Betaed by Maria and Flight Of Fancy.


Giles spent over an hour copying the book. It was a bit difficult to turn the pages with his gloves on, but he was determined to do the job without damaging the fragile text.

Later, when he had seen to his duties as the school librarian, he phoned the Watcher’s Council. As expected, they didn’t believe his story about an ancient text with two prophecies. He offered to fax the copied book. It wasn’t enough. He was told that the Council would look through their predictions and prophecies and would call him back if they found anything that supported his claim. Realizing that he wouldn’t get any further information from them, Giles advised the Council representative that he would be leaving town at dusk, and would be back in a few days.

The Council still hadn’t called back when Willow showed up. She helped Giles stack and shelve books while they waited for a response from Britain. They had just decided to leave the library and drop in on Joyce, hoping that she would make them a cuppa, when the phone rang. The Council was not pleased by what they had discovered, but they now believed Giles had valid information.

The Council had contacted the head of a powerful coven they trusted, and had been told that the book was even more important than Giles had claimed. The Seer from the coven had been given a vision of what would happen if the prophecy in the book did not come to pass. Dark forces would grow, and evil would take over the Earth. The few humans who survived would be forced to hide underground like animals.

No longer a Watcher to be mocked, the Council even said please when they asked Giles to fax the copied pages of the book. That task complete, it wasn’t long until Willow and Giles were sitting in Joyce’s kitchen, drinking tea.

--------------------------

Joyce was warming her hands on her tea cup as she sipped from it. “When do you expect to hear from the Watcher’s Council?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen a prophecy like this one. Maybe they’ll have something written that will confirm the prophecy, or maybe not. Regardless, I know they’ll keep looking for some kind of reference in the Codex, while they assign another team to translate what we’ve given them, and a third team to find the meaning within the prophecy. Therefore, it could be some time before we hear from the Council again.” He told the assembled Scoobies how the Council had contacted the coven, to confirm that the book was the real thing, before they would listen to the frustrated Watcher.

Joyce poured more tea. “How does the coven know that the prophecy is something important? Or that it’s even real?”

“They have a very good Seer,” Giles assured her, before he took a bite of his cookie.

“I’m sorry, Rupert, but I’m new to all of this. Half of the time I’m not sure I understand what you’re talking about.”

“What don’t you understand, Joyce? Please don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you’re becoming confused. This is a lot to take in all at once.”

“Thank you. Right now, I’d like to know what a seer is, if you don’t mind?

Giles smiled, feeling a little bashful. “My apologies, I’m used to having people around me who understand my world. A Seer is somebody with a special gift. With a lot of training, they can see things normal people can’t. Some can even see flashes of the future.”

Joyce looked thoughtful. “Can’t they just tell us what to do, so that the future turns out well for all of us?”

“It doesn’t work like that. They only see what the Powers allow them to see, and the future is always subject to free will and personal choice. On rare occasions, Seers will get a message directly from the Powers That Be, and will be forced to act on their behalf.”

“I see. It’s all so strange, like a completely new world.”

“For you, it would be. For me, it has always been a part of my life.” He got up, taking his own cup and plate to the sink. “My father was a Watcher. It’s a tradition in our family that the first son joins the Watcher’s Council, so I was groomed for my position from birth.”

Willow placed her plate and cup beside Giles’. “I can handle the dishes.” She sent a small smile off towards Buffy’s mom, who had already entered the kitchen and was plugging the small sink.

“You don’t mind?”

“Not at all, Mrs. Summers.”

“Then Rupert and I will get the car ready for our trip. Who is riding with whom?” Ever the organizer, Joyce wanted to get the seating plan settled right away.

“Oh, oh!” Willow spoke up. “Can we meet up with Oz? I’d really like to ride with him.”

Both adults smiled at her enthusiasm. “Of course we can. Why don’t you call the others and arrange it?” Joyce suggested.

“I will. Right after I finish with the dishes.” Willow blushed prettily.

----------------------------------

Giles, Joyce, Kendra, and Willow met up with Oz, Xander, and Cordelia outside of Angel’s place, just after dark. It didn’t take them long to arrange who was riding in each vehicle. They all knew that it wouldn’t end well if Xander and Angel had to spend hours together in the same car. In the end, Willow, Xander and Kendra went with Oz in his van. Kendra had requested a seat in Giles’ vehicle, but Cordelia overrode her and it was Angel and Cordelia who travelled with Joyce and Giles, in Joyce’s car.

Cordelia wouldn’t miss a chance to hang out with Angel. She didn’t have much success getting him to talk with her, but she was persistent. She hoped that someday he would answer her with a whole sentence, instead of the monosyllabic response that was his standard now.

Most of the ride in Joyce’s car was made in pleasant silence, broken only by Cordelia’s occasional attempt to get a conversation going with Angel. Joyce and Giles found Cordy’s attempts to attract the broody vampire amusing, and shared a few gentle smiles at her expense as they drove towards the city.

The atmosphere in Oz’s van was light. The occupants joked around and made funny faces at the other drivers travelling on the road. Well, it was really only Xander making faces, but the others found it funny. At least, it was funny until he’d done it a hundred times...then it was just embarrassing.

Once in LA, the group had a little trouble finding Caritas. It wasn’t until they chanced across a demon who had been at the bar recently, that they were able to get proper directions.

When they finally arrived at the nightclub, they discovered that it wasn’t open yet. Instead of waiting in the parking lot until Caritas opened, they decided to go grab some dinner.

An hour later, after a meal at a small diner around the corner, they stepped into Caritas. Kendra was the first to enter, stake raised and ready for a fight. Giles and Xander were similarly armed. Willow hid behind Oz, and Cordelia and Joyce followed along, eyes open and scanning the bar. Angel was the last of the group through the door, and wasn’t aware of the stir the armed group was creating in the club.

A tall green demon with small horns quickly approached them. “Welcome...welcome to Caritas. I’m the Host.”

Giles started to lower his stake, while placing a calming hand on Kendra’s shoulder.

Xander, suspicious of demons to the end, stayed prepared for an attack.

The demon smiled. “This place has a sanctuary spell on it, preventing anyone from doing violence inside these walls. You can put your weapons away, you won’t need them here.”

After a quick glance at Giles, Kendra hid her stake in the back of her pants.

“Yeah, right. You’re just another filthy demon. Why should we believe you?” Xander spat out.

“Xander!” Joyce and Giles objected at the same time.

“It’s quite alright. He’s still young, just a puppy, really. You’ll learn, Sweet Cheeks.” The Host turned his attention to Joyce. “And who do I have the honour of welcoming to my club?” He took her hand and gently kissed the back with a very continental flair.

Joyce couldn’t help the colour that rushed to her cheeks. “This is Kendra, the Slayer. The young man with the stake is Xander, this is Oz, and behind him are Willow and Cordelia. The gentleman with the glasses is Rupert Giles, a Watcher, beside him is Angel, and I’m Joyce Summers.”

The Host laughed, delighted. “I’ve been waiting for you. This way, please.”

They were led to a table in the corner. “You’ve got a bit of privacy here.” The Host waited for them to settle into seats around the table.

Xander still had a death grip on his stake. He didn’t trust demons, and felt trapped sitting in the corner furthest from the door. The club was packed, and his eyes kept skipping from one occupant to the next. With each new demon, he became even more stressed.

“Xander!” Giles had to lay a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. The young man jerked away from the light touch, and automatically raised his stake as if to protect himself. Giles quickly grabbed his wrist. “Do you intend to stake me, Xander?” The Watcher released the young man’s arm. “Put that stake away, now.”

“But...Giles...we’re surrounded by demons,” Xander stuttered.

“You heard the Host. They can’t attack us.”

“How can you believe him, Giles? He’s a demon. He’s one of them.” Xander wasn’t willing to take anything on faith.

“Look around, Xander.” Giles encouraged the youth to observe the other people in the club.

Xander took another quick look. “Demons, demons, and more demons.”

The Watcher spoke quickly, but earnestly, to Xander, trying to get him to really open his eyes. “Look again, and you’ll see humans too, not only demons. Look to your right. The human and the demon at that table seem to be friends. It doesn’t look like it’s their first time here, either.”

Xander finally looked around again. This time, his eyes were opened wide when he turned to Giles again. “But...but...how? They can’t really be humans.”

“Look at their necks. They’re wearing crosses.” Giles sighed. “You have a hard time listening, Xander. The sanctuary spell, it makes it possible for demons and humans to associate with each other, without the threat of violence.”

Xander slowly tucked his stake away, but kept his hand in his pocket, with a strong grip around the weapon.

The Host returned his attention to their table, and clasped his hands together. “Now that we have that taken care of, maybe this would be a good time to ask what you would like to drink, on the house, of course. It’s not often that I have such famous guests in my club.” He beamed with pleasure.

So, he knows that I’m the Champion for the Powers That Be. Angel smiled smugly. “Do you have any blood?”

“Blood for the vampire, no problem at all. And you, Mrs. Summers? A nice Chianti, perhaps?”

“That would be lovely.” Joyce nodded her consent.

“As for Mr. Giles, I think you’d enjoy a bit of finely aged scotch. Am I right?”

“That you are, Mr. Host.” Giles decided that the happenings of the past few days merited the strong drink, and vowed that he’d only have one.

“Finally, for the younger people at the table, a round of soft drinks, perhaps?”

The teens all agreed, and then the group waited in silence for their beverages to arrive. Everyone was busy, taking in their surroundings. Giles’ hands were itching with the urge to document what he was seeing. He managed to resist, only because he was afraid of offending someone and possibly causing a disturbance which might cut their time in Caritas short. He couldn’t take the chance. They needed all the information they could get, and they needed it without further delay.

The Host came back with a waiter who carried their drinks on his tray. “Warm blood for the chocolate cupcake brooding in the corner. The wine goes to the lady. Scotch for the gentleman. Soft drinks for the rest. Oh, and the Sea Breeze is mine, of course.” The Host picked up his drink from the tray, and then undid a button on his colourful suit and sat down at the only empty place left at the table.

Giles pulled himself together. “Might I inquire as to what your name is? Surely the Host is simply your job description?”

“You are correct, Mr. Giles. My real name is impossible to pronounce with a human tongue, but if a name would make you feel more comfortable, you can call me Lorne.”

“Very well, may I ask you a question then, Lorne?”

“You’ve just done that, haven’t you, Mr. Giles?” Lorne laughed a little. “Even so, feel free to ask me any questions you like, my little Pumpkin Pie.”

“Where are you from, Lorne? I have never seen a demon quite like you before.” Giles was a Watcher, and he just couldn’t help but ask.

“I’m from another dimension, called Pylea. I’m a Krevlornswath, from the Deathwalk Clan.”

“Are you the only one from your dimension here on Earth?” Giles inquired.

“As far as I know, I’m the only one here. Enough about me though. How did you find my lovely little establishment?” Lorne was curious.

“They beat somebody up,” Joyce informed Lorne, her tone laced with contempt, as she shot a disapproving look at both Giles and Angel. It was obvious that she didn’t like their methods.

Lorne laid his hand over Joyce’s and gave it a comforting pat. “That’s one of the reasons why I left my dimension. I come from a clan of warriors, but I’m a lover, not a fighter. I can see you share the same outlook, don’t you my little Creme Puff?

“Joyce, I know you don’t agree with the methods that Angel used, but we don’t have time for finesse right now. We have discussed this all before.”

Joyce sent an apologetic look towards Giles. “I’m sorry. I remember what you said, but it’s still hard for me to feel okay about it.”

“Apology accepted.” The Watcher smiled at Joyce. “Maybe I’d better lead the conversation?” He looked around at the others. One after another, they either nodded or dropped their gaze to the table.

Giles turned back to Lorne. “Sorry for the interruptions. To get back to your question, we were searching for a way to contact the Powers, when a bar owner in Sunnydale told us that we could get help here.” He took off his glasses. “Did I hear correctly before? Were you expecting us?”

“You bet, you sweet little Lollipop.”

“How is that possible? We first learned about your bar only two days ago.” Giles was puzzled.

“For that explanation, I’m going to need another Sea Breeze.” Lorne turned in his chair and caught the bartender’s eye. “Now that my drink is on the way, let me explain. I work for the Powers That Be. I have a special gift, which allows me to read people when they sing. Sometimes I get their past, sometimes their future. That’s how I knew you were coming. I read it from some of my other guests. For instance, the demon that showed you the way to Caritas, he was here yesterday.”

Giles cleaned his glasses, while gazing very intently at the Host. “You propose to help us find the answers we need, by listening to us sing?”

“I can read what the Powers allow me to read, and share with you what they allow me to share. Some things are yours to know now, and other things you’re not ready for yet. So, if you’ll follow me to the stage?” Lorne started to get up. There were protests from all sides. “None of you want to get up on the stage and sing for me?” the green demon pouted.

“Do we really have to?” Joyce asked, sounding desperate.

Lorne sat down again. “No, my Sugar Plum. You don’t have to get up on stage, but you do have to sing a little. I meant it when I said I read people when I hear them sing. Are you sure you don’t want to try the stage? This is a karaoke bar, after all.” The Host looked hopefully at the group around the table, and then drooped with disappointment when it was clear that nobody was going to volunteer. “Okay then. I understand. No stage.”

Lorne looked across the table at the teenagers, and said, “You four can start. You can even sing together, if you want.” After several minutes of whispered squabbling, the teens sang a few lines from a popular song. Lorne thanked them, and then moved his attention to Angel.

Angel was in a bad mood. He’d agreed to travel to LA, believing that he was the important one, but the Host...who also worked for the Powers...wanted everyone to sing. It occurred to Angel that Lorne might be trying to humour the rest of the group, make them all feel like they were special. That made sense to the vampire. Sometimes you had to make allowances and accommodations when you were working with a bunch of bleeding hearts. Satisfied that he’d come up with a rational answer, Angel prepared to sing.

When the vampire’s voice started to abuse Mandy, Lorne couldn’t help the look that flashed across his face. Nor was he able to hide it from Giles, who had been watching for the Host’s reaction to the broody vampire’s song, The green demon did his best to stop Angel quickly, and then moved on to Giles, who sang something from the 60’s that only Lorne and Joyce recognized.

Joyce was inspired to sing something from the same period, and Kendra finished off the group by singing a sweet little lullaby from her homeland.

With all the singing done, the group sat in silence, staring at Lorne and waiting for his words of guidance.
Lorne took his time before speaking up. “It’s time for the Eternal Light.” He looked at them with awe.

The table erupted into a cacophony of questions, but Giles managed to gain control quickly. “What is the Eternal Light?”

“The story has been lost in time. Most consider it to be a myth. I’m sorry, but it’s not my place to tell you about the Light. Your problem is, there are several roads to choose from, and the future will depend on which road you decide to travel. If your path is the wrong way, then what that Seer of yours envisioned will come true. Things have already changed for the better. It started when your beautiful Slayer over there found the book and brought it to you, instead of ignoring it. Then, when you received the book, you chose to work on the mystery, instead of ignoring it yourself.” Lorne laughed a little. “I know it’s not likely, but it could have happened. You could have kept it to yourself and not called the Council, and then they wouldn’t have confirmed its importance to you.”

Kendra raised her hand. “Mr. Lorne, am I going to die?”

“Right now? No. Sometime in the future? Yes, we all die, my little Treacle Tart. Because of a prophecy? No.” He sent an encouraging smile to Kendra, recognizing her desperate need for reassurance.

“What else can you tell us?” Giles spoke up again.

“I can tell you that it has taken too long to translate the prophecies in the book. Everything has already changed.” Lorne turned to Angel. “You don’t have to brood. You’re still a Warrior for the Powers That Be, and you are still critical to the plan.”

“One among many,” Angel answered.

“So?” Lorne responded. “That means that you can get help for the big battles. More help means your chances of survival go up.”

“Yeah, maybe if I knew who the other Warriors were. They’re not much help to me if they’re hidden.”

“You have no faith in the Powers, Angel.” Lorne shook his head. “They will send help when you need it most. You just need to believe.”

Lorne turned to Xander next. “Now you, my Almond Bar. If you can put your biased opinions aside for just a few minutes, you’d realize that you are the heart of this group.” He started to turn to Willow, when he thought better of it and turned back to Xander. “Remember this: You are not your father. You never will be unless you choose that path for yourself.” He looked Xander directly in the eye as he said it, and wasn’t really surprised when the boy immediately collapsed into heart wrenching sobs afterwards.

Suddenly, the Host’s attention was caught elsewhere in the club. “Will you all excuse me for a moment? I see a customer I need to talk to. I’ll order a new round of drinks for you while I’m gone.” He got up from the table and went over to the bar, where they say him talk with a blue demon that appeared to be bundled up in all manner of sweaters and scarves.”

Joyce was playing with her empty glass. “So far, we haven’t been given that much that we can use.” She noted.

“You’re right,” Giles agreed. “Except for some personal information. I don’t think he’s done though.”

The only thing they could do now was wait for Lorne to come back. Giles and Joyce stayed focused on what they might learn about the prophecy, while the teens imagined what they might hear of their futures, and the vampire just sat and brooded.

Not long after the waiter had served them new drinks, Lorne returned to the table. “So, who wants to go next?” he asked the group.

“Wasn’t it supposed to be my turn?” Willow quickly asked.

“Sure thing, you little Strawberry Pie. You need to learn about magic.”

Willow jumped up and down in her seat, excited to have her interest in the Arts validated. “Thank you, thank you.”

“Don’t get so excited.” Lorne gave her a serious look. “Things have changed, but a wrong turn anywhere along the path can change them right back again. You have to learn to respect magic. Learn to use it properly, and also learn when not to use it. If you don’t learn control, eventually the magic will control you, and you’ll use it to destroy the Earth.”

“No.” Willow was horrified. “No, I’d never try to do that. Never.” Everyone at the table could hear the panic in the young red-head’s voice.

“You will if the circumstances are right. Take my advice, and never, ever, do magic without an experienced advisor at your side.” Lorne looked at Giles. “You have to teach her, or get her a tutor.”

Giles just sat there, staring at Willow, with his mouth gaping like a fish out of water. “Will she really become that dark and powerful?”

Lorne nodded. “If you don’t teach her to respect magic. You are their role model, almost a father to most of them. No matter what, you have to take care of them and you can never abandon them. It’s important that you accept that role. If you have any questions, you can either visit, or try to call me. I’d also advise you to continue working on your translation of the book.” With that, the Host appeared finished with the Watcher.

“Joyce, everything will be okay. You just continue to mother the current Slayer. Oh, and have regular check-ups with your doctor. A complete physical every three months.” Lorne gave her a teasing wink.

“Oz, watch out for small family members. Try not to let them bite you, but...if it happens, lock yourself up when there is a full moon.”

“Cordelia, say no if you are offered a job from someone who says they work for the Powers. And remember this: Acting is NOT a good career choice for you.”

“Now, I’m going to leave you all to think about what I’ve just told you. When you’re ready, the Watcher can come find me. I’ve got a little more to share with you all before you leave.” With that, the flamboyant green demon left the table.

“Is he the real thing, or a fraud?” Xander asked.

Angel stopped brooding for a moment to comment. “He’s definitely the real thing.” The vampire didn’t seem happy about that.

Xander snorted. “Of course, you would say that. He’s a demon, and you’re a demon. You demons stick together.”

Giles adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. “I think he’s the real thing. Joyce, what is your opinion?”

“I don’t think I know enough about this world to have an opinion.”

“Fair enough,” Giles responded.

“Oz?”

“Real.”

“Kendra?”

“I can’t say, Mr. Giles.”

“Cordelia?”

“I don’t want to get involved with this stuff. You guys decide.”

“Willow?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever become as powerful as he says, Giles. I’m not sure I believe him.”

Giles sighed. “Let’s just say, for the purpose of this conversation, that he’s the real thing. What then?” Nobody commented. “Oz, are there any small children in your family?”

“Yeah, two, I think,” the laconic bass player responded.

“Would you please contact their parents, and find out if either of them is a werewolf?”

“Sure, Giles. It’s not too late to call.” Oz got up to find a phone. “I’ll be right back.”

“Xander, do you have any idea what Lorne’s comments to you meant?” the Watcher asked.

Now it was Xander’s turn to try to hide from the people at the table. “Yeah.” It took some time before he continued. “My father is a drunk. A mean drunk.” Xander looked down at the table.

“It’s okay, Xander.” Giles tried to comfort him.

“Excuse me, but I think I need to go wash my hands.” Joyce got up.

“I’ll join you.” Willow followed Joyce’s lead. Cordelia decided to tag along and all the ladies left the room together.

When they returned from their bathroom break, Oz was already back at the table.

“We waited for you,” Giles told the women. “So, Oz, what can you tell us?”

“My Aunt Maureen has a son, Jody, who is a werewolf.” Oz’s phone call seemed to support Lorne’s warning.

“Okay, now can we all agree that Lorne is the real thing?” Giles looked at the others. No one objected. “Are you ready for me to get Lorne back, so he can tell us the rest of the information he has.” Again, everyone responded with a nod.

Giles went up to the bar. He could see Lorne at the other end, talking with either a human or a vampire.

From this distance, Giles couldn’t tell which. He moved a little closer, so he could listen in on the conversation. He knew that it wasn’t polite, but he was curious. What he heard was a vampire thanking the Host for helping to find his mate, who had been taken hostage by a group of Fyarl demons. The vampire thanked Lorne for his help, and pledged to give the Host anything it was in his power to provide.

Giles turned to the barman, and ordered a round for the table, suggesting that he add another Sea Breeze for Lorne. By the time Giles was finished ordering the drinks, Lorne had finished his conversation with the grateful vampire, and was standing alone at the bar.

“Are you ready to continue?” Giles asked.

“Yes, I’m ready if you are.” Lorne stopped Giles when the Watcher turned to go back to the table.
“First, you and I need to have a chat.”

Giles was surprised. “Shouldn’t the others hear this as well?”

“Not this part. You’ll have to get it, and understand it now, or you’ll take a wrong turn on the road of life. What you need to do is trust. It will be hard, but there is someone that you must place your absolute and complete trust in. You must have faith in them without question, and trust their judgement without fail.”

“Who? My Slayer?” Giles wanted more information.

“No, the Light.” Lorne was very direct.

“You mean the Eternal Light?”

Lorne smiled a little. “I’ve already said too much about this. Let’s move on. Joyce has already taken on the role of mother for the group, but all the young ones with you now need a father too. Their parents don’t care about them. Willow’s parents think she’s so smart that she can handle everything by herself, but she needs guidance from you. Xander’s parents just don’t care. With time, you can gain his confidence. How far you’ll go in supporting the kids is up to you, but they’ll get into a lot of trouble if left to their own devices.

Giles just stood there, staring at Lorne.

“You’ve got some time to think about it, but not much. They need you, Watcher. Now, let’s get the show on the road and get back to the table. Just let me order myself another drink and I’ll be right there.”

“I’ve already taken the liberty of ordering you another drink when I ordered for the table,” Giles informed him. “And I think the waiter is on his way to our table right now.” Giles gestured to the waiter who was crossing the room with a tray full of drinks.

“Then let’s get back.” Lorne laid his hand on Giles’ shoulder, leading him back to the crowded table.

Everyone looked expectantly at Lorne when they pair approached.

“I hope you have something good to tell us. For instance, how to get in touch with Whistler, so we can get some real help.” Angel was annoyed that they were still wasting their time in the club. He had better things to do.

Lorne looked sad when he heard Angel. “Whistler.” The club owner sighed heavily. “Whistler was supposed to maintain the balance between good and evil. Unfortunately, the Powers did something that Whistler didn’t like. I don’t know what it was, but it made him angry enough that he decided to mess up their plans.

“What did the Powers do to him when they caught him?” Xander felt like he was in Kindergarten again, and it was story time.

“They didn’t find out before it was too late,” Lorne told the group.

“Does what he did have anything to do with us?” Giles asked.

“Yes, it does, actually. A lot.”

“What did he do?” Xander jumped in again.

Giles looked at Xander. “Xander, didn’t we agree that I would lead the conversation?”

“What? Um, yeah...but...”

“Why do you keep interrupting then?” The Watcher had a stern look on his face.

“Sorry, Giles. I won’t do it again.” Xander was puzzled. Usually Giles didn’t correct him unless he was harassing Angel, and that was only when it had gone on long enough to be annoying.

Lorne nodded his approval to Giles. “To answer your question, he kept some things to himself, instead of sharing them with Angel when he told the vampire about Buffy. That was enough to change what the Powers had put in motion.”

“And now it’s too late?” Giles inquired.

“Maybe. Maybe not. The timeline has been changed. Now, with the book, you get the chance to try to get it right. It all depends on you. The keyword is acceptance. Accept the Light as it is, in all its aspects. It’ll have a lot of baggage. And that advice goes for all of you, too.” Lorne looked around at the people sitting at the table.

“Who is the Light? Where do we find it?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that. The Light will come to you.”

“What about Buffy? Giles said that it might have something to do with Buffy?” Joyce had tears in her eyes.

“As I told you earlier, everything will be alright.” He smiled at her, hoping to encourage Buffy’s mom.
Giles looked speculatively at Lorne. He started to think of impossible scenarios, when Lorne didn’t answer Joyce’s question. Perhaps, but no, that just seems too implausible. I’ve always heard that it’s impossible. Still, as Joyce often says, miracles do happen.

Cordelia interrupted Giles’ musing. “Hey, wake up. We haven’t got what we came here for yet.”

“Yes, you are quite right, thank you, Cordelia. Lorne, you told me earlier that it has already taken too long to translate the book we’ve got. My guess is that it could take years to translate the entire book. I haven’t even identified all the languages yet, but I know that some are extinct. What I’m saying is, we need assistance to translate the book. Would you help us?”

“I can’t help you with the translation. I can’t even give you the name of someone who might be able to help you. That task is yours, with what help you can find.” He looked at Giles with sympathy. “I’m sorry, Mr. Giles. I wish I could help you. It’s clear that you seem to think it’s the most important thing to do right now.” Lorne finished his drink.

Giles looked curiously at Lorne. “Hmmm...you seem to be implying that it’s not the most important thing right now.”

“No, it’s not. The purpose of the book was to get the ball rolling. Now you need the Light, or rather, what could be the Light.”

Giles took off his glasses. “It is uncommonly difficult to understand you, Lorne. It’s like you speak in riddles.”

Lorne laughed. “I’m sorry. I want to help you, but I’m not allowed. However, I know of somebody who can. They are the Representatives for the Powers, the Oracles.”

“Do you know where to find them?” Giles was eager to move forward on his quest for information.

“That I do.”

Giles almost yelled at the green-skinned demon. “Can we go now? Where is it? Is it far?”

“We’ll go tomorrow. Meet me outside the club at noon, and don’t forget to bring a gift. Now, you’ll have to excuse me. I need to get back to my job.”