Chapter 3 -6
Continuing anyway!
Chapter 3
“Dad?”
Mr. Giles stopped. Waiting for his son to continue he tried to organize his thought. How would he tell them? How much could he tell them? Would they believe him? So lost in his thoughts he did not realize all of them were staring at him expectantly. Startled from his thoughts by the laughter, he struggled to gather himself.
“Yes Rupert. Demons are real. Magic is real. Your mother and I thought it best to keep the other side a secret until. . .”
“Until when Mr. Giles? Until one of us discovered the truth the hard way? Why would you keep all of us in the dark? Although I can ask Xan the same question,” Ethan said turning to his friend.
Xan’s head and shoulders drooped. He shuffled his feet and mumbled, “Not my secret alone to tell.” He stood up straighter and looked at everyone. “I promised not to say anything. It is not like my family advertises it. Mom tries to forget completely and Dad just lets her. Dad is a peaceful demon. He does not stir up anything and can pass as completely human.”
“What kind of demon is he?” Rip asked curiously.
“Wait a minute! You mean that there is more than one kind?” squeaked Willow.
“Willow, of course there has to be more than one kind. Look at how many different types of people there are,” Will smirked.
“Dad is-I mean-we are called Vraitix. We get enhanced hearing, smell, touch, and sight although we have diminished sense of smell. Our skin is tougher than a humans and our bones are softer. We heal a bit faster but are prone to scarring. I can show you the book Dad brought me the last time he went out. I am not exactly sure where he got it from but it has all kinds of information in it.” Xan stopped talking as everyone looked at him in astonishment. “What?”
“I think that is the first time I have ever heard you say anything good about your family,” Will remarked.
Xan shuffled his feet, looking abashed. “Dad is not bad but Mom has him beaten into submission. Only when she is not around Dad is really cool.”
“Xan, do you- Oh, do you change colour or have . .” Willow stammered embarrassed to be the one asking.
Xan laughed and showed his colours. His frame shrank in bulk while he stood taller. His skin took on a pale purple tinge while his eyes shaded to a whirlpool of blue hues. Xan’s hair flowed down his back like a mane in royal purple. Everyone gaped and reached out to touch. His skin was rough feeling like a cat’s tongue yet his hair was as soft as silk.
His voice roughened to a growl, “Well? Am I still your friend.”
Will, Ethan, Rip and Willow grabbed their friend close and said as one, “Always.”
Xan softly replied, “Thanks.” He reformed into his human façade as Mr. Giles cleared his throat.
“If everyone would like to take a seat, I will begin to explain the secrecy,” began Mr. Giles. He waited for everyone to sit then chose the chair that faced them all. Most demons are harmless or at least will not cause harm unless provoked to it. There are, however, exceptions to everything. There are some very aggressive and dangerous demons. The point of keeping them secret is to protect the ones that would never cause harm. There are organizations that specifically monitor and report on demon activity. I belong to one of them called ‘The Watcher’s Council’ and it is designed to gather any and all information about demon activity on the Hellmouth which is a portal for dark energies.” Giles paused and waited for the questions he knew would come.
Stunned the teenagers looked at each other. They did not know what to say or even where to begin. Will cautiously raised his hand.
“You do not have to do that William,” Mr. Giles laughed.
“Mr. Giles,” William began, “what is your job exactly?”
“You may call me Giles. It will be easier that way. My job specifically is to find and train young men and women to see beyond the obvious so that they can report on everything. I teach magic and memory enhancement. Yes, Rupert that is why I have such a good memory.”
“Are you training anyone currently?” Willow asked. “I would like to learn if you think that I can be taught. I would like to be able to use magic.” She fairly bounced with excitement.
Giles looked at her sternly. “Magic is not a toy, Willow. It takes responsibility to use it properly and with good intentions. Only those that can use magic responsibly are able to use it to its full potential. I will allow you to read about it and if and only if you fully understand the cause and effect will I teach you magic. That goes for the rest of you as well. If you are willing to learn and practice properly I am willing to teach you.”
The teenagers looked at each other then turned as one to Giles. “Yes sir.”
“Dad, earilier you said we moved to preserve the secret. What did you mean?”
Sigh. “I did not think that I would have to be the one to tell you this. I had hoped your mother would be by my side to explain everything.” Giles looked very sad and very old. He straightened and began.
Chapter 4
“I met your mother through the watchers. I was on assignment in China near another Hellmouth. Lydia was the watcher there. She was the youngest of us and asked for assistance in teaching the younglings magic. When I arrived, the mouth was on the verge of opening due to a demon. Between the two of us we were able to interrupt the ritual and stop the opening. However in the process her ward, the current Slayer, was killed.
“A Slayer is a chosen one who gets enhanced strength and healing in order to fight the evils of the other side. There is only one active at a time. When one dies another is called. The Watcher’s Council have researchers checking into family geniologies in order to track the calling. Most potentials stay just that however some become active Slayers. Every potential is watched until they are either too old to be called or are called. The called Slayer is then taken from everything he or she knows and is trained to fight and taught as much as possible about magic and demons. They are usually called around age 13 and, unfortunately die around age 16. The oldest in recorded history was 19 when she was killed. The youngest was 10 and he only lasted until age 12. The Watchers are constantly trying to preserve the Slayer’s life and enhance his or her abilities.” Giles paused weary of talking about children as fighters against evil. So many children, so many lives wasted.
Glancing at the rapt faces, Giles continued, “Lydia was devastated. She decided that she did not want to have another Slayer. She decided that it was time for her to teach instead of train. We were paired together because of our compatibility in magic and research. We were married a year later. We stayed in China for a few more years training anyone who asked. When Lydia became pregnant we returned to London to take jobs in the headquarters. Everything was going great. I should have known that something was wrong. Lydia became withdrawn and pale. She would not talk to me and she neglected you. Oh Rupert you were her world and she left you behind. I am sorry my son. So sorry.” Giles hung his head in remembered pain and shame.
Rip approached his father cautiously. He has never seen his father so lost and broken. The others looked on uncomfortably; not knowing if they should stay or go.
“You are a potential Rupert and it broke her heart. She could not bear the thought of you being called and then dying. She closed herself off from everything and everyone. I tried everything I could to pull her back to us but she kept withdrawing. Finally the death of the current Slayer pushed her completely beyond recovery. Even when you were not called, being only 6 at the time, did not force her out of her shell, I had to take drastic measures. I am so sorry Rupert; so very sorry. I could not stand to see her like that so I asked the telepaths at the headquarters to adjust her memories. Lydia does not remember us nor her life as a watcher. I had them remove everything. She now lives in Drochester with her friend and owns a bookshop. I did not know what else to do. I am ashamed of what I have done but if I had to do it over again I do not think that I would change anything.”
Giles waited for his son’s sensor and condemnation. When Rupert did not pull away, Giles looked at him.
Rip was stunned. He did not know how to react. He stared at Giles waiting for the hate and anger but none came. All he felt was remorse for not knowing his mother and pity for his father. He remembers the way his mother was around him and how his father tried to make up for her lack of emotion. Rip hugged his father tightly and murmered, “I forgive you Father. I understand and forgive you.”
The others exchanged poignant glances and left the room. They headed towards the kitchen intent on letting father and son time to recover. Will and Xan walked side by side shoulders brushing. Will wanted to reassure his friend that nothing changed between them. Xan, greatful for Will’s acceptance, leaned against him. Willow and Ethan were talking quietly about magic and the implications of being taught. Ethan was cautious while Willow was bouncing inexcitement.
When they reached the kitchen they spread out to gather snacks and drinks to bring back to the recreation room to hear the rest of Giles’ explanation. Xan headed straight for the junkfood while Will headed towards the fridge to get the drinks. Willow grabbed plated and cups. Ethan picked up fruit from the bowl and started peeling the oranges and bananas. Handing Ethan a platter for the fruit, Willow glared at Xan who was eating.
“Xan you should have some fruit instead of those,” she started.
“Wills, I love you but please do not mother hen me right now. I just partially came out to you and I need some comfort food,” Xan explained.
Willow frowned but stopped herself from further comment. Will and Ethan snickered softly at the exchange.
Will then caught what Xan had said. “Partially? What do you mean, Xan?”
Xan ducked his head shyly. “I am gay.”
Will, Ethan and Willow smiled and said, “About time you admitted that.” They laughed at the stunned look on their friend’s face.
Will pulled Xan into a hug and gently kissed him. “I have been waiting for you to admit that for the last year. I was beginning to think that you never would. I love you Xan.”
“Me? Why? How? When? Wh-“ Xan babble was cut off as Will kissed him again.
“Yes you. Because you are everything to me. I am gay too. Since your birthday party when you kissed me during Spin the Bottle. Does that answer all of your questions?” Will asked calmly.
“Yeah.” Xan breathed. “I love you too, Will.” He pulled Will’s head closer and returned the kiss.
Ethan and Willow exchanged looks and awed the couple. Willow then pouted. Ethan looked at her in askance.
“Where is my kiss partner? You have Rip. Will and Xan are together. Where is mine?” she asked.
Ethan hugged her close and whispered, “Not to worry you will find someone. You know that you are always welcome to join us. We would never leave you out.”
Will and Xan parted and added their agreement by joining Ethan in hugging Willow.
Chapter 5
Carrying their loot the four returned to the recreation room making as much noise as possible to announce their return. Giles and Rip were exactly where they left them. Making to turn away the four were stopped by Giles.
“Come in and get comfortable. It is time to finish my explanation. The current Slayer is still in China fighting evil there. I was asked to come here to see if I could train a group of people to protect the Hellmouth and to fight evil here. Their job is to patrol and monitor all activities with regards to the Hellmouth and the surrounding population. They report to me while I report directly to the council. Vampires are to be staked on site while demons are to be identified and their threat assessment determined. Most have a low or non-exsistant threat value. My private data base is based on tombs handed down from one generation to the next. There have been attempts to update and make the data more accessible. However, that is time consuming and a daunting task.”
“I can build a computer program that can be used as a search engine as long as someone is willing to do the data entry. I can even have pictures imbedded into the database. The potential for a . . .” Willow broke off already making the calculations in her head.
Everyone smiled knowing that Willow would have the program up and running as soon as she got access to a computer.
“So far I have only trained 4 people and they are running themselves raggid to do everything. I know that you are all very young,” Giles was interrupted by shouts of protest from the 5 listening to him. “Yes you are young but you a strong unit that would be able to fight well together. I would like to train you as a group to fight as a group. Each of you have strengths that meld together to make a brilliant team. I do not like to put any of you in danger. No I WILL not put any of you in danger. You will not go into the field without being fully trained. I will be the one to decide when you are ready. I will teach you as much as I can in as many fields as I can. You will have to learn some things on your own from texts but if you have any questions I will be glad to help answer or I will find someone who can.
“Not all demons will cause problems but the ones that do must be punished. Any attempts to open the Hellmouth will be met with deadly force. I will not allow any of you to kill but you will have to punish the wrong doers. You will all be giving cell phones that will be linked to one another as well as home base. Starting tomorrow I will train you so that you can not only protect yourself, you will be able to protect each other. I will also introduce you to my people and they too will add to your training. For now you get some sleep to rest up for your training which will begin tomorrow morning at 8 am.” Ignoring their protest of getting up early on a Saturday, Giles bid them goodnight and left.
They began to get ready for bed talking excitedly about their new job wondering if they would get paid. Each took a turn in the bathroom brushing past each other in the hallway. Will and Xan choose to sleep side by side holding each other’s hands while Willow choose to sleep in the chair. Ethan and Rip mirrored Will and Xan and soon all were asleep.
Chapter 6
As Giles entered the room he noticed that they were asleep in a heap of pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. Unable to tell one from the other, Giles gently shook the limb he could see poking out. The limb twitched and retreated somewhat. Smiling Giles tried again. The limb responded and a messy head soon appeared.
“Ah Xan,” Giles said. “It is time to get up and get ready for practice.”
Yawning Xan replied, “Ok.” Pause. “What practice?”
Giles laughed and said, “I think it is time for all of you to learn about some of the other side demons and their potential dangers. You have a lot to catch up on and a lot of reading ahead of you. Yes Alexander, there will be tests. Yes Willow, I have a computer you can use to set up your database.”
Mumbles and sleeping yawns could be clearly heard from the rest of the pile. Ethan crawled out the far side, stretched and then greeted Xan and Giles. Rip rolled into the spot Ethan had vacated and surrendered to slumber. Willow uncurled from the chair and headed towards the bathroom. Will blinked at everyone, yawing fully.
“Which demons will we start with?” asked Xan as he continues picking up and folding the blankets.
Will, Ethan and Xan listened carefully to Giles as he explained that they would start with the harmless and work their way up to the dangerous. He also stated that everyone will learn defensive and offensive magics. He will determine their strengths and help them develop while getting them to practice their weaknesses. Hopefully they will balance out.
Chapter 3
“Dad?”
Mr. Giles stopped. Waiting for his son to continue he tried to organize his thought. How would he tell them? How much could he tell them? Would they believe him? So lost in his thoughts he did not realize all of them were staring at him expectantly. Startled from his thoughts by the laughter, he struggled to gather himself.
“Yes Rupert. Demons are real. Magic is real. Your mother and I thought it best to keep the other side a secret until. . .”
“Until when Mr. Giles? Until one of us discovered the truth the hard way? Why would you keep all of us in the dark? Although I can ask Xan the same question,” Ethan said turning to his friend.
Xan’s head and shoulders drooped. He shuffled his feet and mumbled, “Not my secret alone to tell.” He stood up straighter and looked at everyone. “I promised not to say anything. It is not like my family advertises it. Mom tries to forget completely and Dad just lets her. Dad is a peaceful demon. He does not stir up anything and can pass as completely human.”
“What kind of demon is he?” Rip asked curiously.
“Wait a minute! You mean that there is more than one kind?” squeaked Willow.
“Willow, of course there has to be more than one kind. Look at how many different types of people there are,” Will smirked.
“Dad is-I mean-we are called Vraitix. We get enhanced hearing, smell, touch, and sight although we have diminished sense of smell. Our skin is tougher than a humans and our bones are softer. We heal a bit faster but are prone to scarring. I can show you the book Dad brought me the last time he went out. I am not exactly sure where he got it from but it has all kinds of information in it.” Xan stopped talking as everyone looked at him in astonishment. “What?”
“I think that is the first time I have ever heard you say anything good about your family,” Will remarked.
Xan shuffled his feet, looking abashed. “Dad is not bad but Mom has him beaten into submission. Only when she is not around Dad is really cool.”
“Xan, do you- Oh, do you change colour or have . .” Willow stammered embarrassed to be the one asking.
Xan laughed and showed his colours. His frame shrank in bulk while he stood taller. His skin took on a pale purple tinge while his eyes shaded to a whirlpool of blue hues. Xan’s hair flowed down his back like a mane in royal purple. Everyone gaped and reached out to touch. His skin was rough feeling like a cat’s tongue yet his hair was as soft as silk.
His voice roughened to a growl, “Well? Am I still your friend.”
Will, Ethan, Rip and Willow grabbed their friend close and said as one, “Always.”
Xan softly replied, “Thanks.” He reformed into his human façade as Mr. Giles cleared his throat.
“If everyone would like to take a seat, I will begin to explain the secrecy,” began Mr. Giles. He waited for everyone to sit then chose the chair that faced them all. Most demons are harmless or at least will not cause harm unless provoked to it. There are, however, exceptions to everything. There are some very aggressive and dangerous demons. The point of keeping them secret is to protect the ones that would never cause harm. There are organizations that specifically monitor and report on demon activity. I belong to one of them called ‘The Watcher’s Council’ and it is designed to gather any and all information about demon activity on the Hellmouth which is a portal for dark energies.” Giles paused and waited for the questions he knew would come.
Stunned the teenagers looked at each other. They did not know what to say or even where to begin. Will cautiously raised his hand.
“You do not have to do that William,” Mr. Giles laughed.
“Mr. Giles,” William began, “what is your job exactly?”
“You may call me Giles. It will be easier that way. My job specifically is to find and train young men and women to see beyond the obvious so that they can report on everything. I teach magic and memory enhancement. Yes, Rupert that is why I have such a good memory.”
“Are you training anyone currently?” Willow asked. “I would like to learn if you think that I can be taught. I would like to be able to use magic.” She fairly bounced with excitement.
Giles looked at her sternly. “Magic is not a toy, Willow. It takes responsibility to use it properly and with good intentions. Only those that can use magic responsibly are able to use it to its full potential. I will allow you to read about it and if and only if you fully understand the cause and effect will I teach you magic. That goes for the rest of you as well. If you are willing to learn and practice properly I am willing to teach you.”
The teenagers looked at each other then turned as one to Giles. “Yes sir.”
“Dad, earilier you said we moved to preserve the secret. What did you mean?”
Sigh. “I did not think that I would have to be the one to tell you this. I had hoped your mother would be by my side to explain everything.” Giles looked very sad and very old. He straightened and began.
Chapter 4
“I met your mother through the watchers. I was on assignment in China near another Hellmouth. Lydia was the watcher there. She was the youngest of us and asked for assistance in teaching the younglings magic. When I arrived, the mouth was on the verge of opening due to a demon. Between the two of us we were able to interrupt the ritual and stop the opening. However in the process her ward, the current Slayer, was killed.
“A Slayer is a chosen one who gets enhanced strength and healing in order to fight the evils of the other side. There is only one active at a time. When one dies another is called. The Watcher’s Council have researchers checking into family geniologies in order to track the calling. Most potentials stay just that however some become active Slayers. Every potential is watched until they are either too old to be called or are called. The called Slayer is then taken from everything he or she knows and is trained to fight and taught as much as possible about magic and demons. They are usually called around age 13 and, unfortunately die around age 16. The oldest in recorded history was 19 when she was killed. The youngest was 10 and he only lasted until age 12. The Watchers are constantly trying to preserve the Slayer’s life and enhance his or her abilities.” Giles paused weary of talking about children as fighters against evil. So many children, so many lives wasted.
Glancing at the rapt faces, Giles continued, “Lydia was devastated. She decided that she did not want to have another Slayer. She decided that it was time for her to teach instead of train. We were paired together because of our compatibility in magic and research. We were married a year later. We stayed in China for a few more years training anyone who asked. When Lydia became pregnant we returned to London to take jobs in the headquarters. Everything was going great. I should have known that something was wrong. Lydia became withdrawn and pale. She would not talk to me and she neglected you. Oh Rupert you were her world and she left you behind. I am sorry my son. So sorry.” Giles hung his head in remembered pain and shame.
Rip approached his father cautiously. He has never seen his father so lost and broken. The others looked on uncomfortably; not knowing if they should stay or go.
“You are a potential Rupert and it broke her heart. She could not bear the thought of you being called and then dying. She closed herself off from everything and everyone. I tried everything I could to pull her back to us but she kept withdrawing. Finally the death of the current Slayer pushed her completely beyond recovery. Even when you were not called, being only 6 at the time, did not force her out of her shell, I had to take drastic measures. I am so sorry Rupert; so very sorry. I could not stand to see her like that so I asked the telepaths at the headquarters to adjust her memories. Lydia does not remember us nor her life as a watcher. I had them remove everything. She now lives in Drochester with her friend and owns a bookshop. I did not know what else to do. I am ashamed of what I have done but if I had to do it over again I do not think that I would change anything.”
Giles waited for his son’s sensor and condemnation. When Rupert did not pull away, Giles looked at him.
Rip was stunned. He did not know how to react. He stared at Giles waiting for the hate and anger but none came. All he felt was remorse for not knowing his mother and pity for his father. He remembers the way his mother was around him and how his father tried to make up for her lack of emotion. Rip hugged his father tightly and murmered, “I forgive you Father. I understand and forgive you.”
The others exchanged poignant glances and left the room. They headed towards the kitchen intent on letting father and son time to recover. Will and Xan walked side by side shoulders brushing. Will wanted to reassure his friend that nothing changed between them. Xan, greatful for Will’s acceptance, leaned against him. Willow and Ethan were talking quietly about magic and the implications of being taught. Ethan was cautious while Willow was bouncing inexcitement.
When they reached the kitchen they spread out to gather snacks and drinks to bring back to the recreation room to hear the rest of Giles’ explanation. Xan headed straight for the junkfood while Will headed towards the fridge to get the drinks. Willow grabbed plated and cups. Ethan picked up fruit from the bowl and started peeling the oranges and bananas. Handing Ethan a platter for the fruit, Willow glared at Xan who was eating.
“Xan you should have some fruit instead of those,” she started.
“Wills, I love you but please do not mother hen me right now. I just partially came out to you and I need some comfort food,” Xan explained.
Willow frowned but stopped herself from further comment. Will and Ethan snickered softly at the exchange.
Will then caught what Xan had said. “Partially? What do you mean, Xan?”
Xan ducked his head shyly. “I am gay.”
Will, Ethan and Willow smiled and said, “About time you admitted that.” They laughed at the stunned look on their friend’s face.
Will pulled Xan into a hug and gently kissed him. “I have been waiting for you to admit that for the last year. I was beginning to think that you never would. I love you Xan.”
“Me? Why? How? When? Wh-“ Xan babble was cut off as Will kissed him again.
“Yes you. Because you are everything to me. I am gay too. Since your birthday party when you kissed me during Spin the Bottle. Does that answer all of your questions?” Will asked calmly.
“Yeah.” Xan breathed. “I love you too, Will.” He pulled Will’s head closer and returned the kiss.
Ethan and Willow exchanged looks and awed the couple. Willow then pouted. Ethan looked at her in askance.
“Where is my kiss partner? You have Rip. Will and Xan are together. Where is mine?” she asked.
Ethan hugged her close and whispered, “Not to worry you will find someone. You know that you are always welcome to join us. We would never leave you out.”
Will and Xan parted and added their agreement by joining Ethan in hugging Willow.
Chapter 5
Carrying their loot the four returned to the recreation room making as much noise as possible to announce their return. Giles and Rip were exactly where they left them. Making to turn away the four were stopped by Giles.
“Come in and get comfortable. It is time to finish my explanation. The current Slayer is still in China fighting evil there. I was asked to come here to see if I could train a group of people to protect the Hellmouth and to fight evil here. Their job is to patrol and monitor all activities with regards to the Hellmouth and the surrounding population. They report to me while I report directly to the council. Vampires are to be staked on site while demons are to be identified and their threat assessment determined. Most have a low or non-exsistant threat value. My private data base is based on tombs handed down from one generation to the next. There have been attempts to update and make the data more accessible. However, that is time consuming and a daunting task.”
“I can build a computer program that can be used as a search engine as long as someone is willing to do the data entry. I can even have pictures imbedded into the database. The potential for a . . .” Willow broke off already making the calculations in her head.
Everyone smiled knowing that Willow would have the program up and running as soon as she got access to a computer.
“So far I have only trained 4 people and they are running themselves raggid to do everything. I know that you are all very young,” Giles was interrupted by shouts of protest from the 5 listening to him. “Yes you are young but you a strong unit that would be able to fight well together. I would like to train you as a group to fight as a group. Each of you have strengths that meld together to make a brilliant team. I do not like to put any of you in danger. No I WILL not put any of you in danger. You will not go into the field without being fully trained. I will be the one to decide when you are ready. I will teach you as much as I can in as many fields as I can. You will have to learn some things on your own from texts but if you have any questions I will be glad to help answer or I will find someone who can.
“Not all demons will cause problems but the ones that do must be punished. Any attempts to open the Hellmouth will be met with deadly force. I will not allow any of you to kill but you will have to punish the wrong doers. You will all be giving cell phones that will be linked to one another as well as home base. Starting tomorrow I will train you so that you can not only protect yourself, you will be able to protect each other. I will also introduce you to my people and they too will add to your training. For now you get some sleep to rest up for your training which will begin tomorrow morning at 8 am.” Ignoring their protest of getting up early on a Saturday, Giles bid them goodnight and left.
They began to get ready for bed talking excitedly about their new job wondering if they would get paid. Each took a turn in the bathroom brushing past each other in the hallway. Will and Xan choose to sleep side by side holding each other’s hands while Willow choose to sleep in the chair. Ethan and Rip mirrored Will and Xan and soon all were asleep.
Chapter 6
As Giles entered the room he noticed that they were asleep in a heap of pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. Unable to tell one from the other, Giles gently shook the limb he could see poking out. The limb twitched and retreated somewhat. Smiling Giles tried again. The limb responded and a messy head soon appeared.
“Ah Xan,” Giles said. “It is time to get up and get ready for practice.”
Yawning Xan replied, “Ok.” Pause. “What practice?”
Giles laughed and said, “I think it is time for all of you to learn about some of the other side demons and their potential dangers. You have a lot to catch up on and a lot of reading ahead of you. Yes Alexander, there will be tests. Yes Willow, I have a computer you can use to set up your database.”
Mumbles and sleeping yawns could be clearly heard from the rest of the pile. Ethan crawled out the far side, stretched and then greeted Xan and Giles. Rip rolled into the spot Ethan had vacated and surrendered to slumber. Willow uncurled from the chair and headed towards the bathroom. Will blinked at everyone, yawing fully.
“Which demons will we start with?” asked Xan as he continues picking up and folding the blankets.
Will, Ethan and Xan listened carefully to Giles as he explained that they would start with the harmless and work their way up to the dangerous. He also stated that everyone will learn defensive and offensive magics. He will determine their strengths and help them develop while getting them to practice their weaknesses. Hopefully they will balance out.