Thirteen Steps -10- A Stranger
by Valyssia
The Serpent of Lerna
[reviews]
You're a stranger * So what do I care * You vanish today * Not the first time I hear * All the lies * What am I to do with all this silence * Shy away, shy away phantom * Run away terrified child * Won't you move away you fucking tornado * I'm better off without you * Tearing my will down.
'Weak useless little bitch! What do you mean you're hungry? Tired? Look at yourself. You disappoint us,' the demon snarled.
"I'm tired...please let me rest," the girl whined. She looked into the puddle on the floor, inspecting her reflection. The image distorted as she stared, her eyes turned black and empty, the mud on her skin cracked. Tentatively she pressed on her muddy skin and a piece fell away, leaving a hole. She probed the hole. There was nothing there. She squinted her eyes. That can't be right. Pressing her finger further into the void, she winced. Her eyes focused again. Lowering her hand in front of her, she looked at the blood in horror. It dripped, disturbing the pool. She watched the droplets of blood fan out like little clouds. The spot on her face began to burn as if in response to the realization.
She scanned the room; the black vapor was swarming and boiling. It buzzed furiously in her ears, brushing her face, picking hungrily at the wound she'd created. She lay calm and it settled to the floor. It was as though it became excited when she did. If I lie perfectly still I'll be fine. Her cheek itched and burned. She resisted the urge to put her hands to her face. I'll be fine...just stay still.
'Get up you stupid cow!' the demon commanded. 'We aren't done. There's still the boy and the old man. We have to make her hurt. Hurt just like us.'
"But what about the chains?" the girl asked, pleading with the demon.
'What chains?' the demon scoffed.
"The chains," she said simply, focusing for the first time on her wrists. There are no chains. I thought... I chained myself here...I thought I was safe. Her mind reeled in confusion and fear. She thrashed at the black fog that roared angrily around her head and body, trying to drive it away.
'You simpering, weak, little piece of trash...you thought those were real?' The demon laughed.
She seized her head, hoping the laughing would stop, but it didn't. It grew louder, sounding like a hundreds of people laughing at once. Clutching her legs, she felt her body begin to shake. She was laughing. I need to stop. Someone please help me stop! She screamed and everything went black.
"Yes...the boy," she growled, dipping her hand into the muck, she smeared her face.
***********
Willow helped Buffy sit up, putting pillows behind her back. She accepted the glass of milk from Zay, helping Buffy manage the straw, she got her to drink and not wear much of the glass' contents. This is a bit like feeding a bird. Maybe I should just do that suction thing we used to play with in grade school? Can't believe how...how much a day can change things. Willow patiently continued to help, though in truth she wanted nothing more than to crawl into a corner and sob.
"What's wrong, Will?" Buffy asked in a feeble whisper, appearing confused.
Willow did her best to put on a face of sympathy and compassion. "It's just been a bad day."
"Day?" Buffy queried softly, furrowing her brow. "Will, we were just talking on the deck. I remember crying into your lap...dunno why...and now I'm here. How in the hell did I get here?" She tried to pull herself up and failed. Seeming agitated and nervous, as if she wanted to run, but couldn't.
"Buffy, I need you to settle down, please," Willow pleaded, caressing the side of the Slayer's face. "You're safe, I promise. I won't let anything hurt you. Drink some more milk, please." Willow offered the straw to Buffy and was relieved to see her drink.
Zay was doing her best to be unobtrusive. She felt as if she were eavesdropping on some private exchange. Leaning against the wall, looking at her feet, she finally asked in a small voice, "Is there anything else I can get you, Willow?"
"I'm not sure, Zay," Willow said frankly.
Zay looked over at Willow and Buffy. I'm not sure there's much I can do. Wish I could help, but I'm pretty useless here. "Willow, I should go finish what we started yesterday. The forest is calling," she offered cryptically.
Willow nodded. "Thank you, Zay. Be careful of the forest."
"I will," Zay affirmed. Dropping her coat in a chair, she swept out of the room.
"What'd she mean about the forest? What'd you mean?" Buffy asked weakly. She appeared to be probing for details just out of reach.
Willow struggled again; searching for that look of sympathy she knew was there. "Don't worry about it now, Buffy. Zay can handle it. She knows what needs to be done. You just get better. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, you can tell me the truth. Why are you so wigged?" Buffy asked, getting upset again. "Will, I need to know," she pleaded, starting to cry. "How'd I g-get h-here?" she choked.
"S-something bad happened, Buffy. L-like I said...the forest attacked you. It's been more than a day since...we were...well...together on the deck," Willow replied nervously, trying intentionally to be a bit vague. She doesn't need to know...not yet...it might make her run again. Goddess, I sure hope that's enough to satisfy her. And I really need to get a grip. She's right, I'm freaking out.
"A day? This isn't like that thing with the basement is it, Will?" Buffy inquired, still struggling to get her mind around the details.
"A bit, yeah...actually," Willow offered, hoping it would calm the Slayer. It's pretty close, only that was a demon confusing her. This was mostly just her, but sorta the same. Good enough...hope it convinces... She breathed deeply, willing some of the stress to leave. I'm in control.
"I didn't hurt anyone did I?" Buffy asked, the tension in her easing a little.
Willow gave her a soft smile. "No, sweetie. You didn't hurt anyone."
"Oh...Kay... Lemme have some more of that milk. I need to get outta here as soon as I can. Get up...try to fix this... Whatever this is," Buffy said firmly, regaining some of her former strength through realization. "That and something to wear besides a bathrobe would be good. How'd I end up in my robe anyway?"
"It'd be better if you just stayed for a bit, Buffy. I know you're worried, but...it'll keep. Trust me," Willow replied in a soothing voice, offering Buffy more of the milk. "Not sure about the robe. We can get you some clothes. Just don't fret over it."
"So where'd Zay go?" Buffy queried, appearing curious.
Willow masked her feelings with another supple smile. "She went to find someone...someone who can help us. She'll be back. I promise." Zay's good at looking after herself. She'll be fine. The witch willed herself to be calm.
***********
Zay stood next to the rock she'd placed the day prior, looking out over the expansive moor. "Please, I'm trying," she whispered gently to the forest; resisting a look at the brambles and vines she knew were growing up behind her. "Right, so...there has to be some sort of shelter out there. All I have to do is find it. No big, right?" Zay encouraged herself.
"I know...I need to do it fast." She took flight low to the ground, working her way across the marsh in a sweeping pattern, attentive to details that might indicate human life. There's no trail to follow. The moor's absorbed any details. I'm just going to have to comb the countryside. It can't be too far, that took prep work and whatever...the slayer, I guess if I listen to Buffy...had to carry stuff. They can be crazy strong, but there are limits.
I must be outta my mind; spent all that time hiding and now I'm soaring around just asking to be shot down by some freaked out farmer. This is important, she told herself firmly. More people could die if you don't...you can't be a coward now. Get a grip and do your job, Zay. "This is actually sorta fun," she mused softly to herself. "Yeah... You've lost whatever's left of your mind."
***********
I need to keep this weak, diseased little wretch alive. We're not done yet. They all need to be instructed in the foolishness of their ways. Reminders to give...lessons to teach... She entered the old barn, taking a rusty hatchet into her hand. A pile of coal dust in an abandoned corner drew her attention. She stooped to place a hand into it, smearing the black across her eyes and down her cheeks.
Now, we hunt. She stalked off away from the abandoned farm and into the fields behind it. We need some small game to keep this sack of rotting meat alive until this is done.
***********
Growling in frustration, Buffy tried to get up. "Will, I can't understand why I...why won't you let me?" She struggled against the hands that held her to the bed.
"Buffy, you're scaring me. Please settle down. Just tell me what you want," Willow begged, working desperately to restrain the Slayer.
"I want to know what happened, Will. You tell me. I've lost a day of my life, and now you won't tell me what I did. Did I turn into some sorta monster and try to kill my friends?" Buffy struggled, finally resigning herself to lie still. Whatever happened...I'm pretty much useless.
"Buffy, listen to me." Willow made eye contact, waiting for the Slayer to settle. "Right now, we need to worry about getting you well. You need to eat and rest. I'll get you some clothes in a bit and you can take a bath. You went through a lot. You need to understand it's gonna take time to recover."
A look of dawning comprehension passed over Buffy's face. "So I did? You're treating me like you did after the basement; exactly like that. You're scared of me. I thought you loved me, Will?"
"I do love you, Buffy. Always will. And if you love me you'll listen. I'm doing what's best for you now. Trust me," Willow said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Now, I'm going to call and see if we can get some food sent up. Can you eat?"
"Yes," Buffy replied, appearing to compose herself.
"Good...one thing at a time. Let's get you healthy, okay?" Willow offered reasonably.
"Oh...Kay... Can I have some chicken soup? Sounds good," Buffy queried, settling back onto the bed. "You know it's just makin' me crazy, right? There's something bad goin' on and I wanna help."
Willow smiled sympathetically. "I know, Buffy. It'll be fine. I promise." She picked up the phone.
***********
She clutched the rabbit in her hands, feeling it writhe against her grasp, digging its hind legs into her arm. Pressing the animal's body into the ground, she removed its head with a single stroke of the hatchet. Using her fingers, she worked around the stump of the neck to free the rabbit's skin from its body. She sawed at the skin she'd worked free with the dull, rusty hatchet. Eventually a tear appeared and she grabbed hold on the flap of skin, pulling down. It ripped free of the body, like removing an outer coat.
She scooped the entrails out of the body cavity, discarding them in the field. The rabbit still twitched as she started to eat, tearing muscle from the bone. She felt the timid one writhe inside her. Goading, she thought, you cried about hunger...I eat for you. Whimpering bitch... We have to keep you alive. I would crush your form with my own fists if I could, but I need you.
Sitting on the ground, she ate while the voice inside her wept and pleaded.
***********
Tired and sore from the long flight, Zay finally came across an old, abandoned farmhouse northeast of the moor. This has to be it, she considered, passing through the doorway. Setting off to explore the rooms, she was struck by an eerie sense of foreboding. This is a bad place; it stinks of death. Finally having passed through the remainder of the house, discovering nothing remarkable, she made her way down the basement stairs. I should've smelled this...the whole house smells like this though...hard to tell.
Zay took in the scene in front of her. There was an old block and tackle hung from the joists with some old rope threaded through it. Dried blood caked the surface of a pail that sat near it on the floor. Insects swarmed around the room, disturbed from their meal by her entrance. The floor was blood stained except for a few areas where water collected. The water was foul with human waste. Well, this would be the place. No one home...think it's time to bail. Fighting down here would suck. She ran out of the room, fleeing into the yard, trying not to vomit.
Taking flight Zay moved with purpose toward the castle. Traveling as quickly as she could, she reflected, this thing's on the move...likely on the prowl again. It's fixated on Buffy. That means...Willow and Xander are the targets. Maybe another girl, but those two make the most sense. I need to be back there now! Xander's is the better target...less people... He and Willow may both be at his house by now. If she's not there, I can call the castle from there and warn her to stay put.
***********
"You're looking better for the food. Would you like to try and get cleaned up now?" Willow offered, gently sweeping a lock of hair out of Buffy's eyes.
Buffy smiled. "Yeah...I would. A bath would feel good," she admitted.
"I'll have to go get you something to wear. Would you mind if I called one of the girls to keep you company?" Willow queried, being as gentle as she could. I don't want to leave her alone yet.
"Nah... That'd be okay. I'd actually like to see Satsu if I could?" Buffy asked, hopefully.
Willow quickly covered the look of worry that started to wash over her face. "I think Satsu's busy, sweetie. How 'bout. Leah?"
"Oh...Kay..." Buffy answered, appearing skeptical. Wonder what's up with Satsu? This is pissing me off. I feel like a child. Maybe Leah will tell me something.
***********
Hungry now timid one? She felt the girl writhe and with her, her stomach. Wiping the blood from her hand on the thin filthy garment, she looked down and smiled wickedly. Crusted with muck, the girl, the host, is in hell. That's right...squirm little victim... Be a good little host. You were the one who loved us. You looked at all the pretty pictures and picked us. Chose the ones you wanted to play. She threw the rabbit's carcass out into the field, grabbing up the hatchet, she started to run toward the castle. The boy now...more lessons to teach.
She could see the castle in the distance as she ran. These people believe themselves important, wrapping themselves in grand estates, noble causes. They've forgotten where they come from. They've forgotten who they are...how it's supposed to be.
***********
"Thanks for coming, Leah," Willow said genially, offering the young slayer a chair. "I won't be gone long, I swear."
"Nae trouble a'tall. Glad tae help," Leah replied, smiling at Buffy. "So how're ye getting' on?"
"Nurse Willow assures me I'll be fine," Buffy answered, watching to make certain the witch was out of earshot before she turned on the sarcasm.
***********
It was dusk when she crept up to the castle, peering out around the side of the building; she observed movement at the front. She took care to remain hidden in the shrubs and small trees at the border of the building. Oh...now isn't that sweet, she mused watching the redhead get into her car. Enjoying your gift my dear? Running off to plant flowers on your lover's grave before dark? Better hurry...bad things prowl the night.
She watched as the car moved slowly down the drive. We were a proud linage of warriors before you started meddling. Your lover died, sacrificing herself for a greater purpose. Just couldn't leave that alone. You had to interfere.
I felt you touch the mind of this worthless little bitch. I knew you then. Stupid...foolish...weak...trying to comfort this pathetic shell... You touched something dark and it scared you. I scared you. Run away little witch. Tell the doctors to drug the girl. Keep her asleep...keep the monster buried. You had to know this day would come...humans are weak...they make mistakes...
I listened as the Englishman and you talked outside the wretch's door. You were so worried. You knew that destroying the chosen was wrong; you did it anyway, made all those weak, sick girls, slayers. We were meant to be alone, to fight alone, and die with honor...the strongest of our age... You played with your magicks and broke the chain. You destroyed us. No more slayers...just a herd of confused girls... You wanted to help...were desperate to right the wrong somehow. How many did you say...2000 of us now?
"We fight and die alone," she snarled. Time to show my displeasure...alone will be clear to you when I am done... Turning, she ran toward the back of the castle.
***********
Zay's form blurred as she sprinted toward the front of the castle. Passing the stable, she shot a hasty apology to another girl she nearly pushed over. "Get inside, please!" she called over her shoulder. Damned girls out wandering around this close to dark...psychotic killer on the loose...good idea... Right, so...off the corner of the parking lot...Xander's driveway... Hope he doesn't freak over me showing on his doorstep, panting. She shot up the stairs in front of the home three at a time. Finally pounding on the door, desperately. "Come on, Xander! Open up!"
Xander answered the door looking confused as Zay pushed past him.
***********
Clinging to the shadows, she ran in a full sprint behind the castle near the tree line. The boy lives back here. Mustn't be seen. Hide and watch for an opportunity...then take him...make another gift for the girl. She felt the mud crack as her face broke into a wicked grin.
She approached the back of the house, peering in a window. There you are silly boy. He's with a demon...well that'll just make this sweeter.
These people are evil...we're doing the right thing, affirmed the other voice.
Even the timid one agrees...all agree... She scurried up a tree to get a better look, perching on a branch.
***********
"Close the door and lock it now!" Zay commanded.
Xander responded without thinking. Appearing confused, finally he asked, "Who the hell are you?"
"Your guardian angel; now may I have a drink, please?" Zay asked as graciously as she could, considering she was panting.
Xander appeared extremely confused, but went to the fridge anyway. "I have juice, beer or water."
"Water," Zay replied politely, wiping her brow with her shoulder. "Call the castle and have them stop Willow from leaving. Dunno if she means to..." She paused to catch her breath and take a drink. "But if she does...badness...stop her."
Xander picked up the phone, still eyeing the demon girl suspiciously. He dialed the direct number to the Com Center. "Renee, this is Xander. Is Willow there?"
"I believe she is, let me try to connect you," Renee responded in a friendly voice.
Xander patiently waited for Willow to pick up, still giving Zay a suspicious glare. He was a bit surprised to hear Leah answer. "Leah, where's Willow?"
"She went drivin' down to the hoose. Said she'd be righ' back," Leah replied in a cheerful tone. "Would you be wanting me to tell her you called?"
"Yes, thank you," Xander said, hanging up the phone.
Xander gave the strange demon girl as friendly a look as he could muster. "She's gone to the other house."
"Shit! That's the last place she needs to be," Zay responded, appearing flustered.
"You mind me asking who you are?" Xander inquired, appearing mildly amused and curious.
"Zay," she replied, starting to pace. "Xander, how long does it take to mobilize the Alpha Team?"
"About five minutes if we make 'em hurry," Xander answered simply, still appearing curious.
Zay turned to face Xander, giving him a resolved glare. "Do it. Send them to escort Willow. Tell them not to disturb Buffy...make the calls...no PA..."
Xander had no idea why he was listening to the demon girl, but he did. Picking up the phone, he dispatched a priority request for the team to rally at the other house. "Alright...now we're going to sit...and you're going to make me understand a few things... Okay?"
"Sure...whatcha wanna know?" Zay replied, taking a seat, she turned her attention to the window. There's something out there. I can smell it.
"Who the hell are you?" Xander asked, seeming a bit frustrated.
"I told you. I'm Zay," she responded matter-of-factly. "More importantly...I'm the thing that's keeping the psychotic slayer on the other side of that glass from gutting you." She turned to Xander, giving him a glare somewhere between annoyance and graveness. Turning back, she stared at the window as if she were looking at something very specific.
Xander looked, but saw nothing; the interior light was casting a reflection on the glass. "Oh...Kay... Well, I guess I'm glad you're here then, Zay."
"Xander, go make us some coffee, please," Zay asked genially.
Xander nodded. "I can do that."
"Thank you. Please stay as much by the window as you can for the first minute. Okay?" Zay gave Xander a firm glare.
"Will do..." Xander replied, appearing nervous.
Zay offered, in her best comforting tone, "I just want her distracted for a sec so I can disappear. No big...you'll be fine."
"Right...bait... I can be bait," Xander said apprehensively, moving to the kitchen. When he looked back, Zay was gone. "That's nice...make with the rescuing then leave. Good follow through," he noted to no one in particular. He dove out of the way as the window in front of him exploded in a shower of glass. Prone, and crawling backwards down the hall away from the thing that... What in the hell is that?
Zay swooped in behind the slayer, through the hole she left in the side of the house. She tackled the girl as she clawed after Xander. "Oh, no, you don't! You and I are gonna have a little talk." She picked the slayer up and threw her back out the window, diving after her.
Xander rubbed his eyes. "What in the hell?" he asked, again of nobody in particular. He got up to look out the window. This is a stupid idea, Xander.
"Demon!" the slayer spat, crouched on all fours, she brandished the hatchet in front of her.
"Well, you're half right...marks for that. Though I'm sorta thinkin'..." Zay remarked, swooping in to grab the girl by the back of her dirty garment and toss her against a tree.
The slayer spat, bloody saliva clung to her lip as she dove at the half-demon. Catching her target mid-body and driving her into the ground. She raised the hatchet, swinging down toward her victim's face.
"...Not a lot of room for the judgment," Zay concluded breathlessly as she parried the blow with her forearm. The hatchet stuck in the earth a little too close to her ear for comfort. Enough with the sarcasm...need to focus... She grabbed the hatchet handle. Her grip overlapping the grip of the psychotic slayer, she twisted and rolled, using her upper body for leverage. Zay used the momentum to land on top of her, pressing her forearm across the slayers neck, pinning the woman against the ground, .
The slayer released the hatchet and using Zay's position against her, she somersaulted to clear the arm and she rolled back onto her feet.
Zay grabbed the hatchet and twisted onto her knees.
The slayer flung herself into a spinning kick.
Zay sliced out with the hatchet, opening a gash in the slayer's leg, then she sprung to her feet and took flight before the next attack.
Running at top speed, the slayer tore off for the parking lot.
Zay followed her and flew in, catching her under the chest with her feet; she kicked the slayer into a car. The windshield broke and the car alarm went off, startling them both. The Slayer landed on the hood of the car; picking Zay up and throwing her as hard as she could into the tarmac.
Getting to her feet, the Slayer dove at Zay, pinning the half-demon to the car. Snarling furiously, she put her hands around the throat of the perceived evil and started to bear down.
Momentarily shocked, Zay looked into the dirty, twisted, face as she worked to recover. She dropped the hatchet and was about to reach for the slayer's head when she heard a cracking sound. The next thing she knew, the slayer was slumped over her. Pushing the limp body off of her she gawked at Xander, trying to understand what had just happened. "I...ummm..." she babbled.
Xander looked down at the dead slayer. She was wearing a torn hospital gown; she was otherwise naked. Her body was caked with filth and she was barefoot. He covered his eyes with his hands as he contemplated what he had just done. She might be fifteen. He slouched, putting his hands in his pockets as he turned his back and walked away.
Xander broke that girl's neck to save me, Zay reflected. I saw it, but I didn't. It went so fast. He doesn't even know me. She stooped to look at the girl. She looks almost peaceful, she considered, gently closing the eyelids. She picked the girl up and began the long walk. "I'm sorry," she offered in a whisper, feeling a tear flow down her cheek.
Zay passed Willow and the diminished Alpha Team at the front of the castle. Ignoring them entirely, she set off down the drive.
"Leave her be," Willow said in a distant voice, setting pace just behind Zay. She felt the team take position behind her, fanning out. She considered the face of the dead girl as they walked, preserving it in her memory. I know her. Something inside the witch snapped and she went completely numb.
They all walked together in a slow procession down the drive. Arriving at the house, Zay made her way into the woods, placing the girl where the cross had been. She stepped away, watching as vines started to sprout around her form. They tangled the body, encasing it, and finally pulling it down into the ground. She knelt, bowing her head as she whispered, "Be at peace."
They all walked back up the driveway together in silence.