Chapter 5: Prophecy over Pasta
KITCHEN – LATER THAT EVENING – 7:10 PM
ANDREW’S POV
Now that Faith is finally feeling better, the IV is removed and she has reacquainted himself with solid food, I decide it’s time for her favorite meal: Seafood Fra Diavolo over capellini... yeah, ok, so it’s one of my favorites too.
After Buffy came back from the PtB, I went to the fish store, Sophia came too; Buffy insisted and Sophia readily agreed. Although I think it was completely unnecessary, it’s kinda nice having a body guard. Come on, really, who would be after me? I’m just the man behind the curtain, not a real player like the ladies of the house. It’s funny, sometimes I feel like a “kept” man, surrounded by a house full of bright and powerful women. I guess there are worse things in life, huh?
So now, Dawn is de-veining the shrimp, Sophia is de-bearding the mussels and I’m cleaning the scallops. And you know, it’s nice to have people you can cook with. Many don’t understand cooking is a mixture of art, precision and compromise: it’s the epitome of multitasking. And when you can share a kitchen with more than one other cook, what ensues is nothing less than a well choreographed dance. It may sound silly, but when you’re cooking for 9, it makes all the difference in the world. Cooking has another plus, at least for me: it’s relaxing. And it allows me to do something normal smack in the middle of the bizarre life we lead, nurturing even. You see, it’s my responsibility to feed this family, and I take that very seriously.
Will and Dawn poured over Martin’s notebooks while Sophia and I are shopped for dinner. Dawn hasn’t really said much since I took her away from the books and put her to work in the kitchen. None of us has, it’s actually been kinda weird since Buffy got back. Will stayed in her office to cross reference Martin’s notes against the Prophecy and has been there ever since. Buffy’s still upstairs with Faith, Emma and Nicky – big pow-wow going on there. And I don’t know where the hell Kennedy is, she didn’t come in with Buffy and Emma. Should we be getting worried?
About 10 minutes later, Ken comes into the Kitchen. “Hey,” she slides into a chair at the table. “Can I do anything to help?”
“And where’ve you been?” Ok, I was trying for funny, but it comes out an incy-wincy accusatory.
She raises her eyebrows and tilts her head at me, “You’re fucking kidding me right?”
“You’ve been gone for hours, I was worried,” I try to defend my concern.
Ken stands up and glares, an anger in her eyes I’ve never seen before, “And when did I start answering to you?”
She lunges at me but she gets intercepted by Sophia. “Cool it Ken,” Sophia leans Kennedy against the back door. She pushes off and tries to get past Sophia, but the taller woman grabs Ken by the shoulders, “Come on Ken, knock it off.”
“Kennedy, what are you doing? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Dawn yells out.
Dawn’s words seem to get through to her. Shaking her head, she seems to snap out of it, “Shit, I’m good, I’m good,” she holds her hands up in a placating manner until Sophia releases her. “Look, I’m sorry Andrew; I didn’t mean to be such a jackass. I just...”
I let out a shuttering breath. Holy shit, I seriously thought she was going to kick my ass.
“I just took a drive, then had a couple of beers at Willy’s.”
Looking back and forth from Ken to Sophia, I sigh, “I was just concerned.”
“I know; I’m really sorry, Andrew. I don’t know what came over me” Ken nods staring at the ground.
Sophia put her arm around Ken’s shoulders, “Why don’t you go see if Willow is at a stopping point? Then you guys can get the others to come downstairs.”
So I’m thinking to myself, yeah that’s a pretty good idea and yeah, as soon as she leaves I’m having a really big glass of wine.
She finally looks up at me and I can see the regret in her eyes.
“Go, your penance is dishwashing duty tonight... lots of sticky red sauce, so there.” I try to lighten things up because even though I thought I was gonna pee my pants for a second, I know in my heart Kennedy would never hurt me. I think.
She gives me a thankful smile but still hangs her head as she leaves the room.
“Dawn can you - ”
My lovely wife cuts me off before I can even complete my request, “One big glass of wine coming up honey.” She says with a smile.
Sophia is still watching the door swing to a halt, “Can you make it two, Dawn?”
She opens a bottle and pours three glasses bringing them over to us. “I figured I’d join you guys.” We look at each other, realizing exactly what could have happened here, then touch glasses, “Here’s to keeping it together.”
It’s funny, in a bizarre not-laughing-cause-I’m-trying-not-to-freak-out way. ‘Keeping it together’ is like Ken’s middle name. None of them have a shot if even she’s wigging out. Dawn and I talk about it all the time. How the Slayers are pushed to the limits of their self-control. We’re in an odd place, my wife and I. We are a part of this crazy life, but there’s nothing supernatural about us. The whole “Key” thing Dawn had going on years ago doesn’t count, she’s human now and has been since she was 14. As Faith so aptly put it years ago, we are Mr. and Mrs. Q, the thinkers, the watchers, the researchers, the outsiders really.
It’s times like this that Dawn and I realize how much we will never understand what they really go through everyday. I look over at Sophia and see she’s still pretty freaked. She’s one of the most “normal” Slayers too. I really can’t imagine what it must be like for them, to know they were created to be an army in a war that can never be won.
WILLOW’S OFFICE
WILLOW’S POV
“I am such a fucking asshole,” Kennedy says as she throws herself onto my couch. Man, she looks pissed.
“What are you talking about?” I have a feeling this isn’t going to be good.
Leaning forward with her head in her hands, “After I brought Buff and Emma back, I went for a drive then stopped by Willy’s. I had a couple of beers with him and Clem.” She looks up at me, “Then I came home and almost jumped Andrew. Fuck, Will, I don’t know what happened, it’s like I just snapped.”
“Whoa, you jumped Andrew?” Is he ok?” Ok, now I’m scared.
She sighs, “I didn’t really jump him, but I almost did.” Her head is back in her hands, “Sophia stopped me, thank the Gods.”
“Kennedy?!?”
“I know, I know… fuck.”
Trying to calm down, I sit next to her and ask, “Ok, what exactly happened?”
“Nothing, that’s the messed up part. He just asked me where I was and I flipped out for no reason. I feel like such a freak.”
I shake my head. I can’t believe she lost it like that; she never has in all these years. “Is he angry with you?”
“More scared I think. He told me my punishment was to do the dishes tonight,” she snorts, “He always makes the best jokes when he’s scared.”
I reach my hand up to rub her back, “Look Ken, you have to chill out. You’ve been wound like a top for a while and I haven’t said anything but you can’t go on like this.” I turn her to face me, “You need to sleep, babe, I know you haven’t been.”
“I know,” she sighs, leaning back into the couch, pulling me with her. Her arms encircle my waist as I rest my head against her shoulder. “I really don’t know how Buffy and Faith do it, Will. You are the only thing in my life that keeps me sane; that grounds me. Jesus, you’re here and I still almost lost it.” She blows out a deep breath. “How they keep it together is beyond me, because if I was away from you for years at a time I’d be a basket case… or more likely, dead.
Reaching my head up to her face, I lightly kiss my Slayer’s lips, “It takes a toll on them Ken, more than you know.”
She nods and rests her forehead to mine, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Leaning back, she pulls me closer and I snuggle into her. My head is resting on her chest and I feel her breath catch. I’m incredulous when I realize this woman, who’s been training since she was 8; who helped me deal with Tara’s death; who was my constant source of support and understanding in my quest to overcome the draw and power of black magic; who nursed me back to health after I nearly died on Mount Ebih; who christened herself the protector of everyone under this roof; my personal tower of strength for the past 18 years was crying. She’s never cried in front of me before.
“I’m so sorry Will… it just… I just… lost it. I can’t believe I lost it.”
Holding her tighter, “It’s ok, I’m here.”
She swipes at her tears, “Fuck, I’m such a wimp. Faith has had to deal with so much more and here I am a babbling idiot.”
“You are not a wimp, Kennedy,” I bring her face to mine, “and you’re certainly not a babbling idiot.” I brush my lips over hers, “You’re just tired, babe; we all are.”
SECOND FLOOR LANDING
EMMA’S POV
Faith is between Buffy and I, a hand on each of our shoulders, slowly walking downstairs; Nicky is following behind us. She doesn’t seem to be in as much pain as discomfort from not using her legs in so long. Too ornery to have us carry her; she walks down herself and only allows us to steady her by holding on to our shoulders.
By the time we get to the first floor she’s exceptionally proud of herself. “See? That was cake.” She stops then breathes in deeply, “Man, do you smell that?” Moving closer to Buffy, she slips her arm around her waist, “Babe, if Andrew is making me pasta I just might have to declare my undying love for that man. You’re alright with that, right?”
Buffy just laughs and shakes her head, “Who ever said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach obviously never met you.”
Faith breaks out with a huge dimple ridden smile, then gives Buffy a squeeze and a kiss on the forehead. God, I can’t describe how good it is to see them happy. Looking over at Nicky, I see she’s grinning up at them too. We follow our noses to the kitchen and find Andrew, Dawn and Sophia sitting at the table drinking wine.
“You guys starting without us?” I ask as I hold the door open for Faith.
No one says anything at first then I look closer at Sophia. She gives me then Faith an odd look, almost imploring, then I get it. She wants us to read her so I open myself to her and the whole scene with Kennedy slams into me. “Holy shit!”
“Emma!” Buffy chastens tilting her head at Nicky.
“Ah, oh, sorry... Hey, let me set the table. Why don’t you guys pick out some wine for dinner?” I need to get them out of here so I can talk to Andrew.
Faith gives me a knowing glance then nods. Nicky is always cloaked so she didn’t feel Sophia’s memory – thank the Gods. The three of them go off to the dining room and I turn to the others.
I walk over to Andrew and put my hand on his shoulder, “You ok?”
“Yeah,” he looks up, confused, then figures out Sophia just clued me in, “nothing really happened and she didn’t mean it. It just kinda freaked me out.”
“Where is she?” I ask.
Dawn finishes her wine, “With Willow.” She pats Andrew’s hand then stands, “Look, babe, finish making dinner. I’m going to go make sure she knows you’re not angry with her.”
Andrew nods then gets up and starts to put the mussels in the sauce, then the scallops, then the shrimp.
Sophia and I start stacking plates and silverware. “How’d it go with the PtB?” She asks, trying to get all our minds off it.
It stops me in my tracks and she notices. I actually forgot all about the amazing events of this afternoon and the ensuing two hour “family meeting” for a minute. “It was…” both Andrew and Sophia turn to me at my hesitation, “Buffy said we’ll talk about it at dinner.” I head over to the door to the dining room.
Hearing Sophia take a huge breath, “Em, is it bad?”
I look at her and smile, “Actually, no, but let Buffy tell you all the details.”
Dinner is pretty quiet. Not because of weirdness due to the whole Kennedy thing, but because Andrew’s Fra Diavolo is outstanding, just the right amount of heat. We all want to concentrate on the eating. Faith hasn’t spoken a word outside of asking for seconds, then thirds.
Buffy takes a look around then begins, “I know you guys are wondering what happened this afternoon with the PtB. A lot of it has to do with the Prophecy, but basically they are releasing Faith from her duties as Champion.” That statement stops everyone in mid chew. “They also have recanted their acceptance of Emma’s offer to take Faith’s place.”
Sophia turns to me surprised then smiles. I can see the relief wash over her face. It never occurred to me that she was so worried. I tilt my head questioningly at her but she just shakes hers then looks back at Buffy.
“They have chosen a new Champion to help them and have asked us to focus on the Prophecy because if we don’t find a way to stop it, we’ll all die. And not just here, it concerns this world as well as many others. The inter-dimensional repercussions will basically have a mirror effect. If this world, this reality is destroyed, then the alternate universes that complement this one will also cease to exist.” Buffy pauses then, “Will?”
Willow nods, “Yeah, so, after 8 years of pouring over everything, Buffy tells me two things this afternoon and it all falls into place… funny huh? Well, maybe not really funny in a ‘ha ha’ way.”
She stops and clears her throat. “Anyway, ah, 2 things, right: the Mok’tagar demon told Faith it was ‘Carved in Stone’ and the PtB said ‘Nibiru will be back soon’.” Taking in the blank stares, she takes a deep breath and continues, “Ok, the Reader’s Digest version is: there is a Sumerian Prophecy that is ‘carved in stone’ tablets actually, that there once was another planet in our solar system, ‘Nibiru’. The Prophecy says it has an elliptical orbit and moves clockwise not counterclockwise. This planet is said to pass through our solar system once every 3600 years, when it returns the Earth will be destroyed.” She stops, “Questions so far?”
Andrew takes a gulp of wine, “How soon is ‘soon’?”
“Three, four years tops,” Buffy answers.
“Well at least we have some time,” he refills his glass. I can see his mind trying to work out how to attack this problem.
Willow continues, “It kinda gets sketchy here but there’s a whole other part where it’s written that Nibiru is heaven and all the Gods live there. So when it comes here the Gods will pass some kind of ‘judgment’, condemn mankind, then wipe us out. Standard apocalypsy stuff, nice, right?”
Sophia leans back in her chair, “How the hell can we stop something like that? I mean a planet coming into our solar system? For Christ sake, that would cause earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions. We fight the forces of evil not cosmic events.”
“The key has to be the Gods right?” I ask to no one in particular.
Will nods, “Exactly. That’s what Martin was trying to figure out. I went through his notes and - ”
At the mention of her Dad’s name, Nicky looked up in a daze. “What is carved in stone is not only the legend of the 12 planets, but how the last sole Chosen will lead the Three to Nibiru’s plains.”
“Nicky?” Buffy asks gently as she gets up then crouches down next to her.
I see the panic in Nicky’s eyes as they dart from me to Faith then finally to Buffy, “I… I don’t know how I know that.” She’s scared, “A tall, skinny rock, it had writing on it.” She closes her eyes, “It’s in a desert, and there’s nothing else there.”
Buffy puts her arm around her, “It’s ok, just try and tell us what you remember seeing. Can you tell us anything else, anything at all?”
“It’s really tall, like as tall as the house, and skinny and when the sun shines on it, it points to the gathering place.”
Willow is nodding furiously, “A monolith in the desert.”
Buffy narrows her eyes at Willow shooting her a look to be quiet. “Go ahead, Nicky, is there anything else you can remember seeing?”
Nicky closes her eyes for a moment then opens them, “There’s writing all over it but it’s not words, it’s like pictures, or kinda like weird looking pictures… and Buffy?”
Buffy rubs her shoulder, “Yeah sweetie?”
“I don’t know what it says but it’s about us, I mean the four of us.” Nicky launches herself into Buffy’s arms and begins to cry uncontrollably. Buffy’s at a loss. Nicky’s been standoffish to her since the day she got here. Now it looks like this room full of Slayers wouldn’t be able to get her arms from around Buffy’s neck.
“Shhh baby, it’s gonna be ok.” Buffy stokes her head as she rises with Nicky still in her arms. She lifts the youngest Slayer up a bit so the girl can wrap her legs around Buffy’s waist. Yeah, the kid is a little old to be carried, but major meltdown from visions you’re too young to understand is the stuff exceptions to almost every rule are made of. “We’re going to go upstairs guys; it’s been a really long day.” Faith starts to get up but Buffy puts a hand on her shoulder, “Stay, you need to catch up, we’ll be fine.” Before she leaves, she turns to Andrew, “Dinner was amazing, thanks bro. Goodnight everybody.”
We all just sit there for a minute; letting everything sink in. Faith finally breaks the silence, “Ok, can we not talk about the Prophecy anymore tonight?” She leans forward and wearily rubs her forehead.
“Yeah, good idea,” I readily agree with her.
Ken stands up, “Why don’t you guys go relax and let me clean this up?”
“Let me help you,” Willow stands locking her gaze on Kennedy, then joins her in clearing the table; the double entendre was lost on no one.
LIVING ROOM – 12:37 AM
FAITH’S POV
Ken and Red went up to bed about an hour ago, then Andrew and Dawn not long after. The four of them looked totally wiped. Probably aren’t over their jet lag yet. Well, that and the whole Ken almost attacking Andrew thing probably added to it. Man, it’s been a long fucking day.
I look across from me and watch Sophia and Emma; wondering if this weariness has reached them too. They’re on the couch opposite me, both sitting back, feet up on the coffee table, drinking a last glass of wine. They seem ok, but Sophia’s been doing this just as long as Ken. And Emma, well, she had her own hell to deal with before the craziness of our lives became a daily thing. “Hey,” they both look up at me, “How are you two doing? I mean really doing?”
“Almost scared to say ok?” Emma ventures.
Sophia laughs, “Me too. Kinda don’t want to jinx it you know?”
Nodding I continue, “Have you talked to Vi and Rona?”
“I actually talked to Rona right after you woke up. She’s doing well, still having a blast running her night club in London. You and Buffy should go out there sometime, it’s a really great club; she does an incredible job with it, the place is always packed. She said she was going to give you a call once things calm down.”
I can’t help but laugh, “And when is that going to be?”
“Touché.” She bows her head in mock defeat.
“I think those of us who have something besides the Slaying, besides the training facilities, are faring better.” Emma says almost to herself. When she realizes she has our attention she continues, “Think about it: Buffy, Kristen, Rona, Sophia, me; we all have an outlet, a way to lose ourselves in something other than being a Slayer. Even with Buffy and Kristen, yeah they’re doing Slayer stuff, but on a whole other level.”
Mulling it over, I counter, “Then why are the sleepers begging out?”
Emma tilts her head; I can almost see her trying to find an answer. But it’s Sophia who speaks up, “I think it’s harder to straddle the line. Never knowing when you’re going to be needed,” she stakes a deep breath then sighs, “never knowing when you’ve put your family in danger. It’s best to either stay active and have an outlet that keeps you sane, or just get out altogether.”
She swirls her wine then takes a sip. Em rests her hand on hers and gives it a little squeeze. Sophia gives her a weak smile. Yeah, she’s sane, but damn, not exactly happy.
“Vi just came back from taking a couple of months off from Slayer Central - Europe. Sophia perks up as she continues to recap her fellow alumni. “Her and her husband make it a point to get away every year, no exceptions. That’s her way of keeping it together. Can you believe Mrs. Pinnington of all people actually fills in for her when she’s away? Switzerland obviously chilled her out a lot.”
Nodding, I ask, “What about the rest of them?” There is a ‘Slayer Central’ training and research facility on each of the continents: Ken runs North America; Vi runs Europe; Chao-Ahn - Asia; Caridad – Africa; Kit – Australia; and Graciana - South America. All of them are from the first round of potentials that fought the First in Sunnydale. They’re a tight-knit group and probably the most well-adjusted. Not like the ones who were called as children or at birth. Red was right, the spell messed up a lot of these girls, which is why I worry about Emma and Nicky. I can’t imagine being called so young.
Sophia glances back up at me, “Chao-Ahn and Graciana are solid. They’re lucky enough to have their families with them for support when they need it. Caridad and Kit’s families didn’t make it past the Bringers so they struggle a bit. But they have friends and Kristen’s been helping them through it; she’s been helping a lot actually.”
“Looks like I have a lot to catch up on, now that I’m apparently staying put for a while.” I muse. I catch the grin growing on Emma’s face and return one of my own. “Looks like we both dodged a bullet, huh?”
She laughs, “Uh-huh. I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to finish med school.”
“Med school?” I shake my head, “I would have thought you would be worried about hell dimensions, scary beasties, but med school? You’re such a geek.”
Emma laughs again, “Oh my God that’s exactly what Kennedy said this afternoon.”
“That’s why she’s my buddy,” I retort as I notice Sophia has found her happy place too.
Emma looks at both of us, “Hey Soph, I wouldn’t laugh, Ken included you in the ‘surrounded by geeks’ comment.”
Sophia nods, “Yup and damn proud of it. If it wasn’t for me being a geek, a lot of people would be worse for the wear, so I’m cool with it.”
“Good,” I slowly stand, “Ok, guys it’s late and I’m beat. We’ll continue this tomorrow I’m sure. Goodnight.” I go into the kitchen to drop off my wine glass and pick up a pint of water. When I come back out I hear them talking:
Emma: “You sure you’re ok about Norberto? You sounded a little wistful before.”
Sophia: “Yeah, I really am. Em, this is going to sound crazy...”
Emma: “Somehow, I doubt it.”
Sophia: “It’s like I feel I should feel bad, but I don’t. Jesus, Emma, we were together for 18 years and I just walked away. And I’m, ok with it,” she sighs, “Does that make me a heartless, horrible person?”
Emma: “No, I think it means he wasn’t the one for you. Don’t worry, if he’s out there, you’ll find him. You’ll see, and when you do, the Slayer stuff won’t get in the way.”
Sophia: “Yeah, with my luck, the guy for me has already been drained by a vampire.”
Emma: “That was so not funny.” She chastens, then, “Ok, maybe it was a little funny.”
I hear them cracking up as I walk up the stairs. The resident geeks having a laugh... it feels good to hear after so long. Slowly, I open the door to see Buffy and Nicky fast asleep, on their sides, facing the window. If only I had a camera... I change quietly then slip into bed, trying my best not to wake them. I slide an arm under Buffy’s pillow then pull her snug up against me, “I love you,” I whisper, kissing her ear. I’m rewarded with a contented sigh. Yeah, I thank the gods every day I found the one for me.
