Chapter 27: Becoming Part 2
May 13, 1998 – Wednesday
Sunnydale High School
Chloe, Dawn, and Buffy appeared in blue and white orbing lights. They immediately saw the carnage and then spotted Kendra lying on the ground. Chloe hurried over to Kendra and knelt down. She held her hands over Kendra in an attempt to heal her.
Dawn and Buffy watched and frowned when they didn't see the telltale sign that Chloe was healing someone. "Why isn't it working?" Dawn asked.
Chloe looked up at the sisters. "Because she's dead."
It was then that they heard the sound of the library doors opening, and they turned to see a cop with his gun drawn. "Freeze!" he ordered just as a second cop came up behind him, his weapon drawn. "Back away from the girl! Put your hands up and back away slowly!"
"My name is Chloe Payne," Chloe said as the police officers looked at her. "I am the assistant librarian for Sunnydale High. My purse is sitting behind the counter."
The first cop nodded at his partner, who walked around the counter. The second cop found Chloe's purse and looked inside it. He pulled out her wallet and found in it her driver's license and Sunnydale High faculty ID. "She's who she says she is," he said.
"And who are these two?" the first cop said, looking at Buffy and Dawn.
"Buffy and Dawn Summers," said a voice from behind them. They all turned around to see Snyder walking through the door, followed by another police officer. "If there's trouble, they're behind it."
"You stupid little troll, you have no idea—" Buffy snapped at the principal.
"Buffy, now is not the time," Chloe said.
"Both of them have attitude problems," Snyder continued. "Serious. And you should take Ms. Payne's word with a grain of salt. She's rooming with Dawn Summers, who offered her a place to stay when the school hired her."
"We're more than willing to go in for questioning," Chloe said, looking at the three police officers.
"Duke," said another cop as he entered the library with Faith. "I found this young woman outside."
"Faith Lehane," Snyder said, shaking his head. "She has an attitude problem as well."
"She is also my fiancée," Dawn added before looking at Faith. "We were just about to go with the officers to answer questions."
Snyder raised an eyebrow at the mention of Dawn and Faith's engagement but didn't comment on it.
"Alright then, let's get going," the first cop said, motioning for them to follow him.
Sunnydale Police Station
Detective Smith sat across from Dawn in the dimly lit interrogation room. The air was thick with tension as the young Slayer braced herself for the inevitable questions about Kendra's death. "Miss Summers, thank you for coming in voluntarily. Can you walk me through the events of tonight?"
Dawn took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on a spot on the table. She knew she had to be truthful but also careful about revealing the supernatural aspects of her life. "We're friends. My cousin and I were pen pals with her. We invited her for a visit."
Detective Smith nodded, scribbling notes on a pad in front of him. "Did anything unusual happen during her visit?"
Dawn hesitated, grappling with how much to reveal. "Nothing that I am aware of. She seemed to enjoy her stay with us. We showed her around Sunnydale and took her to some of our favorite restaurants," Dawn added with a smile. Detective Smith continued to take notes, his expression unreadable.
"Okay, what about tonight?" he asked. "If she was visiting you, why weren't you with her? According to Ms. Payne, you and your cousin were absent for a portion of the evening."
Dawn's smile faded as she looked down at her hands. "Yes, we did step out for a bit to grab some food for us, Kendra, and our friends from a nearby restaurant. But we were only gone for about 30 minutes, and when we returned, she was dead, and our friends Willow and Xander were injured."
Detective Smith nodded and continued writing in his notebook. "Yes, we spoke to Mr. Harris at the scene before he was taken with Ms. Rosenberg to the hospital. He mentioned a woman named Drusilla; does that name mean anything to you?"
Dawn hesitated for a moment before responding. "Drusilla is an escaped mental patient from a nearby mental hospital. At least that's what I heard on the news."
Detective Smith paused for a moment, observing Dawn closely. "Do you have any idea where she might be now?" he asked.
Dawn shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't," she replied, not wanting to let the police get involved with a vampire.
Detective Smith noticed Dawn's hesitation and asked, "Is there something you're not telling me?" Dawn hesitated again before answering. "What do you know about Sunnydale's nightlife?" The so-called gangs on PCP?"
Detective Smith raised an eyebrow at Dawn's question. "I know enough to know that it can be dangerous," he replied. "But what does that have to do with the escaped mental patient?"
"Because Drusilla is a vampire," Dawn stated matter-of-factly.
Detective Smith's eyes went wide in understanding. "I think that is all I need. You're free to go."
Dawn stood up and went to walk out of the room when she turned back to the detective. "I wouldn't go after Drusilla," she said.
"I had no plan to. I planned to write in the report that she was, as you said, an escaped mental patient," he replied. "I know enough about the nightlife of Sunnydale to not tackle anything supernatural."
Dawn nodded, relieved. "Good. I don't want anyone to get hurt. But if you do happen to stumble upon anything strange, don't hesitate to call me."
The detective smiled. "I take it you're some sort of demon fighter?"
Dawn chuckled. "Something like that. I've been doing it for a while now."
He nodded as he pulled out his business card. "If you ever need anything, feel free to give me a call as well. It's always good to have a friend in the police department."
"Thanks; I appreciate it," replied Dawn as she took the card.
May 14, 1998 – Thursday
Sunnydale Hospital
Buffy, Faith and Dawn followed Chloe as they walked down the hospital corridor looking for the room they had been told belonged to Willow.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed Buffy from behind. She turned around to see Xander behind them. "Xander!" she said happily as she hugged him. When she pulled back, Dawn, Faith, and Chloe hugged him in turn.
"Sorry to startle you guys," Xander said with a grin before they continued down the hall. "Have you heard about Willow and Ms. Calendar yet?"
Dawn shook her head. "No, what happened?"
Xander's expression turned serious. "Willow's in a coma," he said as he led them into a hospital room. "The doctor said it was head trauma. She could wake up at any time, but the longer it takes, the less likely it is."
"And Jenny?" Chloe said as she looked at Willow with a sigh. One thing her Whitelighter healing couldn't heal were head injuries. Anything to do with the brain wasn't physical; it was mental. And she couldn't heal mental injuries.
Xander sighed as he looked at four of them. "Ms. Calendar didn't make it," he answered. "The police believe she pushed Willow out of the way when the vampire pushed the bookshelf on top of them. She took the full brunt of it, while Willow only got a glancing blow."
The group gasped in shock and horror. "So I only prolonged her life for a few months by making sure Angelus didn't kill her," Dawn said sadly.
Buffy's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at her sister. "You did everything you could, Dawn," she said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll make sure that Nakamura pays for what he's done."
Faith nodded in agreement as she pulled Dawn into her arms. "She's right, Dawnie," she said as she placed a kiss on her girlfriend's cheek.
"So," Chloe said as she looked at Xander. "Where are Willow's parents, Oz, Giles, and Cordelia?" Xander sighed heavily. "Willow's parents are with relatives in Phoenix. I called them; they're getting a plane back. On Oz, I didn't think. I'll call him. On Giles and Cordelia, I haven't," he said as Cordelia walked into the room, tentatively. He was the first to spot her. "Hey!" He walked over to the cheerleader and pulled her into his arms as he planted a kiss on her lips.
"How far did you run?" Faith asked.
"I think I made it through three counties before I realized no one was chasing me," Cordelia answered. "Not really brave."
"It was the right thing to do," Faith interjected.
"Did Giles keep up with you?" Xander questioned.
Faith looked at Xander with a raised eyebrow. "It was just me and Cordelia up until I became a Slayer with Kendra's death."
Chloe looked at Xander in surprise. "You mean Giles isn't here?"
Xander shook his head. "No," he answered as everyone turned to Dawn.
"Don't look at me; I'm as much in the dark on this one as you all are," Dawn explained. "I only knew about Acathla because Buffy gave me the highlights."
Crawford Street Mansion
Giles lay on the floor, just beginning to come to. He looked around, trying to focus on his surroundings. "Hello, Rupert," Nakamura said with a smirk as he knelt in front of Giles. .
Giles reared back into a sitting position, looking around him. Even though he was still groggy, he spotted Spike sitting behind Nakamura. Over his shoulder, he noticed two vampires that were guarding him.
Nakamura stood up as Giles attempted to do the same. "I wasn't sure you were going to wake up. You had me worried."
Giles rubbed his head, feeling a dull ache. "What do you want?" he asked the vampire.
Nakamura stepped forward, his eyes locked on Giles. "I want to torture you," he stated matter-of-factly.
The two vampires behind Giles moved a step closer as he finally got to his feet, his eyes widening in fear. He looked to the side, and his gaze locked on Acathla several feet away.
Nakamura followed Giles gaze. "Acathla," he said. "I didn't know how to wake him. But I know in the original timeline, Angelus got that information from you." He looked back at Giles. "You'll give me what I seek."
Giles looked right at Nakamura. "You'll get nothing out of me," he said as he elbowed one of the vampires behind him. The other vampire came at him, and Giles hurled him into Nakamura. He ran at the door just as Drusilla stepped through it and grabbed him by the throat. She easily walked him back to the two vampires who took him from her. .
Nakamura walked over to Giles and smiled. "Don't worry," he said. "You won't die, not yet. After all, I don't get that pleasure for a few more years."
Nakamura's words sent shivers down Giles' spine. Giles knew from Dawn that in the original timeline he had been made a vampire and that he sat at the First Evil's right hand. What he hadn't known was that Buffy was not the only one Nakamura had turned.
"That, of course, doesn't mean I can't torture you, though," Nakamura smirked. "Where to start? Fingers, maybe?"
Giles' Apartment
Dawn, Buffy, and Faith stepped out of one of Dawn's portals and into the living room of the apartment. "Giles?" Buffy called out. There was no answer. The room was silent except for the ticking of the clock on the wall. "Giles!"
"I don't think he's here," came a voice from the direction of the bathroom.
They turned toward the bathroom and found a man leaning against the doorframe. "Who are you?" Faith asked, eying him suspiciously.
The man looked up and met Faith's gaze with a sly smile. "She knows," he said, motioning toward Dawn.
Buffy and Faith looked at Dawn with raised eyebrows. "Whistler," she answered as he nodded. "I met him only once, back in the original timeline, not long after you and Willow were separated from me and Faith, Buffy. He was the one to explain why I hadn't been identified as a Potential and how I was Faith's successor. The Last Slayer."
Buffy's eyes widened in surprise. "So you know who the next Slayer is to be called?" she asked.
Whistler shook his head. "No," he said. "I work for a group known as the Powers That Be. They choose who will be the next one. It's all part of their plan to maintain the balance between good and evil," he explained.
"So," Dawn said, eying the half-demon. "What are you doing here, Whistler?"
"I'm waiting for you," Whistler replied.
"Why?" Buffy, Dawn, and Faith asked in unison.
"Because Dawn is the one who can stop Acathla this time," Whistler answered as Dawn pushed him up against the wall.
"How?" Dawn asked.
"The same way Buffy did last time," Whistler answered cryptically.
Buffy, Dawn, and Faith exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean?" Buffy asked, stepping forward. "Dawn doesn't know how I did it last time. I didn't tell her in the original timeline."
Whistler hesitated for a moment before answering, "You'll have to figure that out yourselves. But I will mention this at least: the sword isn't enough." He looked at Dawn pointedly. "You've got to be ready. You have to know how to use it!"
Sunnydale Hospital
"Hello, love," Spike said as he walked up to Chloe in the hospital parking lot.
"What do you want, Spike," Chloe said, glaring at the vampire.
Spike held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I want to help your Slayer take out Nakamura," he answered. "I want to put him in the bloody ground."
Chloe narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why would you want to help us?" she asked.
Spike smirked. "He has your fellow Watcher. Right now he's probably torturing him."
Chloe stared at him. "What do you want?" she asked again.
Spike leaned in closer. "I told you. I want to stop Nakamura." He smiled. "I want to save the world."
Chloe hesitated, unsure if she could trust Spike. "Okay. You do remember that you're a vampire, right?"
Spike chuckled. "We like to talk big, vampires do. 'I'm going to destroy the world.' Just tough guy talk, strutting around with your friends over a pint of blood," he said as he sat on the hood of Chloe's car. "The truth is, I like this world. You've got dog racing, Manchester United, 'Love Boat,' and people. Billions of people just walking around like Happy Meals with legs. It's all right here. But then someone comes along with a plan to affect the future to make sure it goes the way he remembers. Let's put it this way: I'm afraid of what happens if he fails and it doesn't go the way he thinks it will. He's betting it all on your Slayer. If she's not there and he pulls out that sword, It's goodbye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester bloody Square, you see what I'm saying?"
"You may not like Nakamura, but why come to us?" Chloe asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I want Dru back," Spike replied seriously. "I want it like it was, before Nakamura. The way she acts around him," he said, clearly disgusted.
"What makes you think Dawn would even make a deal after what you and Drusilla did?" Chloe asked.
Spike held his hands up again. "I wasn't in on that raiding party."
"Even if you weren't," Chloe said, shaking her head. "It still leaves the question: why would she even make a deal with you?"
Spike leaned forward. "Because I can't fight them both alone, and neither can she!"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "She does have Buffy."
Spike scoffed. "And who will protect her friends if Nakamura decides to send some of his lackeys here? Vampires don't need an invitation to get into a hospital."
Chloe sighed. "Fine," she said as she pulled out her cell phone and dialed.
"Dawn," came Dawn's voice from the other end.
"Are you at home?" Chloe asked. "I have someone here who wants to help with Nakamura."
"Not right now, but I will portal there."
"Okay," Chloe said as she ended the call and put her cell phone in her purse. She held out her hand to the vampire. "My bosses will hate me for this. But it's the quickest way to get there."
Spike looked at Chloe skeptically. "What are you talking about?"
"Do you know what a Whitelighter is?" Chloe asked with a smirk as Spike shook his head. "Well, I'm not actually a Watcher. That was just my cover story when I was assigned to Dawn." She disappeared in blue and white orbing lights.
Spike stood there in shock, trying to process what had just happened. He had never seen anything like it before.
Chloe reappeared a second later. "Are you coming?" she asked, holding out her hand.
Spike hesitated for a moment, still in disbelief, but ultimately took Chloe's hand, and they both disappeared in the same blue and white orbing lights.
Crawford Street Mansion
In a small, bare room, Giles was tied to a chair. Blood had run down his forehead and out of his nose, and one of his hands was bloody. Nakamura paced in front of him, having fun.
"Rupert, buddy, I'm here to tell you I'm impressed," Nakamura said wickedly. "How're you holding up?"
Giles glared at Nakamura, refusing to answer.
Nakamura chuckled and squatted in front of Giles. "Now," he said as he reached out to Giles. "Tell me when it hurts."
Giles gritted his teeth and tried to pull away, but Nakamura's grip was too strong. He knew he couldn't give in to the pain, not if he wanted to protect those he loved.
Summers, Payne & Harris Residence.
"If I am remembering right," Dawn said as she, Buffy, and Faith waited for Chloe in the living room. "This is the night you told mom you were a Slayer," she said, looking at Buffy.
Buffy sighed. "The night you said she gave me the ultimatum if I went to face Angel not to come back," she said.
Faith looked at them with curiosity. "What happened then?" she asked.
"Buffy went to fight Angel," Dawn answered sadly. "Then she ran away to Los Angeles."
Faith's expression softened as she listened to Dawn's words. "That must have been tough," she said sympathetically.
Dawn nodded. "Buffy said it was the hardest decision she ever made," she admitted. "Well, up until the day she sacrificed herself for me."
Buffy and Faith wrapped their arms around Dawn and hugged her tightly, just as Chloe and Spike walked through the front door.
"What is he doing here?" Dawn asked, looking at her Whitelighter, as she, Buffy, and Faith broke apart.
Chloe looked at Spike and then back at Dawn. "He wants to help us get rid of Nakamura," she said simply. She looked at Spike. "What's the deal?"
"Simple," Spike answered. "I help you all kill Nakamura; you all let me and Dru skip town."
Buffy's eyes widened at the mention of Drusilla. "Forget about Drusilla. She doesn't walk," she told him.
Spike shrugged. "There's no deal without Dru!"
Dawn crossed her arms. "She killed Kendra."
"Dru bagged a slayer? She didn't tell me! Good for her!" Spike said he was truly proud. He noticed the four of them glaring at him. "Well, not from your perspective, I suppose."
Buffy looked at her girlfriend, shaking her head. "I can't believe you invited him in."
"Look, this deal works only one way," Spike said defensively. "Full stop. Me and Dru for Nakamura. I'll take her out of the country. You all never hear from us again, I bloody well hope."
"Where are we going?" Dawn asked.
Spike turned to Dawn and gave her a small smile. "You know that mansion up on Crawford Street?" Dawn and Buffy nodded. "That's where we moved when you lot took out the Judge."
"Be ready to back us up when we make our move," Dawn informed him.
Spike nodded. "Right."
"If Giles dies," Buffy added, glaring at him. "Drusilla dies."
Spike glared at the four of them and then headed out the door.
"So, what's the plan?" Faith wondered, looking between her fiancée, Buffy, and Chloe.
"Buffy, I want you with me. You're going to get Giles out," Dawn said firmly. "Faith, I want you at the hospital. Chloe, I want you with Mom, Marie, and Elizabeth. This is in case Nakamura decides to send anyone to the hospital or to the house."
Sunnydale Hospital
Faith sat in Willow's hospital room, beside her bed. "I'm okay, Faith, really," Willow was telling the newly called Slayer. "I mean, I don't feel good, but I'm awake, and I know my name, who's president, and how many fingers, so they don't think my brain got mushed at all."
Faith nodded, but couldn't shake the worry from her expression. "I'm glad you're alive, Red. Buffy and Dawn are sorry they can't be here for you."
Willow smiled weakly. "I know. I'm sorry, Ms. Calendar, and I didn't get to curse Nakamura."
"Don't be, Red," Faith said. "That was a backup plan anyway. Hopefully, we won't need it to defeat Nakamura."
"I hope you're right," Willow admitted.
"So, any luck finding Giles?" Xander asked.
Faith nodded. "Yeah, we got a lucky break," she answered.
Willow raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Spike," Faith answered. "He told us where Nakamura is and he is going to help Dawn and Buffy in exchange for him and Drusilla leaving town."
Xander looked skeptical. "Are we really going to trust Spike?" he asked.
Faith shrugged. "We don't have much choice. And if it means taking Nakamura out and getting Giles back, I think Dawn and B are willing to take that risk."
Summers Home
Chloe appeared in blue and white orbing lights in the living room, where she found Marie watching television. "Mom!" Marie called out. "Chloe's here."
Chloe smiled and waved at Marie before turning to face Joyce as she walked into the room. "Hey, Joyce."
Joyce greeted Chloe with a warm hug. "It's so good to see you, Chloe. What brings you over?" she asked, leading the Whitelighter to the couch.
Chloe sat down and crossed her legs. "I'm here on orders from Dawn," she answered. "For your protection."
Joyce's expression turned serious. "What kind of danger are we in?" she asked, her eyes scanning Chloe's face for any clues.
"Dawn's going to face Nakamura," Chloe explained, "and she's worried that he might send a demon after you, Marie, and Elizabeth since vampires can't enter without an invitation."
Joyce's eyes widened in fear. "I was always afraid of something like this when the girls revealed to me that they were Slayers."
Chloe reassured her, "But don't worry, they have a plan, of which I am part. I will orb to San Francisco. I know a trio of powerful witches there. I'll see if I can get them orb back with me and set up protective wards around the house. Then see if they can help me keep a close eye out for any supernatural activity."
Crawford Street Mansion
Giles still sat tied to the chair, looking extremely battered and bruised. Nakamura leaned over him. "You know I can stop the pain," the vampire said. "You've been very brave, but it's over. You've given enough; now let me make it stop."
Giles shook his head weakly. "I won't betray my friends," he said through gritted teeth.
Nakamura sighed and straightened up. "All right, someone get the chain saw."
"Now now..." Spike said as he came into the room. "Don't let's lose our temper."
"Keep out of it," Nakamura ordered as he glared at Spike.
Spike held up his hands in surrender. "If you cut him up, you'll never get your answers."
Nakamura hesitated for a moment, considering Spike's words. "Exactly when did you become so level-headed?" he asked suspiciously.
Spike shrugged. "Right about the time you became so pig-headed. You have your way with him; you'll never get to take Dawn to hell. And I don't fancy spending the next month trying to get librarian out of the carpet. There are other ways."
Nakamura narrowed his eyes, considering Spike's words. "Enlighten me," he asked skeptically.
Spike turned toward the door. "Drusilla, sweetheart," he called out as Drusilla appeared at the door, a wicked smile on her face. "Do you want to play a game?"
Halliwell Manor, San Francisco
Chloe appeared in the foyer of the grand Victorian house that belonged to the Halliwell sisters. She took a deep breath and called out. "Hello?"
After a few moments, Piper came down the stairs with a concerned expression on her face. "Chloe, how has it been going with Buffy?" she asked as she remembered that the last time she saw the Whitelighter, Chloe had been facing the same dilemma that she had been facing with Leo.
Chloe smiled. "I took your guys advice and revealed who I was to Buffy. Our relationship has been stronger because of it."
"That's great to hear," Piper replied, feeling relieved. "As you know, Leo and I went through the same thing, and it brought us closer together too. It's important to be honest with the people we care about."
"I couldn't agree more," Chloe said. "That's not why I came today. Dawn and Buffy are about to face Nakamura. To protect their friends and family from any surprise attacks. They sent Faith to protect their friends and me to protect their family."
"I assume the reason you're here is to ask for our help?" Piper asked knowingly.
"Yes, that's correct," Chloe replied. "Since I am a Whitelighter, I can't do magic like you can. I need help protecting Dawn and Buffy's family."
Piper nodded understandingly. "We'll do everything we can to help," she assured Chloe. "Prue, Phoebe!" she called for her eldest and youngest sisters. "Chloe needs our help protecting Dawn and Buffy's family," she informed her sisters as they joined her and Chloe.
Prue and Phoebe looked at each other, then back at Piper and Chloe. "Of course," Prue said confidently. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe," she said as Phoebe nodded in agreement.
Sunnydale High School
Dawn led Buffy out of a portal into the library. Dawn walked over to Kendra's bag, picked it up off the floor, and put it on the table.
"You two do know this is a crime scene, don't you?" A voice came from behind them. They turned and saw Snyder standing in the doorway, smiling smugly. "But then, you two are criminals, so that pretty much works out."
"And the police exonerated us," Dawn said, glaring at the principal.
Snyder's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure and walked towards them. "Doesn't matter. You two have proved too much of a liability for this school. These are the moments you want to savor. You wish time would stop so you could live them over and over again. You both are expelled."
Dawn lifted the sword out of the bag, looking at it. She then turned and started toward him and Buffy. "You will be hearing from our lawyers. You have no grounds for expulsion." She then led her sister out of the library. Once out of sight of the principal, she opened a portal, and she and Buffy stepped through it.
Giles sat barely conscious in front of Drusilla, who was finishing cleaning the blood off his face. She smiled. "Is that better? My poor boy," she said as she ran her hand through his hair. "Let's see what's inside," she added as she closed her eyes. She clutched his head. "Of course..." She lifted his chin up so he could look her straight in the eyes. "Look at me. Be in me." She put her hand over his eyes, shutting them. "See with your heart."
As Drusilla removed her hands from his eyes, he opened them to see Jenny instead. "Jenny..."
"Rupert," Drusilla replied.
"Oh, God, Jenny, how did you find me?" Giles asked in surprise.
Drusilla smiled softly. "I've been looking for you. I knew you were in trouble."
Giles felt a wave of gratitude wash over him as he embraced Jenny tightly. When he let go, she moved to untie him. "We have to get out of here," he said, looking around the dimly lit room.
"Slowly, you're weak," Drusilla said as she freed him.
"It can't be you," Giles said as he put his hand to her face.
"Did you tell Nakamura? About the ritual?" Drusilla asked, a look of false concern etched on her face.
Giles shook his head. "No, but we have to get him away from Acathla."
Drusilla nodded, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "Why? Is he close to figuring it out?"
"Later," he said as he tried to stand up.
Drusilla leaned in closer, her hand reaching out to touch Giles' arm. "Rest. Tell me what to do," she said as Giles hesitated before. She drew closer, passion echoing in her voice as she touched him. "It's all right. We'll be together. Just tell me what to do," she said.
Giles took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. "Get Nakamura away from Acathla."
"Nakamura himself?" Drusilla asked. "He's the key?"
Giles nodded. "His blood. He must not..."
"Shhh," Drusilla said as she kissed him while Nakamura and Spike watched from the doorway. .
"The blood," Nakamura said gleefully. "Of course. I am the key that will open the door. That's why the First never told me. I had to make that discovery myself." He looked at Spike. "Turn him."
"You want to sire him?" Spike said with a raised eyebrow. "He won't wake for another day if we sire him now. What if he's lying?"
"You're right, of course," Nakamura said thoughtfully. "Don't turn him just yet. But once Dawn is sucked through the portal with me, Then turn him."
"Uh, Drusilla," Spike called to her, who was still making out with Giles. "We are finished here, ducks.".
Drusilla pulled away from Giles, looking around her with sheepish pleasure. "Sorry. I was in the moment."
Giles stared at them, his expression draining as he realized what had happened.
Summers Home
Prue, Piper, and Phoebe gathered in the living room, their expressions serious and determined. They knew the danger that loomed, and they were prepared to do whatever it took to protect Buffy's family.
Prue took the lead, her voice steady and filled with power. "We need to cast a strong protection spell around this house, creating a barrier that will shield Joyce, Marie, and Elizabeth and everyone else inside from any harm. Our combined magic will make it impenetrable."
Piper nodded, her hands already moving to gather the necessary spell ingredients. "I've gathered the herbs and crystals we'll need for the spell. Let's create a circle of protection around the house to repel any negative forces."
Phoebe joined them, her eyes focused and determined. "We need to tap into the power of our sisterhood, channeling our love and strength to fortify this barrier. Together, we can make it unbreakable."
They formed a circle in the center of the living room, standing shoulder to shoulder. Holding hands, they closed their eyes, their minds attuned to the magic that flowed through them.
" Enemies, fly and fall... Circling arms raise a wall," Prue, Piper and Phoebe chanted.
A surge of energy burst forth, illuminating the room in a soft glow. The protective barrier materialized around the outside of the house, shimmering and pulsating with power.
Prue, Piper, and Phoebe opened their eyes, their gazes meeting with a shared sense of accomplishment. "The house is now protected," Prue said glancing toward Chloe. "Nothing can harm anyone inside while this spell holds strong."
"On behalf of Buffy, Dawn and their family, thank you," Chloe said.
Giles' Apartment
Dawn and Buffy exited a portal into the apartment. They found Whistler going through Giles' fridge.
"What did you mean, the sword isn't enough?" Dawn asked.
Whistler looked up at the sisters. "You know, raiding an Englishman's fridge is like dating a nun. You're never going to get the good stuff."
"How do I use the sword?" Dawn asked.
Whistler pulled out a bottle of liquor and opened it as he walked out into the living room. "Nakamura is the key. His blood will open the door to Hell. Acathla opens his big mouth, creates the vortex, and then only Nakamura's blood will close it. One blow. Send them both back to hell. But I strongly suggest you get there before that happens."
Dawn looked at Whistler, confusion etched on her face. "Why?"
"His plan," Whistler replied. "He intends to open the vortex and then pull you in with him. Nakamura has a way out; the First has ensured that. You won't be so lucky. If he pulls you in with him, you will experience an eternity of torment in a demon dimension, Dawn. And he will be free once the First brings him back to ensure the future you both came from happens just as it did before."
Dawn shuddered at the thought of being trapped in a demon dimension for eternity. She knew she had to find a way to stop Nakamura and save herself from this fate.
Crawford Street Mansion
Dawn and Buffy exited the portal just outside the mansion. "Okay, Buffy," she said. "Just like I said. You get Giles out. I'm not going to be able to help you once I start fighting Nakamura."
Buffy nodded; her expression determined. "I'll get Giles out and then come back to help you," she said. "We'll take down Nakamura together."
Dawn sighed. "I can't risk that, Buffy. If he manages to open the portal. I can't risk you being pulled in with Nakamura and me if I can't get away. I need you to be here if I don't make it. I need you to watch over Elizabeth and Faith for me. And make sure you, Mom, and Marie live long and healthy lives."
Buffy nodded, understanding the weight of Dawn's request. She knew how important everyone was to Dawn, and she couldn't imagine what would happen to them or herself if something happened to her sister. "I promise to keep them safe, Dawn. You can count on me," she said, placing a reassuring hand on Dawn's shoulder.
Dawn nodded, tears still streaming down her face. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
The two sisters hugged tightly, both feeling a sense of relief and comfort in each other's embrace.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Sunlight was just beginning to peek in at the very tops of the windows as Nakamura stood just before Acathla. Drusilla and Spike stood behind him. "Acathla," Nakamura chanted in Latin. "Ego tibi proscribam, et dignum meipsum probabo. Mundatus sum. occidi te."
Drusilla stepped up beside Nakamura and handed him a knife, while Spike remained behind them, watching them with a cold eye. Nakamura smiled at Drusilla as he took the knife and cut his palm. He took a step forward just as Dawn burst through the door from the garden.
The vampire nearest her made a move toward her, and she beheaded him so quickly that the others barely had time to gape. She looked at Nakamura, sword at the ready. "Hello, brother-in-law," she said sarcastically.
"Ah, you're just in time," Nakamura replied with a small chuckle.
"To stop you, yes," Dawn agreed, sneering at the vampire.
Nakamura raised an eyebrow. "Stop me? From what?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "Oh, I know all about your plan."
Nakamura's expression turned serious. "What plan?" he asked, his tone indicating that he was genuinely curious.
Dawn hesitated for a moment before responding, "The plan is to send me through Acathla's portal. So that I could experience eternal torment in a place where I can't stop you from ensuring the First's future."
Nakamura chuckled. "Which of the Powers idiots told you? Let me guess, Whistler?"
Dawn shook her head. "No, Buffy did. She overheard you and your minions talking about it," she quipped.
"Well, shall we?" Nakamura asked, dispensing with the pleasantries, ready to fight.
Dawn took a deep breath and readied herself for the battle. She knew that stopping Nakamura was crucial for the safety of everyone in Sunnydale. "Let's," she agreed.
Spike moved up behind Nakamura and hoisted a nasty looking iron poker, slamming it into the back of Nakamura's head. Nakamura went flying face first onto the ground as Spike moved forward and hit him again.
Drusilla looked at Spike aghast.
Dawn headed for Nakamura but was hit from behind by a vampire, which sent her sword flying out of her hand. She turned, ready to fight the vampire.
"Painful, isn't it?" Spike asked as he continued to wail on Nakamura. Suddenly, he was tackled from the side by Drusilla, and they went flying.
Buffy slowly snuck in from the garden, moving quietly around the perimeter of the hall toward Giles' room.
The vampire lunged at Dawn, and she swiftly sidestepped the attack. She ducked and weaved, evading the vampire's attacks with grace and precision.
Spike and Drusilla came up facing each other. "I don't want to hurt you, baby," he said, noting that Drusilla looked righteously pissed. She grabbed his throat and slammed him against the wall. Instinctively, he knocked her arm away and punched her as hard as he could. "Doesn't mean I won't."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy rushed to the chair Giles was tied to. "Giles! Giles!" she said excitedly.
"Buffy?" Giles asked, clearly confused.
"It's me, Giles. I'm here to rescue you," Buffy said as she began to untie him. "Can you walk?"
Giles looked at her, believing Buffy to just be another hallucination caused by Drusilla. "You're not real," he said.
Buffy's heart sank at Giles' words. She knew she had to convince him somehow that she was really there to save him. "Giles, it's really me." She reached out and touched his hand, hoping he would feel her warmth and know that she was not just a figment of his imagination. "I need you to trust me," she added, her voice soft and pleading.
"It's a trick! They get inside my head and make me see what I want," Giles said, still not believing Buffy was who she said she was.
Buffy's eyes widened with hurt and disbelief. "Giles, please," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm real. I'm here to rescue you." She smiled as she realized there was a way to prove who she was. "Giles, Faith proposed to Dawn. They set the date for the summer after graduation. Nakamura, Spike, and Drusilla wouldn't know that."
Giles looked at her skeptically, but then his eyes widened in recognition. "Buffy?" he whispered. "Is it really you?" Buffy nodded, relief flooding through her as Giles embraced her tightly. "Thank God," he murmured. "I thought I was going to die here."
"Well, you're not," Buffy said as she helped Giles to his feet. "Come on." She helped him into the main room past the fight. "Be careful, Dawn," she said as she glanced over at her sister. Then she helped Giles through the door into the garden.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Drusilla threw Spike to the ground, hissing with anger.
Nakamura pulled himself painfully up and stumbled toward Acathla.
Dawn leaped forward, her stake held high. She aimed for the vampire's heart, channeling all her determination and training into the strike. The stake connected with precision, piercing the vampire's chest with a sickening thud. A howl of pain echoed through the room as the vampire disintegrated into a cloud of dust.
She then turned to look for Nakamura and saw him reach Acathla. She dove for her sword, grabbing it before heading straight for Nakamura.
Nakamura grabbed the hilt of the sword stuck in Acathla. Dawn could see the determination in his eyes as he tried to pull the sword out. She knew she had to act fast before he succeeded in awakening the demon. With a fierce battle cry, she charged towards Nakamura, ready to stop him at any cost. She didn't quite make it as Nakamura pulled the sword out of Acathla's statue, unleashing the demon's power. The ground shook beneath their feet as Acathla began to open his mouth, getting ready to swallow the world whole.
Drusilla looked over at Nakamura, gleeful. "Oooh, here it comes," she said as Spike stood up behind her and grabbed her in a chokehold.
Dawn and Nakamura squared off, swords at the ready. "You almost made it, Dawnie," he sneered.
"It's not over yet," Dawn countered.
"Acathla's about to wake up," Nakamura told her. "There is only one way to stop it. Send me to hell and risk going with me."
Dawn hesitated, knowing the risk was high. She took a deep breath and charged towards Nakamura, determined to save the world from destruction. She swung at Nakamura, and their blades met. The clash of their swords echoed through the room as they fought fiercely. Dawn could feel the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she refused to give up. She had to win this battle and save herself from impending doom.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Dawn came tumbling out into the garden, with Nakamura right behind her. He knocked her sword from her grasp and kicked her into a corner.
Drusilla sank into unconsciousness. As her eyes drooped closed, Spike kissed her cheek. "I wish there was another way." He picked her up and started for the doors near the exit to the garden. He glanced out into the garden as he watched Nakamura approach Dawn, sword in hand. "God, he's going to kill her." After a moment of intense worry, he shrugged before heading out the door toward his car.
Nakamura approached Dawn, who was trying to move away from the corner. "That's everything, huh? No weapons, no friends, no Faith, no Buffy. No hope. Take all that away, and what's left?"
Dawn stared at him, his words hitting home as she remembered the future she came back to change. Where she had been the Last Slayer, where her friends and her family were all dead. And then she remembered that she had saved so many lives and prevented so much pain. She knew that her mission was not yet complete, which made her realize she could win.
Dawn felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. She knew that she had to keep fighting, not just for herself, but for all those who were counting on her to protect them from the future she came from.
Nakamura lunged at Dawn; his sword aimed straight at her face. Without opening her eyes, she slammed her palms together over the blade, stopping it an inch from her face.
"Me," Dawn said as she opened her eyes. She jerked the sword back, knocking the hilt onto his face, and then kicked him solidly in the chest.
Nakamura flew back into the mansion and landed hard. Dawn scooped up her sword as she chased him inside. She pounded at him, driving back until Nakamura stood right in front of Acathla. She knocked his sword out of his hand, cutting him in the hand. He stood before her, exhausted and beaten.
Dawn breathed heavily, her heart racing with adrenaline. She spotted Acathla's mouth opening and the vortex forming. She knew she had to act fast. With a swift movement, she plunged her sword through Nakamura and into Acathla's chest. Then she jumped back out of Nakamura's reach before he could grab her.
She watched as Nakamura was pulled into the abyss and the vortex closed behind him. She knew that for now her duty was done and that everyone she loved was safe. But she also remembered Nakamura saying he had a way to come back. Which meant she wasn't done with him. Not yet.
May 15, 1998 – Friday
Sunnydale High School
Giles, Chloe, Buffy, Faith, and Dawn greeted Xander, Cordelia, and Willow, who was being pushed in a wheelchair by Oz.
"Are you sure you should be out of bed?" Giles asked the redhead.
Willow smiled weakly. "Look who's talking..."
"So?" Cordelia said looking at the Slayers.
"Acathla is asleep," Dawn answered. "Nakamura is in hell for the time being."
"For the time being?" Xander asked worriedly.
Dawn nodded. "He mentioned that even though his goal was to trap me in Acathla's dimension, he had a way to come back to finish what he started, which was undoing all the changes I already made and making sure the future I came back to prevent still happened."
"So, he's coming back," Faith said, nodding.
"Exactly," Dawn replied. "We have a little time to come up with a plan for his return. Angel didn't come back until after Faith came to Sunnydale. So, it's safe to say Nakamura likely won't come back till then either. Which means we won't see him till at least October, if not later."
May 16, 1998 – Saturday
Summers, Payne & Harris Residence
The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. Dawn stood by the stove, flipping pancakes, while Faith leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee.
Faith smiled. "You know, you make the best pancakes, Dawnie. I don't know how you do it."
Dawn blushed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "It's a secret recipe," she said with a small chuckle. "I can't give away all my culinary tricks. Truth be told, I learned how to make pancakes from a friend in the original timeline."
"Who?" Faith asked, intrigued.
"Her name is Tara," Dawn answered with a sad look on her face. "She was one of Buffy's friends. After Mom and Buffy's deaths, she became like a surrogate mom."
Faith nodded in understanding. "She was the one that died when Willow turned evil, wasn't she?"
Dawn nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yeah, that's her. It was really hard for all of us. Tara was like family to us."
Faith took another sip of her coffee. Deciding to change the subject away from Tara, she leaned in close to Dawn and said, "Well, I'm just lucky to have you as my personal chef."
Dawn playfully nudged Faith's arm. "Oh, so you're saying the way to your heart is through your stomach?" She asked flirtatiously.
Faith smirked, placing her coffee cup on the counter. "Well, that and a few other things."
Dawn's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, but she met Faith's gaze with confidence. "Oh, really?" she teased. "Care to elaborate, Faith?"
Faith stepped closer, her voice low and husky. "I think you already know, Dawn. It's in the way you make me feel, the way you understand me like no one else does."
Dawn's heart fluttered, and she set the spatula aside. She reached out to gently cup Faith's face. "You mean everything to me, Faith," she said.
Faith leaned into Dawn's touch, a tender expression on her face. "I'm here for you, Dawn. Through the good times and the tough times, we'll face them together. I love you."
Dawn's eyes welled up with more tears, though this time they were tears of joy. She pulled Faith into a tight embrace. "I love you too, Faith. More than words can express," she said as they held each other.