Thirteen Steps -6- Pet
by Valyssia
Precious
[reviews]
Description: Season 8 - General Voll finally finds out why it's not a good idea to piss our heroes off. I amped the actiony bits up here a teeny bit from the comic 'cause it just didn't make much sense to me that an installation of that size would only have about 30 - 40 soldiers in it, as seen in the comic. My build has a regiment. around 200 actual enemies ;) Lots of violence! Maybe even some sex...and Willow might even get jealous... Jealous Willow is fun...
Author's Note: We swing back around to meet Joss at the end of the final comic in the arc. As a result the speech General Voll gives at the end and Buffy's remarks are all pure Whedon. ;)
Disclaimer: Buffy, Willow and all things Slayer belong to Joss Whedon and the good folks at Mutant Enemy.
Feedback: Yes, please...
Night fell as Buffy made her way back to the Westbury coven home. She was tired but somewhat more clear-headed for the time away. Many miles of secondary road and pangs of grief mingled with apprehension about the night that would follow had absorbed her day.
I wonder if Will and I will still be able to work together. She's not really one to let the personal get in the way of the job, but still...talk about the emotional messing things up... Buffy turned into the drive belonging to the coven and made her way slowly up it, wishing she could manually turn the lights off on Bernadine. I just need a change of clothes then I'll get out of her hair, she thought as she pulled up in front of the cabin.
Dismounting the Ducati, the Slayer caught a slight flourish of movement along the tree line next to Willow's cabin. She turned to investigate as the door opened and Willow poked her head out. Buffy put a finger up to her mouth and motioned the witch inside. She set off to give the area a look and make sure that all was well. As she moved she pulled the scythe off her back and held it at the ready.
Willow processed what was happening... This time I'll be damned if I'm waiting, the witch thought to herself. She began to focus the energies around her. Drifting up off the ground, charged with the current in the night air, she floated behind the Slayer lighting the way.
"Thought I told you to stay," Buffy said, looking over her shoulder at the witch watching the energy arc off her body.
Willow grinned slightly as she spoke, "You did...not letting you out of my sight this time."
Reaching the forest they both peered into the trees.
"Come on out, Spike," Willow said in a flat voice as she started draining the energies back off into the earth and settled back to the ground.
Spike sighed and held his hands up as her stepped from behind a tree, "Bloody hell, Red! Give a bloke a heart attack, why don't you?"
"Give you a heart attack? Spike your heart is a lump of coal buried somewhere in your worthless chest. Trust me...I know," Buffy giggled.
"Worthless? You didn't seem to mind it so much...let me think... Not that long ago...in point of fact... I seem to recall a little bit of handholding when last I saw you. Never mind the flames, but still..." Spike snickered.
Willow turned to go back up to the cabin, "You can join me or stay here. Your choice..."
"Right... Don't mind if I do," Spike said with a grin.
Willow looked back and smiled, "Oh you're not coming in, Spike. Anything you have to say can be said out here."
"Pfftt...well that's gratitude in't it? I show up 'cause an old friend tells me you two have bitten off more than you can chew and..." Spike said with a sardonic glower.
"An old friend...? Who exactly is this old friend?" Buffy said with a raised eyebrow as she watched Willow continue back to the cabin.
"You wouldn't know her... Well Red might but only in her former skin. She's called, Illyria. Old One, Hell God...thousands of years older than me even...ruled the west coast of the United States in her time. Pretty much knows the score when it comes to things in that realm even now. Been spending time since you and I called it, Pet," Spike said with a smirk, putting his hands in his pockets.
Buffy turned to head back to Bernadine, "So let me get this straight...you've been hanging out with a Hell God?"
"Oh not just hanging..." Spike raised an eyebrow and gave Buffy a significant look.
"Oh..." Buffy cleared her throat, "Well then...but a Hell God? You mean like Glorificus?"
"Not even close... Illyria's on our side...she swapped camps...and is she ever a dish well worth tasting. Nothin' like that dried up old trollop, Glory." Spike growled with a wicked grin and a swagger. "Makes for points of interest, if you know what I mean... We had to strip a few of her powers to keep her on this plane, but she's still a hand full. My kinda lass," Spike said in a tone obviously designed to make Buffy jealous.
Buffy just snickered, "Oh...Kay... Well that was more than I wanted to know. Do you have anything useful to tell me, Spike? I kinda have things to do...you know...things lots more important that this."
"Nothing really...I was sent here to help keep your fanny out of another fire, but if you think you've got it covered, I'll be happy to leave, Pet," Spike said a droll tone, following along.
"Well truth-be-told I suppose we could use the hand...as many hands as we can get, in fact. Have you been to see Giles yet?" the Slayer queried as she sat sidesaddle on Bernadine.
Spike laughed, "Me? Go see Rupert? Not if I don't have to," he finished the thought with a look of open distaste.
"Well you do...unless you have another place to stay. Will isn't letting you in and... Don't think you'd be overly useful if we just left you outside until 11pm tomorrow night. Meet me back here then and I'll fill you in... Oh...and thanks Spike," Buffy said, trailing off as she spoke.
"Right then... Where do I find, Ole Rue-Pert?" Spike said, with a look on his face suggesting that he was searching for something more creative to call the Slayer's former Watcher.
"He's about half a mile that way through the forest...can't miss it...look for the castle," Buffy said with a vague point, hopping off Bernadine and heading to the cabin.
Spike stood watching as Buffy opened the cabin door. Willow met her just inside and caught Buffy in a tight embrace, running her left hand down the Slayer's back. The witch then looked up and made eye contact with him smirking. She held her right hand out and it caught fire for a brief second, her eyes glowed red, as flames seemed to lick the pupils.
Spike sighed and shaking his head, he stalked off. "Bugger...downright frightening that one..."
Willow slammed the door without touching it, kissing Buffy as it closed.
Buffy looked at the witch, "Is this your way of saying I'm forgiven?"
"Well not so much forgiven...as well...not sure there was anything to forgive. I thought about what happened after you left. Miss Hartness and I talked. Amy does seem better for the experience though she's pretty much a mess...won't be right for days...odds are...you just scared us much, is all..." Willow said in a soft voice, as she stood considering her Slayer.
Buffy looked a bit confused, "But Willow... You have every reason to be upset at me. I mean...well the whole killing people thing...not in the mission statement."
"Yeah...but did you really try to kill her?" Willow said in a patient voice.
"Well no...I just wanted her to feel what it would be like to die," Buffy said fairly.
Taking a seat on the couch and motioning the Slayer over, Willow spoke in a crisp voice, "The only thing that worries me is that you said you would kill her. I understand that in the heat of the moment things can get a bit wonky. Do you still feel that way?"
"Guess we need to talk?" Buffy said, taking a seat and looking thoughtfully back at the witch.
"Yes, yes we do. Answer the question, Buffy," Willow said in a firm voice.
"Well... Yes, I would. Lemme explain..." the Slayer said, taking in the troubled look the witch was giving her. "This is about Dawn, Will. It's about me tossing a huge amount of trust out. Not something I'm good at... We're not gonna be here all summer and you know it. I've got to trust the coven with Dawn and that's not easy for me. Amy here makes it much more the worse."
Nodding, Willow waited patiently for Buffy to continue.
"It's pretty simple... If Amy was to attack Dawn, she'd use magick. Doubt she'd do that to you again, but Dawn? She's an easy target. Amy tends to see the world from a rat-like view. She looks at what's in front of her and begins to figure what she has to gain from it. She's very selfish. She's also very much into the vengeance game. To say I don't trust her would be an understatement of epic proportions."
"So say she did make with the vengeance. Would we call the police? They'd come...then they'd be clueless... It'd go straight, nowhere," the Slayer said in an almost angry voice.
"Don't get upset, Buffy. I'm sure there's another solution," Willow said, looking worried.
"Name it," Buffy said firmly. "The only people I'm aware of, that dealt with those sortsa things were The Watcher's Council. They kinda came up with a minor case of death. Got the memo...wasn't sorry... Keep in mind that these are the same slimy bastards that thought it'd be fun to poison the Slayer on her 18th Birthday and watch her flop around a bit. They almost got my mother killed. So, I'm not missing them..." Buffy finished looking truly agitated.
"We'd find a way," Willow said, trying to comfort the Slayer.
A sardonic grin washed over Buffy's features, mixing with the anger. "Well we could always let Giles do it. Like Amy wouldn't just kill him too. I mean...funny thing... Not that I was around for the show...was actually a bit busy dieing. You recall the fight with Glory? You ever wonder where she, went? I did...she wasn't the disappearin' type... What I came up with was Giles killed her, when she was in her weaker form. Of the people on the ground he was the one that would. Tara sure wouldn't, Xander, you? Seriously running outta options... Spike would've in a New York minute, but the chip thing...sorta a problem... I know she wasn't dead when I left her so...never mentioned it...filed it away with all the other fun factoids that float around in my head."
"Giles killed Ben... You're right, Buffy. He did it to keep us from having to. He was protecting us," Willow confirmed as the worried look returned.
"Figured... Anyway, I couldn't say no to Dawn. She deserves her own life...it's time to let go... Scares the hell out of me to...but it's the right thing. So, I was left with the choices. Here's my choice... Amy loves power. You said it yourself. I don't think I'll have to kill her. All she'll needs is to understand how the tides have changed. I'm gonna to bring her back a little present...a souvenir from the Hellmouth... Then we'll see what she does. If she chooses badly...well let's face it...not many options... I trust the coven to protect Dawn, but funny thing I've noticed about life...it's never as simple as you'd like it be. Result is...I think this way 'cause I have to." Buffy concluded, looking somewhat calmer.
"I appreciate what you're saying, but we'd find another way, Buffy. Trust me... Though, I think your plan is good. You scared the hell out of Amy. You're right she did need to see...might've been the best hope she has," Willow replied thoughtfully.
"I just stopped by to get some things and leave. I don't want to be here if...well...if Miss H. doesn't want me here," the Slayer said, standing up to begin packing.
"No Buffy, actually we need to go see her. She's expecting us," Willow replied, moving to take the Slayer's hand.
Oh...Kay... Well this should be fun," Buffy said with a wry grin.
Willow gave the Slayer a pensive stare, taking both of her hands. She inquired, "Let me ask you this, Buffy... If we were faced with a worst-case scenario...not that I even want to think that way...it's truly morbid and ugly...would you just take off to finish Amy...without saying a word...or would you talk to me first? Hard to answer I know, but do you're best."
"I don't like thinking that way either, Will. I'm forced to...it comes with the title... Chosen One...chosen to be miserable...whatever... You'd know I was leavin' and I'd hear you out, if you had an option to offer me. This isn't the way I wanna to think. It's definitely not the way I wanna to act... It just is...it's the way things are... I have to face that facts...we're alone...and the hard decisions don't seem to be gettin' any easier. It's time to climb out of the sandbox," Buffy concluded holding Willow's glaze.
"Let's go see Miss Hartness. You know she'd never allow anything to happen to Dawnie, right?" Willow drew Buffy up into a hug, releasing her; they set off out the door, holding hands.
"I know she'll do everything in her power to protect her, but...as I said...life's never that simple for me. I've sorta had to embrace...well...the badness. It just happens. I'll be happier when Dawn goes off the college. This summer will really be the test," Buffy replied as she walked next to the witch.
"Have you eaten today?" Willow said in a concerned voice.
Buffy thought back, "Since the omelet? Not so much...I rode nearly all day and now that you mention it. Pretty much starved. Think they'd mind me eating a horse?" she said pretending the eye the field.
"Probably, but I'd be happy to make you something big and full of energy. No horse though...sorry," Willow said with a gentle, concerned smile.
Buffy smirked. "You won't have to ask me twice. I'm in."
Willow grasped the Slayer's hand more firmly. "Okay then... We can just have Miss Hartness follow us to the kitchen. I'm sure she won't mind. At this hour we can find a spot that's quiet to sit and talk."
They arrived at the cabin and Willow knocked. Miss Hartness answered the door, offering the girls entry into her home.
"Miss Hartness would you mind coming with us to the kitchen? Buffy hasn't eaten since breakfast and she gets pretty sick without food," Willow inquired, giving the older witch a meaningful look and a slight nod.
"Oh no...not at all... I will meet you girls there shortly. Run along and eat dear," Miss Hartness said with a sympathetic smile.
They made their way to the common room. Buffy had not realized how bad off she was until Willow mentioned it. She was getting a headache and felt decidedly light headed.
"I think I'm just going to make you something quick, honey...you're looking a bit sick. Toasted sandwich and some soup, maybe?" Willow offered.
Buffy looked up. "Yeah... Whatever..." she said, dropping her head back into her hands.
"Coming right up...I can microwave the soup really quick and then make the sandwich," Willow said, setting about opening a can of thick vegetable beef soup.
Miss Hartness came in and stood regarding Buffy. She sat down next to the Slayer and placed the back of her hand against the younger woman's face.
Buffy looked at the older witch and said, "I'm sorry." She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she spoke.
"Oh dear... I cannot say that I particularly approve of your methods, but they do seem to have yielded results that might have taken us months of work to find. You have my forgiveness. I just wish you would communicate your intentions more fully. Though, I do suppose, in this case that was quite impossible," Miss Hartness pulled Buffy into a hug and stroked her hair as the Slayer wept.
Willow came over to deposit the soup in front of Buffy. "Eat up, while it's warm sweetie. Starting on the sandwich now..."
Buffy let Miss Hartness go and gratefully started to eat the soup, feeling better for every bite.
"You are still welcome here. Willow told me that you felt you might be banished for this. It takes far more for us to turn our backs on a friend. We understand that you were trying to protect us. That much of what you did was again, noble. You have a good heart," with this Miss Hartness rubbed Buffy's shoulder and turned to leave saying, "Good night."
"Thank you Miss Hartness. Good night," Buffy said, looking up from her food.
Willow came back over with the remainder of Buffy's dinner a moment later. "I sort of cheated a bit...hope I did okay."
"What'd you do, Will?" Buffy said, looking at the witch with a cocked eyebrow.
"Oh nothing much...I just encouraged the cheese to melt a bit faster than it might have normally wanted to. Be careful...might be pretty hot," a devilish look flitted across Willow's face as she spoke.
Buffy sighed and went back to eating. When she finished she sat considering Willow for a moment before she spoke, "I should go see that Spike found his way. I feel sort of bad trading barbs with him then sending him out into the night alone. He did come to help us. You want to come with or?"
"I can come with. I'd rather be by your side regardless. It made me nervous that you were out all day alone," Willow said, leaning in to kiss the Slayer's cheek when she finished.
"Alright...we can ride over. When we get back I should put Bernadine in the garage. It smells like rain," Buffy said as she stood up to take her dishes to the sink and quickly wash them.
"I need to get some jeans on...not so much for riding in a skirt. I'll meet you at Bernadine." Willow stood up and swept gracefully out of the room.
Buffy felt a thousand times better for the food and forgiveness as she made her way to Bernadine. She caught Willow in a tight embrace saying, "I love you," and then releasing her, she mounted the Ducati and started the engine.
Willow whispered, "I love you too" into the Slayer's ear, once she settled into her station. She wrapped her arms around Buffy and they pulled away from the cabin.
Spike was walking across the lawn when they arrived with a sullen look on his face.
Willow dismounted Bernadine and said, "I'll go find Giles so he can invite Spike in. Dunno if the whole 'vampire can't enter' thing would work with so many folks living under one roof, but it seems polite." With this she rushed off into the castle.
Buffy pulled Bernadine into the yard to pick Spike up. Arriving beside him she motioned for him to get on.
Spike rolled his eyes and finally obeyed, "I dunno about this new look for you, Buffy. Plan to start playing Rugby next?"
Buffy snickered as she turned the Ducati and headed back to the drive, saying, "Nope wouldn't be fair to the men on the team, but I was considering doing some club racing."
"Oh... Bloody hell... Okay, right then," Spike said with another eye roll, dismounting the motorcycle as they stopped.
"Spike look... I'm sorry," Buffy said in a concerned voice as she set the sidestand down and shut Bernadine off. "I just had one bitch of a day. I do appreciate your being here. Will's gone to get Giles so we can set you up with a warm bed and something to eat. Not sure how we'll handle the eating bit, but we'll manage. We always do."
Spike gave the Slayer a warm look and removing a flask to take a sip he said, "Got that much covered, but the bed would be a nice change. I was just worried about you when Illyria said these men were trying to take you. She said they got your witch, but that didn't last long... Red's been putting on some serious heft with the mojo... Girl's downright scary... Anyway...been smelling bad things brewing for months in the old homestead...lots of men poking around the Hellmouth...strange magick and the like... Doesn't bode well if you take my meaning..."
"Totally taken... Yeah...it's giving me a serious wiggins," Buffy said. Getting up, she gave Spike a quick hug and sat back down on Bernadine.
"So what's the story with you and this Immortal prat? I hear you are there... Broody Boy and I went to have a look and do some business. It was you... I could smell it was you. Then I come here and you and Red seem to have...well something... Fellow could use a scorecard to keep up. Are you just making your way across Eastern Europe, having a poke at anything that rates above blasé on the power meter?" Spike took another sip off his flask as he finished the thought.
Buffy laughed, "No Spike. I was alone until a few weeks ago. The person you saw with the Immortal...not me. I'm surprised you actually found me if you were that snowed."
"Not you? Okay...right then...do need a scorecard. If you get a chance warn her he's really bad news. Dead evil, actually... As bad as Angelus and I were back in the day, but with a lot more flash and even more mind games," Spike said in a low voice.
"I dunno much about it. That's Andrew's show actually. I'll pass it on," Buffy said matching Spike's tone.
Giles and Willow came out to join them. Giles looked like he might have been settling in for the evening with a book and a brandy.
Giles gave the Slayer a concerned look saying, "Are you alright, Buffy? You're looking positively knackered."
"Just peachy...with a side of keen..." Buffy replied in a soft voice.
"Alright then," Giles said giving Buffy a sympathetic gaze. His face hardened as he turned his attention to the vampire, "What brings you our way, Spike? Do come in," he said, motioning to the door.
Spike smirked and said in a serious tone, "The wind."
"Yes... I suppose it has been a bit foul for a time now," Giles said, considering the vampire.
"Right you are," Spike said following Giles into the Great Hall.
Willow and Buffy tagged along holding hands and exchanging significant looks.
"Well we'll get you settled in, and then I'm afraid I have other matters to which I must attend," Giles said in a false, amiable voice.
Willow said the spell to herself to open her thoughts to Buffy. Looks like Mr. Giles might be in pain, she chuckled softly trying not to disturb the men.
Buffy smiled as she confirmed, doesn't it? Wish I had a camera.
Giles motioned to a doorway and said, "Here we are. I trust it will meet with your approval."
Spike cracked the door and was obviously impressed with the room.
"Looks like my room back in Scotland," Buffy offered. These places are all the same, she thought, adding a deep sigh.
"How long will you be with us, Spike?" Willow asked hoping the answer was a really small number...something in hours, maybe... The witch added a soft internal chuckle for Buffy.
"Just a few days...as long as it takes to see the plan through and book passage home. Who knows...may even just stay once I get the portal ride. Took me days to get here...I had to travel by ship...not really safe to fly, anymore," Spike sat down on the couch as he spoke. "So tell me about this plan of yours?"
"It's a pretty simple destroy everything mission. Just your thing actually...if it moves make it not move... No killing though...just with the not moving... Broken bones are good as long as you avoid spinal and rib injuries. Destroy all their toys...then leave. We got five teams of Slayers, thirty-one girls total...with you and Will that makes thirty-three. Plus the Westbury coven promises a little touch of hell on earth mojo show for the occasion. We begin tomorrow night at 1am our time and go until there's no one left to complain," the Slayer finished with a dark, evil grin.
"Sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Right...I'm in," Spike said in a firm voice.
"You can drop in with Giles, Beta Team or with Will and me. Your choice," Buffy said in a questioning voice.
Spike smiled before he spoke, "Well if Red will promise not to set me on fire I'll stick with you."
"You play with us...not against us... I promise no barbeque. You touch Buffy and I'll roast you. Vague disclaimers...still no one's friend," Willow said in a disturbingly conversational voice.
Spike looked a bit alarmed, "Here to help," he said, raising his hands.
Buffy broke into peels of laughter... "Will, be nice...he's a friend."
"Do I have to?" Willow caught Buffy and kissed her so passionately that she felt the Slayer's breathing hasten, as she watched Spike out of the corner of her eye. Willow moved a hand up to fondle her lover's nipple through the cloth of her shirt; she felt Buffy tense and gasp...
Spike grew increasingly uncomfortable and began to examine the floor as though he meant to find something truly important there. He cleared his throat and said, "If you ladies would like the room, I can leave."
Buffy pulled away finally, trying to catch her breath she said, "Well I guess...I guess we should let you get some rest. I think you might find some of that brandy Giles had in a cupboard in the library by the fireplace if it sounded good to you. Just wild speculation, but it may pay off."
"Thanks for coming to help out, Spike. Seriously...I do appreciate it," Willow said with a wry smile as she pulled Buffy out of the room.
"Will, be nice to the poor guy. This has to be hard on him," Buffy said as she trailed behind the witch.
Willow grinned back at her Slayer, "I was being nice. He's still got all his pieces and parts...they all looked to work too."
Buffy tugged hard on Willow's arm, stopping her progress and spinning her into the wall. She carefully pulled back to make the landing a soft one. The Slayer then planting her hands on either side of the witch, as she made eye contact and spoke in a silky voice, "You've got nothing to be jealous of. Spike is an unfortunate part of my not so pleasant past. I have no interest in him. I'm yours...you know that," she pulled Willow close and gave her a soft, loving kiss.
"I know... I've never really liked him much though...and I can't help but look at him now...and well...you know." Willow said, holding Buffy's gaze.
"I do know... I'm telling you it doesn't matter. Once we're done with the mission he'll move on back to his Hell God. It's all of the good. Having him with us will be much the better for us. Boy can seriously wreck stuff. He's got the gift and the passion," the Slayer finished with a smile.
"Hell God? You said Hell God, right?" Willow looked really confused with this statement.
Buffy sniggered, "Yeah he said something about Illyria or some such...acted like it might make me jealous. Looks like you turned that on him. Nice one."
Willow started to head for the door again, "Oh my... Yeah I caught bits of that story. It was actually pretty awful. Winifred Burkle was infected by the essence of a Hell God. It killed her and took her body. You'd have liked Fred. She was a wonderful person. I was really upset to hear she'd passed. I sorta had a thing for her."
"Considered seeing if I could use some magicks to locate her soul, but thought better of it because of what happened with you. Anyway Illyria was stripped of most of her powers and bound to this plane. She's safe now...but in a scary...can stop a truck with her body...sorta way."
"Wow...that's quite a story. I'm sorry. I think I may have met her once briefly. Had no idea..." Buffy said in a compassionate voice as she tossed a leg over Bernadine and waited patiently for Willow.
"Yeah... It was really sad. Broke poor Wesley's heart... He was in love with Fred and watched her die. Horrible actually," Willow said as she snuggled up behind the Slayer. "Now take me home."
It began to sprinkle as the rode home. By the time they arrived it was raining. They were both shivering as they made their way into Willow's cabin.
"Yup... Knew it would rain..." Buffy said, heading to the bathroom. "I'm thinking hot shower. Would you like to join me? I need to wash the road dirt off and try to do something with this ratted mass, I'll call hair for lack of a better term."
"Sounds like a solid plan. I'll try to help with the hair thing if I can," Willow said in a gentle voice.
"Yeah... Best thing for it is lots of conditioner and then work from the bottom with a comb," the Slayer said, turning the shower on and stripping out of her clothing.
"Not sure dreds are your look...you might have a nice start though if you wanted," Willow grinned as she removed her own damp clothing.
Buffy got into the shower and washed her hair twice as Willow joined her. Then she took a huge amount of conditioner and massaged it in, saying, "No more riding without a helmet for me. This pretty much sucks." The Slayer then turned to lean against the shower wall.
Willow spoke as she worked to remove the ridiculous number of tangles from Buffy's hair, "Once we are done here I want to try something with you. Provided you're willing..."
"What's that, Will? Something naughty...?" Buffy said with a wicked grin.
"Well Mr. Giles might think so but not in the way you mean." Willow said in a pensive tone.
Buffy turned around and took the witch into her arms saying, "Damn...well a girl can dream." She kissed her lover passionately.
Willow withdrew and said, "Nope 'fraid not...not sure you'll like it in fact. If you don't we can move on."
"Not liking it already..." Buffy said, running her nails down the redhead's back.
Willow smiled and rolled her eyes, "You have a dirty mind...turn around so I can finish your hair...it's getting no less the tangley."
Buffy mocked a pout and sniffling, turned around. "Okay so...what's this something you have for me?"
"Well you remember when those icky Shadow Men wanted to ramp up your Slayer power by adding more demon to the mix?" Willow said, continuing to work on Buffy's matted hair.
"Ummm...hummm...didn't like the price...being human is a good thing," Buffy said, thoughtfully nodding.
Willow continued, "...And remember when I made every potential on the planet a Slayer with the scythe?"
"Yup...boy do I ever...much with the sorting after and I still get called ma'am by total strangers. Bit hard to skip over something like that." Buffy was smiling. "Okay so what's with the history lesson, Will?"
"Combine the two ideas and you'll see my plan," Willow finished with a wink as Buffy looked over her shoulder catching the witch's eye.
Buffy was stunned. She drew silent and waited for Willow to continue.
"The scythe is an item of great power it appears to be from the good place. I'm not saying this won't come with a price. It's more likely to leave you very much human...but...more with the scary. If I do this I'll have to increase your bone density slightly, or you may break something... You won't like that part...either way... It'll also take an adjustment period. You won't want to touch me for a while. ...And that's good 'cause I won't wanna be touched without a protection spell. Think it over and if you want me to try I'll have to go get a dozen eggs out of the kitchen," the witch concluded her ramble by running her nails down Buffy's back.
"Eggs...?" Buffy said, turning to look at Willow like she'd lost her mind.
Willow smiled and caught the Slayer to give her a kiss. Releasing her she said with a wry grin, "Yes...eggs... So you can use them to regain your motor control. Much better to crush a few eggs than well...lots of other stuff... This will seriously change how much pressure you perceive yourself having to place on an item to pick it up. We should be able to amp your strength up by about another third without hurting the scythe. I'll have to test. I don't want to hurt the weapon. It should be left in tact for the next Slayer."
"Another third...huh...? Jesus Will!" The Slayer's eyes grew a bit with this.
"Yeah...I've been studying the scythe off and on and it seems possible. With that you should be able to just hit demons as hard as you can in the face and well...most of them... Well...the ick-factor will be high. I see lots more showers in your future. That's all I can speculate. You have to decide." Willow finished working the tangles out of the last of her Slayer's hair as she awaited an answer.
"And you can do this gently...slowly...so if I feel something or...well it gets scary...we can stop?" Buffy said in a pensive voice.
"Yes," Willow said, collecting a cloth to wash Buffy's back.
Buffy smiled, "No humanity loss?"
"Shouldn't, though there may be some physical changes and you'll need the time we have tomorrow to get ready for the mission. I suggest you spend a few hours carefully beating on Spike. He'll love it. Just don't hit him in the face at first...well if you want to keep him," Willow chuckled as she started to work the lather onto her lover's soft skin.
"I'm in...this not touching you thing though...not of the good. How long before I get my privileges back?" Buffy said anxiously.
Willow gave the Slayer a sweet grin. "Pick up an egg with no goo and we'll talk. Oh...and this has to be a 'you', only thing. Faith might not like it but... I don't want to damage the scythe. I can replenish it to a point, but there's only so much of the original mojo... What I add and what's there will get all mixy and balance out if I'm cautious."
"She'll deal...she always does. Okay well...lately she does," Buffy said fairly, taking the cloth from Willow and moving into the shower to rinse her hair. She quickly washed the rest of her body and rinsed the cloth. Then she spun Willow around to wash her back.
They finished up and after dressing for bed, Willow poked her head outside. The rain had stopped and there was a heavy fog hanging in the valley just down from her cabin. "I'd like to be outside for this. It just feels more connected. I can do it in here but it will be smoother if we...well..."
Buffy shrugged before she spoke, "Whatever works best for you." She picked up the scythe and carried it to the bed laying it beside her as she sat to put on shoes.
"You won't need those," Willow said, motioning the Slayer to stop. "Pick up the scythe and hold me." She felt the embrace and she started to draw the energy in from around them. "Feel me..." Willow pushed on Buffy with her mind and she relaxed automatically.
There was an electric charge arcing off both women as they floated off the floor.
Willow said the words to open her thoughts, Buffy let go and just hold my hand...stay with me. They drifted out of the room and down the hill floating above the fog Willow moved her body to a sitting position and guided her partner to do the same. They hovered down to meet the fog.
This is like sitting on a cloud, Will. So cool, Buffy reflected as a soft grin covered her features. She sat and watched the energy arc off them. She thought it might hurt but it was warm and tingly.
Bring the scythe up between us and focus on me. Willow met her lover's eyes. Stay with me...just feel... Between them the scythe began to glow a soft blue.
Buffy could sense her witch pulling the energy around them into the scythe. She began to work with her in concert.
I want to charge the scythe as we go so it...well you know.
Yes...trying to help, Buffy responded.
Okay...here it comes...don't tense...remember the work you've done and just focus on me... If something feels wrong just think 'stop' and I will. Willow began to channel the energy of the scythe into Buffy. The air crackled and danced around them.
Willow gently directed the earth energy back into the weapon. Feel good?
Amazing...Buffy caught Willow's gaze and held it.
Willow watched the Slayer, considered her as they worked. Her eyes were changing, turning from the bright blue to a deep blue/gray. Wow...that's pretty.
What? Buffy queried.
Willow smiled softly and thought, You'll see... I'm going to stop for now. Outward physical changes suggest that it might be time to test. Let me do this first. Willow began to focus on the tissue of the Slayer's skeleton. She willed it to grow more compact. Relax this may be unpleasant...just breathe...
Buffy groaned, but kept her composure. Yeah...totally unpleasant... She grimaced.
Let's go back in and I'll get you those eggs. Just hold onto the scythe and I'll take you back. Willow concentrated and they ascended. Okay now stand.
The couple moved back into the cabin.
Now concentrate on draining the excess energies around us into the scythe. Willow started to focus.
Once they both had their feet planted on the ground, Willow broke the connection. "Okay so... Don't touch anything I'll be right back," she said, putting her house shoes and robe on then trailing off out of the room.
Buffy stood patiently waiting for Willow to return, regarding the scythe. Well you've been an amazingly useful tool.
Willow walked in the door with the eggs as promised and went to grab a towel out of the bathroom. She returned, placing the eggs on the floor in the middle of the towel. "Now don't be surprised if you crush them. Just adjust your grip to compensate."
Buffy sat down and reached out to grab an egg. It popped like a soap bubble. She signed and said, "You should have gotten two dozen."
"Nah...you'll get it. I have faith you want to touch me again." Willow smiled sweetly at her Slayer. "Your eyes are even more amazing here in the light. Would you like me to get a mirror and show you?"
"My eyes...? What happened to them?" Buffy looked concerned.
"Nothing bad...trust me...in fact it's very flattering. Trouble is we'll have to tell Giles the moment he sees you. He'll notice unless he's cleaning his glasses." Willow stood up to get a hand mirror as Buffy crushed the next egg.
"Shit! Sorry, Will," Buffy said, blushing. "Think I need to concentrate."
"Sokay... I expect it'll take you six to get it right. That's my guess," Willow said, holding the mirror so Buffy could look into it.
Buffy looked at herself and gasped slightly. "Wow! You weren't kidding. This is not a color I've ever seen. Makes me look just slightly...well not human... They're nearly black, but not quite...sort of deep gunmetal blue... Pretty wicked...visual acuity, check...so it's all of the good."
"Continue with your eggs. I'm going to go lay down. You can come play when you bring me one," Willow said, giving her Slayer an evil grin. She stood up and started to peel clothing off, leaving a trail between herself and the bed.
Buffy watched and sighing deeply she said, "Oh...you're just mean."
Willow cackled and climbed into bed. "Call it an incentive," she said, smirking.
Buffy said, "Shit!" as she popped the third egg and "Fuck!" when she popped the forth. "We're quickly moving to the point that you'll wanna cover your ears, Will."
Willow laughed and turned on the bed to watch.
Buffy trembled as she tried to lift number five. It finally fractured from the shaking. She wiped her fingers on the towel and shook her hands out. Number six...hope Will's right...this is making me a bit wiggy. Using about the same pressure she might have to pluck the pedals from a rose before, Buffy gripped number six and worked to steady her hand. She grasped the object gently and raised it out of the carton before it cracked in her grip. "Well that was six...I'm starting to worry, Will. What if we broke me?"
Willow stood up and came over to Buffy sitting on her knees behind her, she put her hands on the Slayer's temples and said in a soothing voice, "Breathe...listen to me...you're fine."
The witch slowed her own breathing and heart rate... "Relax...follow my lead...now focus and lift the egg..."
Buffy followed her mechanically. She visualized lifting the egg out of the carton and it started to rise on its own. Opening her eyes, she smiled to herself, and put her hand under the object, letting it fall into her palm. "Does this count?"
"No...no cheating...but now you have it in your hand you can test to see what it takes to break it and the next one should be...with the thick gravy goodness," Willow said as a smirk passed over her lips.
Buffy laughed and gently applied pressure to the oval. It popped and she wiped her hands on the towel. "Okay so... We're quickly running out of victims. I'm going to do this because you're driving me crazy. God you smell amazing," she concluded with a growl. Reaching into the carton and adjusting her grip to match what she thought to be right then ever so carefully she pulled up. The egg rose up...this time no magick.
Willow grinned and clapped. "Looks like you got it, but you'll have to be careful for the next few days until your brain adjusts. It's a brain thing. It's used to sending out the same impulses required to make a task happen. We changed the amount of energy it takes to...well you get to idea. Don't hit anyone in the face tomorrow night. You may kill them by accident...just remindin'...I know...you know..." She drew Buffy up into a reverse hug and pulling her hair out of the way kissed the back of her Slayer's neck...running her tongue over the soft flesh.
Buffy shuddered and put the egg down. She stood and gently offered Willow a hand. Feeling her take it she carefully lifted her witch and swept her legs out from under her. She carried her lover over to the bed and laid her down. "I think I want the lights on for this. I'm still not sure of myself and I really don't want to hurt you."
Willow nodded, "You won't hurt me Buffy. I trust you."
Buffy began to remove her own clothing and went to the bathroom to wash the bit of egg off her hands, she stopped to stare at herself in the mirror. They are sort of pretty...almost like this crystal, she thought removing the necklace.
"Yeah well...if only I had half the faith in myself you seem to have in me," Buffy said with a smirk, walking back into the room.
Willow said the words again so they could hear one another's thoughts, Come to me...I trust you...make love to me.
I love you, Buffy thought as she laid herself gently on top of her lover.
Willow smiled very softly and said in a low purr, "and I love you."
Goddess, you're amazing, Buffy considered as she started the gentle cadence that she knew would heighten their passion. She moved her hand carefully to the side of Willow's face to cup her cheek. The Slayer thought without taking into account the connection first, I'm so afraid I'll hurt you.
Willow caught her gaze, looking deeply into Buffy's eyes. Don't fret precious...I'm here... She began to sooth the Slayer with her thoughts...pacify her... Relax and just feel me. I'll help to steady you. If you need me I'll always be here.
Buffy listened to the voice in her head and was instantly calm. She moved to kiss Willow...tenderly...gently... ever so carefully tugging on her lower lip...caressing her tongue... Moving to the witch's jaw line she ran her tongue along the smooth skin...continuing down her neck...delicately nibbling...
Willow moaned and stretched, reaching for the headboard she arched her back under the Slayer's body.
Buffy moved her hands down the milky flesh, stopping to caress the redhead's supple breasts as she suckled and nibbled on skin along Willow's shoulder.
Willow sighed softly as her body tensed again. That feels so good.
Tenderly, the Slayer moved to the witch's breast as she ran her hands down Willows firm stomach. She pulled the redhead's right nipple into her mouth with a sweeping motion of her tongue as her right hand reached the warm wet folds...
The witch's back arched violently in a spasm as she cried out, "Oh Goddess."
Buffy slid two fingers into the smooth opening and lightly started to massage...she clamped down carefully on Willow's nipple applying slightly more pressure with her tongue and lips...flicking the mass careful not to be too rough.
Willow trembled...her body began to clench...the pulse came...
Buffy saw the chakras open and the light pour out...she seized it and held it in place willing it to last.
Oh Buffy...Goddess I love you! Willow said silently grabbing her Slayer's shoulder to hold on.
I love you too. Buffy returned as she looked up to smile at her witch.
Willow smiled softly. You should see your eyes. They look like the sea. Beautiful...
Buffy moved to the witch's stomach running her tongue along the smooth skin. Later...I'm sorta busy.
Not moving her hand Buffy slid in between her lover's legs...kissing her thighs...allowing her witch a moment to rest... She twitched her fingers and Willow arched again as the Slayer leaned in to caress the redhead's sex in her mouth. She ran her tongue along the soft folds and began to gently draw little circles with her right hand...tiny circles...massaging the flesh...brushing the knurls ever so gently...
Willow's hand reached for the headboard again as he body racked and convulsed...panting...moaning...sighing...
Buffy settled on the nerve bundle flicking it with her tongue as she gently increased the pressure on the delicate mass.
Willow moaned loudly...a guttural noise...something almost primal... She reached down and took the Slayer's shoulder in her hand...digging her nails in she thought two words over and over, Harder! Faster...
Buffy responded to the command, hastening her pace still leery she might hurt her Willow.
Goddess Buffy...don't fret... Just fuck me... Willow commanded.
The Slayer deftly slid another finger into her witch and following the demand she drug her toes into the footboard and increased the pressure and speed.
Willow shuddered...shaking the bed...she screamed; "Goddess yes!" and the rush came...
Again Buffy saw and caught the wake...held it caressed it forced it to remain...she slowed her movement to a gentle massage and worked to draw out the orgasm...holding it as long as she could.
Willow collapsed...shuddering to the bed...she reached down to pull Buffy up to her and kissed her...slowly...tenderly... I guess I was right about you retaining some of those latent powers, she thought as she offered her Slayer a supple smile.
"Maybe...not so much though...I can feel it. It's amazing how much I've changed in the few weeks you've been back in my life. I feel so different," Buffy said in a soft reflective voice.
"Go look at your eyes... You'll be amazed," Willow suggested in a gentle whisper.
Buffy got up and went to look in the mirror. "Wow! That's too cool," she stood considering how to label them. They were dark green/blue flecked with a reflective charcoal gray. Returning to bed she found herself pinned by an eager redhead.
Hopefully no one else ever sees those eyes. They're mine...the green tends to come out when you're really aroused...at least that's how it works for me. Willow lay on top of Buffy taking in the details. You're so gorgeous.
Buffy started to blush; she felt her face grow warm. I'll stay as long as you can stand me...the standing is up to you...
Hush...just stay with me...and feel... Willow began to caress the scar on the left side of Buffy's neck with her teeth and tongue. She pinned the Slayer's hands above her head and whispered in a voice barely audible, "evalesco." Applying more pressure to the scar, she felt her lover start to squirm.
Buffy moaned soft and low as she felt Willow sink her teeth, just a bit too hard, into the old scar...she gasped...
Willow moved with similar grace, strength and speed to her quarry...she caught the Slayer's mouth with hers and kissed her passionately. She tucked her thigh and began to build the rhythm. She placed her left hand over both of Buffy's wrists, keeping them firmly trapped with just the one hand, leaving the second free to wander, and find mischief.
Buffy squirmed again...trying to move. She was stunned, Willow?
Hush precious...just feel, the witch replied as she moved her right hand tenderly toward its goal...dragging her nails as she went. The witch bent, catching a nipple and taking it firmly in her mouth...still holding the Slayers wrists...she ran her teeth over the firm, pink mass.
Buffy shuddered and relaxed...then her body arched in a spasm as she felt Willow slide inside...thick and full...the cadence was firm and rough...she shook and quaked with the energy of it...
Willow released the nipple, raking her teeth across it as she pulled herself back up to keep leverage on the Slayer's wrists. The body under her thrashed and shook...
Buffy cried out but Willow silenced her with a kiss saying, quiet in her mind. Using her tongue to probe the Slayer's mouth, she withdrew, nipped at Buffy's lower lip drawing it in to caress it with her tongue. Releasing, she went back to the scar...biting...suckling... She moved her entire body to drive the force of her fingers inside. She slid another finger in...
...And Buffy screamed out, "OH GOD!!! Willow!" and bit down on the witch's shoulder trying to silence her self.
Willow replied with a firmer bite and a harder thrust.
Buffy's back arched and she pulled her legs up, wrapping them around the redhead's waist. "Willow...Goddess... Please don't stop!" she growled loudly.
Willow obeyed, continuing the firm...fast tempo...she could feel the sweat pouring off her...
Buffy exploded with pleasure...her body tensed, sending spasms through that made the bed tremble.
The witch caught the energy and held it for her lover, continuing the hard pace to draw her climax out.
Buffy's eyes flashed and clouded as...
Willow released her neck and caught her lips in a gentle kiss...soft and loving...she released the Slayer's arms and relaxed her hand, letting it slide out. She draped herself gently in her lover's arms and whispered softly in her ear, "let the spell be ended."
Buffy lay quivering underneath the witch... My God, she thought.
Not God...Goddess, Willow returned with a soft snicker as she drew her hand up to her face. Breathing deeply...enjoying the smell... Willow broke the connection and looked into Buffy's eyes whispering, "Lay your head down precious...and go to sleep." She picked herself up and slid off the Slayer. Lying on her back she tucked her arm under her lover and drew her up close, cradling Buffy's head on her shoulder.
Buffy rolled to flip off the little lamp; turning back she tucked up tightly to redhead and shut her eyes. She went to sleep as Willow stoked her hair absently.