Thirteen Steps - 11 - Vanishing
by Valyssia
Beggar's Courbette
[reviews]
I embrace my desire to feel the rhythm, to feel connected enough to step aside and weep like a widow to feel inspired, to fathom the power, to witness the beauty, to bathe in the fountain, to swing on the spiral of our divinity and still be a human.
Willow walked casually into the pub, taking in her surroundings. Charming sorta place...in the States we call these things sports bars. No clue what they call 'em here. She walked up to the bar, taking a seat next to an attractive blonde. Carefully she reached out to the various patrons, searching for her target. Ahhh...good instincts... It's the blonde. "You know what I wish?" she queried, turning to make eye contact with the woman.
The blonde turned to look at the redheaded witch beside her. "Tell me," she replied in a subtle, almost seductive voice.
Showing the woman her best flirty smile, Willow batted her lashes with a measure of childlike innocence. Reaching to place her hand on the woman's chest, just above her breasts, she ran a finger down the smooth skin. "I wish you'd die," she snarled as she pressed her hand into the fleshy surface. It passed through the blonde's torso as if passing through water.
She took in the look of confusion and horror on the other woman's face. Sensing her attempt to teleport away, the witch seized her viciously. "Oh no, you don't," she cooed as she siphoned away the demon's essence. Her body alive with power, she dropped the broken husk of a woman to the floor, ignoring the shocked looks of the pub's patrons.
Willow swept out onto the street. As suspected she could feel the other vengeance demons now. She began the methodical process of seeking them out to have her fill. "Keep in mind, D'Hoffryn. You were the one that wanted me in the vengeance fold. Be careful what you wish for," the witch whispered as she made her way down the street.
The pull of the coven was much less an issue; Willow dismissed it offhandedly as she broadcast, Fuck off, Miss Hartness. I know what I'm doing. Why don't you make yourself useful and try to figure out which of the hundreds of parallel human planes Buffy's on, instead of screwing with me?
**************
D'Hoffryn paced the edge of the pool. "Well, this is most unexpected. Hope you know what you're doing, Miss Rosenburg. That's a slippery slope you're on," he remarked, his voice filled with wonder and only a hint of the former amusement.
**************
"Yes, Miriam Blaylock to see Angelus. I had an 11 o'clock," Buffy drawled in a thick French accent, giving the receptionist a charming smile. Well I'm glad Wills suggested sunglasses and a hat. Harm woulda recognized me for sure without 'em...surprised she doesn't anyway... But Harm...not the sharpest stake in the weapon chest... The accent thing's funny...played with it just for giggles. Who'da thought it might actually be useful.
"Hummm... I'm not showing you on the schedule. If you'd have a seat, I'll let him know you're here. I'm sure it's just a mix up, Miss Blaylock," Harmony replied, cordially.
"Thank you," Buffy said; dipping her head in a slight nod, she turned to take a seat in the lounge. She had to twist the scythe slightly with her elbow to sit naturally on the edge of the chair. Crossing her legs, she waited patiently for all hell to break loose. Wills hiding the scythe after my death was an interesting touch. I can imagine how she felt...knowing what I know now. The Slayer glanced down at her watch and back up at Harmony, giving her another warm smile. Three, two, one...ignition...
Houston, we have lift off! Buffy jumped out of her chair to meet the rush of security guards. She dropped her duster and purse to the floor, ripping the scythe off her back. The twine Willow had used to secure it to her body snapped as she swung immediately into the first guard. Human, she considered as she ripped the muscle bound security guard's legs out from under him. He fell, twitching to the floor, his legs bleeding and broken.
Demon was her next thought as guard number two leveled on her. She pulled the sunglasses from her eyes, folding them as she threw them as hard as she could, aiming for the demon's face. They flew through the air like a dart launched from an air gun. She couldn't suppress a giggle as the glasses imbedded in the demon's left eye, sending him sprawling to the floor. Death by sunglasses...that's a new one...
"Bad idea, Harm," Buffy growled, spinning around to face the vampire. "Boo!" she spat as she lunged at the other blonde.
"Shit!" Harmony squealed, trying to dive out of the way. She sprawled to the floor instead, siding across the room to the opposite wall as the Slayer connected with a...well something. How am I sposed ta fight somethin' I can't even see? Harmony panicked and ran screaming from the lobby.
Buffy looked up onto the balcony, smiling warmly at Angelus as he leaned against the railing. "Just the man I wanted to see," she remarked, sweeping her purse off the floor.
"Nice to see you, Buffy...? What brings you out at this hour of the day?" Angelus asked in a friendly voice.
"Just out visiting old friends...you were at the top of my list, lover," Buffy replied sweetly as she took two steps and vaulted up. Grabbing the railing, she twisted her body over and landed, catlike, next to Angelus. Two swings was all it took for her to drop the vampire, one to block and the next to introduce his face to the railing. Blood poured from his smashed nose as she dropped his unconscious body to the floor. Cocky bastard...knew he'd come to watch.
Two more security guards erupted from the elevator.
Buffy side-stepped the tazer one of them fired at her by hopping over Angelus' limp form. She grabbed the lead wire and pulled. The guard staggered forward; as he fell, she looped the wire around his neck and garroted the vampire with his own weapon. He exploded in a poof of ash. The second security guard was trying to back peddle away when she shoved the Tazer leads into his chest. Picking the gun up, the Slayer crushed the trigger assembly, discharging the weapon into her victim.
"Kay...now back to you," Buffy mused, grabbing her purse off the floor. She took out the canvas bag and dragged it over Angelus' limp form. Closing the drawstring tightly around his ankles and tying it securely, she heaved the vampire over her shoulder.
Ruthlessly, Buffy tossed Angelus over the railing. He'll heal...asshole deserves a spanking. She couldn't help but smile as he smashed into the marble floor below. Diving after him, she landed gracefully next to the vampire. Grabbing the bottom of the bag, she towed him quickly across the floor, ignoring the new wave of security guards that was starting to emerge.
Buffy looked at the revolving doors she'd entered through shaking her head. I'm not even... Putting the duster back on, she tossed Angelus over her shoulder and sprinted for the front window. Using the scythe, she smashed through the heavy glass and launched herself onto the sidewalk in a hard sprint.
Rounding the block Buffy caught sight of the car Willow had borrowed. She picked up the pace. Heavy fucker...has he gained weight? Diet time for you, mister... She ripped the back door open, almost forgetting herself until she heard the threatening creak of sheet metal giving way. "Whoops," she whispered in apology to Willow as she tossed the unconscious vampire onto the back seat.
"Buffy!" Willow cautioned. "Not my car...remember?" She couldn't help but laugh in spite of herself. "Giles'll kill me," she remarked thickly, through the giggles.
Buffy crawled in, sitting against Angelus in the backseat. She pulled the door closed, barking the word, "go," to Willow. She shifted the unconscious vampire around until she could sit comfortably with her back against his stomach. Placing the head of the scythe under his chin, she leaned back casually. "Well that was fun. Whatcha wanna do this afternoon?"
"Dunno... After I stuff his soul back, I'm free. Mochas?" Willow offered, still fighting the giggles.
"Mochas it is," Buffy replied, reaching forward to caress the witch's shoulder.
**************
Giles sat at a table, feverishly cleaning his glasses. "We must stop her. There has to be a way."
"If you find one I'd be delighted if you would share, Mr. Giles. The girl is resisting all our attempts to subdue her. She seems to be working her way across London consuming demonic energies. With every demon, her power grows," Miss Hartness responded in a strained tone.
"It pains me to say this but, we should've eliminated her when we had the opportunity. I always suspected that was a mistake," Giles growled, furiously flipping through the pages of an ancient text. "The girl's a threat. Do whatever is necessary to contain her."
Miss Hartness turned to face the Watcher, giving him an incensed glare. "Rupert Giles, the girl has shown no ill intent thus far. She may just be trying to gain the power to open a portal. Willow Rosenburg has a great deal of control. A fact I'm sure you are aware of."
"That fact, as you say, only makes her all the more dangerous," Giles concluded, settling on a page that looked to be of interest.
**************
"Asa sa fie! Asa sa fie! Acum!," Willow chanted in a voice not quite her own. Light swirled around her, distorting her features. As it flared briefly, she heard Angel gasp.
Buffy caught the witch as she slumped, supporting her weight. She looked over at the vampire she'd chained to the wall. "You okay, sweetie?" she whispered into Willow's ear.
"Yeah...I'll be right as rain as soon as my head stops pounding. Have I mentioned how much I hate Latin lately?" Willow replied, her voice strained and weak.
Buffy hoisted the witch up, cradling her gently in her arms. "Just last week...only it was the other Will. You know a girl could get really confused here," she offered, moving to the elevator. "I'll take you up to bed. You should rest a bit."
"What if he wakes up?" Willow asked, trying to catch sight of Angel as they moved.
Buffy lowered the witch to her feet, still supporting her. She tossed open the elevator cage and guided Willow inside, closing the door behind them. "I'm sure he'll yell or something."
"Buffy!" Willow chided, groaning as her head throbbed because of the outburst.
"What? He'll make noise. It's just something people sorta do when they wake up alone, chained to a wall," Buffy retorted, trying to suppress the giggles. She pressed the button to make the old freight elevator move to the lobby and swept the witch back into her arms. "Felt to me like the spell worked."
"You felt it?" Willow inquired, a curious expression settling over her features.
Buffy smirked; gazing down at the witch she responded frankly, "Well yeah. That's a pretty powerful spell there, Wills." The elevator stopped and she set Willow's feet gently on the floor so she could open the door. Picking her carefully back up she made her way to the lobby.
Xander was still passed out on the couch, appearing positively green. He stirred, hearing movement in the room. Cracking an eye, he looked up to see his worst nightmare unfolding. Leaping to his feet, he tripped over the coffee table, landing face first in front of Buffy. He worked to right himself, stammering in a severely confused manner, "P-put 'er down!"
"Kay...Xander, don't kill yourself," Buffy replied in a gentle voice, carrying Willow over to the couch and carefully placing her in the space Xander had just occupied. She strolled over to the prone man as he scrambled awkwardly to flee.
Willow couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the sight. "She's human, Xander. Notice the...me not screaming? Come on...think..."
Buffy stooped at Xander's side, offering a wrist. "Check it yourself."
Cautiously Xander took the Slayer's wrist and felt. "I-I..." he stuttered, working furiously to catch up. Guess I know what I wished for now. His face flushing, a guilty expression crept over his features. "B-Buffy?" he stuttered.
"That's my name," Buffy confirmed, rolling her eyes, her appearance revealing extreme amusement. "I'm gonna take Wills up to her room now we've established I'm not gonna drag her off and eat her. Well...least not that way."
"B-bu Buffy!" Willow sputtered, blushing furiously.
"Huh?" Xander gasped, seeming all the more foolish.
Buffy stood with her hands on her hips, looking back and forth between Willow and Xander. She shook her head finally. Chuckling quietly, she walked over to retrieve the witch. "I can come back down if you need some help finding the couch again, Xander."
"I got it," he groaned, trying to stand up.
"Looks like Xander had a bad night." Buffy was still laughing softly as she started up the stairs with the witch. "You'll have to tell me where to."
"Just take me back to your room. I don't really want to see Kennedy...not now at least," Willow replied feebly.
"Gotcha," Buffy confirmed, making her way down the hallway. She carefully lowered the witch to a standing position, supporting her weight as she turned the doorknob. Lifting her back up, she made her way to the bed, gently depositing the exhausted young woman. She returned to the door and locked it before she spoke. "I'd be happy to help, if you'd rather not deal with the burnout."
"Really? You'd do that? Kennedy always gets pissed at me," Willow babbled, not quite believing the offer.
Buffy slid onto the bed, pulling the witch into a tender embrace. "You'll have to feed me after...all I ask." She lay patiently, sensing the soothing pull as Willow worked to restore herself.
"I don't want you to leave, Buffy," Willow sobbed. She wanted nothing more than to just lie in bed the rest of the day, feeling her friend stroke her hair and offer her comfort.
"Yeah, well...like my life wasn't complicated enough," Buffy whispered, punctuating the thought with a deep sigh. "You know in so many ways you're exactly the same as my Will. But then there's something really different about you. You're more like the Will I remember from Sunnydale. My Will is...well...I guess you'll see...least I think so. I can still feel her and she's growing stronger."
"What do you mean, Buffy?" Willow queried in a concerned manner.
Turning to make eye contact, Buffy replied, "She sorta sees power as power...it's not good or bad. What you do with it determines the goodness or badness. Know what I mean? I'm not sure if I'm puttin' it right."
"Sure...that makes sense, but you can go too far... You know sorta like with chocolate. You think, 'oh this is good' and you keep eating...then all of a sudden you're all sicky and uncomfortable," Willow babbled in a subtle voice, studying the Slayer's features.
"With me just comin' up missin' I'm not sure she'll care. And you know...it's not like she'll just be able to walk up to a demon and demand they open a portal so... I'm worried about her," Buffy said in a soft, pensive tone.
Sighing deeply, Willow reflected, "Yeah...I guess if I had ya I'd pretty much turn hell upside down to getcha back myself."
A bright, sunny smile washed over Buffy's features. "That might just be the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me."
"It's true," Willow confirmed, cupping the Slayer's cheek in her hand.
Giving the witch another warm smile, Buffy stirred. "Let me up for a sec. These contacts are makin' me crazy. You feelin' any better?"
"Yeah...lots," Willow replied, rolling over to let her friend get up.
Buffy made her way to the bathroom and removed the contacts, carefully placing them in the storage container. Returning to the room, she began to peel off her clothing, ignoring the expression on the witch's face. This is dumb, Summers...let the real confusion begin. I just can't help it though. She's so frightened and so lonely, it almost hurts to be with her. Even if it's just once, I need to remind her that life can be beautiful. I think my Will will understand that.
"What're you d-doing, B-Buffy?" Willow asked anxiously, her face heated as she watched the Slayer disrobe. She was completely numb, trying to sort out the mixed jumble of thoughts and emotions as Buffy approached. The Slayer's eyes flashed and twinkled in the low light, such a deep shade of greenish blue, impossibly deep, so intense, and so intent. Ummm... Goddess...I never imagined anything could be so beautiful.
Buffy answered the question by slipping under the covers and closing her eyes. She gave the witch a moment or two to settle before she spoke. "You can join me or not...your choice...no pressure." She felt Willow rise. Well the door didn't open, she considered, opening her eyes after another moment. Wow...much different. "Didn't that hurt?" she queried, feeling stupid for asking the obvious.
"Not so much actually. I sorta...well...you know you read stories...but then the believing them. But yeah...and no...and well...it kinda felt a little too good," Willow stammered, seeming very self conscious.
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Think I need a translator." Wow! That tattoo's well... Wow, beautiful...orchids...delicate...shades of deep violet and white... There's something almost erotic about both the shape of the flowers and the way they seem to cup her left breast, fine ivy leading the path onto her ribs. She felt her skin grow warm as she studied the design.
Sliding into bed, Willow smirked. "I came, Buffy. Both times...it was embarrassing, but..." she squeaked, appearing truly self-conscious.
"Y-you got off on havin' a n-needle...?" Buffy stuttered, trying to wipe the look of shock off her face.
Sensing it was her turn to play the discomfort angle, Willow recovered, smiling wolfishly. "It's not just my nipples and navel. I kinda got the set. It was a bit...I dunno...sorta addictive," she offered, sticking out her tongue as she guided the Slayer's hand to the fifth piercing. "The tongue sucked...took forever to heal, but the others are...well wow. Everything's so much more sensitive." She moaned as Buffy fondled the small metal ring, arching her spine, a groan escaped her lips.
Buffy eased the witch onto her back, delivering a passionate kiss as she moved. She was still a bit stunned by the idea of her sweet little Willow letting some stranger stick needles in her body. Though if she was completely honest, the idea sorta turned her on. It musta been Kennedy. I mean, I know she had her tongue pierced, but...well...wow was right. She couldn't help but play with the little metal ring and the more she did the more Willow seemed to melt in her hands.
The witch was all but purring as she said the Slayer's name.
**************
Kennedy had been listening at the door for awhile. At first it was all just harmless talk. There was obviously some contact; she had trouble controlling herself when she heard Willow say she didn't help. It was true, the idea totally freaked her out, but she didn't like hearing it nonetheless. Harmless contact this wasn't.
Rage boiled inside her as she stomped off to the room she'd shared with the witch for what seemed like an eternity. Bitch is cheating on me now. It's not like I didn't see it coming, but... Filthy little bitch! I know it's around here somewhere, she considered, rifling through the desk drawer. I've been way more than patient. I knew she was in pain 'cause of Buffy. I guess I didn't let myself see why.
Here it is...I always wondered why she brought this thing. I mean we each brought one bag with us and she packed this weird token. My turn to play the vengeance card... Buffy's little girlfriend will shit when I tell her. I just gotta be able to get there. "D'Hoffryn, look I don't know any Latin, but we need to talk." A flash of light and a puff of smoke later Kennedy found herself staring at the demon. I can quit when I'm done...Anya did after all, right?
"Yes, Kennedy?" D'Hoffryn replied, his manner suggested the utmost interest.
Kennedy waved, feeling slightly foolish for doing so. "Hey."
"Hello." D'Hoffryn bowed. "How can I help you?"
"I wanna know where I go to sign up?" Kennedy replied, a faint smile crossed her features as she spoke.
A wolfish grin played at D'Hoffryn's lips causing him to appear even more evil. "You would like to wield the power of the wish?"
**************
Feeling the energy ebb and flow, Willow finally surrendered to its pull. Her body arched, barely aware she uttered a soft gasp. Losing all sense of herself she succumbed, crying out as the wave escaped her. Shuddering violently, she felt Buffy channel it back in. The sensation pushed her over the edge again. As soon as the energy left, the Slayer redirected its flow. This cycle went on for what she felt was a lifetime. A lifetime spent crying the name of the woman she loved. She died over and over in Buffy's arms, feeling the love wash over her.
The gentle caresses continued, one leading to another until her body ached from the strain. She collapsed onto the bed in a heap, wrapping herself tightly around her lover as if to beg her to stop. She held on with all her might, breathing hard, trying to steady herself. Goddess... "I love you," she whispered breathlessly. She's amazing...
"And I love you," Buffy whispered, cupping her witch's cheek. Yeah...totally confusing, but not... She even feels different...it's really subtle and sorta nice. Almost sweet, but well some parts are more worldly and some more naive. Weird...truly unique...but the same...
**************
Reaching out with her mind, Kennedy could feel the raw power radiating off the witch. She was on a quest. That much was obvious. The young slayer focused her energies, teleporting to the witch's location. She approached her fearlessly. "Willow, we need to talk," she said in a low tone, very near a growl.
"You think so?" Willow replied, her voice had a deep guttural pitch that seemed to echo low in her throat. A wicked smirk played at her lips, as she turned to face the young slayer. Ahhh...and what's this...a vengeance demon? Now this is amusing.
Kennedy regarded the witch for a moment. Looking drawn and gaunt, her pale skin was heavily marked with dark veins, her eyes and hair were raven black. "I do..." She watched as the witch settled to the ground. Her gait was almost like a cat stalking its dinner as she approached.
"Speak then," Willow commanded in a low, dangerous voice, closing the distance between herself and her prey. She forced the young woman to her knees. "If you have something to say I suggest you make it quick. I'm sorta on a schedule." Smiling viciously, she watched as the young slayer struggled.
Kennedy groaned, trying to teleport away left her feeling nauseous and light headed. Something warm trickled onto her lips and she licked it away, finding that it was blood. She fell limp onto her face at Willow's feet, tears streaming down her cheeks. Opening her mouth to speak, she discovered she could no longer hear. Placing a hand to her ear, she felt the wet, sticky sensation of more blood. The witch's voice rang in her head, "You had something to say?"
Stooping down to regard the young slayer, Willow turned her onto her back, straddling her. You chose the wrong side, Kennedy. There's nothing you can say...that I wish to hear. Kneeling across the vengeance demon, she placed a hand to her chest. Her fingers passed through the milky skin and she drank slowly, carefully. She wanted this to last.
Blinking to clear her eyes, Kennedy peered up at her captor in terror. She heard Willow whisper, "There's nothing you can tell me that I don't already know." As she watched the witch's hand move slowly through her hair, it turned stark white. Her eyes cleared, shifting to a brilliant shade of emerald green, too green to be human. She was beautiful, the face of a goddess. Her skin seemed to shimmer, radiating a pure white light.
"That's right, Kennedy. Look at me. It's still all about the intent," Willow whispered as she watched the demon die. Thank you...for showing me the way. A portal crackled to life. Caressing the young slayer's cheek as she rose, the witch looked over her shoulder as she moved toward the passage. The body erupted into a flash of blinding light and was gone.
**************
"Such a pity...foolish girl," D'Hoffryn muttered, staring into the pool. He took a healthy gulp of coffee and shook his head. "Ahhh...well...you win some and you lose some."
**************
Buffy stooped to gently kiss the sleeping witch. She heard the soft murmur that escaped her lover's lips. My name...she's dreaming about me. Smiling warmly, she caressed a few strands of hair away from Willow's face. Poor thing's exhausted. She made her way to the bathroom. A quick shower...then I have a date, she silently mused as she turned on the taps. Maybe I should stop through and free Angel. She couldn't help but giggle. He deserves a little time to stew after the way he hurt these people. More fuel for that annoying brooding. Love him, but that so got old.
Testing the water, Buffy stepped into the shower. And...suppose I should see if I can raid the kitchen. I'm starting to get shaky. Bathing quickly, she made her way into the room to dress. Recycled clothing will have to do... Can I just say...yuck...? I can't wake her though. She looked lovingly over at the redhead. Still dreaming, she considered, reaching out to caress her lover gently with her thoughts.
Making her way out of the room, Buffy reached out with her mind. My Willow...confusing... She felt the flood of raw power radiating off the other witch. She's as confused as I am. What're we gonna do about this, love? Bet she has a plan...she always does. She bounced down the steps, making her way to the freight elevator. Another giggle shook her form as she drew back the door.
Exiting the elevator, she couldn't suppress another laugh. Connor, Giles, Xander, and Faith were all huddled together mumbling. Angel was still chained to the wall, looking annoyed. The entire room sprang to life as she purposefully moved to free Angel.
"No way!" Faith growled, rounding on Buffy. She heard Giles and Xander both try to say something, but her attention was fixed.
Buffy shot Faith an amused smile, taking the other slayer off her feet with a rush forward and sweep of her leg. She pounced on the prone woman, her expression one of positive delight as she pinned the other slayer's arms over her head.
Faith struggled to free herself, her mind slowly processing the details. "Hey! How'd you do that?" She's got a grip like a steel vice. Her skin's warm. What the fuck? What's up with her eyes? She finally settled, hearing the voices of Giles and Xander telling her that this Buffy's human. Wow! She sure as hell doesn't move like one.
Feeling Faith settle, Buffy couldn't resist giving the other slayer a light peck on the lips. It's fun to watch her squirm, she reflected rising to her feet. Pausing to take in the 'have you lost your mind' look Faith was giving her, she continued to make her way across the room. "How ya been, lover?" she purred, shooting Angel a seductive smile. Grabbing the keys out of a drawer, she released the vampire and walked back over to the group. Yup...I'm in a mood...time to be naughty.
"Thanks," was all Angel could find to say as he rubbed his wrists. That was just mean, he reflected, moving to take a place at Buffy's side.
"Well, don't everyone thank me all at once," Buffy commented wryly.
Giles stammered, "When Willow asked to borrow my car... Well...I had no idea."
"It's no big. Angel, how ya feelin'?" Buffy asked with only mild concern.
Appearing slightly embarrassed, Angel replied, "Bit sore...and you?"
"Pretty good...though well...pretty much starved... You guys got anything to eat? I'm dyin' here," Buffy reflected in an offhanded tone. "Nice of you boys to catch Faith up for me..."
"We hadn't gotten that far," Giles admitted, looking a bit sheepish in spite of himself.
A confused look still played at Faith's features. "So human, B...? How's that work?"
"I'm not from around here," Buffy responded, making her way back to the elevator. "So you guys just gonna stand around and look goofy, or is someone gonna feed me? Like I said, starved...this army marches on her stomach."
The group filed in behind her as she opened the elevator door.
"How'd ya do it?" Xander queried, following the Slayer into the elevator.
Buffy smirked. "How ya think I did it? I walked in the front door and took him. Well, I beat on him a bit before the taking, but..."
Angel couldn't help but groan, rubbing the back of his neck. "Did ya have to leave me chained to a wall all afternoon?"
"You deserved it," Buffy remarked in a flat tone. "Wills put your soul back, and well...she was pretty much a wreck. So, I took care of her first." A subtle smirk came to rest on the Slayer's face as she thought back on the 'taking care of'. Yup, naughty...
"You did what?" Faith gasped.
The smirk transformed into a bright smile as Buffy retorted, "What I said, Faith...all of it...now food, please. I'm late for a date." Exiting the elevator; she followed the group as they made their way to the kitchen.
"A date?" Giles queried.
Faith appeared amused. "In town how long and B's already hookin' up..."
A slight blush threatened to betray her. Buffy pushed it back, maintaining the cheery, flippant disposition. "Well yeah...but no...absolutely with the no... I need to go see an old friend."
"And who's this friend, Buffy?" Connor asked, appearing distant and morose.
Buffy's expression darkened. "Me."
**************
Willow sat on her heels in the clearing in front of her home. The place she'd shared so many months with Buffy. She worked to steel herself against the flood of emotion, grounding the energies she'd spent the day collecting. I have to be completely at peace before I begin. She reached out to touch her lover, the woman she'd vowed to protect. Healthy and safe... She was comforted by the thought.
A pang of anger and guilt threatened to unnerve her. Did I really just kill Kennedy? It was another Kennedy, a dangerous Kennedy...childish and jealous... The idea of a slayer vengeance demon caused her to shudder. It was for the best. That mix was too frightening to consider...worse than a slayer vampire... No sunlight to stop her, no religious icons to keep her at bay, free to pass between worlds exacting evil. She would've grown with every act of vengeance...including this one. She reassured herself with the simple truth; it was the right thing to do.
Slipping into a deep trance, the witch connected herself to the earth. Her intentions would be pure. She had to bring Buffy home, no matter the cost. Her world was relying on her.
**************
"Angel, I need weapons...load me up. Nothing small...I sorta snap those little swords we used to train with," Buffy directed, finishing her dinner.
"When you get done," Angel confirmed with a nod.
Buffy took the last bite of her second sandwich. Rising from the table, she set off toward the lobby. "Conner, I'm gonna need you to take me back where ya found me." She looked over her shoulder to make eye contact with the young man. Watching him nod, she turned her attention to the cabinet Angel had opened. She selected a couple of heavy blades, one long, one short. "I always liked the way this feels," she reflected, beginning to rotate her wrists in an absent manner.
Twirling the smaller blade into an underhanded grip, she motioned Angel aside. "When Wills wakes up...make sure no one tells her where I am. Keep her busy for me, please."
"Okay... I'll do my best," Angel confirmed.
"Connor, lead on, please?" Buffy asked, turning toward the door. "Oh...and if you guys follow... Think you wanna help...or interfere. It'll go badly... Just sit tight. I'll be back. I promise." She followed Connor through the front doors of the Hyperion and out into the night.
They walked silently together through the streets, finally arriving at an old cemetery.
"This is it," Connor said, turning to leave.
"Thanks," Buffy replied, offering him a warm smile. "And Connor..."
Connor turned to look at the Slayer. "Yeah?"
"Go home...for me, please." Buffy deftly leapt over the fence as she spoke, breaking into a hard sprint. She jumped onto the crypt she recalled from the night before, staring down at the fresh grave in front of her. She stood alone for a moment or two, just watching, when she sensed movement behind her. She turned to see her double creeping up. Still confusing...not much about this place that doesn't give me the wiggins.
"I hoped you'd show," the vampire Buffy remarked, leaping up on the crypt to stand next to Buffy.
Buffy turned to face the vampire. "Not one to disappoint." Backing carefully out of arm's reach, she queried, "So how 'bout it? Ya ready ta go for the title?"
"Don't mind if I do..." the vampire Buffy snarled, faking a lung forward, her golden eyes sparkled in the low light.
Buffy instinctively dodged her upper body, leaving her feet firmly planted. "Somehow I knew you were gonna do that," she remarked, keeping careful watch on the vampire's hips and shoulders.
"Somehow? Admit it... You're just as amused by this as I am," the vampire Buffy reflected with a warm smile.
Buffy feigned relaxing her grip on the weapons she held. Starting the swing from her wrist, she lashed out with a sweeping blow. "Pretty much," she replied, diving off the crypt to go after the vamp.
The vampire Buffy watched as her counterpart leapt down. Opening with a spinning kick, she watched as the Slayer evaded the blow, by moving her upper body just out of reach.
Buffy lunged forward, while the vampire was still off balance from the kick. Face it...flashy, hurts like hell, but they do throw you off. She swept her left leg behind the vampire's right, knee dropping her to the ground as she fell. The Slayer thrust downward with the smaller blade in her left hand, slicing a gash across the vampire's chest. Her right hand brought the longer blade across the vampire's throat, leaving a fine red line in its wake. She bounced back out of reach, watching as the vampire flipped back onto her feet.
"Nice one," the vampire Buffy offered fairly. Her features shifted to her demon visage. "This was a new shirt, though. I'm gonna have ta take it out in trade."
"Ya know you're lookin' a bit tired around the eyes," Buffy quipped, motioning the vampire forward as she twirled the weapons with her wrists. So that's me as a vampire? Ick! A world of ick!
The vampire Buffy casually dropped her arms to her sides, appearing almost bored. She took a step forward, then spun at an impossible speed and began to run full out, away from the Slayer. Jumping tombstones and crypts alike, moving in nearly a straight line.
Buffy launched herself forward, keeping pace with the vampire.
On the far side of a crypt, the vampire Buffy stopped abruptly and turned to face her victim. She easily dodged the blades. Spinning; she kicked the Slayer square in the small of the back, sending her sprawling.
Buffy scrambled to get up. Feeling the weight of the vampire land on her back, she worked to move to her knees. A strong arm crossed her throat as the fangs pierced her neck. Still holding the smaller blade, Buffy thrust the weapon behind her and into the vampire's side. She twisted the blade as she grabbed for the arm that held her throat. Ripping the arm free, she threw her weight forward onto her forearms. Releasing her grip on the vampire's arm, she rolled her body into a somersault, shaking the vampire's hold. Teeth tore from her neck; she felt the warm flow of blood running down her throat and onto her chest. She rolled sideways away from the vampire and flipped back onto her feet.
I'm gonna have ta end this soon. The whole bleeding to death thing... Quickly becoming an issue... Dropping the dagger point first in the ground, Buffy grabbed the nearest tombstone. Breaking it from its base, she flung it at the vampire. She watched as the vampire evaded and lunged for the abandoned sword. Moving at super human speed, the Slayer flung herself at the vampire as she leaned to pick up the weapon. She connected, throwing them both into a row of headstones, shearing four of them off before they came to a rest. She heard the faint, satisfying sound of snapping bones as they collided.
Buffy sprang back to her feet, dodging as the vampire flung one of the broken grave markers at her. "Those broken ribs suck...don't they?" she gasped, turning to face her target. She took the opportunity to breathe. Sucks more that she doesn't have to breathe...
"Dunno...you're looking a bit pale," the vampire Buffy remarked, spitting a mouthful of blood on the ground.
Dropping to a fighting stance, Buffy started to circle, waiting for the vampire to make the next move. She could feel her shirt clinging to her flesh, stuck there by the blood she was losing. That whole healing thing could start anytime. Come on body. Get with the program already.
Noticing a shimmer of light out of the corner of her eye, she was momentarily distracted. The vampire took the lapse as an invitation to strike, launching herself at the Slayer's midsection. She felt the vampire connect and then things got a bit weird. Flying backwards from the impact, she crashed headfirst into another tombstone, snapping it at the base. Looking back, she saw the vampire Buffy hanging in midair, struggling to move. The image faded as she stared. Falling limp, she surrendered to fate.