Good evening, All:)
Here is chapter twenty of Time. This is the last of the William flash- forward chapters. I do hope you enjoy it. Also, it will soon tie into everything else you have seen. But there are definitely some surprises in store.
The next chapter will come out on Saturday. Please enjoy this one and let me know how you feel. I'm getting lonely without feedback!
Thanks, as always, for reading!
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: The Hero Part Two (Time - Chapter Twenty)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set immediately following findings. Continuation of Chapter Eighteen. The last of the William flash-forward chapters. But will he have any luck this time?
The Hero
It was almost pleasant, the way the lights danced around him. Comforting. Sweet. They touched him with the same jolt of electricity that one finds when brushing against their true love. That pleasant, shocked feeling.
"Wake up, Sleepy," that sweet voice whispered in his ear. One blue eye flickered open and scanned the interior of the car. Back seat. Car not moving. Scent of apples and shampoo. Well done, William, he thought to himself.
"Get up, lazy," a more sarcastic tone came from the front seat. Emma. Dammit. Ruin a perfectly good fifteen-year-old fantasy.
"Whhhhaaattt?" William whined.
"We're here," Emma answered, getting out of the car. William sat up to find his head had been resting in River's lap and he'd fallen asleep in the short trip from school to the Magic Box. He looked up at her, a sly smile on her face.
"You've really got to sleep more," River joked.
"Sleep best when you're around," William retorted, sitting up, his face just inches from hers.
She chuckled. "I think we're about seven years past slumber party days and about forty before my dad doesn't care what I do."
He smiled, leaning towards her, brushing her cheek with his soft lips. "Can't blame me for trying" he whispered in her ear. She felt her body buzz with the onslaught of teenaged hormones.
"Will," she breathed.
"Will," Emma mimicked, opening the back seat. "Get out of the car before somebody's dad comes out here and ..."
"Fine," Will said, winking at River and sliding out onto the sidewalk, lending a hand to his lady. River latched on and forgot to let go as they made their way up the walkway towards the shop.
"Well, there's a motley crew for you," Cyrus called as the three of them jingled into the store. It was bigger now. And actually busy since Anya and Giles had diversified a bit. Amazing what could happen when people realized that the stuff they saw in this town was real, Emma thought.
"Hi, Cyrus," Emma chirped, tossing her arms around his neck. "What have you got for me today?"
"Training," Cyrus answered. "I believe Buffy is going to take you and River on a little field trip."
"Field trip?"
"You should know better than to ask such questions when it concerns your mum," Cyrus answered, smiling. Spike chuckled.
"Where you been?" Anya asked the group as she walked out from behind the counter. "You were supposed to be here an hour ago."
"I found these two lovebirds sleeping together outside the school," Emma remarked, shooting a 'got ya,' smile back at her brother.
"And to that I say WHAT?" Xander asked, standing up. "Spike, I swear if that boy so much as brushes her hand playing Go Fish I'll cut it off."
"Will?" Spike quirked an eyebrow at his son. William sighed, shooting a glare back at Emma.
"Sleeping, dad," William said. "You know. That thing you do when your eyes are closed."
"Eyes closed! Closed eyes!. No, no. You're going home and to your room until you're like *fifty*", Xander shot at River, walking towards her.
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Relax, dad. Would ya?" She leaned up, tossing her arms around his shoulders. "Will was reading for a test tomorrow. I stopped by and sat down with him and before you know it. Bonk. Sleep."
"Not a good word," Will whispered, in her ear, suddenly realizing that he was still holding her hand and dropping it just as suddenly. Anya chuckled.
"Bonk?" Xander gasped. "No.. no bonk."
"Dad," Will sighed. "You've got the old Vamp senses. Are we telling the truth?" William asked. His father walked over to them, sniffing the air. Smelling shampoo and a whole lot of innocence.
"Harris, nothing to fret yourself about,' Spike pronounced. "Will wouldn't take advantage of such a pretty girl now would he."
River blushed, leaning forwards to kiss Spike's cheek. She'd never told Will this, but his father was her first crush. Followed closely by William. "Thanks, Spike."
Spike winked a crystal blue eye at her and sauntered back to the table. "Spike, I'm telling you. I don't care if they smell good, if they do *anything* at all beyond swing sets... no... climbing trees and... no... patrolling..." Spike raised an eyebrow. "World of no... If they do anything at all, I am personally blaming you." Xander gushed.
"You would anyway," Spike sighed. "Ladies, I believe Buffy is waiting for you."
As Emma brushed past, Will grabbed her wrist. "I am *so* going to get you for that. He's not going to let me see her for a month."
Emma smirked. "How come I *know* you'll find a way? What fun would it be to just let it slide?'"
William let go of her wrist and she trotted after River into the training room.
*****
He barely noticed the lights this time as they danced around him. Too much to do. Too little time. It had to be now. They had to know. Had to go.
Xander, Cyrus, Giles, Spike and William sat around the table, perusing books as they had three days a week for years now. Another book. Another scroll. Another search. Very few answers.
Will sighed, slamming shut a text written in an ancient African dialect that he had learned from his father. "We aren't going to find it this way."
"There has to be an answer, William," Giles said.
William ran his hands through his sandy brown hair. "There does," he agreed. "But it's not in these books."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked, looking at his son. He was grown now. Eighteen. A bit taller than Spike had made it. Lean. Muscular. With those same stunning eyes and the same poet's heart. He'd never left River's side. Never dated another girl. Like his dad, he knew what he wanted. He stood by her.
"It's not here because this doesn't exist," William snapped, frustration getting the better of him.
"You mean it's all a nightmare?" Xander asked. "Because I think we passed up on that idea when you were, oh, *three*."
"Not really," Will answered, confusion spreading over his face. "It's just never *been* before, so there is no *record* of it."
Spike leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, where do we go? Can't find it in a book. You've told us that we can't just rush in and kill the blighters," Spike asked, looking round the table. "And we don't seem to have much time."
Will leaned back as well, mimicking his father. "We're going to have to figure it out on our own."
"Thought that is what we *were* doing," Xander retorted, shutting the Dungeons and Dragons manual in front of him. Hey, it was as good a place as any.
"No," Giles said, as if he finally understood. "A new tact."
"Like?" Cyrus asked, leaning forward onto the table.
"The creatures are shadows. Darkness, Correct?" Giles asked.
"Right," Will answered. "Hell."
A look of recognition flashed over Spike's face. "And how does one fight darkness? Hell?"
Will looked at his father, following his eyes. Knowing. "Light. Heaven," the boy said quietly.
"Heaven?" Xander asked. "I mean, I thought you told us Emma glowed and it didn't help."
"Right," Will said, his voice becoming excited. "But there was only one of her. There were hundreds of them."
"So, you are saying we get more?" Xander asked, his hands offering up in utter confusion.
"Yes," Spike responded, looking at William. "We get more."
"How?" Giles asked, staring at the Windsor men. Were it not for the hair, they were almost identical. It helped that the One had slowed the aging process for both Spike and Buffy, but even with the extra years, William and Spike were almost clones.
"I think I know," Will answered, grabbing his jacket from the back of his chair and getting up. "Dad, I'll be back, but you'll have to trust me on this."
Spike nodded. "Haven't I always?"
William smiled back at him, turning and running out the door.
*****
"Aunt Tara," William hollered, knocking on her office door. Classes were over for the night, but he knew she kept late office hours at the University. "Aunt Tara?"
The door opened softly, and she stepped into his line of sight like an angel. "Will?" She whispered, smiling. Kissing his cheek. "Come in. I was just hiding for a few minutes from the galloping hordes."
"Theology has gained in popularity?" Will quipped, stepping into the pretty office. It was soothing. All pinks and peaches and whites.
Tara smiled. "I know you aren't here for the curriculum. Sit." She gestured at a plush chair and sat in the one directly across from him. She was older now, but so delicate. Her smile that of a teenager. Her demeanor as soothing as Emma's when Emma was working.
"No," Will sighed, looking at his knees. "I need your help."
"Anything," Tara answered, taking his hand in hers. "What is it?"
Will looked at her, fear and excitement battling it out in his eyes. "Do you remember the story you told me about how you followed me when I was a baby and I was sick?"
"Yes," Tara replied, her face questioning him. "Emma showed me the way."
"I think there was a reason for that," William said softly. "You said you came to a door and it was closed. And that Emma had to retrieve me from that door."
"Yes," the Witch said again. "I could not go inside."
"But you spoke to them there, didn't you?" William asked. "The powers. The ... Goddess."
Tara looked at her knees, and then raised her eyes back to the boy. His face was so innocent, but tired far beyond his years. "I did."
"I need you to take me there. I need her help. Their help." His eyes were full of innocence and desperation.
"William," Tara sighed, standing, pacing over to her desk. "I don't know if I can. Even if I was sure, I don't know if I should."
"Why?" He screamed, his eyes filling with tears. "Why? This thing... it's coming. You can feel it..."
"Yes, I can," Tara answered, her skin crawling just thinking of it.
"And I think I can stop it," William shouted, banging his fist on the table. "But we need their help. Her help. Please Aunt Tara. If we don't. We'll all die. All but me. And I can't...."
William broke into sobs, his head falling into his hands. Tara crouched in front of him, letting her small, soft hands touch against his jeans. She felt his agony. His pain. Coursing out of him in dark waves. "All right," Tara finally whispered. "Lock the door."
*****
The lights had faces now. Like fairies or angels or pixies. Pretty. White and palest pink and blue. Flurrying around him like they were very late for a very important date. He followed them. Running through the darkness. Feeling them in front of him. Behind him.
"Will!" His father's voice. Will snapped upright on the couch, River falling onto the soft fabric. The sound of a movie playing in the background. Feet thundered down the staircase. "Will!"
"Dad?" His voice was dazed. Sleepy.
"Did Emma come home?" Spike asked, running down the staircase, covered in the ooze of some demon he must have killed on patrol. Normal sight on this particular house. Buffy ran up from the basement.
"No," Will said, panic striking him. "I... She was out with..."
Spike traded a glance with his son. Buffy felt it like electric passing between them. "It's now," Buffy said, flipping open the weapons chest and grabbing a broadsword. She tossed Spike another sword. William leaned over, grabbing a battle axe, River at his heels.
"No," Will said, turning towards the girl. "Stay here."
River looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear, but oddly resolved. "I'm not leaving. I'm not running. We started together. We'll finish it together."
Buffy looked at them a moment, and then handed the girl an athame. "C'mon River. We need to go *now*."
They streaked out the door. As Will led the way, Buffy ran, speed dialing the rest on a cell phone. Not even speaking. Just calling them. They would know. They had all been waiting.
The alley was black. Not just dark, but black. The four of them nearly bounced off the thick shadows when they reached the opening. "Emma?" William called.
"Will." Her voice was soft. Lyrical. Almost ghostly. William looked at his dad. Spike nodded. The two of them raised their weapons, diving into the fray. Hacking the shadows, their blades snicker-snackering through the darkness.
Buffy followed, commanding River to wait for the rest. The three of them made their way through the blackness, not doing much to loosen the hold of the seething black tongues, but carving a path through to where their blood, their flesh, glowed along the back wall. "Emma!" Will called again. She looked at them and her brightness grew, lighting the way.
It wasn't long before there were more swords. More warriors. Familiar faces. Xander. His beautiful wife. Aunt Willow. Dawn. All of them crashing through the darkness. William made it to his sister first, positioning himself in front of her. His father to his left. His mother towards his right. The darkness closing in.
Then Will heard it. Tara's voice in the distance. "Illuminati" She chanted over and over. River grabbed her hand, joining it. "Illuminati." Anya on the other side, hanging tight to the other two. "Illuminati"
A flicker of darkness made it past Buffy. She turned, her sword swinging towards the darkness, but it caught her, pulling her into the Earth.
"Buffy!" Spike screamed, running towards his love. He glanced back at William. Will nodded.
"Buffy?" Spike screamed again, diving at her, grabbing her hand before she disappeared over the edge.
"'Spike," Buffy called. "Emma."
Spike turned his head, catching sight of his son battling the closing darkness. His head turned back to Buffy, a torn look on his face.
"Dad!" William called back. "Don't let go!"
Suddenly, a moonbeam cascaded into the alley, bright and glowing and warm. As Will looked at it, he saw them. They had faces now. Like fairies or angels or pixies. A river of angels pouring into the alley. They had come to help.
The shadows screamed, howling, shrinking into the darkness. The angels glowed like sunshine in the darkness, covering them, driving them down into the buckled Earth. Will jumped, grabbing Emma's hand, holding on. Pulling her back into the light.
It didn't hurt much. Not really. He was glad for that. The darkness shot up in a dying gasp at Emma. He jumped in front of her. It burned as it dug into his belly like a flaming sword. He felt Emma's arms under his shoulders as he fell to the pavement. Holding onto him. And the light.
All the light. And River's voice.
"Will!"
*****
"Am I dead?" William stood in front of a door, several stories high. He had been here before. They were there. He couldn't see them, but they were there.
"Dead?" The male voice asked.
"Did I die?" William asked. "In the alley. Is that why I am here?"
A feminine voice chuckled. "No, child."
William was silent, his hand over where the wound in his stomach should have been. "Then why?"
"Why what, William?" The man asked. Will could feel the warmth of them. The light.
"Why am I here?" He felt like a child. He was to these timeless, ageless beings.
The woman stepped forward, a beauty untold in all the world. Her hair hung in spun gold waves. Her perfect golden skin set off by her light, glowing blue eyes. Perfection. Love. "You saved our emissary." She said kindly. "You were willing to die for her."
"She is my sister," William answered, falling to a knee as if it was the only reaction to have in front of such perfection. She leaned down, an impossibly soft hand wrapping around his and pulling him to his feet in front of her.
"Yes," she answered. "But you are her hero. We owe you a debt, child."
"W...why?" William asked.
The man stepped from the light. "Because, son, you had no duty. You had no reason to protect her. No calling. No power. But yet, you did."
"I.. I had too. Emma... I couldn't let her... Is she OK? My mum?" William stuttered.
"They all survived," the woman smiled. "Because of you. What can we do to repay you?"
William looked at them wide-eyed. "I want to go back to them. I want to be with them again."
"Nothing else?" The woman asked, her face kind and gentle.
William thought for a moment, then smiled. "River." he sighed. "If we could have half the love that you gave to my parents...."
The woman smiled. "You already have that. You already have it all." She held his hand, nodding at the door. "Come with us. Rest."
The door opened slowly into hazy soft light. He followed them. Holding on to Heaven.
To be contd.
Here is chapter twenty of Time. This is the last of the William flash- forward chapters. I do hope you enjoy it. Also, it will soon tie into everything else you have seen. But there are definitely some surprises in store.
The next chapter will come out on Saturday. Please enjoy this one and let me know how you feel. I'm getting lonely without feedback!
Thanks, as always, for reading!
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: The Hero Part Two (Time - Chapter Twenty)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set immediately following findings. Continuation of Chapter Eighteen. The last of the William flash-forward chapters. But will he have any luck this time?
The Hero
It was almost pleasant, the way the lights danced around him. Comforting. Sweet. They touched him with the same jolt of electricity that one finds when brushing against their true love. That pleasant, shocked feeling.
"Wake up, Sleepy," that sweet voice whispered in his ear. One blue eye flickered open and scanned the interior of the car. Back seat. Car not moving. Scent of apples and shampoo. Well done, William, he thought to himself.
"Get up, lazy," a more sarcastic tone came from the front seat. Emma. Dammit. Ruin a perfectly good fifteen-year-old fantasy.
"Whhhhaaattt?" William whined.
"We're here," Emma answered, getting out of the car. William sat up to find his head had been resting in River's lap and he'd fallen asleep in the short trip from school to the Magic Box. He looked up at her, a sly smile on her face.
"You've really got to sleep more," River joked.
"Sleep best when you're around," William retorted, sitting up, his face just inches from hers.
She chuckled. "I think we're about seven years past slumber party days and about forty before my dad doesn't care what I do."
He smiled, leaning towards her, brushing her cheek with his soft lips. "Can't blame me for trying" he whispered in her ear. She felt her body buzz with the onslaught of teenaged hormones.
"Will," she breathed.
"Will," Emma mimicked, opening the back seat. "Get out of the car before somebody's dad comes out here and ..."
"Fine," Will said, winking at River and sliding out onto the sidewalk, lending a hand to his lady. River latched on and forgot to let go as they made their way up the walkway towards the shop.
"Well, there's a motley crew for you," Cyrus called as the three of them jingled into the store. It was bigger now. And actually busy since Anya and Giles had diversified a bit. Amazing what could happen when people realized that the stuff they saw in this town was real, Emma thought.
"Hi, Cyrus," Emma chirped, tossing her arms around his neck. "What have you got for me today?"
"Training," Cyrus answered. "I believe Buffy is going to take you and River on a little field trip."
"Field trip?"
"You should know better than to ask such questions when it concerns your mum," Cyrus answered, smiling. Spike chuckled.
"Where you been?" Anya asked the group as she walked out from behind the counter. "You were supposed to be here an hour ago."
"I found these two lovebirds sleeping together outside the school," Emma remarked, shooting a 'got ya,' smile back at her brother.
"And to that I say WHAT?" Xander asked, standing up. "Spike, I swear if that boy so much as brushes her hand playing Go Fish I'll cut it off."
"Will?" Spike quirked an eyebrow at his son. William sighed, shooting a glare back at Emma.
"Sleeping, dad," William said. "You know. That thing you do when your eyes are closed."
"Eyes closed! Closed eyes!. No, no. You're going home and to your room until you're like *fifty*", Xander shot at River, walking towards her.
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Relax, dad. Would ya?" She leaned up, tossing her arms around his shoulders. "Will was reading for a test tomorrow. I stopped by and sat down with him and before you know it. Bonk. Sleep."
"Not a good word," Will whispered, in her ear, suddenly realizing that he was still holding her hand and dropping it just as suddenly. Anya chuckled.
"Bonk?" Xander gasped. "No.. no bonk."
"Dad," Will sighed. "You've got the old Vamp senses. Are we telling the truth?" William asked. His father walked over to them, sniffing the air. Smelling shampoo and a whole lot of innocence.
"Harris, nothing to fret yourself about,' Spike pronounced. "Will wouldn't take advantage of such a pretty girl now would he."
River blushed, leaning forwards to kiss Spike's cheek. She'd never told Will this, but his father was her first crush. Followed closely by William. "Thanks, Spike."
Spike winked a crystal blue eye at her and sauntered back to the table. "Spike, I'm telling you. I don't care if they smell good, if they do *anything* at all beyond swing sets... no... climbing trees and... no... patrolling..." Spike raised an eyebrow. "World of no... If they do anything at all, I am personally blaming you." Xander gushed.
"You would anyway," Spike sighed. "Ladies, I believe Buffy is waiting for you."
As Emma brushed past, Will grabbed her wrist. "I am *so* going to get you for that. He's not going to let me see her for a month."
Emma smirked. "How come I *know* you'll find a way? What fun would it be to just let it slide?'"
William let go of her wrist and she trotted after River into the training room.
*****
He barely noticed the lights this time as they danced around him. Too much to do. Too little time. It had to be now. They had to know. Had to go.
Xander, Cyrus, Giles, Spike and William sat around the table, perusing books as they had three days a week for years now. Another book. Another scroll. Another search. Very few answers.
Will sighed, slamming shut a text written in an ancient African dialect that he had learned from his father. "We aren't going to find it this way."
"There has to be an answer, William," Giles said.
William ran his hands through his sandy brown hair. "There does," he agreed. "But it's not in these books."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked, looking at his son. He was grown now. Eighteen. A bit taller than Spike had made it. Lean. Muscular. With those same stunning eyes and the same poet's heart. He'd never left River's side. Never dated another girl. Like his dad, he knew what he wanted. He stood by her.
"It's not here because this doesn't exist," William snapped, frustration getting the better of him.
"You mean it's all a nightmare?" Xander asked. "Because I think we passed up on that idea when you were, oh, *three*."
"Not really," Will answered, confusion spreading over his face. "It's just never *been* before, so there is no *record* of it."
Spike leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, where do we go? Can't find it in a book. You've told us that we can't just rush in and kill the blighters," Spike asked, looking round the table. "And we don't seem to have much time."
Will leaned back as well, mimicking his father. "We're going to have to figure it out on our own."
"Thought that is what we *were* doing," Xander retorted, shutting the Dungeons and Dragons manual in front of him. Hey, it was as good a place as any.
"No," Giles said, as if he finally understood. "A new tact."
"Like?" Cyrus asked, leaning forward onto the table.
"The creatures are shadows. Darkness, Correct?" Giles asked.
"Right," Will answered. "Hell."
A look of recognition flashed over Spike's face. "And how does one fight darkness? Hell?"
Will looked at his father, following his eyes. Knowing. "Light. Heaven," the boy said quietly.
"Heaven?" Xander asked. "I mean, I thought you told us Emma glowed and it didn't help."
"Right," Will said, his voice becoming excited. "But there was only one of her. There were hundreds of them."
"So, you are saying we get more?" Xander asked, his hands offering up in utter confusion.
"Yes," Spike responded, looking at William. "We get more."
"How?" Giles asked, staring at the Windsor men. Were it not for the hair, they were almost identical. It helped that the One had slowed the aging process for both Spike and Buffy, but even with the extra years, William and Spike were almost clones.
"I think I know," Will answered, grabbing his jacket from the back of his chair and getting up. "Dad, I'll be back, but you'll have to trust me on this."
Spike nodded. "Haven't I always?"
William smiled back at him, turning and running out the door.
*****
"Aunt Tara," William hollered, knocking on her office door. Classes were over for the night, but he knew she kept late office hours at the University. "Aunt Tara?"
The door opened softly, and she stepped into his line of sight like an angel. "Will?" She whispered, smiling. Kissing his cheek. "Come in. I was just hiding for a few minutes from the galloping hordes."
"Theology has gained in popularity?" Will quipped, stepping into the pretty office. It was soothing. All pinks and peaches and whites.
Tara smiled. "I know you aren't here for the curriculum. Sit." She gestured at a plush chair and sat in the one directly across from him. She was older now, but so delicate. Her smile that of a teenager. Her demeanor as soothing as Emma's when Emma was working.
"No," Will sighed, looking at his knees. "I need your help."
"Anything," Tara answered, taking his hand in hers. "What is it?"
Will looked at her, fear and excitement battling it out in his eyes. "Do you remember the story you told me about how you followed me when I was a baby and I was sick?"
"Yes," Tara replied, her face questioning him. "Emma showed me the way."
"I think there was a reason for that," William said softly. "You said you came to a door and it was closed. And that Emma had to retrieve me from that door."
"Yes," the Witch said again. "I could not go inside."
"But you spoke to them there, didn't you?" William asked. "The powers. The ... Goddess."
Tara looked at her knees, and then raised her eyes back to the boy. His face was so innocent, but tired far beyond his years. "I did."
"I need you to take me there. I need her help. Their help." His eyes were full of innocence and desperation.
"William," Tara sighed, standing, pacing over to her desk. "I don't know if I can. Even if I was sure, I don't know if I should."
"Why?" He screamed, his eyes filling with tears. "Why? This thing... it's coming. You can feel it..."
"Yes, I can," Tara answered, her skin crawling just thinking of it.
"And I think I can stop it," William shouted, banging his fist on the table. "But we need their help. Her help. Please Aunt Tara. If we don't. We'll all die. All but me. And I can't...."
William broke into sobs, his head falling into his hands. Tara crouched in front of him, letting her small, soft hands touch against his jeans. She felt his agony. His pain. Coursing out of him in dark waves. "All right," Tara finally whispered. "Lock the door."
*****
The lights had faces now. Like fairies or angels or pixies. Pretty. White and palest pink and blue. Flurrying around him like they were very late for a very important date. He followed them. Running through the darkness. Feeling them in front of him. Behind him.
"Will!" His father's voice. Will snapped upright on the couch, River falling onto the soft fabric. The sound of a movie playing in the background. Feet thundered down the staircase. "Will!"
"Dad?" His voice was dazed. Sleepy.
"Did Emma come home?" Spike asked, running down the staircase, covered in the ooze of some demon he must have killed on patrol. Normal sight on this particular house. Buffy ran up from the basement.
"No," Will said, panic striking him. "I... She was out with..."
Spike traded a glance with his son. Buffy felt it like electric passing between them. "It's now," Buffy said, flipping open the weapons chest and grabbing a broadsword. She tossed Spike another sword. William leaned over, grabbing a battle axe, River at his heels.
"No," Will said, turning towards the girl. "Stay here."
River looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear, but oddly resolved. "I'm not leaving. I'm not running. We started together. We'll finish it together."
Buffy looked at them a moment, and then handed the girl an athame. "C'mon River. We need to go *now*."
They streaked out the door. As Will led the way, Buffy ran, speed dialing the rest on a cell phone. Not even speaking. Just calling them. They would know. They had all been waiting.
The alley was black. Not just dark, but black. The four of them nearly bounced off the thick shadows when they reached the opening. "Emma?" William called.
"Will." Her voice was soft. Lyrical. Almost ghostly. William looked at his dad. Spike nodded. The two of them raised their weapons, diving into the fray. Hacking the shadows, their blades snicker-snackering through the darkness.
Buffy followed, commanding River to wait for the rest. The three of them made their way through the blackness, not doing much to loosen the hold of the seething black tongues, but carving a path through to where their blood, their flesh, glowed along the back wall. "Emma!" Will called again. She looked at them and her brightness grew, lighting the way.
It wasn't long before there were more swords. More warriors. Familiar faces. Xander. His beautiful wife. Aunt Willow. Dawn. All of them crashing through the darkness. William made it to his sister first, positioning himself in front of her. His father to his left. His mother towards his right. The darkness closing in.
Then Will heard it. Tara's voice in the distance. "Illuminati" She chanted over and over. River grabbed her hand, joining it. "Illuminati." Anya on the other side, hanging tight to the other two. "Illuminati"
A flicker of darkness made it past Buffy. She turned, her sword swinging towards the darkness, but it caught her, pulling her into the Earth.
"Buffy!" Spike screamed, running towards his love. He glanced back at William. Will nodded.
"Buffy?" Spike screamed again, diving at her, grabbing her hand before she disappeared over the edge.
"'Spike," Buffy called. "Emma."
Spike turned his head, catching sight of his son battling the closing darkness. His head turned back to Buffy, a torn look on his face.
"Dad!" William called back. "Don't let go!"
Suddenly, a moonbeam cascaded into the alley, bright and glowing and warm. As Will looked at it, he saw them. They had faces now. Like fairies or angels or pixies. A river of angels pouring into the alley. They had come to help.
The shadows screamed, howling, shrinking into the darkness. The angels glowed like sunshine in the darkness, covering them, driving them down into the buckled Earth. Will jumped, grabbing Emma's hand, holding on. Pulling her back into the light.
It didn't hurt much. Not really. He was glad for that. The darkness shot up in a dying gasp at Emma. He jumped in front of her. It burned as it dug into his belly like a flaming sword. He felt Emma's arms under his shoulders as he fell to the pavement. Holding onto him. And the light.
All the light. And River's voice.
"Will!"
*****
"Am I dead?" William stood in front of a door, several stories high. He had been here before. They were there. He couldn't see them, but they were there.
"Dead?" The male voice asked.
"Did I die?" William asked. "In the alley. Is that why I am here?"
A feminine voice chuckled. "No, child."
William was silent, his hand over where the wound in his stomach should have been. "Then why?"
"Why what, William?" The man asked. Will could feel the warmth of them. The light.
"Why am I here?" He felt like a child. He was to these timeless, ageless beings.
The woman stepped forward, a beauty untold in all the world. Her hair hung in spun gold waves. Her perfect golden skin set off by her light, glowing blue eyes. Perfection. Love. "You saved our emissary." She said kindly. "You were willing to die for her."
"She is my sister," William answered, falling to a knee as if it was the only reaction to have in front of such perfection. She leaned down, an impossibly soft hand wrapping around his and pulling him to his feet in front of her.
"Yes," she answered. "But you are her hero. We owe you a debt, child."
"W...why?" William asked.
The man stepped from the light. "Because, son, you had no duty. You had no reason to protect her. No calling. No power. But yet, you did."
"I.. I had too. Emma... I couldn't let her... Is she OK? My mum?" William stuttered.
"They all survived," the woman smiled. "Because of you. What can we do to repay you?"
William looked at them wide-eyed. "I want to go back to them. I want to be with them again."
"Nothing else?" The woman asked, her face kind and gentle.
William thought for a moment, then smiled. "River." he sighed. "If we could have half the love that you gave to my parents...."
The woman smiled. "You already have that. You already have it all." She held his hand, nodding at the door. "Come with us. Rest."
The door opened slowly into hazy soft light. He followed them. Holding on to Heaven.
To be contd.