Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters portrayed within this story.
I make no money from these said characters.
Summery: Sunnydale is full of good and bad demons, but why is this one following Willow? And what do they want?
Authors note: This is my second Buffy fic, and once again there is an original character, please read and review, I'd like to know if my own characters can mesh well with the original characters. All criticism taken with good taste and do enjoy...
The night was drawing in, and in those last few minutes of dusk, a shadowed figure stood atop of a grassy knoll over looking the infamous town of Sunnydale. The gentle winds ruffled their black leather trench coat while playing with the stranger's expertly crafted hair. The dark character smiled to themselves, "Welcome to Sunnydale. Please die carefully." Still smiling, two giant dragon like wings erupted from the beings back, carefully unfolding to create an impressive display of burgundy red wings. Almost reptilian in appearance, and yet they seemed right when compared to the rest of the owner. After a rather long stretch of these odd appendages, the character carefully ran their gloved hand through their short purple hair before one heavy beat of the burgundy red wings. Pausing once to take in the view, they began to glide their way to a naturally dark Sunnydale.
***
Friday night's patrol, it seemed so stupid to Buffy,
"It's not fair!"
Slumping down on a tombstone moping, Buffy continued.
"I mean come on Will, see it from my point of view here. I work hard all week becoming more Giles like by the day," That thought worried Buffy and Willow, another Giles!
"So why should I have to do patrol on a Friday!"
"I know Buff, but it's not like these bumpy guys take a break either."
Sympathising with her friend, but their conversation was soon put on hold by the sudden arrival of a gang of the un-dead with vampiric tendencies. After dusting a few, it was obvious that Buffy could not do this alone. Even with all her skills and slayer strength, there was nothing either girl could do. In the thick of mêlée combat neither heard the call from above,
"Run slayer! Get down!!"
Before the words could have any impact on the two teens, a figure appeared to fall from the sky towards the congregation. The being grabbed both Willow and Buffy, hoisting them from the ensuing battle for their blood. Without a word the creature dropped the confused pair high upon one of the ancient crypts before descending upon to the oncoming vampires.
Still in shock the girls could not even being to understand what just happened.
"Will...What just happened? And did that guy have, wings??" The two girls held onto each other for protection. They still didn't know if their "would be" rescuer was actually trying to save them. The dark figure had descended upon the obviously upset vamps. Confused and scared, they watched on as vamp after vamp became either dust of a bloody mess. The creature picked them apart maybe three at a time until the last vampire was soon a very dusty vampire. Staring in disbelief, they watched carefully as Buffy's question was soon answered. The shadowed figure extended their wings to the fullest extent, tilted back their head and released what sounded like a primal scream that echoed across the graveyard. Willow and Buffy were two scared to move stuck observing the phenomenon before them. The giant wings slowly retracted and disappeared into the creatures back.
Just as the figure was about to speak they were knocked violently to the ground. Held by down Willow to the right and by Buffy to the left.
"What the hells going on here?? I just saved you, what are you doing??"
The figure fought against the restraint, forcing the girls to let go. Quickly getting to their feet Willow and Buffy backed away from the now human like arrival.
"Who are you? Watch it buddy I'm packing sharp wood here,"
Buffy was ready to defend herself and her best friend from whatever the Hell mouth had to offer. But even she had to say that this was new.
"Honestly you slayers. Dust a few vamps and you think you're the best and brightest thing to walk this Earth."
Dusting the dirt from their trench coat, the figure tried to shadow their face.
"You can tell your friend to come out from behind that crypt, I'm not going to hurt either of you-"
Cut off by Willow the figure shot a glance at the hiding witch,
"How do we know that you're not going to sprout something and, and carry us off, or bite us or something..." Willow trailed off as the creature walked over to her.
"I'm not going to hurt you witch, because I can't. There is no need to be scared of me."
"We're not scared of you, you what ever you are!!" Buffy was still unsure. Suddenly thrown off balance by the speed of this unknown figure that was right in front of her once more.
"Really slayer! You're not scared? Then what can I smell on you! Fear slayer, fear of the unknown, even your witch friend is rank with it. So don't come off all high and mighty with me you naive child!"
The loud voice made both Buffy and Willow once more cower from this figure.
"Now if you will excuse me, I really must be going." The burgundy wings beat the air allowing the silent exit.
***
It was Saturday night, and Willow was due to meet up with everyone at the Bronze. She grabbed her coat and set off into the dark and rainy night. She soon realised that she was being followed, so Willow picked up the pace. But after turning another corner Willow was faced with once more, several vampires. The vampires of the town new that the teens of the neighbourhood were always around for the "picking" at weekends. But what they didn't know was they weren't the only ones following her. Before she could even cry out, the vampires were scattered by a primal scream ripping apart the silence. Willow began to breathe again before setting off, only to walk into a familiar figure.
"You should watch yourself young witch. One day you may not be so lucky."
Willow recognised the leather trench coat and familiar purple hair. But as before the figures face was hidden.
"I know I should probably thank you, but why are you following me?" Her face was blank with confusion.
"It's a long story red. Maybe another time." Again Willow could not ask her questions as the creature flew away into the night.
***
Willow did not tell Buffy about her encounter that evening; after all she would only ask questions that she didn't have the answers to. She sat up in bed drawing the creature that had saved her life. With meticulous detail she picked out the shading on the gigantic wings, the ripples in the leather, and not forgetting the sculpted hair. Purple was an odd colour for hair she thought. But somehow it seemed to complement her drawing. Though she was somewhat frustrated, she had never seen their face so her picture would have to remain unfinished. As the artist sat finalising her masterpiece she was silently watched by her subject. The dark figure was sat in a tree across from Willow's house, watching over her. Wondering when the time would come to explain their presence to the young girl.
***
Sunday morning, Willow and Buffy had agreed to meet up with Xander and hang out in the summer heat down in Sunnydale Park. With little on anyone's mind, they were all free to daydream. Xander watched the girls go by as Buffy watched the clouds glide. But Willow found it hard to be as absent minded as her friends, her dreams kept going back to one thing in particular, well one person anyway, if that's what you could call them. She had been entranced by the extravagant elegance and power that the stranger possessed. They had saved her life twice in as many days, and Willow couldn't help but want to read into why she was being followed that night. It made her feel guilty by thinking about them further. She had thought that if she put herself in danger, they could come and save her again. A further pang of guilt hit her as she secretly smiled about the idea.
To avoid slowly vegetating the trio decided to take a walk to the mall for lunch. Buffy and Xander were arguing over something, Willow couldn't decide; not that she really cared. She was thinking of how she could next meet her winged champion; but that time could come sooner than she thought. For once again she was being watched. But her observer did not possess the qualities that had captivated her imagination. However the shadowed creature who was the purpose of her dreams, was presently watching Willow's observer. With all three absent minded, neither saw the hidden man until it was too late. "Gimmie your purse! Now!"
A youth, early twenties had sprung themselves in front of the trio. Brandishing a knife roughly the size of his hand, he demanded money from all three. But it was already too late for the would be thief, before Willow, Buffy or Xander could give over any of their valuables, the thief was confronted with a new problem. Standing in all their glory before them, wings extended, arms raised and roaring at the assailant. The unlucky youth ran for all he had, and at that moment it was probably his life. Xander had fainted leaving Buffy to catch him, after all she had seen this before; Mr Harris was however somewhat new to this. Willow fell to her knees scared from the shock, but grateful to be alive.
Slowly once more their wings retracted leaving no clue on the leather that they had been there in the first place. Crouching in front of Willow, she could see something was different. It was still the middle of the day; there was no way that their face could be hidden now. She would finally be able to put a visage to her dreams. Although she knew this, she held her head in her hands as she cried;
"You really are one for getting in trouble,"
They brushed the hair away from her face gently as she raised her head only to see them walk away.
"Ok, that there, that was screwed up!" Xander stumbled across the floor before fainting again; as Willow ran after their hero once more.
"Wait!! Wait!" She fell to her knees in exhaustion and tears; she could barely call out, "Come back, please come back." The object of her tears turned to see her kneeling before them. The afternoon sun shone from their left, but still they hid their face.
"What's wrong Willow?"
It was almost a whisper, but it rung clear and crisp in her head,
"I-I-I, I don't know; I just had to see you. I can't explain; I don't even understand why. I just know I want to see you; I have to see your face, know your name, how can I call for help if I don't even know your name?"
The figure smiled a little, but obediently raised their head into the sunlight. Their face was no longer hidden, Willow was caught, captivated by the vision before her. Her rescuer was stood in their entirety; from the shining black leather boots, up to the trench coat covering black pitch trousers. They wore a black shirt with crimson embroidery, over that hung a silver Celtic crucifix on a black thong. With all the dark clothing, the cross appeared to float over their chest. Before Willow even looked at their face, her eyes were drawn to the shining silver cross; she watched it move gently as the vision before her breathed slowly. In those few seconds she noticed something, although they had what appeared to be a masculine presence, under that black shirt, behind that silver crucifix was a poignant clue to this person's femininity. She captivated Willow, her body amazed her, and this was even before she could look at her face. As she traced the outline of the figure before her, her eyes eventually met with those of her rescuer. The summer breeze played with the sculpted purple hair of her champion. Her jaw was defined, and yet still feminine, her face was striking, natural. She was naturally beautiful but her intense eyes caught Willow off guard. She had not expected for someone to have so much contrast in their appearance, and yet still seem to fit together perfectly.
"My name, Willow, is Sable." She held out a hand to help her off of the floor. Still captivated, Willow was pulled off balance into Sable's arms. She couldn't say a word, but all she knew was that she felt so safe in her arms. Willow had always been comfortable around Buffy when on patrol; she knew Buffy wouldn't let anything happen to her. But in her gentle hold she felt like she had found a fortress all of her own. But what Willow didn't know, was that Sable had been following her for a reason.
"I don't want to ruin the mood or anything, but why have you been following me?" Before Sable could reply, she had to let her go; both Buffy and Xander were making their way over to them.
"I can't tell you now and I can't stay either. I'm sorry Willow, truly I am, but you will see me again, I promise. And by the way don't think I didn't see that sly smile earlier, I knew what you were thinking!" With that Sable turned from Willow and with the greatest of speed, unsheathed her wings and flew high above her. Before she left Willow could just make out her blowing a kiss to her. She blushed hoping no one else saw, and yet, she wanted to tell the world how she felt. But first she would have to come to terms with it herself.
"So- ngg- Will, what did the – ggnn- winged wonder have to say?" Dropping Xander, Buffy straightened up. Willow was still a little disorientated so much so that she couldn't even reprimand Buffy for her remark,
"Oh you know Buffy, this and that. Small talk" A weak smile flickered on her face. Buffy stood there hands on hips with her best, "I don't believe you, and tell me before I whine" look. Xander jumped up off the floor,
"I'm OK folks, so who's up for some serious snackage?"
***
Willow was finally able to finish her portrait of Silver; she sat admiring it in silent awe before the phone rang.
"Hello? Hi Buffy, how's your homework going?" "You know me Will, all done and dusted," Willow allowed a little giggle down the phone. "So, what did you and the dark avenger have to talk about this afternoon?" "Buffy! They do have a name you know." "Well spill! Come on Will, I wanna know who to thank for saving my butt twice!!" Buffy was also intrigued by this new arrival to Sunnydale, but her interest was soon to vanish. With a small smile Willow went on to describe their resident hero. "Why so interested Buffy? Hmm? Sure there isn't some deep rooted crush developing here?" Willow was trying to cover up her own interest in Sable; she couldn't bear her friends knowing about her. She wanted Silver to be her own little hero. After all there had to be some reason why she was following her. "Don't play dumb with me Will! I saw the way you looked at them when that guy tried to hold us up. You don't just run after anybody. Please Will, it's only out of concern for you honest. Well ok, I'm curious too!! Who are they?!!"
Before Willow answered her, there was a gentle tapping on her window; she immediately recognised the shadow there. "I'm sorry Buff I'm gonna have to call you back something's come up," "But wai-"Willow put the phone down as she opened the window. "Good evening Willow" Sable clambered into her room devoid of any wings, and looking some what human in appearance. Willow watched her rustle the creases out of the trench coat before even replying to her.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Is there a clan of demons in my kitchen, or maybe a vampire under my bed?" With a cheeky grin Willow gestured for Sable to sit down.
"No and no. Anyway it's the bogey man under your bed isn't it? I don't seem to recall. But before you ask I can't quite explain why I'm here either but I just felt I had to see you. Also I want to see if that drawing does me justice!" Willow was shocked, "What drawing? There's no picture of you here, and if there is I don't know about any such drawing," Sable just gave her a knowing smile. "Come off it Willow, I know there's one here somewhere! I watched you do it! Come on where is it?" Sable began to mischievously search through the room as Willow tried to stop her. Although she didn't try very hard, but when Sable found it she tried to wrestle it from her grip. Willow, still not trying hard to regain her portrait, let herself be forced onto her bed. Sable straddled her, one leg either side of her shaking body. While pinning her down Sable carefully opened the folded piece of paper. "Wow. I'm impressed my little Wicca." There were no signs of false pretence on her face she was deeply bewildered. She looked deeper at the depiction of herself; she could just notice a faint smudging on the sketch. "Hang on one minute. Have you been-kissing-this picture?" Sable looked at her with a deviously sarcastic smile. Willow tried to hang her head, but it was a little hard being held prone. "That's really sweet Willow, but wouldn't you much prefer the real thing?" Willow's eyes were wide in confusion, but that was soon changed as Sable gently brushed the hair from her face. She lowered her head to meet Willow's trembling lips with her own; Willow couldn't make a sound, her lips were enveloped with Sable's. She couldn't even think, the surprise had taken over all logical thought, so in a sensible compromise, she returned the sentiments between the two bodies. Willow wanted these feelings to last forever, her and Sable had become one entity, one being. They fitted together as if they had known each other for an eternity, but Willow was still rife with uncertainty and fear; Sable could smell it on her clear as if Willow had said it herself.
Sable had managed to avoid any questions all night by merely removing Willow's capacity to talk. So when Willow became too tired to even comprehend conversation, Sable just held her protectively in her arms until she fell into a peaceful sleep. Silently she released Willow and approached the stationary on her desk. Briefly pausing to write a book reference, she turned and climbed out of the window and up to the roof. Once more she revealed her magnificent wings to the creatures of the night before wiping a tear from her eye and headed off in the direction of the graveyard where Buffy was on patrol.
***
Buffy was out on patrol with little more for company than her stake. She could faintly hear the beating of wings, but it was some how different to the sounds that the birds made; it was larger. She slowly followed the sounds of the pounding air; she stopped dead in her tracks when she heard the sound of someone landing in the leaves. Buffy had a good idea of what was making the sounds, but just to be sure she kept her stake raised. She kept her back to the crypt wall as she crept around to find what was making the sounds. Without a sound she watched a familiar figure walk through the leaves towards the flowers covering the yard. The dark person lent down to pick one of the reddest roses in the bushes; secretly smiling they tucked the rose inside their jacket before slowly and silently extending their giant wings and gracefully flying away. Buffy was highly confused, "Ok then Mr Stalker, no prizes for guessing where you are going with that." She turned to continue her patrol.
"Is there a reason why you are following me slayer?" Buffy fell to the ground through the shock. "Is there a reason why you have to sneak up on me you, you well just you!" Buffy struggled for the right words, but while getting up had enough conviction to add, "And is there a reason you just happen to be around when bad things happen?" Buffy stood dusting herself down,
"Now you should know with these slayer senses of yours. I'm not there when bad things happen, I'm just always there." The shadow picked Buffy's stake from the ground and walked over to her holding it out as a peace offering. "You knew that I was there when you were on patrol the first time we met, you just didn't listen to your head, which is why you didn't listen to my warning. You knew that when Willow left for the Bronze that she had got into trouble, you could tell by her manner; but you even knew why she was safe. Face it slayer you've known about me from the start, that's why when you were held up you didn't even react. You knew I was there." Buffy had sat on a headstone listening to the dark figure waiting to get a word in edgeways.
"But you're not following me, so why are you here? Surely there's nothing here for you." Buffy walked through a spot of moonlight. "So why are you actually here, in Sunnydale I mean?" The figure met Buffy in the moonlight, she saw all the features that stunned Willow, the deep eyes, defined jaw and most of all Buffy saw the figure before her. "Hang on here, you're a girl?! Ok now I really am confused." The perplexity shone through Buffy's expression, none of this made sense to her at all.
"I think, you ask too many questions slayer. Maybe you could find what you want from your watcher; after all I am led to believe there is no scholar like Rupert Giles." The figure turned dismissively from Buffy and made their trademark exit leaving Buffy to run the cryptic comments through her head.
"Why would Giles know anything about girls with wings? Since when did Giles know about girls? Why does she know about Giles? Xander's right, this is messed up." She shrugged and went about her merry slaying ways.
***
Sable silently opened the window to Willow's room; she took a few moments to watch her peaceful sleeping. There was no way she could possibly tell her anything concerning her presence, she had tried so hard to try and explain but there were never any words. She hated herself for the coward's way of letting her know; she had written down a reference to one of the oldest books in Giles' collection, and she knew how smart Willow was. Snapping back to reality Sable shuddered and shook her head bringing her back to reality; she carefully removed the crimson rose from her jacket and placed it with the note. With one last lingering look at the sleeping beauty she made a swift exit into the ever pitch night of Sunnydale.
***
Please review and let me know whether I should continue...
Summery: Sunnydale is full of good and bad demons, but why is this one following Willow? And what do they want?
Authors note: This is my second Buffy fic, and once again there is an original character, please read and review, I'd like to know if my own characters can mesh well with the original characters. All criticism taken with good taste and do enjoy...
The night was drawing in, and in those last few minutes of dusk, a shadowed figure stood atop of a grassy knoll over looking the infamous town of Sunnydale. The gentle winds ruffled their black leather trench coat while playing with the stranger's expertly crafted hair. The dark character smiled to themselves, "Welcome to Sunnydale. Please die carefully." Still smiling, two giant dragon like wings erupted from the beings back, carefully unfolding to create an impressive display of burgundy red wings. Almost reptilian in appearance, and yet they seemed right when compared to the rest of the owner. After a rather long stretch of these odd appendages, the character carefully ran their gloved hand through their short purple hair before one heavy beat of the burgundy red wings. Pausing once to take in the view, they began to glide their way to a naturally dark Sunnydale.
***
Friday night's patrol, it seemed so stupid to Buffy,
"It's not fair!"
Slumping down on a tombstone moping, Buffy continued.
"I mean come on Will, see it from my point of view here. I work hard all week becoming more Giles like by the day," That thought worried Buffy and Willow, another Giles!
"So why should I have to do patrol on a Friday!"
"I know Buff, but it's not like these bumpy guys take a break either."
Sympathising with her friend, but their conversation was soon put on hold by the sudden arrival of a gang of the un-dead with vampiric tendencies. After dusting a few, it was obvious that Buffy could not do this alone. Even with all her skills and slayer strength, there was nothing either girl could do. In the thick of mêlée combat neither heard the call from above,
"Run slayer! Get down!!"
Before the words could have any impact on the two teens, a figure appeared to fall from the sky towards the congregation. The being grabbed both Willow and Buffy, hoisting them from the ensuing battle for their blood. Without a word the creature dropped the confused pair high upon one of the ancient crypts before descending upon to the oncoming vampires.
Still in shock the girls could not even being to understand what just happened.
"Will...What just happened? And did that guy have, wings??" The two girls held onto each other for protection. They still didn't know if their "would be" rescuer was actually trying to save them. The dark figure had descended upon the obviously upset vamps. Confused and scared, they watched on as vamp after vamp became either dust of a bloody mess. The creature picked them apart maybe three at a time until the last vampire was soon a very dusty vampire. Staring in disbelief, they watched carefully as Buffy's question was soon answered. The shadowed figure extended their wings to the fullest extent, tilted back their head and released what sounded like a primal scream that echoed across the graveyard. Willow and Buffy were two scared to move stuck observing the phenomenon before them. The giant wings slowly retracted and disappeared into the creatures back.
Just as the figure was about to speak they were knocked violently to the ground. Held by down Willow to the right and by Buffy to the left.
"What the hells going on here?? I just saved you, what are you doing??"
The figure fought against the restraint, forcing the girls to let go. Quickly getting to their feet Willow and Buffy backed away from the now human like arrival.
"Who are you? Watch it buddy I'm packing sharp wood here,"
Buffy was ready to defend herself and her best friend from whatever the Hell mouth had to offer. But even she had to say that this was new.
"Honestly you slayers. Dust a few vamps and you think you're the best and brightest thing to walk this Earth."
Dusting the dirt from their trench coat, the figure tried to shadow their face.
"You can tell your friend to come out from behind that crypt, I'm not going to hurt either of you-"
Cut off by Willow the figure shot a glance at the hiding witch,
"How do we know that you're not going to sprout something and, and carry us off, or bite us or something..." Willow trailed off as the creature walked over to her.
"I'm not going to hurt you witch, because I can't. There is no need to be scared of me."
"We're not scared of you, you what ever you are!!" Buffy was still unsure. Suddenly thrown off balance by the speed of this unknown figure that was right in front of her once more.
"Really slayer! You're not scared? Then what can I smell on you! Fear slayer, fear of the unknown, even your witch friend is rank with it. So don't come off all high and mighty with me you naive child!"
The loud voice made both Buffy and Willow once more cower from this figure.
"Now if you will excuse me, I really must be going." The burgundy wings beat the air allowing the silent exit.
***
It was Saturday night, and Willow was due to meet up with everyone at the Bronze. She grabbed her coat and set off into the dark and rainy night. She soon realised that she was being followed, so Willow picked up the pace. But after turning another corner Willow was faced with once more, several vampires. The vampires of the town new that the teens of the neighbourhood were always around for the "picking" at weekends. But what they didn't know was they weren't the only ones following her. Before she could even cry out, the vampires were scattered by a primal scream ripping apart the silence. Willow began to breathe again before setting off, only to walk into a familiar figure.
"You should watch yourself young witch. One day you may not be so lucky."
Willow recognised the leather trench coat and familiar purple hair. But as before the figures face was hidden.
"I know I should probably thank you, but why are you following me?" Her face was blank with confusion.
"It's a long story red. Maybe another time." Again Willow could not ask her questions as the creature flew away into the night.
***
Willow did not tell Buffy about her encounter that evening; after all she would only ask questions that she didn't have the answers to. She sat up in bed drawing the creature that had saved her life. With meticulous detail she picked out the shading on the gigantic wings, the ripples in the leather, and not forgetting the sculpted hair. Purple was an odd colour for hair she thought. But somehow it seemed to complement her drawing. Though she was somewhat frustrated, she had never seen their face so her picture would have to remain unfinished. As the artist sat finalising her masterpiece she was silently watched by her subject. The dark figure was sat in a tree across from Willow's house, watching over her. Wondering when the time would come to explain their presence to the young girl.
***
Sunday morning, Willow and Buffy had agreed to meet up with Xander and hang out in the summer heat down in Sunnydale Park. With little on anyone's mind, they were all free to daydream. Xander watched the girls go by as Buffy watched the clouds glide. But Willow found it hard to be as absent minded as her friends, her dreams kept going back to one thing in particular, well one person anyway, if that's what you could call them. She had been entranced by the extravagant elegance and power that the stranger possessed. They had saved her life twice in as many days, and Willow couldn't help but want to read into why she was being followed that night. It made her feel guilty by thinking about them further. She had thought that if she put herself in danger, they could come and save her again. A further pang of guilt hit her as she secretly smiled about the idea.
To avoid slowly vegetating the trio decided to take a walk to the mall for lunch. Buffy and Xander were arguing over something, Willow couldn't decide; not that she really cared. She was thinking of how she could next meet her winged champion; but that time could come sooner than she thought. For once again she was being watched. But her observer did not possess the qualities that had captivated her imagination. However the shadowed creature who was the purpose of her dreams, was presently watching Willow's observer. With all three absent minded, neither saw the hidden man until it was too late. "Gimmie your purse! Now!"
A youth, early twenties had sprung themselves in front of the trio. Brandishing a knife roughly the size of his hand, he demanded money from all three. But it was already too late for the would be thief, before Willow, Buffy or Xander could give over any of their valuables, the thief was confronted with a new problem. Standing in all their glory before them, wings extended, arms raised and roaring at the assailant. The unlucky youth ran for all he had, and at that moment it was probably his life. Xander had fainted leaving Buffy to catch him, after all she had seen this before; Mr Harris was however somewhat new to this. Willow fell to her knees scared from the shock, but grateful to be alive.
Slowly once more their wings retracted leaving no clue on the leather that they had been there in the first place. Crouching in front of Willow, she could see something was different. It was still the middle of the day; there was no way that their face could be hidden now. She would finally be able to put a visage to her dreams. Although she knew this, she held her head in her hands as she cried;
"You really are one for getting in trouble,"
They brushed the hair away from her face gently as she raised her head only to see them walk away.
"Ok, that there, that was screwed up!" Xander stumbled across the floor before fainting again; as Willow ran after their hero once more.
"Wait!! Wait!" She fell to her knees in exhaustion and tears; she could barely call out, "Come back, please come back." The object of her tears turned to see her kneeling before them. The afternoon sun shone from their left, but still they hid their face.
"What's wrong Willow?"
It was almost a whisper, but it rung clear and crisp in her head,
"I-I-I, I don't know; I just had to see you. I can't explain; I don't even understand why. I just know I want to see you; I have to see your face, know your name, how can I call for help if I don't even know your name?"
The figure smiled a little, but obediently raised their head into the sunlight. Their face was no longer hidden, Willow was caught, captivated by the vision before her. Her rescuer was stood in their entirety; from the shining black leather boots, up to the trench coat covering black pitch trousers. They wore a black shirt with crimson embroidery, over that hung a silver Celtic crucifix on a black thong. With all the dark clothing, the cross appeared to float over their chest. Before Willow even looked at their face, her eyes were drawn to the shining silver cross; she watched it move gently as the vision before her breathed slowly. In those few seconds she noticed something, although they had what appeared to be a masculine presence, under that black shirt, behind that silver crucifix was a poignant clue to this person's femininity. She captivated Willow, her body amazed her, and this was even before she could look at her face. As she traced the outline of the figure before her, her eyes eventually met with those of her rescuer. The summer breeze played with the sculpted purple hair of her champion. Her jaw was defined, and yet still feminine, her face was striking, natural. She was naturally beautiful but her intense eyes caught Willow off guard. She had not expected for someone to have so much contrast in their appearance, and yet still seem to fit together perfectly.
"My name, Willow, is Sable." She held out a hand to help her off of the floor. Still captivated, Willow was pulled off balance into Sable's arms. She couldn't say a word, but all she knew was that she felt so safe in her arms. Willow had always been comfortable around Buffy when on patrol; she knew Buffy wouldn't let anything happen to her. But in her gentle hold she felt like she had found a fortress all of her own. But what Willow didn't know, was that Sable had been following her for a reason.
"I don't want to ruin the mood or anything, but why have you been following me?" Before Sable could reply, she had to let her go; both Buffy and Xander were making their way over to them.
"I can't tell you now and I can't stay either. I'm sorry Willow, truly I am, but you will see me again, I promise. And by the way don't think I didn't see that sly smile earlier, I knew what you were thinking!" With that Sable turned from Willow and with the greatest of speed, unsheathed her wings and flew high above her. Before she left Willow could just make out her blowing a kiss to her. She blushed hoping no one else saw, and yet, she wanted to tell the world how she felt. But first she would have to come to terms with it herself.
"So- ngg- Will, what did the – ggnn- winged wonder have to say?" Dropping Xander, Buffy straightened up. Willow was still a little disorientated so much so that she couldn't even reprimand Buffy for her remark,
"Oh you know Buffy, this and that. Small talk" A weak smile flickered on her face. Buffy stood there hands on hips with her best, "I don't believe you, and tell me before I whine" look. Xander jumped up off the floor,
"I'm OK folks, so who's up for some serious snackage?"
***
Willow was finally able to finish her portrait of Silver; she sat admiring it in silent awe before the phone rang.
"Hello? Hi Buffy, how's your homework going?" "You know me Will, all done and dusted," Willow allowed a little giggle down the phone. "So, what did you and the dark avenger have to talk about this afternoon?" "Buffy! They do have a name you know." "Well spill! Come on Will, I wanna know who to thank for saving my butt twice!!" Buffy was also intrigued by this new arrival to Sunnydale, but her interest was soon to vanish. With a small smile Willow went on to describe their resident hero. "Why so interested Buffy? Hmm? Sure there isn't some deep rooted crush developing here?" Willow was trying to cover up her own interest in Sable; she couldn't bear her friends knowing about her. She wanted Silver to be her own little hero. After all there had to be some reason why she was following her. "Don't play dumb with me Will! I saw the way you looked at them when that guy tried to hold us up. You don't just run after anybody. Please Will, it's only out of concern for you honest. Well ok, I'm curious too!! Who are they?!!"
Before Willow answered her, there was a gentle tapping on her window; she immediately recognised the shadow there. "I'm sorry Buff I'm gonna have to call you back something's come up," "But wai-"Willow put the phone down as she opened the window. "Good evening Willow" Sable clambered into her room devoid of any wings, and looking some what human in appearance. Willow watched her rustle the creases out of the trench coat before even replying to her.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Is there a clan of demons in my kitchen, or maybe a vampire under my bed?" With a cheeky grin Willow gestured for Sable to sit down.
"No and no. Anyway it's the bogey man under your bed isn't it? I don't seem to recall. But before you ask I can't quite explain why I'm here either but I just felt I had to see you. Also I want to see if that drawing does me justice!" Willow was shocked, "What drawing? There's no picture of you here, and if there is I don't know about any such drawing," Sable just gave her a knowing smile. "Come off it Willow, I know there's one here somewhere! I watched you do it! Come on where is it?" Sable began to mischievously search through the room as Willow tried to stop her. Although she didn't try very hard, but when Sable found it she tried to wrestle it from her grip. Willow, still not trying hard to regain her portrait, let herself be forced onto her bed. Sable straddled her, one leg either side of her shaking body. While pinning her down Sable carefully opened the folded piece of paper. "Wow. I'm impressed my little Wicca." There were no signs of false pretence on her face she was deeply bewildered. She looked deeper at the depiction of herself; she could just notice a faint smudging on the sketch. "Hang on one minute. Have you been-kissing-this picture?" Sable looked at her with a deviously sarcastic smile. Willow tried to hang her head, but it was a little hard being held prone. "That's really sweet Willow, but wouldn't you much prefer the real thing?" Willow's eyes were wide in confusion, but that was soon changed as Sable gently brushed the hair from her face. She lowered her head to meet Willow's trembling lips with her own; Willow couldn't make a sound, her lips were enveloped with Sable's. She couldn't even think, the surprise had taken over all logical thought, so in a sensible compromise, she returned the sentiments between the two bodies. Willow wanted these feelings to last forever, her and Sable had become one entity, one being. They fitted together as if they had known each other for an eternity, but Willow was still rife with uncertainty and fear; Sable could smell it on her clear as if Willow had said it herself.
Sable had managed to avoid any questions all night by merely removing Willow's capacity to talk. So when Willow became too tired to even comprehend conversation, Sable just held her protectively in her arms until she fell into a peaceful sleep. Silently she released Willow and approached the stationary on her desk. Briefly pausing to write a book reference, she turned and climbed out of the window and up to the roof. Once more she revealed her magnificent wings to the creatures of the night before wiping a tear from her eye and headed off in the direction of the graveyard where Buffy was on patrol.
***
Buffy was out on patrol with little more for company than her stake. She could faintly hear the beating of wings, but it was some how different to the sounds that the birds made; it was larger. She slowly followed the sounds of the pounding air; she stopped dead in her tracks when she heard the sound of someone landing in the leaves. Buffy had a good idea of what was making the sounds, but just to be sure she kept her stake raised. She kept her back to the crypt wall as she crept around to find what was making the sounds. Without a sound she watched a familiar figure walk through the leaves towards the flowers covering the yard. The dark person lent down to pick one of the reddest roses in the bushes; secretly smiling they tucked the rose inside their jacket before slowly and silently extending their giant wings and gracefully flying away. Buffy was highly confused, "Ok then Mr Stalker, no prizes for guessing where you are going with that." She turned to continue her patrol.
"Is there a reason why you are following me slayer?" Buffy fell to the ground through the shock. "Is there a reason why you have to sneak up on me you, you well just you!" Buffy struggled for the right words, but while getting up had enough conviction to add, "And is there a reason you just happen to be around when bad things happen?" Buffy stood dusting herself down,
"Now you should know with these slayer senses of yours. I'm not there when bad things happen, I'm just always there." The shadow picked Buffy's stake from the ground and walked over to her holding it out as a peace offering. "You knew that I was there when you were on patrol the first time we met, you just didn't listen to your head, which is why you didn't listen to my warning. You knew that when Willow left for the Bronze that she had got into trouble, you could tell by her manner; but you even knew why she was safe. Face it slayer you've known about me from the start, that's why when you were held up you didn't even react. You knew I was there." Buffy had sat on a headstone listening to the dark figure waiting to get a word in edgeways.
"But you're not following me, so why are you here? Surely there's nothing here for you." Buffy walked through a spot of moonlight. "So why are you actually here, in Sunnydale I mean?" The figure met Buffy in the moonlight, she saw all the features that stunned Willow, the deep eyes, defined jaw and most of all Buffy saw the figure before her. "Hang on here, you're a girl?! Ok now I really am confused." The perplexity shone through Buffy's expression, none of this made sense to her at all.
"I think, you ask too many questions slayer. Maybe you could find what you want from your watcher; after all I am led to believe there is no scholar like Rupert Giles." The figure turned dismissively from Buffy and made their trademark exit leaving Buffy to run the cryptic comments through her head.
"Why would Giles know anything about girls with wings? Since when did Giles know about girls? Why does she know about Giles? Xander's right, this is messed up." She shrugged and went about her merry slaying ways.
***
Sable silently opened the window to Willow's room; she took a few moments to watch her peaceful sleeping. There was no way she could possibly tell her anything concerning her presence, she had tried so hard to try and explain but there were never any words. She hated herself for the coward's way of letting her know; she had written down a reference to one of the oldest books in Giles' collection, and she knew how smart Willow was. Snapping back to reality Sable shuddered and shook her head bringing her back to reality; she carefully removed the crimson rose from her jacket and placed it with the note. With one last lingering look at the sleeping beauty she made a swift exit into the ever pitch night of Sunnydale.
***
Please review and let me know whether I should continue...