Anya waved her hand across a thick door and smiled as it swung open. A dark
red room met her eyes. Being a demon, she had never seen an apartment
building as lush as this. The rooms were huge and had light flowing freely
within. This had been quite a lovely home, but now the chairs were thrown
across the floor. Curtains hung in shreds over the windows, that were
crushed. Walls were burned where spell's had been thrown, and several
tables were reduced to splinters.
Sighing, she walked into the kitchen to look for any survivors. A cauldron bubbled on the fireplace, dripping dark blue liquid onto the flames. Fighting back tears, Anya stepped over strewn items and towards the bedrooms. A stifled "mama" came from her feet as she entered the first door. Tears ran down her cheeks as she saw the source. Slowly, she crouched down and picked up the doll. "mama" it squeaked. A small shuffle came from the room and the closet creaked. Dropping the doll, Anya ran to the door and opened it slowly. Clothes were in a heap on the floor and fast breathing could be heard. Pulling the clothes up, she threw them out and looked again. The breathing was just as loud as before but now she saw where it could be coming from. A large hole was torn in the floor where the clothes had been. Anya leaned forward into the gap and looked around the dark space. The breaths were muffled now, as if further then at first.
Standing up again, she looked around the closet. "Who's here?" she called. A small whimper echoed and Anya looked up to the ceiling. A small hole lay in the center and a square crack went completely around the area. Anya ran out to the hall and picked up the doll again. Hurrying back, she held the doll out into the moonlight. "Come on." she whispered. Stepping back out of the closet, she held it just in sight. A creak followed her voice, and the ceiling moved out of place. A small girl dropped to her feet and stared.
She looked to be about 6 years old. She had straight auburn hair down to her shoulders and her eyes were clover green. "Doll." She whimpered with her arms stretched towards her. Anya gave the doll to the girl and then held her hand out. "What's your name?"
The girl hugged the doll tightly, and rocked back and forth on her heels. "Amber.Amber wants mommy." Anya scooted forward slightly. "That's a pretty name. I'm Anya." Amber looked at her again and then backed against the wall. "Amber want mommy. Mommy said she'd come back."
Anya tried to pick up the little girl but she flicked her hand and the next thing Anyanka knew, her back met the wall. Flinching she sat up, and looked at the small girl. "ow." she grumbled. Amber rocked side to side, holding the doll against her cheek.
"Mommy said she'd be back. Mommy promised. Mommy promised." the girl trailed off incoherently. Anya rose from the floor and walked back to the closet. "Did you see what happened to your mommy?" she asked. Amber nodded. "People with teeth. They came in. Mommy told Amber to hide. Amber said no. Mommy hid Amber. Mommy's friend called for help. Mommy couldn't. Lady come in and take mommy. Mommy scream. Amber cry. Amber not leave."
Anya held both hands out to the child. "I'm not going to hurt you. Mommy's not coming back this time. but we need to get you out of here. Is there anyone else hiding here?"
Amber shook her head. "Amber only left." Anya picked her up and brushed her hair out of her eyes. "Let's go." she whispered. Amber held onto Anya's shoulder frightfully and sniffled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~ ~*~*
Skip clawed the doorknob and stepped into the last apartment. The situation was in dire straights. All 5 stories in building 2, and now 4 had been empty with items thrown around from fights in each room. He was hoping that Anya found somebody in building one. But it looked as though no one had been left.
Turning his thoughts towards the room before him, he looked back. Candles filled the room. But then a breeze blew across the room, extinguishing all. Skip shivered and clicked on the lights. But as soon as the lamps came on, 2 blades pressed on each side of his neck.
Gulping, he looked down and saw two Wicca's staring menacingly at him. One was in her 20's, blonde hair, and golden eyes. The other looked to be in their early 30's,black hair, and flaming orange eyes.
The blonde pressed harder onto his neck, and then pushed him away from the door. Holding the dagger out in front of her, she hissed. "What do you want Demon?" Skip held his hands up in surrender. "Willow sent me." "Willow?" the black haired girl asked. "What's wrong with her?" Skip pointed to their daggers. "Apparently the same problem you had yourselves. Their house is surrounded. They need your help."
The blonde lowered her dagger and slid it into a holster around her waist. The raven haired girl followed suit. "I'm Georgia." the blonde answered. "and this is my good friend Wren." Wren bowed her head slightly and gazed towards Georgia to listen. "We would be glad to help. Lead the way. But I'm sorry to say, no other person was left in our group. All were taken."
Skip nodded, "yeah." He sighed. "I know."
Anya stopped as she saw Skip and two girls walking towards them, across the parking lot. "Georgia! Wren!" Amber cooed. Both Wicca's smiled as they saw the small girl. "Amber!" Wren gasped. "How?" Anya shook her head. "That's not a good question to ask right now. Are you all that are left?" Georgia nodded. "Sad isn't it?"
Anya nodded. "Willow's gonna be glad to get any help." Skip took Wren's hand. "Everyone hold hands. We need to zip right into the house. No getting past the minions." Everyone nodded. A light flashed and the complex blurred around them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~* ~~**
Willow turned quickly as a shimmer caught her eye. Tara pulled Joyce close. " Skip!" she called. The demon turned and smiled as he saw the Wicca. "Two left. The rest were gone."
Tara stopped as she saw the small child in Anya's arms. "Amber?" she whispered. The girl smiled and ran into Tara's embrace. "Teacher." she cooed. Tara smoothed Amber's hair back lovingly and looked up at Skip. "Where was she?"
Anya shook her head sadly. "She was hiding in a closet. Her mom was taken." Tara nodded. "Her mom was changed."
"How do you know that?" said Anya.
Tara hugged Amber close again. "Her mom was Demi. We all know how her story ended."
Everyone in the room was quiet as the seriousness of the situation hit them. Joyce was the one who finally broke the silence. "Why are we all standing here?! We shouldn't cower. We need to do something! We have to be able to at least hold them off!"
Wren walked over to Willow, whom was sitting on the floor staring into space. "Will?" But the Wicca did not answer. Georgia picked a book off of the shelves and flipped through it. "What are you looking for?" Tara asked.
Georgia smiled and pointed to a long incantation. "This will shield the house. No one will be able to get in, as long as we get this going and KEEP it going."
Wren crouched down beside Willow. "Will? We need your help. Please?" The red haired Wicca nodded slowly. "Soon as possible." Willow stood, walked to the center of the room and sat on one of the plush pillows. "Come on." she murmured as she looked at the creatures staring in the glass ceiling. "Let's get started."
Willow bowed her head and dipped her hands into a basin of water.
"O Goddess Mother, gentle and mild
Look down and bless us, for we are your child."
The Wicca's followed her lead as she drew a pentagram on her eyelids.
"Please bless my eyes that I might see
Your ways and your path, and how things should be"
Drawing another line across her lips, she recited again.
"Please bless my lips so that they may carry
Your words to all people with a voice light and airy."
Then she anointed her knees and ankles.
" So that I may knell at your altar, please bless
My knees keep them free of all pain and duress
and please bless my feet as your steps they now trace
keep them on the right path at a straight pace"
The women then stood around the circle of pillows and Willow raised a burning incense.
"I bless you now that you may aid
The energy flow as magic is made
I cast out negative energy
Leaving only the positive to live and breathe
Within you as we start this rite
Blessed be in joy, and love, and light."
Wren raised a candle as Georgia, Tara, and Willow bowed low, touching their heads to the floor.
" By her fragrant breath, the air,
By winds blown cold and breezes fair
be cleansed of negativity
As we will, so mote it be."
The candle lit and Georgia took the candle as Wren bowed to the floor.
"By her burning soul's desire
of dancing flame and burning fire
Be cleansed of negativity
As will I so mote it be."
Tara stood and Georgia passed the candle before bowing again.
"By water that flows through her veins
The force of storms and gentle rains
Be cleansed of negativity
As I will so mote it be."
Willow rose and took the burning candle. Tara smiled trying to reassure her. But sadly the red haired Wicca did not look any less pale.
"By earth that is her body round
By mountains, valley, hill, and mound
Be cleansed of negativity
As I will, so mote it be."
The Wiccans stood slowly and chanted together, hands raised.
"I purify this Circle round
by elements of sky and ground
By air, fire, water, and earth
It's cleansed in love and light and mirth."
Slowly, Willow dropped the candle into the fire pit. Then she led the others in a circle around it.
" I cast you now O circle of Power
I conjure your magic to grow and tower
Help us in this time of need
and banish our enemies
in all abundancy."
A light flashed and the vampires were thrown from the house, landing hard on the ground. Joyce cheered as she saw the creatures growling and walking the barrier trying to find a weak spot.
Drusilla pushed several minions forward and shouted something at them. Joyce could just barely hear her demands. "We need a spell! Try to break that shield! My spike taught me that."
Joyce turned frantically back and ran to Anya. "Their going to break the shield! She has lot's of people ready to do it too!" Skip put his hand over her mouth quickly. "Shh. As long as they chant, the spell holds. If someone messes them up. it's over."
Joyce nodded slowly and Skip released her again. "Listen Kid, We're going to go find your mom."
"What do you mean we?" Anya asked. Skip sighed. "Anya. We need to go find her parents."
"Oh."
Joyce tried to smile bravely. "Uh okay." Anya ruffled Joyce's hair and disappeared. Skip looked back at the Wicca's and back at the blonde girl. "Remember. Don't mess with them and if you could. Keep a eye on Amber."
Joyce nodded strongly and Skip smiled. "So brave for just a child." Joyce watched him fade and sat down beside the little girl. "I just want to go home." she whimpered. Amber curled up alongside Joyce and smiled. "Amber want mommy."
Both girls stared up at the ceiling. Joyce was about to cry but Amber broke the silence first. "Eve coming."
"What?" Joyce asked.
"Eve coming." She repeated.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Emly pushed the minion towards the house. "Do it now!" she roared. The vampire nodded and raised their arms.
"What grace has passed to me
Let be passed to these grounds
Walls be torn
barriers be shred
and let my powers help
To turn living into dead.
This is my request
and demand unto thee
To tear this teachers home apart
For I am yours
My life
My kind
Eve"
The shield lit into a bright blue and Eve smirked. "Have help eh? Don't worry Willow. I have help of my own." Several minions formed a line behind her. "Watch out Will." she growled.
Eve raised one hand and chanted again.
"Heed this call
and beware
for danger lurks upon the air.
Barriers may shield an entry
but spells are welcome
Heed ye wind, air, and breeze
and by our order,
Cursed you will be!"
A wind swept around the home and windows shattered. Eve smirked. Her plan was working so far.
Several minions tried to move closer but Eve blocked them. "No." she growled. "The shield will fade when the spell breaks. We just need to stop them from chanting."
One minion growled into Eve's ear. "What spell this time then?"
Eve smiled evilly. "Same spell. But this time. Earth."
"Heed this call
and beware
for danger lurks upon the air
Barriers may shield entry
But spells are welcome
Heed ye ground, earth, and dust
and by our order
this is your curse!"
The ground shook and a room collapsed on the corner of the house. "Very good." Eve growled again. The house lurched up and the ground cracked. A scream could be heard as the last of the glass ceiling crashed down.
Drusilla looked at the brightening sky. "We have to go." she hissed. "Now."
The minions growled reluctantly as they saw the nearly condemned house. Following after their leader, Eve smirked. In the evening they would return and Willow would pay. She had underestimated Eve for too long. But the highlight would be the child. They would not let her live. No mercy this time.
TBC
Sighing, she walked into the kitchen to look for any survivors. A cauldron bubbled on the fireplace, dripping dark blue liquid onto the flames. Fighting back tears, Anya stepped over strewn items and towards the bedrooms. A stifled "mama" came from her feet as she entered the first door. Tears ran down her cheeks as she saw the source. Slowly, she crouched down and picked up the doll. "mama" it squeaked. A small shuffle came from the room and the closet creaked. Dropping the doll, Anya ran to the door and opened it slowly. Clothes were in a heap on the floor and fast breathing could be heard. Pulling the clothes up, she threw them out and looked again. The breathing was just as loud as before but now she saw where it could be coming from. A large hole was torn in the floor where the clothes had been. Anya leaned forward into the gap and looked around the dark space. The breaths were muffled now, as if further then at first.
Standing up again, she looked around the closet. "Who's here?" she called. A small whimper echoed and Anya looked up to the ceiling. A small hole lay in the center and a square crack went completely around the area. Anya ran out to the hall and picked up the doll again. Hurrying back, she held the doll out into the moonlight. "Come on." she whispered. Stepping back out of the closet, she held it just in sight. A creak followed her voice, and the ceiling moved out of place. A small girl dropped to her feet and stared.
She looked to be about 6 years old. She had straight auburn hair down to her shoulders and her eyes were clover green. "Doll." She whimpered with her arms stretched towards her. Anya gave the doll to the girl and then held her hand out. "What's your name?"
The girl hugged the doll tightly, and rocked back and forth on her heels. "Amber.Amber wants mommy." Anya scooted forward slightly. "That's a pretty name. I'm Anya." Amber looked at her again and then backed against the wall. "Amber want mommy. Mommy said she'd come back."
Anya tried to pick up the little girl but she flicked her hand and the next thing Anyanka knew, her back met the wall. Flinching she sat up, and looked at the small girl. "ow." she grumbled. Amber rocked side to side, holding the doll against her cheek.
"Mommy said she'd be back. Mommy promised. Mommy promised." the girl trailed off incoherently. Anya rose from the floor and walked back to the closet. "Did you see what happened to your mommy?" she asked. Amber nodded. "People with teeth. They came in. Mommy told Amber to hide. Amber said no. Mommy hid Amber. Mommy's friend called for help. Mommy couldn't. Lady come in and take mommy. Mommy scream. Amber cry. Amber not leave."
Anya held both hands out to the child. "I'm not going to hurt you. Mommy's not coming back this time. but we need to get you out of here. Is there anyone else hiding here?"
Amber shook her head. "Amber only left." Anya picked her up and brushed her hair out of her eyes. "Let's go." she whispered. Amber held onto Anya's shoulder frightfully and sniffled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~ ~*~*
Skip clawed the doorknob and stepped into the last apartment. The situation was in dire straights. All 5 stories in building 2, and now 4 had been empty with items thrown around from fights in each room. He was hoping that Anya found somebody in building one. But it looked as though no one had been left.
Turning his thoughts towards the room before him, he looked back. Candles filled the room. But then a breeze blew across the room, extinguishing all. Skip shivered and clicked on the lights. But as soon as the lamps came on, 2 blades pressed on each side of his neck.
Gulping, he looked down and saw two Wicca's staring menacingly at him. One was in her 20's, blonde hair, and golden eyes. The other looked to be in their early 30's,black hair, and flaming orange eyes.
The blonde pressed harder onto his neck, and then pushed him away from the door. Holding the dagger out in front of her, she hissed. "What do you want Demon?" Skip held his hands up in surrender. "Willow sent me." "Willow?" the black haired girl asked. "What's wrong with her?" Skip pointed to their daggers. "Apparently the same problem you had yourselves. Their house is surrounded. They need your help."
The blonde lowered her dagger and slid it into a holster around her waist. The raven haired girl followed suit. "I'm Georgia." the blonde answered. "and this is my good friend Wren." Wren bowed her head slightly and gazed towards Georgia to listen. "We would be glad to help. Lead the way. But I'm sorry to say, no other person was left in our group. All were taken."
Skip nodded, "yeah." He sighed. "I know."
Anya stopped as she saw Skip and two girls walking towards them, across the parking lot. "Georgia! Wren!" Amber cooed. Both Wicca's smiled as they saw the small girl. "Amber!" Wren gasped. "How?" Anya shook her head. "That's not a good question to ask right now. Are you all that are left?" Georgia nodded. "Sad isn't it?"
Anya nodded. "Willow's gonna be glad to get any help." Skip took Wren's hand. "Everyone hold hands. We need to zip right into the house. No getting past the minions." Everyone nodded. A light flashed and the complex blurred around them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~* ~~**
Willow turned quickly as a shimmer caught her eye. Tara pulled Joyce close. " Skip!" she called. The demon turned and smiled as he saw the Wicca. "Two left. The rest were gone."
Tara stopped as she saw the small child in Anya's arms. "Amber?" she whispered. The girl smiled and ran into Tara's embrace. "Teacher." she cooed. Tara smoothed Amber's hair back lovingly and looked up at Skip. "Where was she?"
Anya shook her head sadly. "She was hiding in a closet. Her mom was taken." Tara nodded. "Her mom was changed."
"How do you know that?" said Anya.
Tara hugged Amber close again. "Her mom was Demi. We all know how her story ended."
Everyone in the room was quiet as the seriousness of the situation hit them. Joyce was the one who finally broke the silence. "Why are we all standing here?! We shouldn't cower. We need to do something! We have to be able to at least hold them off!"
Wren walked over to Willow, whom was sitting on the floor staring into space. "Will?" But the Wicca did not answer. Georgia picked a book off of the shelves and flipped through it. "What are you looking for?" Tara asked.
Georgia smiled and pointed to a long incantation. "This will shield the house. No one will be able to get in, as long as we get this going and KEEP it going."
Wren crouched down beside Willow. "Will? We need your help. Please?" The red haired Wicca nodded slowly. "Soon as possible." Willow stood, walked to the center of the room and sat on one of the plush pillows. "Come on." she murmured as she looked at the creatures staring in the glass ceiling. "Let's get started."
Willow bowed her head and dipped her hands into a basin of water.
"O Goddess Mother, gentle and mild
Look down and bless us, for we are your child."
The Wicca's followed her lead as she drew a pentagram on her eyelids.
"Please bless my eyes that I might see
Your ways and your path, and how things should be"
Drawing another line across her lips, she recited again.
"Please bless my lips so that they may carry
Your words to all people with a voice light and airy."
Then she anointed her knees and ankles.
" So that I may knell at your altar, please bless
My knees keep them free of all pain and duress
and please bless my feet as your steps they now trace
keep them on the right path at a straight pace"
The women then stood around the circle of pillows and Willow raised a burning incense.
"I bless you now that you may aid
The energy flow as magic is made
I cast out negative energy
Leaving only the positive to live and breathe
Within you as we start this rite
Blessed be in joy, and love, and light."
Wren raised a candle as Georgia, Tara, and Willow bowed low, touching their heads to the floor.
" By her fragrant breath, the air,
By winds blown cold and breezes fair
be cleansed of negativity
As we will, so mote it be."
The candle lit and Georgia took the candle as Wren bowed to the floor.
"By her burning soul's desire
of dancing flame and burning fire
Be cleansed of negativity
As will I so mote it be."
Tara stood and Georgia passed the candle before bowing again.
"By water that flows through her veins
The force of storms and gentle rains
Be cleansed of negativity
As I will so mote it be."
Willow rose and took the burning candle. Tara smiled trying to reassure her. But sadly the red haired Wicca did not look any less pale.
"By earth that is her body round
By mountains, valley, hill, and mound
Be cleansed of negativity
As I will, so mote it be."
The Wiccans stood slowly and chanted together, hands raised.
"I purify this Circle round
by elements of sky and ground
By air, fire, water, and earth
It's cleansed in love and light and mirth."
Slowly, Willow dropped the candle into the fire pit. Then she led the others in a circle around it.
" I cast you now O circle of Power
I conjure your magic to grow and tower
Help us in this time of need
and banish our enemies
in all abundancy."
A light flashed and the vampires were thrown from the house, landing hard on the ground. Joyce cheered as she saw the creatures growling and walking the barrier trying to find a weak spot.
Drusilla pushed several minions forward and shouted something at them. Joyce could just barely hear her demands. "We need a spell! Try to break that shield! My spike taught me that."
Joyce turned frantically back and ran to Anya. "Their going to break the shield! She has lot's of people ready to do it too!" Skip put his hand over her mouth quickly. "Shh. As long as they chant, the spell holds. If someone messes them up. it's over."
Joyce nodded slowly and Skip released her again. "Listen Kid, We're going to go find your mom."
"What do you mean we?" Anya asked. Skip sighed. "Anya. We need to go find her parents."
"Oh."
Joyce tried to smile bravely. "Uh okay." Anya ruffled Joyce's hair and disappeared. Skip looked back at the Wicca's and back at the blonde girl. "Remember. Don't mess with them and if you could. Keep a eye on Amber."
Joyce nodded strongly and Skip smiled. "So brave for just a child." Joyce watched him fade and sat down beside the little girl. "I just want to go home." she whimpered. Amber curled up alongside Joyce and smiled. "Amber want mommy."
Both girls stared up at the ceiling. Joyce was about to cry but Amber broke the silence first. "Eve coming."
"What?" Joyce asked.
"Eve coming." She repeated.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~
Emly pushed the minion towards the house. "Do it now!" she roared. The vampire nodded and raised their arms.
"What grace has passed to me
Let be passed to these grounds
Walls be torn
barriers be shred
and let my powers help
To turn living into dead.
This is my request
and demand unto thee
To tear this teachers home apart
For I am yours
My life
My kind
Eve"
The shield lit into a bright blue and Eve smirked. "Have help eh? Don't worry Willow. I have help of my own." Several minions formed a line behind her. "Watch out Will." she growled.
Eve raised one hand and chanted again.
"Heed this call
and beware
for danger lurks upon the air.
Barriers may shield an entry
but spells are welcome
Heed ye wind, air, and breeze
and by our order,
Cursed you will be!"
A wind swept around the home and windows shattered. Eve smirked. Her plan was working so far.
Several minions tried to move closer but Eve blocked them. "No." she growled. "The shield will fade when the spell breaks. We just need to stop them from chanting."
One minion growled into Eve's ear. "What spell this time then?"
Eve smiled evilly. "Same spell. But this time. Earth."
"Heed this call
and beware
for danger lurks upon the air
Barriers may shield entry
But spells are welcome
Heed ye ground, earth, and dust
and by our order
this is your curse!"
The ground shook and a room collapsed on the corner of the house. "Very good." Eve growled again. The house lurched up and the ground cracked. A scream could be heard as the last of the glass ceiling crashed down.
Drusilla looked at the brightening sky. "We have to go." she hissed. "Now."
The minions growled reluctantly as they saw the nearly condemned house. Following after their leader, Eve smirked. In the evening they would return and Willow would pay. She had underestimated Eve for too long. But the highlight would be the child. They would not let her live. No mercy this time.
TBC