SlayersDestiny
Destiny
Here are the entries received for the Fanfic Competition!! To keep things fair and impartial, the names of the authors will be hidden for the duration of the voting.
Voting will be for one week and then the winner(s) will be announced. Good Luck to all that entered and thank you!
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Dander'd Out!" -- PG
Dawn and Buffy sat in the lounge room of the Summer’s home, watching corny cartoons. Dawn sitting close enough to the television to call her square and eating fruity loops eating them colour-by-colour.
Dawn: Buffy, can I please go out tonight?
Buffy: No, mum said you have to stay here unless an adult went with you, and you are so not going by yourself.
Dawn: And why not?
Buffy: Dawn look around, its Sunnydale.
Dawn: well I will get Willow and Tara to take me. They’re cool like that.
Buffy: think again sister! They have an exam tomorrow, so they are studying all night.
Dawn: well… what about Spike?
Buffy: ha, Spike, so what, he can get you cigarettes and tell you disturbing stories about his past.
Dawn: well what about... hey why don’t you take me?
Buffy: sorry Dawnie, Angel is coming over tonight, you know that.
Dawn stands up. Dawn: Well fine. I will call Xander!
Buffy: ugh, don’t annoy him.
Dawn ran down the stairs in a hurry nearly falling headfirst. The doorbell had rang and Dawn was expecting Xander, as he said yes to take Dawn out of the house. Dawn flicked her hair and quickly checked her make up in the reflection of the mirror towards the front door. Dawn pucked her lips and opened the front door.
Dawn saw Xander’s gorgeous and handsome smile as he welcomed her with his warming glow.
Xander: hey Dawnie
Dawn: hey.
Xander: so you ready to go?
Dawn: yeah, ill just let Buffy know. – Buffy! Xander’s here. Im leaving now!
Buffy walked to the front door to say hello to one of her best friends Xander.
Buffy: Xander, hey. Ok so you know I have my cell, just in case anything happens and don’t be home to late. You know what Sunnydale is like.
Xander: you got it Buff, see you tonight.
Xander and Dawn left and hopped into the car.
Xander: so where are we goin Dawnie?
Dawn: we could see a movie and dinner or something?
Xander: ahhhh i see... our own little date eh?
Dawn blushed. Is that what you call this? ha
Xander: what, well thats what people on dates do.. things like that. Xander smiled.
Dawn: do you want it to be a ... date?
Xander looked at Dawn and saw her blush.
Xander: er.... uncomfortable... ok.. yeah sure.
Dawn smiled. Cool. Dawn started playing with her hair and trying to see her face using the car windows.
Xander: stop, you look fine.
Dawn: sorry, i just ... sorry
Xander: you know your beautiful right? you dont need all that makeup...
Dawn: you... think so?
Xander: of course! your unique
Dawn felt her heart stop.
Dawn: wow.. no one has ever said that before... no one
Xander: well i guess its good to hear it from someone that likes you.
Dawn: what... you like me! i mean.. what about Buffy
Xander: what about Buffy? I mean she is beautiful and ...well its Buffy... but.. shes my friend.. that crush has truly past.
Dawn: so where do we go from here?
Xander: do you want to date?
Dawn: who would have thought a dinner and movie could find me someone special.
Xander: so thats a yes.
Dawn nodded and took Xanders hand.
Xander looked at Dawn and couldnt believe he found someone so beautiful, sweet and well someone that he was proud to call his. He kissed Dawn on the cheek and she smiled. She then gave him a gentle kiss on his soft and gorgeous lips.
THE END
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Boomerang
The prickling pain on his back was the first sensation. Confusion at the cause followed.
“What new Hell is this?” his muzzy brain asked.
The answer came from the depths of his memories, peeling back from each other. He was a child, visiting a friend’s cottage on the coast. He was digging in the sand. As the sun dropped toward the horizon, he felt the same pinching tightness across his bare shoulders. He looked down to see angry red skin, while the rays of the sun blazed into his eyes –
Spike flailed awake, screaming, scrabbling over the gravel he had been lying on. His swinging arms tangled in the ragged blanket he had been wrapped in. He backed right into a stone wall, and clambered partially erect, still screaming, eyes wide. The disk of the sun still seemed burned on his retinas, and his eyes could see nothing but blue-white agony. And with it a whisper…
“Sssssspike….”
Her voice. Soft. Sighing his name the way he had always wanted to hear it, but never would.
“Nice change from the other. Always yellin’, she is,” he muttered.
The white light extinguished quickly, leaving a negative image, ghosting what his eyes were really seeing. Spike shook his head and peered around. He was in the empty cellar of an abandoned hut. He took a sniff of the air, and his nostrils flared. Marrakech. Nowhere else smelled like this particular combination of spice and shit. Somehow he’d crossed the Western Sahara.
“Well, bloody good for me,” he muttered under his breath. Now he knew he had to get to Rabat. Get off this godforsaken continent. Back to her. She wanted him. Dark or bright, she called to him. He had no memory of his journey from the Nubian Desert, east of Khartoum. Where that slimy demon lives…
“He’ll get his,” Spike croaked. “One thing at a time.”
He had to get to Rabat.
***
The pain was excruciating, like stepping into a furnace. It ripped the skin from muscle, then muscle from bone. Darkness, hotter than the sun, if that was possible. He turned to run, and found he was surrounded. Suddenly he was a child again, and he was in the dark with the hoard crowding and clutching at him. Panic gripped him and he windmilled his arms, crying out in abject terror. His fists connected solidly, which seemed strange, since the closet he was in was only full of clothes and darkness. His breath came in gasps; he was suffocating. He fought harder, and over the rasp of his breath he heard a haunting melody. It was coming from behind him, where he knew the dark crucible was coming for him. He could hear the music. With a wordless yell, he ripped, tore, and scratched at the encroaching mass of moving, grasping clothes that wanted to pull him down. Spike gritted his teeth and roared. Just as he was about to succumb to the tidal wave of pressure, he fought free. He spilled into the clear, thumping onto his hand and knees, and the music stopped –
Spike shook his head and blinked hard at his surroundings. He was a bit startled to find a battered face staring back at him. Spike was sitting on a man’s chest, with one hand on the man’s throat, and the other cocked, ready to punch.
“S’matter, Spike?” the man wheezed. “Arm tired?” The man chuckled, spitting blood and teeth.
Blinking again, he turned his head and took a second or two to scan the area. Bar. Demon bar, by the looks of it. Yeah, he was in Rabat, two blocks from the port, he remembered. He was fuzzy on how he had gotten here, and why everyone else in the place was unconscious, and why he seemed to be beating the snot out of the barkeep/owner. His head was throbbing, and he recognized the pain. It felt like the “hangover” he got after his chip pulsed pain into his brain when he was trying to harm a human. But he hadn’t had a chip-induced blast…at least not one he had remembered. He’d been wailing on this guy, and he was human. Confusion washed over him. He looked at his raised hand, and down at the barkeep’s face, and knew for certain if he landed the next punch, he’d get chipped. He thought fleetingly of the music he had heard, but any connections between the present and his hallucinations stubbornly eluded him. He planted his feet and hauled the bartender up. He thumped the man (gently) against the wall, still gripping him under the chin. The chip twitched menacingly, but didn’t fire.
“Right then. So…” Spike said, leaving the words hanging. He couldn’t remember why he was doing this. Or how he’d got here. Or what he wanted to know.
The owner chuckled again.
“You said you’d take on the whole bar…I thought you were dust, man. So, take what you earned…more’n enough money for whatcha want. Never seen a bet like that pay off.”
Spike had no clue about what it was he was supposed to want. So he stalled.
“And…”
“And the barge leaves at midnight. Dancing Olga. Slip 6.”
A ship, he mused. Better choice than a plane, since all the “modern” architecture in airports let in far too much sunlight…bloody engineers…He still needed more information, though.
“And…”
“And it’ll get you to New York, no problem. Hell, you already met some of your crew. They’re lyin’ over there.” He nodded his head toward the back of the bar.
Still confused, Spike decided to see if there was anything else.
“And…” he snarled through his gritted teeth. He pressed harder on the man’s neck. Again, the chip threatened to blast him.
“And I’ll give you a hand gathering your cash…then get outta my bar.”
Spike thought for a second, shrugged, and took his hand off the man’s neck.
“Right then. Let’s get to it.”
***
He awoke, disoriented, with a pounding headache. Those two noisy bitches had been yelling at him again. Funny how they would change. One minute there’d be two Buffys in his head, the next minute one would morph into his mother. The colour didn’t matter, except that the dark one yelled more. He even had them show up in his cabin, which was strange. The crew had jumped him when he’d come aboard and had thrown him in a locked room. They’d give him passage, the captain had said, but they didn’t want to risk a vampire on the loose. Couldn’t blame ‘em, really, Spike thought, since he’d thrashed most of them in the bar…but why were they dosing his blood? They gave him a mug of pig’s blood daily, but he was losing time. He’d have hours of time missing, and locked in as he was, he was counting every minute. And the room had been taking a beating when he was “gone”…the bulkheads were battered and scored, and he knew he’d done it. His hands were a mess, but he had no memory of hurting them. He remembered that the dark one had shown up just before his missing time. Maybe she had something to do with it. He did know he was slowly going mad. The yelling, the presence of her, and how physical manifestations. The bright one was becoming more internalized – he saw her mostly in his mind’s eye, and heard her as though she was a voice inside her head. The dark one was more external, actually appearing to him. He didn’t know which one was which sometimes. He was intently concentrating on the rivet on the bulkhead behind his bed when his neck bristled in warning. Something was here.
“So…which one have we today?” Spike spun off the bed, both boots thunking onto the deck plate. A small Chinese girl in colourful robes stood in the centre of the room. She smiled and said something in her native tongue.
“Sorry, luv, I don’t speak Mandarin…or is it Haklo...” He paused and frowned. “Anyway, I killed you. So what do you want?”
“I’ve come for your training,” she said in English.
“Training, right. I’m really going off my nut now. First Buffy, and my mother, now you. Is it gonna be a parade, then?” As he said this, he felt a flood of emotion he recognized as remorse. It hurt as much as the blasted chip.
“And it should hurt, William,” he heard as a whisper in his head. “You’ve hurt a lot of people.” It sounded like Buffy, and it was accompanied by a burst of white behind his eyes.
The Chinese girl smiled.
“You will learn. I have a purpose for you.”
“You do,” sneered Spike, and his muscles tensed, coiling for action.
The girl’s smile widened, then she puckered her lips and started to whistle. It was a haunting, ancient melody, and its effect on Spike was instantaneous. His eyes clouded for a moment, then he crouched down, ready to spring. He snarled as he changed his face to its vampire form.
The girl chuckled throatily after she finished the song, and crooned, “Yes, I do have a purpose for you. And it is working so well. So…come and get me.”
Roaring, Spike sprang at the girl.
***
Spike leaned on the building, hidden in the shadows at the mouth of the alley. A plume of smoke escaped his lips, and he lifted his hand to take another drag of his cigarette. He was watching the ’59 Bel Air parked across the street. It was the only ride with any style he’s seen, but the owner sure wasn’t in a hurry to get anywhere. Two hours he’d been waiting, and he’d still have to black the windows. He took a final pull on the smoke and flicked the butt out into the gutter. Just as the puff of smoke he exhaled had dissipated, a couple rounded the corner, holding hands and laughing. Spike stood up straight as the man unlocked and opened the passenger door for his date. Spike strode out into the street toward the car. From the alley behind him he heard movement. Buffy stood in the spot he had just left, and she started whistling. Spike glanced over his shoulder and smiled as the song continued. Buffy’s features then began to melt like wax, and she transformed to an older taller woman with white hair. By this time, Spike had reached the driver’s door, just as the man was pulling it open. Smiling wickedly, Spike grabbed the scruff of the man’s neck and slammed his head against the car’s roof. The man crumpled into a heap, and in the blink of an eye Spike was inside the car. He clamped a hand over the woman’s mouth, stifling her scream. Her eyes went wide as fangs sank into her neck, then her eyes rolled up as the vampire drained her. The lilting song continued as Spike moved to the unconscious man. He heaved the inert body upright, roughly yanked the head to expose the neck, then savagely bit down on the jugular. As the whistling ended, Spike half-turned and shot a bloody grin back at the alley mouth, where his mother smiled back. He turned to finish his meal.
Later, the old car was motoring along the Interstate as the horizon behind it lightened with the coming dawn. A can of black spray paint had obscured most of the car’s interior to light, and Spike drove with abandon, determined to go as many miles as possible before he had to stop to sleep. Beside him in the passenger’s seat sat Buffy.
“Almost ready,” she purred.
“Wha? Yeah, I guess,” muttered Spike in reply. “That bright one of you keeps hurting my head though. Making me feel bad.”
“Spike, you can ignore that pesky soul,” said Buffy with amusement. “Lots of humans do it all the time.”
“Sure,” he replied, “but I worked hard for it. Seems stupid not to use it now.”
“But your life will be so easy if you do ignore it. Just think, you could be as you once were – a dark prince.”
“Yeah…yeah,” he said slowly. “That’d be good.”
“Of course it would. All you need to do is listen to me. I can make you what you were…what you want to be.” And with that, the simulacrum of Buffy started humming the song, and she smiled. Spike smiled back. The car roared west down the highway.
***
Spike stood beside the car just after dusk, three days later. He was rubbing and angry red goose egg on his forehead where the steering wheel had hit it. He as pacing around the bumper, bemused by the sign his car had destroyed, wondering how he’d gotten here.
“Welcome to Sunny-bleeding-dale,” he snarled. “I’m like a goddamned undead boomerang. I just keep coming back here, whether I want to or not.”
“I wanted you here,” said Buffy from behind him.
“Yeah, you wanted me crazy too. I guess you win both ways.”
She smiled wickedly. “You’re ready.”
“Right, so is that why I can’t remember most of how I got here?” Spike asked. It was true. He vaguely remembered some faces he’d seen, but he couldn’t tell what had happened to them. Flashes of scenery came to him too, but it was the faces he saw most clearly. His chip twitched when he saw the faces, and he heard a voice sigh in his head.
“You won’t forget them either, William.” It was the bright one. His soul, his conscience.
Spike whirled around and yelled at the dark Buffy, “WHY WON’T I FORGET?”
Buffy looked at him for a second and, not understanding the context of the question, answered, “Because I’ve got you programmed and ready, vampire.”
In a moment of clarity, Spike knew he had been driven to madness. He had no control. He couldn’t go to Buffy…the real Buffy. He knew he was dangerous, since he had a strong feeling the faces he saw had come to a bad end because of him. He had to find somewhere to go…maybe he could clear his head…
“Gotta find some place,” he muttered to himself. He staggered slightly as he tore the back door of the car open. He heaved an old sack of clothes over his shoulder, and walked away from the wreck. “Gotta stay away from her.”
“I know where you can go. I’ll be there. You’ll be near me,” said Buffy as she walked beside him.
Spike stopped and looked at her in confusion, as if she were the real Buffy.
“Near you? That’s why I came back. For you. I did it all for you, Buffy.”
The simulacrum smiled nastily, and growled, “You’re kinda pathetic, aren’t you Spike? And you’re right, you did do it for me. I trained you, and you will do it for me, won’t you?” she finished with a pout. She smiled up at him, and continued, “Come on. I have a place for you.”
“Not my old crypt…drafty piece of shit…don’t want to fight Clem for it…” Spike was rambling now.
“No, my prince. A new place. Close to me. You’ll like it.”
“New place…near you…OK.” Spike’s shoulders slumped and he fell in behind the dark Buffy, who walked up the sidewalk away from the car. On her right loomed a sign. Sunnydale High School Reconstruction Project, it read. She whistled as she walked.
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Untitled
Xander and Buffy stood in the backyard of the Summers house.
"So, the trio?" asked Xander.
"Johnathan and Andrew are behind bars. Warren pulled a rochetman and jetted." replied Buffy.
They both looked at eachother and laughed.
"Why didn't you tell me about Spike, Buff?" asked Xander. "It hurts."
"I wanted to but I thought you wouldn't understand." answered Buffy.
"I don't understand, but it would of been good to try." said Xander.
Buffy looks up at Xander and smiles.
"I'm sorry Xand. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you and Will." said Buffy.
Xander hugs Buffy. "I love you.
" "Me too." said Buffy.
Upstairs, Willow and Tara stood in the hallway. Willow pecked TAra on the lips with a kiss.
"Its about time you put some clothes on." said Willow as she pulled Tara into the room.
"Well I would of had some on sooner. I was too exuasted to move after the third round." said Tara with a smile.
Willow twirled Tara in a circle.
"I'm glad things are okay between us again." said Willow in a seroius tone. "So, ready to go again?"
"No. I-I mean yes, but I'm hungry." replied Tara.
"I thought you already had enough to eat." said Willow with a smile. "I love you."
Back in the yard, Xander still held Buffy.
"Hey! The one time a man says I love you and all he gets is me too?" asked Xander sarcastically. "Its not like its already hard enough for a man to share his feelings without being called a wuss."
Buffy pulled away and smiled.
"Awww, Xander, I love you too." said Buffy.
"Yeah, until your caught between some sheets with Spike again." said Xander.
Out of nowhere, Warren busted through the back gate with his arm extended and a gun leading the way.
"No! You think you can just do that and get away?!" asked Warren as he began to yell. "Yeah, I'll give you that. You stopped me, but lets see how you stop this!"
Warren pulled the trigger as he began to wave the gun in the air.
"Buff!" yelled Xander as he pushed her to the ground, but only to fall after her!
Warren turned and darted from the fence.
"Oh God. Xander." gasped Buffy as his white shirt became stained with blood.
Upstairs,
"I love---" Tara stopped as Willow jerked forward and blood spurted on her face!
Willow fell to the ground to reveal a bullet in the side of her head.
"Willow." said Tara as she began to cry. "Will" Babay?" T
ara backed away and fell against the wall.
The front door opened as Buffy came running in.
"Willow! Tara!" yelled Buffy as she dashed upstairs. "It's Xander. He's been....shot.."
Buffy walked into the room to see Willow lifeless body.
Tears began to pour uncontrollably from her eyes as her legs gave out and she collapsed over Willows body.
"Will! Get up! We have to.......Get up!" yelled Buffyas she shook her body.
Tara walked ovet to Buffy and wrapped her arms around her.
"She's gone." she whispered.
Tara glanced at Buffys hand.
"You're bleeding." said Tara.
Buffy looked up towards the window.
"Xander! I need to get help!" yelled Buffy in tears.
"Bu-Buffy no. I'll help Xander. You stay with Willow." said Tara as she rose from the floor.
She ran downstairs and grabbed the phone.
Time had passed and an ambulance rested in front of the house.
"Will he be okay?" asked Tara.
"I don't know mem. The bullet has punctured a lung and we're gonna have to fly him to Sacremento Memorial." answered one of the meds.
Tara turned towards the door as they scrolled Willows body out of the house.
Buffy followed with a lifeless stare on her face.
Tara knew she couldnt let go of her emotions infront of Buffy.
She knew that she had to be strong.
"Buffy. I-I'm going to the hospital with Xander." said Tara.
Buffy nodded as she lowered herself on the porch step.
Tara walked towards the ambulance and got in.
The doors closed behind her.
Meanwhile, Warren walked into an empty apartment and quickly closed the door behind him.
He pulled his coat off and dropped itto the floor.
Warren walked across the room and peaked out the window with the gun ready at his side.
As if his own conscience was talking to him, voices began to ring in his head.
Warren pressed his body against the wall and slowly dropped to the floor.
Are you dumb or something? Did you actually think that you killed her? She's a Slayer for Gods sake!
"I shot her. She's dead." said Warren answering his own conscience.
But did you see it? With your own eyes?
Warrens eyes widened as he looked up.
She's not dead and you know it!
Warren lifted up his arm and pointed it directly infront of his face.
You have to finish her. Now! So drop the gun. I don't think a bullet will keep the Slayer down. Time to step it up a notch.
Warren pulled hisself up from the floor and fled the empty apartment.
Another "Warren" walked from the shadows as it changed into Willow!
Back at the Summers house, Buffy still sat motionless on the font porch.
Dawn walked from across the street towards her.
"Hey Buffy. Sorry I'm late. I was waiting foe Xande---"
"Don't say that name." said Buffy snappily as she cut off Dawn.
"Buffy, what's wrong?" asked Dawn, now confused. She looked at Buffys hands to see them stained with blood.
Dawn kneeled down infront of her.
"Your hands are bloody." said Dawn.
"Warren. He shot Xander and killed Willow." said Buffy plainly.
Buffys facial expression changed into a smile as she began to laugh. "
Willows dead." she said histerically. "And you know what that makes Warren? Dead."
BUffy rose from the steps as she switched into a more seroius tone.
Tears ran from Dawns face.
"HOw can you sit there and laugh at your own friends death?" asked Dawn in an angry tone.
"Because Warren has it coming to him." replied Buffyas she walked closer to Dawn. "And now he's going to die."
"Buffy, you can't kill a human." said Dawn.
"Yeah, well I'm the Slayer. And its just as if he were one of the demons I fight everyday. He's evil." said Buffy.
"And you will be too." said Dawn. "Being the Slayer doesn't give you the right to break laws. No matter what Warren did, you can't kill him Buffy."
"Well, watch me." said Buffy smiling. "That is all you can do. You can't stop me."
Dawn rubbed her head as she began to shake it.
"Trust me Buffy, I want to kill Warren too, but it doesn't work that way here. We have laws and rules to follow and being a Slayer doesm't put you outside of that." said Dawn as she began to walk away.
"Dawn! Where are you going?" asked Buffy.
"To the Magic Box. I need to talk to Anya." answered Dawn.
"Not alone." said Buffy.
"Well, either you can go and kill Warren and let some supernatural beasties feed off of your one and only sister or you can escort me there safely." explained Dawn with a smirk.
Buffy rolled her eyes and smiled.
"You're lucky I love you."
They both walked down the street, heading towards the MAgic Box.
Meanwhile, at the Magic Box, Anya stood behind the counter as a satisfied customer left.
"Thank you and come again!" said Anya cheerfully. "But next time be sure to bring more money!"
The customer looked at her oddly before walking out. Anya glanced at the clock.
She grabbed the key to the cash register and unlocked it.
Anya left from behind the counter and headed towards the door.
She reached her hand out to lock it, but before she could, Dawn and Buffy rushed through the door.
"Jeeze! It's clong time!: yelled Anya as she grabbed the sign. "See. closed.
"It's important." said Dawn "I need to talk to you."
"Willows dead and Xanders been shot." blurted out Buffy.
"Oh God!" gasped Anya. "Is..."
"Xanders fine." said Buffy, cutting her off.
"That's sort of what I need to talk to you about." explained Dawn.
"Well since you two girls are going to chat, I'll be off then." said Buffy as she turned for the door.
"BUffy no!" yelled Dawn.
"Whats going on? What did I miss?" asked Anya. Dawn and Buffy stood there in silence.
"She wants to kill him doesn't she?" asked Anya. "I can tell. I know that look. The same as the women that come to me. The women I helped to get vengence."
"Damn right." said BUffy. "But I dont want vengence or any help from you. I'm fine with using my own two hands."
Anya stepped infront of the door and locked it.
"Buffy, I can't let you walk out of that door." said Anya. "We may not be friends. Hell, I don't even like you, but I can't let you leave."
"Anya, I don't want to fight you." said Buffy. "Well actually I do, but I don't have enough time." Buffy stepped forward, closer towards Anya.
"Buffy, this is not you. You're not ready for that step. To become a murderer." explained Anya. "And trust me, alot of pain comes with being one."
"Listen to her Buffy." said Dawn. "What would mom say if she was here?"
"It doesn't matter, because shes not!" yelled Buffy as she back punched Anya.
Anya flew sideways , into a table.
Anya shook off the hit as she turned into demon mode.
"I've been expecting this." sighed Anya. "Hey Dawnie, you might want to move out of the way."
Anya walked up to Buffy and back punched her.
Buffy flew backwards and slid into a bookshelf.
"Good. Atleast I get to blow off some steam." said Buffy as she pulled herself from the ground.
BUffy threw a right hook, but Anya caught it.
Anya kneed Buffy in the stomach and threw a forearm.
Buffy bent back going into a crabstance.
She threw her legs up, kicking Anya in the face. Buffy brought her legs up higher going into a handstand.
Buffy twirled her body around, dropping into a double leg sweep.
Anya quickly jumped over it and threw her leg outward, kikcking Buffy in the side.
She slid back across the room.
Anya grabbed Buffy by the shoulders and threw her upward.
Buffy hit the ceiling and slammed back down into the floor.
Buffy rolled over on her stomach and grabbed Anya by her ankess.
She pulled inward, causing Anya to to fall backwards. Buffy grabbed Anyas leg and swung her leg like a baseball bat.
Anya flew across the room into the stairs.
"NOw, do you think you made a mistake?" asked Buffy.
Anya climbed to her feet.
"Will you two stop fighting already!" yelled Dawn.
"Yeah, only after this!" yelled Buffy as she springed forward.
She grabbed Anyas hair and smashed her head into the wall behind her.
Buffy pulled her up and threw her through the glass shelves of the counter.
Anya crwled through the glass.
Buffy walked around the otherside to stop her in her tracks.
She grabbed Anya by the throat and lifted her into the air.
Anya gasped for air as Buffy tightened her grip. Suddenly she flew backwards, crashing through shelves of bottled animals.
"Tara." said Dawn as she turned to face her.
"Bu--BUffy. I'm sorry, but you're out of control." said Tara.
"I atleast thought my best friends lover would have my back." said Buffy. "But I guess thats how it is when you're the Slayer. Always alone."
Buffy hurried out of the MAgic BOx and dashed through the street.
Tara and Dawn ran over to Anya and helped her to her feet.
"We need to get to the hospital." said Dawn.
"Xanders being flown to Sacremento." said Tara. "Thats why I came back."
" Can you guys handle things?" asked Anya. "I have to make sure..."
Tara nodded.
"We understand. Go." said Dawn.
Energies swirled around Anya as she vanished.
"We need to get to Buffy." said Dawn.
"NO, we need to find Warren, before Buffy does." explained Tara.
"There's no use. We can't stop BUffy. Shes too strong. Shes the Slayer." said Dawn.
"I know Dawnie. I really do, but if it comes down to it, we're gonna have to stop her." said Tara. "So you have to help me with a locators spell."
Dawn nodded.
Meanwhile, Anya appeared behind a med cart in the Sacremento hospital.
Anya looked around the corner and ran into a room. She pulled the curtain back to reveal Xander laying there peacefully.
Anya turned as her eyes began to water.
The beeping sounds of the hospital somehow began to soothe her.
"Anya." said Xander in a faint voice. " You weren't going to leave without accusing me now, were you?" Anya smiled and turned to face him.
"You're okay." she said.
"Of course I am. I'm like Mr. Fantastic. Except I'm not rubbery and I can't stretch." said Xander.
"And you don't have the brains." added Anya with a smile.
"What happened?"asked Xander. "Were you fighting bunnies again?"
"More like Buffy." replied Anya.
Xander lifted hisself up in the bed.
"You and Buff were fighting?" he asked confused.
"I tried to stop her from going after Warren." explained Anya.
"Okay. He shot me, but she doesn't have to kill him." said Xander.
"He killed Willow." said Anya.
Xander paused as his brain caught up.
"Then I say go for it." he said. "He deserves to die."
"He's human." said Anya.
"So what. You kill them everyday." he said.
"Thats different." said Anya.
"Not so much." said Xander.
"Shes human. Humans cant handle that type of pain. Especially not Buffy." explained Anya.
"Well shes already experienced it." replied Xander.
"So you want her to become a murderer?" she asked. Xander looked down and shook his head.
"No." he answered. "Anya, you have to talk some sense into her."
"I tried that. Even treid beating some in her." said Anya.
"Promise that you'll stop her." said Xander.
"I will." said Anya.
Back in Sunnydale, Buffy walked into a gun shop. Guns rested everywhere in there cases.
The man behind the counter stared at her.
"So what can I do you for young lady?" he asked.
"I need a gun." answered Buffy quickly.
"Well there are many types ogf guns sweet heart." he said.
"Give me something I can use to torture. Bullets that go through," said Buffy.
The mam pulled a gun from the shelf as well as a box. Buffy smiled.
"That'll do." she said.
Back at the Magic Box, Dawn and Tara held hands around a map.
The dust in the middle all pulled to one location.
"He's there."said Tara "We have to hurry."
Energies swirled in as Anya appeared.
"Xanders fine." she said .
"Just in time. We're going to get Warren." said Dawn.
"Think you can go ahead to make sure he stays safe?" asked Tara. "
I made a promise." said Anya as energies circled her once more and she vanished.
Dawn picked up a bag from the floor as her and Tara walked from the MAgic Box.
Somewhere in the middle of the woods, Warren stood in an open area in silence.
He glanced around looking through the trees.
"No Slayer yet." said Warren.
He took a deep breath and let it out as he saw Buffy.
"Its about time you arrived." said Warren.
"Did you like the spell I cast to lure you here?"
Buffy stopped walking when she reached him.
"Warren. any last words?" asked Buffy.
"No Slayer. You're not actually going to kill me." said Warren as he stared into Buffys eyes.
"Warren, Warren, Warren. You tried to kill me." said Buffy.
"Yeah. Isn't it cool how I used a gun?" he asked.
"Not cool. You shot Xander and killed Willow." said Buffy.
"Willow wasn't even...."
"She was upstairs." said Buffy cutting him off. "You killed her!"
"I.....don't really care." said Warren. "Not to sound mean, I don't really know her. Not that fond of red heads anyways."
Buffy jumped forward and tackled Warren.
He pulled a crystal from his pocket and threw it at her.
A bright light flashed, blinding her.
Warren pushed Buffy away as he rushed to his feet. Warren pulled out another crystal and threw it at Buffys legs.
Ice began to form around them. Buffy opened her coat to reveal a gun. She pulled the trigger and Warren fell to the ground. He grabbed his leg as blood rushed from it. Buffy beagn to pound the ice with her fist until it cracked.
"Now, didn't you ask me if I was actually going to kill you?" asked Buffy.
Instantly, Anya appeared behind Buffy as she stood up.
"Buffy!" she yelled.
"Not you again." said Buffy.
"You can't kill Warren." said Anya.
"Well if you hadn't interupted me, then he'd be dead ny now." said Buffy as she turned to face Anya.
"The you're just as Warren. A cold hearted killer." said Anya.
Buffy looked down at the gun.
"Let's just skip this and fight." said Buffy.
She threw a right hook, sending Anya to the ground. Anya quickly jumped to her feet and dashed forward. Buffy threw a punch, but Anya ducked under her arm and came around with a back punch. Anya brought her other arm around, striking Buffy again. Anya threw her leg out going into an inward spin kick. Her foot connected with Buffys arm and the gun flew from her hand. Warren glanced over as the gun slid beside him. Buffy grabbed Anya and pushed her back. She ran forward and drop kicked her. Anya climbed to her knees, but Buffy extended her leg, kicking Anya in the side of the head.
"Buffy!" yelled a voice.
Buffy looked over her shoulder to see Dawn and TAra.
"Buffy no!" yelled Tara as she raced towards her. Buffy pulled the gun from beside Warren and aimed at his chest, pulling the trigger. Warrens body flung to the ground as blood oozed from him. Tara and Dawn stopped as they heard the shot. Anya drug herself from the ground.
"Buffy." she said in a soft tone.
Buffy gripped the gun tighter as she dashed through the opposite side of the woods.
Time had passed and the sun slowly beagn to shine through the night sky. Dawn, Anya and Tara walked down the road, heading towards the Summers residence.
"I think we need to get cleaned up and get some rest." said Tara, finally breaking the silence.
"I can't sleep. I'm not tired." said Dawn annoyed. "I need to find Buffy."
Anya stopped walking.
"I'll meet you guys later. I need to check oon Xander." said Anya in a low tone as she vanished. Dawn stormed off down the stree, leaving Tara behind.
Meanwhile, at the police station, Andrew and Johnathan stood there behind bars.
"Oh God. We're going to rot in here." said Johnathan.
"Well, I'm sure Warren will break us out soon." said Andrew.
"Are you dumb or were you not just listening." asked Johnathan. "We're going to rot in here. Warrens not coming."
Johnathan walked to the other side of the cell.
"You can't doubt him. Warren is our leader. He's coming for us." said Andrew.
"Then why did our almighty leader jet off on a rocket pack and leave us in the dust?" asked Johnathan. "Besides, you two were going to leave me so I could take the fall."
Johnathan turned around to face Andrew.
"Both of you were in on it and didn't care what happened to me. Some team that is." he said.
Andrew shook his head. "He had to escape so the Trio wouldn't be defeated by the Slayer." said Andrew.
"Andrew, this isn't some comic book or some episode of star wars.! This is real life! We're locked up behind bars and Warren is not coming to save us!" yelled Johnathan.
He walked away and sat on the bed.
"Besides, Buffy probably already stopped him." Andrew stood there in silence.
Meanwhile, Buffy stood in a hotel room. She walked into the bathroom annd turned on the shower. She dropped her clothes to the floor and stepped in it. The hot water clensed her skin of blood. Buffy steppe back out of the shower and dried herself off. Then she redressed and picked up the gun.
"Two to go." said Buffy as she walked out of the hotel room.
Dawn walked from around the corner and stopped infront of her.
"How did you find me?" asked Buffy. "What did I tell you about using magic?"
"I didn't. I called every hotel in Sunnydale genius." replied Dawn with a smile.
"Dawn go. I don't want you to see me like this." said Buffy.
"Well it's too late. I saw you kill Warren." said Dawn.
"Are you here to give me a speech about becoming a murderer too?" asked Buffy.
Dawn shook her head.
"NO. I just wanted to talk to you." replied Dawn. "To see how you were doing. So.....how are you?"
Buffy shrugged her shoulders.
"Obviously I'm not okay." answered Buffy. "Everythings falling apart for me."
"Everythings falling apart for all of us. It's not just you Buffy." explaind Dawn. "You always try to single yourself out from everyone. When Willow died it didn't just effect you. It hurt all of us. What about Tara? We should be concerned about her and she hasn't even cried Buffy. Had a chance to let go."
Dawns tone changed as she began to cry.
"I know, but..."
"No! YOu don't know Buffy!" yelled Dawn cuuting her off. "Its all abot you. The Slayer. The chosen one. Well it doesn't work that way in this world!"
Dawn turned away and walked from the hotel. Buffy in silenc as Dawn left.
BAck at the jail, Andrew and Jonathan laid on the beds.
"Why do I always get the top bunk?" asked Andrew.
"Does it matter?" asked Jonathan.
"Of course it does. When Warren busts through the roof, I don't want the ceiling to fall on me." replied Andrew. "
And youwant it to fall on me?" asked Johnathan, now annoyed.
Anya appeared as energies vanished from her body.
"Ahh!" screamed Andrew as he jumped up, hitting his head on the roof.
"Anya." said Johnathan. "You're here to kill us, aren't you?"
"Oh God! I wouldn't even waste my time killing little wimps like you." replied Anya with a laugh.
"Then why are you her?" asked Andrew, rubbing his forhead.
"To warn you." answered Anya rolling her eyes.
"About what? How the world is going to come to an end because of the mighty Trio?" asked Andrew.
"That Buffy is coming and she's going to kill you." answered Anya. "She killed Warren and she want to kill you too."
"Oh God! Oh God Oh God!" yelled Andrew as he began to cry. "We're going to die!"
"Anya, can't you get us out of here?" asked Johnathan.
Anya shook her head.
"No. I can't." she replied, "Then we're going to die." saod Andrew in a soft tone.
Anya looked away as she vanushed from the cell. Andrew slid to the ground and burst into tears. Johnathan ran to the bars and began banging against them.
"Help! Someone! You have to let us out!" he yelled in fear.
"We're going to die." said Andrew still in tears.
Meanwhile, at the MAgic Box, Tara and Anya stood in front of the counter.
"Okay. Bye." said Tara as before hanging up the phone.
"Are you ready for this?" asked Anya.
"Yeah. I don't have a choice.." replied Tara. "I'm just so used to Willow working all the mojo."
"We'll have to make this work. For Buffy." said Anya.
"Well, let's get to it." said Tara as she grabbed a bag from the floor.
Night fell and Buffy stood outside the police station. She glanced at the gun and then turned her gaze back towards the building, as she began to move in that direction. Buffy walked forward into the building. The police guards staredat her as she walked passed them.
"Can we help you with anytthing?" asked an officer.
"No, I've found what I'm looking for." replied Buffy as she stared into the cell.
The cell was silent.
"Looks like they're fast asleep." said Buffy.
She grabbed the bars and pushed outward. The bars began to creak as she bended them out of pplace.She pushed to the side to make enough room for herself.
"Hey!" yelled an officer as he pulled a gun out and beagan to shake in fear.
Buffy looked at him and walked through the bars. She pulled the gun out and aimed. The sheets flew off the bottom bed to reveal Giles.
"You're not going to shoot me I hope." said Giles with a smile.
"Giles?" asked Buffy confused. "
And me." said Dawn as she walked from the shadows.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Buffy. "Why are you back fromEngland and wheres Johnathan and Andrew?"
"We're here simply for you." replied Giles. "Actually it was kind of sudden. Anya and Tara came up with an idea to bring me here with magic."
"You told Giles" yelled Buffy.
"Well I would of told mom, but shes not here." said Dawn sticking out her tongue.
BUffy smiled.
"So go ahead. Give me the speech." said Buffy.
Giles turned to fece Dawn.
"What speech?" he asked. "I didn't know I was supposed to come prepared."
"The one when you tell me how wrong I am and that I should be locked away in some facility." said Buffy.
"No. I'm not going to tell you you're wrong. Or tell you your faults. I'm simply here for you. To love..you." explained Giles. "Buffy, you are a remarkable young woman. I've watched you as you've grown and taken on may responsibilties. Some that even I couldn't have managed to take on."
Buffy stared into Giles eyes as hers began to water.
"I want you to know that murderer or not, I'll always be here for you. I love you as if you were my own." said Giles as a tear rolled down his cheek.
"I love you too." said Buffy as she busrt into tears.
"Dad......or should I say grandpa?"
Dawn smiled as she hugged Buffy. Giles wrapped his arms around them both and smiled. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
The End
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hell Just Froze Over
Chapter 1
"Yo... i'm home, Anyone here!?" Faith called out to the quiet seemingly empty house, sighing she took off her jacket and placed it on one of the kitchen chairs quickly glancing down for a note, finding nothing but mail addressed to her ignoring the letters she walked down the hall way looking from room to room. "Hey.. I'm home..." she called out once more sighing at yet agian at the silent comebacks. Grunting she turned around halfway down the hall to go back toward the kitchen stopping abruptly when she heard a rustling sound comming from the last bedroom. Faith quickly but silently made her way to the final doorway pushing the door open slowly ready to attack the intruder. Letting out a loud relieving sigh she smiled "I thought you were a theif... Why didn't you answer me when i hollered?" she asked questionatively. Feeling annoyed when the only answer she recieved was a finger to their lips making a 'Shhhing' sound...Faith quickly shrugged it off she knew why she had to be quiet... She smiled as she walked over to the Mahogany Canopy Crib with a pink lace overtop. Looking down to find a small but gorgeous 3 month old little girl, her little bit of hair lay in soft dark chesnut colored curls, her beautiful green eyes were hidden by her tiny eyelids, her soft little lips moved as she let out little snores that sounded as if she were a kitten purring. Beaming down at her Little girl with such pride and joy, five years ago Faith would have never thought she'd come this far... she looked up at her handsome, strong, opinionated, passionate husband and smiled... she turned on the baby monitor next to the bed and grabbed his hand leading him out of the babies room and into the living room.. smiling once agian she reached up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "So how was your day with Serena?" she asked curiously as she sat on the couch quickly joined by her husband. Smiling he rubed his eyes "Exhausting... She was good though, Only cried about six times while you were out. Whats for dinner?" he quickly replied as he got up and walked to the kitchen to look in the fridge. Actually Dawn invited us to dinner... She's home from College this week and she wants to see the baby. Everyone's going to be there..Dawn Buffy Willow, Giles, Xander, Angel, Gunn, Spike, Illyria or maybe Fred i'm not exactly sure who she is these days even andrew, Oz, Kennedy, Asia, Nina, ax... All of them...I told them we'd go. Is that ok?" He quickly looked up from the fridge and shrugged.
Chapter 2
Soon everyone was gathered in the Summers living room like old times, waiting for dinner to finish cooking and laughing about the old days. Faith looked around at Everyone still trying to grasp how everything fell into place, how everyone was able to become friends after everything they'd been through and stay that way. Her eyes first caught Dawn sitting on Xander's lap sneaking a quick kiss from him before laughing at another joke.. Faith's memory still fresh of when Buffy first found out about them. Xander had Visited Dawn and Buffy in Italy that year and a half they were there... Buffy worked almost constantly which left Xander and Dawn alone almost all the time.. Dawn had developed into a beautiful young woman... she was 22 now but when her and Xander first got together she was only 17... It was about 6 months after sunnydale was destroyed... They hid it for a month or two before it finally came out.. Buffy caught them cuddling and kissing on the couch when she came home from work early one night... Oh she'd liked to castrate Xander... Almost did infact, she kicked him out and forbid him to see Dawn, didn't listen of course he still snuck around finally Buffy got used to it... Here it is 5 years later and they're engaged... Xander still wearing his eye patch and working in construction Dawn attending medical school to become a doctor after all the wounds she cleaned during the big battle in sunnydale she' should be great. Faith's eyes Travelled to Buffy and Angel next of course they finally got back together it happened twrs ago they got both the scoobies and Angel investagations together to battle the hellmouth in Cleveland. We won of course Angel finally reached his redemption in the Power that be's eyes apparently he was made human...as soon as that happened 6 months later they were married and 3 months later she was pregnant now at 8 months she is screaming to pop they say its twins. Next Faith turned her attention to Willow and Oz... no they weren't married yet. They actually just got back together 4 months ago. Oz had been working with Nina in L.A trainning her to control her inner wolf, they even dated for a year... then they split still friends though Oz made his way into Willow's arms agian wont be long before the wedding bells are chimming for them. Next up Was Illyria and Spike... Who would have thought it? They work though Spike was also made human which is the weird part about their relationship they have that off and on kind though. They're together 6 months then off 2 then back on. Then there was Kennedy and Asia.. Both slayers... kennedy and willow broke up shortly after sunnydale remainning friends.. Kennedy helped scower the globe for new slayers she met Asia 3 years ago in oregon been together every since.Giles is now married has been for pretty much the entire 5 years... 6 months after he went back to england to rebuild the watcher's counsil he married a woman named Shannon who was also a watcher they moved back to the states when Buffy got pregnant. Gunn and Anne were at the party too... they've been together a month now... but they're taking things slow enjoying their time together and last but not least the second to the wierdest couple at the party... Nina and Andrew...now thats something no one could ever imagine... They got together soon after her and oz split up... he had been there to help her through things..... Faith smiled at her friends not even hearing Shannon holler from the dinning room that dinner was ready...with a quick nudge from her husband she snapped out of it gathering Serena in her arms she made her way to the kitchen stopping when she heard angels voice "Connor... We need to talk." he said in his urgent voice... Faith looked to her husband who nodded for her and the baby to go into the other room while he delt with his father.
Chapter 3
Connor and Angel soon joined the rest of the group in the dinning room which was newly remodeled.. even still it was tight for all 16 people to fit, Connor sat next to Faith and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, seeing in her eyes the curiousity of what just went on... Time passed by quickly as they finished their meal over more laughter and good times. Everyone was now back in the living room saying their goodbyes and see you soons, before heading out. Faith and Connor stayed behind to talk some more with Buffy, Angel, Dawn and Xander as well as to help clean up. It was so strange that Buffy was her Step mother in law now... and Angel was her Father in law... she hated to think that way. Dawn and Xander stayed in the living room playing with Selena while Faith and Connor helped bring dishes from the dinning room to the kitchen for cleaning. Soon Angel and Connor had gone off to the basement to hit the punching bag while Faith and Buffy were left to do dishes. "Do you ever miss it?" faith asked breaking the silence... Buffy looked at her and smiled "miss what?" she replied... Faith smiled "Come on B you know what i'm talking about... The slaying.. The fighting?" Buffy shrugged and then sighed "Sometimes... But Now that i'm married and about to have the babies... it just seems like that ship has completely sailed.. Its not who i am anymore." With that it became silent agian except for the clinging of plates being put away. Soon after Faith and Connor said their goodbyes as well before loading up in their small car and driving away. "Did you tell Faith?" Angel asked Buffy as they closed the door... the look in Buffy's eyes said no, and Angel sighed "Buffy... She needs to know...Hopefully Connor will tell her" Buffy sighed and nodded in agreement. She then turned to look at Xander and Dawn.. who were on the couch wrapped up in each others arms. "Good night you two we're going to bed... dont forget to lock the doors when you go.." with that Buffy and Angel climbed the stairs and retired to bed. Back at Faith and Connor's place which was not but 15 minutes from the summers house Faith Put the now asleep selena in her crib before following Connor into the bedroom... She quickly began to disrobe herself.. showing a painful looking scar on her stomach... she had gotten right after she gave birth to Selena...Faith had been out of practice and caught off guard by a demon who nearly killed her. She spent 3 weeks in ICU before finally healing though the scar today reminds Faith she can never have another baby.. Selena would be her last. Quickly pulling on her silk short black nightgown she crawled into bed laying her head on Connor's chest and sighing. "What did Angel say to you earlier? Before dinner?", For a second she wasn't sure if Connor would reply "Faith... there was a new's report... on t.v last week... Sunnydale...Its back."
Chapter 4
"What the hell do you mean sunnydale is back?" Faith screamed practically jumping out of bed.. "How the hell do you fix a giant crater, and rebuild a damn town in only five years!?" agian screaming... this time waking the baby... loud screams of anger came from the monitor and Faith sighed her hands ran through her hair before she turned to go to the babies room... Picking up Selena she sat in the rocker holding the small Crying child. Talking softly too her telling her everything would be alright.. but was she telling a lie? Faith looked up as Connor came into the room, the baby still wailing.."I think she's hungry." Connor suggested as he saw Faith struggling to quiet her, before grabbing a bottle of formula and handing it to her. Faith took it quickly and began to move the nipple of the bottle over Selena's small lips finally taking it into her tiny mouth and beginning to suckle the formula out. "No one knows how Sunnydale is back.. Scientists are Baffled, no one is even allowed in the town. They are considering it a potential Heath Hazzard.It's been back for about a year now but they are just recently telling the public... they've run alot of tests and they said it seems to be safe.. They are going to start letting people move back in about 6 months." Connor said quietly as he watched Faith with their baby... who was quiet as a mouse except for the slight suckle sound. "Do we know if the hell mouth is back too?" Faith asked as she shifted baby selena. "No.. Angel thinks we should check it out... Me, Him and Maybe Oz. Sometime next week." he said looking down at the floor waiting for Faith to start yelling agian but to his suprise she agree'd it was a good idea. "No one else can know about this yet... Angel and Buffy dont want to scare anyone Not even Dawn knows. Not yet." he finished and she nodded, Connor then walked over to the baby who was now starting to loose the bottle... She was becomming sleepy agian and the nipple kept slipping out of her tiny mouth... Connor put it on the small table next to the rocking chair before leaning down to pick up Selena. "I'll put her to bed you go get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow." Faith smiled and Kissed her husband good night as well as her baby before leaving the room and going back to bed, slipping beneith the covers she sighed thinking about what was to come. Connor burped selena and then lay her in her crib as she began drifting off to sleep.. "Goodnight Selena." he said barely above a wisper before kissing her small forehead and leaving the room to join Faith in bed once more. Connor quickly slipped under the covers wrapping his arms around Faith and kissing her long tan neck. "I love you.. Have i told you that today, Because I do." he said softly... running his hand over her arm. Faith smiled and turned to him... her lips met his in a passionate kiss that lasted what seemed to be eternity. Finally breaking the kiss she smiled once more. "I love you too.." and with that she nuzzled her head softly onto his chest and placed her hand on the otherside, listening to the beat of his heart she was content.... except for that dark feeling in the pit of her stomach...
Chapter 5
The week flew by fast, Faith hadn't slept well since Connor broke the news about Sunnydale she wasn't the type to be afraid but now that she had Selena she was.. She couldn't bare the thought of leaving her little girl behind. "Ok we're ready...." Connor said breaking her out of her trans like state. "Huh?" she replied before shaking her head.. "Ohh.. Already? Do you guys have everything?" She forced a smile as they nodded... she hugged Connor and kissed him quickly and let him hold the baby for a moment. "I love you be careful.." She said as he smiled and gave her and the baby one last kiss before getting into Angel's black SUV. Meanwhile Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy and kissed her passionately good bye before kneeling to her stomach "Daddy loves you... All three of you.. " he said smiling up at Buffy, "You guys be good to mommy, daddy will be back soon." he said to her belly once more before standing to Kiss Buffy agian.. It would just Be him and Connor going to sunnydale this time, Both Buffy and Faith stood together... waving their husbands off into the morning sun, they didn't go inside until the car was out of sight. Faith followed her former friend, then enemy, now step mother in law/friend agian into her kitchen. Faith putting Selena into the little baby playpin Buffy and Angel had bought when she was first born that sat in the living room. "Wheres Dawn and Xander?" faith asked and Buffy shrugged... "I think they went to lunch..should be back soon... Did you hear they set a date... Dawn wanted to wait till she finished school but that wont be for another two years. We're sending invites out Monday. The wedding is less than a month from now.." she said smiling as she brought out two cups of coffee. "Thats great news... They love each other so much.. Who would have thought they'd come together." Faith said laughing at it alittle bit... remembering that she had been the one to take Xander's virginity so long ago. "Thats still not as strange as you and Connor." Buffy had retorted, she was right... When Faith first met Connor after Wes had busted her out of Jail he annoyed her, even though he was a cute annoyance, they didn't hit it off till they met agian in the Alley way the night that wolfram and heart was destroyed. Gunn barely survived that night...he was in the hospital for a good year after that.. just working on walking agian so he wouldn't be paralized. "Now who would have thought you'd be the first to get married and Have a baby?" Buffy said agian... Faith shrugged and laughed "Yeah your right.. Hard to believe." she answered both of them dancing around avoiding the real talk they should be having... finally Faith spoke up "What are we going to do if the hell mouth is back?" Faith asked quickly... and Buffy sighed... "I dont know." and with that they continued to drink their coffee... Half an hour later Xander and Dawn came home... Dawn quickly realizing little Selena she picked her up into her arms smiling.. "Hey cutie... Hey there.." she smiled talking to the little one before placing her back into the pin. "Hey we're home..." She shouted... comming into the dinning room. "How was lunch." Buffy asked as they made small talk... Sighing Dawn and Xander sat beside each other and looked to Faith before handing her an invitation.. "We figured while your here." xander remarked. Faith Gladly accepted and R.S.V.Ped for three right there on the spot. They got into talking about the wedding and what would be done... all the way down to the cake. Then Xander smiled and said he had to go that he had a meeting with some important potential clients.. with that he kissed Dawn and made his way out the door. "So whats the dress like.." Faith blurted out as soon as he left. Dawn giggled and said she didn't know... She wanted to go dress shopping soon, Buffy smiled and looked to Faith... "What about right now?" Buffy said... shocking Dawn...and with that they were off to look for the perfect wedding dress.
Chapter 6
The gasps were almost Deafening when Dawn Came out of the dressing room, wearing a strapless satin A-Line gown with beaded embroidered lace bodice and draped organza skirt, with a long chapel like train. "You look amazing" Buffy said tears filling in her eyes...Dawn smiled Beaming as she looked in the mirror... "I love it. but i wanna try one more..." with that she returned to the dressing room and tried the next one on... stepping out 5 minutes later..this time everyone was silent... she walked to the mirror and her eyes filled with tears herself... "This is it...I want this one.", agian dawn stepped back into the dressing room taking a very short time before comming out agian in her Jeans and Tshirt. "Xander is going to kill me, Its 9,897 dollars." Buffy smiled and shook her head... "Dont even worry about it. Mom left you money... when she passed for when you were 25... its alot of money, enough to pay for the entire wedding." buffy confessed suprising Dawn who then hugged her they wrote the lady a check... who then smiled and gave them a time when to come back to make any alterations to the dress for it to fit Dawn perfectly. Soon They were all back at the summers house and Faith said her good byes.. and thanking them for letting her and Selena be part of the gown buying. Getting into the small SUV Faith drove off toward her house. Meanwhile Angel and Connor made there way to sunnydale... "We should be there in a couple of hours..". They only lived about 8 hours from where sunnydale had once been and they had already droven three of the eight. Connor quickly picked up his cell phone and began to dial the house sighing waiting for an answer. Faith heard the phone ringing while searching for her keys frantically... finally she got the door open and rushed it barely making it to the phone.... "Hello?" she siad into the receiver... smiling when she heard Connors voice... she walked over to the couch and placed Selena in her little play pin filled with toys... "You guys arent' there yet are you?" she sighed when Connor said no... she continued to talk to him for about five minutes before hanging up. "Daddy will be home tommorrow.. Looks like its just you and me tonight babe." she said looking down at the precious little girl.
Chapter 7
Xander parked the car in the drive way locking it before walking up to the house, he openned the door and smiled as the smell of pizza caught his nose. "Hey... i'm home." he shouted and Dawn came bounding out of the kitchen to greet him, Jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist with her arms around his neck she kissed him slowly slidding off him... "Hi.." she said smiling.. "How was it did you get the job?" She asked still smiling. "Yeah i got it.. I start in a couple of weeks... They need a new office built." he replied his fingers entwined with hers as they walked to the dinning room for dinner. "Hey Buff.... How's the babies" he asked as she came in to join them... looking at him with her eye brow's raised "They are good...I'm ready to die but they are good" she said jokingly. With that they sat down to dinner "How was your day?" He asked the girls before him they looked at each other and smiled "We went dress shopping, I found the perfect one." Dawn blurted out quickly smiling radiantly.. "Thats great! I'm sure its beautiful." Xander replied with a quick kiss as well. "So monday we send out the invites? I cant wait to be married" dawn said looking to her sister... who was smiling at the two of them... So happy things worked out, the night continued for them all as they talked about wedding plans and ate dinner... The hours flew by before they realized it was 11 pm, Buffy smiled and announced she was off to bed... Dawn and Xander soon followed... Slipping under the covers... "Should we tell them yet?" Dawn asked looking into Xanders eyes... "Not yet... Soon." with that they turned out the light snuggled up to each other and were fast asleep. Faith on the other hand sat by the phone waiting... She had decided to keep selena in the room with her tonight she was asleep in her bassinet, while Faith watched some boring informercial on weighloss, her eyes closing every now in then from heaviness... Finally being completely woken up by the phone... she quickly reached for it "Hello!" sighing as she heard Connors voice but nervous when he said they had arrived... and were looking around... "Just come home soon and be in one peice? Be careful... I love you." she smiled as he said his i love you's too and hung up... she curled into struggling to fall asleep.... Meanwhile in Sunnydale Connor and Angel sneaked by guards... to check out the place.. it was exactly how it was before The scoobies had destroyed it... Down to every last detail.. they walked all over town, passing by the Coffee shop, Movie theature, The Bronze, even the Old summers house whcih they had broken into to take a look around, Everything was back... The furniture, pictures, all of it.. it was like nothing ever happened. Quickly they left and headed toward the school, they looked around carefully waiting to see signed of Vampires or demons... But nothing.. They reached the school and broke the lock, Entering causiously. "We need to check the basement." Angel suggested, as they continued on.. Finally reaching their destination, the quickly looked inside to find nothing. It was silent... But the seal was there. Was the hellmouth back too? Angel took out a knife, Before he could slice his hand for some blood to spill out on the seal they heard a voice behind them "HEY YOU TWO HOW DID YOU GET DOWN HERE!? YOUR NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE." a guard called out to them. Quickly he escorted Angel and Connor back to their car. "If I see you two back down there agian i'll have you both locked up you hear me?"
Chapter 8...
Buffy began to scream in pain during the night, Dawn quickly rushed to her side... The water had broken. The babies would be here soon. "Wheres Angel? Does he have his cell?" She asked Buffy Frantically...The contractions were comming on faster then they should have been. Dawn hollered for Xander to help Buffy to the car while she got her suitcases. Not even five minutes later they were all out the door and heading toward the hospital. Xander behind the wheel and Dawn was holding Buffy's hand while trying Angel's cell phone. Finally he answered "Angel... its time...the babies ..we're on our way to the hospital. No she wont wait that long! Your gonna miss it!" Dawn screamed into the phone angry that he wouldn't be there, but worried for her sister. "I've got to go we're here." with that she shut the phone and go out to get some help, a male nurse followed her back out with a wheel chair to wheel buffy up to a room. "Ok This must be the daddy to be and you are?" he said looking at Dawn. "I'm the sister, and actually this is my fiance." she quickly replied. "Well then either way you need to go to the front desk and fill out the papers while we get mommy to be here in a room." with that he wheeled buffy off... Dawn stood there in amazement.. "My sister is going into labor and they want me to fill out some stupid forums!?" Xander hugged her tightly and smiled.
"Its ok if the babies come they'll get us in there." Dawn shrugged at Xanders comment and quickly began filling out the paper work which seemed to take forever. Finally she handed the clip board over to the lady behind the counter and they quickly made their way to Buffy's room. "How are you doing? Whats the doctor saying?" Dawn excited about her nephew or neice to be born. "They're gonna take me back in about 10 minutes to start pushing. What did angel say?" looking Hopeful at her sister, Buffy sighed when Dawn lowered her head. "Well then I guess you'll be going in with me." she said to her little sister who smiled and nodded they stood there in silence for the remainder of the 10 minutes before going back. About 3 hours had passed Xander paced in the room waiting for Buffy and the babies to be brought back in , His head shot up when the door openned. Disappointed a bit to see Willow poke her head in, Followed by Oz, Faith and Giles. "Did we miss anything?" Willow asked out of breath. "No they still haven't told me anything i'm still waiting."... Moments later the door openned and they rolled Buffy back in the room. Followed by Three different plasic looking basins each holding a tiny baby, Then last was Dawn. Everyone 'Awwwed' Over the tiny babies...Each one was passed around gently. The first to be born was a little boy who was given the name Shane Liam, The second was a beautiful little girl named Alyson Joyce, and the last was another little boy they decided to name Joshua Micheal. Buffy was lit up with joy, tired from all the excitement. Dawn looked up at Xander and smiled, he looked down and smiled back wrapping his arm tighter around her waist. Suddenly the door swung open "I got here as soon as i could. We broke some laws but we're here." Angel hollered as he rushed to Buffy's side kissing her forehead. "I'm sorry i'm late." With that he then looked at each of his new babies, Buffy smiled at Recited their names and watched as Angel took turns holding each one before standing beside buffy once more and leaning to give her a kiss. "Guys I dont know if this is the right time but...Xander and I are pregnant. Three weeks now." Dawn blurted out, everyone turned to her quickly her cheeks felt warm, Finally everyone spoke... "Congradulations you two." Buffy replied deep down alittle upset they werent married yet but still so pleased.
Chapter 9
Soon everyone left for home leaving Angel and Buffy alone, Buffy slept soundly as Angel sat beside her stroking her hair. The babies had all been takin to the nursery. Back at the summers house Dawn and Xander lay on the couch. There wedding was a few weeks away... two and a half to be exact. They were rushing but everyone they knew who'd be attending the wedding was close by, and luckily there was a quaint little church that had been avaliable. They'd Have the reception at the house so they didn't need to book anything. Xander lay with his head on Dawn's stomach as they talked. "Buffy took the news alot easier than I expected." Dawn said firmly as Xander shrugged it had been an exhausting night and he struggled to stay awake. "Well maybe it hasn't sunk in yet? We'll be married soon.. and its not like i'm going to leave you and the baby." he replied before kissing her stomach. "I love you too much Dawnster." he smiled up at her as she whined about being to old for that name, With that he stood up and reached his hand out taking her's into his wrapping his arms around her and wispering in her ear. "Your right how about. Stunning, Gorgeous, beautiful?" Dawn giggled at the compliments as he lead her to their bedroom shutting the door softly behind them.
"So you guys didn't find anything?" Faith asked as they began to climb into bed. Sighing as Connor shook his head. "I dont believe it. Theres something going on. Maybe we should get some of the slayers to go check it out. They can handle themselves more than you and Angel could." she quickly said as she lay her head on Connor's chest. "Lets not worry about it tonight." Connor replied as he kissed her forehead and they drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 10
The door openned banging agianst the wall as it did so, Angel Carried in Shane, Buffy Carried in Joshua, and Dawn Carried in little Alyson. It had been a week since Buffy had gone into the hospital in labor. She sighed as she entered the house and sat the Car seat holding Joshua on the coffee table in front of the couch, she quickly sat down and leaned back for a moment. "It feels so good to be home." she cooed. Her relaxtion was suddenly interupted as Alyson started to cry, she quickly went into mom action grabbing a bottle for her to feed to the baby. Dawn smiled and picked up Joshua out of his car seat before sitting in the rocking chair and rocking him in her arms. "Oh the cake is going to be beautiful Buffy. Its three layers, and its a light pink." Dawn said softly, Buffy smiled at her "How are you feeling? Your not to stressed are you" she asked Dawn her voice filled with Concern. "No i'm fine... Its been great. I just Cant wait to be Mrs. Xander Harris. Just a week and 3 days to go." she replied quickly with a smile that seemed to light up the room. With that she lifted herself and the sleeping Josh out of the chair and made her way to the nursery, she gently lay him in the crib and turned on the monitor. She double checked the window to make sure it was locked and the blinds were down before she left the room to rejoin Buffy and Angel in the living room. "I'm so glad your home Buffy." she said to her sister who had just finished feeding Alyson and was now burping the gassy baby. "What did you break?" Buffy said quickly looking at her sister. "What!? Nothing I'm not 12 anymore Buffy. I just missed you is all." Dawn said and looked to the ground. "Its just lately...Its so hard with out mom being here. She wont be at the wedding you know?" Buffy's smile faded and she looked to Angel, Who took the hint and left the room a baby in each arm heading toward the nursery. Buffy quickly got up to stand next to her sister. "I know Dawnie but she'd be so proud of you. You know that right. You've grown up so much, Your gonna be a mom and a beautiful bride. I'm proud of you too." with that they embraced tears rolling down both of their cheeks.
Chapter 11
THE WEDDING
The Sun was bright and warm as Xander entered the church along wtih his groomsmen. Angel his best man, along with Oz, Giles and Connor. They talked for a few moments before taking their places. Xander and Angel stood at alter. Flashback of the wedding he and Anya should have shared played in Xander's Mind, he kept wondering if this way all right? If he was ready. The Church Isle was linned with red and white roses, Candles as well lined the isle the light flickering set a beautiful scene. The music began to play as Faith and Connor Began their desent down the isle, Followed by Giles and Shannon, Next was Willow and Oz. Soon they were all lined at the alter. "I dont know if i can do this Buffy..I think i'm going to be sick." Dawn said breathing hard. "Calm down... Do you love him?" Buffy asked quickly Dawn nodded tears filling her eyes. "Then breath... Its time. " with that Buffy turned the small corner then began her walk down the isle taking her place at the alter as well. Dawn took another deep breath before hearing "hear comes the bride" being played. That being her cue she slowly turned the small corner and stood at the chruch entrance for a moment, smiling at all those who stood before her, slowly she made her way down the isle till she stood before Xander and looked him square in the eye. The minister began the ceremony. Dawn mouthed i love you to Xander and smiled. The Minister then looked to Xander to repeat what he had Said. " In the presence of god, our family and friends, I Alexander offer you Dawn my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, To support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, To laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherrish you for as long as we both shall live." the minister then looked to Dawn.." In the presence of god, our family and friends, I Dawn offer you Alexander my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, To support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, To laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherrish you for as long as we both shall live." With that the Minister smiled, and took the rings angel held. "Lord I ask you to bless these rings, which i bless in your name, May Dawn and Alexander always be reminded of their love and Faithfulness to eachother." he looked to xander once agian as he began to place it on Dawn's finger "Dawn take this ring as a sign of my love and fedelity, in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit." the minister then looked to Dawn. " Alexander take this ring as a sign of my love and fedelity, in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit." With that The minister motioned for Dawn and Xander to light the unity candle that stood in front of them, They did so quickly then turned to face each other once more "With the power invested by the United Bieania Church. I Now pronounce you... Husband and Wife... You may kiss your bride.." closing the bible he smiled as Xander leaned in to kiss Dawn softly on the lips... " May i present to you the new... mr and mrs. Alexander Harris!" With that statement the entire church began to clap as The two newly weds walked back up the isle... Hand in Hand. Till Death.. Do they Part.
Voting will be for one week and then the winner(s) will be announced. Good Luck to all that entered and thank you!
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Dander'd Out!" -- PG
Dawn and Buffy sat in the lounge room of the Summer’s home, watching corny cartoons. Dawn sitting close enough to the television to call her square and eating fruity loops eating them colour-by-colour.
Dawn: Buffy, can I please go out tonight?
Buffy: No, mum said you have to stay here unless an adult went with you, and you are so not going by yourself.
Dawn: And why not?
Buffy: Dawn look around, its Sunnydale.
Dawn: well I will get Willow and Tara to take me. They’re cool like that.
Buffy: think again sister! They have an exam tomorrow, so they are studying all night.
Dawn: well… what about Spike?
Buffy: ha, Spike, so what, he can get you cigarettes and tell you disturbing stories about his past.
Dawn: well what about... hey why don’t you take me?
Buffy: sorry Dawnie, Angel is coming over tonight, you know that.
Dawn stands up. Dawn: Well fine. I will call Xander!
Buffy: ugh, don’t annoy him.
Dawn ran down the stairs in a hurry nearly falling headfirst. The doorbell had rang and Dawn was expecting Xander, as he said yes to take Dawn out of the house. Dawn flicked her hair and quickly checked her make up in the reflection of the mirror towards the front door. Dawn pucked her lips and opened the front door.
Dawn saw Xander’s gorgeous and handsome smile as he welcomed her with his warming glow.
Xander: hey Dawnie
Dawn: hey.
Xander: so you ready to go?
Dawn: yeah, ill just let Buffy know. – Buffy! Xander’s here. Im leaving now!
Buffy walked to the front door to say hello to one of her best friends Xander.
Buffy: Xander, hey. Ok so you know I have my cell, just in case anything happens and don’t be home to late. You know what Sunnydale is like.
Xander: you got it Buff, see you tonight.
Xander and Dawn left and hopped into the car.
Xander: so where are we goin Dawnie?
Dawn: we could see a movie and dinner or something?
Xander: ahhhh i see... our own little date eh?
Dawn blushed. Is that what you call this? ha
Xander: what, well thats what people on dates do.. things like that. Xander smiled.
Dawn: do you want it to be a ... date?
Xander looked at Dawn and saw her blush.
Xander: er.... uncomfortable... ok.. yeah sure.
Dawn smiled. Cool. Dawn started playing with her hair and trying to see her face using the car windows.
Xander: stop, you look fine.
Dawn: sorry, i just ... sorry
Xander: you know your beautiful right? you dont need all that makeup...
Dawn: you... think so?
Xander: of course! your unique
Dawn felt her heart stop.
Dawn: wow.. no one has ever said that before... no one
Xander: well i guess its good to hear it from someone that likes you.
Dawn: what... you like me! i mean.. what about Buffy
Xander: what about Buffy? I mean she is beautiful and ...well its Buffy... but.. shes my friend.. that crush has truly past.
Dawn: so where do we go from here?
Xander: do you want to date?
Dawn: who would have thought a dinner and movie could find me someone special.
Xander: so thats a yes.
Dawn nodded and took Xanders hand.
Xander looked at Dawn and couldnt believe he found someone so beautiful, sweet and well someone that he was proud to call his. He kissed Dawn on the cheek and she smiled. She then gave him a gentle kiss on his soft and gorgeous lips.
THE END
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Boomerang
The prickling pain on his back was the first sensation. Confusion at the cause followed.
“What new Hell is this?” his muzzy brain asked.
The answer came from the depths of his memories, peeling back from each other. He was a child, visiting a friend’s cottage on the coast. He was digging in the sand. As the sun dropped toward the horizon, he felt the same pinching tightness across his bare shoulders. He looked down to see angry red skin, while the rays of the sun blazed into his eyes –
Spike flailed awake, screaming, scrabbling over the gravel he had been lying on. His swinging arms tangled in the ragged blanket he had been wrapped in. He backed right into a stone wall, and clambered partially erect, still screaming, eyes wide. The disk of the sun still seemed burned on his retinas, and his eyes could see nothing but blue-white agony. And with it a whisper…
“Sssssspike….”
Her voice. Soft. Sighing his name the way he had always wanted to hear it, but never would.
“Nice change from the other. Always yellin’, she is,” he muttered.
The white light extinguished quickly, leaving a negative image, ghosting what his eyes were really seeing. Spike shook his head and peered around. He was in the empty cellar of an abandoned hut. He took a sniff of the air, and his nostrils flared. Marrakech. Nowhere else smelled like this particular combination of spice and shit. Somehow he’d crossed the Western Sahara.
“Well, bloody good for me,” he muttered under his breath. Now he knew he had to get to Rabat. Get off this godforsaken continent. Back to her. She wanted him. Dark or bright, she called to him. He had no memory of his journey from the Nubian Desert, east of Khartoum. Where that slimy demon lives…
“He’ll get his,” Spike croaked. “One thing at a time.”
He had to get to Rabat.
***
The pain was excruciating, like stepping into a furnace. It ripped the skin from muscle, then muscle from bone. Darkness, hotter than the sun, if that was possible. He turned to run, and found he was surrounded. Suddenly he was a child again, and he was in the dark with the hoard crowding and clutching at him. Panic gripped him and he windmilled his arms, crying out in abject terror. His fists connected solidly, which seemed strange, since the closet he was in was only full of clothes and darkness. His breath came in gasps; he was suffocating. He fought harder, and over the rasp of his breath he heard a haunting melody. It was coming from behind him, where he knew the dark crucible was coming for him. He could hear the music. With a wordless yell, he ripped, tore, and scratched at the encroaching mass of moving, grasping clothes that wanted to pull him down. Spike gritted his teeth and roared. Just as he was about to succumb to the tidal wave of pressure, he fought free. He spilled into the clear, thumping onto his hand and knees, and the music stopped –
Spike shook his head and blinked hard at his surroundings. He was a bit startled to find a battered face staring back at him. Spike was sitting on a man’s chest, with one hand on the man’s throat, and the other cocked, ready to punch.
“S’matter, Spike?” the man wheezed. “Arm tired?” The man chuckled, spitting blood and teeth.
Blinking again, he turned his head and took a second or two to scan the area. Bar. Demon bar, by the looks of it. Yeah, he was in Rabat, two blocks from the port, he remembered. He was fuzzy on how he had gotten here, and why everyone else in the place was unconscious, and why he seemed to be beating the snot out of the barkeep/owner. His head was throbbing, and he recognized the pain. It felt like the “hangover” he got after his chip pulsed pain into his brain when he was trying to harm a human. But he hadn’t had a chip-induced blast…at least not one he had remembered. He’d been wailing on this guy, and he was human. Confusion washed over him. He looked at his raised hand, and down at the barkeep’s face, and knew for certain if he landed the next punch, he’d get chipped. He thought fleetingly of the music he had heard, but any connections between the present and his hallucinations stubbornly eluded him. He planted his feet and hauled the bartender up. He thumped the man (gently) against the wall, still gripping him under the chin. The chip twitched menacingly, but didn’t fire.
“Right then. So…” Spike said, leaving the words hanging. He couldn’t remember why he was doing this. Or how he’d got here. Or what he wanted to know.
The owner chuckled again.
“You said you’d take on the whole bar…I thought you were dust, man. So, take what you earned…more’n enough money for whatcha want. Never seen a bet like that pay off.”
Spike had no clue about what it was he was supposed to want. So he stalled.
“And…”
“And the barge leaves at midnight. Dancing Olga. Slip 6.”
A ship, he mused. Better choice than a plane, since all the “modern” architecture in airports let in far too much sunlight…bloody engineers…He still needed more information, though.
“And…”
“And it’ll get you to New York, no problem. Hell, you already met some of your crew. They’re lyin’ over there.” He nodded his head toward the back of the bar.
Still confused, Spike decided to see if there was anything else.
“And…” he snarled through his gritted teeth. He pressed harder on the man’s neck. Again, the chip threatened to blast him.
“And I’ll give you a hand gathering your cash…then get outta my bar.”
Spike thought for a second, shrugged, and took his hand off the man’s neck.
“Right then. Let’s get to it.”
***
He awoke, disoriented, with a pounding headache. Those two noisy bitches had been yelling at him again. Funny how they would change. One minute there’d be two Buffys in his head, the next minute one would morph into his mother. The colour didn’t matter, except that the dark one yelled more. He even had them show up in his cabin, which was strange. The crew had jumped him when he’d come aboard and had thrown him in a locked room. They’d give him passage, the captain had said, but they didn’t want to risk a vampire on the loose. Couldn’t blame ‘em, really, Spike thought, since he’d thrashed most of them in the bar…but why were they dosing his blood? They gave him a mug of pig’s blood daily, but he was losing time. He’d have hours of time missing, and locked in as he was, he was counting every minute. And the room had been taking a beating when he was “gone”…the bulkheads were battered and scored, and he knew he’d done it. His hands were a mess, but he had no memory of hurting them. He remembered that the dark one had shown up just before his missing time. Maybe she had something to do with it. He did know he was slowly going mad. The yelling, the presence of her, and how physical manifestations. The bright one was becoming more internalized – he saw her mostly in his mind’s eye, and heard her as though she was a voice inside her head. The dark one was more external, actually appearing to him. He didn’t know which one was which sometimes. He was intently concentrating on the rivet on the bulkhead behind his bed when his neck bristled in warning. Something was here.
“So…which one have we today?” Spike spun off the bed, both boots thunking onto the deck plate. A small Chinese girl in colourful robes stood in the centre of the room. She smiled and said something in her native tongue.
“Sorry, luv, I don’t speak Mandarin…or is it Haklo...” He paused and frowned. “Anyway, I killed you. So what do you want?”
“I’ve come for your training,” she said in English.
“Training, right. I’m really going off my nut now. First Buffy, and my mother, now you. Is it gonna be a parade, then?” As he said this, he felt a flood of emotion he recognized as remorse. It hurt as much as the blasted chip.
“And it should hurt, William,” he heard as a whisper in his head. “You’ve hurt a lot of people.” It sounded like Buffy, and it was accompanied by a burst of white behind his eyes.
The Chinese girl smiled.
“You will learn. I have a purpose for you.”
“You do,” sneered Spike, and his muscles tensed, coiling for action.
The girl’s smile widened, then she puckered her lips and started to whistle. It was a haunting, ancient melody, and its effect on Spike was instantaneous. His eyes clouded for a moment, then he crouched down, ready to spring. He snarled as he changed his face to its vampire form.
The girl chuckled throatily after she finished the song, and crooned, “Yes, I do have a purpose for you. And it is working so well. So…come and get me.”
Roaring, Spike sprang at the girl.
***
Spike leaned on the building, hidden in the shadows at the mouth of the alley. A plume of smoke escaped his lips, and he lifted his hand to take another drag of his cigarette. He was watching the ’59 Bel Air parked across the street. It was the only ride with any style he’s seen, but the owner sure wasn’t in a hurry to get anywhere. Two hours he’d been waiting, and he’d still have to black the windows. He took a final pull on the smoke and flicked the butt out into the gutter. Just as the puff of smoke he exhaled had dissipated, a couple rounded the corner, holding hands and laughing. Spike stood up straight as the man unlocked and opened the passenger door for his date. Spike strode out into the street toward the car. From the alley behind him he heard movement. Buffy stood in the spot he had just left, and she started whistling. Spike glanced over his shoulder and smiled as the song continued. Buffy’s features then began to melt like wax, and she transformed to an older taller woman with white hair. By this time, Spike had reached the driver’s door, just as the man was pulling it open. Smiling wickedly, Spike grabbed the scruff of the man’s neck and slammed his head against the car’s roof. The man crumpled into a heap, and in the blink of an eye Spike was inside the car. He clamped a hand over the woman’s mouth, stifling her scream. Her eyes went wide as fangs sank into her neck, then her eyes rolled up as the vampire drained her. The lilting song continued as Spike moved to the unconscious man. He heaved the inert body upright, roughly yanked the head to expose the neck, then savagely bit down on the jugular. As the whistling ended, Spike half-turned and shot a bloody grin back at the alley mouth, where his mother smiled back. He turned to finish his meal.
Later, the old car was motoring along the Interstate as the horizon behind it lightened with the coming dawn. A can of black spray paint had obscured most of the car’s interior to light, and Spike drove with abandon, determined to go as many miles as possible before he had to stop to sleep. Beside him in the passenger’s seat sat Buffy.
“Almost ready,” she purred.
“Wha? Yeah, I guess,” muttered Spike in reply. “That bright one of you keeps hurting my head though. Making me feel bad.”
“Spike, you can ignore that pesky soul,” said Buffy with amusement. “Lots of humans do it all the time.”
“Sure,” he replied, “but I worked hard for it. Seems stupid not to use it now.”
“But your life will be so easy if you do ignore it. Just think, you could be as you once were – a dark prince.”
“Yeah…yeah,” he said slowly. “That’d be good.”
“Of course it would. All you need to do is listen to me. I can make you what you were…what you want to be.” And with that, the simulacrum of Buffy started humming the song, and she smiled. Spike smiled back. The car roared west down the highway.
***
Spike stood beside the car just after dusk, three days later. He was rubbing and angry red goose egg on his forehead where the steering wheel had hit it. He as pacing around the bumper, bemused by the sign his car had destroyed, wondering how he’d gotten here.
“Welcome to Sunny-bleeding-dale,” he snarled. “I’m like a goddamned undead boomerang. I just keep coming back here, whether I want to or not.”
“I wanted you here,” said Buffy from behind him.
“Yeah, you wanted me crazy too. I guess you win both ways.”
She smiled wickedly. “You’re ready.”
“Right, so is that why I can’t remember most of how I got here?” Spike asked. It was true. He vaguely remembered some faces he’d seen, but he couldn’t tell what had happened to them. Flashes of scenery came to him too, but it was the faces he saw most clearly. His chip twitched when he saw the faces, and he heard a voice sigh in his head.
“You won’t forget them either, William.” It was the bright one. His soul, his conscience.
Spike whirled around and yelled at the dark Buffy, “WHY WON’T I FORGET?”
Buffy looked at him for a second and, not understanding the context of the question, answered, “Because I’ve got you programmed and ready, vampire.”
In a moment of clarity, Spike knew he had been driven to madness. He had no control. He couldn’t go to Buffy…the real Buffy. He knew he was dangerous, since he had a strong feeling the faces he saw had come to a bad end because of him. He had to find somewhere to go…maybe he could clear his head…
“Gotta find some place,” he muttered to himself. He staggered slightly as he tore the back door of the car open. He heaved an old sack of clothes over his shoulder, and walked away from the wreck. “Gotta stay away from her.”
“I know where you can go. I’ll be there. You’ll be near me,” said Buffy as she walked beside him.
Spike stopped and looked at her in confusion, as if she were the real Buffy.
“Near you? That’s why I came back. For you. I did it all for you, Buffy.”
The simulacrum smiled nastily, and growled, “You’re kinda pathetic, aren’t you Spike? And you’re right, you did do it for me. I trained you, and you will do it for me, won’t you?” she finished with a pout. She smiled up at him, and continued, “Come on. I have a place for you.”
“Not my old crypt…drafty piece of shit…don’t want to fight Clem for it…” Spike was rambling now.
“No, my prince. A new place. Close to me. You’ll like it.”
“New place…near you…OK.” Spike’s shoulders slumped and he fell in behind the dark Buffy, who walked up the sidewalk away from the car. On her right loomed a sign. Sunnydale High School Reconstruction Project, it read. She whistled as she walked.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Untitled
Xander and Buffy stood in the backyard of the Summers house.
"So, the trio?" asked Xander.
"Johnathan and Andrew are behind bars. Warren pulled a rochetman and jetted." replied Buffy.
They both looked at eachother and laughed.
"Why didn't you tell me about Spike, Buff?" asked Xander. "It hurts."
"I wanted to but I thought you wouldn't understand." answered Buffy.
"I don't understand, but it would of been good to try." said Xander.
Buffy looks up at Xander and smiles.
"I'm sorry Xand. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you and Will." said Buffy.
Xander hugs Buffy. "I love you.
" "Me too." said Buffy.
Upstairs, Willow and Tara stood in the hallway. Willow pecked TAra on the lips with a kiss.
"Its about time you put some clothes on." said Willow as she pulled Tara into the room.
"Well I would of had some on sooner. I was too exuasted to move after the third round." said Tara with a smile.
Willow twirled Tara in a circle.
"I'm glad things are okay between us again." said Willow in a seroius tone. "So, ready to go again?"
"No. I-I mean yes, but I'm hungry." replied Tara.
"I thought you already had enough to eat." said Willow with a smile. "I love you."
Back in the yard, Xander still held Buffy.
"Hey! The one time a man says I love you and all he gets is me too?" asked Xander sarcastically. "Its not like its already hard enough for a man to share his feelings without being called a wuss."
Buffy pulled away and smiled.
"Awww, Xander, I love you too." said Buffy.
"Yeah, until your caught between some sheets with Spike again." said Xander.
Out of nowhere, Warren busted through the back gate with his arm extended and a gun leading the way.
"No! You think you can just do that and get away?!" asked Warren as he began to yell. "Yeah, I'll give you that. You stopped me, but lets see how you stop this!"
Warren pulled the trigger as he began to wave the gun in the air.
"Buff!" yelled Xander as he pushed her to the ground, but only to fall after her!
Warren turned and darted from the fence.
"Oh God. Xander." gasped Buffy as his white shirt became stained with blood.
Upstairs,
"I love---" Tara stopped as Willow jerked forward and blood spurted on her face!
Willow fell to the ground to reveal a bullet in the side of her head.
"Willow." said Tara as she began to cry. "Will" Babay?" T
ara backed away and fell against the wall.
The front door opened as Buffy came running in.
"Willow! Tara!" yelled Buffy as she dashed upstairs. "It's Xander. He's been....shot.."
Buffy walked into the room to see Willow lifeless body.
Tears began to pour uncontrollably from her eyes as her legs gave out and she collapsed over Willows body.
"Will! Get up! We have to.......Get up!" yelled Buffyas she shook her body.
Tara walked ovet to Buffy and wrapped her arms around her.
"She's gone." she whispered.
Tara glanced at Buffys hand.
"You're bleeding." said Tara.
Buffy looked up towards the window.
"Xander! I need to get help!" yelled Buffy in tears.
"Bu-Buffy no. I'll help Xander. You stay with Willow." said Tara as she rose from the floor.
She ran downstairs and grabbed the phone.
Time had passed and an ambulance rested in front of the house.
"Will he be okay?" asked Tara.
"I don't know mem. The bullet has punctured a lung and we're gonna have to fly him to Sacremento Memorial." answered one of the meds.
Tara turned towards the door as they scrolled Willows body out of the house.
Buffy followed with a lifeless stare on her face.
Tara knew she couldnt let go of her emotions infront of Buffy.
She knew that she had to be strong.
"Buffy. I-I'm going to the hospital with Xander." said Tara.
Buffy nodded as she lowered herself on the porch step.
Tara walked towards the ambulance and got in.
The doors closed behind her.
Meanwhile, Warren walked into an empty apartment and quickly closed the door behind him.
He pulled his coat off and dropped itto the floor.
Warren walked across the room and peaked out the window with the gun ready at his side.
As if his own conscience was talking to him, voices began to ring in his head.
Warren pressed his body against the wall and slowly dropped to the floor.
Are you dumb or something? Did you actually think that you killed her? She's a Slayer for Gods sake!
"I shot her. She's dead." said Warren answering his own conscience.
But did you see it? With your own eyes?
Warrens eyes widened as he looked up.
She's not dead and you know it!
Warren lifted up his arm and pointed it directly infront of his face.
You have to finish her. Now! So drop the gun. I don't think a bullet will keep the Slayer down. Time to step it up a notch.
Warren pulled hisself up from the floor and fled the empty apartment.
Another "Warren" walked from the shadows as it changed into Willow!
Back at the Summers house, Buffy still sat motionless on the font porch.
Dawn walked from across the street towards her.
"Hey Buffy. Sorry I'm late. I was waiting foe Xande---"
"Don't say that name." said Buffy snappily as she cut off Dawn.
"Buffy, what's wrong?" asked Dawn, now confused. She looked at Buffys hands to see them stained with blood.
Dawn kneeled down infront of her.
"Your hands are bloody." said Dawn.
"Warren. He shot Xander and killed Willow." said Buffy plainly.
Buffys facial expression changed into a smile as she began to laugh. "
Willows dead." she said histerically. "And you know what that makes Warren? Dead."
BUffy rose from the steps as she switched into a more seroius tone.
Tears ran from Dawns face.
"HOw can you sit there and laugh at your own friends death?" asked Dawn in an angry tone.
"Because Warren has it coming to him." replied Buffyas she walked closer to Dawn. "And now he's going to die."
"Buffy, you can't kill a human." said Dawn.
"Yeah, well I'm the Slayer. And its just as if he were one of the demons I fight everyday. He's evil." said Buffy.
"And you will be too." said Dawn. "Being the Slayer doesn't give you the right to break laws. No matter what Warren did, you can't kill him Buffy."
"Well, watch me." said Buffy smiling. "That is all you can do. You can't stop me."
Dawn rubbed her head as she began to shake it.
"Trust me Buffy, I want to kill Warren too, but it doesn't work that way here. We have laws and rules to follow and being a Slayer doesm't put you outside of that." said Dawn as she began to walk away.
"Dawn! Where are you going?" asked Buffy.
"To the Magic Box. I need to talk to Anya." answered Dawn.
"Not alone." said Buffy.
"Well, either you can go and kill Warren and let some supernatural beasties feed off of your one and only sister or you can escort me there safely." explained Dawn with a smirk.
Buffy rolled her eyes and smiled.
"You're lucky I love you."
They both walked down the street, heading towards the MAgic Box.
Meanwhile, at the Magic Box, Anya stood behind the counter as a satisfied customer left.
"Thank you and come again!" said Anya cheerfully. "But next time be sure to bring more money!"
The customer looked at her oddly before walking out. Anya glanced at the clock.
She grabbed the key to the cash register and unlocked it.
Anya left from behind the counter and headed towards the door.
She reached her hand out to lock it, but before she could, Dawn and Buffy rushed through the door.
"Jeeze! It's clong time!: yelled Anya as she grabbed the sign. "See. closed.
"It's important." said Dawn "I need to talk to you."
"Willows dead and Xanders been shot." blurted out Buffy.
"Oh God!" gasped Anya. "Is..."
"Xanders fine." said Buffy, cutting her off.
"That's sort of what I need to talk to you about." explained Dawn.
"Well since you two girls are going to chat, I'll be off then." said Buffy as she turned for the door.
"BUffy no!" yelled Dawn.
"Whats going on? What did I miss?" asked Anya. Dawn and Buffy stood there in silence.
"She wants to kill him doesn't she?" asked Anya. "I can tell. I know that look. The same as the women that come to me. The women I helped to get vengence."
"Damn right." said BUffy. "But I dont want vengence or any help from you. I'm fine with using my own two hands."
Anya stepped infront of the door and locked it.
"Buffy, I can't let you walk out of that door." said Anya. "We may not be friends. Hell, I don't even like you, but I can't let you leave."
"Anya, I don't want to fight you." said Buffy. "Well actually I do, but I don't have enough time." Buffy stepped forward, closer towards Anya.
"Buffy, this is not you. You're not ready for that step. To become a murderer." explained Anya. "And trust me, alot of pain comes with being one."
"Listen to her Buffy." said Dawn. "What would mom say if she was here?"
"It doesn't matter, because shes not!" yelled Buffy as she back punched Anya.
Anya flew sideways , into a table.
Anya shook off the hit as she turned into demon mode.
"I've been expecting this." sighed Anya. "Hey Dawnie, you might want to move out of the way."
Anya walked up to Buffy and back punched her.
Buffy flew backwards and slid into a bookshelf.
"Good. Atleast I get to blow off some steam." said Buffy as she pulled herself from the ground.
BUffy threw a right hook, but Anya caught it.
Anya kneed Buffy in the stomach and threw a forearm.
Buffy bent back going into a crabstance.
She threw her legs up, kicking Anya in the face. Buffy brought her legs up higher going into a handstand.
Buffy twirled her body around, dropping into a double leg sweep.
Anya quickly jumped over it and threw her leg outward, kikcking Buffy in the side.
She slid back across the room.
Anya grabbed Buffy by the shoulders and threw her upward.
Buffy hit the ceiling and slammed back down into the floor.
Buffy rolled over on her stomach and grabbed Anya by her ankess.
She pulled inward, causing Anya to to fall backwards. Buffy grabbed Anyas leg and swung her leg like a baseball bat.
Anya flew across the room into the stairs.
"NOw, do you think you made a mistake?" asked Buffy.
Anya climbed to her feet.
"Will you two stop fighting already!" yelled Dawn.
"Yeah, only after this!" yelled Buffy as she springed forward.
She grabbed Anyas hair and smashed her head into the wall behind her.
Buffy pulled her up and threw her through the glass shelves of the counter.
Anya crwled through the glass.
Buffy walked around the otherside to stop her in her tracks.
She grabbed Anya by the throat and lifted her into the air.
Anya gasped for air as Buffy tightened her grip. Suddenly she flew backwards, crashing through shelves of bottled animals.
"Tara." said Dawn as she turned to face her.
"Bu--BUffy. I'm sorry, but you're out of control." said Tara.
"I atleast thought my best friends lover would have my back." said Buffy. "But I guess thats how it is when you're the Slayer. Always alone."
Buffy hurried out of the MAgic BOx and dashed through the street.
Tara and Dawn ran over to Anya and helped her to her feet.
"We need to get to the hospital." said Dawn.
"Xanders being flown to Sacremento." said Tara. "Thats why I came back."
" Can you guys handle things?" asked Anya. "I have to make sure..."
Tara nodded.
"We understand. Go." said Dawn.
Energies swirled around Anya as she vanished.
"We need to get to Buffy." said Dawn.
"NO, we need to find Warren, before Buffy does." explained Tara.
"There's no use. We can't stop BUffy. Shes too strong. Shes the Slayer." said Dawn.
"I know Dawnie. I really do, but if it comes down to it, we're gonna have to stop her." said Tara. "So you have to help me with a locators spell."
Dawn nodded.
Meanwhile, Anya appeared behind a med cart in the Sacremento hospital.
Anya looked around the corner and ran into a room. She pulled the curtain back to reveal Xander laying there peacefully.
Anya turned as her eyes began to water.
The beeping sounds of the hospital somehow began to soothe her.
"Anya." said Xander in a faint voice. " You weren't going to leave without accusing me now, were you?" Anya smiled and turned to face him.
"You're okay." she said.
"Of course I am. I'm like Mr. Fantastic. Except I'm not rubbery and I can't stretch." said Xander.
"And you don't have the brains." added Anya with a smile.
"What happened?"asked Xander. "Were you fighting bunnies again?"
"More like Buffy." replied Anya.
Xander lifted hisself up in the bed.
"You and Buff were fighting?" he asked confused.
"I tried to stop her from going after Warren." explained Anya.
"Okay. He shot me, but she doesn't have to kill him." said Xander.
"He killed Willow." said Anya.
Xander paused as his brain caught up.
"Then I say go for it." he said. "He deserves to die."
"He's human." said Anya.
"So what. You kill them everyday." he said.
"Thats different." said Anya.
"Not so much." said Xander.
"Shes human. Humans cant handle that type of pain. Especially not Buffy." explained Anya.
"Well shes already experienced it." replied Xander.
"So you want her to become a murderer?" she asked. Xander looked down and shook his head.
"No." he answered. "Anya, you have to talk some sense into her."
"I tried that. Even treid beating some in her." said Anya.
"Promise that you'll stop her." said Xander.
"I will." said Anya.
Back in Sunnydale, Buffy walked into a gun shop. Guns rested everywhere in there cases.
The man behind the counter stared at her.
"So what can I do you for young lady?" he asked.
"I need a gun." answered Buffy quickly.
"Well there are many types ogf guns sweet heart." he said.
"Give me something I can use to torture. Bullets that go through," said Buffy.
The mam pulled a gun from the shelf as well as a box. Buffy smiled.
"That'll do." she said.
Back at the Magic Box, Dawn and Tara held hands around a map.
The dust in the middle all pulled to one location.
"He's there."said Tara "We have to hurry."
Energies swirled in as Anya appeared.
"Xanders fine." she said .
"Just in time. We're going to get Warren." said Dawn.
"Think you can go ahead to make sure he stays safe?" asked Tara. "
I made a promise." said Anya as energies circled her once more and she vanished.
Dawn picked up a bag from the floor as her and Tara walked from the MAgic Box.
Somewhere in the middle of the woods, Warren stood in an open area in silence.
He glanced around looking through the trees.
"No Slayer yet." said Warren.
He took a deep breath and let it out as he saw Buffy.
"Its about time you arrived." said Warren.
"Did you like the spell I cast to lure you here?"
Buffy stopped walking when she reached him.
"Warren. any last words?" asked Buffy.
"No Slayer. You're not actually going to kill me." said Warren as he stared into Buffys eyes.
"Warren, Warren, Warren. You tried to kill me." said Buffy.
"Yeah. Isn't it cool how I used a gun?" he asked.
"Not cool. You shot Xander and killed Willow." said Buffy.
"Willow wasn't even...."
"She was upstairs." said Buffy cutting him off. "You killed her!"
"I.....don't really care." said Warren. "Not to sound mean, I don't really know her. Not that fond of red heads anyways."
Buffy jumped forward and tackled Warren.
He pulled a crystal from his pocket and threw it at her.
A bright light flashed, blinding her.
Warren pushed Buffy away as he rushed to his feet. Warren pulled out another crystal and threw it at Buffys legs.
Ice began to form around them. Buffy opened her coat to reveal a gun. She pulled the trigger and Warren fell to the ground. He grabbed his leg as blood rushed from it. Buffy beagn to pound the ice with her fist until it cracked.
"Now, didn't you ask me if I was actually going to kill you?" asked Buffy.
Instantly, Anya appeared behind Buffy as she stood up.
"Buffy!" she yelled.
"Not you again." said Buffy.
"You can't kill Warren." said Anya.
"Well if you hadn't interupted me, then he'd be dead ny now." said Buffy as she turned to face Anya.
"The you're just as Warren. A cold hearted killer." said Anya.
Buffy looked down at the gun.
"Let's just skip this and fight." said Buffy.
She threw a right hook, sending Anya to the ground. Anya quickly jumped to her feet and dashed forward. Buffy threw a punch, but Anya ducked under her arm and came around with a back punch. Anya brought her other arm around, striking Buffy again. Anya threw her leg out going into an inward spin kick. Her foot connected with Buffys arm and the gun flew from her hand. Warren glanced over as the gun slid beside him. Buffy grabbed Anya and pushed her back. She ran forward and drop kicked her. Anya climbed to her knees, but Buffy extended her leg, kicking Anya in the side of the head.
"Buffy!" yelled a voice.
Buffy looked over her shoulder to see Dawn and TAra.
"Buffy no!" yelled Tara as she raced towards her. Buffy pulled the gun from beside Warren and aimed at his chest, pulling the trigger. Warrens body flung to the ground as blood oozed from him. Tara and Dawn stopped as they heard the shot. Anya drug herself from the ground.
"Buffy." she said in a soft tone.
Buffy gripped the gun tighter as she dashed through the opposite side of the woods.
Time had passed and the sun slowly beagn to shine through the night sky. Dawn, Anya and Tara walked down the road, heading towards the Summers residence.
"I think we need to get cleaned up and get some rest." said Tara, finally breaking the silence.
"I can't sleep. I'm not tired." said Dawn annoyed. "I need to find Buffy."
Anya stopped walking.
"I'll meet you guys later. I need to check oon Xander." said Anya in a low tone as she vanished. Dawn stormed off down the stree, leaving Tara behind.
Meanwhile, at the police station, Andrew and Johnathan stood there behind bars.
"Oh God. We're going to rot in here." said Johnathan.
"Well, I'm sure Warren will break us out soon." said Andrew.
"Are you dumb or were you not just listening." asked Johnathan. "We're going to rot in here. Warrens not coming."
Johnathan walked to the other side of the cell.
"You can't doubt him. Warren is our leader. He's coming for us." said Andrew.
"Then why did our almighty leader jet off on a rocket pack and leave us in the dust?" asked Johnathan. "Besides, you two were going to leave me so I could take the fall."
Johnathan turned around to face Andrew.
"Both of you were in on it and didn't care what happened to me. Some team that is." he said.
Andrew shook his head. "He had to escape so the Trio wouldn't be defeated by the Slayer." said Andrew.
"Andrew, this isn't some comic book or some episode of star wars.! This is real life! We're locked up behind bars and Warren is not coming to save us!" yelled Johnathan.
He walked away and sat on the bed.
"Besides, Buffy probably already stopped him." Andrew stood there in silence.
Meanwhile, Buffy stood in a hotel room. She walked into the bathroom annd turned on the shower. She dropped her clothes to the floor and stepped in it. The hot water clensed her skin of blood. Buffy steppe back out of the shower and dried herself off. Then she redressed and picked up the gun.
"Two to go." said Buffy as she walked out of the hotel room.
Dawn walked from around the corner and stopped infront of her.
"How did you find me?" asked Buffy. "What did I tell you about using magic?"
"I didn't. I called every hotel in Sunnydale genius." replied Dawn with a smile.
"Dawn go. I don't want you to see me like this." said Buffy.
"Well it's too late. I saw you kill Warren." said Dawn.
"Are you here to give me a speech about becoming a murderer too?" asked Buffy.
Dawn shook her head.
"NO. I just wanted to talk to you." replied Dawn. "To see how you were doing. So.....how are you?"
Buffy shrugged her shoulders.
"Obviously I'm not okay." answered Buffy. "Everythings falling apart for me."
"Everythings falling apart for all of us. It's not just you Buffy." explaind Dawn. "You always try to single yourself out from everyone. When Willow died it didn't just effect you. It hurt all of us. What about Tara? We should be concerned about her and she hasn't even cried Buffy. Had a chance to let go."
Dawns tone changed as she began to cry.
"I know, but..."
"No! YOu don't know Buffy!" yelled Dawn cuuting her off. "Its all abot you. The Slayer. The chosen one. Well it doesn't work that way in this world!"
Dawn turned away and walked from the hotel. Buffy in silenc as Dawn left.
BAck at the jail, Andrew and Jonathan laid on the beds.
"Why do I always get the top bunk?" asked Andrew.
"Does it matter?" asked Jonathan.
"Of course it does. When Warren busts through the roof, I don't want the ceiling to fall on me." replied Andrew. "
And youwant it to fall on me?" asked Johnathan, now annoyed.
Anya appeared as energies vanished from her body.
"Ahh!" screamed Andrew as he jumped up, hitting his head on the roof.
"Anya." said Johnathan. "You're here to kill us, aren't you?"
"Oh God! I wouldn't even waste my time killing little wimps like you." replied Anya with a laugh.
"Then why are you her?" asked Andrew, rubbing his forhead.
"To warn you." answered Anya rolling her eyes.
"About what? How the world is going to come to an end because of the mighty Trio?" asked Andrew.
"That Buffy is coming and she's going to kill you." answered Anya. "She killed Warren and she want to kill you too."
"Oh God! Oh God Oh God!" yelled Andrew as he began to cry. "We're going to die!"
"Anya, can't you get us out of here?" asked Johnathan.
Anya shook her head.
"No. I can't." she replied, "Then we're going to die." saod Andrew in a soft tone.
Anya looked away as she vanushed from the cell. Andrew slid to the ground and burst into tears. Johnathan ran to the bars and began banging against them.
"Help! Someone! You have to let us out!" he yelled in fear.
"We're going to die." said Andrew still in tears.
Meanwhile, at the MAgic Box, Tara and Anya stood in front of the counter.
"Okay. Bye." said Tara as before hanging up the phone.
"Are you ready for this?" asked Anya.
"Yeah. I don't have a choice.." replied Tara. "I'm just so used to Willow working all the mojo."
"We'll have to make this work. For Buffy." said Anya.
"Well, let's get to it." said Tara as she grabbed a bag from the floor.
Night fell and Buffy stood outside the police station. She glanced at the gun and then turned her gaze back towards the building, as she began to move in that direction. Buffy walked forward into the building. The police guards staredat her as she walked passed them.
"Can we help you with anytthing?" asked an officer.
"No, I've found what I'm looking for." replied Buffy as she stared into the cell.
The cell was silent.
"Looks like they're fast asleep." said Buffy.
She grabbed the bars and pushed outward. The bars began to creak as she bended them out of pplace.She pushed to the side to make enough room for herself.
"Hey!" yelled an officer as he pulled a gun out and beagan to shake in fear.
Buffy looked at him and walked through the bars. She pulled the gun out and aimed. The sheets flew off the bottom bed to reveal Giles.
"You're not going to shoot me I hope." said Giles with a smile.
"Giles?" asked Buffy confused. "
And me." said Dawn as she walked from the shadows.
"What are you guys doing here?" asked Buffy. "Why are you back fromEngland and wheres Johnathan and Andrew?"
"We're here simply for you." replied Giles. "Actually it was kind of sudden. Anya and Tara came up with an idea to bring me here with magic."
"You told Giles" yelled Buffy.
"Well I would of told mom, but shes not here." said Dawn sticking out her tongue.
BUffy smiled.
"So go ahead. Give me the speech." said Buffy.
Giles turned to fece Dawn.
"What speech?" he asked. "I didn't know I was supposed to come prepared."
"The one when you tell me how wrong I am and that I should be locked away in some facility." said Buffy.
"No. I'm not going to tell you you're wrong. Or tell you your faults. I'm simply here for you. To love..you." explained Giles. "Buffy, you are a remarkable young woman. I've watched you as you've grown and taken on may responsibilties. Some that even I couldn't have managed to take on."
Buffy stared into Giles eyes as hers began to water.
"I want you to know that murderer or not, I'll always be here for you. I love you as if you were my own." said Giles as a tear rolled down his cheek.
"I love you too." said Buffy as she busrt into tears.
"Dad......or should I say grandpa?"
Dawn smiled as she hugged Buffy. Giles wrapped his arms around them both and smiled. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
The End
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hell Just Froze Over
Chapter 1
"Yo... i'm home, Anyone here!?" Faith called out to the quiet seemingly empty house, sighing she took off her jacket and placed it on one of the kitchen chairs quickly glancing down for a note, finding nothing but mail addressed to her ignoring the letters she walked down the hall way looking from room to room. "Hey.. I'm home..." she called out once more sighing at yet agian at the silent comebacks. Grunting she turned around halfway down the hall to go back toward the kitchen stopping abruptly when she heard a rustling sound comming from the last bedroom. Faith quickly but silently made her way to the final doorway pushing the door open slowly ready to attack the intruder. Letting out a loud relieving sigh she smiled "I thought you were a theif... Why didn't you answer me when i hollered?" she asked questionatively. Feeling annoyed when the only answer she recieved was a finger to their lips making a 'Shhhing' sound...Faith quickly shrugged it off she knew why she had to be quiet... She smiled as she walked over to the Mahogany Canopy Crib with a pink lace overtop. Looking down to find a small but gorgeous 3 month old little girl, her little bit of hair lay in soft dark chesnut colored curls, her beautiful green eyes were hidden by her tiny eyelids, her soft little lips moved as she let out little snores that sounded as if she were a kitten purring. Beaming down at her Little girl with such pride and joy, five years ago Faith would have never thought she'd come this far... she looked up at her handsome, strong, opinionated, passionate husband and smiled... she turned on the baby monitor next to the bed and grabbed his hand leading him out of the babies room and into the living room.. smiling once agian she reached up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "So how was your day with Serena?" she asked curiously as she sat on the couch quickly joined by her husband. Smiling he rubed his eyes "Exhausting... She was good though, Only cried about six times while you were out. Whats for dinner?" he quickly replied as he got up and walked to the kitchen to look in the fridge. Actually Dawn invited us to dinner... She's home from College this week and she wants to see the baby. Everyone's going to be there..Dawn Buffy Willow, Giles, Xander, Angel, Gunn, Spike, Illyria or maybe Fred i'm not exactly sure who she is these days even andrew, Oz, Kennedy, Asia, Nina, ax... All of them...I told them we'd go. Is that ok?" He quickly looked up from the fridge and shrugged.
Chapter 2
Soon everyone was gathered in the Summers living room like old times, waiting for dinner to finish cooking and laughing about the old days. Faith looked around at Everyone still trying to grasp how everything fell into place, how everyone was able to become friends after everything they'd been through and stay that way. Her eyes first caught Dawn sitting on Xander's lap sneaking a quick kiss from him before laughing at another joke.. Faith's memory still fresh of when Buffy first found out about them. Xander had Visited Dawn and Buffy in Italy that year and a half they were there... Buffy worked almost constantly which left Xander and Dawn alone almost all the time.. Dawn had developed into a beautiful young woman... she was 22 now but when her and Xander first got together she was only 17... It was about 6 months after sunnydale was destroyed... They hid it for a month or two before it finally came out.. Buffy caught them cuddling and kissing on the couch when she came home from work early one night... Oh she'd liked to castrate Xander... Almost did infact, she kicked him out and forbid him to see Dawn, didn't listen of course he still snuck around finally Buffy got used to it... Here it is 5 years later and they're engaged... Xander still wearing his eye patch and working in construction Dawn attending medical school to become a doctor after all the wounds she cleaned during the big battle in sunnydale she' should be great. Faith's eyes Travelled to Buffy and Angel next of course they finally got back together it happened twrs ago they got both the scoobies and Angel investagations together to battle the hellmouth in Cleveland. We won of course Angel finally reached his redemption in the Power that be's eyes apparently he was made human...as soon as that happened 6 months later they were married and 3 months later she was pregnant now at 8 months she is screaming to pop they say its twins. Next Faith turned her attention to Willow and Oz... no they weren't married yet. They actually just got back together 4 months ago. Oz had been working with Nina in L.A trainning her to control her inner wolf, they even dated for a year... then they split still friends though Oz made his way into Willow's arms agian wont be long before the wedding bells are chimming for them. Next up Was Illyria and Spike... Who would have thought it? They work though Spike was also made human which is the weird part about their relationship they have that off and on kind though. They're together 6 months then off 2 then back on. Then there was Kennedy and Asia.. Both slayers... kennedy and willow broke up shortly after sunnydale remainning friends.. Kennedy helped scower the globe for new slayers she met Asia 3 years ago in oregon been together every since.Giles is now married has been for pretty much the entire 5 years... 6 months after he went back to england to rebuild the watcher's counsil he married a woman named Shannon who was also a watcher they moved back to the states when Buffy got pregnant. Gunn and Anne were at the party too... they've been together a month now... but they're taking things slow enjoying their time together and last but not least the second to the wierdest couple at the party... Nina and Andrew...now thats something no one could ever imagine... They got together soon after her and oz split up... he had been there to help her through things..... Faith smiled at her friends not even hearing Shannon holler from the dinning room that dinner was ready...with a quick nudge from her husband she snapped out of it gathering Serena in her arms she made her way to the kitchen stopping when she heard angels voice "Connor... We need to talk." he said in his urgent voice... Faith looked to her husband who nodded for her and the baby to go into the other room while he delt with his father.
Chapter 3
Connor and Angel soon joined the rest of the group in the dinning room which was newly remodeled.. even still it was tight for all 16 people to fit, Connor sat next to Faith and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, seeing in her eyes the curiousity of what just went on... Time passed by quickly as they finished their meal over more laughter and good times. Everyone was now back in the living room saying their goodbyes and see you soons, before heading out. Faith and Connor stayed behind to talk some more with Buffy, Angel, Dawn and Xander as well as to help clean up. It was so strange that Buffy was her Step mother in law now... and Angel was her Father in law... she hated to think that way. Dawn and Xander stayed in the living room playing with Selena while Faith and Connor helped bring dishes from the dinning room to the kitchen for cleaning. Soon Angel and Connor had gone off to the basement to hit the punching bag while Faith and Buffy were left to do dishes. "Do you ever miss it?" faith asked breaking the silence... Buffy looked at her and smiled "miss what?" she replied... Faith smiled "Come on B you know what i'm talking about... The slaying.. The fighting?" Buffy shrugged and then sighed "Sometimes... But Now that i'm married and about to have the babies... it just seems like that ship has completely sailed.. Its not who i am anymore." With that it became silent agian except for the clinging of plates being put away. Soon after Faith and Connor said their goodbyes as well before loading up in their small car and driving away. "Did you tell Faith?" Angel asked Buffy as they closed the door... the look in Buffy's eyes said no, and Angel sighed "Buffy... She needs to know...Hopefully Connor will tell her" Buffy sighed and nodded in agreement. She then turned to look at Xander and Dawn.. who were on the couch wrapped up in each others arms. "Good night you two we're going to bed... dont forget to lock the doors when you go.." with that Buffy and Angel climbed the stairs and retired to bed. Back at Faith and Connor's place which was not but 15 minutes from the summers house Faith Put the now asleep selena in her crib before following Connor into the bedroom... She quickly began to disrobe herself.. showing a painful looking scar on her stomach... she had gotten right after she gave birth to Selena...Faith had been out of practice and caught off guard by a demon who nearly killed her. She spent 3 weeks in ICU before finally healing though the scar today reminds Faith she can never have another baby.. Selena would be her last. Quickly pulling on her silk short black nightgown she crawled into bed laying her head on Connor's chest and sighing. "What did Angel say to you earlier? Before dinner?", For a second she wasn't sure if Connor would reply "Faith... there was a new's report... on t.v last week... Sunnydale...Its back."
Chapter 4
"What the hell do you mean sunnydale is back?" Faith screamed practically jumping out of bed.. "How the hell do you fix a giant crater, and rebuild a damn town in only five years!?" agian screaming... this time waking the baby... loud screams of anger came from the monitor and Faith sighed her hands ran through her hair before she turned to go to the babies room... Picking up Selena she sat in the rocker holding the small Crying child. Talking softly too her telling her everything would be alright.. but was she telling a lie? Faith looked up as Connor came into the room, the baby still wailing.."I think she's hungry." Connor suggested as he saw Faith struggling to quiet her, before grabbing a bottle of formula and handing it to her. Faith took it quickly and began to move the nipple of the bottle over Selena's small lips finally taking it into her tiny mouth and beginning to suckle the formula out. "No one knows how Sunnydale is back.. Scientists are Baffled, no one is even allowed in the town. They are considering it a potential Heath Hazzard.It's been back for about a year now but they are just recently telling the public... they've run alot of tests and they said it seems to be safe.. They are going to start letting people move back in about 6 months." Connor said quietly as he watched Faith with their baby... who was quiet as a mouse except for the slight suckle sound. "Do we know if the hell mouth is back too?" Faith asked as she shifted baby selena. "No.. Angel thinks we should check it out... Me, Him and Maybe Oz. Sometime next week." he said looking down at the floor waiting for Faith to start yelling agian but to his suprise she agree'd it was a good idea. "No one else can know about this yet... Angel and Buffy dont want to scare anyone Not even Dawn knows. Not yet." he finished and she nodded, Connor then walked over to the baby who was now starting to loose the bottle... She was becomming sleepy agian and the nipple kept slipping out of her tiny mouth... Connor put it on the small table next to the rocking chair before leaning down to pick up Selena. "I'll put her to bed you go get some sleep. You've got a big day tomorrow." Faith smiled and Kissed her husband good night as well as her baby before leaving the room and going back to bed, slipping beneith the covers she sighed thinking about what was to come. Connor burped selena and then lay her in her crib as she began drifting off to sleep.. "Goodnight Selena." he said barely above a wisper before kissing her small forehead and leaving the room to join Faith in bed once more. Connor quickly slipped under the covers wrapping his arms around Faith and kissing her long tan neck. "I love you.. Have i told you that today, Because I do." he said softly... running his hand over her arm. Faith smiled and turned to him... her lips met his in a passionate kiss that lasted what seemed to be eternity. Finally breaking the kiss she smiled once more. "I love you too.." and with that she nuzzled her head softly onto his chest and placed her hand on the otherside, listening to the beat of his heart she was content.... except for that dark feeling in the pit of her stomach...
Chapter 5
The week flew by fast, Faith hadn't slept well since Connor broke the news about Sunnydale she wasn't the type to be afraid but now that she had Selena she was.. She couldn't bare the thought of leaving her little girl behind. "Ok we're ready...." Connor said breaking her out of her trans like state. "Huh?" she replied before shaking her head.. "Ohh.. Already? Do you guys have everything?" She forced a smile as they nodded... she hugged Connor and kissed him quickly and let him hold the baby for a moment. "I love you be careful.." She said as he smiled and gave her and the baby one last kiss before getting into Angel's black SUV. Meanwhile Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy and kissed her passionately good bye before kneeling to her stomach "Daddy loves you... All three of you.. " he said smiling up at Buffy, "You guys be good to mommy, daddy will be back soon." he said to her belly once more before standing to Kiss Buffy agian.. It would just Be him and Connor going to sunnydale this time, Both Buffy and Faith stood together... waving their husbands off into the morning sun, they didn't go inside until the car was out of sight. Faith followed her former friend, then enemy, now step mother in law/friend agian into her kitchen. Faith putting Selena into the little baby playpin Buffy and Angel had bought when she was first born that sat in the living room. "Wheres Dawn and Xander?" faith asked and Buffy shrugged... "I think they went to lunch..should be back soon... Did you hear they set a date... Dawn wanted to wait till she finished school but that wont be for another two years. We're sending invites out Monday. The wedding is less than a month from now.." she said smiling as she brought out two cups of coffee. "Thats great news... They love each other so much.. Who would have thought they'd come together." Faith said laughing at it alittle bit... remembering that she had been the one to take Xander's virginity so long ago. "Thats still not as strange as you and Connor." Buffy had retorted, she was right... When Faith first met Connor after Wes had busted her out of Jail he annoyed her, even though he was a cute annoyance, they didn't hit it off till they met agian in the Alley way the night that wolfram and heart was destroyed. Gunn barely survived that night...he was in the hospital for a good year after that.. just working on walking agian so he wouldn't be paralized. "Now who would have thought you'd be the first to get married and Have a baby?" Buffy said agian... Faith shrugged and laughed "Yeah your right.. Hard to believe." she answered both of them dancing around avoiding the real talk they should be having... finally Faith spoke up "What are we going to do if the hell mouth is back?" Faith asked quickly... and Buffy sighed... "I dont know." and with that they continued to drink their coffee... Half an hour later Xander and Dawn came home... Dawn quickly realizing little Selena she picked her up into her arms smiling.. "Hey cutie... Hey there.." she smiled talking to the little one before placing her back into the pin. "Hey we're home..." She shouted... comming into the dinning room. "How was lunch." Buffy asked as they made small talk... Sighing Dawn and Xander sat beside each other and looked to Faith before handing her an invitation.. "We figured while your here." xander remarked. Faith Gladly accepted and R.S.V.Ped for three right there on the spot. They got into talking about the wedding and what would be done... all the way down to the cake. Then Xander smiled and said he had to go that he had a meeting with some important potential clients.. with that he kissed Dawn and made his way out the door. "So whats the dress like.." Faith blurted out as soon as he left. Dawn giggled and said she didn't know... She wanted to go dress shopping soon, Buffy smiled and looked to Faith... "What about right now?" Buffy said... shocking Dawn...and with that they were off to look for the perfect wedding dress.
Chapter 6
The gasps were almost Deafening when Dawn Came out of the dressing room, wearing a strapless satin A-Line gown with beaded embroidered lace bodice and draped organza skirt, with a long chapel like train. "You look amazing" Buffy said tears filling in her eyes...Dawn smiled Beaming as she looked in the mirror... "I love it. but i wanna try one more..." with that she returned to the dressing room and tried the next one on... stepping out 5 minutes later..this time everyone was silent... she walked to the mirror and her eyes filled with tears herself... "This is it...I want this one.", agian dawn stepped back into the dressing room taking a very short time before comming out agian in her Jeans and Tshirt. "Xander is going to kill me, Its 9,897 dollars." Buffy smiled and shook her head... "Dont even worry about it. Mom left you money... when she passed for when you were 25... its alot of money, enough to pay for the entire wedding." buffy confessed suprising Dawn who then hugged her they wrote the lady a check... who then smiled and gave them a time when to come back to make any alterations to the dress for it to fit Dawn perfectly. Soon They were all back at the summers house and Faith said her good byes.. and thanking them for letting her and Selena be part of the gown buying. Getting into the small SUV Faith drove off toward her house. Meanwhile Angel and Connor made there way to sunnydale... "We should be there in a couple of hours..". They only lived about 8 hours from where sunnydale had once been and they had already droven three of the eight. Connor quickly picked up his cell phone and began to dial the house sighing waiting for an answer. Faith heard the phone ringing while searching for her keys frantically... finally she got the door open and rushed it barely making it to the phone.... "Hello?" she siad into the receiver... smiling when she heard Connors voice... she walked over to the couch and placed Selena in her little play pin filled with toys... "You guys arent' there yet are you?" she sighed when Connor said no... she continued to talk to him for about five minutes before hanging up. "Daddy will be home tommorrow.. Looks like its just you and me tonight babe." she said looking down at the precious little girl.
Chapter 7
Xander parked the car in the drive way locking it before walking up to the house, he openned the door and smiled as the smell of pizza caught his nose. "Hey... i'm home." he shouted and Dawn came bounding out of the kitchen to greet him, Jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist with her arms around his neck she kissed him slowly slidding off him... "Hi.." she said smiling.. "How was it did you get the job?" She asked still smiling. "Yeah i got it.. I start in a couple of weeks... They need a new office built." he replied his fingers entwined with hers as they walked to the dinning room for dinner. "Hey Buff.... How's the babies" he asked as she came in to join them... looking at him with her eye brow's raised "They are good...I'm ready to die but they are good" she said jokingly. With that they sat down to dinner "How was your day?" He asked the girls before him they looked at each other and smiled "We went dress shopping, I found the perfect one." Dawn blurted out quickly smiling radiantly.. "Thats great! I'm sure its beautiful." Xander replied with a quick kiss as well. "So monday we send out the invites? I cant wait to be married" dawn said looking to her sister... who was smiling at the two of them... So happy things worked out, the night continued for them all as they talked about wedding plans and ate dinner... The hours flew by before they realized it was 11 pm, Buffy smiled and announced she was off to bed... Dawn and Xander soon followed... Slipping under the covers... "Should we tell them yet?" Dawn asked looking into Xanders eyes... "Not yet... Soon." with that they turned out the light snuggled up to each other and were fast asleep. Faith on the other hand sat by the phone waiting... She had decided to keep selena in the room with her tonight she was asleep in her bassinet, while Faith watched some boring informercial on weighloss, her eyes closing every now in then from heaviness... Finally being completely woken up by the phone... she quickly reached for it "Hello!" sighing as she heard Connors voice but nervous when he said they had arrived... and were looking around... "Just come home soon and be in one peice? Be careful... I love you." she smiled as he said his i love you's too and hung up... she curled into struggling to fall asleep.... Meanwhile in Sunnydale Connor and Angel sneaked by guards... to check out the place.. it was exactly how it was before The scoobies had destroyed it... Down to every last detail.. they walked all over town, passing by the Coffee shop, Movie theature, The Bronze, even the Old summers house whcih they had broken into to take a look around, Everything was back... The furniture, pictures, all of it.. it was like nothing ever happened. Quickly they left and headed toward the school, they looked around carefully waiting to see signed of Vampires or demons... But nothing.. They reached the school and broke the lock, Entering causiously. "We need to check the basement." Angel suggested, as they continued on.. Finally reaching their destination, the quickly looked inside to find nothing. It was silent... But the seal was there. Was the hellmouth back too? Angel took out a knife, Before he could slice his hand for some blood to spill out on the seal they heard a voice behind them "HEY YOU TWO HOW DID YOU GET DOWN HERE!? YOUR NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE." a guard called out to them. Quickly he escorted Angel and Connor back to their car. "If I see you two back down there agian i'll have you both locked up you hear me?"
Chapter 8...
Buffy began to scream in pain during the night, Dawn quickly rushed to her side... The water had broken. The babies would be here soon. "Wheres Angel? Does he have his cell?" She asked Buffy Frantically...The contractions were comming on faster then they should have been. Dawn hollered for Xander to help Buffy to the car while she got her suitcases. Not even five minutes later they were all out the door and heading toward the hospital. Xander behind the wheel and Dawn was holding Buffy's hand while trying Angel's cell phone. Finally he answered "Angel... its time...the babies ..we're on our way to the hospital. No she wont wait that long! Your gonna miss it!" Dawn screamed into the phone angry that he wouldn't be there, but worried for her sister. "I've got to go we're here." with that she shut the phone and go out to get some help, a male nurse followed her back out with a wheel chair to wheel buffy up to a room. "Ok This must be the daddy to be and you are?" he said looking at Dawn. "I'm the sister, and actually this is my fiance." she quickly replied. "Well then either way you need to go to the front desk and fill out the papers while we get mommy to be here in a room." with that he wheeled buffy off... Dawn stood there in amazement.. "My sister is going into labor and they want me to fill out some stupid forums!?" Xander hugged her tightly and smiled.
"Its ok if the babies come they'll get us in there." Dawn shrugged at Xanders comment and quickly began filling out the paper work which seemed to take forever. Finally she handed the clip board over to the lady behind the counter and they quickly made their way to Buffy's room. "How are you doing? Whats the doctor saying?" Dawn excited about her nephew or neice to be born. "They're gonna take me back in about 10 minutes to start pushing. What did angel say?" looking Hopeful at her sister, Buffy sighed when Dawn lowered her head. "Well then I guess you'll be going in with me." she said to her little sister who smiled and nodded they stood there in silence for the remainder of the 10 minutes before going back. About 3 hours had passed Xander paced in the room waiting for Buffy and the babies to be brought back in , His head shot up when the door openned. Disappointed a bit to see Willow poke her head in, Followed by Oz, Faith and Giles. "Did we miss anything?" Willow asked out of breath. "No they still haven't told me anything i'm still waiting."... Moments later the door openned and they rolled Buffy back in the room. Followed by Three different plasic looking basins each holding a tiny baby, Then last was Dawn. Everyone 'Awwwed' Over the tiny babies...Each one was passed around gently. The first to be born was a little boy who was given the name Shane Liam, The second was a beautiful little girl named Alyson Joyce, and the last was another little boy they decided to name Joshua Micheal. Buffy was lit up with joy, tired from all the excitement. Dawn looked up at Xander and smiled, he looked down and smiled back wrapping his arm tighter around her waist. Suddenly the door swung open "I got here as soon as i could. We broke some laws but we're here." Angel hollered as he rushed to Buffy's side kissing her forehead. "I'm sorry i'm late." With that he then looked at each of his new babies, Buffy smiled at Recited their names and watched as Angel took turns holding each one before standing beside buffy once more and leaning to give her a kiss. "Guys I dont know if this is the right time but...Xander and I are pregnant. Three weeks now." Dawn blurted out, everyone turned to her quickly her cheeks felt warm, Finally everyone spoke... "Congradulations you two." Buffy replied deep down alittle upset they werent married yet but still so pleased.
Chapter 9
Soon everyone left for home leaving Angel and Buffy alone, Buffy slept soundly as Angel sat beside her stroking her hair. The babies had all been takin to the nursery. Back at the summers house Dawn and Xander lay on the couch. There wedding was a few weeks away... two and a half to be exact. They were rushing but everyone they knew who'd be attending the wedding was close by, and luckily there was a quaint little church that had been avaliable. They'd Have the reception at the house so they didn't need to book anything. Xander lay with his head on Dawn's stomach as they talked. "Buffy took the news alot easier than I expected." Dawn said firmly as Xander shrugged it had been an exhausting night and he struggled to stay awake. "Well maybe it hasn't sunk in yet? We'll be married soon.. and its not like i'm going to leave you and the baby." he replied before kissing her stomach. "I love you too much Dawnster." he smiled up at her as she whined about being to old for that name, With that he stood up and reached his hand out taking her's into his wrapping his arms around her and wispering in her ear. "Your right how about. Stunning, Gorgeous, beautiful?" Dawn giggled at the compliments as he lead her to their bedroom shutting the door softly behind them.
"So you guys didn't find anything?" Faith asked as they began to climb into bed. Sighing as Connor shook his head. "I dont believe it. Theres something going on. Maybe we should get some of the slayers to go check it out. They can handle themselves more than you and Angel could." she quickly said as she lay her head on Connor's chest. "Lets not worry about it tonight." Connor replied as he kissed her forehead and they drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 10
The door openned banging agianst the wall as it did so, Angel Carried in Shane, Buffy Carried in Joshua, and Dawn Carried in little Alyson. It had been a week since Buffy had gone into the hospital in labor. She sighed as she entered the house and sat the Car seat holding Joshua on the coffee table in front of the couch, she quickly sat down and leaned back for a moment. "It feels so good to be home." she cooed. Her relaxtion was suddenly interupted as Alyson started to cry, she quickly went into mom action grabbing a bottle for her to feed to the baby. Dawn smiled and picked up Joshua out of his car seat before sitting in the rocking chair and rocking him in her arms. "Oh the cake is going to be beautiful Buffy. Its three layers, and its a light pink." Dawn said softly, Buffy smiled at her "How are you feeling? Your not to stressed are you" she asked Dawn her voice filled with Concern. "No i'm fine... Its been great. I just Cant wait to be Mrs. Xander Harris. Just a week and 3 days to go." she replied quickly with a smile that seemed to light up the room. With that she lifted herself and the sleeping Josh out of the chair and made her way to the nursery, she gently lay him in the crib and turned on the monitor. She double checked the window to make sure it was locked and the blinds were down before she left the room to rejoin Buffy and Angel in the living room. "I'm so glad your home Buffy." she said to her sister who had just finished feeding Alyson and was now burping the gassy baby. "What did you break?" Buffy said quickly looking at her sister. "What!? Nothing I'm not 12 anymore Buffy. I just missed you is all." Dawn said and looked to the ground. "Its just lately...Its so hard with out mom being here. She wont be at the wedding you know?" Buffy's smile faded and she looked to Angel, Who took the hint and left the room a baby in each arm heading toward the nursery. Buffy quickly got up to stand next to her sister. "I know Dawnie but she'd be so proud of you. You know that right. You've grown up so much, Your gonna be a mom and a beautiful bride. I'm proud of you too." with that they embraced tears rolling down both of their cheeks.
Chapter 11
THE WEDDING
The Sun was bright and warm as Xander entered the church along wtih his groomsmen. Angel his best man, along with Oz, Giles and Connor. They talked for a few moments before taking their places. Xander and Angel stood at alter. Flashback of the wedding he and Anya should have shared played in Xander's Mind, he kept wondering if this way all right? If he was ready. The Church Isle was linned with red and white roses, Candles as well lined the isle the light flickering set a beautiful scene. The music began to play as Faith and Connor Began their desent down the isle, Followed by Giles and Shannon, Next was Willow and Oz. Soon they were all lined at the alter. "I dont know if i can do this Buffy..I think i'm going to be sick." Dawn said breathing hard. "Calm down... Do you love him?" Buffy asked quickly Dawn nodded tears filling her eyes. "Then breath... Its time. " with that Buffy turned the small corner then began her walk down the isle taking her place at the alter as well. Dawn took another deep breath before hearing "hear comes the bride" being played. That being her cue she slowly turned the small corner and stood at the chruch entrance for a moment, smiling at all those who stood before her, slowly she made her way down the isle till she stood before Xander and looked him square in the eye. The minister began the ceremony. Dawn mouthed i love you to Xander and smiled. The Minister then looked to Xander to repeat what he had Said. " In the presence of god, our family and friends, I Alexander offer you Dawn my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, To support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, To laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherrish you for as long as we both shall live." the minister then looked to Dawn.." In the presence of god, our family and friends, I Dawn offer you Alexander my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, To support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, To laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherrish you for as long as we both shall live." With that the Minister smiled, and took the rings angel held. "Lord I ask you to bless these rings, which i bless in your name, May Dawn and Alexander always be reminded of their love and Faithfulness to eachother." he looked to xander once agian as he began to place it on Dawn's finger "Dawn take this ring as a sign of my love and fedelity, in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit." the minister then looked to Dawn. " Alexander take this ring as a sign of my love and fedelity, in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit." With that The minister motioned for Dawn and Xander to light the unity candle that stood in front of them, They did so quickly then turned to face each other once more "With the power invested by the United Bieania Church. I Now pronounce you... Husband and Wife... You may kiss your bride.." closing the bible he smiled as Xander leaned in to kiss Dawn softly on the lips... " May i present to you the new... mr and mrs. Alexander Harris!" With that statement the entire church began to clap as The two newly weds walked back up the isle... Hand in Hand. Till Death.. Do they Part.
