FIC: DWR-Secundus-Forth Test

[Mad Hamlet <mad-hamlet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings,

It seems my friend who agreed to post this for me is having some computer
problems. So I've come to post it to the group. Enjoy it.

Oh and in case you're wondering I'm still 'retired' just the darn fic wouldn't
leave me alone. Luckily just as it's ruckus kicking into high gear I had a
brief spate of free time. Yay fate.

The fic, too large for standard posting, is in the attachment.

Enjoy.

I came.

I posted.

I left.

I remain, as always,
Mad-Hamlet


Come and Get BRUTALised. 
The Femslash Comment and Critque List.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrutalCC/


Look upon my work ye mighty and...ah skip it.
http://www.realmoftheshadow.com/madhamlet.htm
-Mad Hamlet

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}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 Hard to believe, I know)
\par 
\par 
\par Drain Brameged Inc. Proudly Presents
\par \tab A Mad-Hamlet Production
\par 
\par 
\par 
\par \tab \tab \tab \tab Dianna Wears Red
\par \tab \tab \tab \tab Fourth Test
\par 
\par 
\par 
\par \tab "You're a what?" The small redheaded girl asks me. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
\par \tab Her name is Willow Rosenberg.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531\charrsid9922531 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 According to the Council\rquote s files she\rquote s }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 a genius, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 bit }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
socially awkward}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 and stronger than she appears. If they knew what I knew they could add being an out and about lesbian and is currently in a relationship with The Council\rquote s little prize. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 \tab Only right now she\rquote s not looking all that strong.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par \tab She's sitting on the floor having pulled herself upright. I found her sleeping there when I entered the room. Now she's squinting at 
me with the heel of one hand pressed to her temple and the other hand held in front of her, trying to block the rays of the setting sun. 
\par 
\par \tab I lean forward slightly so my body cuts off the light coming in through the window. The girl sighs in relief and lets her }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 outstretched}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 hand fall. "I'm a Hunter," I repeat.
\par 
\par \tab She squints at me trying to get a clear idea of what I look like but with the sun behind me that's probably pretty hard. "Let me make this a little easier," I say. I stand up, she flinches and shrinks back a bit at my sudden }{
\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 movement}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 , turning away from her I go over to the window and find the metal latch that holds the blinds up. With a flick of my fingertip the }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 catch}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
is removed and the blinds come rattling down, rather loudly. At the sound the redhead winces again }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 and groans. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par 
\par \tab Turning around I sit back down on the bed, clasp my hands and stare down at the girl on the floor.
\par 
\par \tab Blinking several times she opens her eyes and stares at me, "Who has Buffy?" she finally asks.
\par 
\par \tab "The Council," I reply.
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 \tab "Why?" She keeps her voice flat, even; she\rquote s keeping control}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 . That or she's still a little woozy.
\par 
\par \tab "They're scared," I say.
\par 
\par \tab Her eyes flicker over to the }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 window; she stares at it. Mayb}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 e looking for something outside;}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 this is hard with the blinds down.}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 After a few moments she nods slowly. 
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 She's taking this all rather well. Complete stranger in her room, talking about her kidnapped friend.
\par 
\par \tab "How did they catch her?"
\par 
\par \tab "Me," I say. "I caught her for them."
\par 
\par \tab That gets her attention, her head swivels and she's staring }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 directly at me}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 . I find myself pinned beneath t}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 w}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
o green eyes. I meet her stare without flinching, I've been }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 hunting}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 longer than she's drawn breath and I know the rules. I won't back down from her challenge. Besides what could she really do to
me? I could snap...her...over....uh oh. 
\par 
\par \tab She stands up slowly, drawing herself to her full height without taking her eyes off of me. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 This in itself is not that impressive, with her standing up and me sitting down we\rquote re still pretty much the same height but
\'85.
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and, without my say so, the muscles in my chest tighten slightly. 
\par 
\par \tab "You?" she says quietly. "You took Buffy away from me?"
\par 
\par \tab I'm }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 seized}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 by an }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 impulse}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 to look away, to surrender to her. I won't naturally. 
I never have and I never will. Now the muscles in my arms and leg begin to tense, all without my say so. I can hear my breath }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 whistling}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 in and out of my nose. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 \tab 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 This is crazy. She can't weigh half of what I do, I've got more ways to kill her than I can recall and she's just staring at me. So why am I feeling more }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 unnerved}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
by that look of hers than the last time I had to face down a cranky grizzly?
\par 
\par \tab "Yes," I say. My voice sounds calm and clear which is good. I }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 mustn\rquote t}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 let her know how her }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14692129 stare}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 is }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 affecting}
{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 me. 
\par 
\par \tab "And you gave her to them," She replies. "Now they're hurting her, probably thinking they're doing her a favor."
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 \tab "Yes," I say with a slight nod, the movement takes effort on my part.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 "I captured The S}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 layer for them, they told me to}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 so I did."
\par 
\par \tab The weight of her stare is palatable. As the sun continues to set and the light in the room }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 fades}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 the green of her eyes begins to wane. Her eyes...a
lmost look like they're filling with black. She doesn't have power}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 this little girl. Not yet, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 she will}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 though; its sleeping now and}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
I think I might have just gotten it, and her, attention.
\par 
\par \tab That may have been a mistake.
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 Then she blinks, a few times. Then a few more times and continues to blink. \'93I hate staring,\'94 she grumbles rubbing her eyes. \'93Gets my eyeballs all Sahara-like.\'94 
\par 
\par \tab This sudden jump from Very Dangerous to Somewhat Cranky in her behavior catches me totally flatfooted, my muscles relax instantly and I practically slump in relief. 
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 "I have to call Giles}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 ,\'94
The girl says reaching for the phone. Her fingers curl around it but before she can dial I grab her hand in my own. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14497688 
\par \tab \'93Willow-\'93 I begin.
\par 
\par \tab She spins and her eyes are blazing}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14569324 . \'93Don\rquote t touch me,\'94 she says coldly. \tab \tab 
\par \tab I ignore her, \'93Listen we-\'93 
\par 
\par \tab She interrupts me again, \'93They\rquote re torturing her. Right now they\rquote re torturing her, burning her, screaming at her. She can\rquote t walk, or rest or run. She loves to run,\'94 she places free hand, such a tiny pale limb, on my chest.

\par 
\par \tab \'93She loves to run and now they\rquote re burning her feet. They\rquote re burning her feet, her hands, her skin and making her bleed; all because of you}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10245857 . Because you gave her to them.\'94
\par 
\par \tab The redhead pauses, looking thoughtful. She glances at my hand, my hand that\rquote s still }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 resting atop of hers}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10245857 which is holding the phone. \'93And I told you not to touch me,\'94
she pushes me with her other hand.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14569324 
\par \tab Ow.
\par 
\par \tab Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 
\par \tab I smell ozone.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14569324 
\par \tab I\rquote m not sure how but I appear to be against the far wall. The remains of a wooden cabinet scattered around me. She }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 gave me a simple push, there was a loud bang}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14569324 and }{
\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 now I\rquote m lying in the remains of furniture}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14569324 ; it appears I was wrong}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10245857 . 
\par 
\par \tab I glance up at Willow. She\rquote s staring at her hand, the one that pushed me, in \'85well it looks like, I sniff, certainly smells like fear. 
\par 
\par \tab She looks at me, then back at her hand, then back at me. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid294381 \'93I\rquote m,\'94 she pauses for a second and I see her throat swallow. \'93I\rquote m sorry,\'94 she says quietly. \'93I guess\'85uh\'85I guess.\'94
\par 
\par \tab I stand up slowly, ignoring the protests of various bruised muscles. \'93I deserved it,\'94 I say. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10245857 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid294381 
\par \tab The young girl opens }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 and closes her hand}{\f1\fs20\insrsid294381 a few times, \'93It looks like my hand,\'94 she\rquote s talking to herself. \'93It looks like my hand and feels like my ha
nd. It opens and closes like my hand, see?\'94 she demonstrates by making a fist two times. \'93But it just did the \lquote Knock Big Lady Across Room\rquote thing and that is decidedly not Willow-hand like behavior.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93I\rquote m not big,\'94 I say stiffly, the words slipping out before I can help myself. \'93I\rquote m muscular.\'94
\par 
\par \tab She stares at me at first, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 and then}{\f1\fs20\insrsid294381 
cracks a smile, the smile becomes a giggle, the giggle becomes a laugh. She clutches at her stomach and continues to laugh. I can feel my own lips tugging upward but I don\rquote t let them. This evening has been full of loss-of-control. 
\par 
\par \tab The redhead continues to laugh; she falls to her knees laughing, still laughing. She falls over on her side, curled up in a fetal ball; eventually the laughter starts fading. 
\par 
\par \tab Predictable. She\rquote s crying.
\par 
\par \tab I roll my eye}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15431744 s and stare at the ceiling, \lquote Why me?\rquote I mentally ask no one in particular.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid294381 
\par 
\par \tab \'93In love with a girl,\'94 she moans. \'93Then she starts turning into\'85.\'94 she\rquote s cut off by fresh sobs. This goes on for a bit and the next thing I can make out is}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5911275 , \'93
Waste all my shampoo, use lipstick on the rug,\'94 more crying. She flops over onto her back and stares at the ceiling; is she even aware I\rquote m in the room anymore?
\par 
\par \tab \'93Torture, and strange woman showing up in our room. \lquote I\rquote m a Hunter\rquote ,\'94 she says in a poor copy of my voice. I\rquote m getting sick of this. Self pity only did one thing as far as I\rquote m concerned: Get people dead.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Beware the dark side,\'94 the redhead giggles. \'93For once you go down that path forever shall it dominate your destiny!\'94 What the hell is she talking about?
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14778328 That\rquote s it.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5911275 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14778328 
\par \tab I straddle her, bend down, grab her by the shoulders and haul her to her feet. Her head lolls and her eyes aren\rquote t focusing; I slam her again a wall. \'93Shut up\'94 I snarl in her face, our noses scant centimeters from each other. }{
\f1\fs20\insrsid15431744 \'93Right now the woman you love is being tortured as you yourself point}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15871552 ed}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15431744 out!\'94
Her head rolls the other way, she sniffs noisily. I pin her against the wall with one hand on her chest, with the other I cup her chin and hold her head still.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14778328 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15431744 
\par \tab \'93Now yes, I captured her. I tracked her down like a beast of prey and netted her pretty as you please.\'94 She blinks.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Then, I bagged her, gagged her and delivered her like a package because that was my job. That\rquote s what I had to do.\'94
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12156642 
\par \tab She licks her lips, and she stares at my mouth, she\rquote s started coming back from wherever she ran to. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93So I caught her and gave her away,\'94 I say clearly, coldly without expression or tone. \'93That\'85may have been a mistake.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12213304 She\rquote s}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12156642 looking at me again}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12213304 .}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid12156642 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12213304 
\par \tab \'93One I\rquote m going to fix,\'94 I pull my face away from hers. I\rquote m no longer in her personal space but I\rquote m still holding her against the wall. \'93
But we can only fix it if we go now, I have no idea how long your girlfriend can last against Fat Man, he\rquote s a monster but he knows what he\rquote s doing.\'94
I begin to relax, easing off still holding her against the wall but I let go of her face. \'93So we don\rquote t have time to call your friend and have him sit around, examining books }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16212606 or making plans}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12213304 .
\'94
\par 
\par \tab She blinks slowly, \'93You know Giles huh?\'94
\par 
\par \tab I almost grin, \'93I know the British.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93You\rquote re touching me,\'94 she says it in a quiet whisper, I almost miss it. I let go of her and take two large steps back. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14093941 
\par \tab \'93Are we going to go?\'94 I ask her. 
\par 
\par \tab She goes to the closet without a word. Reaching inside she grabs a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a light jacket. She slides into the jeans, pulls the shit over her head. Without waiting to put on socks she }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
steps into her sneakers. Throwing the jacket over her shoulder she turns to me.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid14093941 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par \tab \'93We go,\'94 the Witch says.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 ***}{\insrsid2192759 
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\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 \tab It takes us half an hour to reach wherever it is this hunter lady wants to go. Of course I know where it is and if she\rquote d told me I could have gotten there faster. Like, taking a bus maybe or w
alking there in a straight line rather than going around, through lots of trees, behind peoples houses and all that other stuff.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1967616 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
\par \tab She\rquote s probably say she was being stealthy and she might be right but I don\rquote t have time }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9046734 for this, Buffy is\'85.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid2192759 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9046734 
\par \tab Can\rquote t stop thinking about it, what I saw, what I heard\'85what I felt. It wasn\rquote t just the pain or the noise, she was trapped. Trapped in a big box and there was nowhere for her to go. That\rquote 
s what was hurting her the most, she couldn\rquote t go, she was just stuck there and that\rquote s what was\'85she\rquote s breaking. I know it, something inside, something deep inside her was breaking apart, fragmenting and if she does break\'85
\par 
\par \tab Oh God.
\par 
\par \tab My fingers are tingling.
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter grabs me and pulls me into the shadows, \'93We\rquote re here,\'94 she whispers. 
\par 
\par \tab Where\rquote s here?
\par 
\par \tab Oh. The Docks. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Whe-\'93 I start to say. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Be quiet!\'94 she hisses in my ear. 
\par 
\par \tab I nod and quietly whisper, \'93Where\rquote s Buffy?\'94 
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter, her back against the wall of a warehouse nods in the direction of another warehouse. It\rquote s across from us, directly, and surrounded by dirty yellow light thanks to a series of spotlights mounted on each of its corners. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93What are we waiting for?\'94 I hiss and take a step. 
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter grabs me by my shirt collar and yanks be back against the wall. \'93Are you crazy?\'94 she whispers angrily.
\par 
\par \tab She looks up, \'93On the roof of this very building are at least three sharpshooters with long range rifles and laser sites. They\rquote d take you out before you made it three steps.\'94
\par 
\par \tab She glances around, I see it at the same time she does. A ladder built into the side of warehouse; its end is hanging at least ten feet off the ground. \'93Wait here,\'94 she commands. 
\par 
\par \tab Walking underneath the ladder she bends slightly and jumps up easily catching the bottom rung. She easily 
pulls herself up, hand over hand, the rungs until her feet catch the bottom one. Without a sound she climbs the rest of the way and disappears over the edge of the roof.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Hmph,\'94 I mumble}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7607644 , crossing my arms}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9046734 . \'93Buffy would have done it better.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7607644 I pause. \'93Faster too.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9046734 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid7607644 
\par \tab From the roof I can hear voices. Can\rquote t make them out really, sounds like\'85someone is greeting \'85there\rquote s The Hunter\rquote s voice and\'85that\rquote s odd. Now it\rquote s quiet. 
\par 
\par \tab Hmmm\'85should I? I mean\'85I\rquote m not \'85exactly stealthy but\'85it\rquote s gotten awful quiet up there and....oh heck with it.
\par 
\par \tab I glance around and tip toe across the shadows until I\rquote m standing under the ladder. It looks\'85higher than I thought. Well, if she can do it I can-
\par 
\par \tab I bend my knees till I\rquote m almost squatting, okay, here we go Rosenberg, ready\'85on three\'85one\'85two\'85.three!
\par 
\par \tab Not even close.
\par \tab 
\par \tab Okay again, here we go and\'85Jump!
\par 
\par \tab My finger tips don\rquote t even touch the bottom of the ladder.
\par 
\par \tab A hand slides across my mouth, I scream into it but the sound is muffled. I kick behind me but my attacker doesn\rquote t budge. I dig my nails into the forearm that\rquote s snaking across my throat but that doesn\rquote t do any good and\'85and\'85

\par 
\par \tab Oh God\'85oh God\'85.Oh God\'85..
\par 
\par \tab \'93What are you doing?\'94 The Hunter whispers into my ear. Oh it\rquote s her.
\par 
\par \tab She slowly removes her hand from my mouth, and lets me go. I almost shout, I take the breath to shout but The Hunter glares at me. I exhale. \'93What did you do that for?\'94 I say as fiercely as I can, and still whisper. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93You don\rquote t need to whisper anymore,}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15153518 but speak quietly,}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7607644 \'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15153518 she brushes her hands off. \'93In answer to your question if I\rquote 
d tapped you on the shoulder, you\rquote d have screamed your head off.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7607644 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15153518 
\par \tab I don\rquote t want to admit it but she\rquote s right, \'93So\'85uh what happened to the\'85y\rquote know\'85quys with overly capable phallic symbols?\'94
\par 
\par \tab She blinks once or twice, \'93Uh\'85if you mean the snipers on the ro}{\f1\fs20\insrsid6630077 of they\rquote re taken care of.\'94 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid13243672 She peers around the corner looking at a third warehouse to our left, I hear her mutter, 
\'93Phallic symbols?\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15153518 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid13243672 
\par \tab I take a few steps closer to The Hunter; she\rquote s eyeing the roof of the third warehouse and whispering to herself, can\rquote t make it out now what she\rquote s saying. \'93Now what?\'94 I whisper.
\par 
\par \tab Without taking her eyes off the warehouse she replies, \'93Now you wait here, there are }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9315188 more guards on the roof over there and the warehouse to our right. I\rquote 
ve got to sneak over there and take out a combined total of six heavily armed guards.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13243672 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9315188 
\par \tab \'93So what should I do?\'94 I reply.
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter glances at me over her shoulder, \'93What part of \lquote wait here\rquote slipped by you? This will require patience, stealth and really nice left hook. I can\rquote 
t have someone who is like a Moose in a China shop dogging my every step.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93A bull,\'94 I say automatically. \'93The correct colloquialism is a bull in a-Hey!\'94
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter shrugs her shoulders, \'93Same difference,\'94 she mutters. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93I am not a bull,\'94 Pause. \'93Or a moose and there isn\rquote t a china shop anywhere nearby! This is my girlfriend in there so-\'93
\par 
\par \tab \'93So nothing,\'94 The Hunter cuts me off. \'93If you want to try and be helpful sit tight and be quiet.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 \'94 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Now wait just a cotton pickin\rquote minute here,\'94 I say wagging my finger in her face. \'93Why the heck did you bring me along then? I mean if you\rquote re going to go off and do everything then what is my purpose here? I\rquote 
d like to this I have something of value to contribute!\'94
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter is quiet for a moment then she finally asks, \'93Did you just say \lquote Cotton pickin\rquote minute?\rquote \'94
\par 
\par \tab I uh\'85\'94Yeah\'85}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 .}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 ,\'94 I mumble}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 , suddenly embarrassed}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15947877 . \'93I guess I did.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Jesus,\'94 she rolls her eyes. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Didn\rquote t say that,\'94 I shake my head.
\par 
\par \tab \'93No, I said it,\'94 The Hunter snaps. \'93Look, you want to know? Fine, you\rquote re here not to get killed and, more to the point, not get me killed.\'94 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 
\par \tab \'93That\rquote s not informative,\'94 I grumble. I glance down at my toes then back at The Hunter.
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter sighs and throws up her hands, \'93I\rquote m pretty sure I could get her out without your help, but I\rquote m not sure how controllable The Slayer would be. You know, having been tortured for all this time.\'94
The Hunter pauses for a minute, \'93So I\rquote m thinking that she\rquote ll be grateful see a familiar face. Also it\rquote s a gesture of respect to her; I respect the Slayer and want to \lquote be courteous\rquote 
one hunter to another. Course I have to get you to her in one piece.\'94 
\par 
\par \tab I stare at her without saying anything, willing her to read my mind.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Not buying it are you?\'94 she asks after a few moments.
\par 
\par \tab I shake my head.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Okay,\'94 The Hunter sighs and rubs her nose with her fingers. \'93Okay,}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509\charrsid5591509 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 fine, the truth of the matter is that I\rquote m scared to death what The Slayer will be like when sh
e comes out that box and I want you to be there to make sure that I am not noticed or as little noticed as possible. Better?\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Yep,\'94 I say. \'93That wasn\rquote t so hard now was it? So what can I do to help?\'94
\par 
\par \tab 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx810\tx1260\tx2340\tx2610\tx2790\tx3330\faauto\rin1440\lin0\itap0\pararsid5591509 {\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 \tab \'93Think of a way to take out those lights around the main warehouse or something.\'94
She says pointing at the warehouse where Buffy supposedly is then adds. \'93If you do decide to do anything wait at least ten minutes, I should have the situation in hand by then.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx810\tx1260\tx2340\tx2610\tx2790\tx3330\faauto\rin1440\lin0\itap0\pararsid13266573 {\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 
\par 
\par \tab 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9315188 
\par \tab Before I can reply to that she\rquote s stepped around the corner and is gone; I move as un}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 -}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9315188 mooselike as possible and peer around the corner myself but I don\rquote t see her anywhere. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy could do that better too,\'94 I mutter.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 Biased very much, thanks.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9315188 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 
\par \tab Fine, you go that way Ms \lquote I\rquote m a Hunter\rquote and go do your hunting thing, I\rquote ll take care of the lights. Bet your furry behind I\rquote ll take care of the lights.
\par 
\par \tab I sit down, cross my legs and take a few breaths. I\rquote m deep in the shadows, I can\rquote t be seen but I\rquote m hoping that no vamps come along. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 
\par \tab Closing my eyes I let my breathing deepen, I relax as best I can
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 
\par \tab Center\'85.center\'85.no\'85no \'85don\rquote t, don\rquote t remember Buffy\rquote s pain, it\rquote s distraction\'85we have to get to the center, it\rquote s calm in the center we can\'85we can work and\'85help in the center\'85no\'85God no\'85.

\par 
\par \tab Bright, and pain and noise and noise and pain and burningnoise and painburning brightnoiseburn burnnoisebright 
\par \tab 
\par \tab Hurting, hurting, hurting\'85shhh\'85so bright\'85shhhh\'85hurts...shhh\'85.
\par 
\par \tab Buffy\rquote s smiling at me, she\rquote s lying beside me in our beds moved together and I wake up to her smiling}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10964894 . First thing I see in the morning is her warm smile. Better than any other way to wake up}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 \'85}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10245999 .}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 
\par 
\par \tab Trapped,trapped,hurting,traphurting,brightlytrapped\'85shhhh\'85shhh\'85}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10964894 .}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10964894 
\par \tab \'85.Buffy\rquote s just come home, she\rquote s so tired from her classes; her shoulders slumped she lets her backpack drop to the floor. The thump of so many books makes the floor shake. I show her I }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 bought}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid10964894 mochas and her smile lights up the room. Suddenly energized she jumps across the room and gives me a big hug\'85.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 
\par \tab \'93Willow?\'94 I hear The Hunter\rquote s voice. I know she\rquote s there, I knew she was }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14447581 coming. Ten minutes already? My, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 she\rquote s efficient. That\rquote 
s probably how she caught Buffy the first time; being so very efficient. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14447581 We should probably have a talk, The Hunter and I, about her efficiency. I ignore her.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9376441 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 \tab \'85.stopbrighpain\'85stoptrappedburn\'85free\'85free\'85free\'85brightpainstopfree\'85free\'85free\'85save me\'85free\'85
\par 
\par \tab Have to get to the center, my center, push through the storms and fury and power and get to the center, I know the center is calm and peaceful. Where I can find what I need and do what I have to do.
\par 
\par \tab Shhhh\'85.
\par 
\par \tab Hush\'85shhh\'85
\par 
\par \tab I know them.
\par 
\par \tab I know who they are, I know what they are, I know where they are and I know what they want. 
\par 
\par \tab 
They are monsters, they are on the other side of those lights, those walls, those doors and they want to take Buffy away from me. They want to take away her smiles, her hugs, her bad days and her good days. Her laughter, her tears her desires and her fear
s. 
\par 
\par \tab They want them all, they\rquote re worse than any vampire because they don\rquote t want to kill her, they want to own her.
\par 
\par \tab They want to take her from me.
\par 
\par \tab There...there I\rquote m in my center.
\par 
\par \tab And there are storms here too.
\par 
\par \tab They want to take her from me.
\par 
\par \tab I won\rquote t let them.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid14447581 
\par \tab I open my eyes; I see the lights surrounding the warehouse.
\par 
\par \tab I open my lips and breathe, \'93Break\'94.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f1\fs20\insrsid14447581 ***}{\insrsid14447581 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1440\nowidctlpar\tx810\tx1260\tx2340\tx2610\tx2790\tx3330\faauto\rin1440\lin0\itap0\pararsid13266573 {\f1\fs20\insrsid14447581 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 Whatever the Council is paying these guys is too much. That was way, way too easy to do. Three warehouses, three roofs, three times the same question, \lquote How was the hunting?\rquote 
Three scuffles later and nine men down.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 
\par \tab I\rquote d honestly like to think I\rquote m that good but I think it was more along the lines of these \lquote assassins\rquote being that stupid. Better go get the redhead, she\rquote s probably hyperventilating. 
\par 
\par \tab Hm?
\par 
\par \tab What\rquote s she doing? 
\par 
\par \tab Okay, let\rquote s evaluate the situation. I have just risked life and limb to help someone 
free someone else who I myself captured, at great personal risk, and now the first someone, namely a redheaded girl named Willow, is sitting cross-legged in the dark. 
\par 
\par \tab And occasionally }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16539691 whimpering}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 .
\par 
\par \tab \'93Willow?\'94 I ask.
\par 
\par \tab For a split second I think she\rquote s registered that I\rquote m there then her focus \'85turns away I guess. 
\par 
\par \tab I step closer to her, intent on grabbing her shoulder\'85and I stop.
\par 
\par \tab The hairs on my arm are standing up, hell even the hairs on my pelts are standing up. She opens her eyes and doesn\rquote t see me, she\rquote s staring only at the warehouse where her lover is being held.
\par 
\par \tab The air gets heavy and thick, it\rquote s an effort to breath\'85oh shit.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Break,\'94 she says.
\par 
\par \tab I hit the deck.
\par 
\par \tab The entire front of the warehouse ripples, like hot pavement on the horizon, a slight shimmer, an illusion that makes you want to blink or rub your eyes. The front of the warehouse does something like that. Only it\rquote 
s not an illusion when the entire front of it gets blown in and all the spot lights running around it explode in miniature fireballs. The heavy steel door rattles in }{\f1\fs20\insrsid4458906 its}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 slot then\'85slowly\'85
with almost a sense of dignity\'85falls forward to sl}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4458906 am into the ground.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 
\par 
\par \tab \'93So much for stealth,\'94 I mutter to myself pulling my feet under me. I glance over my shoulder at Willow; she\rquote s collapsed, chest heaving eyes glazed. I kneel by her side and feel her face; it\rquote 
s cold, clammy and covered with sweat. Her eyes come into focus and she looks at me, \'93}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15365567 Sorry, sorry. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5322697 Just the lights,\'94 she gasps, \'93I\'85hah hah\'85only wanted\'85hah\'85to break the lights!\'94}
{\f1\fs20\insrsid11738980 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid4458906 
\par \tab \'93I believe you,\'94 I whisper to her. \'93Stay here, I\rquote ll cover.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93N-no,\'94 she stammers. She shrugs my hands off and rolls over, getting her hands under her she tries to push of the ground. \'93Sh-she needs me,\'94 Willow grunts. 
\par 
\par \tab Fine, she can play catch up. I dash toward the now wrecked warehouse, from the smoke I see a figure emerge. Fatman? No, just one of his men.
\par 
\par \tab He sees me, \'93Where the bloody blue blazes have you been?\'94 he hollers at me as I run up to him. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Hunting,\'94 I say. \'93What\rquote s all this?\'94
\par 
\par \tab He shakes his head, \'93No idea, an attack of some sort. I can\rquote t get in touch with any of the guys on the patrol. I\rquote m about to check.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Right,\'94 I say nodding. \'93You check the guys on the south building, I\rquote ll take north.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Stay in radio contact at all times,\'94 He says holding up his walkie talkie. 
\par 
\par \tab I smile and pat one of my belt pouches that doesn\rquote t have a radio in it but what he doesn\rquote t know\'85is probably going to hurt him a lot.
\par 
\par \tab He turns away and I hit him. A very nice rabbit punch right where the skull meets the}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15344882 neck; without a sound he crumples onto the pavement.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10748259 If I\rquote m to rescue The Slayer I\rquote 
ve got to get to her before Fatman does something stupid, like kill her. 
\par 
\par \tab I turn back to the redhead, she\rquote s on her feet and staggering toward me; well\'85if anyone wants}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 to get to}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10748259 her they\rquote ll probably have to get past me first. There\rquote 
s nobody else out }{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 here, any other guards are inside what\rquote s left of the warehouse.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10748259 
\par 
\par \tab Probably.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 
\par \tab I duck through the dark opening where the door used to stand and make my way across the room. I\rquote m trying to stick to the shadows but that\rquote s a lot harder than it should be. The redhead\rquote }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 
s magic whatever shook}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 the whole building and all the lights}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 that she didn\rquote t blow out inside here are}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 swinging back and forth. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 Reaching a corner where no light can reach I stop and listen.
\par 
\par \tab Silence.
\par 
\par \tab The generators which were powering Fatman\rquote s fun room are dead, probably fried by Willow\rquote s magic blast. There\rquote s no sound of 
any movement either. At the far end of the room, one moment lit from above, the next darkened than lit again, is the tiny steel cell that holds The Slayer. 
\par 
\par \tab There\rquote s nothing moving anywhere. 
\par 
\par \tab Where\rquote s Fatman? 
\par 
\par \tab I wait for a minute, the }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5591509 oscillations of the lights above lessen}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 and soon only the center of the room is lit. I take a deep breath and hold it, tasting the various scents filling the room.
\par 
\par \tab Jesus.
\par 
\par \tab Tears spring to my eyes and my stomach churns as the odor of burnt flesh and hair assault me. Sweat, dirt and a lot of cigarette smoke are also in the mix but there\rquote s no smell of gunpowder, or blood, or pasta.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy!\'94 
\par 
\par \tab Damnit, I }{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 was right}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 . She\rquote s a moose!
\par 
\par \tab The redhead is standing by the far side of the opening where the door was; with one hand she\rquote s supporting herself. She\rquote s half bent over and she\rquote s still breathing heavily.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy where are you!\'94 she screams into the warehouse.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Willow, shut-\'93 I start to shout.
\par 
\par \tab Movement!
\par 
\par \tab There!
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10748259 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 \tab No, he was outside!
\par 
\par \tab Fatman steps directly behind the redhead and wraps a forearm around her throat and pulls her against his bulk. With his other han}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 d he presses a small ugly }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16404080 pistol to}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
her temple.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid870717 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 
\par \tab I\rquote m such an idiot; he must have gone out a side door when Willow\'85blew everything up. Must have stayed on the far side of the warehouse, out of sight. I was so intent on getting inside I forgot about the possibility of
him circling around. Stupid, bungling, arrogant amateur. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
\par \tab \'93Ah, my dear Hunter,\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7603592 he rasps}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 . \'93I freely admit that I am no match for you in combat bu}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7603592 t with this lovely little thing}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
between us it balances accounts nicely,\'94 he pushes the pistol harder, Willow squeezes her eyes shut and whimpers. \'93Yes, it does even things out rather well,\'94 Fatman }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 purrs.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 
\par \tab \'93I know you duckling,\'94 he croons to Willow. \'93You\rquote re Willow Rosenberg, one}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16404080 of}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 The Slayer\rquote s little friends. Oh we do have detailed file about you, yes we do.\'94
He squeezes the girl slightly. \'93The Council doesn\rquote t like you; you helped The Slayer become independent, you pulled her away from us,\'94
With the arm he has around her throat he caresses her face with his fingertips and Willow gives a little hiccup. \'93No,\'94 he murmurs. \'93We don\rquote t like you at all.\'94
\par 
\par \tab Now, while he\rquote s distracted, I\rquote ll try and move just a little bit closer, he\rquote s only ten feet away, twelve tops all I need is a few steps.
\par 
\par \tab The second I lift my foot his attention shifts to me rattlesnake quick, \'93Ah, ah, ah Hunter,\'94 he shakes his head and makes a tsk tks tks sound. \'93No movements from you.\'94
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16404080 
\par \tab \'93So sad,\'94 he says solemnly. \'93You betraying us, now The Council will have to seek compensation. You know how it goes, follow in the shoes of Shylock and retrieve our pound of flesh.\'94
He finishes with a soft smile, like the idea pleases him, probably does the tubby freak.
\par 
\par \tab \'93I didn\rquote t betray you,\'94 I smile back, playing the game. \'93I did exactly what I was instructed.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93How droll,\'94 Fatman murmurs. \'93I suppose this is the trite, \lquote no one told me not to get the Slayer\rquote s friends and attempt to free her\rquote argument?\'94
He fakes a yawn but even though it looks like he closes his eyes I can see them, little piggy eyes, glinting in the dim light. \'93Sorry darling, not interested. Neither will The Council be.\'94
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 
\par \tab \'93I won\rquote t let you hurt her,\'94 I say, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16404080 changing the subject.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16404080 
\par \tab Fatman smile again, a beatific smile, his mother probably loved it. I hate it; fate permitting I\rquote ll feed it to him.
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 \tab \'93Wouldn\rquote t think of it,\'94 he says. \'93Now this is how it shall be. I am going to walk toward the cage,\'94 he says \lquote cage\rquote with extra force }{\f1\fs20\insrsid71849 
trying to use my dislike of that name against me. Won\rquote t work FatMan. \'93And for every step forward you will take a step back, you will remain the exact same distance from me at all times.\'94 He hasn\rquote t taken the gun away from Willow\rquote 
s head for an instant. \'93Failure to comply at any time will result in this little one\rquote s death.\'94 He grinds the barrel against her temple, smiling like a cherub. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15615070 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid71849 
\par \tab \'93You kill her, I kill you,\'94 I say, one foot still poised. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93True,\'94 he replies with a nod. \'93But she\rquote ll be dead won\rquote t she?\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93You love yourself too much to risk yourself like that,\'94 I say. 
\par 
\par \tab His smile widens, \'93Maybe,\'94 he shrugs. \'93Then again maybe not.\'94
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 
\par \tab He grabs Willow\rquote s hand w}{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 ith his, \'93Let me see your hand D}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 uckling,\'94 he whispers not taking his eyes off me. \'93Let Papa see your hand.\'94 He holds Willow\rquote 
s hand to his face and inhales deeply.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Exquisite,\'94 he breathes exhaling. \'93I simply must have a taste!\'94 and he slips Willow}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 \rquote s pinky between his}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 puckered lips and suckles loudly. When he releases Willow\rquote s 
hand she pulls away and her pinky comes out with a loud pop.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Mmmmm,\'94 FatMan breathes. \'93Duckling you taste enchanting. Pity we do not have more time.\'94
\par 
\par \tab He grins at me.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid71849 
\par \tab He\rquote s not afraid, I can tell so either he\rquote s telling the truth or he\rquote s too stupid to realize what\rquote s going on. He\rquote s sick, twisted, fat, ugly, obscene and a monstrous example of humanity but I\rquote 
ve not seen or heard anything that tells me he\rquote s stupid.
\par 
\par \tab Holding Willow against him, barrel of the gun to her head he takes a single step forward. I clench my fists and with everything screaming inside me I step back, I back down. I give way to him; the fat bastard.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Excellent,\'94 he says}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 . \'93See we can all cooperate very well, conditions permitting.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid71849 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 
\par \tab He takes another step, and another, and another. I keep pace with him never waving, never hesitating. With every move I make the protests from my mind\'85from my heart from that deep angry place inside get louder and louder. 
\par 
\par \tab When I reach the cell I cannot back up any farther and he\rquote s still ten feet away. Willow has not moved, or uttered a sound the entire time. She hasn\rquote t even wiped her hand, I can see the sheen of his saliva under the lights.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Now,\'94 he says.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 \'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 As you}{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 r way is blocked by the cage you will step to your right toward the nearest wall for every step of my own.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid16660350 

\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 
\par \tab He steps and I comply, my instincts and desires howling.
\par 
\par \tab He reaches the door of the cell, a heavy layered steel door which, thought pitted and rusty, is probably rock solid. \'93Don\rquote t move duckling,\'94 he murmurs in Willow\rquote s ear. \'93
Do not even breathe; Papa needs his keys but he cannot reach them as all his hands are full so I need you to get them for me.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 
\par \tab He winks at me and bends his head forward so he\rquote s nuzzling the back of her head, \'93Will you do Papa that favor Duckling? Will you get Papa his keys?\'94
\par 
\par \tab Willow nods dumbly her eyes open and unseeing. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Reach back, Duckling,\'94 he instructs her. \'93Use your left hand only; reach into Papa\rquote s pocket and take out the big key on the key ring. Try not to let your hand wander.\'94
\par 
\par \tab Slowly Willow reaches back and slips her hand into Fatman\rquote s pocket, a moment later she pulls out a large key ring with an equally large steel key attached to it. She holds it up in front of her and stares at it with a puzzled expression.

\par 
\par \tab \'93What are you going to do?\'94 I ask.
\par \tab 
\par \tab \'93I?\'94 Fatman replies blinking innocently. \'93Nothing. But she will unlock the door for me and then\'85well we\rquote ll see what we see.\'94
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8879228 \'93You\rquote re\'85you\rquote re going to kill her,\'94 The voice is weak, tired, distant but still clearly audible. \'93You\rquote re going to kill Buffy aren\rquote t you?\'94 Willow repeats.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 

\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8879228 
\par \tab Fatman clucks sympathetically. \'93I\rquote m afraid so Duckling, I\rquote m afraid so. She\rquote s broken, irredeemable. We tried our best to help her of course. We tried our very, very best but it was too little too late.\'94
\par 
\par \tab He sighs, \'93At this point I consider it a mercy actually.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93But, but you were torturing her,\'94 Willow protests, I remain quiet, a hole in the shadows but Fatman\rquote s eyes never leave me. \'93You were hurting her, how is that helping?\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Duckling, Duckling, Duckling,\'94 Fatman says patronizingly. \'93I cannot expect a child like you to understand. Put simply sometimes you have to be cruel to
be kind; she was misbalanced, dysfunctional. We were merely trying to establish order once again, balance, unity.\'94
\par 
\par \tab He\rquote s silent for a moment, looking introspective. He\rquote s just acting, the fat fuck is just acting, playing a role in a game for his own amusement.
\par 
\par \tab \'93We failed,\'94 he continues. \'93To our ete}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 rnal shame we, The Council, has}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8879228 failed. So we must cut our losses and move on. It\rquote 
s all for the best, do you understand Duckling? Do you understand what Papa is saying?\'94
\par 
\par \tab Willow doesn\rquote t say anything; the air is still as we three stand silent, waiting. Then, after a time, slowly Willow nods. \'93Yes,\'94 she whispers. \'93I-\'93
\par 
\par \tab Then with a sudden intake of breath Willow shrieks, \'93Buffy! I\rquote m here! Buffy I\rquote m right here! We\rquote re here Buffy!\'94
\par 
\par \tab It\rquote s loud, sudden and totally unexpected. For a second I\rquote m sure that Willow has just killed herself and FatMan will blow her head off.
\par 
\par \tab Instead he only chuckles.
\par 
\par \tab \'93A good effort Duckling,\'94 he says. And then, then he makes a mistake, he takes the gun away from her temple, with the end of the pistol he taps at the steel door. \'93
This is at least two inches thick plated steel and it is also completely sound proof and air tight. I assure you your \lquote Buffy\rquote is quite }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 unaware of us.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8879228 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 \'93}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 Besides,\'94 And his smile, so angelic for this entire time shifts and twists into a grotesque grin. \'93
Before you got here I had already broken her. She was lying on the floor covered with burns quite unconscious.\'94 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 An}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 ugly, light skitters across the back of his eyes as he stares at me.
\par 
\par \tab With a loud crang sound the steel door tents outward. Right from where he tapped the door with his pistol. He backs away quickly squeezing Willow against him, again with the pistol pressed to her head. 
\par 
\par \tab There are two more sounds of impact at two huge dents are knocked in the door. The steel moorings, holding the door begin to groan. \'93Jee,\'94 I say staring at The Council Member. \'93Looks like you woke her up Fatman.\'94 I use the}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 name I gave him with relish. His}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 glance flickers from the door, to me and back to the door. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93I\rquote m not fat,\'94 he says automatically. \'93I\rquote m big boned.\'94
\par 
\par \tab Two more loud blows ring throughout the warehouse and two more divots tent outward from the steel door; which is looking less and less like a door every second.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Im- Impossible,\'94 Fatman declares. \'93That door is two inches thick! The strength of The Slayer}{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 is}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 well documented, we know exactly what The Slayer is and is not capable of; she }{
\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 cannot do}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 this!\'94
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2426489 \tab \'93Mm,\'94 I grunt, nodding. \'93You sure she got the memo?\'94
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 \tab With a final blow the door is torn off }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 its}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 hinges; it soars across the room barely missing Fatman before it slams into the dirt\'85
.fifteen or so feet from the steel box it was just attached to. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 Standing in the doorway}{\f1\fs20\insrsid2426489 is The Slayer;}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2426489 h}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 er h
air is mussed, dirty and matted; there are burns all over her body. The skin of her hands and feet are cracked and bloody. Even as she stands there a small pool of blood grows around her feet. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 
\par \tab 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 \'93Buffy,\'94 Willow breathes. Her eyes come alive, she\rquote s flush with confidence and seems to glow from inside. \'93Boy,\'94 she crows}{\f1\fs20\insrsid2426489 
, twisting her head around to stare at Fatman out of the corner of her eye}{\f1\fs20\insrsid9328842 . \'93You are really fucked now!\'94
\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid3881671 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 ***
\par 
\par \tab \'93Boy,\'94 I scream exultingly, \'93You are really fucked now!\'94 
\par 
\par \tab Buffy\rquote s here! 
\par 
\par \tab My Buffy\rquote s here, everything is going to be alright. 
\par 
\par \tab We got here in time, Buffy\rquote s here, Buffy\rquote s here!
\par 
\par \tab Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, Buff-
\par 
\par \tab \'93Shut up,\'94 The Council Man rasps in my ear. \'93All of you shut up!\'94
\par 
\par \tab Then I get a good look at her.
\par 
\par \tab Buffy\'85my poor Buffy\'85burns all over her, blistered, cracked, bleeding. Blood is trickling from her mouth, her nose, even from her ears. Her hands drip blood on the floor, from where she stands blood is pooling on the ground\'85.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy,\'94 I whimper, I can\rquote t help it. \'93I\rquote m so sorry!\'94
\par 
\par \tab She ignores }{\f1\fs20\insrsid2426489 me;}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5330038 she\rquote s staring at The Hunter who returns the stare, for a moment, and then The Hunter looks away, down to the ground for a split second. She recovers quickly, starts giving 
her glare to The Councilman. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 
\par 
\par \tab Behind me I hear The Councilman clear his throat a few times. \'93Slayer,\'94 he says quite clearly. \'93You will return to your cage now Slayer.\'94
\par 
\par \tab She ignores him too.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Slayer!\'94 he says with more force. \'93You will obey }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 me;}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10893983 you will return to your cage and wait there until called for. You will do as you are told and you will do so now.\'94
\par 
\par \tab Buffy keeps on ignoring him, \'93Slayer,\'94 he\rquote s almost shouting now, I think he\rquote s starting to panic. \'93I have your friend here and if you do not do as I say I will kill her,\'94 he pushes at my temple with the gun, again\'85
it really hurts. \'93Do you understand me? I will kill her! I will take this gun and put a bullet into her little red-haired head and it will be your fault!\'94
\par 
\par \tab That gets her attention; slowly she turns to look at The Councilman and at me. I can\rquote t help the gasp, her eyes! Those are not Buffy\rquote 
s eyes! Buffy has grey blushish eyes, like a stormy sky not these, not these eyes. These are the eyes of something\'85
\par 
\par \tab Oh my God.
\par 
\par \tab Those eyes are ancient.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid7684224 
\par \tab Buffy stares at us, or whatever is behind those eyes stares at us, she looks right at me without a flicker of recognition. Buffy, it\rquote s me, it\rquote s Willow, don\rquote t you remember me?
\par 
\par \tab Then she looks back at The Hunter, \'93We,\'94 she gurgles. Her voice is raspy, hoarse, like sandpaper across a chalkboard. \'93We not know you,\'94 and she points at The Hunter with one bloody hand.
\par 
\par \tab Then she looks back at us, at the Councilman her hand swings slowly until she\rquote s pointing at him. A drop of blood rolls over the tip of her finger and drops to the floor, the sound is deafening. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93We know you,\'94 she grunts. \'93You hurt us,\'94 then her gaze flickers to me and she sees me, for just an instant that bright, terrible old blue dims and she sees me. \'93You are touching,\'94 she growls. \'93You touching our mate!\'94
\par 
\par \tab The Councilman gives a jerk, \'93Your what?\'94 he gasps. \'93Mate? What, you and this girl? Mates?\'94 
\par 
\par \tab He begins to tremble and the muscles in his arm tense, he\rquote s shaking me he\rquote s so angry. \'93You are engaged in a relationship with this girl?\'94 He thunders. \'93You grotesque, malformed, sinful bitch!\'94
he screams, his voice climbing higher and higher. \'93You abomination, you have sullied your line-\'93
\par 
\par \tab Buffy ignores his ranting and continues speaking, \'93Threatened our mate.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93-and your calling.\'94 The }{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 Councilman}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7684224 continues to scream, his voice warbling. 
\par 
\par \tab They\rquote re both talking, well he\rquote s screaming, at the same time! 
\par 
\par \tab \'93And for that,\'94 Buffy snarls.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 Her lips pull away from bloody teeth and the her fingers curl into claws.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid7684224 
\par 
\par \tab \'93You will be consumed in the bowels of Hell, twisting in the burning for all eternity, the both of you!}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 First the Witch then-\'93}{\f1\fs20\insrsid1318230 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 
\par \tab \'93You die!\'94 Buffy shrieks.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 
\par \tab \'93You die!\'94 The Councilman shouts. 
\par 
\par \tab He\rquote s going to do it, he\rquote s going to shoot, the barrel of the gun trembles against my skin, the muscles in his hand creak and his forearm across my throat is like a steel bar. 
\par 
\par \tab Buffy, I look at her for the last time, Buffy I love you!
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 
\par \tab Then she flickers, like one minute}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 she\rquote s}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 there the next she\rquote s not.
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 Then The Councilman\rquote s roar is cut off and}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 something hot and wet splashes into my hair, across my face and into my mouth. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 His}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 arm}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid3608535 falls away from around my throat, }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 and the pressure of the pistol vanishes at the same time. T}{\f1\fs20\insrsid3608535 here\rquote s this long, rattling groan}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 
and a solid thud an instant later followed by a more meaty thud\'85or was it two more thuds one on the end of the other?}{\f1\fs20\insrsid13110722 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5401984 \tab I spin around look behind me, to see where Buffy might have gone, can\rquote t see a damn thing though. There\rquote s this stuff in my eyes; I paw at my face, scraping away something sticky and\'85
kinda chunky. Like meaty spaghetti sauce, still can\rquote t see anything. I try open my eyes but everything is red and blurry; just gotta get this crud off and now I can see-}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5401984 
\par \tab \'93Willow,\'94 The Hunter calls me. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Hm?\'94 I\rquote m distracted, getting this stuff off, looking for Buffy. No time to talk; busy, busy, busy.
\par 
\par \tab \'93Willow, look at me,\'94 The Hunter says. 
\par 
\par \tab I get the last of the stuff off my face, as best I can, I turn to The Hunter, \'93What do you want, I\rquote m looking for Buffy. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 Where\rquote s Buffy?}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5401984 Anyhow?}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 \'94
I ask her. \'93She was right here, then she just sorta jumped or something and then\'85poof!\'94 I spread my hands. \'93She\rquote s gone.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy\rquote s behind you, Willow,\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid6518756 The Hunter says slowly she holds out her hand to me. }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Oh okay,\'94 I start to turn. \'93No!\'94 The Hunter shouts.
\par 
\par \tab \'93What?\'94 I ask, hands on my hips I\rquote m beginning to get impatient. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Buffy\rquote s fine, she\rquote s behind you and you\rquote ll see her in just a second,\'94 The Hunter looks over my shoulder and visibly pales. \'93Just\'85just don\rquote }{\f1\fs20\insrsid11209994 t turn around}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 .\'94

\par 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid283886 \tab I\rquote m about to protest, I\rquote m about to do turn around anyway and do whatever it is The Hunter is worried about me doing then I see Buffy. She\rquote s ambles into my field of vision}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4286391 . \'93
Buffy,\'94 I whisper but she must not have heard me. She\rquote s staring at her hands, her bloody hands, like she did that night after the beer.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 She\rquote s studying closely some\'85it looks like tissue hanging from her nails.
}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4286391 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid4286391 \tab \'93I\rquote ll leave you two alone,\'94 The Hunter mumbles uselessly. \'93Cover up the mess or something.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93Yeah,\'94 I reply not even looking at The Hunter. \'93You do that.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5181916 \tab 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid5401984 
\par \tab I reach out to Buff}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15408338 y, I want to pull her into a hug and I try but she steps away. She looks at me, studies would be a better word for it. \'93We\'85we know you,\'94 she says haltingly, as if she\rquote s a little unsure. 
\'93She knows you, she loves you\'85she says\'85she says we\'85tell you things, a thing.\'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid5401984 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid15408338 
\par \tab \'93What?\'94 I ask }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 Buffy; b}{\f1\fs20\insrsid15408338 ehind me The Hunter grunts slightly as she drags something away. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 
\par \tab \'93She\'85she is not here,\'94 Buffy says. My stomach begins to clench.
\par 
\par \tab \'93What do you mean \lquote she\rquote ,\'94 I say back. \'93Who\rquote s she\'85where is she?\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93You know\'85apologies\'85}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 we }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 speak }{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 use }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 her memories}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 to know}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 ,}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 
still, \'93 Buffy shrugs apologetically. \'93Not \'85good with this tongue.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 \'94}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 
\par 
\par \tab }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 Buffy puts a hand to her head and seems to think. \'93Your love is\'85asleep. Inside.\'94 She says finally. \'93We\'85we are The Slayer.\'94
\par 
\par \tab \'93No,\'94 I whisper. \'93You\rquote re\'85you\rquote re just confused Buffy, you\rquote re just confused and tired and\'85.and you have to be there\'85we\'85we need you Buffy, I need you!\'94 I grab Buffy by the shoulders and she visibly twitches.

\par 
\par \tab Slowly, very slowly as if she\rquote s afraid I\rquote ll shatter Buffy caresses my face with her}{\f1\fs20\insrsid4203062 bloody}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 fingers, \'93Loves you much,\'94 she murmurs, still in a throaty growl. \'93}{
\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 T}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 oo much hurt; too much pressure. Man tried to put us back. Cage us, bind us\'85we must be free.\'94
\par 
\par \tab She blinks and when she looks at me again the bright blue is darker, it\rquote s getting darker and darker very quickly. \'93We cannot s}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 t}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 ay, and\'85your mate must rest. All that will be left is\'85
Wild.\'94 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Wild?\'94 My stomach is a churning, spitting, ball of ice. I}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 can\rquote t feel my legs.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 
\par 
\par \tab \'93What she\'85your mate\'85\'94 As her eyes darken her speech gets slower and more labored. \'93Was\'85become}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 stopped, hurt }{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 \'85m}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 ust heal. Your mate\'85will\'85return
\'85.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 \'94
\par 
\par \tab Buffy\rquote s head }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 droops}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 and she }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 collapses}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 
. Her knees buckle, I try to catch her but her weight drags us both down. Cradling her head on my shoulder I }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 stroke her face, she has to wake up. I have to get her to wake up.}{\f1\fs20\insrsid12671925 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 
\par \tab \'93Buffy?\'94 I say patting her cheek gently. \'93C\rquote mon baby, don\rquote t do this to me\'85you have to stay with me honey. I love you so much.\'94 
\par 
\par \tab Her eyes flicker open; they\rquote re almost a flat, deep blue except for a tiny spark in the center. \'93Mate\'85return\'85}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 \'85she\'85must\'85be\'85.\'94 Buffy\rquote s eyes flutter shut
\par 
\par \tab The last word is whispered so quietly, so softly that I\rquote m not sure I heart it. And even with what I know I\rquote m not sure\'85I\rquote m not sure of what she means. 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 
\par \tab \'93}{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 Is she unconscious}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 ?\'94 The Hunter asks stepping out of the dark.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid8608959 
\par \tab I stare at this woman, this Hunter that I could blame, that I should blame for all this. I think I might hate her; I\rquote ll have to think about it. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93Yes,\'94 I say biting the word. 
\par 
\par \tab \'93What did she say?\'94 She asks, stepping a bit closer.
\par }{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 
\par \tab I wrap my arms around Buffy and being to rock her back and forth slowly, slowly. \'93Shhhh,\'94 I whisper to Buffy. \'93Shhh, everything\rquote s fine now. Everything\rquote s fine.\'94
\par 
\par \tab The Hunter kneels down beside us, \'93Willow,\'94 she says again gently. \'93What did she say? What did Buffy say?\'94
\par 
\par \tab I look at The Hunter, I stare her right in the eyes\'85at least I think those are her eyes. It\rquote s so dark\'85and \'85my eyes see things a little blurry again, like just a few minutes ago except now everything\rquote 
s not red stuff blurry just blurry, blurry.
\par 
\par \tab \'93She said she has to be free,\'94 I }{\f1\fs20\insrsid9922531 say}{\f1\fs20\insrsid10233317 .
\par 
\par 
\par END-DWR SECUNDUS: Forth Test.
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