Spike opened his eyes and groaned. “All this head-talking is giving me a headache.” He brought one hand up and ran it across his face. “Okay kids, what’s next on the agenda?”

Giles cleared his throat and addressed Spike, “Did you manage to convey to her the particulars about our current predicament?”

Spike cocked his head to one side and blinked slowly at Giles. “I do believe she is aware of the situation.” He paused and chuckled softly. “If I was getting things right, she’s more amused than concerned about it.”

“Amused?” Willow gasped in outrage. “There are people running around trying to kill us, and she finds it funny?”

Methos placed a calming hand on Willow’s shoulder. “Easy there firecracker. I’m sure it wasn’t meant the way it sounds.” He turned towards Spike and said, “It wasn’t the way it sounds, right?”

“Nah, I think she was laughing at the council, not the situation,” Spike said with a sheepish look on his face. “She was amused, but not at our expense. That much I can say with certainty.” He looked over at Joyce and Dawn, “I did get the impression that she’s going to be coming back right quick, though.” He scratched his left eyebrow with one finger, “At least that’s what I think she was trying to say.”

Anya peered around the room and then asked on a loud voice, “Can we go home yet? I want some orgasms from my Xander before I go to sleep.”

Before anyone else could say anything, Methos looked at her and shook his head. “Sorry Anyanka, but I think its best if we stay together, less chance of the council catching us vulnerable.”

Giles nodded his head in agreement. “Indeed. Safety in numbers and all that. However, I do believe that my flat is a little small for all of us to reside in for any length of time.”

“Why don’t we return to the house? If we all go together we should be safe, and Methos can check out the house to make sure nobody is in there.” Joyce said with a gentle smile that belied her stubborn mindset.

Spike nodded, “Brilliant idea Joyce, let the old man get shot at.”

Methos flashed an annoyed glance at Spike. “I’ve already been shot at tonight, you idiot, and it isn’t exactly a pleasant sensation.”

Spike simply shrugged, “Duck next time?” He stood up and headed for the door. “Right then, Red, Glinda, you two go with Xander and Anya, head for the house, but stay in the car until you get the all clear from Methos. Giles, you and Methos go with Joyce and Dawn. Same thing Rupes. Keep the girls in the car until the old man says its okay.”
“And where will you be going Spike?” Xander asked with an exasperated expression on his face.

“I am going to go talk to a few friends of mind, see if I can get the low down on any newcomers to town, especially those that sound like ol Rupes here.” Spike said with a wicked grin on his face. “Then I thought I’d swing by and pick up some grub from Cho’s.”

Dawn pumped one fist in the air, “YES!” She stood up and darted to the door, “What are you all waiting for people, lets MOVE, before Spike changes his mind about the food!”

On the way out the door, Spike snagged Methos’ arm, “When I get back to the house, you will explain this whole ‘Kronos’ bit, won’t you?”

Methos sighed and adopted a put-upon expression. “If I absolutely must.”

Giles slapped him on the back as he walked past. “You must.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Now, I shall need a proper venue, someplace where the sun shines, but isn’t fatal to vampires.” Buffy said, tapping a finger against her chin.

“How about Pylea?” Tannic asked. “The sun there isn’t fatal to them.”

“But Pylea is under the control of the Wolf, the Ram and the Hart. Who is to say that they wouldn’t try to interfere?” Deais said with a shake of her head.

Buffy grin, “Oh I don’t think they’ll be interfering in this. They practically begged me to take him off their hands. However, the place I am thinking of should also be desert-like, with insanely high temperatures during the day, and freezing cold at night.”

“We could use the Chamber of Fulfillment to provide the exact environment you desire. We often use it when needing a specific location to talk to someone outside their own reality.” Tannic looked at the old man with the staff. “Do you think you and your apprentice could help the Lady come up with something suitable?”

“Of course.” The old man smiled. “We are delighted to serve.” He waited patiently for Buffy to join him before he began walking towards a black door on the far side of the room. “This will be a unique learning experience for my young apprentice. She has only recently come under my tutelage.”

“As I recall Mordecai, your teachings are quite comprehensive.” Buffy said with a smile, motioning for the ceatric holding Angel to follow them. “Have I met your apprentice before?”
“I do not believe so.” Mordecai said with twinkle in his eyes. “She is quite young. I believe she had just finished her secondary schooling when she was brought to me by the twins.”

“I look forward to meeting her.” Buffy said with a smile. “I’m sure we can work well together.”

As they approached the door, a young brunette of average height raised dancing hazel eyes to Mordecai and grinned. “Do we get to play with the Cursed One, Master?”

“Indeed we do Irnhe.” Mordecai turned to Buffy and said, “My Lady may I present my apprentice Irnhe.” Turning back to the girl he spoke in a sharp tone, “Show your respect to the Lady, child.”

Irnhe bowed smiled softly and curtsied to Buffy. “It is an honor to meet you my Lady. How may I serve?”

Buffy explained her requirements and waited while Irnhe placed one hand on the door. Turning to Mordecai, she commented on how polite his apprentice was.

“Thank you Lady, I wish I could take the credit for that, but she came to me with the politeness instilled in her. Most likely her parents doing.” Mordecai shrugged in self-depreciation.

“I believe a facsimile of the Gobi Desert will be sufficient, with the minor adjustment of the non-lethal sun.” Irnhe turned to Buffy with a smile. “Shall I enter first?”

Buffy smiled gently at the young girl. “Let’s enter together and see what you have created for our amusement this day.” As one, the two girls pulled open the door and entered into the darkness beyond.

“Figures, they leave me to deal with the Cursed One.” Mordecai waved his staff at Angel; motioning for the ceatric to release him, and then proceeded to walk through the doorway himself, the binding he had placed on Angel forcing the vampire to follow him into the unknown.