Author's Note: Okay, I'm just getting into writing Buffy fanfiction, so I'll appreciate any feedback. :) If anyone's interested in beta-reading, let me know!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Like a Man Possessed
Prologue
"No!" Dawn's cry resonated through the air as Spike fell, the last look they'd exchanged haunting him in his descent. He hadn't protected her; there was no doubt in his mind that the ritual would begin and seal the girl's fate. The wind whipped around his rapidly plummeting form, but he felt only the immense weight of his failure.
Contact with the ground should have wracked his body with pain, but he barely felt anything; the guilt flooding his system overpowered all other feelings. He had failed.
Buffy heard the scream ring through the air, and without thinking flung herself up the stairs of the tower. She ran faster than she ever had in her life, taking the steps three at a time, the thought of her sister compelling her to go even quicker.
Her efforts were futile. Ten feet from the top, a burst of energy rocketed through the air and shook the entire structure, a bright light emerging from nothingness directly beneath Dawn. The Slayer's screams of denial were unheard by the others as she raced the last few feet to the top— and was met with her worst fears.
Chunks of debris fell upon Spike as the portal opened, only a preview of the horrors to come if it remained open. The vampire was paralyzed not only by the concrete holding him down, but by the knowledge that his little nibblet's fate was sealed. With a grunt of pain, he dragged himself from beneath the rubble and stood, looking up just in time to see the scaffolding fall into the portal.
"Dawn!" he yelled, running forward but knowing it was too late. The girl had been swallowed into the energy. He had failed.
Her sister's face was fearful, her gaze wide and open. The sisters' eyes locked for that single moment before the younger was pulled into the portal, a flash of understanding between the two in their last seconds together.
When the energy disappeared and Buffy was left standing alone, she realized that it didn't matter. Nothing would matter now. She had killed her sister.