See part 1 for disclaimer. For those who want to know. If you've read dawns secret-also by me, you should have a clue. If your confused about last chapter. Then read this one. And NO as the first story tells you, this is not a Dawn and connor fic. If anything Dawn and Jeff. Dawn and Jeff. See if the first part says "this story is a continuation of this other story and you should read that one first"- please do so.
For Jeff the rest of the day was an odd sort of blur. Dawn didn't speak, and he didn't ask questions. They walked across town for her ultrasound appointment, where they were assured that the baby was healthy. Leaving the health center Dawn walked away from the hyperion and began aimlessly wandering the streets.
"So, do you want to talk about it?" Jeff asked finally, as they wandered through a pretty little park.
"Not really." Dawn replied, "Its kind of complicated." Jeff frowned and took her arm.
"I know." He offered. "I just wanted to let you know that I cared." She laughed bitterly and shook her head.
"That's the whole point." She said quietly. "Lets go back." She turned and led the way back to the hyperion, giving the occasional autograph, but saying nothing. Inside the lobby, it looked like a small group of war refuges had come and set up camp in the front foyer. There were a few men in military gear, some wounded, some not. There was a small group of teenagers, all looking about 15 or 16. Two young adults, one that Jeff recognized as being one of Dawns friends, Xander, the other was a female, and she was wounded. Then there was Spike, and an older gentlemen that Jeff recognized from pictures that Dawn and Willow had shown him as being Giles. Giles was unconscious, and Willow was tending to him. Chris and Faith stood off to one side, both holding bandages, and frowning. Dawn walked slowly to Giles side, pausing to speak to one or two of the young girls, and to pat Xanders arm.
"What happened?" She asked Willow softly.
"Massed attack of some sort. Most of the town is gone." Willow replied, her eyes red and puffy.
"Your parents?" Dawn asked awkwardly. Willow shook his head. "Xander saw it happen. They are dead though." Dawn nodded and stood then walked over to Spike.
"Spike." She said coldly, he reached out and covered her mouth with one hand.
"Don't pet." he said softly. "I tried." She shook her head and pushed his hand away.
"Just tell me what happened." She said, wrapping her arms around her stomach. Jeff patted her shoulder awkwardly and slipped through the wounded people to Chris. He looked at Faith and she sighed.
"Don't worry Rainbow." She said softly, "as soon as Raven gets here, we'll tell you everything." Dawn was fidgeting, her gaze locked on Spikes, and he hadn't spoken yet. Jeff sighed, and shifted, leaning against the wall.
"Spike." Dawn said softly, and her voice cut through the whimpers of the wounded, and the quiet whispers of the teens, the soft commando speak of the army guys. "Tell me." Spike said nothing, but looked away, his eyes sad. "Spike." Dawn said again. "Spike, please?" Her voice broke on the last syllable, and Jeff took a step forward, stopping when Faith laid her hand on his arm. Dawn slapped Spike then, his head rocking backwards. Everyone could see it coming, but Spike did nothing. Took it like it was punishment he deserved. "Tell me." Dawn demanded, her voice raising. "I know she's dead. I need to know how." The room collectively held its breath. "Shes dead." Dawn said again, turning to face the teens, then Xander. "Shes dead." Her words were almost accusatory.
"Not quite." Came the cold voice from Angels office. It was Wesley, his voice and face grim and determined. Dawn began to sob then, arms wrapped desperately around her stomach. Jeff moved to go and hold her, but Faiths grip on his arm stopped him. Dawn stood alone, and sobbed. It seemed like a symbol of some sort, for the teenaged girl moved towards her, making a protective circle of some sort. They all cried, some silently, others with audible sobs. Dawn stood in the midst of them, her sobs echoing off the walls and ceiling. Then with a loud creak, the doors opened. Admitting Raven and Gangrel, they stood in silence for a bit, then headed toward the ring of girls.
"Let me through." Raven said softly, a small bag in his hands. Gangrel held a small urn. and after a moment the circle parted. Raven and Gangrel walked over to Dawn. They stood for a few moments, Dawn sobbing, her eyes closed, Gangrel and Raven facing her. Gangrel moved first, laying the urn at Dawns feet.
"Drusillas ashes." He said softly. "Scatter them to the winds, to the four corners of the earth." Dawn froze her eyes flying open as she stared at Gangrel, then Ravens face. They were both soot stained and somewhat bloody. Gangrel stepped back with a small sad smile. Raven reached into the bag and drew forth a battered stack of books, which he lay at Dawns feet.
"Buffy's dairies" Xander whispered softly. Raven nodded, then pulled out a battered stuffed pig, he handed it reverently to Dawn.
"Mr. Gordo." Angel and Willow whispered together. Dawn clutched it to her and sobbed harder. Then Dawn reached into the bag and drew forth a slender twister carved piece of wood.
"Mr. Pointy." Faith said softly. Dawn took it with shaking hands, and then looked Raven in the eye. He smiled sadly.
"I took it from her hand," He said softly, "And with it I slayed her killer." Dawn smiled then and threw herself at Raven.
"Thank you." She said while jeff tried to get his mind around the fact that Raven had just admitted to killing someone, with what looked like a wooden stake of some sort. From the strange noises Chris was making, he was having problems with that mental image as well.
~
