Chapter 21: Kissed by Death Part 1
March 3, 1998 – Tuesday
Restfield Cemetery
Dawn's body felt like it was on fire, her forehead burning with the intensity of her fever. With a weak sigh, she glanced at the towering cemetery wall and let out a pitiful groan. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, she forced herself to her feet, her body swaying with exhaustion.
Coughing uncontrollably, she managed to pull herself over the wall, each heave sending tremors through her weakened form. Landing on the other side, she staggered and lost her balance, collapsing to the ground in a disoriented heap.
As she trudged through the graveyard, her nose was red and runny, the sniffles making her already uncomfortable state even worse. Despite her illness, she pressed on, driven by an inexplicable sense of duty.
A few meters ahead, her blurry gaze caught sight of a mysterious shadow moving behind a mausoleum. Despite her weakened state, Dawn's determination kicked in, and she mustered all her energy to stealthily approach the scene. Her trembling hands gripped a stake, ready to defend herself against any potential danger.
Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice call out her name, and her heart skipped a beat. Chloe and Buffy emerged from behind the mausoleum, their eyes widening with surprise at seeing Dawn in her current state.
Ignoring her own discomfort, Dawn managed a weak smile and asked, "What are you two doing out here?"
Chloe's worry turned to confusion as she retorted, "What are you doing here?"
Determined not to show any sign of weakness, Dawn straightened up as much as she could and replied, "I'm patrolling, of course!" Her voice wavered slightly, but she tried to hide it beneath her brave facade.
"Dawn, you're sick." Buffy's voice carried a mix of worry and frustration as she tried to reason with her sister.
Dawn shook her head, attempting to downplay her condition. "No, I feel fine," she insisted, though her weak smile betrayed her. "I mean, I'm... the world's spinning a little bit, but I like it, it's kind of like a ride."
Chloe chimed in; her eyes filled with concern for Dawn. "Half the school's out with this flu," she said gently, hoping to make Dawn understand the seriousness of the situation.
Buffy's tone became more assertive as she joined the conversation. "It's a serious deal, Dawn," she said, hoping to get through to her sister. "Mom, Marie, Chloe, Faith, and I are all concerned about you."
Dawn glanced at her sister and Watcher, touched by their care and affection. Her eyes glistened with emotion, but she quickly composed herself. "I'm touched. Really," she said, trying to muster strength. "But I have work to do."
Chloe looked worriedly at Dawn, reminding her of a promise made. "Dawn, you promised Faith you wouldn't go out," she said, the memory fresh in her mind. "I was there. You swore to her that you wouldn't patrol."
"Chloe, I know what I told Faith," Dawn's voice trembled with a mix of fear and defiance as she replied. "So, I lied. I have to stop Nakamura before he can find a way to stop me!"
Buffy's eyes glistened with concern as she stepped closer to her sister. "Dan, one night of rest is not going to kill you," she pleaded, desperately hoping Dawn would reconsider.
The fever seemed to amplify Dawn's emotions, making her emotions raw and intense. "No, but it might kill you or Faith or Chloe or..." Her voice trailed off; her thoughts too painful to voice fully. She spoke with unwavering determination, protecting her loved ones even as she struggled to protect herself.
With tears welling up, Dawn turned away from them, trying to hide her vulnerability. She couldn't bear the thought of Nakamura harming the people she cherished most. The weight of being only half a Slayer pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she refused to back down.
Buffy's voice softened, filled with love and concern for her little sister. "Dawn, this is not the time to challenge Nakamura," she implored. "He's at full strength, you're only half a Slayer. At this point, you may as well be competing for the Miss Insanity title."
Her own eyes reflecting determination and pain, Dawn fired back, "Maybe, but I'm still the Slayer. And as long as I am, Nakamura is not going to kill any of you."
A chilling silence followed, until a voice broke through the heaviness. "Oh, little sister trying to steal my fun," came the taunting voice from behind Dawn.
Dawn's fever-addled mind struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation as Nakamura emerged behind her, his presence sending shivers down her spine. Her body was weak, but her determination was fierce as she faced the vampire.
"You should know that stealing is not nice," Nakamura's chilling words sent a shudder through Dawn. "I have a theory for you. Do you think that if I steal the life of your Watcher it can make up for you stealing my love? Let's find out." As he spoke, Dawn's heart clenched, fearing for the safety of her Watcher, her sister and her friends.
With a twisted smile, Nakamura darted past Dawn, his malevolence focused on attacking Chloe. Dawn's eyes widened in shock as Chloe fell to the ground, caught off guard by Nakamura's sudden assault. Buffy swiftly intervened, positioning herself between Nakamura and Chloe with a stake at the ready.
"Ah, Buffy, love," Nakamura said as he looked at the blonde Slayer. In that moment, he noticed something he hadn't expected. Looking into Buffy's eyes, he saw a familiar glimmer of love that was once reserved for him alone. The realization hit him like a tidal wave – the Watcher was the one Buffy held dear to her heart. A pang of jealousy and anger surged through him, and he blamed Dawn for this revelation.
"You took her away from me! You've already changed her fate!" Nakamura seethed; his rage directed at Dawn. He lunged at her, his grip closing around her arms, but Dawn's survival instincts kicked in.
Summoning every ounce of strength, she could muster, she brought her legs up and kneed Nakamura in the groin, managing to free herself. As she stumbled away, she felt a wave of nausea wash over her due to her fever, but she couldn't afford to back down.
Desperation drove her as she swung wildly at Nakamura, trying to defend herself despite her weakened state. Her breaths were labored, and her body felt like it might betray her at any moment.
Buffy glanced at Chloe, torn between her duty to protect Dawn and her concern for her girlfriend. Chloe's voice cut through the chaos, "Go," she urged. "I'll be fine."
Dawn's feverish body struggled to keep up with the unfolding danger. Nakamura's cruel laughter echoed through the air as he struck her chest, causing her to crumple once more to the cold ground.
Buffy's heart pounded in her chest as she rushed to her sister's side, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive. Her love for Dawn fueled her determination to defend her against any threat, even in the face of her own worry and exhaustion.
"Ah, love, you left the Watcher unguarded," Nakamura's taunted, mocking their vulnerability and striking at their deepest fears.
Chloe, driven by her love for Dawn and Buffy, took a piece of the mausoleum that Dawn had knocked off earlier. "No, she didn't," she said and she struck Nakamura over the head.
Buffy seized the moment, using the distraction to her advantage. Her kick sent Nakamura sprawling to the ground, momentarily subdued.
But Nakamura's parting words were chilling, filled with a sinister promise that left everyone on edge. "This isn't over, love. I will make you mine again. And when I do your sister will die."
As Nakamura walked away, the heavy weight of the situation settled on Chloe and Buffy's shoulders. Their love for each other and for Dawn was evident in their eyes as they faced the uncertainty that lay ahead.
Buffy turned back to Dawn, her heart aching with concern for her sister's well-being. "Dawn, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry and affection.
Clutching her head and trying to regain her balance, Dawn's weakened form struggled to respond. "I told you guys to leave, I… I… Oh…" Her words faltered, and her consciousness slipped away. Her body couldn't bear the strain any longer, succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Dawn!" Buffy's voice trembled with worry and fear, slicing through the tension that hung heavily in the air. Chloe, her eyes still fixed on Nakamura's retreating figure, snapped her attention back to the distraught scene unfolding before her.
The gravity of the situation hit them like a tidal wave, and Chloe's voice quivered with concern. "Dawn?" she questioned, her heart pounding in her chest.
Buffy's hands shook as she tried to rouse her unconscious sister, desperation in every touch. But Dawn remained unresponsive, lost in the grip of her fever-induced unconsciousness. Buffy's eyes pleaded with Chloe, silently urging her to help.
"We have to get her to a hospital now," Buffy declared, her voice laced with urgency and helplessness.
Chloe wasted no time, assisting Buffy in carefully lifting Dawn into her arms. They moved as one, their bond stronger than ever in this moment of crisis. With Dawn cradled between them, they ran through the dark and eerie cemetery, their breaths ragged and their hearts racing.
The world around them blurred as they sprinted towards Dawn's car, every second feeling like an eternity. Their love for Dawn propelled them forward, pushing them to move faster, to reach help as quickly as possible.
Chloe couldn't help but worry about the repercussions of their actions. "Both Faith and your mom are going to kill us," she said, her voice a mix of fear and humor, a momentary distraction from the gravity of the situation.
Buffy managed a faint smile amid her worry, knowing that their actions would likely incur the wrath of their loved ones. But in that moment, the only thing that mattered was Dawn's well-being. Together, they faced the unknown, their love and determination to protect Dawn binding them tightly together.
Sunnydale Memorial
Buffy's heart pounded in her chest as she burst through the hospital doors, cradling Dawn in her arms like precious cargo. Chloe ran alongside, her face etched with concern and fear.
"We need help!" Buffy's voice rang out, echoing through the hospital walls. "Somebody, please! Now!"
The urgency in her voice caught the attention of several hospital staff members, who rushed to their aid. The atmosphere was tense, and Buffy's desperation was palpable.
"What happened?" one of the staff members asked, trying to grasp the situation.
"The flu," Buffy explained, her voice trembling with worry. "She fainted. She's my cousin, and she's sick! Please, help her!"
Dawn was gently placed on a gurney and wheeled down the hospital corridor, the wheels clicking against the floor like a metronome of anxiety. A hospital staff member began examining her, his serious expression betraying the concern he felt.
"The patient is unconscious," he reported, his voice heavy with worry as he carefully examined Dawn's eyes. "Pupils are unequal and unresponsive."
Chloe's eyes brimmed with tears as she clung to hope, her voice shaky as she asked, "Is she going to be okay?"
Amidst the flurry of activity, a doctor, a woman in her mid-thirties, appeared on the scene. She exuded a sense of calm authority, a reassuring presence amid the chaos.
"What've we got?" the doctor inquired, taking charge of the situation with a focused determination.
Dread filled the air as the hospital staff assessed Dawn's condition. "Teenage girl, high-grade fever, possible fractures," the staff member reported, the weight of the situation evident in his words.
The doctor, a compassionate yet resolute figure, swiftly took charge, issuing urgent orders. "Get her into Trauma One. Give me a CBC, chem 7, type and screen," she instructed, her voice firm as they rushed Dawn into the emergency room. The sense of urgency was palpable, and Chloe and Buffy could only watch helplessly as they wheeled Dawn away.
Desperation gripped Buffy's heart as she instinctively tried to follow, her emotional attachment to Dawn making it impossible for her to stay back. "She's my cousin. I should be with her," she pleaded, hoping her connection to Dawn would allow her to be by her side.
The doctor turned to them with empathy in her eyes. "I know this is hard," she said, understanding the pain they were going through. "But you're going to have to wait out here." Her words were gentle yet unwavering, emphasizing the importance of staying out of the medical area.
Reluctantly, Chloe and Buffy stood by the door, watching as the doctor and her team hurriedly attended to Dawn. The door closed, separating them from Dawn, and a heavy sense of helplessness settled over them.
Buffy gazed through the window, her eyes fixed on the emergency room, her heart aching for Dawn's well-being. Time seemed to slow, each second stretching into an eternity as they waited in the sterile and anxiety-filled waiting area.
Finally, turning to her girlfriend, Buffy made a decision amidst the emotional turmoil. "I'll call mom, Xander, and Faith," she said, needing the support and love of their closest friends and family in this difficult time.
Chloe nodded; her voice filled with determination. "I will let Giles know and call Willow."
Together, they headed towards the waiting area where the phones were, clinging to the support they could offer one another as they navigated through the sea of uncertainty and emotions that engulfed them.
Finding only one phone they decided to go in turns. Buffy's trembling fingers dialed the number, and she held the phone close to her ear, hoping for a swift response. Faith's voice, both strong and comforting, answered from the other end, momentarily easing Buffy's heartache.
"Summers Residence, Faith speaking," Faith greeted, unaware of the distressing news about to unfold.
"Hey, Faith. It's Buffy," Buffy replied, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "Uhm, can you call that babysitter Dawn sometimes uses? Then you need to hurry to Sunnydale Memorial."
Faith's concern instantly spiked, her instincts alerting her to the seriousness of the situation. "Why? What happened?" she asked, her voice now laced with worry.
"Dawn, the flu," Buffy revealed, the words heavy with the weight of fear and uncertainty. "She fainted."
"Okay, I'll get Susan to come over. Then Xan and I will be right over," Faith assured with determination, knowing she had to act swiftly to be there for her girlfriend.
As Buffy handed over the phone to Chloe, a sense of shared responsibility weighed heavily on both of them. Chloe's trembling fingers dialed the number, her heart pounding with anxiety and fear for Dawn's well-being. The phone rang, and with each ring, the suspense grew, until finally, Giles picked up on the third ring.
"Hello?" Giles' voice sounded concerned and a bit hurried from the other end of the line, undoubtedly preoccupied with his own worries.
"It's Chloe," Chloe said, her voice shaky as she struggled to keep her composure. "Dawn went out patrolling."
The silence on the other end was heavy, and then Giles exclaimed, "What? Didn't she promise she wouldn't go?"
Tears welled up in Chloe's eyes as she replied, "Yeah, she did. But she got into a fight with Nakamura."
The worry in Giles' voice became palpable, his concern mirroring Chloe's own fears. "Oh God. Is she okay?" he asked, the vulnerability of the situation weighing heavily on him.
"We're at the hospital," Chloe explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "The combination of the fight and the flu got to her, and she's unconscious."
The gravity of the situation seemed to hit Giles all at once, and he knew he had to be there for Dawn. "Oh Dear. I'll be right there," he promised, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and reassurance.
As Chloe ended the call, her hand trembled, her heart heavy with worry for Dawn and empathy for Buffy. She handed the phone back to Buffy, whose trembling fingers now dialed her home number. Each digit felt like an eternity as she waited for the call to connect, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.
"Summers Residence, Joyce speaking," came her mother's voice from the other end of the line, the familiarity of it providing some comfort in this tumultuous moment.
"Mom," Buffy's voice wavered with emotion. "Dawn's in the hospital. She went up against Nakamura, and she collapsed. She's unconscious."
A gasp escaped Joyce's lips, the news hitting her like a physical blow. "Oh my God," she exclaimed, her voice trembling with instant worry and maternal instinct. The fear of the unknown swirled in her heart, a mother's worst nightmare coming to life. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
Buffy passed the phone back to Chloe, her heart heavy with a mix of anticipation and dread as they faced the final call they needed to make—Willow. Chloe took a deep breath before dialing, but her frown deepened when she encountered a busy signal.
"Willow's on the net," Chloe informed Buffy, her voice tinged with concern. She knew how deeply engrossed Willow could get in her online world, and she didn't want to disturb her, but this was an emergency.
Undeterred, Chloe hung up and dialed 0 for the operator, her determination pushing her forward. "Yes, I have an emergency call that I need to get through. Thank you," she urged the operator, feeling the weight of the ticking clock as each moment without Willow's support felt like an eternity.
She rattled off Willow's number, her fingers tapping impatiently as she waited for a response. Then, a second later, the phone was picked up, and Willow's familiar voice echoed through the line.
"Mom?" Willow's voice carried a mix of surprise and affection, knowing that her mother was likely the only person who would interrupt her online activities.
"It's Chloe," Chloe said, her voice catching slightly. "Dawn's in the hospital. She went up against Nakamura and collapsed. She's unconscious."
The news hit Willow like a bolt of lightning, her heart sinking with worry for her dear friend. "Oh no! I'm on my way!" she exclaimed, her voice determined and filled with love.
Tension filled the air as Buffy and Chloe sat in the waiting area, their hands clutching the coffee cups for comfort. Time seemed to stretch into eternity, and every second that passed without news about Dawn's condition weighed heavily on their hearts.
"I'll see if I can get any information," Chloe offered, her voice a mix of determination and worry. Buffy gave a small nod, her eyes filled with gratitude for her girlfriend's support. Chloe approached the nurse's station, her heart pounding as she mustered the courage to ask for an update.
"Dawn Summers? Any update?" Chloe inquired, trying to hide the desperation in her voice.
After what felt like an eternity, Chloe returned to Buffy's side, her face contorted with frustration. "They can only give immediate family information," she explained, her voice tinged with helplessness.
"Which of course, is a problem," Buffy muttered, her heart sinking at the realization that they couldn't access information about Dawn's condition. "She has none. Elizabeth is officially her only immediate next of kin. But since Elizabeth is a baby, she can't consent to anything."
The weight of the situation bore down on Buffy as she stood up, her heart aching with the absence of any living immediate family for Dawn. She approached the nurse with a determined yet vulnerable demeanor, her emotions laid bare.
"Dawn Summers? I'm her cousin," Buffy asserted, trying to find any way to gain access to information about her sister's condition.
The nurse's question cut through the air like a knife, reopening wounds of loss. "Are her parents coming?" she asked.
"Dawn is an emancipated orphan," Buffy explained. "Uncle Mark and Aunt Lyssa passed away a few months ago in a plane crash. My mom is an emergency contact for things like this. She's on her way. Is Dawn going to be okay?" Her eyes searched for reassurance, her heart yearning for a glimmer of hope amid the darkness that enveloped them.
The nurse's compassionate eyes met Buffy's, acknowledging the depth of worry and fear etched across her face. "I don't know all of the details, Ms..." the nurse began.
"Summers," Buffy replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of weariness and hope. "Buffy Summers."
The nurse's smile offered a glimmer of reassurance amidst the uncertainty. "Buffy, I don't have all the details as the doctors are still treating her," she said gently. "But I think she will be fine."
Chloe's voice broke the momentary solace, pulling Buffy's attention away from the nurse. She turned to find Giles approaching, his presence a comfort amidst the chaos. A small hug from him conveyed his concern, and Giles wasted no time in inquiring about Dawn.
"How is she?" he asked, his voice tinged with both worry and urgency. "What happened? Why was she out slaying?"
Buffy's eyes welled with tears; her voice shaky as she tried to convey what they knew so far. "She's still with the doctors," she explained. "They wanted Uncle Mark and Aunt Lyssa before they would release any information."
"But they're dead," Giles responded with a solemn nod, understanding the complexity of the situation. "Which leaves your mom."
"Yeah," Buffy confirmed, her voice filled with both pride and pain. "Dawn made it so Mom is an emergency contact for things like this."
Tears glistened in Chloe's eyes as she recounted the events that led to this tense moment at the hospital. "I stopped by Buffy's house when Faith had mentioned that Dawn had left. I thought maybe she had gone to Joyce's," she began, her voice carrying the weight of concern and guilt.
Giles nodded, understanding the well-intentioned actions that led Chloe and Buffy to search for Dawn. The sorrow in his eyes mirrored their own, for he too cared deeply for the young girl lying unconscious in the hospital room.
"But she wasn't at our house," Buffy added, her voice quivering with emotion. "So, Chloe and I went looking. We found her car at a cemetery. Found her patrolling. We tried to get her to go home, but she wouldn't, then Nakamura turned up."
The memory of that confrontation weighed heavily on both of them. Chloe's voice trembled as she continued, "Dawn tried to fight him. But in her current condition..." Her voice trailed off, unable to fully convey the anguish she felt at witnessing Dawn's determination in the face of danger.
Giles' concern deepened as he listened to the harrowing account. "Did she say why she went out?" he wondered, wanting to understand what had driven Dawn to risk her well-being.
"She didn't want Nakamura killing any of us," Buffy revealed, her words filled with a mix of pride and worry for her sister's selflessness.
Giles let out a weary sigh, his heart heavy with understanding. "I understand," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and concern. "She believes she is the only one who can handle him since he too is from her future."
As the doors opened, a mixture of relief and anxiety washed over Buffy, Chloe, and Giles. The arrival of Joyce and Marie was like a lifeline amidst the storm of emotions they had been weathering.
"Where is she?" Joyce's voice trembled with worry and urgency as she rushed into the waiting room, her eyes frantically scanning for any sign of her daughter.
Buffy's heart clenched at the sight of her mother, her own eyes brimming with tears. "She's still in the emergency room, mom," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders.
"I want to see her," Joyce declared, her maternal instincts in overdrive, her determination unwavering.
As Joyce turned towards the nurse's station, emotions ran high, and the atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation. It was then that a doctor emerged from the emergency room, her presence commanding everyone's attention.
"Mrs. Summers?" The doctor's voice was both gentle and professional, a soothing balm amidst the chaos of the moment.
"Yes?" Joyce's heart skipped a beat, her voice quivering with a mix of worry and hope. "I'm Dawn's aunt," she added.
The doctor's eyes conveyed a depth of empathy, recognizing the strength it took for Joyce to be there for Dawn. His words carried both reassurance and caution, as he was about to deliver news that would impact everyone in the room.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift as Dr. Wilkinson stepped forward, her presence commanding attention and hope. Every eye was on her, desperate for any news about Dawn's condition. "I'm Dr. Wilkinson," she introduced herself, her voice carrying both professionalism and empathy.
Buffy's heart pounded loudly in her chest as she asked the question that hung heavy in the air, her voice tinged with fear and vulnerability. "Is Dawn okay?"
The doctor's gaze softened, recognizing the deep concern etched across Buffy's face. "We were able to stabilize and..." she began, her words carefully measured.
Marie, looking up to her big sister with eyes filled with trust, couldn't bear the suspense any longer. "Is she okay?" she asked, seeking reassurance.
A gentle smile graced Dr. Wilkinson's lips as she met Marie's gaze and then looked at Giles and Chloe, who stood by, their hearts equally invested in Dawn's well-being. "She's going to be fine," the doctor said, her voice both gentle and firm, like a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of uncertainty.
A collective sigh of relief echoed in the room, mingling with tears of joy and gratitude. Joyce, overwhelmed with emotions, closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of worry lift from her shoulders. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with heartfelt gratitude.
Buffy's relief was palpable, yet her heart still fluttered with concern as she responded, "Good. Good. That's good." Her emotions were a whirlwind, an intricate dance of joy at Dawn's improving condition and lingering worry for what lay ahead.
The doctor's words, however, seemed to cast a shadow of apprehension across the room. "I want to keep her here a few days, though," she explained gently, her eyes filled with empathy. "She still has some healing to do."
The worried glances exchanged between everyone revealed the depth of their concern. Joyce's voice trembled with worry as she sought clarification, "What do you mean healing? I thought she just fainted."
The doctor's response was delivered with care, yet it only heightened their unease. "She has a severe case of the flu, ma'am. And when she fainted, we think she may have hit her head. As well as that, she has a sprained wrist."
Shock and worry rippled through the room, realizing that the situation was more serious than they had initially thought. Buffy's protective instincts surged, her desire to keep her sister safe driving her actions.
"When can we see her?" Joyce asked, her concern etched across her face as she motioned towards herself, Buffy, and Marie. Their need to be by Dawn's side was palpable, a fierce desire to offer comfort and support in her time of need.
"We just transported her up to the ward," the doctor explained, her tone compassionate yet resolute. "If you three can come with me, you can see her before we get her settled."
Joyce's heart swelled with both relief and concern as they followed the doctor, their footsteps echoing the collective beat of a family united in their love for Dawn. The journey to her room felt like a pilgrimage, each step carrying the weight of their emotions and the longing to see Dawn safe and sound.
Buffy's eyes filled with tears when she caught sight of the IV in Dawn's arm, her heart aching at the sight of her sister in such a vulnerable state. As they approached the bedside, a mixture of love and worry washed over them, intertwining their emotions in a web of support.
"Dawn? Hi, sweetheart," Joyce's voice was filled with tenderness as she came close to her daughter, her maternal instinct guiding her every move.
Marie stood by Dawn's side, her love evident in her caring words, "Hey, Dawn, I'm here."
Dawn's response was soft and groggy, but the warmth in her voice conveyed a deep sense of comfort, "Hey. Here we are. It's all of we." She glanced around the corridor. "Where's Faith and Elizabeth? I want Faith and Elizabeth." Her words were filled with longing, a yearning for the comforting presence of her girlfriend and daughter.
Faith's arrival brought a sense of completeness, her love for Dawn shining brightly in her eyes. "I'm here, baby," her voice was a soothing balm as she approached the bed, Xander and Willow following closely behind, their support unwavering. "Elizabeth is with Susan. I'll bring her by later."
The bond between Dawn and Faith was undeniable, and the tenderness in their interaction warmed the hearts of everyone present. Dawn's next question was filled with hope and vulnerability, seeking reassurance from the one she loved, "Are we taking me home?" The desire to be in Faith's comforting embrace was evident, her trust in their love anchoring her in the storm of uncertainty.
The tension in the room was palpable as the doctor gently pushed Dawn back onto the bed, urging her to rest. But Dawn's stubbornness and vulnerability shone through as she resisted, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and longing.
"No. Dawn, you need to lie down," the doctor's words carried a tone of concern, recognizing Dawn's reluctance to stay in the hospital. The sterile and unfamiliar environment seemed daunting, and all she yearned for was the comfort of her own home, surrounded by the familiar and the loved.
"Yeah? Lie at home. Our bed is better than any bed that's... not our bed," Dawn's words were laced with a touch of humor, an attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere, but the underlying fear couldn't be ignored.
Chloe's concern for Dawn was evident as she leaned in to whisper to Buffy, seeking to understand the root of Dawn's reluctance. "Is Dawn afraid of hospitals?"
The weight of Buffy's own past experiences in hospitals loomed large, but she could only guess at Dawn's feelings. "No idea," she whispered back, her voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and protectiveness. "I kind of am since I watched my cousin Celia die in one, but I have no idea about Dawn."
As the doctor continued to assess Dawn's condition, the atmosphere in the corridor was charged with a blend of emotions—love, concern, and amusement. "She's still a little out of it." Her amused tone hinted at the endearing nature of Dawn's behavior, evoking a knowing nod from Joyce, who understood her daughter better than anyone.
Dawn's gaze swept across the faces of Faith, Buffy, and Chloe, drawing comfort from the connection they shared. "Shh! Hospital zone, no singing," she playfully declared, eliciting soft chuckles from her loved ones.
"She'll feel better after she's been here a while," the doctor's reassuring words seemed to provide a glimmer of hope, but anxiety washed over Dawn like a tidal wave, shattering the fragile peace that had settled in the room.
Panic flashed in Dawn's eyes, and she frantically tried to escape the confines of the hospital bed. "No!" she pleaded, her voice quivering with fear, "Let me go. Look, I want to go." Her desperation was evident.
In the face of her distress, a team of medical staff surrounded Dawn, their hearts heavy with the responsibility to care for her. The Orderly, nurses, and Dr. Wilkinson all worked together, their hands gently yet firmly holding her in place, determined to keep her safe despite her protests.
Amidst the chaos, Willow, her voice full of concern, reached out to her friend, "Dawn, what's wrong?" Her heart ached to understand what had triggered such a visceral reaction from her usually spirited companion.
But Dawn's fear overwhelmed her, drowning out any words that might have offered an explanation. "No! No! Let me go!" she cried, her pleas echoing in the corridor like a heartbreaking cry for freedom.
In that moment, Faith's love for Dawn shone brightly as she instinctively reached out to hold her down, her grip firm yet tender.
As Dawn's distress reached a fever pitch, the room seemed to crackle with raw emotions. Her voice, filled with fear and desperation, pleaded with her girlfriend, "No, don't do that! Stop it!" The intensity of her panic tugged at Faith's heartstrings, but she knew that keeping Dawn still was essential for her own well-being.
"Hold her steady!" The doctor's voice was both firm and compassionate, as the medical staff surrounded Dawn, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Chloe, torn between her concern for Dawn and her trust in the medical professionals, stood by, her heart aching at the sight of Dawn in such distress.
"Chloe, tell them!" Dawn implored, her words revealing a touch of delirium in the haze of her fever.
Faith's voice was a tender murmur in Dawn's ear as she sought to offer comfort amidst the chaos. "Please stay still, Dawnie," she whispered, her words a soothing balm as she held her girlfriend, struggling to keep her safe.
Amidst the turmoil, Dawn's thoughts seemed to dance between reality and the world of her slayer duties. "The vampires! I need to kill the vampires!" she exclaimed, her words a testament to her unwavering sense of responsibility.
Recognizing the need to calm Dawn's agitated state, the doctor took action. "This'll help you relax," she assured, her touch gentle as she administered a sedative to soothe Dawn's nerves. Slowly, the storm of emotions began to subside, and Dawn's body gradually relaxed.
Dawn's grip on Faith's hand tightened, her fingers clinging to the one constant amidst the chaos of her feverish mind. Her eyes, filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination, sought solace in Faith's presence. "He's out there!" Her words were a plea for understanding, a testament to the reality she believed in, even in her weakened state.
Chloe, her voice quivering with both fear and resolve, tried to reassure Dawn in the face of her delirium. "Yes, uh, well, we'll, uh, we'll get those, uh, vampires later," she stammered, the doctor's gaze questioning her response. "I hear it's best t-to play along," she added, her attempt to maintain the delicate balance between truth and offering comfort.
But it was Joyce, her heart heavy with concern for her daughter, who leaned over Dawn, seeking to provide the warmth of a mother's embrace. "Honey, listen..." she began, her voice filled with tenderness.
"I want to go home, mom," Dawn's plea was soft yet insistent, her longing for the safety of home a powerful force in her fevered mind.
Joyce's heart broke at the sight of her daughter's distress, her own emotions mirrored in the tear-filled eyes of those around her. "It's going to be okay. I promise," she whispered, hoping her words could convey the depth of her love and the strength she drew from their bond.
The desperation in Dawn's voice was palpable as she implored her mother, "Please don't make me stay here..." Her vulnerability laid bare, she longed for the comfort of her own bed, the familiarity of her surroundings.
Tears glistened in Joyce's eyes as she leaned over Dawn, her voice quivering with emotion as she made a heartfelt promise. "I promise," she told her daughter, her words a gentle caress, seeking to soothe the fears that weighed heavily on Dawn's heart.
"Faith, please," Dawn's voice was soft, her gaze pleading with her girlfriend not to let go. Faith's heart ached at the sight of Dawn's vulnerability, her grip on Dawn's hand tight as if she could somehow shield her from the daunting unknown.
Reluctantly, Faith kissed Dawn's forehead, savoring the warmth of the moment before the door closed, shutting her out of the room. Through the narrow window, Faith continued to watch, her heart torn between wanting to be by Dawn's side and trusting that the medical staff would care for her.
As the reality of the situation settled in, emotions ran high in the waiting room. Xander's words broke the silence, his voice tinged with concern and surprise, "That was a new experience. I'm not used to seeing Dawn scared like that."
Joyce's thoughts mirrored Xander's sentiment, her heart heavy with the unexpected sight of her typically strong and spirited daughter in such a vulnerable state. "Neither am I," she admitted, her maternal instinct longing to protect her children from any harm.
Marie, the youngest among them, spoke up with a wisdom beyond her years, offering a perspective that left everyone in awe. "I think I may understand, Mom," she said softly, her voice tinged with empathy. "The last time Dawn saw you before she came back was…" Her words trailed off, unspoken emotions filling the air.
As Chloe's hand went to her face in a moment of profound realization, the weight of the revelation settled heavily on her shoulders. "In the morgue," she whispered, her voice tinged with sorrow. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and she looked at Joyce with a mix of understanding and compassion. "When you died in her original timeline," she continued, the significance of that event now crystal clear.
Joyce's expression mirrored Chloe's realization, her eyes welling up with tears as the truth sank in. "Of course," she murmured, her voice filled with empathy and regret. "No wonder she would hate hospitals." The weight of her daughter's past pain weighed heavily on her heart, knowing that her death had left a lasting scar on Dawn's soul. "I thought you were helping her with that though."
Chloe's support had been instrumental in helping Dawn cope with the trauma of her mother's loss, but now she saw the deeper layers of fear that were intertwined with that painful memory. "Through the trauma itself, yes. While yes, this fear is coupled with the trauma of your death. The fear itself is a separate thing," Chloe explained, trying to shed light on the complexity of Dawn's emotions.
Buffy sighed, her eyes reflecting the pain she had carried for years. "After all, I don't like hospitals either, remember? Because of what happened to Celia," she said, her voice laden with a mix of vulnerability and strength. The memory of her young cousin's tragic passing still haunted her, the loss of her closest companion during her early years leaving a void that time could never fully heal.
Willow, her curiosity piqued, asked, "Who's Celia?"
As Buffy shared the truth, the room fell silent, the weight of the past filling the space between them. "Officially Celia was Dawn's twin sister. In reality Celia was mine, Marie, and Dawn's cousin," Buffy explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "I was eight-years-old when I watched Celia die in her hospital room. Of course, at the time, Celia was the closest thing I had to a sister since Dawn hadn't yet come back and Marie was only two years old. We did everything together."
Buffy's eyes locked with her mother's, the bond between them woven with shared grief and the desire to protect those they loved. "I long since got over the trauma of losing Celia. But I am still afraid to be in here, afraid…" Her voice trailed off, unable to fully express the deep-rooted fear that still lingered within her.
The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud of sorrow as Joyce spoke to her daughter, her voice trembling with the weight of painful memories. "You will die just like Celia did," she said, her heart breaking for Buffy, knowing that the fear of losing a loved one must have haunted her for years. "I should go call your father."
As Joyce left the remaining group stood together, the weight of emotions settling heavily upon them. Buffy and Marie watched their mother walk away, leaving them with Giles and Chloe close behind, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and empathy.
Willow, her heart heavy with worry, turned her attention to Faith, seeking reassurance for both herself and her friend. "Faith? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft with genuine concern.
Faith managed a small, brave smile, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. "I'll be fine," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt. "I'm going to grab some of her stuff."
Xander's concern was evident as he questioned whether Dawn would be safe in the hospital. "Do you think she's going to be okay in here?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Buffy's response was filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "Nakamura can come in, it's a public building." Her eyes turned to Faith, seeking answers amidst the sea of emotions. "How did you get here?"
"My bike," Faith murmured, her voice tinged with emotion. "I assume Dawn's car is here?" Buffy nodded. "I'll leave my bike in the lot. Drive her car home so I can bring Elizabeth back," she said, her voice determined, but her emotions raw.
As Chloe, Joyce, and Giles returned to the group, their faces reflected a mixture of exhaustion and concern. Giles, always the practical voice, advised," You should all go home, get some sleep."
Amidst the turmoil, Joyce's motherly instincts kicked in, seeking to take care of her granddaughter and alleviate some of Faith's burden. "Is Elizabeth with Susan?" she asked, her gaze moving from Faith to Chloe and Xander.
"Yeah," Faith replied, her voice tinged with gratitude for the support she was receiving.
Joyce's offer to take care of Elizabeth and gather some of Dawn's belongings brought tears to Faith's eyes. "If you want, Faith, I'll pay Susan and get Elizabeth and some of Dawn's stuff on the way home."
Chloe chimed in, offering her help as well. "I'll leave Dawn's car here," she told Faith, her voice gentle and caring.
Tears glistened in Faith's eyes as she tossed Chloe her motorcycle keys, her heart heavy with the conflicting emotions swirling within her. "I'm going to stay here a little while longer. I just don't want to leave her yet," she said, her voice trembling with love and concern for her girlfriend.
As Willow and Xander bid their farewells, Faith nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating their support but knowing that she needed this time alone with Dawn. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, the fear of losing another loved one lingering in the back of her mind.
Buffy reassured Faith with words that were both comforting and poignant. "She'll be okay, Faith," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and determination. "She's been through worse than this."
Faith nodded, her heart aching as she watched Buffy, Marie, Giles, Chloe, and Joyce walk away from Dawn's room. They were all her family, each one holding a special place in her heart, and their unity brought her solace.
With the room quiet and empty, Faith turned her attention back to Dawn, the woman who had captured her heart in ways she could never have imagined. She sat on her girlfriend's bed, gently holding Dawn's hand, a silent vow to be there for her through every step of her recovery.
"Get better soon, my love," Faith whispered, her voice soft and tender as she kissed Dawn's forehead. Sitting on the chair nearby, she kept a loving watch over her sleeping girlfriend, her emotions swirling like a storm.
Unexpectedly, she heard Dawn's voice, and her heart skipped a beat. She moved back to the bed, wondering if Dawn was awake. To her relief, she saw that Dawn was still sound asleep, but her heart melted when she heard what Dawn murmured in her slumber.
"I love you," Dawn whispered, her voice full of vulnerability and affection.
Faith's eyes filled with tears of joy and love, her heart soaring as she whispered back, "I love you, Dawnie."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Dawn's feverish mind was a tumultuous sea, tossing her between the realms of wakefulness and dreams. With a groan, she opened her eyes, her senses gradually coming into focus. Her gaze shifted, and she was met with the sight of Faith sleeping soundly in a nearby chair. A small sense of comfort washed over her, knowing that her girlfriend was there.
But then, a jolt of surprise shot through her as she noticed a little boy standing in the doorway, his curious eyes fixated on her. It was an eerie sight, but before she could process it fully, the boy turned and disappeared down the hall. A chill ran down her spine, and she wondered if it was just a fever-induced hallucination.
Yet, as if to confirm the unsettling experience, a mysterious figure glided by the door, shrouded in darkness. Dread gnawed at Dawn's senses as she caught a glimpse of the figure's ghastly features. Its face was an otherworldly sight, pale and lifeless, with a beak-like nose and red-rimmed eyes that seemed to pierce through her soul. The hairless head added to the eerie aura, and for a moment, Dawn felt as though she was trapped in a nightmare.
The room felt colder as she struggled to discern whether the figure was real or a figment of her fevered imagination. Fear danced on the edges of her consciousness, but the figure vanished just as quickly as it appeared, leaving her heart pounding in her chest.
Driven by a mix of curiosity and unease, Dawn's determination overpowered her weakened state. She knew she shouldn't be out of bed, but something inside her urged her to follow the mysterious figure. Unhooking the IV with trembling hands, she took a step forward, her bare feet touching the cold floor. Her body felt heavy, but her resolve was unyielding.
February 27, 2001 – Tuesday – Original Timeline
Sunnydale Memorial
Dawn's steps echoed softly in the dimly lit hospital hallway as she moved with uncertainty, her heart heavy with a mix of fear and determination. She paused at a couple of doors, her anxious gaze flitting between the little windows, uncertain of what she might find behind each one.
Finally, she arrived at the door that seemed to hold the answer she sought. Her hand hovered over the handle; her breath caught in her throat. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, revealing a room filled with sterile medical equipment and a cold, clinical atmosphere.
The sight of the examining table at the other end drew her forward, her emotions swirling like a tempest within her. Each step she took was laden with doubt and apprehension, the weight of her decision settling heavily on her shoulders.
As she stood before the examining table, her trembling hand reached out to touch the crisp white sheet that covered it. The emotional turmoil inside her was palpable, pulling her in conflicting directions. Memories of her loved ones, past traumas, and her own vulnerability clashed within her, making it difficult to decide what to do next.
March 3, 1998 – Tuesday
Sunnydale Memorial
In the darkness of the hospital's hushed and eerie atmosphere, Dawn's senses were on high alert. As she awoke in her hospital bed, the soft glow of the clock revealed the late hour—2:27 AM. Her body ached, and the IV tugged at her arm, causing her to wince in pain. She suppressed the sound of her discomfort, not wanting to disturb Faith, who was sleeping peacefully in a chair beside her.
A distant cry of children echoed down the desolate hallway, drawing Dawn's attention. The sound tugged at her heart, evoking an unsettling mix of emotions. She felt a pull—a need—to investigate the source of the sorrowful cries.
Overcoming the fatigue and the IV's pull, Dawn unhooked the medical device from her arm and threw the covers aside. The cold hospital floor met her feet as she stepped out of bed, determined to explore the haunting echoes.
The deserted hallway seemed like a maze of shadows and secrets, and Dawn navigated it with an air of trepidation. As she passed by the rooms, the sight of other patients tethered to monitors made her realize the magnitude of their vulnerability. Each bed held a story of suffering, resilience, and hope.
A security guard's watchful gaze followed her every move, but Dawn pressed on, her determination driving her forward. The cries led her deeper into the labyrinthine corridors until she came upon a scene that tugged at her heartstrings.
A couple of orderlies wheeled a gurney into view, and her gaze fell upon the small, sheet-covered form resting upon it. The sight sent a shiver down her spine, the weight of the unknown hanging heavy in the air. A door stood ajar, and a glimpse inside revealed restless children, their innocence juxtaposed against the sterile hospital environment.
Dr. Wilkinson's voice rose above the soft hum of machines as she argued with another doctor—an elderly man whose appearance seemed slightly askew. Dawn listened in, her mind trying to make sense of the cryptic conversation.
"I'm just saying step back the dosage until we can analyze the results," Dr. Wilkinson pleaded, his voice tinged with concern and worry.
"There isn't time," the other doctor retorted, the urgency in his tone cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "I would think that would be clear by now."
"The normal course of treatment—" Dr. Wilkinson began, trying to emphasize the importance of established medical protocols.
"They aren't responding to the normal course of treatment," he interrupted, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and sadness, reminding Dr. Wilkinson of the dire situation they were facing.
As the tense conversation unfolded, Dawn felt a wave of unease wash over her. She took a step back, almost stumbling, and accidentally bumped into a small boy who was holding the hand of a little girl. The encounter seemed to release an unsettling energy in the atmosphere.
"He comes at night. The grown-ups don't see him," the boy revealed, his innocent face displaying a haunting knowingness. Dawn looked at him, bewildered and intrigued, unsure of what to make of his cryptic words. "He was with Tina. He'll come back for us."
"Who?" Dawn asked, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
"Death," the boy answered, the weight of that single word echoing through the air and sending shivers down Dawn's spine.
March 4, 1998 – Wednesday
Sunnydale Memorial
Faith had managed to snatch just a few hours of restless sleep, but before the sun even broke the horizon, she knew she had to head home for a much-needed shower and a change of clothes. Weariness clung to her like a heavy cloak, yet determination still flickered in her eyes.
As she made her way down the hospital hallway toward the elevator, her tired gaze fell upon the unmistakable figure of Nakamura. He stood there, an ominous presence, with Xander bravely blocking his access. A mix of anger and fear swirled inside her as she saw Nakamura turn his head, a sinister smirk playing on his lips, as if taunting her.
"Visiting hours are over!" Xander's voice cut through the tension, his eyes narrowing with a resolute glare as Faith approached him.
"Well, I'm pretty much family," Nakamura replied, his smirk deepening, his words dripping with an unsettling mix of arrogance and familiarity. "After all, in the future we came from, she's my sister-in-law. She'd want to see me."
Faith's jaw tightened, and her fists clenched at the mention of the future that now seemed like an impossible dream. "Yeah, right," she snapped, her voice laced with frustration and pain. "That future is not happening. So, you know what? Why don't you come back during the day?"
Her words were a desperate attempt to assert control and protect those she cared for, but deep down, she knew the threat Nakamura posed.
"But Faith," Xander interjected, chuckling nervously, "He can't."
The gravity of the situation sank in, and Faith's heart pounded in her chest as she locked eyes with Nakamura, refusing to show fear despite the adrenaline surging through her veins.
"If I decided to walk into Dawn's room, do you think for one microsecond you could stop me?" Nakamura challenged, his voice carrying a chilling edge that sent shivers down Faith's spine.
"Yes, we could," Faith said, her voice firm and determined, channeling the courage that had been instilled in her through years of training as a Potential and fighting alongside Buffy and Dawn. Her heart raced, knowing the gravity of the situation, but she refused to back down. "After all, I'm a Potential, and Xan has fought countless battles alongside Buffy and Dawn. He's earned his place with us. So, you game?"
"Dawn's white knight...Interesting," Nakamura remarked, a twisted grin spreading across his face. He seemed to revel in sowing discord and fear. "You love her," he stated matter-of-factly, as if to exploit Faith's emotions. His words were like daggers, striking at her vulnerability. "You're both going to die. And I'm going to be there."
The lilies he held, seemingly innocent flowers, became a chilling symbol of death as he tossed them carelessly onto the chair behind Faith. His callousness sent shivers down her spine. "Tell her I stopped by," he added with a disturbing casualness.
Faith stood her ground, her body trembling with a mix of anger, fear, and love for Dawn. "You come near this place again," she warned, her voice carrying a raw edge of protectiveness. "It won't matter if I'm not a Slayer or not. You will find yourself fitting in an ashtray."
As Nakamura turned and walked away, Faith's eyes remained locked on him, the weight of the threat hanging heavily in the air. But she had little time to dwell on the encounter as a scream pierced through the silence from Dawn's room, snapping her attention back to her girlfriend.
"Mom!" the desperate cry echoed, and without a second thought, Faith rushed into the hospital room. The fear and anxiety in her heart were replaced by a fierce determination to comfort Dawn and shield her from any harm. She took Dawn's trembling hand in her own, holding it tightly as she whispered words of love and reassurance.
In that moment, Faith's emotions surged like a tidal wave—her love for Dawn, her anger towards Nakamura, and her determination to protect her chosen family. She felt the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders, and she vowed to be the unwavering pillar of support that Dawn needed in the face of darkness and uncertainty.