Thirteen Steps -9- Crimes
by Valyssia
The Parabola
[reviews]
And as the walls come down and as I look in your eyes my fear begins to fade recalling all of the times I have died and will die. It's all right. I don't mind. I am too connected to you to slip away, to fade away. Days away I still feel you touching me, changing me, and considerately killing me.
Sirens rang out in the distance, and Zay went rigid. They're coming this way. Pressing the mute button on the remote, she lay listening to the shrill sound grow closer. Shit! They turned in the drive...time to bail. I knew trusting these people was a stupid idea. She stood up and started haphazardly rummaging through the clothing she'd been given. Something not so...something that will blend in. Fuck! I wish I'd kept my old clothes. Everything here screams money, and that'll get you rolled up quicker than shit on the street. Finally settling on a floor length black duster, jeans and a tank top, she dressed quickly. I can beat this stuff up fast enough.
Grabbing a pair of boots, Zay tied the laces and threw them over her shoulder. She made her way to the window; opening it and climbing out onto the wall. She dug her nails into the joints in the old stonework. Rough old stone surfaces like this are easy, she mused as she started to climb. I want a look. They didn't come all the way up to the castle. She crested the top of the structure and set off toward the front in a crouch. Peering at the flashes of light through the trees she noted, they're down at Buffy's. What the hell?
***********
Willow was holding Buffy, trying to calm her when the police pulled up to the house. She looked up again at Xander who was standing speechless by the door. There was an audible snap; at least it seemed that way. She sensed the Slayer tense as she stood up. Willow looked at her profile, taking in the change. No longer crying, she looked utterly hard and emotionless; her jaw clenched so tight her muscles twitched. Did Xander jump a little when she stood? I think he did. Is that anger I sense in her? The witch appeared troubled.
Buffy walked into the kitchen, splashing her face at the sink. She grabbed a couple of paper towels off the roll and dried her skin. She met Willow's gaze as she made her way to the front door. "Will...talk to Xander... I have to deal with this," she said in a stony voice.
Willow followed Buffy out the door with her eyes, watching as she almost picked Xander up and set him aside. The makeup, smeared by her tears, made her look that much more...should I think evil? Willow shuddered, trying to collect herself she offered, "Xander, come sit. Sorry about that...it's been a bad morning."
***********
Okay well...they may not be after me... Not sure...if it's not me, well that leaves all kinda room for no good. Police are never good. Zay kept low to the roof so she wouldn't be seen. Moving to the north side of the structure, she looked down. No one there, she confirmed, dropping the boots and shedding the coat. She leapt off the top of the castle, drifting lazily to the ground. Now...I can use this hill to break line of sight until I hit the forest and circle around. Being seen would be bad.
Zay set off for the forest in a sprint that most humans would find difficult to track visually. Entering the tree line, she cut west, then south toward the valley below where Buffy lived. Halfway to her goal she took flight. There's something here...something tracking me... The thought made her so uneasy she could feel her muscles tense as it flitted across her brain. Old forest...ancient...and the spirits here are offended. She barely dodged a limb of a massive old oak. Shit! Need to pay attention. She put her hand to her shoulder and drew back a bloody palm, examining it as she settled on an upper branch of a massive cypress.
Leaping from tree to tree, Zay closed in on her goal, keeping the large trunks between herself and the house. I don't need to be spotted, but I have to know. I can't see in the house...at least I suspect I can't...but if they're outside talking, I should be able to hear.
***********
Buffy set off down the hill with the police in tow. She would lead them down, look once more and leave.
"Miss Summers? Miss Summers? Miss? Ye're obviously in a state o' shock. If ye'd be kind enough ta jess point us in da right direction we'll be on ta handling it ourselves. Yeh needn't worry yerself further," an officer behind her said in a kindly voice.
"I'll be fine...just follow," Buffy replied, sounding distant and remote.
"Miss Summers...I'm consairned for ye...please...I have fer ye a name of summun who kin help," The officer said, trying to speak gently.
I'll be just peachy as soon as I have the head of the thing that did this sitting in my hands...no help needed. "I have a shrink...I promise I'll go see her," Buffy lied as she looked at the dead girl again. What was her name? Seems a year ago when Willow told me. Julie, that's it. Julie, I'll get this thing. It'll never hurt anyone again. I promise. She turned and made her way up the hill, ignoring the kind words of the officer. The Slayer stopped. Sensing movement, she gazed up into the trees.
***********
Zay leapt to another massive oak, working around an ancient cedar that was blocking her view. Scaling the tree, she peered out toward the house. She saw movement on the slope just northwest of the home. Closing in to get a better look, she tilted her head meeting Buffy's eyes briefly. Her gaze soon traveled to the dead girl. Wow...no wonder the cops are here... I don't think I've ever seen anything like that. Would be pretty happy to never see anything like that again. Gives new meaning to the words vulgar and disgusting.
She settled on a branch, watching the police search for evidence. No wonder the fey spirits are so uneasy...makes perfect sense now. Zay smelled the air again. This was staged...it was a carefully thought out gift. Whatever did it...bathed in the girl's blood...like the supposed vampires of old; Elizabeth Bathory. I could track the dried blood. Not sure how far, but it might be helpful. I'll wait for the cops to leave and offer. Few hours won't mean much.
It'd take some proficiency with tools to cut the trees and sharpen the logs like that. And there's the barbed wire. It'd have to be cut. The crown of thorns made out of barbed wire...nice touch...this is one really sick puppy. A sick puppy with thumbs...at least that much is apparent.
Well, that spiked my gross out meter for the week...more likely...the year. Guess I should go back to my room and wait for the cops to leave. I can smell the fear in the air. The cops are frightened. That's a new one. Zay started back to the castle, careful to remain unseen. The truly scary thing...if I hadn't seen Buffy...I'd be wondering if...no coincidence the girl looked so much like her, I bet.
***********
"No, Will! You don't understand! Think about it. Anyone I care for dies. Demon and dead! Those are the marks I leave on the women I love," Xander spat, trying to get up off the couch.
"Xander, calm down, please. You're scaring me," Willow begged, putting an arm across Xander's chest to try and restrain him.
"I'm like a disease, Will... A curse," Xander replied through heavy sobs.
Willow pulled Xander up tight, holding him. "Settle down," she whispered, shushing him, as she stroked his back.
Buffy burst in through the front door, taking in the scene. She made eye contact with Willow. "Zay was in the forest. I'm gonna track her down. You take care of the cops."
Willow shuddered involuntarily as she nodded. She watched as the Slayer walked up the stairs to the loft, hearing the door to the deck open.
This may hurt a little, Buffy thought as she leapt off the deck at its highest point. Being spotted would hurt more... flitted through her mind as she fell. Tucking into a ball, she somersaulted down the hill. Regaining her balance after several full rotations, she took off in a hard run toward the castle. I need them to think I'm in the house while I do this. Last thing I need is to be accused of a crime. Cops are already twitchy enough.
Buffy caught up with Zay at the base of the castle. Rounding on her, she pressed the girl into the rock wall. "That wasn't you, was it?"
"What makes you think I could do something like that? I was with you most of last night and that shit...that took hours. Think about it, Buffy," Zay spat, looking utterly incensed. She shoved the Slayer away, snapping, "Get off me!"
"I'm sorry. Shouldn't have said it...just wigged is all," Buffy replied with an apologetic look on her face. She raised her hands into the air in a gesture of surrender. "Just threw me off seeing you down there like that. Sorta put the whole demon thing into perspective."
Zay considered this for a moment, appearing to relax. "I get that. You know there's a blood trail leading to and from the body. I may be able to help with the tracking if you'd like."
"I would...much...I want this thing dead. Seems like I'd smell the blood though. I mean, I found the girl because of the smell. Wind shifted...it was very faint," Buffy offered, appearing pensive.
"This thing bathed in her blood, Buffy. The trail...specs of dried blood...don't think you'd pick that up. Anyway...I can give you an idea which way. Not sure how far. The wind might even shift or destroy it. Hard to say." Zay took flight, ascending the castle to retrieve her boots and coat. She drifted back down, making eye contact with the Slayer.
Buffy watched as Zay sat on the ground, putting her boots on. I didn't notice her feet last night. Wow...sorta creepy... They look almost reptilian or bird-ish...four toes and clawed nails...that stubby little toe at her heel... Humm...really weird... Must be hell on socks. "What else can you tell me?"
"Just the obvious...proficient with tools. And that was about something. Whatever did that...has a major hard-on for you Buffy. It wanted to show you...make you see. Not sure what. Oh, and tell Willow...the fey spirits are pissed. Don't go outside at night except to leave in a car. Stay locked in your house. You should be safe there." Zay looked up at Buffy, smiling at the mild confusion on her face.
"The what spirits? Huh?" Buffy asked.
Zay winked. "You've heard of Morganna le Fey?"
"Yes."
"Morgan of the Fairies," Zay translated helpfully.
"The fairies are mad?" Buffy looked like she might have swallowed something very rich.
"I'm serious, Buffy. There are old forces here. Willow can explain...I should go, and you need to get back. Find me once the police leave and I'll do my best." Zay launched herself into a full sprint around the back of the castle.
Buffy ran back to the house, climbing the deck out of line of sight of the police, she made her way into the loft. She looked down at Willow and Xander still huddled together on the couch, talking softly.
Willow turned to meet the Slayer's gaze, grateful that she seemed calmer, beckoning her down.
"I have the weirdest message for you from Zay. She says the fairies are pissed," Buffy said with a slight smirk.
"Zay says... Oh...that's not good," Willow confirmed.
"Whatsit mean?" Buffy asked, looking curious.
"Old forests...part of their power...part of what brought us here. Well...there are things that live here...shades, spirits and that sorta stuff. It's more like a consciousness than an actual creature. Hard to explain, but very powerful," Willow responded with a pensive look on her face.
***********
She pulled frantically against her bonds. Chained...chained to the ground by these men. She watched in horror as one of them opened a box. Black mist flowed out of the vessel into the air, curling around her, caressing her skin. She tried to move, to pull away, but it followed her. Screaming in terror, she felt her wrists burn as she twisted them against the shackles. Wet, sticky blood ran down her hands. She massaged it with her fingers as the cloud moved around her.
Dark vapor flooded into her lungs through her mouth and nose, covering her face, choking her. She screamed, trying to free herself from it. The haze flooded out, drawing back in with her next breath. Her blood seemed to boil in her veins as it took hold. Her mind reeled, 'Evil...this thing is evil...have to run...need to hide.' She fought against the bonds, trying desperately to flee. Finally she settled slightly, the words, 'death is my gift,' flitted across her mind.
Growling, teeth bared, she pulled on her restraints again. 'Stronger,' she reflected as the chains ripped free from the earth. She threw herself at the man with the box. Watching the pulse of green light leave his staff, she tried to evade the blast. Struck by it, she collapsed into a pile, shaking uncontrollably. Her chest felt like it was on fire. She drew her limbs up, clutching herself as darkness passed over her.
Shuddering, she lay on the broken cement floor, soaked in sweat, blood and grime. The dreams...but were they dreams? Memories...her memories... She vomited into the stagnant pool of bloody water as another wave of visions came. Death is my gift.
She wiped the sick away from her mouth as she moved across the floor to the wall. Another shallow pool of water stood in the corner. She approached it, peering at the reflection that met her. She dipped her hands into the water and pulled out handfuls of filth, smearing them onto her face, neck and chest. More, she scooped up the muck, bathing her legs and feet. Reaching for the chains, she locked the shackles around her ankles and wrists. Chained...I'll be safe if I stay chained to the earth. Curling up on the floor in a fetal position, she slept, dreaming fitfully of death and demons.
***********
Willow stood staring out one of the small front windows of the house. She could feel Xander sitting on the couch. The pain seemed to roll off him in waves. It was actually making her slightly sick to her stomach. Beyond him, Buffy paced back and forth like some sort of caged animal. Touching her was even more frightening. She was, exactly as her manner described, shut down except for a nagging rage that would surface at random intervals. She felt Buffy approaching her. She watched the police, flinching as the hand clamped down a little too hard.
Buffy spun the witch around, staring deep into her eyes. "Stop that! What in the hell have I been doing all morning? Trying to protect you? Wasting my fucking time? Go sit with Xander."
"B-but...Buffy...I just want 'em to l-leave so I can take Xander home. I'm sorry," Willow said sheepishly.
"Are you sure you're not curious? 'Cause if you are... Don't be." Buffy looked furious.
Willow appeared deeply wounded as she moved to the sofa to sit next to Xander. She took his hand. "Buffy, I don't know what's wrong with you. Every time I try to help, I feel like I'm hitting a wall. All I want is for them to leave so I can get my car out." She sighed deeply, pausing momentarily to collect her thoughts. "I need to take Xander home," she repeated, hoping the words would mean something the second time.
"Not curious? I don't believe it. If you want to see...go ahead. Stare at the window. They should be bringing her up any time now. You really want it...keep in mind you can't unsee it." Buffy started to pace again, appearing distant and cold.
"No, Buffy... Stop it...you're scaring me." Willow stared at the Slayer, shaking despite herself. A tear rolled down her cheek.
Xander looked up at Buffy, watching her pace. His features turned dark as he stepped square in her path. "You need to back the hell off, Buffy. Willow's just trying to help us both. Can't you see you're hurting her? You claim to love her. Look!" He gestured behind him.
Buffy halted. Facing Xander, she controlled the impulse to pick him up and set him aside, and snarled instead.
"Don't even think about it," he said holding his hand out in front of the Slayer. I have to be losing my mind. Psycho slayer here... Xander, she's going to rip that arm off and feed it to you. "Look, Buffy...I know part of what has you so wigged is that she was a potential body double. We were training her to..."
"Yeah, and that's why you were so interested, wasn't it Xander? Couldn't get the real thing?" Buffy's expression turned cold and mocking.
Rage welled up in Xander as he stepped forward. He placed his palms on her shoulders and shoved. "You think that's it? She was entirely different from you...her own person. I gave up on you as a hopeless cause years ago. And you know what? Now I'm glad I did," he growled, closing on the Slayer. "You sit down or I'll sit you down."
Willow stood up, rushing between Xander and Buffy. As she moved, the air around her charged. "Both of you! Stop it now! Xander sit! Buffy pace if you must, but do it over there, 'cause I'm sick of watching you," she said in a cold, even tone. Her body lifted off the ground as she spoke. "Do it now or...I'll do it for you." Tearing each other to shreds...yeah that's real mature... "I'm serious." She watched Xander walk to the couch. Buffy stood frozen in front of her, appearing coldly amused.
"Move me, Will... You seem so convinced you can. Try it." Buffy put her hands on her hips. "I wanna to watch you react to seein' someone that looks so much like you...you end up doin' a double take on 'em...crucified. Yes...remember that sweet little conversation we had about religion this morning?" She stared at the witch, taking in the look of horror.
"You said crucified?" Willow drifted back down to the floor. It was like someone had literally let the air out of her.
Buffy was shaking, muscles flexed as she half shouted, "Oh, no...it gets better. She was impaled. The cross was inside her. This monster played with her like she was part of a bug collection or something. You want me to settle down? Get the cops outta here so I can do my fuckin' job. You know...the one they won't be able to do..."
Willow walked over to the couch and sat next to Xander. They both watched in horror as Buffy started to pace again.
There was a knock at the door and Buffy went to answer. "Yes?" she inquired, looking expectantly at the officer.
"Ma'am we're sorry to be inconveniencin' ye. I jess wanted ye tae know we're goin' tae be bringin' in a small lorry tae remove... Well..." He paused for a moment, considering what to say. "If ye need tae get a car out, I'd happy help ye do sae," the officer offered in a friendly, apologetic voice.
"Will, Xander...there ya go... Looks like all your prayers have been answered," Buffy remarked in a flat tone, gesturing to the door.
Willow got up, grabbing her purse and both puppies. "Come on, Xander let's get you home," she offered, hurrying toward the garage without looking back.
Xander looked over at Willow as she drove, considering the look of distant pain. I feel worse for her than I do for myself. I mean, invested yeah...but not so much... Not like that. We were just starting... He tensed, trying to push Julie out of his mind. Willow needs you. "You gonna be okay, Will?"
"I dunno, Xander. Not sure...that, though...that's not our Buffy. It's like somethin' stripped away all the parts we care for. That's the Slayer...not... I'm afraid I may have to stop her," Willow replied, in a dry, distant tone, a tear slid down her cheek as she spoke. "I need to let the pups run when we get to your house. They haven't been out in way too long. Poor girls."
"'Kay, Will, whatever you need...just let me know," Xander offered, appearing troubled.
"I need to track her. Figure out what she's doing...what she's thinkin'. I'm not sure about sending her on the mission tonight. Might be a bad idea." Willow pulled the car into the cul-de-sac in front of Xander's house. She got out and opened the rear door, herding puppies into the yard. Finally, she settled on a stone step with her face in her hands.
Xander took a seat, putting an arm around her; he started to caress Willow's back. "How many times have we fixed Buffy? Fixing her, that's part of what we do." He chuckled in spite of himself, watching the puppies bounce around on the lawn. "If she shows for the mission...she'll go. No one should try to stop her. Might be good for her to let some of it out."
"But what if the monster's what's left? Worse, what if she likes it?" Willow choked through her tears.
Xander drew the redhead up into a tight hug. "Then you do...what you do... You go find her and coax her back out," he replied in a gentle voice.
***********
Buffy followed Zay through the forest, patiently watching for direction changes and pauses. She knew if she walked over the trail it would make the whole thing that much harder. Quietly marveling at the size of some of the trees, she noted, that cypress we just passed must've been as thick at the base as I am tall...maybe more... She breathed in deeply. This place does seem to have a mind of its own. Maybe there's some truth to what Zay said...seen much stranger.
"The undergrowth is getting denser. See, Buffy? This stuff's grown since the trail was made. It's getting harder to follow," Zay remarked, pulling a briar back out of their path. She carefully handed the stem to Buffy so she wouldn't get hurt. "This is old forest...the floor shouldn't have all this wild growth."
"Yeah...I get that... Can you still tell which way?" Buffy queried, pulling her foot free from a vine that had snared it.
Zay continued to press carefully forward, stopping to crouch down and consider the ground in front of her. "Sorta...I'm not sure that I'm following the right thing at this point. Doing my best."
Buffy turned around, peering through the trees at the trail behind them. "Ummm... Zay, tell me if I'm imagining things... Was that? Well, look yourself. Seems like the forest is growing up around us," she concluded, seeming uneasy.
"Yeah...this might not have been such a great idea. Do you at least believe me now?" Zay replied, appearing concerned and amused.
"Yeah...totally sold me. Now, let's go," Buffy said in a firm voice, turning to retrace her steps.
"Wait a minute before you do that. Settle down. You know we can ask, right?" Zay offered, turning to face Buffy.
Buffy puzzled for a moment. "But Will said this wasn't... Oh... I don't remember what she said... Point was, it's not like a person."
"She's right. Sit down with me for a moment." Zay gracefully lowered herself to sit on the forest floor. Watching Buffy do the same, she offered her hands. "Now...I assume you've done this, right? Just relax."
Buffy followed as she'd been taught. Zay didn't feel quite the same, so it threw her a bit off. There was a quality about the work she'd done with Willow that was very gentle. Big surprise...demons...not quite so nice. She opened her eyes and felt a presence near them. It was like the forest was alive.
Zay began in a low, respectful tone. "We mean no harm. We only want to find the creature that desecrated your home so we can stop it. Please, will you help us?"
Buffy watched with disbelief as a vine reached out and wrapped around Zay's waist. Listening closely she heard the word, "demon." Tree limbs creaked and animals squawked and chattered, seemingly in agreement.
"Yes, yes...I am... Look closer; you'll find I'm half human. I respect you," Zay said in a solemn tone.
"What of the human with you? She reeks of demon too. Does she respect?" the forest whispered.
"Oh, yeah... Full of respect...respecting lots..." Buffy replied nervously, in her best 'please don't eat me' voice. Well, this is freaksome. See what Will meant.
"Stand," the voice commanded.
Buffy snapped to her feet feeling Zay do the same.
"Follow the path. Do not stray. Bring us the creature," the voice instructed.
"We will honor you," Zay replied politely. "Come with me, Buffy. See the trail?"
Buffy blinked, trying to clear her eyes. The forest had cleared a path for them. She silently followed Zay, taking care to remain directly behind her. She looked at her watch. "We need to hurry. I have to be back at the castle in an hour. May have to pick this up tomorrow."
"Okay... We don't really have that much daylight left anyway." Reaching the edge of the forest Zay said, "Thank you," in a whisper. She looked down into the expanse of moor that lay below them. "Not sure there's much I can do with that, but if you want to try tomorrow. I'm game." She picked up a large rock nearby and placed it where they exited the forest.
"Thanks...can we head back that way or we gonna have to go around?" Buffy queried, looking at her watch again.
Zay whispered, "May we pass?"
Buffy listened carefully for the voice, but it didn't come.
"Best to go around I think. You up for a run?" Zay asked, bouncing on her heels.
"Sure..." Buffy replied, breaking into a full run along the tree line.
***********
I've always loved this part, Buffy mused, clipping the drop line to her body armor. I just wish they'd let us free fall a bit further. Never seems like enough. Safety and all that crap... Sure as hell wouldn't be here if safety was a word I ever much considered.
Receiving the signal, the Slayer dove, head first, out the door of the helicopter. She stretched her arms out, enjoying the feeling of free fall for as long as it lasted. Being totally out of control...not very many things give you that feeling. She touched down, near a great, gaping hole in the ground. Watching as the other girls landed near her, she removed the line and tugged to let them know she was clear.
The girls gathered around her waiting for their final briefing. She met their gazes, backing away from them and toward the hole. She waved and leapt backwards, saying, "If it moves, kill it," as she fell. She heard Renee's voice over her headset saying, "Jesus...Buffy!" as she spun around looking at the six giant snakes. She sighed. It would have to be snakes... Two of them closed on her, striking from either side as she evaded. Grabbing their necks, she smashed their heads together. A spray of yellow slime splashed her across the chest. Ick! Yellow this time? I hate yellow.
She watched the other girls drop one by one into the hole. About damned time, she thought to herself as she dodged another strike from a massive cobra. She squared off with the snake, rolling and evading as it tried a bite down. One more you bastard... She jumped, trying to grab hold. Instead, she felt herself leaving the ground and rising into the air, but not of her own volition.
Another snake had circled her, picking her up in its jaws. She struggled as it bit down on her shoulder and chest. Reaching up, Buffy found the serpent's eye, digging her fingers into the soft tissue. She pressed until her arm was buried almost to the elbow. Hitting the ground still clutched in the snake's mouth, but feeling it's grip loosen, she turned on it, punching it hard in the face. Her hand smashed straight through the skull, impacting the stone floor.
Any more? She swept around looking for movement. One, she confirmed, running at the massive reptile. She jumped into the air, grabbing onto the hood of the cobra she'd been baiting. Pulling herself up the snake's body, she held on as the creature tried to shake free and strike at her team members. Clamping down with one hand, she drove her fist hard into the serpent's head. The snake fell dead, but Buffy kept beating, cursing under her breath. She felt a hand on her injured shoulder and swung around, snarling. Satsu barely evaded the blow.
"Buffy? Buffy!!! Stop!" Satsu looked horrified, backing quickly away toward the wall of the cave. She put her hands up, making eye contact. "Buffy, it's me, Satsu. Please stop!"
Buffy leveled on Satsu, staring into her eyes. She was breathing hard and trembling; her muscles tense and twitching. A look of recognition finally came over her face as she felt the rest of the team collecting at her back.
Satsu slipped away, visibly shaken.
Buffy heard Leah call for extraction and mechanically moved to the opening.
***********
Buffy started to undress as soon as she hit the door of her home, leaving a trail of clothing behind her. She climbed the stairs, looking around the bedroom. Willow's dresser drawers were all half open and empty. Her armoire stood open and equally bare. She looked around at the house. Items that were important to Willow were all missing. She walked dully into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Testing the water, Buffy climbed in, closing the doors. Covered in slime from the snakes, she looked at the shower floor, watching the foul stuff flow down the drain. She took a handful of shampoo and massaged it into her hair, scrubbing to remove the last of the demon blood. Sticking her head into the spray, she turned her gaze to the floor again, watching the soap run down the drain. She fell against the shower wall and began to sob violently. Dropping to her knees, she trembled and choked. She pulled her knees to her chest, sitting in the corner of the tub shaking. Her tears were lost in the fine mist of the shower.