BtVS Fanfiction by Phoenix0879

Welcome to The Undiscovered Country, the second story in the ongoing Legacy Series. It continues the story of Xander and his lover, the male Slayer Sebastian. This story is set shortly after the events of the Buffy series finale Chosen.

Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel the Series, any of the characters from these shows. They are the property of Joss Whedon, FOX and UPN. I am merely playing in this fantastic sandbox created by Joss. These stories are written purely for my pleasure and hopefully the pleasure of you, the reader. I make no profit from these stories, other than the joy of writing.

“So, this is the United Kingdom, eh? Highly overrated, it’s just like back home.” Xander quipped.
                       
“Yeah, except it’s minus the whole gaping crater in the ground look.” Dawn commented.

“Maybe we should make one?” Kennedy joined in as they walked towards the luggage collection area. As normal, they arrived long before their cases.

Buffy looked around, taking in their surroundings, “So far, I have to say I’m disappointed in the mother land Giles.” Beside her, the ex-watcher sighed, removing his glasses and giving them a quick clean.

“Buffy.  It’s an international airport. I get the impression that if you flew to Beijing it would look pretty much the same.” The little plastic curtains parted and luggage started appearing on the conveyor belt. “Ah, here’s our bags now.” They didn’t have to wait very long, they had very few bags, only the few bits and pieces they had picked up on the drive to Los Angeles.

They entered the airport terminal proper and Xander started looking every which way. Willow and Kennedy let out a little laugh. “Relax Xand, he’ll be around somewhere, it’s a big place.” Kennedy chipped in.

As if on cue, a tall dark haired figure appeared amongst the crowd, worming his way towards their little group. “Guys!” he waved.

“Like we could miss someone that tall.” Dawn muttered.

“Bastian!” Willow shouted, letting go of Kennedy’s hand and returning the wave. She pushed forwards and hugged the younger man, “How are you?”

“Good, good. You?”

“Excellent. I did this most amazing spell, with the scythe that Buffy found.”

Bastian nodded, “Yeah, I know, I felt it. Very cool.” He let Willow go and gave Buffy a brief hug, then Dawn. “Giles, welcome home.” He said, shaking the older mans hand, “Kennedy,” He smiled and waved around them “Welcome to England.” Finally he turned to Xander, “Hi Xand, good flight?”

Xander smiled, “Bastian.” The two men gave each other a quick hug, “God I’ve missed you.”

“Same here, same here.” He looked deep into Xanders’ eye “I am so glad you’re alive.” Tenderly he reached out and traced a finger round the edge of Xanders eyepatch. He looked to Giles, “Your car’s here, I’ll show you the way. Do you feel up to driving? If not, I’ll do the honours.”
Giles sighed, “Yes, that might be helpful, I’m exhausted. Do you know the way?”

Bastian nodded, “Sure. After you gave me the directions I took a quick run out there. I didn’t enter the grounds like, but I found my way.”

 Xander looked at Giles, “You have grounds?”

“Oh, um, yes. Just a few acres, for the horses.”

“You have horses?”

Giles sighed, “Yes, I do. Now lets get going, shall we? It’s been a long journey.” Together they headed for the car park.

“Woah Giles, what is that, a tank?” Dawn asked.

“It’s a Land Rover Dawn, although tank may not be overstating it by much.” Giles answered, “It’ll be a squeeze, but we should all be able to fit in.” Giles, Xander and Bastian clambered in the front while Buffy, Dawn, Willow and Kennedy clambered in the back, sitting on bench seats that ran sideways down the length of the vehicle. What baggage they had was between the two groups.

Silently they set off and within minutes Dawn was sleeping lightly, her head resting on Buffy’s shoulder. Opposite them, Willow and Kennedy were cuddled up close together, their heads resting together in contentment. Buffy sat in silence, her mind playing over what had happened a mere ten days earlier.

‘I love you.’ She said, her voice soft.

A flicker of a smile flashed across Spike’s features, ‘No you don’t. But thanks for saying it.’

An eternity passed between them in seconds, things that hadn’t been said that should have, touches that were never felt but pressed on her skin.

‘Now go!’ As she disappeared up the stairs, she heard the last words he uttered and she smiled to herself, even at the end, he looked to the best of things, the challenge, ‘I wanna see how it ends.’ She was jolted from her memories as the car rocked up and down suddenly. Her head whipped around, looking for some attack.

“Relax Buffy,” Bastian said, looking at her in the mirror, “Only a speed bump. We’ll be on the motorway soon, then a few country lanes. About fifty minutes and we’ll be there.”

“Speed bump?”

Bastian laughed, “Yeah, these things are bloody everywhere right now. They’re meant to be a ‘traffic calming’ measure. Reality check, they piss everyone off and make for a LOT of cranky drivers.”

“Oh.” Buffy slipped into silence again, hearing the hushed voices of Xander and Bastian. She watched idly as the scenery flashed by. Office buildings and warehouses faded into brick houses then more and more greenery. Then they raised up above it and accelerated as they moved along the freeway. ‘Motorway’ she corrected herself. After all, when in Rome. Slowly her thoughts drifted away again, her mind barely taking in her surroundings.

‘I don’t understand, what did this?’

‘Spike.’

She stared out at the crater. He had done it. He said he’d done it for her, to be the man she deserved. And he was. Oh, what she’d told Angel was true, she couldn’t see a white picket fence and grand children with Spike, but still, he was there. They’d transcended sex, gone beyond that. Together, just comfortable in each others presence, they were stronger than they had been. A soft sigh escaped her mouth, she would have to deal. That’s what she did, dealt with things. It was her gift. Forget the Slayer, her true strength was that she could deal.

She shook her head, clearing the thoughts from her mind. She couldn’t dwell on it. Spike was gone. What he’d done had been noble. When they’d arrived in Los Angeles and she’d told Angel, she could see the jealousy, the twelve-year-old raising his little green head once again. And she’d known. She couldn’t stay there, she had to get away. And here they were. Great Britain. Once an empire to challenge the glory that had been Rome, both now little more than a memory. There were a lot of those at the minute, she thought.

The scenery slowed down as they left the ‘motorway’. Trees surrounded them now. Through gaps, she could see a small town growing smaller as they drove out into the country. The Land Rover bucked a couple of times as they headed along narrow country lanes, green fields stretching off in all directions, broken only by some woods to the left of the road.

“Almost there.” Bastian said.

Buffy gently shook Dawn’s shoulder, “Dawn honey, wake up. We’re almost there.” Dawn stirred and looked around her.

“Wow. Green.”

“Yeah, kinda a running theme in the countryside.” Xander quipped from the front seat. Trees and hedgerows passed by, wooden fences, a pair of horses grazing in a field. Buffy saw none of it. No green fields. No horses. She was in an immense cavern, blinding light pulsing throughout, the First Evil’s army crumbling to ashes. In the distance, the immense mystical cavern that was the hellmouth began to collapse, rock and dust tumbling down.

‘Buffy, come on!’

“Buffy, come on!” She came back to reality with a snap, Dawn tugging at her sleeve. She clambered out of the Land Rover and looked around. They were on a gravel driveway, a large stone house stood before them. Ivy stretched up one corner, arcing over a window and trailing round the doorframe. A large oak door with a brass knocker awaited them. Smoke curled from a chimney.

Xander whistled, “Nice pad, Giles.”

“Yes, well, when Buffy had the council reinstate me with full back pay, plus interest, it turned out to be quite a substantial sum. With three quarters of it put away, in a year I had enough to afford this little place.” He spotted a blue BMW, “Oh good, Olivia’s here. Come on.”
“Olivia?” Buffy asked, “I thought you two were separated?”

“We were, but when I returned last year I tried to woo her back.” He smiled, “I won.”

Buffy made a face, “Okay, not wanting any more details. And who says ‘woo’ anymore?”

Giles led the way. They crunched across the gravel and the door opened, Olivia standing there beaming at him. “Rupert!” She ran forward and gave him a hug, which he readily returned. After a while, they broke apart and Olivia turned to the others, “Hi guys, come on in, I just put the kettle on.”

They entered the house and were greeted by the smell of cooking food. Giles beamed at Olivia, “You didn’t have to cook, but thank you.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and smiled up at him, comfort and love in her eyes.

“Of course I didn’t have to, I wanted to. After everything you went through, I was scared I’d never see you again. I don’t know why you go looking for those things.”

A soft sigh escaped Giles, “I don’t go searching for it, it finds me. And I couldn’t live with myself if I did nothing.”

She squeezed his waist and smiled, “I know. It’s why I love you.”

The group entered the kitchen and sat around a large table while Olivia poured them drinks after asking what each of them wanted. She smiled as all the Americans simply said “Coffee”. Soon they were warming their hands around steaming cups, talking about the flight, the films, about exploring the country.
“You know,” Willow said, “It’s not just a new country we’ve got to explore here. It’s a new world Buffy. One we created.”

“Just so.” Giles said, “But for now, I say we head to bed.” The others nodded their agreement, suddenly very weary. “Come on, I’ll show you to your rooms.” He stood and led them from the kitchen.

They re-entered the hallway and clambered the stairs. As they reached the landing, a hallway stretched off to their left and right. Giles led them down the left. “The guest rooms are down here, down to the right is my library, another guest room and mine and Olivia’s room.” They passed a door on the left, “That’s the bathroom.” He crossed to a door on the right, opening it, “This room is for you, Buffy.” He pointed to the next door down as they continued along the hallway, on the left this time. “Xander, Sebastian, that is your room.” Finally he opened the last door on the right. “Willow and Kennedy, you will be staying in here.”

He turned around and carried on talking, “Dawn, you’ll be down here I’m afraid, next to Olivia and me.”

Dawn smiled, “That’s okay.”

The group split up, heading for their respective rooms, wishing each other “Good night.” and “Sweet dreams.”

Gently Bastian shut the door behind them and smiled, “Look at this place, it’s fantastic.”

“You didn’t have a place like this?” Xander asked, kicking his shoes off and dropping his trousers, draping them over a chair at the desk.

Bastian shook his head, “Hardly. Me and Liz shared a flat in Nottingham. Roughly twenty minutes from the city centre.” He started to strip too, clambering into the bed.

“Oh,” Xander said, joining him, “Say, how’s the case going.” 

Bastian rolled onto his side to look Xander in the face, “I don’t know yet. They held the pre-trial hearing, as you know, and the case is due to be heard in a couple of months. I just hope the bastard gets life.” He propped himself up on an elbow and leaned a little closer, “Say, do we have to talk? It’s been nearly two months since we were together.” He leaned in and kissed Xander deeply and passionately, exploring the older man’s mouth with great relish. God, I missed this, he thought to himself.

After a while he broke the kiss and whispered softly, “I’ll take you shopping in the morning, we need to get you guys some new clothes. But that’s tomorrow.” They leaned together again. Losing themselves in each others arms and ministrations. Xander trailed his hand across Bastians’ bare chest, teasing his boyfriend. For a moment, his mind paused. ‘I have a boyfriend?’ he thought. No matter how much he cared for Bastian, it was still kind of strange.


In the next room Willow and Kennedy lay in each others’ arms. Kennedy ran her fingers through Willow’s hair. Willow reached up and ran her hand along her girlfriends’ arm. “They seemed happy.” Kennedy said.

Willow nodded softly, “It has been almost two months. I thought they were very restrained.”

Kennedy smiled, “I wouldn’t have been. I’d have eaten you alive in that airport.”        

Willow turned in her arms so that she could look into Kennedy’s face, her eyes glinting mischievously, “Feel like a meal before bed?” Kennedy didn’t reply, she just smiled and kissed her girlfriend, her hands exploring the soft curves of Willows’ body.

The next day they were walking the streets of the nearby town, shopping for a few clothes and other essentials. As they strolled down the high street they chatted amongst themselves about their plans for the days ahead.

“I’ve been going through my old address book,” Giles said, “It’s surprising the number of people who are willing to help.”

“So the new council, it’s a go?” Buffy asked.

Giles nodded, “So it would seem. A few people have been scouting for a new location, but the real problem is going to be replacing the reference library. Some of the books lost were the only copies, they were irreplaceable.”

“You’re too hung up on books, Giles.”

“Buffy, we’ve had this debate before.”

“Yeah, well, even you have to admit that if the books had been scanned, there would be backups somewhere.”

Giles sighed, “That may be so, but books contain something more. They have sme...”

Xander laughed, “Give up Giles, you’re talking to the MTV generation.”

Beside him Bastian smiled and gave Xander’s hand a quick squeeze before letting it go. “I’m going to have to side with Giles on this one. I have all the computer literacy of Shakespeare. Why do you think I needed Willow’s help to book my flight?”

Xander looked to him, “Hey, don’t blame us if the British education system is stuck in the Nineteenth century.”

Bastian smiled ruefully, “Actually, the school’s here aren’t that bad, I just spent my schooldays waiting for PE so I could stare at the guys in shorts.”

Next to them, Willow laughed, “So fickle. Me, I was glued to schoolwork.”

“Willow the nerd? I can’t see that.” Kennedy said beside her, mirroring what Bastian had done earlier and squeezing her lovers’ hand, only she didn’t let go.

Willow only nodded, “Uh-huh, I was a uber-nerd alright.”

“Yeah, but Will, look at the woman you turned into.” Buffy commented, “Looks to me like the nerd phase was a mere stepping stone to mega-cool-world-saving-super-witch.”

“So what, you got top grades or something?” Bastian asked. Again Willow nodded and started to answer, but Xander cut in,
“Our Wills was top of the year, breezed through school like it was kindergarten. She had a letter of acceptance from every university that could write. And they told their buddies. She had letters coming in from all over.”

Willow blushed, “Don’t exaggerate Xand.” She paused, “It was only the universities in the States and Europe.”

“Only?” Bastian and Kennedy echoed each other. Bastian looked at Willow, “Jeez girl, I didn’t get one grade above an E in my final exams. I left school with my bronze swimming certificate.” He laughed lightly at their looks, “Okay, the swimming thing was a forgery my mate Dave did.”

Buffy looked at Bastian, “At least I’m not home alone in the lack of smarts department.”

Willow looked at Buffy shocked, “Buffy, we’ve had this chat before, you’re way smarter than you look. Remember the trial in the house, where you got that psycho vamp to drink holy water? That was smart.”

“Yeah,” Xander chipped “and don’t forget your SAT scores, those were sky high.”

Bastian let out a mock sigh, “Oh no, I’m surrounded by brain cases.”

“Not entirely,” Xander said, “Remember, I barely scraped through high school.” He paused, “Uh oh.”

“What?” Bastian asked.

“I think this relationship might struggle, it’s gonna be like the blind leading the blind.”

Bastian grinned and swatted Xander on the shoulder. “It’s okay, I’ll get a guide dog.”

“Oh no,” Xander said, pulling a face, “I ain’t sharing you with no dog. You can have a white stick and be happy with it.”

Bastian grinned at Xander, “I can live with that, there’s lots of uses I could put a white stick to.”

“Like what?”

“Err, shall we go in here?” Giles said, “And please stop the rapidly more disturbing conversation before you give us all nightmares.”

The group nodded and Bastian tried – and failed – to look remorseful, “Sorry guys. Say, we could get you lot some ear muffs, then we can talk the disturbing talk all afternoon!”

Giles gave him a mock glare, “You two should remember that you’re guests in my house.”

The two looked at each other and then mimed zipping their lips before laughing. Giles let out a sigh. “I give up. Just please, for the sake of my sanity, leave the disturbing sexual innuendo at home.”

“Will do, Giles.” Xander answered.

A few hours later the car pulled up in front of Giles’ home and they all piled out, carrying copious amounts of shopping. They traipsed into the living room, collapsing onto the sofa and armchairs. Dawn sighed,

“What a day. You know, I thought the fashion here was going to be so out of date, but it’s not that bad.”

“Yeah Dawny, I know what you mean,” Buffy said, “I got this great top, look.”

As she lifted the top in question from the bag to show the group, the phone rang and Giles stepped into the hall to answer it.

“Ah, Devon, how are you? Thank you for calling me back. I hope retirement is suiting you.” He listened for a while, “Bored? Well, I have a challenge if you’re interested. Yes. That’s right, yes, the new council. Wonderful. I’ll call you tomorrow and we can arrange to meet up. Thank you, take care yourself.” He hung up and returned to the living room, “That was Devon Sawyer, the watcher who helped train me when I returned to the council, following my adventurous youth. He’s agreed to meet me and discuss helping with the new council.”

“That’s good.” Buffy said, “Hold on, he’s not in the Quentin Travers mould is he? Because we could really do without that stuffiness. We’ve got a lot of girls to find Giles, we can’t be scaring them off with stupid strength sapping tests and stuff.”

Giles shook his head, “No, Devon was always a bit of a rebel, but he was also one of the best watchers ever.”

Buffy nodded, “Okay, that’s good.” Not missing a beat, she turned back to the gang, “Anyway, I found the most amazing pair of leather pants.” She started going through her shopping bags, looking for the pants in question when the house reverberated with the sound of the doorknocker. Olivia’s voice filtered through to them and they heard the soft padding of her feet on the carpeted staircase,

“I’ll get it Rupert.” Momentarily they heard the sound of the door being opened and voices talking, not hushed, but not quite loud enough to be heard. The door closed with a solid thunk and footsteps could be heard approaching. Olivia appeared in the doorway to the living room, a slightly overweight man standing beside her, dressed in tweed. “Edward’s here.”

Giles stood, smiled and walked over to the new arrival. He pumped his hand in greeting, “Edward! Good to see you! You really should come round more often. Come on in, I want you to meet the slayers.” He turned and headed into the room but paused when Edward didn’t follow. “What’s wrong?” He asked, turning around.

Unsteadily, Edward walked into the living room and sat in an armchair. “I’m sorry to call in on you so soon after your return, but I’m afraid I don’t know who else to turn to. I need help Rupert, or I’ll be dead by morning.”

“Good lord.” Giles said, sitting down opposite Edward, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s the same as the others Rupert. Every single one has died.” He looked down at his hands, obviously deeply preoccupied.

Giles frowned, “Hold on Edward, start at the beginning, what others?”

Edward looked up from his hands, “There have been a number of mysterious deaths in the local area. To start with I just assumed, like everyone else, that they were freak accidents. But then a relative of one of the deceased came to see me, because I’m known as a bit of a supernatural enthusiast. It seems that the dead man saw a large black dog six days before his death.”

“A Barghest.” Giles said softly.

Edward nodded in agreement, “That was my conclusion too.”

“Uh, excuse me,” Buffy said, raising a hand, “What’s a Bar-fest when it’s at home?”

“Barghest. It’s a nocturnal creature, resembling a large black dog, roughly the size of a calf, that is purported to indicate an individuals imminent death if they see it. The person usually has six days and nights after seeing the creature before they die.”

“Wow, nice pets you have round here Giles.” Dawn said.

Giles turned back to Edward, “Please continue Edward.”

Nodding, he carried on talking, “Anyway, realising what it may be, I set about finding a way to combat the creature, but without seeing it. Finally, after much research, I determined that looking at it through a mirror should protect me. At least that way I could determine for sure what I was dealing with. I set out one evening to hunt the Barghest, walking backwards along the field, not looking anywhere except in my mirror. As the night passed, I had seen nothing and gave up, returning home. I had decided that it must have been a mistake, so put my mirror away. As I stood up from packing my bag, I saw a large black dog standing on a nearby hill, staring me down.” He paused, shuddering, “It had been hunting me Rupert, I know it. Waiting for me to drop my guard.”

“When did all this happen?” Giles asked.

“Tonight will be the sixth night since I saw the Barghest.”

Giles drew in a sharp breath, “Good grief. I’m glad you came here. We’ll do our absolute best to protect you and find a solution to this.”
Edward responded with a weary smile, “Thank you, Rupert.”

“It’s no trouble Edward, none at all. I think it would be for the best if you spent the night here.” There were nods of agreement all around.

“Thank you again Rupert, but there’s no need. I’m in as much danger here as anywhere else.”

“Nonsense. If you stay here, you’ll be protected by three slayers and an incredibly powerful witch, I can’t think of any better place for you.” He smiled genially at the nervous man.

Wringing his hands, Edward looked into Giles’ face, “Very well, thank you Rupert. But I need to go home, collect a few bits and pieces.”

Giles’ smiled and nodded in agreement, “Of course.” He looked out of the window at the young night, “Kennedy, will you accompany Edward please, just to be safe.”

“Sure.” Kennedy said, jumping to her feet, “Come on, lets get going before it gets any darker.”

Edward stood and followed her into the hallway. She opened the door for him and he proceeded her out onto the front driveway. A white Mini was parked over by one of the fences to the left and he headed towards it.

Their footsteps crunched on the gravel and Edward seemed to be getting more and more nervous, there was barely a sound to be heard. No birds, no animals. It was eerily quiet. “Come on.” He said, speeding up a little. In the field, one of the horses whinnied in agitation, circling, clearly distressed. In the distance, an unearthly howl floated over the hills to them. With a final terrified sound, the horse bolted, leaping the fence and charging towards them.

Kennedy saw it all in slow motion “Watch out!” she cried, rolling out of the terrified animal’s path. Edward dodged to the right, trying to avoid the horse. He almost made it. The left flank of the charging animal hit him and knocked him away. He flailed his arms as he tripped on a stone and fell flat on his back. The horse, still terrified, circled around and charged back the way it had come. It raced past Kennedy and narrowly missed trampling Edward, gravel flying in all directions. As it reached the fence, the animal turned to race along its length, knocking into some farm tools lent against it.

Kennedy clambered to her feet and started towards Edward, but she could see it was too late. The tools seemed to fall in slow motion. Ten feet. The tools were still falling. Eight feet. Still falling. Six feet. She was going to make it. Four feet. She reached out for the tools.

With a wet sound, the hoe struck Edwards head, blood and brains splashing across the gravel. Kennedy came to a skidding stop. Everything went still and quiet again. The horse stopped, frozen in place. A chill crept its way down her spine and slowly she turned to her left.

She screamed.

There, not thirty feet away, a large black dog, the size of a calf, stood staring at her.

She screamed and covered her eyes.

Behind her, the door to the house opened and footsteps raced across the gravel.

“Edward? Kennedy?” It was Giles’ voice, “Good lord! Dawn, call nine-nine-nine and ask for an ambulance! The address is by the phone!”

Arms grabbed Kennedy and spun her around into a tight embrace, “What’s wrong babe?” Willow’s voice was soft and soothing. The normally strong and confident Kennedy seemed to shrink in her girlfriend’s arms.

“I-I saw it. It was staring straight at me.”

“What was?”

“T-the dog.” Kennedy answered.

“Oh baby.” Willow said, stroking Kennedy’s hair. “It’s okay, we’ll fix it. You won’t die. I promise.”

“Lets get her inside, quick.” Strong hands took her shoulder, Giles and Willow led her inside. Olivia and Buffy moved across the gravel towards the suddenly docile horse. Together they led it towards a gate and got it back in the field.

Kennedy was sat on the sofa being comforted by Willow when the police left three hours later. As the officers left, one of them took Giles to one side. “Although it appears to have been nothing more than a freak accident, I must ask that you keep yourselves available in case we need to talk again.”

Giles nodded, “Of course. We aren’t planning on going very far in the next few days, just exploring the local area. We’ll be home each evening and I have an answer-phone.”

The officer nodded in turn, “That’s fine.”

“Excuse me, but Edward said there had been a number of strange deaths recently.”

The officer rubbed his eyes, “Quite so, this will be the eleventh.”

Giles’ eyes went wide, “Really? That’s terrible.”

“Indeed.” The officer started for the door, “Well, thank you for your time Mr Giles. Good evening.”

“Yes, good evening officer.” Giles said, shutting the door behind him.
 

He returned to the living room, “Well, I suggest we move upstairs to the library, see what we can find on the Barghest there. Dawn, would you mind making us drinks?”
“Sure.” Dawn said and disappeared towards the kitchen. The remainder of the group headed up the stairs and entered Giles’ library. Xander gave a soft whistle.

“Wow Giles, this is kind of impressive.”

“Yes, well, I had my collection from the states shipped over when I came home. With the collection I already had, it’s become quite extensive.”

“I’ll say.” Willow commented, looking around the large room. Shelves lined every wall from floor to ceiling, a good ten foot. Each wall had it’s own rolling ladder to reach the higher books. In the centre of the room stood a large oak table, surrounded by a half dozen chairs and reading lamps on the table. Leather armchairs, accompanied by a small coffee table, sat in pairs around the room, six chairs in total. Each pair also had a tall reading lamp standing between them.

As they settled in, exploring the shelves for any books which might seem pertinent, Olivia joined them. “Need any help?”

Giles smiled, “Only if you want to, Olivia. I know you don’t care for all of this.”

Olivia smiled wearily back at him at him, “I might not care for it Rupert, but its here, I can’t just close my eyes to it. I knew Edward. Not like you did, but I still knew him.” She hugged herself, “I want to help, for Edward.”

“Thank you.” Giles said, pulling out a chair at the table for her. As she sat down, Dawn arrived with drinks, handing them out before settling into one of the armchairs with a book on mythological creatures.

They stayed in the library into the small hours, pouring over book after book, the pile of rejected books growing ever higher. As the clock chimed two a.m., Giles set his book down with a dejected sigh and removed his glasses, giving them an idle clean.

“This is infuriating.” he said, “For a creature that everyone’s heard the legend of, there’s a depressing lack of information.”

Across from him, Xander shut a heavy leather bound book with solid thump, “This is crazy. We must have checked dozens of books. I gotta say Giles, your library doesn’t seem so impressive now.”

“Yes, well, we have more books to read yet. For now, I suggest we retire and resume in the morning.”

“You can’t just give up!” Willow exclaimed, “This is my girlfriend’s life we’re talking about!”

“Quite so Willow,” Giles said softly, “But continuing while we are all exhausted is good for no one. We are far more likely to miss something important if we continue now than if we wait until the morning.” He pushed his chair back from the table and turned his reading lamp off, Olivia standing with him, “We will see you all in a few hours.” With that, the pair left the library.
“I think he’s right.” Buffy said, “I’m going to bed. Come on Dawn, it’s late.” Dawn yawned and stood up, placing the book she had been reading on the coffee table and shutting the light off. “Night guys.” Buffy said, leading her sister from the room.

Kennedy got up and pulled on Willow’s hand, “Come on Will, lets’ go get some sleep. We’ve got six days, we’ll solve it.” Willow smiled up at her girlfriend as she was pulled to her feet.

“You’ve calmed down a bit.”

Kennedy shrugged, “I was shocked, I mean this Barghest critter ain’t small you know. Scared the life out of me.”

Willow kissed Kennedy softly, “That’s my tough little Slayer. Okay, we’ll come back in a few hours.” They walked towards the door, hand in hand.

“Hold on Will.” Xander called, turning off his light, “Come on Bastian, we need to get some rest as well.” Bastian nodded wearily. Together, the two couples left the library and headed back to their rooms. “Don’t worry Kennedy, we’ll solve this. The Scoobies have handled worse. You’ll be fine.”

His words seemed to comfort both of the girls and Kennedy smiled at him, “Thanks Xand.” She opened their bedroom door, “See you later guys.”

“See you later.” Bastian echoed. As the door shut behind them, he turned to Xander, “I hate this. I’m not a research guy, I’m a ‘hit it until it solves the problem’ kinda guy. I just want to find this thing and beat it to a pulp.”

Xander smiled, “Nice plan, but not productive. Then you’d only have six days left yourself. I hate to say it, but for now it looks like it’s the books that hold the answer.” He opened the door to their room and ushered Bastian in, closing the door behind them.

Bastian shrugged, “I didn’t say it was a good plan.” He smiled, “But yeah, you’re right. Still, I’ll have a look around with Buffy tomorrow and see if we can find some tracks or anything.”

Xander looked back at him, “That’s a good idea. And you said you were dumb.”

“Well, okay, only some of the time.” Bastian answered with a grin. He walked over and kissed Xander.

After a while, Xander pushed away, “Mmm, much as I’d like to, we should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

Bastian sighed, “You’re right.” They settled down and soon sleep took them.

Buffy lay in her bed. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him.

‘I can feel it, Buffy.’ Pain and awe flashed across his face as the mystical light pulsed from the amulet.

‘What?’

‘My soul. It’s really there. Kinda stings.’ He paused, lost in the sensations pulsing through him, ‘Go on then.’

She shook her head, ‘No, no you’ve done enough, you could still...’

He cut her off, ‘No, you beat them back. It’s for me to do the clean up.’

She looked round as the immense mystical cavern started to collapse, crumbling away. Dust and debris rained down, the ground shaking beneath her. More dust settled on her head, there was a steady shower of it now. This was it, she realised, the end of the Hellmouth. There was a bang.

Buffy looked over to the door as a second gentle knock came, “Come in.” she called softly. The oak door opened a little and Dawn stepped in. She smiled softly at her sister and padded over the soft, thick carpet. Sitting on the edge of Buffy’s bed, she looked down at her sister.

“I couldn’t sleep.” She said, “I keep thinking of everything that’s gone.” A tear rolled down her cheek, “And mom. Buffy, I - we’ll, we’ll never be able...” Her voice broke and she started to cry, great racking sobs. Buffy sat up and pulled the younger woman into her arms, resting Dawn’s head on her shoulder and petting her hair. She whispered soothing words into Dawn’s ear, even as the tears that she had been holding back overwhelmed her and began running down her cheeks. Buffy pulled them down and they lay together on the bed, crying softly, yet both a little happier. They were together and they were family. Eventually, sleep took the two sisters and for the first time since the end, Buffy’s dreams were peaceful.


   
Willow and Kennedy lay in each others arms on the queen sized bed. Distantly they could hear Dawn. Kennedy rolled over, propping herself up on one elbow and looking at her partner. “It must be hard.”

Willow’s eyes were wet with tears, “You have no idea Kennedy. I know what Dawn’s feeling. We’ve lost everything. Our homes, family, everything. I don’t even know where mom and dad are, even if they’re alive. I think they said they were going to Aunt Sue’s, but I can’t remember her number.” A single tear rolled down Willow’s cheek. Kennedy reached out and brushed it away.

“But you’re still here. That’s what’s most important. And I’m with you. We’ll find your mom and dad. You remember where your aunt lives?” Willow nodded, “Then we’ll travel there, as soon as we can. We’ll find them. I promise.” She pulled her witch into a hug. Willow rolled over and they cuddled together. Kennedy gently kissed the back of Willows neck. “I’ll always be there for you.” Willow smiled and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Day 1

The next morning, the group gathered in the kitchen. The gang was seated around a warm oak table, a bowl of fresh fruit in the centre. Buffy looked at Dawn and smiled. Their night in each other’s comfort seemed to have helped the younger Summers woman no end, for which Buffy was glad. That it had benefited herself as well was a bonus, a release which she had needed for a while, but had barely admitted even to herself.

Buffy poured herself a glass of juice and leaned against the counter, staring out of the window at the rolling fields that surrounded them. A light mist still clung to the fields, turning the landscape into a sea of undulating grey and mysterious shadows. “Wow, nice day.” she commented.

Giles looked up from the cup of tea he was drinking whilst reading a leather bound book. “It’s okay Buffy, the mist will be cleared in an hour or so.”

Buffy set her empty glass down, staring out into the mist. “That’s good. I’m gonna take a shower.” She turned and left the kitchen. Willow watched her friend leave and turned back to the group, “She seems better, did anyone else see that? She seems better today.”

Dawn nodded, “We held each other last night. I woke up and she was talking in her sleep. I think she misses Spike more than she’s letting on.”

Giles sighed, “I wish she’d move on, he was no good for her.” he set his book and tea down, moving to the counter and preparing his breakfast. Returning to the table with his bowl of Weetabix, he sat down again and poured milk over the two wheat blocks. “Spike may have saved the world, but he was not good for her.”

Xander watched Giles before speaking “You know, I wasn’t the worlds greatest Spike fan, but if what Buffy said about him after he got his soul back was true - plus the whole pushing me away from Caleb before he skewered my brain thing - I’m kind of leaning towards giving him a get out of jail card.”

“Be that as it may, he still had the potential to cause harm.”

“Giles, leave it already.” Willow cut in, “Buffy made her choice and it turned out to be the right one.”

Giles sighed again, “You’re right, of course. Besides, the point is mute, Spike is gone.”

Silence gripped the small group for a while, before Kennedy broke the uncomfortable silence, “So, giant dog, any leads?”

Giles took a mouthful of his cereal before addressing Kennedy, “Not as yet, but we will continue our endeavours today. Plus Buffy and Sebastian will be looking for tracks as soon as the mist lifts, to see if they can locate some clue as to the creature’s whereabouts.”

An hour later, while the others returned to Giles’ library to continue their research, Buffy and Sebastian set out to track the creature. The mist that had shrouded the countryside has lifted and a cool autumn day was upon them. They jumped the fence to the paddock and spread out, searching for some hint or clue. The grass was still damp underfoot, dew still clinging to it. Buffy inhaled deeply, the scent of the country air filling her nostrils. She let out a contented sigh. She liked it here, even with the pressures on them; to find the Slayers, the Watchers, to stop the latest creature feature, she was relaxed. She took another deep breath, revelling in the sensation of breathing in the still cool morning air.

“Buffy, over here!” She turned in the direction of Bastian’s voice. He was about twenty metres away, crouched down, his long dark green coat pooled around him. She wandered over towards him,

“Say, just how many jackets have you got?”

He looked up and flashed her a lopsided smile, “Oh, at least seven, I hate to be seen in the same thing too often in a single week.”

Buffy chuckled softly, “So, what you got?” She wrinkled her nose, “Aside from a jumbo pile of dung?”

“Not the dung, Buffy, what’s in it. Look.” She looked down in the direction he was pointing. A large pile of horse muck had been trodden in, a large animal print clearly visible. “I’m no animal expert, but I’d guess that there aren’t many dog type creatures that big in the UK. We should have Giles look at it.”

Buffy shook her head, “Nah, there can’t be many critters with feet that big around, I say we follow it.” She pointed to the ground, “Look, there. This one just stands out ‘cos it’s framed by the muck, but there’s a definite trail.” They set off, following the faint trail of prints across the paddock, heading towards the woods that lined the far side. In the distance a pair of horses, including the one that had bolted the evening before, grazed peacefully, as if nothing untoward had happened only hours earlier.

As they strolled across the grass, Buffy looked around her, “I kinda like it here.” she said, “It’s really peaceful.”

Bastian chuckled, “You’ll get bored soon enough, not many vamps around here. We’re going to have to head to one of the big cities if we want to make a real impact.”

Buffy nodded, “Yep. That and we’ll stand a better chance of finding Slayers in areas like that. It’s a nice place to come back to though. Good, thick walls that block out sound at night.” She turned and grinned at Bastian. Her companion laughed softly and shook his head,

“Nothing to hear last night, I’m afraid.”

“Really? Everything okay with you two?” She asked.
“Yeah, everything’s fine. We just had a late night and an early start. No time for anything more than a kiss and cuddle.”
“Shame, you two seem to be getting along well.”

Bastian nodded, “He’s a sweet guy, he’s hard not to get along with. Plus he’s cute, which helps.”

Buffy smiled, “Can’t say as I’ve paid much attention to Xander’s cuteness quotient.”

“Damn good thing as well, he’s mine I tell you, all mine!” He let out a long cackle that would have been right at home in any Hammer Horror movie. Buffy looked at him, a grin on her face, but Bastian’s face remained completely serene, no hint of humour on it. Buffy couldn’t help it, his business like face pushed her over the edge and she started laughing. At this, a grin spread over Bastian’s features. Buffy reached out and punched him softly on the shoulder.

“I can tell you two are well matched, your sense of humour is almost as strange as his. If I hear one more eye crack from him, I’ll do something unpleasant!”

Bastian smiled, “It’s his way of coping. That and the knowledge that you kicked the guy who did it up one side of a dark, dank crypt and down the other.”

Buffy nodded, “I know and I love him for it. I don’t think I could ever harm him or Willow.”

“He’s lucky, you know, having a friend like you.”

Buffy smiled softly, “He’s family.” She looked up and with a start realised they had reached the tree line. The trees towered above them, ferns lapping around the base of the trees like a green ocean. The soft sounds of woodland animals could be heard, the rustle of leaves moving in the wind. The two Slayers moved forward, following the tracks in amongst the trees. Within moments they had to stop, the tracks having disappeared in the undergrowth.

Buffy looked around, frustrated and put her hands on her hips, “Damn, we’ll never find it in this.”

Bastian looked up, “I know. But at least we know it came here. Maybe we could have Willow come out and take a look, see what she can find.”

Buffy’s head bobbed up and down in agreement, “Yeah, see if she can do a spell or something.”

Grudgingly the pair turned and started walking back across the field, towards Giles’ country house, a small dark shape in the distance. As they walked, Bastian felt a shiver run down his spine. He looked back at the woods and Buffy turned with him,

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

Bastian simply stood and stared into the trees before shaking his head,

“Nothing, I just felt like I was being watched is all.”

Buffy peered with him into the woods, “There’s nothing there, must have been your imagination.”

“Yeah, must have been.” Bastian replied, rubbing his arms. They turned and resumed their walk back to the house. Behind them, a pair of orange eyes appeared amidst the foliage, watching their progress patiently for a few minutes before melting away into the gloom cast by the trees.



Later that evening, having returned from their tracking mission, Buffy and Bastian were gathered with the others in the library, once again lost in the books, having spent the remainder of the day searching for any information they could find on the Barghest. Bastian sighed and closed a book with a gentle thump before pushing it towards the ‘read’ pile. Xander looked up from his book,

“I know what you’re feeling.” He followed Bastians’ lead and shut his book with a thump. “This is hopeless Giles, we’ve been looking for hours. There’s nothing here.”

Willow looked up from Olivia’s laptop, “Hate to say it, but the boys are right. I’ve been searching for hours and the most I’ve found is conjecture. It seems that everyone who’s encountered a Barghest has died, so there’s hardly any details.” She stopped and put a hand on top of Kennedy’s, looking into the younger woman’s eyes, “But don’t worry, we’ll find something soon, I know it.” She managed a small smile.

Kennedy smiled back, “It’s okay. If push comes to shove I’ll kill it first.” A sad look passed over Willow’s face and Kennedy placed a hand on the other woman’s cheek, “Hey, at least it won’t get anyone else. I’ll search those woods from end to end if I have to, but it won’t hurt anyone else.”

Willow was about to answer when the door to the library opened and Olivia entered, carrying a tray of refreshments in her hands and a rolled up newspaper under one arm. She set the tray down and moved towards Giles, unfurling the newspaper as she walked.

“Rupert, you should look at this. It’s about Edward.” She lay the paper before him and he read silently to himself for a short while, his eyes flashing back and forth across the short article. Finally he closed and folded the paper and smiled up at Olivia,

“Thank you for bringing it up, but there’s nothing new I’m afraid.”

Olivia shook her head and smiled gently before tapping him softly on the head, “Your brain can’t be working right. Think about it Rupert, if the local paper reported Edwards’ death, then they might have had some information on the others too.”

Giles stared at her for a moment, realisation spreading over his features, “Of course! You’re right!” he stood up and kissed her on the forehead, “Thank you.” He turned to the others, “Excuse me for a few minutes, I’m going to make a phone call.” With that he left the library. Buffy reached over and picked up the paper, unfolding and opening it to the page Giles had been reading. A small picture of Giles’ friend Edward headed a small article titled “Local expert involved in tragic accident.”
After a few minutes Giles returned, wearing a jacket. “I’m going out for a short while, you should all be fine here.” He smiled, “I’ll see you all in a short while. Olivia?” With that he turned and left the room, Olivia following after him.

“Well, where do you think they’re going?” Buffy asked, addressing no one in general.

“Knowing Giles, it’ll probably be important.” Willow observed. “We should just relax, have a drink and read some more.” She indicated the tray that Olivia had brought into the room and walked over to it, pouring glasses of juice for Kennedy and herself. She moved back to the table and handed Kennedy her drink before sitting back down. Sipping her drink she continued, “He’ll be back soon, he’ll fill us in when he returns.”

Buffy sighed and stood up, pouring herself a drink, “You’re right Will, he’ll fill us in.”  She settled herself in an armchair and picked up another book, scanning the pages, but her mind kept wandering. She read the same sentence six times, but it just wouldn’t stick.

‘Oh, just popped by for a quickie then.’

She sighed, ‘Good. Good, I haven’t had quite enough jealous vampire crap for one night.’

The darkness changed, and she was face to face with herself.

‘Into every generation a Slayer is born. One girl in all the world. She alone will have the strength and skill to... There’s that word again. What you are. How you’ll die. Alone.’ she paused, watching Buffy, ‘Where’s your snappy come back?’

‘You’re right.’

The image of Buffy cocked its head slightly to one side, ‘Hmm, not your best.’

Spike stirred on the cot, talking in his sleep ‘I’m drowning in footwear!’ She turned to look at him, then back, but she was gone.

Dust and rocks fell, the earth shook, ‘Gotta move lamb, I think it’s fair to say school’s out for bloody summer.’

She looked around at the collapsing hellmouth, then back to him, ‘Spike!’

He held his hands up, palms outwards, light pulsing from the amulet resting against his chest, ‘I mean it, I gotta do this!” He grimaced in pain, bathed in sunlight from above, the amulet protecting him while he acted as its focus.

She was bathed in daylight, stood before the crater that had been Sunnydale. The dust was slowly settling, great clouds of it that had been thrown into the air as the town collapsed. To one side, the invisible mystical wave that had extended outwards from the hellmouth, destroying the town, faded out of existence and the ocean that had been held back came crashing in, flooding the immense crater in moments. The small group watched as nature reclaimed that which had resisted it for so long. Dawn stepped up beside her and hugged her sister, staring out at the turbulent waters.

“You did it Buffy, you saved the world.” she said softly.

“Again.” Xander said, stepping up beside the pair.

“.....again.”

Buffy shook her head, bringing herself back to the present, “I’m sorry, what?” she asked.

Dawn gave a soft a laugh, “I said, wake up, you’re day-dreaming again. Honestly Buffy, I don’t know where you go most of the time.”

Buffy smiled thinly, “Memory lane.” she said softly. Dawn stopped laughing, it hit her in an instant, Buffy was dwelling on Spike. Looking around, she saw the others gathered in separate corners, Xander and Bastian were... a small hint of red crept into the young woman’s face as she saw what the two men were doing. Her gaze drifted to Willow and Kennedy and she almost screamed in frustration. Still, while the two couples were occupied, they wouldn’t be interfering with her and Buffys’ conversation.

She turned to her sister, laying a hand on the older woman’s and spoke softly, not wanting to distract the others, “Buffy, you can’t let this get to you. Spike is gone, but he died a hero. Not the everyday hero, but a hero in the purest sense of the word.”

A tear crept down Buffy’s cheek, “I know Dawny, but I should have saved him, it’s what I do. I failed.”

Dawn reached up and brushed the tear away, “Don’t talk stupid, you did exactly what you were chosen to do. And so did Spike. This was his circle Buffy, it couldn’t have ended any other way. We both know that if you had pulled him out, the amulet wouldn’t have finished what it began and we’d be right back where we started. Spike was destined to sacrifice himself,” she gave a small shrug, “And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from two witches, a Slayer and a Watcher it’s that destiny can’t be changed. It can be manipulated, but never changed outright. What happened was meant to happen.”

“It doesn’t stop it hurting.” Buffy said softly, “He didn’t even believe me when I told him I loved him.”

Dawn cupped her hands around her sisters face, “I think, Buffy, he knew more than you think. I think he knew the way you loved him wasn’t the way you did Angel. You said you loved him, he took it wrong in the moment. He knew you loved him.” She smiled.

Buffy smiled a little, “Maybe you’re right Dawny. And hey,” she added, grinning, “When did you become so smart about these things?”

“The same time you became so lunk-headed.” Dawn shot back.

“So, when Buffy became a teenager?” The two girls turned at the sound of the voice to see Giles standing in the doorway, a large bundle of newspapers under one arm and a wry smile on his face.

“How long have you been back?” Buffy asked.

Giles strolled into the room, setting the bundle on the table as the others wandered over to join them, “Not long.” He answered, “Just long enough to hear your last question to Dawn.”

Buffy smiled, “Good.” she said, a hint of her old self resurfacing as she cheerfully responded to him, “So, what’s with the papers, we practising oregon?”

“Origami Buffy, and no.” Giles corrected her, “It’s for research purposes. When Olivia brought me the paper earlier, she reminded me that the previous deaths would have been reported there as well. With a bit of discussion, I was able to get hold of some back copies. Researching the Barghest’s other victims may provide us with some clues that have thus far eluded us, especially some over-riding theme that links all of the incidents together.”

Xander spoke up, “I think he means by finding out who’s been killed, we can see if there’s a link.”

Giles sighed, removing his glasses to clean them, a habit the gang hadn’t seen him do in a while,

“Yes, that’s exactly what I said Xander.”

“No, it’s not.” Xander said cheerfully, “I used different words. Shorter ones too.” Giles only sighed in response.

“And I greatly appreciate it.” Bastian put in, squeezing the other man’s hand in affection.

“Yes, well, I suggest we all get reading.” Giles said, sitting down and passing the newspapers around.

For the next hour  the group poured over the papers with Willow entering the names of the other victims into the computer and trying to find something, anything to link them, some clue. So far nothing had presented itself. None of the victims were connected to each other in any way.

Willow sighed, rubbing her eyes, “It’s no good, there’s nothing here, it’s all random. The biggest link we’ve got is that three of the victims worked for a local company interested in removing some of the woods for a small get-away resort. Even those guys, from what I can tell, had nothing to do with each other. One was a manager, one a maintenance engineer and one made the coffee.” She pushed her chair back and wandered over to Kennedy, sitting on her girlfriends’ lap and snuggling into her neck.

“Well, it’s a start.” Buffy said, looking up.

“Hardly Buffy.” Willow said, looking up, “In a community this small, some crossover like that was to be expected. Three people in eleven does not a chain make. Triangle maybe, but not a chain.”

“Still,” Giles put in, “It would be remiss of us to completely ignore this information. We should look into this.”

Willow sighed, “Yeah, you’re right.” Kennedy whispered something softly in the redheads’ ear “I’ll pick it up tomorrow. We’re going to bed. See you all tomorrow.” The pair stood and left the room hand in hand.

Giles glanced over to Buffy, “Just leave them to it Giles.” She said, “It’s got to be rough on them and they’re dealing. Besides, we have five days left to find this thing.”

“You’re right of course, I would just prefer to have this matter resolved as swiftly as possible.”
                   
“Me too Giles, but it’s no good doing this while stressed out, they’ll only feel worse for it and that’ll just makes things harder. We had this conversation last night as well.”

“Yes, yes. Fine. Let’s all get some sleep and we’ll continue in the morning.”

One by one, they split up and left the library heading for their separate rooms. Softly, Buffy shut her door and changed into her night clothes. She opened the door and padded softly over to the bathroom. She twisted the doorknob and paused, blushing slightly. The walls might be enough to stop sound for humans, but she had Slayer hearing. She was used to hearing Willow, but to hear Xander calling another man’s name was....disconcerting. She blushed slightly, entering the bathroom and concluding her business there as swiftly as possible. Quietly she closed the door behind her and returned to her room, doing her best to ignore the sounds coming from two sets of doors now. She smiled softly; at least they weren’t letting the current problems affect their relationships.

She opened her door and found Dawn curled up on her bed, already fast asleep. She smiled again and lay down beside the younger woman, who whimpered softly in her sleep. Buffy pulled her sister into a protective embrace and settled down to sleep. One of her last conscious thoughts was ‘family’.

Day 2

Casually, Xander, Bastian, Buffy and Kennedy strolled across the paddock the next day. They had spent three hours in the library and had found nothing. Finally, they had left, leaving Dawn, Willow and Giles to their research. Buffy and Kennedy roamed ahead of the two men, chatting softly between themselves. Buffy was silently amazed at how calm the younger Slayer was. ‘But then again’ she thought to herself, ‘Kennedy’s always been kinda pragmatic.’ She started to ask the young woman about it, but decided against it. She was sure that Willow would be talking to Kennedy about it.

“How’s Willow doing?” Buffy asked the witch’s girlfriend.

Kennedy shook her head gently, “Not as good as she’s making out Buffy. She lost a lot when Sunnydale vanished, it’s hit her harder than I thought at first. But I’ll be there for her, she’s my goddess.”

Buffy smiled, “You two doing okay then?”

Kennedy smiled broadly and nodded her head enthusiastically, “Yeah, I think so. Willow will cope, eventually.” She stopped speaking for a moment and looked at Buffy as they walked, catching the momentary sadness in the older woman’s eyes, “You all will, Buffy. I know it must hurt, losing everything like you did, but, well okay, I don’t know what it must be like, but I can imagine. And you still have Dawn, plus your family.”

Buffy shook her head, “Other than my father, wherever the hell he is, all I have left is Dawn.”

Kennedy shook her head firmly, “That’s crap Buffy and you know it. I’ve seen how you and Willow and Xander are together, you are family.”

A tiny smile appeared on Buffy’s face, as she remembered the moment, years earlier, when she had told Mr. Maclay that they, the scoobies, were Tara’s family. “Maybe you’re right Kennedy.” she said softly. Those were happier days, easier days.

Kennedy grinned, “Of course I’m right, I have Willow as inspiration.” Buffy laughed softly.

A few feet behind the women, the two men walked hand in hand. Bastian sighed in contentment, he knew Xander wasn’t quite as comfortable with public affection as he was. He knew that would change, but it would take time, he knew that. And so he cherished these moments, where they simply held each other. He wasn’t sure if Xander even realised his discomfort yet, it would just dissolve over time. Bastian smiled as he remembered when he had been younger, he’d been pretty much the same. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face.

“What’s got you all cheery?” Xander asked softly, not wanting to distract the two slayers ahead of them.

Bastian turned his head and smiled broadly at Xander, “Just thinking about us. Well, you actually.”

“Oh really, nice thoughts are they?”

“Oh, most definitely.” Bastian answered, smiling affectionately at Xander.

“Oh, damn.” Xander smiled mischievously, “Now I’ve got no reason to torture them from you!”

Bastian chuckled, “Like I’d let you!”

Xander grinned and his eye twinkled, “That’s odd, I thought you enjoyed last night?”

Buffy’s voice filtered back to the pair, “Slayer hearing guys!”

“Oh crap...” Xander muttered, his face flushing red. Buffy and Kennedy stopped, turning back to face them and laughing. The two men slowed their pace a little. Kennedy flashed Xander a broad grin, her eyes glinting.

“Willow and I have some handcuffs if you two want to borrow them tonight?”

Buffy stared in shock for a moment then burst into fits of laughter as Xander’s blush deepened. Her laughter died away and she laid a hand on Kennedy’s arm, turning the younger Slayer away from the couple.

“Come on Kennedy, I think we should leave them alone for a while, before Xand bursts a vein or something.” The two girls chuckled, turning away and resuming their walk, leaving the two men in peace. Bastian reached out and stopped Xander, turning the older man to look at him. He reached down and lifted Xander’s chin a little, so they were looking each other in the eyes.

“You’re not embarrassed by...” his voice faltered for a moment, “...us, are you?” He asked, his voice low and uncertain, his confident thoughts from moments earlier dashed.

Xander reached up and tenderly laid a hand on the taller man’s cheek. “Of course not. It’s just all...” his voice drifted away for a moment, struggling to find the words he so desperately needed, “This is all new for me Bastian. I mean, Anya used to talk about our sex life all the time.” He smiled wryly, “And I do mean all the time. But this is different. It’s so strange to me.” He paused, looking at the hurt in Bastian’s eyes, “God, I’m screwing this up nicely. Strange is wrong. It’s....new for me. And it’s intimidating. It’s a whole new world Bastian. And even with you, it’s kinda scary. But even so, I feel safe, ‘cause I know you’ll be there if and when I need you.”

Bastian stared down at Xander, a single tear of joy forming. A soft smile graced his lips and he pulled Xander into a tight embrace, nuzzling his face into the other man’s hair. He breathed in deeply, savouring the scent of his lover. Tenderly, he placed a kiss on Xander’s head, before pulling back and smiling at him.
“Thank you.” he said softly, leaning in. Their lips brushed in a brief gentle kiss.

Ahead of them, Buffy and Kennedy walked a short distance apart, looking around for any clues that might have been missed the day before. They were near the tree line again. Kennedy moved amongst the ferns, kicking the underbrush about when something caught her eye and she bent down, scooping the item up.
“Buffy, over here!” She called.

Buffy jogged over to her, “What you got?”

“Not sure if it’s relevant,” Kennedy said, holding her palm out, “but I found this.” In her palm was a claw, almost two and a half inches long. Dried blood was on the ‘root’ end. “Whatever it belonged to, it looks like it was torn off.”

Buffy took the claw from Kennedy and turned it slowly in the light, examining it. “This didn’t come from any fox.” She said, “Let’s get this back to Giles, see what he makes of it.”

“What you got?” Xander asked, the two men walking up to Buffy and Kennedy. Buffy turned to them and held the claw out.

“Kennedy found it. Somehow I’m thinking it’s not from Scooby Doo.”

Xander nodded, “Looks nasty. Say, there isn’t some dinosaur theme park nearby is there? ‘Cause I’m really not in the mood to be chased by Velociraptors’ today. Or any day, for that matter.”

Buffy smirked, “No, no dinosaurs. I’m thinking our jumbo doggy left us a present.” She slipped the claw into a pocket and turned back the way they had come, “Lets go guys, Giles is gonna want to see this.” Together, the group started the trek back to the house.



“Fascinating.” Giles studied the claw closely, a magnifying glass held in front of it. Buffy smiled as, sat down, she saw his eye magnified many times over through it. Giles turned the claw over, examining the severed end, “You’re initial diagnosis seems clear, this was indeed torn from it’s owner. As for who that owner is, I’ve no idea.” He set the claw and magnifying glass down on the table, leaning back in his chair, removing and cleaning his glasses.

On the other side of the table, Willow sat with her hands held over some small scrapings of the dried blood, speaking softly under her breath. Finally, she sat back and looked at the group. “It’s not animal blood.” she said softly, “It’s human.”

“Human?” Giles asked.

“With claws that would make Simba jealous?” Xander added.

“Umm, guys.” Willow said, “We knew one person who had claws like that. Well, three nights a month anyway.”

“A Werewolf?” Giles asked, “It’s a possibility, but this blood is fairly recent, only a night or two old. We’re approaching the new moon, so I find that highly improbable. Only one Werewolf has been known to change at any time other than the nights around a full moon. I find it unlikely that Oz is even in the country, let alone involved in all this, the odds of such a coincidence are astronomical.”
“Well yeah, but if Oz could master his wolf, then surely someone else could have too?” Buffy asked, giving Giles a small scowl, “And we all know what happens when you poo-poo my ideas. Do we all remember the second earthquake, the one with ‘no connection to an impending apocalypse’?”

Giles sighed, “We will investigate this Buffy, I just find it highly improbable is all. There could be any number of reasons to explain the presence of this claw.”

“Name one.” Buffy countered.

“Well, um, none spring immediately to mind, but there are bound to be examples.” He answered, clearly flustered by Buffy’s calling him out. “In the meantime, we have finally got a lead on the Barghest. ‘The Anglo Bestiary’ has a limited account of the creature, nothing more than I already knew really. However, it does refer to another book, ‘Creatures of the Darkness’, a very rare tome that I have yet to find a copy of. I believe that locating this book is our best hope of understanding the Barghest and finding a way to combat it.”

“And save Kennedy.” Willow said, taking her girlfriends hand.

“Of course.” Giles said, smiling genially at the pair. “Willow, would you mind searching for that title on the internet for me? I know I’ve heard it before, but I can’t place where.” He removed his glasses and rubbed his forehead.

“Sure.” Willow said, untangling herself from Kennedy’s grip and settling in front of the computer, her fingers flicking deftly over the keyboard. The screen flashed and changed, bringing up a new page. “Here we go, ‘Creatures of the Darkness’, that’s our kitty.” Kennedy smiled softly behind her girlfriend, “Oh.”

“What is it Will?” Buffy asked, stepping up beside the redheaded witch and hacker, leaning in over her shoulder to look at the screen.

Willow pointed to the screen, “It says here that there are only three copies left in existence, which means it’s going to be very difficult to track down, let alone get hold of a copy of it.”

“Keep trying Will, it sounds like that book’s our only chance.” Buffy said, placing a hand on Willows’ shoulder.

The young woman looked up at her friend and smiled confidently, “I’ll find it Buffy, it’ll just take some time is all.”



Hours passed as Willow searched tirelessly for the location of a copy of their goal. First Dawn, then little by little the others slipped away, finding activities to occupy themselves as they waited. Giles and Olivia made their exit, Xander and Bastian made a hasty retreat to their room. Buffy moved silently downstairs to the living room.

She sat quietly, alone in the living room, once again consumed by her thoughts.

‘Fine. I’m attainable. I’m an attain-a-thon. May I please just go to sleep?’

Spike looked down at her, ‘You listen to me.’ Softly, he dropped to his knees, kneeling before her ‘I’ve been alive a bit longer than you, and dead a lot longer than that. I’ve seen things you couldn't imagine, and done things I prefer you didn’t. I don’t exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. I follow my blood, which doesn’t exactly rush in the direction of my brain. So I make a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls.’

Glancing up, he looked deep into her eyes, ‘A hundred plus years, and there’s only one thing I’ve ever been sure of: you.’ Slightly embarrassed, she looked away, ‘Hey, look at me. I'm not asking you for anything. When I say, “I love you,” it’s not because I want you or because I can’t have you. It has nothing to do with me.’ Silently, a single tear rolled it’s way down Buffy’s cheek, ‘I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I’ve seen your kindness and your strength. I’ve seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You’re a hell of a woman. You're the one, Buffy.’

“I don’t wanna be the one.” She answered softly.

“You aren’t anymore, Buffy. You’re just one amongst many now.” Buffy looked up, not realising she had spoken the last aloud, as Giles entered the room and sat down beside her on the sofa, tenderly laying a hand on her hand. He smiled warmly at her. “What’s wrong? You seem distracted.” he asked.

“Nothing. It’s nothing Giles, honest. Just something Spike said to me.”

Almost imperceptibly, he tensed, “Spike.” He repeated the name slowly and carefully, trying hard to hide his displeasure, trying to sound like he was mulling the name over, rather than being disturbed by her fascination with the peroxide vampire, even though he was gone. Buffy started at the tone of his voice, most wouldn’t have noticed the difference, but she knew him. She started to say something, but he continued talking to her in a fatherly way, “Buffy, I know you cared for him. But he’s gone now and you need to move on. Lingering on this will only eat away at you.”

“It’s not just Spike, Giles. It’s everything. Everything I knew is gone.” A tear formed and rolled down her cheek, “Mr Gordo, my bed, my home. Mom is gone.” she said softly. Gently he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight as the young woman sobbed softly into his shoulder. Affectionately he ran a hand through her hair, comforting her.

Just then, Kennedy came bounding into the room, full of energy and excitement, “Willow found a copy! And it’s not far from here!”

Gently Giles and Buffy untangled themselves and Giles stood up, leading Kennedy from the room and allowing Buffy a moment to compose herself. “Really? Lets gather the others then we can see about locating it. This is just the break we were looking for.”



The door to the library opened, Bastian and Xander entering, both tucking their shirts in and looking a little dishevelled. The others looked at each other, smiling. Willow looked to them,

“Sorry to disturb you boys, I’m sure you were up to something important,” She put a little too much emphasis on ‘up’, causing Kennedy beside her to smirk, “but I’ve found a copy of the book.” She indicated the screen for emphasis.

“Is it available?” Giles asked.

“Well, kinda.” Willow replied. She turned back to the screen and read off of it, “The only European copy of the volume ‘Creatures of the Darkness’ is in the private collection of a Mr. Edward Bervose.”

“Edward.” Giles said softly, “That could be awkward. I’ll contact Sarah, see if she’ll let me have access to his library.” He left the room.

“At least we’re getting somewhere at last.” Kennedy said, voicing the thought that they’d all being harbouring.

The door to the library opened again and Giles rushed in. “Everyone, we need to leave immediately. I just spoke with Sarah, Edward’s widow. She’s been attacked and the house ransacked.” As one, the group jumped to their feet and made their way towards the door.



Fifteen minutes later they pulled up in front of a stone cottage on the edge of town. The front door was shattered, pieces of wood everywhere. Giles led the way in, passing through the gate in the low stone wall. Gingerly stepping over the remains of the door, he entered the cottage.

“Sarah?” he called out. Ahead of him stretched the hallway and a staircase leading to the first floor. To his left, a door led to the kitchen. He looked inside and saw no one there. The room had been turned upside down, someone had clearly been looking for something or someone. He returned to the hall and looked around. To his right were another two doors, which he knew from his previous visits led to the living room and Edward’s study. Opening the first door he entered the living room, the rest of them right behind him.

“Sarah!” He rushed over to a small, brown haired woman curled up tight in the far corner. This room had been ransacked as well. The chairs were overturned, the TV set smashed. Books, paintings and lamps were scattered everywhere. “Sarah! Are you alright?” He grasped her shoulders gently and lifted the woman’s head, looking into her eyes. He turned to the others, “Could you give me some time alone with her please.” They simply nodded and quietly left the room, splitting up to investigate the rest of the cottage.

Buffy, Kennedy, Willow and Dawn padded softly up the stairs as Bastian and Xander moved down the hall towards the second door there. Xander side-stepped an overturned table in the hallway, his footsteps ringing slightly on the polished wood floor. Stepping ahead of Bastian, he turned the handle and swung the door wide. He stared for a moment then whistled softly.

“Holy smoke, Batman. This place has been trashed.” He said softly.
He stepped inside, letting Bastian see the full extent of the carnage. If the kitchen had been a war zone and the living room a disaster area, then the study had been the centre of an apocalypse. One wall had been floor to ceiling bookshelves, but not one remained, all had been smashed. The large oak desk was shattered, the chair turned into firewood. The leather easy chair had been shredded, the stuffing scattered throughout the room. And books, hundreds of books. Or rather, what had been books, Xander thought ruefully. They had been torn to pieces, pages littering the floor. Large holes peppered one wall at random. The fireplace had been destroyed, bricks strewn about the room at random.

“What were they looking for?” Bastian asked.

“Take one guess.” Xander said dryly, “The bad guys always want what the good guys need.”

“The book?”

“That would be my guess.” Xander replied. He leant down and picked up the remains of one of the books, reading the name on the spine before tossing it away, “Still, we’d better get checking.” He picked up another book before discarding it. He sighed, “This is gonna take forever.”

Bastian leant down, picking up a book spine. It was all that was left. He threw it aside. “I know, I know.”

“Wow Xander, looks like your place.” Dawn stepped into the room, looking around at the devastation, “Upstairs has been gone over too, but nothing like this. Did whoever it was get the book?”

Xander looked up, “Don’t know Dawny, which is why we’re going to have to go through this junk.” He brushed some rubble away beside where he was kneeling and patted the ground, “Come on, join in.”

Dawn shook her head, “Nu-uh, I ain’t sifting through all that.”

“Oh yes you are.” Buffy’s voice came from behind Dawn, “We all are, until Giles is done comforting Mrs. Bervose.” She gave her sister a gentle push, “Come on, lets get to work.”


An hour and a half later, they had checked almost all the books. A large pile of spines, bits of covers and title pages stood next to the remains of the armchair as the group pottered around, searching for any pieces they had missed.

“Well, the housekeeper will love you for doing that, but I think the police will be annoyed.” Giles entered the room, looking around. “But that’s by the by, we can address that if needed. Did you find the book?”

“Nope.” Buffy said, turning to him. “Whoever or whatever did this tore apart every book in the place. The few upstairs were like this too. But there’s no sign of the one we want. They either took it, or shredded it so finely that we’ll never know. How’s Mrs. Bervose?”

“Upset.” He answered, leaning against the remains of the bookcase, removing his glasses and polishing them. “Understandably so, as well. I wasn’t able to ascertain a great deal, according to her account, it all happened very swiftly, they came in, tore the place apart and left. She said it all took less than ten minutes.”

“There must have been a lot of people to do this much damage in so little time.” Willow paused, “Or a few supernatural ones.”

“Slayers?” Dawn asked.

“It’s possible. Every girl who had the potential was activated. It stands to reason that some of them would be from an undesirable element of society. I suspect that there’s going to be a substantial increase in ‘impossible’ crimes over the next few months.” Giles added.

“So some renegade Slayers did this?” Bastian asked.

“I don’t know, but it’s certainly something to consider. They would have the speed and strength to pull off a crime such as this. But it still doesn’t answer why someone would want the same book as us enough to go to these kind of lengths in order to secure it. We should head back to the house, I’ve already taken Sarah to her brothers house, so Xander, if you’d mind securing the front door when we leave. I doubt there’s anything left here to take, but you never know.” Giles added.

Xander nodded, “Sure, with all the debris round here, nails and wood aren’t going to be a problem.” He looked around and picked up a short section of metal from what had once been a free standing shelving unit. “This should do as a hammer.” Together, the group turned and left the room.

Day 3

The following day, they gathered in the library after breakfast, having spent the previous evening going over Giles’ books once again on the off chance that there might have been some nugget of information that they had missed. But they had found nothing. They had retired to their rooms exhausted and demoralised by the days events. Now, refreshed, they were starting over.

“So, where do we go from here?” Buffy asked.
                   
“Hey Buff, would you mind not using that line, it gives me flashbacks to our whole singing and dancing extravaganza.” Xander quipped, a slight smile on his face.

Buffy returned his smile, “Sorry Xand. Where do we start then?” she asked, rephrasing her question to a small smile of gratitude from Xander. Then she looked to Willow, “Is there any chance of getting one of the other copies of this book?”

Willow shook her head, “Not a chance. One is in an unlisted private collection that, try as I might, I’ve been unable to track down and the other is in New Zealand. There’s no way we could barter for it and get it here in time to help us.”

Distantly, the doorbell chimed. They faintly heard the door open and the indecipherable soft buzz of voices, followed by the sound of soft footfalls on the stairs. The large door to the library opened and Olivia stood there, silhouetted by the light pouring into the darker library from the hallway.

“Rupert, we have a guest. Says he’s a friend.” She stepped to one side and a young man with spiked hair coloured a bright orange stepped into the room. Willow stopped what she was doing and stood up, stepping slightly towards the doorway, her face pale with shock.

“Hey guys.” The young man said, his voice quiet and a hand moving in a half wave.

“Oz.” Willow said, her voice soft, “What’s wrong? Why....” she trailed off, not wanting to sound harsh or rude.

“Am I here?” Willow nodded, “Mainly ‘cause it’s easier than visiting the man in the moon.” Willow couldn’t help but smile, his humour was still as wacky as ever. “That and I heard Slayers were around.”

“You heard Slayers were here?” Giles asked.

Oz nodded, “The preternatural underground has great communication skills. It’s highly under-rated.”

At the doorway, Olivia cleared her throat, “Rupert, I’m going over to Susan’s for a few hours, okay? I’ll see you in a while.”

Giles smiled warmly, “Of course, I’ll see you later. Take care.”

“Always.” Olivia replied, smiling warmly. As she turned to leave, she pulled the door shut behind her.

Bastian gently tapped Xanders elbow and leaned in close, whispering in his ear, “Who’s this guy?”

Xander returned the favour, speaking softly into Bastian’s ear, “Oz, Willow’s ex. He’s the werewolf that we talked about yesterday.”

“Okay.” Bastian said, returning his attention to the room.

Kennedy leaned in closer on Xander’s other side and hissed in his ear, “He’s her ex?” putting more than a little emphasis on ‘he’.

He sighed and nodded, whispering back, “I’ll give you the long story later, suffice to say they split up, Willow met Tara then she met you.”

Turning back to the new arrival, he raised his voice and took a few steps forward, smiling warmly, “Oz!” he called out, his voice cheerful, “How’s things? Say, you haven’t been slashing open doors and terrorising widows in your wolf-state have you?”

“Hey Xander.” Oz said, turning his attention to the young man, then raising an eyebrow questioningly, “A guy? New territory for you man.”

“Huh?” Xander responded, puzzled. The young wolf tapped his nose, a small half smile on his lips and the usual twinkle in his eyes. “Ah. That scent thing is kinda disturbing you know.”

Oz smiled, “I’m good thanks.” he said, answering Xander’s initial question. “You get strangely used to it.” he continued, addressing the scent comment.

“At the risk of sounding rude, why are you looking for a Slayer?” Giles asked, removing his glasses and standing from the oak desk where dozens of books were laid before him. Gently cleaning his glasses, he turned to look directly at Oz.

Oz stepped further into the room, looking around at the thousands of books lining the walls. “I hear you’re looking for the Barghest.”

“Indeed. Do you know anything?” Giles responded, putting his glasses back on.

Oz shook his head, “I don’t, but Seldon might.”

“Who’s Seldon?” Kennedy asked, walking over and standing beside Willow, wrapping an arm protectively around the red head’s waist. Oz cocked his head to one side before glancing to Willow.
“New girlfriend?”

Willow nodded slightly in acknowledgment, “Are you...” she paused for a moment, “...calm?”

He returned the nod, “Surprisingly cool.” He paused for a moment, his face showing more than his words, how he had obviously spent months thinking, rethinking and thinking again about their situation. Willow read the fleeting look in an instant. She knew, somewhere deep inside, that she would always be able to do that; read his face. She doubted whether anyone else in this room could do that, understand what he told no one. “I’ve had a lot of time to think. You’re happy. I’m happy. It’s corny, but true.”

Willow smiled and released a small sigh of relief. “Okay. That’s good. Anyway, like Kennedy asked, who’s Seldon?” She and Kennedy moved toward an armchair and the others followed their lead, settling down. Oz sat opposite Willow.

“Seldon is the head of the local Werewolf pack.”

Giles leaned forward and interrupted, “I thought Miccal was the pack’s Alpha male?”
 
Oz nodded, “He was.” He paused again, thinking, “I’d better give some back story first. After I left Sunnydale the second time.” he offered a soft look to Willow, then continued, “I travelled back to the monks, to see if they could help. Told me I had to help myself. So I roamed again, meeting as many wise men, visionaries and other gifted people as I could. Eventually, the person who helped the most was a palm-reader at a carnival. She suggested I ask someone who had experienced it.”

“So you started looking for more wolves?” Buffy asked.

Oz nodded, “Pretty much. I roamed across Europe, but the language gap was too big.”

“You came to the United Kingdom looking for Werewolves?” Giles asked leaning forward, his interest piqued.

The young man nodded. “I finally found Miccal’s pack. They weren’t like any of the others I’d come across, who’d been like a whole gang of Verruca’s, doing pretty much what they wanted. Miccal’s group was different, they were more like a support group. They took me in and with their help I accepted the wolf.”

“This is all very nice,” Kennedy interrupted, her voice hot with impatience and, Willow noticed, the slightest hint of jealousy, “but what’s it got to do with the Barghest?” She stared hard at the young man, but backed down when Willow lay a hand on her arm and looked up at her, her soft eyes begging the young Slayer to stay calm.

Oz ignored her outburst and carried on, “In return, I taught them to control their wolves. The pack was grateful, it was a huge step forward.” He looked around the room, “You have to understand guys, the pack was more about being there and helping each other, providing reasons why the members had to be away three nights a month. About helping each other to not kill humans.”

“It sounds very noble. And your gift would have been a big step towards achieving their goal.” Giles said, “I knew Miccal had been hoping for something, anything to help, but I haven’t spoken to him for a long time. What happened?”

“Seldon killed him.” Oz said flatly, but the features of his face twitched with barely controlled anger. “Seldon’s a vicious man, but he kept it hidden until he was ready. Then he took the pack from Miccal. He’s not bothered about who gets hurt, he just wants to expand the pack and his power. He’s already turned four people deliberately in the last two weeks.”

Buffy stepped forward, “You want me to stop him?”

Oz shook his head, “I created him, I taught him to control his wolf. I have to stop him.” He looked up, “It’s a wolf thing. But first he can help you. I heard about what happened with the Barghest. Seldon knows a lot about them, he’s the pack’s Jahgoth.”

“Jahgoth?” Giles asked.

“Like a priest.” Oz furnished. “The Wolves around here worship the Barghest, it means an awful lot to them. If anyone can help you, he can.”

Buffy sighed, “Great. First we have a demon dog,” she paused and glanced at Oz, “No offense.”

He shook his head slightly, “None taken.”

“Anyway, first a demon dog causing deaths, now a bunch of Werewolves who worship the thing and can control their wolf selves. Is there anything else that could go wrong?”

“Jar Jar could be real.” Oz commented.

Xander glanced up from where he was sat, pressed up against Bastians’ side, fixing the young werewolf with a look of complete horror, “Don’t joke about that, it’s not even half funny.”

“Sorry.”

“Okay, so I go see this head wolf guy.” Kennedy said, idly stroking Willow’s hair, “Where is he?”

“He’ll probably be in the woods, Seldon has really embraced the spirit of the wolf, he has a cabin there.”

Kennedy stood up at this and started to head for the doorway. She stopped as Willow grabbed her arm and spun her around, concern on her face, “Where are you going?”

“To the woods.” Kennedy answered, her face set in stone, “This guy has answers, I’m gonna get them.”

Willow looked at her girlfriend in shock, “From a Werewolf, who can change his form at will? Kennedy, he’ll see you as a midday snack!”

“I’m a Slayer, Will!” her girlfriend proclaimed, “I’ll be fine.”

“No, you won’t.” Oz said softly. Kennedy turned to face him, her face going red with anger and she opened her mouth to protest his assessment of her abilities, but he continued. “Seldon is a powerful man and an even more powerful wolf. He’d shred you, even with your Slayer strength and speed.”

“Fine.” Buffy said, standing up. “We go together then.” Bastian stood up, shrugging Xanders’ arm from his shoulder. He stepped forward, standing beside Buffy and nodding his agreement.

Willow took Kennedy’s other hand and got up from her chair, staring deep into her girlfriends eyes. “See, you’ve got backup. And I’m going with you, no arguing.” Her eyes twinkled, “And you are right - this guy sounds like a good start for investigating.”

“You have an idea?” Giles asked her, curious.

“Yeah.” Willow said, nodding. “Oz said Seldon is a bit of an expert on the Barghest. And we all saw the state of Edwards’ house.”

“You think that he may have had something to do with it?” Xander asked.

“He might have. While they talk to him, I’ll have a look around. Even if he wasn’t responsible for ransacking Edward’s home, there’s still a reasonable chance he’ll have some useful information.”

“Are you sure he won’t just tell us what he knows?” Giles inquired.

Oz stepped forward again, shaking his head. “I doubt it, he plays everything close to the chest and to his advantage, he’ll only tell you anything if it suits his purpose. But asking him is the best start you’ve got.”

“No way.” Kennedy responded firmly, shaking her head. “No way are you wandering round his place on your own. What if he senses you’re there?”

Willow smiled reassuringly, pulling a hand from Kennedy’s and stroking her face, “I’ll be fine. Super witch, remember? Besides, he’ll never even realise I’m there.”

“How?” Kennedy asked.

Smiling slightly Willow turned her head towards her ex, “Oz knows.”
Kennedy looked puzzled, “He does?”

“Yup.” Willow replied, nodding her head and smiling gently at the confusion on Kennedy’s face. Lovingly, she patted her partner’s hand. “Don’t worry about it baby, I’ll be perfectly safe because of you.”

“Because of me?”

“Absolutely. So come on, lets get going.” A murmur of consent rippled through the room and Buffy turned to Xander. She gestured him over to one side, placing a hand gently on his arm. As the others left the room, Willow pulled Kennedy into a corner and began whispering to her as Buffy addressed Xander.

“I want you to stay here with Dawn, okay? Keep her company.”

He smiled back at her, “Sure Buffy. Just promise me one thing, be careful? Don’t make this guy mad. Oz doesn’t exaggerate, if he says the guy is dangerous, believe him.”

“I will and I know.” She answered, a flicker of emotion on her face showing just how touched she was by his concern. Silently, she turned and followed the others from the room as Xander led Dawn over to the computer.



Forty minutes later, they had left the Land Rover at the edge of the trees and were walking through the woods in silence, Oz leading them. The woods around them grew steadily thicker, thorns on the underbrush scratching at their legs. With a raised hand, Oz came to a halt and turned to address them, his voice low.

“He knows we’re here.”

“How.” Bastian asked, his voice equally low.

“Blood.” Buffy answered softly, glancing at Giles and Willow. Although scratched by the thorns, Kennedy, Bastian and herself hadn’t bled, their Slayer healing working too fast. Softly, Giles swore and pulled the right leg of his trousers up, revealing his skin, covered in tiny scratches. He let the material fall back down and sighed.

“It’s not far, about seventy metres ahead.” Oz spoke softly, pointing through the trees. Willow stepped away from Kennedy and smiled, leaning in and planting a soft kiss on the Slayer’s lips. As she broke the kiss, she grinned.

“See you soon.” She turned and started off, heading into the trees to the left of the group. After a few metres she stopped and turned. She waved a hand. “Sorry Giles, the damage is probably done, but hopefully that will help.” She turned away again and started moving swiftly. Not a single thorn or branch touched her. They parted like water, letting her through unharmed and returning to their original positions silently. Reaching down, Giles pulled up his trouser leg again. His skin was healed, not a scratch on it. Letting the material fall again, he took a few tentative steps forwards. The branches parted for him just as they had done for Willow.

“I do hope she isn’t over doing the magic.” He said softly. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Buffy, looking at him with affection.

“She’ll be fine, Giles. She only uses magic when it’s needed. But if you’re that worried, speak to her when we get back.”

“I think I will, I don’t want to see her go through that again.” He looked at Buffy, concern for Willow filling his face. The Slayer squeezed his shoulder, a wisp of an affectionate smile flashing over her lips.

“None of us do, Giles. Maybe you should ask the Coven to come visit us.”
“Yes. Yes, that’s an excellent idea, Buffy.”

Just ahead of them, Oz turned and looked back. “Guys?”

Buffy looked towards him. “Lets go.” They resumed their journey through the woods. Soon, the underbrush became less wild, more downtrodden. A clearing was becoming visible, a small house coming into view through the trees. They entered the clearing, a small stone house in the centre. Around them were various items, indicating that someone did live here. Buckets, a small well. A large pile of logs, cut short for firewood. Some garden tools. All in all, it was a small, self-sufficient home. Buffy cocked her head. She couldn’t hear anything. No wildlife at all. No birds, no scurrying animals. Nothing. She put a hand out to stop the others and was looking around when a voice came from the right, slightly behind her. Whirling to face it, she saw a large man, over six feet tall, emerging from the trees like they were a pair of curtains parting to reveal him. She must have passed within four feet of him, how had she not known he was there?

“Oz.” His voice was soft, but seemed to hold violence within it, as if it alone could break bones. “Who are these interlopers you bring? New recruits?” The word recruits sounded almost dirty as he spoke. Buffy would have had no doubt, even if Oz hadn’t told her, that this man didn’t believe in recruiting; he believed in taking.

“Seldon.” Oz replied in simple greeting, although there was no warmth or pleasure in his voice. It was a cold, stark greeting.

Stepping up beside Oz, Buffy stared into Seldons’ eyes and almost shivered. With most people, there was something in the eyes that said ‘human’. In his dark eyes, Buffy saw only animal. Oz was right, she thought, he’s really embraced the inner beast. Pulling herself from her thoughts, she glanced up at him.

“We’ve come to ask you a few questions.”

He stared at her for a moment, then laughed. A low, soft laugh that seemed to roll over them all and held promises of violence, pain unimaginable. “You’ve come to ask me questions.” He said. It wasn’t a question, Buffy knew. “What makes you think that I will answer them?”

“Human kindness?” Buffy offered. Fast as lightning, his hand shot out. Buffy sensed it more than saw it, he was so fast. She leaned back, his hand passing over her. As he stumbled, caught unaware by her speed, Buffy continued her backwards lean, her outstretched hands touching the ground and she flipped herself back, landing directly in front of the others, watching as Seldon recovered himself and looked at her, respect and realization dawning in his eyes.

“You’re a Slayer then, I wondered if I’d meet one.”

Buffy smiled and offered a small bow, “Congratulations.”

Kennedy stepped up to Buffy’s left right flank, picking up where she had left off “You’ve met.”

Finally, Bastian stepped forward, flanking Buffy on her left and finishing the sentence, “Three.”

Seldon watched them and smiled, turning his gaze on Bastian “Ah yes, the freak. I’ve heard about you. So, Slayers, what brings you into the woods today? It’s dangerous out here, I hear there’s a big bad wolf hiding amongst these trees.”

Buffy returned his smile, “I’ll bet. We need some information, about a...” she paused and cast a glance to Giles. He smiled warmly at her and stepped up beside the Slayers.

“A Barghest. One of our acquaintances saw one recently and we heard that you were something of an expert. We were hoping that you might be able to help us.”

“Ah.” Seldon took a breath before continuing, turning his gaze on Giles. “And you are?”

“Rupert Giles, Watcher.”

Seldon nodded, taking in this information, “Well, Rupert Giles, Watcher to the Slayer, I’m sorry but I don’t think I have any information that will prove pertinent. Once someone has seen the Barghest, there is no hope. They will die soon. It would be best if they put their affairs in order.” Silently, he started around them, heading towards the cabin. In six strides he had reached the door and opened it.

Kennedy stepped away from the others. “That’s it? No hope? Some expert you turned out to be, we knew that from books already.”

Seldon stopped and turned in his tracks, taking two strides towards her. His eyes narrowed and his voice low, menacing, he addressed her. “You presume much, Slayer. I am indeed an expert on the Barghest, but on this it is simple. There is no cure.” He stopped and looked into Kennedy’s eyes, seeing the flicker of pain there. He smiled, a thin dangerous smile. “Ah, so you’re the unfortunate soul who saw the Barghest?” He took a few, small, steps towards her, still smiling. “I lied. There is one cure, broadly speaking.” He circled her and Kennedy backed up until she bumped into the house, leaning a hand on the frame of the open door. She could feel a gentle breeze blowing on her skin. The hairs on her arm stood up as it flowed over her and into the house.

“Broadly speaking?” Bastian asked, moving slowly towards Seldon. “How broad?”

“It is simple, the curse of the Barghest affects humans. If you are not human, the curse will not affect you.” He spoke slowly, carefully and looked at Oz.

Giles rubbed his forehead, “Of course.”

“What?” Buffy looked to Giles. “What does he mean, not human.” She paused and looked at Oz. “Oh.”

“Yes, Slayer.” Seldon spoke again, his voice still low and slow. He turned back to Kennedy. “You have two choices Slayer, if you wish to survive. Become a vampire.”

“Or become a Werewolf.” Kennedy finished, to which the towering man before them smiled in acknowledgement.

“One would wonder,” Giles said, drawing Seldon’s attention, “Why you did not reveal this information sooner.”

“It is quite simple, Watcher. I seek to expand my pack and it’s power, only the very best will do. It is of no concern to me if the local populace or tourists are stupid enough to venture out onto the Barghest’s hunting grounds. However, a Werewolf with the powers of a Slayer would be a tremendous advantage to my pack. That is why I told you.”

Kennedy strode away from the doorway, brushing past Seldon and heading into the trees. “Screw that, I’m not going furry three nights a month.”

Behind her, Seldon laughed. “You’ll reconsider Slayer, as the deadline draws near, you’ll reconsider.” With that, the mountain of a man turned, entering his home and shutting the door behind him. The small party began retracing their path, hurrying to catch up with Kennedy.

“Well, that was productive.” Buffy spoke after they had moved in silence for some minutes, her voice thick with sarcasm. They were approaching the edge of the trees and the Land Rover was coming into sight. She jumped slightly as a soft voice came from behind her. Twice in one day she thought, maybe she was losing her touch?

“Actually, it was.” She turned as Willow slipped from the trees a few metres away, smiling. She was about to continue when Oz raised a hand to stop her.

“Let’s go, Seldon’s coming back.”

No one questioned Oz, swiftly entering the Land Rover and driving off. As they pulled away, Buffy twisted herself around in the front seat so she could see Willow, who sat with Kennedy on one of the bench seats again.

“What did you find out Will? Seldon told us Kennedy’s only chance was to not be human anymore, you know, become a Werewolf or Vampire.”

“He lied.” Willow said simply.

“Now, why doesn’t that surprise me.” Bastian commented, looking around the back of the Land Rover. Idly, he pulled a relatively large case from under the bench seat he was sat on and opened the lid. “Wow Giles, nice arsenal you keep in here.”

“What?” Giles glanced into the mirror and looked at Bastian, “Oh yes, I keep it reasonably well stocked, just in case. Anyway, Willow, what did your legally questionable investigation uncover.”

Willow had to smile. Despite his more casual demeanour and approach, some elements of the Giles she had known in high school remained. “Well, he had the book we wanted, but I thought it best to leave it where it was. I figure he doesn’t get that many visitors and if the book just up and vanished, he’d put two and two together and get...”
“Us?” Kennedy finished. Willow smiled and squeezed the Slayer’s hand.

“Yep. So,” She rummaged in a jacket pocket and pulled out some crumpled sheets of paper and handing them to Buffy in the front seat, “I took those. I’ve only read a bit of it, ‘cause you know, not much time. The short version is that there is another cure.” She paused and looked at Kennedy as the Land Rover lurched along a country lane. “But you’re not gonna like it.”

Kennedy’s brow furrowed in a frown. “What do you mean, I won’t like it.”

“Well, I’m not sure of all the specifics yet, we’ll have to read those pages in more detail before we know for sure. But it looks like you have to hunt and kill the Barghest before the sixth night.”

“Is that all?” Kennedy asked, “We’ll contact Faith and have her ship the Scythe over from Chicago, I’ll make mincemeat of that over grown puppy.” She smiled reassuringly at Willow. Her bravado faltered as she saw the look of concern on Willow’s face. “What is it?”

“You can’t use a weapon. You have to kill it barehanded.” She answered softly.

From the front they heard Giles voice, very soft. “Good lord.”

Kennedy stared at her for a moment. “Kill something that big without a weapon at all? No rocks, clubs, nothing?”

Willow shook her head and was about to continue when Bastian spoke. “Willow, just one question. How did you get all this?”
She had to smile. “Scent.” She answered simply.

“Scent?”

Willow nodded, “Oz, how do Kennedy and I smell?”

In front, Oz turned to look at them. “You have each other’s scents all over each other. Sat here? I can tell you apart, but if you entered separate rooms, then left and I was asked to tell which one of you had been in which room, it’d be almost impossible, the scents on you are that strong.”

Kennedy picked the conversation up, “That’s why I stood in his doorway, the wind blew my scent into his house.” She smiled. “That was Willow’s idea, it should make it very hard for him to tell if anyone was in there or not.”

“Oh.” Bastian responded, clearly bewildered. “That’s, um, clever.”

“Quite.” Giles added.

“Oh.” Buffy said softly, staring down at the pages in her hands that Willow had taken. “Kennedy, you really aren’t going to like this.”

“What is it?” Kennedy asked.

Buffy turned to look back at them, “Willow was only partially right. You have to hunt and kill the thing bare handed, then you have to eat its heart.” She pulled a face as she continued, “Raw.”

The younger Slayers’ face paled, “Eat its heart? Raw?” She repeated softly, “God, this gets worse by the minute.” They looked up as they heard gravel pinging against the Rover, Giles parked and they got out, his house seeming to loom in the twilight, shadows playing across it’s surface and making it appear dark and foreboding.

Bastian looked up, “Wow, the place definitely looks better in daylight, Giles.” They passed through the hall and started up the stairs, heading towards the library. Buffy opened the door and was greeted by laughter. Everyone stopped as Buffy stood in the doorway, staring. After what seemed like an eternity, her face broke into a massive grin and she doubled up, laughing. As she backed away, still laughing, the others pressed forwards, trying to catch a glimpse of what had caused such a reaction.

Willow put a hand to her mouth and stifled a laugh. The central table had been moved to one side, leaving a large clear space in the centre of the library. A twister mat lay crumpled to one side, discarded. In the centre of the room, Xander and Dawn sat facing each other, cards in hand. Dawn had a large pile of chips at her side. Xander had no chips. He also had very little clothes on. His shirt, pants, shoes and socks all lay in a heap to one side.

Dawn looked up and grinned. “Xander was showing me how to lose at Twister and then Poker. He ran out of chips.”
Slowly, almost cautiously, the others entered the library as Xander scrambled to get dressed. Bastian leant against the doorframe, laughing. Oz walked past him and raised an eyebrow quizzically at Xander, then shook his head softly in amusement.

“Don’t bother making yourself neat, those are coming off again soon.” He grinned and Buffy shook her head.

“Thanks Bastian, I really wanted Dawn to get those images in her head.”

Dawn looked up from where she was sat cross-legged on the floor, grinning, “It’s okay Buffy, I’m not stupid. I’ll be eighteen soon.”

“Yes, which means you aren’t eighteen yet and don’t need to be hearing that stuff.” She shot a mock glare at Bastian who raised his hands plaintively.

“Sorry, sorry.” He smiled and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He moved over to where Xander had sat in a chair. Smiling, Xander shuffled over and Bastian squeezed in next to him. Idly, he started rubbing the back of Xander’s neck as Giles read the pages for himself, then, having confirmed what Buffy had said earlier, he gave Xander and Dawn a brief synopsis.

“Oh, that’s just gross.” Dawn interrupted, going a little green, as he reached the part about Kennedy needing to eat the Barghests’ heart raw. “Why don’t we ever meet a creature that just needs chocolate to banish it?”

Next to her, Buffy tried and failed to stifle a large yawn. Looking round sheepishly, she shrugged. “Sorry guys. I think that’s a good hint though, how about go to bed and work out how Kennedy’s going to best the creature in the morning?”

Giles smiled gently, “That sounds like an excellent plan, Buffy.” He got up from his seat at the main table and, wandering over to a shelf, he pulled a book back. A small panel to his left slid up, revealing a safe. Quickly, he locked the pages away, then turned back to the assembled group. “Well then, I’m going to retire. See you all in the morning.” He left the room to a chorus of “night Giles” and “see you in the morning”.

Standing, Buffy stretched and yawned again. She smiled. “Yeah, what he said.” With that, she too slipped from the room, followed by Dawn, leaving the two couples and Oz alone. Slowly, he glanced from one couple to the other, then stood.

“I’ll see you guys in the morning.” He said warmly. Before anyone could say anything, he was gone, swift and silent. Momentarily, they heard the front door open and close.

Kennedy climbed from the armchair where she had settled with Willow, pulling the young witch to her feet. “Come on, if I’m eating raw dog tomorrow I’m gonna have some real fun first.” Willow laughed and let herself be pulled from the room.

Xander and Bastian watched them leave. “We should go to bed as well.” Xander said, his voice husky.

“Why? We could use the table.” Bastian answered, grinning.

Xander slapped his arm, smiling. “Don’t be gross.” He pushed himself up from the chair. “Tell you what, you catch me without Slayer strength or speed and you can do what you want.”
                       
“Anything?” Bastian’s eyes widened slightly.

“Yep.” Xander nodded, before racing from the library in the direction of their room.

Day 4

Xander woke late the next morning to an empty bed. Quickly pulling on some clothes, he left their room and headed downstairs and into the kitchen. The door leading out to Giles’ backyard was open and as he poured himself a glass of juice, he saw Bastian and Kennedy sparring while Buffy was training with Dawn. He smiled to himself, whilst Buffy still protected Dawn, she knew that her sister was growing up and needed to be able to defend herself.

Leaning against the doorframe, he sipped his juice and watched Buffy and Dawn slowly circle each other warily. Without warning Buffy darted forward, reaching for the touch, the ‘tag’. Dawn batted Buffys’ arm away at the last second. Buffy backed off. “Nice going squirt,” she said “you dodged the blow again. Now we just need to work on getting in a counter-strike on the momentum of the deflection. But that’s for tomorrow, now we play with swords.” she smiled as Dawn let out a small squeak of joy, she knew her sister loved the sword training, she was turning into quite the little Zorro.

“Can we can try some different swords Buffy? I know Giles has quite a collection and it’d probably do me good to practice with different types, I mean, I don’t have your whole slayer super-adaptability going on. I know you’re a natural with every weapon made by man and demon, but I’m not.”

“Sure, we’ll ask Giles when he wakes.” Buffy answered with a smile, looking through the small pile of weapons they had nearby. As she picked out one and tested the balance, Bastian broke away from Kennedy and picked up his own blade. Unsheathing it, he turned to Dawn and flipped it in his hand, holding the hilt out to her.

“Here, try this on for size.”

“Really?” Dawn asked, her eyes widening and Bastian nodded “Ace!”

Dawn reached out and her hand closed around the hilt. Bastian released his grip and stepped back as Dawn hefted the weapon, feeling the fine balance of the blade. “Wow Bastian, this is beautiful. It feels...” She swayed, staggered and collapsed to her knees. The sword slid from her grasp and landed softly on the lawn.

“Dawn!” Buffy dropped her own blade and dashed to her sister, dropping to her knees and reaching out for her sister. As Buffys’ hands clasped her shoulder, Dawn shook her head and looked up into hazel eyes.

“I’m okay Buff, just went really dizzy for a moment there.” she brushed the caring hands away and reached out, using Buffys’ leg to help her up. “See. All fine now.” Crouching, she scooped up Bastians sword and danced backwards, moving lightly from one foot to the other. Safely clear of the others she tried a few practices swings, a smile spreading over her face. Finally she turned back to her sister.

“Come on then, super-slayer, I’m gonna hand you your ass!”

Laughing, Buffy retrieved her own weapon and the started to circle one another once more. Bastian and Kennedy sat to watch, Xander joining them. As he sat, Xander glanced around, noticing that two people had yet to appear. “Hey guys, where’s Willow and Giles?”

“They went for a walk, Giles wanted to talk to her about the mojo.” Kennedy answered.

Before she could say anymore, Buffy lunged in and Dawn sidestepped, her blade slashing downwards and propelling Buffys blow wide. Her foot lashed out and connected with Buffys’ stomach, knocking the elder Summers girl flat on her back.

“Omigod! Buffy!” Dawn squealed, running forwards. Crouching before her sister, she laid Bastians sword aside and offered Buffy her  hand, pulling her to her feet. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that!”

Rubbing her stomach, Buffy stood. “Where the hell did you pick that trick up? Not that I’m complaining. Well, I guess I am, but you know what I mean.”

Dawn smiled ruefully “No idea. Guess all those kung-fu movies you moan about are good for something after all.”

Standing, Xander smiled and laid a hand affectionately on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. “Must be that British food. Maybe they put something in the water?” Bastian punched him on the shoulder, not too hard. “Ow!” He cried out, clasping a hand to his shoulder. “Hey! Stop the domestic abuse!”

Kennedy laughed, “Well, if it’s in the food or water, it hasn’t affected you, that’s for sure.”

“That’s right, everybody pick on Xander!” He said, his voice indignant, but with a hint of humour in it.

“Sounds good to me.” A soft voice said warmly, laughter in it. The group looked around as Willow and Giles approached them, both with warm smiles on their faces. Kennedy ran over to Willow and swept the witch off the ground. Giggling, Willow wrapped her arms around Kennedy’s neck. “Everything okay baby?” she asked, looking into the other girls eyes and seeing the concern there. Kennedy lowered her gently to the floor and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“Just worried about you. You were always telling me how bad things got with the magic, then one white-haired spell and you’re, well, not worried.”

Willow smiled gently at the Slayer and ran a hand through her hair, “Guess I never should have told you all those horror stories, huh? It’s okay, I’ve just had a long chat with Giles about this. I’m not abusing the magic. In fact, I barely use it now. It took its time, but Tara’s words finally clicked. She was always talking to me about what magic is, but I never got it. But that last spell in Sunnydale, touching the pure essence of the Scythe, with you there, that’s what made me get it.” She trailed her hand down from her lovers’ hair, gently tracing the side of Kennedys face until her hand cupped her cheek. “The Coven were there, waiting. I talked to them as well as Giles, about everything. Althenea sensed something in me, a change. The spell with the Scythe affected me too. Kinda like it left an ‘imprint’ on me.”

Kennedy grinned. “So I can swing you around my head and chop vampires into little pieces with you?”

Willow laughed, “I wouldn’t go quite that far. Although,” She leaned in closer and whispered something in her girlfriends ear. Kennedy backed up and gave Willow a look bordering on the incredulous.

“You want to try that? Seriously?” Willow smiled seductively and nodded. “Well, that’s something to look forward to after the raw heart.” Kennedy continued, grinning.

Willow’s smile faded and she looked more serious as she spoke. “When are you going?”

“Soon. I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to track it down, so I figure the sooner I start the better.”

Willow nodded in agreement, “I spoke to Oz this morning. We aren’t sure if you have to track it alone as well as face it alone, so we figured it best if you do. Oz said that the forest here is the best place to start, near where the tracks were found the other day. They stretch for miles, thinning out occasionally and with small breaks for roads.”

As she spoke she led them into the kitchen, where a map lay on the table and a backpack sat on a chair. Unfolding the map, she pointed out the woods. “He also thinks that your best bet will be to head towards the heart of the forest. This thing hasn’t been seen much, so it must be pretty isolated.”

Nodding in understanding, Kennedy folded the map up, tucked it into a pocket and opened the backpack. Stepping up behind her, Willow wrapped her arms around Kennedy’s waist and rested her chin on the younger woman’s shoulder. “I packed you enough food and water for three days, but I doubt you’ll need it. I was going to include a compass, but I know you have a great sense of direction, I haven’t met a Slayer who didn’t. There’s also some matches and.”

She was cut off as Kennedy turned in her arms and kissed her passionately. Once the kiss broke, they stayed close, savouring the contact, knowing it could be their last. After what Willow thought was not nearly long enough, Kennedy pulled away from her, stroking Willow’s face and brushing away the tear that rolled down her lover’s cheek. Willow opened her mouth to speak, but Kennedy placed a finger over her lips.
“Shh Red, I’ll be fine. I might be a spoiled brat, but I’m a survivor.” Quickly, she darted in and placed one last kiss on Willow’s lips before closing the backpack, slinging it over her shoulder and heading for the door. Pausing in the open doorway, she turned to take one last look at her lover, seeing love and concern in Willow’s eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she turned away, her path a long and lonely one.

Willow was stood in the doorway, watching Kennedy’s form slowly fade away. She flinched and jerked away as something touched her. She looked around to see Bastian stood to her right, his arm outstretched. She offered him a gentle smile, turning her attention from her partner. “Sorry Bastian, you startled me is all.”

He turned his head in the direction Willow had been looking, lowering his hand to his side. “She’ll be fine Willow, I know it.”

Willow turned her gaze outwards again, Kennedy was now completely out of sight. She took a deep breath. “I know. It’s just, I wish I could...”

“Help her?” Bastian asked. Willow turned to face him, and bobbed her head in agreement. Bastian smiled at her, reaching out and laying a hand on her shoulder. “You are. You love her and she knows it. That’s all the help she needs.”

She placed a hand over the one on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. “You’re right Bastian. You’re right.” She smiled and headed into the kitchen, filling the kettle and setting it on the stove to boil. She glanced over her shoulder at Bastian. “Want a drink?”

“Sure. Is there any hot chocolate?” He sat at the table and watched as Willow set two mugs on the counter, before looking for the coffee and chocolate. With a triumphant noise, she set the two jars down and pulled up a chair beside him while she waited for the water to boil.

“You and Xander seem closer.” she said. Bastian glanced out of the still open door to the garden, where Xander was now sparing with Dawn while Buffy and Giles sat watching them, an amused look on the eldest Slayers face. A smile slid over his face as he turned back to the witch.

“Yeah. We had a few,” he paused before continuing, “I. I had a few concerns, but we’ve sorted that out. I feel like a weight’s been lifted.”

Willow stood up as the kettle began to whistle, spooning powder into the mugs and adding water. Stirring them, she returned and set them on the table before grabbing a carton of milk from the fridge and then sitting down. As she added milk to her coffee, she spoke. “Let me guess, Xander’s confused?”

“Yeah. I should have figured it out. I know this is his first relationship with a guy, it must be strange for him.”

Willow’s head bobbed up and down, then she took a sip of coffee before answering, “When I first started dating a girl, it was after Oz had left. It was so confusing, emotionally. But love won through. Xander loves you, it’ll just take a little more time.” She smiled, “Besides, I think he’s adjusting a lot quicker than I did, he knows how his friends will react.” She glanced out the door, “You two are already far more relaxed around us than you were less than a week ago.”

Bastian smiled at her, “I know. We chatted about it, I think I understand. It’s just a difficult concept for me to grasp. I’ve always known I was gay, I can’t imagine the confusion you went through.”

“It wasn’t as hard as it sounds, for me. And Xander’s almost there, I think. He’s just not used to being ‘out’. Give him time. He’s becoming more comfortable all the time, but if he backs off occasionally, it’s nothing personal.” She smiled again, “I think me and Kennedy are helping there.”

“You and Kennedy?” He asked, his voice confused. Did his boyfriend like them too?

“Our relationship, how open it is. I’m proud to say I think we make good role models for the confused Xanders’ out there. And between you and me, confused is a fairly common state for him.” She grinned at Bastian.

He laughed softly. “That you do, that you do.” He leaned back in his chair. What Willow had said reinforced what Xander had told him two days before. He had to shake his concerns, if he let them eat at him, they could ruin what was looking like a beautiful relationship. He knew he just had to let Xander adjust, it was, after all, a big thing for someone who had never been in, heck, never even thought about, a same sex relationship before. “But like I said, we’ve talked about it and, now that I understand, it’s easier. He’s alleviated my concerns.” He smiled affectionately.



Silently, Kennedy slipped through the forest. Moving swiftly, her Slayer senses on full alert, she headed deeper and deeper. Any trace of tracks had long since vanished in the underbrush, so she moved on instinct. Occasionally she would stop, her attention caught by the evidence of wild animals. A carcass, almost a week old. The occasional pile of dung. Signs of a kill. But it was random, some of it could have been from the Barghest, but just as easily much of it could have been from many more common forest creatures. Still, the signs of a large animal gave her some confidence, despite that they really offered no true clue as to whether or not she was heading in the right direction.



Giles sat besides Buffy, watching in silence as Dawn and Xander continued to spar, the younger Summers sister running circles around her friend, flashing in with her sword occasionally and laughing.
“Come on Xander!” she chided him. “Fight like a man!”

Grunting, Xander made a lunge with his own sword. Deftly, Dawn side stepped him, leaving one foot protruding. With a startled cry and a soft thump, Xander hit the ground. Rolling over, he stared up at Dawn, who now stood astride him, grinning down at him.

Laughing gently, he raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I surrender to the Mighty Dawn.”

Offering him a hand up, Dawn laughed too. “And so you should!”

Smiling at the pair, Giles and Buffy stood and joined them. Giles was about to speak when a ringing could be heard in the kitchen. Looking up, they saw Willow answer the phone, talking for a few moments before resting the handset on the kitchen counter and walking over to the door.

“Giles.” She called, “It’s for you.”

“Excuse me a minute.” He said and went into the kitchen, picking up the receiver and starting to talk. Willow and Bastian left the kitchen and walked over to the small group. Bastian glanced around.

“It’s almost time. If we want to catch her trail, we’d better leave now.”

Willow looked out at the fields leading to the trees, where Kennedy had disappeared from view only minutes earlier. “Thanks for coming with me Bastian. If she knew we were following her she’d kick up a stink, but I think secretly she’d be glad of the help.”

Buffy nodded, moving towards the swords and Bastian placed a hand on the hilt of his Katana. Joining them, Willow stared intently at the trees in the distance, thinking of her lover facing that beast alone. She felt the presence of someone beside her. Turning, she saw Dawn standing at her side, also staring at the trees. Xander stood beside the youngest Summers. Both had swords in their hands. Softly, she spoke. “Dawn, don’t you think you should stay here?”

Buffy turned to see Dawn standing beside Willow. “Oh no Dawn, you are staying here.”

As her sister stepped forward and looked past Willow at her, Buffy was struck by the passion in her eyes. “No.” Dawn said, her voice firm. “We’ve done this before Buffy, back home.” Her voice faltered a little, but she quickly regained her composure and continued. “I mean, back in Sunnydale. I’m not stupid, I stayed behind when you went to confront Seldon. But I’m not staying here now.” Her tone softened a little. “Not when friends are in danger.” Her face hardened and she stepped past Willow towards Buffy. “Besides, the only way I’m staying here is if you knock me out.”

Buffy sighed, staring at her sister. “Fine. But don’t blame me if you get eaten.”
“Buffy!” She turned on the spot at the sound of the voice, seeing Giles emerging from the house, “We have a problem.” He came to a stop in front of them. “That was one of the Watchers. We’re needed in Birmingham. A gang of what appear to be Slayers have gone on a rampage.”

Buffy stared at him. “They what?”

Clearing his throat, Giles sat on the bench and addressed the group. “Apparently, they slipped through the net when we were gathering Potentials last year. Even as Potentials, they appear to have been drawn to each other. They formed an all-girl gang and have spent the last few months being generally disruptive. However, with the spell, their crimes have become more serious. Three guards, two police officers and several civilians have been hospitalised.”
Buffy let out a sigh. “How many?”

“Four. It will take all three of you and the others to stop them without resorting to deadly force.”

“What about Kennedy?” Willow asked, her voice filled with concern. “We were about to follow her. We can’t just leave her alone.”

“I’m afraid we don’t have any choice, Willow.” Giles said softly. “These girls must be stopped before they cause any deaths. Kennedy will be fine.” Stepping closer, he laid a hand reassuringly on the red headed witches shoulder. “If it will make you feel better, we can ask Oz to follow Kennedy. He will probably find it easier to track her than we would anyway.” Squeezing her shoulder he smiled warmly. Letting his hand fall away, his face turned harder and he addressed the whole group. “Come on everybody, we need to leave as soon as possible.”

Without another word, he turned and led them back into the house. Quickly they gathered a few items, additional weapons and some strong chains. A short while later, as they were loading the additional gear into the back of the Land Rover, Buffy turned to Giles, concern on her face.

“What are we going to do with these girls, Giles? I mean, we can’t just lock them up or keep them chained in the basement. Do you even have a basement?”

Turning to his Slayer, Giles sighed. “I don’t know Buffy. At the minute, I’m hoping that if we show them who and what they are, they will find the lure of battle to much to resist and will channel their energies into their Slayer duties.”

“And if they don’t?” She asked.

Closing the Land Rovers door, he looked her in the eyes. “I haven’t the slightest idea Buffy. At best, a temporary solution would be to secure them in one of the surviving Council strongholds, but that’s a far from ideal solution. We need to radically overhaul what’s left of the council before we go entrusting perfectly healthy Slayers to them, let alone ones with god only knows what emotional problems.”

“And at worse?” She prompted him, her voice heavy as she knew his answer.

“Buffy, these girls have incredible powers and strengths. They cannot be allowed to harm any more innocents.” He answered her, his voice flat. “If they won’t listen and we can’t subdue them....” His voice trailed off, unwilling to air the final solution. Buffy nodded sadly in understanding. In silence, the pair returned to the house where the others were waiting for them, having an early lunch before they departed. As Buffy and Giles joined them at the table, the phone rang again. Giles answered it and the others listened as he talked to whoever was on the other end.

“Ah, hello. You have? Excellent news.” As he listened, he nodded occasionally, “Yes, yes. We could do with you here. Use the credit card I gave you. See you in a couple of days.” Hanging up the receiver, he turned to address the group. “That was Faith, she’s wrapped things up in Chicago and will be joining us in a day or two.” He joined them at the table, reaching out for a sandwich.

Willow looked up at him, “I called Oz, he’s already left to watch Kennedy for us.”

Giles nodded his understanding, “She will be fine, Willow. She’s resourceful and with Oz watching her back as well, I’m sure we will see her again in a few days time.”

Willow smiled thinly, obviously still not fully convinced. “I know Giles, I know. It’s just, I want....”

“To be the one watching her?” She bobbed her head slightly in agreement. “Willow, you have to trust that she will be okay. What we’re going to face won’t be easy and you need to be on top form.” He paused, thinking, for a moment. “You know Kennedy better than anybody here. What would she say if she heard you worrying?”

“She’d say.” A small smile appeared, “She’d tell me to get a grip, that she can look after herself. And that I know it.”

“Do you?” He asked, seriously.

“Yes.” She said, her voice soft.

“Then don’t worry.” He held a hand up as she started to protest. “I know it’s a natural part of a loving relationship to worry about the other person, but trust is also important, extremely so. If you trust and love her, that trust should counter-balance the fear and worry you feel.” He smiled softly, reassuringly, at the young Wicca before him.

_____________________

It was almost four in the afternoon before they reached Birmingham, Giles’ Land Rover and Bastian’s rather battered looking VW Golf pulling into the car park of a small pub. At least two dozen motorcycles stood outside, ranging from small town bikes to cruisers and sports bikes. Getting out, Giles scanned the array of bikes until his eyes fixed on a bright red Kawasaki Ninja. “Good, he’s already here. Come on.”

Walking to the door, they passed a group of bikers chatting enthusiastically about an upcoming event. Inside the pub, they were greeted by the sound of conversation, a constant, buzzing noise all around them. Looking around, Giles searched the booths, looking for someone. He stopped when a cheerful voice called out from their right.

“Ah! Ripper! Get over here lad!”

They turned and saw a tall, slim man in his mid sixties standing from the booth he’d occupied. As they approached, Buffy examined the man further. He wore jeans and fitted black tee-shirt, accompanied by leather biking boots. Around his neck hung a chain with a ban the bomb symbol on it. What was left of his hair was grey, almost white. The top of his head glinted as a light reflected off it. As he turned to sit back down, she saw that the hair that ran around the sides of his head led into a pony tail hanging almost half way down his back. A leather biking jacket was stuffed in the corner of the booth and a helmet and backpack were sat under the table.

They squeezed into the booth and Giles smiled, shaking hands with the man. “Hello Jeff, it’s good to see you again.”

Jeff laughed, “God Ripper, what the hell’s happened to you? Who shoved that bloody rod up your backside? Relax a little!”

Buffy stared. “You think this is him uptight? It’s taken me seven years to get him this relaxed.”

Giles turned to protest but was interrupted as Jeff laughed long and loud. “Yeah, the Council has a habit of doing that. I swear they think I’m possessed or something.” He laughed again.

“You work for the Council?” Buffy asked, stunned. This man was not her image of a Watcher, not at all.

Giles spoke again. “I’m sorry. Buffy, this is Jeff, one of the more, ah, radical Watchers you’re likely to meet. He also happens to be one of the most honest men I’ve ever met.”

Jeff swatted a hand in the direction of Giles. “Stop it Ripper, you’re embarrassing me!” he said with a smile on his face.

Giles smiled and continued, “Jeff, meet Buffy Summers, the Slayer. And these are her companions, Dawn, her sister. Xander, a close family friend. Willow, the most powerful witch in the Northern Hemisphere.” He indicated each in turn and Willow turned red as he introduced her. Finally he gestured to Bastian. “And this is Sebastian, the Male Slayer.”

Jeff’s eyebrows shot up at the last and he looked intently at Bastian. “The Male Slayer, hey? I’ve heard a lot about you since you turned up last year. Good to meet you, Sebastian.” He offered a hand to the Slayer, who gripped it tightly and shook it.

“It’s just Bastian.” He added.

“Of course.” Jeff replied, turning to the others and shaking their hands in turn until he reached Buffy. “I’ve got to say I’m bloody pleased to meet you at last, Buffy. After reading all of Rippers’ reports, I was curious to say the least.” His eyes took in the blonde Slayers petite form. “Even after seeing pictures, I always thought you’d be bigger, bulkier. More Xena like.” He grinned at her and Buffy couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m sorry to disappoint.” She replied wryly.

Jeff shook his head and laughed again, “No disappointment.” He turned his attention back to Giles. “I thought you had another two Slayers with you?”

Giles shook his head. “Not at the minute. One is still in America, although she will be joining us shortly and the other is attending to some personal concerns, although we expect her to join us in a day or two as well.”
Jeff nodded. “Well, we should have enough people to deal with this little problem. Hopefully we can talk them down without bloodshed, but I have to say I’m not hopeful.”

“Really?” Giles asked.

“Yeah, afraid so. I’ve done some digging around and these girls have been in some quite serious trouble, before they were activated. Mugging, burglary, car theft. It’s only a matter of time before someone dies. I think they’re only just getting a grasp of their power, which is why they’ve been pretty quiet for the last few weeks. Last nights robbery shows they’re getting restless.”

“Then we move now.” Her voice was firm as Buffy spoke. “How do we find them?”

“We don’t.” Jeff responded.

Buffy looked at him blankly for a moment. “Care to explain?”

“They’ve tagged buildings, walls and more all over a two mile area.” He reached under the table and rummaged in his bag for a moment before placing half a dozen cans of spray paint on the table. “Anyone any good at art?” He asked with a lopsided grin.



Daylight was retreating as Kennedy moved through the forest, the occasional branch slapping her face. Trees’ towered above her now, she must be near the heart of the forest, she figured. Moss clung to many of the trees’ and ivy crept across others. The cries of animals and insects surrounded her, bathing her in the sound of nature. She smiled, despite the task that faced her it was a wonderful experience. She was going to have to bring Willow out here, she decided. A few hours earlier, she had passed through a clearing that would be perfect for a picnic or other, more personal, meals. She smiled again as she remembered Willows’ moans the night before. The thought spurred her on and she moved a little faster, set on confronting the Barghest and settling back in her lovers arms.

Behind her, well back from the Slayers’ senses, Oz moved through the forest with an animal like grace. He paused and sniffed the air, turning slightly to his right before continuing on Kennedys trail. Silently, he leapt over a small stream then came to a stop. All around him there was silence. Something was here, something was hunting him. Crouching, he closed his eyes and concentrated. With a ripping that seemed deafening in the silence, he began to shift. When he stood, he wasn’t a man anymore. Neither was he a full wolf, he had only partially shifted. He resembled the classic horror movie image of a wolf man. It was an ability that he had only recently developed, with much meditation. It gave him access to many of his wolf forms enhanced abilities, including sight, hearing and a sense of smell that eclipsed even the enhanced sense he had in his human form. Another benefit was that it left him with his higher brain functions - he could still think and reason as a man, something his full wolf state was incapable of.

His nostrils flared as he detected a new scent. He growled deep in his throat. He turned to his left. When he spoke, his voice was deeper and more guttural than normal. “James, get out here.”

Silently, a young man stepped into the small clearing around the stream. His eyes widened as he took in Oz’s new state. Warily, he kept his distance, his eyes never leaving the wolf-man in front of him. “Oz.” He said in way of greeting. “That’s a neat trick.”

Oz growled once again. “What are you doing here?” He asked.

“Nothing.” James responded. Oz cocked his head slightly to one side; he could smell the fear coming from the young man in front of him. There was something else too, he was...

“You’re lying.” Before he could react, Oz moved, covering the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His clawed hand closed around the young mans neck and he lifted him bodily from the ground. He growled again and pulled his prey close to his face. “Why are you here?”

James’ fingers clawed at the hands locked in a steel grip around his throat. In response, Oz squeezed a little harder. “Why?” He asked again.

 “S... S...” James tried to speak, but the hands round his throat were crushing his windpipe. He was struggling to breathe, let alone talk. The grip around his throat disappeared as Oz hurled him bodily into a tree, branches and leaves showering down onto him. Gasping for air, he struggled to sit upright, blood streaming down his face from a cut on his forehead. He looked up as a shadow fell over him. He cringed in fear as Oz’s distorted face came into his vision.
“S...Seldon.” He started, wincing in pain. “Seldon wants the Slayer. He picked up your scent and sent me to...” His voice trailed off.

“Distract me.” Oz filled in, his voice barely distinguishable. As swiftly as he had jumped James, he vanished into the trees’, moving faster than he ever had before. He had promised Willow he would protect Kennedy, and he intended to fulfil that promise.



Dawn stepped back and admired her handiwork. The last hour and a half had been spent touring sites where the girls had left their spray-paint tag and marking over it. She had applied a crude image of the Scythe over the girls ice blue tag. They had been following a very specific path, each over-painted tag leading towards a run down industrial estate. She had just finished applying her tag to the loading bay doors of an abandoned factory. She hopped up the steps and through the door, easing it shut behind her.

The abandoned factory loomed before her, an old shipping plant she guessed. A few skeletal conveyor belts criss-crossed the floor, along with empty and shattered crates, fallen shelves and other debris from years of neglect. The few remaining windows were covered with grime, the soot from the nearby road gathering over the years until it was as dark as tar. The others had cleared a large central area.

At the rear, facing towards the clearing, a metal staircase led down from a walkway and overlooking office. Through the broken windows, she could see Willow working at some switches. One by one, the overhead lights started to flick off. Quickly she slid over to her hiding place, slipping into the shadows as the last of the lights covering the work area went out. Finally, the lights in the office went out and the building was in total darkness. Silently, she and the others waited. Dawn let out a barely audible sigh, she was getting bored with this already, and it had only been a few minutes. They had no idea how long it would take for these girls to take the bait, or even if they would.

In the shadows across from Dawn, Buffy stood silent, waiting for her prey. As she stood, her mind began to wander, drifting further from the world. The darkness became all-encompassing, penetrated only by shafts of light that stabbed through the darkness. Around her, she could see the vague outlines, the shapes of pews. A church. In the dark, she heard movement. A figure moved through the shadows.

“I dreamed of killing you.” Spikes voice filtered through the darkness to her. Swiftly she reached down, picking up a makeshift stake from the remains of a shattered pew. A voice filtered through the clinging darkness, seeming to echo in her ears.

 “I think they were dreams.” He paused, moving in the darkness, holding himself for comfort. “So weak. Did you make me weak?” He asked. She stared, slightly shocked as the dishevelled figure began to emerge. “Thinking of you. Holding myself and spilling useless buckets of salt over your…” Again he paused, seemingly unsure of himself and his words. “Ending.” He concluded.

“Angel. He should have warned me.” His voice was higher now, the distress sounding desperate to her ears. “Makes a good show, but forget it, it’s here, in me. All the time.” He paused again. “The spark.”

She took a slow breath, realisation dawning on her, the implications of Spikes words sinking in. While she struggled to accept what he was saying, he continued. “I wanted to give you what you deserve. And I got it.” He emerged into the moonlight filtering through the stained glass windows. “They put the spark in me and now all it does is burn.” Quietly he circled her, eyes never leaving her.

Finally, she found the words that had been stuck in her throat, but they emerged as barely more than a whisper. “Your soul.”

He laughed once, thick with irony and bitterness. “Bit worse for lack of use.”

“You got your soul back.” She spoke again, turning to face him. “How?”

“It’s what you wanted, right?” He asked, a hint of desperation entering his voice, uncertainty clouding his features. “It’s what you wanted, right?” He asked again, his voice becoming louder, more desperate and he looked up, to the heavens above the church. Buffy took another breath, still shocked. Spike moved again, raising his hands to his head, rapping at his temples. “And now everybody’s in here, talking. Everything I did… Everyone I…” He walked past her, heading towards the large crucifix at the head of the church. “And him. And it. The other. The thing beneath… beneath you. It’s here too. Everybody. They all just tell me go… go… to hell.”

Finally Buffy shook herself and asked the question burning in her mind. “Why? Why would you?”

He turned again, looking her in the eyes. “Buffy, shame on you. Why does a man do what he mustn’t? For her. To be hers. To be the kind of man who would nev¼” His voice dropped again, breaking with pain and emotion. “To be a kind of man.” He turned again and moved towards the cross, staring up at it. When he spoke, his voice was soft, filled with reverence. “And she shall look on him with forgiveness, and everybody will forgive and love.” His voice dropped quieter still as he stepped up to the cross. “And he will be loved. So everything’s okay, right?” A single tear rolled from her eye as slowly he draped himself over the cross. A gentle hiss reached her ears as smoke curled from him and the smell of burning flesh filled the church. “Can we rest now?” He asked softly. “Buffy?” Smoke curled from where his bare skin lay over the cross, rising in swirling columns. “Can we rest?”

 The soft metallic groan of the door opening brought her attention back to the real world. She stiffened as the door swung wide, the sound of its movement echoing through the building. Through the dim light filtering in from outside, a single figure stood silhouetted, silently assessing what she could see. Carefully, Buffy inched backwards a little. Her feet scuffing slightly on the concrete floor, the girl stepped forward, the darkness swallowing her. A second figure appeared, shorter than the first and her hair held up in a bun. Her head turned from side to side for a moment before she slipped into the darkness. A third girl appeared, shorter and stockier than the others, but the way she moved, Buffy could see the coiled up energy and tension within her, waiting for a release. She’d have to watch that one, she thought. The final girl appeared, the tallest and slimmest yet, her hair cut in a short bob, bouncing slightly with her movement. She stepped forward, moving silently. Buffy counted down in her head, waiting for Willow.

With a thunderous noise, the door slammed shut, shutting out what little light had been filtering in. One of the girls swore. Buffy took that as her cue and silently stepped forward.

“You really shouldn’t call attention to yourselves, you know.” She spoke, her voice ringing through the building.

In the dark, she heard scuffling as the girls spun towards her voice. A hesitant voice began to answer her. “W-who? We’ll kick you’re a…” The voice trailed off as Dawns firm voice cut through the darkness.

“You’re special, chosen. You’re better than what you’ve been doing.”

“Really?” Another voice answered, more confident than the first. “Who’re you to judge? Our Fairy Godmothers?” The voice was thick with sarcasm.

“I’m no Fairy Godmother.” Bastians voice cut through the darkness to Buffys left, behind the girls, blocking the exit.

“Okay, who the hell are you and what are you doing on OUR turf?” The voice was raised in anger now. “Nobody scrubs our tags without reprisals, you know.”

“That’s awful childish behaviour, don’t you think?” Giles voice and acerbic comments made Buffy smile.

“Right, I’ve had enough of this. I don’t know who you bastards think you are, but show yourselves now. Or are you only this brave in the darkness?”

Buffy shifted her gaze slightly, her eyes almost fully adjusted to the darkness again. She knew that she’d lose her advantage soon, their eyes would adjust. “Willow.” She called out. “Can we have some light?” On cue, one of the heavy-duty overhead lamps flicked on, bathing the four rogue Slayers in light, but leaving the remainder of the building cloaked in shadows and darkness.

 The four girls stood together in a tight group, their backs to each other, offering mutual protection. A slim girl, wearing a brown leather jacket with a small rainbow patch over the left breast spoke. It was the same voice that had just addressed them. Buffy looked her up and down, from her vantage point in the shadows, accessing the girl who was obviously the small bands leader. She stood at five foot nine, had dirty blonde hair, with eyes so brown they were almost black. A scar crossed her forehead, the healed flesh glistening slightly in the reflected light.

“Who are you?” Her voice was more confident now.

Buffy stepped into the light, locking eyes with the groups’ leader. “I’m you.” She said simply. “You’ve got to stop this. You girls have a calling.”

The blonde-haired woman laughed at Buffy, flicking her gaze to her partners momentarily, before returning her attention to the Slayer. “Hear that girls, we have a calling!” She turned back to face Buffy. “Look lady, I don’t know who the hell you are, but this is our turf. If you leave now, we won’t hurt you.”

Buffy continued to stare at her as the others emerged from their places in the darkness. The tall girl with the bob haircut reached a hand out and laid it onto the leaders arm. “Lou. We have company.”

Lou nodded. “I know.” She stared hard at Buffy. “I suggest you leave now, or you may not leave at all.” To emphasise her point, she took a half step forward.

Buffy held up a hand, “Whoa there, calm down. You don’t want to do this.”

“Really?” Lou asked. “Why not? There’s four aside and I know we’re stronger than you.”

“That may be.” Giles spoke, stepping forward. “But we have experience. And there are five of us.” On cue, a light over the suspended walkway flicked on, revealing Willow standing at the top of the stairs. He held out a hand towards the girls. “We can help you; give you a purpose, a way to channel your abilities.”

Lou laughed. “We have a purpose Grandpa. Fun.”

“Don’t you want to know why you have all these extra powers and abilities?” Dawn asked, stepping forward.

Lou shrugged. “Not really. All I know is we kick ass and you’re on our turf. And you know what? I think we’ve talked enough.” Without warning, she rushed forward, charging Buffy.



 Kennedy pushed through the bushes in the darkness. Dusk had fallen only thirty minutes earlier, but in amongst the trees the darkness was rapidly becoming complete. She cursed softly under her breath; she was not going to get anywhere further tonight. Slightly despondent, she pushed on, trying to find a clearing to set up camp. After five minutes of slow, careful progression through the trees she came on a small clearing, maybe fifteen foot across, more a gap in the trees than a true clearing. Kennedy looked quickly around; she guessed it would probably be safer than being exposed in a larger clearing. Shrugging the bag off her back, she crouched and opened it, pulling out a bedroll and a light blanket. She sat cross-legged, eating some of the food Willow had packed her and thinking of her love. She took a deep breath. Had she really just thought that? Yes, she concluded, she had. She wasn’t just attracted to Willow, or just liked her. She loved Willow. Kennedy smiled. It had been a long time since she had felt love, true love. Her parents had always been rather aloof and distant. Sighing happily, she closed the bag and lay down, her mind thinking again of Willow. Of the soft red hair, the quirky smile and the twinkling eyes. Lost in her thoughts, sleep soon claimed the Slayer.

The moon was high overhead, a slim crescent barely visible through the leaves when her eyes shot open. She lay there for a moment, barely breathing. She listened to the forest around her, but didn’t hear a thing. She let out a sigh, rolled onto her side and then her breath caught. She literally hadn’t heard anything and out here that could only mean trouble. She closed her eyes and listened again. The soft rustle of leaves moving in the gentle wind, the slight groan of branches flexing. Then she heard it, barely audible. Breathing, to her left. She waited, eyes still closed. A soft footfall amidst the underbrush, followed by another, moving slowly and steadily towards her. Whoever it was couldn’t be far now. Still she waited her muscles tensing, ready to strike.

In a blur of speed, she moved, rolling over and up at the same time, landing on the balls of her feet, her arm already swinging in a telegraphed punch whilst balling up her left fist for the follow through. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the wolf-man towering over her. She averted her blow, not wanting her fist anywhere near the things mouth. Stumbling with the momentum of the swing, she sidestepped, recovering her balance before taking a step back. The wolf-mans eyes followed her and it took a step forward, growling softly. Lips peeled back from fangs that glistened in the partial light, saliva dripping from the jaws and getting lost in thick brown fur.

Kennedy tensed, not sure whether to run or fight. She had a feeling, a deep twisting feeling deep in her gut that neither would accomplish anything, that she was dog food tonight. She stepped back again as the wolf continued to stalk towards her. Her head snapped around as she heard something snap to her right, but she didn’t see anything. Suddenly a yelp and a crashing sound brought her head back to the wolf in front of her. Except she couldn’t make it out as it rolled on the ground, wrestling with another wolf in a blur of fur and flashing claws. The newcomer, fur more grey than brown, looked up at her and she gasped. The face wasn’t fully changed yet, she could still make out human features.

“Go!” Oz shouted, his voice deep and animalistic. “Run! I’ll deal with this!”

 Taking flight as the sounds of animal combat raged behind her, Kennedy moved swiftly through the trees, her concerns about moving at night having now abated. Instinct took over as she slipped through gaps, ducked branches and hopped over gnarled roots in her retreat. She ran until the sounds of combat were lost to the trees. Slowing her advance, she studied her surroundings. She was deep in the forest now, she guessed almost at the centre. As if on cue, the trees thinned out and she stepped into a large clearing. Ahead, an outcropping of rock loomed in the darkness. And at the centre of it was a circle of pure blackness. A cave. She shrugged and started to walk towards it, it seemed like a good place to start. She stopped as silence again overtook the forest, turning around as a growl drifted towards her. The wolf-man moved into the clearing, limping. His coat matted with blood and his jaws red. She studied him carefully, noting the large wound on his right thigh, the slashes across his chest and arm, the large chunk missing from one of his ears. It had been quite a fight, that much she was sure of. And if this was the condition of the victor, she could barely think. Finally, she found her voice.

“Oz?” She asked softly, not expecting an answer from the creature before her.

“I-I’m here.” An unsteady voice reached her ears. Oz stepped from the woods, still in his part wolf form. He cradled a large wound on his left arm and his fur was matted, blood glistening around his partially changed jaws.

“Change fully.” She said. “You can fight him better like that.” As if to punctuate her statement, the wolf-man growled. Oz shook his head firmly.

“No. Like this, I can control myself. If I change fully, I’m just as likely to attack you as Seldon.”

Kennedy drew a breath. “Seldon? Why?”

Oz took a shaky step forward. “H-He wants you. For the pack.”

“YOU BASTARD!” Kennedy screamed, taking a step towards Seldon. “You knew! You knew and you set me up! I’ll rip your fucking head off!”

“NO!” Oz screamed, even as Kennedy launched herself into the air. Seldon moved, but his wound slowed him down. With a sickening crunch, her foot connected with his chest, ribs snapping. He howled in pain and staggered back, collapsing to his knees. Kennedy moved forward, reaching for Seldons neck, but his arm flashed out, backhanding her and she was hurled through the air, slamming into a tree with enough force to break it in two. As the tree fell back into the forest, Kennedy struggled to stand as Seldon limped towards her. Then he spoke, the words barely distinguishable.

“I will have you, for my pack.”

With a roar, Oz barrelled into Seldon and they tumbled across the clearing, rolling free of each other and landing in a crouch, facing off. Slowly they circled each other, watching, waiting for an opportunity.

“Kennedy.” Oz spoke without taking his eyes from his opponent. “Get into the cave. I’m going to finish this.” Without further encouragement, Kennedy moved across the clearing, holding her side. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she might have cracked a rib or two. The cave loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. The darkness enveloped her like a blanket and she wished she’d grabbed a torch before leaving her backpack. After a few feet, she came to a halt. It was hopeless, the darkness was complete. Even if the Barghest is in here, she thought, I’m likely to break my neck before I find it.

 Retracing her steps towards the dim light coming from the entrance, Kennedy ran her hands through her pockets and found what she wanted. A lighter. Looking around, she found a large branch near the cave mouth. Pulling her shirt off, she wrapped it tightly around the branch. She looked up to see two fully formed wolf-men, one brown and one grey, fighting. With a roar, Oz launched himself at Seldon, landing on the other Wolfs back. They staggered around the clearing, Seldon shaking his head wildly, trying to dislodge Oz. He yelped as Oz struck, his fangs sinking deep into Seldons neck. Ducking, he rolled forward and Oz slid off his back, skidding to a halt and turning to face Seldon again. He took a step forward, his tongue flashing out to taste some of the blood on his muzzle, growling.

Kennedy shuddered and turned, heading back into the darkness, wearing only trousers and her bra. Once she was out of sight of the entrance, she pulled the lighter from her pocket again and lit her makeshift torch. Flames lapped at the air and shadows danced around her. Stealing herself, she pressed forward again, into the darkness.



Buffy sidestepped Lou’s charge, grabbing the girls arm and, using her momentum against her, swung her to the left, hurling her into a nearby support pillar. Lou staggered back, her hand reaching towards her face, where blood was running from her nose. Pulling her hand across, she flicked the blood to the floor. The others of her group, who had started an advance on their opponents, stopped to watch.

“Bitch.” Lou stepped forward, balling her hands up.

“That’s Miss Bitch.” Buffy answered, ducking a right hook and driving both her fists up into her opponents’ stomach, sending her reeling backwards. “And I’ve got a lot more experience at this than you. Now stop this and let’s grab a drink somewhere, we need to talk to you.”

“Screw you.” Lou answered, stepping into her fight with Buffy again, more wary now that she knew the challenger had the same strength and speed as herself. She swung another hook, waiting for the counter. When it came, she dodged Buffys’ blow and dropped low, her leg swinging out in an attempt to knock Buffy off her feet. Seeing the move, Buffy leapt into the air, landing a few feet back and setting up a defensive posture, waiting for Lou to make the first move. Silently, the rogue Slayer moved forward, expecting Buffy to dodge or sidestep the jab she sent flying towards her face. But Buffy didn’t, she stepped forward into the blow, shifting her head slightly to the right so the blow skimmed off her temple.

In response, she brought her knee up into Lous’ stomach, followed immediately by a sharp jab to the face, sending the rogue stumbling again. Pressing her advantage, Buffy rushed forward, grabbing one of the girls’ arms and flipping her over her head. With a heavy thump and a small cloud of dust, Lou landed on the concrete floor, breathing heavily. She let out a gasp as Buffy sat astride her stomach. A hand rushed out and grasped her hair, pulling her head up to look Buffy in the eyes.

 “Look, I’m not here to fight you unless you I have to. But you have to stop this; you’ll only draw more attention to yourselves. You have no idea what’s out there, but they’ll know what you are and they’ll try to kill you. But we can tell you how to fight them and kill them instead.”

“What the hell are you talking about lady?” Lou retaliated, spitting blood from her mouth.

“Vampires. Demons. All the forces of darkness and hell.” Giles put in, stepping forward, the rest of Lous’ gang watching, stunned by the ease of their leaders defeat.

Lou laughed then. “Great. I get my ass kicked by a complete wacko and her buddies.”

“It’s the truth.” Buffy retaliated.

“Sure, sure. And I’m Santa Claus.” Lou spat back at her. “Demons, vampires. It’s all fairy tale nonsense.”

Softly, slowly, Willow started down the stairs. “Like magic?” She asked, her soft voice carrying in the building.

“Yeah, like ‘magic’ – nonsense.” Lou answered.

“Oh.” Willow answered. She waved a hand and every light in the building came on at once, bathing the interior of the warehouse in brilliant light.

Lou laughed. “Cute. Put the lights on a timer did you?”

Willow took another step then stopped. She reached out a hand and a sword lifted from the floor, floating to her hand. Lou’s confidence dipped a little as Willow finished descending the stairs and walked towards her. From her restrained position on the floor, Lou struggled to follow the red heads progress, but then the world spun as Buffy lifted her to her feet, facing the red head.

Willow stopped in front of her and raised a hand, palm upwards. She whispered a few words and a ball of bright blue flame sprang into existence. Gently, she flicked her hand and the ball floated upwards, hovering just over their heads. She waved the hand again and all the lights went out. The building was almost dark, barely any light coming from the ball of flame. Just as suddenly as they went out the lights came back on and one of the girls squealed in surprise. Around them, pieces of wood, cable, stakes, paper, shards of concrete and many more items of mundane waste floated around them, orbiting Willow in leisurely arcs.

The red head smiled. “Welcome to the real world.”



 Shadows flickering across the damp cave walls, Kennedy pressed deeper into the clinging darkness. The sound of water dripping rang around her. She came to a halt as the light from her torch showed the passage splitting into two directions, one veering off to her left and the other going straight on. Sighing, she looked between the two, trying to decide which path to take. Both looked valid to her, but she had no idea how deep these passages ran and whether she’d have time to retrace her steps if she chose wrong. She looked at her watch. One seventeen in the morning. Day five had arrived.

“Dammit.” She cursed softly. She couldn’t choose, her mind wouldn’t settle. In frustration, she sat on the damp ground, forcing the stick into the ground so that she didn’t need to keep holding the torch. She reached up and rubbed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She let it out slowly, steadying her breathing. Then she stopped. A noise, barely audible. She held her breath and listened again. Nothing. She was about to give up when it finally reached her ears. A distant sound, an animal in pain. Suddenly a sharp squeal echoed along the tunnel ahead of her. Just as suddenly, the sound was gone. Something, Kennedy guessed, was having dinner. Jumping to her feet, she grabbed up her torch and set off down the tunnel. 

Moving swiftly, Kennedy passed through the tunnel, the light from her torch casting eerie shadows as she moved. After a minute, she paused. She could hear sounds ahead. Sounds of something eating. The crunch of bones, the sickening sound of tearing flesh. Ahead, the tunnel opened into a large cavern, some thirty feet in diameter. In the centre, facing away from her, the Barghest tore a chunk of meat from its meal and gulped it down. Kennedy stabbed her torch into the ground and moved forward. Slowly, the creature turned from its meal, a low growl reverberating through the cavern.

As it turned, she launched herself, a wordless scream tearing from her throat. Catching the creature off guard, she slammed into it and they tumbled across the cavern floor, Kennedy holding onto the creature for dear life. She had seen its claws; she couldn’t afford to give it the room to use them. She rolled them again, ducking her head left and right to avoid the snapping jaws. Her fist slammed into the side of the creatures’ head, stunning it. She punched it again, then a third time. Satisfied that it was dazed enough for her to try, she released her grip on the fur and grabbed the head in both hands, pulling it towards her before slamming it down with all her strength. Once, twice, a third and finally a fourth time. On the fourth attempt, there was a sickening crunch and blood began to pool out around the animals’ head. Rolling off the corpse, Kennedy sighed. Finally, she sat up and dug in her pockets, pulling out a small flick knife. They’d said she needed to kill it bare handed and she had. However, there was no way she was getting at the heart without some help.



It was just past one in the morning when two cars and a motorcycle pulled onto the gravel driveway leading to Giles’ country estate. The journey had been a long one, during which Buffy and Giles had talked at great length to the rogue Slayers, convincing them to at least come and stay with Giles for a few nights. If the girls wanted to leave after that, they wouldn’t try to stop them.

Opening the front door, Olivia greeted Giles, her face beaming as he swept her up in a tight embrace. Setting her down again, he turned and ushered the rapidly growing crowd into his home. Once everyone was seated with drinks in the living room he looked directly at Lou.
 “Lou. As the leader of your group, I am holding you personally responsible for any damage or missing items, consumables exempted, obviously.”

Lou stared at him blankly for a moment, then Dawn chipped in. “What he’s saying is that, if anything gets broken or stolen, food and toiletries aside, Buffy will kick your ass from one side of the grounds to the other.” She gave the Slayer a warm grin, patted her knee then hopped up, vanishing into the kitchen.

“Um, yeah. I got that.” Lou said absently to the retreating figure.

Giles finished his drink and stood. “Now, if you girls will come with me, I’ll take you to the guesthouse.”

Buffy looked up in surprise. “You have a guest-HOUSE?”

The Watcher couldn’t help but smile. “Yes Buffy, I do. When I bought this place, I had planned to offer it up for the Watchers Council to use as a satellite facility, for briefings and emergency meetings and so on. Since you have virtually fully occupied the main house, it is only fair to offer these girls the use of the guesthouse. I won’t be gone long; I’m just going to give them a basic tour.” As he and Olivia led the girls from the living room, he stopped and turned to face Jeff. “The last guest room upstairs is free Jeff, if you want to take it?”

Jeff nodded once and stifled a yawn. “Damn, I must be getting old.” He commented with a rueful smile.

“Dawn.” Giles called in the direction of the kitchen. After a moment, the brunette appeared in the doorway, her mouth working and a handful of cookies. Swallowing, she smiled at him.

“What’s up?”

“Would you mind showing Jeff upstairs, please? He’ll be staying in the room next to yours.” Dawn nodded her understanding and moved past him into the living, reaching for Jeff’s hand.

“Come on, this way.” She said, dragging the man to his feet. Jeff grinned and shook his head, allowing himself to be led towards the staircase.

Curled up on the sofa, arms and legs intertwined, Xander and Bastian watched as the room began to empty, leaving only Buffy, Willow and the couple in the living room. As Giles turned to leave again, Buffy leapt up and laid a hand on his arm.

“Can I talk with you?” She asked, leading him to one side. “Are you sure leaving them alone in your guest house is a good idea?”

 Sighing softly, Giles laid a hand on Buffys’ shoulder. “Buffy, these young women trust no one. And they trust no one because they haven’t been trusted, no one has had any faith in them whatsoever. If we want to convince them that we can help, they have to believe in us. The only way they do that will be if they trust us. Besides,” He smiled. “I still have a substantial amount of capital remaining, if they do break our trust. This is a small gesture Buffy, one we have to give in order to convince them that we mean what we say.”

The Slayer stared at him for a moment, not looking convinced. “If you’re sure?”

The Watcher nodded. “I’m sure Buffy. We need to start this somewhere and this seems the ideal place.”

“Okay.” She answered, relenting and stepping back. She watched as he walked down the hall and led the small group out into the grounds. Yawning, she returned to the living room, leaning in the doorway. “I’m beat guys, I’m going to bed. Will, we’ll go looking for Kennedy tomorrow.”

Willow smiled up at the Slayer. “Thanks Buffy. See you later.” Buffy slipped from the room and Bastian began to extricate himself from Xander, laying a hand his lovers thigh.

He smiled warmly and leant in, placing a soft kiss on Xanders lips. Reaching up, Xander returned the kiss, gently stroking Bastians cheek. “I’m going to the loo, then I’m gonna get changed.” Bastian said, breaking the soft kiss. “See you soon.” He dipped in and placed another gentle kiss on his lovers’ lips.

As he disappeared through the doorway, Willow pulled herself out of her chair and dropped next to Xander on the couch. She smiled at him and lay a hand on his arm.

“You seemed very… cosy.” She said with a wry smile.

Glancing at the doorway, Xander smiled. “It’s just…” He paused. “It just felt right, you know?” Willow nodded her agreement, not wanting to speak. She had a feeling he needed to express this in his own way. “I mean, I knew you guys were going to be cool with it. And you were cool with me being… intimate with Anya. The only thing that stopped me was me.” He smiled ruefully. “Some forward thinking guy, hey? Cool with my best friend being gay, but the moment I start to feel something, I wig out.”

Willow smiled warmly, moving her hand down to his and giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay, I know what you mean. It can be strange at first.” Her smile broadened to a grin. “At least, what I remember.”

Xander laughed. “The lesbian in you has wiped away all those lusty hetero memories then?”

Willow laughed with him. “Oh, absolutely. What about you?” She countered.

Xanders’ smile faded. “I don’t know. I like Bastian. I really like him Wills. But it’s all so new.” His voice was little more than a whisper as he finished. His eyes went wide as Willow pulled him into a tight embrace. Gently, she ran her hand through his hair. She couldn’t help it, he sounded so lost.

 “Oh, I know Xand, I do. I remember the confusion, I really do. But it’s okay. Confusion is fine, so long as you face it and don’t let it make you hide.” She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “So, how like is ‘really like’?” She asked him, a small twinkle in her eyes.

“Like as in…” He trailed off, then laughed. “Wow. I can’t even say the word. I-I think I’m falling for him Wills, really falling for him.”

Willow smiled, hugging him again. “That’s cool. It’s a big step, for such a teeny word.” She pulled back and ran a hand through his hair again, comforting him. “Does he know?”

“I-I’m not sure. But either way, I’m telling him tonight I think.” Xander smiled broadly.

Willow returned the smile. “He’s makes you happy?”

“Oh god, Wills. He’s done things, made me feel things that I never thought. I mean, before, if someone tried to tell me about gay sex, I’d wig. But some of the things he does. It’s… wow.”

Willow laughed. “That good huh?”

“The best.” He nodded, smiling.

“So.” Willow started. “Spill. I want all the details. Well, okay, not all the details. Maybe a blurry watercolour.”

Xander chuckled. “You’re insatiable Will.” The red head grinned broadly at his comment. “What do you want to know?”

“Oh, the little things. Do you snuggle? Is he a good kisser? Are you the woman or him?”

Xander coughed in shock. “Will! I can’t answer that last one!”

She laughed. “Of course you can, I won’t tell. Well, except maybe to tease Bastian.”

He swatted at her arm. “No chance. I remember asking you that question when you were with Tara and you refused to answer it. And so neither will I.”

Pulling a miserable face, Willow grumbled under her breath. Xander laughed. “But as for the others, yes and fantastic.”

“What about other skills?” Willow pushed.

Shaking his head, Xander continued. “Well, let’s see. He gives an amazing massage, he’s got an all over tan, his hair is wonderful to snuggle up to, he has a mouth like a vacuum cleaner.” He stopped, covering his mouth in shock. “Shit! I didn’t say that! Forget you heard that! Rub it from your mind!”

 Rather than answer, Willow was doubled up on the couch, laughing hysterically. She looked up at his shocked face, tears of laughter rolling down her face and laughed even louder. He stared at her for a long moment, still shocked at his mistake, but then a smile spread across his face and he started laughing with the Wiccan.

Finally, as the laughter subsided, he looked back at Willow. “Okay, I screwed up. Now you owe me one embarrassing Kennedy and you story or comment.”

“Oh no.” Willow countered, emphatically shaking her head.

“Oh yes.” Xander answered, nodding his head. “You tell me something now, or I tell Dawn and Buffy what I found in your drawer when redecorating last year.”

“My drawer?” Willow asked, confused.

Xander smiled. “Soft, purple, about nine inches long with little…”

He was cut off as Willow squealed in horror. “You wouldn’t!” She looked at his face. “You would, wouldn’t you?” Xander grinned at her, his eyes twinkling. “Fine.” She huffed. “You win.”

Day Five


The sun was rising as Kennedy made her way through the tunnels, retracing her steps, her hand trailing along the wall, the torch long since extinguished. Slowly, she moved through the darkness until early morning light began to filter its way in ahead of her. Blinking, she stepped into the open, shivering slightly and wrapping her arms around herself in the chill morning air. Looking around, she started as she saw a naked body lying in the clearing, the ground around it stained dark with drying blood. Moving forward tentatively, she reached out and rolled the body over. She took in a deep breath and immediately wished she hadn’t, the smell was overwhelming.

Staggering back, clutching her hand to her mouth, she stared at the corpse. His face was gone, torn and chewed away. The body was covered in other wounds, great chunks of flesh missing, torn away. Flies filled the air, buzzing around the body. Blood soaked the ground around him.

“We should go.” Kennedy whirled to face the quiet, shaky voice. A dishevelled Oz limped into the clearing, his naked body covered in cuts, bruises and a long gash down his right thigh, along with the large wound on his left arm.

“No clothes?” She asked, averting her eyes from his body, slightly embarrassed knowing that Willow had... she shook her head, those thoughts were pointless and she knew there was nothing to be jealous of.

“Shredded. It’ll be okay, I think we’re safe. Somehow I doubt Willow will accuse us of anything.”

Kennedy laughed. “Yeah, you’re right. Here, let me.” She stepped up beside him, draping his arm over her shoulder, taking some of the weight off his leg. “We’d better go, this is gonna take us a while.” Together, the pair moved unsteadily into the trees.



Xander lay naked in bed curled up close to Bastian, the sheets in a rumpled heap at the bottom of the bed and his head laying on the other mans chest. He breathed in the scent of his lover and sighed as he listened to Bastians’ heart beating softly. He reached a hand up and ran it in circles on the young mans chest. Bastian laughed softly at the touch.

“You seem very…” He paused, searching for the right word. “Comfortable, this morning.” He reached a hand up and stroked Xanders face.

“Willow and I talked for a long time last night.”

“I noticed.” Bastian chuckled. “Have I been abandoned for a woman so soon?”

“Absolutely not. But she’s my best friend, so don’t you go all green eyed on me.”

Bastian nodded seriously. “Check, consider that green eyed monster well and truly slain.”

“Well then, if that bad guy’s history, I say we celebrate his defeat.” Xander smiled and rolled over, straddling his partners’ chest, leaning in to kiss him. “Definitely celebrate.” His voice dropped, dripping with desire.

He leant in again, pressing their lips together.

“Guys! Quick!” Dawn cried, shoving the door wide open. “Oh!” She squealed.

“Crap!” Xander cried and the pair rolled off the bed, landing with a heavy thump in a heap on the floor, the bed hiding them from Dawn. Scrambling up, he poked his head over the side of the bed. “Dawnie! Usually we knock when two people who are together are in a room, alone together, with the door shut. It’s good manners.”

“Sorry guys.” Dawn answered, her cheeks reddening as she took in their situation. Bastians’ head appeared beside Xanders. “It’s just that Kennedy and Oz are back. Oz is hurt.”

“Okay Dawn, we’ll be right there. Just shut the door so we can dress, will you?” As the door shut, Bastian started to laugh.

“Guess we need to lock that in the future. And I think we need to take you to a doctor.”

“We do? Why? I feel okay.” Xander asked, raising a hand tentatively to his forehead. “Do I look okay?”

Bastian chuckled. “You look fine. It’s just I think you’ve caught Willow-itus.”

“Willow-itus? No, no. I’d have fallen for you anyway.” Xander answered immediately.

“I meant the babbling, goofball.” Bastian countered, chuckling again and turning to face Xander. “So you’ve fallen for me, huh?”

Xander stared into eyes so blue they shone. “I didn’t mention that last night?”

“Nope.” Bastian answered, and then grinned. “But then, I don’t seem to recall that much talking once you came to bed.”

“Oh, well then.” Xander answered warmly, smiling. The smile faded and his face became serious. He reached out, taking his lovers hands in his own. “Sebastian Childe, I think I’ve fallen for you.”

Bastian returned the smile. “Thank you.” He pulled his hand from Xanders and ran it down the other mans’ cheek. “Thank you.” He repeated softly as Xander turned his head into the touch, savouring it.

“Mmm.” Xander sighed in contentment. “We should get dressed, go see the others.”

“Hmm-Mmm.” Bastian responded. “We should. But who wants to spoil this moment?”

“It’s not a matter of spoiling.” Xander replied. “It’s duty.” He smiled wanly, pushing himself to his feet before leaning over and offering Bastian a hand up. A twinkle in his eye, Bastian took the proffered hand and let Xander pull him to his feet.

“My saviour.” He said, raising a hand dramatically to his brow, offering a fake swoon. Xander laughed again and threw a shirt at his lovers head.

“Come on, put that on.” Xander said, pulling on his jeans and grabbing a white T-shirt while heading for the door. “I’ll see you downstairs.”



Bastian entered the kitchen just in time to see Buffy helping Kennedy lead a naked Oz into the kitchen. Raising an eyebrow at the sight, he stepped to one side as they lowered the young werewolf into a chair.

“What happened?” He asked.

“Just the question I was building up to.” Buffy commented. “Well?” She asked, facing Kennedy.

“I killed it.” The Slayer provided; her voice flat.

“That’s great, but what about him? What happened to Oz?” Buffy asked, waving her hand slightly in the direction of the wounded man, a towel wrapped loosely around him to protect his modesty.

“S-Seldon.” The young man managed to cough out. “H-He w-wanted…” He broke off more coughs racked his body.

“He wanted me for the pack.” Kennedy supplied, holding her arms close about her. Stepping up behind her, Willow wrapped her arms around the Slayers stomach, laying her head on her lovers shoulder.

“What happened?” Bastian inquired.

Kennedy shifted, uncertain as to what she should tell them. As she debated, Oz made the choice. “I-I protected her. I k-killed him.” He looked up into their shocked faces. “As a wolf. We were both wolves.” He clarified.

Buffy nodded gently, crouching and taking his hands in her own. “Thank you. You didn’t have to.”

“I promised.” Oz answered, his head drooping a bit, his eyelids flickering shut.

Buffy stood up, letting his hands slip from hers. She looked at Giles. “I’m taking him upstairs, he needs to rest.” Giles nodded as she bent and scooped the young werewolf up effortlessly and carried him from the kitchen, Willow following on the heels of the Slayer.



Half an hour later, Buffy and Willow entered the kitchen once again to find Kennedy, still shirtless, in the middle of an enthusiastic retelling if her battle with the Barghest, commenting on how it didn’t seem so large and intimidating once you got up close and personal with it. She stopped speaking as everyone looked at the Slayer and Witch in the doorway.

Dawn spoke first, her voice small and quiet with worry. “How’s Oz? Is he going to be okay?”

“He looks like he went ten rounds with an eighteen wheeler, but he’ll live. He’s already healing. A lot of the smaller cuts and scratches are completely gone.” Buffy said, pulling out a chair at the table and joining them. Willow slid up behind Kennedy and wrapped her arms around the young Slayer, resting her chin on the brunettes head. “He’s slipped into a deep sleep, but he seems okay now.” Buffy continued. “I think if we just let him rest, his wolf-y powers should heal him just as much as my Slayer powers heal me.” She paused for a moment, looking at the other Slayer in the room. “Us, I mean.”

“It’s okay Buffy.” Kennedy replied, reaching up to stroke her partners face tenderly. “We get what you mean. It must be hard going from being the only Slayer, well the only available Slayer, to being just one of many. Besides, you’re still the most experienced. I may be a brat, but even I can see that.” She paused for a moment before speaking again. “When I think about it, anyway.” She said with a wry a smile.

“What Kennedy means.” Willow put in. “Is that she only thinks about it when I point it out to her.” She smiled down at her lover.

Kennedy pulled a face at Willow before adding, rather petulantly, “Whatever. At least I get what Buffy is saying.”

Bastian leaned forward over the table. “Kennedy.” He said, drawing the Slayers’ attention to him. “You said the Barghest didn’t seem as large and threatening once you confronted it, yeah?”

Kennedy nodded her head enthusiastically as the conversation returned to a topic she was more comfortable with. “Yeah, I’d guess it was at least ten inches smaller than I thought, maybe even a foot.”

Giles’ brow deepened in thought. “Kennedy, are you certain of this?” The brunette nodded. “Oh my.” The Watcher said quietly, almost to himself.

“Oh my? What do you mean, Oh my?” Willow said, her voice carrying the slightest hint of concern. “Oh my from you means oh no for us.”

“What I mean Willow, is that everything we’ve read on the Barghest says that it is ‘about the size of a small calf’. Ten to twelve inches isn’t ‘about’, it’s a bloody hell of a lot smaller. In fact, that’s more like a large dog. There may be a possibility that Kennedy didn’t kill the creature at all.”

The Slayers face paled slightly. “Didn’t kill it? You mean I just eat a raw heart for nothing? I’m think I’m gonna hurl.” She tried to get up from her chair, but Willow held her down gently, smiling.

“It’ll be okay, we’ll deal. Giles, ideas?” The redhead asked, looking at the Watcher with begging eyes, running a hand through her girlfriends’ hair before letting her hand fall to her side and moving closer to Giles.

“I need to see the body, along with the cave where it lived. Kennedy, can you take me there?”

Slowly, Kennedy nodded. “Yeah, yeah I can. It should be a quicker trip this time as well, now I know where I’m going.”

“Good, because we’re all going.” Buffy spoke up, her voice definitive.

“Even us?” A voice asked from the open kitchen doorway. Heads around the table turned to see Lou and her small group standing just inside the door.

“Yes Lou, even you. You girls have a lot to learn about the world and I’m afraid it’s going to be a very steep learning curve, so we may as well jump straight in with supernatural creatures.” Giles said. “Please, come in. I afraid there isn’t any room at the table, but there’s tea, coffee and toast on the side, help yourselves. Did you girls sleep well?”

“Not bad”, one of the other girls, Roan, Giles seemed to recall, said. “I can’t remember the last time I slept in a bed that soft.” She ran a hand through her short, shocking pink hair as she moved to the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Yeah,” a third girl, Buffy seemed to recall her name being Tanya, added. She still looked sleep ruffled, Giles noticed, but then he recalled how she had looked exactly the same way last night as well, her almost black hair an unruly mess of out of control curls. She was also, Giles noticed, very short, not much over five feet if he was correct. “Those beds are amazing Mr. G.”

“Totally.” The fourth and final girl, a tall, stick thin blonde called Serra added, leaning herself against the shorter Lou and wrapping an arm around the other girls shoulder. She looked up as the people at the table shared looks with one another. “What?” The young woman asked her tone defensive. “Hey if you guys have an issue with me and Lou, tough. I had to hide who I am all through….” She broke off as Willow and Xander looed at each other and smiled. Her face flushed red and she un-entwined herself from her partner, who was also starting to look agitated. She was about to say more when Willow held up a hand to stop her.

“No, no!” The redhead said, still smiling broadly and suppressing laughter. “It’s nothing like that! It’s just... well, it’s just... ” She paused and shared another look with Xander whilst slowly moving behind Kennedys chair. Kennedy leaned her head backwards, closing her eyes as Willow leaned down and trapped her lips in a silent kiss. Across the table, Xander paused for a moment, then shrugged and cupped Bastians face between his hands and placed a tender kiss on the other mans lips.

Lous’ eyes opened a little wider as first the witch and then the guy with the eye-patch kissed their partner, then a small smile crept its way to her face. The smile transformed into a grin and she turned to look up at Serras’ face. “I think we’ve been gotcha’d, darlin’” She said, her voice shaking with amusement.

“Yes, well, if we’ve all quite finished with our little parade, I suggest we prepare to depart. I’d like to examine the scene of Kennedy’s battle as soon as possible, whilst it’s still relatively fresh.” Giles’ voice held a hint of the stern, over-stuffed Watcher Buffy had first met when she was sixteen and she smiled up at him.

“What’s the matter Mr. Heffner, irked that all these young kids are having fun?”

“No.” He answered somewhat defensively, and then smiled at her. “I’m irked because Olivia’s still in bed.”

“Ah. I get it.” She replied. “Feeling left out?”

“Left out of what?” A soft voice answered from the door to the living room. Olivia stood there, framed by the golden early morning light pouring in through the living room windows. “Oh, I get it.” She said with a smile, seeing the three couples now intertwined in each other’s arms.

Winding his way through the now packed kitchen, he embraced her before kissing her passionately. Slowly, reluctantly, he pulled away from the kiss, still holding her tight. “I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“But you have to go out again?” She finished for him and the Watcher nodded. Reaching up, she rubbed his arm affectionately. “It’s okay. I know this is important. Go. Fight the evil. Be my knight in shining armour.” With that, she pulled away from him, planting one last chaste kiss on his cheek.



The party moved at a steady pace through the forest, retracing Kennedys’ outward path - whilst her inward journey had been a slow, stealthy affair, her return had not been so. Hindered by a near unconscious Oz, she had left a trail of broken branches, trampled undergrowth and footprints. With the morning light filtering through the trees, the going was made relatively easy. By noon, with a direct path to follow, they had covered as much ground as Kennedy had in twice that time. Within the hour they approached Kennedy’s hastily abandoned camp, the blood from the battle between the two werewolves spattered amongst the crushed and flattened foliage. A tree, uprooted and broken in two, lay across the small clearing.

The four new arrivals took in the scene with quiet wonder. Tanya finally vocalised what many were thinking. “That little guy did this?”

“Some of it.” Giles answered, kneeling to examine the scene a little closer. “Two extremely powerful creatures fought here.”

“And he’s a Werewolf?”

“Yes.”

“They aren’t bad guys then?”

“Not all of them.”

“Huh.”

Without further words, the party pressed onwards, Kennedy leading. Suddenly the trees parted and the cave loomed before them. Dawn made a small noise and they all stared at the pile of bloodied flesh that had once been a man. To say his body was mutilated would be an understatement. Willows’ face paled slightly and they quickly passed the body, trying to pay it no heed. The cloying darkness embraced them like a lover as they entered the cave. With a few whispered words from Willow, a small ball of blue flame appeared before the party, lighting the way.

“Down here.” Kennedy said, turning down the fork, the light from the flames casting strange and disturbing shadows over her face. She stopped at the opening to the cavern and Giles stepped past her, Willows’ ball-o-flame following him. The smell of death was palpable as he approached a shadowy lump on the floor.

“You ate a raw heart?” Serra asked in a hushed voice.

“Yeah.”

“What was it like?”

“Gross and I swear I’m going vegetarian when this day is done.”

They turned to face Giles as he stood upright and marched with a sense of purpose back to them. “Everybody, stay here. Kennedy....”

“Aw crap.” the Slayer muttered. She turned to Willow and hugging her tight whispered in her ear “I’ll be back soon. Keep your eyes shut in case it gets past me.” With a swift peck of the lips, she turned and disappeared into the darkness.

“Kennedy!” Willow called, flicking her wrist. The Slayer turned as a glowing ball of flame sped towards her and hovered a metre behind her. “I love you.”

“You too, Red.”

Willow returned to the large group as they settled down in the cavern and conjured a small campfire to provide them with heat and light in the damp. Serra was sat opposite Giles, Lou close by. “So, what’s this thing she’s hunting and why does she have to eat its heart raw?”

Willow smiled as Giles entered lectured mode. She sat down a little distance from them and switched off, letting Giles explanation flow over her.

“Penny for them.”

Willow blinked, her eyes focussing on the blonde Slayer beside “Pardon?”

“I said ‘penny for them’. It’s this phrase we use here on Earth, where were you?”

Willow smiled at her friend. “Sorry, worrying is all.”

“Well, don’t. She handled this once, she’ll handle it again.” Buffy slid and arm round Willow and hugged her close, sitting together in a comfortable silence.
Kennedy slid through the shadows, Willows ball of flame following her and casting an eery light over her surroundings. She had retraced her path to the fork in the tunnel and taken the second path. The ground sloped steadily downwards, heading ever deeper. The only sound was her echoing footsteps. She paused, closing her eyes and straining with her senses, in an attempt to pick up some trace of her prey. Opening her eyes, she resumed her solitary trek into the darkness.

She had walked for what seemed like hours, but a quick glance at her watch told her had been less than ten minutes, when finally she heard a snorting sound. Crouching low, she moved forward in silence. She heard the sound again, closer now and accompanied by the sound of movement. Taking another small step, she hesitated as her foot brushed up against something. Glancing down she stifled a cry as the empty sockets of human skull stared up at her. Gingerly she stepped over it and then came to a stop. In the darkness ahead, two gleaming eyes sparkled.

She smiled grimly in the dark “There you are.”


In the cavern, Buffy and Willow were chatting quietly when a scream pierced the gloom. Spinning on the ground, Buffy’s eyes widened as nearly twenty vampires came rushing from the tunnel on the far side.

One of them laughed, “Looks like McDonalds has finally started to deliver!” Several of the other vampires joined in with his laughter.

In an instant, Buffy was on her feet as the others backed away from the encroaching hoard. Striding forward she called out “Okay girls, you know you’re Slayers. Lesson number one, these are vampires. Vampires are bad guys. The only other things you need to know right now are crosses, holy water and stakes through the heart. Bastian, you take the love birds,” she gestured at the other two girls “You two with me. Here.” She tossed them each a stake. “Let’s party.”

Buffy charged in, snapping out kicks and punches as the vampires surrounded her. For a moment, Lou stared with a mixture of horror and amazement. She was a blur of motion, spinning, kicking and punching. She slammed her stake home and the vampire disintegrated. Finally, she snapped out of her stupor and rushed in. A vampire leapt at her and she ducked, letting him pass over her back. Spinning around she kicked out as her opponent pushed himself up from the ground. Her foot connected with his chin and he landed on his back. Rushing forward she slammed the stake down and was rewarded with an explosion of ash.

“Got one!”

“Great, plenty more where he came from!” Bastian yelled back, trading blows with two vampires, unable to draw his blade. “Don’t be shy, join the fun!”

Amongst the crowd, Dawn was fighting. When the first vampire had appeared, she’d screamed and backed off, but as the battle began she had felt an overwhelming desire to help. A fist came hurtling towards her face. Time seemed to slow, she could see every line and wrinkle on his knuckles. She moved to her left, grabbing his arm and bringing her knee up into his chest. As he doubled up in pain, she released his arm, brought her fists together and crashed them down on the back of his head. He sprawled to the ground and her foot connected with his side, sending him flying through the air and bowling over three of his brethren. Her eyes opened in shock at the power and strength she had just displayed. Buffy stared at her for a moment.

“Dawn?”

Dawn didn’t answer, she sensed something behind her. Buffy had to return her concentration to the fight. Dawn bent her legs and leapt high, the vampire that had been rushing her from behind stumbled through open air. Landing on her feet, Dawn snapped out a kick that connected with the vampires back. Seeing him coming, one of the new Slayers held her stake out before her. With a muffled cry he was impaled on the stake and exploded the cloud of ash carrying on with his momentum, coating the young woman in cinder.

An arm snaked around her neck and tried to squeeze the life from her. On instinct, Dawn rolled forwards, flipping the vampire over her head. In one swift movement she darted in and staked the young goth who had jumped her. ‘Shame’ she thought ‘bet she was pretty as a human’. “Where did these guys come from?” she shouted out over the din of battle.

“Must be a nest down here!” Giles answered, slashing the chest of his opponent with a short sword. Dawn wondered where he had been hiding that but decided not to ask.

Across the room, Bastian had been surrounded by no less than five of the vampires, dancing a ballet of death with them. One of his opponents crumbled to ash, but another swung a blow that connected with his face and sent him stumbling. A burly female swept her leg, sending him crashing to the ground. As he lay on the ground, he saw one of Lou’s girls’ fall, a vampire preparing to strike. The world slowed, he saw Xander pinned to the wall, hands scrabbling at the demon that held him there. Buffy was being overwhelmed just as he was. Dawn was... his eyes went wide. Buffys’ kid sister was kicking ass. But even so, against these odds, they were doomed.

“Hey! Why’d y’all start the party without me?” a voice cut through the gloom. “Man, I just hate being the last to arrive.”

Buffy lashed out, knocking two of her opponents away. “Faith!”

“Yo B! Nice friends you got here!” Faith said, leaping straight into the fray. The scythe cut an arc, slicing clean through a vampires neck. Reversing her movement she staked a second. Realising the new threat, the vampires that had cornered Bastian turned to face Faith. Using her distraction, Bastian flipped to his feet and finally drew his sword, the blade glinting in the semi-light.

Xander stopped clawing at the hand that had him pinned to the wall. As Faith entered the battle, his opponent looked away, her attention drawn by this new threat. Reaching to his belt, he drew his stake and rammed it home. He slid down the wall and landed unsteadily on his feet, his free handing rubbing his sore neck. Nearby, Dawn was battling two vampires at once. That alone raised an eyebrow, as she was moving with a speed and agility she’d never displayed before. More important was that one of her opponents had his back to Xander. With a burst of speed he lunged at the creatures’ back, shoving the stake through its back, ending its unlife in an instant.

Startled by the demise of its partner, the other vampire turned to face this new threat. “Hey, we were talking!” Dawn yelled, grabbing the creature by its hair. She pulled hard, bending the creature over backwards, it’s chest open and vulnerable “Xander!” she yelled. Ducking its flailing arms, Xanders’ stake found its mark and Dawn opened her hand as it crumbled away.

Faith moved with a fluid grace, the scythe flashing in the firelight, two more crumbled under her assault. Bastian lashed out, his foot connecting with a vampire. He swung his blade and a second vampire screamed out in agony, its arm lying on the floor. He drew back for the finishing blow when a fist connected with his jaw, throwing him off his balance. A foot lashed out, but he managed to deflect the blow with his arm.

At the edge of the cavern, Willow danced from foot to foot, looking for an opening, an opportunity to unleash her power, but none presented itself, the battle was flowing to swiftly. Even with Faiths arrival, the battle was pitched. If it didn’t end soon, someone was going to get hurt - or worse.

“Ooh, I know....” she muttered to herself. She closed her eyes and continued spell casting under her breath, an ethereal wind picking up around her, whipping up dust and debris. A soft white glow began to surround her, to suffuse her, growing steadily brighter.

She sent out a thought with the power of a scream, so potent that many thought she had physically shouted out to them ‘Guys, shut your eyes right now!’ So powerful was the command that everyone obeyed. Sensing their compliance, she released the spell.

Light filled the cavern with a flare. Pure, unfiltered sunlight, drawn from the earth itself. Every vampire present cried out, trying to shield themselves from the raw power unleashed upon them. Moments later they exploded as one.

“Wow, wicked mojo there Red.” Faith grinned, swinging the scythe onto her shoulder.

Buffy brushed ex-vampire from her jacket “Yeah Will,” she added, smiling at Faith and the witch “where’d you get the idea?”

Willow blushed. “I, umm, I watched Blade at the weekend.”

Faith smirked and Buffy laughed. “Nice one Wills.”

“Wow, what did I miss?” Kennedy entered the cavern, her hand still bloody. “Oh, hey Faith.”

“Hey brat. Looks like they stumbled on a vamp nest. Say, what you been doing?” she pointed at the blood on her fellow Slayer.

Kennedy looked at her hands. “Staying alive, Faith, staying alive. How’d you find us anyway?”

“Oh, some funky dude at Giles’ pad told me you guys were out in the woods. You weren’t exactly hard to track. Got here, heard the scrap and couldn’t just stand to one side.” she looked around, “New recruits B?”

Buffy nodded and started to make the introductions when Faith interrupted her “Can we do this on the way out? I’m starved man. Oh hey, G-man, I left someone at your place, your chick was making her comfortable when I left.”

“Faith, Olivia is not my ‘chick’ as you so quaintly put it.” Giles responded tartly.

“So, what? You’re just fuck buddies then?”

Giles stopped in his tracks, staring at the brunette Slayers back. Xander stifled a laugh “Really makes Anya seem like she was beating around the bush, eh?”

Epilogue

Upon their return, they found Olivia and an attractive Asian girl talking in the living room. As Giles swept Olivia into a tight embrace, the new arrival stood. Faith grinned and waved a hand in her direction. “Guys, meet Satsu the Vampire Slayer.”

Satsu offered a small bow and then her eyes widened as she recognised the petite blonde before. “I am deeply honoured to meet you, Miss Summers. You one of the most famous Slayers ever.”

“First, it’s Buffy, not ‘miss Summers’,” Buffy answered “and second, you know you’re a Slayer?”

“Of course. I used to live with my Watcher, I had done so from a young age.”

“You used to?” Buffy asked. Fearing she knew the answer, Buffy asked her next question anyway “What happened?” Satsu closed her eyes, relieving old memories.

“I’m sorry, it doesn’t matter.” Buffy said, the pain on the younger Slayers face confirming her first fear. “You’re alive plus you know who and what you are, which are what matters.”

Satsu smiled, the compassion the older - and attractive, she thought. Mr Hanso had never told her Buffy was so attractive – woman showed warming her heart. “Thank you... Buffy.”

Buffy looked around the crowded living room. “Say guys, maybe we should head out back? I’m getting a tad claustrophobic here.”

A short while later they had gathered in the back yard once more, minus Kennedy and Willow, who was attending to the minor injuries the Slayer had received. Buffy watched as Dawn sparred with Lou. She was matching the Slayer move for move with ease. In fact, Buffy thought as she continued to watch, Dawn was fairing far better than her opponent. She turned to her Watcher. “Giles? Any ideas what’s the what with Dawn? I mean, look at her, she’s fighting like a Slayer. How’s that even possible? Surely she should have been called at the same time as all the others if she was a Potential?”

“That’s correct, if she were just a Potential she should have been called.” Giles answered, looking up from the book he was reading “I’m not one hundred percent certain Buffy, but I may have an idea. But first I need to... ah, Willow. Perfect timing.” Willow and Kennedy had just joined them, Kennedy wearing a new outfit, Buffy guessed the last one had been ruined by blood.

“What’s up?” the redhead asked, dropping into a lotus position on the lawn.

“Do you remember how Tara could read auras?” Willow nodded slowly “Can you?” he inquired. Once again, Willow nodded confirmation. “Excellent, excellent. Tell me, what colour are Buffy and Kennedys’ auras?”

Willow stared first at Buffy and then Kennedy. “They’re both different, but kind of the same. They have a purpley-red colour swirling throughout their aura.”

“And the other Slayers?” In turn, Willow stared at Faith, Serra, Roan, Tanya and Satsu. Her eyes went wide.

“Woah! They all have that same colour mixed in. Is that...”

“The essence of the Slayer? Yes, that is what I believe. Could you do me one last favour and read Dawns’ aura as well?”

“Oh, woah again!” Willow whispered, turning her head to face Giles “Dawn has a really odd aura. It’s glowing green, a really vibrant green. And she has the Slayer aura mixed in with it.”

Buffy sat bolt upright “She has what? I thought we’d just agreed that she couldn’t be because she didn’t get called?”

“Actually, I said that if Dawn was a Potential, she would have been called. I don’t think she ever was one. I think she’s always been a Slayer.”

Buffy opened her mouth to object, but he raised his hand, silencing her. “Let me finish Buffy. Please.” upon seeing her silent nod of consent he continued “Dawn was made from the energy of the Key and the essence of yourself, this much we know. When the monks brought her into being, they combined the two. I believe that the essence of the key was the more powerful of the two mystical elements used and so became the prominent one, over-riding the second. The essence of the Key was given human form and so she became human, with her Slayer heritage concealed, dormant as it were.”

Willow nodded. “That makes sense. Big spells like that are often a matter of balance. What changed it?”

“Do you remember the recent training you and Dawn did?” He asked Buffy.

“You mean when she went dizzy after picking up....” she broke off, realization dawning.

“Bastians sword?” Willow asked. Giles confirmed her assumption with a small movement of his head.

“Excuse me, Bastian?” he asked. The male slayer looked up from where he and Xander had been having a hushed conversation. “Could I have a look at your sword again?”

“Sure thing.” Bastian answered with a smile and hopping to his feet, disappearing into the house and reappearing moments later, carrying the sword. “Here you go.”

With a smile of thanks, Giles took the weapon and unsheathed it, turning the blade over in his hand. “Ah. Ah! See here, Buffy? The engravings?” He turned the sword to show her and her eyes widened in recognition.

“The Scythe...”

“Exactly Buffy. I believe your Scythe and Bastians sword are linked, twinned in power. They both contain the essence of the Slayer line. I think that Willows spell caused the Slayer side of Dawn to become more prominent, leaving it almost evenly balanced with her Key energies. When she held the sword I believe such close contact with the pure essence of the Slayer tipped that internal balance in favour of her Slayer heritage.”

“So, I’m definitely a Slayer then?” Dawn asked, rejoining the group and looking at Bastians sword.

“You heard?” Giles asked.

Buffy laughed, “Of course she heard, enhanced senses remember?”

“Ah. Yes. Of course. But to answer your question Dawn, I believe yes is appropriate.”

Dawn smiled “Cool.” Turning, she skipped lightly away.



A month had passed since the incident in the cave. Buffy, Willow, Kennedy and the others were gathered in front of Giles’ home, the horses grazing nearby.

“Are you sure about this, Will?” Buffy asked, her voice soft. Willow nodded slowly.

“Yeah.” she said softly “We need some us time and we aren’t going to get that here. Kennedy’s still not... well, you know”

“Yeah, I can imagine.” she paused “Well, I guess I can’t, liking my meat cooked and everything. Can’t say as I’ve ever tried raw heart....” She pulled Willow into a tight embrace “You two take care and stay in touch. I mean, South Africa... it’s so far.”

Willow smiled “It’s not that far, especially as I’m getting more of my powers back.”

“Write me?” Buffys voice was small, lost sounding.

Willow squeezed Buffy “Always. You know I love you right? You’re my sister.” she turned to Dawn and swept her into a bear hug. “And you, you’re my Dawnie. Goddess, I’m gonna miss you.”

“Then don’t go.” Dawn whispered, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Willow brushed the tear away with her thumb. “Shhh, I won’t be far away. Here, take this.” She reached into a bag and pulled out a small round stone. She pressed it into Dawns hand “Hold this in your left hand, squeeze it tight and think of me and we’ll be together.”

“You promise?”

“I promise Dawnie.” she leaned closer, whispering in Dawns ear “And watch over Buffy for me, she needs someone to hold her hand.” Dawn choked a laugh through her tears.

Breaking the embrace, she turned to where Kennedy was chatting with Giles, Xander and Sebastian. She placed a hand on Kennedys’ shoulder. “Can I steal Xander and Giles for a minute?”

“Sure thing Red, I’ve gotta say later to the others.” Kennedy answered, briefly laying her hand on Willows’ before moving off.

“Xander...” she started.

“Really sucks you going.”

“I know, but we need some time. No offence, but with all the crises round here.”

“Yeah, I know. But I need you Wills. You’re my best friend. I don’t know if you remember, but I love you.” he said, a solitary tear threatening to spill from his eye.

“I remember.”

“I mean, who am I gonna call after saving the world and talk about all the things we did together that day?”

“I’m not gonna be out of touch. We just need space.” she said softly.

“And who’s gonna hold my hand through this minefield I’m in the middle of?” He asked softly.

She smiled. “You’ll be fine, you’re in good hands.” she withdrew another of the small stones and pressed it into his hand “Take this. Squeeze it tight, think of me and we’ll be together.”

“Together?”

“Think of it as a mental telephone.”

“Woah! Telepathy? No way Wills, my mind is my mine. It’s small and I guard it jealously.”

She smiled again. “It’s only telepathy, not full on mind reading. Think of it as a non-verbal phone call, I can only pick up what you actively project to me. We’ll practice in a few days, it won’t take you long to get the hang of it.”

“Still wish you’d stay Will, we can work something out.”

She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tight, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

Letting go of Xander she turned and faced Giles’, her large eyes looking to him for understanding. He smiled and opened his arms. They embraced tightly and he whispered in here ear “Take your time, we’ll all be here for you when you return.”

She pulled away slightly and looked into his face. “Thanks Dumbledore.” He smiled wistfully at her joke and hugged her tight once more. With a small sniffle, she broke the embrace and stepped back.

“Bastian, look after him.” Bastian said nothing, merely nodding. She turned back to Buffy and leapt to her once more, squeezing tight. Finally she broke away and spoke softly “Kennedy?”

The Slayer, who had wandered over to the horses and was idly petting one, turned back to them. “It’s time.” Willow held out an arm and Kennedy stepped in close, pressing their bodies together. Willows arm slipped under her armpit and wrapped under her breasts, holding her tight. “Hold on, you might feel a little odd at first.” She looked at the others one last time, “I love you, all of you. You’re family. We’ll be back soon.” With that she bent her legs slightly and the two of them shot straight upwards into the sky.

Xander craned his neck as his best friend rapidly turned into a black speck and then vanished completely. “Okay, I really wish she’d stay with us, but that is seriously cool. When did she become Super Girl?”

Buffy smiled as the others wandered off. “She’s getting her mojo back big time. I spoke to the coven myself, they think the power of the scythe is protecting her or something. Just as I can use power rooted in darkness, a demons strength, she can use power that previously would have sent her way over to the dark side.”

“Oh, okay. That’s cool. Still blows her leaving.”

Buffy let out a long sigh “Yeah, yeah it does.” she said softly.

Xander drew a breath. “So...” he glanced at Buffy “Rome.”

“Rome.” she said. “We’ve got to track these girls down Xander, they’re everywhere. We made them who we are, we have a responsibility to help them. We can’t do that tucked up in merry old England.”

“Still...”
“I know, it feels like the gang is breaking up. But it’s only temporary Xander, we’ll all be back together soon. Dawn and me will only be in Rome for a month or two. And you and your beau get England. Probably be easier for you guys, what with Giles to back you up. Plus you’ve got Lou and her girls.” She smiled at him. “Come on, that’s not for another week yet, lets get inside.” They turned and walked back to the house.