The waves lapped softly against the shore as the sun beat down warmly. Becky sat peacefully as she watched the world go by. She dusted some sand of her hospital gown as Rebecca watched.
“How did you do it?” Rebecca asked curiously, “I mean, I was only in that place for a week and I could barely cope.”
“Wondering was the first thing I had to stop,” Becky replied, “I had to push it all down inside. Running the colony was the highest priority.”
“So no time for family for friends?”
“No. Evil Becky had one point it was either kill or be killed. Angelus never let me relax for a second so I had to make sure no one else did.”
Rebecca thought about this.
“Wow, no wonder everybody looked so terrified.”
“So was I,” Becky admitted with a heavy sigh, “Every single day. I’m sixteen years old I shouldn’t be running anything. I should’ve been hanging out with friends and getting grounded for staying out past curfew instead of fighting for my life against an enemy that can’t be killed.”
Rebecca slid over and put her arm around Becky.
“It’s over now alright? Angelus is dead and the colonists are going to be safe. You don’t have to keep flinging anymore.”
Becky smiled at her.
“Thanks for the idea Rebecca but we still don’t know what we’re supposed to do as The Divine One. It’s not like were going to be baking cookies.”
“I’m sure we’ll find out,” Rebecca replied, “Brother Gabriel said he will tell us when the moments right.”
Both women looked up as a faint sound filled the air. Once again Becky sighed.
“Guess we have to wake up now.” she said
“I guess so.”
Rebecca stood up and dusted her self off. She stared to make her way back down the beach.
“Hey!” Becky called out after her
Rebecca turned and looked back.
“Yeah?” she replied
“Thanks. It felt good to just sit and talk.”
Rebecca smiled warmly.
“You’re welcome.”
Rebecca’s eyes opened quickly. She blinked a couple of times until the world came back into view. Like all rooms in the monastery it was simply furnished with the necessities. She had a simple bed with a nightstand. Rebecca wasn’t exactly sure how long she had been meditating for but if felt like a while. The knocking on her door pulled her back into focus. Rebecca stood up from the floor and dusted off her white tunic.
“Yes?” she asked to the doorway
The door opened carefully and a monk entered. As soon as he saw her he bowed slightly.
“Forgive the intrusion Divine One,” he said softly.
“It’s okay Brother Jacob what’s up?”
“Brother Gabriel has called for you.”
Brother Jacob lead Rebecca through the length of the monastery. Every monk she passed bowed to her in a respectful manner. Rebecca refused to let this go to her head. Spending most of her life in Los Angeles she knew that this type of celebrity can be bad for your health. Brother Gabriel was in his study. He had an old scroll stretched out across a giant oak table and was reading through it carefully. Rebecca coughed catching his attention. Brother Gabriel looked and smiled.
“Ah, Rebecca, come, sit.” He said gesturing to the chair across the other side of his table.
Rebecca sat down and looked interest at the document spread across the length of the table.
“What’s this?”
“I was consulting the prophecy one last time. How are you fairing today?”
“I’m centered,” Rebecca replied happily, “the nightmares have finally stopped and I feel that I have control again.”
“This is good news. I think you are finally ready for your task.”
Brother Gabriel leaned on the parchment seriously and looked into Rebecca’s eyes.
“How much do you know about your mothers creation?”
Rebecca shrugged a little sadly.
“Only what mom and Aunt Buffy told me. She used to be a big ball of green energy then the monks, you guys, sent her to Sunnydale to protect her from Glory.”
“That is true, however, that is only part of the reason it was sent to the slayer. The prophecy of the divine is very clear on who will save us from the Trinity.”
Rebecca looked at him curiously. Brother Gabriel took a moment to collect his thoughts.
“You are the key Rebecca, like your mother.”
“How?”
“The essence was passed on when your mother gave birth to you. Unfortunately, This is the reason she died. With out the energies of the key to sustain her. Her body started to slowly break down.”
Rebecca looked at Brother Gabriel shocked. This was the last thing she expected to hear.
“I understand your feeling Divine One but now is not the time to greave.”
Rebecca nodded. She tried to absorb the information but it was difficult.
“So . . . I’m the key? What does that mean?” Rebecca asked curiously
“On it’s own, nothing, but when you destroyed the Star of Asgeroth the power of the key was significantly altered. this granted you the ability to use portals.”
By now Rebecca was completely confused. Brother Gabriel sensed this.
“You are born of the three Rebecca, the slayer, the witch and the key, by destroying the star you released the two essences trapped inside and absorbed them activating you as the Divine One. And it is only you who is capable of defeating the Trinity.”
“You keep mentioning the Trinity I’m supposed to defeat who are they?”
“Three very powerful and ancient demons. They have had a strangely hold on this world for eons.”
“How come I’ve ever heard of them?”
“You have heard of them Rebecca they go by a more contemporary name.” Brother Gabriel said seriously
From underneath the parchment Brother Gabriel pulled out a small rectangular piece of card. He tossed it to Rebecca who examined closely. The look of shock crossed her face. She looked up at Brother Gabriel for any signs that he might be joking.
“That’s right Divine One,” Brother Gabriel preempted, “they are the senior partners of Wolfram and Heart.”
“No. . . No, no, no,” Rebecca said desperately, “You can’t be serious.”
“I am most definitely serious.”
“This is crazy Gabriel. You’re telling me that it’s my job to take down the largest organization of evil in the world? How the hell am I supposed to do that?”
“Like any large fortress its weakest point is within its foundations.”
Rebecca looked at Brother Gabriel horrified.
“I have to do it from the inside!?”
“Your reluctance is valid Rebecca but I can assure you you are more then capable of completing this task. I have witness you taking great strides in mastering you new abilities.”
“But if Angel couldn’t do it how can I?”
“Angel is just a simple vampire you are the Divine One. ‘Created by darkness, chosen by light, born of the three she alone will have the strength and power to defeat the Trinity and restore order where there is chaos’. This is your destiny.”
Rebecca sat back in her chair. She was now getting in way over her head and she wasn’t sure that Brother Gabriel’s support was enough. She looked at the monk seriously.
“What’s the first step?” she asked hesitantly
“You must return to Los Angeles. From there it is your task to get in the good graces of the Los Angeles Branch of Wolfram and Heart.”
“Wait . . . wont they recognize me?”
“Judson Fox was recently terminated. He was the only one left in that office who knew what you looked like.”
“Okay. When do I leave?”
“As soon as possible,” Brother Gabriel said seriously, “I’ve sent Brother Marcus and Brother Samuel ahead to make preparations for your arrival. They will be your guardians for the duration and will make sure that no harm comes to you. Both are skilled in weaponry, physical and mystical defense and will serve you well.”
Rebecca nodded. As much as she thinks that this tasks is impossible something inside her is telling her that she could do it. Just before she stands Brother Gabriel holds her arm.
“Wait,” he said seriously, “Before you go I must give you three warning. Firstly, it is vitally important that you stay focused on the task. The likelihood is that the Trinity will know of your plan as soon as you step out of this sanctuary. Secondly, you must work autonomously. Nobody must know who you are and why you are there, especially family.”
Rebecca gave Brother Gabriel a look of concern.
“I can’t see them?” she asked
“It’s for the best. As much as it pains me to say it your family must continue to believe that you are dead for this to succeed. And finally, I can’t stress this one enough. You have to be wary of the second essence that entered your body.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your magical ability. Its source is the Vampire-Witch.”
Rebecca stared at the monk in disbelief. This can’t be right.
“When the timeline was reset,” Brother Gabriel explained, “both the uber-slayer and the vampire-witch were trapped inside the star. It’ll be my guess that the senior partner will do anything within their power to draw that essence forth. You must not allow his to happen.”
“I’ll do my best.” Rebecca replied cautiously.
“Good luck Divine One, I understand Brother Samuel has left some street clothes in your chamber make sure you get changed before you leave,” Brother Gabriel said, “there is one think you need remember. Entering the fortress of Wolfram and Heart is not something you should take lightly. To do the great good you are going to have to do some evil. They are going to ask a lot from you and will be constantly testing your loyalty. Just stay the path and you will be fine.”
Brothers Markus and Samuel waited patiently in the alley. They arrived in Los Angeles about a week ago and had just receive word of the Divine Ones readiness. In front of them a portal open and Rebecca stepped out cautiously. She was still getting used to the idea that, having the keys altered powers; she now had the ability to use portal travel. Gone was her monk style robes instead she had a more street look with her back cargo pants, work boots, and light green midriff top. One of the most predominant items she was wearing was the ankle length emerald green hooded jacket. Both brothers felt that it was the best thing to keep her concealed.
Both monks bowed slightly.
“Divine one. Everything is prepared” Brother Marcus stated.
“Okay,” Rebecca replied, “Where are we going?”
“Follow us,” Brother Samuel replied.
The walk was short. The two brothers had rented her a decent apartment downtown. Rebecca looked around the fully furnished accommodation in surprise. For monks these guys seemed very well connected.
“We wanted you to be comfortable Divine one.” Brother Marcus explained
“This is fantastic,” Rebecca Commented, “How did you get it?”
“We’ve been preparing for this day for many years,” Brother Samuel said, “For this we made some financial investments.”
Rebecca looked at her two bodyguards curiously.
“What is our first task Devine One?”
“The first thing you should do is stop calling me that. It’s going to draw too much attention.”
“What do you want us to call you?” brother Marcus asked
Rebecca thought about this. She couldn’t use her real name that also would draw to much attention. Looking at herself in the mirror she came up with the perfect name.
“Emerald, call me Emerald.” She replied
“As you wish Emerald,” brother Samuel replied, “What is our first task?”
Once again Rebecca though about this everything seemed to be rushing too fast for her at the moment what she needed was some advice. She looked up at her two protectors.
“You guys feel like a drink?”
“ . . . Please welcome to the stage Thyidet the impeller and his rendition of and old classic ‘achey, breaky, heart’.”
Lorn moved from the stage as the seven foot five demon took the mike. He swaned his way around the crowd like the gracious host he was soaking up the energy of the karatos patrons. While talking to a very excited vampire he noticed a new person sitting at the bar wearing a long green jacket. Excusing himself he moved up next to his new customer.
“Is this your first time at Karatos?” he asked graciously
“No,” Rebecca replied calmly, “It’s just been a while.”
Lorne looked at her curiously.
“Well that’s not a positive tone,” he replied, “anything you want to share little girl green?”
“I’m actually in a singing moon,” Rebecca replied.
Lorne smiled.
“That’s the go-getter attitude I like to hear. Do you have anything in mind?”
“I was thinking something up beat.”
“Just leave it to me,” Lorne replied, “I think I have the perfect number for you.”
He moved away from her just as the demon on stage finished his painful country song. Moments later Rebecca was on stage preparing for her number. He hadn’t heard of this song before but her performance wasn’t the reason she was here. Watching the patrons carefully she took a deep breath and started to sing.
Lorne was taking another sip of his sea breeze when she started. His eyes opened wide as he was literally knocked off his feet. He swung around and stared at woman on stage in shock and awe. This was the last thing he expected to sense from anybody.
“Next you decide to blow my head off,” Lorn said pouring Rebecca a drink, “can you wait until everyone has gone it’s not good for business.”
The club had closed at least an hour ago. Lorne and Rebecca sat quietly alone on one of the central table.
“Sorry about that.” Rebecca replied, “I wasn’t sure who to turn to about this.”
“Hey if I were you I would have come here to. So the Divine One huh that’s a pretty heft world you have on those cute little shoulders.”
“I’m beginning to feel that.”
“Well you better, going up against Wolfram and Heart is one saga that’s not going to have a bathroom break.”
“I have no idea where to begin.”
“You and me both sister. Fortunately for you you’re not going to be alone in this.”
“Markus and Samuel are alright.”
“I’m not talking about heckle and jackal behind you I’m talking about someone else. You’re your being watched over.”
Rebecca looked at the demon.
“Any idea who?”
“You’ll know him when you see him.” Lorne replied.
He took the last sip of his drink and looked at Rebecca in concern.
“So kitten. Have you spoken to anyone else yet?”
“No. You’re the first.”
“You know Angel’s been tearing Rome apart trying to find you.”
Rebecca dropped her head sadly. These four years have been hard on her as well. Not being able to contact anybody to let them know that she was safe nearly killed her. Lorne put his hand on her shoulder and looked caringly into her eyes.
“We all have our crosses to bear sweetie. Yours just happens to be heavier. You want my advice they might not be able to see you but that doesn’t stop you from seeing them.”
Rebecca leaned cautiously on the tree. She watched Shona and Nighthawk run the two new slayers through her paces. It amazed her how much they had both changed in the past four years but one thing was still the same. They both got under each other’s skin. As the two senior slayers got into one of their inevitable fights Rebecca resisted her natural instinct to walk over and break it up.
“Never picked you for the spying type kiddo.” A man said as he walked up next to her.
Rebecca turned to look at the strange visitor. He was a short man wearing a brown leather jacket and a loud Hawaiian shirt and a small fedora hat.
“Looks like your pals are doin’ okay with out you.” he commented
Rebecca didn’t reply. She gave a look to the brothers who manhandled him.
“Hey do you want to get your goons off me!” he yelled
“Tell me who you are first,” she demanded.
“The names whistler . . . ow! Watch it this is my favorite jacket.”
Rebecca motioned to Marcus and Samuel who let whistler go.
“So who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?” he asked
“Emerald,” Rebecca replied
“Emerald? Is that your stripper name?”
Rebecca folded her arms annoyed. Whistle shrugged defensively
“Hey I’m not making any judgments here. I once knew this girl names sapphire she could do this thing with a ping-pong ball . . . “
“What do you want?”
“To help.”
“Sorry, not interested, there is only so much sleaze I can stand.”
Rebecca and the brothers started to walk away.
“Alright but the PTB are gonna be pissed.”
Rebecca stopped. She had heard of that acronym before. Rebecca looked back at Whistle.
“The PTB?” she asked
“You know, The Powers That Be, they sent me to you. They have a pretty vested interest in you Rebecca.”
Rebecca looked at the strange man in surprise. Whistler thought about what he said.
“Oh, sorry . . . Emerald. I can help you, you know, done this before. Ever heard of a vamp named Angel?”
“You know Angel?”
“Know him? I practically raised the guy! You know that brooding he does I taught him that. I’m still shocked that all it took to get him on his path was a Vampire Slayer. Who knew?”
“That was different. How are you going to help me?”
Whistler smiled.
“You need a way into Wolfram and Heart I’m your key.”
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