Buffy stood stock still. The arrogant posture of the beast, that was pretending to be her, was unnerving. Almost like the decision of the victor had already been made.

The Buffy clone started to circle the shocked Slayer. "Who'd have thought. The one thing the Slayer is the most afraid of is herself.

"You stand alone, constantly, fighting back all the internal demons you force yourself to endure. No-one could ever understand you. You're special. You're chosen. You're a fighter, and fighters don't give in, or give up. But you gave up. You know you're weak, in the same way that you're strong."

Fake Buffy reached out and ran a finger slowly over the girl's exposed collarbones. "And from your soul you're screaming out for him to return to you, because just like he was, you're dead inside. He made you feel alive. He made you feel like you actually deserved the title that everyone go glibly afforded you. But no matter now, you're pretty much over."

Buffy suddenly came back to her senses and saw that she was surrounded by men. All the same, all adorning navy blue cloaks. Their eyes flashing deep shades of blue at her, like shining jewels. She diverted her gaze back to the smirking version of herself.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Slayer. No. But your friend. the Witch. she's on a date. With another girl. a Potential. I don't like this lesbianism thing. It's dirty and wrong. I'm going to. teach them lesson. Hopefully. this will bring them one step closer to purity and cleanliness." As abruptly as the uber-Buffy had arrived in departed into thin air.

"Ok. this so isn't cool." The blonde Slayer stared around and tried to face all the beast simultaneously. Quickly and cleanly they all grouped near the doorway to the Summer's house and paced through the doorway. Not even leaving a mark.

"More with the un-cool. You guys'd get teased at high school you know." Buffy groaned and ran into the house. The door slowing her down. "I want that power."

A penetrating, blood-curdling scream ripped through the unnerving silence of the abode. A split-second afterwards every person the house was rushing to the base of the stairwell. Buffy was shocked. Who had they gone after?

Cera had fear in her eyes and was shaking fiercely. Her mouth opened slowly, "Maria."

The group scattered, Cera, Buffy and Faith pounding up the stairs. Faith broke down the locked door of the bathroom and recoiled back into the wall of the hallway, her hand flying up to meet her lips. Cera saw and flew into the bathroom. The sudden silence of the situation was as cold as it was mourning. Sweeping sharply over the three girls, the sight of Maria's lifeless body permanently ingrained in their minds.