Title: The Hands of Death and Sorrow
Author: Melanie M./Shai AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: Willow/Oz
Rating: R
Warnings: let's see, vulgar language, lesbian content and anything else I missed.
Disclaimers: none of the Buffy chars. belong to me, I'm just borrowing them for my fic so please dun sew me. Also, Melanie, Toorima, the ideas and other ad ins are my property so if you'd like to use any of it please ask.
Comments: I need feedback, lots of it.
Chapter 1: Oz's Fate
It was another day at Sunnydale High. Classes had just ended and the masses of students flooded out of the school. Buffy walked slowly, trying to spot her friends so they could head off to meet Giles. Sapphire eyes found red hair moving through the crowd. Buffy smiled internally as Willow approached. "Hey Buffy, the gang is waiting for you over there," Willow said, pointing out the location of Faith, Oz, Xander, and Anya. Both girls headed toward the group. "Hey B, glad you joined us. Wolf boy was starting to get on my nerves," Faith greeted. "Faith, be nice," Buffy chided. The group headed to the library, quiet and thoughtful.
When they got to the library, Giles greeting them humbly, sitting them all down. "What is it Giles?" Buffy asked in a tone of concern. "Well," began the watcher as he removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "there's been a theft." "You wanted us here to do police work?" Faith questioned. "No, it's definitely more than that I'm afraid. You see, somebody in this room is a threat to us due to this object that was stolen. What we need to find out is who has the gem and why," Giles explained, placing his glasses back at the bridge of his nose. "Why do you think it's somebody that's here, in this room?" Buffy questioned.
"This," Giles replied, pulling a paper out from his pocket. "It was left by the thief." "What's it say," Xander piped up. "It says:
'Dear Slayers,
You are both the prey. I work alone but I've studied your group. Interesting choice of friends you both have. The witch, the werewolf, the wimp and the ex-demon. You need to learn how to keep things hush hush around here, oh and how to choose a better variety of friend. Well, kill you later, bye.
The witch will die first,
Princess Toorima'
That's where it ends," Buffy was in a state of shock and anger. "I don't like this chick, she's very inferior toward us," Oz mumbled. "Giles, what does Toor-whatever mean?" Xander asked almost meekly, ignoring the fact that he'd been called a wimp. "Phantom killer," Anya volunteered.
All eyes shot toward Anya, all of them questioning her without words. "It's Japanese. I once saw the Kanji symbol for it and the merchant told me what it meant," Anya explain, a bit uneasy. "Do you know anything else about it Anya?" Giles questioned, hoping for at least a fragment of information. "Well, there's a myth to the word which is where it originated from," Anya offered with a raised right brow.
Tell me all you can. Willow, you Oz & Xander help with the books. I fear she may be seeking victims. Buffy, you and Faith patrol magic shops. Anything that sells book, candles and things of that sort," Giles quickly spat at them. As soon as the words were spoken the Slayers were gone and the others were hitting the book.
"Now, tell us this myth," Giles calmly requested. "I don't know the time period but it was about an ancient Princess who was a thief. She was a klepto, couldn't keep her hands off of things. One day a suitor brought her a garnet broach but she used it for a spell. She made herself into a phantom and instead of stealing possessions she stole souls. She was vanquished by a slayer but her magical powers and such are held in her garnet broach," Anya informed the watcher.
Found her!" Willow bellowed. "What have you found?" Giles jumped up and stared at the hacker. "It says that whoever posses the broach will have power over everybody and everything, including time, space and living creatures. All they need is the blood of a Slayer, the tear of a human, a hair of a werewolf and a cauldron to place them in. They have to be boiled in Blackberry Brandy and digested. Once that's done, she'll be extremely powerful but she can still be killed by smashing the broach," Willow reported. "Oh joy. She's got the broach but. . ." Giles said then his eyes shot toward the door, "Oh no, the Slayers!"
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"This sucks! We've checked every magic shop in Sunnydale and nothing," Buffy wined. "B, I think your wrong on that note," Faith said as she pointed to a ransacked shop and a wounded innocent. Buffy rushed to the innocents side, propping the girls head up. The girls eyes were half open as she spoke, "Slayers, help me. She'll kill you." Faith's eyes narrowed as Buffy lifted the soot, ash and blood covered victim. "How do we know we can trust her?" Faith growled, walking beside Buffy. "We don't," the blonde slayer hissed.
Then Faith noticed red beaming eyes cast upon them. "B, we've got company," Faith warned. Buffy set the innocent on the ground and both slayers took fighting positions. The entity swooped down, landing between the slayers with a dagger in her hand. She slashed Buffy's right arm, jumping back quickly. Faith struck the demons ribs with a swift kick. The, now angry, demon spat fire at both slayers then disappeared.
"We'd better get back," Buffy winced. Faith ripped off a piece of the innocents sleeve and wrapped it around Buffy's wound. "Let's go, I'll carry her," Faith mumbled as she picked the girl up. They slowly headed back to the library, hoping Giles and the others had found something on their swift foe.
When they walked in the door worrying faces met them. "Giles, what's up?" Buffy managed to say in a normal, not "I'm in pain", tone. "We have more information on our enemy," Giles replied, then his eye caught a glimpse of the blood that was slowly easing its way down Buffy's arm. "Let me guess, you gave up on looking and you ran into a demon," Xander proposed. "Something like that. We need to get this chick medical attention now," Buffy answered.
"Can we get her to my house? My parents are out of town so she can stay with me," Willow offered. "I think Buffy, Faith and our visitor would all be safe at your house Willow, if that's not too much to ask," Giles suggested. Willow nodded and the four of them set out to the Rosenburg residence. Willow gave Buffy and Faith all the information on the demon and Buffy confirmed that the demon had gotten her blood.
Once in the house, Willow showed Buffy and Faith to her room after they had put their visitor in the bathroom. "I'll go tend to our guest, you guys can slayer talk or something," Willow said with a wave of her hand as she left the room. Willow walked into the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth as she set down the extra pair of clothes she had taken from her dresser.
Buffy and Faith talked over options and strategies for about an hour when Willow interrupted. "She cleans up pretty well but I need you guys to move her onto the cot beside my bed," Willow informed them. Both slayers forced themselves to their feet and went into the bathroom. The dragged the freshly washed girl with short raven colored hair into Willow's room and set her on the cot. The girl was pale with black nail polish. She wore a baggy faded black shirt and a pair of Willow's mom's old black pants.
"She looks gothic," Buffy said softly as she stared down at the girl. "She looks dead," Faith muttered as Buffy checked for a pulse. "She's ok but I recommend watching over her. If that thing wanted her dead it might come after her again," Buffy announced. "I'll watch her," Willow volunteered.
Buffy and Faith headed to the spare room and fell fast asleep as Willow watched over the strangely consuming girl.
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Oz, Anya and Xander left soon after the girls had, going their separate ways after a short while. Anya and Xander ended up at Xander's house, sleeping in the back yard. Oz, on the other hand, decided to take a walk and clear his mind.
As Oz was walking through the park he saw a strange figure. She appeared before him with short blonde hair, skin tight leather outfit and emerald eye. She pulled out a beautiful garnet broach. At the site of the broach, Oz began to morph into his werewolf form. The woman cut off a shred of his hair before he could attack her, but he sliced her across the chest before she disappeared. As soon as she was gone, Oz returned to his human form, wondering why he had such an adrenaline rush. He headed home to get some sleep, thank god tomorrow was Saturday.
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Willows eyes fluttered open. She'd fallen asleep but as far as she could tell, nothing went wrong. Her jade eyes then searched the room carefully. Her eyes soon rested upon the still sleeping girl. 'Good, nothing happened,' She thought as she got up and changed her clothes. She turned to see the girls eyes fluttering half open. She walked to the girl, a smile plastered on her face.
"Good morning," Willow said softly. "Who. . .who are you? Where are the slayers? Are they alive," the girl began to rise but Willow gently pushed her back. "Easy does it. My name's Willow, and the slayers are fine. They're sleeping right now. Who are you?" Willow cooed softly to calm the girl. "My name is Melanie but please call me Mel," the girls answered. "Pleased to meet you Mel," Willow said softly. Mel's hazel eyes met Willow's jade eyes, both starring at each other with a deviant look in their eyes.
"Has anybody ever told you that you have the most extravagant green eyes in the universe?" Mel complimented, her voice a little strained. "Not 'til now," Willow replied, a light shade of crimson spreading across her cheeks. Mel smiled softly. 'That smile's so wicked yet intriguing,' Willow thought. Before she realized it, Mel had sat up and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Thank you, all of you," Mel said softly as she began to get up. "I'll help you downstairs. Pancakes ok for breakfast?" Willow said quickly. "Sure," Mel agreed as they walked out of the room.
They made their way to the kitchen, very surprised at finding Faith and Buffy drinking coffee. "Pancakes?" Willow asked. "Three, I'm starving," Faith answered. "One for me, I'm not really that hungry," Buffy confirmed. Willow looked at Mel with a smile. "Let me guess, two?" Willow asked. Mel nodded and smiled. Faith leaned on the counter, eyeing the newcomer. "Got a name?" Faith asked with as much politeness as she could muster. "Let me guess, you're Faith," Mel said softly. She then looked at the blonde slayer, "and you must be Buffy. My name's Melanie but call me Mel."
"Pleased to meet you Mel. I'm sure you have tons of questions but so do we. First off, how did you know our names? And second, why was that thing after you?" Buffy said politely. "The council. Don't worry, I'm not another slayer. As a matter of fact I came here on my own to warn you about Toorima but I was too late. I went to the council to ask for help but all they told me was to let the slayers handle it. I asked them for names, which they willingly gave, and I looked you up. I was on my way to the Summers residence when Toorima recognized me. I'm the only one who can magically match her powers, well, I'm not all that great but I know her tricks. She caught me off guard and as you can tell she ripped me up pretty bad. She got a tear from me. What else has she gotten?" Mel answered then questioned.
"Great, now the council is giving our names out," Faith grumbled. "She got my blood," Buffy's low voice offered. "And your werewolf, where's he?" Mel spat out. "His names Oz and he's at home," Willow said defensively. "Sorry, I didn't know his name. The council trusts me enough to give me the slayers names but they told me that's all they would give. We need to warn him," Mel explained. Willow nodded and picked up the phone. "Hi Oz, it's Willow. . .uh huh. . .meet us at Buffy's and bring Xander and Anya. . .I love you too. . .bye"
"He'll be at Buffy's in half an hour," Willow confirmed. "Well, I guess we'd better eat and run," Faith said as Willow finished making the food. They sat down, ate and were out the door in a record time of ten minutes. They made it to Buffy's just as the others were arriving. "Hey Will, what's up?" Oz said cheerfully as he hugged her. "We found out more about our enemy. Oh, we also made a new friend. Oz, this is Mel, Mel, Oz," Willow said with a smile. "Pleased to meet you Oz," Mel offered a smile. "Likewise. Now what do you know about this evil chick?" Oz asked. Willow filled him in and he promised to steer clear of her. Then they all headed to the library to fill Giles in.
When they got there Giles was waiting and offered them a seat. They filled him in and he suggested finding the demon before nightfall. "Good idea but where do we look?" Buffy asked. "We'll need to split up. Buffy you and Xander check the cemetery, Anya, Oz and myself will check the magic shops and Faith, Willow and Mel can check caves and other places she might hide until sunset," Giles instructed them. They all set off on their journeys, each group paying close attention to where they were.
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"This place looks suspicious enough," Willow said softly as her, Faith and Mel inched toward the cave. It was near sunset but they thought they had found her this time. "It reeks of death," Mel acknowledged. "We should split. This place is to big for us all to search by nightfall," Faith suggested. "I'm up for it," Mel said softly as they came to a three way split in the path. Each girl took a different path.
After a few minutes Mel bumped into Willow. "Jesus Willow, don't spook me like that," the witch whispered. "Sorry, didn't mean to," Willow whispered back, their eyes locked on each others. It was some sort of attraction that neither of them could explain. It wasn't eternal but it felt right at that point in time. Willow tried to speak, even protest but her body wouldn't cooperate with her mind. Before another thought could cross her mind, Willow felt Mel's lips on hers. They were so soft. Mel reached her hand to the other witches cheek, caressing it gently as the kiss became more intense. Their mouths opened, Willow surrendering temporarily. Mel captured Willows tongue, sucking on it gently. Willow let out a low moan as they both automatically pulled away.
The moment had felt so right but would it last. "Willow. . ." Mel trailed off. "Mel, it's ok. It was the moment. I can tell that we're destined to be good friends but I think that was coming, just to test if we could handle it, ya know?" Willow whispered, trying to believe herself. Their eyes locked again. "Willow, there is truth to what you say. I've never really had a friend, a good one anyway. I seem to get too close. Can you handle that memory and embrace it with your heart like I can?" Mel whispered back. "Huh? Well. . .um. . ." Willow began before another kiss came about. This kiss was longer, more intense, more passionate.
Willow lost control, her low moans escaping from her throat as Mel sucked on her tongue. Then Willow knew what Mel meant. It was all about regret. If Willow let this go any further it would be too late to save her and Oz's relationship. Willow pulled away, her thighs burning as she denied Mel the pleasure of sucking on her tongue. "Now you know, don't you?" Mel asked, Willow nodding a yes. "Can you enjoy that moment every time you see it cross your mind or every time you see my face?" Mel asked. Willow leaned in once more, placing a soft kiss on Mel's lips. "Definitely," Willow answered, looking a bit distracted.
They walked on and found yet another split. Again they parted ways. The three of them met at a hallway. They went in expecting the worst and they got it. Toorima wasn't there but the remains of her spell were. "How'd she get Oz's hair?" Willow questioned. "I'm guessing he morphed due to the garnet and she took a chunk of hair off of him," Mel said softly, still in shock. She was now a full fledge demon with extreme power. This did not look good.
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"Anya! Look out!" the watcher yelled as the now werewolf form Oz attacked under Toorima's command. Oz, apparently, wasn't himself. He leapt at anything that moved and ripped it to shreds. Buffy and Xander arrived just in time to see Anya being flung in their direction. Xander caught her as Buffy got details from Giles on what exactly was going on.
After Giles explained, Buffy was fighting the werewolf Oz, not wanting to have to kill him. Faith, Willow and Mel arrived shortly after that. They told the watcher what they had found but before they could act, Toorima was gone, leaving Oz with her curse. She cursed him with a need for blood. Willow tried to talk to Oz but he only leapt at her. Faith kicked him away, helping Willow up.
"The only way to stop him is to kill him," Giles sorrowful voice spoke up. "Giles, there has to be another way," Willow protested. "There is no other way unless we can find Toorima. We can't take the chance of Oz hurting innocents," Giles explained.
Faith was now battling the strong wereOz, dodging his claws and getting in all the punches she could. Then he pinned her down. "Faith!" Willow yelled, drawing everybody's attention to the fight. Buffy kicked Oz away, helping Faith up. "Thanks B," Faith said, panting softly. Faith's hand shot toward her arm, her fingers hiding her oozing wound. "Faith, are you hurt?" Giles asked as Oz fled. "Shit, he's gettin' away," Faith yelled, dismissing Giles' question. "We need to get to the library and find out how to stop him," Willow suggested. "We need to stop him or he'll kill innocence," Buffy protested.
"Faith, you Willow and myself will go back to the library, the rest of you try your best to hold Oz off," Giles commanded. Buffy and her group ran off as Giles rushed his group to the library. As Willow researched desperately, Giles cleaned and bound Faiths minor injury. "Giles," Willow wined, "th-ther's n-no way t-to save h-him." Now Willow was crying softly into her hands. Faith walked over to the weeping redhead and hugged her gently, not saying anything in fear that she would stick her foot in her mouth.
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The battle with Oz seemed to last forever. Buffy was very worn, Xander and Anya wounded. Mel was unconscious up against the oak tree she'd been flung at. Buffy was catching her breath when Toorima appeared. "Too bad the witch isn't here. I guess her boy toy will die first," her evil voice purred as wereOz obediently went to her.
"Watch carefully Slayer," Toorima said proudly as she grasped wereOz's neck. She slowly grasped tighter, the werewolf struggling slightly and gasping for air, his furry body still, not trying to defy his mistress. Buffy couldn't bare to watch. With a grunt and a loud snap, it was over. Buffy looked up as Oz returned to human form and fell to the ground, lifeless. Anya passed out in pure horror, Xander lost for words as shock struck him. Tears welled up in the blonde slayers eyes.
"Tell the witch that this one was for her," Toorima announced then vanished. Buffy ran to Oz's side, tears spilling out of her eye and raining down her cheeks. "Oz," she whispered, broken and hurt. How could she let a friend die like that. At least he didn't suffer. How was she gonna tell Willow that she let them all down and Oz had died because she couldn't stop Toorima. Was she crying because she lost a friend or because she had failed? 'It's my fault that he's dead,' she thought as she lifted his limp body off of the asphalt. Mel woke slowly, in pain. When she caught site of the dead boy she went pale with anger and fear. Xander picked up the still passed out Anya and they all headed back to the library, silence holding the hands of death and sorrow.
Giles was waiting for them when they arrived. Giles shook his head as Xander numbly went through what happened. Buffy only stood there, now in shock, Oz's corps dangling from her pale arms. Faith emerged from the bathroom, a mortified look consuming her face for a brief moment. Her arm blocked the person behind her from moving further. Willow looked over Faith's shoulder and was horrified at the site of her Oz, lifeless and pale.
The redhead rushed over to her lover, scooping him up and setting him on the floor. "Oz," the witch whimpered, in tears. Then it hit her. He was gone, now they had to think rational. "B-Buffy, w-we need t-to get him o-out of h-here," the hacker stuttered. Faith picked up the corps, saying softly, "I'll be back in a few." At that the raven haired Slayer walked off, the corps in her arms.
Willow sat where she was, her emotions running rampant. "B-Buffy," Willow stuttered. Buffy nodded. "I'm taking Will home. Tell Faith to meet us at Will's house," Buffy said somberly as she lead the Wiccan out of the library. Giles nodded as he removed his glasses and gently rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Um. . .m-me and Anya are gonna get g-going," Xander stammered, still carrying the unconscious blonde. Giles sat down with a sigh. He put his glasses back on and was about to write Faith a note when he heard something.
The watcher raised his head. He stood, walking to the door. Faith met him there. "Where's B?" Faith asked softly. "What just happened?" the watcher asked. "Cat calls, now where's B and Willow?" Faith's tone rose slightly. Giles gave Faith the message and they parted ways. Giles decided to get some rest. He, after all, needed it.
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Faith ran up behind Buffy and Willow, softly panting. "Guys," Faith panted. Both girls swung around, looking at Faith with pained eyes. "We've got company. She followed me. I figured it was better to keep Giles and the other outta this one," Faith finished. Anger rose in Buffy, her chest burning with hate. "Where is she?" Buffy growled.
No more was said as Toorima appeared before them, her broach shinny and mocking. Buffy attacked fiercely, all of her attempts failing miserably. Faith cut in, both her and Buffy now working on the demon. They were still where they started. The battle raged on, the slayers tiring easily. Toorima picked Faith up by the throat. "Deja vous," she mocked proudly. Faith kicked and screamed, clawing at the demon. Buffy was to weak, worn and hurt to move but Willow hadn't even gotten into this bout yet.
A familiar figure flew out of the dark, slicing Toorima's hand off. "You despicable witch. I'll kill you for that!" Toorima yelled to the shadow, Faith scrambling away to catch her breath. Mel flew out of a nearby tree, pouncing onto Toorima. Mel had followed Toorima after Faith had come back and asked where Buffy and Willow were.
The two forms rolled around several times before Mel was flung off by a ray of dark energy. Mel got up, vision blurred. She blindly attacked Toorima, the blast knocking the demon back. Once Toorima regained her composure she attacked again, this time from behind Mel. Now she had her by the neck, squeezing.
Toorima look toward Willow, facing her. "This is pretty much how it went with your werewolf, except he didn't squirm," Toorima laughed. Willow looked like she was ready to break down crying. "Don't crack Willow," Buffy whispered. Willow didn't crack, she shattered. Willow felt anger flood through her body, pulsing though her veins. "Not again bitch!" Willow yelled. Then she saw it.
The broach lay so innocently at the demons side. Willow leap onto the demon, causing Mel to go flying a few feet. Toorima laughed until she realized what had happened. Willow got up and backed away. "Where'd it go!" The demon screamed. "Looking for this?" Willow growled, holding up the broach. At that point the demon showed fear, not in words but in her eyes. Willow slowly crushed it in the palm of her hand, Toorima screaming and cursing to the last. Willow fell to her knees.
Both slayers used all of their energy to get up and walk over to Willow. "You ready to go home Will," Buffy asked softly. Willow nodded. Mel limped toward the group. Mel helped Willow up and they headed to the redheads house for some down time. They needed it.
Author: Melanie M./Shai AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: Willow/Oz
Rating: R
Warnings: let's see, vulgar language, lesbian content and anything else I missed.
Disclaimers: none of the Buffy chars. belong to me, I'm just borrowing them for my fic so please dun sew me. Also, Melanie, Toorima, the ideas and other ad ins are my property so if you'd like to use any of it please ask.
Comments: I need feedback, lots of it.
Chapter 1: Oz's Fate
It was another day at Sunnydale High. Classes had just ended and the masses of students flooded out of the school. Buffy walked slowly, trying to spot her friends so they could head off to meet Giles. Sapphire eyes found red hair moving through the crowd. Buffy smiled internally as Willow approached. "Hey Buffy, the gang is waiting for you over there," Willow said, pointing out the location of Faith, Oz, Xander, and Anya. Both girls headed toward the group. "Hey B, glad you joined us. Wolf boy was starting to get on my nerves," Faith greeted. "Faith, be nice," Buffy chided. The group headed to the library, quiet and thoughtful.
When they got to the library, Giles greeting them humbly, sitting them all down. "What is it Giles?" Buffy asked in a tone of concern. "Well," began the watcher as he removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "there's been a theft." "You wanted us here to do police work?" Faith questioned. "No, it's definitely more than that I'm afraid. You see, somebody in this room is a threat to us due to this object that was stolen. What we need to find out is who has the gem and why," Giles explained, placing his glasses back at the bridge of his nose. "Why do you think it's somebody that's here, in this room?" Buffy questioned.
"This," Giles replied, pulling a paper out from his pocket. "It was left by the thief." "What's it say," Xander piped up. "It says:
'Dear Slayers,
You are both the prey. I work alone but I've studied your group. Interesting choice of friends you both have. The witch, the werewolf, the wimp and the ex-demon. You need to learn how to keep things hush hush around here, oh and how to choose a better variety of friend. Well, kill you later, bye.
The witch will die first,
Princess Toorima'
That's where it ends," Buffy was in a state of shock and anger. "I don't like this chick, she's very inferior toward us," Oz mumbled. "Giles, what does Toor-whatever mean?" Xander asked almost meekly, ignoring the fact that he'd been called a wimp. "Phantom killer," Anya volunteered.
All eyes shot toward Anya, all of them questioning her without words. "It's Japanese. I once saw the Kanji symbol for it and the merchant told me what it meant," Anya explain, a bit uneasy. "Do you know anything else about it Anya?" Giles questioned, hoping for at least a fragment of information. "Well, there's a myth to the word which is where it originated from," Anya offered with a raised right brow.
Tell me all you can. Willow, you Oz & Xander help with the books. I fear she may be seeking victims. Buffy, you and Faith patrol magic shops. Anything that sells book, candles and things of that sort," Giles quickly spat at them. As soon as the words were spoken the Slayers were gone and the others were hitting the book.
"Now, tell us this myth," Giles calmly requested. "I don't know the time period but it was about an ancient Princess who was a thief. She was a klepto, couldn't keep her hands off of things. One day a suitor brought her a garnet broach but she used it for a spell. She made herself into a phantom and instead of stealing possessions she stole souls. She was vanquished by a slayer but her magical powers and such are held in her garnet broach," Anya informed the watcher.
Found her!" Willow bellowed. "What have you found?" Giles jumped up and stared at the hacker. "It says that whoever posses the broach will have power over everybody and everything, including time, space and living creatures. All they need is the blood of a Slayer, the tear of a human, a hair of a werewolf and a cauldron to place them in. They have to be boiled in Blackberry Brandy and digested. Once that's done, she'll be extremely powerful but she can still be killed by smashing the broach," Willow reported. "Oh joy. She's got the broach but. . ." Giles said then his eyes shot toward the door, "Oh no, the Slayers!"
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"This sucks! We've checked every magic shop in Sunnydale and nothing," Buffy wined. "B, I think your wrong on that note," Faith said as she pointed to a ransacked shop and a wounded innocent. Buffy rushed to the innocents side, propping the girls head up. The girls eyes were half open as she spoke, "Slayers, help me. She'll kill you." Faith's eyes narrowed as Buffy lifted the soot, ash and blood covered victim. "How do we know we can trust her?" Faith growled, walking beside Buffy. "We don't," the blonde slayer hissed.
Then Faith noticed red beaming eyes cast upon them. "B, we've got company," Faith warned. Buffy set the innocent on the ground and both slayers took fighting positions. The entity swooped down, landing between the slayers with a dagger in her hand. She slashed Buffy's right arm, jumping back quickly. Faith struck the demons ribs with a swift kick. The, now angry, demon spat fire at both slayers then disappeared.
"We'd better get back," Buffy winced. Faith ripped off a piece of the innocents sleeve and wrapped it around Buffy's wound. "Let's go, I'll carry her," Faith mumbled as she picked the girl up. They slowly headed back to the library, hoping Giles and the others had found something on their swift foe.
When they walked in the door worrying faces met them. "Giles, what's up?" Buffy managed to say in a normal, not "I'm in pain", tone. "We have more information on our enemy," Giles replied, then his eye caught a glimpse of the blood that was slowly easing its way down Buffy's arm. "Let me guess, you gave up on looking and you ran into a demon," Xander proposed. "Something like that. We need to get this chick medical attention now," Buffy answered.
"Can we get her to my house? My parents are out of town so she can stay with me," Willow offered. "I think Buffy, Faith and our visitor would all be safe at your house Willow, if that's not too much to ask," Giles suggested. Willow nodded and the four of them set out to the Rosenburg residence. Willow gave Buffy and Faith all the information on the demon and Buffy confirmed that the demon had gotten her blood.
Once in the house, Willow showed Buffy and Faith to her room after they had put their visitor in the bathroom. "I'll go tend to our guest, you guys can slayer talk or something," Willow said with a wave of her hand as she left the room. Willow walked into the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth as she set down the extra pair of clothes she had taken from her dresser.
Buffy and Faith talked over options and strategies for about an hour when Willow interrupted. "She cleans up pretty well but I need you guys to move her onto the cot beside my bed," Willow informed them. Both slayers forced themselves to their feet and went into the bathroom. The dragged the freshly washed girl with short raven colored hair into Willow's room and set her on the cot. The girl was pale with black nail polish. She wore a baggy faded black shirt and a pair of Willow's mom's old black pants.
"She looks gothic," Buffy said softly as she stared down at the girl. "She looks dead," Faith muttered as Buffy checked for a pulse. "She's ok but I recommend watching over her. If that thing wanted her dead it might come after her again," Buffy announced. "I'll watch her," Willow volunteered.
Buffy and Faith headed to the spare room and fell fast asleep as Willow watched over the strangely consuming girl.
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Oz, Anya and Xander left soon after the girls had, going their separate ways after a short while. Anya and Xander ended up at Xander's house, sleeping in the back yard. Oz, on the other hand, decided to take a walk and clear his mind.
As Oz was walking through the park he saw a strange figure. She appeared before him with short blonde hair, skin tight leather outfit and emerald eye. She pulled out a beautiful garnet broach. At the site of the broach, Oz began to morph into his werewolf form. The woman cut off a shred of his hair before he could attack her, but he sliced her across the chest before she disappeared. As soon as she was gone, Oz returned to his human form, wondering why he had such an adrenaline rush. He headed home to get some sleep, thank god tomorrow was Saturday.
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Willows eyes fluttered open. She'd fallen asleep but as far as she could tell, nothing went wrong. Her jade eyes then searched the room carefully. Her eyes soon rested upon the still sleeping girl. 'Good, nothing happened,' She thought as she got up and changed her clothes. She turned to see the girls eyes fluttering half open. She walked to the girl, a smile plastered on her face.
"Good morning," Willow said softly. "Who. . .who are you? Where are the slayers? Are they alive," the girl began to rise but Willow gently pushed her back. "Easy does it. My name's Willow, and the slayers are fine. They're sleeping right now. Who are you?" Willow cooed softly to calm the girl. "My name is Melanie but please call me Mel," the girls answered. "Pleased to meet you Mel," Willow said softly. Mel's hazel eyes met Willow's jade eyes, both starring at each other with a deviant look in their eyes.
"Has anybody ever told you that you have the most extravagant green eyes in the universe?" Mel complimented, her voice a little strained. "Not 'til now," Willow replied, a light shade of crimson spreading across her cheeks. Mel smiled softly. 'That smile's so wicked yet intriguing,' Willow thought. Before she realized it, Mel had sat up and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Thank you, all of you," Mel said softly as she began to get up. "I'll help you downstairs. Pancakes ok for breakfast?" Willow said quickly. "Sure," Mel agreed as they walked out of the room.
They made their way to the kitchen, very surprised at finding Faith and Buffy drinking coffee. "Pancakes?" Willow asked. "Three, I'm starving," Faith answered. "One for me, I'm not really that hungry," Buffy confirmed. Willow looked at Mel with a smile. "Let me guess, two?" Willow asked. Mel nodded and smiled. Faith leaned on the counter, eyeing the newcomer. "Got a name?" Faith asked with as much politeness as she could muster. "Let me guess, you're Faith," Mel said softly. She then looked at the blonde slayer, "and you must be Buffy. My name's Melanie but call me Mel."
"Pleased to meet you Mel. I'm sure you have tons of questions but so do we. First off, how did you know our names? And second, why was that thing after you?" Buffy said politely. "The council. Don't worry, I'm not another slayer. As a matter of fact I came here on my own to warn you about Toorima but I was too late. I went to the council to ask for help but all they told me was to let the slayers handle it. I asked them for names, which they willingly gave, and I looked you up. I was on my way to the Summers residence when Toorima recognized me. I'm the only one who can magically match her powers, well, I'm not all that great but I know her tricks. She caught me off guard and as you can tell she ripped me up pretty bad. She got a tear from me. What else has she gotten?" Mel answered then questioned.
"Great, now the council is giving our names out," Faith grumbled. "She got my blood," Buffy's low voice offered. "And your werewolf, where's he?" Mel spat out. "His names Oz and he's at home," Willow said defensively. "Sorry, I didn't know his name. The council trusts me enough to give me the slayers names but they told me that's all they would give. We need to warn him," Mel explained. Willow nodded and picked up the phone. "Hi Oz, it's Willow. . .uh huh. . .meet us at Buffy's and bring Xander and Anya. . .I love you too. . .bye"
"He'll be at Buffy's in half an hour," Willow confirmed. "Well, I guess we'd better eat and run," Faith said as Willow finished making the food. They sat down, ate and were out the door in a record time of ten minutes. They made it to Buffy's just as the others were arriving. "Hey Will, what's up?" Oz said cheerfully as he hugged her. "We found out more about our enemy. Oh, we also made a new friend. Oz, this is Mel, Mel, Oz," Willow said with a smile. "Pleased to meet you Oz," Mel offered a smile. "Likewise. Now what do you know about this evil chick?" Oz asked. Willow filled him in and he promised to steer clear of her. Then they all headed to the library to fill Giles in.
When they got there Giles was waiting and offered them a seat. They filled him in and he suggested finding the demon before nightfall. "Good idea but where do we look?" Buffy asked. "We'll need to split up. Buffy you and Xander check the cemetery, Anya, Oz and myself will check the magic shops and Faith, Willow and Mel can check caves and other places she might hide until sunset," Giles instructed them. They all set off on their journeys, each group paying close attention to where they were.
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"This place looks suspicious enough," Willow said softly as her, Faith and Mel inched toward the cave. It was near sunset but they thought they had found her this time. "It reeks of death," Mel acknowledged. "We should split. This place is to big for us all to search by nightfall," Faith suggested. "I'm up for it," Mel said softly as they came to a three way split in the path. Each girl took a different path.
After a few minutes Mel bumped into Willow. "Jesus Willow, don't spook me like that," the witch whispered. "Sorry, didn't mean to," Willow whispered back, their eyes locked on each others. It was some sort of attraction that neither of them could explain. It wasn't eternal but it felt right at that point in time. Willow tried to speak, even protest but her body wouldn't cooperate with her mind. Before another thought could cross her mind, Willow felt Mel's lips on hers. They were so soft. Mel reached her hand to the other witches cheek, caressing it gently as the kiss became more intense. Their mouths opened, Willow surrendering temporarily. Mel captured Willows tongue, sucking on it gently. Willow let out a low moan as they both automatically pulled away.
The moment had felt so right but would it last. "Willow. . ." Mel trailed off. "Mel, it's ok. It was the moment. I can tell that we're destined to be good friends but I think that was coming, just to test if we could handle it, ya know?" Willow whispered, trying to believe herself. Their eyes locked again. "Willow, there is truth to what you say. I've never really had a friend, a good one anyway. I seem to get too close. Can you handle that memory and embrace it with your heart like I can?" Mel whispered back. "Huh? Well. . .um. . ." Willow began before another kiss came about. This kiss was longer, more intense, more passionate.
Willow lost control, her low moans escaping from her throat as Mel sucked on her tongue. Then Willow knew what Mel meant. It was all about regret. If Willow let this go any further it would be too late to save her and Oz's relationship. Willow pulled away, her thighs burning as she denied Mel the pleasure of sucking on her tongue. "Now you know, don't you?" Mel asked, Willow nodding a yes. "Can you enjoy that moment every time you see it cross your mind or every time you see my face?" Mel asked. Willow leaned in once more, placing a soft kiss on Mel's lips. "Definitely," Willow answered, looking a bit distracted.
They walked on and found yet another split. Again they parted ways. The three of them met at a hallway. They went in expecting the worst and they got it. Toorima wasn't there but the remains of her spell were. "How'd she get Oz's hair?" Willow questioned. "I'm guessing he morphed due to the garnet and she took a chunk of hair off of him," Mel said softly, still in shock. She was now a full fledge demon with extreme power. This did not look good.
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"Anya! Look out!" the watcher yelled as the now werewolf form Oz attacked under Toorima's command. Oz, apparently, wasn't himself. He leapt at anything that moved and ripped it to shreds. Buffy and Xander arrived just in time to see Anya being flung in their direction. Xander caught her as Buffy got details from Giles on what exactly was going on.
After Giles explained, Buffy was fighting the werewolf Oz, not wanting to have to kill him. Faith, Willow and Mel arrived shortly after that. They told the watcher what they had found but before they could act, Toorima was gone, leaving Oz with her curse. She cursed him with a need for blood. Willow tried to talk to Oz but he only leapt at her. Faith kicked him away, helping Willow up.
"The only way to stop him is to kill him," Giles sorrowful voice spoke up. "Giles, there has to be another way," Willow protested. "There is no other way unless we can find Toorima. We can't take the chance of Oz hurting innocents," Giles explained.
Faith was now battling the strong wereOz, dodging his claws and getting in all the punches she could. Then he pinned her down. "Faith!" Willow yelled, drawing everybody's attention to the fight. Buffy kicked Oz away, helping Faith up. "Thanks B," Faith said, panting softly. Faith's hand shot toward her arm, her fingers hiding her oozing wound. "Faith, are you hurt?" Giles asked as Oz fled. "Shit, he's gettin' away," Faith yelled, dismissing Giles' question. "We need to get to the library and find out how to stop him," Willow suggested. "We need to stop him or he'll kill innocence," Buffy protested.
"Faith, you Willow and myself will go back to the library, the rest of you try your best to hold Oz off," Giles commanded. Buffy and her group ran off as Giles rushed his group to the library. As Willow researched desperately, Giles cleaned and bound Faiths minor injury. "Giles," Willow wined, "th-ther's n-no way t-to save h-him." Now Willow was crying softly into her hands. Faith walked over to the weeping redhead and hugged her gently, not saying anything in fear that she would stick her foot in her mouth.
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The battle with Oz seemed to last forever. Buffy was very worn, Xander and Anya wounded. Mel was unconscious up against the oak tree she'd been flung at. Buffy was catching her breath when Toorima appeared. "Too bad the witch isn't here. I guess her boy toy will die first," her evil voice purred as wereOz obediently went to her.
"Watch carefully Slayer," Toorima said proudly as she grasped wereOz's neck. She slowly grasped tighter, the werewolf struggling slightly and gasping for air, his furry body still, not trying to defy his mistress. Buffy couldn't bare to watch. With a grunt and a loud snap, it was over. Buffy looked up as Oz returned to human form and fell to the ground, lifeless. Anya passed out in pure horror, Xander lost for words as shock struck him. Tears welled up in the blonde slayers eyes.
"Tell the witch that this one was for her," Toorima announced then vanished. Buffy ran to Oz's side, tears spilling out of her eye and raining down her cheeks. "Oz," she whispered, broken and hurt. How could she let a friend die like that. At least he didn't suffer. How was she gonna tell Willow that she let them all down and Oz had died because she couldn't stop Toorima. Was she crying because she lost a friend or because she had failed? 'It's my fault that he's dead,' she thought as she lifted his limp body off of the asphalt. Mel woke slowly, in pain. When she caught site of the dead boy she went pale with anger and fear. Xander picked up the still passed out Anya and they all headed back to the library, silence holding the hands of death and sorrow.
Giles was waiting for them when they arrived. Giles shook his head as Xander numbly went through what happened. Buffy only stood there, now in shock, Oz's corps dangling from her pale arms. Faith emerged from the bathroom, a mortified look consuming her face for a brief moment. Her arm blocked the person behind her from moving further. Willow looked over Faith's shoulder and was horrified at the site of her Oz, lifeless and pale.
The redhead rushed over to her lover, scooping him up and setting him on the floor. "Oz," the witch whimpered, in tears. Then it hit her. He was gone, now they had to think rational. "B-Buffy, w-we need t-to get him o-out of h-here," the hacker stuttered. Faith picked up the corps, saying softly, "I'll be back in a few." At that the raven haired Slayer walked off, the corps in her arms.
Willow sat where she was, her emotions running rampant. "B-Buffy," Willow stuttered. Buffy nodded. "I'm taking Will home. Tell Faith to meet us at Will's house," Buffy said somberly as she lead the Wiccan out of the library. Giles nodded as he removed his glasses and gently rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Um. . .m-me and Anya are gonna get g-going," Xander stammered, still carrying the unconscious blonde. Giles sat down with a sigh. He put his glasses back on and was about to write Faith a note when he heard something.
The watcher raised his head. He stood, walking to the door. Faith met him there. "Where's B?" Faith asked softly. "What just happened?" the watcher asked. "Cat calls, now where's B and Willow?" Faith's tone rose slightly. Giles gave Faith the message and they parted ways. Giles decided to get some rest. He, after all, needed it.
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Faith ran up behind Buffy and Willow, softly panting. "Guys," Faith panted. Both girls swung around, looking at Faith with pained eyes. "We've got company. She followed me. I figured it was better to keep Giles and the other outta this one," Faith finished. Anger rose in Buffy, her chest burning with hate. "Where is she?" Buffy growled.
No more was said as Toorima appeared before them, her broach shinny and mocking. Buffy attacked fiercely, all of her attempts failing miserably. Faith cut in, both her and Buffy now working on the demon. They were still where they started. The battle raged on, the slayers tiring easily. Toorima picked Faith up by the throat. "Deja vous," she mocked proudly. Faith kicked and screamed, clawing at the demon. Buffy was to weak, worn and hurt to move but Willow hadn't even gotten into this bout yet.
A familiar figure flew out of the dark, slicing Toorima's hand off. "You despicable witch. I'll kill you for that!" Toorima yelled to the shadow, Faith scrambling away to catch her breath. Mel flew out of a nearby tree, pouncing onto Toorima. Mel had followed Toorima after Faith had come back and asked where Buffy and Willow were.
The two forms rolled around several times before Mel was flung off by a ray of dark energy. Mel got up, vision blurred. She blindly attacked Toorima, the blast knocking the demon back. Once Toorima regained her composure she attacked again, this time from behind Mel. Now she had her by the neck, squeezing.
Toorima look toward Willow, facing her. "This is pretty much how it went with your werewolf, except he didn't squirm," Toorima laughed. Willow looked like she was ready to break down crying. "Don't crack Willow," Buffy whispered. Willow didn't crack, she shattered. Willow felt anger flood through her body, pulsing though her veins. "Not again bitch!" Willow yelled. Then she saw it.
The broach lay so innocently at the demons side. Willow leap onto the demon, causing Mel to go flying a few feet. Toorima laughed until she realized what had happened. Willow got up and backed away. "Where'd it go!" The demon screamed. "Looking for this?" Willow growled, holding up the broach. At that point the demon showed fear, not in words but in her eyes. Willow slowly crushed it in the palm of her hand, Toorima screaming and cursing to the last. Willow fell to her knees.
Both slayers used all of their energy to get up and walk over to Willow. "You ready to go home Will," Buffy asked softly. Willow nodded. Mel limped toward the group. Mel helped Willow up and they headed to the redheads house for some down time. They needed it.