Chapter 5
Laying in bed, their limbs tangled together in the sheets. Hugging each other in the dim light. Completely loved and content.
This is what heaven must feel like.
Keeping her eyes closed she moved in to kiss her love on the lips. The kiss deepened, filled with all the love and happiness that either could never imagine possible. There arms wrapped around each other, bodies fully touching. She noticed something strange, a strange warm feeling spread between them. Breaking the kiss she looked down.
There was blood.
Blood everywhere. Spreading over the bed. She stared in horror as Tara glassed over and stared at nothing, eyes empty…Dead..
"TARA!"
Willows eyes frantically darted over the bed searching for Tara, for the blood. But found neither. She didn't know where she was. She felt a fear, something is going to happen to Tara. The flood of memories came rushing back to her.
She's gone
Her body broke, sobs came suddenly. Not caring if anyone heard. Willow clutched her knees to her chest as her mind flashed every minute of what happened.
Her sobs became whimpers, and she slowly sat up and looked around. The place that she had called home was a Victorian style, small square room. She had come with Giles to try and help her. But she knew that she had to get away. Away from those who loved her and who she had tried to kill.
She had been in detox a month. She had let the others forgive her. She almost forgives herself. But one thing never changed. She never got over what happened.
She had a routine already. Five times a week she would wake, disoriented, crying out to Tara, trying to warn her. Then to realize it had already happened. Cry until she had no more tears. Get up, shower, stare blankly at the wall for a few minutes, cry, eat, talk to Giles, do the daily magic exercises, and sleep. She used to have nightmares every night. That meant.
Things are getting better
She would sometimes call Sunnydale. Even though Xander called constantly, she rarely talked to him. Buffy had been the best about it, they had slowly gotten better, their laughs became more genuine each time.
For moments she would forget the blinding pain of knowing the person that made her existence mean anything was gone. Dawn had not been the same. They had very few words, usually leading in circles. She didn't blame her, Dawn had almost gotten killed twice because of her.
Her magic slowly began returning to her. The coven had placed a binding spell on her. Making her relearn the way, properly, the right way. Under their close supervision. Giles had been very supportive.
He knew.
He knew what it was like to lose someone. Someone, who could make their day with a smile. He knew the pain.
He was one of two that knew that kind of suffering.
But the other she dared not speak about. She didn't know everything that had happened. But she had heard about it from Xander. Who had called her when he was more than a little drunk. While ranting he had blurted it out, and later she confirmed it after almost pulling teeth out of Buffy to get it out of her.
How could he...
She always knew that he was mean and evil, but she never expected this from him. But of course, her friends had never expected her to go psycho and try to destroy them plus the world.
She smirked as a thought occurred to her.
I have more in common with Angel than anyone else.
Having enough of the thoughts that ran through her head, she continued her routine. Showered, stared cried, and went down the stares to try and find something to eat. As she crossed the main hall, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Willow!"
She stopped in her tracks and turned to see the woman she only knew as the receptionist of the office. She only said anything to willow to give her a message.
"Yeah"
"You have a message from a Mr. Rupert Giles."
Walking up to her the woman handed Willow a slip of paper. Staring at the writing her heart sank and an old familiar panic set over her.
I'm alone here.
Numbly she started walking toward the kitchen. Suddenly shapes blurred. A bit shocked she tried to focus, but everything bled together. Starting to panic, the shapes then started to focus and take shape. Instead of a hallway she was standing in a bedroom. Not just any room, her room, the one that she had lived for the past few years, with Tara.
Looking around dazed she heard shuffling and muffled voices. She walked over and opened the door to find Dawn and Buffy staring at a astonished Giles who was at the next door staring back at them.
Their heads turned toward the new disturbance. It didn't seem that they could have a even more shocked look on their faces. How wrong that was.
Shock crossed their faces, but Buffy's darkened. And she said coldly, accusingly.
"Willow"
***********
They hadn't noticed the sun had gone down. The two had been frantically running around the house, packing up things that they needed for the long trip that didn't seem to have an end. Running and calling, trying to get in contact with their friends. Just the mere fact that this thing scared Spike had spun them into overdrive.
The news had gone over pretty well with Dawn. After a few dozen "is he alright" and one "are you okay" they finally kicked into gear. They had to unpack the suitcases, noticing that Buffy had just thrown whatever was in front of her into the bags.
In between packing stints they would try and get Anya or Xander on the phone. Neither were answering. But 37 messages later Xander had called. He didn't sound shocked or even sad about Spike.
What did you expect "God is he okay"
She knew Xander would probably be the one off in the sidelines watching the vamp getting tortured. He hated Spike, and for good reason. But what confused her was the fact that he hated Spike more than she did.
She was the one who should be screaming for blood. But she couldn't explain it. Buffy was hurt, angry, even a little murderous. But those feelings were always dampened by a fear that he wouldn't come back. That she wouldn't be able to see those eyes that looked over her.
Realizing that while in her thoughts she tried to pack a lamp she placed it back and started taking out the things her hands took unconsciously. Trying desperately to focus on the problem at hand.
Something was coming, something that scared spike, which was really hard to do. Even being tortured by a hell god hadn't phased him. But this made him sound terrified.
I hope he's Okay. Wait, where'd that come from?
No matter how hard she tried the thoughts kept coming, about him. No matter Finally finished, Buffy went down the hall to check how Dawn was doing. Right on cue she walked out of the door.
"Are you re..."
There was a sudden rush. Something made the hairs on her neck stand on end then relax. She heard a big thump against the bathroom door and a muffled voice.
"Bloody hell!"
Her mind automatically jumped to the image of spike. But the voice was too trimmed. The door opened and shocked expressions went all around. There was Giles. Standing in the door, making the same face as the rest of them. Except he had a red welt were his face had made contact.
How did he get here? He was in England when..
Another door opened to reveal a face that mirrored the rest of them. Realization came upon her and darkened Buffy's face. Willow.
"Willow"
No answer came. Willows face was a mix of emotions. She opened her mouth to say something, but Buffy didn't allow her to continue. All the disappointment at the apparent slip came to her voice.
"What did you do?"
She suddenly looked hurt. She finally started stuttering out what she wanted to say. Obviously overwhelmed.
"I...I...I didn't..."
Anger boiled buffy's blood. She hadn't seen that Giles noticed the anger start forward. Anger for the lie she was telling. Raising her voice. Her rage dripping from it.
"Then why the hell are you here!"
The frail form before her cringed from the hate coming from her. Buffy loved Willow, but this was inexcusable. The fact she was defending herself just pissed her off more.
"But I...I..."
She was about to start again when Giles interrupted noting that things were about to get out of control. Using the most calming voice he could muster.
"Buffy, willow couldn't have done this. She doesn't know how."
Her face went to a very popular "Huh"
"The coven put a binding spell on Willow, she has to relearn how to use magic. It isn't possible for her to do something of this magnitude.
She felt like she had been punched in the gut. The first time in a month she sees her best friend she almost punches them. The hurt in Willows eyes made it worse.
"Willow I'm sorry it's...just..."
"I know. It's okay."
Her friend spoke in a whisper. Eyes suddenly glued to the floor.
"No, No it's not. I'm sorry."
Walking closer She took Willow into a hug. Trying to undo what she did. Trying to stop the bleeding of a wound she had cut. Everything else faded. It was just the two of them, hugging, easing the pain that had built up over time. There moment was dragged back into reality when she heard Giles clear his throat.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think we should try and figure out How we got here. Did you call everyone."
Releasing her friend Buffy turned to Giles.
"Everyone except Anya, I haven't been able to talk to her."
Giles thought for a moment. Listing the places the demon could be.
"Have you tried the magic box, or the Bronze."
All of them jumped as a high pitched squeal hit there ears.
"THE BRONZE, SHIT!"
They had forgotten that the teenager was there listening to them. Immediately spinning around to face the source of the voice. Buffy jumped into parental mode.
"DAWN. Language!"
But the teenager had already ran to the phone.
***********
She had been lost in her thoughts when she heard the word "Bronze". She almost jumped as she remembered that her friend had been waiting for her. Her yell of frustration came out as a squeal.
"THE BRONZE, SHIT!"
She immediately ran downstairs to call.
I can't believe I forgot. She must be so pissed.
Buffy's voice was barely registering as she barreled down the stairs. Running as fast as she could she chanted to herself.
"Shit...shit...shit..."
While dialing the group walked down to figure out what happened. Buffy was the first to ask.
"Dawn what is it?"
Having enough clarity to answer while she put her ear to the phone.
"I was going to meet Janice at the bronze this morning. That was like twelve hours ago."
They all glared, then sighed with relief. The faces showed them musing to themselves. With all the strange things going on. Something as simple as missing a meeting with a friend had caused this reaction.
Simultaneously their heads snapped to the front door. A ringing tune could be heard on the porch. Dawn kept the portable phone to her ear as they all walked to see what was going on. Giles opened the door and stepped through with the rest trailing behind. They stared at the oddity on the front porch.
A cell phone on the steps, ringing, laid on top of a cream colored envelope with script writing on the front.
Dawn stared intently.
"That's Janice's phone."
Dawn turned off the phone at her ear and the cell silenced. Bending down and picking up both items, she looked at the phone then to the envelope.
It had blood on it. The writing matched the color, making it obvious what it was written in.
Slayer
Dawn handed the envelope to a very confused Buffy. She opened it and read. Her face dropped. Paled, dropped the letter, and grasped the rail to keep her steady.
Looking a bit shocked Dawn picked up the letter. She could see finger marks in blood were the person who wrote it handled the paper. Looking over the letter she read.
Slayer,
I have arrived. The spell has been done. And it is too late to leave.
Everyone who I need is here. And will remain here until I am finished.
I'm coming for you, and you will give me what I want.
Or those you love will suffer, like Spike. Take comfort that when I peeled the skin from his legs he screamed your name. He begged for forgiveness while the cross charred his forehead.
I warn you if you do not cooperate, then those close to you will feel the pain he felt until you do.
See you soon.
Sincerely,
Johnathon Malnaroo
P.S. Janice tried to say hi, but it was hard after I ripped her throat out. Oh well.
The letter in her hand faded as Dawn crumpled on the boards of the porch. She barely heard everyone call out her name.
Laying in bed, their limbs tangled together in the sheets. Hugging each other in the dim light. Completely loved and content.
This is what heaven must feel like.
Keeping her eyes closed she moved in to kiss her love on the lips. The kiss deepened, filled with all the love and happiness that either could never imagine possible. There arms wrapped around each other, bodies fully touching. She noticed something strange, a strange warm feeling spread between them. Breaking the kiss she looked down.
There was blood.
Blood everywhere. Spreading over the bed. She stared in horror as Tara glassed over and stared at nothing, eyes empty…Dead..
"TARA!"
Willows eyes frantically darted over the bed searching for Tara, for the blood. But found neither. She didn't know where she was. She felt a fear, something is going to happen to Tara. The flood of memories came rushing back to her.
She's gone
Her body broke, sobs came suddenly. Not caring if anyone heard. Willow clutched her knees to her chest as her mind flashed every minute of what happened.
Her sobs became whimpers, and she slowly sat up and looked around. The place that she had called home was a Victorian style, small square room. She had come with Giles to try and help her. But she knew that she had to get away. Away from those who loved her and who she had tried to kill.
She had been in detox a month. She had let the others forgive her. She almost forgives herself. But one thing never changed. She never got over what happened.
She had a routine already. Five times a week she would wake, disoriented, crying out to Tara, trying to warn her. Then to realize it had already happened. Cry until she had no more tears. Get up, shower, stare blankly at the wall for a few minutes, cry, eat, talk to Giles, do the daily magic exercises, and sleep. She used to have nightmares every night. That meant.
Things are getting better
She would sometimes call Sunnydale. Even though Xander called constantly, she rarely talked to him. Buffy had been the best about it, they had slowly gotten better, their laughs became more genuine each time.
For moments she would forget the blinding pain of knowing the person that made her existence mean anything was gone. Dawn had not been the same. They had very few words, usually leading in circles. She didn't blame her, Dawn had almost gotten killed twice because of her.
Her magic slowly began returning to her. The coven had placed a binding spell on her. Making her relearn the way, properly, the right way. Under their close supervision. Giles had been very supportive.
He knew.
He knew what it was like to lose someone. Someone, who could make their day with a smile. He knew the pain.
He was one of two that knew that kind of suffering.
But the other she dared not speak about. She didn't know everything that had happened. But she had heard about it from Xander. Who had called her when he was more than a little drunk. While ranting he had blurted it out, and later she confirmed it after almost pulling teeth out of Buffy to get it out of her.
How could he...
She always knew that he was mean and evil, but she never expected this from him. But of course, her friends had never expected her to go psycho and try to destroy them plus the world.
She smirked as a thought occurred to her.
I have more in common with Angel than anyone else.
Having enough of the thoughts that ran through her head, she continued her routine. Showered, stared cried, and went down the stares to try and find something to eat. As she crossed the main hall, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Willow!"
She stopped in her tracks and turned to see the woman she only knew as the receptionist of the office. She only said anything to willow to give her a message.
"Yeah"
"You have a message from a Mr. Rupert Giles."
Walking up to her the woman handed Willow a slip of paper. Staring at the writing her heart sank and an old familiar panic set over her.
I'm alone here.
Numbly she started walking toward the kitchen. Suddenly shapes blurred. A bit shocked she tried to focus, but everything bled together. Starting to panic, the shapes then started to focus and take shape. Instead of a hallway she was standing in a bedroom. Not just any room, her room, the one that she had lived for the past few years, with Tara.
Looking around dazed she heard shuffling and muffled voices. She walked over and opened the door to find Dawn and Buffy staring at a astonished Giles who was at the next door staring back at them.
Their heads turned toward the new disturbance. It didn't seem that they could have a even more shocked look on their faces. How wrong that was.
Shock crossed their faces, but Buffy's darkened. And she said coldly, accusingly.
"Willow"
***********
They hadn't noticed the sun had gone down. The two had been frantically running around the house, packing up things that they needed for the long trip that didn't seem to have an end. Running and calling, trying to get in contact with their friends. Just the mere fact that this thing scared Spike had spun them into overdrive.
The news had gone over pretty well with Dawn. After a few dozen "is he alright" and one "are you okay" they finally kicked into gear. They had to unpack the suitcases, noticing that Buffy had just thrown whatever was in front of her into the bags.
In between packing stints they would try and get Anya or Xander on the phone. Neither were answering. But 37 messages later Xander had called. He didn't sound shocked or even sad about Spike.
What did you expect "God is he okay"
She knew Xander would probably be the one off in the sidelines watching the vamp getting tortured. He hated Spike, and for good reason. But what confused her was the fact that he hated Spike more than she did.
She was the one who should be screaming for blood. But she couldn't explain it. Buffy was hurt, angry, even a little murderous. But those feelings were always dampened by a fear that he wouldn't come back. That she wouldn't be able to see those eyes that looked over her.
Realizing that while in her thoughts she tried to pack a lamp she placed it back and started taking out the things her hands took unconsciously. Trying desperately to focus on the problem at hand.
Something was coming, something that scared spike, which was really hard to do. Even being tortured by a hell god hadn't phased him. But this made him sound terrified.
I hope he's Okay. Wait, where'd that come from?
No matter how hard she tried the thoughts kept coming, about him. No matter Finally finished, Buffy went down the hall to check how Dawn was doing. Right on cue she walked out of the door.
"Are you re..."
There was a sudden rush. Something made the hairs on her neck stand on end then relax. She heard a big thump against the bathroom door and a muffled voice.
"Bloody hell!"
Her mind automatically jumped to the image of spike. But the voice was too trimmed. The door opened and shocked expressions went all around. There was Giles. Standing in the door, making the same face as the rest of them. Except he had a red welt were his face had made contact.
How did he get here? He was in England when..
Another door opened to reveal a face that mirrored the rest of them. Realization came upon her and darkened Buffy's face. Willow.
"Willow"
No answer came. Willows face was a mix of emotions. She opened her mouth to say something, but Buffy didn't allow her to continue. All the disappointment at the apparent slip came to her voice.
"What did you do?"
She suddenly looked hurt. She finally started stuttering out what she wanted to say. Obviously overwhelmed.
"I...I...I didn't..."
Anger boiled buffy's blood. She hadn't seen that Giles noticed the anger start forward. Anger for the lie she was telling. Raising her voice. Her rage dripping from it.
"Then why the hell are you here!"
The frail form before her cringed from the hate coming from her. Buffy loved Willow, but this was inexcusable. The fact she was defending herself just pissed her off more.
"But I...I..."
She was about to start again when Giles interrupted noting that things were about to get out of control. Using the most calming voice he could muster.
"Buffy, willow couldn't have done this. She doesn't know how."
Her face went to a very popular "Huh"
"The coven put a binding spell on Willow, she has to relearn how to use magic. It isn't possible for her to do something of this magnitude.
She felt like she had been punched in the gut. The first time in a month she sees her best friend she almost punches them. The hurt in Willows eyes made it worse.
"Willow I'm sorry it's...just..."
"I know. It's okay."
Her friend spoke in a whisper. Eyes suddenly glued to the floor.
"No, No it's not. I'm sorry."
Walking closer She took Willow into a hug. Trying to undo what she did. Trying to stop the bleeding of a wound she had cut. Everything else faded. It was just the two of them, hugging, easing the pain that had built up over time. There moment was dragged back into reality when she heard Giles clear his throat.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think we should try and figure out How we got here. Did you call everyone."
Releasing her friend Buffy turned to Giles.
"Everyone except Anya, I haven't been able to talk to her."
Giles thought for a moment. Listing the places the demon could be.
"Have you tried the magic box, or the Bronze."
All of them jumped as a high pitched squeal hit there ears.
"THE BRONZE, SHIT!"
They had forgotten that the teenager was there listening to them. Immediately spinning around to face the source of the voice. Buffy jumped into parental mode.
"DAWN. Language!"
But the teenager had already ran to the phone.
***********
She had been lost in her thoughts when she heard the word "Bronze". She almost jumped as she remembered that her friend had been waiting for her. Her yell of frustration came out as a squeal.
"THE BRONZE, SHIT!"
She immediately ran downstairs to call.
I can't believe I forgot. She must be so pissed.
Buffy's voice was barely registering as she barreled down the stairs. Running as fast as she could she chanted to herself.
"Shit...shit...shit..."
While dialing the group walked down to figure out what happened. Buffy was the first to ask.
"Dawn what is it?"
Having enough clarity to answer while she put her ear to the phone.
"I was going to meet Janice at the bronze this morning. That was like twelve hours ago."
They all glared, then sighed with relief. The faces showed them musing to themselves. With all the strange things going on. Something as simple as missing a meeting with a friend had caused this reaction.
Simultaneously their heads snapped to the front door. A ringing tune could be heard on the porch. Dawn kept the portable phone to her ear as they all walked to see what was going on. Giles opened the door and stepped through with the rest trailing behind. They stared at the oddity on the front porch.
A cell phone on the steps, ringing, laid on top of a cream colored envelope with script writing on the front.
Dawn stared intently.
"That's Janice's phone."
Dawn turned off the phone at her ear and the cell silenced. Bending down and picking up both items, she looked at the phone then to the envelope.
It had blood on it. The writing matched the color, making it obvious what it was written in.
Slayer
Dawn handed the envelope to a very confused Buffy. She opened it and read. Her face dropped. Paled, dropped the letter, and grasped the rail to keep her steady.
Looking a bit shocked Dawn picked up the letter. She could see finger marks in blood were the person who wrote it handled the paper. Looking over the letter she read.
Slayer,
I have arrived. The spell has been done. And it is too late to leave.
Everyone who I need is here. And will remain here until I am finished.
I'm coming for you, and you will give me what I want.
Or those you love will suffer, like Spike. Take comfort that when I peeled the skin from his legs he screamed your name. He begged for forgiveness while the cross charred his forehead.
I warn you if you do not cooperate, then those close to you will feel the pain he felt until you do.
See you soon.
Sincerely,
Johnathon Malnaroo
P.S. Janice tried to say hi, but it was hard after I ripped her throat out. Oh well.
The letter in her hand faded as Dawn crumpled on the boards of the porch. She barely heard everyone call out her name.