No Ordinary Love
By Aspacia
Aspacia23(at)yahoo.com
Page 3 of 3
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine, though I wish Angel was, but anyway they belong to evil Joss Whedon etc, etc, etc. Please don't sue. I'm a poor college student and I'm just using them to vent out my frustration over the recent turn of events. I'm also borrowing some songs from wonderful artist like Chris Isaak, Alanis Morrisette, INXS etc. Please don't sue either.
Author's Note: Once again my heart felt thanks go to Vampcat for her help editing the story. I also want to say that I love feedback, so please send me your comments at Aspacia23(at)yahoo.com
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Part 5
Giles and the gang sat around one of the library tables talking about the latest monster to come to Sunnydale, like they had done countless times before. Only this time the dark and scary monster was one of their own. They were pondering what to do next.
Suddenly Giles turned to Kendra who had being sitting quietly ever since the vampires had left the room.
"Kendra may I ask what are you doing here," said Giles. "Not that I'm complaining."
"When Buffy died I was immediately reactivated as de official slayer," she answered. "When ya didn't report to the Watchers Council sir, dey sent me to find out what was going on."
"Of course, I should have known they would." Seeing the blank expression on the teens' faces Giles realized that they didn't know what he was talking about. "Yes, there is a Watchers Council. They have been more careful about keeping track of the slayer since the fiasco with the two slayers in one generation."
"Wow, I guess it was a good thing. If she hadn't come back when she did Mrs. Summers would be dead," said Oz.
"What are we going to do with the spell Giles?" asked Willow
Suddenly Xander jumped up from his chair.
"Oh my God," said Xander as he threw his arms up in the air. A childish grin plastered on his face. "I'm a freaking genius. We can finally win the war, not just the battle against vampires. We'll just curse them all and then live happily ever after."
"Great thinking genius," Cordelia said sarcastically. "Too bad that isn't how it works. You can't just curse all vamps at the same time; nobody has that kind of power. Certainly not you Mr. Sorcerer wanna-be."
"I never said that we would curse them all at once." Xander silently blasted himself for not thinking about that before she did. "We'll curse them one by one."
"Cursing them one by one wouldn't work either you moron. It would take too much time, I wouldn't have time left for a social life and I'm not spending my already limited shopping time trying to restore the souls of a bunch of stupid vamps. Besides cursing them one at a time would be like staking them; there would always be some left and they would keep making more vamps," said Cordilia sounding very pleased with herself for having gotten the last word.
"Uh, who died and made you a walking demonology encyclopedia?"
"She is right." Giles stepped forward surprised at Cordilia's insight.
"I am?"- "She is?" Xander and Cordelia were both stunned by Giles statement.
"Yes, she is," said Giles. "The kind of mystical power required to curse the entire vampire population does not exist amongst humans. We also have to consider the fact that by bringing back down to earth all those souls, we could be disrupting the delicate balance between the forces of good and evil."
"I don't understand Mr. Giles." Oz finally spoke. He was still confused about everything he had heard. The world that his girlfriend had introduced him to was twice as wacky as the world of rock n' roll. "I would have thought that making all those vamps part of the home team, would be benefiting the good guys?"
"I'm sorry to say that it is not that simple." Giles took a moment to put his thoughts in order. When he finally spoke his tone was deadly serious. "You see, the battle against the forces of evil goes far beyond this earthly realm. There is a spiritual battle in what some call heavenly places. This battle is against principalities, powers and rulers of the darkness, against spiritual wickedness. If we disrupt the balance the fallout could be disastrous."
"Okay, so we'll just curse Buffy," said Xander.
"Xander," Willow screamed at him. "This is not the time to be selfish. If we curse Buffy, we curse Angel too. She would never forgive us otherwise."
Oz turned to look at his girlfriend. Loving this new facet of her personality. "Willow you look beautiful when you are angry."
"Thank you," Willow giggled, her anger suddenly gone. Kendra just rolled her eyes, not quite used to being around such displays of emotion.
"Fine, we'll curse dead boy again just don't bite my head off," said Xander grudgingly.
"I'm afraid using the Romany curse won't solve our problems either," Giles sat down as he rubbed his head. His headache was getting worst by the second. "The curse proved its inefficacy when Angel lost his soul. The risk that it could happened again is too great, there will always be the possibility that they could lose their souls if they were to become intimate again."
"Let's not go there. Just thinking about it makes me wanna gag. I mean, what the hell was she thinking? He is a freaking corpse." Xander started pacing around trying to calm down. Anger was boiling inside him as he remembered Angel's taunting at the hospital's corridor.
Cordilia turned the other way as tears stung her eyes. It hurt to know that he was still in love with Buffy and she would always come second.
Willow shook her head. She felt sorry for him because she knew how awful it was to love somebody and to discover they have gotten so close to another person. At that moment she thanked the powers that be that she had Oz in her life.
"Xander that is enough," Giles yelled with exasperation. Xander stopped pacing and sat back down. He knew that when Giles used that tone of voice, it was better to stay away from him. "As I was saying, we can't use the curse as it is because the risk is too great. In its present state the curse serves as a punishment and that is why it failed, because it provided a way for the spell to be broken when it no longer served its purpose."
"So there is no way we can help them?" asked Willow her hopelessness showing in her voice and in the way she was slumping her shoulder.
"Actually there is one way." Giles sat back down. He put his elbows in the table as he held his head in his hands. Guilt was overwhelming him. If only he hadn't let his hatred towards Angelus rule his judgement, they wouldn't be having this conversation. "We need to find a way to alter the spell so that it is not based on hatred and it does not function as a curse. If we alter it maybe we can make sure it's unbreakable."
"Hey, we can use Amy the witch to alter the spell," Xander jumped from his chair. Excitement pouring out of him as he spoke. "I'd like to go talk to her. I just love blackmailing people."
"No way" Cordelia waved her hand in disapproval. "We can't use Amy. Remember how she messed things up last time you tried casting a spell? What she did to me is unforgivable. Believe me the stains on my dress are never coming out."
"Yeah, I guess you are right," said Xander upset that he wouldn't get to use his blackmailing skills. He had gotten a lot of practice blackmailing Larry since he found the football player was gay. It was definitely a plus having an ally in the boys locker room.
"Mr. Giles, I tink is time we asked for help from de Watchers' Council," said Kendra.
"I think you are right." Giles got up and headed towards his office. He couldn't believe that he hadn't thought of that before she did. When he returned he was carrying the Watchers' Handbook. "They are the only ones that have the power and knowledge to alter such powerful spells. They are the only hope we have if we want to make it unbreakable. I believe that our present situation would qualify as a legitimate reason to break the rules. The council is not allowed to interfere with fate because of the delicate balance that I talked about. The only time it is allowed is when it comes to the slayer and the safety of the world."
"Giles that means that only Buffy would get her soul back. What about Angel?" asked Willow. She knew that her best friend would want Angel back.
"Don't worry, the spell will include Angel. The Council strongly believes that they are destined to be together. Since Angel lost his soul, they have being actively searching for a way to give it back. Now that we have found a way they will be more than willing to help." Giles started looking for the emergency hotline in his handbook.
When Giles looked up and saw the puzzled look on their faces he knew that it was time to divulge the secrets of the council. None of them realized the kind of power the council had over their lives. Their friendship with Buffy had had to be approved by the council.
"Let me explain," Giles put down the handbook. He knew that what he was about to tell them would be a real shocker. "I'm sure some of you might have thought I was a fool for allowing Buffy and Angel's relationship to develop. In reality I strongly opposed it. Never in the history of mankind had a slayer fallen in love with a vampire and a vampire with a slayer. It defies the laws of nature. Good and evil are like oil and water, they don't mix."
"So why did you allowed it?" asked Xander. He had definitely thought that Giles was insane for letting Buffy date Angel.
"I was ready to put a stop to it when the Watchers' Council intervened. They realized before I did, that the relationship was meant to be. Their souls were bound together since the beginning of time, destined to save the world. You see we are in a period of history in which the efforts by the forces of evil have doubled. The only thing that is stronger than evil is love. Their love is what made Buffy the strongest and most successful slayer in history. Love is what made them fight with tooth and nail for each other and what allowed them to defeat the forces of evil. Their love is so strong that it has survived the attacks from their enemies and it even survived death, because even now in their evil state the memory of that love has drawn them to each other. The strength of their love was built upon the uniqueness of their situation. They both knew what it was like to hunt and to be hunted. They both lived in the darkness and hid their true identities from regular people. They both have experienced so much terror that the only comfort they could find was in each other. The bond they share is what made them unstoppable and such a great team. Love is what makes them so dangerous now."
"So what is our next move?" asked Xander not yet totally convinced that he wanted to help Angel, but he would do whatever it took to help Buffy.
"Everybody I need your attention. We have to move quickly," Giles took a moment to say a silent prayer. He desperately hoped that his plan would work. Buffy had been changed because he let his hatred for Angelus, get in the way of his duty as a Watcher. He had to help Buffy and Angel, it was the least he could do.
"First, Willow I need you to make at least 10 print outs of the spell. I need you to give one to everybody and hide the rest. We don't want Angel or Buffy to destroy it. Cordelia, I need you to make a reservation for a flight to Hawaii. I want to leave as soon as possible."
"Huh? Why are you going to Hawaii?" asked Cordelia.
"Yeah G-man, now isn't exactly the best time to go on vacation," said Xander with his typical know-it-all attitude.
Giles groaned at the boy's irritating remark. "I need to speak with the Watchers Council in person. Their offices are in Hawaii."
"Hawaii is a safe place. Statistics have shown that tropical islands are least likely to have a large vampire population," he added realizing that he needed to explain further after seeing the vacant expression on Cordelia's face. "Some people believe that it has to do with the strength of the sun's rays."
"I bet that is just an excuse. The Council probably just likes to sit under palm trees while sipping pina coladas," said Xander.
Giles had to bite his tongue to stifle his reprimand. It would only serve to encourage him farther, and they didn't have the time to get into a long drawled argument. So Giles just ignored him.
"Kendra, I need you to control vampire activity. Finally, Xander and Oz I want you to find out where Buffy and Angel are staying and I need you to keep track of them, but don't try to approach them. They are too dangerous."
Giles returned to his office to make arrangements for his trip. He had to write down instructions of the rest of his plan for the kids. There was a lot they had to do while he was gone.
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Part 6
The slayerettes rushed into the library, desperate to find out whether the council had agreed to help them. Giles had called them from the plane. He only told them to meet him in the library and to set the rest of the plan in motion.
Giles had been gone for two days. In those two days the slayerettes had waited anxiously, afraid that the council would deny its help. Giles activation of the plan had given them hope.
When they entered the library, they were surprised to find a group of strangers sitting around THEIR table. They looked at each other, trying to figure out what to do next. Before they could open their mouths and ask the strangers who they were, Giles came out of his office. Kendra following close behind.
"Kids, I'm glad you made it," said Giles. "Did you proceed with the rest of my plan?"
"YES," they answered in unison.
"Well done!" said Giles as he kept walking, oblivious to the slayerettes' aroused curiosity
"Giles, If you don't mind me asking," said Xander with impatience. "Who the heck are they?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," said the watcher finally realizing the teens needed an introduction. "Let me introduce you to the Watchers Council."
"Goody!" Willow giggled excitedly. "Does this mean they will help us with the spell?'
"Yes it does," said a man who appeared to be the youngest member of the group. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Cassiel. My colleagues and I are here to help you."
A woman was the next to stand up. "Hi my name is Artemisia Gentileschi. It is an honor to finally meet the famous 'slayerettes'."
"Did you hear that? We are famous," said Xander as he turned to glare at Giles.
"Famous and appreciated," said the third member of the group. "I'm Domenikos Theotokopoulus and it has been a pleasure learning of your creative ways of fighting the forces of evil. Mr. Harris I specially enjoyed your use of the missile launcher to kill the judge."
The slayerettes looked at each other, surprised to learn that the Council knew exactly who they were. The Council had carefully reviewed their profiles before approving their participation in the slayer's sacred duty. Formal introductions were unnecessary.
"So Giles why did you have us get permission to use the underground club," said Cordilia finally breaking the uneasy silence that had filled the room. "Are you planning a party for the council or something? Cause if you are the Bronze so much better. The other club is totally creepy, I mean Buffy's friend got turned into a vamp there."
"No, I'm not planning a party of any kind," Giles smiled at the comment. He had actually missed her simple-mindedness. "I'm planning to lure Buffy and Angel to the club and trap them there while the spell is performed by the Council members. That particular establishment is appropriate for our purpose because its entrance door can only be opened from the outside once it is closed."
"No offence, but I don't think that is going to work G-man," said Xander. "They'll know it is a trap right away."
"They will have no other choice but to come to the club. They will be made to believe that Watcher's Council ordered Kendra to contact the Order of Taraka and put a contract on Buffy's life," said Giles as he glared at Xander. "They will be told that Kendra wants to do the job herself and that she is challenging Buffy to a fight to the end."
"What if they decide not to fight Kendra and head for the hills?" asked Willow suddenly afraid that they wouldn't be able to pull this off.
"That won't happen," said Giles sounding very sure of himself. "They know that there is no way to escape the bounty hunters. They also know that the only way to cancel a contract is by eliminating the person who ordered the contract in the first place. In our case that would mean eliminating Kendra."
"Wow G-man, that is pretty impressive coming from your tweed-wearing uncreative self," said Xander.
Giles let out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes, tired of Xander's unsolicited comments. He also reminded himself to ask the irritating teen to refrain from calling him that ridiculous name.
"So this is happening tonight?" asked Oz trying to distract Giles. He could clearly see the angered expression on the librarian's face. He also found Xander to be pretty exasperating and couldn't understand how his beautiful and intelligent girlfriend could be friends with the geek.
"Yes it is. I know that I don't have to tell any of you that this will be very dangerous." Giles tone had become deadly serious. "Buffy and Angel will put up a fight. I will understand if any of you decides to stay out of this.'
"No way are we staying out of this. Buffy and Angel are our friends and we will do whatever it takes to get them back," said Willow. The other teens nodded in agreement.
"Well if you are sure, there are other arrangements that need to be made for tonight's ceremony," said Giles before proceeding to give the teen further instructions.
The slayerettes quickly dispersed to do their assigned tasks. The council members looked at each other, amazed at the palpable loyalty amongst the group.
Across town a note was being delivered and a challenge accepted. Tonight the fate of Sunnydale and possibly the world would be decided. Tonight true love would fight the forces of evil.
The End?
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