Giles’ Ripper instincts bristled at Mrs. Deeds’ announcement. This set-up reeked of Travers’ involvement. Giles leaned forward and took a generous slice of cake, deciding to err on the side of caution.

"What tasks are these?" He put his cake down, shaking the crumbs from his fingers before reaching for his teacup. His eyes locked with those of his antagonist, his jailer smiled a refreshing faery smile, and he knew he wouldn’t enjoy his time with Mrs. Deeds.

"So." Buffy steadied the punching bag she’d been pummelling for half an hour, and turned her attention to Mr. Tomas, "When are you going to tell me, why you’re here?"

Tomas gazed at her in admiration, all that ferocity, and power in one so small. He’d enjoy testing her; he smiled an enchanting smile, maybe even tasting her.

"I’m your temporary Watcher whilst Mr. Giles has a…" He hunted for an appropriate word, "…his physical… I was wondering when your friends would join us. I’d like to meet all the Slaying team."

Buffy took up a defence pose with her fists bunched at her sides. "There’s just me. I’m the Slayer."

"Ah, but you do have helpers," He smiled conspiratorially and nudged her elbow. "The Scooby’s…" he whispered. Buffy took a step away from her new Watcher. Her Slayer sense suddenly running riot, bouncing off the walls.

"What are you, Mr. Tomas? What do you want from me?" Buffy knew there was something not right, about the man from the Council, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Mr. Tomas looked past her to the door where Tara, Willow’s lover stood. She had the look of rapt expectancy on her face. He allowed his face to reflect that expectancy and contacted the Wicca’s mind.

Their communication was silent to those around them and passed in the blink of an eye, as all with “the gift” experience.

"Lady, why are you here?"

"I love Willow."

"Lady, she loves power. She has bound you."

"I’m not bound, I love her."

"Lady, she has bewitched you, behold." Mr. Tomas halted and showed Tara all the events masked from her.

Tara shook her head as if to clear it and looked back into the Magic Box where Willow stood, still frozen in a moment.

"It’s true." Tara murmured her eyes filled with tears of betrayal and hurt.

"Lady, go now. Find another; serve the way with a peaceful spirit. I will hold her till you leave."

Tara nodded and backed away reverently from the light in her mind. She passed her frozen lover in the shop and paused briefly to press a chaste kiss on her lips, and then she took her leave. In her wake a tear squeezed past Willow’s lashes and she blinked it away.

Willow followed Tara into the training room and looked around, to see Buffy frowning at a man in a suit.

"Well, answer me. What are you?"

Tomas ignored the question, and whilst still facing Buffy, lowered his eyes and inclined his head slightly to greet the newcomer. She was the reason for his visit.

"Hello Willow."

End of Part 4.

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