The Hidden Universe

Very soon, Harry had the Pope seated in a comfortable chair. He explained his history and life, much as he had explained it to the Scoobies. He then explained his arrival and what he had found. Harry told his Holiness of the steps he took to create this safe house.

"Before I continue, may I scan you to ensure that there are no negative magic spells which have been placed upon you?"

The man nodded and Harry took his Holly wand and did as he said he would – he felt the Deathstick inappropriate for this application. His eyes squinted at some of what he found.

"On your Ring, there is a very old control spell. It seems to be set to control you and those who kiss your Ring. However, your will has kept it at bay – but this has caused the physical deterioration that you have been feeling. May I remove this spell?"

The Pontiff nodded and took his Ring from his hand and placed it on the tray that Harry held out. He followed the man outside. Harry turned to the old man and said, "They've seen this – so don't freak out."

Harry changed to his Phoenix form and Sang. Like those earlier, the man felt the worries and cares that he carried lightened and lessened as he bathed in the Song of the Phoenix. His eyes widened as a Dark residue rose from the Ring and then dissipated into the wind. Harry then flew back and perched next to the standing man. "What does he want?" the man asked.

Giles considered and then his eyes widened. "Your Holiness? Might you have with you a dagger or other implement that might create a small wound?"

The man looked at Giles and replied, "Not a part of my Robes of Office."

He looked at Buffy, who pulled one out and held it until the man took it. Giles said, "Please make a small knick on your arm – just enough to draw blood and no more."

The Pope looked dubious. "This is not for some arcane ritual is it?"

Giles chuckled, "No. This will allow Harry to perform an action which will help you."

And since he had put his trust in the man, the Pope took the dagger and nicked his arm, returning the knife to the respectful girl. John Paul raised his arm to the bird who sat near him. And the bird leaned over and let three drops fall into his arm.

And the Pontiff watched amazed as he saw the would heal in real time, even as he noted the sudden strength and health he felt as the Tears of the Phoenix coursed through his veins. Harry changed back. "Feeling better, Your Holiness?"

"Yes! What was that?" he asked.

"The Phoenix is a creature that is as far from being corruptible as you can get – a being who lives in the Light. God gifted me with the ability to change into a phoenix and allowed me to have all the powers that are normally associated with the bird – as well as a few others it seems. Unlike most phoenixes, I seem to be able to cleanse Dark magic by just my song, whereas normally the song of the Phoenix just provides comfort to those good of heart and pain to those who are less than pure."

"Well, I thank our Lord God, the Creator, for his foresight in gifting this to you. It has aided me much." Harry nodded in acknowledgement. He then led everyone back inside, after the Ring was returned. Almost casually, and without anyone noticing, he had wandlessly applied a charm which would prevent it from being cursed again.

He scrunched his face breifly as he considered that this should be beyond him but he knew it wasn't. Something to contemplate when he had time.

When he returned, Harry continued his explanation. Ensuring everyone was back to the point of him warding the house, he continued. "My next step was to find her to enlist her help," he said pointing to Buffy.

The Pope set down the light tea he had been served and asked curiously, "And why did you seek out a child," considering the age of the man Buffy did not even bristle at the description, "and not myself or some other Holy man?" The Pope's words were not accusatory, only curious.

Harry replied calmly, "Because this is Sunnydale. And before you sits the Slayer and her friends, along with the second Slayer, whom I have just cleansed of the possession of an evil spirit which caused her to act against the cause of Good."

Pope John Paul II's eyes widened. As he attached the names he had been given with the intelligence he had been provided regarding the Slayers. He was very familiar with the story of the Slayer. None of his forebears had ever actually been able to meet one who was active as they were busy fighting the forces of Evil. He looked over and saw the two girls, one light-haired and, still, somewhat innocent, and the other dark-haired and somehow hardened by life. "Come forth my children – come before me." He stood, waiting for the two girls to move forward. The stopped two feet from him and bowed their heads before him.

With aged but now strong hands, he placed his palms upon their heads and performed a benediction and blessing upon them. If anyone deserved such, it was these.

While Buffy felt joy at being acknowledged, the true change was to Faith. A girl with a hard life and having experienced numerous bad things, the possession and her subsequent actions weighed heavily on her soul. She grew up in Catholic Boston. And, to her, there was no higher power on Earth than the Pope. To receive his blessing and benediction, and for him to pronounce her free from all sins that she had committed in the past, was a cleansing unasked and unlooked for.

Faith Lehane felt renewed.

When he completed his blessing, he presented his cleansed Ring and each girl kissed it and retreated.

He watched the two for a moment, smiling, and then turned. "And what assistance can I provide you?"

Harry said, "Well, first: I have obtained about 100 Gallons of purified, distilled water, which I have in a very large container. Would you be so good as to bless this water? It shall be used by those fighting the undead and other evil influences."

Pope John Paul II followed Harry, with the Scoobies following him. The Pope performed the necessary rites to make it into Holy Water. Once he finished, he asked what else – because such a thing could have been done by any priest or bishop.

"Well, this is my plan." Harry explained.

The Pope's eyes widened at the sheer scope of what Harry was asking for. It was less than a week until the date which he named, and John Paul would have much work to do to prepare for it.

However, he gauged that it was within his power to do as asked and he agreed with it. John Paul knew that only such a large effort could bring the touch of God back into this world.

"It will take some time. I will have to write many pages, or at least my signature many times. I worry that this might alert our enemies."

Harry smirked. "I have a solution for that."

He retrieved the other items he had procured earlier. "In another world, I came upon a group of Allied soldiers in World War II who worked behind enemy lines to subvert the Nazi cause. I created a device very similar to this to help them. Using ink and whatever material which you want to write on, it will produce a perfect copy. This will work with parchment, which is what the messages should be sent on. Bless the parchment before using it. For the ink, I have an idea."

The large five-gallon container of ink was put below the copying machine. "Now, I have withdrawn, using my magic, approximately one cup of water from this ink compound – it has a very low water content. I will replace the water with Holy Water – and one more part."

Harry withdrew a cup of water from the recently blessed container and then changed into his Phoenix form. He dropped seven tears into the water, willing it to serve as a barrier against Demonic interference or the ability of those who were not aligned with God to be able to read it.

Changing back, Harry mixed the cup back into the ink, ensuring it was mixed thoroughly. He turned to the Pontiff. "Ink with Holy Water and the Tears of a Phoenix. I am hoping that this will ensure that those who are not servants of the true Creator will find it incomprehensible, or at least excruciating to try to read. I don't know if it will work – I can only try and see what happens."

The Pope was present for another hour, assisting with some preparations, but then had to be returned to his bed chambers. He had missed three hours of sleep, which should have been devastating to a man of 79 years, but the health and well-being he now had due to Harry's efforts kept him going that day.

The Pope's assistant nodded to the guards as he entered the chamber to awaken his Holiness. The sight which he was confronted with astounded him: Instead of a frail old man in bed, awaiting needed assistance to begin his day, his Holiness was at his desk, already dressed, and writing on several pieces of parchment. The man looked up. "Ah, Brother Antonio. Thank you for your assistance, but you see that I am already awake."

Antonio was surprised at the evident strength that his Holiness exuded as he spoke. It was as if the man of twenty years earlier had been returned to them.

"I require the Cardinal State Secretary to attend me as soon as it is convenient for him. I will be calling a convocation of the Cardinals in two days. Please ensure he receives these messages. And have him bring the materials needed to seal Papal Bulls written by my own hand."

The man bowed, "Yes, Your Holiness. And breakfast?"

The Pope's eyes lit up. "Yes, I am feeling hungry. I will take my morning meal here in thirty minutes. That should give me time to perform any absolutions that are required."

While the Pope did his part in the plan, Harry did his own part. First, he enchanted, with as much magic as possible, several items that could be used to fight against Demons and Vampires. He then used the silk that Joyce had obtained and wrapped these items and handed them over to Giles.

Giles would use the Scoobies and his contacts (as well as Harry Express a few times) to ensure that these items moved over the world.

They would be exposed in different places on June 21st – six hours or sooner before the scheduled event. Harry hoped that the sudden appearance, worldwide, of so many magicked items, would draw the eyes of any Power that might want to interfere. He knew that word would reach those he opposed, but he had made every effort to prevent the Pope's work from being interrupted.

Several of the letters that were sent by the Pope were stolen or misrouted, but to the consternation of the Senior Partners – as well as the Powers That Be – none could actually read what was written.

A pious priest from a small church had even been kidnapped and brought before Agents of the Senior Partners at Wolfram and Hart. He had been ordered to read the letter and tell what was found under threat of torture and death.

However, upon the man reading the message, he had only smiled and refused to pass on what was written. No torture or offers of release would budge him.

Quite a few holy men would lose their lives ensuring that the Holy Father's messages reached far and wide. And none who ordered or created the death of any of these could read the messages written. And when those who followed these men could, they feigned their own inability to read it, knowing that it was vital. Each of these passed quiet word to their fellows that they could trust.

The Martyrs were honored by Catholic Mass, regardless of their faith, when John Paul was presented a list of all of those who died to ensure the message was delivered.

The Queen of England sat on her throne, observing the red-robed man before her. It has been many years since the Head of the Catholic Church sent an emissary to her not as Queen of England but as the Head of the Anglican Church, a distinction her visitor was careful to ensure was understood.

Due to the long schism, this was extremely noteworthy. And so she accepted the message that she was given. Her eyes widened as she contemplated what the message before her said. She looked back at the calm man who brought it. Finally she called to one of the toadies who stood by, "By Royal Decree, the Archbishops of the Anglican Church within England, and any of those from our Dominion and Territories that can arrive, are ordered to attend Me two days from this time. We have plans to make."

The Patriarch of Constantinople read the missive his Catholic Brother had sent. It had been a very long time since their two churches operated as one. And perhaps it was time. The Patriarch acknowledged to his visitor that he would act as requested. The red-robes Cardinal bowed to the man.

Many messages also went to leaders of the Muslim and Jewish faiths, as well as other Spiritual leaders the world over. The Japanese Emperor sent word to those who considered him Holy to ask their assistance. The leaders of the American Baptist Churches sent word to all their members, and many other Protestant churches that were unaffiliated with larger organizations. Even members of "non-traditional faiths" such as the Scientologists, Latter Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many others received letters.

In countries like India, where there were many faiths, messages were sent to the clerics of each sect. Throughout the world, this pattern repeated it self over and over.

Some understood them, some did not. And those that understood prevented those who could not from learning of what was said.

The Supreme Leader of Iran contemplated the words of the head of the Catholic Church. He also considered the special request that the Catholic leader had made. "If this was any other than the man who asks, I would have you jailed for subversion – perhaps executed. This sect has been declared apostate to the Islamic faith and the Holy Quran has specific ideas regarding such."

"My Holy Father is aware, your Eminence. But in this once instance, he asks you to demonstrate forbearance due to the importance of what the messages contain. The possible threat against my life I accepted when the Holy Father specifically asked that I deliver these messages. My life is my Faith. And John Paul II is my Holy Father. I am prepared to be martyred in the name of Allah, as your faith names Our Lord God."

The Supreme Leader of the Iranian Muslim Faith made certain orders. Very soon most of those of the highest level – and one prisoner – were arrayed before him, the Catholic Cardinal witnessing.

There was some disagreement, but the Supreme Leader's words and orders were followed. He turned to the man he had caused to be retrieved. "I ordered you here to send a message to the leader of the Bahá'í Faith within these lands. There will be a one week grace period where the Islamic State shall not harass or persecute your people. This shall be true as long as your leader can read and understand the message that the Catholic Pope sends. If your leader acts as requested, when the week is over, I will consider your faith and its treatment within these Holy Lands."

The man nodded and hesitantly accepted the messages he was given. He was allowed to read a copy before he was released. His eyes widened as he read the words. He looked up at the man who replaced Khomeini. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asked, "You can read these words?" The man nodded with certainty. "Then you released for the specific purpose of delivering the Catholic Father's message."

The man bowed and gave his thanks. As he was driven to the location he requested, he read again a copy of the message he was to deliver.

A/N: If the Latin is off – Blame Google Translate. The English version appears right after so that you can understand it.

John Paul II, episcopus servus servorum Dei, Spes enim Voca

Salvete, Fratres in Deum;

Suppliciter mittere nuntios ad omnem tam placito secta fides. Benedicta atramento qua scriptum est ut creatoris unicum pueri legere et intelliges eam.

Apostolica Nostra potestas est beata sigillo coram beatissimo quae illuminat creatorem nostrum. Sensi ego et fratres olim Sancti Patris in mundum sine anulo tenebrescens obscurabitur.

Sigillum intuebamur sicut heri et oraverit pro duce lumen iustis aspiciebam splendeat instar puncti. Agnus Dei aperuit parva lux mundi.

Haec lux significationibus Spes enim mundi. I, quod spes esset strenghen.

God, Allah, Jehovah, Deo, Domine Deus, alio nomine tribuunt creatori dignatus est solis lumen splendescere anima patitur diutius in solstitio aestivali. 7:49 PM mihi quod autem Astronomi hanc mea, December 21, MCMXCIX GMT

Bulla pontificia ego convocabo omnes ecclesias et quisque spectat mihi afferet, aut singulorum officia inciperet precari, in illo spatio totius mundi.

Suppliciter imploremus bonam ostendere viam tuam ad populum nostrum In illo tempore exigere. Nostri ad cursum per preces nostras voces Creatori nostro dederit ei. Vel, ut spero.

Non iubeo, tantum possum.

Ego N. Catholicae Ecclesiae Episcopus

[Monogram: JPII]

John Paul II, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, a Message of Hope

Greetings, Brothers in God;

I humbly send this message to all sects and faiths as both news and a plea. The ink with which this is written has been blessed so that only true servants of our Creator may read and understand it.

Within our Holy See, there resides a blessed Seal, which lights in the presence of our Heavenly Father, our Creator. The Seal has been Dark oh these many years. I and my past brethren have felt the absence of our Heavenly Father in the World since the Seal Darkened.

Yesterday as I contemplated this Seal and prayed for guidance, I observed it flash with light for just a moment. Something has opened the World a small amount to God's Light.

This light signals Hope for the world. I would strengthen that Hope.

God, Allah, Jehovah, whatever name you ascribe our Creator, has seen fit to allow the life-giving light of the Sun to shine the longest on the Summer Solstice. My Astronomers tell me that this shall be 7:49 PM, December 21st, 1999 GMT.

By Papal Bull, I shall call for every church and every member which looks to me for Spiritual Guidance, to begin services or individual prayer over the entire world in that moment.

I humbly beseech that you direct your own people to join our Call in that exact moment. Our combined prayers to our Creator shall allow our voices to reach him. Or so I hope.

I cannot order, I can only ask.

I, N., Bishop of the Catholic Church

Over the Multiverse, there seemed to be a sense of waiting, as though creation itself was waiting for a sign. People lived, died, prayed, laughed, cried. Life went on. But still this sense of waiting pervaded. Something was coming … something big.

Pope John Paul II reviewed the reports from his messengers as well as the messages of support from religious leaders the world over. The Holy Father hoped that it was enough.

Although many Demonic and Angelic beings learned of the Day of Prayer, none who were opposed learned of it's significance – until it was too late.

At the last moment, when it was hours away, the Demonic and Angelic elements were suddenly distracted when numerous Magic items suddenly appeared in the world. The Demonic and Angelic communities scrambled to recover these items as quickly as possible so as to prevent Humans from coming into their possession.

At 12:40 AM, December 22, 1989, it was 9 minutes before the moment of the Solstice. The Scoobies had arrived at the ruins of the High School and the place where the Hellmouth resided.

Weapons were made ready, as well as water guns containing Holy Water. The temporary wards that each held on rocks provided by Harry would all come down at 12:49 – and Harry would begin the steps he hoped would repair this Dimension – or at least the local part which was blocked.

The Scoobies noted that there were two observers who kept an eye out, but the wards they carried prevented them from being noticed by these. Buffy and Faith got into position to take down these demons when the time was right.

At 12:48 Harry was within a matrix of stones which would keep him hidden even though he changed into his animagus form. He watched Xander, whose task was ensuring that Harry moved at precisely the right time.

Xander raised his hand and motioned: 5 … 4… 3… 2 …1 … he cut his hand through the air and Harry flamed to a spot right above the Hellmouth about 50 feet up.

Hovering there, Harry Sang.

The Pope had succeeded far beyond what even he had thought possible. In addition to Harry Singing over the Hellmouth, two-thirds of the entire Human race, in that moment, were praying to their Creator.

While not magical in and of itself, such an occurrence of common purpose and action provided a power all its own. And the cry went out beyond the confines on this one, small, dimension.

Fawkes, hearing Harry's song, trilled to his companions and then listened. As he listened he located where it came from and, with a cry of victory, Fawkes flashed away.

77 of his fellow phoenixes, seven times eleven, followed.

Buffy and Faith had quickly dispatched the two demonic sentries. It had been quite easy when they noticed that Harry's singing as a bird seemed to cause them great pain. Throughout Sunnydale, Vampires and other evil Demons cringed at the Song, wanting to destroy it. However, none could gather the strength and will to move to the source – it was too painful.

One blond vampire closed his crypt and huddled inside, insulating himself from any more sound. He wasn't stupid enough to try go against whatever the hell was out there.

The Senior Partners, who were also listening, tried to send minions to stop it – but even they could not force the lower-level entities to act. And so they did something they had vowed not to do millennia ago: The went themselves.

The Wolf, The Ram, and The Hart arrived just in time for the song of an entire phalanx of phoenix to begin singing in harmony. Even they, with their hard-won strength and endurance, could not operate in the face of such purity.

The Powers That Be sent a contingent of Balance Demons. However, when these arrived on the ground, there was nothing they could do. Whistler cried out to the Slayers who watched in rapture, "Nooooooooooooo! He MUST be stopped!"

Neither girl made any effort to do as he demanded. They would no longer be controlled.

Even an Angel or Two arrived – but they could do nothing.

And suddenly, a man appeared. The Scoobies noted that he seemed to be a youngish man. He was attractive, the girls noticed, and neatly combed. He wore jeans and shirt, covered by a corduroy jacket, which was fairly stylish.

At his appearance, one of the birds singing over the Hellmouth peeled off and came to where the man was standing. The Scoobies congregated in that direction. The phoenix changed and a grinning Harry was left. "Boss! You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"

God looked at Harry and those around and said, "Quite a mess you've found here. Good job on sending the message." He stopped and looked around for a moment and then said, "I think I'm going to have to make an example of someone." They way he said this caused Harry to grin and shivers run down the spines of the Scoobies.

They suddenly realized that they were being confronted by God himself. And He was not happy.