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Chapter 22
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"So, is this what happens to Watchers when they die? We go on to become guides in other forms? Rather puts an end to any idea of eternal retirement and reward, if you ask me." Giles was smiling at Wesley as he lightly teased him. Giles knew how being fired from the Council had stung the younger Watcher and he wanted to soothe that wound if possible. "You were a fine Watcher there at the end, both in guiding Angel … no small feat in and of itself … but many of the changes in Faith were directly attributed to you and your guidance and trust. I can see why the Higher Powers would choose you for this position. You’ve earned the honor."

Wesley blinked rapidly in astonishment. Had Rupert Giles just complimented him? After the fall of Sunnydale, when the world was suddenly teeming with new slayers and very few Watchers, Wesley had held on to a small hope that he might be approached to rejoin the Council. The offer was never made. That had stung as much as his initial firing had done. Now it appeared that Rupert had re-evaluated Wesley’s worth and found him worthy. In some ways, that meant even more than the Higher Powers selecting him for this position, because they were infinitely more understanding and forgiving than Giles.

"I was not supposed to have died so soon. They told me I still had a destiny to fulfill, but Cordy chose to listen to her heart instead of following orders. The vision she gave Angel in that last kiss was supposed to have been given to me; the vision, that is…nothing was said of the kiss. Angel took the information and went off half-cocked to bring down the Black Thorne and the Senior Partners. He declared war with only partial information, without consulting a soul, and you know where that leads." Wesley motioned for Giles to follow him to an area where they could sit and discuss the situation.

"I would not have made the same choices that Angel did, no matter how well-meaning he may have been. Therefore I became nothing more than cannon fodder. Instead of keeper of the visions as the Powers had planned, I became a dead ex-Watcher at the hands of Vail. I didn’t even make it to the last battle in the alley. When Illyria killed Vail and left, I was transported to a very rare dimension and offered this position. It is not without its perks."

Giles noticed movement from the corner of his eye and turned his head quickly, catching a glimpse of a young, rail-thin girl with glasses who wiggled her fingers at him in a shy wave.

"That is Fred. Winifred Burkle. No soul as pure and bright as hers would ever be allowed to simply be destroyed! We were fools to ever believe that was the case. She is my assistant and companion here. I have my heaven and no regrets." Wesley smiled fondly at the young woman before turning back to Giles.

"What Lilah has told you is truth, as strange as that concept may be. Rupert, would you be good enough to tell Lilah something for me?" At Giles’ nod, he continued, "Tell Lilah that no effort is ever wasted or too late. The Powers read motives … hearts, if you will. She may not be heaven material," Wesley chuckled at the very thought, "but there are levels of hell as well. She has done well. Tell her that for me, will you? "

"Of course. She has a rather abrasive personality, but her help has been invaluable. We floundered around for the better part of a year with no clue of what had happened or how to retrieve our lost until she stepped in. I’m rather pleased that she will have a reward of sorts. I’m also glad to hear that it is
never too late, for any of us, actually. There are things I need to rectify in my own life once this crisis is passed."

"Lilah had a message for you as well." Giles proceeded to pass on the bittersweet message to Wesley as he had promised.

Wesley listened intently with a secretive smile on his face. "She was of importance in my life at a very low point. I am glad that some good came from that in the end." Wesley turned to look at Fred, who was bringing a small tray with a bottle of single malt and two glasses to the two Watchers. "As you can see, I meant what I said about perks!" He smiled at Giles and poured two fingers of fine amber warmth into the glass before handing it to Giles.

"Before we get on with the important issues for your current mission, I’d like to talk about a more personal issue." At Giles’ gesture of agreement, Wesley continued. "The night before that reckless battle, Angel told all of us to go and enjoy what would likely be our last night alive. There was nothing to bring me pleasure in that world any longer, so I took some books and scrolls back home with me to while away the evening in research. I thought I might leave notes in the event I did not survive the battle. When I completed what I could before getting some needed rest, I placed these items in a moving box with your name on the top. I am certain that my father has all my personal items stored somewhere in the attic of
my boyhood home. It would never occur to him that any of my things might have some importance, so he will not have opened any of the boxes." Wesley looked infinitely sad as he thought of the relationship he would never have with the man who had demanded so much, and saw so little, in his son.

"The most important things in that box are the rather infamous Scroll of Aberjian with the Shanshu prophecy, in all its obscure glory, and a book that will look like blank pages. That book is a bloody marvel! Wolfram and Hart had this magically enhanced book that works as a template for literally every book ever written. If you need a text, you merely call it out and open the book. You will discover the very text requested! I even read a children’s story to Fred from it as she lay dying. I don’t have to tell you the importance of that book to the Council! It is a one-book library. Even texts long destroyed can be called up with it. When this is all settled and Buffy is back where she belongs, go to my father and collect the box. It is clearly marked with your name so he will give it to you."

"Good Lord, man! I had no idea such an artifact was even possible, much less in existence. To have that in the hands of the Council would instantly elevate the ability to research beyond anything the Council ever had in its entire history! It will be all that I can do to prevent myself from going straightaway to your father to retrieve that box. This is a priceless gift, Wesley. I intend to make sure you are credited with it, too. No black marks on your ledger, if you will. Travers was wrong to lose a valuable man like you, especially as the troubles were not really of your making." Giles was clearly excited at the prospect of getting his hands on the treasure box Wesley had put together for him all those months ago.

"I would like to dare offer a bit of advice. I hope you don’t mind." Giles nodded over his second glass of fine whiskey and indicated his willingness to listen at least. "It is about Spike…and Angel as well, for that matter. I worked closely with Angel, came to call him friend. We had … differences … those last few years, but I still cherish the friendship and the changes it brought to my life. These two beings… men…are a valuable resource as well, Rupert. Don't make the same mistake the old Council did, only seeing black and white. They have much information and many talents. Use them, don’t disenfranchise them."

"Angel needs to accept that he IS Angelus as much as he is Liam. Until he does that, he will find no peace. He has many bad habits, but I am sure you are already aware of his tendencies to play with the truth and to make unilateral decisions for everyone around him. His heart is in the right place. He wishes to fight the good fight. You must help and encourage him along that path. He did not chose the path, but has embraced it and with good grace, for the most part."

"Spike. Now Spike is a different kettle of fish! He was quite off-putting upon first meeting. It took months to see past his carefully constructed façade to the man beneath. He is extraordinary! There is tremendous strength, love and good in Spike. The amazing thing is that it was there before he got his soul! That alone is startling, Giles. The demon went along with the man in fighting for having his soul restored! I don’t think we can possibly begin to understand the full implications of that! I came to know him rather well that last year. Do not
let your prejudices and the training we both received keep you from knowing and working with this unique and remarkable being."

"You are building the Council all over again. You have the opportunity to do it right this time, to build on truth and use it for the good purpose it was supposed to have all along. I think you have the resources to do this. I can but encourage you to not cut out such valuable ones as the two vampires with souls."

"Now, as to that…no, now is not the time and you are not the person I should say this to." Wesley took a long drink before continuing. "When Spike succeeds in returning Buffy and destroying the Senior Partners power--and I am quite confident he will succeed--you must bring both Angel and Spike here to me. There are issues that need to be addressed. It would be best if you didn’t distract them by telling them about that, however. Perhaps you should even refer to me as the oracle instead of Wesley, while you’re at it. They must be focused on the mission at hand and not focused on themselves. There will be time to tie up loose ends later."

"I have to agree with you about the distraction. Knowing YOU are the oracle would most assuredly be a large distraction. Angel is wracked with guilt over your death and I think he is still far too interested in that blasted prophecy about his reward as well. No, you are quite right. As for seeing the value in those two … well I have already done so where Spike is concerned, even if he isn’t completely aware of my change of heart. It may take a while with Angel. There are personal issues there that I must wrestle with before I can fully embrace working closely with him again. I will think deeply about what you have said, however. I do value your wisdom on the issue of souled vampires. You are the real expert, after all", Giles continued with a genuine smile.

"Fred, my darling, would you be so good as to bring me that box I showed you before Rupert arrived?" Wesley watched her move with his heart clearly reflected in his eyes. It was obvious that Ms. Burkle had been the love of his life. Giles was delighted that this earnest ex-Watcher had not lost her forever after all.

"Here ya are, sweetie. I sneaked a peek, hope y’all don’t mind. After the last amulet Wolfram and Hart offered, I kinda wanted to see this one. It doesn’t look at all like the one that dusted poor Spike. I’m sure he’ll be glad of that!" Fred commented.

"Hi, I’m Fred! I know y’all have met my body already, though she does look a mite different in it than I did." Fred giggled a bit at that. "I never met Illyria, ya’ know. She kinda just moved in when I moved out. It was mighty painful, too. Wesley’s told me that she was nice enough to pretend to be me when my folks came for a visit. Tell her thanks, will ya? She’s got my memories stored in that brain
there. I’m glad she’s usin’ them. My folks get the whole demon/vampire thing, but I don’t know how they’d handle me bein’ dead and my body walkin’ around with some old god that’s called a king, ‘cause that’s, you know, a male kind of title and I’m female and all, and that’s a bit much for any parents to handle, don’t you think, Mr Giles?" Fred looked at Giles expectantly.

Wesley laughed fondly and said to Giles, "My beloved has a bit of a reputation for run-on sentences. I find her completely delightful, of course, in all her mannerisms. You might need a bit of time to adjust, however."

Giles stared in befuddlement as the woman rattled off the words rapid fire. He could certainly see the charm of this slip of a girl. She was quite unlike the being now housed in her body; it was rather disconcerting. He shook his head, as if to clear cobwebs, and smiled at her in return. "Yes, Ms. Burkle, it would be a bit much for anyone to handle, as you put it. You will be pleased to know that Illyria appears to be interested in using her abilities for the side of good. She is formidable indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you, however. You quite charmed Spike and Angel clearly loves you like a sister. Charles Gunn also becomes most wistful at the mere mention of your name. You are well-remembered and loved. Yes, it is
a pleasure to meet you indeed."

Wesley watched the exchange with obvious pride in his lady shining from his eyes. "Thank you, precious one. I’ll go over the use of the amulet with Mr. Giles now, if you don’t mind parting with it, that is." Wesley never tired of gently teasing her. Fred still blushed so prettily.

"Oh, of course, silly me, talkin’ away when you have all those people…and a couple of really sweet vampires of course…waitin’ back at home for you to get there with this thing. I don’t know what gets into me at times, I can just go on and on. It’s a wonder Wesley gets a word in edgewise at times. He doesn’t complain though. I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea about that. No, Wesley’s the perfect gentleman. I’ll just take this tray back and let you boys finish talking. It’s a pleasure meeting you, too, Mr. Giles. I’ve heard about you from Angel and Wesley and of course Willow, when she came to put Angel’s soul back. Spike talked about you a bit, too, and not all of it bad either! I feel like I know you in a way." Fred took the tray, kissed Wesley on the forehead and left the area.

"Remarkable woman." Giles meant the compliment.

"Yes, hard to believe such a lively sprite has one of the brightest minds of her generation. She was a physicist, you know. Utterly brilliant! Her professors were so intimidated by her that one of them sent her to a dreadful dimension where she was nearly eaten! Pylea is another dimension that is actually run by the Wolf, Ram and Hart. Their destruction will aid beings in many different planes. Tell Spike I
have every confidence in him. He is really quite in need of validation, beneath that false bravado of his. Never completely sure of his worth. I don’t know if
that is only since the soul, yet it is obvious if one but looks." Wesley opened the box that Fred had given him and showed the small orb to Giles.

"This small device, for lack of a better term, will uncloud the vision of the one who carries it. In short, the portal that is not visible to the naked eye will be revealed to Spike if he is carrying this. This will get him into the dimension of the evil trio. It will also show them in their true visage. They only
appear to be shape shifters. In reality, it is all just smoke and mirrors. They are what they are. It does make it difficult to do battle with them when you cannot see them properly, however. This will make it a bit easier for Spike to see where to strike, when to retreat. Illyria is giving excellent training in how to battle these three. That, along with the magical enhancement Willow is planning for the weapons Spike will take with him, should be sufficient to win the battle. Now, let me explain the ritual Spike will need to conduct to return from that dimension with Buffy. The blood of all three Senior Partners will be required, as you have already been told."

The two Watchers spent a lengthy time going over the ritual, with Giles taking an enormous amount of notes. He was determined that this be perfectly done. It would be of little use if, after defeating the old beasts in battle, Spike were not able to open the portal and return with Buffy to the dimension where they belonged.

"Word of warning, Giles. Don’t rush into this half-cocked like Angel did at the beginning of this war. This is the final battle with this particular foe. Naturally, evil will still exist, but this powerful tool of evil will be destroyed once and for all if Spike wins. Make certain you take the time to prepare, train and
plan. Time moves differently in their dimension and Buffy is being kept safe. You need not rush in helter-skelter to effect the rescue. She really is just fine, Rupert. Yes, she will be more than glad to return to those she loves, but she is fine. You must all get this just right. You have but one champion and he must be ready and go in with what he needs if he is to have any chance at success."

Giles thought about what was really at stake. His girl’s life and future were hanging in the balance. They would likely only have one chance at recovering her and that one chance was Spike. "Quite. So, I must somehow coordinate all of this while keeping two very headstrong, contentious and impatient super-powered beings from attempting a rescue of the woman they both love. Simple really."

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