A/N: This chapter mentions an original character who is going to show up more throughout the story. (Edited)
When I came to the sun was starting to rise and I was alone. I couldn't bring myself to care about the pain shooting throughout my body. The only thing I could think of was Jesse. I got up and raced to the nursery as fast as I could. When I got there Jesse was still asleep. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. I sniffed the air. I couldn't smell Deadboy on this level of the house. The only thing I smelled of his was his dried blood and the hint that always came from Jesse. Why did he leave? Is it because he felt guilty? If so; good! I hope his guilt eats at his soul and drives him to the edge of despair. Maybe he will even be tempted to take a stroll in the morning sun (a guy can dream can't he).
It's too dangerous for her to stay here. Jesse's life is a risk I am not willing to take. I quietly closed the door and headed to my room. I am sure I have some disinvite potions in there. I wish I was old enough to use magic. My body isn't old enough to adapt to the powers of the earth (which explains why magic always went wrong around me) and my own central core isn't strong enough yet. Once I found the potion I headed straight for the front door and poured it on the handle. I saw the brief flash that signaled the barrier was back to full power and wouldn't be letting any Vampires in.
I need a plan. I already know that before the sun goes down Jesse will be with my mother. I can get away with a short explanation of Jesse being in danger here. She can teleport home or whatever the hell it is she can do and take Jesse with her. I will explain that she can't come back until I say it's safe. It won't be safe until I can break the connection my demon half feels it has with Deadboy. My mother already knows I won't leave, so she won't be tempted to ask me to come with them.
It doesn't matter really, because I don't intend to stay here. I have friends in LA. I don't want them dragged into this mess, but I can get their advice as well as their help. If I could get someone to break or block the bond between Deadboy and I things should get better; even if it's just temporary, that would be great. I could probably even find someone to teach me how to fight while I am down there. That way I can make a plan to set up time for some proper training. I could check out the demonic underground and see if I can pick up some books that might also be of use.
I can't take this, it won't be like before. I refuse to trust him. I just can't be with him and then have him dump me so he can run back to Buffy. I will never put up with that. I won't play second to her. She maybe the slayer, but at the end of the day she's still just a human; super powered or not. I don't want him to be with me just because her Slayerness wants to pretend to be normal for few weeks by dating a normal human for awhile. I am positive that's what happened last time. Buffy broke up with Deadboy so she could 'find love' with a normal human. While they were apart he needed to be with someone. I was just convenient. I don't care what he says, because this has to be true.
Part of me hates him for it and the other part sill loves him, but is hurt that he left me so he could find away to be with her. I want to hog tie that part and set it on fire. That part of me makes no sense. How can I consider him my mate when he wants someone else? Why do I love him even a little after the way he treated me? The only explanation I have is that it is an incomplete mating bond. I don't know for sure, but it would explain some things. I know I can find some of the answers in LA.
One of my friends in LA is an Earth elf. Marcus Kingston the brewer of all things potion. Any potion I need I can get from him. He can brew anything. He would be considered my best friend if I spent more time with him, he is one of the few I trust. He's smart and powerful. When his own personal core gets depleted; he can suck the power from the earth and use it as a fuel to temporarily restore his core to full power. Marcus will know what to do. Maybe I can get him to show me how to control artificial power. I know it isn't a permanent solution, but right now even a temporary one will work. Artificial power is power that one receives from an object, potion, or spell. The kind of power depends on the object, spell, or potion.
After a short call to my mother which involved her going mother hen on me; I got Jesse ready and waited for her to show up. After they were gone I went around the house and gathered what I would need for the rest of the weekend. When I was done with that I was ready to head to LA. Marcus is going to be surprised to see me.
I shoved my stuff in to the trunk, got in to the car, and sat there in silence. I don't like asking for help, but I am positive Marcus will be able to help me. Marcus is one hundred and three years old, which is a whole lot better than my seventeen. He has way more experience, knowledge, and power then I do. If anyone can help me he can, and if he can't I am sure he knows someone who can. So with my renewed determination I started the car and headed to LA.