We're counting down to the end of the Slayers Crusade series... and it WILL end at two. I cannot take the prospect of writing a trilogy. That and writing this story like this is hard enough. And I think in the end it'll resolve well.
I'm about three chapters from the end and posting every few days. I'm going to do that until the end or whenever my beta returns the other chapters, whichever comes first. Heh.
From here on out, the intensity level will probably be up there. It wasn't my intention for things to get tense... but hey, it is a life-or-death situation. Sort of.
No more questions... because, everything will come out at the end.
I apologize to the one reviewer who was kind enough to let me know of a continuity-grammar error in the third chapter. I have fixed it. And it's something I had no idea even to think about.
More goddessy goodness in this chapter. I intend to keep her around. Dawn and Draco are also reunited with their daughter.
Also, celebrating a quarter million words... that's how far my fanfiction.net-dom has come. It seems like so many since I first posted my first crappy fic...
- - - - -
Chapter 25
A Fool's Tears
- - - - -
Kennedy was sitting right outside when Angel came for her. She knew what was coming even before she saw the original Slayer standing with Anya's unconscious form in the Library, her arms crossed and a deep scowl on her face. She barely glanced up when Kennedy walked in. In fact, she didn't even recognize that Kennedy was there.
Behind her, a portal opened and Irina stepped through.
An uneasy feeling crept through Kennedy's stomach. She kept her eyes averted even though she could feel the goddess staring at her long and hard. She crossed her arms and cleared her throat anxiously.
Buffy finally acknowledged her with a crisp nod. Irina's attention was drawn to Angel for an instant until she saw Anya's body. Bending over it, she placed her hand on Anya's cold cheek. "She lives."
"Not for long," Buffy replied, her words placed like identical chips of ice. She lifted her cold gaze to the goddess. "I want her delivered back to the Ministry. But we need to find it first." Her eyes drifted over to Kennedy. "That's where you come in."
"I-I don't know what to say," Kennedy said, her throat suddenly parched, her voice aching. "She never... never really said..."
"No. Excuses," Buffy said, her voice getting even colder. She laid her hands on the desk behind her, surveying Kennedy suspiciously. "I know she pulled your strings a hell of a lot better than I thought she did. I had no idea there was so much rage in her. She has a lot of power for being a dead demon."
"I barely knew her," Kennedy said, finally finding her voice. "I remember her to be witty, yet sarcastic. She was never mean, at least intentionally. But this Anya..."
"It isn't she," Irina replied, straightening. "It is her body and her memory, but the mind and the soul have changed. They have taken her body and have given her a true essence of demon."
"That explains it," Buffy replied with a small sigh. "I knew it was too good to be true to finally get a friend back."
"I'm sorry," Kennedy said softly.
"Don't be," Buffy replied, sitting down behind her desk. "I've gotten a few back over the years and made quite a few more. I can say on a whole that it hasn't been that bad. I just don't want any more of my friends to look me in the eye and lie to me."
As she said this, Kennedy found herself edging toward the door. Although she knew she'd done wrong by lying to her, it was even worse to see the disappointment and the anguish in the Slayer's eyes.
"I... I..."
"No," Buffy said, holding up a trembling hand. "I don't want excuses. It's way too late for apologies. What I want now is for you to tell me exactly where I can find my sister."
"Colorado," Kennedy said bluntly. "The place where Anya wanted to Dawn to go was in some former government installation in Colorado. In the mountains."
"At least we're getting somewhere," Buffy said, turning to Angel. "I know I sent Spike to gather the others. I want you to go to Harry. He deserves to know what's going on since it is his life which may very well be at stake. I want everyone up. I know it's nearly sunrise, but my sister disappeared almost eighteen hours ago now, and she may already be in harms way."
- - - - -
The helicopter landed on a pad high in the moutains. The sun was just starting to dim the horizon as the door was opened from the outside. Lilah took a deep breath before getting out, nodding toward the back door. "They're in there."
Dawn was awoken from a deep sleep by the cold draft blowing into her face. She turned longingly toward the warmth of the seat she was sleeping on, but forced her eyes to open. "Where are we?" she muttered.
"Home," a cold voice said from outside. "Now come on. We don't have all day."
Dawn stumbled out, only to be taken by the arm from behind and dragged across the helicopter pad. "What happened to the guy that drove us?" she asked absentmindedly.
"We left him as a present for the Slayer," Lilah said with a cold, cruel smile. "Now, come. Let's go."
After crossing the pad, they reached the entrance. Lilah ran a large card from around her neck through a small device. The door let out a hissing noise and she pulled, granding them access to a large room.
Once inside, Dawn and Draco were both released. Dawn was still feeling especially drowsy and fell back against Draco, whose arms encircled her shoulders gently. "What is this?" Draco asked boldly.
"Welcome to the American Ministry, Colorado Chapter," Lilah said, using her arm to gesture around the large room. "This is the entrance. Ahead of you, you will find an elevator that is voice activated to begin movement once authorization is given. Let's proceed there first."
The group of six stepped inside the elevator.
"Request access to Main, authorization Lilah Morgan," she said, removing her sunglasses, her eyes dull and bored.
Authorization confirmed.
The elevator began its slow descent. As different levels of light passed through, Dawn realized they were going deeper and deeper into the mountains. "Where are we going?" she asked with a bit of apprehension in her voice.
"We're going to take you to the one place we promised we would," Lilah said vaguely as the car finally stopped and the heavy silver doors slid open.
They were facing a long, black hallway, with fireplaces on one side for witches and wizards to Apparate and Disapparate from. On the left side was a large split-style golden staircase, curving far above where a large terrace stood out. Many Witches and Wizards were making their way back and forth across the second floor and beyond.
Dawn was immediately taken with the view. It was much different from the Ministry she'd seen. And judging by the sharp intake of breath from Draco, he agreed with her view.
They didn't notice a figure walking toward them, talking to Lilah, who had stepped out to greet her. "Miss Summers, Mister Malfoy, come with me."
They were lead down the hallway, away from the enchanting staircase and the fireplaces. But when they cleared the dark corridor, another glittering gold staircase and another bank of fireplaces filled the large pavilion. In confusion, Dawn glanced at Draco, who shrugged. The woman lead them up the second staircase and through another corridor. After climbing a second staircase, they stopped at a room on her right. She pulled out a shiny, old-fashioned gold key and stuck it in the lock, turning it. The door fell open.
Inside was a lush living area. It looked like the sitting room of a doctor's office, almost. It had potted plants, windows overlooking great, even if fabricated, views, and several large chairs and couches spread across a good-sized room. Lilah lead Dawn and Draco inside. "If you'll wait here," she said, pleased by their reaction as they couldn't stop looking around, "I'll come and get you when we're ready."
That said, she swept outside. After locking the door behind them, she glanced at the three men who had followed them from the helicopter. "Watch them like hawks. And let the girl in when she comes."
They nodded and murmured their agreement as Lilah retreated down the hall. After ducking into a nearby fireplace with a pinch of green powder, she reappeared in her office. She wasn't surprised to see a figure sitting down, waiting for her.
"Waiting for this?" Lilah asked, handing Amy a large bag she carried in her hand. "I want it to be started right away."
"Don't worry," Amy said, searching through the bag. "It's everything we need. But are you sure we should proceed? The Slayers..."
"They'll be taken care of," Lilah assured her. "I just want to buy you and your staff of warlocks enough time to take care of Dawn. I want her ascension to go on as scheduled."
"What about Tara? Certainly if Willow is drained--"
"I will break her," Lilah vowed.
A beep sounded and Lilah bent over, tapping the yellow button on her desk. "Yes?"
"The girl is waiting to enter the room."
A quiet, evil smile spread across Lilah's face. "show her in."
- - - - -
Harry was walking quickly toward the library when he ran into an exhausted Ginny and Hermione. "Good morning," he greeted, falling into line beside them.
Ginny offered her own greeting, smothered with a yawn.
"Are you all right?" he asked curiously.
"We had our own action last night," Hermione announced. "Apparently Faith had a run-in with Anya."
"Anya?" Harry asked, puzzled. He knew who she was and he had met her, but other than that, he knew almost nothing about her, except she'd once been Xander's fiancee and the person who had almost ruined Cho's wedding.
They reached the Library and were stunned to find it full of people. The entire group of Watchers sans Xander were in attendance, all of them wearing long looks of concern. Buffy appeared to have just finished talking, because she bowed her head and gestured Harry and his friends inside.
"Come in," she said quietly. "I was just explaining to the others that my sister and Draco have been missing now for eighteen hours. From what my sources have gathered, I believe they are in Colorado, in a mountain stronghold held by the American Ministry. I want to explain what is going to happen just so you know where you stand. I need your help."
"You've been so kind and gracious to us," Hermione started, "since you did let us come and stay here and everything."
Buffy nodded. "I appreciate that. My concern right now is that only those with the power of magic and more specifically that world magic can find this place. I know that both Willow and Tara possess this power, but we need that strength to stay behind. I would like one of you to come and assist us. I know that it would mean risking your very lives just to save my sister and a boy I know you all can't stand." She sighed again. "I just received a message from Cornelius Fudge himself. There was another attack in the Ministry of Magic. There were some Witches and Wizards killed. This has to stop. Why my sister is involved, I can't figure it out. All I know is she needs me. I need her back. So I'm going to save her. And I need your help to do it."
Before any of them could respond, the goddess Irina stepped forward suddenly. "There's something here that doesn't belong," she said quietly. Buffy glanced at her in surprise.
"What is it? What do you sense?"
"Nothing," Irina replied, her eyes drawn together with concern as she melted back into line between Faith and Giles. "Nothing at all."
Harry cleared his throat, before turning his attention back to the Slayer. "You came to my aid when my need was dire. You saved the lives of my friends. You saved my school and my home. I can't say now that I don't owe you my life, because I do. We all do. All of us would be dead now had you not come to Hogwarts. You taught us how to fight and how to live. I don't think you can ask just one of us to come with you because without these people... I will not go without my friends."
"That goes for me too, Buffy," Willow said, stepping forward. "You're my best friend, and if anything should happen to you, I'd be... ahhhhh!"
Tara gasped as Willow suddenly fell to her knees, crying out in pain. As she lifted her face, her eyes were glowing red. "It burns," Willow gasped, the tears unable to stop. "It's burning me."
"What's happening to her?" Hermione asked over the sound of Willow's sobs.
"She's being drained!" Tara cried out, bending down to Willow and reaching out her hand, slipping her fingers through Willows. "Hold on, Wil."
But it was already too late as Willow fell to the side, unconscious.
- - - - -
Dawn and Draco glanced at each other over their comfortable seats. Dawn had long plans to relax on her recliner and sleep for perhaps a few hours. All thoughts of sleep left her head as a knock sounded at the door. Then the door clicked and a figure poked her head in. "Good morning," she greeted, stepping in.
"Hi," Dawn said sleepily, turning back to her recliner and resting her head on the side. "Can we help you?"
"Actually," the girl said, sounding slightly awed, "we have someone who just wants to say hello to you."
The door was pushed open wider and another figure appeared, this time a man. And he wasn't alone. There was a toddler in his arms with soft pale curls and large violet eyes, glancing around the room and babbling in soft baby babble.
Dawn's jaw dropped and she nearly fell over as she stumbled to her feet. "Oh, my God," she whispered.
"Dawnie?" Draco asked, standing up behind her, his hand on her waist. "Is this..."
"It's Joy," Dawn said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
The woman took the baby into her arms and handed her over to Dawn, who was trembling from head to foot. "I think we'll just leave you three to get reacquainted."
They didn't even realize that the man and woman had left. Joy was staring at Dawn in confusion until her eyes went to Draco. There was no recognition there, but both Dawn and Draco were shaking as Dawn half turned. "Say hello to your daughter," Dawn said, her eyes shining with tears.
"Hi, there," Draco said tenderly, taking her tiny hand in his own and shaking it ever so gently. "I'm your... your Daddy."
Joy let out a tiny peep, unable to take her eyes off of Draco.
"You've enraptured her," Dawn said, a beautiful smile lighting up her face.
"She's so precious," Draco said, spinning Joy in his arms. Finally he paused, wrapping an arm around Dawn. "I love you."
Dawn's throat closed and she found herself unable to form the words. But the moment her eyes met his, he knew she loved him too. Standing there as a trio, their arms wrapped around their daughter was amazing. Draco wouldn't trade this memory for any other in the world.
Joy smiled and giggled, her small hands slapping her parents playfully. Dawn soon took her from Draco and set her down on the couch before getting on her knees. "Hi," she said softly. "Remember me?"
Joy stared at her mother for a moment before laying a hand on her mother's face. "Ma ma ma ma ma," the baby sang, giggling.
Dawn turned with tearful eyes to Draco, who bent down behind Dawn, his arms wrapped lovingly around her waist. "That's right, baby," he said with a laugh, his eyes dancing. "Ma ma ma ma ma. Maybe someday, you'll learn how to say my name too."
"Of course she will," Dawn said, her own arms covering his. "After all, we're a finally a family."
- - - - -
Buffy's face was white with anxiety until Willow finally sat up. She looked shaken and quite pale and somehow different. "Wil?"
"I'm okay," Willow said shakily, although she was barely able to stand with both the help of Angel and Spike.
"Buffy," Tara said, taking her arm and pulling her aside. "Someone has taken part of her magic."
"What?" Buffy gasped.
"It is true," Irina continued, her eyes narrowed as she surveyed Willow. "A spell has taken the essence of the Witch. She can no longer help us."
"This isn't happening," Buffy moaned.
"It is happening," Kennedy said angrily, edging closer to Willow. "Look around you!"
"If you take one more step toward her," Tara said, stepping directly in front of Willow. "I will kill you. For all we know, you helped do this to her. You delivered the ingredients for the spell."
The room fell silent.
"You did, didn't you?" Buffy asked flatly.
Kennedy nodded. She knew she had no way to explain her actions then. Buffy knew that she had been manipulated. All she could do was pray that the Slayer wouldn't take out her anger on Kennedy then and work more toward resucing Dawn.
"This weakens us, the Ministry knows this," Buffy said, crossing her arms. "Willow, Tara... I need you both to come now."
"The Witch must go if her powers are ever to be recovered," Irina advised.
"Bloody hell," Spike muttered.
"I'll second that," Giles replied in an angry tone. "Why would anyone want to drain Willow's power?"
"Willow has the power of multi-transfiguration," Harry replied. "She can use her power to give power to others without--"
"Oh, God," Buffy groaned, sinking into her chair.
"What is it?" Faith asked cautiously.
"Dawn," Buffy said angrily. "She's going to use Willow's power on Dawn. And my sister has no idea what is about to happen to her." She stood up again, her arms crossed. "This is how it's going to work. Kennedy, you will tell Faith exactly where Anya said to find this cabin and therefore how to get to the Ministry. Spike, Angel, I want you two to inform the firm that we need information on the interior of the American Ministry. Forms, maps, diagrams, anything. Faith, you and Tara will figure out a way to get us into Colorado undetected. Hermione, I would like you to help them. Harry, send a message to the British Ministry and let them know we're going in. Giles, I want you and the other Watchers to decide who's coming and who's staying. I want three to stay behind. I want six Slayers to stay behind. If all of us die, I refuse to let the line be broken. Kennedy, get the hell out of my sight. I want you to stay here and I want her watched. If she leaves this campus, you have my permission to use any necessary force to stop her. I don't want her interfering again. Is anyone clear up to this point?"
There was a circle of nods around the room.
"Good. We'll meet up in two hours to get ourselves off this campus. Any help any of you can acquire will be useful. We're going to be risking our lives here, again. I need you decide if you're strong enough to fight something so dark and terrifying that the British Ministry doesn't know how to fight it from over there. This is no longer just a rescue mission. I want Dawn, Draco and Joy out alive. And I want to make sure that the American Ministry will never cause anyone any problems again. Is this understood?"
Once again, a circle of nods.
"Pack up and arm yourselves. In two hours, we leave. In all honestly, many of us could be going to our deaths. Don't let this stop you from doing what you believe in. There is evil in this world and then there's us. We're the only thing in this world strong enough to defeat the American Ministry. They wouldn't be such royal pains in our asses otherwise. So I need for you to decide, are you in or are you out? If you don't wish to come, tell me now before I put you in the front lines."
There was nothing but silence.
"Good... good. Tara, help Willow back to her room. I want you to personally watch over her. She's still weak... please."
Tara nodded. "Of course."
"Let's go," Buffy said, walking around the edge of her desk and lifting up a fine chain from the top of it. It was the cross she had used to seal her black box that she normally wore around her neck. It was also the first gift she'd ever received when she'd arrived in Sunnydale. It was especially important since it'd been given to her by Angel. "We leave in two hours. You all have your jobs."
As the room cleared, Buffy turned to Irina. "I know it is not your place to get involved in this crisis, or in any other crisis."
"It does not matter," Irina replied. "The balance has shifted. We have lost our own power. You will need me before the end."
Buffy nodded and smiled a quiet smile. "Thank you. Would you please keep an eye on Willow?"
Irina nodded and ducked out.
Only Angel and Giles remained behind.
"I'm doing all I can," she said to both of them. "I can't just sit here and let them do whatever they're planning on doing to Dawn. I have to believe I can get her back. It's the only way the American Minsitry will ever back down."
"You do realize that this is a prime opportunity to destroy a worthy advesary," Giles replied, crossing his arms.
"I know that," Buffy said quietly. "But let's just concentrate on one thing at a time, please."
"As you wish," Giles replied before exiting.
"Don't look at me like you know I'm bluffing," Buffy said in a soft voice.
"You're not," Angel said with a smile. "I know you too well."
"What is it then?" Buffy asked curiously.
"Warren," Angel said with a shrug. "What do you plan on doing with him since I know you plan on throttling him for information?"
"I'll let Tara take care of him," Buffy replied at last after a few moments of deep thought. "And I'm going to bring Anya back to the Ministry. She's our blue card in. And Harry Potter will be our sight."
"There is a million ways this can fail," Angel cautioned her.
"If we believe in it enough," Buffy said, although she sounded uncertain. "Maybe someday it'll all be all right and we can just look back on this and laugh. If we believe we can do this, we can. We have the strength to fight. I know that this is what these girls have been training for. This is our first real apocalypse since the destruction of Sunnydale. This is war. People are bound to die. People I love..."
"It's all right," Angel said, reaching down and taking Buffy's hand in his own. "I get it. I do."
"Thank you," Buffy replied as Angel released her hand and exited, leaving Buffy alone in the Library.
"Oh," Buffy sighed heavily as she collapsed back down in her chair. "I hope to God this works. For Dawn's sake, as well as ours."
- - - - -
To be continued...
Chapter 26 - The Slayers hit Colorado; the BM sends a surprise.