Demon and Decision
"So, right," Willow said to herself as she slowly backed away towards the end of the alley. "Definitely a bad idea to take the short cut home." Stealing a glance behind her Willow considered her options. They weren't hopeful. A snakelike hiss jolted the redhead from her thoughts and she became suddenly aware of how close the Hepà Demon was to her.
Short and stocky it was surprisingly graceful on its feet, hence Willow being trapped in an alley. A sort of greenish-copper slime covered its brown skin and long, sharp nails clicked against each other as the demon clutched and un-clutched its fists. But what Willow couldn't pry her eyes from were the four rows razor sharp teeth inside its mouth. Another hiss slithered through its jaws and Willow jumped, her heart beating near out of her chest.
Reaching out its hands the Hepà Demon grasped Willow's face painfully, her lips parting in response to the pressure. Wrenching her eyes shut the redhead felt the demon lean closer to her just before an unbearable pain seized her chest, like fire erupting within her blood.
She would have screamed but the pain consumed her, voice and all. From her chest the bubbling inferno within her veins stretched out to her limbs, touching the very tips of her fingers and toes, and encased her neck, her cheeks, her mind. Slowly the world around her faded until only the unimaginable fire drove her to near madness.
But, suddenly, the flames receded and Willow crumbled to the street. Around her she heard the sounds of fighting but her mind was lost in the lingering pain. The redhead felt drained, hollow, as though her very essence had been ripped from inside of her. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she lay trembling atop the cold, wet cement. Feeling herself lifted into someone's arms, the sudden contact against her flesh bringing a cry to her lips, Willow fell into unconsciousness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Stop pacing," Buffy snapped. "You're making me dizzy.
"I can't help it," Spike retorted. "Willow's lying unconscious after being attacked by a demon. Excuse me for being bloody terrified."
Moaning Willow shifted atop the couch, her head tilting to side and her eyes fluttering open. She recognized Giles' apartment and sighed. Rubbing her heavy lids the redhead forced herself to sit up, batting away the anxious hands of her friends. Still feeling weak Willow took a deep breath, trying to overcome her dizziness. Catching the scent of honey the hacker-witch looked up, accepting the cup of tea Giles held out towards her.
"How you feeling, Wills?"
Swallowing the warm liquid Willow shook her head to Buffy's question. "What happened?"
"You were attacked, love," Spike answered softly.
Smiling slight Willow took the vampires hand in her own. "It was you, wasn't it? You rescued me."
"Yeah, pet," Spike kissed her brow. "It was me."
Clearing his throat Giles spoke, "We discovered the Hepà Demon's intentions. Albeit a bit late."
Confused Willow asked, "What do you mean?"
"It needs to replenish its magic," Anya chirped. "And you're a powerful witch. It makes sense."
"But it's dead, right?"
Nervously Giles removed his glasses and cleaned them with the hem of his sweater. "Well, yes, but its clan will most likely seek to avenge its death. Which means – "
"Which means a witch hunt," Willow finished.
Silence fell upon the Scoobies. Willow was in danger and they were all trying to figure how to keep her safe. "Angel," Buffy decided.
Perplexed the others looked at her. "Angel?" Riley questioned.
"We'll send Willow to LA until this, this situation is dealt with."
"Yes," Giles agreed. "She'll be safe there but still reachable if the need arises."
Willow sighed, shrugging. "Whatever you guys think is best."
"Come on, pet," Spike helped Willow stand. "I'll walk you home."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"That cluster there," Willow said, "is known as the Pleiades, who were the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas."
Resting his head against Willows Spike looked to where her finger was pointed. "These, here?"
"Um," adjusting his hand slightly Willow smiled. "There, see? Now, the Pleiades were the virgin companions of Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and were pursed relentlessly by Orion, who had fallen in love with the sister called Metrope. In frustration Artemis pleaded with Zeus for intervention, which he gave. One day while stalking the Pleiades Orion was astonished when, as he drew close, the sisters turned suddenly into doves and flew into the heavens and when Orion died Zeus placed him in the stars where he would vainly pursue the seven sisters for all eternity."
Spike chuckled. "Ironic bloke, wasn't he? I bet the two of you would get along brilliantly."
Willow smiled, curling into Spike's embrace. "Thanks, blondie," she murmured.
"For what, love?"
Lifting her eyes Willow looked at Spike through tears. "For being there," she sobbed. "If you hadn't have showed up I – "
"Hush," Spike tightened his arms around her. "I've told you before, red: I'll never let anything happen to you. I promise."
Trying to smile Willow cried instead, clinging to Spike with all her strength. "I was so scared," she whispered.
"I know."
Shaking her head Willow touched Spike's cheek. "I was scared of never seeing you again, Spike."
Smirking Spike responded, "Ah, now you know you can't get rid of me that easy, pet."
Tracing his lips Willow brought Spikes mouth to hers, her hand still clutching his tee-shirt. It was a kiss of passion, tender yet needing. Willow was breathless when Spike pulled away, wrapping his arms around the redhead and hugging her against his chest. Sighing, Willow closed her eyes and let sleep claim her.
But just as she was slipping into blackness Willow heard Spike whisper softly, "I love you, Willow."