Chapter Two: Joshua Tree Camp

[Buffy Summers]

The caravan was now traveling through desert. In the early morning light the desert was sparkling and alive - they passed ocotillos and cholla, creosote dotting the landscape in it's stark beauty. Desert animals watched the strange scene - some with curiosity, some with serene majesty, the lords of their domain.

They pulled into a grove of Joshua trees; they were now on the outskirts of the National Park. They drove off the dirt road and onto a long drive. Up ahead, the travellers could see a walled compound - high, thick bleached stone walls that almost blended into the landscape. The cars reached an electronic gate. The driver in the lead car stuck his arms out the window and placed his palm on a touch screen which scanned his hand. The massive gate groaned open, and the cars entered.

Inside they saw a cluster of buildings made from the same light colored stone. People were milling about, many young girls. As the cars came to a stop inside an enclosed entrance area, they were met by some of the compound's staff, as well as medical personnel who began to help the weary travelers from the cars.

The camp had a medical center - which consisted of a large room with rows of beds and high tech medical equipment, doctors and nurses on call. There were also barracks, comfortable rooms which were each equipped with a beds, sitting areas, closets and drawers furnished with clean clothes and showers. The main building, where the team had entered, housed a large conference center.

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy got out of the car and directed the others. ::

"Welcome to our Californina training center. Get the wounded into the medical facility - everyone should be checked out by our medical team. Afterwards, a hot meal is waiting. Accomodations have been prepared - everyone should get some sleep and then meet up back here in the conference center. I'll explain everything then to those of you new to our ways. These people" - she gestured - "will assist you. If you need anything, they'll get it for you."

[Lyri]

::Gwen lay on a hospital trolley getting checked over. She'd lost her gloves back in the alley and now had to make a conscious effort to keep her power at zero so as not to zap anyone who touched her.

::The medtech finished taking her blood pressure and declared her fit, but exhausted. Gwen was not inclined to disagree.

::Illyria was hovering near her bed, and when Gwen swung her legs over the side to get up, blue walked to her side.::

Illyria: "Just a few briuses, nothing major."

::Illyria said nothing as she looked around the rest of the room.

::Gwen followed her gaze and watched as all the fighters from the alley received some sort of medical attention. Gunn looked to be the worst off of everyone. He was pretty out of it as he lay on the trolley. A dark haired teenage girl was being treated for a wound in her back, and a teenage guy was hovering near, as if he didn't want to leave her alone.

::Some of those who had not been injured too badly had already started to leave the medical ward, and Gwen's stomach rumbled at the thought of the hot meal that had been promised. She gave Illyria a questioning look. She had no idea if she ate or not.::

Illyria: "Come on, let's get out of here."

::They left the room together.::

[Anita Blake]

::Willow sat there as they drove on. Her mind started to wander, she was wondering how the others were doing, if they were all safe. She reached her mind out to the SUV in front of theirs, she could sense Xander and Faith, Xander was in pain, his mind was all over the place and she could not contact him, so she said to Faith telepathically::

Faith: "Faith? Can you hear me?"

::Gingerly stepping out of the car she jumped slightly at hearing Willow's voice in her mind::

Willow: "Damn, Red can't you ever get my attention in some less show-y invade-Faith's-mind sort of way?"

::Looking around at the compound she grinned::

(its about time...)

::Looking back inside the SUV she tried to get Xander's attention::

Xander: "Hey you in there. Rise and Shine, Patches. We're here!"

::Knowing that he's in a lot of pain she yells at some of the people who look like medical personel::

Med Guys: "Hey. Get your butts over here! What the hell is Buffy paying you for anyways?"

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew jumped out of his SUV and surveyed the area. Mostly everyone was either getting treated or treating the people that needed treating. Either way, it was depressing. He quickly strided up to Buffy who was looking over the scene. ::

Buffy: "Uh, Buffy ... I mean, lieutenant Summers?"

:: Buffy shot Andrew a disapproving glare. ::

Buffy: "Sorry. Um, okay, I have a question. I understand that we came back here to, you know, help your guy and everything ... and don't think that I'm sore about leaving Rome ... cause ... I'm not."

:: Andrew tried to fake a smile, but couldn't. The truth was, he did not want to leave Rome. ::

Buffy: "Whatever. I was just wondering ..."

:: Buffy continued to glare. ::

Buffy: "How you can be so accommodating! You're great! Bye!"

:: Andrew nervously walked away and into the building. ::

"She's always really scary after a battle ..."

[Cordelia]

:: Kennedy's eyes fluttered open and she found herself in a room surrounded by medical equipment and lots of people in white lab coats she hoped were doctors. The last thing she remembered was the battle in the alley and the vampire who almost did her in. She couldn't remember the last time she saw Willow's face. She jerked upright in bed ::

Mustering up all the voice she could, she shouted: "Willow!"

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow Got out of the Car she was in, the Medic had already taken Kennedy out and was already in the medical center, As she got out she saw Faith calling medics over to help Xander, she walked over::

Faith: "Sorry about the 'virtual talky', I did not realise we were so close to the compound, I was just wondering how Xander was doing"

::She looked into the Car as Xander was taken out by two medics, he smiled at her, and she smiled back. She then turned towards Faith::

Faith: "Well guess I know, he looks pretty bad. Will you look after him, I have to go check on Kennedy"

::Faith gave her a nod, and Willow started walking into the medical center. She was in the hall when she herd her name being yelled, and she knew it was Kennedy, She burst in through the doors, and saw Kennedy sitting up and looking around, she ran over and put her hand on her shoulder::

Kennedy: "Ken you have to rest, sit back"

[Cordelia]

Willow: Oh my god, you're alive. I lost you out there and when I woke up I didn't know where I was. Did we kick the bad guys' ass?

[Black Eye Guy]

Kennedy: " Oh yeah we totally kicked butt! But There is allot of wounded. You better rest now, I'll comeback and check on you in a little while, I better see if anybody needs my help"

::She kisses Kennedy on the and walks back out-side::

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn was lying on a bed in the medical area. He had been getting treated for several hours and it appeared he was going to be alright. With an extra amount of effort Gunn opened his eyes and looked around.::

"Hell yeah.....we made it"


:: Gunn tried to sit up a little bit more but couldn't. He was still exhausted from the beating he took. He saw a red button near his bed and pushed it. A few moments later a doctor emerged and came towards.::

Doctor: "Is everyone alright"

:: The doctor told Gunn that everyone was pretty much okay, albeit some had major injuries.::

Doctor: "Am I gonna be alright, doc"

:: The doctor told Gunn he was going to be fine as long as he rested for a few more hours. He said that his strenght will come back in no time. A releaved Gunn looked around one last moment, then closed his eyes and took a nap::

[VisionGuy]

::Connor looked around as he was getting patched up by a medic.He didn't know where he was but he knew that he felt out of place.He didn't know the majority of the people here.He looked over and saw that Angel was getting treated himself.With all the excitement,Angel hadn't noticed that Connor was even there.And if he did notice,he was hiding it well.He looked over at Dawn and smiled.So far,she was the only person who he had the chance to talk to,so he didn't want to steer too far from her.Dawn seemed to have some connection to the blonde chick in-charge.She said her name was Buffy.He couldn't forget a unique name like that.Connor couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next.

[Faith]

:: Sitting up in her bed, her wound taken care of she felt the pain killers kicking in. The sleep in the car had helped and the pain was easing off. She smiled back at Connor and waved. He seemed uneasy like he didn't know what to do, she wanted to go over and say hi but so much was going through her head ::

(Not too much damage which is good)

:: frowning she realised that Xander was not there, she called over to the nearest medic ::

Medic: "Hey, Xander Harris, where is he, did he make it back"

"Yes Miss Summers, i'm told he is here in the centre, not to worry"

:: with that taken care of she eased herself off the bed and made her way over to Connor ::

Connor: "Hey, I wanted to say thanks again for looking out for me"

:: her eyes noticed his battle damaged clothing ::

Connor: "You know we have fresh clothes here, if you wanted I can take you to get some"

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow walked back out to where they had gotten out of the cars, she looked around and saw the car drivers were in a groupe talking, everyone else had gone somewhere. She just stood there looking at the Sun, which was now a good bit above the horizon line, She stared for a moment before heading to the barracks. She walked into her room, she had stayed here a couple of times, each of the core scoobies had a room in each training facility. She threw her jacket onto her bed and opened the wardrobe, and took out a towel, she then went into the bathroom and turned on the shower, she undressed and stepped under the warm water, the nicest feeling in the world, she thought::

[VisionGuy]

:: Dawn made her way toward Connor.He gave her an uneasy smile as she approached him.Dawn thanked him for looking out for her and then she checked out his clothes.he looked down at his outfit and saw that it was torn and dirty from the big fight.She then offered to take him to get some new clothes.He got up and said

Dawn: "Thanks,I'd really appreciate it."

::"That's it?That's all you have to say?"Connor thought to himself.Dawn walked ahead and led him to where the fresh clothes were at.There was a long awkward silence.Connor didn't really know what else to do but smile.

[Anita Blake]

::Faith watches Willows retreating form go into the compound before turning back to Xander::

(She's not as bubbley as she used to be. Very straight-forward gal now. Not sure I like it.)

::Seeing the medics start to wheel Xander away she starts after them::

Medics: "Hey, don't you think you're leaving me here. I'm supposed to keep an eye on that one!"

::Walking a bit faster she grimaces and grabs her side feeling a pain shoot through her::

(Xander's not the only one who can use a medic...OUCH!)

::Catching up to the stretcher she smiles at Xander::

Xander: "Well, fancy meeting you here. Whatcha in for?"

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew retreated to his quarters where he quickly ran to his bed and jumped on top of it. He layed there staring at the ceiling. Quickly, he reached beneath the mattress and grabbed a magazine entitled "Comic Book Mania" and went to the cabinet above the refrigerator and got a bag of potato chips. He reached his hand inside the bag. ::

"Oh, you elusive chips. You feared I would not return. You, however ... were mistaken."

:: Andrew chomped down on the chip and went back to his bed and began to read his magazine. ::

"Oh, Spiderman, you never lose your appeal. Just what is your secret?"

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow stepped out of the shower and dried off, she headed back into her room and took out some clean cloths, and got dressed. She did not bother to dry her hair, she just left her room and headed back towards the medical centre. She stopped and decided to go to the canteen instead, she was starving and she was guessing Kennedy would be to, They were also gonna have to go to a meeting in a little while so its best that she had something to eat, she'd grab something for Kennedy too.
She walked into the canteen, there were groups of Slayers eating together they were whispering in hushed voices, probably discussing last nights events. They kept looking over to the other end of canteen and turning back to talk again, Willow noticed they were looking at Gwen and Illyria who were sitting together, She walked over to them::

Gwen and Illyria: "Hey, are you guys ok? If you need anything just ask any of the members of Staff, they'll help you out"

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria looked around her surroundings as willow walked up she listened to the small girl and nodded::

"The fight was successful but at a large loss.. we've lost many of our fighters, and ones who were not so annoying."

::She felt saddened as she thought of wesley dying in her arms. Something more was comming she knew it but she passed it outta her mind.::

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy was moving throughout the compound, checking on her team and making sure everything was going smoothely. She had showered and napped a little, but there was too much to do right now for a proper sleep. She encouraged the others to rest, though - they would need their strength. And she wanted everyone thinking as clearly as possible when they met again - there was something very important they needed to discuss.

She grabbed some food to go and proceeded to a meeting room where David was waiting. ::

"Make sure everything's ready."

:: He asked if she thought they'd go for it. She shrugged. ::

"There was a time I would have said yes with absolute certainty, but so much time has passed, so much has happened, I don't really know anymore."

[Mesektet Ra]

Spike sat inside the medical ward, silent and aware.

A blonde female medic was stitching a wound on his right shoulderblade - it was painful, but he lasted. He barely moved and inch as the needle sewed him shut.

[This place is like the bleedin' Initiative], he told himself. But Buffy was here, and that was all that mattered.

Spike had watched with dread as they wheeled Gunn from the SUV, still unconcious at the time. He watched them tend to Dawn and Xander, and he'd watched Kennedy awaken. He felt tired, worn, his heart heavy and his mind confused.

He watched the remnants of the team drift off in pairs, and Spike sat by himself, feeling that last tug of the needle through his skin.

"All done," the nurse clipped. Spike nodded at her and jumped off the gurney, pulling his shirt back on and grabbing his duster.

He turned to the nurse. "My friend...Gunn. Which room is he in?"

The nurse never looked up from her papers as she pointed to her left, behind a curtain.

Spike nodded again and made his way towards the curtain, and pulled it back a bit.

Gunn lay sleeping, his monitors trilling quite nicely. Spike breathed a sigh of relief and closed the curtain.

He turned around, and headed out of the medical center, to the mess hall.

[Faith]

:: Dawn walked in silence with Connor, leading him to the store room so he could get changed ::

(ok so he's not big with the talking thing)

Connor: "So um, how did you end up in the alley?"

:: gaining a sense of her surroundings she led them down the hallway, turning left to the stores ::

[Black Eye Guy]

:: Willow just stared at Illyria not sure what to say back to her, [Who was she missing?]::

Illyria: "Ok I have to check on Ken, but if you need anything just ask"

::She smiled and walked over to the food counter and grabbed some food, She then made her way back towards the Medical Centre, she walked in and looked around, she had not realised how many people had been injured in the battle. She walked over to Kennedy’s bed::

Kennedy: "Hey, how are you feeling?"

[Lyri]

::Gwen watched as Willow walked out of the mess hall, suddenly remembering that she didn't know where her room was.

::She was exhausted, and needed to sleep...for like a week.

::One of the camps personelle walked psat her table.::

"Excuse me, do you know where i can find a room?"

::Gwen looked down at her clothes. Her black leather pants were torn, and her top was covered in blood, some her own, some demon.::

"Change of clothes might be good, too."

::The young man nodded and asked her to follow him.

::Gwen stood up and followed him out of the mess hall.::

[VisionGuy]

::Connor didn't really know how to answer Dawn's question without telling her the truth.

Dawn:"I went there to help Angel."

::Okay so maybe it was better that he didn't tell her the whole truth.It would be kinda hard to explain how he is the child of two vampires.Connor decided to quickly change the subject.

Dawn:"What about you?Are you from LA?"

[Anita Blake]

::Shaking her head as Xander yelps in pain, Faith suddenly feels a hand on her shoulder. Twirling around she goes into a defensive position::

(okay, person in white lab coat. Do I maim or kill...)

::smirking inwardly to herself she relaxes after noticing the semi-frightened looks she was getting from the medics.::

Medic: "What can I do ya for?"

Medic to Faith: "Your limping...I thought maybe I could do something..."

Medic: "Minor injuries, don't need anything except a hot shower and some food."

::The medic turns to walk away and Faith heads in the opposite direction for a shower and hopefully some food::

[Buffy Summers]

Wood finished getting his side bandaged - nothing too serious, he would just be a little sore for a couple of days. He saw Faith across the room but by the time he got to where Xander lay, she was gone. He put a hand on Xander's shoulder, then left to find a bed of his own.

...

Angel lay on a bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had come through the battle relatively unscathed, and he would heal on his own soon enough. He didn't know how he felt about being back with the old "gang" again...seeing Buffy. In the middle of the battle it had been one thing - he was happy for their help of course - but now...he had to admit, he was avoiding them.

...

Though it was day time, the compound had a certain tranquility as everyone wound down from the battle...

Angel, Andrew, Gwen, Giles, Wood and Faith were resting in their rooms...

Xander, Gunn, and Kennedy (and Willow with her) were being cared for in the med center...

Dawn and Connor were getting to know each other better in a store room...

and

Illyria and Spike were getting something to eat...

[Buffy Summers]

:: As ready as she was going to be for what lay ahead, and confident that David was taking care of the smaller details at the compound, Buffy was finally able to take a breather. She first went back to the med center. She stood in the doorway for a minute, watching the fallen sleep. She knew coming to Angel's aid was the right thing to do, but their pain still weighed heavily upon her.

She walked over to where Willow sat with Kennedy. She gave Kennedy a warm smile. ::

Kennedy: "And here I thought you were indestructable."

:: Buffy turned to Willow. ::

"Hey, Will."

:: She moved to give her friend a hug. ::

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria looked down at her food from the little caffitera place and frowned::

Spike:"What is this food..."

::Illyria picked up the bun that held the sloppy joes inside it and smelled it a bit she quickly openned her mouth wide and took a small bite::

Spike"It tastes fimilar... and also strange... I think i like it."

::Illyria took another bite of the strange tasting messy burger and watched spike who sat across from her::

Spike"You fight rather well halfbreed your hardley injured from the fight."

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew emerged from his room with an empty bag of chips. He made his way down to the mess hall where he saw Spike and that same blue girl he remembered from last night. He threw the bag away and went to sit beside Spike. ::

Spike: Hey, Spike. It's been awhile ...

:: Awkward silence. Andrew smiles at Spike. ::

Spike: So ...

[Cordelia]

:: Willow just stared at Illyria not sure what to say back to her, [Who was she missing?]::

Illyria: "Ok I have to check on Ken, but if you need anything just ask"

::She smiled and walked over to the food counter and grabbed some food, She then made her way back towards the Medical Centre, she walked in and looked around, she had not realised how many people had been injured in the battle. She walked over to Kennedy’s bed::

Kennedy: "Hey, how are you feeling?"

Kennedy smiled as she saw Willow enter the room. She reached for her arm and pulled her close.

Willow: Better now. A doc came in a few minutes ago and said I should be up and about by tomorrow. Slayer healing, gotta love it. Any news about the new bad we're fighting? That was some demon horde we fought.

[Black Eye Guy]

Kennedy: "Nope, not yet but we will..."

::Before she finished her sentence Buffy came up to them. She hugged her::

Buffy: "Wow that was some amount of demons! Are you ok? And I don’t mean in an emotional way of having to deal with Spike and Angel"

::She smiled nervously::

Buffy: "Heh, heh..."

[Faith]

:: Dawn pushes open the door to the store room ::

Connor: "No, i'm from Sunnydale"

:: pauses ::

Connor: "How do you know Angel?"

[VisionGuy]

::Connor walks into the store room and looks around at everything that was in there.They had all types of clothes in all different sizes.He didn't know what else to tell Dawn.I mean Connor wasn't really a good liar.He decided to just tell her the truth.

Dawn:"Angel's my father."

[Buffy Summers]

:: Buffy had to smile. Same old Willow. ::

"Well, you know, the usual. Don't feel like running a marathon but I'll get by. How are you?"

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn opens up his eyes and looks around. He gets out of his bed and pulls the I.V. from his arm.::

"Well, that was still less painful than those brain upgrades"

:: Gunn starts to walk and exits the medical center of the camp. There he sees Spike obviously annoyed by Andrew who it looks like is following him around.::

Spike: "Hey, I'm guessing by the looks of things we won"

[Anita Blake]

::Pulling on her boots, Faith looks in the mirror on top of the dresser in the room she had staked a claim on::

(Well, I don't look any the worse for wear...)

::Hearing her stomach rumble she makes a face at her reflection::

Herself: "Well, I guess I know where I'm heading next..."

::Leaving her room, she turns in the direction she assumes the mess hall is in::

(If all else fails I'll just follow my nose.)

..............20 min later.............................

::Faith turns the corner and smells the unmistakeable aroma of sloppy joes::

(Finally...)

::Spotting Spike, Illyria and Andrew at a table she decides to join them. Walking up to the table she pulls out a chair falls in the chair next to Illyria::

Illyria: "Nice hair."

::grabbing a plate and a couple of sloppy joes she starts to dig in::

Spike: "Hey Blondie, nice to see you...undead and all."

::Smirking at Spike she turns to Andrew and spots his bag of chips::

Andrew: "Pass the chips."

::Spotting Gunn coming in and talking to Spike she grins::

Gunn: "Hey Baldy, what happened to your face? Didya have a fight with a wall and come out the loser?"

(Well, atleast he's up and walking around. I hope Xander and Kennedy are as lucky. It's not like Xander can stand to lose anymore important parts...hehehe)

[Black Eye Guy]

Buffy: "Im ok, pretty tired but im guessing its going to be a little 'Sleepless in L.A.' for the next few days. That spell took allot out of me, took allot out of the demon army too"

::She smiles to herself::

Buffy: "So what are we gonna do now?"

[Buffy Summers]

"For now, just relax. We've put in a good days work. After everyone has slept and eaten, we'll all meet up. I have something important to talk to you all about."

:: She wasn't intentionally being evasive with Willow; she just didn't want to influence her friend's decisions. ::

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles had found a little spot to rest. He needed some 'alone' time. He had dealt with alot in his tenure as watcher, but recent events seemed to have taken there Toll.
He could feel his age creeping up on him. He wasnt an old man by any means, but at some point the body just had to say thats enough.
He just needed time, some time to access things, contemplate what had just happened, and work out what he had to do next. He knew that the Scoobies didnt need him any more. They had enough experience between them to carry on without him.
With that last thought he leant back and allowed his eyes to close.::

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria watched as faith sat down, she didn't know who this new one was but she seemed to know everyone else Illyria took her hair in hand and looked at it as Faith said 'Nice Hair'::

Faith:"It is only a shell. My real form was stronger, quicker and humans would bow before me."

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew smiled as Faith sat down. He threw the now empty bag of chips her way. ::

Illyria: So ... what's your story? We all heard about Fred-

:: Andrew cut himself off. He knew that the mention of that name might have an uncomfortable after-effect on Spike and Gunn. ::

Illyria: Um, but we don't have much on you. Did you have that blue hair before or after you came to LA, cause ... Well, let's just say it's witnessed some pretty bad hair disasters, let me tell you.

:: Andrew giggled, but no one joined in. ::

Group: 90210?

:: Andrew quieted down. No one ever got his humor. ::

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria cocked her head at andrew and wrinkled her nose he was weird and more annoying then the rest..::

Andrew:"I am an old one... this girl you speak of Fred is nothing but a mere shell. When my essence entered her body hers disappeared I returned to my world to find it demolished by your species the ones we once ruled apon. I have no home except this... The half breeds... The humans... wesley...."

::Illyria saddened then changed the subject rather quickly when andrew asked about her hair... she looked at her hair agian then to andrew::

Andrew:"Is this not appropriate? Should i look more casual? like my shell her form alone."

[Anita Blake]

::Faith stared blankly at Illyria for a moment before scowling at Andrew and tossing the wadded-up empty chip bag at his head::

(She doesn't look so strong. I'm sure I could handle my own with her...)

Illyria: "Well, maybe we could spar some time. Your not as old as The First but you'd probably give me a run for my money..."

::Grinning she started to pick up a second sloppy joe. Bringing it to her mouth she stopped just short of biting into it::

(Wait, she mentioned Wes. I haven't seen him...)

::dropping her food back on her plate, Faith focuses her full attention on Illyria as panic threatens to overwhelm her::

Illyria: "What about Wes. You had a tone. Where is he?"

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria looked blankly at Faith then swallowed another bite of her sloppy joes::

Faith:"Before the ally... the half breed in charge.. Angel... ordered the blondish half breed spike, the tall balding human Gunn, the green demon Lorne, wesley and I to do a certin task which brought foward the battle of the ally. Wesley.. he was killed...I was with him when he.... His last wish was that i take the complete form of my shell."

::Illyria felt dirty having that pain in her chest of sadness she couldn't quite understand all of it but she continued to try and remove the thoughts from her mind::

Faith:"Did you know wesley?"

[Lyri]

::Gwen looked at herself in the mirror above the sink in the bathroom attached to her bedroom. She looked okay, considering what they'd been through. She'd had to toss her pants, and now wore a pair of stonewashed jeans that were so not her style, but she adjusted. She'd managed to clean the blood off her red leather halter top, and her boots were still in one piece, so at least she still had those. Leaving the bathroom, Gwen pulled her hair into a french braid as she opened the door of her room and steped back out into the hall.

::People rushed around her, continuing with what ever it was that they had to do. No one took any notice of Gwen as she made her way back to the mess hall.

::She spotted Illyria and Andrew sitting at a table with the blonde vampire and a dark haired chick, one of the fighters from the alley.

::As she approached, she heard the chick ask after Wesley, the English guy who worked with Angel. It was only now that Gwen realized that he wasn't in the alley.

::Feeling like she was inturrupting, but not having anywhere else to go, Gwen took a seat next to the vampire and waited for the answer to the question.::

[Mulder22]

:: As soon as Gunn heard the others talk about Wesley he put his head down. He hadn't forgotten his friend, but he hadn't had time to comprehend that he was actually dead. Although they had their differences over the last couple years, Gunn still cared for him. He remembered the time Wes took a bullet for him from the zombie cop. Dam, first Cordy, then Fred, then Wes, he thought to himself. Although he was lucky to be alive Gunn was feeling deep remorse for what had happened over the last year. The Angel Investigations team was dropping like flies. He wondered if any of it was worth it.::

[Mesektet Ra]

Spike closed his eyes.

"Shut UP." He bit. "Just shut UP, all of you."

He could feel the tightness closing in on his chest, and he breathed out, even if he didn't need the air.

He could remember Fred's warmth and caring, and Wesley's stoic brashness. He felt the shudderings of sorrow crawl over him.

[Good people. Great warriors...gone.]

Such is the cycle of life.

Spike opened his eyes. The electric blue they once were had darkened into a navy. No tears fell down his cheeks, no wracking sobs broke his breath. He just stared, straight ahead of him, into the nothingness of the air, and let his sadness be his stronghold.

[Buffy Summers]

Willow and Kennedy: "Well, I better get going - I've got some things to do before we meet up. Kennedy - I could really use you there if you feel up to it."

As darkness fell in the desert, the temperature dropped and there was a coolness in the air. Personnel had been dispatched to usher everyone into the conference room.

:: Buffy sat at a large circular table waiting for the others to arrive and thinking over exactly what she was going to say. It would be strange to all be together again. And there were a lot of new faces. She laughed to herself thinking that when it all began, it was just the four of them. They had grown so much...and not just in numbers. ::

[Anita Blake]

::Illyria looked blankly at Faith then swallowed another bite of her sloppy joes::

Faith:"Before the ally... the half breed in charge.. Angel... ordered the blondish half breed spike, the tall balding human Gunn, the green demon Lorne, wesley and I to do a certin task which brought foward the battle of the ally. Wesley.. he was killed...I was with him when he.... His last wish was that i take the complete form of my shell."

::Illyria felt dirty having that pain in her chest of sadness she couldn't quite understand all of it but she continued to try and remove the thoughts from her mind::

Faith:"Did you know wesley?"

(No...not after...he can't be...)

::Faith was numb. She saw the looks on Gunn and Spike's faces but she didn't know how to respond::

(How can he just be...dead.)

::Swallowing she looked at Illyria::

Illyria: "Yeah, you could say I knew him. He was my watcher. I let him down so many times."

::She stared down at her half empty plate. Suddenly she wasn't hungry anymore::

To all: "I'm going to go. I need..."

(Giles. I need Giles.)

::Getting up from the table she turned and walked out the door as calmly as she could::

(Giles...)

.................................

::She was able to find Giles' room by asking a medic in a white coat if he had seen him. When she arrived she stood outside the door wracked with feelings of guilt::

(It was my fault he was here. In LA. Oh God! I never thought I could feel like this.)

::Tears were streaming down her face when she at last lifted her hand and knocked on the door::

To the door: "Giles. It's Faith."

(Please, I need you.)

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew got up and followed Faith. He'd never actually seen her so flustered and it scared him. He walked up to her at Giles' door. ::

Faith: Faith ...

:: Andrew grabbed her shoulder. ::

Faith: Um, I-I think Buffy wants to meet with everyone. Y-you know the drill.

:: Andrew noticed there were tears strolling down her cheeks. ::

Faith: I'm sorry about Wesley. I didn't know him, but ... I'm sorry.

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles heard the soft calling through the door and the subsequient conversation. He knew it was Faith, and could tell she had something on her mind.::

To the door; 'I'll be right there'.

::He slowly got to his feet, the aches still bothering him from the battle. He waled to the door and opened it. Faith and Andrew stood there. The tear stained face of the slayer shocked him.
He had never been close to Faith but he saw something in her, a young girl scared and seemingly alone amongst so many people.::

Faith: 'Whats the matter?'

[Black Eye Guy]

::Willow sat there chatting with Kennedy, When a man walked up to her::

Man to Willow: "Miss Rosenberg, Miss Summers has requested your presence in the conference room"

Man: "Yep I'll be right there, thanks"

::The man walked off, looking for someone else. Willow looked down at Kennedy::

Kennedy: "Do you feel up to going, I'd say its important?"

[buffetofsporks]

:: Andrew looked to Giles. He knew that the more experienced Watcher could handle the situation. ::

Faith and Giles: "Um, I'm gonna head off to the meeting. (To Faith) If you don't wanna come ... I-I don't think the others would mind. I'll fill you in later, I guess."

:: Andrew turned around and headed for the conference room on the bottom floor. He entered the room and saw Buffy sitting alone at the large, circular table. He sat down three seats over from her, waiting patiently in the uncomfortable silence. ::

Buffy: "Faith might be sitting this one out. She's kind of out of it."

[Mesektet Ra]

Spike finished off his glass of O-pos. He slammed it down on the table, stood up, and walked out of the mess hall, without another word to the others.

He made his way through the winding corridors of the compound, and found himself another white-coat walking aimlessly. He stopped him. "Any extra rooms available?" He clipped off.

The man looked at Spike for a few seconds, then nodded his head. "Follow me."

The man lead Spike to an empty room on the second floor. He handed Spike the key and promptly left.

Spike sighed and let himself in.

The room looked as bland as a hotel - white sheets, white carpetng, cream walls with an equally bland border. A dresser with a vanity mirror sat on the left side of the room, the bed in the middle, a desk on the right.

Spike sighed again, his heart heavy.

Before shutting the door, his vampiric hearing picked up a sounds of someone sobbing softly. It sounded like Faith.

He almost growled.

He slammed his door shut and tore off his duster, tossing it on the chair next to the desk. He stomped into the room, and looked around wildly. The mirror caught his eye.

There was nothing in it, no one. He knew he should've been reflecting in it, casting some kind of image to look back at him This somehow how multiplied his heartbroken rage, and with a guttural roar, he vamped out and sent a fist flying into the mirror.

The glass shattered into millions of tiny shards, shredding the flesh of his right hand. His face melted back into his human countenance. He didn't hiss or moan in pain, or even really acknowledge his split hand except for a slight glance at the blood droplets dotting the white expanse of the carpet.

One thought penetrated his mind, and one alone:

[i]He sighed heavily, and sat down on the bed, alone to his thoughts.

[Lyri]

::Gwen watched as the blonde vamp grew angry with the fighter chick, telling her to drop the conversation. Something clicked in the girl's mind and she broke down, rushing from the table. Andrew followed her and the vampire left a few minutes later.

::She looked and Illyria and nodded. She knew the answer to her question before she'd even asked.::

Illyria: "Wesley's dead, isn't he?"
::A few people started leaving the mess hall, most of them heading in the same direction. Gwen stayed at the table.

::If she was needed, someone would come find her.::

[Anita Blake]

::Faith watched Andrew walk down the hallway, suddenly feeling a sense of kinship with him before turning to Giles::

Giles: "Wes is dead...and I can't help but feeling that its my fault. He wouldn't even be in LA if it wasn't for me. I wasn't the right slayer for him. He deserved a better charge and...now he's gone."

(It can't be real...)

::Looking at Giles she knew why she had come to find him. He had forgiven her, when she had betrayed him, all of them and was the only father-figure she had known.::

Giles: "I know he came to me when they needed help, but how do I know if he ever forgave me. I did such horrible things to me. I never really got to apologize..."

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles was mildly taken aback by this show of emotion from Faith. He placed a hand on her shoulder and directed her to come into the room.::

Faith: 'I had surmised that Wesley had indeed died before the battle, due to his lack of participation. You may have been part of his reason for his departure to LA, however i find it unlikely you have any responcibility in his death. Throughout the last 5 years i have recieved 'information' from sources telling me of his growth. I do believe that Wesley found a home, a reason for being in LA. His death, though early, is no ones fault. You say he came to you for help. Does that not show you his trust, his forgiveness of you.
I am aware of the reasons surrounding your break from prison, as Willow filled me in. If he still held hostility towards you, would he have done such a thing to save Angel. I doubt it. Buffy would have been his choice, as she has defeated Angelus before.'

::Giles looked at the Slayer, realising his words could do nothing really other then to partially soothe the guilt the Slayer felt. She was also feeling remorse at the loss of Wesley. That was the reason she felt bad.

Faith: 'As you should be aware, you were not his only charge. Buffy was also under his guidance, and he failed to take her in too, which was largely my fault. She had never respected him. You cannot spend your life on ifs and buts, however i feel it safe to assume that Wesley came to you because he knew you had what it took to be a Slayer, and you were paying for your mistakes.'

::Giles walked slowly to a chest of drawers at the side of the room.::

Faith: 'Would you like a Cup of Tea?'

[Angels baby101]

::Illyria stood up and walked out of the mess hall she hated how she broke the news to the others but its the only way she understood to explain it she walked down the halls looking in open doors::

(what are we doing here if the battle is over) she thought to herself as she continued her way to the confrence room

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn still sat at the table as most of the others left. It was only him and Gwen now. ::

Gwen "So I heard something about a "Scooby Meeting" in the conference room. What ever that means. Think we should head over there"

[Lyri]

::Gwen looked at Gunn and gave him a crooked half-smile. He still looked pretty beat up, but he was walking around, which Gwen saw as a good sign.::

Gunn: "Well, I don't think we have anything better to do. Maybe we should gatecrash? Find out just who, and what, these Scooby people really are."

[Faith]

:: Dawn stopped dead in her tracks ::

Connor: "What?...how...What...I mean I didn't think vampires could have kids?"

:: on hearing that Connor was Angel's son she had forgotten her reason for being in the room ::

[VisionGuy]

::Connor knew telling her that Angel is his dad would raise up a lot of questions.

Dawn:"It's a very long story.But it's true."

::He looked at Dawn,who still had a very surprised look on her face.He then held up the clothes he got from the store room.

Dawn:"Thanks for getting me some clothes."

[Faith]

:: Dawn was still stunned by Connor's statement ::

Connor: "I know about long stories, I technically wasn't born I was made from some mystical energy stuff...long story"

:: watches as Connor gets his clothes ::

Connor: "I guess you better get changed so we can get back to the others."

:: turning and open the door she holds it open for Connor ::

(Buffy is not gonna believe this!)

[Anita Blake]

::Faith stared at Giles for a moment before laughing shakily. She ran a hand through her hair::

(Leave it to the British to use tea to soothe an upset slayer...)

::She smiled wobbily at Giles::

Giles: "Sure."

::Following Giles, she looked in the mirror on the wall in the room::

Quietly: "Ick."

(He's right. I know he is. Everything he said was right and it makes me feel less guilty, but I still feel so sad. Aren't slayers supposed to die before their watchers?)

::Watching Giles start to prepare tea, she felt a sort of calm descend upon her::

(Giles, would be the first one to say that he didn't believe that was right. He would never want Buffy to die before him. And Wes, did come to me for help, not Buffy. After I tortured him and everything I put him through. You really did forgive me didn't you, Wes?)

Giles: "Hey, can I use your bathroom for a sec? I want to wash my face. We should probably start to head to the meeting too. Can't keep the boss-lady waiting."

(Its time to focus on something else. I can feel that the battle isn't over, and now isn't the time to lose my head or give into my emotions and breakdown. I can wait until after...)

::Not waiting for Giles response, she heads toward the door to the bathroom. When she passes Giles, she places her hand on his shoulder::

Giles: "Thank you. For what you said. For everything. Thank you."

[Mulder22]

:: Gunn looks at Gwen and starts to get up::

Gwen "Well I know they are on our side......I guess we will find out more at this so-called meeting. Let's go"

:: Gunn starts to walk toward the conference room and join the others::

[Mesektet Ra]

A loud rap at the door woke Spike out of his reviere.

He stopped staring at his hand long enough to toss an annoyed glance in the direction of the knock. [Who the bloody hell...?]

He sighed and tossed his legs over the bed, and headed for the door.

He opened it, and a short, weasly looking little minon in a white coat looked up at him. Spike raised his eyebrow in greeting, looking annoyed. The little man stuttered out, "Um...B-buffy requests your p-presence in the conference room."

The little man tossed a slight glace at the the ripped-bedsheet bandage Spike had fashioned on his hand. Spike looked at his hand, which was resting lightly on the doorjamb, and tossed another annoyed glare at the little man. "Tell her I'll be right there." He clipped.

The little man hesitated. Spike implored him with his gaze. "I-I'm supposed to show you the way." He shuffled his feet, anxious.

Spike smirked at him, almost giddy at the little man's anxiousness and hesitation. "Oh, well, you are, are you?" Spike looked inside of the room, at the shards of broken glass strewn all over the floor. "I'll be a bit, Teeny-Tiny."

Spike shut the door in the man's face, and set upon the task of cleaning the glass.

In minutes, Spike appeared at the door, wicked grin, duster and all. "Alright, Short Round. Let's be on our way, shall we?"

[Lyri]

::Gwen and Gunn left the mess hall, trying to figure out where this meeting was happening.::

Gunn: "I think we follow the crowd."

::Gwen watched as the staff of the training facility rushed mostly in the same direction, and she and Gunn followed their general direction to a large conference room.

::Not wanting to give themselves away, the two L.A. natives hung at the back of the room and watched as other people ttok seats at the table, or found themselves a position around the room.::

"Maybe now we can get some answers."

[Creative Name]

::Wood awoke to find him self laying in bed with a fresh set of bandages. He vaguely remebered getting in and out a SUV and getting bandaged but it was all so blurry.::

To self: "Where the hell am I?"

:Wood sat up and winced, his side was still quite sore. He managed to get to a standing postion which was alot better on his side then sitting at the moment and noticed that a fresh suit of cloths had been laid out for him. He changed rather slowly putting on clothing while being sore wasn't exactly fun and left the room in search of the others.::

[Edmund Blackadder]

::Giles studied the Slayer::

Faith: 'If Wesley had seen the effort that you have put forth, taking into account your past, as i have, he will feel proud. You have faced a darkness that most have never had to deal with. You may have initially succumbed to it, but only you had the ability to fight against it, and the woman that stands in front of me is truly a marvel. I know i was never truly your Watcher, i did, however feel for you in your darkest time. I too tasted that darkness, i know how powerful and seductive it is. You are a true representation of the Slayer moniker, you fought and beat your Demons. You now are an asset to any Army, as Buffy realised in the battle against the First.'

::Finally placing his cup on the side board, he started walking with Faith.::

Faith: 'You Americans, you think the world can be sorted with a psychotherapist and thousands of Dollars. When will you learn. Tea is the answer.'

::He smiled at the Slayer then with that they headed for the door.::

[Anita Blake]

::Faith walking slightly ahead of Giles reached the conference door before him. They had asked directions from a very nice looking elderly lady and finally had found it. Now that she had had a bit of down time she was feeling well rested and slightly on edge.::

(God, enough with the emotional crap, I need to beat something up. Knowing B, she'll have something just for that...)

::Grinning to herself she walked into the conference room::

To all: "Allright, I'm here. Now the meeting can finally begin."

::Laughing at the looks on their faces she grabbed the chair next to Buffy::

Buffy: "Hey B. What's happening?"

::Scanning the room she waved and hello'd various people. Getting to Andrew she winked at him.::

To All: "So...what's the what?"