Hey readers! Apologies for the wait, my beta had no internet for a while and couldn't look everything over. Good news is I have this chapter and a chapter and a half in this fic finished. So I'm-a-gonna say, I got three reviews last chapter so when I get four I will post. Is that mean? I don't think so…
READ ME! I do have a question for those of you who are seasoned on FF as I am. Everyone who has read this fic knows the first chapter's spacing SUCKS, it's driving me crazy. Does anyone know if I can replace that chapter with-out having to replace the whole fic, cause I haven't saved the chapters separately and it wouldn't be worth fixing the first chapter if I had to re-post anything. Does anyone know if I can JUST replace the first chapter. If you do can you review or message me? THANKS FOR READING ME
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters you've head about prior to reading this. If I did I wouldn't be writing this would I? I also don't own the Ninja Turtles, if I did I don't think I would have had to go onto the official Ninja Turtles website to look up the names of two of them. Heh heh heh.
I own Jay, Sasha, Jake and the villain. But will loan them out if you want and if you ask REALLY REALLY nicely.
As always thanks to the reviewers… you all rock thanks for letting me know what you think and please continue to do so. Also thank you to my beta who is TARDIS and puts my stories before her own 400-ish e-mails… THANK YOU!
Chapter 10:Tipping the Scales.
The room went up in an uproar of disagreements. "Oz you can't!" Willow exclaimed. She felt sick, her stomach wretched, she swallowed down the bile and her heart that had risen to her throat. She glanced around the room, everyone was sallow faced and still, none of them daring to move. Jay was the only exception and he was shaking his head in disbelief. He ran a hand through his slightly damp chestnut coloured hair.
The room still echoed with Willow's worried outburst and then a crushing silence pierced Oz's ears, there was enough unease in the room to choke him with a spoon. He couldn't help allow a small mischievous smile cross his lips as he observed the room with quiet reverence.
Willow who had been searching his face with a worried and significantly paler one of her own now fumed. "What the hell are you smiling about!" She exclaimed, most of the room winced. Not even Xander had heard her put so much force behind the words she had just blasted out. She was now shaking uncontrollably, be it anger or grief as she waited for an answer; watching Oz intently as she did.
Then a voice from behind her made her jump, the room had been so quiet before then. For a moment she was angry it wasn't Oz. "He has a plan." It was Jay; he stepped quietly beside her and put a warm hand on her shoulder. A wry smile crept on his face and he was watching Oz intently, as the entire room turned to face him.
:LINE HERE:
"Do you think you can handle that?" Oz asked Willow softly as the meeting was adjourned and everyone was sent off to his or her respectable duties, like good little sheep. Willow nodded and glanced up at the sky the sun would be going down in just under three hours. It was a small time frame considering everything but, if everything turned out ok she would be able to do a simple enough summoning spell and drop as much water as possible onto the werewolves.
Oz nodded and walked out of the kitchen with Willow at his side, he wasn't used to leading so many people and he felt uneasy. A small group of individuals had been waiting for them to finish their conversation outside the kitchen and now condemned upon him. Faith, Giles, Dawn, Connor, Xander and Anya were now conveniently blocking his path to the Harris's laundry room. "We were just talking, and we were wondering what this Blade guy looked like. I mean how do we fight someone who's leading an army at us without knowing what he looks like?" Xander explained for the group.
Oz cocked an eyebrow, he had forgotten about that. He sighed slightly and led the group, now including a curious looking Willow, up the stairs and into Jake's temporary room. Jake fortunately wasn't there and Oz sat down at his lap top and typed in a few codes before the laser printer began to print beside him. The group waited quietly. "This is the most recent picture Jake could find with out the monks catching on." Oz explained as the picture finished printing and was plopped upside-down onto the waiting tray. Anya who was closest to the printer picked it up.
It was silent for a moment before both Willow and Oz heard a sharp intake of air. Anya's eyebrows had shot way up. She slowly flipped over the picture for everyone else to see. Connor, Willow and Faith definitely didn't have the same reaction as the rest of the group. Giles un characteristically swore underneath his breath. "That's Blade?" He asked his face turning red before going white as a ghost.
"You guys know him I guess?" Connor asked totally not following. He glanced over at Faith and Willow who looked just about as confused as he was and then back at the group in front of him who had collectively paled to the point of almost see-though. Xander's stomach lurched as he fell out of shock. "And we let the son of a bitch go." He mumbled, without warning he kicked the nearest crate of weaponry earning him satisfying 'thunk' and a shooting pain through his foot and up his spine. His eyes started to water but he ignored it.
"Xander what are you talking about? Do you know this guy?" Willow asked taken aback. Dawn had tears falling down her cheeks and she looked up at Willow, "He was the one that turned you." She whispered her voice ragged with on coming sobs.
Willow didn't register she was falling until both he knees hit the raggedy carpeted floor. "No…" She whispered, forgetting about the other people in the room. This couldn't be true, she couldn't have been made by that monster. Soon she was watching the world through swimming eyes and tears fell staining her already dirty shirt. Someone was yelling and she heard pairs of feet leave the room but her brain wouldn't make the connection.
Why was he doing this to them? What was he accomplishing by going after them? Why was his warped mind always set on hurting people… them? Willow's mind buzzed and she punched the ground so hard she felt the floor give way under the carpet. She felt so dirty. Rage filled her all at once and she stared at her fist, there wasn't even a bruise. He had given her something that night, something he didn't count on her using. Power. Something she could use against him, something she planned on using against him. She stopped mid thought, no. She couldn't, not yet, not without the risk of hurting someone else.
A sob escaped her mouth finally and she used her hand to cover her face and lowered herself to the floor. Oz was there. She could feel him there, in the corner, in his own shock and rage. Just standing there. He took a few steps towards her and lowered himself to the ground. Wiped away her tears, took her up in his arms. She couldn't do this anymore.
She buried her face in his shirt and another sob escaped her tight chest. She felt so sick, so tired. A round of nausea made the coffee she had just drunk come to say hello and she dragged the garbage can beside the desk towards her and threw up. Oz frowned but said nothing. He held her hair back and she was grateful.
"It'll be okay, I promise." Oz whispered finally, his eyes burning with a rage she had never witnessed before from the stoic werewolf. She suspected hers mirrored his almost exactly. She sat up, ignoring a fresh wave of nausea. She wasn't finished this yet, she wouldn't be until this was over then she could cry.
Oz couldn't get his mind to slow down. Willow was bitten by Blade and he had changed Blade. He couldn't help but to feel a little guilt about the whole thing. When he had bitten Blade he had been in a rage he never wanted to experience again. It had taken him over from deep in his core and he struck out without thinking about anything but revenge.
Suddenly the thought dawned upon him. Blade had bitten Willow, Oz remembered hearing something about a wolf's 'sire.' When a werewolf bit a human and changed him or her. That wolf has some kind of power over the person they changed. He remembered listening to a few of the monks talking about it during a class, he hadn't thought much of it at first. Considering that he had been bitten by his little cousin, and was pretty sure he would never bite someone. Why would he do something like that? There was really no point he had remembered thinking.
It hadn't occurred to him to pay attention, Jay's 'sire' was long gone, his was thirteen and out of the country, and Sasha was a genetic wolf. He wished now that he had been paying attention, he wasn't positive but if Blade knew about this he could in essence, control her in some way. But then, he thought, he might be able to do the same thing to Blade. Oz decided to ask Jay, it was possible, growing up with wolves had given him more of an insight to that kind of thing. Willow was slowly looking better and gaining back some of her colour. He decided to get Xander to get her to eat while he and Spike went and got Buffy back. He wasn't going to tell her about the Blade thing yet, he might after it was finished, but she didn't need that on her conscious as well.
He stroked her soft hair and she looked up at his thoughtful face. "You should get going, we should help out." Willow whispered. Oz nodded. "You'll be okay?" Oz asked standing as well. Willow bit her lip and nodded. Just then there was a knock on the door. Oz had know Xander was waiting outside for a while wondering when he too would be able to talk to the red-headed witch. Oz smiled gently and opened the door, allowing Xander to enter. With one last look behind him Oz exited the room and made his way to the laundry room, Xander would take care of the rest.
Jay was waiting for him in the laundry room. He was sitting in the middle of the room cross-legged. He had some calming incense going and he had his eyes closed. It was an odd thing for Jay to do. Most of the time he didn't bother with the monk and karma ness; but Oz guessed that night was one of the few excuses he used to bring out the incense. Oz thought as he stood in the doorway gloomily.
He waited until Jay's mouth twitched into a small smile and he opened one eye to peer at him before he entered the room. "What took you so long? And what may I ask is that smell?" Jay asked looking opening the other eye and beckoning his friend farther into the room, mock plugging his nose. "You're a wolf, figure it out." Oz commented taking a few vials his friend handed him and uncorking them.
"What happened?" Jay asked looking concerned. "Willow threw up." Oz said rather vaguely. "She didn't seem that unstable, what happened?" Jay pressed on ignoring the sound of the zipper on Oz's jeans going down. "We know who bit Willow." Oz said softly. Jay looked up in surprise. "Blade. Apparently he's been in town the entire time." Oz continued.
"Son of a bitch, he had this planned all along." Jay said angrily running a hand through his hair, his eyes flashing amber. "Easy, although that was my initial reaction, I got to thinking, what if he uses her?" Oz asked giving Jay a meaningful look as he zipped up again, vials now full. Jay sighed and finished capping his last vial as well. "You mean like control through the bite? I guess that would make sense, I mean look at how strong she is, and how much control she has." Jay said thoughtfully.
Oz nodded ruefully, anger ebbed its way to the surface again. "I didn't think he had enough mind power for all that shit though." He said shaking his head. "Apparently you just need to desire it enough. That's what the monks said anyways." He added bitterly. "So, I can control him too?" Oz asked running a hand through his own hair as the new information hit him. "Apparently." Jay said putting the vials into a backpack with the baking soda. Oz shook his head, he didn't want to sink to that level unless he had no other choice, controlling someone was just way too low, especially when, these days, he had little control of himself.
It was silent for a moment and then that was interrupted by the sound of Jay zipping up the bag. "I gotta say man. This is the grossest thing I've ever had to do for the good fight, but it's genius! Pissing in vials is not exactly the kind of war I thought we'd be helping in tonight, but it's genius." Jay exclaimed handing over the backpack. Oz nodded, "I decided less blood was good." He commented grabbing the bag. "You guys should head over to Buffy's now and start setting up. I'll get Connor or Dawn to call you on our way back. Remember the plan, make sure you stay near Jake, just incase we need more than just stitches." Oz cautioned hefting the bag onto his shoulders and turning around to face his best friend. He placed a heavy hand on his shoulder and looked straight into his eyes. "Take care man, I'll see you when we get back." He said seriously. Jay nodded, "I wish I was going with you man, fangs blaring all the way. Stay safe." He said placing his opposite hand on Oz's shoulder, and as a second thought added "And don't stay up past your curfew, you hear?" He asked a smile played off his lips.
"No promises, take care of them for me. And… her." Oz answered solemnly. Jay nodded, "Your red headed beauty will not leave my sight." Jay said mock saluting. "I'm not kidding, Blade is not getting in her head again." Oz said seriously. "I know man, I'll take good care of her, and no one is getting in her head. Or her pants, I got your back, I always will." Jay said as they bumped knuckles. "You gotta let her know you love her soon man, if you don't I will." Jay said seriously.
When Oz frowned Jay chuckled. "I may be a complete and utter clown, but I'm not blind man. The way you were looking at her last night was like you were watching the world turn into a huge Zeppelin concert and this could not be ignored, especially considering I'm the Robin to your Batman." Jay said grinning goofily. "The Rock to your roll the Donatello to your Michelangelo, the…" He would have continued but Oz had raised his hand and was now walking out of the room. "I get it." He mumbled exiting the room. "Ninja Turtles may have gone too far…" Jay mumbled shaking his head and killing the incense.
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(Flash back to the kitchen meeting.)
"What's the plan Oz man?" Xander asked looking hopeful. "First thing's first, we get Buffy out of there." Oz said seriously to the group in the kitchen that nodded in agreement. "I'm thinking a small group, Dawn, Connor, Spike and I. Connor and Dawn won't go in, they have the ride waiting in the trees down by the school ready to book it back here with Buffy when we get her out. I'm thinking maybe the jeep in the driveway seeing as the van only has one good front door and an unreliable motor. Connor your there in case the wolves get smart and find the jeep. If they do, get out of there. Spike and I can get away through the school's basement." Oz said glancing over at Connor who nodded.
"Spike and I will go in slowly, I'll have some vials we can toss around to throw them off. They'll have um urine in them from both Jay and I and will keep them off our scent considering the urine smell is always a lot stronger." Oz explained. Most of the room nodded. "Spike will sneak in the gym while I set off an alarm in the farthest hallway from the gym. He can then get Buffy out and we'll sneak around the back of the school while the wolf's are doing checks inside and are distracted by the smell. We'll get Buffy into the jeep and the go our separate ways. Dawn and Connor will bring Buffy to Xander's place where Anya will be there to assess how Buffy is, if she needs more than stitches they will call the Summer's place and have Jake flash Dr. Jay down there. Anya can do stitches right?" Oz asked. Anya nodded. "Considering all the times they've been needed I've become expert stitcher number one." She said nodding.
"Problem, if Buffy's bleeding they will probably be able to trace the jeep back here, hungry wolves are more likely to follow the food." Spike brought up. Oz raised his eyebrows. He hadn't thought of that. It was quiet for a second before Anya spoke up. "Baking soda." She said finally. "What?" Connor asked looking confused. "It covers smells… I saw this commercial for Arm and Hammer Baking Soda on TV and it said it eliminated odors. I thought it would be great for the laundry basket because Xander is always coming home all gross and…" She was cut off.
"I think they get it hon." Xander said turning kind of red. "Anyways, watch…"Anya opened her shopping bags revealing about eight boxes of baking soda, she then opened the fridge took out some of Spike's blood. Spike scowled but stayed quiet and poured it onto the counter. She then tore open the baking soda expertly and poured some onto the puddle.
Oz was surprised it took the smell away, but there was one problem, "That works but there's still scent in the air." He commented. Spike nodded but Jay was grinning, "It's getting windy, looks like the weather is on our side." He commented motioning towards the window, he had been right. Everyone in the room grinned.
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It was a good plan. Connor decided as he waited for the 'Save Buffy Crew' to assemble down the stairs. He didn't have to wait long. Dawn was the first one down, she gave him a faint smile and took the car keys off the hook by the door, and swung the key chain around her fingers, before biting her lip, shoving the keys in her back pocket, and going for the closet grabbing a coat for herself… and another coat, and cocking an eyebrow at Connor who shook his head. She tossed him the other coat anyways and when he raised his eyebrows at her she 'urrged' and told him that it was for Buffy. Shaking her head, she bent down and rummaged through the bottom of the closet.
She had nice long hair. He observed before starting to pace. When he heard a 'thunk' he turned around again. Dawn was pulling out a huge trunk from the closet and had just dropped the front end onto the wooden floor so she could open it. She straightened and looked down at it for a second before using her foot to kick it open.
He wasn't sure what he expected to have filled the chest, but was surprised to see it was full of weapons. He guessed he shouldn't have been, considering they were living on a hellmouth and she was the Slayer's little sister. Then again, it wasn't something he saw a beautiful girl do before. He thought with a frown. She pulled out a long sword, a cross bow and a tranquilizer gun. She then used the elastic on her pale slender wrist to tie back her long chestnut coloured hair. She sighed and grabbed some stakes and a bottle of holy water as well. She nodded, seemingly pleased with her arms and turned around to see Connor staring at her curiously. "Did you want anything?" she asked motioning towards the chest.
"You can use all of that?" Connor asked walking forward and taking another long sword and a stake. "That and more. You do remember I was born on the hellmouth." Dawn asked shaking her head, like it was the dumbest thing she had ever heard. "Yeah, but…" Connor's voice wavered off as he was hit with a glare. "Ok then." He said trying not to get her mad. All her other weapons were tucked away, but she still had the long sword clenched in her right hand, knuckles turning white.
The smell of vampire and cigarette smoke filled his nostrils and he found himself relieved to smell a vampire for the first time in his life. Any longer and he might of said something stupid. Then he remembered something, he would have to be alone with her again, in a jeep, in a forest, ALONE. Oh god, he was going to die. Unless… he reached into his back pocket and found… sweet salvation. A c.d. he would be okay now, the phantom of music had saved him once again from certain death.
Spike swaggered into the room, he didn't look as hung over as before. He just looked pissed. Connor didn't blame him all facts considered but now there were two angry people in the room and his odds for survival were going way down once again. If Oz turned up mad he was getting the hell out of there. Fast. He could take the vampire and the slayer's sister, but them and a werewolf? Nope, probably not, unless he had no other choice.
"Ready Bit?" Spike asked giving her a weapon once over. Dawn nodded and gave him a small grin. Spike nodded his approval and took up his own weapons before going over to a corner and leaning over it. "Can you fight at all?" Spike asked Connor looking skeptical. "What do you think?" Connor asked cocking an eyebrow, ok, he decided, he may have looked pissed off, but he wasn't going to think that he was there for the hell of it. Spike cocked an eyebrow and shook his head. Connor grinned. "Want a demonstration?" He asked.
Spike opened his mouth to ask him to bring it on, but closed it again and glanced over to the stairs leading to the basement, the door opened and Oz appeared his face stoic as ever. Following him closely was a blabbering Jay, "Ok, so Ninja Turtles may have been kind of weird, I mean there's more than two of them; I just can't think of the other names right now, but there's more; and, they are turtles. Maybe I should have said like Starsky and Hutch or Doctor Frankenstein and Igor." Jay was rambling.
Oz stopped at the mention of Igor, "That's more like it, Igor." He decided a small smile crossing over his face as he looked at Jay. "Yes master… eheheheha" Jay said closing one eye and slouching. He stopped mid 'Ehhheheheheheh' "You were thinking about the hump weren't you? You were thinking about the hump! It's not a hump! I do not have a hump!" Jay exclaimed straightening up and waving his finger accusingly.
Oz cocked an eyebrow, "Then what is it then?" He asked. "Uh… I know what it's not, it's not a hump!" Jay said shaking his head bitterly. Oz sighed, "You didn't answer my question." He reminded raising his eyebrows. He looked around the room, all of them were now staring at his back. "Uggh, I can't work under these conditions, you'll find me in my trailer!" He squealed, mock exiting the room, through a door that just happened to lead into a closet. Connor decided the 'Uggh' sounded a lot like the one given from Dawn earlier and an amused smile crossed his face.
Jay came back in a second and looked around the room. Dawn sighed. "Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Donatello." She stated, crossing her arms and glancing over at Jay. "Thanks." He said grinning and walking over to put a hand around her shoulders. She shrugged him off, but was grinning. Connor was surprised and impressed at her Ninja Turtle knowledge. "Why the hell doesn't Raphael have an 'O' at the end of his name? He totally throws off the pattern." Jay asked his eyebrows furrowed. "Raphael-o?" Spike asked cocking an eyebrow sarcastically and shaking his head. Jay shrugged. "One of the greatest mysteries in all of action cartoon land." Oz stated calmly. Everyone snorted, "Xander will feel bad he missed this conversation." Dawn commented dryly.
Oz checked his watch, "We should get going, everyone ready?" he asked heading for the door. Everyone nodded and they headed out the door, Spike using his duster to protect him from the sun until he entered the safety of tempered glass in the jeep. "See-yah Quasimoto." Connor said winking. Jay scowled "I do not, have a HUMP!" He yelled after them. They all chuckled, even Spike and Oz.
Dawn headed for the driver's side. "Are you sure you don't want me to drive?" Connor asked leaning over the hood of the car. Dawn glared and got in, slamming the door a little harder than usual and quickly started the engine. Connor had to run to catch up to the jeep as it accelerated out of the driveway and sped off to the high school.
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He wouldn't say that he was feeling confident, as he watched Xander's house disappear into the rest of the deserted suburban block. But he wasn't afraid either; he was past that point a long time ago. Back in the forest is where he left his fears of re capture and the serum that killed half of his inside. No, for the moment he was numb, pleasantly or not was another reason all together. He wasn't sure why, but a feeling of foreboding was seeping into his numbness and trapping him inside. He couldn't help but fear what he would turn into once the numbness left and his mind shot foreword once again.
The ride was silent, except for the occasional sound of one person or another clearing his or her throat. It seemed they were all trapped inside their own heads, fighting their own mental demons. Oz adjusted the backpack on the floor of the jeep as they took a sharp turn, hoping that all the vials were capped securely. His thoughts turned to Sasha, as they had so many times before; it seemed thoughts of her were the only things he could think of to make his cursed mind wake up from its winter slumber.
Would she be doing the same thing he was, left in his situation? A smiled played on his lips threatening to show through before he covered it up. She probably wouldn't have pissed in vials for a distraction. Of that he was almost positive. But would she have moved on with her life with out him?
He had kissed Willow, he had wanted to be with her right there on the floor and there was nothing stopping him in his mind. No mental barriers to hurtle over, was that right? Shouldn't his thoughts of Sasha stopped him from enjoying every second of that kiss? Why hadn't they? He shook his head and pushed the thoughts back, deciding not to think about it. He had more pressing issues, including saving a blond Slayer and a war that was happening all too fast for his liking.
He barely felt the jeep stop as they arrived; he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Dawn, and "Anything else you need to add?" She asked apparently they had started talking as he was struggling with his own thoughts. "Don't get out of the jeep and if you're spotted get out of here, we can get back on our own; don't put yourselves at any risk." Oz stated calmly looking up at Spike, who confirmed the information with a nod.
The other occupants of the jeep nodded also, not bothering to question what they would do if both Oz and Spike came back and found a lack of transportation. They both figured Oz said that with enough confidence to have a plan B. Oz was glad they didn't question him, cause he didn't. He figured if worst came to worse, he would wing it.
Oz and Spike exited the car; the cover of the trees allowing Spike to walk uncovered through the waning sunlight, and started off through the small-forested area and towards the high school. Oz shouldered the backpack and felt very much like he was walking to school once again to wage war on pesky teachers. Both super naturals walked in silence until they reached the line just before the trees ended. "Smell anything?" Spike asked looking Oz's way.
He smelt faint werewolf, obviously that was expected considering where they were. Oz was more concerned about where the sentries were positioned and who they were. "Nothing unusual." Oz answered in a voice barely above a whisper. Spike nodded, and watched Oz for more instruction, when none came he stayed quiet and waited. He was more than eager to get Buffy out of her prison, but he knew werewolves had better senses than even vampires and left it to him, scanning the trees behind them instead.
Finally Oz turned to him, eyes glowing green in the shadow of the trees. "Guards just changed, we got time." He said straightening up, Spike followed suit and they quickly hurried across the field and through to the outside of the gym. "You know the plan, wait here until you see the guards running towards the caf. Get in there. I'll meet you there and we'll run for it." Oz reminded Spike before nodding and taking the baking soda out of his bag and sprinkling it on Spike, who didn't look happy about it, but didn't voice his opinion.
Oz then walked around the side of the school, using all his wolf powers to stay silent. When he reached the other end of the school he waited about two minutes before slowly lowering the backpack and opening it. Exasperated, he covered himself in baking soda before taking out the vials, and cautiously entering the school, closing the door, silently behind him. Cautiously he walked down the locker filled hallways. His heart raced as he heard footsteps coming towards him from the nearest hallway and scooted into one of the empty classrooms.
"Did your group find anything in the crypt that the vampire was staying in?" A hushed voice asked. A snort came from the second person, "Yeah enough alcohol to bring down a bull elephant, nothing else of any importance." Came a second voice. A smile quirked Oz's lips; he could believe that. Both the people walking down the hallway were werewolves, one he knew personally, but never really liked, Garth. He was about eighty in human years and thought so highly of himself Oz wouldn't be surprised if he had a picture of himself in wolf form with him always. The other he didn't know, he smelt fairly new to Oz and he didn't take that as a good sign. It meant there would more noobies, which meant more C.W.'s to deal with.
They walked past, leaving Oz sweaty and nervous, but otherwise unnoticed; the baking soda seemed to be doing the trick. Anya under-cover genius. Oz thought, making sure the coast was clear before walking into the bathroom. This hadn't been his plan to begin with but he thought it would make more sense considering that's where one did one's business. He got in the door, threw a vial at the back wall, where it promptly exploded, and got out of there. Because it was likely that the bathrooms were the most used rooms in the entire building anyways, more chance someone finds the scent.
He did the ladies one too before throwing a few down the hall closer to the far exit, away from where the rescue would take place. He then walked farther into the building attempting to get into the cafeteria unnoticed. He couldn't however, about eight wolves were in there. Cautiously, he dropped a vial out side of the door and one nearer to the bathroom, before retreating to the outside of the school and throwing the remaining vials on the side of the school, on the roof and in the road way. That was about the time when he heard the alarm go off.
His vial bag was empty except for some full boxes of baking soda that was left, he dumped some over where he had walked and ran for the gym. By now everyone would be on the other side of the school, even the one's guarding Buffy. Oz hopped the wolves hadn't wizened up to their battle protocol, some still believed in trust. If they had, which considering they had Blade with them; wasn't hard to imagine, the guards would die.
They had no reason to believe Buffy had any loyalties to Oz or Jay except Willow was Oz's ex, which in the world of a C.W. meant nothing. Another reason why they couldn't keep running the monks like they were.
Oz stopped running as his breathing labored, knowing that was very well what could give them away and walked still closer to the wall. The wind had picked up, still more and he could smell a summer storm coming. This suited him just fine, considering the scent in the air was most likely to give him away. Glancing up he noticed a few wolves on the roof. They hadn't seen or heard him, he knew that already, it seemed they had found the vials on the roof though. Obviously confused about why he and Jay had dropped boxers everywhere, which was good, they needed a nice mystery for a distraction.
After what seemed like hours he finally reached the gym and snuck in the best he could. What he found was somewhat of a relief. Considering his worst fear was to come face to face with Blade. Instead he found two unconscious wolves and a bleach blond ready to beat the living crap out of him. Luckily they were on the same side.
He would have wet his pants at Spike's expression if they weren't, and that would have been bad, all things considered, the wolves were hunting off his urine. Not to mention, embarrassing. "Good, I was beginning to think you weren't coming back mate." Spike exclaimed lowering the 'borrowed' baseball bat and quirking an eyebrow. "Got lost." Oz commented running a hand through his hair and noticing for the first time Spike had a look of utter relief on his face.
Before he could comment, Spike already had turned his back on the baking soda covered ally and back to the woman lying on the floor, Oz had yet to notice. He blamed it on adrenaline.
"Oz made it, we can get you out of here now." Spike was whispering to Buffy, who's small broken looking form nodded slowly. Oz could smell the tears in the air. Mixed with blood. She looked so damn small lying there in a crumpled heap, nothing like she had when he had seen her last. Anger washed over him, memories of Sasha filled his head. But this was so different. There was a stake tied in the middle of the room, cut ropes like rusty snakes scattered around the bottom. "Thanks Oz." He heard her whisper shakily and he walked over quickly giving her a nod and smile. She was dirty, but conscious, there was a large bruise on her forehead and a cut on her cheek, but she seemed ok, but weak.
She was thanking him. Thanking him for bringing this shit into town for the first place. He couldn't help but blame himself. They wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He couldn't except that thank you, and he wouldn't. He would fix it though, or die trying. His jaw locked in place and he looked over at Buffy and Spike. "I'm gonna change, so I can do more if we're caught getting to the jeep. It won't take long, but we have to get out of here soon." Oz said walking over to a change room to do just that. Spike turned around and nodded before going back to Buffy.
Oz took his clothes off quickly, trying to focus on the change but instead finding himself focusing on the conversation in the other room,
"We have it covered now." Spike was mumbling to Buffy. "Oz has it all figured out, the plan is pretty solid." Spike was explaining, in a comforting voice. The change was pulling him in, but he ignored the pain and kept focused on the conversation.
"Are you alright, did they touch you?" Spike's voice was blazing now, she must have said something because the next time he spoke his voice had softened. "Returning the favor aren't I?" He asked softly chuckling at the time he had to be rescued, "Glory had no chance against you. Didn't have the heart to see how you would use yours." He added. By now Oz was just about finished, he could tell Spike was trying to keep her conscious at this stage. After what seemed like forever he was the wolf and emerged from the change room.
Spike was where he had left him, crouched beside Buffy, his back to him, supporting her head. Oz came up behind him slowly, his claws clicked on the wooden gym floor. Buffy glanced over his was and turned really pale. Shit, she doesn't know it's me… Oz thought walking the rest of the way over. "Spike…" Buffy had started, she weakly pointed over at Oz. Spike turned around slowly and nodded at him. "It's just Oz love. I promise." He said waiting for Oz to walk closer.
Buffy still looked scared. When he got her side Oz used his head to lift up her pale hand and positioned it so that the hand was on top of his large soft head. She ran her hand over the length of his muscular body until she got to his tail and a small smile swept over her face. "Congratulations." She said in awe. Oz snorted and promptly jumped on the closest bench and splintered it, until it was utterly destroyed. Her smile widened, "Bench look shifty Oz?" She asked grinning at the old joke between the two of them. Oz snorted again. Spike looked confused but didn't question Oz's antics.
Oz walked over to his backpack and snorted again. Spike nodded and opened it up, dumping the rest of the baking soda on all of them. Buffy looked afraid for their sanity but Spike shrugged it off hefted the bag and picked up Buffy. Cautiously they made their way out of the gym, clouds covered the sun now and when they got outside Spike started to run, Oz trotted beside him, which matched Spike's pace perfectly as they made their way through the forest and towards the jeep. Just about home free.
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Jay closed the door with a slight slam and ran stressed hands through his chestnut curls. It was times like this he wished he could follow Oz everywhere, just to make sure that if he needed back up, it was there. Oz was like his older brother, and Jay knew he wasn't stupid or reckless or any of the words that those two words would give him if he looked them up in a thesaurus. But that didn't mean things would go smoothly. Sighing, he went about his part of the plan and got the rest of the group together.
"While, we're off getting Buffy back, Jay will get the rest of you guys to the Summers place. Where you need to set up what ever you need to, and get organized. Anya and someone else can stay here and get ready to receive Buffy, in whatever shape she's in. Don't leave the phone. If she needs more than stitches and aspirin, call Jake and tell him that he needs to flash Jay there pronto. Do what you can to take care of her, cause we need as many fighters as possible there. I'm not sure how many we're up against, but the numbers can't be too fair; like Jackie Chan against all of China. It's possible to win, but re-coop time will be needed afterwards." Oz had explained.
"When Spike and I get Buffy to the car, Connor and Dawn will drive it back to the Harris house. Spike and I will then head off towards the Summers house. By now the wolves will probably be on our backs and we'll lead them right into the battle. At this point it will be just about dusk. It's the last phase of the moon tonight and every newer werewolf will be more jumpy which gives us an advantage. When Jay and the rest of that group get to the Summer's house I need them to set up as many noise making things as possible. I don't care what you use. Just make it loud and random. Once Connor and Dawn drop off Buffy, depending on the situation can call Jake and get him to flash you two down to the Summers house as well as maybe the person who stayed with Anya. Like I said, send who ever you can spare, but make sure Buffy's got what she needs.
Willow, can go to the Summers house, by the time she gets there she should be kind of jumpy as well, but I was thinking that maybe she could umm, summon some water or rain," Oz had stopped again and glanced in Willow's direction, she nodded eagerly. "We got some faulty weapons out on the monk's side thanks to Jake, they should activate with water and give us some time. If one of you guys sees that the water is on the way make sure you bring out the silver bullets. When the wolves go down, shoot them, or they'll just get back up twenty minutes later." Oz cautioned glancing around the full room.
When Willow needs to change I should be there already, if I'm not I need someone to take her down to the basement and stay with her throughout the change. Xander." Oz glanced at Willow's best friend who nodded, "She needs someone there she knows better than she knows herself or a werewolf. I know you want to be there Jay," Oz glanced up at the rigid brunette, "But if Buffy needs help, you're going to be there, Xander is the only one I can trust to stay with her. He pulled her out of rage before." Oz said slowly stealing a gaze at Willow who nodded.
"Xander, if you need to go down in the basement and put her in the cage. If you can help it, don't watch the change, it will be better for the both of you. Your presence will be good enough. When she's the wolf, talk slowly and calmly, don't look her right in the eye unless she initiates it. Remember it's not Willow, it's a wolf; your job will be to pull Willow out of there.
Even if you get a glimpse of her underneath all the teeth and fur, if you feel comfortable let her out. She won't be happy about where she is. If you don't feel safe; don't let her out." Oz cautioned looking Xander straight in the eye, before glancing at Jay and Willow to see if they had anything to add. Jay shook his head and flicked his wrist and Willow shook her head no.
"Get yourselves ready. Willow, can I talk to you for a second?" Oz asked adjourning the meeting.
Jay went up stairs to find Willow, hoping he wouldn't find her the way Oz apparently had. When he heard the sound of laughing he felt relieved. He knocked softly on the door of Jake's room and Xander opened it, still grinning. "We gotta get going soon." Jay said, hating his job more than ever now, he got left behind and he was the bearer of bad news. Xander nodded and opened the door. Willow was pale, but smiling, she gave him a little wave and got up from the desk she had been sitting on.
"Did Oz and the others leave?" she asked looking concerned. Jay nodded, "Yep, he left, he seemed to be okay. But we gotta get going over to the Summers house." Jay said making sure he was staying true to the plan. Willow nodded, slightly disappointed that he didn't stop to say goodbye. Her heart fell when she thought about him rushing off to stay true to his plan and make sure he was there for her change. He shouldn't of had to worry about her that much. Willow sighed and accepted Jay's hand as she slid off the desk and followed Xander and him out of the room.
Everyone was already waiting for them by the door. "Have you guys done this before?" Jay asked putting his hands on his hips. "No, mostly we just save the world. This time we're taking on a little something smaller." Xander answered for the group. Jay nodded a wry smile spreading across his face. "Then let's go." He said heading for the door. "We can't." Faith said who was looking out the window.
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Why?" He asked a look of concern crossed his face. "They got a patrol walk'n up and down the street." Faith answered. "How many?" Jake asked taking up the gun he had strapped to his back. "Four." Faith answered getting the message and taking out her own gun.
"Guys. We can't, I'd love to, but we can't. It could give away out position, then where will be safe to take Buffy, hmm?" Jay asked, hating to have to be the one to rationalize. Giles nodded. "It would be better for us to just wait until they leave." He stated. "We don't have time for that." Jay hissed unconsciously pulling his curls.
"I'll flash you guys down there." Jake said finally with a nod. "I really hate having to hide like this." Jay said through clenched teeth. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to see Willow standing there, her eyes calm but shining with emotion. That's when he realized he wasn't the one having the hardest time here. It was Willow, and probably Buffy who were suffering the most. Oz too, but he didn't want to think about that. It was more than enough to make him want to lose control and punch his fist through the wall before tearing after the four wolves in the street.
"I know," Willow was whispering, "But you won't have to hide too much longer." She said catching his eyes. It was at that time he realized he was shaking, his eyes were probably flashing. Giles, Anya and Xander had all paled. Slowly he got his breathing in check, the tension in his shoulders loosened and he finally looked up again.
"I'm sorry." He said finally, he wasn't used to random bursts of emotion. As much as he hated to think it, the moon was getting to him as well. He hadn't been reading his wolf as much as he should have been. All this stress was probably making it uncomfortable. The room was nodding. "Been going after this guy almost four years now. I can wait a little longer." He said smiling wryly.
"Good." Giles said looking up at Jake. "Ready?" Jake asked cocking his eyebrows at the room. "Good luck guys," Anya whispered giving Xander a kiss. A long kiss; before stepping back, she had opted to stay alone so that more people could fight. When she finally stepped back she was biting her lip.
"Can you deal with all of us Jake?" Jay asked making sure Jake wasn't going to hurt himself, he had never seen him flash more than two people. Jake nodded, "Not sure, but we'll see." With that the room filled with light and Anya was left alone in her boyfriend's old house. But even worse was the fact that she was all alone, with werewolves walking back and fourth on the street in front of the house.
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Dawn and Connor sat in silence in the jeep. Spike and Oz had just left and now they had nothing to talk about. It was awkward to say the least and finally Connor couldn't take it anymore and reached into his pocket, he slowly pulled out the C.D. he had had in his pocket and shoved it in the player in the jeep. Dawn let out a sigh of relief as she heard what it was, the Ataris, at least he had some taste in music.
"Is this okay?" Connor asked making sure she didn't mind the music. She nodded her head and grinned, glad for a distraction to cut through her thoughts of her sister. "Great actually." She said grinning. Connor cocked an eyebrow at her and frowned. "Ok, so I don't look like the type, but I've always hated the stereotypes anyways." Dawn knew she was rambling, but she didn't care, it was something she needed to do so she didn't have to think anymore. Considering she didn't know him, he was someone she could ramble with and not have to worry about later.
Connor on the other hand, hadn't really seemed to notice but instead nodded. "Yeah, I don't understand either, why a goth kid can't like country music or a prep can't like screamo." He decided with a nod. Dawn was happy he shared her opinion. "So, three huh?" She said cocking her eyebrow. Connor nodded, "Yep, officially." He said nodding. "Nice to meet someone so mature for our one digit ages." Dawn said her eyes glimmering with mischief. "Huh?" Connor was confused, first, she had called him mature, and second, she had put herself in the same category. "Son of two vampires, meet the key." Dawn said holding out her hand, which he took, still confused. "They key?" Connor asked cocking an eyebrow.
"I was created five years ago from some sacred object that was supposed to open a portal to hell, on earth. It's a long story, but it back fired and Buffy ended up dying, coming back to life and saving the world yet again." Dawn explained quickly. "So you and Buffy aren't blood sisters then huh?" Connor asked. "Oh no, she's blood, that's why she died, she jumped into the portal to close it instead of having me jump in. Talk about teenage angst. Half my memories are made by some monks." Dawn explained. "Been there. How come it always has to do with some monks?" Connor said snorting, Dawn shrugged.
"That's cool though, it's good to know I'm not the only one." Connor chuckled. Dawn nodded grinning slightly. "So, you're eighteen right? You gonna go to collage?" Connor asked glad for an excuse to talk. Dawn nodded, "Yeah, I got into Douglas, I'll be moving on campus in October." Dawn said proudly. Connor looked surprised. "I'm going there for my second year next year." He commented raising his eyebrows. "Really?" Dawn asked looking relieved. Connor nodded, "Psyc. degree." He elaborated. "Ancient cultures." Dawn stated frowning. "That's cool, if you need help around campus just let me know." Connor said helpfully.
Dawn nodded, "Thanks." She said smiling slightly. "So, you like the original or the cover better?" Connor asked referencing the song, 'Boys of Summer' which had just come on. "Don Henley wasn't really my cup of tea, I like this one better. The music video is better too, I didn't like Henley's it was kind of dumb." Dawn said crinkling her nose. Connor laughed, "Agreed." He said nodding. "The guitar is considerably better too." He added. Dawn laughed too.
Connor sung along for a minute, feeling better about the situation now and Dawn sat and enjoyed the music. When the song ended she stared at him for a moment. "You sound a lot like him." She commented wide-eyed. Connor nodded. "Not the first time I've been told that." He agreed. "I'm not him. However." He added waggling a finger.
Dawn grinned, "He was blond wasn't he?" She said thinking out loud. Connor chuckled, "Yeah he was." Dawn scowled imagining Connor as a blond. He laughed harder then stopped abruptly, "Did you hear that?" He asked her. Dawn shook her head, confused. "Someone's outside, well, two someone's. We should go." Connor said starting for the keys. Dawn had them clasped firmly in her fist. "What are they, wolves?" Dawn asked quietly. Connor nodded. "We can take two." She said squaring her jaw. "Um, we?" Connor said glancing at Dawn, she really didn't look like someone who could fight. "Yes we!" Dawn snapped.
"What if they have a radio? We could give them away." Connor said cautiously. Dawn sighed, "Fine, you go for the radio." She said grabbing her sword and a gun before opening the door to the jeep. "I didn't come this far, not to get her back." She said through her teeth. Connor nodded and got out as well. "You got it." He said arming himself as well.
They stepped out of the jeep and Dawn followed Connor down wind. As they waited for the wolves to show up Dawn readied her gun. They heard laughing coming from the bushes and popped out. Dawn took out the first one with out even making eye contact with the silenced shotgun. Connor punched the other before the wolf had time to react and took his walkie-talkie before Dawn shot him too. Connor turned around and raised an eyebrow. "We make a good team." He commented pocketing the walkie-talkie and heading back towards the jeep. Dawn nodded and took some baking soda out of her pocket; she then sprinkled it over the two bodies.
By the time both of them had gotten back into the jeep the sun was almost down, hidden behind a cloud. They then started waiting again in silence, except for the radio. "Shouldn't they be back by now?" Dawn asked. Connor shrugged, "They didn't really give us a time frame." He commented. Dawn was getting fidgety and worried again. Just about the time she was going to say they should go looking for them they heard the crunch of leaves underfoot and looked up. Spike burst out of the forest running full out, with Buffy supported in his arms, a golden wolf at his side, tongue lolling out of it's mouth. All of them were trailing white baking soda behind them from their soda-covered selves.
"Damn…" Connor whispered getting out of the jeep and walking over to meet Spike who was busy observing the two bodies in the clearing. "Didn't exactly follow orders did you?" He asked. Connor ran a hand through his hair. "There were only two of them." He said smiling slowly. Spike laughed, "So I see." He said with a shake of his head. "And…" Dawn added coming up behind Connor. "We got his radio." She said holding it up. Spike cocked an eyebrow. Dawn then seemed to notice Buffy after a second. "Buffy!" She exclaimed. "She's alright bit. Weak, but ok." Spike commented softly.
Oz snuffled. Dawn seemed to notice him for the first time too and stepped back a few feet. "Oz?" she asked weakly. The wolf snorted and walked over towards her. "It's him Dawnie." Buffy managed weakly. "Just harrier." She added. "We should get going." Spike commented. Connor nodded and took Buffy from a reluctant Spike and headed for the jeep. Dawn waited until he had her loaded up before looking back towards the two.
"Thank you Oz." She said softly, before slowly bringing a hand down to the wolf's head. Their eyes met and Dawn caught a glimpse of Oz in there and a smile broke her face. She lowered herself to the Wolf's eye level and hugged him tightly. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Oz was surprised to say the least, but sat there all the same. Any other wolf, maybe even Jay, would have ripped her head off. Human touch was the biggest 'don't do' on a wolf's list. They weren't dogs after all, but proud animals.
Dawn pulled away after a second and stood up, giving Spike a hug too. Oz got the feeling Spike had felt almost as much uncomfortable as he had, but he hugged back never the less. "Thank you." She whispered in his ear before walking back to the jeep.
Both vampire and wolf watched, still and silent as the jeep sped away, toward the Harris's. Both knew they might not see those people ever again, considering the night they now faced. They stood there a second longer in silence before making their way towards the second house and leading the wolves to the fight that was waiting there.
Heh you guys thought for a second there that Jay and Oz had a bit of a thing going huh. Sorry guys, not this fic. I'm not opposed to having a slash fic with Jay and Oz, so if someone is interested by all means, go ahead. I would, but I don't have the time. I WANT FOUR REVIEWS BEFORE I UPDATE! I have the next chapter written already so you won't have to wait as long as you review.
The LINE HERE was supposed to use the ruler thing on ff when you edit, but it kept giving the page errors. Apologies for any confusion.
!IMPORTANT READ THIS! ALSO, I sketched a picture of Jay so everyone gets an idea of what he looks like and posted it on Deviant Art, ww w. deviantart. com ... take out the spaces, then go into the search and type 'Jay' and 'werewolf' it should be posted by me, my alias being blackstainedflowers and pick the whiter one. I tried to get u guys a link but even putting spaces in it didn't work with deviant's formatting. :( -is sad- REVIEW.