A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update, I was half way through it when I
posted the previous chapter but my computer then decided not to allow me
access to the disk it was saved on, so I had to rewrite it all. I was so
annoyed. *Growls at computer stupid thing. * Anyway here's the next
chapter, no doubt you will all hate me for not putting the in character in
that you wanted! But other appearances will be made soon! A big thank you
to all of my reviewers! Greatly appreciated. As for the guesses, Lucifer
Frost is the only one who has appears to have gotten it right! Contains
some swearing. You have been warned.
StorytellerSJK: Thank you for your advice and comments, and I hope that you can see some difference in this chapter, but don't be surprised if you can't yet, it'll probably happen over a gradual period as the plot evolves. Sid the Dummy? That's got to be the most unusual guess I received! But thank you anyway!
Lucifer Frost: You appear to have gotten it right!
EIsawriter: Thank you for your compliments about this story, I know Dawn can be annoying, but she's far better in fiction. I'll try and make her as less whiney as possible!
ZombieGurl98: Here's the nest chapter, glad that you are enjoying it! But no Xander!
Alexandra Black: I know I am a mean person! *Grins!* I hate it when other authors do that as well but I couldn't resist!
Darklight: I'll try and keep Dawn from caving in, she definitely won't do what the Oracles want her to do most of the time.
divad relffehs: No Angel!
Aeryn3: Here's the next chapter, hope you like it since it's not Angel or Doyle. Although you were quite close with Doyle!
PreCarIouS*pErsOnaTa: Hope that you enjoy the update! So were you right? Was it the person you thought it was?!
ladyofthedragons1: No Spike or Lorne! Oh! I really want to put Lorne in now, he is just so funny! Although I can't see him wearing black, *lol* funny mental picture, he'd complain about the color of the clothes! Hope that you like the new chapter.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Chapter 5
Dawn stood up quickly, a scowl marring her face as she realized who had knocked her over.
"Whistler? What are you doing here? Am I mistaken, or aren't you in the wrong dimension?" She asked confused at the sudden turn of events. "Wait a minute, if you can come here then I can go home!" Hope and excitement lit up her eyes, and face.
"Hold up a minute Kid. What's this? No hug, no hello Whistler, 'glad to see ya?' I'm hurt really, I am!" He teased; putting his hand over his heart he allowed his mock hurt to be shown to all in the room.
"Whistler." Dawn growled.
"Wow, that's quite a purr you got there kitten!"
"Whistler!" Dawn snapped. The two of them had never gotten on particularly well, always seeming to annoy the other by what they happened to say or do.
The cryptic warnings, advice and bad news that never made any sense until the last possible minute never helped much. That, and the fact that Buffy always had the whole death warrant thing out for him.
"Chill Kid, I'm here to help you out. Bet ya never thought you'd see me did ya?"
"Help? I'm not gonna be doing anything that requires any help! Especially from you! See it's really simple, you came here to help me, and by taking me back to the other side of the rainbow with you that's exactly what you'll be doing." It was obvious from the tone of her voice that Dawn had had enough of the bullshit, from him, and the Powers That Be. "And stop calling me kid!" She added as an afterthought.
'I warned them!' Whistler thought mentally, 'they've pushed her too far.'
"Not as simple as that Dawn, even you know that already. You were brought her for a reason." There was sadness in his voice, underlined with guilt.
"No!" Dawn burst out. "I got sent her because of some crazed hell goddess by the name of Glory, I got sent her because of her! There is no other reason!" She protested angrily. "I just want to go home."
"But here's the deal kid, you can't." He told her quietly.
"What do you meant I can't? You got here, you can take me back with you. Simple as that, I'm not seeing a problem!"
"I can't take you back. It would be breaking too many laws, you know that-"
"Fine" She yelled at him. "You won't take me back, then I'll go back on my own." Dawn stormed across the marble floor, her hair flying out behind her, as wild as Dawn's torrent of emotions. The entranceway that was once clouded over with dark mist changed. No longer was the smoky cloud there, but in its place a hard stonewall. She pounded her fists against it, "Let me out! Let me out!" She screamed over and over again, her voice becoming hoarse, the words undecipherable as they blurred together in her emotion, and desperation to get them out.
"I can't break the laws put in place by the Powers, you must understand that-"
"Screw the laws! Screw the Powers That Be! I don't care; I just want to go home! What have they ever done for me?" Dawn shouted at him, turning around so she could look at his face.
"If I take you back with me, Dawn, the destinies, and the prophecies that have to take place won't. They won't take place Dawn! The balance will shift, if the prophecies don't come to pass then the whole world is doomed, the side of the light will fall, and darkness will rule in its place. There's too much at stake, you must understand that.I'm sorry, but I can't risk that." His desperate words trailed off; there was nothing else he could say to make her see reason. Dawn had to accept the situation that she was in, she had to digest and understand what she had just been told.
"No! When Buffy was bought back the balanced changed, but we won. Buffy got to stay, why can't I? I really don't care about the reasons. I have to go back Whistler.I have to. I-I can't stay here.I can't stay in this dimension.I just can't.there must be a way for me to get home, there has to be." Dawn insisted. "There must be a loophole Whistler, there's always a loophole."
"You can go back once. ONCE. You go there, you come back again, no interaction with anyone that you know, you literally grab a few possessions, and come back again. That's it Dawn, one time only deal."
'What's the point in arguing? Their gonna do what they want no matter what I think, feel or do.I hate them! I HATE them! I hate THEM! I HATE THEM!' Her mind screamed out at her because of the injustice of her situation. 'Play this to your advantage!' Another small voice whispered from the back of her mind.
Taking a deep breath she asked, "What can I take?"
"Anything you want, within reason of course. It's no good bringing an ice- cream maker over when they have no electricity over here yet." Whistler tried to joke, but it fell flat.
"What about after? After I've got what I want?" Dawn interrogated.
"Your stuck here." Anticipating her next question he answered it. "You only get this one time as a gift. Your world is safe for the time being because of the sacrifice you made. This is your reward. It's a one time only deal Dawn.
"Why isn't death my gift? As it was for Buffy?" Dawn asked him; she looked into his eyes, and saw the sympathy in them, the pity. "She wasn't lying was she?" She confirmed softly, his eyes, the windows to ones soul giving her the answer instantly.
Terror rose inside of her at the prospect of living forever. Did she really want to see the future? See what became of all the problems man created? See what was still unimaginable; despite the technology that was used. Would she see the extinction of the human race?
How many wars would she witness? How many people would she see die? What would happen to those she left behind? How long would it take for people to become suspicious of her, forcing her to leave the place she was using as a temporary home?
Dawn thought about the offer carefully, she had things that she wanted back home. Things that she didn't want to leave behind. She was petrified at the thought of living forever. What would happen if she began to forget them, if her memory went hazy, and the pictures in her mind became blurred and she forgot the sound of their voices, their laughter, their habits, likes and dislikes. If she went back then she could bring pictures, bring objects that would help keep them alive in her mind, in her heart.
But if she went, would the Powers That Be, call her back on it? Would they demand that she fulfill her debt to them, after what they had allowed her.?
But even if they did.she's still have something to remind her of her family.not exactly the good times, or high points in her life, but it would remind her of living, of feelings, love and hope, and everything else that at one pointing her life she had wished to forget.
"I want to go." She told him unflinchingly. "I want reminders of my home, friends and family. Especially if I'm never to see them again for all eternity.." She spat out bitterly.
Whistler nodded, showing that he approved of her decision. The Oracles watched on from their place in the background, while Gandalf looked confused as to what exactly was going on. Both of them having been forgotten in all the commotion. She moved over to the old wizard, wanting to imprint him in her mind. She wanted to remember the old man that she been through so much with.
"Bye Gandalf, maybe I'll see you around sometime." The farewell came to an embarrassing stop, they both knew that the chances of seeing each other again were highly unlikely.
"Maybe Lady Dawn, maybe." Gandalf replied gravely. "Take great care of yourself on your journey, never be afraid to ask for help."
"Don't worry about me." Dawn assured him. " I am more than capable, and since I am leaving, will you do one more thing for me?"
Gandalf smiled at her, and she carried on with her request.
"Never, ever call me Lady Dawn again. My friends call me Dawn, and you're my only friend here at the moment." Her voice was full of warmth as she spoke to him, unconsciously showing that she had gotten rather fond of the old wizard in the time that they had spent together.
Spontaneously she hugged him tightly, wanting to make sure that he was real, that he wasn't a figment of her imagination that would disappear at any moment. "Take care of yourself!" She whispered fiercely before moving away.
Turning, she looked across to where the Oracles were positioned. "Make sure he stays in one piece." She commanded icily, "Or it won't be the new big bad that you're worrying about." She told them before following Whistler through the now misty archway.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Air whistled past her, scraped across her skin, pulled against her hair, and ravaged her body. The force of it pushed her eyelids flat against her eyes. Unable to see what was happening, she couldn't make out what was going on around her.
It seemed like eternity as she traveled through the portal. She could feel herself speeding up now; faster and harsher was the wind as it raced past her. Her head was beginning to swim from lack of oxygen, and she was unable to solidify any thoughts and chain them together.
The energy of the portal shoved her out of the archway, causing her to land in a crumpled heap in front of Whistlers feet. Dawn struggled to breathe in, bright spots swam before her eyes as she gasped, and tried in vain to bring oxygen into her lungs.
"You alright Kid?" Whistler enquired.
Dawn glared up at him, was he really that dense? She was lying in front of him, having a hard time trying to breathe, seconds ago had traveled through god knows how many different portals, had just been told that she was to be stuck in Middle Earth forever, unable to see her sister, or any of her friends for the brief time she was allowed home, not to mention she shock of Glory's revelations that had been proved true, and he was asking her if she was alright?
"What.?" She ground out.
Whistler shuffled uneasily on his feet. "Nothin'?" Whistler tried to state, yet managed to make it sound like a question. Offering her his hand to help her up, Dawn took in her surroundings. They were situated in a small dark, dank room.
Whistler carried on talking as he led her out of what appeared to be a basement. "You haven't got a lot of time. Two hours max, but I strongly suggest that you get what you want as quickly as possible." As they came out onto the street she was reminded of Sunnydale. The small beach front shops, the smell of the sea. Quickly they moved off, Whistler seemed to want to be done as quickly as possible, while she wanted to take her time, savor the last hours she'd spend on regular earth.
"What happens if we run into someone that I know-" She began.
"Trust me, you won't. But it's really important that you get your stuff as quickly as possible."
"But why can't I see them?"
"Dawn-"
"Don't 'Dawn' me!" She snapped. "Why can't I see them?"
"Because you're dead to them!" Whistler exploded. He watched, saw the blood drain from Dawn's face in her shock, "Ok.maybe that wasn't the best way to break the news."
"Dead?" The word was spoken so quietly Whistler thought it at first part of his imagination until she repeated it.
"I'm sorry Kid, I really am. That's why you can't see them, that's why you have to stay in Middle Earth. After, after you're.sacrifice, the Powers That Be had a hard time trying to track you down. You were right. The alignment was wrong. The portal didn't open up in hell, but in Middle Earth. The possibilities of where you had been sent were so endless it took several years for us to find you.
Would have taken longer of it wasn't for either yours or Gandalf's actions, in your attempt to return home." Emotions coursed through his voice as he told her what had happened.
Tears of sorrow, and understanding cascaded down her face. These seemed to hurt Whistler more than any other reaction she could have given, of anger, or hate.
"At least they have something to believe." She told him. "By me being dead.there's a definite end. Buffy can grieve and move on; the pain for her will ease over time. I won't be a burden any longer.
But I won't be forgotten. She'll still remember me as her sister. But by my death, Buffy will be able to believe that I am safe and happy in heaven. There will be something for her to believe, even if the basis for her dreams and beliefs are fake." Dawn trailed off; she couldn't put into words her emotions. Her shoulders shook and trembled with emotion, but she refused to give in. She would cry and grieve when she was alone, her pride demanded that much.
Whistler watched her, as she struggled with her emotions. He wanted to comfort her, but how could he? How could he when he knew that it was all a lie? But was it a lie for the best? Whistler decided that perhaps it was, as he watched on. It would give her peace of mind, the same way it had given Buffy peace. It didn't matter if it wasn't true; she wasn't going to know any different because no one was going to tell her.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"Whistler, where are we?" Dawn enquired; she had never been here before and was curious as to where they were going.
"Storage, after you.died." Whistler started, it was a delicate topic and he was unsure as to how to put it. Sure normally he'd just come right out and say it, but he had to be careful otherwise.otherwise it could cause more damage that good. Everything that was happening now was in Dawns best interests so it wasn't completely bad, but still.not how he would have handled the situation.
"Whistler? Hello? Anyone there?" Dawn waved a hand in front of his face, trying to attract his attention, she succeeded, and he left his thoughts, buried at the back of his mind, if he didn't think about them he wouldn't feel so sorry for the kid.
"Well.Buffy didn't keep a lot of your stuff, she kept a few of the more important things.but the rest here I grabbed, figured there was gonna be some stuff that you wanted if you came back." He came to a close, not really having any more to say on the subject.
"Thanks" Dawn told him as she stepped into a small steel compartment. Boxes full of her things, she noticed some stuffed animals sitting on top of some crates, 'Could she really have been that childish to keep such useless things? But then again.that was her two years ago, when she was desperately trying to hold on to her childhood, her innocence.she'd changed, Glory had done that to her, had taken her away from the people she loved, had her stuck in a different dimension.she would have revenge, she would!
But then had she been innocent? She'd seen death and the darkest parts of hell, she wasn't even real, how could she have any innocence left? But hadn't she always had the childish beliefs that Buffy would save the world that good would triumph over evil and that love would save the day. Rationally she knew that theses wouldn't happen. But if she let them go would she be releasing her innocence? By holding on to them then there was still the slight chance, no matter how small or foolish, there was something for her to believe in when things hit rock bottom.'
"How did you know that I was coming back?" The thought suddenly came to mind.
Whistler cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Tip off. Powers That Be." He said shortly. "Hurry up kid, just over one hour left, and we gotta get back yet."
Dawn nodded signaling that she had heard him, and moved towards the boxes before reading the labels and sorting through them. Pieces of her furniture were covered with sheets to keep away the dust. Looking at the different contents, reliving different memories.
Whistler looked towards the crates and boxes, "I'll wait out side, no doubt you'll want to get changed or something."
"Yeah.. whatever." Dawn murmured absent not really paying attention to what Whistler had just said, she turned her head and smiled at him quickly before returning her full attention to the objects in the boxes.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dawn stepped out of the storage compartment in her favorite pair of lack leather trousers, a well-fitted dark green top, a black leather jacket that fell just past the edges of her dark green top, and a pair of flat black boots. 'A bit loose' she thought. 'But that's not surprising after the extreme diet of no food. Oh, well, at least the trousers are low cut hipster style; they won't touch my stomach unless I bend over to much or move around unnecessarily. Not to self, must get first aid kit.'
Her bag was slung over her shoulders, and her hair was pulled up out of the way in a ponytail, a few stray strands framed her face. She was still covered in grime, and dirt, but she would wash in Middle Earth, she clothes that she had selected would be good for traveling in. All but the green top could be wiped clean in necessary.
Dawn looked down at the outfit she was wearing; it was dark, good for camouflage, and mysterious. The dark colors would distract any unwanted attention, and put people off asking any questions, if only because they are scared of her and any possible reactions they might evoke. They would be scared of bringing her wrath down on themselves. She'd look dangerous, act dangerous even if she wasn't.
That was what she was after; if the people of Middle Earth were scared of her they would keep away. That was her main objective. Yes they would stay away from her if she gained a reputation. It would be best all round, they would be safe if kept away from her, and she would have peace of mind if knowing that others were not in danger because of her.
"You got everything kid?" Whistler asked.
"Yep, pretty sure I have.no doubt there's something that I have forgotten though!" She joked trying to lighten up the tense atmosphere.
"Right then, let's go. Need me to carry anything?" Whistler checked.
"I've only got the one bag, and it's quite light, surprisingly considering what I have in it."
"What have you got?" He asked, as they started to make their way towards the exit of the storage compound.
"Spare clothes, weapons, the usual, few pieces of jewelry, pictures of Mom, Buffy, the gang, nothin' much really. Most of my stuff if too big to come with me, it'll have to be left here." She mentioned sadly.
"Sorry kid, but that's the way it is-"
"Yeah, I know," Dawn interrupted him "but it doesn't make things any easier though does it?" She chuckled sadly.
Whistler looked down at his watch again, "Ok, lets get going."
That watch, a memory stirred at the back of her mind, the watch? No.the gesture? No."OH! Oh! Oh!" Dawn exclaimed before running back her storage room. The sound of her rummaging around in boxes could be heard from outside.
A muffled "Ah hah!" was heard by Whistler, and Dawn came . She was holding the offended article in her right hand, and held it up in victory.
"So do not want to forget my wrist guard! Middle Earth seems positively Medieval, which of course means bows and arrows, swords, y'know, that kinda thing. Anyway, can we stop of at a chemists or something? I still need to pick up some things."
"Whistler looked at her oddly, "Yeah, I suppose. We'd have to be quick though. What do you need at a chemist?"
"Think about it Whistler." She told him, her voice tinged with annoyance, despite the amusement, which lit up her eyes.
His friendly face creased with thought, "Uhmm.errrr..ohhhhh." He lit up suddenly with realization, as if someone had turned a light bulb on in his head.
'The lights are on but no ones home!' Dawn thought to herself. "Yeah, I mean I know I'm going to another dimension and everything, but that's no excuse for allowing dental hygiene standards to become lax." Dawn teased him, her face a picture of youthful innocence, which only when sad, or surprised did the hardships of life show in her face, but most of all her eyes.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dawn strolled out of the chemist five minutes later. A paper bag holding all the essentials she would need for the next few months. Shampoo and conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush, comb, and some hair ties, some items for that time of that annoying time of the month, and a few other girlie items, that might come in handy for an emergency.
And last but not least a new, up to date, complete first aid kit. She refused to even think about the medicine, and cures that they would still be using. 'Am so not gonna go there.'
Whistler was waiting for her outside, and together they made their way back across to the portal that would return her to Middle Earth.
"Right, you got everything kid?" He checked one last time. "I'll pop over now and again to see how you're getting' on, so make a list if you forget anything.Well I guess this is it."
"Yep, thanks for all your help." Her attention was caught by a figure in the distance, is that-No! 'Don't be silly.' She reprimanded her self, 'But it could be.' Another part of her mind interjected. "No it isn't, it can't be." She denied.
The figure turned around, the blonde hair framing a familiar face, and suddenly Dawn knew who it was. Whistler turned around; hoping for a glimpse of what had Dawn captivated.
"Buffy." She whispered. The figure was advancing over to them, and fast.
Whistler turned back to Dawn, and took hold of her by the upper arm, physically pulling her over to the portal, which had awoken on their arrival. Dawn resisted and easily slipped out of his grasp. Too easily, she pulled out of his grasp far to easily.
"What the fuck?" She asked herself. The salty sea breeze swirled around her, playing with her hair, trying to distract her from what was going on around her.
"Kid, get in that portal, get in that portal, and get to Middle Earth as fast as possible." Whistler demanded.
"But Buffy-" She protested.
"But nothin', Dawn get in that portal, or say goodbye to this world."
His word brought some sense into her head, and she moved towards it. Whistler put his hand on her lower back, in a vain attempt to push her towards the rapidly expanding portal more quickly.
A surge of power went through her. She felt her body tense, and blood crash against her veins, calling for release, telling her to put the demon in its place as he tried to hurry her towards the portal.
"Whistler what is going on? I going all hormonal, and not in the weepy kinda way, more alone the lines of, 'If you touch me one more time, I'll strangle you with your own intestines.' I feel as though I have a blood lust, a new power surging through my veins. My eyesight, my hearing-it's all improved. I feel so much more aware, I feel dangerous, a coiled spring ready to attack at any moment. What is happening to me?" She asked furiously.
Whistler checked over his right shoulder again nervously. The figure was less than half a block away. "Whistler." Buffy called out urgently. "Whistler stop right there!" She insisted.
Dawn hesitated; she wanted to see her sister, if only for a few seconds before she was bundled through a portal, to what seemed like the middle ages. One last glimpse was all she wanted, a few seconds to soak up the sight of her sister for the rest of eternity, surely what the Oracles, and Whistler had told her about the consequences was exaggerated. Surely it was conceived, the main point being to put her off any contact with friends or family.
Dawn stood in front of the portal now, but still refused to cross over, Whistler was getting agitated, trying to push her through, and yet for some reason lacking the strength to do so, she just kept batting him away as one would do to an annoying fly.
Dawn could see her sister clearly now, well she could see her clearly when Buffy was a block away, but Buffy was closer now, if she could just hang on for a few minutes longer.
"Kid, you wanna know why you are feelin' different?" Whistler asked her, trying to draw her attention from the approaching slayer.
"Why?" Dawn replied, her attention still captivated by her sister. She smiled at Buffy, relief, hope, love mixed onto her face.
"Because you are made from her." The simple statement caused the world to stop around her. Dawn felt the smile slip off her face, the blood crash in her ears and drown out the sound of the ocean, the crash of the waves on the shore as they broke. She struggled to breathe through shock.
"Sorry kid." Whistler said before pushing her backwards through the portal, just as Buffy came up behind him.
The last thing Dawn saw of her world was the sunset over the salty plain of water ahead of her, and the face of her sister, which was full of confusion at Whistlers actions, but most disturbingly of all was the fact that her sisters eyes held to reaction, no love, no affection, no recognition as she looked Dawn straight eye.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
A/N: R&R Please and I will love you forever!
StorytellerSJK: Thank you for your advice and comments, and I hope that you can see some difference in this chapter, but don't be surprised if you can't yet, it'll probably happen over a gradual period as the plot evolves. Sid the Dummy? That's got to be the most unusual guess I received! But thank you anyway!
Lucifer Frost: You appear to have gotten it right!
EIsawriter: Thank you for your compliments about this story, I know Dawn can be annoying, but she's far better in fiction. I'll try and make her as less whiney as possible!
ZombieGurl98: Here's the nest chapter, glad that you are enjoying it! But no Xander!
Alexandra Black: I know I am a mean person! *Grins!* I hate it when other authors do that as well but I couldn't resist!
Darklight: I'll try and keep Dawn from caving in, she definitely won't do what the Oracles want her to do most of the time.
divad relffehs: No Angel!
Aeryn3: Here's the next chapter, hope you like it since it's not Angel or Doyle. Although you were quite close with Doyle!
PreCarIouS*pErsOnaTa: Hope that you enjoy the update! So were you right? Was it the person you thought it was?!
ladyofthedragons1: No Spike or Lorne! Oh! I really want to put Lorne in now, he is just so funny! Although I can't see him wearing black, *lol* funny mental picture, he'd complain about the color of the clothes! Hope that you like the new chapter.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Chapter 5
Dawn stood up quickly, a scowl marring her face as she realized who had knocked her over.
"Whistler? What are you doing here? Am I mistaken, or aren't you in the wrong dimension?" She asked confused at the sudden turn of events. "Wait a minute, if you can come here then I can go home!" Hope and excitement lit up her eyes, and face.
"Hold up a minute Kid. What's this? No hug, no hello Whistler, 'glad to see ya?' I'm hurt really, I am!" He teased; putting his hand over his heart he allowed his mock hurt to be shown to all in the room.
"Whistler." Dawn growled.
"Wow, that's quite a purr you got there kitten!"
"Whistler!" Dawn snapped. The two of them had never gotten on particularly well, always seeming to annoy the other by what they happened to say or do.
The cryptic warnings, advice and bad news that never made any sense until the last possible minute never helped much. That, and the fact that Buffy always had the whole death warrant thing out for him.
"Chill Kid, I'm here to help you out. Bet ya never thought you'd see me did ya?"
"Help? I'm not gonna be doing anything that requires any help! Especially from you! See it's really simple, you came here to help me, and by taking me back to the other side of the rainbow with you that's exactly what you'll be doing." It was obvious from the tone of her voice that Dawn had had enough of the bullshit, from him, and the Powers That Be. "And stop calling me kid!" She added as an afterthought.
'I warned them!' Whistler thought mentally, 'they've pushed her too far.'
"Not as simple as that Dawn, even you know that already. You were brought her for a reason." There was sadness in his voice, underlined with guilt.
"No!" Dawn burst out. "I got sent her because of some crazed hell goddess by the name of Glory, I got sent her because of her! There is no other reason!" She protested angrily. "I just want to go home."
"But here's the deal kid, you can't." He told her quietly.
"What do you meant I can't? You got here, you can take me back with you. Simple as that, I'm not seeing a problem!"
"I can't take you back. It would be breaking too many laws, you know that-"
"Fine" She yelled at him. "You won't take me back, then I'll go back on my own." Dawn stormed across the marble floor, her hair flying out behind her, as wild as Dawn's torrent of emotions. The entranceway that was once clouded over with dark mist changed. No longer was the smoky cloud there, but in its place a hard stonewall. She pounded her fists against it, "Let me out! Let me out!" She screamed over and over again, her voice becoming hoarse, the words undecipherable as they blurred together in her emotion, and desperation to get them out.
"I can't break the laws put in place by the Powers, you must understand that-"
"Screw the laws! Screw the Powers That Be! I don't care; I just want to go home! What have they ever done for me?" Dawn shouted at him, turning around so she could look at his face.
"If I take you back with me, Dawn, the destinies, and the prophecies that have to take place won't. They won't take place Dawn! The balance will shift, if the prophecies don't come to pass then the whole world is doomed, the side of the light will fall, and darkness will rule in its place. There's too much at stake, you must understand that.I'm sorry, but I can't risk that." His desperate words trailed off; there was nothing else he could say to make her see reason. Dawn had to accept the situation that she was in, she had to digest and understand what she had just been told.
"No! When Buffy was bought back the balanced changed, but we won. Buffy got to stay, why can't I? I really don't care about the reasons. I have to go back Whistler.I have to. I-I can't stay here.I can't stay in this dimension.I just can't.there must be a way for me to get home, there has to be." Dawn insisted. "There must be a loophole Whistler, there's always a loophole."
"You can go back once. ONCE. You go there, you come back again, no interaction with anyone that you know, you literally grab a few possessions, and come back again. That's it Dawn, one time only deal."
'What's the point in arguing? Their gonna do what they want no matter what I think, feel or do.I hate them! I HATE them! I hate THEM! I HATE THEM!' Her mind screamed out at her because of the injustice of her situation. 'Play this to your advantage!' Another small voice whispered from the back of her mind.
Taking a deep breath she asked, "What can I take?"
"Anything you want, within reason of course. It's no good bringing an ice- cream maker over when they have no electricity over here yet." Whistler tried to joke, but it fell flat.
"What about after? After I've got what I want?" Dawn interrogated.
"Your stuck here." Anticipating her next question he answered it. "You only get this one time as a gift. Your world is safe for the time being because of the sacrifice you made. This is your reward. It's a one time only deal Dawn.
"Why isn't death my gift? As it was for Buffy?" Dawn asked him; she looked into his eyes, and saw the sympathy in them, the pity. "She wasn't lying was she?" She confirmed softly, his eyes, the windows to ones soul giving her the answer instantly.
Terror rose inside of her at the prospect of living forever. Did she really want to see the future? See what became of all the problems man created? See what was still unimaginable; despite the technology that was used. Would she see the extinction of the human race?
How many wars would she witness? How many people would she see die? What would happen to those she left behind? How long would it take for people to become suspicious of her, forcing her to leave the place she was using as a temporary home?
Dawn thought about the offer carefully, she had things that she wanted back home. Things that she didn't want to leave behind. She was petrified at the thought of living forever. What would happen if she began to forget them, if her memory went hazy, and the pictures in her mind became blurred and she forgot the sound of their voices, their laughter, their habits, likes and dislikes. If she went back then she could bring pictures, bring objects that would help keep them alive in her mind, in her heart.
But if she went, would the Powers That Be, call her back on it? Would they demand that she fulfill her debt to them, after what they had allowed her.?
But even if they did.she's still have something to remind her of her family.not exactly the good times, or high points in her life, but it would remind her of living, of feelings, love and hope, and everything else that at one pointing her life she had wished to forget.
"I want to go." She told him unflinchingly. "I want reminders of my home, friends and family. Especially if I'm never to see them again for all eternity.." She spat out bitterly.
Whistler nodded, showing that he approved of her decision. The Oracles watched on from their place in the background, while Gandalf looked confused as to what exactly was going on. Both of them having been forgotten in all the commotion. She moved over to the old wizard, wanting to imprint him in her mind. She wanted to remember the old man that she been through so much with.
"Bye Gandalf, maybe I'll see you around sometime." The farewell came to an embarrassing stop, they both knew that the chances of seeing each other again were highly unlikely.
"Maybe Lady Dawn, maybe." Gandalf replied gravely. "Take great care of yourself on your journey, never be afraid to ask for help."
"Don't worry about me." Dawn assured him. " I am more than capable, and since I am leaving, will you do one more thing for me?"
Gandalf smiled at her, and she carried on with her request.
"Never, ever call me Lady Dawn again. My friends call me Dawn, and you're my only friend here at the moment." Her voice was full of warmth as she spoke to him, unconsciously showing that she had gotten rather fond of the old wizard in the time that they had spent together.
Spontaneously she hugged him tightly, wanting to make sure that he was real, that he wasn't a figment of her imagination that would disappear at any moment. "Take care of yourself!" She whispered fiercely before moving away.
Turning, she looked across to where the Oracles were positioned. "Make sure he stays in one piece." She commanded icily, "Or it won't be the new big bad that you're worrying about." She told them before following Whistler through the now misty archway.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Air whistled past her, scraped across her skin, pulled against her hair, and ravaged her body. The force of it pushed her eyelids flat against her eyes. Unable to see what was happening, she couldn't make out what was going on around her.
It seemed like eternity as she traveled through the portal. She could feel herself speeding up now; faster and harsher was the wind as it raced past her. Her head was beginning to swim from lack of oxygen, and she was unable to solidify any thoughts and chain them together.
The energy of the portal shoved her out of the archway, causing her to land in a crumpled heap in front of Whistlers feet. Dawn struggled to breathe in, bright spots swam before her eyes as she gasped, and tried in vain to bring oxygen into her lungs.
"You alright Kid?" Whistler enquired.
Dawn glared up at him, was he really that dense? She was lying in front of him, having a hard time trying to breathe, seconds ago had traveled through god knows how many different portals, had just been told that she was to be stuck in Middle Earth forever, unable to see her sister, or any of her friends for the brief time she was allowed home, not to mention she shock of Glory's revelations that had been proved true, and he was asking her if she was alright?
"What.?" She ground out.
Whistler shuffled uneasily on his feet. "Nothin'?" Whistler tried to state, yet managed to make it sound like a question. Offering her his hand to help her up, Dawn took in her surroundings. They were situated in a small dark, dank room.
Whistler carried on talking as he led her out of what appeared to be a basement. "You haven't got a lot of time. Two hours max, but I strongly suggest that you get what you want as quickly as possible." As they came out onto the street she was reminded of Sunnydale. The small beach front shops, the smell of the sea. Quickly they moved off, Whistler seemed to want to be done as quickly as possible, while she wanted to take her time, savor the last hours she'd spend on regular earth.
"What happens if we run into someone that I know-" She began.
"Trust me, you won't. But it's really important that you get your stuff as quickly as possible."
"But why can't I see them?"
"Dawn-"
"Don't 'Dawn' me!" She snapped. "Why can't I see them?"
"Because you're dead to them!" Whistler exploded. He watched, saw the blood drain from Dawn's face in her shock, "Ok.maybe that wasn't the best way to break the news."
"Dead?" The word was spoken so quietly Whistler thought it at first part of his imagination until she repeated it.
"I'm sorry Kid, I really am. That's why you can't see them, that's why you have to stay in Middle Earth. After, after you're.sacrifice, the Powers That Be had a hard time trying to track you down. You were right. The alignment was wrong. The portal didn't open up in hell, but in Middle Earth. The possibilities of where you had been sent were so endless it took several years for us to find you.
Would have taken longer of it wasn't for either yours or Gandalf's actions, in your attempt to return home." Emotions coursed through his voice as he told her what had happened.
Tears of sorrow, and understanding cascaded down her face. These seemed to hurt Whistler more than any other reaction she could have given, of anger, or hate.
"At least they have something to believe." She told him. "By me being dead.there's a definite end. Buffy can grieve and move on; the pain for her will ease over time. I won't be a burden any longer.
But I won't be forgotten. She'll still remember me as her sister. But by my death, Buffy will be able to believe that I am safe and happy in heaven. There will be something for her to believe, even if the basis for her dreams and beliefs are fake." Dawn trailed off; she couldn't put into words her emotions. Her shoulders shook and trembled with emotion, but she refused to give in. She would cry and grieve when she was alone, her pride demanded that much.
Whistler watched her, as she struggled with her emotions. He wanted to comfort her, but how could he? How could he when he knew that it was all a lie? But was it a lie for the best? Whistler decided that perhaps it was, as he watched on. It would give her peace of mind, the same way it had given Buffy peace. It didn't matter if it wasn't true; she wasn't going to know any different because no one was going to tell her.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
"Whistler, where are we?" Dawn enquired; she had never been here before and was curious as to where they were going.
"Storage, after you.died." Whistler started, it was a delicate topic and he was unsure as to how to put it. Sure normally he'd just come right out and say it, but he had to be careful otherwise.otherwise it could cause more damage that good. Everything that was happening now was in Dawns best interests so it wasn't completely bad, but still.not how he would have handled the situation.
"Whistler? Hello? Anyone there?" Dawn waved a hand in front of his face, trying to attract his attention, she succeeded, and he left his thoughts, buried at the back of his mind, if he didn't think about them he wouldn't feel so sorry for the kid.
"Well.Buffy didn't keep a lot of your stuff, she kept a few of the more important things.but the rest here I grabbed, figured there was gonna be some stuff that you wanted if you came back." He came to a close, not really having any more to say on the subject.
"Thanks" Dawn told him as she stepped into a small steel compartment. Boxes full of her things, she noticed some stuffed animals sitting on top of some crates, 'Could she really have been that childish to keep such useless things? But then again.that was her two years ago, when she was desperately trying to hold on to her childhood, her innocence.she'd changed, Glory had done that to her, had taken her away from the people she loved, had her stuck in a different dimension.she would have revenge, she would!
But then had she been innocent? She'd seen death and the darkest parts of hell, she wasn't even real, how could she have any innocence left? But hadn't she always had the childish beliefs that Buffy would save the world that good would triumph over evil and that love would save the day. Rationally she knew that theses wouldn't happen. But if she let them go would she be releasing her innocence? By holding on to them then there was still the slight chance, no matter how small or foolish, there was something for her to believe in when things hit rock bottom.'
"How did you know that I was coming back?" The thought suddenly came to mind.
Whistler cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Tip off. Powers That Be." He said shortly. "Hurry up kid, just over one hour left, and we gotta get back yet."
Dawn nodded signaling that she had heard him, and moved towards the boxes before reading the labels and sorting through them. Pieces of her furniture were covered with sheets to keep away the dust. Looking at the different contents, reliving different memories.
Whistler looked towards the crates and boxes, "I'll wait out side, no doubt you'll want to get changed or something."
"Yeah.. whatever." Dawn murmured absent not really paying attention to what Whistler had just said, she turned her head and smiled at him quickly before returning her full attention to the objects in the boxes.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dawn stepped out of the storage compartment in her favorite pair of lack leather trousers, a well-fitted dark green top, a black leather jacket that fell just past the edges of her dark green top, and a pair of flat black boots. 'A bit loose' she thought. 'But that's not surprising after the extreme diet of no food. Oh, well, at least the trousers are low cut hipster style; they won't touch my stomach unless I bend over to much or move around unnecessarily. Not to self, must get first aid kit.'
Her bag was slung over her shoulders, and her hair was pulled up out of the way in a ponytail, a few stray strands framed her face. She was still covered in grime, and dirt, but she would wash in Middle Earth, she clothes that she had selected would be good for traveling in. All but the green top could be wiped clean in necessary.
Dawn looked down at the outfit she was wearing; it was dark, good for camouflage, and mysterious. The dark colors would distract any unwanted attention, and put people off asking any questions, if only because they are scared of her and any possible reactions they might evoke. They would be scared of bringing her wrath down on themselves. She'd look dangerous, act dangerous even if she wasn't.
That was what she was after; if the people of Middle Earth were scared of her they would keep away. That was her main objective. Yes they would stay away from her if she gained a reputation. It would be best all round, they would be safe if kept away from her, and she would have peace of mind if knowing that others were not in danger because of her.
"You got everything kid?" Whistler asked.
"Yep, pretty sure I have.no doubt there's something that I have forgotten though!" She joked trying to lighten up the tense atmosphere.
"Right then, let's go. Need me to carry anything?" Whistler checked.
"I've only got the one bag, and it's quite light, surprisingly considering what I have in it."
"What have you got?" He asked, as they started to make their way towards the exit of the storage compound.
"Spare clothes, weapons, the usual, few pieces of jewelry, pictures of Mom, Buffy, the gang, nothin' much really. Most of my stuff if too big to come with me, it'll have to be left here." She mentioned sadly.
"Sorry kid, but that's the way it is-"
"Yeah, I know," Dawn interrupted him "but it doesn't make things any easier though does it?" She chuckled sadly.
Whistler looked down at his watch again, "Ok, lets get going."
That watch, a memory stirred at the back of her mind, the watch? No.the gesture? No."OH! Oh! Oh!" Dawn exclaimed before running back her storage room. The sound of her rummaging around in boxes could be heard from outside.
A muffled "Ah hah!" was heard by Whistler, and Dawn came . She was holding the offended article in her right hand, and held it up in victory.
"So do not want to forget my wrist guard! Middle Earth seems positively Medieval, which of course means bows and arrows, swords, y'know, that kinda thing. Anyway, can we stop of at a chemists or something? I still need to pick up some things."
"Whistler looked at her oddly, "Yeah, I suppose. We'd have to be quick though. What do you need at a chemist?"
"Think about it Whistler." She told him, her voice tinged with annoyance, despite the amusement, which lit up her eyes.
His friendly face creased with thought, "Uhmm.errrr..ohhhhh." He lit up suddenly with realization, as if someone had turned a light bulb on in his head.
'The lights are on but no ones home!' Dawn thought to herself. "Yeah, I mean I know I'm going to another dimension and everything, but that's no excuse for allowing dental hygiene standards to become lax." Dawn teased him, her face a picture of youthful innocence, which only when sad, or surprised did the hardships of life show in her face, but most of all her eyes.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Dawn strolled out of the chemist five minutes later. A paper bag holding all the essentials she would need for the next few months. Shampoo and conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush, comb, and some hair ties, some items for that time of that annoying time of the month, and a few other girlie items, that might come in handy for an emergency.
And last but not least a new, up to date, complete first aid kit. She refused to even think about the medicine, and cures that they would still be using. 'Am so not gonna go there.'
Whistler was waiting for her outside, and together they made their way back across to the portal that would return her to Middle Earth.
"Right, you got everything kid?" He checked one last time. "I'll pop over now and again to see how you're getting' on, so make a list if you forget anything.Well I guess this is it."
"Yep, thanks for all your help." Her attention was caught by a figure in the distance, is that-No! 'Don't be silly.' She reprimanded her self, 'But it could be.' Another part of her mind interjected. "No it isn't, it can't be." She denied.
The figure turned around, the blonde hair framing a familiar face, and suddenly Dawn knew who it was. Whistler turned around; hoping for a glimpse of what had Dawn captivated.
"Buffy." She whispered. The figure was advancing over to them, and fast.
Whistler turned back to Dawn, and took hold of her by the upper arm, physically pulling her over to the portal, which had awoken on their arrival. Dawn resisted and easily slipped out of his grasp. Too easily, she pulled out of his grasp far to easily.
"What the fuck?" She asked herself. The salty sea breeze swirled around her, playing with her hair, trying to distract her from what was going on around her.
"Kid, get in that portal, get in that portal, and get to Middle Earth as fast as possible." Whistler demanded.
"But Buffy-" She protested.
"But nothin', Dawn get in that portal, or say goodbye to this world."
His word brought some sense into her head, and she moved towards it. Whistler put his hand on her lower back, in a vain attempt to push her towards the rapidly expanding portal more quickly.
A surge of power went through her. She felt her body tense, and blood crash against her veins, calling for release, telling her to put the demon in its place as he tried to hurry her towards the portal.
"Whistler what is going on? I going all hormonal, and not in the weepy kinda way, more alone the lines of, 'If you touch me one more time, I'll strangle you with your own intestines.' I feel as though I have a blood lust, a new power surging through my veins. My eyesight, my hearing-it's all improved. I feel so much more aware, I feel dangerous, a coiled spring ready to attack at any moment. What is happening to me?" She asked furiously.
Whistler checked over his right shoulder again nervously. The figure was less than half a block away. "Whistler." Buffy called out urgently. "Whistler stop right there!" She insisted.
Dawn hesitated; she wanted to see her sister, if only for a few seconds before she was bundled through a portal, to what seemed like the middle ages. One last glimpse was all she wanted, a few seconds to soak up the sight of her sister for the rest of eternity, surely what the Oracles, and Whistler had told her about the consequences was exaggerated. Surely it was conceived, the main point being to put her off any contact with friends or family.
Dawn stood in front of the portal now, but still refused to cross over, Whistler was getting agitated, trying to push her through, and yet for some reason lacking the strength to do so, she just kept batting him away as one would do to an annoying fly.
Dawn could see her sister clearly now, well she could see her clearly when Buffy was a block away, but Buffy was closer now, if she could just hang on for a few minutes longer.
"Kid, you wanna know why you are feelin' different?" Whistler asked her, trying to draw her attention from the approaching slayer.
"Why?" Dawn replied, her attention still captivated by her sister. She smiled at Buffy, relief, hope, love mixed onto her face.
"Because you are made from her." The simple statement caused the world to stop around her. Dawn felt the smile slip off her face, the blood crash in her ears and drown out the sound of the ocean, the crash of the waves on the shore as they broke. She struggled to breathe through shock.
"Sorry kid." Whistler said before pushing her backwards through the portal, just as Buffy came up behind him.
The last thing Dawn saw of her world was the sunset over the salty plain of water ahead of her, and the face of her sister, which was full of confusion at Whistlers actions, but most disturbingly of all was the fact that her sisters eyes held to reaction, no love, no affection, no recognition as she looked Dawn straight eye.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
A/N: R&R Please and I will love you forever!