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[kali_rocha]

After Anyanka's unfortunate, but promising, outburst in the store, I decided that it was probably best for me to give her some space. Not that I considered myself included in her ordering everyone out of the store, but I think she's on her way to a very vengeance-y place right now, and I think it's better if she finds that place on her own

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[demon_dog_prom]

Normally I would be amiss to share my intentions, especially to the scoobies, but since she was neither an ally of Buffy, nor really a concerned party on the side of good and evil, I figured what did it hurt if I revealed a teensy bit of what I was up to.

"Not at all. Actually, I'm not even sure myself. I'm doing research on some primal forces. As you most certainly know, most humans are unspeakable droll, and hardly ever take the time to truly notice what is going on around them."

I pause so she can take this in. Naturally, portraying humans as sub-creatures will appeal to her, as most vengance demons think of us as such anyway.

"I, however, pride myself on noticing things which others do not. Perhaps it is my skill with the magicks, or perhaps I just do the one thing others don't...pay attention. Regardless, while the Slayer's friends have all been up in a tizzy with their personal dramas as if this were some weekly televison show, they have failed to notice a slight shift here in Sunnydale...something I have seen occuring in the last few weeks. I think one of these primal forces might be behind it."

I hold up the book.

"Hence, the Codex."

[kali_rocha]

Hmmm, a shift in primal forces. I have been feeling something similar myself. Which is why I've been so keen to avoid taking sides. Shifts like this almost always precede some sort of epic battle, which no doubt will lead to the end of this dimension. Of course it never actually comes to that, but it's always unpleasant to be involved regardless of the outcome.

"So, and excuse me if I'm interfering, what do you plan on doing about it? I mean, you are significantly more...capable than most of these human idiots, but primal forces are not to be trifled with. So if you figure out exactly what is going on, what good will that do you? Believe me when I say that messing with primal powers can only lead to the kind of death that even immortals fear."

I have to admit, despite my melodramatic warning, the prospect of doing something daring, and something with a little more focus than random vengeance spells is appealing.

[demon_dog_prom]

"Well that's the crux, isn't it? I'm not sure what I would do. Perhaps nothing, and definitetly nothing to align me with any sort of side in this little epic battle they always seem to play."

I ease back on my heels.

"Though, on the flipside, to stand here and allow the world to get ravaged, especially if one had the prior knowledge seems somewhat obtuse to me. i don't necessairly want to fight evil forces, but it's more so if they are going to do things that will interfere with MY personal plans, I may need to have a contingence plan just in case I need to step in on my own behalf."

I pause, to see if she sees my point.

"...if that makes sense."

[kali_rocha]

I smile, knowingly. So he does have some of those human tendancies after all. Granted, his are much more self-interested than some. That's the only intelligent way to go about things, after all.
"Of course, it makes sense. It's the only thing that makes sense."
I pause and consider my options. I don't usually get involved in these sort of 'big picture' type things, but I can't help finding the appeal in doing something a little more focused than just vengeance here and there. Besides, this human is interesting.
"Well, if you need help, or, well, something. I may be able to assist you in ways humans can't."

[demon_dog_prom]

Now, this WAS intriguing. The idea of having the untapped power potential of a vengance demon on my side was sheerly amazing. But on the flipside, it would also be very difficult to control.

She was beyond me, and she knew it.

...and I didn't like to not have control of the elements in my plans. I'd have to tread very carefully. She was not a player to be manipulated. She was one that if I took her offer, would be an equal.

A partner.

Could I do that?

Would she want to?

There was only one way to find out, and that was to give her the info flat out. Tell her that which the others didn't know, what the Slayer's friends had so neglected to notice, and get her honest appraisal.

So...

"Alright, I may have to take you up on that. But before we make any deals, tell me...what do you know about..."

Here comes the kicker...

"...The First Evil?"

[kali_rocha]

"...The First Evil?"

A chill runs through my body, though I don't think it was noticeable. What is noticeable is my immediate change in my demeanor. I'm no longer bubbly yet sarcastic and maybe slightly flirtatious. Those words, although, in all honesty, the words themselves are meaningless, can only have one effect. A sombering effect.

"What do I know about the First Evil? The question is what do you know about the First Evil? First Evil is what you humans are choosing to call it, huh? It's about as fitting as you could get, but still far from accurate. Calling it a name like that, 'The First Evil' makes it too... definite. To concrete, to easy to quantify."

I pull myself together before continuing. I realize that I've sort of fallen to pieces.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to get all worked up. I just wonder where you're going with this. The First Evil, as you say, is something that you could never hope to comprehend. Even those of us who are somewhat more attuned to it are at a loss for what its true form, essence..."

Oh, this is getting too frustrating. I'm certain he doesn't understand what it is he's dealing with, or he wouldn't be going around asking people about it. Even trying to discuss it is nearly impossible.

"This is the problem. You aren't meant to talk about it, so the correct words to describe it and discuss it simply do not exist. Why, exactly, are you interested in the First Evil?"

[demon_dog_prom]

I would assume the subject scared her, but I really can't tell. Demons are harder to read than people, and I honestly didn't know if this was something that move her to fright. Though, that there was a change in her demeanor was certain.

What was casual conversation became a whole lot regimented, and a whole lot more inquisitive.

This is exactly what I was going for, I needed to feel her out, cause if she was to be an ally, I needed to know.

"Well, to answer your question in the most direct way possible...the reason I am interested in The First Evil is simply this..."

I pause.

"It's here."

[kali_rocha]

"It's here."

That would explain the vibe here. The influx of dark magical energy. I couldn't quite put my finger on it before, but now I see.

If course, "being here" is a sort of complicated task for something as complex as evil. It was always here, after all, wasn't it?

"Here. That explains some things. Again, though, I'm not sure that it's something that has a location, unless..."

My eyes go wide... wider than usual.

"Unless it's manifesting...."

The thought is both intriguing and terrifying. I can't contain the slightly maniacal laughter which escapes my lips.

"Oh dear! This town is in for it. A manifestation of EVIL, pure evil, has decided to set up camp here. Hahaha... oh no. It's just too poetic. Of course, it makes perfect sense, with the hellmouth and the slayer and everything, but..."

I'm gasping a little from laughing through that entire speech.

"Oh dear. It's really not funny at all. I'm sorry."

I pull myself together, but the edges of my mouth are still twitching despite my efforts.

"If the First Evil has manifested and taken up residence here, I would suggest that you leave town immediately. There's nothing that can be done."

The severity of the situation sets in and my mouth stops twitching.

"Nothing."

[demon_dog_prom]

"Nothing."

I look around, the next part is one conversation we shouldn't be having on the street near the Magic Box, in case there are wandering Scooby ears. I didn't care if they knew about The First, they were bound to catch wise eventually, but the next little tid-bit was going to be more than I wanted them to know.

I place my hand on her shoulder, cautiously, of course...and lead her down the street. Once we start walking, I take my hand from her and glance over.

"That is technically untrue. There are measures that can be taken to ensure that the First does not manifest itself, and I've already taken one step to make sure that is so."

I breathe in, confession time.

"According to prophesy, a vampire with a soul can be detrimental to the apocalypse, a champion of sorts. So, I figured The First's manifestation would be considered an extinction level event, so I some initiative, and did what I had to do."

I grin.

"You know that blonde vampire that runs with the whole little Slayer group, well...daddy's got a brand new soul."

[kali_rocha]

William? With a soul?

"Oh, that is rich." Another laugh trickles out of my throat.

"Oh dear lord. He must be going absolutely insane right now. I mean, he tortured, maimed and murdered so many people. Having a soul and remembering all of that carnage must be making him simply bonkers."

Recalling Spike's flair for the dramatic, something occurs to me.

"Have you seen him since the change? I mean, are you holding him somewhere, keeping an eye on him? Because this kind of self-hatred could lead to a self-inflicted large pile of ashes, if you get my drift."

Another thought occured to me.

"Wait, isn't there already a vampire with a soul. Tall, dark, intensly broody. Forehead slightly more pronounced than usual?"

[demon_dog_prom]

"Unfortunately, I lost track of him. I plan on doing a locator spell to find this...William soon, as to make sure he can be utilized against the First."

I pause, she also mentioned another vampire with a soul. How to respond?

"As for your other question, I was vaguely aware of the vampire with a soul, he works in LA, if I am not mistaken. I am also familiar with his history here, as well as the fact that before he was ensouled he was a merciless killer. There was no transition, just an immediate goodness following ensoulment. I don't trust that. This blonde haired vampire, while cocky and not at all pleasing, but we have to face the facts, he was already helping the side of the good, at least in recent months, without a soul...it only stands to reason then that if a creature without a soul can find the reason to do the side of good, with a soul, he would be the champion we need to stop The First from manifesting."

There. That sounded right enough.

"Of course, I could be wrong. Crazy human logic and all."

[kali_rocha]

Interesting theory. I'm relatively certain that there is absolutely no truth to it, but an interesting idea nonetheless. I can't deny that seeing William the Bloody with a soul torturing him constantly is something I would like to see.

"So, what then? Shall we go look for him? I realize that you are attuned to the magicks, but I can feel this kind of thing easier than you can. We could track him down together."

Perhaps I sound a bit too eager, but seeing 'Spike' suffering is just too appealing at the moment. Besides, if Tucker here is right, then, in addition to satiating my sadistic side, I'll actually be helping myself and the world. Kind of interesting.

[demon_dog_prom]

Bingo.

"Well, I wouldn't ask you to help. But if you want to, I just want it to be understood that what happens from this point on, we're in it both mutually, no one forced anyone to do anything they didn't want to. As you said, playing against The First can be dangerous, but if we do this, and do it right, you'll live to exact vengance on another stupid human another day. I, on the other hand will just get to live...which to me, is definitely in my best interests, good and evil aside."

I pause for effect. I may be different than Andrew, but we share the same blood, so occasionally I go for the dramatic moments.

"...that said, let's do this."

[kali_rocha]

I let out a snort of laughter. "As if there would be any other way that I would be helping you, other than completely of my own accord. But, of course. We are each doing this for our own reasons and no one was forced into this. Wonderful."

He was a bit over the top with the 'let's do this' line, but I can forgive him that. I smile indulgently.

"Of course." I try to reach out, searching for a conflicted energy. Something dark and light at the same time. On the very edges I could sense something. Dull, because it was far away, yet clearly piercing.

"I can't guarantee that this will be him, but I'm pretty sure I've got an idea of where he is." I pause. I cannot resist mocking him just a little. "Let's do this."

((OOC: Let's move the thread, now that we are looking for Spike... If Spike is still in the game. ))