Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all characters therein are property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy
Rating: PG


Buffy woke up and wiped at the sweat that was covering her face. That hadn’t been just another nightmare; it had been a full-fledged slayer dream.
All she had to do was shut her eyes, and she could see the entire dream playing out again. An army of demons was advancing…demons of all shapes and sizes and the noise of battle filling the air. She stood in the midst of it all. It was definitely her, except, Buffy felt different… For the first time she didn’t feel alone. In front of her, two spirals revolving around one another shone – one silver and the other golden. They started spinning faster and faster until they fused and became one blinding spiral of light…
The images still ran through her head as she picked up the telephone and called Xander.
"We have to have a meeting today – as soon as you can make it."
"What is it, Buff? Anything wrong?"
"When is something not wrong, Xander? I’ll tell you later at the Magic Box."
Buffy took a shower and got dressed feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. How was she going to tell her friends another Apocalypse was on its way? She ran the conversation in her head… "No guys, the world is really at risk AGAIN. We have to save it!" She looked into the mirror and stuck her tongue out at herself. "You are always spoiling the fun, Slayer!"
Oh well, so what’s new in her life? Saving the world a lot seemed to be part of her job description.
Dawn was already downstairs when Buffy came in. Willow and Tara had stopped by to have breakfast with the Summers girls. Buffy looked at them and sighed. She hated to dump this on her unorthodox family, but it had to be done.
"Hey, guys, guess what?" The girls looked at Buffy, waiting for an answer.
"Umm, you are finally going to let me get a tattoo?" Dawnie risked with hopeful eyes.
"Very funny and no, Dawnie. No tattoos." She tried her best to look cheery. "The world is going to end. Again. And before you all ask: No, I don’t know when and no, I don’t know how. This slayer dream should have carried a "to be continued…" at the end.
"Are you sure, Buffy? Didn’t we just save the world last week?" Willow’s statement said clearly she didn’t feel like going through it again.
"No, Will, it has been a couple of weeks now. Seriously, I am as bummed out about this as you guys are. Slayer dreams…" She made a face making clear her opinion about her prophetic dreams. "I better call Giles before we meet at the Magic Box this afternoon. Maybe he has an idea of some prophecy or something that can help match the slayer dream to the correct Apocalypse." Buffy grabbed a piece of toast and almost to herself said, "Apocalyptic events also grant Spike an invitation to the meeting. I will stop by the crypt and tell him."
*
The time arrived and the group assembled in the magic shop. They had all settled down in their usual places, with Spike leaning against the counter. Never fully a part of the group, the vampire nevertheless was eager to join in when it came to fighting.
Buffy tried to be as precise as she could about the armies in her dream, but the more she tried to remember, the more the memory escaped her.
"So that’s all you got? Some sort of vision of two armies clashing?" Xander was not happy to have so little to work with.
"Yeah, something called the champions and some pretty scary demons on the other side." Buffy sighed, frustrated to not be able to remember more. "Giles has no idea of what it is – it’s no known prophecy. He said he would call as soon as some information comes up. I just thought it would be a good idea to share this with you guys. Give a heads up of sorts."
*
The meeting broke up shortly after that. Everybody had mixed feeling about the new doom hanging over their heads. On one hand, they had gone through this before, on the other hand…well, they HAD gone through this before. Would they be the champions? Who were the other beings Buffy had seen in her dream?
Buffy went to the alley behind the shop to think. Spike was there smoking. Before she could turn around to go back inside, he called to her.
"Buffy…"
"Spike, I don’t feel like arguing okay?"
"Defensive, aren’t we? All I wanted to say is that I know you didn’t tell them everything."
Buffy started to protest, but thought better of it. What was the use? He could read her like a book. "I… I didn’t tell them because I have no idea of what it means."
"Wouldn’t hurt sharing with me. Maybe I can help."
Buffy was about to cut him to pieces, but something about the sincerity in his voice made her reconsider. "It was… I was…different in the dream. I was in battle, but I was not only me, I was someone else too… I also didn’t get into the way we were outnumbered by the other army. There’s no use thinking about it now…"
Buffy looked sad, and Spike couldn’t help it…he had to comfort her. He walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"We are a tough group, Slayer. No matter what comes our way… We will kick its ass."
"Hope you are right, Spike. I sincerely hope you are right."
"Luv, I am *always* right."
*

Los Angeles is a city of lights that doesn’t know when to sleep. It is home to the lost angels of the world and currently home to a fallen angel as well. His name was Gabriel, and he had been around since the first breath of life entered the universe.

He had lived an immortal life, full of fighting demons and other agents for the forces of evil. He had always won these battles, and for his valor, he was stationed on Earth to look after another of Heaven’s agents…the Slayer. His guardianship of this slayer ended badly. She had lost her life because of his incompetence. As a result, he had gone into a self-imposed exile on Earth and had been here ever since. He had thought that this city would be the place to finally get away from his failure, to gain some kind of insight on how he had fallen so far.

As Gabe walked through the streets of Los Angeles, he still sensed all the evil around him. It was eating at his insides. He hadn’t come here to fight, but he was going to have to. He couldn’t let anyone suffer again because of him. He jumped into the air and revealed his wings. As he flew high above the city, he searched for a suffering soul and found so many, far too many for the cosmic balance to be maintained.

Something’s wrong. I have never felt anything like this. Gabe thought to himself. A force is at work here, something darker than any I have faced before.

The worst thing that has happened to this dimension in a long time, angel! Many loud voices boomed in his head.

What? What force could be doing all this? Why aren’t you stopping it? Gabriel thought back with as much force as he could muster.

Because, this dimension has everyone it needs to fight the coming evil.

Then why aren’t they doing anything about it? Gabriel thought back to the ether, already knowing what they were going to say.

That is simple. They do not know off the impending evil, because they have been dealing with their own matters. You should be the one to tell them. We believe that it is time for you to once again enter the fold.

I can’t; I told you before I just can’t deal with any of this anymore. Gabriel’s thoughts were filled with sorrow.

We don’t believe you, and you don’t believe yourself. You are a great warrior, and you alone can bring Earth’s forces together to defeat the great evil. The voices said, vibrating in Gabriel’s mind with unseen strength.

The great evil? It is the one who is orchestrating all this suffering? It must be destroyed. I will help Earth’s forces. I need to know whom I should find. Gabe thought back

We will tell you all you need to know. Don’t worry about the champion of this city, we will contact him ourselves.

*

Nathaniel Westchester hadn’t exactly had what one would consider a normal life. Before his fifth birthday, both of his parent’s had abandoned him, and he was left in the care of an orphanage that dealt with the supernatural.

It was at this orphanage that he learned of his true heritage. He was a one of the Chosen, a band of people who had been fighting the demonic forces of the world since the time of the first slayer. He, like all the others at the orphanage, was a member of the next generation of Chosen and, as such, possessed all of the powers that came with the title. He had strength and speed that surpassed ordinary humans, and he also possessed a great amount of mystical skill.

Currently, he was using his own brand of magic to hunt a band of demons that had been plaguing Paris. Sure he hated the town, but that wasn’t a good enough reason to let people die. He had tracked the demons to the Eiffel Tower. Apparently, they had a thing for tourists. He jumped off his Harley just as he reached the Tower. Somehow he thought that these demons weren’t going to make this easy on him.

He had already climbed up more stairs then he would like to count, and still, he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of anything remotely demonic. He couldn’t be wrong, though. This was where he had tracked the demons. He was almost at the top when he heard a woman scream.

Guess it’s time to swing into action., Nate thought as he poured on the speed.

As he reached the top of the Tower, he saw three dead Galishnar demons and a man with wings and a sword standing over them. He also saw a young woman cowering behind the man spouting French curses from the sound of it.

"Nathaniel Westchester?" The man said, looking at Nate with a gaze that seemed to penetrate him.

"Yeah, who’s asking?" Nate answered, feeling for once that he might not be able to win a fight with someone.

"I am Gabriel. I have need of your services," Gabriel said.

Light surrounded both Gabriel and Nate as they disappeared from the Eiffel Tower leaving dead demons and a very disgruntled French woman in their wake.

*

"What the hell just happened?" Nate shouted before looking down. From the looks of
things, they were floating over Paris.

"I thought it would be best to tell you what I need to away from prying eyes and ears," Gabriel said, looking out over the lights of Paris.

"Okay how are we doing this? Telekinesis or what?" Nate asked.

"Telekinesis. It isn’t that hard for me," Gabriel answered.

"So, what is it you came to tell me?" Nate questioned, now sure that he couldn’t beat Gabriel if he had to.

"There is a great battle about to be waged on Earth. It will be a battle that will decide the fate of this planet and its inhabitants. You are going to be a champion for this battle as will I and many others." Gabriel said, never looking at Nate.

"So, you were sent here by the Powers?" Nate asked in awe. He had never in his entire career been given a mission by the Powers. From what he had been told, he probably would never in his lifetime. But, the joy he felt for being recognized for his skills was overwhelmed by the realization that this had to be something really big for the Powers to need him.

"Yes, they recruited me as well. You know all you need to for now. I must ask you to go to America. Find a town in California called Sunnydale. The Slayer is there; train with her. She will be a great ally and friend." Gabriel said, as light enveloped the two again.

*

When the light dimmed this time, Nate found himself beside his Harley and Gabriel nowhere in sight. It didn’t matter though. He had somewhere to be.

*

Eve Newman wasn’t really like other people, but you could never tell just by looking at her. She was a nice-looking, normal, pink-haired girl on the outside. It was what was on the inside that set her apart. She was a genetically engineered being, equal parts human and demon. Well, actually many demons and just one human. She had never known who the donor was, but apparently, the donor wasn’t exactly human either.

She was created for one purpose, to destroy the creation of Dr. Walsh’s 314 project, Adam. But, her purpose had been defeated when she was only a few days old. The government that had created both she and Adam thought that, with Adam gone, it was best to have everything linked to the program terminated. Dr. William Newman, Eve’s creator, had gotten her out at the cost of his own life. Now, she was alone in a world that she only had known from official briefings.

Her first few weeks had been hard. She had tried to become a typical homeless person, but it just didn’t suit her. Besides, she kept sensing demons because of her unique heritage. She had already killed over a hundred demons and vampires since she had been freed. As she walked the streets of Seattle, she noticed something peculiar. A strange mind had come within her range of telepathy. It was powerful but filled with a sorrow so deep that it made her want to cry. Then, a strange light enveloped her, and she was gone.

*

When the light dimmed, she was standing on the top of one of the skyscrapers of Seattle. She was also staring at a man with blond hair straight in the eyes.

"You’re the one I felt, the sad one," Eve said, looking at the man with pity.

"You could sense that?" The man asked.

"It wasn’t that hard; you were broadcasting like a radio station," Eve replied with a small grin.

"I’m sorry," he said.

"It’s okay. So who are you?" Eve asked.

"I am Gabriel," the man replied.

"Gabriel, huh? Cool name. Mine’s Eve," Eve said, extending her hand.

"I’ve come to tell you that you are going to be a champion in a coming battle between the forces of good and evil," Gabriel said without taking her hand.

"Really? Sounds like fun," Eve said, feeling slightly snubbed.

"It’s not going to be fun. It is going to be extremely dangerous," Gabriel snapped.

"I know, most things are. You just have to go at them with a laugh sometimes instead of a cry," Eve retorted.

"I don’t think I could do that," Gabriel said. "So, will you help us? Help this world?"

"Of course. Haven’t been here that long but it seems like a great place," Eve said.

"Great. One more thing, would you please go to Sunnydale, California? There is a magic shop there. Just ask for the Slayer. Train with her," Gabriel asked, finally cracking a smile.

"Sure, been in this town long enough anyways," Eve answered, returning the smile.

The lights enveloped Eve again, and she found herself at the place she had been calling home for the week.

*

Sasha walked down the Vegas strip reliving a bygone era. The 1950s. What a glorious time that had been. Profitable too. She had made a lot of money as a magician in those days. She thought wistfully of all the friends she had made. Frank, Dean, Sammy. They were all dead now, of course. It was something that Sasha, in all her years of existence, had never quite gotten used to. Losing her friends and those she loved.

Ah, she thought to herself, now Sammy knew about love. True love. Love without boundaries or conditions.

As she stopped in front of the Bellagio, looking at the site for the new Guggenheim, she felt an all too familiar tingling sensation.

"I hate when you do that," Sasha stated as she materialized in the apparently empty chamber.

"We had no choice," the voices responded. "Time is of the essence."

"Isn’t it always? You could at least give a girl a little warning."

"We did."

"Two seconds is hardly appropriate." Sasha paced around the room. She disliked being called by The Powers in such a fashion. She would never grow accustomed to the disorientation that went with the summons. "So, what is it this time?"

"Sunnydale, California," the Powers said cryptically.

Her disorientation quickly dissolved.

"The Hellmouth?"

"Yes. The Disciple."

"Good, Lord," Sasha said as she conjured a chair. She needed to sit down and the chamber was, as always, inconsiderately unfurnished.

"Our thoughts, exactly. You will go to Sunnydale immediately. We will send you. But there are some things you must be prepared for." The Powers showed an uncharacteristic concern in their voices. "Your past will be there to haunt you. It will be difficult."

Isn’t everything you ask me to do difficult? Sasha thought to herself, knowing very well that they could read her thoughts.

"We are making a sacrifice in sending you, Sasha. You will not be able to return to us once the battle has been won."

After a few moments of thoughtful silence, Sasha said softly, "And I will die."

"Yes."

Their answer hung in the air for an eternity.

"What is it I need to do?" Sasha asked.

"Go to the Magic Box and ask for the Slayer. Gabriel will meet you there with the others. Call if you need us. We will be here."

Sasha once again felt the tingling sensation and moments later materialized in front of the Magic Box. It looked oddly out of place in suburbia. Who would have thought that such a nice looking town would be host to the mouth of hell?

Your past will be there to haunt you. Sasha’s mind worked to put the pieces together. Gabriel will meet you. That can only mean one thing, my three failures in the same place at the same time.

Sasha took a deep breath. Her final mission was about to begin.

*

Almost all the champions are united. Gabriel thought to himself.

Not all, the voices whispered in his mind.

*

On the streets of London, a shadowy figure floated with one thing on its ageless mind…. Soon.