This story is written for the fun of it and I intended to make no money from it in any way. The characters, ( Buffy, Angel, Giles, Willow, Xander, Faith, Cordelia, Joyce, Oz, Mr. Trick, The Mayor, and Principal Synder) all belong to someone else except the character of Mariah, who may not be used without my express permission. This story would be a continuation of the series following the episode involving the alternate time line. Enjoy.
Part Two
It was night and Mariah's spirits seemed to have been lifted. Her face no longer looked tired and she was light on her feet. Several vampires were in the room with her, they all seemed to be waiting for Trick to arrive on the seen for the plan of action. The vampires were all giving Mariah sinister looks, because of what she had done to the other vampires. But if Trick trusted her, then they knew they should as well.
Mr. Trick entered the room at a leisurely pace. He already felt triumph over his worst enemies, the Slayers. They had gotten on his nerves one too many times.
He looked around him. "Tonight, the first of two steps to destroy the Slayers will be put into action. You will follow the instructions of the Supreme Being and no one else. If you turn on her, she will destroy you. Is that understood?" Everyone nodded at him. He looked to Mariah. "Well, precede as you think fit."
Mariah looked at the ten vampires, her minions who were in the room with her. < They're a sorry lot. At least, that's my personal thought. Well, I have to work with what I've got. They are the best he has. > Her face had remained blank while those thoughts passed through her head. "Well, vampires and vampiresses, follow me." With that, she turned and left the room, all ten of the vampires in tow.
Mr. Trick was alone. < Everything is going according to plan. I just need to make sure that I keep her calm and resigned, when she's around me at the very least. >
* * *
Angel sat on his couch along with Giles. They were discussing the best way to go about the spell. They were still at the mansion, because Faith had not yet arrived. They were worried that she wasn't going to come. Buffy had contacted her and told her where they were going to meet. She hadn't sounded happy. She still felt a little bitter about being in league with a vampire, even though he was good. Suddenly, Faith walked in the door. Everyone looked to her, but she only looked to see where Angel was.
Angel stood and said, "Since we're all here, let's settle how we're going to deal with things tonight." He was glad that everything was almost together to save Mariah. He still felt what he had for her all the years ago. He didn't know if he should call it love or not, but if he lost her again, he wasn't quite sure what he'd do.
"I believe that it would be best if we split up. I think that Willow and Xander should come with me to procure the two ingredients at the magic shop, while Faith, Buffy and you, Angel, look out for Mariah. She is most certainly going to be on the prowl tonight." Giles was happy with his plan. The people with the strength to fight Mariah were going to do just that, while the normal people did the foot work.
Everyone nodded in agreement. The two Slayers and Angel left while the rest stayed in the mansion. It seemed that Willow and Xander had something to add.
Willow spoke first. "Giles, do you really think that they can handle the power of the Supreme Being? I know they can handle most things, but she is all powerful and did destroy a whole island." Her voice was unsteady and nervous.
"Willow has the right idea. They stand no chance against Mariah. She may have been our friend, but that Mariah is gone as far as we know for the moment." Xander spoke, hopelessly.
"We must rely on the Slayers. They have taken on strong creatures and won, when we didn't think they could. They do have a chance. And as far as I know, the Supreme Being's strength won't be at full force until tomorrow evening, which gives us time. I hope."
* * *
Mariah walked the dark streets, her duster flying in the wind like a cape and her faithful following was right behind her. They had encountered several groups of people, a few actually from the school. At first, when they saw Mariah, they approached the group, but when they saw who she was with they ran in fear. They were nearing the graveyard. < They always seem to come here and few others are brave enough, so this is the place to meet them. >
They continued to walk without stop. Ahead of them stood a police officer. He stared at the group. He could tell trouble when he saw it. He sauntered toward Mariah. "Miss, I think you and this interesting group of people need to disperse."
When Mariah failed to recognize him, he put a hand on her shoulder in an effort to stop her. Mariah brought her hands to his neck and snapped it. She pushed the limp body into the bushes and proceeded on. The esteem for her was raising in the vampires that followed her.
They would soon be at the graveyard and then the fun would begin, Mariah knew. < I regret what I must do to the Slayers. It truly is sad, they will never reach adulthood. I, however, don't know what I'm going to do about Angel. I have a fun feeling come over me any time I think about him. It must be something I felt for him when I was normal. Oh, well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. > Many similar thoughts passed through her mind as she reached the graveyard and hopefully her future freedom.
* * *
Angel, Faith and Buffy walked along in silence to the graveyard. The didn't talk for several reasons. First, they wanted to be aware of what was going on around them. Secondly, they didn't have anything to talk about. And finally, they still had things to settle between them. However, they were all willing to do anything that would help Mariah become normal again. Each however, had their own reason.
Buffy was thinking about how well they got along. < It's like I finally have someone to talk to about my problems who isn't involved directly with what I do. Talking to Faith is like talking to myself, we both have our problems and we're both Slayers. Giles is my watcher and he's suppose to tell me what to do, not listen to my problems. Willow and Xander have been involved too long to have a clear perception of what is going on in the world. Cordelia, well, she's Cordelia. And Angel, well, I won't even go there in my thoughts. > Buffy continued to think about what was going on in her life and how Mariah was an important new part in it.
Faith was thinking about Mariah, but in a completely different way than Buffy. < Mariah is one of those people who just doesn't fit in and she does have a rather different way of dealing with things. Just like me, I suppose. She's someone who will understand me for me and won't judge. I like that about her. >
Angel's thoughts were on a total different track. < She's come back to me and now there's a chance I could lose her. What would I do then? I've lost her before and now I'm going to lose her again. I'm first involved with a psychopathic vampire, then an all-powerful being, then a vampire slayer. I have really bad taste in women. >
They were almost to the graveyard. Each felt anticipation throughout their entire body. Would they have a chance against a creature who had existed since the being of man. A creature that could destroy them with a glance. They all decided not to think about that part of what they were doing.
They wandered through the trees on the edge of the graveyard. "She most likely will be here. Remember, we're not suppose to hurt her, just slow her down if we can." Buffy whispered, as they walked into the clearing in the cemetery.
There she stood. Mariah seemed to be by herself. She looked normal, but they knew otherwise. Her eyes were dark and held no warmth for the people she had once called friend. Buffy could sense that vampires were near by, but decided to deal with them as soon as they showed themselves or Mariah called them out.
"Well, it took you long enough. How long does a girl have to wait to kick some goody-two-shoe butt. I mean come on, do you really expect to beat me. I existed before your oldest ancestor even did." Mariah paced in front of them, her words sinking in.
They all hesitated. Then Angel spoke, "Mariah, we know that it isn't really you speaking to us. It's the dark side of yourself. We will fight you if we must, but we won't give up." He wanted to reason with her, but he knew he would do what he had to do to save the world and her.
All Mariah did was shout, "NOW!" Out of the bushes and from behind graves, the vampires sprung. They knew what they were to do. Mariah had taught them well, in the few minutes they had before the Slayers had arrived, how to attack their victims.
Mariah stood there as each of the Slayers and Angel fought off their attackers. She made no move to stop or help them. All she did was watch. She wanted to know what would be the best way to take out the Slayers. Simply blink them out of existence or do it the hard way. < The hard way. It's always more fun and I like it. >
Buffy had broke lose of the two vampires that were left to take her on. She came towards Mariah and punched her across the jaw. All Mariah's head did was turn to one side. In response, Mariah back handed Buffy, sending her flying through the air until she was stopped by a tombstone. It broke in half as Buffy hit it because of the force she had been struck with.
Faith came at her next, but before she even had a chance to do anything to Mariah, she was frozen in place. Mariah had used some of her powers to freeze Faith's feet to the ground. She wouldn't be going anywhere for quite some time.
Next, Angel came to her. He had no hostility in the way he acted and all she did was lift him up by the neck. Just as she was about to drain him of his soul and life energy, Mariah looked into his eyes. She saw something there in them that she didn't understand. He had no fear of her, which she found impossible. Everyone feared her. Her only reaction was that she dropped Angel to the ground and called the remaining vampires to her. And with that, they ran into the night.
* * *
Angel, Buffy and Faith hurried back to the library. They all hoped that they had kept Mariah busy long enough for Giles and the rest to acquire the two of the last three ingredients. Angel had been resigned throughout the journey back to the library. Buffy watched him carefully making sure he didn't slip into the night when he needed the support of friends.
< Poor, Angel. He's really hurting. Someone he cares about has turned evil. That reminds me of how I felt when he had changed, but that had different factors involved. His change was my fault, while it isn't his fault that she is evil. I think I'm confusing myself, more than I'm making anything clearer. > Buffy's thoughts remained of Angel and the problems with his live as they entered the library.
Giles, Willow and Xander were sitting around the table, plus another person they hadn't seen in quite some time, Oz. He wasn't sitting next to Willow, which most people would presume was the case, but he sat across from her. He was still hurt about what had happened between Xander and Willow. However, he seemed to have put that behind him and was there to be part of the gang again.
"Ah, You've returned. I hope nothing too bad happened involving the Mariah situation." Giles spoke formally, which was his nature. He had two small bags sitting before him, presumably the angel's feather and the pixie dust, that they had gotten from the magic shop.
Faith spoke first, "Besides almost killing Angel, freezing my feet to the ground and giving Buffy a mild concussion, I think we came out on top tonight. Hey, we killed six vampires in a matter of minutes, that has to be some kind of record. Giles, you have to look around in your books and see how quick was the fastest vampire kill ever." Faith used her dry humor to lighten the mood a bit. Before her witty remarks, they had only been thinking about impending doom, now they were thinking about that and killing vampires.
"Could someone possible tell me a little bit more of what's going on? I feel like I came in during the middle of the story and have missed all the important parts. I know the whole impending doom part and that Mariah is involved, but other than that I'm at a lost." Oz spoke up finally. Giles had begun to tell him what was going on, but then the "Mariah distraction detail" had arrived back.
Buffy gave a quick run down of the events that had preceded that evening and what exactly Mariah was in the great scheme of things. He listened attentively, to everything Buffy said. It was a mouth full. "So basically, you're saying that some creature, who is as old as mankind, has turned evil and is going to terrorize us and rest of the world." Oz was completely baffled. He had missed most of what was going on and was even more confused now. Also, Oz knew that he wasn't going to be able to do much more than support the people who had the abilities to fix things to the way they were.
"Actually, that's not quite right." Willow interjected. She hated have to say that Oz was wrong, after all she had just gotten him back. "Mariah, as the Supreme Being, can only fulfill one task that is given to her, before she regains control of what she does. That's why after the destruction of Atlantis, she didn't go on to destroy more civilizations and countries. So after she performs her task, she's free. But the big question is what is her task?" Willow was happy with herself, she had been doing research for most of the day, along with sleeping, before they had gone to acquire the ingredients.
Oz smiled at her. < Willow, she always can get the information that is needed to save the day. Also she actually feels regret about what she did to me, so I'm going have to forgive her, completely, soon or later. > Willow didn't see the smile Oz gave her, but some how she knew he had.
Angel finally spoke up, "She did act a little strange for someone who is supposedly evil. She had a chance to kill me, but she didn't. I think that some part of her is still there and she could feel, some how, that I didn't wish her any harm."
"Maybe you aren't part of her task. Will did say that she had to accomplish her task before she was free." This was Xander. He had been listening carefully to the exchange, which was odd for him. He was more of a doer/talker, than a listener, but he wanted to make sure he had all his facts straight before her started talking.
"I don't think it matters. On the way here, we found a dead policeman in the bushes. He looked like his neck had been snapped. Vampires don't usually do that, they just bite. Faith and I just assumed that it was Mariah, meaning that she can do things other than her task before she's free." Buffy spoke with worry. She still felt sure that the task involved her some how. Mariah was most likely just going to kill her and Faith. < Mr. Trick would love that, then he would have free reign on Sunnydale till a new Slayer was chosen to protect the world. >
"I believe that we should all return home and get some sleep. We'll met here when it's sun down. By then, I hope that Peter will have brought me the unicorn horn piece so the spell will be complete." Giles said, as he ushered the group slowly out of the school library. He wished that for once that he could have a normal holiday and not one that was quite so hectic.
Mr. Trick stood in his headquarters, waiting for one of his spies to return with information about the fight between the Supreme Being and the Slayers. He knew that he had control over her, but he just wanted to make sure she was doing what she was suppose to be doing. He paced slowly across the room, thinking about how wonderful it would be without the Slayers messing up everything he did.
A lone vampire quietly entered the room and walked over to Mr. Trick. He leaned up and whispered something into his ear. Trick was extremely angry, now.
"She, what? I can't believe she had that good a chance to kill Angel and she didn't." Trick screamed, as he knocked his messenger out of his way. < I can't believe she did that. She is suppose to be under my complete control, not her own free will. >
As Trick thought that, Mariah and her following returned. She saw the look on Trick face and it appeared that he knew what had occurred with the Slayers, but how he had obtained this information, she didn't know.
"You have some explaining to do? You should have destroyed Angel when you had the chance. Why didn't you destroy him? You even could have destroyed the Slayers. Tell me why?"
"There is no particular reason why I didn't destroy Angel. I mean he wasn't even part of our deal. And I didn't destroy the Slayers, because I told you I was going to do it tomorrow and I like the irony of the whole situation 'a friend turns on her friends.' Bitter sweet, don't you think." Mariah lounged across a chair as she spoke to Trick. She had a feline grin on her face and Trick smiled down at her. He knew better then to make her angry especially when the end was so near.
* * *
Giles sat in the library looking down at the book in front of him. There was no reason he should be doing this, but he was thinking. He knew that they needed a plan for their evening activities. Mariah probably had regained all her strength and was at full power. Also he was thinking about the tension between himself and Angel. Giles knew now that Angel felt the same way he had when he had lost Jenny, but in this situation there was a chance to save the person.
< I think that it's time that I forgive Angel for what he did to me or more directly to Jenny. He was evil, he had no control over the demon within himself. But now that the curse is back in place, he should be forgiven so he can go on with his life. > Giles thought, as he collected up the books to put them away. As he started to do this, the Slayers and the Slayerettes burst into the library. They all looked very tense.
"This is. . . um, a pleasant surprise. What are you all doing here? I thought I had advised you all to go home and get some rest. It is still three hours till sundown." Giles was worried about their arrival to the library. He thought that perhaps Mariah had gone on the attack again.
Oz spoke first since he seemed to be the only one who still had no idea what was going on. "We couldn't stay away, Giles. I mean, hey, the world could be coming to an end and we need to focus on the events ahead. So what's our plan for the evening?" The whole group quickly took their customary seats around the library table.
"Giles, I have an idea," Faith spoke with excitement. "I think that everyone, except you and Angel, should distract Mariah and the vamps while the spell is performed. I mean Angel is a expert with chanting and stuff as we've seen. So what do you think?" Faith looked around at the faces at the table and at Giles. They all looked astonished that Faith had thought up a fairly good plan.
"Excellent suggestion, Faith. I do believe it would work rather well. However, we can not do anything until Peter arrives with the unicorn horn and Angel gets here at sundown. Then we can perform the last part of the spell, which is vital for it to work." Giles spoke, as he removed an old book from behind the counter. Most of Giles' books looked old, but this one looked ancient. "While you were all at home, hopefully, resting, I found a reference to a spell that looked very much like the one we are trying to perform. The chant must be said by someone who is close to the infected person, which I presume is Angel."
"Giles, I mean do you really think that this spell is going to work? I mean she has turned completely evil, not much hope for salvation there. She's evil." Xander looked upset with his own revelation, but knew he had to voice his opinion.
Buffy spoke now, bitterness in her tone. "Why do you all always condemn those that have no choice about their fate? You all thought that Angel was beyond salvation, but we saved him and we will save Mariah. We have to."
"Buffy's right. I mean, Mariah didn't have any choice about what was going to happen." Willow said, doing her Buffy-backing-up thing that she was so good at.
"So what are we going to do for the next two and a half hours we have till sundown? I mean the spell is almost complete, except for the unicorn horn." Xander said. There would be no research mode or even lecture mode, because they knew all they needed to.
Giles quickly made a suggestion, much to everyone's dread. "I've been doing a little research into how long a mystic year is, but I've failed to find any thing of use. Besides finishing that, we could work on how we will be able to distract Mariah without anyone getting hurt."
"Well, research mode it is." Buffy said as she and the gang started to pick up Giles' books to start the search for how long a mystic year really was. None of them wished to listen to a lecture about what was the best way to distract Mariah.
* * *
Over two hours later, several people were asleep at the table while Giles and the rest continued to look. Peter had not yet arrived with the last ingredient and the sun was already setting. Giles was worried. They hadn't completed the potion, they had found barely anything about the mystic year and night had arrived.
Buffy stirred at the table and jumped to her feet with a start, waking the other people. Xander, who had been dreaming, glared a Buffy, but knew she had done it for a reason. "What's up, Buff?"
"I thought I heard something." And with that a tall, lanky man entered the library and confronted the many eyes that were focused on him. Giles had a smile on his face and everyone assumed that this must be Peter.
"Giles, I got here as quickly as I could. The Watchers are very worried about the situation that has arisen. They want to know everything as soon as it happens. The outcome could change a lot of things." The man said, as he approached Giles and handed him something that was precariously wrapped in tissue paper.
"I will, Peter. And thank you again for coming on such short notice." With that the man left the library and hurried on his way. Giles unwrapped the paper and found two pieces of unicorn horn and a small note. It read, < I brought two pieces just in case it didn't work the first time. >
"G-man, I've finally figured it out. It's not just that you're weird, it's the whole Watcher organization." Xander said as he walked over to look at the unicorn horn as did many of the others.
"Thank you, Xander." He hesitated. "I think. However, we must add this to the potion and hopefully Angel will arrive in due course." As if he knew he was being summoned, Angel walked through the library doors. His features were filled with anxiety and he looked puzzled.
"Giles, I hope that was your friend with the unicorn horn." Angel said as he approached the group. He knew that everything relied on when the horn arrived.
"Yes, it was-" Giles was cut off by a shout that came from the book stacks where Willow had been working.
"Giles! Giles, I found out when the end of this mystic year is. And you're not going to like it at all." Willow said as she hurried down the stairs towards Giles to show him the book. "It says that a mystic year is about every 150 years or more precisely every 54,788 days, which means according to the end of the last mystic year, that this one ends tonight."
"Which means we must act quickly in order to save Mariah." Giles said.
"Well, let's mix up the rest of the potion and then find Mariah. Which shouldn't be to hard, because I received a message from a very unhappy vampire which says were supposed to meet out at the far end of town, which was once called the Barren." Angel said as everyone collected their things and weapons.
"Well, let us leave, post haste." Giles said with his very British accent.
"You mean, let's scadadal." Xander paraphrased. Giles glared.
* * *
Mariah stood on the barren field, surrounded by at least twenty vampires. She knew there was no need for them to be here. She could take care of herself and harm only those she was ordered to do so to. There was no place for the Slayers to take cover which made this spot ideal for an all out fight. But she felt regret for a reason she couldn't place. < It must be my previous feelings for the Slayers and their friends, but I won't let it interfere with what I must do. However, Angel causes too many feelings to come to the surface. Maybe I can draw him to my side in this fight, and then we can leave this place together under the cover of darkness. > Many thoughts filled Mariah's head and Mr. Trick was no place to be seen. He probably didn't feel like coming. He had far to many plans for the future to deal with.
"Where are they? They should be here." Mariah mumbled to herself, just as the Slayers came over the horizon. They had come prepared. Each Slayer had two different weapons. Buffy held a gruesome looking mace and a crossbow loaded with wooden arrows for the vampires. Faith on the other hand, had a quarter-staff, with pointy ends, and a nasty looking sword. Their following all had weapons of their own, made up of stakes for the vampires. But Angel had no weapons with him, he and Giles carried what was needed to return the Supreme Being to her original self.
"Well, it took you long enough. I thought you weren't going to come. I would have been very disappointed." Mariah had a wicked grin on her face.
Buffy quickly remarked. "Who could have missed the party? It's going to be tons of fun. But you know the good guys always win."
"Being good is far too over rated." With that Mariah shot a burst of energy at the Slayers sending them flying. Willow, Xander, and Oz spread out and started to deal with the vampires to the best of their ability. They did have a little experience with slaying.
Giles and Angel set all their stuff on the ground and quickly prepared to perform the last step of the spell. "Giles, drop the unicorn horn into the mixture and open up the book."
As they prepared, Mariah was giving the Slayers a run for their money, but they held strong. They knew they had to keep Mariah busy while Angel finished the spell. Buffy had gotten in several hits, which only angered Mariah. Also she had been able to killed a few vampires as she fought, using her crossbow. Faith had slashed Mariah across the back and the arm, causing heavy bleeding. They had weakened Mariah, but only a little.
"You can't beat me, Slayers. I'm more powerful them anything you have ever faced before. I could simple blink you out of existence if I felt like it." Mariah said as she knocked Faith to the ground.
When Buffy took a swing at her with the mace, Mariah jumped up into the air and stayed there. "Giles, you failed to mention that she could fly. This might be a problem." Buffy shouted as she ducked an aerial attack by Mariah.
"Buffy," Giles shouted back, "she can fly."
"That really helps. Mariah, you know that blinking us out of existence is no fun. Where's the challenge in that. I mean, isn't it fun to have an old fashion hand to hand battle." Faith said as she tried to hit Mariah from behind.
Angel saw that the situation was becoming dire and began to say the words to the spell. "Supreme One, you are not as you were before. Return, return to yourself once more. Evil you are now, but Neutral you should be. . ." Angel continued on as the fight progressed. Giles got into position to throw the potion on to Mariah. Willow, Xander and Oz were having a lot of trouble with the vampires, but they only had five left to kill since Faith and Buffy had helped them as best as they could.
Mariah suddenly turned to Giles, noting that he was just standing there. He showed fear as she launched herself at him, just as Angel finished the chanting. Giles quickly splashed Mariah with the mixture. She fell to the ground, screaming out in pain, as if the evil was being burned out of her.
Angel dropped the spell book as he ran to see if Mariah was all right. The last of the vampires disbursed, knowing that the gig was up. Buffy and the rest all dropped their weapons and went to Mariah's aid.
The Supreme Being sat on her hands and knees dealing with the pain as best she could. However she could hear none of their pleas, to see if she was all right. All she heard were the two voices in her head.
* * *
The voices spoke in restrained tones and knew that this judgment would be far different than any they had done in the past.
The woman spoke first, "Supreme Being, you have done much in the past mystic year and you have been judged on all of it. We, the voices of good and evil, find you guilty of doing far too many evil things. You know what your punishment is, which I believe is fair and just."
"You are punished with goodness for the rest of time. You can not be controlled for evil purposes, yet the evil which is within you, shall remain. But it will be pushed to the back of who you are, until it is needed to save you from any kind of danger. You shall never be judged again and all your powers will remain. I will miss you." The man said, as a strange feeling came over Mariah. She did not know what it was, but embraced it.
"As a further gift to you, you are given human emotions, so you can fit better into the humanity of the world. However, you still must feed off the power of living creatures to survive." The woman had great joy in her voice as if she had won a battle, fought long and hard over, an expansion of too many years.
Slowly Mariah faded back to reality, yet she resisted. She wanted to speak to the voices that had controlled her far too long, the voices she had come to know so well. She was free now, yet she wished to remain with the voices that had given her life, but that was not to be. She knew some how that the voices would never leave her, yet they would never be able to guide her. She had free will, the ability to do what ever she wished.
Mariah awoke from her dazed condition and looked at the worried faces that surrounded her. "I've been judged," was the first thing she said.
"Mariah, are you sure? I mean, I've always thought that it was some kind of big affair with explosions and earthquakes." Angel said as he attempted to help her up.
She shrugged him off. "The voices of good and evil within in me have judged me. They found me guilty of too many evil deeds. Which means, that I am good for the rest of eternity. No one can every control me for evil purposes again." As she attempted to get up, a single tear of joy fell to the ground from her eyes. The earth beneath her quaked and up from where the tear fell a small sprout began to grow at a tremendously fast rate. Buffy quickly pulled Mariah out of the way as a tree began to grow in the most barren part of Sunnydale. They all looked on with amazement and awe.
"Mariah, what just happened?" Giles said, completely baffled.
Mariah attempted to answer but she felt weak all over and it almost seemed as if she didn't even have the ability to speak. She looked to Angel for support and words. She knew now that they would have to depend on one another in order to survive.
Angel came to her rescue. "I think that Mariah's just a little too tired to answer that, but I think I can. There was a legend that said if the Supreme Being was ever judged and became good, she would then receive emotions and her tears could bring and restore life of any kind. A truly amazing gift and she's finally received it." Angel said as he lifted Mariah into his arms.
"Angel, is she going to be all right? She doesn't look too well." Willow said as she came over to the group after having a rather rough time with several vampires.
"She's just drained. She needs to get some rest and have some 'food' if you get my drift."
"Well, let's go home. It is Christmas Eve, after all." Xander said
Everyone picked up what they had brought and followed Angel as he carried Mariah. And they left the Barren, that wasn't so barren any more.
* * *
Angel had gone directly back to the mansion, wanting to get Mariah into a nice warm bed as quickly as he could. Everyone else had returned to their homes, eager to be with their families or lack there of. Willow had been right, when she had said Mariah didn't look well. All Angel knew was that he couldn't lose her now. He went into his room with her and laid her beneath the covers of his big bed with gentle care. Mariah stirred and turned to look at him. Her face was pale and weary.
Her words were weak, yet demanding. "Angel? Can you hear me?"
"Yes, I hear you, Mariah. Just rest, talk to me later." His voice held pain within it, because he knew that she needed her rest.
"I have to tell you something, quickly, it's important. I want to do something for Buffy and the gang to make up for all the pain I've cause them. I want to have a Christmas party for all of them, including Giles and Buffy's mom. Can you contact them all and invite them all here, for dinner tomorrow night at eight, please?" Her eyes urged him to reply. It was almost as if his answer would be a reason for rejoicing.
Angel looked down at her face and kissed her softly on the lips. "Yes, I'll do that for you. Just go to sleep." As if on command, Mariah turned over and promptly fell asleep. Angel stood up, hesitant to leave her, but slipped back into the dark night and went to do as she had pleaded him to do.
* * *
The group stood outside of the mansion where Angel and Mariah lived and hesitated. They knew Mariah had not meant any of what she had done, but there were still hard feelings. It was the same scenario they had gone through with Angel, but they were over that now. Buffy's mom, Joyce, knew only a little of what had happened and was eager to have a meal that she didn't have to clean up after.
Angel suddenly appeared on the steps of the mansion and spoke to them, "Mariah really wants to apologize for what she did to you all, but the only way she can do that is if you all come inside." Angel walked into the mansion, followed, slowly, by everyone else.
As they saw the room, they all gasped. They had all been there before, yet it had never looked like this before. The room was bright and beautifully decorated. There was a large tree, decorated with candles and bows, a very Victorian style. A huge oak table had been set up in the middle of the room. It had tons of food placed upon it.
Mariah entered the room, wearing a short red dress with a pair of small red heels. Her hair was elegantly place on to top of her head with tiny curls falling down around her face. She spoke softly, "Hello, everyone. I'm glad you could all make it. I really hope I made enough food. I've never made food for more than two people. But there is a variety of food to pick from." Suddenly, Mariah seemed to get dizzy and Angel quickly came to her side.
"She's not quite recovered yet. Why don't we all sit down and see what Mariah's prepared for us. I don't even know what there is." Angel said as he help Mariah to the head of the table to sit down. Everyone sat down.
Joyce spoke up, "I would like to be the first to thank Mariah for inviting us all to this little gathering. It was extremely considerate of her to do so." Joyce looked to her daughter as if to prompt her to speak.
"Mariah, I think I speak for everyone. There are no hard feelings and we hope that we can be friends in the future." Buffy said as she looked into Mariah's eyes. The sadness within lifted with Buffy's words and true joy appeared.
"I'm so happy. I've never really had any friends. It's nice. So let's see what I have to offer in the way of food. We have ham and turkey, as main dishes. The sides are numerous, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, yams and some I can't remember. There are also rolls and slices of bread. And the desserts I won't even get into, except that I made some plum pudding for you, Giles. The British have always enjoyed that."
"Thank you, that was very considerate of you to think of me." Giles said as he surveyed the food choices.
"Well, it seems like someone needs to be the first to eat something. Faith, why don't you pass me some of those yummy looking mashed potatoes." Xander said as he drooled. He was happy to have Mariah as a friend especially since she seemed to be able to cook. Eating was his favorite thing to do any way, besides making jokes, of course.
"I have one more thing to give you all. Just look outside." Mariah said as everyone turned to look out the big windows that surrounded the room and saw that snow was falling. Something that was strange to see in California. "I hope you like it."
No one said anything in response. But it was obvious that everyone was overjoyed about the snow. Hey, snow in California is a big deal. They all dug into the food and ate like one big happy family.
Buffy looked around her at her friends. < I'm so glad that I have all of these people in my life. I don't know what I would do without them. Now I even have another person to add to my rank of friends. A powerful ally is what Mariah is, plus a confidant and trustee. I'm glad that she's good and that I won't most likely have to fight her ever again. And now Angel has someone to be with him and keep him happy. Well, not too happy. > Buffy returned her thoughts back to all the good food in front of her and how happy she was that she was there.
"We won't you go out now and destroy them? You have your powers and you're evil. Why won't you listen to me? I'm your master." Mr. Trick was very upset. He had hoped that by the end of the evening, the Slayers would be destroyed and he could take over Sunnydale tomorrow. However, his mystical being wasn't obeying him.
Mariah looked at him with disbelief. < Why do I always get stuck with the short fuses? I didn't do anything to deserve him. > Mariah was tried of being yelled at by this, . . . , this, . . . , this vampire. "I'm not going out to destroy them, yet. First, I need to restore my powers to full strength, which I'm doing as we speak. Second, I'm going to find out what their fighting skills are, which will be accomplished tomorrow night. And finally, I will destroy them on Christmas Eve. One might say, it's my Christmas gift to them." Her voice sounded tired.
All Trick could do was stare at her. But he realized the logic behind what she was saying. 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' was the quote that came to him as he thought over her plan. < I've finally gotten someone who has brains, working with me. This is a new twist, a smart and evil creature. I'm beginning to like her. >
"I believe that I will follow your advice. Rest and restore your strength. Tomorrow, work on destroying the Slayers." With that, he turned and left the room.
Mariah was alone. She felt tired, far more tired than she had in a long time. < Why does my life always have to be so complicated? I didn't do anything to deserve this. I didn't even ask to be the Supreme Being. Maybe I should just leave town before I do something I'll regret. > That thought was quickly pushed from her mind.
< I really don't have any choice in the matter. He performed the spell, which makes him my master. I'll just destroy the Slayers and move on. He doesn't seem to understand that the spell is a one time deal. > Her mind spoke the truth.
Many had thought that after the destruction of Atlantis, the Supreme Being would go on to destroy the next civilization that got in her way. But she hadn't. This was because the spell only worked for one bout of destruction, well actually it said in the spell 'May only be used to perform one act, be it good or bad. No two acts my be performed.' This meant that only Mr. Trick first command, 'Destroy the Slayers,' was actually going to be performed by the Supreme Being.
Mariah laughed. "He has no idea what he's doing."
* * *
It was dawn. Angel had returned to the mansion and Faith had returned to her lodgings as well. Buffy and the rest returned to the library to review what ingredients had been acquired during the course of the night.
They had the witch's hair they had carefully removed from Willow's head, a pint of human blood they had gotten from the local hospital and the dust of a vampire from several unwilling vampires. Besides the things they had easy access to, they had gotten, the skin of a demon from what they had kept from The Judge and a dragon's tooth, which they got from a magic shop. They also ordered an angel's feather and pixie dust at the magic shop. The lady there had seemed happy to oblige them, even though she didn't like to do single orders. The stuff would arrive by this evening, since it was already morning. The piece of a unicorn's horn was a little harder to get a hold of. Giles had contacted a friend and he would arrive with it in Sunnydale by Christmas Eve.
They were all tired from staying up more than twenty four hours, but they knew they had to get everything before it was to late. Angel had explained to them that the mystic year was almost at a close, even though he didn't know exactly when. The spell had to be reversed before then or the judging wouldn't be fair.
"I'm so glad that none of the stuff was hard to find. Giles, I hope your friend is prompt." Buffy declared, breathlessly. She knew her mother would be worried, but it was more important to protect the world, than to make one's mother happy.
"Yes, Peter is very prompt. He's part of the Watcher research department. He knows how to get a hold of anything you need. He will be here." Giles spoke with great conviction. He knew they needed to be quick, he had explained this all to Peter.
"Well, I know that we could keep on talking for another day, but I'm tired. We're all tired. So let's go home and get some sleep." Xander urged. He wanted to help Mariah, but being tired when she needed help was not the highest thing on his list of things to do. He would go home and sleep for ten hours, then he would help Mariah. Hey, she was working with vampires, she'll strike at night.
Willow decided that it was her turn to be motivational. "Come on, Buffy. Let's get you home before your mother has a conniption or has a chance to call the police." Buffy and Willow gathered their stuff, but called back that they would met Xander and Giles at Angel's, right before sunset.
* * *
It was night and Mariah's spirits seemed to have been lifted. Her face no longer looked tired and she was light on her feet. Several vampires were in the room with her, they all seemed to be waiting for Trick to arrive on the seen for the plan of action. The vampires were all giving Mariah sinister looks, because of what she had done to the other vampires. But if Trick trusted her, then they knew they should as well.
Mr. Trick entered the room at a leisurely pace. He already felt triumph over his worst enemies, the Slayers. They had gotten on his nerves one too many times.
He looked around him. "Tonight, the first of two steps to destroy the Slayers will be put into action. You will follow the instructions of the Supreme Being and no one else. If you turn on her, she will destroy you. Is that understood?" Everyone nodded at him. He looked to Mariah. "Well, precede as you think fit."
Mariah looked at the ten vampires, her minions who were in the room with her. < They're a sorry lot. At least, that's my personal thought. Well, I have to work with what I've got. They are the best he has. > Her face had remained blank while those thoughts passed through her head. "Well, vampires and vampiresses, follow me." With that, she turned and left the room, all ten of the vampires in tow.
Mr. Trick was alone. < Everything is going according to plan. I just need to make sure that I keep her calm and resigned, when she's around me at the very least. >
* * *
Angel sat on his couch along with Giles. They were discussing the best way to go about the spell. They were still at the mansion, because Faith had not yet arrived. They were worried that she wasn't going to come. Buffy had contacted her and told her where they were going to meet. She hadn't sounded happy. She still felt a little bitter about being in league with a vampire, even though he was good. Suddenly, Faith walked in the door. Everyone looked to her, but she only looked to see where Angel was.
Angel stood and said, "Since we're all here, let's settle how we're going to deal with things tonight." He was glad that everything was almost together to save Mariah. He still felt what he had for her all the years ago. He didn't know if he should call it love or not, but if he lost her again, he wasn't quite sure what he'd do.
"I believe that it would be best if we split up. I think that Willow and Xander should come with me to procure the two ingredients at the magic shop, while Faith, Buffy and you, Angel, look out for Mariah. She is most certainly going to be on the prowl tonight." Giles was happy with his plan. The people with the strength to fight Mariah were going to do just that, while the normal people did the foot work.
Everyone nodded in agreement. The two Slayers and Angel left while the rest stayed in the mansion. It seemed that Willow and Xander had something to add.
Willow spoke first. "Giles, do you really think that they can handle the power of the Supreme Being? I know they can handle most things, but she is all powerful and did destroy a whole island." Her voice was unsteady and nervous.
"Willow has the right idea. They stand no chance against Mariah. She may have been our friend, but that Mariah is gone as far as we know for the moment." Xander spoke, hopelessly.
"We must rely on the Slayers. They have taken on strong creatures and won, when we didn't think they could. They do have a chance. And as far as I know, the Supreme Being's strength won't be at full force until tomorrow evening, which gives us time. I hope."
* * *
Mariah walked the dark streets, her duster flying in the wind like a cape and her faithful following was right behind her. They had encountered several groups of people, a few actually from the school. At first, when they saw Mariah, they approached the group, but when they saw who she was with they ran in fear. They were nearing the graveyard. < They always seem to come here and few others are brave enough, so this is the place to meet them. >
They continued to walk without stop. Ahead of them stood a police officer. He stared at the group. He could tell trouble when he saw it. He sauntered toward Mariah. "Miss, I think you and this interesting group of people need to disperse."
When Mariah failed to recognize him, he put a hand on her shoulder in an effort to stop her. Mariah brought her hands to his neck and snapped it. She pushed the limp body into the bushes and proceeded on. The esteem for her was raising in the vampires that followed her.
They would soon be at the graveyard and then the fun would begin, Mariah knew. < I regret what I must do to the Slayers. It truly is sad, they will never reach adulthood. I, however, don't know what I'm going to do about Angel. I have a fun feeling come over me any time I think about him. It must be something I felt for him when I was normal. Oh, well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. > Many similar thoughts passed through her mind as she reached the graveyard and hopefully her future freedom.
* * *
Angel, Faith and Buffy walked along in silence to the graveyard. The didn't talk for several reasons. First, they wanted to be aware of what was going on around them. Secondly, they didn't have anything to talk about. And finally, they still had things to settle between them. However, they were all willing to do anything that would help Mariah become normal again. Each however, had their own reason.
Buffy was thinking about how well they got along. < It's like I finally have someone to talk to about my problems who isn't involved directly with what I do. Talking to Faith is like talking to myself, we both have our problems and we're both Slayers. Giles is my watcher and he's suppose to tell me what to do, not listen to my problems. Willow and Xander have been involved too long to have a clear perception of what is going on in the world. Cordelia, well, she's Cordelia. And Angel, well, I won't even go there in my thoughts. > Buffy continued to think about what was going on in her life and how Mariah was an important new part in it.
Faith was thinking about Mariah, but in a completely different way than Buffy. < Mariah is one of those people who just doesn't fit in and she does have a rather different way of dealing with things. Just like me, I suppose. She's someone who will understand me for me and won't judge. I like that about her. >
Angel's thoughts were on a total different track. < She's come back to me and now there's a chance I could lose her. What would I do then? I've lost her before and now I'm going to lose her again. I'm first involved with a psychopathic vampire, then an all-powerful being, then a vampire slayer. I have really bad taste in women. >
They were almost to the graveyard. Each felt anticipation throughout their entire body. Would they have a chance against a creature who had existed since the being of man. A creature that could destroy them with a glance. They all decided not to think about that part of what they were doing.
They wandered through the trees on the edge of the graveyard. "She most likely will be here. Remember, we're not suppose to hurt her, just slow her down if we can." Buffy whispered, as they walked into the clearing in the cemetery.
There she stood. Mariah seemed to be by herself. She looked normal, but they knew otherwise. Her eyes were dark and held no warmth for the people she had once called friend. Buffy could sense that vampires were near by, but decided to deal with them as soon as they showed themselves or Mariah called them out.
"Well, it took you long enough. How long does a girl have to wait to kick some goody-two-shoe butt. I mean come on, do you really expect to beat me. I existed before your oldest ancestor even did." Mariah paced in front of them, her words sinking in.
They all hesitated. Then Angel spoke, "Mariah, we know that it isn't really you speaking to us. It's the dark side of yourself. We will fight you if we must, but we won't give up." He wanted to reason with her, but he knew he would do what he had to do to save the world and her.
All Mariah did was shout, "NOW!" Out of the bushes and from behind graves, the vampires sprung. They knew what they were to do. Mariah had taught them well, in the few minutes they had before the Slayers had arrived, how to attack their victims.
Mariah stood there as each of the Slayers and Angel fought off their attackers. She made no move to stop or help them. All she did was watch. She wanted to know what would be the best way to take out the Slayers. Simply blink them out of existence or do it the hard way. < The hard way. It's always more fun and I like it. >
Buffy had broke lose of the two vampires that were left to take her on. She came towards Mariah and punched her across the jaw. All Mariah's head did was turn to one side. In response, Mariah back handed Buffy, sending her flying through the air until she was stopped by a tombstone. It broke in half as Buffy hit it because of the force she had been struck with.
Faith came at her next, but before she even had a chance to do anything to Mariah, she was frozen in place. Mariah had used some of her powers to freeze Faith's feet to the ground. She wouldn't be going anywhere for quite some time.
Next, Angel came to her. He had no hostility in the way he acted and all she did was lift him up by the neck. Just as she was about to drain him of his soul and life energy, Mariah looked into his eyes. She saw something there in them that she didn't understand. He had no fear of her, which she found impossible. Everyone feared her. Her only reaction was that she dropped Angel to the ground and called the remaining vampires to her. And with that, they ran into the night.
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