Here's another chapter. I am trying to post chapters more often than I used to but I can't do it as often as most writers. Just as an fyi this chapter doesn't paint the scoobies in a flattering light. Much as I love the show I have mixed feelings about the scoobies. I don't doubt they loved Buffy but their friendship always seemed one sided, especially where Xander is concerned and do not get me started about Dawn lolz. Don't worry though, they will be better and things will get better as you saw in my earlier chapter. Some lines will seem familiar as they came from the show. For those wondering what Felicity's fighting knives look like, they look like the ones used by Legolas and Tauriel in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Her fighting style using them is also similar to theirs except Felicity has is stronger. Anyway, I hope you like it. Be kind. :)

Chapter 8 - Rejuvenation, Resurrection and Reinvention

Courage, don't you dare fail me now

I need you to keep away the doubts

I'm staring in the face of something new

You're all I got to hold on to

So, courage, don't you dare fail me now

'Cause it's not easy when you're not with me

This world of madness goes faster now

And it's a train wreck but I won't crash yet

Long as your echo never fades out

Courage, don't you dare fail me now

'Cause it's not easy when you're not with me

This world of madness goes faster now

And it's a train wreck but I won't crash yet

Long as your echo never fades out

Courage, don't you dare fail me now

-Courage by Celine Dion-

Felicity looked out the window to see the palm fronds Southern California is known for as their plane was landing in a private air strip a few hours away from Sunnydale. From here they would take the cars Julie and Cat purchased and modified for the group to use and go straight to the house they would be staying in during their time there.

"You know whatever is waiting for us there we will be able to handle it, right?" Ray said bumping his shoulder against hers.

It broke through Felicity's reverie and she looked at one of her closest friends and said "I know, but Ray, the dream I had last night was pretty gnarly. If it's true, Buffy will end up clawing her way out from her grave. Like her friends are gonna resurrect and disturb her rest her which is already selfish in itself but they will do it thoughtlessly without bothering to retrieve her body first."

Ray, ever the optimist, took Felicity's hand in his and said. "So the stakes are high, but the way I see it, based on the details you gave us about your dream, we just need to get there in time to help Buffy by digging her out before she comes back and then take care of some renegade demons. I mean no pressure, at all."

He said it with so much optimism that it was hard to doubt the veracity of his words even as Felicity's analytical mind went through everything that could possibly go wrong so she could prepare for each possible scenario. "Sure Ray, no pressure at all. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy."

Hearing that, Ray replied "Well I wouldn't say easy peasy but we have exhausted every possible scenario with the information we have on hand. We just need to execute and adapt as best we can. Like we always do. It helps that we have one another and everyone here pulls their own weight and then some."

Hearing that gave Felicity some measure of peace. She looked around as they all got ready to disembark. She felt so much love for each and everyone of her friends. They say you have the friends you are born with and then you have those you choose. These people with her here and now, they were her tribe. Julie and Cat who had been her friends since boarding school. Liz, Fred, Caitlin, Ronnie and Cisco who were here first friends at MIT. Vincent who became part of her circle because of Cat and of course Ray who had rapidly become a confidant. All of them were essential to her life and she knew she would've never thrived as well as she had despite the additional burden of slaying without all of them.

She knew logically that they'd planned and prepared for every contingency but she could not help but worry. She knew the stakes were high. If they did not get to Buffy in time she would be left traumatised and in needless pain. Her dreams foretold a very dark path Buffy would be on should she and her friends fail to get to her in time.

After disembarking they headed to their vehicles beginning the drive to Sunnydale, each one thinking about what they would face once getting there. They all had roles to play to make sure their mission was a success. They knew there wouldn't be any rest for awhile. Not until they got to Buffy and gave her all the help she would need to adjust to being alive again. It seemed a herculean task and they could only hope that they measured up to the task.

When it rains, it pours

But you didn't even notice

It ain't rainin' anymore

It's hard to breathe when all you know is

The struggle of stayin' above the risin' water line

Well the sky has finally opened

The rain and wind stopped blowin'

But you're stuck out in the same ol' storm again

You hold tight to your umbrella

Well, darlin', I'm just tryin' to tell ya

That there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head

If you could see what I see

You'd be blinded by the colors

Yellow, red, and orange, and green

And at least a million others

So tie up the boat, take off your coat, and take a look around

'Cause the sky has finally opened

The rain and wind stopped blowin'

But you're stuck out in the same ol' storm again

You hold tight to your umbrella

Well, darlin', I'm just tryin' to tell ya

That there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head

Oh, tie up the boat, take off your coat, and take a look around

Everything is alright now

'Cause the sky has finally opened

The rain and wind stopped blowin'

But you're stuck out in the same ol' storm again

Let go of your umbrella

'Cause, darlin', I'm just tryin' to tell ya

That there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head

Yeah, there's always been a rainbow hangin' over your head

It'll all be alright

-Rainbow by Bailey Rushlow-

Throughout the day Willow, Xander, Tara and Anya snuck around doing their best to avoid running into Spike and Dawn all the while trying to collect everything they needed so Willow could perform the spell that would bring Buffy back. They had come to the decision to bring her back because they missed her and were unable to cope without her.

The Buffybot while being a good likeness wasn't nearly as good at slaying with more than a few demons learning it was a robot.

In addition, Dawn wanted to stay with them instead of going to her father so they were rapidly burning through the money from Joyce's insurance policy as none of them had jobs.

They had also come to the conclusion that Buffy was in a hell dimension because they reasoned Glory's home was a hell dimension and Buffy jumped into a portal to that place.

None of them stopped to question if they were really doing the right thing nor did they stop to ask the opinion of people who might have given them insight as to where Buffy might really be. They were convinced that this was the only course of action available to them.

It was now the moment of truth and all four of them were standing in a semicircle surrounding Buffy's final resting place. Willow at the foot of the grave as Xander and Tara held lit candles and Anya struggled with a lighter to light hers.

Tara, worried that the window of opportunity required might pass, looked at the rest of the group and asked "What time is it?"

Xander looked at his watch and replied, "It's a minute before midnight."

Knowing the spell needed to take place at exactly midnight Willow looked at Anya in exasperation saying "Come on Anya, do you have it?"

Finally managing to light her candle Anya responds "I got it. I got it."

Having all the candles lit, they kneeled, as Willow who held the Urn of Osiris took out a small jar and poured it's contents, fawn's blood, into the Urn and spoke. "Osiris, keeper of the gate, master of all fate, hear us."

Dipping her finger into the urn, Willow used the blood to draw ceremonial markings on her face while speaking "Before time, and after. Before knowing and nothing."

Willow then poured the remaining contents of the unto the foot of Buffy's gravesite chanting "Accept our offering. Know our prayer."

Suddenly Willow is jerked backwards with her arms splayed out sideways with deep ugly wounds suddenly appearing on her arms.

Xander calls out Willow's name and almost reaches for Willow but Tara stops him stuttering a bit from the stress "No! She - she told me ... she'd be tested. This is supposed to happen."

Willow then speaks in a louder voice. "Osiris! Here lies the warrior of the people. Let her cross over." Wincing in pain as blood flows from the cuts on her arms and round worm-like shapes began to move under her skin, moving from her arms to her neck.

Xander seeing this "She needs help"

Tara, though visibly scared and worried replies "Xander, she's strong! She said not to stop, no matter what. If we break the circle now, it's over."

They all watch anxiously as Willow continues breathing heavily in obvious pain as suddenly a loud rumbling noise is heard.

Anya, quick to point out the obvious, says, "Oh god, what is that noise?"

Unbeknownst to them, a few blocks from the cemetary a gang of demons on motorcycles known as the hellions, led by a demon known for his switchblade style claws, calling himself Razor, rolled into town hoping to take advantage of the slayer's absence. In the midst of causing havoc wounded the Buffybot triggering her programming to seek out Willow for repairs, leading them straight to the unsuspecting foursome.

Willow, still kneeling with her arms held out, panting, struggles to complete the spell, yells "Osiris, let her cross over! Aah.."

Willow then makes choking noises as the things underneath her skin move up her neck and force her to the ground gagging, with a snake slithering out of her mouth onto the ground.

Visibly shaken and scared, Tara tries to reassure herself and the others "Oh my god, oh my god. It's a test. It's a test. Willow…"

Willow is then jerked back to a sitting position as a bright red orange light begins to swirl around her as she tries to complete the spell "Osiris, release her!"

It is in the middle of all of this that the Buffybot runs from behind Tara, yelling "Willow! I need service!" and bringing with her Razor and the rest of his motorcycle gang. Who proceed to ride around them in circles trapping them and forcing Anya, Xander and Tara to get up and huddle together in fear as they look at the demons surrounding them.

By this time Willow is fully engulfed in the bright red orange light seemingly unaware of the chaos around her until one of the bikers runs over the Urn of Osiris, shattering it, causing Willow to scream "No!" as the light surrounding her dissipates as she falls to the ground.

Xander is able to find an opening and grabs Willow, keeping her out of the way of one of the bikers. Xander with Willow in his arms, the Buffybot, Tara and Anya make a run for it hoping to seek refuge with the bikers going after them, leaving the cemetery.

Well, now I am grown

And these years have shown

That rain's a part of how life goes

But it's dark and it's late

So I'll hold you and wait

'Til your frightened eyes do close

And I hope that you'll know

That nature is so

The same rain that draws you near me

Falls on rivers and land

And forests and sand

Makes the beautiful world that you see

In the morning

Everything's fine in the morning

The rain will be gone in the morning

But I'll still be here in the morning

-Lullaby for a Stormy Night by Vienna Teng-

Felicity and her friends arrive at the Sunnydale Cemetery in two unmarked black Escalades. It took them a lot longer than they hoped as they had to navigate the streets narrowly escaping Razor and motorbiking hellions.

Felicity, looking a little shell shocked, looked to everyone, "Gear up everyone, you saw an example of what we are facing here during the drive."

Cisco, checking to see that his gear is ready and equipped, grabs one of the shovels alongside Ray, Vincent, and Ronnie, remarking "Yup, we definitely aren't in Kansas anymore Toto."

Julie and Cat fought off a hint of a smile the same as everyone else and started walking behind Felicity, Fred, Caitlin and Liz hurrying to Buffy's grave.

Once they get there, Felicity motioned for everyone to take their respective positions, "This is it guys, Buffy needs us to move quickly, and I cannot believe I am saying this…" gesticulating with her hands a bit and taking a deep breath as she continues to direct everyone. "Ray, Ronnie and Cisco, you need to dig like you've never done before."

Ronnie looks at Ray and Cisco, deadpans, "Well as I'm pretty sure none of us has ever dug up a grave before I can safely assure you it will be the quickest we've ever had to." then proceeds to exchange high fives with the rest of the boys.

Felicity looks at them tilting her head sideways and raising her eyebrows, "Seriously?"

Ray looks sheepishly at her and replies "Don't worry, we should be able to do this rather quickly. Cisco and I developed this little gadget which will loosen and displace the soil on her casket, making our job substantially easier. It's sort of like a hoe but not a ho. I'm going to stop talking now." and makes a zipping motion over his mouth.

Felicity bites back a smile and continues giving instructions, "Liz, will provide additional cover and shield you guys and Buffy once the fighting begins. She will also help get the casket out of the ground. Fred and Caitlin, your job is to help comfort and calm Buffy should she come back to life before the fighting ends."

Felicity then turns to Julie and Cat, saying "Vincent and I will do most of the fighting, but if any of the hellions get past us, you both need to make sure they don't get to Fred, Caitlin, Liz and Buffy. Once Cisco, Ray and Ronnie are done digging they will help you with doing this."

Ray, Cisco and Ronnie, turned on their new invention which loosened the soil on top of Buffy's grave and proceeded to dig.

As they were doing this the roaring sounds of motorcycles became distinctly louder making them aware that Razor and his hellions were getting closer to where they were.

Ray, Cisco and Ronnie made quick work of digging and soon enough the casket was in view. Seeing that, they hurried to get out of the grave as it was now Liz's turn. Once they were clear, Liz stepped in front of the hole on the ground and looked at the casket and lifted her arms, causing a light to appear and slowly but surely the casket was levitated above ground and Liz gently lowered it.

Seeing Liz, using her powers would never be not amazing to Felicity and the rest of them and looking around, everyone more or less looked awestruck.

Liz, motioned for the casket to open and just like that it opened. Everyone braced themselves for the rancid smell of rotting remains but the smell of roses instead came from Buffy's remains. Felicity remembered some of the stuff she read about blessed people whose remains were preserved and smelled of roses. Then suddenly, right before all their eyes they saw a bright red orange mist of light surround Buffy's remains regenerating everything it touched.

Felicity took a step forward just as Buffy took her first breath and sat up, seeing Felicity, Buffy spoke "I know you. You're like me."

Felicity held out her hand which Buffy grasped as Felicity spoke as she helped her stand, "Yes, I'm Felicity, I'm also a slayer like you and like Faith."

The moment was shattered when Razor and his buddies arrived and tried to swarm their group.

Felicity spoke to Buffy, as Liz, Caitlin and Fred came closer to them, gesturing to her friends, "It's ok, these are my friends, they will keep you safe while I take care of these bullies." Buffy, visibly relaxed, letting Caitlin and Fred surround her as Liz generated a shield around them and Felicity strode off to face Razor and his minions.

By the time Felicity went to stand beside Vincent in front, her friends had already taken their positions as they had planned out. In her peripheral, Felicity could see them activate the implements they developed for their boots and gloves which would deliver enough electricity to stun any demon that would be stupid enough to underestimate them and get too close giving them an opportunity to either get away or stab or behead the demon.

Seeing Buffy in the back Razor got off his bike "Look at that, alive and kickin' after all, well at least alive, for now anyway. Not looking too good, though, is she?"

Cisco hears that scoffs "I don't see you winning too many beauty contests. I mean, unless the Miss 'My Face Fell Off' pageant gets going. Cause seriously how many mirrors have you broken."

Finally noticing the shield Liz generated, Razor grins, taking another step forward. "Ah, so you got a witch in the mix. How long do you think you can keep that going, sweet cheeks?"

Liz smirks and sends out a telekinetic wave pushing his hellions back and says "A lot longer than you can survive the night sweet cheeks."

Razor, still not considering them a threat and attempting to rally his troops, just shakes his head and speaks "Now, my boys, see, that's tricky. They came looking for a massacre...and I think you kids have enough blood in your veins for a kiddie birthday party."

Felicity hearing this draws out the knives her senseis gave and nonchalantly replied "Then you'd be wrong."

Razor laughed "Whoa. Well, I better back off, or you might, what? Pull a rabbit out of a hat?"

Felicity just walks closer, twirling her long knives in her hands with all the confidence in the world "Well, as the ancient Tibetan philosophy states, 'Don't start none wont be none.' The choice is yours but I'd seriously watch the misogynistic comments if I were you."

Razor, not knowing when to quit just says "Well honey, I hate to break it to you but of course we want trouble, we're demons. We're really all about trouble."

Felicity raises her eyebrows "Not this kind, you don't"

Razor, puffs up his chest and lewdly replies "Oh. I get your point. Now let me tell you something, children. We're not gonna fight you. We're just gonna hold you down and enjoy ourselves for a few might even live through it. Except that certain of my boys got some...anatomical incompatibilities that, uh, tend to tear up little girls and boys. So, who wants to go first?" causing his merry band to laugh as he backhands Felicity fully expecting her to fly backwards and is genuinely shocked when she instead grabbed his arm and flips him over using his own momentum against making him crash against the wall of a mausoleum a few feet away."

Vincent noting the stupefied expression of the hellions laughs, beasts out and reaches for the demon closest to him and breaks his neck and says, "Big mistake, man, huge."

Felicity and her friends wasted no time and pressed their advantage. Felicity beheading one demon after another while Julie and Cat worked effectively alongside Vincent as Ray, Cisco and Ronnie worked in tandem and soon enough there were only a few hellions left struggling to get to their bikes.

Razor finally gets up in a daze unable to comprehend how the tides had turned "But how?"

Before he could finish that thought though Felicity was in front of him kicking him back down. "You know what? I'm really glad you turned out even dumber than you look. I think the word you are looking for is slayer."

Slowly Razor realized he made a big mistake riding into Sunnydale and picking a fight with this group. "There's two slayers?"

Felicity just shook her head "There's three slayers, counting apparently...not your strong suit. It's amazing really how someone who calls himself Razor really ain't the sharpest tool in the shed."

Razor throws a punch but Felicity stops it, grabbing his fist and holding it immobile. With her other hand she punches him in the face twice, then she kicks him. He falls to the ground again.

Razor got up again, opened the switchblade claws on his hands and attempted to swipe at Felicity but he wasn't quick enough and before he knew it, her knives already cut his claws off causing him to scream in agony. "Did you seriously just try to Wolverine me? Hugh Jackman you are so not. Actually, come to think of it, you know what Razor? At the end of the day all you are is a misogynistic bully and I hate bullies." and quick as lightning Felicity moved taking his head clean off his body effectively killing him.

Seeing that and that there were no more demons left, live ones at least, Ray dusts himself off with a smile, "Well they wanted a massacre." Cat looks around, "I guess that means we won. Yay team." and everyone breaks into laughter while picking up their weapons.

Felicity walked towards Buffy, who seemed to have realized she had died and was brought back to life was crying. "Who? What? How?"

To which Felicity replied "Your friends did a ritual. I'm not sure what." and reached out to hug her sister slayer as she cried.

Buffy brokenly sobbed "I was happy... Wherever I was... I was happy... At peace. I knew that everyone I cared about was all right. I knew it. Time... didn't mean anything. Nothing had form. But I was still me, you know...? And I was warm. And I was loved. And I was finished. Complete... I-I don't understand theology or dimensions, any of it, really... But I think I was in heaven... And now I'm not. I was torn out of there. Pulled out... by my friends. Everything here is hard and bright and violent... Everything I feel, everything I touch... this is Hell. Just getting through the next moment, and the one after that, knowing what I've lost…"

Felicity, after Buffy calms a bit "I can't even comprehend all that you've lost or how horrible this must all be for you. But know that you aren't alone and should your strength fail, I will share mine with you. You may not have had a choice before but from here on out what you want and how you feel will matter."

Julie goes near them and also talks to Buffy "I know we're mostly strangers to you but if there's one thing you can trust, it is that this group will always have your back."

Cisco, seemingly uncomfortable with the outpouring of grief exclaims "Ok, we need to bring this in, I say group hug" to which Ray chimed "First team hug with Buffy, what do you say?" and with that the entire team hugged Buffy, starting her on the road to healing and living again.