The Devil And All His Works
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel characters are copyrighted (c)20th Century Fox, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB, and are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Dedicated: as usual to Cait who makes me write these stories. (So blame her!)
A/N If you like it please let me know. Thanks. Any comments can be sent to
Geemagicspell@hotmail.com
www.angelfire.com/my/geemagicspell
Chapter Two
It was with a heavy heart that Buffy walked back into the living room a few minutes later. Her friends, sitting close together on the sofa, looked up at her as she approached. Willow saw immediately that something wasn't right. She frowned, abandoning the book she was reading, and stood up. Xander stared at Willow, confused by her sudden change in manner.
"What is it?" Willow asked. She crossed her arms in front of herself as she watched Buffy and waited for her to speak. There was a look on her friend's face that she had seen before. It was a look that told her that something was very wrong. Willow stared at her, hoping she was mistaken.
Xander, realising that something was going on, stood up next to her, putting his arm around her waist to support her as he too watched and waited.
Buffy searched for the words to tell them what had happened to Tara, knowing how much it would hurt Willow to hear it.
"Spill, Buff. The G-man told you something in there and I think we need to know what it is."
Xander's voice was harsh and Buffy looked at him, shocked.
Then she understood, seeing the way that he was holding Willow, his arm around her, pulling her to him, protecting her. She opened her mouth to speak, knowing how much this might hurt them, then shook her head before turning to look at Giles.
Giles, who had followed her into the living room, took matters into his own hands. "It's Tara." He told them.
Initially Willow and Xander looked puzzled. They had both expected to hear something about the events that were taking place at the moment. Tara had gone and although it had been a terrible time for them when she had left, Willow sobbing out her guilt to him every night, they had moved on.
"Tara?" Willow stared at Giles. "Is she okay? What's happened to her?"
Giles moved closer to her. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt this girl who he loved like a daughter, but she had to be told.
"She's coming back to Sunnydale."
"Back? Why would she want to come back?" Willow was puzzled.
Giles sighed. "Oz bit her, Willow."
Willow still stared at him, perplexed. Xander, however, immediately realised the implications.
"Oh God, no." His arm fell from Willow's waist as he stared at Giles, a look of horror on his face.
Willow looked at the three of them, a chill forming along her spine. "Tell me!" She exclaimed.
Giles placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "She's a werewolf, Willow."
Willow shook her head. "Oh no." She stared at him, not willing to believe what she had just heard.
Giles nodded. "She's coming back to Sunnydale. We'll do what we can to help her."
Willow shook her head at him again. "How can we help her? There's nothing we can do for her. Oz has tried everywhere to find a cure and he couldn't find one."
Buffy could hear the note of hysteria in her friend's voice. She moved closer to her.
"We'll do what we can." Giles assured Willow, his hands still on her shoulders, trying to keep her calm.
She turned away from him and looked at Xander. "This is my fault."
Xander shook his head at her. "It's not your fault, Will. It was just an accident. If it was anyone's fault it was Paul's. He was responsible for what happened to Oz."
Willow was having none of it. "If Tara hadn't been with me, it would never have happened."
Buffy tried to inject some calm into the situation. "Will, if you think that way then it's my fault.."
Willow whipped around to look at Buffy, her eyes wide, her face pale. "No, it's not. Oz was there because of me and so was Tara."
Xander tried to put his arms around her but she pulled away from her, her eyes flooding with tears.
"No, don't, don't touch me. I..I..I'm dangerous. I'm like..like Typhoid Mary. Don't touch me."
"Will, you're freaking, listen to me."
She shook her head frantically. "No, it's me, I could hurt you. First it was Oz, now Tara. No, don't touch me. Don't ever touch me again."
"Willow, it was nothing to do with you. Oz was bitten by his nephew and he bit Tara. None of it had anything to do with you. Listen to me."
Willow backed away from him, holding out a hand to ward him off. Xander looked helplessly at Buffy. "She won't listen to me." He pleaded.
Buffy looked at Willow, realising that she was in no condition to listen to him. She moved between them, taking Willow into her arms. Willow surrendered to her embrace, laying her head on Buffy's shoulder.
"Let her be for now, Xand." She told him, over her shoulder. "Talk to her when she's calmed down."
Xander nodded.
"Perhaps you'd like to go into the bedroom?" Giles suggested. "Just until she's had a chance to calm down."
Buffy nodded. "Yes, good idea." She steered Willow towards the door and through it into the bedroom, closing the door tightly behind them.
Xander watched and waited until the door had closed. He made his way back to the sofa and sat, his elbows bent on his kness, his head in his hands, not knowing what to do.
"I'm so sorry, Xander." Giles told him. He walked over to Xander, put out a hand to touch his shoulder and then thought better of it, taking a seat in his usual armchair instead.
Xander looked over at him and nodded. "She believes what happened was her fault. Before Tara left to go home Willow tried so hard to make it up to her but Tara wouldn't let her."
Giles frowned. "But surely Tara knew about the spell?"
"She knew. Giles, part of the reason that she left was because she said that she knew how Willow and I felt about one another. She said that she didn't have to be a witch to work that out."
Giles nodded. "I see. We were all aware of the special relationship between the two of you but I really had no idea that you were romantically inclined towards one another. I was aware of that incident when Cordelia had her accident but I believed all that had past."
Xander smiled wryly. "It came as a surprise to me too. Well, not the way I felt about her, I found out the truth about that at the homecoming dance. It took me a while but I finally woke up to it. But after she choose Oz instead of me I thought that was it."
He sighed. "And Willow as a friend was better than no Willow at all." He paused then continued thoughtfully. "Sometimes I wonder what might have happened if I hadn't been with Anya when he left. You know, I never thought the relationship between Willow and Tara was that serious. It was just that she met up with Tara after Oz left and they were good for each other. But Oz was different. I thought for a while that Willow would want to go with him when he left this time and I'd lose out to him again. You don't know how glad I am that she didn't."
Xander frowned, noticing a sudden change in Giles' expression. "Giles? What is it?"
Giles stared at him, wondering how Xander would take the news that Oz was returning to Sunnydale.
Spike was indulging in his usual daytime activity - watching his ancient black and white television set from his equally ancient armchair - when the first quake struck. He leapt quickly to his feet, his first thought being for the television, which seemed to be on the verge of falling to the floor of his crypt. Spike threw himself down on the floor just as the set freed its plug from the electrical socket and toppled off the plastic crate that held it off the floor. He caught it in his arms, giving a sigh of relief as he did so.
Recognising that this could be the first of many quakes Spike righted the television but left it on the floor. His assumption was proven correct when the first quake was quickly followed by a second. Spike, having got to his feet, held on to the tattered armchair to keep his balance. He waited for a few minutes after the second shock then surveyed the crypt for any damage. A small quantity of dust was trickling down from a minute crack in one corner but that was all that he could see.
He brushed down his clothes as he waited, removing the grime of the floor from his usual black attire. There were no further quakes and eventually he went to the television, leaving it on the floor for safety's sake, and plugged it back into the socket. As the television flickered back into life he took up his place in the armchair once again and turned his attention back to his favourite program. When the third quake struck Spike hardly seemed to notice it, so engrossed was he in the events taking place on the screen.
However, when the fourth quake hit a little under three hours later his concern grew. He waited until the tremor had died away before getting to his feet and switching off the television. He sniffed, wrinkling his nose at the heavy smell of sulphur that filled the air.
Once again he checked the crypt for any signs of damage. He found none. Relieved, but also curious, he picked up his duster from the top of a large stone coffin and drew it over his head and shoulders. Robed in this way he went to the door of the crypt and dashed out into the daylight, making for the one place where he expected to find answers to his questions - Giles' apartment.
Amy had been at home when the quakes had begun. She had set up a workshop in the attic of the home that she shared with her father and it was here that she spent a great deal of her time trying to improve her knowledge of witchcraft. The huge attic was sparsely furnished, holding only three chrome tables, two large; the other small, and three large shelved units fastened to the walls, one containing a variety of jars and bottles, the other two groaning under the weight of her many books. A wheeled computer chair facing a small workstation housing her computer and telephone completed her equipment.
Her father, delighted to have her returned to him, had no argument with her chosen pastime. He felt that, having endured the spell that had been cast on her by her mother, Amy would not venture into the realms of black magic. He was right. Amy had no wish whatsoever to emulate her mother. She was happy to use her knowledge and power to help, not to harm.
She was currently working on a charm to repel vampires. Of course garlic and crosses worked but she wanted something less smelly than garlic and without the Christian connotations of the cross. She knew how difficult it was for Willow to keep explaining the crosses that she kept in her apartment to her Jewish parents. So far she had no success but she was determined to keep trying.
Amy held on to the table as the first quake struck. From the table behind her she could hear the anxious squeaking of the terrified rat as Paul, whiskers twitching in fear, ran into the small house in the corner of his cage. She glanced briefly at the cage, making sure that it was securely placed on the small table, before returning her attention to the bottles and jars on the table in front of her. She drew them to her, clasping them to her chest as the second quake struck. She heard the tinkling sound as the bottles and jars on her shelves clinked together and hoped that nothing would be broken. She waited until she was sure that it was over before releasing her hold on them.
Looking around the room she could see no obvious damage. The units had been fitted with glass doors, which were kept closed and usually locked, and nothing had escaped them. She breathed a sigh of relief and turned again to the cage.
She had been put in charge of the rat until the Watchers Council sent someone to collect him. Willow had hinted darkly about the possibility of taking him home as a plaything for Miss Kitty but Amy was sure that she hadn't meant it. Giles, however, was taking no chances and so he had ended up with Amy. Amy didn't mind and, having only recently been transformed back into a human form from a rat herself, she was the ideal person to look after him. Handing him over to Amy Willow had sternly remarked. "No treats. Just give him what he needs."
The rat cautiously poked his nose out of the door of the little house but stayed where he was in anticipation of another quake. Amy briefly debated phoning Giles to see if this was a natural occurrence or something more sinister but decided against it, knowing that she would be summoned if needed. Taking up one of the jars that was full of a shimmering light green liquid she continued her work on her charm.
She was so engrossed in her work that when the third quake struck she paid it no attention. Paul squeaked faintly and her jars and bottles shook gently on the shelves. She faintly registered some kind of unpleasant odour but she was too preoccupied with her work to give it any real attention and she soon forgot about it.
Faith was on her way to see Amy when she felt the first quake. Since Amy had returned to human form the two girls had become friends. It was an unlikely friendship between the brash, streetwise Slayer and the quiet studious witch but it seemed to work, their differences uniting rather than dividing them. They had both joined the Scooby gang belatedly and that had something to do with it, both of them trying to find their place with the others and supporting one another as they did so.
Faith stumbled as the pavement shook beneath her. She didn't fall, her Slayer abilities keeping her on her feet, but several people walking along the street did so. Faith went to the aid of an elderly woman who had fallen awkwardly. She gently helped the woman to her feet, holding her firmly as the second quake threatened to deposit her back on the ground. The quake over, Faith loosened her hold on the woman and picked up her shopping from the floor.
One of the two paper bags tore as she lifted it, cold sticky orange juice dripping from the crushed carton inside it, and she grabbed at the contents, managing to keep them all in her arms.
Faith took the old woman to her home, supporting her carefully while carrying her groceries. She took the time to wash the sticky juice off her hands and arms before she left, brushing imeffectually at the stains on her black T-shirt.
She grinned to herself as she walked, thinking as she did how she had changed since the time that she was with the Mayor. He wouldn't have recognised the good Samaritan that she had become. She was back on her way to see Amy, having taken the old woman home and ensured that she was uninjured first, when the third quake occurred. The sudden stench was overpowering and she too recognised something else lingering beneath the odour of sulphur. Holding her hand over her mouth she quickened her steps to reach Amy's house.
Faith had quickly become a welcome visitor to Amy's. She pushed open the front door, which Amy had left unlocked for her, and, locking it behind her, took the stairs two at a time up to the attic room where she knew Amy would be waiting for her.
Amy was still at the large table, her back to the door, still working on her charm and apparently deaf to the world around her. She jumped when Faith strode up to the table and tapped her arm.
Faith grinned at the other girl. "What are you cooking up there?"
Amy frowned. "Nothing at the moment. It's not working out." She sighed. "But I keep trying."
Faith nodded. "Need some help?"
Amy nodded and pushed a small glass bottle towards her. Faith tried in vain to read the hand written label on the bottle, peering at the liquid contained within. She prised off the top and sniffed at it. It looked like milk and it smelled like milk but she didn't allow that to deceive her. She had seen some of the ingredients that Amy kept on her shelves and they didn't belong in any recipes that she would partake of.
Amy smiled and answered her unasked question. "Milk."
Faith raised her eyebrows.
Amy's smile grew wider. "Cobra's milk."
Faith grimaced as she replaced the top on the bottle.
Amy stopped her, pushing a small glass beaker along the table. "Pour about half of it in there. And don't spill any."
Faith looked alarmed. "Why? What will happen?"
Amy shook her head. "Nothing. But that stuff costs an arm and a leg. Do you have any idea how hard it is to milk a cobra?"
Faith stared at her friend, looking closely for any signs of amusement. She found none. Amy's expression was one of complete seriousness.
Faith closed her eyes. "I can imagine. Not a job I'd want." Taking the cap off the bottle once more she carefully measured half of the creamy white liquid into the beaker.
After Amy had finally given up on her spell for the time being she and Faith went down to the kitchen. They raided the refrigerator for snacks and drinks while chatting about the songs they liked and the clothes that they just had to have. It had been a while since either of them had behaved like normal young girls and they revelled in it, knowing that they might not get many chances to behave this way.
They were in the kitchen, laughing and munching their way through a large packet of chocolate cookies when the quake struck again, taking them completely by surprise. Faith grabbed at the corner of the refrigerator that she was leaning against and put out a hand to steady Amy. They stood there, bracing themselves against the wall of kitchen units and appliances, listening to the sound of creaking wood and jangling metal until the quake had died away. Once again they were both aware of the odour that fouled the air around them.
"What do you think?" Amy asked, her face pale and her eyes wide with shock.
Faith shrugged. She knew what Amy was asking her. "I dunno. We should wait here. Giles knew I was coming here. If he needs us, he'll ring."
Amy nodded. She picked up her glass of soda from the kitchen counter, emptying the glass completely in one swallow. Her mouth was so dry and the smell had tainted her taste buds, making the sweet soda sour.
And so they waited, their conversation constrained now, and it almost came as a relief to them when the telephone rang and Willow summoned them.
Xander was still reeling from Giles' announcement that Oz was to return to Sunnydale when he heard someone at the door. Glancing briefly out of the window to check if it had got dark outside he went to the door and opened it slightly.
The figure standing there, hopping from foot to foot in nervous agitation, was almost completely covered by a large black duster.
Xander sighed. "Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse. Spike."
Spikes' eyes peered out at him from the coat. Smoke was beginning to rise from it and the vampire sounded desperate as he pleaded. "Let me in."
Xander glared at him and made no attempt to open the door any further.
The vampire pushed against the door but Xander held it firm.
"Come on. Let me in!" Spike protested as the clouds of smoke rising from his coat became even denser. He pushed at the door, his superior vampire strength hampered by the tight hold he had on his coat.
Xander smirked. "Nah. Don't think so. Kinda like the idea of crispy fried Spike."
"I'm bloody warning you!"
"Yeah. Bite me. Oh I forgot, you can't, can you?"
Spike glowered at him. "When I get this chip out.." He threatened.
Xander smirked even more and tried to close the door. Spike thrust his foot into the opening, preventing him from doing so.
Giles sighed and spoke up wearily. "Let him in, Xander. He might be useful."
Xander scowled but opened the door wide enough for the vampire to get in. Spike dashed in through the door, throwing off his smoking duster as he did so.
"About bloody time." He muttered. "Right then, what's going on?"
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel characters are copyrighted (c)20th Century Fox, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB, and are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Dedicated: as usual to Cait who makes me write these stories. (So blame her!)
A/N If you like it please let me know. Thanks. Any comments can be sent to
Geemagicspell@hotmail.com
www.angelfire.com/my/geemagicspell
Chapter Two
It was with a heavy heart that Buffy walked back into the living room a few minutes later. Her friends, sitting close together on the sofa, looked up at her as she approached. Willow saw immediately that something wasn't right. She frowned, abandoning the book she was reading, and stood up. Xander stared at Willow, confused by her sudden change in manner.
"What is it?" Willow asked. She crossed her arms in front of herself as she watched Buffy and waited for her to speak. There was a look on her friend's face that she had seen before. It was a look that told her that something was very wrong. Willow stared at her, hoping she was mistaken.
Xander, realising that something was going on, stood up next to her, putting his arm around her waist to support her as he too watched and waited.
Buffy searched for the words to tell them what had happened to Tara, knowing how much it would hurt Willow to hear it.
"Spill, Buff. The G-man told you something in there and I think we need to know what it is."
Xander's voice was harsh and Buffy looked at him, shocked.
Then she understood, seeing the way that he was holding Willow, his arm around her, pulling her to him, protecting her. She opened her mouth to speak, knowing how much this might hurt them, then shook her head before turning to look at Giles.
Giles, who had followed her into the living room, took matters into his own hands. "It's Tara." He told them.
Initially Willow and Xander looked puzzled. They had both expected to hear something about the events that were taking place at the moment. Tara had gone and although it had been a terrible time for them when she had left, Willow sobbing out her guilt to him every night, they had moved on.
"Tara?" Willow stared at Giles. "Is she okay? What's happened to her?"
Giles moved closer to her. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt this girl who he loved like a daughter, but she had to be told.
"She's coming back to Sunnydale."
"Back? Why would she want to come back?" Willow was puzzled.
Giles sighed. "Oz bit her, Willow."
Willow still stared at him, perplexed. Xander, however, immediately realised the implications.
"Oh God, no." His arm fell from Willow's waist as he stared at Giles, a look of horror on his face.
Willow looked at the three of them, a chill forming along her spine. "Tell me!" She exclaimed.
Giles placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "She's a werewolf, Willow."
Willow shook her head. "Oh no." She stared at him, not willing to believe what she had just heard.
Giles nodded. "She's coming back to Sunnydale. We'll do what we can to help her."
Willow shook her head at him again. "How can we help her? There's nothing we can do for her. Oz has tried everywhere to find a cure and he couldn't find one."
Buffy could hear the note of hysteria in her friend's voice. She moved closer to her.
"We'll do what we can." Giles assured Willow, his hands still on her shoulders, trying to keep her calm.
She turned away from him and looked at Xander. "This is my fault."
Xander shook his head at her. "It's not your fault, Will. It was just an accident. If it was anyone's fault it was Paul's. He was responsible for what happened to Oz."
Willow was having none of it. "If Tara hadn't been with me, it would never have happened."
Buffy tried to inject some calm into the situation. "Will, if you think that way then it's my fault.."
Willow whipped around to look at Buffy, her eyes wide, her face pale. "No, it's not. Oz was there because of me and so was Tara."
Xander tried to put his arms around her but she pulled away from her, her eyes flooding with tears.
"No, don't, don't touch me. I..I..I'm dangerous. I'm like..like Typhoid Mary. Don't touch me."
"Will, you're freaking, listen to me."
She shook her head frantically. "No, it's me, I could hurt you. First it was Oz, now Tara. No, don't touch me. Don't ever touch me again."
"Willow, it was nothing to do with you. Oz was bitten by his nephew and he bit Tara. None of it had anything to do with you. Listen to me."
Willow backed away from him, holding out a hand to ward him off. Xander looked helplessly at Buffy. "She won't listen to me." He pleaded.
Buffy looked at Willow, realising that she was in no condition to listen to him. She moved between them, taking Willow into her arms. Willow surrendered to her embrace, laying her head on Buffy's shoulder.
"Let her be for now, Xand." She told him, over her shoulder. "Talk to her when she's calmed down."
Xander nodded.
"Perhaps you'd like to go into the bedroom?" Giles suggested. "Just until she's had a chance to calm down."
Buffy nodded. "Yes, good idea." She steered Willow towards the door and through it into the bedroom, closing the door tightly behind them.
Xander watched and waited until the door had closed. He made his way back to the sofa and sat, his elbows bent on his kness, his head in his hands, not knowing what to do.
"I'm so sorry, Xander." Giles told him. He walked over to Xander, put out a hand to touch his shoulder and then thought better of it, taking a seat in his usual armchair instead.
Xander looked over at him and nodded. "She believes what happened was her fault. Before Tara left to go home Willow tried so hard to make it up to her but Tara wouldn't let her."
Giles frowned. "But surely Tara knew about the spell?"
"She knew. Giles, part of the reason that she left was because she said that she knew how Willow and I felt about one another. She said that she didn't have to be a witch to work that out."
Giles nodded. "I see. We were all aware of the special relationship between the two of you but I really had no idea that you were romantically inclined towards one another. I was aware of that incident when Cordelia had her accident but I believed all that had past."
Xander smiled wryly. "It came as a surprise to me too. Well, not the way I felt about her, I found out the truth about that at the homecoming dance. It took me a while but I finally woke up to it. But after she choose Oz instead of me I thought that was it."
He sighed. "And Willow as a friend was better than no Willow at all." He paused then continued thoughtfully. "Sometimes I wonder what might have happened if I hadn't been with Anya when he left. You know, I never thought the relationship between Willow and Tara was that serious. It was just that she met up with Tara after Oz left and they were good for each other. But Oz was different. I thought for a while that Willow would want to go with him when he left this time and I'd lose out to him again. You don't know how glad I am that she didn't."
Xander frowned, noticing a sudden change in Giles' expression. "Giles? What is it?"
Giles stared at him, wondering how Xander would take the news that Oz was returning to Sunnydale.
Spike was indulging in his usual daytime activity - watching his ancient black and white television set from his equally ancient armchair - when the first quake struck. He leapt quickly to his feet, his first thought being for the television, which seemed to be on the verge of falling to the floor of his crypt. Spike threw himself down on the floor just as the set freed its plug from the electrical socket and toppled off the plastic crate that held it off the floor. He caught it in his arms, giving a sigh of relief as he did so.
Recognising that this could be the first of many quakes Spike righted the television but left it on the floor. His assumption was proven correct when the first quake was quickly followed by a second. Spike, having got to his feet, held on to the tattered armchair to keep his balance. He waited for a few minutes after the second shock then surveyed the crypt for any damage. A small quantity of dust was trickling down from a minute crack in one corner but that was all that he could see.
He brushed down his clothes as he waited, removing the grime of the floor from his usual black attire. There were no further quakes and eventually he went to the television, leaving it on the floor for safety's sake, and plugged it back into the socket. As the television flickered back into life he took up his place in the armchair once again and turned his attention back to his favourite program. When the third quake struck Spike hardly seemed to notice it, so engrossed was he in the events taking place on the screen.
However, when the fourth quake hit a little under three hours later his concern grew. He waited until the tremor had died away before getting to his feet and switching off the television. He sniffed, wrinkling his nose at the heavy smell of sulphur that filled the air.
Once again he checked the crypt for any signs of damage. He found none. Relieved, but also curious, he picked up his duster from the top of a large stone coffin and drew it over his head and shoulders. Robed in this way he went to the door of the crypt and dashed out into the daylight, making for the one place where he expected to find answers to his questions - Giles' apartment.
Amy had been at home when the quakes had begun. She had set up a workshop in the attic of the home that she shared with her father and it was here that she spent a great deal of her time trying to improve her knowledge of witchcraft. The huge attic was sparsely furnished, holding only three chrome tables, two large; the other small, and three large shelved units fastened to the walls, one containing a variety of jars and bottles, the other two groaning under the weight of her many books. A wheeled computer chair facing a small workstation housing her computer and telephone completed her equipment.
Her father, delighted to have her returned to him, had no argument with her chosen pastime. He felt that, having endured the spell that had been cast on her by her mother, Amy would not venture into the realms of black magic. He was right. Amy had no wish whatsoever to emulate her mother. She was happy to use her knowledge and power to help, not to harm.
She was currently working on a charm to repel vampires. Of course garlic and crosses worked but she wanted something less smelly than garlic and without the Christian connotations of the cross. She knew how difficult it was for Willow to keep explaining the crosses that she kept in her apartment to her Jewish parents. So far she had no success but she was determined to keep trying.
Amy held on to the table as the first quake struck. From the table behind her she could hear the anxious squeaking of the terrified rat as Paul, whiskers twitching in fear, ran into the small house in the corner of his cage. She glanced briefly at the cage, making sure that it was securely placed on the small table, before returning her attention to the bottles and jars on the table in front of her. She drew them to her, clasping them to her chest as the second quake struck. She heard the tinkling sound as the bottles and jars on her shelves clinked together and hoped that nothing would be broken. She waited until she was sure that it was over before releasing her hold on them.
Looking around the room she could see no obvious damage. The units had been fitted with glass doors, which were kept closed and usually locked, and nothing had escaped them. She breathed a sigh of relief and turned again to the cage.
She had been put in charge of the rat until the Watchers Council sent someone to collect him. Willow had hinted darkly about the possibility of taking him home as a plaything for Miss Kitty but Amy was sure that she hadn't meant it. Giles, however, was taking no chances and so he had ended up with Amy. Amy didn't mind and, having only recently been transformed back into a human form from a rat herself, she was the ideal person to look after him. Handing him over to Amy Willow had sternly remarked. "No treats. Just give him what he needs."
The rat cautiously poked his nose out of the door of the little house but stayed where he was in anticipation of another quake. Amy briefly debated phoning Giles to see if this was a natural occurrence or something more sinister but decided against it, knowing that she would be summoned if needed. Taking up one of the jars that was full of a shimmering light green liquid she continued her work on her charm.
She was so engrossed in her work that when the third quake struck she paid it no attention. Paul squeaked faintly and her jars and bottles shook gently on the shelves. She faintly registered some kind of unpleasant odour but she was too preoccupied with her work to give it any real attention and she soon forgot about it.
Faith was on her way to see Amy when she felt the first quake. Since Amy had returned to human form the two girls had become friends. It was an unlikely friendship between the brash, streetwise Slayer and the quiet studious witch but it seemed to work, their differences uniting rather than dividing them. They had both joined the Scooby gang belatedly and that had something to do with it, both of them trying to find their place with the others and supporting one another as they did so.
Faith stumbled as the pavement shook beneath her. She didn't fall, her Slayer abilities keeping her on her feet, but several people walking along the street did so. Faith went to the aid of an elderly woman who had fallen awkwardly. She gently helped the woman to her feet, holding her firmly as the second quake threatened to deposit her back on the ground. The quake over, Faith loosened her hold on the woman and picked up her shopping from the floor.
One of the two paper bags tore as she lifted it, cold sticky orange juice dripping from the crushed carton inside it, and she grabbed at the contents, managing to keep them all in her arms.
Faith took the old woman to her home, supporting her carefully while carrying her groceries. She took the time to wash the sticky juice off her hands and arms before she left, brushing imeffectually at the stains on her black T-shirt.
She grinned to herself as she walked, thinking as she did how she had changed since the time that she was with the Mayor. He wouldn't have recognised the good Samaritan that she had become. She was back on her way to see Amy, having taken the old woman home and ensured that she was uninjured first, when the third quake occurred. The sudden stench was overpowering and she too recognised something else lingering beneath the odour of sulphur. Holding her hand over her mouth she quickened her steps to reach Amy's house.
Faith had quickly become a welcome visitor to Amy's. She pushed open the front door, which Amy had left unlocked for her, and, locking it behind her, took the stairs two at a time up to the attic room where she knew Amy would be waiting for her.
Amy was still at the large table, her back to the door, still working on her charm and apparently deaf to the world around her. She jumped when Faith strode up to the table and tapped her arm.
Faith grinned at the other girl. "What are you cooking up there?"
Amy frowned. "Nothing at the moment. It's not working out." She sighed. "But I keep trying."
Faith nodded. "Need some help?"
Amy nodded and pushed a small glass bottle towards her. Faith tried in vain to read the hand written label on the bottle, peering at the liquid contained within. She prised off the top and sniffed at it. It looked like milk and it smelled like milk but she didn't allow that to deceive her. She had seen some of the ingredients that Amy kept on her shelves and they didn't belong in any recipes that she would partake of.
Amy smiled and answered her unasked question. "Milk."
Faith raised her eyebrows.
Amy's smile grew wider. "Cobra's milk."
Faith grimaced as she replaced the top on the bottle.
Amy stopped her, pushing a small glass beaker along the table. "Pour about half of it in there. And don't spill any."
Faith looked alarmed. "Why? What will happen?"
Amy shook her head. "Nothing. But that stuff costs an arm and a leg. Do you have any idea how hard it is to milk a cobra?"
Faith stared at her friend, looking closely for any signs of amusement. She found none. Amy's expression was one of complete seriousness.
Faith closed her eyes. "I can imagine. Not a job I'd want." Taking the cap off the bottle once more she carefully measured half of the creamy white liquid into the beaker.
After Amy had finally given up on her spell for the time being she and Faith went down to the kitchen. They raided the refrigerator for snacks and drinks while chatting about the songs they liked and the clothes that they just had to have. It had been a while since either of them had behaved like normal young girls and they revelled in it, knowing that they might not get many chances to behave this way.
They were in the kitchen, laughing and munching their way through a large packet of chocolate cookies when the quake struck again, taking them completely by surprise. Faith grabbed at the corner of the refrigerator that she was leaning against and put out a hand to steady Amy. They stood there, bracing themselves against the wall of kitchen units and appliances, listening to the sound of creaking wood and jangling metal until the quake had died away. Once again they were both aware of the odour that fouled the air around them.
"What do you think?" Amy asked, her face pale and her eyes wide with shock.
Faith shrugged. She knew what Amy was asking her. "I dunno. We should wait here. Giles knew I was coming here. If he needs us, he'll ring."
Amy nodded. She picked up her glass of soda from the kitchen counter, emptying the glass completely in one swallow. Her mouth was so dry and the smell had tainted her taste buds, making the sweet soda sour.
And so they waited, their conversation constrained now, and it almost came as a relief to them when the telephone rang and Willow summoned them.
Xander was still reeling from Giles' announcement that Oz was to return to Sunnydale when he heard someone at the door. Glancing briefly out of the window to check if it had got dark outside he went to the door and opened it slightly.
The figure standing there, hopping from foot to foot in nervous agitation, was almost completely covered by a large black duster.
Xander sighed. "Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse. Spike."
Spikes' eyes peered out at him from the coat. Smoke was beginning to rise from it and the vampire sounded desperate as he pleaded. "Let me in."
Xander glared at him and made no attempt to open the door any further.
The vampire pushed against the door but Xander held it firm.
"Come on. Let me in!" Spike protested as the clouds of smoke rising from his coat became even denser. He pushed at the door, his superior vampire strength hampered by the tight hold he had on his coat.
Xander smirked. "Nah. Don't think so. Kinda like the idea of crispy fried Spike."
"I'm bloody warning you!"
"Yeah. Bite me. Oh I forgot, you can't, can you?"
Spike glowered at him. "When I get this chip out.." He threatened.
Xander smirked even more and tried to close the door. Spike thrust his foot into the opening, preventing him from doing so.
Giles sighed and spoke up wearily. "Let him in, Xander. He might be useful."
Xander scowled but opened the door wide enough for the vampire to get in. Spike dashed in through the door, throwing off his smoking duster as he did so.
"About bloody time." He muttered. "Right then, what's going on?"