SUNNYDALE
"How is she?" Buffy asked as she stood in the doorway.
"Better. Her temperature went down a bit after I gave her something to eat, so she's sleeping peacefully now." Willow said, looking down on Tara. "I don't get it, Buffy. Why would she do this? She went behind my back and now look what happened. She could have been killed, and it would have been all my fault for making her have to do this."
"But she didn't, Will. Don't worry about it. At least we know now that the spell won't work so we can go ahead and find another plan. You should be happy you have someone who is willing to risk her life and health just to save yours. The best we can do now is let her rest. We can take care of everything without her. Trust me, she'll be okay."
Buffy was right. Tara would be fine. She was grateful Tara would go that far to help her, but it still didn't shake the guilt that it was all her fault. Still, worrying about something that could have happened wasn't going to help. They had bigger worries. Willow sighed heavily.
"Any word on the Laibach issue?" she asked, determined to change the subject.
"Not yet. The last time I talked to Giles, he was getting ready for the ritual. That was a couple hours ago, though. I hope everything is okay."
"He said he'll call if anything goes wrong, right? If he hasn't called, maybe that's a good thing."
"Or a bad thing." Buffy added.
The phone rang out in the hallway. Buffy ran eagerly out the room to answer it.
"That's probably him now." Buffy said. Willow nodded her head and Buffy ran out to go pick it up.
"What's going on?" Tara asked, waking up.
"Nothing, baby. Buffy went to get the heads up on the Laibach issue. You feeling any better?"
Tara ignored the question, seeming concerned about what she just said.
"Laibach issue? So that problem hasn't been resolved yet?"
"Not that we know of. Buffy is about to find out in a minute. Don't worry about it."
Tara loosened up a bit, then smiled warmly at her. She placed her hand on Willow's cheek.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I didn't mean to scare you."
"Don't worry about it. Just rest for now."
"Guys, we have a problem." Buffy said, coming in.
"What is it?" Willow asked, worriedly.
"It's Laibach. He's on his way. Giles and the others were too late. Laibach fully took over and escaped. Angel and Giles are chasing him down right now. He's on his way here to go ahead with his plan to open the portal."
"Where could she be going?" Willow asked.
"The only place Laibach can go to do the ritual."
"The Hellmouth." Willow said, understanding. Buffy nodded.
"Then we have to stop him." Tara said, suddenly getting out of bed.
"Tara, what are you doing? You should be in bed." Willow said, placing her hand on her shoulder to hold her back. Tara pushed her hand away.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. We need to be worried about Laibach right now."
"Tara…"
"Look, I know a spell that will block his chances of opening up that portal."
"Is that possible?" Buffy asked.
"Not completely. But it should delay him at least." She turned to Willow. "I just need you to trust me, Willow. I can do this. I'm not completely well, but if you would help me, we can do this."
Willow smiled and nodded her head, understanding. Tara was genuinely sorry for what she did. She couldn't stay mad at her. Plus, this was no time to argue.
"So, it's a plan then. Willow, go call Xander and Anya over to come watch Dawn. Then we'll all head over to the school to beat Laibach to the Hellmouth. I'll keep him, or her, whatever, busy while the two of you try to counter his magic. I'll call Spike for backup."
Willow got up and went for the phone. Tara sat up and began crawling out of bed.
"I'll get ready."
"Tara?" Buffy called.
"Yeah?"
"Be careful."
---
Spike sat in front of the television, staring at the screen as he took a drag from his cig. He had just got back from patrolling the town with no luck. He thought about checking on Buffy, but she wasn't much for talking. She was all wound up about something coming after her. Her and her lackeys were out flipping pages and brainstorming on clues on what the bloody hell it could be. Spike wasn't much for the research part of the gig. He would wait around until Buffy gave him the order to bunch some skulls in, assuming whatever it was had skulls.
The door swung open loudly, smashing into the wall. Spike jumped up to see who it was.
Speak of the devil.
"Spike."
"Evenin' Slayer, what brings you to my neck of the cemetery?"
Buffy looked up at the TV.
"Are you watching 'Passions'?" she asked in amusement.
"Um, no."
Spike jumped up to turn the TV off. He walked up closer.
"What can I do you for? Um, do for you?"
Buffy's head tilted a bit, studying him, then shook it off.
"Laibach is back in town. Apparently when you tried to pull off that little trick on us a few years ago, we didn't get rid of him for good. He's coming back to open up the portal to his Hell dimension and swallow the town. You know, that old chestnut."
Spike nodded.
"What about The Master? Is that old sod back in this?"
"Doesn't look that way. The last time The Master proved to be too cocky enough to be on his side. He wants to do this on his own now."
"What's in it for me this time? Seems like the only time you come to me is when the water gets to hot for you. Need ol' Spike to help you cool it down. Then once you're done, you treat me like dirt."
Spike knew that wasn't true. Buffy needed him. They both knew that or otherwise his remains would have been scattered throughout Sunnydale by now. He just wanted to hear her say it. He loved hearing Buffy confess how much he needed him. How much he wanted him…
Spike shook off that thought. As much as he fantasized about them being together, it would never happen. He tried it once last year, and it ended badly. There was no way in bloody Hell Buffy would even consider the fact.
Buffy closed her eyes and sighed. She looked back up at him.
"He has Drusilla again. He took her over for purposes unknown to me, but that's what he did. And now he's here, once again in the form of your psycho ex-lover."
Spike let it all sink in. He remembered the last time Laibach took advantage of her. He had helped him resurrect The Master, who would help him open up the portal to his dimension. Spike wasn't too keen on the idea, but the old sod had a hold on Drusilla, and he wasn't going to let her hurt her. He turned to Buffy and the gang to get her back, and they succeeded. What could he want from her now? Spike didn't really want to know. His main concern now was getting her back again. Sure he was over her now, but that didn't mean he wanted her gone forever. He would team up with Buffy again to stop it. He stared at her with intense eyes.
"So what's the plan?"
"Haven't really gotten there yet. But it has a lot to do with us kicking his ass and making sure he doesn't get to that portal. Willow and Tara are at the Hellmouth conjuring up a spell to help keep him at bay."
"Let's go."
Spike grabbed his leather coat off the bed and followed Buffy out. He'd be damned if Laibach took Drusilla again.
---
Willow sat nervously on the cold, dank floor of the former library of Sunnydale High, right above the gaping pit that was formed in the center of the room. She felt a sudden urge of nostalgia. So many memories in this one room: some good, some bad. This was where she nearly gotten eaten by a three-headed Hell beast while Buffy fought and killed The Master for the first time. This was where they all met frequently to confront the next baddie that came into town, and where Oz was locked up during the three nights of the full moon every month. It was all in the past now. They all graduated from high school and moved on. Of course most of them were still around fighting the good fight, Willow imagined what it would have been like if the others like Angel, Cordelia, and Oz had never left. Still, she still had Buffy, Xander, and Giles to reminisce those days with. Plus, she always had Tara to talk to. She wasn't around while they were in high school, but she loved to listen to her wild stories of them cutting class to kill vampires and fight the forces of darkness.
Tara finished putting everything in place and sat cross-legged in front of her.
"All set?" Willow asked her.
"Yep." She replied anxiously.
"So what do we have to do?"
"You don't have to do much of anything, I got it under control. I just need your guidance and energy. Just take my hands and concentrate. Clear your mind. I'll put up a spell of protection as well to make sure nothing comes after us while we're doing this. Just trust me, sweetie."
Willow smiled and allowed Tara to grab her hands. The warmth from her hands soothed her. She allowed the pleasant comfort to envelope her; violate every part of her body. She could feel her mind clearing of any outside thoughts, just concentrating on Tara's warmth and energy. Tara whispered a few words softly, and Willow could feel a protective barrier form over her head, protecting them from the outside world. Everything around her was suddenly mute, as the barrier blocked out all sound. She didn't even hear the commotion after Buffy and Spike had walked in.
"Looks like the girls got the mojo under control, eh?" Spike said as he watched Willow and Tara chanting softly under a sphere of green energy.
"Yep. No need to worry about them. Tara knows what she's doing. That shield should protect them from anything trying to interrupt the spell." Buffy said.
"Like them."
Buffy turned around to see a group of vampires coming in. Buffy could see Drusilla standing in the group. She could tell she was possessed. She looked a lot more out of it than usual. She looked at Spike, her eyes filled with recognition.
"Spike, remember, th…"
"That is not Drusilla. Yeah, I got the lecture notes. I'm not a bloody idiot, you know."
The vampires stared at them, hungry and tense, preparing to fight. Buffy tensed as well, ready for them to make the first move. A bulky vampire with a leather jacket swung a chain in his hands.
"I want the one with the chain." Spike said, watching his every move.
"Your call."
Three vampires suddenly went to Buffy's direction. One made it to her first and threw a punch. Buffy sidestepped to his left and grabbed his arm, lifting it up as she drove the stake into his heart. A strong fist burst through the cloud of ashes and connected with her face. The vampire exposed himself to do more damage. Buffy punched him back, causing him to stagger. She readied her stake, when suddenly, two huge arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her off the ground. The vampire in front of her smirked and moved in. She raised both her legs and kicked out at him, pushing him back further. The momentum from her kick caused the vampire holding her to lose his grip. She was already in motion before her body hit the floor. She was already on her feet and driving the stake into the first vampire before they knew what was going on. Buffy didn't even turn as she jabbed the stake into the burly vamp behind her.
Willow remained calm, still concentrating on Tara's warm hands. She was saying a chant in a tongue she was unfamiliar with. Her voice was getting hoarse from all the chanting. She was still sick. Willow would have to take care of her once this was all said and done. Willow felt her hand become warmer, and she suddenly began to feel tired. She could feel her own energy stirring inside her, aroused by Tara's words.
Spike dodged out the way as the chain swung fiercely towards him, narrowly hitting him in the head. A vampire jumped in front of him, trying to distract him. Spike staked him quickly, just in time for the chain to come for him again. He grabbed another vamp that was trying to approach him and placed him in the path. The chain smacked the vampire dead in the face. The vamp fell backwards into the Hellmouth, screaming all the way until his voice became faint. Spike acted quickly and grabbed the chain before the vampire could bring it back. He yanked it with all his strength and the vampire was yanked into his direction. He took the chain and wrapped it around his neck. Holding the chain around his neck, Spike swung in the other direction, tossing the vamp with the chain still connected. Spike was rewarded with a loud snap as his neck snapped from the force. Spike came in and put a stake through his heart as he lay helpless on the ground.
Before he had time to celebrate his victory, Laibach was on him. He started for him, still staring at him behind Drusilla's insane eyes. Spike didn't have time to react before he was on him. He dropped the chain just as he came in and started swinging, each punch connecting with his face, his chest, and his arms as he tried to block; each blow just as fierce as the last. Under the influence of Laibach, Dru was much stronger than she usually was. Any given day, Spike would kick her ass till she couldn't remember her name, but now Laibach had the upper hand.
Willow was starting to get more and more worried. As the spell went on, she could feel her body getting weaker and weaker.
I don't think this is going well. I have to tell Tara to stop.
As much as she wanted to say or do something to end the spell, she couldn't. She couldn't find the energy to talk, or the strength to pull her hands away. She could feel Tara becoming more and more tense. She could feel sweat from Tara's face dripping down on her hands, her voice becoming more and more hoarse. She hoped the spell would end soon, because she was not loving this.
Dust flew all over as Buffy began staking vampires one by one. There had to be at least half a dozen of them. They all seemed to be trying to distract her as Laibach went after Spike. Hopefully Willow and Tara could get this thing done, the vamps were becoming too much. She risked a glance to see how Spike was faring when suddenly she was hit with what felt like a truck. She was slammed against the wall as a huge vampire hung over her and wrapped his huge hands around her throat. He bared his fangs, licking them hungrily as he choked the life out of her. Buffy struggled for breath, attempting to pry his hands from her throat, but he was too strong. She could feel herself becoming dizzy. The vampire held on as her life slowly slipped away from her.
Laibach continued to pound him to a bloody pulp. Every so often, Spike found an opening and was able to get in a hit or two, but they had no effect on him. He continued to bash his face in with fierce blows he was unable to block. Unless some type of bleeding miracle happened, he was undoubtedly going to be killed. Not that he liked to think much about failure.
Spike prepared himself for the next blow, almost positive this would be the one that would finish him off. Laibach came in and lifted his arm, then stopped. His eyes went wide and he lifted his arm down. A moan escaped from his borrowed lips in a much Drusilla-like voice. Spike didn't know what was wrong, but he took the opportunity. He grabbed Laibach by the arm and twisted it back, locking him in a hold. He screamed out, once again in Dru's voice. Dru could in fact be back, but he didn't want to take that chance.
"Daddy's friends are almost here, Spike. But I can't find anything to wear for the party." Laibach said, once again using Drusilla's voice.
"I don't know what you're trying to pull, Laibach, but you won't be able to pull a fast one on the Big Bad anymore, eh?"
"I already have." He said, smiling.
A vampire saw them and came running after Spike. Spike stood there, defenseless. He could retaliate, but that meant letting go of Laibach. He swung Laibach in the direction of the vampire, using him as a shield. He heard a faint zip as something flew through the air, and the vampire suddenly dusted. Clouds of ash blew into Spike's face as the vamp's form disappeared. After the dust cleared, Spike looked up to see Giles standing there with a crossbow. Next to him, stood two young women. One of them he recognized as Cordelia, that Nancy Boy Xander's old flame. On the other side, stood a slender, mousey girl, holding a crossbow shakily.
"Your time is up, Laibach." Giles said, resolute.
Laibach looked back at him, a pout planted in Drusilla's features Spike was all too familiar with. He focused his attention up to where Willow and Tara were still working on the spell.
"It's almost done."
Buffy's vision began to blur. The vampire still had a monster of a grip on her neck, and he wasn't gonna let go until she gave up the ghost. Buffy closed her eyes, waiting for a miracle to happen. She heard a sudden zip, followed by ash hitting her in the face. The grip was suddenly released. She took in all the oxygen her body could handle at once, and then coughed as she inhaled the remaining particles from the dusted vamp, her eyelids shielding it from getting in her eyes. Strong hands grabbed her by the arms and lifted her up. Whoever had saved her proceeded to dust her off. She rubbed her eyes to open them, and there stood Angel. He smiled back at her warmly, letting her know that he was here. Buffy couldn't resist. She locked him in a strong embrace. Angel tilted her head up and rewarded her with a long romantic kiss. They kissed for what had almost felt like a full minute before they were interrupted.
"Angel!" a familiar voice said.
Buffy pulled away to see that Cordelia and Giles had arrived as well. Spike, and Laibach who was still in Drusilla's body, stood nearby. All of them looked up in the same direction, a distraught look on their faces.
Willow felt her powers slipping away from her. Her head was pounding like crazy and the room felt like it was spinning. She wanted to heave, but she didn't even have the energy that it would take to even do that. Tara's grip hardened. She could feel her becoming more powerful. The words coming out harsher than before. Soon everything began to become faint. Tara's voice was pulling away from her. She took her last ounce of energy to try and speak.
"Tara…"
Tara's grip slipped as Willow fell out cold.
Giles gaped in awe as Willow's body went limp, and Tara suddenly convulsed and rose from the ground. Giles looked into her deep yellow eyes. It was Tara's body standing there, but no ounce of her identity could be seen. What Giles could see was evil. It was Laibach. They had all been tricked. Laibach spoke from Tara's lips in a raspy chant using a language Giles wasn't all too familiar with. But Angel, Drusilla, and Spike looked on as if they understood. Laibach finished off the rest of the chant, and a huge crackle of energy rippled above the Hellmouth. What appeared to be a rip in the atmosphere tore open, exposing complete darkness inside. Energy continued to crackle from the opening. Angel, Buffy, and the others, hung back from the portal, weary of any creature from this dark reality to come out. Their attention was diverted back to Laibach as he began to speak in the dark language.
Areme rhuta lsapa cleotte sjhusa. Suida olete hurpso lokete opededas kitgsha nuime cnesa.
"His reality is now ready to merge with ours, to form one. He is now able to roam free in the birth of this new world." Angel translated.
Tara screamed out in pain. Her mouth opened, and out poured a void of darkness. The darkness formed a shadow in the form of a figure, at least a good seven feet tall. Millions of tiny gnats and flies expelled from her mouth and formed around the tall shadow. The bugs began to melt into each other, forming into a huge beast. The void disappeared and Tara fell to the ground, unmoving as she lay there next to the limp form of Willow. There stood Laibach, in all his glory. He stood a good seven feet tall, easily. Large spikes were protruding from his huge thighs, his large chest, and his broad shoulders, penetrating his tough, crimson-colored skin. He glared at them with menacing, yellow eyes, similar to the ones Tara had while he took over her body. Two large horns protruded from his otherwise bald crimson head. They curved pointing up, similar to a bull. Two smaller horns were formed behind the much larger ones, curving underneath them and pointed towards the side. Rows of large sharp teeth could be seen from his lipless mouth as he continued to glare at them.
No one dared move. They could feel the power radiating from his huge body. They knew they wouldn't be able to take him on, even with their strong number. Laibach raised one huge hand, and everyone tensed up. More darkness expelled from his hands, forming a deep void in the center of the library. He walked up to it, and disappeared, the void disappearing with him.
For a long while, no one spoke. They stood there in awed silence. Unable to comprehend what was going on. The silence was broken off by a long insane giggle from Drusilla. She began jumping up and down in a kid-like fashion.
"They're here! They're here! The party has begun! I must go look my best! I don't want to appear rude to my guests."
Drusilla waltzed away off into the night, all the while laughing in pure joy. Nobody made a move to stop her. They all stood there for another second in complete silence. It was Fred's turn to break it.
"Now what?" she asked.
Everyone took a deep breath, asking there selves the same question.
"We go back, I guess." Giles said tiredly. "Decide on what to do next. Figure some things out."
"What about the portal?" Angel asked. "Creatures should be coming out in any second. Some we couldn't even imagine in our wildest dreams. Shouldn't we be here to stop them?"
"It would be fruitless." Giles answered. "The amount of creatures that would come out of this portal would be endless. We would be fighting for hours, given we survive that long. Our best bet is to get Willow and Tara and rendezvous back to come up with a plan. We'll find out a way to destroy Laibach and close the portal. Meanwhile, we will try our best to keep the casualties to a minimum. I know this is putting many lives at risk, but right now it is our only option."
Up above, the portal began to crackle with more energy.
"Giles is right." Buffy spoke up. "Let's get out of here before they start showing up."
"I don't like it, Buffy." Angel said, facing her. "I say we stay here and fight whatever this dimension has in store for us."
"And then what? Keep fighting till there's none of us left, and allow them all to roam free without any of us left to fight? At least if we go now, we'll be able to come up with a better plan to stop all this and keep them from spreading too far. We have to get out of here, Angel. I'm not enjoying this either, but what else are we gonna do?"
Angel stared back at her, unable to form a legitimate response. She and Giles were right.
"I'm on your territory. It's your call."
"Can we please quit with all the bleedin' drama and get the hell out of here?" Spike whined.
Buffy turned her glance from Angel to face the others.
"Let's get them out of here. See if we can get them both to a hospital."
Spike, Angel, and Giles went over to retrieve Willow and Tara. Fred and Cordelia headed out for the car. Buffy walked together towards the exit, watching the portal as it continued to crackle. Giles and Spike strayed not too far behind.
As they each loaded up in Giles and Angel's car, they could hear various inhuman screams and moans coming from the ruins of Sunnydale High.