Title: What the Heart Goes Through
Author: Angelchic612
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in this story. That pleasure goes to Joss Whedon
Author's Note: Dawn does not exist in this story. I felt that she was tying Buffy down too much, so I didn't use her.
Feedback: PLEASE!!

THE FEELING

"I'm fine, really guys! Riley leaving was a good thing. He should be with someone who loves him back," stated Buffy.

"Are you sure? I mean you don't seem too happy," Willow said.

"Will…DUCK!" screamed Buffy.

Willow 'hit the deck' as Buffy swung the broad sword she had been carrying around her head. The demon deflected the attack, and retaliated with an attack of his own. Xander came up behind the demon, trying to distract it with a few punches. It worked…just no well enough. Buffy and the demon that identified himself as Hasarath exchanged many blows. With one extremely hard blow, Buffy's sword was knocked away from her. With that, Hasarath proceeded to fiercely attack Buffy. She dodged most of the blows, but one connected with her side. She was impaled with his broad sword. While the demon reveled in his apparent victory, Xander picked up Buffy's sword from the ground where it had been discarded and decapitated Hasarath.

Xander dropped his sword and raced over to Buffy who was bleeding badly on the ground. Willow was beside her, trying to stop the bleeding with little luck. Xander scooped Buffy into his arms, then into Giles' car, which they had borrowed. Willow sat in the back seat, talking to Buffy to keep her coherent, while Xander sped on to the Emergency Room.

Xander ran into the Emergency Room, cradling Buffy in his arms, and screaming for help.

"What happened?" a nearby doctor asked.

"She was cut…um...impaled. She's lost a lot of blood," answered Willow.

Xander lay Buffy down on a stretcher that a nurse had just brought. The doctor and nurse wheeled Buffy quickly through some double doors. A security guard steeped in front of Willow and Xander saying, " I'm sorry, but you can't go any further." Xander sighed as he and Willow walked towards the waiting room.

"I should call Buffy's mom and Giles," said Willow, and then went to go do so.

Meanwhile, in LA…

Angel awoke with a start from his slumber. He had an overwhelming feeling of dread in his stomach that meant only one thing…Buffy.