Disclaimer: "He just drank a cup of acid! What the fuck do you expect me to
do?" "I don't know, just keep him from doing anything stupid." It's easier
said than done. I put the receiver down and head out to the backyard. When
I made the call, he and a few others were walking in that direction, and
hopefully, he's still there now. And, when I get near the pool, I find he
is. "I'm a Golden God!" He's on the roof, right above the pool, so
incredibly high it's not funny. "Hey Joss! Get down from there!" If he
jumps, I'm in big shit. He sees me, then points at me. "And I want you to
tell Entertainment Magazine that the last thing I said. . . was. . . 'I'm
on drugs!'" A cheer erupts from the audience. "Don't you want to say
something a little more eloquent?" I ask, hoping to speak to the still
sober part of him. "Oh! Ok! Tell them that. . . 'I, Joss Whedon, dig Buffy
the Vampire Slayer, my most precious creation'. . . and. . . 'I'm on
drugs!'" Holy shit, this is going to be one hell of a night.
Rating: R- No sex today, just some casual swearing. It'll come, it'll come.
Summary: After a horrifying incident, Buffy leaves Sunnydale, vowing never to return. Well, we all know she can't stay away forever.
Author's Notes: The stuff just keeps pouring out. I wrote this chapter earlier today because I had a late start at school, and so I could publish after school around 5 PM my time and give you guys on the east coast a treat. I usually update it around 10 PM my time, because that's when I allow myself to go on the computer. It's psychotic, I know. Anyway, I have to tell the fans of this story that I am loving the reviews. I check my email, see that I've got some new messages, then silently scream in my room as I read your words of love. I send you all kisses. Just to clarify, Spike has a shiny new soul. I explained that in chapter four, but I probably wasn't to clear. The only difference is, he didn't go through that moral crap because he asked for the soul and because he is my most favoritist character and he's super hot. Tee hee hee, I'm such a girl. So, I love you all, and Buddy Christ gives you all a thumbs up.
PS: That little scene in my disclaimer was stolen from the super movie, Almost Famous.
Chapter Seven- Out of Hiding
Slouching deeper in the sofa, Anya rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. The meeting had started an hour and a half ago, and the end was no where in sight. She knew the information was important, possible apocalypse and such, but the way Giles kept rambling on and on just made her want to gouge her eyes out with ice picks.
Xander sat next to her, alert and absorbing all the information, as was everyone else in the room. Well, they like all this boring shit. I mean, they've been doing it for years, save Tara and Spike, but they get off on this crap.
In the corner of her eye, she saw Phoenix leaning against the living room doorframe. She too listened with intensity. Taking a quick glance at Anya, she faintly smiled.
Her crying had ended right after dinner, thank God. While everyone made his or her way to the living room for the meeting, Anya stayed behind in the kitchen, comforting Phoenix. She hadn't realized seeing everyone would make her so emotional. When she stopped sobbing, they both went to the meeting, Phoenix staying by the door, as if not to be part of the group.
Anya turned her attention back to Giles, who was prattling on and on about the recent demon population.
". . . Xander, you killed a total of six vampires this week. Willow, Anya, and I each got one. And Spike. . ." he paused, looking down at his clipboard, "Um, how many was it again."
"Fifteen." He sat up, a look of pride on his face. When he started to beam at Xander, he responded with his middle finger.
Giles, trying desperately to end the male competition, cleared his throat. "Yes, fifteen. That makes it a total of twenty-four vampires for the week ending yesterday, a twenty percent decrease from the same week last year."
"Um, are there any other demon changes?" Tara asked, her swelled feet propped up on the coffee table.
Flipping through his notes, Giles came on the information. "Yes, there has also been a decrease in demon activity. Except for an increase in Flueruin demon sightings, it would appear that the demons are, in fact, leaving the area."
Xander sat up. "Isn't that a good thing? I mean, yea, evil leaving. Party time."
Giles sighed, then took off his glasses. "No, it's not. For the past three years, there's been a constant demon population. Then, five months ago, they've all but disappeared. There are a few remaining, but the rest of them are gone. And then we have to deal with Tara's premonitions."
Seeing Phoenix make a confused face, Anya tried to get it clarified for her invisible friend. "What premonitions?"
Xander patted his wife on the knee. "Honey, we've talked about this thousands of times."
"But I don't remember."
Giles started to wipe his glasses on the hem of his shirt. "Due to Tara's pregnancy and inherited magickal abilities, she's grown a sixth sense; a connection with the mystical world."
Tara nodded. "Yeah, I get these feelings from the earth that something isn't right. Like, there's this unsteadiness to the balance of life."
"Well, if there was something going on in the demon world, I should know," Spike said to the brunette, "You know, me being evil and all. But, I've felt nothing. It's got to be something else."
After putting his glasses back on, Giles flopped down in the chair next to his wife. "But what?"
Everyone stood in silence for a few minutes.
Breaking the stillness, Xander said aloud what they all wished.
"If only Buffy were here. . ."
There was a common agreement with the crowd. Anya quickly glanced at the girl. See, we do need you.
"Get any news from that private eye guy, Wills?" Xander asked.
She shook her head. "I got a call from him a week ago. He said that he found a trail leading to Chicago, but he hasn't gotten in touch yet. I don't know if he found her or not."
Olivia, having been quiet for a while, spoke up. "I think it's necessary that you come up with a plan in case you cannot find Buffy. You're depending on a girl who does not want to be found, and as you told me before, she knows how to hide. I don't wish to be a pessimist, but I do wish to be reasonable."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree with Olivia," Tara said, looking down at her stomach, "We have to decide what to do if we don't find Buffy." The group stood in a hush, not wanting to think of that possibility.
"I know what to do!"
Turning to face the hallway, the Scoobies and Phoenix saw little Gillian in her Piglet pajamas, listening intently. How long she had been standing there, no one knew.
Anya got up from her seat and approached her daughter, trying hard so neither of them would bump into the invisible girl. "Jilly, you're supposed to be sound asleep."
She rolled her eyes. "Duh, I know that. I couldn't sleep." She entered the living room and hopped into Spike's lap. "Bored, Uncle Billy?"
"Nope, Jilly-Bean," he began to pat her head, "Watcher-boy's not that dull."
"Come on Jilly, bed time." Anya walked over to the girl and reached to pick her up.
"No no NO Mommy, I have a great idea on what to do!"
Pulling her arms away and folding them across her chest, Anya frowned. "You have five minutes."
The girl sat up, a serious look on her face. "I think you should get help from Phoenix."
Phoenix and Anya bit their lips simultaneously, while the rest of the gang sat forward in interest.
"Who?" asked Giles.
Again, the little girl rolled her eyes. "Mommy's friend who came over today for tea. She said they were old friends. She was really sad, but her aura told me that she was really powerful and could help. So, I think you should let Phoenix help you."
All eyes now rested on Anya, who began to defensively walk backwards.
"Old friend? Anya, are you getting help from the demon dimensions?" Xander questioned, his tone both shocked and angry.
Shaking her head, the ex-vengeance demon began to get nervous. "I. . . I-I, you see. . . this girl. . . w-well she, I mean. . ."
Giles stood up, his expression matching Xander's. "Do you know how dangerous that is? We don't have the slightest idea what's going on. They may very well be behind whatever is going on. Not to mention that creating an alliance with them is the stupidest thing I've ever heard."
"I'm gonna have to agree with the Watcher and Whelp here. That's so fucking dumb," Spike looked almost horrified.
"No, you see. . . I d-didn't. . ."
"Think!" Willow stood up, obviously angry. "You weren't thinking! You have a husband, children, friends to look after, and asking the demons for help puts us all in danger." Her anger began to grow as she looked down at her pregnant partner. "If something happens to Tara or our baby, I'm going to hold YOU personally responsible!"
"Oh, God. . . I would never want t-that to happen. . ."
"Anya."
A small voice came from behind, one she could only hear.
Phoenix.
"Take the spell off. They need to know what's going on."
Anya spoke to Phoenix, which, to everyone else, looked like she was talking to the wall. "Are you sure you want them to know?"
"Anya?" Xander looked at his wife carefully. "Who ya talking to?"
Phoenix shook her head. "It doesn't matter. If this really is a big problem, I need to be here to do my job."
"What the bloody hell is going on?" Spike stood up, holding Gillian in his arms.
She turned to them, a joyful look on her face. "I've found a solution." She reached into her jean pocket and pulled out a handful of spices she had secretly pocketed after doing the spell earlier. "O Hecate, I thank you for your gift, and now I ask you to return your daughter to her original form." Throwing the spices in the air, she began to chant in her demon language.
Slowly, before all, Phoenix began to materialize.
Anya looked back at everyone. "Buffy's back."
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
The silence is deafening. Phoenix had heard that phrase used before in a movie, but never understood what it meant. Now, standing in front of her old friends for the first time in six years, and them actually able to see her, she understood.
Not one person moved. They all stared, as if they didn't believe it was her.
"Buffy?" Tears began to form in Willow's eyes at the sight of her friend.
"Buffster?" Xander's face was pale, as if he'd seen a ghost.
"Oh my God. . ." Giles looked at the girl, on the verge of crying.
She shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "Hey."
Willow began to move towards her, but stopped after a few feet. This can't be Buffy. She began to examine the girl claiming to be her best friend.
Her beautiful blonde hair had been destroyed, now a completely unnatural auburn color. In places, she saw streaks of some different tones, blue and blonde-white. On her left nostril, a small silver stud glinted in the light, as did the ring on her bottom left lip. She wore a tight, black leather corset that ended six inches from her pierced navel. Due to her lack of sleeves, Willow could see various tattooed bands, all sorts of designs and patterns. Her black jeans were very tight and worn, sagging low to her waist, silver chains hanging off the belt hooks.
"You look. . . great," Willow tried as hard as she could to be sincere.
"Buffy!" Giles raced over to hug her, but she backed away when he got close.
"First off," she began, her face hard and unforgiving, "Don't call me Buffy. She's gone. I'm Phoenix. If you don't like my name, get over it. Now, I'm here to help you with whatever's going on. You'll give me the information, and I'll kill it. After we're done, I'm leaving. No one will mention me staying, or follow me when I leave."
Spike, who had been standing in shock for the exchanges, put Gillian on the ground and walked to the door, never looking at Phoenix. In a second, he was gone, slamming the door hard.
Tara had a small tear dropping down the side of her face. "When did you get back?"
Phoenix turned to Anya. "Today. Two days ago, the private eye guy you hired found me. He kinda talked me into coming, saying he'd let me get a hold of you. I ended up coming here first, and Anya let me in. She'll explain the rest to you." Phoenix turned on her heals, and went to the hallway to retrieve her coat. "I'm going to find a motel to stay at. I'll see you in the morning." She opened the door and left.
All eyes came back on Anya, wanting the information.
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
Phoenix made her way to her rental car, emotionally drained and exhausted. What did I expect, a warm 'How the hell are you' welcome?
As she opened her car door, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Spike sat on the sidewalk, directly under the street lamp. He wasn't crying; just sitting there in a daze.
Sighing, she shut the door and walked over to him.
"How are you?" she asked uncomfortably.
"You left." He wasn't talking at her, just staring ahead.
"Yeah, I did."
He jumped to his feet, the fluorescent lights bouncing off his enraged features.
"Don't try to pretend to be Buffy while you're here. You're not Buffy!" He whipped around and began to walk away, leaving her alone in the light.
When he was a few feet away, he stopped and turned around. "Buffy Summers wouldn't have left," he whispered, Phoenix barely hearing him. He slowly moved into the darkness..
For a moment, she stood there, not sure what to do. Then, the tears began to come. Sitting in the same spot she'd found Spike, Phoenix cried long and hard.
Rating: R- No sex today, just some casual swearing. It'll come, it'll come.
Summary: After a horrifying incident, Buffy leaves Sunnydale, vowing never to return. Well, we all know she can't stay away forever.
Author's Notes: The stuff just keeps pouring out. I wrote this chapter earlier today because I had a late start at school, and so I could publish after school around 5 PM my time and give you guys on the east coast a treat. I usually update it around 10 PM my time, because that's when I allow myself to go on the computer. It's psychotic, I know. Anyway, I have to tell the fans of this story that I am loving the reviews. I check my email, see that I've got some new messages, then silently scream in my room as I read your words of love. I send you all kisses. Just to clarify, Spike has a shiny new soul. I explained that in chapter four, but I probably wasn't to clear. The only difference is, he didn't go through that moral crap because he asked for the soul and because he is my most favoritist character and he's super hot. Tee hee hee, I'm such a girl. So, I love you all, and Buddy Christ gives you all a thumbs up.
PS: That little scene in my disclaimer was stolen from the super movie, Almost Famous.
Chapter Seven- Out of Hiding
Slouching deeper in the sofa, Anya rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. The meeting had started an hour and a half ago, and the end was no where in sight. She knew the information was important, possible apocalypse and such, but the way Giles kept rambling on and on just made her want to gouge her eyes out with ice picks.
Xander sat next to her, alert and absorbing all the information, as was everyone else in the room. Well, they like all this boring shit. I mean, they've been doing it for years, save Tara and Spike, but they get off on this crap.
In the corner of her eye, she saw Phoenix leaning against the living room doorframe. She too listened with intensity. Taking a quick glance at Anya, she faintly smiled.
Her crying had ended right after dinner, thank God. While everyone made his or her way to the living room for the meeting, Anya stayed behind in the kitchen, comforting Phoenix. She hadn't realized seeing everyone would make her so emotional. When she stopped sobbing, they both went to the meeting, Phoenix staying by the door, as if not to be part of the group.
Anya turned her attention back to Giles, who was prattling on and on about the recent demon population.
". . . Xander, you killed a total of six vampires this week. Willow, Anya, and I each got one. And Spike. . ." he paused, looking down at his clipboard, "Um, how many was it again."
"Fifteen." He sat up, a look of pride on his face. When he started to beam at Xander, he responded with his middle finger.
Giles, trying desperately to end the male competition, cleared his throat. "Yes, fifteen. That makes it a total of twenty-four vampires for the week ending yesterday, a twenty percent decrease from the same week last year."
"Um, are there any other demon changes?" Tara asked, her swelled feet propped up on the coffee table.
Flipping through his notes, Giles came on the information. "Yes, there has also been a decrease in demon activity. Except for an increase in Flueruin demon sightings, it would appear that the demons are, in fact, leaving the area."
Xander sat up. "Isn't that a good thing? I mean, yea, evil leaving. Party time."
Giles sighed, then took off his glasses. "No, it's not. For the past three years, there's been a constant demon population. Then, five months ago, they've all but disappeared. There are a few remaining, but the rest of them are gone. And then we have to deal with Tara's premonitions."
Seeing Phoenix make a confused face, Anya tried to get it clarified for her invisible friend. "What premonitions?"
Xander patted his wife on the knee. "Honey, we've talked about this thousands of times."
"But I don't remember."
Giles started to wipe his glasses on the hem of his shirt. "Due to Tara's pregnancy and inherited magickal abilities, she's grown a sixth sense; a connection with the mystical world."
Tara nodded. "Yeah, I get these feelings from the earth that something isn't right. Like, there's this unsteadiness to the balance of life."
"Well, if there was something going on in the demon world, I should know," Spike said to the brunette, "You know, me being evil and all. But, I've felt nothing. It's got to be something else."
After putting his glasses back on, Giles flopped down in the chair next to his wife. "But what?"
Everyone stood in silence for a few minutes.
Breaking the stillness, Xander said aloud what they all wished.
"If only Buffy were here. . ."
There was a common agreement with the crowd. Anya quickly glanced at the girl. See, we do need you.
"Get any news from that private eye guy, Wills?" Xander asked.
She shook her head. "I got a call from him a week ago. He said that he found a trail leading to Chicago, but he hasn't gotten in touch yet. I don't know if he found her or not."
Olivia, having been quiet for a while, spoke up. "I think it's necessary that you come up with a plan in case you cannot find Buffy. You're depending on a girl who does not want to be found, and as you told me before, she knows how to hide. I don't wish to be a pessimist, but I do wish to be reasonable."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree with Olivia," Tara said, looking down at her stomach, "We have to decide what to do if we don't find Buffy." The group stood in a hush, not wanting to think of that possibility.
"I know what to do!"
Turning to face the hallway, the Scoobies and Phoenix saw little Gillian in her Piglet pajamas, listening intently. How long she had been standing there, no one knew.
Anya got up from her seat and approached her daughter, trying hard so neither of them would bump into the invisible girl. "Jilly, you're supposed to be sound asleep."
She rolled her eyes. "Duh, I know that. I couldn't sleep." She entered the living room and hopped into Spike's lap. "Bored, Uncle Billy?"
"Nope, Jilly-Bean," he began to pat her head, "Watcher-boy's not that dull."
"Come on Jilly, bed time." Anya walked over to the girl and reached to pick her up.
"No no NO Mommy, I have a great idea on what to do!"
Pulling her arms away and folding them across her chest, Anya frowned. "You have five minutes."
The girl sat up, a serious look on her face. "I think you should get help from Phoenix."
Phoenix and Anya bit their lips simultaneously, while the rest of the gang sat forward in interest.
"Who?" asked Giles.
Again, the little girl rolled her eyes. "Mommy's friend who came over today for tea. She said they were old friends. She was really sad, but her aura told me that she was really powerful and could help. So, I think you should let Phoenix help you."
All eyes now rested on Anya, who began to defensively walk backwards.
"Old friend? Anya, are you getting help from the demon dimensions?" Xander questioned, his tone both shocked and angry.
Shaking her head, the ex-vengeance demon began to get nervous. "I. . . I-I, you see. . . this girl. . . w-well she, I mean. . ."
Giles stood up, his expression matching Xander's. "Do you know how dangerous that is? We don't have the slightest idea what's going on. They may very well be behind whatever is going on. Not to mention that creating an alliance with them is the stupidest thing I've ever heard."
"I'm gonna have to agree with the Watcher and Whelp here. That's so fucking dumb," Spike looked almost horrified.
"No, you see. . . I d-didn't. . ."
"Think!" Willow stood up, obviously angry. "You weren't thinking! You have a husband, children, friends to look after, and asking the demons for help puts us all in danger." Her anger began to grow as she looked down at her pregnant partner. "If something happens to Tara or our baby, I'm going to hold YOU personally responsible!"
"Oh, God. . . I would never want t-that to happen. . ."
"Anya."
A small voice came from behind, one she could only hear.
Phoenix.
"Take the spell off. They need to know what's going on."
Anya spoke to Phoenix, which, to everyone else, looked like she was talking to the wall. "Are you sure you want them to know?"
"Anya?" Xander looked at his wife carefully. "Who ya talking to?"
Phoenix shook her head. "It doesn't matter. If this really is a big problem, I need to be here to do my job."
"What the bloody hell is going on?" Spike stood up, holding Gillian in his arms.
She turned to them, a joyful look on her face. "I've found a solution." She reached into her jean pocket and pulled out a handful of spices she had secretly pocketed after doing the spell earlier. "O Hecate, I thank you for your gift, and now I ask you to return your daughter to her original form." Throwing the spices in the air, she began to chant in her demon language.
Slowly, before all, Phoenix began to materialize.
Anya looked back at everyone. "Buffy's back."
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
The silence is deafening. Phoenix had heard that phrase used before in a movie, but never understood what it meant. Now, standing in front of her old friends for the first time in six years, and them actually able to see her, she understood.
Not one person moved. They all stared, as if they didn't believe it was her.
"Buffy?" Tears began to form in Willow's eyes at the sight of her friend.
"Buffster?" Xander's face was pale, as if he'd seen a ghost.
"Oh my God. . ." Giles looked at the girl, on the verge of crying.
She shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "Hey."
Willow began to move towards her, but stopped after a few feet. This can't be Buffy. She began to examine the girl claiming to be her best friend.
Her beautiful blonde hair had been destroyed, now a completely unnatural auburn color. In places, she saw streaks of some different tones, blue and blonde-white. On her left nostril, a small silver stud glinted in the light, as did the ring on her bottom left lip. She wore a tight, black leather corset that ended six inches from her pierced navel. Due to her lack of sleeves, Willow could see various tattooed bands, all sorts of designs and patterns. Her black jeans were very tight and worn, sagging low to her waist, silver chains hanging off the belt hooks.
"You look. . . great," Willow tried as hard as she could to be sincere.
"Buffy!" Giles raced over to hug her, but she backed away when he got close.
"First off," she began, her face hard and unforgiving, "Don't call me Buffy. She's gone. I'm Phoenix. If you don't like my name, get over it. Now, I'm here to help you with whatever's going on. You'll give me the information, and I'll kill it. After we're done, I'm leaving. No one will mention me staying, or follow me when I leave."
Spike, who had been standing in shock for the exchanges, put Gillian on the ground and walked to the door, never looking at Phoenix. In a second, he was gone, slamming the door hard.
Tara had a small tear dropping down the side of her face. "When did you get back?"
Phoenix turned to Anya. "Today. Two days ago, the private eye guy you hired found me. He kinda talked me into coming, saying he'd let me get a hold of you. I ended up coming here first, and Anya let me in. She'll explain the rest to you." Phoenix turned on her heals, and went to the hallway to retrieve her coat. "I'm going to find a motel to stay at. I'll see you in the morning." She opened the door and left.
All eyes came back on Anya, wanting the information.
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
Phoenix made her way to her rental car, emotionally drained and exhausted. What did I expect, a warm 'How the hell are you' welcome?
As she opened her car door, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Spike sat on the sidewalk, directly under the street lamp. He wasn't crying; just sitting there in a daze.
Sighing, she shut the door and walked over to him.
"How are you?" she asked uncomfortably.
"You left." He wasn't talking at her, just staring ahead.
"Yeah, I did."
He jumped to his feet, the fluorescent lights bouncing off his enraged features.
"Don't try to pretend to be Buffy while you're here. You're not Buffy!" He whipped around and began to walk away, leaving her alone in the light.
When he was a few feet away, he stopped and turned around. "Buffy Summers wouldn't have left," he whispered, Phoenix barely hearing him. He slowly moved into the darkness..
For a moment, she stood there, not sure what to do. Then, the tears began to come. Sitting in the same spot she'd found Spike, Phoenix cried long and hard.