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Children of the Earth

by WillowX

Old Friends New Enemies

[reviews]

Chapter 5
Old Friends New Enemies

I am a killer. I am! I have killed thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands. Some of them went quick...but some I took slowly, enjoying the look of utter pain and fear on their faces. Those are the ones I remember the most. The ones that screamed for their lives, begged for mercy, cried out in pain. When the time comes, that is how she'll die...slowly...painfully...

The door of the crypt opened suddenly and I felt as if I'd been hit with a thousand daggers all at once. Covering my face with my hands I dived to the floor out of harms way but, it was too late, my skin was emanating smoke from where the rays of light had shined upon me.

"Ohhh... Spike...sorry!" The familiar annoying little voice said from the door.

"Nibblette. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in school or something?" I ask irritated.

"It's lunch time and I felt like visiting you. I haven't seen you in weeks." She explained happily.

"Did your Sis send you?" I ask in a sour tone.

"Buffy?!?! No way! She doesn't even know I'm here. She's teaching one of her classes." Dawn says rolling her eyes.

"Classes?"

"Yes. She got a job at the SunnyD Gym teaching self defense. Really cool."

"The Slayer...teaching? Well that's the funniest thing I ever heard."

"Oh but that's not the best part...Willow and her are together now...in a very together way." She finished looking at me pointedly. The instant the words came out of her mouth I was flushed with anger.

"You don't say. So now she's a todger dodger." I conclude in a cynical tone.

"Umm...I don't know what that means but I didn't like the tone." She said doubtfully.

"Sod off then. You shouldn't be here anyway." I snarl at her.

"What's with the tude?"

"The tude is that you think I'm your friend. I'm not. Never was. I hate the lot of you. Now sod off before I do something about it." I warned.

"Yeah... like what??? Bore me to death with meaningless threats?" She said right before storming out of the crypt leaving the door open again. Yes. I've decided. I think I'll kill her first. Little bitch.

"Oy! You can come out now you wanker and do me a favor and close the bloody door." Warren steps out from behind the casket and cautiously walks towards the door looking out for the little bint.

"That was kind of close." He says.

"Forget about her. She'll get what is coming to her soon enough. So...what kind of silly trinket did you invent to de-chip me?" I ask. I've been more than patient with this bugger.

"Ah. Right. Ok. Like I was saying. I'm not a Neurosurgeon you know. Vampire physiology is complicated."

"You're not answering my question." I growled.

"I think the answer to your question will not be found in science...but in magic. I know a guy. But I need you're help looking for him...his place...it moves or something." I nod slowly. I knew exactly who he was talking about.

"We'll go tonight...when the Sun sets."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I've been walking around the halls of UC Sunnydale aimlessly for about an hour, looking for room 324, which apparently, doesn't exist. It's been a month since my encounter with Rack and since me and Buffy confessed our feelings for each other. Three weeks since we became lovers and she finally learned the truth about us. Two weeks since she got a job and I started school again. But it's only been about an hour and a half since the last time I used magic. I didn't do it on purpose. It's a force stronger than me...and... it's killing me!

The disorientation and confusion I'm feeling right now...is because of the magic. It requires all my concentration to avoid using it and instead of it becoming easier to control it's only becoming harder. I'm so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I didn't even notice she was standing right there looking at me.

"W-Willow?" The soft kind voice said. Turning suddenly, I see her. Her long blond hair and kind blue eyes. The look on her face a mixture of surprise and angst.

"Tara!" I say stunned.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Ohh...looking for the illusive unicorn that is room 324. I have to take a few makeup tests for the classes I didn't finish last semester." I explained.

"Make up tests were o-over 15 minutes ago." She said with a small smile so that I wouldn't take the news too badly.

"Oh. Well. I..."

"Don't worry. I think they have another session scheduled for Friday." She said and then added nervously "Anyways...I-I'll see you around."

She started walking away quickly when I realized things could not continue like this. "Tara! Wait!" I screamed. She turned and looked at me with a pained expression. That look tore my heart out.

"Can we at least talk? We used to do that all the time." I asked. She just stood there looking at me intently. "Have a cup of coffee with me at The Grotto?" I ask finally. She nodded in agreement and off to the caffeine factory we went.

We sat with our coffees at the table furthest away from the entrance of The Grotto. I needed to talk to her. The way I had hurt her was unforgivable and I couldn't just leave things the way they were.

"How is Buffy?" She asked.

"Good. Great actually." I hesitated a little but decided a clean slate was the way to go. "I told her everything already and we've been together, as a couple, for a month now."

"Yes. I heard. Anya told me one day a few weeks ago when I went to the Magic Box for supplies." Those words threw me for a loop. The last thing in the world I wanted was for her to be hurt. She deserved so much better.

"I'm sorry about the way you found out...reading my journals...I should have told you the truth." I said looking away from her in shame.

"Don't be sorry. I didn't find out from your journals. They just confirmed my suspicions." She said softly. My eyes widened with confusion as she proceeded to explain.

"I had always known that she was the one you loved. Always! The way your eyes would light up in her presence. The way you'd marvel at all her Slayer stories even if you had been there when it happened." She paused a minute and smiled, "Buffy was always your first priority, even when she was dead. I always knew I was living on borrowed time Will. Maybe if I had pointed it out sooner, instead of ignoring it, we would have all avoided a lot of pain." She finished. She didn't sound mad or hurt...just disappointed. I sat in shocked silence for a few minutes looking at her. I couldn't believe what she had just said, all the things she had felt throughout the years. How could I have been so blind?

"How is the magic?" She said interrupting my thoughts.

"Umm...a lot harder to kick than I originally thought." I say in defeat.

"What do you mean?" She asked concerned.

"Well...I live in a constant struggle against my powers. You were right...magic became my first nature. My body yearns for it. And the more I try to avoid it the stronger I become. It's unbelievable Tara, every morning I wake up stronger than the day before. I'm in touch with everything."

"I don't understand."

I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes, feeling the room around me. With my eyes still closed I begin.

"There are 12 other people in this restaurant. Five of which are happy, three are angry, another three are sad, and...one...is afraid." I open my eyes again and look at her. "You're the one who is afraid...of me." I finish pointedly.

"How did you do that?" She asked confused.

"I don't know. But I couldn't do that three days ago."

"Does Buffy know?"

"She knows I'm struggling against the magic and she's concerned. I overheard her talking to Giles about it the other day but he doesn't seem to have the answer to my problem." I say a bit defeated.

"What do you think it is?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure if it was Rack or if it started way before that. Maybe it doesn't have to do with anyone else at all. Maybe it's me. For the first time in my life Tara...I'm afraid. But the weird part is that I'm not sure if I'm afraid of who I am or of what I might become." I finished in a puzzled tone.

"Well...if you need any help...I-I mean...I-I know things are d-different now...but...there is a part of me that will always be...you know..."

"What?" I ask.

"Yours." She smiled softly. I looked at her holding back tears. She was right. There was a part of me that would always love her too. But my heart and soul belonged to Buffy...and she knew that.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I saw Xander walk into the gym out of the corner of my eye. He looked kind of lost and a little bewildered at the sight of so many women in such little clothing. I smile internally...that's my Xander! I waive at him from far away and begin walking in his direction.

"Wow Buff....can someone say "Catwoman"?" Xander exclaimed eyeing my uniform. "You're right....this place is way cooler than the Doublemeat...I mean the outfits alone!!" I smile...same old Xander.

"What's up...is evil afoot?" I ask concerned.

"Nope, but it is your birthday, and some people still like to relish in the birth of the Buff! I came to take you to lunch!" He said. The thought alone warmed my heart.

"Sure...give me a second and I'll meet you outside." I said.

We sat at one of the outdoor tables of the little restaurant across the street from the gym. The day was nice and warm and we bantered back and forth about the menu until we finally ordered. There was a little tension between us as we sat in silence until the waitress came by and brought the food. I didn't know where to begin. I hadn't had a one-on-one conversation with Xander in almost a year but was actually looking forward to this one. I love him so.

"How's Anya?" I start.

"Oh... she's going nuts over the wedding. She's on a Wedding Crusade! We eat, sleep, and drink wedding. She's driving me crazy." He finished all flustered.

"No... honestly...tell me how you really feel?" I ask mockingly.

"Uggh...it's hard to explain...I love her. I really do. It's just too much all at once. You know what I mean?" He sounded serious and I realized he was really freaked out.

"Well...I don't know how that feels. But I do know this...DON'T keep secrets. You keep secrets and you end up wasting five years of your life and before you know it your dead!" Ok ...so that came out a lot more personal that I intended.

"You loved her from day one?" He asked surprised.

"Mmm Hmm and when I think of all the time I wasted I wish I could kick myself." I say sadly.

"Well then don't look at it as wasted time. I mean...it's not like you guys weren't together all along. Maybe the fact that it took you so long to finally get there only adds to the intensity of it." Wow...Xander could be insightful when he wants to. I smile at him warmly...I really did miss his friendship.

"How is she doing by the way?" He asked.

"Umm...it's hard to say. Sometimes she's doing great. But sometimes I get home and find her all sweaty and shacking...struggling against an unknown opponent. She says it's the magic... that she gets these intense urges to use her powers and has to literally fight to not do it." I explained.

"What are you doing about it?" He asked.

"I have Giles working on it...but he is no where near any news." I finish sadly. He looked at me and realized this was a sore spot. Intent on making today a happy day he decided that maybe a change of subject was in order.

"How's the job?"

"Oh...awesome! All the extra training has turned me into Super Slayer. The only thing I can't do right now is fly. Also everyone seems to love it. The first day of class two weeks ago I had 10 students. But I guess word-of-mouth about my fighting moves spread like wild fire or something cause I have 35 students booked for tomorrow's session. Some have even asked if I'd be willing to teach private courses for non-gym members. But...I don't have where to do it." I shrug.

"What are you talking about?? The Magic Box has an awesome gym... that I built!! Remember? You can set up some classes there I'm sure Anya won't mind...it will probably drum up new business...you know how partial she is to the dead presidents and, that way, you can work and still be close to Scooby Central in case something apocalyptic arises." When did Xander grow up?? Can someone please tell me when Xander grew up and how come I missed it?

We ate our meal happily, switching topics back and forth, laughing at old jokes. Xander was my first true male friend and over the years he's become like family. Like the brother I never had. As I'm looking at him I keep remembering all the fun video nights, all the times we fought evil together, and all the times the world was going to end, yet, he stood by my side. There is no doubt in my heart...he is my brother.

When we were finished, we got up and started walking in the direction of the Magic Box a few blocks away. Walking past a street flower cart I stop.

"Hey Xander...wait up, I'm gonna buy Willow some flowers." He looks at me quizzically.

"You all do that?" He asked. Leave it up to a guy to make such a comment.

"Well... I don't know Xander. I didn't bring my trusty copy of the Lesbian Rule Book. But I swear, as soon as I get home I'll look it up under "F" for Flowers." I finish sarcastically.

"I didn't mean "you" as in the lesbian population of planet Earth! I meant you as in Willffy." He explained.

"Willffy?"

"Yeah...Willow and Buffy together....Willffy!"

"Willffy??? I don't think so Xander." I say rolling my eyes at the absurdity. Who makes up composed names to refer to couples?

"How about Buffow?" He continued teasingly. I shake my head at him and the flower vendor has a confused look on his face.

"Oh Oh I got a good one... Buffy Anne Willow....you get it??? Your middle name is the conjunction!!" He said triumphantly.

"How about you stop before I knock your head and make your eyes switch sockets?" I finished with a threatening smile.

"Wow, backing away slowly from the angry Slayer." He says mock narrating his actions. I officially retract the growing up comment. He is still the same boy I met in highschool...and...the thought of that made me smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The house was quiet when I walked in. I closed the door behind me and walked into the living room searching for her.

"Will? Baby? You home?" I call out.

"In the kitchen Buffy!" She responded. I start heading in that direction surreptitiously hiding the flowers behind my back. I want to fully appreciate the look on her face when she sees them...yellow roses with a tint of red along the edges of the petals.

Peeking my head around the doorway I see Willow sitting at the kitchen counter with her back turned to me working on her laptop. She looks so cute and studious. I tiptoe up to her and softly bury my face in her hair snuggling against her neck.

"What did I say about sneaking up on me?" She asked teasingly, "One day I'm going to give you an ass kicking you're never gonna forget." She finished chuckling at the absurdity of her own comment. My eyebrows popped up....ohhhh...an ass kicking? Hmmmm intriguing...

"Did you say "ass licking"?" Heh heh...ass licking...heh heh.

She turned to face me with a big bright smile. "No I didn't, but that sure is a much better alternative."

Just then I pull the flowers out from behind me. Her eyes flared with surprise and delight. "You brought me roses on YOUR birthday?" She asked stunned.

"Yep...yellow means friendship and red means passion....friendship sprinkled with passion. You like?" I ask.

"I love." She confirmed and gently leaned in to kiss my lips. My body trembled all over as the familiar tightness around my heart grew from being so close to her. Every minute with her is breathtakingly overwhelming.

"How was your day?" She asked as she grabbed the flowers from my hand. Moving to the other side of the counter, she started searching for a vase and I plopped down in her empty stool.

"Great actually. Xander took me out to lunch today for my birthday! We had a great talk." I say in a chipper tone. She turned quickly with a frightened look on her face.

"You didn't go dressed like that, did you?" She asked eyeing my tight black workout uniform.

"Ummm...yes?" I responded confused.

"And he was coherent?" She finished with a smile. I smile back...I guess she's telling me I look good. It's funny really. I can't remember her telling me that I'm beautiful or that she thinks I'm hot. I'm sure she's thought it...I can see it in her eyes, the way they linger over my body when we speak or in her expression whenever I walk into a room; but she's never actually SAID it.

"What? Do I look hot?" Her face flushed as she busily arranged the flowers. My heart beat quickened...I'm embarrassing her. This is very interesting.

"Do you like the way this outfit looks on me?" I pursued. She stopped what she was doing and looked at me.

"I love the way every outfit looks on you." She said softly. Hmmm...she said it and she didn't at the same time. I love all these sexy word games.

"So how was your day today?" I ask flirtatiously.

"Ok I guess. I ran into Tara at school." Errrrrrrrrr...that is the sound of the train of love coming to a screeching halt.

"Really? How was it?" I ask.

"Umm ... I asked her to join me for a cup of coffee at The Grotto...you know... to talk." I felt the little green slayer in my head yell "WHAT?" But...deciding to handle it like a woman, I choose a different approach.

"Well...that's nice!" I said overly chipper.

"Yeah. I told her that we were together. She actually seemed pleased. Although she did kind of imply that she still loved me." The little green slayer in me passed out! Literally fainted...but I'm not about to let her see that.

"Well...it's simple really...once you fall for Willow, you stay fallen." I concluded softly, speaking from personal experience. She looked at me and smiled warmly. She liked the way that sounded I guess and picked up right away that I wasn't talking about Tara anymore.

Leaning in closely she whispered in a mock threatening tone. "That's right Ms. Summers. You belong to me and don't you forget it." She ran her fingers through my hair. Her touch instantly sent my body into a goose bump wave! Starting on my head and ending between my legs. My breathing quickened as I closed my eyes to bask in the feeling.

"Guess where I'm taking you tonight." She whispered in my ear.

"Orgasm heaven?" I groaned out teasingly. She giggled a little at the words.

"Before there." She continued. She was still stroking my hair and I shrugged in response.

"I bought us tickets to the Ice Show." She finished. My eyes opened instantly.

"You're kidding?" I stammer out surprised.

"Nope! Have the whole night planned." She said pleased with herself. "I might even let you get cotton candy and those little souvenir programs with all the pictures you love so much. I know it used to be a tradition with your dad but...you love it so...maybe...it can be ours now?"

"I ...I ...I can't believe you remembered?" I say overwhelmed.

"I can't believe you'd think I'd forget." She countered with a smile.

I looked at her and the world around us quickly melted away. Everything about her is amazing. Her smile, her eyes, her skin....everything...but what tops the charts is her thoughtfulness, her heart, her love...

I get up from the stool and walk around the counter to meet her on the other side. She is looking at me longingly and the air is filled with desire. Placing my hands on her hips I pull her body towards me, squeezing her breasts against mine.

"You know what you are Will?" I whisper softly into her hair. "My hero..." I finish breathlessly taking her face in my hands to kiss her lips softly, reveling in the feel of her tongue against mine. So many thoughts were running through my head...but all of them were orbiting around her...she is the center of my life. Dropping my hands down her body I run them over her breast gently and further down until I reach her jeans. Still kissing her I start unbuttoning her jeans. Willow tensed and broke our kiss.

"Dawn will be home any minute." She explained.

"NOPE!" I say triumphantly. "I asked Xander to pick her up from school and take her for a movie or something so we could have a night alone." With that said I continue unbuttoning her jeans and she stops me again.

"Great...then let's go upstairs." She said nervously.

"Why? There is no one home." I provide.

"Cause this is not a NAKED place Buffy!!! We eat here!!" Willow shrieked out.

"That's exactly what I intend to do," I say sexily as I pull her jeans all the way down and look at her suggestively. Her eyes widened in shock and I smile internally. Does she think she's the only one with a few tricks up her sleeve?

With one effortless swoop I lift her up and sit her on the counter. Enjoying the sounds of her pants of anticipation, I begin removing her shoes and jeans slowly. As I bend down a little to kiss her knees and inner thighs I noticed something that made my heart stop.

"Will...are those my underwear?" I asked in shock. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she looked away.

"Yes, I like the way wearing them makes me feel." She explained in an ashamed tone. "Is it weird?" She asked concerned.

"No way...it's hot ... and ... sexy." I reply while running my hands up and down her bare legs. "But it's time for them to go now." I finish.

Lifting her off the counter with one hand momentarily, I pull on the waist band of the underwear with the other until they are half way down her thighs. After setting her back down I finish removing her panties with my teeth. The look on her face alone was remarkable...lust...fear...desire...fear...want...fear...she was really scared!

"Lighten up Will...your gonna love this!" I tease.

"The counter Buffy...my butts on the counter..." She stammers out.

"Don't worry...I'll lick it clean when we're done...now, put your legs over my shoulders." I instruct. She was nervous but it didn't take a lot of coaxing to get her to do it.

With her thighs firmly in place on my shoulders I inhaled deeply relishing in the scent of her sex. Even the way she smells is amazing! I started lapping the inside of her thighs as her whole body shivered in response. Each lick bringing me closer to her juicy center.

Willow had relaxed already. Her arms were firmly placed on the counter behind her holding herself steady. Her legs were tightly wrapped over my shoulders and slowly pulling me closer to her. I looked up for a second to see her face. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was partially opened, moaning and breathing deeply, whispering my name. I thought I was going to collapse. That's when I realized she was right...I did belong to her.

With one swift move I bury my face on her sex. She was warm and wet, and the minute my lips made contact with hers, she groaned loudly. Oh yeah...didn't I mention? She's a screamer!

I opened my mouth wide trying to cover as much territory as possible with every lick and suck. My tongue quickly found her pulsating nub and concentrated all its efforts there. Sucking and kissing and rubbing and licking. Her body was on fire and her hips were thrusting against my mouth. I felt the position of her body move and looked up to see that her arms had given out and she was laying flat on her back.

With my lips still massaging her clit I scoot her body back on the table to a more comfortable position. I love eating Willow. The only part I hate is missing her face when she cums. Deciding that the look on her face was worth a change in game plan, I replace my lips with my fingers and begin climbing on to the counter with her. She opened her eyes as soon as the caressing changed and was pleased to see me approaching her.

"Kiss me!" She begged.

With the taste of her sex still strong on my lips we kissed, devouring each other with our mouths. My fingers were thrusting in and out of her by now and she was getting really close. We break our kiss to look at each other and her eyes are filled with passion.

"Oh God Willow your so beautiful...I love you so much." I whisper to her right before her body stiffened in my arms. She snapped her head back, closed her eyes, and held her breath as I felt the waves of orgasm squeeze my fingers. I rubbed the palm of my hand against her clit one last time to see her through. And then....she was done.

I lay there in her arms on the kitchen counter kissing her neck softly waiting for her to come back to me. The "Orgasm Slide Show" was a tricky thing. It literally knocks you out for a few minutes and ever since the unfortunate and embarrassing incident in the living room last week (don't ask!), we opted to have simultaneous orgasms only in safe places...like our bedroom.

I layed quietly in her arms, admiring her face as she slept...so peaceful and happy. It's funny cause that's the way she makes me feel...peaceful and happy. Ten minutes later she awoke with a nice big smile on her face.

"What did you see this time?" I asked. It had become a routine. After every vision we'd discuss what we saw. It was always something from the past. Memories. Some we understood and others we didn't.

"It was of that time a few years ago that we went on a picnic with Xander and he made us take all those silly pictures." She said groggily. I still couldn't quite place the event and she continued to describe it.

"The day was really bright and sunny. You were wearing a white jean jumper with a pink tank top underneath and I was wearing a white sweatshirt with blue pants that had white strips running down the side."

"Oh yeah...that he made me carry you with my feet like you were flying and you started giggling cause my feet tickled your stomach and we lost balance and you fell on top of me." I said remembering the day vividly.

"Yes! That day. That was a great day!" She added.

"I wonder if Xander still has those pictures." I ponder thoughtfully.

"I think he does...we should get one, frame it, and put it in our room." Willow said.

"I think that is a great idea." I concluded.

"You know what else is a great idea?" She said with that "looking for trouble" tone. "It's still early and we have plenty of time before the Ice Show....let's go upstairs for a while!" She finished with a happy shriek.

"Last one up is a rotten egg!" I say as I dash of the counter.

"HEY!!! No fair!!! You have slayer feet!" I heard her say as I ran up the stairs. Yes...it's a confirmed fact...this is my best birthday ever!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There was a gentle knock at the bedroom door. When I opened it there stood the cutest, nicest, funniest, and warmest British maid this side of the world...but she looked like she'd just seen a ghost.

"Did you get the stuff I asked for?" I whisper. Her face was frozen in place. Fear was her expression and she wasn't changing it.

"Miss...I wish you'd reconsider...the Council frowns upon such behavior." She pleaded with me.

"Oh come'on Gretchen!!! The Council frowns about chewing too fast and swimming right after a meal." I counter.

"Stop trivializing it. This could have dire consequences." She adds...still looking mighty scared if I say so myself.

"We've discussed this already. I have to go. I have a score to settle." I said sternly so that there is no confusion...I'm determined.

"Very well. Here is the airplane ticket. My nephew bought it on the internet." She said in a disappointed tone. She really really didn't want me to go, but it was too late. With that ticket in my hand I was as good as gone.

"Promise me you'll be careful." She added. I hesitated. What I intended to do would require me to be the total opposite of careful. But I lied... for her sake.

"I promise."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I hid in the shadows when they walked in. Well...I really didn't hide...I cloaked. I can to cloak! There are a lot of things I can do. I am very powerful but ... everybody underestimates me. Underestimation is my greatest advantage!

I watched silently as the vampire and the man walked in. Rack stood and walked across the room to meet them half way.

"Well well...you two are... new. How can I ...be of service?" He said in his typical low drugged out voice. I love his voice.

"I got a chip problem, mate, and my friend here says you're the one that can fix it." The vampire said as he placed his hand on the man's shoulder. The man's face frowned in pain as the vampire gripped him tightly.

"Oh...you got more problems than that." Rack said looking at the man pointedly. He loved to speak in cryptic messages.

The little man quickly interrupted the exchange to avoid having innuendos linger to long. "Anyways...The Initiative embedded a chip in his brain a few years ago. The chip sends electric currents to his cerebral cortex that are interpreted as severe pain every time he attempts to hurt someone." The man provided.

"The Initiative...hmph...forgot about those guys, they were bad for business." Rack said nodding slowly in agreement.

"Yeah...ALRIGHT...we all miss the wankers." The vampire interrupts fiercely. "Enough with the trip down memory lane. Time is of the essence. I've been on a leash long enough. Can you do it or not?" He asked bluntly.

"Anything is possible...for the right price." Rack responded.

"I brought money! Lot's of it!" The man added while pulling out a wad of cash from his jacket. He turned to the vampire and continued, "It'll be my treat ... I insist." The vampire only smiled evilly in response.

"Alright then, one de-chipping coming right up." Rack said. He walked right up to the vampire and placed one hand on each side of the vampire's head. "This might sting a little..." he smiled broadly, "try to enjoy it."

With on swift move Rack dug his fingers into the vampire's head. A bright light exploded around the both of them and the vampire's scream of sheer pain was hair rising. The man standing next to the vampire was blown clear across the room by the mystical forces at play. The longer Rack held on the louder the vampire's scream became, until...instantly...they were silenced. Rack removed his hands and the body dropped to the floor.

"Oh my God! You killed him." The man said bewildered. "Thanks!" He shrieked before running out.

Rack chuckles deeply. "You can come out now Amy...he's gone."

I de-cloaked with a smile on my face. I love watching Rack in action. "You didn't kill him, did you?" I ask innocently with a tinge of sarcasm.

"No...just asleep right now." He confirmed.

"Good. Did you give him that extra spunk we discussed?" I ask.

"Sure did Hun. Pumped him full of venom! When sleeping beauty here wakes up he'll be a chipless re-born evil vampire. Slayer beware." He chuckled a little again.

"I think it's time you call him and let him know the deed was done." I said sternly.

"Me? Oh no. He is still mad over the mix up with Strawberry Shortcake last month." Rack explained defensively. I cringe a little remembering the uncomfortable conversation with the dark voice over the phone. I wanted Willow dead as much as the next person, I mean, I was the one who sat in a cage for 3 years while she continued with her meaningless life; but this guy, he REALLY hates her.

"Perhaps he won't be mad at us anymore. How were we supposed to know the Slayer would come to her rescue?"

"Hmm...I doubt the Slayer will be a problem this time...she'll have her hands full." Rack said as he admired the figure of the vampire laying on the floor who had already begun to move ruefully.

To be continued in Chapter 6 "Dangerous Times"

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