Zanial looked across at his Sire, wondering what his hidden meaning was. Are you sure that is wise, my lord? he asked, frowning. But Methos only laughed, patting him on his back as he turned around and went back to his desk. But not sitting down he turned and faced his 2IC, his lips crushed together and his eyes hard and violent.
I will not let that boy get the better of me, Zanial. Methos told him in a low voice, his anger barely contained. If he wants to unwittingly lead us to his lady love, then that is his problem.
His eyes flashed. I will get that girl, and my dear son is going to help me every step of the way.
Zanial smiled.
****
In Sunnydale....
Nimisha gaped. Her eyes open wide as she stood frozen in front of the tall smoking form of her half-brother. Spike was watching her right back, wondering why the hell she was looking at him like that.
He bent down at waved a hand in front of her face, getting her attention. Are you alright? he asked. Youve been staring like that for ages.
Nimisha shook her head, sputtering. What the hell are *you* doing here!? she screeched, waving her hands wildly. Spike frowned and put his hands on his hips, stamping his cigarette out under his boot. Now, thats not very nice, is it? he shot back at her. I was here first, so I get to ask the questions!
They faced each other, both had their hands on their hips, eyes flashing with barely contained anger.
Nimisha laughed, her black hair bouncing down her back. And if I dont answer them? she shot at him, sarcastically. He said nothing to that, only raised his eyebrows.
Well, darling. If you dont wanna answer my bloody questions, then im gonna have to tie you up and drag you over to Giles house. And ill tell you now, hes got some very good ways of making little smart mouthed, brats like yourself talk for information.
Nimisha narrowed her eyes, making them flash a bright yellow and taking a step towards him. Just you try it, Spike. Im not like mama, and I *will* kick you ass out of Sunnydale and back to Dru.
He looked down at her, confused. im not like mama... he muttered her words back to himself, and Nimisha opened her eyes wide as she guessed just what she had said.
She opened her mouth for a reply but it was cut off as Spike quickly reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her close as she tried to get away. She let out a little scream in surprise.
Spike had felt it the second he had come in contact with her skin. The tingly, sweet sensation that he knew all to well. His eyes opened wide. It couldnt be.....
He released her quickly, flinging her away from himself so forcefully that she rocked back on her feet, gripping her head in pain with the sudden movement.
Just who the bloody hell *are* you!? Spike yelled, stepping back to separate the distance between them. His legs were spread, a fighting stance that Nimisha knew all to well. Looking up she saw that his eyes were golden, loose anger fighting to gain control. But it was confusion that she saw hidden deep within him that made her stop from bolting away from the scene.
Nimisha looked down, her long hair falling across her face, hiding her frustrated look. She couldnt help but sob, her mother was going to be *so* mad....
Spike noticed, and let his hands fall to his sides. Taking small steps towards her, he let a few feet separate them. He was completely baffled, not knowing how in hell a simple rescue mission had suddenly spun so out of control. This wasnt how it was meant to happen!!
He looked down at her, noticing for the first time that her shoulders were shaking. He tightened his jaw, not wanting to get involved, but trying to ignore the weird pull he felt towards the girl. He looked at her, really looked this time. Letting his eyes travel up the length of her body, from strong legs, to well formed hips to her smooth, pale neck and long black hair. Reachiܥe # g ,f l ,f l f f f Y (f f f T f Bp Y Times New Roman Symbol Arial Courier New Times New Roman
*Balteiar*
Methos looked across at Zanial with a thoughtful expression on his face. Are you sure? he asked, bringing his hand up to scratch his dark chin. He was sitting behind his desk in his private chambers, alone in the room save for the tall figure of his most trusted ally and spy, Zanial.
The tall Vampire nodded his dark head. Yes, Sire. Your son is most defiantly on Earth, I saw him there myself. Zanial didnt know what to expect from this meeting, Methos anger usually showed itself at the oddest times. He knew that the young Prince had left Balteiar, he had been in the Gate room when it happened, and he would always shudder at the thought of how Methos vented his fury after that one....
Zanial was used to it though, he had been Lord Methos Second in Command for over 500 years, and had been hunting the Tessionares for long before that...
He was a frightening figure, that he knew. With his massive height, piercing silver eyes, and strong jaw bones, terror had been the last emotion of many of his victims.
Methos discrete cough made his eyes sharpen to what was being said, his head snapping around to regard his master thoughtfully. What is to be done, my lord? he asked, knowing very well how *he* would fix the situation.
Methos didnt say a word, only continued to stare at the far wall, deep in thought. Zanial remained silent, standing tall in front of the huge desk that his master was seated at, letting Methos think.
Do you know what he was doing there? Methos finally spoke, and Zanial nodded his head.
He was in a country called America, my lord. In some sort of party, there were humans everywhere. He looked up and found Methos watching him intently. He was dancing...with a girl. he concluded.
Methos head shot up, eyebrows quirking in amusement. Really? he said, chuckling.
Zanial frowned, not wanting to see what his reaction to the rest of his report was going to be.
The girl is known, my lord. he said, and Methos eyes flinched. They turned hard and flashed deep silver.
Who is she, Zanial? he asked. Zanial took a deep breath and said quickly,
It was Lady Nimisha, Sire. Everynne must have sent her to Earth.
Methos jaw dropped and he stood up quickly. Leaning forward he said loudly, He was dancing with Lady Nimisha!? Zanial flinched, but nodded slowly.
Methos was breathing quickly now, his silver eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and fear. Do they know who each other is? he asked Zanial. The tall man shook his head. His eyes were blue, my lord. He must have changed them somehow. You know as well as I do that Lady Nimisha would only have known him by that, she has been protected her entire life. They looked at each other. She would not recognise a Vanquisher otherwise. Zanial concluded.
Well, Methos muttered. At least we know where she is now. Good one, Everynne. Id have never thought to look there... he trailed off.
The room fell into silence. Both men thinking of the horrible consequences that could come out of this meeting. Then suddenly Methos started to chuckle, deep in his throat. Zanial looked up at his Master in concern, wondering what possibly could be funny.
Methos noticed his reaction, leaving his desk to come and stand before him. They regarded each other in silence, their dark Vanquisher faces blank of any emotion.
Go to Earth, Zanial. Keep an eye on both of them. he said firmly in a low voice. Zng out slowly he put his finger under her chin and lifted it so he could get a good look at her face.
He gasped and almost dropped her chin. The moon was visible, shining brightly in the night sky. Nimisha sniffled, raising her green eyes to meet his. They stared at each other, Spike knowing that he was falling into those green eyes that he knew so well...
Buffy? he whispered longingly, not really knowing what possessed him to say that. He saw the girl flinch, breaking eye contact and ripping her face out of his grip.
She took a few steps back, watching his tall figure warily. Why do you say that? she asked in a little voice, and Spike was reminded of a scared, little girl, just as baffled as he was.
He frowned at her question, asking himself the same thing. I dunno. he answered, spreading his hands wide. You just remind me of a couple of people thats all.
Nimisha smiled sadly. Yeah, I guess I would.
That got Spikes attention all right. Now what the hell is that supposed to mean, you little chit!? he yelled in a loud voice, no longer confused, but just plain angry.
And it was at the moment that Sita jumped out of the bushes, having heard the yelling miles away. She jumped in front of Nimisha, holding a staff in her hands that the girl didnt even want to asked where she got it from. But seeing just who it was that was threatening her charge, Sitas eyes narrowed, her body tensing for a fight.
Spike jumped back, raising his arms in surrender when he saw her intention. Whoa! he said in a surprised voice, wondering who this beautiful, lithe woman was and just where in the world she had come from.
Getting her bearings, Nimisha yelped, yelling for Sita to stop. Hey! Its okay! she yelled, stepping out from behind Sita - a fact that Spike had noticed with interest - and moved to stand in between the two squaring off fighters.
Sita ignored her, her eyes narrowing with fury. Leave this place, Vampire! she hissed, her hands tightening on the strong staff in her arms. How dare you threaten my Princess! she raged in fury.
Spike looked panicked, not knowing what the hell was going on or what he had fallen himself into. Just who the bloody hell are *you*!? he yelled, falling into a fighting stance again to protect himself if necessary. The two elder immortals faced each other, the tension flickering between them.
Hey! Nimisha screamed loudly, finally getting their attention. They both turned to her, eyebrows raised. Thank you! Nimisha said as she saw she finally had them back.
Sita, cool it, will you? she told her friend, walking over to lay a hand on her arm. Its only Spike, he would never hurt me. she added quietly, but Spike heard and shot her a baffled look.
Like Hell I wouldnt! he told them, sputtering. He took a step closer and Sita growled in warning.
Nimisha shot him a look, frowning and telling him to lay off. Do you want you ass kicked? she asked him firmly. He turned to her small form, eyes opening in surprise at her statement.
Cause if you do, your going the right way about it, Spike. she told him. Just back off, let me handle this.
The girl turned back to Sita, who was watching her with a confused look on her tanned face. Nimi? she asked quietly. Who is that?
Nimisha sighed. Its Spike. You know, Papas Childe. Sitas eyes opened wide, understanding filling them.
I thought he was unable to fight? she hissed, panicked.
Nimisha answer was cut off when Spike started to speak. What do you mean, Papas Childe? he asked. Nimisha sighed, forgetting that he had unnatural hearing.
She turned back to his confused form, almost laughing at the completely baffled look on his bleach-blonde head. She put her hands on her hips and inclined her head to the side. Well, you are Angels childe are you not? she asked in a no nonsense tone.
Spike frowned. No, actually im not. He grinned at their startled looks. Im Drusillas technically. He shrugged his shoulders.
Just what have you got to do with my Yoda anyway? The Vampire asked in a casual voice, trying to pretend he wasnt really interested by lightening up another cigarette and taking a drag slowly.
Nimisha scrunched up her nose as she smoke reached them. Thats disgusting. she told him, shrugging her shoulders when he shot her a look that obviously said, yeah, so?
The three of them fell into a comfortable silence, the two girls not really trusting the Vampire, but knowing that they were not going to be attacked any time soon.
So? Spike pushed. Are you gonna answer my bloody questions or not? he asked. Who the hell are you and what you got to do with Peaches?
Nimisha frowned, annoyed that she put herself and Sita in this situation in the first place. But, she thought. It would be good to have someone else that knew. And as fighters went, Spike was one of the best.
She looked at him, measuring the possibilities. She knew that if he found out just who she was to Angel and Buffy....yet alone to *him* he would never hurt her, Vampires cared very protectively for their close family, this she knew more than anything.
Making her decision, Nimisha took a step towards Spike - ignoring Sitas cry of surprise as she figured what she was doing - and walked to stand before his chest, looking up into his suddenly wary face. Without a word, the girl gathered his hand in hers and lay it above her heart, letting him hear the soft heart beat ring throughout her small body.
The relief that washed over Spike face was almost comic, save from the fact that confusion settled back on his features. So your human. he told her quietly. Or human enough to have a heart beat, but that still doesnt explain who you are. he added in a serious tone.
Nimisha didnt answer, only raised her eyes to lock them with her brothers, knowing deep inside him he knew just what she was going to say. Spike startled, opening his eyes wide as he looked down at her standing so close to him, a familiar sensation washing over him...a feeling that he knew so well, even if he hadnt felt it in so long...
Buffy? he asked her again, complete confusion in his seemingly human eyes.
Nimisha smiled sadly, knowing that he was sensing the Slayer in her.
Thats right, Spike. she told him quietly.
He looked down at her in horror, jumping back out of her reach. Your *Buffy*? he yelled, getting freaked.
Nimisha chuckled, knowing what he was getting at. No, im not Buffy, Spike. she told the Vampire, who was by now watching her as if she had grown another head.
Im her daughter. she told him finally, feeling sorry for him.
Spike froze. His head raised to look at her, understanding flooding in. His posture relaxed for the first time that night, knowing now that she wasnt a threat. He stared at her, at everything about her, only then noticing just how much she looked like a mixture of Buffy and....
Oh, god. he whispered. Your *their* daughter.
He looked at her, wondering why she was here in Sunnydale...why *now*...and where her mother was...
Nimisha smiled at him gently, knowing just how deep his shock ran. Then suddenly he moved, walking slowly over to where she stood, bringing a shaking hand out to touch a handful of her long black hair, chuckling softly.
You had to go and have *his* looks didnt you? he asked, laughing now. Nimisha beamed, knowing this was the real Spike...the funny Spike that her mother talked of so often.
Then he became serious, both of them missing the retreating form of the smiling Sita, who quietly left the scene, knowing they had to be alone.
Something is happening, isnt it? he asked her, letting his hand drop to his side.
Nimisha grimaced and nodded her black haired head. Spike sighed. Just tell me this, he asked her softly, Nimishas head raising in confusion. You mother is alive, isnt she?
She looked up at him, a blank look on her face, as if she was now going to reveal her deepest secret, something she knew she shouldnt be doing. Finally she bit her lip and nodded slightly.
Spike sucked in a tight breath, only to let it out again. His voice shaky.
Oh, crap. he said, putting his hand under Nimishas chin to raise her face, smiling lopsidedly down at her as she sniffled.
Whats that bloody Slayer gone and gotten us into *this* time?
Nimisha laughed and gathered her brother into a warm hug.
****
The Next Evening....
Day 4
Come on Nimi. Its easy! Jesse told his frowning friend happily from where they both sat the next day at the study table in the now deserted Library. School had been out for over three hours and the two teenagers had headed straight for the silent comfort of the Library for a long over-due study session.
Alex and Karan, who conveniently had other plans for their afternoon, had decided to pass. So that left just the two of them in the musty room, even Giles had taken the afternoon off - his eyebrows raising above his glasses as to why any teenager that were *not* to do with the Slaying would want to be there after school - as he gave them free rein of his beloved abode.
Nimisha sighed in disgust and threw her pencil across the other side of the table as she pushed her text book away from her body. She would so rather be talking somewhere with Spike than doing boring homework even if it meant that she *never* learned about History. The girl smiled wistfully at the thought. After their little confrontation in the Cemetery the night before the two of them had become glued at the hip. Nimisha had finally gotten back to Willow and Ozs house just after three in the morning after staying up all night explaining everything to Spike. He had taken it rather well considering.
Who cares about American History anyway!? she wined after seeing the surprised look on Jesses face at her violent outburst. But seeing that she wasnt serious, the boy grinned. Nimisha (or Nimi, as shed insisted on being called) was so different from the rest of the pupils at this school. She was more like the mystical Princesses from the beloved Science Fiction novels he soaked up in his spare time or in the weekends.
Jesse was still so surprised that she had wanted to be his friend in the first place, never having expected to hear from her again after their abrupt meeting in the bleaches a few days before. But, to the surprise of not only himself, but to others in the school, Nimisha *had* sort his company more than they would have originally liked.
It was little things at first. A quick hello in the hallways between classes, a smile at lunch as they passed each other. Then she had asked to sit with him the day before in science, that had been the shocker. To everyone. Jesse remembered clearly how the whole classroom had gone dead quiet as every pair of eyes flew towards the strangely calm girl with the piercing green eyes as she took her seat beside the sputtering red headed boy and looked coolly towards the front of the classroom, her chin tilted proudly.
He had been impossibly proud of her for that. He knew what guts it would have taken to take such a leap of faith. Also since everyone knew Maria Chase had taken such a violent dislike to the beautiful, quiet girl.
Jesse grinned again, knowing how lucky he was to have her as a friend as he reached over the table and pointed to a certain section in the page.
American History *is* important, Nimi. he told her calmly, trying not to smile when she shot him a quick look of shear disbelief. You have to know where your ancestors come from. he continued, ignoring her snort of disagreement.
Then Nimisha laughed suddenly, causing him to look across at her in surprise. Jess, my ancestors *dont* come from America. she told him, still laughing with a bright smile on her dark featured face.
He frowned, wondering secretly if she was finally going to open up and give him some more information of her past...
He looked confused as he asked her in a bemused voice, But, uh, you *sound* American. He looked truly baffled. I just assumed your family came from here.
She smiled softly at him, showing of perfect white teeth. My mother was born in America, Jess. she told him, deciding that *that* wasnt going to let anything slip. My fathers Irish, although he has lived in America for a long time.
Jesse raised his eyebrows, storing that information for further use. But why are you staying with Miss Rosenburg? he asked her, knowing like everyone else that the new girl was somehow related to the awesome teacher.
Nimisha grinned at his curiosity. Willows my Aunt. Im staying with her for a few weeks while my mothers overseas.
Jesse just nodded, letting the subject drop when Nimisha turned back docilely to her thick text book. They stayed like that for about 15 minutes, Jesse getting more and more surprised as the minutes ticked by as Nimisha lack of knowledge of American History showed its ugly face.
My mother *tried* to teach me. she told him, catching his baffled glance. But she isnt to hot on History either, so that didnt help. she added laughing.
Then he remembered something. Hang on! he told her, jumping up from his seat and jogging in the direction of the stacks. Where are you going? she called after him, halfway rising from her seat to join him as his head poked out from between a handful of books and he called down to her,
I just remembered that Mr Giles has the perfect book in here for beginners History! His voice was muffled. Stay there, and ill be down in a minute. he added.
Nimisha raised her eyebrows at his sudden enthusiasm for the subject as she sat back down in her wooden chair and looked back and forth between the books that were scattered across the table top.
Idly flicking through the top few, she noticed that the library had gone completely silent, not even Jesse could be heard anymore.
Hey, Jess? she called up towards the stacks. There was no answer. Thinking that he had probably found a fascinating book up there and was totally engrossed, Nimisha shrugged and looked back towards the books on the table.
A notebook caught her eye. One she hadnt noticed before. Frowning in confusion, the girl flicked her long black hair over the shoulder and reached over to grab the notebook from where it sat, partly hidden by A4 pieces of paper.
It was a small, hardcover, blue ringbinder. About the size of a diary. Gently playing her delicate fingers across the smooth cover, Nimisha traced the words,
Jesse Phoenix, 1984-
She shot a quick look up into the stacks, dreading what her friend would do if he came back down here and found her looking through what was obviously very precious to him. Nimisha bit her lip, weighing the possibilities.
But curiosity winning the siding vote, Nimisha silently lay the small book on the table top and open the cover.
She gasped in shock.
**** Across Town...
Willow hummed to herself as she made a quick sweep through one of the busier Cemeteries in Sunnydale, stuffing her cold hands into her overalls pockets, wishing suddenly that she had decided to wear a jersey over her shocking pink turtle-neck top.
Silently she heard Sita falling into step beside her as she came back from effortlessly killing a Vamp. Looking up into the tall, brown haired womans face, Willow smiled. Even though she reminded her so suddenly of when Cordelia used to come Patrolling with them because she was wearing tight black nylon pants and a black spaghetti strap halter top, Willow was actually quite surprised to find how well the two of them got on together, they had hit it of from the start.
But it served its purpose well, both woman gaining from the friendship. Sita, who had told Willow quite sheepishly that she had never set foot on Terran soil before in her life, tried to learn all she could about this strange new world. From shopping, to technology (a fact that Sita found quite amusing) Sita practicality guttered Willow and Ozs brains for information.
Willow on the other hand - who normally would have killed for an opportunity to even glance at their advanced technology - was more interested in finding all about Buffy and Nimishas lives for the past 16 years. So, knowing exactly what the Witch was doing, Sita told her everything she could remember. And that was actually a lot, since she was probably the closest civilian, save Afraya, to the Imperial family.
She even got Afraya to secretly send some holograms of Nimishas childhood for the pair through the Stargate, which Sita then Teleported from Ireland across to America using Telekinesis. Willow had then sat, glued to the floor with a pile of holograms in her arms and scattered on the carpet around her.
There were hundreds of them and Sita knew she had done the right thing when she had looked up and saw the excited look in Willows eyes soften as she gently picked up and picture of a three year old Nimisha laying in her mothers arms from where they both lay of the ground, flowers sprinkled in their hair and with long green grass around them.
Sita chuckled, remembering just when it had been taken. Willow looked up at her, confused at her sudden humour, but Sita just waved her hands, telling her everything was alright.
And you do this often? Sita then asked her new friend. Willow grinned, spreading her hands out wide.
You mean Patrol? she asked. Sita nodded. Yeah, usually one or two of us do it every night. she told her, explaining the lore. Then she shrugged sheepishly. Its not as good as having a Slayer, but it tends to keep the Vampire population down so its bearable.
Ahh, I can understand that. Sita cocked her head over to Willows direction. That was mainly what Buffy was worried about when she first left Earth for Allrelen. That you guys would want to take over the Slaying and get yourselves killed.
Willow frowned, not sure if that was a complement or not. Well, weve done okay, I guess. She shrugged. Stopped a few big baddies on our travels, killed a few demons. She smiled up at Sita gently. Buffy always did it better though. With more punch, I guess you can call it.
Sita smiled back down at her. But you took over Slaying once before, no? When Evie ran away the first time after she sent Nimishas father to Hell?
Willow looked up at her in surprise. Just how much about us do you actually know? she asked, jokingly.
She laughed and shrugged fake-snobbishly. A lot! Sita told her. Buffy used to tell me all about you guys when we first met. She grinned. Okay, so I was 11 years old, and I think I was more of a therapist than anything else, but I listened, and she needed someone to talk to...so, she shrugged, the rest obvious.
Willow stopped in her tracks, reaching out to gently grab Sitas hand as well, stilling her. Sita looked back at her, confused. But Willow only tightened her grip and smiled softly up and at the tall, lithe woman.
About that. Willow whispered softly. I just wanted to thank you for looking out for Buffy and Nimi for as long as you have. You cant imagine how reassuring it is to me to know that they have someone like you there for them. Willow shrugged. Its just good to know she has had someone to talk to, I guess.
Sita smiled back at her, falling back so they were side to side. Giving Willows arm a quick squeeze, she told her, I know, Will. She cocked her head. Although im not to hot on the idea of me being there for a substitute for *you* all those years, I know she needed someone.
They both smiled at each other, suddenly knowing they had a lot more in common than they originally thought.
Well, isnt this just classic. A crisp voice drawled from the shadows. If it aint a flamein crying party.
Both woman spun around, but visibly breathed with relief when Spikes blonde form stepped out from the shadows. Willow frowned, putting her hands on her hips.
I thought we talked about you being Cryptic? she asked.
Spike only shrugged, getting a cigarette out from inside his duster and lighting up. Completely ignoring her question, the Vampire looked around the clearing with a eager smile on his face, jumping excitedly from foot to foot, as if searching for something.
Well? he asked. Wheres my lovely little sister this beautiful Sunnydale evening?
Willow sighed, giving up on the total lost cause that was Spike. Shes at the library studying with a friend. she told him, trying not to smile visibly when the smile fell from the mans lips and a pout took its place.
You can see her afterwards, Spike. Sita told him, grinning. She knew all to well how well Nimisha and Spike had hit it off. And from what Willow and Oz had told her, it seemed like Spike was well and truly on his way to being smitten with his younger sister. Although no one doubted the main reason was Spike trying to get back at his Grand-Sire by becoming chummy with his only daughter...a fact that everyone *knew* Angel wouldnt be happy with if he eventually found out about Nimisha.
Although he *did* had a point, only a certain amount of Spike could be tolerated at once. And truthfully, he wasnt exactly the best influence for a 16 year old girl. Let alone one who had just spent her entire life living in outerspace.
They all knew Angel would have a few choice words to say about *that* one.
So? Spike asked, falling back so that he was walking between the two woman. Whats happening in Sunnyhell lately?
Willow raised her eyebrows and looked at the Vampire oddly. Spike you live here just like the rest of us, you should *know* whats happening. She cocked her head to the side. More actually, since your a Vampire.
Spike put his hand on his chest, dramatically making a show of swooning. Red, you insult me so!
Sita laughed, still amazed that they actually got on quite well with Vampires. Let alone ones as different as Spike and Angel.
Seriously though. Spike said, becoming just that quickly. After what Nimisha told me last night, youd be expecting Alien Vampires to be overrunning the place.
Sita shook her head. Were still hoping on the account that they dont *know* were here on Earth at all. she told her friends, both who had turned to regard her thoughtfully.
Spike frowned. But they must be figuring it out sooner or later, surely. he asked. If I know my Buffy as well as *they* think they do, their bloody gonna click that she sent Nimisha here. He shrugged when the looked at him in surprise.
Buffy may be many things, my sweets. But original isnt one of them. he told the startled woman beside him. Come on guys! Shell be as predictable now as she ever was. He snorted. More probably, after spending 16 years without Giles to give her a kick up the bum every time she gets lazy.
They both laughed, even though Sita quickly spoke up for her absent Queen. Hey! Its not like she hasnt been practicing at *all* she told her grinning friends. Afraya and I make sure she stays in shape and fit. Although the Tessionare traits keep her that way all the time anyway.
But getting back on track, Willow said, getting a serious face once again even as she turned in Sitas direction. How long do you think Nimisha will have to stay here on Earth? she asked, knowing that however long it was it wouldnt be long enough for her, shed want Nimi to stay forever.
Sita bit her lip, knowing that what ever way she went around this the answer was going to be the same.
Well, she drawled. If our calculations are right, Methos and the Vanquishers will be attacking in seven days from now. Willows face fell, and Sita smiled reassuringly down at her. Although im sure Evie will be wanting to stay here longer after everything is gone and done. She pattered Willows shoulder gently. Remember Will, shes just found you guys after 16 years, she be in no hurry to leave, I can tell you that.
Both Willow and Spike smiled. But Willow soon faulted as she remembered something. What about Angel? she asked Sita, wishing with all her heart that Buffy could somehow find a way to tell their friend about the sudden arrival of his darling daughter.
Sita expression turned regretful as she nervously flicked a lock of shoulder length light brown hair behind her ear.
She turned to Willow just as Spike inclined his blonde head to look at her, interested as well in the answer, as the three figures turned the corner and headed deeper into the Cemetery.
Willow, you know as well as I do that if Angel finds out about Nimi - let alone that his one true love is actually *alive* - that he not gonna let them go again. She let out a deep breath of air. Theres no easy way to look at it, either way hes gonna be mighty *pissed*.
Willow frowned as Spike snorted in denial. Okay, thats probably true. she told Sita. But I seem to remember me having a temper tantrum soon after Buffy and Nimi arrived on my doorstep. It wasnt a joke.
Sita just looked down at the dark ground as they continued walking. I know Will. she whispered quietly. I think Buffys just dead scared at what hes going to say. She looked over at the Witch. You should know more than anyone how Buffy hates letting him down or having him disappointed in her.
She shrugged her shoulders. To just have a 16 year old kid thrust in your face, let alone a kid with *Buffy*, is bound to get anyones hackles up.
They fell into a comfortable silence, each individual lost in thought. Until, Well, I think shes being a little selfish, if you ask me. Spike said, breaking the dead air. They both frowned and looked at him oddly.
Why do you say that? Sita asked, curious to what his answer was going to be.
Spike took another drag of his cigarette as he reached up and moved a low hanging branch of a Willow tree out of the way so the two ladies could pass under it.
Im just saying, that if you asked me the same question a few days ago - if Buffy should tell Peaches about Nimi that is - idve said not a chance. Let the bloke suffer without her... Willow grinned and thumped him none to lightly on his arm, knowing Spikes apparent view towards the souled Vampire.
...Hey! Im trying to be philosopical here! Be good and let it in, cause it wont be happening often. *Anyway*...where was I. Oh yeah. But now that ive actually met the kid, im sorta leaning towards telling Angel.
Sita and Willow looked at him in surprise. He just shrugged and smiled down at them wolfishly. Shes actually pretty cool, for an alien that is.
Hey! Sita cried, laughing. I resent that!
Spike shot her a sleazy glance. And I care, how?
Willow just rolled her eyes, slowing down slightly now that they had reached the outer gates of the Cemetery where they where meant to be meeting Oz. She sighed, wishing she hadnt had to lie to Giles when she told him she had Patrol covered that evening.
Even if Xander had looked at her oddly and Anya had told her quite bluntly that if she got herself killed Patrolling on her own not to coming running to her for sympathy, she had to bite her inner lip when she muttered that Oz would be joining her.
Remember Willow. Giles had told her kindly that morning in the library. We cant afford to take risks, not after... He had cut of but Willow knew he was about to mention Buffy.
The Witch sighed again, wishing so deeply that she could somehow remove the stress line around the Watchers eyes that just seemed to become more prominent in the last four year by telling the man that his darling Slayer was actually still alive.
Willow snorted. It was all well and good fighting over telling *Angel* about Buffy and her daughter, what about Giles, Xander, Cordelia and the others? There were other people to consider with the decision, Willow just hoped everyone took that into consideration.
But by then they had made their way out of the huge metal gates and all three of them took seat around the entrance, Willow sitting up of the grass, Sita finding a spot of the cool concrete pathway with Spike as they all waited for their missing Werewolf to join them.
Hey, guys! they heard Oz call from further down the street, and they all turned to watch him walk up to them. When the three of them all finally got a closer look at his face from when he stood under a glowing lamp-post they saw that he was positively glowing.
Good night? Sita asked, smiling as she watched Willow jump down from her seat and give Oz a quick kiss in welcome. The Werewolf rested his hand on his girlfriends hip as he turned them both in Sita and Spikes direction from where they both still sat on the ground.
I just got a call from Cordy as I was walking out the door, thats way im so late.
Willow frowned in confusion and looked up and her boyfriend. Cordelia? she asked, baffled. Why in the world would she be calling us?
Oz just shrugged, obviously just as lost as she was. Thats the thing. he told them. She wouldnt say, just wanted to know if Angels place of Crawford Street wasnt in use.
Then he waved it off. But thats typical Cordelia for you. You dont get a call in months - from *her* not Angel - and then she goes and asks stupid questions. He shrugged again.
Truthfully? I dont think ill ever get how that girls mind works.
They all laughed as they walked down the street towards Sunnydale High to pick up Nimisha.
Missing completely the retreating form that had been following them from the start of the travels in this particular Graveyard, hearing all their fascinating conversation. As she saw they were leaving, Faith smiled softly to herself, flicking her dark hair over her shoulder as she moulded back into the shadows, trying to absorb everything she had learned tonight...and at the same time trying to figure out just *what* she what she was going to do with it.
B and Angel got a kid, huh? she said softly to herself as she craned her neck to watch the group of the Werewolf, the Witch, the Vampire and the Alien bodyguard walked down the street.
Who wouldve thought?
**** Back at the Library...
Nimisha mouth fell open in a silent gasp as her startling green eyes racked over the impossible picture in the journal. Monsters...Demons...Vampires...they all stared back at the girl as her shaking fingers gently flicked through page after page, the images in the notebook getting more disturbing, more realistic, more *detailed* as the book went on.
The outside world seemed to disappear as she looked, everything she had thought she knew about her caring, sweet new friend seemingly flying out the proverbial window.
Everything must have been a lie, she thought wildly, throwing a desperate glance up into the stacks as if she expected the redheaded boy with the blue rimmed glasses to come exploding down the stairs and kill her.
How can he know all this? Nimisha said in a stunned whisper as she turned yet another page and found herself confronted by what was obviously a Keval Demon. It was exact. Even down to the three pointed horns on its forehead.
This was impossible....
What are you doing!? A angry voice made her scream as she quickly dropped the book and jumped up out of her seat, only to rush over to the other side of the table so that the wood seemed to separate them.
He looked hurt at her reaction, and Nimisha suddenly realised he was only angry that she had been looking *at* the book, not what she found.
Silence fell in the deserted room as Jesse looked down at the table, his eyes opening wide as he noticed just what she had been looking at, then up to a terrified Nimisha, wary as to what her reaction was going to be.
Dont you like my drawings? he asked in a modest voice and Nimisha startled. Not expecting that question to be the first out of his mouth.
Ahh, yeah. Their great. was the only words she could seem to get out of her suddenly dry mouth. She nervously licked her lips to get some water of them.
They both went silent again, Nimisha finally allowing herself to relax as they both stood, tense on either side of the large, wooden study table. Jesse started to look through the book himself, seemingly trying to will his body to loosen up. Finally flicking through the pages, the boy calmly let it rest of one of the ones at the back, lowering his eyes to regard the picture for a few moment intently.
Curious to just what had made Jesse stop, Nimisha craned her neck to look at the page. Seeing what she was trying to do, the boy calmly picked up the ringbinder and held it up so that it faced the girl.
Nimisha willed her face blank as she saw just what was on the lined paper when she noticed that Jesse was watching her face nervously, as if afraid of her answer.
You like? he asked. Then without waiting for her reply he looked across at the drawing and seemed to frown, confused, as if he had never seen it before.
It seems to me that ive got a big imagination. he laughed, trying to cover it up.
Nimisha put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side, letting her hair fall in front of her shoulder. Raising her eyebrows she told him in a serious voice, Thats gotta be one *hell* of a imagination you got there Jess, if you can draw a Alamarrin demon from scratch.
The boys mouth fell open as he eyes popped. Wordlessly he dropped the book back on the table as he took a step back.
What are you? he whispered in a stunned voice.
Nimisha laughed, throwing her head back. She could imagine what she looked like just then, with her hands on her hips and her black hair flying wildly around her shoulders. Bringing her head back level her eyes danced as she told the shaking boy in a laughing voice,
I see you are wise enough to ask *what* I am, not *who*. Obviously not the answer he was hoping for, Jesse gulped and nervous eyes flew towards the swinging doors, seemingly weighing his luck to dive for the door.
Dont even try it, kid. Nimisha told him in a stern voice as her eyes flashed.
She hadnt meant to get so worked up that her eyes changed, but Jesse obviously saw them because he started to pant and he quickly backed himself against the wall.
You're a Vampire! he managed to hiss out as he once again started to breath heavily
She lost whatever humour she had once possessed. What I am is no concern of yours. she told him coolly. What you dont know wont get you killed.
He gaped, his glasses frosting up. Seeing that she wasnt about to get anymore information out of the boy in his present state, Nimisha calmly stepped around the table once again and took a seat. Jesse watched her movement, warily, but then he too, cautiously pulled out a chair so that they sat side by side. Noticing that her friend was still terrified, Nimisha gently reached out and pattered him hand, trying to sooth him.
How is it that you know about Vampires, Jess? she asked in a soft voice, not wanting to scare the boy anymore than he already was.
Jesse looked down, his shoulders going tense. He didnt answer at first, so long in fact that Nimisha wondered if he had heard her question at all. But then his shoulders sagged and he exhaled shakily, as if he was suddenly about to reveal a horrible secret he shouldnt even be mentioning.
I was 11. He said in a low voice, Nimisha having to call on her vampiric hearing to hear his confession. My family and I were camping up at Lake Mead for the summer, my mother and father and my little sister, that is.
Nimisha felt dread wash over her as she somehow knew just what he was going to say.
He carried on, looking down at the table, obvious to her sudden distress. Looking up, Nimisha saw that he had tears leaking out of his eyes. She watched one circle his cheek bones then fall with a quick plop onto the wooden table.
We were in a tent, you know. The typical family vacation. He grimaced and looked up at her, smiling sadly when he noticed her mouth was slightly open and horror was edged on her dark featured face.
They hit so quickly, Nimi. he whispered. I was almost awake by the time they had finished butchering my family. I was sleeping under a bunch on blankets. Thats probably the only reason they didnt realise I was there.
She winced as they locked eyes. My sister was six years old, Nimisha. He smiled sadly again. Her name was Annie and she was *six* years old. And they killed her.
Oh, Jess. Nimisha moaned, covering her face with shaking hands. I didnt know. But he only pattered her hand and gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. How could you? No one here knows what happened to them, we were living in New York at the time. I live here in Sunnydale with my Grandmother.
What did you do afterwards? Nimisha asked, curious to how the boy had survived. But Jesse only shrugged his shoulders.
Not much really. I spent the next few years with my nose in a book learning all I could about Vampires. He looked at her sheepishly. Not that I would be able to do something if I actually *faced* one, I couldnt just sit around and do nothing when I knew what was out there.
Nimisha smiled softly at him, struck to just how similar he sounded to how her mother had told her about Willow and Xanders first reactions to the whole Slaying thing.
But then Jesse sat up straighter and looked at her intently. What about you? he asked in a low voice. Whats your story?
Nimisha startled, her head flying up. Jesse just laughed at her reaction and leaned back in his chair. Come on, Nimi. he told her, grinning. After hearing that, you can hardly expect me to let you off the hook so easily.
She hesitated. Its a long story, Jess.
Well, he retorted, raising his eyebrows. Ive got all night. But Nimisha only sighed and got out of her chair, only to start pacing across the floor. Jesse watched her from his seat, cautiously remaining silent as she worked out her problems.
Then suddenly she stopped, turning so that she faced him. Putting her hands on her hips she cocked her head to the side and looked at him oddly. So, im to take it that youve been checking up on me. It wasnt a question.
But Jesse surprised her, throwing his head back and letting out a bark of laughter. Are you kidding? he asked her when he finally settled down. Nimisha frowned, not sure if she liked that answer to much.
But he didnt wait for her answer, quickly jumping out of his chair and jogging around the side of the table so that he stood in front of her. Reaching out, he grasped her forearms - which she had firmly folded across her chest in a nervous gesture - and squeezed them reassuringly.
Nimi, Ive literally been gutting the school computers trying to get information about you. He chuckled at her startled look. Dont worry, he told her, grinning. Your files are so heavily guard I bet even *you* couldnt get into them. He didnt sound sorry in the least for the invasion of her privacy.
She looked down. Why? she asked in a small voice. He frowned at gave her a strange look. What do you mean why? he repeated. Your like the puzzle of the century. Fixing peoples broken glasses one minute, making enemies that even the gods would stare clear of the next...
He put a hand under her chin and raised her face. ...You might not have figured it out yet, Nimisha. But most of the people in this school are *mighty* curious about you.
She frowned and quickly stepped out of his arms. Well, thats a bad thing! she yelled. Jesse looked at her in surprise.
Jess! I cant continue to have people checking up on me! she explained. He just continued to look completely baffled by what she was saying.
Why ever not? he asked, terribly confused.
Nimisha stopped her pacing once again and walked across to him, only to grip the boy firmly by the shoulders to push him down so that he found himself perched on the side of the table. He looked up into her suddenly stern face and gulped.
Now listen here, mister. Nimisha started in a firm tone. You have to understand something. Something very important. He opened his eyes wide, finally guessing she was about to tell him something.
The reason im in Sunnydale in not as simple as I told you.
He grinned. Even I can see that, Nimi. Is miss Rosenberg even your Aunty? he asked, jokingly. But the smiled wiped completely off his face when he heard her answer.
No, shes not. Well not technically anyway.
He gaped. Jesus, Nimisha. he breathed in awe, looking at her in a new light. Are you like, running from the law or something?
She chuckled. Not exactly. She looked at him silently, deciding to open up a bit. Willow and my mother are best friends. she told him, only to raise her eyebrows when Jesse frowned, confused.
But I thought miss Rosenbergs best friend was that lady who died here four years ago? he asked her, grimacing when her eyes opened wide.
You know of her? she said, although she couldnt quite keep the smile of her face.
Jesse looked at her oddly. Of course I know about her, everyone does. He shrugged. Something Summers, I think. She disappeared on evening. Used to go to this school as well.
Then a thought stuck him. Leaning closer to his friend he asked in a doubtful tone. That dead chicks your *mother*?
She frowned at the term. Although she doesnt go by Dead Chick anymore, yeah, she is.
Holy moly. he breathed.
But Nimisha waved *that* topic away, getting on to more important details. The thing is Jess, Im sorta meant to be in hiding here in Sunnydale until my mother can come and get me again. she told him, smiling when he nodded, taking the information in.
But I cant be in hiding when I have people checking up on my computer files. he poked his chest none to gently. Files that are meant to be *confidential* anyway.
He grimaced. So call me Sherlock Homes. I like to investigate.
She rolled her eyes and ignored him. Just promise me you wont try that again and I *swear* Ill tell you everything I know.
He looked up, pleased finally to were this conversation was heading. But Nimisha saw his grin and clipped his around his ears jokingly. But only because you could be some use to us in the Vampire Lore department.
Cool! he said, rubbing his hands together. Then he frowned and looked up at her where she was standing in front of him. Do I get awesome superpowers as well? he asked, chuckling.
But Nimisha only looked at him oddly. Thats another thing I was meaning to talk to you about.
Jesse looked at her expectantly as she inclined her head.
Have you ever heard of Telekinesis?
****
Meanwhile on the bad side of town....
The room was dark. Silent, save for the gentle tapping of a keyboard. The room was bare, sad gray walls hung lifelessly while mouldy white nets framed a small, dirty window. A single bed was all the room had in its possession, and even that was nothing to be proud of. It was covered by a single, thin gray blanket. The place looked for all the world like Faiths old apartment that she had stayed in briefly before turning to the dark side.
But in one corner, life stirred. A fake, bright light could be seen in the darkness, along with a lean figure sitting in a creaky old chair. His fingers dancing expertly on the computers keyboard as he brought it back to life.
The figure continued to dance, getting further and further through the boundaries that did not poss a threat to him as they did to mortal hackers. He chuckled at the thought. And they thought they were so advanced, living in their own brilliance. Not knowing that only about 12 light years away was a planet that housed a race who could wipe them off the face of the Galaxy with a single push of a button.
He snorted. Humans....
Then he stopped abruptly, his silver gaze locked on the top-of-the-range Laptop computers screen. He had thought to check in the Los Angeles Police Records for the latest deaths that may have been Vampiric, but he knew he would have no luck, this girl would be smarter than that...Well, he *hoped* she was smarter than that.
Ash sighed. He wished for about the hundred time in the last few days that Sati and Jadis would hurry up and tell him just *why* was meant to be searching the entire LA for one teenage girl, who could she be that was so important anyway?
He snorted. They could have narrowed the search down just a little, but nooo. The bloody Oracles had to go and leave out the fact that Los Angeles has *suburban* cities that were still in its boundaries. So now he would have to go search them as well!
Bloody humans. he muttered. Why they have to hide from everything is beyond me.
But then his face softened, his mind drifting to a certain beautiful black haired girl he had meet the night before. The way she smiled...
He shook his head forcefully, mentally telling himself to get back on track. But the thought was still there, in the back of his mind that would ever so often push forward, as if wanting attention. She ran from you, Ash...the voice told him. But he knew that sounded weak even to his own ears.
She had been scared.
Of what, he had no idea what so ever, but the point was that she *had* been scared. And he knew it has something to do with him.
He sighed in frustration. He would never get woman. But, knowing he must, Ash turned back to his computer and continued his search.
Not knowing of course, that the very female he was searching for was dancing in his dreams.
****
A few hours later....
Oz and Spike held open the swinging Library doors so that Willow and Nimisha could walk slowly thought, their feet dragging on the floor. It was now well and truly night, Willow thought checking her watch. Only to gasped when she saw that the it would be morning in a few hours.
And they hadnt got a wink of sleep.
She yawned at the thought, grinning when she saw Nimisha follow suit. They had just stepped through the front door about an hour ago after dropping Jesse off at his Grandmothers when they had gotten a call from Giles, telling them all to get down to the Library as soon as possible.
Of course, them all didnt mean Nimisha, or Sita for that matter. But after a very much delayed begging session - of which Nimisha had afterwards firmly denied for she didnt *beg* for anyone - Willow had eventually caved in and said she could come.
Just dont come running to me when Giles bits your head off. she told the grinning girl, wagging her finger in her direction. But now she only sighed. It would be so much easier if they could just *tell* Giles about Nimisha knowing about Vampires it would solve a lot of problems.
But after talking to Buffy this very evening through Telepathy when she dropped a line (so to speak) to check up on her daughter, she knew her best friend had a point when she said *she* would be the one doing any telling.
<I just have to be there, Will> Buffy had told her, Willow having no trouble picturing the Mental wince on the Slayers beautiful face.
Ah, there you all are. Giles voice broke through. Willow looked up and was confronted by not only Giles, but Xander and Anya who were already seated at the large wooden table.
Hey there, Will! Xander chirped, raising one large, tanned hand to give her a friendly wave. She returned the gesture, but it faulted when she caught sight of the frown Giles was giving Nimisha, who was standing slightly behind Spike and Oz still a little shocked with seeing these people for only the second time.
Hello, Nimisha. Giles said kindly, even though he seemed to be frowning at Willow at the same time.
Hey. she answered quietly as Willow walked over to get a thick book that was laying next where Giles sat, perched on the end of the table.
I didnt know you were bringing you niece, Willow. Giles said in a low quiet tone, only heard by her, Xander and Anya who sat not to far away, as Spike and Nimisha went over to sit of the stairs and started to talk softly to themselves. Oz too, took and chair and straddled it.
Willow sighed and turned on him. What was I meant to do, Giles? Leave her at home in a strange town by herself?
Not, she added silently, that she would be alone, for Sita was out Patrolling around the school boundaries somewhere waiting for the - hopefully short - meeting to come to a close. They all agreed that having two new people barge in on a usual small meeting, people might start to get suspicious. Not taking into account that Sita was meant to be a new staff member at the school.
Giles just sighed in frustration and pushed his glasses off the bridge of his nose. Well, there is nothing that can be done now, I guess. he said quietly. But you will have to tell her to go into my office when the real reason for this meeting comes to light...
He trailed off just as the twin doors swung open and three dark clothed figures walked into the room.
Everyone went silent as all heads turned in their direction.
****
Nimisha had frozen the instant the doors started to swing. Her head starting to spin so badly that she reached up and gripped her scull, crying out softly as she winced in pain.
You alright, Nimi? Spike asked, breaking off his train of conversation. She didnt answer, only flying her head around to stare at the door as the figures entered.
The room went silent.
Spike followed her gaze, his eyes opening wide when he was the first to recognise the newcomers as they stepping into the light. He gasped, crushing his sisters hand in his own beside them.
Nimisha... he hissed warningly but didnt have to bother. She was right there with him. Her eyes open wide even as one of the figures stepping in front of the others and began so speak.
Whats the matter with you guys? Cordelia asked, putting her hands on her hips as she looked from face to face of the people sitting on the table, not having noticed Spike and Nimisha sitting on the stairs to the side of her.
Willow, I know you face is usually pretty pale, but I swear you look like youve seen a ghost.
Nimisha shot Willow a quick glance, her mouth falling open as she noticed that yes, Willow face was deathly pale, her eyes wide with shock. Her mouth was slightly open but no sound came out of it.
Giles, Xander and Anya were completely baffled as they too, looked at Willow.
Will, you okay man? Xander said calmly, making to get out of his chair to help his childhood friend even as Anya wined and pushed him back down.
But Willow didnt notice. Oz.. she whispered in a panicked voice. Everyone turned to look at the Werewolf. But he didnt look much better, his body frozen in shock as he eyes just continued getting bigger and bigger as he stared at a figure behind Cordelia.
Oh, shit. Are we in for it now... he whispered. Willow, get Evie.
Nimisha let out a deep breath, suddenly thankful that Oz used her mothers Royal name not her Earthly one. But it was gesture that alerted everyone else of her presence. Woops! Didnt see you over there...
Cordelia broke up with a stunned gasp.
Now it was Angel and Doyles turns to be confused as they - along with everyone else - wondered why Cordelia had broken off her sentence.
Both men spun around.
And found themselves confronted by a beautiful, black haired, teenager who was sitting next to Spike. They were silent as she slowly got to her feet, her hands shaking so badly that Spike tried to still them in his own as he stood up beside Nimishas terrified form.
Angel gasped as he got a look at her eyes. He knew them somehow...
Doyle on the other hand was completely confused. Looking back and forth between Angel, Cordelia, Willow and the girl, he could feel the tension rising with every breath.
Nimisha was panting so hard she could hardly breath. This wasnt meant to happen!! she raged to herself in her mind as she raised her eyes and locked them with her fathers, grimacing when she noticed the mixture of emotions that were flitting across his edged face. Confusion, surprise, fear, and something else she couldnt place...
And with that thought she felt her head spin out of control. The next moments seemingly happening in a blur.
She barely noticed herself sway and Spike cry out....
Willow giving a scream even as she broke out of her stunned stance and raced across the floor towards her...
Angel looking at her in surprise at her reaction...
And Cordelias sudden burst of recognition on her face was the last thing Nimisha saw as she gave a piercing scream...both physically and mentally and fell silently to the floor.
But words filled her shattering mind...
What has been done, has been undone... The future is changing...the Balance is shifting... The Players are chosen... The Lines are set... Let the Games begin... Chapter 9
*EARTH*
Nimishas head was spinning, completely out of control. Black darkness surrounded her as she floated down an invisible corridor. She faintly recognised that people were talking somewhere, she could hear voices, all around her it seemed.
She thought she knew some of them....
Willow....Oz...Giles....Angel?
She smiled with that thought, wondering if this was just some wonderful dream where she was finally aloud to hear her beloved fathers voice.
Then as she felt herself being sucked back into consciousness, the memories returned. She cried out, knowing that her mother was going to be well and truly pissed at her for this one.
But there was something she knew she should be doing...something else. And why was there darkness?
Maybe I should try and open my eyes, she thought.
And she did.
Faces swam in her blurred vision and she moaned in pain. Her hand flew to her forehead, making sure for some horrible moment that her moon wasnt uncovered, and clutched her head between her palms.
Nimisha felt two or more people place their hands on various parts of her body and gently try and sit her up. She moaned again, this time with the sudden movement, as she reached out behind her to steady herself even as she looked around and found that someone, Angel probably if Willow had anything to do with it (that thought made her smile) ha d picked her up and placed her unconscious form on the library table.
A face peered across at her and Nimisha had to rack her brain carefully before she recognised it as Xander. Anya wasnt to far behind, although she looked as if she couldnt be bothered if Nimisha died or not. Spike was standing behind them with Willow, watching her in concern.
You okay, kid? he asked and Nimisha bristled. She hated being referred to as a kid.
But she tried to smile for him, he looked generally concerned with her wellbeing. Yeah, Xan. Im fine. She smiled sheepishly. A little embarrassed, but ill live.
Xander grinned broadly. Hey, think nothing of it. he told her. Ive been unconscious in this place *hundreds* of times!
She laughed, seeing Giles disapproving look that the Watcher shot Xander for that piece of information. Information that she didnt necessarily need to know.
But then Willow and Spike were pushing Xander out of the way, a look of deep concern on their faces as they studied her face. Nimisha smiled, shaking her head to tell them that she was fine.
Willow smiled in relief as Spike chuckled, finding the whole situation hilarious. Nimisha shot him a stern look and he backed off, going back to his seat of the stairs with a broad smile on his lips.
You gave me a heart attack, Nimi. Willow told the girl, giving her a quick hug. But when she pulled away Nimisha saw that her face looked troubled.
Remembering why, Nimisha quickly scanned the room and found Angel, Cordelia and Doyle standing off to the side, talking softly. They werent looking in her direction but Nimisha gasped when she saw Angel tense, seemingly noticing that someone was watching him, and turn his head to regard her.
Their eyes locked.
Nimisha gulping as she tried desperately not to grin or burst into tears. She gave him a little smile, as if to say hello, and Angel returned the gesture. But still the looked at each other, Nimisha unable to break the gaze. Finally, after Willow thumped her on the leg to get her attention, she sighed and regretfully looked away.
Angel didnt know what the hell was happening. One minute they were walking through the library doors, fully expecting to see only the original members on the gang, plus Anya of course, but they get in there only to find a weird looking teenager sitting off to the side with *Spike* of all people. Oh, they knew that Spike was working with the Sunnydale group, had been of over four years now, but it was still a shock to see him having a civilised conversation with a human girl. Only to have her get one look at the three of them walking through the door and faint dead away on the floor.
She was a strange one, Angel decided, discreetly watching her talk to Willow across the room. He unconsciously blocked out what Doyle was saying to Cordelia and let his hooded eyes travel up her body from where she still sat - bare legs dangling off the side - on the study table.
His eyes locked on her face, opening wide when the took in the fine details of her eyes, lips and nose. She was incomparably beautiful, thats for sure. He watched her, unable to tear his eyes away from her enchanting face. He noticed her eyes were a startling shade of green, so like another persons eyes he used to know...
He swallowed, thoughts of Buffy invading his mind unwantedly as he watched the girl laugh at something Xander said to her as he leaned behind Anya and leered friendly at her.
Who was she? Angel wondered. Never had he felt so strongly for someone he had only just met...if thats what you called it for he didnt even know her name. Only Buffy had made him feel this way, but there was just something about this staggeringly beautiful girl that made Angels head spin. Made him want to get to know her better, know everything about her life, who she was....
****
Nimisha was the first one to notice Angel walking over to them, his hands stuffed nervously in his duster pockets and his eyes locked on her face, filled with curiosity. She gulped and flew her eyes around to meet Willows, the Witch freezing where she stood when she finally caught sight of the tall, dark Vampire walking slowly over to them.
Their conversation drifted off as Angel moved to stand before Nimisha, her legs stilling their swaying. She locked her eyes on his chest, trying desperately to get control of herself and not let her emotions run awry. For a horrible second Nimisha thought all she would have to do was lift her eyes to his and all her secrets would be at once public knowledge, her father instantly knowing the true meaning of their meeting and just who her mother was to him.
But knowing she had to, Nimisha slowly raised her head and met his dark eyes, only to find that his face was filled with concern.
Are you okay? he asked, his voice low and hypnotic.
Nimisha tried not to catch her breath with the sound of his voice...just what she had always thought it would sound like...and smiled brightly, pleased that he was concerned about her, even though they had only just met. Yeah. Thanks, im fine.
He looked relieved as the two of them fell into a awkward silence, Nimisha all to aware of Willow who stood just of to her side, tense and ready to jump in at any time if the conversation got to personal or difficult to explain. Nimisha was glad she was there, even if she bristled at first when she realised just why she was standing there. Did her and Oz think she was so stupid that she would let something slip? Nimisha surly hoped not because she didnt intend to do anything of the sort.
Knowing she had to say something, Nimisha smiled brightly and held out her hand to Angel who had been painfully aware of the silence and was looking around the library - even though he had been there countless times over the past seven years - with bright attention.
Im Nimisha. she told him, feeling her legs melt when he reached out and grasped her hand in return.
They both jumped.
Angels mouth fell open in shock with the sudden contact with her skin, feeling the sweat, innocent, *powerful* jolt that her hand had sent shooting through his body. He felt his head jerk up, eyes gluing on her face for any trace that she had felt it as well. But he found that she had masked her emotions well, the only hint that she too, had received the jolt was that he saw her visibly wince the moment their hands had touched. But then, quickly, she had covered it up.
Angel felt himself frown, realising that this girl just kept getting more suspicious, more strange the longer he knew her. Seeing how quickly she had masked her face, he knew she must have been doing that a lot to have gotten so good at it. Either through her entire life or just recently.
But he smiled for her benefit, noticing that she hadnt picked up on where his thoughts now lay. Its nice to meet you Nimisha. he replied.
Im Angel.
****
Nimisha knew now what hell felt like.
She was living it this very moment.
He was here, finally. After 16 years of hoping, wishing, dreaming of the day where she would finally meet the legendry figure who had unbeknown to him held such a huge part in her life. The man of who her beloved mother Buffy and her would spend countless hours talking about, remembering, and envisioning for Nimishas entire life. And now, after totally humiliating herself in front of him and his two closest friends, she was facing him, talking to him...and she didnt have a clue what to say.
But looking up into his darling dark face, Nimisha could see visibly as if they were painted straight onto his face, the feelings he felt towards Buffy. She smiled with that thought, seeing how proudly he wore them, how lovingly.
Nimisha knew he probably didnt even know they were there himself. But she could see them as clear as the day.
And what she saw could have made her weep.
The love she found in his eyes astounded her. As she watched him watch her right back, Nimisha looked deep into his eyes, knowing she was seeing Buffy dance behind them, as she did every waking moment of Angels day. And of course, for many hours after that.
She was right there. Just inches from the surface, dancing with a beautiful smile on her face, her blonde hair flying around her shining face. The way Angel wanted to remember her....*had* to remember her. Now that she was gone....
Nimisha ripped her eyes away from his, unwilling for her father to see the sudden guilt that filled them. For she knew the only reason Buffy was not laying in his willing and loving arms right now was because of the Queens undying love for her, for her only child. For her body heir and only link she now had to Angel.
Nimisha didnt like how that felt. But she knew it was the cold, hard truth. For she would always be a substitute for the dark Vampire with Buffy. She could remember clearly how many times as a child she had woken in the cold of the night only to find her mother sitting on the side of her bed, weeping silently into her hands as she had been gazing down at the sleeping child who looked so like her father. And Nimisha had always known Buffy was dying inside every day that passed without Angel by her side. But the truth was there was nothing a small child could do to ease her pain. Only gather the sobbing Slayer in her little arms and rock her as she cried for what she had lost, for the lives of the ones she loved beyond everything else who she was forced to abandon so her little baby could live the life she was destined to live, the life and luxury and pleasure.
The life without her father by her side.
Im Angel. His words played through her mind time and time again before she fully understood what he had actually said to her. But seeing that he was looking down at her, a confused expression on his face for her lack of comment, Nimisha raised her head and smiled at him.
She had just started to open her mouth when Willow beat her to it.
Hi, Angel. she said, nudging Nimishas side.
<Hey!> Nimisha shot at her telepathically, knowing she could say whatever she wished and Willow could not answer her.
<Dont worry, Will. They cant hear me> she added when she caught sight of the Witchs startled look as she heard the sudden voice in her head even as she learned over and gave Angel and warm hug in greeting. But Nimisha kept her face neutral, as if she was mearly watching two old friends reunite and was not having another one-way conversation with one of them in their heads.
<Were in deep karbeesh now, huh?> she said in a laughing voice as the two of them broke apart, her face not even twitching. <Dont worry Willow. I wont say a word and ill be on my best behaviour> Then, as if she couldnt help herself, she opened the link to Oz and Spike as well and gave all of them a loud mental cheer.
<THATS MY DAD!!> she screamed happily in all their minds, trying not to laugh when she saw Oz suddenly choke on the cup of tea he was drinking while talking to Cordelia, Doyle and Anya. They looked at him oddly but he just smiled and Nimisha saw him mouth that it was hot.
Spike grinned broadly, shooting Giles a hard look when the Watcher stopped what he was doing and turned to look at him strangely, seemingly baffled at just why he was acting so happy.
Willow on the other hand had the most stupid smirk on her face, the Witch relaxing when she finally got over the initial shock of seeing him here and she realised that Nimisha wasnt going to do anything drastic.
So maybe having Angel here wasnt to bad, she thought, watching Nimishas beautiful face with a soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The way the girl had been hanging onto every word Angel had said, the way her eyes were huge with emotion as she gazed up with shear adoration at the dark figure in front of her.
But then her and Angel separated and he returned to look down at the flushed girl, a confused look on his silent face.
Oh! Willow yelped, finally picking up on why he was confused. Both Nimisha and her father turned to look at her.
Angel, Nimisha is my cousin. she told the Vampire, trying not to wince when she saw Nimishas face fall slightly. She too, wished she could tell Angel just who Nimisha was to him.
Shes staying with me and Oz for the rest of the week while her mother is overseas. Then Willow turned to Nimisha, explaining things to the girl that she already knew off by heart but that would look odd to everyone else if she didnt.
Nimi, Angel was living here in Sunnydale a few years ago before moving to LA.
Nimisha smirked, knowing what she was doing.
He was a friend of Buffys. Willow continued, having no idea what everyones reaction to what she just said was going to be.
The room when quiet as Angels head shot around to regard Willow with raised eyebrows, the same for Xander, Giles, Cordelia, Anya and Doyle. They all looked at her, stunned as she said that with no trace of the usual emotions she had with talking about Buffy. But seeing how their friend wasnt about the burst into tears anytime soon as they saw her turn back to Nimisha, totally unaware of the effect she was having on everyone else, they turned to each other for an explanation
Xander looked at Giles. Cordelia looked at Doyle. Anya looked at Xander...
...And Angel looked down at Nimisha.
And that was when the door burst open.
****
All head turned towards the door just in time to see a flushed, and panting Sita burst through the door, searching the faces desperately for her young charge. Finding her across the room with Willow she let out a huge breath of relief and bent over to try and ease the stich in her side. Nimisha was just about to leap of the table and run over to her when Willow saw her attention and clamp a hand down on her upper arm to still her.
She shot an annoyed looked up at her mothers closest friend but let it drop when she saw that Giles was already walking over to the tall brunette.
Of course, Nimisha thought. I cant act like I know her because shes meant to be a new teacher at the school.
Instead she settled just to watch Giles push his glasses up higher on his nose as he neared the panting woman.
Miss Reijik? Giles asked in surprise.
Sita raised her flushed brown head, noticing the Watcher for the first time. Her mouth fell open as she silently raked her eyes over each and every figure in the room.
Figures who were in turn, staring right back at her.
She blinked. But quickly getting in control of herself she eased her breathing back to normal and straightened. She smiled at Giles as she took his helping hand to steady herself.
I was just down the hallway finishing off some work. she told Giles and anyone else who was listening. But seeing the Watcher visibly relax Sita carried on. I heard someone scream, so I thought id come and investigate.
She shrugged her shoulders, as if the rest was obvious.
Ah, yes. Giles exclaimed, turning to Nimisha. Nimisha here just got a fright and fainted. Shes alright now though. he added when he saw the surprised look Sita shot Nimisha.
But Nimisha herself was trying to hide a smirk. <Calm down, Sita. Im fine> she pathed to her close friend quickly.
<You gave me a heart attack, Nimi> Sita shot back in a stern voice. Then the blinked when she noticed Angel standing by her. <Who the hell is that?> she asked.
<Its Angel> was Nimisha laughing reply. Sita started, her eyes turning to Willow when Giles started to offer her a cup of tea. Willow met her silent gaze - for she had been watching Nimisha face and had seen her eyes glaze over as she Pathed - and nodded her head slightly, not attracting attention. Sita opened the link suddenly to Willow, Oz and Spike, sending them all a mental groan.
<What the hell is *he* doing here?> Of course only Nimisha could answer, but Sita looked at all the faces and saw them all wince with the tone of her voice.
Miss Reijik? Giles asked, noticing that she had yet to comment on his suggestion of tea. She turned to him, confused, but then remembering what he was talking about she raised her eyebrows.
Oh! she yelped. Im terribly sorry, Mr Giles. Ive been here too long. She chuckled. My mind doesnt work probably at this time of night. Yes, tea would be lovely.
He smiled, and turned towards his office. Delighted that someone new was willing to try his English delicacy. Seeing that he wasnt watching her anymore Sita turned back towards Nimisha and Willow, trying to do it discreetly when she noticed Angel was watching her little charge when a frown on his face, as if he was trying to figure out a puzzle.
<Sita we dont have a clue why he is here> Nimisha exclaimed, not bothering to wait for her to start. <But we are going to have to do something pretty quick>
<Why?> was Sitas startled answer even as Willow, Oz and Spike simultaneously turned in Nimisha direction.
<Cause if you guys havent figured it out yet, that is Cordelia Chase over there by that wall> She continued even as she saw Willow grimace and Sita groan quietly as she picked up on what she was going on about.
<Yeah. I dont know if she recognised me yet, but as everyone continues to tell me I have a unique looking face she its not gonna take her long. Sooner or later she going to realise im the girl who was looking through her windows a few days ago, and she gonna want to know why>
They broke the link as Giles came back with Sitas tea. Nimisha brought her hand up to rub her forehead in pain, the Path taking more out of her than she realised. It was only meant to be a small gesture but Angel noticed it and looked down at her.
You alright? he asked, reaching down to touch her shoulder as Willow turned to her, hearing Angels question.
Yeah, I must have hit my head harder than I thought. Nimisha told her father, hating the lie as soon as if left her mouth. Angel smiled kindly and moved so he was leaning against the side of the table beside her. She tried not to look surprised at the movement as she scooted around so she was sitting crosslegged on the surface of the table and half in Angels direction. Seeing that they were only talking, Willow took a hint and quietly left them to it, going over to walk with Sita who was on her way over to Oz and Spike.
So, how long have you been in Sunnydale? Angel asked Nimisha in a warm voice, surprising himself at how much he wanted to talk to the girl. He usually wasnt the most open person in the world, well not since Buffy died anyway. But here he was, sitting in Giles Library talking to the weirdest, kindest, oddest person he had ever met.
But what surprised him the most was the fact that he couldnt get enough of hearing her talk, the sweet, angel like voice that flew from her mouth every time she took a breath.
He just wanted to talk and talk and talk.
****
Willow was frowning when she intercepted Sita and they both continued towards Oz and Spike who were still sitting on the far stairs. Both men were unusually silent, their heads tilted the side as they watched something across the room with mixed emotions on their faces. Oz looked worried, or as worried as his layed back face would allow. Spike on the other hand looked as if he had just won the lottery. He had a huge, smart-ass grin on his pale face, his eyes sparkling.
Both woman joined them, Spike reaching out and gently taking Sitas tea cup out of her hands so she could sit down beside him. She shot him a bright smile of thanks as she got comfortable and he gave the cup back to her.
The group then all lifted their heads to gaze across the room in silence.
Nimisha was sitting crosslegged on the table, her long black hair falling down her back and the ends just touching the polished wood. She was fiddling with a loose tendril unconsciously as she looked across at her father seriously, soaking in everything he was saying.
Angel was leaning comfortable and relaxed against the side of the table, his legs straight with his long arms holding onto the sides on the table for balance. He was smiling for a change, his eyes glued on his daughters face as he talked. Disbite the fact that they barely knew each other, the were both totally engrossed in the conversation, Nimishas face so unusually calm while Angels so happy and bright.
Willow frowned, not taking her eyes off the beautiful pair. Were gonna have to do something, guys. she said quietly to the three people beside her. Who in turn hadnt even breathed a word in the last four minutes.
Sighing, Willow went on. They cant stay there talking like that. Someone is going to look over soon and see how much they look like each other and start getting suspicious.
This time they seemed to hear her, and as if breaking out of a spell they all shook their heads slightly.
Jesus, Will. Spike breathed in awe. Would you just shut up for a bloody minute and *look* at them?
Willow huffed, but doing as he asked, she turned and looked at Nimisha and her father, sitting there on the table, ignoring everyone else but themselves.
She blinked.
The similarities between them were amazing. The could have almost passed as twins if it wasnt for the age difference. They both had the dark coloured hair, the same strong nose and pale skin. Even their eyebrows were similar, the strong arch on their powerful cheek bones reaching them so they curved exquisitely. Only their eyes were different. Nimishas so bright and alive like her mothers, the jade colouring making her look somewhat like a gypsy they were so startling. While Angels were a dark brown, hooded and deep, just like his soul. Willow had no doubt that Angel was getting more and more confused as the minutes ticked by as to where he had seen the exact same eyes before.
Willow groaned. Come on, guys. They cant sit so close together like that! she hissed, getting worried that either Cordelia or Doyle would stop their conversation long enough to spare their friend more than short, confused looks as to why he was talking in such depth to the girl and actually *look* at the pair and notice that things just werent right.
Oz sighed, knowing Willow was right. As so, together the four friends got up and walked over to the two dark Warriors, wishing they didnt have to disrupt their first meeting in 16 years.
****
Nimisha smiled at his question.
Just a few days. she answered, trying to keep to the story Willow, Oz and her and been sticking to. Its a pretty nice place actually. she continued and Angel grinned.
Your dead bored? he guessed and Nimisha laughed.
Willows been taking me shopping quiet a lot, so thats okay. she told him, chuckling when his eyebrows shot up. Willow? Shopping? he asked in a disbelieving tone and Nimisha giggled.
She said Cordelia got her into it.
Angels smile twitched, as if it all made sense now why Cordelia had always insisted the Witch come shopping with her. He looked down, his smile disappearing. Nimisha winced, knowing she shouldnt have said that, but reached out and touched her fathers shoulder.
Im sorry. she whispered and he slowly raised his head again. You really miss her, dont you? she asked, feeling terrible for she was indirectly responsible for making him feel as bad as he did.
How much did Willow tell you? he asked in a low voice, but Nimisha could tell he was very surprised that she knew as much as she did.
Nimisha bit her lip, trying to decide how much to reveal. Just that she was Willows best friend and that she loved you. And that one day she disappeared and no one ever saw her again.
Angel sighed. Well, thats the cliffs-notes version of it, I guess. He let out a deep breath and turned to her, a small smile on his face again.
But enough sad talk, how about me and you go on a delayed tour of Sunnydale tomorrow night? I could show you all the sights.
Nimishas mouth fell open.
But she couldnt help herself and her face broke out into a stunning smile as she nodded her head vigorously. Thatll be great! she told him, grinning like a fool as Angel smiled back.
Well, Nimisha thought. If im going back to Allrelen soon, this might be the only chance ill have to spend some time with him. Her mother couldnt be mad at her for that, could she?
But then the girls smile drained off her face as she caught sight of Willow and the others getting up from their seats and walking over to them. Looking at all their faces in turn she could tell they werent very happy and that they didnt want to have to butt in, so Nimisha didnt feel to bad.
They came to stand in front of Nimisha and Angel. Well, Nimi. Willow started. Time for us to be heading home, let Angel and the others talk to Giles like they came here to do. She had a bright smile on her face to mask her words. Looking over her shoulder Nimisha saw Sita standing with Spike.
Willow followed her gaze and noticed how strange it would look if the new teacher left with them. Where giving miss Reijik a ride home, she walked here and didnt really wish to walk home in the dark. the Witch thought up quickly.
And with that, she reached down and gathered Nimishas hands in hers and gently eased her off the table top. Once she was standing on her own two feet again, Nimisha turned to her father and - surprising not only herself but everyone else - she reached out and let him gather her in a hug. They stayed like that for a while, Nimisha somehow comforted by the lack of heart beat in Angels chest before breaking apart.
They smiled at each other. See you tomorrow? Angel asked and Nimisha grinned. She nodded her head. The next thing she knew Willow was pulling her out of the library.
As she neared the swinging doors, Nimisha turned her head back and the last thing she saw before being pulled through was Angels smiling face, his eyes still watching her leave.
****
The Next Night...
Day 5
So, what did you think? Angel asked Nimisha with a lopsided grin on his face. They crept through a dark, dirty alleyway towards The Bronze, Angel having just giving Nimisha the grand tour of the Sunnydale Campus that Willow, Oz and even Buffy briefly had attended. Actually Nimisha had been meaning to go there since she first arrived in Sunnydale but between Sitas arrival, school work and her new friends she hadnt had time.
It had been bigger than Nimisha had originally thought it would have been, and hadnt bothered to hide her surprise from her father as they had entered the main gates. Angel had laughed, telling her Buffy had the exact same reaction.
Actually, the pair had spoken of Buffy quiet a lot this evening, much to Angels surprise. But he found that the girl was such a good listener, he felt as if he could tell her anything. So, with Nimisha listening more intently than he could have ever imagined, Angel told her about some of his and Buffy adventures - leaving out the Vampires and Demon parts of course, for he didnt know Nimisha knew of those things - and she had loved it. Her whole life Buffy had been telling her the same stories of course, but to hear them from Angels side, his views and perspectives, was just amazing.
I think the music of this place gets worse the more I come here. Nimisha said tartly. Its horrible.
Angel laughed.
Buffy used to drag me here all the time when her and the others were still in high school. Angel told her, smiling softly with the memory. Nimisha remained silent, so silent in fact that Angel looked over at her and found the girl looking down at the ground, a sad look on her face. Angel frowned, she had been having that look quite often tonight, even if she didnt realise he knew. And she seemed to get it whenever they talked of Buffy...
Where are the others meeting us? Nimisha suddenly cut in, and Angel had the sudden strange feeling that she knew just what he had been thinking. But he nodded anyway, and told her, At the Bronze, we have to go patrol...er, do some stuff afterwards.
He watched her let that sink in, waiting for her to say something about where they would be going. But to his surprise, Nimisha only nodded, as if she hadnt expected anything else. Angel tried to shake of a feeling to total deja vu.
But instead he turned his head slightly to watch her as he had been doing so often tonight as Cordelia had asked him to do when her and Doyle had discovered he was showing her around town tonight. She hadnt said why to either him or Doyle but Cordelia had been quite adamant that he would have to watch her, she would tell him why when he got back.
And so, he watched her.
She was dressed in a comfortable pair of dark blue Levi jeans and a white muslin t-shirt with long sleaves. Her hair was up, fixed in a odd style Angel had never seen before. The top layer was done in tiny little plaits and the rest was piled up on the top of her head in a loose, elaborate coiffure that reminded Angel of 18th century France. But as he looked closer he found that the when her hair had been put up all the tiny plaits had mixed and threaded their way through her black hair and in turn, helped it stay up. Even though when it was finished it looked rather innocent and simple, Angel thought it looked beautiful with her regal face, it made her look extremely exotic.
But as they walked in silence through the deserted alleyway, stepping over trash cans, a figure stepped out from the shadows, her hands folded across her chest and her legs planted firmly on the ground.
They both stopped abruptly, their eyes opening wide as they both recognised the girl in front of them.
Now, what a surprise to find you two together in Sunnydale. Faith told them, smiling as they were forced to stop as she now stood right in front of them.
****
Faith? Both Angel and Nimisha said at the same time, their mouths handing open in surprise to see Buffys sister Slayer standing in the alleyway with them. But even as Nimisha just continued to gawk at the dark haired girl, Angel clicked at what she had said and turned to looked at her, frowning in confusion.
How do you know Faith? he asked, suddenly thinking that this girl might not be as perfect as she seemed to be.
Nimisha gulped, her eyes flitting from Faiths towards her fathers, not knowing what to say to that one.
But it was Faith herself who saved the day. Its okay, Angel. she told the sputtering Vampire, walking up to them and laying a calming hand on his arm. Me and Nimisha go way back.
Nimisha gaped at the girl as Faith turned and winked at her, smiling broadly. But then the younger Slayer turned back towards Angel and said in a low voice, Angel can you get lost for a few minutes so I can talk to Nimisha here?
Angel sent Nimisha a look of his own, but seeing she was surprised as he was, he sighed and nodded his head. Turning back to Faith he told her, Five minutes then im coming looking for you, is that clear? he looked sternly down at the brunette Slayer.
Then your going to tell me why your not in jail where you were two months ago when I came to visit. He cocked his head. Are the cops looking for you? he asked, but Faith only shook her head.
You said five minutes, Angel. And im not starting counting until your ass is behind that corner over there. She pointed towards the far pathway leading towards the Bronze door.
He sighed and looked at his daughter, his eyebrows raised in a silent question. Nimisha halted for a moment then knowing she could take Faith down anytime she wished if the girl suddenly decided Nimisha wasnt friend material after all, she nodded at Angel, telling him everything was okay.
Angel still didnt look okay with the situation but without looking back he turned around and walked into the shadows.
The two girls watched his back until he was out of sight. Then silently, they both turned to stare at one another. Faith was grinning from ear to ear, looking like she was having the time of her life, totally ignoring the fact that Nimisha was ready and capable on kicking her Slayer ass back to LA.
Nimisha on the other hand was furious. And she didnt mind letting Faith know it.
Why the *hell* did you have to go do that for!? Nimisha screeched, waving her hands in the air in a frustrated gesture. She saw Faiths smile fault for a moment, as if she was suddenly wondering if confronting Buffys daughter was such a good idea after all.
Nimisha turned on her. Do you have any idea what you might have done? she yelled, bringing her hands down to rest them on her hips. You might have just blown the cover that took us three bloody days to think up!
Nimisha was so angry she totally forgot to watch her eyes, which when she thought of all the time they had wasted if Faith blew their cover, started to flash a bright yellow. Faith had been watching her the entire time she was yelling, leaning up against the side of the dark building with her hands crossed across her chest, cocking her dark head to the side and listening to everything she was saying. But the minute Faith saw Nimisha eyes start to flash she was off the wall in an instant and had the teenager in a throat hold in a matter of seconds. But Nimisha surprised her and didnt cry out. Faith thought it was almost as if she had been expecting her to do that all along. But bringing her head down close to Nimishas so that they were eye to eye, Faith stared into cool, jade glass and narrowed her own eyes.
And im sure thats got nothing to do it? Faith asked in a low voice, relaxing the hold on Nimishas neck when she saw that the girl wasnt even going to struggle. When Nimisha didnt answer her, Faith let her go completely and took a step back, watching the beautiful, dark girl wearily.
Nimisha just stood there, her eyes back to their natural colour and were narrowed slits as she looked coolly at her mothers replacement without even batting an eyelid. She was totally calm, her powerful legs ready to crush Faiths chest if the need be.
And Faith was not foolish enough to doubt that she could in a matter of seconds.
So? Nimisha snapped in a crisp voice. What are you doing here in Sunnydale?
Faith grinned suddenly, as if forgetting the danger she was in if she angered the powerful girl in front of her. Are you kidding? she asked, ignoring Nimisha growl of warning and started to pace back and forth.
Ive been having these really weird dreams lately. Faith told Nimisha, deciding the sarcastic path may not really be the safest. Dream about Buffy. she continued, smiling when she saw the flicker of doubt in Nimishas eyes as she heard her.
Then a few nights ago I was asleep in my cell - lovely places by the way - when I wake up to find these two weird looking, golden people standing by my bed.
She cut off when she noticed the surprised look on Nimishas face. She looked confused as she stood there, watching Faith pace back and forth across the dirty alleyway floor.
Sati and Jadis? she muttered to herself and Faith shot her a startled look.
You on a first name basses then? she asked, her eyebrows raised. When Nimisha nodded, she whistled.
Wow. Thats a thing you dont see every day. Faith exclaimed.
Nimisha frowned. Ive known them since I was child, why shouldnt I be on a first name basses? she asked, a bit annoyed with Sati and Jadis herself for not informing her of what they were doing.
Faith just held up her hands in a gesture of peace. Hey, im not saying a word. She licked her lips. So, anyway theyre standing in my cell, creeping the hell out of me when I suddenly realise their Angels Oracle people that he keeps telling me about. Then the next thing I know im not in my cell at all but standing on the grass outside the police station with them telling me to get my ass into gear and get to Sunnydale cause im gonna be needed or something.
Faith shrugged and spread her arms, telling Nimisha that the rest was history.
Nimisha looked at her intently. Then im to believe that you know who I am then?
Faith laughed, but it was a kind sort, and stopped her pacing. Turning so they both faced each other, Faith cocked her head and smiled gently.
Your Bs kid. she told Nimisha, grinning when the girl rolled her eyes in frustration. Is their anyone who doesnt know that? Nimisha breathed. Mama is gonna be pissed as it is with Spike knowing, now you... Nimisha sighed.
Faith laughed again and walked over to Nimisha. Reaching out she touched Nimishas forearm and gave it a warm rub. Its gonna be fine, kiddo. You leave your mom to me.
They both smiled slightly. So your not gonna kill me? Faith asked and Nimisha burst out laughing, surprising the older girl.
Kill you? she asked. Mama would *kill* me!
They both stopped laughing, falling into a comfortable silence until Nimisha asked her new friend, Sati and Jadis didnt say why you would be need, did they? But Faith only shook her head, saying no they didnt.
Nimisha shrugged her shoulders in a oh, well gesture and Faith told her, But I bet its sorta the same reason you daddy dearest is suddenly in town.
Nimisha nodded, agreeing, as they both walked over and took a seat on a crate that was sitting on the side of the alleyway. When they got there Nimisha turned her head to look at Faith, who was wrapping her leather jacket around herself and rubbing her hands on her leather pants.
What are you going to tell everyone about you being here? Nimisha asked, hoping she wouldnt decided to blow their cover completely. Faith seemed to know what she was thinking and her head snapped around in surprise.
You mean, am I gonna tell everyone about your mom, you mean?
Nimisha bit her lip, knowing she was being shallow. But Faith only sighed and put her arm around the girls shoulder. Nimi, ive done a lot of things in my life that im not proud of, most of which you probably know about with Buffy being you mom, but your dads being helping me a lot, so has Cordelia and the others. She turned to look into Nimishas eyes with a small smile. This is going to be the first thing I do right, Ill tell you that.
She shrugged her shoulders and looked down at her clothes. Im done with the whole bad girl look, anyway. she told Nimisha, who was smiling kindly at her, always knowing just like her mother had that Faith was a good soul deep down.
So if the Oracles think that im good enough to have on the home team again thats just what im going to tell Angel. That the Oracles got me out of jail to come here for a reason I wouldnt have a bloody clue. She smiled across at Nimisha and gave the other dark haired girl a warm hug.
Your mom is going to be proud of me again if its the last thing I do.
But then they saw Angel walking towards them and they quickly changed the conversation, knowing Angel wasnt ready to hear what they were saying. Nimisha raised her head to say hello but the word died on her red lips as she looked over Angels shoulder and saw Giles, Willow, Oz, Xander, Anya and Spike walking up behind him.
****
Hello, Faith. Giles smiled at the dark haired Slayer politely and Faith smiled back, taking her arm off Nimishas shoulder to stand on her feet. Nimisha knew everyone was looking at her, wondering just how Willows cousin knew the Slayer. But as if Faith knew what they were thinking, she reached down and offered Nimisha her hand, which she took. Hauling the younger girl to her feet Faith turned towards everyone and told them,
What? You guys wanna know how we know each other? Giles nodded, and Nimisha saw that Willow was biting her lip while Oz looked incredibly worried.
Willow and Nimisha here came to visit me in LA last week while Willow was there picking Nimi up from LAX.
Nimisha could have laughed out loud at the relieved looks that flashed across Willow and Ozs faces with that lie. It was quite clever actually, with Faith only having a few minutes to think it up.
Even Giles looked relieved. Yes, well. He sputtered, pushing up his glasses. Thats very well, but we need to talk about just why your here.
Angel firmly second that with a nod of his head.
Well! Willow said a bit to brightly for Nimisha liking. Thats our cue to leave, dont you think Oz? she asked her boyfriend, who nodded his head vigorously. Then without waiting for her to disagree Spike walked over and firmly latched his large hand over her arm, pulling her away from Angel and Faith.
She rolled her eyes at their protectiveness, but turned around just in time to give Faith and wave before she disappeared into the shadows.
****
The Next Morning...
Day Six.
The sun was bright and heavy in the middle of the sky, blanketed by a vast blue nothingness that stretched on forever, surrounded by fluffy white clouds. Lying back on the grass Nimisha couldnt stop looking up at the sky. The endless, beautiful blue sky that warmed her pale face as she smiled and closed her eyes in pleasure.
It was Saturday and Nimisha was taking full advantage of the holiday by relaxing by herself on the hills just behind Angels mansion. The same ones where he had almost given himself up to the rising sun gods years before, only to have the sudden snow save his life. Nimisha winced, thinking of the consequences that may have come to pass if the Powers hadnt intervened and gave her father a second chance.
Unsettled with that thought, Nimisha pattered her firm belly that could be seen for she wore a baby blue halter top and a faded pair of short jeans shorts of Willows. It was just to hot to wear anything else. Sighing, Nimisha knew it was times like these that she wished she could just cut all her hair off, but after Willows reaction to that comment this morning at breakfast, Nimisha knew her mother would have a fit. So to compromise, Willow had helped her put the thick, black mass into two long plaits that fell down either side of her neck.
She grinned up at the sky, her eyes closed as she felt herself slipping away...
Sasha?
A voice broke into her train of thoughts and Nimisha gave a startled cry. She shot up into a sitting position and looked around for the owner of the voice. But seeing Ash walking up the side of the hill she raised her eyebrows in surprise. It seemed everyone was feeling the heat today for Ash had on a thin green T-shirt and white board shorts. Nimisha tried not to grin, he looked incomparably wonderful in casual wear.
But not wanting to scare him off, Nimisha tried not to show her nervousness while she shielded her eyes from the sun with one hand and gave Ash a little wave with the other. She saw him smile broadly with her reaction, probably thinking that she was going to run off again. Silently, Nimisha watched the dark haired boy reach her and take a seat on the grass beside her.
They didnt talk, only continued to look out onto the peaceful town of Sunnydale and at the darting birds that flew in the sky. Both of them staring in awe at the small planets beauty and how different it was from the places they called home.
Nimisha could tell the boy sitting beside her was nervous, the way he sat there, perfectly still was proof of that. Im sorry for ditching you like that the other day, Ash. Nimisha told him, shrugging when she saw him flinch in surprise.
I dont know why I did it, I swear.. But whatever she was going to say was cut off as Ash turned towards her with a lopsided smile edged on his dark face.
Nimisha stared. She hadnt actually noticed how good looking he was before at the Bronze, but now she couldnt tear her eyes of his face. His strange blue eyes were sparkling in the sun, looking down at her with what Nimisha could only interpret as possessive longing. She smiled up at him, her green eyes flitting over his strong jaw bones and proud forehead. But surprising herself, she reached out a shaking hand and ran her soft fingers down the side of his face slowly and came to rest them on his smooth chin.
She looked across at her fingers as if she had never seen them before, looking with fascination how her smooth, pale hand stood out with his darker one. She slowly raised her eyes, locking them with his, only to find Ash watching her intently, his blue eyes unreadable.
Nimisha looked down shyly, not knowing what had come over her. But she felt Ash lift and reach out a hand, put it on her bare arm and slowly make his way up towards her beautiful face.
Ash was flying. As he watched the stunning little mystery in front of him look down at his travelling hand, he was struck by how beautiful she was, how innocent. It was if she had never been in this situation before. The way her sea-green eyes lit up when he touched her, the nervous way her lips had twitched as his hand moved...Ash knew he would never let her go.
They were both silent as his hand travelled up her arm, across her collarbone and up her smooth neck. He let it rest under her chin, pushing slightly to raise her head. Her eyes were still cast down shyly even as her head was pointed upwards. He chuckled at her innocence, reaching out to lightly tap her nose to get her attention.
Her green eyes flashed as they flew up to meet his, and Ash laughed with her response. It was how his mother had got his attention as a child countless times. But then, as if she suddenly remembered what she was doing, Nimisha lost her smile and looked down again.
Ash frowned, seeing her body go still and the tears that fell from her green eyes. Sasha? he asked. You okay?
Nimisha sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as they both sat on the tall, sunny hill behind the building where her father was probably sleeping, dreaming of her mother. Ash, I cant do this. she whispered, not looking up at his face.
He inclined his head to the side, watching her with a small smile on his dark face. Why ever not? he asked her.
Nimisha sighed in frustration, raising her head finally to look steadily at him. She waved her hands in the air, Ash, ive got a *boyfriend*. she said in a frustrated voice, wincing when she noticed him go still out of the corner of her eye.
He didnt say a word so Nimisha took the opportunity to charge ahead. She swallowed and played with one of the thick plaits that had fallen over her shoulder.
Im going to break if off anyway. Nimisha explained in a soft voice, not wanting to hurt Ash any further. It wouldnt be fair to Thian, not after this... she broke off and sighed again.
What I feel for you is so *different* from what I thought I felt for Thian. She looked across her him. How can I continue to have a relationship with someone when I know there is something better? she asked, smiling slightly when Ash finally turned his head to watch her try and explain. His face was blank, what he was feeling so carefully hidden inside him that Nimisha was stuck at the similarities between Ash and her father.
Then she saw him reach out a hand and take one of hers in his own, squeezing encrouagingly.
But still he didnt say a word.
Im leaving soon anyway. Nimisha carried on, wishing with all her heart that she could stay on Earth longer than a few weeks. She breathed out a frustrated breath of air and raised her eyes towards the heavens.
So theres no point of getting into something serious... she lowered her head and looked at him, raising her black eyebrows. ...and im telling you that this could be serious if we let it.
She shrugged. Theres no point when im going to be leaving soon. Well only get hurt. She broke off, dreading what his reaction was going to be.
But Ash only burst out laughing. She shot her head around to stare at him, her mouth falling open in surprise.
But still Ash continued to laugh, leaning over her to put both hands on the sides of her face. He stopped laughing, but Nimisha noticed that he still had a smart-ass grin planted on his lips as he bent down over her and gently kissed her on the lips.
His voice was husky as he whispered, Honey, we have all the time in the world.
And with that, the prince of the greatest Vanquisher alliance in the galaxy latched his hands around Nimishas waist tightly and pushed her down to lay on the grass. Leaning over her, Ash looked at her face intently, running his hand gently over her smiling lips and up her slanted check bones. One hand played in her hair, bringing one thick plait up to admire its texture in the sunlight.
Such beauty... Nimisha heard him murmur and she grinned. He saw her smile, and returned the gesture. They locked eyes, silent until Nimisha whispered.
I barely know you... She said it lightly, laughing softly. Ash made no reply, only leaned on her fully and rested his head in the crock of her shoulder, idly unplaiting the braid he still held in his hand.
They stayed like that for a moment. Both feeling content and safe for the first time in days. But then Ash raised his head, leaning most of his weight on an elbow which he planted on the grass beside Nimishas face. He wasnt smiling this time, she saw as she watched him. But without talking, Nimisha sensed the mood change and she looked into his eye with curiosity. A smile tugged on the corner of his mouth as he gently lowered his head and their lips meet, Nimisha closing her eyes as all thoughts fled her mind.
They forgot everyone but themselves as two of the most important beings in the galaxy ignored their destiny, forgot their quests and troubles...as they fell into each other.
And off to the side, hidden by thick bushes that made him invisible to the naked eye, Zanial watched to pair. His face blank, dark and unreadable...and he knew the time for action had come.
****
Meanwhile inside the mansion....
Cordelia yawned, wiping the sleep out of her eyes as she padded down the huge, *cold* corridor and into the room that Angel swore was a dining room. Cordelia looked around with a grin on her face, if you asked her it was more like a hall.
But she only shrugged, it being to early in the morning for detailed thoughts for Cordelias sleep filled brain as she wrapped her dressing gown around her body more firmly and stepped further into the room. Doyle and Angel were already there, Doyle stuffing his face with what Cordelia could only hope were pancakes while Angel stood in the kitchen, off to the side so he was out of the sun, an apron around his waist and a flipper in his hands as he expertly fried the frying pans contents to a proverbial crisp.
They both saw her at the same time, Angel giving her a warm smile and Doyle raising his fork in greeting. She looked down at him in disgust. There were times when he reminded her so much of Xander.
Uhh, thats disgusting. Cordelia told her boyfriend as she flopped herself into one of the tables chairs and sighed.
Doyle stopped his eating and looked up at her. Hey! Im eating the stuff, arent I? he complained. If I like it, then you got nothing to worry about. He grinned when he noticed her turn slightly green.
But then Angel was coming out of the kitchen - careful to step in the shadows - with a plate of his own. He saw her sitting down and offered her some. But Cordelia only screwed her face up and waved him away.
No thank you. I, for a fact, respect my skin enough not to drown it in oil!
Angel only grinned, not expecting her to doing anything else with his offer of food. But then Cordelia was looking at him so strangely that Angel stopped in mid chew. What? he asked, confused.
Cordelia sighed in annoyance. How did it go last night? Did you get anymore out of Faith as to why shes here?
Angel only shrugged as he put his fork down to give his friends full attention. Doyle did the same. She swore she didnt know anything else. Angel explained. Just that the Oracles got her out of jail and said to get down here for she would be needed.
Cordelia frowned. Well, theyve taken the cryptic award this time, havent they? she raged. I mean, if they want us to do a good job then it wouldnt kill them to give us some more freakn info once in a while, would it?
They had nothing to say to that, so Doyle and Angel went back to their breakfast.
Did you watch that girl like I asked, Angel? Cordelia suddenly put in and Angel looked at her in surprise.
Yeah, I did. he replied slowly. Although I dont see what can be so wrong with her, Cordy. Shes actually really nice.
Cordelia only rolled her eyes skyward. Have you guys completely lost it? she asked in a loud voice, getting up from her chair to pace the floor.
They both only shot her baffled looks which only made her screech in frustration. Have you both forgotten the meaning were all here in Sunnydale in the first place?
They both just stared.
Sighing in annoyance at her stupid companions, Cordelia muttered, Oh, what the hell. before explaining, Shes the girl from the office, you guys. The black haired chick that was looking in the windows and asking questions about Buffy!
They both blinked.
Your kidding. Angel said in a stunned voice as he suddenly dropped his fork in his pancakes, causing strawberry syrup to splash onto the table. Cordy grimaced and looked at him gently, seeing that he had really taken a shine to the girl.
Yeah, you guys. Im positive. Didnt you see her reaction when she first saw us in the library? I mean, she was so surprised she fainted for Christs sake!
Angel looked down at the table, picturing the beautiful girl as they walked through the Campus the night before, the way she smiled with such brilliance, such innocence....
I dont think she anything evil, Cordy. Angel told her, looking up when she gave a cry of surprise.
She had her hands firmly latched onto her hips, her eyes flashing in anger and she stopped her pacing and turned on him. Come one, Angel! Why would she be asking questions about Buffy then? Then she saw his wounded look and softened. I dont want her to be evil either, my friend. That girl could make millions on the cat walks, but its just to much a coincidence that shes here at the same time as us and Faith.
Doyle had been silent throughout the exchange but he sudden spoke up, I think you guys are forgetting something here. They both turned to regard him. Isnt she Willow cousin?
Oh, please! Cordelia huffed in disgust. With Willow having red hair and hers black? I dont think so.
Angel frowned. Well, my brother had red hair. he told her, grinning when she shot him a betrayed look.
He held up his hands in acceptance. Okay, okay. Well watch her over the next few day, see what she does. She saw Cordelia smile smugly and added quickly, Although im not going to be writing her off straight away, Ill see if I can get to know her a bit better, see if I can get anything out of her.
He turned to Doyle. I want you to keep an eye on Oz for me. Cordelia, youve got Willow. See if you can get as much information about Nimisha out of them as you can, see if she is *really* Willow cousin and if not, why they are hiding her.
Both his friends nodded, happy with that decision. Then as he saw Doyles mouth start to open he held up his hand and sighed, knowing what the half demon was going to say.
No, we dont tell Giles. Hes odd around her as it is. If he and the others find out theyll act weird around her and if we are completely wrong about this, I dont want Nimishas relationships with them to be damaged.
Well, they didnt look overly happy with that comment, but seeing the truth in the matter they again nodded.
And with that, all three friend went back to their breakfast, getting ready for a day of investigation on Cordelia and Doyles half and well needed sleep on Angels. But the whole time Angel finished his breakfast, the image of Nimishas face filled in his vision, her beautiful smile that reminded him so much of Buffy....
He shook his head. Oh, how he hoped she had nothing to do with this.
****
On Allrelen a few hours before....
Buffy sighed in pleasure and leaned back against the back of her sun seat and pushed her sunglasses back onto her nose. The sun was warm and inviting and Buffy just couldnt help herself, she had told Captain Asten and the rest of the Council that she was taking a well earned break for a few hours. They had nodded, knowing how tired she must be.
Her and Afraya had been Porting space ships for three days straight and it was starting to take its toll on Buffys mind. After her vision had started to sway so badly that she had to reach out for Afrayas support she had giving up and demanded this break, the first one she had gotten all week.
So here she was, laying back on her bedroom balcony, the swinging French doors open wide letting what breeze there was filter the huge bedroom. She was wearing swimming gear. A light purple top that Afraya told her quite bluntly looked more like a bra than an actual piece of clothing. It was short, ending with a curve that shaped the underline of her breasts, and one of her favourite sarongs. It was made of light satin, a pale silver colour with little black stitched flowers on the hem. It had been a present from Nimisha a few birthdays ago, her daughter going all the way to Chandras with Sita to retrieve the precious gift.
With that thought of her beloved daughter, Buffy reached up and picked up a pile of Holograms that had been sitting on her lap, unlooked at and untouched till now. She raised the pile, blocking out the sun and started to sort through them.
Buffy smiled at the first. It was of her, Nimisha and their close friends in Semarrittes garden. Nimisha looked about seven at the time, her childish face happy and serine with the simpler days of her childhood as she sat on the swing with Afraya pushing her. Buffy looked at herself in the hologram for a moment with a sad face. She had been sitting under a tree, not to far away from the swing with Sita, talking away happily while the two of them sunbathed quite similar to she was doing now.
Buffy felt the tears start to form and forcefully willed them away, there was no need to cry she told herself. Nimisha was fine, having a great time at Willow and Ozs on Earth. Willow had told Buffy that she was making new friends, a fact that Buffy had to smile about. Her daughter was the queen of charm, she could find friends even if she didnt want to. Buffy smiled with that, looking closely at Nimishas face in the Hologram.
Her head shot up when she heard the unmistakable sound of someone walking through her bedroom towards the doors that led onto the balcony. Buffy waited for the person to appear and visibly relaxed when she saw Afraya walk through the twin doors and stop to lean on the door frame.
Having a nice time? he asked with a laughing smile on his blue face as he watched her.
Buffy grinned back and snuggled deeper into her chair. Lying on her back she looked up and stuck her tongue out at him. Yes, actually im having a wonderful time.
He laughed and pushed off the door to come sit crosslegged on the marble floor beside her seat. They didnt speak, falling into a comfortable silence that pointed out their long friendship. As Buffy went back to her sunbathing Afraya idly picked up the fallen Holograms and started sorting through them himself. Even with her eyes closed Buffy could hear him chuckling when he must have come to a particular funny one. She grinned.
Then suddenly a piercing pain shot through her head. Buffy screamed and shot up into a sitting position on her sun-seat, clutching her head between her palms.
Afraya had gotten such a fright with her scream that he had dropped the pile of pictures and fallen back. Looking up at his close friend from where she now sat, rocking back and forth, screaming in pain, Afraya jumped to his feet and rushed towards her, even as he heard the unmistakable sound of the guards pounding feet as they rushed towards her room, hearing her painful screaming.
Evie! Afraya called, bending down so they were face to face and grabbing her hands to stop her rocking. Whats wrong!? he yelled, getting more and more freaked the longer it went on.
But his friend didnt seem to hear him and even as she stopped her loud screaming, she started to whimper, Afraya getting the fright of his life when he forcefully lifted her head and saw that her moon was flashing a terrified bright red, a colour that Afraya had never seen before. Not of his beloved Shari *or* her daughter.
But then she stopped, going so still and quiet that for a horrible second Afraya thought she was dead. She went limp in his arms, her head falling to the side as the guards finally rushed into the room and out onto the balcony, only to find their screaming Queen laying in her 2IC arms.
They stopped, wondering if they had misinterpreted her screams. But Afraya caught one of guards mental cry of surprise and clicked as to where their thoughts now lay.
He looked up at the five men in disgust. For gods sake, men! Where are your senses? he yelled, nodding when they finally broke away and rushed towards him.
Afraya ignored them, turning back to Buffy who was still limp in his arms. He gently layed her back down on her seat, softly slapping her check to try and get his Queen to wake up.
Then suddenly, just as she had gone to sleep, she was awake, her brilliant green eyes snapping open so fast that Afraya heard the guards fall back. She didnt say a word, only fumbled to get out of the chair and was bolting through her bedroom in a flash, Afraya and the guards stumbling to catch up with her.
Evie, where are you going!? Afraya yelled after her, willing his legs to move faster as he sprinted through the palace hallways, almost smashing into a woman with bright blue hair as he skidded around a corner, the five guards not far behind him.
Finally Buffy came to a stop, bending over to latch her hands onto her knees, breathing in huge gasps. Afraya paused beside her, grabbing her shoulders to spin her around.
Whats wrong!? he practically screamed at her, getting seriously freaked by her odd behaviour.
Buffy looked at him, her eyes wide and wild. Its Nimisha, Affe. Shes in trouble! she screamed back at him. Afraya barely noticed people stop what they were doing and stare at them as they screamed at each other in the marble hallway.
How in the world do you know that? Afraya gaped. But Buffy only reached up and tapped her head.
It was a vision, Affe. There were Vanquishers there! It was Earth, I know it was! I swear I saw Giles Library, and there was Vanquishers there!
Afraya knew she was getting herself extremely worked up, but he knew from experience to trust any of his friends dreams and visions.
His blue face drained of colour as his mouth slowly fell open. What are you going to do? he asked her stupidly. But he didnt hear her reply for she was off again, sprinting down the hallway....
...towards the Gate.Chapter 10
*Absolute Power*
Day 8.
Nimisha shivered and wrapped her bare arms more tightly around her body, pressing into Ashs chest as she walked. Silently, she felt him chuckle and tighten his arms around her waist. The pair had just walked out of the Bronze where they had been dancing all evening with Jesse, Karan and Alex and had been very surprised at the sudden tu