targets of the Inquisition, women were the other. Women were always fun to play with, and the Inquisition gave evil men the right to torture and rape any women they wanted. Slayers were women. Strong women. They often were the first offered to the Inquisition. The evil done by men in the name of the church was .......I don’t have words.”
“The bastards got off of torturing little girls, 3 and 4 years old. They burned 3 year olds at the stake for being witches. They got few real witches during the Inquisition. Lots of Slayers, but few witches. Then the Powers That Be stepped in and set things back in balance. They did this by creating a second Slayer. They used a fallen angel and made a second Slayer. A new line of Slayers. They broke their own rules. They broke this rule a few more times. It helped strengthen the angel blood in Slayer’s lines. They did it only to restore the balance.”
“Now lets move to the future. The Knight’s Templar hid and became the FreeMasons, who in turn became the English Watchers Council. The Dark and Light continued playing chess. The Dark side makes a move again and uses humans to do its dirty work. Its move was Nazi Germany. But instead of killing the Slayer they captured her. Cut off her arms. They also captured and imprisoned anyone who could become Warriors of the Light. Gypsies, witches, anyone with power in the game, even priest and rabbis. This time they are going to keep them alive but powerless. As long as they are alive the Powers That Be can’t restore the order. They can’t cheat and have two Slayers. Balance is a lot trickier then that.”
“Since they are in prison and the Nazi’s are doing experiments. They decide to try and make a Slayer. The Dark side had left most of these things to humans, so they were not aware of these experiments. Did not understand what they all meant. Since much of what makes a Slayer is divine intervention, their experiments were just cruel. Still they did manage to do some cross breeding. The only people we need to worry about in this story are 4 people. The first, a Slayer, Ellen Jameson, British born. Pissed off her Watcher and woke up in Auschwitz with her arms cut off. The next was a gypsy named Rachel. Rachel was my mother’s name and my grandmothers. The next a simple soldier. Really more of a boy. An SS officer, guard at the prison. Alexander Heilburg. Last in the story was scientist name Hielg, a geneticist that started at Liputen House. Ellen was impregnated with good German blood, sliced and diced by Hielg. So was Rachel. Rachel had daughters and Ellen had Sons. Rachel and Ellen both were young when they had their gene sliced kids.”
“Then the war ended. Ellen, her sons and Rachel's daughters were taken to America. Only Alexander fell in love with Rachel, and they were married. Rachel was allowed to see Ellen and her children for a few years before the hypnotist erased that memory. They raised a family and lived the American dream. Ellen was not so lucky. They sliced and diced her trying to make a Slayer. They bred Rachel’s daughters to Ellen’s son. The oldest of this union was named Rachel. She is sometimes called subject 5, just as her mother was called subject 4.”
“Rachel was my mother. She was bred to James Putnam. The Putnam’s had been part of seemlier experiments in America. They got me. Now they had 3 generations of gene sliced and diced people, in a time of medical expansion. They could actually clone sheep. Had instruments to see DNA. It was not guess work anymore. So when I was a girl they took eggs from me. Nine eggs. And they sliced and diced 8 other creatures, some human some not human and they made 9 babies. Four they destroyed when in the first 3 years. Too demon like. One died in a car accident. Two more hand had growth spurts that drew attention and were destroyed to keep the project secret. Then there were two left. One of you did become a Slayer, fulfilling a prophecy in the Codex.”
“I think it goes, ‘There will come a time of great need when one shall die, but not die, yet calling the next. Cycle with two complete, then one by science’s hand shall be called. Her lack of love will destroy. She will walk the path of evil all for love. The immortal one will take her down and she will roam the dreamland for years. Still seeking love.’ You are my other daughter, the one with the scientist genes. I see the elf and imp as well. You blood screams fairy people. The egg you came from was mine little one. I have longed to meet you for a while.”
“Little one, I am a distraction, They would have you stay here and learn from me and I hope a time for that will come. But the game is being played. Even now my other child is in danger. They see her as the key to making Slayers, to building an Army of Light. Since she was once evil they believe she has forfeited her rights. There is another in danger. A grandson of Rachel’s that has married a witch. His blood also holds secrets. They are fighting for the light. They are pieces of the dark side. Knight takes Rook. You must waste no more time with me. You must return and come full circle.”
It made sense but didn’t. Catherine gave Willow her number but asked her not to call until the circle was complete. Willow could not get Xander and Faith on the phone. They caught the next fight out of Santa Fe.
After the two had left Leah turned to her mom and asked, “Ok mom, they are gone explain.”
“It is simple, did you not see your own eyes staring back at you. She is your sister. I have always told you one of them, if not both would come to meet you.”
“Ok, so she is my sister and she is into kink. What the hell was the rest of it about?”
“A war, one you two will have to fight. Choose your side carefully, my daughter.”
“Do you always speak in riddles mom?” Leah said flopping down on the couch.
“Always, my child.” Catherine laughed. “Leah, Willow is the one they have been waiting for, she and the Slayer. It has nothing to do with science and everything to do with love, magic, and righteousness. Science may have put the pieces together but her coming has been foreseen for generations. Since the time of Adam and Eve. She is the one who will make the choice. She will make the right choice I am sure.”
Leah just threw her arms into the air. She would never understand her mother.
Chapter 18
Interrupted
Willow and Buffy made the next flight out of Santa Fe to LAX. They were both wordless even when one of the stewardess from there fight to Santa Fe made a comment to another stewardess loud enough for most of the back of the plane to hear.
“Redhead and Blondie were in the bathroom for almost the whole flight yesterday making enough noise that I think first class heard them.”
About 30 minutes before they were scheduled to land the plane was surrounded by white light and everything on board just froze in place. Buffy jumped out of her seat into the empty one in front of her. Willow also jumped out of her seat and checked the man in the seat across from her. Everyone was frozen in place. Buffy had made it to the cockpit to find the pilots frozen and the airplane surrounded by light.
Willow had been working her way forward checking the other passengers wishing she had brought her medical kit on the trip. The two lovers met in first class still checking on the people on board when they heard the door opening.
A man with green like vines and gold skin stood in the door, “Come with me ladies.” It was a command neither wanted to do, but the pull of magic made them just give in and follow the man.
They walked out of the door and stood in a white room. A woman who looked much like the man sat at a white table. The man had already moved to sit beside the women.
“Please ladies, take a seat.” The woman said.
The Slayer and Witch looked at each other and then moved to sit at the table as well.
“Really into the white, ever thought about adding some blue throw pillows?” Buffy said
“The room suits our purpose as it is Slayer.” The woman said in a kind voice.
“Who the hell are you??” Buffy said almost flipping the table over.
“Who we are is unimportant.” The man said.
“What we are is the issue.” The women said finishing the man’s sentence.
“What are you?” Willow asked.
“We our the Oracles.” They said in unison.
“What’s an oracle?” Buffy asked Willow.
“We are many things,” the man began, “But you may want to think of us as chess players.”
The young married couple sat up straight waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“I see we have your attention.” The man said.
“But are you ready to listen?” the woman asked.
The group was silent for a long moment then Willow said “Yes.”
“And you Slayer, are you ready to listen?” The man asked.
“Yes, but could just one of you talk, the whole finishing each others sentences thing is wigging me out.” The Slayer replied.
Again there was silence.
“We took advantage of a loop-hole of our game rules. We were not allowed to contact you on earth, but since you are not physically on the earth we could bring you here to learn your part in the game.”
Buffy started to make a remark but Willow but her hand on the Slayer’s knee letting her know now was the time to listen.
“We brought you here to fill in the blanks that Catherine Putnam could not tell you. Few mortals are granted even a glimpse at the eternal plane of life.”
“What Catherine told you for the most part was factual but limited to such a small period of time. You will need to look at the patterns of history eternal. The secret lies there. You will have to discover much of this for your self Willow Rosenberg.”
“You know that demons once inhabited the earth. History would call it the age of dinosaurs. When their cycle was finished they were sent to other dimensions. They were changed and weakened before the demon dimensions was created for them to live in.”
“Why they were moved is complicated. There was a war in heaven. The Bible speaks of it. Lucifer being cast out of heaven and falling to the earth. It happened in just a far more complex manner.”
“When the demons became too strong on earth there was a second war and the demons were sent to other dimensions. To hell if you believe mythology.”
“Man was created while the demons where changed, evolved if you will and then sent to away. Some of the demons mixed their blood with man and created earth bound demons like vampires.”
“And as the earth bound demons were created, the Warriors of Light were created. The chess game in Doyle’s vision. The demons different types of demons being the black pieces and the warriors being the light pieces.”
“And the higher powers also made rules for the game. Rules like only one Slayer in the game at a time. Since the game is played in cycles across eternity there are loopholes and sub-routine rules, which allowed you, Faith and the new Slayer called today, to be in the game. Just as loopholes aloud us to bring you here now.”
Both Willow and Buffy wanted to ask question but the magic that flew around them screamed “just listen.”
“Oh there are so many rules to the game it would take two complete life times of listening to learn all rules and you do not have time to learn them now Willow Rosenberg.”
“Have you ever looked at the number twelve? It is a very mystic number. Twelve major gods on mount Olympus. Twelve apostles to Christ. Twelve tribes of Israel. I could go on for a very long time on the number twelve.”
“But for now we will look at the twelve Warriors of Light. You are both Warriors of Light and should be very proud to be counted among them. At any given time there must be twelve Warriors of Light on the earth. Even now with you here, there are still twelve warriors of light. There can be any number of Warriors of Light but there can never be less then twelve.”
“Each of the twelve has a role to play. The roles can be mixed up, a Slayer can also be a healer, or witch. The roles are more often mixed with many skills but there are always one of the twelve skills present in each of the warriors.”
“The first you already know is the Slayer. She is the Executioner, the Assassin. She is the Chosen One who can move among the people as an unknown. She has strength and stealth. She is the Slayer.”
The man then laid something like a tarot card in front of the couple. It had a picture of a woman in armor, like a painting of Joan of Arc. Only it had Buffy’s face and the words in English at the bottom, Slayer.
“Second is the Historian. The Priest. The Chronicler. The Peacekeeper. Sometimes even the politician. His or Her job is to keep record of the fight, to find answers to aid the other warriors. Sometimes he is the general behind the troops, others he is Librarian of knowledge. He is the Historian.” The woman laid a card next the Slayer card, again in Tarot style. The card centered around a monk with stacks of books around him. He was writing with a quill pen. And he wore the face of Giles. The Girls looks at each but remained silent.
“Third is the Sorceress. Child of Endora. The Mage. The Magician. The Witch. He or She aids the fight with magic. She is the Sorcerer.” Again another card was laid next to the others. It was Amy dressed in all white in a lab looking more like a chemist then a witch.
“Forth is the Sinner. One who has known evil and seeks redemption. The sinner knows the working of evil and has become a fearsome fighter. In this cycle it is Angelus who performs this role. He is the Sinner.” This time the card was laid above the Slayer card. It was Angel dressed in turn of the century clothes, his clothes were torn and he was holding a rat to his face.
“Fifth is Healer. The Saint. The innocent force of good. She or He saves lives, cares for those who can not protect themselves. The Healer is seldom a warrior in the strictest sense rather an innocent who reminds the others why they are fighting. She is the innocent the warriors need. She is the Healer.” This card was laid below the Slayer, who expected to see Willow’s face on. Instead she saw a blond in a lab coat standing in a modern lab. The face was to blurry to see.
“Sixth is the Jester. The Fool. One blessed with luck. Shakespeare had such respect for the fool with good reason. The jester makes the others laugh often-ending feuds with humor. The fool also shows the others what courage is about. His fear is visible before the battle, yet he stills fights the good fight. He is the heart of the warriors. He is the Jester.” The card was next to the Slayer card. It was Xander tripping over on o his son’s toys. Willow squeaked Buffy's hand as the both smiled.
“Seventh is the Warrior. The army. He must learn his skill and practice long and hard to fight in the battle. He is the power of the warriors, he is the might. He is the warrior.” The card was placed next to Angel. It was a picture of Riley Finn in his commando uniform.
“Eight is the Twilight Warrior. She is just like the warrior only she is not human but one of the twilight races. Elf, Fairy, Nymph or one of the other Twilight people. She reminds the others to seek out the difference between good and evil and not the appearance of the being. In this cycle she is your friend Kir. She is the twilight Warrior.” Kir’s card was placed by Riley. It was Kir in her non-human form but dress in her police blues and carrying a sword.
Willow smiled as she looked at top row of cards. “Buffy look, all your ex’s made the top. You really have a thing for Warrior's of Light.” The redhead laughed to relieve the stress. Buffy just glared at her, just not very convincingly.
“Ninth is the Seer. The Prophet. She is the one who receives the messages from the high powers. She is the guide to the world. Both the last seer, Doyle and the present Cordelia are friends of yours as well. I am sorry 'for the loss of Doyle. He was a fine warrior and her will be rewarded.”
“Is Doyle dead?” Willow whispered.
“Yes, he died just before we came to you. The game is being played and he was the first of the causalities.”
There was silence. The Oracles were washing them with images of Doyle’s death and his prize. His gift to the land of paradise. Then the images ended and the voice to remain quiet returned.
Buffy looked down and there had been a new card added to the stack. It looked like a High Priestess tarot card, only the Priestess was crying at the foot of the stairs and her face was that of the May Queen.
“Tenth is the Believer. The one with faith to do the impossible. He is a tireless warrior. He is the dreamer who can find the way through the maze of evil to defeat it. He is the Believer. This card was of a robed person, roaming through a dark maze. Again the person was to blurry to the eyes.
“Eleventh is the follower. He is blindly loyal and will go to his death without question when the battle calls for his sacrifice. He may be the follower but he knows evil when he sees it. His loyalty is a precious gift and does not come easily. Your friend Xander is often in this role when is not filling the role of the Jester. He is the Follower.” This time the card fell in the middle row. It was Xander dressed as a knight standing need to a knight, Buffy, in the middle of battle.
“Last is the Leader, Jack of all trades master of many. The knight who can wear his armor and fight the good fight, then return home to rule his manor house. He is flexible. He has many skills. He is the sum of the others. A warrior with a special skill. He is the one who can change to fit the time and place of the cycle. The Leader is you Doctor Rosenberg. Healer, Witch, Follower, Warrior, Lover, Innocent.” The card was then placed beside Buffy’s card. It had a young girl dressed in a mismatch of clothes. Armor on one side, priest robe on the other. A pentagram around her neck. There were books and test tubes, trees and a sword surrounding her. The card said Jack.
“But that is not all I need to tell you.” The female Oracle said.
“I must tell of the cycles. The game is played over and over again. Sometimes one side winning some times the other. Mostly the games end in a draw. The games also cerate alternative worlds, alternative possibilities. You have seen a version of yourself as a vampire. You must have guessed parallel dimensions exist. It is all part of the game.”
“Then there are cycles in cycles. The Aztec’s had a 5000-year calendar that restarted the cycles. And they were very close to being right. This cycle is almost up. The teams are pulling up loopholes to win the game. You are the end result of desperation on the player’s part. An attempt at making Slayers out of cycle. It did work to an extent. You and Faith, and the boy Xander all are part of there game. Pieces on the board. You will need to find out how you are playing the game on your own.”
“You will also need to study the Watcher’s Council. There is much to find in their journey from Egyptian Priest to Mages in the Ural mountains Then moving on to the court of the Emperors of China before entering the service of European Kings. They have also been priests and scribes to the tribes of Israel. Gypsies, Magicians, Knights in the Crusades before becoming Free Masons and then the Council. They are a very old group of pieces in the game. Sometimes players for the Light, other times players for the Dark.”
“Their history will give you other answers. Tell you about the end days for other cycles. The Puzzle is yours to piece together Doctor. The game is now yours to win or lose.”
There was a flash of light and Buffy and Willow blinked. They were back in the plane with everyone moving around and breathing. It was as if they never went anywhere.
“Did you see gold and green people that made us shut up and listen to a wild story?” Buffy asked
“Doyle is dead,” was Willow’s answer.
End Part 9
Continued in Part 10