Betaed by Maria and Flight Of Fancy.


Giles was on his second cup of tea when there was a knock on the door. Joyce got up to open it, wondering who it was and hoping that it wasn’t bad news. At least she knew it wouldn’t be Angel, because the vampire stayed in his own apartment when the sun was shining.

“Giles, it’s for you,” Joyce said, as she returned to the living room.

“For me? Nobody knows I’m here.” Giles responded as he got up and went to the door.

“Yes, what….Merrick? But….but, you’re dead.” The Watcher immediately grabbed for the cross in his pocket.

“Hello to you too, Giles.” Merrick smiled carefully at Giles, while stepping back from the door. “Giles, look up.”

“Pardon me?” Giles stopped for a moment, unable to process Merrick’s request.

“Look up at the sky.” Merrick stepped back even further when Giles took a step towards him, cross in one hand, and a stake taken from his coat pocket in the other.

Giles stopped advancing, suddenly realizing that Merrick was standing in direct sunlight. “How?”

“The Powers That Be needed my help.”

Giles didn’t move. He just stood there, staring at Merrick. “You’ve been dead for a good while now,” he finally said.

“That’s right, but what can you do when the Powers ask for your help? You can’t turn them down,” Merrick said with a smile.

“Oh.” Wordless, Giles just kept standing there, cross extended towards Merrick and the stake still half-raised.

“Giles?” Merrick snapped his fingers in the stunned Watcher’s face. “Are you alright, Giles?”

“Oh. Yes, sorry, Merrick. It’s just, I didn’t expect you. Are you the Light?”

Merrick laughed. “No, Giles. Sorry to disappoint you. Though, I am here because of the Light.” He looked around, and then asked, “Could we possibly take this inside?”

“Yes, sorry. I’m still stunned to see you here.” Giles went back into the house, leaving the door open for Merrick to follow. “You know how it works.” Careful to avoid an invitation into the home, Giles stayed by the door, waiting.

Merrick walked past him, and into the house. “I have a friend with me. Can….?”

Giles looked curiously at Buffy, and then back at Merrick. “Does this friend have anything to do with the reason you’re here?”

Merrick hesitated, and looked at Buffy, who gave him a slight nod. “Yes.”

“Then, by all means.” He gestured with his arm.

Buffy followed Merrick in, head down, just to be safe. As long as Angel didn’t sniff her out, everything would be ok. She knew Angel wasn’t likely to be at the meeting because the sun was up, but just to be sure she used perfume to hide her natural scent. If she had to, she could always use a spell to hide her essence, but magic always had consequences. She smiled a little at the memory that thought brought. Memories of Spike always made her smile.

After being ushered into the living room, Merrick was offered Joyce’s seat, which he in turn offered to Buffy. Once she was seated, Merrick stood by her side until Joyce returned to the room with a chair from the dining room. Placing that chair near to his charge so he could offer her his support and act as a bit of a buffer, the two waited silently while Joyce grabbed a second chair and then seated herself near Giles.

“This is an unexpected development,” Giles said, shock still visible on his face.

Merrick couldn’t help but smile at Giles. The other Watcher had yet to relax the tight grip he had on his glasses and return them to his face. As the silence dragged on and Giles showed no inclination to start speaking, Joyce finally gave him a light nudge with her elbow, making him jump a little. He quickly turned to look at the Slayer’s mother, who raised a questioning brow his way.

“My apologies everyone. This is Merrick, an old Watcher friend of mine. He was Buffy’s first Watcher, and was killed in the line of duty before she moved to Sunnydale.”

Upon learning of Merrick’s deceased status, the rest of the group began to panic a bit. Leading the panic was Xander, who had automatically assumed that if Merrick had died and was now before them, he must be a vamp. Attempting to push Willow behind his body, Xander had found a stake and was now threatening Merrick with it. Quickly stepping between Xander and his old friend, Giles demanded, “Xander, put that stake away. Just sit down, be quiet, and stop acting like such a fool.”

“But….Giles….” Xander grumbled, as he sat down. He didn’t know what had changed, but it seemed like everything he did lately irritated the man he had come to think of as a substitute father.

“He’s not a vampire, Xander.” Giles tried to explain to the frustrated teen. “Merrick has informed me that he was called back to this plane to work for the Powers. They asked for his help, and he agreed to come here on their behalf. That is all I know, and now I think we should hear him out and find out what else he can tell us about his mission.” The moment the group heard that Merrick was working for the Powers That Be, the fear in their eyes changed to wonder.

On the bus ride to Sunnydale, Merrick and Buffy had tried to anticipate the questions that would be thrown at them once they made their presence known to the group. They wanted to have their bases covered, so that Merrick wouldn’t have to guess what Buffy wanted or, even worse, consult her in front of the group.

“Are you here about the Light?” Willow was impatient, as always.

“Yes, I am.” Merrick nodded. “Who are you?”

“Oh, sorry,” she giggled. “I’m Willow.” The young witch took a few moments to introduce the others in the room, before her curiosity overwhelmed her again. “Who’s your friend?”

“I’m afraid I’m not allowed to reveal that information, but I can tell you that my companion is the one I serve now.” Merrick tried to temper his comment with an apology, but everyone in the room heard the steel in his voice and understood exactly where the returned Watcher’s allegiance lay.

Giles had finally found his handkerchief, and was industriously cleaning his glasses while he digested the information Merrick had shared. “How do we then address your companion?”

“You don’t.” Merrick spoke with such a sense of finality in his voice that nobody thought to argue.
Letting the introductions pass her by, Buffy was silently watching her past friends and family interact with Merrick. It was strange, to see them like this. Never would she have dreamed that she would be placed back in their company again, and she still wasn’t sure how she felt about the changes the last few days had brought.

Buffy wished that she could forget what they had done to her so long ago, and find a way to forgive them. She knew she had to try to let things go, and accept that they weren’t the same people who had betrayed her so long ago. Not yet, at least, and if she had anything to do with it, they never would be. Buffy was terrified that somehow history would repeat itself, and she would once again be trying to defend herself from those she had once loved. She had to stop it before it started, had to remember that she was a grown woman, in control of her own life. The people in this room held her affection, but no power over her. Though the Slayer in her was strong, the vulnerable young woman inside couldn’t help but shiver. If she wasn’t able to save herself this time, then all would be lost.

But then there was Mom. Buffy had forgotten that she was alive and well at this point in time. Knowing she could always count on her mother, Buffy knew she had to do everything she could to prevent Joyce from falling ill again. Her mother was her role model, and she deserved better than to have her life cut short.

Next, Buffy’s gaze went to Willow. It was hard to see her friend looking as sweet and friendly as when they first met, knowing the changes that time had wrought in their relationship. The girl who had so eagerly welcomed her on her first day of school was still here, and Buffy wanted so desperately to be able to trust in her friendship again. Knowledge could be a terrible thing though, and now Buffy knew just what depths Willow would sink to in order to keep Buffy under control.

And Xander, who was like a big brother to her, but couldn’t seem to accept that he would never be more. He never gave up trying to control her life, hoping that eventually she would give him a chance. Xander pretended to have her back, criticizing her relationships, all except the one with Riley…. probably because he knew that Buffy wasn’t really in love with the shy boy from Iowa. Xander was always so fixated on her feelings for Angel, believing the vampire was the love of her life. As usual, Xander was wrong though, and Buffy had eventually come to understand that what she felt for Angel was a crush, like most girls would have felt for a movie star, or a famous singer. He was all dark and exciting, the ultimate forbidden fruit.

For so long, Buffy had deluded herself, thinking that she had found love with the souled vampire. She knew now though, knew it the moment she and Spike shared their first real kiss, after their song and dance routine, courtesy of Sweets. With Spike, it was real love, and it scared the Hell out of her. Buffy was so sure she knew what love was. She had no idea.

While Buffy spent her time thinking about the past, Joyce had made a fresh pot of tea, and now she offered a cup to Merrick and Buffy. After accepting for himself, and declining for Buffy, the group waited while Joyce topped up everyone else’s cup.

After taking a sip or two, Giles placed his cup back down on the table. “Merrick, do you know where the Light is?”

“Yes, I do.”

“When we were in LA, the representatives for the Powers showed us a future full of death and destruction. Is it true that the world will turn out that way?” asked Joyce.

“The future isn’t written in stone, by any means. A lot of what happens will depend on you and your friends here.”

“How can that be?” Giles frowned. “I understood that what happens will depend on the Light. If we get the Light to our time, then the crisis will be averted.”

Merrick leaned forward in his seat. “You’ve missed an important part of the picture, Giles. Who is to say, even if you get the Light here, that it will stay?” The guide shook his head. “You’re not thinking this through.” He looked at each person in the group, hoping that one of them would finally show some understanding.

Xander spoke up, “Why wouldn’t the Light want to stay? It must be a lot better here than where it was before.”

“Many things will influence whether the Light will choose to stay in this time or not. It might even choose to stay in this timeline, but ignore the prophecies and choose a new path.” Merrick shrugged his shoulders and leaned back into his chair, wondering how this information would be received.

Not surprisingly, everyone started to speak at the same time, getting progressively louder and louder, until they were all yelling questions at each other. The only one silent was Joyce, who didn’t understand why everyone was yelling, instead of asking what Merrick knew.

“Be Quiet!”

The room went silent, as everyone stared in shock at the Slayer’s mother.

“Don’t yell in my house.” Joyce stood up. “If you can’t behave, you know where the door is.”

“Sorry, Joyce,” Giles offered, not looking at her. He was embarrassed, knowing that he should have been the one to get the group under control. Unable to look Joyce in the eye, everyone else mumbled an apology as well.

“Please explain, Merrick. In what way can we affect the Light’s choice?” Giles wanted to gather as much information as possible, and felt it was important to regain his position as leader of the group.

“It is important that you recognize that the Light is from the future. It has seen, and lived, what is now and what is to come.” Merrick arched an eyebrow, as if chiding them for not understanding on their own.

“What is that supposed to mean, exactly?” snarled Xander.

“Xander! Let me handle this.” Giles stopped Xander before he went too far. The Watcher was tired of constantly having to scold Xander, especially when it didn’t seem to change his behaviour.

“Merrick, do you know why the Light would choose to stay in the other timeline?”

Once again leaning forward, in an attempt to engage Giles directly, Merrick advised, “I know some of the reasons why the Light might choose not to stay, but not all of them. The place from your vision might be terrible, I’ll give you that, but everything that the Light has is there: an established life, memories, personal possessions, and a sense of belonging and purpose. What does the Light have in this time?”

“Is that what this is all about for the Light? Possessions?” Giles wanted to know. It was clear that the rest of the Scoobies were curious as well.

Merrick looked at Buffy, who was shaking her head. She had a hard time believing how stupid they were, how immature. She didn’t remember them being that way. Maybe her own youth had something to do with that, colouring her perceptions and protecting her from things she didn’t want to see. It was easier if she just saw the good in people, counterbalancing the evil she dealt with when the sun went down. The last time around, she had trusted them all with her life. Not this time. She noticed that Merrick had paused and was looking at her. She made a brief gesture, encouraging him to continue.

“No, it’s not all about possessions. The Light is returning from the future. It has lived through this time already.” He hesitated before he continued. “Not all the Light’s memories are good ones.”

For the second time that afternoon, conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it,” Willow offered, jumping up from her seat on the couch where she had been snuggling with her boyfriend, Oz.

When she returned, she was followed by Angel.

“Good Heavens. Is it already that late, or have you dared defy the sun today?” Giles asked the vampire, as he entered the room behind the witch.

Not impressed in the least, Angel grumbled, “I was looking for you.” He looked suspiciously at Merrick and his companion, and then continued. “I was hoping for an update, on that business we were checking out in LA recently?”

“It’s quite alright,” Giles tried to reassure Angel. “They work for the Powers That Be.”

This time, when Angel answered, he sounded a little offended. “You’re holding a meeting? It would have been nice to have been told about it.” His brow was already wrinkled. I’m a Representative for the Powers, and that makes me the most important person here. I’ve got the power; they’re just back-up. So, why did they call a meeting and not let me know?

“This wasn’t exactly planned, Angel. We had no idea that my old friend would be arriving today,” Giles nodded towards Merrick, “but now that he and his companion are here, we’re trying to draw what information we can from them.”

“I see.” It was clear that Angel didn’t believe him. The vampire went over to lean against the wall, in full brood mode.

Giles turned back to Merrick. “What can we do to convince the Light to stay here? In this time?”

“There is still a lot to discuss, and it’s late. My companion and I still need to secure a hotel room for the night.” Merrick got up from his chair.

“Where do you intend to stay?” Giles inquired.

“I’m not certain where we can find unoccupied rooms this late. We also need to go to the bus station.” Merrick threw a glance at Buffy. “I suppose it should be the bus station first, so we can retrieve our luggage. If you’ll excuse us?” The Watcher bowed lightly, and turned to the door. Buffy imitated him, and then followed him from the room.

The couple was almost to the door when Giles stopped them. “I’m not comfortable without a way to contact you once you leave this home. I do have a spare room in my flat, and I believe Joyce has a spare room here as well.” Joyce, who had followed the group to the door, nodded her agreement.

“Oh, please. You’re very welcome to stay here, if you’d like,” the Slayer’s mom added.

Buffy had grasped Merrick’s hand as soon as she realized that Giles and her mother were talking about separating the two travellers. Merrick understood Buffy’s silent plea, and quickly responded to the suggestion. “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept either of your offers. My companion and I need to stay together.” Once she was confident that Merrick would stay with her, Buffy released his hand again.

“If you are willing to share a room, or if one of you can make use of the couch, then you are both welcome at my home for as long as you need a place. Or, if you wish, you could stay here with Joyce,” Giles offered, looking to Joyce, who nodded her agreement once again.

Merrick glanced briefly at Buffy, before he accepted the offer from Giles. Buffy gave him a brief nod, to show that she was ok with his choice. “We have to get our bags before we can join you, Giles. When will you be home?”

“Well, I’m not quite sure when I’ll be done here,” Giles said. At that, Joyce quickly raised her hand. “Yes, what is it, Joyce?” Giles responded.

“Sorry to interrupt, Giles. I just wanted to remind you that you gave me your spare key a few weeks ago when I was preparing for that early research session.” She handed him the key. “I thought it might make things easier if you just gave them a key to your flat.”

Pleased with her forethought, Giles smiled at Joyce as he took the keys from her. “Thank you, Joyce. I appreciate your level-headedness.” Giles passed the key to Merrick, and then explained which room was the guest room, and where the extra towels and bed linen could be found.

Keys in hand, Merrick and Buffy left, deciding to grab a bite to eat before they went to the bus station to pick up the luggage.

After seeing the couple off, Giles returned to the living room, ready to try to soothe Angel’s wounded ego. They couldn’t afford to lose him now. Kendra was improving every day, but she was far from the Slayer that Buffy had been. It was times like this that he was struck anew with how much he missed her.