Trust

by Rob Sorenson

Chapter Thirty-one

Spike’s eyes flicked from one guard to another, waiting for the first sign of movement, but Angel fixed his gaze on Lilah. She stared right back, a slight smile playing across her face.

“You’ve always had the worst timing.”

“Seems ideal at the moment.”

Lilah sighed. “Yet you’re outnumbered again.”

“Well there’s quality, then there’s-“ Angel broke off for a split second as he spotted Riley’s presence at the rear of the group. “-total lack of quality. Care to see what wins out?”

“Guns make up for a lot of deficiencies.”

Spike cut his eyes briefly toward Angel. “Thought you said this bird was smart.”

Lilah smiled. “Ah…finally, I get to meet the famous Spike.”

He raised his chin slightly. “Pleasure’s all yours.”

“My goodness. Angel, this is a record. I already can’t stand him. With you it took almost thirty seconds.”

Spike grinned. “Always was a step ahead.”

“Not sure if this is a distinction you want.”

Spike maintained his amused expression. “Been threatened by better ‘n you, sweetheart.”

“Oh, I know all about your history…from a trusted inside source, as the tabloids say. Forgive me for not being terribly impressed.”

“Give a bloke a chance.”

Lilah chuckled. “God, no wonder everyone takes you in. You’re so cute.”

Spike morphed into his vamp face. “How do I look now?”

“Like you’re putting on a mask.” She held up her hands theatrically. “Don’t get me wrong, I know you were a fairly dangerous guy. At least before you became a member of the Slayer’s Auxiliary.”

Spike swallowed hard, saying nothing. Lilah looked to the ceiling, seemingly talking to herself.

“On the other hand, it isn’t really new territory for you, is it? Always seeking approval from someone. Buffy…Drusilla…Angelus…” She hesitated, refocusing on Spike’s eyes. “Mommy.”

Without realizing it, Spike’s face returned to its human form.

“What is that definition of insanity again? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result? You seem like a clever guy, Spike. At what point are you going to start asking yourself why they all leave you? Under normal circumstances, I’d advise a look in the mirror, but-”

Spike took a step toward her, causing the guards to raise their machine guns.

“Hold fire!” Lilah ordered sharply. The guards complied, maintaining a state of readiness. “There’s holy water in the ammunition, Spike. You’re fast, but you won’t beat every bullet.”

“Bollocks.”

“Fine. Take another step.” She glanced sideways. “Besides, even if you get to me, little Dawnie and Fred buy the farm one way or the other. Can’t say that’d break my heart. Little trespassers.”

Dawn had sidled back a half-step when the guards were distracted by Spike’s movement, bringing her side by side with Riley.

*********One Minute Earlier*************

Cordelia froze. “Lilah’s right outside? I can’t hear-“

“They’re just talking right now.” Faith interrupted, eyes darting around the room in search of a place to deposit Wes, who remained slung over one shoulder. After a second, she made her way toward the leather sectional.

“Wes,” she said softly, “Can you hear me?”

His only response was a moan.

“Ok, good.”

“Good?” Cordy repeated. “He moaned. As in, you know…pain?”

“Probably gonna have a wicked hangover. Beats no response at all. Ok, dude, puttin’ you down now.”

Faith rolled him off her shoulder as gently as she could, but not enough to prevent another groan.

“Sorry.” She leaned in close, arranging pillows behind him as best she could.

Cordy crept toward the exit. “I wonder what they’re talking about?”

Faith sighed. “Same old shit. Messing with people’s heads. And back away from the door. Bad guys got guns.”

Cordy did as she was told, then frowned. “How can you talk and listen to them at the same time?”

Faith leaned in again to prop Wes up a bit. “It’s a skill.”

At that moment Wesley’s eyes snapped open. Faith gave him a little smile.

“Hey.”

He drew in a sharp breath, shrinking back against the cushions, causing Faith to straighten quickly and retreat a step. Wes blinked several times in confusion.

“What am I…Lilah…”

“Right outside.” Cordy indicated the door. “She slipped you some kind of mickey.”

He frowned in confusion. “Mickey? She…drugged me?”

“You’ve probably been out of it for several-“

Wes made a sudden move as if to rise, but only managed to lurch forward. Faith moved back in and caught him before he fell.

“Take it easy.“

“Dawn…where is…”

“Workin’ on it. Keep still.”

Again he made a feeble effort to move, but Faith held him fast.

“You go out there, you’re gonna get shot.”

He nodded wearily, slumping slightly. “Idiot.”

“Thanks.”

Wes shook his head. “Not you.” He glanced at her. “When I woke up…I didn’t-“

Faith stood abruptly and turned for the door. “It’s cool. Cordy, find him some water.”

“Ok. Hold it, what are you doing?”

“Oh, I thought I’d go to the Mall.”

“You can’t go out there.”

“If things get hairy, grab Wes and hit the floor.”

“Faith!”

“I gotta go.”

“Right. Narrow hallway, lots of guys with guns.” Cordy pointed at Faith’s chest. “Beating heart. You do the math.”

“I was never much for school. I’ll duck, ok? Hurry up with the water.”

***********************************

Riley, who had fortunately been the only one among the guards who had spotted Dawn’s earlier movement, risked a furtive glance in her direction. She was staring straight ahead, seemingly hypnotized by Lilah’s voice as she droned on.

“-trespassers. Look, this might come as a surprise to you, but I’m-“

When they’d left the elevator, Riley had unsnapped his holster, waiting for the right moment to reveal himself. He didn’t know Dawn had seen him do it as well; she drew his weapon so quickly, Riley couldn’t get his hand down in time to stop her..

“Gun!” One of the guards shouted, but before he could bring his machine gun to bear, Dawn had stepped forward and pressed the barrel of the .357 Magnum against the back of Lilah’s skull.

“Now,” Dawn said softly as the M-16s simultaneously turned to face her, “let’s change topics.”

Lilah’s eyes widened slightly, but her voice remained calm. “Could’ve just raised your hand.”

“They’re both busy right now. Plus, didn’t really feel like waiting. Where’s Wesley?”

“He’s probably wondering the same thing about you.”

Dawn pushed the gun a little harder as she spoke, causing Lilah to wince.

“If you’re the survivor everybody seems to think you are, you probably should know better than to screw with me right now!”

Angel spoke softly. “Dawn…”

She paid no heed, voice quavering slightly.

“WHERE…is Wesley?!”

“He’s in here.” Faith said as she made herself visible.

Dawn kept her eyes on Lilah. “Did you hurt him?”

“No.”

Dawn’s hands now matched the unsteadiness of her voice; her finger twitched perilously over the trigger. “Is she lying?”

Faith shook her head slowly. “It’s cool, Dawnie. Everything’s ok.”

Lilah turned her eyes to Angel. “As I was starting to say a moment ago…I’m not looking for a fight here-”

“Shut up!” Dawn blinked away the tears forming in her eyes.

The lawyer swallowed. ”You came after me, remember?”

“Spare me the victim act.” Angel said softly. “We had our reasons.”

“I know what you thought…but you don’t know everything.”

“So share. Might want to hurry, though. Dawn doesn’t look very patient.”

Lilah winced as the butt of the pistol pressed even harder. “This isn’t exactly the most comfortable way to talk…for either of us.”

Angel allowed a ghost of a smile to appear on his lips. “I’m pretty relaxed.”

“Not for long. Check your watch lately?”

The smile faded slowly. Lilah glanced meaningfully over Angel’s shoulder.

“I don’t have that sixth sense you guys do, but I DO know that big window at the end of the hall features an amazing view of the sunrise.”

“Bollocks.” Spike said for a second time as he turned to look outside; the sky was slowly changing from black to a deep blue.

“I’m thinking ten minutes or so.”

“Actually,” Riley corrected, “sunrise is offically four minutes away.” All eyes – except for Lilah’s and Dawn’s - turned to him. He shrugged, slightly embarrassed. “I watch Good Morning America.”

“Ok…how about I just shoot you now and get it over with?” Dawn grated.

Lilah risked a shake of her head. “We know where that will lead. I have a better idea: how about no one gets hurt at all? The only reason I brought you and Fred here was to talk.”

Faith opened her mouth to respond, but decided against it as Lilah continued.

“Now, obviously we don’t have time to do that here…plus, I just had this carpet steam-cleaned-“

“Get on with it.” Angel interrupted.

“First of all, I officially invite both you and Spike into my apartment. I have specialized shades for just these sorts of occasions.”

Neither vampire moved.

“Secondly, I’ll order the guards to stand down and leave. It’ll be all of you and little old me. That’s it.”

“We’re supposed to just believe you’re up to something?” Fred said, speaking for the first time since they left the elevator.

“If you want some answers without blood and dust all over this hallway…yes. How much longer until we see sunlight, Willard – or whatever your name is?”

Riley glowered. “Two minutes…and Willard was on the Today show.”

“Whatever. So…Angel, what do you say?”

After a moment, Angel nodded slowly. For the first time, Dawn’s eyes cut toward him.

“No! You can’t trust her!”

“I don’t. Pretty much left without a choice here.”

Dawn shook her head, her hands trembling noticeably as they gripped the gun.

“Nibblet.” Spike’s voice floated softly across the hall.

“Don’t call me that.” She whispered.

Spike blinked, but managed to keep the hurt expression from his face. “You know he’s right.”

The light in the distance grew stronger. “Ninety seconds.” Riley reported, checking his watch.

Dawn closed her eyes; for a desperate moment Spike thought she was going to pull the trigger.

“Ok. The guards go first.”

Lilah spoke clearly. “All guards stand down.”

The group hesitated; one of them found his voice. “Due respect, ma’am-“

“NOW!”

The small security force reached the elevator in record time. Once they began their descent, Lilah forced a smile.

“Now, can we do something about the indentation of this barrel against my scalp? You can keep it handy if killing me is necessary.”

Dawn activated the safety and took a step back. “If you’ve hurt one hair on his head, I won’t need it.”

Cordy poked her head out of the apartment door.

“Shades are drawn.”

************************************

Thunk, thunk…fwap.

Willow hung up the phone, looking thoughtful. “Ok, that’s done.”

“How soon?” Xander asked from his perch atop the front desk.

“Tomorrow afternoon sometime.”

“Otherwise known as zero-hour.”

Thunk, fwap-fwap-fwap…thunk.

Willow met his eyes. “I guess.”

“Ok. I suppose we can call this a good.”

“Yup.”

Thunk-thunk-thunk.

“Here comes the big finish.”

Willow frowned in confusion; Xander cocked his head toward the basement door.

“Spin-kick. Has a sound like nothing else.”

Thunk…thunk…fwap-fwap-thunk…

“That didn’t sound any diff-“

Xander held up a finger.

THUNK!

Willow winced. “I think it’s dead.”

“No worries. Gym owners have bulk rates at Sports Authority.”

“How did you know-“

“I’ve memorized the combinations.”

“Wow. That’s actually…”

“Not that impressive, really. The fruit of puffy-suited experience. Plus, I have a wife who likes to work out in the garage.”

“You watch Faith work out?”

Xander’s eyes narrowed.

“Would that be a crime?”

“Well…no, but-“

“Not like visual confirmation is needed in a Slayer’s case.”

“Point taken,” Willow admitted.

They sat in silence for a moment. Willow turned to face him again.

“So you watch her work out?”

Xander threw up his hands. “It’s sexy, ok? Must we dwell on this?”

Willow looked down, shuffling through some papers. “Nope.”

“Thank you.”

“Freak.”

Xander whipped his head in Willow’s direction, but stilled his reply as Buffy appeared. Her face was flushed and glistening with perspiration.

“Anything?”

Willow shook her head gently. “Buffy, if I had-“

“You’d call. I know.” The Slayer ran her fingers through her hair. “You have no idea how badly I want to run out that door.”

“I know.” Willow said softly, turning her eyes back to the book on the desk..

“I’m out of things to hit.”

“You can hit me if you want.” Xander offered with a smile. “I promise I’ll shake it off. Ha, ha. Get it? Shake?”

Buffy didn’t respond.

“C’mon, Buff-“

“We should’ve heard something by now.”

No one responded. She ran her fingers through matted hair. “God, I’m a sweaty mess.”

“Xander doesn’t mind,” Willow murmured under her breath.

“I’m going to get a towel.” Buffy bounded up the stairs two at a time, leaving Xander to scowl at his oldest friend.

“That constituted dwelling. Are we really going to go here?”

Willow knew that tone. She looked up quickly. “Go where?”

Xander hopped up, seating himself atop the front desk. He leaned in close.

“Faith told me how much you check her out when you think she isn’t looking.”

“WHAT?! That’s not…I mean, I would never-“

He merely raised an eyebrow. Willow reddened.

“Xander, I would n-never…ever do that.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I mean it! There’s no way.”

“Wills, I’m used to it. Anyone with a pulse notices my wife at some point.” Xander frowned. “Come to think of it, even that isn’t a deal-breaker.”

“Stop it! I can’t believe you honestly think-“

“Ok, ok. Relax. How about we just drop it?”

“Drop what?” Buffy asked as she descended the stairs.

“Nothing,” Willow said quickly, returning to her book.

The Slayer looked from one best friend to the other. “Ok.”

“Right.” Willow rose hastily. “I’m going on the Net.”

Buffy placed her towel around her neck, frowning at Willow’s back as she practically bounded into the office. Xander slid off the counter and commandeered Willow’s seat.

“Xand?”

“Hmm?”

“What was that?”

“What are you talking abo…” Xander trailed off when Buffy placed her hands on her hips. “We were having a philosophical discussion about the similar hue of pots and kettles.”

Buffy moved around the desk and collapsed into Cordelia’s chair. “That expression never made a lot of sense. I mean, they come in all sorts of colors, right?”

“Another linguisitic mystery uncovered by the Buffster. Maybe they came up with it before the different colors debuted? Every Ford car was black at the beginning.”

“I suppose.” Buffy leaned back in the chair, nodding her head toward Angel’s office. “So are you going to share or not?”

“I told her I’m aware she checks Faith out sometimes.”

Buffy whipped her head toward him. “What?! Xander…you don’t seriously think-”

Xander chuckled. “Didn’t used to.”

Buffy remained serious. “There is no way-“

“Yeah, I know. Relax. Diversionary tactic number one, remember?”

Buffy shook her head and sighed. During sophomore year, Xander had shared an occasionally useful trick regarding their mutual best bud: whenever you needed Willow to drop a subject, make a sexual reference of any sort. Verbal lockdown would invariably follow. Outwardly, she’d scoffed at the idea, but Buffy couldn’t argue with the results; she’d done it herself once or twice. As years went by, the ploy became less successful…but Xander could still pull it off on occasion.

“What was she bugging you about?”

Xander snorted. “Like I’m going to say anything. You’ve got too much psychological ammo on me as it is.”

Buffy looked down at her lap. “Yeah.” Neither spoke for a long moment; Xander turned back to the book Willow was perusing and sifted through a few pages.

“Xander-“

“Don’t.” He said without looking up. Buffy frowned.

“Don’t what?”

“I know that tone.”

“Tone? What tone?”

“You were upset before. It’s not worth talking about.”

Buffy looked up to stare at him, but Xander had never taken his eyes from the book. Finally she spoke softly.

“Ok.”

Again there was a protracted silence, punctured only by riffling pages and the distant clicking of Willow’s mouse. Buffy swiveled suddenly, facing Xander directly.

“Wait…it’s not ok.”

That got Xander to look up. “I’m sorry?”

“No, I am. At least that’s what I was trying to say.”

“Buff, I know where you were going. It doesn’t matter.”

“But it should! It should matter!”

“Look, just stop, all right? I’m perfectly fine with-“

“No! It isn’t fine. There’s nothing fine about you being used to me being horrible when things are bad.”

“We all do that stuff.”

Buffy looked down, picking at the towel around her neck. “Not like me.”

Xander scowled with confusion. “Where is this coming from?”

“I don’t want it to go without saying. I don’t want it to be accepted. I want to…I need to make it better.”

Xander shrugged. “Well…that’s good. I guess. So…what is it you need from me, exactly?”

“Tell me it isn’t ok.”

“All right. Honestly, I think what you said to Spike was a lot worse than anything you said to me, but…are you asking for absolution or something?”

Buffy shook her head. “Just…don’t let me off the hook so easily any more, ok? Please?”

Xander thought this might be the oddest conversation of the last week…and considering the stuff he’d heard, that was saying something. Still, he played along.

“Done.”

Buffy smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

“Sure. No problem.” Xander wheeled the office chair next to Buffy’s. “She’s going to be fine.”

Her smile faded. Xander reached for her hand.

“Now that I think about it…in lieu of apology acceptance, maybe you could do me a favor.”

Buffy squinted. “Does this involve something perverted?”

“Buff…I’m a married man.”

“Uh-huh. So does this involve something perverted?”

“No.”

“Do I have to beat someone up?”

“Yet again I must point out the whole married thing. My wife handles the bludgeoning by proxy.”

“Ok. So…”

Xander gave her hand a squeeze. “About tomorrow-“

Buffy squeezed back gently. “I’m going to be right there by your side. No matter what happens-“

“Buffy. Can you let me finish?”

She fell silent, nodding. Xander’s face lost all traces of humor.

“I need you to have my back.”

“O…kay. I thought I just said-“

“I don’t just mean in that way.” Xander closed his eyes. “Though I might, I guess.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Look, what I’m asking for is your word that you’ll trust me. I’m going to do whatever is necessary to protect…our baby.” He shook his head. “Still not used to hearing that from my own lips.”

“Yeah.” Buffy frowned. “So what exactly do you-“

“I don’t know. I’m not sure what I mean, exactly. Just…promise me.”

There was a momentary hesitation. “Ok.”

“Good.” Xander allowed himself to smile again.

“So…what did Willow say?”

“About what?”

“This mysterious non-plan we’re apparently discussing.”

He shook his head. “I don’t have to talk to her.”

Buffy swallowed and looked away. “I see. Ok, then.”

Xander’s voice softened. “Buff…don’t take it like that.”

“I didn’t-“

“You’ve had to be the lone voice in charge for a long time. It was the gig, yeah…but that didn’t make it fair. Hey, I’m no psychologist, but maybe that’s why you get sorta cranky when you sense stuff getting out of control.”

Buffy took a deep breath. “Maybe. Still doesn’t make it ok.”

“Nope. But then, if you were perfect, it wouldn’t be so easy to love you.”

She tilted her head. “Thank-“

The ringing phone interrupted her.

Xander had known Buffy for close to ten years now. He’d seen the longest-living Slayer of all time in action hundreds of times, performing physical feats that defied belief. Every once in a while, though, she could still surprise him. He was no more than an arm’s length from the phone, while Buffy was lounging three steps away…yet she snatched it from its cradle before he could even begin leaning.

“Dawn? Is that you?”

A rather subdued voice responded. (I’m telling Cordy you didn’t answer the phone properly.)

“Are you ok!?”

(Pretty much.)

“Oh, thank God.” Buffy allowed the tears to escape from her eyes. “Dawn, I’m so sorry. I should have been there to back you up-“

(It’s ok.) Dawn interrupted softly. (Everybody’s ok…for the moment.)

“What? What’s going on? Do you need me to come-”

(No. We’ve got it. Few more things to work out before we go. I figured you’d want to hear-)

“Thank you. Dawnie-“

(I have to go. We’ll fill you in when we get back, ok?)

“Ok. No, wait! Dawn! Can I talk to-“ The phone clicked off. “-Spike.” Buffy gave the phone an annoyed glance. “Ok, either someone didn’t pay their bill, or-“

“Is she ok?” Willow said as she hurried out of the office.

Buffy merely nodded, exhaling heavily. “She said something about things that need to be…mmf!”

Xander and Willow had interrupted her with a simultaneous embrace.

************************************************

Faith, Angel and Spike stood guard over Lilah while Cordy and Fred escorted a still-groggy Wesley to the bathroom for a cold shower. Riley had volunteered to make coffee, which Dawn agreed to assist with in exchange for the use of his cell-phone. After a minute of silence, Lilah sighed heavily.

“Did someone add heat vision to Slayer powers without sending me a memo?”

“Why?” Faith asked.

“Well, you seem to be attempting to stare a hole through me. Something on your mind, or just happy to see me again?”

Faith glanced toward the swinging doors that led into the kitchen; Dawn had apprently just hung up. She lowered her voice.

“I’m thinkin’ you’re one sick bitch.”

“Ah.” Lilah smirked. “You were the one that decided to ruin the show?”

“Cordy and me, yeah. So spare me the ‘just want to talk’ bit. What’s the agenda here?”

Lilah sighed. “There is no-“

“Bullshit.”

“I admit I…prepared a little treat for Dawnie. I thought both of them needed a lesson about trying to play with me.”

Faith squinted. “I’m thinkin’ she might not see it that way. Wanna find out?”

Lilah raised an eyebrow. “Am I supposed to be scared now?”

“What’d she do?” Spike queried.

Faith hesitated before responding, noticing Dawn headed their way. “I’m gonna tell you later, Spike.” She moved closer to Lilah. “I got no desire to protect your worthless ass, but you just might have somethin’ to offer. I better not think you’re pulling anything, though. Otherwise…”

She trailed off, looking meaningfully toward Dawn as she entered the living room with a carafe and several cups looped around her fingers. The gun was still tucked rather menacingly into the front of her jeans. The youngest Summers stopped in her tracks.

“Where’s Wesley?”

Spike supplied the answer. “Needed a bit of a pick-me-up. You get hold of her?”

Dawn simply nodded.

“Good. Lemme help you with the stuff.”

“I’ve got it.” Dawn placed the cups on the glass-top coffee table carefully, unscrewing the cap on the carafe. “I brought extras. Who wants some?”

Faith shrugged. “I’ll take a cup. Smells good.”

“How do you take it?”

“Coal.”

Dawn poured. “Spike?”

He shook his head.

“Angel?”

“NO! Are you insane?” Cordy shouted as the remains of the Fang Gang emerged from the bathroom. Wesley, noticeably more alert, was running a towel through his hair

Dawn winced. “Right. I forgot.”

“I wasn’t going to accept anyway.” Angel grumbled.

Lilah grinned. “Folger’s one of those elusive happiness triggers?”

“Shut up.” Cordy glowered at her. “It doesn’t agree with him, is all.”

Dawn handed Fred a cup without asking, which the scientist accepted gratefully.

“Umm…would there happen to be any cream and sugar?”

Dawn frowned. “Actually, that should have been here by-“

“Sorry.” Riley hustled in with a pint of half and half and a sugar canister. “Couldn’t find the creamer.”

“I took it out of the fridge for you while I was on the phone.”

Riley looked down. “Well…yes. It’s just that there were some dirty plates in the sink, so-“

“You washed Lilah’s dishes?” Faith was incredulous.

“Just a couple.” After a moment of silence, he spread his hands. “It’s a thing, ok? Can we move on?”

“You know, while you’re at it, I have some dirty clothes in the hamper-“

“Shut up!” Everyone chorused but Wesley, who simply moaned in pain from the sudden noise. Dawn knelt next to him, offering a cup. “Here, honey. This might help.”

He took the cup, reaching out to touch her cheek with his free hand. “Thank God you’re all right.”

She turned her face, kissing his palm. “You too.”

Lilah rolled her eyes. “Ok, now I need a little something extra with my coffee.”

“How about arsenic?” Angel deadpanned.

“You don’t get any.” Dawn said coldly.

“It’s my damned coffee!”

“You want it? Fine.” Dawn started to unscrew the lid all the way. Wesley stilled her.

“Dawn…please.”

She took a deep breath. “Sorry. Info gathering. Got it.”

“Hm? Oh! No, I simply wished to save the coffee. Jamaican Blue Mountain, you know.”

“What? I thought it was Folger’s!” Cordy interjected. “Jesus, I was going to say no to support Angel, but screw that! Gimme some.”

Lilah turned to Angel. “I will never understand how I failed to obliterate all of you by now.”

“Enough.” Angel responded, walking over to the dining room table and grabbing a chair. He moved it directly across from Lilah’s position and sat down. “Talk.”

The room fell silent as Lilah took a deep breath.

“The short version is this: the events of the last week or so have been orchestrated by clients of mine.”

“Who are they?”

There was a hesitation. “I’m not sure where to start.” She held up a hand as Dawn stirred. “Keep it in your pants. I didn’t say I wouldn’t answer. It’s an essay question, that’s all.”

“Consider this your final exam.” Angel said quietly.

“As those of you based here in Los Angeles know, I’m the earthbound Partner of the Los Angeles division of Wolfram and Hart.”

“The real Devil’s advocate.” Fred supplied.

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“How about telling us something we don’t know?” Faith said.

“All right. My clients…are the most important and influential I will ever have.”

Angel scowled. “The Senior Partners themselves?”

Lilah shook her head. “Thinking way too small there, big guy. The Senior Partners operate out of one dimension. These…clients are beyond any such boundaries.”

“They move in parallel universes?” Fred asked.

“No. Well, yes.” Lilah corrected. “You’re missing the point, though. To put it in the simplest terms, my clients are one half of the universe’s gatekeepers. They have virtually limitless power; in an instant any one of us could be trundled off to whatever dimension they see fit. Generally the one that would cause the most torment. That’s their thing. Pretty cool beings, really.”

“Glad you like them.” Angel said drily. “You said one half?”

“I did. It’s about balance. For every force, there’s an equal and opposite…with a few exceptions. Every once in a while – by that I mean every few million years or so - a challenge is laid out by one side or the other. It calls for a ritual battle between the Chosen forces of Light vs. Darkness. The winner gets to control that dimension as they see fit.”

No one spoke for a long minute. “Permanently?” Wes finally asked.

“No.”

“I see. For how long, then?”

“Long enough for us to be fossilized.”

“You’re joking.”

“Nope. In terms of exactly how long one force rules a dimension after a challenge, there is no set number as far as I know. As I said, I’m merely a minor liaison here. An educated guess would be about 60 million years, give or take…assuming one can always go by our example.”

“Our example?” Fred parroted. “You’re saying this has happened here before?”

“From what I’ve gathered, yes. My clients won the last challenge rather easily. No one had the sophisticated skills required to represent what you would consider to be the good guys.”

Dawn’s eyes widened. “So…that’s why demons walk the Earth now?”

Lilah shook her head. “No. Actually, it’s why dinosaurs don’t.”

************************************

Willow sighed heavily, leaning back in Angel’s office to rub her eyes.

“Hey.” Buffy said as she poked her head in the door. “It’s morning. We should all try to get some sleep before we have to go.”

”I guess.”

“Whatcha working on?”

Willow gave a half shrug. “I’m bothered by this whole Gem issue. It doesn’t fit.”

“Oh. No biggie, just get it re-sized.”

“I meant-“

“I know what you meant.”

“Did Glowy Giles make any references to vampires walking in daylight?”

Buffy frowned, thinking it over for a moment.. “Far as I can remember,vamps never even entered the conversation.”

“Right. So…”

“What’s going on in Drusilla’s mind?”

“Kind of a tall order, I know.”

Buffy widened her eyes. “SO not putting myself in her straitjacket.”

“Especially since our resident Dru experts can’t figure it out any better than we can.”

“Maybe we could use someone who really is a few fries short of a Happy Meal.”

Willow grinned. “Speaking of which, where’s Xander?”

Buffy smiled back. “Already sacked out, unfortunately.” Her smile faded. “Willow, you understand he was just playing with you before, right? About Faith?”

“What? Oh, that.” Willow waved a dismissive hand. “Of course. I just allow him to think he can still get to me. Gives him a happy.”

“Willow!” Buffy said laughingly. “That’s just wrong! Funny…but wrong.”

“Not really. Sometimes he needs his little victories. Let me tell you, faking a decent blush is hard to do. If I tried to do it with a glamour, it would look all fake.”

They fell silent as the mirth died away. Willow went back to the “Symbols” section of Wesley’s demonology texts, After a few moments, she realized she wasn’t really registering the words.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Buffy opened her eyes; the stress of the long day and night would tire anyone out, Slayer or otherwise.

“About what?”

“Why him?”

Buffy didn’t have to ask who she meant. “Well…he took part in the big team mojo exercise, so-“

“Yes, but…if this scope of battle is as big as we’re told, they have to know Xander can’t…” She trailed off.

“Maybe they do. Either way, if he runs into trouble he can’t handle-“

“We might not be in a position to help him.”

Buffy went on doggedly. “He’ll stick close to me. Xander can still cover my back.”

“Not if he has one of his seizures.”

The Slayer ran a hand over her face. “Ok, then…maybe they’ll think he’s dead and leave him alone. It’s not as if we have a choice, Will.”

“I know that!” Willow snapped. Buffy sat up straight in her chair in surprise.

“I didn’t mean to-“

“No. No…I’m the one who should apologize. You didn’t create this. I did.”

“What?”

“If this is supposed to be another noble sacrifice for humankind…”

“Willow, don’t even-“

“IF it is…I’m not sure what I’m going to do.” She looked Buffy in the eye. “When I brought you back, it was the worst mistake of my life. I missed you so much, and it controlled me. When Tara was…” She cleared her throat. “I tried to take it out on the whole world. Xander saved me.”

The witch leaned forward.

“If they take him from me…” She placed a hand on her belly. “…or hurt my baby in any way…“

Buffy’s voice became a whisper. “Willow, please stop.”

“This world isn’t the one I’ll take it out on.”

Neither of them spoke for a long time. Finally all Buffy could think of to do was nod.

Willow didn’t bother to return the gesture, choosing to again retreat to the safety of her reference material.

************************************

Spike held up a hand. “Hold up! I hear that last bit properly?”

Lilah shrugged. “Yup.”

“What you’re saying, Lilah…it isn’t possible.” Wesley said quietly.

“Why not?”

“Because…science has explanations for the evolution of the hominid species.” Fred protested.

“Hey, I’m just repeating what I was told. From what I remember from Bio class, though, nobody has ANY definite explanation for the extinction of dinosaurs, right?”

“I saw something on the Discovery Channel about this.” Faith interjected. “People said it was a big fuckin’meteor.” She glared as the entire room turned to stare at her. “You know, this stereotyping shit gets old after a while.”

“No, I was just thinking.” Dawn looked slightly uncomfortable. “If monks can create a person and memories and stuff with magic…how much of a trick would it be for the most powerful beings in the universe to make a meteor?”

Angel was frowning in thought. “Assuming you aren’t lying about this-“

“Why would I want to?” Lilah asked. “You think I would make something like that up?”

“Doesn’t matter anyway.”

“Doesn’t matter?” Fred echoed in astonishment. “Do you realize how this would change everything?”

“I do. Thing is, the scientific community isn’t our first concern at the moment. Let’s get back on topic here. What exactly was your role, Lilah? And don’t just say liasion; give us some specifics.”

“I had one job, really: to induce Buffy and the rest-“ She stopped. “You know, I just realized a few of your little band aren’t here.”

“They had a prior engagement.” Riley said. “You were saying?”

“I know what she’s gonna say.” Spike shook his head. “You sent the little witch after Willow, yeah? Hooked her up with that old sorcerer pal of Giles.”

Lilah nodded. “I never believed those two could possibly pull off that kind of spell on someone with Willow’s power. Still, the idea was to motivate her toward L.A. That’s what my clients were after. If she actually DID the ritual to drain herself of magic, so much the better. My purpose was served either way.”

“And Dru? What of her little visit?”

“Figured that’d be enough to make Buffy curious. Harris already comes down here five days a week, so his side of it was taken care of.”

“What about the girls?” Faith asked quietly. “What’s their purpose?”

Lilah raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Lie.” Was all Angel said, his face set in stone. Spike snorted.

“Dru had a pack of ‘em when she came to visit, and we’ve seen one down here. Stop messin’ about. What’re they for?”

Lilah’s face was the very picture of confusion. “What are who for?”

Faith stood. “Ok, startin’ to piss me off, now. First vamp we saw wearin’ the gem was a big buff dude in the gym. After that, though…all streetwalkers. What’s the deal?”

“There is no-“

“And how did a martini-sipper like you ever hook up with Jimmy anyway?”

Lilah shook her head, sighing heavily. She gave Dawn and Fred a look. “You two download pretty fast.”

Dawn stole a brief glance at Faith before responding. “Uh-huh. Answer the question.”

“Oh, I will. First things first, though. GLACIALIS!”

The first reaction to Lilah’s sudden outburst was shock…but what happened a nanosecond later topped it. The lawyer stood up, looking around the room with satisfaction.

“Well, that went smoothly. Nothing like having a shaman on retainer.”

Everyone else present was attempting to attack…but their bodies didn’t respond. The spell had, for all intents and purposes, paralyzed them.

“This has been fun, I have to say. Well, must be going. I have appointments to keep.”

The group began grunting collectively, straining with all they had, but the spell was simply too powerful. Ignoring them, Lilah headed for the front door, than hesitated.

“You know, I DID promise to answer your question, didn’t I? Plus…it’s so much fun seeing all of you like this.”

Faith managed to form words. “Kill…you.”

“Big talk, trailer-trash. You want to hear this or not?”

The stark silence caused her to grin. “I’ll take that as a yes. First of all: Spike, Dru’s little visit was my idea, but not with the others. Once that happned, though, I figured the cat would be out of the bag sooner or later. I’d planned to invite all of you over to gauge how much you actually know.” She smirked at Wesley. “Didn’t have to, though. Your little scheme did most of the work for me.”

“Tread…way?” Dawn croaked. “What about…him?”

“Ah, Jack. That guy is my kind of asshole. He was just a resource I’d set aside just in case. Came to me looking for work a year or so ago. Once he told me of his relationship with Willow, I paid the man to do nothing more than keep his eyes and ears open. Always nice when an investment pays off; your need for a pilot played right into my hands.”

She made a show of tapping her forefinger against her chin. “Ok…what have I missed? Oh, the gym guy. Again, not my original idea; he was a mistake. I thought unmarried young guys could easily fall under the thrall of Drusilla. Turns out one of them decided to form his own agenda. I hate security leaks, don’t you, Mr. Finn?”

The soldier’s eyes widened slightly. Lilah gave him an indulgent smile.

“Please. You thought I didn’t know who you were? You were world famous for being Buffy’s rebound victim even before your group started moving against our Australian branch. Anyway, where was I? Oh, the leak. Once he started parading the Gem of Amara in front of the Slayers, I had to get creative.”

She turned to Faith. “By the way, when it comes to stereotyping, you should check the mirror, young lady. Certain…associates of Jimmy’s had been clients of mine for years, so we knew of each other. Beyond that, it was just a matter of dollars and cents, which are his absolute favorite things.”

Lilah began to pace around the room as she continued.

“It’s perfect really – who better to use than teenagers who have slipped between the cracks? So easy to manipulate. As you all know, Drusilla is quite the whackaloon…still, there seems to be something about her that grabs their attention.”

“They trust her.” Wesley said hoarsely. Lilah knelt in front of him, running her fingers through his hair.

“Yes, my love. They do. Stupid of them, isn’t it?”

“Lilah, why…why are you doing this?”

She leaned in and kissed him thoroughly, smiling as Dawn make a gurgling sound.

“Simple. I like to hedge my bets. Ok, class, I really must be going now. Oh, wait…before I forget.”

She picked up one of the cups of coffee and flung the contents into Dawn’s face.

“That’s for the barrel-sized bruise on the back of my head.”

Wesley’s eyes bulged as Dawn screamed in agony. Lilah strode toward the door.

“They don’t…know, do they?” Angel said. “The…Gatekeepers.”

The Senior Partner of Wolfram and Hart turned back to face him; all traces of a smile had left her face.

“I really doubt they give a damn. They got what they wanted. So will I.”

“What do you want? What’s the goal here?”

Lilah leaned against the doorframe.

“Want to know the neatest quality of that gem you so thoughtfully left on your roof for us to salvage all those years ago? It’s not the walking in the sun thing…though that’s pretty neat. No…it’s actually the transference.”

She paused dramatically.

“You see, when a vampire wearing the gem sires another, all of the mystical properties transfer naturally.”

Spike closed his eyes. “Bloody Hell…”

Faith frowned. “What are you saying…exactly?”

“I’m saying they don’t even need to wear the Gem of Amara to walk in the day. Think about it for a second: you can’t stake them, you can’t chop their heads off…holy water is just a refreshing drink. True immortals…not cheap imitations like Angel and Spike. A demon that cannot, under any circumstances, be slain.”

She winked at Faith. “Drusilla is about to lead a hundred vampires on a holy quest to build an Army of Immortals. That’s my title, by the way. Can’t beat it with a stake, huh?”

“We’ll find a way. Always do.”

Lilah shrugged. “Oh…well, there is ONE way. Just find a powerful enough witch to send them into another dimension.”

She began pulling the door closed behind her, then stopped one last time.

“Of course, if Buffy’s Little Trio That Could manage to win in that stadium later today, all dimensional walls will be closed…for millions of years. That would pretty much leave earth completely helpless. Kind of makes you wonder who to root for, doesn’t it?”

Lilah gave Angel a little wave. “I’ll be back for you.”

- End Chapter Thirty-one -

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