Inner Fears
Author's Note: Let me have a moment to introduce myself. I'm Jennifer, known as Faith to my friends as I live life easy and I party hearty. When I'm doing neither of those I'm either here on-line or in front of the screen watching the Buffster in action whooping un-dead ass *EG* ... This is the second episode in season one and there's stuff that was covered in "The Erlenmeyer Flask", so if you haven't read that yet, I suggest that is a good place to start as things might be a little muddled ;-) This story is based on an idea by 'Doc, that's why he's also credited *S* ... Also, there is a teeny-tiny piece of text taken from an Angel episode 'cause it seemed so funny I put it in.
Feedback: Yes please ... the more, the merrier
Spoilers: Quotes taken from Buffy Season 2 "Surprise", and Angel Season 1 "She" (though changed to suit my diabolical needs - muah ha ha ha .. a-hem)
Distribution: Email me and it's all yours *S* .....
Character Pairings: Willow/Oz, Xander/Anya, Buffy/Faith
Anything Else: Thoughts are written in * *. Oh, and from now on Patrick Giles is known as either Nosferatu or the First One, mmm-kay.
Starring (in alphabetical order): Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles Emma Caulfield as Anya Emmerson Eliza Dushku as Faith Adams Elizabeth Anne Allen as Amy Madison Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Anne Summers Seth Green as Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne
Guest Starring: Alexis Denisof as Wesley Whyndam-Price Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase David Boreanaz as Angel Kristine Sutherland as Joyce Summers
And Introducing: Edward Furlong as Patrick Giles/Nosferatu
Part 1 (of 2)
It was a hot, muggy night in Sunnydale and boy did Buffy know it, she was thirsty. She tossed and turned but finally she gave into her thirst. She turned on her bedside lamp and squinted at the bright light. She then reached out and picked up her glass to take a sip of water, but it took a few seconds before she realised that the glass was empty. Buffy sighed quietly as she got out of her bed and walked across to the bedroom door. She turned back briefly to see the sleeping form of Faith and smiled, *how can you sleep in this weather?* she thought to herself. Buffy turned back and opened her bedroom door then quietly walked out into the hallway and across to the bathroom. Just behind her another door opened and a tall young man entered the hallway. He was tall and slim wearing a white suit. He had light blue eyes and he had short cropped dark red hair, topped off with a subtle streak of grey.
Buffy reached the bathroom door and opened it slowly. If it were any other circumstances the sight of a doorway leading not to her bathroom, but to the Bronze would have confused and baffled them, but Buffy calmly walked through and closed the door as if it were quite natural. She could hear music being played and she was aware of other people socialising and dancing, a group of people were in her path and as they moved to one side Buffy saw Willow sitting at a table with Oz. Willow saw Buffy gave her a smile and a wave as she said something Buffy didn't quite understand, maybe it was French. After a moment, Buffy turned and carried on walking.
After a few paces Buffy saw her mum standing by one of the pillars, she held a cup in one hand and a saucer in the other. She was about to take a sip when she saw Buffy approach, she stopped and looked at her. "Do you really think you're ready Buffy?" Joyce asked.
"What?" Buffy asked, a little confused. Buffy watched silently as the saucer slipped from Joyce's fingers and smashed on the floor. Buffy looked at the shattered fragments on the floor, but she just carried on walking through the club. She rounded a corner and looked ahead of her, then a smile came across her face. Standing at the opposite end of the room stood Faith and Angel, chatting and laughing. They looked round and spotting Buffy they both smiled.
Both Angel's and Faith's eyed went wide as they saw a dark figure appear behind Buffy. Suddenly aware of the person herself, she turned around where she came face to face with the demon form of Patrick Giles.
"Buffy!" Faith and Angel called out, but got no response. They started to approach Buffy, but people walked in front of them as if trying to prevent them getting to or even near Buffy. They were fighting against the crowd, but they were slowly making their way forward. "Buffy!" they called again.
"Happy Birthday Buffy," Patrick whispered with a smile before slipping back into the darkness.
"Buffy, are you alright?" Angel asked as he and Faith approached her.
"He vanished," Buffy replied with her back still towards them both.
"B, are you alright?" Faith asked.
"Hungry," Buffy simply replied as she turned around to face Angel and Faith.
Faith and Angel looked at each other and then at Buffy in sheer shock at what they were looking at. "Buffy."
"What's the matter?" Buffy asked. "You look as thought I have been turned -- " Buffy left that comment slide as she placed her hands on her forehead and felt there were ridges. She moved her fingers down over her nose then she covered her mouth. Realising what had freaked Faith and Angel, she took a small step back away from them. "Fangs -- I can't be." Buffy uttered shaking her head.
"Buffy," Faith said reaching out to Buffy's face.
Buffy brushed Faith's hand away and continued shaking her head. "No, it can't be, it's only a dream, it's only a dream!" Buffy put her hands over her face and started screaming. She could feel hands gently clasp her wrists trying to pull her hands away from her face. "It's only a dream, it's only a dream." Buffy kept repeating over and over.
"Buffy. Hey Buffy," Faith quietly whispered. "B, it's only a dream. Wake up."
Buffy's eyes darted open and flickered from side to side taking in the scene around herself. "Faith," Buffy whispered.
"Right here," she replied softly kissing Buffy's forehead. "Weird dream, wouldn't you say?"
"Maybe one for Giles to figure out," Buffy said looking at Faith.
"Yeah, sure," Faith said snuggling close to Buffy's body, "Soon."
* * * * * * * * * * April 28th, 2000 * * * * * * * * * *
It had been five days since Giles and the others found that of all people, Patrick Giles had been chosen to be the embodiment of a vampire demon known as Nosferatu, the First One, and everyone was still trying to deal with that in their own way. Giles sat at his dining table writing his journal in his Watcher's diary, a small glass of Scotch sat on the table near him.
We are still no closer as to finding out the exact circumstances in which how or why my nephew Patrick was chosen to become what he has, and although I have got the support of Quentin and the entire Board of Directors of the Watcher's Council assisting me they are still no closer as to providing me with any information about what is being termed as the K'os Ta'Mogan. The number of vampires rising have not changed significantly over the past few days and as of yet we still have not seen Nosferatu above ground.
Giles put his pen down and picked up his glass of Scotch, holding it, lost in thought for a few moments before drinking the contents of the glass and setting it back down on the table top.
* * * * * * * * * *
Amy sat on one of the swings in the park, her head lightly resting on one of the chains that held it up, next to her sat Willow and Oz. Out of all of them, Amy had spoken less about what had happen at Giles' apartment and Willow thought it was about time she did.
"I just don't understand," Amy said slowly. "I mean I barely know the man, so why do I feel this way?"
"Did you like him?" Willow asked looking across to Amy.
"Yeah." Amy replied. "It was like, when we were dancing in the Bronze, it seemed that all the worries I had just disappeared and I knew nothing but happiness."
"Wow," Willow said listening to what Amy had said.
"If you don't mind me saying," Oz said leaning forward slightly, "but it sounds like love to me."
"Do you really think?" Amy said looking back towards Oz and Willow who just silently smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Well if it isn't love --" a voice suddenly cut in from nowhere. Then from behind a row of shrubs strolled the First One without his game face on, "-- why does it feel so good?"
Without even thinking Amy jumped off the swing and jumped towards him with her arms open.
"Amy stop!" Oz and Willow called out, but not before the First One grabbed Amy and pulled her round, his hand around her waist and pulled her close to his chest.
"Oh Goddess, I forgot," Amy cursed to herself.
"How can you be out here," Willow said standing up and taking a couple of steps forward, "I mean being in the sun and all."
"Well," he replied smiling, "a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, and before too long you have your very own Gem of Amara."
"You can't be killed," Oz said, stake in hand.
"What do you want?" Amy said in a hesitant tone.
"He wanted me to find you, he wanted to see you before I plunge this world into darkness." Nosferatu said softly in Amy's ear.
"What do you mean 'he'?" Amy asked, "You mean, 'he' as in .."
"Yes. You see, he can see what I see and hear what I hear, he can even speak to me. But that is all he can do, so If I decide to kill you ---" He raised his left hand and gripped them gently around Amy's throat. "If I decide to kill you, then all he can do it watch. He cannot help you, any of you. He is lost forever."
"Is that all?" Willow said taking another step forward, "Because I don't believe you."
"Tick, tick, Red." Nosferatu grinned as he looked into Willows' eyes. "Time is running short and the K'os Ta'Mogan is nearly at hand." He released his grip from Amy's neck and leaned forward to whisper softly in her ear. "And just to rub some salt in that wound of yours, from his memories I know he had a soft spot for you. Till next time." With that, he pushed Amy full force in the direction of Willow and Oz who quickly stepped forward to catch her. When they looked up again, Nosferatu was gone.
"Giles?" Willow said looking at Oz.
"Giles!" Oz agreed. They stood either side of Amy and walked her over to Giles' apartment to tell them what had happened.
* * * * * * * * * *
"You know, it could be prophetic," Giles said looking at the Slayers sitting opposite to him. Buffy and Faith arrived not so long ago and had been telling Giles all about the dream they had that morning. "You don't normally share you dreams unless they have some meaning."
"I know," Buffy said sighing, "I only wish I knew what it meant."
"Hey guys," Willow said walking through Giles' front door along with Oz and Amy, "what's up?"
Giles stood up and looked at Willow, "It seemed that Buffy and Faith both shared a prophetic dream involving --" he lowered his head "-- Patrick."
"We saw him," Amy said making Giles and the Slayers look up suddenly at Amy.
"Where? When?" Giles asked taking off his glasses.
"Not long ago, in the park." Oz said.
"In the park? But how?" Faith said standing up.
"Apparently he used some magic spell to make his own Gem of Amara." Willow said walking over to Giles. "He also told me to tell you that the K'os Ta'Mogan is nearly at hand and we are running out of time."
"Giles, did Wesley find any information that we didn't already know?" Buffy asked looking up at Giles from where she sat.
"Not much I'm afraid." Giles said re-placing his glasses. "Although he managed to narrow the date to the fourteenth moon after the last solar eclipse. Which means that it will take place in about ten days time."
"But we still don't know where this is going to take place," Faith said walking backwards and forwards.
"If I might make a suggestion," Oz said looking to Giles.
"Of course Oz," Giles replied.
"This thing that the First One is trying to do is to open some kind of portal to the nether world, but we've already got our very own portal right here in Sunnydale."
"The Hellmouth," Buffy said catching on to what Oz was saying.
"Exactly," Oz said. "So why don't we concentrate our patrol more around the old Sunnydale High school to see if there is any vamp activity over the next few days."
"Yes," Giles said, "very good indeed Oz."
"You're so smart Oz," Willow said hugging her boyfriend.
"Err, guys. I might have another idea, but I don't wanna do it if you guys aren't comfortable with the notion."
"Oh," Giles said sitting down on the couch along with Willow, Oz and Amy. "What do you propose Buffy?" Giles said looking at her.
* * * * * * * * * * Angel Investigations, Los Angeles, California * * * * * * * * * *
Angel stepped out of the elevator and walked into the main lobby. "Good morning, is there coffee?" Angel asked walking over to the coffee pot.
Cordelia turned and looked at Angel holding a silver packet. "They're still in bean form, I thought I ordered the ground. Maybe you could crush the beans with your vampire strength." She handed Angel the packet for which is gave Cordelia a rather dubious look. "Just mush the bag -- mush 'em."
Angel looked at the packet for a moment unable to decide whether to temp fate and crush the beans, or just skip the coffee. He put the bag down. "Really fun party last night."
"I'm so glad you came," Cordelia said as she watered the plants in the office. "You know how parties are, you always worry that noone's gonna suck the energy out of the room like a giant black hole of boring despair, but there you were in a clinch." She finished watering the plants and stood up looking back at Angel.
"I didn't --" Angel said in an attempt to defend himself. "Boring?"
"You used to be a person. Did you never party? Did people not gather in olden times?"
"I talk to people," Angel said a little hesitantly. "Laura --"
"-- Okay, Laura thought you hated her. I had to tell her you were challenged." Cordelia cut in.
"I don't hate her," Angel replied. "I, I got two modes with people, bite and avoid. Hard to shift, plus I can't get too close, I mean with women."
"You can be nice." Cordelia said filing some paperwork. "It's not like Laura's gonna throw you down on the living room floor and tear of all your ... Well actually, Laura --"
"I'll try harder. Still I thought the quiet, reserved thing, don't you think it makes me kinda cool?" Just then the office door opens and in walks Wesley carrying the morning paper and the post under his arm.
"He was cooler," Cordelia said looking over at Wesley. Hearing this Angel walked over to a nearby couch and sat down.
"Good morning," Wesley said closing the door.
"Oh. Now I'm depressed." Angel said
"Well I'm feeling rather chipper myself, that was quite a party last night."
"Glad someone enjoyed it." Cordelia said smiling at Angel.
"I enjoyed it," Angel said in protest.
"A gala event," Wesley finished placing the paper and the mail on Cordelia's desk.
"Oh, hey Angel there's a package here for you," Cordelia said looking at a small box and then passing it across. The phone rang and then Cordelia leant back and picked up the phone, "Angel Investigations, we help the helpless. Oh hey there, how are things -- a-ha, hold on a second." She placed the call on hold and looked over to Angel. "It's Giles, he wants to talk to you."
Angel stood up and picked up the receiver. "Hello, Giles. Wesley told me about what's been happening down there -- How are things? -- Really. -- When. - No, that's okay." He looked down at the at a small plastic container that he pulled out of the box along with a hand written note. "Okay, bye." He put the phone down and looked between Wesley and Cordelia. "Go home and pack, we're going to Sunnydale. I'll pick you up at your places in half an hour."
With that Cordelia stood up and left the office with Wesley.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Okay Giles, I'm in." Willow said typing a few keys on Patrick's laptop. "I'd like to say though that I feel kinda weird looking though his emails."
"Sorry Willow, but it might give us some information, maybe someone he's been in contact with." Giles said sitting next to Willow.
"Alright, he's got thirty-two new messages, wow he's got a lot of friends." Willow said as she started clicking through the messages.
"Anything interesting?" Giles said looking at the screen.
"Nothing really, just general 'how are you' emails." Willow said going through the list.
"Well," Giles said pointing to the screen, "What about this one from 'AdminA'?"
"That's an old one, it's dated nineteen ninety-six." Willow said as she opened the message.
I just through I'd send you this email to wish you luck at Oxford, I just know that you're going to go far. I know you don't wanna hear this but please listen. I did a little research on this person in that photo of yours and I can't find any records of her whatsoever. I can't help to feel that she's not what she seems. Please be careful, and keep in touch. I'll miss you. Jennifer Daniels.
"And here's a photo," Willow said clicking on an icon. A picture appeared showing Patrick and two females either side of him. "Hey it's that demon again. I wonder how long they knew each other?"
"I don't know," Giles said taking off his glasses and cleaning them. "Can you see if he has an address book on this computer, maybe I can reach this woman."
"Err, hold on." Willow said pressing more buttons on the keyboard. "Okay, we've got quite a few numbers for the same person, which one do you want to try?"
"Let's try the top one. Whitegrove House. Could be a the name of where she works." Giles said reaching for his phone. He dialled the number and waited as it started ringing.
A female voice answered, "Communications, Amanda Benson. How may I direct your call."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Giles said, "I think I might have the wrong number. I was trying to reach a Miss Jennifer Daniels?"
"Who's calling please?"
"Oh, my name is Rupert Giles, I believe she knows my nephew Patrick."
"Oh hey Patrick," Amanda replied. "I know him, how is he? Oh I'm sorry, you want Jennifer. I'm afraid she's out on assignment at the moment. Do you have her email address? Maybe you can send her a message."
"Oh right, thank you. And yes Patrick is doing okay," Giles said lying slightly.
"I'm sorry, I have another call. Give my regards to Patrick for me,"
"I will, thank you. Good-bye."
"Any luck?" Willow asked as Giles put the phone down.
"Sadly no, she is out. Willow can you be good enough to send a reply to this person, asking if she has any information about our female."
"Okay Giles, I'll get on it." Willow said turning her attention back to the screen.
* * * * * * * * * * 7:07pm * * * * * * * * * *
"Wow, I can't believe I'm back here in 'Sweaty-dale'," Cordelia mocked as she walked down a small flight of stairs with Angel and Wesley.
"Nothing has seemed to change," Wesley said looking around.
"Nothing rarely does," Angel said as they reached Giles' front door and knocked on it a couple of times. After a couple of seconds the door opened and was greeted with the sight of Giles.
"Thank you for coming down on such short notice," Giles said inviting them in.
"I think I may have a little more information about this K'os Ta'Mogan," Wesley said putting his back on the dining table.
"And I may have a little something as well, for what it's worth," Angel also said.
"Excellent," Giles said walking into the kitchen, "Tea? Wesley, you said that this rite will take place in two weeks after the solar eclipse, why does it take so long before they can go through with it?"
"Well apparently that's how long it takes before the ritual finishes." Wesley said sitting down and flipping through one of his books he brought from Los Angeles.
"It takes two weeks to form a portal to the nether world." Giles said turning to look at Wesley.
"Well that's another thing. The nether world isn't a demon dimension of sorts. The portal, well connects to the past at a point before man walked the Earth. When demons ruled it."
"Interesting," Giles said in through as he brought the tea over to the dining table. "Angel, you said you might have something,"
"Yeah, before the spell of Restoration could be accomplished they need to do a rite of embodiment, where a host is forced to ingest the essence of the First One. I received this in the mail today before you called." Angel said pulling out the small tube. Inside contained a small mound of grey ash. "I also got this note." he said passing it to Giles. "From what my contact could make of the ash it was previously contained in a metal container. They conclude that it is the remains of the First One in that tube."
"This was collected here in Sunnydale?" Giles asked looking at the remains.
"No," Angel said looking at Giles, "It was found in a warehouse in Oxford, England."
"Are you saying that this poor man has been walking around with this essence within him all this time and he didn't realise it?" Wesley said looking at the note.
"That was, until the ritual brought the essence forth and took over his body completely."
* * * * * * * * * *
"There's something that I don't quite understand," Oz said. Shortly after Angel's arrival the rest of the gang arrived and they were filled in as to what was found out. "If this first one is a pure vampire demon, why is he still human? Wouldn't that technically make him a cross-breed?"
"Anya," Giles said, "When you were a vengeance demon, did you look human or were you a demon?"
"When I was a demon I never looked like this," Anya replied. "I was a little taller, different coloured skin and a couple of horns. My human form was so noone got -- freaked."
"So Patrick is a demon, and what we see is just a disguise?"
"More or less," Anya said agreeing.
"What do we do now?" Buffy said looking around.
"I say patrol, kick some un-dead ass," Faith said looking at Buffy.
"Wanna join us Angel?" Buffy said looking over to him.
"Okay, sure," Angel said.
Buffy and Faith walked to the weapons trunk and pulled out a couple of weapons. "Let's go," Buffy said as the three of them walked out.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I never realised how much this affected all you guys," Angel said as Faith told him exactly what had been happening over the past few days.
"Yeah," Faith said. "I know we didn't get to know him all that well, but it's just I think it hurts 'cause he's one of Giles' relations."
"I can understand that." Angel replied looking at the two Slayers. "Wow," he said after a moment's silence, "I've never known the cemeteries of Sunnydale to be so quiet. I mean in as in the lack of Vamp activity."
"Yeah it's been like that for about a week," Buffy said sighing lightly and looking around. "Makes me wonder how big this evil is gonna be on the day." With that comment somebody walked out of the shadows in front of them and blocked their path.
"It's gonna be this big," the person said holding out his hands as if he was measuring something.
"Nosferatu," Faith said grasping for a stake.
"You know," the First One spoke in a casual fashion, "you're the first vampire Slayers I've ever had the pleasure to meet, are you all that hot? You know what, even when I turn this planet into a dark, un-loveable pit of darkness, seeing you will make this place seem like heaven to me. Maybe capture a couple and have them as slaves, especially if they wear that tight leather gear that Faith has on."
"What, you gonna bore people to death?" Angel cut in.
"Hey Angel, thanks for coming along. I knew that dream would do the trick Buff."
"It wasn't a prophecy dream," Faith said, "you used us to get Angel here? Why?"
"Enough talk," Buffy said raising her stake, "Let's fight."
"Fair enough Buff," the First One said with his arms outstretched.
Buffy went in first punching Nosferatu continuously in the head in an attempt to disorientate him.
"Buffy duck," Angel called out. As Buffy moved a stake struck the First One directly in the chest, but he didn't flinch, he wasn't even in pain.
"Scary," Nosferatu simply replied as he punched Buffy smack bang in the middle of Buffy's face making her reel backwards. With lightning speed moves the First One pulled the stake out of his chest and threw it point downwards to the ground with such strength that it sank straight through Buffy's right foot and impaled her where she stood.
"Buffy!" Faith cried, this time her turn to fight the First One while Buffy screamed with pain.
"Oh you are so going to die!" Faith spat. Faith drove her keep up deep in to the First One's chest causing him to arch his body forward, then grabbing him tightly by the chest hurled him backwards into a nearby tree where he smacked into it back first.
"Sorry Faith," Nosferatu said laughing, "I'm already dead."
"Than perhaps an encore is in order," A male voice echoed. The First One turned his head to the source of the noise as he was suddenly impaled to the tree by four stakes.
"Well look who it isn't," Nosferatu said between breaths, "Giles, Oz, Xander .. and hey it's Wesley. Hey Wes, I heard the Council fired you. Too bad old boy, after all I always say it's nice to have one person in the company who was a complete idiot." he finished with a low laugh.
"Who's the idiot now?" Wesley said approaching the First One holding a quite fierce looking axe.
"You," the First One simple replied whipping his hand forward and gripping Wesley's neck, choking the life out of him. Forgetting momentarily about the other's Nosferatu was caught by surprise as a cross-bow bolt pierced through his wrist, releasing his grip on Wesley who half-collapsed on the floor in an attempt to breathe. Gritting his teeth he pulled the bolt out of his hand making a sickening noise in the process. "What is this? All these warriors, and you mainly choose to watch rather than fight?"
"I don't know about that!" Xander spat approaching Nosferatu. Seeing that he was reaching out to grab him, Xander quickly side-stepped him turning a full circle so he was now standing behind his still outstretched arm. Grabbing his wrist with his right hand, Xander lunged his left palm flat against Nosterafu's elbow joint with such force that there was a loud disturbing noise of bone breaking as his elbow joint cracked and Nosferatu howled in pain.
Gloating momentarily, Xander left a window of opportunity that was taken immediately. In one graceful move, the First One turned to face Xander and brought his knee sharply into Xander's mid section making him reel forward slightly, then with a fierce blow from his left hand he connected with Xander's head making him fall to the ground, unconscious.
"Xander!" Willow and Anya yelled as they both saw his body slump to the ground. Willow looked over to Amy beside her, it was time for a little mojo. They clasp their hands together and started chanting a spell in Latin. They could see the First One walk forward as both Buffy and Faith ran over, Buffy immediately going to Xander's side while Faith squared off against Nosterafu. "It's not working," Willow slowly said trying to concentrate, "he's stronger than the both of us."
"You wanna fight!" Faith yelled delivering a high kick into his damaged right elbow, "You think you can take us!" she called again as she delivered a hard kick to his left leg cracking his kneecap. "You wanna die!" she screamed as she pulled out a stake and rammed it through his right shoulder blade. Faith took a step back to admire her damage, only to be caught by the grasp of Nosferatu as he wrapped his fingers tightly around Faith's throat.
"Is it my turn now?" he asked with an evil smile on his lips. He pulled Faith closer then releasing his grip he delivered a stinging left hook to her face, then recoiled his arm back hitting her directly in the jaw which sent her hard to the floor.
For all intense and purpose this fight was remarkably looking like a stalemate situation, even with the assistance of the entire scooby gang, one vampire was quite successfully holding his own. Watching from slightly aback with Giles, Willow and Amy, Angel could no longer stand there watching, no matter who he may be, or may have been, he was going down, hard. Collecting his thoughts he started running over to take his piece of the First One, hopefully a very big piece that would bring Nosferatu down for good. Buffy looked up from where Xander was just regaining consciousness and saw Angel approaching.
"Well two against one does sound better odds," she mumbled. She looked down as she heard her close friend groan softly. "Stay here Xander, I'll be back in a second." With that Buffy got up and pulled out the stake she called Mr. Pointy and approached Nosferatu from the other side.
"Buffy, Angel," he said as they approached and adopted their fighting stances. "I'd love to stay and mutilate, but I got places to be and people to kill, so..." Angel was the first to strike Nosferatu from the left side by kicking the back of his left kneecap which had already sustained damage by Faith. Then Buffy came in and drove her stake into his right arm just above the elbow joint, which caused the First One to howl with rage. "Ha," Buffy mocked, "Who's laughing now?"
"Bite me!" Nosferatu spat. Seeing as now both Angel and Buffy were in arms distance he struck out both arms and caught Buffy and Angel in a vice like grip around their throats, squeezing tightly. As she squeezed, he began reciting a small incantation in Latin, and as she did a blue aura started emanating from his fingertips. After a few moments, the incantation was complete and he let go of both Angel and Buffy who both fell to their knees, weakened.
"Buffy!" Xander called from behind the First One. Turning, Nosferatu saw the now conscious form of Xander and slowly approached him, oblivious to the pain in his left leg and right arm.
"Xander!" Anya suddenly screamed. Leaving the side of Giles she bolted across the grass towards him, where she stood defiantly in front of, blocking the First Ones' path.
"My task is complete," the First One said in a low tone then looked down to Xander, "but tell me something. The female you call Anya, do you perchance, love this being?"
"With my heart," Xander replied looking up.
"And why, Anya do to protect this mortal?" Nosferatu asked, not moving from his spot.
"Because he would do the same for me," Anya replied with equal passion.
"I see," the First One contemplated. "Any last words?" he asked both Anya and Xander with a smile
"Last words?" Anya repeated.
"Is that all?" the First One simply replied as he grabbed her by the head and twisted it violently, the sickening sound of her neck breaking resonating throughout the cemetery.
"ANYA!!!" Xander screamed. Time seemed to slow at that point for everyone as they watched helplessly as Anya's body slowly fell to the ground and the First One disappearing into the murky darkness. Xander scrambled to his feet and dived across to the lifeless body of his former love where he cradled her gently in his arms. "Anya," Xander spoke, his voice incredibly low as tears rolled down his cheeks.
All the rest of the gang could do was watch, unable to do or say anything at that point which could possibly comfort.
This battle had claimed it's first victim ...
Author's Note: Let me have a moment to introduce myself. I'm Jennifer, known as Faith to my friends as I live life easy and I party hearty. When I'm doing neither of those I'm either here on-line or in front of the screen watching the Buffster in action whooping un-dead ass *EG* ... This is the second episode in season one and there's stuff that was covered in "The Erlenmeyer Flask", so if you haven't read that yet, I suggest that is a good place to start as things might be a little muddled ;-) This story is based on an idea by 'Doc, that's why he's also credited *S* ... Also, there is a teeny-tiny piece of text taken from an Angel episode 'cause it seemed so funny I put it in.
Feedback: Yes please ... the more, the merrier
Spoilers: Quotes taken from Buffy Season 2 "Surprise", and Angel Season 1 "She" (though changed to suit my diabolical needs - muah ha ha ha .. a-hem)
Distribution: Email me and it's all yours *S* .....
Character Pairings: Willow/Oz, Xander/Anya, Buffy/Faith
Anything Else: Thoughts are written in * *. Oh, and from now on Patrick Giles is known as either Nosferatu or the First One, mmm-kay.
Starring (in alphabetical order): Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles Emma Caulfield as Anya Emmerson Eliza Dushku as Faith Adams Elizabeth Anne Allen as Amy Madison Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Anne Summers Seth Green as Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne
Guest Starring: Alexis Denisof as Wesley Whyndam-Price Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase David Boreanaz as Angel Kristine Sutherland as Joyce Summers
And Introducing: Edward Furlong as Patrick Giles/Nosferatu
Part 1 (of 2)
It was a hot, muggy night in Sunnydale and boy did Buffy know it, she was thirsty. She tossed and turned but finally she gave into her thirst. She turned on her bedside lamp and squinted at the bright light. She then reached out and picked up her glass to take a sip of water, but it took a few seconds before she realised that the glass was empty. Buffy sighed quietly as she got out of her bed and walked across to the bedroom door. She turned back briefly to see the sleeping form of Faith and smiled, *how can you sleep in this weather?* she thought to herself. Buffy turned back and opened her bedroom door then quietly walked out into the hallway and across to the bathroom. Just behind her another door opened and a tall young man entered the hallway. He was tall and slim wearing a white suit. He had light blue eyes and he had short cropped dark red hair, topped off with a subtle streak of grey.
Buffy reached the bathroom door and opened it slowly. If it were any other circumstances the sight of a doorway leading not to her bathroom, but to the Bronze would have confused and baffled them, but Buffy calmly walked through and closed the door as if it were quite natural. She could hear music being played and she was aware of other people socialising and dancing, a group of people were in her path and as they moved to one side Buffy saw Willow sitting at a table with Oz. Willow saw Buffy gave her a smile and a wave as she said something Buffy didn't quite understand, maybe it was French. After a moment, Buffy turned and carried on walking.
After a few paces Buffy saw her mum standing by one of the pillars, she held a cup in one hand and a saucer in the other. She was about to take a sip when she saw Buffy approach, she stopped and looked at her. "Do you really think you're ready Buffy?" Joyce asked.
"What?" Buffy asked, a little confused. Buffy watched silently as the saucer slipped from Joyce's fingers and smashed on the floor. Buffy looked at the shattered fragments on the floor, but she just carried on walking through the club. She rounded a corner and looked ahead of her, then a smile came across her face. Standing at the opposite end of the room stood Faith and Angel, chatting and laughing. They looked round and spotting Buffy they both smiled.
Both Angel's and Faith's eyed went wide as they saw a dark figure appear behind Buffy. Suddenly aware of the person herself, she turned around where she came face to face with the demon form of Patrick Giles.
"Buffy!" Faith and Angel called out, but got no response. They started to approach Buffy, but people walked in front of them as if trying to prevent them getting to or even near Buffy. They were fighting against the crowd, but they were slowly making their way forward. "Buffy!" they called again.
"Happy Birthday Buffy," Patrick whispered with a smile before slipping back into the darkness.
"Buffy, are you alright?" Angel asked as he and Faith approached her.
"He vanished," Buffy replied with her back still towards them both.
"B, are you alright?" Faith asked.
"Hungry," Buffy simply replied as she turned around to face Angel and Faith.
Faith and Angel looked at each other and then at Buffy in sheer shock at what they were looking at. "Buffy."
"What's the matter?" Buffy asked. "You look as thought I have been turned -- " Buffy left that comment slide as she placed her hands on her forehead and felt there were ridges. She moved her fingers down over her nose then she covered her mouth. Realising what had freaked Faith and Angel, she took a small step back away from them. "Fangs -- I can't be." Buffy uttered shaking her head.
"Buffy," Faith said reaching out to Buffy's face.
Buffy brushed Faith's hand away and continued shaking her head. "No, it can't be, it's only a dream, it's only a dream!" Buffy put her hands over her face and started screaming. She could feel hands gently clasp her wrists trying to pull her hands away from her face. "It's only a dream, it's only a dream." Buffy kept repeating over and over.
"Buffy. Hey Buffy," Faith quietly whispered. "B, it's only a dream. Wake up."
Buffy's eyes darted open and flickered from side to side taking in the scene around herself. "Faith," Buffy whispered.
"Right here," she replied softly kissing Buffy's forehead. "Weird dream, wouldn't you say?"
"Maybe one for Giles to figure out," Buffy said looking at Faith.
"Yeah, sure," Faith said snuggling close to Buffy's body, "Soon."
* * * * * * * * * * April 28th, 2000 * * * * * * * * * *
It had been five days since Giles and the others found that of all people, Patrick Giles had been chosen to be the embodiment of a vampire demon known as Nosferatu, the First One, and everyone was still trying to deal with that in their own way. Giles sat at his dining table writing his journal in his Watcher's diary, a small glass of Scotch sat on the table near him.
We are still no closer as to finding out the exact circumstances in which how or why my nephew Patrick was chosen to become what he has, and although I have got the support of Quentin and the entire Board of Directors of the Watcher's Council assisting me they are still no closer as to providing me with any information about what is being termed as the K'os Ta'Mogan. The number of vampires rising have not changed significantly over the past few days and as of yet we still have not seen Nosferatu above ground.
Giles put his pen down and picked up his glass of Scotch, holding it, lost in thought for a few moments before drinking the contents of the glass and setting it back down on the table top.
* * * * * * * * * *
Amy sat on one of the swings in the park, her head lightly resting on one of the chains that held it up, next to her sat Willow and Oz. Out of all of them, Amy had spoken less about what had happen at Giles' apartment and Willow thought it was about time she did.
"I just don't understand," Amy said slowly. "I mean I barely know the man, so why do I feel this way?"
"Did you like him?" Willow asked looking across to Amy.
"Yeah." Amy replied. "It was like, when we were dancing in the Bronze, it seemed that all the worries I had just disappeared and I knew nothing but happiness."
"Wow," Willow said listening to what Amy had said.
"If you don't mind me saying," Oz said leaning forward slightly, "but it sounds like love to me."
"Do you really think?" Amy said looking back towards Oz and Willow who just silently smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Well if it isn't love --" a voice suddenly cut in from nowhere. Then from behind a row of shrubs strolled the First One without his game face on, "-- why does it feel so good?"
Without even thinking Amy jumped off the swing and jumped towards him with her arms open.
"Amy stop!" Oz and Willow called out, but not before the First One grabbed Amy and pulled her round, his hand around her waist and pulled her close to his chest.
"Oh Goddess, I forgot," Amy cursed to herself.
"How can you be out here," Willow said standing up and taking a couple of steps forward, "I mean being in the sun and all."
"Well," he replied smiling, "a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, and before too long you have your very own Gem of Amara."
"You can't be killed," Oz said, stake in hand.
"What do you want?" Amy said in a hesitant tone.
"He wanted me to find you, he wanted to see you before I plunge this world into darkness." Nosferatu said softly in Amy's ear.
"What do you mean 'he'?" Amy asked, "You mean, 'he' as in .."
"Yes. You see, he can see what I see and hear what I hear, he can even speak to me. But that is all he can do, so If I decide to kill you ---" He raised his left hand and gripped them gently around Amy's throat. "If I decide to kill you, then all he can do it watch. He cannot help you, any of you. He is lost forever."
"Is that all?" Willow said taking another step forward, "Because I don't believe you."
"Tick, tick, Red." Nosferatu grinned as he looked into Willows' eyes. "Time is running short and the K'os Ta'Mogan is nearly at hand." He released his grip from Amy's neck and leaned forward to whisper softly in her ear. "And just to rub some salt in that wound of yours, from his memories I know he had a soft spot for you. Till next time." With that, he pushed Amy full force in the direction of Willow and Oz who quickly stepped forward to catch her. When they looked up again, Nosferatu was gone.
"Giles?" Willow said looking at Oz.
"Giles!" Oz agreed. They stood either side of Amy and walked her over to Giles' apartment to tell them what had happened.
* * * * * * * * * *
"You know, it could be prophetic," Giles said looking at the Slayers sitting opposite to him. Buffy and Faith arrived not so long ago and had been telling Giles all about the dream they had that morning. "You don't normally share you dreams unless they have some meaning."
"I know," Buffy said sighing, "I only wish I knew what it meant."
"Hey guys," Willow said walking through Giles' front door along with Oz and Amy, "what's up?"
Giles stood up and looked at Willow, "It seemed that Buffy and Faith both shared a prophetic dream involving --" he lowered his head "-- Patrick."
"We saw him," Amy said making Giles and the Slayers look up suddenly at Amy.
"Where? When?" Giles asked taking off his glasses.
"Not long ago, in the park." Oz said.
"In the park? But how?" Faith said standing up.
"Apparently he used some magic spell to make his own Gem of Amara." Willow said walking over to Giles. "He also told me to tell you that the K'os Ta'Mogan is nearly at hand and we are running out of time."
"Giles, did Wesley find any information that we didn't already know?" Buffy asked looking up at Giles from where she sat.
"Not much I'm afraid." Giles said re-placing his glasses. "Although he managed to narrow the date to the fourteenth moon after the last solar eclipse. Which means that it will take place in about ten days time."
"But we still don't know where this is going to take place," Faith said walking backwards and forwards.
"If I might make a suggestion," Oz said looking to Giles.
"Of course Oz," Giles replied.
"This thing that the First One is trying to do is to open some kind of portal to the nether world, but we've already got our very own portal right here in Sunnydale."
"The Hellmouth," Buffy said catching on to what Oz was saying.
"Exactly," Oz said. "So why don't we concentrate our patrol more around the old Sunnydale High school to see if there is any vamp activity over the next few days."
"Yes," Giles said, "very good indeed Oz."
"You're so smart Oz," Willow said hugging her boyfriend.
"Err, guys. I might have another idea, but I don't wanna do it if you guys aren't comfortable with the notion."
"Oh," Giles said sitting down on the couch along with Willow, Oz and Amy. "What do you propose Buffy?" Giles said looking at her.
* * * * * * * * * * Angel Investigations, Los Angeles, California * * * * * * * * * *
Angel stepped out of the elevator and walked into the main lobby. "Good morning, is there coffee?" Angel asked walking over to the coffee pot.
Cordelia turned and looked at Angel holding a silver packet. "They're still in bean form, I thought I ordered the ground. Maybe you could crush the beans with your vampire strength." She handed Angel the packet for which is gave Cordelia a rather dubious look. "Just mush the bag -- mush 'em."
Angel looked at the packet for a moment unable to decide whether to temp fate and crush the beans, or just skip the coffee. He put the bag down. "Really fun party last night."
"I'm so glad you came," Cordelia said as she watered the plants in the office. "You know how parties are, you always worry that noone's gonna suck the energy out of the room like a giant black hole of boring despair, but there you were in a clinch." She finished watering the plants and stood up looking back at Angel.
"I didn't --" Angel said in an attempt to defend himself. "Boring?"
"You used to be a person. Did you never party? Did people not gather in olden times?"
"I talk to people," Angel said a little hesitantly. "Laura --"
"-- Okay, Laura thought you hated her. I had to tell her you were challenged." Cordelia cut in.
"I don't hate her," Angel replied. "I, I got two modes with people, bite and avoid. Hard to shift, plus I can't get too close, I mean with women."
"You can be nice." Cordelia said filing some paperwork. "It's not like Laura's gonna throw you down on the living room floor and tear of all your ... Well actually, Laura --"
"I'll try harder. Still I thought the quiet, reserved thing, don't you think it makes me kinda cool?" Just then the office door opens and in walks Wesley carrying the morning paper and the post under his arm.
"He was cooler," Cordelia said looking over at Wesley. Hearing this Angel walked over to a nearby couch and sat down.
"Good morning," Wesley said closing the door.
"Oh. Now I'm depressed." Angel said
"Well I'm feeling rather chipper myself, that was quite a party last night."
"Glad someone enjoyed it." Cordelia said smiling at Angel.
"I enjoyed it," Angel said in protest.
"A gala event," Wesley finished placing the paper and the mail on Cordelia's desk.
"Oh, hey Angel there's a package here for you," Cordelia said looking at a small box and then passing it across. The phone rang and then Cordelia leant back and picked up the phone, "Angel Investigations, we help the helpless. Oh hey there, how are things -- a-ha, hold on a second." She placed the call on hold and looked over to Angel. "It's Giles, he wants to talk to you."
Angel stood up and picked up the receiver. "Hello, Giles. Wesley told me about what's been happening down there -- How are things? -- Really. -- When. - No, that's okay." He looked down at the at a small plastic container that he pulled out of the box along with a hand written note. "Okay, bye." He put the phone down and looked between Wesley and Cordelia. "Go home and pack, we're going to Sunnydale. I'll pick you up at your places in half an hour."
With that Cordelia stood up and left the office with Wesley.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Okay Giles, I'm in." Willow said typing a few keys on Patrick's laptop. "I'd like to say though that I feel kinda weird looking though his emails."
"Sorry Willow, but it might give us some information, maybe someone he's been in contact with." Giles said sitting next to Willow.
"Alright, he's got thirty-two new messages, wow he's got a lot of friends." Willow said as she started clicking through the messages.
"Anything interesting?" Giles said looking at the screen.
"Nothing really, just general 'how are you' emails." Willow said going through the list.
"Well," Giles said pointing to the screen, "What about this one from 'AdminA'?"
"That's an old one, it's dated nineteen ninety-six." Willow said as she opened the message.
I just through I'd send you this email to wish you luck at Oxford, I just know that you're going to go far. I know you don't wanna hear this but please listen. I did a little research on this person in that photo of yours and I can't find any records of her whatsoever. I can't help to feel that she's not what she seems. Please be careful, and keep in touch. I'll miss you. Jennifer Daniels.
"And here's a photo," Willow said clicking on an icon. A picture appeared showing Patrick and two females either side of him. "Hey it's that demon again. I wonder how long they knew each other?"
"I don't know," Giles said taking off his glasses and cleaning them. "Can you see if he has an address book on this computer, maybe I can reach this woman."
"Err, hold on." Willow said pressing more buttons on the keyboard. "Okay, we've got quite a few numbers for the same person, which one do you want to try?"
"Let's try the top one. Whitegrove House. Could be a the name of where she works." Giles said reaching for his phone. He dialled the number and waited as it started ringing.
A female voice answered, "Communications, Amanda Benson. How may I direct your call."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Giles said, "I think I might have the wrong number. I was trying to reach a Miss Jennifer Daniels?"
"Who's calling please?"
"Oh, my name is Rupert Giles, I believe she knows my nephew Patrick."
"Oh hey Patrick," Amanda replied. "I know him, how is he? Oh I'm sorry, you want Jennifer. I'm afraid she's out on assignment at the moment. Do you have her email address? Maybe you can send her a message."
"Oh right, thank you. And yes Patrick is doing okay," Giles said lying slightly.
"I'm sorry, I have another call. Give my regards to Patrick for me,"
"I will, thank you. Good-bye."
"Any luck?" Willow asked as Giles put the phone down.
"Sadly no, she is out. Willow can you be good enough to send a reply to this person, asking if she has any information about our female."
"Okay Giles, I'll get on it." Willow said turning her attention back to the screen.
* * * * * * * * * * 7:07pm * * * * * * * * * *
"Wow, I can't believe I'm back here in 'Sweaty-dale'," Cordelia mocked as she walked down a small flight of stairs with Angel and Wesley.
"Nothing has seemed to change," Wesley said looking around.
"Nothing rarely does," Angel said as they reached Giles' front door and knocked on it a couple of times. After a couple of seconds the door opened and was greeted with the sight of Giles.
"Thank you for coming down on such short notice," Giles said inviting them in.
"I think I may have a little more information about this K'os Ta'Mogan," Wesley said putting his back on the dining table.
"And I may have a little something as well, for what it's worth," Angel also said.
"Excellent," Giles said walking into the kitchen, "Tea? Wesley, you said that this rite will take place in two weeks after the solar eclipse, why does it take so long before they can go through with it?"
"Well apparently that's how long it takes before the ritual finishes." Wesley said sitting down and flipping through one of his books he brought from Los Angeles.
"It takes two weeks to form a portal to the nether world." Giles said turning to look at Wesley.
"Well that's another thing. The nether world isn't a demon dimension of sorts. The portal, well connects to the past at a point before man walked the Earth. When demons ruled it."
"Interesting," Giles said in through as he brought the tea over to the dining table. "Angel, you said you might have something,"
"Yeah, before the spell of Restoration could be accomplished they need to do a rite of embodiment, where a host is forced to ingest the essence of the First One. I received this in the mail today before you called." Angel said pulling out the small tube. Inside contained a small mound of grey ash. "I also got this note." he said passing it to Giles. "From what my contact could make of the ash it was previously contained in a metal container. They conclude that it is the remains of the First One in that tube."
"This was collected here in Sunnydale?" Giles asked looking at the remains.
"No," Angel said looking at Giles, "It was found in a warehouse in Oxford, England."
"Are you saying that this poor man has been walking around with this essence within him all this time and he didn't realise it?" Wesley said looking at the note.
"That was, until the ritual brought the essence forth and took over his body completely."
* * * * * * * * * *
"There's something that I don't quite understand," Oz said. Shortly after Angel's arrival the rest of the gang arrived and they were filled in as to what was found out. "If this first one is a pure vampire demon, why is he still human? Wouldn't that technically make him a cross-breed?"
"Anya," Giles said, "When you were a vengeance demon, did you look human or were you a demon?"
"When I was a demon I never looked like this," Anya replied. "I was a little taller, different coloured skin and a couple of horns. My human form was so noone got -- freaked."
"So Patrick is a demon, and what we see is just a disguise?"
"More or less," Anya said agreeing.
"What do we do now?" Buffy said looking around.
"I say patrol, kick some un-dead ass," Faith said looking at Buffy.
"Wanna join us Angel?" Buffy said looking over to him.
"Okay, sure," Angel said.
Buffy and Faith walked to the weapons trunk and pulled out a couple of weapons. "Let's go," Buffy said as the three of them walked out.
* * * * * * * * * *
"I never realised how much this affected all you guys," Angel said as Faith told him exactly what had been happening over the past few days.
"Yeah," Faith said. "I know we didn't get to know him all that well, but it's just I think it hurts 'cause he's one of Giles' relations."
"I can understand that." Angel replied looking at the two Slayers. "Wow," he said after a moment's silence, "I've never known the cemeteries of Sunnydale to be so quiet. I mean in as in the lack of Vamp activity."
"Yeah it's been like that for about a week," Buffy said sighing lightly and looking around. "Makes me wonder how big this evil is gonna be on the day." With that comment somebody walked out of the shadows in front of them and blocked their path.
"It's gonna be this big," the person said holding out his hands as if he was measuring something.
"Nosferatu," Faith said grasping for a stake.
"You know," the First One spoke in a casual fashion, "you're the first vampire Slayers I've ever had the pleasure to meet, are you all that hot? You know what, even when I turn this planet into a dark, un-loveable pit of darkness, seeing you will make this place seem like heaven to me. Maybe capture a couple and have them as slaves, especially if they wear that tight leather gear that Faith has on."
"What, you gonna bore people to death?" Angel cut in.
"Hey Angel, thanks for coming along. I knew that dream would do the trick Buff."
"It wasn't a prophecy dream," Faith said, "you used us to get Angel here? Why?"
"Enough talk," Buffy said raising her stake, "Let's fight."
"Fair enough Buff," the First One said with his arms outstretched.
Buffy went in first punching Nosferatu continuously in the head in an attempt to disorientate him.
"Buffy duck," Angel called out. As Buffy moved a stake struck the First One directly in the chest, but he didn't flinch, he wasn't even in pain.
"Scary," Nosferatu simply replied as he punched Buffy smack bang in the middle of Buffy's face making her reel backwards. With lightning speed moves the First One pulled the stake out of his chest and threw it point downwards to the ground with such strength that it sank straight through Buffy's right foot and impaled her where she stood.
"Buffy!" Faith cried, this time her turn to fight the First One while Buffy screamed with pain.
"Oh you are so going to die!" Faith spat. Faith drove her keep up deep in to the First One's chest causing him to arch his body forward, then grabbing him tightly by the chest hurled him backwards into a nearby tree where he smacked into it back first.
"Sorry Faith," Nosferatu said laughing, "I'm already dead."
"Than perhaps an encore is in order," A male voice echoed. The First One turned his head to the source of the noise as he was suddenly impaled to the tree by four stakes.
"Well look who it isn't," Nosferatu said between breaths, "Giles, Oz, Xander .. and hey it's Wesley. Hey Wes, I heard the Council fired you. Too bad old boy, after all I always say it's nice to have one person in the company who was a complete idiot." he finished with a low laugh.
"Who's the idiot now?" Wesley said approaching the First One holding a quite fierce looking axe.
"You," the First One simple replied whipping his hand forward and gripping Wesley's neck, choking the life out of him. Forgetting momentarily about the other's Nosferatu was caught by surprise as a cross-bow bolt pierced through his wrist, releasing his grip on Wesley who half-collapsed on the floor in an attempt to breathe. Gritting his teeth he pulled the bolt out of his hand making a sickening noise in the process. "What is this? All these warriors, and you mainly choose to watch rather than fight?"
"I don't know about that!" Xander spat approaching Nosferatu. Seeing that he was reaching out to grab him, Xander quickly side-stepped him turning a full circle so he was now standing behind his still outstretched arm. Grabbing his wrist with his right hand, Xander lunged his left palm flat against Nosterafu's elbow joint with such force that there was a loud disturbing noise of bone breaking as his elbow joint cracked and Nosferatu howled in pain.
Gloating momentarily, Xander left a window of opportunity that was taken immediately. In one graceful move, the First One turned to face Xander and brought his knee sharply into Xander's mid section making him reel forward slightly, then with a fierce blow from his left hand he connected with Xander's head making him fall to the ground, unconscious.
"Xander!" Willow and Anya yelled as they both saw his body slump to the ground. Willow looked over to Amy beside her, it was time for a little mojo. They clasp their hands together and started chanting a spell in Latin. They could see the First One walk forward as both Buffy and Faith ran over, Buffy immediately going to Xander's side while Faith squared off against Nosterafu. "It's not working," Willow slowly said trying to concentrate, "he's stronger than the both of us."
"You wanna fight!" Faith yelled delivering a high kick into his damaged right elbow, "You think you can take us!" she called again as she delivered a hard kick to his left leg cracking his kneecap. "You wanna die!" she screamed as she pulled out a stake and rammed it through his right shoulder blade. Faith took a step back to admire her damage, only to be caught by the grasp of Nosferatu as he wrapped his fingers tightly around Faith's throat.
"Is it my turn now?" he asked with an evil smile on his lips. He pulled Faith closer then releasing his grip he delivered a stinging left hook to her face, then recoiled his arm back hitting her directly in the jaw which sent her hard to the floor.
For all intense and purpose this fight was remarkably looking like a stalemate situation, even with the assistance of the entire scooby gang, one vampire was quite successfully holding his own. Watching from slightly aback with Giles, Willow and Amy, Angel could no longer stand there watching, no matter who he may be, or may have been, he was going down, hard. Collecting his thoughts he started running over to take his piece of the First One, hopefully a very big piece that would bring Nosferatu down for good. Buffy looked up from where Xander was just regaining consciousness and saw Angel approaching.
"Well two against one does sound better odds," she mumbled. She looked down as she heard her close friend groan softly. "Stay here Xander, I'll be back in a second." With that Buffy got up and pulled out the stake she called Mr. Pointy and approached Nosferatu from the other side.
"Buffy, Angel," he said as they approached and adopted their fighting stances. "I'd love to stay and mutilate, but I got places to be and people to kill, so..." Angel was the first to strike Nosferatu from the left side by kicking the back of his left kneecap which had already sustained damage by Faith. Then Buffy came in and drove her stake into his right arm just above the elbow joint, which caused the First One to howl with rage. "Ha," Buffy mocked, "Who's laughing now?"
"Bite me!" Nosferatu spat. Seeing as now both Angel and Buffy were in arms distance he struck out both arms and caught Buffy and Angel in a vice like grip around their throats, squeezing tightly. As she squeezed, he began reciting a small incantation in Latin, and as she did a blue aura started emanating from his fingertips. After a few moments, the incantation was complete and he let go of both Angel and Buffy who both fell to their knees, weakened.
"Buffy!" Xander called from behind the First One. Turning, Nosferatu saw the now conscious form of Xander and slowly approached him, oblivious to the pain in his left leg and right arm.
"Xander!" Anya suddenly screamed. Leaving the side of Giles she bolted across the grass towards him, where she stood defiantly in front of, blocking the First Ones' path.
"My task is complete," the First One said in a low tone then looked down to Xander, "but tell me something. The female you call Anya, do you perchance, love this being?"
"With my heart," Xander replied looking up.
"And why, Anya do to protect this mortal?" Nosferatu asked, not moving from his spot.
"Because he would do the same for me," Anya replied with equal passion.
"I see," the First One contemplated. "Any last words?" he asked both Anya and Xander with a smile
"Last words?" Anya repeated.
"Is that all?" the First One simply replied as he grabbed her by the head and twisted it violently, the sickening sound of her neck breaking resonating throughout the cemetery.
"ANYA!!!" Xander screamed. Time seemed to slow at that point for everyone as they watched helplessly as Anya's body slowly fell to the ground and the First One disappearing into the murky darkness. Xander scrambled to his feet and dived across to the lifeless body of his former love where he cradled her gently in his arms. "Anya," Xander spoke, his voice incredibly low as tears rolled down his cheeks.
All the rest of the gang could do was watch, unable to do or say anything at that point which could possibly comfort.
This battle had claimed it's first victim ...