FIC: Dark Alliance 5a/5

["mike" <wizathogwarts@xxxxxxxxx>]

The final chapter of Dark Alliance is turning out to be longer than 
I expected so I'm posting it in two parts.  The second part should 
be complete soon.

Title - Dark Alliance.
By mike (wizathogwarts@xxxxxxxxx)
RATING: PG.
Pairing: Buffy/Willow 
DISCLAIMER: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all characters belong to 
Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox.  
FEEDBACK: Constructive comments are encouraged. 
SUMMARY: Buffy takes her calling more seriously.  This is an AU fic 
with an alternative Buffy.



Chapter 5a


Willow stood looking at the outstretched hand.  Uncomfortable warmth 
spread slowly, emanating from her extremities like a vine creeping 
inwards.  She tried with all her might to focus on what was held 
before her but it was if someone was holding thick glass before her 
eyes.  `Blink' maybe if I blink I could see better she told 
herself.  Flashing between dark and bright and the light pressure 
her eyes felt from the meshing of her lashes confirmed that she was 
successfully blinking.  

Brown, deep rich brown with a hint of red.  Color permeated her 
senses.  Mind and vision slowly synced as a word formed in her 
mind.  `Book', I see a book.  The book, the book I need to do 
something with, but what was it?  

"Willow?"  A voice grazed her conscience.  And like a morning breeze 
through a fog her mind began to clear.  Take the book she told 
herself and stepped forward, then as if receiving a heavy weight she 
grasped the book with one hand and very slowly her other.  The dry 
but soft texture caressed her fingers.  She slowly pulled her arms 
in while tilting her head forward to behold what she held.  Cold 
tendrils of fear clashed with the fire of purpose.  Her skin flushed 
pink with patches of white as fear and desire warred from within.  

`I can do this.'  Flowed like molasses in her mind.

Sharp spikes of pain erupted in her cheeks as her jaw clenched tight.

`I must do this.'  Flowed like a river.

She gasped loudly as her lungs took their first breath in more than 
a minute.

"I will do this."  She loudly proclaimed as the dam broke.

She lifted her head and noticed the concerned faces of Joyce and 
Angel.  `Must have scared them what with the freaking out and all.'  
So she smiled reassuringly and she felt her racing heart slow as 
their faces took on looks of relief.

"Sorry," She smiled with embarrassment.  "I sorta freaked there for 
a minute.  But I'm ok now."

Joyce removed her hand from her neck where she had been 
unconsciously been gripping.  "What now?"  She asked.

"If all's ready, we burn it in `Diana's Flame'."  Willow replied 
then turned her focus to Angel.

"Do you think he bought your explanation?"  Willow asked hoping she 
had kept the trepidation she felt out of her voice.

Angel felt suffused with self congratulatory pride as he grinned 
with pleasure.

"Yes, he bought it.  He was no match for two hundred and forty two 
years of Irish blarney."  He proclaimed with a slight brogue 
accentuating the statement.

"Hamlet and all his slung arrows of outrageous fortune had nothing 
on me as I told him how everyone, including slayers had the right to 
live life not knowing the time of their ending.  He tried to claim 
that the book was the rightful property of the council.  But then I 
let my full anger loose."  Here he paused and his mouth turned into 
a confident smirk.  "I told him in no uncertain terms that slayers 
are a gift from the gods and nobody's property.  Then I said I was 
going to bury the book where no one would ever find it and left 
after giving him a look of righteous indignation that left him 
speechless."

Willow's felt her confidence soar.  Giles' description of the 
conversation would surely convince the council of its 
veracity.  `They'll have no reason to suspect that the prophecy was 
destroyed now.'  She told herself gleefully.

"That's wonderful Angel.  I can't thank you enough."  Willow 
hesitated upon seeing Angel's frown.

Angel's face relaxed seeing the young girls endearing 
expression.  "It's just one small step on the endless path of 
redemption."  He reassured her with a rare smile.



------------------------------------


The tea cup rattled slightly against the porcelain plate as nervous 
fingers grasped the handle.  Carefully lifting the cup so not to 
spill, Rupert Giles brought the tepid tea to his lips.  The cup 
jerked as he sipped when a tremor shook his arm.  Warm brown liquid 
cascaded down his chin.  With a curse the cup went flying from his 
hand tumbling across the desk to fall to the floor.  The shattering 
noise it made as it impacted against linoleum echoed the fragmenting 
he felt in his heart.

"This can't be.  It just can't be."  The words came hard from his 
throat carried by breath born of anger and denial.

His right hand ran rigid fingers through his hair pressing firmly 
into his scalp.  The hard pressure a welcome distraction from the 
empty despair he felt.  Suddenly his whole body jerked to the light 
pressure on his shoulder.  Whipping his head around, his eyes wide 
in shock beheld the reason for his concern.  Sad sympathetic eyes 
graced his.

"It will be OK Giles.  This is my destiny."  The softly spoken words 
pierced his mind like a sharp knife.

"You know?"  His voice shook as he reached desperately to grasp her 
hand.  Suddenly feeling the need to make sure she was alive.

Buffy squeezed his larger hand reassuringly.  Placing her other on 
his shoulder she concentrated on providing comfort to this innocent 
man who was honestly grief stricken over what was to befall her.  

"I heard everything."  She paused momentarily to get a grasp on her 
emotions as she realized how deeply the actions of the Council were 
going to affect so many others.

"I saw everything.  And I feel your grief."  Squeezing his shoulder 
she softly said.  "Thank you."

Standing abruptly with sudden resolve Giles towered over the tiny 
girl.  

"I can't let this happen.  You cannot face the Master."  He voiced 
sternly as he grasped her shoulders to drive his point home.

Buffy smiled as she shook her head slowly.

"You can't stop it.  This is meant to be."  Buffy's own eyes 
conveyed her acceptance.

"No, I'll face him in your stead."  Giles determination wouldn't let 
him retreat from saving his slayer from her fate.

Buffy's face hardened at hearing his words.

"No you won't.  I've lost one watcher because I shirked my calling 
and I'll be damned if I'm going to lose another."  Her words of self 
recrimination bore all the anger she felt over her previous 
failing.  Her jaw clenched with determination as she grabbed his 
wrists, wrenching them from her shoulders and then squeezing them 
hard enough to remind him who was the stronger.


He winced as needles of pain shot up his arms.  The pressure was 
quickly released and he gasped for breath.

"It's just so unjust.  There must be another way."  He pleaded with 
her.  "Just let me do some research."

"There's no time.  My mind is made up."  Her tone and expression 
clearly expressed the finality.

"The prophesy says I will face the master and die."  She took a deep 
breath, exhaling slowly.

"Well, so be it."  She said calmly.  Her face then lit up with a 
wicked smile.  "But it doesn't say anything about the master 
surviving."

Giles looked upon her defeated and forlorn.

"When?"  He whispered.

Buffy sighed in relief as more pleasant thoughts took the forefront.

"After I take Willow to the dance tomorrow night, I want to give her 
a night to remember."  She smiled as her thoughts focused only on 
the time she would spend with her love.

Still holding his wrists, she moved her hands to grasp his.  Lifting 
them up to her eye level he watched her face sadden as she glanced 
from one hand to the other and then looked him right in the eyes.

"Afterwards, I need you to promise me that you will do everything 
possible to protect her."  Her eyes became pleading, dispelling any 
thoughts he may have harbored of denying her request.

"She's my only regret, my only fear.  Please promise me that you 
will take care of her."  A single tear escaped the corner of her eye 
and trickled down her upturned face.

"I promise."  He slowly responded, smiling with assurance to assuage 
any doubts.  "It's the least I can do.  I promise you that no harm 
will befall her."

"Thanks Giles.  That means a lot to me."  Her soft words comforted 
him further cementing his promise as consolation for not being able 
to prevent this tragedy.

"But one last thing," her tone became serious again.  "I agree with 
Angel.  Slayers already know they are going to have short lives.  
But knowing when robs us of our humanity.  It steals from us the 
ability to live life fully knowing the where and time of our final 
moments."

Her voice became hate filled as she expressed her final words.  "For 
the sake of all who come after me I hope Angel is successful in 
hiding that book for all eternity."

Releasing his hands she turned.  As he watched his slayer walk from 
the library his eyes misted as pride overwhelmed him.



---------------------------



A small slim figure stood alone in the dark, clothed all in black 
including her head.  The tight fitting outfit left no ambiguity as 
to her gender nor did it hide the sleek muscles that rippled as she 
slowly turned.

A close examination would have shown dark green eyes of unfathomable 
depth that drank in all about her.  The dark façade of the school to 
the broad tree covered lawns.  Her feet moved slowly but with 
purpose as she toured one last time only stopping when reaching a 
lone concrete bench.  Bending slightly she ran her hand ever so 
slowly across its smooth surface, caressing it as if it were her 
lover. 

"Willow."  She whispered the name, her throat constricting 
afterwards as her chest tightened with emotion.

Keeping one hand on the cool surface she used the other to pull the 
long titanium knife from the sheath strapped to her right thigh.  
With slow deliberate strokes she uses the super hard razor tip to 
carve the words that were in her heart.  Then with a strong steady 
hand she etches a figure to encompass what she had written.

Stepping back she gazed at her work.  Her lips curved into a gentle 
smile that expressed a vulnerability that few were ever allowed to 
witness.  Moisture began to cloud her vision slightly and when she 
blinked a tear from the corner of each eye followed the curve of her 
nose until absorbed by the fabric of her head covering.

The memories of their first meeting and all that followed washed 
across her vision while staring at the truth she had carved in stone.

The good memories& and the bad.

The memory of how they had tried to defile her Willow caused her 
body to tighten into near rigor.  

`I need to seal this somehow.' She told herself as she finally 
exhaled, allowing her body to once again relax.

Looking down at her left hand she impetuously pulled the thin calf 
skin glove off.  Her focus narrowed to the tip of her index finger 
as she used her knife to slice the pad deep enough to allow her 
blood to flow freely.

She then carefully squeezed the blood out until all she had carved 
was filled.  Slipping her glove back onto her hand she stood a 
moment to admire her work.

`Time to go.'  She thought as her body faded from sight until all 
that was left was the dark and the bench made forever unique with a 
blood lined epitaph.

`Buffy Love Willow' Encased in a heart and highlighted with 
congealing blood.


-----------------------------------



The lean tall figure was hidden in the shadow of the tree it leaned 
against.  His head tilted so that it rested against the rough bark.  

As for the tree, it rarely notices the coming and goings of those 
not rooted in the earth.  A day was meal time, the night just the 
time between meals.  A season just part of its day and a full 
turning of seasons was a single sunrise to sunrise.  

But it had begun to notice the pressure against its surface, a 
presence that was there every night for the past several weeks.  
Albeit slowly, the tree had become aware of conflicting emotions, 
especially sadness and guilt coming from the nightly presence.  The 
tree was sufficiently aware to encourage new growth to sprout just 
above its new companion.  The tree had hesitated at first because it 
had originally sensed anger, but that had faded into a distant 
echo.  So at it's own pace it began to provide what comfort it could 
to a troubled soul in need.

Xander's face literally drooped.  His eyes drawn low as sadness 
conquered any instinctive effort to keep them in their proper 
place.  Slow building self recrimination dragged his mouth into a 
permanent frown.  Dejection fashioned the slope of his shoulders.  

`Why can't I just go to her and say I'm sorry?  Why can't I be happy 
that she finally has someone who loves her like she deserves?  Why, 
why, why?'  The litany ran through his head over and over again, 
swirling around like flotsam on the edge of a whirlpool.

This seemed to be his fate and his curse, standing every night 
across from Willows house as he tried to summon the courage to go 
and tell her that he would always be her friend.  That part wasn't 
so hard; it was the second part he couldn't seem to come to grips 
with.  He knew the first would be hollow unless he could honestly 
tell his friend that he was happy for her and supported her 
relationship with Buffy.

He wasn't there yet.  For some reason he couldn't grasp his emotions 
flared, clouding reasonable thought every time he considered it.

The only break in his revolving thoughts was the memory.  The memory 
of when he had heard of what had happened to Willow.  The memory of 
how his stomach turned traitor.  Hot, sour bile rising until the 
half digested junk food that constituted his breakfast had erupted 
so quickly that getting to a restroom was not an option.  

The memory of stumbling down hallways and pushing through bodies to 
reach his destination.  

The memory of running into the outstretched arms of dark blue that 
barricaded his progress.

The memory of Willow on a stretcher, Buffy clasping her hand as it 
was rushed from sight to a waiting ambulance.

The memory of sight and sound fading as he slumped to the tile floor 
and passed out.

`Another fine moment in the life of Xander Harris' He harrumphed at 
the thought then closed his eyes, instinctively finding some modicum 
of comfort from the tree.

As he allowed the feel of the tree and exhaustion to quell his 
thoughts he decided that tonight wasn't the night.  `Maybe 
tomorrow.' 

Xander slowly pushed himself from his leaning position.  He began to 
turn to leave but stopped.  An unfamiliar compulsion made him turn 
back and gently caress the tree.  His lips curled slightly, almost a 
smile.  

"Good night my friend."  He said not sure if he was talking to 
Willow, the tree or both.



-----------------------------------





Six figures stood in the dark.  Breathing heavily from excitement 
and adrenalin induced fear their eyes revealed their common 
emotions.  Their expressions were indiscernible due to their pull 
over head coverings.  Their bodies attentive to any motion from the 
creature at their feet ready to let loose again the power of the 
strange weapons the held so tightly.

Agent Riley Finn, leader of alpha squad was elated.  They had been 
in this town for only a month and had finally captured their first 
HST.  

"How's it feel guys?  We came, we saw and we conquered our first 
Humanoid Sub Terrestrial."  His exposed mouth flashed teeth as he 
allowed himself a congratulatory smile.

Chuckles of relief came from the rest of his squad.  He reached for 
his com device to report their success to HQ.

"Sir!  I've got a strange reading."  Graham reported before he could 
key his mike.

"What do you mean a strange reading?  Give me facts soldier, don't 
make me guess."  Riley tersely responded.

 
"Yes Sir!  The readings flash the presence of a mass with a 
fluctuating temperature.  The presence only registers for a second 
then disappears.  But it is coming from that general direction."  
Graham reported while pointing just to Riley's left shoulder.

Before turning Riley barked an order.  "Graham, you're with me.  The 
rest of you, two of you net the HST while the other two stand guard."

Riley turned and waited for Graham to come to his side.  Pointing 
his weapon, he slowly swept it back and forth, watching for any 
movement.

"Can you get me a better fix?"  Riley said quietly while keeping his 
eyes watchful.

"I'm trying sir."  Graham replied as he punched buttons on the 
control console.

Riley was completely focused when tiny sparks flashed before his 
eyes.  He crumbled to the ground unconscious along with all the 
other members of alpha squad.


"What the hell?"  Riley mumbled as he opened his eyes.  He realized 
he was flat on his back staring up at the night sky.  Turning his 
head he saw Graham's panicked eyes staring back.

Realizing his vulnerable position, he quickly scrambles back up and 
looked around.  Seeing the rest of the team getting back on their 
feet he then looks for their captive.

Lying crumpled on the ground was the heavy wire net.  It lay almost 
flat he noticed, not covering the HST as it should be.  Approaching 
carefully, he kneeled down and slowly pulled up the restraining 
net.  

His teeth ground together as he uttered an expletive.  All that 
remained was grayish dust in the faint outline of a body.

"Walsh is going to be so pissed."  He groaned while dropping his 
head and closing his eyes in despair.


-----------------------



Buffy entered her bedroom through the window quietly closing it 
behind her.  Dropping the spell that hid her, she quickly changed 
into shorts and halter top.  

Barefoot she made her way down the stairs to the three waiting for 
her in the living room.  She took each step slowly, distracting 
herself with the feel of the carpet on the soles of her feet.  The 
deep texture of the carpet was soothing as she would slide each foot 
over the edge of the step.  As she neared the bottom she leaned 
forward a bit, head tilted looking for one face in particular.  Upon 
catching sight of the red heads elfish face her heart warmed for the 
first time that night.  Especially when seeing the welcoming smile 
that lit her face as she came running towards her.

"Buffy!"  Willow exclaimed as she threw her arms around Buffy.

The two girls stood together lost in their embrace, eyes closed as 
their faces burrowed into each others neck.  A smile graced Joyce's 
lips and the sides of her eyes showed well defined lines further 
indicating her feelings at seeing her daughter so happy.

Angel's face remained more impassive.  Though he had accepted the 
challenge of helping the slayer, he had been drawn to her power and 
beauty from the first moment he had laid eyes on her.  Flashes of 
his anticipation of their first meeting and the disappointment 
afterwards battled briefly and lost to his desire to truly see her 
safe and happy.  He turned his gaze from the lovers embrace as he 
wondered if he would ever find such happiness.

"Is everything ready?"  Buffy's softly voiced question nearly hid 
the trepidation she felt.

Willow slowly pulled her face from the side of Buffy's neck while 
reaching a hand up to softly caress her cheek.

"Everything is ready and everything is going to work out."  Willow 
told her softly then gave her a reassuring kiss.

Buffy looked into Willow's beautiful eyes and immediately felt calm 
and safe.  "I know," Buffy responded softly.  "because I believe in 
you."  Then she reciprocated Willow's kiss. 

After separating from their embrace Willow turned to the two adults 
in the room.  "We're ready."  Her voice conveying a confidence they 
had all grown to accept as natural but oblivious as to how recent 
this part of her nature had been affected.

Willow led the way to the basement stairs with Buffy immediately 
behind her and Angel taking up the rear.  Gathering together against 
the basement wall they all stood for a moment to observe the 
candlelit room.  The floor had been painted white with a large 
circle outlined in the middle.  The circle perimeter was a couple of 
inches wide consisting of topaz blue sand.  Within the circle were 
scribed multiple symbols of arcane origin of varying colored 
materials.  In the very center a two foot square slab of marble 
stood, its top surface carved into a basin.  In the basin could be 
seen a dry mixture of ingredients blending into a rusty orange 
color.  On the floor in front of the slab sat two decanters with the 
codex between them.

Buffy looked at Willow and saw warring emotions on her face.  She 
furrowed her own brow in worry.

"You OK Will?"  Buffy asked as she placed her hand on Willow's 
shoulder.

Willow turned her head and grinned.  "Just can't believe that I, 
Willow Rosenberg, uber geek am going to burn a book!"   Chuckling 
softly as she noticed Buffy's worried look dissipate into a mutual 
look of amusement.

"But if any book ever deserved burning this is definitely it."  
Taking a deep breath before starting she then called out.  "Places 
everyone."

Buffy, Joyce and Angel each took their pre-designated positions 
outside the circle, their bodies wavering between light and shadow 
in the candle light.  

Willow entered the circle and stood before the marble slab then 
turned to Angel.  Angel held a large candle and waited for Willow to 
give the go ahead.  With a nod of her head Angel sprinkled the 
candle with the ingredients from a small vial he held in his right 
hand.  Willow chanted while he sprinkled resulting in a strong 
reddish gold light when completed.

Willow turned to Joyce to repeat the process and then Buffy.  At the 
moment of completing the incantation over Buffy's candle the circle 
became surrounded in golden light pulsating with red, green and blue 
bands.

Willow then faced the marble slab and kneeled in front.  Lifting one 
of the decanters she began another chant while slowing pouring the 
crimson solution over the mixture in the basin.  The basin sparkled 
briefly then emitted a steady bluish light.

Willow then returned the empty decanter and grasping the codex, she 
lifted it and carefully placed it in the basin over the now glowing 
contents.  Picking up the other decanter she looked straight up as 
she cried out her final chant while emptying the contents of the 
decanter directly over the book.

As the final syllable left Willow's lips a blinding light filled the 
entire room and the momentary silence was replaced quickly with a 
high pitched roar like a jet engine.

All eyes now focused on the book as a blue gold flame rose through 
its center.  The flame began to spin like a dervish slowly 
expanding.  In moments it entirely consumed the book and with a 
thunderclap disappeared leaving the basin pristine.

With a sigh Willow stood slowly and clapped her hands once, twice 
three times.  On the third clap everyone blew out their candles and 
the room returned to near darkness except for a few candles set up 
around the room.

Willow turned to look at Buffy, her face glowing with warmth, peace 
and happiness. 

"You are beyond incredible.  Isn't she mom?"  Buffy asked not taking 
her eyes off the beautiful redhead.

"Oh I agree sweetheart.  Don't you think so Angel?"  Joyce turned to 
the dark figure in the corner as she asked his agreement.

Angel was silent for a moment, his shadowed face not revealing his 
surprise.

"More than you know."  He said softly. "More than you know."

"What do you mean?  More than we know."  Buffy asked moving across 
the room to stand in front of him.  "What do you know that we 
don't?"  She demanded.

Angel straightened his shoulders and turned his attention from Buffy 
to Willow.  "I didn't think this would work because only the most 
pure can call upon Diana's flame."  He paused before 
continuing.  "So many have failed but I didn't want to say anything 
discouraging since it was the only way to destroy the book in a way 
that would cancel the spell."

"You didn't think Willow was pure enough?"  Buffy regained Angel's 
attention with the disbelieving tone in her voice.

Angel couldn't help but smile.  `Of course Buffy would believe 
Willow is pure of heart and soul but she doesn't comprehend the 
difference.' He bemused.

"Sorry Buffy, but you don't understand.  There is pure."  He 
shrugged his shoulders indicating something not that special.  Then 
he pointed towards Willow.  "Then there is pure."

"Huhh?"  Buffy looked at him quizzically.  "Why can't you just talk 
like normal people and say what you mean?" 

Angel chuckled.  Buffy's dislike of anything vague never ceased to 
amuse him.

"What I mean is that the level of purity required to pull this off 
is very rare.  So rare that I doubt there are a half a dozen women 
alive who could have done what Willow did here tonight."  He smiled 
as Buffy's countenance altered as she wrapped her mind around what 
Angel had just said.

"You're very lucky Buffy.  Very lucky."  Angel felt a slight easing 
of his mind.  Any lingering thoughts he may have had towards 
possessing the slayer for himself were gone.  Even with Buffy's 
obvious preferences he had still harbored some egotistical belief 
that he could win her over.  But not now.  Not with competition like 
Willow.  Losing to someone of that caliber easily assuaged his 
pride. 

Buffy's whole face brightened with a huge smile.  Turning to Willow 
who still exhibited her previous smile but her eyes were now gently 
questioning Buffy.

"Did you hear that baby?  You're one in a billion."  Buffy told her 
proudly.  "Not a measly million.  A billion."

Buffy walked towards Willow, stopping as she cupped Willow's face 
with both hands.  "And he is right.  I am lucky, so lucky to have 
you," soft kiss, "to love you,' longer kiss, "to have your love."  
Buffy then kissed Willow deeply as she put her arms neck to draw her 
in as close as possible.

"Anybody up for pizza?"  Joyce decided that the situation was 
getting a bit too heated before the girls forgot they weren't alone.

Breaking apart reluctantly, the heavily breathing and blushing girls 
grinned.  "I'm in."  Said Willow.

"Me too, I am definitely hungry."  Buffy followed with a grin and 
slow wink.

After once again gathering in the living room Buffy turned to Angel.

"Would you like to stay while we pig out?"  She asked sincerely.

"Thank you but no.  I do have some final preparations to make before 
sunrise."  Angel responded in kind.  "Tomorrow night is the big 
one."  Turning to Willow confidence filled his voice.  "I believe 
everything will work out now."

Willow and Buffy moved as one to give Angel a simultaneous hug both 
uttering a heart felt thank you to the slightly less brooding 
vampire as he gently returned their embrace.


------------------------------------


Alone in Willow's bed the girls held each other silently each in 
their own thoughts, each pondering the series of events that had 
brought them to this final day.

"Did you say all your final good byes?"  Willow asked softly as her 
fingers gently stroked Buffy's ear.

Buffy sighed softly, her eyes closed while she enjoyed Willow's 
touch.  "Yea, not really much to say good bye too really, a picnic 
spot, theater, espresso pump and a concrete bench is pretty much 
it.  The most important things I get to keep."  Opening her eyes she 
touched her fingers to Willow's lips, gently caressing them.

"Unlike you, I get to keep my mother and my best friend."  Buffy's 
words giving rise to her sorrow and guilt.

Willow took Buffy's hand and placed it over her heart.  Holding 
Buffy's hand to her breast Willow spoke.  "Before you came I was 
empty.  The beating you feel was just a hollow sound.  It taunted 
me, reminding me that I lived but was never fulfilled."  

Willow's sad tone disappeared as she continued.  "Then I met you.  
In just days the sound of my heart no longer felt hollow.  The first 
time I realized it I knew it was because of you but I believed it 
was because of the friendship you gave me."

Willow now grinned mischievously.  "Then about three weeks after we 
met, I started having dreams about you.  When I woke from these 
dreams I felt& excited!"

Buffy's face became very attentive as she felt her skin suffused 
with warmth.

"I felt excited like I had never felt before.  My wildest fantasies 
about Xander never compared."  Willow looked slightly embarrassed, 
her eyes flickering briefly down.  "'Cause in my dreams and 
fantasies about Xander I never once thought or felt anything as 
erotic as my first dream about you."

"Really?"  Buffy whispered.

Willow smiled coquettishly.  "Really."

"But that's not all.  When I was investigating Giles and the council 
another part of me awoke."  Willow's voice became lowered filled 
with self wonder.

"I became focused for the first time in my life.  I was focused on 
protecting you and then saving you."  Willow took a much need breath.

"The pieces started falling together and when I looked at what they 
made I finally realized&"  Willow pulled Buffy's hand hard against 
her breast making Buffy gasp with the heat she felt emanating.

"I realized that I wasn't empty anymore.  I wasn't alone anymore.  
And even though I was scared to death for you I was truly happy for 
the first time in my life."  Willow raised the hand she held to her 
lips and tenderly kissed Buffy's finger tips.

"That's when I knew I loved you.  Loved you like nothing I ever 
imagined."  Willow moved her face closer to Buffy's until their 
foreheads and noses touched.

"You saved me Buffy, you saved my life.  You are my life, my reason 
for being.  As long as I'm with you I will be happy.  Only with you 
can I be happy."

"You are too wonderful, too incredible for me to be your reason for 
being."  Buffy hesitated briefly.

"I'm nothing special, well except for the slayer thing.  And because 
of you I'm not even going to have that cross to bear anymore.  I 
would be dead without you, literally dead.  You are not just my 
reason for being; you are my breath, my heart, my soul and my 
life."  Buffy's emotions finally broke as tears unashamedly flowed.

Willow kissed the tears from Buffy's face and smiled.  The warm 
saltiness cleansed her spirit and cleared her mind.

"I think this, us was destined.  You coming to Sunnydale.  The 
powers that be choosing you to be saved from the council over all 
the slayers before you.  Angel being sent to help was just part.  
They needed me here to make it work.  And I don't think your duties 
as slayer are going to be over.  I think you are being saved because 
they need you for something big, really big."  Willow paused, her 
innate modesty making it difficult to say next what she believed.

"And?"  Buffy asked softly sensing Willow wasn't finished.

"And I think I'm a part of it too.  I'm supposed to help you with 
whatever is coming.  Whatever happens, it involves both of us."  
Willow's soft voice was nearly inaudible.

Buffy didn't say a word to this revelation, a smile and a gentle nod 
of her head indicated her agreement.

Caressing Willow's arm she asked the only question that remained.

"So you're really OK with all this?  Leaving your home, family and 
friends behind and hook up with me for the ptb only know what?"  

"I'll miss Xander."  Willow halted as she pursed her mouth into a 
thoughtful pout.

"He misses you too."  Buffy said softly before Willow could continue.

Willow looked at Buffy incredulously.  "How would you know that?"  
The words came slowly as she crinkled her brow.

Buffy reached over and caressed Willow's cheek.  "I've seen him at 
night, standing across the street from your house for the last 
couple of weeks."  

Buffy moved her hand and began to caress Willow's ear lightly.  "He 
just leans against the old tree staring at your house.  Occasionally 
he mutters something, I'm not sure exactly what he says but the gist 
is that he's kinda pissed at himself.  So I've kinda been keeping an 
eye on him.  I crisscross my patrol route so that I come by a few 
times every night to make sure he's ok."

Willow smiles as a tear forms in the corner of her eye.  She pulls 
Buffy into a tight hug and whispers into her ear.

"Thank you."

Still holding Buffy tightly Willow speaks a bit more loudly.  "I 
know this is going to hurt him.  And if I had a choice I wouldn't do 
this to him."

Taking a deep emotion filled breath that sends shutters through her 
slight frame she continued her thought.

"But I don't think I really have any more choice in this than you 
did in becoming the Slayer.  Without you I'm dead inside, not much 
choice there."  Willow kissed Buffy softly then they both closed 
their eyes and slept peacefully, thinking only of each other in the 
here and now and not the monumental tasks that lay ahead.



---------------------------------


Buffy entered the Library just minutes after her watcher had 
arrived.  Seeing him moving around in his office she entered.

"Morning Giles."  Buffy said softly to gain his attention.

Rupert Giles turned slowly upon hearing Buffy's salutation.

Having Gile's attention she held out the small container of film she 
held in her hand.  Giles extended his hand and took the offered film 
but remained silent.  His corners of his mouth drooped as he 
realized that this would be the last time he would hear his slayer's 
patrolling report.

"Sit Giles."  Buffy instructed compassionately.

They both took seats and then Buffy started her final report.

"I encountered one vamp and 6 commandos.  The film has pictures of 
all of them."  Buffy couldn't muster her usual flippancy.

Her face nearly emotionless she continued in monotones.  "The 
commandos had captured the vamp with some kind of rifles that shot 
electrical beams at it.  I had arrived just as they were knocking it 
out.  They placed a net over it and then one guy with some kind of 
detector seemed to spot me."  She paused as she recalled her 
surprise.

"But it was a vague detection and only when I was standing still.  
Once I moved, they lost me."  Buffy then smiled ever so slightly.

"Then I used the only other spell Merrick taught me."  She smiled a 
bit more as Gile's eyes in surprise.

"I put them to sleep with the spell then took pictures of all of 
them and the vamp.  I staked the vamp, woke them up and listened to 
for anything they might say."  Buffy stopped as she recalled the 
apparent leaders reactions upon awakening from the spell.

"The leader went to where the vamp had been and when he figured out 
it was dusted he said, `Walsh is going to so pissed.'"  Buffy 
shrugged her shoulders a bit.

"I'm guessing he's talking about his boss, or commanding 
officer `cause I think these guys are military."  Then Buffy's face 
became concerned.

"Giles, I think the government may be getting into the demon 
business.  And I don't think it's to kill them.  They were trying to 
capture this vamp, not kill it."

Giles heart raced as he considered the ramifications of Buffy's 
report.  The thought of something as large and powerful as the US 
Government researching demons made his blood run cold.

"This is very disturbing."  He said slowly, his expression worried.

"Disturbing!"  Buffy exclaimed exasperated.  "Giles, they weren't 
trying to kill it.  They're probably going to try and control them, 
use them somehow.  And it's going to wind up biting them in the ass 
and get a lot of people killed."

Buffy then slumped her shoulders.  Looking sadly at the floor she 
voice her regret.  "And I won't be her to save them."

Giles thoughts hit a brick wall as he heard this chilling reminder.

Hesitantly, "Buffy& maybe I'm in denial but somehow I believe that 
you will be around to save them."

Buffy couldn't disguise her shock at this revelation.  `What does he 
know.'  Her panic screamed in her head.

Mistaking her expression Giles tried to reassure her.  "Buffy, while 
codex prophecies have never been wrong there is always a first time 
for everything."  He said hoping his words would prevent her from 
feeling that she had no chance of surviving her coming battle.

"I just want to remind you that if you go into this encounter 
remembering how much you have to live for that maybe you can 
survive."  He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a comforting 
squeeze.

Buffy relaxed as she understood that Willow's plan was still a 
secret.  "Thanks Giles.  I'll try and remember that."

Standing quickly, not feeling comfortable continuing this current 
topic she looked one last time at her watcher.

"I've got to get to class.  Keep up appearances, you know?"  Buffy 
said with a shrug of her shoulders as Giles also stood.

"Buffy, I'm so very proud of you.  Please don't ever give up because 
the world sorely needs you."  Giles voice strained out.

Not trusting her response Buffy smiled, turned and walked out of his 
life.



------------------------------



The crescent moon hung just above the horizon.  The sky behind was 
transcending from light blue to a darker navy hue that became the 
canvas for the stars of the night.  The air hung still and warm 
wrapping the land in quiet comfort like a mother protecting its 
child from whatever evil hid in the shadows.  This night those 
efforts were in vain.  There was no evil left in the shadows.  
Tonight it walked boldly, fully illuminated in man made light.


Buffy and Willow walked hand in hand as they entered the school 
gym.  Willow's eyes darted about, taking in all the decorations.  
The dance committee had outdone themselves, decorating the spring 
fling dance in a `Midsummer nights dream" motif.  

Buffy split her attention between the decorations and watching for 
attacks.  She knew they would come; in fact Willow's plan was 
counting on it.  Her nerves were on edge as she scanned the throng 
of students, waiting for that telltale sign of hostility indicating 
imminent assault.

Willow sensed the tenseness in the girl holding her hand and turned 
to whisper in her ear.

"Relax Buffy, enjoy this while we can.  You know that we need to 
look unprepared when it happens, otherwise the rest won't make 
sense."  Willow followed with a soft kiss to Buffy's cheek.

The soft touch of Willow's lips went further towards Buffy relaxing 
than the words, but Willows soft breath on her ear didn't hurt 
either.

Buffy visibly relaxed and smiled.  Her eyes glinted mischievously as 
she replied.  "Yea, nothing is likely to happen until they get some 
provocation."

Buffy then captured Willow's lips in a tender kiss which she broke 
upon hearing a rush of gasping sounds emanating from around them.

She turned and smiled sweetly at some of the hostile faces now 
turned in their direction.

"I want to dance, let's go!"  Buffy exclaimed as she pulled Willow 
with towards the dance floor.

Before they could take more than a few steps towards their 
destination, Principle Flutie blocked their path.  His rotund 
midriff effectively blocked their progress.  The girls stopped and 
raised their eyebrows questioningly at the flustered appearance of 
the school principle.

"What are you doing here!  You can't be here.  There's no police 
protection."  He nervously pulled a handkerchief from his breast 
pocket and began wiping the perspiration from his brow.

"We're here for the dance."  Willow replied her voice sweet and 
innocent and the expression on her face was innocently disarming.

Flutie was completely disarmed by the innocent expressions before 
him.  His fear of conflict waged against his desire to see justice, 
but years of placation had suppressed his ability to stand up for 
what was right.  In fact this was the loudest his righteous voice 
had sounded in years, but it was no use.  He had long ago succumbed 
to fear and no longer had the fortitude to fight.  So in fear 
induced thoughts he responded.

"Just wait and let me get some police escorts first."  He pleaded.  
Desperation clearly etched his beleaguered features.

"Fine."  Buffy replied as she smiled.  "You can call them while my 
date and I are dancing."

Buffy swung her arm around Willow lifting her through the air as she 
deftly maneuvered around the panicking administrator.

"Oh my, Oh my!"  Was heard behind them as Buffy swiftly returned 
Willow's feet to terra firma.

Buffy and Willow looked at each other with grins stretched across 
their faces as the responded in harmony.

"Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!"  The giggled hysterically to 
the amazed looks of a gathering throng.

Reaching the dance floor just as the band began their next song.  
The soothing tunes of Melissa Etheridge's `Come to my window' began 
to play.

Buffy reached her arms around Willow's neck, Willow's joined at 
Buffy's lower back as each pulled the other closer.  Buffy rested 
her head on Willow's shoulder as they slowly swayed to the music.

Around them the other students shifted and sifted like sand in a 
tide, a tide unseen and invisible to all.  The emanations from the 
hell mouth sought out it's mirrored components and moved them.  Like 
lemmings they were pulled and left unguarded, their fears were made 
manifest in hate.  People don't deal well with fear so it's only 
human to hate what you fear; it's so much easier to explain.  So 
those who for whatever reason feared the innocently dancing couple 
had those fears transformed into hate.  Hate turns into action so 
quickly, and before the final note faded, a half empty pint of Yukon 
Jack was flung, smashing against the blond hair of a girl lost in 
the arms of a red headed girl.  Such a fitting beginning to fear 
unleashed, and in hate made real.

"Buffy!"  Willow screamed.

Buffy was completely unprepared for the attack, so lost in the 
dance.  But at the sound of Willow's cry, any other thoughts 
disappeared.  The slayer was on full alert as the next impromptu 
missile approached.  Batting glasses and bottles away faster than 
thought she moved around Willow like a tornado, deflecting anything 
and everything before it could reach her love.

But the anger and frustration of the now turned unruly mob only 
increased.  Unable to achieve their objective from a distance, they 
surged forward in masse with the intent of achieving their objective 
with pure force of numbers.

Loud thudding sounds followed by screams of pain halted the onrush 
momentarily.  Buffy whirled to face this possibly new threat to see 
Xander, breathing raggedly, swinging a fire extinguisher at any and 
all in his way.

"Buffy, get her out of here now, I'll hold them off."  Xander 
practically screamed.

Not exactly to plan but beneficial, Buffy instantly decided not to 
risk Willow to injury any further.  Grasping Willow in her arms she 
flew by Xander utilizing the temporary path he had cleared.

The mob howled as one seeing the focus of their hate fleeing.  
Rushing forward like a wave they were halted only momentarily by the 
fiercely swinging Xander as he fought to buy desperately needed 
time.  The time may have been measured only in seconds but it was 
enough.  In fact, Buffy had to slow to make sure they wouldn't lose 
the mob completely.

As the enraged students passed over the lone Spartan, Xander rolled 
over, struggling to rise and follow.  His breath caught as several 
broken ribs made their dysfunction known.  Pausing briefly, he began 
to follow slowly, hunched over in pain but with only a single 
purpose.

As Xander lagged behind in spite of his best efforts the angry 
throng followed their quarry closely.

Willow held tightly in Buffy's arms finally had time and thought in 
sync as she looked at the tight expression on Buffy's face.

"Buffy, are you OK?"  She asked in the soft tones she knew was 
soothing to her.

Buffy grinned modestly.  "Yea, I'm fine.  I just wish they could run 
faster.  It's kinda difficult loping along like a turtle."

"Buffy!"  Willow exclaimed with a following chuckle.  "You've got me 
in you arms while running a six minute mile."

Buffy pouted, breathing obviously not a problem.  "That's the point; 
even with carrying you I can probably do a minute mile.  This is 
like so boring."

"Oh, my poor baby."  Willow patted her on the cheek then memory of 
the events in the gym raised other concerns.

"Xander!"  She exclaimed.  "Do you think he's alright?


"He bought us a few seconds to get in the clear.  There were so many 
of them that I think he may have been trampled a bit."  Buffy 
replied quickly.

"But I think he's ok because they didn't stop to pay him any special 
attention."  Buffy followed up with what she hoped would be 
encouraging news.

"God, I hope you're right.  There's no way we can go back to check 
but maybe we can get your mom or Angel to find out if he's ok?  
Willow's concern made only one response possible for Buffy.

"Absolutely.  Besides, he really came through.  You did say it was a 
possibility that Xander would intervene."  Buffy said encouragingly 
as she entered Restfield cemetery after a quick glance over her 
should to make sure that they were still pursued.

"I know, but I didn't expect it to be so.. dramatic."  Willow 
practically whispered at the memory of her old friend swinging the 
fire extinguisher without regard to his own safety.

"Yea, he proved himself to be the friend you can always count on."  
Buffy said soothingly.

Willow responded proudly.  "I never doubted that he would eventually 
come around.  I just wish it had been sooner."

Willow sighed as Buffy halted before the mausoleum doors.  Setting 
Willow on her feet, the both turned to see their pursuers mostly out 
of breath still about a hundred feet away.

"Time to go down the rabbit hole" Willow said softly with a slight 
tinge of fear.

Buffy grasped Willow's hand and yanked the door open pulling Willow 
with her.

The mob's anger was somewhat diminished after the two mile run to 
the cemetery.  But several of the more hardy members rushed in to 
the crypt, halting in the darkness.  They scanned the interior as 
their eyes adjusted to the dim light.  One of them pulled out a 
small flash light attached to his key chain and swung the beam 
around the room looking for their quarry.  The beam finally settled 
on the darkness revealed by the open iron gate.  Slowly they 
advanced peering in as far as the light would reveal.

"Who wants to go first?"  The one holding the light whispered.  

A new fear began to overwhelm their hate driven pursuit, fear of the 
unknown.  Self preservation made them pause and reconsider any 
further pursuit.  

"Well, they have to come out some time, why don't we just wait for 
them?"  One of the others made this fear induced observation seem 
very reasonable.

"Yea, let's just let the other's know that we have them trapped and 
we'll get them when they come out."  The third seconded the motion.

As they moved slowly back to join their fellows outside Buffy and 
Willow were just arriving at the spot where Angel had sequestered 
their equipment.


The spaced fluorescent lights in the utility tunnel provided enough 
light for them to quickly locate their change of clothing.  Both now 
fully focused on their biggest obstacle they quickly changed into 
the dark clothing, packing their dresses into the bag.

Buffy looked over Willow's clothing and after ascertaining that they 
were ready she spoke.  

"Let's do this."  She said with steely conviction.

Willow merely nodded and concentrated on invoking the shadow spell.

Moments later both girls faded from sight along with all the 
equipment.

Angel held his position in a side tunnel far enough from the cavern 
housing the master so as to remain undetected.  Even being this 
close he feared the master would sense his presence and find some 
way to use him against the slayer.  So he meditated on keeping 
himself as inconspicuous as possible and silently whispered a plea 
for the girl's success.

Buffy and Willow halted before the entrance to the cavern and 
deposited everything but their weapons.  Moving forward quietly, 
they halted right where the cavern walls opened up.  

Taking their time they scanned the far interior to ascertain the 
location of the master.  Spying the ragged stone wall along the far 
side with the large high back chair on the landing above they again 
paused to watch the statue like figure seated there.

Having held hands all the way, Buffy guided Willow to a large rock 
which would provide her a good vantage point.  As previously 
planned, Willow slowly and quietly took position with the 30-06 
rifle with bullets made of rosewood.  She had practiced for three 
weeks and could reliably hit the bulls eye at 100 feet.

Her current position was a bit closer.  With a slight squeeze to 
Willow's hand Buffy silently moved forward.  With practiced care she 
approached the grotesque figure clad all in black leather as it sat 
motionless.  

As she came closer Buffy felt a slight tingle as if she passed 
through an invisible door.  The figure on the wooden throne jerked 
its head up as if alerted by a tripwire.  

Buffy moved quickly to the side and forward upon seeing his sudden 
awareness.

"Slayerrrr."  Hissed from the master's mouth, the word made sinister 
as it wend its way over his large canines.

Buffy acted quickly before he could use his extended capabilities to 
possibly perceive her location.  Raising her crossbow from only 
twenty feet away she pulled the trigger and the arrow sped its way 
directly towards the master's heart.

The master's hand moved faster than sight as it intercepted the 
arrow.  Raising the arrow above his head, he stood forth in his 
arrogance.

"You're going to have to do better than that." He spoke just as a 
rosewood bullet pierced his chest while the echo of rifle fire 
reverberated through the cavern.

The bullet was slightly high, just missing the heart but the force 
of the bullet knocked the unprepared master back into his chair.  

Buffy leapt forward with all her speed, her arm racing down with the 
stake firmly grasped.  A moment before she struck, the master 
recovered sufficiently to blindly swing his arm that still held the 
arrow.  So intent on her target, Buffy failed to notice the master's 
desperate defense.

As her stake began to pierce his leather clad chest, her own arrow 
was imbedded in her left side just below her ribs.

But her aim was true.  While she fell to her side and rolled onto 
her back she bore witness to the disintegration of the vampire 
simply known as master.  Not simply dissolving in a cloud of dust, 
all his flesh seemed to explode into the air leaving behind the 
dried bones of a skeleton with inhumanly long fingers and misshapen 
skull.

"Buffy!"  Willow screamed as she witnessed the end of the vampire.  
Rushing forward she dropped her shadow while desperately looking for 
Buffy.

"Buffy, Buffy, where are you?"  Willow cried as she stumbled over 
the low stone wall.  

Buffy dropped her covering and slowly started to rise, unable to 
mask the pain she groaned.

Willow fell on her knees before the injured slayer, her eyes 
darting, searching for the source of her pain until the finally lit 
on the protruding arrow.

"Oh god no."  Willow exclaimed as her hand sought out the offending 
arrow.

"No Will, it needs to be removed properly to avoid excess 
bleeding."  Buffy gasped while grasping Willow's hand.

"Go call Angel and bring the med kit."  Buffy said with a reassuring 
squeeze.

Trusting fully in Buffy's experience and calmed by her affirmative 
words, Willow dashed from the cavern.

"Angel!  Angel!"  She yelled while unzipping the canvas bag and 
withdrawing the emergency med kit she had insisted be included.

As she stood to call once more, Angel stood before her.

Her eyes wide with concern she verified Angels presences then 
quickly ran back into the cavern calling back.

"Buffy's hurt."

Angel moved with a speed Willow couldn't match and was at the 
slayer's side when Willow arrived.  Laying the white metal case on 
the ground she quickly snapped the lid release as Angel examined the 
extent of the injury.

"Better give her some pain killers before I pull the arrow out.  
Then some antibiotic cream on the wound and we'll dress it."  Angel 
instructed while he prepared himself to withdraw the arrow with the 
least amount of injury.

"No!  She can't be on pain killers; it could mess up the spell."  
Willow exclaimed.

"Then she'll have to do without."  Angel said sadly.

Buffy looked up into Willow's face.  "All I need is for you to be 
kissing me and I won't feel any pain at all"

Willow's panicking brain stopped at the look of trust in Buffy's 
face.  She glanced over at Angel and nodded.  As she brought her 
lips to Buffy's Angel slowly but steadily withdrew the four inches 
of arrow that had just missed puncturing Buffy's lung.

With a gasp as she felt the arrow fully withdrawn, Buffy released 
Willow's kiss.

Angel and Willow quickly worked to clean and dress Buffy's injury.  
When finished, Buffy stood slowly, carefully testing her mobility.

Willow reached for Buffy's arm as the slayer moved slowly at first, 
then relaxing somewhat as she found the pain bearable.

Buffy smile wanly at Willow.  "I'm OK, just need to go slow for a 
bit."

Looking over at Angel, "You're going to have to do all the heavy 
lifting and stuff.  OK?"  Willow asked as she tried to return her 
focus to the task at hand.

"No problem."  Angel replied as he quickly took off to retrieve the 
materials they would need to set up the next stage of events.

Willow offered her arm and Buffy gratefully took it.  The two made 
their way to the entrance of the cavern where a side utility tunnel 
was exposed.  As they arrived, Angel appeared with a couple of large 
blue plastic drums.

He quickly placed them in strategic locations in the cavern while 
Willow took the cordless drill with the special carbon fiber bit.  
Buffy carefully lifted one of the sacks they had brought with them 
and followed her girlfriend into the tunnel.  The tunnel was dank 
and dark but they only needed to travel about 20 feet to locate 
their target.  A three foot diameter pipe with the words `Southwest 
Gas Company' stenciled on the side.

Handing Willow a breathing mask Buffy then place one over her own 
face.  When Willow had hers properly placed she placed the special 
carbon drill bit carefully against the side of the gas line.  Buffy 
took a can of oil and began squirting it where the drill bit 
rested.  Once the area was well oiled, Willow slowly squeezed the 
trigger of the variable speed drill.  With infinite care she bore 
into the metal pipe until with a whoosh the drill broke through.  
Extracting the drill the girls returned everything to the bag except 
the masks and returned to the cavern to check on Angel's progress.

Angel was standing over one of the drums waiting expectantly.  
Seeing the girls he called out. "Ready?"

Willow took a deep breath and then lifted her mask.  "Add ten 
minutes since Buffy can't move as fast as we had planned."  Then 
pulled her mask back down.

Nodding in understanding, Angel set the timer on the one drum then 
quickly moved to the next and set its timer.

Joining the girls, they made their way down the tunnel to where 
Angel's car awaited by a manhole on a nearby deserted street.



-------------------------




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Willow: "It's a good fight, Buffy, and I want in."
Buffy:  "I kinda love you."
                     'Choices'

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