Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot and any original characters that appear here.

What's up people? Thanks for giving "My soul to take" a chance.

This is my first BTVS story. Willow is my favorite character in Buffy and I want to play with the events after Season 6. Dark Willow was also my favorite villian in Buffy. Since first watching Buffy, I have always been facinated with the balance between light and dark in Willow. Anyway, Enjoy and let me know what you think. Do I continue it? Reviews are appreciated.

Summary: Willow has returned from England an even more powerful witch fighting to find the balance between light and dark within her. She has to re-earn the trust of the scoobie gang while a battle begins with her soul as the prize. As the battle between Heaven and Hell rages on, Will the slayer and her friends find it in them to forgive and help the woman who has the power to elighten the world or send it into eternal darkness.

"I have always believed that it was the people who were the brighest that hid the deepest darkness"

My Soul to Take

She stepped off the plane a woman ultimately different but fundamentally and strangely the same from the one who stepped on the plane right after Xander stopped her from destroying the world. Xander and Buffy watched her silently. Her deep red hair had gotten longer, hanging to her elbows. Some strands had gotten lighter, turned into an almost blonde color, and gave her the appearance of having living fire on her head as it swayed in the breeze. Her skin was pale and her features were elegant. Dark green eyes showed wisdom, an intimate knowledge of tradgedy, and beneath all that a terrifying inner struggle. Her white dress billowed in the wind as she stepped her last ballerina clap foot off the lift.

To the two other members of the scoobie gang, she appeared to be some etheral, otherworldly character, the twinkle of the night stars giving her a strange glow. One with an innocent facade, that if they were not careful, could crack to release the dark and evil thing hidden inside. This being, despite the delicate image, was one of supreme power. This was Willow Rosenburg, computer geek, witch, ex- magick adictee, near destroyer of the world, scoobie member, and Xander and Buffy's best friend.

As willow approached them, they remembered the warning Giles gave them. "Be gentle with her. She went through some ...difficult times in England. She has learned to bottle all her emotions inside and wear a mask. She may appear fine on the outside and be completely breaking down in the inside. She herself has recognized that you may not trust her at this time but please do everything you can to help. We have a chance at saving her yet.

The scoobies hesitated but gave the witch a hug. Willow let them hug her, although she did flinch, but she made no attempt to hug them back.

The blonde slayer smiled softly, "Good to have you back Will." Xander chorused after her. "Yeah"

Willow coughed into her hand before bowing her head slightly to the two. "You too guys." Her voice was soft but scratchy, as if she had been screaming too much and it irritated her throat.

Willow opened her fist, revealing the bright red splatter on her palm. Sighing, she turned her attentions back to the the world outside the little car she rode in. She hated when that happened. And even though she tried not to, she hated them. It was their fault she coughed up blood. They tried to take her magick from her, some intergral into her very being.

Buffy and Xander sat in the front, having a quiet conversation just out of her hearing. She knew that Giles had told them to watch out for her and make sure she didn't use strong magicks. He didn't understand. She needed magick to live. Then there were those strange things she was seeing. She hadn't mentioned them to any one, knowing they would think her crazy.

She felt so disconnected from the world around her, sometimes numb. She knew these people, but at the same time, she felt she didn't know them anymore. There was so much seperating them now. She would love to get to know the people closest to her again. They pulled up in front of the summers home. Her door opened. She met the blue eyes of buffy, looking past her to see xander already holding her bags.

"I forgot to mention, Angel's here too."

Willow nodded her thanks, and walked to the front door, the others behind her. She took a deep breathe and prepared herself for the "happy" reunion.

Willow stepped through the threshold. Angel sat in the living room along with Dawn and Anya. He inhaled deeply when she walked in. She smelled so different. Like darkness, power, and... almost something like innocence? He focused his dark eyes on Buffy.

"We'll talk later" They seemed to say. She nodded back at him.

"Welcome back home Willow," The tall, dark, and handome vampire said as he moved on.

Willow nodded at him with hooded eyes. "Happy to be back"

And then the scoobie gang was left looking at each other. There was an almost imperceptible split between them, with Willow on one side of the room near the door, and everyone else grouped together on the other.

They stared at each other, aware of the gap no matter how they tried to ignore it. The scoobies examining each of Willow's movements almost like they were afraid of her. Willow watching with an almost emotionless face as the adults positioned themselves around Dawn and her hiding behind them as if they were protecting her. As if Willow Rosenburg, the girl they've known for years, was a threat!

They stared for what seemed like forever until Willow dropped her gaze.

Her quiet voice echoed through the silent room.

"You don't have to protect Dawnie. I'd kill myself before I hurt any of you again. I understand though. You don't trust me. It's fine. Don't worry, I'll find my own place by the end of the week. No need to feel unsafe in your own home."

Then she was out the door, retreating to somewhere unknown to lick those wounds the others had opened.

The Slayer seemed to shake out of whatever stupor she was in and broke formation. " WAIT! WILL!"

By time she reached the street, the red-headed witch was already gone.

Please Review. Input is appreciated.

Should I Continue this fic ?