AN:Um.. Hi :)
Ducks in case people start throwing things. I know you lot must hate me for
taking this long to update but. . . err (insert lame excuse here)
So for this very good reason, I was unable to update my fic for so long,
but I have now finished writing it, and just have to type what I've written
so it shouldn't take too long.
I'm really sorry about this, I hope it all makes sense when I post the
rest, feel free to flame me for this chapter. *Sigh* // thoughts // Here
goes. . .
Chapter X - Let it snow. . .
@-----;------------;-----@
// Morning. Coming up to noon in fact. // the random thought popped out of nowhere waking up the vampire. His sixth sense could detect the position of the sun in the sky. Something seemed off about it today though, but his foggy mind decided to ignore it for the moment. Instead he focused on his surroundings, glad not to have to wake up to the feel of cold stone underneath him for once. No. Instead he was warm and comfortable, wrapped up in. . . Xander. // Xander??!! //
The vampire just barley stopped himself form bolting out of the bed. Staying as still as possible he cracked an eye open:
// Yes. Definitely. //
He carefully moved the sleeping boy's arm from around his waist and scooted towards the edge of the bed, sliding out on to the floor.
"Ahh!"
Spike clamped a hand over his mouth. // Bugger! Forgot it was wet. // He got up, watching as Xander stirred, sighed softly and snuggled up to the pillow. Spike left the room and he made it half way to the kitchen before stopping in his tracks.
// Hang about. . . what the bloody hell was that?! //
All this time lusting after Xander , and when he finally gets a chance to be close to him, his first reaction is to run? Why? No! // Can I still go back. . .? // Spike sighed and continued on to the kitchen. He didn't understand what went on in his head sometimes. Nope. Not a clue.
// Coward. //
// Fag off! //
His inner voice had a mind of its own though and kept insisting that the reason Spike was now watching eggs boil instead of being wrapped in Xanders' arms was because deep down he was terrified of what Xanders' reaction to that would be when he woke up. After all, seeping with the evil undead so they don't get cold makes a lot more sense the night before the morning after.
"Will thare be anything else you be needin' master Wordsworth?"
The Irish brogue of the maid dragged Spike out of his musings. He thanked the woman, assuring her that he didn't eat breakfast and heading back upstairs with a tray and two chips. One in his head and one on his shoulder. They had names. The first was a pain in the ass, the second - Xander.
The warm, comfortable feeling fled as the obnoxious poking intensified.
"Oi! Wake up, will ya?"
"Mhummph."
On the up side, according to his nose there was the promise of food.
More poking.
"Ok, ok, I'm up!"
Xander said without opening his eyes. He let go of the pillow he was holding and stretched a little.
// Just don't think about it. //
Xanders' subconscious piped up.
// Don't think about what?. . . Oh. //
// I said *don't* think about it!! //
It was too late, Xander could feel his face heat up, while he discreetly glanced at Spike.
// ohmigod I slept with Spike!! //
The vampire was looking at him expectantly, with mock annoyance but no sign of awkwardness. Once the slayerette finished searching the blondes' face he smiled, yawned and sat up on the bed.
"Good mornin'."
Spike smiled back (well, smirked really, but Xander could tell what he meant.) and nodded towards the tray set on the chair next to the bed.
"Food!"
With that the eager slayerette pulled back the covers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. . . only to yelp, shiver and climb back in. He hadn't realized how cold it was.
Xander thought for a moment. He could just about reach the chair without getting up and pull it close enough to snatch the tray in to his lap. Spike rolled his eyes at these antics.
"ugh, sorry! Do you want some?"
Spike raised an eyebrow but couldn't help the smile the crept in to his voice.
"Boiled eggs and bread? Cheers pet but it's all yours."
Xander shrugged and tucked in. Spike really didn't feel like human food just then. It was an optional extra to be mixed with blood for variety with no nutritional value. Once Xander finished eating he eyed the bread knife in his hand contemplatively. His mind began to wonder. . .
Spike looked over at him from his chair and had to do a double take.
"Xander, don't."
The piece of cutlery traded places in less than a second.
"I wasn't going to!"
Xander said defensively.
". . .but"
He continued hesitantly
"if you don't eat sometime soon"
"I'm fine."
"You're starting to look paler than usual. You're not fine."
Xanders' earnest pleading gaze made the vampire look down. He was still holding the knife, standing about as far away as he could get from Xander with it. He walked over carefully, with cautiously measured steps, and placed the knife back on the tray gingerly.
The bed cracked as Spike sat down on the edge.
"Th. . .Thanks."
Spike wanted to say how much it meant to him, and all those other tings he shouldn't be feeling, but his ego stopped him.
"I'll be ok for now, there's no need for that. Really."
He smiled reassuringly, but Xander wasn't convinced.
"Maybe later you could get yer hands on one 'a those chickens?"
Xander chewed on his bottom lip.
"What if we have to stay here longer?"
Spike smiled. Just because someone cared and it was nice.
Xander knew he didn't have the answers. He looked down. Then back up at Spike.
"Stop smiling."
// I know I'm pathetic // he wanted to add, but he didn't want to fish for lies.
"Just. . ."
Spike failed to come up with a feasible explanation for his good mood.
". . . thanks pet."
Xander relaxed a bit at that and Spike felt the need to reassure him.
"Vampires can survive on animal blood pet."
"For how long?"
"'s long as it takes. My great poof of a sire 's been on a diet of pigs blood for a good long while, and he's still kickin'. Though, it's starting to show. . ."
Spike added the last part with a wry smile.
"You won't start to grow feathers, will you?"
This made them both laugh. Making fun of Angel had always been a favorite pass time for them.
Xanders thought's led him eventually to the need to get out of bed. His clothes were dry (or maybe just frozen, it was hard to tell) and after getting dressed he peeked out of the window. He turned his head back to face the semi-darkness in the room with a smile.
"You should come and see this!"
Spike just glared. He didn't want to spontaneously combust to look out of a window or get too close to Xander which would probably have the same effect. Spike tried not to watch him get dressed but that was near impossible, and Xander of course had no idea how good he looked.
The boy pulled the 'curtain' back further still not letting any significant amount of light in to the room.
"Just. . . trust me."
Xander was surprised when, with just that Spike walked up and looked out of the window. He once again wondered what he'd done to earn the vampires' trust. Then again, he didn't think he could explain why he trusted him either, so they were even. So to speak.
A grin pulled at Spikes' lips and his eyes lit up (in the metaphorical sense thankfully) the next thing Xander knew was that he was being pulled through the inn by a hyperactive vampire who didn't stop until they reached the outside door.
Spike stepped through cautiously. He took a few more steps and then stopped, looking up with his eyes closed and his mouth open for a few seconds. Xander just watched from the doorway. It was very dark considering it was the middle of the day. That didn't matter of course since all you could see past arms length was sheets of white snow. The slayerette could barely make out Spikes black-clad form through the softly falling flakes. He wondered why being able to go outside during the day made the vamp so happy. // maybe you just miss it. // he told Spike in his head.
Xander smiled, Spike was frolicking.// There goes one weird vampire. . . //
"Get out here whelp, this is bloody fantastic!"
Xander shrugged and followed Spike in to the courtyard which, right then looked white, endless and perfect.
@~~~;~~~~;~~~~@
"Such a cruel metaphor, sister dear. Will he still be as willing when the snow melts?"
"This one's heart is both his strength and weakness. He will follow it wherever it leads."
Both of the higher beings knew that Xanders' heart no longer belonged to him, but the final test remained. Would their worrier protect his gift, his heart, when the time came?
@~~~;~~~~;~~~~@
The day passed quickly in this manner, the two were finally enjoying their trip to the past. It didn't matter that they didn't know how to get back, or what they would do in the mean time. What mattered was that Spike's snowball missed by miles, and how funny Xander looked trying to catch a chicken before they got caught by the maid.
Later, the pair set off towards the square. Dusk had snuk up on the day but the unsuspecting snow flakes still twirled happily in the twilight. It was so peaceful. The post card scene, compete with children playing in the snow unfolded in the town square.
~~~~~~~
"I'm ready now, Ethan."
"Better get the words right, sweetheart . ."
~~~~~~
Spike and Xander walked unhurriedly through the throng of people still out. A cart screeched past, the horses hoofs clapping softly.
"This is so neat!"
Xanders comment cut through the hallmark moment.
"What is?"
Spike knew what Xander probably meant, but it seemed like the thing to say.
"Well, this!"
Xander gestured as much as he could at the scene with out removing his hands from his pockets.
"How many other people can say that they've seen the 18th century?"
Spike smiled and gave Xander a questioning look.
"Oh, yeah, you're a regular here. Still, I was thinking, wouldn't it be neat if Will could do this in a non-accidental capacity? We could start a travel agency!"
Xanders enthusiasm was infectious, but there was one problem with the idea that neither wanted to think about. First of all most tourists want to go home at some point. And second, Willow may not have been the one who sent them there at all.
"Great idea pet, but I think Elvis would be swamped. 'sides, I don't think Red would go along with it."
Spike's distracted tone sent alarm bells ringing in Xanders head. The vamp was thinking about something and Xander wanted to know what it was.
"Yeah, burst my bubble why don't you. I had this all planned out!"
Spike chuckled at that.
//he's not gonna tell me?// Xander tried to think of a way to get Spike to talk to him. He wasn't even that curious, but it was clearly bothering the vampire. // Is it about me? Does he ever think about me? Don't be stupid! Why would Spike think about you?? Do you want him to think about you? No. No I don't. Why am I thinking about Spike thinking about me? What's wrong with me?!! // Xanders thoughts had turned to the vampire more and more frequently, he didn't understand the feelings that came with them, mostly he was just confused as to why he was doing it to himself, and tried not to dwell on it. But sometimes, it was hard to shut his thoughts up, like now.
Xander stopped, sighed in exasperation and squeezed his eyes shut tight.
"You alright luv?"
Xander couldn't help but smile at his stupid thoughts and nodded to the now confused Spike resuming his leisurely pace.
"So...what was that then? sumthing on yer mind?"
Apparently Spike preferred the direct approach.
"I'll tell you if you tell me first."
Xander said quickly before he could loose his nerve. He didn't know why he was nervous, but it seemed like he was presuming a lot by asking it.
For a moment Spike looked like he was gonna ask Xander what he meant, but then he sighed, deciding there was no point in playing dumb.
// Perceptive little bugger, innhe? // he thought affectionately.
"Why are you here?"
That was all that was said for a moment as they walked on in silence Xander waiting for Spike to continue.
". . .provided I'm right about assuming this is some sort of test the powers dreamt up for me, what have you got to do with anything?"
"umm...moral support?"
Xander ventured. Spike glanced over at him briefly with a smirk that was trying to be a shy smile.
"I'm glad you're here pet."
Xander blushed noticeably, and tried to say something but nothing sprang to mind except for more of those annoying 'Spike thoughts' he didn't understand. (instead of a corner they now had a mansion) He cleared his throat after a while.
"Well, maybe there's something else we should do.. to get out of here that is. yeah. um, ya think...?"
// You made him nervous. He's so sweet when he's nervous... argh! Why can't I be in love with anyone else?? Even the *slayer* would be better than this...say something you git!// "yeah. . ."
// Another shining example of your conversational skills I see.. // Spike told his inner self to bugger off, and focused on the spot straight ahead. Something wasn't right.
Moments later everyone else present followed his example.
Suddenly the winds picked up and sound like thunder echoed through the square. Then, in a flash of light, a vortex appeared in front of Xander and started to grow to a height of about six feet. Needless to say, the proceedings drew the attention of awe struck villagers, who looked on as what could best be described as a slow motion hurricane swirled slowly in tints of purple and red light.
What's worse it was moving slowly towards them.
"Spike? What the hell is that?"
The vampire squinted at it and decided that standing there wasn't doing them any good so he took a step towards the swirling vortex.
"Looks like our ride home."
He held a hand out to holt Xanders progress giving him a look that clearly meant 'stay here'.
The bad feeling Xander had only intensified as Spike got closer to it, and then it danced around and sang 'I told you so!' because the second the vampire touched the swirling purple energy there was a loud crack and then the vampire found himself sailing through the air in to the crowd that had gathered.
"Spike!!"
Xander turned to check on him, when he heard it. A voice, coming from the vortex.
~ Xander?! Is that you? Can you hear me??
He was torn. That was Willow's voice coming from that thing, so it must be the way home. On the other hand, Spike might be hurt. Xander turned and ran back to the stunned crowd with a parting shout of 'I'll be right back' to the Willow-vortex.
Spike lay panting in the snow, some people gathering around him asking if he was hurt. Was he hurt? no, just a little tingly. He sat up. His vision swam then cleared just in time to spot Xander making his way across the square towards him, and the vortex making it's way just as insistently after Xander. He was about to shout out a warning, but the boy seemed to sense the thing behind him, and turning around called out to Willow.
And this was the scene that greeted Cilia Smith as she rounded a corner. A man standing in the middle of the town square, chanting trees at a strange apparition.
"WITCH!!!"
TBC. . .
Chapter X - Let it snow. . .
@-----;------------;-----@
// Morning. Coming up to noon in fact. // the random thought popped out of nowhere waking up the vampire. His sixth sense could detect the position of the sun in the sky. Something seemed off about it today though, but his foggy mind decided to ignore it for the moment. Instead he focused on his surroundings, glad not to have to wake up to the feel of cold stone underneath him for once. No. Instead he was warm and comfortable, wrapped up in. . . Xander. // Xander??!! //
The vampire just barley stopped himself form bolting out of the bed. Staying as still as possible he cracked an eye open:
// Yes. Definitely. //
He carefully moved the sleeping boy's arm from around his waist and scooted towards the edge of the bed, sliding out on to the floor.
"Ahh!"
Spike clamped a hand over his mouth. // Bugger! Forgot it was wet. // He got up, watching as Xander stirred, sighed softly and snuggled up to the pillow. Spike left the room and he made it half way to the kitchen before stopping in his tracks.
// Hang about. . . what the bloody hell was that?! //
All this time lusting after Xander , and when he finally gets a chance to be close to him, his first reaction is to run? Why? No! // Can I still go back. . .? // Spike sighed and continued on to the kitchen. He didn't understand what went on in his head sometimes. Nope. Not a clue.
// Coward. //
// Fag off! //
His inner voice had a mind of its own though and kept insisting that the reason Spike was now watching eggs boil instead of being wrapped in Xanders' arms was because deep down he was terrified of what Xanders' reaction to that would be when he woke up. After all, seeping with the evil undead so they don't get cold makes a lot more sense the night before the morning after.
"Will thare be anything else you be needin' master Wordsworth?"
The Irish brogue of the maid dragged Spike out of his musings. He thanked the woman, assuring her that he didn't eat breakfast and heading back upstairs with a tray and two chips. One in his head and one on his shoulder. They had names. The first was a pain in the ass, the second - Xander.
The warm, comfortable feeling fled as the obnoxious poking intensified.
"Oi! Wake up, will ya?"
"Mhummph."
On the up side, according to his nose there was the promise of food.
More poking.
"Ok, ok, I'm up!"
Xander said without opening his eyes. He let go of the pillow he was holding and stretched a little.
// Just don't think about it. //
Xanders' subconscious piped up.
// Don't think about what?. . . Oh. //
// I said *don't* think about it!! //
It was too late, Xander could feel his face heat up, while he discreetly glanced at Spike.
// ohmigod I slept with Spike!! //
The vampire was looking at him expectantly, with mock annoyance but no sign of awkwardness. Once the slayerette finished searching the blondes' face he smiled, yawned and sat up on the bed.
"Good mornin'."
Spike smiled back (well, smirked really, but Xander could tell what he meant.) and nodded towards the tray set on the chair next to the bed.
"Food!"
With that the eager slayerette pulled back the covers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. . . only to yelp, shiver and climb back in. He hadn't realized how cold it was.
Xander thought for a moment. He could just about reach the chair without getting up and pull it close enough to snatch the tray in to his lap. Spike rolled his eyes at these antics.
"ugh, sorry! Do you want some?"
Spike raised an eyebrow but couldn't help the smile the crept in to his voice.
"Boiled eggs and bread? Cheers pet but it's all yours."
Xander shrugged and tucked in. Spike really didn't feel like human food just then. It was an optional extra to be mixed with blood for variety with no nutritional value. Once Xander finished eating he eyed the bread knife in his hand contemplatively. His mind began to wonder. . .
Spike looked over at him from his chair and had to do a double take.
"Xander, don't."
The piece of cutlery traded places in less than a second.
"I wasn't going to!"
Xander said defensively.
". . .but"
He continued hesitantly
"if you don't eat sometime soon"
"I'm fine."
"You're starting to look paler than usual. You're not fine."
Xanders' earnest pleading gaze made the vampire look down. He was still holding the knife, standing about as far away as he could get from Xander with it. He walked over carefully, with cautiously measured steps, and placed the knife back on the tray gingerly.
The bed cracked as Spike sat down on the edge.
"Th. . .Thanks."
Spike wanted to say how much it meant to him, and all those other tings he shouldn't be feeling, but his ego stopped him.
"I'll be ok for now, there's no need for that. Really."
He smiled reassuringly, but Xander wasn't convinced.
"Maybe later you could get yer hands on one 'a those chickens?"
Xander chewed on his bottom lip.
"What if we have to stay here longer?"
Spike smiled. Just because someone cared and it was nice.
Xander knew he didn't have the answers. He looked down. Then back up at Spike.
"Stop smiling."
// I know I'm pathetic // he wanted to add, but he didn't want to fish for lies.
"Just. . ."
Spike failed to come up with a feasible explanation for his good mood.
". . . thanks pet."
Xander relaxed a bit at that and Spike felt the need to reassure him.
"Vampires can survive on animal blood pet."
"For how long?"
"'s long as it takes. My great poof of a sire 's been on a diet of pigs blood for a good long while, and he's still kickin'. Though, it's starting to show. . ."
Spike added the last part with a wry smile.
"You won't start to grow feathers, will you?"
This made them both laugh. Making fun of Angel had always been a favorite pass time for them.
Xanders thought's led him eventually to the need to get out of bed. His clothes were dry (or maybe just frozen, it was hard to tell) and after getting dressed he peeked out of the window. He turned his head back to face the semi-darkness in the room with a smile.
"You should come and see this!"
Spike just glared. He didn't want to spontaneously combust to look out of a window or get too close to Xander which would probably have the same effect. Spike tried not to watch him get dressed but that was near impossible, and Xander of course had no idea how good he looked.
The boy pulled the 'curtain' back further still not letting any significant amount of light in to the room.
"Just. . . trust me."
Xander was surprised when, with just that Spike walked up and looked out of the window. He once again wondered what he'd done to earn the vampires' trust. Then again, he didn't think he could explain why he trusted him either, so they were even. So to speak.
A grin pulled at Spikes' lips and his eyes lit up (in the metaphorical sense thankfully) the next thing Xander knew was that he was being pulled through the inn by a hyperactive vampire who didn't stop until they reached the outside door.
Spike stepped through cautiously. He took a few more steps and then stopped, looking up with his eyes closed and his mouth open for a few seconds. Xander just watched from the doorway. It was very dark considering it was the middle of the day. That didn't matter of course since all you could see past arms length was sheets of white snow. The slayerette could barely make out Spikes black-clad form through the softly falling flakes. He wondered why being able to go outside during the day made the vamp so happy. // maybe you just miss it. // he told Spike in his head.
Xander smiled, Spike was frolicking.// There goes one weird vampire. . . //
"Get out here whelp, this is bloody fantastic!"
Xander shrugged and followed Spike in to the courtyard which, right then looked white, endless and perfect.
@~~~;~~~~;~~~~@
"Such a cruel metaphor, sister dear. Will he still be as willing when the snow melts?"
"This one's heart is both his strength and weakness. He will follow it wherever it leads."
Both of the higher beings knew that Xanders' heart no longer belonged to him, but the final test remained. Would their worrier protect his gift, his heart, when the time came?
@~~~;~~~~;~~~~@
The day passed quickly in this manner, the two were finally enjoying their trip to the past. It didn't matter that they didn't know how to get back, or what they would do in the mean time. What mattered was that Spike's snowball missed by miles, and how funny Xander looked trying to catch a chicken before they got caught by the maid.
Later, the pair set off towards the square. Dusk had snuk up on the day but the unsuspecting snow flakes still twirled happily in the twilight. It was so peaceful. The post card scene, compete with children playing in the snow unfolded in the town square.
~~~~~~~
"I'm ready now, Ethan."
"Better get the words right, sweetheart . ."
~~~~~~
Spike and Xander walked unhurriedly through the throng of people still out. A cart screeched past, the horses hoofs clapping softly.
"This is so neat!"
Xanders comment cut through the hallmark moment.
"What is?"
Spike knew what Xander probably meant, but it seemed like the thing to say.
"Well, this!"
Xander gestured as much as he could at the scene with out removing his hands from his pockets.
"How many other people can say that they've seen the 18th century?"
Spike smiled and gave Xander a questioning look.
"Oh, yeah, you're a regular here. Still, I was thinking, wouldn't it be neat if Will could do this in a non-accidental capacity? We could start a travel agency!"
Xanders enthusiasm was infectious, but there was one problem with the idea that neither wanted to think about. First of all most tourists want to go home at some point. And second, Willow may not have been the one who sent them there at all.
"Great idea pet, but I think Elvis would be swamped. 'sides, I don't think Red would go along with it."
Spike's distracted tone sent alarm bells ringing in Xanders head. The vamp was thinking about something and Xander wanted to know what it was.
"Yeah, burst my bubble why don't you. I had this all planned out!"
Spike chuckled at that.
//he's not gonna tell me?// Xander tried to think of a way to get Spike to talk to him. He wasn't even that curious, but it was clearly bothering the vampire. // Is it about me? Does he ever think about me? Don't be stupid! Why would Spike think about you?? Do you want him to think about you? No. No I don't. Why am I thinking about Spike thinking about me? What's wrong with me?!! // Xanders thoughts had turned to the vampire more and more frequently, he didn't understand the feelings that came with them, mostly he was just confused as to why he was doing it to himself, and tried not to dwell on it. But sometimes, it was hard to shut his thoughts up, like now.
Xander stopped, sighed in exasperation and squeezed his eyes shut tight.
"You alright luv?"
Xander couldn't help but smile at his stupid thoughts and nodded to the now confused Spike resuming his leisurely pace.
"So...what was that then? sumthing on yer mind?"
Apparently Spike preferred the direct approach.
"I'll tell you if you tell me first."
Xander said quickly before he could loose his nerve. He didn't know why he was nervous, but it seemed like he was presuming a lot by asking it.
For a moment Spike looked like he was gonna ask Xander what he meant, but then he sighed, deciding there was no point in playing dumb.
// Perceptive little bugger, innhe? // he thought affectionately.
"Why are you here?"
That was all that was said for a moment as they walked on in silence Xander waiting for Spike to continue.
". . .provided I'm right about assuming this is some sort of test the powers dreamt up for me, what have you got to do with anything?"
"umm...moral support?"
Xander ventured. Spike glanced over at him briefly with a smirk that was trying to be a shy smile.
"I'm glad you're here pet."
Xander blushed noticeably, and tried to say something but nothing sprang to mind except for more of those annoying 'Spike thoughts' he didn't understand. (instead of a corner they now had a mansion) He cleared his throat after a while.
"Well, maybe there's something else we should do.. to get out of here that is. yeah. um, ya think...?"
// You made him nervous. He's so sweet when he's nervous... argh! Why can't I be in love with anyone else?? Even the *slayer* would be better than this...say something you git!// "yeah. . ."
// Another shining example of your conversational skills I see.. // Spike told his inner self to bugger off, and focused on the spot straight ahead. Something wasn't right.
Moments later everyone else present followed his example.
Suddenly the winds picked up and sound like thunder echoed through the square. Then, in a flash of light, a vortex appeared in front of Xander and started to grow to a height of about six feet. Needless to say, the proceedings drew the attention of awe struck villagers, who looked on as what could best be described as a slow motion hurricane swirled slowly in tints of purple and red light.
What's worse it was moving slowly towards them.
"Spike? What the hell is that?"
The vampire squinted at it and decided that standing there wasn't doing them any good so he took a step towards the swirling vortex.
"Looks like our ride home."
He held a hand out to holt Xanders progress giving him a look that clearly meant 'stay here'.
The bad feeling Xander had only intensified as Spike got closer to it, and then it danced around and sang 'I told you so!' because the second the vampire touched the swirling purple energy there was a loud crack and then the vampire found himself sailing through the air in to the crowd that had gathered.
"Spike!!"
Xander turned to check on him, when he heard it. A voice, coming from the vortex.
~ Xander?! Is that you? Can you hear me??
He was torn. That was Willow's voice coming from that thing, so it must be the way home. On the other hand, Spike might be hurt. Xander turned and ran back to the stunned crowd with a parting shout of 'I'll be right back' to the Willow-vortex.
Spike lay panting in the snow, some people gathering around him asking if he was hurt. Was he hurt? no, just a little tingly. He sat up. His vision swam then cleared just in time to spot Xander making his way across the square towards him, and the vortex making it's way just as insistently after Xander. He was about to shout out a warning, but the boy seemed to sense the thing behind him, and turning around called out to Willow.
And this was the scene that greeted Cilia Smith as she rounded a corner. A man standing in the middle of the town square, chanting trees at a strange apparition.
"WITCH!!!"
TBC. . .