DISCLAIMER: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know the drill,
anyone appearing on or mentioned on BtVS are ME's. New characters
introduced here are mine.
SUMMARY: The Big Bads forge ahead as self doubt makes a guest appearance at Casa de Summers. Also, between a little gushing, a lot of blushing and a nightmare rush demons find the time to get a happy.
WARNINGS: Language, slanguage, sex and general wackiness!
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Love And Darkness And My Crossbow
by Eris © 2002 -- All rights reserved.
Chapter Five: The Thickening of Fear
At his new clandestine meeting place Cranston Silvermane raged. "If you are working against me, demon, I will bind you for eternity!" Shaking a fist in anger he clutched at his talisman holding it aloft for his subject to see. "Heed me." He hissed.
The demon bowed its head, "I obey, Master. My essence is with you ceaselessly. Since you allow me limited energies, I must conserve them while you are..." he chose his words carefully, "otherwise engaged."
Silvermane didn't trust the words as well he shouldn't.
"You need just summon and I am at your side. To do your bidding. To crush your enemies."
The warlock grunted his disapproval, "The powers I've gained were more than enough to tussle with the Slayer," he let slip.
The servant raised his head and then his brow, its eyes shifting to a deeper glow, "The Slayer? Master, you've been found out by the Slayer?" he said in mock surprise.
"I don't know how she found me..." he mumbled, "but we fought. I injured her," he chuckled with pride. "She never knew what hit her. The disguises are perfect. By the time she figured it out it was too late."
"Did you finish her?" the true demon inquired zealously. "The Slayer's blood would--"
"Eh, there was no time," he quieted his minion.
Lies, the demon knew Cranston was lying, he didn't have the power to kill a Slayer yet, unless he was damn lucky and caught her napping, so he decided to play on his master's greed, tell him of the power of the girl, "Master, while you were working I sensed a great power nearby."
Silvermane cocked his head skeptically and sneered.
"This power could aid in your plans, moving them forward more quickly..." the demon smirked an evil wicked demon smirk his eyes becoming sharp slits of light, "if you so chose."
The warlock rubbed at the sore spot on his face where the Slayer had hit him, "Tell me more..."
* * * * * * * * * *
"Oh my God!" Buffy stopped the car and jumped out. She ran up the walk and rushed in the open frontal area, "Dawn? Dawn?!"
"In here." Willow's weary voice carried from the kitchen.
"Dawn?" She called fearing the worst.
"She's all right." Wil said quietly, "Anya took her to Janice's."
"What--" Buffy attempted.
"Demon attack." Willow announced while administering drops into Rue's eyes, "Very powerful," She looked up at her now for the first time, "Buffy? What's that on your face?" she examined it more carefully, "Is that a sneaker print?"
"Never mind me, Xander's hurt. Can you heal him?"
Dread and uncertainty gripped her firm, "N-no," she stuttered and furrowed her brow, "I mean, I want to. I wish I could, but I can't. You remember how long it took just to heal myself after Gnarl. And tonight... Whoa, where to start?" Her eyes grew wide as she tripped into full on babble mode, "the muppet on crack, that awful burning flesh smell, eeyuch, you know the one. Then with the flying," her voice lowered, "oh, I *so* hate the ceiling ... we really gotta clean the fan blades, an-and the darkness and pain and then..." she looked to Rue and gestured hooking her fingers, "you all, rrrr, an Dawn all, aaahhh, oh, gosh, demon goo, ick factor twelve, an I couldn't breathe, the bugs, oh, the bugs, thank God, no frogs, an-an the BOOM... then Anya with the face and the..."
Buffy took her by the shoulders, "Wil. Breathe."
"...I don't think I'll ever be able to get rid of the taste in my mouth," she wound down to a finish.
"Focus." Buffy continued. They stared at one another. "He needs a hospital."
She nodded her head, "So do you," then tilted it, "is that a Ked?"
Buffy closed her eyes searching for strength then persevered, "Can you take him?"
"But you need attention too?" she appealed.
"I'm okay."
"Buffy--"
"Wil, foot's down." She affected a stern tone.
"Uh, I'll go." Rue offered.
"Sweetie," Willow placed a hand on her shoulder, "you can't see or hear straight, an they might try to take your blood or something. You stay here aaand uh, take care of Buffy and, uh, I'll drive Xander to the hospital." She said like it had just now popped into her brain.
Rue furrowed her brow and shot her an unfocused freaksome glance but nodded obediently.
"Hurry, Wil." Buffy urged handing her Xander's keys.
"Probably best to get myself a tetanus shot." Willow mumbled to no one in particular while searching for her purse, "Don't exactly know what kinda Hellmouth bugs I've contracted. Eyugh, bugs." She shivered, "Then again, Hellmouth probably isn't part of the vaccine cocktail...no doubt some people would get a kick out of my having lockjaw... or-or something equally fucked up and bleeehhh." She gestured with an eye cross and stuck out tongue before heading out. Almost turning an ankle on some debris she declared, "This needs to be cleared up..." and continued to jabber all the way down the walk to the car her voice becoming distant. "Oh, Xander, what did you do now?"
Standing in the door frame the duo watched the car pull away until the tail lights were out of range. Buffy and Rue had never been left completely alone before.
"She's not okay." Rue began apprehensive.
"Sounded fine to me." Buffy retorted coldly.
Rue screwed up her face. She guessed Buffy knew her better though it gave her little comfort, Willow being so scattered and off kilter. They returned to the kitchen. Rue sat back down and fumbled for the Bactine spray. She put her burnt hand on the table and squeezed the can. Buffy irritated watched her dance about and blow on her hand till the stinging subsided. Some big bad she thought. They stared at one another in awkward silence, each the worse for wear, each unsure of the other until finally, "I can, uh, fix your face--" Rue gestured.
"--Don't touch my face." Buffy snapped.
Rue nodded her head and pursed her lips passively. Looking back into the first aid kit she grabbed some ointment and some gauss to finish securing her wound then remembered Willow's words and extended it towards Buffy.
She slapped it away, "This is all your fault." Buffy launched. She had held her tongue about her suspicions since the first attack because she had made a promise to Willow but no matter what she did Buffy could not shake her feelings of dread towards this one. Her vagueness about her past infuriated her, the crazy talk, the uber-territorial uber-obsessed fixation with Willow and finally the knife.
"My fault?" she echoed perplexed.
"Look at my house!" Buffy gestured voice tinged with rage.
"I didn't do this!" she defended.
She set her hands firmly on her hips, "...And you didn't do the thing at the Magic Box either." There it was said.
"NO! Of course not!" Rue said shock faced she'd think something like that.
"Hm," Buffy tapped her forehead, "big coincidence that stuff like this didn't happen until you latched onto Willow."
"Yeah, it is," she replied suddenly reflective.
Buffy stepped towards the girl, "I don't think so, *Rue*. I think *you* are involved, Bec-ca. I think *you* brought the evil here, whatever your real name is. And I think *you're* evil. You've conned them all. And you're manipulating my friend. But you don't fool me." She was right in her face now, "I won't let you have her."
"What?" Rue stared at her tight faced anger creeping in.
"You say you love Willow yet you crank her up, tip her over the edge, make her use her dark skills. I'm not blind. All this evil is hurting her. You're hurting her."
"No!" She spat, "You're wrong."
Buffy smiled spitefully, she knew she was getting to the girl, "That's right, no matter what face you flash at her or lies you whisper to make her like you you are evil. I'm going to be watching you."
"Is that a threat?" Rue asked reflexively voice lowering.
Buffy flipped her hair and sneered pushing the intimidation to the next level, "It's a reminder." She put her face inches from Rue's and enunciated slowly, "Never forget *who* I am."
Rue felt her breath on her cheek, her pulse quickened and she gnashed her teeth. More than anything she wanted to dive in and try this slayer on for size but Willow had given her orders so instead she took a step back.
"What's the matter? Thinking twice?" The Slayer goaded, "not strong enough without your demon buddies?"
"Willow has ordered me not to fight with you." She struggled with herself.
"Oh, she has?" Buffy pursed her lips, "Willow's orders? News flash. This isn't Willow's house this is *my* house so while you're in it you take *orders* from me." Buffy folded her arms defiantly, "You so much as twitch and you can find someplace else to be."
Breathing deep she concentrated, "...said to take care of you, but if you won't allow it. I can't make you."
"Make me? I'd like to see you make me. Come on, make a move." Buffy poked at her with a bony index finger, "Try something, anything, and see how fast I stake your demon ass to the carpet."
Rue stood seething but resolute in her compliance to Willow.
"Mmm-hmm." Buffy rolled her eyes and looked at her like she was small, then added wagging that same index finger, "And keep away from Dawn, I don't want you near her. So help me God, you lay one paw on my sister or even breath wrong near her and I *will* kill you."
Rue remained motionless so she grabbed her.
She moved to grab back but restrained herself.
"Are we clear?" Buffy reiterated.
"Five by five." Rue said slowly eyes flaring.
A chill shot down Buffy's spine at the words. She released her pausing but a moment then went and sat down at the counter to tend to her wounds.
Rue stood silently, Buffy and Anya's words echoing in her mind. Doubt began to creep in. Was this her fault? Willow and Dawn had gotten hurt as did she but was it *her* fault? Did that thing follow her? Would Willow be safe if she left? She couldn't protect her, that thing had nullified everything she was, reached down inside her pulled out the dark, pulled out the wolf, made her lose control. Her emotions swirled like a just stirred pot. She needed guidance. She needed reassurance. She needed answers. She needed *away* from Buffy. She needed an Advil and she needed a broom. Retrieving one from the basement door she walked to the front of the house and began to sweep up the debris and ruin before Willow's return.
* * * * * * * * * *
Late that evening after she was certain Xander was comfortably tucked into Dawn's bed for the night Willow finally went to her room. Flopping down on the bed she clutched at her forehead and let out a big sigh. She ached mind, body and soul, if that were possible. Tonight had been one of the scariest times of her life, she had completely lost herself at one point and was utterly ashamed for almost dragging Bec and Dawn along with her but surprisingly Anya had saved the day. Anya, of all people, had saved *her*. She thought she would have a good long cry if only she weren't so exhausted. There had been plenty of time at the hospital to mull things over and place the blame squarely with herself.
Rue entered and closed the door behind her. She had spent quite some time in the bathroom trying to get the taste of the demon off her tongue and its gook out of her hair. But once again she was all minty fruity scented the way Willow liked and pleased as punch about it. She crossed over to the bed, fluffed her pillow and sat down leaning against the headboard. Willow immediately threw her arms around her middle and held tight, extra tight, burying her head into her side. Rue rubbed her back with her good hand and carefully ran the fingertips of her bad through her hair. Suddenly she heard the soft sounds of sniffling emanating from her lover. "Crying? Why crying?" she asked innocently yet a little apprehensive. Long moments passed as Rue held her trying to comfort her then slowly Willow's grasp eased, she relaxed, turned her head and began wiping at her face. Rue scooted down propping up on one arm on the pillow next to her. Snuffling at the hot tears she said, "Willow doesn't cry," and softly gazed into her reddened eyes.
"Yes, she does," she nodded, "more than you'll ever know."
Rue frowned, "No. No more." And kissed her on the forehead.
More tears erupted.
"Tell." She urged.
But Willow remained silent.
"Hurt you bad?" she asked full of curiosity and concern.
Willow picked her head up, "I dunno." She replied lamely as she truly didn't know. Didn't know what exactly it did to her and didn't know if there would be any residual effects from the dark magicks, besides her already now uber-intensified feelings of fear, doubt and loss of control.
Rue stared into her eyes lovingly. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was hurt Willow or be the cause of something that would. "I-it was strong," she began dubiously. "T-t-the black. I-I tried but I couldn't stop it."
Willow pursed her lips and averted her eyes, "I know."
"...Reached down inside me and took hold. It felt *so much* like you."
Willow looked away her eyes beginning to well up again.
"I thought here it would be different. It's light here...Said it would be different." She muttered.
"Who, your angel?" she breathed.
It was Rue's turn to avert her eyes. Reluctantly she nodded.
Willow fell silent for a moment. She couldn't be sure what had happened at the end but she thought she saw someone or rather felt someone. More than likely she was just imagining it, more probably hallucinating from oxygen deprivation and a highly charged emotional state. Whatever the rationale, it had helped in her time of need.
Rue began fidgeting with the medical tape on Willow's collarbone. "What would have happened if--"
Willow shifted on the pillow, "If what?"
"If I never came here?" she asked dejected.
"I don't understand." Willow stuck out her lip disconcerted.
"Then maybe these things wouldn't be happening?"
"What? No." she rebuked.
"If I were to leave then you'd be safe again." Rue offered haltingly.
"No!" Willow clutched at her, "Sweetie, this has nothing to do with you."
"So sure. How so sure? I'm not sure." She sounded worry quavering in her voice.
"I'm sure." Willow's voice rose, "It's my fault. That thing attacked *me*."
"But what--"
"No." Willow shook her, "You're not going anywhere. I need you."
Rue still had but-face and opened her mouth as to speak only Willow cut her off sternly, "No!" she snapped, "I need you," halting anymore talk on the subject.
Rue nodded in compliance and chewed her lip. Carefully she removed the hospital dressing and gently ran her finger along the edges of the wound she had created on Willow's collarbone staring at the brunt raw flesh. "I'm sorry." She said sullenly.
"Why?" Willow threaded her fingers through the girl's hair at the nape of her neck, "You didn't do it, you got it off."
"I shoulda made Dawn leave that thing."
Willow's mood lightened at that comment, "Oh, and you think you coulda done that?" she giggled rolling her eyes and leaning up from the pillow to touch foreheads, "Dawn's got you wrapped around her little finger." But Rue continued the grim. "Stop the guiltapalooza." she chastised softly.
Rue bit at her lip, "Things are so different but they're still the same," she fretted, "I have to be better or... or things will play out the same way." Closing her eyes she lowered her head luxuriating at the feel of the Willowchest slowly rising and falling beneath her, "I won't let it happen."
Willow stroked her hair trying to understand her, "Nothing's going to happen," and placed her cheek on top of her head.
After a time Rue picked her head up and again focused on the wound, "It's stopped bleeding, I can make it feel better."
Willow smiled seductively and pulled her in close whispering, "Oh yeah?" then kissed her.
Pulling away slightly Rue replied, "Yes," and stared at her in earnest.
"All right." She continued to initiate but when Rue held steadfast realization crept in, "Oh?" she repeated, "I thought..." Duh, she wasn't just doing the sexy talk thing, this was serious talk. "Never mind what I thought." Willow continued awkwardly then nodded her head permissively and lay back on the pillow.
Rue hovered above her then kissed her, "It may feel uncomfortable... the touching part... then it should tingle... or so I've been told,"
Willow nodded again.
Rue leaned over the wound and placed her hand on Willow's shoulder.
Suddenly she felt a familiar warm moistness along the length of it, Rue had placed her mouth on the area and proceeded to lick at the damaged flesh. She sucked in her breath at the sensation.
Rue stopped, "Does it hurt?"
"No," she replied startled, "it's just... the wolf--"
"S'okay, it can't." Rue cut in reassuringly then timidly continued, "I-I would never--"
"Oh, I know," Willow blurted out ever trustful, "just took me by surprise is all." She suddenly wrinkled her brow her face taking on a strange mien, "Heh, it *is* tingly," then tried to look down at her collarbone unsuccessfully, "not burning all over anymore." Jumping up, she crawled across the bed and went to the mirror, "Whoa, look at that." She uttered awestruck watching the wound work to mend itself.
Rue came up behind her taking pleasure in her expression.
Twirling about she nabbed her injured hand and held it up, "No fixy?"
She shook her head, no, "Only works on others."
"So, change and be done with it?"
Rue averted her eyes again not wanting to disappoint.
"What?" Willow leaned back pouting ever so slightly.
She let out a big sigh, "It's getting more difficult for me to shift when I want. I dunno," she threw up her hand a little angry, a little embarrassed, "I think it's the sun, maybe?"
* * * * * * * * * *
"And you are certain, this girl has powers?" Silvermane pointed a crooked index finger. "Real powers?" He was still skeptical.
"Beyond your imagining. If you were to collect her you wouldn't need to acquire any more sources," the demon enticed.
Cranston smiled, stroked his goatee then folded his arms. "I assume a power this great is not easily gained." He paced back and forth carefully weighing the possibilities.
"You are correct, Master," the servant bobbed its head.
"You have the spell?"
"Yes, Master."
"Gooood," he purred, "I will proceed," and moved to prepare.
"But, Master," the demon interrupted, "the spell may not be enough."
Cranston swung about irritated and glared fiercely.
"She is guarded by a powerful witch," it finished. "We would need to get past her first."
"A witch? Feh," spat the warlock. "No witch is a match for me."
"I beg to differ." Bthozopth lowered his head readying for a verbal assault.
"Whaaat?" he sounded insulted and was about to chastise his subject vehemently but instead stopped and went silent then continued in a more civilized raspy tone, "What do you know?"
"This witch is most powerful, that is why I could not initially sense her. Her powers may be more than you can quell even with my aid... Now, if you had followers... and were to gather those faithful you'd need just say the word and we would strike in your name. Then you would be free to dispatch the Slayer," it could see the gleam in the mage's eye, "with the power of the girl and the blood of the Slayer you would be invincible. Ruler of this realm."
Suddenly Cranston's smile was replaced by a frown, "You seem to have neglected one obvious point, toad, I work alone. Do you see any followers groveling at my feet besides yourself?"
In stride he took the barb, "Easily rectified, Master," the demon sung sweetly. "You will find your army out there." He waved a large claw fingered hand. "The desperate, the victimized, the insane, the self- conceited--"
"Yeees," Silvermane began to smile. "The fools sitting in the candlelight with their store-bought mass-market copies of "Black Magic for Dummies" chanting to mete out their petty revenge on those who supposedly wronged them." Then chuckled. "The computer nerd, the unpopular girl, the unappreciated coworker, the abused housewife." Then cackled with glee.
"They are your soldiers," the demon concurred.
"Do it. Do it now." Silvermane ordered harshly.
"I cannot. The spell takes more power than I currently possess. Unbind me so that I may call forth the dark spirits to assemble and tap into the energies."
Silvermane began to laugh a different laugh now, "Unbind you? Hahahaha, you think me a fool, toad? You're wretched so-called soul is mine. Do not forget who is in charge."
"I mean no deception. My intent is to assist you. Restrained as I am, I am of no use."
"Then be silent. I must think." Cranston paced about then sat on a tomb. He rose and crossed over to a satchel that held the idol. Reaching inside he pulled out a ragged grimoire, returned to the tomb and thumbed through it. After a while he slammed the book shut placing it on the cold marble, "I will do as you ask. But not as you wish. I will lift the veil in part. But once the spell is cast you will be back in your rightful place."
"Agreed," he bowed.
The warlock began to breathe heavy appearing to attain a trance like state. Then let out a long low monkish tone and finally began to chant in an ancient tongue sounding much like gibberish.
Bthozopth waited patiently, all of a sudden his arm began to prickle. He held it out in front of him ogling as the markings of his servitude burned brightly then, symbol by symbol, line by line, they began disappearing, peeling off in puffs of smoke and a foul odor. Raising his arm, he twisted his hand in the air and a siphon of energies leapt forth to his grasp. With a bone chilling roar a sickly green wave emanated from its palm shooting through the building, through the graveyard, through the entirety of Sunnydale and its inhabitants generating the inductees of this new cult. The dabblers, the novices, the feeble, all seized by the raw power of the true demon, their souls now lost, bound to him, bound to do his bidding. He lowered his hand. "They will come. Prepare."
Cranston Silvermane opened his eyes and ceased his chant. As he did Bthozopth snarled and stared at his arm. The symbols returned from the nothing fastening themselves once more slicing into his flesh anew again disclosing his indentured past.
* * * * * * * * * *
Throughout the town of Sunnydale people emerged from their homes taking to the streets. Assembling in the chill of the night they came from everywhere and made their way silently towards the woods near the old forgotten cemetery.
* * * * * * * * * *
Anyanka moaned with delight as Kursk's forked tongue flickered across the sensitive areas of her breasts. In her demon form she was in tune with pleasures unknown to mere humans and to have bagged herself a Traskur, well, she was in seventh heaven if there were such a place for demons.
Kursk's robust frame was enhanced by his ability to generate energy bursts and he was definitely skilled in how to put them to good use in bed as well as in battle. This Traskur was in fine form for a male of that species, handsome, rugged, hard-bodied and not a bad looker in his human guise either.
Anyanka's eyes rolled back into her head as she growled passionately and ran her clawed fingers over his slick muscles enjoying the power within. She grabbed at the tusks on his face kissing him deeply their tongues entwining and teasing, then ran her hands down his neck, over his broad ornately carved shoulders, down onto his back to clutch and tug at the bony plate-like ridges urging him on.
Kursk ended their kiss pulling his head back. His chest radiated red hot, the source of his energies. Gazing into each other's gleaming eyes he shared his gift again sending Anyanka into a feral frenzy her entire body vibrating. Their rhythmic thrusting motions synchronized and quickened now as they neared their peak.
A sudden shock wave passed over them, through the room.
Most abruptly Anyanka stopped and sat up unnerved, "Kursk, do you feel that?!" she asked an edge creeping into her voice.
But Kursk closed his eyes tight and just shook unable to speak as a different shock wave washed over him.
* * * * * * * * * *
Late into the wee hours Rue tossed and turned, this was the first time in a long time she didn't just lie down and fall asleep effortlessly with Willow wrapped peacefully around her. She had done her best to hide it but she was unnerved. Buffy's words still echoed in her mind. She had lost control, near blacked out and freaked out. She felt nauseous and torn up inside at the darkness as she was not a big magic fan to begin with. She'd seen what it could do and what it had done. Willow had said she was a witch, shown her things and taught her some tricks but this had gone beyond that. Way beyond.
Finally her body fitfully slipped into slumber but her mind was working overtime. All the bad, all the evil, all the dark ran through her thoughts jumbling into a terrifying array of images past and present. Her heart beat like a runaway train and she began to panic, everything culminating into one moment.
A sickly green wave passed through the room.
Rue screamed "NOOO!" and shot bolt upright in bed.
As did Willow, she had been right there with her through their bond and she was as breathless as her partner from the experience.
'WHOA.' She thought shaken. As awesome as the barrage of good images they had shared and taken pleasure from was, the torrent of bad was truly horrific. Willow had thought she understood when the girl spoke of the way things were at home but now, having experienced it somewhat, she began to understand that she understood nothing. Fumbling to turn on the light she accidentally knocked it over. Turning she saw her lover feral, wild eyed and quaking, completely drenched with fear, "Bec." she said reaching for her to comfort her.
But she jumped against the wall avoiding her touch, slid off the bed into a corner on the floor and began clutching at her brow and mumbling to herself. "It's not real. You're not real. Dead. Dead. All dead. All dark. I did it. It's me. Coming to get me. Take me like it should have. Shouldn't be here. Don't deserve the good."
Willow climbed off the bed and ventured as close as Rue would let her. She tried to soothe her, "Bec, sweetie, calm down, it was just a nightmare. We all have nightmares." She didn't know if she was truly helping, for their bond had kicked her senses into high gear and she was wound way tight from bearing the brunt of the girl's fear. She took some deep breaths to compose herself then attempted to project calming thoughts at her to alleviate some of her anxiety.
"Need to go. She lied, can't escape. Too dark, too bad. I can't do it." She began to unravel.
"What? Who?" Willow tried to ascertain her fears but her mind was too erratic, "Do what?"
Rue moved to try and go to the window but Willow blocked her and she jumped back against the wall again. "Never shoulda let her...trust her. Now you're in danger too..."
"No, no, there's no danger. It's just a nightmare," she assured hushing her and moving a bit closer.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Holy mother of..." Buffy sat up in bed heart pounding in her chest. 'What the fuck was that?' She jumped up and headed for the door.
Dawn was already awake and in the hall. "Buffy? I had a nightmare." She announced disturbed and trembling.
"No, you didn't but someone else did." She went to Willow's room and thumped on the door, "WIL!"
"S'Okay Buffy! Come in--Slow!"
Buffy pushed the door open carefully, Dawn clinging to her shoulder, "What in God's name is going on?" She thundered then saw Becca curled up in the corner and Willow on her knees attempting to calm her down.
"Becca? You okay?" Dawn voiced with concern and tried to cross to her but Willow put up her arm holding her at bay fearing Becca might accidentally lash out in fear.
"We're fine here guys," she said in a quiet voice, "just a... little nightmare."
"Little? That was anything but." Buffy announced, "My goose bumps sprouted wings and fled from that scene."
"Wait, you saw it too?" She turned sounding perplexed.
"In full blown nauseating William Castle bleed-o-rama color." Dawn announced closing her eyes trying to push the lingering oh so graphic images out of her head.
"I think someone's got some 'splaining to do." Buffy groused and shifted about restlessly.
"We will once we decompress," Willow reiterated a bit miffed at Buffy's impatience, "if you hadn't noticed we're a bit unsettled right now and this close to--"
But before she could finish the thought Rue jumped up, skittled across the dresser and headed for the open window.
However Willow was ready for her, "Se teneo." she uttered waving a hand and threw up an energy barrier.
Rue hit it hard and was thrown back into the room.
She then turned to the bedroom door and put up her other hand, "Occludo." The door slammed, the lock was heard to close and a slight glimmer of energy shone through the frame. "That's a bit better," she sighed.
"For who?" Buffy screwed up her face and snatched Dawn behind her defensively.
But Dawn fought off her clutches and moved over to her friend. "Becca. Becca?" she called trying to rouse her from her fit.
The crack to the noggin and the sight of the door somewhat curtailed her instinct to flee and she began to back up again.
Willow stood now and walked over to the girl. "Rue!" she barked in an authoritative tone, "Listen to me." And turned to face her, "Stop! Now!" she said and sent simultaneously. This finally seemed to snap her out of it and she focused on Willow. "Ruuue, are you paying attention?"
The girl blinked, her breathing seeming to slow. She looked Willow dead in the eyes and nodded her head.
"Good girl." Willow crossed over to her and this time didn't shy away, "I need you to calm down," she declared and touched her face. "Can you do that?"
The girl closed her eyes and nodded, again.
"Good. Keep looking at me." Willow extended her hands and she took them. Stepping forward she placed her forehead against her trembling companion's. They stood like that for a few moments, Willow directing comforting images and quieting messages till finally, satisfied, she pulled away. "Okay, who's up for some tea?" came an overly cheery voice a she lowered the barriers on the room.
"Tea?!" Buffy echoed, "We're all wicked wide awake with serious high voltage heebie-jeebies and you want tea?"
Willow affected an air of innocence and pursed her lips, "Chocolate peppermint stick?"
"I'll boil the water." Buffy declared.
* * * * * * * * * *
The next afternoon. "Yes, we do seem to have the worst luck with stuff like that," Buffy said. "No, I didn't know you could hear it all over the neighborhood. I was on the other end of town. A bomb? No, I assure you. No, Willow's fine. Yes, we'll be fine. Yes, we have no choice now but to replace the whole line. Okay, thank you. She should be here momentarily. Thanks again. Good-bye." Buffy hung up the phone and placed a hand on her forehead, rolled her eyes and sighed audibly.
"Who was that?"
"Janice's Mom, I told her the gas main exploded."
"We don't have gas."
"She doesn't know that. Besides, what was I supposed to say," Buffy threw up her arms and affected a sarcastic Anya-esque tone, "Sorry, Janice's Mom, another demon just tried to murder my family, yet again, but please, go about your normal routine, and just ignore the ear shattering explosions and the fact that you can now find pieces of my blown to shit house imbedded in your front door and all the way to Elmwood. No biggie?"
Willow ignored her rant and just nodded knowingly. "She's going to wonder when she doesn't see any county trucks out here the rest of the week."
"Wil," she breathed, "one dilemma at a time."
"Okee."
The phone rang again. "Aarrrgh," Buffy groaned retrieving the handset. "Hello. Yes. Yes. No. All right, already." And hung up the phone again, "Wil, we really need to hit the Magic Box, Anya is uber-buggin'."
"Can't we just hit Anya instead?" she grinned.
"On my Christmas wish list," she shot back.
* * * * * * * * * *
At the Magic Box Rue came up from the storage room, "Anya, we only have one packet of flash powder left."
"What? That can't be right?" She mused reaching for the inventory list.
"They got into it again." Rue pointed behind her then turned around.
Anya grimaced, "Aw, sweet Saggaroth!" and watched as a charred little hand spastically gripped at the back of Rue's shirt. "Not another batch of enchanted monkey paws?!" She reached out and fought with the squirming annoyance trying to pull it loose. "That's it, that's the second shipment from that particular supplier. No more. I can't have these things feeling up the customers, not all of them like it."
Rue lowered her head attempting to suppress a laugh.
"What, you think that's funny?" Anya protested. "That's not funny."
Rue looked up laughing out loud and nodded.
"Okay, it is funny, isn't it?" She beamed proud of herself, "I made a funny. Go me!"
The shop door bell chimed as Buffy and Willow entered. "Hey, Anya." Buffy greeted approaching the counter.
"Buffy, Willow, where have you been?" She snapped, "Did I not make it clear on the phone my news was more important than your little so-called lives?"
"Nice to see you too Anya." Willow retorted crossing over to greet Rue then sit at the round table.
"I don't think you understand." She tripped peering about making sure that no customers could hear, "There was no call for vengeance last night. It totally stopped. Revenge doesn't just go on holiday. Not for a second, not for an hour, not for a whole night." She began to spin, "This is a big. It's like one of the signs of the apocalypse when no one wants anyone else dead... or turned into a slug... or tap-dancing in a frying pan in Hell. The universe as we know it is *fucked*."
"Anya, I get it. Happy, bad. Good, apocalyptic." Buffy quipped. "But what can we do about it?" she eyed her watch, "And in twenty minutes, I've got to get back to work or it's the Principal's office for me," she grinned goofily at her joke but it was lost on the disturbed demoness.
"I-I I don't know. I'm waiting for D'Hoffryn to summon me. We spoke last night and I thought he was going to pop a gland at the *no clientele* vibe." Suddenly Anya paused and cocked her head, the expression on her face as if she were intently listening to something. "Oh, no. He's coming here." She announced excited. "Right now!" She gestured for Buffy to back up. "Bow down." She said assuming a subordinate position. "Oh, mighty D'Hoffryn," and began the welcoming ritual as a lighted circle appeared on the floor. "We, your servants, are honored by your appearance."
Smoke began to rise from the ring and soon a figure could be seen emerging.
She continued and looked up. "Most noble master, we beseech--" Then abruptly stopped for standing in the haze was a short bookwormish demon with weasely little bug eyes set in an oversized head. He was clad in richly flowing bright silky robes and carried an ornate antique briefcase in one scaly hand. He blinked and jerked about uneasily. "Shit, Lloyd." Anya got to her feet affecting an air of disappointed. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, Anyanka," he fussed, "I don't know how you do it." He patted his chest, "That is the most unnerving thing."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she kvetched disgusted, "Lloyd, where is D'Hoffryn?"
"He's not coming. He's been called away on business."
"This is his business."
"Anyanka," he scolded, "our boss has bosses he must appease too. We're not animals," and blinked unaccustomed to the shop lights.
A customer walked past and spied the demon, "Great costume, dude."
"Oh, why, thanks... uh, dude." The confused demon assistant smiled then looked to the demoness again. "I am to relay our knowledge to you and whatever your concerns I will cover them with him as soon as he returns." Lloyd set his briefcase down and looked around the shop for the first time. "It's bigger than I expected," He said, "the scrying crystal distorts so much." He screwed up his face at Rue, "Shapeshifter." Then examined Buffy, "Ah, this must be the current vampire slayer. Greetings."
"Hiya, how's it going?" she smiled.
"Unfortunately, not well." He shrugged then stopped aghast and clutched at Anya's arm. "Is is i-is that?" his beady little eyes went wide with excitement. "Is that really her?"
Anya sighed, "Yes, yes, that's her. You know full well that's her," she sounded annoyed.
"Oh my. I wonder if I could? Do you think she'd?" he wobbled.
"For Christ's sake." Anya growled exasperated, "Willow, Lloyd would like to ask you a favor."
"Me?" she opened her eyes wide. 'What could a demon possibly want from me?' she thought.
Lloyd affected a meek posture and slunk over to where Willow sat, "Miss Rosenberg," he bowed graciously, "would you grant your humble ser--" his voice cracked. He cleared his throat and patted his chest. "I apologize, I'm so nervous."
"I make you nervous?" she tried to wrap her brain around that concept.
"You are the consummate artist." He fawned and wrung his hands. "Would you grant your humble servant--" his voice cracked again and he coughed then pulled out a lace handkerchief and dabbed at his brow, "It's so bright in this realm. I'm not used to it. Don't get out of the office much." Finally he sighed and spit it out, "Please, may I have your autograph?"
"Uh, sure." She replied a bit stunned then looking to him questioned. "Not in blood, I hope?"
He chuckled airily at her little joke delighted. Little did he know she was not joking. He held out a drawing to her. The demon's heart went pitter- patter. He was all a flutter.
Willow cringed when she saw the subject matter and stared at him but softened when she saw his face. He was so elated and she didn't wish to disappoint him so she signed it and handed it back.
"Oh, thank you," he kowtowed, "the office will be ablush with envy. All the reds and greens, it'll look like the high holy day of Arashtonahi."
She looked to Anya.
"Think demon equivalent of Christmas." She explained.
"Thank you. Thank you." He hurried off. "I'm so glad I did this," he gushed.
"I'm sure you are." Anya was less than amused. "Can we just do this already?"
* * * * * * * * * *
"Mom, it's me." Willow called opening the door of her parents house. "Mom?" she entered and held the door for Rue. "Guess she went out after all," she mused.
Rue looked around the house as they walked in. It was immaculate like a picture one would see in a magazine or a sample layout in a furniture store display. She sniffed the air and sneered it even smelled kind of sterile, unlike at Buffy's house where it exuded of Willow and Buffy and a hundred other scents depending on the time of day and activities going on. This reeked more of cleansers, polishes and fresheners than of the persons inhabiting it and she barely caught scent of Willow at all.
Willow set her keys and purse on the end table.
"You lived here?" Rue asked.
"Yeah, kinda still do," she gestured over her shoulder with her thumb, "my room's in the back."
"Like new," she commented amazed.
"My parents travel a lot," she explained, "lectures an causes an stuff, so they're not really around too much." She fidgeted with her sleeve cuffs and glanced at the ceiling, "You're typical latchkey kid. That was me. I hated that expression." And screwed up her face, "Spent a lot of time self raising." Taking Rue's hand she led her to the back of the house to her old room. "This is it. This is where I misspent my youth. Or rather... daydreamed about it."
Rue studied the room, it was kind of dark and kind of blah. Nothing really screamed Willow except maybe the old computer in the corner on the desk. "No toys?" she questioned.
"I have a few in a box in the closet." She assured then reflected a melancholy gaze, "My parents weren't exactly the family game night type and... only child, so..." going to her bookshelf she began to search for her volumes on magical creatures.
Rue sat on the foot end of the bed, "I liked to paint. I had an easel ... and stuffed animals." She thrust her hand into her duster pocket and emerged with a small object holding it out so Willow could see. It was a dirty cloth doll, a tattered and torn bunny that had seen better days. It was missing an eye and a pathetic speck of fuzz was all that was left of a once poofy cotton tail.
Willow moved from the shelf and stood in front of her accepting the toy staring at it comically.
"Mr. Doogie." She said innocently.
"Like "Doogie Howser, M.D.", I loved that show!" she gushed, "I wanted to be him... Only not a doctor, a computer mogul like Bill Gates."
"I-I don't remember what I wanted to be." She suddenly affected a sullen expression, "Mostly it was just ... alive, I guess."
"I'm sorry." Willow smiled tenderly and touched her cheek then hopped Mr. Doogie through the air at her tapping her on the tip of the nose with it.
Rue chuckled, mood lightening as she took the toy and deposited it back in her pocket.
Willow's expression became more serious now, she stepped closer and ran her fingers through soft Ruehair. The thought of her, this extremely gorgeous girl, here, in this room with her. Her room, where she had spent countless lonely hours yearning for companionship, excited her to no end. She then thought fondly of Oz and their first night together here. She was scared and inexperienced. He, restrained and careful, unsure about the wolf. But this wolf, here, now, for the first time was a different story. She suddenly felt like a kid again, a kid who was being naughty. Her heart began to race as she grinned wickedly touching her forehead to Rue's staring intensely into her eyes, "I want you," she purred.
Rue gazed up at her, "All I am is yours," then closed her eyes as Willow gently nuzzled her face emotions beginning to stir.
The words drove her wild with desire inflaming her passions and Willow began to madly clutch at her kissing her hard and deep claiming her as her own.
Rue responded instinctively reaching out catching Willow's hips drawing her in close, the feeling of her heart pounding in her chest igniting her senses. She slid her hands around and over her butt clasping it firmly while Willow ran a trail of kisses down Rue's cheek to her neck letting out a slight whimper of approval at her touch before biting at her hungrily. The hot breath and sensual gnawing of her skin sent shivers down Rue's spine, she could hear the blood coursing in Willow's veins, it was so loud and distracting she had to struggle with her carnal urges not to reciprocate, not to pierce her flesh and taste of it. Regrouping she ran her hands back over Willow's hips and up her stomach eagerly pulling her blouse free from her skirt, feverishly kissing and licking at her bare flesh. Willow threw her head back biting her lip and stifling a moan as Rue continued to work her way up unbuttoning the blouse as she went. Rue then stood and they kissed fiercely exploring and savoring.
Willow frantically fumbled with the collar of Rue's duster freeing her of it and letting it fall back on the bed. She then undid her belt, the button on her slacks, the zip and tugged wildly at her top. A button popped off unnoticed escaping onto the rug.
Rue sat back down on the bed and helped Willow with the rest of the buttons then focused on her thighs seizing them and sliding to her knees onto the floor. She seductively ran her hands down the outsides, the coolness of her palms making Willow go weak, then back up the fronts, under her skirt and helped her step out of her panties.
Willow voraciously pulled her up then pushed her down onto the mattress. She crawled onto the bed slow and animal like, tempting the wolf, hovering above her, teasing and taunting before sitting astride of Rue's hips. Gripping her with her knees she tugged on the loosened belt pulling it free and threw it to the floor as Rue ran the thumb of one hand up her inner thigh and caught her hip in the other. Willow leaned down draping herself over the girl nibbling at her breast and brushing her flame red locks back and forth across the bare skin.
Rue gasped, her body responding, becoming goose bumpy and hypersensitive, a low growl was heard as the beast inside was wrested from its slumber.
Willow watched captivated as Rue's eyes blazed with arousal changing from human brown to the light reflective green then the evil haunting wolf yellow.
Rue cupped Willow's buttocks forcefully pulling her in tight then ran her fingernails up her back, under her blouse, massaging her shoulder blades and pressing their flesh ever closer.
Snaking her arms under Rue's with a playful snarl and a heave Willow leaned backward flipping onto her back and rolling them over. She clung tightly to the girl, snuggling into her flesh and biting at it taking pleasure from the close contact and her weight above her. She breathed deeply drinking in her sweet musky smell and wrapped a leg around her thigh, throwing her other knee into the air planting her foot on the mattress. Passions blazing, Willow felt her mind begin to tingle, the barriers giving way and soon they were lost, swept up in the tantalizing all encompassing flood of each other's thoughts and emotions. They clasped hands entwining their fingers, Willow pulling them up near her head and long moments passed as their mouths probed and played and caressed one another.
"Willow?" Sheila Rosenberg called as she pushed the door to her daughter's room open, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Yeager called. I had to gooo-Oh my." Sheila averted her eyes, turned and left pulling the door by again. "I-I'll just be in the kitchen." She said from the hall, her voice shaky.
Willow froze shutting her eyes tight and drew her hands to her face completely ablush. This was becoming the punch line of one long wicked ass joke now. Was some unseen force sending her messages? She didn't know but they hurriedly redressed. Fixing her hair and trying to cool down she scrutinized Rue's appearance before taking her hand for support. With a reaffirming squeeze she dragged her out into the hallway letting her hand fall away to straighten her hemline then slowly strode into the kitchen.
"Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to invade your privacy." Sheila said fairly indifferent as she went about her duties.
Willow pursed her lips, sighed and fidgeted with her sleeve cuffs at a loss for what to say. This was an awkward first for them both as never in a million years would such an open display have happened with Tara. She was too private person where matters of this sort were concerned. And Oz, well, she had only invited him over a few times to do the meet and greet with the rents. Every other time they had the whole house to themselves. But Becca, Becca brought out her wild side the part that screamed for excitement and craved everything she always denied herself.
She continued, "You really should lock the door if you're going to--"
"Mom, please." Willow halted her abashed, "Also... we removed the lock, remember?"
"Oh. Yes, right." She said almost absentmindedly attending the dishwasher. Then stopped and stared at her daughter accusingly, "So, this is the new? It looked a bit serious. Not that I saw much... Are you serious?" In her heart she was still old fashioned and held out for grand children someday but she was also practical and a true child of the Sixties who understood the power and pull of the heart and the desire to experiment. She had also racked up enough Ph.D.'s behind her name to understand the factual science.
Willow turned to look to Rue for support and introductions but she wasn't behind her. She snorted then leaned on the counter, wrung her hands and scratched her head, "I never thought I would be again," she rested her chin on her knuckles looking wide eyed, "Tara and I were supposed to be... forever..." she trailed off.
Sheila nodded thoughtfully, "I know, dear." She thought back to the night Willow had finally made the announcement about her dating Tara. Initially she was shocked as Daniel was such a nice boy and she hadn't even known they had broken up, but once she got over the *my daughter is now a lesbian* idea and got to know Tara, she found her to be a wonderful person, kind, warm, loving and good for her daughter.
"...But I found Becca," She looked over her shoulder again, "and it was like--" Then began to beam animatedly gesturing with her hands, "It's just right, ya' know?" She leaned up from the counter, "I want you to know her." Backing up she slid around the corner looking for her.
Rue had gone back to the entrance to Willow's room.
"Some big bad you are," she scolded snatching her wrist tightly. "Come on." She dragged her out to the kitchen then pulled her in front of her. Taking hold of her upper arms she pushed her up to the counter and rested her head on over her shoulder, "Mom, this is Rebecca Sloane. Becca, this is my Mom, Sheila Rosenberg."
Rue smiled nervously her mouth suddenly dry as a desert, "H-how do you do, ma'am."
"I'm fine, Rebecca," she gave her the once over, "but you look like you're about to pass out. Take a few deep breaths and relax. I'm not the inquisition..."
Rue nodded and complied.
"...That's Willow's father." She jokingly finished.
"Moooom." Willow chided moving to lean on the counter again, "She's just joking." She reassured with a hand squeeze.
"So, Rebecca..." she furrowed her brow, "why does that name sound familiar?" And thought a moment shrugged and continued, "What's your vocation? Are you attending Sunnydale University?"
"No, ma'am, I work at the Magic Box."
"Oh, that place," she said disheartened. Sheila did not like the fact that her daughter spent so many hours in that emporium. She was all for her fascination with the history of myths and other cultures but wasting her time with chicanery and hocus-pocus card tricks was plain foolery in her opinion. She and her husband had ignored this attraction thinking it just a normal adolescent phase, that she'd eventually grow out of it, or lose interest but when the curiosity did not subside they were crushed, each blaming the other challenging their parenting skills. "How is that nice, Mr. Giles?" she inquired politely.
"Mom, I told you Anya is running the shop now."
"No," she thought, "don't know her."
Willow sighed. She had grown accustomed to living with the absent minded professors but her role as Repeato Igor grew old years ago.
"Are you sure we haven't met?" she started in again, "I may be a total Aunt Clara when it comes to names but I usually never forget a face."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sure."
Mrs. Rosenberg just shook her head since she couldn't shake the feeling then changed the subject. "Say, you kids want some supper?"
"No, we have too much stuff to do and I need to get back to check on Xander." Willow explained.
"Okay, give him my best, poor boy. Oh, Willow," Sheila hurried out of the kitchen and into the dining room snatching her purse from the chair pulling out a camera, "your Dad bought this silly digicam for his Luxembourg lecture then went ahead and forgot it. Let me get a shot of you two to send to him."
Willow pulled a reluctant Becca over by the sofa and leaned against her drawing a huge blissful grin and a wave. Becca smiled weakly still extremely nervous. Sheila pressed the button.
"There was no flash, Mom." Willow announced.
She checked the picture. Willow was correct, it was too dark. Then raised her brow, Rebecca was looking straight into the camera her eyes strangely luminescent. "Huh, let me try again. Electronics are not my forte." The camera flashed this time. Again her eyes luminesced. "This thing must not be set right, oh well, that's what Photoshop is for, right? That I can deal with. I'll send a copy to your Dad he'll be happy to know your still alive."
Her face fell, "Mom, I just spoke with him last week," she reminded.
"Well, you two haven't seen one another in so long." she frowned.
Willow's mouth hung open, "He spent all of September here writing his essay." Her mother didn't respond, "I took him to the airport." She exhaled, "You were in New York." She rolled her eyes exasperated and changed the subject, "Did you find my microscope?"
Sheila had gone back into the kitchen, "Like I said on the phone, honey, I think it's in Dad's den somewhere."
Willow dragged Becca into the den, she peered about and not finding the object of her desire opened the closet.
Becca studied all the books on the shelves. There were a myriad of matching volumes but one shelf was different from the others, slim offering with colorful covers. She pulled a few books out and began skimming through them. They were science and biology books for children. She smiled and looked to Willow in the closet rummaging around. She thought about her sitting at the big desk with her Dad quietly studying as he worked on one dissertation or another. She tried to remember her father. A good number of facts about him were there but the memories and emotions were gone. She ran her fingers across the spines of the other books then spied some familiar titles. Sunnydale Elementary and Highschool Yearbooks. Instinctively she chose one and flipped through. She found Willow's picture and smiled then flipped through some more pages. Her picture was absent. She frowned scolding herself mentally for her stupidity. Placing the book on the desk she grabbed a different volume repeating her actions. Then another. Suddenly she stopped.
"Ah-HA! Found it." Willow voiced holding her prize aloft. But her elation was quickly replaced by curiosity when she caught her girlfriend having an expression. "What is it? What's wrong?" she set the carrying case on the desk and crossed over.
Becca handed her the book and fell into the chair.
"Whoa." Willow exclaimed, "You? You're... here."
* * * * * * * * * *
To be continued in Chapter 6
SUMMARY: The Big Bads forge ahead as self doubt makes a guest appearance at Casa de Summers. Also, between a little gushing, a lot of blushing and a nightmare rush demons find the time to get a happy.
WARNINGS: Language, slanguage, sex and general wackiness!
____________________________________________________________
Love And Darkness And My Crossbow
by Eris © 2002 -- All rights reserved.
Chapter Five: The Thickening of Fear
At his new clandestine meeting place Cranston Silvermane raged. "If you are working against me, demon, I will bind you for eternity!" Shaking a fist in anger he clutched at his talisman holding it aloft for his subject to see. "Heed me." He hissed.
The demon bowed its head, "I obey, Master. My essence is with you ceaselessly. Since you allow me limited energies, I must conserve them while you are..." he chose his words carefully, "otherwise engaged."
Silvermane didn't trust the words as well he shouldn't.
"You need just summon and I am at your side. To do your bidding. To crush your enemies."
The warlock grunted his disapproval, "The powers I've gained were more than enough to tussle with the Slayer," he let slip.
The servant raised his head and then his brow, its eyes shifting to a deeper glow, "The Slayer? Master, you've been found out by the Slayer?" he said in mock surprise.
"I don't know how she found me..." he mumbled, "but we fought. I injured her," he chuckled with pride. "She never knew what hit her. The disguises are perfect. By the time she figured it out it was too late."
"Did you finish her?" the true demon inquired zealously. "The Slayer's blood would--"
"Eh, there was no time," he quieted his minion.
Lies, the demon knew Cranston was lying, he didn't have the power to kill a Slayer yet, unless he was damn lucky and caught her napping, so he decided to play on his master's greed, tell him of the power of the girl, "Master, while you were working I sensed a great power nearby."
Silvermane cocked his head skeptically and sneered.
"This power could aid in your plans, moving them forward more quickly..." the demon smirked an evil wicked demon smirk his eyes becoming sharp slits of light, "if you so chose."
The warlock rubbed at the sore spot on his face where the Slayer had hit him, "Tell me more..."
* * * * * * * * * *
"Oh my God!" Buffy stopped the car and jumped out. She ran up the walk and rushed in the open frontal area, "Dawn? Dawn?!"
"In here." Willow's weary voice carried from the kitchen.
"Dawn?" She called fearing the worst.
"She's all right." Wil said quietly, "Anya took her to Janice's."
"What--" Buffy attempted.
"Demon attack." Willow announced while administering drops into Rue's eyes, "Very powerful," She looked up at her now for the first time, "Buffy? What's that on your face?" she examined it more carefully, "Is that a sneaker print?"
"Never mind me, Xander's hurt. Can you heal him?"
Dread and uncertainty gripped her firm, "N-no," she stuttered and furrowed her brow, "I mean, I want to. I wish I could, but I can't. You remember how long it took just to heal myself after Gnarl. And tonight... Whoa, where to start?" Her eyes grew wide as she tripped into full on babble mode, "the muppet on crack, that awful burning flesh smell, eeyuch, you know the one. Then with the flying," her voice lowered, "oh, I *so* hate the ceiling ... we really gotta clean the fan blades, an-and the darkness and pain and then..." she looked to Rue and gestured hooking her fingers, "you all, rrrr, an Dawn all, aaahhh, oh, gosh, demon goo, ick factor twelve, an I couldn't breathe, the bugs, oh, the bugs, thank God, no frogs, an-an the BOOM... then Anya with the face and the..."
Buffy took her by the shoulders, "Wil. Breathe."
"...I don't think I'll ever be able to get rid of the taste in my mouth," she wound down to a finish.
"Focus." Buffy continued. They stared at one another. "He needs a hospital."
She nodded her head, "So do you," then tilted it, "is that a Ked?"
Buffy closed her eyes searching for strength then persevered, "Can you take him?"
"But you need attention too?" she appealed.
"I'm okay."
"Buffy--"
"Wil, foot's down." She affected a stern tone.
"Uh, I'll go." Rue offered.
"Sweetie," Willow placed a hand on her shoulder, "you can't see or hear straight, an they might try to take your blood or something. You stay here aaand uh, take care of Buffy and, uh, I'll drive Xander to the hospital." She said like it had just now popped into her brain.
Rue furrowed her brow and shot her an unfocused freaksome glance but nodded obediently.
"Hurry, Wil." Buffy urged handing her Xander's keys.
"Probably best to get myself a tetanus shot." Willow mumbled to no one in particular while searching for her purse, "Don't exactly know what kinda Hellmouth bugs I've contracted. Eyugh, bugs." She shivered, "Then again, Hellmouth probably isn't part of the vaccine cocktail...no doubt some people would get a kick out of my having lockjaw... or-or something equally fucked up and bleeehhh." She gestured with an eye cross and stuck out tongue before heading out. Almost turning an ankle on some debris she declared, "This needs to be cleared up..." and continued to jabber all the way down the walk to the car her voice becoming distant. "Oh, Xander, what did you do now?"
Standing in the door frame the duo watched the car pull away until the tail lights were out of range. Buffy and Rue had never been left completely alone before.
"She's not okay." Rue began apprehensive.
"Sounded fine to me." Buffy retorted coldly.
Rue screwed up her face. She guessed Buffy knew her better though it gave her little comfort, Willow being so scattered and off kilter. They returned to the kitchen. Rue sat back down and fumbled for the Bactine spray. She put her burnt hand on the table and squeezed the can. Buffy irritated watched her dance about and blow on her hand till the stinging subsided. Some big bad she thought. They stared at one another in awkward silence, each the worse for wear, each unsure of the other until finally, "I can, uh, fix your face--" Rue gestured.
"--Don't touch my face." Buffy snapped.
Rue nodded her head and pursed her lips passively. Looking back into the first aid kit she grabbed some ointment and some gauss to finish securing her wound then remembered Willow's words and extended it towards Buffy.
She slapped it away, "This is all your fault." Buffy launched. She had held her tongue about her suspicions since the first attack because she had made a promise to Willow but no matter what she did Buffy could not shake her feelings of dread towards this one. Her vagueness about her past infuriated her, the crazy talk, the uber-territorial uber-obsessed fixation with Willow and finally the knife.
"My fault?" she echoed perplexed.
"Look at my house!" Buffy gestured voice tinged with rage.
"I didn't do this!" she defended.
She set her hands firmly on her hips, "...And you didn't do the thing at the Magic Box either." There it was said.
"NO! Of course not!" Rue said shock faced she'd think something like that.
"Hm," Buffy tapped her forehead, "big coincidence that stuff like this didn't happen until you latched onto Willow."
"Yeah, it is," she replied suddenly reflective.
Buffy stepped towards the girl, "I don't think so, *Rue*. I think *you* are involved, Bec-ca. I think *you* brought the evil here, whatever your real name is. And I think *you're* evil. You've conned them all. And you're manipulating my friend. But you don't fool me." She was right in her face now, "I won't let you have her."
"What?" Rue stared at her tight faced anger creeping in.
"You say you love Willow yet you crank her up, tip her over the edge, make her use her dark skills. I'm not blind. All this evil is hurting her. You're hurting her."
"No!" She spat, "You're wrong."
Buffy smiled spitefully, she knew she was getting to the girl, "That's right, no matter what face you flash at her or lies you whisper to make her like you you are evil. I'm going to be watching you."
"Is that a threat?" Rue asked reflexively voice lowering.
Buffy flipped her hair and sneered pushing the intimidation to the next level, "It's a reminder." She put her face inches from Rue's and enunciated slowly, "Never forget *who* I am."
Rue felt her breath on her cheek, her pulse quickened and she gnashed her teeth. More than anything she wanted to dive in and try this slayer on for size but Willow had given her orders so instead she took a step back.
"What's the matter? Thinking twice?" The Slayer goaded, "not strong enough without your demon buddies?"
"Willow has ordered me not to fight with you." She struggled with herself.
"Oh, she has?" Buffy pursed her lips, "Willow's orders? News flash. This isn't Willow's house this is *my* house so while you're in it you take *orders* from me." Buffy folded her arms defiantly, "You so much as twitch and you can find someplace else to be."
Breathing deep she concentrated, "...said to take care of you, but if you won't allow it. I can't make you."
"Make me? I'd like to see you make me. Come on, make a move." Buffy poked at her with a bony index finger, "Try something, anything, and see how fast I stake your demon ass to the carpet."
Rue stood seething but resolute in her compliance to Willow.
"Mmm-hmm." Buffy rolled her eyes and looked at her like she was small, then added wagging that same index finger, "And keep away from Dawn, I don't want you near her. So help me God, you lay one paw on my sister or even breath wrong near her and I *will* kill you."
Rue remained motionless so she grabbed her.
She moved to grab back but restrained herself.
"Are we clear?" Buffy reiterated.
"Five by five." Rue said slowly eyes flaring.
A chill shot down Buffy's spine at the words. She released her pausing but a moment then went and sat down at the counter to tend to her wounds.
Rue stood silently, Buffy and Anya's words echoing in her mind. Doubt began to creep in. Was this her fault? Willow and Dawn had gotten hurt as did she but was it *her* fault? Did that thing follow her? Would Willow be safe if she left? She couldn't protect her, that thing had nullified everything she was, reached down inside her pulled out the dark, pulled out the wolf, made her lose control. Her emotions swirled like a just stirred pot. She needed guidance. She needed reassurance. She needed answers. She needed *away* from Buffy. She needed an Advil and she needed a broom. Retrieving one from the basement door she walked to the front of the house and began to sweep up the debris and ruin before Willow's return.
* * * * * * * * * *
Late that evening after she was certain Xander was comfortably tucked into Dawn's bed for the night Willow finally went to her room. Flopping down on the bed she clutched at her forehead and let out a big sigh. She ached mind, body and soul, if that were possible. Tonight had been one of the scariest times of her life, she had completely lost herself at one point and was utterly ashamed for almost dragging Bec and Dawn along with her but surprisingly Anya had saved the day. Anya, of all people, had saved *her*. She thought she would have a good long cry if only she weren't so exhausted. There had been plenty of time at the hospital to mull things over and place the blame squarely with herself.
Rue entered and closed the door behind her. She had spent quite some time in the bathroom trying to get the taste of the demon off her tongue and its gook out of her hair. But once again she was all minty fruity scented the way Willow liked and pleased as punch about it. She crossed over to the bed, fluffed her pillow and sat down leaning against the headboard. Willow immediately threw her arms around her middle and held tight, extra tight, burying her head into her side. Rue rubbed her back with her good hand and carefully ran the fingertips of her bad through her hair. Suddenly she heard the soft sounds of sniffling emanating from her lover. "Crying? Why crying?" she asked innocently yet a little apprehensive. Long moments passed as Rue held her trying to comfort her then slowly Willow's grasp eased, she relaxed, turned her head and began wiping at her face. Rue scooted down propping up on one arm on the pillow next to her. Snuffling at the hot tears she said, "Willow doesn't cry," and softly gazed into her reddened eyes.
"Yes, she does," she nodded, "more than you'll ever know."
Rue frowned, "No. No more." And kissed her on the forehead.
More tears erupted.
"Tell." She urged.
But Willow remained silent.
"Hurt you bad?" she asked full of curiosity and concern.
Willow picked her head up, "I dunno." She replied lamely as she truly didn't know. Didn't know what exactly it did to her and didn't know if there would be any residual effects from the dark magicks, besides her already now uber-intensified feelings of fear, doubt and loss of control.
Rue stared into her eyes lovingly. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was hurt Willow or be the cause of something that would. "I-it was strong," she began dubiously. "T-t-the black. I-I tried but I couldn't stop it."
Willow pursed her lips and averted her eyes, "I know."
"...Reached down inside me and took hold. It felt *so much* like you."
Willow looked away her eyes beginning to well up again.
"I thought here it would be different. It's light here...Said it would be different." She muttered.
"Who, your angel?" she breathed.
It was Rue's turn to avert her eyes. Reluctantly she nodded.
Willow fell silent for a moment. She couldn't be sure what had happened at the end but she thought she saw someone or rather felt someone. More than likely she was just imagining it, more probably hallucinating from oxygen deprivation and a highly charged emotional state. Whatever the rationale, it had helped in her time of need.
Rue began fidgeting with the medical tape on Willow's collarbone. "What would have happened if--"
Willow shifted on the pillow, "If what?"
"If I never came here?" she asked dejected.
"I don't understand." Willow stuck out her lip disconcerted.
"Then maybe these things wouldn't be happening?"
"What? No." she rebuked.
"If I were to leave then you'd be safe again." Rue offered haltingly.
"No!" Willow clutched at her, "Sweetie, this has nothing to do with you."
"So sure. How so sure? I'm not sure." She sounded worry quavering in her voice.
"I'm sure." Willow's voice rose, "It's my fault. That thing attacked *me*."
"But what--"
"No." Willow shook her, "You're not going anywhere. I need you."
Rue still had but-face and opened her mouth as to speak only Willow cut her off sternly, "No!" she snapped, "I need you," halting anymore talk on the subject.
Rue nodded in compliance and chewed her lip. Carefully she removed the hospital dressing and gently ran her finger along the edges of the wound she had created on Willow's collarbone staring at the brunt raw flesh. "I'm sorry." She said sullenly.
"Why?" Willow threaded her fingers through the girl's hair at the nape of her neck, "You didn't do it, you got it off."
"I shoulda made Dawn leave that thing."
Willow's mood lightened at that comment, "Oh, and you think you coulda done that?" she giggled rolling her eyes and leaning up from the pillow to touch foreheads, "Dawn's got you wrapped around her little finger." But Rue continued the grim. "Stop the guiltapalooza." she chastised softly.
Rue bit at her lip, "Things are so different but they're still the same," she fretted, "I have to be better or... or things will play out the same way." Closing her eyes she lowered her head luxuriating at the feel of the Willowchest slowly rising and falling beneath her, "I won't let it happen."
Willow stroked her hair trying to understand her, "Nothing's going to happen," and placed her cheek on top of her head.
After a time Rue picked her head up and again focused on the wound, "It's stopped bleeding, I can make it feel better."
Willow smiled seductively and pulled her in close whispering, "Oh yeah?" then kissed her.
Pulling away slightly Rue replied, "Yes," and stared at her in earnest.
"All right." She continued to initiate but when Rue held steadfast realization crept in, "Oh?" she repeated, "I thought..." Duh, she wasn't just doing the sexy talk thing, this was serious talk. "Never mind what I thought." Willow continued awkwardly then nodded her head permissively and lay back on the pillow.
Rue hovered above her then kissed her, "It may feel uncomfortable... the touching part... then it should tingle... or so I've been told,"
Willow nodded again.
Rue leaned over the wound and placed her hand on Willow's shoulder.
Suddenly she felt a familiar warm moistness along the length of it, Rue had placed her mouth on the area and proceeded to lick at the damaged flesh. She sucked in her breath at the sensation.
Rue stopped, "Does it hurt?"
"No," she replied startled, "it's just... the wolf--"
"S'okay, it can't." Rue cut in reassuringly then timidly continued, "I-I would never--"
"Oh, I know," Willow blurted out ever trustful, "just took me by surprise is all." She suddenly wrinkled her brow her face taking on a strange mien, "Heh, it *is* tingly," then tried to look down at her collarbone unsuccessfully, "not burning all over anymore." Jumping up, she crawled across the bed and went to the mirror, "Whoa, look at that." She uttered awestruck watching the wound work to mend itself.
Rue came up behind her taking pleasure in her expression.
Twirling about she nabbed her injured hand and held it up, "No fixy?"
She shook her head, no, "Only works on others."
"So, change and be done with it?"
Rue averted her eyes again not wanting to disappoint.
"What?" Willow leaned back pouting ever so slightly.
She let out a big sigh, "It's getting more difficult for me to shift when I want. I dunno," she threw up her hand a little angry, a little embarrassed, "I think it's the sun, maybe?"
* * * * * * * * * *
"And you are certain, this girl has powers?" Silvermane pointed a crooked index finger. "Real powers?" He was still skeptical.
"Beyond your imagining. If you were to collect her you wouldn't need to acquire any more sources," the demon enticed.
Cranston smiled, stroked his goatee then folded his arms. "I assume a power this great is not easily gained." He paced back and forth carefully weighing the possibilities.
"You are correct, Master," the servant bobbed its head.
"You have the spell?"
"Yes, Master."
"Gooood," he purred, "I will proceed," and moved to prepare.
"But, Master," the demon interrupted, "the spell may not be enough."
Cranston swung about irritated and glared fiercely.
"She is guarded by a powerful witch," it finished. "We would need to get past her first."
"A witch? Feh," spat the warlock. "No witch is a match for me."
"I beg to differ." Bthozopth lowered his head readying for a verbal assault.
"Whaaat?" he sounded insulted and was about to chastise his subject vehemently but instead stopped and went silent then continued in a more civilized raspy tone, "What do you know?"
"This witch is most powerful, that is why I could not initially sense her. Her powers may be more than you can quell even with my aid... Now, if you had followers... and were to gather those faithful you'd need just say the word and we would strike in your name. Then you would be free to dispatch the Slayer," it could see the gleam in the mage's eye, "with the power of the girl and the blood of the Slayer you would be invincible. Ruler of this realm."
Suddenly Cranston's smile was replaced by a frown, "You seem to have neglected one obvious point, toad, I work alone. Do you see any followers groveling at my feet besides yourself?"
In stride he took the barb, "Easily rectified, Master," the demon sung sweetly. "You will find your army out there." He waved a large claw fingered hand. "The desperate, the victimized, the insane, the self- conceited--"
"Yeees," Silvermane began to smile. "The fools sitting in the candlelight with their store-bought mass-market copies of "Black Magic for Dummies" chanting to mete out their petty revenge on those who supposedly wronged them." Then chuckled. "The computer nerd, the unpopular girl, the unappreciated coworker, the abused housewife." Then cackled with glee.
"They are your soldiers," the demon concurred.
"Do it. Do it now." Silvermane ordered harshly.
"I cannot. The spell takes more power than I currently possess. Unbind me so that I may call forth the dark spirits to assemble and tap into the energies."
Silvermane began to laugh a different laugh now, "Unbind you? Hahahaha, you think me a fool, toad? You're wretched so-called soul is mine. Do not forget who is in charge."
"I mean no deception. My intent is to assist you. Restrained as I am, I am of no use."
"Then be silent. I must think." Cranston paced about then sat on a tomb. He rose and crossed over to a satchel that held the idol. Reaching inside he pulled out a ragged grimoire, returned to the tomb and thumbed through it. After a while he slammed the book shut placing it on the cold marble, "I will do as you ask. But not as you wish. I will lift the veil in part. But once the spell is cast you will be back in your rightful place."
"Agreed," he bowed.
The warlock began to breathe heavy appearing to attain a trance like state. Then let out a long low monkish tone and finally began to chant in an ancient tongue sounding much like gibberish.
Bthozopth waited patiently, all of a sudden his arm began to prickle. He held it out in front of him ogling as the markings of his servitude burned brightly then, symbol by symbol, line by line, they began disappearing, peeling off in puffs of smoke and a foul odor. Raising his arm, he twisted his hand in the air and a siphon of energies leapt forth to his grasp. With a bone chilling roar a sickly green wave emanated from its palm shooting through the building, through the graveyard, through the entirety of Sunnydale and its inhabitants generating the inductees of this new cult. The dabblers, the novices, the feeble, all seized by the raw power of the true demon, their souls now lost, bound to him, bound to do his bidding. He lowered his hand. "They will come. Prepare."
Cranston Silvermane opened his eyes and ceased his chant. As he did Bthozopth snarled and stared at his arm. The symbols returned from the nothing fastening themselves once more slicing into his flesh anew again disclosing his indentured past.
* * * * * * * * * *
Throughout the town of Sunnydale people emerged from their homes taking to the streets. Assembling in the chill of the night they came from everywhere and made their way silently towards the woods near the old forgotten cemetery.
* * * * * * * * * *
Anyanka moaned with delight as Kursk's forked tongue flickered across the sensitive areas of her breasts. In her demon form she was in tune with pleasures unknown to mere humans and to have bagged herself a Traskur, well, she was in seventh heaven if there were such a place for demons.
Kursk's robust frame was enhanced by his ability to generate energy bursts and he was definitely skilled in how to put them to good use in bed as well as in battle. This Traskur was in fine form for a male of that species, handsome, rugged, hard-bodied and not a bad looker in his human guise either.
Anyanka's eyes rolled back into her head as she growled passionately and ran her clawed fingers over his slick muscles enjoying the power within. She grabbed at the tusks on his face kissing him deeply their tongues entwining and teasing, then ran her hands down his neck, over his broad ornately carved shoulders, down onto his back to clutch and tug at the bony plate-like ridges urging him on.
Kursk ended their kiss pulling his head back. His chest radiated red hot, the source of his energies. Gazing into each other's gleaming eyes he shared his gift again sending Anyanka into a feral frenzy her entire body vibrating. Their rhythmic thrusting motions synchronized and quickened now as they neared their peak.
A sudden shock wave passed over them, through the room.
Most abruptly Anyanka stopped and sat up unnerved, "Kursk, do you feel that?!" she asked an edge creeping into her voice.
But Kursk closed his eyes tight and just shook unable to speak as a different shock wave washed over him.
* * * * * * * * * *
Late into the wee hours Rue tossed and turned, this was the first time in a long time she didn't just lie down and fall asleep effortlessly with Willow wrapped peacefully around her. She had done her best to hide it but she was unnerved. Buffy's words still echoed in her mind. She had lost control, near blacked out and freaked out. She felt nauseous and torn up inside at the darkness as she was not a big magic fan to begin with. She'd seen what it could do and what it had done. Willow had said she was a witch, shown her things and taught her some tricks but this had gone beyond that. Way beyond.
Finally her body fitfully slipped into slumber but her mind was working overtime. All the bad, all the evil, all the dark ran through her thoughts jumbling into a terrifying array of images past and present. Her heart beat like a runaway train and she began to panic, everything culminating into one moment.
A sickly green wave passed through the room.
Rue screamed "NOOO!" and shot bolt upright in bed.
As did Willow, she had been right there with her through their bond and she was as breathless as her partner from the experience.
'WHOA.' She thought shaken. As awesome as the barrage of good images they had shared and taken pleasure from was, the torrent of bad was truly horrific. Willow had thought she understood when the girl spoke of the way things were at home but now, having experienced it somewhat, she began to understand that she understood nothing. Fumbling to turn on the light she accidentally knocked it over. Turning she saw her lover feral, wild eyed and quaking, completely drenched with fear, "Bec." she said reaching for her to comfort her.
But she jumped against the wall avoiding her touch, slid off the bed into a corner on the floor and began clutching at her brow and mumbling to herself. "It's not real. You're not real. Dead. Dead. All dead. All dark. I did it. It's me. Coming to get me. Take me like it should have. Shouldn't be here. Don't deserve the good."
Willow climbed off the bed and ventured as close as Rue would let her. She tried to soothe her, "Bec, sweetie, calm down, it was just a nightmare. We all have nightmares." She didn't know if she was truly helping, for their bond had kicked her senses into high gear and she was wound way tight from bearing the brunt of the girl's fear. She took some deep breaths to compose herself then attempted to project calming thoughts at her to alleviate some of her anxiety.
"Need to go. She lied, can't escape. Too dark, too bad. I can't do it." She began to unravel.
"What? Who?" Willow tried to ascertain her fears but her mind was too erratic, "Do what?"
Rue moved to try and go to the window but Willow blocked her and she jumped back against the wall again. "Never shoulda let her...trust her. Now you're in danger too..."
"No, no, there's no danger. It's just a nightmare," she assured hushing her and moving a bit closer.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Holy mother of..." Buffy sat up in bed heart pounding in her chest. 'What the fuck was that?' She jumped up and headed for the door.
Dawn was already awake and in the hall. "Buffy? I had a nightmare." She announced disturbed and trembling.
"No, you didn't but someone else did." She went to Willow's room and thumped on the door, "WIL!"
"S'Okay Buffy! Come in--Slow!"
Buffy pushed the door open carefully, Dawn clinging to her shoulder, "What in God's name is going on?" She thundered then saw Becca curled up in the corner and Willow on her knees attempting to calm her down.
"Becca? You okay?" Dawn voiced with concern and tried to cross to her but Willow put up her arm holding her at bay fearing Becca might accidentally lash out in fear.
"We're fine here guys," she said in a quiet voice, "just a... little nightmare."
"Little? That was anything but." Buffy announced, "My goose bumps sprouted wings and fled from that scene."
"Wait, you saw it too?" She turned sounding perplexed.
"In full blown nauseating William Castle bleed-o-rama color." Dawn announced closing her eyes trying to push the lingering oh so graphic images out of her head.
"I think someone's got some 'splaining to do." Buffy groused and shifted about restlessly.
"We will once we decompress," Willow reiterated a bit miffed at Buffy's impatience, "if you hadn't noticed we're a bit unsettled right now and this close to--"
But before she could finish the thought Rue jumped up, skittled across the dresser and headed for the open window.
However Willow was ready for her, "Se teneo." she uttered waving a hand and threw up an energy barrier.
Rue hit it hard and was thrown back into the room.
She then turned to the bedroom door and put up her other hand, "Occludo." The door slammed, the lock was heard to close and a slight glimmer of energy shone through the frame. "That's a bit better," she sighed.
"For who?" Buffy screwed up her face and snatched Dawn behind her defensively.
But Dawn fought off her clutches and moved over to her friend. "Becca. Becca?" she called trying to rouse her from her fit.
The crack to the noggin and the sight of the door somewhat curtailed her instinct to flee and she began to back up again.
Willow stood now and walked over to the girl. "Rue!" she barked in an authoritative tone, "Listen to me." And turned to face her, "Stop! Now!" she said and sent simultaneously. This finally seemed to snap her out of it and she focused on Willow. "Ruuue, are you paying attention?"
The girl blinked, her breathing seeming to slow. She looked Willow dead in the eyes and nodded her head.
"Good girl." Willow crossed over to her and this time didn't shy away, "I need you to calm down," she declared and touched her face. "Can you do that?"
The girl closed her eyes and nodded, again.
"Good. Keep looking at me." Willow extended her hands and she took them. Stepping forward she placed her forehead against her trembling companion's. They stood like that for a few moments, Willow directing comforting images and quieting messages till finally, satisfied, she pulled away. "Okay, who's up for some tea?" came an overly cheery voice a she lowered the barriers on the room.
"Tea?!" Buffy echoed, "We're all wicked wide awake with serious high voltage heebie-jeebies and you want tea?"
Willow affected an air of innocence and pursed her lips, "Chocolate peppermint stick?"
"I'll boil the water." Buffy declared.
* * * * * * * * * *
The next afternoon. "Yes, we do seem to have the worst luck with stuff like that," Buffy said. "No, I didn't know you could hear it all over the neighborhood. I was on the other end of town. A bomb? No, I assure you. No, Willow's fine. Yes, we'll be fine. Yes, we have no choice now but to replace the whole line. Okay, thank you. She should be here momentarily. Thanks again. Good-bye." Buffy hung up the phone and placed a hand on her forehead, rolled her eyes and sighed audibly.
"Who was that?"
"Janice's Mom, I told her the gas main exploded."
"We don't have gas."
"She doesn't know that. Besides, what was I supposed to say," Buffy threw up her arms and affected a sarcastic Anya-esque tone, "Sorry, Janice's Mom, another demon just tried to murder my family, yet again, but please, go about your normal routine, and just ignore the ear shattering explosions and the fact that you can now find pieces of my blown to shit house imbedded in your front door and all the way to Elmwood. No biggie?"
Willow ignored her rant and just nodded knowingly. "She's going to wonder when she doesn't see any county trucks out here the rest of the week."
"Wil," she breathed, "one dilemma at a time."
"Okee."
The phone rang again. "Aarrrgh," Buffy groaned retrieving the handset. "Hello. Yes. Yes. No. All right, already." And hung up the phone again, "Wil, we really need to hit the Magic Box, Anya is uber-buggin'."
"Can't we just hit Anya instead?" she grinned.
"On my Christmas wish list," she shot back.
* * * * * * * * * *
At the Magic Box Rue came up from the storage room, "Anya, we only have one packet of flash powder left."
"What? That can't be right?" She mused reaching for the inventory list.
"They got into it again." Rue pointed behind her then turned around.
Anya grimaced, "Aw, sweet Saggaroth!" and watched as a charred little hand spastically gripped at the back of Rue's shirt. "Not another batch of enchanted monkey paws?!" She reached out and fought with the squirming annoyance trying to pull it loose. "That's it, that's the second shipment from that particular supplier. No more. I can't have these things feeling up the customers, not all of them like it."
Rue lowered her head attempting to suppress a laugh.
"What, you think that's funny?" Anya protested. "That's not funny."
Rue looked up laughing out loud and nodded.
"Okay, it is funny, isn't it?" She beamed proud of herself, "I made a funny. Go me!"
The shop door bell chimed as Buffy and Willow entered. "Hey, Anya." Buffy greeted approaching the counter.
"Buffy, Willow, where have you been?" She snapped, "Did I not make it clear on the phone my news was more important than your little so-called lives?"
"Nice to see you too Anya." Willow retorted crossing over to greet Rue then sit at the round table.
"I don't think you understand." She tripped peering about making sure that no customers could hear, "There was no call for vengeance last night. It totally stopped. Revenge doesn't just go on holiday. Not for a second, not for an hour, not for a whole night." She began to spin, "This is a big. It's like one of the signs of the apocalypse when no one wants anyone else dead... or turned into a slug... or tap-dancing in a frying pan in Hell. The universe as we know it is *fucked*."
"Anya, I get it. Happy, bad. Good, apocalyptic." Buffy quipped. "But what can we do about it?" she eyed her watch, "And in twenty minutes, I've got to get back to work or it's the Principal's office for me," she grinned goofily at her joke but it was lost on the disturbed demoness.
"I-I I don't know. I'm waiting for D'Hoffryn to summon me. We spoke last night and I thought he was going to pop a gland at the *no clientele* vibe." Suddenly Anya paused and cocked her head, the expression on her face as if she were intently listening to something. "Oh, no. He's coming here." She announced excited. "Right now!" She gestured for Buffy to back up. "Bow down." She said assuming a subordinate position. "Oh, mighty D'Hoffryn," and began the welcoming ritual as a lighted circle appeared on the floor. "We, your servants, are honored by your appearance."
Smoke began to rise from the ring and soon a figure could be seen emerging.
She continued and looked up. "Most noble master, we beseech--" Then abruptly stopped for standing in the haze was a short bookwormish demon with weasely little bug eyes set in an oversized head. He was clad in richly flowing bright silky robes and carried an ornate antique briefcase in one scaly hand. He blinked and jerked about uneasily. "Shit, Lloyd." Anya got to her feet affecting an air of disappointed. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, Anyanka," he fussed, "I don't know how you do it." He patted his chest, "That is the most unnerving thing."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she kvetched disgusted, "Lloyd, where is D'Hoffryn?"
"He's not coming. He's been called away on business."
"This is his business."
"Anyanka," he scolded, "our boss has bosses he must appease too. We're not animals," and blinked unaccustomed to the shop lights.
A customer walked past and spied the demon, "Great costume, dude."
"Oh, why, thanks... uh, dude." The confused demon assistant smiled then looked to the demoness again. "I am to relay our knowledge to you and whatever your concerns I will cover them with him as soon as he returns." Lloyd set his briefcase down and looked around the shop for the first time. "It's bigger than I expected," He said, "the scrying crystal distorts so much." He screwed up his face at Rue, "Shapeshifter." Then examined Buffy, "Ah, this must be the current vampire slayer. Greetings."
"Hiya, how's it going?" she smiled.
"Unfortunately, not well." He shrugged then stopped aghast and clutched at Anya's arm. "Is is i-is that?" his beady little eyes went wide with excitement. "Is that really her?"
Anya sighed, "Yes, yes, that's her. You know full well that's her," she sounded annoyed.
"Oh my. I wonder if I could? Do you think she'd?" he wobbled.
"For Christ's sake." Anya growled exasperated, "Willow, Lloyd would like to ask you a favor."
"Me?" she opened her eyes wide. 'What could a demon possibly want from me?' she thought.
Lloyd affected a meek posture and slunk over to where Willow sat, "Miss Rosenberg," he bowed graciously, "would you grant your humble ser--" his voice cracked. He cleared his throat and patted his chest. "I apologize, I'm so nervous."
"I make you nervous?" she tried to wrap her brain around that concept.
"You are the consummate artist." He fawned and wrung his hands. "Would you grant your humble servant--" his voice cracked again and he coughed then pulled out a lace handkerchief and dabbed at his brow, "It's so bright in this realm. I'm not used to it. Don't get out of the office much." Finally he sighed and spit it out, "Please, may I have your autograph?"
"Uh, sure." She replied a bit stunned then looking to him questioned. "Not in blood, I hope?"
He chuckled airily at her little joke delighted. Little did he know she was not joking. He held out a drawing to her. The demon's heart went pitter- patter. He was all a flutter.
Willow cringed when she saw the subject matter and stared at him but softened when she saw his face. He was so elated and she didn't wish to disappoint him so she signed it and handed it back.
"Oh, thank you," he kowtowed, "the office will be ablush with envy. All the reds and greens, it'll look like the high holy day of Arashtonahi."
She looked to Anya.
"Think demon equivalent of Christmas." She explained.
"Thank you. Thank you." He hurried off. "I'm so glad I did this," he gushed.
"I'm sure you are." Anya was less than amused. "Can we just do this already?"
* * * * * * * * * *
"Mom, it's me." Willow called opening the door of her parents house. "Mom?" she entered and held the door for Rue. "Guess she went out after all," she mused.
Rue looked around the house as they walked in. It was immaculate like a picture one would see in a magazine or a sample layout in a furniture store display. She sniffed the air and sneered it even smelled kind of sterile, unlike at Buffy's house where it exuded of Willow and Buffy and a hundred other scents depending on the time of day and activities going on. This reeked more of cleansers, polishes and fresheners than of the persons inhabiting it and she barely caught scent of Willow at all.
Willow set her keys and purse on the end table.
"You lived here?" Rue asked.
"Yeah, kinda still do," she gestured over her shoulder with her thumb, "my room's in the back."
"Like new," she commented amazed.
"My parents travel a lot," she explained, "lectures an causes an stuff, so they're not really around too much." She fidgeted with her sleeve cuffs and glanced at the ceiling, "You're typical latchkey kid. That was me. I hated that expression." And screwed up her face, "Spent a lot of time self raising." Taking Rue's hand she led her to the back of the house to her old room. "This is it. This is where I misspent my youth. Or rather... daydreamed about it."
Rue studied the room, it was kind of dark and kind of blah. Nothing really screamed Willow except maybe the old computer in the corner on the desk. "No toys?" she questioned.
"I have a few in a box in the closet." She assured then reflected a melancholy gaze, "My parents weren't exactly the family game night type and... only child, so..." going to her bookshelf she began to search for her volumes on magical creatures.
Rue sat on the foot end of the bed, "I liked to paint. I had an easel ... and stuffed animals." She thrust her hand into her duster pocket and emerged with a small object holding it out so Willow could see. It was a dirty cloth doll, a tattered and torn bunny that had seen better days. It was missing an eye and a pathetic speck of fuzz was all that was left of a once poofy cotton tail.
Willow moved from the shelf and stood in front of her accepting the toy staring at it comically.
"Mr. Doogie." She said innocently.
"Like "Doogie Howser, M.D.", I loved that show!" she gushed, "I wanted to be him... Only not a doctor, a computer mogul like Bill Gates."
"I-I don't remember what I wanted to be." She suddenly affected a sullen expression, "Mostly it was just ... alive, I guess."
"I'm sorry." Willow smiled tenderly and touched her cheek then hopped Mr. Doogie through the air at her tapping her on the tip of the nose with it.
Rue chuckled, mood lightening as she took the toy and deposited it back in her pocket.
Willow's expression became more serious now, she stepped closer and ran her fingers through soft Ruehair. The thought of her, this extremely gorgeous girl, here, in this room with her. Her room, where she had spent countless lonely hours yearning for companionship, excited her to no end. She then thought fondly of Oz and their first night together here. She was scared and inexperienced. He, restrained and careful, unsure about the wolf. But this wolf, here, now, for the first time was a different story. She suddenly felt like a kid again, a kid who was being naughty. Her heart began to race as she grinned wickedly touching her forehead to Rue's staring intensely into her eyes, "I want you," she purred.
Rue gazed up at her, "All I am is yours," then closed her eyes as Willow gently nuzzled her face emotions beginning to stir.
The words drove her wild with desire inflaming her passions and Willow began to madly clutch at her kissing her hard and deep claiming her as her own.
Rue responded instinctively reaching out catching Willow's hips drawing her in close, the feeling of her heart pounding in her chest igniting her senses. She slid her hands around and over her butt clasping it firmly while Willow ran a trail of kisses down Rue's cheek to her neck letting out a slight whimper of approval at her touch before biting at her hungrily. The hot breath and sensual gnawing of her skin sent shivers down Rue's spine, she could hear the blood coursing in Willow's veins, it was so loud and distracting she had to struggle with her carnal urges not to reciprocate, not to pierce her flesh and taste of it. Regrouping she ran her hands back over Willow's hips and up her stomach eagerly pulling her blouse free from her skirt, feverishly kissing and licking at her bare flesh. Willow threw her head back biting her lip and stifling a moan as Rue continued to work her way up unbuttoning the blouse as she went. Rue then stood and they kissed fiercely exploring and savoring.
Willow frantically fumbled with the collar of Rue's duster freeing her of it and letting it fall back on the bed. She then undid her belt, the button on her slacks, the zip and tugged wildly at her top. A button popped off unnoticed escaping onto the rug.
Rue sat back down on the bed and helped Willow with the rest of the buttons then focused on her thighs seizing them and sliding to her knees onto the floor. She seductively ran her hands down the outsides, the coolness of her palms making Willow go weak, then back up the fronts, under her skirt and helped her step out of her panties.
Willow voraciously pulled her up then pushed her down onto the mattress. She crawled onto the bed slow and animal like, tempting the wolf, hovering above her, teasing and taunting before sitting astride of Rue's hips. Gripping her with her knees she tugged on the loosened belt pulling it free and threw it to the floor as Rue ran the thumb of one hand up her inner thigh and caught her hip in the other. Willow leaned down draping herself over the girl nibbling at her breast and brushing her flame red locks back and forth across the bare skin.
Rue gasped, her body responding, becoming goose bumpy and hypersensitive, a low growl was heard as the beast inside was wrested from its slumber.
Willow watched captivated as Rue's eyes blazed with arousal changing from human brown to the light reflective green then the evil haunting wolf yellow.
Rue cupped Willow's buttocks forcefully pulling her in tight then ran her fingernails up her back, under her blouse, massaging her shoulder blades and pressing their flesh ever closer.
Snaking her arms under Rue's with a playful snarl and a heave Willow leaned backward flipping onto her back and rolling them over. She clung tightly to the girl, snuggling into her flesh and biting at it taking pleasure from the close contact and her weight above her. She breathed deeply drinking in her sweet musky smell and wrapped a leg around her thigh, throwing her other knee into the air planting her foot on the mattress. Passions blazing, Willow felt her mind begin to tingle, the barriers giving way and soon they were lost, swept up in the tantalizing all encompassing flood of each other's thoughts and emotions. They clasped hands entwining their fingers, Willow pulling them up near her head and long moments passed as their mouths probed and played and caressed one another.
"Willow?" Sheila Rosenberg called as she pushed the door to her daughter's room open, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Yeager called. I had to gooo-Oh my." Sheila averted her eyes, turned and left pulling the door by again. "I-I'll just be in the kitchen." She said from the hall, her voice shaky.
Willow froze shutting her eyes tight and drew her hands to her face completely ablush. This was becoming the punch line of one long wicked ass joke now. Was some unseen force sending her messages? She didn't know but they hurriedly redressed. Fixing her hair and trying to cool down she scrutinized Rue's appearance before taking her hand for support. With a reaffirming squeeze she dragged her out into the hallway letting her hand fall away to straighten her hemline then slowly strode into the kitchen.
"Sorry, dear. I didn't mean to invade your privacy." Sheila said fairly indifferent as she went about her duties.
Willow pursed her lips, sighed and fidgeted with her sleeve cuffs at a loss for what to say. This was an awkward first for them both as never in a million years would such an open display have happened with Tara. She was too private person where matters of this sort were concerned. And Oz, well, she had only invited him over a few times to do the meet and greet with the rents. Every other time they had the whole house to themselves. But Becca, Becca brought out her wild side the part that screamed for excitement and craved everything she always denied herself.
She continued, "You really should lock the door if you're going to--"
"Mom, please." Willow halted her abashed, "Also... we removed the lock, remember?"
"Oh. Yes, right." She said almost absentmindedly attending the dishwasher. Then stopped and stared at her daughter accusingly, "So, this is the new? It looked a bit serious. Not that I saw much... Are you serious?" In her heart she was still old fashioned and held out for grand children someday but she was also practical and a true child of the Sixties who understood the power and pull of the heart and the desire to experiment. She had also racked up enough Ph.D.'s behind her name to understand the factual science.
Willow turned to look to Rue for support and introductions but she wasn't behind her. She snorted then leaned on the counter, wrung her hands and scratched her head, "I never thought I would be again," she rested her chin on her knuckles looking wide eyed, "Tara and I were supposed to be... forever..." she trailed off.
Sheila nodded thoughtfully, "I know, dear." She thought back to the night Willow had finally made the announcement about her dating Tara. Initially she was shocked as Daniel was such a nice boy and she hadn't even known they had broken up, but once she got over the *my daughter is now a lesbian* idea and got to know Tara, she found her to be a wonderful person, kind, warm, loving and good for her daughter.
"...But I found Becca," She looked over her shoulder again, "and it was like--" Then began to beam animatedly gesturing with her hands, "It's just right, ya' know?" She leaned up from the counter, "I want you to know her." Backing up she slid around the corner looking for her.
Rue had gone back to the entrance to Willow's room.
"Some big bad you are," she scolded snatching her wrist tightly. "Come on." She dragged her out to the kitchen then pulled her in front of her. Taking hold of her upper arms she pushed her up to the counter and rested her head on over her shoulder, "Mom, this is Rebecca Sloane. Becca, this is my Mom, Sheila Rosenberg."
Rue smiled nervously her mouth suddenly dry as a desert, "H-how do you do, ma'am."
"I'm fine, Rebecca," she gave her the once over, "but you look like you're about to pass out. Take a few deep breaths and relax. I'm not the inquisition..."
Rue nodded and complied.
"...That's Willow's father." She jokingly finished.
"Moooom." Willow chided moving to lean on the counter again, "She's just joking." She reassured with a hand squeeze.
"So, Rebecca..." she furrowed her brow, "why does that name sound familiar?" And thought a moment shrugged and continued, "What's your vocation? Are you attending Sunnydale University?"
"No, ma'am, I work at the Magic Box."
"Oh, that place," she said disheartened. Sheila did not like the fact that her daughter spent so many hours in that emporium. She was all for her fascination with the history of myths and other cultures but wasting her time with chicanery and hocus-pocus card tricks was plain foolery in her opinion. She and her husband had ignored this attraction thinking it just a normal adolescent phase, that she'd eventually grow out of it, or lose interest but when the curiosity did not subside they were crushed, each blaming the other challenging their parenting skills. "How is that nice, Mr. Giles?" she inquired politely.
"Mom, I told you Anya is running the shop now."
"No," she thought, "don't know her."
Willow sighed. She had grown accustomed to living with the absent minded professors but her role as Repeato Igor grew old years ago.
"Are you sure we haven't met?" she started in again, "I may be a total Aunt Clara when it comes to names but I usually never forget a face."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sure."
Mrs. Rosenberg just shook her head since she couldn't shake the feeling then changed the subject. "Say, you kids want some supper?"
"No, we have too much stuff to do and I need to get back to check on Xander." Willow explained.
"Okay, give him my best, poor boy. Oh, Willow," Sheila hurried out of the kitchen and into the dining room snatching her purse from the chair pulling out a camera, "your Dad bought this silly digicam for his Luxembourg lecture then went ahead and forgot it. Let me get a shot of you two to send to him."
Willow pulled a reluctant Becca over by the sofa and leaned against her drawing a huge blissful grin and a wave. Becca smiled weakly still extremely nervous. Sheila pressed the button.
"There was no flash, Mom." Willow announced.
She checked the picture. Willow was correct, it was too dark. Then raised her brow, Rebecca was looking straight into the camera her eyes strangely luminescent. "Huh, let me try again. Electronics are not my forte." The camera flashed this time. Again her eyes luminesced. "This thing must not be set right, oh well, that's what Photoshop is for, right? That I can deal with. I'll send a copy to your Dad he'll be happy to know your still alive."
Her face fell, "Mom, I just spoke with him last week," she reminded.
"Well, you two haven't seen one another in so long." she frowned.
Willow's mouth hung open, "He spent all of September here writing his essay." Her mother didn't respond, "I took him to the airport." She exhaled, "You were in New York." She rolled her eyes exasperated and changed the subject, "Did you find my microscope?"
Sheila had gone back into the kitchen, "Like I said on the phone, honey, I think it's in Dad's den somewhere."
Willow dragged Becca into the den, she peered about and not finding the object of her desire opened the closet.
Becca studied all the books on the shelves. There were a myriad of matching volumes but one shelf was different from the others, slim offering with colorful covers. She pulled a few books out and began skimming through them. They were science and biology books for children. She smiled and looked to Willow in the closet rummaging around. She thought about her sitting at the big desk with her Dad quietly studying as he worked on one dissertation or another. She tried to remember her father. A good number of facts about him were there but the memories and emotions were gone. She ran her fingers across the spines of the other books then spied some familiar titles. Sunnydale Elementary and Highschool Yearbooks. Instinctively she chose one and flipped through. She found Willow's picture and smiled then flipped through some more pages. Her picture was absent. She frowned scolding herself mentally for her stupidity. Placing the book on the desk she grabbed a different volume repeating her actions. Then another. Suddenly she stopped.
"Ah-HA! Found it." Willow voiced holding her prize aloft. But her elation was quickly replaced by curiosity when she caught her girlfriend having an expression. "What is it? What's wrong?" she set the carrying case on the desk and crossed over.
Becca handed her the book and fell into the chair.
"Whoa." Willow exclaimed, "You? You're... here."
* * * * * * * * * *
To be continued in Chapter 6