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Internet Message Format | 1998-03-31 | 2MB

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: New Fic
Date: 01 Mar 1998 00:09:06 -0500

(A few notes from the author) This is just so everybody knows I haven't
dropped off the face of the earth when you stop getting my fanfics. I AM
writing a new fanfic, but I'm going to post it only after I've written
the whole thing. This should be a fun one. It takes place about 10 years
into the future, and it's a mix of the post-"passion" universe and my
post-"One Vampire's Headache..." universe. If anyone wants to help me
with ideas, feel free to write. In particular, I'm having trouble with
what to do with Willow in 10 years. If you have any suggestions, please
write! ([e-mail])
-Ingrid

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From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Welcome to the Hellmouth, Scully 6/6
Date: 01 Mar 1998 00:51:33 -0500

This was fantastic! Normally I detest crossovers, but this was a fine
job! It was a bit mushy for Mulder and Scully, but I loved the way you
brought Angel back! The werewolf comment at the end was hysterical!
-Ingrid


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From: "The Mistress" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 19:37:03 EST

I need a Beta Reader for an ongoing fic I'm writing.  It's called
"Hacker Hunting".

Karras

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From: Amber Wilkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 18:51:16 -0600

The Mistress wrote:
>
> I need a Beta Reader for an ongoing fic I'm writing.  It's called
> "Hacker Hunting".
>
> Karras

Hints as to what it's about? It sounds like good reading to me!

Amber

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From: NuPhalanx <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 20:04:48 EST

Hi!
 I'd like to check it out.

cordially,

Mike Z.

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From: "The Mistress" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 20:12:52 EST


>> I need a Beta Reader for an ongoing fic I'm writing.  It's called
>> "Hacker Hunting".
>>
>> Karras
>
>Hints as to what it's about? It sounds like good reading to me!
>
>Amber

It's a crossover with the Tv series Weird Science....which oddly enough
has a load of parrallels with BTVS. (The hackers on both shows have
"dated" robotics, done battle with Buffy type vamps, etc)



Karras

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

From: Amber Wilkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 19:18:46 -0600

The Mistress wrote:
>
> >> I need a Beta Reader for an ongoing fic I'm writing.  It's called
> >> "Hacker Hunting".
> >>
> >> Karras
> >
> >Hints as to what it's about? It sounds like good reading to me!
> >
> >Amber
>
> It's a crossover with the Tv series Weird Science....which oddly enough
> has a load of parrallels with BTVS. (The hackers on both shows have
> "dated" robotics, done battle with Buffy type vamps, etc)

I've never watched Weird Science. Is it something that I would need to
know for the 'fic to make sense?

Amber

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From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (4/8)
Date: 02 Mar 1998 16:53:43 EST

Title: Who Am I (4/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
********************
~PART 4~

"Good morning."  Xander greeted as he caught up with Buffy and Willow.
       "Hey." Willow replied.
       "How are you feeling Buffs?" Xander asked concerned. "Did you
sleep well?"
       "Not really. I had a lot of weird nightmares." she replied tiredly.
       "Well, we'll make you forget them because us three are going to
the Bronze tonight." Xander admitted.
       "The what?" Buffy asked trying to comprehend.
       "The Bronze. It's the local club. Actually the only club."
Willow informed. "Angel will probably be there." Willow was hoping to
get that silly grin out of Buffy that she always got when his name was
mentioned and it worked.
        "Really?" Buffy asked her eyes lighting up.
        "Uggh." Xander groaned at the mention of Angel's name, but
Willow elbowed him quietly telling him to shut up.
        "Probably." Willow smiled.
        "Great, I need to get to class." Buffy happily replied. "See you
later."
        "We'll meet in the library after school." Willow called to Buffy's
retreating form.
         "Ok." she called back.
         "Now we know she's lost her memory. Buffy willingly going to
class. My world's all askew. Again." Willow observed.
         "Even with no memory, she's hung up on the undead." Xander
interjected. "It's real sad when a girl would choose a walking corpse
over me."
         Willow was real tired of hearing they same thing from Xander
day after day.
         "Xander give it up, and lay off Angel." she replied harshly. She
didn't mean for it to come out like it did, but once it was said she felt
a little better.
         Xander didn't answer or even acknowledge. Instead of continuing the
argument they headed to class.

*********************

        "Well, this is the Bronze." Xander informed as the three
entered the dark and murky nightclub.
        "It's nice." Buffy replied looking at her surroundings. Xander and
Willow gave her a look.
        "In a-a dismal sort of way." she added.
        "Come on, let's get a table." Willow offered.
        While the trio made their way to an empty table they didn't see
the dark figure lurking in the shadows. Spike just finding out that Buffy
lost her memory decided to confirm this for himself. He was pleasantly
pleased that the Slayer was finally going to meet the fate she kept denying.
He silently watched the group until he saw Angel walk in. "Damn."
he muttered. "At least I can put my plan into action. Operation kill the
Slayer is looking better and better." he murmured and backed deeper into
the shadows and left.
        Willow looked up to see Angel approaching, and wanting to give
him and Buffy some time alone nudged Xander, "Why don't we go get
some drinks." Willow suggested.
        Xander also seeing Angel was more reluctant to leave the two alone.
"I'm not really thirsty." he replied.
        "Well, I am and I'm sure Buffy is as well." Willow gritted her teeth.
        "Yeah, a water would be great." Buffy supplied.
        "Great. We'll go get it." Willow answered while grabbing Xander
by the arm and dragging him towards the counter.
        "Hi." Angel greeted Buffy as he approached the table.
        Buffy swiveled her head towards the voice and smiled when she
saw who it was. "Oh, hi." she replied. She held in her happiness at his
presence.
        "Are you doing alright? You look kind of tired." Angel asked
 concerned.
        "I didn't get much sleep. Nightmares kept me up." she replied.
"I really don't want to be here, but Willow and Xander asked me to come."
Buffy added.
        "I could walk you to Willow's if you want to go." Angel offered.
        "You really don't have to do that." Buffy declared.
        "I want to. I'd feel better knowing you were safe." Angel responded.
        "Well, if you insist." Buffy joked, but was pleased at his concern for
her.
        "I insist." he finished with a small smile.
        Buffy felt her knees getting all melty. "Let me just tell them I'm
leaving."
Buffy replied. Angel nodded.
        When she came back they headed out of the Bronze into the dark.

****************

      They walked in silence for most of the walk, until Angel glanced
sideways at her and realized she seemed distracted.
       "Do you want to talk about it?" Angel asked breaking the silence.
       "Huh? I'm sorry. I know I'm probably terrible company right now."
       "I've always enjoyed your company." Angel replied sincerely.
       Buffy smiled and looked at the slowly moving sidewalk underneath her
feet. "I know this is going to sound stupid but, do you think vampires exist."
she asked.
       Angel began to panic. "Anything's possible." his voice cracked.
Little did she know she was walking right beside one. "Why do you ask?"
he prodded, curious as to why she brought up that particular subject.
      "Well, that's what the nightmares are about. Never mind it's stupid."
she gently shook her head.
      "No it's not. It'll all come back to to. You'll figure it out." Angel
reassured.
      "I hope." Buffy didn't seem as sure as he did.
      "You will. And I'll be here if you need help." Angel informed.
      They stopped at the front door to Willow's house and Angel patiently
 waited while Buffy retrieved the house key from her pocket that Willow
had given her and turned back to him.
     "Thank you for walking me here." Buffy started.
     "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you."
Angel confessed.
     Buffy couldn't respond. She felt herself falling deeper into his eyes.
Neither of them noticed themselves leaning closer as if they were drawn
by some invisible force. Their lips met and she felt the world around her
disappear. When he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss she pulled
away before she wouldn't be able to.
      "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Angel guiltly said.
      "No, it's just that I don't want to start something I know nothing
about.
This feels so right. I-I just need some time to figure things out." Buffy
wanted to take that guilty expression off his face.
      "I know I didn't mean to confuse you." Angel replied.
      Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Don't worry about it. It's not as if
 I didn't enjoy it." Buffy slyly responded with a grin.
      Angel grinned as well and leaned foward and gently kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight Buffy." he began. "And don't invite anybody in." he finished.
      Buffy looked at him confused.
      "Just trust me on this one. Okay." he answered to her unspoken
question.
       She nodded and wished him goodnight and went inside. Angel
watched silently until she was safely inside with the door shut and locked
and headed back into the night.
***********************
To be continued...........

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From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Mail Problem
Date: 02 Mar 1998 14:51:19 PST

I had a slight problem this morning, in that in the span of 3 hours, all
the mail in my account disappeared.  I would appriceate it if anyone who
sent out story parts within the last 24 hours could resend them to me
privately.  I think there was also a couple of requests for parts of my
story in there.  If you've sent me a request for parts of Inner Demons
and haven't gotten a reply, please send your request again.

Thank you.


                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


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From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I  (1/8)
Date: 02 Mar 1998 03:03:01 EST

Title: Who Am I (1/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
*********************
~PART 1~

In a wharehouse on the bad side of town Spike paced back & forth
with a very agitated look upon his face.
       "What can I do to get rid of that bloody slayer?" he mumbled
to himself. So caught up in his own thoughts, he didn't see Drusilla
walk in until he felt her hand upon his shoulder.
       "What's wrong love?" his consort prodded him gently.  Spike
never glanced up. Instead he kept his gaze  down scuffing his boots
against the floor.
       "It's that damn slayer. She keeps mucking up my plans." he replied.
       "Oh, don't worry love that's all going to change. Soon very soon."
Drusilla confirmed while she grazed his cheek with her cold hand. Suddenly
interested Spike jerked his head her way.
       "What do you mean?" he asked impatiently.
       "You'll see." She replied with a sly grin.
       "Should I send the boys out?" "Yes, do that and then we can finally
 have our party." Drusilla reminded. Spike gave her an evil grin.
       "Brutus." he yelled.
*********************************
        " I'll wait 5 more minutes. If the undead don't attack, the Slayer
doesn't slay."
Buffy Summers said th the empty cemetary. She was on her daily patrol
 through the graveyard looking for the usual blood sucking baddies, but
none have appeared for the past 2 hours. She stopped walking and leaned
up against an old mausoleum.
      "I really could be doing something better with my time, then sitting in
a graveyard talking to myself." she said loudly hoping to attract some
undead attention. "You'd at least think Angel would show up." Buffy
whispered to herself.
       Before she could get wrapped up in her thoughts of him she heard
a loud growl. Dead ahead (no pun intended) were 2 snarling vampires.
Buffy grabbed the stake in the inside of her sleeve. "Finally some action."
she said to herself.
      "Come on boys, don't be shy." Bufy coaxed them. Taking her up
on her offer they rushed at her. Buffy stood perfectly still hands folded
across her chest and when the two vamps were close enough she
stepped aside and held out the stake. The vamp closest to her ran
heart first into it, quickly disintergrating into dust.
      "One down, one to go." she said. Buffy quickly grabbed the
stake snug in her boot and took on the other. She ducked as the
vampire through a punch at her, and quickly got up and delivered a
round house kick to the side of his face. The vampire staggered back,
but didn't give up. The angrier he became the clumsier he got.In no time
Buffy had him staked as well. She pushed a wisp of stray hair behind her
ear and before she could revel in her victory another large growl emitted
from behind her. Before she could turn around to see who her next victim
was, a large hand grabbed her neck and suddenly she realized she was
flying through the air, right into a tree. She put her hands out in front of
her to soften the blow. When she hit the ground her head hit a rock
knocking her unconscious.
       The large vampire seeing such an easy kill stalked over to the
unconscious Slayer. He lifted her up easily by the neck, tilted her
head to the side as his fangs slowly descended towards the soft flesh of
her neck.
**********************
To be continued..........

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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (3/8)
Date: 02 Mar 1998 03:07:02 EST

Title: Who Am I (3/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
************************

~PART 3~

"None of us look familiar to you?" Willow asked quiet concern clouding
her eyes.
      "No, I don't even know my own name." Buffy answered back.
      "Buffy." Angel supplied.
      "What did you say?" Buffy asked back.
      "Buffy Summers, that's your name." Giles responded to her
confused question.
      "Buffy. What kind of name is that? What were my parents thinking?
I do have parents right, and I'll ask again who are you people?" Buffy
rambled, while jumping off the table to stand in front of the group.
      "Calm down Buffy. We'll answer any questions you may have, but
first what's the last thing you remember?" Giles asked quickly trying to
 reassure the distraught girl, while Xander guided Buffy to an empty seat.
      "I-I can't remember anything. Everything is new to me." she
answered slowly.
      "I'm Xander, this is Willow, Giles, and Angel." Xander said.
Indicating each presence with his finger. "We're your friends." he finished.
      The word friends seemed to register in her head. Although she
couldn't remember these people her heart told her they spoke the truth.
Once again Buffy studied each "friend" in turn analyzing them. Her gaze
fell upon the only other girl in the room. The petite redhead. Willow was
her name. To Buffy she seemed shy and unsure of her self, but fierce
about her love and loyalty. The boy Xander seemed to give off that funny,
sarcastic vibe. Always trying to get people to laugh even if he doesn't
mean to. The older man. The one with the glasses, Giles they called him.
He seemed kind of stuffy yet wise. Like if you asked him a question and
he didn't know the answer he wouldn't stop until he found it. When her
gaze fell upon the last occupant of the room she smiled to herself. He was
gorgeous. The classic tall, dark, and handsome guy that every girl dreamed
of. Yet his eyes held a hint of mystery, a knowledge that set him apart
 from the rest. He seemed different somehow, but she couldn't put her
finger on it. Angel the one name she wouldn't forget. It seemed to fit him.
        "Buffy, did you hear me?" Willow interrupted her thoughts.
        "Hmm, oh that's me right?" she asked.
        "Right?" Willow answered back.
        "I'm sorry. What were you saying?" Buffy asked.
        "Your mom's out of town, but your more then welcome to stay with me."
Willow extended the invitation graciously.
        "Are you sure? I-I don't want to impose."
        "I'm positive", Willow responded to her unsurity "your my best
friend."
        I wide grin set upon Buffy's face and nodded. At least she wasn't
alone in this.The two girls vacated their seats and began to head out.
Buffy turned around.
        "Thank you", she started, "for helping me. I won't forget it." Buffy
finished.
        "Hey, that's what guys are for. To protect the little women." Xander
put in while puffing out his chest to try and seem manly.
        The girls giggled. "Xander." Willow scolded.
        "Call us when you two get home, so we know you are safe." Giles
tone commanded more than requested.
        "I will." she answered reassuringly and headed out with Buffy in tow.
        " What are we going to do?" Angel finally spoke.
        "Let's just hope her amnesia is temporary, and let's not make it
harder on her by telling her about being the slayer or vampires. I don't think
she'd be able to handle it." Giles replied.
        "But if Spike knows about this, he'll come back for her, and she
couldn't possibly fight him in this state." Angel added.
        "Yeah, I'm going to have to go with dead boy on this one."
Xander interjected.
        Angel glared at him, but Giles responded. "Xander this is not the
time to joke around. We must all work together to help Buffy through this.
And one of us must be with her whenever she goes out." Giles informed.
        Xander and Angel looked at each other then back at Giles and nodded
their heads in agreement.
********************************

To be continued........

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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (2/8)
Date: 02 Mar 1998 03:04:17 EST

Title: Who Am I (2/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
 & Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
*************************

~PART 2~

Before he could sink his fangs into Buffy's neck he was dealt a blow
from behind. The vamp dropped the Slayer once more and turned
around to see who had attacked him. Angel stood behind him in
"game face" snarlingly angrily.
      "Get away from her." he snarled.
      The vampire not intimidated by Angel lunged at him. Angel was
 to angry to play any games, seeing how easily Buffy could be taken
from him. He lunged as well, knocking the vamp to the ground and began
pummeling him senslessly. When he stopped to search for a stake, the
large vamp got up and ran. Not wanting to pursue in fear of Buffy's life he
resorted to shouting.
     "Tell Spike he's going to pay for this." he yelled at the back of the
retreating vampire. When Angel reverted his gaze at Buffy's prone form
his anger turned to worry. He slipped back into his human guise and knelt
beside her.
      "Buffy." he called to her softly. When she didn't respond or even stir
he became  worried. He checked to make sure she had a steady pulse
and her breathing was normal. When he was assured of that, he lifted
her small form into his arms as though she weighed a feather and headed
towards the library.

********************

       When Brutus stumbled back into the wharehouse a few minutes
later he was immediately greeted by Spike.
       "Did you get her." Spike asked quickly.
       "Yeah, I got her. I was this far away from drinking her lifes blood
when your buddy Angelus came along and stopped me." Brutus exclaimed.
        "Damn traitor." he replied pounding the table with his fist for
emphasis.
        "What exactly happened?" he continued.
        "I threw her into a tree and she hit her head on a rock, knocked
her unconscious and them your friend showed up." Brutus answered.
        "We might be able to use her injury to our advantage." Spike
smiled evily. Realizing there may be a silver lining he began to scheme
his next plan of action.

*****************

        Willow and Xander were chatting happily in the library, waiting
for Buffy to get back from patroling so they could all go to the Bronze,
while Giles had his head buried in a book as usual, when Angel came
through the double doors carrying Bufffy's unconscious form in his arms.
He gently laid her on the table.
        "Oh my God! What happened!?" Willow shouted.
        "What happened to Buffy?" Xander asked as well.
        Giles was immediately at her side checking her injuries.
        "I don't know exactly. Except for the fact that she was about to
become vamp food, and I think she hit her head." Angel informed, although
seeing Buffy laying there unconscious, cold fear struck his heart.
         Giles gently probed the base of her skull and felt the swollen lump
 begin to form. "Yes, she has a bump," Giles offered "but otherwise she
seems to be fine."
         "Fine, she's not moving, you consider that fine? It must be a
British thing." Xander was becoming paranoid.
         "I meant beside the obvious." Giles snapped back.
         Just then Buffy's eyes fluttered open. Everyone assembled held
their breath (well almost everyone, Angel would if he could.) as she
worked herself back into consciousness. Buffy let out a small moan and
brought her hand up to her head.
Angel helped her sit up.
         "Ouch." was the first word out of her mouth as she felt the bump.
         "Let me get you some ice." Giles offered. She just nodded.
         "Buffy, are you ok?" Willow asked concern written all over her face.
         Buffy didn't answer. Giles came back with some ice wrapped in a
cloth and handed it to Buffy.
         "Thanks." she murmured as she placed the coldness on the bump.
         "Buffy." Angel called softly brushing the hair away from her face.
         For the first time she lifted her head and glanced at each in turn
with
a blank stare. There was no recognition in her eyes.
         "Who are you people?" she asked confused.
         The others starred at each other, but it was Xander who spoke.
         "Uh, oh." Xander murmured. "We're in trouble."

********************************
To be continued.........

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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (4/?)
Date: 01 Mar 1998 18:05:41 PST


Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 4   PG

A piercing scream broke the usual lunchroom chatter.  Everyone shot
their heads in the direction of it.

ôAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  HELP!!!!!!!!!ö
screamed the voice again.

Just then Cordelia jumped up on one of the tables and screamed.
ôSOMEONE CATCH IT!!!  OH MY GOD ITÆS DISGUSTING!!!!!ö

Everybody stared at her in confusion.  ôCatch what?ö  a voice yelled.

ôA RAT!   ITS A RAT!  OH MY GOD!ö  she screamed.  Her outburst caused an
uproar.  Soon everyone was screaming and trying to get out of the room.

From the corner door of the room, Buffy, Willow, and Oz crouched.  When
they saw Snyder and all the other staff run in to try and break up the
chaos,  Buffy whispered to her friend, ôYou ready?ö  and Oz responded,
ôYep!ö  ôThen let them go!ö  At her command, Oz opened the box and a
dozed rats into the room, causing even more of an uproar.  The three of
them immediately left, so they wouldnÆt be spotted.

ôI have to give Cordy some credit.  She is one good screamer.ö  Buffy
said, laughing.

ôI didnÆt think it would work!ö  Willow giggled.

ôWell the riot will only last so long so weÆd better hurry.ö  They ran
down the hall to the other end of the school to the electrical room.

When they got there, Buffy grabbed the lock.  ôWell here goes nothinÆ!ö
she said, and pulled down with all her strength.  The lock broke open
easily.  Buffy smiled when she saw OzÆs eyes widen  ôHa.  Cheap locks.
Gotta love emÆ.ö  Buffy opened the door and stepped inside.  ôOkay, keep
a watch out.ö  she whispered.

ôNo prob.ö

Buffy turned on the light, which caused dust to go flying everywhere.
ôGood Lord!  Its like no one has been in here for a hundred years,ö  she
coughed.  Looking at the main power source, she thought to herself
<How the hell am I going to break this thing?>  She leaned in for a
closer look, and saw a big lever.  <Hhmmm...I wonder what this does?>
She pulled down hard and it broke off.  ôUh Oh!ö  she said, and the
power when out.  She turned on her flashlight and grabbed a stake out of
her bag and rammed it into the machine.  It started sparking and smoke
rose from behind it.

ôBuffy!  Are you okay in there?ö  called Willow.  She opened the door
and Buffy came out, coughing.  ôWeÆd better get back to the library
before someone catches us.ö  The Slayer nodded her head in agreement.
She shut the heavy door and grabbed identical lock from her pocket that
she had taken from GilesÆ office and locked the door.  They quickly left
the scene.


*   *   *   *   *


ôWhew!  IÆm so glad that worked!ö  Buffy said with relief as she walked
through the doors of the library.

ôDamn.  I didnÆt think you could do it.ö  Oz said with a smile.

ôOh..Buffy!  IÆm glad that your okay.  The power when out and I wasnÆt
sure of what was going on...ö  he stopped speaking when he noticed her
mischievous grin.  ôOh dear. That was you?ö

ôA job well done!  They wonÆt be able to fix that generator for a while,
so itÆs only a matter of time before we should be getting the notice to
leave.ö

Giles rubbed his temples.  ôIs that before or after your expelled?ö

Ignoring him, she sat on the table.  ôAll we have to do is wait.ö



______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (5/?)
Date: 01 Mar 1998 18:07:19 PST


Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 5    G

About twenty minutes later, they heard the library door open and saw
Sunnydale High SchoolÆs Assistant Principal Brandt walk through.  ôHello
everyone.ö

ôHey Mr. Brandt.  Is everything okay?  WeÆve been worried since the
power went out.ö  Buffy said in her most innocent tone.

ôYes, everything is fine.  It seems as though someone broke into the
schoolÆs electrical room and busted the generator.ö

ôOh no!  Can it be fixed?ö

ôNot anytime soon.  I came to let you know that school is canceled for
at least the rest of the week, and there will be no more classes for the
rest of the day.  He said, and left.

Buffy glanced at Giles with a big smile.  ôLike I said, a job well
done.ö  she put her leather jacket on that Angel gave her, and put the
book she had previously dropped into her bag. ôIÆm going to go see Angel
now.  IÆll come back in a couple of hours.ö  As the girl ran out of the
library, Xander was coming in.  She was in such a hurry that she almost
knocked him over.

ôWoah!  Where ya going?ö  He asked.

ôBye Xander!ö  she yelled back.

ôHmm,ö he said and shrugged his shoulders.  ôThis is sooo cool!  No
school.  Hey guys did you here what happened in the cafeteria?  A whole
bunch of mice ran through and Cordelia freaked out,ö  he started
laughing.  ôYou should have seen the look on her face!ö  he said,
laughing harder.  ôThen, to top it off, some kid caused the power to go
out...ö  he stopped laughing when he noticed that they didnÆt seem
surprised.  ôWhatÆs going on?ö  he asked, confused.

ôWell are you guys happy?  I made a total fool out of myself just for
you!  Now my throat hurts from screaming so hard.  Anyway, how did Buffy
get the power to go out?ö  Cordelia said, walking into the room.

ôWha...wait.  You guys were behind this?ö  Xander asked, completely
surprised.  ôI should have known.ö

ôYou gotta do what you gotta do,ö  Willow said, then busted up laughing.




______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Robert Rhoades <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sins of the Mother (7/9) Rated R, by Vapthorne
Date: 02 Mar 1998 21:22:45 -0500 (EST)

Title: Sins of the Mother 7/9
Author: Robbie Rhoades (a.k.a. Vapthorne)
E-Mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Spoiler: None, but this chapter is a lot like School Hard
Distibution: Ask.
Content Warning: This chapter get very violent and has a lot of
foul language.

Summary: Buffy's Mom looks back to her youth on an event that
concerned vampires.

Disclaimer: Joy Matthews (aka Joyce Summers) is not my character. She,
along with Buffy and Co. belong to Joss, and Mutant Enemy. And belive
me they have better things to do than to drag me in court.

Feedback: The only way for me to continue and finish this story is
with your feedback.

Special Thanks to Sarah Douglas for editting.
*****
Sins of the Mother, Part 7

    The door to the ladies' room slowly creaked open.

    "All clear!" Joy whispered, as the three slowly stepped out.

    "What's our first move, fearless leader." Dalton asked.

    "Our first move is for you to get in volume down." Joy quietly
explained, "If the vampires here us, we'll lose our element."

    "What element?" Rebecca wondered.

    "Surprise!" A mysterious voice replied from behind the teenage
trio.

    They turned around and noticed two vampires and another demonic
figure.

    "That element." Joy dimly said. She quickly took notice of the
third being, carrying a spiked mace. Judging from the size of the
monstrous party and the size of the massive demon, Joy knew that it would
be unwise to fight. Logic told to do the next best thing. "Run!"

    Before the monsters could make the first move, the three youths
retreated into the boys' restroom and had the door locked.

    "This went well." Dalton mentioned. The swift smash of the wooden
door interrupted the conversation.

    "Shit! I don't think the door will hold." Rebecca dreaded with
fright. "Not to mention the fact that we're trapped!"

    Despite the fact that death was upon them, Joy remained calm and
in control as she examined her options. Confidence sparked when she
noticed the window and the weapons that they were carrying. "No, we're not
trapped."

*****
    The demon completely smashed the door, now the bathroom was free
for entry.

    "Come on. Now we got..." The demon charged into the room, noticed
that no one was in the bathroom, and became puzzled. "What the? These
humans aren't magicians. Where did they..." He glanced at the opened
window and realized what happened. "Of course, they escaped through the
window. You two, give me a boost."

    The other two vampires quickly assembled to form a stand so the
third on can climb up. The mace-wielding vampire placed his weapon to the
ground and stepped on the backs of the two.

    "Now when I'm all the way up, hand me my mace..." He grabbed the
ledge of the window and struggled to scale up, suddenly he lost support
from the bottom. "What the..."

Rebecca and Dalton sneaked up from behind the two vamps and stabbed them
in the back turning them to dust. Apparently the adolescents had opened
the window as a ruse, and hid in the bathroom stales, waiting to when the
timing was right. Joy walked out of the third stale and pick up the mace.
The remaining vampire lost his grip and fell on his back. The next thing
he knew, Joy was standing on top of him.

"You want your mace?" Joy sarcastically asked, "Well, here it is." She
stroked the heavy weapon at his chest thrusting his heart a spiked end,
now making him no different than the other two. "Three down in the first
five minutes, that's what I call progress. Let's go." As the three walked
down the hallway, Joy noticed the fire axe, so she smashed the glass with
the mace, she handed the spike weapon to Dalton, and she gave the axe to
Rebecca. Joy held the silver dagger firmly in her hand as she left the
vampires in their dust.

*****
    "This girl is good." The Necromancer examined the three dust piles
in the bathroom, long after Joy and the others left. "If I didn't posses
foresight, I would say this female is the slayer."

    "What do we do?" Flower asked.

    "What about the other humans locked inside?" The Necromancer
asked.

    "Half are in a classroom. The other half are in the library."
Flower said.

    "Come, if we can't catch the girl, then we'll make her come to
us." The Necromancer moved out of the bathroom and towards the library.

    "How?" Flower asked as she followed.

    "How does a fisherman catch a fish... with bait. "

    "You're Unholyness." Another vampire entered the bathroom dragging
Claudia, who was barefooted, by the arm. Claudia did every effort to
struggle free, but was unable to succeed. When she looked at the
Necromancer, she became paralyzed with fright. "I found her trying to
escape. What should we do with her?"

    "We place her on a hook." He said.

    "What?" Claudia shocked with fear.

    "Groovy man." Flower replied.

*****
    Joy, Rebecca, and Dalton, now near the cafeteria kitchen,
continued their search for the vampires.

    "What was that?" Rebecca heard a small sound coming from the
kitchen. The three quietly and cautiously stepped towards the sound. As
they advanced forward, the pale vampire came into view, feasting on
cheese.

    "I must say, you have a strong stomach if you can digest
government cheese." Joy wisecracked.

    "So we meet again, Maiden, and I see you brought allies." The pale
vampire declared, "Little good it will do you, when you experience my true
power."

    The vampire demonstrated this power and morphed into a more
demonic bat-like creature. The creature still possessed a fairly humanoid
frame with a pair of wings attached to his back, almost like a
hair-covered gargoyle. Everyone stood in daze, Joy seen vampires before,
but never a monster like this. This monster stood massive compared to his
old form, covered in fur, and snorted with terror.

    "What are you?" Joy asked, "You can't be a vampire."

    "But, I am." The were bat retorted, "I'm a special breed. A true
creature of the night." He charged toward Joy, and just as he was to land
on top of her, Dalton smashed his face with the spike club. The bat turned
to Dalton and he knocked him down with his left wing. Rebecca hewed the
fire axe into the back of the monster, despite the wound the blade dealt
he was able to remove from his skin, and then he smacked the Asian girl
across the face with his whip-like tail.

While fending off the attack form the other two, he had shortly forgot
about his intentional target, Joy Matthews. She took the opportunity to
take her silver blade and stabbed the demon in the heart. However, a swift
body movement on his part made her puncture his chest instead. The holy
properties of the silver burned the bat's skin like acid.

"Damn you, bitch." The monster grabbed Joy by the shirt and flung her
toward the stove. He then leaped towards her with his claws ready to
strike. However, she managed to roll out of the way just in time, and the
bat lashed at the stove, causing it to knock over and the gas pipe busted.
Rebecca sniffed the air, and she knew the room was filling up with gas. To
aid Joy, Dalton gripped the mace and aimed towards the demon-bat.

"No!" Rebecca halted him, "If you set off a spark, the whole school could
go up."

The winged vampire neared exhaustion from the metamorphosis and combat, he
thought it would be best to flee. With supernatural agility he leaped past
Rebecca towards the doorway and was no longer in sight.

"Great, Batman got away." Dalton said.

"At least we're all in one peace." Rebecca sighed with relief.

"God damn it!" Joy cursed, "I almost nailed the fucking bastard!" She
slammed her fist on the cold floor in frustration. Never in her life had
Joy experienced such wrath and hatred towards anything. These increased
encounters had been pushing Joy in a corner, and like anything pinned in a
corner, the only way to escape with to fight with an inflamed rage. Joy
realized that.

"Joy?" Rebecca worried about the mental of her friend.

"Let's go, there are still innocent people in danger." Joy commanded the
other two out of the cafeteria.

*****

    Another vampire approached the Necromancer and handed him a roll
of duct tape that he uncovered in a room right next to them.

"What's that funky smell?" Flower inhaled the methane scented air.

    "Natural gas?" The Necromancer replied as he duct taped Claudia's
feet and arms.

    "Please! Let me go." Claudia pleaded with the cloaked seer. "You
can kill Joy if you want. I don't care; she's a bitch. Come on, mister
scary guy, I'm just an average teenager who wants to live."

    "Why do you mortals think life is so important?" The Necromancer
approached the redhead and placed his hand across her chin. "You're born,
you spend a few decades running on this planet, you then die, and finally
spend an eternity in heaven or hell. Tell me, in the broad scheme of this,
what makes you're live so important?"

    "It's important because it's mine." Claudia noticed the demon bat
creature that entered behind the Necromancer, and released a nasty scream.
The dark foreteller turned around and eyed his wounds.

    "What happened to you?" He asked.

    "That woman and her two allies ambushed me." The demon collapsed
on his knees and reverted back to his humanoid vampire form. "I failed
you."

    "Where is she now?"

    "I left them in the kitchen."

    "Did this kitchen have a gas stove?" Flower asked

    "All kitchens have a gas stove, you groovy hippie trash." Claudia
insulted. The hippie growled at the girl, and she quickly subdued her
remarks.

    "Ah, that explains the odor." The Necromancer said.

    "What do we do?" The bat demon asked

    "We must find her." Flower said.

    "No." The Necromancer intervened.

    "Why not?"

    "We don't need to, as long as we know where they'll be going.
Plus, we can't risk combat inside these walls with the gas. Let's go."

*****


    In the meantime, Joy moved to accomplish her primary objective,
getting the teachers and students out of danger. It was her fault that
they were in danger she knew it. Vampires wouldn't attack in such numbers
just to feed, they wanted Joy dead, and they didn't care how they would do
it. She placed them and her friends in danger.

    As Joy walked the hallways she wondered, 'Why me?" She had no idea
why these vampires wanted her dead. She was just a normal girl; there was
nothing special that vampires would consider threatening. Joy felt she was
cursed, that was the only way to explain it. Until, these vampires were
eliminated, she would not get any peace.

    As they walked down the empty hallways, Joy looked at Rebecca and
Dalton. Now they became involved in her vampire trouble. Joy would rather
want her friends to think that she was crazy then have them fought along
side her. Actually, deep down, Joy would rather wish she were crazy. It
would be a better alternative to the harsher fact that she wasn't crazy
and these vampires were real.

    It was hard for Joy to know what her friends were really thinking.
They stood by her side in this time of crisis. But, Joy thought how would
they look at her after this was over. 'Would they forgive me for what I
put them through?' she thought, 'Would they still want to be around me?
Would anyone?'

    What became more important to Joy was the safety of the people
trapped inside. The three moved towards the library, when they encountered
two vampires that blocked them in the hallway. Joy immediately took a
battle stance with her dagger held firmly in hand. One of the vampires
morphed into his vampire face with his fangs extending outward. He hurdled
towards the girl and knocked her down on the ground, as the other vampire
turned his attention towards Joy's friends.

    Dalton grabbed the vampire and placed him in a headlock, while
Rebecca tried to strike him down with fire axe. Unfortunately, the vampire
managed to fling Dalton over the shoulder and towards the girl, causing
them both to fall on the floor. Dalton's mace left his grasp and swiveled
towards Joy and the other vampire. He then pulled Rebecca up by the hair
and banged her face against his knee, then dropped her. Dalton didn't like
to see his girlfriend being pounded like that, consequently he grabbed the
vampire by his legs and pulled them away causing the vampire to fall down.
The boy quickly regained a standing position, and he kicked the vampire in
the chest. When the vampire stood up, Dalton aimed a fist toward his face.
Ineptly, the vampire managed to grab the fist; he squeezed on the boy's
hand hard, causing groans in pain. Rebecca quickly jumped up, and turned
the vampire towards her, then kneed him in the stomach, and thrown a wild
punch across his face. Finally, Dalton tripped the demon, grabbed the fire
axe and staked his with the pointy end, turning him into dust.

    During the whole time, Joy had been wrestling with the other
vampire. He tortuously squeezed her hand, forcing the silver blade to drop
to the ground. With Joy pinned to the floor, he stood on top of her and
started to choke her. Struggling to break free, she managed to pull out
her wooden cross, which she had concealed in the back of her shirt. With
the cross she pressed it against his chest: repelling him to fall back and
off of her. She picked up her silver knife, and stabbed him deep in the
leg.

    She started to fell intense hatred for vampires, it wasn't enough
for them just to die and turn to dust. She wanted them to suffer
physcically for what they were doing to her mentally. As she sliced the
vampire upward, she felt a strange desire to kill. To her it was no longer
self-defense, it suddenly converted to a passion to kill, to murder these
unholy being for the fruition. It was the same purpose that vampires had
towards feeding on humans, when the demon took over the body.

    A demon started to conquer Joy's spirit. Tired of being stalked by
the vampires, she decided to destroy them. Joy noticed the mace next to
her, with the spike weapon she brutally hammered the vampire. She tired
not to aim for the heart this time; she did not want him to simply turn to
dust. After several strikes across the body and face, the vampire started
to resemble a blood-like pudding. Half of his bones were crashed and eyes
glared for mercy, she continued her assault emotionlessly, showing no
mercy. The heartless tears on Joy's face were not signs of sadness, pity,
or feeling it was cold pure hatred. With a frozen heart and a burning
fury, Joy suddenly became the demon and the vampire remained the helpless
victim.

    "Joy!" Rebecca tried to reach her friend, but she did not respond.
"Joy!" Dalton quickly pulled the mace off of Joy, and Rebecca moved
towards her and slapped her on the face, "Snap out of it! He's dead."

    Realizing the act of sin just committed, Joy froze and stared at
her two friends. "What am I doing?" Joy first thought to herself, "What
have I become? A monster?"

    "I'm sorry!" Joy sobbed, "I don't know what came over me?"

    The wrath-struck teen took another look at her friends. She
suddenly realized what her real sin was, putting those she cared about in
danger. "They never asked to be a part of this ordeal." She thought,
"Neither did I, unfortunately, but, I still managed to drag them into
this. Why? What did they do to deserve this? Would they want to be my
friends when this is over?" The paradox dawned on her; it would never be
over, she realized, the vampire made that clear.

    However, Joy had to focus on the primary task of getting the
trapped students and teachers out of the building. Luckily they were just
outside the library and no vampires were in sight.
*****

    "What's that knocking?" A trapped student asked trying to maintain
alertness. The lack of ventilation in the closed library made it hard for
the people to stay awake with the toxic gases flowing. Half of the people
were already in a death-invited sleep.

    "Open up!" Joy's voice boomed across the door, "It's me Joy! The
coast is clear."

    Rayer and a few other teachers removed the barricades from the
doors, and opened them. Joy quickly sheathed her blade and concealed it
under her shirt before anyone could notice it.

    "Joy?" Rayer concernedly asked, "Are you all right? What's going
on?"

    "Bunch of goons broke into the school and forced us in this
situation." Rebecca said, "Were you paying attention?"

    "I know that much, but why? And, who are they?"

    "You don't wanna know!" Joy told, "We just need to get out of
here."

    Joy, Rayer, and the others carried the unconscious outside of the
gas-infested school, and near the parking lot. Joy sighed with relief that
everyone managed to escape all right. "Wait!" Joy silently realized,
"There are more inside. About 5 trapped in the one classroom."

    "I'm going back inside." Joy announced, "There are still others
trapped."

    "No." Rayer intervened, "I'll go get them out. It's too dangerous
for a child to go in there."

    "You're still weak from the gas leak." Joy explained, "By the way?
How did the gas fill up in the library so quickly?"

    "The ventilation system must have seeped the gas more quickly in
the library than in other rooms."

    "Well, we better get going." Joy said, "Dalton come with me.
Rebecca you should stay here and help the others."

*****
    "Okay, where are the others locked?" Joy asked when she first
stepped back into the building.

    "Good question, now all it needs is an answer." Dalton replied.

    "Let's start looking."

Joy moved to the nearest classroom, banged on the door tried to see if
anyone is still inside. The fact that all of the classroom doors were
locked added the difficulty. A minute of knocking on one door, realizing
that no one was in there they moved on to another and continued for a
while.

 *****
    "How long have they been in there?" asked Rayer as he checked his
watch. "It must have been an hour. Someone should have gone to get help."

    "Claudia went." Rebecca said, turned and noticed a small object.
The object was too small to see in the darkness. After getting close
enough she determined that they were a small pair of shoes. 'Who's shoes
could these be?'

Suddenly the pale vampire sneaked up from behind Rebecca; she had found
her answer.

"Sorry." The vampire smirked, "You're friend didn't quite make it."

"Who they hell are you?" Rayer approached the pale vampire, and naturally,
the vampire answered with a swift swing across the face. He then extended
his fangs to feed on the principal's blood. However since was knocked out,
the pale vampire decided to feed on someone else, saving Rayer for a later
time.

Rebecca's next reaction was to locate the fire axe. Where did she put it?
Swiftly, she remembered she laid it down on the ground somewhere. Peering
through the darkness she suddenly spotted it. The sharp edged weapon was
almost within her grasp, however it became inaccessible when someone's
foot prevented it to be picked up. Rebecca focused her attention upward to
see the hippie demon, Flower.

"Oh, poor little thing." Flower teased, "Do you want you're axe. Awe,
bummer bitch." The hippie grabbed Rebecca by the neck and had a sudden
urge for an oriental meal. "Time for my midnight snack."

"No, Flower." The Necromancer marched from the night darkness, along with
the remaining vampires and the captive Claudia; "This one can serve our
greater purpose."

*****
    "Come on. I think this is it." Joy pushed against the door with
all her might, "Almost got it." She took a few paces away and rammed the
door with her body. Now she was inside the small, almost claustrophobic,
classroom, and shrieked with fright, "Oh, my god."

    "What is it?" Dalton stepped inside and saw what had happened,
"Dear lord. Are they..."

    "I'm afraid so, they're all dead." Joy gazed at the dead students
and teachers; "We didn't get here in time. They been trapped in this small
room for too long, with the gas." Her words started to become muddled by
her sobbing tears of sorrow.

    "Joy! This isn't your fault, you know that." Dalton felt little
comfort; at least they all died peacefully and not at the hands of the
vampires. Joy bent down to the several bodies, laid them on the backs, and
closed their open, dead eyelids.

    This was truly painstaking for Joy, to witness innocent people,
some who barely begun life and had it ahead of them, dead like this. They
were trapped like rats, afraid to come out of hiding, forced to die
slowly.

    "Joy! We need to get going."

*****

    Meanwhile, the vampires treated themselves to the students and
teachers that they surrounded. By now, everyone one of them, excluding
Rayer, Rebecca, and Claudia, filled the hungry monster's veins. And their
drained bodies dropped to the ground like food scraps.

"Oh my god!" Rebecca looked into the Necromancer's shadowy image, which
was taping the girl's arms and legs in the same fashion with Claudia,
preventing her from moving. "You're that macromanner Joy's been talking."

    "I am the Necromancer, bard of the unholy."

    "With a tendency to brag and become overly poetic." Flower joked.
From the chilling brow he raised at Flower told her that he was not
pleased, "It was a joke. I figure since people were going to die soon, I
should give a little bit of humor in there last minute of there miserable
existence."

    "Now who's being overly poetic." Claudia retorted.

    "Girl you need to shut up." Flower threatened, "You are not
putting me in a groovy mood."

    Rayer managed to awake. With the pale one disorientated, the
principal pushed him aside and grabbed the dark seer.

    "You son of a bitch!" Rayer, who never took abuse from disobedient
students would certainly not take for any necromancer, gathered his
strength and, vainly, punched the cloaked figure in the stomach. Weak from
the blood drain, Rayer, unable to stand on feet, fell to his knees.

    The Necromancer, showing no signs of brutal anger or any kind of
reaction, extended his right arm towards the foolish principal and
chanted, "Will of the Wisp, I summon thee to cleanse this infidel to the
unholy realm of Hades."

    At the very instant he cast the spell, Joy and Dalton exited the
school just in time to witness the evil wizard's magic. Small points of
lights materialized around the Necromancer. Will 'o Wisps, creatures of
pure magic that can enter the Earth plane when summoned. Joy read about
them in Fairy lore, but never had a second thought about their existence.
They glowed violently and swooped down towards Rayer, passing through his
flesh. The painful passing of their flight, become evident as the
principal screamed violently. They moved faster and slowly he started to
burn, his flesh vaporized, organs scorched, and soon nothing was left but
a burned skeleton.

    As the Will 'o Wisps dematerialized, Joy took a spectator at
gruesome death for the first time. Tired of fear and sorrow, her hatred
for the Necromancer flared. She reached for her silver dagger, for soon
she will have it stained with the prophet's blood.

    "You bastard!" Joy advanced toward him, ignoring Dalton's warning
to stop, as if she challenged him to a duel.

    "We finally meet again, Joy Matthews." The Necromancer said. Joy
raised her blade in preparation to strike, but see saw Rebecca and Claudia
held by his two chief vampire and at their mercy, so she declined her
battle stance and desisted right in the center of the street.

    "Pity it must end like this." The Necromancer pressed his palms
upward, with his open hands forming an arch upward, then as he chanted and
a purple-flame sparked between his fingers. When the flame was fully
formed, he fired it towards Joy.

    The impact from the fireball engulfed her body, and paralyzed all
of her senses. Unable to move a single nerve, Joy stood in suspended
animation. The spell bolt never made contact with Dalton, but just the
majestic image of it was enough to freeze him. The masked sorcerer walked
towards his conquered foe, he looked into Joy's frozen eye. As she stood
like a motionless statue, he carefully removed the silver dagger locked in
her grasp.

    "Ironic, how this final conflict ended. I was expecting more of a
fight, yet it only started and finished with a mere gesture." The
Necromancer knew that Joy could still hear his words and see his action.
However, unable to move he wondered what how frightful she must be felling
as he touched her skin. The more he imagined her terror, the more pleasure
he gained. The fingers on his left hand felt her soft silk-like hair,
while with the thumb, index, and middle finger grasped the bottom of the
blade's handle. The very tip of the silver-plated knife penetrated a small
fine point in the back of Joy's neck. The blood slowly trickled from her
neck, and the Necromancer knew victory was his. "Now, young siren. You
will soon join my undead chorus."

    The doom-bringing seer raised the dagger, ready to stab. Dalton,
realizing what was about to happen, shook off his petrifaction and charged
towards the Necromancer. Knocked to the ground by a crashing body slam,
the wizard dropped Joy's sword.  Dalton created a fist with his hand and,
in a roundhouse fashion, nailed his enemy across the face. The Necromancer
pushed Dalton away from him, and got back on his.

    Dalton reclaimed his footing as well, and gazed into the
Necromancer's eyes. He did not know what the dark mage's next move would
be; zap him with glowing sparks, or solidify him with a purple fireball.
As the Necromancer started another spell, Dalton prayed that Joy would
come to her sense.

    A sound had broken the silence, the sound of a motorcycle. Dalton
looked to identify the sound and saw a young woman riding a scooter bike,
riding towards them. At the speed she was going, he knew that she would
not let three people in her path stop her. Hastily he grabbed the fleshed
statue Joy, threw her over his shoulder, and moved them both to safety.

    The biker skidded at a perpendicular angle with the Necromancer.
The moment the girl jumped off her bike, he knew what would happen. The
speed of the flatten bike skewed too fast for any reaction. The scooter
smacked into the Necromancer legs, forcing a violent and extremely painful
crash to the ground.

    The young girl walked over to Joy and Dalton.

    "Is she alright?" The little brunette asked.

    "I do know you?" Dalton asked.

    The Necromancer stirred with ache, and turned towards his four
vampires, "You idiots... don't just stand there... kill them."

    "Sorry no time to introduce myself." The girl said, "We got
company."

    Flower and the bat demon dropped their two hostages on the cold
concrete, and engaged with the other two vampires. Just as the vampires
were closing in, An electric bolt fired from the distance; the swift bolt
zapped a vampire into dust. The Necromancer regained footing and located
the source of the bolt.

    "Kane!" The Necromancer saw the dark stranger advancing from the
distance.

    "Long time, indeed Aya." Cecil greeted his shadowy acquaintance.

    The spellbind on Joy as finally, and she now had the ability to
move freely. As her vision focused she saw Dalton and the young girl at
her side.

    "Jana?" Joy recognized the girl from those nights ago.

    "Hey Joy, I thought you might be here."

    "You two know each other?" Dalton asked.

    "We just meet." The two girls answered simultaneously. The third
vampire charged at them. Joy quickly subdued him and knocked him aside.

    "Do those two know each other?" Dalton referred to Cecil and the
Necromancer Jonas.

    "Good question." Joy inquired. "Jana?" She turned to her friend
for an answer.

    "I dunno, this is knew to me."

    Joy wondered what the connection Kane had with her archfoe.

    "It's been awhile." The Necromancer addressed, "I would ask why
you are here, but I know. I applaud your victory of finding me here, pity
our interests conflict." The Necromancer removed the hood that shadowed
the face, and Joy never imagined what it revealed. The Necromancer was a
woman, with long orange hair. Under the jaded cloak and garments, Joy
could tell whether the Necromancer's physique was masculine or feminine.
White bandages wrapped Aya's neck, explaining why her voice didn't sound
purely womanly.

    "But you are beaten." Cecil retorted with confidence, "We have you
surrounded."

    "You are correct, love." Realized the Necromancer, "Where does the
time go? Come my followers."

    The chief vampires and the Necromancer crowded around the two tied
virgins. The vampires grabbed their hostages and the Necromancer, with her
finger pointing downward, gestured a circular motion. Smoke slowly risen
around them, and quickly concealed them.

    "No!" Cecil leaped into the smoke screen in hopes to grab the
Necromancer. The smoke finally cleared and they were all gone; Flower, the
bat demon, Claudia, Rebecca, and the Necromancer, all of them... gone,
leaving questions for Joy, Dalton, and even Jana.







-



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

From: Tina <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "The Hellmouth's Greatest Threat" (1/1) (fwd)
Date: 02 Mar 1998 11:45:50 -0600 (CST)

This is all for fun, and also because I'm an incredibly sarcastic woman.

Everyone belongs to Joss and such, even though he's not telling the story
right.  Post-"Passion" stuff is in here, in case you hadn't guessed by my
level of irritation.

Feedback is, as has been mentioned in everything else I've written that's
up here, greatly appreciated.

The story is up at Ms. Calendar's Doman and the Sunnydale Slayers Fic
Archive, but I'll probably ask Anya to link to it (later, once I get the
long story finished, and that way I'll ask you about updates all at once).

This is also post-"Passion" fic that was *intended* to be badfic, at least
until Jenny showed up. She was *really* mad about that whole "dead" thing.

"The Hellmouth's Greatest Threat"
by Tina Cooling
Copyright 1998

"Hello," said the woman, who was wearing a deep emerald velvet dress. She
leaned into the library and looked around. "I'm looking for my sister?"
She stepped inside and came face to face with Rupert Giles. Her eyes, as
emerald green as her dress, widened in surprise.

"May I help you?" He asked politely, though distractedly, while gazing
deeply into her eyes.

"My sister?" She blinked and looked around. "Jenny Calendar? She wrote and
told me that she needed me to come here."

"I'm sorry," said Giles, his eyes traveling up and down her lithe body.
"Your sister's dead." A wordless cry of psychic energy burst from the
woman, nearly staggering Giles with the strength of the anguish he could
feel in it. She fell into his arms, muttering weakly. Giles bent his head
to see if she was all right, and she pulled him down to her, kissing him
feverishly.

"Goddamn it, Rupert," Jenny Calendar said, slamming through the doors of
the library. "What the hell do you think you're doing? I died *two* *days*
ago!"

The woman dropped to the floor abruptly. Rupert stood and looked at Jenny,
his mouth hanging open and an expression of extreme shock on his face.
"Jenny?" His eyes widened. "Dear God, I thought you were dead!"

"I was," she said, pushing her hair out of her eyes and giving the woman
an exasperated look. "But do you honestly expect me to stay dead with a
hussy like *that* after you?" Goddess, Rupert, what is it with women like
them?"

"Excuse me?" It was all he could do to speak, befuddled as he was.

"Mary Sues." Jenny glared around the library, possibly searching for more
of them. "Did she touch anything? We'll have to disinfect."

"She's not, ah, your sister?" Rupert took off his glasses and began
polishing them, steadfastly avoiding looking at either woman.

"Of course not!" Jenny threw up her arms in frustration. "I told you that
I'm an only child!" She crossed her arms and glared at Rupert. "She wasn't
given up for adoption, we weren't forcibly separated at a young age, we
didn't have any strange mystical experiences that bonded us in the womb,
she's bloody *Mary* Sue*!"

"And who, might I ask, is Mary Sue?" Giles put his glasses back on, as
they really couldn't get any cleaner, and proceeded to file index cards
with a concentration that was, perhaps, a bit more than needed for such a
simple task.

"*She* is," said Jenny. "So are a million other women. At least it feels
like a million, because there are so many of them." She sighed. "Mary Sue
happens to be a particularly hideous form of possession. Unfortunately,
the Hellmouth seems to attract a larger than usual amount of them." Jenny
started pacing back and forth. "Mary Sues tend to have astonishingly
beautiful and unusually colored eyes, amazing psychic powers, usually
telepathy, gorgeous, well-stacked figures, incredibly loud and amazing
singing abilities." She turned and looked Giles in the eyes. "They also
have the power to make attractive male leads fall instantly in love with
them for no reason whatsoever."

"Attractive," said Giles, smiling slightly and glancing up from his filing
at Jenny.

"Oh, don't start with me, Rupert Giles," said Jenny. "You're in enough
trouble as it is."

The woman shifted and raised her head, opening her mouth. A single, pure
note rang from her throat, and...

...Jenny grabbed a stake off the table and plunged it into Mary Sue's
back.

"Dear God!" Giles stared in shock as the woman's corpse dissipated into
mist. He stared at Jenny, who smiled grimly. "Are you..." He paused and
glanced in the direction of the cemetery. "Going back?"

"Hardly," said Jenny. "Since there are reports of my death everywhere,
Mary Sues are going to be showing up by the score in Sunnydale.
Hurt/comfort Mary Sues even, who are the worst of the breed." She smiled
and took a step toward him. "Someone's got to protect you."

"So, ah, what do we do now?" Giles set his filing down *very* carefully.

"Well," said Jenny, taking another step closer, "there's something we
haven't had the chance to do yet."

"That would be what?" Rupert swallowed, and Jenny kissed him and dragged
him down behind the desk.

"Shut up, Rupert," Jenny told him, flinging his tie into the air, and then
no words were spoken for a *very* long time.

Fin.



-



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

From: "Leslie S." <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Buffyfic common writing problems
Date: 02 Mar 1998 19:26:11 PST

I was wondering is anyone thinks it is a good idea to post common errors
that can be found in some of the stories (not to be named).

For example, do writers want to know that when they want to shorten "you
are" the correct form is "you're" and not "your"?

What does anybody think?

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Buffyfic common writing problems
Date: 02 Mar 1998 21:50:01 -0600

Leslie,

From the notices I see on some stories that say "Hasn't been edited yet,"
I'd say some people aren't overly concerned. Personally, I think a story
should be checked for grammar BEFORE it's posted. But then that's just me,
and I certainly don't want to waggle my finger at anyone. I'm just happy to
be reading Buffy stories.  :-)

Michelle

-----Original Message-----


>I was wondering is anyone thinks it is a good idea to post common errors
>that can be found in some of the stories (not to be named).
>
>For example, do writers want to know that when they want to shorten "you
>are" the correct form is "you're" and not "your"?
>
>What does anybody think?
>
>______________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>-
>



-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Buffyfic common writing problems
Date: 02 Mar 1998 23:44:10 EST

In a message dated 98-03-02 22:56:11 EST, you write:

<< From the notices I see on some stories that say "Hasn't been edited yet,"
 I'd say some people aren't overly concerned. Personally, I think a story
 should be checked for grammar BEFORE it's posted. >>

As sick as this sounds, I actually enjoy proofreading. If anyone doesn't feel
like checking their story for spelling and grammar or just doesn't have the
time, I'd be happy to help. Feel free to email me ([e-mail])

  jen (the noodlebrain)

-



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

From: "The Mistress" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Beta Request
Date: 01 Mar 1998 22:52:52 EST


>I've never watched Weird Science. Is it something that I would need to
>know for the 'fic to make sense?
>
>Amber
>
>-

Not at all.
>
>


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail] (slb)
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Buffyfic common writing problems
Date: 03 Mar 1998 05:02:02 -0500

At 11:44 PM 3/2/98 -0500, JMHnoodles wrote:
>In a message dated 98-03-02 22:56:11 EST, you write:
>
><< From the notices I see on some stories that say "Hasn't been edited yet,"
> I'd say some people aren't overly concerned. Personally, I think a story
> should be checked for grammar BEFORE it's posted. >>
>
>As sick as this sounds, I actually enjoy proofreading. If anyone doesn't feel
>like checking their story for spelling and grammar or just doesn't have the
>time, I'd be happy to help. Feel free to email me ([e-mail])

That's not sick, that's my job!

Personally, if I find errors in grammar, punctuation or spelling in the
first couple of sentences, I don't finish the story. If you're going to
take time to write and post, have someone reliable check it first.

Sheryl

[e-mail]
Ravenette~Slayerette~Discoverer~SunS
"Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love,
the clarity of hatred, and the ecstasy of grief ..." Angel, BTVS
              Moo: A Fan Fiction Zine
  http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/3063





-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Buffyfic common writing problems
Date: 03 Mar 1998 07:09:32 -0600

Sheryl,

What a coincidence, that's my job too!

Michelle

-----Original Message-----


>At 11:44 PM 3/2/98 -0500, JMHnoodles wrote:
>>In a message dated 98-03-02 22:56:11 EST, you write:
>>
>><< From the notices I see on some stories that say "Hasn't been edited
yet,"
>> I'd say some people aren't overly concerned. Personally, I think a story
>> should be checked for grammar BEFORE it's posted. >>
>>
>>As sick as this sounds, I actually enjoy proofreading. If anyone doesn't
feel
>>like checking their story for spelling and grammar or just doesn't have
the
>>time, I'd be happy to help. Feel free to email me ([e-mail])
>
>That's not sick, that's my job!
>
>Personally, if I find errors in grammar, punctuation or spelling in the
>first couple of sentences, I don't finish the story. If you're going to
>take time to write and post, have someone reliable check it first.
>
>Sheryl
>
>[e-mail]
>Ravenette~Slayerette~Discoverer~SunS
>"Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love,
>the clarity of hatred, and the ecstasy of grief ..." Angel, BTVS
>              Moo: A Fan Fiction Zine
>  http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/3063
>
>
>
>
>
>-
>



-



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

From: sah <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ADMIN:  List rules
Date: 03 Mar 1998 16:36:06 -0600

Welcome!  This list is for fiction related to "Buffy The Vampire
Slayer," both the TV series and the movie.  To ensure that we all get
to enjoy as much fiction as possible, please adhere to the following
guidelines, and please save them for future reference.

1. Fiction should have Buffy characters in it and clearly be related
to Buffy.  Crossovers are great, and expected, but general
vampire/monster stories that aren't in the Buffy universe and don't
use Buffy characters belong somewhere else.

2. Discussion of posted fiction is permitted onlist.  Please put
"DISCUSS" in your subject line.  Requests for missing story parts
should go directly to the author, and not be posted to the list.

Discussion that is not related directly to the fiction should go over
to the general Buffy list.  Discussion of fiction is expected to
follow common netiquette guidelines and use PG-13 language.

3. No advertising of <any> items or services, Buffy related or not,
and no posting of non-story items such as .gifs, sound files, etc..
No attached files of <any> kind-- if your mailer makes your fiction
into attached files, you need to find another way to get it to the list.

4. If you're writing a story and including advance information on a
new episode, and you're posting your story earlier than the national
viewing time, please:

     **Mark the post as a "spoiler" in the subject header.
     **Leave about twelve lines (blank or with non-spoiler info) at
          the top of the post.

This ensures that anyone who doesn't like knowing about an episode
ahead of time is "protected."  :)   The blank space is for people whose
mailers automatically open up the next piece of mail, without giving
them a chance to see "spoiler" in the header.

Spoiler warnings are not necessary after the start of the episode's
national viewing time, which is currently set at 9 p.m. Mondays,
Eastern Standard Time.  Spoiler warnings are not necessary for reruns.

5.  This list is absolutely NOT for erotic fiction.  <Nothing> stronger
than sexually PG-13 material is to be posted to the list under any
circumstances.  A story may be R rated for violence or language,
however.

If you have a question about something's suitability for posting, feel
free to ask one of the listowners.  Sending sexually explicit material
will get you immediately and permanently unsubscribed.  No exceptions.

6.  By subscribing and/or posting to this list, you acknowledge that
Buffy the Vampire slayer and all characters associated with either
the televised series or the motion picture were created by Josh Whedon
and are owned by Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  All stories posted to
this list are for entertainment purposes only, are not sold for profit
of any kind, and are not intended to infringe on any copyrights.

7.  When posting stories to the list, please follow the following
formatting guidelines
--No story parts longer than 250 lines
--No lines longer than 75 characters
--Turn off your "smart quotes"-- many readers receive these as garbage
or weird symbols
--Put the title of the story in the subject header, indicate if it's a
multipart story, and if so what part this is.  Example:   Buffy Meets
Godzilla (2/65) indicates that this post is part two of a 65 part story.

8. If a story is rated "R" for language/violence, indicate this in an
introduction.  For example, "There's a really bloody fight scene at
the end of this part" or "if you don't like dismemberment, stop
reading now!"  If there's <any> chance that someone might be disturbed
by something in your story (even if it's not rated R) please include
some kind of warning up front.

9.  And last, but not least, the listowners reserve the right to deny
subscription (new, renewed, or continued) to the list for any
individual(s).

PLEASE NOTE:  not following any or all of these rules will get you
the following:

**First offense:  offender is unsubscribed for one week.
**Second offense:  offender is unsubscribed to the Buffyfic list for a
minimum of three months.
**If the offender returns and does it again, they're offlist
permanently.

As noted above, posting sexually explicit material is the exception --
you go straight to permanent unsubbing.

Again, welcome!  If  you have any questions about these rules, please
contact either one of us offlist.  If you have subscription problems or
questions, the fastest way to get help is to e-mail one of us at the
addresses below, <not> at the [e-mail] addy which is the
"official" e-mail owner of the list.

Jill Kirby ([e-mail])
 &
Sharon Himmanen ([e-mail])
Listowners, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fiction List
[e-mail]

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (3/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:17:25 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 3    PG

Buffy pushed open the heavy door and looked over at Snyder, who was
talking to a girl that Buffy didnÆt recognize.  <Hhmmm...she must be the
new girl>.  Buffy thought.  She stood there for a moment, looking at
her.  She was very pretty, with bright green eyes and long blond hair
that fell past her shoulders. <Well this should be interesting>.  As
Buffy made her way over to Snyder, she suddenly got the shivers. She
could feel the hair raise on the back of her neck.

ôAh, Miss Summers.  Good of you to *finally* join us.ö  he said in his
usual cynical tone.

ôHa Ha, right.  Join you.ö  she said with a fake laugh.  ôSo, ha, this
must be the new girl.ö  Buffy moved closer, and with every step, she got
more of an uncomfortable feeling.  <SomethingÆs not right here>.

ôThis fine young lady is Hope Wilson.  Hope, this is Buffy Summers.  She
will be your guide around Sunnydale High School.ö  Hope reached out to
shake BuffyÆs hand.  When their palms touched, a warm tingle sensation
shot through her body.  Buffy gasped and dropped Hopes hand.

ôIs there something wrong?ö  Hope asked, slightly offended.

ôOh, uh, no.  Not at all,ö  she managed a slight smile.  ôIts uh, nice
to meet you.ö

ôUm, yeah.  Nice to meet you too,ö

ôWell I have things to do.ö  As Snyder began to walk away, he whispered
in BuffyÆs ear, ôRemember.  IÆll be watching you.  DonÆt mess up.ö

Buffy felt extremely uncomfortable around Hope.  The aura coming off of
her was extraordinary.  She had never felt anything like it.  When their
hands touched and Buffy felt that sensation, she knew that something was
very different, yet very familiar about her.  Finally after what seemed
like hours, Buffy spoke.  ôWell, um...ö  she said.  Then something
sparked.  She had to show this girl to Giles.  ôIÆd like you to meet
some of my friends,ö  she said quickly, and grabbed HopeÆs hand as she
pulled her thought the library doors.  No one in their looked up, not
even when the door slammed shut behind them.

ôHey!  Guys!  I want you to meet somebody.  Her name is Hope Wilson, and
she is new at SHS.ö  The slayeretts got up and came over to say hello.
ôUh, Hope, this is Willow, Xander, and Cordelia.ö

ôHi,ö  Hope mustered to say.  She was very nervous.

ôWweellll Hello there,ö  Xander said in his suave tone, ôIt is *such* a
pleasure to meet you.ö

ôHello!  Are your hormones raging much?ö  Cordelia said, and gave him a
æwhat do you think you are doingÆ look.

Xander ignored her comment and continued to speak.  ôMy name is Xander,
and I was wondering if I could be of *any* assistance to you.ö  <Damn,
this girl is hot.   SheÆs almost as gorgeous as Buffy>.

ôDown Boy!!!ö  Cordelia yelled.  She was extremely jealous.

Willow felt a twang of jealousy ignite in her.  Xander always seemed to
go ga ga over every girl but her.  She could see the same look in his
eyes that shone when he first saw Buffy.  <Well, I might as well like
her>.  As Willow went to say hi, Buffy dragged her away from Hope.

ôWill where is Giles?ö

ôUm, he is in his office, why?ö

ôI have to talk to him...ö

At that moment Giles walked over to the group.  ôWhat do you need,
Buffy?ö

ôGiles!  Come meet the new girl.ö  Buffy pulled Hope over to where he
was standing.  ôThis is Hope.  Hope, this is Giles.ö

Giles looked at the girl and was about to speak but stopped.  He just
looked at her with the oddest expression.  Buffy knew that he felt it
too.  Even though he was just a watcher, he too had a strong sense for
weird, unexplainable things.

ôUm, is there something wrong?ö  Hope asked.

ôW-Whhat?  Oh, uh,  no.  O..o-of course not,ö  he stumbled over his
words.  ôIts nice to meet you, Hope.ö

At that moment, the bell rang.  ôOh look...the bell.  Its time you kids
got off to class.ö  Giles gestured to Xander, who immediately got the
hint.

ôRight.  Class.  Well, ha ha, WeÆd all better go then.  Hope, may I
escort your beautifulness there?ö  he asked, taking her hand.

ôJeez, drool much?ö  Cordelia muttered.

ôYou may,ö  she said, blushing. She turned to look at them.  ôLike I
said, it was really nice to meet you all.ö

ôIÆll talk to you after class Hope.  We can all eat lunch together!ö
Buffy said with half a smile.  ôBye!ö

The moment the two teenagers were gone, Buffy grabbed GilesÆ arm.
ôOkay, what the *hell* is going on?  I get the weirdest sensation when
IÆm around her, and when we shook hands, I got warm tinglies all over my
body.  Something isnÆt right here.ö

Giles was at a total loss for words.  ôI...I donÆt really know.  I could
feel it too.  It really quite perplexingö  He managed to say.

Cordelia sighed.  ôWell you guys can finish your little conversation
alone.  IÆve better things to do.ö  She said, leaving the library.

Willow grabbed her arm before she made it through the doors.  ôStop, you
have to stay here.ö

ôI donÆtÆ have to do anything,ö  she replied in her snobby voice.

ôThere is still a lot to be done, and now we have more things to worry
aboutö Cordelia just stood there, looking at her.  ôYou are going to say
here and help us figure this all out.  Now sit down and grab a book and
start looking!ö  Willow commanded.

She didnÆt want to stay, but she knew that they needed her.  ôUgghh.
Fine.ö  She walked over to the chair she had been sitting in and sat
down with a plop.

ôThis is all giving me a major case of the wiggins.  I have to find out
more about Hope.  Where she lives, where she used to live, if she has
any kind of connection with the weird forces of the Hellmouth, or if she
has any kind of connection with this prophecy.ö  Buffy said.

ôI have an idea.ö  Cordy piped up.  The three of them turned to look at
her with disbelief.  ôUggh!  What?ö  she said with disgust.  ôAnyway,ö
she continued, ignoring them, ôwe should take her to the Bronze tonight.
That way you can learn get more info about her.ö

The Slayer thought for a moment.  ôThatÆs a real good idea Cordelia.
Willow, you can bring Oz, and I can get Xander and we can take Hope...ö

ô*Excuse me*?  *Who* came up with the idea?ö

ôWe can take Hope  *and* Cordelia to the Bronze.ö  Buffy plopped down
next to Willow, who was searching on the net.  ôAny luck, Will?ö

ôNo, not yet.  Sorry, Buffy.ö

ôIts okay.  Just keep searching.  All of you should keep researching.
Meanwhile, IÆm going to go see Angel.  IÆll be back before school get
out,ö  she got up and grabbed her bag.

ôWait!  Buffy!ö  Willow jumped out of her chair and grabbed the girls
arm.

ôWhat?ö  she asked, with a confused look.

ôIf Snyder finds out you have left, youÆll be toast.  You have to stay
here with Hope.ö

ôOh God, I almost forgot!ö  Buffy groaned and slapped her forehead.  She
plopped back down in her chair.  ôNow what do I do?ö   At that moment,
the bell rang.  ôWell, class is out.  I have to find Xander and Hope.ö
She looked at the clock.  It said 11:15.  She glanced at Giles.  ôGiles,
I canÆt stay here all day long.  There are more important things we have
to get done.ö

He pondered for a moment.  ôWell unless something happens, school wonÆt
get out early.ö

ôSchool get out early, school get out early,ö  Buffy repeated quietly.
ôIÆve got it!  Somehow I have to get school let out early.  But how?ö

ôWell last time we had an early release it was because of a power
outage.  The schoolÆs generator broke down.ö  a familiar male voice
said.

Startled, they all looked at the door to see Oz standing there.  ôUh,
hey guys.  Sorry, I didnÆt mean to listen in to your conversation, but I
couldnÆt help overhearing.ö

ôThatÆs okay,ö  Willow said, her face lighting up when she saw him.  She
jumped up and gave him a hug.  Buffy smiled.  She was so happy for her
friend.  <Willow and Oz are the perfect couple> she thought.

ôI ran into Xander a couple of minutes ago, and he briefly explained
everything to me, and I thought I should come and see if you could use
some help.ö

ôWe definitely can.  So what is this you said about the generator?ö
Asked Buffy.

ôWell last year the power was cut off for a week because a couple of
kids broke into the electrical room and busted it.ö  Oz said.

ôOh I remember that!  They jammed it with a broom...right into the core
of it.ö  Willow said.

ôWell all I have to do then is somehow jam it again.ö  The Slayer said.

ôUh, and how do you expect to manage that?  Since it happened the
janitor put a big lock on the  electrical room door, and I doubt  that
he is just going to *let* you in.ö  Said Cordelia.

ôThan I will just have to break the lock, and IÆve got just the plan to
do it.ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (4/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:20:07 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 4      PG

A piercing scream broke the usual lunchroom chatter.  Everyone shot
their heads in the direction of it.

ôAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  HELP!!!!!!!!!ö
screamed the voice again.

Just then Cordelia jumped up on one of the tables and screamed.
ôSOMEONE CATCH IT!!!  OH MY GOD ITÆS DISGUSTING!!!!!ö

Everybody stared at her in confusion.  ôCatch what?ö  a voice yelled.

ôA RAT!   ITS A RAT!  OH MY GOD!ö  she screamed.  Her outburst caused an
uproar.  Soon everyone was screaming and trying to get out of the room.

From the corner door of the room, Buffy, Willow, and Oz crouched.  When
they saw Snyder and all the other staff run in to try and break up the
chaos,  Buffy whispered to her friend, ôYou ready?ö  and Oz responded,
ôYep!ö  ôThen let them go!ö  At her command, Oz opened the box and a
dozed rats into the room, causing even more of an uproar.  The three of
them immediately left, so they wouldnÆt be spotted.

ôI have to give Cordy some credit.  She is one good screamer.ö  Buffy
said, laughing.

ôI didnÆt think it would work!ö  Willow giggled.

ôWell the riot will only last so long so weÆd better hurry.ö  They ran
down the hall to the other end of the school to the electrical room.

When they got there, Buffy grabbed the lock.  ôWell here goes nothinÆ!ö
she said, and pulled down with all her strength.  The lock broke open
easily.  Buffy smiled when she saw OzÆs eyes widen  ôHa.  Cheap locks.
Gotta love emÆ.ö  Buffy opened the door and stepped inside.  ôOkay, keep
a watch out.ö  she whispered.

ôNo prob.ö

Buffy turned on the light, which caused dust to go flying everywhere.
ôGood Lord!  Its like no one has been in here for a hundred years,ö  she
coughed.  Looking at the main power source, she thought to herself
<How the hell am I going to break this thing?>  She leaned in for a
closer look, and saw a big lever.  <Hhmmm...I wonder what this does?>
She pulled down hard and it broke off.  ôUh Oh!ö  she said, and the
power when out.  She turned on her flashlight and grabbed a stake out of
her bag and rammed it into the machine.  It started sparking and smoke
rose from behind it.

ôBuffy!  Are you okay in there?ö  called Willow.  She opened the door
and Buffy came out, coughing.  ôWeÆd better get back to the library
before someone catches us.ö  The Slayer nodded her head in agreement.
She shut the heavy door and grabbed identical lock from her pocket that
she had taken from GilesÆ office and locked the door.  They quickly left
the scene.

                *   *   *   *   *

ôWhew!  IÆm so glad that worked!ö  Buffy said with relief as she walked
through the doors of the library.

ôDamn.  I didnÆt think you could do it.ö  Oz said with a smile.

ôOh..Buffy!  IÆm glad that your okay.  The power when out and I wasnÆt
sure of what was going on...ö  he stopped speaking when he noticed her
mischievous grin.  ôOh dear. That was you?ö

ôA job well done!  They wonÆt be able to fix that generator for a while,
so itÆs only a matter of time before we should be getting the notice to
leave.ö

Giles rubbed his temples.  ôIs that before or after your expelled?ö

Ignoring him, she sat on the table.  ôAll we have to do is wait.ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (5/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:22:56 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 5     G

About twenty minutes later, they heard the library door open and saw
Sunnydale High SchoolÆs Assistant Principal Brandt walk through.  ôHello
everyone.ö

ôHey Mr. Brandt.  Is everything okay?  WeÆve been worried since the
power went out.ö  Buffy said in her most innocent tone.

ôYes, everything is fine.  It seems as though someone broke into the
schoolÆs electrical room and busted the generator.ö

ôOh no!  Can it be fixed?ö

ôNot anytime soon.  I came to let you know that school is canceled for
at least the rest of the week, and there will be no more classes for the
rest of the day.  He said, and left.

Buffy glanced at Giles with a big smile.  ôLike I said, a job well
done.ö  she put her leather jacket on that Angel gave her, and put the
book she had previously dropped into her bag. ôIÆm going to go see Angel
now.  IÆll come back in a couple of hours.ö  As the girl ran out of the
library, Xander was coming in.  She was in such a hurry that she almost
knocked him over.

ôWoah!  Where ya going?ö  He asked.

ôBye Xander!ö  she yelled back.

ôHmm,ö he said and shrugged his shoulders.  ôThis is sooo cool!  No
school.  Hey guys did you here what happened in the cafeteria?  A whole
bunch of mice ran through and Cordelia freaked out,ö  he started
laughing.  ôYou should have seen the look on her face!ö  he said,
laughing harder.  ôThen, to top it off, some kid caused the power to go
out...ö  he stopped laughing when he noticed that they didnÆt seem
surprised.  ôWhatÆs going on?ö  he asked, confused.

ôWell are you guys happy?  I made a total fool out of myself just for
you!  Now my throat hurts from screaming so hard.  Anyway, how did Buffy
get the power to go out?ö  Cordelia said, walking into the room.

ôWha...wait.  You guys were behind this?ö  Xander asked, completely
surprised.  ôI should have known.ö

ôYou gotta do what you gotta do,ö  Willow said, then busted up laughing.


******

PG  (language, sexual situation)

Buffy practically ran all the way to AngelÆs loft.  When she reached his
door, she stopped to catch her breath.   She knocked on his door.
ôAngel!  Are you there?ö  Nothing happened.  ôHello?ö

A groggy Angel opened his door slowly.  She had woken him up.  ôWhere
else would I be?ö  he asked, yawning.

ôOh yeah.ö  she felt bad for awakening him.  ôIÆm sorry.  Its just that
there is something incredibly important that you need to know about,ö
and she pushed her way past him into inside.

ôWhatÆs going on?ö

The Slayer opened her bag and pulled out the book.  ôTurn to the
bookmarked page and read.ö

He did what she said.  ôWhat the hell is this?ö  He asked her, fear and
concern in his voice.

She swallowed the hard lump that had formed in her throat.  ôWell, Giles
came across this-this morning.  H..he was worried because of how quiet
its been lately, and so he did some researching, and this is what he
found.ö  She looked at him and saw the fear and disbelief.  ôI...I...ö
He gazed into her eyes and watched a flood of tears form as her fragile
body began to tremble.  Immediately he rushed to her side and embraced
her.

ôSsshhh...Its okay.ö  he spoke in a soothing voice.  He gently wiped
away her tears and kissed her forehead.

ôNo, its not okay.ö  she uttered, her voice quivering.  ôWhy does
something like this always happen?ö

ôI donÆt know, Buffy.ö  he told her softly.

ôThis has been the worst day of my life.  First I hear about this damn
prophecy, then this weird girl comes to school who give me the creeps.ö

ôWho is she?ö  he asked, as he stroked her hair.

She sighed.  ôHer name is Hope, and she is new here.ö  Buffy turned her
body around so she was facing him.  ôAngel, something isnÆt right about
her.  I get the most bizarre feeling when IÆm near hear, but whatÆs even
more strange is that the feeling is so familiar, like IÆve felt it
before.ö

ôDo you know if she has any connection to the Hellmouth?ö

ôI have not idea, but IÆm going to find out.  We are going to the Bronze
tonight, will you come with?ö

ôOf course I will.ö

ôThanks,ö  she took a deep breath, ôI donÆt know.  Maybe IÆm just going
crazy,ö  she said with a half-hearted laugh.

ôThe only thing that is crazy,ö he paused, then smiled,  ôis the way I
feel about you.ö  Angel took her face into his hands.  ôBuffy, I love
you.  I love you with all my heart and more.ö  Buffy was so shocked at
his confession that she almost fainted.

ôYou do?ö

ôYes, I do.  You keep me going.  If it werenÆt for you, I donÆt know how
I would survive.ö

ôI love you too.ö  She uttered.  Her eyes searched his face till they
got to his lips.  ôDonÆt ever let me go.ö

ôI wonÆt.ö  As if in slow motion, Buffy and Angel leaned closer, till
their lips were barely touching.  They were both trembling.  Their
breathing grew heavier, and Buffy felt as if she would melt in the
moment.  Then, in the midst of their passion, their desire to have each
other, they kissed.  The fire that was overflowing in their bodies grew
out of control, and their kiss grew more passionate, until their mouths
were pressed hard against one another, their arms embracing.  It seemed
as if it would never end.  They wanted to stay this way forever.




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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (6/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:24:49 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 6    PG  (fighting, language)

It was just after sunset, when Buffy and Angel left his loft.  They had
spent the rest of the day in each others arms, talking and cuddling.
Buffy had phoned Willow, and the plans were set.  They would meet her,
Xander, Hope, and Cordelia at the Bronze at 7 oÆclock.  As they walked
through the heavy front doors of the only decent hang out place in
Sunnydale, they saw the 4 friends immediately.

ôHey guys,ö  Willow said, greeting them.

ôHey Will.  So whatÆs going on?ö  Buffy asked, taking a seat.  Angel sat
down next to her.

ôNot much.  WeÆre just hanging out.  Hope was telling us about her old
school, in San Diego.ö

ôReally?  Cool.  Oh!  Hope, this is my boyfriend, Angel.  Angel, this is
Hope.ö  They shook hands.

ôNice to meet you, Hope,ö Angel said.

ôYou look really familiar, have we met before?ö  she asked.

He laughed.  ôI doubt it.  I donÆt get around much.ö   Buffy gave him a
small smile.

The rest of the evening didnÆt get Buffy anywhere.  She tried to find
something, anything about Hope that was suspicious, but had no luck at
all.  When it was time to leave, and the group was standing outside of
the Bronze, Buffy decided to give it one more shot.

ôHope, where do you live?ö  she asked.

ôOh, at 1675 Rovello Drive.ö

ôYou do?ö  She was genuinely surprised.  ôThatÆs right by my house.  I
live at 1630, on the same street.  How about we walk home together?ö

ôThat would be great!ö  She said.

Before the group all when their separate ways, Buffy whispered in Angels
ear.  ôListen, can you do your swell lurking thing and follow us home?
Just in case.ö

He grinned.  ôNo prob.ö

ôSo what do you think of Sunnydale so far?ö  Buffy asked, as they walked
under the dark sky.

ôIts a nice town. A lot quieter than San Diego, but I can deal.ö

<Oh if she only knew what lurks in the shadows.>  Buffy thought with a
silent chuckle.

Hope sighed.  ôI wanted to thank you, Buffy.  You have been so nice to
me, and so have your friends.  I was worried that when I moved, I
wouldnÆt make any friends.ö

ôYour very welcome.  I know what its like being the ænew girlÆ.  I moved
her last year from L.A. and felt the same way you do.  Its tough
starting over.ö

ôThatÆs not all thatÆs tough,ö  a deep voice growled from behind.

Buffy spun around to come face to face with a vampire.  ôHope!  Run!ö
She shouted.  The vamp moved in to bite her neck but Buffy moved quicker
and flipped over him.  When she landed she kicked him from behind,
causing him to fly forward into a tree, but he was only dazed for a
moment and charged at her.  He pushed her so hard she fell back, and he
jumped on top of her.

ôI wonder how it will feel to kill a Slayer,ö  he snarled.

ôWell its too bad that you wonÆt find out!ö  She yelled and grabbed a
stake from her pocket, then plunged it into his heart.  Buffy stood up
and brushed the grass off of her skirt.

ôWhew.  That was soooo eas.....ö  BuffyÆs mouth gaped open in utter
astonishment.  There, in the middle of the street, was Hope fighting a
vampire, and from her moves Buffy could tell the frail girl was stronger
than the vampire was.  She watched as Hope kicked the vamp into the
fence, then grabbing his hair and letting his head collide with her
knee.  He stumbled back, charged again, and she did a roundhouse kick
that sent him flying.  When the vamp fell to the ground, Hope turned to
Buffy and started screaming, ôHow the Hell do I kill this thing?!?!ö

The Slayer snapped out of her trance and ran over to Hope, but out of
nowhere Angel got there first and drove a tree branch into him, turning
the vamp into dust.

ôOh my God.  Oh my God.  Wha...Wha...What w..was that?ö

ôHope!  How did you fight him off like that?!ö  Buffy asked
incredulously.

ôLike what?ö  she asked, her eyes still wide from fear.

Buffy looked at Angel.  He was just as shocked as she was.  ôIÆm sorry I
didnÆt get here sooner, but I had two vamps attack me as I was following
you.ö

ôThatÆs all right, Angel.ö  At that moment Hope screamed again, only
this time because of Angel.  ôOh no, Angel!  Your vampire face!ö  Angel,
without realizing,  had his game face on.  He quickly transformed.
ôItÆs okay, Hope, its okay,ö  she breathed, trying to reassure her
friend, ôhe is our friend.ö

ôSorry,ö  Angel whispered, feeling a little guilty.  Buffy just gave him
an æits okayÆ smile.

ôYou saw her fight, Angel.  IÆve never seen anybody who wasnÆt a vampire
or some other weird creature fight like that.  Lets go see Giles.  He
can explain this.ö  Hope nodded, still a little shaky.

And the three made their way to the school library.



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (7/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:26:25 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 7      PG    (language)

Buffy busted through the library doors, causing an unsuspecting GilesÆ
to freak out.  ôAAAAGGG!ö  he screamed, then noticed who it was.  ôOh,
its only you, Buffy.  You scared me half to death.ö

Jenny Calendar came out from behind a bookshelf, obviously startled.
ôEverything okay?ö  she asked.

ôNo.  Everything is NOT okay.  You would not believe what happened.
Hope can fight off a vampire.  And I donÆt mean just fight, she can
fight with the same strength, as..as...,ö  Buffy was trying to think of
the right word, ôWell, I donÆt know what, but she is really strong..ö
Giles looked at her puzzled.  ôItÆs true!  She can!  Watch this.ö  She
turned to Hope.  ôHope, punch Angel in the face with all youÆve got.ö

ôWhat?  I canÆt do that!ö  She said, her eyes open wide.

ôYes you can.  Trust me, it wonÆt hurt that much,ö  Angel said
reassuringly.

ôAre you sure?ö Angel nodded.  ôWell, okay, here goes nothing,ö  Hope
said, and pulled her fist back.  She let out a right-hook at AngelÆs
jaw.

ôHoly shit!ö  he shouted, as he fell back on the floor with a thud.

ôOh God!  IÆm sorry!  Are you okay?ö  she asked, helping him up.

ôYeah, yeah.  IÆm fine,ö  he said, rubbing his sore jaw.

Buffy looked at Giles, who was in complete absolute astonishment.  ôSee?
See?   You saw that.  She has the strength of a....of a....of a slayer!ö

ôBuffy is right.  Last time I was hit like that was when I fought off a
slayer a long time ago.ö  Angel said.

ôThat was remarkable.  Hope, have you always been like this?ö

ôNo, I...I just put all of my strength into it.  IÆve never been this
strong.ö  She sat down the steps.  ôWhoa!  Wait a minute.  Are you
saying that I was fighting....a vampire?ö  She asked incredulously.

Jenny sighed.  ôYes.  You were fighting a real life vampire.ö

ôNo way.  I donÆt believe it.  Vampires are fiction!ö

ôNope, there as real as you and me.  Well, I guess that you should know
the story too.ö  Buffy glanced over at her Watcher, who took it from
there.

ôMost likely, you arenÆt going to believe me when I tell you this, but I
assure you that it is all real.ö  He said, and told Hope the story of
the Hellmouth, the Master, and vampires.  He explained it all.  When he
was finished, she just sat there, slowly digesting it all.

ôEither you guys are all insane, or you are telling the truth.  No one
can make up a story like that.ö  Hope said at last.  ôAlthough, it is
*very* hard to believe.ö

ôEveryone is shocked when they hear it for the first time, but it will
all wear in soon.  Now that youÆve got the jist on Sunnydale life, we
need the jist on you.ö

ôBuffy is right.  If you fight the way she says you do, you have to have
some kind of connection with something.ö

ôWell if there is I donÆt know anything about it.  I mean,  there isnÆt
much to tell.  IÆm sixteen,  I moved here from San Diego, the only real
interesting thing about me is that I was born in Ireland.ö

ôYou were born in Ireland?  Where?ö  Angel asked, suddenly *very*
interested.

ôDublin.  Why?ö

ôUh, no reason.ö

ôCan you think of anything else?ö  Buffy asked, desperate.

ôWell...ö  she sat there for a moment.  ôOh my god!  Where is my
necklace!ö  she said, feeling her chest.  ôI thought for sure I was
wearing it!ö  Hope was seriously panicked.

ôWhat necklace?ö

ôThe necklace I got for my birthday, it belonged to one of my great,
great aunts!  Oh no!ö  she started looking on the floor.  ôOh!ö  she
said, as she put her hand in her pocket.  ôI feel like an idiot now.
It forgot I put it in my pocket.ö  She pulled it out and looked at it,
as if she just found the most important thing in her life.  Relief
filled her face.  ôWould you like to see it?ö

ôSure.ö  Hope handed it to Buffy.    The Slayer gasped.  ôIts
breathtaking!ö   It was a beautiful sapphire pendant, encased with two
silver bands that seemed to hold it in place.  The deep blue sparkle of
it mesmerized Buffy.

ôLet me see,ö  Jenny asked.  She looked over her shoulder.  ôOh my!  It
is brilliant!  Giles, look at this.ö  Buffy handed it to him.

He studied it.  ôYes, its astounding.  I havenÆt seen one like it in
years.ö  he said, amazed.

ôYou mean youÆve seen one like it before?ö  Hope asked him.

ôMany, many years ago, before you were born.  Where, might I ask, did
you get it?ö

ôOh, well it belonged to my grandmotherÆs great aunt.  Her name was
Mira.ö

Both Giles and Angel looked as if they would have a heart attack.
ôD..Did you say Mira?ö

ôUh, yeah, why?ö  she asked, suspiciously.

ôOh no,ö  Angel breathed.  He began to get dizzy.  <Why didnÆt I notice
this before?>  The vampire grabbed onto a nearby chair for support.
Buffy ran over to him and helped him sit down.

ôAngel!  WhatÆs wrong?  Are you okay?ö  she asked, concerned, but he
didnÆt say anything.  He looked as if he would be sick.  ôGiles!  What
is going on?ö

With a heavy sigh, he took of his glasses and rubbed his temples.  He
knew the same thing that Angel did.  He was beginning to get a throbbing
headache.  ôIn the early 1800Æs, in Ireland,  there was a slayer named
Mira Dashwood.   She was one of the strongest ever known.  Back in that
time there were many vampires roaming about, more than today in
Sunnydale.ö  he stopped and grabbed one of his diaries.  ôShe is in here
somewhere...ö  he said as he flipped through the pages.

ôWell I take it this Mira chick had a lot of slayage to do.ö  Buffy
said.

ôYes, she did. Ah, here is is.ö he said when he found the right page.
ôShe soon became the hero of her village, and was well known all around
Ireland.ö

ôWow.  She must of been some girl.ö

ôShe was.  She was slaying one night, and came across a vicious vampire.
He was unlike the others.  Very strong and very determined to kill her.ö
Giles was looking over his book.  ôHere is her picture.ö  He gave the
book to Buffy.

She gasped.  ôGiles, she looks just like Hope, and she is wearing that
pendant too.  Angel, look at this.ö  He tried to show him the picture,
but he just turned his head.

Jenny walked over and took a look.  ôWow.  Its sheÆs a splitting image
of her.  If I didnÆt know better, I would think that *was* Hope.ö

ôWhat happened to her?ö  Buffy asked.

ôUhh...W...Well,ö  he stuttered.

ôGiles, donÆt make me find out myself.  Just tell me.ö

He was about to protest again, but Angel interrupted him.

ôI killed her.ö


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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (10/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:33:38 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.  Also.  I
have not finished this yet.
Summary so far:  Angelus figured out who was helping Buffy.  Joyce put
in an appearance.  Hope you liked that bit of comic relief.  It's the
last one you'll get.  From here on in, you'll get no quarter from our
players.



                     INNER DEMONS  Part 10



    "Your mother is very nice," JΣzen commented in his normal accent.
    "Thanks," Buffy said.  "I'm sorry about all that.  It's just that too
many vampires have free access to my house.
    "I understand completely," JΣzen nodded.  "Do not worry about that, I
am not offended."
     As they got to the end of the street, JΣzen stooped to get his weapons
out of the bushes.  Buffy shivered as she watched him.  In her hurry to
leave the house, she had forgotten to grab a jacket.
    "Where are my manners?" JΣzen scolded himself as he looked at her.
"Here, take this."  He removed his coat and handed it to her.
    "Thanks," Buffy said as she put it on.  As she closed the coat around
her, a memory stirred.  "You're the second vampire to give me his
jacket."
    "You miss him," he observed.
    "Is it that obvious?" she asked.
    "It doesn't take someone my age to figure it out," JΣzen replied.
    Buffy sighed.  "Is it wrong to hold out for a cure?"
    "A woman once told me," he started, "that there are always bigger
spells.  There will always be a more powerful curse.  And a spell that
has been worked once can be worked again."
    "But what if we can't find a spell or a curse to bring him back?"
    "Would Angel want you to suffer at the hands of Angelus?"
    "You talk as if they're two different people," she said.
    "In a way they are," he said.  "The demon has a personality all it's
own.  It's separate from Angel, yet they are still the same."
    "You mean, Angel could do what you did?" Buffy asked.
    "My case was different," JΣzen explained.  "My anger at what happened
to my sister was what drove my demon.  When that anger left me, it no
longer had the control it had before.  That loss of power gave me the
window I needed to retake control of myself.  That didn't happen to
Angel.  The curse gave him the power to reassert himself.  But, with
that gone..."
    "He can't do it," Buffy finished.
    "Exactly," JΣzen confirmed.  "Angel is still in there somewhere.  But
he's trapped by the demon."

                               *   *   *   *   *

    Angelus set out early that evening.  His goal: to find JΣzen.  He knew
the older vampire was hanging around Buffy.  But why?  What was his
game?  Whatever it was, he was playing it close to the chest.
    Angelus knew JΣzen was good, but he didn't know he was *that* good.  To
get into Buffy's confidence like that took the skills of a master.
    His search took him to a wearhouse near the Bronze.  That's when he
sensed it.  He was close, he knew he was.  But where were they?  His
only option was to keep looking.

                              *   *   *   *   *


                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (8/?)
Date: 03 Mar 1998 17:33:58 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 8     PG-13   (Violence.  Warning: It might be disturbing for some
people.)

A frigid silence fell upon the room.  No one dared speak, for fear that
they would say the wrong thing.   Hope looked as if she would cry.  ôYou
killed her?ö  she whispered.

He could feel shame rise through his body.     ôIt was just after I
became a vampire.  I was out one night, looking for a meal, and saw her.
When I attacked her, I didnÆt know she was a slayer, but when she fought
back with strength and skill equal to mine, I knew who she was.ö  He
paused, and felt the burning tears fall down his face turn into sobs.
It was the first time Buffy ever saw him cry.  She put her arms around
him and held him tight.

ôWha...What happened?ö  Hope asked.

Angel tried to speak, but couldnÆt.  ôAngel, do you mind if I tell?ö
Giles asked him.  He shook his head ænoÆ.  The Watcher took a deep,
sharp breath.  ôThe two fought all night, neither one of them wanting to
give up.  Finally, at a half an hour till sunrise they stopped.  Not
wanting to die from the sunlight, Angel ran away into the shadows,
leaving Mira in a bad state.  They both had fought so hard they hadnÆt
realized the damage that was being done to them.  Their adrenaline had
numbed their pain.  After their fight, she hunted almost every night in
hopes to see him again.  When she would run into him, he taunted her.
When she didnÆt see him, he would scare her family.ö

ôI donÆt understand, why didnÆt he just kill her and get it over with?ö
Hope questioned angrily.

Giles preceded to continue, but Angel stopped him.  ôItÆs my story.  I
can finish it,ö  he breathed.  Trying to hold in his anguish, he spoke.
ôI...I wanted to mess with her head...drive her insane, and
unfortunately, I did.   On the night of her 19th birthday, I attacked
and killed her family.  She came home and found them there.  I had...ö
he paused, and looked down, covering his face with his hands,
ômutilated their bodies.ö  Hope let out a stifled cry.  The tears never
stopped flowing from AngelÆs dark eyes.   ôI was hiding outside one of
the house windows, so I could see her reaction.  When she saw them--she
threw up, then let out the most bloodcurdling scream.  It was an awful
sound, but I loved it.  Her face was twisted in horror.ö  AngelÆs head
began to throb at the memories of his actions.  He could still smell
their blood on his hands, he could still see the look of fear that her
family had in their eyes right before he killed them.   The pain he was
feeling at the memories made him want to drive a stake through his
heart. ôShe was full of rage, because she knew that it was I did it.
Knowing she would come after me, I waited in the village graveyard. She
got there soon I did.  She walked up to me, and said, ækill meÆ.   She
bared her neck to me.  I grabbed her and shoved her into a tree, and bit
her.ö



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Lawrence Mendon=?iso-8859-1?Q?=E7a <[e-mail]>?=
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Anyone need a proofreader?
Date: 03 Mar 1998 20:59:08 -0700

Does anyone need a proofreader? Because I'm pretty good at it, and I'd be
happy to help.

-Sarah

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (5/8)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 01:53:16 EST

Title: Who Am I (5/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
**********************
~PART 5~

Willow's parents both worked the night shifts, so Buffy was all alone
in the big house. Willow had told them Buffy's mother was out of town
and she didn't want to stay in the house alone. Well it wasn't a complete
lie. Willow's parents had graciously extended her an invitation. As of now
Buffy was laying in the guestroom trying to catch up on the sleep she lost
last night, but she couldn't fall asleep. So she decided to go for a walk and
get some fresh air. Her mind wandered to what Angel had said.
      "He said  not to invite anyone in. He didn't say I couldn't go out."
she murmured to herself.
       She left a note on the kitchen counter telling Willow she went for
a walk, and she stepped into the cool, crisp night air locking the door
behind her.

****************

          Buffy had been walking for awhile. Nothing looked remotely
familiar to her, but she was hoping something would finally click. She
had walked past the cemetary and stopped in front of it. Something
seemed to beckon her from within her its dark depths, as if she frolicked
in there every night. But she couldn't bring herself to go in, at least not
alone. So she walked past and ended up near the wharehouse section
of town. She kept walking oblivious to the dark figure in the shadows.
          When Spike saw the Slayer walk past he stepped out from between
one of the many alleys. Spike had called all the vampires together to make
sure none of them were out hunting tonight. He wanted to make sure the
Slayer was killed by his hands and to make Buffy believe he was a friend
was only the beginning of his plan.
           "Buffy." he called putting on a innocent face. Which was kind of
hard since he killed his victims mercilessly and reveled in it. He didn't
have an ounce of innocence in him.
          Buffy turned around to acknowledge the voice. She saw a short,
peroxide blonde haired man running towards her.
          "Yes." she asked wondering who this guy was. He looked to be in
his early twenties as Angel did, but she couldn't place him as everything
else for the past few days.
          "Willow and Xander told me what happened. You shouldn't be out
alone at night in your condition." he played her for all it was worth.
         "I just went for a walk. May I ask who you are?" Buffy questioned
still puzzled.
         "Oh, forgive me. The name's Spike. I help out in the library at
your school." he lied through his fangs.
         "I'm sorry I can't remember." Buffy informed.
         "That's quite all right. Come I'll make you some tea." Boy Spike
was loving this.
          Buffy not seeing anything wrong with his invitation or with this
Spike she willingly followed him into a wharehouse a few ways down.
Little did Buffy know she was walking right into a trap and possibly her
death
******************
         Once she stepped over the threshold of the wharehouse she
heard Spike yell.
         "Grab her."
         Before Buffy knew what was going on both her arms were pinned
to the side by two very large creatures. She didn't have time to ponder
why they looked as they did, she just knew she was in big trouble.
         "What are you doing? You said you were a friend." Buffy yelled.
         "I lied so stake me." Spike laughed hysterically at his own joke.
"Oh, I forgot. You don't know who you are or what you do." Spike informed.
"Your the Slayer and I'm a vampire." Spike finished and changed his face
to his demonic side. Buffy screamed and began to struggle against her
captors. Spike laughed.
        "What are going to do to me." Buffy asked on the verge to tears.
Spike was loving every moment of this.
        "Princess, come here. I want to show you something." Spike
spoke to a dark haired woman. Drusilla approached Spike.
        "Look at the poor thing all scared." Drusilla cooed.
        "Ain't it wonderful, love?" Spike asked.
        "Are you going to make her dead for Princess?" Drusilla asked.
        "Very dead darling. Now go make plans for your party." Spike
ordered.
        "Can I invite Daddy and the slayer's little friends?" she asked.
        "Of course love, we'll have a nice dinner celebration after they
watch me kill their little heroine. And we'll bring Angelus back to our side."
Spike assured his girlfriend.
        Drusilla walked away leaving Spike to taunt Buffy with a happy smile
 on her face.
        "Very very dead." Spike spoke directly to Buffy and let out a wicked
laugh.
        Buffy shrank back and let out a small whimper. "God, help me."
she prayed.
************************
To be continued.........

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (6/8)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 01:53:28 EST

Title: Who Am I (6/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
**********************
~PART 6~

"Buffy we're back." Willow yelled inside the empty house. When no
one answered Willow and Xander exchanged a look of worry.
         "Buffy?" Xander called this time. "I'll take the upstairs and you
look
a round down here." Xander ordered taking control.
         Willow nodded her head and Xander took off up the stairs. After
checking all the rooms upstairs and finding the bed in the room Buffy
was staying in unmade, Xander went downstairs to tell Willow that Buffy
had been here.
        "Xander." Willow screeched before he reached the bottom step.
        He ran into the kitchen where he saw Willow clutching a piece of
paper. Tears were threatening to spill over her eye lids.
        "What? What's wrong?" Xander rushed out.
        Willow held up the piece of paper. Her hands shaking with fear.
"She left. She went out, alone, by herself. What if she's hurt or dead.
She could be...."
        "Shhh." Xander cut off his hysterical friend and pulled her into a
hug.
"I'm sure she's alright." Xander tried to seem in control, but he was inches
 away from losing it. What would he do if he ever lost Buffy or Willow.
They're his reason for being. Before Buffy came to town it was just him
and Willow, but since Buffy came their lives have been filled with adventure
and danger. They were always kept on their toes. Besides of making all
his nightmares come true, being possessed, or eaten Buffy brought with
her new friends for him to make. Herself, Giles, and as much as he hated
to admit it Angel. <Yeah, but how many other boy's can say they know a
vampire?> he thought to himself. <Don't mess with me or I'll feed you to
the vampire. It did have its advantages.> Xander laughed inwardly. He no
longer saw himself as a "loser" as so many others labeled him. He felt
more confident and sure of himself. All because of Buffy.
      If Buffy died she wouldn't know what to do. She had given her so
much. She wasn't Willow Rosenburg Geek Extradonaire anymore. At
least not in her own eyes. It's more like Willow you mess with me I'll
stake you Rosenburg. Since Buffy had come Willow felt more self-confident.
As though what others said about her didn't matter, only what she thought
of herself. She felt like she had a purpose in life, even if it frightened
her.
She was research girl. Looking up information or dangerous prophecies
to aid Buffy in her destiny. To know you helped save the world is an
overwhelming feeling. It didn't matter how much danger she put herself in
or stumbled into Buffy was one of her two best friends and she wouldn't
trade it for the world. If the supernatural came with Buffy's friendship,
so be it.
      "We need to get to the library and let Giles know." Xander broke
Willow out of her reverie, wiping the tears from her face. Willow nodded
and they headed out towards the library running as fast as they could.

*****************

"What did she ask you?" Giles questioned Angel as they sat in the
library conversing over his and Buffy's conversation earlier in the evening.
        "She asked me if I thought vampires existed." Angel answered
to Giles amazed question.
        "What did you say to her?" Giles continued as he got up to
reshelve some books.
        "What was I supposed to say. Yeah, how do I look. I told her
anything's possible." Angel finished.
        "If she's having the nightmares and correctly identifies the
creatures as vampires, her memory may be returning." Giles reported.
        Suddenly the library doors burst open with a bang and Willow
 and Xander rushed through gasping for air.
        "She's gone." Xander gushed trying to suck air into his burning lungs.
        "What?" Angel asked confused.
        Willow stepped foward and handed Giles the note that Buffy left
before going out. As Giles read the note fear crept in to his voice.
       "She left by herself?" Giles asked his voice cracking with fear.
       Angel stood up from his seat. "Damn it. I told her not to invite anyone
in. I should've told her not to go out as well." Angel said grief striken.
       "It's not your fault." Willow tried to offer comfort. "Do you think
they
have her?" she asked speaking to no one in particular.
      Before anyone could answer Willow's question the sound of broken
glass turned their attention to the rock sailing their way. Angel stepped
 in front of the group and caught it. He removed the note attached and
 began reading it.
     "How many times are they going to use the note tied to a rock and
throw it through the window routine? It's getting soooo old." Xander
asked half joking.
      The rest of them ignored Xander's sarcastic comment and waited
 patiently as Angel read the note.
      "Well it looks like we're invited to a dinner party." Angel informed.
      "They're going to cook us dinner?" Xander questioned. When eveyone
glared at him he stepped away. "Pretend I didn't say that. Again." he
gulped. They turned their attention back to Angel.
      "To get right to the point, they have Buffy, they're going to kill her,
and I'm going to save her." Angel confirmed.
       "We all are." Giles reinformed.
       No one argued just grabbed the weapons bag and rushed out of
the library to stop Buffy from meeting her terrible fate.
*********************
To be continued.............

-



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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (11/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 10:46:51 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.  Also.  I
have not finished this yet.
Summary so far:  JΣzen and Buffy have been engaging in polite
conversation.  Angelus has been looking for JΣzen.


                     INNER DEMONS  Part 11
    "So, how am I supposed to fight him?" Buffy asked.  "I mean, he hardly
ever comes near me."
    "He will," JΣzen said, smiling to himself.  "Angelus is no fool, he
knows that you're as much a threat to him as he is to you.  However, you
have one advantage."
    "What's that?"
    "Well, you know Angelus' hunting patterns," JΣzen explained.  "And you
know how obsessed he is with you.  That obsession is his weakness.
Unlike his other women, you have the power and the ability to fight
back."
    "Just because I'm a slayer and they weren't?"
    "Not just any slayer," he corrected.  "Over the years, I've read up on
past slayers and kept track of the current ones.  And you, Buffy, are
the most unique of them all.  You are inventive, resourceful, and,
unlike previous slayers, you haven't cut yourself off from the rest of
the world.  That, and your ability to have found others to share the
burden of your secret has and will make you more successful than any
slayer in history.  Indeed, you, my dear," he said, touching a hand to
her face, "survive longer than the others because of your refusal to
play by the rules set up centuries ago.  Most fiends would be fools to
go up against one such as you.  Isn't that right, Angelus?"
    Buffy looked up at JΣzen to see him staring over her head at someone.
She spun around and there he was, coming out of the shadows.
    "Oh!" the intruder said, "am I interupting something?"

                            *   *   *   *   *



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: RE: BUFFYFIC: Anyone need a proofreader?
Date: 05 Mar 1998 00:25:46


--- On Tue, 03 Mar 1998 20:59:08 -0700   wrote:

>Does anyone need a proofreader? Because I'm pretty
good at it, and I'd be
>happy to help.
>
>-Sarah

If this makes it to the list it'll be a first; on
previous tries I haven't managed to get through.

Um, do you have an e-mail addy, Sarah? Maybe something
got messed up, and if this shouldn't have gone to the
list I'm sorry. But your message came in with no way to

reply.

Regards,
Krissy & Betzi


-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (9/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:06:17 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART  9     PG

ôOh God...Oh Lord,ö  Hope said, feeling pressure in her chest.  ôI canÆt
breath....ö   Buffy ran over to Hope just as she passed out.

ôHope!ö  Buffy shouted.  ôClear off that table!ö  She commanded, picking
her friend up.  Giles did as she said, and Buffy laid her gently down.
Angel took off his jacket and laid it underneath her head.

ôIÆll go get some water,ö  Jenny said.

ôThis is all my fault,ö  Angel said, wiping his tears away.  ôI canÆt
believe I ...ö

ôIts okay, Angel.  What you did wasnÆt your fault.  It was the demon
within you.  It was Angelus.ö

He shook his head.  ôBut it was done by my hands.  Buffy, What I told
you doesnÆt even begin to describe the things IÆve done.ö  She kissed
him, and took his hand and squeezed it.

ôI know.  But you still can blame yourself for these things...ö  she
trailed off, and looked over at Hope.  ôI know that she wonÆt blame you
either.ö

ôHope?  Are you awake?ö  Hope opened her eyes.  She could see Giles
standing over her, and Jenny next to him.

ôOh,ö  she said, smiling, ôIt was all a dream.ö  She sat up, to see
Angel and Buffy walking over to her.  ôOh no!  It wasnÆt a dream.ö  She
put a hand to her head.  ôDid I pass out?ö

ôYes, you did.  Are you feeling all right?ö  Buffy asked her, concerned.

Hope nodded.  ôI think so.ö

ôIÆm so sorry.  I...I...ö  Angel apologized.

ôDonÆt be sorry.  I know that it wasnÆt really you.ö  She tried to
soothe the tension between her and Angel.  ôSo, ha ha, what do we do
now?ö

ôNow, we party!ö  A womanÆs soft voice called out from behind them.  The
group turned around to see Drusilla standing before them, very much
alive.  Behind her was Spike and about 20 vampires, all with their game
faceÆs on.

ôOh my god your alive,ö  Buffy uttered.

ôYes.  Alive and strong.  IsnÆt that right, love?ö  Spike said, kissing
DrusillaÆs hand.

ôYes, Spike.ö  she looked at Angel, ôHello my pet.ö

Buffy turned to Angel, who had transformed into his vampiric face.  He
growled, ôWhat do you want?ö

ôDonÆt you know, love.  We want you,ö  she said laughing.

ôIts party time.  Charge!ö  Spike yelled, and all the vampires ran to
attack them.


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (10/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:08:34 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 10     PG-13

Buffy reacted instantly by screaming at Giles, Hope, and Jenny.  ôRUN!
GET OUT OF HERE NOW!ö  The Slayer threw a chair at the oncoming vamps,
almost knocking them all down.  She grabbed another chair and threw it
at a window, breaking all the glass.  ôGO!ö  She said, pointing toward
the hole.  Buffy ran to Angel, but two vamps got in her way.  One of
them kicked her, and she stumbled back.  ôNOT NOW!ö  she screamed.
Adrenaline pumped through her body as she lunged at him, throwing him
over her head and into a bookshelf.  She grabbed a nearby stake and
drove it through the heart of the other.  Before she could get to Angel,
3 vamps came up behind her and grabbed her, making it unable for her to
move.  Buffy struggled desperately to escape, but failed.  She watched
as two burly vampires grabbed a hold of Angel.  He tried to fight them
off, but they were too strong for him.

ôWell well well.  IsnÆt this nice?  Poor little Slayer and her traitor
of a boyfriend.  Tie them up.ö  He ordered.  ôAnd you two, go get the
other three who ran from here, and I want them alive,ö  he commanded,
and two vampires left to get Giles, Jenny, and Hope.

ôLet her go!  Take me, but spare her,ö  Angel yelled.

Spike only laughed.   ôYou actually think IÆm going to let her go?
YouÆre dumber than I thought.ö
He walked over to Buffy and sniffed her.  ôMmm.  You smell good.  Good
enough to eat.ö  Buffy spit in his face.  ôWell arenÆt you the feisty
one?ö  He laughed, wiping his face off.  The vampire grabbed her neck
and squeezed softly.  ôI wouldnÆt do that again if I were you.  You
know, I just got a brilliant idea,ö  he looked at Dru, ôWouldnÆt it be
nice to make our little sunshine here one of us?ö

ôOooohh, Spike.  LetÆs do it.  And afterward we can have a party, with
cake and presents.ö

ôI would rather die than become like you,ö  Buffy snapped.

ôWell that is a shame, but it can be arranged.ö he smiled evily.  ôYou
are very sexy, very beautiful.ö  All of a sudden Spike kissed her
roughly on the lips.  Buffy cringed.

ôLET HER GO!ö  Angel bellowed, and tried his hardest to break free, but
he was tied to tightly to the chair.

Dru sauntered over to the angry vampire. ôDonÆt worry my pet,ö  Dru
crooned as she caressed his face.  ôIt will all be better soon, I
promise.  We just have to get you home.ö

*********

Buffy and Angel were dragged to an abandoned home in the outskirts of
Sunnydale.  They had been blindfolded and gagged, and had no clue where
they were.  ôHey Spike, where do we put them?ö  a voice asked.

ôJust dump them in one of the bedrooms.  They wonÆt be going anywhere.
Did you find the other three?ö

ôWe almost caught them, but they ran into a house and we couldnÆt go
inside.ö

ôCanÆt you do anything right?ö  He asked, angrily.  ôForget it.  Just
take them away.ö

Buffy felt herself being carried upstairs.  <Oh God, what is going on?>
ôOUCH!ö  Her muffled voice said, when they dropped her body on the hard
wooden floor.  She heard the door shut and listened for any noise.  When
she was sure that there wasnÆt anybody else with her, she spit the gag
out of her mouth.

ôBuffy?ö

ôAngel?ö

ôAre you okay?ö

ôYeah, IÆm fine, but I think my whole side is bruised.  How are you
holding up?ö

ôI canÆt get these ropes undone.  The son of a bitch tied them too
tight.ö

ôMy wrists are killing me.  The rope is making my skin raw.ö

ôCan you get your blindfold off?ö

ôI can try.ö  Buffy rubbed her head back and forth along the floor,
trying to get the blindfold to inch up so she could see.  Finally, after
scratching her face up, it came off, and she opened her eyes.  Her
blurry vision took a moment to adjust.  She looked up and examined her
surroundings.  ôUgghh...where are we?ö  The room was small, and there
was one tiny window covered in cobwebs with a curtain over it.  Dust
filled every nook and cranny, and the wood was rotting.  She saw Angel
laying five feet in front of her.  ôOh Angel, your bleeding.ö  His
wrists had been cut up from the coarse rope.

ôCan you scoot closer to me?ö  Buffy wiggled her way over to him.  ôNow
turn so that your back is to my back, and our hands are touching.  She
did as he said, and when there hand met, she felt relief flood over her.
Just his touch comforted her.  ôOkay, now try and undo the ropes.ö
Buffy frantically worked at his ropes.

ôDamn, they are tight.ö

ôJust keep trying.ö

Despite the tightness of it, she managed to undo the binding rope.  ôI
got it!ö  she exclaimed.

ôSshh!  Keep your voice down.ö  Angel reached up and pulled off his
blindfold and undid the rope at his feet.  He immediately reached over
and untied Buffy.  As soon as she was free, she hugged him.

ôAngel, we have to get out of here.ö  They stood up and Buffy rubbed her
sore, bloody wrists.  Angel wiggled the door handle, but it was locked.
He tried busting through it, but the wood was too solid and the lock was
too strong.

ôFigures.  WeÆll have to go out the window.ö  Buffy pulled back the
curtain.  All she saw was a barren field and some trees.  There was a
road nearby, but no other houses.  ôWhere are we?ö  she whispered.
Angel came to the window.

ôDamnit!  The sun is going to rise soon.ö  That is when Buffy noticed
how light it was.

ôOh no, sunrise,ö  She said, and glanced at Angel.  ôWe canÆt leave.ö

ôI canÆt, but you can,ö  he said.  ôI want you to get out of here as
fast as you can.ö

ôNo, I wontÆ leave you.ö

He grabbed her arms and pulled her close to him.  ôYou have to leave.
Save yourself.  Most likely they wonÆt try to kill me until sunset
anyway, so you have time to get help.ö  He kissed her.  ôNow go.ö

Her eyes teared up, as there lips embraced.  She knew she had to go.
Buffy opened the window, to see the sun slowly start to come up.
ôAngel, get to a dark corner of a room.ö  He moved out of the sunÆs
deadly rays, and Buffy put one leg out and took one last look at Angel,
as if she wouldnÆt never see his beautiful face again, and climbed out.
She grabbed onto the branch of the nearby tree and swung herself up on
it, and climbed down.  The only relief she had was that she knew she was
safe, and that Giles, Hope, and Jenny had made it to safety.

The Slayer walked over to the road.  ôWhich way to town?ö  She asked
herself.  She walked a few steps down the road, and looked behind her.
Then, like a miracle from heaven, she saw a car driving from the
distance.  She stuck out her thumb, and hoped they would stop.  ôCome
on, come on.  Please stop.ö  The car slowed down, and pulled off to the
side of the road where she was standing.

The driver rolled down the passenger window.  ôWhere to?ö  The elderly
woman asked.  ôOh dear!ö  she exclaimed, noticing BuffyÆs disheveled
clothes, hair, and bloody wrists.  ôAre you okay, Miss?ö  she asked in a
southern accent.

ôI need to get to Sunnydale as soon as possible.  Can you take me
there?ö

ôYes, Yes.  Get in!ö  she urged.  ôIÆm on my way there right now."


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (11/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:16:08 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 11      PG

Buffy got into the strange car and shut the door.  ôYou donÆt know how
much this means to me.  Thank you so much for giving me a ride.ö

ôOh you are welcome.  Where did you get those awful looking cuts on your
wrists?ö

ôIts rope burn,ö  Buffy told her.

ôRope burn!  Honey, were you kidnapped or somethinÆ?ö

ôSomething like that.  But IÆm okay now.ö  She assured the woman.

ôShould I call the police?ö  she asked.

ôNo, really.  IÆm okay.ö

ôWell, if you say so.  You know, to be honest, I never stop for
hitchhikers, but something beckoned me to stop for you.  I donÆt know
what it was.  Maybe it is the full moon.ö

Buffy felt her heart thump.  ôFull moon?ö

ôWell yes, donÆt you know?  The Full moon is tonight.ö

She could feel her stomach rise into her throat.  ôAre you sure its
tonight?  I thought it was on Saturday.ö

ôOh no.  You are probably thinking of last month.  Last month the first
full moon was on a Saturday.  This month it is on a Wednesday.ö

ôOh.ö  Buffy barely uttered.  <Giles was wrong.  Angel will be
transformed tonight.>

The woman laughed.  ôYouÆre probly wonderinÆ how I know all this. Well,
my name is Gayle Callahan.  IÆm an astronomer for the local TV station.ö

ôIÆm Buffy Summers,ö <resident vampire slayer>, she thought.  ôHow far
are we from town?ö

Gale smiled.  ôBoy, you sure are anxious to get there, arenÆt you?ö
Buffy nodded earnestly.  ôWe should be arriving there in ten minutes.ö

Those ten minutes were total hell to The Slayer.  All she could think
about was the prophecy, and how Angel was still trapped in that house.
All the while Gayle was yammering about something.  <Hmph.  If this poor
woman only knew that at the end of the day, she might never see
tomorrow.  If I donÆt rescue Angel in time, he will lose his soul, and
the prophecy will come true.   God, how could Giles have been so wrong?>
Tears formed in her dry eyes.  <I love him so much, and now I know he
loves me.  I canÆt lose him now.>

Buffy was so deep in thought, that she didnÆt realize they had gotten
into town.  ôWell, weÆre here,ö  Gayle said cheerfully.  ôBuffy?  Buffy?
Are you okay, dear?ö

Buffy snapped out of her trance.  ôHuh?  Oh, weÆre here.ö  She looked at
Gayle.  ôThank you so much.  This means the world to me.ö

ôNo problem.  IÆm just glad I can help out.  Is there any specific place
you would like me to take  you?ö

Buffy thought for a moment.  ôCan you take me to Sunnydale High School?ö

ôSure.ö

                 *   *   *

Five minutes later they arrived in front of the large school.  Since she
broke the generator, there was no one there, but she knew that Giles
would be in the library.   Buffy looked at the kind woman.  ôI donÆt
have any money or something to give you.ö

ôOh donÆt worry about it.  Maybe we will meet again someday and you can
buy me a cup of coffee.ö  She joked.

ôSure.  That would be great,ö  Buffy opened the car door and got out.
ôThank you again,ö  she said, turned and walked toward the front door.
She heard the car drive away.  <Right.  Coffee.  Maybe if IÆm still
alive.>

The Slayer pulled open the heavy door and made her way to the library.
Not realizing how bad she looked, she walked into the library and saw
Giles sitting at their table, looking so worried.  She could tell he
hadnÆt slept last night.  ôBuffy!  Your alive!ö  He exclaimed, relieved.
ôOh God, you look terrible.ö  he said and helped her over to a chair.
He grabbed a few paper towels and pressed them to her wrists.  ôWhat
happened?  Is Angel okay?ö

ôOh Giles,ö  She said, and began to cry.  She could no longer hold it
in.  ôTonight is the full moon!ö

He looked dumbfounded.  ôN..No...ItÆs on Saturday.ö

ôGiles, look at your calendar.  You havenÆt changed the month on it
yet!ö

He got up and dashed to it.  ôOh no,ö  he whispered.  The top of the
calendar said December, 1997.  ôHow could I have overlooked this?ö  He
turned to the young girl and tried to comfort her.  ôIÆm so sorry.
Angel--is he...ö

ôI donÆtÆ know.  I *sob* had *sob* to leave *sob* him.ö  she managed to
say between sobs.

ôLeave him where?ö

ôWhere we were taken.ö

ôBuffy, tell me what happened.ö

She did her best to explained to him what had happened.   ôSo Angel is
still in that house?  We have to get him out as soon as possible.ö

ôHow Giles?  There are tons of vampires swarming in it, and once the
sunsets...ö  she sobbed heavily,  ô...once the sun sets, they will take
his soul away.ö

ôWe wonÆt let that happen.  Listen, I want to get home, clean yourself
up, and get some sleep.  Hope is there, I couldnÆt let her go home.
Since your mother is out of town, I used the key you gave me to let her
in.  Her parents think that she is spending the day with you.ö

ôHope--is she okay?  And what about Jenny?ö

ôYes, they are both fine.  Now please, listen to me once, and get home.ö

Buffy knew he was right.  She hadnÆt eaten or slept, and needed a
shower.  ôCall me if you find anything out.ö

ôI will.ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (12/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:17:40 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 12       PG

Buffy slowly trudged home, taking in her surroundings.  She basked in
the sunÆs warm rays, listened to the birds chirping, and watched the
small puffy clouds move against the pale blue sky.  She felt like
collapsing.  Not because of exhaustion, but because she felt so
hopeless, so alone.

The Slayer walked up the steps, to her front door.  She took out her key
and opened it.  ôHope?ö  she called out to the thick silence.  ôAre you
here?  ItÆs me, Buffy.ö  She shut the door behind her, making sure it
was locked.

Hope came bounding out from the kitchen and threw her arms around Buffy.
ôIÆm so glad your okay!  Oh my, you look awful!ö

ôGee, that seems to be the universal reaction to my present looks.ö

ôIÆm sorry, Buffy.  You just look like youÆve been through hell.ö

ôSure, if youÆre into understatements.  So how are you doing?ö

Hope sat down on the stairs.  ôI am okay, I think.  So much has happened
in the past twenty-four hours.  IÆm still trying to take it all in.ö

The Slayer sat down next to her.  ôIt will be weird at first, but trust
me.  Soon it will become an everyday thing, just like breathing.ö

ôGiles told me about those vampires last night...Spike and Drusilla.
What happened?ö

ôLet me take a shower and I will tell you.ö  Buffy said, walking up the
stairs.  ôHow about you make some coffee?ö

ôSure.  Oh, IÆm making soup, do you want some?ö

ôThat would be great.  Thanks.ö  Buffy made her way up the stairs to her
bedroom.  She shut the door behind her and collapsed on her bed.  ôOh
God,ö  she cried to herself, ôHow am I going to get through this day?ö
Buffy forced herself to get up.  ôI have to think clearly.ö  She
sauntered over to her dresser and looked into the mirror.  It was the
first good look she has gotten of herself since yesterday.  ôOh man, I
do look like hell.ö  She peeled off her clothes and wrapped a bath towel
around her small body, and went to the bathroom.  Shutting and locking
the door, she removed her towel and got into the shower.  The hot water
hit her body softly.  It was the first time since yesterday that she
felt relaxed.  The raw skin on her wrists stung as the water made its
way over her body, but she ignored the pain.  Buffy washed her hair and
body with her favorite peach shampoo and soap that she had gotten for
her 17th birthday.  After twenty minutes, she made herself shut the
water off, not wanting to come out like a prune. Buffy left the bathroom
and went back to her room.  She sat down in a chair and examined her
reflection in a small hand mirror.  ôOh crap,ö  she said, as she noticed
the dark circles under her eyes and the red blemish on her cheek.
ôThis is not what I needed right now.ö  She applied a light coat of
makeup, blow-dried and styled her hair, and put on her favorite pink
tank top and pair of blue jeans.  After finally feeling good about her
appearance, she decided to join Hope in the kitchen.


______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (13/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:19:02 PST

PART 13      G

In a dark room, two voices spoke out in the dead silence.

ôSpike?ö

ôYes, luv?ö

ôIs it time yet?ö

ôNo, luv.  Be patient.ö

ôBut I canÆt wait.  I want my party.ö

ôSoon, luv.  Soon.ö

********

ôFeeling better?ö  Hope asked, when she saw her friend emerge from the
hallway and sit down on the couch.

ôYeah, a little.ö  Buffy responded.  Hope handed her a cup of coffee and
bowl of soup.  ôThanks,ö  she said, and took a bite.  ôThis is really
good.  I didnÆt realize how hungry is was.ö

ôSo, do you mind telling me what happened?ö  Hope asked.  When she saw
Buffy grimace, she quickly added, ôBut if you donÆtÆ want to, thatÆs
okay.  I donÆt want, well, I just,ö  she was trying to find the right
words.  ôIts just that, well, IÆm worried about you.  I know we havenÆt
known each other for very long, but I feel like IÆve known you all my
life.ö

Buffy was touched by her honesty.  She felt guilty for being so
suspicious of Hope.  Even though she still felt an aura coming off of
Hope, she was extremely comfortable around her new friend.  ôI donÆt
mind telling you about what happened.ö  The Slayer relived the night
through her words as she retold the story to Hope.  ôAnd right now he is
sitting there...just waiting...ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (14/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:20:57 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART 14      R

**WARNING:  This part gets really graphic and might be disturbing for
some people.  Reader discretion is adivsed.**

Angel sat in the dark corner of the musty room, hiding from the window.
The curtain didnÆt completely cover the deadly rays of the sun.  He had
been sitting there for hours, waiting.  Waiting to live, waiting to die.
Angel was scared.  The usually fearless vampire was so scared of what
was going to happen.  Not just to him, but to Buffy.  He would never
forgive himself if something happened to her.    If Spike and Drusilla
tried to make him evil again, he would drive a stake through his heart
before they got the chance.  He just sat there, thinking.  It was all he
could do.  He thought of the past, of the horrible things he had done.
He remembered killing Mira.  He thought about how he hadnÆt told his
friends the whole story.  He hadnÆt lied to them, but he withheld some
information.  Gruesome information.  Yes, Angelus had killed her family,
mutilating them.  Gouging out their eyes, bashing their heads in,
ripping their still beating hears out of their chests.  Sucking every
bit of blood out of their bodies that he could get.  He remembered
grabbing her little puppy from the backyard.  He thing was only about
four months old.  Angelus had nailed the puppies tiny body to the wall
above her families bodies.  He could still see MiraÆs face when she had
dashed through her front door so show her mother the gift her watcher
had given to her.  The sapphire pendant.  The happy look on her face
twisting into utter horror.  And when the girl had found him in the
graveyard, he had said ôYour family tasted sooo good!ö  She tried to
fight him, but couldnÆt.  She didnÆt have the will.  The thing that
Angel didnÆt tell them was that she didnÆt just give up after a fight,
he had abused her.  Angelus had pushed her down on the ground, and tore
her clothes off.  She laid there, frightened, shocked, in fear of him,
and didnÆt struggle when he did the most horrible thing he could do to a
girl, he raped her.  He remembered her crying, sobbing, shaking.  When
she couldnÆt take it anymore, she told him to kill her, and he did.  He
leaned down on her naked body, turned her head to the side, exposing the
soft, white flesh on her neck, and slowly sunk his fangs into her
jugular.  He sucked every ounce of blood that was in her body.  And when
he had finished, he left her there, walking away without a second
thought.

Angel shuddered.  He loathed himself.  He hated thinking about the
things he had done in the past.  All the killing, the hurting, the pain.
A tear fell down his pale face.  So much guilt filled his body.  He
choked back the emerging sob.  His body quivered.  He reached up and
grabbed the cross he wore around his neck.  Despite the burns that it
caused him, he wore it anyway.  It helped calm him.  Angel looked down
at his hand and gazed at the claddagh ring, the heart pointing toward
him, representing his love for Buffy.  Just this calmed him down.  All
of a sudden he was ripped from his thoughts to the sound of a key in the
door.  He watched the doorknob slowly turn, and the door creep open.
<Well, this is it>.


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (15/?)
Date: 04 Mar 1998 17:27:47 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 15       PG  (language)

Ring.

ôShit.ö

Ring.

ôDonÆt you dare answer that phone.ö

Ring.

ôBut...ö

Ring.

ôNO!ö

Ring.

ôIt might be Buffy..ö

ôUgggh!ö

Xander reached over and grabbed the phone.  Breathlessly, he answered.
ôHello?ö

ôXander?ö a worried voice said.

ôUh, yeah?ö

ôThis is Giles.  Something terrible has happened.ö

ôWhat?  Is everything okay?ö  Cordelia shot him a look of disgust.
<Buffy Buffy Buffy.  Is that all he thinks about?>

ôNo, unfortunately not.  There is a huge crisis on our hands. Everything
is in a complete disarray.  I made a costly error.  My inaccuracy could
be the downfall of everything...ö

ôWhoa, Whoa, Slow down.  What is going on?ö  Xander asked, greatly
concerned.  He looked at Cordelia, who sensed his worry.

ôI donÆt have time to explain over the phone, just get to the library
right now.  Call Cordelia and have her come too.ö

ôRight...right.  What about Willow?ö

ôIÆve already called and informed her.  Now hurry.ö

ôWait--Giles!ö  Xander called, but Giles had already slammed down the
receiver.  Xander hung up the phone.

ôWhatÆs going on?ö  Cordelia asked, her voice filled with fear and
concern.

ôI donÆt know, but something bad has happened.  Giles, he sounded, so,
un-Giles like.  He seemed so scared.ö  He gazed up at her face.

ôWill everything be okay?ö  She whispered, not wanting to reveal her
fear, but he already felt it.  Suddenly her hugged her fiercely, not
wanting to let go, not wanting to go to the library, or find out the
horrible news that awaited them.  He wanted to protect her from the
world, but he couldnÆt.  She grabbed his face and kissed him.  ôWe have
to leave.  We need to help Giles and Buffy.ö  He nodded, grasped her
small hand, and the two teenagers left XanderÆs house.

*******

ôI wonder what he is doing right now...ö  Buffy said.  ôI hope he is
okay...ö

ôHe is probably thinking of you.ö  Hope replied.

ôYou think so?ö

ôI know so.  I can see the love you share just by the looks you give
each other.  Its like an electric current running on high.ö

The Slayer smiled at her new friend.  ôYou know, Hope, I have to be
honest with you.  When we first met, I didnÆt trust you.ö

She seemed a bit hurt.  ôWhat do you mean?ö

ôWell, when IÆm near you, I get this weird feeling.  ItÆs like, you give
off this sensation, these funky vibes.  Remember when we shook hands?
When you touched me, you sent these tingles throughout my body.ö  She
glanced at Hope, you looked confused.  ôDonÆt get me wrong, I do like
you, but there is something different about you.ö

ôWell, I canÆt say that I felt the exact same way, but, when I met you,
something was different.  It was like, I was supposed to meet you...I
had a reason for it.  Almost like fate.ö  She looked away.  ôDo you
think it has anything to do with Mira?ö

ôI have no clue.ö  Buffy sat and pondered for a moment.  ôWhere is your
necklace?ö

ôOh, itÆs right here.ö  She pulled it out of her bag.

ôCan I see it?ö

ôSure.ö  She handed the pendant to Buffy.

The Slayer took it from her.  She fingered it, staring into it.  It was
mesmerizing, like a deep ocean of blue, swimming in her head.  She
stared hard into it, going deeper and deeper past the surface.  She was
suddenly lost in its beauty.  Buffy felt like was *in* the stone.  Her
head started to spin.  She felt dizzy, and dropped the necklace.  Then
everything when black.


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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/?
Date: 04 Mar 1998 19:26:50 -0800 (PST)


TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/?
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: Yes, especially since this is my first fic-but since it is,
please don't be too harsh
SPOILER: What's My Line 1&2
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after What's My Line 1 &
2, with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
CONTENT WARNING: Some kissing,talk of sex, and a sexual
situation(nothing graphic at all)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for one, whose
name is unknown as of now-but will be included in Part 2 and possibly
all remaining parts of this. All of the other characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2", therefor without knowing
that something similar to this *sort of* happens in "Surprise"

**********
PART 1

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

      Willow spotted Buffy hurrying down the hallway ahead of her.
"Buffy! Hey, wait up!" she called as she ran to catch up with her.

 Buffy waited for her friend. "Hey Will. What's up?"

Willow frowned.

"Will- what's wrong? What aren't you telling me?," Buffy asked
suspiciously.

"Well I saw something that I really didn't want to and didn't need to
see. I saw- oh boy, you are never gonna believe this-"

"Well I don't really need to believe it- I just need to know. What is
it, Will?" Buffy asked impatiently.

Willow sighed. "Ok, well I was in the library helping Giles with
something before and Xander was there and so was Cordelia- and Giles
asked Xander to go find a book on some- thing- and Cordelia to help
him-so they went. And I was left to do research on the computer, of
course, but I finished before Xander and Cordelia found the book so I
went in the back to help them and-" Willow paused.

"And?" Buffy asked anxiously.

Willow frowned. "I saw Xander and Cordelia making out in front of the
Encyclopedias."

"Wow, you really took note of where they were standing-But maybe it
wasn;t what you thought it was," Buffy said trying to give Willow some
hope.

Willow shook her head. "No, no- I know what I saw. And I saw Xander
and Cordelia totally lip locked."

"Maybe one of them passed out and needed mouth to mouth," Buffy
suggested jokingly.

"Buffy this is not funny- I mean- it's Xander and Cordelia here-
Xander hates Cordelia-Cordelia hates Xander- That's like, that's like
Tom the cat kissing Jerry the mouse...uh, well, you know what I mean"

"True, but haven't you ever heard of the saying that opposites
attract? I mean as ick-worthy as it is, maybe Xander and Cordelia are
an example of that."

"Well I don't like *that* example. And the worst part is, I'm his best
friend- you are too- and he didn't even tell us," Willow said with
anger.

"Maybe he was afraid of our reaction. I mean it is Cordelia-she was
supposed to be his- and our - sworn enemy- and now he's kissing her,"
Buffy suggested.

"Maybe- but I'm still mad at him. I don't understand what he sees in
her- he never saw anything in her before except popular snotiness- I
thought she would be the last person that he'd ever date. But now this
happened, and now it's like-" Willow stopped with a frown.

 "It's like what?" Buffy asked trying to be understanding.

"It's like I'm the last person he'd ever date," Willow said with tears
forming in her eyes.

She continued. "Like Cordelia's good enough for him- and I-his best
friend-am not." The tears began falling down her face.

"Hey, it's not you Willow-Xander's probably just going through those
hormonal changes that men tend to go through. I'm sure he never meant
it to be like that," Buffy said as she hugged her friend.

Willow pulled away to look at Buffy, wiping her tears. "Really?"

"*Really*"Buffy repeated.

 "Well, I'm still mad at him. I don't know if I'm even gonna talk to
him. I'll let him tell me- or us, that is."

"We'll see about that. Somehow, I think you will."
The two started walking again.

"So, who's this Oz guy that was so heroic as to risk himself getting
shot in the arm so that you wouldn't?" Buffy asked changing the
subject.

"Oz? Oz is no one- he's just this guy- that I know."

"A guy that you know. Very informative Will,"

"Ok, well, we were both chosen for this computer thing at the Career
Fair, so we've been talking," Willow told her.

"By the way, how did that whole Slayer goodbye thing go between you
and Kendra?," Willow asked changing the subject.

"Was there any hugging or crying going on?" she continued.

Buffy shook her head at her friend with a grin.
 "You were quick to change the subject. But no, no hugging. Just a
goodbye. Kendra has that "No Huggy Huggy, Touchy Touchy," policy."

 "Oh, right. So- I guess that means there was no crying," Willow
answered for Buffy.

"Definitely a negative. But even though I was counting the days until
she'd leave, it was a little sad to see her go. I guess cause we had
something in common. I'm ok now, though."

Willow smiled. "Well, good. So have you and Angel been playing
helpless patient and nurse lately?" Willow asked anxious to hear the
answer.

"Actually, me and Angel haven't even talked or seen each other since
the night at the church. Kendra was kind enough to volunteer to take
him home safely that night so that I could get home to sleep."

Willow couldn't believe it. "Wow, you mean you're not even worried
that he could not be ok?"

"I thought about it of course. But I thought it would be better if he
could rest and if I was was with him, there definitely would be no
resting going on," Buffy explained.

Willow nodded in agreement. "Oh, I see your point. I bet you miss his
kisses though."

"You could say that. I've definitely been going through some *major*
withdrawal," Buffy agreed.

Xander came up behind the two of them just in time to hear Buffy's
last sentence.
"Withdrawal! Buffy, you're not taking drugs now are you? 'Cause that's
what that DARE Program is all bout- Saying *no* to drugs."

Buffy grinned.

 "No Xander, Buffy was talking about withdrawal from Angel's kisses-
which is probably what you're going through now without Cordelia's
kisses!" Willow shot at him with anger.

Xander's eyes widened in shock. He looked at Buffy.

Buffy shrugged. "What can I say, Xand- secrets secrets are no
fun-especially when you keep them from your best friends."

Xander shook his head in disbelief. "I don't kn-I don't know what
you're talking about," he said trying to cover everything up.

Buffy looked at Willow. "Willow?" she asked giving her the cue to
explain.

 "I-I saw you two in the library-when you were looking for that book-I
went to help you-and I saw you two-kissing," she told Xander.

"Oh, boy... Gosh...I'm sorry, Will. We didn't mean for you-or anyone
to see that. We- Look, I have no idea what is going on between me and
Cordelia. I mean we get into these fights and then we kiss-and it's
completely-completely weird. I mean I don't understand it and I know
you two don't either. Right now I'm just trying to sort everything
out. And that's why I didn't tell you guys. I mean it's me and-
Cordelia- we're not supposed to be together. I mean that's like Tom
and Jerry
kissing each other-Well,you know-you know what I'm saying."

 Willow smiled. "I said the same thing," she told him.

"Xander like I told Willow before, you're probably going through
hormonal changes that men tend to go through," Buffy explained.

Xander grinned. "Maybe. I just hope you two will forgive me for not
telling," he pleaded.

Buffy grinned. "You're forgiven-by me at least."

 "Willow?" Xander asked.

"I forgive you-but only this once Xander-you not tell us something
again and I'll-I'll..." Willow paused.

Xander smiled. "Thanks you guys. I promise- it'll *never* happen
again."

"So-" Willow said changing the subject once again,"Where were we?"

"Well I know that I was about to tell Buffy that withdrawal from
Angel's kisses is even worse then from drugs and that she could say no
to that too.. but then.."Xander started.

Willow finished for him. "We kinda got into a different conversation.
But about what you were gonna say," Willow said with a smile,"I don't
think she'd wanna say no to that."

Xander smiled at her then turned to Buffy.

"How is our vampish fiend anyway? Not that I really care but he just
looked like he was in major pain the other night- definitely a good
thing."

 "Actually," she explained again," I haven't seen him since that
night. But, I'm sure he's fine."

"Darn!" Xander said as he stomped his foot.

 Willow and Buffy gave him "the look."

"Sorry, that just came out unplanned-like a reflex," Xander explained.

 "Well you better try to control that reflex or my reflex will be to
tape your mouth shut," Buffy warned him jokingly.

"Whoa-Buff, I knew you were a violent one- with evil creatures but I
didn't think you'd be that way with friends. I mean I 'll try but a
reflex is a reflex- pretty much uncontrollable. Oh, by the way, Buff,
the G-man was looking for you- I was supposed to tell you. Seemed
pretty urgent."

"Gee, thanks for telling me now that class starts in like a minute."

Xander spotted Giles approaching them. "Well, it must be pretty
important 'cause here he comes now," he informed Buffy and motioned to
him.

"Buffy!" Giles called as he caught site of her.

Buffy, Xander, and Willow walked over to him.

"Giles, hey. What's up?" Buffy asked him.

 "Buffy I need to see you in the library- in five minutes."

Buffy sighed. "Giles, can this wait? 'Cause I have history now and you
know how much I'm faltering in that class."

Giles shook his head. "Buffy, this is extremely urgent. It'll only
take a few minutes," he told her.

"Ok. Ill be right there," she obeyed.

 She turned to her two friends. "I'll see you guys at lunch."

Xander nodded. "Ok, best of luck Buff! You may need it with whatever
this urgent thing is."

 "See ya," Willow told her.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

     Giles was relieved when he saw Buffy come through the library
doors. "Oh, good. You're here."

"What you didn't trust that I'd come?" Buffy asked him slightly
annoyed.

Giles shook his head. "Well, no. No it's just-" he began.

Buffy interrupted shaking her head. "Ok, Giles, What's up? What is
this extremely urgent thing that you *need* to tell me about?" she
asked impatiently.

Giles sighed. "Sit down," he told her.

"Gosh this must be bad. When someone asks you to sit down before they
tell you something, you know it can *never* be a good thing," she said
as she sat.

"So, what is this terrible thing?" she asked.

"Well, it's two things actually," he told her.

"Oh goody. So it's the more problems the merrier kind of deal. So, go
head, share."

Giles sighed. "Well, I went back to what remains of the church that
Druscilla's healing ritual was performed in a few nights ago.." he
began.

 "And?" Buffy asked impatiently.

"And while I was looking through the remains of it, I found this," he
continued as he pulled a piece of red cloth out of his pocket and
handed it to Buffy.

"Hmm..a piece of red cloth, probably from a shirt or something," she
said as she examined it in her hands, "Giles what does this have to do
with- anything?" she asked.

"Well, it's not just a piece of cloth off of just anyone's shirt.." he
began.

"Oooo-could it be-I mean maybe it's a piece of one of Gavin Rossdale's
shirts. Can I keep it then- for a souvenir?" Buffy said jokingly.

"Gavin Rossdale- I don't believe I've heard of a Gavin Rossdale.
Who-Who is he?" Giles asked her.

"No one- never mind."

Buffy stared down at the torn piece of clothing in her hands.

"Wait a sec," she said realizing something,"Spike was wearing a shirt
that looked something like this the night that we were in the church
and I...killed.." She paused and her eyes widened.

"When a vampire is killed every part of it turns to dust, except
anything that it may be holding, such as a weapon, but everything else
becomes dust, including all of its clothing," he began explaining.

"Him," Buffy said finishing her sentence from before, "Oh my gosh."

"But when I looked underneath all of the debris, I found not only a
piece of his clothing but not a sign of vampire dust in the area in
which they were supposed to be killed. It still would have been
visible even days later, but since there was none, it would mean
that.." Giles continued explaining but was interrupted by Buffy who
finished his sentence for him.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," she finished.

 Giles nodded. "I'm afraid so. Now, have you spoken to Angel at all
since that night?"

Buffy shook her head. "I haven't yet. I thought I should leave him to
recuperate," she started.

Giles interrupted. "Well I think it would be a good idea to go see hi,
tonight. To- make sure that he's al right. With Druscilla still alive
and uncured, he could be in great danger of her and Spike," he warned
her.

Buffy became a little nervous at what he said. "Great danger? Are we
talking death here?" she asked him.

"Buffy he was nearly killed by Spike's last attempt to cure her, and
if that hasn't worked, well- there's no telling what they'll do next."

Buffy agreed. "Ok, so it's Destination Angel's then."

"Wait, Buffy. As I said before, that us only one of the problems."

"Uh, Giles- I wasn't going anywhere. Remember, school? Well, it's
still in session in case you didn't know. And I don't need Principle
Snyder to find out that I ditched the rest of the day," Buffy reminded
him.

Giles agreed. "Oh, yes. That's right. Well anyway, I was researching
that Watcher Diaries.."

Buffy rolled her eyes and interrupted him. "Really Giles? Cause I
thought you always were researching in Reader's Digest," she joked.

 Giles gave her a stern look.

 "Continue," she told him.

 "Well as I was researching, I found out that six months after the
Master dies, on the six day, and the six hour, his or her spirit comes
back in the form of the opposite sex. It then, goes  after the person
who killed him or her, along with a team of all the vampires existing
at that time," he explained.

"Sixth month, sixth day, sixth hour..Giles are you noticing this 666
ocult reference that I'm noticing?"she asked him.

"Yes and I believe that has something to do with the fact that the
Master is like a vampires versian of the Christian religion's
"Anichrist," he explained.

"Ok, so anyway, the person who killed the Master," Buffy observed,
"That would be me. So why don't they just say "the slayer" cause I
thought that's always the person he fights during the Prophecy."

"Well, in a few earlier cases," Giles explained,"the Slayer was not
the person who killed him or her. Sometimes, it was just a person who
happened to be there."

Buffy shook her head in confusion. "You keep saying "him or her." Are
you saying that the Master could be female?" she asked him.

"Well, yes. There have been some female masters in the past, and quite
powerful ones, I might add," he explained.

"Wow. Talk about girl power. And I thought women only ruled in the
90's."

"Yes and the spirit oh the Master that is supposed to be coming will
be female, since it's spirit is always the opposite sex."

 Buffy took everything in and tried putting it into her own words.
"Ok, so this master spirit girl, she's coming- six months after the
Master's death- which would be- next month-and on the sixth day-
Giles, today is the 15th- that means that ghost girl will be coming in
only three weeks, and I'm guessing she's *no* Casper-which means we're
gonna need a *lot* of time to prepare for it- and we don't even know
much of anything about it- I mean it's a spirit,worse then your
ordinary poltergeist, and it's the Masters-opposite sex or not- Giles,
how the hell are we gonna kill this thing!? Or..make it go away?"

 Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes in distress.

He looked at Buffy who stood waiting for an answer. One that he didn't
have. "I-I don't know," he told her truthfully.

Buffy couldn't believe it. "You don't know?! You're the Watcher-
You're supposed to know these things.... Just tell me one thing- Am I
supposed to die from this?" she asked him with tears almost beginning
to form in her eyes.

 Giles shook his head. "No, not that I'm aware if. All that's listed
in the Watcher Diaries is what I've told you. That is why, I need you
to find out from Angel, everything he knows about this," he told her.

Buffy finally calmed down and returned to her normal self.

 "Ok, well, I'll make sure I make some time in between kisses for us
to chat about it," she told him.

"Buffy, this is nothing to joke about. You must be serious."

"I was being serious just now," she joked again.

 Giles gave Buffy the same stern look from before.

"Ok, Ok, I'll make sure that I talk to him about it. And by the way, I
was being serious just a few minutes before the other thing I said.
Maybe a little *too* serious. Anyway, are we done here cause I have to
get to class now?"

Giles nodded.

"Ok then I better go. See ya, Giles," she said as she walked out the
library doors.

LATER ON IN THE SCHOOL DAY

*bell rings*


Willow and Xander walked together out of the classroom that they were
just in and down the halls.

Approaching them was Cordelia, Devon, and Oz.

 Willow smiled at the sight of Oz.

When they were in speaking range Xander acknowledged Cordelia."Well,
would you look who it is," Xander said looking at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked him.

"Nothing. Just, look who it is- it's you."

 "And your point is?"

"No point. I was just- acknowledging your presence," he told her.

 "Why?" she asked him in a snotty voice. "Never mind. I don't wanna
know. Come on Devon. Let's go." She pulled Devon with her down the
halls.

Oz stayed behind. "Hi," he said looking at Willow.

"Hey Oz," she said smiling. "Weren't you supposed to leave with them,"
Willow asked referring to Cordelia and Devon.

"Well, see, I wanted to know if you were going to the Bronze tonight,"
he explained.

"Oh. Well, I don't know- I mean I gotta check with my friends to see
if their going or not," she told him. "Why do you wanna know?" she
asked him.

"Well my band is gonna be playing there tonight and if you were going,
then you'd get to see us play. And, you know, maybe when we're done
playing, you and I could maybe hang out together for a little while if
it was cool with you," he told her.

"Oh, yeah, that, that would be cool-with me. Yeah."

"So you're going then?" Oz asked her.

"Yeah. I'll be there," she told him.

"Alright, well I'll see you then."

"Yeah, see ya," she said with a smile. She turned and watched him walk
away.

"Willow? Hello? Anyone there?" Xander called waving his hands in front
of her face.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, Xand."

"That's ok. So, I guess we're Bronze bound tonight, huh?" Xander asked.

 "Yeah," she answered with a smile across her face.

"Well, that'll work out good. I can dance with Cordelia while Devon's
busy singing and you can stare at Oz, the great and powerful."

"Xander!"

"Sorry, couldn't stop myself there. The Wizard of Oz thing was gonna
come up some time. And then was the time."

"By the way, why were you and Cordelia fighting back there. I thought
you guys were ok with each other now." Willow asked confused slightly.

"We are ok, but Devon and Oz were there. We can't act like love birds
in front of them. Not that we are or anything," he explained.

 Xander noticed Buffy walking up ahead.
 "Hey, let's go see if Buffy can join us tonight," he told Willow.

The two ran to catch up with her.

"Hey Buff."

"Hey guys."

"So, Willow and I are going to the Bronze tonight. Feel like joining
us?" he asked.

"Well, I would but I'm gonna go check on Angel tonight. I have to find
out stuff from him for Giles too," she told them.

 "Well, if it's for Giles then I guess you should," Xander said a
little disappointed.

"Oz is gonna be there," Willow told her excitedly. "And we're gonna
hang out when his band's done playing."

 "And you said you two would never become a thing. It's already in the
working," Buffy told her.

Willow smiled.

*bell rings*

"Ooo, gotta get to class. I'll see you guys," Buffy said and then
started to walk to her next class.

Willow and Xander did the same.

 Buffy turned back around. "Willow!" she shouted down the hall.

 Willow turned around.

"Good luck tonight."

Willow smiled and they both turned and continued on to their next class.

LATER THAT NIGHT
ANGEL'S APARTMENT

  Buffy knocked on Angel's door."Angel?" she called.

She tried to open it but it as locked of course.

She knocked again. "Angel, it's just me .Open up."

She waited then knocked once more.

 When he still didn't answer she decided to let herself in by kicking
open the door.

She walked in and closed the door behind her.

"Angel?...Hello? Anybody home?" she called. *He's gotta be home. He's
recuperating* she thought.

Finally she came to the area where his bed was and found him sound
asleep in it.  She smiled at the sight of his sleeping figure, then
got an idea.

She went over to the phone and dialed her home phone number.

"Mom? Hi. I'm over at Willow's- she's helping me study for this big
history test and it looks like we won't be done till late tonight. So
can I stay over and get a ride to school with her?...Yeah, it's ok
with her parents...Ok, thanks a lot mom..I love you too. Bye."

Buffy listened as her mom hung up and grinned mischeiviously at what
she had just done.

 Then, as she was going to hang up the phone she was pulled back onto
the bed behind her and on top of Angel who immediately leaned up and
kissed her.

 They kissed again and soon the two were wrapped up in a whirl of
passion.

 Angel began kissing down Buffy's face and to her neck.

Buffy let out a slight moan as Angel kissed her neck. She then moved
to claim his lips with hers again, afraid that if he kissed her neck
any longer, he might go vamp on her.

But soon she found his lips trailing back down the same path to her
neck.

She had to admit, it felt great when he kissed her there, but again,
she didn't want him to lose his control.
It was too late though- his lips were already there and the pleasure
from him kissing her there, overwhelmed her.

"Angel," she managed to get out, trying to make him stop, but what it
really sounded like was a sigh of pleasure.

After a moment, she called his name again, this time sounded more like
her calling him.

Still he didn't stop. "Mmm?" he just said as his lips trailed up and
down her face to her neck.

 She let out a soft cry again as he kissed a sensitive spot that he
hadn't kissed yet.

Finally she was able to tell him. "Um, Angel, maybe you shouldn't kiss
me there."

Angel stopped and lifted his head to meet her eyes. He was a little
confused. "Sorry-I thought you were enjoying it."

Buffy blushed alittle."I was- I was- it's just-Well I was afraid you'd
go vampire on me- No offense," she explained.

Angel chuckled. "Why would you think that?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh- I don't know, maybe because you-on a few occasions-have been
known to go vamp on me while we were lip locked," she said with a
slight grin.

Angel shook his head. "Well, just so you know, that really only
happens when I'm angry-or- I have something on my mind. But- I can
control it otherwise," he explained to her with a smile.

Buffy tried to fight back her impulse to ask him more, but couldn't.
"Even if you're kissing my neck- the very same spot that you could be
feeding on me from?"

Angel's face saddened a bit.

"I'm Sorry, that didn't come out the right way," she told him.

 Angel just looked away.

Buffy took her hand and turned his face so that he faced her. "Hey, I
trust you Angel, I do."

Angel nodded, but still looked a little sad. "I know," he answered.

Buffy changed the subject."Well, so anyway, I came here to see how you
were-You're ok, right?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Ok, good-Is there anything I could do?" she asked with a smile.

Angel grinned. "Well, you could start by, kissing me again."

Buffy smiled back at him. "That I can definitely do," she said as she
leaned down to kiss him.

Their lips met for a few more kisses before they pulled away. "I've
missed you," Angel said as their lips parted. "Been kinda lonely
here-and without you," he continued.

Buffy smiled. "Sorry I haven't come by- but I thought you'd need some
time to rest and recuperate without any distractions," she explained.

"Yeah, you're probably right," he told her with a smile. Buffy loved
when he told her she was right.

"Well, I'm here now-And we have the whole night to be together-I told
my mom I was at Willow's so I can stay the night," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy, that's very kind of you to be here, but
I'm not sure it's such a good idea you spend the night."

Buffy didn't understand. "Well, why not? If you're worried that you
don't have an extra bed, you shouldn't cause I think were a little
past sleeping in separate beds. I can just- sleep right here next to
you," she said then patted a spot on the bed.

"That's just it, Buffy. Don't you think it would be a little tempting
being together in the same bed? I mean don't you thing we might end up
wanting to-,"

"Have sex?" Buffy suggested bluntly.

Angel seemed a little uncomfortable. "Well..yeah," he told her.

"So- what's so wrong with that? I mean, we've been way past a cup of
of coffee. We can't even go 5 minutes without kissing each other."

"It's just- If I lose control Buffy, which I could, you could die. And
hurting you is the last thing I want to do," he told her.

"Angel, I know that-But I don't think you would. I trust you enough to
know that you'd never hurt me, even in your vampire mode."

 Angel shook his head. "Buffy please- It's hard enough not to- please
don't make it any harder," he begged.

Buffy looked deeply into Angel's eyes. "Please Angel- I love you..I
need you," she pleaded with him.

 Angel lightened a bit. "What caused the change of mind? Just before,
you didn't even want me kissing you- and now-," Angel began, curious.

"You told me you could control it- and I believe you. And I realized
that we don't know how much time we'll have together. I mean, it was
the scariest thing, you almost died the other night. And me, being the
Slayer-Well,you know, Slayers are known to have short lives. I figure
we should do..things..while we have the chance," she explained.

Angel agreed. "Alright," he said with a slight nod.

His eyes stared deeply into Buffy's.But there was something about
them- something about his eyes that was different. It was as if they
held an untold secret-as if Angel knew that something was about to
tear him and Buffy apart.

"Ok?" Buffy asked with a smile.

 "Ok," Angel replied grinning.

Buffy leaned in and kissed him.

 "I love you, Buffy. I want you to know that," he told her.

She kissed him again. "I know," she said with a smile.

Angel looked as if he was waiting for her to say more.

"I love you too," she finished finally.

He smiled-but then that look appeared in his eyes again-the look of
pain-of knowing something Buffy did not.

 Buffy kissed him again, then saw that look in his eyes. "Hey, what's
wrong?" she asked concerned.

"It's nothing- really."

"Are you sure? I mean are you nervous or something?-'cause I'll admit
that I am a little," she asked slightly worried.

"No- I'm fine," Angel said with a smile. He then pulled her back down
on him for a kiss.

"Good," Buffy said as she pulled the covers up over them , coming back
down on him, and kissing him.

 They kissed each other passionately for a few moments.

Then Buffy took control and began kissing down Angel's face, nibbling
on his jaw line and planting soft kisses down his neck. She then
paused to help him remove his white tee-shirt, and began kissing him
again from his collar bone down to his smooth chest. She then worked
her way back up to his mouth as her hands ran up and down his arms and
broad chest, feeling his muscles....beneath her touch.

Their kiss lingered on for a while, before it was broken by Angel, who
sat up in bed.

"Angel, what's worng," Buffy asked concerned.

Angel shook his head. "I can't. I can't do this Buffy...I'm sorry. I
'm so, sorry. You know I'd do anything for you Buffy, but I can't do
this. I can't," Angel explained to her, quite upset.

 He looked almost as if he was about to cry and Buffy could sense
that. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close to her.

"It's ok Angel. It's ok-I understand. I shouldn't have..pressured you
so much. I'm sorry," she whispered in his ear.

Angel pulled away after a short while and laid back down on the bed.
Buffy laid down also, resting her head against his shoulder.

 She turned to look at him. "Are you ok?" she asked him.

 Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm ok," he replied in a sad tone.

"I still love you,Angel. You know that, right?," she told him.

"I know," he replied.

 Buffy gave him a little smile then settled her head on his chest and
closed her eyes.

 Angel put an arm around her and did the same.

Little did Buffy know that,inside, Angel really wasn't fine or ok-and
she would soon not be either.

To be continued...

















































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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (7/8)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 02:08:52 EST

Title: Who Am I (7/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
**********************
~PART 7~

When the gang arrived at the wharehouse through the back entrance,
seeing as how the front door had a guard, they slipped quietly into the
shadows as not to be seen or heard by Spike. Buffy was chained on the
far wall while Spike loomed over her with his demon face on. They
listened intently to what was being said.
         "No ones going to save you this time, Slayer." Spike taunted.
"You've cheated destiny long enough. I think it's about time I put you
out of your misery."
         "My misery? You're the one with birth defects. If I looked like
you do I'd kill myself." Buffy quiped.
         "Tut tut. You'll bruise my ego." Spike tsked. "I bet you don't say
that to Angelus." Spike resumed.
         "Who?" Buffy seemed confused once again.
          "Oh, It's Angel now. I forgot." Spike corrected himself.
          "You know Angel?" Buffy asked.
          "Quite well, and he looks just like I do right now. He just hasn't
showed you."
         "You lie." Buffy screamed. "He's sweet and beautiful and caring."
         "And a demon, might I add." Spike spoke matter-of-factly.
         From their hidden spots on the other side of the wharehouse the
gang silently watched.
        "What is he doing?" Xander questioned.
        "He likes toying with her. Playing with her emotions."
Angel informed.
        They were distracted from saying anything else when two
vampires unchained Buffy's wrists and brought her to stand in the
center of the room. Buffy struggled and tried to break free of their
grasps, but to no effort.
        "I'm tired of this conversation. It looks like your friends aren't
coming for you, so I'll get on with the killing." Spike bared his teeth.
         He grabbed Buffy's arms pinning the two vamps with a stare
making them retreat in fear.
         "Goodbye, Slayer. Been nice fighting with you." were Spike's
 last words. He tilted her head to the side and slowly lowered his
fangs to her neck.
         Buffy's life suddenly flashed before her eyes. The Harvest, killing
the master, dieing at his hands, training with Giles in the library, the
last fight in the cemetary. It was all coming back to her. She finally
knew who she was & what she had to do.
         Spike was inches from her neck when he heard yelling from
behind him.
         "NO!" screamed Angel. His demon face showing in the light as
 he ran towards him.
         Buffy didn't hesitate to take the interruption to her advantage.
When Spike looked away she kneed him hard in the groin. Falling to
the floor in pain, Buffy kicked him in the face sending him flying onto his
back.
         "Guess who's back, Spikey?" Now it was Buffy doing the taunting.
He got up from the floor and he and Buffy became engaged in a fight.
         The gang was so busy fighting their own vamps that they didn't
know Buffy regained her memory. Willow and Xander were holding back
 the vampire that was guarding the front door, while Giles staked it.
Angel was taking on the two vamps that brought Buffy foward, which
 he promptly discarded in his attempts to reach her. But Buffy was
successfully holding her own. She had a piece of wood she broke off
from a crate in her hand, and was about to plunge it downward into
Spike's unbeating heart when he rolled out of the way. Spike jumped
to his feet and ran towards the door.
         "This isn't over Slayer. You haven't seen the last of me." he yelled
 and ran out the door.
         "I'm looking foward to it, scaredy cat." she yelled back.
          Buffy turned towards her friends.
          "Buffy?" Willow asked unsure of what to think.
          "That's me Wil. Buffy the Slayer, back from vacation." Buffy
replied happily. She never thought she'd be so happy to be the Slayer
 in all her life.
          A huge smile spread acoss Willow's face and she enfolded her
friend in a hug and then Xander joined in. When they separated Buffy
turned to Angel and kissed him fully on the lips and hugged him to her
tightly.
         "I'm so glad you're ok." Angel whispered in her ear.
         "So am I." she whispered back. She released him and took
his hand.
         "So Giles, unless you want to prod me on details, I'd like to
go home. I feel icky and want to take a shower and possibly get
 some sleep." Buffy remained hopeful.
         "Details can wait until tomorrow." Giles assured her. "I'm just
glad you're back."
         Giles and Buffy shared one of those slayer/watcher smiles, and
the whole gang headed towards their homes. Happy to have their Slayer
back safe and sound.
******************************
To be continued...............

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Who Am I (8/8)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 02:09:05 EST

Title: Who Am I (8/8)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG for some violence
Spoiler: All eps before "What's My line" Therefore, Angel still has his soul
& Dru is weak.
Disclaimer: Anything to do with the Buffyverse belongs to Joss Whedon,
WB, etc. Just borrowing his proteges for a lillte bit. Only the story was
hatched from my very  own brain.
Summary: Buffy gets amnesia, while Spike tries to use it to dispose
of the Slayer.
*************************
~PART 8~

"So when last night did you memory come back?" Willow asked as
the trio sat in the library on their free period.
          "Right when Spike was about to sink his fangs into my neck.
My life like flashed before my eyes." Buffy answered.
           "It seems as though your slayer senses reactivated itself when
your life was put in danger." Giles informed.
           "Well whatever happened, I'm glad it did. I couldn't stand being
 in the dark anymore." Buffy stated.
           "Buffy and the dark. Two words I can't even imagine putting in
the same sentence." Xander joked.
           "Ha Ha very funny." Buffy quiped.
           "I know. I'm a laugh a minute." Xander informed.
           "Whatever you say, Xander." Willow assured.
           "So, ladies are we bronzing it tonight? We can have a crazed
dance party." Xander asked.
           "Absolutely. Angel said he might show." Buffy confirmed.
           "Oh, come on Buffy, the guys is older then dirt." Xander
 interjected.
           "Yeah, but he sure looks good for someone whose older
then dirt." Willow defended.
           "Thank you, Wil." Buffy said.
            Before Xander could retaliate the bell rang ending their free
time.
            "You kids better get to class." Giles informed. "Before Snyder
gives you all detention."
            "Auugh. I'm seriously thinking about staking Snyder anyway."
Buffy commented.
            "All in favor say aye." Xander motioned and raised his hand
as did Willow.
            "Go to class, all of you." Giles commanded and went back
 into his office.
            "Fine. Maybe I can catch some z's during history."
Buffy stated.
            "She's back." Willow and Xander replied in unison.
            Giles could hear the three laughing as they exited the library.
Shaking his head and chuckling he whispered to himself, "at least
things are back to normal. Or as normal as things can get on
the Hellmouth."
 He went bout skimming the card catalogue being a dutiful librarian


***************

        The band playing in the Bronze was loud as usual, but not
all that bad. Xander seemed to be enjoying himself, while he showed
off his unique style of dancing. The girls couldn't help but laugh at him.
        "So how are you feeling?" Willow started.
        "Much better." Buffy confirmed. "I wanted to thank you guys for
sticking by me through this. It means alot to me."
        "Hey, that's what friends are for. Besides you would've done the
same for us." Willow applied.
        "Without a doubt." Buffy assured.
         The two girls shared a knowing smile conveying much more
then words could.
         "Hey." Angel greeted.
         Both girls jumped startled not realizing him appear.
         "Sorry." Angel apologized with a slight chuckle.
         "I really wish you wouldn't do that." Buffy commented.
         "I think I'll get something to drink." Willow offered herself an
escape. She vacated her stool and headed towards the drink counter
 with a pleased smile on her face. Angel and Buffy watched her go and
smiled at each other.
         "So I see you are feeling better." Angel stated.
         "Much better." Buffy assured him.
         "Good, then can I have this dance?" he asked as a slow song
started playing.
         "Sure." Buffy replied and took his outstreched hand. Buffy was
 surprised at how casually he had asked her, but she melted into his
embrace as he slowly rocked her to the music.
         "I told you this felt right." Buffy broke the silence.
         "So do you need more time to think things over." Angel asked.
         "Not anymore." Buffy whispered as she stood on her toes to
reach his lips. Very gently she pressed them to his as his arms
encircled her.
         When they separated Angel smiled down at her as she laid her
 head on his chest. He kissed her on the head lightly as they continued
to lose themselves in their own little world, where nothing seemed to
exist but each other.

****************
The End

-



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

From: Vinnie Ellis <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe
Date: 05 Mar 1998 10:27:47 -0500

Unscubscribe buffyfic


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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (12/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 16:24:15 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.  Also.  I
have not finished this yet.
Summary so far:  JΣzen and Buffy (still talking) were rudely interrupted
by Angelus.


                     INNER DEMONS  Part 12

    "Oh, you're good, JΣzen," Angelus said.  "However did you get her to
trust you?"
    "I told her the truth," JΣzen answered.  "Same as you did."
    "Really?" came the reply.  "So, tell me, how long were you going to
lead her on until you put the bite on her?"
    ôHow long were you planing on following us before you showed your sorry
face?ö came the reply.
    ôWhat?ö Buffy asked, but she was silenced by JΣzenÆs hand.
    "I have no intention of 'putting the bite' on her," JΣzen finally said.
    "You don't expect me to believe that?" Angelus asked in a disbelieving
tone.
    "I don't expect you to do anything," JΣzen replied.  ôExcept, maybe,
leave.ö
    "I can't believe I'm hearing this," Angelus laughed.  "JΣzen!  The
Great monster!  The legendary slaughterer of thousands has gone soft?ö
    ôI would hardly say IÆve gone soft,ö JΣzen simply said.  "More, I would
say that *I've* gotten stronger.  But you wouldn't know anything about
that, would you?"
    Angelus was taken aback.  They stared each other down for several
minutes.  All the while, Buffy was stuck in the middle of the two
vampires, unsure whether to get out of the line of fire or keep them
separated (which she doubted she could do anyway).
    "Do you remember the night Spike and I ran into you?" Angelus finally
asked.
    "Yes," JΣzen answered after a moment's thought.  "As I recall, I nearly
ripped you both to pieces."
    "We wanted to join you," was the soft reply.
    "Like I said," JΣzen repeated, "I nearly ripped you both to pieces.
Who's idea was that anyway?  Your's or the insolent Balg's*?"
    "Watch it," Angelus warned.
    "Or what?" came the indignat response, "you'll kill me?  Or will you
just go back to torturing the girl here?"
    "Oh, I have plans for *her*," Angelus retorted, shifting his gaze to
Buffy.  "Right now, I have other people to take care of."
    "Use your head, Angelus," JΣzen raised his voice, "if you still can.
If you think you can play your little games with her and expect the
usual results, your as stupid as those welps of yours!"  He calmed down
and stared coldly at the younger vampire.  "As for me, just try it and
I'll do what I *should* have done 160 years ago."
    ôI donÆt think you have it in you,ö Angelus scoffed.
    ôAnd I think something in you *wants* to die,ö was the counter.
    ôLetÆs settle it then,ö Angelus growled as he put on his game face.
    "Let's."

                                 *   *   *   *   *



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (16/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 18:13:13 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 16

Xander and Cordelia entered the dark confines of the library.  Giles and
Jenny huddled at a table full of weapons, sharpening stakes and putting
together a new crossbow, while trying to repair the broken one.  Willow
sat in a corner, going through books.  Giles noticed that they werenÆt
alone.  He looked up and saw the them standing there.  ôThank God you
have finally arrived.  ItÆs about bloody time.ö  He said, rushing over
to them.

ôGiles,  you called us *five* minutes ago.ö  Xander said.

ôTime is of the essence.  You donÆt understand what is going on.ö he
immediately went into the details of their situation.

ôThis is really serious.ö  Cordelia spoke, after Giles finished.

ôYes, it is.  We have to...ö

ôI GOT IT!ö  The Watcher was interrupted by a loud voice.  ôI FOUND
SOMETHING!ö

Everyone in the room looked at Willow, who jumped up with glee at her
newly found information.

ôYou found what?ö Xander asked.

ôWell, you know how you told me that Hope was so strong and Buffy felt
so weird around her?ö  Giles nodded earnestly.  ôWell, I think I might
have found an explanation.  Listen to this:  There is only one slayer in
each generation.  She is the chosen one who has the skill and ability to
fight and destroy the demons that walk the earth.  However, if her power
is not strong enough, she may obtain guidance or help.  A slayer from
the past may reach out to her by bestowing her power on to a girl of the
age of 16.  It is customary that she be of blood relation.  The source
of the power may come in a special origin, presumably in an item that
was greatly significant to the slayer.ö



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (17/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 18:16:42 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 17    G

ôBuffy?  Buffy?  Are you there?ö

Buffy slowly opened her eyes to the sound of the soft voice calling her
name.  Her vision was blurry, and took a moment to focus.  She looked at
her surroundings.  ôWhere am I?ö

ôYouÆre in your subconscious.ö  the soothing voice said.

Buffy staggered to her feet.  She felt as if she were floating on a
cloud.  She was in a garden of wild flowers, endless fields of them, all
around her.  She spun around to see an angelic-like  girl standing in
front of her.  ôWho are you?ö  She asked suspiciously.

ôYou know who I am.ö  the girl said.  Buffy looked into her familiar
eyes.  ôHope?ö

ôNo, my dear.  Not Hope.  But someone very close, yet distant to her and
you.  Buffy, you and I share a connection.  I am Mira, the Vampire
Slayer.

ôNo way.  YouÆre dead, very dead.  For a couple hundred years now.ö
Buffy said uneasily.

The girl gave a small laugh.  ôYes, I am dead, but IÆm coming to you in
a dream.  DonÆt be frightened.ö

ôWell, what do you want?ö

ôTo tell you something very important.  It is about Angel.ö

Buffy felt a small lump in her throat.  ôIs he dead?ö  she uttered.

She smiled.  ôNo dear, he is alive, but in grave danger.  You must
rescue him as soon as possible.  Or else he will no longer be your
Angel.ö

ôWait a minute, why are you telling me this?  He killed you and your
family, what makes you want to help him?ö  Buffy asked.

ôYour wrong.  He didnÆt to all those horrible things.  Not Angel, but
Angelus, the demon within him.  When you become a vampire, your soul
flees to safety, and is forced to watch the demon take over your body,
destroying everything dear to you.  Angel has been forgiven.  He has
redeemed himself by becoming good.  He no longer feeds on humans, and
has joined you in your fight against the forces of darkness.ö

Buffy didnÆt know what to say.  ôWill he become the new Master when the
sun goes down?ö

Mira nodded.  ôThat is why you must hurry.ö

ôBut how do I save him?  Spike and Drusilla have him captured, and he
canÆt go outside or the sun will kill him!ö  Buffy said exasperated.  ôI
canÆt lose him.  I love him.ö

ôI know.  That is why he will be given a second chance.  You must give
him a token of life.  It will be the key to his humanity.  It will
protect him from harm.ö

ôWhat?  What is the key?ö  she desperately asked.

ôYou will know when you see it.ö

ôOh god, this is all too much for me to handle.ö

ôYou are strong, Buffy.  Believe in yourself and you can do anything.ö

ôMira, why is Hope here?  There has to be a reason.ö

ôShe is here to help you.  She will fight by your side.  She has the
power within her.ö

ôWhat power?  How does she have power like that?  She isnÆt a slayer.ö

Mira gave Buffy an angelic smile.  ôDonÆt ask so many questions.  Just
have faith in her and in yourself.  She hasnÆt realized the gift she has
been give, but she will.ö

ôGift?  What gift?  I donÆt understand!ö

ôGood bye, Buffy.ö  Her image started to fade away.

ôNo wait!  DonÆt leave!ö  Buffy ran to her but it was too late, she had
already disappeared.  ôNow what do I do?ö  Her head began to throb
again, and frustration filled her mind.  She looked up into the sky and
there was a blinding flash of light.  Then darkness.


______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (18/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 18:19:05 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART  18   PG

Angel stared at the door.  He knew what was coming.  He watched as it
slowly opened, and Spike walked through.  He gestured to someone outside
the hall, then shut the door behind him.

ôWell, man, how you holding up?ö  he asked casually.  The vampire looked
around and saw that Buffy was gone.  ôSo she did escape?  IÆm surprised.
I didnÆt think she would leave you.ö

ôWhat do you want?ö  Angel growled.

ôHmm...letÆs see.  What do I want?  To be honest, I want to kill you.
You are a traitor.  But, you being my sire and all restricts me from
doing so, I have two options:  I can torture you, or, I can make that
damn soul of yours go away and return you to your true ways.ö

Angel stood up.  ôThatÆs really funny Spike.  You amuse me to no end.ö

ôYou know, itÆs really too bad that your precious slayer is going to
die.  She is quite the feisty one, donÆt you agree?ö  Spike something
out of his pocket.  It was small, and Angel couldnÆt tell what it was.
ôCurious, Angelus?  Here.ö  He threw the object at Angel.  He caught it.
Opening his palm, he saw that it was the claddagh ring that he had given
to Buffy.

ôHow did you get this?ö Rage filled his body.

ôOh, very easily.  When you two were tied up, I slipped it off her
finger.  She never even noticed.ö  He laughed.  ôNor did she even care.ö

ôWhatÆs that supposed to mean?ö  Angel asked, suspiciously.

ôTsk tsk tsk.  You are dense, arenÆt you.  You really disappoint me.
What I mean is that she really *doesnÆt* love you.  She is just using
you.ö

ôShe is NOT using me.  We love each other.  Something you will never
understand.ö

ôOh, poor Angelus.  She *is* using you.  She doesnÆt love you.  She just
pretends to care so you will stay on her side....so you will continue
killing your own kind.ö

ôYOUR WRONG!ö

ôJust keep telling yourself that old boy.ö  Spike said.  He grabbed the
ring back from Angel and walked toward the door.  When his back was
turned, Angel lunged at him, knocking him down.  Spike kicked him away,
and quickly got back up.  Angel tried to lunge at him again, but two
vamps from out in the hall ran into the room after hearing the commotion
and held him back.  Spike rubbed his sore jaw.  ôItÆs only a matter of
time.ö  He said, and walked out the door.  One of the vamps grabbed a
baseball bat and hit Angel over the head with it, knocking him
unconscious.  They left, and slammed and locked the door shut behind
them.


______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (19/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 18:21:53 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 19    PG

ôBuffy!  Wake up!  Buffy?ö  Hope shook her friend slightly.  Buffy had
been passed out on the couch for ten minutes, and nothing seemed to wake
her up.

ôBuffy!ö  Hope went to the bathroom and grabbed a bottle of rubbing
alcohol from beneath the sink.  She poured a little on a cotton ball and
waved it underneath her friendÆs nose.  Buffy stirred, and slowly opened
her eyes.

ôMira?  DonÆt go, Mira, tell me the key, I have to help Angel.ö  Buffy
murmured.

ôBuffy, ItÆs Hope, not Mira.  Remember me?ö

ôHelp me, Mira.  Please donÆt go,ö  she said, and closed her eyes again.

ôBuffy!  No, donÆt close your eyes.  Uugghh!  What do I do?  What do I
do?ö  She was racked with worry.  An idea flashed in her mind.  She ran
to the kitchen and searched for a phonebook.  When she found one, she
looked up a number and grabbed the phone and dialed.

*********

ôI definitely think that you may have found something.  If this is true,
then it explains a lot.  Especially with Hope.ö  Giles said, when Willow
finished.

ôGiles,ö  Jenny said, ôSomething crossed my mind.  Hope came to
Sunnydale just in time for us to find out about all of this.  She has
the strength of a slayer, but not the skill.  Her aunt was a slayer, and
she wears a mysterious pendant.  IÆm might be wrong, but It almost fits
in with what Willow just read to us.  Is it possible that Mira sent Hope
here to help Buffy?ö

Giles thought for a moment.  ôIt is very likely.  But what would her
source of power be?ö

ôThe necklace?ö  Jenny suggested.

ôSo the plot unravels...ö  XanderÆs attempt at dry humor was cut off by
the telephone.

Giles walked over and picked it up.  ôHello?ö

ôI need to speak with Giles!!!ö  The voice said urgently.

ôThis is him.ö

ôOh IÆm so glad you there!  ItÆs Hope.  IÆm at BuffyÆs house, and we
were talking and she was looking at my necklace and then she passed out
and I canÆt wake her up and I donÆt know what to do!ö  Hope rambled
quickly.

ôCalm down, calm down.  Where is she now?ö

ôShe is lying on the couch.  She woke up for a minute and was murmuring
something and then passed out again!ö

ôAll right, IÆll be over there as soon as possible.ö  He hung up the
phone.  ôSomething is wrong with Buffy.  SheÆs passed and canÆt be
woken.ö  He told them.  ôI am going over to her house right now.ö

ôWell IÆm coming too!ö  Xander said.

ôIf he is going, IÆm going.ö  Willow said.

Cordelia piped up.  ôWell then IÆm going too.ö

Everyone looked at Jenny.  ôI donÆt want to be here alone, so IÆm also
going.ö

Giles sighed.  ôVery well then.  LetÆs go.  We still need to prepare, so
we will do it at her house.  Gather up all the weapons and books that
you can.  And hurry!ö

The group gathered up everything that they could and made their way to
BuffyÆs house.  In GilesÆ drove Willow, Jenny, and Cordelia with Xander.

ôGiles, what do you think is wrong with Buffy?ö  Jenny asked.

ôI really donÆt know.  Hope was very frantic on the telephone.ö

ôI hope she will be okay, she is our only hope.ö

ôBut remember that Hope is here to fight too, and Hope is also our
hope.ö  Willow said.  ôDid that make sense?ö

ôBut Hope has no skills.  She is strong enough to go against a vampire,
but doesnÆt ability to fight him.ö  Jenny said.

ôMaybe she does.ö  Giles said.

ôWhat do you mean by that?ö  Jenny asked.

ôWell, perhaps Hope does possess the skill and ability, but she just
doesnÆt recognize it yet.  It is possible that she doesnÆt know how to
use her power.ö

ôLetÆs just pray that she figures it out.ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (20/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 18:24:50 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 20  PG

*Groan*  AngelÆs head was pounding as he slowly drifted in and out of
consciousness.  He opened his eyes, and looked around.  The walls were
spinning and the floor was moving, like he was on a roller coaster.
Sickness came over him, and he felt like we was going to throw up.
Angel brought his hand to his forehead and felt a big lump.  <What
happened?>  he thought.  He looked up to see Drusilla standing over him.

She knelt down beside him.  ôHello Angel.  How are we feeling?ö

ôLike IÆve been hit by a semi truck.  Where am I?ö  he asked.

Dru was puzzled.  <He doesnÆt remember?>  ôYou donÆt know?ö  she asked
him, helping him sit up.

ôI donÆt remember anything.ö

ôDo you remember me?ö

ôOf course I remember you.  I could never forget you.  I just canÆt seem
to remember anything else.ö

ôWhat is the last thing that your pretty little head does remember?ö

ôI donÆt know.  ItÆs like my memory is jumbled.  What is going on?ö

ôNothing, my luv.ö  she smiled.  ôDo you remember Buffy?ö

He looked puzzled.  ôWho the hell is Buffy?ö

Dru squealed.  ôIÆll be right back.  You just wait here.ö

She ran out of the room.  ôSpike!  Come here.  Spike!ö  He walked into
the hallway.

ôWhat?ö

ôAngel doesnÆt remember anything.ö

ôWhat do you mean?ö

ôCome and see him, luv.ö  She gently pulled on his arm and lead him into
the room.

Angel looked up.  ôSpike, buddy.  WhatÆs going on?ö

ôBuddy?  IÆm not your buddy.  Are you feeling okay, Angel?ö

ôOkay, you two are getting me *really* confused.  Would you tell me
where the hell I am, and why do you keep calling me Angel?ö

Spike was confused.  <What the bloody hell is wrong with him?> ôWhat do
you want to be called?ö

ôGee...Hmmm...I donÆt know.ö  he said, sarcastically.  ôWhat do you
think?ö  he asked, angrily.  ôMy name is Angelus.ö


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Help!  (Hope)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 22:26:38 PST

I feel like a total bonehead, but could anyone tell me what was the last
part of my fanfic "Hope" that I sent to the list?  I completely spaced
and don't know what parts to send next.

Thanx--

Sara

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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (21/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 23:46:59 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 21       PG

Hope was waiting anxiously on BuffyÆs porch for Giles.  When she saw the
car pull up in front of the house, she felt relieved.  ôHe is finally
here.ö

Giles, Jenny, and Willow got out of the car.  He rushed up to Hope, who
took him inside and lead him to the unconcious Buffy who lay on the
couch.  ôHere she is.ö

ôBuffy...wake up.  ItÆs me, Giles.ö  He rubbed her head gently and
squeezed the palm of her small hand.

ôGiles?ö  she uttered.  The Slayer opened her glassy eyes.  She looked
at Giles.  ôI saw her.ö her voice was weak and quiet.

ôSaw who?ö

ôSaw Mira.ö

ôWhere did you see her at?ö

ôIn my dream.  She told me to help Angel.ö

ôWhat did she say?ö

ôI have to get the key.ö  Buffy closed her eyes.  She thought back to
Mira.  <I have to find the key.  What is it?>    Buffy sat up and and
grasped GilesÆ hand.  Intently, she looked into his eyes.   ôWe have to
help him.ö

ôDonÆt worry, we will.ö  As he spoke, Xander and Cordelia entered her
living room.

ôHey, Buff, how you feelinÆ?ö  Xander asked.

ôIÆm fine, but my head kind of hurts.ö  she replied.

ôI want you to know that I will do anything I can to help you,ö
Cordelia said.

She smiled.  ôThanks.  That means a lot.ö

ôNow Buffy,ö  Giles said, ôBack to your dream.  What happened?ö

ôWell,ö  she began, ôI was looking into HopeÆs necklace, and I just
passed out.  Then, I saw Mira, and she told me that I had to help Angel
before sunset, and that I have to find the key to his humanity.ö

ôWhatÆs the key?ö  Willow asked.

ôShe didnÆt tell me.  She said I would know it when I saw it.ö

ôHmm...Did she say anything else?ö

Buffy thought for a moment.  She remembered Mira talking about Hope.
ôOh, she talked about Hope.ö

HopeÆs green eyes flashed.  ôAbout me?ö

ôYes.  She said that you have been given the power to something, but I
canÆt remember what..ö  BuffyÆs mind was drawing a blank.

Giles looked at Jenny.  ôI think we have our answer.ö  He said, and she
nodded.

ôAnswer to what?ö  Buffy asked.

ôAnswer to everything.ö



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (22/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 23:50:24 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 22   PG-13  (a tiny bit gruesome)

ôAngelus?  You want to be called Angelus?ö  Spike asked, incredulously.

ôWell, that is my name, isnÆt it?ö Angel retorted, annoyed.

ôSee, Spike?  HeÆs back.ö  Drusilla said.

ôBack from where?ö  Angel asked, as he struggled to get up.  ôWhat the
hell happened to me?ö

ôYou were accidentally hit on the head with a baseball bat.ö  Dru said,
innocently.

ôOh,ö  he grunted.  ôSo where are we, anyway?ö

ôThe outskirsts of Sunnydale.  We are getting ready for a party.ö  Spike
told him.

ôReally?  What kind of party?ö

ôA celebration.  Everything is wonderfull.ö

ôAny special reason?ö

Spike laughed.  ôYou really donÆt remember, do you.  Well, this makes
everything a hell of a lot easier.ö

ôMakes what easier?ö  Angel asked.

ôThe ceremony to make that damn soul of yours go away.ö

ôSpike, what the fuck are you talking about?  I donÆt have a soul.  You
know what?  I am so hungry.  It feels like I havenÆt had a good meal in
80 years.ö

ôYou could say that.ö  Spike said.  ôThere is a human tied up in the
room across the hall.  She is just waiting to be fed on.  I was going to
use her as a snack, but you can have her.ö

ôThanks, man.ö  Angel said.  His face transformed.

ôHey moron,ö  Spike called to the vampire in the hall, ôgo get that girl
and bring her here.ö

The vampire did as he said and brought the frightened girl to Spike.
ôNo, not for me, for Angelus.ö  The vamp looked confused.  ôWell?  What
are you waiting for?ö

Angel grabbed the girl, who was sobbing with fear.  ôPlease...donÆt kill
me.ö  her shaky voice pleaded.  Angel pushed her hair off of her neck.
He leaned in and sunk his fangs into her neck.  She screamed, but
quickly died away as he emptied her body.  When he had drank every bit
of blood he could, he dropped her lifeless body on the floor.

ôMan, do I feel good!ö  He said.

ôSo do I.ö  Spike said.  ôSo do I.ö



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (23/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 23:55:26 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 23

ôHave you guys found something out about Hope?ö  The Slayer asked.

ôYes, we have.  Hope,ö  Giles turned to face the girl, ôI want you to
listen to this.ö  he read from the book.  ôThere is only one slayer in
each generation.  She is the chosen one who has the skill and ability to
fight and destroy the demons that walk the earth.  However, if her power
is not strong enough, she may obtain guidance or help.  A slayer from
the past may reach out to her by bestowing her power on to a girl of the
age of 16.  It is customary that she be of blood relation.  The source
of the power may come in a special origin, presumably in an item that
was greatly significant to the slayer.ö

ôSo does this mean that Mira has given Hope her slaying abilities?ö
Buffy asked.

ôYes, that is exactly what it means.  There could be no other
explination for everything that has happened in the last two days.  Hope
was sent here to fight along side you.ö

Hope was shocked.  ôI...I donÆt think so.  I canÆt fight with Buffy.ö

Everyone was bewildered at her confession.  ôWhy not?ö  Cordelia asked.

ôBecause I just canÆt.  I don't know the first thing about fighting.ö

ôBut your wrong.  I saw you fight, Hope.  You may not think that you do,
but deep down inside, you have every instinct, every skill, every
ability that I do.  You may not fight as well as I can because you
havenÆt ever trained, but you can still fight with me.ö  Buffy stood up
and felt a moment of dizziness.  She almsot fell over, but Jenny caught
her.

ôBuffy, sit down and rest.ö  Giles ordered.

ôIÆm fine, IÆm fine.ö  Buffy assured her watcher.  ôCome with me into
the back yard.ö  They all followed her.  She walked into the middle of
the grass.  ôCome here, Hope.ö  Hope walked over to where she was
standing.  Before she knew it, Buffy punched her.  Hope stumbled back,
but didnÆt seem too affected.

ôWhat the hell was that for!ö  Hope yelled, angrily.

Buffy didnÆt answer her, she just went after Hope.  She did a roundhouse
kick, but Hope ducked just in time.  Buffy grabbed her arm and twisted
it behind her back.  Hope felt a surge of power and flipped Buffy over
her head.  She quickly rose to her feet, and pushed Hope into a tree.
Hope freed herself of BuffyÆs grasp, and kicked her legs out from
underneath her and Buffy fell to the ground with a thud. She scrambled
back up, and Hope punched her.  Buffy stumbled back, and tried to kick
Hope in the stomach, but Hope grabbed her leg and pulled the Slayer
forward and went to punch her again, but Buffy blocked it and grabbed
Hope and threw her over her head.  Hope landed on the ground with a thud
and groaned.

Buffy walked over and helped Hope up.  ôSee.  You can fight.ö  She said.

Hope smiled.  ôI think IÆm ready to kick some vamp ass.ö  The two girls
laughed and turned to face the five shocked faces.  ôWell, what are we
waiting for?  LetÆs get a move on!  We only have a few hours until
sunset.ö

ôWell, first we need a plan.ö  Buffy said.  She put her arm around Hope.
ôSo, are you in?  Will you fight with me?ö

Hope thought for a moment.  ôYou bet!ö  she said.  The group went back
into the house.

ôNow Buffy, where is the house?ö  asked Giles.

ôAbout 15 minutes outside of Sunnydale.ö

ôWell, we need to figure something out very soon.  We could get there
before the sunsets, or after.  Which do you think would be better?ö

ôI think we should wait until sunset.ö

ôGood idea.  That way we can get Angel out of the house.ö

The six friends came up with a plan.  Then, they waited for what seemed
like an eternity.



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (24/?)
Date: 05 Mar 1998 23:57:27 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART 24      PG

Angel sat alone in the living room.  Spike and Dru were off in the other
room doing god only knows what, and vampires were roaming about.  Angel
didnÆt feel right.  He felt like he couldnÆt remember anything.  He knew
that Spike and Dru werenÆt telling him everything, but he didnÆt know
what they could be hiding from him.  And for some odd reason, he almost
felt *bad* for feeding off that girl.  He couldnÆt understand that.
Last time he fed off someone......wait.  When was the last time?
<Think, damnit.  THINK!>  he said to himself.  Angel felt frustrated.
He didnÆt know what was going on.  He felt like something vitally
important was missing from his memory.  He thought about what Dru had
asked him.  ôDo you remember Buffy?ö  and when he didnÆt, she was
strangely happy.  <WhoÆs Buffy?  Is she a vampire?>  His head still
ached from getting hit, and all of this thinking was making it hurt
more.  Something popped into his head.  <WhereÆs Darla?  Last time I saw
her...she was with the Master.  I wonder what they are doing.>  He
chuckled to himself.  <Darla and I had some good times.>  He sighed.  He
didnÆt even know where they were.  He knew that they were near the
Hellmouth.  He could feel it.  <Oh well> he thought.  <All of this canÆt
be too important.  Just because it seems that I canÆt remember the
eighty or so years of my life should bother me too much.>  The vampire
looked at the clock.  4:00.  Three hours till sundown.  He couldnÆt
wait...he hated being cooped up in the house.  <I wish I could go out
into the sun.>  That is another thing that was bothering him.  He felt
sort of--human like.  He almost felt as if he *was* human, or that he
had tried to be.  <I need to lie down> he thought.  He laid down on the
only piece of furniture in the room besides a dirty old yellow
chair--the dirty old brown sofa.  He decided to kill off the time by
sleeping.  <I have nothing better to do> was his last thought as he
drifted off into a deep slumber.

**********

Spike and Drusilla sat in one of the bedrooms alone.

ôOh Spike, IÆm so happy.  Angelus is back with us.ö  Drusilla crooned.

ôAs long as his amnesia holds up till sundown, we are home free.  I
still canÆt believe that he has forgotten everything.ö

ôHe doesnÆt even remember Buffy.ö

Spiked laughed.  ôAnd that is the best part of it all.  I canÆt wait to
see the look on her pretty little face when she sees him as the Master.
It is going to be classic.  You know, we should get a camera and take
her picture.  It will definitely be a Kodak moment.ö

ôSpike, do you like her?ö

ôLike who?ö

ôThe Slayer.ö

He thought about her question.   ôOf course not, luv.  She is a pest.
Once Angelus kills her, we can get on with our lives.  We can rule the
world.ö

ôYour lying to me.ö  She said, and turned her head.  ôI can feel that
you like her.ö

ôNo, I am not lying to you.ö  he tried to reassure her.  ôYou need your
rest.  Do you want to take a nap?ö

She yawned.  ôNo, I want to stay awake.ö

ôJust lie down and close those pretty eyes.  I will wake you up before
sundown.ö  She did as he said.  ôHave a nice sleep, luv.ö  He stood up
and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind him.


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (25/?)
Date: 06 Mar 1998 00:03:19 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 25

It seemed like an eternity till sunset came.  Buffy was racked with
nerves.  She was so scared that something would happen to Angel.  Hope
was on nerves end too.  She was afraid that she would mess their plan up
somehow.  <I just canÆt panic> she thought over and over again.   About
twenty minutes before 7:15,  Willow, Hope, Buffy, and Jenny pilled up
into GilesÆ car.  Xander and Cordelia got into her car, and the seven of
them headed with little confidence for that house.

Hope didnÆt realize it, but her hands and legs were shaking.  Buffy, who
was wedged between her and Willow in the back seat, noticed her friendÆs
tenseness.  ôItÆs going to be okay, Hope.  DonÆt worry.  WeÆll get
through this.ö  She whispered.  Hope just nodded her head æyesÆ.  Buffy
knew that her friend wasnÆt reassured, and to be honest, she wasnÆt to
confident herself.  <I can do this.>  she said to herself. <I will save
Angel, and I will KILL Spike and Dru.  I canÆt wait to drive a stake
through their hearts.>

Willow stared out the window thinking of Oz.  <He is so sweet.  I love
him> she thought.  She pictured him smiling, and laughing and playing in
his band.  She felt herself blush when she imagined kissing him.  <I
wish he was here.  I know I would feel a whole lot better going through
this with him>  She smiled, then frowned.  Xander.  He was her first
huge crush.  She was in love with him for as long as she could remember.
She thought back to when she saw him and Cordelia together...and not
just having a nice chit-chat, but really *together*.  She had seen them
kissing through the open space in the bookshelf.  They never noticed her
there, and she still hadnÆt told him what she saw.  She hadnÆt told
anybody, not even Buffy.  <How could he want to be with her?  Oh well.
I have Oz now>  But despite her wonderful relationship with him, there
would always be a part of her who loved Xander, even thought she knew
that they would never be together.

In the front seat Giles tried to stay calm.  He wasnÆt optimistic that
their plan would work.  But he knew they had to try.  If they didnÆt,
they would surely die.  He thought back to when he first found out that
he would be a watcher.  He was so angry.  He had rebelled against his
family.  Then he met Ethan.  Giles shuddered.  He hated Ethan, not
because of their past, but because he was still evil.  Giles had wanted
to kill him when he had painted the mark of Eyghon on her.  She could
have died.  He thought about when he first met Buffy.  He knew at the
instant that he saw her that she was the Slayer.  He hoped that he was a
good Watcher to her.  He prayed that he had prepared her and trained her
enough.  Tonight could be the moment of truth.

In the passenger seat, Jenny forced herself to stay relaxed.  She was
afraid that she might mess up, not in their plan, but that she might
reveal her secret.  <They can never know who I really am, or what I am
truly capable of.  What if I am forced to use my power in front of any
of them?>  Her nervousness grew and she felt her hands tremble.
<No--no.  I have to remain calm.  I have to restrain.  I canÆt let them
know my true identity.>  She looked at Giles.  <I care about him so
much.>

Forty feet behind Giles old, beat up car, Cordelia and Xander sat in
silence.

<Boy oh boy.  Here I go again.  Stuck helping Buffy.  If I didnÆt know
her I would think she is really bizarre.>  Cordelia thought.  She looked
at Xander who seemed tense.  <Why does he like her so much?  What does
she have that I donÆt have?>  A frown formed on her face.  <What am I
saying!  Why do I care about Xander?  He is a loser who canÆt drive or
dress or buy me expensive things.  He canÆt dance, and he certainly
canÆt get a date.  He has plain brown eyes.  Not blue or green, just
brown.  And his smile, itÆs so...so...nice.>  She smiled.  <He always
smells so good.> <He can always find a way to make me laugh.  I love the
way he puts his arms around me, and when our lips meet.....Oh jeez!
What am I thinking?>  She shook her head.  Xander looked at her
confused.

ôSomething wrong?ö  He asked.

ôUh, no.  Nothing wrong.ö  She said quickly.

ôOh, okay.ö  He murmured.  <What is with her?  She is constantly like
this.  A spoiled brat.  And yet, I still like her.>  He rubbed his
forehead and sighed.

ôSomething wrong with you?ö  She asked.

He shook his head.  ôGee, no.  What could be wrong?ö

ôWhatÆs that supposed to mean?ö

ôYou honestly donÆt know?ö

ôIf I knew why would I ask?ö  she replied.

ôThat is what IÆm talking about.ö  He said exasperatly.

ôWhy are you mysterioso guy all of a sudden?ö

ôMe?  Your are the one who never tells me what you want.ö

ôWhat do you mean?ö  She was getting annoyed.

ôNevermind.ö

ôFine then!ö

ôFine!ö

*****

ôThere is the house,ö  Buffy said, ôDrive past it and park behind the
trees so we wonÆt be spotted.ö  He did as she said.  When he saw
CordeliaÆs car he flashed his lights.  She parked her car in front of
his.  Everyone got out of the cars and huddled in a group.

ôWe all have to be very careful.  There are vampires lurking about, and
could attack us at any minute.ö  Buffy said.  ôDoes everyone have their
weapons on hand?ö

They all murmured æyesÆ.  Each person was armed with stakes strapped to
their bodies.  Two on each arm, four each leg, one on their stomach and
one on the small of their backs.

ôNow donÆtÆ forget you have them.  If you face a vampire, donÆt panic.
Just remember what I have taught you.ö  Giles said.  For that past five
months, he had involved Willow, Xander, and Cordelia in self defense.
He trained them like he trained Buffy.  Giles wanted them to be able to
take care of themselves if Buffy wasnÆt around.  Even thought they
werenÆt as strong as her, or as a vampire, they were trained enough so
that if something happened, they would have a good chance of escaping.

ôAll right then.  LetÆs roll.ö  Buffy said.


______________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (13/15)
Date: 06 Mar 1998 10:33:50 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.
Summary so far:  This is it.  The battle you have all been waiting for
is about to begin.  Who will win?


                     INNER DEMONS  Part 13

    It was about this time that Buffy decided that moving would be a good
idea.  As Angelus charged JΣzen, she jumped out of his path.  JΣzen did
the same, moving in the opposite direction, he evaded his attacker.
    Angelus came back for a second attempt.  This time, JΣzen stopped him
with a fist in the face that sent the other vampire to the ground.
Angelus looked up, clearly angered by the blow.  JΣzen just stood there
calmly waiting for the next attack.
    "What are you waiting for?" Angelus asked as he got to his feet.
    "For you to realise that this is a mistake," was JΣzen's answer.
    "Heh," was all the reply Angelus would give.  That and a punch to the
midsection.
    JΣzen took the hit and returned it with one of his own.  They continued
beating each other for several minutes until Angelus was grabbed by the
throat and slammed into a wall.
    "I know he's in there," JΣzen half whispered, half growled as he pinned
his opponent.
    "Who?" Angelus answered in the same tone.
    "Your better half," was the reply.  "He's in there.  Trapped, trying to
get out."
    "As I told *her*," Angelus started as turned the tables and forced
JΣzen into another wall, "he's dead.  Dead and gone, so why don't you
give up on it?"
    "You're lying," JΣzen growled as he freed himself.  "You know it and I
know it."
    "Am I?" Angelus made another pass at his elder.  "And you would know
about such things."
    "More than you would think," JΣzen answered as he used Angelus'
momentum to place him in a choke hold.  "Come on, Angel.  Fight back.
Retake control of this body before it does something stupid."
    Angelus found a way to send his elbow back to connect with JΣzen's
ribs.  The hit forced JΣzen to release his hold on him and stagger back.
"I told you, Angel is dead.  There's only me now."
    "I don't believe that anymore than you do," JΣzen spat.
    "Believe it," Angelus countered.
    "Then why are you hesitating?"
    "I'll show you hesitating."

                             *   *   *   *   *



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (14/15)
Date: 06 Mar 1998 10:35:49 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.
Summary so far:  The battle continues


                     INNER DEMONS  Part 14

    Buffy watched helplessly from the sidelines.  Every once in a while,
she had to run out of the way to avoid being caught in the war.  At one
point they started whispering at each other.
    As the fight continued on, she watched as JΣzen put a choke hold on
Angelus.  When he did, he said something that made her ex-boyfriend
really mad.
    She saw the blow to the chest before it happened.  Buffy watched as
JΣzen staggered back from it.
    "I told you, Angel is dead," she heard Angelus say.  "There's only me
now."
    "I don't believe that anymore than you do," she heard JΣzen retort.  By
this time, she knew JΣzen had been trying to reach Angel.
    "Believe it," came the counter.
    "Then why are you hesitating?"
    "I'll show you hesitating."
    With that, the agument ended and the battle resumed.  Only, this time,
it was more brutal.  The two vampires attacked each other with such
speed that it was hard for Buffy to follow their movements.
    They crashed through the wearhouse doors and into the building.  Buffy
followed them, never taking her eyes from the combatants.
    The battle continued for what seemed an eternity.  All the while, she
could tell that Angelus was weakening from the hits he was taking.
Meanwhile, JΣzen seemed to be getting stronger.  For a long while, it
seemed she knew what the outcome of the fight would be.
    That's when it happened.  JΣzen had grabbed Angelus from behind and was
hitting him, repeatedly in the back.  Somehow, Angelus found the
strength to throw the other vampire off him.  Buffy watched as Angelus
called on all his reserves to pick JΣzen up and throw him across the
room.
    JΣzen landed on an upended, wooden table half way between Angelus and
Buffy.  "NNNOOOO!!!"  Buffy cried as she saw a table leg portruding from
JΣzen's chest.
    JΣzen, who was facing Buffy, seemed to look passed her, his arm was
stretched out, as if reaching for something.  In a matter of seconds,
the haunted look that had been ever-present on his face, gave way to a
look of peace as he crumbled to dust.

                           *   *   *   *   *



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons (15/15)
Date: 06 Mar 1998 10:40:21 PST

Title:Inner Demons
Author: Black Fire
Email address: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: If you wish
Rating:  PG
Spoilers: I've changed this.  This story takes place after BBB.
Disclaimers: Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and all characters therein belong
to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and The WB.  JΣzen (pronounced Jay-sten or
Jay-zen) is my own creation.
Author's note:  This idea came to me long when Buffy first began.
Needless to say, I was very angry at Joss when the Angel episode aired
and my idea for a good vampire went down the tubes.
But I got over that and since then the idea has... evolved.
Summary so far:  The battle is over.  The victor has been chosen.  For
those of you rooting for JΣzen, I appologize.  This part has the same
format as part 1.  It shouldn't be too hard to guess who is who.


                     INNER DEMONS  Part 15

    What was seconds for the two who remained, was an eternity for him.
    The pain was instant and brief.  He barely saw the table leg in his
chest.  Buffy's scream, he heard as a distant whisper.  He was
distracted by a lighted figure coming towards him.
    As she approached, she reached out a hand to him, as if inviting him to
go with her.  He looked up into his sister's smiling face and knew that
his long battle was over.
    He reached out to accept her invitation.  As his hand took hers, a
feeling of peace that he thought he had lost came over him and the world
he had known for 350 years crumbled away.

                        *   *   *   *   *

    The two stood in silence.  Staring first at the table, then at each
other.  A look of hatred came over her face as he smiled back at her.
    "Good riddance," he finally said as he looked back down at the table.
"I think I've done enough for today.  See you around, lover."
    And he disappeared back into the shadows.  She was left alone in the
wearhouse, filled with feelings of sorrow and hatred for what had
happened.  She stiffled her tears, they wouldn't help her now.  Wouldn't
bring him back.
    She looked back at the table and caught a glint of something in the
dust.  She moved in for a closer look.  It was a large, oval-shaped
locket on a silver chain.  On the inside were the pictures of a brother
and sister who were reunited now, and on the back was an inscription in
German.
    She clasped the necklace to her heart and allowed herself one more
moment to mourn the man who had worn it.  She then stood up and slowly
walked out of the building.

                           *   *   *   *   *

    He disappeared into the shadows, but he didn't leave.  From his vantage
point, he watched her pick up the locket and looked at it.  She stayed
there another minute and then stood up and left.
    As he watched her move away, something stired in him.  A faint feeling
of guilt, remorse and loss.  He quickly shoved it back down again as she
disappeared.  And he just stood there, waiting and planning his next
move.

                                 ~Fin~

So what did you think?

                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: A mistake with "Hope"
Date: 06 Mar 1998 14:50:23 PST

In part 19 of my fanfic "Hope" I made a few typo's and I just wanted to
fix it in case there was confusion.

Mistake:
<<The group gathered up everything that they could and made their way to
BuffyÆs house.  In GilesÆ drove Willow, Jenny, and Cordelia with
Xander.>>

It was supposed to say:
"The group gathered up everything that they could and made their way to
Buffy's house.  Jenny and Willow went in Giles' car, and Xander went
with Cordelia."

If there are any more mistakes like that, let me know.

Thanks to Kirsten for bringing it to my attention!

*sArA*


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

From: Dawn Murrell <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: A First Step 1/1 by Dawn Murrell
Date: 07 Mar 1998 00:01:53 -0800

Title: A First Step 1/1
Author: Dawn Murrell
Distribution Statement: Anya, my site, anyone else just.
Spoiler Warning: All of the episodes already aired are game.
Rating: PG, just to be safe.
Content Warning: Kissing, allusions to sex.
Classification: Buffy/Angel romance
Summary: Angel=92s soul is back-what now?
Disclaimer: I don=92t own Buffy, Angel, or any other characters that are
in this story. They belong to Joss Whedon. The song, "Truly Madly
Deeply" belongs to Savage Garden.
Author=92s Note: Okay, I know I=92m a *little* ahead of myself here, as
Angel is still evil on the show, but I was just thinking what will
happen when Angel does get his soul back (=91Cause he will! No, I=92m not=
 in
denial:-). A lot of people on the discussion lists are worried about how
Buffy and the others are going to react to Angel becoming good again,
after all that he=92s done, and this is just my version of what I think
might possibly happen. All you really need to know is that he has his
soul back. I don=92t really feel like dealing with that right now, but I
just might write a prequel to this. Also, if you don=92t like sappy
romance, then you should probably skip this.

A First Step 1/1
by Dawn Murrell

"I want to stand with you on the mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea,
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me."

Buffy sat at a table in the Bronze, idly stirring her drink. Her mind
was filled with thoughts, all about Angel. She wasn=92t sure how she
should be acting toward him, now that he was back to being a "good guy".
She was happy that he was back, and she wanted to just jump into his
arms and hold him and kiss him until all the hurt went away, but she
felt as if she would be betraying her friends, most of all Giles and
Willow. They had been the closest to Ms. Calendar, and Angel=92s evil
persona, Angelus, had killed her. She just didn=92t know what she should
do, and she couldn=92t run to Angel for this problem. That made her think.
Before Angel turned, she could run to him with any problem she had. But
back then none of her problems involved him. So much had happened since
then to change all of that. It seemed like years had passed since that
night she spent in his arms, yet she could still remember every detail
as if it had happened yesterday. The fear of losing him, the joy of
hearing him say "I love you" for the first time, the ecstasy of passion
as they made love, the agony of heartbreak as she woke up alone. She
remembered every feeling, every sensation, every emotion felt as real as
it had that night.

She was brought back to the present moment as a new song began. She
spotted Angel, and started walking toward him.

"I=92ll be you dream,
I=92ll be your wish,
I=92ll be your fantasy.

I=92ll be your hope,
I=92ll be your love,
Be everything that you need.

I=92ll love you more with every breath,
Truly, madly, deeply, do."

 Angel watched as she walked toward him, unconsciously in perfect time
with the music.

"I will be strong,
I will be faithful
=91Cos I=92m counting on
A new beginning,
A reason for living,
A deeper meaning, yeah."

 "Hey." She said softly, searching his eyes for answers to the millions
of questions she had in her mind right now. They held no answer, only
pain, so much more pain than they had ever held before. She wished she
could ease that pain, but it wasn=92t that easy. She knew what he needed
right now, and she knew that she couldn=92t give it to him completely jus=
t
yet. What he needed was forgiveness, love, and trust. She could give him
love, and forgiveness, but she couldn=92t trust him again just yet, not
completely. And she worried that maybe it wasn=92t enough.

 "Hi." He replied, just as softly, turning away from her gaze. She put a
hand on the side of his face, forcing him to look at her.

 "Care to dance?" She asked, surprised at how casual she sounded. Her
heart was beating rapidly, and she was so nervous, more nervous than she
had ever been around him. Suddenly, millions of questions came to her.
What if he had decided that it couldn=92t work? What if he didn=92t trust
himself enough to be around her anymore? She quickly squashed these
thoughts, deciding to concentrate only on the here and now, and not
worry about what he was thinking. The look in his eyes told her more
than words ever could.

 "Buffy=85" Angel started to reply, but Buffy put a finger to his lips,
silencing him. She saw the uneasiness in his eyes, the insecurity. She
took his hands in hers, attempting to lead him to the dance floor, but
he stood his ground.

 "Please?" She begged, pleading not only with her words but with her
eyes as well. He couldn=92t avoid her eyes, and he finally gave in. He
wasn=92t sure where they stood in their relationship, but he could tell
she was trying to make a start.

"Okay." He gave in. It wasn=92t as if he needed much persuasion to hold
her in his arms again.

"And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I=92ll make a wish, send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty
That we=92re surrounded by the comfort
And protection of the highest power,
In lonely hours, the tears devour you."

She smiled slightly and slowly led him to the dance floor. He put his
hands on her waist, despite the strong urge to pull her closer, not
wanting to be too forward. He knew that Buffy needed some time to get
used to having him back. But, once again, Buffy proved to be stronger
than he thought. She twined her arms around his neck, pulling him close
enough to rest her head on his shoulder as they started swaying to the
music. They danced for awhile, and then she looked up into his eyes
again.

"Oh, can you see it, baby?
Don=92t have to close your eyes,
=91Cos it=92s standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come."

Angel felt a wave of desire flood over him, and one look in Buffy=92s eye=
s
told him she wanted the same thing. He leaned down, their lips slowly
drawing together, each savoring the sensation that they had been denied
for so long. This kiss meant more to them than any of their previous
kisses. To Angel, the kiss meant forgiveness, love, and maybe the
tiniest bit of trust. To Buffy, the kiss was a first step, tentative and
hesitant. She gently broke the kiss, returning her head to Angel=92s
shoulder.

"I=92ll be you dream,
I=92ll be your wish,
I=92ll be your fantasy.

I=92ll be your hope,
I=92ll be your love,
Be everything that you need.

I=92ll love you more with every breath,
Truly, madly, deeply, do."

"I love you." She whispered ever-so-softly into his ear. His heart
soared at hearing those words. He had thought he would never hear her
say those words to him again. He kissed the top of her head tenderly,
then replied.

"I love you, too." He whispered back just as softly as she had. She
pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes. He meant it. Not like the
last time those words had come out of his mouth. She kissed him once
more, a short sweet kiss, then, as the song came to a close, she pulled
away slowly.

"So, see you =91round?" Buffy asked rhetorically, her parting words givin=
g
Angel a strong sense of deja vu. Only this time when she said it, her
voice contained much more maturity, much more pain. And much more hope.
Angel smiled.

"I certainly hope so." He replied. She smiled before turning away. He
watched as she disappeared into the crowd, then turned to go home. He
sighed. It was going to take some time for things to get back to
anywhere near "normal". They just had to take it one step at a time. And
tonight was the first.

The End


Dawn
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/9592/index.html


-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (26/?)
Date: 07 Mar 1998 17:12:51 PST


Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

This story is coming along slowly but surely.  Thanks for the feedback,
and for bearing with me!


Part 26

Angel watched as two vamps prepared for the ceremony.  They were a good
distance away from the house, in an open space among a small grove of
trees.   One of them stole a sheep from a nearby farm and gutted it.  In
the middle of the grove, he spread itÆs blood in a big circle, then put
some in a small bowl.  The other spread candles all around, each one
lit.  He then placed a table in front of the pool of blood and set a
large book down on it, with two candelabraÆs on each side.  Angel got a
closer look at the book and read the inscription which was written in
sliver.  ôæEl Noche del AscendeÆ?  What the hell is that?ö  He said
quietly.  He watched as Spike walked up to Angel, wearing a black robe
with the hood hanging down in back.

ôPut this on.ö  He ordered, and threw a robe at Angel.

ôI donÆt want to put this stupid thing on.ö  Angel said, and threw it
back at him.

Spike growled.  ôJust put the damn thing on, Angelus.  ItÆs part of the
ceremony.ö

ôFine.ö  he said, and slipped the robe on over his head.  ôYou know, you
havenÆt told me what all this is about yet.ö

ôAs soon as everyone gets out here, you will.ö  he said.  ôCome on you
morons!  Get your lazy asses out here NOW!ö  He yelled into a cell
phone.  Angel could hear a voice on the other end, but couldnÆt make out
what they were saying.  Spike hung up.  ôLazy bastards.ö  Angel heard
the sound of a vehicle nearby and saw two black drive up.  Numerous
vamps ran into the grove, each one was wearing the same robe and
carrying a black candle.  ôItÆs about bloody time.ö

ôAre we ready, Spike?ö  Dru asked, walking up to her lover.

ôYes, luv.ö  He said, and gave her a kiss on the nose.  ôAngelus, stand
in the middle of the blood.ö  Angel did as he commanded.  The vamps
formed a large circle around Angel, Spike, and Dru.  ôEveryone put your
hoods on.ö  As Spike opened the book, thick dark clouds passed over the
moon, taking away all of their light, except for the flame that shown
from the candles.  ôGive me your claddagh ring.ö  He said, and Angel
wiggled it off his finger and threw it at Spike.  He took the ring, and
pulled BuffyÆs out of his pocket, and set them down next the the book.
Thunder boomed over the desolate land.  He looked at Drusilla and
smiled.  ôItÆs time.ö



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (27/?)
Date: 07 Mar 1998 17:19:10 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 27   PG-13

Willow gasped as a vampire jumped out in front of her.  ôAgghhh!ö  She
screamed.  She pulled the stake that was wrapped to her wrist, and
kicked at him.  He was barely stunned, and lunged at her again.  She
ducked, and he flew over her, landing with a thud at BuffyÆs feet.  He
looked up at her and she waved at him.  His eyes opened wide as she
plunged a stake into his heart.  Willow sighed.

ôGood job, Will.ö  Buffy said, smiling at her friend.

ôYeah, right.ö  Willow said, still a little shocked.

There group had split up.  Willow, Buffy, and Jenny went together and
Hope, Xander, Cordelia, and Giles went together.  They were planning to
attack the house from all sides, Buffy taking the front and Hope taking
the back.  They made their way to the front door.  ôSomethingÆs not
right.ö  Buffy said.  ôThis place is deserted.ö

ôMaybe they all left.ö  Willow said.

ôNo, they have to be around here.ö  Buffy said.

ôDo you sense anything Buffy?ö  Jenny asked.

ôI sense danger.ö  She said, and kicked open the door.  She walked in
and flipped the nearest light switch.  Nothing happened.  ôThe power has
been cut off.ö  Looking around the room she frowned.  There was one
chair, one couch, and both looked about a hundred years old.  ôYuck.ö
She heard the sound of glass breaking.  ôOh...So we arenÆt alone.ö  she
turned to her friends.  ôStay here and donÆt say a word.ö  The Slayer
made her way down the hallway.

ôAAAggghhhh!!!!!ö  She heard a voice scream and a figure jumped out in
front of her.  It kicked her and she stumbled backward.  It lunged at
her, trying to punch and kick her.  She blocked all of its blows, and
gave him a hard punch to the face.  She knew who it was by the
clumsiness of her attacker.

ôXander, itÆs Buffy.ö she said dryly.

ôWho?  What?  Buffy?ö  he said, scrambling to get up.

She looked up to see Giles, Hope, and Cordelia run into the hall.
ôXander stop!ö  He yelled and came to a halt in front of Xander.  ôWhat
the hell do you think your doing?ö

ôHe was just playing hero,ö  Cordelia said as she walked up them.
Xander shot her a dirty look.

Giles looked up at Buffy.  ôAny luck?ö

ôNo.  I havenÆt come across anything.  Not even a hint or a feeling of a
vampire.ö  She replied with a heavy sigh.  She looked at Xander who was
rubbing his now swollen jaw.  ôYou okay?ö  She said sympathetically.

ôOh IÆm fine!  All except for my face which now requires itÆs own zip
code,ö he grumbled sarcastically.

ôIÆm sorry.  But youÆve learned your lesson.  Next time let Hope attack
the unknown,ö  she said and smiled.

ôYeah, yeah.ö  he grumbled.

ôWell this house seems deserted.  They couldnÆt have gone very far--ö
Buffy was cut off shortly by a quiet voice.

ôWhatÆs that?ö  Hope asked, staring out the old, dirty window in the
small kitchen.

ôCome over here and look at this,ö  Hope motioned Buffy too follow her
outside.  They walked out the back door of the old house and Hope stared
into the sky.

ôHope, what is it?ö  Buffy asked earnestly.

ôLook into the sky.ö  Hope murmured.  Buffy craned her neck upward.

ôI donÆt see anything,ö she told her.  She stared into the endless space
above her.

ôOver there,ö Hope murmured.  Buffy followed her gaze to a grove of
trees.  She watched the dark clouds form a circle around a batch of
trees.  The sky thundered and the power in the house went out.  An
orange glow arose from the trees, hovering beneath the clouds.

ôWhat is that?ö  Xander said, amazed.

ôI donÆt know, but it canÆt be good.ö  Hope turned to her friends.  ôWe
need to check this out.ö

ôYouÆre right, Hope.  LetÆs go.ö  The two girls began walking in the
direction of the grove, with the rest of the group behind them.

Buffy turned around.  ôNo, donÆt come with us.  You all need to stay
here.  Or better yet, go back to the cars.ö

ôBuffy you are NOT going out there alone.ö Xander and Giles said in
unison.

ôLet me go with you!ö Jenny said suddenly.  All eyes turned on her.  ôI
think I should go.ö

ôWhy?ö  Giles asked.

She didnÆt know what to say.  ôWell, because that way if something
happens I can hopefully escape and come get you all for help.  If you
stay behind in the cars, we have a better chance of keeping our presence
discreet.  If we need your help, we will let you know.ö  She said.

He pondered.  ôW..Well, a..are you sure about this?ö

She looked at Buffy, who nodded in approval.  ôYes, IÆm sure.ö

ôOkay then, we are wasting time.ö  Buffy said.  ôLetÆs go.ö

Buffy, Hope, and Jenny marched through the vast field of wildflowers
toward the trees that lie ahead to them in the distance.  Jenny gave
Giles one last look before she left.

********* PG-13

Spike grabbed DruÆs hand and held it high into the air.  ôI call upon
the all the fires of hell!ö  His deep voice bellowed into the night sky.
The flame on the candles grew two inches higher.  ôCome to me now!ö  The
blood around AngelÆs feet began to boil, as did the blood in the
goblets.  ôThis is the Night of the Rising.  This is the night the new
Master will take his place.  He will rise from the remains of the
previous Master, and lead us!ö  Drusilla grabbed a red velvet pouch from
the ground and sauntered over to Angel.  She opened the bag and
sprinkled the contents into the blood.

ôThe ashes will bring you power.ö  She said, and emptied the bag.  One
of her minions walked hurriedly toward her, holding an old, wooden box.
He bowed to her, kneeling on one knee.  He held the box over his head,
as if her was offering it to her.  She opened it slowly, revealing a
sharp dagger.  The black, onyx handle was carved into the shape of a
dragonÆs head, and the long blade gleamed under the night sky.  She
carefully lifted it out of the box.  ôWith this dagger I will kill your
soul,ö she, her eyes full of hate and lust.  Drusilla ripped AngelÆs
black robe off of his body, revealing his bare chest.  She shoved the
blade into his chest, and carved a star.  He winced in pain as his blood
gushed down the front of him, into the pool.  Smoke arose, and the sky
bellowed in thunder.  The same minion brought her a crystal goblet, half
filled with blood.  Drusilla took it from him, and held it under AngelÆs
outstretched arm.  She slashed his wrist, and let the blood drain into
the goblet till it was full.  She mixed the blood with the dagger, and
handed it to Angel.  He brought the goblet to his lips.  Tilting his
head, he drank it all.

The pool of blood around his feet boiled rapidly.  ôIts almost
finished,ö  Drusilla murmured to Angel.  ôThen youÆll be with us
forever.ö

She grabbed the rings from the table and held them in front of him.
ôSay buh-bye,ö she whispered, and dropped the rings into the steaming
pool.  ôOut of his remains, the new Master will ascend.  He will rule in
Hell over the vampires, and the minions will serve him.ö

Spike stood before Angel, holding a large ring.  ôThis was worn by the
Old One.  Now you will wear it, taking his place.ö  Angel slipped the
black ring onto his index finger.  It glowed brightly, causing them to
wince their eyes.  ôNow you are the Master.ö

Angel felt power pump through his veins and he grew stronger and
stronger.  His soul vanished as the MasterÆs soul was driven into his
body.  AngelÆs face transformed, and his vampiric face grew more
defined.  The ridges around his eyes and nose were larger, his eyes were
a bright shade of yellow,  his fangs grew bigger.  Spike took a candle
touched the flame to the blood at his feet, causing it to immediately
exploded into a blaze.  Towering flames surrounded Angel, engulfing his
body.  He raised his hands into the air, as the vampires bowed down to
him.  They were bowing down to their new Master.

The flames died down, and Angel felt as he never felt before.  The
immense power he now possessed flowed like  a river through him.  He
grinned evily at Spike and Drusilla.

ôDonÆt smile yet, Angelus.  We arenÆt finished yet.ö  He looked at her
puzzled.  ôWe have a surprise for you.ö  The same minion as before
brought Drusilla a different box, this one bigger and more elaborate
looking.  She opened it, and pulled out a large crystal ball.  It was an
Orb of Thessulah. She screamed into the night sky,  ôMasters and demons
of Hell, bring her back to us!  Bring her back to rule with Angelus!ö  A
lightening bolt crashed down from the sky, striking the orb.  It burst
into a fireball in her palms.  A terrifying laugh emerged from her small
throat, and threw the ball to the ground beside Angel.  It exploded.
Sparks flew about the vampires, as the fireball began to take the shape
of something.  She watched in glee as it took the form of a woman.  She
had a black robe on, covering body.  The blaze died down, and the woman
threw the hood back, revealing her familiar face.  She smiled.

ôIÆm back.ö



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/?
Date: 07 Mar 1998 19:38:54 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/?
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh.
SPOILERS: all episodes through What's My Line 1 & 2
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2", with some added Willow/Oz and Xander Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in *Surprise*

**********
PART 2

      Buffy sat on top of a grave stone, staring down at the stake in
her hands- and daydreaming about Angel.

She snapped herself out of it when she sensed something behind her.
"Sorry- I never did like or fall for those 'sneaking up behind me so
that I won't notice you're there and you can kill me,' games," Buffy
said as she spun around, raising her stake.

No one was there. "Ok..I was never one for hide and seek either. Now
show yourself." She looked all around and still saw no one.

Then she felt a cool breeze behind her. "Who's there?!?" she yelled
turning around again. But again, she saw nothing.

Then she heard it. A faint whisper. "I'm coming, Buffy.....I'm coming
soon," the ghostly woman's voice whispered. The breeze went away.

 Buffy knew what it was-it had to have been her- the spirit of the
Master, warning her.

"No!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, as she sprang up in Angel's
bed. Breathing heavily, she looked around and noticed where she was.

 Angel immediately came to her side, wrapping his strong arms around
her, and hugging her close to him.

"Hey- it was just a dream. Everything's alright- you just had a bad
dream," he whispered in her ear while rocking her slowly.

She pulled away and ran her fingers through her hair in distress.

 "Hey-Are you alright?..you ok?" he asked her softly while putting a
gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I uh, had this nightmare," she told him.

Angel sat there staring at her, waiting for her to continue.

"It was about this thing Giles told me about earlier today...I was-
supposed to ask you about it but I guess I got a little distracted and
forgot," she explained.

A look of concern appeared on Angel's face. "What is it?" he asked her.

"The Master- he's supposed to come back six months after he was killed
, on the sixth day, at the 6th hour- and go after the person killed
him..which, unfortunately would be me. Only it won't be the actual
Master, it'll be its spirit and it'll be female. The spirit of the
Master is always of the opposite sex," Buffy explained.

"And this is what your dream was about?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I was um, in the graveyard hunting vampires and I
felt someone behind me-I thought it was a vampire- but when I turned
around no one was there. Then I felt this breeze behind me and I
turned around again but still didn't see anything but heard her voice,
whispering to me," she explained.


"What did she say to you?"

"She told me that she's coming...soon. I figured it out with Giles and
the Master's spirit is supposed to be coming in just three weeks."

"And, you think that the voice you heard in the dream was the Master's
spirit?" Angel asked her

"It was- I know it was. In the dream, I could feel the Master's power,
I could feel his presence-just like I could in the dreams I had about
him killing me. It had to have been the spirit," Buffy told him.

Angel sighed and looked down.

"I take it- you know something about this thing."

Angel looked back up at her. He nodded slightly.

Buffy waited in silence for him to begin telling her about it.

"It's known as The Elgradora," he finally started.

"In other words, meaning?" Buffy asked, confused.

" The Spirit of the Master"

"Couldn't they just call it "Spirit of the Master,"

Angel went on. "It comes in spirit form of the opposite sex- to kill
the person who was responsible for killing *it*" he continued.

"So um, how exactly does it kill?" Buffy asked unsure of whether she
really wanted to know.

"It goes inside your body, without you knowing, and kills you
internally. Once you're dead, the spirit takes over your body and uses
your body as *it's* body until it's old body reforms over yours. Then,
slowly but surely, it is restored back to its full strength, and
begins to destroy all that it can. It also, assembles a team of all
the vampires that are existing to help it in destroying everything and
everyone before it is restored to its full strength."

"If you can stop it from going inside you, or kill it somehow, then
all the other bad stuff won't happen, right?"

"Yes,but, since you're the Slayer, you'll still have to deal with the
vampires. Every vampire in the world will be here- terrorizing
Sunnydale."

"Angel?"

"Yeah?"

"You can stop with the explanation now. It's really creeping me out,"
she told him with a look of fright on her face.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you...I thought you needed to know."

"I do but..I guess I just don't want to..unless there's ways of
stopping it. Is there?"

Angel looked down once again.

"Angel?"

He couldn't look at her.

"There's no way...is there?"

He finally looked up. "I don't know of any. I- read about it years ago
but I can't remember anything about how it's been stopped in the past."

"You mean you can't kill it, you can- only stop it?"

"You can't kill it because it's already dead," he reminded her with a
slight grin.

"Oh...yeah...But you can make it go away maybe, right?"

"Maybe..but there's no telling how. The only way to find out is to get
a hold of the book that I  read about it in."

"So, I'm guessing that you don't still have a copy of it on your
bookshelf, huh?"

Angel shook his head. "I don't. I wish I could remember the name of
the book but-," he stared.

"Don't worry about now. We don't have to know it right now. I mean we
have three weeks until it comes. I'm- sure we'll find out something
else before then."

He looked up at her, a sad look on his face.

"Angel? What's wrong?" Is there something you're not telling me here?"
she asked him, concerned.

He looked away. *I don't have three weeks* he said to himself.

He looked at the clock and noticed that it was 3:30 in the
morning."You better get back to sleep, you have school tomorrow," he
reminded Buffy, avoiding her question.

Buffy sighed. "Oh..yeah..school. Well, at least tommorow's Thursday
and the weekend's almost here," she said then laid back down on the bed.

Angel got up and pulled the covers back up over her and kissed her
forehead. "Sweet dreams," he whispered softly.

"Hey, aren't you gonna sleep here next to me. You seemed to have
evacuated the bed before- Why?"

"Well I couldn't sleep, really. I- don't- normally go to sleep at that
time. I'm usually up the whole night," he told her with a smile.

"Oh, yeah. I kinda forgot about the vampire thing."

Angel smiled down at her. "I will, though, if it'll help you sleep
better," he said, climbing into bed next to her.

She turned around to face him and smiled.

He smiled back.

Then she closed her eyes and fell asleep again.

When Buffy woke up it was dark outside again.

*Must've over slept big time* she thought. *Oh no, that means I missed
school. Well I'll worry about that later. I better go save the world
now* she thought as she got dressed.

She put her jacket on, grabbed a stake and headed out the door. This
time, she decided to hit Sunnydale Park.

Buffy seated herself on a swing, stake in her hand, just waiting for a
vampire to show.

Time passed, and there was still no vampires in sight.
Buffy sighed. She actually beginning to feel a little bored.

All of a sudden, a gust of wind came, blowing the empty swing next to
her so that it swung back and forth-as if someone was on it.

Then she heard it again- The ghostly woman's voice, whispering to her.
"I'm coming,Buffy....I'm coming soon...And when I do...you will die,"
the voice whispered to her. Then the gust of wind disappeared as did
the voice and the swing next to her stopped swinging.

"No!!! Please!!! No!!!" Buffy screamed as loud as she could. She
turned to her side with a jerk, and opened her eyes.

She was still in Angel's bed.

Angel was awake next to her and slipped his arms around her, pulling
her closer to him. "Guess you had another bad dream, huh?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded.

"Was it about The Elgradora?"

"Yes..this time, I was hunting in the park and this huge gust of wind
came, causing the swing next to me to swing back and forth- I think
she was sitting on it or something- but she warned me again-said she
was coming soon-but this time, she said I would die...I'm scared,
Angel. Last time I had a dream like this, it really did happen. I
mean, I died once, I don't wanna do it again," Buffy told him,
frightened.

Angel hugged her even closer to him. "Don't worry-We'll get through
this. You're not gonna die-I won't let it happen...We'll just have to
find a way to stop it-somehow...I'll- call some people I know to find
out if they know where I can get a copy of that book I told you about."

Buffy smiled at him. Then she looked at the clock. Her eyes widened.
"Oh my god. It's already 6:30-I have to get ready for school. Angel,
you don't by any chance have a shower do you?"

Angel smiled. "Yeah, right through that door," he said pointing to a
door in the room.

"Ok, thanks...I'll- be out in a few minutes." She gave him a quick
kiss on the mouth and then made a dash to the shower.

Buffy came out twenty minutes later, all dressed and ready for school.

She caught sight of Angel in front of the fridge, feeding on a bag of
blood. "Hi. I'm finished," Buffy greeted him.

Angel was startled and very much embarrassed. Although he knew that
she saw him, he hid the blood bag behind his back with one hand, and
wiped any blood around his mouth with the other.

"I was just, uh-" Angel began nervously.

"Eating your breakfast?" Buffy suggested.

Angel just stared at her.

"It's- nothing to get all up-tight about. You know, a lot of people do
it."

Angel sighed. "They don't eat what I eat though."

"Well- different people have different taste buds- eat different
things. That's the way it goes," Buffy said grinning. She was trying
her best to make him more comfortable about the situation.

Angel managed a smile.

He stuck the blood packet back into the refrigerator and walked over
to her.

His eyes traveled up and down the length of her body.

Buffy blushed a little.

"You look beautiful," Angel said softly. He leaned in and kissed her.

Buffy wrapped her arms arms around his neck, running her fingers
through his hair, as the kiss deepened. Buffy pulled away finally. "I
better go to school. It's getting late," she told him.

Angel nodded inn agreement. "I wish you could stay. It's so lonely
without you," he admitted.

"I know...believe me, I know. Sometimes- I find myself not being able
to wait until it's dark out, so that I could be with you again," she
told him.

The two stared at each other in silence for awhile.

"You better go," Angel finally spoke, a look of sadness across his face.

"I should...but I just have to get something out first," she told him.

"Ok..what is it?" Angel asked.

"Well, it's kinda about what I was just saying.
 The days seem to go by so slowly-all I can do is count the hours
until I'll see you- and then it's the night-and I see you-but it goes
by so fast. It's like,that's all I wait for all day, and it's over as
soon as it starts...I just wish our time together wasn't so limited.,"
she told him.

She paused for a second and then continued on. "And then- there's the
fear the I have-of- one of us going away...You-getting hurt by some
other vampire and dying-or you- being exposed to sunlight and dying-or
me-having to move again for whatever reason...And it scares me so
much..For me to ever be without you, Angel...it's the scariest thing
in the world."

Buffy looked up at him to see his reaction.
His head was down, and from what Buffy saw, it looked like he may have
even been crying.

"Angel?" she called him softly.

Angel didn't look up. He couldn't. He couldn't let her know the reason
why tears were streaming down his face. Not yet. Not then. He promised
himself he'd tell her that night though.

Buffy called his name again.

When he didn't answer or look  up, she walked over to him. She placed
a hand under his chin and lifted his head to see his face.

She realized that she was right- he was crying. Buffy never thought
that she'd ever see Angel,"Mr. Cryptic Man,"-himself- actually crying.
But there he was with tear stains down his cheeks.

Buffy gently ran the back of her hand over his left cheek, wiping away
the wetness. She did the same with the other.

Angel still didn't make eye contact with her. His eyes were focussed
off to the side.

"Look at me Angel...Please," Buffy pleaded with him softly.

He couldn't resist to that. He finally looked at her.

When Angel's watery eyes stared in to Buffy's, her eyes began to get
watery.

"What's wrong, Angel?..Tell, me...Please." Buffy paused for a second.
"Look, I know something's wrong. You've been acting weird ever since I
came here last night. I saw it in you're eyes-And I see it now-You're
hiding something...I wanna know what," she pleaded with him.

Angel just stared at her.

She begged him with her eyes-with the look on her face. "Please,
Angel," she asked again.

Tears began rolling down her beautiful face.

When Angel saw this, his own tears began to fall again.

Buffy continued to stare at him, waiting for him to tell her.

Angel just shook his head. "I can't...I can't Buffy...Not right now."

Buffy was understanding towards this. "Ok...Will you tell me later
then?" Buffy asked, hopeful he'd say yes.

Angel nodded. "I will," he promised. "I will."

Buffy stared at him for a few more seconds then decided that she
really had to go. "Well, I uh- have to go now. I guess I'll see you
tonight,"

Angel nodded.

Buffy grabbed her back-pack and jacket and walked to the door.

"Bye, Angel," she said as she went out the door.

"Bye, Buffy," Angel said, but she was already gone.

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

     Buffy walked into the school library to find her two best friends
sitting at a table talking with Giles.

 Giles looked up and noticed Buffy. "Buffy-you're late to school-We
weren't sure you were coming today," Giles said as Buffy walked over
to the table and took a seat.

"Well, here I am," Buffy said, trying to sound as enthusiastic as she
could.

Willow looked closely at Buffy. She looked very upset. "Are you ok,
Buffy?" Willow asked, concerned.

"Yeah- It's just- I was talking to Angel and he was acting kind of
strange," she told her friend.

"Well, maybe that's because he *is* strange. I mean he's a vampire
with a soul-that's just about as strange as you can get," Xander said
trying to lighten the mood.

Buffy didn't seem amused.

"How do you mean-strange? You don't think he's changed over to a
normal vampire, do you" Giles stepped in.

"No, It's just- he was crying and I asked him what was wrong and he
said he couldn't tell me-then," Buffy explained.

"Angel-crying!?!?" Xander asked with a laugh.

Buffy, Giles, and Willow looked at him, annoyed.

"Sorry," Xander apologized."Guess I just couldn't picture deadboy
crying."

"I don't know, maybe it's nothing-but I've just never seen him so
upset," Buffy told them."And this thing that he's not telling me-I
don't understand-Why couldn't he tell me? Why does he have to wait
until tonight?"

"I wish I could help you, Buffy, but I'm afraid there's nothing you
can do but wait until tonight" Giles said, trying to comfort her.

"I guess," Buffy agreed.

"But- in the mean time, were you able to find out from Angel, anything
about the coming of the Master's spirit?" Giles asked changing the
subject.

"Wait a minute. The Master is going to grace us Sunydalers with the
presence of his spirit? How come I wasn't informed of this?" Xander
asked.

"Sorry-I didn't want to scare you guys until I knew for sure what this
thing was," Buffy told him.

"Well you know now right? So it's time to do some sharing and
scaring," Xander said.

Buffy looked at Giles for approval.

"We *do* have to know, Buffy. And if Xander and Willow are going to be
involved then they should be aware of this too," Giles told her.

Buffy agreed and explained everything she knew and found out from
Angel to Giles and her two friends.

"Were you able to find out any method of-preventing this from coming
forth-somehow?" Giles asked after Buffy was finished explaining.

"I was just about to ask the same thing...with less words," Xander said.

"Angel once read something about it in a book but he couldn't
remember.what it said. He's working on it,though. He said he's gonna
try calling some people to get information on it," Buffy told them.

"Does that mean we don't have to do any work?" Xander asked with hope.

"For now, no. But- if he's unable to find anything soon, we will...You
may go to class now," Giles told them.

"Ok, thanks Giles. See ya," Buffy said as she walked out of the
library with her two friends.

Xander and Willow also said bye to him.

"So, what do you two ladies want to do tonight?" Xander asked as they
headed to their next class.

"Buffy, aren't you doing something with Angel tonight..So he can tell
you that thing?" Willow asked her friend.

"Well we didn't exactly make plans do go anyplace or do anything but
we could go someplace where he'd know that I might be," Buffy
suggested. "Like, say, the Bronze?"

Xander nodded. "The Bronze it is!"

"Yeah, and maybe Oz will be there," Willow said hopefully.

Buffy smiled. "By the way, how did it go last night with Oz?" she
asked her friend.

"Oh, it went...We talked," Willow told her.

"Details?" Buffy asked wanting to hear more.

"Well, I watched him play and then he came over to my table, asked me
if I wanted a cappucino, I said yes, and he bought me one." Willow
began. "Then we talked about this new computer that's coming out soon
and told silly jokes about people or things that happened at school.
Then he had to go so he said goodbye and left. Is that enough details
for you?"

Buffy smiled.

"Aren't you gonna asked me how my night with Cordelia went?" Xander
asked.

"Uh, that I don't really need to know," Buffy told him.

*bell rings*

"Well we missed first period class, I better get to class early before
I'm late for second," Willow said to her friends.

"We have the same class so  guess I'll be going with you," Xander told
his friend.

"We'll see you at lunch Buffy," Willow told her friend.

"Actually, you won't. I have to go meet with Giles at the library
during lunch. He says I need to start training more to prepare for all
those vampires that'll
be coming here soon," Buffy told them.

"We'll see you after school then," Xander said.

"And after school. I have to train after school now too," Buffy told
them.

"Ok then we'll see you at the Bronze tonight," Willow said.

"Yeah..tonight," Buffy answered. She walked to her next class in a
daze-thinking about that night. Thinking about what it could be that
Angel had to tell her.




















































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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: DISCUSS: BUFFYFIC: "The Hellmouth's Greatest Threat" (1/1) (fwd)
Date: 07 Mar 1998 21:56:35 -0600

I finally got a chance to read this story (OK, so I'm a little behind). It's
hysterical!!! I've been in fandom a while, long enough to know and hate Mary
Sues on sight. Thanks for a good laugh!

Michelle
[e-mail]



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

From: Leah Michelle Biellicki <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: DISCUSS: BUFFYFIC: "The Hellmouth's Greatest Threat" (1/1) (fwd)
Date: 07 Mar 1998 23:13:50 -0600 (CST)

On Sat, 7 Mar 1998, Michelle wrote:

> I finally got a chance to read this story (OK, so I'm a little behind). It's
> hysterical!!! I've been in fandom a while, long enough to know and hate Mary
> Sues on sight. Thanks for a good laugh!
>
> Michelle
> [e-mail]
>

I also got a real kick out of this.  "We'll have to disinfect." LoL!  It
cracked me up.  Let us just pray, after last week, that we aren't writing
this story about a certain maternal figure someday, hmm?



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From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (28/?)
Date: 07 Mar 1998 22:00:43 PST


Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... IÆm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
AuthorÆs note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didnÆt happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevuÆs. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  IÆm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isnÆt read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I donÆt
care if itÆs good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 28

Buffy, Hope, and Jenny trudged through the thick field.  The Slayer
stared into the vast emptiness of her surroundings.  She bent down and
picked a flower, smelling it.  The aroma was so familiar.  Buffy stopped
walking as she stared at the flower.  ôWait.ö

Her two friends paused and looked at her.  ôWhatÆs wrong, Buffy?ö Hope
asked.

BuffyÆs eyes grew wide and her mouth gaped open as she realized why
everything seemed so familiar to her.  ôThe endless fields, the wild
flowers, the trees.  This is it.  This is where I was.ö

Jenny looked around.  ôWhat do you mean, this is where you were?ö

ôIn my dream.  I was here.  I remember it all.ö  Buffy spun around,
looking at everything.  ôWhy didnÆt I see this before?ö

ôAre you sure this is where you were?  ItÆs just a field.ö  Hope said.

Buffy nodded earnestly.  ôYes, I am sure.  I know it and I can feel
it...ö her voice trailed off.  Suddenly, without warning,  the silence
was shattered by a loud explosion.  A blast of heat swarmed them as they
turned and saw a fireball rise above the small grouping of trees. They
watched it, shocked. The sky thundered and the wind gusted.  "We are too
late.ö  Buffy uttered.

********

Xander, Cordelia, Willow, and Giles sat in the Watchers car, waiting for
a sign, waiting for Buffy to come and tell them everything was okay,
waiting for danger.

Willow sat, fidgeting with so much worry she was unable to keep still.
ôDo you think they are okay?ö  She managed to say.

ôI certainly hope so,ö Giles answered.

ôNo, no, I donÆt think they are,ö she said, shaking her head.

ôThey ARE,ö Cordelia said.  ôThey have to be.  Buffy is the Slayer, and
she has Hope, and Ms. Calendar.  They just have to be.ö

ôWho are you trying to fool?  Us, or yourself?ö Xander said.

ôBoth,ö she whispered quietly.

ôListen, I think we should go help Buffy.  We canÆt just sit here and
wonder whether or not she is okay,ö Xander said.  When Giles didnÆt
respond, Xander yelled at him, anger filling his voice.  ôWhat are we
waiting for?  Her death notice?!  Her lifeless body?! We HAVE to go help
them!ö

ôCalm yourself, Xander.  We canÆt just go barging in on an army of
vampires.ö  Giles scolded him.
ôIt is just too dangerous.ö

ôDangerous or not, IÆm going to go help her!ö Xander exclaimed, opening
his car door.  ôArmy or not, she needs me.  She needs *all of us*.ö  He
stepped outside.  ôAre you coming?ö  He turned to face the field.  ôI
can still see them.  They are--ö he paused,  ôOh my God.ö

ôWhat?  WhatÆs wrong?!ö Cordelia yelled.  She got out of the car.
ôWha--whoa!ö

Willow and Giles stared out the front window in astonishment as they
watched a fireball emerege from the grove.  ôHoly Shit,ö Willow said.

ôI donÆt give a damn what you think right now, Giles.  I am going to go
help Buffy whether you go or not!ö  He said, and ran to Buffy.

ôWait!  Xander, come back!ö Giles yelled.  Xander slowed down and turned
around.

ôWhat?ö

ôGet in the car.  We are all going to help her,ö Giles told him.  Xander
came back to the car and got in.  Giles turned the key in the ignition,
and drove into the field toward Buffy.


*******

Buffy choked back her tears.  ôWe are too late.ö  Hearing the rumble of
an engine, she spun around to see Giles old car barreling straight for
them.  Her Watcher came to a screeching halt inches in front of her.
Her friend got out of the car and walked over to her.

ôAre you okay?ö he asked, gently.

She shook her head.  ôYeah, IÆm okay,ö she assured him, and wiped her
eyes.  ôWhat are we going to do?  Angel is probably dead by now.ö

ôDonÆt say that.  We donÆt know what caused that fireball.  He may not
even be there,ö Giles said.

ôDonÆt try to make me feel better with false hope, Giles.  HeÆs gone.  I
can feel it.ö She shuddered.

ôThere is always a chance.  We canÆt give up now,ö Hope said.

ôYeah, right.  Whatever.ö  Buffy said.

ôSo what?  Your just going to give up now?  No.  I donÆt think so,ö Hope
said, ôI may have not known you for very long, but I do know that youÆre
not a quiter.  You donÆt give up easily in tough situations.  You are
the Slayer, and if you give up then your basically signing the death
warrant for all of us.  You have overcome so much.  DonÆt just throw
that all away.  Yes, this is a tough situation, and the pressure is on
big time, but you canÆt give up.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself and
get out there and FIGHT!  Fight for yourself, fight for your family and
your friends.  But most of all, for Angel.  He needs you.  We all need
you.ö

Everyone was shocked, especially Buffy.  She got tears in her eyes, and
gave Hope a big hug.  ôYouÆre right.  IÆm sorry.  I dont know what came
over me.ö

ôItÆs okay,ö she whispered.

They parted, and Buffy smiled.  She turned to her friends.  ôShe is
right.  We can do this.  And we will.  I will.ö


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

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From: Farrah Tahar <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: BETA readers needed
Date: 08 Mar 1998 17:20:05 +0800

hi! i need people to help me read through my story and stuff and help me
like make it more interesting, coz i'm not very good :) thanks!!!
HUgz
Farrah




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From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: DISCUSS: BUFFYFIC: "The Hellmouth's Greatest Threat" (1/1) (fwd)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 10:13:30 EST

In a message dated 98-03-08 00:15:01 EST, you write:

<< Let us just pray, after last week, that we aren't writing
 this story about a certain maternal figure someday, hmm?
  >>

You tryin' to give me nightmares? :-) We'll have to send a lynch mob out after
Whedon...

The story was hilarious, by the way!

Jen

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From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: help with episode synopsis?
Date: 08 Mar 1998 10:22:31 EST

I have a friend who just started watching BtVS last week (I was falling all
over myself trying convince her that it was a sucky ep), and she's a bit
confused. Does anyone have or know where I could get some sort of synopsis of
all the episodes so far? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
You can email me directly at JMHnoodles.com; I don't want to clog up other
people's mailboxes...

thanx bunches!

Jen (the noodlebrain)

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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (1/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:49:14 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 1
************************************

"What a load of junk!" Buffy dusted off one of several boxes piled in Giles'
storeroom and hefted the top one down to the floor. "Think any of these are
books?" She looked up at Willow, who just grinned at her. "Silly me. This IS
Giles we're talking about, Mr. Tweedy Bird himself. What else would he have
in them except books?"

Willow cracked open another box and pulled out several huge tomes at once.
"But look on the bright side. If these were books he really needed, they'd
be on the shelves. There might be a chance that they're actually--you
know--something interesting." It was Willow's turn to stop and look up at
her friend. "Silly me. What was I thinking?"

Buffy read off a few titles. *Legends and Lore from the Middle East.* *The
Occult Powers of the Mind.* *L'Homme en Colere.* Fun, happy stuff. As if it
wasn't enough that she had to train and kill vampires every minute of her
life. Now Giles expected her to help Willow with her research too. *A good
Vampire Slayer knows her prey,* she could hear him reciting. And there
certainly was a lot of prey out there. Willow had gotten the bright idea to
catalog and scan all these ancient tomes into the computer. Her friend was
great to have when it came to Internet searches, but this Database of the
Occult was just too much. Like they had nothing better to do with their
time!

"Great, all text," Buffy grumped. Giles had acquired a scanner at Willow's
request, and now the Slayerettes (plus one Slayer) were busily inputting
these books that probably hadn't seen the light of day for years. There was
a reason for that. No one but a bunch of vampire-killing freaks would be
reading this stuff. All vampire-killing freaks raise their hands! Buffy was
handling the text OCR scanning, and Willow was doing the more complicated
illustration scanning and tweaking, copyright law be damned (if there still
was a copyright on books centuries old). Then they would have a fully
searchable database that they could quickly check when they ran into a
crisis, rather than spending hours looking through books under a deadline.

Instead they could spend hours now, before the crisis, while her social life
died a death that wasn't quite lingering enough. But at least it kept her
from thinking about Angel.

Ow... See, that didn't hurt that much. Her throat tightened, and her heart
clenched inside her, but the heartache wasn't the gut-wrenching agony it had
been only a few weeks ago. Giles' therapy by work was having some effect,
making her go on with her life and even spend time with her friends, when
all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball at the bottom of her closet. Eat,
sleep, get over it.

She picked at the heartache like a new sore that was just starting to heal
over. It oozed, not quite healed enough to itch, but she would go on. She
was the Slayer. Slayers couldn't give up. Yada yada yada. No room for
self-pity when the fate of the world was in her hands. Yet there was a hole
in her heart, a huge gaping one where Angel used to dwell. She forgot
sometimes what was missing, groping after it like a ghost arm after it had
been amputated. Only when she realized what was missing did she pull away
and pretend it wasn't there.

Her friends were handling it well, trying to make her not quite so
miserable. They could be aggravating sometimes, especially since she didn't
want to be not miserable, but she had to admit that she wouldn't have been
able to handle it without them. From the day they had met, Willow had turned
out to be a better friend than she had ever imagined. Even Cordelia of all
people--the queen B herself--had turned into a friend. Not all the amazing
occurrences were supenatural in nature.

And Xander...well, Xander had proved that he wasn't as shallow as the muddle
puddle she had first judged him. Speaking of which...

"Our delivery boy is taking his time." Xander had made a mess out of
everything, deleting a file it had taken Buffy a full half-day to scan in
and clean up. Giles had dismissed him, and now he was making a soda run for
the group. Guys were so good at getting out of real work. Buffy decided she
would make him sort through these cobweb-crusted boxes himself. He wasn't
getting off that easy.

Maybe SHE should delete a file or two...

Thinking of the hours she had already spent, she thought better of it.

"Hey, what's this?" Willow's voice pulled her out of a decidedly extended
grump. "Hey, it's a box full of junk!"

"Wow, junk!" She helped Willow untape the massive cardboard box. "Giles's
been holding out on us."

"I hope it's something cool and ratty!"

Only Willow could get that excited about a box of junk. But then after the
hours they had logged today--Saturday hours at that--a box of junk even
interested her. It had to be some good junk for Giles to have kept it
around. Books he would tolerate, but not much of anything else.

The light in Willow's eyes died, and Buffy knew that the junk trunk had been
too good to be true. "Well, I'm not quite sure what it is."

Buffy peeked into the box, past the tapy cardboard flaps. Inside was junk, i
n the truest sense of the word. She couldn't even recognize most of it, but
she picked out a few items: a twisted, tarnished goblet; a set of three
knives, each smaller than the next, that didn't look like they could cut
their way out of a paper bag; a bunch of books (yes, more books!) that
looked like readers in languages she couldn't even recognize; and some old
rope. She uncoiled the thick corded rope to get it out of the way; it
smelled like mildew and old fish. Yum, what a winner, Giles! What, dating
Mrs. Paul?

"Ooh, a wooden box!" Willow cooed, trying to inject the moment with more
excitement than it was worth. The box was pretty ornate, carved with mystic
symbols and stained with red and peeling gold leaf. Ever the optimist,
Willow handed the find to her.

"If it's a book, I'm going to kill someone," Buffy told her skeptically. A
lifted brow told her friend that, yes, she was the closest one within
killing range.

But it wasn't a book. But something almost as boring.

"A wooden stake," Buffy deadpanned, holding it as if it were a present from
her grandma on Christmas eve, and not the cool grandma either. "Like I don't
have enough of THESE lying around..."

"But it's got metal on it, like a handle-type thingy." Willow craned her
head around to get a better look. "I think it's brass. It couldn't be gold."

"Gold doesn't tarnish," Buffy lectured. "Brass tarnishes. I learned that one
from Grandma Summers when she gave me a 'gold' chain one year." Still, the
stake was fancier than her
bought-at-Home-Depot-and-hacked-to-a-point-by-a-butcher-knife variety. It
looked hard, harder than fresh wood, almost as if it had been stuck in a
fire or rockified like the petrified wood she saw at the pet store. And it
did have a handle, sort of, with a thick brass wire twisted around the base
of it like a grip.

"It's what all the Slayers are sporting this year," Buffy quipped, jerking
the box up quickly so that the stake flew into the air and landed firmly in
her fist, ready to attack.

***

The bell to Curious Goods chimed cheerfully in a vain attempt to brighten
the dusty, dingy store. Micki looked up from the wooden box she was
unpacking. "If I have to unpack one more box of inventory..." she warned the
newcomer.

"Well, lucky you, here's some mail for you to go through." Johnny Ventura
tossed several letters onto the check-out counter. "Looks like some
potential hits. Want to check it out?"

Micki looked back at the still-full box she was unpacking.

"Ah, and I'll finish unpacking." The dark-haired young man grinned and dug
in, true to his word.

Micki pushed back long red hair from her sticky forehead with the back of
her hand. "Deal." She shuffled quickly through the mail, separating the
bills from the "other." While their store front Curious Goods gave them an
excuse for dabbling into the occult and acquiring strange, ominous
artifacts, it also gave them the resources to do their real job: tracking
down items cursed by Old Scratch himself. She had been lucky enough to be
the niece of Lewis Vendredi, the Devil's right-hand man. All the many long
years her uncle had been in business for the dark side had given them a lot
of nasty pieces of work to track down and tuck away into the vault hidden
deep in the basement of the store.

They had begun their quest of tracking down the cursed objects by sending
out letters and making calls to those buyers so thoughtfully listed in her
uncle's Manifest.

"Here's a returned one." She examined the postmark. "Looks like they held on
to it--oh--about a year before returning it. Guess the post office didn't
notice. It says no longer at address."

"Sounds suspicious," Johnny said as he hefted out a particularly gruesome
African statue, which would probably sell within the week. "Want to give
them a call? Maybe take a trip?"

"I guess. I'll get the Manifest." A moment later she was paging through a
huge tome that would have made even Rupert Giles envious. "Here it is. John
Hyrman. Here's a new one: a wooden stake." She looked over at Johnny, who
had almost cleared out the wooden box and was rummaging through wooden curls
of packing material. "Any idea why anyone would want a wooden stake?" the
redhead asked.

Johnny wiped the sweat away from his forehead, much as Micki had done. He
shook his head and looked at the junk he had unpacked. Why did anyone want
ANY of the stuff sold at Curious Goods?

Looking to the entry where Micki pointed, he verified: one wooden stake.

He shook his head and shrugged. "A vampire hunter?"

************************************
END Part 1
************************************



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (2/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:49:55 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 2
************************************

The jolt of electricity that went through Buffy's hand as she caught the
wooden stake was enough to make her almost drop it again. But it didn't
leave her hand. On the contrary, it seemed to fit perfectly there, nestling
into her palm as if it had been made for her.

"Cool," Willow observed, watching Buffy making quick swipes through the air.
"You--you look good with that thing."

With a last flourish, Buffy tucked the stake into the back of her pants.
"Gotta see if Giles will give it to me."

Willow nodded furiously.

"Might as well. It was just sitting there. Bet he doesn't even know it was
there."

"But--you're gonna ask him anyway."

"Sure. Right." Buffy had no idea why her friend was wigging on her over a
dusty old stake Giles probably didn't even know was there. Sometimes Willow
spazzed over nothing.

"OK, chicas, you can come out of the closet." Xander characteristically
grinned and wagged 16 oz. bottles of soda at them. He seemed to realize what
he had said and swallowed the grin. "I mean--the storeroom. Uh--wanna Coke?"

Buffy snagged the Diet Coke from his hand and brushed past him. "Thanks,
Xander. Hope you didn't break your leg hurrying to get back here."

Giles looked up from his book, saw that it was just the juveniles bickering
again, and returned to his reading. He had actually begun smiling again,
especially after he and Jenny had made something of a peace between them.
Buffy still couldn't forgive him for that.

"I hurried over as fast as I could, Your Highness," Xander told her.
"Wouldn't want to miss the cobwebs and stuff." He pulled a long gray strand
from Buffy's hair.

"Ew. That does it." Buffy dumped the pile of books they had accumulated from
the storeroom into Xander's arms. "I'm going home and washing my hair. You
people are crazy."

She stomped out of the library, throwing the doors wide, and simply exiting
the school building.

This time Giles looked up from his book and stared at the wildly swinging
doors in bewilderment. Usually the teenagers thrived on their bickering
sessions, going on for hours just sniping at each other. He had learned that
this was the way they related to one another. And judging from the way
Xander and Cordelia usually argued, they really related.

But the bickering usually didn't end like this. Not with Buffy storming out
with little or no cause.

Xander looked at them, a little embarrassed that he had made Buffy leave.
"Uh--what was that?" he asked.

Willow shrugged and pulled on the straps of her coveralls. "She was all
right a minute ago. I think--she's probably still depressed about--you
know."

Giles shook his head and returned to his book. Mood swings. Why did Slayers
always have to be teenagers?

***

By the time Buffy left the library, it was already starting to get dark. She
didn't know why she had stormed out like that. She just got so frustrated
sometimes. Why should Xander be so happy all the time when her life was in a
shambles? How could the world go on when she felt like her life had ended?

She felt the stake at the small of her back, slightly stretching the band of
her pants. She needed to work out her frustrations, and tonight was a good
night to do that. She felt like killing something, making something pay. Why
not a vampire? Vampires were good.

She lucked out and found two, just lounging there in the shadows of an
abandoned house. Anywhere else it would have been a crackhouse, but in
Sunnydale it had more serious vermin.

Vampires didn't seem to be smart enough to attack her all at once. Instead
they split their strength, one going after her full force while the other
looked for an opening to get his turn. That was fine by her. By the time she
had impaled the first one against the rusted metal gate, she was ready for
the second. A solid punch to the vampire's twisted face spun him around, and
a roundhouse kick to the head with her thick, platform shoes laid him low,
blood oozing from his broken nose.

Aw, and she was just starting to have fun.

But he wasn't out for the count. He growled at her low in his throat, his
demon eyes shining in the dim moonlight. He bared his fangs at her and
charged, getting a lucky shot and dodging under her defenses. His pointed
teeth actually grazed her throat before she could whip out the stake at her
back. Grabbing the demon by the throat with one hand, she plunged the stake
through his heart with the other.

Buffy was used to having vampires turn to dust under her hands. This one,
however, seemed to writhe in agony for several long seconds. She pushed the
stake in deeper and twisted it against bone, which finally disintegrated to
dust.

The act oddly satisfied her. She wanted them to pay, pay for what they had
done to her. She hadn't chosen this life. THEY had inflicted it on her.

The other vampire lay over the short metal fence, its sharp rusted points
still strong enough to punch through his undead flesh. Buffy raised the
stake high and looked into the demons eyes as she killed it. She saw the
creature's pain, its death agonies as it finally surrendered its unlife. It
fell to dust under her feet, and she ground her boots into the dirt it made.

She brought the strange stake up to eye level so that she could gaze at it.
The brass handle glimmered in the moonlight, and the stake seemed almost
beautiful in its craggy perfection. She hadn't felt this good in a long
time. It felt like she was doing something for a change. Making a
difference.

Living again.

***

"Are you sure you can handle the store by yourself?" Micki Foster asked for
the tenth time--that day.

"Sure," Johnny assured her with more confidence than Micki thought
warranted. "How hard can it be to sell this stuff. It sells itself,
remember?"

"He'll be fine," Jack Marshak assured her. "And we'll be checking in every
day." The leader of the group at Curious Goods was a friendly man in his
robust fifties, hair balding and gray, with a portliness that had probably
been with him his entire life. He eyed Johnny as if to say, *humor her,* and
hefted his suitcase. "Johnny knows what to do."

Micki sighed and picked up her own suitcase and purse. She knew she could
trust Johnny, but she wasn't entirely certain he could handle their special
type of weirdness on his own. "Just don't try to take on anything by
yourself. We're only going to be gone for a few days while we figure out
where Hyrman's wife put this stake. Call us if there's ANYTHING out of the
ordinary."

"I have Mrs. Hyrman's number right here." He waved a piece of paper at her.
"Stop worrying and enjoy Texas."

Micki frowned at him as if to say, *yeah, right,* but gave him a quick hug
and toted her suitcase out the narrow door.

Jack lingered and told the young man, "Ask for me." Jack patted Johnny on
the arm, put on his tweed hat, and followed Micki out the door.

Johnny laughed and shook his head at those two. They thought they held the
fate of the world in their hands. They were more responsible than anyone he
had ever hung out with. Which wasn't surprising considering the kind of
people Johnny had hung out with before coming to work--and do other
things--at Curious Goods.

 Kicking back on the stool at the counter, Johnny put his feet up and closed
his eyes, grateful for the quietude. *Wonder if Jack's going to wear that
hat in the Texas heat,* Johnny thought.

************************************
END Part 2
************************************



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (3/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:50:24 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 3
************************************

The halls of Sunnydale High School were always crowded early in the morning.
As sleepy as most of the kids looked at this time of day, they definitely
felt the urge to mingle.

Which irritated Giles no end as he searched for one sleepy teenager in
particular. Why did they all have to look the same?

At last a familiar blonde head appear, and Giles chased after it through the
crowd. He finally got her attention and smiled at her somber features.
"Buffy! Have you been all right?"

Buffy looked at him, puzzled, and nodded. "Sure. I'm fine."

Giles removed his glasses and glanced around. "But--but you weren't in class
yesterday. I thought maybe the hunt--"

"The hunt's going fine, Giles," she said, a little impatiently, he noticed.
"Just chill a little bit. That's what I was doing yesterday. You know, save
the world, sacred duty, all that stuff."

"But your schoolwork--"

"Is it more important than killing vampires? I don't think so. I even found
a few of their daytime hidey-holes yesterday." Buffy pushed wisps of hair
away from her face and looked intently at Giles. "That is what I'm supposed
to be doing, isn't it?"

Giles was at a loss in the face of such intensity. Had Buffy thrown herself
so deeply into her work that it was now becoming an obsession? "I just
thought that school was something of a break for you. A--a chance to be with
your friends."

"Well, I have more important things to do than be with my friends, don't I?"
Buffy was actually angry at him now. "My first duty is to protect the world
from vampires. I don't think the world will be too concerned if I make a C
on my geometry test."

"But your mother will," Giles said, bewildered by Buffy's suddenly hostile
attitude. When had Buffy decided that killing vampires was more important
than her own life?

Buffy rolled her eyes in frustration and stomped off. "Whatever."

Giles watched her disappear into the flood of teenagers filling the hall. He
almost didn't hear when the morning bell rang to go to class. He never would
understand his ward. He only hoped that lack of understanding wouldn't
permanently harm the person he was trying to protect.

***

What did Giles want from her? She was finally taking her job seriously, like
he wanted, and it STILL wasn't good enough for him. What did he want, blood?
Sometimes she felt like vampires weren't the only ones sucking her life
away. Giles, her mom, even her friends all wanted her to be the perfect
little Buffy. Slayer, daughter, friend, schoolgirl, fill in the blank here.
She just wished her life wouldn't be molded for her, like she had to fit
what THEY wanted her to be.

Her vampire hunts had grown longer and longer with the enchanted stake in
her hand. She knew by now that it was no regular stake. It made her feel
strong and confident and actually made the vampires suffer for their crimes.
At last they were getting a little of what they had been giving out. How
many victims had they toyed with, made them scream for mercy before they
sucked the life out of them? Now she was hearing their screams and liking it
a little too much.

Buffy plopped herself down in her desk for math class. *The hunts WERE
getting overboard,* she admitted to herself. Maybe Giles did have a point
there. And Buffy didn't want to tell him that the stake she had found in the
storeroom had actually led her to those secret vampire caches during
daylight hours. She would limit herself to nighttime hunts.

But how could a weapon that helped her kill demons be anything but kick-ass
good?

The teacher began handing back their geometry tests and she winced at the
grade. No C here. Mr. Karper looked at her with that teacher look that said
the entire story:
I'm-so-disappointed-in-you-you-have-so-much-potential-you-could-do-better.

She crumpled the paper into her backpack and stared at the desk in front of
her, her cheeks hot. She would only go out at night now, and maybe get a
little math homework done.

But she felt the stake in her purse like a second heart beating. And waited
for the night.

***

Micki and Jack arrived at the Austin airport right on schedule. They picked
up their car at the Advantage counter, along with a map of the city, and set
out for Mrs. Hyrman's house. It was perched high in the hills of Austin, in
the many rich neighborhoods that took advantage of the gorgeous Hill Country
scenery.

"Did she sound upset to you?" Micki asked as she zoomed the car up yet
another hill.

Jack  nodded sadly, taking in the view from the window. "I could barely get
a coherent sentence out of her. She's still terribly disoriented, and
Hyrman's been dead for almost six months now. At least she agreed to meet
with us. I'm hoping we can get something more sensible from her in person."

After the horror story Jack had told her on the plane ride in from Chicago,
Micki could tell why. From the newspaper reports Jack had dug up, and the
criminal court cases, they pieced together the story of John Hyrman and the
murders he had committed. Apparently Hyrman had been a quiet professor of
Gothic literature at the University of Texas. He had studied and taught all
the classics, including Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* Hyrman had been
passionately interested in the work, not to a fault and certainly not to
murder in the beginning. He had begun collecting vampire memorabilia,
anything he could find, according to his wife's testimony. No mention of THE
stake was made, but he had had several around the house, and a stake was
thought to be his murder weapon of choice. At least that's what the gaping
hole in his victim's chest looked like. But no wood fragments were found in
the wound by the crime lab.

His obsession had eventually taken a turn toward psychoses as he came to
believe that he was von Helsing, or someone like him, a hunter of Nosferatu
and the savior of mankind.

The only problem was that his victims weren't vampires. Jack had told her
that vampires--yes, they were real--turned to dust once they were killed.
Hyrman's victims were all too solid, and he had left a trail of them
wherever he went. Too many were college students he came across. People
began to notice, and eventually he was killed as someone (an armed someone)
came upon him staking another victim.

Jack seemed to think that Hyrman's change from interest to obsession came
from Lewis Vendredi's intervention. The papers said that Hyrman had been an
avid collector of occult--and especially vampire--memorabilia. Logic said
that Hyrman had finally found the ultimate collectible from Lewis Vendredi's
Curious Goods, in the days when the shop was more known for the evil it put
into the world, than the evil it took out.

So the stake had changed Hyrman, made him into a raving maniac who thought
he was put on earth to kill vampires. It tricked him into seeing vampires
where there were none, to kill innocent people and add to Vendredi's
collection of taken souls. These items could twist a person, given just the
smallest in. They spoke to the weakest part of the soul and caused an evil
so insidious it went unnoticed until it was too late. Their only hope was
that the stake was still in Hyrman's estate. If it fell into the wrong hands
or was lost in a police evidence vault, the entire killing spree could be
repeated until they finally tracked down the cursed item.

Their meeting with Mrs. Hyrman would tell them that. As a collectible, the
stake was less likely to be thrown away as worthless. It would probably be
sold for its value, and that at least was traceable. Sometimes their search
for cursed items took them weeks to track down, hopping from one plane to
the other following leads. Micki would enjoy the travel if it didn't usually
come to a gruesome end. Too often they found their cursed items AFTER it had
been used again.

Micki hoped that Mrs. Hyrman would help them find this thing, before it
killed any more innocent victims. That was always the hardest part of their
job for her--seeing the people they had been too late to save.

************************************
END part 3
************************************



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (4/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:51:09 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 4
************************************

"Thanks for the help, Will," Buffy said into the telephone, cradling it
against her shoulder. "I owe ya. See you tomorrow."

Buffy hung up and tapped her pencil against her lips. Satisfied, she slammed
the geometry book shut. "Math all done. Time for work."

The stake lay in the drawer by her nightstand. She had stopped carrying it
with her on all but her night hunts. Its power was a little frightening, the
feeling it gave her a little too heady. But when she clutched it in her
hand, she couldn't resist the triumph she felt.

Out the window and down to the cemetery. Her nightly routine. The cemetery
had gotten a little slow, especially since she had been killing nonstop for
more than a week now. The word was bound to get out. So this time it was the
Bronze. Vampires liked nothing better than to follow kids home from their
nightly adventures. That's why Angel had always walked her home--

The heartache took her unawares. Angel. She wondered if it would ever go
away. The heartache was her shadow nowadays, coming upon her when she least
expected it. She tucked it away and carried on.

The Bronze wasn't really kickin' on a Wednesday night, but the vampires were
waiting, as she knew they would be. This time it was four of them, ambushing
her in a dark alley between two warehouses. The fight was furious, the odds
against her, but she was invincible. They couldn't touch her. She kicked and
punched and stabbed like a wild animal, grinding each vampire into dust with
the stake.

Buffy exhaled as the last one disintegrated. A hand touched her shoulder,
and she whirled to face her next attacker, the stake upraised and ready to
take another life.

The stake almost plunged into another heart before it registered who her
attacker was. His surprise was almost as great at hers, and his eyes widened
as the stake grew closer.

"Angel," dribbled the word from her lips.

She tried to pull back her punch, get the stake away from Angel. She wasn't
ready to deal with this yet. Not Angel, even an evil Angel. Not now. But she
knew the stake was unstoppable during a fight. It knew its prey. It wouldn't
stop in time. No. No!

The stake flew at Angel's unprotected chest, and they were both powerless to
stop it. But it twisted in her hand at the last minute, as if it had a mind
of its own. She hit Angel firmly in the chest with the handle, the business
end safely away.

But he staggered back as if she had punctured his heart. He fell to the
ground, a blue glow hanging where she hit him and then sinking in.

Buffy ran to him, not knowing what had happened. She wasn't ready, not to
give up hope on ever getting her Angel back. This might be a demon in her
lover's body, but while that body lived, so did her hope of getting him back
one day.

"Angel! Angel!" she screamed in his face as it lost all trace of the
vampire's deformity.

Angel opened his eyes and focused on the woman above him. They lit with
wonder and smiled at her. "Buffy." A weak hand cupped her cheek. "It's
you--" Then the eyes clouded over and filled with confused tears. "I..."

Buffy pulled back but looked into those eyes again. Could it be? It sounded
like... She looked deeper, into his soul. Angelus wasn't a good faker. He
had pretended to be Angel after the change, but the moment she looked,
really looked, she could tell the difference. The eyes of a demon didn't
look back at her now. They were the eyes of a man who loved her.

"Angel." She cried into his chest for a moment, holding him to her. It felt
like so long she had wanted to do this, to hold her love in her arms again.
"How?" she gasped out.

He sat up, still weak from what had happened to him. "I don't know, Buffy."
She could see the agony in his eyes as he realized what he had done, once
again. "I remember it all. But--but I couldn't do anything. I was trapped,
just watching the horrible--" A shudder ran through his body. "The things I
did to you, what I said--" He turned away from her, shrinking from her touch
as if he might corrupt her by being too close.

But Buffy wouldn't let him. She held him tight, as if she would never let
him go again. "That wasn't you, Angel. It wasn't your fault." The tears ran
down her face, but she wouldn't look away from him." I love you, Angel. I
know that you could never do those things."

It was Angel's turn to sob helplessly against her. "I can't go through this
again. Kill me, Buffy. Stop this now. Don't let me kill again."

But she couldn't, not now, not even when he had been evil. How could she
tell him that? So she quietly held him, as she had wanted to do since she
had discovered that his soul had been stolen. "Everything will be fine,
Angel. I promise." *I couldn't live if it wasn't,* she added to herself.

But the reunion was short-lived. Angel gasped and began screaming. "No,
Buffy, he's coming back. Go! Leave! I--I can't control it."

Angel writhed on the ground. She wouldn't leave him. Not ever again. No,
this wasn't happening! She took the stake handle and thumped him on the
chest with it as he convulsed. It felt dead now in her hand.

Just then a gang of vampires approached, come to back up Angelus. She looked
from a tortured Angel to the gang, unwilling to leave her love in peril. How
could she abandon him now when he needed her so much? She couldn't explain
what had happened, didn't need to. This was Angel.

But then she looked into his eyes as they flicked opened and his features
calmed. Something had changed. The demon was back. She would face the mouth
of hell itself with Angel by her side. But this wasn't Angel.

Confused, dazed, she couldn't deal with a horde of vampires AND an Angel
that wanted her dead.

Scrabbling to her feet, Buffy grabbed the stake and ran.

***

This wasn't real. It couldn't be real. How could she lose Angel for a second
time? Angelus was a poor actor; it had to be real. She had held Angel in her
arms for those brief moments, and it wasn't enough. It would never be
enough.

She had no tears left. She was empty of everything.

Buffy was almost afraid to touch the stake now. Whatever had happened--it
had to be the stake. It had hit him square in the chest and restored Angel
to her. But then it had done nothing. It hadn't "spoken" to her since she
had released the blue glow on Angel.

Maybe that was it... She had released its power. Power which came from...

Killing vampires. It had to be. All those deaths she had taken from evil.
Maybe it had stored up the power to do good.

She wished she could ask Giles. But then she would have to admit to him--and
to Willow--that she had taken the stake without mentioning it. And Giles
might even make her give it back--say it was dangerous or something.

And looking into her Angel's eyes again, she knew she could never do that.

************************************
END Part 4
************************************



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (5/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:51:27 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 5
************************************

Mrs. Hyrman greeted them at the door with a hesitant gesture. She had dark
circles under her eyes, and from the smell of alcohol on her, her new
courage was not self-made.

"Come in, Mr. Marshak," she said listlessly. "I--I'll try to answer your
questions." Jack could tell that she had been interrogated before,
endlessly, and didn't have much strength for more questions.

"We just have a few questions," Jack reassured her. "About an item in your
husband's collection. It was sold from our store, and we do need to get it
back."

The old woman, aged by her tragedy, nodded to herself, gathering what real
courage remained. "I can try to tell you what I know. But most of it was
sold at auction. The rest of it I got rid of."

"Do you think we could see the auction list?" Micki asked. She tried to be
delicate, but sometimes it was hard when the quest was as urgent as theirs.

The woman nodded and left to search out the documentation.

"How collectible do you think this stake is?" Micki asked Jack.

The man shook his head. "The Manifest describes it as having a carved case.
Hopefully that gave someone the clue that it was valuable and it wasn't just
thrown away."

Mrs. Hyrman returned shortly and gave the auction list to Jack.

"The item we're looking for isn't on this list," Jack told her after
scanning it. "We're looking for a stake with a brass handle that came in a
carved gold-leaf box. Do you remember seeing anything like that?"

A shudder seemed to run through the woman's body. "I remember. I didn't
put--those kinds of items on the auction. I didn't want those kinds of
people to show up. I sent it to someone my husband knew and trusted. I found
his name in John's planner. Rupert Giles. He--he used to be a museum
curator."

"Do you have his address?" Micki asked quietly.

On the verge of tears, Mrs. Hyrman nodded again and went to get it for them.

***

Buffy skipped school again that day. She didn't talk to her mother as she
left the house at the crack of dawn. She had one thing on her mind. If this
thing could cure Angel, really cure him, she would kill every vampire in
this world to get him back. She would do anything it took to have him touch
her even one more time, to see that love shine in his eyes.

It was almost mechanical. The stake led her to vampire after vampire. She
didn't even torture them. Stab and move on. She broke locks to abandoned
buildings, muscled herself into crypts, even found her way into storm
drains. As the day wore on, she could feel the power thrumming in the stake
and into her body. Tonight she would do it. She would get Angel back.

***

Giles picked up the phone as it rang. Very few people called the library; it
was usually one of his group of special students, so he kept it close by.
Willow and Xander looked up from a busy cram session before school--and the
first-period English test.

"Giles here."

He listened for several second before he said, "Yes, I do remember receiving
the box from Mrs. Hyrman some time ago. But there wasn't anything of value
that I remember--"

He was silent again. "A stake? I don't remember--"

"Buffy found it," Willow piped up.

"Just a moment," Giles put his hand over the receiver. "Buffy found a
stake?"

Willow nodded emphatically. "While we were cleaning out the storeroom
looking for books. I--I thought she told you about it..."

Giles' serious expression worried her. If Buffy was in trouble because she
hadn't mentioned it...

"You'd better take the first flight in," Giles told the person on the phone.
"I think--a friend--has it."

***

Giles pulled Willow, Xander, Cordelia, and Oz out of class, using the excuse
that the library club had a field trip that day, he had found out about an
exciting exhibit at the last minute, and so on. Giles was a terrible actor,
but the other teachers knew he was boringly responsible and honest. Just a
little weird and excitable sometimes.

"We have to find Buffy," Giles told them as they mobilized. "She's in
terrible danger."

"We've heard THAT before," Xander said.

"And--and it's very true this time," Giles said so seriously that even
Xander began worrying. "She's gotten herself mixed up in something that
could--I really don't know what it could do to her."

Cordelia clapped her hands together to break the mood. "OK, fine, I have my
car, Oz has his van, and Giles--Giles has the tweedmobile. Let's go."

"I have to meet someone at the airport," Giles told them. "They know more
about this thing than we do. If you find her, don't let her do anything. And
keep an eye out for a stake with a brass handle."

"Ew, brass," Cordelia frowned, grabbing Xander by the hand and pulling him
along.

Willow rolled her eyes and stomped off, Oz hurriedly following.

***

Buffy was running out of vampires, or at least the ones within easy reach.
She jogged in the direction the stake pointed her, careful to keep out of
sight lest anyone she knew--or the Sunnydale truant patrol--found her.

It would be dark soon, and that's when her real hunt would begin. Power
thrummed in her brain and made her almost giddy with excitement. She was an
unstoppable force.

In the back of her mind, the voice of a mad vampire babbled. They knew she
was coming for them.

***

Their flight was on schedule, and Jack and Micki met Rupert Giles at the
taxi stand. They shook hands briefly.

"You might as well talk as we ride," Giles told them, sizing up the two as
he let them into his car. "I have to find Buffy. She's the Slayer. She may
be using the stake."

Jack was instantly worried. "The Slayer has it?"

Giles nodded as he pulled away from the curb. "You know about Slayers?"

"Of course," Jack said. "And you must be her Watcher. A Slayer with a cursed
object could be--" Jack was at a loss for the magnitude of the situation.

"Yes...quite." Giles said as he sped away.

************************************
END Part 5
************************************



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (6/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:51:44 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 6
************************************

Drusilla clutched her head. "The bad girl comes. Make it go away!"

Angel paced in a small circle like a caged animal. "She's killed the rest.
There's nowhere to hide. She'll find us." His plans to make the Slayer mad
had failed. And now he was being hunted by something more abhorrent to him
than simple death. It was becoming that human again, becoming weak and
sentimental and FEELING...

Spike sat in his wheelchair, knowing that there was nothing he could do.
Their cronies had turned up dead or had fled. They were the last three
waiting for the Slayer. And she would come. While Dru and Angel worked
themselves into a frenzy, he faced his fate with equanimity. But a lot could
happen between now and death.

"Looking for me?" called a sensuous voice atop the landing.

They knew she would come, that no locked doors would dissuade her. Her power
as a Slayer had increased ten-fold.

Drusilla screamed her grating scream and threw herself at the girl
descending the stairs. Buffy whipped out the stake and planted it in
Drusilla's chest. The scream as Dru slowly died brought tears to Spike's
eyes. Her body turned stiff and brittle like a mummy and slowly crumbled
away.

Spooked, Angel tried to run. But Buffy grabbed him by the scruff of the neck
and threw him to the floor, hard. Next she caught sight of Spike and smiled.
"So nice to see you, Spike. Are you ready to pay for all your little
crimes?"

He held perfectly still, clutching the armrests of his wheelchair until they
crumpled under his hands.

"Ah, I see you are. Say hi to Drusilla for me." She stabbed hard with the
stake and it slid easily into his body. He didn't let out a sound as he
bored into her eyes with his. Buffy watched him die and dusted off her hands
when he was through.

"Your turn, Angel. But you'll like this." Already the stake glowed blue with
power.

Approaching Angel, she tenderly knelt at his side and took his head in her
hands. "I love you so much, Angel. I want to be with you always. I can't
live without you." She kissed his face, which was peaceful in
unconsciousness. The stake was poised over his chest, handle first.

Right on cue, Giles burst through the door with the rest straggling in
behind him. And there were two others Buffy didn't recognize. What was Giles
doing here? Had he followed her?

"Buffy, it's not real. You have to stop this," Giles told her.

Buffy shook her head, confused. "What's not? I found the answer, Giles."

Giles knelt close to her, almost afraid to come too close. "But it's not the
answer, Buffy. It's a trick. A trick to get you to do--to do--awful
things...in the name of your love for Angel."

"No, it's real," Buffy said, her angry eyes raking over the ones standing
there looking at her. "I can make Angel good again. I can cure him." She
looked from Angel to the others, torn.

"It's not a cure," a woman with red hair told her, coming forward. "We look
for these items. They're cursed. They make people kill and hurt other
people. It's just an illusion, Buffy."

"I've killed vampires," Buffy ground out angrily. "It's why I was put on
this earth. I kill the evil ones. That makes me good. And anything that can
bring Angel back to life has got to be good too." Before they could move to
stop her, Buffy breathed in and struck Angel with the flat of the stake.

His body spasmed and the glow sank into him. Moments passed. Then his eyes
flicked open and he buried his head in her shoulder. "Not--again, Buffy.
Don't do this," he gasped

"You see," she said challengingly. "I saved him."

The redhead nodded. "But how many are you going to have to kill every time
he needs to be saved?" The woman's clear eyes slowly began to glow, their
kindness snarling into hatred.

Buffy's face stilled. "You're one of them, aren't you?"

The woman shook her head, confused. "What?" Her mouth sighed open to reveal
pointed fangs.

Buffy stood, carefully placing a weak Angel on the floor. "You're a vampire
and you're trying to trick me." She brought the stake up. The people ranged
around her suddenly transformed into vampires in front of her eyes, their
faces deformed with head ridges, fangs, and glowing eyes. "You're just
trying to get me to give up so that you can kill me. I'm the Slayer. I don't
give up."

"Buffy, we're not vampires," Willow said, her face horribly twisted. "We're
your friends. Best buds, remember?" She tried to come closer, but Buffy
raised the stake at her.

"I don't know who you are."

Xander couldn't keep silent. "Buffy, listen, you're tripping. It's us. Come
on." The vampire snapped his fingers and pulled a cross out of his pocket.
He licked it and stuck it to his forehead. "Vampires can't do that." He
pulled out a vial marked with a black cross. He doused himself from head to
toe. "Or that." He searched his pockets. "Anyone got any garlic?"

But he had made his point. Buffy pulled back, confused but not convinced.
The stake quivered in her hand, begging her to stake the monsters in front
of her. It pulsed with power again and urged her on. Kill them. It's your
job. Save Angel.

But Angel was saved. Wasn't he?

He lay on the floor, the light of sanity in his eyes again. "Buffy, they're
your friends," he said weakly, gasping. "You can't kill them, not for me.
Don't--don't sell your soul for me." He screamed as the pain hit him. His
face was changing again, turning into a vampire. No, not again. Not her
Angel!

She looked from those in front of her to Angel. She wanted him, wanted him
like nothing in her life. If she killed them, Angel would live, perhaps
forever this time. And if they WERE her friends...

Angel grasped at her leg. "No, Buffy, don't--don't put another mark on my
soul."

It hit her like a slap in the face. Her friends. Was she really
contemplating killing her friends without even knowing if they were really
vampires?

She threw the stake away like it was a giant cockroach in her hand. It
clattered on the stone floor and rolled away. The old guy took a
handkerchief and carefully rolled it up and put it in his pocket.

"Guys..." Buffy swallowed hard at what she had almost done.

Giles and the woman patted her on the back and helped her away. They weren't
vampires anymore, never had been, Buffy realized.

"Uh, guys," Oz said, gesturing vaguely behind them.

Angel had disappeared.

Just as well, Buffy realized. She didn't think she had the strength to deal
with him right now. It hurt too much to face her failure.

************************************
END Part 6
************************************



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Curious Goods (7/7)
Date: 08 Mar 1998 11:53:18 -0600

TITLE:  Curious Goods
AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
Series. Wait, come back! You don't have to have ever seen the show to get
the story since it's mostly Buffy anyway. But the cursed antiques involved
in FTT:TS add an interesting twist. FTT:TS aired 1987-90 and has nothing to
do with the movies of the same name or Jason (or whoever it is). The two
horror series just seem to go together. Expect a sequel eventually.
RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

NEWS FLASH: If you want to check out Friday the 13th: The Series, there's
going to be a marathon Friday on the Sci-Fi Channel! It's a great show.

TIME PERIOD:  After Bothered, Bewitched, and Bewildered.
THANK-YOUS: To Ingrid Stanton for providing her excellent editing skills.
FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
DISCLAIMER:  The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friday the
13th: The Series are not mine. I'm just borrowing them for some fun.

************************************
CURIOUS GOODS

Part 7
************************************

"So you guys, like, fight evil and save the world too?" Xander asked Micki,
obviously so in love that he couldn't get a good sarcastic remark in if he
tried. He was obviously too dazed to notice the killer glares Cordelia was
giving him.

"Something like that," Micki said, humoring the boy. "We look for cursed
object and have a tendency to run into those who want to use them for evil."
Her eyes skipped to Buffy, who stood looking out the library window. "Not
that that's the case here. Sometimes innocents get caught up in it too." She
smiled at Xander and went over to Buffy. The two had a lot in common.

"Giles tells me you've been through a lot," Micki said quietly so they
couldn't be overheard.

"You could say that," the girl said.

Micki nodded. "So have we. It's not always easy to keep up your spirits and
think of the good you do. Sometimes you just want to be a little selfish.
It's all right. It's human."

"But a Slayer can't be selfish."

"A human can and will." Micki turned Buffy to face her. "Evil can just creep
in when you're not looking. This object helped you kill vampires so that it
could eventually convince you to do evil. But you were smarter than that."

Buffy smirked slightly. "Score one for the good guys. Guess I won't have to
go out on patrol for a while."

Micki knew that Buffy was trying to make jokes so she wouldn't have to face
the truth. Maybe it took a stronger truth. "You know, I died once because of
this little crusade. But I had friends there to bring me back. They're there
to bring you back."

Buffy looked at the woman but didn't mention her own brush with death. She
hesitantly glanced over at her friends.

"They're worried about you," Micki said.

"I know," Buffy said, smiling a little at last. "I don't know what I'd do
without them."

Micki took her arm. "Then come on. No sense making them worry anymore."

Buffy stopped her. "Can I ask you a question? How can Jack make tweed look
so comfortable when Giles makes it look like it could rip your skin off?"

Micki suppressed a laugh. "Guess you need to meet Jack. He's one of a kind."

He was. And so was Giles, she guessed, party-poopedness and all. And that
kind was caring. She could see it in both of them, making them save the
world instead of shrugging it off as someone else's job. The two older men
talked animatedly, like two sides of the same coin. Micki and she did have a
lot in common. Not to mention Micki was drop-dead gorgeous and didn't mind
admitting her faults. There were worse things to be.

"OK, who wants to compare adventures first?" Xander quipped, eyeing Micki as
they rejoined the group. "Let me tell you about this giant underground
insect that laid eggs and we had to take care of them as social studies
projects..."

************************************
END Part 7
************************************

END OF STORY




-



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

From: "Aurelia Destiny" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC:  help proof new story and welcome newbie?
Date: 08 Mar 1998 16:13:02 PST

Hi everyone, I just joined the Buffy List and I was wondering if some
kind person out there would proof each Chapter of my first Fic as I
write them and give idea's/suggestions about what I have done...?

And give me an idea of how the List works and such?

Thanks!

Love,
Aurelia

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "mireille roman" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC:  help proof new story and welcome newbie?
Date: 08 Mar 1998 19:26:02 -0500

Hi
well I'm not the best writer but i'd like to help you so if your interested
just email me(privatly).
bye
mirom


----------
> From: Aurelia Destiny <[e-mail]>
> To: [e-mail]
> Subject: BUFFYFIC:  help proof new story and welcome newbie?
> Date: March 8, 1998 19:13 PM
>
> Hi everyone, I just joined the Buffy List and I was wondering if some
> kind person out there would proof each Chapter of my first Fic as I
> write them and give idea's/suggestions about what I have done...?
>
> And give me an idea of how the List works and such?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Love,
> Aurelia
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
> -

-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/?
Date: 08 Mar 1998 17:02:55 -0800 (PST)









TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/?
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1&
2," with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia/ Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 3

THE BRONZE

       Buffy, Xander, and Willow sat at a table talking. After a
while, Xander stood up and asked Buffy and Willow if they wanted to
dance.

"Ok, sure" Willow answered.

"Buffy?" Xander asked.

"You know what, you guys go ahead. I'm-not really up to dancing right
now," Buffy told them.

"Are you sure Buffy?" Willow asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure."

Xander and Willow started to walk out onto the dance floor.

Xander turned back around to Buffy.

"Hey, Buff. If this is about the thing with Angel, I wouldn't worry.
I'm sure it can't be that bad," Xander said trying to cheer her up.

Buffy nodded and smiled as best she could.

She sat there alone at the table as her two friends danced on to each
song that was played.

Buffy kept watching the entrance, hoping that Angel would walk through
it.

Finally, Buffy spotted Angel walk in just as another, slower song came
on.

Angel looked around a bit, then finally noticed her.

He started walking towards her table.

Buffy had to smile at the sight of him. He looked just gorgeous. Like
an angel.

He finally reached here table.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hi," Buffy said with a slight smile cross her face.

Angel stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as  looked
intol stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as Buffy
looked into his.

*I get lost
 In your eyes
 And I feel my spirits rise
 And soar like the wind...
 Is it love that I am in?*

Buffy realized how much the song reflected the moment.

Angel slowly moved closer to her.

He tool her hand. "Come on...Let's dance," he said, almost in a whisper.

Angel led her on to the dance floor. He slipped his arms around
Buffy's waist, pulling her close to him- but making sure that he could
still see her beautiful face.

Buffy placed her hands behind his neck.

The two swayed in time to the song, as they stared, almost in a
trance, at each other.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 And now I know
 'cause when I'm lost
 I can't let go*

Buffy felt as though she were lost. In a world where nothing but Angel
existed. And she seemed to have forgotten everything. Including the
fact that Angel was there to tell her something.

*I don't mind not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies..
 It's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Buffy noticed that Angel's eyes were beginning to tear up again, like
they did earlier that morning
Then she remembered.

*I just fell
 Don't know why
 Something's there we can't deny
 And when I first knew
 Was when I first looked at you*

Angel pulled Buffy closer, hugging her close to him.

*And If I
 Can't find my way
 If salvation seems worlds away
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost in your eyes*

Buffy pulled away slightly so that she could look at him. She saw th
tears rolling down his face.

"We need to talk," he whispered.

Buffy nodded. "Ok"

"After this," he finished.

Buffy nodded again.

*I don't mid not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies...
 Oh, it's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Angel pulled Buffy closer to him again so that her head rested on his
shoulder. Buffy felt relieved so that she wouldn't have to look at him
like that and start crying herself. But it was too late- the amount of
time that she had seen the tears falling from his eyes, had made tears
fall from hers.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost
 In your eyes*

The song ended. Both of them pulled away, looking into the other's
eyes. Both with tears coming from them.

A faster, more upbeat song began and people started dancing again.

Angel took Buffy's hand again. "Come on...Let's get out of here," he
said softly.

Buffy nodded.

The two then left the Bronze

When they got outside, Buffy wiped some of the tears that were still
in her eyes.

She tried her best to gain composure.

"Ok, so, where are we going?" Buffy asked.

"Just- for a walk," he told her.

"Well I like walks..As long as their down the non-vampire path," Buffy
said.

"Tonight's delivery night. They'll all be at the hospital," he told her.

"Ok, well, then let's stay away from there..I mean, unless you need to
go get..," Buffy started when Angel stopped her.

He shook his head. "No, I've got plenty," he told her.

"Ok..good."

Buffy looked up at the night sky as they walked. She was fascinated by
all of the stars out that night. "Wow, look at the sky. It's
beautiful- with all the stars out," she said.

Angel looked up. "Yeah..I never really looked at them as beautiful
though. They're all I've seen in the sky for centuries. You get so
tired of seeing them all the time that the night sky no longer looks
beautiful with them in it anymore..But seeing them tonight-with you-it
looks incredible," he told her. He paused for a second. "Like you," he
said softly.

Buffy smiled slightly.

"When I was a little girl, I used to wish on the stars. But- I
realized that none of my wishes would ever come true, so I stopped.
Then one night, years later, I decided to try it again...It took
awhile of course, but it actually did come true," Buffy told him.

"What did you wish for?" Angel asked her. "or are you not allowed to
tell in case it doesn't come true again?"

"No, you can't tell before it comes true. But after it does, you can,"
she explained.

"Oh...So what was your wish?" he asked her.

Buffy waited a few seconds, staring up at the sky.

She then turned and looked at him. "I wi-I- ah, forget it. It's going
to sound totally ridiculous," she told him.

"No it won't. Tell me."

Buffy stopped walking.

Angel stood there waiting for her answer.

"I wished for you," Buffy finally told him.

Angel seemed to tense up when she said that. He turned and looked the
other way.

"What? Did I wish for the wrong thing- cause it's too late. It already
came true," she told him.

"It's not that." Angel turned and looked at her again. "Buffy-there's
something we need to talk about-that-I- have to tell you."

"I know. You- told me this morning-and in the Bronze. I didn't want to
bring it up again. I was just- waiting for you to start talking," she
told him.

Angel spotted a nearby bench. He walked over to it and sat down.

Buffy sat down next to him.

Angel's head was down. He sat like that for a few minutes. Then he
turned and looked at Buffy, who waited patiently for him to start
talking.

Angel looked back off to the side. He sighed.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," he finally told Buffy.

Buffy let out a breath she'd been holding in. She was relieved that
was the thing that he had to tell her.

"Angel, I'd hate to break this to you, but I already knew that. Giles
found out and he told me yesterday..I knew," she said.

Angel turned to her. "I- wasn't finished," he told her.

"Oh...ok, well- finish then," she said.

Angel looked away again. There was a long silence.

Finally, Angel spoke again. "Druscilla was-never- restored back to her
full strength. I- overheard her and Spike talking," he told her.

"Oh- well, isn't that a good thing though? Because-" Buffy stopped
when she saw Angel shake his head.

"I heard Spike talking and it seems that he's not going to just give
up on her...He'll try performing her healing ritual again-and if it's
interrupted, he'll try again. But he won't stop until it works and
Druscilla is restored back to her full strength. And to do that, he
needs me," Angel told her.

"Well, can't we just go and kill him-somehow- so that he can't try to
perform it again?" Buffy asked, hopeful.

"Buffy, Spike is one of the most vicious vampires around. You know
that. They'll be a lot of people dead before he's killed," Angel said
to her.

"So, what are you trying to say here? How else are we supposed to stop
him?" Buffy asked.

Angel looked away. He didn't answer her.

"Angel?" Buffy called nervously.

He didn't answer again.

"Angel?! Answer me, please," she begged.

There was a long pause.

"I- have to leave Sunnydale," he finally told her.

Buffy couldn't believe what she just hear. "What?" Buffy asked in a
choked whisper.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I have to leave here, Buffy," he
repeated.

"What- Because of the ritual?" Buffy asked with tears coming from her
eyes.

Angel nodded.

"Can't- you just hide- or something? I mean you don't have to leave-
because of that."

Angel shook his head. "I can't hide, Buffy. Spike will find me. Maybe
not- right away, but in time, he will. And if the ritual is performed
completely, I'll die," he told her.

Buffy just stared at him.

"Besides that, Spike is trying to look for a way to get rid of my soul
and change me back over to a regular vampire. I can't let that happen,
Buffy. I'll end up hurting you- and that's the last thing I want to
do," he said to her.

"Just to let you know..you're hurting me now, Angel..With this..with
leaving," she told him.

"Believe me, if there were any other way to say here- and be with you,
I'd try it. But as long as Spike and Druscilla are alive, I'm put in
danger of dying or being changed back over," Angel told her.

He saw the tears rolling down Buffy's cheeks. He hated to see her like
that. Tears began to fill his own eyes.

"I love you, Buffy...I do..And I don't want to do this- But there's no
other way," he said. "There's no other way."

They sat there in silence for a few minutes.

"When do you- have to leave?" Buffy asked him. "And do you have to go
far?"

Angel looked away again. "I leave Saturday night..and yes, I have to
get as far away from here as possible."

"Angel, that's in two days..We only have two days left to be
together," she said, sobbing.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I know," he said. "I- tried to tell
you earlier but I just couldn't do it. It was too painful."

"Please don't do this, Angel. Please..stay here- stay with me," she
said crying.

Angel shook his head, tears rolling down his face. "I wish I could,"
he told her. "But I can't, Buffy. I can't."

Buffy looked away. She knew that nothing she would say could stop him-
only hurt him more.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes. Then Buffy started to
wipe the tears from her eyes.

She turned to Angel. "I guess- I mean, we should probably make the
best of what time we have left together," Buffy said.

Angel looked at her and nodded.

Buffy tried her best to smile. She moved closer to him and rested her
head on his shoulder.

Angel put an arm around her, bringing her closer to him. He kissed the
top of her head.

The two of them sat on the bench, just holding each other in silence.

After a while, Buffy realized that it was getting late and she had to
go. Her mother wouldn't be home until much later that night, but
still, she had school the next day.

Buffy moved out of Angel's grip. "Well, it's getting late. I should go
now," she told him.

"Alright," he answered sadly.

"There's- a big Friday night dance at the Bronze tomorrow night. Do-
you want to meet me there?" Buffy asked.

"I have- some packing to do- but I'll be there," Angel told her.

"Ok- I'll- see you tomorrow then?" she asked.

Angel nodded.

"Ok..bye," she said, then turned and started walking away.

"Buffy," Angel called to her.

Buffy turned around.

"Are you- going to be alright, tonight?" he asked softly.

"I'm sure I'll be ok after a little while," she told him.

She smiled as best she could and turned back around and started
walking home.

Angel watched her go. He knew she wouldn't be ok, though. He knew that
he wouldn't be either.

As Buffy walked home, she thought about how her life would be without
Angel. Tears started to form in her eyes again and fall down her cheeks.

She was in such a daze that she didn't hear her name being called.

All of a sudden, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

Buffy turned around. There he was- her beautiful Angel. That she may
never see again after Saturday.
Buffy couldn't stop the tears from flooding her eyes.

She threw her arms around Angel hugging him tightly, never wanting to
let him go. Angel did the same.

After she calmed down, Angel spoke. "Come on. I'll take you home," he
said as she pulled away.

He held out his hand and Buffy took it.

"So why did you follow me? Did you know that I  wasn't going to be
ok?," Buffy asked as they walked to her house.

Angel nodded. "I did," he told her.

They walked silent the rest of the way to her house.

When they got to the door Buffy got out her key and opened her front
door.

Angel followed her in.

Buffy shut the door behind him.

"Don't worry. Mom's not home. She works late on Thursdays," she told
him.

"Oh"

"I'm gonna go upstairs and change. You can sit and watch tv or
something," she said motioning to the couch.

Angel nodded.

Buffy went upstairs and changed into her pajamas.

When she came back down, she saw Angel watching "Interview With a
Vampire," on HBO.

Buffy had to smile at that.

"Hey," she said as she walked in the living room. "Whatcha' watching?"
she asked pretending not to know what it was.

"Oh, just some vampire movie," he told her.

"I see..Oh, this is Interview With a Vampire. I love this movie,"
Buffy told him.

"Well let's watch it then," Angel said.

"Yeah-Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt are in it. Of course, if I could choose
whoever I wanted to play a vampire, my choice would be you," Buffy
said grinning slightly.

Angel smiled back.

Buffy rested her head against Angel's soldier.

The two of them sat watching the movie. They seemed to have forgotten
that they would no longer be together after Saturday.

When the movie was half over, Angel looked at Buffy and noticed that
she was sleeping.

Gently, so that she wouldn't wake, Angel picked her up and carried her
up to her room.

He undid the covers and gently placed her in the bed. Then he pulled
the covers back over her and tucked her in.

He leaned down over her and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Buffy,"
he whispered, then proceeded back downstairs and went out the front
door and walked home.


THE NEXT DAY- SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

 Buffy walked through the library doors to find that just like the day
before, Xander and Willow, were seated there talking to Giles.

"Hi Buffy," Willow greeted her friend.

"Hey guys. Is there some sort of meeting going on that I didn't know
about?" Buffy asked.

"No meeting. Xander and Willow knew you'd be coming here, so they
decided to wait here for you," Giles told her.

"So, Buff, had it go last night with Angel. Was everything ok like I
said it would be? I saw, you left without even saying goodbye," Xander
said.

"Sorry- I was preoccupied, in a way. Angel wanted to get out of there
so he could tell me the thing that he had to tell me," Buffy explained.

"So what was it? The thing?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy looked away.

"Buffy? Is everything alright?" Giles asked concerned.

Buffy looked back at them.

"No, actually. Everything's not alright," Buffy told them.

"Well what is it Buffy? You can tell us- we're your friends. Giles
too," Willow said.

Buffy looked down.

"Buff?" Xander called.

Buffy didn't answer.

"Buffy, what's wrong?" Willow asked again.

They heard Buffy sniffle, as though she were crying.

"Hey, Buff. What's wrong?" Xander asked.

Buffy finally looked up- tears coming down her face.

"Angel," she finally began.

"Well, what about Angel?" Giles asked , concerned.

Buffy let out a sob. "He's leaving Sunnydale," she told them. "For
good."

Xander, Willow, and Giles' eyes widened.

Buffy stood up. "I, um, have to go- I'll see you guys later," she
said, then ran out of the library.

"Buffy wait!" Xander yelled, following her out the door.

"I better go too," Willow said getting up after him.

"Yes, go...and..tell her training is cancelled for today," Giles told
her.

Willow nodded and left.

When Willow found Buffy, Xander was already there with her. He was
hugging her.

"It's ok, Buffy. It's ok," he repeated to her.

Buffy shook her head. "It's not. It's never going to be ok. Angel's
leaving," Buffy sobbed.
"It's never going to be ok."


To Be Continued...

















































_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC:  thanks everyone for your help!
Date: 08 Mar 1998 22:49:49 EST

When I asked for help with the episode synopses yesterday, I certainly wasn't
expecting to open my mailbox today and find 15 responses! I would have
perferred to thank each of you individually (I don't think a mass thank-you is
adequate), but AOL is evil and has this nasty little trick where it boots me
offline and deletes my read emails instead of saving them to my "Mail You've
Read" thing. Therefore, I lost track of who sent help. So, I'd like to thank
each and every one of you who emailed me back with help; I was provided with a
bunch of different URLs. You're all great, thankyou thankyou thank you!

thanx bunches,

jen (noodlebrain)

PS- sorry again for not being
able to thank you individually!!!!!

-



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

From: Mark Safransky <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Curious Goods
Date: 09 Mar 1998 00:20:20 -0500

Michelle wrote one kickbutt crossover here.  The mix of the Buffyverse with the
Friday the 13th: The Series worked pretty well.  Of course, this story does
ignore the instances where FT13TS did do vampires.  But that's what fanfic is
for.  The cursed stake and it's history were very well done and the feelings
Buffy has under it's influence were very well written as well.  The spelling was
good and the grammer as well.  Yeah for Beta-Readers!  It kept the flow of the
story going and I must again say it was a joy to read.  Michelle, we want a
sequel now!

Mark Safransky
[e-mail]


-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Curious Goods
Date: 08 Mar 1998 23:30:12 -0600

I kind of figured Friday the 13th: The Series had done vampires before.
It's been so long since I've seen the series that I couldn't remember. And
it would have messed up the story. :-) Hopefully I'll be able to catch
reruns soon and maybe try to explain it in a sequel. Thanks for the hint,
Mark!

Michelle



>Michelle wrote one kickbutt crossover here.  The mix of the Buffyverse
with the
>Friday the 13th: The Series worked pretty well.  Of course, this story
does
>ignore the instances where FT13TS did do vampires.  But that's what fanfic
is
>for.  The cursed stake and it's history were very well done and the
feelings
>Buffy has under it's influence were very well written as well.  The
spelling was
>good and the grammer as well.  Yeah for Beta-Readers!  It kept the flow of
the
>story going and I must again say it was a joy to read.  Michelle, we want
a
>sequel now!
>
>Mark Safransky
>[e-mail]
>
>
>-
>



-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: This Used To Be My Playground 1/1
Date: 09 Mar 1998 04:19:34 EST

Title: Painful Memories
Author:  Alex Queirolo
E-mail:  [e-mail]
Title: This Used To Be My Playground
Feedback:  Please.
Distribution:  Just ask. On my page: http://members.aol.com/treycash/ff3.html

**************

            THIS USED TO BE MY PLAYGROUND

Author's Note: This doesn't exist within any particular time-frame. It does
however deal with the death of the Slayer so be fore-warned.

Disclaimer: Joss is da man. Buffy not mine. Blah, blah, blah.

Notes: Title is from Madonna. Have no clue who wrote the song the quotes came
from.



"Life's so fragile and love's so pure
We try to hold on but we can't
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we never know why"

We were a group. All of us. United in a bond of fear and pain that would hold
us together forever. Even when the end hit us like a ton of bricks at mach
ten. We came from a place where the darkness we knew as small children was a
reality even as we tried to put our childhood away in the closet. And the
light which had always seemed our salvation became little more than a bitter
reminder that we were only safe some of the time. And so when it faded and she
fell to her destiny; so did we.

A quiet night. The type where a peaceful walk through the park should have
calmed our nerves. We should have known better..our world could never exist
within the childish fantasy of sanity. A church bell ringing far in the
distance. We have a lot of them around here but I've never heard one quite as
haunting as that. And all we knew then was a hallucinatory thought brought on
by the terrifying psychosis we called our own. Danger in submission; agony in
aversion.

And we found her. Red on green. Dying on the grass. She breathed in large
gasps and pawed at the ground trying to find some type of control. What good
would it have been to tell her that even in her finest moments, she lacked
that precious balance.

We tried to ease her delirium but it was a futile effort. In her last moments,
we could do little for her body so we concentrated on closure. It was all any
of us had left.

We said our goodbyes. And as we took our grief and poushed it away, she took
her last breath and died. Another was called. The cycle began again. Just not
for us.

That was the first time I ever saw Xander cry. Head in his hands, he tried to
be strong but the tears rushed down his cheeks. Oz moved cautiously over to
Willow and pulled her to him, crushing her with the fierceness of his emotion.
Angel collapsed to the ground and blood flowed from his eyes. And then Xander
looked up at me and in that moment, he let me into his heart and soul.

"But I'm okay now
Goodbye, my friends
You can go now
Goodbye, my friends"

-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: This Used To Be My Playground 1/1
Date: 09 Mar 1998 16:07:34 EST

wow. This is very powerful, and quite well written. You know it's good when
your audience is at a loss for words, and I was certainly stunned into
silence. Very, very good.

  Jen (the noodlebrain)

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope errors
Date: 09 Mar 1998 15:37:46 PST

This is just another post to clear up any possible confusion that I
might have caused.

I accidentally wrote:
"Angel heard the sound of a vehicle nearby and saw two black drive up."

It was supposed to say:
"Angel heard the sound of a vehicle nearby and saw two black cars drive
up."

I hate spending time proof reading, so mistakes will occure often.  I
will try to spell check, tho.

Small note to Anna:  "rendevous" wasn't in the spell checker, and I am
toooooo lazy to grab a dictionary.  Just one of my faults!  :)

I will try to send more parts in, but I am having a small case of
writers block, so it might be a few days.  Thanks for bearing with me,
and keep reading!

Sara

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Clare H." <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I'm new
Date: 10 Mar 1998 08:10:05 EST

I'm new to the list, so if any one has any really good stories from
before that the could forward me, that would be great.

Clare
[e-mail]

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wow. This is very powerful, and quite well written. You know it's good
when
your audience is at a loss for words, and I was certainly stunned into
silence. Very, very good.

  Jen (the noodlebrain)

-




______________________________________________________
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-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (1/?) by Ingrid
Date: 10 Mar 1998 16:41:49 -0500

Disclaimer: The characters of Willow Rosenberg, Spike (the vampire) and
anyone else I mentioned from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are not mine.
They belong to Kuzui, Sandollar, WB, Joss Whedon (that punk), and Mutant
Enemy. I make no money on this- Don't sue me, okay?

Summary: I'm back! (I'm not dead, really!) Let me say right off the bat,
people, that this isn't my typical story. Frankly, it's weird. =) Anyway,
this has little to do with Buffy or Angel. The main characters are Spike
and Willow. Live with it. I think they're cute. Okay, maybe not in the
conventional sense, but I hate convention. Enjoy it (you'd better!).

A big thank you to Jen the noodlebrain for editing, and idea-type stuff.

************************
"Footsteps"
by Ingrid
************************

The warehouse was vacant and chilly, with almost its own breeze. She
was surprised to feel cold- she hadn't thought vampires could. The
rusty metal bars pressed into her back, but she had grown used to
sitting still like this that she barely noticed. She was dirty and tired,
and her ripped clothes looked thin and old. Her hair was ragged and
dull- she couldn't remember the last time she'd washed it. Her
thoughts wandered as the cage swung a bit, making her sick to her
stomach. She pondered the mysteries of life absently; lethargically.

A Willow in the wind.

The steel was cold against her cheeks, but somehow comforting. Her
face was relaxed, but her stomach was churning. She looked up
slightly, and the movement disturbed her sense of balance- she felt
heady, dizzy. A satisfied smile spread across her face as
she saw the skylight above her. Maybe he'd forgotten about it this
time. Maybe when morning came, this could be over. She welcomed
the agonizing death, longed for the burning of her own flesh.

Footsteps echoed through the large airy room, but she didn't turn
around. Most likely it was him again, but she didn't really care.

"Helloooo!" she heard an Englishman- well a vampire, drawl
out.

She said nothing, as if she were dust at the bottom of the cage.

"Cat got your tongue?" He called again, approaching. She could feel
him, one of her own kind, as he came. It was something she'd
accepted easily, as if she'd always been this way. There was nothing
left of her humanity, and nothing left to remind her that she hadn't.
With each day she her old life faded further and further into oblivion.
She was a listless body in a cage now. That was all.

He approached her side of the cage, his face a few feet below hers.
"You haven't eaten for days," Spike observed pleasantly, trying to
broach the subject gently.

"Why should I," she mumbled back.

"I don't know what's wrong with you, Willow. Vampires just aren't
supposed to starve themselves for nothing. Are you staging a
protest?"

"I'm tired. What do I care if I live or die?"

"Come on, now- that's no way to talk. Here." He moved towards the
crank, lowering her cage close to the floor. Grabbing a crystal
goblet from atop a wooden crate, he crossed the room again to stand
next to her.

"Open up," he requested. She did as he asked, remembering the
skylight. He pressed the bright glass to her lips and she made a wish.
The sweet crimson liquid filled her mouth, and she swallowed with
difficulty, choking on the last of it.

"There." He took the cup back and looked at her idly.

She sighed and sunk to the bottom of her new home, relieving the
pressure of her pounding head by pressing her temple against the icy
floor of the cage. She had to admit, she was beginning to feel better.
Her stomach gave a satisfied growl, glad to have the nourishment.
That had been the thirteenth day.

***
END, Part one. Hey- Tell me what you think! I'm writing about different
characters! It's fun! ([e-mail])

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: "Footsteps" (1/?) by Ingrid
Date: 10 Mar 1998 19:28:56 EST

Wow.....
Thats was really scary, and sad.
So very sad!
Even Mrs. Edith is crying!
Her willingness to give up.. then and there
Just end it all!
Wow......
Lins

-



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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inner Demons - revised and spell checked
Date: 10 Mar 1998 17:19:06 PST

--====================987654321_0==_
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello again.  I've been bored.  So I went into my story and finally
spell checked it.  I also made a few minor changes.  So, let me know
what you think.

As before, the characters of Buffy the Vampire slayer do not belong to
me.  They belong to Joss Whedon, the WB network, Mutant Enemy, etc, etc,
etc.  JΣzen and Verena are my own creations.  If you wish to use them or
the knowledge of them for anything, let me know.

If you have trouble with the tiny bit of German spoken in the story,
please let me know.  I'll be happy to translate.

Oh!  One thing I *did* forget to mention when I first wrote Inner
Demons: the view and opinions of JΣzen do not, necessarily reflect the
views and opinions of the writer.  One of these days, if I get *really*,
*really* bored, I might write a profile on him.

But, anyway, without further blabbering from me, here is...

                                Inner Demons



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
--====================987654321_0==_
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-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (2/?) by Ingrid
Date: 10 Mar 1998 19:07:45 -0500

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters in my story. They belong to
Whedon, WB, Kuzui, Sandollar, Mutant Enemy and anyone else I forgot. I'm
using them without permission, but I'm making no money on this.

Summary: Part two of a Spike/ Willow story. Aww... Aren't they cute?

Extra thanks to Jen the noodlebrain for editing and idea help! (Isn't it
amazing how a stray thought can lead to a story within a matter of
hours?)

*************
"Footsteps"
by Ingrid

Part Two
*************

Months and months- gelatin in a cage. She felt boneless now, barely
moving at all for days at a time. He always came. Every other day,
he'd feed her, try to get her to talk for about an hour, give up, and
then
leave. She was getting curious, though. It was becoming more and
more difficult not to answer his questions, or to comment on his
observations. At times, she'd even began a reply. He'd look interested
then, his blue eyes sparking up, but then she would again sink back
into her limbo, which was as real a world as any at this point.
She'd studied the patterns of the floor thousands of times. Other than
that, there wasn't much to do other than sleep. She'd slept for the
majority of the time she'd been here out of sheer boredom. How long
had she been here? Weeks? Months? Years?

Today was no different than the rest of the times she'd  been here.
She'd traced the familiar concrete below the suspended prison, and
then slept some more. It was dark again when she woke up.

His steps were familiar. She could hear the pattern in her head. *Click,
click, click*

He didn't bother to speak, and the ritual was over quickly. He emptied
the glass down her throat, and sat on the box, merely watching her still
figure.

"How would you like it if I said I'd let you out of there tonight?"

She wanted to speak- to say something, but she remained silent out of
habit. She heard the sigh she'd heard everyday for the past million
years, as she'd begun to think it, and once again the footsteps.

"Wait!" she cried between echoes. The voice was unfamiliar- raspy
and dry and old from disuse. She wondered if he'd heard her, and then
again whether she'd even said it. There was silence, and something
compelled her to try again.

"Spike? I'd like it."

The footsteps returned and grew closer. She sighed. Getting out of the
cage suddenly seemed like the first real desire she'd had since-

There was a noise, and slowly, she felt herself being lowered. The
cage was several feet off the ground when he'd stopped and secured
the crank. There was a resounding click, and then a squeak as the
gate swung open. She pulled herself up on her knees awkwardly.

The pain took her by surprise. Easing forward, she crawled to the
edge. Spike was waiting below, his arms outstretched. She reached
out, and let him pull her out and lower her to the ground. Her head was
swimming as she felt her feet hit the pavement. She was facing him
now, still being supported.

"You alright?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

She tried to nod convincingly. As he moved his arms away,
though, she collapsed. He grabbed her before she could go far. She
clung to his neck for dear life, her doe eyes dazed, startled. Spike
pulled at her waist.

"That's what you get for not moving in a month," he chided
good-humoredly.

She smiled and let herself go in his arms, studying his pale face
afresh. Bleached hair, fair complexion; he had some sort of innocence,
sanity. Humanity. He smiled back at her curiously, content that she'd
shown some sign of feeling.

Suddenly they were both quiet, staring at each other awkwardly, all
smiles vanishing. Spike's face grew serious, and his light eyes
sobered quickly. They stood for a bit, trapped in a spell that
hadn't existed a few moments ago.

Seconds clicked away like footsteps, echoing throughout the room.
Embarrassingly and loudly, time went on. Willow's face felt hot. Did
vampires blush?

Spike cleared his throat, dispersing the magic in an instant. "I'm gonna
have to carry you," he observed, lifting her easily. They passed
through one cold room after another, finally ending up in a nicer room.
It was small, but there was a lacy bed in the center that looked like
heaven compared to her previous abode. He set her down gingerly,
watching her eyes the entire time. She smiled shyly, sitting up against
the soft pillows, and yawned. That she couldn't help. Her eyes were
heavy, and her muscles sore even from the minor exertion.

"I don't come in here much anymore," he explained, pulling the covers
back, "I thought you might be more comfortable."

"Thank you," she sighed, eyes already closing. She crawled under the
covers and felt him tuck them about her. She knew there were
footsteps as he left, but she was too tired to hear them.
***
Mail comments to [e-mail].
Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy," "One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a
Chance," and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Angel's Lover <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Restoration Part Three of ????
Date: 11 Mar 1998 01:18:16 -0800

The following is the third part in an on going story I am writing.  The
characters do not belong to me, they belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy
Productions, Warner Bros and all those associated with BTVS.  I am not
making money off of this, and no copyright infringment was intended.
This gets angsty in parts... know that Giles' reactions are the subject
of my own reactions to some news I received recently similar to this
situation.  They are honest emotions, and I suppose I am using this
story as a forum for my feelings, however, I believe this all fits
together.  I don't know where this story is going or where it will end,
so I'll just keep writing and posting until the end makes it's presence
known.  Please forward all comments to Lea at either [e-mail]
or [e-mail] .  Thanks for reading, and enjoy!

_____________________



    Restoration ~ Part Three

    Buffy hesitated at the stairs leading to the library.  Yes,
Giles had helped return Angel's soul... willingly according to Willow,
but facing him now... Ack.. it was almost too much.
    She turned to look over her shoulder, Angel was watching her
from the far end of the street.  He smiled reassuringly, a warm smile
the likes of which Buffy had been missing for too long.
    The strength it took for Angel to smile so at her when she knew that
deep down his soul was eating itself away with the guilt of what
his body had done gave Buffy the strength she needed to climb those
stairs.  One by one she climbed until she stood at the library door.
Her fingers gently caressed the door knob, but one last look at Angel
as he disappeared into the night propelled her forward.  With a deep
breath, Buffy crossed the threshold into Giles' territory.
    The first thing to strike her was the overwhelming silence of
the building.  Of course, as a library, it had always been a quiet
place, but tonight something had changed.  It was almost as though
something had died, something that wasn't just Jenny Calendar, but
something vital to the very essence of the building.  Something Giles
put into the air with his mere presence.  Something burried so deep
within him that Buffy hadn't noticed, until it was gone.  Until now.
    Silently she lowered her aching body into a chair and listened
to the nothing commanding her attention.  There she stayed until
something shifted on the second level.  Her eyes rose to meet those of
the ragged man before her.  Giles sighed.
    "How long were you planning on remaining?" His voice was without tone.
    "As lnog as it takes to talk to you."
    He shrugged.  "Talk all you like; it matters not."
    Buffy chewed nervously on her lip as she flicked her eyes away.  "I...
I have to thank you." she murmered quietly.
    Giles turned his back to her, making as though he were searching
through the rows of books.  "Don't.  If I'd had my initial choice Angel
would be dead now, only his body would have turned to dust.  Not like
Jenny's.  Do you know what Jenny is doing right now, Buffy?  Do you?"
    The girl blinked, her voice breaking.  "I.. I.. don't... ah... I.."
    The watcher's fist drove into the shelf sending books flying in every
direction.  Buffy jumped.  "Rotting, Buffy.  Jenny is in a grave, six
feet under the ground, rotting!  Her beautifu eyes.. gentle hands...
smiling lips... its all gone."  A sob broke over him, his shoulders
shaking as he supported himself against the shelf.  "All gone..."
    Her heart broke for her tortured friend, knowing, not exactly, but
still knowing through what he was suffering.  "Giles... not everything
is gone.  You still have us... you'll always have me.  I swear."
    "You swear."  His voice grew harsh.  "Yes, you swear.  You
swear as you leave to fight vampires, demons, hell spawn.. all of it..
that you will always return.  So have all the other slayers, my dear,
and you know what happened to them?  The oldest slayer recorded was
nineteen, Buffy, nineteen.  Three years she managed to stay alive
before she was finally slain herself.  How long do you think you will
last?  Tell me that!"
    Her eyes welled up with tears.  "Giles, what are you saying?"
    He sighed, his voice calming.  "The only things that I ever believed to
be eternal were love and our battle against the dark forces.  When Jenny
died, love died.  All there is now is the war and..."
    "And?"
    "Silence."

************************

    A tapping on Willow's sliding door.  The girl jerked in her chair,
terrified of turning around to see what she knew she would.  The tapping
again.  She turned.
    Angel stood outside, his head hung in shame as Willow moved to open the
door.  Her fingers shook as she undid the lock, sliding the
door back, removing the only barrier between them.  He made no move
towards her.
    "I left Buffy at the library; there was something I had to do without
her."  Angel's voice was low.
    Willow swallowed, "Having to do with the involving of my neck?"
    He slowly shook his head, "No, Willow?"
    Her eyes grew wide, her voice weak. "Some other body part?  'Cause you
know, my body isn't perfect but I have formed a bond with it over the
last seventeen years... a change now could destroy that bond.. and I
rather am comfortable as it stands now..."
    He sighed.  "I'm not going to hurt you, Will, or kill you, or bite you,
or torture you.  You have my word."
    "Then what?"
    "Give me your hands."
    She took a step backwards.  "Ah.. I would but actually they're really
quite happy where they are.. at the ends of my arms.. not in a
box being sent to Buffy's... that would be really not cool."
    He shook his head.  "Just hold your hands out... please."
    Willow's hands edged out so that they lay flat, palms upwards, mere
inches in front of Angel.  She closed her eyes and turned her head, a
grimace of expectant pain spreading across her features.
    The pain did not come.  A light weight was rested into her
hands, his cold fingers only slightly brushing her warm ones.  A breath
of air followed, and Willow could have sworn she heard an apology on
that light wind.  She opened her eyes.  Angel was gone.
    Laying in her hands was a small, clear plastic bag, filled with warm
water.  Swimming calmly in that water was a stunningly beautiful angel
fish.  Willow smiled softly.  Angel really had returned.
    She moved over to her aquarium, opening the top of the bag and gently
released the new fish into the water.  She decided his name
would be Future.

***********************

    "If you're so hell bent on making Angel pay for Ms. Calendar's death,
why'd you go and help us?"  Buffy lay her head down on the table in both
exasperation and exhaustion.
    "A tribe of wiser elders cannot be wrong, Buffy.  Who am I to go
against their decision of a century ago?  I decided that perhaps Angel
would indeed be better off suffering the agonies of a guilt ridden life
rather than the painfree existance of death."
    "Oh.  I see."
    Giles sighed at the obvious tone of dissapointment in her voice.
"Buffy, I will not hold it against you should you decide to continue
your liasons with him.  Mind you, I would prefer in the future not
having to discuss Angel, your relationship, or have any dealings with
him what so ever unless it absolutely cannot be helped.  Is this
understood?"
    She nodded silently.
    "Go home, Buffy, or go see him, or go to the Bronze.  I really
do not care.  Just please, leave me now."
    "We won't break the spell this time, Giles."
    "Buffy."
    "I'm going.  I just wanted you to know that we will be careful."
    "Buffy!"  His tone was harsh and angry, but as her eyes filled once
again with tears, he gentled.  "Just go and try to be happy, I will not
ever deny you that.  There is nothing you can do to help me."
    "Maybe one day..."
    He shook his head.  Slowly Buffy got to her feet and moved to
the door.  She looked over her shoulder and opened her mouth to speak.
Giles disappeared behind the bookshelves once more.
    "Good night, Buffy."  His tone was final.
    She sighed.

*************************

    End Part Three

-



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

From: "Black Fire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: An apology
Date: 11 Mar 1998 08:35:53 PST

It has been brought to my attention that the message I sent out last
night came out as giberish.  I only wish to apologize to you all for the
inconvenience I have caused you.  I promise that I will never get that
bored again.



                        The Black Fire
        [e-mail]


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (3/?) by Ingrid
Date: 11 Mar 1998 12:49:23 -0500

Disclaimer: The characters in the following story from "Buffy the
Vampire Slayer" are not mine. They belong to Whedon, WB, Kuzui,
Sandollar, and Mutant Enemy. I ain't makin' no money on it! Don't
sue me, please.

Summary: Spike and Willow madness. Am I the only one who
sees this happening, or what? As always, I appreciate comments.
If you didn't get an earlier part or parts of this story, you can request

them too at [e-mail]. Enjoy!

Thanks to Jen the Noodlebrain for excellent editing (and conception)
assistance. My first editor! I never thought it would happen!

**********************
"Footsteps" by Ingrid
Part Three

**********************

 Months, heÆd told her. It had been months since the beginning of this
 life. She was slowly gaining her strength back. Her new room was
 comfortable, and she was now free to wander about the warehouse without
 help. She slept less, spent more time thinking, spent more time with
him.

  SheÆd been able to shower.

 Not a real shower of course- it had been an emergency water valve in a
 cramped room at the back of the warehouse, but the icy cold water had
 been a godsend. Spike had finally opened DruÆs overstuffed closet.
Dozens
 of frilly dresses popped out in a burst of color as heÆd opened the
doors
 and released all the stored pressure. She saw the pain in his eyes
before
 he turned away and left the room brusquely. Something had happened, she
 knew. He hadnÆt talked about Dru at all since theyÆd left. Willow hadnÆt
 felt right mentioning it either. SheÆd just avoided the whole subject,
 sensing that it would do more harm than good to try.

She put on the dress, changing as quickly as she could to escape the
cold air. The lily white silk was smooth and delicate. She wobbled a bit
as she put the shoes on and then searched for a something to pull back
her hair with. The drawer was musty, but there were a few shiny clips
inside. She chose the pearl ones, drawing her still-drying hair up at the
sides and out of her face.

Spike looked stunned when she walked out into the main room. He didnÆt
say anything at first.

Her hair was curly now, not having the advantage of a blow-dryer. She
might have been Dru, if not for her bright auburn hair and smaller
stature.

She smiled at him, and decided now was as good a time as any. Slow,
even paces brought her to his side.

"Spike?" She was bearding the lion in his den now, and it was making her
more than a little nervous. "What happened to Drusilla?"

He had been looking down, but his head snapped up to stare her directly
and defiantly in the face. He was stricken, and taken unaware, his body
sprung like a coil, or a tiger ready to pounce.

She shrunk back almost imperceptibly. Then as quickly as it had come, it
passed. He let out a tired sigh and leaned against a broken-down conveyor
belt.

"The last time I checked, *Drusilla* was with Angelus." Sarcastic
defense-mechanism, she noted, but waited for him to continue. She
knew he would.

"Meant to be, I suppose. After all, he is her sire, and who am I to stand
in the way of a relationship like *that*? To put it simply, they never
came back." He forced a dry laugh. "Ah, who cares anyway? To hell
with them."

"You loved her," she said, prying just a bit more, just waiting for the
lid to
snap shut.

It didnÆt. Spike wasnÆt Angelus. He wasnÆt like any of the other vampires
sheÆd seen before, but then again, neither was she.  She didnÆt know what
sheÆd expected anyway. She felt like herself in some ways, but in othersà

"Yes. I loved her. God knows why. She was nothing more than a shell by
then, but I couldnÆt stop."

 Willow touched his shoulder cautiously. "Did you know her before-"

"Before I was changed? Yes. SheÆd been able to love back then." He
paused, reliving a memory or two. She watched the light and dark play on
his face. "So sweet." His voice was resigned as he studied the floor. He
looked up and faced her. "Of course Angelus changed all that."

She let silence dance  without interruption.

"Sometimes she would look at me, and for a moment, it would be like
nothing had changed. And I felt I had toà She was so weakà"

"You wanted to stay with her."

"What would she have done? At the beginning, she couldnÆt even get
out of bed. I suppose I should be thankful. TheyÆre probably feasting
in Ireland somewhere together. He was always able to make her
happy."

"What about you?"

"I want her to be taken care of. She is. SheÆs fine. IÆve fulfilled my
duty."

"It was more than a duty."

"ItÆs over." He looked up again, but this time, he didnÆt look so upset.
In fact, he looked as if he were contemplating some remote possibility in
the study of her face. "Red hair. ItÆs nice. The stuff of bad vampire
novels, but nice," he laughed, lightening the mood.

She smiled in response, patting her hair down at the sides. Her stomach
growled restlessly.

He nodded and laughed again, having heard it too. "Guess itÆs lunchtime."

 Their footsteps interchanged an easy syncopation as they quit the room.
 ***
Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
and
"Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Moments of Truth (1/1)
Date: 12 Mar 1998 02:39:51 EST

Title: Moments of Truth (1/1)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Distribution: Please ask first
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes are game
Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy & co. They belong to Joss Whedon, WB, etc.
Only the stroy is mine.
Summary: Angel's soul visits the group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The small group entered the library to find a site they never thought they'd
see. Angel or Angel's soul sat in one of the chairs silently starring at a
book.
The site was amazing. His body was a white aura almost transparent with a
 light tinge of blue along the edges. The site was to say the least etheral.
Angel quickly dispersed the thought of the book & stood up upon the
groups arrival.

"Angel." Buffy whispered.

He only smiled & starred at her. He looked so sad.
Buffy ran to him on impulse to throw herself into his arms, but ran right
through him. He turned around to face her.

"I can't hold you Buffy or touch you. I can only speak & look at you." he
answered her unasked question.

 Buffy started crying. Angel gave Xander a silent look conveying with his
eyes for Xander to comfort her. Xander nodded & silently walked over to
Buffy and hugged her to him.

 "I have something for you." Angel directed to Giles. "On the table. The
white envelope. Don't read it until your alone." Angel instructed.

Giles walked over to the table & picked up the envelop. On the front
said Rupert. He recognized the handwriting.

Giles gasped, "this is from her?" he asked

 Angel nodded, "she says to tell you she loves you." he whispered.
"I'm sorry." Angel voice filled with sorrow & guilt.

"It's not your fault." Willow spoke to him.

"Isn't it?" he asked her. "If I'd never come here none of this would've
happened." Angel informed.

 "As much as I hate to say this, if you hadn't come here we'd all be
dead at some point." Xander told him.

"Maybe." Angel contemplated. "Buffy I have something for you as well.
It's the book I was looking at. It's for you . I want you to know
my thoughts and feelings. The ones I never had the nerve to tell you."
Angel looked into her teary eyes. He stepped towards her & grazed her
cheek with his hand. Buffy gasped and felt a warm feeling of peace pass
over her.

"I don't understand why you won't kill him." Angel confided.

"If I kill him there's no way of bringing you back." Buffy informed.

"But it's ok to hold out while he kills more innocent people? I'm not
worth it Buffy. Don't let him kill more of your friends. In the end it's not
worth it. You'll resent me and I wouldn't be able to handle that. You
don't deserve this pain. Don't let him do to you what he did to Drusilla."
Angel pleaded.

"My life isn't worth living without you in it." Buffy sobbed.

 "Don't ever say that. I'll always be with you. If not physically then
spiritually." Angel comforted her.

 He turned towards the group once again. "I just wanted to see for myself
that you all were alright." Angel informed.

"Just for the record you will always have a place here Angel. He on the
other hand I'll rip to shreds if I get my hands on him." Giles gritted his
teeth.

"I'm looking foward to it. I'll laugh while he turns to dust. Just remember
 fear motivates him. He thrives on pain and torture. Don't give him the
satisfaction." Angel spoke to everyone.

"I have to go. I'm thinking about paying him a visit." Angel quirked a half
smile.

As he passed Buffy he lightly kissed her on the forehead or what looked
like he did & whispered in her ear, "I love you Buffy. Always remember that.
No regrets?" he asked hopefully.

"I love you to. No regrets." Buffy whispered.

"You were incredible. I'm just sorry I couldn't be there for you afterwards."
 Angel whispered a last time.
He gently took his hand from her cheek & faded out of sight.

"Willow you might want to feed the fish when you get home." Willow
heard him call before he disappeared.

 "My fish are...oh." she smiled. "You didn't have to do that Angel."

Buffy walked towards the table and picked up the forgotten book Angel
was looking at. It had no title. It was small and thick and encased in
brownish leather and rimmed with gold borders. She opened the cover.

"It's his journal." Buffy informed. "There's entries from the very first time
we met until the last.... Oh, Angel." she whispered. "I think I'm going to
go home and do a little reading." Buffy told the group with small smile.

"Yes, I think I'll do that as well." Giles agreed & looked longingly at the
envelope he was clutching close to his heart. "A very good idea indeed."
he whispered to no one in particular.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
         The End



-



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

From:    Sarah Douglas <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Virus Warning
Date: 12 Mar 1998 23:18:17

Okay, this doen't have anyting to do with Buffy, but you all should see
this.  A friend of mine sent it to me.  I hope none of you get the virus
Love,
Sarah
If you receive an email titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" DO NOT open it.  It will
erase everything in your hard drive.  Forward this letter out to as
many people as you can.  This is a new, very malicious virus and not many
people know about it.  This information was announced yesterday morning
by Microsoft; please share it with everyone that might access the
internet. Once again, pass this along to EVERYONE in your address book so
it may be stopped.  Also, do not open or even look at any mail that says
"RETURNED OR UNABLE TO DELIVER".  This virus will attach itself to your
computer components and render them useless.  Immediately delete any mail
items that say this.  AOL has also said that this is a very dangerous virus
and that there is NO remedy for it at this time.  Please practice
cautionary measures and forward this to all your online friends ASAP.



-



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

From: Berg <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re:  BUFFYFIC: Virus Warning
Date: 12 Mar 1998 20:50:12 -0800 (PST)

    It's a hoax, and has always BEEN a hoax (this one has been around
nearly a decade now).


-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Fan Fiction
Date: 13 Mar 1998 11:28:29 EST

Hi, I want to ask the list if there is anyone who would let me feature their
fan fiction on my web page. I've got a few series so far but I would like
more. The site hasn't been activated yet, but it will be. If you would let me
host your fan fic, or let me link to your page that has your fan fiction on
it, that would be great.

Please no submissions that are more that 10 printable pages. If you would like
more information on this or would like to submit your work for me to host,
please contact me at: [e-mail]

Thanks.

-Michelle
http://members.aol.com/aglx/main.html

-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: "Footsteps" by Ingrid
Date: 13 Mar 1998 12:33:37 -0600

Wow, this is a powerful story, just in the first few parts! I can't wait to
read the rest. You've got some talent, girl!

Michelle



-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Moments of Truth (1/1) Revised
Date: 13 Mar 1998 16:32:08 EST

Title: Moments of Truth (1/1)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Distribution: Please ask first
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes are game
Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy & co. They belong to Joss Whedon, WB, etc.
Only the stroy is mine.
Summary: Angel's soul visits the group.
Notes: Alot of people wanted to know what the note from Jenny to Rupert said
so I decided to add it in the story. Hope you enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The small group entered the library to find a site they never thought they'd
see. Angel or Angel's soul sat in one of the chairs silently starring at a
book.
The site was amazing. His body was a white aura almost transparent with a
 light tinge of blue along the edges. The site was to say the least etheral.
Angel quickly dispersed the thought of the book & stood up upon the
groups arrival.

"Angel." Buffy whispered.

He only smiled & starred at her. He looked so sad.
Buffy ran to him on impulse to throw herself into his arms, but ran right
through him. He turned around to face her.

"I can't hold you Buffy or touch you. I can only speak & look at you." he
answered her unasked question.

 Buffy started crying. Angel gave Xander a silent look conveying with his
eyes for Xander to comfort her. Xander nodded & silently walked over to
Buffy and hugged her to him.

 "I have something for you." Angel directed to Giles. "On the table. The
white envelope. Don't read it until your alone." Angel instructed.

Giles walked over to the table & picked up the envelop. On the front
said Rupert. He recognized the handwriting.

Giles gasped, "this is from her?" he asked

 Angel nodded, "she says to tell you she loves you." he whispered.
"I'm sorry." Angel voice filled with sorrow & guilt.

"It's not your fault." Willow spoke to him.

"Isn't it?" he asked her. "If I'd never come here none of this would've
happened." Angel informed.

 "As much as I hate to say this, if you hadn't come here we'd all be
dead at some point." Xander told him.

"Maybe." Angel contemplated. "Buffy I have something for you as well.
It's the book I was looking at. It's for you . I want you to know
my thoughts and feelings. The ones I never had the nerve to tell you."
Angel looked into her teary eyes. He stepped towards her & grazed her
cheek with his hand. Buffy gasped and felt a warm feeling of peace pass
over her.

"I don't understand why you won't kill him." Angel confided.

"If I kill him there's no way of bringing you back." Buffy informed.

"But it's ok to hold out while he kills more innocent people? I'm not
worth it Buffy. Don't let him kill more of your friends. In the end it's not
worth it. You'll resent me and I wouldn't be able to handle that. You don't
deserve this pain. Don't let him do to you what he did to Drusilla."
Angel pleaded.

"My life isn't worth living without you in it." Buffy sobbed.

 "Don't ever say that. I'll always be with you. If not physically then
spiritually." Angel comforted her.

 He turned towards the group once again. "I just wanted to see for myself
that you all were alright." Angel informed.

"Just for the record you will always have a place here Angel. He on the
other hand I'll rip to shreds if I get my hands on him." Giles gritted his
teeth.

"I'm looking foward to it. I'll laugh while he turns to dust. Just remember
fear motivates him. He thrives on pain and torture. Don't give him the
satisfaction."
Angel spoke to everyone.

"I have to go. I'm thinking about paying him a visit." Angel quirked a half
smile.

As he passed Buffy he lightly kissed her on the forehead or what looked like
he did & whispered in her ear, "I love you Buffy. Always remember that.
No regrets?" he asked hopefully.

"I love you to. No regrets." Buffy whispered.

"You were incredible. I'm just sorry I couldn't be there for you afterwards."
 Angel whispered a last time.
He gently took his hand from her cheek & faded out of sight.

"Willow you might want to feed the fish when you get home." Willow heard
him call before he disappeared.

 "My fish are...oh." she smiled. "You didn't have to do that Angel."

Buffy walked towards the table and picked up the forgotten book Angel was
looking at. It had no title. It was small and thick and encased in brownish
leather and rimmed with gold borders. She opened the cover.

"It's his journal." Buffy informed. "There's entries from the very first time
we
met until the last.... Oh, Angel." she whispered. "I think I'm going to go
home and do a little reading." Buffy told the group with small smile.

"Yes, I think I'll do that as well." Giles agreed & looked longingly at the
envelope he was clutching close to his heart. "A very good idea indeed."
he whispered to no one in particular.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giles paid no heed to where his jacket landed as he went and sat himself on
the couch in his apartment. He took deep breaths before he get the nerve up to
open the letter. Finally he was brave enough. He opened the top flap of the
envelop and pulled out a neatly folded letter. He unfolded it and begen to
read.

Dear Rupert,
I guess I need to get some things out into the open. First of all I love you.
I'm sorry I never got to tell you that. This place I'm in now it's so peaceful
and happy. There's no evil, hate, or darkness. It's perfect, except for the
fact that you aren't with me, but you will be one day and I'll wait for you.
I still can't express how sorry I am that all of this happened, but I did try
to undo my mistake.The night Angelus killed me I deciphering a cure to
return his soul. The downfall was that Angelus found out and wasn't to
happy about it. He trashed the computer and burned the printouts, but I
did manage to save it disk. A yellow disk somewhere in the classroom.
Finish what I started Rupert. Give Angel his soul back and let him and Buffy
be together. Angel's been nothing but nice to me here and I want to repay
him. He misses her so much and I know she misses him. Angel knows
about this and he says if you decide not to do it he understands it's a
choice you all need to make as a group. Just remember that Angel and
Angelus are two different beings. Angelus is our enemy, Angel is our friend.
I just wanted to tell you that I'm happy were I am, and that nothing can hurt
 me anymore. I'll watch over you and always think about you. Don't forget me,
Rupert because I won't forget you.
                                                                        Love
Always,
                                                                       Jenny
Calendar


"I won't ever forget you Jenny because I love you to. Be happy my love."
Giles whispered.

Giles took the letter and put it away safely in the desk draw, then picked
up the telephone and dialed Buffy's number.

"Hello." Buffy greeted.

"Buffy It's Giles I have some news."
~~~~~~~~~~~

The End

-



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

From: Dalton Spence <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Curious Goods
Date: 13 Mar 1998 21:15:01 -0500 (EST)

On Sun, 8 Mar 1998 from 11:49:14 to 11:53:18, "Michelle"
<[e-mail]> wrote;

> TITLE:  Curious Goods
> AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
> SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
> Series. Wait, come back! <snip> Expect a sequel eventually.

I'll be waiting. (Impatiently, considering how good THIS story was.)
An idea: Angelus follows Jack and company back to Chicago and stages
a raid on the Vault, making off with several items. (BTW, isn't the
Vault situated over ANOTHER Hellmouth? IIRC, there was a family of
demon hunters who were nearly tricked into opening it. The good guys
won, sealed it, and used the extra space to expand the Vault.)

> RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.

Well now, that's her job, isn't it? 8-)=

<snip>
> FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.

Here it is. As someone else has already said, it was certainly a
"kick ass" fanfic. I've been waiting for someone to do this xover
for a long time (like you said, it's a natural), and even hinted at
a connection between Giles and Jack in one of my unfinished ones. I
was REALLY glad you chose to avoid any innocent casualties; it made
a refreshing change from the way F13 stories usually go. (Once is
enough though; to be true to F13, the sequel will need a higher body
count.) The characterizations were right on (I could actually SEE
Buffy getting steadily more obsessed), and the climax was PERFECT.

> DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.

Could I forward your story to the <alt.tv.buffy-v-slayer.creative>
newsgroup? It could really use material of this caliber. 8-)=

--
             @==================================================@
             | Dalton S. Spence, B.Sc. <[e-mail]> |
             | Home Page:  http://www.hwcn.org/~ag775/home.html |
             |      Keeper of Cordelia's  Roll of Linoleum      |
             |      and Xander's Key to the Utility Closet      |
             |      Family Motto: Virtute Acquiritur Honos      |
             @==================================================@

-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Memoria Tenere Memoriam (1/?) by EJJ
Date: 14 Mar 1998 00:27:44 EST

I am writing this with the intent of getting major feedback.  In such a
case, this is only a trail.  Yes, IÆve written more than you see here.
Not a huge amount more, but more.  However, if you want to see it you
have to let me know.  I wonÆt take the time to put my ideas to paper if
they will not be received or appreciated.  I NEED feedback for this story
to continue, otherwise itÆs no more.  I urge you to send me a quick
e-mail to tell me if you think itÆs worth continuing or if I should find
a better use of my time.  LET ME KNOW!!  As IÆve said, no responses
means no more story.

SEND ANY AND ALL COMMENTS TO [e-mail]!!!
Please please please please please let me know what you think.

Title:  Memoria Tenere Memoriam (Latin for "Remember the Memories")
Rating:  PG to date
Summary:  A resolution to the current problem, not to give anything away.
Spoilers:  All episodes up to the current date (3/13) are game.  Major
     info pertaining to æSurpriseÆ and æInnocence,Æ however.
Comments: YES!!!  [e-mail]
Distribution:  IÆd prefer that this not be destributed outside of this
     list for the time being.  However, if you are interested in doing so
     in the future, let me know.
Disclaimers:  As a rule, if you recognize it, itÆs not mine.  Everything
     else is.  I am not making any money off of this piece of fanfic, nor
     is anyone else.  If you think you are, I suggest you think otherwise.
     As is customary in my stories, a song will likely be used.  If we
     make it to that point, all information about the song will be
     included.
Other: As far as the title goes, it could be wrong.  ;)  I am in Latin I
     an have humbly used two of the words on my current list.  The only
     question I have about it is the tense of "Memoriam."  Anyone out
     there who could let me know if itÆs wrongà Please, let me know!

Now, off to my story.  Please remember, comments are essential!!

Memoria Tenere Memoriam

     The knocking on the door began quietly, although it grew slightly
louder with each pound.  A man, appearing to be in his mid-twenties stood
outside the still closed door.  He sighed and closed his deep brown eyes,
mumbling some insecurity to himself.
     When he opened his eyes he faced a young woman.  Her eyes seemed to
have seen more than they should have in their 30 years.  The eyes of the
blond girl squinted, as she were attempting to put a memory with this
face.  The realization hit her suddenly.
     "Hi."
     She was spellbound.  He was dead.  She knew he was dead.  She hadnÆt
just heard it was so û she had done it with her own two hands.  She had
killed this man.
     "YouÆre dead."  What was she supposed to say at a time like this?  It
isnÆt every day that one is confronted with their formal lover-turned
rival.  Their dead one, at that.  "I mean, youÆreà  I killed you!"
     "You did."
     "Which would make you deadà"
     "Well, it depends what you mean by that.  May I come in?  I need a
chance to explain."  He wasnÆt sure how he was going to do this.  It had
been so long.  Thirteen years, he reminded himself.  Fourteen in a month.
The longest thirteen years of his 251 year life.  Too long.
     "Umà I guess.  Do Ià"
     "No, you donÆt have to formally invite me."
     Just as he begun to take his first step through her threshold, she
stopped him.  "Wait!  Who are youà honestly."
     "Angel."

-Teaser End-

Again, comments to [e-mail]!!

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Virus Warning
Date: 14 Mar 1998 00:50:35 EST

In a message dated 98-03-12 23:51:40 EST, you write:

<<
     It's a hoax, and has always BEEN a hoax (this one has been around
 nearly a decade now). >>
True, true!  If you go to Aol Virus center or whatever then youd realise that
it is impossible to get a virus from just opening your mail.  Downloading is
the more commen way however...  Please dont believe everything you hear, it
just creates more useless stress in your life!  And its not eustress!
Love
Lins

-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Curious Goods
Date: 13 Mar 1998 22:59:53 -0600

Dalton,

Ack! You figured out my next plotline! I just went on vacation and had 18
hours to think about it (both ways). I plan on having Angelus investigate
the bunch at Curious Goods and then have that coin that killed Micki bring
back Dru and Spike. And then they could run crazy with all those cursed
items. Should be fun! The body count will indeed be higher. Vampires with
cursed items means no remorse or compunctions about killing.

I'm taping the Friday the 13th marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Unfortunately they're only showing 12 of the 72 episodes. And I don't think
they run them at 2 a.m. anymore. I really need to see these eps so that I
can do the series justice. My memory from several years ago isn't very
good.

I had asked someone if they remembered seeing anything like a Friday the
13th crossover. That no one had done it was too good to be true. I'm having
so much fun with this. Ingrid really helped me with her editing too.

Yes, you can forward the story to the newsgroup (as is, of course). I'll
have to check the newsgroup out. Never seen it. Oh, am I going to get
e-mail from weird people if you post this?

Thanks for the feedback!!!

Michelle

-----Original Message-----
<[e-mail]>


>On Sun, 8 Mar 1998 from 11:49:14 to 11:53:18, "Michelle"
><[e-mail]> wrote;
>
>> TITLE:  Curious Goods
>> AUTHOR:  Michelle Benoit Walker ([e-mail])
>> SUMMARY:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer crossover with Friday the 13th: The
>> Series. Wait, come back! <snip> Expect a sequel eventually.
>
>I'll be waiting. (Impatiently, considering how good THIS story was.)
>An idea: Angelus follows Jack and company back to Chicago and stages
>a raid on the Vault, making off with several items. (BTW, isn't the
>Vault situated over ANOTHER Hellmouth? IIRC, there was a family of
>demon hunters who were nearly tricked into opening it. The good guys
>won, sealed it, and used the extra space to expand the Vault.)
>
>> RATING:  R. Buffy does things that are a little cruel--but to vampires.
>
>Well now, that's her job, isn't it? 8-)=
>
><snip>
>> FEEDBACK:  Yes, please.
>
>Here it is. As someone else has already said, it was certainly a
>"kick ass" fanfic. I've been waiting for someone to do this xover
>for a long time (like you said, it's a natural), and even hinted at
>a connection between Giles and Jack in one of my unfinished ones. I
>was REALLY glad you chose to avoid any innocent casualties; it made
>a refreshing change from the way F13 stories usually go. (Once is
>enough though; to be true to F13, the sequel will need a higher body
>count.) The characterizations were right on (I could actually SEE
>Buffy getting steadily more obsessed), and the climax was PERFECT.
>
>> DISTRIBUTION:  Ask first.
>
>Could I forward your story to the <alt.tv.buffy-v-slayer.creative>
>newsgroup? It could really use material of this caliber. 8-)=
>
>--
>             @==================================================@
>             | Dalton S. Spence, B.Sc. <[e-mail]> |
>             | Home Page:  http://www.hwcn.org/~ag775/home.html |
>             |      Keeper of Cordelia's  Roll of Linoleum      |
>             |      and Xander's Key to the Utility Closet      |
>             |      Family Motto: Virtute Acquiritur Honos      |
>             @==================================================@
>
>-
>



-



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

From: "Michelle" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Curious Goods
Date: 14 Mar 1998 00:10:15 -0600

Oooops, meant that last post to go private. Sorry about that! Now I gave
away my plotline to everyone!



-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Moments of Truth (1/1) Revised
Date: 14 Mar 1998 01:29:42 EST

What do you mean?  (1/1)
It should be (1/?)
This is really good, and I hope you continue it!
Lins

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: BUFFYFIC: her darkest hour
Date: 14 Mar 1998 08:42:10 -0800

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Her Darkest Hour 1

By NightHunter

DISCLAIMER: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and its characters belong to Joss
Whedon,
Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm Just borrowing them.  The
story is all from
my dranged mind. No copywrite infringement is intended.


Special Thanks to Mel my proofreader & Lorene My Beta Reader
Feedback needed so that I know if I should finsh part 2

E-Mail ([e-mail]


Part 1 Angel Restored (The Deal)


Spike & Dru had just returned to the Hellmouth when he noticed that
something was
different.

"Spike it's gone all the power is gone just like me dollies."

"What are you talking about lov-"

Spike's chair is grabed from behind before he can finish his question.
And a familiar face
leans down and whispers in his ear. "Why Spikie, what she's trying to
say is that there is
now a new master in town who has succeeded where all others have
failed,  one who has
taken the power of the Hellmouth for himself."

As Spike turns around he is aghast in surprise at what he sees.  "You!"

"Yes me, now what's the expression O yes, lets make a deal."

"Why should I make a deal with you when you'll probably betray us to the
Slayer?"

Just as Spike finishes his last words, the dark figure lifts his hand
and from it comes a
dark light which engulfs Spike lifting him from his chair and throwing
him half-way
across the dark chamber.  "IF YOU EVER MENTION HER AGAIN, I WILL SHOW
YOU THAT THERE ARE WORSE FATES THEN DEATH!"

"Ok, you proved your point so what's your deal, and what's in it for
me?"

"Well, lets see you help me by capturing angel."

"Capture Angel! Why what are you going to do with him.?"

"Well, since you ask so nicely I'll tell you. I'm going to rip his dark
soul and powers from
him so I need someone to receive them, and I thought of you Spike.  And
if your very evil,
I may just restore Dru to her full power."

"When do you need him, Master?"

"Tomorrow night, when the moon is in the house of Koral, O and Spike, if
I find out that
you have betrayed me.  I will make sure that the pain you endure will
make you beg for the
Slayer to kill you."

Part 2 Angel Restored (The Spell)

Angel enters the chamber to see Spike kissing Dru.

"Oh Spike, how about sharing?"

"Angulus, just the person I want to see, how would you like to be an
actor."

"What are you talking about Spike?"

"Well, Just that I have a plan to destroy the Slayer once and for all,
and make her suffer."

"Oh, I'm very interested, and I've always wanted to play to a captive
house, what did you
have in mind?"

"Well, first; you get in this cage, then the Slayer happens to hear that
somehow you've
regained your humanity; then, when she comes to save you, well even you
can figure out
the rest."

As Angulus enters the cage the door is slammed shut and locked, Angulus
grabs the bars,
and his hands start to burn, his screams fill the night.

Then a figure moves from the shadows and stands before him.

"Well, look what the bat flew in." The dark figure motions for Spike to
stand next to the
cage."

With Spike standing next to the cage that is holding Angulus the figure
waves his hands
and the dark power of the Hellmouth pours forth surrounding both Angulus
and Spike.
When it clears Spike stands taller and his face reflects the evil of two
deamons.

"Oh Angulus! I should think you.  I feel like a god; Now what do we do
with the trash
Master?

"Feel free to have fun but don't kill him yet!"

Using a pair of gloves Spike opens the cage and grabs angel.  Hurling
him across the room
when he hits the wall the sound of bones breaking can be heard.  Spike
moves with a
speed that has never been seen in any other vampire.  He grabs Angel
again and Prepears
to throw him once again across the room when Dru Grabs his shoulder.

"I want to play with daddy."

She grabs Angel using her new found strength and breaks both his legs.
"Oh no, dollies
broke!"

"Enough! Now the fun begins bring him and follow me."

With that the two vampires grab the battered and bruised Angel and
follow the dark one.
Soon they are outside of Buffy's house when the figure grabs Angel from
Spike using one
hand, holds him to the door, and using the other drives a wooden stake
through his
shoulder.  The pain is so intense that Angel passes out.

"Oh!" Says Spike I would really like to see her face when she comes home
to this."

"Don't worry Spike, I'll tell you everything."

Part 3 Angel Restored (Discovery)

Buffy comes home to find Angel impaled to her door. She grabs the stake
and starts to pull
it from him when she notices that the sun is coming up and the places
where it's touching
Angel are not burning she runs into the house and dials 911.  Within a
matter of moments
an ambulance arrives, they carefully remove the stake and dress the
wound, then they put
him on a stretcher and start to the ambulance, one of them asked Buffy
if she knows the
man.

"Yes!" she replies "He's my boyfriend."

"Ok! were taking him to the hospital, do you want to ride in with us?"

"Yes!"

Later at the Hospital Buffy calls Giles and tells him what happened.  He
tells her that he'll
stop and get Willow & Xander and they be there as soon as they can.

As the doctor comes out of the O/R Buffy corners him to ask how Angel
is.

"Miss Summers, he has had both arms & legs broke, multiple cuts &
abrasions and we've
had to give him a lot of blood to replace what he lost from the shoulder
wound, but he's
going to be fine.  He just needs a lot of rest.  You can go see him now,
but, no more then
15 minutes.  You can come back tomorrow."

As Buffy starts toward the room Giles, Willow & Xander met her and they
all enter the
room.

"Giles! he's human" says Buffy "I saw the sun hit him and nothing
happened."

Angel starts to wake up.  The first sight he sees is Buffy, and he says.
"I've died and gone
to heaven because I'm looking into the face of an angel."

Buffy grabs him and starts to cry."

"Oh god! Angel I love your so much it hurts,  It's good to have you
back."

"Yes" says Giles "very good, but how did this happen?"

"I don't know!  The last thing I remember was Spike putting me in a
cage, and a figure
coming out of the shadows and waing his hands at both me and Spike,
then, pain as if,  Oh
god!  He ripped the deamon from me and added it to Spikes"

"I've heard of this happening" Said Giles "But it's said that only a
Deamon Wizard can do
it.  An if there's one here, than this is just the start but, I wonder
what would make him
change you back into a human?"

"Looks like it would keep Buffy busy trying to take care of vamp boy
here while he raises
an army." said Xander

That night in the chamber of the Master, laugher can be heard as the
evil figure tells Spike
what happened at the hospital.

"Then she says oh Angel I love you so much.  It was all I could do not
to rip her heart out
then and there.  But soon the Slayer will see what the price is for her
love as I destroy her
friends and family, one by one, till she is the only one left.  Then I
will make her watch as
her precious Angel is ripped to pieces.  Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"


To Be Continued....Her Darkest Hour 2 The First Death

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: " Memoria Tenere Memoriam"
Date: 14 Mar 1998 08:56:17 -0500

Though there wasn't much fic there to read, I liked what you had. There's
some good potential there. Please continue. I like Buffyfutures- I'm
working on one myself.
-Ingrid

"There once was a man from the sticks,
Who liked to compose limericks.
But he failed at the sport
'Cause he wrote them too short."
--Everett Simons

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Whodinky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Memoria Tenere Memoriam (1/?) by EJJ
Date: 14 Mar 1998 09:40:12 EST

Okay here's your feedback.

It's great.  Major cliff hanger, that works!!  I REALLY want to read more!!

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Lynda T Phan)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Moments of Truth
Date: 14 Mar 1998 09:16:22 -0800

    I just wanted to tell Melinda, author of "Moments of Truth", that
the first part of your story was really.  It made me cry.  I wish this
would really happen.  I think you should continue with the story.

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: question
Date: 14 Mar 1998 13:00:05 EST

Hi. There's something that's been bugging the hell out of me.
I joined the list about 2 weeks after "Passion" aired, so I don't know
if you've already discussed this, my apologies if you have, but...

Angel got into Giles' house *how,* exactly?

jen

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (4/?) by Ingrid
Date: 14 Mar 1998 13:51:44 -0500

Disclaimer: Willow, Spike, Drusilla, Angel(us) and Buffy
belong to Joss Whedon, The WB Network, Sandollar,
Mutant enemy and Kuzui. Je na gagne pas de l'argent
pour ecriver cet histoire. (You know what I mean! Just
don't sue me.)

Summary: A continuation of my Willow and Spike story.
This one takes place after some time has elapsed, as
usual. Angelus is briefly mentioned. Comments are
wonderful to get- take some time and write to me!
What else? Oh! I wrote this story while listening to
"Rusty the Skatemaker," by Rasputina. They were
featured on Buffy at the vampire party in "Surprise."
I strongly reccomend their CD "Transylvanian
Regurgitations," but I'm biased, being a cellist, that is!

BTW, If anyone wants previous parts to this story, just
write to me! I'll send them to you gladly.
([e-mail])

***********************
"Footsteps," by Ingrid
Part Four
***********************

The chill wind whipped across the ground, bending and
breaking the stems of withering flowers. Winter was coming.
Willow held his jacket tightly around her as she pressed
ahead of him. The sky twinkled down on her. She stood on
the hill, cheeks flushed with the cold, her long auburn curls
trailing behind her. The dress was white again- her favorite.

Her silhouette was breathtaking against the moon, or would
have been, had he any  breath, he thought. DruÆs apparition
had begun to haunt him less and less. He was beginning to
forget what she looked like in those dresses. They were
WillowÆs. They had always been WillowÆs. His mind drifted
back to minutes before when sheÆd brushed his shoulder.
His blush wouldnÆt have been noticeable in the dark anyway,
but heÆd looked away shyly for conventionÆs sake.

She stood up on the still green hill and craned her neck
towards the sky. "ItÆs beautiful," she shouted down to him.
Still exploring the constellations, she continued to watch the
sky as she spoke to him. "I hadnÆt realized how much IÆd
missed it," she mused, and then came back to her senses.
"Why are you waiting down there? Come on up."

He hesitated, unwilling to spoil the calm moment of reflection.
And he liked standing in the valley below and watching her
enjoy her new life. There had been so many times before
when sheÆd been reduced to listlessness. He was afraid for
her sanity. He wasnÆt Angelus.

But she was safe from Angelus, he assured himself with a
sigh. There was nothing he could do to her now, even if he
did return. That seemed a distant possibility now.

 He joined her on the hill, stepping up behind her and
watching all she saw from over her shoulder. She was
smiling in wonder. HeÆd never seen her
 face lit up that way, and it delighted him.

 "I didnÆt know this would mean that much to you."

 "I miss them. I miss the outdoors."

 "Then weÆll have to go out much more often," he
decided, and she nodded in agreement. Without warning,
she pulled him down to sit on the soft earth alongside her.

"IÆm glad you made me eat that night," she confessed,
pinning him with her eyes.

He was startled. "I thought-"

"I wanted to die?"

He nodded.

"I did. But not now. I must admit that living in a cage kind of
clouds your judgments on life."

SheÆd meant it as a joke, but he looked like sheÆd just pulled
out a stake.

"I didnÆt mean-" She touched his arm apologetically.

"IÆm sorry," he sighed, looking away from her, "It was just, well,
Angelus, and Dru-"

"You donÆt have to explain," she said gently. "They wanted to
kill me. You had no choice."

When he didnÆt turn around, she reached out for him , drawing
his face to her slowly. "Hey," She tried to smile, but felt it ooze
away as she saw his face. The seriousness she found there
struck her like a physical blow. SheÆd never seen such a look.

"ItÆs alright," she purred, trying to heal the painful wound sheÆd
somehow caused. The rays of the moon lit up his pale face,
and his hair looked as white as the light itself. Something
within her clicked when his eyes finally met hers. Her heart
rose in her throat, and tried to steady herself to keep from
choking on it. Her cheeks were burning under the scrutiny of
his searching gaze. She froze, not daring to move her hand,
or anything else. An outside force pushed them together, if
anything.

Their lips met tenderly, but the shock of the contact was like
lightning. Both were temporarily taken aback, and on the
verge of turning around and taking off in opposite directions.

They didnÆt.

Willow touched his face gently, smoothing her fingers over
a scar on his cheek. With that encouragement, he weaved
his fingers into her hair delicately and deepened their kiss.
Though they were vampires, and creatures of passion, the
kiss remained an angelic experiment. A swift gust of wind
had them huddling closer. Neither needed air, so it lasted
for minutes.

Spike drew away first, looking more like a shy child than a
powerful vampire. Willow smiled at him reassuringly,
tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

Reality was quick to rush in, and Willow suddenly realized
that it was later than theyÆd imagined. She could feel the
faint glow of the sun beginning approach the horizon, and
grabbed SpikeÆs hand.

She saw him look back over his shoulder. He felt it too.
Together, they charged for the warehouse, tripping up
several times in the process. The light was getting
stronger she knew.

Halfway there, she saw the glow.

"Spike! We canÆt make it. We have to find somewhere
else to-"

That was when he dragged her down cement stairs and
through a broken door. Regaining her senses in an instant,
she slammed the door behind her and sunk to a seated
position on the floor.

It suddenly struck her: this was AngelusÆ apartment.
 ***
Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
"Tragic
Sighs" and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re:  BUFFYFIC: Memoria Tenere Memoriam (1/?) by EJJ
Date: 14 Mar 1998 14:55:44 EST

VERY VERY GOOD!!!!! I wanna know what happens PLLLLEEEAAASSSEEEE!!!!

~Mindy

-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: " Memoria Tenere Memoriam"
Date: 14 Mar 1998 16:48:23 EST

In a message dated 98-03-14 09:35:50 EST, you write:

> Though there wasn't much fic there to read, I liked what you had. There's
>  some good potential there. Please continue. I like Buffyfutures- I'm
>  working on one myself.
>  -Ingrid

I'm sorry there wasn't much.  My main goal was to try to get people drawn in.
I do have more, though.  :)  I'm glad you enjoy what I have so far.  Thanks so
much for your feedback!!

I can't wait to read your story!  Any idea when you'll be sending it out to
the list?

Thanks again!

Em :)

-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Memoria Tenere Memoriam (1/?) by EJJ
Date: 14 Mar 1998 16:49:25 EST

In a message dated 98-03-14 09:43:02 EST, you write:

> Okay here's your feedback.
>
>  It's great.  Major cliff hanger, that works!!  I REALLY want to read more!!

Thanks so much for your positive feedback!!  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  :)
From the responces I've gotten so far it looks as though this story will go
on.  Lord willing I'll get a lot more written before my trip to Cali. for my
b-day next week.

Thanks again!

Em :)

-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: DISCUSS: BUFFYFIC: Memoria Tenere Memoriam (1/?) by EJJ
Date: 14 Mar 1998 16:57:18 EST

I'm sorry I've sent two responces to the list... Please ignore them.  :)  I've
been kinda' out of it today... I meant to send those to their writers.

Thanks!

Em :)

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: question
Date: 14 Mar 1998 17:51:13 EST

In a message dated 98-03-14 13:03:30 EST, you write:

<<
 Hi. There's something that's been bugging the hell out of me.
 I joined the list about 2 weeks after "Passion" aired, so I don't know
 if you've already discussed this, my apologies if you have, but...

 Angel got into Giles' house *how,* exactly? >>


Yeah, didnt he block him outta his house or something?
Lins

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (4/?) by Ingrid
Date: 14 Mar 1998 17:57:37 EST

AHHHHHHH... boy do you know how to cut it off..... more more more! please!
Lins

-



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

From: Jill Kirby <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: question-- Admin Note
Date: 14 Mar 1998 18:44:32 -0600 (CST)

Hello all--

Discussion on Buffyfic is for discussion of fiction <only>-- other topics
should be taken over to the regular Buffy list.

The list rules might not be clear on this.  I'll check, and fix them if
necessary.  :)

Jill
co-listowner
Jill Kirby ~~  [e-mail] ~~ www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/4107
         NatPack ~~ ABotCoS ~~ NP4 ~~ Dreamer/Minstrel ~~ CW
                         Matt Damon!  Cary Grant would have
                tipped him five bucks for being a good bellhop.
                                                  --A. Lane, "The New Yorker"


-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: question-- Admin Note...sorry!
Date: 14 Mar 1998 20:20:48 EST

In a message dated 98-03-14 19:45:52 EST, you write:

<< Discussion on Buffyfic is for discussion of fiction <only>-- other topics
 should be taken over to the regular Buffy list. >>

::blushes:: Sorry! This is the only Buffy list I've heard of, so I didn't know
where else to ask! Again, I'm wicked sorry...

Jen

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Unexpected Confrontation (1/1)
Date: 15 Mar 1998 03:22:41 EST

Title: Unexpected Confrontation (1/1)
Author: Melinda
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Distribution: Ask first, please.
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes are relevant.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated
Disclaimer: Angel(us), Spike, and Drusilla belong to Joss Whedon, WB, etc.
I own nothing but the story.
Summary: Angel(the soul) confronts Angelus.
Notes: Although it isn't necessary to read "Moments of Truth" you might
want to, b/c there are tiny references to it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angelus was lounging around the old warehouse, paying no heed to the
fact it was basically charcoal. That was the Watcher's doing. After finding
his love dead on his bed with a broken neck,compliments of Angelus,
Giles went postal and came after him. But the knowledge that he is
slowly killing Buffy mentally, starting with Jenny Calendar, made up for
the fact that Giles had beaten him. Drusilla and Spike took the others
vampires out to look for a new place to live So now in the quiet
surroundings of the empty wharehouse Angelus was lost in his evil thoughts.

"So Angelus, play any good games lately?" A voice called out to him.

Angelus' eyeslids flew open and he looked around the warehouse.

 "Who said that?" he snarled.

 "I'm hurt that you don't remember me, especially since we've been so
 close for 80 years," the voice taunted.

Suddenly an apparition of Angel appeared in the warehouse. Arms
folded across his chest and his trademark half smirk upon his face.

 "Well if it isn't the loser Angel," Angelus observed.

"I didn't lose anything....well except control of my body," Angel informed.

"Your about to lose a whole lot more, including your precious Buffy,"
Angelus vowed. "In fact you're already losing her."

"I'm warning you to leave her alone.  You hurt her and I'll kill you myself,"
Angel warned.

Angelus chuckled. "I'd like to know what you're going to do about it.
I have control of  this body now, and now that the gypsy is dead you're
never going to get it back."

Now it was Angel's turn to chuckle. "How do you know that? Can you
be absolutely sure?"

The smirk Angelus now wore was gone and anger replaced his features.
He snarled and lept at Angel reaching for his throat, but passed right
through him.

Angel laughed hysterically. "You poor fool. You have no idea."

"What are you talking about?" Angelus snarled his game face in place.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," Angel replied.

"I swear I'm going to kill her. I'm going to kill them all. They're going to
die a slow painful death," Angelus sneered.

"No you won't. You can't break them down anymore. She's not Drusilla.
Buffy's stronger then you think. Your leaving little gifts on their beds was
one thing, but killing Ms. Calendar was the last straw." Angel informed.

"Never say never," Angelus smirked.

"You should because I saw them all a little while ago. We've all had
closure. Especially Buffy and myself," Angel stated.

Angelus simply glared realizing his plans may be ruined.

"That doesn't stop me from killing them. No one can stop me."

"Well see," Angel smiled. "A little advice from spirit to demon.
What goes around comes around."

Angelus glared at the apparition of himself and lunged angrily at it
once again.

Angel faded out of sight, leaving laughter behind him. He knew full
well he accomplished what he came for. "Who's the loser now!"
Angelus heard him yell.

A little while later Spike and Drusilla entered the main room of the
wharehouse, where a very agitated Angelus was pacing back and forth
like a rat in a cage.

"What's wrong my Angel?" Drusilla cooed.

"Nothing," Angelus gritted out.

"Oh,does Mister I Got It All Under Control, not have it under control
anymore," Spike taunted.

"Shut up roller boy!" Angelus yelled and left the room.

"You have my sympathy!" Spike shouted to his retreating form.
"Yeah, right. Your time is coming Angelus," he whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The End


-



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

From: Somalilly <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I know that we're only supposed to address fics, but please read this!!
Date: 15 Mar 1998 17:00:40 EST

Vote for SMG!!!
please? sorry to bother those of you who only like getting fics..
shes currently in third place-vote!!!
 <A HREF="aol://4344:2640.ddtopt1.28118757.574292081">Cover Poll</A>

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Question
Date: 15 Mar 1998 17:10:35 -0500

Anybody-
I just found the willfic list (fanfic about willow) and I'm wondering
whether I should send "Footsteps" there too. Is everyone that's on that
list on this one? What do you think?
-Ingrid

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Slyr Buffy <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Buffyfic-digest V2 #57
Date: 15 Mar 1998 17:17:52 EST

Could you please unsubscribe me?

Thank you

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (5/?) by Ingrid
Date: 15 Mar 1998 17:28:51 -0500

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Spike, Angelus, Drusilla and Buffy
belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, Kuzui, Sandollar, and
Mutant Enemy. I make no $. Don't sue me, guys!

SUMMARY: Some more Spike/Willow madness! Now all
you people who keep asking me what has happened
to Buffy, Drusilla, and Angel can get a little peek into the
history of this story. If you don't get this, that's 'cause you
haven't read the other parts. If you want them, write to me
at [e-mail]. Also, comments are fun to get.
Tell me if I'm doing a good job!

RATING: I don't know. I hate rating these things. PG? PG-13?
Something like that. There's an itty-bitty make-out session
(nothing much at all). That's it!

**********************
"Footsteps" by Ingrid
Part Five
**********************

The apartment was new to her- sheÆd never been in AngelÆs
home as a vampire or as a human. It was as still as a
crypt, and the cement walls certainly reminded her of one.
There were a few things placed about haphazardly,
apparently for decorative purposes.

Some decoration.

 A little carved statuette encased in glass stood as a display
near one wall, and there was an old dusty bed in the corner.
She supposed that everything had remained intact since his
change. That had been eons ago. She remembered the her
fish in the envelope and grimaced. She didnÆt like Angelus.
It was something sheÆd picked up from Spike, and that sheÆd
observed during her first week at the warehouse, despite the
fact that most of it had been a result of Drusilla.

She looked at the bed again, and suddenly something pink
peeking out from under the sheets attracted her attention.
She drifted to the bed and sat down. It was BuffyÆs shirt, she
realized, and an odd feeling passed over her as a twinge of
her old life returned transiently.

Where was Buffy, anyway? Somewhere in Europe. Probably
Transylvania by now, she thought with a wry twitch of her lips.

The slayerÆs distance allowed Willow to remember Buffy
fondly. If she were here trying to stake her old friend now, it
would have been an entirely different story, she thought.

Spike startled her when he sat down behind her. She almost
jumped until she looked back over her shoulder to meet his
incredulity.

"Willow," he whispered calmly as he smoothed the shoulder
of her dress with one hand. "Vampires arenÆt supposed to be
this jumpy."

"I know," she answered, watching her feet, "but they arenÆt
supposed to want to take care of others, or to harbor
affection, or-"

Spike stroked her hair, running his fingers through the
auburn locks and caressing her cheek. Before the silence
began to set in, he pulled her into a long, sweet kiss, wrapping
his arms around her and pulling her towards him.

Reluctantly, she let her concerns fly away; kissed him back
gently. She slid her fingers through the bleached hair at the
base of his skull, enjoying the rush that was beginning to lift
her heart.

She felt him nuzzle her throat and almost cried out. She was
melting into him, and it was wonderful to just let herself go.

Her thoughts returned to plague her suddenly.

"Spike, what if they come back?" She barely managed to get
the words out. They seemed to be stuck in her throat.

He continued to press his lips to her neck languorously as he
answered. "They wonÆt. TheyÆll be there forever with the slayer
chasing them like she is. And I have every confidence that
Angelus can take care of the both of them."

"What if he canÆt?"

He stopped, disturbed by the  thought. He looked pained. "Maybe itÆll
be better for her then."

"You donÆt mean that."

He winced. "I do," and paused. "I finally do."

She almost squirmed at the intensity she saw in his eyes. It was
indescribable. She attempted a pained smile to cover it up, but
then another thought struck her.

"What if Buffy-"

"As much as I hate to admit this, the slayer is strong. She will
not give in easily. They wonÆt come back, Willow."

She looked at him doubtfully.

"They wonÆt. And if they doà NothingÆs going to change this."

The silence was as resolute as he seemed, and she trusted
him. After all, hadnÆt it been his footsteps sheÆd grown
accustomed to day after day?
***
>"I myself have never been able to find out
>precisely what a feminist is; I only know
>that people call me a feminist whenever I
>express sentiments that differentiate me
>from a doormat."
>  --Rebecca West, 1913
>

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Jeff Reid <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: I know that we're only supposed to address fics, but please read this!!
Date: 15 Mar 1998 18:40:02 -0500 (EST)




On Sun, 15 Mar 1998, Somalilly wrote:

> Vote for SMG!!!
> please? sorry to bother those of you who only like getting fics..
> shes currently in third place-vote!!!
>  <A HREF="aol://4344:2640.ddtopt1.28118757.574292081">Cover Poll</A>

For those of use with better internet providers, you can vote at:

http://www.pathfinder.com/teenpeople/gdml3/topten20.html

Sorry, for the off-topic post.



-



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

From: moonsw <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe
Date: 15 Mar 1998 19:45:29 -0800 (PST)

unsubsribe buffyfic-digest

-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps"
Date: 15 Mar 1998 20:37:07 EST

Hi I just got subbed to the Buffy list and I don't have parts 1-4 of
Footsetps. Can you send them to me?

Thanx in advance,
Nastassia

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Question
Date: 15 Mar 1998 22:11:14 EST

Im on the willfic list. Im sure people would enjoy it there too....
Lins

-



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

From: Greeneteen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (5/?) by Ingrid
Date: 16 Mar 1998 20:08:29 EST

can u please send me the missing parts?  i just signed on.  thanks.

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (28/?)
Date: 16 Mar 1998 17:38:20 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

***Yes!  I have finally gotten another part written.  Ah...Writer's
block is pure hell.  Sorry this took so long, and thanks for being
patient.  Happy reading!***


Part 28     PG

Buffy, Hope, and Jenny trudged through the thick field.  The Slayer
stared into the vast emptiness of her surroundings.  She bent down and
picked a flower, smelling it.  The aroma was so familiar.  Buffy stopped
walking as she stared at the flower.  ôWait.ö

Her two friends paused and looked at her.  ôWhatÆs wrong, Buffy?ö Hope
asked.

BuffyÆs eyes grew wide and her mouth gaped open as she realized why
everything seemed so familiar to her.  ôThe endless fields, the wild
flowers, the trees.  This is it.  This is where I was.ö

Jenny looked around.  ôWhat do you mean, this is where you were?ö

ôIn my dream.  I was here.  I remember it all.ö  Buffy spun around,
looking at everything.  ôWhy didnÆt I see this before?ö

ôAre you sure this is where you were?  ItÆs just a field.ö  Hope said.

Buffy nodded earnestly.  ôYes, I am sure.  I know it and I can feel
it...ö her voice trailed off.  Suddenly, without warning,  the silence
was shattered by a loud explosion.  A blast of heat swarmed them as they
turned and saw a fireball rise above the small grouping of trees.  They
watched it, shocked.  The black cloud hovering over started to move like
a spiral, as the sky thundered, and the wind gusted.  ôOh god, we are
too late.ö  Buffy uttered.

********

Xander, Cordelia, Willow, and Giles sat in the Watchers car, waiting for
a sign, waiting for Buffy to come and tell them everything was okay,
waiting for danger.

Willow sat, fidgeting with so much worry she was unable to keep still.
ôDo you think they are okay?ö  She managed to say.

ôI certainly hope so,ö Giles answered.

ôNo, no, I donÆt think they are,ö she said, shaking her head.

ôThey ARE,ö Cordelia said.  ôThey have to be.  Buffy is the Slayer, and
she has Hope, and Ms. Calendar.  They just have to be.ö

ôWho are you trying to fool?  Us, or yourself?ö Xander said.

ôBoth,ö she whispered quietly.

ôListen, I think we should go help Buffy.  We canÆt just sit here and
wonder whether or not she is okay,ö Xander said.  When Giles didnÆt
respond, Xander yelled at him, anger filling his voice.  ôWhat are we
waiting for?  Her death notice?!  Her lifeless body?! We HAVE to go help
them!ö

ôCalm yourself, Xander.  We canÆt just go barging in on an army of
vampires.ö  Giles scolded him.
ôIt is just too dangerous.ö

ôDangerous or not, IÆm going to go help her!ö Xander exclaimed, opening
his car door.  ôArmy or not, she needs me.  She needs *all of us*.ö  He
stepped outside.  ôAre you coming?ö  He turned to face the field.  ôI
can still see them.  They are--ö he paused,  ôOh my God.ö

ôWhat?  WhatÆs wrong?!ö Cordelia yelled.  She got out of the car.
ôWha--whoa!ö

Willow and Giles stared out the front window in astonishment as they
watched a fireball emerege from the grove.  ôHoly Shit,ö Willow said.

ôI donÆt give a damn what you think right now, Giles.  I am going to go
help Buffy whether you go or not!ö  He said, and ran to Buffy.

ôWait!  Xander, come back!ö Giles yelled.  Xander slowed down and turned
around.

ôWhat?ö

ôGet in the car.  We are all going to help her,ö Giles told him.  Xander
came back to the car and got in.  Giles turned the key in the ignition,
and drove into the field toward Buffy.


*********

Buffy choked back her tears.  ôWe are too late.ö  Hearing the rumble of
an engine, she spun around to see Giles old car barreling straight for
them.  Her Watcher came to a screeching halt inches in front of her.
Her friend got out of the car and walked over to her.

ôAre you okay?ö he asked, gently.

She shook her head.  ôYeah, IÆm okay,ö she assured him, and wiped her
eyes.  ôWhat are we going to do?  Angel is probably dead by now.ö

ôDonÆt say that.  We donÆt know what caused that fireball.  He may not
even be there,ö Giles said.

ôDonÆt try to make me feel better with false hope, Giles.  HeÆs gone.  I
can feel it.ö She shuddered.

ôThere is always a chance.  We canÆt give up now,ö Hope said.

ôYeah, right.  Whatever.ö  Buffy said, her voiced dripping with sarcasm
as she rolled her eyes.

ôSo what?  Your just going to give up now?  No.  I donÆt think so,ö Hope
said, ôI may have not known you for very long, but I do know that youÆre
not a quitter.  You donÆt give up easily in tough situations.  You are
the Slayer, and if you give up then your basically signing the death
warrant for all of us.  You have overcome so much.  DonÆt just throw
that all away.  Yes, this is a tough situation, and the pressure is on
big time, but you canÆt give up.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself and
get out there and FIGHT!  Fight for yourself, fight for your family and
your friends.  But most of all, for Angel.  He needs you.  We all need
you.ö

Everyone was shocked, especially Buffy.  She got tears in her eyes, and
gave Hope a big hug.  ôYouÆre right.  IÆm sorry.  I donÆt know what came
over me.ö

ôItÆs okay,ö she whispered.

They parted, and Buffy smiled.  She turned to her friends.  ôShe is
right.  We can do this.  And we will.  I will.ö


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (29/?)
Date: 16 Mar 1998 17:42:18 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 29

ôHello Angelus,ö the woman crooned. ôItÆs been along time.ö

ôToo long,ö he said.  ôIÆve missed you.ö

ôHave you?  Prove it,ö she said.  He grabbed her and pulled her near,
placing his mouth on hers.  Their passionate kiss was interrupted.

ôEnough with the kissy kissy.  ItÆs time for our party,ö Spike said.

ôOoohh, yes.  Our party.  I want to go now, luv,ö Drusilla said,
pressing herself against Spike.  He smiled at her.

ôYou always know how to turn me on,ö he said, and kissed her.  Pulling
away, he yelled to the minions.  ôWell?  What the fuck are you all
waiting for?  Bring us the cars.ö  They scampered away.

ôSo how do you feel?ö Spike asked Angel.

ôBetter than IÆve ever felt before.  I can easily get used to this.ö

ôWell you will feel even better once we get to the Hellmouth.ö

ôCanÆt wait,ö he said.  Spike started to walk away, but Angel pulled him
back.  ôThanks, man.ö

Spike looked at him funny.  ôThanks for what?ö

Angel laughed.  ôThanks for pounding me on the head with that damn bat.
Of course if it had been any other situation, IÆd have to kick your ass,
but this is an exception.ö

ôWhat the hell do you mean by that?ö Spike asked.

ôIf you hadnÆt hit me, I wouldnÆt have gotten my amnesia, and I wouldnÆt
have so easily gone through with this,ö Angel said, grinning.

Spike was taken back.  ôOh, so you remember everything now?ö

Angel nodded.  ôYep, every last bit of it.  I remember that damn curse,
my 80 years of self wallowing, and that damn slayer.ö

ôI am sure glad your back, Angelus.  I was getting sick and tired of
your whole æIÆm-a good-vampire-nowÆ routine.ö  Spike said with
bitterness in his voice.

ôWhat can I say?  I was going through a phase,ö Angel laughed.  ôBut IÆm
over it.  And IÆm over the Slayer.  In fact, I canÆt wait to see her
later.ö

ôWhat?ö Spike asked suspiciously.

ôI said, I canÆt wait to see her later.  That is, the look on her pretty
little face when she sees the new me for the first and only time.ö

ôOnly time?ö

ôRight...only time.  Should I kill her before or after I kill her
friends?ö

Spike smiled.  ôYou just gave me an incredible idea.ö

ôDo tell,ö Angel said, very interested in what his fellow vampire had to
say.

ôIÆll tell you when we get there.  Just follow me,ö he told him.

One of the vampires escorted his Master to the car.  Angel got into the
driverÆs seat, with the woman beside him.  Spike and Drusilla got into
the car in front of them.  Angel started his vehicle and drove through
the grove, close behind Spike, running over trees and anything else in
his path.  The woman laughed.  ôYou were never good at driving,ö she
said.

He turned and looked at her.  ôBut there is other things I am an expert
at.ö

ôWell then, you will definately have to show me your expertise.ö

He smiled.  ôItÆs not like I havenÆt before.ö

The two cars barreled though the field and onto the old road, with three
large vans of vampires taking up the rear.  Spike laughed in the car.
ôThis will be a night to remember for our pretty little slayer friend.
She will NEVER forget it.ö


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (30/?)
Date: 16 Mar 1998 17:46:51 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


PART  30

ôDo you hear that?ö  Jenny asked.  The group strained to listen for
something, and heard the faint sound of an engine.

ôSounds like a car,ö Cordelia said.

ôGood job, Einstein,ö Xander said sarcastically.

ôShut up, Harris,ö she snapped.

Buffy stared off into the distance, as her eyes grew wide in fear.  ôGET
IN THE CAR!!!ö Buffy screamed.  She pushed Willow into the back seat and
got into the car.  Her friends were bewildered as they looked in the
direction of the loud rumbling.  Two cars and three vans came charging
through the field, in their direction.

ôGET IN HERE NOW!!!!ö Buffy screamed again, as her friends jumped into
the car.  They shut the door and Giles desperately tried to start it,
but it failed.

ôWhat are you waiting for!ö Cordelia screamed.

ôIt wonÆt start!ö Giles yelled back at her.

ôWell do something!ö  She screamed back, her face full of fright.

ôIÆm trying, IÆm trying!ö He panicked.  Giles turned the key and pumped
the gas, but the car refused to start.  ôStart, damnit!  Start you piece
of junk!ö

ôI told you to get a new car Giles!ö  Buffy screamed.  She looked at
Willow who stared in shock at out the front window.  She reached over
and grabbed her friend and hugged her.  Hope and Jenny clung to each
other in the front seat.

ôOh God!  Here they come....DUCK!!!ö Xander yelled.  He threw himself
over the three girls in the back and the seven friends crouched and
braced themselves for the oncoming impact.

*******

The group sat, bracing for their lives, their bodies tense and minds
full of fear.  Ten seconds later the loud rumbling died down, till it
could no longer be heard.  Giles slowly peeked his head up out the
window to see nothing but field and trees.  He breathed a heavy sigh of
relief as the pounding of his heart slowed down.

ôAre we dead?ö  CordeliaÆs muffled voice said.

Giles almost laughed with relief, but restrained.  ôNo, Cordelia.  We
are alive.ö

ôOh good,ö she said.  ôXander get off of me!ö

ôWhy, Cordelia?  I kind of like this,ö he replied with a snicker.

ôWould you like my fist in your face?ö  She said.

ôIÆm off, IÆm off,ö he said, lifting himself off of her, Buffy, and
Willow.

ôWhat was that?ö  Hope said, running her fingers through her tangled
hair.

ôMore like *who* was that,ö  Giles said.

ôMy guess is Spike and Drusilla,ö  Buffy breathed.

ôWell what ever it was, there is another one coming!ö WillowÆs shaky
voice yelled.

They looked up to see another van coming straight for them.  ôNot
again!ö Cordelia shouted.

Giles tried to start the car again as the van came closer and closer to
colliding with them.  Vibrations flowed through the vehicle as the old
engine started.  ôYes!  Yes!ö Giles said with glee.  He slammed on the
accelerator and turned the wheel sharply to the right, just as the van
hit the side of the automobile.

*********

ôWhat the hell are you doing?!ö  Marcus asked angrily at his friend
David as he tried to keep himself from hitting the dashboard.

ôIÆm sorry!  The van hit a bump and I lost control!ö  he replied.

ôOh yeah, sure, whatever,ö  Marcus grumbled.

ôItÆs true!ö  David exclaimed, then burst into laughter.  ôDid you see
that car fly?  It must have flipped about 3 times!  I wonder if there
was anybody in there?ö

Marcus glared at him.  ôProbably not.  The car was just sitting there.
It most likely broke down and was abandoned.  I canÆt believe you hit
it.  Spike is going to be so pissed at us.ö

ôWhy?ö  David asked, turning the large van onto the road.  He sped up to
try and catch up with the other vampires.

ôIÆll tell you why....because there is probably a huge dent in the front
of this thing, and we just stole it yesterday!  ThatÆs why.ö

ôYou worry to much, man,ö David said with a laugh.  ôLighten up.ö

ôIÆll be saying that to you when Spike is kicking your ass from here to
China.ö  Marcus grumbled.

ôWeÆd better hurry and catch up with them.  We canÆt be late for the
MasterÆs party,ö David said.

ôI canÆt believe Angelus is the Master now.  Out of all vampires.  I
remember when he was killing his own kind with his Slayer girlfriend.ö

ôHmph.  The Slayer.  WhatÆs her name? Buffy?ö  David asked.  Marcus
nodded his head.  ôDamn, she is a babe, isnÆt she?  IÆd like to get
closer with her, if you know what I mean,ö David said with a sly grin.

ôThe day you try and get close with her is the day Angel appoints you as
the Vessel.  Besides, if you tried anything with her she would tear you
up.  Have you ever seen her fight?ö  Marcus said.

ôOh yeah, IÆve seen her fight.  I love watching her in those short
little skirts and tight dresses.ö

Marcus rolled his eyes.  ôIs that all you think about?ö

ôWhen it comes to her I do,ö he said.  Marcus laughed despite DavidÆs
answer.

ôYou are hopeless,ö he said, as they drove off toward the Hellmouth.


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End of The Innocence 2/5
Date: 17 Mar 1998 03:45:36 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 2/5
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.


***

And then there was no hold. Willow blinked and watched as the dust scattered
into the soft breeze. Looking up she saw Angel staring back at her with
concern in his eyes. "Are you alright?"

She felt quickly at her neck to ensure that no biting had taken place and then
she nodded, "Fine, but Buffy needs help."

Angel glanced over to Buffy and his eyes widened in suprise as he watched the
young Slayer dance around with a large red and blue throw blanket. And to make
it that much worse, she was yelling "Toro, toro" at the two growling vampires
that were advancing upon her.

"What the hell is wrong with her?" Angel demanded, his eyes never leaving her.
She was jumping all over the place, moving as if she were attached to springs.

"The brownies were laced," Cordelia breathed as she and Xander trotted up to
them.

"Pot," Oz nodded. "Wow. Sinister."

Angel gave him a look and then shook his head. "How much did she ingest? You
guys are all relatively normal."

Xander made a face and then replied, "Only like most of them." Then he turned
around and decked a vampire that had thought it was sneaking up on them.
Reaching down, Xander grabbed a stick and slew the vamp. "Lesson number one,
dumbass..in the forest...there is an abundance of staking material. Duh?"

Angel rolled his eyes, "Oh the fun." With a loud sigh, he moved swiftly
towards where Buffy was now spinning herself in circles and chanting in
strange accents much to the amusement of her two attackers.

"Buffy," Angel said sharply, grabbing her shoulder, "Get ahold of yourself."

"Angel!" Buffy chirped. "My Angel." Then she pointed at the snarling vampires.
"They don't want to play with me. Make them play. Pleaseeeee."

"Buffy, snap out of it!" Angel ordered, lashing out with a kick that drove one
of the vamps backwards and to the ground.

To his horror, the little Slayer then began to snap her fingers to a rythym
only she could hear. Angel shook his head in disbelief and then turned around
and hit her soundly across the face. Not hard enough to hurt or even bruise
her but hopefully enough to ring some bells. Buffy staggered backwards and
fell to her butt, a hand upon her cheek.

"Sorry," Angel shrugged as he made quick work of the remaining vamps. He
immediately dropped to his knees beside her and helped her up. He placed a
hand over the one of hers that was still rested on her cheek and said softly,
"You need to.."

"No lectures," Buffy groaned, grabbing his arm and using it to steady her. "I
had a chocolate craving and then I had the munchies. How the hell was I
supposed to know?"

"Buffy?" Two voices called out in unison from about fifty feet away. Buffy
looked up and groaned.

"Oh hey, just in time. You missed Spike's welcome to nature party." Buffy
informed Giles and Jenny. They exchanged worried glances.

"Are you alright?" Giles asked. "For God's sake, what happened?"

"Vampires." Oz told them with a nod.

"And brownies," Buffy mumbled, taking her seat and pulling Angel down with
her. Then she looked up at Giles and Jenny. "I'm fine. We're all fine. It
was...an experience."

"You're sure you're alright?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah, thanks to Angel." Willow said, taking a seat next to Oz. Almost
immediately an uneasy silence fell over the group.

Then Jenny smiled, "Um, I think we're tired...isn't that right, Rupert." She
grinned. "Us old ones need our rest. G'night kids."

Giles made as if to protest but Jenny grabbed his arm and pulled him towards
the vans. They didn't have to share but everyone pretty much assumed they
would anyways. "Um, yes, well..goodnight." Giles finally stammered before
disappearing.

"Well that was weird," Buffy murmured. "Them and the vampires. But it was
awfully nice of Spike to send a welcoming party."

Willow giggled and pointed at her, "You should have seen yourself though,
Buffy..it was really funny."

Both Oz and Xander joined in the laughter. "You even killed one by accident."
Xander chuckled. "Maybe we should give you laced brownies more often."

"Ha ha..real funny." Buffy replied, sticking out her tongue at Xander and then
curling further into Angel's leather jacket. He looked down at her and
smirked.

"It's not funny at all," Cordelia said quietly. Everyone looked up at her and
blinked. Her tone was so low and shaky that none of them were quite convinced
that she'd actually spoken. She swallowed hard and said, "Someone could have
been seriously hurt."

"Cordy, what are you talking about?" Xander asked, reaching for her hand. She
evaded it and laced her fingers together.

"It's just.." she paused and took a moment to think before whispering, "These
things aren't all fun and games. Horrible things can happen and things can go
very..very wrong." There was a loud silence interrupted only by the crackling
of the fire as the group waited for her to continue. Closing her eyes, she
began to speak in a voice so small that the group had to lean forward to hear
her. "Back in eighth grade, if you wanted to be anything, you had to be a
cheerleader so I was. I was the captain of the team..it was a great
honor..everyone looked up to me. Anyways, mid year, the team went to Culver
Hills for a retreat..kind of like this except we were in cabins. Our coach
that year was Jim Nordhoff."

"Didn't he teach math?" Willow asked.

Cordelia nodded thoughtfully, "Yeah, yeah, he did. No matter what he
taught..we all wanted to be in it. All of us girls had a crush on him. He was
young, cute and he loved to hang with us. He acted like one of us and never
made us feel like children." She paused a beat and licked her lips. "On the
second night of the retreat, he started passing around joints. None of us had
ever tried it and some of us were scared but he said it was alright so we
believed him. After about an hour of us smoking it and getting really..really
high, he stood up and said that he needed to talk to me about new routines. I
was the captain..it made sense at the time. I didn't think anything of it."

Willow reached over and handed her a paper cup of water. "Here."

Cordelia nodded, drank from it but still didn't look up. Taking a deep breath,
she continued. "Um...I met him in his cabin..he had one all to himself..after
everyone else had gone back to the main one. I thought it was strange when he
locked the door but he told me that we were at a camp with other teams and
these routines were our secret. God..I can still remember the tone he used
when he called it 'our secret'. It was so sneaky and it creeped me." She
laughed bitterly. "And then he kissed me and all I could remember thinking at
first was 'this is the routine?' I was so stunned that I didn't even realize
what was happening and I was so high that I'm not sure I really cared at
first. I kept thinking that it was so neat and that all of the other girls
would be jealous. I mean..Coach Nordhoff..it was like some pre-pubescent
fantasy or something like that. But when he took off my shirt, I knew
something wasn't right. I knew. I know I did. And he didn't stop there. I
started crying and begging him to stop. Maybe even yelling but it didn't
matter." She looked at her hands and stared at the empty cup for a few
moments. "After it was over, he leaned down to me and said 'Cordelia...the
unattainable black beauty...every guy wants you..every girl wants to be you.'
And then he kissed me on the cheek and left. After the door shut, I just
cried. I couldn't think of anything else." She laughed again. "And you
know..he didn't touch me the rest of the year. I stayed on the team because if
I had left..I dunno..I just couldn't do that. It would have been uncool.
Couldn't have that. Anyways, on the last day of school, when we were getting
our letters, he whispered in my ear, 'Remember what I taught you,
Cordelia..you were great.' He transferred to Jackson the next year. Last I
heard, he was leading up the champion junior high cheerleading squad for the
school. And me...I can't help but wonder if he's done what he did to me to
some other girl and if maybe I couldn't have stopped it."

"Cordy.." Xander whispered.

She shook her head feverishly, silencing him. And for a long moment, that was
all there was and then she pushed herself up and away. "I...I..I.." she
stammered before tossing the cup down and walking away towards the tents.

Buffy immediately stood to follow but Xander clamped a hand on her shoulder
and very softly whispered, "Let me."

Buffy nodded and gave him a small smile of encouragement before retaking the
seat next to Angel. She watched Xander move off towards the shadows which
Cordy had disappeared into. Then she looked at Willow and Oz. Not
surprisingly, they both looked shaken.

Oz rose first, offering a hand to Willow. "We're gonna...go for a walk."

Buffy nodded, "Don't go out of calling range, okay? We don't know if any more
of Spike's crew is around. I doubt it but just to be safe?"

"Sure, Buffy." Willow said, taking Oz's hand and allowing him to lead her
away. It was clear that she was troubled but Buffy was quick to discover that
she herself was also disturbed by Cordelia's tale.

She curled closer to Angel and stared out at the fire, watching the flames
leap and dance. Angel gazed at her intently, practically seeing the gears
grind in her head. Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around her and
brought her to his chest.

                    ***

Her back was to him when he finally found her standing near the area where the
tents the Slayerettes were sharing had been set up. She was leaning against a
tree, with her palms spread flat on the trunk. She looked very deep in thought
but he could tell by her slight trembling that she was hurting.

Reaching out, he wrapped his arms around her and duck-walked them both into
the tent he was sharing with Oz and Jonathon. Thankfully neither of them were
present. He pushed her to the ground and then lifted her chin with a finger.
"Are you alright?"

"I don't need your pity. That's not why I told you what happened." Cordelia
snapped, pushing away from him roughly.

He caught her hands just as they pushed off of his chest, "This isn't my pity.
Dammit, I care about you." He felt anger welling up inside of him. "God, why
do you have to.."

"Have to what, Xander? Have my pride? I don't even know why I brought it up.
I've been at peace.."

"Maybe you haven't," Xander countered, trying to reach for her again.

She flinched away from him, "You don't know what the hell you're talking
about, Xander. You never do."

"I'm not him, Cordy. I'm not." Xander shot back, grabbing her shoulders.

She glared daggers at him and said in an equally icy tone, "Drop it."

"No, I won't. We need to talk about this."

"No, we don't." She said, turning away from him. "I don't need your
sympathetic shoulder to cry on. You're not my big teddy bear, Xander."

He looked down and away, "You can't do it, can you?"

"Excuse me?"

"You can't just let go and believe that someone else could actually give a
damn about you. You can't help but be the snobby higher-than-thou self-
righteous bitch who pushes everyone away before they can get too close. Don't
you understand that you've got to? Why can't you let someone else be there for
you? Why does it all have to come back to you?"

"Damn you," Cordelia growled.

"It's gotta be you, though. Doesn't it?  You're strong enough to get through
everything by yourself, right? Nothing can ever touch you, right? Well, strike
three because that's not true. We're here for you..dammit..I'm here for you."

"I don't need this," She hissed, shaking her head. "I'm outta here."

"No!" He reached out and grabbed her arm. In a quick deliberate motion, he
spun her back towards him but what he got was only the flat of her palm
against the swell of his cheek and a loud slapping noise to go with it. He
dropped her arm in shocked astonishment and then watched as she quickly fled
towards the safety of her own tent.

                    ***

She felt the coolness of his lips moving down the inside of her shoulder.
Moaning, she reached out and pulled him closer to her, hot on cold but fire
just the same. He grinned and pressed his mouth to her feverish skin.

She moaned his name as his fingers very gently released another button on the
flannel she'd thrown on after Xander had gotten tree sap all over her
overalls. He continued his voyage down her flesh with his mouth.

He'd protested of course. Said that there were too many people around. He'd
been shy and that'd been cute but she'd been quick to assure him that everyone
else was too busy doing their own thing. Interruptions, she'd murmured as
she'd pulled his shirt off, were highly unlikely.

And he'd protested again, albeit lightly, when she'd pushed him down onto the
row of three sleeping bags laid out on the floor of the girls' tent. Again,
she'd silenced him and now suddenly he was the aggressor. She felt the
intensity of his kisses increasing and the hold on her small body tightening
as he gave in to her.

"Buffy.." he protested once more, this time much weaker.

"God, shut up, Angel." Buffy moaned, weaving her hand through his thick hair
and pressing his face to her collarbone. This time he didn't bother to
protest; he swept her into his arms and and then rolled over so that he was
atop her. With a growl that was almost a laugh, he pulled loose the last
button of her flannel.

"What the hell right does he...oh my God.." Cordelia groaned as she pushed the
zipper to the tent up and stepped in. She stared at the couple on the floor
with abundant disgust and placed her hands on her hips. Immediately, Angel and
Buffy separated from each other albeit reluctantly. "God, guys..get a room.
Have some dignity."

"Sorry," Angel mumbled, grabbing his shirt and slipping out through the tent
flap. Buffy hastened to quickly button up her own shirt.

"Sorry 'bout that, Cordy."

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Ever heard of discretion? Learn some manners,
Slayer."

Buffy allowed the words to just roll past her. It was obvious that the taller
girl was still venting. To no great surprise, her revelation had bothered her
probably more than she's thought it would. After a brief moment, Buffy asked,
"Have you ever talked to anyone else about what happened?"

Sighing loudly, Cordelia turned around from Buffy. Talking was not high on her
wish list at the moment.

"Look, Cordy..we are here for you."

Cordelia spun and glared at the little Slayer, "So I've heard. Look, I'm fine.
I think you guys are having more trouble with this than I am but if you're so
interested in what I want..how about you go run off to your boyfriend and have
your fun, okay?"

Buffy watched Cordelia turn away from her and reach for a magazine. Shaking
her head sadly, she grabbed the throw blanket, wrapped it around herself and
stepped out of the tent. She rezipped it and then turned to Angel who'd found
a comfortable spot in the shadows.

"She okay?" Angel asked, stepping behind her and taking the blanket off her
shoulders. She whimpered a bit in protest but quieted when he first wrapped
his arms around her and then pulled the blanket around the both of them. Not
that he needed the warmth but it still worked better.

Shaking her head, she sighed, "I think she and Xander had another fight.
Newsflash."

"Great." Angel said with a small laugh. Then he pointed towards the abandoned
camp-fire pit. "Looks like we're sleeping under the stars tonight."

Buffy reached up and kissed him. Then she giggled, "Cool. You've been around
long enough...you should know all the constellations."

He rolled his eyes and laughed.

                    ***

It was well after midnight when Willow slipped into the tent. She zipped it
back up and then moved to sit next to Cordelia. The taller girl was still
flipping through a magazine but it didn't look like she was paying to much
attention to what was in it.

"Hey Cordelia," Willow whispered softly.

"Hi," Cordy replied tersely.

"Are..are you alright?"

"Willow..please..I really don't want to talk about this." Cordelia said
softly, putting the magazine down next to the sleeping bags. She snapped off
the little flashlight and turned on her back.

Willow nodded, "Sure. Wow, it's cold." She glanced over at the third sleeping
bag, "I saw Buffy and Angel out by the fire..I don't think she'll be needing
this tonight. You wanna share?'

"Sure," Cordelia replied. "Goodnight, Willow."

                        ***

"Hey Jonathon, Xander."

"Oz," Xander muttered. He was lying atop of his sleeping bag with his hands
folded under his head. Oz spared him a concerned look and then reached into
his overnight bag and pullled out a deck of blue-backed cards.

"Guys up for a game?" Oz asked, casually bridge-shuffling the cards.

Jonathon nodded, "Cool." He scooted over on his butt so that he was sitting on
the same sleeping bag as Oz. Xander declined with a slight wave of his hand
and then turned back to his own thoughts.

Damn her. He'd only tried to be there for her. She was his girlfriend and he
was only trying to help. Why did she have to be such a bitch about things? Why
couldn't she let anyone in? It wasn't like he would ever turn his back on her
but just the same, everytime he tried to get close to her, she would push him
away. But it wasn't just the pushing, it was the fact that she threw back
fire. She was so damn difficult..

"I gotta pee," Xander said suddenly, jumping to his feet. The boys
acknowledged him with mutters and then went back to their game. Xander sighed
and stumbled out of the tent and into the cool night air. What he really
wanted to do was talk to one of the girls but he doubted that they were
available. Since Oz had returned to the tent, that probably meant that Will
was now shacking up with Cordelia.

As for Buffy...well..one glance over to the campfire confirmed that she was
unavailable. No, it could probably wait until morning anyways. So what was
left to do but return to the tent?

"No," he muttered. Shaking his head, he started to walk towards the campfire.
Not towards Buffy and Angel who were talking in hushed tones and accenting
just about every sentence with kisses but more towards the opening to the
dense woods right behind the clearing.

He moved slowly and carefully, determined not to alert either the Slayer or
her vampiric boyfriend. Damn the two of them and their heightened senses; it
sure did make walking across a camp-ground a lot more difficult.

Once he cleared the sight, he sighed. A short walk would clear his head.
That's what he needed. To stop thinking about Cordelia and how much she
infiriated him. Okay it wasn't working.

Ah hell. Why did he let her get under his skin. She knew just what to say. How
to hurt him. How to make it stick. Xander growled as he felt his anger rising.
Gritting his teeth together, he reached out and slammed his fist into a tree.
And then immediately howled in pain. "Smart, Harris." Xander scolded himself
as he clenched his injured hand. He lifted his knuckles to his mouth and
pressed his lip hard against the top of his hand. Backing away from the tree,
he began to mutter at it.

And then everything went dark when he collided with the ground.

                        ***

Angel watched her sleep; her chest rising and falling with every breath. A
small smile played delightfully across her delicate features, dancing to a
dream he could only guess about. She murmured softly and curled closer to him.
If that was possible.

Reaching across the slim body that he held protectively against his own, he
lifted up her left wrist. He glanced warily at the watch and sighed. Two hours
until daybreak. Just long enough to get to relative safety. That being, of
course, a dank and very disgusting sewer system.

Careful not to pull the blanket off of her, Angel slipped out from under
Buffy's still sleeping body. He was well aware that recent events had brought
the young Slayer to the point of a complete mental breakdown from both
physical and emotional exhaustion. Hopefully this retreat would go a long way
in re-energizing her. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the forehead
and then stood to move away.

But she knew. She knew when he wasn't holding her and that was all it took to
bring her partly back to her waking senses. "Angel?" Buffy murmured, eyes at
half-mast and barely aware.

"Shh," Angel whispered, leaning over to place a finger lightly against her
lips. A moment later he replaced it with his mouth. After a beat, he
reluctantly broke away and said very softly,"I gotta go."

"Don't go," she murmured. Angel regarded her with an amused grin; she had no
idea what the hell she was saying. He traced a hand across her jawline and
watched as she pressed her cheek against his hand and tried to fall back to
sleep. It was at times like this when it was easy to forget that she was the
all-powerful Slayer.

Standing up, he moved away from her. She moaned in complaint but he continued
his trek around the campfire. He picked up as many large pieces of wood as he
could find and tossed them into the fire along with a newspaper. Once he was
satisfied that the flame would keep for awhile, he went back over to Buffy and
leaned down next to her.

"I gotta go. Sunrise is soon," Angel told her softly as he pulled the blanket
tighter around her obviously chilled frame. He held her there for a moment and
then very gently dropped her back to the ground. Lying flat on his stomache,
he brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes and kissed her on the forehead.
"Get some sleep." Then he stood to leave.

"No," she whimpered. And then, looking very much like a small child, she
grabbed at him and tried to pull him back down to her so that she could curl
into his arms.

He broke her grasp gently and kissed her again. First on the chin and then on
the lips. "I'll be back tonight," Angel reassured her, again pulling her
blanketed body into his arms.

"You promise?" Buffy slurred, her eyelids dropping closed.

"I do," he replied, kissing her again and then reluctantly moving away from
her. He pulled the blanket tight around her once more and then stood. Smiling
at what appeared to be her sleeping form, he started for the clearing where
he'd parked the rental car.

"Hey Angel?" Buffy murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Yeah?" Angel asked as he turned.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Buffy. Now go to sleep."

                    ***

Daybreak brought peace. As she opened her eyes upon the new day, she felt as
though she was completely ready to let it all pass over her. She'd slept well
and been woken by nothing but the calm swirl of a nearby creek and the musical
chirping of birds on the hunt for breakfast.

Yawning, both she and Willow stepped out of their tent. Almost immediately
Will giggled and pointed towards the campfire. Cordelia smiled also when she
saw Buffy lying curled up in a blanket, still sleeping soundly by a barely
flickering fire.

"What's Buffy doing out there alone?" Giles asked, coming up from behind the
two teens. Jenny Calendar stood at his side. Impossibly, Giles was dressed in
a vest but at least he'd tried to be nature-boy; he was wearing a white tee-
shirt under the vest instead of a dress shirt. Jenny was decked out in jeans
and a flannel. Well at least one of them got it.

"I doubt she was alone most of the night, Rupert." Jenny said with a grin.

"What? Oh..oh." Giles muttered, looking down. "Right, um, well let's get
breakfast started, shall we?"

Almost as if a magical switch had been thrown, sleepy forms started to emerge
from the other tents at the mention of food.

Harmony walked over to them and glanced around, "Well, since you people are
going to take forever to get breakfast ready, we're going to those disgusting
bathrooms for showers." She then shook her head and walked past Buffy, her
foot coming within an inch of the girls' head. Fortunately her head was so
high up in the air that she didn't even notice Buffy's hand shoot out to grab
her ankle and then stop and change direction. Once Harmony and her posse were
gone, Buffy sat up and rubbed at her eyes with her fists.

"Man...I really don't like her." Buffy groaned. Willow offered her a hand and
pulled her to her feet. Then both girls retreated over to one of the logs and
placed the blanket over their knees.

"Oh hey..um...where's Xander?" Cordelia asked from where she was standing next
to Giles and Jenny. She made a face as Giles handed her a stick of butter to
use to grease a metal pan.

Buffy shrugged and turned to Oz and Jonathon who were just making their way
back from the bathrooms. "Is Xander still in the little boys' room?"

"He did go.." Jonathon offered weakly.

Oz frowned, "Nine hours ago. He wasn't there when we went...in fact we haven't
seen him since last night when he left."

"What?" Buffy cried, jumping up. "Are you sure?"

"Was he upset?" Cordelia threw in, pushing the butter and pan back into
Jenny's hands. Neither of the adults looked too terribly concerned.

Oz nodded slowly, "Suppose so. He was kinda moody. We didn't really talk about
it."

Buffy shook her head and glared at Cordelia, "Of course he was mad, Cordy. You
always push so much...I mean...why do you always have to be such a bitch to
him?" It was apparent by her tone that even though the adults remained calm,
the Slayer was not happy.

"Buffy!" Willow gasped.

Cordelia glared back at Buffy, eyes sparking fire. "I don't have to explain
myself to you and it's none of your damn business what happens between he and
I anyways," she spat back. "My question is..why didn't you see him leave,
Buffy? I mean you did sleep outside last night..oh wait..you were too busy
screwing your boyfriend!"

"Guys! Enough dammit!" Willow cried out, stepping between the two girls who
looked very much like they were ready to brawl.

"We're not solving anything this way,"Oz added.

"He's right," Giles said, placing a hand on Buffy's shoulder. He gave her a
hard look and kept it steady until she backed down from her fighting position.
She took a deep breath and then nodded. "I'm sure that Xander just wandered
off..he's probably fine. Just the same, we should organize a search party."

"Right," Jenny said with a nod. "Why don't the four of you.." she made a
sweeping gesture to include Buffy, Willow, Oz and Cordelia, "go down to the
creek and look. Rupert and I will check some of the other camp-sites.
Jonathon, wait here in case he returns. Tell the other girls to stick when
they get back.Okay, gang?"

There were general nods of agreement and then Buffy murmured, "We should get
some supplies just in case Xander did get himself into trouble."

TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Pt 1/5
Date: 17 Mar 1998 03:46:08 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 1/5
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.

                        ***

He groaned and tried to lift it up and into the air. With a sigh of defeat, he
allowed it to drop back to the black asphalt of the parking lot with a loud
thudding noise. "It's too heavy," he whimpered, turning to glare at Cordelia
Chase. Growling he asked, "What the hell did you pack? Your whole damn room?"

"Funny, Xander," Cordelia replied with a grin that was entirely too large. She
nodded her head towards Buffy and said with a smirk,"Buffy understands." She
turned to look at the blonde haired Slayer for back-up. Buffy just sighed and
rolled her eyes. Crossing over to Xander, she reached down and with a grunt
tossed the overstuffed duffle into the beige van parked in the faculty lot of
Sunnydale High.

"We're only going for three days," Xander insisted. "Right, Buff?"

"Sorry, Xand..us girls gotta pack more than just boxers and socks," Buffy
replied with a grin as she single-handidly finished loading the van.

"Yeah, gang up on me," Xander grumbled. "Hey Will, you're with me, right?"

"All that matters is that you believe that," Willow replied, turning back to
some coversation that she was having with Oz.

"Fine, I see how it is. Just no one better look at me if we fall over a bridge
and sink to the bottom of a river because Cordelia's luggage has made us
heavier than the whole Ringling Brothers circus." Xander shot back. Buffy
chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"We're not going over any bridges, Xander." Giles said as he and Jenny
Calendar walked past him and the other teens. They seemed to both be
concentrating on a piece of paper that had a lot of scribbles on it.
Presumably directions to White Wolf Creek.

"Giles," Xander groaned. Again Buffy chuckled.

"Hey Cordelia!" A shrill called out from the entrance gate to the parking lot.
The teens all looked up to see Harmony Cates and three of her friends moving
towards them. Cordelia smiled weakly at her friend. "Why don't you come with
us and lose the social reject project?"

Cordelia opened her mouth to reply and then thought better of it. "We'll see
you there, Harmony." She finally said. Harmony snickered and then snapped her
fingers and started towards the second beige van.

A low growling noise brought their attention to the young boy in back who was
trudging Harmony's suitcase along and grunting. He looked up at Xander,
"Please..please..I'm begging you...are you sure you guys don't have room for
one more?"

Xander grinned, "Sorry man. I suggest using the Walkman and playing heavy
metal. Trust me..it works."

Jonathon sighed and very dejectedly moved after Harmony. Buffy watched him
sympathetically and then with a slight shake of her head, she turned away and
looked at Xander. Reaching out, she grabbed his arm and pulled him over to the
side of the van.

"Hey, I got something for you," she said to him, a small almost shy smile on
her face.

"Oh yeah?" Xander asked, perking up.

"Down boy," Buffy grinned. "It's nothing major. Just something to help you
feel like a man." She winced at her own choice of words. "It sounded better in
my..oh here...just take it!" She thrust out her hand and opened her palm to
reveal her gift.

"Wow," he whistled. "Cool." He  leaned forward and removed a knife from her
palm. Turning it over in his hands, he grinned at the design of it. It was
about three to four inches in length with a slopping tip. The entire stainless
steel blade folded back into an aged oak handle. It wasn't a hunting knife but
it was perfect for camping purposes.

"My dad gave it to me when I saw him last weekend. Not really my style but I
thought maybe you'd jam on it," Buffy said by way of explanation.

"Thanks Buffster," Xander grinned, leaning forward to give her a quick hug.

"Alright kids, lock and load." Jenny Calendar called out, walking towards
them. She was holding a blue clip-board in her right hand and a plastic bottle
of Pepsi in the other. "It's time to hit the road."

The kids let out a collective cheer. Buffy looked up at Xander, gave him a
quick peck on the cheek and then broke away from him and rushed towards the
passenger door. "Shot-gun."

"No fair, Slayer!" Xander cried out, looking to the others for help.
"Well..it's not fair.."

Cordelia sighed loudly and then very gently slapped Xander on the arm, "You're
sitting with me anyways, Xander." He looked at her and then noddded and
grinned. Then he looked up in alarm. "What?" She asked quickly.

"Oh hey..hang a sec...there was something I wanted to give you too." Xander
said with a grin. She arched an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah?"

"Uh huh. Come here." He took her by the elbow and led her a few feet away from
the van. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a silver chain with a small
silver ring on it. "This..is for you. That is..I got it..or I'm giving it..or
something...dammmit Cordelia...it's yours."

She smiled and took the neckalce from him, moving the ring up on the chain so
that she could examine it. "Wow..it's incredible." She whispered. And it was.
It was a solid silver band all the way around except for one part at the top
where the silver split and then rejoined. She put it around her neck and
smiled up at him again. He returned the expression and then leaned forward and
kissed her. After a few moments she broke away and looked up at him. "What?
You think just because you gave me a gorgeous ring that you're entitled to
smoochies?"

"Well?" he said pathetically, eyebrow arched in confusion. Then she shrugged.

"You are." Grinning she reached up and pulled his head down to her so that she
could initiate the kiss.

"Come on, love-birds...we outtie." Buffy called from the van. She gave them a
grin and then rolled her eyes. Looking behind her, she nodded to Oz and Willow
also.

Once the group was loaded into the van, Jenny shouted across the lot to where
Giles was trying to cajole Harmony and company into the other van. "We're
outta here, Rupert. See ya there." She looked back at the Scooby Gang as they
so called themselves. "You kids ready?"

"Yup, let's get outta this hellmouth," Xander quipped from the back-seat as he
belted himself in.

"Good enough," Jenny grinned, starting the ignition.

Buffy leaned across the seat, "By the way, how did you manage to get Giles to
be willing to drive the dode patrol? It was hard enough just getting him to
sign up to chaperone this retreat."

"Well..you convinced him to come by saying you could get in trouble...which is
why his bag is loaded with every weapon known to man and I convinced him to
drive that van by using a two headed nickel."

"You didn't!" Willow gasped, honestly looking shocked.

Jenny grinned again, "You never know."

***

"Vogue or Allure?" Willow asked, holding up two magazines. Cordelia frowned
for a moment and then took the Allure. Settling back against the seat, she
opened it and began to casually leaf through it. Xander chuckled and then made
a loud sighing noise and stretched out his legs. Sighing again, he dropped his
head into Cordelia's lap and closed his eyes. "Nap-time."

Rolling up the magazine, Cordelia bent down next to his ear and whispered, "Of
course it is." Then she shoved him off her and into the wedge between the seat
and the seat-back in front of them. "Just not on me." Xander groaned and then
sat up, looking at her with his saddest puppy-dog look. Finally she relented
and he curled up with his head against her.

Buffy chuckled and then looked over at Willow and Oz. Her eyes narrowed when
she saw the black box that Oz was playing was. "Heya, could I..uh..play that
when you're done?"

He looked up at her and grinned, "Sure, Buffy."

"Cool," she chirped, leaning forward to drum her fingers over the tuning
buttons of the radio. In the few short minutes that they'd been in the van so
far, she'd alternated between REM and Air Supply already.

"Just relax kids, "Jenny said with a small smile. "We'll be there before you
know it."

                    ***

"Dammit. Dammit. Dammit! Die!" Buffy yelled as she shook the black Game-Boy
back and forth.

Oz and Willow exchanged amused glances. Then with a slight chuckle, Will
leaned forward and wrapped an arm over the seat and said softly, careful not
to further irritate the frustrated Slayer, "Buffy..maybe you should..give
me...the Game-Boy."

"Touch it and die, Will." Buffy muttered, shaking it again. "Dammit, hey..you
cheated!" She growled at the blinking screen. She looked up at the faces
watching her. "I'm fine..really. The big slimy eye-ball dude just keeps
kicking my Slayer ass and it's really starting to piss me off. No worries. Die
bastard!" She immediately refocused on the screen.

"Wow..loony bin much?" Cordelia quipped, nudging Xander. His only response was
a low-pitched snore that made her frown. She considered giving him a harder
push but was interrupted by an announcement from Ms. C.

"We're here gang." Jenny said, glancing over to where Buffy was sitting. The
young Slayer seemed oblivious to her words. She shook her head and then looked
back at the others. "Do any of you see Rupert?"

Everyone but Buffy turned to look. Willow squinted her eyes. "I don't...wait."
Craning her neck, she looked closer. "Yeah, wait..there they are." Looking
back up at Jenny, Willow sighed. "Only two more things left to do before we
can start setting up camp."

"What's that?" Jenny asked.

"Wrestle the Game-Boy away from Buffy and uh..." she nodded to Xander.

"I'll take care of that, "Cordelia said with a wicked grin. Leaning down, she
pressed her lips to his ear and then blew very softly. That was all it took.

Xander jumped forward, "I didn't do it!" He looked around wildly and saw
everyone but Buffy watching him. And laughing at him. "That was wrong," he
growled.

"Whatever. You loved it." Cordelia grinned.

"That's right, that's right....you are so going down you ugly rat thingee!"
Buffy cried out, still staring at the screen with a glazed look.

Xander lifted an eyebrow. "Lookie, lookie..the Slayer is as nutty as an almond
cookie."

"You just think that up?" Cordelia asked. Xander favored her with an annoyed
scowled. She simply winked, "Thought so. It was kinda cute..in an adolescent
kinda way."

He moved his head slightly to acknowledge her comment with a silent sarcastic
nod.

"Alright kids, pile out..daylight is fading and we gotta get the tents up."
Jenny said as she got out of the van. Xander was the first of the students out
and he quickly jumped up and down and then turned to face the others.

"Ah..fresh air. You gotta love a school that allows a camping retreat."

"Oh yeah...fun." Cordelia groaned. The Senior/Junior weekend retreat was very
much something she had mixed feelings about. She wasn't a big fan of nature
but on the other hand..she was with friends.

The Junior/Senior retreat commitee had rented out all of White Wolf's camp-
sites so that there were ten students at each of the well spaced sites for a
total of something like one hundred and fifty students. And the surrounding
area was about ten miles of forest. It was just beautiful.

Just the same, originally the gang had had no intention of participating in
the retreat until Snyder had nailed them all for leaving campus and made it
mandatory. Anything to mess with them. And so now their options were go and
hate it or go and shove it back in Snyders' face by having a good time. The
latter option seemed more preferable.

"well, it's good to see that you're all in one piece," Giles said, coming
towards them from the other van. The five members of that van were all of
Cordelia's official clique and the only reason they were on the trip was that
they were the planning commitee. And the only reason they were that was
because it looked good on their college applications. Well except for poor
Jonathon..he actually liked camping.

"Did you have a nice trip?" Oz asked as he helped Willow pull one of the tents
off of the roof of the van. Willow unsnapped a bungee cord and then giggled as
it sprang away. Oz favored her with a large smile.

Giles shook his head, "Let's just..get the tents up so I can go lay down and
take a long nap."

Grinning, Xander headed over to help Willow and Oz, "It's always all work and
no play with you, G-Man. Where's your sense of fun? Come on..."

"My sense of fun must have dribbled out the window with the sixth continuous
playing of Nine Ounce Knuckles or whatever the bloody hell that was," Giles
retorted.

Both Jenny and Xander exchanged amused glances. "Nine Inch Nails, Rupert."
Jenny soothed.

"Right. Yes. Um, where's Buffy?" He glanced around at the others to ensure
that he hadn't missed his Slayer but sure enough, she was seemingly
unaccounted for.

Willow laughed and then put a hand over her mouth to contain her chuckles. Oz
pointed towards the passenger seat, "She's into some serious slayage. Beware."

Giles walked around the van and over to the passenger door. Sure enough, there
she was. Focused. Determined. Into the hunt. Deadly. All the things he's ever
asked of her. Of course her prey was a blinking screen. "Buffy.."

"In an minute, Giles..I'm fighting ucky skeleton boy. He's going down," she
breathed quickly, her fingers continuing to punch out a frantic rythym on the
Game-Boy's control panel. Her eyes remained locked on the screen so she never
saw him move in for the kill and then pull the game away from her. "Hey!"

"Buffy.."

"Dammit, Giles...give it back," Buffy growled, advancing on him.

"Buffy, calm down." Giles said softly, lifting it above his head. "This is for
your own good. I'm cutting you off now before you put yourself or anyone else
in danger."

"The only one gonna be in danger is you..now come on..."

"No..."

"Giles..."

He shook his head.

She stared at him for a moment and then decided to change her approach.
Immediately her bottom lip began to waiver. "Aw come on, please? A few more
minutes can't hurt..please?"

"I'm sorry," Giles replied, passing the game to Jenny who was laughing
entirely too much in Buffy's opinion.

"Don't you love me, Giles?" Buffy tried again, looking at him desperately.

He sighed, "I'll make you a deal. Help us get the tents up and I'll grant you
supervised visiting rights."

She considered it and then reluctantly nodded, Grumbling, she stalked over to
where Xander was standing. Jenny lifted an eyebrow at Giles and then shook her
head.

"Problems, Buff?" Xander asked, handing her a long metal pole. All he knew
about it was that it belonged somewhere in the framing of the tent. After
that..well...he was pretty much lost. Of course Willow and Cordy weren't
helping; they'd already managed to construct the frame of theirs and they
weren't giving the self proclaimed nature boy any hints. And Oz? Well on
Willow's advice, he was off with Jonathon collecting wood to start the fire.

"Giles is a big meanie," Buffy grunted, slamming the pole into the ground with
the force equal to that of it having been hammered in.

Xander looked up, "Right. That's where it goes." He shook his head and rested
a comforting hand on her overall clad shoulder, "It'll be okay. You'll get Mr.
Game-Boy back with good behavior."

"That's right, Xander..keep laughing..just remember..I know where you sleep."
Buffy hissed, grabbing another pole from him and slamming it into the ground
just like the first. Then she looked up at him and smiled evily. "Not that I
would everrrrrr hurt you..that is."

"Uh huh," he nodded, "I'm believing that."

                    ***
With Buffy's feverish help, they managed to finish getting the tents up well
before dark fell and then they got the fire going. They acutually had to push
the logs they were using to sit on back a few feet after Willow inadvertingly
built something that better resembled a five star blaze than a camp-fire.

Dinner duty fell to the adults as they were the only ones who weren't
complaining of chronic fatigue. What was constructed was certainly better than
cafeteria food but not quite gourmet. Just the same, Xander was more than
happy to finish off the extras. After a few minutes of after-dinner silence,
both Giles and Jenny stood.

"We're going to take the dishes down to the creek," Jenny told them, not
bothering to add that they would probably take a little walk also. It was a
beautiful night for an after-dinner stroll through nature.

"You kids think you can handle it?" Giles asked, more to the outsiders to the
group than to the Slayerettes.

Xander waved off the two adults, "No worries...we've got it covered. Hey Oz-
man...pass the marshmallows."

Oz tipped his head in acknowledgement and then tossed the bag about five feet
over the roaring fire and into Xander's hand. Immediately, Xander passed one
to Cordelia who was sitting next to him, curled against him with his arm
around her. She chose to forego the roasting of it and instead popped it into
her mouth. Xander sighed and decided to give up on his attempts to teach her
the ways of camping.

"Hey losers, a peace offering." Harmony chirped, crossing over to them. Not
suprisingly, her group was right at her heels. Thrusting her hand out, she
produced a glass dish. "Brownies. All yours. Don't break the dish." She pushed
it into Xander's hand and then nodded to her friends. Immediately they turned
and moved back towards the tent at the very border of the camp-site. No..they
were most certainly not in danger of over-socializing.

"My new best friend," Xander called after her as he hastily ripped through the
tin-foil packaging to get to the brownies.

"Oh, lucky me," Harmony shot back. Her words were followed by giggles as the
girls disappeared into the tent.

Xander popped a brownie into his mouth and then passed the dish to Cordelia.
"Here. Yummy." He said between a mouthful of brownie. Cordelia rolled her
eyes. She eyed the dish suspiciously for a moment and then sighed and took one
herself. She then placed the dish on Buffy's knees. The Slayer didn't even
react.

"Buffy..food." Willow whispered.  Buffy glanced down and away from the Game-
Boy screen. Quickly she took two of them and jammed them into her mouth. It
rather single-handedly killed the notion of being lady-like. Oz chuckled and
took the dish from her so that she could return to the game that she'd stolen
back from Giles' things while he and Ms.C had been making dinner.

"Okay," Willow chirped, "Truth or dare."

"Cool," Oz grinned. "Three days a month...I need a body wax."

Cordelia laughed and then narrowed her eyes and focused on the Slayer whose
gaze was locked rather intently on the Final Fantasy game being played out on
the game rested in her palms. "Buffy..truth or dare?"

"Truth," Buffy muttered, not looking up. "Damn bastards. Fight me...are you
scared? That's right..bring it on."

"When was the last time you and Angel were..you know...together?" Cordelia
questioned, knowing that it would eventually get Buffy's attention.

"Thurs..wha..what?" Buffy asked, looking up with blue eyes full of shock.

Xander started cackling but when she turned her deadly gaze on him, he lost it
completely and began to laugh. A moment later, he found himself off of the log
he was sitting on, rubbing his bruised bottom and glaring at the marshmallow
that had blind-sided him. "Owww." And then he started laughing again. Cordelia
shook her head at him and then pulled him back up.

"Truth or dare, Cordy." Buffy asked, returning her focus to the game.

Cordelia narrowed her eyes, "Dare."

A few long moments of silence passed and then Buffy finally grunted and
punched the start button to pause the game. "Damn litttle little bug things."
Looking up she asked, "I'm sorry..did you say.."

"Dare." Cordelia reitterated.

"Okay. Hm...okay...kiss Xander." Buffy grinned, her mind churning.

Cordelia shrugged and leaned in towards Xander to give him a peck on the lips
but Buffy quickly reached across and put a hand between them.

"Nuh uh. A real kiss, Cordy."

"You're evil."

"Turnaround is fair play." Buffy laughed. "And you said dare."

"Fine." Still glaring at the chuckling Slayer, Cordelia reached forward and
grabbed the collar of Xander's flannel and pulled him to her. Not that he was
resisting. Just the same, she wasn't very big on PDA's. Which of course didn't
explain how explosive things almost got when their lips touched and the kiss
deepened. He wrapped his arm around her and she tried to wrap her hand around
his neck. Which was of course when they both lost their balance and went
tumbling to the dirt.

"Woah," Oz said, "I'm thinking NC-17."

Willow giggled and reached for another brownie. She passed the plate back to
Buffy who'd already consumed half of it anyways. Buffy, having returned to the
game, fumbled for the brownie for a few moments and then managed to break off
an edge and stuff it into her mouth. Willow began to laugh harder.

"Okay, truth or dare, Will?" Xander asked, scowling at the empty plate of
brownies. He shot Buffy a look but then found that he couldn't keep a straight
face without giggling like a school girl.

"Truth," Willow all but sang. She was grinning like a fool.

"Um.." Xander stared at his fingers for a minute and then laughed. Then
looking back up at Willow, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Who are you? Who
are you really?"

Buffy looked up and lifted an eyebrow, "Oh that was..." then she frowned.
"Hm..oh hey...what was I saying?"

Xander started to laugh. He looked up at her and tried to talk,"Oh
hey..Buff...um..Buffy.." He tried to look behind her but ended up doubling
over in laughter instead.

Cordelia glanced up at the shadows forming behind Buffy and a look of fear
crossed over her face. But it didn't stay very long before amusement won out.
Giggling almost hysterically, she turned to Buffy, "Truth or dare?"

"I already took my turn, "Buffy replied, not looking up. "Dammit, Oz..I think
this thing is broken...this little dude with the horns..he's floating or
something." She shook the game and then stared at it again with an annoyed
expression. "Stop moving."

"Truth or dare, Buffy." Cordelia asked again, falling down beside Xander on
the ground.

"Definately an..or something...uh..truth?"

"Do you like vampires?"

"There's only one I like and he doesn't move half as much as these stupid
little men. Oz! What the hell is wrong with this thing? Oh my
God..he's..he's..what the hell is he doing?" She turned the game sideways and
then turned her head also.

"Buffy..vampires..there's..um....one..no three..no sex..d'oh..I said sex,"
Xander chortled, holding his sides.

"Sex? Where?" Cordelia asked. Then she looked up at Xander and they both
exclaimed, "Oh shit! Vampires!" And then they began to laugh again.

Buffy leapt upwards and dropped the game to the log. She watched as the ground
began to spin. "Bad guys! Bad guys! Yes!"

"Right!" Xander yelled, reaching over to grab Cordelia's hand. "We can dance
to it!"

The vampires all exchanged amused glances and the largest, presumably the
leader smirked when he said, "Oh this is gonna be fun. And Spike worried that
six of us couldn't stir up enough trouble." Laughing, he reached towards the
woozy Slayer.

Buffy took a step backwards and reached down to grab a marshmallow stick that
had been charred on the end. She then proceded to jab it at the vampire in a
playful but certainly un-Slayer like manner. "On guard." She cried. The
vampire stared at her in shock and just watched as she delivered jab after
jab, while continuously making silly taunts. He should have been paying more
attention though because one of her playful jabs sent the stick directly into
his heart. As the dust settled about her shoulders, she stared at it almost
sadly before shrugging and chirping, "Oops, my bad."

"Oh...that had to hurt," Willow observed as she started to turn.

"Not as much as you'll hurt when I break your neck," a second vampire growled,
grabbing her by the throat. He pressed his teeth to her throat and growled,
"You're a cute one." Willow's eyes widened as all of the humor of the
situation seeped away and she realized just what intense danger she and all of
her friends were in.

"Buffy!" Willow screamed towards her bouncy and still completely out of it
friend.

"No Slayer to help you this time," the vamp laughed. Eyes wide in horror, she
began to squirm, desperately fighting to break his hold.

TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence 3/7
Date: 17 Mar 1998 03:56:00 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 3/7
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.

***
Buffy took the lead, carrying the back-pack on her shoulders. She'd loaded it
with a rope in case Xander had managed to fall down a hill or something, a
gallon of water which hung from the side of the pack, a blanket and a very
downsized first aide kit. Just band-aids and stuff. It would suffice.

She looked over her shoulder and saw Willow and Oz trailing a few feet back
talking in hushed tones and carrying on a thumb war while trying to walk
without tripping. And behind them, about five to six feet back was Cordelia
who was still very obviously still fuming from her argument with Buffy.

"Xander?" Buffy cried out, her voice echoing in the crisp morning air. She
pulled her black and grey flannel shirt tighter around her. She called out for
her missing friend again and heard both Willow and Oz repeat the call.

"Over here," came a voice from just beyond the trees; by the creek.

"Xander!" The quartet cried out in sinc. They all exchanged amused glances and
Buffy lifted an eyebrow. Shaking her head, she grabbed Willow by the arm and
took off towards the sound of Xanders' voice.

When they got there, they found him standing by the creek. He had his back to
them but they could see that he was swirling a long stick in the water. He
tapped his foot against the muddy embankment and then turned to smile at them.

"Xander? Are you alright?"Willow asked hurriedly as she moved over to inspect
him for injuries. He put out a hand to stop her.

"Hey guys, I'm fine. I just came down here to think..I guess I lost track of
time. Sorry if I worried you." Xander said, still smiling. He dropped the
stick into the water.

"Well..as long as your're alright," Buffy replied, torn between scolding or
hugging him. She finally settled on playfully punching him on the shoulder.

"Great. He's fine. Can we get back to camp so I can shower?" Cordelia asked
with irritation weighing down her voice. It was better than letting any of
them know how worried she'd actually been.

"Ya, wouldn't want you to have a bad hair day. Oh wait..that's every day,"
Xander quipped dryly.

"Hey guys, no fighting before breakfast, ok?" Oz pleaded.

Xander laughed, "Sure. Oh heyyyy...I found something." He made an excited
motion with his hands," You guys have got to see it. It is so cool."

"Where it is?" Willow asked. "And what is it?"

"Not too far and it's well...no...I can't put it into words. You've got to see
it with your own eyes." Xander gushed, reaching out to grab Buffy. He spun her
quickly. "It's amazing."

Buffy laughed, "Okay. Five minutes extra won't kill us." She shrugged and
wrapped an arm around his.

"Nope," Xander said with a strange smile, "But it is killer...trust me."

"I'd prefer to go back," Cordelia protested, hands on her hips.

"Then go," Xander countered. "You've been against this whole trip so far..why
not this?"

"That is so not true," Cordelia growled. "You know what? I don't need any of
this...I'm going back.."

"Wait a minute," Willow said softly. She reached out and grabbed Cordelia by
the arm. Dragging her a few feet away, the girls had a quiet but very animated
conversation that ended with Cordy yelling "Fine.". Willow smiled back over at
the others. "We're ready now, Xander."

"Excellent." Oz smiled. Then he looked at Buffy. "Hey, why don't you let me
carry the pack for awhile. It will..increase my feeling of manliness." Willow
laughed at him and grabbed his arm. Buffy smirked and very willingly handed
over the back.

"Ready gang?" Xander asked.

Buffy grinned and looked up at Xander, "Lead on, Xand-man."

"Gladly," he replied, sticking a hand into the pocket of his jeans.

They walked for a few minutes, ten at least, with Buffy and Xander at the top.
Once again Willow and Oz walked in the middle and Cordelia brought up the end.
She continued to grumble to herself, eyes locked on the back of Xanders' head.
He, of course, seemed oblivious to it all. He continued to chat merrily with
Buffy; making her laugh at his stupid jokes.

And then he stopped. And looked around.

"You sure you know where we are, Xand?" Buffy asked with an amused grin. She
turned so that she was facing him instead of standing side-by-side with him.
"The way you've lead us...I doubt we'll ever find our way out of here."

Eyes turning like slabs of rock, he whispered, "That's the plan, Slayer." And
then he jerked his hand forward and slapped it with a hard twist of his wrist
against her stomache. Buffy gasped and looked up at him with horror and pain
reflected in her waterty blue eyes. She gasped his name as an uncertain
question.

He watched as she turned towards the others, standing only on the strength of
her will-power. Wavering and trembling fiercely, she reached down to her
stomache and pulled the knife she'd given him the day earlier out of her. She
looked at her blood drenched hands in shocked wonder and then her eyes rolled
back and her knees turned to jello. With a anguished whimper, the little
Slayer crashed to the forest floor; blood streaking upwards and staining her
flannel. As she hit the ground, several twigs snapped under the sudden weight.

"Buffy!" Willow screamed, dropping to her friends' side. She wasted no time in
ripping the flannel away and peeling Buffy's white shirt up so that she could
inspect the wound.

Cordelia rolled her eyes, "Oh hysterical, guys. How long did it take you to
come up with this?"

Oz, who'd dropped down next to Willow and Buffy, stared up at her in horror.
He then reached over and grabbed one of Willow's now blood soaked hands and
lifted it so that Cordelia could see it. "No joke...oh God..."

"Xander, what have you done?" Willow begged as she took Oz's flannel and
pressed it against Buffy's wound. The Slayer continued to tremble but somehow
managed to stay both quiet and consious.

"I've had fun," Xander grinned. "Research boy got to do some damage. Damn..I
don't think I've killed someone since the last time Buffy let me save her
life." Then he frowned. "But I want more fun." With a shake of his head, he
reached down and picked up the discarded bloody knife. He wiped it clean with
the tail of his shirt.

"Willow!" Cordelia screamed.

Xander cocked his head and smiled, "Aw..too late." And with that he shoved the
knife to Willow's throat. "Stand up, Wills." His voice left little room for
argument. Gazing evenly at Oz he said, "Don't even think about it, Wolf-
Boy...I will bleed her dry before you lift your foot. Trust me, you don't want
to piss me off."

"Xander, please.."Willow whispered. "Buffy.."

"Shut up," he growled. "I'm sick of always hearing about Buffy. It's always
her."

"I've been saying that forever," Cordelia muttered. Then she looked up at him,
"But this isn't you. You're not you. You must be possessed or something."

"Oh yeah," Xander laughed, "Dream on. This is me." He shoved the knife harder
against Willow's throat. "All me. I guess I just had it with all of your self-
righteous, self-absorbed all-me ways. Maybe I thought I'd teach you a lesson."
Then he shrugged. "Or maybe I just wanted to play."

"Play-time is over,Xander. Buffy needs a doctor," Cordelia snapped back,
dropping down next to Oz.

"Nuh uh..both of you up and away from our unfortunate Slayer." Xander growled.
Then he pointed the knife away from Willow and towards Buffy. "As of right
now, she's out of the game. It's just us." Then he turned back to Cordelia.
"Up, love of mine...and get the rope out of the pack. And the water. Go on,
Oz..help her out. Let's make this quick."

Oz unstrapped the pack and opened it up so that he could get the rest of the
rope. His eyes caught on the first aide kit and he locked gazes with Cordelia.
She nodded almost imperctibly. Reaching across, she took the rope from Oz and
lifted the first aide kit under the bulk of it.

"You really are a dumb bitch, aren't you?" Xander growled. "Damn,
Cordelia...you know...brains never were your strong suit so stop trying to use
what you don't have." He grabbed her by the wrist and forced her to drop the
kit. Picking it up himself, he threw it into the woods. "Now, you two walk in
front of me...Willow will stay with me until we get to where we're going. Move
out, glitter bunnies."

Cordelia threw him a disgusted look and then started to move slowly forward.
Oz did likewise. Xander grinned and sighed and then wrapped his arm around
Willow and held her close to him as they slowly walked behind the others.
"God, do you know how great it feels when a plan comes together, Will? It's
awesome."

"Xander..please." She said softly, tears falling down her cheeks."She needs
help..she'll die...please..please..."

"Shut up, Will. You're pissing me off now. Man..right when we were beginning
to be okay with each other," Xander said in exasperation. He made a noise with
the air between his tongue and his cheek and then pressed the knife harder
against Willow's throat, drawing a drop of blood. She gasped more in surprise
than pain but the sound just the same caused Oz to spin around in horror.

Xander smirked at him and then gazed around the area, "Okay, hey..this is far
enough." He took the knife away from Willow's throat and then tossed her
against Oz, causing them to both crumble to the ground. "Cordelia, sweetheart,
tie them up for me."

"Why don't you do it yourself," Cordelia growled, throwing the rope to the
ground.

His face contorted into a visage of pure rage. She barely had time to think
before his hand connected soundly with her cheek. She closed her eyes tightly
and bit back on the pain. "Dammit, do it or they all die."

Her face still stinging, she glared at him challenging. But then she saw the
mental image of Buffy lying bloody and only semi-consious on the ground. He
was serious. Slowly, the defiant resolve melted away and she bent down to
comply. She crawled over to where Oz was holding Willow against his chest and
lifted the rope up in a gesture that showed how helpless she was. He nodded
understandingly.

"You okay, Willow?" Cordelia whispered as she began to wrap the rope around Oz
and the young hacker. Willow nodded slowly and her eyes widened as she saw
their assilant walk up behind Cordelia.

"Get down next to them, Cordy. Gotta tie you up, too. "

"Xander, please, what's wrong with you..this...this isn't you." Willow
insisted.

"What do you know about me, Wills? That I'm sweet ol' lovable Xander. Side-
kick extrordinaire and the loyal love-struck puppy-dog of the almighty
Slayer?" Then he shook his head, "As for what's wrong with me? Nothing...I
feel..." he paused and then promptly burst into song, "I feel pretty!"

Then with a laugh, he bent down and began to tie the rope tightly around the
trio. He made a loose knot and then sat down, pointing the knife at the
threesome. "Here's how it goes..you've got a decision to make, Cordelia."

"Oh? What's that..you want me to decide whether to kill you or just maim you?"
She growled.

He dipped his head towards her in annoyed acknowledgement. "No, you get to
choose who stays and who goes. That could mean who lives and who dies if y'all
piss me off enough."

"What?" Cordelia whispered.

Xander sighed impatiently, "Spell it out, much? Alright, let me walk you
through this..I see it's gonna take that much. Either you or Oz is gonna be
set free. No, no..let me cut off your question..why? Right? Why? Because it's
apart of the game and no game is as fun without a chance for the other team to
win. So this is your chance. One of you two gets to try and find help..not
that you have a prayer of it..but you get to try..before I decide to play
slice and dice boy with the rest of you."

"Xander.."

"Your choice, Cordy. You or wolfy. Make it smart."

Cordelia turned her head away from him. Closing her eyes, she saw the image of
Buffy flash in her mind again. Assuming that the Slayer was still alive, her
time had to be growing short so whoever went for help had to be able to cover
ground in a time effecient manner. That would mean Oz..afterall, wasn't it
possible that he still had some of his wolf tracking instincts even though he
wasn't weirded out? But it was more than that. Because when it was all said
and done, what it eventually came down to was the question of whether or not
she had the right to condemn another person to death.

"I'll stay."

"No!" Oz yelled. Xander silenced him with a dramatic point of the knife. Then
he looked back at Cordelia.

"Good choice. Perhaps there still are a few working brain cells left in there,
Cordy. Maybe we didn't smoke them all out of ya just yet, eh?" He laughed and
bent to untie Oz.

"Under two conditions." Cordelia said suddenly, voice sharp but emotionless.

Xander turned back towards, the laughter gone. "Excuse me? Maybe I was wrong
about the brain cells. Hello...I don't think so. This ain't your game, pom-pom
girl."

"Yeah, well..if you want me to play, you'll let the others go.."

"Not happening. I said Oz..don't push it or I'll let you all go with nice
little slits in your neck."

"Fine," she growled, "Then at least bring Buffy back over here and let Willow
try to help her. Afterall, what do you have to lose? You know we won't leave
her here. We're trapped with you."

Xander tapped the knife against his teeth as he thought about it. Finally he
shrugged, "Sure..what do I care? We can watch her die in front of us.
Yeah..yeah..that'll be fun. You know...payback for watching Jesse die in front
of me."

"Xander," Willow gasped.

"Why thank you, Will. You just volunteered to go bring Buffy over her. I do
love you." He finished untying them and then he tapped Oz on the shoulder.
"Off with you now."

Oz stood reluctantly and looked at the girls. Willow nodded and he very slowly
began to move off. Then Xander pushed Willow towards Buffy. When she protested
that dragging her would only further injure the Slayer, he promptly laughed
and said, "And that's a problem..why?" Finally, she moved to help Buffy.

About five minutes later, she reappeared half-dragging and half-carrying the
semi-consious Slayer. She threw down her jacket and laid Buffy on it. Xander
watched for a few minutes and then bent to finish untying Cordelia. As she'd
said, with Buffy unable to do anything to save herself, the other girls were
also trapped. "Are you enjoying the game, Cordy?" Xander whispered into her
ear, his fingers grazing her left cheekbone.

Cordelia snorted derisively," Not likely."

"Aw, don't sweat it..because things are about to get even more interesting. I
promise." He glanced over at Willow who was working feverishly to prevent the
trembling Slayer from bleeding to death. He shook his head and sighed. "We're
gonna start a new game. It's kinda like...truth or dare. Like last night. Only
one itty bitty little change. See in this game..I ask all the questions and
you answer them all."

"Xander, please..I know you're angry about last night but.."

"This isn't about last night you stupid bitch. God, do you really think that
the entire world revolves around you?" Xander hissed as his eyes turned to
cold hard slits.

"Fine," she agreed icily, "It has nothing to do with last night."

A smile slowly reappeared on his face, "So..you wanna play? Oh, come on..I
know you do. Ooh ooh...this is gonna be so much fun."

"Umm, Xander?" Willow called out, her voice shaky. Cordelia turned her head to
look at Willow who was sitting next to Buffy, pressing a light colored flannel
against Buffy's wound. By the dark red tint beginning to overtake the cloth,
it was obvious that Buffy was not in a good way. "Xander?" Willow called out
again but just as before, he seemed oblivious to her.

Cordelia made a dramatic motion of pointing towards Willow and Buffy so that
Xander would have to see it. He blinked and then turned towards them. Sounding
almost bored, he drawled, "What?"

"Um, can..can I have Cordelia's jacket?" Willow asked. She looked over at
Cordelia questioningly. Xander shrugged so Cordelia quickly removed the
jacket. It was worth somewhere in the hundreds but right now the fact that it
was about to be stained with blood didn't really bother her that much. It
scared her, yes, but the reason for that was fear for the individual bleeding.
Without a second thought, she tossed it to Willow.

She caught the jacket and immediately pressed it against the wound. Buffy made
a slight whimpering noise at the pressure. Reaching down, Willow moved the
little Slayers' head into her lap. She leaned forward and whispered for Buffy
to hold on. Then taking Buffy's hand, she squeezed it. "Xander, this has got
to stop...I don't know what's wrong with you but...please..she's losing too
much..."

"Blood?" Xander finished for her with a laugh. "She's losing too much blood,
is she, Will? Lemme see if ol' buddy Xander can help." And with that he moved
over and bent down next to Buffy. "How ya feeling, Buffster?"

"Xander?" She whispered. "Wha...what's wrong...wi..with you?" Her hand shook
as she tried to lift it up to touch him. Almost immediately, his face
contorted and lashing out, he snagged her wrist in an iron grab. Holding it
tight, he twisted it hard until there was a snap. Lacking the strength to
scream in agony, she simply whimpered in pain; a tear streaking down her face.

"Xander! Dammit, stop it! Haven't you done enough?!" Willow howled. She
squeezed the hand she was still holding and despite the Slayers' weakened
state, felt equal return.

"Oh, I've just begun." He brandished the knife and flashed it in Willow's
face. "Alright, here it is..I make the rules here, Will. You contradict me
again and I won't give Oz ol' boy time to return with the rest of the Scooby
gang...I'll make her bleed from her throat." Then he grinned. "Might even get
creative and give her a nice big happy face." He bent down next to Buffy
again. "You'd like that, wouldn't ya, Buff?"

"X..Xand? Where are you?" Buffy gasped out, shaking. She held her injured and
quickly swelling left hand tightly against her body. Not that it mattered; she
was soaked in blood and pretty much all of her that was important besides her
head and her legs was injured.

He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, "You don't learn, do you?" You never
fucking learn. Just drag everyone around you kicking and screaming into hell.
You wanna know where I am, Slayer? I'm where you sent me and now I'm right
here." And with that he pulled back his fist and slammed it against her rib
cage. She gasped out and began to cough frantically. Her entire body shook
violently with each hack as she tried to force oxygen into her lungs.

Willow grabbed her friend and wrapped her body around her, rocking her in her
arms until she managed to calm the Slayer into taking more sedate breaths. She
then looked up at Xander, "I won't let you hurt her anymore..."

He growled at her and took a step forward, flicking the knife towards her, "I
warned you.."

"Xander, stop." Cordelia said loudly. She looked up at him with determination
and fear naked in her eyes. He knew she was scared. She wouldn't hide that.
Let him know. He knew already. He had taken down the Slayer..it didn't get
much scarier than that.

"What" Xander queried, looking at her increduously. He stood and loomed tall
over Willow and Buffy. Not surprisingly, Willow continued to hold the fiercely
trembling Slayer tightly against her own body.

"This is our game. You said so yourself. You and me. Let it be our game. Leave
them out of this. It has nothing to do with them. Just us."

Xander grinned. "Quite right, Cordy. Quite right." Walking over to her, he
pocketed the knife. "Okay, then let's start simple. My...thank you for
agreeing to play. See I can be nice as long as you follow the rules. Then you
don't have to bleed. Yet..anyways." He drummed his open palm against his
knuckles for a few beats before finally grinning. "Oh. Oh. Oh. Yes, I got it
now..see. Okay..here it is...how many guys have you...what's the magic
word..anticipation time...fucked? How many guys have you fucked?"

Cordelia tensed up. Looking away, her gaze fell on Buffy and Willow. It was
then, while she watched Willow work desperately to keep Buffy calm and still
that she realized just how futile her resistance really was. How like the
Borg. If she refused to play his game, then the Slayers' life was almost
certainly forfeit. Her pride wasn't worth that much. Turning back to Xander,
she whispered, "Three."

"Oooh...I take it he's not one of them, "Xander said thoughtfully, almost
absently. Then he looked back up at her. "What were they like?"

"What?" she whispered.

"Aw..don't get squeamish on me now. I mean, if that's what you want..I can
make you hold Buffy while I play the slicer boy. Then you'll know squeamish.
All I'm asking is if you liked getting fucked. Not really a hard question for
a scholar like you."

"Fuck you," she hissed.

"Not yet, love." Xander laughed. And then he leaned forward, "Course you never
were my first choice of girls to do. I wanted Buffy but when she played cold
except for the corpse...I figured you'd pony up and give a good ride." Then he
sighed. "But once again you distract me. Answer the question or I spill some
more blood."

Staring at the ground, barely able to keep her mind from shutting down at the
bitter echoing of his hateful words, she managed to force out the words he
wanted to hear, "The first...hurt..I...um..cried through it all."

"Not a good memory," he stated.

"No," she whispered, clearing her throat. "The second was...more out of
pressure than anything else."

"What was the sex like?" Xander murmured, pacing in front of her. He stopped
and faced it, "Was it hard? Good..come on..." And then he started moving
again.

She stared up at him, "It felt good. A fun time. The third was the best. He
knew just what was right...what buttons to push. I enjoyed it..a lot."

And then she saw it. A flash of pain in his eyes. He was still in there. Her
Xander..the one that still knew the side of the angels. Not the twisted
demented one that had been formed by..well...only God knew the  answer to that
one. Before she could think too hard on it, she saw Xander turn his head
towards Buffy and Willow.

"Hey, Will...I'm thirsty. We're outta water..see.." he reached down and
grabbed the water bottle. Uncapping it, he poured it out. "Go down to the
creek and get some more. From acoss the falls where the water is white. That
means it's pure."

Willow took Buffy's good hand and pressed it down against the jackets over her
wound. Then slowly, she stood. She could tell by his focused gaze that he
wasn't playing games at the moment. He wouldn't hesistate to kill Buffy if she
didn't comply.

As she started to walk towards the sound of rushing water, he called out after
her, "Oh and Wills, hurry back or I may get a little knife happy." Willow
stared at him for a moment and then did as she was told.

                    ***

By the time Willow returned almost two hours later, she could tell by the
setting of the sun in the sky that it was mid-afternoon. She trudged up to
Xander carrying an empty water jug and set it down at his feet. "We're too
lost..I can't find it. And I won't let you kill her because I got lost."

Xander grinned. "That's okay. I've had my fun. You'd better get to nurse-
maiding her, Will. You're always good at that. Picking up poor pathetic
Buffy's life and putting it at the top of your list everytime she gets a boo-
boo. Cripes... honestly don't know who'd more pathetic..." Then he sighed.
"She's bleeding pretty heavy again. And she's making noise. It's in your best
interests to make both stop."

"What did you do to her?' Willow demanded, anger flashing in her eyes. She
looked over at Cordelia and was astonished to see the girl staring down at the
ground, shaking as she tried to control herself. She could see the dark
shading of newly forming bruises on Cordy's cheeks.  Sadly, Willow turned her
gaze back to Xander.

"Now Will, take it easy there little buddy. You seem to have forgotten whose
game this is." He jabbed the handle of the knife against his chest. "It's my
game. Mine. So sit the fuck down and do what you can for her. Give her peace,
keep her quiet. You do it or I will and believe me...my way is a lot more fun
for me."

"You sick fuck, "Cordelia growled.

He turned to face her and grinned, "You ready to play again? Break over? I'll
give you a few more minutes if ya want. I figure we have all the time in the
world."

"Angel...Angel..." Buffy whispered suddenly, her words slurred and barely
audible. Her eyelids were at half-mast and at best, she was only semi-
consious. Her color was becoming increasingly bad as was her breathing.
"Angel.."

Xanders' eyes blazed with fire and he took two steps towards Buffy and Willow.
The red-haired girl, for her part, tightened her hold on the Slayer, once
again cradling her.

"Don't you have anymore questions, Xander?" Cordelia screamed.

He spun on her and then slid down next to her, placing the knife against her
throat. "Do you want to die, Cordy?"

"No," she replied hoarsely, her eyes refusing to lock with his.

"Then why do you keep challenging me? Doesn't it occur to you that maybe if I
slice and dice Buffy over there..then maybe..just maybe..I'll feel happy
again. And if I feel happy again, then we can end this little game? Wouldn't
that be nice? Don't you want to live, Cordelia?"

"I want to live," she whispered, looking over at Buffy. She could see little
more than the way that the Slayer shook with every trembling breath she took.
And she could see the horrified expression on Willow's face as she tried
valiantly to keep her best friend breathing. "I want us all to live.
Please..end this."

Xander ignored her last comments, "You wanna live..then kill Buffy..make her
scream and bleed. If you make it hurt enough..I'll let both you and Willow
free."

"Xander.." Willow whispered.

"Well, Cordy....how about it..won't take much right now to kill her...you
might even find out you enjoy it."

She looked up at him, "Fine. I'll do it."

"Wow...I don't fucking believe you." Xander hissed, grabbing her by the shirt.
"I mean..would he actually believe that? Is he that stupid and gulliable? I'm
not that dumb, little girl...no no no."

Cordelia clenched her jaw and turned away, "This game is getting old, Xander."

"Oh well, can't have that, "Xander teased. "Hmm...let's see here...what can we
do to make this game more enjoyable for our dear Cordelia?" Suddenly he jumped
and clapped his hands together. "Oh oh oh. I got it. I know...let's do some
role-playing. Have you ever done that before, Cordy? You know..like with your
other boyfriends...he's the big bad cop and you're the cheap hooker..well
granted..that's not role-playing but you get the idea. Well, have you?"

"No," she whispered, looking away from him. It was so hard to believe that
this was really him. But he spoke with Xanders' words. He was Xander...just
not the good part of him.

"Oh..you'll like this one," Xander hissed into her ear. He stood back and
clapped his hands together. "Actually it's simple for you..see you get to play
poor pathetic you and me...well I get the juicy role. I get to be your
cheerleading coach...what was his name..oh ya...Jimmy Nordhoff. The big bad
man who got the prize. That's me."

Her fragile hold on her remaining calm finally snapped, "You sick bastard."

"No, no, no...you know you liked it, " he growled savagely.

"Fuck you," she threw into his face. She felt the anger boil up inside her and
harden her heart. And as he leaned in closer to her, to taunt her and
challenge her, she felt the fury trip the wire that was holding her self-
control in place. Without realizing just what she was doing, she pulled back
and hit him as hard as she could swing.

He jumped back in pain and yelped. He placed a hand on his reddening cheek and
then pulled away. As he stalked back towards her, his face contorted into a
visage of pure hatred. "You're right...I'm sick of this game." Reaching
forward, he grabbed her hair and then threw her into a tree. With a grunt, she
collapsed to the ground; out cold.


TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End of The Innocence Notes
Date: 17 Mar 1998 03:59:32 EST

For some reason, AOL is delivering the pieces of this story as downloadable
files instead of us readables from the e-mail. I don't know why this is.

Also, instead of five parts..there are seven. I mis-calculated how much space
I would need. For those of you have your e-mail set up to refuse attachments
but would still like to read the story, please e-mail me and we'll see what we
can figure out.

My apologies for the inconvience.

Alex

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence 4/7
Date: 17 Mar 1998 04:08:45 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 4/7
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.

***
"What's he doing, Will?" Buffy stammered. Willow glanced up at Xander and then
back down at her injured friend.

 "He's still pacing." And that was true. And had been true. For the last hour
and half, he'd been walking both and forth in front of the unmoving form of
Cordelia. Willow could hear him muttering but she couldn't make out the words.

"What about Cordy?"

Willow squeezed her hand tightly and whispered, "I don't know. She hasn't
moved at all. I can't tell if she's breathing." She dropped her head to her
chest and tried to blink back tears but it was becoming harder and harder. One
friend was down and in uncertain condition, another was lost and a third lay
dying in her arms. And as for the fourth..well...he was just unstable and that
scared the hell out of her. She'd loved him like family and it was so hard to
think that somehow, someway, she'd lost her best friend to his own insanity.
"Buffy..I can't stop him."

"It's gonna be..ok..okay, Will." Buffy gasped out. She squeezed back as hard
as she could which was devastatingly weak. "It's night...Angel..." she stopped
and coughed and then fell back against Willow.

Willow gazed up at the sky and found that Buffy was right, the sun was
setting...total darkness was no more than a half hour off. Hopefully help
would come then. On the other hand....if Oz had never found the group..or had
been hurt..

"Stay strong....we'll get through this, "Buffy murmured sleepily. She wanted
to close her eyes and sleep but fear and pain kept her awake.

"I know..I'm just scared," Willow admitted.

Buffy raised her eyes so that they locked with Willow's," After all we've been
through, Will..we'll make it..we've come too far to die this.." her words
broke off into a harsh body-racking coughing fit.

Willow tightened her hold on Buffy and as she waited for the tremors to
subside, she resolved to become the strong one. "You hold on," she urged, "Oz
will find help and we'll all make it out of here."

"And then..get Xa..Xander help, "Buffy gasped out, her eyelids dropping down
so that very little of her blue eyes were actually viewable.

Willow watched her friend warily. She was fading fast but still holding onto
some hope that their Xander was still there. If Buffy were stronger, Willow
would have expressed her doubts but as weak as the Slayer was...

"Alright, alright..I get it now! She tried to play the game!" Xander shouted
as he turned and walked towards Buffy and Willow. "Well I don't think so. It's
a one player game. One fucking player. How the hell hard is that to grasp?"

"Xand," Buffy breathed. "Xander?"

He pulled back and hit her across the face hard enough to cut her cheek. "You
don't talk to me! You never talk to me unless I tell you to! The rules!" He
stood up and started walking in frantic, crazed circles, thumping the handle
of the knife against his forehead. "For as long as I've been around...none of
you ever fucking learn."

And then just like that, he turned and smiled. Bending down, he ran the tips
of his fingers across Buffy's pale  cheek. He looked up at Willow. "Play with
me, Will."

"No, " she whispered, holding Buffy tighter as another wave of tremors ripped
through the little Slayer. "This has got to end.."

His eyes blazed fire, "Oh it'll end alright, little buddy..but only when I
say. Now you'll play or I'll start up a new carving lesson with Buffy." He
grinned at the Slayer. "You'd like that..wouldn't you, Buffy? To feel the
blood dripping out of your body. To feel your heart slowing..isn't that how
you always thought you'd die? Isn't that how you're dying now? Slowly and
afraid?"

"I'll never be afraid of you," Buffy whispered, opening her blood-shot eyes
long enough to let him see the lack of hatred reflected in them.

"You're a fool, Slayer and you've led them all to hell!" Xander howled. Then
laughed." Not that I'm minding. Hell's a beautiful place. You'll all like it
there." He grabbed her by the collar and began to shake her, knowing just how
much it had to be hurting. And was hurting.

"Leave her alone, Xander. You wanna play..then come on.." Willow challenged,
voice trembling. Xander dropped Buffy back down and Willow watched as her
friend curled into herself and began to tremble even more fiercely.

Xander grinned, "You see that, Buffy? You see how far they are willing to go
for you? Cordelia died for you. That was fun. Will...that'll be better."

"Cordelia's dead?" Willow whispered, feeling as though she'd just been punched
in the stomache."No..you're lying."

"Am I? Do you know that for certain? You willing to wager a stab per answer in
our little game, Will? If you answer wrong, I get to put a hole in her. That
okay with ya, little buddy?"

"Xander, don't.."

Xander waved the knife in front of her, forcing her to stand up. She kept her
eyes locked on him the entire time, searching for any sign of her oldest
friend. All she saw was the darkness. And as she tried to look away, she
suddenly realized that looking behind him would be more dangerous.

"Come on, Willow....it'll be fun." And that was all he said before a large
piece of wood connected with the back of his head and he sank to the ground.
He tried to blink away the swirling colors and as he did so, he crawled
towards Cordelia. He never made it there before everything went dark.

Willow turned and grabbed onto her rescurer. "Oz..."

"It's okay," he said, grabbing her arm and pulling her down to Buffy. Angel
and Giles joined them while Jenny went to check on Cordelia. Assured that
Buffy was in good hands for the moment, Willow turned to Ms. C. "Is she?"

"She'll be fine. She's just unconsious." Jenny said softly. "Willow, why don't
you help me carry her to the van."

"Sure..." Willow replied absently as she looked back over at Buffy. She
watched as Angel very carefully lifted Buffy off of the ground and into his
arms. She whimpered softly, muttered something incomprehensible and then
finally slipped into a state of unconsiousness herself.

"She's dying..." Willow whispered, seeing Angel's uncharacteristally
frightened look.

"She'll make it, "Giles reassured her. "She will. Oz, help me with Xander.
Let's get the hell out of here. I think it's safe to say that we've overstayed
our welcome in the great outdoors."

"Sure," Oz replied. As he passed Willow, he stopped. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. It's Buffy I'm worried about."

"Have faith," he whispered, "Have faith."

                        ***

"Cordelia? Cordelia? Can you hear me?" Jenny asked as she waved a clear
capsule under the girls' nose. She timed her pulse again and then repeated the
waving action.

This time it worked. Cordelia awaoke with a jerk, gagging at the intense
sensations and then moaning slightly at the memory of recently inflicted pain.
"Xander?" she whispered, praying that someone would tell her that it was all a
dream.

"Behind you on the floor," Jenny said softly, pointing to the floor of the van
where sure enough, her tormentor lay unconsious. She stared at him for a long
moment and then bit back tears. This couldn't actually be real..could it?

"He won't be hurting anyone," Giles promised from the drivers' seat. "Are you
alright?"

"I'm fine, " she replied. "How's Buffy?" She glanced over her shoulder at
Angel who was now ironically soaked with his girlfriends' blood. And yet she
could tell by his expression that it wasn't the blood that troubled him...it
was the fact that it was hers. Yes, he was a vampire but for Buffy, he could
control his blood-lust. Catching her eye, he gave her a small smile.

"She'll make it throught this. She always does." Angel told her softly.

Cordelia noodded and then turned back towards the window. Her reflection
presented her with the image of a bruised and dirty young woman whose eyes had
no light in them. Closing her eyes, she fought hard against breaking down.
Without even realizing what she was doing, she began to finger the necklace
around her neck.

Jenny leaned over the passenger seat and touched her shoulder. Cordelia looked
back at her with eyes brimming with tears. "We're almost there," Jenny
whispered, squeezing the girls' hand. Cordelia nodded and tried to push the
tears back.

"What are you going to do with him?" Cordelia asked, pointing to Xander.

"He's gonna stay at my apartment until we figure out what's wrong with him,"
Angel spoke up. "That is, after we get Buffy checked into the hospital, I'll
take him back and tie him up and then come back. He'll stay with me for a few
days."

"Fine," Cordelia whispered. "I...I just want to go home." She looked up at the
others.. "Please.."

"Maybe we should have a doctor check you out..you were knocked unconsious."
Giles protested.

"Believe me..I'm fine." Cordelia said. "I think I'll walk from the hospital to
my house."

"We'll get you there," Willow said, squeezing Oz's hand. To Giles, she added,
"Then we'll double back."

"Right, okay. Cordelia, are you sure?"

"Yeah..I really am.I'll be fine. Just..when you find anything out...give me a
call."

                    ***

She watched just long enough to see a hand full of ER medics race up to the
van and quickly load Buffy onto a gurney. One spat out her vitals and a
handful of medical terms and then they raced towards the OR.

"Come on," Willow said softly, taking her arm. "Let's get you home."

                    ***
She was twisting in her blankets, the sheets weaving about her legs. She
turned frantically, trying desperately to outrun a nightmare. She was caught
in the middle of a colorless replay of the days' events when the cordless
phone by her bed went off. Once. Twice. A third time. Damn.

"Hello?" Cordelia groaned, clutching a sweat drenched sheet to her chest.  A
casual look at her digital clock revealed it to be just after three in the
morning.

"Hi. Um, it's Willow," a soft voice said over the line. Cordelia blinked her
sleep away and sat up.

"Oh God...Buffy?"

"Is going to be okay. She just cleared surgery and is in the process of being
admitted to the ICU." Willow reassured her.

"So...she's alright?" Cordelia asked again, needing to make sure.

"Yeah..she'll be okay. Oz and I are here with Giles, Ms. C, Angel and Buffy's
mom and dad.  Everyone is a little calmer now. We were pretty..tense there for
awhile. They're still not really letting anyone see her yet."

"Are her parents power-freaked?" Cordelia queried, flipping on the light next
to her bed.

"They were pretty scared when they got here. Her mom has been here since
earlier this evening but her dad just got in from LA a couple of hours ago.
They both wanted explanations..them and the police so Oz and I told 'em when
we went out for a hike, Buffy got attacked and knocked unconsious by a weird
guy who ran off. I think they bought it."

"We did get attacked by some weird guy," Cordelia murmured absently. She
glanced over to her desk where a little green and black picture frame sat. In
the frame were four little black and white photos of she and Xander. They'd
taken them at the last little fair on the docks. Shaking her head and forcing
back tears, she flipped off the light again.

"I think she's still unconsious," Willow said softly. "The doctor told us that
she's probably be out for a good portion of the next few days. He said she was
pretty lucky."

"Ya," Cordelia murmured.

There was a large pause and then Willow said softly, "Xander's still out too."

"Good. He's safer that way. Look, Will, I'm gonna try to get some sleep. I'll
stop by the hospital in the morning. Okay?"

"Sure...g'night."

                ***

Cordelia walked very slowly down the dark empty hallways of Sunnydale High. It
was weird being at the school on a Sunday but as a Slayerette, she was quickly
becoming used to it. Pausing for a beat and then sighing, she pushed open the
library doors and entered. Looking around, she saw Willow and Oz sitting at
the table. Giles stood in the doorway of his office, scanning over the morning
newspaper. Jenny Calendar stood next to him, sipping a cup of coffee and
reading over his shoulder which was clearly annoying him thereby in turn
amusing her.

"Cordelia," Willow breathed, standing up.

"Are you alright? Oz asked.

"Peachy. Look..I'm sorry I didn't show up this morning..I overslept."

"That's quite understandable," Jenny offered.

"Thanks. So um..what's the deal?" Cordelia asked, looking up to Giles and
Jenny.

"Well..Buffy's alright..as Willow told you. Or at least she will be. The
doctors plan to keep her hospitalized for at least another week or so. They
anticipate her being in the ICU for another week before they move her to a
regular room for a few days of observation. With her healing abilities, she
shouldn't be in there for more than six days or so. That is of course assuming
she doesn't do anything to aggravate her injuries.

"And what exactly are her injuries?" Cordelia asked softly. She reached down
to the table, picked up Willow's troll pencil and began to nervously play with
it.

"Well...obviously her most signifigant one is the knife wound. She suffered a
good deal of internal damage not to mention a large amount of blood loss.
Unfortunately that's not the extent..her left wrist is severly sprained; she
has no movement in it whatsoever. And there are quite a few contusions and
lacerations."

"Not to mention bruised ribs," Willow added in.

"Well, you gotta give him some credit," Cordelia whispered, "When he said that
he wanted to see her hurt..he really meant it." She sighed. "Speaking
of..where is he?"

"Still with.." The phone rang before Jenny could finish the sentence. Giles
lifted an eyebrow and then picked it up.

"Hello. Oh Angel..yes...um..how are things?" He paused, nodded, paused again
and then sighed. "Well..are you sure? Alright..but be careful.
Okay..yes..thank you..we'll see you tonight. Goodbye."

"Well?" Jenny queried as soon as the phone hit the cradle.

"Um..well that was Angel."

"He's good," Oz quipped.

Giles ignored him and plunged ahead,"He says that Xander has no memory of what
he's done. And Angel believes him. In any case, they're going to head over to
see Buffy at nightfall."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Willow asked.

"Angel will be watching. If Xander is trying to trick him..Angel should be
able to stop him before he further injures her. However, I think we should go
under the assumption that this could be the truth and Xander might not
remember. In this case, we should investigate both supernatural and
psychological reasons for what occured." Giles replied.

"Right," Jenny said. "Willow...you and I can use the computers to look through
DSM IV."

"Gotcha." Willow replied. Then she sighed. "You know..I usually love research
parties..usually being the key word here."

                    ***

Angel watched from the doorway as Xander very slowly and cautiously moved
through Buffy's ICU room. Holding a small bundle of flowers in his hand, he
sat in the chair beside her bed. Almost immediately, her eyes flickered open.
Seeing Angel in the back, she seemed to instinctively know that it was okay
and that this was her Xander.

"Hey Xand," she whispered, pushing herself into the sitting position with a
low groan. She settled back against propped up pillows and then looked at him
with a weak smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Angel mouth the words
"He doesn't remember anything." She nodded slightly and then reinforced her
smile.

"Hey," Xander replied, taking her uninjured hand in his, "How ya feeling,
Buffster?"

"I'm okay although I gotta tell ya Xand-man...I'm not loving the food here."

He smiled at her joke but she wasn't fooled; she saw sadness lurking in his
dark eyes. Taking her hand from his, she reached up and touched his face. He
smiled again, this time for real and said, "It's nothing. I..I was just
worried. I woke up this morning in Angel's apartment and all he could tell me
was that I'd been knocked unconsious and that you'd been seriously hurt.
God...Buff..what happened?"

"I'm not even sure, Xand. It all happened so damn fast. But it doesn't
matter..it doesn't...because we're all okay now." Buffy reassured him. And it
wasn't like she way lying..afterall..she really wasn't sure what had  occured
the previous day.

"I had dreams," he whispered. "I saw things."

"Wha..what?" Buffy questioned, exchanging a worried look with Angel. She tried
to adjust her positioning but only ended up gritting her teeth and  holding
back a cry of pain. Xander quickly moved to help but she put up a hand and
urged him with a nod of her head to continue.

"When I was knocked out..I guess." He looked up at her and she saw mist in his
eyes. "I saw myself hurting you...hurting them. God Buffy..in my dream...I did
this to you. It was a dream..right?"

"Just a dream, Xand." Buffy murmured, as much to herself as him. "In any
case..it's over. Everyone is gonna be just fine. The docs say that I'll be
outta here in no time. Just as long as I..."

"Behave," Angel smirked, coming up from behind them. "That means you stay on
your back and do what the nice men in white coats tell you to do until then."

Buffy scowled,"We'll see about that. I'm a girl of independence. I must have
my independence. I can't be held down."

"I bet I could convince you to stay in bed," Angel grinned, tracing a finger
over her jawline.

She shivered slightly and whimpered, "No fair."

"I agree!" Xander cried. "Yuck guys! I mean c'mon...Buff..your parents are in
the hallway talking to the doctor.."

"They know about me and Angel...."

"Yeah..I remember..your mom found the two of you making out on the
porch..believe me..I remember," Xander quipped dryly. "Hey, you know what..I'm
gonna leave you two love-birds and go find Cord..."

"No!" Buffy and Angel both cried at once. Buffy groaned and then shook her
head to keep both of the boys at bay. "Xand..I..uh, talked to Cordy
earlier..she's pretty busy tonight. Family, I think. Hey...I got an idea...why
don't you stay and chat with me tonight? I could use the company. All my
parents keep doing is fixing my pillows...it's driving me batty."

"What about you and Angel? Wouldn't you much..."

"Giles wanted Angel to help him translate some new fire and yuck prophecy that
will probably end up getting me all bruised and battered. So....I guess that
means it's just you and me tonight." She stuck out her lower lip and gave him
her poutiest look. "Unless of course..there's something else you'd rather do."

"Of course not," Xander chirped. "I get to play nurse-boy. Cool." He grinned.
"Hey Angel...oh wait..you guys want a moment...right?"

Buffy grinned and gave Xander a small push with her good hand. Once he was
outside and probably creating a diversion so that her parents didn't interupt
her "session" with Angel, she turned to him. Smiling up at him, she reached up
and brought him down to her. Then she gave him a small kiss.

"How are you really feeling?" Angel asked with concern. He knew her well
enough to see past the humor to the pain. That and he could smell the blood.
The dressing for her stomache wound would have to be changed very soon.

"It hurts," she whispered. "A lot. Everytime I move, I can feel it. But I can
deal. I'm more worried about the rest of them. Especially Xander and Cordy.
She won't admit it and he doesn't remember it but they both will."

"I know," he said. "I'll keep an eye on her. You watch your back with him.
Xander is.."

"My friend. He's Xander. It wasn't him, Angel. I don't know how I know..but I
do."

"Alright..just be careful. I'll stop by later tonight and dammit..relax,
okay?"

She winked, "We'll see. That just might cost you extra."

He grinned, shook his head and then leaned down and kissed her.

TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence 5/7
Date: 17 Mar 1998 04:11:53 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 5/7
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.

***
Xander walked through the crowded hallways of Sunnydale High. Students moved
around him like ants, all rushing to get to their homerooms. He moved towards
the library in a foggy daze. He'd spent the entire night sneaking in and out
of Buffy's room so that he could stay and talk with her. He'd been forced to
avoid the nurses who'd not so gently reminded him that in the ICU when
visiting hours were over...that meant that they were OVER. Of course, Buffy
hadn't really wanted to sleep...something about not really caring to do the
REM thing.And although he'd known that he should have forced her to rest
because of her fragile condition...the truth had been that he'd needed the
conversation as much as she. So they'd talked. About his dreams. And somewhere
during the middle of the night, he'd found himself completely void of all
energy but they'd continued talking. Well mostly he had. After about two in
the morning, she'd started to slip in and out of an exhausted dream-less
sleep. In any case, he felt like his legs were made of lead. The damn dreams
had felt so bloody real..and he couldn't seem to just open his eyes and make
them go away.

Glancing up, he saw Cordelia standing alone by her locker. The door was open
and it looked like she was checking her make-up in the little magnetic mirror.
Smiling slightly, he moved towards her. "Hey Cordy," For her part, she spun so
fast that he was honestly suprised she didn't develop whip-flash.

"Xander," Cordelia stammered, plastering on an unconvincing smile.

"Yup," he grinned, leaning in for a kiss. What he met however was not her lips
but the soft swell of her cheek. He pulled back in confusion. "What's wrong?
Oh hey look...I'm sorry I didn't call last night. I spent the entire night at
the hospital..."

She nodded slowly, her eyes not meeting his. Instead, she gazed evenly at a
poster on the wall behind him. "That's okay..I was..um..out anyways."

"Good, good. So...ya headed to homeroom? Want the Xand-man to escort you?"

She looked up, initially startled and inadvertingly caught his eye. Looking
away quickly, she murmured, "Actually I gotta talk to Harmony..about
..something.."

Xander's eyebrows lowered, "Okay..um..well...meet you in the library after
homeroom then?"

"Yeah," she nodded quickly. "I, uh...I gotta go." She gave him a quick uneasy
smile and then brushed quickly past him, barreling into Willow in her rush.

"Cordelia..we need to talk," Willow hissed, grinning up at Xander. Cordelia
glanced back at her boyfriend somberly, touched her necklace and then nodded.
Not missing a beat, Willow grabbed her by the arm and yanked her towards the
girls' bathroom. Willow quickly checked the stalls to ensure that no one would
overhear them.

"It's all around school about Buffy getting attacked," Cordelia started
uneasily. "People are saying that an escaped lunatic from Wacko Hill did it.
But we know better, don't we?"

"Cord.." Willow stopped abruptly as two giggling freshmen entered.

Narrowing her eyes, Cordelia growled, "Get lost." The two girls exchanged
looks and then left, muttering as they went. "Go on, Will...you were about to
tell me that I shouldn't be like this."

"No..you have every right but you've got to understand...he doesn't know
what's going on. Right now..more than ever..we need to stick together. For us.
For Buffy. And for him."

Cordelia clenched her teeth and turned away, "He's the bad guy, Will. He's the
goblin under the bed this time."

"He's still Xander. It wasn't him."

"God, Willow...were you even listening? Were you even there? Did you hear the
things he was saying? That was Xander! He knew exactly what he was doing. He
tore into all of us...tried to destroy us..it was him...maybe a bad side but
still Xander..still what he's capable of being."

"I know...Ms.Calendar and I are working off the theory of multiple personality
disorder.Who he was there is characteristic of the classic protector
personality..."

"You know, Will...right now I don't really care what's wrong with him...I just
want him to stay away from me until I can sort things out in my own head. I'll
worry about that whats and whys later."

"Are you going to break up with him?"

"Right now I just want to avoid him. Breaking up isn't really one of my
concerns at the moment," Cordelia replied evenly. She sighed. "You know
what..I can't deal with this today..I'm going home." She shook her head and
started for the door. As she moved, Willow reached out and caught her arm.

"Cordelia...I'm sorry..I'm just scared...I don't mean..."

"I know. but you know what it comes down to? Trust. I'd gotten used to all of
this weirdness you guys got me into but I never thought it would become part
of me. But it has. I can't sleep without nightmares now...without seeing his
face full of fury. He wanted to hurt us...he tried to kill Buffy. And all I
keep thinking is...if I can't trust the man I'm dating..the man I care a lot
about..then who am I supposed to trust in this hell?"

Willow looked at her helplessly and then whispered, "I don't know..."

"That's what I thought," Cordelia said with a bitter laugh. "And you know..it
may be none of our faults in the long run but somehow we're all doomed." She
laughed again and then moved swiftly through the bathroom doors,leaving them
swinging in her wake.

                        ***

"God, Giles...I'm bored." Buffy growled as she aimlessly stirred a half-full
cup of cold beef broth. He was only the third visitor she'd had all day. Of
course it hadn't helped that she'd finally gotten annoyed with being coddled
and had all but thrown her parents out.

"You didn't eat much," Giles noted as he took a seat next to her bed. "You
really need to.."

"I know, I know...eat so I can regain my strength. Rest so I can regain my
strength. You know..I have been hearing that from everyone who comes near me."
She sighed dramatically. "Dammit Giles...I'm bored and these old grandpa
doctors keep trying to sedate me and dope me up on painkillers."

"Well, does it hurt?"

"Well yes," she replied sarcastically. "But Giles...these old guys wig me..."

Giles lifted an eyebrow in amusement,"Buffy, no one here is much older than
forty or so."

"See?" she replied with a pout. "Giles..you want to know what I've done today?
I woke up, ate something unidentifiable and then was drugged and sedated.
Someone touched and poked me a lot and got obscene pleasure in hearing me in
pain and then gave me more drugs. Do you know what it feels like to have
cotten in your head? You can't think around that. You try but it just doesn't
happen..."

"Buffy.."

"So then after the mean man in white touched me and redressed the wound which
was nice and bloody..I might add...they sedated me again. Next thing I
know...I'm waking up needing to pee and Nurse Psycho wants to watch. I think
she threatened to sedate me at first..

"Well..they seem very nice to me," Giles put in with a grin.

"Wow..color me shocked," Buffy dead-panned. "I bet you're the one behind all
the sedatives." Shaking her head, she tried to adjust her position and ended
up wincing as a shot of pain raced through her like fire. "Okay...ow...ow."
She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes until the intense agony turned back
into a dull throbbing. "Ow. Okay Giles..I'm bored. That means you get to
entertain me. Let's start with...what's going on at school for two hundred."

"What?"

"Jeopardy, Giles...get with it. Now answer the question."

"School?" Giles repeated, not really wanting to burden her with the
investigation into Xander's mysterious condition. He'd spoken with Joyce
Summers before entering the room and she'd told him that although Buffy was
making good progress, she was still being rather difficult about the whole
thing. Not suprising considering that she was and the Slayer and she harbored
a rather large dislike of hospitals. Just the same, she was far from in good
shape. Her being up and talking was almost a mirage; he knew that she was
still weak and in a tremendous amount of pain.

"Right. Is Xander okay? He was up with me all last night talking about what he
thinks are dreams. Sooner or later, he's gonna know the truth. We need to be
able to offer him an expla...Giles? What is it? You're staring at me.."

"You're remarkable, you know that? You only care about helping him.."

"He's my friend. He's Xander. I gotta believe that there is a good reason why
he tried to kill me. And for what he did to Cordelia...if you could have seen
it, Giles...you would understand. God..it wasn't him."

"It might be harder to convince Cordelia of that," Giles murmured. "Willow
tells me that she's not coping well."

"I imagine not. If I weren't the Slayer..I might not be either."

"If you weren't the Slayer..you'd be dead of blood loss," Giles reminded her.

"Thank you Doctor G," Buffy quipped. She rolled her eyes, "He stabbed me
because I am the Slayer."

"Um, yes, quite right," he conceded. Then he sighed, "Well..as fun as this has
been.."

"It's time for you to leave me to the dull fate that is mine and return to the
dusty stacks of Dodge," Buffy groaned.

Giles rolled his eyes, "How melodramatic. Why don't you try sleeping? Allowing
the wound to heal. You're not helping it by moving so much."

"Whatever. Hey Giles?"

"Yes?"

"Bring me something to read." They locked eyes. "Stop staring at me like
that..I know how to read."

"Um, yes, right..I know that..it's just that well..frankly you've never
expressed interest in extracirricular vocational literary comsumption."

"Uh..yeah..whatever the hell you just said. But hey..my interests can change."
Buffy insisted.

"Right. Alright. Requests?"

She crinkled her nose as if to think. "Hmm..yeah. Something you would read.
You know...something covered in dust and cobwebs..with you know...all yellow
icked pages."

"It's lovely to see how much you respect my resource collection," Giles
muttered dryly.

"Oh lighten up. How about something about say...hm.." she appeared to be deep
in thought again and then she drummed a finger against her temple. "Demons
that possess human bodies."

Giles' eyebrow shot up and with heavy suspicion in his voice, he queried, "Any
particular reason?" He had a pretty good idea what she was up to but just the
same, he decided to question her. He knew to trust her hunches but still...

"Nah," she shrugged, flinching at the movement. Recovering as quickly as she
could, she chirped, "Just bored." She wasn't quite ready to let him in on her
thoughts.

"Alright..well...Willow and Oz plan to stop by after school ends this
afternoon. Something about homework and that computer box thing."

She wrinkled her nose in amusement,"Gameboy, Giles. C'mon...say it one time
with me; computers are not the enemy."

"Cute. In any case..I'll uh, have them bring the book..on demons who possess
individuals..to you this evening."

"Nice, Giles. Good try though. Points for effort. Look, if I find anything
out...from my totally disinterested and completely bored reading...I'll let
you know."

"Fair enough," Giles said with a nod. "On one condition."

"What's that?" She asked dryly. "That I let the evil nurse sedate and drug me
without trying to break her nose again?"

"Wow," he grinned, "You do learn."

                        ***
He waited almost an hour after school for her to show but she never did. And
in the meanwhile, he managed to annoy Jenny Calendar to no end. Finally she
sighed and went into Giles' office to play on Willow's lap-top. She was
looking up something or other.

With a dramatic sigh, he moved over to the desk and picked up the phone. He
dialed quickly and waited as the phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times.
"Hello?"

"Oh, hi Mr. Chase. This is Xander..is Cordelia around?"

Therer was a slight pause and then Jack Chase replied, "Actually Xander, she's
not feeling very well. She came home from school early."

"Thanks. Tell her I'll stop by later tonight, okay? Cool. Bye." He hung up the
phone and then slouched against the desk. What a day. Looking up, he saw
Willow and Oz emerge from the office. "Hey guys," he chirped.

"Sorry Xander..we gotta fly..Buffy is expecting us," Willow replied, squeezing
his arm. And with that said, they disappeared. Xander made a face. Alone
again.

Having nothing better to do, he decided that he would take a walk. He felt a
little guilt at not going with Willow and Oz to the hospital but he knew Buffy
would understand. It'd been hard enough to stay with her the night before and
watch her in some much pain. He needed some time to think. To try to make
things make sense.

And so he started walking. He'd never had a remarkable sense of direction but
ever since he'd become a Slayerette he'd discovered that these thought walks
often took on a life of their own. This being the case, he found that he
wasn't even slightly suprised to find Cordelia's house in front of him when he
stopped walking.Gazing up at the second story window where he knew her room
was, he saw movement.

Sighing, he trotted across the lawn to the front door. He rang the bell and
waited impatiently. It wasn't all that long before Jack Chance opened the
door. He smiled widely at the boy. "Hello, Xander."

"Um, hi Mr. Chase..I know I just called....but I really want to see her."

Jack smiled sympathetically,"She's feeling much better actually. She uh..just
left with her mother to go shopping. I'll tell her you dropped by..I'm sure
she'll give you a call tonight."

Xander nodded slowly. "Right..." he didn't bother to tell the man that he was
pretty sure he'd just seen Cordy up in her bedroom. He plastered on a smile
and then said. "Thanks." Jack Chance nodded and shut the door. Xander waited a
few moments and then trotted back over to the side of the house.

Fortunately, there was a large oak tree by her window. Wasting no time, he
began to climb it, grunting as he asscended. Once he reached the roof, he
slipped onto his stomache and crawled the rest of the way to her window.
Reaching out, he tapped soundly on the window.

Cordelia heard the sound before her eye registered his presense and without
intending to, she jumped up startled. "Xander?" She moved over to the window
and opened it so that he could crawl in.

He brushed himself off and then laughed, "Now I know what Angel feels like
everytime he sneaks into Buffy's room. Well not everytime..."

"Xander..what are you doing? Why are you here?" Cordelia queried, quickly
moving away from him and over towards the other side of the room.

"Well...see there's some weirdness going around. First you take off from
school after acting really weird. Then I call and your dad says you're
sick..makes sense. But then I come by and he says you just left. What's going
on?"

Cordelia shook her head, "Look...can we..can we just talk about this tommorow?
I really am not feeling well.."

"Then let me help. I can play nurse-boy. I did it last night with Buffy,"
Xander quipped. He reached out for her arm and pulled her to him. He placed a
finger under her chin and lifted it so he could see her eyes.

But what he saw there was fear.

"Oh God...Cordelia..what's wrong?" Xander demanded.

She pulled away from his gasp and turned away, "Nothing."

"Cordy.."

"Just stop it, okay? Just leave me the hell alone!"

"Dammit! Talk to me!" Xander yelled, his own anger flashing hot in his eyes.
"What did I do?"

She flinched away from the anger in his tone and retreated to her desk. She
placed her palms flat on the wood and stared down at the necklace he'd given
her a few days earlier. She'd tried to wear it even after the attack but it
too hurt. As she gazed down at the chain and ring, her eyes darkened. By the
time he placed a hand on her shoulder, everything had changed.

"You really want to know what you did, Xander?" Cordelia replied, spinning
around. She was wearing a crazed grin on her face as she moved towards him,
finger jutting out at him accusingly. "You wanna know what's wrong?" She
pushed him down into a chair and then leaned over and whispered, "You want to
know why all of the sudden all of your friends are so fucking scared of you
that they constantly look like they've just seen a ghost? How about why you
see fear everywhere you look? And why I can't even stand to be next to you?"

"What did I do?" Xander asked, eyes watering.

"You tried to kill us all," Cordelia said simply, eyes like slits. "Oh that's
right dear Xander. You pulled a knife on us. You tried to gut Buffy like a
fish. You put our lives in danger. For ten long hours, you held Willow and I
captive while you allowed Buffy to lie there bleeding to death. You beat us
all up..even her..even after you'd already stabbed her."

"No..stop..."

"Oh..oh but Xander..it gets so much better!" Cordelia hissed into his ear.
"You demanded to know my sex life and then you insisted on further humiliating
me trying to play a role-playing game and recreating my first time. You wanted
to be Coach Nordhoff."

"No...you're lying.."

""And now you're saying that you don't remember any of it? Not the thrill you
felt when you ripped Buffy's flesh apart. Not the power that surged through
you when you made me decide between Oz and myself. But you do remember..don't
you? You liked almost killing her and you liked hurting me and Willow. It made
you strong..powerful.."

"No!" Xander yelled, shoving her away from her. "You're fucking psychotic."

"No honey...that would be you," Cordelia laughed. Then she turned back to the
desk. "I think it's safe to say that we're officially over."

"Why are you doing this?" Xander pleaded.

She laughed, "Because I want you to hurt the way I hurt." And then she picked
something up from the desk and hurled it at him. It knicked him on the chin
and caused a drop of blood to form. Reaching out with his hand, he caught the
object before it hit the ground. Lifting it up, he recognized it as the
necklace he'd given her. He glanced up at her desperately, hoping for some
explanation but when all he saw was psychotic fury, he turned and ran from the
room, brushing past Jack as he went.

The older man watched the departing boy in shock,"Cordelia..what is..what is
going on? How did Xander..?"

Cordelia all but skipped into the hallway,"It's okay, daddy..we just had a
little fight. I'm gonna go talk to him. It'll all be alright by tommorow
morning. I promise." And then she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

                        ***

"So, what's the word, Giles?" Willow called out as she and Oz entered the
library carrying two brown bags full of fast food from Woody's Eat-Out. She
quickly handed out two oversized hamburgers to both Giles and Jenny.

"Word?" Giles asked as he took a large cup of ice tea from her.

"On what Buffy is up to..why did she want a book on demons," Willow queried.
"She wouldn't even tell me. That's not usual. I'm not liking unusual."

"I suspect that Buffy is working off of a supernatural tilt on what occured
with Xander." Giles replied.

"And we're still looking at psychological," Jenny informed her.

"Okay then.." an unsteady voice said from the doorway, "Since it's safe to say
that you're investigating me for some reason...anyone care to tell me what the
hell I did?"

"Xander?"Willow cried, looking up. She and Oz exchanged worried looks.

"Yeah,Will...it's me..or is it? So what I want to know is what the hell I've
done? Did I do what she said I did? Did I try to kill Buffy?"

                        ***

She dressed quickly, ignoring the nearly blinding bolts of pain that ripped
through her like flashes of red hot fire. Every movement caused another. As
she pulled on her tee-shirt and allowed the hospital gown to fall to the
floor, her eyes caught on the heart monitor sitting by her bed. She was
supposed to remain hooked up to it for at least another two days but some
young nurse had turned it off. Talk about luck, That pretty much took care of
forced interruptions by the hospital. Now all she had to do was sneak past the
main desk and slide into the elevator.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Angel growled from the doorway. He
stared at her with dark eyes full of a cocktail of emotions. Fear. Anger.
Concern. Love. Frustration. He gestured at her with his left hand which held a
small brown and white stuffed rabbit. "I know you're not doing what it looks
like you're doing."

Well, it'd been a good idea in theory. Afterall, Willow and Oz had left at
least two hours ago to return to the library and her mom had taken her dad to
the museum so that she could show him around. But Angel...well...oops.

"Angel," Buffy said with a sweet smile, "Hi, honey.. how was your day?"

"How much am I going to have to fight with you to get you back in bed, Buffy?"
Angel asked warily. He moved a couple steps towards her.

Buffy lifted an amused eyebrow,"Not much, lover."

Sighing dramaticaly, he decided to let that comment go over his head. "Buffy,"
Angel scolded, "You heard what the doctor said..your injuries are extremely
fragile. Any exertion could rupture the wound. Buffy...you could bleed..."

"Not now,Angel. I've got to get to the library. My spider sense just kicked
into overdrive. Something very bad is about to happen and I need to be there
now."

"I'm guessing you know what?" Angel asked.

"Yeah," she replied, letting out a moan of agony as she leaned over to lace up
her boots. "And if it happens...me dying will be the least of our worries."
She looked up at him. "C'mon...I'll explain everything on the way there."

"The way?" he asked, leaning over and wrapping an arm around her. She was
shaking so badly that she could barely stand. She needed his support.

"Right. I tried calling but the phone line is dead. We gotta go...now!" Buffy
replied, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and allowing him to
support her almost completely. Leaning up slightly, she pressed her lips to
his. "Angel, my love..you just became my partner in crime. We're breaking
outta here."

TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End of the Innocence 6/7
Date: 17 Mar 1998 04:18:13 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 6/7
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.
***

"Did I hurt you, Will?" Xander demanded. "Did I stab Buffy? Am I responsible
for her almost dying?"

"Xander.."

Dammit..tell me the truth!" Xander cried, tears filling his eyes. "Please..I
have to know...did I do those things? Am I one of the monsters we've been
hunting?"

"God, no...you mustn't believe that, Xander." Giles murmured, stepping around
the desk.

"How can I not?" Xander replied bitterly. Then he looked back at Willow. "Did
I do those things?"

Looking down at her hands, she nodded slowly. "Yes."

"Oh God..." Xander stammered, stumbling backwards and falling against the
wall. He crumbled to his knees and dropped his head.

"Who told you?" Oz asked, stepping over to him and bending down.

"I did." Another voice from the doorway said. The others looked up and into
the eyes of a very infuriated looking Cordelia Chase. And yet somehow, she was
still smiling. She moved over to Xander and pushed Oz out of the way. "See my
little boy-toy...I was right." And then she pulled back and hit him as hard as
she could across the face. He cried out and sunk even further against the
wall.

"Cordelia!" Giles yelled, walking towards her and placing himself in front of
Xander. "Stop this. I know you're hurting but this solves nothing."

"You know nothing, librarian." Cordelia spat. "Now get the hell out of my
way."

"Cordelia, what is wrong with you?" Willow demanded, walking towards her. She
bent down next to Oz and then looked up at the taller girl. "This isn't like
you at all."

"That's because it's not her," a third new voice said from the doorway. The
tone was dry and daring. "I'm right, aren't I...Asher?"

"Buffy?" Giles exclaimed, turning to stare at his Slayer. She was leaning
heavily against the strong frame of her vampiric boyfriend.

"Slayer." Cordelia growled, her voice taking on a sinister pitch."I knew I
should have killed you when I had the chance."

"Your bad," Buffy quipped, her watery blue eyes locked into the intensity of
her battle gaze.

"Cordelia? Buffy? What the hell is going on?" Willow asked desperately, her
own eyes full of fear and uncertainty.

Giles looked from his wounded Slayer back to Cordelia. "Asher? My God...is it
possible?"

"Yeah, Giles...just trust me on this one," Buffy replied. She closed her eyes
in pain and then looked back up at the demon in Cordelia's body. Very slowly,
Giles nodded. He knew better than to argue the word of the Slayer when she had
that particular look on her face.

"So tell me, Slayer..how did a vapid blonde bitch figure it all out? A Read Me
the Clues book?"

Buffy smiled sardonically at Asher,"Oh you're good...did years of stealing
bodies teach you colorful language like that?"

"No," he whispered, "Just a few hours in your friends' bodies taught me how
much they despise you."

"I'm not buying, Asher. You can't hurt me like that." Buffy replied.

"Yeah, whatever, Slayer..so tell me..how did you figure it out?"

"You really want to know? You actually thinking you're gonna be able to use
the knowledge to improve upon your performance next time? Nah..don't think
so..tonight is the end." Then she grinned coldly at him. "But I am willing to
humor your last request. You were a moron, Asher...while you were in Xander's
body...trying to convince us all that you were him...you kept identifying him
in the third person. And then you spoke of being alive for a very long time."
Then she narrowed her eyes, "But aside from all that...I know him...I know
what he's capable of..and I know attempted murder and torture ain't it. You
fucked up, asshole."

He laughed and then replied,"In the words of you moronic twits 'oops..my bad'.
Alright, Slayer..you wanna end it? Right here, right now? Okay with me...let's
get it on."

"Fine by me," Buffy shot back, eyes cold as ice. She dropped her arms away
from Angel and moved towards Asher. Angel tried to grab her but she gave him a
violent shove and pushed him away.

"Buffy, no!" Giles cried. What the hell did she think she was doing? As badly
injured as she was, she didn't stand a chance against a demon in full control
of an athletic and healthy body. She had to know that. And she probably did.
And didn't care. Bitterly, Giles realized that maybe his countless hours of
lecturing her on persistance of duty had finally paid off.

Buffy ignored his warning and charged, spinning into a high kick that made her
grit her teeth in pain as she spun in the air. Asher blocked high and then
lashed out with a kick of his own, finding Cordelia's perfectly toned body to
be an ideal fit.

Buffy slammed to the hard floor with a loud thud and a cry of agony. She tried
to rise but the pain overwhelmed her and she crumbled. Angel cast a worried
but irked look at her and then his facial features changed and he rushed
Asher. He broke out with three straight brutal combinations and then finished
with a 360 kick to the solar plexus. As Asher fell to the ground gasping,
Angel leaned over him and growled, "You forgot one thing, Asher..even as
limber as Cordelia is..even she has her limitations and now...you've reached
yours."

Xander watched the action with wide eyes, still not understanding what was
happening. He looked over at Buffy and his heart stopped."Oh God.." Shaking
his head, he rushed to her and joined Giles and Willow as they tried to keep
her consious. "Is she okay?"

"Yes," Giles replied tersely. "No thanks to her." He placed an arm under the
Slayer's body and helped her into the sitting position.

She shot him a weary look and then muttered,"You needed my help."

Before he could reply, he saw movement out of the corner of his eyes. He
turned his head so that he could watch the struggle between Angel and Asher.
The vampire looked to be winning. As Giles looked on, he witnessed Angel slam
the demon in Cordelia's body to the ground and then grab him by the hair and
pull him upwards. And then Asher spoke. In Cordelia's voice.

"Xander..please..God..help me...what are you doing?"

Xander looked up from Buffy to the site of his girlfriends' watery and fearful
eyes. She stared back at him with such pain that he felt his heart crumble. He
tried to move towards her but Buffy grabbed his arm tightly and held on. "No!"
Xander cried, trying to brush her away. "What are you doing? She needs me!"

"That's not Cordy," Buffy hissed, the pain coloring her tone. "It's
Asher..he's trying to manipulate us."

He looked at Buffy and saw the way she shook with each flash of pain and then
he looked back over at Cordelia who was still looking at him desperately.
"Xander..please..it's me...he's hurting me."

"Enough," Angel growled, slamming Asher hard against the floor. The demon
grunted and then allowed the body to grow weak and slip into unconsiousness.

Xander felt Buffy's less than strong grip on his arm fall away. He looked down
at her and then got up and crawled over to Cordelia. He knelt beside her and
pulled her into his lap. "Would someone like to tell me once and for all what
the hell is going on?"

Angel picked Buffy up into his arms and carried her to a chair. He set her
down in it and knelt down on his knees to check her wound. Then he looked up
at Giles, "This is pretty much your territory."

"Explanations..right." Giles murmured. He crossed over to his desk and pulled
out a thick book from underneath. He set it on the table and then leafed
through it. Finally he picked up the book and faced it towards the others.

"What is that?" Willow asked, turning her head. The others followed suit and
they all gazed at a dark blue blurr on the page.

"That would be Asher. Biblically, he was Lucifer's right hand man when the
dark angels fell. He was cast out of his body and became a 'body snatcher' of
sorts. He survives by using the anger and hatred of mankind to transfer
between bodies."

"So, it wasn't Xander.." Oz said.

"No..it was definately Asher. He's a rather ancient demon and he's quite adept
at manipulation. He uses a body's memories to further harm the individual's
close comrades. He is a proven murderer."

"You don't have to tell us that..he cut Buffy down like she was nothing," Oz
murmured. He looked over at Xander hoping to see relief coloring the younger
boys' face. What he saw however was still doubt and confusion.

"I remember," Buffy said quickly. She winced as she tried to move slightly
away from Angel's painfully probing fingers. Finally with a grunt of
annoyance, she pushed him away from her. "I'm fine."

"You were stupid," Giles shot at her, anger seeping into his voice. He turned
and stared at her, shaking his head in irritation. "You could have gotten
yourself killed pulling that idiotic stunt."

"Giles..I'm the Slayer," Buffy reminded him just as forcefully.

"You were almost a dead Slayer, Buffy. Dammit, you must learn to recognize
your limitations." Giles retorted, taking off his glasses and kneading a hand
through his hair.

"Giles...I really, really think you're over-reacting," Buffy growled.

"Okay, both of you..knock it off," Angel shouted, placing a hand on Buffy's
arm. "Look...I've known of Asher for awhile. This is the first time I've
actually faced him but I will say this..he feeds off of anger. It's how he
transfers from one body to the next."

"Meaning he has his limitations," Jenny put in, placing a hand on Giles' back
and rubbing it.

"Right," Angel nodded. "Even he must adhere to certain rules. Every demon has
it's individual set but Asher is a rather infamous case." He looked down at
Buffy to make sure that she had calmed down enough to listen. "He can only
stay in a host body for 72 hours before he is expelled. He must exist within a
human body. And the only way he can jump is if the receiver..that is the
prospective new host must be enraged."

"Just angry?" Willow asked. "I mean..that seems like it would be easy for
Asher to make someone angry...it seems almost like a gimme."

"No...not just angry...infuriated. Pure rage...nothing else...just focused
hated and blind fury. It's the simplest of emotions and yet the hardest to get
a person to. That's why Asher pushes and prods until he finds the way to hurt
the most."

"Wow...sinister," Buffy murmured."But how did he jump into Cordelia? She was
unconsious by the time he jumped?"

"Well..that's the other thing..in order for Asher to jump..the new host must
be unconsious. Human emotion changes so quickly..even unadulterated rage can
be tempered in consiousness. So, to even up the score...in some backwards
way..Asher can only jump if the host is out cold because then the subconsious
takes over and maintains the rage."

"Okay..so we have the jump figured out. How do we fight him? Can't we just
lock Cordelia in a room until the seventy-two hours is up? Won't that just
kill him?" Buffy asked, pulling Angels' hand to her chest and holding it
against her while at the same time keeping him from further inspecting her
wound.

"No...he'll destroy Cordelia. If we put him in a position where he knows that
he is going to die...he will kill her." Angel replied.

"He can't hurt her if he remains unconsious," Willow suggested.

"Were it that easy. Asher works on an extreme subconsious level. He can enter
her mind and destroy her forever. Even if her body survives, she'd be
cataonic. No..we need to find a different way and one that will destroy him
once and for all." Giles said softly.

Angel narrowed his eyes,"I have an idea."

                        ***

"Why can't I stay with her?" Xander asked again as he paced back and forth. He
stopped in front of Buffy and shook his head. "None of this makes any sense."

"It's gotta be this way, Xand. It's the only way. Angel is already dead so
that voids the rule about him having to be unconsious and in theory, his demon
should be able to battle with Asher."

"In theory and what if Asher kills Angels' demon..what then?" Xander
exclaimed. "I mean..we're all assuming that just because Angel's big bad nasty
boy whooped Eyghon that he can clean Asher's clock too...but what if he
doesn't?"

Buffy shook her head,"Well...I don't know what then." She touched his
shoulder. "It'll work, Xand. Believe that."

"It's done," Jenny said, walking into the library with Willow and Giles.

"It is? Asher jumped?" Xander queried, hopeful.

Giles shook his head,"No...Jenny sealed the room."

"Asher won't be leaving there..one way or another. I placed a barrier..an old
curse over the doorway to the basement. He can't go past it. He and Angel are
trapped down there." Jenny told him.

"With Cordelia," Xander whispered. Then he looked up at them, "Now what?"

"We wait," Buffy murmured. She tried to adjust in the chair and winced in
pain.

Giles saw her reaction and frowned. He immediately scolded himself for
allowing her to remain as long as he had. "We need to get you back to the
hospital. They're probably frantic by now."

"Oh right," she replied. "I kinda left without checking out..mom's not gonna
be happy with her little Slayer."

"I imagine not." Giles replied.

Buffy sighed and started to stand but quickly discovered that she lacked the
strength. She fell back down in the chair and looked over to Xander. Her eyes
misted as she watched her friend stare at the ground. Even though he knew he
wasn't responsible for what he'd done...it was obvious that he was still
carrying guilt. "Hey Xand..will you take me back?"

He looked up in surprise and caught the soft compassionate look in her eyes.
Nodding slowly, he replied, "Sure..not like I'm any good around here. Not like
that's different than usual."

He stood up and grabbed his jacket. Pulling it on quickly, he moved around to
Buffy. He slipped an arm under her and pulled her up. She grunted in pain and
closed her eyes tightly until it subsided. He whispered an apology but she
waved him off and huddled closer to him to show her support.

Giles strode over to them, "Buffy..I uh..wanted to apologize for losing my
temper with you. I was concerned."

"No worries, Giles. I'm sorry too." Buffy replied.

"Good..um..well..promise me that you'll stay there the rest of the night. No
more rescue missions?"

"Sure..no more Slayer Commando for me." Buffy said with a grin.

"Excellent." He reached into his pocket. "Xander, why don't you take my car?"

Jenny grabbed his arm before he could give Xander the keys. Smiling like a
fool she said,"Let's get her to the hospital before the millenium, Rupert.
Xander..you can take my car."

                        ***

They drove in silence, each focused on their own thoughts. He glanced over at
her a couple times, the pain lines creasing her face causing his guilt to
mount. He saw her clutch the seat as a fresh wave of agony overtook her. She
ground her teeth together and choked back a whimper.

He shook his head and looked away from her. He couldn't do it. He couldn't
look at the pain he'd caused. It was impossible and simply too much to ask.

"Xander..stop the car," Buffy whispered, hand across her stomache.

"Why?" he stammered. "I mean..you're hurt. We should get you back to the
hospital so maybe they can give you painkillers or something..."

"Plenty of time for that," Buffy replied with a sardonic grin. Then she
sighed. "This isn't about me..it's about you. And we need to talk so stop the
damn car."

Knowing better to argue with a Slayer in pain, he simply nodded and pulled the
car over. It was well after ten at night so the streets of Sunnydale were
deserted. Turning to her, he murmured, "Okay..now what?"

"Get out. I want to show you something." Buffy said, moving her hand down her
stomache so that it was directly over her wound.

"Sure..oh hey! Stay there..I'll come around and open the door for you," Xander
insisted as he got out of the driver's seat. He ran around to the passenger
side and helped Buffy out, wrapping an arm around her slim waist.

"Over here," she instructed, leading him over to the hood of the car. She
pushed herself up onto it and then patted the spot next to her. "You're
hurting."

"I'm fine," Xander replied, taking the seat. "Just confused. And angry. God
Buff...what did I do to you?"

"Xander, haven't you been listening? It wasn't you.."

"It was me! It was! It was my body..my hands...my thoughts...God...my words."
Xander whispered, unable to look at her.

She touched his face and turned him to look at her. "You can't believe that."

"I can't not. I mean...look at what I've done. I stabbed you. My hands had
your blood dripping all over them. And I laughed at it. you can't tell me that
that doesn't wig you.."

"Oh it does," Buffy confirmed.

"See.."

"But not the way you're thinking, Xand. Look at me," she smiled up at him.
"I'm scared because someone used you to hurt us. Someone..this Asher asshole
hurt us by hurting you. That's what wigs me."

"I nearly killed you. You're in pain because of something I did. Responsible
or otherwise..I did it to you."

"Dammit, no!" Buffy errupted. Then she winced. He looked at her with fear and
concern in his eyes. As he shakily reached out to touch her, she caught his
hand in hers "Just shut up and listen to me. For once..just listen."

"Okay," he mumbled, allowing her to guide his hand to her stomache.

She slipped his hand under the front of her tee-shirt and brought it to the
bandaged area on her stomache. "Your hands did this." Then she pressed her
sprained hand against his chest. "But you didn't. Xander could never hurt me.
You could never hurt me. I trust you with my life. I always will."

"Buffy.."

"Asher tried to kill me. He tried to kill us all. But he didn't suceed." She
took his hand out from under her shirt and then leaned forward and curled
against his chest. "I'm alive. We're all alive and we're going to get Cordelia
back."

He couldn't respond to that. He just laid back against the hood of the car and
held her against him, watching the rise and fall of her chest. It was when he
adjusted his grip to make her more comfortable that he felt something that
alarmed him. Eyes widening in surprise, he reached across and touched her
stomache again. He felt her wince at the touch but when he brought his hand
away, all he saw was red. "Oh my..Buffy..you're bleeding," Xander breathed in
disbelief as he stared at his fingers.

She looked down at her obscenely white shirt and saw a small but growing spot
of red on it. "Wow. You're right. Maybe Giles is right...I guess getting out
of bed tonight was a bad..a bad..a bad something." She tried to jump off of
the hood but ended up nearly falling over instead.

"Yeah..I'm thinking so," Xander replied, grabbing her before she pitched over.
"Okay..end of the heart to heart. You my little Slayer..are going back to
bed...ASAP."

"Okay," she murmured, suddenly drowsy. "No arguments here." Then she reached
out and grabbed his arm, using every bit of strength she could muster. "But
you gotta promise me something."

"What's that?" Xander asked, nearly carrying her to the car. He opened the
door and very gently put her in. He strapped her in and then ran around to the
other side and got in. He started the engine and then looked over at her so
that she could continue.

"You won't blame yourself for this. Not anymore. Enough damage has been done.
You wanna hold someone responsible...then fine...blame Asher. Don't let him
kick your ass with guilt. Kick his." She said, falling back against the seat.

Xander nodded slowly," You stay horizontal and you get well enough to kick
some vamp ass again and Buffy my little buddy..you got yourself a deal."

                        ***

Angel watched her sleep. A vessel. The beautiful young form of a girl who had
no idea that her body was being used as one of the playing pieces in one of
the greatest battles of all. How could she know? Better off that she was
unaware.

"Does it amuse you to watch me, Angelus?"

Angel blinked and stared back at Cordelia. Only he knew instantly that it
wasn't her. Asher watched him out of her eyes and with hatred reflected in his
own soul.

"We're gonna end this now,"Angel told him solemnly.

Asher laughed,"Alright then. Let's get to it. I hate to be late to funerals.
You always miss all the good stuff."

                        ***

"How did it go?" Giles asked, looking up from a a newspaper. He watched as
Xander trudged wearily across the library and fell into one of the chairs at
the table. Willow put her hand over his and gave him a smile.

"Alright, I guess. She started bleeding again but I think she'll be okay. The
docs wheeled her away pretty quick. I told them that I found her wandering
around delirious but I think she's gonna be in some trouble anyways."

"Great," Giles muttered. "That child..."

Xander sighed and then looked back over at Willow and Oz. As he and Will
locked eyes, he thought he saw something lurking in the shadows. Fear. Oh God.
Xander quickly broke away from her and stood up. He asscended the steps to the
stacks and disappeared into them.

Giles made to go after him but Willow shook her head. "I'll do it." She smiled
at Oz and then went after Xander. "Hey," she called out, finding him in the
demons without heads section.

"Will...I'm sorry." Xander said, looking down. "I promised Buffy I wouldn't
but I can't not..."

"Yes, you can. Look at me." Willow said, flashing him the smile he'd grown up
with. The one that showed only love and absoloute trust. "You have nothing to
be sorry for. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Then why are you still scared of me?"

"I'm not, Xander. I'm not." She took his hand and squeezed it. "Come on."
Still holding his hand, she led him out of the stacks and back down to the
others. He flashed them an apologetic smile.

"Alright, people," Jenny murmured. "I guess we'd all better relax. It's gonna
be a very long night."

 TBC...

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence 7/7
Date: 17 Mar 1998 04:24:18 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Pt 7/7
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***


AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.
***

"Let's start easy, Angelus." Asher said softly, still using Cordelia's voice.
"Let's start with your past and how many people you've killed."

"You'll have to do better than that," Angel replied.

"Oh but why? Don't tell me you've actually made peace with yourself over the
fact that you've butchered and murdered hundreds. That's pretty sick,
Angelus." Asher taunted.

"I've made the peace I need to." Angel retorted.

"Alright..alright..if you think you can forgive away all that brutality..then
why don't we talk about more recent events...like the second time you went
bad. Like the first time you really had Buffy by the throat and you really
wanted to rip it out." Asher laughed. "Yeah, yeah..let's talk about the little
bitch. Sounds like a good time to me."

                        ***

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my
nose and eyelashes.."

"Willow.." both Giles and Xander grumbled.

She looked up, eyes wide with innocent. "What?" Behind her, Oz laughed at the
dirty looks the two other males were throwing the small hacker. Just as he was
about to speak up to tell her that it was fine by him if she sang, the phone
rang. Willow jumped up from her seat, eager to do something, and charged it.

Xander glanced at his watch and grinned,"Three in the morning...wonder who
that could be."

"Someone who should bloody well be sleeping," Giles muttered.

Willow threw him a look and then picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Heya, Will." The Slayer replied, sounding very tired but also very unable to
sleep.

"Hi, Buffy. How are you doing? And what are you doing? And why are you up so
late..or is it early?"

"Either, or." Buffy replied with a laugh. "As for the other questions..I'm
fine and not really in a lot of pain at the moment. Good damn drugs." Willow
couldn't help but laugh.

"And the doctors?"

"Not very happy with me. I don't think anyone is completely buying Xander's
sleepwalking delirium story. I think I'm gonna be in trouble with my mom for
this one and now I got an armed nurse at the door."

"Armed?"

"Ya..with tranks. Which reminds me..they just gave me enough to knock out King
Kong so if I suddenly go all funky crazy...something or other...like
that..just stay..stay with me."

"Gotcha, Buffy." Willow grinned. Now that at least one of her friends was
safe, she could allow herself a little bit of humor.

"So...how are things here..I mean there?" Buffy asked, beginning to sound
disoriented.

"Slow and full of tension." Willow replied.

"And how's our Xander shaped...person.."

Willow turned around and smiled at Xander who had conveniently knelt behind
the desk to find a deck of cards. Lowering her voice substantially, she
whispered," I don't think he's well at all. He's hurting pretty bad,
Buffy..and I don't know what to do."

"Reassure keep him." There was a pause and then said, "That is...keep
reassuring him. It'll take awhile to get rid of the guilt but he will get
through this. We all will. We always...do..yeah..those are the right words."
She sighed and muttered something unintelligible and then said,"So..is
Giles..optimism..optimistic?"

"Yeah..he believes it'll work. We're gonna wait until thirty minutes before
sun-up to check the score. Angel knows the time-table...they both do."

"Yeah," Buffy replied. There was a long pause and then she again muttered
something incoherent.

"Buffy," Willow laughed. "It's time for you to allow the happy pills to work.
Get some sleep."

"Uh huh. Okay." Buffy murmured drowsily. "You know what, Will..I think it's
time I let the drugs work. I'm gonna get some sleep."

"Great idea...wish I'd thought of it. Night."

"Night, Will. I'm surprised you didn't think of that," Buffy drawled as she
put the phone down.

Once the line went dead, Willow turned to stare at the others. "She really
needs mental help, Giles."

                        ***

"So what do you want to talk about, Angelus? I'll give you your pick. We'll
keep it sportmanslike. We'll play the game like old friends."

"We're not friends," Angel growled.

"You want me to pick the topic?" Asher asked, lifting an eyebrow. He shrugged.
"Okay..well..hm..I'm kinda stuck between sex and death. You know what
though..we got plenty of time for both so let's start with..death. Yeah..it's
one of my favorite categories."

"You better study up..you're about to get first hand experience," Angel
retorted.

"Ooh..harsh. No fair..not a question. My turn." Asher laughed. "Okay, tell
me...how does it feel to take a life? Is is a thrill...to feel your victims
blood against your flesh. To watch them shudder.."

"I won't play your games," Angel replied.

"How did it feel to almost kill Cordelia? I mean..of course I'm glad you
didn't..that'll be my fun but how was it?" Asher smiled up at him.

Angel's eyes narrowed."I don't remember."

"Of course you do. I do. She does. They all do, Angelus. Remember..you'd
almost choked your beloved Buffy..and we'll talk about that later..but someone
stabbed you with Cordelia's hair clip so you took her out and you bit her. You
tried to take her life. And you almost suceeded until that Slayer bitch
stabbed you. Again..back to that later. I want to know what it feels like to
take the life of a person who can't defend themself?"

"You should know," Angel whispered, agony in his tone. The events of months
earlier were still fresh in his mind.

"This isn't about me, Angel. I love killing. I love their screams..as if they
think that I can be swayed to feel pity or compassion. I mean...come on."
Asher sighed. "And once..once you were like me..now all you are is a weak
little puppy dog. What did Xander call you? Oh yeah...whooped little dead boy.
Do you have any idea how much that boy hates you?"

"I'm not like you...and you're gonna hafta do better than that."

Asher squinted his eyes,"Here's the game, vamp boy..I have the control
here..you gotta make me switch bodies and I know I have to but you're not
playing fair. So understand this, I have control of Cordelia's mind...if you
don't start playing along...I will destroy it. Believe me...I won't hesitate
to take her apart piece by piece. And I'll make it hell for her. I'll make her
run for the darkest depths of her mind to get away from the torments I'll
bring to her. So here we are...will you play?"

"Yes," Angel hissed, unwilling to risk hurting Cordelia. Pride was important
but none of this was worth it if he allowed Cordelia's mind to be destroyed.

Asher grinned,"Excellent. I knew you were still a sport, lad. You know, you
have quite a reputation. Or at least you used to. You were one mean
fucker..someone I'd gladly call brother. Now you're just a coward screwing a
little girl."

Angel growled," If you want to play your twisted little game of 20 questions,
then do it but leave..."

"You're not about to say 'leave the Slayer out of it' now are you?" Asher
asked. He made a face and then shook his head in mock disappointment. "No can
do..I mean...what's the fun in that?"

"Let's just get this over," Angel replied, pacing the small basement. He
looked over at Asher.

"Okay. Okay. Back to the other question then. When you had Cordelia in your
arms, with your teeth in her throat..what were you thinking?"

"That I wanted to kill her," Angel replied in a low voice.

"Why?"

"I had my reasons."

"And I have my ways to make every moment of the destruction of her mind pure
hell. Now answer that damn question." Asher growled.

"I wanted to see Buffy cry. I wanted to destroy her. And I knew that if Buffy
allowed me to kill Cordelia...Xander could never forgive her. Never."

"Very true. It's still there," Asher murmured. Then he looked up. "The stupid
boy feels shame over the anger he felt towards Buffy for putting Cordelia in
danger. Of course then he became a coward and let that beautiful anger go.
Moron. What I helped him to do was the best thing he's ever done."

"I wanted to tear them apart," Angel finished.

"But you wanted more, right? You whispered something to Cordelia...I don't
think any of the others heard. Do you remember what that was?"

Angel nodded slowly,"I told her that I would make her like me so that she
could get her revenge on Buffy herself. I knew that it would hurt Buffy even
more if she had to kill one of her friends."

"That's right. And that feeling of passionate fury..total hatred towards the
Slayer..it set you free..didn't it?"

"Yeah," Angel replied. "I felt like I could do anything.."

"So why don't you allow yourself to do that now?" Asher cried. "Imagine what
you could do...still play the Slayers' fiddle but do the Angelus bit also."

"No," Angel growled, eyes narrowing into slits.

"Oh, why not? Wouldn't want to betray her? Open your eyes you idiot..she
killed you."

"I'm already dead," he retorted.

"Technicality," Asher replied with a wave of his hand. He sighed impatiently.
"She chose the life of someone she's only kinda friends with over her 'true
love'..that's gotta kind burn you, man."

"She made the right decision," Angel replied.

"Just like when she decided that you two should get..oh hey that's a great
phrase host o' mine...horizontal." Asher laughed. "You know that's the fun of
taking over teens...they give you just the coolest lingo." He sighed. "In any
case..back to the good stuff..the carnal stuff..."

"We made love," Angel said evenly.

"Right. Yeah. Sure, Casanova. You know, both Xander and Cordy think you two
just got horny and messed a lot of stuff up."

"It wasn't like that," Angel protested. "It's not like that

"See, I wouldn't know...not with the Slayer anyhows. All I got to do was
almost kill her. Now that was fun. Maybe when this fun evening is over, I can
find a way to get into her hospital room and complete the job. Or maybe I'll
possess her for a little while..get the intimate details."

"You'll never get the chance," Angel shot back.

"Ooh..awful cocky. Well hey, wait a minute...that's the point." Asher laughed.
He shook his head and made a motion to dry tears away from his eyes. Then he
narrowed his eyes."But you liked it, didn't you? The sex. You were her
first.."

"Go to hell."

"Her mind, Angelus..her mind. Don't start holding back on me just because I
wanna know the good stuff. I've kinda got a short temper about right now. I
mean come on...your slut of a girlfriend tried to take me on...gotta tell you,
bro...it was fun watching her hit the ground. Her cries...talk about sweet
music. Ah well...I'll get to hear them again soon enough."

"I'll kill you."

"You've been around these idiot humans too long, Angelus. Come on...don't say
things you can't back up." He leaned towards him. "So, what I want to know is
how much pleasure you got out of hearing her scream in pain when you broke her
in? Did you like it?" He frowned. "You know...this kinda sucks...I should have
taken over Willow...I bet she has better details...this body has a whole
section of her memory devoted to how little she gets told. She's actually
jealous that Buffy doesn't confide in her more. Stupid girl...you know...of
all of them..Cordelia has the most potential to snap but she won't because she
has mushy feelings towards Xander. Yuck, man..seriously." Then he looked back
up at Angel. "So answer the question..didn't you get a kick out of being her
first...the wrangler who broke the stallion."

"Stallions are male," Angel replied dryly.

"Answer the question or I'll end this game right now." Asher hissed.

"Yes, I enjoyed it." Angel replied shortly.

"How delicate. C'mon Angelus.. gimme details.." Asher grinned. "I mean
c'mon...she looks like fun. You know...come to think of it..this body I'm in
looks like fun too.."

"Your game, Asher..we haven't much more time.." Angel reminded him.

"Oh right..too bad. Okay, back to the Slayer then." Asher said with a sigh.
Then he grinned,"Was she a good fuck?"

Angel closed his eyes,"Yeah...she was."

"Details, brother of mine..did she sceam?"

"No," Angel replied tersely.

"Did it hurt her? You gotta know that...I mean she's so small.."

"Yes. Are we done with this?"

"We're done when I say we are. But you're right in a way..this is getting us
nowhere..you're just being a nostalgic little mush. Aw..what a sweet fuck.
Come on, Angelus...admit it..you felt power in that you got to the almighty
Slayer first. But that's not all..you felt power because in those
moments...you could have killed the little bitch and she couldn't have stopped
you."

"Yes," Angel admitted.

"Did you want to? Was there even a moment there when you thought to
yourself..I could end it right here? Make her mine forever?"

"Yes," he replied again, voice strung with tension.

"You should have." Asher said simply. "But now all you've got is a little
tramp that you can lay for a few more years until someone is lucky enough to
kill her." He leaned forward. "Someone like me."

"She's still alive. She beat you."

"For now. But do you know what it was like to have her blood gush down my
hands when I turned the knife in her stomache. Or to hear her moan in agony
when I hit her. Ecstacy, brother. Pure."

"I'm not like that anymore..I love her. I would never hurt her."

"But you did. You hurt them all. You tried to kill all of them. When you
died..both Xander and Cordelia felt relief...you made it all worse again..and
you made them lose respect for Buffy."

Angel looked up in shock, "What?"

"Oh..didn't know that, didja?" Asher said, shaking his head in mock
disappointment. "Well, yeah...when Buffy rushed back to your arms..they
thought she was pretty much just a tramp...I mean come on..talk about lack of
loyalty. You wanna know a secret, Angelus? Cordelia wanted to whoop Buffy's
ass...wanted to get even for a few months ago when the oh so distraught Slayer
kissed Xander. Aw..so when I took your little slut girlfriend out
upstairs...it wasn't me..it was Cordelia..and it's your fault."

                    ***

"Check-mate," Willow muttered, knocking over Xander's king with her pawn. She
sighed and fell back against the seat. "For the tenth time."

Xander was about to reply when the phone came roaring to life. He blinked and
glanced at it for a few moments before jumping to his feet. Only to be beat by
Willow who hadn't needed to identify what was ringing.

Without preamble she said into the receiver,"Buffy, it's almost four in the
morning..why aren't you asleep?"

"Technically...I think they call this sleeping. Took me twenty minutes to dial
the number..I can't feel my ear." Buffy slurred back.

"Those are the painkillers, Buffy. They work better if you don't fight them,"
Willow admonished gently.

"Yeah..you're..probably right...you know I can't think...very well...this is
kinda hurting..um..what was I saying?"

"Not a clue..I'm guessing you want to know if there's anything new...which
there isn't."

"Oh...I remember now," Buffy rambled on. "Anything new happening?"

"No," Willow said with a laugh. She was about to tell her friend to go back to
sleep when she heard Buffy moan and then make a sound that vaguely resembled
the stiffling back of a pained cry. "Buffy?"

"No..worries..Will...I just.." Buffy cut off again, coughing harshly. Then
there was a brief silence followed by a few softly murmured words from a
second person in the room. After another pause, someone picked up the phone.

"Willow?" A strong female voice said over the line. Uh oh.

"Mrs. Summers?" Willow asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Yes, hi Willow." Joyce Summers replied. "Sorry about this. I know you're
probably sound asleep in bed. Buffy had a little adventure tonight so she kind
of re-injured herself."

"Is she alright?" Willow asked, with real concern. It wouldn't surprise her at
all if Buffy had downplayed her injuries.

"She pulled open some of the stiching but she'll be fine if she'll just lay
down and get some sleep. I guess the sedatives and painkillers they gave her
weren't strong enough. But she's sleeping now."

"That's good to hear," Willow replied.

"Yes, it is. Doctor Clark just gave her a new dosage..it should keep her out
for a few hours but her little stunt tonight is going to keep her hospital
bound for a few more days."

"Ouch."

"Right." Joyce replied. Then she sighed. "Alright, I'm gonna let you get back
to bed, Willow. I'm sorry about you getting woken up."

"No problem. I'm used to it. Tell Buffy..when she wakes up..that we'll all
stop by tommorow."

"Will do. Goodnight, Willow."

"Goodnight." Willow sighed and hung up the phone. She looked over at Giles.
"Buffy is asleep."

                    ***

"Sex is a powerful thing, Angel. Nations have been built and destroyed over
the power of a man and a woman uniting." Asher said as he stood up and began
to walk in circles. "Your night of passion with the Slayer did that much and
more. How many people fell because of you? How many lives did you destroy? All
because of one little tramp?"

"I don't regret making love to her," Angel hissed. "I never will. I regret the
sins of my past but I will never look back on my love for Buffy with any bad
feelings."

"Except for the fact that even after saying she loved you..she tried to pick
up on Xander. You remember that...you told Xander afterwards that you saw it.
And you didn't like it."

"I felt jealousy.."

"Because she's a tramp. Yeah..your sweet precious no-longer virginal Buffy is
nothing but a slut. I mean come on, man...it was only weeks after you rock and
rolled with her that she was picking up on Xander..trying to get with him.."

"That's not true.."

"That's sure what Cordelia thinks. And if I recall...Xander thought she was
using him too." Asher said, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe what he
was saying. "Great girl you have there."

"She was hurting and confused," Angel replied, teeth ground together.

"Alright..then how did you explain the affair she had in Los Angeles during
last summer? Oh wait..I bet she never told you about that. Nope..I imagine
not. She told Willow and Cordelia...one of the only things she's ever told
Cordy..."

"You're lying..."

"Oops...no I'm not. Well..if it makes you feel better..she didn't have sex
with the boy but she did go pretty far...yeah...your sweet loyal Buffy was
playing around with her old boy-toy."

"I don't believe you.."

"Hmm..now..Cordy here has a memory of Buffy saying that she'd moved on to the
living during the summer. Now..what do you think that means?"

"She was in a lot of pain...things didn't end well between us."

"They never will. You haven't a prayer of it. I mean, what was just a good
fuck at the moment will very soon give way to the fact that she's nothing but
a tramp who will use you and then destroy you. And if that's not
enough...she's going to lead all of the rest of them to their deaths. But
you..you..can stop her."

"What?"

"That's right...you can squeeze the life from her body...drink her
blood...gain enormous power and yet prevent all these losers from dying
because they they won't be part of the Slayer game."

"You're insane."

"And I grow weary. Time to take the kid gloves off. I know you almost killed
Buffy...I know you placed your hands around her throat and listened as her
heart slowed. And in those moments...you wanted that bitch dead and a part of
you still does."

"No!" Angel yelled, leaping to his feet. He took two steps towards Asher,
hands out-stretched and then he stopped. "I will never hurt her."

"Why do you fight your nature? You are a sick bastard..more than me. I know my
destiny...I know my purpose. I accept my power and the gifts it gives to me. I
enjoy it."

"I'm not you."

"Yes, Angelus, you are me. You feel the thrill of death when you kill. You
know the raw lust involved in sex..and taking what is not given to you. And
you know that if you could kill her...even for a second..the raw energy and
passion would overwelm you. And that may scare you but it is your nature. You
are a murderer. Deny it if you will but you are here to take lives and to
enjoy it and one day..you will take hers."

"No..."

"She will fall under your hand and as she dies..as your name leaves her
lips..you will know nothing more than the feel of pure ecstasy."

"No!" Angel growled. His eyes glowed dark yellow as his face shifted.

"If you don't have the balls to me who you are..then I will and believe
me..I'll make her hurt..even as I take her.."

Angel felt himself fall away from his humanity as the anger took hold. His
body went airborne and he slammed Asher to the ground, forgetting completely
about the host body. Wrapping his hands around Asher's throat, he bared his
fangs.

Asher laughed and then closed Cordelia's eyes and allowed himself to slide
away. He felt his coporial body sliding. The fight was about to begin.

                ***

At just after four in the morning, she began to tremble as if she were having
a convulsion. Joyce Summers ripped upwards from the seat next to her
daughters' bed and called out for a nurse.

"Something's wrong," Joyce breathed. She pointed dramaticallt towards Buffy's
bed where the girl continued to spasm wildly.

The nurse nodded sharply and then turned to another and barked out a series of
orders. She turned to Joyce,"It'll be alright..."

                ***

The darkness consumed her. She felt the walls slide against her, pressing her
body together and cutting off the oxygen. She struggled desperately for air
but relief refused to come to her.

"Help me," a voice called out to her. Cordelia.

"No..." Buffy begged, tears streaming down her face. She started to shake her
head. "No..please.."

"I'm dying," Cordelia cried again.

"Fight it," a second voice yelled. "Don't give in." God..that had to be Angel.

"Your time has come, Buffy." Xander charged, stepping out of the darkness. He
strode towards Buffy and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt. Lifting her
into the air, he threw her. When she looked up again, it wasn't Xander.

"I killed you," Buffy whispered, staring at the Master.

"You thought you killed me also," Angelus growled, stepping beside the Master.

"No.." Buffy cried, trying to back away from him.

"You can't fight destiny, Slayer." The Master growled, reaching for her. She
tried to crawl away from him but only ended up smashing up against a wall. He
wrapped his hands around her throat and hoisted her into the air. "You are a
killer like us all. Either accept your fate or die like the coward you appear
to be."

Buffy continued to shake, unable to speak or even fight as the air rushed out
of her lungs.

"Buffy..please.."

She turned her head ever-so-slightly and gazed over at the form of her
vampiric lover lying on the ground. He stared up at her with agony in her
eyes. "It grows dark. The fight rages on but we both fall."

Drawing upon every bit of strength she had left in her body, she screamed out
his name. And then the grip on her throat relaxed and she felt herself
falling.

"Do you love me?"came the whisper in the air.

She lifted her head, tears in her eyes and replied,"Always." And then her
strength gave out and she collapsed.

                ***

He fell to the ground and clutched at at his chest. The battle had been fierce
and his injuries would take a few days to mend but it was finally over. The
winner and the loser were no longer one.

                    ***

And then she stopped. The tremors ended and her body fell silent. She gasped
out for air but her eyes remained shut. A nurse leaned forward and wiped a
line of sweat away from her brow. "Whatever that was..it's over now."


TBC...Conclusion Coming Up.

-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Epilogue
Date: 17 Mar 1998 04:29:26 EST

Title: The End of the Innocence Epilogue
Author: Alex Queirolo & Erika Rottler
Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Distribution:  Just ask.
Feedback: Absolutely!  Please..we're eager to know what y'all thought of our
collaboration. Drop us a line.
Rating: PG-14 at best..extreme situations..see CONTENT WARNING below.
Spoilers: When She Was Bad..basically everything up until PASSION.

                                                    ***

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes about three months after "I Will Survive" and
"That Was the Day". In this time-line, everything up until "Passion" occured
but that is where they split. For the important back story, please read "I
Will Survive".

CONTENT WARNING: We need to be up-front about this; this piece is NOT meant
for minors to read. It tells of graphic violent events and speaks rather
frankly of sexual situations. However, there is no actual sex involved in this
piece. It is rather unflinching and at points crude. We hope you will agree
however that nothing is out of place. Again, this story contains violence,
intense language, extreme angst and rather explicit discussions of sexual
situations.

DISCLAIMER: The only character in this piece that belongs to us is Asher. All
of the others belong to Joss "Da Man" Whedon and Co. Them are gods..we are
students. No bad is meant by this.
***

"Shouldn't we like...bring stakes?" Willow squeaked as she took the flashlight
from Giles.

"It won't matter. If Asher is alive..we'll know instantly." Jenny told her.
She picked up a cross and a small vile of holy water.

"Let's get going then," Xander whispered, leading them down the steps to the
basement. "Cordelia is down there and she needs our help one way or another."

Oz rested a hand on his friends' shoulder,"She'll get it, bro."

Xander nodded. He didn't bother adding that the only thing that could comfort
him would be seeing Cordelia alive and breathing. Closing his eyes gently, he
stepped up to the door of the basement and gently pressed it open. "Cordy?" he
asked, voice shaking with emotion.

When he heard nothing, he started to move into the room but a hand caught his
wrist. He looked up at Giles. "No, let Jenny perform the spell. We must know
if it is Angel who leaves."

"Fine. Hurry..her life could be in danger.." Xander growled.

"Right," Jenny whispered, setting down the cross. "Everyone give me your hand.
We need to form a link."

                ***

Her eyes opened to a blinding light and she instinctively shrank away from it,
whimpering in protest. "Cordelia?" a voice said from above her.

"No..." she said, turning away from it.

"Open your eyes, Cordy." Xander whispered, touching her cheek gently.

She blinked and allowed the burn of a flashlight to pierce her mind."Turn it
off, " she grunted, reaching out to push it away.

Jenny dropped the light and offered Cordelia a hand. "Sit still, okay? You've
got some cuts and bruises I want to clean up."

"I'm sorry," Angel whispered, looking away.

Xander stood up from where he was crouched next to Cordelia. "You have nothing
to be sorry for. This is my fault. I started all this.."

Angel spun so quickly that he almost toppled. His eyes staring dagger, he
growled at Xander. "Outside, now."

Xander blinked and was about to reply but commom sense stepped in and he
nodded. Glancing back at Cordelia, he sighed and then turned to follow Angel.

Once outside in the cool morning air, Angel reached over and grabbed Xander.
Pulling him up by the lapels, he smashed Xander against a wall. "Dammit, get a
grip on yourself."

"Wha?" Xander squeaked, wide-eyed.

"This wasn't your fault. This was no one's fault. Asher manipulated
you..God..he got all of us. You've got to stop blaming yourself. Enough is
enough. There are other people hurting here."

"Okay," Xander whispered. "Okay."

"Good," Angel replied, setting the boy down. Then he let out a breath of
exhaustion. "The sun will be up in fifteen minutes so I better get moving. You
take care of Cordelia..she and Buffy need your strength. Tell Buffy I'll stop
by tonight."

"Sure," Xander replied.

"Okay. Oh hey, Xander?"

"Yeah?"

"You're a good man. Don't forget that. Buffy..Willow..Cordelia..they have a
good friend in you." And with that, Angel turned and walked away.

Nodding slowly, Xander fell to his butt next to the wall and placed his head
in his hands. He felt hsi eyes watering and then he just let go and began to
shake as the emotions overwhelmed him.

                ***

"Hi, Mrs. Summers? It's Willow...I just wanted to call and make sure Buffy is
okay."

"Hi, Willow. Buffy had a rough night but she's alright now," Joyce replied.
"She's sleeping."

"Good. I was..worried. Tell her we'll stop by later."

"Okay, Willow. Have a good day at school."

                ***

"Cordelia!" Xander called out. He'd watched her to exit the school staring at
the ground and for a moment he'd considered letting her go but he couldn't..he
just couldn't..

She turned slowly and gazed back at him through weary eyes, "What?"

"Can we talk?"

"Yes. But not now."

"Don't you want to know what happened?" Xander asked.

She laughed bitterly. "You know, I probably do..but not right now. I have a
feeling that whatever the truth is..I can't handle it." She swallowed hard and
opened her mouth to say something else. And the closing her eyes, she
whispered. "Please, just give me time."

He reached forward and touched her face. Almost immediately, he felt her
stiffen. Cringing slightly, he pulled his hand away. "All the time you need.
All you need but you know what..I'll still be here. I won't let this end like
this."

She nodded and then smiled at him, tears glinting in her eyes,"Thank you."

                ***

She finally found him standing by his lccker before Biology class. Striding up
to him, she placed a hand on his arm. "Hey, Xander."

"Will," he murmured, still staring at his lockers' contents as if they might
give him the answers to life. He'd been in the same lethargic state since the
Monday night the week previous.

"Um, Buffy wanted me to remind you that we're doing the group movie thing
tommorow night at her place to celebrate her release from the hospital."
Willow chirped, reaching into his locker and pulling out his Bio book.

"Right. You know..maybe I.."

"Don't even say it..I already went through this with Cordelia..it took me over
an hour to make her see reason. God..you guys can't avoid each other for ever.
This is stupid...you're not even angry at each other."

"No," he said shaking his head. "Not angry."

"You guys are scared but you have to face this sooner or later..." Willow said
softly. "You need to."

"I know."

"So you'll be there, right?"

"Will.."

"Xander..if you're not...Buffy will hurt you. You know pain..bad. She just got
out of the hospital after almost two weeks.."

"That's because she kept trying to escape and kept reopening the wound,"
Xander muttered, shaking his head.

"True enough but now she wants to party," Willow chirped. "And I have specific
orders to get you there any way I can."

He sighed, "Alright. I know better than to go against a testy Slayer. I'm
there."

"Good," Willow grinned. "It'll be fun. And remember..Buffy is still laid
up..in bed..only she'll be on the couch...so we can harass her without
worrying about her taking us out."

Xander laughed and this time it reached his eyes,"Sounds like a plan, little
buddy."

                ***


"Just where the hell do you think you're going?" Willow asked as she stepped
over Oz's legs and sat down next to him. She glared up at Buffy who was trying
to sit up but failing miserably. The little Slayer was curled up next to Angel
with a blanket over her body and her head on his chest. Angel for his part,
simply watched her struggles with amusement.

Looking rather pathetic, Buffy lifted up a glass and whimpered, "Is empty.
Need refill. Soda in kitchen."

Sitting on the couch next to Buffy and Angel, Cordelia rolled her eyes and
grinned. She couldn't help it. It wasn't every day that she got to see the
Slayer to weak to take out someone if they insulted her. It was open season
and people were having a field-day. And of course, Angel wasn't defending her.
He'd actually joined in a couple of times.

"I'll get it. I need one myself," Cordelia replied, standing up. She took the
glass from Buffy's hand and shook her head. "If you didn't look so pathetic,
you'd actually look normal."

Buffy grinned sardonically and tilted her head,"Oh Cordy..always good to know
you care."

"Only enough to send the very best," Cordelia shot back as she walked towards
the kitchen. Still laughing, she pushed the door open and stepped in. She
walked around to the fridge and opened it.

"Hey," Xander murmured from the doorway to the back yard.

She jumped at the sound of his voice and almost dropped the bottle of
Dr.Pepper. "Xander," she stammered.

"Yeah..hey..I'm sorry."

"No..I'm sorry..no..."

"It's okay."

"Right. So,haven't seen you around much this last week." Cordelia murmured.

"Yeah..I've been busy."

"Right. Um, how did you do on Keller's test?"

"Okay..I think."

"Yeah..me too..I think.."

"Cordelia.."

"Maybe an A or a B.." There was a ling noise in teh other room. The bell from
the front door. "Pizza is here."

"Right, yeah..Cordelia, this has got to stop." Xander exclaimed.

She looked up at him, "Yeah..I guess so." Unable to meet his eyes just yet,
she stared down at his hands and to her shock, she saw that in them, he held
the necklace he'd given her two weeks earlier. The same one that Asher had
used to hurt him.

"I gotta know..can you look at me without hating me? Do we even stand a
chance?"

"I have dreams, Xander."

"I know..so do I. They scare me." He reached forward and placed a finger under
her chin. Lifting it up so that their eyes locked, he whispered. "I don't want
to walk away unless you want me to."

There was a moment of silence and then he nodded.

"Okay." Shaking his head, he stepped away from her and walked through the door
back into the living room. Cordelia stared at the ground for a moment and then
crossed back over to the fridge and finished refilling the drinks. She watched
the carbonation fizzle for a few moments and then she turned and followed
Xander into the living room.

She walked through the doors and locked her sites on the Slayer and her undead
boyfriend who were very visibly having a PDA moment. She rolled her eyes in
amusement and then stepped over to them. "Smoochies later..like..when I can't
see them."

Buffy blushed and pushed her face against Angels's chest. Then she pushed
herself up and took the glass from Cordelia. "Thanks, Cordy."

"Don't get used to it, Slayer..I'm just being nice."

"Must be killing you. Sit down, take a load off," Buffy quipped.

"Funny." Cordelia replied. Then she sombered up as she saw Xander sittinng on
the floor by the end of the couch. He was holding a video case from
Blockbuster in his hands. She looked back up at Buffy and the Slayer nodded
her towards him.

Cordelia smiled slightly and then moved over to him. Sitting down, she placed
a hand on his arm. He looked up at her in confusion and then watched as she
moved her hand down to his and opened it up. Catching his eyes, she removed
the necklace from his palm and put it around her neck. In a low voice she
whispered, "Does that answer your question?"

He grinned and replied in the same low tone,"Can I make everyone leave the
room?"

She punched him in the arm and then curled against him. He smiled and looked
up at Buffy who was grinning at him like a hyena on uppers. She winked at him
and then fell back against Angel.

"Okay, who has the movie?" Oz asked as he walked into the room carrying a
pizza.

"I do," Xander chirped, throwing Oz the box.

"Cool." Oz said, staring at the box. "Denzel Washington."

"What's the movie?" Buffy asked, reaching back to knead Angel's chest in order
to make it more comfortable. He said his head and watched her with an amused
look. The girl was crazy.

"Fallen." Oz murmured, sliding the tape into the VCR.

Willow lifted an eyebrow. "Oh good."

                        FIN

FEEEEEEEEEEDBAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCK Please. Pretty please?






-



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

From: sah <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ADMIN:  List rules
Date: 17 Mar 1998 10:34:36 -0500

Welcome!  This list is for fiction related to "Buffy The Vampire
Slayer," both the TV series and the movie.  To ensure that we all get
to enjoy as much fiction as possible, please adhere to the following
guidelines, and please save them for future reference.

1. Fiction should have Buffy characters in it and clearly be related
to Buffy.  Crossovers are great, and expected, but general
vampire/monster stories that aren't in the Buffy universe and don't
use Buffy characters belong somewhere else.

2. Discussion of posted fiction is permitted onlist.  Please put
"DISCUSS" in your subject line.  Requests for missing story parts
should go directly to the author, and not be posted to the list.

Discussion that is not related directly to the fiction should go over
to the general Buffy list.  Discussion of fiction is expected to
follow common netiquette guidelines and use PG-13 language.

3. No advertising of <any> items or services, Buffy related or not,
and no posting of non-story items such as .gifs, sound files, etc..
No attached files of <any> kind-- if your mailer makes your fiction
into attached files, you need to find another way to get it to the list.

4. If you're writing a story and including advance information on a
new episode, and you're posting your story earlier than the national
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     **Mark the post as a "spoiler" in the subject header.
     **Leave about twelve lines (blank or with non-spoiler info) at
          the top of the post.

This ensures that anyone who doesn't like knowing about an episode
ahead of time is "protected."  :)   The blank space is for people whose
mailers automatically open up the next piece of mail, without giving
them a chance to see "spoiler" in the header.

Spoiler warnings are not necessary after the start of the episode's
national viewing time, which is currently set at 9 p.m. Mondays,
Eastern Standard Time.  Spoiler warnings are not necessary for reruns.

5.  This list is absolutely NOT for erotic fiction.  <Nothing> stronger
than sexually PG-13 material is to be posted to the list under any
circumstances.  A story may be R rated for violence or language, however.

If you have a question about something's suitability for posting, feel
free to ask one of the listowners.  Sending sexually explicit material
will get you immediately and permanently uns*bscribed.  No exceptions.

6.  By subscribing and/or posting to this list, you acknowledge that
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7.  When posting stories to the list, please follow the following
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8. If a story is rated "R" for language/violence, indicate this in an
introduction.  For example, "There's a really bloody fight scene at
the end of this part" or "if you don't like dismemberment, stop
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9.  And last, but not least, the listowners reserve the right to deny
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PLEASE NOTE:  not following any or all of these rules will get you
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Again, welcome!  If  you have any questions about these rules, please
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 &
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Listowners, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fiction List
[e-mail]





-



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

From: [e-mail] (vampyreprincess(Rachel))
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Need Collaborator or Other Assistance
Date: 17 Mar 1998 08:21:23 -0800

>Buffy/Scream

SCREAM IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE!!!! YES YOU SHOULD REALLY CROSS BUFFY
WITH SCREAM.  I MYSELF WANTED TO DO THAT, BUT I CAN'T THINK OF A PLOT.
PLEASE, IT WOULD BE SOOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO COOL.  YES, DO SCREAM.
If you need someone to help write it, I would LOVE to help!!!
Cya!
-Rachel

++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Did Norman Bates have a motive?  Did they ever figure out why Hannibal
Lector liked to eat people?  DON'T THINK SO!"
-Billy Loomis 'Scream'
---scream-----------------------------------------------scream 2---

Buffy The Vampire Slayer:
**BUFFYFIC List**Faithful Followers of Xander**Xanderite Keeper of:
Xander's oh-so-yummy hyena stage, cute Buffy chasing, and Willow's ear
lick...**
--vampire----------------------buffy----------------------vampire--
X-Files:
WLDD**SPCDD**DDSB**GBLA**DDPOL**LODD**X-F Creative**^Friend^ Shipper
MY DD WEBSITE:Obsessed with David Duchovny
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/4440/
If you believe, no proof is necessary. If you don't, no proof is
sufficient.



-



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

From: Janine Sebastian <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Kendra" (1/?)
Date: 17 Mar 1998 11:09:36 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: "Kendra"(1/?)
AUTHOR: Janine Sebastian (Jeanie)
EMAIL: <[e-mail]> or <[e-mail]>
DISTRIBUTION: If you want it great, just keep my name on it please.
SPOILER WARNING: "Prophecy Girl", "What's My Line part I and II"
RATING: G
SUMMARY: Kendra has spent her whole life training to be a slayer.  How did
she know she was to be a chosen one?  What happened before she met Buffy
and co.?
DISCLAIMER: Kendra and all other Buffy related characters do not belong to
me.  I'm just borrowing them for a while.  They belong to Joss Whedon,
Mutant enemy, WB etc.  "Grr Argg."  The name Sam Zabuto is taken from the
dialogue of 'What's My Line Part II.'  Kendra's family members [Carrah,
Shali, Nuru, and Kendall] and the details of her past are creations of
mine.  If you'd like to play with them, I'd be happy to lend them to you,
just ask first.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well, this is my first fanfic.  I was avoiding studying
for an upcoming test, and I somehow stumbled upon this *great* new form of
procrastination.  [it should be my middle name!]  This is what happens
when I give in to that little voice in my head which tells stories.
Thoughts are enclosed with < >.  Keep in mind that Kendra and Zabuto have
thick accents, though I have left the spelling normal in order to
understand what they are saying.  If you like where this story is going,
and you want me to continue it I will.  Feedback and constructive
criticism would be greatly appreciated.  Well I've babbled long
enough...enjoy the story!

        Kendra
    by Janine (Jeanie) Sebastian

    Kendra, the vampire slayer, was sitting in the cargo hold of an
airplane, thinking about what lay ahead, and about the events which led to
this journey.  Kendra had been training her whole life for one thing, to
slay the vampires.  She was the chosen one...the one girl in all the world
with the strength and skill to fight the vampires...  She had finally got
her calling last spring... She automatically knew when the last slayer had
died...she had felt it...and dreamed about it.  That was when the dreams
began.  Kendra's first dream was of the last slayer's death.  The slayer
had been drained by a Master vampire, and had fallen unconscious, face
first in a few inches of water.  She had drowned.
    One day Kendra's watcher told her that a great evil was about to
arise in Sunnydale California.  He told her that she was to go to
Sunnydale to try to control the dark forces there.  That was the reason
for this impromptu trip.  In order to keep her identity a secret, she had
concealed herself in the cargo hold of a plane destined for California.
This was where she was now sitting, pondering her destiny.
***
    Coming from a small, superstitious village, Kendra had known her
entire life that she was to be a chosen one.  Her watcher, Sam Zabuto, had
been training her in martial arts, mythical studies, and slaying tactics
since she was a small child.  Kendra's parents had sent her to Sam
Zabuto's village to train when she was very young.
    She could remember clearly the day she asked Zabuto about her
parents.  "I know 'tis me destiny to be a slayer, and that is why I am
with thee, but do I not have parents somewhere?"
    His answer, as always, was cryptic.  "In the past, family has only
distracted the chosen one from her calling.  Thee, and *thee alone,* must
fight the creatures of darkness..."
    "...I know...I just wonder who they were, that is all."
    Sam Zabuto walked slowly over to the old cupboard which Kendra had
never seen unlocked.  She had always wondered what was in there, but every
time as a child in her inquisitive voice she had asked, Zabuto had made it
clear that the contents of the cupboard were to be left untouched.
    Zabuto extracted an old box from the cupboard, then locked the
door again.  He proceeded to carry the box over to the anxious girl.  "I
knew the time would come for thee to know thy past, I suppose now is the
right time."  Zabuto carefully handed the box to Kendra, with only the
faintest hint of hesitation.  "Thee will find what thee is looking for
within this box...but remember, thee cannot allow the past such importance
that it will detract thee from thy calling.  It is important that thy
destiny be fulfilled...Do not dwell on the past..."  With that he exited
the room, leaving the child to ponder the meaning of his words.
    Eventually curiosity got the better of her, so she carefully
opened the box, not knowing what to expect.  As the lid was lifted, the
contents of the box were revealed.  Inside were many papers, a weathered
envelope, and two old leather-bound books.  <Journals>, Kendra thought to
herself.
    First she took the envelope out and examined it's contents.  It
was filled with pictures.  Kendra looked at the first, labeled simply 'the
babies.'  It was a photograph of two young children, a boy and a girl,
both approximately two years of age.  The little girl looked disturbingly
familiar, and after careful examination, Kendra realized the baby was in
fact, herself.  "But if that is me, who is the boy?"  Kendra looked at the
next picture, this one of what appeared to be a family.  <My family.>  A
young couple, each holding an infant, a girl of five, and a boy of three.
Kendra knew that she was not the five year old girl, for she had been sent
to train with her watcher when she was four, yet there was a striking
family resemblance.  It took several minutes of shuffling through pictures
before Kendra found one that particularly caught her eye: it was of a boy
and a girl both approximately four years old.  The back of the photo said:
'The twins fourth birthday."
    Now Kendra was even more confused.  <Twins?  Who are they?
Relatives?  Or could it be that...>  Kendra didn't let herself continue
the thought.  Instead she lifted the first book.  As she opened it to an
arbitrary page, she knew her first assumption had been correct, it was a
journal...or a diary.

        'On May 21st, 1981 Shali and Nuru both had their wishes
granted.  Shali wanted the baby to be a girl...so she'd have someone to
mother.  Nuru wanted a boy so he'd have someone to play with.  Well Shali
got her sister...and Nuru got his brother.
        Twins! I could hardy believe it myself...And here I thought the two
children I had were hard enough to handle.  How are we ever going to deal
with twins?
        Zabuto was right, Kendra...that's what we've named her...has the
birthmark of the chosen    one.  The same one that I have.  She will
one day become the new slayer.  We'll have to begin her training as soon
as she is old enough.  Kendall is also a doll.  They are both so alike!
Not only in looks, but in temperament.
        I love being a mother!  And Zabuto said I'd probably never reach
twenty!  I am twenty-three years old...the oldest slayer on record.  I
just hope I live long enough to see my children grow.
        Carrah,
        May 24th, 1981.'

    Kendra read the page over and over, not believing her eyes.  Her
mind was filled with questions.  <I have a twin brother?  My mother was a
slayer?...>  She opened the other book, also a journal, but in a different
hand....A chillingly familiar hand...she recognized it as Zabuto's
writing.  <This was one of the watcher journals!  Zabuto must have been
Carrah's watcher!>  Kendra skimmed through the pages until she reached the
last entry.

        'June, 2nd, 1985,
        My worst fear has been realized.  Carrah is dead.  She,
like too many of her kind, met her fate at the hand of Lothos.  He had her
hypnotized, and she couldn't break free.  It pained me so, to see her
perish.  Lothos was also the one who claimed my grandmother's life.  I
suppose now another slayer will be called.  It will not be Kendra for she
is far too young, but her training must begin soon.  I mustn't let the
child down as I did her mother.  I simply cannot.
        I have spoken to the child's father, he agrees that I must take
her away, keep her from harm until she is ready...until she is called.
She *WILL* be prepared when her turn comes.  I will see to it.  I only
wish I could have better prepared her mother.  Carrah...she insisted upon
pursuing a family.  Well I will not allow Kendra to make the same mistake.
A family only weakens a slayer.  It distracts her from carrying out her
destiny.
        It pains me to think of separating Kendra from
Kendall and the
others but it must be done. It is for their own good.  The twins
should not have to be separated but there is no other way.
        This is a truly sad time for me.  I shall never forgive
myself for not better preparing Carrah.  I will not make the same mistake
twice.
        Carrah, I hope that thee shall have peace now.
            Sam Zabuto.'

    Kendra was twelve then, in the eight years she had lived with
Zabuto, she had learned every available fact about vampires, demons and
the other creatures of night.  She was in excellent physical condition.
Kendra had learned to distance herself from everyone except her watcher.
She had no contact with her family, though sometimes she was aware of
thoughts invading her own.  She never told Zabuto about them, but secretly
Kendra believed that the voice in her head was that of her twin brother,
Kendall.

            ...TO BE CONTINUED...
Jeanie :-)
Feedback PLEASE!!!!!!!!
(good? terrible? more? or should I quit now?)


"The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of
metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play." (Barbara
Fetherolf, Alexandria) :)




-



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

From: Tannim Umoren <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Epilogue
Date: 17 Mar 1998 14:35:00 -0600

Wow... This story is one of the best if not the best I have read this year.
You kept the characters well.. in character!  You even expounded on them!
I mean I love how you had Cordy and the X-man react to the situation. I
mean I could feel their pain! Excuisite!! Buffy and Willows action were so
totally real like it took my breath away.  It was excellent.  I can't wait
to hear more from you guys.  Keep up the good work.





Now if you'll excuse me,

    I need to go back to the....

        ...all concealing lurker-type shadows :-)



-



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

From: Trey Cash <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Epilogue
Date: 17 Mar 1998 16:50:45 EST

Thank you so much. It's good to know that pur time and effort came out well.

Thanks again,
Alex

-



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

From: "Laura Nurczyk" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Epilogue
Date: 18 Mar 1998 13:44:45 PST



>From [e-mail] Tue Mar 17 13:34:52 1998
>Received: from domo by lists.xmission.com with local (Exim 1.82 #1)
>    id 0yF363-0003aK-00; Tue, 17 Mar 1998 13:36:27 -0700
>Received: from (mail.xmission.com) [198.60.22.22]
>    by lists.xmission.com with smtp (Exim 1.82 #1)
>    id 0yF361-0003aE-00; Tue, 17 Mar 1998 13:36:25 -0700
>Received: from (iria.inwave.com) [206.101.238.8] (root)
>    by mail.xmission.com with esmtp (Exim 1.82 #1)
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>Received: from [207.170.32.151] ([207.170.32.151])
>    by iria.inwave.com (8.8.7/8.8.7) with ESMTP id PAA25026;
>    Tue, 17 Mar 1998 15:36:26 -0600
>Message-Id: <v03110700b1348bd5208c@[207.170.32.103]>

       I agree, this is by far the best Buffy fanfic I have ever read.
I loved the plot and your perfect depiction of the characters.  Keep up
the good work!
                                     Laura    [e-mail]

>In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
>Mime-Version: 1.0
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 14:35:00 -0600
>To: [e-mail]
>From: Tannim Umoren <[e-mail]>
>Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The End Of The Innocence Epilogue
>Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
>Sender: [e-mail]
>Precedence: bulk
>Reply-To: [e-mail]
>
>Wow... This story is one of the best if not the best I have read this
year.
>You kept the characters well.. in character!  You even expounded on
them!
>I mean I love how you had Cordy and the X-man react to the situation. I
>mean I could feel their pain! Excuisite!! Buffy and Willows action were
so
>totally real like it took my breath away.  It was excellent.  I can't
wait
>to hear more from you guys.  Keep up the good work.
>
>
>
>
>
>Now if you'll excuse me,
>
>    I need to go back to the....
>
>        ...all concealing lurker-type shadows :-)
>
>
>
>-
>
>
>


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (6/?) by Ingrid
Date: 18 Mar 1998 23:07:15 -0500

Disclaimer: Characters are not mine. They belong to
Joss, WB, ME, K, and SD. Sue me and die!!! (Sorry about
that- I'm a little tired and cranky right now.)

Summary: Hey! I finally wrote another part. It's short, but
it's more, ok? I had a concert today- there's my excuse.
I'm trying!!! If you don't get this, that's b/c you haven't
read the other parts. If you want to get this, ask me for
them. As always, comments are what really inspire me
to write- please send them ([e-mail])!

Warning: Implied sex. Nothing bad.

***********************
"Footsteps," by Ingrid
Part Six
***********************

He was sleeping peacefully now, she noticed, looking
up from her resting place on his chest. His arm was
wrapped around her securely, as if he thought she
might float away in sleep.

She might have. The ecstasy of this afternoon had
been beyond imagination. SheÆd never realized what
kind of passion she was capable of. After all sheÆd
done little more than kiss a boy before her change.

HeÆd been careful with her; tender. It was something
sheÆd never imagined vampires capable of.

But then sheÆd never imagined that becoming a
vampire would be like this.

Demons, Buffy had said.

"TheyÆre all a bunch of soulless demons."

Willow felt like so much more. There was the demon,
no doubt. She could feel it within her, and it gave her
the strength she used to lack. But she was Willow,
none the less. She was who sheÆd always been,
altered, but still the same.

Spike had said she looked more beautiful as a
vampire then she ever had before. In truth, she had no
way of knowing. It surprised her the first time sheÆd
looked into a mirror and saw what was behind her
instead of her own reflection. All she knew was that
she felt more beautiful. She felt strong.

She kissed his bare shoulder sweetly, and watched
his eyelids begin to flutter. Recognition was instant,
and he smiled drowsily.

She slid back into his embrace, nuzzling his throat
and whispering his name.

It was nearly dusk, and soon it would be time to leave,
she knew. Denying reality for a moment, she pressed
her lips to his with a shyness that only she could
maintain at this point.

"We donÆt have that much time," she reported, taking
a look at the watch sheÆd left on the table.

"As much as IÆd like to stay, youÆre right," he acquiesced,
pulling her up with him. Their clothes were scattered all
over the place.

A shiver ran through her as she slipped on the long white
dress. Automatically, she grabbed BuffyÆs pink sweater from
the floor and buttoned it over the silk.

She felt strange. Some foreign energy seemed to be
running through the warm folds of material, as if it was an
object of magical significance.

Instantly, she knew.

They were coming.

Soon.
**********
Please let me know what you think!!! ([e-mail])

Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
"Tragic
Sighs" and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: AlysFaire <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (6/?) by Ingrid
Date: 19 Mar 1998 07:57:19 EST

Short, yes, but, oh my.  Way to go, Ingrid, another fabulous part (it
certainly made my morning <g>)!

Looking very forward to what comes next,

Alys

-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 16:59:10 EST

Title:   "On This Page, I Write My Last Confession" (1/1)
Author:   Noodlebrain (Jen)
Rating:   maybe a PG for a slightly descriptive death scene
Disclaimer:   "Grr, argh..." Not mine, no money, s'all good. Buffy, etc.
belong to Whedon, WB, Sandollar, Mutant Enemy, and just about
everyone else in the world besides me. The two song sections belong to
Alain Boubil, who wrote all the lyrics for Les Miserables.
Distribution:   I don't care, just tell me about it.
Notes:   We're doing Les Mis in chorus, and I was inspired by a line
from the finale, which is also the title of this story. This is not my first
fic, but it is my first completed one, and it is also the first one I've
shown to anyone else.  And many thanks to Ingrid for reading it
over for me.
Feedback:   Please!!!!!! ([e-mail]) I need to know if I
suck! Don't leave me in the dark! Flames will be used to warm my
feet...this basement's cold!


***"On this page, I write my last confession
     Read it well, while I at last am sleeping
     It's a story of those who always loved you..."***


    The rain poured down in unebbing sheets, as if the heavens
were sobbing for the departed soul. Even so, heaven couldn't match
the anguish of the three people who were being steadily drenched by
the celestial tears.
    There were three of them, standing in the tiny graveyard. Two
females and a male. The male was holding one of the sobbing
females, all the while trying to keep his own tears back in vain.
    The other female, though, was completely disconsolate. She
was on her knees, wailing, burying her face in her hands. The male
looked at her and lost all resolve, sobs racking his frame. He glanced
at her once again, wanting to help her, but he already had his hands
full, so he just buried his face in his companion's shoulder and cried.
    The skies continued their lament.

    Later on that night, the three found themselves at the library.
They still weren't willing to let go of their loved one, and even his
apartment wasn't as full of him as the rooms full of book-laden shelves
were.
    A blonde girl with tears still forming in the corners of her eyes
walked around the library, fingers trailing over the surfaces, realizing
that he was gone forever, the kind man who had always been there for
her.
    She still had the image fresh in her mind: he'd just stood there
as the dark vampire came at him. He'd actually offered his damned
neck to it, not struggling as the evil creature sank its fangs deep into
his neck, passionately and greedily draining his life away. She'd
caught his eye, and he had this look of sad resignation...he'd even
smiled at her, a tear gliding down his cheek, right before he'd fallen
into sleep everlasting.
    She returned to the present with a jolt. The library smelled like
him; Christ, every table, every chair, every volume in the place
radiated his essence.
    As she wandered into her Watcher's office, the girl once her
shaky control, breaking down into tears. She sank down into his chair,
laying her head down on his desk. She could feel the impressions his
body had made in the chair, and pressed herself into it, attempting to
fill the void her much smaller frame left.
    Her hands traced patterns on the wood of his desk, and she
noticed every minute detail of the grain. Her hands moved onto an old
tome that he'd left open, over some papers, and finally came to rest on
an envelope.
    She sat up. *He doesn't have a family,* she realized, *he
needs someone to take care of his things.* But when she saw the
name on the envelope, and then noticed that it was not one, but three
envelopes laid side to side, she choked back her tears and called for
her friends.
    Three envelopes, made of cream-colored parchment, sat next
to each other on the desk. Each bore a name: *Buffy Summers*
*Xander Harris*  *Willow Rosenberg*
    Her companions entered, and each picked up their respective
envelope. The trio shared a look; they didn't need words to know that
each wanted to read their letter in privacy.
    While Xander and Willow walked together in silence to their
homes, Buffy wandered the dark streets of Sunnydale alone. She was
eager to read the letter, wanting so desperately to cling to all of him
that she was left with, but another part of her also knew that once she
 read the letter, it was read. She couldn't go back in time and read it
again like it was for the first time. This was the last action he would
ever make towards her.
    She stopped in front of a building, realizing where she'd made
her way to: his apartment.
    She let herself in, made herself tea, sat on his couch,
wrapped herself in his afghan, and finally, opened his letter.
    "My dear, wonderful girl, I love you more than anything on
Earth. I care for you so much it's crushing me, which is why I'm have
to do what I'm about to do.
    "You see, last night, I was reading an old book I had come
upon. I hope you're laughing right now in spite of yourself...all my
books are old, I'm always reading, what else is new?"
    And he was, right, Buffy smiled at that, her grin cutting a ray of
light through the darkness into which she had plunged. She continued
reading.
    "I stumbled upon a prophecy which I'm surprised I had not
heard. I'm not going to bother you with what it said exactly, but the
reason that you and Willow and Xander have gone through so
much...torture...is because we had been defying destiny.

    "In short, my dear, I was supposed to die. Remember how the
attempts on me had increased? I wasn't supposed to live past the last
solstice. But we didn't know, and we went against it...it was my fault
that all of you, but you especially (God knows you'll always hold the
most special place in my heart), had to suffer those unending trials."
    Buffy noticed that the funny, circular dark smudges on the
parchment were increasing as she read on. *Tears,* she realized, her
heart wrenching painfully. *He's crying while he's writing this...*
    "I know, precious child, that we've resisted prophecy before,
and gotten away with it, but this is different. This book is older than
any other, for it was written by the Old Ones. It cannot be burned, the
pages cannot be torn or erased. It is set in unbreakable stone."
    By now, Buffy was adding her own blotches to the paper- the
tears were streaming uncontrollably down her face and onto the letter,
and she was gagging trying to choke back her awful sobs.
    "With my death, you are set free. You no longer have to slay.
You don't have to put your life in danger, or worry about putting your
friends at risk.
    "By the time you read this, a new slayer will have been
dispatched. Go, my dear, and live that normal life you always wanted.
It was all you had ever really asked of life, and it was the one thing I
could never give to you. I could give you all the protection and caring
in the world, but as long as I was alive, you would always be a
prisoner of your fate.
    "Please, I'm giving it to you now; remember me well by living
you life the way you always wanted to. I'm sorry I can't be there to see
you grow up and become the beautiful, successful, wonderful woman I
know you'll be.
    "As I write this, I'm trying etch every detail of your face into my
mind. Just five minutes ago, I watched you for the last time. I know I'll
carry your memory with me forever, and I pray you'll never forget me.
You are the most responsible, lovely, caring, extraordinary,
marvelous, phenomenal person I've ever had the luck to encounter.
So many people hate their jobs; I count myself unbelievably fortunate
to have had *you* be my life's work. Goodnight, my dear, I will always
be with you.

                Love eternally,

                     Rupert"

    Buffy set the letter down on the table so she wouldn't ruin it as
her fists clenched with grief. She let herself cry as she never had, not
caring how each sob rattled her small body. She shook uncontrollably,
her weeping eventually decrescendoing to a soft whimpering, which
was reduced to haggard breathing, which became silence.
    Sitting up, she went for the phone. "Mom," she said when she
heard the answer, her voice a pale shadow of the confidence it had
once held, "I can't come home. I'm going to stay over Willow's." A
pause. "I know. It's hard...I love you too. Bye."
    She sat back down and folded the letter back into the
envelope. As she was doing so, something scrawled on the back
caught her eye. In Giles' beautiful (everything of his seemed beautiful
to her now) script, a line from a song:

"All your grief, at last, at last, behind you."

    She managed a weak smile and nodded to the empty room,
then climbed the stairs to his room.
    She snuggled beneath his sheets, burying her face in his
pillow, trying to find him one last time. "Thank you so much, Giles,"
she murmured as she drifted off to her first peaceful sleep in years. "I
love you that much and more. Eternally."

finis

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Once again I need help!  (Hope)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 16:07:15 PST

I have forgotten what part of "Hope"  I sent in last.  Can someone let
me know what it is?!

Thanks a bunch.

*sArA*



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Once again I need help!  (Hope)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 19:36:48 EST

Part 30.

-Michelle.

-



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

From: "Frances Vanelli" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Once again I need help!  (Hope)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 20:15:14 -0500

Sara,

The last part of "Hope" I got was 30.  Please keep them coming it is a
great story..............


fcv

----------
> From: Sara Barton <[e-mail]>
> To: [e-mail]
> Subject: BUFFYFIC: Once again I need help!  (Hope)
> Date: Thursday, March 19, 1998 7:07 PM
>
> I have forgotten what part of "Hope"  I sent in last.  Can someone let
> me know what it is?!
>
> Thanks a bunch.
>
> *sArA*
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
> -

-



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

From: Daphne1784 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Once again I need help!  (Hope)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 20:23:54 EST

In a message dated 98-03-19 19:16:43 EST, you write:

<< I have forgotten what part of "Hope"  I sent in last.  Can someone let
 me know what it is?!
  >>

The last part was part #30.

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:04:32 EST

Wow......
That was beautifully written.... I dont know if im emotional today or what,
but I was weeping!
:..)
Lins

-



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

From: "Sapphire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:30:24 PST

**sob**
This was beautful...you *so* do not suck!
I look forward to seeing more of your work :)

*Sapphire picks up her empty kleeenex box and turns to
leave*

::grin::

Sapphire:  [e-mail]
X-Over Crossover list admin: X-Over:  XF Crossover archive
http://www.busprod.com/aclaybor
Taking the Challenge: BtVS Challenge Archive ; SPCDD; LOMIG ; G-Woman #3
Keeper of Willow's momentary obsession with sore thumbs,
Willow's whimper of sadness for her dead fish and her fake frog fit in =
KBD




-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:37:02 EST

It was absolutely wonderful. Very few stories tat sort have that much emotion.
Keep writing, please!

~Nastassia~

-



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

From: Whodinky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:43:33 EST

I thought this was great too.  If whomever wrote this were to write more, I,
personally, would love to know what Willow's and Xander's letters said. Also,
how did Giles die?   Was it Angel?  It was a great story and I love Les
Miserables (a bit of dramatic irony "The Miserable"?  Buffy and the Crew have
definetly had their fair share of misery lately!).

I really enjoyed this story.
Sarah

-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:51:31 EST

In a message dated 98-03-19 21:46:38 EST, you write:

<< I,
 personally, would love to know what Willow's and Xander's letters said. Also,
 how did Giles die?   >>

First off, I'm *delighted* that everyone liked it. I certainly do not have
a high opinion of my writing; I was afraid to send it.

I was thinking of writing a follow-up with Xander and Willow's letters, but I
didn't know if anyone would even like *this* one! Does anyone else want to
know what their letters said?

Jen
(who's actually giddy right now)

-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:55:40 EST

In a message dated 98-03-19 21:53:55 EST, you write:

<< I was thinking of writing a follow-up with Xander and Willow's letters, but
I
 didn't know if anyone would even like *this* one! Does anyone else want to
 know what their letters said?  >>

Write it! We loved this one, and I for one wanted to know what Xander and
Willow's letters said.

~Nastassia~
I fed of a flower person once, spent the next six hours watching my hand move.

-



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

From: Usako83 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 21:56:04 EST

In a message dated 98-03-19 21:39:30 EST, you write:

That truly was a beautiful story, and, oddly enough, I was singing that song
when I logged on to check my mail!  Anything from Les Mis is emotional, but
combining it with a touching Buffy story is just so sad!  A lovely story,
though.

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Adam Kost)
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 19 Mar 1998 23:39:57 -0600

This story was wonderful! I for one would love to see more of it.

:)
--
Forever Your Humble Servant,

Adam Kost            aka    Lord Rolins Xavier Starfire
                    Dark Knight of the Realms of Karnos
[e-mail]            (Karnos.Tradeweb.Net 2000)

"With Knowledge is Power and with Power comes
the Responsibility to use it wisely" -Lord Starfire

----------
> From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
> To: [e-mail]
> Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
> Date: Thursday, March 19, 1998 8:51 PM
>
> In a message dated 98-03-19 21:46:38 EST, you write:
>
> << I,
>  personally, would love to know what Willow's and Xander's letters said.
Also,
>  how did Giles die?   >>
>
> First off, I'm *delighted* that everyone liked it. I certainly do not
have
> a high opinion of my writing; I was afraid to send it.
>
> I was thinking of writing a follow-up with Xander and Willow's letters,
but I
> didn't know if anyone would even like *this* one! Does anyone else want
to
> know what their letters said?
>
> Jen
> (who's actually giddy right now)
>
> -

-



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

From: Christina Tseng <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 00:02:52 -0800

Incredibly sad - I've don't usually get that emotional reading fanfics.  I
think that you finally put in words what we wanted to hear about how Giles
feels about Buffy.  Anthony Head gives wonderful performances and his
expressions often show complex and strong emotions.  I'm glad that you
wrote this and keep it up!  Definitely write what Giles wrote to Xander and
Willow.
Christina

-



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

From: NuPhalanx <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 09:01:05 EST

Hello!
 Sorry for the off-topic post, but could someone send this story to me? AOL
gpf'd on me and I lost a couple of messages.

cordially,

Mike Z.

-



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

From: Betsy Vera <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 09:23:58 -0500 (EST)

On Fri, 20 Mar 1998, NuPhalanx wrote:

>  Sorry for the off-topic post, but could someone send this story to me? AOL
> gpf'd on me and I lost a couple of messages.

I've done this.


--Betsy
[e-mail]



-



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

From: NuPhalanx <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 14:48:23 EST

Hi!
 All I can say is one word - INCREDIBLE! Please write two more - one for
Willow, and one for Xander.

cordially,

Mike Z.

WOW!!

-



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

From: Janine Sebastian <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 11:59:27 -0800 (PST)






---NuPhalanx <[e-mail]> wrote:
>
> Hi!
>  All I can say is one word - INCREDIBLE! Please write two more - one
for
> Willow, and one for Xander.
>
> cordially,
>
> Mike Z.
>
> WOW!!
>
> -
>
>
I totally agree!  I'd really like to see what Giles wrote to Willow
and Xander. Also how did Giles Die?
     Jeanie
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 17:44:48 EST

In a message dated 98-03-19 21:53:52 EST, you write:

<< Does anyone else want to
 know what their letters said?
  >>
Ido Ido Ido Ido Ido
Lins
;)

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 23:31:36

I thought your story was really well done. It had me
crying all the way through. We're way, *way* behind you

here in England, so it was only when all the responses
came in that I realised this was your own creation.
Phew! That is like such a relief! I don't think I could

bear to see Giles really dead. It seemed so real I did
a really stupid thing and trashed the story :). Could
someone send me a copy... BTW I'd also love to know
what he said to Xander and Willow. Promise I won't do
anything dumb if you write these ;).

Betzi


-



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

From: Betsy Vera <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This Page..." (1/1)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 18:51:01 -0500 (EST)

On Fri, 20 Mar 1998 [e-mail] wrote:

> someone send me a copy...

I forwarded this.


Betsy
[e-mail]


-



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

From: Anya <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Lawful Evisceration (ArchiveFic)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 22:20:29 -0500

Lawful Evisceration
by Anya
An Archive fic for the Slayer's Fanfic Archive.

Disclaimer: The character's aren't mine.  And to be clear on what
copyright is: the story concept IS mine, but the characters and the
Slayer concept isn't.  Joss owns the last two.  (Joss =3D God)


"You owe me."  Willow folded her arms across her chest, her voice
offering no allowance for protest.  "And you know you owe me, so you're
going to help me."

Spike's responding smile was slight, and very amused.  Hands dropping to
the large wheels at the side of his chair, he pulled himself closer to
the more reserved of the Slayerettes, enjoying this departure from her
normally reticent, quiet self.  In fact, he mused, recalling the
occasion that had indebted him, it was beginning to appear that this
little redhead had more secrets than the Slayer.  "For a little bitty
bite of information, I owe you?"  The inflected incredulousness he added
to his voice was, in his opinion, worthy of a fine Shakespearean
performance.

"It kept Druscilla happy, didn't it."  Willow stalked closer, the stake
up her sleeve staying in place despite the arms swinging motion.  It
wasn't that she liked to take risks, but necessity required small
chances to be taken, every so often.  And Willow had no qualms against
blackmailing Spike.

Spike kept his poker face in place.  "Yeeessss" He replied, cautiously.

"It kept her from wigging out on you, over piddly fanfic while the
archive went down, that time, didn't it?"  Willow pressed.  "And it was
my idea." =20

Her smile was positively nasty, Spike noted in approval.  A nasty,
self-righteous, twisted and evil little smirk promising that the next
step would be a doozy.  And, given the girl's intelligence a step of any
type was simply not on his list of things he could cope with.  "It was
your idea." Spike admitted, the poker face fading to admit mild defeat.

"Good.  As long as you see this." Willow smiled again.  "Besides, you'll
love this favor.  It's right up your alley."  Feeling more secure now,
having obtained both the upper hand and Spike's interest, Willow moved
further into the room, tugging out a chair and plopping down into it.=20
The warehouse was a cold building, looking a little crispy after the
fire, but it'd been carefully restored to a vampires level of gloomy
tomb-like misery.  And who was she to argue with the interior decor of a
vampire?

"I will?"  Spike had to admit, this was getting better by the moment.=20
>From the instant she'd knocked on the door, sprayed the two guards in
holy water, and bearded him in the dining room, he had a feeling tonight
was going to be interesting.

"Oh, you will."  Willow purred, thumb trailing along the fine beveled
edge of the dining room table.

"I know I'm liking this." Drawled a new voice behind them.  "Dinner
served on time! How delicious!"  Angelus parted from the shadows at the
doorway, Druscilla trailing along behind him.  His black leather, and
knowing smirk were the exact opposite of Angel, and that was a
characteristic he liked to flaunt to those that used to know his
goody-goody soulish side.

"Dinner?"  Druscilla perked up noticeably, peering around Angelus' back
to see whatever had raised her Sire's spirits. "Oh, Miss Edith's cousin
has come for tea!"

Spike and Angelus both graced the vampiress with a rather chagrined
look, amazed at just how daffy she was.  "Dru, get a grip." Angelus
muttered, looking at Spike as if to say she was his problem.

"You did it to her, she's loopy =91cause o' you." The blond vampire
grumbled.

"Yeah, but you're the one who loves her, so it's your problem."  Angelus
retorted, forgetting his alleged meal for the moment.

"Until she's useful to you again." Spike snarled, wheeling closer.=20
"Then you'll be all over her, just to piss me off."   The blond was
sitting just below Angelus' tower form.  Craning his neck high, he
stared up as Angelus stared down.

"Whatever works." His sire taunted, the grin back in place.

"Are you two done?" Willow's voice dripped sarcasm.  Sitting
cross-legged on the table, the better to view the scene across the room
as it unfolded, she looked utterly unamused and totally unafraid.  Two
qualities Angelus didn't much enjoy in his meals.

"I beg you pardon?" Angelus cuffed Spike upside the head.  "How could
you let her in here? Did you hear how she spoke to me?"

Spike wheeled his chair back, his face shifting to a vampiric mask.=20
"What was I thinking?  Of course, Angelus, I'd hate for anyone to
badmouth you!  You stupid son-of-a-bitca*!"

"This is going far." Willow muttered, rolling her eyes and looking
heavenward.  If Necessity had a tangible form, Willow was going to get
Buffy to stake it.  "The things I do for you, Buffy." Willow heaved a
huge sigh.  Placing her two fingers at her mouth, the whistle was worthy
of a field marshal.  "YO!  Fang-faces! Over here! Fresh blood!"

Three sets of fangs turned to stare directly at her.  "Great!  Wonderful
responsiveness." Willow grumbled, getting ready to lob out her weapon of
choice.   Angel was moving awfully quickly towards her, and since Willow
was morally against losing more blood than she'd willingly donate to a
blood banks blood drive...

"Someone stole the Slayer's Fanfic Archive." =20

Like any good fanfic addicts, the threesome stopped dead, metaphorically
speaking.  "Someone did what?" Angelus roared, his diction surprisingly
clear around his fangs.

"You heard me." Willow said shortly, silently wishing he'd just step a
few cities away.  Spike, she could handle.  Even Druscilla, she could
outwit.  (Heck, Willow thought, Xander could outwit Druscilla!)  But
Angelus... fishy-murderer that he was, she didn't have any holds over
him.

"The archive? They stole the archive?" His tone of voice was nearly
hysterical.  Savagely, he spun about, bent and hefted Spike from the
wheelchair.  Holding the weaker vampire at eye level, Angelus shook him
like a rag doll.  "They STOLE my ARCHIVE!"

Okay, Willow mused, one eyebrow making a nice nest in her hairline, I do
have something to hold over big bad Angelus.

Spike shut his mouth to keep his jaw from rattling.  Angelus kept on
shaking, dangerously close to jarring more vertebrae loose.  Druscilla's
soothing intervention finally brought a measure of reason to their Sire,
and he dropped Spike like a sack of potatoes.  =20

"See." The blond vampire offered weakly to Willow.  "It's not just Dru.=20
It runs inherently in his side of the family."

"Oh."

Angelus, tactician that he was, ignored that and moved on.  "How did
they steal the archive and who do we kill?   Did they hurt Anya?  What
about the Update Team?  I can have a team of elite vampires guarding
them 24/7, just give me details."

"The Update Team, Anya, Biohaz, and etc are fine."  Willow reassured
him, feeling ridiculous for the motherly soothing tone of voice she was
using.  "No guards needed.  As for killing someone..."  Angelus was
looking crestfallen before she even got to the next part.  "That's what
I want to talk to you three about."

"This is the offer?"  Spike wheeled closer, willing to intervene on the
girl's behalf until they got the whole story.

"Oh yes." Willow smiled again, that little evil smirk that Spike was
beginning to really like.  Especially when Angelus flinched at the first
sighting of it.  "The offer.  I want you to find the person or persons
that did this."  Her smile widened.  "And I want the creep eviscerated.=20
As a belated birthday present for Anya."

Three pairs of eyes lit up.  "Eviscerate." Spike smiled fondly. "I love
that word, it has such a civilized sound."

"You just like using railroad spike's to rip people apart." Angelus
jeered.  "The word just makes it sound classier."

"You're just jealous." Spike sighed.   "I did it first and got a rep for
it.  You feel left out."

"In your dreams."

"Not my dreams, Angel, not you at least in my dreams."

"Boys?" Willow coughed discreetly.  "Can we do the bigger wrinklies
contest later?"  Both had the grace to look shamefaced.  "Right, so the
infringement site is at http://www.4link.net/~aejakim/Index.html ; and
it is an infringement.  The fool hasn't even disguised where they got
their stuff from." Willow shook her head, making a small snort of
disgust.  =20

"He or she as stolen a number of fics, although, a lot of the story
links don't work.  Anya thinks this theft has only been going on for a
week or two, =91cause of that.  She's appealing to the writers to check
for their stories on this unauthorized mirror site, and then decide if
they want it archived there or not.  He has her fics, and she knows no
one asked her for them all."

"Anya must be so mad." Druscilla sighed in a momentary appearance of
sanity.  "We'll kill the nasty archive-stealer for Anya, and then send
her the pieces to cheer her up."  The moment had clearly passed.

"Lovely." Willow murmured.  "Whatever.  Just go massacre, murder,
mutilate... whatever turns you on.   And if you do that, Anya might even
write a nice fic about you."

Angelus laughed openly.  "Nice fic? About us?"

Willow shrugged, hopping off the table.  "Sure.  For some bizarre
reason, Anya likes you bad."  Smoothly, and before the threesome could
protest, Willow moved to the door.  "She says you're more fun when
you're bad."  Willow glanced quickly at Spike. "Oh, and it's nice to see
you've recovered Spike."  The vampire started to frantically sign her to
be quiet.  Willow smirked, elaborating for the other's benefit. "You
know, when I first visited, I seriously thought you were a cripple.=20
Nice to see I was wrong."  Smiling, and offering a cute little wave, the
redheaded trouble maker shut the door.  Spike's protest howled clearly
through the warehouse walls as she stepped into the clear night air,
humming softly on her way home.

The End

Seriously, this website has taken whole pages, complete stories and more
from my site.  According to copyright laws, the graphics I designed, as
well as page setups (in their complete form and style) are also a
copyright allowed and assigned to me as creator.

I have emailed the individual regarding this, but my biggest concern is
to the AUTHORS WHO'S WORKS ARE ON MY ARCHIVE!  This person may have
infringed on YOUR works.  The stories, and ideas YOU developed in your
works are a copyright to you.  S/he has no right to distribute or
display them without your express permission.  If he/she asked you,
that's fine.  But, I need to be sure that the author's rights are
protected.  (It makes me feel better!)

~Anya

*bitca =3D well, you know.  This is nice company, we don't say nasty
words.

-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/6
Date: 20 Mar 1998 20:06:59 -0800 (PST)


TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2" with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 4

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Xander and Willow sat talking outside on the steps of Sunnydale High
after school got out.

"Did you see the look on Mr. Jamison's face when he realized that his
toupe' had fallen off?" Xander asked, laughing.

"Yeah, it was pretty funny," Willow said giggling.

"But- not as funny as the time he bent over and split his pants and
everyone saw his Batman underwear," Xander said, still laughing.

"True, I don't thing anything could beat that," Willow answered.

Xander looked off to the side briefly and spotted Buffy looking around
for them.

"Hey, Buff! We're over here!" Xander called to her.

Buffy smiled and walked over towards them.

"Hey," she greeted them.

"Hi," Willow said. "How are you? I mean, are you feeling better?" she
asked her friend.

"A little," Buffy told them. "The story about Mr. Jamison made me
smile, so that's a plus" Buffy said grinning.

"You heard?" Xander asked.

"Yeah, me and everyone else in school," Buffy told him.

"Oh, of course"

There was an awkward silence.

Buffy's smile disappeared and her face was filled with sadness.

"So...the big Friday night dance at the Bronze..Are you two game?"
Xander asked breaking the silence.

Buffy looked up at him. "Well I kinda have to go. I told Angel I'd be
there so he's gonna meet me there
after he's done packing," she told them.

"So I'll take that as a yes from you. Willow?"

"Yeah, I'll go," Willow told him.

"Ok, then. Our plans are now set. Mom's here- so now I must go home
and couch potato it until it's time to go.  I'll see you guys, later,"
Xander said then got into his mother's car.

Willow and Buffy waved goodbye to Xander and his mom.

Buffy turned to Willow.

"Well, since training is off for today, I can walk you home," Buffy
said standing up. "Then when I get home I can sulk for three hours and
by then it'll be time to get ready to leave."

Willow smiled and the two of them walked home together.

(LATER THAT NIGHT) THE BRONZE

Willow and Xander finally took a break from dancing and walked over to
the table where Buffy had been sitting alone for almost two hours.

"Still no sign of Angel, huh?" Willow asked her friend.

Xander shook his head in disgust. "And you call that a boyfriend?
Where I'm from that's called standing someone up. Now he had better
have a good reason for putting my best friend in more major mope mode
then she already is in or I'll just have to-"

Willow interrupted. "Xander, calm down. This is Angel we're talking
about. He'd never do that to Buffy."

"Ya know, you're right. What am I talking about? He'd never do such a
thing as that- he'd just move far far away so that her heart could be
broken."

Willow looked at Buffy. "So, what do you think happened to him, Buffy?
I mean, what if- he was on his way here and Spike and Druscilla found
out he was coming here, so they waited outside for him and captured-"
Willow paused when she saw the look Buffy was giving her. "Ok, ok,
sorry- Guess I got a little carried away."

"Just a little," Buffy said sarcasticly.

"So you think he's ok then?," Willow asked, already knowing her answer.

"I'm sure he's fine," Buffy answered her. "He's probably just
finishing up all of his packing tonight so he can sleep all day
tomorrow."

"Yeah, well, I'd hate to tell you but I think our vampy pal Angel is a
no show tonight- The Bronze closes in fifteen minutes- which means,
there's only like three more songs left to boogie on down to"Xander
told her. "So what do you say, Buffy- Think you can spare one little
dance with your best friend?"

Buffy nodded. "Sure- It beats sitting down and sulking.. Anyway, I
came here to dance- and I haven't done that all night."

"That's that spirit! C'mon!" Xander said, pulling Buffy onto the dance
floor.

Buffy and Xander danced together to an upbeat song.

Then a slower song came on.

Xander and Buffy continued dancing together while Willow sat alone at
the table.

"Are you with anyone?" a familiar voice behind her asked.

Willow turned around to see Oz standing there. "Oh, hi, Oz. Well, I
came with my two friends but they're out on the dance floor right now-
so right now, no- Are you?"

Oz shook his head. "Not anymore. I came with Devon but as soon as
Cordelia spotted him she-"

Willow interrupted. "You don't have to tell me the rest- I think I
know what happened."

"Yeah," Oz agreed.

"So, did you just come here now? 'Cause it closes soon and it would
just be kinda weird if you came for only the last few minutes," Willow
asked.

"Well, actually, yeah- we just came now. Devon wanted to see Cordelia
since he knew shed be here-and since he's my ride home I had to come
along, so, yeah," Oz told her.

The two sat in silence for a moment.

"Do you wanna dance?" Oz asked, breaking the silence.

"Me?" Willow asked, somewhat surprised.

Oz grinned. "Well, yeah- I didn't think there was any other Willow
here that I was talking to- Unless you have some invisible clone- Wait
let me check," he said, then looked under the table and behind him.
"Willow? Willow?" he said as he did so.

Willow giggled slightly. "Sorry- I guess-I' just not used to a
guy-well other then Xander- asking me to dance," she explained.

"Well you do know how, right?" Oz asked .

"Oh, yeah, I just-" she began.

"Well then let's dance," he told her.

Willow nodded her head in agreement as Oz led her out on the dance
floor. The two began slow dancing.  When the song ended, Devon came
over by where Oz and Willow were standing.

"Hey Devon, What's going on?" Oz asked his friend.

"Cordelia and I got into a little *disagreement*, so I'm ready to
bail. You coming?"

Oz looked at Willow for a moment then turned back to his friend. "I
think I'm gonna stay," he told Devon.

"Ok man, See you tomorrow at practice," Devon said.

"Yeah-I'll be there. See ya," Oz answered.

When Devon was gone, Willow turned to Oz. "Uh, Oz? Wasn't he your ride
home?" she asked him.

Oz nodded with a slight grin. "Yeah..but staying here is worth my
walking home," he told her.

Willow blushed.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look kind of cute when you blush
like that?" Oz asked her grinning.

Willow just stared at him.

"'Cause you do.. Not good at handling compliments, are you?

"No- Oh, I mean- Sorry- it's just- Well, no one has really-" Willow
began.

"Ever complimented you," Oz finished for her.

"Well, no guy-Well, besides-" Willow began again.

"Xander," Oz finished for her again.

Willow nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, I don't handle them too well myself so...But, do you wanna keep
dancing?"

"Oh-yeah, sure. I mean if you want to," Willow answered nervously.

Oz smiled. "I want to," he answered.

"Ok, then, let's- keep dancing," she said.

Willow and Oz started dancing dancing again as the song "How Do I
Live," by LeAnn Rhymes came on.

Xander and Buffy also began to slow dance together again, when someone
approached them from behind Buffy.

"Hey," the person said, looking at Xander.

"Hi," Xander answered.

Buffy turned around as soon as she heard the person's voice. "Angel. I
wasn't sure you'd show," she told him.

Angel looked at Xander. "Can I- cut in?" Angel asked him.

Xander nodded. "She's all yours-Well, not *all* yours- Ah, you know
what I mean."

Xander headed back to a table by himself when he spotted Cordelia
standing all alone in a corner.

He approached her. "Cordelia- What are you doing here all by
yourself-I figured you'd be latched on to Devon somewhere."

"No. We-well we just broke up," Cordelia told him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Xander said, trying to sound like he meant
it, although he really did not. "Look- I know your probably gonna say
to no this- but I thought I'd ask anyway..Do you wanna maybe- dance?"

Cordelia looked annoyed at first but then managed a slight smile.
"Sure-why not."

The two walked off onto the dance floor and began slow dancing together.

   Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist holding her close to
him while Buffy placed her hands on Angel's shoulders.

"I'm really sorry that I got here so late. I just- had a lot of things
to do to-" Angel began explaining softly.

"It's ok. I understand. Let's just forget about it and enjoy now, ok?"

Angel nodded. "Ok."

They danced, holding each other close, as they looked deeply into each
other's eyes.

The words to the song finally came on.

*How do I
 Get through the night with you
 If I had to live without you
 What kind of life would that be*

*Oh I,
 Need you in my arms, need you to hold
 You're my world, my heart, my soul
 If you ever leave
 Baby it would take away everything
 good in my life*

*And tell me now,
 How do I live without you,
 I want to know,
 How do I breathe without you,
 If you ever go*

As Buffy stared into Angel's eyes, listening to the lyrics of the
beautiful song, a tear rolled down her cheek when she realized how
much the lyrics to the song expressed the way she was feeling about
Angel leaving.

When Angel noticed her tears he began to get slightly choked up
himself. He pulled Buffy even closer to him, letting her head rest on
his shoulder, and almost hugging her for comfort as they swayed to the
music.

*Without you,
 There would be no sun in my sky
 There would be no love in my life,
 There'd be no world left for me*

*And I,
 Baby I don't know what I would do,
 I'd be lost if I lost you
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Real in my life*

"Angel?" Buffy whispered in his ear, through slight sobs.

"Hmm?" he answered.


"Will you ever be back?" she asked him, drawing away from him so she
could look into his eyes.

"I don't know," he answered softly after a long pause.

Buffy just nodded and pulled her self closer to him, holding on tight
to him, as if that would keep him from leaving.

*How do I go on
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Need you with me
 Baby don't you know that you are everything
 good in my life*

Buffy couldn't take it anymore and tears flooded her eyes and cheeks
as she cried onto Angel's shoulder.

Angel felt her body shaking as she cried and tried to comfort her-
while he hugged her with one arm, he brought his other arm to the back
of her head, burying her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her
head.

*And tell me now
 How do I live without you
 I want to know
 How do I breathe without you
 If you ever go
 How do I ever, ever survive
 How do I, How do I, oh How do I live*

The song was almost over but Buffy couldn't wait until the end-she had
to leave-the pain was too much for her. She pulled away from Angel and
sprinted out of the Bronze, hysterical, and ran all the way home.

To her advantage her mother wasn't home again- she didn't want to have
to answer any questions about why she was upset. Buffy just went
straight to her room  and laid down on her bed, crying hysterically.

After a few minutes, she was able to calm down a bit, but still,
hadn't noticed that someone else was in the room with her.

 Angel.

Her back was turned towards him but he could tell that she was still
crying by the light sobs he heard coming from her.

Angel walked quietly over to her bed and placed a gentle hand on her
cheek.

Buffy knew who it was right away and turned to face him, exposing her
tear-filled face to him.

It hurt Angel so much to see her like that. He moved his hand to wipe
the tears that were falling from her eyes as she stared at him.

His own face showed a pain filled expression as he stared down at her.

As he went to wipe more tears away Buffy covered his hand with hers
for a second and then pushed it away from her face, letting go of her
grip on it.

She turned her head the other way- She couldn't look at him and see
the pain that she afflicted upon him by pushing him away when he was
only trying to comfort her.

Angel stood there with question. Tears were beginning to fill his own
eyes as he stood unsure of what he should say, or what he should do.

After a few more sobs Buffy finally spoke to him. "This is hard
,Angel, this is so hard," she said.

Angel nodded. "I know," was all he could say.

Buffy waited a few moments and spoke again. "I can't do this- I can't
say goodbye like this-when we're involved- It's too hard," Buffy
continued.

Angel just stared at her.

Buffy waited a few more seconds. "I think- we should just- not be
together anymore- end our relationship here- because it's just too
hard to say goodbye to you while we're in one," she said. She turned
her head the other way.

"What are you saying, Buffy?" Angel asked softly.

After a few more sobs she spoke again. "I need you... to leave," Buffy
told him.

She turned her head back, to see what his response to this would be.

Angel stared at her for a second. He understood how she was feeling-
and that it hurt her more right now to see him.

He gave her a slight nod then stared at her a few more seconds-then
turned and walked towards her door.

Angel stopped when he reached the door and turned his head slightly,
but still not enough to face her.

"I wish things could be different, Buffy..that I didn't have to leave
Sunnydale," he commented.

After a short silence, Buffy answered. "Me too. But- things just don't
go the way we want them to in life. Especially in mine."

She wished he would just leave so that she wouldn't lose it in front
of him.

"Well, goodbye Buffy," he said knowing that she wanted him to leave.

Buffy didn't answer and just watched him continue out of her room.

She waited until she heard him close her front door to let loose the
emotions she was holding back. She broke out into tears again.

She cried and cried , nonstop for about an hour.

Then around 11:00 she finally calmed down a bit.

The phone rang on the night table next to Buffy's bed.

Buffy reached over and picked it up. "Hello?...Oh, hey Will....I just
couldn't take it anymore, I had to leave or I would've just cried
write there....Yeah, he came by, but- I told him to leave. I think it
was the right thing to do- Just break it off-and stay away from him
until tommorow night..It should be easy to do considering it's only a
day..Yeah, should be but right now it doesn't seem like it will be. I
miss him already and I just saw him an hour ago...No, I think he
understands why..I think it'll be easier to deal with, I guess..He
said goodbye, but I didn't answer. I couldn't- It was just too
hard..Will, I think I'm gonna go on slay patrol now, even though it's
kind of late. That should get my mind off this..I will.Ok, I'll try.
I'll call you tomorrow and we can do something..K, bye."

Buffy hung up the phone, just to have it ring again.

"Hello?..Mom- hi..I'm fine. I was just- getting ready t o go to
Willow's-to sleep over I mean since it's so late..You do?..No, I'll be
fine.Besides I'll be at Willow's tonight and- I'll see if I can stay
there tomorrow night too..You just take care of whatever you have to
at the gallery and I'll see you Monday..That's two days
right?..No-mom, I'll be fine..Don't worry, I'll be good..Ok mom. Love
you, too. Bye,"

Buffy hung up the phone again.

She grabbed the jacket that Angel had given her awhile back and a
stake from her drawer and left the house on slay patrol.

Buffy was walking towards the park when she came to the building that
Angel lived in.

She stopped for a moment thinking of how badly she wanted to just go
in there and throw her arms around him. But she couldn't. She had to
stay away from him to make it easier to let go.

She continued walking again, her thoughts still on Angel and how he
was leaving.

But since her thoughts were invading her mind and taking her attention
off of slaying, she didn't notice the vampire that had come up behind
her until it was too late.

He had her by the neck  and she was too tired and stressed out to
fight back at the moment.

The she felt it- two fangs puncture the skin on her neck and the
vampire slowly draining the blood out of her.

After he had taken the slightest bit, Buffy's salyer sense kicked in
and she managed to push her stake through his heart, turning him to
dust immediately.

Buffy turned the other way and placed her fingers up to her neck, in
pain.

She decided that she needed help fast, and the closet place would be
Angel's.

As much as she wanted to stay away from him, she couldn't. She needed
help immediately.

Buffy ran to Angel's apartment and knocked on his door with tears in
her eyes from the pain and fear she was feeling.

As soon as Angel opened the door, she fell into his arms, sobbing
uncontrollably.

Angel hugged her close to him, trying to comfort her, thinking that
she was crying because she would miss him and didn't want him to leave.

"It'll be alright, soon," he whispered in her ear.

"It hurts," Buffy sobbed.

"I know, I know," he replied and kissed the top of her head.

"The pain-" Buffy began.

"Shhh..It'll all go away- it may take awhile- but soon, things will be
alright," he promised her.

"It-feels- like a thousand knives are stabbing into my neck- all at
once," she told him.

"Your...neck?" Angel asked hoping she wasn't referring to what he
thought she was. "What are you talking about? I thought-" he began.

Buffy pulled away, shaking her head, exposing the two red fang marks
on her neck to him.

Angel looked at the marks and growled. "Who did this to you?" he asked
in anger.

"I don't know. Just some- random vampire I guess," she told him.

"How did it happen?" Angel asked.

"Well, I was out on slay patrol and I guess I was a
little..sidetracked and didn't notice that he was behind me. So he
snuck up on me and attacked. It wasn't until he already had his fangs
in my neck that I was able to fight back," Buffy explained.

"Did you kill him?" Angel asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah- dusted him off right away," she answered.

Angel sighed, putting his head down.

"What? Was I not supposed to kill him?" she asked, confused.

Angel just stood there with his head down trying to figure out what to
do.

"Angel? You're scaring me. What gives here?" Buffy asked.

Angel lifted his head to look at her. "Sorry- I ,uh- I  was just
worried. You shouldn't have," he began.

"Killed him. I shouldn't have killed him," Buffy finished for him.

Angel nodded.

"But I didn't know- I thought vampires- except you, of course- were
the bad guys and that I was supposed to kill them. I was scared- I
didn't know what to do," she explained.

"i know- It's not your fault. It's just- he could've been useful in
getting you better," Angel told her.

"How?" Buffy asked.

"Well, as strange at it may sound, he didn't drain enough blood out of
you to complete the process of healing- if he did, you'd be unconcous,
so if he was still around we'd have to lure him into draining the
slightest bit more out of you. Then, we'd have cut his neck and make
him bleed and you'd have to drink the blood from his neck until you
were strong again," he explained.

Buffy was confused. "Uh, Angel- I could be wrong here but doesn't
drinking a vampire's blood after he drank yours make you become a
vampire?" she asked.

"In most cases, yes, but not in this one. Since your the slayer it
doesn't work the same for you," he told her.

"How come?" Buffy asked.

"Well, since your the slayer, you can drink the blood from the same
spot that you were bitten in and not become a vampire," Angel explained.

"Oh..ok..*ow* Whatever needs to be done to treat this, could we do it
now?" Buffy asked in pain.

"That's the thing, Buffy. Without that vampire, I don't know of any
other way of treating it," he told her.

"*Ow* Well, do I need *that* vampire? I mean, can't I just get any old
vamp and suck the blood from that one's neck in stead? *Ow*" Buffy was
able to get out.

Angel shook his head. "It has to be the same one that bit you,
otherwise it won't work," he told her.

"Oh..great. So what do I do? I can't go to a hospital because they'll
have to call my mom and she's out of town- I don't want her worrying
or anything," Buffy said holding the spot on her neck again.

"Let me look at it," Angel said.

Buffy nodded and took her hand off the fang marks.

Angel reached out his hand to touch it, then pulled back, almost
instantly, and turned his head the other way with a growl.

"Angel?" Buffy called.

"You need to get help..now. Go find Giles or someone," he told her.

"Aren't you gonna come? I mean, even though that vampire only got a
little out of me, I'm still a little weak. What if another vampire
comes along- I won't have the strength to fight it and-"

"I can't," Angel answered with a growl, still turned the other way.

Buffy walked around him so that she could face him. She realized that
he was in his "game" face.

"Oh. I get it. You can't look at me, can you? 'Cause when you do, all
you see is the two red marks on my neck," she said.

"I'm sorry, Buffy. I want to help you but..the temptation- it's just
too great," Angel told her.

"It's ok. I understand," Buffy said, with a hint of hurt in her voice.

Angel noticed this and wanted to show her that he cared about her and
loved her- even though they were no longer together.

He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on the side of her neck
without the fang marks. Angel bent his head down toward her neck.

Fear overwhelmed Buffy as Angel's mouth neared the fang marks on her
neck. After all, Angel was in his "vampire mode"

But the fear and pain washed away, and was replaced with pleasure as
Buffy felt Angel's soft, sensual lips, instead of fangs, pressed
against the cut.

Angel did not pull his lips away right way. He let them linger there
for some seconds.

As they did, Buffy closed her eyes and let her head tilt back
slightly, exposing her neck to his lips and letting the pleasure take
over her.

Seeing Buffy's reaction to this, and how much pleasure this was giving
her, he drew his lips away for merely a second, and kissed her there
again.

"Angel," Buffy sighed with pleasure.

Angel was fighting so hard to control the demon inside him, so that he
would not bite her. But the temptation was becoming to great, so he
pulled his lips away from her neck.

Buffy opened her eyes to find him staring at her.

"Better?" Angel asked, referring to the pain from the bite.

Buffy wanted to tell him how incredible it felt to have his lips on
her, kissing her, since he hadn't in a while. But she knew that she
couldn't. The y could no longer be together and she felt the need to
remind him.

"Angel, why did you do that? I mean, you know that we can't be
together anymore. It'll be to hard to say goodbye if we are," Buffy
said.

Angel was finally able to gain control and morph back into his normal
face again. "I know. I just- wanted to let you know that- whether
we're together or not- I care about you, and..love you. And no matter
what happens to us Buffy, I'll never stop. Even if..Even if you stake
me right now. It hurts me so much to see you in pain and I'd give
anything to help you- unless it would risk your life. And right
now..it would-So I can't be with you..I'm sorry."

Buffy nodded. She understood. But she was curious about something and
had to ask him. "Did you wanna bite me just before?" she asked.

Angel frowned and put his head down. "I did," he admitted in a sad
tone. "But- I was able to control the urge," he told her.

Buffy smiled slightly. "Well, I guess I should be greatful for your
honesty. But- to answer your question from before..It is..better."

Angel looked up at her with a slight smile.

Buffy grinned back at him slightly.

"Well, maybe I'll just have to do it again," Angel said flirtatiously.

Buffy smiled. "Yeah, and maybe if you keep doing it, I'll be
completely better."

Angel's smile turned to a frown. "If that was all it really would
take, I wish I could," he said, a sad tone in his voice again.

Buffy's smile disappeared too, when he said this.

"Well, I better go to Giles house now," she told him changing the
subject.

Angel nodded. "I'd go with you but-"

"I know..the temptation..I know," Buffy said, understandingly.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye then," Angel said, still with a sad tone.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah..guess it is." She stared at him a few more seconds.

"I'll..I'll see ya," she blurted out, quickly walking to the door.

Without giving him the chance to answer her, she opened the door and
left.

She didn't start crying until she got outside.
Once outside, the tears began to pour down her face as she walked to
Giles to get help.

Angel was left standing there in his apartment, tears rolling down his
hace.

"Yeah..see ya," he said in a whisper.

TO BE CONTINUED


























































_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


-



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

From: "Doug Lehman" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Lawful Evisceration (ArchiveFic)
Date: 20 Mar 1998 15:25:24 -0500

Have you found out anything of whether or not they asked for permission.  I
looked at the page myself and the creator seems to have good intentions BUT
as a writer(be it I have yet to post a fanfic I'm having enough trouble
trying to wrap-up my book) I get more then alittle steamed about the
unauthorized use of anothers work, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Pay backs a bitca* :)

With warmest reguards,
mental

Seriously, this website has taken whole pages, complete stories and more
from my site.  According to copyright laws, the graphics I designed, as
well as page setups (in their complete form and style) are also a
copyright allowed and assigned to me as creator.

I have emailed the individual regarding this, but my biggest concern is
to the AUTHORS WHO'S WORKS ARE ON MY ARCHIVE!  This person may have
infringed on YOUR works.  The stories, and ideas YOU developed in your
works are a copyright to you.  S/he has no right to distribute or
display them without your express permission.  If he/she asked you,
that's fine.  But, I need to be sure that the author's rights are
protected.  (It makes me feel better!)

~Anya

*bitca = well, you know.  This is nice company, we don't say nasty
words.

-



-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "On This PAGE..." (1/1)
Date: 21 Mar 1998 06:20:31 -0800

I just finished reading this and Giles Letter to Buffy brought
tears to my eyes.

It was very very good. I hope you"ll let us know what
Xander's & Willow's Letters Said

-



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

From: Tina <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Lawful Evisceration (ArchiveFic)
Date: 21 Mar 1998 08:01:04 -0600 (CST)

On Fri, 20 Mar 1998, Doug Lehman wrote:

> Have you found out anything of whether or not they asked for permission.

I know they haven't.  I was rather...um, I'd say less-than-pleased is a
good word...to find out that fifteen of my stories are up on that site.  I
promptly wrote the web site keeper, and asked him to take my stories off
the page.

Now, to attempt to make this vaguely on-topic,so the ListMoms don't
eviscerate *me*...

Anya, this was *extremely* funny.  Not only that, but Willow got to be
hyperassertive, and I love when that happens.  Hehehe...

Off to read more fic and mail...

Tina <[e-mail]>
Ms. Calendar's Domain: http://www.enteract.com/~shedwyn/calendar
*NatPack  *SunS  *Slayerette  *Duchovnik Lurker  *CoS  *MCTP  *GDLM Clan
*Keeper of Ms. Calendar's Pendant  *Heretic ot CoJ *Broom Brigade Lurker
"Nah, I just have this image of me in the desert trailing along behind the
NatPack picking up their discarded monkeys."  --Sharon H.


-



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

From: NuPhalanx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: All Alone in the Night Part 5/5
Date: 21 Mar 1998 13:17:42 EST

TITLE:  All Alone in the Night Part 5/5
AUTHOR:  Mike Z.
EMAIL:  [e-mail]
DISTRIBUTION:  Anya and Zandarah, sure. Others, please ask.
CONTENT/RATING:  PG-13 - nothing too objectionable.
SPOILER:  Invisible Girl, 2nd season up to Some Assembly Required.
FEEDBACK:  Always welcome
SUMMARY: Wrapping up the nights' events - Marci and Co. have left, and Angel
must comfort Cordelia.
DISCLAIMER:  Joss Whedon and Warner Brothers get full rights to all characters
used, I'm not making any money off of this so please be nice and don't sue me!
I don't have any money anyway. Drat!


All Alone in the Night
Part 5/5


    The rain had finally stopped. Angel was grateful for that as he stood outside
the Chase house, watching the neighbors looking at the police cars and
muttering amongst themselves. He could hear every word that was said, but was
paying no attention. He watched closely as a man in coveralls finished
repairing the alarm system, while another man was stapling a plastic sheet
over the shattered kitchen
window.

    He smiled when he remembered Cordelia's reaction to the news that her parents
wouldn't be home until tommorow afternoon. He had never seen such a cold rage,
and it was gone as soon as it had appeared. As long as Cordelia was alright,
Mr. and Mrs. Chase saw no reason to cut their weekend short. Cordelia hadn't
spoken to her mother, but Angel inferred the her parents had made the decision
to stay at Vail together.

    The police Detective stepped outside and motioned to him. Angel did as he was
asked and listened to what the man had to say.

    "So, there were three intruders? One male, two female, all caucasian? And the
male had a gun?"

    Angel nodded before replying. He was glad that Cordelia seemed to go along
with whatever he said, especially with the invisible parts. No sense in
getting locked up at the local mental ward.

    "Yes. We were able to scare them off, I guess." Angel glanced inside. He
could see Cordelia sitting on the stairs. "How is she holding up?" he asked,
keeping his voice low. The detective puased for a moment, then answered.

    "Someone should stay with her tonight. I'd like the two of you to come down
to the station and fill out some paperwork. But it can wait until Monday." The
officer paused for a moment. "I still can't figure out who called 911. The
Dispatcher said it cam from a cellular phone, yet Miss Chase told me all the
phones in the house are out." He walked back to his car, shaking his head and
writing on his notepad.

    Angel stepped back inside and sat down next to Cordelia. She was still a
little pale, but at least she could keep her hands steady. She looked up at
him with red eyes and managed a weak smile.

    "Thanks. I mean, if you hadn't shown up.." her voice trailed off in to
silence. Angel hugger her close to him and rubbed her back.

    "It's okay now. Do you want me to take you anywhere?" Another policeman had
told Cordelia that someone would keep an eye on the house until the repairs
were completed, but that didn't reassure Cordelia. She stood and grabbed a
leather jacket from a nearby closet. Angel helped her put it on and waited.

    "Look, I know you and Buffy are an item, but I really don't want to stay here
tonight." She fixed her gaze on her shoes and continued. "Would it be okay if
I stayed at your place? Please?" Her voice had a slight pleading note in it.
Angel was just a little surprised; but being a gentleman, he couldn't say no
to her.
Buffy would understand - hopefully.

    "Sure. My bike's right down the road." He watched as she gathered a few
things in to a small bag, then grabbed her keys and followed him out the door.
As she was locking it, he scanned the area for any
intruders but could detect nothing. Dulcimer and his kids were gone.

    True to the detective's word, there was a police cruiser parked at the end of
the driveway. Cordelia spoke briefly with the officer inside, then started
walking down the road with Angel. She was extremly quiet, which Angel knew was
not like her. He was watching her closely, as she was obviously still in a
slight state of
shock. When they reached his motorcycle, he handed her the helmet and helped
her put it on. She slid on the seat and clutched at his waist as he started
the Kawasaki and rode off towards Sunnydale.

***

    Angel opened the door and held it while Cordelia entered. She still hadn't
said a word, and he was starting to get a little worried. As he put his helmet
away, he noticed she seemed to be fascinated by one of the paintings on the
wall. He didn't get visitors very often, and he was glad he had kept the decor
and furniture to a minimum.

    He checked his answering machine for messages and was relieved when there
were none. He took Cordelia's jacket and hung it next to his. With a wave of
his hand, he told her to make herself at home while he got her something to
drink. He had just started keeping sodas in the fridge again since Buffy had
been visiting him.

    Cordelia was curled up in a corner of the couch when he returned with a
pepsi. He sat across from her and regarded her with his dark brown eyes. She
had only taken a sip of the drink before going back to staring at the far
wall.

    Angel was worried. He picked up the phone and dialed Giles' number. Giles
answered after three rings. In hushed tones, Angel explained the nights'
events to Giles. He answered a few questions from the Watcher, then put the
phone back in its cradle.

    "Giles will take you home in the morning," he said. Cordelia didn't move,
didn't give any indication of having heard him. He knelt on the floor and took
her hands in his. "Talk to me."

    Her lower lip was trembling. A lone tear fell down her cheek, and she finally
looked at him. With a trembling voice, she said: "I had to shoot him. I had
to!" Angel shushed her and held her close. She started crying, her body
racking with the sobs. She kept repeating the same words over and over. Angel
closed his eyes and silently raged at the man who had done this.

    'Do not cross my path again,' he vowed silently. After about ten minutes had
passed, Cordelia hiccuped and pulled away from him. She wiped her eyes with
the back of her hand. Angel offered her a Kleenex which she gladly accepted.
He went
back out to the kitchen and pulled a bottle of Jack Daniels out of the
cabinet. He poured some in a small glass and set it in front of her. She
looked at him with a strange expression on her face, then took the glass and
downed the alchohol in
two gulps. Cordelia smiled slightly at the confused look on his face.

    "Just like mom," she whispered, settling back on the couch. She closed her
eyes and sighed. "I'll probably need therapy for the rest of my life after
this." She motioned at the empty glass. "Could I have another?"

    Angel rose without a word and refilled her glass. He placed it on the table
next to her and watched her down it in a few gulps. She looked at him again,
and he shook his head.

    "That's your limit." She smiled sadly. Angel was curious. Cordelia had never
mentioned her mother, and her actions gave him an insight into her
personality. He sat back and waited; it was obvious that she wanted to talk.
Hopefully the
alcohol had calmed her down enough so she could let it out.

     "You're right, I don't want to end up like mother. She's either drunk, or
sick, or..." her voice trailed off. She hugged herself and looked at him
furtively, knowing she had revealed too much. Angel favored her with an
encouraging smile.

    "It's okay, Cordelia. Our secret. Promise." She gave him a grateful smile and
stretched out on the couch. He rose and knelt next to her.

    "You can have the bed, and I'll-" Cordelia cut him off with a raised hand.

    "No. I've, um, slept on couches before." She smiled at him at he pulled a
blanket of the bed and covered her with it. "Besides, I like leather." She
closed her eyes and tried to relax. Angel tucked the comforter around her and
brushed her hair
away from her face. She murmured something that he couldn't make out. He
thought she said 'Dad' but wasn't sure. He straightened and returned to his
post on the chair. He would watch her until Giles came in the morning.

    Angel had just started reading the book of poetry when it started. Cordelia
snored, and loudly. Hanging his head, he reminded himself that a gentleman
never complains about his guests. But it was going to be a long night.

All Alone in the Night Fin.

-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
Date: 21 Mar 1998 14:44:20 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2," and especially
"Angel," in this part.
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story with some added Willow/Oz and
Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the gang find out about the return of
the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 5

THE NEXT DAY(SATURDAY)
BUFFY'S HOUSE

 The door bell rang at the Summers' house and Buffy went to answer it
since no one else was home.

"Hi, Buffy," Willow greeted her at the door.

"Hey, Will," Buffy answered. "Come on in."

Willow walked in and Buffy shut the door behind her.

"How are you feeling?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy seemed like she was in a daze. "No, Angel hasn't left yet," she
answered her friend.

"Uh, Buffy, are you alright?" Willow asked concerned.

"Fine! Everything's fine! I'm fine, my mom's fine. I'm sure your
fine..you are fine, right?"

Willow nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think you are."

"Don't be silly. I'm fine..great..wonderful. Nothing could be better,"
Buffy told her.

"Are you sure about that Buffy," Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah! Why?"

"Well, you're acting kind of strange. And when I asked you a minute
ago how you were you told me that Angel hasn't left yet..That wasn't
the question I asked," Willow told her.

Buffy sighed. "I'm sorry..Guess I just have some- things on my mind,"
she explained.

"Like, Angel leaving?" Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Like  Angel leaving," she repeated in an answer.

"Look, I know this must be hard for you," Willow started, attempting
to comfort her friend.

Buffy looked at Willow, as if Willow really didn't know how hard it was.

Willow sighed. "Ok, maybe I don't really know. I'm just trying to make
you feel better- if that's possible," she said.

Buffy sighed. "Look, I appreciate your help, I do. But, I really don't
think that anything can help. I mean, Angel's leaving. There's nothing
that can stop that from happening."

Willow stared at Buffy. She knew that Buffy was right- There was
nothing that could make Buffy feel any better- There was nothing that
could prevent Angel from leaving.

Buffy sat on her couch, looking in the other direction.

Willow sat next to her.

Tears were forming in Buffy's eyes. "It's just so hard...It's so
hard..The only thing that makes sense to me is gone," she said.

"He hasn't left yet, Buffy. You could still go see him now," Willow
said softly.


Buffy shook her head. "I can't. We said goodbye already..last night.
We, well it wasn't exactly goodbye..I kinda just left and said bye,"
Buffy told her.

"What happened? I mean, I expected you guys to go through that whole
mushy goodbye thing," Willow said.

"Definitely no mushy goodbye...He just told me that I had to go get
help with the vampire bite and I said ok and just kinda said see you
to him and walked out the door" she told Willow. "And I can't go back
there to see him, it'll just make it harder for us both. I think that
despite my feeling awful about ending like that, maybe there's still
the chance that it'll work out easier," Buffy explained.

"Well, is it working so far? Do you think it's easier?" Willow asker
her.

"No, I think I may have made it harder. I'll probably never forgive
myself for not saying goodbye the right way, but, I guess I'll just
have to give it time.," Buffy answered.

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I'll get it," Willow told her, getting up. "It's probably just
Oz. He's been waiting out in his van for me," she said.

"Oz?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah..we're going on our first date tonight" Willow said.

"Oh. Where to?" Buffy asked.

"The Bronze," Willow answered.

"The Bronze? That sounds romantic and quite..have fun," Buffy said
sarcastically.

Willow opened the door. "Hey, Oz. Come on in," she said motioning
inside.

"Shouldn't we get going?" he asked as she closed the door behind him.

"Uh, yeah. Hey, Buffy- Do you wanna- come?" she asked her friend.
"Xander's gonna be there too..uh, with Cordelia, but still there."

"Nah. I think I'll stay in tonight. Besides, you two are going on a
date, I don't wanna impose or anything," Buffy said.

"Oh, no. You won't be imposing. We want you to come..Don't we Oz?"

"Sure. It'll kinda break that first date tension having someone else
around," Oz answered with a grin.

"I don't know..I won't be much for company," she said.

"Sure you will Buffy. You always are," Willow said.

"Well, Angel has never left town for good before," Buffy reminded her.

"Oh...yeah. But, I mean it's Saturday night. What else are you going
to do besides stay home and wish Angel wasn't leaving," Willow pointed
out.

Buffy thought for a minute. "Ok..I'll come. I- just have to get
something upstairs. I'll be down in a few minutes. You guys can wait
outside," she said.

"Ok..great," Willow said smiling.

Buffy smiled back and ran upstairs.

********
GILE'S HOUSE

  Gile's was reading one of the Watcher diaries when he heard a knock
on his door. He got up to answer it.

He was surprised at who stood in front of it. "Oh..he..hello,
Angel....Uh, why don't you come in?" he said, motioning him to come
inside.

Angel nodded. "Thanks."

"Have a seat," Giles said pointing over to the couch.

Angel nodded and sat down.

"So..What brings you here?" Giles asked concerned.

"The book on the Elgradora..I was able to get it for you. I thought-
you'd be at the school library but you weren't..so I cam here to give
it to you," Angel explained. He held out the book in his hands, giving
it to Giles.

Giles took it and looked down at it for a moment. He then began
flipping through the pages.

"It's somewhere in the fourth chapter," Angel told him.

Giles flipped to Chapter four and scanned it for information.
"Oh..yes, here it is..Well, Thank you very much. This will indeed be
helpful in protecting Buffy-and- us all. Thank you," he said.

"No problem," Angel said. His face saddened at the thought that he
wouldn't be there anymore to protect Buffy as he always did before.

"Is...she alright?" Angel asked suddenly.

"Who? Buffy?" Giles asked.

"Yeah. She was bitten by a vampire last night and I told her to go see
you. Is she alright?" Angel asked, concerned.

"Yes. Sh-she's fine," Giles assured him.

There was a long silence.

"Buffy-told me that you're leaving Sunnydale," Giles said, trying to
make conversation.

"I am..I'm leaving tonight," he told Giles.

"Yes-I know. Buffy-is- very upset. She's going to miss you quite a
bit, I suppose,"Giles told him.

Angel nodded. "I know..I'm going to miss her too," he said in a sad
tone. "When I got my soul back, I never thought that I'd be able to
love anyone again. I thought..no human could ever love me because I'm
not human and no vampire could ever love me and I could never love
them because I'm not like them anymore..But then I met Buffy..and I
fell in love with her..She- fell in love with me. And I was the
happiest I'd ever been in all my life..because I felt-almost human
again..I felt loved. There was still loneliness, still pain..but there
was love..the greatest thing that could ever happen to me..and Buffy
gave it to me. And now- it's all being taken away. I have to leave..."
he

"I'm terribly sorry that things can't work out for the two of you,
Angel. And- I mean that. I know, I've said in the past that a vampire
and a slayer could never belong together. But when I saw the
extraordinary love that you have for Buffy and the extraordinary love
that Buffy has for you...Well, I realized that you two were meant to
be together" Giles told him.

There was a short silence.

"I should- probably thank you, as Buffy's watcher, for allowing us to
be together," Angel said.

"Well, as I said, I recognized that nothing could keep true lovers
apart, and you two- are, in a sense, true lovers. I wasn't about to
attempt to tear that apart," Giles explained.

"But this does," Angel said, a sad tone in his voice.

"Well, yes, I suppose it will.. But- even while the two of you are
apart, I know- that you're love for each other will remain..perhaps
forever" Giles said.

"Angel," Giles began, curious,"Have you told Buffy what you just told
me- about how you never thought you could love anyone until you met
her?" he asked.

"I've told her..many times," Angel told him.

"Well did you tell her last night- before the two of you said
goodbye?" Giles continued.

Angel shook his head. "I didn't..I didn't get the chance to say
goodbye to her. She was gone before I could say anything," Angel
explained. He paused for a second. "Do you..think- you could tell her
that I said goodbye..and..that- I love her?" he asked.

Giles nodded. "I could..But- I know Buffy very well, and I know that
she'd much rather hear you say that to her then, well me, of course,"
Giles told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy said goodbye already. She doesn't want to
see me again. It'll be to hard for her."

"I'm afraid that Buffy is trying to talk herself into not seeing you
again. She's afraid..of how she'll act when she sees you leaving her.
But, I think what will be harder for her, is when she realizes that
she should've said goodbye to you- the right way. And then it'll be
too late," Giles said. He paused. "But, I'll tell her for you if
that's what you'd like."

Angel just stared at him. "I better go," he said after a few
seconds,"My train leaves soon."

He stood up and walked towards the door.

"Very well," Giles said, following him and opening the door for him.

"Goodbye," Angel said looking at Giles.

"Goodbye, Angel," Giles replied.

Angel turned and walked out the door.

"Angel," Giles called as he watched Angel walk out into the street.

Angel turned around.

"You've..been of much help to- us all..over the course of the years
we've known you..very much help. And I..thank you for that," Giles said.

Angel nodded and turned back around and walked away.

Giles watched him walk away. "Poor Buffy," he thought. "I hope he
makes the right descision."

******
THE BRONZE

While Willow and Oz were dancing, Willow looked over into a dark
corner of the Bronze and spotted someone standing alone in the shadows.

"Hey, Oz. Can you excuse me for a few minutes? I have to go to the DJ
stand to- request a song," Willow told Oz.

"Oh, sure. I'll just wait here for you," Oz said.

"Ok, I'll be back in a little while," Willow said, then turned and
walked over to where Xander and Cordelia were making out.


Willow tapped Xander on the shoulder. "Uh, excuse me, Xander- There's
something we need to go do," she told him.

"Yeah, there is. *You* need to go back on the dance floor and dance
with Oz, and *I* need to continue making out with Cordelia," Xander
answered.

"I'm sorry- I- interrupted your little..thing, but- this is more
important," Willow explained.

"Right now, nothing could be more important then Cordelia's lips
against my lips- or maybe other body parts," Xander told her.

Cordelia and Xander started kissing again.

"But..it's about Buffy!" Willow told him.

Xander broke away from Cordelia. "Well, maybe that."

He looked at Cordelia. "Cordy, don't move. I'll be right back..My
lips'll miss you- yours," he told her.

"Ew! You're leaving me for her! Listen, Xander, If you think you've
got me wrapped around your fingers, you're wrong! Ok, cause there's
plenty of guys that are dying to go out with me- and some that I'd
much rather go out with- and a few of them are here right now, So if
I-" Cordelia began shouting at him.

Xander grabbed the back of her head and passionately kissed her.

"You better hurry up. Wouldn't want one of those stupid single losers
to think I'm not with anyone," Cordelia said, changing her mind.

Xander turned to a surprised Willow. "These babies are magical," he
said pointing to his lips.

Willow managed to smile slightly.

"So, what's this we have to do for Buffy?" Xander asked following
Willow.

"Just follow my lead," Willow told him as they headed towards the DJ
stand.

Willow whispered a request of a song in the DJ's ear, who agreed to
play it.

"Will, you mind letting me in on the big secret?" Xander asked.

Willow nodded. "Well, remember the night.." Willow started and
proceeded to tell Xander her plan.

Xander looked over at a dark figure in the corner of the Bronze, then
looked at a lonely Buffy.

"For Buffy's sake, I hope this works," Xander said.

Willow nodded. "Me too.. Come on. let's go," she said.

The two of them walked over to where Buffy sat.

"Hi," Willow said to Buffy.

Buffy looked up at the two of them. "Oh, hey guys," she answered.

There was a long silence as Willow waited for the right moment to
begin talking again.

Finally, a new song began playing- the one that Willow had requested.

Willow was relieved- her plan was working so far.

The words to the song came on.

*It's daybreak
 And you are asleep
 I can hear you breathe now
 Your breath is deep*

"So, no word from Angel?" Willow asked Buffy, on cue.

Buffy looked at Willow, confused. "What are you talking about, Will?
Angel and I said goodbye already- last night- maybe it wasn't the best
goodbye, but it was goodbye..I thought I told you," she said.

Willow just ignored Buffy's question and comments. It did seem a
little awkward saying this to her but it was part of her plan.

Willow waited a few seconds, then continued. "Well, in a way he sort
of is, in the way of that he's right over there," she said motioning
to a dark figure in a corner of the Bronze.

Buffy, looked at Willow, then at Xander, still quite confused. She
then looked over at the figure Willow had pointed out.

The person was looking in her direction.

It was Angel.

Buffy then realized that the things that Willow had just said to
her-that weren't making a bit of sense- were the things that Willow
said to her the night that Buffy and Angel said their first goodbye to
each other, in a way.

Buffy played their conversation from that night back in her head.
*"So, no word from Angel?" Willow had asked Buffy. "Nah. It's weird,
though. In this way, I feel like he's still watching me," Buffy told
her. "Well, in a way he sort of is," Willow said, "In the way of that
he's right over there," Willow said pointing to a dark figure that was
staring in Buffy's direction..Angel.*

Even the song that was playing right then- "I'll Remember You," by
Sophie Zelmani- that was the same song that was playing that night
too- Although, Willow had set it up that way.

*But before I go
 I look at you one last time
 I can heat a heartbeat
 Is it yours or is it mine?*

Buffy looked back at her two best friends.

Xander motioned his head in Angel's direction, signaling her to go
over to him.

Buffy looked over at Willow, then back at Xander. She was hesitant
about going over to him, afraid that it would be too hard to say
goodbye. But then she gave her friends a smile, a silent thank you and
turned and began slowly approaching Angel.

Xander turned to Willow.

Willow had a grin on her face as she watched Buffy and Angel approach
each other. She was happy that her planned had worked out- bringing
Buffy and Angel together to say goodbye that way they should have the
night before. She knew it would make Buffy happier- although maybe
just the slightest bit.

"So, guess this is my cue to say ,'I don't need to watch because I'm
not threatened. I'm just gonna look this way,'" Xander said grinning.

Willow smiled.

The two of them watched as Buffy and Angel approached each other.

When they met, towards the center of the Bronze, Buffy looked up at
Angel, greeting him with a smile.

Angel just stared down at her, a sad look on his face.

*I look at your lips
 I know how soft they can be
 Did they know what they wanted
 the times they kissed me?"

Angel finally spoke. "I couldn't leave here without saying a proper
goodbye to you," he told Buffy.

Buffy just looked up at him and nodded slightly.

Angel sighed. "I need to know that you're going to be alright...I
know, that it's going to take awhile, but I need to know that, in
time...you'll move on..find someone else to love... Someone you can
start a family with..someone you can grow old, and die with," Angel
told her. He continued. "Someone you can watch the sunset with, before
you go to bed at night..and- watch it rise with when you walk up in
the morning...'Cause you deserve that, Buffy..you do. And I- need you
to promise that you'll do that,Buffy...for me."

Buffy's eyes held unshed tears as she stared up at him. She shook her
head slightly. "I don't know if I can do that, Angel..I can't-just-
forget you and move on. You're too much a part of me. I'm sorry, but-
I can't make that promise," she told him.

"Look, I know it all seems too hard right now- but I need to know that
you'll try, at least," he said. "Do that for me, Buffy?" he asked.

Buffy looked at him for a few seconds, then nodded. "I will..try, I
mean."

Angel gave her a slight smile. He felt slightly better knowing that
she'd one day be happy again.

"I have something for you," Angel told her, reaching into his pocket.
"It's not much, really- but it's, a goodbye present." He held a velvet
jewelry box in his hands.

Buffy looked down at it in his hands.

*And your hands
 that I held in mine
 Now they're reposing on the pillow
 Will they ever miss me some time?*

She looked up at Angel.

Finally, he handed her the box. "Don't open it, just now," Angel told
her. "Wait- until I'm gone..When you really need to- when the pain is
too much- open it then," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I, um, actually, have something for you, too. I was-
gonna leave it by your door but- well, you're here now," she said.

Buffy reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch bag
and handed it to him. "There's just a little something in there to
remember me by..in case you forget," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "I won't ever forget you, Buffy..I won't," he
swore to her.

Buffy knew that he meant it. She'd never forget him either. Ever. He'd
always be in her heart, just as she'd always be in his.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

Buffy remembered that she had something else for him.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a cassette tape. "This is for
you, too. It's- a tape of this song-that- kinda reflects the way I
feel bout you leaving..You can- play it while you open the bag-or,
whenever. I know I don't know your musical taste but- I just had to
give it you. The song just- seems like it was written for us," Buffy
told him.

Angel nodded and placed the two items in his pocket.

He looked back down at Buffy.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Buffy could tell that Angel had something on his mind. She knew it was
probably the fact that he was leaving and they'd no longer be
together, but she had to ask anyway.

"Is there- something else on your mind?" she asked him softly.

"It's nothing- It's just *this*... It's just so-," Angel began.

Buffy knew what he was going to say. "Painful," she said, finishing
his sentence for him. "I know."

"I wish things could be different, Buffy," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I know," she agreed. "Me too."

Buffy shrugged slightly. "Well, it's getting kind of late. You should
probably go now, or- you'll miss your train," she told him. As much as
Buffy hated having to say that, it was the truth.

Angel nodded. "I know," he whispered.

Buffy stared up at him.

Angel leaned down towards her face slightly.

Buffy just stared into his eyes.

He leaned forward a few more inches until his lips met hers for a soft
kiss.

The power between the two of them brought their lips together again,
as they kissed again.

Buffy closed her eyes, wrapped up in the moment, as Angel did the same.

*Your eyes
 that always make me shiver
 Now they are closed
 They just sometimes twitch a little*

As Angel's arms wrapped tightly around her, Buffy moved her hand to
Angel's face and brought her other arm around his neck, deepening
their kiss.

As they shared this passionate kiss goodbye, Buffy was reminded of the
first time they kissed goodbye- when they first decided that they
shouldn't be together.

Their conversation just a minute ago was even similar to the one they
had that night.
*"I just wanted to see if you were ok, and your mother," Angel said
when they finally reached each other. "We're both good..you?" Buffy
asked. "If I can go a little while without being shot or stabbed, I'll
be alright," he answered with a slight chuckle. He became more
serious. "Look, this can't.." he started. "Ever-be anything" Buffy
finished, "I know. For one thing your like two hundred and twenty four
years older then I am," she said with a smile. "I just gotta..I gotta
walked away from this," Angel told her. Buffy nodded. "I know, me
too....One of us has to go here," she said. Angel nodded slightly. "I
know," he said in a whisper, then leaned in and kissed her.*

Their kiss was even during the same song-although, again, Willow had
arranged that.

But Buffy knew that this would be their last kiss goodbye. And unlike
the previous time, this one was goodbye forever.

Buffy held on tighter to Angel as they kissed, not wanting to ever let
go. Savoring the feel of his body close to hers for the last time.

*And your body
 I could hold for an hour
 It sent me to heaven
 With it's heat and power*

Slowly, Buffy and Angel pulled apart, looking deeply into each other's
eyes as they did so.

Tears were in both of their eyes.

As soon as Angel saw Buffy's face filled with tears, he pulled her
back into his embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her tiny body,
hugging her close to him.

Angel stroked the back of her hair as he held her.

After a few seconds, they pulled away again.

"I have to go now," Angel told Buffy softly.

"Ok," she said trying not to make it any harder for them. She tried to
hold back the tears from pouring down her face again, but one had
already slipped out of her eye. Then another, then another.

Angel moved his hand to her cheeks and wiped some of the tears from
her eyes.

Buffy grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. She closed her
eyes a she took in the feel of his touch for the last time. Then she
guided his hand down to her lips and kissed the back of it.

Angel closed his own eyes as she did this.

Slowly, Buffy moved his hand down to rest beneath her chin.

Tears were forming in Angel's eyes again.
He was wishing more then ever that he wasn't a vampire- so that none
of this would have to happen. So that he wouldn't have to leave the
girl that he loved more then anything in the world.

"Please don't go, Angel. Please. I can't do this without you..I can't-
live without you, Angel. Please don't leave me," Buffy pleaded with
him as tears ran down her pale cheeks. She knew that she was being
unfair to him saying this, but she couldn't help but say how she felt
at that moment.

Angel's eyes flooded with tears. He would have done anything for
Buffy. Anything, He'd give the world to her- if she asked for it. But
staying in Sunnydale was one thing he could not d o for her. He would
not put her in danger of Spike's attempts at using him to restore
Druscilla or trying to make him a normal vampire again.

Angel placed his gentle hand back to rest on the side of Buffy's face.
He caressed her cheek lightly.

Tears continued to roll down both of their cheeks.

"Buffy, when I got my soul back, I never once thought that I'd be able
to love again or that anyone could ever love me..But..when I met you,
things changed..I fell in love with you, you were able to fall in love
with me. And I- was the happiest I'd ever been in all my life-because
you made me feel complete- you made me feel, almost- human..because
you made me feel loved. Of course, there was still loneliness, still
pain, but there was love too- The love I had for you and the love you
had for me. And it was the greatest thing that could ever happen to
me-you gave me the greatest thing the greatest gift off all..your
love, your heart. And I thank you for that, Buffy. I'd love to give
something more then just my love-and my heart for you- in return, but
staying here..I can't do. You know that, Buffy..You know that if it
were in any way possible to stay here with you, I would..But I can't,
with this," Angel told her.

He continued. "You mean the world to me Buffy. And I'll never stop
missing you, never stop loving you..Your eyes, your hair, your lips,
your warmth,  your smile, your touch..I'll never stop," he told her.

Buffy stared at him with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Angel pulled her close to him again, giving her one last, soft kiss on
her lips. It didn't last as long as the previous one, but it was still
magical.

Angel pulled away from her slowly. He looked at her for a few more
seconds.

"Goodbye, Buffy," he said, softly.

Buffy tried to say something but words couldn't escape her mouth, only
sobs. She just stood there looking at him with tears pouring out of
her eyes.

Angel looked at her for one more moment, then turned and headed
towards the exit of the Bronze.

Buffy watched him walk away from her.

"Angel..don't go," Buffy whispered, mainly to herself, in tears.

Angel passed where Willow and Xander were standing.

They, too, watched as he headed towards the door.

Xander shook his head in disgust, then turned towards Willow. "He
walks right past us, knowing that he'll never again see our faces, and
he doesn't even say goodbye?!? The nerve of some vampires!" he said.

Willow shrugged. "He said goodbye to me...He- came by my house the
other night- and- said goodbye," Willow told him.

Xander shook his head again.

Just before reaching the door, Angel paused. He turned to look back at
Buffy one last time. He'd never see her beautiful face again.

"I love you," he whispered to her, then turned and walked out of the
bronze.

Buffy wiped some of the tears from her eyes, only to have more pour
from them again.

"Goodbye, Angel" she whispered in between sobs, "I love you too," she
said staring at the now empty space in front of the door, as the song
that was playing ended.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

TO BE CONTINUED























_________________________________________________________
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-



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

From: Klutz454 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Buffyfic-digest V2 #64
Date: 21 Mar 1998 17:50:39 EST

unsubscribe

-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: All Alone in the Night Part 5/5
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:06:05 EST

Hi, I'm kinda new to the list. Can you send me parts 1-4?

~Nastassia~

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 1/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 19:58:51 -0800 (PST)


TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  1/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

Monday

He found himself outside of the back entrance of the bronze, the local
club/Teen hangout. As he stared at the building he had conflicting
emotions.
(There is no good reason to go in there.)  The man thought.
(Sure they will probably be in there, but seeing them is not part of the
plan. But its been so long since I saw them smile, heard them laugh. What
could a few minutes hurt?)
His inner debate was cut short as a hard won instinct kicked in. He
quickly turned around and found that a slender man with blond hair was
coming up behind him. He looked around, there was no one about, except
the two of them. He looked at the other man and sighed.
"Sure, why not?" He said to the other man. "What night in Sunnydale would
be complete without being attacked by a vampire."
The blond was taken back for a moment by the matter of fact way that his
prey had disclosed that he knew what he faced. Dispensing with the
illusion of humanity, the vampire assumed his true form and snarled at
its intended victim.
The man stared back at the vampire, with a slightly annoyed look on his face.
"Can we get on with this? I've got a busy night ahead of me."
Again the vampire was surprised by the lack of concern. Usually when
confronted by his true nature a human would panic and try to flee, which
of course he loved. But this one was treating him like he was simply a
waste of time.
No matter) thought the vampire as he leapt at the man.  (His blood will
still be nourishing.)
As soon as the vampire moved the man did a quick sidstep and pushed his
right palm into the creature's side. There was very little effort in the
push, but the vampire felt an intense pain at the point of contact. The
momentum of his jump combined with the push sent him to the ground. As he
got back to his feet the vampire realized that the pain was so great that
it that to come from some holy relic. Even before the vampire was fully
on his feet again the human kicked him in the back of the knee and than
moved around and followed through with as open hand strike to the face
with his right hand. The searing pain came again as the vampire fell. The
man was upon him instantly, holding the vampire's throat with his right
hand, and a stake in his left. The vampire struggled but it was no good.
The pain from the holy object was too much, the man too determined and
strong. The man stared for a moment into the vampire's eyes with a look
of intense hatred, then plunged the stake into the vampire's chest. The
vampire had a look on its face that said ' how is this possible', and
then it turned to dust. The man remained kneeling on the ground for full
minutes, staring at the spot that the vampire had occupied, before he got
up and slipped the stake back under his coat, and slipped something else
in his right hand back up his sleeve.
_____________________________________________________________

Once inside the Bronze the man knew that he had made a mistake. He was
completely out of place. This was a place where young people came to
enjoy their youth. Where for most of them the greatest concerns of life
were passing the math test Friday morning and getting a date for Friday
night. Here he was, A man in his early thirties, whose life had been
rough enough to make him look even older, dressed in dark clothes with a
dark over coat and a bread and hair that were already going gray. He had
no business being here, and if the wrong person spotted him than his
whole plan could collapse. He had just made up his mind to leave when he
caught sight of them. They were sitting together as always. As much as he
knew that he needed to go, he found that he couldn't make his legs work,
and he could almost hear the beating of his heart. He found himself
straining to hear what they were saying, even thought he was too far away
for it to do any good.
______________________________________________________

Buffy, Xander, and Willow were sitting at their usual table. Buffy laid
her head on the book in front of her. A frustrated sigh escaped her lips.
"Why is it so important that I know the barter customs of the ancient
Babylonians?" She asked.
"In this town you mean? " Countered Xander. "You could conceivably meet one."
"Thank you for that oh so cheerful thought, But this seriously does not
rock my thunderdome"
"Can't we just get beyond thunderdome?" Xander smirked.
"Oh yuck. How long have you been waiting to use that one?" asked Willow.
"Two months and 3 days." Was his reply.
Buffy gave Xander a look of mild disgust. " What? Do you stay up at night
dreaming up one-liners?"
Xander feigned a hurt look. " You mean that's not normal?"
______________________________________________________

"Excuse me can I get you something?"
The man's attention was drawn away from the three teenagers and to a
young woman standing near him. It took him a moment to realize that she
was a waitress.
"Yeah, sure a Pepsi" he said looking for an open table.
"No problem."
As she left he saw an open table and went to it. He was glad that it was
far enough away from the three that they probably wouldn't notice him,
but he could still watch them.
"Here you go." the Waitress said handing him his drink. As he paid her
she gave him an inquisitive look. " Do I know you? you look familiar."
"Well I use to live here, but that was when I was much younger." he replied.
"Well my name is Amy. Just call me if you need anything else." She said
with a smile. "Are you sure I don't know you?"
"Pretty sure."
"Well could you at least tell me your name?" She said smiling.
"I'm Alex." he said, trying to smile.
"Well Alex, If you need anything let me know."
It was after she left that Alex realized that she was probably flirting
with him.
(To bad I don't know how to respond anymore.)
___________________________________________________________

"I give." Stated Buffy. "My homework has officially defeated me."
"Well its only Monday. the quiz isn't until Wednesday." Willow said
trying to sound reassuring.
"Yeah. If you can defeat ancient prophecy, you can handle Ms. Conner's
history class." Added Xander.
" I'm so glad that you two have such great faith in my ability, but I'd
rather face the Master again than have to face the quiz."
"It can't be that bad." Said familiar voice.
"Angel." Said Buffy.
It never failed to amaze Willow that whenever Angel showed up that Buffy
said his name like it was a revelation. the very same thing never failed
to annoy Xander.
"Well that's easy for you to say." Said Xander, "You were probably in
Ancient Babylon." He immediately regretted how accusatory the comment
sounded.
"Just a little before my time." Was Angel's reply. his tone told Xander
that his regret was well founded.
______________________________________________________

Alex saw Angel join the three teens at the table. He felt almost
overwhelming urge to go over to the table, but choked it down.
(No. first I find the Watcher. Then I deal with the Vampire.)
______________________________________________________


End of part 1


-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 0/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:03:42 -0800 (PST)


Just wanted to let folks know a couple of things before I post my first
story to the list. I started work on this story right after the first
airing of Halloween. I almost had it done by the time What's my line came
on the first time, but I lost my job and that sort of put the story on
the back burner. Since then I got a new job and decided to finnish the
story. Originally this was going to be the first of a trilogy and that is
how I finished it, but I'm unsure If I am actually going to do the other
two stories now. I have a lot of other ideas I'd like to explore. Please
let me know what you think.

Jeff Harris

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 2/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:07:41 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  2/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

Rupert Giles was amazed at how well his evening was going. When Jenny
Calendar had suggested that they spend the evening at his house watching
a video, he had felt slightly apprehensive. Partly due to the fact that
he had no idea what movie she had planned on them watching and of course
due to the fact that he was still incredibly awkward in intimate
situations with her.
Fortunately for him, all his fears were unfounded. The movie she had
chosen was "The Mark of Zorro" with Tyrone Powers. How she had found out
that it was one of his favorite movies he had no idea. He felt
surprisingly at ease sitting on his couch next to Jenny, watching Don
Diego dispatch Captain Esteban.
So of course he found it annoying when he heard a knock art the door.
"I wonder who that could be?" he mused aloud
"Unless you have expanded your social circle recently it's probably the
kids, which of course would mean the end of our quite evening." Jenny
responded.
Giles nodded as he got up to go to the door. If Buffy and her friends
were at his door it meant there was a problem, some new supernatural
threat that needed to be overcome. That was why he was surprised to find
not a teenager on his porch, but a man in his thirties.
For his part Alex just looked for a moment at the other man, lost in
contemplation.
"Hello, can I help you? " The surprised watcher asked the stranger.
" I hope so." Was the answer.
Alex reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope and handed it to Giles.
"You need to read this letter and then meet me tomorrow night in the
school library."
With that Alex turned to leave.
Wait a minute," Called an incensed Giles "What do you mean by 'read this
and meet me tomorrow', and then just walk off? I think you had better
explain yourself."
Alex turned back towards Giles. "Trust me, nothing I have to say is going
to make any sense until you've read that letter and had time to think
about it."
"But what..." Started Giles.
"Look, I have a lot to get done and not a lot of time to do it. Just read
the damn letter and meet me tomorrow, Alone!"
With that the now agitated Alex stormed off, leaving a very perplexed
Giles standing on his porch watching the stranger leave.
"Who was that Rupert?" Asked jenny, coming into the foyer from he living
room.
"I don't know. A strange man who has left me a cryptic note."
"So nothing really unusual for Sunnydale."
"I wish I could share you level of amusement, but there was something
about him. He seemed almost familiar, although I'm sure I would have
remembered him is we had met before."
"Well why don't you come back to the living room and read me the letter."
"I'm not sure. he implied that I shouldn't involve anyone else. I thing I
should read the letter myself and then decide whether or not to share it."
Jenny seemed a little let down by that.
"All right, if you think that is best. But at least wait until after the
movie is over."
"Very well." he agreed.
Later, after Jenny had left for the evening, Giles sat down at his dinner
table and opened the envelope. after finishing the letter he just sat,
his face having drained of much of its color.
(This can't be possible.)  He thought.
_____________________________________________

Angel entered his apartment feeling the same melancholy he felt ever time
he saw Buffy. As much as he wanted to be with her he knew that it was a
bad idea. He was a vampire and she was the slayer. No matter how many
times he went over it he could find no way to make it work out without
inviting tragedy. But at the same time he couldn't stay away from her. He
knew that the pressure was building and something was bound to burst,
especially when you threw Xander into the mix.
Xander had made no secret about how he felt about Buffy. It bothered
Angel every time he saw them together, since tragedy was not a forgone
conclusion if they had a relationship. Of course that would require Buffy
actually noticing Xander, which hadn't really happened yet, at least not
on a conscious level. On a subconscious level was another question
entirely. After all it was Xander who had saved her in the Master's lair.
Angle knew that as long as this situation lasted there would be friction
between Xander and himself, not that he felt particularly threatened by
Xander, at least not physically.
He went to the fridge, hoping that feeding would help to dull the edge in
his mind.
"Funny, I figured you would have noticed me by now." Said a strange voice.
Angel turned quickly to see a man standing in the corner of his apartment
in the shadows. He silently chided himself for being so wrapped up in his
problems that he didn't notice the intruder. He quickly closed the
distance between them and grabbed the stranger by the throat and lifted
him off the floor.
"Who the hell are you?" the vampire demanded.
Alex grabbed Angel's wrist with his right hand. Angel felt pain lance out
from his wrist causing him to loosen his grip on the intruder. Alex hit
Angel square on the nose with an open palm strike with his right hand
while sweeping his left foot causing the vampire to lose his balance.
Angle fell and was momentarily disorientated by the force of the blow and
the pain caused by what ever was in his opponent's hand. He looked up and
saw that the human was just standing there, apparently waiting for him to
get up.
"I wish you hadn't done that." Alex said calmly, as Angel got back to his
feet, his handsome human features replaced by the demonic visage of his
vampire self.
Angel took up a fighting stance. "I'll make you wish you'd never been born."
Angel punched at the human. He was surprised that instead of blocking the
blow or trying to dodge away, the man stepped forward and hit Angel in
the shoulder, robbing the punch of any real power. He than followed threw
by grabbing Angel's wrist with his right hand and yanking. The
combination of the sudden pull and the pain caused by whatever it was he
had in his palm caused Angel to fall for a second time.
"I already wish I'd never been born. "Alex said.
Angel looked up at Alex. He realized that this guy was good, maybe even
better than he was. Alex reached into his overcoat. Angel was sure he was
going for a stake, but instead he pulled out an envelope. He threw it
down to the prone vampire.
"Open the letter and read it. If you want to learn more after that, meet
me at the school library tomorrow night. And please don't let anyone
except Giles know about this."
With that Alex turned and started to leave the apartment.
"What makes you think I'm going to let you leave?" Asked Angel, getting
up again.
"Because you can't stop me." Was the answer Alex gave while putting on a
pair of dark glasses. "I know you too well."
Alex threw something into the air. Suddenly the room was filled with a
blinding light. Angel's eyes, use to centuries of darkness, were unready
for the brightness. By the time he had recovered his sight the stranger
was gone.
Angel was furious that a mortal could overcome him so easily. He grabbed
the envelope and tore it open. After reading the letter he was no less
agitated, but the emotion had switched from rage to uncertainty and just
a little fear.
(This can't be happening.) He thought, looking at the letter again.  (Who
the hell is this guy?)
____________________________________________________


-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 3/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:11:30 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  3/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

Tuesday

The following day was mostly a haze for Giles. The letter and its
mysterious deliveryman weighted heavily on his mind. Even by the
standards one got use to living on top of a Hellmouth, the contents of
the letter were inconceivable. By all rights such a letter should not
exist, much less be tucked into his coat pocket. The entrance of Buffy
and her friends broke his contemplation of the impossible. He had
completely lost track of time. School had ended for the day and Buffy had
arrived for their daily training session. While pleased that she was
being responsible, he needed to get her out of the library.
"Well here I am, ready to sacrifice my free time for the betterment of
humanity." She said
"Ah yes." He replied thinking quickly. "..And I assume your homework is
done?" He knew it was weak, but this sort of improvisation was never his
strong suit.
"Homework?" She asked.
"Yes, I assume you are caught up." He said, hoping to keep her off balance.
"Well not exactly..." She began.
"Really? Well as important as your continual training is, you do need to
keep your grades up as well."
"Wait a minute." Chimed in Xander. "Your telling us that Buffy's GPA is
as important as keeping the world safe from the legions of the Damned?"
"Yeah, isn't that a little disproportionate?" added Willow.
"I'm not saying that they have equal gravity. I'm simply saying that
since Buffy had been so diligent in her training that I don't see the
harm in taking a break to attend to her studies." the Watcher said,
hoping he was not behaving totally out of character.
"A night off? Your serious?" Buffy asked, not sure she could believe what
she was hearing.
"Yes, this once. But I do expect you to be prompt tomorrow."
"Sure, okay." The Slayer said, deciding not to question him, just in case
he changed his mind. "Come on guys, lets hit the books instead of the bags."
As soon as they left Giles let out a sigh of relief. now all he had to do
was not lose his mind until the strange man showed up.
_____________________________________________________

Shortly after sunset Giles became aware that he was not alone.
"Hello? He called out.
"Hi." Said Angel, stepping out from the shadows.
"Angel, what are you doing here?" Inquired Giles.
"I got a very bizarre invitation to meet here tonight."
"You too?"
"Yeah, and He said I couldn't tell anyone but you."
"Did he give you anything?" Asked Giles.
"Uh huh. A letter, and a sound beating."
"A beating? he fought you?
"I wouldn't call it a fight. For it to be a fight I would have had to get
a shot in. How about you?"
Just a letter in my case." the Watcher paused for a moment. "Did he
strike you as somehow familiar, like you had met him before, but you
couldn't tell where?"
The vampire thought about it for a moment.
"Now that you mention it he did, but that's not an uncommon sensation for
someone my age."
Before the two of them could continue, the doors to the library opened
and the source of their speculation walked through. He walked straight up
to the two.
"I'm glad you both decided to show up." Was his greeting.
"What the hell is going on? Angel snarled, taking a step towards him. He
then paused, remembering his last encounter with this man. "Where did you
get that letter you gave me?"
"What exactly did the letter say?"
"You know damn well what it said." The vampire countered.
"Actually I don't. It was given to me sealed." Alex said flatly.
This took both vampire and watcher by surprise.
"Given by whom?" asked Giles.
"You first." Alex said. "What did you letter say?"
Giles took a seat and pulled the letter out of his coat.
"It says that I am to listen to what you tell me. It than goes on to give
details on an incident from my youth that I've never told anyone about.
Its in my handwriting and has my signature."
"How about you?" Alex asked the Vampire.
"The same. It told me to listen to you, and told of something that
happened before I became a vampire. my writing, my signature . Now you,
who gave them to you?"
"You did. Both of you."
"But how is that possible?" Asked Giles "We've never met you before. And
I for one would remember writing such a letter."
"You don't remember writing them because you haven't done it yet."
Angel let out a grunt of frustration.
     "Would you start making sense. Who in the hell are you?" He said.
Both Angel and Alex stared in each other's eyes for a moment.
"That's both very simple and very complicated. My name is Alexander Harris."
Both Angel and Giles were struck silent for several moments staring into
his face before Giles finally found his voice again.
"Xander?"
"Please Giles, I haven't gone by that name for years. It's Alex now."
Angel took a seat next to Giles. Now that he knew what to look for it
became clear, but the differences were glaring. He was about early to mid
thirties now. His face was fuller, not with fat, but in the way that
comes with bulking up from working out. The same was true of his build.
His beard removed the boyish quality from his face. But most of all was
his expression and body language. The Xander he knew always seemed so
animated, even when he was standing still. This man's body language
suggested more of a coiled spring, not moving but gave the impression
that it could at any moment. His eyes were the most telling of all.
Xander's eyes were bright and full of life, this man's seemed dead, like
they had seen more pain then they knew what to do with.
"How is this possible?" Asked Giles.
"Have you ever heard of Teferi?" Alex responded.
"No. Should I have? " Was the watchers answer.
"He was an African witch-doctor about 300 years ago. He claimed to have
discovered the secret of as he put it 'time walking'. And as you can see
he was right."
"So you discovered his secret and used it to come back in time." Angel
stated. "But why?"
Alex paused and took a seat himself. After taking several deep breaths he
looked at the other tow.
"I'm here to try to avert a tragedy."  He took another breath and let it
out slowly before continuing. "Unless we find and destroy Spike by
Sunday, Buffy and Willow will die."

End of Part 3

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 4/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:14:49 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  4/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

Giles felt as though he had been physically struck. his greatest fear was
that Buffy or one of her friends would die. now he was being told that
his fear was on the verge of coming true.
He saw that Angel was no better. He was sure that his demonic visage was
just barely being held back.
"Spike kills Buffy and Willow?" Angel asked.
"I wish it was that simple." Alex returned, a pained look coming over his
face. "But Spike is, as you later put it, 'an abomination even to other
vampires'. He wasn't satisfied with just killing them." Alex had to stop
talking, the look of emotional torment on his face was overwhelming.
"What?" Giles asked, trying to be gentle but at the same time needing to
know. "What did...will Spike do?"
Alex looked at Giles with an expression that made the watcher want to cry
out in sympathy.
"He turned them into vampires."
Giles had to get up and turn his back on Alex. This was too much.
(Not just my greatest fear, but Buffy's as well.)
Angel finally lost it. his full vampiric nature coming to the surface.
"I'll kill him." He raged. "I'll find the bastard and I'll make him
regret ever meeting Drusilla."
"I sure the hell hope so." Said Alex.
Giles turned back toward Alex, feeling as though he would burst into
tears at any moment.
"Did...Did we slay them?" he asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
"Not we Giles. Me. You were in the hospital and Angel was out of commission."
"Out of commission?"  Asked Angel  "How?"
"As you explained it to me, when a vampire takes a lot of damage it goes
into a kind of hibernation to heal. At least that's would you said happened."
Angel nodded in agreement to that statement. "And only you were left?"
The vampire inquired.
"I was roughed up a bit, but that's all. Spike didn't consider me a
threat so he left me alone."
"And you went after them? Buffy and Willow?" Giles asked.
"I had too. They were on a rampage. Each one killed their own parents.
Then they killed Ms. Calendar, Principal Synder, and God knows how many
students here. They damn near killed me twice."
Giles wanted to ask more questions, but stopped himself. Reliving the
memoirs was obviously taking a toll on Alex. He was sitting with his face
buried in his hands.
The silence in the room was more than Angel could take. "So what do you
want us to do?" He asked.
Alex looked up at the two. He, like Giles looked like he might burst into
tears at any time. "I want Giles to keep an eye on the girls while you
and I look for Spike. If we don't find him by Saturday, then we think up
some excuse to keep them under wraps until we do."
"Couldn't we tell them who you are and why you're here?" Angel asked.
"We discussed that before I came here."
"We?" Inquired Giles.
"The three of us. you don't think I deciphered the ritual do you? You and
Angel are the ones who sent me back here. We figured that Buffy and
Willow's reactions might not be the ones we want. Remember how Buffy
acted the last time we told her she was destined to die. So we decided
against it. besides can you imagine my reaction to meeting myself?"
"Ah, yes I see your point." Said the Watcher. "Well I suppose I can make
up some nonsense involving prophecies and alignment of stars that I can
use to cover whatever we decide to do.
"Great, so when do we get started?" Asked Angel.
"Tonight, right now." Said Alex. "I don't want to give that bastard
another second."
_____________________________________________________________

Giles sat alone in the library after Alex and Angel had left. There was
so much to think about. Alex had disturbed him, not just because of his
news, or the fact that he was a future version of Xander. No, how the man
acted was also unsettling. his behavior had suggested that he was
suffering from some psychological problem, most likely post-traumatic
stress. It hurt for him to think that such a bright and vibrant boy like
Xander would turn into that dark and pain filled man. he had to wonder
what he was like in the future. If the events to come had remade Xander
so much, what had the effects on him been. Alex had mentioned that one of
Buffy and Willow's victims had been... would be Jenny. That meant that he
was going to lose the three most important women in his life.
(No, it doesn't)  he thought. (It means it could happen, but I know about
it now. I can fight it, and I will.)
He got up and went to the phone in his office.
(Dear God I hope this works.)  He thought as he dialed.
"Hello?" Said Ms. Calendar on the other end.
"Jenny. Oh good, I caught you at home."
"Hello Rupert. I hope that this call means you've decided to share the
contents of that letter with me."
"Yes.. the letter.. Well it is connected. The letter.. well it relates to
some odd prophecies, and I need your help.
"Now that sounds promising. what do you need?"
"I need for you to search of signs of significant supernatural occurences
outside of Sunnydale." He said.
"Outside of Sunnydale?" she asked. "That sounds odd.
"Yes I know. But never the less that is what we need to look for."
"All right Rupert, I'll look. Why don't you come by my office tomorrow
and we can look over the results."
"Yes, I'll be there."
"Good. It's a date then. bye now."
"As Giles hung up he felt hopeful.
(I think I can pull this off. Hopefully Angel and Alex can pull off their
part.)
_________________________________________________

End of part 4

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 5/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:17:01 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  5/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

Angel supposed that it could be worse. He and Alex were surrounded by a
group of four vampires. finding vampires was not surprising, in fact it
was what the both of them had wanted.  But four was a little much. Alex
seemed unconcerned with their situation.
"Remember last night?" He asked Angel while he put on a pair of dark glasses
Getting his point Angel closed his eyes. Even though tightly shut lids
Angel could see the bright light. Angel had to wonder what Alex used, it
had a hiss like a flare. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the other
vampires were blinded, just as he had been the night before. Being
nocturnal creatures the brightness of the light had been too much for
their eyes to handle. but they would recover quickly. Alex wasted no time
staking one of them right away.
"Take out that one." He told Angel, indicating another vampire. "Than
grab one of the others. Two should be enough
Although staking another vampire was not something he generally liked to
do, Angel complied. After that he grabbed and easily overpowered one of
the remaining two. Alex had managed to knock down the last one and was
now standing over the fallen vampire.
"All right you undead bastard!" Alex yelled at the helpless vampire. "I
have questions, and you'd better damn well have answers!"
(I can't believe that Xander is going to turn into this guy.) Thought
Angel (I would never have believed he could be like this.)
"Where the hell is Spike?" Demanded Alex, pressing his right palm into
the vampire's forehead, smoke coming out from underneath.
"I can't tell you what I don't know!" Screamed the agonized vampire.
"Liar!" Bellowed Alex. "Tell me where he is!"
"He can't " Called Angel's captive. "Spike doesn't hang with us. He's
been condemned for slaying the Anointed One. No one has seen him in weeks."
Alex got up and advanced on the second vampire, leaving his victim on the
ground, writhing in pain.
"Are you telling me there are two factions of vampires in town?" Alex
asked, his voice barely under control due to his rage.
"Y-yes." said the vampire.
A stake suddenly slipped into Alex's hand from his sleeve. Without
warning he plunged it into the vampire's chest.
"Then I guess we won't need you." He said as the vampire turned to dust.
Angel was dumb struck. He had seen vampires be less vicious than Alex had.
Alex went over to the last of the vampires. He didn't say anything, he
just plunged the stake into it. Angel felt a chill go up his spine when
Alex turned his gaze on him. Alex walked towards him and then past him.
"Come on, we have a few more hours before sunrise. Maybe we can find a
bloodsucker who knows something useful." Alex said as he passed.
Angel followed him, not sure what to think.
____________________________________________________

End of part 5

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 6/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:20:03 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  6/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse
Wednesday

Giles set about preparing for Buffy to arrive for training. He hoped that
his story had enough of a plausible ring for the youngsters to believe
it. Buffy and Willow's lives and Xander's sanity depended on it.
Thinking of Xander brought up a feeling of unease in Giles. When he had
gotten into his office this morning there was a message from Angel on his
voice mail. The point of the message was simple; Alex's behavior worried
Angel. That just reinforced Giles belief that Alex suffered from
post-traumatic stress, or some other condition brought on by having to
slay Buffy and Willow. To Giles that meant that Xander was in as much
danger as the girls. Well maybe not as much, but very close.
Buffy and her friends arrived on time. Xander and Willow both said hello
and took seats at the main table in the library. Buffy walked right up to
the watcher.
"Well Giles here I am. Homework all done." Said Buffy, teasingly
"Good. well then, now that we've exercised your mind, lets see how you
muscles have done." Giles said, donning the pads he had to wear during
these workouts.
"Don't you mind getting beat up all the time Giles?" Asked Willow. "I
mean those pads never seem to do that much good."
"Actually you get use to it after a while." Giles replied.
"Just as long as you don't begin to like it." Joke Xander.
Giles looked straight at Xander.
"You know Xander, you could always do this for me." Chided Giles.
"Me?" Xander asked, looking very much like a deer trapped in a car's
headlights.
" Yes you. It might be good for you in fact, considering that you seem to
be constantly putting yourself in harms way. " Giles said, in a matter of
fact manner.
Both Buffy and Willow looked at Xander expectantly. Xander suddenly felt
as if the room temperature had gone up several degrees.
"You're kidding, right?" He asked.
Giles gave Xander a small smile. "Yes I am, and the look on your face was
worth it."
Both Buffy and Willow laughed. Xander joined in, more out of relief than
anything else.
_____________________________________________________________

After 30 minutes and several bruises, Giles ended the practice session.
"Well not that we've got that over with there are other matters we must
discuss." Giles stated as he took off the protective pads.
"What now? Some earth shaking new prophecy?" Joked Buffy as she took a
seat next to Willow.
"Actually yes." Giles said as he put the pads away.
" I was joking Giles. Said Buffy.
"Well unfortunately I'm not." Giles said as he took a seat next to
Xander. "The Codex contains a prophecy that indicates something happening
in the next few days, somewhere away from the Hellmouth."
"Away from here?" Asked Willow. "That seems strange. I mean doesn't the
Hellmouth attract supernatural forces?"
"Normally, yes. But this seems to be the exception that proves the rule.
I had Ms. Calendar check about on her computer. it seems that in the last
few weeks, there has been a rash of disappearances  in the Los Angeles area."
"LA!" Buffy said. "You mean we have to go to Los Angeles?" She asked,
excited about the prospect of going back to her former home.
"Going to Los Angeles does seem to be the best way to find out what is
going on and stop it. "I've already got Ms. Calendar working on getting
it cleared as some sort of field trip to a science lad of some sort. That
should cover you all being absent to both the school and you parents."
"All of us. So you want Willow and I to go too?" Asked Xander.
"Of course I do Xander." Said the watcher. "After all, you're the one
Always saying that you're a team. It would be foolish to break up a
winning formula."
"Right." Said Xander, with a smile beaming on his face.
"Sure." Added Willow. "When do we leave?"
"Based on my calculations we should leave no later than this Sunday
morning." Giles said, Pleased that all three were buying into the story,
but feeling guilty for lying to them all the same.
"That doesn't give us much time to get ready." Said Buffy.
"No it doesn't." Agreed Giles "So tonight you all should tell your
parents about it. Hopefully Ms. Calendar will have permissions slips
ready for tomorrow. We should be prepared to spend about a week there."
"A Week? That long? Asked Willow.
"The Prophecy doesn't give any indication as to how long this will take.
But I feel that a week should be sufficient."
"Cool." Said Willow.
"All right then, we go tell out folks that we are off on a week long
science class in LA. Sounds weird but I think I can sell it." Said Buffy
as she got up out of her chair.
Xander and Willow got up and went to follow her out of the library.
"Oh by the way Xander, can you stay for a moment longer?" Asked Giles.
"There is something that I would like to talk to you about in private."
"Private?" Xander felt the room temperature jump up again
Both Buffy and Willow looked from Xander to Giles.
"Is there some secret you two are keeping from us." The slayer asked with
a teasing tone.
"Nothing exceedingly interesting." Said the watcher. "Let us just say
its, how would you put it? Guy stuff."
"Guy stuff?" All three teenagers said in unison.
"Yes, guy stuff. Now off with the two of you." Giles said, indicating the
door.
"All right, but no beating on drums, okay?" teased Buffy.
"I can assure you that the bonds of civilization shall not be slipped."
The two Giles turned and left, giggling quietly to each other. That left
Giles and a conspicuously nervous Xander by themselves.
"Please, have a seat." Invited the watcher.
Xander complied. The two stared at each other for a second.
"So what is it you want to talk about?" Asked Xander, hoping that he
would not find the subject too embarrassing.
"Well this is not an easy subject to broach" Giles said, trying to gather
his thoughts. He really hadn't thought about what he wanted to say. It
was simply that his meeting Xander's future self had made the watcher
want to spend a few minutes with the young man. He wanted to somehow get
a handle on how he felt out the whole strange situation. In the seconds
that he paused he realized what it was that they had to talk about. After
all, it was the root of all of Alex's motivation.
"I want to talk to you about you relationship with Buffy."
"Y-You want to talk about w-what?" Said Xander as he felt his throat go
completely dry.
"I know that this is a most uncomfortable subject, but never the less it
is one, that as Buffy's watcher, I'm afraid I have to broach."
"Do you plan on having this talk with Angel?" Xander asked, hoping to
deflect the conversation away from himself.
"Actually it is a subject we have discussed in the past, and undoubtedly
will discuss in the future as well. However it is not Angel I wish to
discuss, this is about you."
(So much for deflection.) Thought Xander.
"Well?" Asked the watcher.
"Well what?" countered Xander. "She's my friend."
"Xander, I'm sure that is what you think I want to hear, but right now
I'm far more interested in the truth." Giles said as gently as he could.
Xander started feeling like a trapped animal.
"What do you want me to say? That I love Buffy? Okay, yeah I do. Do I
expect anything to come from that? Hell no. I know that she is completely
stuck on Angel. Happy now?"
Giles was surprised by the bluntness with which Xander had stated his
feelings and by the resentment in his voice when he mentioned Angel.
"I see. So why do you continue to keep her company? It must be
uncomfortable for you. Especially when ever Angel is around?"
" I don't know. Maybe I just like what little attention she shows me.
Maybe I'm a masochist. Maybe I want to keep an eye on her because I don't
trust Angel."
Giles considered that for a moment.
"Maybe you secretly hope that if you stay around she will change her mind
about you." He said finally.
Xander was stopped short by that comment. He looked down at the table for
a moment, feeling like all the oxygen had been ripped out of his lungs.
"A guy can hope, can't he?" He said finally.
"Yes, I suppose you can hope."
Giles looked at Xander. Here was a sincere, brave young man caught in one
of the situations that can make the teenage years of life so painful and
trying. Add to that the burden of having to deal with the Hellmouth, and
you had a truly heartbreaking situation. Additionally knowing of the
boy's potential future made Giles' heart go out to him.
"Xander, I wish I had something useful to say. Something to make what you
are feeling easier. Unfortunately nothing comes to mind."
"Yeah, well thanks man. At least the thought is there."
"I know that if really doesn't help much, but for what it is worth, I at
least, do appreciate you. Your dedication to your friends. Your bravery
in the face of danger and your unwillingness to let the things you go
through sour you towards life. I find you a quite remarkable young man,
and an admirable one as well."
"Thank you Giles" Xander said. "Look I don't mean to be rude or anything,
but can I leave? This had been a little harsh."
"Of course, and Xander I want you to know that anytime you want to talk I
am here."
I'll remember that." Xander said as he got up. "Bye."
"Good bye."

End of Part 6

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 7/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:23:46 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  7/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

After Xander had left Giles went to his office. To his surprise he found
Alex seated behind his desk.
"Oh hello. How long have you been there?" Giles asked.
"I snuck in while Buffy was practicing." Alex answered.
"I see. So you heard my conversation with your younger self."
"Yeah, I did. It was nice. But I don't remember us having that
conversation. So I assume my being here prompted it?"
"Well yes in a way." Giles answered. "I mean you must admit that your
being here does bring some questions to mind."
"Questions like 'is he going mad' you mean?"
"Well I' Giles started.
"Don't worry about it Giles. Its not like I haven't asked myself that
question a thousand times."
"And what answer have you come up with?" Giles inquired.
"That the thing that is worst than going insane, is knowing that you're
going insane and not being able to stop it."
"So you do feel that you have a problem?" Giles probed.
"Well let's see. I've had to drive stakes through the woman I love and
both my best friends. That kind of thing can weigh on a guy."
"Both Ah yes. I'm sorry, I'd forgotten about Jesse."
"Yeah, I wish I could." Said Alex. "Every time I think about him I can
only see the vampire that he became, not the guy that he was before. It's
the same with Buffy and Willow. Every time I start to remember something
we did together, some happy memory, I suddenly get sucked into a bad
memory. Its even worst at night."
"Nightmares." Giles said.
"Sometimes," Agreed Alex. "But the worst are actually dreams of them
alive. I can't have a good memory of them awake, but for some reason they
come to me in my sleep. I see them alive and happy, the way things used
to be. Them I wake up and remember how things turned out."
"Dear God that must be horrible." Said Giles.
"You don't know the half of it." Said Alex bitterly. "You'veyour future
self that is says I'm like a soldier who has forgotten how not to fight.
My whole life has become about destroying monsters and demons. Even when
the next slayer showed up I couldn't stop. I can't seem to get past it. I
can't relate to regular people anymore. Hell I can't even relate to my
own son."
 "You have a son?"
 "Yeah, we actually named him Jesse. In hindsight that was probably a
mistake. Of course considering how my life has gone, getting involved
with his mother was a mistake too."
"His mother?" Asked Giles.
"Cordelia."
"Oh. I think I would rather not know the rest." Said Giles quickly
changing the subject. "I assume that this conversation is not the reason
for your visit?"
"No, I wanted to let you know what Angel and I learned last night."
That watcher took a seat across from Alex.
"Yes, go ahead. Said Giles.
"Apparently Spike killed the Anointed One. That caused the vampires to
split into two factions. Those that follow Spike and those that want to
stake him." Alex said.
"A vampire civil war." Said Giles. "Shouldn't that work in our favor?"
" Well yes and no. We couldn't find any of Spike's followers. According
to the vamps we questioned no one has seen them in a few weeks." Alex said.
"He's gone to ground, so to speak. Which would indicate that he is
planning something." Giles said
"And I think that gives us an advantage in that we know he is going to
make a move on Sunday. If we somehow let his enemies know that, we might
be able to get them to do our job for us." Alex stated.
`"Yes, that might work. You know the details of his plan, just let them
slip during an interrogation and see what happens. " Giles said excitedly.
"Good plan with just one flaw." Alex said flatly. "Spike drew Buffy and
Willow in by capturing me and using me as bait to lure them to the same
warehouse that the Anointed One tried to resurrect the Master in. When
you all leave town it will immediately change everything."
"Oh, I see. But still its a place to start." Said Giles hopefully.
"Yes I suppose it is." Agreed Alex.
____________________________________________________

Saturday

Angel looked across the table at Alex. They were in a diner in the
downtown area of Sunnydale. Alex was finishing up his dinner. This was
the first time that the two of them had done anything other than hunt for
vampires. Angle felt uncomfortable, he still didn't know what to think
about Alex.
"Not big on dinner conversation, are you?" Asked Alex.
"I don't go out to eat all that often." Responded Angel.
"No, you don't." Alex agreed. "But you usually have something to say. At
least in the future you do.
The statement made Angel curious. "Do we spend a lot of time together in
the future.
"Oh yeah. You and Giles are the only two friends I have."
"Friends? Xander and I can barely stand each other." Angel said.
"Sure, but that's due to how we felt about Buffy. After I After she and
Willow died we had something in common. Shared grief."
"Not much to build a relationship off of."
"No. But we were all we had. You, Giles, and me. Of course his grief
wasn't the same as ours. He always felt like they were his children."
Not comfortable with the direction of the conversation Angel decided to
change the subject.
"So what is that thing you use on the other vampires? It sure hurts more
than a cross."
Alex smiled slightly, one of the few signs of positive emotion that Angel
had seen from the man. He palmed the object out of his sleeve. Somehow it
adhered to his palm.
"It's called the Amulet of Quaz. It's an artifact that was designed to
banish demons. It wasn't a huge leap to figure out that it would have an
effect on vampires." Alex said.
"I'll say it has an effect." Angel said, remembering his one encounter
with it.
Alex's smile faded as he looked outside. He looked back at angel intently.
"We've got company." He said.
"What?"
"Across the street. A vampire on top of the building watching us. He's
not very good at the stealth thing.
Angel casually looked out the window and saw the vampire that Alex was
talking about.
You're right, he sucks at hiding. How should we handle it?"

The vampire was getting bored. The guys he was suppose to be watching
were just sitting around the diner talking.
(Why did I draw this lousy assignment?) He thought while looking at the moon.
Looking down at the diner again he noticed that one of the guys had gone
to the counter and was paying the bill.
(Great. They're leaving. Maybe they'll finally do something interesting.)
He noticed that the other one had gone to the back of the diner, towards
the rest rooms. He didn't think anything of that at first, but then the
thought his him a couple of minutes later.
"Wait a second, the one in the can is the vampire. What the hell does he
need with a restroom?" He said out loud.
"You just now noticed that?" asked a voice behind him.
A hand grabbed his shoulder and forcefully spun him around.  He found
himself face to face with Angel. He tried to get away, but Angel's grip
was too strong.
"There are two ways this can go." Angel said. "You can answer my
questions now, or we can wait for my partner to get here and he can drag
them out of you painfully. And trust me, you don't want him to do that."
"You can't scare me." The vampire said trying to sound defiant, but only
managing pathetic.
"Maybe I can't, but he can." Angle said.
"He can what?" Asked Alex as he climbed to the top of the roof.
"Our new friend here was about to spill his guts, weren't you?" Angel
said, giving his captive a good shake.
Alex could have sworn that if vampires were capable of sweating that this
one would be drenched already.
"I can't. If I do Spike will kill me." Said the vampire.
The mention of Spike was all that was necessary to set Alex off.  "Well
I'll kill you if you don't! And trust me, I can make it a hell of a lot
more painful! He screamed as he closed the distance between himself and
the vampire.
Angel figured that stories of Alex's exploits in the last few days must
have gotten around, because the vampire folded like the proverbial house
of cards.

Giles was pleased at the progress of his little lie. He had the
youngsters and Ms. Calendar all set to leave for LA in the morning, with
both the school and their parents convinced it was legitimate. With any
luck by the time they got back Spike would be no more and Alex will have
returned to whatever future awaits him. In the meantime he had convinced
Alex's younger self to help him gather up supplies from the library to
take on the trip, even if he knew it was really to keep up the appearance
of this being a legitimate trip.
"So Buffy is really excited about this trip?" He asked Xander.
"Yeah, she can't wait to show Willow and I all her favorite places from
when she was growing up." Xander answered as he packed a box with the
stakes he had been making.
"Well I suppose we can find time for that. I just hope that she remembers
that we are going to be there on a very serious purpose."
"I'm sure that you'll keep us all on the straight and narrow." Xander
said with a smile.
"Yes, of course." Agreed the watcher.
(It's sad.) Thought Giles. (I have never seen Alex smile with that kind
of open joy. If such a significant change can happen in Xander I would
hate to see how I turned out.)
"Earth to Giles." Teased Xander. "Hello?"
"Sorry, lost in thought. Terrible habit."
"Just don't wig out while driving, okay?"
"I promise." Said the watcher.
The sound of the library doors opening caught both of their attention.
They both looked to see Angel running into the library.
"Giles, there's a problem. Where are Buffy and Willow?" the vampire
blurted out.
"What, no 'Hi guys, going somewhere?'" teased Xander.
Angel glared at Xander in a way that made the teenager feel like he would
be safer trying
To hand feed a great white shark.
"What problem?" Asked the concerned watcher.
"Alex and I caught on of Spike's minions. He knows about you trip so he
moved his plans up to tonight. Now where is Buffy?"
"Oh my God." Muttered Giles as his face paled.
Xander looked from Angel to Giles and back again, not liking the fact
that something was going on and that he didn't know what it was.
"Buffy got a message from her mom to meet her at the art gallery. Willow
went along to keep her company. Now what's up with Spike and who the hell
is Alex?"
"We'll explain on the way." Said Angel as he grabbed both Xander's arm
and the box of stakes and started for the door.

End of Part 7

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 8/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:27:39 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  8/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse

"Willow, wait." Said the slayer, as she and her friend approached the
gallery.
"Why?" Asked Willow.
"Something feels wrong." Buffy said. "You wait here, I'm going to go in
and check on mom."
"No way. If there were something wrong I'd rather stick with you. I mean
what if you go in and something sneaks up behind me out here?"
"Good point. Come on."
With that the two girls entered the gallery. The lights were on, but
there was no one to be seen.
"Hello? Mom?" Called Buffy. "Are you here?"
"Maybe she's just in the basement of something?" Willow said, trying to
sound confident.
"And leave the gallery open with no one watching it? No way. Something is
definitely out of whack here. Let's go check out her office."
The girls headed towards the back of the building. As they got half way
in a voice called out.
"Well look what we have here. The guests of honor for our little get
together have finally arrived."
Buffy and Willow looked back towards the front door. Standing there was
Spike, the newest addition to Sunnydales's nightlife.
Buffy felt a sudden sense of dread.
"Where's my mother you bastard?" She yelled.
"Not here." Replied the blond vampire. "Never was to be truthfulfor once.
Lucky for me one of my kiddies is a gifted mimic. Got you and your little
friend to come here. Which is good considering all the trouble I went
though preparing this booze up for you."
As spike spoke more vampires revealed themselves, a lot more.
"We really wanted to do this tomorrow night." Spike continued. "But then
a little bird told me that you and your garden society were going on
holiday. No bother though. It just means that Dru never got to bake the
cake. Shame too, she was really looking forward to it."
By now over two dozen vampire had surrounded the teens. Buffy pulled out
a stake, which caused the vampires to laugh.
"That little stick against all of us? My but you are confident, aren't
you?" Spike taunted.

Xander couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"So you guys knew Spike was planning something and instead of telling us
you decided to get us out of town." He said from the back seat of Giles car.
"Basically." Said Angel from the passenger seat.
"You lied to us." He said to Giles.
"It seemed prudent at the time." Giles responded as he silently cursed
how slow his car was.
"And This Alex guy, where does he fit in?" Asked Xander.
"That's too complex to get into." Answered Angel hoping to deflect the
question. "What I'd like to know is where he is. He told me to go get you
while he continued to question the vampire we caught."
"What for?" Asked Giles "After all, you said that Spike hadn't told him
where the ambush was going to happen.
"This is Alex we're talking about. I have no idea how his mind works."
Angel responded.
Xander wanted to ask more questions, but couldn't figure out what. He was
out of his mind worrying about Buffy and Willow.
"If anything happens to either of them I'll never forgive either of you."
He said.
Angel turned to say something back, but his words stuck in his throat.
Xander's eyes had a cold look in them. The same look that Alex's eyes
always had. Angle felt an ache in his soul.
(We've failed all three of them.) He thought.
"We're here." Said Giles as he pulled up to the art gallery.

Buffy was getting tired. There were too many vampires to fight. She had
managed to dust two of them, but two more just took their place. They
already had Willow, but hadn't hurt her yet. From the way they were
fighting it was apparent to Buffy that their goal wasn't to kill her
outright.
"Give it up Slayer." Taunted Spike from the sidelines. "All you're doing
is getting yourself all sweatyOn second thought keep it up for a while. I
think sweaty is attractive. I'm kind of sad that way.
(Oh how I wish I could think of a witty comeback for that bastard.)
Thought Buffy.
Giles, Angel, and Xander chose that moment to rush into the gallery.
"Where the hell did all these bloodsuckers come from?" Asked Xander.
A look of realization came over Giles face.
"Los Angeles. All those disappearances. It was Spike, building up his
forces." He said.
"Whatever." Yelled Angel as he launched himself at the group of vampires
surrounding Buffy.
Xander and Giles started trying to use their crosses to wade their way
through the other vampires to get to Willow.
"Now this is what I call a party." Called out Spike.
In a mad rage Angel managed to stake two of the vampires on Buffy, just
to have more join in from the sidelines.
"Good timing." Said Buffy.
"Could have been better." Was Angel's reply as he and the slayer fought on.
Xander had managed to break through the horde of undead and get up to the
vampire holding his lifelong friend captive. The vampire released Willow
and lunged at Xander.
(Must be a newbie.) Thought Xander as he impaled it on the stake he had
in his hand.
Suddenly Spike was in front of Xander.
"Now was that nice?" Asked the vampire mockingly.
Xander stabbed at Spike with the stake, only to have it batted out of his
hand by the blond vampire. He tried to get his cross up, but before he
had a chance Spike had him by the throat. Grabbing Xander's hand, Spike
squeezed until the pain made the cross fall from the boy's hand.
"That's better. Now we can be friends." Said Spike. Then he yelled across
the room. "Hey Slayer, look at what I got."
Buffy had been busy trying to keep up with the constant onslaught of
vampires. Three of them had grabbed angel and were holding him down.
Giles was also being restrained, so she was on her own. At the sound of
Spikes voice the ones fighting her had backed off and gave Buffy a chance
to look at him. The sight of Xander in his grip terrified her.
"Let him go spike!" She yelled.
"Oh right." Responded the vampire. "Like that's going to happen."
Willow leapt at Spike, hoping to help Xander. All she got for her trouble
was a vicious backhand.
"Not now little dove, I'll get to you later. Now where was I. Oh yeah.
This is the guy who saved you, isn't it Slayer? The one who breathed life
back into you when the Master sent you to the old dirt nap. If it weren't
for him I wouldn't have to be dealing with you right now."
"This is between you and me Spike" Yelled Buffy. "Leave Xander out of it.
You and me, that's the way it's suppose to be, isn't it?"
"Oh yeah, that's right. I let the dweeb go and you and I get it on. I
don't think so. We're a little too evenly matched for my tastes. When I
fight, I want to have an unfair advantage. That's why I brought so many
friends. But I'll tell you what; I'm feeling generous. You surrender
yourself to me and I'll let your savior go. If not I'll just disembowel
him right here. It's not like you or Angelus can get through my kids here
fast enough to stop me."
"Buffy don'taack." Xander tried to yell, but Spike squeezed his throat.
"Now why would you be going all noble on us? Hey Slayer what do you
think? Why is he trying to be all noble? You don't suppose he loves you
do you? That would be stupid, what with you all tinglely about Angelus
and all." Spike Taunted.
Those last taunts nearly brought Buffy to tears. She knew exactly how
Xander felt about her. He hadn't ever bothered to hide the fact. Despite
her open affection for Angel and the fact that she had turned him down
outright when he had asked her out, Xander still loved her and now it
seemed he was going to pay the ultimate price for that love. That left
Buffy feeling that she had very little choice.
"If I surrender to you, do you promise to let him go?" Asked Buffy.
"Buffy no!" Screamed Angel. Don't"
"I have to!" She cried out. "I can't let Xander suffer because of me."
"That's right Slayer, you can't." Said Spike with a sneer. "So we have a
deal. I get you and your not so secret admirer goes free. Who knows,
maybe the next Slayer will avenge you. Now come here and I'll let the boy
go. I'll even let you give him a good-bye kiss."
The Undead cleared a path between Buffy and Spike. Giles and Angel
Struggled against the vampires holding them, both yelling at Buffy not to
do it as she approached the Spike. Even Xander struggling against Spike's
grip was shaking his head no. Only Willow said nothing, though that was
more due to being too stunned from Spike's blow to be aware of her
surroundings. As Buffy approached her eyes met Xander's.
"I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you." She said with tears in her eyes.
The sound of crashing glass suddenly rang out. All eyes in the gallery
turned to see a man come bursting through one of the gallery windows. He
threw something from his hand, which landed in the middle of a group of
six vampires. There was a flash and the six found themselves on fire,
which lead to them quickly becoming ash.
"Alex, thank God." Said Giles.
Spike stared at the new comer with a look of disgust.
"And who exactly the hell are you?" He demanded.
"You killed the woman I loved." Answered Alex, returning Spike's stare
with a look of open hatred.
"You'll have to more specific that that mate." Said Spike
"All right. I'm the one who has returned the favor." Alex announced as
reached under his coat and threw something at Spike's feet.
Spike looked down and saw an old fashion doll. The same kind that
"Drusilla!"  Screamed Spike as he released Xander to lunge at Alex.
Alex sidestepped the attack and hit Spike in the die with his right palm.
Spike's momentum combined with Alex's blow sent the vampire flying into a
pair of his minions. Buffy used the distraction to attack the Vampires
holding Giles down. Xander, who was still trying to recover from the
abuse to his throat, went to check on Willow. Angel still found himself
being held down by a trio of vampires.
Spike got back to his feet and pointed at Alex.
"Grab that bastard, but don't kill him. I want to make him suffer a long
time." He ordered.
At that command four vampires rushed the time traveler. Alex killed one
of them right away, but was hit from behind by another. Satisfied that
Drusilla's killer would be taken care of Spike turned his attention back
to his main target. He saw Buffy fight two of the vampires that had been
containing the watcher. It was obvious from the way that she was fighting
that she was exhausted. She would be easy picking now. He ran across the
room, closing the distance between him and the slayer. He hit her form
behind knocking her to the ground. He stood over the stunned girl with a
look of satisfaction.
"I win." He said. As he started to bend down towards Buffy.
The sound of someone yelling made him turn around and look. Xander was
charging at him, stake in hand.
"Oh please." He said sarcastically as he stepped forward to meet the boy.
Xander collided into Spike at full speed. The impact caused Spike to
actually back up a couple of steps. The two looked at each other for a
moment, both having looks of surprise on their faces. Then Spike crumbled
to dust, leaving Xander still holding the stake in his hand.
"Buffy?" He asked.
"I'm fine." She said as she shakily got back to her feet.
He looked down at himself and then back at her.
"I love you." He said and then collapsed.
Buffy rushed to his side.
"Xander! Xander!" She yelled
She saw a red spot spreading out from his stomach
"No!" She cried out. "You can't die!"
Seeing that their leader was gone, The remaining vampires lost morale and
fled. As soon as they were gone Giles rushed to join Buffy. Angel went to
check on the unconscious Willow. Alex weakly got to his feet.
"Giles do something." Begged the crying slayer.
"I'll do what I can." He said as he removed his coat and started pressing
it down on Xander's wound. "Alex call for help."
"I can't Giles." Alex responded.
"What? Why not?" demanded the watcher.
"My mission is done. Buffy and Willow are safe and Spike is destroyed.
The spell is ending. I'm going back." Was the reply.
"I'll call the ambulance." Called Angel as he got up from Willow's side
and started towards the gallery office.
Giles spared Alex a glance as he tried his best to stop Xander from
bleeding to death. A great deal of emotion played on his face.
"What kind of future waits for you?" He asked the time traveler.
"I have no idea." Answered Alex, who was beginning to glow. "I may not
have a future. If my younger self dies I can never have existed there.
Not that oblivion is so bad a fate after what I've been through."

"What is he talking about?" Buffy asked Giles between sobs.
"He's from the future" Answered the Watcher as he turned his full
attention back to the wounded boy. "He's Xander from the future."
As what Giles said sunk in, Buffy stopped crying and stood up She walked
over to Alex who was now surrounded be an increasing yellow glow. Alex's
face was showing signs of discomfort, bordering on pain.
"Xander?" Asked Buffy.
"Yes." He answered.
"But how."
"You'll have to ask Giles later. Just know this now. I loved you enough
to risk coming back and changing time. No matter what happens to me now
or in the future please remember that."
As Alex said those last words the glow grew in brightness until it was
too difficult to look at him. Buffy heard him yell out in pain and then
both the glow and Alex where gone.


End of Part 8

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 9/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 20:30:22 -0800 (PST)

TITLE: Tomorrow Mourning  9/9
AUTHOR: Jeff Harris
EMAIL ADDRESS: caliban@wizards,com
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: If you want to.
SPOILER: None really. Takes place before Lie to Me.
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY:  A mysterious man comes to Sunnydale with a warning for Giles
and Angel.
CONTENT WARNING: Violence. I tried to keep to the tone of the show
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters. All characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I started writing this right after Halloween aired and so I figure
its off in it's own little buffyverse


The last five hours had truly been the longest of Rupert Giles life.
First nearly losing Buffy and Willow to Spike and then having to enduring
the horrible waiting as a team of surgeons struggled to save Xander's
life. They had managed to stabilize him, but he was still in grave
danger. The only good news was that Willow only had a mild concussion and
would be fine. Giles was glad she had gone to sleep before anyone had
told her about Xander.
"Want some company"
Giles looked up from his brooding and saw Jenny Calendar. The look of
concern in her eyes was evident.
"Yes, please."
"So what really happened?" She asked as she sat down beside him. She
looked across the waiting room to where Xander's parents were standing
with Joyce Summers. "Mr. Harris said something about Xander hurt
defending Buffy from a wild dog."
"It was the most believable story we could tell. Spike's claws did
considerable damage before he crumbled to dust."
Giles went on to tell her everything. When he was done she sat there for
a moment trying to process everything he had told her.
"I can see why you didn't want to let on what was really happening. I'm
not thrilled that you left me out mind you, but I do understand." She
finally said.
"I'm glad to hear that. I can only hope that Buffy will be as understanding."
"Where is Buffy?" Asked Jenny.
"She's at Xander's bedside. She absolutely refuses to move. She isn't
taking this well."
"I can't say that I blame her. What do you think will happen?"
"I don't know." Admitted the Watcher. "My conduit to the future is no
longer here. I just hope that where ever he is that he is at peace."


His first conscious that was that no one could be in so much pain and
still be alive. As he tried to gather his thoughts together he became
aware of voices, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. He tried
to open his eyes but the brightness of the light forced him to close them
again.
As more of the pain subsided he could make out the voices more clearly
now. They were calling something out. If he concentrated he could almost
understand them.
"Xander? Xander can you hear me?" One of the voices said.
Xander; that was his name. No wait, that's not right. It used to be his
name. He went by Alex now. Why was the voice calling him Xander?
"Xander can you move?" The voice said. It was a male voice.
"Why are" Alex trailed off for a moment "Why are you calling me Xander?"
"That's you name. You're Alexander Harris. Do you remember that?"

Alex opened his eyes. The light was too bright but it was getting better.
His head was clearing too. He was on a bed, in a room that was unfamiliar
to him. He looked at the man speaking to him. It was Giles, but something
wasn't right. Giles was standing next to him.
"What happened to your wheelchair Giles?" He asked.
"I've never had one." Answered the Watcher.
Alex sat up and looked at Giles.
"Yes you have. You've been in once since.."
(Since Buffy put you in one.) Alex finished in his head.
"Xander, listen to me. You're suffering from a kind of temporal jet lag.
You still have the memories of the timeline you left. In a few days those
memories will fade until they are like a kind of half remembered dream.
Your memories of the current timeline will slowly take their place. Until
then I would recommend pretending that you have the flu and stay here at
your home, otherwise people will think you've gone right around the bend."
Alex sat back and took in what the watcher was saying. He had survived
and succeeded in changing the timeline.
"But what about Buffy?" Asked Alex anxiously as he tried to stand up.
"What about me?" said a voice behind him.
Alex whipped around at the sound of the voice and almost lost his
balance. Giles steadied him.  Alex looked at the source of the voice.
Buffy stood in the back of the room smiling at him. He looked at her in
amazement. His mental pictures of Buffy were either the girl she was or
the vampire she had become. The woman he looked at now was neither of
those. She was a beautiful woman in her thirties. Alex felt as if he had
misplaced his lungs.
"I'd have to say that the reaction was definitely worth the wait." She
said as she approached him.
Alex was overcome with emotion. Tears started to roll down his face at
the sight of her. He had done it. She was alive. And soon his memory of
what had happened would fade. The nightmare he had been living since he
was sixteen was over.
Buffy stopped right in front of him. He thought she was going to pull him
into an embrace. Instead she pulled him forward and kissed him
passionately on the lips. As their lips parted Alex... Xander was to stunned
to say anything
"Welcome home Xander." Said Buffy

The End.


-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 9/9
Date: 22 Mar 1998 00:48:47 EST

It was really great, but now I want to know what happened to Willow and
Angel....
Maybe you should keep going?!?!?
Lins

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Episode schedule
Date: 22 Mar 1998 00:54:11 EST

Does anyone have an episode schedule.... more importantly (to me) Whats going
to be on this Tuesday..?
Thanx
Lins
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Keeper of Angel's visit to
Willow's room...
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (31/?)
Date: 21 Mar 1998 22:11:31 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

PART  31     PG-13

Buffy slowly opened her eyes to find herself unable to move.  She
wiggled her arm free and pressed her hand against her forehead, feeling
blood trickle out of a small cut.  She looked over to her right and saw
Cordelia lying unconscious.  ôCordelia...wake up,ö she whispered but had
no luck.  Turning her head to the left, she came face to face with the
front seat.  Buffy groaned and realized that the car was upside down.
ôIs anybody awake?ö  She said aloud.  She felt movement at her feet and
saw Xander.  ôXander!  Are you okay?ö

He looked at her and smiled faintly.  ôYeah, IÆm okay.  How are you
holding up?ö

ôIÆve been better.  IÆm stuck between something, can you help me get
free?ö She said, struggling to move.

ôYeah, hold on,ö he said, and managed to sit up.  ôOh jeez,ö he said,
looking around.

ôWhat?  What is it?ö  Buffy asked.

ôThis is bad,ö he said, and managed to open his car door.  Xander pulled
himself out of the car.  ôOuch!ö  He said, as he felt a sharp pain in
his arm.  He looked to see a piece of glass had cut his arm open and
blood was coming out fast.  ôShit,ö he grumbled, and pulled off his
striped sweater, wrapping it around his arm.  He walked to the other
side of the car and opened the door.  He could see Buffy was wedged
between the seat and Cordelia.  The slayerette reached in and pulled
Cordelia out of the car.  He gently slapped her face to wake her up, but
she remained unconscious.  He could feel her warm breath on his arm as
he laid her gently in the grass.

Buffy groaned as she forced herself out of the vehicle.  ôDamn,ö she
said.  She wasnÆt too injured, but had a few bruises.  She looked in the
front seat to see something stirring.  ôGiles?  Jenny?  Hope?  Are any
of you okay?ö  Opening the door, she saw the three lying on top of each
other.  Hope slowly opened her eyes and looked around.  Buffy helped her
friend out of the car.  ôAre you okay?ö Buffy breathed.  Hope sat in the
grass next to Cordelia.

ôYeah, I think IÆm okay.  I just feel a little dizzy, thatÆs all,ö she
told her friend.

ôJust sit and rest, you should feel better soon.  I donÆt see any cuts,
and you donÆt seem to have any broken bones...and since your a slayer,
you have the ability to heal very fast,ö Buffy said.

Hope smiled weakly.  ôAh, a fringe benefit.ö

ôBuffy, come help me get them out,ö Xander yelled at the Slayer.  Buffy
moved to where he was standing.  ôIÆll get Willow out, and you get
Giles.  Be really careful, we donÆt know what kind of injuries they
have.ö  Buffy nodded, and ducked into the back seat.

ôWillow,ö Buffy said to her friend, ôare you okay?ö  She gently touched
her friend.

ôBuffy?ö Willow said softly.  She looked up to see Buffy help her out of
the car.  ôAm I dead?ö

ôNo, Will.  You arenÆt dead.  How do you feel?ö

ôI feel okay.  My wrist really hurts, though.ö

ôLet me see,ö Buffy said.  Willow held her wrist up to her friend and
Buffy felt it lightly.  ôCan you move it?ö

Willow moved her wrist slowly, wincing in pain.  ôYeah, but it hurts
like a bitch.ö

BuffyÆs blue eyes widened in surprise.  ôLike a bitch?  ThatÆs not a
phrase in your general vocab.ö

Willow smiled.  ôI know, but it just *really* hurts.ö

ôWell, I know it isnÆt broken, so you just probably sprained it,ö Buffy
told her friend.  ôI donÆt know a lot about injuries, but IÆm sure Giles
does so he can look at it.ö  She looked over at the unconscious
Cordelia.  ôHope, could you keep trying to wake her?  I am worried about
her.ö  Hope nodded.

Buffy turned to face the damaged car to see Giles pull himself out.  She
ran over to him and he leaned against her for support.  ôOh Buffy!  Are
you okay?ö he asked desperately.

ôYeah, yeah, IÆm fine.  Just a little cut and a few bruises,ö she
assured him.  ôWhat about you?ö

ôI feel fine.  The only thing that hurts is my head,ö he said, feeling a
large bump on the back of his noggin.

ôJust lie down and rest for a minute.  Cordelia is unconscious, but
Willow and Hope seem to be fine, except for HopeÆs wrist.ö

ôIs it broken?ö he asked, looking at the small girl who sat next to
Cordelia.

ôNo, she can move it, but it might be sprained,ö she said.  ôJust go
help her.ö  Giles nodded and went to Hope.  Buffy turned back to the
dented car to see Xander pull Jenny out.  Her eyes were open, and she
could walk.  He helped her over to where the rest of the group sat.
Buffy walked over to her friends.

ôHow are you, Ms. Calendar?ö The Slayer asked her.

ôNot good,ö her slurred voice said, as she collapsed in his arms.  Giles
rushed over to help her lay down.

Giles rubbed his head.  ôI canÆt believe this has happened.ö

ôYou guys, we need to get Cordelia to a hospital, NOW,ö Xander said.
Everyone looked at him in surprise.  ôWhat?ö  He asked innocently.  ôI
just want to make sure she is okay, thatÆs all.ö

Buffy frowned.  ôXander is right.  Cordelia may by really hurt.ö

ôMom?ö a faint voice said.  ôI donÆt want to wake up.  No, I hate
school.ö  CordeliaÆs eyes fluttered open and she stared at Xander, who
was in front of her. ôOh, I Xander.  I love you,ö she said, and fell
back into unconsciousness.

XanderÆs mouth was gaping open and he was astonished at her confession.
So was every one else.  ôShe  _loves_  you?ö Willow asked.  Xander
shrugged his shoulders and tried to play it off.

ôSheÆs just delirious,ö He said, and bent down to pick up her car keys
that lay beside her.  As his hand grabbed the keys, it grazed the
surrounding grass.  Xander was puzzled to find it damp.  He brought his
hand up and saw blood covering it and the keys.

Xander bent down to get a closer look, but it was dark and he could
barely see anything.  Feeling the grass, he felt a puddle of blood
trailing from CordeliaÆs leg.  ôSheÆs bleeding!ö He yelled to his
friends, as he pulled up her short skirt to reveal her slender leg.  He
was horrified to see a stake stuck into her thigh.

Giles ran over to him and saw the bloody mess that surrounded them.
ôTake off your sweater, Xander,ö he commanded immediately.  Xander
pulled off the garment quickly, almost taking off the shirt he wore
underneath it,  and handed it to the Watcher.  ôNo, hold it.  I am going
to pull out the stake, and as soon as it is out of her skin, you press
the shirt hard on the wound, to limit her blood loss.ö  Xander nodded
earnestly as his friends stared on in fright.  ôI am going to count to
three,ö Giles gripped the bloody stake.  ôOne.......two.......THREE!
NOW, XANDER!ö  He reacted quickly, forcing his now soiled shirt onto her
wound as her warm blood flowed through the open cut onto his hands.

She stirred, opening her eyes slightly, staring into XanderÆs handsome
face.  She smiled, oblivious to her injury.  Her crimson lips turned
slowly into a frown, as she noticed the creases in his face were filled
with worry.

ôXander?  WhatÆs wrong?ö  She whispered, trying to sit up.  Buffy ran
over and gently held her down so she wouldnÆt see the blood on her leg.
Cordelia felt fear rise in her mind and body when she realized that
things were not okay.

ôShh,ö Xander breathed, ôJust relax.  Everything is fine.ö  He gazed
into her face lovingly, trying to hide his fear.  ôDonÆt be frightened.ö

His soothing words touched her heart, and she once again smiled.  Buffy
was the only one to notice the strong connection between her two
friends, as they looked intently into each otherÆs eyes.

Giles looked at the teenagers, feeling horrifying guilt over the
situation.  < They are my responsibility, and IÆve let them down > he
thought, trying to bury the overwhelming feelings deep down.

ôWe need to get to a hospital immediately,ö Giles said, breaking the
silence the hung heavily over the group.

CordeliaÆs eyes widened.  ôHospital?  Why?!ö

Not wanting Cordelia to know about her injury, Hope spoke quickly.
ôWillowÆs wrist is sprained, and she needs medical attention,ö

ôOh, okay,ö she said with semi-relief.

< As long as she doesnÆt notice her wound, she wonÆt feel the pain >
Giles thought.  He looked at the still worrying Xander and saw that the
blood was finally beginning to clot, but the shirt was utterly soiled,
and another was needed.  Buffy noticed this also and frantically
searched for something to replace the bloody garment.

Cordelia saw everyone staring at her leg and began to wonder what they
were hiding from her.  She craned her neck upward and glanced down at
her blood skirt.  She strained her neck farther and saw XanderÆs crimson
hands and crimson sweater, then realized she was hurt badly.  Her leg
instantly began throbbing violently, and she screamed out in pain,
startling those around her.  The agony and blood caused her to suddenly
faint, and Buffy caught her head before it slammed into the ground.

ôGive me the keys, Xander,ö Giles ordered, grabbing the keys from him.
Xander only stared at Cordelia, not knowing what to do.  Hope pulled off
the lavender cardigan she wore over her while camisole tank top and
jeans, and pressed it over the blood drenched sweater.

ôXander, IÆm going to pick her up slowly, and I need you to continue to
press the clothes on her leg, okay?ö she said, and Xander nodded.
Slowly she lifted the limp body off the ground, as if it were
weightless.

Buffy stared at Giles.  ôWeÆd better hurry.  After we take Cordelia to
the hospital, IÆm going to the Hellmouth to check out what is going on,ö
Buffy said.  Before Giles could open his mouth in protest, she cruised
past him toward the road.  He slowly turned to follow her and the rest
of the gang, leaving the old car in the field.

ôCan someone get the door?ö Hope said, standing in front of CordeliaÆs
red car.  Buffy opened it for her, and Xander got in, helping Hope ease
the girl into the back seat.  Willow got in after her, and Buffy next.
Carefully, the laid her body on top of them.

Giles carried Jenny into the front seat, and Hope helped him get her
body inside.  The Watcher started the car as the seats belts were
fastened, and drove in the direction of Sunnydale Hospital.

*****

Giles pulled up in front of the large hospital.  Xander got out of the
car and carried Cordelia through the front doors.  He yelled for help,
and was immediately greeted by a hospital doctor.  Xander rambled at
him, and the doctor shouted at another doctor, who pushed a bed over to
them.  Xander lay her body down on it.  The doctors  took her to the
emergency room and made Xander wait behind.  He protested loudly, but a
nurse continued to refuse him, and two orderlies had to hold the boy
back.  Giles, Hope, Willow, and Buffy, who carried the still unconsious
Jenny came in right behind him.  They rushed Willow and Jenny up to the
front desk, so they could receive help.  Because it was a car accident,
they were looked at immediately.

Giles, Hope, and Buffy watched as the two girls were separated, taken
different ways.  Jenny to an emergency room, and Willow down a hallway,
disappearing into one of the rooms.

ôThis has been a long night,ö Hope said with a sigh.

ôWell it definitely isnÆt over.  We still have to save Angel,ö Buffy
said, looking at a clock by the front desk.  ôIt is 8:15.  If the
ceremony took place, and Angel has been made the master, we donÆt have
much time.ö

ôBuffy, how do you plan to fight this battle?ö Giles asked.

She pondered his question.  The truth was, she didnÆt know how she was
gong to beat this.  < I have fought against some tough things, but I
donÆt know if I can do this. >  ôI will know how to do when it comes
time.ö

Giles looked very skeptical.  ôI donÆt think you should do this alone.ö

ôShe wonÆt be alone.  IÆm here,ö Hope said, with more confidence than
she ever knew she had.

ôI--ö Giles stopped, and looked into BuffyÆs eyes.  He saw her
commitment, willingness, and profound determination that Giles would
never be able to fathom.  He knew in his heart that this was the right
thing to do, and he knew that he had to let her go, although his mind
and soul screamed against it.  Silently, he bid his farewell to her, as
if it was his final good-bye.  His soulful eyes watching her walk
through the doors, toward her possible death.

His Slayer, his Buffy, she was as much a child as she was an adult.  The
responsiblity that weighed heavily on her shoulders was her only
obstacle to a normal life.  He looked at her as if she was his own
daughter.  She was his responsibility.  His duty to her was more
important than anything in the world.  Trying to hold back the tears
that threatened to run down his aged face, he choked back a sob.  < Dear
God >  he prayed silently  < watch over her.  Guide her in the right
direction.  Keep her safe and from harm.  I donÆt know what I would do
if she died.  She is my life. >

*****

The cool night air stung BuffyÆs face as she stood beneath the pale
night sky.  She usually enjoyed the night.  It soothed her and comforted
her, despite the hellish creatures that plagued the earth, that
threatened the very existence of man.  But tonight, evil filled the air.
She breathed in its horrid smell.  She could taste itÆs revolting
residue in her mouth.  She could smell its stank presence.  Angel filled
her thoughts.  He brought a small frown to her face.  She loved him with
every inch of her heart and soul.  She felt his happiness, she felt his
pain, and right now she couldnÆt feel him.  His presence in her felt
empty, as if he has dispeared from the earth, as if he has died.  She
winced at that thought.  Her body shuddered as she walked toward the
Hellmouth.  Her fear grew intensely as she became more aware of its
pernicious presence.  The memories of her death resurfaced in her mind.
The last time she was there she had died at the hands of the Master.
This time, the plausibility of dΘjα vu was high.

Hope walked silently beside her friend.  She was still amazed at things
she had seen in the last two days.  Vampires, slayers, souls,
prophecies, demons, the Hellmouth.  She wondered why all of this was
kept in such a secrecy that only a small number of mortals were aware of
the dangers that surrounded their lives.  She marveled at the thought of
how oblivious the world was.  She thought back to last year when her
five year old cousin was a vampire for Halloween.  He had wore a long
black cape with a frilly while shirt beneath it.  His hair was slicked
back and he had a small pair of plastic white fangs that he inserted
into his mouth.  She silently chuckled at how different peopleÆs
perception of vampires was to the reality of what they actually were.
Sure, the movies and books portrayed the demons to be evil creatures
that suck on blood and only go out in the night.  But what they didnÆt
know is just how evil they were.  Their faces an image of hell.  Their
actions so horrifying that the average horror movie was just childÆs
play in comparison.  As the Hellmouth grew nearer, HopeÆs awareness to
the evil grew stronger, and she tried to mentally prepare her for the
inevitable fight that her future held for her.  Not just a fight of the
body, but of the mind.  She had to stay focused, and keep all fear and
panic out.  Any mistake could cost her her life, and the life of
mankind.



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (32/?)
Date: 21 Mar 1998 22:17:32 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 32

Spike pulled his car up into the small driveway of 1630 Rovello Drive.
He got out of the car and stared at the house in glee.  Angel pulled his
car up on the curb, knocking over two trash cans and a mail box.  He
threw open the door and stepped out of the large, black BMW, slamming
the door shut behind him.

He stormed angrily up to Spike, and grabbed his shirt.  ôThis is BuffyÆs
house,ö he hissed, ôwhy the hell are we here?ö

Spike removed AngelÆs hand off of him.  ôRelax, man.  I just have to
pick up a meal.ö  Spike grinned.

ôThe Slayer is MINE,ö Angel growled.

ôOh, no.  You donÆt understand.  I donÆt want the Slayer.  I want her
mother.ö

Angel blinked in surprise.  ôYou...you want...her mother?ö  Spike
nodded.  Angel suddenly howled in laughter.  Tears welled up in his eyes
from his hysterics.

Spike glared at him in annoyance.  ôWhat the hell is so funny?!ö

Angel took a deep breath to calm himself down.  He stifled another
emerging chuckle.   ôItÆs just that I love how you think!ö he said,
slapped Spike hard on the back, causing him to stumble foreword.

ôWatch it man!  I donÆt think that you realize how strong you are,ö he
growled, adjusting his jacket.

Angel grinned.  ôSo what do you plan to do with Mrs. Summers?ö

Spike took a moment to ponder his fellow vampireÆs question.  ôWell, I
havenÆt decided yet.  Either IÆm going to kill her right in front of our
pretty little SlayerÆs eyes, or make her one of us.  That way Buffy will
have to kill *her*.ö

A small rumble of a car engine interrupted the vampiresÆ conversation.
The sound drew closer until the car was visible.  It pulled up next to
the curb behind AngelÆs BMW.  The door flew open and Joyce Summers got
out, angrily shutting the door behind her.

ôWhat are you doing in my driveway?ö  She asked in a huff, walking up to
Spike and Angel.  Drusilla and the woman remained in the car, their
faces pressed against the windowÆs eagerly awaiting for something to
happen.

Joyce came face to face with Angel.  ôYouÆre BuffyÆs friend, arenÆt you.
What was your name again?  Angel?ö She asked.

Angel nodded.  ôThatÆs right, Joyce..uh...May I call you Joyce?ö he
asked, sweetly.

ôIÆd prefer Mrs. Summers.ö  She turned to Spike.  ôWho are you?ö

ôSpike,ö he replied.

ôWell, Spike, would you and Angel please leave?  I just got back from a
long trip and am tired.  Buffy probably isnÆt home.ö < she never is >
Joyce thought bitterly.  ôIÆll tell her to call you when she gets home.ö
She walked toward the front door of her house.

Spike grinned at Angel, who quickly pushed himself in front of the
woman.  ôNot so fast.ö

She put her hand up to her fore head and rubbed hard.  Her head ache was
growing larger by the minute.  ô*Please* get out of my way.ö

ôIÆm sorry, _Mrs. Summers_ , but youÆll have to come with us,ö Angel
said.

ôIÆm not going anywhere with you.  Now LEAVE!ö  She tried to push her
way around Angel but he grabbed her arm and squeezed.  ôYour hurting
me!ö

ôLike I said,ö his face slowly transformed into his vampire face.  He
watched her face immediately fill with astonished horror and fear.  ôYou
will have to come with us.ö



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Jeff R. Harris" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Tomorrow Mourning 9/9
Date: 21 Mar 1998 23:06:24 -0800 (PST)

On Sun, 22 Mar 1998, LMcint6188 wrote:

> It was really great, but now I want to know what happened to Willow and
> Angel....
> Maybe you should keep going?!?!?
> Lins
>
When I wrote the story I had a solid idea of how everyone ended up in the
future, including Willow and Angel. If I do write the sequels I will
defintaly be exploring that.

Jeff H.

-



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

From: Isis212 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Death of a Slayer  (1/1)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 08:45:28 EST

Title:  Death of a Slayer
Author:  Aramat!
Email:  [e-mail]
Spoiler:  "Surprise"
Distribution:  Ask me, please?
Feedback:  Yes, please.  Thank you =)
Disclaimer: Buffy and Angel, cute as they are, aren't mine. They belong
to this guy named Joss Whedon. They most likely belong to other people,
too, but right now I can't remember who they are. Anyway, I'm borrowing
Buffy and Angel for a little bit. When we're finished playing I'll give
them back. Okay, enough nonsense, on with the story.

Note:  This story is something I thought up during a case of writer's block
(which I'm stil having).  It switches the current situation around.  In this
story B & A's one night together transfers his demon to her.  So, Buffy's an
evil vampire on a killing spree, Angel's a guilty human on a mission, and one
has to destory the other. One more thing, since I was in writer's hell while I
wrote this, the story is kinda short.  I concentrate on Buffy and Angel's
fight.  I couldn't come up with any stuff to make up a longer story (despite
there being plenty to work with).  But if you can, feel free to.  I'd be
interested to see where this could go.


Angel paced the length of his room lost in deep thought. As much as he
tried to forget, the events of the past few days kept playing over and
over in his mind. He saw the look of hope and disbelief on Buffy's face
when he told her that he loved her, he remembered the desire in her eyes
when he kissed her lips. He could still hear the sounds of her pleasure
as if she was still moaning them in his ears.

But all that was gone. Because of one night, one exquistely perfect
night, his Buffy was gone, replaced by something evil. If he had known
that sharing something so special, daring to be with the woman he loved
so completely, would transfer his demon to her, he never would have
given in to her demands. It pained him to think of Buffy now, her soul
gone, his demon now in control of her body. He couldn't forget the way
she was before. But that Buffy was gone. And if he and the others were
going to survive, he'd have to destroy her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel stepped into the cemetery, his eyes searching for and finding Buffy.
She was sitting in her usual spot, waiting for him. As he watched her he
could almost believe she was still his Buffy, he could almost believe
that things were the same. But, deep inside, he knew they weren't, and
as much as he wanted Buffy back, he knew it wasn't going to happen.

With sorrow in his heart for what he must do, he walked toward Buffy,
determination replacing the pain. Tonight would be their final fight.
When it was over, one of them would be victorious, the other dead. Angel
had every intention of coming out a winner.

"I see you made it," Buffy said as she turned to greet him. There was a
smile on her face as she approached the man who, just three days ago,
she had loved more than life itself.

He nodded, watching her intently. "Of course," he answered his voice
low, emotionless. "You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?"

She shrugged. "I don't know, I figured you weren't strong enough to kill
me. We've been so close."

"Let's get this straight. I remeber who you used to be and I have no
trouble distinguishing between the two. You're not Buffy, at least, not
my Buffy. And I have no doubt that I'm strong enough to kill you." Angel
said these words calmly, smiling inside when he noticed that Buffy
didn't too much like what he had to say. He stepped toward her
menancingly. "So, let's stop talking and get down to business."

Buffy wasted no time. She stepped forward fists swinging, legs kicking.
But Angel was not to be outdone. He blocked her shots, throwing a few of
his own, all of which connected. Buffy fought strong, landing a punch
here, a kick there. Angel rallied, each fist on a special mission to
destroy what had taken what he cared about the most.

"You know, you did this to her," Buffy said as she paused between
punches. "If you had just said no, she would be here right now. You're
the one who killed her."

So stunned by the words of the demon, Angel dropped his guard. It was
the one opening she needed. Buffy took advantage of his distraction,
sending a savage kick to his midsection. When he doubled over in pain
she grabbed him, tossing him effortlessly against the wall of a tomb.
She grabbed a stake from her sleeve and pushed it against his chest,
directly above his heart, positive that victory was hers.

"Killing you will be so much fun," Buffy whispered softly to him,
digging the stake into his skin. "I'm sure Buffy will thank me." She
leaned forward, brushing his lips with hers.

Angel instinctively opened up to her, forgetting momentarily that she
wasn't his. But his lapse was a short one. As Buffy pressed closer to
him, he made his move. Taking the stake from the small of Buffy's back,
he thrust the weapon through her back and into her heart.

Buffy pulled away, looking up at him, stunned. She'd lost. And soon, she
was nothing but a pile of dust.

Angel looked down at where the demon now lay and he breathed a sigh of
relief. It was over. She was gone and no one else would be hurt.

With one last look at the dusty ground, Angel turned and walked away. As
he faded into the night, the wind blew faintly and he could have sworn
he heard Buffy, his Buffy, whisper, "Thank you."


The End

-



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

From: "Sapphire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Discuss:  Death of a Slayer  (1/1)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 09:28:41 PST

This was an interesting alternative universe story. It could
have been longer, and you could have had alot of fun exploring
the idea a bit more, but I enjoyed it as a short as well. Good work :)
Hope that writer's block is gone now!


Sapphire:  [e-mail]
X-Over Crossover list admin: X-Over:  XF Crossover archive
http://www.busprod.com/aclaybor
Taking the Challenge: BtVS Challenge Archive ; SPCDD; LOMIG ; G-Woman #3
Keeper of Willow's momentary obsession with sore thumbs,
Willow's whimper of sadness for her dead fish and her fake frog fit in =
KBD






-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:14:07 -0800 (PST)


Ok, I decided to re-send out "Our Hearts Will Go On" Parts 1-5 again
because a lot of people were asking for Parts 1-4 so I just decided to
send out the whole thing again, including the new part (part 6)

-Michele



_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:14:19 -0800 (PST)


TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/6
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: Yes, especially since this is my first fic-but since it is,
please don't be too harsh
SPOILER: What's My Line 1&2
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after What's My Line 1 &
2, with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
CONTENT WARNING: Some kissing,talk of sex, and a sexual
situation(nothing graphic at all)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for one, whose
name is unknown as of now-but will be included in Part 2 and possibly
all remaining parts of this. All of the other characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2", therefor without knowing
that something similar to this *sort of* happens in "Surprise"

**********
PART 1

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

      Willow spotted Buffy hurrying down the hallway ahead of her.
"Buffy! Hey, wait up!" she called as she ran to catch up with her.

 Buffy waited for her friend. "Hey Will. What's up?"

Willow frowned.

"Will- what's wrong? What aren't you telling me?," Buffy asked
suspiciously.

"Well I saw something that I really didn't want to and didn't need to
see. I saw- oh boy, you are never gonna believe this-"

"Well I don't really need to believe it- I just need to know. What is
it, Will?" Buffy asked impatiently.

Willow sighed. "Ok, well I was in the library helping Giles with
something before and Xander was there and so was Cordelia- and Giles
asked Xander to go find a book on some- thing- and Cordelia to help
him-so they went. And I was left to do research on the computer, of
course, but I finished before Xander and Cordelia found the book so I
went in the back to help them and-" Willow paused.

"And?" Buffy asked anxiously.

Willow frowned. "I saw Xander and Cordelia making out in front of the
Encyclopedias."

"Wow, you really took note of where they were standing-But maybe it
wasn;t what you thought it was," Buffy said trying to give Willow some
hope.

Willow shook her head. "No, no- I know what I saw. And I saw Xander
and Cordelia totally lip locked."

"Maybe one of them passed out and needed mouth to mouth," Buffy
suggested jokingly.

"Buffy this is not funny- I mean- it's Xander and Cordelia here-
Xander hates Cordelia-Cordelia hates Xander- That's like, that's like
Tom the cat kissing Jerry the mouse...uh, well, you know what I mean"

"True, but haven't you ever heard of the saying that opposites
attract? I mean as ick-worthy as it is, maybe Xander and Cordelia are
an example of that."

"Well I don't like *that* example. And the worst part is, I'm his best
friend- you are too- and he didn't even tell us," Willow said with
anger.

"Maybe he was afraid of our reaction. I mean it is Cordelia-she was
supposed to be his- and our - sworn enemy- and now he's kissing her,"
Buffy suggested.

"Maybe- but I'm still mad at him. I don't understand what he sees in
her- he never saw anything in her before except popular snotiness- I
thought she would be the last person that he'd ever date. But now this
happened, and now it's like-" Willow stopped with a frown.

 "It's like what?" Buffy asked trying to be understanding.

"It's like I'm the last person he'd ever date," Willow said with tears
forming in her eyes.

She continued. "Like Cordelia's good enough for him- and I-his best
friend-am not." The tears began falling down her face.

"Hey, it's not you Willow-Xander's probably just going through those
hormonal changes that men tend to go through. I'm sure he never meant
it to be like that," Buffy said as she hugged her friend.

Willow pulled away to look at Buffy, wiping her tears. "Really?"

"*Really*"Buffy repeated.

 "Well, I'm still mad at him. I don't know if I'm even gonna talk to
him. I'll let him tell me- or us, that is."

"We'll see about that. Somehow, I think you will."
The two started walking again.

"So, who's this Oz guy that was so heroic as to risk himself getting
shot in the arm so that you wouldn't?" Buffy asked changing the
subject.

"Oz? Oz is no one- he's just this guy- that I know."

"A guy that you know. Very informative Will,"

"Ok, well, we were both chosen for this computer thing at the Career
Fair, so we've been talking," Willow told her.

"By the way, how did that whole Slayer goodbye thing go between you
and Kendra?," Willow asked changing the subject.

"Was there any hugging or crying going on?" she continued.

Buffy shook her head at her friend with a grin.
 "You were quick to change the subject. But no, no hugging. Just a
goodbye. Kendra has that "No Huggy Huggy, Touchy Touchy," policy."

 "Oh, right. So- I guess that means there was no crying," Willow
answered for Buffy.

"Definitely a negative. But even though I was counting the days until
she'd leave, it was a little sad to see her go. I guess cause we had
something in common. I'm ok now, though."

Willow smiled. "Well, good. So have you and Angel been playing
helpless patient and nurse lately?" Willow asked anxious to hear the
answer.

"Actually, me and Angel haven't even talked or seen each other since
the night at the church. Kendra was kind enough to volunteer to take
him home safely that night so that I could get home to sleep."

Willow couldn't believe it. "Wow, you mean you're not even worried
that he could not be ok?"

"I thought about it of course. But I thought it would be better if he
could rest and if I was was with him, there definitely would be no
resting going on," Buffy explained.

Willow nodded in agreement. "Oh, I see your point. I bet you miss his
kisses though."

"You could say that. I've definitely been going through some *major*
withdrawal," Buffy agreed.

Xander came up behind the two of them just in time to hear Buffy's
last sentence.
"Withdrawal! Buffy, you're not taking drugs now are you? 'Cause that's
what that DARE Program is all bout- Saying *no* to drugs."

Buffy grinned.

 "No Xander, Buffy was talking about withdrawal from Angel's kisses-
which is probably what you're going through now without Cordelia's
kisses!" Willow shot at him with anger.

Xander's eyes widened in shock. He looked at Buffy.

Buffy shrugged. "What can I say, Xand- secrets secrets are no
fun-especially when you keep them from your best friends."

Xander shook his head in disbelief. "I don't kn-I don't know what
you're talking about," he said trying to cover everything up.

Buffy looked at Willow. "Willow?" she asked giving her the cue to
explain.

 "I-I saw you two in the library-when you were looking for that book-I
went to help you-and I saw you two-kissing," she told Xander.

"Oh, boy... Gosh...I'm sorry, Will. We didn't mean for you-or anyone
to see that. We- Look, I have no idea what is going on between me and
Cordelia. I mean we get into these fights and then we kiss-and it's
completely-completely weird. I mean I don't understand it and I know
you two don't either. Right now I'm just trying to sort everything
out. And that's why I didn't tell you guys. I mean it's me and-
Cordelia- we're not supposed to be together. I mean that's like Tom
and Jerry
kissing each other-Well,you know-you know what I'm saying."

 Willow smiled. "I said the same thing," she told him.

"Xander like I told Willow before, you're probably going through
hormonal changes that men tend to go through," Buffy explained.

Xander grinned. "Maybe. I just hope you two will forgive me for not
telling," he pleaded.

Buffy grinned. "You're forgiven-by me at least."

 "Willow?" Xander asked.

"I forgive you-but only this once Xander-you not tell us something
again and I'll-I'll..." Willow paused.

Xander smiled. "Thanks you guys. I promise- it'll *never* happen
again."

"So-" Willow said changing the subject once again,"Where were we?"

"Well I know that I was about to
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:15:30 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/6
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh.
SPOILERS: all episodes through What's My Line 1 & 2
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2", with some added Willow/Oz and Xander Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in *Surprise*

**********
PART 2

      Buffy sat on top of a grave stone, staring down at the stake in
her hands- and daydreaming about Angel.

She snapped herself out of it when she sensed something behind her.
"Sorry- I never did like or fall for those 'sneaking up behind me so
that I won't notice you're there and you can kill me,' games," Buffy
said as she spun around, raising her stake.

No one was there. "Ok..I was never one for hide and seek either. Now
show yourself." She looked all around and still saw no one.

Then she felt a cool breeze behind her. "Who's there?!?" she yelled
turning around again. But again, she saw nothing.

Then she heard it. A faint whisper. "I'm coming, Buffy.....I'm coming
soon," the ghostly woman's voice whispered. The breeze went away.

 Buffy knew what it was-it had to have been her- the spirit of the
Master, warning her.

"No!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, as she sprang up in Angel's
bed. Breathing heavily, she looked around and noticed where she was.

 Angel immediately came to her side, wrapping his strong arms around
her, and hugging her close to him.

"Hey- it was just a dream. Everything's alright- you just had a bad
dream," he whispered in her ear while rocking her slowly.

She pulled away and ran her fingers through her hair in distress.

 "Hey-Are you alright?..you ok?" he asked her softly while putting a
gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I uh, had this nightmare," she told him.

Angel sat there staring at her, waiting for her to continue.

"It was about this thing Giles told me about earlier today...I was-
supposed to ask you about it but I guess I got a little distracted and
forgot," she explained.

A look of concern appeared on Angel's face. "What is it?" he asked her.

"The Master- he's supposed to come back six months after he was killed
, on the sixth day, at the 6th hour- and go after the person killed
him..which, unfortunately would be me. Only it won't be the actual
Master, it'll be its spirit and it'll be female. The spirit of the
Master is always of the opposite sex," Buffy explained.

"And this is what your dream was about?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I was um, in the graveyard hunting vampires and I
felt someone behind me-I thought it was a vampire- but when I turned
around no one was there. Then I felt this breeze behind me and I
turned around again but still didn't see anything but heard her voice,
whispering to me," she explained.


"What did she say to you?"

"She told me that she's coming...soon. I figured it out with Giles and
the Master's spirit is supposed to be coming in just three weeks."

"And, you think that the voice you heard in the dream was the Master's
spirit?" Angel asked her

"It was- I know it was. In the dream, I could feel the Master's power,
I could feel his presence-just like I could in the dreams I had about
him killing me. It had to have been the spirit," Buffy told him.

Angel sighed and looked down.

"I take it- you know something about this thing."

Angel looked back up at her. He nodded slightly.

Buffy waited in silence for him to begin telling her about it.

"It's known as The Elgradora," he finally started.

"In other words, meaning?" Buffy asked, confused.

" The Spirit of the Master"

"Couldn't they just call it "Spirit of the Master,"

Angel went on. "It comes in spirit form of the opposite sex- to kill
the person who was responsible for killing *it*" he continued.

"So um, how exactly does it kill?" Buffy asked unsure of whether she
really wanted to know.

"It goes inside your body, without you knowing, and kills you
internally. Once you're dead, the spirit takes over your body and uses
your body as *it's* body until it's old body reforms over yours. Then,
slowly but surely, it is restored back to its full strength, and
begins to destroy all that it can. It also, assembles a team of all
the vampires that are existing to help it in destroying everything and
everyone before it is restored to its full strength."

"If you can stop it from going inside you, or kill it somehow, then
all the other bad stuff won't happen, right?"

"Yes,but, since you're the Slayer, you'll still have to deal with the
vampires. Every vampire in the world will be here- terrorizing
Sunnydale."

"Angel?"

"Yeah?"

"You can stop with the explanation now. It's really creeping me out,"
she told him with a look of fright on her face.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you...I thought you needed to know."

"I do but..I guess I just don't want to..unless there's ways of
stopping it. Is there?"

Angel looked down once again.

"Angel?"

He couldn't look at her.

"There's no way...is there?"

He finally looked up. "I don't know of any. I- read about it years ago
but I can't remember anything about how it's been stopped in the past."

"You mean you can't kill it, you can- only stop it?"

"You can't kill it because it's already dead," he reminded her with a
slight grin.

"Oh...yeah...But you can make it go away maybe, right?"

"Maybe..but there's no telling how. The only way to find out is to get
a hold of the book that I  read about it in."

"So, I'm guessing that you don't still have a copy of it on your
bookshelf, huh?"

Angel shook his head. "I don't. I wish I could remember the name of
the book but-," he stared.

"Don't worry about now. We don't have to know it right now. I mean we
have three weeks until it comes. I'm- sure we'll find out something
else before then."

He looked up at her, a sad look on his face.

"Angel? What's wrong?" Is there something you're not telling me here?"
she asked him, concerned.

He looked away. *I don't have three weeks* he said to himself.

He looked at the clock and noticed that it was 3:30 in the
morning."You better get back to sleep, you have school tomorrow," he
reminded Buffy, avoiding her question.

Buffy sighed. "Oh..yeah..school. Well, at least tommorow's Thursday
and the weekend's almost here," she said then laid back down on the bed.

Angel got up and pulled the covers back up over her and kissed her
forehead. "Sweet dreams," he whispered softly.

"Hey, aren't you gonna sleep here next to me. You seemed to have
evacuated the bed before- Why?"

"Well I couldn't sleep, really. I- don't- normally go to sleep at that
time. I'm usually up the whole night," he told her with a smile.

"Oh, yeah. I kinda forgot about the vampire thing."

Angel smiled down at her. "I will, though, if it'll help you sleep
better," he said, climbing into bed next to her.

She turned around to face him and smiled.

He smiled back.

Then she closed her eyes and fell asleep again.

When Buffy woke up it was dark outside again.

*Must've over slept big time* she thought. *Oh no, that means I missed
school. Well I'll worry about that later. I better go save the world
now* she thought as she got dressed.

She put her jacket on, grabbed a stake and headed out the door. This
time, she decided to hit Sunnydale Park.

Buffy seated herself on a swing, stake in her hand, just waiting for a
vampire to show.

Time passed, and there was still no vampires in sight.
Buffy sighed. She actually beginning to feel a little bored.

All of a sudden, a gust of wind came, blowing the empty swing next to
her so that itell Buffy that withdrawal from
Angel's kisses is even worse then from drugs and that she could say no
to that too.. but then.."Xander started.

Willow finished for him. "We kinda got into a different conversation.
But about what you were gonna say," Willow said with a smile,"I don't
think she'd wanna say no to that."

Xander smiled at her then turned to Buffy.

"How is our vampish fiend anyway? Not that I really care but he just
looked like he was in major pain the other night- definitely a good
thing."

 "Actually," she explained again," I haven't seen him since that
night. But, I'm sure he's fine."

"Darn!" Xander said as he stomped his foot.

 Willow and Buffy gave him "the look."

"Sorry, that just came out unplanned-like a reflex," Xander explained.

 "Well you better try to control that reflex or my reflex will be to
tape your mouth shut," Buffy warned him jokingly.

"Whoa-Buff, I knew you were a violent one- with evil creatures but I
didn't think you'd be that way with friends. I mean I 'll try but a
reflex is a reflex- pretty much uncontrollable. Oh, by the way, Buff,
the G-man was looking for you- I was supposed to tell you. Seemed
pretty urgent."

"Gee, thanks for telling me now that class starts in like a minute."

Xander spotted Giles approaching them. "Well, it must be pretty
important 'cause here he comes now," he informed Buffy and motioned to
him.

"Buffy!" Giles called as he caught site of her.

Buffy, Xander, and Willow walked over to him.

"Giles, hey. What's up?" Buffy asked him.

 "Buffy I need to see you in the library- in five minutes."

Buffy sighed. "Giles, can this wait? 'Cause I have history now and you
know how much I'm faltering in that class."

Giles shook his head. "Buffy, this is extremely urgent. It'll only
take a few minutes," he told her.

"Ok. Ill be right there," she obeyed.

 She turned to her two friends. "I'll see you guys at lunch."

Xander nodded. "Ok, best of luck Buff! You may need it with whatever
this urgent thing is."

 "See ya," Willow told her.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

     Giles was relieved when he saw Buffy come through the library
doors. "Oh, good. You're here."

"What you didn't trust that I'd come?" Buffy asked him slightly
annoyed.

Giles shook his head. "Well, no. No it's just-" he began.

Buffy interrupted shaking her head. "Ok, Giles, What's up? What is
this extremely urgent thing that you *need* to tell me about?" she
asked impatiently.

Giles sighed. "Sit down," he told her.

"Gosh this must be bad. When someone asks you to sit down before they
tell you something, you know it can *never* be a good thing," she said
as she sat.

"So, what is this terrible thing?" she asked.

"Well, it's two things actually," he told her.

"Oh goody. So it's the more problems the merrier kind of deal. So, go
head, share."

Giles sighed. "Well, I went back to what remains of the church that
Druscilla's healing ritual was performed in a few nights ago.." he
began.

 "And?" Buffy asked impatiently.

"And while I was looking through the remains of it, I found this," he
continued as he pulled a piece of red cloth out of his pocket and
handed it to Buffy.

"Hmm..a piece of red cloth, probably from a shirt or something," she
said as she examined it in her hands, "Giles what does this have to do
with- anything?" she asked.

"Well, it's not just a piece of cloth off of just anyone's shirt.." he
began.

"Oooo-could it be-I mean maybe it's a piece of one of Gavin Rossdale's
shirts. Can I keep it then- for a souvenir?" Buffy said jokingly.

"Gavin Rossdale- I don't believe I've heard of a Gavin Rossdale.
Who-Who is he?" Giles asked her.

"No one- never mind."

Buffy stared down at the torn piece of clothing in her hands.

"Wait a sec," she said realizing something,"Spike was wearing a shirt
that looked something like this the night that we were in the church
and I...killed.." She paused and her eyes widened.

"When a vampire is killed every part of it turns to dust, except
anything that it may be holding, such as a weapon, but everything else
becomes dust, including all of its clothing," he began explaining.

"Him," Buffy said finishing her sentence from before, "Oh my gosh."

"But when I looked underneath all of the debris, I found not only a
piece of his clothing but not a sign of vampire dust in the area in
which they were supposed to be killed. It still would have been
visible even days later, but since there was none, it would mean
that.." Giles continued explaining but was interrupted by Buffy who
finished his sentence for him.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," she finished.

 Giles nodded. "I'm afraid so. Now, have you spoken to Angel at all
since that night?"

Buffy shook her head. "I haven't yet. I thought I should leave him to
recuperate," she started.

Giles interrupted. "Well I think it would be a good idea to go see hi,
tonight. To- make sure that he's al right. With Druscilla still alive
and uncured, he could be in great ganger of her and Spike," he warned
her.

Buffy became a little nervous at what he said. "Great danger? Are we
talking death here?" she asked him.

"Buffy he was nearly killed by Spike's last attempt to cure her, and
if that hasn't worked, well- there's no telling what they'll do next."

Buffy agreed. "Ok, so it's Destination Angel's then."

"Wait, Buffy. As I said before, that us only one of the problems."

"Uh, Giles- I wasn't going anywhere. Remember, school? Well, it's
still in session in case you didn't know. And I don't need Principle
Snyder to find out that I ditched the rest of the day," Buffy reminded
him.

Giles agreed. "Oh, yes. That's right. Well anyway, I was researching
that Watcher Diaries.."

Buffy rolled her eyes and interrupted him. "Really Giles? Cause I
thought you always were researching in Reader's Digest," she joked.

 Giles gave her a stern look.

 "Continue," she told him.

 "Well as I was researching, I found out that six months after the
Master dies, on the six day, and the six hour, his or her spirit comes
back in the form of the opposite sex. It then, goes  after the person
who killed him or her, along with a team of all the vampires existing
at that time," he explained.

"Sixth month, sixth day, sixth hour..Giles are you noticing this 666
ocult reference that I'm noticing?"she asked him.

"Yes and I believe that has something to do with the fact that the
Master is like a vampires versian of the Christian religion's
"Anichrist," he explained.

"Ok, so anyway, the person who killed the Master," Buffy observed,
"That would be me. So why don't they just say "the slayer" cause I
thought that's always the person he fights during the Prophecy."

"Well, in a few earlier cases," Giles explained,"the Slayer was not
the person who killed him or her. Sometimes, it was just a person who
happened to be there."

Buffy shook her head in confusion. "You keep saying "him or her." Are
you saying that the Master could be female?" she asked him.

"Well, yes. There have been some female masters in the past, and quite
powerful ones, I might add," he explained.

"Wow. Talk about girl power. And I thought women only ruled in the
90's."

"Yes and the spirit oh the Master that is supposed to be coming will
be female, since it's spirit is always the opposite sex."

 Buffy took everything in and tried putting it into her own words.
"Ok, so this master spirit girl, she's coming- six months after the
Master's death- which would be- next month-and on the sixth day-
Giles, today is the 15th- that means that ghost girl will be coming in
only three weeks, and I'm guessing she's *no* Casper-which means we're
gonna need a *lot* of time to prepare for it- and we don't even know
much of anything about it- I mean it's a spirit,worse then your
ordinary poltergeist, and it's the Masters-opposite sex or not- Giles,
how the hell are we gonna kill this thing!? Or..make it go away?"

 Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes in distress.

He looked at Buffy who stood waiting for an answer. One that he didn't
have. "I-I don't know," he told her truthfully.

Buffy couldn't believe it. "You don't know?! You're the Watcher-
You're supposed to knot swung back and forth-as if someone was on it.

Then she heard it again- The ghostly woman's voice, whispering to her.
"I'm coming,Buffy....I'm coming soon...And when I do...you will die,"
the voice whispered to her. Then the gust of wind disappeared as did
the voice and the swing next to her stopped swinging.

"No!!! Please!!! No!!!" Buffy screamed as loud as she could. She
turned to her side with a jerk, and opened her eyes.

She was still in Angel's bed.

Angel was awake next to her and slipped his arms around her, pulling
her closer to him. "Guess you had another bad dream, huh?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded.

"Was it about The Elgradora?"

"Yes..this time, I was hunting in the park and this huge gust of wind
came, causing the swing next to me to swing back and forth- I think
she was sitting on it or something- but she warned me again-said she
was coming soon-but this time, she said I would die...I'm scared,
Angel. Last time I had a dream like this, it really did happen. I
mean, I died once, I don't wanna do it again," Buffy told him,
frightened.

Angel hugged her even closer to him. "Don't worry-We'll get through
this. You're not gonna die-I won't let it happen...We'll just have to
find a way to stop it-somehow...I'll- call some people I know to find
out if they know where I can get a copy of that book I told you about."

Buffy smiled at him. Then she looked at the clock. Her eyes widened.
"Oh my god. It's already 6:30-I have to get ready for school. Angel,
you don't by any chance have a shower do you?"

Angel smiled. "Yeah, right through that door," he said pointing to a
door in the room.

"Ok, thanks...I'll- be out in a few minutes." She gave him a quick
kiss on the mouth and then made a dash to the shower.

Buffy came out twenty minutes later, all dressed and ready for school.

She caught sight of Angel in front of the fridge, feeding on a bag of
blood. "Hi. I'm finished," Buffy greeted him.

Angel was startled and very much embarrassed. Although he knew that
she saw him, he hid the blood bag behind his back with one hand, and
wiped any blood around his mouth with the other.

"I was just, uh-" Angel began nervously.

"Eating your breakfast?" Buffy suggested.

Angel just stared at her.

"It's- nothing to get all up-tight about. You know, a lot of people do
it."

Angel sighed. "They don't eat what I eat though."

"Well- different people have different taste buds- eat different
things. That's the way it goes," Buffy said grinning. She was trying
her best to make him more comfortable about the situation.

Angel managed a smile.

He stuck the blood packet back into the refrigerator and walked over
to her.

His eyes traveled up and down the length of her body.

Buffy blushed a little.

"You look beautiful," Angel said softly. He leaned in and kissed her.

Buffy wrapped her arms arms around his neck, running her fingers
through his air, as the kiss deepened. Buffy pulled away finally. "I
better go to school. It's getting late," she told him.

Angel nodded inn agreement. "I wish you could stay. It's so lonely
without you," he admitted.

"I know...believe me, I know. Sometimes- I find myself not being able
to wait until it's dark out, so that I could be with you again," she
told him.

The two stared at each other in silence for awhile.

"You better go," Angel finally spoke, a look of sadness across his face.

"I should...but I just have to get something out first," she told him.

"Ok..what is it?" Angel asked.

"Well, it's kinda about what I was just saying.
 The days seem to go by so slowly-all I can do is count the hours
until I'll see you- and then it's the night-and I see you-but it goes
by so fast. It's like,that's all I wait for all day, and it's over as
soon as it starts...I just wish our time together wasn't so limited.,"
she told him.

She paused for a second and then continued on. "And then- there's the
fear the I have-of- one of us going away...You-getting hurt by some
other vampire and dying-or you- being exposed to sunlight and dying-or
me-having to move again for whatever reason...And it scares me so
much..For me to ever be without you, Angel...it's the scariest thing
in the world."

Buffy looked up at him to see his reaction.
His head was down, and from what Buffy saw, it looked like he may have
even been crying.

"Angel?" she called him softly.

Angel didn't look up. He couldn't. He couldn't let her know the reason
why tears were streaming down his face. Not yet. Not then. He promised
himself he'd tell her that night though.

Buffy called his name again.

When he didn't answer or look  up, she walked over to him. She placed
a hand under his chin and lifted his head to see his face.

She realized that she was right- he was crying. Buffy never thought
that she'd ever see Angel,"Mr. Cryptic Man,"-himself- actually crying.
But there he was with tear stains down his cheeks.

Buffy gently ran the back of her hand over his left cheek, wiping away
the wetness. She did the same with the other.

Angel still didn't make eye contact with her. His eyes were focussed
off to the side.

"Look at me Angel...Please," Buffy pleaded with him softly.

He couldn't resist to that. He finally looked at her.

When Angel's watery eyes stared in to Buffy's, her eyes began to get
watery.

"What's wrong, Angel?..Tell, me...Please." Buffy paused for a second.
"Look, I know something's wrong. You've been acting weird ever since I
came here last night. I saw it in you're eyes-And I see it now-You're
hiding something...I wanna know what," she pleaded with him.

Angel just stared at her.

She begged him with her eyes-with the look on her face. "Please,
Angel," she asked again.

Tears began rolling down her beautiful face.

When Angel saw this, his own tears began to fall again.

Buffy continued to stare at him, waiting for him to tell her.

Angel just shook his head. "I can't...I can't Buffy...Not right now."

Buffy was understanding towards this. "Ok...Will you tell me later
then?" Buffy asked, hopeful he'd say yes.

Angel nodded. "I will," he promised. "I will."

Buffy stared at him for a few more seconds then decided that she
really had to go. "Well, I uh- have to go now. I guess I'll see you
tonight,"

Angel nodded.

Buffy grabbed her back-pack and jacket and walked to the door.

"Bye, Angel," she said as she went out the door.

"Bye, Buffy," Angel said, but she was already gone.

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

     Buffy walked into the school library to find her two best friends
sitting at a table talking with Giles.

 Giles looked up and noticed Buffy. "Buffy-you're late to school-We
weren't sure you were coming today," Giles said as Buffy walked over
to the table and took a seat.

"Well, here I am," Buffy said, trying to sound as enthusiastic as she
could.

Willow looked closely at Buffy. She looked very upset. "Are you ok,
Buffy?" Willow asked, concerned.

"Yeah- It's just- I was talking to Angel and he was acting kind of
strange," she told her friend.

"Well, maybe that's because he *is* strange. I mean he's a vampire
with a soul-that's just about as strange as you can get," Xander said
trying to lighten the mood.

Buffy didn't seem amused.

"How do you mean-strange? You don't think he's changed over to a
normal vampire, do you" Giles stepped in.

"No, It's just- he was crying and I asked him what was wrong and he
said he couldn't tell me-then," Buffy explained.

"Angel-crying!?!?" Xander asked with a laugh.

Buffy, Giles, and Willow looked at him, annoyed.

"Sorry," Xander apologized."Guess I just couldn't picture deadboy
crying."

"I don't know, maybe it's nothing-but I've just never seen him so
upset," Buffy told them."And this thing that he's not telling me-I
don't understand-Why couldn't he tell me? Why does he have to wait
until tonight?"

"I wish I could help you, Buffy, but I'm afraid there's nothing you
can do but wait until tonight" Giles said, trying to comfort her.

"I guess," Buffy agreed.

"But- in the mean time, were you able to find out from Angel, anything
about the coming of the Master's spirit?" Giles asked changing the
subject.

"Wait a minute. The Master is going to grace us Sunydalers with the
presence of his spirit? How come I wasn't informed of this?" Xander
asked.

"Sorry-I didn't want to scare you guys until I knew for sure what this
thing was," Buffy told him.

"Well you know now right? So it's time to do some sharing and
scaring," Xander said.

Buffy looked at Giles for approval.

"We *do* have to know, Buffy. And if Xander and Willow are going to be
involved then they should be aware of this too," Giles told her.

Buffy agreed and explained everything she knew and found out from
Angel to Giles and her two friends.

"Were you able to find out any method of-preventing this from coming
forth-somehow?" Giles asked after Buffy was finished explaining.

"I was just about to ask the same thing...with less words," Xander said.

"Angel once read something about it in a book but he couldn't
remember.what it said. He's working on it,though. He said he's gonna
try calling some people to get information on it," Buffy told them.

"Does that mean we don't have to do any work?" Xander asked with hope.

"For now, no. But- if he's unable to find anything soon, we will...You
may go to class now," Giles told them.

"Ok, thanks Giles. See ya," Buffy said as she walked out of the
library with her two friends.

Xander and Willow also said bye to him.

"So, what do you two ladies want to do tonight?" Xander asked as they
headed to their next class.

"Buffy, aren't you doing something with Angel tonight..So he can tell
you that thing?" Willow asked her friend.

"Well we didn't exactly make plans do go anyplace or do anything but
we could go someplace where he'd know that I might be," Buffy
suggested. "Like, say, the Bronze?"

Xander nodded. "The Bronze it is!"

"Yeah, and maybe Oz will be there," Willow said hopefully.

Buffy smiled. "By the way, how did it go last night with Oz?" she
asked her friend.

"Oh, it went...We talked," Willow told her.

"Details?" Buffy asked wanting to hear more.

"Well, I watched him play and then he came over to my table, asked me
if I wanted a cappucino, I said yes, and he bought me one." Willow
began. "Then we talked about this new computer that's coming out soon
and told silly jokes about people or things that happened at school.
Then he had to go so he said goodbye and left. Is that enough details
for you?"

Buffy smiled.

"Aren't you gonna asked me how my night with Cordelia went?" Xander
asked.

"Uh, that I don't really need to know," Buffy told him.

*bell rings*

"Well we missed first period class, I better get to class early before
I'm late for second," Willow said to her friends.

"We have the same class so  guess I'll be going with you," Xander told
his friend.

"We'll see you at lunch Buffy," Willow told her friend.

"Actually, you won't. I have to go meet with Giles at the library
during lunch. He says I need to start training more to prepare for all
those vampires that'll
be coming here soon," Buffy told them.

"We'll see you after school then," Xander said.

"And after school. I have to train after school now too," Buffy told
them.

"Ok then we'll see you at the Bronze tonight," Willow said.

"Yeah..tonight," Buffy answered. She walked to her next class in a
daze-thinking about that night. Thinking about what it could be that
Angel had to tell her.




















































_________________________________________________________
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-


w these things.... Just tell me one thing- Am I
supposed to die from this?" she asked him with tears almost beginning
to form in her eyes.

 Giles shook his head. "No, not that I'm aware if. All that's listed
in the Watcher Diaries is what I've told you. That is why, I need you
to find out from Angel, everything he knows about this," he told her.

Buffy finally calmed down and returned to her normal self.

 "Ok, well, I'll make sure I make some time in between kisses for us
to chat about it," she told him.

"Buffy, this is nothing to joke about. You must be serious."

"I was being serious just now," she joked again.

 Giles gave Buffy the same stern look from before.

"Ok, Ok, I'll make sure that I talk to him about it. And by the way, I
was being serious just a few minutes before the other thing I said.
Maybe a little *too* serious. Anyway, are we done here cause I have to
get to class now?"

Giles nodded.

"Ok then I better go. See ya, Giles," she said as she walked out the
library doors.

LATER ON IN THE SCHOOL DAY

*bell rings*


Willow and Xander walked together out of the classroom that they were
just in and down the halls.

Approaching them was Cordelia, Devon, and Oz.

 Willow smiled at the sight of Oz.

When they were in speaking range Xander acknowledged Cordelia."Well,
would you look who it is," Xander said looking at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked him.

"Nothing. Just, look who it is- it's you."

 "And your point is?"

"No point. I was just- acknowledging your presence," he told her.

 "Why?" she asked him in a snotty voice. "Never mind. I don't wanna
know. Come on Devon. Let's go." She pulled Devon with her down the
halls.

Oz stayed behind. "Hi," he said looking at Willow.

"Hey Oz," she said smiling. "Weren't you supposed to leave with them,"
Willow asked referring to Cordelia and Devon.

"Well, see, I wanted to know if you were going to the Bronze tonight,"
he explained.

"Oh. Well, I don't know- I mean I gotta check with my friends to see
if their going or not," she told him. "Why do you wanna know?" she
asked him.

"Well my band is gonna be playing there tonight and if you were going,
then you'd get to see us play. And, you know, maybe when we're done
playing, you and I could maybe hang out together for a little while if
it was cool with you," he told her.

"Oh, yeah, that, that would be cool-with me. Yeah."

"So you're going then?" Oz asked her.

"Yeah. I'll be there," she told him.

"Alright, well I'll see you then."

"Yeah, see ya," she said with a smile. She turned and watched him walk
away.

"Willow? Hello? Anyone there?" Xander called waving his hands in front
of her face.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, Xand."

"That's ok. So, I guess we're Bronze bound tonight, huh?" Xander asked.

 "Yeah," she answered with a smile across her face.

"Well, that'll work out good. I can dance with Cordelia while Devon's
busy singing and you can stare at Oz, the great and powerful."

"Xander!"

"Sorry, couldn't stop myself there. The Wizard of Oz thing was gonna
come up some time. And then was the time."

"By the way, why were you and Cordelia fighting back there. I thought
you guys were ok with each other now." Willow asked confused slightly.

"We are ok, but Devon and Oz were there. We can't act like love birds
in front of them. Not that we are or anything," he explained.

 Xander noticed Buffy walking up ahead.
 "Hey, let's go see if Buffy can join us tonight," he told Willow.

The two ran to catch up with her.

"Hey Buff."

"Hey guys."

"So, Willow and I are going to the Bronze tonight. Feel like joining
us?" he asked.

"Well, I would but I'm gonna go check on Angel tonight. I have to find
out stuff from him for Giles too," she told them.

 "Well, if it's for Giles then I guess you should," Xander said a
little disappointed.

"Oz is gonna be there," Willow told her excitedly. "And we're gonna
hang out when his band's done playing."

 "And you said you two would never become a thing. It's already in the
working," Buffy told her.

Willow smiled.

*bell rings*

"Ooo, gotta get to class. I'll see you guys," Buffy said and then
started to walk to her next class.

Willow and Xander did the same.

 Buffy turned back around. "Willow!" she shouted down the hall.

 Willow turned around.

"Good luck tonight."

Willow smiled and they both turned and continued on to their next class.

LATER THAT NIGHT
ANGEL'S APARTMENT

  Buffy knocked on Angel's door."Angel?" she called.

She tried to open it but it as locked of course.

She knocked again. "Angel, it's just me .Open up."

She waited then knocked once more.

 When he still didn't answer she decided to let herself in by kicking
open the door.

She walked in and closed the door behind her.

"Angel?...Hello? Anybody home?" she called. *He's gotta be home. He's
recuperating* she thought.

Finally she came to the area where his bed was and found him sound
asleep in it.  She smiled at the sight of his sleeping figure, then
got an idea.

She went over to the phone and dialed her home phone number.

"Mom? Hi. I'm over at Willow's- she's helping me study for this big
history test and it looks like we won't be done till late tonight. So
can I stay over and get a ride to school with her?...Yeah, it's ok
with her parents...Ok, thanks a lot mom..I love you too. Bye."

Buffy listened as her mom hung up and grinned mischeiviously at what
she had just done.

 Then, as she was going to hang up the phone she was pulled back onto
the bed behind her and on top of Angel who immediately leaned up and
kissed her.

 They kissed again and soon the two were wrapped up in a whirl of
passion.

 Angel began kissing down Buffy's face and to her neck.

Buffy let out a slight moan as Angel kissed her neck. She then moved
to claim his lips with hers again, afraid that if he kissed her neck
any longer, he might go vamp on her.

But soon she found his lips trailing back down the same path to her
neck.

She had to admit, it felt great when he kissed her there, but again,
she didn't want him to lose his control.
It was too late though- his lips were already there and the pleasure
from him kissing her there, overwhelmed her.

"Angel," she managed to get out, trying to make him stop, but what it
really sounded like was a sigh of pleasure.

After a moment, she called his name again, this time sounded more like
her calling him.

Still he didn't stop. "Mmm?" he just said as his lips trailed up and
down her face to her neck.

 She let out a soft cry again as he kissed a sensitive spot that he
hadn't kissed yet.

Finally she was able to tell him. "Um, Angel, maybe you shouldn't kiss
me there."

Angel stopped and lifted his head to meet her eyes. He was a little
confused. "Sorry-I thought you were enjoying it."

Buffy blushed alittle."I was- I was- it's just-Well I was afraid you'd
go vampire on me- No offense," she explained.

Angel chuckled. "Why would you think that?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh- I don't know, maybe because you-on a few occasions-have been
known to go vamp on me while we were lip locked," she said with a
slight grin.

Angel shook his head. "Well, just so you know, that really only
happens when I'm angry-or- I have something on my mind. But- I can
control it otherwise," he explained to her with a smile.

Buffy tried to fight back her impulse to ask him more, but couldn't.
"Even if you're kissing my neck- the very same spot that you could be
feeding on me from?"

Angel's face saddened a bit.

"I'm Sorry, that didn't come out the right way," she told him.

 Angel just looked away.

Buffy took her hand and turned his face so that he faced her. "Hey, I
trust you Angel, I do."

Angel nodded, but still looked a little sad. "I know," he answered.

Buffy changed the subject."Well, so anyway, I came here to see how you
were-You're ok, right?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Ok, good-Is there anything I could do?" she asked with a smile.

Angel grinned. "Well, you could start by, kissing me again."

Buffy smiled back at him. "That I can definitely do," she said as she
leaned down to kiss him.

Their lips met for a few more kisses before they pulled away. "I've
missed you," Angel said as their lips parted. "Been kinda lonely
here-and without you," he continued.

Buffy smiled. "Sorry I haven't come by- but I thought you'd need some
time to rest and recuperate without any distractions," she explained.

"Yeah, you're probably right," he told her with a smile. Buffy loved
when he told her she was right.

"Well, I'm here now-And we have the whole night to be together-I told
my mom I was at Willow's so I can stay the night," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy, that's very kind of you to be here, but
I'm not sure it's such a good idea you spend the night."

Buffy didn't understand. "Well, why not? If you're worried that you
don't have an extra bed, you shouldn't cause I think were a little
past sleeping in separate beds. I can just- sleep right here next to
you," she said then patted a spot on the bed.

"That's just it, Buffy. Don't you think it would be a little tempting
being together in the same bed? I mean don't you thing we might end up
wanting to-,"

"Have sex?" Buffy suggested bluntly.

Angel seemed a little uncomfortable. "Well..yeah," he told her.

"So- what's so wrong with that? I mean, we've been way past a cup of
of coffee. We can't even go 5 minutes without kissing each other."

"It's just- If I lose control Buffy, which I could, you could die. And
hurting you is the last thing I want to do," he told her.

"Angel, I know that-But I don't think you would. I trust you enough to
know that you'd never hurt me, even in your vampire mode."

 Angel shook his head. "Buffy please- It's hard enough not to- please
don't make it any harder," he begged.

Buffy looked deeply into Angel's eyes. "Please Angel- I love you..I
need you," she pleaded with him.

 Angel lightened a bit. "What caused the change of mid? Just before,
you didn't even want me kissing you- and now-," Angel began, curious.

"You told me you could control it- and I believe you. And I realized
that we don't know how much time we'll have together. I mean, it was
the scariest thing, you almost died the other night. And me, being the
Slayer-Well,you know, Slayers are known to have short lives. I figure
we should do..things..while we have the chance," she explained.

Angel agreed. "Alright," he said with a slight nod.

His eyes stared deeply into Buffy's.But there was something about
them- something about his eyes that was different. It was as if they
held an untold secret-as if Angel knew that something was about to
tear him and Buffy apart.

"Ok?" Buffy asked with a smile.

 "Ok," Angel replied grinning.

Buffy leaned in and kissed him.

 "I love you, Buffy. I want you to know that," he told her.

She kissed him again. "I know," she said with a smile.

Angel looked as if he was waiting for her to say more.

"I love you too," she finished finally.

He smiled-but then that look appeared in his eyes again-the look of
pain-of knowing something Buffy did not.

 Buffy kissed him again, then saw that look in his eyes. "Hey, what's
wrong?" she asked concerned.

"It's nothing- really."

"Are you sure? I mean are you nervous or something?-'cause I'll admit
that I am a little," she asked slightly worried.

"No- I'm fine," Angel said with a smile. He then pulled her back down
on him for a kiss.

"Good," Buffy said as she pulled the covers up over them , coming back
down on him, and kissing him.

 They kissed each other passionately for a few moments.

Then Buffy took control and began kissing down Angel's face, nibbling
on his jaw line and planting soft kisses down his neck. She then
paused to help him remove his white tee-shirt, and began kissing him
again from his collar bone down to his smooth chest. She then worked
her way back up to his mouth as her hands ran up and down his arms and
broad chest, feeling his muscles....beneath her touch.

Their kiss lingered on for a while, before it was broken by Angel, who
sat up in bed.

"Angel, what's worng," Buffy asked concerned.

Angel shook his head. "I can't. I can't do this Buffy...I'm sorry. I
'm so, sorry. You know I'd do anything for you Buffy, but I can't do
this. I can't," Angel explained to her, quite upset.

 He looked almost as if he was about to cry and Buffy could sense
that. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close to her.

"It's ok Angel. It's ok-I understand. I shouldn't have..pressured you
so much. I'm sorry," she whispered in his ear.

Angel pulled away after a short while and laid back down on the bed.
Buffy laid down also, resting her head against his shoulder.

 She turned to look at him. "Are you ok?" she asked him.

 Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm ok," he replied in a sad tone.

"I still love you,Angel. You know that, right?," she told him.

"I know," he replied.

 Buffy gave him a little smile then settled her head on his chest and
closed her eyes.

 Angel put an arm around her and did the same.

Little did Buffy know that,inside, Angel really wasn't fine or ok-and
she would soon not be either.

To be continued...

















































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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:15:35 -0800 (PST)









TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1&
2," with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia/ Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 3

THE BRONZE

       Buffy, Xander, and Willow sat at a table talking. After a
while, Xander stood up and asked Buffy and Willow if they wanted to
dance.

"Ok, sure" Willow answered.

"Buffy?" Xander asked.

"You know what, you guys go ahead. I'm-not really up to dancing right
now," Buffy told them.

"Are you sure Buffy?" Willow asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure."

Xander and Willow started to walk out onto the dance floor.

Xander turned back around to Buffy.

"Hey, Buff. If this is about the thing with Angel, I wouldn't worry.
I'm sure it can't be that bad," Xander said trying to cheer her up.

Buffy nodded and smiled as best she could.

She sat there alone at the table as her two friends danced on to each
song that was played.

Buffy kept watching the entrance, hoping that Angel would walk through
it.

Finally, Buffy spotted Angel walk in just as another, slower song came
on.

Angel looked around a bit, then finally noticed her.

He started walking towards her table.

Buffy had to smile at the sight of him. He looked just gorgeous. Like
an angel.

He finally reached here table.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hi," Buffy said with a slight smile cross her face.

Angel stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as  looked
intol stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as Buffy
looked into his.

*I get lost
 In your eyes
 And I feel my spirits rise
 And soar like the wind...
 Is it love that I am in?*

Buffy realized how much the song reflected the moment.

Angel slowly moved closer to her.

He tool her hand. "Come on...Let's dance," he said, almost in a whisper.

Angel led her on to the dance floor. He slipped his arms around
Buffy's waist, pulling her close to him- but making sure that he could
still see her beautiful face.

Buffy placed her hands behind his neck.

The two swayed in time to the song, as they stared, almost in a
trance, at each other.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 And now I know
 'cause when I'm lost
 I can't let go*

Buffy felt as though she were lost. In a world where nothing but Angel
existed. And she seemed to have forgotten everything. Including the
fact that Angel was there to tell her something.

*I don't mind not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies..
 It's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Buffy noticed that Angel's eyes were beginning to tear up again, like
they did earlier that morning
Then she remembered.

*I just fell
 Don't know why
 Something's there we can't deny
 And when I first knew
 Was when I first looked at you*

Angel pulled Buffy closer, hugging her close to him.

*And If I
 Can't find my way
 If salvation seems worlds away
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost in your eyes*

Buffy pulled away slightly so that she could look at him. She saw th
tears rolling down his face.

"We need to talk," he whispered.

Buffy nodded. "Ok"

"After this," he finished.

Buffy nodded again.

*I don't mid not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies...
 Oh, it's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Angel pulled Buffy closer to him again so that her head rested on his
shoulder. Buffy felt relieved so that she wouldn't have to look at him
like that and start crying herself. But it was too late- the amount of
time that she had seen the tears falling from his eyes, had made tears
fall from hers.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost
 In your eyes*

The song ended. Both of them pulled away, looking into the other's
eyes. Both with tears coming from them.

A faster, more upbeat song began and people started dancing again.

Angel took Buffy's hand again. "Come on...Let's get out of here," he
said softly.

Buffy nodded.

The two then left the Bronze

When they got outside, Buffy wiped some of the tears that were still
in her eyes.

She tried her best to gain composure.

"Ok, so, where are we going?" Buffy asked.

"Just- for a walk," he told her.

"Well I like walks..As long as their down the non-vampire path," Buffy
said.

"Tonight's delivery night. They'll all be at the hospital," he told her.

"Ok, well, then let's stay away from there..I mean, unless you need to
go get..," Buffy started when Angel stopped her.

He shook his head. "No, I've got plenty," he told her.

"Ok..good."

Buffy looked up at the night sky as they walked. She was fascinated by
all of the stars out that night. "Wow, look at the sky. It's
beautiful- with all the stars out," she said.

Angel looked up. "Yeah..I never really looked at them as beautiful
though. They're all I've seen in the sky for centuries. You get so
tired of seeing them all the time that the night sky no longer looks
beautiful with them in it anymore..But seeing them tonight-with you-it
looks incredible," he told her. He paused for a second. "Like you," he
said softly.

Buffy smiled slightly.

"When I was a little girl, I used to wish on the stars. But- I
realized that none of my wishes would ever come true, so I stopped.
Then one night, years later, I decided to try it again...It took
awhile of course, but it actually did come true," Buffy told him.

"What did you wish for?" Angel asked her. "or are you not allowed to
tell in case it doesn't come true again?"

"No, you can't tell before it comes true. But after it does, you can,"
she explained.

"Oh...So what was your wish?" he asked her.

Buffy waited a few seconds, staring up at the sky.

She then turned and looked at him. "I wi-I- ah, forget it. It's going
to sound totally ridiculous," she told him.

"No it won't. Tell me."

Buffy stopped walking.

Angel stood there waiting for her answer.

"I wished for you," Buffy finally told him.

Angel seemed to tense up when she said that. He turned and looked the
other way.

"What? Did I wish for the wrong thing- cause it's too late. It already
came true," she told him.

"It's not that." Angel turned and looked at her again. "Buffy-there's
something we need to talk about-that-I- have to tell you."

"I know. You- told me this morning-and in the Bronze. I didn't want to
bring it up again. I was just- waiting for you to start talking," she
told him.

Angel spotted a nearby bench. He walked over to it and sat down.

Buffy sat down next to him.

Angel's head was down. He sat like that for a few minutes. Then he
turned and looked at Buffy, who waited patiently for him to start
talking.

Angel looked back off to the side. He sighed.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," he finally told Buffy.

Buffy let out a breath she'd been holding in. She was relieved that
was the thing that he had to tell her.

"Angel, I'd hate to break this to you, but I already knew that. Giles
found out and he told me yesterday..I knew," she said.

Angel turned to her. "I- wasn't finished," he told her.

"Oh...ok, well- finish then," she said.

Angel looked away again. There was a long silence.

Finally, Angel spoke again. "Druscilla was-never- restored back to her
full strength. I- overheard her and Spike talking," he told her.

"Oh- well, isn't that a good thing though? Because-" Buffy stopped
when she saw Angel shake his head.

"I heard Spike talking and it seems that he's not going to just give
up on her...He'll try performing her healing ritual again-and if it's
interrupted, he'll try again. But he won't stop until it works and
Druscilla is restored back to her full strength. And to do that, he
needs me," Angel told her.

"Well, can't we just go and kill him-somehow- so that he can't try to
perform it again?" Buffy asked, hopeful.

"Buffy, Spike is one of the most vicious vampires around. You know
that. They'll be a lot of people dead before he's killed," Angel said
to her.

"So, what are you trying to say here? How else are we supposed to stop
him?" Buffy asked.

Angel looked away. He didn't answer her.

"Angel?" Buffy called nervously.

He didn't answer again.

"Angel?! Answer me, please," she begged.

There was a long pause.

"I- have to leave Sunnydale," he finally told her.

Buffy couldn't believe what she just hear. "What?" Buffy asked in a
choked whisper.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I have to leave here, Buffy," he
repeated.

"What- Because of the ritual?" Buffy asked with tears coming from her
eyes.

Angel nodded.

"Can't- you just hide- or something? I mean you don't have to leave-
because of that."

Angel shook his head. "I can't hide, Buffy. Spike will find me. Maybe
not- right away, but in time, he will. And if the ritual is performed
completely, I'll die," he told her.

Buffy just stared at him.

"Besides that, Spike is trying to look for a way to get rid of my soul
and change me back over to a regular vampire. I can't let that happen,
Buffy. I'll end up hurting you- and that's the last thing I want to
do," he said to her.

"Just to let you know..you're hurting me now, Angel..With this..with
leaving," she told him.

"Believe me, if there were any other way to say here- and be with you,
I'd try it. But as long as Spike and Druscilla are alive, I'm put in
danger of dying or being changed back over," Angel told her.

He saw the tears rolling down Buffy's cheeks. He hated to see her like
that. Tears began to fill his own eyes.

"I love you, Buffy...I do..And I don't want to do this- But there's no
other way," he said. "There's no other way."

They sat there in silence for a few minutes.

"When do you- have to leave?" Buffy asked him. "And do you have to go
far?"

Angel looked away again. "I leave Saturday night..and yes, I have to
get as far away from here as possible."

"Angel, that's in two days..We only have two days left to be
together," she said, sobbing.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I know," he said. "I- tried to tell
you earlier but I just couldn't do it. It was too painful."

"Please don't do this, Angel. Please..stay here- stay with me," she
said crying.

Angel shook his head, tears rolling down his face. "I wish I could,"
he told her. "But I can't, Buffy. I can't."

Buffy looked away. She knew that nothing she would say could stop him-
only hurt him more.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes. Then Buffy started to
wipe the tears from her eyes.

She turned to Angel. "I guess- I mean, we should probably make the
best of what time we have left together," Buffy said.

Angel looked at her and nodded.

Buffy tried her best to smile. She moved closer to him and rested her
head on his shoulder.

Angel put an arm around her, bringing her closer to him. He kissed the
top of her head.

The two of them sat on the bench, just holding each other in silence.

After a while, Buffy realized that it was getting late and she had to
go. Her mother wouldn't be home until much later that night, but
still, she had school the next day.

Buffy moved out of Angel's grip. "Well, it's getting late. I should go
now," she told him.

"Alright," he answered sadly.

"There's- a big Friday night dance at the Bronze tomorrow night. Do-
you want to meet me there?" Buffy asked.

"I have- some packing to do- but I'll be there," Angel told her.

"Ok- I'll- see you tomorrow then?" she asked.

Angel nodded.

"Ok..bye," she said, then turned and started walking away.

"Buffy," Angel called to her.

Buffy turned around.

"Are you- going to be alright, tonight?" he asked softly.

"I'm sure I'll be ok after a little while," she told him.

She smiled as best she could and turned back around and started
walking home.

Angel watched her go. He knew she wouldn't be ok, though. He knew that
he wouldn't be either.

As Buffy walked home, she thought about how her life would be without
Angel. Tears started to form in her eyes again and fall down her cheeks.

She was in such a daze that she didn't hear her name being called.

All of a sudden, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

Buffy turned around. There he was- her beautiful Angel. That she may
never see again after Saturday.
Buffy couldn't stop the tears from flooding her eyes.

She threw her arms around Angel hugging him tightly, never wanting to
let him go. Angel did the same.

After she calmed down, Angel spoke. "Come on. I'll take you home," he
said as she pulled away.

He held out his hand and Buffy took it.

"So why did you follow me? Did you know that I  wasn't going to be
ok?," Buffy asked as they walked to her house.

Angel nodded. "I did," he told her.

They walked silent the rest of the way to her house.

When they got to the door Buffy got out her key and opened her front
door.

Angel followed her in.

Buffy shut the door behind him.

"Don't worry. Mom's not home. She works late on Thursdays," she told
him.

"Oh"

"I'm gonna go upstairs and change. You can sit and watch tv or
something," she said motioning to the couch.

Angel nodded.

Buffy went upstairs and changed into her pajamas.

When she came back down, she saw Angel watching "Interview With a
Vampire," on HBO.

Buffy had to smile at that.

"Hey," she said as she walked in the living room. "Whatcha' watching?"
she asked pretending not to know what it was.

"Oh, just some vampire movie," he told her.

"I see..Oh, this is Interview With a Vampire. I love this movie,"
Buffy told him.

"Well let's watch it then," Angel said.

"Yeah-Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt are in it. Of course, if I could choose
whoever I wanted to play a vampire, my choice would be you," Buffy
said grinning slightly.

Angel smiled back.

Buffy rested her head against Angel's soldier.

The two of them sat watching the movie. They seemed to have forgotten
that they would no longer be together after Saturday.

When the movie was half over, Angel looked at Buffy and noticed that
she was sleeping.

Gently, so that she wouldn't wake, Angel picked her up and carried her
up to her room.

He undid the covers and gently placed her in the bed. Then he pulled
the covers back over her and tucked her in.

He leaned down over her and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Buffy,"
he whispered, then proceeded back downstairs and went out the front
door and walked home.


THE NEXT DAY- SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

 Buffy walked through the library doors to find that just like the day
before, Xander and Willow, were seated there talking to Giles.

"Hi Buffy," Willow greeted her friend.

"Hey guys. Is there some sort of meeting going on that I didn't know
about?" Buffy asked.

"No meeting. Xander and Willow knew you'd be coming here, so they
decided to wait here for you," Giles told her.

"So, Buff, had it go last night with Angel. Was everything ok like I
said it would be? I saw, you left without even saying goodbye," Xander
said.

"Sorry- I was preoccupied, in a way. Angel wanted to get out of there
so he could tell me the thing that he had to tell me," Buffy explained.

"So what was it? The thing?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy looked away.

"Buffy? Is everything alright?" Giles asked concerned.

Buffy looked back at them.

"No, actually. Everything's not alright," Buffy told them.

"Well what is it Buffy? You can tell us- we're your friends. Giles
too," Willow said.

Buffy looked down.

"Buff?" Xander called.

Buffy didn't answer.

"Buffy, what's wrong?" Willow asked again.

They heard Buffy sniffle, as though she were crying.

"Hey, Buff. What's wrong?" Xander asked.

Buffy finally looked up- tears coming down her face.

"Angel," she finally began.

"Well, what about Angel?" Giles asked , concerned.

Buffy let out a sob. "He's leaving Sunnydale," she told them. "For
good."

Xander, Willow, and Giles' eyes widened.

Buffy stood up. "I, um, have to go- I'll see you guys later," she
said, then ran out of the library.

"Buffy wait!" Xander yelled, following her out the door.

"I better go too," Willow said getting up after him.

"Yes, go...and..tell her training is cancelled for today," Giles told
her.

Willow nodded and left.

When Willow found Buffy, Xander was already there with her. He was
hugging her.

"It's ok, Buffy. It's ok," he repeated to her.

Buffy shook her head. "It's not. It's never going to be ok. Angel's
leaving," Buffy sobbed.
"It's never going to be ok."


To Be Continued...

















































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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:14:13 -0800 (PST)












TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/?
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2" with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 4

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Xander and Willow sat talking outside on the steps of Sunnydale High
after school got out.

"Did you see the look on Mr. Jamison's face when he realized that his
toupe' had fallen off?" Xander asked, laughing.

"Yeah, it was pretty funny," Willow said giggling.

"But- not as funny as the time he bent over and split his pants and
everyone saw his Batman underwear," Xander said, still laughing.

"True, I don't thing anything could beat that," Willow answered.

Xander looked off to the side briefly and spotted Buffy looking around
for them.

"Hey, Buff! We're over here!" Xander called to her.

Buffy smiled and walked over towards them.

"Hey," she greeted them.

"Hi," Willow said. "How are you? I mean, are you feeling better?" she
asked her friend.

"A little," Buffy told them. "The story about Mr. Jamison made me
smile, so that's a plus" Buffy said grinning.

"You heard?" Xander asked.

"Yeah, me and everyone else in school," Buffy told him.

"Oh, of course"

There was an awkward silence.

Buffy's smile disappeared and her face was filled with sadness.

"So...the big Friday night dance at the Bronze..Are you two game?"
Xander asked breaking the silence.

Buffy looked up at him. "Well I kinda have to go. I told Angel I'd be
there so he's gonna meet me there
after he's done packing," she told them.

"So I'll take that as a yes from you. Willow?"

"Yeah, I'll go," Willow told him.

"Ok, then. Our plans are now set. Mom's here- so now I must go home
and couch potato it until it's time to go.  I'll see you guys, later,"
Xander said then got into his mother's car.

Willow and Buffy waved goodbye to Xander and his mom.

Buffy turned to Willow.

"Well, since training is off for today, I can walk you home," Buffy
said standing up. "Then when I get home I can sulk for three hours and
by then it'll be time to get ready to leave."

Willow smiled and the two of them walked home together.

(LATER THAT NIGHT) THE BRONZE

Willow and Xander finally took a break from dancing and walked over to
the table where Buffy had been sitting alone for almost two hours.

"Still no sign of Angel, huh?" Willow asked her friend.

Xander shook his head in disgust. "And you call that a boyfriend?
Where I'm from that's called standing someone up. Now he had better
have a good reason for putting my best friend in more major mope mode
then she already is in or I'll just have to-"

Willow interrupted. "Xander, calm down. This is Angel we're talking
about. He'd never do that to Buffy."

"Ya know, you're right. What am I talking about? He'd never do such a
thing as that- he'd just move far far away so that her heart could be
broken."

Willow looked at Buffy. "So, what do you think happened to him, Buffy?
I mean, what if- he was on his way here and Spike and Druscilla found
out he was coming here, so they waited outside for him and captured-"
Willow paused when she saw the look Buffy was giving her. "Ok, ok,
sorry- Guess I got a little carried away."

"Just a little," Buffy said sarcasticly.

"So you think he's ok then?," Willow asked, already knowing her answer.

"I'm sure he's fine," Buffy answered her. "He's probably just
finishing up all of his packing tonight so he can sleep all day
tomorrow."

"Yeah, well, I'd hate to tell you but I think our vampy pal Angel is a
no show tonight- The Bronze closes in fifteen minutes- which means,
there's only like three more songs left to boogie on down to"Xander
told her. "So what do you say, Buffy- Think you can spare one little
dance with your best friend?"

Buffy nodded. "Sure- It beats sitting down and sulking.. Anyway, I
came here to dance- and I haven't done that all night."

"That's that spirit! C'mon!" Xander said, pulling Buffy onto the dance
floor.

Buffy and Xander danced together to an upbeat song.

Then a slower song came on.

Xander and Buffy continued dancing together while Willow sat alone at
the table.

"Are you with anyone?" a familiar voice behind her asked.

Willow turned around to see Oz standing there. "Oh, hi, Oz. Well, I
came with my two friends but they're out on the dance floor right now-
so right now, no- Are you?"

Oz shook his head. "Not anymore. I came with Devon but as soon as
Cordelia spotted him she-"

Willow interrupted. "You don't have to tell me the rest- I think I
know what happened."

"Yeah," Oz agreed.

"So, did you just come here now? 'Cause it closes soon and it would
just be kinda weird if you came for only the last few minutes," Willow
asked.

"Well, actually, yeah- we just came now. Devon wanted to see Cordelia
since he knew shed be here-and since he's my ride home I had to come
along, so, yeah," Oz told her.

The two sat in silence for a moment.

"Do you wanna dance?" Oz asked, breaking the silence.

"Me?" Willow asked, somewhat surprised.

Oz grinned. "Well, yeah- I didn't think there was any other Willow
here that I was talking to- Unless you have some invisible clone- Wait
let me check," he said, then looked under the table and behind him.
"Willow? Willow?" he said as he did so.

Willow giggled slightly. "Sorry- I guess-I' just not used to a
guy-well other then Xander- asking me to dance," she explained.

"Well you do know how, right?" Oz asked .

"Oh, yeah, I just-" she began.

"Well then let's dance," he told her.

Willow nodded her head in agreement as Oz led her out on the dance
floor. The two began slow dancing.  When the song ended, Devon came
over by where Oz and Willow were standing.

"Hey Devon, What's going on?" Oz asked his friend.

"Cordelia and I got into a little *disagreement*, so I'm ready to
bail. You coming?"

Oz looked at Willow for a moment then turned back to his friend. "I
think I'm gonna stay," he told Devon.

"Ok man, See you tomorrow at practice," Devon said.

"Yeah-I'll be there. See ya," Oz answered.

When Devon was gone, Willow turned to Oz. "Uh, Oz? Wasn't he your ride
home?" she asked him.

Oz nodded with a slight grin. "Yeah..but staying here is worth my
walking home," he told her.

Willow blushed.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look kind of cute when you blush
like that?" Oz asked her grinning.

Willow just stared at him.

"'Cause you do.. Not good at handling compliments, are you?

"No- Oh, I mean- Sorry- it's just- Well, no one has really-" Willow
began.

"Ever complimented you," Oz finished for her.

"Well, no guy-Well, besides-" Willow began again.

"Xander," Oz finished for her again.

Willow nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, I don't handle them too well myself so...But, do you wanna keep
dancing?"

"Oh-yeah, sure. I mean if you want to," Willow answered nervously.

Oz smiled. "I want to," he answered.

"Ok, then, let's- keep dancing," she said.

Willow and Oz started dancing dancing again as the song "How Do I
Live," by LeAnn Rhymes came on.

Xander and Buffy also began to slow dance together again, when someone
approached them from behind Buffy.

"Hey," the person said, looking at Xander.

"Hi," Xander answered.

Buffy turned around as soon as she heard the person's voice. "Angel. I
wasn't sure you'd show," she told him.

Angel looked at Xander. "Can I- cut in?" Angel asked him.

Xander nodded. "She's all yours-Well, not *all* yours- Ah, you know
what I mean."

Xander headed back to a table by himself when he spotted Cordelia
standing all alone in a corner.

He approached her. "Cordelia- What are you doing here all by
yourself-I figured you'd be latched on to Devon somewhere."

"No. We-well we just broke up," Cordelia told him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Xander said, trying to sound like he meant
it, although he really did not. "Look- I know your probably gonna say
to no this- but I thought I'd ask anyway..Do you wanna maybe- dance?"

Cordelia looked annoyed at first but then managed a slight smile.
"Sure-why not."

The two walked off onto the dance floor and began slow dancing together.

   Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist holding her close to
him while Buffy placed her hands on Angel's shoulders.

"I'm really sorry that I got here so late. I just- had a lot of things
to do to-" Angel began explaining softly.

"It's ok. I understand. Let's just forget about it and enjoy now, ok?"

Angel nodded. "Ok."

They danced, holding each other close, as they looked deeply into each
other's eyes.

The words to the song finally came on.

*How do I
 Get through the night with you
 If I had to live without you
 What kind of life would that be*

*Oh I,
 Need you in my arms, need you to hold
 You're my world, my heart, my soul
 If you ever leave
 Baby it would take away everything
 good in my life*

*And tell me now,
 How do I live without you,
 I want to know,
 How do I breathe without you,
 If you ever go*

As Buffy stared into Angel's eyes, listening to the lyrics of the
beautiful song, a tear rolled down her cheek when she realized how
much the lyrics to the song expressed the way she was feeling about
Angel leaving.

When Angel noticed her tears he began to get slightly choked up
himself. He pulled Buffy even closer to him, letting her head rest on
his shoulder, and almost hugging her for comfort as they swayed to the
music.

*Without you,
 There would be no sun in my sky
 There would be no love in my life,
 There'd be no world left for me*

*And I,
 Baby I don't know what I would do,
 I'd be lost if I lost you
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Real in my life*

"Angel?" Buffy whispered in his ear, through slight sobs.

"Hmm?" he answered.


"Will you ever be back?" she asked him, drawing away from him so she
could look into his eyes.

"I don't know," he answered softly after a long pause.

Buffy just nodded and pulled her self closer to him, holding on tight
to him, as if that would keep him from leaving.

*How do I go on
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Need you with me
 Baby don't you know that you are everything
 good in my life*

Buffy couldn't take it anymore and tears flooded her eyes and cheeks
as she cried onto Angel's shoulder.

Angel felt her body shaking as she cried and tried to comfort her-
while he hugged her with one arm, he brought his other arm to the back
of her head, burying her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her
head.

*And tell me now
 How do I live without you
 I want to know
 How do I breathe without you
 If you ever go
 How do I ever, ever survive
 How do I, How do I, oh How do I live*

The song was almost over but Buffy couldn't wait until the end-she had
to leave-the pain was too much for her. She pulled away from Angel and
sprinted out of the Bronze, hysterical, and ran all the way home.

To her advantage her mother wasn't home again- she didn't want to have
to answer any questions about why she was upset. Buffy just went
straight to her room  and laid down on her bed, crying hysterically.

After a few minutes, she was able to calm down a bit, but still,
hadn't noticed that someone else was in the room with her.

 Angel.

Her back was turned towards him but he could tell that she was still
crying by the light sobs he heard coming from her.

Angel walked quietly over to her bed and placed a gentle hand on her
cheek.

Buffy knew who it was right away and turned to face him, exposing her
tear-filled face to him.

It hurt Angel so much to see her like that. He moved his hand to wipe
the tears that were falling from her eyes as she stared at him.

His own face showed a pain filled expression as he stared down at her.

As he went to wipe more tears away Buffy covered his hand with hers
for a second and then pushed it away from her face, letting go of her
grip on it.

She turned her head the other way- She couldn't look at him and see
the pain that she afflicted upon him by pushing him away when he was
only trying to comfort her.

Angel stood there with question. Tears were beginning to fill his own
eyes as he stood unsure of what he should say, or what he should do.

After a few more sobs Buffy finally spoke to him. "This is hard
,Angel, this is so hard," she said.

Angel nodded. "I know," was all he could say.

Buffy waited a few moments and spoke again. "I can't do this- I can't
say goodbye like this-when we're involved- It's too hard," Buffy
continued.

Angel just stared at her.

Buffy waited a few more seconds. "I think- we should just- not be
together anymore- end our relationship here- because it's just too
hard to say goodbye to you while we're in one," she said. She turned
her head the other way.

"What are you saying, Buffy?" Angel asked softly.

After a few more sobs she spoke again. "I need you... to leave," Buffy
told him.

She turned her head back, to see what his response to this would be.

Angel stared at her for a second. He understood how she was feeling-
and that it hurt her more right now to see him.

He gave her a slight nod then stared at her a few more seconds-then
turned and walked towards her door.

Angel stopped when he reached the door and turned his head slightly,
but still not enough to face her.

"I wish things could be different, Buffy..that I didn't have to leave
Sunnydale," he commented.

After a short silence, Buffy answered. "Me too. But- things just don't
go the way we want them to in life. Especially in mine."

She wished he would just leave so that she wouldn't lose it in front
of him.

"Well, goodbye Buffy," he said knowing that she wanted him to leave.

Buffy didn't answer and just watched him continue out of her room.

She waited until she heard him close her front door to let loose the
emotions she was holding back. She broke out into tears again.

She cried and cried , nonstop for about an hour.

Then around 11:00 she finally calmed down a bit.

The phone rang on the night table next to Buffy's bed.

Buffy reached over and picked it up. "Hello?...Oh, hey Will....I just
couldn't take it anymore, I had to leave or I would've just cried
write there....Yeah, he came by, but- I told him to leave. I think it
was the right thing to do- Just break it off-and stay away from him
until tommorow night..It should be easy to do considering it's only a
day..Yeah, should be but right now it doesn't seem like it will be. I
miss him already and I just saw him an hour ago...No, I think he
understands why..I think it'll be easier to deal with, I guess..He
said goodbye, but I didn't answer. I couldn't- It was just too
hard..Will, I think I'm gonna go on slay patrol now, even though it's
kind of late. That should get my mind off this..I will.Ok, I'll try.
I'll call you tomorrow and we can do something..K, bye."

Buffy hung up the phone, just to have it ring again.

"Hello?..Mom- hi..I'm fine. I was just- getting ready t o go to
Willow's-to sleep over I mean since it's so late..You do?..No, I'll be
fine.Besides I'll be at Willow's tonight and- I'll see if I can stay
there tomorrow night too..You just take care of whatever you have to
at the gallery and I'll see you Monday..That's two days
right?..No-mom, I'll be fine..Don't worry, I'll be good..Ok mom. Love
you, too. Bye,"

Buffy hung up the phone again.

She grabbed the jacket that Angel had given her awhile back and a
stake from her drawer and left the house on slay patrol.

Buffy was walking towards the park when she came to the building that
Angel lived in.

She stopped for a moment thinking of how badly she wanted to just go
in there and throw her arms around him. But she couldn't. She had to
stay away from him to make it easier to let go.

She continued walking again, her thoughts still on Angel and how he
was leaving.

But since her thoughts were invading her mind and taking her attention
off of slaying, she didn't notice the vampire that had come up behind
her until it was too late.

He had her by the neck  and she was too tired and stressed out to
fight back at the moment.

The she felt it- two fangs puncture the skin on her neck and the
vampire slowly draining the blood out of her.

After he had taken the slightest bit, Buffy's salyer sense kicked in
and she managed to push her stake through his heart, turning him to
dust immediately.

Buffy turned the other way and placed her fingers up to her neck, in
pain.

She decided that she needed help fast, and the closet place would be
Angel's.

As much as she wanted to stay away from him, she couldn't. She needed
help immediately.

Buffy ran to Angel's apartment and knocked on his door with tears in
her eyes from the pain and fear she was feeling.

As soon as Angel opened the door, she fell into his arms, sobbing
uncontrollably.

Angel hugged her close to him, trying to comfort her, thinking that
she was crying because she would miss him and didn't want him to leave.

"It'll be alright, soon," he whispered in her ear.

"It hurts," Buffy sobbed.

"I know, I know," he replied and kissed the top of her head.

"The pain-" Buffy began.

"Shhh..It'll all go away- it may take awhile- but soon, things will be
alright," he promised her.

"It-feels- like a thousand knives are stabbing into my neck- all at
once," she told him.

"Your...neck?" Angel asked hoping she wasn't referring to what he
thought she was. "What are you talking about? I thought-" he began.

Buffy pulled away, shaking her head, exposing the two red fang marks
on her neck to him.

Angel looked at the marks and growled. "Who did this to you?" he asked
in anger.

"I don't know. Just some- random vampire I guess," she told him.

"How did it happen?" Angel asked.

"Well, I was out on slay patrol and I guess I was a
little..sidetracked and didn't notice that he was behind me. So he
snuck up on me and attacked. It wasn't until he already had his fangs
in my neck that I was able to fight back," Buffy explained.

"Did you kill him?" Angel asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah- dusted him off right away," she answered.

Angel sighed, putting his head down.

"What? Was I not supposed to kill him?" she asked, confused.

Angel just stood there with his head down trying to figure out what to
do.

"Angel? You're scaring me. What gives here?" Buffy asked.

Angel lifted his head to look at her. "Sorry- I ,uh- I  was just
worried. You shouldn't have," he began.

"Killed him. I shouldn't have killed him," Buffy finished for him.

Angel nodded.

"But I didn't know- I thought vampires- except you, of course- were
the bad guys and that I was supposed to kill them. I was scared- I
didn't know what to do," she explained.

"i know- It's not your fault. It's just- he could've been useful in
getting you better," Angel told her.

"How?" Buffy asked.

"Well, as strange at it may sound, he didn't drain enough blood out of
you to complete the process of healing- if he did, you'd be unconcous,
so if he was still around we'd have to lure him into draining the
slightest bit more out of you. Then, we'd have cut his neck and make
him bleed and you'd have to drink the blood from his neck until you
were strong again," he explained.

Buffy was confused. "Uh, Angel- I could be wrong here but doesn't
drinking a vampire's blood after he drank yours make you become a
vampire?" she asked.

"In most cases, yes, but not in this one. Since your the slayer it
doesn't work the same for you," he told her.

"How come?" Buffy asked.

"Well, since your the slayer, you can drink the blood from the same
spot that you were bitten in and not become a vampire," Angel explained.

"Oh..ok..*ow* Whatever needs to be done to treat this, could we do it
now?" Buffy asked in pain.

"That's the thing, Buffy. Without that vampire, I don't know of any
other way of treating it," he told her.

"*Ow* Well, do I need *that* vampire? I mean, can't I just get any old
vamp and suck the blood from that one's neck in stead? *Ow*" Buffy was
able to get out.

Angel shook his head. "It has to be the same one that bit you,
otherwise it won't work," he told her.

"Oh..great. So what do I do? I can't go to a hospital because they'll
have to call my mom and she's out of town- I don't want her worrying
or anything," Buffy said holding the spot on her neck again.

"Let me look at it," Angel said.

Buffy nodded and took her hand off the fang marks.

Angel reached out his hand to touch it, then pulled back, almost
instantly, and turned his head the other way with a growl.

"Angel?" Buffy called.

"You need to get help..now. Go find Giles or someone," he told her.

"Aren't you gonna come? I mean, even though that vampire only got a
little out of me, I'm still a little weak. What if another vampire
comes along- I won't have the strength to fight it and-"

"I can't," Angel answered with a growl, still turned the other way.

Buffy walked around him so that she could face him. She realized that
he was in his "game" face.

"Oh. I get it. You can't look at me, can you? 'Cause when you do, all
you see is the two red marks on my neck," she said.

"I'm sorry, Buffy. I want to help you but..the temptation- it's just
too great," Angel told her.

"It's ok. I understand," Buffy said, with a hint of hurt in her voice.

Angel noticed this and wanted to show her that he cared about her and
loved her- even though they were no longer together.

He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on the side of her neck
without the fang marks. Angel bent his head down toward her neck.

Fear overwhelmed Buffy as Angel's mouth neared the fang marks on her
neck. After all, Angel was in his "vampire mode"

But the fear and pain washed away, and was replaced with pleasure as
Buffy felt Angel's soft, sensual lips, instead of fangs, pressed
against the cut.

Angel did not pull his lips away right way. He let them linger there
for some seconds.

As they did, Buffy closed her eyes and let her head tilt back
slightly, exposing her neck to his lips and letting the pleasure take
over her.

Seeing Buffy's reaction to this, and how much pleasure this was giving
her, he drew his lips away for merely a second, and kissed her there
again.

"Angel," Buffy sighed with pleasure.

Angel was fighting so hard to control the demon inside him, so that he
would not bite her. But the temptation was becoming to great, so he
pulled his lips away from her neck.

Buffy opened her eyes to find him staring at her.

"Better?" Angel asked, referring to the pain from the bite.

Buffy wanted to tell him how incredible it felt to have his lips on
her, kissing her, since he hadn't in a while. But she knew that she
couldn't. The y could no longer be together and she felt the need to
remind him.

"Angel, why did you do that? I mean, you know that we can't be
together anymore. It'll be to hard to say goodbye if we are," Buffy
said.

Angel was finally able to gain control and morph back into his normal
face again. "I know. I just- wanted to let you know that- whether
we're together or not- I care about you, and..love you. And no matter
what happens to us Buffy, I'll never stop. Even if..Even if you stake
me right now. It hurts me so much to see you in pain and I'd give
anything to help you- unless it would risk your life. And right
now..it would-So I can't be with you..I'm sorry."

Buffy nodded. She understood. But she was curious about something and
had to ask him. "Did you wanna bite me just before?" she asked.

Angel frowned and put his head down. "I did," he admitted in a sad
tone. "But- I was able to control the urge," he told her.

Buffy smiled slightly. "Well, I guess I should be greatful for your
honesty. But- to answer your question from before..It is..better."

Angel looked up at her with a slight smile.

Buffy grinned back at him slightly.

"Well, maybe I'll just have to do it again," Angel said flirtatiously.

Buffy smiled. "Yeah, and maybe if you keep doing it, I'll be
completely better."

Angel's smile turned to a frown. "If that was all it really would
take, I wish I could," he said, a sad tone in his voice again.

Buffy's smile disappeared too, when he said this.

"Well, I better go to Giles house now," she told him changing the
subject.

Angel nodded. "I'd go with you but-"

"I know..the temptation..I know," Buffy said, understandingly.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye then," Angel said, still with a sad tone.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah..guess it is." She stared at him a few more seconds.

"I'll..I'll see ya," she blurted out, quickly walking to the door.

Without giving him the chance to answer her, she opened the door and
left.

She didn't start crying until she got outside.
Once outside, the tears began to pour down her face as she walked to
Giles to get help.

Angel was left standing there in his apartment, tears rolling down his
hace.

"Yeah..see ya," he said in a whisper.

TO BE CONTINUED

























































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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:15:50 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2," and especially
"Angel," in this part.
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story with some added Willow/Oz and
Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the gang find out about the return of
the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 5

THE NEXT DAY(SATURDAY)
BUFFY'S HOUSE

 The door bell rang at the Summers' house and Buffy went to answer it
since no one else was home.

"Hi, Buffy," Willow greeted her at the door.

"Hey, Will," Buffy answered. "Come on in."

Willow walked in and Buffy shut the door behind her.

"How are you feeling?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy seemed like she was in a daze. "No, Angel hasn't left yet," she
answered her friend.

"Uh, Buffy, are you alright?" Willow asked concerned.

"Fine! Everything's fine! I'm fine, my mom's fine. I'm sure your
fine..you are fine, right?"

Willow nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think you are."

"Don't be silly. I'm fine..great..wonderful. Nothing could be better,"
Buffy told her.

"Are you sure about that Buffy," Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah! Why?"

"Well, you're acting kind of strange. And when I asked you a minute
ago how you were you told me that Angel hasn't left yet..That wasn't
the question I asked," Willow told her.

Buffy sighed. "I'm sorry..Guess I just have some- things on my mind,"
she explained.

"Like, Angel leaving?" Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Like  Angel leaving," she repeated in an answer.

"Look, I know this must be hard for you," Willow started, attempting
to comfort her friend.

Buffy looked at Willow, as if Willow really didn't know how hard it was.

Willow sighed. "Ok, maybe I don't really know. I'm just trying to make
you feel better- if that's possible," she said.

Buffy sighed. "Look, I appreciate your help, I do. But, I really don't
think that anything can help. I mean, Angel's leaving. There's nothing
that can stop that from happening."

Willow stared at Buffy. She knew that Buffy was right- There was
nothing that could make Buffy feel any better- There was nothing that
could prevent Angel from leaving.

Buffy sat on her couch, looking in the other direction.

Willow sat next to her.

Tears were forming in Buffy's eyes. "It's just so hard...It's so
hard..The only thing that makes sense to me is gone," she said.

"He hasn't left yet, Buffy. You could still go see him now," Willow
said softly.


Buffy shook her head. "I can't. We said goodbye already..last night.
We, well it wasn't exactly goodbye..I kinda just left and said bye,"
Buffy told her.

"What happened? I mean, I expected you guys to go through that whole
mushy goodbye thing," Willow said.

"Definitely no mushy goodbye...He just told me that I had to go get
help with the vampire bite and I said ok and just kinda said see you
to him and walked out the door" she told Willow. "And I can't go back
there to see him, it'll just make it harder for us both. I think that
despite my feeling awful about ending like that, maybe there's still
the chance that it'll work out easier," Buffy explained.

"Well, is it working so far? Do you think it's easier?" Willow asker
her.

"No, I think I may have made it harder. I'll probably never forgive
myself for not saying goodbye the right way, but, I guess I'll just
have to give it time.," Buffy answered.

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I'll get it," Willow told her, getting up. "It's probably just
Oz. He's been waiting out in his van for me," she said.

"Oz?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah..we're going on our first date tonight" Willow said.

"Oh. Where to?" Buffy asked.

"The Bronze," Willow answered.

"The Bronze? That sounds romantic and quite..have fun," Buffy said
sarcastically.

Willow opened the door. "Hey, Oz. Come on in," she said motioning
inside.

"Shouldn't we get going?" he asked as she closed the door behind him.

"Uh, yeah. Hey, Buffy- Do you wanna- come?" she asked her friend.
"Xander's gonna be there too..uh, with Cordelia, but still there."

"Nah. I think I'll stay in tonight. Besides, you two are going on a
date, I don't wanna impose or anything," Buffy said.

"Oh, no. You won't be imposing. We want you to come..Don't we Oz?"

"Sure. It'll kinda break that first date tension having someone else
around," Oz answered with a grin.

"I don't know..I won't be much for company," she said.

"Sure you will Buffy. You always are," Willow said.

"Well, Angel has never left town for good before," Buffy reminded her.

"Oh...yeah. But, I mean it's Saturday night. What else are you going
to do besides stay home and wish Angel wasn't leaving," Willow pointed
out.

Buffy thought for a minute. "Ok..I'll come. I- just have to get
something upstairs. I'll be down in a few minutes. You guys can wait
outside," she said.

"Ok..great," Willow said smiling.

Buffy smiled back and ran upstairs.

********
GILE'S HOUSE

  Gile's was reading one of the Watcher diaries when he heard a knock
on his door. He got up to answer it.

He was surprised at who stood in front of it. "Oh..he..hello,
Angel....Uh, why don't you come in?" he said, motioning him to come
inside.

Angel nodded. "Thanks."

"Have a seat," Giles said pointing over to the couch.

Angel nodded and sat down.

"So..What brings you here?" Giles asked concerned.

"The book on the Elgradora..I was able to get it for you. I thought-
you'd be at the school library but you weren't..so I cam here to give
it to you," Angel explained. He held out the book in his hands, giving
it to Giles.

Giles took it and looked down at it for a moment. He then began
flipping through the pages.

"It's somewhere in the fourth chapter," Angel told him.

Giles flipped to Chapter four and scanned it for information.
"Oh..yes, here it is..Well, Thank you very much. This will indeed be
helpful in protecting Buffy-and- us all. Thank you," he said.

"No problem," Angel said. His face saddened at the thought that he
wouldn't be there anymore to protect Buffy as he always did before.

"Is...she alright?" Angel asked suddenly.

"Who? Buffy?" Giles asked.

"Yeah. She was bitten by a vampire last night and I told her to go see
you. Is she alright?" Angel asked, concerned.

"Yes. Sh-she's fine," Giles assured him.

There was a long silence.

"Buffy-told me that you're leaving Sunnydale," Giles said, trying to
make conversation.

"I am..I'm leaving tonight," he told Giles.

"Yes-I know. Buffy-is- very upset. She's going to miss you quite a
bit, I suppose,"Giles told him.

Angel nodded. "I know..I'm going to miss her too," he said in a sad
tone. "When I got my soul back, I never thought that I'd be able to
love anyone again. I thought..no human could ever love me because I'm
not human and no vampire could ever love me and I could never love
them because I'm not like them anymore..But then I met Buffy..and I
fell in love with her..She- fell in love with me. And I was the
happiest I'd ever been in all my life..because I felt-almost human
again..I felt loved. There was still loneliness, still pain..but there
was love..the greatest thing that could ever happen to me..and Buffy
gave it to me. And now- it's all being taken away. I have to leave..."
he

"I'm terribly sorry that things can't work out for the two of you,
Angel. And- I mean that. I know, I've said in the past that a vampire
and a slayer could never belong together. But when I saw the
extraordinary love that you have for Buffy and the extraordinary love
that Buffy has for you...Well, I realized that you two were meant to
be together" Giles told him.

There was a short silence.

"I should- probably thank you, as Buffy's watcher, for allowing us to
be together," Angel said.

"Well, as I said, I recognized that nothing could keep true lovers
apart, and you two- are, in a sense, true lovers. I wasn't about to
attempt to tear that apart," Giles explained.

"But this does," Angel said, a sad tone in his voice.

"Well, yes, I suppose it will.. But- even while the two of you are
apart, I know- that you're love for each other will remain..perhaps
forever" Giles said.

"Angel," Giles began, curious,"Have you told Buffy what you just told
me- about how you never thought you could love anyone until you met
her?" he asked.

"I've told her..many times," Angel told him.

"Well did you tell her last night- before the two of you said
goodbye?" Giles continued.

Angel shook his head. "I didn't..I didn't get the chance to say
goodbye to her. She was gone before I could say anything," Angel
explained. He paused for a second. "Do you..think- you could tell her
that I said goodbye..and..that- I love her?" he asked.

Giles nodded. "I could..But- I know Buffy very well, and I know that
she'd much rather hear you say that to her then, well me, of course,"
Giles told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy said goodbye already. She doesn't want to
see me again. It'll be to hard for her."

"I'm afraid that Buffy is trying to talk herself into not seeing you
again. She's afraid..of how she'll act when she sees you leaving her.
But, I think what will be harder for her, is when she realizes that
she should've said goodbye to you- the right way. And then it'll be
too late," Giles said. He paused. "But, I'll tell her for you if
that's what you'd like."

Angel just stared at him. "I better go," he said after a few
seconds,"My train leaves soon."

He stood up and walked towards the door.

"Very well," Giles said, following him and opening the door for him.

"Goodbye," Angel said looking at Giles.

"Goodbye, Angel," Giles replied.

Angel turned and walked out the door.

"Angel," Giles called as he watched Angel walk out into the street.

Angel turned around.

"You've..been of much help to- us all..over the course of the years
we've known you..very much help. And I..thank you for that," Giles said.

Angel nodded and turned back around and walked away.

Giles watched him walk away. "Poor Buffy," he thought. "I hope he
makes the right descision."

******
THE BRONZE

While Willow and Oz were dancing, Willow looked over into a dark
corner of the Bronze and spotted someone standing alone in the shadows.

"Hey, Oz. Can you excuse me for a few minutes? I have to go to the DJ
stand to- request a song," Willow told Oz.

"Oh, sure. I'll just wait here for you," Oz said.

"Ok, I'll be back in a little while," Willow said, then turned and
walked over to where Xander and Cordelia were making out.


Willow tapped Xander on the shoulder. "Uh, excuse me, Xander- There's
something we need to go do," she told him.

"Yeah, there is. *You* need to go back on the dance floor and dance
with Oz, and *I* need to continue making out with Cordelia," Xander
answered.

"I'm sorry- I- interrupted your little..thing, but- this is more
important," Willow explained.

"Right now, nothing could be more important then Cordelia's lips
against my lips- or maybe other body parts," Xander told her.

Cordelia and Xander started kissing again.

"But..it's about Buffy!" Willow told him.

Xander broke away from Cordelia. "Well, maybe that."

He looked at Cordelia. "Cordy, don't move. I'll be right back..My
lips'll miss you- yours," he told her.

"Ew! You're leaving me for her! Listen, Xander, If you think you've
got me wrapped around your fingers, you're wrong! Ok, cause there's
plenty of guys that are dying to go out with me- and some that I'd
much rather go out with- and a few of them are here right now, So if
I-" Cordelia began shouting at him.

Xander grabbed the back of her head and passionately kissed her.

"You better hurry up. Wouldn't want one of those stupid single losers
to think I'm not with anyone," Cordelia said, changing her mind.

Xander turned to a surprised Willow. "These babies are magical," he
said pointing to his lips.

Willow managed to smile slightly.

"So, what's this we have to do for Buffy?" Xander asked following
Willow.

"Just follow my lead," Willow told him as they headed towards the DJ
stand.

Willow whispered a request of a song in the DJ's ear, who agreed to
play it.

"Will, you mind letting me in on the big secret?" Xander asked.

Willow nodded. "Well, remember the night.." Willow started and
proceeded to tell Xander her plan.

Xander looked over at a dark figure in the corner of the Bronze, then
looked at a lonely Buffy.

"For Buffy's sake, I hope this works," Xander said.

Willow nodded. "Me too.. Come on. let's go," she said.

The two of them walked over to where Buffy sat.

"Hi," Willow said to Buffy.

Buffy looked up at the two of them. "Oh, hey guys," she answered.

There was a long silence as Willow waited for the right moment to
begin talking again.

Finally, a new song began playing- the one that Willow had requested.

Willow was relieved- her plan was working so far.

The words to the song came on.

*It's daybreak
 And you are asleep
 I can hear you breathe now
 Your breath is deep*

"So, no word from Angel?" Willow asked Buffy, on cue.

Buffy looked at Willow, confused. "What are you talking about, Will?
Angel and I said goodbye already- last night- maybe it wasn't the best
goodbye, but it was goodbye..I thought I told you," she said.

Willow just ignored Buffy's question and comments. It did seem a
little awkward saying this to her but it was part of her plan.

Willow waited a few seconds, then continued. "Well, in a way he sort
of is, in the way of that he's right over there," she said motioning
to a dark figure in a corner of the Bronze.

Buffy, looked at Willow, then at Xander, still quite confused. She
then looked over at the figure Willow had pointed out.

The person was looking in her direction.

It was Angel.

Buffy then realized that the things that Willow had just said to
her-that weren't making a bit of sense- were the things that Willow
said to her the night that Buffy and Angel said their first goodbye to
each other, in a way.

Buffy played their conversation from that night back in her head.
*"So, no word from Angel?" Willow had asked Buffy. "Nah. It's weird,
though. In this way, I feel like he's still watching me," Buffy told
her. "Well, in a way he sort of is," Willow said, "In the way of that
he's right over there," Willow said pointing to a dark figure that was
staring in Buffy's direction..Angel.*

Even the song that was playing right then- "I'll Remember You," by
Sophie Zelmani- that was the same song that was playing that night
too- Although, Willow had set it up that way.

*But before I go
 I look at you one last time
 I can heat a heartbeat
 Is it yours or is it mine?*

Buffy looked back at her two best friends.

Xander motioned his head in Angel's direction, signaling her to go
over to him.

Buffy looked over at Willow, then back at Xander. She was hesitant
about going over to him, afraid that it would be too hard to say
goodbye. But then she gave her friends a smile, a silent thank you and
turned and began slowly approaching Angel.

Xander turned to Willow.

Willow had a grin on her face as she watched Buffy and Angel approach
each other. She was happy that her planned had worked out- bringing
Buffy and Angel together to say goodbye that way they should have the
night before. She knew it would make Buffy happier- although maybe
just the slightest bit.

"So, guess this is my cue to say ,'I don't need to watch because I'm
not threatened. I'm just gonna look this way,'" Xander said grinning.

Willow smiled.

The two of them watched as Buffy and Angel approached each other.

When they met, towards the center of the Bronze, Buffy looked up at
Angel, greeting him with a smile.

Angel just stared down at her, a sad look on his face.

*I look at your lips
 I know how soft they can be
 Did they know what they wanted
 the times they kissed me?"

Angel finally spoke. "I couldn't leave here without saying a proper
goodbye to you," he told Buffy.

Buffy just looked up at him and nodded slightly.

Angel sighed. "I need to know that you're going to be alright...I
know, that it's going to take awhile, but I need to know that, in
time...you'll move on..find someone else to love... Someone you can
start a family with..someone you can grow old, and die with," Angel
told her. He continued. "Someone you can watch the sunset with, before
you go to bed at night..and- watch it rise with when you walk up in
the morning...'Cause you deserve that, Buffy..you do. And I- need you
to promise that you'll do that,Buffy...for me."

Buffy's eyes held unshed tears as she stared up at him. She shook her
head slightly. "I don't know if I can do that, Angel..I can't-just-
forget you and move on. You're too much a part of me. I'm sorry, but-
I can't make that promise," she told him.

"Look, I know it all seems too hard right now- but I need to know that
you'll try, at least," he said. "Do that for me, Buffy?" he asked.

Buffy looked at him for a few seconds, then nodded. "I will..try, I
mean."

Angel gave her a slight smile. He felt slightly better knowing that
she'd one day be happy again.

"I have something for you," Angel told her, reaching into his pocket.
"It's not much, really- but it's, a goodbye present." He held a velvet
jewelry box in his hands.

Buffy looked down at it in his hands.

*And your hands
 that I held in mine
 Now they're reposing on the pillow
 Will they ever miss me some time?*

She looked up at Angel.

Finally, he handed her the box. "Don't open it, just now," Angel told
her. "Wait- until I'm gone..When you really need to- when the pain is
too much- open it then," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I, um, actually, have something for you, too. I was-
gonna leave it by your door but- well, you're here now," she said.

Buffy reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch bag
and handed it to him. "There's just a little something in there to
remember me by..in case you forget," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "I won't ever forget you, Buffy..I won't," he
swore to her.

Buffy knew that he meant it. She'd never forget him either. Ever. He'd
always be in her heart, just as she'd always be in his.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

Buffy remembered that she had something else for him.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a cassette tape. "This is for
you, too. It's- a tape of this song-that- kinda reflects the way I
feel bout you leaving..You can- play it while you open the bag-or,
whenever. I know I don't know your musical taste but- I just had to
give it you. The song just- seems like it was written for us," Buffy
told him.

Angel nodded and placed the two items in his pocket.

He looked back down at Buffy.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Buffy could tell that Angel had something on his mind. She knew it was
probably the fact that he was leaving and they'd no longer be
together, but she had to ask anyway.

"Is there- something else on your mind?" she asked him softly.

"It's nothing- It's just *this*... It's just so-," Angel began.

Buffy knew what he was going to say. "Painful," she said, finishing
his sentence for him. "I know."

"I wish things could be different, Buffy," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I know," she agreed. "Me too."

Buffy shrugged slightly. "Well, it's getting kind of late. You should
probably go now, or- you'll miss your train," she told him. As much as
Buffy hated having to say that, it was the truth.

Angel nodded. "I know," he whispered.

Buffy stared up at him.

Angel leaned down towards her face slightly.

Buffy just stared into his eyes.

He leaned forward a few more inches until his lips met hers for a soft
kiss.

The power between the two of them brought their lips together again,
as they kissed again.

Buffy closed her eyes, wrapped up in the moment, as Angel did the same.

*Your eyes
 that always make me shiver
 Now they are closed
 They just sometimes twitch a little*

As Angel's arms wrapped tightly around her, Buffy moved her hand to
Angel's face and brought her other arm around his neck, deepening
their kiss.

As they shared this passionate kiss goodbye, Buffy was reminded of the
first time they kissed goodbye- when they first decided that they
shouldn't be together.

Their conversation just a minute ago was even similar to the one they
had that night.
*"I just wanted to see if you were ok, and your mother," Angel said
when they finally reached each other. "We're both good..you?" Buffy
asked. "If I can go a little while without being shot or stabbed, I'll
be alright," he answered with a slight chuckle. He became more
serious. "Look, this can't.." he started. "Ever-be anything" Buffy
finished, "I know. For one thing your like two hundred and twenty four
years older then I am," she said with a smile. "I just gotta..I gotta
walked away from this," Angel told her. Buffy nodded. "I know, me
too....One of us has to go here," she said. Angel nodded slightly. "I
know," he said in a whisper, then leaned in and kissed her.*

Their kiss was even during the same song-although, again, Willow had
arranged that.

But Buffy knew that this would be their last kiss goodbye. And unlike
the previous time, this one was goodbye forever.

Buffy held on tighter to Angel as they kissed, not wanting to ever let
go. Savoring the feel of his body close to hers for the last time.

*And your body
 I could hold for an hour
 It sent me to heaven
 With it's heat and power*

Slowly, Buffy and Angel pulled apart, looking deeply into each other's
eyes as they did so.

Tears were in both of their eyes.

As soon as Angel saw Buffy's face filled with tears, he pulled her
back into his embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her tiny body,
hugging her close to him.

Angel stroked the back of her hair as he held her.

After a few seconds, they pulled away again.

"I have to go now," Angel told Buffy softly.

"Ok," she said trying not to make it any harder for them. She tried to
hold back the tears from pouring down her face again, but one had
already slipped out of her eye. Then another, then another.

Angel moved his hand to her cheeks and wiped some of the tears from
her eyes.

Buffy grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. She closed her
eyes a she took in the feel of his touch for the last time. Then she
guided his hand down to her lips and kissed the back of it.

Angel closed his own eyes as she did this.

Slowly, Buffy moved his hand down to rest beneath her chin.

Tears were forming in Angel's eyes again.
He was wishing more then ever that he wasn't a vampire- so that none
of this would have to happen. So that he wouldn't have to leave the
girl that he loved more then anything in the world.

"Please don't go, Angel. Please. I can't do this without you..I can't-
live without you, Angel. Please don't leave me," Buffy pleaded with
him as tears ran down her pale cheeks. She knew that she was being
unfair to him saying this, but she couldn't help but say how she felt
at that moment.

Angel's eyes flooded with tears. He would have done anything for
Buffy. Anything, He'd give the world to her- if she asked for it. But
staying in Sunnydale was one thing he could not d o for her. He would
not put her in danger of Spike's attempts at using him to restore
Druscilla or trying to make him a normal vampire again.

Angel placed his gentle hand back to rest on the side of Buffy's face.
He caressed her cheek lightly.

Tears continued to roll down both of their cheeks.

"Buffy, when I got my soul back, I never once thought that I'd be able
to love again or that anyone could ever love me..But..when I met you,
things changed..I fell in love with you, you were able to fall in love
with me. And I- was the happiest I'd ever been in all my life-because
you made me feel complete- you made me feel, almost- human..because
you made me feel loved. Of course, there was still loneliness, still
pain, but there was love too- The love I had for you and the love you
had for me. And it was the greatest thing that could ever happen to
me-you gave me the greatest thing the greatest gift off all..your
love, your heart. And I thank you for that, Buffy. I'd love to give
something more then just my love-and my heart for you- in return, but
staying here..I can't do. You know that, Buffy..You know that if it
were in any way possible to stay here with you, I would..But I can't,
with this," Angel told her.

He continued. "You mean the world to me Buffy. And I'll never stop
missing you, never stop loving you..Your eyes, your hair, your lips,
your warmth,  your smile, your touch..I'll never stop," he told her.

Buffy stared at him with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Angel pulled her close to him again, giving her one last, soft kiss on
her lips. It didn't last as long as the previous one, but it was still
magical.

Angel pulled away from her slowly. He looked at her for a few more
seconds.

"Goodbye, Buffy," he said, softly.

Buffy tried to say something but words couldn't escape her mouth, only
sobs. She just stood there looking at him with tears pouring out of
her eyes.

Angel looked at her for one more moment, then turned and headed
towards the exit of the Bronze.

Buffy watched him walk away from her.

"Angel..don't go," Buffy whispered, mainly to herself, in tears.

Angel passed where Willow and Xander were standing.

They, too, watched as he headed towards the door.

Xander shook his head in disgust, then turned towards Willow. "He
walks right past us, knowing that he'll never again see our faces, and
he doesn't even say goodbye?!? The nerve of some vampires!" he said.

Willow shrugged. "He said goodbye to me...He- came by my house the
other night- and- said goodbye," Willow told him.

Xander shook his head again.

Just before reaching the door, Angel paused. He turned to look back at
Buffy one last time. He'd never see her beautiful face again.

"I love you," he whispered to her, then turned and walked out of the
bronze.

Buffy wiped some of the tears from her eyes, only to have more pour
from them again.

"Goodbye, Angel" she whispered in between sobs, "I love you too," she
said staring at the now empty space in front of the door, as the song
that was playing ended.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

TO BE CONTINUED























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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 6/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 11:16:02 -0800 (PST)








TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 6/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2" with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
about the return of the Master-in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I Wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 6
SUNDAY NIGHT(THE NEXT DAY)

  Buffy walked into her bedroom, slammed the door shut behind her, and
threw herself onto her bed, crying hysterically.

  While she was on her way home from Willow's, a vampire, that knew
Angel had left Sunnydale, jumped out at her- and began harassing Buffy
about his leaving.

It had gotten to the point where Buffy did not have the mental
capability or strength to fight him, so she just broke down in tears
and ran home, where she now lay crying on her bed.

Buffy hugged the leather jacket she held - that Angel had given her
awhile back, close to her.

She closed her eyes for a moment, pretending that it was Angel that
she was holding.

Reality of course kicked in when she opened her eyes, seconds later.

Buffy couldn't take the pain anymore, it was all too much for her.

She knew what it was time for. It was time to open it- the goodbye
present that Angel had given her the night before.

He told her to wait until she needed to open it- and at that moment
she needed to. She a piece of him with her now. Something new.

Buffy reached over and opened the drawer to the night table next to
her bed. She took out the small velvet jewelry box, that was tucked
neatly inside of it and closed the drawer again.

She climbed under her covers, sitting up in bed and set the box down
next to her.

She reached back over to her night table and popped a cd that had been
laying out, into her cd player and pressed play.

She then settled herself back upright in bed.

She picked up the small box again and stared down at it in her hands.
*******

   Angel walked into his new apartment, closing the door behind him.

He threw his leather jacket on a nearby chair and placed his keys down
on the coffee table.

He walked over to his bed and sat down on it.

With his head hung down, he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

He was thinking of Buffy. How he missed her so much.

Angel looked back up and noticed the small pouch bag that Buffy had
given him the night before, lying on the night table next to his bed.

He decided that it was time. Time to open it up.

Before doing anything, he grabbed the cassette tape that was lying
next to it, that Buffy also had given him, put it in his tape player
and pressed play.

He then picked up the small velvet bag, staring down at it in his hands.

******

Buffy slowly and carefully opened up the small box- afraid that
something might fall out of it.

When she saw what was inside of it, her eyes began to flood with tears
again.

******

After a few seconds, Angel finally opened up the bag.

Inside was a small cardboard box.

Angel took it out of the bag and carefully opened it up.

What he saw inside of it brought tears to his eyes.

******

   Inside the box that Angel had given Buffy,  was the long chained
gold cross that Angel had always worn.
Underneath it, a small sheet of paper, that Buffy could tell had
something written on it.

******

   Inside the box that Buffy had given Angel, was the silver cross
necklace that Angel had given Buffy for protection the first time they
met. The one that was almost always around Buffy's neck. Taped to the
inside lid of the box was a picture of Buffy and underneath the
necklace, a small envelope.

******

    The words to the song that both Buffy and Angel had playing in
their tape players finally came on.

-"Every night in my dreams
  I see you, I feel you
  That is how I know you go on"

   Buffy, sitting on her bed with tears in her eyes, began thinking
about all her times with Angel.

   Angel, sat on his bed as memories of all his times with Buffy
played through his head.

  The beautiful song continued, serving as almost background music to
their thoughts.

-"Far across the distance
  And spaces between us
  You have come to show you go on"

The two thought about the first time they met, outside of the Bronze..

*'Is there a problem mam?' Angel asked after Buffy had slammed his
body to the ground. 'There's a problem,' Buffy shot back,'Why are you
following me?' 'I know what you're thinking, but don't worry, I don't
bite' Angel answered her. 'Who are you?' Buffy asked later on. 'Let's
just say, I'm a friend,' Angel told her. 'Yeah, well maybe I don't
want a friend,' Buffy shot at him. 'I didn't say I was yours,' he
answered.*

-"Near, far
 Wherever you are
 I believe that the heart does go on"

The two looked down at each other's necklaces that they held in the
boxes in their hands.
********
A tear fell from Buffy's eyes onto Angel's necklace.

Buffy wiped it off quickly, leaving her fingers to rest on the cross.

*****


-"Once more
 You open the door
 And you're here in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

******

Angel ran a finger over Buffy's cross.

It hurt, burned, a little. But it was nothing compared to the hurt he
was feeling without Buffy in his life.

******

-"Love can touch us one time
 And last for a lifetime
 And never let go till we're gone"

They thought about their first kiss, in Buffy's bedroom-when she first
found out he was a vampire.

*'I did a lot of thinking today. I really can't be around you because
when I am..' Angel started to tell her.'Hey, no big,' Buffy
interrupted,'Water..over the bridge, under the bridge...' 'All I can
ever think about is how badly I want to kiss you,' Angel admitted.
'Over the dam...kiss me?' Buffy said looking up at him in shock. 'I'm
older then you and this can't ever...I better go,' he said. 'H-how
much older?' Buffy asked. 'I should..' Angel began. 'Go,' Buffy said
approaching him, 'You said.' Angel looked down at her and they kissed.
They kissed again. Buffy put her arm around him as Angel put his
around her. The kiss went on for several seconds. Suddenly Angel
pulled away. 'What? What is it? What's wrong?' Buffy asked. Angel
turned to face her and growled. Buffy screamed seeing that his face
was then that of a vampire. Angel took one last look at her and jumped
out of her window.*

-"Love was when I loved you
 One true time I hold on to
 In my life we'll always go on"

They thought about the time they were in the graveyard and Angel
admitted that he was jealous of Xander.

*'Love makes you do the wacky,' Buffy told Angel. 'What?" Angel asked.
'Crazy stuff,' Buffy explained. 'Oh. Crazy, like a two hundred and
forty one year old being jealous of a high school junior?' Angel asked
referring to himself. 'Are you fessing up?' Buffy asked him. 'I
thought about it. Maybe it bothers me a little,' Angel admitted. 'I
don't love Xander,' Buffy told him. 'Yeah, but he's in your life. He
gets to be there when I can't. Take your classes, eat your meals, hear
your jokes and complaints...He gets to see you in the sunlight,' Angel
reminded her. 'I don't look that good in direct light,' Buffy told
him. Angel looked at her for a moment.'Well, it'll be mourning soon,'
Angel said looking up at the sky. 'I should probably go. I could walk
you home,' Buffy told him. They stared at each other for a long
moment. Finally Angel held out his hand. Buffy took in and they began
to walk hand in hand.*

"Near, far
 Wherever you are
 I believe that the heart does go on"

The two thought about a time at the Bronze when Buffy wanted to give
Angel his jacket back, but he refused.

*'I heard a rumor that there was, uh, one last vampire walking around
making a nuisance of himself,' Angel said coming up behind Buffy at
the Bronze. 'There is. Guess I should thank you for the tip,' Buffy
said. 'Pleasure's mine,' Angel told her. 'Course it would make things
easier if I knew how to get in touch with you,' she told him. 'I'll be
around,' he said. 'Or who you were,' Buffy continued. Angel smiled and
walked around to the other side of her. 'Well, anyways, you can have
your jacket back,' she said referring to the leather jacket he gave
her that she was wearing then. 'It looks better on you,' Angel told
her. He then turned and left. Buffy stared after him. Angel gave her
another look aback then disappeared into the crowd.*

-"Once, more
 You open the door
 And you're here in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

They thought about the time at the ice skating rink when Angel had his
game face on and didn't want Buffy to see him like that.

*'Are you ok?' Angel asked Buffy after she had just fought with a
member of the order of Teraka. Buffy skated over to him. She put a
gloved hand on his face, noticing the cut above his eye. 'What about
you? That cut!' Buffy said moved her hand towards his cut. Angel moved
his head, shrugging her hand off. 'Forget about me. This is bad Buffy.
We gotta get you outta here,' he told her. 'What, you mean hide?' she
asked. 'Let's just get you some place safe!' he answered her. 'No!
Your eye!' Buffy said reaching back up to touch his cut. He shook her
off again. 'Hey, don't be a baby. I'm not gonna hurt you,' she told
him. 'It's not that,' Angel said. 'What?' Buffy asked. 'You shouldn't
have to touch me when I'm like this,' he told her. Buffy looked up
into his vampire features. 'Oh,' she said. She removed the glove from
her hand and moved her hand across his brow and wound, brushing gently
down his cheek. 'I didn't even notice,' she told him softly. She moved
closer to him and kissed him. Angel responds, and the kiss becomes
more passionate.*

Angel and Buffy's thoughts subsided as they looked back down at the
small boxes they held in their hands.

*******


Angel ran his hand over the picture of Buffy that was taped to the
box. Tears were pouring from his eyes as he looked at her beautiful
face.

Looking at Buffy's picture and having her silver cross with him, made
him feel as though a part of Buffy was still with him.

Angel slipped his hand under the necklace and pulled out the small
envelope that was underneath it.

He opened it up and took out the piece of paper that was folded neatly
inside of it.

He unfolded it and read what it said.

*********

Buffy picked up Angel's necklace and held it in her hands.

She carefully brought it over her head and around her neck.

She then up the cross part again and brought it to her lips. Gently,
she kissed it, then let it go again, allowing it hang around her neck.

With it around her neck, it made her feel as though a pice of him was
with her.

Buffy then reached back into the small velvet box and took out the
piece of paper that was folded inside it.

She unfolded it and read what was written in it.

-"You're here
 There's nothing I fear
 And I know that my heart will go on"

*******

   Written on the sheet of paper that was inside the envelope that
Angel found inn the box Buffy had given him was the following:

Dear Angel,

My heart for you will go on.

Yours truly,
Buffy

Angel stared down at those words as even more tears flooded his eyes.

******
    Buffy's eyes flooded with tears as she read the words written on
the piece of paper Angel included in the box he had given her.

The note read:

My heart for you Buffy, will go on forever.

Love,
Angel

******
Tears in their eyes,the two of them listened as the last verse of the
song played over both their tape players, staring down at the notes
they held in their hands.

-"We'll stay
 Forever this way
 You are safe in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

******

Buffy wiped some tears from her eyes as the song ended.

She placed the velvet box  and note she held on the table beside her
bed.

She then nestled under her covers.

*****

 Angel wiped some of the tears from his eyes as the song ended and
placed the small cardboard box with Buffy's necklace and note in it on
his night table. He positioned it so that her picture would be facing
him when he lay in bed.

He then got into bed and pulled the covers over him.

******

Before closing her eyes Buffy brought the cross part of Angel's
necklace that she still wore around her neck- up to her lips again.
She kissed it again.

"I love you, Angel," she whispered, then let go of it again and went
to sleep.

******

  Before closing his eyes, Angel reached over to the box that lay on
his night table. He touched Buffy's silver cross, letting his fingers
rest on it, despite the pain he felt.

"I love you, Buffy," he whispered then took his hand away again and
went to sleep.

******

 In the darkness of the two rooms, two crosses sparkled. One gold. One
silver.

It was a sign. A sign, that Buffy and Angel's love, their heart, for
each other would go on forever. And although they were no longer
physically together, in their hearts, in their dreams, they would
always be.

All of a sudden the song came on again in both of the rooms as Buffy
and Angel slept, dreaming of each other. Neither of them had turned it
back on..they were both asleep. Maybe it was another sign. It must've
been.

-"Every night in my dreams
  I see you, I feel you
  That is how I know you go on

  Far across the distance
  And spaces between us
  You have come to show you go on

  Near, far
  Wherever you are
  I believe that the heart does go on

  Once, more
  You open the door
  And you're here in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on

  Love can touch us one time
  And last for a life time
  And never let go till we're gone


  Love was when I loved you
  One true time I hold on to
  In my life we'll always go on

  Near, far
  Wherever you are
  I believe that the heart does go on

  Once, more
  You open the door
  And you're here in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on

  You're here
  There's nothing I fear
  And I know that my heart will go on

  We'll stay
  Forever this way
  You are safe in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on"

It's not certain whether the song playing again by itself was a sign
or not.

But one thing *was* for certain. Their hearts-for each other- would go
on.

 THE END.





































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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (7/?) by Ingrid
Date: 22 Mar 1998 14:16:40 -0500

Disclaimer: Willow, Spike, Drusilla, Angel(us) and Buffy
belong to Joss Whedon, The WB Network, Sandollar,
Mutant enemy and Kuzui. (You know what I mean! Just
don't sue me.)

Summary: A continuation of my Willow and Spike story.
This one takes place after some time has elapsed, as
usual.  Comments are wonderful to get- take some
time and write to me! BTW, If anyone wants previous
parts to this story, just write to me! I'll send them to
you gladly. ([e-mail])

Nobody is allowed to beat me up because I haven't
written for a while! Major ac-dec competition all day
yesterday, and I'm talking 9 straight hours of solid
test-taking! Eww....

WARNING: There's one bad word in here... The "a-word."
Don't yell at me! You've been warned!

**********************
"Footsteps" by Ingrid
Part Seven
**********************

Willow ripped open the door and felt the cool night air
rush towards her.

The wind struck her hard, but it was not unwelcome.
Her claustrophobia had been quick to set in, especially
with the oppressive realization weighing her down. She
felt Spike close behind her as they cautiously stole
across the large open field. The landscape swelled and
buckled, and they sped over it, seriousness removing
all other considerations.

She wanted nothing more than to return to the warehouse.
The airy hall was where she felt the safest these days.
It was her vampiric womb, and held a mystical power of
infinite reassurance.

They were coming. The knowledge became more and
more real as she walked the way a sound becomes louder.
They were closer.

Closer still, as if they were sharks closing in upon her
ordered world. Sharks of the past, out for blood.

She couldnÆt seem to run fast enough, yet Spike was
struggling to keep up with her. A dark terror seized her
heart; pounced upon her, as if just seeing them might
freeze time.

They were here, she thought, seconds before a tall male
plowed into her, apparently in the midst of some sort
of race.

One shoulder knocked her down, and he nearly crushed
her with his weight.

It was Angelus, she knew, without looking up, and she
froze. Irrational fear had her shaking. She finally leveled
her eyes with him like a deer staring into the headlights
of a speeding car.

What she saw threw her for a loop. He looked gaunt and
tired. The evil pleasure in his eyes had flown, and only
raw terror and survival instincts remained.

She waited to meet his eyes, but he picked himself up
and sped off as if heÆd tripped on a rock or some other
inanimate object. Spike looked stunned behind her, his
eyes wide in amazement as he watched the vampireÆs
retreating back. Moments later, he grabbed Willow
around the waist. Before she had time to protest, he
dragged her into a bush near the high school.

Willow tried to speak, but he silenced her and gestured
with his eyes towards the spot where theyÆd been standing.
The slayer had just rushed into the clearing, breathing
heavily. Her figure brought back a plethora of ingrained
memories, but something was very wrong.

Buffy wore simple, almost rustic looking clothes. A plain
white shirt and dark pants that were frayed at the bottom
hung upon her as if she were merely a sack of bones. Her
eyes were tired, but what determination!

Buffy was businesslike, certainly, but she almost looked
bored.

"Get your sorry ass out here, Angelus," she threatened in
a husky voice.

Silence followed, and Willow gulped. The slayer was not
big on patience, apparently, even less so than usual. She
took off in the direction Angelus had gone, and it was only
when the slayer was a good 30 feet away, and heading
further from them that Spike released his grip on her.

"WeÆve got to get back to the warehouse," Willow urged,
not sure why the words were coming from her now.

"But, why? Let the slayer work out her own problems with
Angel. We donÆt have a quarrel with her."

"We need...you need to find out," she whispered nervously,
"what happened to Drusilla."

 ***
END, PART SEVEN

_____________________________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (2/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:05 +0000

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic
role-playing campaign and the television show "Buffy the Vampire
Slayer."  All characters related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the
creations of Joss Whedon et al. It is also entirely possible for
additional well-known characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I
take no credit for these ideas, merely for reworking them so that they
fit into the campaign world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely
my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves, I'm
all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.

***********************************************
Part One:

     It had seemed like a good idea at the time - hit the Bronze and
find a young girl desperate for attention.  A few soulful glances and
a kind word would persuade her to go outside, into the alley, for
more desperate groping.  She was harder to find than he had expected.
She had to be awkward, someone who would die for his kisses.  It was
the easiest way to feed.
     Angel smiled grimly as he scanned the crowd. *If only I could
find Willow.*  Not exactly the original plan, but it would work well
enough to catch the Slayer off-guard.  He wanted to do something to
ruin Buffy's day.
     At that moment, he saw his next victim. Sitting in a corner,
hunched over her drink - sipping it intently while she read the book
in front of her.  Her hair was dark, her face was pale - not exactly
ugly, but awkward enough to suit his purposes. Engrossed in her book,
she did not notice him slide in the chair across from her.  He placed
one casual hand on the book and smiled ingratiatingly at the girl.
     "Mind if I join you?"
     The girl frowned, her slate blue eyes going hard as stones.
"I'm waiting for someone."
     Angel knew she was lying, could see it in the way that her eyes
darted from his face and to the door.  She was nervous.  Probably the
most attention she's received in her life.  He smiled at the thought,
his eyes growing warm.  "I could keep you company while you wait."
     To his amazement, the girl suddenly smiled.  "No need.  There
she is."  She nodded her head in the direction of the door.
     Angel turned in his chair.  And there she was - the Slayer.  *No
longer wearing my jacket, I see.*  Followed closely by her partners
in crime, so to speak: Willow and Xander.  The trio headed in their
direction.  Buffy's eyes swept the room, as though she was sizing up
every object as a possible weapon.  Luckily, she had not seen him.
     "So, you're a friend of Buffy's?"  Angel turned back towards the
girl.  She was gone - and the book had gone with her.  Best to do the
same before Buffy noticed him - he needed to feed and regain his
strength before facing her again. He rose to leave, his preternatural
eyes noticing a piece of paper on the table.
     He picked it up and scanned the contents. OUTSIDE.  THE ALLEY.
It sounded like more like a challenge than an invitation. Angel
chuckled.  "I won't keep you waiting long."

     Willow looked thoughtfully at Buffy while she placed her jacket
over the back of her chair.  "What were those things?"
     "I don't know."  The Slayer looked confused.  Vampires she could
deal with - but little stick figures?  Hundreds of them had attacked
her and Willow on their way to the Bronze.  One minute, they were
walking down a perfectly still street.  The next minute, sticks
started raining on them from the sky.  Animated sticks.  It made no
sense.
     Xander grinned at his friends.  "Couldn't you just find a
picture in the Slayer handbook?"
     "If there is one," replied Buffy, "it probably doesn't come with
pictures."
     "Maybe I'll do some research tonight and see what I can dig up,"
said Willow.  She remembered the way those legs had felt crawling
over her arms and through her hair.  Buffy's presence in her life had
exposed Willow to all sorts of unusual creatures - the walking twigs
were probably low on the Sunnydale scale of weirdness.  Still, she
had to know what they were.
     "You should ask Giles."  Xander sipped his drink cautiously.
     "Sure."  Buffy rolled her eyes.  "It's probably in his Watcher's
handbook."
     "Sticks, lots of them," added Xander, doing a passable imitation
of the librarian's British accent.  "You can kill them, Buffy, but
you have to set each one on fire individually while chanting the
appropriate incantation."  He placed his hands up in the air.  "Oh,
little twig, be cast back into the pit of hell from which you
spawned."
     Willow started to laugh at Xander in spite of herself. Ever
since she discovered his secret romance with Cordelia Chase, she had
been going out of her way to ignore his jokes.  Now that she had Oz,
she knew that a relationship with Xander was the last thing she
wanted but.  It was the principle of the thing.  He still needed to
suffer a little more.
     "Yep, that's what the watcher's handbook would tell him."
Xander's eyes widened suddenly, and his voice trailed off as he began
to watch someone cross the dance floor.
     Buffy turned in her chair to follow the movement.  Her senses
were heightened by a familiar feeling:  vampire. * Just what I need
-- some serious slayage to take my mind off those sticks.*
"Um," added Willow, recognizing the all-too-familiar figure in the
crowd.  "Maybe you should take a raincheck."
     Angel.  Buffy would know the way he moved anywhere.  How many
nights had she sat in the same chair, watching him walk across the
floor towards her.  She blinked - the pain was still intense, but it
was getting easier to control.  He had underestimated her - they all
had, really.  The pain made her strong, gave her an edge.  No more
Miss Nice Slayer.
     The vampire did not even glance in their direction.  He looked
as though he was in a hurry to get where he was going.  Buffy turned
to her friends.  "Stay here."
     Willow opened her mouth to protest but Xander shook his head,
flashing a warning in his dark eyes.  Willow closed her mouth, folded
her arms in front of herself, and slumped back down in her chair.
With a wary glance towards the door, Buffy slung her jacket back onto
her shoulders and began to follow the vampire across the dance floor.
*Tonight, it ends.*

     It was amazingly easy to find her.  She was standing at the far
end of the alley.  She propped her hands above her on the edge of the
fire escape.  The moon hit her dark hair, still lank, and accentuated
the white planes of her face.  *How pathetic* Angel thought to
himself.  She was definitely making a show out of her casual
attitude.
     "I thought you said you were waiting for Buffy."  He moved to
stand next to the girl, closing his hand over her shoulder.  He had
to give her credit - not one flinch.
     The girl shrugged her shoulders. "I had to make certain that you
were who I thought you were."
     "Really."  Her response had intrigued Angel.  "How do you know
me?"
     "Angelus, your exploits are legendary."  She laughed.  "A new
town, a new leather jacket - but it's still you.  You can't disguise
that brooding stare."
     He looked into her eyes.  She was not, he knew, a vampire - yet
there was controlled power here, waiting to be unleashed.  The cold
look in her eyes, the smile on her face.  She looked more like Dru
than any human Angel had ever seen.  He had to know more.  "What do
you want?"
     "There's strength here," she responded.  "I imagine it's the
Hellmouth."  She giggled, and blinked once as she focused her eyes on
the moon.  "And I hear you run in circles that I might like to join."
     *Another wanna-be* Angel thought to himself disgustedly.  He
could see it now - the pale skin, the dark hair, the black clothes.
How she had tracked him down, he had no idea, but here she was - and
she had chosen him for her sire.  He knew he should refuse, but the
gleam of moonlight as she turned her face to the moon was impossible
to resist.  He felt the blood lust take him as he opened his mouth
and leaned forward.
     "Not so fast," came a voice from behind him.

     *Not so fast!  What kind of Slayer-speak is that?*  Buffy
blinked and immediately moved into a fighting stance, hands in front
of her, as she watched Angel jump back from the girl and whirl to
face her.  He had already changed.
     "Buffy," was Angel's reply.  "Have you come to dance?"  He
stepped forward, the girl almost forgotten.  He would kill the Slayer
and then come back for seconds.
     "I don't dance with you anymore, remember?" she promptly
answered, eyeing him up and down.  "I came to kick your ass." *Much
better* she added silently to herself.
     Angel's dark eyes widened.  "I am going to love killing you,"
the vampire drawled.  He lunged forward suddenly, rocking into
Buffy's left shoulder.
     It was a blow which would have knocked the average person onto
their back - but the Slayer was not the average person.  Buffy
twisted with the blow and whirled to give the vampire a quick kick
with her right foot.  "Bullseye," she laughed as her foot connected
with the back of Angel's pants and pushed him to the ground.
     Angel landed with greater force than he would have expected, his
knees slamming onto the pavement in front of him.  *That hurt.*  She
was mad - brute force would not overcome her.  Better to go with plan
B.  He waited a few moments to get his beast under control, feeling
the skin on his face alter, and remained kneeling before the Slayer.
A few seconds more.
     "What's the matter," added Buffy, "I thought you liked dancing."
     Angel finally spoke.  "Buffy."  He shifted his body slowly.  The
look he gave her would have melted glass.  "I'm sorry."
     It was the last thing that she would have expected - the sudden
change of heart.  Kneeling before her was not Angelus the vampire but
Angel.just, Angel.  She took a tentative step forward, feeling her
heart twist inside her when she heard the words that she had imagined
he would say so many times.  "Angel."  Her voice had lost its former
bravado.
     Almost.  The Slayer leaned towards him, all signs of fighting
gone from her eyes.  She was easy to manipulate when you knew the
right buttons to push - and he knew them all.  For some reason, he
tried to remember the time when he could have spent hours merely
listening to her breathe his name and gaze at him with her brilliant
eyes.  Those feelings were over.  He reached his arms up towards her.
"Save me from myself, Buffy."
     Her eyes widened again.  She leaned forward to help him stand
and felt his arms go around her.  How long had she waited for this?
Buffy reached a tentative hand down to caress his cheek.  It was then
that Angel struck, slamming a fist into her stomach and whipping
behind her - suddenly holding her head away from her neck by grabbing
a handful of hair.  "Angel," she breathed again.  How easy would it
be to stop fighting now?  Had to think of a way out.
     "Pitifully easy," he whispered, feeling the beast overcome him
once more.  He pulled harder on Buffy's hair, looking at the throb of
her vein in the moonlight.  "I almost hate to have it end this way,
Buffy."
     "That makes two of us, dead boy," came another voice from
the end of the alley.  Angel forced himself to focus his attention,
knowing that the slightest wrong move on his part would give Buffy
the upper hand.  It was Xander, holding Buffy's crossbow.  By the
expression on his face, he knew that Xander was willing to use it.
Willow was trailing close behind, taking in the situation quickly.
     Angel grimaced.  "Even if you were man enough to do it, Xander,
there's still one problem."  He tightened his grip on Buffy's hair.
"Can you kill me before I kill her."  Angel's words stopped Xander in
his tracks.  "And can you kill her once she turns?"
     "Do it, Xander," Buffy hissed.  "Kill us both."  *Better to take
the bastard down with me.*
     "I can't."  The pained expression on Xander's face was priceless
as he lowered the crossbow.
     Angel smiled.  "Pity."  His mouth opened as he leaned forward
for the kill.
     A shock of lightning flashed at the back of the alley.  It was
not much, but it served to distract Angel long enough for Buffy to
wrest herself from his grasp.  She fell forward to the ground,
landing roughly on her knees in an unconscious imitation of Angel,
and tried to roll out of the vampire's way.  He dived for her.  She
pulled away and kicked forward with her foot.
     "Now, Xander!"  The Slayer cried.
     From the back of the alley, footsteps made their way towards the
struggle.  A figure was quickly approaching the fight, a figure
holding a staff in its hand, and it looked like no one Xander had
ever seen.  She was wearing thigh-high black leather boots and a
black outfit he would have sworn was copied from the costumes from
Sailor Moon, a Japanese superhero cartoon - a modified sailor suit,
complete with a cobweb bow.  As she came closer, Xander saw that the
staff was actually a long-handled broom.  Her blonde hair was pulled
back into a thick, waist-length braid - tied at the end with another
cobweb bow.
     The vision spoke.  "I think this has gone on long enough."  Even
the voice was beautiful.
     "What the - " began Angel, all but ignoring the Slayer kneeling
before him.
     The vision blinked ingenuously, her blue eyes bright in the dim
light of the alley.  "Hermes translocation!"  The figure cried,
pointing its broom at the bewildered vampire.
     Angel shimmered suddenly and disappeared - the only remnant of
his passing was the sound of air rushing in to fill the space he had
once occupied.  Buffy rose to her feet and whirled at the girl
standing before them.  "Did you kill him?"
     "No.  I need him alive."  She walked towards the trio.  A pained
expression crossed her face.  "Bad choice of phrase," she added
softly.
     "Who are you?" Willow asked softly.
     "Sunnydale's newest visitor," the figure replied.  She stood in
front of Buffy, looking her up and down with her blue eyes.  "And you
would be the Slayer."  Buffy's eyes widened at the statement.
"Almost the Slayee," the figure continued.  "Here's some advice: stay
out of my way."  She shimmered, leaving the area with another small
pop of air.
*************************************
(Part One continued in next installment)
**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (3/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:05 +0000

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic
role-playing campaign and the television show "Buffy the Vampire
Slayer."  All characters related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the
creations of Joss Whedon et al. It is also entirely possible for
additional well-known characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I
take no credit for these ideas, merely for reworking them so that they
fit into the campaign world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely
my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves, I'm
all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.
****************************************
Part One: Cont'd

     It was a disconcerting feeling.  Angel felt as though his entire
body had been pulled apart and smashed back together -- with a few
pieces missing.  He lurched forward and fell into one of the stacks
of crates before him.  He knew instinctively that he was in the
abandoned warehouse where the vampires had set up new headquarters in
anticipation of Dru's newest "game."
     "There y' are, mate!"  Spike slammed into his leg with the wheel
of his chair. Angel fought to keep from lurching forward again into
the crates.  He was not successful. "Good to have you back on your
feet."  Spike laughed and helped Angel to his feet.  "Sorry about
that."
     "No you're not," Angel replied automatically.  Ever since he had
returned, things had gotten a little, well, hostile between himself
and Spike.  It was over Drucilla - Angel was her sire, but Spike was
the lover who had remained with her throughout the years.  She
appeared to love them both.
     "I just can't control meself, mate," Spike continued.  "Dru did
it."
     Angel groaned inwardly.  "What did she get this time?  Trolls?"
     "The big time," replied Spike.
     Angel shrugged his shoulders.  Dru's latest plan in ridding
Sunnydale of the human infestation was more far-fetched than usual.
Since demons were unable to do the job, Dru decided that it was time
to call upon a new group of otherworldly creatures: the faery.  So
far, she had conjured every variant that he could have imagined - and
several he had not.  Except for two or three giants, the denizens of
faery who had walked through Dru's gateway did not appear to be much
help in the "ridding the world of humans" department.
     He swatted a pixie out of the way as he followed Spike into the
main room of the warehouse.  Dru was sitting in the midst of her
faery entourage, giggling madly as they whirled around her.  Sitting
beside Dru, outside the circle of faeries, was another woman.  She
was tall - taller than any woman Angel had ever seen, wearing a cloak
of raven feathers that matched the sweep of her hair.  Her eyes
burned with a dark fire, and she smiled grimly at Angel.  Her mouth
was a splash of blood in her white face.
     "Angel," Dru giggled.  "Have you met my friend?"  She gestured
towards the woman and then looked towards Angel.  "I did it, Angel."
     "Did what, Dru?" He asked softly.
     "I found an old one," she replied.  "An old faery."  The mad
vampire giggled again.  "I found the Morrigan."
     Angel recognized the name.  His people had spoken about her, in
hushed tones, passing down the stories of the old ones.  She had been
called a goddess of death, the carrion crow who stalked battlefields
in search of the slain.  He looked at the woman, a smile spreading on
his features.  *This could get interesting.*
     The faery returned the smile.  "I've been expected."
*************************************
Intermission One:

Mairrighana remembers..

     The sun, the sun so bright, like Dulloran's hair.  The flowers,
his blue eyes as he handed her the flowers.  Did she see them?
Giggling in the bushes, waiting for Dulloran to give her flowers.
Small bright suns in their hands, red blood in Dulloran's hair.
     The scream of the iron, cutting.  Pain.  Where is Dulloran?
Where are the pretty flowers?  Hard rope, biting rope.  Rocky ground.
Where is Dulloran?  Humans.  Too many humans.  They have Dulloran's
sword.  His hair, so bright, like the sun.  Where is Dulloran?
     Must escape.  More iron, all around me.  Must find Dulloran.  A
cart, a village.  More humans.  Small humans.  A tree, more iron.
Humans watching, throwing rocks.  Tall human with Dulloran's sword.
Laughing.  A sun in his hand.  Sun thrown at my feet. Dulloran's eyes
in the sun, washed with blood.
     Take her down.  Make magic babies.  No!  Dulloran's eyes.
Laughing.  Humans laughing.  Rough hands.  Bite. No!  Do not do this!
 Do not make me!  Please stop.  Dulloran's sword dropped.  Struggle.
Kick.  Bite.  Do anything.  Get Dulloran's sword.
     A raven's cry.  Black wings.  Dulloran's sword.  Humans want
magic?  Dulloran's sword in my hand, liquid fire.  Humans scream.
Must kill humans.
     Kill all humans.
     No humans left.
     For Dulloran.
**************************************
Part Two:
     Giles took his glasses off of his face, rubbing them
absentmindedly on his handkerchief.  He had spent the last few hours
looking for as much information as he could regarding Sunnydale's
latest visitor but his prophecies mentioned nothing about her
possible identity.  *Perhaps Jenny* he caught himself thinking
before firmly shaking his head.
     Giles had been shocked when Buffy had explained her unnerving
encounter with Angel the evening before - and the mysterious young
woman who had come to their aid.  *Why save Buffy's life only to
threaten her.*  It was one thing for the young woman to save Buffy's
life; it was quite another for the young woman to spare Angel simply
because "she had need of him."
     "And this spell she incanted?"  He asked softly.
     "Hermes translocation," replied Buffy.  "What does it mean?"
     "Hermes was the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology.  He
was generally depicted with winged shoes -"
     "Like the guy in that florist commercial!" Xander interrupted
quickly.
     Giles rolled his eyes.  "Quite."
     "Hermes translocation," repeated Buffy thoughtfully.  It
reminded her of the incantations that Amy had used on Valentine's
Day.  "Do you suppose she could be a witch?"
     "The broom didn't give that away?"  It was Xander's turn to roll
his eyes.  "Come on, Buff - the Slayer should have figured that one
out without the handbook."  He looked as though he was going to
continue with his conversation, but the librarian's curt cough and
the stern glance of his eye made Xander think better of continuing in
the same vein.
     "It wouldn't be the first time that a witch joined forces with a
vampire," mused Giles.
     "I don't think she's really a witch."  Willow had stopped typing
on her keyboard and peeked her head out from behind the computer in
the library.  "I mean, she wants everyone to think that she's a
witch, but she's not one."
     "What did you find?"  Giles was halfway across the library
before he had even finished asking the question. Buffy and Xander
followed closely on Giles' heels.  The trio crowded around Willow's
chair and peered at the computer screen.  Willow had already printed
several photographs and began handing them to the rest of the group.
The screen itself was brandished with the logo for The Rocky Mountain
News, and Willow appeared to be cataloguing several articles from the
site.
     "There she is!  Sailor Moon meets the Addams family!"  Xander
handed his picture to Giles.
     The librarian stared at it intently.  The scene in the picture
was similar to many he had seen in comic books as a child.  Two
groups of figures in brightly colored suits were battling, presumably
for justice to prevail.  In the midst of the fight, a young woman
with blonde hair and a broomstick was standing with a ball of fire
poised in her hand.  He handed the picture back to Xander.  "Are you
absolutely certain?"
     "That's her," Buffy replied.  "Who is she?"
     "She's a superhero," said Willow.
     "Surely you're joking?"  Giles closed his eyes, half hoping that
the conversation would not take the inevitable path that it seemed to
be following.  "Minor occult figures are one thing but a superhero?"
Humans with "super" powers had become more prevalent in the world
during the last twenty-five years or so - several theories postulated
that it might be the effects of chemicals or radiation.  He had
enough to deal with as it was with the Hellmouth. Willow shook her
head.
     "Yep.  She's actually kind of cool.  I mean, for a vampire
savior."  She took a deep breath.  "Her name is Nightshade.  She's
part of a superhero group that is based in Denver.  She infiltrated a
high school where a supervillian was recruiting teenagers with
superpowers to use for his evil ends.  Only he didn't know that she
was working for the good guys, which she was."
     "I am getting too old for this."  Giles sighed.  It sounds worse
than one of those pulp novels.
     "Cool," yelped Xander.  He pointed towards a man standing next
to Nightshade.  "Is that a lightsaber?"
     Willow nodded.  "His name is Jedite.  He's a Jedi Knight."
     "That's original."  Giles smiled weakly.
     Buffy leaned closer to take a better look at the picture.  "So
that's my new enemy?  She doesn't look all that powerful."
     "That's what bothers me.  She shouldn't be an enemy."  Willow
pointed to one of the articles on the screen ahead of her.  "I've
gone through lots of articles about the group and never once does
anyone have something really bad to say about her.  Sure, there's
some problems that she has with Eric Dermann -"
     "Who's Eric Dermann?" asked Giles quickly.  He latched onto the
first item in Willow's explanation that he could, fearing that she
might continue indefinitely if no one stopped her.  "That name sounds
familiar.  I seem to remember some documents about a family in
Germany named Dermann.  They were rumoured to have a strong psychic
gift."
     "Oh," replied Willow.  "He's the dashing millionaire playboy in
the group.  I'm not certain what he really does but his family does
come from Germany.."  She pointed towards a young man wearing a
double-breasted suit in a picture depicting the superhero team at a
press conference.
     "He is dashing," added Buffy. "Every superhero team needs a
dashing playboy," was Giles' resigned reply.
     Xander nodded.  "Let me guess.  He dresses up in a rubber suit
to avenge the murder of his parents?"
     Willow merely raised an eyebrow and continued with her original
explanation.  "Well, she has problems with this Eric Dermann because
he's always hitting on her and Dryad - that's the girl who looks like
a tree - so the two of them cooked up some practical jokes to keep
him in line.  Anyway, he doesn't seem to have very good things to say
about either of them lately and he's even gotten into public fights
with the other members of the group."
     "And this fits in how?"  Buffy asked, turning to gaze at Willow
quizzically.
     "Well, she's supposed to be a good person but what if she got
fed up with being in Denver and decided to move."  Willow's brow
wrinkled as she considered the thought.
     Giles continued with Willow's explanation.  "Killing vampires
would make a name for one's self, if one did it openly."
     "But how did she know I was the Slayer?"  Buffy turned to Giles
quickly.
     Giles shrugged his shoulders.  "Calling it a lucky guess would
most likely be premature."
     "So all we need to do is keep an eye out for someone with a
broom."  Xander spoke matter-of-factly.  "I think we can handle
that."
     "Xander, I want you to help Willow find out as much as you can
about this Nightshade."  Giles walked away from the computer and back
towards the stacks near his private office.  "I am going to try to
find any references in the prophecies which might clarify the
situation."
     "I'm going to see if I can find her myself," Buffy stated.  The
tone in her voice made it clear that she would win any argument
before it even started.
     Giles sighed.  "I was hoping to give the Slayer a night off, in
light of last evening's excitement."
     "Sunnydale is safe from vampires and mystery guests whenever I'm
around," replied Buffy in a fair imitation of the voice actress who
played the character `Serena' from Sailor Moon.  "In the name of the
Watcher, I will protect the innocent and triumph over the undead."
*And that means Angel* she added silently.  The smile on her face
hid any feelings she might have had on that regard; no one stopped
her as she quietly left the library.
********************************************
Intermission Two will begin the next installment.
**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (5/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:06 +0000

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic
role-playing campaign and the television show "Buffy the Vampire
Slayer."  All characters related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the
creations of Joss Whedon et al. It is also entirely possible for
additional well-known characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I
take no credit for these ideas, merely for reworking them so that they
fit into the campaign world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely
my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves,    I'm
all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.
*************************************
Intermission Three:

Date sent:   March 17, 1998  2:30 AM PST

Archie,

Let Alex know that his suspicions were confirmed.  A rare type of bird
was sighted  in Sunnydale.

Please research any related appearances in the Sunnydale area over the
last few months and reply in care of [e-mail].

Yours in the Audobon Society,
Shade
********************************
Part Four:
     Jenny Calendar resolutely took a deep breath and placed her hand
on the library door.  It was difficult enough knowing that she was
responsible for the Angel's change, far worse to remember that she had
betrayed them all by never speaking the truth regarding her past until
it was too late.  But she knew something far more dangerous than usual
was happening when she scanned her e-mail that morning and noticed
that she had received an attached document from "Archie."
     No one really knew Archie's identity but he was one of the
forerunners of the technopagan movement.  He had been "connected" far
earlier than most within Jenny's online circle, and his knowledge
demonstrated a vast depth of experience that few technopagans would
ever attain.  If something was going on around the world, Archie
would know who was involved and how it would affect the rest of them.
It was uncanny - his help was never given lightly, nor were his
"requests" ignored.
     So, here she was, with her right hand on the door to the library
and a document from one of the leading techno-occult figures in her
left hand.and all she could think about was the fact that she might
never see Rupert smile at her again.  Funny how the mind worked.
Jenny smiled wanly and opened the door.
     Giles was hard at work.  He looked as though he had stayed in
the library all evening.  Books and papers were piled around him, and
the hum of the computer was unmistakable.  Jenny could hear fingers
moving on the keyboard.  *Willow.*  Hopefully, the document she had
been sent would help to enlighten them all on the situation.
     "Rupert," she said softly.  Jenny had tried speaking to him
once, on Valentine's Day, with somewhat disastrous results.  The
computer teacher looked around quickly for Xander - another person
she had been studiously attempting to avoid, and not just because of
his friendship with Buffy.  A love spell had made the teenager
irresistible to women, and Jenny had also succumbed to his magical
charm.
     Giles looked up from his book, rubbed his eyes tiredly, and
said, "I'm not certain this is the time for our."  His voice trailed
off uncertainly.
     "This is business, Rupert."  Jenny handed him the document she
had printed.  It detailed every strange occurrence that had happened
in Sunnydale over the last several weeks - beginning with the love
spell that had worked entirely too well.  "I was sent this by
Archie."
     A snore erupted from across the room.  Jenny saw Xander sleeping
on a couch.  Giles ignored the noise and began to peruse the
document.  He motioned for the computer teacher to sit down at the
table.  She looked down and picked up the nearest piece of paper; it
was a picture of someone she recognized, more by reputation than
regard.  "Is Nightshade involved in this?"
     The librarian looked up from the document.  "What do you know
about her?"
     "She's a superhero who thinks she's a witch," replied Jenny.
"Apart from that, she's never been connected to real occult circles."
     "Although I have quite a following with male technopagans.
I've seen the screensaver," returned a soft voice from across the
room.
     Jenny turned in her seat to see two figures standing in the
doorway.  Buffy she recognized; like everyone else, the Slayer
appeared to have stayed up all evening.  The other was a teenager who
looked to be of similar age as the others in the room.  The
newcomer's blonde hair had been pulled into a long braid, and she was
dressed casually in jeans and a black tee-shirt.
     Jenny narrowed her eyes.  *Put her in a witch's costume  and
give her a broom.*
     "What are you doing here?" "Nightshade is with me."  Buffy's
voice was cold.  "What are you doing here?"
     "Jenny is here because Archie asked her to be," Nightshade
replied.  She crossed the room and reached the table, glancing at the
papers which had been strewn across it.  "Or, more to the point.
She's here because I asked Archie to send her some research."  She
smiled at the computer teacher.  "Looks like I'm connected to real
occult figures after all."
     "I don't want her here."  Buffy's voice was soft, and she
crossed her arms dangerously.
     "Buffy, I'm -" Jenny began.  She always tried to apologize.
     Buffy raised her hand for silence.  "Giles has what he needs.
Now leave."
     "I'm sor -" Jenny tried again.
     "I don't want to hear it," the Slayer replied.
     "Maybe you should leave, Ms. Calendar."  Willow had come out
from behind the computer, a concerned expression on her face.  She
tried to smile wanly at the computer teacher - whose anguish was
obvious to every eye in the room.
     Save for one.  Buffy had turned her back on the computer
teacher.   Jenny stood to leave, an apologetic glance in Giles'
direction.  He glanced as apologetically back.  The sound of Xander's
snoring filled the room.
     Nightshade glanced at Buffy, and back to the computer teacher.
Jenny  began to walk towards the door. "Wait," said Nightshade.  "If
she can help, she should stay."
     Buffy whirled on the superhero.  "We don't need her kind of
help."
     "You're fighting more than vampires, Buffy," Nightshade replied.
 There was a stubborn look in her blue eyes.  "We're going to need
something a little bit more powerful than the Slayer."
     "Who are we fighting?" Willow asked softly.
     Buffy shrugged her shoulders.  "She called herself the
Morrigan."
     "What?"  Jenny started at the word.
     "Did you say Morrigan?" Giles asked quickly.
     Buffy nodded.  "Angel's latest fling.  Hangs around with a raven
and a really big sword."
     "That is not precisely what I wished to hear," replied Giles.
He frowned suddenly and looked at the superhero.  "Can you add
anything more?"
     Nightshade sighed.  "She truly believes she is the Morrigan.
When I attempted to use one of my spells against her, she was
offended by the fact that I `dared' to call upon her own province of
power."  She turned to look at the window, her eyes going wide.
     Giles looked at Jenny.  "Can your friends help?"
     "Archie is the best contact any technopagan could have," Jenny
replied.  "He sent you all the information he could find."
     "What's the big deal about Miss Raven Lover, anyway?"  Buffy
followed Nightshade's movement across the library.  The superhero
tugged at the latch on the window.
     "She was an Irish goddess," Jenny said.  "The goddess of death
and battle."
     "The Irish gods were beings known as the Tuatha de Danaan,"
added Rupert.  "The Children of the Goddess Dana, roughly translated.
 They were once inhabitants of Ireland, according to the legends.
They were all powerful magic-users."
     "She's powerful."  Buffy's replied with a flat tone of voice.
She remembered the way that the Morrigan had restrained every person
in the Bronze the evening before.
     "I don't know what bothers me more," Xander's voice said from
the couch.  "The fact that I can't even sleep through these
conversations anymore or the fact that we're fighting a
death-slinging goddess."  He covered his eyes as Nightshade opened
the window.  "Sleep, definitely."
     "If it's any consolation," Nightshade replied, "You're
technically not fighting a death-slinging goddess."  She peered out
the window.  "I am.  In three days."
     "But a goddess."  Willow's voice trailed off.  "Maybe if you
call in enough of your friends, we could combine forces and."
     "I think it's probably best if I leave my friends out of it, for
the moment.  A villain in a mechsuit is one thing; this takes a bit
more of an open mind and I'm not certain that they're ready for that
yet - even Jedite, and he's the most mystical of the bunch."
Nightshade smiled at the hacker.  "Besides, the Morrigan was never a
goddess.  Only a faery.  Even she would not have presumed to call
herself deity."
     "Since when did you ever hear of a death-slinging pixie?"
retorted Xander.  "Besides, faeries don't exist."
     A small figure, approximately six inches high, flitted in the
window.  It hovered, made a chirping sound, and flew into the
library.  Its movement was a blur.  Nightshade spoke in a soft voice,
and the figure moved to hover near her.  She held out her hand and a
small pixie landed there, one wing missing.  The superhero did not
say a word - the expression in her eyes was enough.
     "That's a - "  Xander pointed.
     "Whoa."  Willow added.
     "We live in a world where a man can wear his underwear on top of
his pants and shoot lasers out of his eyes without anyone even
blinking.  Why is it so impossible to believe in faeries?"
Nightshade shook her head and turned her attention to the pixie in
her hand.  It was speaking to her in a high-pitched voice.  The
superhero nodded and whispered something to the pixie.  Before their
eyes, its wing began to heal and the creature flew back out the
window.
     Giles looked at the superhero.  "Was that a."
     "A pixie.  Perhaps one of the more common species of faery," the
superhero replied.  "Brought through to this world, I suspect, by a
gateway created for such a purpose."
     "Drucilla."  Buffy rolled her eyes.  "This sounds like something
she would do."
     "I heard rumors to that effect," replied Nightshade.  "Archie
had correlated the different faery sightings and determined a general
area from the pattern.  Then he overlaid the pattern of faery
sightings with that of recent vampire sightings."
     Jenny inclined her head towards the document Giles was holding
firmly in his hands.  "He calculated the frequency of the sightings
to determine a radius and possible starting point for both."
     "Exactly," added Giles, looking at the document.  "Ingenious,
actually."
     "You might want to refrain from letting how know that."  The
superhero smiled brightly.  "He's impossible to deal with as it is."
     Buffy smiled back, still wondering how the superhero had managed
to put all of them at ease despite their initial contact.  "So, where
do you fit in?"
     "I came to investigate the gate.  I was hoping that it had
opened spontaneously but I couldn't ignore the vampire connection
based on Archie's calculations."  The superhero closed the window and
latched it firmly.  "I decided to make contact with one of the
vampires."
     "Angel," Buffy stated.
     Nightshade shrugged her shoulders.  "He loves to be the center
of attention.  He's the easiest one to find."
     "Not the Angel I knew."  Buffy felt better for making the
statement.  Oddly, she realized that the pain which she swore would
never leave her somehow felt easier to bear - simply by admitting, to
all her friends, that Angel was gone.  She looked at the computer
teacher suddenly - although she could say no more, the angry storms
in her eyes had disappeared.
     It was enough.  Jenny breathed a sigh of relief as Buffy
continued.  "And I interrupted contact."
     Nightshade nodded.  "I did manage to cast a spell which allows
me to track him, but I still didn't know whether or not the vampires
were the ones who opened the gateway."
     "Until you saw Angel giving smoochies to Miss Raven Lady in the
Bronze last night."  The pieces were finally falling into place.
Buffy turned to Giles.  "Do the prophecies mention anything about
this situation?"
     "No, but we can start looking up basic spells to counteract
faery mischief," replied the librarian.
     "Actually, it's more difficult than that.  A basic milk and
bread spell is not going to work against the Sidhe," replied the
superhero.  "Although it might serve as a distraction to the little
ones, it's also not going to stop the vampires or the larger
creatures that wandered through the gate."
     "I am getting a very bad feeling about all of this," Xander
said.
************************************
(Part Four continued in next installment)

**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (4/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:06 +0000

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic
role-playing campaign and the television show "Buffy the Vampire
Slayer."  All characters related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the
creations of Joss Whedon et al. It is also entirely possible for
additional well-known characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I
take no credit for these ideas, merely for reworking them so that they
fit into the campaign world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely
my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves,    I'm
all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.
**********************************
Intermission Two:

Mairrighana remembers.

     The baby, always the baby.  Dulloran wanted a baby.  Ripped from
her, ripped from him.  Humans.  Kill the baby.  No!  Do not make me!
Please, do not make me!  I do not want to.
     Dulloran?  What flowers bloom in your dead eyes, love?  What
suns burn in your sky?  Remember the dancing, Dulloran, under the
bright moon?  Flowers all around us, your smile.  The sun.  Where are
all the dances you promised?  Dead.  Dead.
     Dulloran's sword in the hands of the human.  Dulloran's sword on
the ground.  Breathe.  Breathe.  The human cannot hurt you.  Close
your eyes.  Think of Dulloran.  No!  Do not make me do this!  I will
hurt you.  Yes, hurt humans who killed Dulloran.  The sword is the
key, Dulloran's sword.
     The baby.  Kill humans for Dulloran and the baby.
*******************************************
Part Three:

     "How would you like a night on the town?"  Angel sat down next
to the Morrigan.  He had spent hours talking to the faery.  She was
fascinating - not just because she was beautiful.  She shared the same
dark beauty as Dru but it went much farther than that.  The Morrigan
had taken death to extremes; in the old days, his people had
considered her a goddess.  She understood the poetry of the kill.
     The Morrigan turned to face Angel, a bright smile on her
beautiful face.  "And what does one do on a night like this,
youngling?"  If the sound of war could be musical, it would have been
fashioned into her voice.
     "I feed," the vampire replied.
     The faery looked at Angel with a serious expression on her face.
 "I suppose I could feed as well."  She opened her hands and a large
raven - the likes of which Angel had never seen - appeared between
them.  She spoke to the raven in a language the vampire did not
understand.  The raven cocked its head, flew up into the rafters of
the building, and then landed suddenly on her shoulder.
     "Ah, nice trick," commented Angel.  *Finally,  a babe with some
style.*
     "Macha has not fed in a long while."  The faery rose to her
feet, her silken dress clinging to the curves of her body.  She was
wearing red so dark that it looked like dried blood; it matched her
smile.  "Where is the battlefield?"
     Angel returned the smile.  "We call it the Bronze."
     "An appropriate name for a battlefield."  She extended her hand
to Angel, somewhat delicately.
     The vampire took the faery's hand.  "I thought you might like
it."

     "It's not fair," sighed Dru.  She was holding a small pixie
between her hands, delicately ripping its left wing from its body.
The pixie's mouth opened in agony, but its language was
unintelligible. "Angel stole my old one tonight."
     Spike wheeled closer to his beloved.  "You can always find a new
one, love.  You've still got the gateway."
     "But she was such a nice old one, Spike."  When the pixie
stopped its strangled, high-pitched scream, Dru looked at it
thoughtfully.  The pixie, although frightened, was doing its best not
to show it.  "I don't like these pixies anymore."  She dropped the
pixie in her hand abruptly.
     Spike watched the pixie scrabble its way across the floor.  He
toyed with the idea of following it with the wheelchair but noticed
the expression on Dru's face.  He moved closer to place a comforting
hand on her shoulder.  "We'll get you a new old one, Dru."
     Dru's face brightened with a smile.  "I want a powerful one,
Spike.  More powerful than Angel's old one."
     "And you shall have it," replied Spike, pulling Dru closer to
him for a kiss.

     After visiting several of the "vampire hot spots" in town, Buffy
decided to head back to the library by way of the Bronze.  She knew
that she had more important things on her mind - she had to find out
Nightshade's connection to the vampires - but she had a strange
feeling about the local hangout.  She paused with her hand on the
door, half expecting to feel guiltier than she did, and walked into
the Bronze.
     As soon as she opened the door, she knew instinctively that
something was wrong.  It was quiet - too quiet - and darker than
usual.  Although the band was still on the stage, someone had
apparently piped the jukebox through the sound system.  Tori Amos'
"Little Earthquakes" was filling the room, its melodic beat almost
hypnotic in the gloom. She tentatively touched the nearest person.
     The young man did not flinch.  His body swayed with the motion
of her arm and stopped moving once the body was tilted against the
wall.  Buffy gasped, and spotted movement out of the corner of her
eye.  Two figures were still dancing on the dance floor.  One was
Angel.  The other was a woman, taller than she had ever seen, wearing
a red velvet dress.
     The woman leaned back, enraptured in her dance, and laughed.  It
was almost as hypnotic as the music.  Buffy clenched her fists as
Angel wrapped his arms around the woman, kissing her exposed neck
softly.  His teeth left trailing marks of blood against the woman's
neck, but she did not seem to mind.
     *What's going on?*  The Slayer thought to herself. *A new
vampire?*
     A raven's harsh croak filled the room.  The woman laughed
again, held up her hand, and a large raven landed on her hand.  She
spoke softly to the bird, the musical language unintelligible, and
the bird flew towards one of the band members.  It landed on the
drummer's head and began pecking.
     *Time to size up Angel's new girl toy* Buffy thought to herself
as the raven screeched one more time and continued its pecking.  *Is
that blood?*  Buffy stepped forward resolutely.
     "Is this a private party or can anyone crash?" The Slayer asked
brightly, stepping onto the dance floor.
     The woman merely raised an eyebrow at Buffy's approach.  Buffy
could see the puncture wounds on her neck.  They appeared to be
healing.  The woman turned to Angel, her voice warm in the quiet
room.  "Is this another of your friends, my angel?"
     Angel grinned at Buffy.  "Not a friend, exactly."
     "A lover," the woman responded, her voice a purr.
     Angel laughed outright at the comment.  "Only in her teenage
dreams."
     *Typical.*  Buffy's outward reply to the statement was to jump
forward and attempt to hit Angel in the shoulder with a flying jump
kick.  No sooner had she begun to move did the tall woman turn in her
direction and begin to wave her hands in an intricate pattern.  Buffy
fell to the ground, paralyzed.  She tried to struggle but the
movement only increased the invisible pressure which was holding her
motionless.
     Angel laughed quietly.  The sound of his boots on the floor
echoed sharply through the room.  The vampire walked casually to
where the Slayer lay and kicked her soundly in the side.  Pain lanced
through her body, but Buffy could not roll away from his blows.
     Angel knelt suddenly, caressing Buffy's side in the exact spot
he had kicked.  "This is so like you, Buffy.  Why don't you just lie
back and enjoy it?"  He rose to his feet and kicked Buffy again, much
to the amusement of the tall woman who watched the scene with
brilliant eyes.
     "I thought I would just kill you, Buffy.  Make it quick."  The
vampire walked around her slowly.  "But there's something satisfying
about torturing the Slayer."  His foot cracked against her ribs.
"Maybe it's just me, Buff, but that one sounded like it had to hurt."
     "Let me help," the woman said.  She stepped forward, holding a
wicked-looking knife in her right hand.  "I am uncommonly fond of
torture."  The knife glinted in Buffy's eyes.
     The raven screamed again and was abruptly silenced.  Buffy
watched it arc its way across the Bronze, landing between the woman
and herself.  *What?*  The pressure was gone.  Buffy experimentally
made a fist and rolled to one side.  Jumping to her feet, she stepped
back to appraise the scene.
     The woman in the red dress stared open-mouthed at the raven and
dropped her knife, rushing to the raven's body.  Angel strode
protectively to her side, glaring at the Slayer.  *How can this be my
fault?*  Buffy turned her head just in time to see a dark figure
jump from the stage, twirl in the air, and land on the dance floor.
     "Nightshade!"  Buffy was not entirely surprised to see the
superhero standing next to her.
     "Slayer!" Nightshade returned with a friendlier smile than Buffy
would have anticipated, given the conversation from the night before.
"Fancy meeting you here."
     *Alright, let's go with this.*  Buffy grinned.  "You know us
Slayers - we just don't like it when we're not invited to parties."
     "It's past your bedtime, Buffy," snapped Angel.  His dark eyes
were fuming, and he snarled as he stepped closer to the superhero.
"But I'll start with you."  He flexed his fingers dangerously.
     "Nuke the vamp," Nightshade responded, raising her broom.  "I'll
take the witch."
     "Gladly," Buffy replied, not quite fast enough to step between
the raging vampire and the superhero standing before him.
     "Oh, no you don't!" Angel growled, jumping forward to grab the
broom from the superhero's hands.  "Thanks for the present."
     He was not prepared for Buffy's blow.  She stepped forward,
unconsciously adapting a move from the tai chi class she had started
taking.  Her teacher had explained that blows dealt from the palm of
the hand were powerful, due to the chi which was expelled through a
person's palms.  *What do you know - it works.*  Angel rocked to the
ground, a grim smile on his face.  The broom was still in his hands.
     "If only it were that easy," Nightshade replied.  She made no
attempt to retrieve the broom and whirled in a circle.  "Touch of the
Morrigan!"  When she completed the circle, a ball of dark energy was
balanced on her wrists where her hands had crossed.
     The woman's shoulders went straight as the superhero incanted
her spell and moved to a standing position.  Her voice was soft and
all the more deadly.  "Child, you play with powers you don't
understand."  A cloak of dark feather's seemed to appear on her back,
and it flowed to the ground behind her.  A giant sword, gleaming
silver, appeared in her right hand.
     Buffy tensed, waiting for the next move.  *If I kick her wrist
it's just possible that I can get the sword out of her hands.provided
I can get in the kick before she paralyzes me again.*  Angel was
standing too close to Nightshade and the swirling ball of fury she
held for Buffy to chance grabbing the broom.
     "I don't play," Nightshade replied with a defiant toss of her
blonde braid.  "I win."
     "Never against me, child.  The Tuatha de Danaan destroyed
countless thousands of your race," the woman replied.  She stepped
slowly forward, her sword gathering all the light in the room.  Its
keen edge dripped with blood.  "Invoking power in my name, to use
against me."  Her voices was soft.  "I am the Morrigan."  The faery
now stood before the superhero, and her sword made a slow ascent into
the air.  "Feel the bite of Dulloran's blade."
     The sentence had an electrifying effect on the superhero.
Nightshade's blue eyes widened and her face went chalk-white with
anger.  Giving an inarticulate cry of fury, the superhero threw the
ball directly at the sword making its way towards her.  The sword
seemed to encompass the energy, growing brighter than before.  The
faery smiled.  The energy coalesced and shimmered, bursting into
black sparks within the sword.  It exploded soundlessly, taking most
of the Morrigan's right hand with it.
     The faery's mouth widened with the pain and she stepped
backwards to look at the superhero.  When she spoke, it was in a
contained voice.  "You will pay for that, child."  The Morrigan
looked at her right hand, and narrowed her eyes.  It throbbed and
began to heal.
     "Time for Angel to feed," the vampire interjected.
     "I don't think so," Nightshade replied, in a voice unlike any
Buffy had ever heard.  The anger in her eyes had diminished - barely
controlled.  The superhero pointed a finger at the faery.  "By the
bright moon and the dark forests.  By the sweet water and the
shimmering fire.  By the binding spirits of the shining ones."
     "No!"  There was fear in the faery's eyes.  "How?"
     "You are called, Morrigan ferch Danu, to the fior-comlann."
Nightshade dropped her hand.  "In three days time."
     "On the darkest night of the moon?"  The Morrigan smiled.  "You
are a foolish child."
     Nightshade shrugged her shoulders.  "Do you accept."
     "I do," the faery replied.  "I choose the weapons.  Do you
choose the place?"
     "I will find you, Morrigan ferch Danu."  The superhero's voice
sounded more like itself, and she sighed suddenly.  "In three days
time."
     The faery turned to face the vampire.  "We leave, my angel.  In
three days time, this world will be ours."
     "I can scarcely wait," Angel replied.  He viciously cracked the
broom he was still holding over his knee and threw the broken pieces
at Nightshade.  "Oops.  Did you need that?"  He smiled.
     With a shimmer similar to the one used by Nightshade the night
before, the vampire and the faery suddenly disappeared from the
center of the dance floor.  Buffy lowered her hands and turned to the
superhero.  There was an emotion far deeper than sadness on
Nightshade's face.  Buffy placed a hand on the superhero's arm.  "Are
you alright?"
     "Yes."  Nightshade picked up the pieces of her broom, tried to
put the two pieces together, and sighed again when it fell apart.  "I
lose more brooms this way."
     "Can't you just use magic?"  Buffy asked, flicking her fingers
awkwardly.
     Nightshade laughed, although her eyes did not change expression.
 "It's just a broom, Buffy.  I only carry it to look the part."  Her
eyes brightened to match the smile.  "You realize, of course, that
I'm divulging a trade secret."
     "Speaking of brooms, it's clean-up time," Buffy replied, turning
to look at the figures in the room.  "The drummer," she remembered
suddenly.
     "He'll be fine."  Nightshade replied.  "Being able to heal
people is one of the perks of the job."  She muttered something under
her breath which Buffy did not hear.
     The Slayer nodded and began to make her way through the room,
assessing the condition of the onlookers.  A few had already been
bitten - it looked as though Angel had been taking his time.  "Got a
few live ones here."
     "Vampires?" Nightshade asked from the other side of the room.
She was looking intently at someone Buffy recognized - Harmony,
Cordelia's friend.  "This one doesn't have the marks."
     Buffy sighed.  "I'm not certain how I would have explained that
one to Cordy."  She began to make a mental inventory of those in the
room who had been bitten by Angel.  "Looks like I'll be spending the
next couple of nights in the cemetery."
     "I'm going to need your help in three days," returned
Nightshade.  There was a thoughtful expression on her face.  "Doesn't
fire kill vampires?"
     Buffy nodded.  "I did the same thing to."  A thought suddenly
occurred to her.  "You're not going to burn down the Bronze, are
you?"
     The superhero appeared next to Buffy, a ball of fire in her
right hand.  "No.  If you would be so kind as to point out the first
target?"  Nightshade's blue eyes followed Buffy's finger.  She peered
at the girl's neck, nodded slightly, and whispered softly to herself
before touching the girl's body with the ball of fire.
     Buffy folded her arms across her chest, watching the fire burn
its victim - and only its victim.  The superhero moved onto the next
of Angel's prey and slowly repeated the process.  She thought over
the only two words she had been able to hear before Nightshade had
burned the first victim.  *Forgive me.*  Buffy echoed the sentiment
silently as she scattered the ashes that remained.
***************************************
(Intermission Three begins the next installment)
**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (6/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:06 +0000

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic
role-playing campaign and the television show "Buffy the Vampire
Slayer."  All characters related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the
creations of Joss Whedon et al. It is also entirely possible for
additional well-known characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I
take no credit for these ideas, merely for reworking them so that they
fit into the campaign world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely
my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves,    I'm
all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.
 *************************************
Part Four: Cont'd

     "You should be."  Nightshade moved from the window towards the
center of the room.  "Because she's going to be sending creatures
after us for the next three days, and I'd hazard an educated guess
that vampires have also fallen prey to her glamour."
     "And Angel knows where to find us," added Willow.
     "What happens if you lose that fight?"  Buffy asked.  "The
Fior-comlann."
     "What's that?" Xander looked at Giles expectantly.
     The librarian pinched the top of his nose with his hand and
sighed.  "A duel to the death."
     "It's bad enough that you're dragging us into this superhero
business, but I'm drawing the line at a duel to the death."  Xander
casually  meandered his way back to the couch and sat down.  "Buffy,
don't look at me like that."
     Buffy's mouth twitched dangerously but she succeeded in her
attempt not to laugh outright at Xander.  "You know that we're going
to spend the next three hours convincing you to help despite your
sense of self-preservation so why not just cry uncle and give up now?"
     "Because then I wouldn't get all this attention," the teenager
replied, closing his eyes once more.
     Willow turned to Nightshade.  "You see what we have to put up
with?"
     "I'd rather spend an afternoon with Eric Dermann," the superhero
replied.
     "You guys are bad enough."  Xander opened an eye.  "But now I'm
getting dissed by a superhero."  He sat up again.  "Uncle.  What are
we going to do?"
     Giles cleared his throat.  "I hate to interrupt all of this
spirited teenage camaraderie but we really should formulate a plan."
     "About one sentence too late," Xander said.
     "It's pretty simple.  We need to get Nightshade to the gate and
give her enough time to fight Angel's new girl toy.  I can take on the
vampires but we're going to need a way to neutralize the other faery
creatures."  Buffy walked to the table and picked up a book.  "Better
start researching "milk and bread" spells."  With those words, the
Slayer pulled back a chair, sat down, and resolutely opened the book
in her hand.
*******************************************
Intermission Four:

A faery tale.

     Two figures stand near the great oak: a young woman with hair
the color of spun gold and an older man wearing a white robe.

     :Pwyll, where is my court disappearing to?:
     :Lady, I did not see you approach.:
     :Pwyll, stop groveling.  It does not behoove a councilor to
grovel.:
     :I am sorry, Lady.:
     :Be that as it may, it does not answer the question.:
     :A new gateway has been formed.:
     :Then I shall investigate the gateway.:
     :Mairrighana has failed you, Lady.  She is flawed.:

     The young woman's eyes burn as bright as her hair.  The green of
her dress flickers against the grass as she walks away.  The man
sighs and leans back against the oak.
***********************************
Part Five:

     Nightshade's prediction regarding the next three days had come
true.  Their otherworldly foe had sent several creatures on the
attack - faery by day, vampires by night.  Buffy suspected that the
vampires fought more out of fear of Angel's retribution than out of
regard for the Morrigan.  The last vamp she had spiked had some
interesting statements to make regarding the relationship between the
Morrigan and Angel; it appeared that the only vampires who had
actually fallen for the sidhe's glamour were Angel and Dru - even
Spike thought the "whole lot of buggers should just go back through
the gate - including that crazy raven bitch."
     The last afternoon had been the worst - several creatures that
Nightshade had called "bogans" and something which was obviously a
psychotic artist's rendition of a giant.  The faery had not even
attempted to remain hidden - they merely plowed through Sunnydale
High until they hit the library.  The bogans had been relatively easy
to dispatch - between herself and Oz's new ability to control his
transformations at will, the bogans spent more time fleeing than
fighting.
     The giant, though, had been another story.  It stood at
least fifteen feet high and did not even attempt to enter the
building.  Instead, its fist pummeled through one of the library
windows.  His bellow immediately followed the sound of shattering
glass.  Buffy and Oz prepared to rush outside for a new attack but
the giant suddenly stopped bellowing and spoke in a voice as grating
as two stones.  Buffy would never forget the voice: Youngling, are
you ready for this evening?  I grow strong in the dark moon.  Tonight
you will regret your challenge as the blood of humans flows once more
from Dulloran's blade.
     As soon as this statement had been made, the giant fled.  Buffy
chanced a glance at the superhero; Nightshade's appeared more
resigned than angry.  As the afternoon meandered its way into the
early evening, Buffy braced herself for the vampires to begin their
last attack before the confrontation between Nightshade and the
Morrigan.
     Strangely, no vampire attacks were forthcoming.  Their
preparations - interrupted as they had been over the last three days
- were not fool-proof.  Giles had briefed Xander, Willow and Cordelia
on some of the lesser faery spells; he and Jenny would work on a
greater spell which Giles had uncovered.  Oz was going to run
interference with the larger members of "the host" and Buffy was set
to take on the vampires.  Nightshade would neutralize the Morrigan
and attempt to close the gate which had formed to what she called
"the otherworld."  Giles did not think that Nightshade could do it,
and Buffy was hoping that the superhero would prove him wrong.
     They had gathered in the parking lot of the school.  The
original plan was to meet before splitting up and taking different
routes to the abandoned warehouse where the vampires had made their
new home.
     "Do you have all the spell components."  Buffy smiled at
the worried tone in Giles' voice.
     "What's so magical about milk?"  Cordelia sounded incredulous.
     "It does a body good," quipped Xander.
     The sound of rusty wheels approached from behind.  Buffy whirled
quickly to find Spike rolling his way towards them in a wheelchair.
She had not seen the vampire since his "accident" and he did not
appear to be recovering quickly from the fire.  He was flanked by
several other vampires, most of whom Buffy did not recognize.
     *Here it comes* Buffy though to herself.  She tensed
automatically, her eyes flickering across the group.   *Where's
Nightshade?*
     "Slayer," Spike said softly.  "I've got a proposition for you."
     "No deal, dead boy!"  It was Xander who spoke.
     "I don't think any of you are in a position to argue at the
moment."  The vampire made a gesture and the vampires with him began
to surround the group - all managing to stay out of the Slayers'
range.  "Doesn't feel good when you're outnumbered, does it?"
     "I think I can even the odds," came Nightshade's familiar voice.
She floated into the midst of the group and landed next to Buffy.
The simple clothes she had worn during the last three days were gone.
The superhero costume was back.
     "Fresh meat."  The vampire appraised Nightshade with a cool
stare.  The tone in his voice was appreciative.  "And pretty meat at
that."  He laughed.  "But you're still surrounded."
     "What Buffy can't take down, I can."  The superhero held a ball
of fire in her hands and looked at the vampire with an engaging
smile.  "I think you'd like her way better."
     "Less painful," added Buffy. Several of the vampires began to
hiss at the idea.
     Spike held up his hand for silence and looked directly at the
Slayer as he spoke.  "I don't like the faery infestation any more
than the rest of you.  I want the old Sunnydale back."
     "The gullywodes too much for you?"  It was Nightshade who
responded to the vampire.  There was an impudent grin on her face.
     The vampire ignored Nightshade's remark.  His eyes began to burn
with anger.  "More importantly, I want Dru back.  She's gone bonkers
over this raven bitch and is quite put out that Angel took miss
mighty Morrigan away from her."  He sighed.  "Since Angel has her old
one, Dru has decided to find another."
     "Why are you telling us this?" Giles' voice was calm and the
expression on his face was perplexed.
     "Look, I thought it was a good idea at first.  Find a few
faeries, kill off a few sods, and have done with it.  Now this
black-haired wench comes through and decides that she's going to
revenge herself for a war that happened who knows how bloody long
ago."  The vampire rolled closer to the Slayer, a strange look on his
face.  "Now, I can admire the zeal but how she managed to wrap
Angelus around her finger, I have no idea."
     "The glamour," breathed Jenny.
     Giles nodded.  "I hadn't realized it would work so strongly on
vampires."
     "Demons must love pixies," commented Xander.
     "Please," Spike growled.  "I get very hungry when I'm
interrupted."  He looked at the comuputer teacher. "Your glamour
hasn't worked on me or most of the blokes - I'd say about a third of
us have defected to her side."
     "Defected?"  Willow's voice was soft, a perplexed expression in
her eyes.
     "The vampires are at war," returned Spike.  "She's supplemented
her side by pulling more creatures through.  Dru's helping her."
     "Let me get this straight." Xander stepped forward despite the
glares he received from his companions.  "You vampires are at war -
killing each other off, so to speak - and you want us to help you get
rid of this faery so that you can all be undead buds again and start
terrorizing the innocent schlubs of Sunnydale."
     "That sums it up fairly nicely," returned Spike mildly.
     Xander shook his head.  "Just wanting to make certain I
understood you completely before I speak for all of us and tell you
where to ram that wheelchair."
     "I can see this was a waste of time."  Spike turned on his left
wheel and started to roll away.  "Boys, get them."
     The vampires began to move in towards the group.  *There are too
many of them!*  Buffy desperately placed herself between every
vampire who approached her friends, kicking one back only to have
another take its place.  Giles was doing the best he could with his
crossbow, and Oz was growling menacingly at a vampire who had grabbed
Willow by the hair.  *This is hopeless.*
     *You've got one chance, Buffy.*  The Slayer noticed a ball of
fire explode to her left and heard the screams of a dying vampire.
*She's handy to have in a fight.*  Spike had rolled beyond the
fighting area and had turned to watch the melee with a twisted grin
on his face.  The Slayer slammed into a vampire running in her
direction, used the momentum to propel herself into the air, and
landed behind Spike's wheelchair with a stake in her hand.
     "We can do this the hard way," the Slayer whispered to the
vampire, "Or we can do this the easy way."  The stake was inches away
from Spike's chest.
     "Back off, boys!"  Spike bit out the words.  The one vampire who
continued to pursue Cordelia was summarily staked by Xander, grim
determination in his eyes.
     "Talk," Buffy said.
     "Buffy, no!"  The tone in Giles' voice was final.
     "I saw what the Morrigan did to one room of people, Giles.  I'd
hate to think what she could do to the entire town."  Buffy shook her
head with a sigh.
     It was Spike's turn to speak.  "I'm offering a truce.  One night
only.  My vampires won't attack you."  He paused.  "In fact, we're
going to help you.  And just to sweeten the deal.when it's over, I'm
handing Angelus over to the Slayer."
     "What?"  Buffy looked startled.  She almost dropped the stake.
     Spike smiled.  "Consider it a bonus for a job well done."
     Buffy's eyes narrowed.  "How can I trust you?"
     "He's telling the truth," replied Nightshade.  There was a look
of intense concentration in her blue eyes as she watched the
vampire steadily.  Her hands were once again crossed in front of her
and a white glow seemed to emanate from Spike's vicinity.  "And his
goons will only act on his word."
     Feeling that she might regret what she was about to do, Buffy
lowered the stake and took a step back from Spike's wheelchair.
"It's a deal."
     "You won't live to regret this," the vampire replied.
     Xander winced.  "That's exactly what I'm afraid of."
*******************************
Intermission Five:

Mairrighana remembers.

     The blood in Dulloran's hair, darkening the sun, darkening the
moon. A raven's cry pierces the air.  His sword in her hand.  Do you
remember, Mairrighana?  The riastradh?  The humans must die.  For
Dulloran.  Your vow, Mairrighana.
     The quiet voice, the still green place.  See how it shatters the
heart?  The ravens circle you today, your vow unbroken.  The child,
Mairrighana.  It was the child. Dulloran's blade in your hand, the
human grunting for a magic baby. Your magic, like death, in their
hands.  Dulloran's dull eyes staring, the quiet voice in the still
green place.
     Hearts shattered.  Kill humans.  Dulloran's blade will run.
****************************************************
The story continues in Part Six but this is what I've got completed
to date.  Again, please send me any and all feedback (including
negative criticism) you'd like.

Jennifer
**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Raven's Cry (1/?)
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:27:05 +0000

Hello!  I've been putting this off long enough so...  Hope everyone
likes it.

Disclaimer: This story is a cross-over between a superheroic role-playing campaign
and the television show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."  All characters
related to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are the creations of Joss Whedon
et al. It is also entirely possible for additional well-known
characters or ideas to appear in passing.  I take no credit for these
ideas, merely for reworking them so that they fit into the campaign
world.  Caitlin O'Riordan, however, is entirely my own creation.

Feedback: Please!  This is my first fanfic of any kind.  If
there's any way to make the characters more true to themselves,
I'm all for it.

Spoilers: None of which I am aware.  My universe diverges from Joss'
with "Passion" -- it didn't happen.

Rating:  Some adult situations and language -- I'd give the whole
thing a solid PG-13.

 ********************************************

Prologue:

     Caitlin O'Riordan quickly scanned the piece of paper    in
her hand, memorizing every line in detail, before turning in    her
chair to look at the man who stood before her.  Alex Wethersby
was the latest in a long line of men and women who had dedicated
their lives to her singular task. He was the current leader of the
Order of the Pentacle, an organization that had become her eyes
and ears in the world.  She smiled briefly at him before turning
her attention back to the report he had handed her.
     "I suppose we should send someone to investigate directly."
Alex spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
     Caitlin merely nodded, and turned to the fireplace.  She had
created the Order of the Pentacle to observe the paranormal.
There were other organizations in the world dedicated to similar
purposes but they rarely appeared interested in phenomena outside
of the jurisdictions of their sect.  This had angered Caitlin on
more than one occasion, especially because she knew that the
higher-ranking members of each order were aware of the others'
existence.  She had attempted, once, to bring those leaders
together and begin to exchange information; she was unsuccessful
and left the groups to their own devices.
     Fortunately, she had been more successful in keeping The Order
of the Pentacle intact through the years.  Few people knew of its
existence - people might have whispered about it in certain occult
circles, but not one person could explain how to join or where to
find a member. The order had no outward symbol of membership, so it
was impossible to track the membership that way.  Even those people
who could be considered members were unaware of the organization's
scope. An average member had two contacts:  the person who passed
information to them and the person to whom they passed information.
     Remarkably, the system worked beyond any of Caitlin's
expectations.  Its structure was the key, allowing members to pass
information quickly to their superior as well as providing the
membership with a certain protective anonymity.  Looking back, it was
difficult to connect the Order's vast information network with the
five trustworthy seekers she had chosen on an island called Eiru;
their initial task, like her own, had grown with time.
     Perhaps part of the Order's success was also based on the fact
that the Order had no libraries, no real centralized location.  A
member's duty was to collect rumors of paranormal activity; all
information passed through the ranks until it eventually ended in the
leader's hands.  The leader would then give the report to Caitlin,
who would determine what action to take based on the information in
the report.
     She handled this report in much the same way as she had every
other.  She read it twice, making certain that she understood its
contents, and then destroyed the report.  She had been gifted with
an eidetic memory; it allowed her the opportunity to safeguard
the knowledge she had spent years accumulating.
     In this case, Caitlin crumpled up the report in her hands and
placed it in the fireplace on her right.  She watched the report
burn, her hair almost as red as the flames, before responding to
her companion.  "To be certain, you are right."  There was a wild
undertone to her voice that reminded the listener of green fields
and wild flowers and an accent which most people would mistake for
an Irish brogue.  She chose not to correct the assumption.
     "We could send in the entire team."  Alex pushed his glasses
back on his nose thoughtfully.  "You could say that someone in
Sunnydale requested the team's assistance."
     Caitlin shook her head. "This isn't exactly a crime, Alex.  Not
in the sense that they would understand."  She caught herself
imagining how to convince the team to leave Denver - any explanation
would entail more information than she believed her friends were
ready to handle.  Caitlin shrugged her shoulders.  "Besides, Psyche
would never forgive me - Jedite was planning on doing a refit this
month."
     Alex decided to try another tactic.  "What of the business?"
     "I believe that is why I hired you." She laughed suddenly, her
eyes darkening to black velvet from their usual green.  "I was hired
for something else entirely."
     "But the Hellmouth."
     The woman who rose from the chair did not resemble the one
who had sat in it a half hour earlier.  She was tall now, with hair
as dark as a raven's wing, and a fire burned in her black eyes.
".has been expecting me."

*******************************************

**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: "Jennifer Addis-Newton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Discussion -- The Raven's Cry
Date: 22 Mar 1998 12:40:53 +0000

Hello, all.

Here I was stressed out about debuting my first piece of fanfic and,
wouldn't you know, some of the parts didn't even make it to the list
(the prologue) and others weren't in order.  (Proof the some e-mail
just takes a little longer to get where it's going... :)

If you'd like a copy of the whole thing, I would be more than happy
to send it.  I will also wait a bit and see if Part 1 ever shows up
on the list -- if not, I'll repost.

Sorry!
Jennifer
Jennifer
**************************************************
Jennifer Addis-Newton AKA Branwen ferch Modron

[e-mail]
http://www.pipeline.com/~whiteraven

"For if that which you seek, you find not within
 yourself, you will never find it without."
     - from "The Charge of the Goddess"

-



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

From: Greeneteen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 16:07:15 EST

can u send me 1-3?  i just signed on.  thanks

-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:14:22 -0800 (PST)

Ok, something really got messed up when I tried to send out all parts
of "Our Hearts Willow Go On" so I'm going to try this again. I'm
sending out parts 1-5 because a lot of people have been asking for it
again and also the last aprt. (part 6)




_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:16:04 -0800 (PST)


TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 1/6
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask first
FEEDBACK: Yes, especially since this is my first fic-but since it is,
please don't be too harsh
SPOILER: What's My Line 1&2
RATING PG-13
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after What's My Line 1 &
2, with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
CONTENT WARNING: Some kissing,talk of sex, and a sexual
situation(nothing graphic at all)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for one, whose
name is unknown as of now-but will be included in Part 2 and possibly
all remaining parts of this. All of the other characters belong to
Joss Whedon and the WB. No copywrite infringement is intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2", therefor without knowing
that something similar to this *sort of* happens in "Surprise"

**********
PART 1

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

      Willow spotted Buffy hurrying down the hallway ahead of her.
"Buffy! Hey, wait up!" she called as she ran to catch up with her.

 Buffy waited for her friend. "Hey Will. What's up?"

Willow frowned.

"Will- what's wrong? What aren't you telling me?," Buffy asked
suspiciously.

"Well I saw something that I really didn't want to and didn't need to
see. I saw- oh boy, you are never gonna believe this-"

"Well I don't really need to believe it- I just need to know. What is
it, Will?" Buffy asked impatiently.

Willow sighed. "Ok, well I was in the library helping Giles with
something before and Xander was there and so was Cordelia- and Giles
asked Xander to go find a book on some- thing- and Cordelia to help
him-so they went. And I was left to do research on the computer, of
course, but I finished before Xander and Cordelia found the book so I
went in the back to help them and-" Willow paused.

"And?" Buffy asked anxiously.

Willow frowned. "I saw Xander and Cordelia making out in front of the
Encyclopedias."

"Wow, you really took note of where they were standing-But maybe it
wasn;t what you thought it was," Buffy said trying to give Willow some
hope.

Willow shook her head. "No, no- I know what I saw. And I saw Xander
and Cordelia totally lip locked."

"Maybe one of them passed out and needed mouth to mouth," Buffy
suggested jokingly.

"Buffy this is not funny- I mean- it's Xander and Cordelia here-
Xander hates Cordelia-Cordelia hates Xander- That's like, that's like
Tom the cat kissing Jerry the mouse...uh, well, you know what I mean"

"True, but haven't you ever heard of the saying that opposites
attract? I mean as ick-worthy as it is, maybe Xander and Cordelia are
an example of that."

"Well I don't like *that* example. And the worst part is, I'm his best
friend- you are too- and he didn't even tell us," Willow said with
anger.

"Maybe he was afraid of our reaction. I mean it is Cordelia-she was
supposed to be his- and our - sworn enemy- and now he's kissing her,"
Buffy suggested.

"Maybe- but I'm still mad at him. I don't understand what he sees in
her- he never saw anything in her before except popular snotiness- I
thought she would be the last person that he'd ever date. But now this
happened, and now it's like-" Willow stopped with a frown.

 "It's like what?" Buffy asked trying to be understanding.

"It's like I'm the last person he'd ever date," Willow said with tears
forming in her eyes.

She continued. "Like Cordelia's good enough for him- and I-his best
friend-am not." The tears began falling down her face.

"Hey, it's not you Willow-Xander's probably just going through those
hormonal changes that men tend to go through. I'm sure he never meant
it to be like that," Buffy said as she hugged her friend.

Willow pulled away to look at Buffy, wiping her tears. "Really?"

"*Really*"Buffy repeated.

 "Well, I'm still mad at him. I don't know if I'm even gonna talk to
him. I'll let him tell me- or us, that is."

"We'll see about that. Somehow, I think you will."
The two started walking again.

"So, who's this Oz guy that was so heroic as to risk himself getting
shot in the arm so that you wouldn't?" Buffy asked changing the
subject.

"Oz? Oz is no one- he's just this guy- that I know."

"A guy that you know. Very informative Will,"

"Ok, well, we were both chosen for this computer thing at the Career
Fair, so we've been talking," Willow told her.

"By the way, how did that whole Slayer goodbye thing go between you
and Kendra?," Willow asked changing the subject.

"Was there any hugging or crying going on?" she continued.

Buffy shook her head at her friend with a grin.
 "You were quick to change the subject. But no, no hugging. Just a
goodbye. Kendra has that "No Huggy Huggy, Touchy Touchy," policy."

 "Oh, right. So- I guess that means there was no crying," Willow
answered for Buffy.

"Definitely a negative. But even though I was counting the days until
she'd leave, it was a little sad to see her go. I guess cause we had
something in common. I'm ok now, though."

Willow smiled. "Well, good. So have you and Angel been playing
helpless patient and nurse lately?" Willow asked anxious to hear the
answer.

"Actually, me and Angel haven't even talked or seen each other since
the night at the church. Kendra was kind enough to volunteer to take
him home safely that night so that I could get home to sleep."

Willow couldn't believe it. "Wow, you mean you're not even worried
that he could not be ok?"

"I thought about it of course. But I thought it would be better if he
could rest and if I was was with him, there definitely would be no
resting going on," Buffy explained.

Willow nodded in agreement. "Oh, I see your point. I bet you miss his
kisses though."

"You could say that. I've definitely been going through some *major*
withdrawal," Buffy agreed.

Xander came up behind the two of them just in time to hear Buffy's
last sentence.
"Withdrawal! Buffy, you're not taking drugs now are you? 'Cause that's
what that DARE Program is all bout- Saying *no* to drugs."

Buffy grinned.

 "No Xander, Buffy was talking about withdrawal from Angel's kisses-
which is probably what you're going through now without Cordelia's
kisses!" Willow shot at him with anger.

Xander's eyes widened in shock. He looked at Buffy.

Buffy shrugged. "What can I say, Xand- secrets secrets are no
fun-especially when you keep them from your best friends."

Xander shook his head in disbelief. "I don't kn-I don't know what
you're talking about," he said trying to cover everything up.

Buffy looked at Willow. "Willow?" she asked giving her the cue to
explain.

 "I-I saw you two in the library-when you were looking for that book-I
went to help you-and I saw you two-kissing," she told Xander.

"Oh, boy... Gosh...I'm sorry, Will. We didn't mean for you-or anyone
to see that. We- Look, I have no idea what is going on between me and
Cordelia. I mean we get into these fights and then we kiss-and it's
completely-completely weird. I mean I don't understand it and I know
you two don't either. Right now I'm just trying to sort everything
out. And that's why I didn't tell you guys. I mean it's me and-
Cordelia- we're not supposed to be together. I mean that's like Tom
and Jerry
kissing each other-Well,you know-you know what I'm saying."

 Willow smiled. "I said the same thing," she told him.

"Xander like I told Willow before, you're probably going through
hormonal changes that men tend to go through," Buffy explained.

Xander grinned. "Maybe. I just hope you two will forgive me for not
telling," he pleaded.

Buffy grinned. "You're forgiven-by me at least."

 "Willow?" Xander asked.

"I forgive you-but only this once Xander-you not tell us something
again and I'll-I'll..." Willow paused.

Xander smiled. "Thanks you guys. I promise- it'll *never* happen
again."

"So-" Willow said changing the subject once again,"Where were we?"

"Well I know that I was about to tell Buffy that withdrawal from
Angel's kisses is even worse then from drugs and that she could say no
to that too.. but then.."Xander started.

Willow finished for him. "We kinda got into a different conversation.
But about what you were gonna say," Willow said with a smile,"I don't
think she'd wanna say no to that."

Xander smiled at her then turned to Buffy.

"How is our vampish fiend anyway? Not that I really care but he just
looked like he was in major pain the other night- definitely a good
thing."

 "Actually," she explained again," I haven't seen him since that
night. But, I'm sure he's fine."

"Darn!" Xander said as he stomped his foot.

 Willow and Buffy gave him "the look."

"Sorry, that just came out unplanned-like a reflex," Xander explained.

 "Well you better try to control that reflex or my reflex will be to
tape your mouth shut," Buffy warned him jokingly.

"Whoa-Buff, I knew you were a violent one- with evil creatures but I
didn't think you'd be that way with friends. I mean I 'll try but a
reflex is a reflex- pretty much uncontrollable. Oh, by the way, Buff,
the G-man was looking for you- I was supposed to tell you. Seemed
pretty urgent."

"Gee, thanks for telling me now that class starts in like a minute."

Xander spotted Giles approaching them. "Well, it must be pretty
important 'cause here he comes now," he informed Buffy and motioned to
him.

"Buffy!" Giles called as he caught site of her.

Buffy, Xander, and Willow walked over to him.

"Giles, hey. What's up?" Buffy asked him.

 "Buffy I need to see you in the library- in five minutes."

Buffy sighed. "Giles, can this wait? 'Cause I have history now and you
know how much I'm faltering in that class."

Giles shook his head. "Buffy, this is extremely urgent. It'll only
take a few minutes," he told her.

"Ok. Ill be right there," she obeyed.

 She turned to her two friends. "I'll see you guys at lunch."

Xander nodded. "Ok, best of luck Buff! You may need it with whatever
this urgent thing is."

 "See ya," Willow told her.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

     Giles was relieved when he saw Buffy come through the library
doors. "Oh, good. You're here."

"What you didn't trust that I'd come?" Buffy asked him slightly
annoyed.

Giles shook his head. "Well, no. No it's just-" he began.

Buffy interrupted shaking her head. "Ok, Giles, What's up? What is
this extremely urgent thing that you *need* to tell me about?" she
asked impatiently.

Giles sighed. "Sit down," he told her.

"Gosh this must be bad. When someone asks you to sit down before they
tell you something, you know it can *never* be a good thing," she said
as she sat.

"So, what is this terrible thing?" she asked.

"Well, it's two things actually," he told her.

"Oh goody. So it's the more problems the merrier kind of deal. So, go
head, share."

Giles sighed. "Well, I went back to what remains of the church that
Druscilla's healing ritual was performed in a few nights ago.." he
began.

 "And?" Buffy asked impatiently.

"And while I was looking through the remains of it, I found this," he
continued as he pulled a piece of red cloth out of his pocket and
handed it to Buffy.

"Hmm..a piece of red cloth, probably from a shirt or something," she
said as she examined it in her hands, "Giles what does this have to do
with- anything?" she asked.

"Well, it's not just a piece of cloth off of just anyone's shirt.." he
began.

"Oooo-could it be-I mean maybe it's a piece of one of Gavin Rossdale's
shirts. Can I keep it then- for a souvenir?" Buffy said jokingly.

"Gavin Rossdale- I don't believe I've heard of a Gavin Rossdale.
Who-Who is he?" Giles asked her.

"No one- never mind."

Buffy stared down at the torn piece of clothing in her hands.

"Wait a sec," she said realizing something,"Spike was wearing a shirt
that looked something like this the night that we were in the church
and I...killed.." She paused and her eyes widened.

"When a vampire is killed every part of it turns to dust, except
anything that it may be holding, such as a weapon, but everything else
becomes dust, including all of its clothing," he began explaining.

"Him," Buffy said finishing her sentence from before, "Oh my gosh."

"But when I looked underneath all of the debris, I found not only a
piece of his clothing but not a sign of vampire dust in the area in
which they were supposed to be killed. It still would have been
visible even days later, but since there was none, it would mean
that.." Giles continued explaining but was interrupted by Buffy who
finished his sentence for him.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," she finished.

 Giles nodded. "I'm afraid so. Now, have you spoken to Angel at all
since that night?"

Buffy shook her head. "I haven't yet. I thought I should leave him to
recuperate," she started.

Giles interrupted. "Well I think it would be a good idea to go see hi,
tonight. To- make sure that he's al right. With Druscilla still alive
and uncured, he could be in great ganger of her and Spike," he warned
her.

Buffy became a little nervous at what he said. "Great danger? Are we
talking death here?" she asked him.

"Buffy he was nearly killed by Spike's last attempt to cure her, and
if that hasn't worked, well- there's no telling what they'll do next."

Buffy agreed. "Ok, so it's Destination Angel's then."

"Wait, Buffy. As I said before, that us only one of the problems."

"Uh, Giles- I wasn't going anywhere. Remember, school? Well, it's
still in session in case you didn't know. And I don't need Principle
Snyder to find out that I ditched the rest of the day," Buffy reminded
him.

Giles agreed. "Oh, yes. That's right. Well anyway, I was researching
that Watcher Diaries.."

Buffy rolled her eyes and interrupted him. "Really Giles? Cause I
thought you always were researching in Reader's Digest," she joked.

 Giles gave her a stern look.

 "Continue," she told him.

 "Well as I was researching, I found out that six months after the
Master dies, on the six day, and the six hour, his or her spirit comes
back in the form of the opposite sex. It then, goes  after the person
who killed him or her, along with a team of all the vampires existing
at that time," he explained.

"Sixth month, sixth day, sixth hour..Giles are you noticing this 666
ocult reference that I'm noticing?"she asked him.

"Yes and I believe that has something to do with the fact that the
Master is like a vampires versian of the Christian religion's
"Anichrist," he explained.

"Ok, so anyway, the person who killed the Master," Buffy observed,
"That would be me. So why don't they just say "the slayer" cause I
thought that's always the person he fights during the Prophecy."

"Well, in a few earlier cases," Giles explained,"the Slayer was not
the person who killed him or her. Sometimes, it was just a person who
happened to be there."

Buffy shook her head in confusion. "You keep saying "him or her." Are
you saying that the Master could be female?" she asked him.

"Well, yes. There have been some female masters in the past, and quite
powerful ones, I might add," he explained.

"Wow. Talk about girl power. And I thought women only ruled in the
90's."

"Yes and the spirit oh the Master that is supposed to be coming will
be female, since it's spirit is always the opposite sex."

 Buffy took everything in and tried putting it into her own words.
"Ok, so this master spirit girl, she's coming- six months after the
Master's death- which would be- next month-and on the sixth day-
Giles, today is the 15th- that means that ghost girl will be coming in
only three weeks, and I'm guessing she's *no* Casper-which means we're
gonna need a *lot* of time to prepare for it- and we don't even know
much of anything about it- I mean it's a spirit,worse then your
ordinary poltergeist, and it's the Masters-opposite sex or not- Giles,
how the hell are we gonna kill this thing!? Or..make it go away?"

 Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes in distress.

He looked at Buffy who stood waiting for an answer. One that he didn't
have. "I-I don't know," he told her truthfully.

Buffy couldn't believe it. "You don't know?! You're the Watcher-
You're supposed to know these things.... Just tell me one thing- Am I
supposed to die from this?" she asked him with tears almost beginning
to form in her eyes.

 Giles shook his head. "No, not that I'm aware if. All that's listed
in the Watcher Diaries is what I've told you. That is why, I need you
to find out from Angel, everything he knows about this," he told her.

Buffy finally calmed down and returned to her normal self.

 "Ok, well, I'll make sure I make some time in between kisses for us
to chat about it," she told him.

"Buffy, this is nothing to joke about. You must be serious."

"I was being serious just now," she joked again.

 Giles gave Buffy the same stern look from before.

"Ok, Ok, I'll make sure that I talk to him about it. And by the way, I
was being serious just a few minutes before the other thing I said.
Maybe a little *too* serious. Anyway, are we done here cause I have to
get to class now?"

Giles nodded.

"Ok then I better go. See ya, Giles," she said as she walked out the
library doors.

LATER ON IN THE SCHOOL DAY

*bell rings*


Willow and Xander walked together out of the classroom that they were
just in and down the halls.

Approaching them was Cordelia, Devon, and Oz.

 Willow smiled at the sight of Oz.

When they were in speaking range Xander acknowledged Cordelia."Well,
would you look who it is," Xander said looking at her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked him.

"Nothing. Just, look who it is- it's you."

 "And your point is?"

"No point. I was just- acknowledging your presence," he told her.

 "Why?" she asked him in a snotty voice. "Never mind. I don't wanna
know. Come on Devon. Let's go." She pulled Devon with her down the
halls.

Oz stayed behind. "Hi," he said looking at Willow.

"Hey Oz," she said smiling. "Weren't you supposed to leave with them,"
Willow asked referring to Cordelia and Devon.

"Well, see, I wanted to know if you were going to the Bronze tonight,"
he explained.

"Oh. Well, I don't know- I mean I gotta check with my friends to see
if their going or not," she told him. "Why do you wanna know?" she
asked him.

"Well my band is gonna be playing there tonight and if you were going,
then you'd get to see us play. And, you know, maybe when we're done
playing, you and I could maybe hang out together for a little while if
it was cool with you," he told her.

"Oh, yeah, that, that would be cool-with me. Yeah."

"So you're going then?" Oz asked her.

"Yeah. I'll be there," she told him.

"Alright, well I'll see you then."

"Yeah, see ya," she said with a smile. She turned and watched him walk
away.

"Willow? Hello? Anyone there?" Xander called waving his hands in front
of her face.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, Xand."

"That's ok. So, I guess we're Bronze bound tonight, huh?" Xander asked.

 "Yeah," she answered with a smile across her face.

"Well, that'll work out good. I can dance with Cordelia while Devon's
busy singing and you can stare at Oz, the great and powerful."

"Xander!"

"Sorry, couldn't stop myself there. The Wizard of Oz thing was gonna
come up some time. And then was the time."

"By the way, why were you and Cordelia fighting back there. I thought
you guys were ok with each other now." Willow asked confused slightly.

"We are ok, but Devon and Oz were there. We can't act like love birds
in front of them. Not that we are or anything," he explained.

 Xander noticed Buffy walking up ahead.
 "Hey, let's go see if Buffy can join us tonight," he told Willow.

The two ran to catch up with her.

"Hey Buff."

"Hey guys."

"So, Willow and I are going to the Bronze tonight. Feel like joining
us?" he asked.

"Well, I would but I'm gonna go check on Angel tonight. I have to find
out stuff from him for Giles too," she told them.

 "Well, if it's for Giles then I guess you should," Xander said a
little disappointed.

"Oz is gonna be there," Willow told her excitedly. "And we're gonna
hang out when his band's done playing."

 "And you said you two would never become a thing. It's already in the
working," Buffy told her.

Willow smiled.

*bell rings*

"Ooo, gotta get to class. I'll see you guys," Buffy said and then
started to walk to her next class.

Willow and Xander did the same.

 Buffy turned back around. "Willow!" she shouted down the hall.

 Willow turned around.

"Good luck tonight."

Willow smiled and they both turned and continued on to their next class.

LATER THAT NIGHT
ANGEL'S APARTMENT

  Buffy knocked on Angel's door."Angel?" she called.

She tried to open it but it as locked of course.

She knocked again. "Angel, it's just me .Open up."

She waited then knocked once more.

 When he still didn't answer she decided to let herself in by kicking
open the door.

She walked in and closed the door behind her.

"Angel?...Hello? Anybody home?" she called. *He's gotta be home. He's
recuperating* she thought.

Finally she came to the area where his bed was and found him sound
asleep in it.  She smiled at the sight of his sleeping figure, then
got an idea.

She went over to the phone and dialed her home phone number.

"Mom? Hi. I'm over at Willow's- she's helping me study for this big
history test and it looks like we won't be done till late tonight. So
can I stay over and get a ride to school with her?...Yeah, it's ok
with her parents...Ok, thanks a lot mom..I love you too. Bye."

Buffy listened as her mom hung up and grinned mischeiviously at what
she had just done.

 Then, as she was going to hang up the phone she was pulled back onto
the bed behind her and on top of Angel who immediately leaned up and
kissed her.

 They kissed again and soon the two were wrapped up in a whirl of
passion.

 Angel began kissing down Buffy's face and to her neck.

Buffy let out a slight moan as Angel kissed her neck. She then moved
to claim his lips with hers again, afraid that if he kissed her neck
any longer, he might go vamp on her.

But soon she found his lips trailing back down the same path to her
neck.

She had to admit, it felt great when he kissed her there, but again,
she didn't want him to lose his control.
It was too late though- his lips were already there and the pleasure
from him kissing her there, overwhelmed her.

"Angel," she managed to get out, trying to make him stop, but what it
really sounded like was a sigh of pleasure.

After a moment, she called his name again, this time sounded more like
her calling him.

Still he didn't stop. "Mmm?" he just said as his lips trailed up and
down her face to her neck.

 She let out a soft cry again as he kissed a sensitive spot that he
hadn't kissed yet.

Finally she was able to tell him. "Um, Angel, maybe you shouldn't kiss
me there."

Angel stopped and lifted his head to meet her eyes. He was a little
confused. "Sorry-I thought you were enjoying it."

Buffy blushed alittle."I was- I was- it's just-Well I was afraid you'd
go vampire on me- No offense," she explained.

Angel chuckled. "Why would you think that?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh- I don't know, maybe because you-on a few occasions-have been
known to go vamp on me while we were lip locked," she said with a
slight grin.

Angel shook his head. "Well, just so you know, that really only
happens when I'm angry-or- I have something on my mind. But- I can
control it otherwise," he explained to her with a smile.

Buffy tried to fight back her impulse to ask him more, but couldn't.
"Even if you're kissing my neck- the very same spot that you could be
feeding on me from?"

Angel's face saddened a bit.

"I'm Sorry, that didn't come out the right way," she told him.

 Angel just looked away.

Buffy took her hand and turned his face so that he faced her. "Hey, I
trust you Angel, I do."

Angel nodded, but still looked a little sad. "I know," he answered.

Buffy changed the subject."Well, so anyway, I came here to see how you
were-You're ok, right?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Ok, good-Is there anything I could do?" she asked with a smile.

Angel grinned. "Well, you could start by, kissing me again."

Buffy smiled back at him. "That I can definitely do," she said as she
leaned down to kiss him.

Their lips met for a few more kisses before they pulled away. "I've
missed you," Angel said as their lips parted. "Been kinda lonely
here-and without you," he continued.

Buffy smiled. "Sorry I haven't come by- but I thought you'd need some
time to rest and recuperate without any distractions," she explained.

"Yeah, you're probably right," he told her with a smile. Buffy loved
when he told her she was right.

"Well, I'm here now-And we have the whole night to be together-I told
my mom I was at Willow's so I can stay the night," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy, that's very kind of you to be here, but
I'm not sure it's such a good idea you spend the night."

Buffy didn't understand. "Well, why not? If you're worried that you
don't have an extra bed, you shouldn't cause I think were a little
past sleeping in separate beds. I can just- sleep right here next to
you," she said then patted a spot on the bed.

"That's just it, Buffy. Don't you think it would be a little tempting
being together in the same bed? I mean don't you thing we might end up
wanting to-,"

"Have sex?" Buffy suggested bluntly.

Angel seemed a little uncomfortable. "Well..yeah," he told her.

"So- what's so wrong with that? I mean, we've been way past a cup of
of coffee. We can't even go 5 minutes without kissing each other."

"It's just- If I lose control Buffy, which I could, you could die. And
hurting you is the last thing I want to do," he told her.

"Angel, I know that-But I don't think you would. I trust you enough to
know that you'd never hurt me, even in your vampire mode."

 Angel shook his head. "Buffy please- It's hard enough not to- please
don't make it any harder," he begged.

Buffy looked deeply into Angel's eyes. "Please Angel- I love you..I
need you," she pleaded with him.

 Angel lightened a bit. "What caused the change of mid? Just before,
you didn't even want me kissing you- and now-," Angel began, curious.

"You told me you could control it- and I believe you. And I realized
that we don't know how much time we'll have together. I mean, it was
the scariest thing, you almost died the other night. And me, being the
Slayer-Well,you know, Slayers are known to have short lives. I figure
we should do..things..while we have the chance," she explained.

Angel agreed. "Alright," he said with a slight nod.

His eyes stared deeply into Buffy's.But there was something about
them- something about his eyes that was different. It was as if they
held an untold secret-as if Angel knew that something was about to
tear him and Buffy apart.

"Ok?" Buffy asked with a smile.

 "Ok," Angel replied grinning.

Buffy leaned in and kissed him.

 "I love you, Buffy. I want you to know that," he told her.

She kissed him again. "I know," she said with a smile.

Angel looked as if he was waiting for her to say more.

"I love you too," she finished finally.

He smiled-but then that look appeared in his eyes again-the look of
pain-of knowing something Buffy did not.

 Buffy kissed him again, then saw that look in his eyes. "Hey, what's
wrong?" she asked concerned.

"It's nothing- really."

"Are you sure? I mean are you nervous or something?-'cause I'll admit
that I am a little," she asked slightly worried.

"No- I'm fine," Angel said with a smile. He then pulled her back down
on him for a kiss.

"Good," Buffy said as she pulled the covers up over them , coming back
down on him, and kissing him.

 They kissed each other passionately for a few moments.

Then Buffy took control and began kissing down Angel's face, nibbling
on his jaw line and planting soft kisses down his neck. She then
paused to help him remove his white tee-shirt, and began kissing him
again from his collar bone down to his smooth chest. She then worked
her way back up to his mouth as her hands ran up and down his arms and
broad chest, feeling his muscles....beneath her touch.

Their kiss lingered on for a while, before it was broken by Angel, who
sat up in bed.

"Angel, what's worng," Buffy asked concerned.

Angel shook his head. "I can't. I can't do this Buffy...I'm sorry. I
'm so, sorry. You know I'd do anything for you Buffy, but I can't do
this. I can't," Angel explained to her, quite upset.

 He looked almost as if he was about to cry and Buffy could sense
that. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close to her.

"It's ok Angel. It's ok-I understand. I shouldn't have..pressured you
so much. I'm sorry," she whispered in his ear.

Angel pulled away after a short while and laid back down on the bed.
Buffy laid down also, resting her head against his shoulder.

 She turned to look at him. "Are you ok?" she asked him.

 Angel nodded. "Yeah, I'm ok," he replied in a sad tone.

"I still love you,Angel. You know that, right?," she told him.

"I know," he replied.

 Buffy gave him a little smile then settled her head on his chest and
closed her eyes.

 Angel put an arm around her and did the same.

Little did Buffy know that,inside, Angel really wasn't fine or ok-and
she would soon not be either.

To be continued...

















































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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:18:18 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 2/6
AUTHOR: Michele V
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh.
SPOILERS: all episodes through What's My Line 1 & 2
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2", with some added Willow/Oz and Xander Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in *Surprise*

**********
PART 2

      Buffy sat on top of a grave stone, staring down at the stake in
her hands- and daydreaming about Angel.

She snapped herself out of it when she sensed something behind her.
"Sorry- I never did like or fall for those 'sneaking up behind me so
that I won't notice you're there and you can kill me,' games," Buffy
said as she spun around, raising her stake.

No one was there. "Ok..I was never one for hide and seek either. Now
show yourself." She looked all around and still saw no one.

Then she felt a cool breeze behind her. "Who's there?!?" she yelled
turning around again. But again, she saw nothing.

Then she heard it. A faint whisper. "I'm coming, Buffy.....I'm coming
soon," the ghostly woman's voice whispered. The breeze went away.

 Buffy knew what it was-it had to have been her- the spirit of the
Master, warning her.

"No!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, as she sprang up in Angel's
bed. Breathing heavily, she looked around and noticed where she was.

 Angel immediately came to her side, wrapping his strong arms around
her, and hugging her close to him.

"Hey- it was just a dream. Everything's alright- you just had a bad
dream," he whispered in her ear while rocking her slowly.

She pulled away and ran her fingers through her hair in distress.

 "Hey-Are you alright?..you ok?" he asked her softly while putting a
gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I uh, had this nightmare," she told him.

Angel sat there staring at her, waiting for her to continue.

"It was about this thing Giles told me about earlier today...I was-
supposed to ask you about it but I guess I got a little distracted and
forgot," she explained.

A look of concern appeared on Angel's face. "What is it?" he asked her.

"The Master- he's supposed to come back six months after he was killed
, on the sixth day, at the 6th hour- and go after the person killed
him..which, unfortunately would be me. Only it won't be the actual
Master, it'll be its spirit and it'll be female. The spirit of the
Master is always of the opposite sex," Buffy explained.

"And this is what your dream was about?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I was um, in the graveyard hunting vampires and I
felt someone behind me-I thought it was a vampire- but when I turned
around no one was there. Then I felt this breeze behind me and I
turned around again but still didn't see anything but heard her voice,
whispering to me," she explained.


"What did she say to you?"

"She told me that she's coming...soon. I figured it out with Giles and
the Master's spirit is supposed to be coming in just three weeks."

"And, you think that the voice you heard in the dream was the Master's
spirit?" Angel asked her

"It was- I know it was. In the dream, I could feel the Master's power,
I could feel his presence-just like I could in the dreams I had about
him killing me. It had to have been the spirit," Buffy told him.

Angel sighed and looked down.

"I take it- you know something about this thing."

Angel looked back up at her. He nodded slightly.

Buffy waited in silence for him to begin telling her about it.

"It's known as The Elgradora," he finally started.

"In other words, meaning?" Buffy asked, confused.

" The Spirit of the Master"

"Couldn't they just call it "Spirit of the Master,"

Angel went on. "It comes in spirit form of the opposite sex- to kill
the person who was responsible for killing *it*" he continued.

"So um, how exactly does it kill?" Buffy asked unsure of whether she
really wanted to know.

"It goes inside your body, without you knowing, and kills you
internally. Once you're dead, the spirit takes over your body and uses
your body as *it's* body until it's old body reforms over yours. Then,
slowly but surely, it is restored back to its full strength, and
begins to destroy all that it can. It also, assembles a team of all
the vampires that are existing to help it in destroying everything and
everyone before it is restored to its full strength."

"If you can stop it from going inside you, or kill it somehow, then
all the other bad stuff won't happen, right?"

"Yes,but, since you're the Slayer, you'll still have to deal with the
vampires. Every vampire in the world will be here- terrorizing
Sunnydale."

"Angel?"

"Yeah?"

"You can stop with the explanation now. It's really creeping me out,"
she told him with a look of fright on her face.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you...I thought you needed to know."

"I do but..I guess I just don't want to..unless there's ways of
stopping it. Is there?"

Angel looked down once again.

"Angel?"

He couldn't look at her.

"There's no way...is there?"

He finally looked up. "I don't know of any. I- read about it years ago
but I can't remember anything about how it's been stopped in the past."

"You mean you can't kill it, you can- only stop it?"

"You can't kill it because it's already dead," he reminded her with a
slight grin.

"Oh...yeah...But you can make it go away maybe, right?"

"Maybe..but there's no telling how. The only way to find out is to get
a hold of the book that I  read about it in."

"So, I'm guessing that you don't still have a copy of it on your
bookshelf, huh?"

Angel shook his head. "I don't. I wish I could remember the name of
the book but-," he stared.

"Don't worry about now. We don't have to know it right now. I mean we
have three weeks until it comes. I'm- sure we'll find out something
else before then."

He looked up at her, a sad look on his face.

"Angel? What's wrong?" Is there something you're not telling me here?"
she asked him, concerned.

He looked away. *I don't have three weeks* he said to himself.

He looked at the clock and noticed that it was 3:30 in the
morning."You better get back to sleep, you have school tomorrow," he
reminded Buffy, avoiding her question.

Buffy sighed. "Oh..yeah..school. Well, at least tommorow's Thursday
and the weekend's almost here," she said then laid back down on the bed.

Angel got up and pulled the covers back up over her and kissed her
forehead. "Sweet dreams," he whispered softly.

"Hey, aren't you gonna sleep here next to me. You seemed to have
evacuated the bed before- Why?"

"Well I couldn't sleep, really. I- don't- normally go to sleep at that
time. I'm usually up the whole night," he told her with a smile.

"Oh, yeah. I kinda forgot about the vampire thing."

Angel smiled down at her. "I will, though, if it'll help you sleep
better," he said, climbing into bed next to her.

She turned around to face him and smiled.

He smiled back.

Then she closed her eyes and fell asleep again.

When Buffy woke up it was dark outside again.

*Must've over slept big time* she thought. *Oh no, that means I missed
school. Well I'll worry about that later. I better go save the world
now* she thought as she got dressed.

She put her jacket on, grabbed a stake and headed out the door. This
time, she decided to hit Sunnydale Park.

Buffy seated herself on a swing, stake in her hand, just waiting for a
vampire to show.

Time passed, and there was still no vampires in sight.
Buffy sighed. She actually beginning to feel a little bored.

All of a sudden, a gust of wind came, blowing the empty swing next to
her so that it swung back and forth-as if someone was on it.

Then she heard it again- The ghostly woman's voice, whispering to her.
"I'm coming,Buffy....I'm coming soon...And when I do...you will die,"
the voice whispered to her. Then the gust of wind disappeared as did
the voice and the swing next to her stopped swinging.

"No!!! Please!!! No!!!" Buffy screamed as loud as she could. She
turned to her side with a jerk, and opened her eyes.

She was still in Angel's bed.

Angel was awake next to her and slipped his arms around her, pulling
her closer to him. "Guess you had another bad dream, huh?" he asked her.

Buffy nodded.

"Was it about The Elgradora?"

"Yes..this time, I was hunting in the park and this huge gust of wind
came, causing the swing next to me to swing back and forth- I think
she was sitting on it or something- but she warned me again-said she
was coming soon-but this time, she said I would die...I'm scared,
Angel. Last time I had a dream like this, it really did happen. I
mean, I died once, I don't wanna do it again," Buffy told him,
frightened.

Angel hugged her even closer to him. "Don't worry-We'll get through
this. You're not gonna die-I won't let it happen...We'll just have to
find a way to stop it-somehow...I'll- call some people I know to find
out if they know where I can get a copy of that book I told you about."

Buffy smiled at him. Then she looked at the clock. Her eyes widened.
"Oh my god. It's already 6:30-I have to get ready for school. Angel,
you don't by any chance have a shower do you?"

Angel smiled. "Yeah, right through that door," he said pointing to a
door in the room.

"Ok, thanks...I'll- be out in a few minutes." She gave him a quick
kiss on the mouth and then made a dash to the shower.

Buffy came out twenty minutes later, all dressed and ready for school.

She caught sight of Angel in front of the fridge, feeding on a bag of
blood. "Hi. I'm finished," Buffy greeted him.

Angel was startled and very much embarrassed. Although he knew that
she saw him, he hid the blood bag behind his back with one hand, and
wiped any blood around his mouth with the other.
"I was just, uh-" Angel began nervously.

"Eating your breakfast?" Buffy suggested.

Angel just stared at her.

"It's- nothing to get all up-tight about. You know, a lot of people do
it."

Angel sighed. "They don't eat what I eat though."

"Well- different people have different taste buds- eat different
things. That's the way it goes," Buffy said grinning. She was trying
her best to make him more comfortable about the situation.

Angel managed a smile.

He stuck the blood packet back into the refrigerator and walked over
to her.

His eyes traveled up and down the length of her body.

Buffy blushed a little.

"You look beautiful," Angel said softly. He leaned in and kissed her.

Buffy wrapped her arms arms around his neck, running her fingers
through his air, as the kiss deepened. Buffy pulled away finally. "I
better go to school. It's getting late," she told him.

Angel nodded inn agreement. "I wish you could stay. It's so lonely
without you," he admitted.

"I know...believe me, I know. Sometimes- I find myself not being able
to wait until it's dark out, so that I could be with you again," she
told him.

The two stared at each other in silence for awhile.

"You better go," Angel finally spoke, a look of sadness across his face.

"I should...but I just have to get something out first," she told him.

"Ok..what is it?" Angel asked.

"Well, it's kinda about what I was just saying.
 The days seem to go by so slowly-all I can do is count the hours
until I'll see you- and then it's the night-and I see you-but it goes
by so fast. It's like,that's all I wait for all day, and it's over as
soon as it starts...I just wish our time together wasn't so limited.,"
she told him.

She paused for a second and then continued on. "And then- there's the
fear the I have-of- one of us going away...You-getting hurt by some
other vampire and dying-or you- being exposed to sunlight and dying-or
me-having to move again for whatever reason...And it scares me so
much..For me to ever be without you, Angel...it's the scariest thing
in the world."

Buffy looked up at him to see his reaction.
His head was down, and from what Buffy saw, it looked like he may have
even been crying.

"Angel?" she called him softly.

Angel didn't look up. He couldn't. He couldn't let her know the reason
why tears were streaming down his face. Not yet. Not then. He promised
himself he'd tell her that night though.

Buffy called his name again.

When he didn't answer or look  up, she walked over to him. She placed
a hand under his chin and lifted his head to see his face.

She realized that she was right- he was crying. Buffy never thought
that she'd ever see Angel,"Mr. Cryptic Man,"-himself- actually crying.
But there he was with tear stains down his cheeks.

Buffy gently ran the back of her hand over his left cheek, wiping away
the wetness. She did the same with the other.

Angel still didn't make eye contact with her. His eyes were focussed
off to the side.

"Look at me Angel...Please," Buffy pleaded with him softly.

He couldn't resist to that. He finally looked at her.

When Angel's watery eyes stared in to Buffy's, her eyes began to get
watery.

"What's wrong, Angel?..Tell, me...Please." Buffy paused for a second.
"Look, I know something's wrong. You've been acting weird ever since I
came here last night. I saw it in you're eyes-And I see it now-You're
hiding something...I wanna know what," she pleaded with him.

Angel just stared at her.

She begged him with her eyes-with the look on her face. "Please,
Angel," she asked again.

Tears began rolling down her beautiful face.

When Angel saw this, his own tears began to fall again.

Buffy continued to stare at him, waiting for him to tell her.

Angel just shook his head. "I can't...I can't Buffy...Not right now."

Buffy was understanding towards this. "Ok...Will you tell me later
then?" Buffy asked, hopeful he'd say yes.

Angel nodded. "I will," he promised. "I will."

Buffy stared at him for a few more seconds then decided that she
really had to go. "Well, I uh- have to go now. I guess I'll see you
tonight,"

Angel nodded.

Buffy grabbed her back-pack and jacket and walked to the door.

"Bye, Angel," she said as she went out the door.

"Bye, Buffy," Angel said, but she was already gone.

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

     Buffy walked into the school library to find her two best friends
sitting at a table talking with Giles.

 Giles looked up and noticed Buffy. "Buffy-you're late to school-We
weren't sure you were coming today," Giles said as Buffy walked over
to the table and took a seat.

"Well, here I am," Buffy said, trying to sound as enthusiastic as she
could.

Willow looked closely at Buffy. She looked very upset. "Are you ok,
Buffy?" Willow asked, concerned.

"Yeah- It's just- I was talking to Angel and he was acting kind of
strange," she told her friend.

"Well, maybe that's because he *is* strange. I mean he's a vampire
with a soul-that's just about as strange as you can get," Xander said
trying to lighten the mood.

Buffy didn't seem amused.

"How do you mean-strange? You don't think he's changed over to a
normal vampire, do you" Giles stepped in.

"No, It's just- he was crying and I asked him what was wrong and he
said he couldn't tell me-then," Buffy explained.

"Angel-crying!?!?" Xander asked with a laugh.

Buffy, Giles, and Willow looked at him, annoyed.

"Sorry," Xander apologized."Guess I just couldn't picture deadboy
crying."

"I don't know, maybe it's nothing-but I've just never seen him so
upset," Buffy told them."And this thing that he's not telling me-I
don't understand-Why couldn't he tell me? Why does he have to wait
until tonight?"

"I wish I could help you, Buffy, but I'm afraid there's nothing you
can do but wait until tonight" Giles said, trying to comfort her.

"I guess," Buffy agreed.

"But- in the mean time, were you able to find out from Angel, anything
about the coming of the Master's spirit?" Giles asked changing the
subject.

"Wait a minute. The Master is going to grace us Sunydalers with the
presence of his spirit? How come I wasn't informed of this?" Xander
asked.

"Sorry-I didn't want to scare you guys until I knew for sure what this
thing was," Buffy told him.

"Well you know now right? So it's time to do some sharing and
scaring," Xander said.

Buffy looked at Giles for approval.

"We *do* have to know, Buffy. And if Xander and Willow are going to be
involved then they should be aware of this too," Giles told her.

Buffy agreed and explained everything she knew and found out from
Angel to Giles and her two friends.

"Were you able to find out any method of-preventing this from coming
forth-somehow?" Giles asked after Buffy was finished explaining.

"I was just about to ask the same thing...with less words," Xander said.

"Angel once read something about it in a book but he couldn't
remember.what it said. He's working on it,though. He said he's gonna
try calling some people to get information on it," Buffy told them.

"Does that mean we don't have to do any work?" Xander asked with hope.

"For now, no. But- if he's unable to find anything soon, we will...You
may go to class now," Giles told them.

"Ok, thanks Giles. See ya," Buffy said as she walked out of the
library with her two friends.

Xander and Willow also said bye to him.

"So, what do you two ladies want to do tonight?" Xander asked as they
headed to their next class.

"Buffy, aren't you doing something with Angel tonight..So he can tell
you that thing?" Willow asked her friend.

"Well we didn't exactly make plans do go anyplace or do anything but
we could go someplace where he'd know that I might be," Buffy
suggested. "Like, say, the Bronze?"

Xander nodded. "The Bronze it is!"

"Yeah, and maybe Oz will be there," Willow said hopefully.

Buffy smiled. "By the way, how did it go last night with Oz?" she
asked her friend.

"Oh, it went...We talked," Willow told her.

"Details?" Buffy asked wanting to hear more.

"Well, I watched him play and then he came over to my table, asked me
if I wanted a cappucino, I said yes, and he bought me one." Willow
began. "Then we talked about this new computer that's coming out soon
and told silly jokes about people or things that happened at school.
Then he had to go so he said goodbye and left. Is that enough details
for you?"

Buffy smiled.

"Aren't you gonna asked me how my night with Cordelia went?" Xander
asked.

"Uh, that I don't really need to know," Buffy told him.

*bell rings*

"Well we missed first period class, I better get to class early before
I'm late for second," Willow said to her friends.

"We have the same class so  guess I'll be going with you," Xander told
his friend.

"We'll see you at lunch Buffy," Willow told her friend.

"Actually, you won't. I have to go meet with Giles at the library
during lunch. He says I need to start training more to prepare for all
those vampires that'll
be coming here soon," Buffy told them.

"We'll see you after school then," Xander said.

"And after school. I have to train after school now too," Buffy told
them.

"Ok then we'll see you at the Bronze tonight," Willow said.

"Yeah..tonight," Buffy answered. She walked to her next class in a
daze-thinking about that night. Thinking about what it could be that
Angel had to tell her.




















































_________________________________________________________
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:18:22 -0800 (PST)









TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 3/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1&
2," with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia/ Also, Buffy and the
gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 3

THE BRONZE

       Buffy, Xander, and Willow sat at a table talking. After a
while, Xander stood up and asked Buffy and Willow if they wanted to
dance.

"Ok, sure" Willow answered.

"Buffy?" Xander asked.

"You know what, you guys go ahead. I'm-not really up to dancing right
now," Buffy told them.

"Are you sure Buffy?" Willow asked her.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure."

Xander and Willow started to walk out onto the dance floor.

Xander turned back around to Buffy.

"Hey, Buff. If this is about the thing with Angel, I wouldn't worry.
I'm sure it can't be that bad," Xander said trying to cheer her up.

Buffy nodded and smiled as best she could.

She sat there alone at the table as her two friends danced on to each
song that was played.

Buffy kept watching the entrance, hoping that Angel would walk through
it.

Finally, Buffy spotted Angel walk in just as another, slower song came
on.

Angel looked around a bit, then finally noticed her.

He started walking towards her table.

Buffy had to smile at the sight of him. He looked just gorgeous. Like
an angel.

He finally reached here table.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hi," Buffy said with a slight smile cross her face.

Angel stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as  looked
intol stood there, staring into <input type=text name= eyes as Buffy
looked into his.

*I get lost
 In your eyes
 And I feel my spirits rise
 And soar like the wind...
 Is it love that I am in?*

Buffy realized how much the song reflected the moment.

Angel slowly moved closer to her.

He tool her hand. "Come on...Let's dance," he said, almost in a whisper.

Angel led her on to the dance floor. He slipped his arms around
Buffy's waist, pulling her close to him- but making sure that he could
still see her beautiful face.

Buffy placed her hands behind his neck.

The two swayed in time to the song, as they stared, almost in a
trance, at each other.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 And now I know
 'cause when I'm lost
 I can't let go*

Buffy felt as though she were lost. In a world where nothing but Angel
existed. And she seemed to have forgotten everything. Including the
fact that Angel was there to tell her something.

*I don't mind not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies..
 It's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Buffy noticed that Angel's eyes were beginning to tear up again, like
they did earlier that morning
Then she remembered.

*I just fell
 Don't know why
 Something's there we can't deny
 And when I first knew
 Was when I first looked at you*

Angel pulled Buffy closer, hugging her close to him.

*And If I
 Can't find my way
 If salvation seems worlds away
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost in your eyes*

Buffy pulled away slightly so that she could look at him. She saw th
tears rolling down his face.

"We need to talk," he whispered.

Buffy nodded. "Ok"

"After this," he finished.

Buffy nodded again.

*I don't mid not knowing
 What I'm headed for
 You can take me to the skies...
 Oh, it's like being lost in heaven
 When I'm lost in your eyes*

Angel pulled Buffy closer to him again so that her head rested on his
shoulder. Buffy felt relieved so that she wouldn't have to look at him
like that and start crying herself. But it was too late- the amount of
time that she had seen the tears falling from his eyes, had made tears
fall from hers.

*I get weak
 In a glance
 Isn't that what's called romance?
 Oh, I'll be found
 When I am lost
 In your eyes*

The song ended. Both of them pulled away, looking into the other's
eyes. Both with tears coming from them.

A faster, more upbeat song began and people started dancing again.

Angel took Buffy's hand again. "Come on...Let's get out of here," he
said softly.

Buffy nodded.

The two then left the Bronze

When they got outside, Buffy wiped some of the tears that were still
in her eyes.

She tried her best to gain composure.

"Ok, so, where are we going?" Buffy asked.

"Just- for a walk," he told her.

"Well I like walks..As long as their down the non-vampire path," Buffy
said.

"Tonight's delivery night. They'll all be at the hospital," he told her.

"Ok, well, then let's stay away from there..I mean, unless you need to
go get..," Buffy started when Angel stopped her.

He shook his head. "No, I've got plenty," he told her.

"Ok..good."

Buffy looked up at the night sky as they walked. She was fascinated by
all of the stars out that night. "Wow, look at the sky. It's
beautiful- with all the stars out," she said.

Angel looked up. "Yeah..I never really looked at them as beautiful
though. They're all I've seen in the sky for centuries. You get so
tired of seeing them all the time that the night sky no longer looks
beautiful with them in it anymore..But seeing them tonight-with you-it
looks incredible," he told her. He paused for a second. "Like you," he
said softly.

Buffy smiled slightly.

"When I was a little girl, I used to wish on the stars. But- I
realized that none of my wishes would ever come true, so I stopped.
Then one night, years later, I decided to try it again...It took
awhile of course, but it actually did come true," Buffy told him.

"What did you wish for?" Angel asked her. "or are you not allowed to
tell in case it doesn't come true again?"

"No, you can't tell before it comes true. But after it does, you can,"
she explained.

"Oh...So what was your wish?" he asked her.

Buffy waited a few seconds, staring up at the sky.

She then turned and looked at him. "I wi-I- ah, forget it. It's going
to sound totally ridiculous," she told him.

"No it won't. Tell me."

Buffy stopped walking.

Angel stood there waiting for her answer.

"I wished for you," Buffy finally told him.

Angel seemed to tense up when she said that. He turned and looked the
other way.

"What? Did I wish for the wrong thing- cause it's too late. It already
came true," she told him.

"It's not that." Angel turned and looked at her again. "Buffy-there's
something we need to talk about-that-I- have to tell you."

"I know. You- told me this morning-and in the Bronze. I didn't want to
bring it up again. I was just- waiting for you to start talking," she
told him.

Angel spotted a nearby bench. He walked over to it and sat down.

Buffy sat down next to him.

Angel's head was down. He sat like that for a few minutes. Then he
turned and looked at Buffy, who waited patiently for him to start
talking.

Angel looked back off to the side. He sighed.

"Spike and Druscilla are alive," he finally told Buffy.

Buffy let out a breath she'd been holding in. She was relieved that
was the thing that he had to tell her.

"Angel, I'd hate to break this to you, but I already knew that. Giles
found out and he told me yesterday..I knew," she said.

Angel turned to her. "I- wasn't finished," he told her.

"Oh...ok, well- finish then," she said.

Angel looked away again. There was a long silence.

Finally, Angel spoke again. "Druscilla was-never- restored back to her
full strength. I- overheard her and Spike talking," he told her.

"Oh- well, isn't that a good thing though? Because-" Buffy stopped
when she saw Angel shake his head.

"I heard Spike talking and it seems that he's not going to just give
up on her...He'll try performing her healing ritual again-and if it's
interrupted, he'll try again. But he won't stop until it works and
Druscilla is restored back to her full strength. And to do that, he
needs me," Angel told her.

"Well, can't we just go and kill him-somehow- so that he can't try to
perform it again?" Buffy asked, hopeful.

"Buffy, Spike is one of the most vicious vampires around. You know
that. They'll be a lot of people dead before he's killed," Angel said
to her.

"So, what are you trying to say here? How else are we supposed to stop
him?" Buffy asked.

Angel looked away. He didn't answer her.

"Angel?" Buffy called nervously.

He didn't answer again.

"Angel?! Answer me, please," she begged.

There was a long pause.

"I- have to leave Sunnydale," he finally told her.

Buffy couldn't believe what she just hear. "What?" Buffy asked in a
choked whisper.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I have to leave here, Buffy," he
repeated.

"What- Because of the ritual?" Buffy asked with tears coming from her
eyes.

Angel nodded.

"Can't- you just hide- or something? I mean you don't have to leave-
because of that."

Angel shook his head. "I can't hide, Buffy. Spike will find me. Maybe
not- right away, but in time, he will. And if the ritual is performed
completely, I'll die," he told her.

Buffy just stared at him.

"Besides that, Spike is trying to look for a way to get rid of my soul
and change me back over to a regular vampire. I can't let that happen,
Buffy. I'll end up hurting you- and that's the last thing I want to
do," he said to her.

"Just to let you know..you're hurting me now, Angel..With this..with
leaving," she told him.

"Believe me, if there were any other way to say here- and be with you,
I'd try it. But as long as Spike and Druscilla are alive, I'm put in
danger of dying or being changed back over," Angel told her.

He saw the tears rolling down Buffy's cheeks. He hated to see her like
that. Tears began to fill his own eyes.

"I love you, Buffy...I do..And I don't want to do this- But there's no
other way," he said. "There's no other way."

They sat there in silence for a few minutes.

"When do you- have to leave?" Buffy asked him. "And do you have to go
far?"

Angel looked away again. "I leave Saturday night..and yes, I have to
get as far away from here as possible."

"Angel, that's in two days..We only have two days left to be
together," she said, sobbing.

Angel turned and looked at her. "I know," he said. "I- tried to tell
you earlier but I just couldn't do it. It was too painful."

"Please don't do this, Angel. Please..stay here- stay with me," she
said crying.

Angel shook his head, tears rolling down his face. "I wish I could,"
he told her. "But I can't, Buffy. I can't."

Buffy looked away. She knew that nothing she would say could stop him-
only hurt him more.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes. Then Buffy started to
wipe the tears from her eyes.

She turned to Angel. "I guess- I mean, we should probably make the
best of what time we have left together," Buffy said.

Angel looked at her and nodded.

Buffy tried her best to smile. She moved closer to him and rested her
head on his shoulder.

Angel put an arm around her, bringing her closer to him. He kissed the
top of her head.

The two of them sat on the bench, just holding each other in silence.

After a while, Buffy realized that it was getting late and she had to
go. Her mother wouldn't be home until much later that night, but
still, she had school the next day.

Buffy moved out of Angel's grip. "Well, it's getting late. I should go
now," she told him.

"Alright," he answered sadly.

"There's- a big Friday night dance at the Bronze tomorrow night. Do-
you want to meet me there?" Buffy asked.

"I have- some packing to do- but I'll be there," Angel told her.

"Ok- I'll- see you tomorrow then?" she asked.

Angel nodded.

"Ok..bye," she said, then turned and started walking away.

"Buffy," Angel called to her.

Buffy turned around.

"Are you- going to be alright, tonight?" he asked softly.

"I'm sure I'll be ok after a little while," she told him.

She smiled as best she could and turned back around and started
walking home.

Angel watched her go. He knew she wouldn't be ok, though. He knew that
he wouldn't be either.

As Buffy walked home, she thought about how her life would be without
Angel. Tears started to form in her eyes again and fall down her cheeks.

She was in such a daze that she didn't hear her name being called.

All of a sudden, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

Buffy turned around. There he was- her beautiful Angel. That she may
never see again after Saturday.
Buffy couldn't stop the tears from flooding her eyes.

She threw her arms around Angel hugging him tightly, never wanting to
let him go. Angel did the same.

After she calmed down, Angel spoke. "Come on. I'll take you home," he
said as she pulled away.

He held out his hand and Buffy took it.

"So why did you follow me? Did you know that I  wasn't going to be
ok?," Buffy asked as they walked to her house.

Angel nodded. "I did," he told her.

They walked silent the rest of the way to her house.

When they got to the door Buffy got out her key and opened her front
door.

Angel followed her in.

Buffy shut the door behind him.

"Don't worry. Mom's not home. She works late on Thursdays," she told
him.

"Oh"

"I'm gonna go upstairs and change. You can sit and watch tv or
something," she said motioning to the couch.

Angel nodded.

Buffy went upstairs and changed into her pajamas.

When she came back down, she saw Angel watching "Interview With a
Vampire," on HBO.

Buffy had to smile at that.

"Hey," she said as she walked in the living room. "Whatcha' watching?"
she asked pretending not to know what it was.

"Oh, just some vampire movie," he told her.

"I see..Oh, this is Interview With a Vampire. I love this movie,"
Buffy told him.

"Well let's watch it then," Angel said.

"Yeah-Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt are in it. Of course, if I could choose
whoever I wanted to play a vampire, my choice would be you," Buffy
said grinning slightly.

Angel smiled back.

Buffy rested her head against Angel's soldier.

The two of them sat watching the movie. They seemed to have forgotten
that they would no longer be together after Saturday.

When the movie was half over, Angel looked at Buffy and noticed that
she was sleeping.

Gently, so that she wouldn't wake, Angel picked her up and carried her
up to her room.

He undid the covers and gently placed her in the bed. Then he pulled
the covers back over her and tucked her in.

He leaned down over her and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Buffy,"
he whispered, then proceeded back downstairs and went out the front
door and walked home.


THE NEXT DAY- SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

 Buffy walked through the library doors to find that just like the day
before, Xander and Willow, were seated there talking to Giles.

"Hi Buffy," Willow greeted her friend.

"Hey guys. Is there some sort of meeting going on that I didn't know
about?" Buffy asked.

"No meeting. Xander and Willow knew you'd be coming here, so they
decided to wait here for you," Giles told her.

"So, Buff, had it go last night with Angel. Was everything ok like I
said it would be? I saw, you left without even saying goodbye," Xander
said.

"Sorry- I was preoccupied, in a way. Angel wanted to get out of there
so he could tell me the thing that he had to tell me," Buffy explained.

"So what was it? The thing?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy looked away.

"Buffy? Is everything alright?" Giles asked concerned.

Buffy looked back at them.

"No, actually. Everything's not alright," Buffy told them.

"Well what is it Buffy? You can tell us- we're your friends. Giles
too," Willow said.

Buffy looked down.

"Buff?" Xander called.

Buffy didn't answer.

"Buffy, what's wrong?" Willow asked again.

They heard Buffy sniffle, as though she were crying.

"Hey, Buff. What's wrong?" Xander asked.

Buffy finally looked up- tears coming down her face.

"Angel," she finally began.

"Well, what about Angel?" Giles asked , concerned.

Buffy let out a sob. "He's leaving Sunnydale," she told them. "For
good."

Xander, Willow, and Giles' eyes widened.

Buffy stood up. "I, um, have to go- I'll see you guys later," she
said, then ran out of the library.

"Buffy wait!" Xander yelled, following her out the door.

"I better go too," Willow said getting up after him.

"Yes, go...and..tell her training is cancelled for today," Giles told
her.

Willow nodded and left.

When Willow found Buffy, Xander was already there with her. He was
hugging her.

"It's ok, Buffy. It's ok," he repeated to her.

Buffy shook her head. "It's not. It's never going to be ok. Angel's
leaving," Buffy sobbed.
"It's never going to be ok."


To Be Continued...

















































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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:18:12 -0800 (PST)












TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 4/?
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic- but since
it is, please don't be too harsh
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2" with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out about the return of the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2" therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 4

SUNNYDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Xander and Willow sat talking outside on the steps of Sunnydale High
after school got out.

"Did you see the look on Mr. Jamison's face when he realized that his
toupe' had fallen off?" Xander asked, laughing.

"Yeah, it was pretty funny," Willow said giggling.

"But- not as funny as the time he bent over and split his pants and
everyone saw his Batman underwear," Xander said, still laughing.

"True, I don't thing anything could beat that," Willow answered.

Xander looked off to the side briefly and spotted Buffy looking around
for them.

"Hey, Buff! We're over here!" Xander called to her.

Buffy smiled and walked over towards them.

"Hey," she greeted them.

"Hi," Willow said. "How are you? I mean, are you feeling better?" she
asked her friend.

"A little," Buffy told them. "The story about Mr. Jamison made me
smile, so that's a plus" Buffy said grinning.

"You heard?" Xander asked.

"Yeah, me and everyone else in school," Buffy told him.

"Oh, of course"

There was an awkward silence.

Buffy's smile disappeared and her face was filled with sadness.

"So...the big Friday night dance at the Bronze..Are you two game?"
Xander asked breaking the silence.

Buffy looked up at him. "Well I kinda have to go. I told Angel I'd be
there so he's gonna meet me there
after he's done packing," she told them.

"So I'll take that as a yes from you. Willow?"

"Yeah, I'll go," Willow told him.

"Ok, then. Our plans are now set. Mom's here- so now I must go home
and couch potato it until it's time to go.  I'll see you guys, later,"
Xander said then got into his mother's car.

Willow and Buffy waved goodbye to Xander and his mom.

Buffy turned to Willow.

"Well, since training is off for today, I can walk you home," Buffy
said standing up. "Then when I get home I can sulk for three hours and
by then it'll be time to get ready to leave."

Willow smiled and the two of them walked home together.

(LATER THAT NIGHT) THE BRONZE

Willow and Xander finally took a break from dancing and walked over to
the table where Buffy had been sitting alone for almost two hours.

"Still no sign of Angel, huh?" Willow asked her friend.

Xander shook his head in disgust. "And you call that a boyfriend?
Where I'm from that's called standing someone up. Now he had better
have a good reason for putting my best friend in more major mope mode
then she already is in or I'll just have to-"

Willow interrupted. "Xander, calm down. This is Angel we're talking
about. He'd never do that to Buffy."

"Ya know, you're right. What am I talking about? He'd never do such a
thing as that- he'd just move far far away so that her heart could be
broken."

Willow looked at Buffy. "So, what do you think happened to him, Buffy?
I mean, what if- he was on his way here and Spike and Druscilla found
out he was coming here, so they waited outside for him and captured-"
Willow paused when she saw the look Buffy was giving her. "Ok, ok,
sorry- Guess I got a little carried away."

"Just a little," Buffy said sarcasticly.

"So you think he's ok then?," Willow asked, already knowing her answer.

"I'm sure he's fine," Buffy answered her. "He's probably just
finishing up all of his packing tonight so he can sleep all day
tomorrow."

"Yeah, well, I'd hate to tell you but I think our vampy pal Angel is a
no show tonight- The Bronze closes in fifteen minutes- which means,
there's only like three more songs left to boogie on down to"Xander
told her. "So what do you say, Buffy- Think you can spare one little
dance with your best friend?"

Buffy nodded. "Sure- It beats sitting down and sulking.. Anyway, I
came here to dance- and I haven't done that all night."

"That's that spirit! C'mon!" Xander said, pulling Buffy onto the dance
floor.

Buffy and Xander danced together to an upbeat song.

Then a slower song came on.

Xander and Buffy continued dancing together while Willow sat alone at
the table.

"Are you with anyone?" a familiar voice behind her asked.

Willow turned around to see Oz standing there. "Oh, hi, Oz. Well, I
came with my two friends but they're out on the dance floor right now-
so right now, no- Are you?"

Oz shook his head. "Not anymore. I came with Devon but as soon as
Cordelia spotted him she-"

Willow interrupted. "You don't have to tell me the rest- I think I
know what happened."

"Yeah," Oz agreed.

"So, did you just come here now? 'Cause it closes soon and it would
just be kinda weird if you came for only the last few minutes," Willow
asked.

"Well, actually, yeah- we just came now. Devon wanted to see Cordelia
since he knew shed be here-and since he's my ride home I had to come
along, so, yeah," Oz told her.

The two sat in silence for a moment.

"Do you wanna dance?" Oz asked, breaking the silence.

"Me?" Willow asked, somewhat surprised.

Oz grinned. "Well, yeah- I didn't think there was any other Willow
here that I was talking to- Unless you have some invisible clone- Wait
let me check," he said, then looked under the table and behind him.
"Willow? Willow?" he said as he did so.

Willow giggled slightly. "Sorry- I guess-I' just not used to a
guy-well other then Xander- asking me to dance," she explained.

"Well you do know how, right?" Oz asked .

"Oh, yeah, I just-" she began.

"Well then let's dance," he told her.

Willow nodded her head in agreement as Oz led her out on the dance
floor. The two began slow dancing.  When the song ended, Devon came
over by where Oz and Willow were standing.

"Hey Devon, What's going on?" Oz asked his friend.

"Cordelia and I got into a little *disagreement*, so I'm ready to
bail. You coming?"

Oz looked at Willow for a moment then turned back to his friend. "I
think I'm gonna stay," he told Devon.

"Ok man, See you tomorrow at practice," Devon said.

"Yeah-I'll be there. See ya," Oz answered.

When Devon was gone, Willow turned to Oz. "Uh, Oz? Wasn't he your ride
home?" she asked him.

Oz nodded with a slight grin. "Yeah..but staying here is worth my
walking home," he told her.

Willow blushed.

"Has anyone ever told you that you look kind of cute when you blush
like that?" Oz asked her grinning.

Willow just stared at him.

"'Cause you do.. Not good at handling compliments, are you?

"No- Oh, I mean- Sorry- it's just- Well, no one has really-" Willow
began.

"Ever complimented you," Oz finished for her.

"Well, no guy-Well, besides-" Willow began again.

"Xander," Oz finished for her again.

Willow nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, I don't handle them too well myself so...But, do you wanna keep
dancing?"

"Oh-yeah, sure. I mean if you want to," Willow answered nervously.

Oz smiled. "I want to," he answered.

"Ok, then, let's- keep dancing," she said.

Willow and Oz started dancing dancing again as the song "How Do I
Live," by LeAnn Rhymes came on.

Xander and Buffy also began to slow dance together again, when someone
approached them from behind Buffy.

"Hey," the person said, looking at Xander.

"Hi," Xander answered.

Buffy turned around as soon as she heard the person's voice. "Angel. I
wasn't sure you'd show," she told him.

Angel looked at Xander. "Can I- cut in?" Angel asked him.

Xander nodded. "She's all yours-Well, not *all* yours- Ah, you know
what I mean."

Xander headed back to a table by himself when he spotted Cordelia
standing all alone in a corner.

He approached her. "Cordelia- What are you doing here all by
yourself-I figured you'd be latched on to Devon somewhere."

"No. We-well we just broke up," Cordelia told him.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Xander said, trying to sound like he meant
it, although he really did not. "Look- I know your probably gonna say
to no this- but I thought I'd ask anyway..Do you wanna maybe- dance?"

Cordelia looked annoyed at first but then managed a slight smile.
"Sure-why not."

The two walked off onto the dance floor and began slow dancing together.

   Angel wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist holding her close to
him while Buffy placed her hands on Angel's shoulders.

"I'm really sorry that I got here so late. I just- had a lot of things
to do to-" Angel began explaining softly.

"It's ok. I understand. Let's just forget about it and enjoy now, ok?"

Angel nodded. "Ok."

They danced, holding each other close, as they looked deeply into each
other's eyes.

The words to the song finally came on.

*How do I
 Get through the night with you
 If I had to live without you
 What kind of life would that be*

*Oh I,
 Need you in my arms, need you to hold
 You're my world, my heart, my soul
 If you ever leave
 Baby it would take away everything
 good in my life*

*And tell me now,
 How do I live without you,
 I want to know,
 How do I breathe without you,
 If you ever go*

As Buffy stared into Angel's eyes, listening to the lyrics of the
beautiful song, a tear rolled down her cheek when she realized how
much the lyrics to the song expressed the way she was feeling about
Angel leaving.

When Angel noticed her tears he began to get slightly choked up
himself. He pulled Buffy even closer to him, letting her head rest on
his shoulder, and almost hugging her for comfort as they swayed to the
music.

*Without you,
 There would be no sun in my sky
 There would be no love in my life,
 There'd be no world left for me*

*And I,
 Baby I don't know what I would do,
 I'd be lost if I lost you
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Real in my life*

"Angel?" Buffy whispered in his ear, through slight sobs.

"Hmm?" he answered.


"Will you ever be back?" she asked him, drawing away from him so she
could look into his eyes.

"I don't know," he answered softly after a long pause.

Buffy just nodded and pulled her self closer to him, holding on tight
to him, as if that would keep him from leaving.

*How do I go on
 If you ever leave,
 Baby you would take away everything
 Need you with me
 Baby don't you know that you are everything
 good in my life*

Buffy couldn't take it anymore and tears flooded her eyes and cheeks
as she cried onto Angel's shoulder.

Angel felt her body shaking as she cried and tried to comfort her-
while he hugged her with one arm, he brought his other arm to the back
of her head, burying her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her
head.

*And tell me now
 How do I live without you
 I want to know
 How do I breathe without you
 If you ever go
 How do I ever, ever survive
 How do I, How do I, oh How do I live*

The song was almost over but Buffy couldn't wait until the end-she had
to leave-the pain was too much for her. She pulled away from Angel and
sprinted out of the Bronze, hysterical, and ran all the way home.

To her advantage her mother wasn't home again- she didn't want to have
to answer any questions about why she was upset. Buffy just went
straight to her room  and laid down on her bed, crying hysterically.

After a few minutes, she was able to calm down a bit, but still,
hadn't noticed that someone else was in the room with her.

 Angel.

Her back was turned towards him but he could tell that she was still
crying by the light sobs he heard coming from her.

Angel walked quietly over to her bed and placed a gentle hand on her
cheek.

Buffy knew who it was right away and turned to face him, exposing her
tear-filled face to him.

It hurt Angel so much to see her like that. He moved his hand to wipe
the tears that were falling from her eyes as she stared at him.

His own face showed a pain filled expression as he stared down at her.

As he went to wipe more tears away Buffy covered his hand with hers
for a second and then pushed it away from her face, letting go of her
grip on it.

She turned her head the other way- She couldn't look at him and see
the pain that she afflicted upon him by pushing him away when he was
only trying to comfort her.

Angel stood there with question. Tears were beginning to fill his own
eyes as he stood unsure of what he should say, or what he should do.

After a few more sobs Buffy finally spoke to him. "This is hard
,Angel, this is so hard," she said.

Angel nodded. "I know," was all he could say.

Buffy waited a few moments and spoke again. "I can't do this- I can't
say goodbye like this-when we're involved- It's too hard," Buffy
continued.

Angel just stared at her.

Buffy waited a few more seconds. "I think- we should just- not be
together anymore- end our relationship here- because it's just too
hard to say goodbye to you while we're in one," she said. She turned
her head the other way.

"What are you saying, Buffy?" Angel asked softly.

After a few more sobs she spoke again. "I need you... to leave," Buffy
told him.

She turned her head back, to see what his response to this would be.

Angel stared at her for a second. He understood how she was feeling-
and that it hurt her more right now to see him.

He gave her a slight nod then stared at her a few more seconds-then
turned and walked towards her door.

Angel stopped when he reached the door and turned his head slightly,
but still not enough to face her.

"I wish things could be different, Buffy..that I didn't have to leave
Sunnydale," he commented.

After a short silence, Buffy answered. "Me too. But- things just don't
go the way we want them to in life. Especially in mine."

She wished he would just leave so that she wouldn't lose it in front
of him.

"Well, goodbye Buffy," he said knowing that she wanted him to leave.

Buffy didn't answer and just watched him continue out of her room.

She waited until she heard him close her front door to let loose the
emotions she was holding back. She broke out into tears again.

She cried and cried , nonstop for about an hour.

Then around 11:00 she finally calmed down a bit.

The phone rang on the night table next to Buffy's bed.

Buffy reached over and picked it up. "Hello?...Oh, hey Will....I just
couldn't take it anymore, I had to leave or I would've just cried
write there....Yeah, he came by, but- I told him to leave. I think it
was the right thing to do- Just break it off-and stay away from him
until tommorow night..It should be easy to do considering it's only a
day..Yeah, should be but right now it doesn't seem like it will be. I
miss him already and I just saw him an hour ago...No, I think he
understands why..I think it'll be easier to deal with, I guess..He
said goodbye, but I didn't answer. I couldn't- It was just too
hard..Will, I think I'm gonna go on slay patrol now, even though it's
kind of late. That should get my mind off this..I will.Ok, I'll try.
I'll call you tomorrow and we can do something..K, bye."

Buffy hung up the phone, just to have it ring again.

"Hello?..Mom- hi..I'm fine. I was just- getting ready t o go to
Willow's-to sleep over I mean since it's so late..You do?..No, I'll be
fine.Besides I'll be at Willow's tonight and- I'll see if I can stay
there tomorrow night too..You just take care of whatever you have to
at the gallery and I'll see you Monday..That's two days
right?..No-mom, I'll be fine..Don't worry, I'll be good..Ok mom. Love
you, too. Bye,"

Buffy hung up the phone again.

She grabbed the jacket that Angel had given her awhile back and a
stake from her drawer and left the house on slay patrol.

Buffy was walking towards the park when she came to the building that
Angel lived in.

She stopped for a moment thinking of how badly she wanted to just go
in there and throw her arms around him. But she couldn't. She had to
stay away from him to make it easier to let go.

She continued walking again, her thoughts still on Angel and how he
was leaving.

But since her thoughts were invading her mind and taking her attention
off of slaying, she didn't notice the vampire that had come up behind
her until it was too late.

He had her by the neck  and she was too tired and stressed out to
fight back at the moment.

The she felt it- two fangs puncture the skin on her neck and the
vampire slowly draining the blood out of her.

After he had taken the slightest bit, Buffy's salyer sense kicked in
and she managed to push her stake through his heart, turning him to
dust immediately.

Buffy turned the other way and placed her fingers up to her neck, in
pain.

She decided that she needed help fast, and the closet place would be
Angel's.

As much as she wanted to stay away from him, she couldn't. She needed
help immediately.

Buffy ran to Angel's apartment and knocked on his door with tears in
her eyes from the pain and fear she was feeling.

As soon as Angel opened the door, she fell into his arms, sobbing
uncontrollably.

Angel hugged her close to him, trying to comfort her, thinking that
she was crying because she would miss him and didn't want him to leave.

"It'll be alright, soon," he whispered in her ear.

"It hurts," Buffy sobbed.

"I know, I know," he replied and kissed the top of her head.

"The pain-" Buffy began.

"Shhh..It'll all go away- it may take awhile- but soon, things will be
alright," he promised her.

"It-feels- like a thousand knives are stabbing into my neck- all at
once," she told him.

"Your...neck?" Angel asked hoping she wasn't referring to what he
thought she was. "What are you talking about? I thought-" he began.

Buffy pulled away, shaking her head, exposing the two red fang marks
on her neck to him.

Angel looked at the marks and growled. "Who did this to you?" he asked
in anger.

"I don't know. Just some- random vampire I guess," she told him.

"How did it happen?" Angel asked.

"Well, I was out on slay patrol and I guess I was a
little..sidetracked and didn't notice that he was behind me. So he
snuck up on me and attacked. It wasn't until he already had his fangs
in my neck that I was able to fight back," Buffy explained.

"Did you kill him?" Angel asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah- dusted him off right away," she answered.

Angel sighed, putting his head down.

"What? Was I not supposed to kill him?" she asked, confused.

Angel just stood there with his head down trying to figure out what to
do.

"Angel? You're scaring me. What gives here?" Buffy asked.

Angel lifted his head to look at her. "Sorry- I ,uh- I  was just
worried. You shouldn't have," he began.

"Killed him. I shouldn't have killed him," Buffy finished for him.

Angel nodded.

"But I didn't know- I thought vampires- except you, of course- were
the bad guys and that I was supposed to kill them. I was scared- I
didn't know what to do," she explained.

"i know- It's not your fault. It's just- he could've been useful in
getting you better," Angel told her.

"How?" Buffy asked.

"Well, as strange at it may sound, he didn't drain enough blood out of
you to complete the process of healing- if he did, you'd be unconcous,
so if he was still around we'd have to lure him into draining the
slightest bit more out of you. Then, we'd have cut his neck and make
him bleed and you'd have to drink the blood from his neck until you
were strong again," he explained.

Buffy was confused. "Uh, Angel- I could be wrong here but doesn't
drinking a vampire's blood after he drank yours make you become a
vampire?" she asked.

"In most cases, yes, but not in this one. Since your the slayer it
doesn't work the same for you," he told her.

"How come?" Buffy asked.

"Well, since your the slayer, you can drink the blood from the same
spot that you were bitten in and not become a vampire," Angel explained.

"Oh..ok..*ow* Whatever needs to be done to treat this, could we do it
now?" Buffy asked in pain.

"That's the thing, Buffy. Without that vampire, I don't know of any
other way of treating it," he told her.

"*Ow* Well, do I need *that* vampire? I mean, can't I just get any old
vamp and suck the blood from that one's neck in stead? *Ow*" Buffy was
able to get out.

Angel shook his head. "It has to be the same one that bit you,
otherwise it won't work," he told her.

"Oh..great. So what do I do? I can't go to a hospital because they'll
have to call my mom and she's out of town- I don't want her worrying
or anything," Buffy said holding the spot on her neck again.

"Let me look at it," Angel said.

Buffy nodded and took her hand off the fang marks.

Angel reached out his hand to touch it, then pulled back, almost
instantly, and turned his head the other way with a growl.

"Angel?" Buffy called.

"You need to get help..now. Go find Giles or someone," he told her.

"Aren't you gonna come? I mean, even though that vampire only got a
little out of me, I'm still a little weak. What if another vampire
comes along- I won't have the strength to fight it and-"

"I can't," Angel answered with a growl, still turned the other way.

Buffy walked around him so that she could face him. She realized that
he was in his "game" face.

"Oh. I get it. You can't look at me, can you? 'Cause when you do, all
you see is the two red marks on my neck," she said.

"I'm sorry, Buffy. I want to help you but..the temptation- it's just
too great," Angel told her.

"It's ok. I understand," Buffy said, with a hint of hurt in her voice.

Angel noticed this and wanted to show her that he cared about her and
loved her- even though they were no longer together.

He stepped closer to her, placing a hand on the side of her neck
without the fang marks. Angel bent his head down toward her neck.

Fear overwhelmed Buffy as Angel's mouth neared the fang marks on her
neck. After all, Angel was in his "vampire mode"

But the fear and pain washed away, and was replaced with pleasure as
Buffy felt Angel's soft, sensual lips, instead of fangs, pressed
against the cut.

Angel did not pull his lips away right way. He let them linger there
for some seconds.

As they did, Buffy closed her eyes and let her head tilt back
slightly, exposing her neck to his lips and letting the pleasure take
over her.

Seeing Buffy's reaction to this, and how much pleasure this was giving
her, he drew his lips away for merely a second, and kissed her there
again.

"Angel," Buffy sighed with pleasure.

Angel was fighting so hard to control the demon inside him, so that he
would not bite her. But the temptation was becoming to great, so he
pulled his lips away from her neck.

Buffy opened her eyes to find him staring at her.

"Better?" Angel asked, referring to the pain from the bite.

Buffy wanted to tell him how incredible it felt to have his lips on
her, kissing her, since he hadn't in a while. But she knew that she
couldn't. The y could no longer be together and she felt the need to
remind him.

"Angel, why did you do that? I mean, you know that we can't be
together anymore. It'll be to hard to say goodbye if we are," Buffy
said.

Angel was finally able to gain control and morph back into his normal
face again. "I know. I just- wanted to let you know that- whether
we're together or not- I care about you, and..love you. And no matter
what happens to us Buffy, I'll never stop. Even if..Even if you stake
me right now. It hurts me so much to see you in pain and I'd give
anything to help you- unless it would risk your life. And right
now..it would-So I can't be with you..I'm sorry."

Buffy nodded. She understood. But she was curious about something and
had to ask him. "Did you wanna bite me just before?" she asked.

Angel frowned and put his head down. "I did," he admitted in a sad
tone. "But- I was able to control the urge," he told her.

Buffy smiled slightly. "Well, I guess I should be greatful for your
honesty. But- to answer your question from before..It is..better."

Angel looked up at her with a slight smile.

Buffy grinned back at him slightly.

"Well, maybe I'll just have to do it again," Angel said flirtatiously.

Buffy smiled. "Yeah, and maybe if you keep doing it, I'll be
completely better."

Angel's smile turned to a frown. "If that was all it really would
take, I wish I could," he said, a sad tone in his voice again.

Buffy's smile disappeared too, when he said this.

"Well, I better go to Giles house now," she told him changing the
subject.

Angel nodded. "I'd go with you but-"

"I know..the temptation..I know," Buffy said, understandingly.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye then," Angel said, still with a sad tone.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah..guess it is." She stared at him a few more seconds.

"I'll..I'll see ya," she blurted out, quickly walking to the door.

Without giving him the chance to answer her, she opened the door and
left.

She didn't start crying until she got outside.
Once outside, the tears began to pour down her face as she walked to
Giles to get help.

Angel was left standing there in his apartment, tears rolling down his
hace.

"Yeah..see ya," he said in a whisper.

TO BE CONTINUED


























































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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:23:27 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2," and especially
"Angel," in this part.
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story with some added Willow/Oz and
Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the gang find out about the return of
the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 5

THE NEXT DAY(SATURDAY)
BUFFY'S HOUSE

 The door bell rang at the Summers' house and Buffy went to answer it
since no one else was home.

"Hi, Buffy," Willow greeted her at the door.

"Hey, Will," Buffy answered. "Come on in."

Willow walked in and Buffy shut the door behind her.

"How are you feeling?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy seemed like she was in a daze. "No, Angel hasn't left yet," she
answered her friend.

"Uh, Buffy, are you alright?" Willow asked concerned.

"Fine! Everything's fine! I'm fine, my mom's fine. I'm sure your
fine..you are fine, right?"

Willow nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think you are."

"Don't be silly. I'm fine..great..wonderful. Nothing could be better,"
Buffy told her.

"Are you sure about that Buffy," Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah! Why?"

"Well, you're acting kind of strange. And when I asked you a minute
ago how you were you told me that Angel hasn't left yet..That wasn't
the question I asked," Willow told her.

Buffy sighed. "I'm sorry..Guess I just have some- things on my mind,"
she explained.

"Like, Angel leaving?" Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Like  Angel leaving," she repeated in an answer.

"Look, I know this must be hard for you," Willow started, attempting
to comfort her friend.

Buffy looked at Willow, as if Willow really didn't know how hard it was.

Willow sighed. "Ok, maybe I don't really know. I'm just trying to make
you feel better- if that's possible," she said.

Buffy sighed. "Look, I appreciate your help, I do. But, I really don't
think that anything can help. I mean, Angel's leaving. There's nothing
that can stop that from happening."

Willow stared at Buffy. She knew that Buffy was right- There was
nothing that could make Buffy feel any better- There was nothing that
could prevent Angel from leaving.

Buffy sat on her couch, looking in the other direction.

Willow sat next to her.

Tears were forming in Buffy's eyes. "It's just so hard...It's so
hard..The only thing that makes sense to me is gone," she said.

"He hasn't left yet, Buffy. You could still go see him now," Willow
said softly.


Buffy shook her head. "I can't. We said goodbye already..last night.
We, well it wasn't exactly goodbye..I kinda just left and said bye,"
Buffy told her.

"What happened? I mean, I expected you guys to go through that whole
mushy goodbye thing," Willow said.

"Definitely no mushy goodbye...He just told me that I had to go get
help with the vampire bite and I said ok and just kinda said see you
to him and walked out the door" she told Willow. "And I can't go back
there to see him, it'll just make it harder for us both. I think that
despite my feeling awful about ending like that, maybe there's still
the chance that it'll work out easier," Buffy explained.

"Well, is it working so far? Do you think it's easier?" Willow asker
her.

"No, I think I may have made it harder. I'll probably never forgive
myself for not saying goodbye the right way, but, I guess I'll just
have to give it time.," Buffy answered.

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I'll get it," Willow told her, getting up. "It's probably just
Oz. He's been waiting out in his van for me," she said.

"Oz?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah..we're going on our first date tonight" Willow said.

"Oh. Where to?" Buffy asked.

"The Bronze," Willow answered.

"The Bronze? That sounds romantic and quite..have fun," Buffy said
sarcastically.

Willow opened the door. "Hey, Oz. Come on in," she said motioning
inside.

"Shouldn't we get going?" he asked as she closed the door behind him.

"Uh, yeah. Hey, Buffy- Do you wanna- come?" she asked her friend.
"Xander's gonna be there too..uh, with Cordelia, but still there."

"Nah. I think I'll stay in tonight. Besides, you two are going on a
date, I don't wanna impose or anything," Buffy said.

"Oh, no. You won't be imposing. We want you to come..Don't we Oz?"

"Sure. It'll kinda break that first date tension having someone else
around," Oz answered with a grin.

"I don't know..I won't be much for company," she said.

"Sure you will Buffy. You always are," Willow said.

"Well, Angel has never left town for good before," Buffy reminded her.

"Oh...yeah. But, I mean it's Saturday night. What else are you going
to do besides stay home and wish Angel wasn't leaving," Willow pointed
out.

Buffy thought for a minute. "Ok..I'll come. I- just have to get
something upstairs. I'll be down in a few minutes. You guys can wait
outside," she said.

"Ok..great," Willow said smiling.

Buffy smiled back and ran upstairs.

********
GILE'S HOUSE

  Gile's was reading one of the Watcher diaries when he heard a knock
on his door. He got up to answer it.

He was surprised at who stood in front of it. "Oh..he..hello,
Angel....Uh, why don't you come in?" he said, motioning him to come
inside.

Angel nodded. "Thanks."

"Have a seat," Giles said pointing over to the couch.

Angel nodded and sat down.

"So..What brings you here?" Giles asked concerned.

"The book on the Elgradora..I was able to get it for you. I thought-
you'd be at the school library but you weren't..so I cam here to give
it to you," Angel explained. He held out the book in his hands, giving
it to Giles.

Giles took it and looked down at it for a moment. He then began
flipping through the pages.

"It's somewhere in the fourth chapter," Angel told him.

Giles flipped to Chapter four and scanned it for information.
"Oh..yes, here it is..Well, Thank you very much. This will indeed be
helpful in protecting Buffy-and- us all. Thank you," he said.

"No problem," Angel said. His face saddened at the thought that he
wouldn't be there anymore to protect Buffy as he always did before.

"Is...she alright?" Angel asked suddenly.

"Who? Buffy?" Giles asked.

"Yeah. She was bitten by a vampire last night and I told her to go see
you. Is she alright?" Angel asked, concerned.

"Yes. Sh-she's fine," Giles assured him.

There was a long silence.

"Buffy-told me that you're leaving Sunnydale," Giles said, trying to
make conversation.

"I am..I'm leaving tonight," he told Giles.

"Yes-I know. Buffy-is- very upset. She's going to miss you quite a
bit, I suppose,"Giles told him.

Angel nodded. "I know..I'm going to miss her too," he said in a sad
tone. "When I got my soul back, I never thought that I'd be able to
love anyone again. I thought..no human could ever love me because I'm
not human and no vampire could ever love me and I could never love
them because I'm not like them anymore..But then I met Buffy..and I
fell in love with her..She- fell in love with me. And I was the
happiest I'd ever been in all my life..because I felt-almost human
again..I felt loved. There was still loneliness, still pain..but there
was love..the greatest thing that could ever happen to me..and Buffy
gave it to me. And now- it's all being taken away. I have to leave..."
he

"I'm terribly sorry that things can't work out for the two of you,
Angel. And- I mean that. I know, I've said in the past that a vampire
and a slayer could never belong together. But when I saw the
extraordinary love that you have for Buffy and the extraordinary love
that Buffy has for you...Well, I realized that you two were meant to
be together" Giles told him.

There was a short silence.

"I should- probably thank you, as Buffy's watcher, for allowing us to
be together," Angel said.

"Well, as I said, I recognized that nothing could keep true lovers
apart, and you two- are, in a sense, true lovers. I wasn't about to
attempt to tear that apart," Giles explained.

"But this does," Angel said, a sad tone in his voice.

"Well, yes, I suppose it will.. But- even while the two of you are
apart, I know- that you're love for each other will remain..perhaps
forever" Giles said.

"Angel," Giles began, curious,"Have you told Buffy what you just told
me- about how you never thought you could love anyone until you met
her?" he asked.

"I've told her..many times," Angel told him.

"Well did you tell her last night- before the two of you said
goodbye?" Giles continued.

Angel shook his head. "I didn't..I didn't get the chance to say
goodbye to her. She was gone before I could say anything," Angel
explained. He paused for a second. "Do you..think- you could tell her
that I said goodbye..and..that- I love her?" he asked.

Giles nodded. "I could..But- I know Buffy very well, and I know that
she'd much rather hear you say that to her then, well me, of course,"
Giles told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy said goodbye already. She doesn't want to
see me again. It'll be to hard for her."

"I'm afraid that Buffy is trying to talk herself into not seeing you
again. She's afraid..of how she'll act when she sees you leaving her.
But, I think what will be harder for her, is when she realizes that
she should've said goodbye to you- the right way. And then it'll be
too late," Giles said. He paused. "But, I'll tell her for you if
that's what you'd like."

Angel just stared at him. "I better go," he said after a few
seconds,"My train leaves soon."

He stood up and walked towards the door.

"Very well," Giles said, following him and opening the door for him.

"Goodbye," Angel said looking at Giles.

"Goodbye, Angel," Giles replied.

Angel turned and walked out the door.

"Angel," Giles called as he watched Angel walk out into the street.

Angel turned around.

"You've..been of much help to- us all..over the course of the years
we've known you..very much help. And I..thank you for that," Giles said.

Angel nodded and turned back around and walked away.

Giles watched him walk away. "Poor Buffy," he thought. "I hope he
makes the right descision."

******
THE BRONZE

While Willow and Oz were dancing, Willow looked over into a dark
corner of the Bronze and spotted someone standing alone in the shadows.

"Hey, Oz. Can you excuse me for a few minutes? I have to go to the DJ
stand to- request a song," Willow told Oz.

"Oh, sure. I'll just wait here for you," Oz said.

"Ok, I'll be back in a little while," Willow said, then turned and
walked over to where Xander and Cordelia were making out.


Willow tapped Xander on the shoulder. "Uh, excuse me, Xander- There's
something we need to go do," she told him.

"Yeah, there is. *You* need to go back on the dance floor and dance
with Oz, and *I* need to continue making out with Cordelia," Xander
answered.

"I'm sorry- I- interrupted your little..thing, but- this is more
important," Willow explained.

"Right now, nothing could be more important then Cordelia's lips
against my lips- or maybe other body parts," Xander told her.

Cordelia and Xander started kissing again.

"But..it's about Buffy!" Willow told him.

Xander broke away from Cordelia. "Well, maybe that."

He looked at Cordelia. "Cordy, don't move. I'll be right back..My
lips'll miss you- yours," he told her.

"Ew! You're leaving me for her! Listen, Xander, If you think you've
got me wrapped around your fingers, you're wrong! Ok, cause there's
plenty of guys that are dying to go out with me- and some that I'd
much rather go out with- and a few of them are here right now, So if
I-" Cordelia began shouting at him.

Xander grabbed the back of her head and passionately kissed her.

"You better hurry up. Wouldn't want one of those stupid single losers
to think I'm not with anyone," Cordelia said, changing her mind.

Xander turned to a surprised Willow. "These babies are magical," he
said pointing to his lips.

Willow managed to smile slightly.

"So, what's this we have to do for Buffy?" Xander asked following
Willow.

"Just follow my lead," Willow told him as they headed towards the DJ
stand.

Willow whispered a request of a song in the DJ's ear, who agreed to
play it.

"Will, you mind letting me in on the big secret?" Xander asked.

Willow nodded. "Well, remember the night.." Willow started and
proceeded to tell Xander her plan.

Xander looked over at a dark figure in the corner of the Bronze, then
looked at a lonely Buffy.

"For Buffy's sake, I hope this works," Xander said.

Willow nodded. "Me too.. Come on. let's go," she said.

The two of them walked over to where Buffy sat.

"Hi," Willow said to Buffy.

Buffy looked up at the two of them. "Oh, hey guys," she answered.

There was a long silence as Willow waited for the right moment to
begin talking again.

Finally, a new song began playing- the one that Willow had requested.

Willow was relieved- her plan was working so far.

The words to the song came on.

*It's daybreak
 And you are asleep
 I can hear you breathe now
 Your breath is deep*

"So, no word from Angel?" Willow asked Buffy, on cue.

Buffy looked at Willow, confused. "What are you talking about, Will?
Angel and I said goodbye already- last night- maybe it wasn't the best
goodbye, but it was goodbye..I thought I told you," she said.

Willow just ignored Buffy's question and comments. It did seem a
little awkward saying this to her but it was part of her plan.

Willow waited a few seconds, then continued. "Well, in a way he sort
of is, in the way of that he's right over there," she said motioning
to a dark figure in a corner of the Bronze.

Buffy, looked at Willow, then at Xander, still quite confused. She
then looked over at the figure Willow had pointed out.

The person was looking in her direction.

It was Angel.

Buffy then realized that the things that Willow had just said to
her-that weren't making a bit of sense- were the things that Willow
said to her the night that Buffy and Angel said their first goodbye to
each other, in a way.

Buffy played their conversation from that night back in her head.
*"So, no word from Angel?" Willow had asked Buffy. "Nah. It's weird,
though. In this way, I feel like he's still watching me," Buffy told
her. "Well, in a way he sort of is," Willow said, "In the way of that
he's right over there," Willow said pointing to a dark figure that was
staring in Buffy's direction..Angel.*

Even the song that was playing right then- "I'll Remember You," by
Sophie Zelmani- that was the same song that was playing that night
too- Although, Willow had set it up that way.

*But before I go
 I look at you one last time
 I can heat a heartbeat
 Is it yours or is it mine?*

Buffy looked back at her two best friends.

Xander motioned his head in Angel's direction, signaling her to go
over to him.

Buffy looked over at Willow, then back at Xander. She was hesitant
about going over to him, afraid that it would be too hard to say
goodbye. But then she gave her friends a smile, a silent thank you and
turned and began slowly approaching Angel.

Xander turned to Willow.

Willow had a grin on her face as she watched Buffy and Angel approach
each other. She was happy that her planned had worked out- bringing
Buffy and Angel together to say goodbye that way they should have the
night before. She knew it would make Buffy happier- although maybe
just the slightest bit.

"So, guess this is my cue to say ,'I don't need to watch because I'm
not threatened. I'm just gonna look this way,'" Xander said grinning.

Willow smiled.

The two of them watched as Buffy and Angel approached each other.

When they met, towards the center of the Bronze, Buffy looked up at
Angel, greeting him with a smile.

Angel just stared down at her, a sad look on his face.

*I look at your lips
 I know how soft they can be
 Did they know what they wanted
 the times they kissed me?"

Angel finally spoke. "I couldn't leave here without saying a proper
goodbye to you," he told Buffy.

Buffy just looked up at him and nodded slightly.

Angel sighed. "I need to know that you're going to be alright...I
know, that it's going to take awhile, but I need to know that, in
time...you'll move on..find someone else to love... Someone you can
start a family with..someone you can grow old, and die with," Angel
told her. He continued. "Someone you can watch the sunset with, before
you go to bed at night..and- watch it rise with when you walk up in
the morning...'Cause you deserve that, Buffy..you do. And I- need you
to promise that you'll do that,Buffy...for me."

Buffy's eyes held unshed tears as she stared up at him. She shook her
head slightly. "I don't know if I can do that, Angel..I can't-just-
forget you and move on. You're too much a part of me. I'm sorry, but-
I can't make that promise," she told him.

"Look, I know it all seems too hard right now- but I need to know that
you'll try, at least," he said. "Do that for me, Buffy?" he asked.

Buffy looked at him for a few seconds, then nodded. "I will..try, I
mean."

Angel gave her a slight smile. He felt slightly better knowing that
she'd one day be happy again.

"I have something for you," Angel told her, reaching into his pocket.
"It's not much, really- but it's, a goodbye present." He held a velvet
jewelry box in his hands.

Buffy looked down at it in his hands.

*And your hands
 that I held in mine
 Now they're reposing on the pillow
 Will they ever miss me some time?*

She looked up at Angel.

Finally, he handed her the box. "Don't open it, just now," Angel told
her. "Wait- until I'm gone..When you really need to- when the pain is
too much- open it then," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I, um, actually, have something for you, too. I was-
gonna leave it by your door but- well, you're here now," she said.

Buffy reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch bag
and handed it to him. "There's just a little something in there to
remember me by..in case you forget," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "I won't ever forget you, Buffy..I won't," he
swore to her.

Buffy knew that he meant it. She'd never forget him either. Ever. He'd
always be in her heart, just as she'd always be in his.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

Buffy remembered that she had something else for him.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a cassette tape. "This is for
you, too. It's- a tape of this song-that- kinda reflects the way I
feel bout you leaving..You can- play it while you open the bag-or,
whenever. I know I don't know your musical taste but- I just had to
give it you. The song just- seems like it was written for us," Buffy
told him.

Angel nodded and placed the two items in his pocket.

He looked back down at Buffy.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Buffy could tell that Angel had something on his mind. She knew it was
probably the fact that he was leaving and they'd no longer be
together, but she had to ask anyway.

"Is there- something else on your mind?" she asked him softly.

"It's nothing- It's just *this*... It's just so-," Angel began.

Buffy knew what he was going to say. "Painful," she said, finishing
his sentence for him. "I know."

"I wish things could be different, Buffy," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I know," she agreed. "Me too."

Buffy shrugged slightly. "Well, it's getting kind of late. You should
probably go now, or- you'll miss your train," she told him. As much as
Buffy hated having to say that, it was the truth.

Angel nodded. "I know," he whispered.

Buffy stared up at him.

Angel leaned down towards her face slightly.

Buffy just stared into his eyes.

He leaned forward a few more inches until his lips met hers for a soft
kiss.

The power between the two of them brought their lips together again,
as they kissed again.

Buffy closed her eyes, wrapped up in the moment, as Angel did the same.

*Your eyes
 that always make me shiver
 Now they are closed
 They just sometimes twitch a little*

As Angel's arms wrapped tightly around her, Buffy moved her hand to
Angel's face and brought her other arm around his neck, deepening
their kiss.

As they shared this passionate kiss goodbye, Buffy was reminded of the
first time they kissed goodbye- when they first decided that they
shouldn't be together.

Their conversation just a minute ago was even similar to the one they
had that night.
*"I just wanted to see if you were ok, and your mother," Angel said
when they finally reached each other. "We're both good..you?" Buffy
asked. "If I can go a little while without being shot or stabbed, I'll
be alright," he answered with a slight chuckle. He became more
serious. "Look, this can't.." he started. "Ever-be anything" Buffy
finished, "I know. For one thing your like two hundred and twenty four
years older then I am," she said with a smile. "I just gotta..I gotta
walked away from this," Angel told her. Buffy nodded. "I know, me
too....One of us has to go here," she said. Angel nodded slightly. "I
know," he said in a whisper, then leaned in and kissed her.*

Their kiss was even during the same song-although, again, Willow had
arranged that.

But Buffy knew that this would be their last kiss goodbye. And unlike
the previous time, this one was goodbye forever.

Buffy held on tighter to Angel as they kissed, not wanting to ever let
go. Savoring the feel of his body close to hers for the last time.

*And your body
 I could hold for an hour
 It sent me to heaven
 With it's heat and power*

Slowly, Buffy and Angel pulled apart, looking deeply into each other's
eyes as they did so.

Tears were in both of their eyes.

As soon as Angel saw Buffy's face filled with tears, he pulled her
back into his embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her tiny body,
hugging her close to him.

Angel stroked the back of her hair as he held her.

After a few seconds, they pulled away again.

"I have to go now," Angel told Buffy softly.

"Ok," she said trying not to make it any harder for them. She tried to
hold back the tears from pouring down her face again, but one had
already slipped out of her eye. Then another, then another.

Angel moved his hand to her cheeks and wiped some of the tears from
her eyes.

Buffy grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. She closed her
eyes a she took in the feel of his touch for the last time. Then she
guided his hand down to her lips and kissed the back of it.

Angel closed his own eyes as she did this.

Slowly, Buffy moved his hand down to rest beneath her chin.

Tears were forming in Angel's eyes again.
He was wishing more then ever that he wasn't a vampire- so that none
of this would have to happen. So that he wouldn't have to leave the
girl that he loved more then anything in the world.

"Please don't go, Angel. Please. I can't do this without you..I can't-
live without you, Angel. Please don't leave me," Buffy pleaded with
him as tears ran down her pale cheeks. She knew that she was being
unfair to him saying this, but she couldn't help but say how she felt
at that moment.

Angel's eyes flooded with tears. He would have done anything for
Buffy. Anything, He'd give the world to her- if she asked for it. But
staying in Sunnydale was one thing he could not d o for her. He would
not put her in danger of Spike's attempts at using him to restore
Druscilla or trying to make him a normal vampire again.

Angel placed his gentle hand back to rest on the side of Buffy's face.
He caressed her cheek lightly.

Tears continued to roll down both of their cheeks.

"Buffy, when I got my soul back, I never once thought that I'd be able
to love again or that anyone could ever love me..But..when I met you,
things changed..I fell in love with you, you were able to fall in love
with me. And I- was the happiest I'd ever been in all my life-because
you made me feel complete- you made me feel, almost- human..because
you made me feel loved. Of course, there was still loneliness, still
pain, but there was love too- The love I had for you and the love you
had for me. And it was the greatest thing that could ever happen to
me-you gave me the greatest thing the greatest gift off all..your
love, your heart. And I thank you for that, Buffy. I'd love to give
something more then just my love-and my heart for you- in return, but
staying here..I can't do. You know that, Buffy..You know that if it
were in any way possible to stay here with you, I would..But I can't,
with this," Angel told her.

He continued. "You mean the world to me Buffy. And I'll never stop
missing you, never stop loving you..Your eyes, your hair, your lips,
your warmth,  your smile, your touch..I'll never stop," he told her.

Buffy stared at him with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Angel pulled her close to him again, giving her one last, soft kiss on
her lips. It didn't last as long as the previous one, but it was still
magical.

Angel pulled away from her slowly. He looked at her for a few more
seconds.

"Goodbye, Buffy," he said, softly.

Buffy tried to say something but words couldn't escape her mouth, only
sobs. She just stood there looking at him with tears pouring out of
her eyes.

Angel looked at her for one more moment, then turned and headed
towards the exit of the Bronze.

Buffy watched him walk away from her.

"Angel..don't go," Buffy whispered, mainly to herself, in tears.

Angel passed where Willow and Xander were standing.

They, too, watched as he headed towards the door.

Xander shook his head in disgust, then turned towards Willow. "He
walks right past us, knowing that he'll never again see our faces, and
he doesn't even say goodbye?!? The nerve of some vampires!" he said.

Willow shrugged. "He said goodbye to me...He- came by my house the
other night- and- said goodbye," Willow told him.

Xander shook his head again.

Just before reaching the door, Angel paused. He turned to look back at
Buffy one last time. He'd never see her beautiful face again.

"I love you," he whispered to her, then turned and walked out of the
bronze.

Buffy wiped some of the tears from her eyes, only to have more pour
from them again.

"Goodbye, Angel" she whispered in between sobs, "I love you too," she
said staring at the now empty space in front of the door, as the song
that was playing ended.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

TO BE CONTINUED























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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 6/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:19:49 -0800 (PST)








TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 6/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story that takes place after "What's My Line 1
& 2" with some added Willow/Oz and Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and
the gang find out
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2"
about the return of the Master-in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I Wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 6
SUNDAY NIGHT(THE NEXT DAY)

  Buffy walked into her bedroom, slammed the door shut behind her, and
threw herself onto her bed, crying hysterically.

  While she was on her way home from Willow's, a vampire, that knew
Angel had left Sunnydale, jumped out at her- and began harassing Buffy
about his leaving.

It had gotten to the point where Buffy did not have the mental
capability or strength to fight him, so she just broke down in tears
and ran home, where she now lay crying on her bed.

Buffy hugged the leather jacket she held - that Angel had given her
awhile back, close to her.

She closed her eyes for a moment, pretending that it was Angel that
she was holding.

Reality of course kicked in when she opened her eyes, seconds later.

Buffy couldn't take the pain anymore, it was all too much for her.

She knew what it was time for. It was time to open it- the goodbye
present that Angel had given her the night before.

He told her to wait until she needed to open it- and at that moment
she needed to. She a piece of him with her now. Something new.

Buffy reached over and opened the drawer to the night table next to
her bed. She took out the small velvet jewelry box, that was tucked
neatly inside of it and closed the drawer again.

She climbed under her covers, sitting up in bed and set the box down
next to her.

She reached back over to her night table and popped a cd that had been
laying out, into her cd player and pressed play.

She then settled herself back upright in bed.

She picked up the small box again and stared down at it in her hands.
*******

   Angel walked into his new apartment, closing the door behind him.

He threw his leather jacket on a nearby chair and placed his keys down
on the coffee table.

He walked over to his bed and sat down on it.

With his head hung down, he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

He was thinking of Buffy. How he missed her so much.

Angel looked back up and noticed the small pouch bag that Buffy had
given him the night before, lying on the night table next to his bed.

He decided that it was time. Time to open it up.

Before doing anything, he grabbed the cassette tape that was lying
next to it, that Buffy also had given him, put it in his tape player
and pressed play.

He then picked up the small velvet bag, staring down at it in his hands.

******

Buffy slowly and carefully opened up the small box- afraid that
something might fall out of it.

When she saw what was inside of it, her eyes began to flood with tears
again.

******

After a few seconds, Angel finally opened up the bag.

Inside was a small cardboard box.

Angel took it out of the bag and carefully opened it up.

What he saw inside of it brought tears to his eyes.

******

   Inside the box that Angel had given Buffy,  was the long chained
gold cross that Angel had always worn.
Underneath it, a small sheet of paper, that Buffy could tell had
something written on it.

******

   Inside the box that Buffy had given Angel, was the silver cross
necklace that Angel had given Buffy for protection the first time they
met. The one that was almost always around Buffy's neck. Taped to the
inside lid of the box was a picture of Buffy and underneath the
necklace, a small envelope.

******

    The words to the song that both Buffy and Angel had playing in
their tape players finally came on.

-"Every night in my dreams
  I see you, I feel you
  That is how I know you go on"

   Buffy, sitting on her bed with tears in her eyes, began thinking
about all her times with Angel.

   Angel, sat on his bed as memories of all his times with Buffy
played through his head.

  The beautiful song continued, serving as almost background music to
their thoughts.

-"Far across the distance
  And spaces between us
  You have come to show you go on"

The two thought about the first time they met, outside of the Bronze..

*'Is there a problem mam?' Angel asked after Buffy had slammed his
body to the ground. 'There's a problem,' Buffy shot back,'Why are you
following me?' 'I know what you're thinking, but don't worry, I don't
bite' Angel answered her. 'Who are you?' Buffy asked later on. 'Let's
just say, I'm a friend,' Angel told her. 'Yeah, well maybe I don't
want a friend,' Buffy shot at him. 'I didn't say I was yours,' he
answered.*

-"Near, far
 Wherever you are
 I believe that the heart does go on"

The two looked down at each other's necklaces that they held in the
boxes in their hands.
********
A tear fell from Buffy's eyes onto Angel's necklace.

Buffy wiped it off quickly, leaving her fingers to rest on the cross.

*****


-"Once more
 You open the door
 And you're here in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

******

Angel ran a finger over Buffy's cross.

It hurt, burned, a little. But it was nothing compared to the hurt he
was feeling without Buffy in his life.

******

-"Love can touch us one time
 And last for a lifetime
 And never let go till we're gone"

They thought about their first kiss, in Buffy's bedroom-when she first
found out he was a vampire.

*'I did a lot of thinking today. I really can't be around you because
when I am..' Angel started to tell her.'Hey, no big,' Buffy
interrupted,'Water..over the bridge, under the bridge...' 'All I can
ever think about is how badly I want to kiss you,' Angel admitted.
'Over the dam...kiss me?' Buffy said looking up at him in shock. 'I'm
older then you and this can't ever...I better go,' he said. 'H-how
much older?' Buffy asked. 'I should..' Angel began. 'Go,' Buffy said
approaching him, 'You said.' Angel looked down at her and they kissed.
They kissed again. Buffy put her arm around him as Angel put his
around her. The kiss went on for several seconds. Suddenly Angel
pulled away. 'What? What is it? What's wrong?' Buffy asked. Angel
turned to face her and growled. Buffy screamed seeing that his face
was then that of a vampire. Angel took one last look at her and jumped
out of her window.*

-"Love was when I loved you
 One true time I hold on to
 In my life we'll always go on"

They thought about the time they were in the graveyard and Angel
admitted that he was jealous of Xander.

*'Love makes you do the wacky,' Buffy told Angel. 'What?" Angel asked.
'Crazy stuff,' Buffy explained. 'Oh. Crazy, like a two hundred and
forty one year old being jealous of a high school junior?' Angel asked
referring to himself. 'Are you fessing up?' Buffy asked him. 'I
thought about it. Maybe it bothers me a little,' Angel admitted. 'I
don't love Xander,' Buffy told him. 'Yeah, but he's in your life. He
gets to be there when I can't. Take your classes, eat your meals, hear
your jokes and complaints...He gets to see you in the sunlight,' Angel
reminded her. 'I don't look that good in direct light,' Buffy told
him. Angel looked at her for a moment.'Well, it'll be mourning soon,'
Angel said looking up at the sky. 'I should probably go. I could walk
you home,' Buffy told him. They stared at each other for a long
moment. Finally Angel held out his hand. Buffy took in and they began
to walk hand in hand.*

"Near, far
 Wherever you are
 I believe that the heart does go on"

The two thought about a time at the Bronze when Buffy wanted to give
Angel his jacket back, but he refused.

*'I heard a rumor that there was, uh, one last vampire walking around
making a nuisance of himself,' Angel said coming up behind Buffy at
the Bronze. 'There is. Guess I should thank you for the tip,' Buffy
said. 'Pleasure's mine,' Angel told her. 'Course it would make things
easier if I knew how to get in touch with you,' she told him. 'I'll be
around,' he said. 'Or who you were,' Buffy continued. Angel smiled and
walked around to the other side of her. 'Well, anyways, you can have
your jacket back,' she said referring to the leather jacket he gave
her that she was wearing then. 'It looks better on you,' Angel told
her. He then turned and left. Buffy stared after him. Angel gave her
another look aback then disappeared into the crowd.*

-"Once, more
 You open the door
 And you're here in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

They thought about the time at the ice skating rink when Angel had his
game face on and didn't want Buffy to see him like that.

*'Are you ok?' Angel asked Buffy after she had just fought with a
member of the order of Teraka. Buffy skated over to him. She put a
gloved hand on his face, noticing the cut above his eye. 'What about
you? That cut!' Buffy said moved her hand towards his cut. Angel moved
his head, shrugging her hand off. 'Forget about me. This is bad Buffy.
We gotta get you outta here,' he told her. 'What, you mean hide?' she
asked. 'Let's just get you some place safe!' he answered her. 'No!
Your eye!' Buffy said reaching back up to touch his cut. He shook her
off again. 'Hey, don't be a baby. I'm not gonna hurt you,' she told
him. 'It's not that,' Angel said. 'What?' Buffy asked. 'You shouldn't
have to touch me when I'm like this,' he told her. Buffy looked up
into his vampire features. 'Oh,' she said. She removed the glove from
her hand and moved her hand across his brow and wound, brushing gently
down his cheek. 'I didn't even notice,' she told him softly. She moved
closer to him and kissed him. Angel responds, and the kiss becomes
more passionate.*

Angel and Buffy's thoughts subsided as they looked back down at the
small boxes they held in their hands.

*******


Angel ran his hand over the picture of Buffy that was taped to the
box. Tears were pouring from his eyes as he looked at her beautiful
face.

Looking at Buffy's picture and having her silver cross with him, made
him feel as though a part of Buffy was still with him.

Angel slipped his hand under the necklace and pulled out the small
envelope that was underneath it.

He opened it up and took out the piece of paper that was folded neatly
inside of it.

He unfolded it and read what it said.

*********

Buffy picked up Angel's necklace and held it in her hands.

She carefully brought it over her head and around her neck.

She then up the cross part again and brought it to her lips. Gently,
she kissed it, then let it go again, allowing it hang around her neck.

With it around her neck, it made her feel as though a pice of him was
with her.

Buffy then reached back into the small velvet box and took out the
piece of paper that was folded inside it.

She unfolded it and read what was written in it.

-"You're here
 There's nothing I fear
 And I know that my heart will go on"

*******

   Written on the sheet of paper that was inside the envelope that
Angel found inn the box Buffy had given him was the following:

Dear Angel,

My heart for you will go on.

Yours truly,
Buffy

Angel stared down at those words as even more tears flooded his eyes.

******
    Buffy's eyes flooded with tears as she read the words written on
the piece of paper Angel included in the box he had given her.

The note read:

My heart for you Buffy, will go on forever.

Love,
Angel

******
Tears in their eyes,the two of them listened as the last verse of the
song played over both their tape players, staring down at the notes
they held in their hands.

-"We'll stay
 Forever this way
 You are safe in my heart
 And my heart will go on and on"

******

Buffy wiped some tears from her eyes as the song ended.

She placed the velvet box  and note she held on the table beside her
bed.

She then nestled under her covers.

*****

 Angel wiped some of the tears from his eyes as the song ended and
placed the small cardboard box with Buffy's necklace and note in it on
his night table. He positioned it so that her picture would be facing
him when he lay in bed.

He then got into bed and pulled the covers over him.

******

Before closing her eyes Buffy brought the cross part of Angel's
necklace that she still wore around her neck- up to her lips again.
She kissed it again.

"I love you, Angel," she whispered, then let go of it again and went
to sleep.

******

  Before closing his eyes, Angel reached over to the box that lay on
his night table. He touched Buffy's silver cross, letting his fingers
rest on it, despite the pain he felt.

"I love you, Buffy," he whispered then took his hand away again and
went to sleep.

******

 In the darkness of the two rooms, two crosses sparkled. One gold. One
silver.

It was a sign. A sign, that Buffy and Angel's love, their heart, for
each other would go on forever. And although they were no longer
physically together, in their hearts, in their dreams, they would
always be.

All of a sudden the song came on again in both of the rooms as Buffy
and Angel slept, dreaming of each other. Neither of them had turned it
back on..they were both asleep. Maybe it was another sign. It must've
been.

-"Every night in my dreams
  I see you, I feel you
  That is how I know you go on

  Far across the distance
  And spaces between us
  You have come to show you go on

  Near, far
  Wherever you are
  I believe that the heart does go on

  Once, more
  You open the door
  And you're here in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on

  Love can touch us one time
  And last for a life time
  And never let go till we're gone


  Love was when I loved you
  One true time I hold on to
  In my life we'll always go on

  Near, far
  Wherever you are
  I believe that the heart does go on

  Once, more
  You open the door
  And you're here in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on

  You're here
  There's nothing I fear
  And I know that my heart will go on

  We'll stay
  Forever this way
  You are safe in my heart
  And my heart will go on and on"

It's not certain whether the song playing again by itself was a sign
or not.

But one thing *was* for certain. Their hearts-for each other- would go
on.

 THE END.





































_________________________________________________________
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-



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

From: michele v <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 13:26:21 -0800 (PST)



TITLE: Our Hearts Will Go On 5/6
AUTHOR: Michele V.
EMAIL ADDRESS: [e-mail]
FEEDBACK: Definitely, especially since this is my first fic.
SPOILERS: All episodes through "What's My Line 1 & 2," and especially
"Angel," in this part.
RATING: PG
SUMMARY: A Buffy/Angel story with some added Willow/Oz and
Xander/Cordelia. Also, Buffy and the gang find out about the return of
the Master- in some form.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters except for "The
Elgradora" All of the other characters belong to Joss Whedon and the
WB. No copywrite infringement intended.
NOTE: I wrote this after "What's My Line 2," therefor without knowing
that something similar would *sort of* happen in "Surprise"

**********
PART 5

THE NEXT DAY(SATURDAY)
BUFFY'S HOUSE

 The door bell rang at the Summers' house and Buffy went to answer it
since no one else was home.

"Hi, Buffy," Willow greeted her at the door.

"Hey, Will," Buffy answered. "Come on in."

Willow walked in and Buffy shut the door behind her.

"How are you feeling?" Willow asked her friend.

Buffy seemed like she was in a daze. "No, Angel hasn't left yet," she
answered her friend.

"Uh, Buffy, are you alright?" Willow asked concerned.

"Fine! Everything's fine! I'm fine, my mom's fine. I'm sure your
fine..you are fine, right?"

Willow nodded. "Yeah, but I don't think you are."

"Don't be silly. I'm fine..great..wonderful. Nothing could be better,"
Buffy told her.

"Are you sure about that Buffy," Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah! Why?"

"Well, you're acting kind of strange. And when I asked you a minute
ago how you were you told me that Angel hasn't left yet..That wasn't
the question I asked," Willow told her.

Buffy sighed. "I'm sorry..Guess I just have some- things on my mind,"
she explained.

"Like, Angel leaving?" Willow asked.

Buffy nodded. "Like  Angel leaving," she repeated in an answer.

"Look, I know this must be hard for you," Willow started, attempting
to comfort her friend.

Buffy looked at Willow, as if Willow really didn't know how hard it was.

Willow sighed. "Ok, maybe I don't really know. I'm just trying to make
you feel better- if that's possible," she said.

Buffy sighed. "Look, I appreciate your help, I do. But, I really don't
think that anything can help. I mean, Angel's leaving. There's nothing
that can stop that from happening."

Willow stared at Buffy. She knew that Buffy was right- There was
nothing that could make Buffy feel any better- There was nothing that
could prevent Angel from leaving.

Buffy sat on her couch, looking in the other direction.

Willow sat next to her.

Tears were forming in Buffy's eyes. "It's just so hard...It's so
hard..The only thing that makes sense to me is gone," she said.

"He hasn't left yet, Buffy. You could still go see him now," Willow
said softly.


Buffy shook her head. "I can't. We said goodbye already..last night.
We, well it wasn't exactly goodbye..I kinda just left and said bye,"
Buffy told her.

"What happened? I mean, I expected you guys to go through that whole
mushy goodbye thing," Willow said.

"Definitely no mushy goodbye...He just told me that I had to go get
help with the vampire bite and I said ok and just kinda said see you
to him and walked out the door" she told Willow. "And I can't go back
there to see him, it'll just make it harder for us both. I think that
despite my feeling awful about ending like that, maybe there's still
the chance that it'll work out easier," Buffy explained.

"Well, is it working so far? Do you think it's easier?" Willow asker
her.

"No, I think I may have made it harder. I'll probably never forgive
myself for not saying goodbye the right way, but, I guess I'll just
have to give it time.," Buffy answered.

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I'll get it," Willow told her, getting up. "It's probably just
Oz. He's been waiting out in his van for me," she said.

"Oz?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah..we're going on our first date tonight" Willow said.

"Oh. Where to?" Buffy asked.

"The Bronze," Willow answered.

"The Bronze? That sounds romantic and quite..have fun," Buffy said
sarcastically.

Willow opened the door. "Hey, Oz. Come on in," she said motioning
inside.

"Shouldn't we get going?" he asked as she closed the door behind him.

"Uh, yeah. Hey, Buffy- Do you wanna- come?" she asked her friend.
"Xander's gonna be there too..uh, with Cordelia, but still there."

"Nah. I think I'll stay in tonight. Besides, you two are going on a
date, I don't wanna impose or anything," Buffy said.

"Oh, no. You won't be imposing. We want you to come..Don't we Oz?"

"Sure. It'll kinda break that first date tension having someone else
around," Oz answered with a grin.

"I don't know..I won't be much for company," she said.

"Sure you will Buffy. You always are," Willow said.

"Well, Angel has never left town for good before," Buffy reminded her.

"Oh...yeah. But, I mean it's Saturday night. What else are you going
to do besides stay home and wish Angel wasn't leaving," Willow pointed
out.

Buffy thought for a minute. "Ok..I'll come. I- just have to get
something upstairs. I'll be down in a few minutes. You guys can wait
outside," she said.

"Ok..great," Willow said smiling.

Buffy smiled back and ran upstairs.

********
GILE'S HOUSE

  Gile's was reading one of the Watcher diaries when he heard a knock
on his door. He got up to answer it.

He was surprised at who stood in front of it. "Oh..he..hello,
Angel....Uh, why don't you come in?" he said, motioning him to come
inside.

Angel nodded. "Thanks."

"Have a seat," Giles said pointing over to the couch.

Angel nodded and sat down.

"So..What brings you here?" Giles asked concerned.

"The book on the Elgradora..I was able to get it for you. I thought-
you'd be at the school library but you weren't..so I cam here to give
it to you," Angel explained. He held out the book in his hands, giving
it to Giles.

Giles took it and looked down at it for a moment. He then began
flipping through the pages.

"It's somewhere in the fourth chapter," Angel told him.

Giles flipped to Chapter four and scanned it for information.
"Oh..yes, here it is..Well, Thank you very much. This will indeed be
helpful in protecting Buffy-and- us all. Thank you," he said.

"No problem," Angel said. His face saddened at the thought that he
wouldn't be there anymore to protect Buffy as he always did before.

"Is...she alright?" Angel asked suddenly.

"Who? Buffy?" Giles asked.

"Yeah. She was bitten by a vampire last night and I told her to go see
you. Is she alright?" Angel asked, concerned.

"Yes. Sh-she's fine," Giles assured him.

There was a long silence.

"Buffy-told me that you're leaving Sunnydale," Giles said, trying to
make conversation.

"I am..I'm leaving tonight," he told Giles.

"Yes-I know. Buffy-is- very upset. She's going to miss you quite a
bit, I suppose,"Giles told him.

Angel nodded. "I know..I'm going to miss her too," he said in a sad
tone. "When I got my soul back, I never thought that I'd be able to
love anyone again. I thought..no human could ever love me because I'm
not human and no vampire could ever love me and I could never love
them because I'm not like them anymore..But then I met Buffy..and I
fell in love with her..She- fell in love with me. And I was the
happiest I'd ever been in all my life..because I felt-almost human
again..I felt loved. There was still loneliness, still pain..but there
was love..the greatest thing that could ever happen to me..and Buffy
gave it to me. And now- it's all being taken away. I have to leave..."
he

"I'm terribly sorry that things can't work out for the two of you,
Angel. And- I mean that. I know, I've said in the past that a vampire
and a slayer could never belong together. But when I saw the
extraordinary love that you have for Buffy and the extraordinary love
that Buffy has for you...Well, I realized that you two were meant to
be together" Giles told him.

There was a short silence.

"I should- probably thank you, as Buffy's watcher, for allowing us to
be together," Angel said.

"Well, as I said, I recognized that nothing could keep true lovers
apart, and you two- are, in a sense, true lovers. I wasn't about to
attempt to tear that apart," Giles explained.

"But this does," Angel said, a sad tone in his voice.

"Well, yes, I suppose it will.. But- even while the two of you are
apart, I know- that you're love for each other will remain..perhaps
forever" Giles said.

"Angel," Giles began, curious,"Have you told Buffy what you just told
me- about how you never thought you could love anyone until you met
her?" he asked.

"I've told her..many times," Angel told him.

"Well did you tell her last night- before the two of you said
goodbye?" Giles continued.

Angel shook his head. "I didn't..I didn't get the chance to say
goodbye to her. She was gone before I could say anything," Angel
explained. He paused for a second. "Do you..think- you could tell her
that I said goodbye..and..that- I love her?" he asked.

Giles nodded. "I could..But- I know Buffy very well, and I know that
she'd much rather hear you say that to her then, well me, of course,"
Giles told him.

Angel shook his head. "Buffy said goodbye already. She doesn't want to
see me again. It'll be to hard for her."

"I'm afraid that Buffy is trying to talk herself into not seeing you
again. She's afraid..of how she'll act when she sees you leaving her.
But, I think what will be harder for her, is when she realizes that
she should've said goodbye to you- the right way. And then it'll be
too late," Giles said. He paused. "But, I'll tell her for you if
that's what you'd like."

Angel just stared at him. "I better go," he said after a few
seconds,"My train leaves soon."

He stood up and walked towards the door.

"Very well," Giles said, following him and opening the door for him.

"Goodbye," Angel said looking at Giles.

"Goodbye, Angel," Giles replied.

Angel turned and walked out the door.

"Angel," Giles called as he watched Angel walk out into the street.

Angel turned around.

"You've..been of much help to- us all..over the course of the years
we've known you..very much help. And I..thank you for that," Giles said.

Angel nodded and turned back around and walked away.

Giles watched him walk away. "Poor Buffy," he thought. "I hope he
makes the right descision."

******
THE BRONZE

While Willow and Oz were dancing, Willow looked over into a dark
corner of the Bronze and spotted someone standing alone in the shadows.

"Hey, Oz. Can you excuse me for a few minutes? I have to go to the DJ
stand to- request a song," Willow told Oz.

"Oh, sure. I'll just wait here for you," Oz said.

"Ok, I'll be back in a little while," Willow said, then turned and
walked over to where Xander and Cordelia were making out.


Willow tapped Xander on the shoulder. "Uh, excuse me, Xander- There's
something we need to go do," she told him.

"Yeah, there is. *You* need to go back on the dance floor and dance
with Oz, and *I* need to continue making out with Cordelia," Xander
answered.

"I'm sorry- I- interrupted your little..thing, but- this is more
important," Willow explained.

"Right now, nothing could be more important then Cordelia's lips
against my lips- or maybe other body parts," Xander told her.

Cordelia and Xander started kissing again.

"But..it's about Buffy!" Willow told him.

Xander broke away from Cordelia. "Well, maybe that."

He looked at Cordelia. "Cordy, don't move. I'll be right back..My
lips'll miss you- yours," he told her.

"Ew! You're leaving me for her! Listen, Xander, If you think you've
got me wrapped around your fingers, you're wrong! Ok, cause there's
plenty of guys that are dying to go out with me- and some that I'd
much rather go out with- and a few of them are here right now, So if
I-" Cordelia began shouting at him.

Xander grabbed the back of her head and passionately kissed her.

"You better hurry up. Wouldn't want one of those stupid single losers
to think I'm not with anyone," Cordelia said, changing her mind.

Xander turned to a surprised Willow. "These babies are magical," he
said pointing to his lips.

Willow managed to smile slightly.

"So, what's this we have to do for Buffy?" Xander asked following
Willow.

"Just follow my lead," Willow told him as they headed towards the DJ
stand.

Willow whispered a request of a song in the DJ's ear, who agreed to
play it.

"Will, you mind letting me in on the big secret?" Xander asked.

Willow nodded. "Well, remember the night.." Willow started and
proceeded to tell Xander her plan.

Xander looked over at a dark figure in the corner of the Bronze, then
looked at a lonely Buffy.

"For Buffy's sake, I hope this works," Xander said.

Willow nodded. "Me too.. Come on. let's go," she said.

The two of them walked over to where Buffy sat.

"Hi," Willow said to Buffy.

Buffy looked up at the two of them. "Oh, hey guys," she answered.

There was a long silence as Willow waited for the right moment to
begin talking again.

Finally, a new song began playing- the one that Willow had requested.

Willow was relieved- her plan was working so far.

The words to the song came on.

*It's daybreak
 And you are asleep
 I can hear you breathe now
 Your breath is deep*

"So, no word from Angel?" Willow asked Buffy, on cue.

Buffy looked at Willow, confused. "What are you talking about, Will?
Angel and I said goodbye already- last night- maybe it wasn't the best
goodbye, but it was goodbye..I thought I told you," she said.

Willow just ignored Buffy's question and comments. It did seem a
little awkward saying this to her but it was part of her plan.

Willow waited a few seconds, then continued. "Well, in a way he sort
of is, in the way of that he's right over there," she said motioning
to a dark figure in a corner of the Bronze.

Buffy, looked at Willow, then at Xander, still quite confused. She
then looked over at the figure Willow had pointed out.

The person was looking in her direction.

It was Angel.

Buffy then realized that the things that Willow had just said to
her-that weren't making a bit of sense- were the things that Willow
said to her the night that Buffy and Angel said their first goodbye to
each other, in a way.

Buffy played their conversation from that night back in her head.
*"So, no word from Angel?" Willow had asked Buffy. "Nah. It's weird,
though. In this way, I feel like he's still watching me," Buffy told
her. "Well, in a way he sort of is," Willow said, "In the way of that
he's right over there," Willow said pointing to a dark figure that was
staring in Buffy's direction..Angel.*

Even the song that was playing right then- "I'll Remember You," by
Sophie Zelmani- that was the same song that was playing that night
too- Although, Willow had set it up that way.

*But before I go
 I look at you one last time
 I can heat a heartbeat
 Is it yours or is it mine?*

Buffy looked back at her two best friends.

Xander motioned his head in Angel's direction, signaling her to go
over to him.

Buffy looked over at Willow, then back at Xander. She was hesitant
about going over to him, afraid that it would be too hard to say
goodbye. But then she gave her friends a smile, a silent thank you and
turned and began slowly approaching Angel.

Xander turned to Willow.

Willow had a grin on her face as she watched Buffy and Angel approach
each other. She was happy that her planned had worked out- bringing
Buffy and Angel together to say goodbye that way they should have the
night before. She knew it would make Buffy happier- although maybe
just the slightest bit.

"So, guess this is my cue to say ,'I don't need to watch because I'm
not threatened. I'm just gonna look this way,'" Xander said grinning.

Willow smiled.

The two of them watched as Buffy and Angel approached each other.

When they met, towards the center of the Bronze, Buffy looked up at
Angel, greeting him with a smile.

Angel just stared down at her, a sad look on his face.

*I look at your lips
 I know how soft they can be
 Did they know what they wanted
 the times they kissed me?"

Angel finally spoke. "I couldn't leave here without saying a proper
goodbye to you," he told Buffy.

Buffy just looked up at him and nodded slightly.

Angel sighed. "I need to know that you're going to be alright...I
know, that it's going to take awhile, but I need to know that, in
time...you'll move on..find someone else to love... Someone you can
start a family with..someone you can grow old, and die with," Angel
told her. He continued. "Someone you can watch the sunset with, before
you go to bed at night..and- watch it rise with when you walk up in
the morning...'Cause you deserve that, Buffy..you do. And I- need you
to promise that you'll do that,Buffy...for me."

Buffy's eyes held unshed tears as she stared up at him. She shook her
head slightly. "I don't know if I can do that, Angel..I can't-just-
forget you and move on. You're too much a part of me. I'm sorry, but-
I can't make that promise," she told him.

"Look, I know it all seems too hard right now- but I need to know that
you'll try, at least," he said. "Do that for me, Buffy?" he asked.

Buffy looked at him for a few seconds, then nodded. "I will..try, I
mean."

Angel gave her a slight smile. He felt slightly better knowing that
she'd one day be happy again.

"I have something for you," Angel told her, reaching into his pocket.
"It's not much, really- but it's, a goodbye present." He held a velvet
jewelry box in his hands.

Buffy looked down at it in his hands.

*And your hands
 that I held in mine
 Now they're reposing on the pillow
 Will they ever miss me some time?*

She looked up at Angel.

Finally, he handed her the box. "Don't open it, just now," Angel told
her. "Wait- until I'm gone..When you really need to- when the pain is
too much- open it then," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I, um, actually, have something for you, too. I was-
gonna leave it by your door but- well, you're here now," she said.

Buffy reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch bag
and handed it to him. "There's just a little something in there to
remember me by..in case you forget," she told him.

Angel shook his head. "I won't ever forget you, Buffy..I won't," he
swore to her.

Buffy knew that he meant it. She'd never forget him either. Ever. He'd
always be in her heart, just as she'd always be in his.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

Buffy remembered that she had something else for him.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out a cassette tape. "This is for
you, too. It's- a tape of this song-that- kinda reflects the way I
feel bout you leaving..You can- play it while you open the bag-or,
whenever. I know I don't know your musical taste but- I just had to
give it you. The song just- seems like it was written for us," Buffy
told him.

Angel nodded and placed the two items in his pocket.

He looked back down at Buffy.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Buffy could tell that Angel had something on his mind. She knew it was
probably the fact that he was leaving and they'd no longer be
together, but she had to ask anyway.

"Is there- something else on your mind?" she asked him softly.

"It's nothing- It's just *this*... It's just so-," Angel began.

Buffy knew what he was going to say. "Painful," she said, finishing
his sentence for him. "I know."

"I wish things could be different, Buffy," he told her.

Buffy nodded. "I know," she agreed. "Me too."

Buffy shrugged slightly. "Well, it's getting kind of late. You should
probably go now, or- you'll miss your train," she told him. As much as
Buffy hated having to say that, it was the truth.

Angel nodded. "I know," he whispered.

Buffy stared up at him.

Angel leaned down towards her face slightly.

Buffy just stared into his eyes.

He leaned forward a few more inches until his lips met hers for a soft
kiss.

The power between the two of them brought their lips together again,
as they kissed again.

Buffy closed her eyes, wrapped up in the moment, as Angel did the same.

*Your eyes
 that always make me shiver
 Now they are closed
 They just sometimes twitch a little*

As Angel's arms wrapped tightly around her, Buffy moved her hand to
Angel's face and brought her other arm around his neck, deepening
their kiss.

As they shared this passionate kiss goodbye, Buffy was reminded of the
first time they kissed goodbye- when they first decided that they
shouldn't be together.

Their conversation just a minute ago was even similar to the one they
had that night.
*"I just wanted to see if you were ok, and your mother," Angel said
when they finally reached each other. "We're both good..you?" Buffy
asked. "If I can go a little while without being shot or stabbed, I'll
be alright," he answered with a slight chuckle. He became more
serious. "Look, this can't.." he started. "Ever-be anything" Buffy
finished, "I know. For one thing your like two hundred and twenty four
years older then I am," she said with a smile. "I just gotta..I gotta
walked away from this," Angel told her. Buffy nodded. "I know, me
too....One of us has to go here," she said. Angel nodded slightly. "I
know," he said in a whisper, then leaned in and kissed her.*

Their kiss was even during the same song-although, again, Willow had
arranged that.

But Buffy knew that this would be their last kiss goodbye. And unlike
the previous time, this one was goodbye forever.

Buffy held on tighter to Angel as they kissed, not wanting to ever let
go. Savoring the feel of his body close to hers for the last time.

*And your body
 I could hold for an hour
 It sent me to heaven
 With it's heat and power*

Slowly, Buffy and Angel pulled apart, looking deeply into each other's
eyes as they did so.

Tears were in both of their eyes.

As soon as Angel saw Buffy's face filled with tears, he pulled her
back into his embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her tiny body,
hugging her close to him.

Angel stroked the back of her hair as he held her.

After a few seconds, they pulled away again.

"I have to go now," Angel told Buffy softly.

"Ok," she said trying not to make it any harder for them. She tried to
hold back the tears from pouring down her face again, but one had
already slipped out of her eye. Then another, then another.

Angel moved his hand to her cheeks and wiped some of the tears from
her eyes.

Buffy grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. She closed her
eyes a she took in the feel of his touch for the last time. Then she
guided his hand down to her lips and kissed the back of it.

Angel closed his own eyes as she did this.

Slowly, Buffy moved his hand down to rest beneath her chin.

Tears were forming in Angel's eyes again.
He was wishing more then ever that he wasn't a vampire- so that none
of this would have to happen. So that he wouldn't have to leave the
girl that he loved more then anything in the world.

"Please don't go, Angel. Please. I can't do this without you..I can't-
live without you, Angel. Please don't leave me," Buffy pleaded with
him as tears ran down her pale cheeks. She knew that she was being
unfair to him saying this, but she couldn't help but say how she felt
at that moment.

Angel's eyes flooded with tears. He would have done anything for
Buffy. Anything, He'd give the world to her- if she asked for it. But
staying in Sunnydale was one thing he could not d o for her. He would
not put her in danger of Spike's attempts at using him to restore
Druscilla or trying to make him a normal vampire again.

Angel placed his gentle hand back to rest on the side of Buffy's face.
He caressed her cheek lightly.

Tears continued to roll down both of their cheeks.

"Buffy, when I got my soul back, I never once thought that I'd be able
to love again or that anyone could ever love me..But..when I met you,
things changed..I fell in love with you, you were able to fall in love
with me. And I- was the happiest I'd ever been in all my life-because
you made me feel complete- you made me feel, almost- human..because
you made me feel loved. Of course, there was still loneliness, still
pain, but there was love too- The love I had for you and the love you
had for me. And it was the greatest thing that could ever happen to
me-you gave me the greatest thing the greatest gift off all..your
love, your heart. And I thank you for that, Buffy. I'd love to give
something more then just my love-and my heart for you- in return, but
staying here..I can't do. You know that, Buffy..You know that if it
were in any way possible to stay here with you, I would..But I can't,
with this," Angel told her.

He continued. "You mean the world to me Buffy. And I'll never stop
missing you, never stop loving you..Your eyes, your hair, your lips,
your warmth,  your smile, your touch..I'll never stop," he told her.

Buffy stared at him with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Angel pulled her close to him again, giving her one last, soft kiss on
her lips. It didn't last as long as the previous one, but it was still
magical.

Angel pulled away from her slowly. He looked at her for a few more
seconds.

"Goodbye, Buffy," he said, softly.

Buffy tried to say something but words couldn't escape her mouth, only
sobs. She just stood there looking at him with tears pouring out of
her eyes.

Angel looked at her for one more moment, then turned and headed
towards the exit of the Bronze.

Buffy watched him walk away from her.

"Angel..don't go," Buffy whispered, mainly to herself, in tears.

Angel passed where Willow and Xander were standing.

They, too, watched as he headed towards the door.

Xander shook his head in disgust, then turned towards Willow. "He
walks right past us, knowing that he'll never again see our faces, and
he doesn't even say goodbye?!? The nerve of some vampires!" he said.

Willow shrugged. "He said goodbye to me...He- came by my house the
other night- and- said goodbye," Willow told him.

Xander shook his head again.

Just before reaching the door, Angel paused. He turned to look back at
Buffy one last time. He'd never see her beautiful face again.

"I love you," he whispered to her, then turned and walked out of the
bronze.

Buffy wiped some of the tears from her eyes, only to have more pour
from them again.

"Goodbye, Angel" she whispered in between sobs, "I love you too," she
said staring at the now empty space in front of the door, as the song
that was playing ended.

*I'll remember you
 You will be there in my heart
 I'll remember you
 And that is all that I can do
 But I'll remember*

TO BE CONTINUED























_________________________________________________________
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-



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

From: Gabriel N Nichols <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Our Hearts Will Go On 6/6
Date: 22 Mar 1998 19:09:32 -0500 (EST)

    I just read this story.  It was awsome during the last part I put
the song on in my room and it was just amazing.  I don't usually gfet into
the fics but when I was done there were tears in my eyes.  good job



-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (prolouge/?)
Date: 23 Mar 1998 02:20:33 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (prolouge/?)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
-Ireland 1775-

      A young girl at the age of 15 waved goodbye to her family as
the carriage took off down the dirt road.
       The young girls name is Caitlin and she's very gifted with the
art of magic. Her mother and father saw it fit that she study to train
and hone her powers. They kept it secret not wanting to stir up trouble
and told those who asked that she was going away to school in London.
That's where her tutor will be awaiting her arrival.
       She had a very average family. A mother, a father, and two older
brothers. Patrick and Angelus. Out of all her family members, her
brother Angelus was the only one who understood her. Perhaps,
because they were so much alike. They not only looked alike,
they thought alike. Both Caitlin and Angelus wanted to be different.
They wanted to be able to think what they wanted to and to make t
heir own decisions. Who to marry, when to marry, who to speak to,
what to do. Caitlin and her brother never realized how easy they had
it until it was to late

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End of prolouge............to be continued

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (1/?)
Date: 23 Mar 1998 02:20:43 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (1/?)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

-4 years later, Ireland 1779-

When Caitlin returned home from her studies, what greeted her was
not what she expected. When the carriage stopped in front of her
home she got out, and what had greeted her was not what she
expected.

When she walked into the house, she saw the most horrific thing
she could ever have imagined.  The dead bodies of her family were
strewn about the house.  The blood was drained from their bodies;
their eyes wide open in terror.  Caitlin immediately knew that a vampire
had killed her family, and her suspicions were confirmed when she saw
the tell-tale bite marks on each of their necks.  Her mentor had warned
her about the creatures of the dark.  How merciless they were, and how
they thrived on pain and torture.  But nothing could have prepared her
for this, not in a million years would she think it could happen to her.

She ran away from the house as fast as she could, letting tears blur
her vision. She stopped at the edge of a cliff overlooking the town. She
contemplated jumping, there was nothing left to live for, but something
held her back. Revenge. She would not rest until she killed whoever did
this. It never once entered her mind at the time why she did not see
Angelus among the bodies.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As dusk approached Caitlin sat in a pastuer, armed with a stake and a
cross. Knowing full well the demon would come looking for a meal. She
also knew that even if she lost the fight this time, in the end she would
overcome. After all she did have an eternity ahead of her. When her
mentor gave her some spell books, he didn't expect her to actually
cast the spells. They were to study from, and become accustomed
to the concept of them, but she went beyond her teachings and cast
a very old, and powerful spell. One that granted her immortality.


"Caitlin," she heard a dear voice call from behind her, "is that you?"
Angelus asked.

Caitlin jumped to her feet and hugged him to her.

"Angel, thank God you're alright. They're all dead, it killed them,"
she sobbed into his coat.

"Shh, it's alright," he cooed while stroking her her "I'll take care of you."

Caitlin suddenly got a funny feeling. Realization struck her. She didn't
hear a heartbeat underneath her ear, no heaving of his chest with
every breath, and the tone of his voice sounded almost as if it was
mocking her. She looked up into her former brother's face to see that
of a demon's.

"No!" she screamed. "Not Angel, not him."

"Sorry witch, Angel's dead and you're about to join him," Angelus
sneered. "And please call me Angelus."

Caitlin was to stunned to move or even fight back, so when the vampire
sunk his fangs into her neck she slowly let darkness claim her. It was
time to tell if her spell worked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

She blinked her eyes to accustom herself to the bright rays of the sun.
She had one heck of a headache and every bone in her body ached.

 "Well at least my spell worked, or I'd wouldn't be here now," she
murmured to herself.

Caitlin looked up into the sky and silently vowed to avenge her family
and bring her brother back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

-The Present, Sunnydale CA, 1998-

Caitlin walked out of Sunnydale airport into the late afternoon sun.

"So this is the Hellmouth," she muttered to herself. "Let the fun begin."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End part1..........to be continued

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (2/?)
Date: 23 Mar 1998 02:20:52 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (2/?)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 "I really don't want you guys to come hunting with me," Buffy started

"We just want to know you're safe," Willow assured.

"Safety in numbers," Xander reiterated.

Xander, Cordelia, and Willow had once again decided to go with Buffy
on her hunt, much to her objections. It was a pretty slow night. Two
vamps and no surprise threats from Angelus.

"So are you finished yet?" Cordelia spoke up.

Ever since she and Xander got their so-called relationship out into the
open, she felt as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She'd
never admit it outloud, but she enjoyed being part of the group. And
was thankful to them for accepting her when she wouldn't accept them.

"Yes, I just have to check in with Giles," Bufy answered. "He wants
me to check in after every hunt. Ever since..." she trailed off.

The group nodded their heads solemnly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Further up ahead Caitlin was making her way to the library when a
dinner seeking vamp decided to attack her. Not wasting any time
she quickly dispatched the vampire with a quick burst of fire from
her finger tips. Caitlin was so caught up in making her way to the
Watcher, a one Rupert Giles, she was oblivious to the small group
of onlookers including the Slayer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Oh, my God. Did you see that?" Bufy asked wide jawed.

"Uh, huh," Willow squeked.

"Another super chic? Think she'll go out with me?" Xander asked.

Cordelia elbowed him hard and gave him one of her famous glares.

"Just wondering," Xander shrugged.

"I think Giles needs to know about this," Buffy supplied and took off
towards the library.

The rest followed close behind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In a warehouse on the bad side of town Spike was scolding Angelus
once again.

"What are you witing for? New Year's 3022," Spike practically yelled.

"Patience is a virtue," Angelus retorted. "It's no fun if you rush things."

"It would be fun if she was dead," Spike snapped back.

"How are you going to have fun? Pop wheelies in your chair?"
Angelus chuckled.

"Your going to be sorry when I get out of this chair," Spike conceded.

"I'm counting the years," Angelus wasn't fazed by Spike's threat.

"Spike darling. Leave well enough alone. Angel knows what he's doing."
Drusilla assured him. "Isn't that right my Angel?"

"You got it baby," he answered.

All of a sudden Drusilla started moaning and holding her head.

"Dru, baby. What is it?" Spike asked worriedly.

"Someone's come. Someone new and powerful. Come to change it all,"
she whined.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End part 2........to be continued.




-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (3/?)
Date: 23 Mar 1998 02:21:01 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (3/?)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the library Giles was reading through some spell books, searching
for a spell to restore a person's soul.  Ever since Angel had changed
over, things had gotten worse.  Buffy was in deep denial, believing the
outcome of the past few weeks was her fault, and longing for Angel to
come back.  Willow and Xander tried to be strong for her, but were
truly afraid of what Angelus might do given his past, and of course,
no one was speaking with Ms. Calendar.

"Rupert," came a soft voice fom his office doorway.

He turned his head to see who was there

"Jenny, what ah, what can I do for you?" he asked.

"I figured you would be here. Can we talk?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm a-a little busy right now and frankly I don't want to have this
conversation just yet," he replied hotly.

"Well then just listen to what I have to say. Ok?" she almost begged.

Giles hesitated, but then nodded in response.

"You have every right to hate me. I wasn't honest with you. Even
after being in the loop," she paused and took a deep breath. "But
you have to believe me when I say I didn't know this was going to
happen, or I swear I would've told you," she stopped and waited for
some type of response. Even a "get out" would do better then the
silence she was recieving. When he finally spoke she sucked in a
ragged breath.

"I don't hate you. I could never hate you. It just hurts that you didn't
believe you could trust me, us, with your secret. Even after we told
you all of ours," Giles made aware. "Angel's saved all our lives at
some point and now he threatens that very same existance. I
considerd him a friend a valuable ally. I can't help thinking that if
you didn't hold back such vital information, things would've tuned
out differently," he stopped.

"I know," Jenny whispered.

"And I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. It's Buffy. She
is the one who's hurting the most," Giles added.

"I've tried, but she won't speak to me," Jenny supplied.

"Do you blame her?" Giles stated more then asked.

"No," she answered smally.

"Hello," a new voice rang out. "Is anybody here?"

"Yes, what can I do for you?" Giles greeted while stepping out
of his office with Jenny in tow.

There stood a tall girl about 18 or 19 with long thick brownish-black
hair. Dark brown eyes and a creamy complexion. Her chiseled features
highlighted her prominant cheekbones. She wore a black leather jacket,
charcoal gray pants, and a black form fitting shirt with exposed a small
amount of her muscled midriff.

"You wouldn't by any chance be Rupert Giles?" the girl asked.

"Yes," Giles answered looking perplexed.

"The Watcher, Rupert Giles?" she asked to be sure.

"How did you know that?" Giles blurted out.

"My names Caitlin. Angel's my brother," she informed him.

"Dear God," Giles gasped.

"You look just like him, except in a... girl way," Jenny observed.
"The resemblance is amazing."

"But Angel told us he killed all his family," Giles said with a
questioning look.

"That's a long story. One I'm willing to tell if you'll agree to help me
help him," she bargained.

"Yes, of course. Please sit down," Giles agreed, and offered her a chair.

"Where to begin?" Caitlin asked more to herself then the others once
she was seated.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
End part 3.........to be continued.



-



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

From: IRamadi <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Introduction
Date: 23 Mar 1998 03:57:52 EST

Hi,

thought i might inroduce myself.  my name is idham and i am from london.  over
here they are currently ended series 2 - i think (where all the people are the
prom turns to vampires and hell mouth opened up etc) and about to start series
3 over here next sat.  just wondering how far behind we are with america.

i like the series alot, it's like a mini horror film and has made me jump
loads of times.  how popular is it over there?

anyway, look forward to receiving loads of interesting messages,

idham

-



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

From: Margaret Wang <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Introduction
Date: 23 Mar 1998 01:11:11 -0800

IRamadi wrote:

> over
> here they are currently ended series 2 - i think (where all the people are the
> prom turns to vampires and hell mouth opened up etc) and about to start series
> 3 over here next sat.  just wondering how far behind we are with america.

  Whoa, I don't remember all the people at the prom turning to vampires.  Maybe in
London you're actually ahead in the episodes! :)


-



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

From: Margaret Wang <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: whoops
Date: 23 Mar 1998 01:34:16 -0800

Sorry memory lapse, you can just ignore the message I wrote before.


-



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

From: moonsw <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe
Date: 23 Mar 1998 12:34:03 -0800 (PST)

unsubscribe buffyfic-digest

-



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

From: Greeneteen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (6/?) by Ingrid
Date: 23 Mar 1998 16:44:11 EST

could u please send me 1-5 of footsteps?

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (8/8) by Ingrid
Date: 23 Mar 1998 18:09:38 -0500

First things first...
DISCLAIMER: The characters of Willow, Buffy,
Spike, Drusilla and Angel(us) are the property
of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar Productions,
and The Warner Brothers Network, and are used without
permission. The author claims no rights to these characters.

SUMMARY: The last part, but there will be an epilogue to
follow. This one's a whole lot of action, and we get to see
both Buffy and Angelus. If you don't get this, that's cause you
haven't read the other parts. If you want to get this, write to
me and request them. Send me some feedback. I need
self-esteem boosters! =)

WARNING: A PG-13 for violence and language.

Thanks to Jen the noodlebrain for her editing and
conception assistance.

******************
 "Footsteps," by Ingrid
 Part Eight
 ******************

The racket was deafening as they got to the warehouse.
Willow heard two voices, the sound of fists making
contact, and then a loud crash. As the metal door creaked
open echoes of shouting assaulted her. Before sheÆd
blinked, a body flew across the room, and the slayer
stepped into the center floor.

"I canÆt believe you bothered to come all the way over here
to let me kill you. You could have at least saved me for the
travel expense."

She planted a swift kick to his stomach. Willow had trouble
following her lightning-fast moves, and wondered where
sheÆd learned to fight like that.

Certainly never in the library.

A stake was high in the air in an instant, and Willow crashed
into the room suddenly, a surge of emotions overtaking her.

"WAIT!" She screamed as the stake began its descent. Buffy
looked up almost simultaneously and her eyes popped open
in horror at seeing her friend as a vampire for the first time.
Angel took full advantage, popping her in the jaw fiercely. She
fell to the ground with a grunt.

"Thanks," he grinned at Willow as Buffy scrambled to her feet.

Again Willow noticed his gaunt face. The cheeks were hollow,
and his eyes sunken in. It simply made his grin all the more
revolting to look at. Anger rose within her, and with a surge of
adrenaline, she rushed at Angelus before he could make his
next attack. She slammed him against the wall with a strength
sheÆd never imagined herself capable of.

"Who said I was helping you," she snarled, her face transforming.

Buffy stood watching, unable to recover from the shock. Spike
stood behind her, and neither of them made a move for each
other. Both were too amazed to be capable of any action.

They all waited for an action from Willow. "*What happened to
Dru,*"  she said in a low, even growl.

Angel turned away and looked at the floor, refusing to answer.

With a shattering blow, she broke his jaw. Spike winced, Buffy
noticed, but she continued to watch her former best friend.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO DRU," she screamed at the bleeding
Angel. In a cracked and faint voice he answered her. Buffy and
Spike strained unsuccessfully to hear what the vampire was
saying.

Willow heard.

"Well, you see, It happened like this. A few months ago, we got
stuck in an alley until the sun went down."

He rested his head against the wall.

"Drusilla kept whining about her dolls, and normally I wouldnÆt
mind it, but I was having a bad dayà"

Willow leaned in closer as his voice grew even quieter. "So I
shoved her out into the street." He looked at the oblivious
Spike with the best impression of a grin he could manage.

Crimson liquid oozed from his lips.

Then he turned back to Willow, coughing briefly on his own
blood. "Oh donÆt worry," he breathed, "She didnÆt suffer for
long."

Despite his position, the snicker that followed was triumphant.

With a quick lunge, she ripped a bloody hole in his face, and
turned around. Moving with a speed rivaling BuffyÆs, she
grabbed the stake out of the slayerÆs hand, and wasted no time
in plunging it through the vampireÆs heart. A scattering of dust
tingled her skin, bringing life back into her bloody hands.

"Bastard," she whispered to the floor.

She turned around and barely smiled at Buffy as her face
reverted back to its human form.

Buffy didnÆt move. She didnÆt know what to make of the situation,
and almost jerked away when she felt the cold hands deliver the
stake to her.

Willow backed away.

"Consider it an act of good faith," she shrugged, and pulled an
incredulous Spike with her upstairs.

Buffy remained there for some time, staring at the stake in her
hands.
***
END. (Epilogue to follow)
Didja like? Write to me at [e-mail].
_______________________________________________________________
Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
"Tragic
Sighs" and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (8/8) by Ingrid
Date: 23 Mar 1998 18:34:20 EST

Absolutely wonderful!!! I love reading your stories. Please don't stop!!!

-



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

From: Jecilop <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (7/?) by Ingrid
Date: 23 Mar 1998 18:43:46 EST

Keep it coming. This stories great.

-



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

From: AlysFaire <[e-mail]>
Subject: DISCUSS: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (8/8) by Ingrid
Date: 23 Mar 1998 20:03:52 EST

Ingrid!

Wow, that was *great*!  I really enjoyed this story and I'm looking forward to
your epilogue.

Spike and Willow~who'd have thunk it?! <g>  (works for me) :-)

Thanks for a wonderfully offbeat story.

Alys

ps~any chance of more Spike/Willow tales in the future? pretty please? :-)

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: RE: BUFFYFIC: Introduction
Date: 24 Mar 1998 03:18:23

Hi Idham,

I don't know what channel you're watching if they're
going to show series 3, but I sure wish I had it! :) I
watch Sky One and we've just reached the end of the
first season - the episode where Buffy is killed and
she gets revived by Xander. Nice to welcome someone
else from England to the list, though I had thought
you'd be as far behind those in the US as I am. :) This

being a fanfic list I didn't think of introducing
myself... if there's anyone out there curious I'd be
more than willing to have a go. :) I've been here just
over a month now, Idham, and I hope yo get as much fun
from reading the great fic that comes in as I have.

Betzi



-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: RE: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" (8/8) by Ingrid
Date: 24 Mar 1998 03:18:10

Thought it was just *great*! You are such a good
storyteller. More! Please! More!

Betzi


-



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

From: "Angel's Lover" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Restoration Part Four of ?????
Date: 24 Mar 1998 00:18:07 PST

This is part four of a continuing story of mine... nothing big.. just the=
 tale of how Angelus is reversed back into Angel.  I have no idea where =
it's going.. hell, I barely know where it's been so my plan is basically =
to keep on writing until it tells me it's finished.  The characters of =
BtVS are not mine, they belogn to Joss and Mutant Enemy Productions and =
WB Productions...  I am making no money off of this, and no copyright inf=
ringement was intended.  All my stories are archived at my homepage, Heav=
en's Gates:  http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/3863 , comments are alway=
s appreciated.. please direct them all to Lea at either [e-mail]=
g or [e-mail] .  Thanks, and enjoy!

_______________________


    Restoration ~ Part Four

    She hesitated for a moment before raising her hand to knock on Angel's =
door.  She knew he was there, she could feel him standing behind the door=
 waiting for her arrival.  His presence was in everything.
    She tapped lightly.  The door opened almost immediately, and she found =
herself staring up into chocolate brown eyes that housed centuries of wis=
dom and pain.  Eyes she loved with all her heart.
    "Hi," she murmered weakly, the sight of him taking her breath away.
    He smiled, "Hi, yourself."  He stepped back to allow her to enter his =
appartment.  She wasn't sure what she expected as the door closed behind =
her; maybe she expected him to suddently revert back into his evil self; =
maybe she expected him to want her to sleep with him, attempting to pick =
up where they had left off; maybe she expected him to turn his back on =
her, hating her for what she had helped him to become.  Whatever it was =
that she was expecting, it didn't happen.
    She watched him silently, unsure as to what to say or do as Angel sudden=
ly crumpled before her eyes.  He moved across the loft, sinking heavily =
onto his sofa, resting his head in his hands.  Buffy sat down beside him,=
 resting her hand on his back as he tried to regain his composure.
    After a while he raised his eyes back to meet her gaze.  How awful it =
must be for him having to live forever knowing the pain and sorrow he inf=
licted upon others, especially now that he had killed yet another friend.=
  She sighed, moving closer to him, slowly moving her hand to softly stro=
ke his hair as he rested his head upon her shoulder.
    He had always been the strong one in their relationship, someone for her=
 to turn to when she didn't know what to do.  He had helped her when thin=
gs between her mother and Ted confused her.  He had held her while she cr=
ied, at last coming to terms with what she suffered at the hands of the =
Master.  He had saved her life, all of their lives, more times than she =
could count.  He had held her close and tenderly made love to her when =
the world seemed like it was coming to an end.  Now, when it was her turn=
 to hold him, her turn to impart the words of wisdom that would ease his =
agonized soul, no words would pass her lips.
    Thankfully, she needed no words to help him, her mere presence eased his=
 troubled heart in many ways.  He had feared desperately that she would =
not show tonight.  It may have been her request to see him, but given tim=
e, a step back from the suddenness of the situation, and Giles' unfavoura=
ble influence, he feared she may change her mind.  Worse yet, he feared =
that if she did show, it would be to tell him his actions had been unforg=
iveable, and she no longer could bring herself to love him.  Though the =
terrible truth of his evil tortured his every breath, it was the thought =
of losing Buffy that terrified him the most.  Never before had he loved, =
had allowed himself to be loved like this, to lose that love now would =
be insurmountable.
    He took a deep breath, his emotions calming as he slowly pulled away fro=
m her comforting embrace.  "How'd it go with Giles?" he asked, quietly.
    She shrugged, drawing her legs underneath herself.  "Could have gone wor=
se.  Could have gone better, too, but at this point I'll take what I can =
get."
    "Does he know you're here?"
    She nodded, "He's not leaping for joy with the thought,but he says he =
won't stop us from being together."
    He paused, his fingers turning the ring on his hand nervously.  "And me?=
"
    She shook her head, "Trust me, you don't want to go there."
    "Bad?"
    "Way bad."
    "As opposed to..?"
    "Put it this way.. if I hadn't stopped the Master, that would be bad. =
 We're way past that, probably the equivalent of at least fifteen Judges =
set loose on the world."  Buffy sighed.
    Angel grimaced. "Ouch."
    She nodded, "So don't be surprised if you don't get an invitation to the=
 next creepy city party, k?"
    His hand reached out to rest upon her shoulder, "And you?"
    Buffy tensed, dreading this question.  Rather than answer she smiled at =
him softly and shrugged.  "What do you remember about tonight?"
    "What?" his face blanked at the change of topic.
    "I remember some things.. I need to know what you can think of... I just=
 want to put everything together."
    Disappointment flashed across his features, but for the sake of them eac=
h he smothered it and allowed his thoughts to return to that night.
    "I remember you staking me through the graveyard," he began, and like =
pieces in a puzzle, the night fell into place in their minds.

**********************

    "Giles, what's got you so wigged about tonight?  It's not like I've neve=
r gone on patrole before.  Hello!  That happens to be the single most des=
tructive factor in my social life!"
    "As usual, Buffy, your depth of perception simply amazes me."
    "Yeah, well, be amazed while you tell me exactly what's going on.  You'r=
e more tense than normal, if that's humanly possible."
    "Thank you for your concern, however I suggest you concentrate less upon=
 my personal state of mind and more upon preparing for the night ahead. =
 You're going up against Angel, Buffy, not the lesser strength of a newbo=
rn.  You must prepare yourself completely if you expect to live."
    Xander scowled, "Couldn't you have just said, Butt out, Buffy, you have =
your own job to do?  Yeesh!"
    Giles frowned at him, "Xander!"
    The boy gulped, "Gone.  'Later, Buff.  'Luck!"
    Buffy smiled distractedly at her friend's back as she finished packing =
her bag of demon killing knick-knacks.
    "Buffy, get the crossbow from the weapons cage."  Giles ordered, his eye=
s tracking the girl until she disappeared.  In those few moments he slipp=
ed the orb into the bag and closed it tightly.
    Buffy came out of the back, wrinkling her nose.  "Jeez, Giles, you reall=
y need to dust back there."
    "Why, is it beginning to remind you of your room?"
    The girl blushed, abashed.  "Hell, no.  Mom dusts at least once a week."
    "God forbid you should lift a finger to help."
    "Maybe if someone would give me a night off here and there I wouldn't =
be too tired to help."
    "Perhaps if you spent less of your free time upon wasteful recreational =
activities and more time sleeping you would not be too tired after all."
    "Yeah and maybe then I'd have no friends at all, plus lose any chance =
at ever redeeming my social existance."  She sighed.  "But we've had this=
 little talk a thousand times, and you'll probably preach it at me a thou=
sand more, so let's give it up for the night.  I have a boyfriend to kill=
."
    Giles shook his head.  "And you say you have no social life."
    Buffy stared at him in wonder for a moment, finally smiling.  "Egads! =
 You do have a sense of humor!  Damn!"
    He frowned, "What?"
    "Now I owe Willow twenty dollars, and there was this sweet pair of shoes=
 I was saving up for, too!"
    "Go!  Slay.  Be smart... er.. well.. at least try hard."  Giles raised =
an eyebrow as Buffy scowled.
    "Enough with the jokes already!  You're starting to scare me." She threw=
 the bag upon her back as she headed out the door.  "I'm beginning to won=
der if Rowan Atkinson hasn't invaded your body and I'm going to have to =
slay you in personal defense."
    "Rowan Atkinson?"
    She grinned, "Turn on your tv once in a while.  You just can't miss Mr. =
Bean!"
    She slammed the door shut and bolted down the hallway before the Brittis=
h librarian could throw anything at her in a rage.  With their luck he'd =
miss, and Buffy would be left explaining how the chemistry lab blew up =
while she was passing its doors.

**********************

    Angel shifted his position on the sofa, breaking Buffy from the flood =
of memories and experiences she was relaying.
    "What?" she queried softly, losing herself in his chocolate brown eyes.
    "Dawn.  The sun will be up soon."  His eyes were full of regret.
    Buffy snapped up quickly, fear crossing her face.  "Oh, God!  Mom's gonn=
a kill me!"
    Angel handed her her jacket and quickly planted a kiss upon her forehead=
.  It warmed his heart that she didn't pull away from his touch.
    "If you hurry she may not be awake.  You can get in without being notice=
d."
    She nodded, flashing him a brief smile before darting out the door.  "Ca=
n I come back tonight to finish this?"
    He nodded, "Anytime."
    "Great, see ya then!"
    Her voice echoed up the hall, but she had already disapeared into the =
outside world.

    End Part Four!

_____________________________
Angel's Lover (fondly known as Lea)
"Love makes you do the wacky!"
"When you kiss me I want to die."
"I'm SO the net girl!"

Defender of David Boreanaz... you know, the man with the fangs!


-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: RE: Footsteps by Ingrid
Date: 24 Mar 1998 05:35:11 -0800

I just finshed reading it and all I can say is WOW!
it was one of the best story's that I have read so far
can't wait for the Epilogue.

-



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

From: "Clare H." <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC:
Date: 24 Mar 1998 12:25:00 EST

wow. i even started crying at the end. wow.

    Clare
    [e-mail]


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: RE: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (3/?)
Date: 24 Mar 1998 18:52:36

Dunno when you posted this cos I've kinda let my
mailbox overfill, but... but... you've stopped at part
3 <wail>. You're gonna do more soon, right? Like *real
soon? You had me hooked the moment I started reading.
Though I'll have to start thinking of a new way for my
story to go, I guess be both came up with the same kind

of idea for a spell that kills vampires - no worries, I

haven't even started the real planning yet :).

Betzi


-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (3/?)
Date: 24 Mar 1998 16:14:22 EST

I'm sorry if I messed up your idea. It sort of popped into my head, and I went
with it. :) It's my way to deal with the whole Angel situation on the show.
More parts will be coming out soon, and I only posted them a few days ago.
Glad you liked it though.


                                            Melinda

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Rachel {vampireprincess})
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re:Welcome to the Hellmouth, Scully
Date: 24 Mar 1998 18:43:10 -0800

Hey!
Isn't it weird that you should write
a fan fic about my two most favorite shows.
Wow.
Thank you sosososososososo much!
It was really awesome too.
good job!
-Rachel

++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Did Norman Bates have a motive?  Did they ever figure out why Hannibal
Lector liked to eat people?  DON'T THINK SO!"
-Billy Loomis 'Scream'
---scream-----------------------------------------------scream 2---

Buffy The Vampire Slayer:
**BUFFYFIC List**Faithful Followers of Xander**Xanderite Keeper of:
Xander's oh-so-yummy hyena stage, cute Buffy chasing, and Willow's ear
lick...**
--vampire----------------------buffy----------------------vampire--
X-Files:
WLDD**SPCDD**DDSB**GBLA**DDPOL**LODD**X-F Creative**^Friend^ Shipper
MY DD WEBSITE:Obsessed with David Duchovny
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/4440/
If you believe, no proof is necessary. If you don't, no proof is
sufficient.



-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" Epilogue: "Going Home," by Ingrid
Date: 24 Mar 1998 20:49:32 -0500

First things first...
DISCLAIMER: The characters of Willow, Buffy,
Spike, Drusilla and Angel(us) are the property
of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar Productions,
and The Warner Brothers Network, and are used without
permission. The author claims no rights to these characters.

SUMMARY: The long awaited epilogue (I *am* being
sarcastic). This one's a whole lot of action, and we get
to see both Buffy and Angelus. If you don't get this,
that's cause you haven't read the other parts. If you
want to get this, write to me and request them. Send
me some feedback. I need self-esteem boosters! =)

May I add a thank you for all the feedback I've gotten.
My mailbox exploded, making me extremely tense,
thanks to this crazy week. Now I'm eating thinmints
and drinking coffee...and bouncing off the walls!

WARNING:  I think I cursed in this part. Be warned.

 *********************
 "Footsteps," by Ingrid
 Epilogue: "Going Home"
 *********************

 A constant dripping echoing from the main floor
stirred them both awake in bed. She shifted slightly,
pulling the covers to her chin and pressing herself
more firmly against her loverÆs body. It didnÆt help
much. He was nearly as cold as she was.

He pulled her to him in a vain attempt for warmth.
It did seem to comfort her, though.

She was the first to interrupt the still that had come
over them.

"We can leave tomorrow night."

"But for where?"

"I donÆt know. Europe? ItÆs a little old."

"Too many of us there," he agreed. Neither one of
them mentioned Buffy.

"IÆve always wanted to visit India," she revealed,
smiling hopefully.

"India. ItÆs warm there," he answered, sharing
a shiver that passed through them as if they were
one body.

"Then itÆs settled."

There was nothing to worry about, he thought, and
smiled as the image of Angelus turning to dust
flashed before his eyes. She was safe.

And soon they would be far off, leaving Sunnydale
nothing more than a distant memory. They could put
this time away in the attic and never look back.
What was worth remembering? Angelus? The slayer?

Drusilla...

She seemed to understand almost telepathically. She
caressed his jaw as she spoke.

"Do you want to know what he told me?"

He was taken aback with the situation. He wasnÆt used
to being the one in the dark. In fact, he couldnÆt remember
a time when he wasnÆt leading Dru around by the hand.
Willow lay above him now with some secret that gave
her the advantage.

He liked it.

"Yes," he answered, trying to remember what Drusilla
looked like, and only coming up with an image of a petite
redhead.

Her mouth opened in what might have been a sentence,
but then she stopped and seemed to consider for a moment.
She slowly lay back down beside him, pulled his arm around
her waist, and began speaking to the ceiling in hushed tones.

"The slayer killed her," she explained gently, "early on. It was
only a few days after their arrival. Angelus didnÆt see fit to
come back until he was forced to."

Spike nodded and tucked her head beneath his own, and they
rested without moving for some time.

"Why did you stake him," he asked eventually, running his
fingers through her soft curls.

 "He insulted my dress."

 ****
END
Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
"Tragic
Sighs" and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: "Kirstin" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" Epilogue: "Going Home," by Ingrid
Date: 24 Mar 1998 23:01:13 -0500

please write more spike and willow stuff!!!!!  i love it!!!!!  this story
was really great -- well written and enthralling. :)  more!

Kirstin -- [e-mail]
Keeper of Giles' Football Flag (GASPer)
Keeper of Cordelia's everlasting position as "Victim of the Week"
Member of the Buffy Crew

----------
> From: Ingrid E Stanton <[e-mail]>
> To: [e-mail]
> Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" Epilogue: "Going Home," by Ingrid
> Date: Tuesday, March 24, 1998 8:49 PM
>=20
> First things first...
> DISCLAIMER: The characters of Willow, Buffy,=20
> Spike, Drusilla and Angel(us) are the property=20
> of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar Productions,=20
> and The Warner Brothers Network, and are used without=20
> permission. The author claims no rights to these characters.=20
>=20
> SUMMARY: The long awaited epilogue (I *am* being=20
> sarcastic). This one's a whole lot of action, and we get=20
> to see both Buffy and Angelus. If you don't get this,=20
> that's cause you haven't read the other parts. If you=20
> want to get this, write to me and request them. Send=20
> me some feedback. I need self-esteem boosters! =3D)=20
>=20
> May I add a thank you for all the feedback I've gotten.
> My mailbox exploded, making me extremely tense,
> thanks to this crazy week. Now I'm eating thinmints
> and drinking coffee...and bouncing off the walls!
>=20
> WARNING:  I think I cursed in this part. Be warned.
>=20
>  *********************
>  "Footsteps," by Ingrid
>  Epilogue: "Going Home"
>  *********************
> =20
>  A constant dripping echoing from the main floor=20
> stirred them both awake in bed. She shifted slightly,=20
> pulling the covers to her chin and pressing herself=20
> more firmly against her lover=92s body. It didn=92t help=20
> much. He was nearly as cold as she was.=20
> =20
> He pulled her to him in a vain attempt for warmth.=20
> It did seem to comfort her, though.
> =20
> She was the first to interrupt the still that had come=20
> over them.=20
> =20
> "We can leave tomorrow night."
> =20
> "But for where?"
> =20
> "I don=92t know. Europe? It=92s a little old."
> =20
> "Too many of us there," he agreed. Neither one of=20
> them mentioned Buffy.
> =20
> "I=92ve always wanted to visit India," she revealed,=20
> smiling hopefully.
> =20
> "India. It=92s warm there," he answered, sharing=20
> a shiver that passed through them as if they were=20
> one body.=20
> =20
> "Then it=92s settled."
> =20
> There was nothing to worry about, he thought, and=20
> smiled as the image of Angelus turning to dust=20
> flashed before his eyes. She was safe.=20
> =20
> And soon they would be far off, leaving Sunnydale=20
> nothing more than a distant memory. They could put=20
> this time away in the attic and never look back.
> What was worth remembering? Angelus? The slayer?
> =20
> Drusilla...
> =20
> She seemed to understand almost telepathically. She=20
> caressed his jaw as she spoke.
> =20
> "Do you want to know what he told me?"
> =20
> He was taken aback with the situation. He wasn=92t used=20
> to being the one in the dark. In fact, he couldn=92t remember=20
> a time when he wasn=92t leading Dru around by the hand.
> Willow lay above him now with some secret that gave
> her the advantage.
> =20
> He liked it.=20
> =20
> "Yes," he answered, trying to remember what Drusilla=20
> looked like, and only coming up with an image of a petite=20
> redhead. =09
> =20
> Her mouth opened in what might have been a sentence,=20
> but then she stopped and seemed to consider for a moment.=20
> She slowly lay back down beside him, pulled his arm around=20
> her waist, and began speaking to the ceiling in hushed tones.
> =20
> "The slayer killed her," she explained gently, "early on. It was=20
> only a few days after their arrival. Angelus didn=92t see fit to=20
> come back until he was forced to."
> =20
> Spike nodded and tucked her head beneath his own, and they=20
> rested without moving for some time.
> =20
> "Why did you stake him," he asked eventually, running his=20
> fingers through her soft curls.=20
> =20
>  "He insulted my dress."
>=20
>  ****
> END
> Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
> Normalcy,"
> "One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
> "Tragic
> Sighs" and "Footsteps."
>=20
> _____________________________________________________________________
> You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
> Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
> Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>=20
>=20
> -

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (3/?)
Date: 25 Mar 1998 00:23:42 EST

<<I'm sorry if I messed up your idea. It sort of popped into my head, and I
went
with it. :) It's my way to deal with the whole Angel situation on the show.
More parts will be coming out soon, and I only posted them a few days ago.
Glad you liked it though.>>

Please excuse this message. It was meant to be sent privately, I didn't
realize I sent it to the list. Sorry 'bout that. :)

Melinda

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (4/?)
Date: 25 Mar 1998 01:41:19 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (4/?)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Caitlin was deep in discussion with Giles and Jenny when the gang burst
through the library doors.

"Giles your not going to believe this," Buffy emitted loudly.

The group stopped short when they saw the newcomer.

"Buffy, I'm gald you're here. Please why don't you all sit down," Giles
proposed. "There's some things you should hear."

When the group was seated Giles cleared his throat softly.

"This is Caitlin," he introduced. "Angel's sister."

"Wow," Willow's eyes lit up.

"You look just like him," Buffy's eyes began to well up with tears.

"Wait a second," Xander interrupted, "I thought Angel killed his family."

"Have some sympathy." Cordelia complained.

"You must be Xander," Caitlin guessed.

"How did you know that?" he asked astonished.

"My brother describes you as ungrateful, oblivious to what's right in front of
you, sarcastic, and annoying," Caitlin stated. "Am I right?" she asked the
other occupants of the room.

"Yep," they replied in unison.

"Hey, I resent that!" Xander shouted.

"As for the how did I know question. I know about all of you or what Angel
told me," was Caitlin's explanation.

" But Angel's dead," Buffy lowered her head sadly.

"It seems that Angel and his sister have some sort of tie that binds his soul
to hers. He can speak with her when she dreams," Giles explained.

"I haven't seen Angel in over 200 years. So he never knew I was alive, but
since for some odd reason our souls are connected, his can communicate with
mine, subconsciously, he doesn't realize I can pick up on his thoughts. It's
hard to explain," Caitlin mumbled.

"Why are you here?" Cordelia spoke up.

"I've come to restore Angel's soul permanently," Caitlin spoke matter-of-
factly.

"You can do that? When? How?" Buffy couldn't contain her excitement.

Caitlin smiled. "Soon. The night of the full moon which is 3 days away. But it
won't work unless all of you are willing to participate."

"We'll come back to the ritual later," Giles jumped in before anymore
questions could be asked, but Xander beat him to it.

"You still didn't tell us why your not, well...." he stopped.

"Dead," Caitlin supplied

Xander nodded his head, "Not that I'd mind if you were. I'm sure you'd still
look beautiful. Your not a vampire are you? Or a giant bug? Maybe a mummy? "
Xander babbled.

"Xander!" Buffy, Willow, and Cordelia scolded him.

Xander shrank back in his chair when Cordelia shot him a glare that could burn
through him.

"No I'm completely human. Just immortal," Caitlin chuckled. "Maybe I should
explain."

For the next hour or so  Caitlin told the group about the death of her family,
her knowledge of magic, and her ambition to help her brother.

"..... and ever since then I have wanted to find a cure to make him human
again. Which has been in vain so far. Then I would be able to help Angel half
that life that was taken from him and be able to avenge my family's death with
the demon's." Caitlin finished.

"You don't seem that caught up on revenge," Oz observed.

"My family died without a cause. I just want to make sure their death doesn't
go firgotten. I know that whereever they are now, they are happy and at peace.
I don't want my anger to turn me into some physco killer who thinks about
revenge day in and day otu. I know they wouldn't have wanted that. It just not
a way to live your life," Caitlin explained.

"I admire you for that," Giles complimented.

"Thank you," Caitlin said.

"You have so many of your brother's qualities it's remarkable," Giles smiled.

"He's very special to me. He always stuck by me through thick and thin, and I
intend to do the same," Cailitn said informed.

"So do we," Buffy agreed. "So about this ritual." Buffy brought up once again.

"A little anxious," Caitlin asked her with a wry smile.

"Just a little," Buffy's smile brightened up her face.

"The ritual requires a circle of people who share a common bond. All of you
are friends and fight the forces of darkness together. That creates a bond
between you all, the more people who share the same bond the stronger the
pull."

"The pull?" Jenny interrupted.

"The bond is supposed to pull the soul called upon into this reality and guide
it to it's rightful place," Caitlin explained.

"That is quite intriguing. I would love to see the book you got this from."
Giles directed towards Caitlin.

Suddenly a large book encased in brown leather appeared in front of Giles. The
group gasped.

"Very convenient. May I keep this and read through it tonight?" Giles asked.

"Sure, I know the ritual by heart, should something happen to the book,"
Caitlin assured him.

"Thank you. We should all go home and get some rest. We'll reconvene tomorrow.
It's saturday and Buffy you have training. Do you have someplace to stay?"
Giles asked Caitlin.

"She can stay with me," Buffy offered. "I mean if you want to."

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"Positive," Buffy replied with certainty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
End part 4......to be continued


-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (33/?)
Date: 25 Mar 1998 11:50:07 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 33   PG

Buffy and Hope walked down the dark road, their faces illuminated by the
bright street light that stood nearby.  Buffy slowed down when they came
to a quiet intersection.

ôHope, I want to stop by my house first.  I need to get a couple of
things,ö Buffy said, looking at her friend.

ôSure.  Where is it?ö  Hope asked.

Buffy smiled.  ôI see you havenÆt completely learned the streets of
Sunnydale yet.  DonÆt worry, it wonÆt take long,ö she said. ôThere isnÆt
a lot of town here.  Like Xander told me when I first moved her, this is
a one Starbucks town.ö

Hope busted up in laughter.  ôHe is really funny.ö

Buffy raised her right eyebrow.  ôYou think heÆs funny?ö

Hope blushed slightly.  ôWell....I...ö

ôItÆs okay.  He is a great guy.ö  Buffy said, as they turned left and
walked toward her house.

ôYeah, but Cordelia has her claws in him,ö Hope said, pouting.

Buffy was startled.  ôWhat?ö

ôYou mean, you didnÆt know?  ItÆs obvious how much those to want each
other.  They are always bickering and giving each other those animal
lust looks.ö

ôI...I never noticed before,ö Buffy said.  She noticed the frown on her
friendÆs face.  ôYou like him, donÆt you?ö

HopeÆs frown slowly turned into a wry smile.  ôYeah, I do.ö

ôThen go for him!ö  encouraged Buffy.

ôCordelia,ö Hope reminded her.

ôWell if Xander hasnÆt told me or Willow, then that means they are
keeping it secret, and that means that it would be easier for you to get
him to fall for you,ö Buffy said.

ôHe wouldnÆt go for me,ö Hope said.

ôHow can you say that!  You are beautiful, nice, sweet, not to mention
strong.  He would too go for you.ö

ôYou think so?ö  Hope asked reluctantly.

ôI know so,ö Buffy assured her.  ôYou know, he had a crush on me when I
first moved here.ö

ôReally?  What happened?ö  Hope asked, eager to know all the details.

Buffy giggled.  ôWell, nothing really.ö

ôNothing?!  Why not?!ö

She shrugged.  ôI didnÆt like him.  He was just a friend.  Besides, I
was in love with Angel,ö Buffy paused, wondering if those words were
still true.  < If he is the Master, can I still love him? >  She shook
her head to try to erase that thought.

ôAh, Angel.  He is extremely hot,ö Hope said, grinning.

Buffy nodded.  ôYou got that right.  I remember the first time I saw
him.  The first thing that popped into my mind was æHello gorgeous!ö.ö

ôHow did you guys meet?ö  Hope questioned.

She smiled.  ôWell, a couple of nights after I had just moved here,
Angel was following me around.  I sensed the presence of a vampire, and
I caught him off guard.  I knocked him to the ground and put my foot at
his neck.  I remember his look of utter shock.  At the time I was
annoyed at him.  I didnÆt like him.  He would give me these cryptic
messages and then vanish.  But, after a while, I began to fall in love
with him.ö

ôWow.  That is an unusual æHow we metÆ story,ö commented Hope.  ôWhen
did you find out he was a vampire?ö

Buffy grimaced.  ôLetÆs just say his vampireness interrupted our first
romantic moment.  He was in my bedroom...ö she paused when Hope gave her
a mischievous look.  ôWhat?!  He needed a place to stay!ö  She exclaimed
with a laugh.  ôThree vampires had attacked me and he came to my rescue.
Since they were lurking around my house, I let him stay the night.ö

ôStay the night?ö  Hope asked, raising her eyebrow.

ôOn the floor!  Geez, Hope, you have a dirty mind!ö

ôJust a character flaw,ö she giggled.  ôAnyway...he was in your room
and????ö

ôAnd we had our first kiss.  It was one of the most exciting moments of
my life.  When our lips touched it was like electricity.  Then, all of a
sudden, he vamped out.  It definitely wasnÆt our best moment together.ö

Hope laughed.  ôIÆll be you were freaked!ö

ôThat I was.  But, we worked it out.  And everything is great...I hope.ö

ôI have a feeling that what ever happens tonight, you two will be
together again.ö

ôThanks, Hope.  That means a lot.ö

ôAnytime!ö  She said.

They continued to walk and talk, sharing things about their lives,
learning about each other.  They were laughing about some of their
embarrassing stories when HopeÆs smile turned into a bitter frown.  ôOh
shit.  Look over their,ö Hope pointed.  ôVampires are attacking that
woman.ö

Buffy looked up to see two vampires grab a hold of a woman and groaned.
ôOh wonderful. This is the last thing we need right now.ö  She pulled
out a stake from the sheath of her jacket.  Hope followed her lead and
did the same, taking one that was strapped to the small of her back.
The two girls causally strolled across Rovello Drive.  Hope grimaced as
she recognized one of the vampires, and Buffy came to a halt.  She
stared at the demons with a sickly expression.  Her face turned to a
ghostly pale.  Buffy felt as if her heart was being ripped out of her
chest.

ôOh God.  Angel.  Angel has...my mother,ö she choked.  Her hand flew to
her mouth, and her knees grew week.  Tears sprung to her eyes and she
trembled.  ôIt happened.ö


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (34/?)
Date: 25 Mar 1998 11:58:05 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 34

****Warning:  This part gets a bit gruesome and some readers might find
it offensive or disturbing*****

ôThat asshole!ö  Hope screamed.  She stormed across the street, leaving
Buffy standing alone.  The vampires turned to look at her in surprise.
ôHEY YOU!  LET HER GO!!!!!ö   Her voice  pierced the dark sky.  Angel
and Spike shot their heads at the direction of the girls voice.

Angel immediately recognized Hope and Buffy.  ôOh, look Joyce.  Your
daughter and her little friend have come to join our party.ö

Joyce saw her daughter standing across the street.  ôBUFFY!!!  RUN!!!ö
She screamed for her daughters safety.

Buffy knew what she had to do.  She did her best and pushed her
heartbreaking feelings aside and ran behind Hope.  ôLet my her go!ö Hope
sneered.  Buffy came up beside her friend.  She looked into AngelÆs eyes
and saw the vast emptiness where his beautiful soul used to reside.
Instead, a vicious, malignant evil filled itÆs place.  The sinister and
black-hearted look in his eyes told Buffy everything she need to know.
Angel was gone.

ôI said, LET HER GO!ö  Hope hissed again.

Angel laughed at her.  ôWhat are you going to do about it?ö

ôBuffy run!  Get out of here!!ö  Joyce yelled at her daughter.

Angel pushed her into two minions, who held her struggling body.  He
turned to look at the frightened woman.  ôThe SlayerÆs mother.  Ah, what
an oblivious creature.ö

ôWhat the hell are you talking about?ö  Joyce snapped.

ôI still canÆt believe that Buffy hasnÆt told you her deepest, darkest
secrets,ö Angel said with a laugh.

ôLeave her alone.  You donÆt want her.  You want me,ö Buffy finally
managed to say.  The usual strong Slayer was reduced to putty in the
presence of the now evil Angel.

ôYou are absolutely right.  I donÆt want her.  Spike does.  He thinks
she would make an excellent collaborator.  The SlayerÆs own mother
against her.  Tsk Tsk Tsk.  What ever shall she do?ö  He said
sarcastically.

ôBuffy, what is he talking about?!ö Joyce questioned Buffy.

ôDonÆt listen to him, Mom,ö Buffy ordered her.

ôOh, but I think she should listen.  I think itÆs high time that she
knew who you really are.ö

ôDonÆt you dare,ö  Buffy said.

ôOh, but I do dare.  Joyce, let me explain something to you,ö he paused.
ôYou see, Buffy is somewhat of a...oh how do I put this...Vampire
Slayer.ö

ôTHATÆS ENOUGH!ö  Buffy snarled, and attacked Angel.  She let out a hard
roundhouse kick to his face, followed by two swift punches to his face.
He was fazed for only a moment, and Buffy used it to her advantage.  She
grabbed his hair and swung his body around, causing his head to collide
with the tree.  He grabbed her arm and swung her over his head, body
slamming her.  She stumbled to her feet.  Angel grabbed her throat, and
lifted her into the air, choking her.  She clung to his fist, trying to
pry it off her slender neck.  Joyce watched in horror as BuffyÆs body
went limp.  Angel dropped it to the ground.  Joyce sobbed
uncontrollably.

ôOh, God, NO!ö  She cried, grief-stricken.

A blue glow emerged from HopeÆs chest, as her necklace began to shine
brightly beneath the pale yellow light of the street lamp.  Angel turned
to look at her.  ôFirst you killed my aunt, then you killed my friend.
YouÆre going down, you son of a bitch,ö she shouted with sinister edge
to her voice.

Angel played it coolly, despite the uncomfortable feelings she caused
him to have.  ôDonÆt worry, she isnÆt dead.  She is just passed out.  It
isnÆt time for her to die, but it is time for you to die.ö

Hope glared.  ôGive it your best shot.ö

Angel felt the hair raise on the back of his neck as the necklace glowed
brighter.  He felt the power shoot off of her like a bomb detonated in
her body.  Her eyes narrowed and her blood pumped through her veins like
a freight train.

He backed away.  His power wasnÆt complete, and he knew what this small
girl was capable of.  Her small, 5Æ3 frame didnÆt fool him, or any of
the other vampires.

ôAre you afraid of me?ö  Hope asked innocently.  ôDonÆt worry.  It wonÆt
hurt much.ö  she said sweetly.

ôStay away from me, bitch,ö he snapped.  She glared fiercely.  For once
in his life as a vampire, he actually felt fear.  This was new him,
especially now that he was the Master.

ôIÆm not afraid of you.  ItÆs just not time yet,ö he said.

ôYou already used that excuse,ö she mused, inching toward him as he
backed away from her.

ôCome on man!ö Spike yelled at him.  ôWhat the hell are you waiting
for?!ö

Angel shot his head at Spike.  ôDonÆt underestimate her.  You donÆt know
who she is.ö

ôI donÆt need to know who she is.  She is a mortal.  A girl.  A human.
Not to mention puny.  Just get on with it.ö  Annoyance filled SpikeÆs
voice he strolled over to Hope and stood behind her.

Hope smiled.  She turned around to face him.  ôWanna bet?ö

ôSure,ö he answered.  ôLetÆs fight.  I win, you die.  You win, you die.
Any questions?ö

ôYou are sure of yourself, arenÆt you?ö  Hope stated, with newly found
confidence.

Spike laughed.  ôI should be asking you that.ö

With the tension building between Hope and Spike, no one noticed Buffy
awaken.  She slowly pulled herself to her feet.  She no longer felt
remorse or sadness.  She was mad, she was angry, and most of all, she
was ready to kill.  Right now, Buffy was the HellmouthÆs greatest
threat.

ôAre you going to fight, or just stand there all night?ö  Buffy asked
causally, interrupting them.  All heads turned to face The Slayer, who
stood with a vengeance.  With her head held high and her hands on her
hips, she stood with poise and confidence.

Angel looked at Buffy, then at Hope.  < Shit.  These two have power.  I
need to get out of here so I can get to full strength >  He tried
inching his way toward the car, but Buffy caught him.

ôLeaving so soon, lover boy?ö She asked.  Angrily, he tried to retort,
but was interrupted.

Marcus and David came barreling down the road.  They drove up in the
grass and almost hit the tree.  ôLearn how to drive,ö David grumbled at
Marcus as they got out of the van.

Spike broke his concentration off of Hope to look at the young vampires.
ôWhat the hell took you so damn long?ö  he asked.

ôSorry, Spike.  We got caught in traffic,ö Marcus lied.

ôBull shit,ö he said, noticing the dent in the front of the van.  ôWhy
is there a dent in my van?ö he asked.  Both vampires looked at anything
but Spike, not wanting to get in trouble.  Spike sighed.  ôIf you donÆt
answer me in the next three seconds I am going to kill you.ö

ôMarcus plowed into a car in the field,ö David replied fearfully.

Marcus have him a dirty look.  ôThanks for telling him,ö he said
sarcastically.

Buffy and Hope gave each other knowing looks, realizing these were the
men who almost killed them.  Without warning, HopeÆs anger rose wildly
out of control and she stormed over to them.  She utterly lost her
temper.  Hope grabbed their necks and lifted them both high above the
ground with remarkable strength.  MarcusÆs and DavidÆs eyes enlarged at
her action, as they dangled in the air.

ôHoly shit,ö Spike said, amazed at her ability.  He had never seen a
human who wasnÆt a slayer this strong.  < Who is this girl? >

ôYou almost killed my friends,ö she snarled, a low growl erupting from
her slender throat.  All eyes were on her, as threw David into the tree.
She squeezed hard on MarcusÆs throat, and he laughed.

ôI donÆt breathe,ö he whispered.

ôBut you can hurt,ö she whispered back, bringing her fist up and
colliding it with his nose.  She heard the bones in his face crack and
shatter as blood sprayed everywhere.  He screamed in agony.  Grabbing
her stake, she plunged it into his stomach.  Then, she did one of the
unthinkable things.  She put her hand down the front of his pants and
reached for his manhood.  In a split second, she ripped it from his
body.  His face twisted with the severe pain that plagued him.  She
dropped him onto the ground and wiped the blood off of her hands onto
her jeans.  Turning back to face her audience, she smiled.  ôHe wonÆt be
getting up any time soon,ö Hope said.

Shocked faces stared at her.  David scrambled to get up and began to run
down the street away from BuffyÆs house in fear of his life.  Hope
laughed, watching him run away.  ôAny one else want to piss me off?  How
about you Spike?ö

Spike bolted with Angel at his heals.  The two vampires pushed their
ways into their cars and locked the doors, driving away as fast as they
could with their minions close behind.

Buffy inhaled a sharp breath and looked away from  the withering,
tortured body that laid at HopeÆs feet.  Hope looked down at him and
immediately began to feel remorse.  Tears sprung to her eyes and she
threw her and over her mouth.  Trembling, she stepped away from him.
ôWhat did I just do?ö

Buffy, still stunned, reached for Hope, and pulled her away from Marcus.
ôWhat did I do?ö  Hope repeated, crying.  Buffy didnÆt say anything.
She kept picturing the look that resided in HopeÆs crystal green eyes.
It was a look of hatred, anger, and a lust for revenge.

ôItÆs okay,ö she whispered into her friendÆs ear.  Buffy picked up her
stake and put it through MarcusÆs heart, killing whatever life he had
left and ending his suffering.

ôI...I...ö  Hope stammered.  ôI donÆt know what came over me.  It was
like I wasnÆt in control of my body.ö  Tears streamed down her face like
a waterfall.  ôI canÆt believe I did that.  IÆm not like that.  IÆm not
a bad person!  I donÆt kill!ö  She cried.

ôHope, he was a vampire.  He has killed and hurt people.  DonÆt feel bad
for what you did.  It might have been a little gruesome, and a quick
stake through the heart might have been more practical, but he almost
killed us all tonight,ö  Buffy said, trying to comfort her friend.

ôA _little_ gruesome?  Try gory...bloodly...offensively violent,ö  Hope
said, slightly laughing despite the heinous chain of events that had
occurred.  ôBuffy, I ripped it off.ö

Buffy smiled sympathetically.  ôCome on, we really need to call Giles
and tell him everything.  Angel has been transformed, and he has my
mother,ö she said, hiding her devastating feelings that were flooding
back into her mind.  < I guess pushing my feelings aside isnÆt going to
help > she thought.  But, in defiance of those feelings, Buffy knew that
she couldnÆt let them get in the way of what she had to do.  < Angel is
the Master.  And I now have to kill him.  I have to kill Angel.  I have
to kill the man I am in love with >

The two girls felt a tidal wave of emotion crash over them as they stood
in the SummersÆ now bloody lawn.  Both were struggling to keep a hold of
their sanity, which was very slowly threatening to slip away.  Buffy and
HopeÆs connection was stronger than they knew.  Physically, they stood,
helping one another walk up the steps and through the door of BuffyÆs
home.  Mentally, they grasped each other in an ever lasting hold.  A
bind that would remain strong, and would in time, would save their
lives.



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Re:Welcome to the Hellmouth, Scully
Date: 26 Mar 1998 20:08:12 +0000

Hey!
Isn't it weird that you should write
a fan fic about my two most favorite shows.
Wow.
Thank you sosososososososo much!
It was really awesome too.
good job!
-Rachel

    Rachel, thank you for the input!! how old are you?

-



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

From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: "Footsteps" Epilogue: "Going Home," by Ingrid
Date: 26 Mar 1998 20:13:05 +0000

please write more spike and willow stuff!!!!!  i love it!!!!!  this
story was really great -- well written and enthralling. :)  more!

THANK YOU!

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

From: [e-mail] ( LORA K CHANDLER)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Internet Message
Date: 25 Mar 1998 18:58:18, -0500

Could you send me the other parts to "Footsteps"

Lora

-



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

From: "Sapphire" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Discuss: Re: BUFFYFIC: Re:Welcome to the Hellmouth, Scully
Date: 25 Mar 1998 21:01:12 PST


----------
> Wow. Thank you sosososososososo much!
> It was really awesome too. good job!
> -Rachel
>
>     Rachel, thank you for the input!! how old are you?

Um, I don't who answered this feedback, but Welcome to the Hellmouth, Scu=
lly is a
story  that *I* wrote and posted not to long ago....I usually like to ans=
wer feedback, but when people
post feedback to buffyfic and not to *me* it is impossible to pull a pers=
onal e-mail
addy off of it unless they put it in their sig...BTW, this fic is archive=
d at the X-Files archive now,
it hasn't hit Anya's yet :)

Sapphire:  [e-mail]
X-Over Crossover list admin: X-Over:  XF Crossover archive
http://www.busprod.com/aclaybor
Taking the Challenge: BtVS Challenge Archive ; SPCDD; LOMIG ; G-Woman #3
Keeper of Willow's momentary obsession with sore thumbs,
Willow's whimper of sadness for her dead fish and her fake frog fit in =
KBD


-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (5/10)
Date: 26 Mar 1998 02:03:36 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (5/10)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
-Back in the warehouse -

"Who is it?" Angelus questioned.

"A girl who knows of us. She's helping the Slayer," Drusilla responded.

"Wondeful!" Spike exclaimed sarcastically.

"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it," Angelus assured him.

"Oh? How pray tell do you intend to do that?" Spike inquired.

"I'll come up with a plan. In fact I already have one."

"Oh, please do tell."

"Well if this girl is helping the Slayer I'll just force my beloved
Buffy to tell me," Angelus confided.

"Real great plan. Did you actually burn some brain cells thinking
that one up. She's not stupid. You think she's just going to tell you?"
Spike smirked.

"I have my ways," Angelus sneered.

"Your ways will spell trouble for us all," Spike informed.

"You don't have to worry about anything," Angelus started.
"I'll take care of the important stuff. You just sit in your chair
and look pretty."

"Go to hell," Spike gritted his teeth.

"I'm already there my friend," Angelus chuckled.

"She's going to change everything," Drusilla whined again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Where's your parents?" Caitlin asked Buffy as she led her
up to her room.

"My mom and dad are divorced. My dad lives in L.A. and my
mom's away on business. She owns an art gallery here, and
she goes to New York often to buy art for it," Buffy explained.

"Is it hard having your parents divorced?" Caitlin questioned.

"Sometimes, but it's better that they're separated and on good
terms with each other, than to be together and fighting all the time,"
Buffy answered.

Caitlin nodded in agreement and glanced around Buffy's bedroom.

"I know the room is kind of small, but I don't spend much time in
here...well unless I get grounded which is pretty often. Never mind,"
Buffy smiled.

"I can imagine," Caitlin smirked.

"So," Buffy broke the awkward silence. "What did Angel tell you
about me?" Buffy asked curiously.

Caitlin laughed and leaned against the desk.

"He couldn't stop talking about you."

"Really?"

"Yep. He went on and on about how beautiful and smart you are.
He also said you were caring, to trusting for your own good, loving,
passionate, stubborn, and strong. As I said he went on and on,"
Caitlin laughed again.

"That makes me feel good," Buffy announced.

"It should. He loves you very much," she reassured

"Can we ever continue our relationship?" Buffy asked hopefully.

"It's going to take some time. It's going to be hard for Angel, but
with you there for him he'll get through this and be able to move on.
He'll push us all away at first, but it's important that we stick with him.
And remember love conquers all," Caitlin answered firmly.

"I hope your right," Buffy whispered.

Buffy went to her closet and took out a neatly folded sleeping bag
 then laid it out on the floor next to her bed.

"This is all I have, unless you want the bed?" Buffy asked.

"No this is perfect. Thank you for letting me stay."

"No problem. Do you need pajamas?"

"Nope."

Caitlin gestured to herself and right before Buffy's eyes her clothing
changed from the outfit she was wearing to green and blue stripped
flannel pajamas.

"Wow!" Buffy gasped. "I actually have to go and change. I need to
get some magical powers."

Caitlin smiled and shook her head when Buffy left the room to change.
When she returned, Buffy handed Caitlin a pillow and got into  bed.

"Goodnight," Buffy said when she was settled.

"Sweet dreams, Buffy," Caitlin wished.

And then the light went out to leave the room aluminated with
the glow from the moon.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End part 5.......to be continued


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

From: [e-mail] (Mitchell Robertson)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: New Member
Date: 27 Mar 1998 10:37:44 +1000

Hi I'm new to this mailing list and am like heaps confused.
Are all the stories people write into the list like ones that have screened
on tv or ones that are made up by members of the list.
In Australia, Buffy has just been taken off, I think it just finished the
fisrt season. Was the season finale the episode where Buffy is all bitchy
and snobby, and the vampires try to reincarnate the Master, but Buffy
smashes his bones.
Well anyway,
Else where to be,
MITCH


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

From: "Fran Vanelli" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Sex Thing
Date: 26 Mar 1998 21:39:47 -0500

LilyRei says

<<Why consider it at all?  Let's just STOP it.  Cut it out completely.
Young
adult, old adult, mini-teen, whatever.  There's no reason to do it . . .
because you never know when your S.O. is going to dump you, try to kill
you,
or infect you with something.  Better to take Prozac and medicate those
pesky
raging hormones.  Anyone over 30 even thinking about sex should be shot or
staked for their own good anyway.>>

I agree.... Why would anyone want to think twice about it?  <LOL>


fcv

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

From: MARK SAFRANSKY <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: New Member
Date: 26 Mar 1998 21:41:27 -0500

Mitch,

The stories that show up on the list are made up by the list members.
They are just inspired by the show.

The episode you mentioned where Buffy was bitchy and the vamps under the
Annointed One and Absalom try to resurrect the Master using his bones
and the blood of the ones closest at the time of his death was the
Second Season premiere called "When She Was Bad."

Hope this helps.

X-Lander




-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (1/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 12:14:29 EST

Title: The Dark One (1/?)
Author: Michelle
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13
Time: This takes place after Killed By Death
Feedback: Please send some, good or bad so I know whether to continue with
this.
Disclaimer: Buffy and everyone belong to Joss, WB etc. Savarah and any other
characters mention that are not a part of the TV-Show are mine.  The language
is nothing worse that we see on Buffy. There are a few mentions and
indications of sex but nothing more.
_____

    Buffy entered the library with her head hanging low. She slowly moped over to
a chair and sat down. She didn't need to speak, Giles and Willow could see her
screaming, "Ask me what happened."
    "Buffy, are you okay? You look a little...upset," Giles finally brought up.
    "Snyder caught me trying to get off campus again. Soon, he's going to put a
silver plaque at the desk where at sit in detention." Giles and Willow
couldn't help but smile.  "So, what are my slayage plans tonight?"
    "Well, patroling. But I shouldn't have to remind you of..."
    "Of Angel.  Yeah, I know."
    "Dear, dear Angel, such a sweet little boy."  A voice came from the doorway
of the library.  Everyone turned to look as Buffy jumped out of her seat up to
meet girl.
    "Who the hell are you?" Buffy glared at the very attractive young girl
standing before her.
    "I'm a friend."
    "Certainly not mine," Buffy at her with a harsh tone. The girl approached
Buffy with a sly grin on her face.
    "Oh, Buffy, but you don't even know me yet. So quick to judge a person. You
really must work on that."
    "Do you wanna tell me what you want before I knock you out cold?" Giles and
Willow could only watch from afar. You could see the wheels turning in Giles
head as he tried to ponder who was this strange girl who challenged the
Slayer.
    "I don't want anything, Buffy. Not yet anyway. You know Buffy, you and I,
we're the same. Well, kinda. See, your the Slayer, born with the strength and
knowlege to fight and kill of vampires, deamons and ghools. Well, so am I,
only, I was choosen to work for the other side. I fight and kill the good so
that evil may rule.
    "Savarah!" Giles gasped as he fell into a chair. He'd heard that she existed
but always hoped she wasn't real.
    "Good, good, I see we've been doing some reading. But then, when are you
not."
    "Look, I don't care who you are, however knowing is all the more reason to
kill you." Buffy continued to stare at Savarah with fire in her eyes.
    "Oh, but Slayer...you can't. I'm smarter, and stronger. You'll never kill
me." Buffy threw three hard kicks to Savarah's stomach and then a hard
backhand to her face as she tried to recover from the blows. Savarah took
several steps back but showed no sign of pain.  Buffy pulled a stake from her
shirt sleeve and thrust it directly into Savarah's chest.  The stake caused
Savarah to stumble a few steps before pulling it out of her chest. Buffy
looked to Giles for help but found nothing. When she returned her eyes' on
Savarah, she saw the gaping wound repair itself in seconds.
    "A stake? Come on Buffy, I'm no vampire." Savarah smiled as she tossed the
stake back to Buffy.  "Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, I'm immortal. You can't
kill me. Isn't that just the coolest?"
    "Immortality never stopped me from killing anyone before."
    "In due time, we'll find out my dear. Right now, I have some friends to
visit. I do believe you know them. Angel, Spike and Drusilla are expecting me.
It's been ages since I've seen dear old Angelus. I wonder if he's still as bad
as he used to be? Oh well, I'll find out soon enough."  Buffy's face faded
from anger to fear and jelousy. As much as she hated the evil Angelus, she
would always love Angel.
Savarah disapeared out of the room.

============================================

    "You know Dru, Spike's a big boy, he doesn't need your pity. You could be
doing more important things...with me." A large grin came over Angel's face as
he entered the wherehouse. Drusilla was sitting on Spike's lap cuddling close.
    "Angel, I do believe we were here first. Why don't you go somewhere else."
    "Don't mind him, Angel, he's just a little crabby as usual." Drusilla coyly
stroked Spike's face with her fingers.
    "When is he not crabby?" A girls' voice came from the shadows of the room.
"If I remember right, that's what made him so good at what he does." Savarah
stepped out of the shadows and strolled over to the group who was standing by
the large dining table.
Angel's face lit up as he watched her come into the light. "Savarah!"
    "Angel," Savarah spoke fondly. "It's been way too long." She steped up to
Angel and looked deep into his eyes.  He wrapped his arms around her and then
they kissed, passionately.  A large smile came over Spike's face as he watched
them kiss. He knew that with Savarah here, Angel would be too busy to even
think about Dru.
    "Oh, get a room, you two! I know it's been a while, but please, there are
others here." The two reluctantly broke away from their kiss but remained
tight in eachother's arms.
"Spike, that wheelchair, it's so not you.  You really should get out of that
thing.
    "I don't suppose you could help with that?" Spike spoke eagerly.
    "It's a possibility." Spike and Drusilla smiled with excitement.
    "So, I met this, Slayer...she's good, but I can't stand the attitude."
    "What are your plans for her, Savarah?" Drusilla asked still on Spike's lap.
    "Oh, I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a long painful death. How's
that sound to you guys?"
They all began to laugh hystarically.

============================================

    "Who's Savarah?" Giles sat quietly still in shock from momments ago. "Giles,
wake up, who is Savarah?!?"
    "Uh, what? Oh, yes, Savarah. She's well, uh, someone I never really knew
existed. I only heard myths about her existance but, never in my life as a
watcher did I think she'd..." He faded off into his worries.
    "Giles, that's not helping."
    "Well, she's a creature of the darkness and yet she's not a vampire or demon.
She is 100% human and 100% evil.  She's never lost a battle."
    "Hey guys!" Xander strolled into the library with Cordelia on his arm. Oz was
following after them.  After viewing the frightened look upon their faces
Xander began to worry. "Hey, is everything okay?"
    "No...not at all okay. Things are not okay. Okay, is not what everything is
right now." Willow sat impatientenly in her seat waiting for someone to
comfort her.  Oz rushed to her side.
    "Will, relax, everything will be just fine. That is as soon as someone tells
me what will be just fine? Someone wanna fill me in here," Oz snapped.
Buffy and Giles fill Xander, Oz and Cordelia in on what just happened.
    "Okay, so we have an immortal demon that wants to kill Buffy and has some
sort of strong alliance with vampires."
    "Xander, you sure have a way of making things sound a whole lot worse."
    "Oh, sorry Buffy."
    "Giles, I need you to find anything you can on this girl. There has got to be
a way to kill her."
    "Right."
    "We've got a lot of work to do, so lets get busy before this girl goes on a
killing spree."

End Part 1
To Be Continued.

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (2/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 12:18:06 EST

Title: The Dark One (2/?)
Author: Michelle
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13
Time: This takes place after Killed By Death
Feedback: Please send some, good or bad so I know whether to continue with
this.
Disclaimer: Buffy and everyone belong to Joss, WB etc. Savarah and any other
characters mention that are not a part of the TV-Show are mine.  The language
is nothing worse that we see on Buffy. There are a few mentions and
indications of sex but nothing more.

Author's Note: This is a story that begins where Killed By Death left off. All
characters except Rockter and Savarah belong to Joss Wheedon and the
production companies of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. No copyright infrindgment is
intended.  Please send feedback to me about these stories. I'm new at this and
need to know if it's worth it.  Ms. Calendar is dead, the warehouse is still
standing however badly burned.
_____

    "Nothing!" Buffy yelled, scared and frustrated. "If this girl is so powerful,
then why can't we find one bit of information on her?"
Giles looked briefly at Buffy and then held his head low. For the first time
in his life as a watcher, he didn't know how fix this. Even with the Master,
he was willing to offer himself, but this time, that wouldn't work.
    "Wait, I think I found something. Yes, I found it." Willow looked around the
library trying to grab everyone's attention. Buffy rushed up behind Willow who
was sitting at her laptop.
    "What? What'd you find?!?" Buffy couldn't control herself. The thought of her
Savarah and her powers fueled her passion to kill her.
    "Whoh! She sure looks good for someone who's 1200 years old."
    "1200?" Buffy and Willow both leaned closer to the computer to examine the
picture and facts next to it. "Yeah, I'd have to say she looks good."
    "In 794, she was transformed by a vampire known as Rockter. He was a big and
as bad as the come. Months after she became a vampire, Rockter faced a slayer
to the death. After hours of fighting, the element of exhaustion was factored
in and he was killed. When Savarah found out about this, she avenged her
sire's death by going after the slayer.  Savarah killed the slayer in
minutes."
    "Wait, she was a vampire? What about this "human" thing she was talking
about?"
    "I'm getting there." Willow tried not to snap, but Buffy's enthusiasm towards
killing Savarah was being to freak her out.  "In her years, Savarah faced and
killed 4 Slayers. Each one, she killed with ease. At the age of 600, Savarah
encountered a man who called himself, 'The Dark One.'  He made her a deal she
couldn't resist. His time as 'The Dark One' was near its end and he wanted
Savarah to take his place. Her strength and willpower was more than enough to
prove that she was the only candidate for the job. She accepted and took over
as 'The Dark One'. Her powers as a vampire were stripped and she took on an
immortal human form.
    "'Dark One?' What the hell is that?" Buffy's voice trembled with fear.
    "The Devil." Giles quietly added in.
    "What?" Buffy gasped and stared at Giles, impatiently waiting for an answer.
    "'The Dark One' is not exactly the devil, but the name fits. It's the ruler
of the darkness.  Every vampire, demon, and creature of evil worships it.
Vampires are the worst, they would kiss the ground she walked on if asked to
do so."
    "I really don't see Angel as the ground-kissing type."
    "I'm afraid to say, but Angel is the worst of all."
    "Oh," Buffy spoke under her breath. She dropped her head as far as she could.

============================================

    "Angel. You know this Slayer pretty well, huh?"
    "You could say that." The slightest bit of fear exposed itself in his voice.
    "Good. Then you can come with."
    "Where?"
    "We're going to pay our little Slayer a visit. When she faces me, I want it
to be fun. And it won't be any fun if she isn't scared."
    "I do love the way you think," Angel spoke with a small grin on his face.
"Among other things."
    Savarah smiled lightly back at him.
    "We'll be back in a while. You two hold down the fort while we're gone."
    "I think we can do that," Spike responded sarcastically.
    "Spike..."
    "Sorry."
    Angel was shocked. In his time knowing Spike, he had never seen him apologize
to anyone but Dru. Angel and Savarah left the warehouse hand in hand. It was
completely dark outside now.
As they left, Drusilla fell into one of her visions. Spike rushed to her side
as she collapsed into a chair.
    "Dru! What do you see?"
    "She knows. She knows everything. Something's going to go wrong. Someone will
betray."
    "Dru, who?"
    "The Slayer." Drusilla went unconscious and fell off the chair. Spike caught
her in his arms and pulled her onto his lap. He was worried, but not sure for
whom. He wheeled the two of them off to the bedroom.

To Be Continued

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (3/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 12:20:13 EST

Title: The Dark One (3/?)
Author: Michelle
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13
Time: This takes place after Killed By Death
Feedback: Please send some, good or bad so I know whether to continue with
this.
Disclaimer: Buffy and everyone belong to Joss, WB etc. Savarah and any other
characters mention that are not a part of the TV-Show are mine.  The language
is nothing worse that we see on Buffy. There are a few mentions and
indications of sex but nothing more.

Authors Note: Ms. Calendar is dead, the warehouse is still up but badly
burned.

    "Hey look what I found!" Willow jumped in her seat as everyone gathered
around the computer screen. "I found out how to kill Savarah." She pauses for
a momment as she reads more. "Oh, oohh."
    "What is it?" Xander was too scared for Buffy's life to be patient.
    "Well, the only way to kill her is for her to be killed by those that worship
her the most."
    "Vampires," Buffy gasped as she stepped away from the computer and walked to
the counter.
    "So, I guess this time, it's for real. No Xander coming to breath life back
into me."
    "Now, Buffy...don't jump to conclusions. We still haven't had..."
    "Spare me, Giles." Buffy couldn't control herself. "I've been there and done
that.  In case you hadn't noticed, we're not exactly good friends with any
vampires." Giles was speechless. "Well, at least I know who will take my place
this time. I doubt she was having much of a life anyway." Tears pooled up in
Buffy's eyes as she slammed her fist into the counter top. Everyone jumped at
the noise.
    Her friends couldn't stand to watch the Slayer cry but tried to hold their
tears back for her sake.
    "Buffy! How you been?" A familiar voice bounded into the room. Buffy jumped
at the sight of Angel and Savarah entering the Library.
    "What the hell are you doing here?" Buffy's voice was deep and full of fury.
    "Oh, I brought him along. I thought it might be nice for you two to meet
again."
    "How did you get in here?" Giles questioned, fear was evident in his voice.
    "Well, I explained this to your former girlfriend. It really isn't that hard
with such a inviting sign out front."
    "We just thought we'd come by and say, 'Hi!'.
    "How thoughtful of you," Buffy snapped.
    "I thought so." Angel dropped in hoping to get deep under Buffy's skin.
    "Why me? Why do you want to kill me?"
    "Kill? Well, that's an easy one. Your the Slayer. And I know I can take you."
    Buffy glared at Savarah and briefly took her eyes off her to keep an eye on
Angel. "What makes you think that?" Buffy spoke challenging however knowing
that she didn't stand a chance.
    "See your little friends over there. The Watcher, the bookworm, the reject,
the snob, the wolf. I could kill them all right now with the snap of my
finger." Savarah spoke braggingly, hoping to put all the fear she could into
the slayer.
Buffy was more scared than ever. Not just for her life, but for her friends.
Now knowing of Savarah's powers, she felt trapped. The thought of offering her
life to keep her friends alive crossed her mind several times.
    "We really should be going now. Like I said, we just wanted to say 'Hi'.
    "Sleep tight!" Angel growled as he left the room with Savarah on his arm.

To Be Continued.

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (4/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 12:21:15 EST

Title: The Dark One (4/?)
Author: Michelle
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13
Time: This takes place after Killed By Death
Feedback: Please send some, good or bad so I know whether to continue with
this.
Disclaimer: Buffy and everyone belong to Joss, WB etc. Savarah and any other
characters mention that are not a part of the TV-Show are mine.  The language
is nothing worse that we see on Buffy. There are a few mentions and
indications of sex but nothing more.
_____

    Buffy stumbled back until she hit the counter.  She had tried to hold back,
but couldn't.  Tears rushed down her cheeks and she sank to the floor. Giles
rushed to her side and wrapped his arms around her. Buffy was too upset and
scared to notice that he had never shown this side of himself before. The rest
of the group could only watch for a lack of words kept them at bay.
    "Buffy, I want you to know, I am not going to let you die from this." Giles'
voice was carried with great assurance.
    "But Giles," Buffy cried to him as she notices his jacket was covered in her
tears.
    "But nothing. You are too important to me. We will find a way."

======================================

    "Spike, what would you say to the concept of, 'walking?'"
    "I'd say, yes and who do I have to kill?"  Savarah was amused at his
enthusiasm to get out of that dreaded chair.
    "Angel, dearest, will you come over here for a second."
    "Yeah, what is it?"
    "We're going to get Spike to walk again.  That chair is getting on my
nerves."
    "Your nerves? You haven't had to sit in it all this time," Spike chuckled.
    "Help him up. We need him standing."  Angel and Drusilla both grabbed an arm
and lifted him out of his chair with ease.
    "Now what do we do with him?"  Angel asked annoyed that Spike would be
walking.
    "Shhh," Savarah said as she placed a hand up in front of Spike's face.
    "Now if I do this. You owe me."
    "If you do this, I will be forever at your debt."
    "You know those wheelchair jokes are going to be hard to top."  Angel had to
throw in a last attempt to annoy Spike before his legs were restored to their
former strength.
    "Poteri scuri. Mi arricchisca col potere."  A light wind filled the
warehouse.  Savarah snapped her fingers and then indicated for Angel and
Drusilla to place Spike down on his feet.  After Drusilla's hand finally
slipped away from his arm, Spike rose his head revealing an enormous grin.
    "I'm hungry. Let's go out to eat," Spike said.  Drusilla laughed as Spike
picked her off the ground and danced about the warehouse with her in his arms.
Angel rolled his eyes but then focused on Savarah.  She didn't need to hear
the words to know that Angel was hungry as well.  He led her out of the
warehouse.
    "That was Italian, wasn't it," Angel added as the walked out.
    "Yeah, I was getting so tired of Latin."  Minutes passed and then Spike and
Dru followed after them.

======================================

    Buffy strolled through the darkness in the night.  She walked with great
caution, even more than usual.  As she walked pass the graveyard, she decided
to make a pass through.  It was unusually quiet and that made her worry all
the more. A soft rustling was heard behind her. She jumped to face her
accouter.
"Spike?"  Spike rolled out of the shadows into the light of the moon.
"I want to talk to you, Slayer."
"Talk? You want to talk with me?"
"Was I not clear?"
"What about?" Buffy cautiously scanned the surrounding areas presuming a trap
was being set and Spike was the bait.
"You know you're not very threatening in that chair." Buffy mentioned trying
to spring the trap.
"Oh really. I can fix that." Spike lifted himself out of the chair being sure
to keep eye contact with Buffy.  He wanted to make sure he saw her expression.
"You can walk!"
"Threatening now?" Spike was taking no chances of getting hurt this time.
Buffy was frightened and shocked. She took another look around to make sure.
"You have nothing to worry about. I came alone."
"Oh yeah, I trust you." Buffy's tone was clearly sarcastic.
"Have I ever lied to you before?"
"Come to think of it, yeah, you have."
"I'm not perfect," Spike grinned.
"So, are you going to talk?" Buffy was growing impatient.  Buffy had a stake
ready in her hand. She knew it made Spike uncomfortable.
"I want to make a deal with you. It has to do with Savarah."  Buffy's face was
suddenly covered in fear.  "She wants to fight a fair fight against you. You
see, if you win, she would restore Angel's soul. If you loose, you die. Simple
as that.
"Except for the Angel card, what else is new?" Buffy cocked an eyebrow and
waited for Spike's response.
"Well, that's the fun part. Her 'super powers' as 'The Dark One' would not
exist.  She would still be as strong and as smart as she was when she was a
vampire.  Basically that's who'd you be fighting. Of course, she won't be
killed really, but if you manage to kill her in a fight, you will get your
Angel back. Which, in my book is a good thing."
"He's really getting on your nerves, huh?" Buffy smiled slightly knowing how
painful Angel's evil side really could be.
"You might say that." Spike tried to avoid the subject.
"I'll do it. As long as her word stays true, I'll do it. But if she or anyone
tries to pull anything...it's over. Is that clear?"
Spike only nodded as he walked away leaving the chair behind. Buffy remained
where she stood for several minutes. The shock of Spike being capable of
walking was more than enough, but 'The Dark One' making a deal with her? It
was too much to comprehend. Buffy finally walked off heading towards the
library. Boy did she have a story to tell Giles.

End Part 4
To Be Continued

Part 5 coming soon. Please send feedback!!!

-



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

From: Daphne1784 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Homecoming - Prologue/?
Date: 27 Mar 1998 17:49:47 EST

Title: Homecoming
Author: Aphrodite ( Just my pen name :P )
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: It will vary so I will have them listed at the beginning of each part
Distribution: Sure just make sure you ask me first!
Summary:  This is going to be about Buffy/Angel mostly.
Spoilers: All the way up through "Killed By Death"
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to the television show "Buffy the
Vampire Slayer", Joss Whedon, FOX, Mutant Enemy, and Warner Brothers. The
story and all characters that I decide to created are mine. Don't sue!!
Feedback: Please send me some feedback, good or bad, so that I will know if I
should continue to write it. Also this is my very first fanfic so I want to
know how I'm doing.


*********************************
Homecoming
Prolougue
Rating
PG
By:
Aphrodite
*********************************

              Buffy sat at the Bronze watching Xander and Cordelia dancing to
the band that was playing at the Bronze that night. So many thoughts flowed
through her head. Thoughts about her, Angel, Xander, Cordelia, Willow, and Oz.
Willow and Oz and Xander and Cordelia are soo happy together, Buffy thought,
just like Angel and I used to be....before..... Tears flooded her eyes. She
loved Angel soo much and the thought of what she had done to him tore her to
pieces. She had loved him soo much and her carelessness had caused him to
become the demon that he was 80 years ago before the Gypsy curse had been put
on him. Even though Giles and everyone else tried to convince her that this
wasn't her fault she still had a hard time excepting that fact. The only other
thing that bothered her was that whenever she and Angelus had a confrontation
he always managed to bring up the fact the Angel would still be around if she
had just been able to say no. Buffy knew that until she realized that this
wasn't her fault there was absolutly no way that she was going to be able to
fight Angelus and kill him. She didn't think that she would ever be able to
kill him. He was her one true love. No matter what happened. She didn't care
if she only got to see him at night, or that he was a vampire. She didn't even
care about him being stealth guy with all the cryptic messages. All she wanted
was her Angel back and she would do ANYTHING to get him back.


-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Remembering the Memories (0/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 18:34:13 EST

Please forgive me.  I know I was going to post more before my trip...
Sorry!!  That time passed too quickly, and then our flight was cancled so
we didn't fly back until a day later and then I had a lot of work to catch
up on and then and then and then... Still, it's no excuse, and I'm sorry.

I'm going to post from the begining as not to leave anyone in the dark.
Expect a lot as the evening progresses.  And even more tomorrow.  I
promise.  :)  (Yeah, I said that last time, too.  I know...)

So, here ya' go.  You'll notice that I've changed the title to simply
"Remembering the Memories."  "Memoria Tenere Memorium" (as I know it
wasn't, but correctly shoulda' been...) was entirely too complicated.  So
we'll just go with the time honored English.  :)

Any questions or comments, good or bad, should be sent to me.

Title:  Remembering the Memories
Rating:  PG to date
Summary:  A resolution to the current problem, not to give anything away.
Spoilers:  All episodes up to the current date (3/13) are game.  Major
     info pertaining to æSurpriseÆ and æInnocence,Æ however.
Comments: YES!!!  [e-mail]
Distribution:  IÆd prefer that this not be destributed outside of this
     list for the time being.  However, if you are interested in
     destributing in the future, let me know.
Disclaimers:  As a rule, if you recognize it, itÆs not mine.  Everything
     else is.  I am not making any money off of this piece of fanfic, nor
     is anyone else.  If you think you are, I suggest you think otherwise.
     As is customary in my stories, a song will likely be used.  If we
     make it to that point, all information about the song will be
     included.


Remembering the Memories

     The knocking on the door began quietly, although it grew slightly
louder with each pound.  A man, appearing to be in his mid-twenties stood
outside the still closed door.  He sighed and closed his deep brown eyes,
mumbling some insecurity to himself.
     When he opened his eyes he faced a young woman.  Her eyes seemed to
have seen more than they should have in their 30 years.  The eyes of the
blond girl squinted, as she were attempting to put a memory with this
face.  The realization hit her suddenly.
     ôHi.ö
     She was spellbound.  He was dead.  She knew he was dead.  She hadnÆt
just heard it was so û she had done it with her own two hands.  She had
killed this man.
     ôYouÆre dead.ö  What was she supposed to say at a time like this?  It
isnÆt every day that one is confronted with their formal lover-turned
rival.  Their dead one, at that.  ôI mean, youÆreà  I killed you!ö
     ôYou did.ö
     ôWhich would make you deadàö
     ôWell, it depends what you mean by that.  May I come in?  I need a
chance to explain.ö  He wasnÆt sure how he was going to do this.  It had
been so long.  Thirteen years, he reminded himself.  Fourteen in a month.
The longest thirteen years of his 251 year life.  Too long.
     ôUmà I guess.  Do Iàö
     ôNo, you donÆt have to formally invite me.ö
     Just as he begun to take his first step through her threshold, she
stopped him.  ôWait!  Who are youà honestly.ö
     ôAngel.ö

-Teaser End-

-



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

From: Andrew Oswell <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Buffyfic-digest V2 #76
Date: 28 Mar 1998 10:44:24 +1100

    unsubscribe buffyfic-digest

Kerry Von Erich
irc.starchat.net
You have been hit with the Discus Punch ! :)


-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Remembering the Memories (1/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 18:45:27 EST

Title:  Remembering the Memories
Author: Emily J. Jerome
Rating:  PG to date
Summary:  A resolution to the current problem, not to give anything away.
Spoilers:  All episodes up to the current date (3/13) are game.  Major
     info pertaining to æSurpriseÆ and æInnocence,Æ however.
Comments: YES!!!  [e-mail]
Distribution:  IÆd prefer that this not be destributed outside of this
     list for the time being.  However, if you are interested in
     destributing in the future, let me know.
Disclaimers:  As a rule, if you recognize it, itÆs not mine.  Everything
     else is.  I am not making any money off of this piece of fanfic, nor
     is anyone else.  If you think you are, I suggest you think otherwise.
     As is customary in my stories, a song will likely be used.  If we
     make it to that point, all information about the song will be
     included.


Part I

     She glared at him much harder than he would have liked.  She still
had the ability to scare someone to death.  ôWhich one?ö
     ôThe good one.  The one with the soul.ö
     Her look was that as a skeptic, but after a moment of deep
consideration she stepped away from the door to let him in.  As he entered
she carefully closed the door behind him.
     Angel knew he should be saying something, anything, but he just had
to look around.  The apartment was small, but not stifling.  Immediately
after walking in he encountered a small living area, complete with a sofa,
chair, and small TV.  A stereo sat on a nearby shelf along with books û
some new, others very old.  Past the wall with the shelves was a short
hall with two doors.  One appeared to lead into a bedroom, the other a
bathroom.  On the other side of the apartment was a quaint kitchen.
     ôItÆs nice.ö
     ôItÆs not much, but itÆs home,ö she responded quietly.  Her
nervousness was obvious not only through her tone of voice but also
through her lack of eye contact.   ôUm, have a seat.  Sit wherever you
want.  Treat it as a second home.ö  The statement had just slipped out,
but in the situation it reminded both the guest and the host of the time
they both believed that they would live together.  Her house would not
have to be his second home.  It would have been his only homeà
     ôThanks.ö  He sat in one of the chairs in a place where he knew heÆd
be able to look out the window if worse came to worse.  ôOhà IÆm sorryà
It must be time for dinner for you.ö  As if on cue, a beeping noise came
from the kitchen area.  ôI can goà come back later, if youÆd likeàö
     ôNO!  I mean, donÆt go.  ItÆs fine.  Just something I heated up.  I
donÆt have to eat.  Or you could have something.  You, uhàö
     ôI could, but I donÆt need anything .  You should eat, though.ö  He
couldnÆt help but notice her exceptionally thin frame.  She had always
small, but not like this.
    ôIÆll waitàö  She sat in the other chair, situated across the room
from the other.  ôSoà what are you doing here?ö
     ôVisiting.ö  It was obvious she needed more.  ôI can explain
everything if youÆll give me the chance.ö
     ôWell, the chance is here for the taking.  YouÆve got a lot of
æsplainÆin to do.ö  She smiled a small, shy smile.  That of a schoolgirl
to her crush.  A smile that he remembered fondly.  A smile he returned.
     ôYeah, I guess I do.ö

-



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

From: LnCAGCRulz <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Remembering the Memories (2/?)
Date: 27 Mar 1998 19:44:38 EST

Title:  Remembering the Memories
Author: Emily J. Jerome
Rating:  PG to date
Summary:  A resolution to the current problem, not to give anything away.
Spoilers:  All episodes up to the current date (3/13) are game.  Major
     info pertaining to æSurpriseÆ and æInnocence,Æ however.
Comments: YES!!!  [e-mail]
Distribution:  IÆd prefer that this not be distributed outside of this
     list for the time being.  However, if you are interested in
     distributing in the future, let me know.
Disclaimers:  As a rule, if you recognize it, itÆs not mine.  Everything
     else is.  I am not making any money off of this piece of fanfic, nor
     is anyone else.  If you think you are, I suggest you think otherwise.
     As is customary in my stories, a song will likely be used.  If we
     make it to that point, all information about the song will be
     included.


Part II

    She stared at him, waiting for a beginning and not expecting an end any
time soon.  "So...?" she prompted him.
    "This will be a long story.  You're sure you have the time and
everything?  Because if you don't..."
    "YES!  I mean, I do have the time.  Start."
    He took a long, deep breath.  "Well, I assume you remember the last time
we saw each other."  There was a pause as they both remembered.  Christmas
Eve 1998.
    It had been a particularly brutal night, even by Angel's terms.  It was
his first holiday being a vampire again and he wanted to make it
memorable.  He went on a killing spree until he held a former friend of
both his and Buffy's.  Willow Rosenburg was about to die when the slayer
broke in.  Immediately after saving her friend she fled.  She left her
family, her friends.  Everything.  When Angel had learned of this he knew
his business in Sunnydale was over.  He left also, partially in search of
the slayer, partially escaping her.  Being somewhere where she wasn't
would make feeding much easier.
    "Yeah... I do.  Clearly."
    "After you left, I left.  I was trying to escape, just like you were.  I
excused it by telling Spike and Drucillia..."
    She injected her question with a tone of irritation.  "How are they,
anyway?"  After further thought, she considered the fact that she may not
really want to know.
    "I'm not sure, but we'll talk more about them later."
    "I can hardly wait."  A look of slight disgust took over her face as she
said the words, despite the fact that she tried to hide it.  "I didn't
mean to give that face..." she added quickly.
    "I'm sure you didn't.  Back to the story.  I told Spike and Dru that I
was going to look for you.  Sometimes I'd look.  Other times I wouldn't.
I traveled the world, just like I had before.  On my typical rampage."
Just as her look of disgust left her face, it returned tenfold.  It was
quickly followed by a look of confusion.  She had loved this man before
he had 'turned.'  She hated him after.  But now what was he?  How could
she be sure he was who he said she was.
    With Buffy's looks, Angel had paused his story.  He know what she was
thinking and it greatly saddened him.  He hoped he would be able to
explain.  Even if they couldn't have the same feelings for each other as
they once did, at least he wanted to be able to make her feel comfortable
around him.
    When he received her attention again he continued. "I did the same things
I had done before.  Gone the same places... Killed the same people.
Thinking I was having an exceptionally lucky streak, I ventured back to
the area I had killed in when the curse was cast upon me.  The same tribe
was there, just has I had hoped.  They recognized me immediately.
    "Their first instinct was to kill me.  They tried very hard and nearly
succeeded.  I offered an explanation.  Still, they attempted to kill.
After three tries of explaining and them trying to take their revenge, I
was able to talk my way out of it.  I told them of my life with my soul.
I explained all the good deeds I had done.  I lied through my teeth,
asking for my soul to return.  I even went as far as to ask to be one of
them -- to be accepted as a Gypsy.  After this they unchained me and let
me roam free through their camp.  I'm not sure what lead them to do this,
but they did.  They didn't completely believe me, as far as I could tell.
I had decided that I wasn't safe there, that they had a plan to do away
with me once and for all."
    Buffy had her full attention on the man in her living room.  Before he
begun again, his eyes darted to the window.  The evening he had first
entered upon had been replaced by night.  The sky was pitch black, as it
often was in the country.  Stars were just beginning to appear as the day
time clouds cleared out.  A full moon shown above trees and buildings.  As
he brought his eyes back to the woman, he noticed she was trying to look
him in the eye.  "It's okay.  I've heard it all."
    "Sorry... This part is a little hard..."  Doubt shown in his eyes, but
he continued.  "That night I killed the daughter of the tribe.  Their
prized child -- the one who was going to be the wisest.  Just has I had
done the first time.  Except for this time I wanted everything to be worth
it.  I raped her.  When she was laying dead on the floor, I went and
killed her family.  Her friends.  Everyone who was close to her wound up
dead."  As he spoke the words he saw the pictures.  Small flashes of the
night came back to him evoking resentment in not only what he had done but
also in how good the night had felt.
    Both pair of eyes filled with tears without a single drop spilling over.
His were in memory, hers in realization.  Both took a deep breath and
looked away from each other.  There was a silent agreement to give it a
minute...  These ideas were a lot for one person to comprehend.
    After a couple of minutes had passed Angel began his story again.  His
voice gained all the power it had lost.  "They hunted me down.  I was sure
I had gotten far enough away, hidden myself well enough.  I guess I didn't
take into consideration that thousands of people would be looking for me.
    "It took them a day, but they found me.  I had hidden in what I thought
was a secluded cave.  Suddenly, while I was sleeping, I was bound and
gagged.  A black cloth was placed over my eyes and plugs were put in my
ears.
    "I'm not sure how much time passed, hours or days, but eventually I was
unmasked and forced to face masses of angry people.  I was tightly
chained to a pole in the center of a circle.  Before I could comprehend
what was happening I heard chants in unrecognizable languages being
spoken.  I hadn't had anything to drink in possibly days, so I was weak
and unable to escape, despite my valiant attempts.
    "When they saw that I had regained continence they hit me on the head
with a long pole from outside of the circle.  I was immediately on the,
ground unable to understand my situation.  I just laid there until
everything went black.
    "I awoke to feel the sun beating on my skin.  A feeling of guilt hit me
as quickly as my eyes had opened, and I realized what had happened.  A man
who I think was a guard called out to the others.  'He's awake!!'  A few
more people came over with food and water.  I ate as if I had never seen
food before and drank all they had.  As soon as I had my fill they gave me
my instructions.  I was told to head any direction I chose.  They would
all turn their backs to me for ten minutes as I ran.  After those ten
minutes had passed, they would come after me.  I ran to the sound of their
steady counting.  I ran as fast as I could, at a speed that I don't assume
was very great.  I don't know if they ever turned around to try to find
me, I just know I didn't look back."
    His eyes returned to Buffy's after realizing that they had once again
drifted out the window.  "That was two years ago.  Since then I've been
trying to make amends for my evil.  And I've been trying to find you."
    The look Buffy returned to Angel was an unrecognizable one.  Maybe it
was one of many feelings attempting to be masked.  Whatever it was, she
kept it to herself.
    "Oh," she responded in a small voice.

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re:  BUFFYFIC: Homecoming - Prologue/?
Date: 27 Mar 1998 20:14:18 EST

it was very good, want more more more more more more =o)

~Mindy

-



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

From: Klutz454 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ***
Date: 27 Mar 1998 22:14:36 EST

unsubscribe

-



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

From: Daphne1784 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Test Readers for Homecoming Pt. 1
Date: 27 Mar 1998 22:44:25 EST

Hi my name is Katherine. I sent out the prologue to Homecoming a few hours ago
and I just finished Part One and I need some test readers to read the story
and give me some suggestions and help me a little with my story! Since this is
my first fanfic I'm a little nervous and I want to make sure it is just right.
Please respond to me off-list. Thanks.

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I NEED HELLMOUTH HELP!!!!!!!
Date: 27 Mar 1998 20:16:59 PST

I really need help!!!  (No, not psychiactric help!)

Can anyone PLEASE give me a description
of what the Master's Lair looked like???
I am trying to write my fanfiction, and I
don't remember.  I need this info to
continue writing "Hope".

Also, was he in Hell?  Or the Hellmouth?
And remember in Prophecy Girl, when the
Annointed One led her to see the Master,
how did he lead her into Hell?  Where
exactly is the opening?  Did it go thru
the sewer systems?  A portal?  WHAT and
WHERE??!!

Mostly, I need to know what the Master's
Lair looked like.  I have posted this
same message to a different list, and no
one seems to want to help me!  Since you
are all huge Buffy fans and incredibly nice
people, I thought that maybe SOMEONE could
help me with this.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!

I would look myself, but I don't have any eps
on tape.

Now that I'm done groveling, I'm going to go
and try to be the happy author that I am.

Thanx so much!!!

*sArA*  [e-mail]

"What am I?  Mass transportation?" Cordy
"That's what all the guys say, but I wouldn't pay any attention to
it...it's just locker room talk."  Xander


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I NEED HELLMOUTH HELP!!!!!!!
Date: 27 Mar 1998 20:19:10 PST

I really need help!!!  (No, not psychiactric help!)

Can anyone PLEASE give me a description
of what the Master's Lair looked like???
I am trying to write my fanfiction, and I
don't remember.  I need this info to
continue writing "Hope".

Also, was he in Hell?  Or the Hellmouth?
And remember in Prophecy Girl, when the
Annointed One led her to see the Master,
how did he lead her into Hell?  Where
exactly is the opening?  Did it go thru
the sewer systems?  A portal?  WHAT and
WHERE??!!

Mostly, I need to know what the Master's
Lair looked like.  I have posted this
same message to a different list, and no
one seems to want to help me!  Since you
are all huge Buffy fans and incredibly nice
people, I thought that maybe SOMEONE could
help me with this.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!

I would look myself, but I don't have any eps
on tape.

Now that I'm done groveling, I'm going to go
and try to be the happy author that I am.

Thanx so much!!!

*sArA*  [e-mail]

"What am I?  Mass transportation?" Cordy
"That's what all the guys say, but I wouldn't pay any attention to
it...it's just locker room talk."  Xander


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (6/10)
Date: 28 Mar 1998 02:15:49 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (6/10)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Ow," Giles winced as he landed on his back on the library floor.

Another weekly training session with Buffy was landing the Watcher
a brand new set of bruises.

"That looks painful," Caitlin commented.

"It is," Giles grunted, while Buffy helped him up. "Why don't we take
a break," Giles offered as he took of his padding.

Buffy grabbed a bottle of water and seated herself at the table where
the rest of the group was sitting and planning a strategy for the ritual.

"So where is the ritual going to take place?" Xander asked.

"Well it has to be someplace where no one can see it happen, or
interrupt," Caitlin explained.

"The cemetary?" Willow offered.

"No, to many souls floating around there," Caitlin took a deep breath.
"The chance that the wrong soul could be caught in the pull is to great."

"The park," Jenny Calendar called out from the doors of the library.

"Aren't people there at night?" Caitlin questioned.

"Not in this section of town. Usually the crowds are down by the
Bronze," Cordelia interrupted walking into the library.

"Cordy what are you doing here? I recall you saying 'I'm not
wasting my saturday sitting in the library again. I have more
important things to do. Like my nails,' " Xander seemed shocked.

"Well I never been a part of anything this big. I want to help,"
Cordelia replied.

"Well the park sounds good to me," Caitlin agreed. "The only
other problem is getting Angelus there."

"I'll be the bait," Buffy volunteered.

"I don't think that's such a good idea," Giles doubted.

"Buffy's our best chance. All she has to do is lure him to the
park, and I'll take care of the rest," Caitlin explained.

"How are you going to get him to follow her?"Cordelia inquired.

"He'll come looking for Buffy. I'm sure physco girl told him trouble's
here helping the Slayer. He'll want to know who," Caitlin inferred.

"Drusilla?" Giles guessed.

"Yeah. I knew Drusilla when I was younger. She gets these visions of
what's to come. I was kind of surprised  when I found out he brought her
across."

"You think she told him about the ritual?" Jenny asked still standing
by the doors.

"No. Before I came I cast a little spell to keep her in the dark, so to
speak. She doesn't know what's going on."

"What if she shows up with him?" Willow asked worriedly.

"I doubt she will, but if she does we'll manage. I won't let her mess this
up," Caitlin smiled.

Willow nodded, obviously put at ease by Caitlin's comforting words.

"So we have a plan worked out. That's step one.  Step 2 is setting it
up, and step 3 is actually casting it," Caitlin confirmed.

"We should all meet at the park at 8:00. You'll all keep out of sight,
I'll look like I'm hunting, and when Angel comes looking for me..."

Caitlin cut Buffy off, "I'll ruff him up a bit, while you all get the circle
ready. Set up the candles in one circle, all of you in a bigger circle
around them, and I'll get him where he needs to be. Deal?" Caitlin asked.

"Deal," Everyone answered in unison.

"Tonight we bring Angel back," Caitlin assured.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End part 6......to be continued.

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question About Love (1/?)
Date: 28 Mar 1998 12:33:38 EST

Title: The Question about Love (1/?)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 1)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was shinning so brightly that everyone in
the quad was wearing sunglasses. Buffy Summers just hopped out of her mom's
car. Yes, it was a calm day, even for the slayer. She didn't have to walk far
before her two best friends; Willow and Xander greeted her.
"Hey Buffy, Slay any Vampires last night?" Xander questioned.
"No," Buffy said. "It was a surprisingly calm night last night."
"Were you with Angel?" Willow curiously asked.
"I was at first," she replied, "but Cordilia showed up with her normal charm,
and the next thing I knew, he was gone. I didn't even see him leave."
Willow and Xander couldn't keep themselves from laughing.
"So are we Bronzing it tonight?" Xander asked.
"I guess so," Buffy replied. "We have nothing better to do unless there is
grave danger."
"Great," Xander ecstatically said. "There is supposed to be a hot new singer
tonight."
"Cool," Willow said with a happy tone. "Do you know what their name is?"
"The flyer just says her name is LOVE" he answered.
"Who is LOVE?" Buffy asked
"Good question" Xander replied.
All three of them walked to class. Actually, they didn't ditch a single class,
which is amazing considering how many times they skipped class to fight off
demons.
"Wow, that was boring" Buffy said as if she were a walking zombie.
"Home-ec is not my favorite class either," Xander replied.
"That is not what you said lastà" Willow started
"SHUT-UP," Xander squealed.
They all walked to the library. As they were going down the hall, Cordilia
caught up with them.
"Buffy," she said. "What did you do to poor Angel last night? When I got there
he looked as if he was dead. Then he just vanished."
"Yeah, you just have this affect on people," Buffy snapped.
"Ha, ha. Did you make that up yourself?" Cordy said, trying to be mean.
"First of all Cordy, that has got to be the worst come back of all times.
Secondly, Angel is dead.  And thirdly, YOU scared him away last night." Buffy
answered.
"AS IF!" she sharply replied. "He is not dead. Oh no," she said as she glared
far ahead. "He hangs out with you, he totally ignores me, you can never see
him when he is hiding in the shadows, and he likes you. He must be a vampire,"
she said.
"Funny.  Really funny," Buffy said.
"Come on Buffy. Get off it. If Angel is a vampire, then how come he hangs with
the slayer? Plus, he is way to cute to be a demon," Cordy replied.
"You're right Cordy," Xander said. "You have nothing to worry about. If Angel
were a vampire, then he would have shone you his demon face by now. UNLESS,"
he hissed in a tone so scary that even Buffy was startled.
"Unless what?" She asked.
"Unless he wanted to eat you!" Xander shouted. Xander began to crack up
laughing.  Cordially elbowed him hard in the ribs as he hissed "SHUT-UP!"
"Go Xander," Buffy cheered.
"Yeah, yeah. Very funny." Cordy snapped.
"I thought so" Willow replied. "Xander, you have had your fun, now we all need
to talk to Giles."
"Why?" Buffy questioned. "Nothing bad happened last night."
"Exactly" Willow said. "Giles promised last night to be a major blood feast or
something. Yet, you said that there was nothing."
"Good listening skills," Buffy said. "Lets go."
All four of them walked in the library door. As Buffy was entering, she got
this cold clammy feeling that she only had when she was being watched. She
turned around and looked in directions, but the halls were completely
deserted.
"Oh well" she replied to herself.
She walked through the library doors and closed them behind her. When she was
gone, a girl peered around a corner to make sure Buffy didn't see her. When
she was assured, the girl walked to
the center of the hall. She looked younger than Buffy, but was a bit taller
than her.
"Well, well. They don't know," she said to herself. She walked down the hall
toward the doors. Her shoes made a 'click', 'click' sound. She went out the
door and disappeared.
In the library Giles was talking on the phone while rummaging through a large
selection of books.
"Ok, thanks William. Call me if you find anything out. Alright, Bye." Giles
said to the person on the other end of the phone. He hung the phone up and
continued looking through his books.
"Who was that?" Buffy asked. Her words startled Giles.
"Buffy, you scared me," he replied. "That was a good friend of mine, William.
He studies vampires and occasionally tapes them fighting, eating, you name
it."
"So what did he want?" Xander asked.
"He had an unusual encounter last night. He said that he was tapping some
vampires have a discussion about something, when he tripped and made noise as
he fell to the ground. This, of course, informed the vampires of his presence.
They came up to him, backed him up against a tree, and prepared to eat him.
One of the vamps went for his neck, so he tightly closed his eyes. The next
thing he knew, he fell to the floor and the vampires were gone. They just
vanished. He said he didn't
even hear them leave."
'That is unusual," Buffy said. "What time did he say that this happened?"
"Around eight o'clock, why?" Giles questioned.
"Well," Buffy started. "Cordilia came to the Bronze around eight, Right?" she
asked Cordy.
"Yeah...so," Cordilia replied.
"Well," Buffy continued. "Angel left as soon as Cordy got there. Maybe it is
this thing that has to do with all vampires."
"Maybe," Giles said. "We should ask Angel where he went to. Ok?"
"Ok," Buffy replied. "I might see him at the Bronze tonight."

End Part 1
Please let me know if you want me to go on.

-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Her Darkest Hour 2
Date: 28 Mar 1998 15:16:28 -0800

Her Darkest Hour 2

By NightHunter

DISCLAIMER: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and its characters belong to Jo=
ss
Whedon,
Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm Just borrowing them.  Th=
e
story is all from
my deranged mind. No copyright infringement is intended.

For those of you that read Her Darkest Hour 1 I stated that the next
part would be called
Her Darkest Hour 2 The First Death, I started writing and the name
changed. Sorry!

Special Thanks to Leslie


Part 1 Darkness Falls (Hospital)

Buffy had just entered the Sunnydale Hospital to see Angel.  To her
surprise he was to be
released that day after only 3 weeks during which she came by every d=
ay
to talk to him
about their future together.

As she approached his room she saw that Giles, Xander & Willow were
already there, and
just like the old days Xander & Angel were fighting.  She entered the
room to see Angel
looking at Xander with murder in his eyes yelling, "I am not going to
leave here in a
wheelchair!" Xander in his usual care-free way said  "Look for a guy
who's over 240 years
old, you can be such a girlie boy.  Besides they won't let you leave =
if
you are not in the
chair. It can be so much fun." =20

"Fun how?" replied Angel.=20

"Trust me." said Xander helping Angel into the wheelchair.

Just as Angel sat down in the chair, Xander let out a rebel yell and
tiltes the chair
backwards. In one smooth motion he then spun the chair around and
started pushing it out
the door.  He sped down the hall at break neck speeds as nurses and
doctors leapt out of
the way.

Buffy stepped out into the hall ready to stop Xander when she caught =
the
look on Angel's
face, which had a smile on it a mile wide.  Then she heard him yellin=
g
"Hey Xander you
are right this is fun, but is this as fast as you can go?"

Part 2 Darkness Falls (First Strike)

While our group was having fun at the hospital an evil plan was
unfolding at the
Hellmouth. The dark figure had used a powerful spell to bring back li=
fe
to one of the most
evil Vampire that had ever been.

When the spell was completed, in the center of the chamber stood a 7'
tall engine of
muscle and destruction. When he growled, even the new Spike backed aw=
ay.

"Soon my friend, you will have your first taste of human blood in ove=
r
2,000  years." The
dark figure stated as it approached the new vampire.

Spike who had been looking at this new vampire spoke to the dark figu=
re.
"What's so
special about this vampire? And why do you think that he'll be able t=
o
destroy the Slayer?"

The Dark figure approach Spike causing him to move back a step. "He's
not here to destroy
the Slayer, only to make her suffer."

Then with a wave of its hand the dark figure freed the vampire from=
=20
it's holding place it,
looked at the Dark Figure and said, "I will not  fail Master."

The vampire moving at a speed that even a Formula - 4 Car would have
trouble keeping
up with left the chamber.

Later that night at Buffy's house, Mrs. Summers answered the door to =
see
a very tall man
wearing a Gas Company uniform. He looked at a clip board in his hands
then back to her,
saying "Is this the Summer's house?"=20

"Yes!" answered Mrs. Summers "How can I help you?"

"I'm with the Gas Company. We've been having reports of gas leaks in =
the
neighborhood,
so, the boss wanted us to go from house to house checking the gas
levels. May I come in?"

As she turns around to open the door wider she answers "Of course. Co=
me
in.  We don't
want to take a chance with something serious like that!"  She missed =
the
evil grin on the
man's face. After entering and closing the door the screams began.

Part 3 Darkness Falls (Mom)

Later that night Willow and Buffy arrived at Buffy's house. Willow ha=
d
been helping Buffy
& Giles look up some old prophecies and had arranged to spend the nig=
ht
at Buffy's house.=20
They had just got to the door when Buffy notice that it was ajar.

She slowly pushed it open with her left hand while pulling out her st=
ake
with her right
hand. One thing that she had learned in her time fighting vampires wa=
s
that, they could be
very sneaky in tricking someone into inviting them in.

As the door opened all the way she was almost over powered by the cop=
per
like stench.
She entered the house calling out for her mom.  After receiving no
answer she slowly
entered the kitchen. Her screams caused Willow to come running in fro=
m
the front porch
were she had been standing. Soon her screams also joined Buffy's. The=
=20
sight
that confronted them was that of Buffy's mom with two Stakes holding =
her
to the wall one
through each shoulder. The copper like smell had come from the blood
that was splattered
all over everything.  Buffy thought that her mom was dead until she
heard her
moan.

Several minutes later the Ambulance that Willow had called arrived an=
d
took Buffy's mom
to the hospital. Just as the ambulance was pulling out Giles's car
pulled up. Giles and
Xander jumped out running over to Buffy who was sitting on the front
porch not moving,
or even acknowledging the presence of her friends.

After Willow had explained what had happened, Giles told her to go to
Buffy's room and
get a some of her things together. He would take her home with him, a=
nd
then call the
hospital and see what he could find out about Buffy's mom.

Part 4 Darkness Falls (Willow)

Willow was walking home when she heard a loud growl from behind her. =
She
quickly
turned around to see a werewolf approaching her.  She slowly moved ba=
ck
saying, "OZ, its
me Willow, you know the girl your going out with!"  But as the creatu=
re
approached her
she look into its eyes and could see that no trace of humanity remain=
ed
within him. Her
last thoughts as the wolf's fangs sank into her throat was that, she
really should have told
Xander that she loved him, but, now it was to late.

The wolf lifted it's blood stained muzzle up to the moon, howling its
victory. Having
completed its mission for the Master and knowing that it would soon h=
ave
a mate.

Part 5 Darkness Falls (Xander)

Xander had just left Giles house after making sure that Buffy would b=
e
alright. When he
heard a soft voice calling "Xanderrr...Xanderrrr..." He turned and
started to follow the
sound of the voice into the tree line, not knowing why, only that he=
=20
must find out who that
lovely voice belonged to.

He had just entered the tree line when he was grabbed from behind by =
a
giant vampire.
Just as the vampire was getting ready to sink it's teeth into his
throat, a voice called out
=66rom the darkness. "Mad Dog, stop! He's mine!"

A dark figure steps out of the trees making Mad Dog loosen his hold o=
n
Xander, but not
enough to let him escape.  As the figure approached Xander, the hood
that had been
covering it's face fell back. And upon seeing the face of the one
controlling the vampire
Xander asked, "Amy, why I thought that we were your friends?" =20

"Oh Xander, you may have been Amy's friends, but, she's gone now and=
=20
this body is
mine. I mean, did you really think that you could keep me imprisoned =
in
a school trophy?"

Part 5 Darkness Falls (Giles)

Several days later Buffy has still had no success in trying to find
Willow and Xander. Her
mom was still in the hospital in a coma. Buffy she had also just foun=
d
out that her dad had
been killed in a car wreck. He had been coming to see her mother at  =
the
hospital.

Buffy was opening the door to Giles house using the key that he had
given her. She had
been staying with him ever since the attack on her mother since she
didn't feel safe in her
house any more.  She had just opened the door to see Giles standing a=
s
still as a statue.

As she started to get closer, she notice that the mirror in front of
him. It reflected a female
head, sitting on the table in front of him, and that it had snakes fo=
r
hair. Buffy quickly
recalled the story of Medusas, she quickly grabbed a blanket and thre=
w
it over the head.
Then using the blanket she picked it up and quickly (hurled) it all i=
nto
the fire. The head
exploded into flames.

She turns to see that Giles has been turned into stone. Then she hear=
d
the window break
and turned to see two werewolves enter the room. One of them had red=
=20
fur.  Behind them,
was Xander, who's face reflected the demon within him quite well.  >F=
rom
behind Xander
stepped Amy.

"Well, it looks like you are all alone now little Slayer. You'll neve=
r
know who that you can
trust again. You never should have challenged me. If I was you, I'd
run!"

Buffy turned and ran out the door into the night with the evil laught=
er
of a witch and
vampire behind her.

When Buffy reached Angels house she raised her hand to knock on the
door. It was pulled
open to show Spike & Druscilla standing there with Angelus.  "Well
Buffy, I guess your
running out of places to hide. But keep running you might just get
lucky." said Angelus
laughing.

Buffy turned and ran  from Angel=92s house. Tears were streaming down=
 her
face. She ran
until out of breath then collapsed. In a dark alley, the past few day=
s=20
began to flash in her
mind. She relived everything that had happened:  Her mother being
attacked and put in a
coma; her dad dead; Xander now a vampire; Willow being turned into a
werewolf;  and
Giles getting turned into a stone statue. Then Angel going back to be=
ing
Angelus.

She felt that she had finally hit the bottom of a seemingly bottomles=
s
pit as everything that
she had worked for had been taken from her. She was ready to give it =
all
up.  Let another
be chosen she wearily thought. She then felt something rubbing agains=
t
her leg and looked
down into the furry face of a small black cat. It had a white belly &
paws, one of which
had a small black spot on it. It made Buffy think of a sock with a ho=
le
in it. (You describe
my cat  almost to a tee!)

She reached down picked up the small cat and begin to pet it. When sh=
e
heard the cat
began to purr for the first time that night she felt safe.

To Be Concluded in Her Darkest Hour 3 The Light Shines




-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Her Darkest Hour 2
Date: 28 Mar 1998 15:37:17 EST

could you send me Her Darkest hour 1?
THanx
Lins

-



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

From: LMcint6188 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: OOOOOPS Her Darkest Hour 2
Date: 28 Mar 1998 15:37:55 EST

oops, sorry... didnt mean for that to go to the list
Forgive?
Lins

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (35/?)
Date: 28 Mar 1998 13:28:48 PST


Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.  Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I
don't care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.


Part 35   PG

ôGo upstairs and get washed up.  Their is a towel in the closet a the
end of the hallway, and feel free to use anything we have in the
bathroom,ö Buffy said to Hope, as she shut the door behind her.  Hope
nodded wearily and trudged up the stairs.  ôHope?ö

The beautiful girl turned around.  ôYeah?ö  her parched voice said.

Buffy did her best to smile.  ôA vampire is a demon.  They kill,
torture, and cause suffering to people.  They have no conscious and no
guilt.  Killing one of them is a good thing, in a weird way.  The more
of them you kill, the safer the world is.ö

Hope took her words to heart.  ôIÆll remember that.ö  She said, and
continued making her way up the stairs.

Buffy walked into the downstairs bathroom.  She cleaned up the cut she
had on her forehead, and took off her clothes.  Standing in front of the
full length mirror that was hanging on the door, she eyed her
appearance.  ôYuck,ö she said, noticing her mussed hair.  Grabbing a
brush out of a drawer, she ran it through her hair, trying to make it
descent looking.  ôWhy am I even doing this?  I have a world to save.ö
Sighing, she pulled a tissue out of the box and wiped the black makeup
off that had run down her face from her tears.  ôI really need
waterproof mascara.ö  She pulled a pair of clean jeans from the laundry
basket and put them on.  She put on a small white shirt on and pulled
her hair back into a low pony tail.  After taking a final glance at
herself,  she walked to the kitchen.  Walking over to the counter, she
noticed the open phone book.  Flipping to the right page, she found the
number for the hospital and dialed.

ôSunnydayle Hospital,ö the male voice said.

ôUh, hi.  I need to speak with Rupert Giles.  He should be there,ö Buffy
said.

ôDoes he work here?ö

ôUh, no...he is a librarian.  I mean, he is waiting there....at the
hospital,ö she stammered, ôjust page him or whatever you do.  ItÆs
really urgent,ö Buffy said, feeling like an idiot.

ôRight.  What was his name again?ö

ôGiles.  Uh, Rupert Giles.ö

ôOkay, please hold.ö  Elevator music blared through the phone into her
ear as she was put on hold.  After three minutes of what seemed like an
eternity, her WatcherÆs familiar voice soothed her.

ôHello?ö  Giles asked.

ôGiles!  ItÆs Buffy.  WeÆve got big problems.ö

*****

Hope walked to the hall closet and pulled out a plush pink towel, then
walked to the bathroom.  Shutting the door behind her, she rested,
leaning on it.  Her body tingled, and she could smell the stench of
dried blood.  Looking down, she saw her stained jeans, remembering what
she did to Marcus.  Groaning, she peeled off her clothes and started a
shower.  She relaxed as the water hit her.  The water turned a light
pink color as she washed her body.  Hope grabbed the nearest bottle of
shampoo.  ôMmm...peach.  My favorite.ö

When she finally felt clean, she turned the water off, and stepped onto
the mat that lay beside the tub.  She dried herself off, and wiped the
mist off on the foggy mirror.  ôI really need waterproof mascara,ö she
grumbled, and grabbed a tissue to wipe off her makeup that had run down
her face.  Running a comb through her blond hair, she left the bathroom.

In BuffyÆs room, Hope got dressed, putting on a pair of jeans and a
white shirt that she pulled out of her bag.  ThatÆs when she looked at
the clock and realized she hadnÆt spoken or seen her parents in a long
time.  ôOh know!  They are probably so freaked!  IÆm going to be
grounded forever,ö she said.  Racing to the phone, she quickly dialed
her number, fearing what her parents would say.

ôHello?ö

ôMom!  Oh, IÆm so sorry I havenÆt called you!ö  Hope rushed.  ôIts just
that, well, there are things going on and I canÆt explain them to you
but I canÆt come home because I have to save the world.  OH!  I ...I
mean I have to uh, I have to, um...ö  she rambled, trying to think of an
excuse.

ôItÆs okay, honey.  Calm down.  I understand that you are busy with your
new friends,ö her mother, Gayle Callahan said.

Hope was confused.  ôWho are you and what have you done with my mother?ö
she asked, and Gayle laughed.  ôI donÆt get it.  I was sure you and
Frank would be wigged out with worry.ö

ôHope, dear, we know,ö Gayle said.

ôYou know what?ö  Hope questioned suspiciously.

ôWe know about Mira and the necklace and the prophecy,ö Frank CallahanÆs
voice said as he picked up the extension.

ôWh..What?!  I donÆt understand!ö  Hope exclaimed, feeling queasy.

ôWe know about what is going on right now.  Why do you think we came to
Sunnydale?  Why do you think we gave you the necklace right before we
moved?  Because of your destiny to fight with Buffy,ö  Gayle said.

Hope now felt like throwing up.  ôYou know Buffy?ö

ôYes, we met today.  I was the one who gave her a ride into Sunnydale.
I know that this is a lot to take in all at once, but there is no time
to explain.  We can talk about it later.  Right now you have a duty to
perform.  You must save Angelus.ö  Gayle said.

ôYour mother is right.  Angelus needs you to give him his greatest
wish,ö Frank said.

ôWhat wish?ö  his step-daughter asked.

ôHis wish to be able to human.  To be with Buffy,ö he told her.

ôOh man.  How do I do that?ö

ôYou will know what to do when the time comes,ö Frank said.

ôHow long have you known all of this?ö  Hope asked.

ôSince before your birth.  That is why I named you æHopeÆ.  You were to
be the hope of the future.  And you are,ö Gayle explained.

Hope was astonished.  ôDid my dad know about this before he died?ö

ôYes, he did.  And Frank also new before I married him.ö

ôThis is all too much,ö Hope said.

ôDonÆt think about this right now.  Think about what you have to do.
And remember, you have the power within you,ö Gayle said.

ôRight, right,ö Hope said, dazed.

ôWe love you, honey,ö she said.

ôWe know you will fulfill your destiny,ö Frank said.

ôBye Mom, Frank,ö  Hope said.  ôI love you.ö

She slowly placed the phone on the base.  ôHoly shit.  This is too
much.ö

*****

Hope walked down the stairs to inform Buffy of her newly found
information.  She found her lounging on the couch, sharpening a stake.

ôHey,ö  she said, shyly, and put her hands into her pockets.

Buffy looked up and sprung to her feet.  She was about to speak but shut
her mouth closed, eyeing HopeÆs outfit to find it exactly like her own.
Both girls stared at each other in bewilderment, shocked to find out
that they both had on jeans, white shirts, and hair pulled back.  ôThis
is really weird,ö Hope said, breaking their silence.

Buffy took a deep breath.  ôShould you change, or should I?ö  she said,
beginning to laugh.  Both girls burst into giggles, laughing
uncontrollably until their stomachs hurt.

When they were able to control themselves, the happy atmosphere turned
into a serious one.  They shared their telephone conversations.

ôThis is all too much,ö  Buffy said.

ôStrange.  That is what I said,ö  Hope sighed.

Buffy stared at her friend.  ôWe have to win this fight.  But how?ö

ôI donÆt know,ö she said, leaning up against the wall.  ôI canÆt believe
they took your mother.ö

Buffy looked down, hiding her tears.  Her stomach flipped upside down
and her throat tightened.  <Mom.  ItÆs my fault she is in danger >  ôIf
they hurt her, they will live to regret it.  Actually, part of me thinks
that Angel wonÆt do anything to her.ö

ôWhy do you think that?ö  Hope questioned.

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.  ôBecause he doesnÆt want
her.  He wants me.  And he wont let Spike hurt her because she is the
bate to lure me in.ö

Buffy stared at Hope.  Suddenly an idea floated into her mind.  Buffy
jumped up off the couch.  ôI have an idea!ö  She exclaimed, and pulled
Hope up the stairs.

She ran to her room.  Hope followed her quickly, eager to find out what
Buffy was up to.  Buffy pulled out her desk chair and told Hope to sit
in it.  She stood behind her friend and they stared into the mirror.

ôDo you see what I see?ö  Buffy asked.

ôNo,ö Hope replied honestly.

ôWith our blond hair, slender figures, light skin, we almost look
incredibly alike,ö she said.  Hope examined her reflection against
BuffyÆs.

ôYou know, your right,ö she agreed.  ôBut what does this have to do with
anything?ö

Buffy grinned mischievously.  ôJust wait and youÆll find out.ö


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (36/?)
Date: 28 Mar 1998 13:30:36 PST

Author:  Sara B.  [e-mail]
Rating:   Varies...will be posted at beginning of each part.
Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, yada yada yada
belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.... I'm just
borrowing them, (although I wish Angel was mine!)  Everything else
belongs to me!
Author's note:  This is your usual generic story.  Angel is still good,
so basically in my story surprise/innocence didn't happen.  Willow and
Oz are together, and Xander and Cordy are still hiding their secret
utility closet rondevu's. This is going to be a long story, and will
take some time so be patient with me.  I'm not very good at story
telling, so if this totally sucks and isn't read-worthy, just let me
know.Oh yeah, and I want feedback, feedback, and more feedback.  I don't
care if it's good or bad, just tell me what you thought of it.

Part 36    PG

ôPaging Mr. Giles.  Mr. Rupert Giles.  You have a telephone call,ö  a
loud voice said over the intercom.  Giles sprung to his feet and ran to
the front desk.

ôIÆm Rupert Giles,ö he said quickly.

The large, overweight man pointed to a phone.  ôLine 3.ö

Giles nodded and picked up the receiver.  ôHello?ö

ôGiles!  ItÆs Buffy.  WeÆve got big problems.ö  Buffy explained what had
happened, from the moment her and Hope left the hospital right up to
this telephone call.

ôOh....oh m..my.  Sh-Sh-She rrripped it off?ö  Giles gulped, loosening
the tie that had suddenly become extremely tight around his neck.

ôYes, Giles.  She ripped it off.  I think Hope just fulfilled the
fantasy of every American woman,ö Buffy said.

Giles felt largely uncomfortable, and changed the subject.  The though
of what Hope did to Marcus made him feel queasy.  ôS..so you say that
she wasnÆt in control of her body?

ôThatÆs what she told me.  You should have seen her, Giles.  She was
raving mad.  It was like someone else in HopeÆs body.ö

Giles pondered this.  ôIt may be a side effect of her transformation.ö

ôHer transformation?ö  Buffy asked, confused.

ôYes.  If her slaying abilities are permanent, then she is going through
a transformation, just like what you went through and what all the other
slayers went through.ö

ôOh...okay.  What if her abilities are temporary?ö  She asked.  Giles
took in a deep breath and was silent.  ôWhat is it?  Is it bad?ö

He winced.  Giles didnÆt want to have to tell her this.  He had hoped
she wouldnÆt ask, but since she did he couldnÆt lie to her.  ôYes, IÆm
afraid so.  If her abilities are only temporary, then she might die when
they leave her.ö

ôWhat do you mean, she might die?!ö  Buffy exclaimed, feeling a little
dizzy.

The Watcher wiped the sweat from his brow.  ôA transformation takes a
lot out of a person.  Her body is going through some changes.  If her
abilities were to leave her, then her body might not be able to handle
the immense stress that she would endure.  The stress would kill her.ö

ôOh, no,ö she whispered.  Buffy tried to push the thought of Hope dying
out of her mind.

ôIf we are lucky, she wonÆt die.  The transformation will be permanent,
and she will be a slayer,ö  Giles said,  trying to not make Buffy more
upset than she already was.  ôBut we canÆt think about that right now.
We need to think about how to rescue your mother.ö

Buffy nodded.  ôYour right.  IÆm sure by now she already knows all about
who I am.  How is she going to handle that?  What if Angel kills her?ö
BuffyÆs hands began to shake and her chin quivered.  ôWhat if Angel
turns her into a vampire?!  What if I never see my mother again?!  What
if I am forced to kill her if she is a vampire?!ö  She was starting to
panic.  Her mind was racing with horrible things Angel could do to
Joyce.  The thought of Angel hurting her mother made her sick.  BuffyÆs
emotions were running wild.  One moment she felt fine, the next she was
in a frenzy.

ôBuffy, now is not the time to panic.  You have to think clearly and
rationally.  Angel wonÆt kill your mother.  I hate to say this, but
right now she is the bait to lure you in.ö  When Buffy didnÆt respond,
he continued.  ôListen, just try to relax.  I will be there as soon as I
can.ö  He said, and hung up the phone.
< How are we ever going to do this?  Hope is raging and Buffy is
hysterical >

He saw Xander who sat with his head resting in his hands.  < Poor boy.
He must be tired >  Giles walked over to him.  ôWould you like me to
take you home, Xander?ö  Giles asked.

Xander looked at the old librarian, shaking his head.  ôNo.  I want to
stay here.ö

Giles sighed.  ôVery well.  I am going to BuffyÆs house.  Apparently she
had a run in with Angel, and he has kidnapped her mother.ö

Xander stood up so quickly he almost knocked Giles over.  ôWhat?  That
bastard.  IÆm going with you.ö

ôXander, I donÆt think--ö  Giles began, but stopped in mid sentence as
Xander pushed him out of the way and out the doors of the lobby.  Giles
sighed again.  ôTeenagers,ö he muttered, and followed the boy to the
car.


*****

A half an hour later, Giles walked up to BuffyÆs front porch.  He paused
before knocking, feeling guilty for leaving Jenny, Willow, and Cordelia
at the hospital.  Xander walked up behind him.

ôWhat are you waiting for, G-man?  Knock already,ö Xander said. Giles
glared at him with annoyance, and Xander shut his mouth.

He knocked three times, and waited.  The door opened, and Hope greeted
them with a smile.  ôHey guys,ö she said.

ôHey, Buffster,ö Xander said, pushing his way in front of Giles.
ôWhereÆs Hope?ö  Someone poked him gently on the back and he turned
around to face Buffy.  ôHey Buffy.ö  He stopped, his eyes opening wide.
He looked at the girl in front of him and again at the girl behind him.
ôWOAH!  What is going on?  Have I entered the Twilight Zone?ö he asked,
backing away.

Buffy smiled at Hope.  ôTold you it would work.ö

Hope laughed.  ôI didnÆt think they would buy it!ö

Xander and Giles, both incredibly confused, demanded an answer.  ôWho is
who?  And what is going on?ö

Buffy smiled.  ôIÆm Buffy, and thatÆs Hope.  How alike do we look?ö

Giles was amazed.  ôThe resemblance is uncanny,ö he said.  ôHow did you
do this?ö

ôLetÆs just say it was a fast hair cut and a quick dye job,ö Buffy said.
ôI cut about two inches and lightened her hair, then I styled it just
like I do mine.  We dressed the same, so we now look alike.ö

ôExcept that I have to wear a pair of two inch black boots to make me
taller,ö Hope said, grinning.

ôWow, two BuffyÆs.  This is my lucky day.  Thank you God!ö  Xander
exclaimed.

Ignoring his rude comment, Buffy shut the front door.  ôNow, we have to
get moving.  I have stakes, holy water, and crosses,ö she said, sitting
on the couch.  ôDoes everyone still have their stakes?  Or did they fall
off when we were hit?ö  She asked, referring to their car accident
earlier.  Giles and Xander nodded, while Hope re-strapped the stakes on
her body.  Both girls had tiny backpacks full of crosses and two small
bottles of holy water.  Buffy handed the two men each a large cross and
a bottle of holy water.

ôTake these,ö she ordered.

ôWhat is the plan?ö  Xander asked.

ôIÆll explain it on the way.  Right now, we need to hurry before it is
too late,ö Buffy said, leading her three friends our of the house.

ôHey Hope, I have a question,ö Xander asked, hurrying down the steps of
BuffyÆs porch to catch up with the blond beauty.  She turned to look at
him.

ôWhat?ö  She asked.  < He is so cute.  No wonder why Cordelia likes him.
She is so lucky >

ôDid you really rip off that guys ----ö

ôXANDER!!!ö    Buffy and Giles scremed in usinson.

He quickly snapped his jaw shut for the second time that evening.  Hope
leaned over and whispered in his ear.  ôYes, but donÆt worry...I only do
it when IÆm angry.ö  Grinning, she walked away, silently chucking to
herself, while Xander stared at her in amazement.

ôThat is one wild woman,ö he said to himself, and followed them to the
car.


______________________________________________________
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-



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

From:    Sarah Douglas <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: "The Cure" (1/14)
Date: 28 Mar 1998 18:39:10

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Buffy or any of the other wonderful characters in
the Buffyverse.  I am using them without the permission of the people who
do own them who are not going to sue me because I am not making any money
off this.  Joss Whedon, WB, Mutant Enemy, Kusui and Sandollar own the Buffy
characters.
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask.
RATING: Probably PG
FEEDBACK: I would love to know what you all think of this.  Please send me
feedback.  Pretty please.  <[e-mail]>
SUMMARY:  Okay, well this takes place while Ms. Calendar is still alive,
but Angel is evil, so probably Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.  It's
another "Angel gets his soul back" story which I wrote to convince myself
that Angel could be good again.  It's kind of long and I'm sorry about that
you all.  Well, enough with the talk, on with the show.

The Cure  (1/14)

He had waited for this moment all day.  The anitsipation had been sending
shivers up his spine since he woke up in mid afternoon and hadn't been able
to get back to sleep.

He looked down at his victim.  Today, he'd chosen a girl, he guessed she
was about 14 years old.  he saw the fear in her eyes and he began to smile,
his yellowish teeth protruding.

Suddenly, he clutched his chest.  He made little gasping noises.  Angel
felt a pain like he felt the night his soul left.

The girl ran off.   Angel fell to the ground.  He stayed there for about
ten minutes.  Then he got up, all the pain gone.

"Wierd."

*********************

Jenny Calendar was not having a good week.  She's been numb to all feelings
except this overwhelming guilt.  Her thoughts wandered over the recent
events and drifted over to the staff meeting yesterday.  She had hoped
against hope that Rupert would talk to her, htat he would forgive her and
they could be friends.  She missed him so much.

Jenny pulled into the parking lot and headed for the school.  As she
approached the faculty lounge she prayed that Rupert would be in there.
She crossed her fingers for luck and went in.  He wasn't there.  She
sighed, then she smiled.  The thought that Rupert would leave his books to
come to the staff room and socialize almost made her laugh.  Rupert was not
really a people person.

Suddenly, the bell rang and Jenny realized that she had to get to class.
She hurried to the classroom.  When she entered she saw the auburn head of
her favourite student staring at a computor screen.  Jenny was surprised to
see Willow.  Every calss since they had found out that she was actually
Janna, Willow had had an excuse slip signed by Rupert.  maybe they were
going to forgive her.  She went over to talk to Willow.

"Hi Willow," Ms. Calendar said brightly.

"Hi," Willow responded coldly.  Then again, maybe not.

"How are you?  How is everyone?" Jenny asked.

"We'll be fine," Willow responded.  Jenny understood what that meant.  It
meant they weren't fine yet, but they didn't need or want her help.

"Okay Willow.  Let me know if I can help," Jenny said and went back to her
desk.  << I hate this >> Jenny thought << the people that became my closest
friends will barely speak to me.  Rupert avoids me like the plague.  And
it's all my fault. >>  Jenny thought about how much heartache she had
caused for Buffy, how she had alienated everyone she cared about.  << Or
killed >> she thought, thinking of her uncle.
<< What can I do? >> she wondered.  She looked ober at Willow, her
favourite student who now would barely speak to her.

<< I've got to find a way to bring Angel back. >>

-



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

From: Gubs <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: I NEED HELLMOUTH HELP!!!!!!!
Date: 28 Mar 1998 19:57:16 -0500 (EST)

On Fri, 27 Mar 1998, Sara Barton wrote:

> I really need help!!!  (No, not psychiactric help!)
    if I recall the masters lair consisted of a natural looking cavern
with tons of stalctimites and stalacmites.  there are pools of water on
the ground and a large cross hanging on the wall.  The are is generally
open with a few pillars scattered around.  And the hellmouth when it
opened was under the library not in the lair at all.


-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Homecoming - Prologue/?
Date: 28 Mar 1998 20:18:08 EST

In a message dated 98-03-27 20:16:43 EST, you write:

<< it was very good, want more more more more more more =o)

 ~Mindy
  >>

I second that! You must write more!

~Nastassia~
Who is not to proud to beg when it comes to good fanfic!

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (7/10)
Date: 29 Mar 1998 00:36:32 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (7/10)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Distribution: Sure, but ask first.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night, Buffy, Caitlin, and the rest of the gang met up in the
park at 8:00 as planned, where they began setting up the ritual.

"Are you sure he's going to come?" Buffy asked glancing around
nervously.

"Trust me, he'll come," Caitlin assured.

"Okay, let's set up the candles over there," Caitlin suggested,
while pointing to a small clearing set back a little behind a large tree.

Jenny took the sack she had been carrying off her shoulder,
which contained the candles, and set it on the ground. Willow,
Xander, and Cordelia began gathering the candles and
arranging them in a circle, in the spot Caitlin pointed out.

"You guys can hide in those bushes over there beside the
clearing, and I'll be up in this tree," Caitlin offered.

"I'll get him by the tree and..." Buffy started.

"And I'll take care of the rest," Caitlin finished. "As soon as I
have his attention, all of you get the larger circle formed
around the ring of candles," Caitlin informed them.

"Is there anything other then forming the circle we need to do?"
Willow questioned.

"Yes, it's extremely important that the circle is not broken in
any way. Which means your hands must be joined at all times,
until it's finished," Caitlin explained.

"Why?" Xander asked confused.

"Because, if we are all joined the pull will be concentrated
inside the circle. If the circle is to be broken in anyway, that
very same pull could attract something outside the circle we
don't want," Giles added.

Caitlin smiled. "I see you've read the book."

"Yes. Yes it-it was quite fascinating material."

"I can feel him near," Caitlin said abruptly. "Let's get into
our places," she ordered.

The others scurried to obey, and kneeled down behind the
bushes Caitlin had pointed out earlier.

"You know what to do?" Caitlin asked Buffy.

Buffy nodded and swallowed nervously.

"This is it," were Caitlin's parting words after giving Buffy
a reassuring hug. Then she climbed up into the large tree
out of site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was sitting on a swing, lightly swaying when Angelus
approached minutes later.

"Well if it isn't my darling Buffy," he greeted.

"What do you care?" Buffy asked coldly, pushing down
her nervousness.

"Oh, I care. I don't just pick any girl to become my obssesion.
They have to be special to me," Angelus smirked.

"I'm touched by your devotion. Almost really," she retorted,
and began walking towards the designated tree. Angelus
followed.

"I just need some information, and then I'll leave you and
your friends alone for tonight. Tomorrow's a different story,"
Angelus stated.

"Sorry, I don't know the secret on how to go to hell. But don't
worry I'm sure you'll find it," Buffy quipped.

Angelus laughed. "You are quite humorous. Actually,
I heard something interesting."

"Oh really?" Buffy arched an eyebrow.

"Yes, I hear there's a new girl in town. You wouldn't happen
to know where I can find her, do you?" he asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do."

Buffy and Angleus were now standing under the tree.

"You want to meet her?"

"That might prove interesting. Where is she?"

Buffy smiled slyly at him and he was momentarily taken
back with confusion. That moment of confusion cost him
when he was hit by something above.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Caitlin was a blur of motion when she leaped from an
extending branch up towards the top of the tree and
pounced on him, knocking him to the ground.  Caitlin
loomed over him.

"Remember me?" Caitlin asked anger playing over her
features.

Angelus' eyes widened in disbelief, and before he could
answer or react, her fist lunged out and connected solidly
with his jaw. He jumped up quickly and backed away from
her, rubbing his jaw in pain and slipping into his game face.

"Caitlin! Little sister, your supposed to be dead," Angelus
greeted.

"Yeah, well you didn't do as good of a job as you thought,"
Caitlin threw back.

"Now!" she yelled to the others.

Before Angelus could find out what was going on Caitlin
came after him again distracting him from finding out what
they were doing and running off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The others  quickly came out of their hiding place and were
greeted by Buffy. They began to form the circle around the
already existing one of candles. The grasped each others
hands tightly and waited.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You killed them all, you bastard!" Caitlin screamed at him.

She kicked him hard in the stomach, which caused him
to stumble back, closer to the circle.

"You're going to join them!" he growled.

"I doubt it," she informed him.

Caitlin spun around and delivered a kick to the side of
his head, blood began to seep down the side of his vampire
visage, but Caitlin could care less. Angelus was weakening
and this was the chance she was waiting for. She kicked
him again, this time in the shin, which brought him to his
knees. Caitlin then grabbed his head and brought her knee
up to connect with his head, which landed him right into
the middle of the circle.

Caitlin quickly rose her arm and the candles ignited. She
kept lifting her arm higher and higher, causing the flames
to expand and rise, creating a wall of flames alloing no
escape. The wind had also picked up creating a eerily
howling sound. Caitlin quickly lowered her arm and grabbed
Buffy and Giles hands completeing the circle. She closed
 her eyes and began chanting words that seemed foreign
to the others.

"No!" Angelus screamed, but his protests were cut off
by the roaring of the flames.

What felt like an eternity later, which in reality had only
been a few minutes, Caitlin's chanting died. The wind
returned to normal, and the fire from the candles was
no more, but there in the center layed an unconscious
Angel.

"Did it work?" Cordelia asked, breaking the silence.

The group let go of each others hands, and watched
silently as Caitlin stepped towards the unconscious vampire.

"We'll have to wait and see," was her answer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

End of part 7........to be continued.

-



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

From: Klutz454 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Buffyfic-digest V2 #78
Date: 29 Mar 1998 00:50:26 EST

unsubsribe

-



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

From: "Aurelia Destiny" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC:  Cloaked In Darkness 1/?
Date: 28 Mar 1998 22:05:08 PST

TITLE: Cloaked In Darkness
AUTHOR: Princess Destiny ([e-mail])
SUMMARY: Things are not exactly what they seem when Giles finds an
ancient diary, with news of the death of the Slayer.  A new girl comes
to Sunnydale and things start to go crazy, Angel is jealous because
Buffy has a boyfriend and The Master gets a nasty surprise...
It is naturally a Buffy/Angel Romance story, cause I'm a hopeless
romantic!  Although it starts off a bit rocky, but I assure you they
will end up together in this one!
RATING: PG.
TIME PERIOD: Hmm, well since we have only seen up till 'Prophesy Girl'
here in Australia But I HAVE read the scripts for the rest of
them...Okay, say just after the 'Angel' episode and we'll leave it at
that!
THANK-YOUS: To all who helped me edit this!
FEEDBACK: PLEASE!  I love to hear from people!
DISTRIBUTION: Ask me first, I'll say yes anyway, but I want to know
where it is going.
DISCLAIMER: Buffy, Angel and the others are the property of Joss Whedon.
Gabriella and any others I add later on are Mine, Mine, Mine!  This is
my first try at a Buffy fic so don't be too harsh, comments and
suggestions or even praise for my lovely story are very welcome!


             ************************
            CLOAKED IN DARKNESS
             ************************


              ***PART 1:  JEALOUSY***


        Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm


The Street lights went by in a blur, reflecting off of the glass windows
as the bus crawled at a respectable speed through the town.  Inside the
bus was black, only a few snores and people muttering in their sleep,
revealed that anyone was within except for the silent driver.  His eyes
swept the road for the stop sign and he spotted it a few meters from the
end of the next street.  He sighed and looked into the rear-view mirror
at the girl sitting in the first row to the right.  If he turned his
head slightly he could look at her pale features from the corner of his
eye.

She was beautiful and his mind had been on nothing but her since the bus
had started its trip from New York.  She had stepped up and given him a
sweet smile before taking her seat, watching all the other passengers as
they, too, entered the bus.  Her long dark hair was gorgeous, glossy and
silken and just waiting for someone to run their hands through it.  And
her eyes, like emeralds, were dark green with dark lashes surrounding
them.  Her skin was white, like fine porcelain and her lips a natural
red.  He doubted she had ever needed to use makeup in her life.

Her clothes were expensive, he could see at a glance, having seen many
people getting onto his bus over the years.  It occurred to him briefly
to wonder why a lovely young girl, with obviously expensive taste, would
be catching a bus to her destination when she could obviously afford to
catch a plane...or a limo.  He chuckled humorously, risking a slight
glance over his shoulder at her sleeping face, so peaceful against the
stained and worn red of the bus seat.

The stop sign came closer and he slowed the bus.  After a quick look at
all the other sleeping people he got out of his seat and walked slowly
towards her. He had intended to wake her gently, perhaps with soft
endearment, his wife would never know...but when he had taken but one
step towards her, her eyes flashed open, wide awake and without the
slightest trace of sleep in their green depths.

He paused, embarrassed, and saw a wariness in her eyes as she stared at
him for a moment.  Then her eyes softened and she smiled that sweet
curving of the lips that he had not been able to forget since she
entered his vehicle.

"WeÆve arrived, I didnÆt want to startle you, or wake the others."  He
whispered almost nervously, wondering if those eyes had seen the flush
enter his cheeks and the look of guilt in his eyes.  A spark of laughter
entered her face. She got fluidly to her feet and shrugged her shoulders
lightly, trying to get the sleepiness out of her limbs.

"Thank you, I enjoyed the ride."  she said.  A shiver went down his
spine at the sound of her voice, he felt as if he would melt into a
puddle as she stepped past him and descended the steps to the sidewalk.
He saw her look around curiously, and then she turned slightly to looked
back at him as he slid into the driverÆs seat again.

"Will you be all right?  ItÆs a dangerous place here, IÆve heard
stories..."  he hesitated as she frowned slightly, stepping closer to
the bus to peer in at him.  A slender hand reached up to grasp the side
of the door and he felt a sudden urge to take back his words and smooth
the frown from her delicate face.

"What stories?"  she asked.  He repressed the shudder that went through
his body at the musical sound of her voice and tried to control his
wandering mind enough to answer her question.

"Ah...not much, just rumors you understand.  They say this is the
æMurder CapitalÆ, people end up dead, especially the tourists"  he told
her in a low conspiratorial voice as someone stirred in the bus and a
child started to whine about food.  The girl released the door and
severed her last link to the bus driver and his life.  He felt it almost
physically, she was so beautiful and he wanted to keep her there longer
but knew he had a deadline to deliver all his passengers to their
destinations.

"I can take care of myself, I lived in New York remember?"  she said
softly, a laugh in her tone.  He smiled foolishly at her as he started
the bus again.  She stepped back so as not to get in the way of the bus
and he stared at her as if seeing a vision, feeling that something was
not right.  The moon shone down giving her skin an unearthly glow and
her long dark hair blew lightly around her slender frame like a cloak.

She raised her arms and hugged herself lightly, a farewell smile on her
face and he closed the door on her, pulling away.  She looked after the
bus as it went slowly down the street and stopped at a light, then the
light changed and the bus continued on faster until it was out of sight.
She sighed a little, almost a whisper of breath and then looked around
her, starting to walk the way the bus had gone.

The breeze was cool and she wondered if she should have worn more
appropriate clothes, her designer grey skirt just reached her kneeÆs and
her top was light blue silk.  The soft grey leather half-boots she wore
did little to cover her legs and only her long hair kept her top half
warm as it swirled around her in the wind.  The night was lonely, but
the moon was absolutely beautiful and she could not help but stare
longingly at it as she walked along.  She was so intent on the sky that
when a bunch of teenagers ran past her, she was almost knocked over.

"What a babe!"  one guy said as he glanced over his shoulder to see who
they had barreled past, the other guys looked back but then they grabbed
the first guy and they continued on.

"Yeah, she is!  But weÆve gotta get to the æBronzeÆ before the band
starts!"  their voices faded away as they ran and soon so did their hard
footsteps.  She sighed and ran a hand unconsciously through her hair,
then smoothed her skirt down.  She had to find a hotel or something and
get some sleep before the sun came up.

***************************************

The girl screamed again and Buffy gritted her teeth, silently willing
the girl to shut up.  Her eyes clashed with the vampireÆs yellow oneÆs
in a deadly struggle as each looked for an opening to attack.  It would
have helped, of course, if the vampire and Buffy werenÆt in a sort of
stalemate, each had a hand about the otherÆs throat.  She was seriously
pissed off at the male vampire for ruining her night and her glaring
green eyes told him so.

Her grip tightened and his did simultaneously, Buffy started to see
stars and tried to get her other hand free from his.  The long claws
merely dug into her flesh harder and she gasped involuntarily.  She
kicked at him and he grunted with pain as it connected with his ribs.
He snarled and bared his fangs as a wicked smile covered his face and he
lifted her slightly from the ground.  Buffy choked and saw the girl
crawling rapidly away, only to run into the legs of another vampire, who
was amused to see the slayer in such a weakened position and had
forfeited dinner to watch the entertainment.

"Going somewhere my Dear?"  the second vampire purred. Grabbing the girl
by the hair and holding her up by it.  She screamed in pain and
struggled futilely, eventually fainting.

"I...really...wish..."  Buffy panted as she kicked again at the vampire
holding her up.  Her neck muscles threatened to give way and she bit her
lips as darkness entered the edges of her vision.

"...they would LEARN..."  She gave an especially hard kick to his solar
plexus and the vampire was the one to gasp with pain this time, his grip
loosening enough for Buffy to struggle free.  She fell back to the
ground and her eyes narrowed dangerously as she rubbed at the skin of
her bruised neck.  Buffy leapt to her feet and grabbed the stake she had
dropped when he grabbed her.  She roundhouse kicked his face and he spun
backwards.

"...Not to..." Another kick to his face and a few rapid punches, then
she thrust the stake through his heart.  He turned to dust in seconds
and she spun at the ready.  The second vampire looked a lot less amused
as she raised the stake and leapt at him.  He flew back and she staked
him before he could get back on his feet.  Buffy returned the stake to
the back of her mini-skirt and leaned down to check the unconscious
girl.

"...piss a Slayer off, especially when she has a hot date!"  Buffy
finished triumphantly.  The girl started to come around and Buffy helped
her to her feet, explaining that they had been attacked by gang members.
She seemed to accept it and took off without a word, too terrified to
even thank Buffy for apparently ærunning offÆ the ægang membersÆ.

"Geez, so much for gratitude, but thatÆs two less blood suckers."  Buffy
muttered as she straightened her dress and walked back out of the alley
she had been passing before she heard the girlÆs scream.

"YouÆd think girls these days would have more sense than to go into a
dark alley with a strange guy!"  Buffy threw up her hands in disgust and
continued on to the æBronzeÆ and her date with Dwayne.  She didnÆt
usually go for the football type, but he was nice and she was hoping to
make Angel jealous, if nothing else.  It was a month since she last
talked to him.  Though she constantly felt his eyes on her wherever she
went, he never appeared and she had given up trying to speak to him.

It just wasnÆt meant to be, a vampire and a Slayer and he WAS 241 years
old.  Way to old for her, she convinced herself, she was only 16 after
all.  Dwayne was waiting upstairs and Buffy was pleasantly surprised to
see a warmth enter his eyes when he saw her.  He got to his feet and
gave her a hug, not even mentioning the fact she was 20 minutes late for
a date.

"What a guy"  she muttered dryly, not so sure if she should take his
disinterest in her lateness as a compliment.

"Well, well, so Buffy finally decided to turn up.  Are you sure you want
someone as...absent-minded as her as a girlfriend Dwayne?  And that
hair, you could have at least done your hair Buffy."  CordeliaÆs
sarcastic voice clearly heard even over the loud music and BuffyÆs hands
flew to her hair in defense, finding that most of it had fallen from her
ponytail in the struggle with the vampire.

"You fight the un-dead each night and see how YOUR hair looks."  Buffy
muttered darkly under her breath, glaring as she rapidly fixed her hair
and Cordelia watched with a snobby expression on her face.  Dwayne but
an arm around BuffyÆs shoulders and smiled down at her softly, touching
a blonde curl as it lay against her check.

"I love your hair, messy or not."  Dwayne told her and she smiled back,
her eyes sparkling as he leaned in to give her a kiss.  Buffy heard
Cordelia snort un-lady-like, but they both ignored her.  She leaned back
and her eyes caught a slight movement in the corner of the room.

"The world is coming to an end!  Buffy is hanging with the same group as
I am!"  Cordelia glared accusingly upward for a moment as if waiting for
some hint that it was all just a big mistake.  Buffy didnÆt hear her and
Cordelia left, unnoticed, a second later, muttering about losers.

A shiver went through Buffy and she knew only one guy could get that
reaction out of her without her even seeing him.  Angel.  And even from
the other side of the room she could feel his anger.  He was jealous and
a smile touched her lips before she could stop it.

He was watching her but even her sharp eyes could only pick up the
faintest outline of his form as he stood in the shadows.  Buffy lifted
her chin and deliberately turned her back on him.  She looked at her
date instead and contemplated his cute features.  He was as light as
Angel was dark, short hair as blonde as BuffyÆs own and light blue eyes.
He was good-looking, but not as good-looking as Angel, Buffy thought
dreamily.

She shook her head abruptly and focused on Dwayne as he asked her if she
wanted a drink.   She nodded and he got up from the table.  Her eyes
followed him and she looked at his muscled body absently, more muscle
than she usually liked, but that was football players for you.  It made
her wonder if she was really serious about dating.  She took her
feelings out and examined them, ignoring the music and conversation of
all DwayneÆs friends as they talked and laughed around her.

Her feeling for Dwayne were, friendship only, as much as she wanted to
feel more, there was only one person who could make her heart race.
Buffy looked over her shoulder and towards the shadows but her senses
told her that Angel was gone.  She turned back with a sigh and gasped as
she saw Angel sitting across the table from her.  Staring with burning
eyes....

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: "Aurelia Destiny" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: BUUFYFIC:  Cloaked In Darkness 2/?
Date: 28 Mar 1998 22:06:23 PST

TITLE: Cloaked In Darkness
AUTHOR: Princess Destiny ([e-mail])
SUMMARY: Things are not exactly what they seem when Giles finds an
ancient diary, with news of the death of the Slayer.  A new girl comes
to Sunnydale and things start to go crazy, Angel is jealous because
Buffy has a boyfriend and The Master gets a nasty surprise...
It is naturally a Buffy/Angel Romance story, cause I'm a hopeless
romantic!  Although it starts off a bit rocky, but I assure you they
will end up together in this one!
RATING: PG.
TIME PERIOD: Hmm, well since we have only seen up till 'Prophesy Girl'
here in AustraliaBut I HAVE read the scripts for the rest of
them...Okay, say just after the 'Angel' episode and we'll leave it at
that!
THANK-YOUS:
FEEDBACK: PLEASE!  I love to hear from people!
DISTRIBUTION: Ask me first, I'll say yes anyway, but I want to know
where it is going.
DISCLAIMER: Buffy, Angel and the others are the property of Joss Whedon.
Gabriella and any others I add later on are Mine, Mine, Mine!  This is
my first try at a Buffy fic so don't be too harsh, comments and
suggestions or even praise for my lovely story are very welcome!


              ************************
                CLOAKED IN DARKNESS
                  ************************


               Chapter 2: Loosing The Slayer


"Angel!  What are you doing here?"  Buffy demanded, looking for Dwayne
with anxious eyes, if he came back and found Angel with her...

"I come here every night, you know that"  Angel said, his voice low,
almost accusing.  Buffy snorted, much as Cordelia had earlier.  Angel
was in no mood for games however and his eyes told her that, they seemed
to burn a hole into her with their angered intensity.

"Well you can go sit somewhere else, IÆm with Dwayne"  she told him and
turned away with feigned disinterest, a low growl came from Angel and
she pretended not to hear it.

"Who is he? Does he know about you?"  Angel demanded and Buffy turned
back with a sweet smile, leaning in slightly towards him over the table.

"Maybe"  she taunted.  Angel clenched his fists, visibly fighting for
control and Buffy felt a thrill of fear and excitement at causing such a
strong reaction.  Angel pretended to be indifferent, but it was obvious
to her that he was anything but...and the danger she sensed from Angel
made her reckless.

"HeÆs my boyfriend if you must know, so go away, heÆll be back any
moment!"  Buffy said with a sugary tone.  Angel leaned forward also,
seeming about to deliver some scathing retort but then he got to his
feet and towered over her.

"It wonÆt last."  he said with a slight smile. They both watched as
BuffyÆs fingernails scraped strips of wood out of the surface of the
table.  She realized what she had done and turned away abruptly, furious
that he had gotten to her so easily.  Something thumped onto the table
and she spun to face Angel angrily only to see that it was Dwayne back
with the drinks.  He saw her face and held up his hands mock-frightened.
Buffy flushed and toyed with the straw in her coke.

"WhatÆs got you so angry, did I do something?"  he joked and Buffy
forced a smile to her face, though her eyes remained furious.

"No, not you.  Just..."  she was interrupted as Cordelia stormed over to
their table, her eyes annoyed.

"Buffy, what did you say to Angel about me?  I tried to talk to him and
he just brushed right past me. ME!"  she ranted at Buffy.  The blonde
sighed, Dwayne looking slightly confused until Cordelia left.

"WhoÆs Angel?"  he wanted to know.  Buffy twisted the straw almost
viciously, her thoughts again on the vampire who infuriated her as much
as he made her heart leap with excitement at his presence.

"No one.  Just someone we both know, just...an acquaintance."  Buffy
said with a bright smile and took a sip of her drink while Dwayne talked
about his last football game.

Angel watched from the shadows again, baring his sharp teeth in fury.
He was so angered that he had gone vampire. His eyes burned into BuffyÆs
back, her words echoing tauntingly in his mind.

æNo oneÆ.  His hands clenched, the nails biting sharply into his hands
until blood was almost drawn.  æJust someone we both know, just...an
acquaintanceÆ.  He felt like breaking things, and even worse he felt
like hurting the blonde guy Buffy was with.  Sinking his fangs in
and...he shook his head abruptly and his human face came back as he
forced himself to relax.  Buffy had made him this angry and Angel
admitted he WAS jealous, she had a boyfriend now and wanted Angel out of
her life.

Well that was what she would get, he thought as he made his way
unnoticed past her table and down the stairs to where he could see
Xander and Willow talking and laughing together.  They looked up and
Willow smiled in welcome, though the look on Xanders face couldnÆt
possibly have been less inviting.

"Hi Angel."  She saw his face and the smile faded as he stood there and
looked at them broodingly, something unreadable in his dark eyes.

 "Oh, you saw Buffy huh?"  Willow said sadly, knowingly. XanderÆs grin
was tight, torn between relief that Buffy and Angel were no longer
friends, and depression at the fact that she was now upstairs with
another guy.

"Yes"  Angel said shortly, forcing a smile to his face and holding out a
hand to Willow.

"Care to dance?"  he asked her, she smiled and put her hand in his.
Willow ignored the daggered look her friend was giving her, sick of his
comments about ædead boyÆ as he called Angel regularly now.

"Sure, nothingÆs happening around here." she said innocently and was
happily swept off by the gorgeous vampire, fervently hoping that Xander
would be jealous.
"In an alternate universe"  she muttered as she put her arms around
Angel and wondered if Buffy would be angry if she saw Willow dancing
with the dark-haired vampire, especially to such a slow song.

"So Angel..."  Willow trailed off as she leaned back to look at his face
and saw he was staring up at where Buffy and Dwayne could be seen.

"You know, when you ask a girl to dance, itÆs traditional to pay
attention to her...maybe some light conversation?"  Willow suggested
lightly.  Angel looked down at her, taking his eyes from Buffy for a
moment.  A rueful expression crossed his face and Willow suddenly
wondered if it had been such a good idea to have a hunk like Angel
giving her his full attention.  He was so gorgeous, Willow found herself
gaping like a fool at his face and looked down quickly.

"YouÆre right, Willow."  AngelÆs voice came near her ear and she almost
shivered, glancing up in shock, wondering vaguely if he could read
minds.

"I should be paying you more attention."  he continued with a slight
smile and Willow breathed easier, it had freaked her to think he knew
she thought he was good-looking.  Oh, Buffy, I could steal him away from
you Willow told herself and almost stumbled to a halt at the
un-Willow-like thoughts.

"Willow?"  Angel asked her and  realized he had said something.  She
smiled brightly and met his dark eyes.

"Yes?"  she almost squeaked but he didnÆt seem to notice, his eyes were
again on Buffy and Dwayne, who were dancing slowly upstairs.

"Do you think sheÆs serious about him?"  Angel said almost under his
breath and Willow felt suddenly protective of him, she smiled widely and
flapped a hand nonchalantly.

"Nah, itÆs a faze"  she assured him. Angel looked broodingly at the
couple till the song ended, then he took her back to her seat and
Xander.  Willow was pleased to see that Xander was frowning like a
thunderclap and her heart leapt.  Angel sat down beside her and stared
into space, his eyes dark and thoughtful.

"WhatÆs up vamp-man, canÆt take the competition?"  Xander asked
laughingly and AngelÆs eyes darkened even more as he swiftly glanced at
Xander.  Xander immediately realized his mistake and held up his hands
as if to keep off the angry vampire.

"Okay, sorry sorry.  Bad joke"  Xander muttered, turning away.  Willow
looked at him disapprovingly and Xander met her eyes almost guiltily.
Willow turned back to apologize for Xander but saw the seat next to her
was empty.  A quick look around the room revealed nothing and she
wondered where he had gone to in such a hurry.

"Dead boy sure moves fast, IÆll give him that"  Xander said happily and
Willow sighed.

______________________________________________________
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-



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

From: Andrew Oswell <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe buffyfic-digest
Date: 29 Mar 1998 17:58:04 +1100

unsubscribe buffyfic-digest


-



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

From: Klutz454 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ***
Date: 29 Mar 1998 09:40:53 EST

unsubscribe

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Ingrid E Stanton)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: "Cloaked in Darkness" part 2
Date: 29 Mar 1998 09:52:08 -0500

Aurelia-
I loved this! What marvelous thoughts were running through Willow's head
there? I know you're not going to go in this direction, b/c you said it
was an Angel/Buffy piece, but...what if....?

CHALLENGE: (to Aurelia or anyone else on the list) Write an Angel/ Willow
piece. Sure, it's weird, but those kind are the most fun, in the hands of
good writers, that is!

-Ingrid


Ingrid: Author of many long Buffyfics (and some short ones). "Return to
Normalcy,"
"One Vampire's Headache...," "This Fleeting Hope," "Ghost of a Chance,"
"Tragic
Sighs" and "Footsteps."

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


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

From: Greeneteen <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (6/10)
Date: 29 Mar 1998 12:05:15 EST

could u please send me pasrts 4 and 5?  i think i deleted them on acciedent.
thanks

-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Help
Date: 29 Mar 1998 13:24:01 -0800

Does any one remember the name of amy's mother from BTVS
The Witch.


-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re:  BUFFYFIC:  Cloaked In Darkness 1/?
Date: 29 Mar 1998 14:40:00 EST

MORE MORE MORE, I'm a hopeless romantic too. hehehe
very good story.

~mInDy

-



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

From: LIPS000000 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe buffyfic-digest
Date: 29 Mar 1998 16:20:08 EST

 unsubscribe buffyfic-digest

-



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

From: Daphne1784 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Homecoming Pt. 1/?
Date: 29 Mar 1998 17:15:13 EST

Title: Homecoming Pt 1/?
Author: Aphrodite ( Just my pen name :P )
E-mail Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: It will vary so I will have them listed at the beginning of each part
Distribution: Sure just make sure you ask me first!
Summary:  This is going to be about Buffy/Angel mostly.
Spoilers: All the way up through "Killed by Death"
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to the television show "Buffy the
Vampire Slayer," Joss Whedon, FOX, Mutant Enemy, and Warner Brothers. The
Story and all characters that I decide to create are mine. Don't sue!
Feedback: Please send me some feedback, good or bad, so that I will know if I
should continue to write it. Also this is my very first fanfic so I want to
know how I'm doing.

*********************************
Homecoming
Part One
Rating
P.G.
By:
Aphrodite
*********************************

              The next day Buffy was feeling a little tired when she walked
into the library. Giles and the rest of the gang were already there.

"How come you left the Bronze so early Buffy?" Xander asked, "We missed ya."

"I wasn't feeling well so I decided to go home and rest. It's been really
quiet and Angelus must be up to something." Buffy answered, hoping that nobody
would push the subject any further.

"Are you sure you're up for it Buffy? You seem a bit...tired." Giles replied.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I can deal." Buffy said, sounding a little
tense.

Not wanting to push the issue, Giles returned to his books. "Knowing something
was wrong with Buffy, but figuring she would discuss it with her friends, he
decided not to push the subject."

"Well I gotta to go to class," Willow said trying to break the silence.
"Will, don't you have a freebie right now?" Xander asked curiously.
"Yeah but they still haven't found a replacement for Miss..." Willow stopped
and looked over at Giles. A sadness swept through him. Even though he tried to
cover it up everyone knew that he still missed Jenny. Suspecting that Giles
probably wanted to be alone Buffy suggested that they accompany Willow to the
computer lab.

"I feel so sorry for Giles. He needs to do something to distract himself from
her." Cordelia replied.
"Hey, that's a good idea but what? But Giles is like book geek. That is
definitely not my area of expertise. That's more Willow." Buffy said. "No
offense Will."
"None taken." Willow said, "but Giles is more of a book geek then me."

"Well we'll just figure something out later. Right now Cordy and I have
to........uh......we have to go to class." Xander said quickly.
"Uh huh" Buffy and Willow replied at the exact same time.
"Well see ya later" Cordy said as they ran off.

"Hey Will, are you sure you're okay about Xander and Cordelia? I mean after
everything that happened last Valentines Day?" Buffy asked to her friend.
"Well I know that it's going to take some time you know. I really loved Xander
and I know that he only thinks of me as a friend and I guess that's ok and any
ways, I have Oz." Willow said, convincing herself that that was the way she
wanted it.
"Well okay Will. See you after class." Buffy said as Willow walked into the
classroom.

      Willow walked into the classroom. She was a bit early and only the
janitor was in there. "Umm miss." the janitor asked.
"Yes?" answered Willow.
"Well I found this yellow disk between the desk and the trash can. It was
probably Miss Calender's. Do you want to keep it or do you want me to throw it
away?"
"Well," Willow said thinking it over, "It might be something important. I
think I'll just keep it."
"Ok." the janitor said handing the disk to Willow. The bell rang.
Oh well Willow thought, as she tossed the disk onto her temporary desk. I'll
just look at it later.

End of Part One


-



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

From: JMHnoodles <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Homecoming Pt. 1/?
Date: 29 Mar 1998 17:39:19 EST

Ooh, I love the way you're doing this! Keep it coming!

Jen

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Diane K.)
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: Help
Date: 29 Mar 1998 19:06:33 EST

Catherine "the Great"
   _______________/7______/7______/7______/7______________
   \ ::::::::::::Diane Klamt [e-mail]::::::::::::/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Sun, 29 Mar 1998 13:24:01 -0800 NightHunter <[e-mail]>
writes:
>Does any one remember the name of amy's mother from BTVS
>The Witch.
>
>
>-
>
>

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Thanks
Date: 29 Mar 1998 20:17:00 -0800

Thanks to everyone who sent me the name of amy's mom.

-



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

From: "Aurelia Destiny" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS:
Date: 29 Mar 1998 20:56:34 PST


>
>Aurelia-
>I loved this! What marvelous thoughts were running through Willow's
head there? I know you're not going to go in this direction, b/c you
said it was an Angel/Buffy piece, but...what if....?
>
>CHALLENGE: (to Aurelia or anyone else on the list) Write an Angel/
Willow piece. Sure, it's weird, but those kind are the most fun, in the
hands of good writers, that is!
>
>-Ingrid
>
Ingrid, I'd LOVE the challenge...but unfortunetly I'm already in the
middle of Three Lists, 9 Fanfics plus stuff on the side...do you have
any idea how much e-mail a day you get from 3 Lists? It's HELL, Hehehe.

Love,
Aurelia

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 1/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:23:27 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 1/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************



Chapter 1


Sunnydale California
4.30am
May 1st 1998


Evil.  The place shouted the feeling.  It wasn't just the darkness of the
hall.  It was more tangible than that.  It hung in the air.  The hall while
mainly spartan was decorated in part with furniture that would not have
looked out of place two hundred years earlier.  Candles, situated around
the room provided the light.  There was probably fifty or more, giving the
room enough light to illuminate the main areas, while shrouding the corners
in darkness.   From the center of the room it was impossible to tell if
anyone else was in the room, unless they were also in the center.  With
more than ten entry points to the room, it was a disconcerting place to be,
except if it was your home.

The silence was broken with a scream.  It almost sounded like a moan.

"No!!!!!!!"

At that point three figures emerged from the shadows.  The taller of the
figures moved towards the table situated in the center of the room.  He
slammed his fists on the table,

"I am not having fun"

He through a couple of plates and cups that were on the table, smashing
them into the far wall, just missing the two other occupants, a male and a
female.

"Watch it Angel" spoke the male, with an English accent.

Angel glared at him.  His glare could create fear into normal people.
Cold, pure as it could be.   He looked like he was contemplating attacking,
but withdrew from his offensive pose and sat himself in a chair that was
situated beside the table.

Angel could have been considered good looking.  A tall male. Looking around
twenty-four, dark hair and the face of a model, he would have been quite a
catch, if it weren't for one thing.

"Don't lecture me Spike.  She did it to us again.  We live to enjoy
ourselves.  Otherwise what's the point? "

Spike moved towards him.  He had a top of white hair and a maniacal look in
his eye.  While not as tall as Angel, he was only a little less
intimidating, "Well why don't we do something about it?"

"What do you think we have been doing.  She gets in our way," Angel retorted.

"That's not what I mean.  We need to forget about all our other pleasures
for a while and concentrate on eliminating her," Spike replied while moving
away to take the hand of the female.  He brought her into the center of the
room and sat her at the table, "What do you think Dru?"

"Angel knows what he's doing, Spike" she also spoke with an English accent
although it had a twisted edge to it, an almost insane touch, "you do know
what you are doing?" she asked Angel.

"Drusilla my darling, I knew what I was doing when I did you didn't I", he
replied with a smile.

Drusilla smiled back, as if drooling on the experience.  Spike moved back
towards Angel and crouched behind him, with one hand on his shoulder, "O.K.
what next?" he asked.

"I think it's time to stop playing around.  It was fun in the beginning but
our numbers are being depleted and we have not progressed.  I want to hurt
her, " Angel said as he rose to circle the table. "Killing her would be too
easy.  I want to take her friends one by one.  And when they are all gone,
then I will take her as my mate, only this time it will be the real me.
Buffy and Angel, Spike an Drusilla, it does have a good ring to it"

"I don't like it Angel.  Killing that gypsy witch didn't help, if anything
it has made the Slayer stronger.  Just kill her," Spike stated.

"No!  It's not my way.  You know that Spike, you use to enjoy witnessing it."

"That was before her.  Before you and her were close.  She's too dangerous."

"Yes she is dangerous.  She is more dangerous than any other slayer.
That's precisely why I need to kill her from the inside. And stop bringing
up the past Spike.  That wasn't me.  I have none of those feelings anymore.
 I just think that if she dies with the knowledge in her head that she will
be by my side for eternity it will be the icing on the cake, but only if
her friends are gone one by one in front of her eyes first"

"Let me do it Angel, I want to do it," Drusilla interjected.

Angel moved to Drusilla and caressed he face; "There will be plenty for all
of us to do, Dru"

Spike looked on with rising anger.  Drusilla was his.  He would have been
more worried if he really thought Angel would take her away.  He was more
upset with how Drusilla encouraged it and enjoyed it.

"You would do better to think about what we have to do, Angel.  How do you
want to do this?" he asked.

Angel looked up and smiled, knowing that he was getting to Spike, one of
his favorite pastimes.

"It's simple really.  I want to kill two birds with one stone.  Hurt Buffy
and accomplish a personal task.  Xander is first on the list."

"Why him specifically?"  Spike asked

Angel turned around.  His face had changed and he now had a protruding
forehead, which shaped around the eyes, creating an arrow point down the
nose.  He smiled revealing two longer teeth at the side of his mouth.

 "Why?   I don't like him."

****************************************************************
Andrew Parkinson                           [e-mail]
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman           ICQ-6962498
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 9/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:34:04 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 9/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 9


Oz's band had started their second set of the night.  The Band, "The dingo
ate my baby" had built a steady following in the last few months.  Oz often
commented that this was helped in no small part by the band actually
practicing.  Willow didn't care; she would be up dancing even if it was
horrible.  She looked over at her friends motioning for them to join her on
the dance floor.  Giles recoiled in horror, but Buffy and Cordelia got up
to join her.  Xander volunteered to stay with Giles and keep observing.

"No worries Xander, at least you can do that better than you dance,"
Cordelia quipped as she made her way to the dance floor.

Xander of course liked to dance, almost as much as he liked to see Cordelia
dance.  But he wasn't totally lying about his reasons for staying with
Giles. His limited training so far, his own instincts and his short period
as a solider last Halloween made him realize that it was best not to weaken
a flank.  It was much better to have him and Giles together than Giles by
himself.

Giles turned to him, "So Xander have you been practicing your moves?"

"No...what's Cordelia been saying?" he replied looking embarrassed.

"No not that, heaven forbid the details," Giles jumped in before Xander
could say anything more.  "Your fighting skills?"

"Yes.  Not that I really want to test them yet unless I have to, but I have
been putting in the hours."

"Good.  I must say you have come along rather well.  All of you have, "
Giles replied.

"We have excellent teachers," Xander said with just the slightest hint of
patronization.

'Yes fine.... I wouldn't want you to go one on one with a vampire yet, but
hopefully it will be enough to get you out of trouble not into it.  Just
enough to get away to safety."

"Believe me Giles, that will be the only thing on my mind."

.............................................

Behind them the vampires had started to enter.  With the light show that
was going on while the band was playing it was impossible to see much off
the dance floor.  Angel ordered the vampires to conceal themselves until it
was time.  Spike, Drusilla and Angel spread out along the back wall, near
the bar.

"Remember I want Xander, anyone else is gravy for the masses" he told them.
 He hadn't bothered to tell the rest of the Vampires.  To be honest he
didn't care what happened to them.  He considered them to stupid to pose a
serious threat to Buffy's gang.

.............................................

"Wow he's really good," Cordelia said commenting on Oz's playing as they
exited the dance floor and took their seats.

Buffy and Willow just stared at each other.

"I can be nice sometimes," Cordelia said in her own defense," I'm in a
really good mood."  She leant over and put her arm around Xander.

Buffy and Willow looked at each other as if to say, "Oh My God!!!"

Buffy decided to change the subject, "So Giles anything hairy going on."

"No it has been surprisingly quiet."

"Funny.  I feel as though we are being watched," she said as she looked
around.

"Well if you think we should go," Giles suggested.

"We can't go.  Oz has a few more songs to play," Willow interjected.

"It's O.K. Willow.  We won't go yet.  The feeling is pretty small on the
wig factor."

Willow happy with that, turned back around to face the band.

"I am going for a drink," Cordelia said looking around the table, "anyone
else?"  Buffy, Willow and Giles all shook their heads.

"I'll come with you," said Xander getting up next to Cordelia.

"Oh glorious savior" replied Cordelia.

"Better prey I don't have to protect you from Dragons.  That will be a
tough call distinguishing the difference," Xander said as they moved off.

Buffy looked at Willow, " ... and maybe they didn't."

Buffy followed them with her eyes as they walked towards the bar.  She saw
Cordelia go up and order, with Xander doing his best bodyguard impression.
She got the feeling again.  She quickly glanced to the left, then to the
right.  She couldn't see anyone.

"Giles, something's wrong, I can sense it."

Giles turned around and looked.  He could not see anything either.

..........

Cordelia got her drink and turned to face Xander

............

Buffy saw him, "Cordelia, Xander watch out," she shouted

..............

Cordelia thought she heard something, before she could check a dark shape
blocked her way.  She looked the figure, she new that Face, Angel.  She
screamed, but was quickly silenced by a punch to the jaw.  Cordelia fell
down, knocking her head against the bar as she did.

............

Buffy had seen Angel appear and punch Cordelia and she was now no more than
a couple of feet from him when he reached for Xander.  She went to shout
and warn him, when suddenly her legs were taken out from under her.

..............

By this time the club was filled with screams.  The band had stopped
playing.  Oz saw a vampire sneaking up on Willow.  Grabbing a drumstick he
ran and plunged the stick through its heart, shattering it to dust.  He
grabbed Willow and headed for the stage, to open the back door and let some
people out.

................

Giles saw Buffy take off, and then in quick succession Cordelia get hit and
Buffy get taken down by Spike.   He was about to rush to help Buffy but saw
that she was back on her feet.  He grabbed his stakes out of his bag he was
carrying and went looking for vampires to kill.

....................

Xander had seen out of the corner of his eye Cordelia go down, in one
motion he turned and punched Angel.  Angel reeled from the blow.

"Not bad," he commented.

"Good enough to make you wish you had never laid a hand on her," Xander
replied.

He shouldn't have replied, it gave Angel the opportunity to kick him in the
stomach, knocking him to the floor.

.................

Buffy unleashed a flurry of kicks against Spike.  Spike took most of them
but by the sixth and seventh he had decided that he should get out of
there.  He exited quickly.  Buffy was going to follow but saw Drusilla
moving towards Cordelia's prone body.

A couple of twists and flips and she stood in front of Drusilla.  Quickly
punching her away, she bent down over Cordelia checking her neck to see if
she was O.K..  There was no bite marks and she still had a pulse.  Good,
now onto Angel.

She turned to see Xander hit Angel again, only this time Angel hardly felt
it.  She knew Xander was tiring and soon he wouldn't be able to defend
himself.  She got up and kicked Angel away from Xander.

"Xander look after Cordelia," she screamed as she laid another flurry of
kicks at Angel.

.................

Giles moved to another vampire and staked it.  He looked around for another
vampire and couldn't see any on the top level.  He raced to the stairs and
down them.  It looked like all the vampires were gone, apart from Angel.

.................

Buffy and Angel continued hitting each other.  Blow for blow, kick fo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 8/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:33:02 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 8/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************



Chapter 8


A long line of people was the first thing Willow noticed when she and Oz
pulled up at the Stage entrance door for the Bronze.  Willow had noted on
numerous occasions that The Bronze was so popular primarily because there
wasn't anywhere else to go in Sunnydale.  The nightclub itself was not
flash my any means.  A fairly sparse interior that mainly did the job in
providing some nighttime entertainment.  It did however seem to have no
problems letting under-age club goers in so Willow and her friends had
pretty much adopted in as their hangout.

"At least being in the Band gets you some privileges," Oz remarked looking
at the cue at the front door.

"So does being a girlfriend," replied Willow with a smile.

"If only we were successful enough for us to have our own roadies."

" Well you will be, then I will be able to say, I used to do that," Willow
said as she opened the door.  She went around to the back of the van.  Oz
came around the other side and opened the doors.  There were two guitars
and a couple of amps in the back.

"It's times like this I am glad you don't play the drums," Willow said as
she picked up one of the guitars.

'So are my neighbors"

......................

Giles was putting on a tie when his doorbell rang.

"Be there in a minute," he said loud enough to travel the distance to the
patio.

Outside Buffy waited.  Giles had suggested picking her up at her place, but
she decided that having her mother, who had returned that day, see her
getting into a teachers car at night may not be the wisest move in avoiding
unnecessary questions.  The door opened.

"Hi Giles, nice gear" Buffy greeted him, giving his outfit the once over.

Giles looked down and quickly glanced at his usual trousers, tie and
jacket. "Ah teenage fashion sarcasm" he thought.  "Hmmm" was his only
audible reply.

"So are you ready?" She asked.

"Yes, let's get a move on then."

.....................................

Willow and Oz had finished setting up the band equipment and had taken
custody of a table with enough seats around it for their friends that would
be turning up soon.

"You know I'm all for turning up in the sunlight, but it's really a
non-hip, not to mention an incredibly boring time to be here" Oz said.

" Better bored that gored," Willow replied, then seeing Buffy and Giles
walking through the entranceway, "Buffy, Giles over here," she said with a
wave.

Buffy acknowledged her call and nudged Giles in the right direction.  They
both took seats at the table.

"You know Buffy, it's a wonder that people don't think it's weird all of
you hanging around with a librarian after school" Giles asked.

" Well I think it's a combination of, Willow, Xander and me are thought of
as strange anyway, Oz is in the band and Cordelia goes out with Xander,
which incidentally has people looking at her in a whole new light. And the
fact they probably think I am trying to suck up to a teacher.  Mind you I
think it has worked in reverse for you.  Principal Snyder seems to think we
are putting to much bad teenage influence on you."

"Yes quite, I am going to have a scout around and check to see if there are
any other places vampires could hide, just in case they decide to get in
another way," Giles said moving off.

"Ah speaking of checking on things, I should see if the other band members
have arrived yet.  Last time one didn't turn up.  Wasn't till I saw him a
coupe of days later with a extra large forehead I realized what had
happened," Oz said.  He kissed Willow on the cheek.

Willow turned to Buffy and smiled.

"Anyway, did you see Xander and Cordelia outside?" she asked Buffy.

"Nah, Xander is probably waiting for Cordelia to try on her tenth outfit or
something.  Well either that or he has finally run out silly one liners to
add to every conversation," Buffy looked at Willow, they both agreed, "Nah."

"Yeah go figure.  I can't believe that they are still together.  I mean I
have heard that opposites attract but Oil and Water" Willow said.

"True, but Cordelia has surprised me lately.  She has been quite keen to
get involved in our training.  It also can't have been an easy decision to
stand up to her friends and stay with Xander.  They have basically ignored
her since"

"Strange I used to think that it would be harder for Xander seeing that we
all really didn't like her.  But you're right, she's not the girl she use
to be."  Willow took another sip of cola.

"And now you are with Oz," Buffy said, "and I might add it seems to be
agreeing with you rather well."

"Yes it does.  It shows doesn't it?  I can't help it.  My life is so full
when he's around," replied Willow, "if Xander's as happy as I am - lucky him."

"Yeah well I think he is.  He was really glowing this morning," Buffy added
looking at Willow inquisitively.

"I didn't really notice," then seeing Buffy's look, "you mean, nah... you
think?"

...........................................................

Outside the Bronze, Cordelia parked the car and Xander and Cordelia got out.

"Do you think our friends noticed?" Xander asked.

"I don't think so.  Who cares if they do?  I know this about our friends,
they may interested but they won't pry" Cordelia responded.

"C'mon lets get inside.  Maybe we should argue a bit to throw them off
track, just in case," Xander offered.

Cordelia grabbed his hand, "As if that would ever be a problem, I mean,
look at your hair, heard of a brush?"

........................................................

The sun seemed to set very quickly in Sunnydale.  Tonight was no exception.
 It had the aura of completely transforming the place.  What in daylight
could look inviting, in darkness oozed terror.  Shadows that could conceal,
shadows that only brought them.  Terror in the form of Vampires.

A group of fifteen vampires, including Angel, Drusilla and Spike appeared
from one such shadow, in an alleyway, just to the right of the front
entrance to the Bronze.

"Are you sure she's in here Angel?" Spike asked, looking at the front
entrance.

"I can feel her.  She's in there all right.  I just hope our appetizer is
in there as well," he replied as the group headed towards the entrance.


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-


r
kick, neither one was gaining the advantage.  It didn't help that she kept
checking on Xander and Cordelia to see it they were O.K..  Xander's face
was a bloody mess.  He had at least three deep lacerations.

"Giles, get over here and get them out of here" she shouted as she saw
Giles coming over to her.

"You aren't going to kill my friends tonight" she spat at Angel, ducking a
punch and landing one of her own.

...................................

Giles made it over to Xander and Cordelia.  Cordelia was barley conscious;
Xander was covering her, alert, if exhausted.  He bent down to drag them
away, when suddenly he was kicked from behind.  As he turned around he saw
Spike standing above him.

Xander witnessed Spike take Giles down.  He saw Spike move towards Giles to
try and end it.  With every ounce of strength he made it to his feet and
half jumped/half fell on Spike.  Spike was knocked away from the impact.
Spike got up and turned around about to attack when suddenly he noticed
something behind Xander and Giles.  He smiled and waved goodbye, exiting
out the front door.

............................

Angel glanced off another blow.  He decided to cut his losses and fight
another day.

"It has been fun hasn't it" he mocked Buffy as he moved off.

Buffy made no attempt to follow, as she was more concerned with her
friends.  She went over to them.  Giles and Xander were both alive.  She
looked around.  She saw Willow and Oz coming over.

"We got nearly everyone out," Willow said.

Buffy continued glancing around.  Where was Cordelia?  A sudden panic hit
her.  She ran out the front entrance.  She reached outside.  There was no
sign of them.  She was pretty sure they had taken her.  She had to get her
back.  Cordelia had not only become a good friend; she was also the
girlfriend of one of her best friends.

"Oh god...how am I going to tell Xander," she whispered to herself.


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 6/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:31:25 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 6/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************

Chapter 6


Buffy was glad Giles was an early starter.  Not many librarians would be at
school at 6.00am, but she knew he would be.  She had found it difficult to
get to sleep last night, she knew she was safe, but the knowledge that
Angel could be outside anytime looking at her gave her the wig, in the
worse way.

It didn't totally surprise her that he did not return, that she noticed at
least.  He was there for one reason.  He wanted to move his little game
along.  Like moving pieces on a chessboard.  She knew her move was next.

"Giles!" she shouted.

"Buffy" Giles replied, walking out of his office with a book in his hand.
"You are early", his face changed, "what's wrong?"

"Oh nothing really, I just had a little visit from Angel last night.  He
just wanted to let me know the game had moved on," she said sitting down at
the desk.

Giles moved over to her, "He didn't get in did he.  The spell still works?"

"Yeah, no worries about that.  Still creeps me out, knowing he could be
watching me at any time.  I used to like it when...."  There was no need to
say any more.

"Yes," Giles said quietly, putting his arm around her.  "Did he say
anything of importance?"

"He told me that one of my friends will die tonight," Buffy replied,
patting Giles arm letting him know she appreciated his support.

"He must be really frustrated.  He's trying to rattle you into making a
mistake.  O.K., we have to make plans for tonight" Giles started saying.

"We already have plans, we are going to the Bronze, remember?" Buffy looked
at him, hoping he would agree.  By the incredulous look on his face he did
not.

"You can't.  Look I know I agreed yesterday, but after his little calling
card last night, well it changes everything."

Buffy got up out of her chair and moved over to face him.  "It doesn't
change anything Giles.  The reasons I gave for going to the Bronze still
stand."

"But Buffy...."

"But nothing.  Look - Number One; Oz is playing there tonight.  Without us
there he's on his own.  Number. Two and I know that this is not high on
your list;  we are all teenagers.  We need to have some fun.  Number Three;
 Where else do we go.  If we run out of town, the Vampires take over.
Number Four;  If we stay in town, and we keep ourselves in our own houses
every night, we will drive ourselves crazy.  Going to the Bronze is the
best of a bad situation.  We will all be together, there will plenty of
other people around to limit the chance of surprise and it might just
convince us that we do have a normal life for a couple of hours.  I was
born into this Giles.  My friends were not.  They are in danger because of
me.  I have to do all I can to protect them, but we also have to live.
Otherwise what's the point."

Giles listened to Buffy's reasoning.  He thought about for a while.  He
still wasn't happy but he thought there was at least one thing he could
suggest.

"O.K.  But only if I come with you."

.............................................................................

Xander looked up at the ceiling when he awoke.  Not for any particular
reason, that just happened to be the position his head was facing when he
opened up his eyes.  He could sense something was missing.  He felt to his
side....nothing.  Then he looked Cordelia was gone.

A myriad of thoughts occurred to him at this point.  What have I done, what
did I do wrong, was I that bad, did I snore.  He got himself out of bed and
slipped into his shirt and jeans that were dumped on the floor.  He looked
first in the bathroom, not so much because he thought she would be in
there, but he really wanted to splash down his face and clean his teeth.
He looked in the mirror.  It was true what they say...you do look like you
are beaming.

He went down the hallway, calling her name.

"Oh good you are awake, I'm out here," came the reply from the balcony.
Xander moved over to the balcony doors and opened them.  He saw Cordelia
lying on one of the lounges in her dressing gown.  She beamed that perfect
smile at him.

"Good Morning"

Xander moved over to her and kissed her, "Good morning to you," he said
between a non stop smile, "I was worried there for a bit. Thought I had
done something."

Cordelia looked at him finding it hard to suppress a giggle, "Oh Xander.
You know me.  I would have told you if you had, probably in a biting way,
but I would have told you."  She grabbed his hand holding it tight to her
chest, "I am sorry I wasn't there when you woke up.  I woke up an hour or
so ago and you looked so nice sleeping, I couldn't bear to wake you up."

Xander smiled

"And believe me, you did nothing that would ever make me want to leave you."

"Cordy, thank you," Xander softly said.

"What for?"

"I had always hoped that my first time would be with someone I truly loved.
 Too many of my friends did not get the chance"

Cordelia reached over and hugged him.  "Xander you don't have to tell me.
I consider myself to be really lucky to have met you.  My taste in
boyfriends has been somewhat questionable.  I feel even luckier that you
could actually stand to be with me after the way I treated you.  But not
only did you put up with my crap...."

"Cordy, you know I love your crap."

Cordelia moved her hand and touched him on the face; "last night was very
special for me to.  I found out how it was to make love to someone I truly
loved."



****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 10/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:34:49 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 10/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 10


Cordelia awoke to find herself tied down.  She looked around the room,
struggling to make out any shapes.  The room had little if no light.  There
were a few candles lit next to the bed she was tied up to.

"A bed" she thought, "Why am I tied to a bed?"

......................................................

"What the hell to you mean, you think Angel took her?" Xander looked at
Buffy hoping for a more positive response.  He had held his anger in as
much as possible as they had made their way back to the school library.

"All I know is I turned around and she was gone.  I think it's highly
probably that she was either taken or....,"she replied.

"No don't say it," Xander said as he walked away from Buffy.  He walked
over to a filing cabinet, which was in the corner of the library and rested
his arms and head on the top of it.  He exploded.  He kicked and punched
the filing cabinet, as if he could draw blood from it, he did not stop till
blood was spilt from his hands.  He slowly turned around and addressed the
group.

" If that blood sucking parasite has hurt her, I will kill him.  I won't
stop till he, or I are dead."

"Xander, think of what you are saying.  We have to think about this if we
are to save her." Willow advised.

"Willow she has become my life," tears started to swell up in Xander's
eyes, "we are together now.  I can't be without her.  You know what I mean."

Willow looked at him.  Trying to understand exactly what he was saying.

"I do, "Buffy said softly looking him straight in the eyes.  Her eyes
showed the inner torment she was feeling.  She moved towards him and put
her arm around him.  "Xander you will not lose her.  I won't have you go
through what I did."

...................................

"So Cordelia, you always wanted to share a bed with me.  What's it like."
Angel asked while stroking her hair, "Oh that's right you can't speak.
Must be an unusual experience for you not being able to have the last word."

Cordelia had seen Angel appear out of the shadows.  He mockingly called he
name as he did.  She watched in terror as he moved towards her position.
She couldn't think about what Angel was going to do to her.  She had
already decided that unless Buffy came to rescue her she did not want to
think about her future.  Angel came over and lay down on the bed with her.
His hand moved over and for a minute she thought he was going to strangle
her.  Instead he touched her hair.  She felt like she was going to be sick.

"C'mon Cordelia, this is your fantasy isn't it.  You always wanted what
Buffy had."

Angel moved his hand down from Cordelia's hair, over her face, lightly
touching her cheeks, "It's almost worth taking the gag off, just to savor
you lips, " he whispered.  He then moved his hand down further, running
along the front of her dress.

"Angel, let me kill her now," came a voice from the dark.

"Dru, you know my rules.  We have to get the catch, before the bait can be
eaten," Angel said stopping his caressing.  Drusilla came out of the
shadows and sat on the opposite side of the bed, so that Cordelia was
sandwiched between the two.

"But after that, I have her, can't I Angel,"

"Of course you can Dru, you can have her, while I have her boyfriend,"
Angel said glancing down at Cordelia.  Cordelia tried to scream.

............................

Buffy, Willow, Oz and Giles were sitting around a table formulating a plan.
 All had agreed that this would be the hardest thing they would have had to
do.  Xander sat by himself.  Buffy turned to look at him hoping that his
anger would not hinder him in what was to come.  She wanted to get him in
on the conversation.

"Xander what do you think?" she asked hoping he would offer some
suggestions.  Xander just shrugged his shoulders.  Buffy turned to Giles,
"We have to get him doing something."

"I know," Giles replied, "Xander could you go and get all the weaponry ready?"

Xander got up and went over to the cupboard where all the weaponry was
kept.  It took all of his willpower not to grab a few crossbows and go
after her.  The bottles of Holy Water caught his eye.  His mouth started to
curl up at the sides, in the form of a sadistic grin rather than a smile.
He had a plan.  One that he hoped would cause a great deal of pain to
Angel, if not killing him.

...............................

Cordelia was relieved that both Angel and Drusilla had moved away from her.
 Her mind really wasn't on herself.  She kept hearing Angel's last words,
..... "when I have her boyfriend."

A number of vampires came into the room.  Cordelia tried to close off her
thoughts, seeing she could hear what they were saying.

"We should just kill her now, " Spike argued, " this game's pointless.  Why
worry about the boy, we should be killing the Slayer."

Angel had by this time had more than enough of Spike's objections, "Listen
Spike, if you don't like it, there's the door.  Remember that you failed
pretty miserably in getting the Slayer.  To kill Buffy, you need to kill
her from the inside.  First you take her friends, then her family and then
maybe you will be able to kill her."

" Well Angel, I am telling you that if you don't get some results tonight,
you and me are going to have to have a talk."

Angel looked like he would strike Spike there and then.  Instead he smiled,
"I will be looking forward to it Spike."

..................

"C'mon let's get going already," Xander was calling from the door.

"Just a sec, Xander," Giles said, "Buffy over here".

Buffy came over to Giles, who was looking at one of the Holy Water
containers, "One of them is missing some fluid," he said.

"Wow there's a puzzle," she replied, "who cares, there's plenty left.  We
have to get going.  You grab those three containers and I grab the rest."

With that Buffy and Giles caught up with Willow, Oz and Xander at the door.
 Rushing past them, Buffy turned around, "Well are you ready? " She kept on
walking.

Willow and Oz immediately followed, with Giles just behind them. Xander
looked at them for a moment and then tapped his jacket pocket.

"You don't know just how ready I am," he said to himself, before setting
off with them.

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 7/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:32:15 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 7/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 7


Xander and Cordelia came through the Library doors at the same time. They
saw Buffy, Giles, Willow and Oz, sitting around a computer terminal.

Willow looked up from her computer terminal, "Here's the happy couple Giles."

Xander and Cordelia looked and each other, "nah" they both said.  They went
over to a couple of the spare seats.

"So what's up this morning?" Xander asked.

Giles answered, "Buffy had a visit from Angel last night."

"Oh God, are you O.K.?" Cordelia asked

"Yeah I'm Fine", still trying to come to grips that Cordelia actually
showed concern these days, "It was more of a psychological meeting."

Xander leaned forward on the table, "So what did he want?"

Buffy looked him straight in the eye; "He wanted to tell me that one of my
friends would die tonight."

Cordelia got up off her chair, "O.K. now look, is it only me that sees that
we are all in danger here.  I mean hello!  We have been told one of us will
die tonight, let's like get out of here"

"To where Cordelia?"  Willow asked, not really expecting an answer, "We
have lived with Angels death threat for months.  So he said it again.  It's
not like he hasn't tried to kill us before."

"Yes, but why tempt fate?" she replied.

"Cordelia, no-one knows more than me the danger you are in.  If you weren't
friends of mine you wouldn't be in that danger.  You would of course be in
as much danger as the rest of the population.  But I think we should still
go out tonight.  Let's face it we will all be together.  And I really don't
want to boast but my training job is coming along quite well," she looked
at Giles, "... our training job."

Giles looked at Buffy and then at Cordelia, "Cordelia, you are of course
free to stay at home, you will be safe there, but as Buffy has told me in
no uncertain terms, you are teenagers, you need to go out occasionally."

Cordelia was looking at Xander wondering why he hadn't said anything.  He
noticed her staring and shrugged his shoulder, "I say we go out.  I am sick
of Angel trying to run our lives."

Giles sat down again, "Now look, there are a couple of things that you
should all do.  Number One;  carry your crosses.  It won't save you but it
will give you a little time.  Number Two;  arrive there in daylight.  That
will eliminate one of the most obvious potential attack places.  Number
Three;  stay together, it will harder to attack you as a group.  Number 4
do not go anywhere by yourself.  We all know they can get into the Bronze
so don't trust anyone.  Lastly, take a stock of tools to use against them
if you have to.  Of course only things you can hide, otherwise you won't
get in."

The group nodded in agreement.

"Well I think the School Bell has already rung, you better stay here till
next class and hope Principal Snyder doesn't come looking for you."

...............................

Buffy felt a shiver as she closed the door to her house.  "That was weird,"
she thought, as she wiped the sweat from your forehead.  She had come to
get use to the strange feeling in Sunnydale.  Part of it was her slayer
abilities, but she was sure it was almost as nature was sending clues to
everyone, that there was something seriously wrong in this place.

She glanced at her watch; "good there's a couple of hours till I have to
meet up with everybody".  Buffy was tired more mentally than physically.
She was tired of the constant battle with Angel, made worse by the
knowledge that it's not his fault he's like he is.  It took her a while but
she was now certain she could kill him if the need arose. Of course she
hadn't yet so there was always the doubt in her mind that she could follow
through if she needed to.

What she wanted was to do nothing but soak in a bath for an hour or so, a
reasonably normal thing to do for any teenager.  "If only I was one," she
whispered to herself.

.................


Xander looked at himself in the mirror.  "Oh god, the geek is back," he
said, thinking it was to himself.

"Xander, please, it's not as if I love you for your fashion sense.  That
would be sick", Cordelia said as she came up behind him, putting her arms
around his waist.

"And I see your fashion sense hasn't helped me, doesn't say much for your
future in the industry" Xander returned.

"Xander, darling, If I thought I had a shot at helping I would have.
Afraid my time was taken up with getting you to chew and talk at different
times."

Xander took a last look at the mirror and turned to face Cordelia,  "I
thought you would be more happy I have learnt to breathe through my nose,
it certainly makes kissing much more enjoyable"

"Yes it does," she replied just before her lips met his.

....................

"The time approaches, Angel", Spike called from the other room, "Hurry Up"

Angel surveyed the room.  He had spent the last hour making sure the room
was exactly how he wanted it to be.  "I'm almost done, Spike.  I am just
waiting for a special delivery from my old dwellings, then I will be ready."

Spike came from one of the entrances and looked around the room.  He didn't
understand Angel's need for this.  He wanted to kill the Slayer, quickly.
Get her out of the way and then they would be free to do as they please.
"Mind you," he thought, "It would be good to punish the Slayer".  Spike
thought about it once more and came to the conclusion that if Angel's plan
did not work tonight, then maybe it would be time to make a move.  "Hmmm, I
win both ways" he chuckled to himself, forgetting the fact that sound
traveled in the warehouse.

"What's that Spike" Angel enquired moving towards him.

"Nothing Angel, just dreaming of dead Slayers," Spike replied hoping Angel
didn't see in his eyes what he was planning.   "So what are you bringing
from your old apartment?"

Angel looked Spike straight in the eye, "something that will make the night
complete."


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 3/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:28:10 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 3/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 3


"Hi Giles," Buffy said as she entered the school's library with Willow.

Giles looked up from his book and muttered a greeting.  He was obviously
engrossed.

"What ya reading?" Buffy asked.

"Oh .. Research on Angel, you know information gives you the advantage"

"Oh" Buffy responded and immediately wished she hadn't asked.

"Buffy, I can not let that happen again"

Buffy knew exactly what he was talking about. "Giles, we can't let that
happen again. O.K.?" she smiled at him.  He looked at her and gave his best
reassuring smile he could.

"Hi Guys", Xander said as he and Cordelia walked through the library doors,
"What's up?"

"More Doom and Gloom," Buffy responded.

"Oh, nothing new then," Cordelia said as Xander and she took their seats at
the table.

Giles gave her a stern look, "Cordelia you have to take this seriously.
Angel is one of the most vicious of vampires I have records on."

Cordelia looked at him as a child would, when a parent chastised it.
Before she could respond Buffy took Giles aside.

"Giles, We have heard this all before.  I know he is dangerous.  The simple
fact he's still alive proves to me that he's different than most of the
other vamps around.  We are all still here.  In fact some of us are
prospering," she said as she glanced at Xander and Cordelia, who were now
busy gazing into each other's eyes.

Giles looked over and rolled his eyes, turning to face the group, "Now
listen all of you.  I have spent the night research the history of Angel.
Yes you have lived with Angel's threats for months.  But it's because you
are still alive, that is why you are now in greater danger."

The gang all stopped what they were doing and looked at Giles, not so much
because of what he said but because of his tone, the tone of a
schoolteacher talking down to grade school students.  It was not a tone
they liked and it was not a tone they usually heard from Giles.

"O.K., I give.  Tell us all about it?" Buffy asked

"We have all for the last few months been living with the danger of Angel
targeting us in a way to get to Buffy.  So far we have resisted all
attempts.  Angel will be getting very frustrated.  His history shows he is
use to getting his way.  Now while this may cause some people to be
careless and make mistakes, it has been shown in Angel's past that he gets
more and more determined, more vicious, in short more dangerous."

He moved over to seat and the head of the table and sat down.

"Angel is particularly nasty.  He does not kill people just for blood.  Of
course he does feed on unsuspecting people, but he is a hunter and I do not
mean just a physical hunter.  He likes to pick a victim, usually a girl,
get to know her and then destroy her life, before destroying her.
Sometimes he makes them into his consort, until he gets bored and he moves
along."

Giles put the book down on the desk and sat at the head of it.  He took off
his glasses and cleaned them, while continuing, "He goes after the friends
and family of his victim.  Picking them off one by one.  Driving his victim
crazy.  Sometimes he befriends the victim and pretends to be helping her
through her pain, until unleashing the final agony of telling her what he
has done.  Sometimes he makes sure he kills her friends and family in front
of her, and sometimes he takes years.   It's a game to him.  He needs to
enjoy it.  I have a feeling he hasn't had much enjoyment since Jenny."
Giles voice faded slightly as he said her name.

"O.K. you have my attention, what can we do?" Buffy enquired.

"Well I am sorry to say there's not much else we can do.  We have made all
of your places safe, we have started training you all in self defense, I
think the usual, never be alone, always carry a weapon, don't go down dark
alleys" Giles shrugged his shoulders as he realized it was not much of a
solution.

"Well O.K. fine.  We all know the score, but he will win if we let it stuff
with our lives as well.  So I say let's be careful but enjoy ourselves.
Bronze tomorrow night?" Buffy retorted

"I give up," Giles said as he walked away.

"Giles, wait," Buffy said as she got out of her chair and grabbed Giles
arm, "look I know if we stay at home we will be safe, but Oz's band is
playing tomorrow at the Bronze.  I think it's best that we are all there
together.  Look if we all go to the Bronze, we will not only be together
but we will also be in a crowded place. It's about as safe a place there is
if we want to go out"

"I suppose you are right." Giles relented.

"Well guys, as interesting as this is we have about thirty seconds to get
to class," Cordelia said.

"Yes, you're right, off you go" Giles said.

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 2/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:26:14 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 2/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 2


Sunnydale High
8.00am
May  1st 1998

Giles sat reading at his desk.  To say he was engrossed would be an
understatement.  Ever since the fateful night that Angel's curse had been
lifted and his soul had been taken again, he had become his worst
nightmare.  Something that was compounded with Angel's brutal murder of
Jenny.  He had to beat him, for Jenny, for Buffy and maybe more importantly
for his own soul.

The school library had become the unofficial headquarters of Buffy and her
friends.  Of course that was to be expected, as Giles was the School
Librarian.  The library was an unusual design.  The books were mostly
situated on a raised level at the back, which curled around the bottom
level.  It was amazing the library still looked as good, considering the
number of vampires and various demons that had been fought there.

Giles had a dignified reserved air about him.  He was in his early forties,
and considered quite handsome, not by himself but then again he didn't
concern himself in those matters.   His English accent accentuated people's
perception that he was stand offish and a little bit full of himself.  The
truth was that he was very serious about the job that he had been born
into, that of a watcher.  Not that it had always been that way, he had
dabbled in some questionable practices while at university and they had
come back to haunt him, but since then he had been very focused.  Perhaps
that's why he had been so lenient with Buffy.  By all accounts she should
have kept her Slayer position secret and been dedicated to the task needed
to the exception of all other things.  That pretty much changed on the
first couple of days after he met her.  Now it seemed that more people knew
about Buffy's supposed secret than didn't, although in reality only five
people knew, not counting the vampires.

He knew he had become almost a father figure to her, and he had no problem
returning those feelings.  She was a very easy person to be loyal to.

............................................................................
.......

Outside in the school grounds, Buffy and her best friend Willow sat
chatting on one of the benches that dotted the central quad.  Buffy was the
elder looking of the two had mid length blonde hair, was in the mid five
feet height and had a pleasant optimistic face, that often showed a much
more serious side to those who could look past the obvious features.
Willow, although the same age and height looked a good deal younger, she
had long mid brown hair, although it had a tendency to look red more often
than not, and the face of an innocent naive teenager.  Buffy had remarked a
number of times with a wry grin that Willow could never be accused of doing
something wrong as she looked too innocent to do anything wrong.

"So fill me in, how was the date last night with Oz?" Buffy asked, with
obvious happiness that Willow's relationship was still going strong.

"Oh fine, fine...he kisses so good.' Willow blushed and giggled at the same
time. "I saw stars, or something, it was really good."

"Chalk another one up for romance," Buffy said.

Willow saw a little glint of sadness in Buffy's eyes.  She knew it still
hurt her so bad that Angel was now her enemy, instead of her lover.  What
made it worse was because Buffy had made love to Angel, her first time, it
had caused the curse to be lifted.

Buffy saw Willow looking at her.   She tried to keep her pain hidden as
much as possible from her friends, especially since she didn't want to be a
downer on their relationships.  Change the subject she thought.

"So have you seen Xander today?" she asked.

"No.  He's probably meeting up with Cordelia."

"Weird I didn't think that would last.  I mean I love Xander and nothing
against Cordelia but them together...go figure!"

"Well I am going out with a Werewolf, I don't think I can really comment."

Buffy and Willow looked at each other and laughed.

............................................................................
.......

Xander Harris felt great.  For years he was a bit of a joke.  To guys he
was a dork; to girls he was the guy who perennially asked them out in the
vain hope that one of them would say yes.  Although he had suffered a big
let down when Buffy had rebuked him almost twelve months ago, he still
counted her as one of his best friends and then there was Willow.  He knew
of course she had a crush on him, but it was an ironic twist of fate, while
he was chasing Buffy, when all she wanted to do was stay friends, Willow
had the same feelings for him and all he did want was to stay friends.

Everything changed four months ago and he never could have guessed in his
wildest dreams what or more importantly who would change things.  Cordelia
Chase.  She had put him down almost everyday in the last twelve years.  Yet
in all their sarcastic barbs that flew between the two their feelings
changed for one and other.  In fact they first kissed straight after yet
another shouting match.  It almost seemed that they would either kiss or
hit each other.  Well they were holed up in Buffy's basement hiding from a
bug man bounty hunter.

Cordelia although growing to love Xander found it hard to believe that she
was feeling the things she was for the same person she and her friends had
ridiculed for so long.  So much so she swore Xander to secrecy for weeks,
until Willow discovered them kissing.  Then she had even broken up with him
because her friends had put pressure on her.  Eventually it was a failed
spell Xander had arranged to put on Cordelia, which backfired that finally
convinced Cordelia that her feelings for Xander were more important than
her friends.

"Xander?" called Cordelia as she walked up the front steps at the school.
She was a person of striking beauty; five feet 8 inches, long dark hair,
and a smile than Xander would die for.  She was of course wearing the
latest outfit that she considered in, on that day.

Xander turned around and smiled, "Cordy," they greeted each other with a
kiss.

"So still dressing in the dark?" Cordelia asked

"Yes well, I felt I should do my bit to conserve all the electricity that
you use.  You know, hot water, hair dryer etc.."

"Well fair enough then"


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 14/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:38:13 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 14/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************



Chapter 14


Later that day
Cordelia's house

Cordelia smiled as Willow finished putting the last of the dressings on her
arms.  Thankfully the blood on her face had been mostly from her arms and
she only had a few bruisers.  She moved her head over and rested in on
Xander's chest.  They were half sitting, half lying on the lounge in the
living room.

Buffy and Giles emerged from the kitchen with drinks for everyone.  Buffy
raised a glass, " I didn't think we would be here right now and I don't
know what the future will have in store for us.  I can say however that I
am so proud to have you as my friends.  I love you guys."

"Hear Hear," Willow added.

...........................

Xander came down the stairs into the living room.  Buffy and Giles were
there, Willow and Oz having already gone home.

"She O.K.?" Buffy asked.

"Yep, she's sleeping.  I'm hoping that she doesn't have any nightmares,"
Xander replied.

"I think that even if she does, it will be less traumatic than what she has
just been through," Giles said, "did she say anything to you?"

"Not really, apart from the fact that I was meant to be the one taken from
the Bronze.  I think Angel had thought that she wouldn't be a big enough
bait for you to come, Buffy," Xander said.

"Well it looks like Angel does not know you as well as he thinks Buffy,"
Giles replied, " and certainly won't underestimate you again Xander.  I
wish you had told us what you were planning."

Xander looked down.

"Xander?"  Buffy asked.

He looked up, his eyes tear stained.  "I was so scared.  I couldn't tell
you what I was planning, because for one I didn't know if I would go
through with it and also you wouldn't have let me"

'Well maybe, maybe not" Giles interjected.

"No you don't understand.  What happened wasn't my original plan.  I
thought Cordelia was dead.  I didn't have your confidence that she would
still be alive when we got there.  So I filled the needle with Holy Water
and kept it in my pocket.  My only plan was a selfish one.  I was going to
kill Angel.  I didn't care about the mission, I wanted revenge.  It was
only when I got there and saw everyone fighting as hard as they could to
rescue her that I knew I had to do something else."

Buffy moved over to him and put an arm around his shoulders, "You are being
too hard on yourself, those feelings are very normal," she said.

"Yes," Giles said softly, "I should know."

"The point is you came through and I refuse to put it down to your
experience last Halloween," Buffy gave him a hug.  She looked at Giles, 'I
think we should be going".

"Yes we should," Giles agreed as he got up.

Buffy turned to Xander, "Are you going to be able to look after Cordelia?"

"Yes that won't be a problem. Her folks are away till Sunday night, so
hopefully we will have a good cover story sorted out by then," Xander said
with a smile.

Xander let Buffy and Giles out the front door and locked it.  He went up
the stairs to Cordelia's bedroom.  She was still sleeping peacefully.  He
got out of his jeans and shirt and slipped into bed beside her, wrapping
his arms around her.  Her body seemed to move back to him as he held her
tight.

Lying there Xander could almost believe they didn't have a trouble in the
world.

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 12/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:36:29 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 12/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death". =
=20

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 12


"Let her go you bloodsucking bastard!" Xander screamed at Angel, trying to
get to him.  Buffy still held on to him, not wanting Xander to rush
something when she knew it was going to take a lot of precision to get out
of here.

"If I was you I would drop those cross bows, otherwise you can all watch me
slit her throat and lap up the blood," Angel demanded. =20

Buffy didn't want to, knowing that she lost the advantage, but looking
around she decided that she should accept his orders for now.  She had
heard a saying once, "Where there's life, there's hope".  She motioned to
Giles to put his weapon down.

Angel got off the bed and walked a few paces ahead.  Drusilla immediately
sat down next to Cordelia and started playing with her hair.  Much the same
way a predator plays with its food.

"And get your witch away as well," Xander ordered.

"Oh Geek boy thinks he can order us.  Listen worm, I can kill her so
easily, all I have to do is give Dru a look and you will be back to lonely
nights with the playboy channel.  Besides Cordelia has served her purpose.
She has no reason to live anymore, so don't tempt me," Angel hissed at=
 Xander.

Xander looked at Buffy.  She knew what he was going to suggest, "No Xander
don't," she yelled.

"I'm sorry Buffy," Xander replied then turned around to face Angel, "take
me instead, let her go."

Cordelia tried all she could to shout but with the gag she couldn't.
Drusilla bent down over her and whispered, "don't worry love, Xander won't
die alone tonight.  My Angel will see to that."

Angel gave the impression he was thinking it over.  It was of course
exactly what he was expecting. "How noble," Angel replied.

"Stuff you, now let her go," Xander yelled and at the same time he finally
broke away from Buffy's grip.

"You know, I think I will enjoy killing you myself, Cordelia and your
friends won't make it out of here alive anyway, but if you want to give
yourself to me so easily, fine," he motioned Drusilla to untie Cordelia,
"get her up".

Drusilla untied Cordelia's arms and legs.  She was about to untie her gag,
when Angel interjected, "Leave the gag on.  I can't stand to listen to her
prattling mouth."

After she was released Cordelia tried to stand but found that she had no
feeling in her legs.  She crashed to the floor.  Xander rushed over to help
her up.  Angel thought about grabbing him then but decided that now wasn't
the time to improvise.  His plan was going exactly as he had thought it
would.  He also wanted Cordelia to be very alert when he snapped Xander's
neck. " After all if a boy is killed when no-one is around did it really
happen," he laughed at his own thought.

Xander picked up Cordelia and carried her back to their friends, handing
her to Giles.  He never took his eyes off her until he reached the group.
Her eyes haunting his soul.  He inwardly shuddered thinking about what she
must have gone through.  He slowly looked up at Giles, "Take care of her."

Giles nodded slowly, his heart pounding with admiration for the actions
Xander was taking.  Xander once again looked down at Cordelia.  Her eyes
were filled with tears.  He pulled the gag aside, to expose a portion of
her lips.  He bent down and lightly kissed her whispering, "I love you, I
will love you always."

Cordelia grabbed hold of him, she did not want to let go.  He whispered in
her ear, "We have a plan.  Be ready, this is going to be rough".  He backed
away from her looking her straight in the eye.  She looked back.  Her mood
had changed from heartache to incredulous.  Her eyes were screaming at
Xander, "You have got to be kidding."

Xander looked over at Buffy, then Willow and then Oz.  He hoped that the
others would realize that he had changed the plan around.  He had decided
there was no choice, he had to get Cordelia away.  He looked very
carefully, straight at his friends, longer than any normal look would be
for.  Buffy looked back, a flicker of realization entering her stare.
"Xander if this works out you and me are going to have a talk about
following a plan, " she thought.

Xander turned around and walked slowly towards Angel.  He was hoping that
the couple of months training would allow him to provide the diversion
needed.  He looked at Angel.  His heart was turning to hate.  He was
fighting the urge to go over and try to rip out his throat.

Angel motioned for Spike and Drusilla to take Xander and bring him over.
Spike was less than impressed.  He couldn't understand why they just didn't
kill them all.  He used to enjoy Angel's little games, but that was before
this latest Slayer.  She was too dangerous to mess around with.  Spike had
a contingency plan.  He had decided to let Angel have his little game, but
if things went wrong he would bring in the rest of them and save the day.
That would not only show up Angel in the eyes of the other vampires but
more importantly would show Drusilla that Angel was not the infallible
person she thought he was.  He looked over at her.  She bounded across to
take hold of the boy like an over eager dog, hoping to please its master.
He took hold of Xander's left arm while Drusilla took hold of his right.=20

Once Xander was held, Angel came up to him, grabbing his hair reefing his
neck back, "I am going to enjoy this almost as much as when I kill Buffy"

"I will give you a final warning.  Let go now" Xander screamed, not
expecting any success except delaying Angel' attack.  It worked.

Angel looked down at Xander and laughed, "Xander you insignificant piece of
filth, you are the appetizer, your friends the entr=E9e, and Buffy is the
desert.  You are all going to die.  I just wanted to kill you first."

The delay however had given Xander enough time to make eye contact with
Buffy; signaling that he and she were ready.  He knew that this was it.

"NOW!" he shouted. =20

Buffy and Giles reached into their jackets and pulled out a couple of
bottles that were filled with Holy Water.  Buffy threw one straight at
Angel, while Giles through his at Spike.

Angel was about to grab Xander's neck and snap it when he heard Xander
shout.  He turned around to see what he was shouting at and got hit
straight in the face with the bottle Buffy threw.  The Holy Water started
to burn; Angel recoiled in pain and screamed loudly.

Almost simultaneously the other bottle smashed into the right side of
Spike's face.  The water covered Xander and Drusilla on her left side.  As
soon as the bottle hit, Xander was able to get away, taking advantage of
his captors' agony.  Drusilla and Spike had not been hit with as much water
as Angel, but none the less they could feel their skin burning.

Angel could just make out the moving image of Xander. The water had
effected his eyesight.  He yelled, "Get him, get them all!"

The dozen vampires that had been stationed around the room had already
started to move in.  Buffy and Giles picked up the crossbows and started
firing.  Quickly five of them hit the ground and dissipated into dust.

Willow and Oz had been protecting Cordelia, but knew they had to do
something more now.  Taking a hold of one of the remaining three bottles of
Holy Water, Willow opened the top and sprayed it in a semi-circle at the
oncoming vampires.  Four of them went down screaming, then ran out of there.

Xander by this time had reached them and grabbed a stake.  He moved over to
take hold of Cordelia.  She put her arms around him,=20

"Stay behind me!" Xander said.

A vampire attacked, Xander ducked and was able to land the stake into its
heart.  Xander sighed with relief.  Buffy had explained that if the
vampires were new they probably would not be that difficult to kill,
however if there were old vampires around, they would be in trouble.
Thankfully it seemed that that one was not that experienced.
........

Spike looked around at the scene in front of him.  Half his face was burnt
quite severely, if it wasn't for the bottle hitting only his right side he
would be in more pain.  "Damn Angel, "he thought.  He grabbed Drusilla,
"come on love let's get out of here."

"What about Angel, " she asked.

Spike looked down at her burned face, "Angel has dug his own grave and now
I will have to get him out".  Spike picked her up and carried her to one of
the doorways.  When he got there he set Drusilla down and turned to his=
 left.

From out of the darkness a vampire came up to him. "You left Angel in
there?" it asked.

"I couldn't save him, "Spike sort of lied, he didn't try," see if you can."

"What do you want us to do?"

"Get them" was all Spike needed to say.

.................

Buffy staked a vampire in front of her.  She quickly looked around.  There
was only one left, and it was fighting with Giles.  She moved over and
landed a kick to the back of its head.  As it fell to the ground she
pounced on it and staked it threw the heart.

She looked back at her friends.  "C'mon, let's get out of here," she yelled.

They turned to run out of the door when all of the sudden the room started
filling with Vampires, from each doorway and from above, they were suddenly
surrounded by fifty vampires and they were closing in.


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 11/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:38:22 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 11/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 11


"Ahhh..." Cordelia's scream filled the hall.  Angel had removed the gag.
Cordelia assumed it was only to hear her screams, and judging from the
smile that grew on his face, it seemed to be true.

Angel crouched over her, running a knife along her forearm from elbow to
wrist.  Cordelia's arms looked like a tiger had mauled her.  She had
parallel lines running along the front of the arms, the blood of which was
congealing on the mattress beneath her.

"Oh come-on Cordelia, show a bit of mettle, I haven't even got to you
pretty face yet," Angel smirked as he ran the knife across her chest.

"Why don't you just kill me you bastard," Cordelia shouted at him, spitting
in his face at the same time.  Angel roughly struck her across the cheek.

"Now now, be nice.   Your screams are music to my ears ...  but I am not
against putting the gag back on," Angel said. " You are alive for one
reason, you don't matter enough to kill now.  Once I have an audience, then
it's different.  Killing in front of loved ones always delivers a more
powerful effect.  It's sort of poetic in a way, " he reached slightly ran
his fingers across Cordelia's lips, "although I am toying with the idea of
letting you go, after your face has had a few touch ups, I think it would
do wonders for your personality."

He picked up the knife and brought it closer to her face.  "No.  I think
that having Xander see his girlfriend a bloody mess than killed in front of
his eyes should be more than enough stimulus for the desired effect." He
brought the knife down and rested it next to her left ear, "How would you
like a quick and easy face lift?"

Cordelia screamed again and tried to push Angel away but could only thrash
on the bed as her bounds were to tight.

"Now, now Cordelia, don't move.  I would hate to poke an eye out," he
cautioned, "well actually I couldn't give a damn, but Drusilla has already
got dibs on the eyes."

Before Angel could start cutting another Vampire came up behind him,
"Angel, they are coming, should we go and meet them?"

" No let them come.  Once inside I want guards posted on all exits," he
shoved the vampire away, who crawled away like a dog that knew he had done
something wrong and was hoping for forgiveness.

"Ah sweet Cordelia, our time has come to an end.  It was short but ever so
sweet," Angel said.  He then put the gag over Cordelia's mouth and
retreated.  Cordelia looked around.  She could see no one.  She knew they
were there, but they were in hiding.  Waiting for her friends to come.  She
knew she could not warn them.

.........................

Buffy and the Gang were crouched behind some crates about fifty feet away
from the entrance to the warehouse.

"O.K. guys we have probably already been spotted.  I expect them to come
from all sides.  Giles and I will go up front with the crossbows, but
remember we only have ten arrows between us.  Once they attack there will
not be anytime to reload.  I know the rest of you are not trained for this
but this is Cordelia's only hope.  If she is alive, they won't keep her
that way for long," Buffy patted Xander on the shoulder for support.

Buffy, Giles and the others went towards the entrance.  While they were not
running, they were walking at a fairly brisk pace.  Giles and Buffy at
front, Willow and Oz in the middle and Xander making up the rear.

Buffy was very surprised that they had made it to the doorway without any
sign of attack.  She motioned for everyone to stop.  She poked her head
around the corner.  She couldn't see anyone, she could feel them, but there
was no one in sight.  She moved the party forward.

The pace had slowed, with so little light to guide them it would be
difficult to see a surprise attack, even more so if running.

"Giles, I don't like this," Buffy said.

"Neither do I.  They should have attacked," Giles replied as they reached
the entrance of the main hall.  "I think they have something planned for us
in there and I don't think we will like it."

When the reached the entrance, Buffy had motioned everyone to stop.  She
went by herself a couple of paces forward.  She still couldn't see anyone.
She moved further forward.

"Buffy wait!" Giles said as loud as he dared.

Buffy didn't respond.  Giles looked at her and decided he had no choice.
He motioned the rest of the group forward.  They moved slowly towards the
center of the hall.  They reached the old wooden table and eight chairs
that surrounded it.  They still couldn't see anyone and apart from Buffy's
feelings had no tangible evidence that any vampires were there.

Suddenly there was movement.  A footstep to the left.  Shuffling of legs on
the other side.  Then suddenly a huge bang as the front entrance door was
slammed shut.  Vampires, maybe a dozen or more came out of the shadows as
if appearing in mid air.  The came slowly forward.  Forming a circle around
the group.  A red light filled the hall and in front of them a large black
curtain fell down.

Willow let out a scream.  Xander was about to run forward but Buffy held
him back.  She looked straight ahead.  The hate in her heart growing
steadily.  In front of them was Angel, holding a knife to Cordelia's
throat.  On either side of them were Spike and Drusilla.  Cordelia was
heavily bleeding from her arms and face.  Although the wounds on her face
seemed to be from being struck, the wounds on her arms were definitely
inflicted by a blade.  She was gagged and tied down on a bed.

Buffy knew that bed.  Yet another reminder of a night which has turned out
to be memorable in all the wrong ways.  It was the bed that she and Angel
made love on.  In a way it was the bed Angel died on as well.  Now it
looked like it was going to be where Cordelia died as well.

"Buffy, so nice of you to grace us with your presence.  You have missed
most of the fun but I assure you the climax will be a killer," Angel said,
the last few words coming out in a horrific laugh.

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 13/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:38:29 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 13/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 13


"Oh my god!" Buffy said as she saw the room fill up with vampires, "Giles,
our plan has gone a bit out of the window, what do we do?"

"I don't know Buffy, try and get everyone closer to the door as we fight
them off, it may be our only chance," he replied.

Buffy tried to get them all moving but in doing that the first couple of
vampires attacked, she suddenly had two of them on her.  She got in a few
kicks enabling her to survey the area.  Giles, Willow and Xander were all
fighting off vampires.  She knew they could not last much longer.  The
vampires had gathered in a group in front of them, almost like a pack of
hyenas waiting for the lions to leave the scraps.

Xander kicked the vampire away and then staked the vampire who was
attacking Willow in the back.  He grabbed Willow and placed her next to
Cordelia and Oz. "Stay here!" he said.  He looked up and also noticed the
pack in front of them.  He also noticed Angel, who had been writhing on the
floor in agony had now got to his feet and looked like he was preparing to
attack, "Maybe that was why they were waiting," he wondered.  He knocked
his front pocket and remembered the little surprise he had planned for
Angel.  He quickly thought about it and decided there was no other choice.
We ran over and grabbed the last bottle of Holy Water.

Buffy saw him do it, it between kicking another vampire, "What are doing
Xander?"

"Just hold on for a minute, I'll get you out of here," he replied.

"Xander!" Cordelia yelled when she noticed he was moving towards the pack.
Xander did not acknowledge her.  He didn't want to face her for fear he
would not be able to get through with this.  The vampires looked surprised
that one of the group was moving to face them.  The delay did not last
long, as they moved forward, Xander sprayed the last remaining water from
the bottle, showering the vast majority of them.  He knew however that it
would not be enough to kill them, or even immobilize them for long.  He got
however the desired effect when they started worrying more about their
burning faces than his friends.  He took his chance and went threw the
pack, straight to Angel.

Angel had seen Xander coming but in this haze that was his eyesight now, he
didn't see Xander clearly.  Angel struck out at the blur that was Xander.
It missed as Xander ducked and leg swept Angel's legs out from under him.
Xander jumped on top of Angel pounding on him.

"Spike!" Angel shouted.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Spike has already taken off, "Xander informed him
with glee, "It's just you and me," Xander reached into his pocket and
pulled out a syringe.

Angel started to turn himself over when he felt a pin prick in his back.

"Now I don't know if this will kill you or not, but judging by what the
Holy Water has done to your face, I would say injecting it into you heart
is not going to give you just heartburn."

Angel tried to move again, but felt the needle being pressed further in.

...........................

Buffy had succeeded in keeping the remaining vampires at bay, but now the
main group had started to recover.  She got her friends together behind her
and started to move towards the doorway.

"We can't leave Xander," Cordelia said.

"Cordy I don't want to leave him but he did what he did to give us a
chance", Buffy replied, 'so come-on we need to get you all out."

A couple of vampires had seen them moving away and rushed over to stop
them.  They blocked the exit and forced them back to the center of the room.

..............................................

Xander saw that his friends were trapped again.  It was time to see if it
his actions had been worth it.

"Get up," he screamed at Angel.

"Stuff you," he replied.

"O.K. have it your way, either you get up and order your friends to let
mine go, or I am going to turn your insides to dust soup," he said while
pushing the needle in as far as it would go, to emphasize the point.

Angel thought about it for a split second.  His instinct for survival was
highly compromised by his hatred of this punk getting one up on him.

The vampires were only a few feet away from Buffy, they were out of Holy
Water and unlike before they looked like they would attack at once.

"Stop!" Angel yelled.

The vampires nearest to him heard him.  They immediately stopped, but the
other did not.  Xander saw this and got Angel to his feet, "Remember all I
have to do is push on this plunger and you are history, if any of my
friends are hurt I will do it.".  He led Angel over to the pack.

"Stop!" he yelled again.   This time the remaining vampires heard him and
turned around.

"O.K. Dead Guys," Xander shouted to the throng of vampires, "we are
leaving, If you try to stop us, your leader will probably liquefy before
your eyes.  Now unless you have a ladle ready I suggest you get out of our
way."

It wasn't just the vampires that looked at him incredulously, Buffy, Giles,
Cordelia, Willow and Oz, now that they weren't fighting for their lives,
were speechless at the turn of events. Xander looked at them, "Guys the
exit's that way, get out" he yelled.

"You too Xander," Buffy said.

"I will be right behind you" he replied.

"Xander we won't leave you, c'mon," Cordelia pleaded.

Xander spoke softly to her, "Just go Cordy."

Cordelia looked at him, but was pulled away by Willow and Oz.  Buffy and
Giles made it to the door and pushed the other three threw it.  He told
them to run as fast as they can back to the school.  Buffy turned back to
Xander, "C'mon, let's go" she yelled.

Xander turned Angel around so that he was now facing the vampires, while
Xander had his back to the door.  He judged that he would probably have
only an 8 yard head start from when he let Angel go.
"Well," he thought, "it won't be the craziest thing I have done today."

He pushed Angel away, throwing him towards the pack of vampires, hoping
that in the confusion the needle would expel its contents in Angel's heart.

He ran as fast as he could towards the doorway, "Buffy, Giles go now, "he
screamed at them.

Buffy and Giles took off with Xander a couple of feet behind.  The vampires
had reacted quickly and were making up distance on the three.  Xander
looked around, the leading vampires were only a dozen or so feet behind him
now and while there was only sixty feet or so to the street, they would
then have to make it back to school.

"Hurry Up Guys," came a voice.

Buffy turned to Giles while running, "I told them to get going, we have to
really do something about following orders"; Giles couldn't suppress a
laugh, which resulted in Buffy giving him a dirty look.  They reached the
doorway and opened it, throwing themselves through it they were hit by
blinding light.  It was daylight already.

Xander ran straight up to Cordelia.  They held each other, knowing that
they could have easily not been able to that again.  After a few seconds,
Buffy, Willow, Oz and even Giles came over to put their arms around each
other.

Giles spoke first, "I know that we are safe here, but let's get away from
this place," he smiled at Buffy, she returned it and they walked off.

........................

Angel had managed to survive only by the luck of falling on his front.  He
had been able to reach around and pull the syringe from his back.  He
crawled over to his bed, he needed rest.  Rest and then this whole damn
city would pay for last night.

"Angel," Spike called as he came into the hall, his face still blistered,
"you look a little bit weak, would you like to borrow my wheelchair?"

"Don't patronize me Spike.  If you and Dru hadn't run off we would be
celebrating tonight."

"Cut the crap Angel.  You failed miserably again.  We lost over half our
people, Drusilla, myself and you have badly burned bodies, and you killed
no-one, " Spike shouted, "you are a complete failure, you no longer give
any orders around here."

"Watch it Spike, you can't take over.  Drusilla would never stand for it."
Angel replied.

Drusilla appeared from behind a curtain, she was wearing a half mask, much
like the fabled phantom. "Angel, darling, there has been a few changes...."
She said.


****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 5/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:38:37 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 5/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 5


Buffy looked at herself in the mirror.  To anyone else she would like any
other seventeen year-old.  To herself she could see the strain of the last
few months showing under her eyes.  It still pained her to think that the
night she was meant to remember for life will now be remembered for all the
wrong reasons.  She was so much in love with Angel, and he was with her,
she was sure of that.  They made love for the very first time; her first
time and it took his soul away.

Not the act itself, but it was the trigger.  Angel had lived his last
eighty years with a curse.  The curse had been put on him by a clan of
gypsies as punishment for killing their most beloved daughter and her
family.  The curse was to restore his soul, so he would live out his
eternal life in torment for what he had done.  And he had shown remorse, he
had spent most of the last year helping Buffy and her friends fight
Vampires and demons.  But then the real kicker came.  The curse was meant
to leave him in torment.  He could not have one perfect moment of happiness
for the rest of his life.  If he did, his soul would be taken from him
again.  Of course no one had bothered to tell him about that.

Buffy could never understand that.  If they wanted Angel to live in torment
they should have told him.  Then he would not of let himself get close to
her.  He would not have risked the taking away of his soul.  But because
they did not tell him, she and Angel had fallen in love.  They made love.
And now he is free of the curse.  He's a vampire with out a soul again and
he loved it.

Buffy however did not.

Buffy finished in the bedroom and turned the light off.  She walked across
the across the hall and into her bedroom.  She knew there was something
instantly wrong.  She sensed him before she could see him.  She turned her
head frightened.  She and Willow had cast a spell that was meant to keep
him out of her house.

She turned towards the window; he was outside looking at her.  At least she
was safe.  She looked straight at him.

"Sorry not today," she said

"Brings back memories doesn't it Buffy.  You use to like it when I turned
up unannounced.  Don't tell me that you still don't get a rush of blood
from seeing me."  Angel almost laughed at her.

"Angel you can stay out there and die for all I care.  I know you can't
come in here.  What do you want?"

Angel moved closer to the window, almost caressing it with his face, "C'mon
Buffy, I just came for a little foreplay before I start with the little
people.  It so helps to bring the act to a satisfying conclusion."

He moved away from the window, as if to go, then turned towards her,
"Buffy, just thought I would let you know, one of your friends dies
tomorrow night, pleasant dreams" he smiled at her, although it seems more
like a snarl. With that he disappeared.

Buffy stared at the window for a while and whispered to herself, "Over my
dead body."

..................................................

Xander lay motionless on Cordelia's bed.  He wasn't just nervous he was
scared.  Not that he hadn't thought about what he was about to do,
sometimes it was all he thought about, but thinking and doing are two
different things.  Now all he could think was that he was going to show
Cordelia that he was a bigger failure than she originally thought she was.

Xander looked at the bathroom door and chuckled to himself.  Here he was
shaking on a summer's night and Cordelia was still taking her time in the
bathroom.  "Some things stay the same," he thought, "no matter what the
circumstance". It reassured him that there was still normality in the world.

He had not bothered to get undressed.  He rationalized it as not wanting to
appear too eager.  In reality it was the part of him, that was wishing he
wasn't so scared, trying to delay the onset of pure terror.  Suddenly the
bedroom light went dark.

"Argh!!!" he screamed.

"I will try not to take that so personally" came the reply.  It took Xander
a while to adjust to the small amount of light, provided by a solitary
candle on the dresser, that illuminated the room.  When he did he saw
Cordelia standing in front of him.  He was relieved, she was wearing a
nightgown. "Looks good too' he mused to himself.

"Move over Xander," Cordelia said as she sat down on the bed.   Xander
moved and Cordelia got in next to him, curling her body, backing into
Xander's front.  Xander reached around and held her to him.  He started to
feel a lot better.  He moved his mouth to her ear.

"I love you."

"I love you," came the reply.

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: Andrew Parkinson <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Sacrifices of Love 4/14
Date: 31 Mar 1998 02:38:44 +1000

Sacrifices of Love 4/14

Author:  Andrew Parkinson [e-mail]

Rating:   Ratings for each chapter would vary, but the story overall
contains, PG13 for Sexual Scenes and Discussion and TV14 for violence and
action scenes.(This is only a saftey barrier for people who may be
offended.  The actual content may not be that high depending on your point
of view)

Disclaimer:  Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its characters, situation and
settings belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar, WB, and Fox.
This story is written for the sake of enjoyment for fans of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. This story is not intended to infringe on copyright and is
not to be used by anyone else or myself for commercial gain.

Spoiler/Setting for the Story: Set after Killed By Death, so anything that
has happened on the show before that episode is fair game.

Author's note:    This Story is set aprox 2 months after "Killed By Death".

Feedback:    Yes Please.....This is my first story since high school, so I am
very interested in feedback.

************************************


Chapter 4


"C'mon Xander!" Cordelia shouted as she saw Xander coming across the
student's car park.  Like herself, Cordelia's car could hardly be missed,
bright red with the number plate 'QUEEN C", well it seemed to fit her.

"O.K., what's the rush. God it isn't even dark yet" Xander returned.

He reached her and gave her a quick kiss, before opening the door for her.
"It's the little things she likes," he thought to himself.

Cordelia sped the car out of the park and onto the street.
.....................................

Buffy walked through the doors of the library, "Giles, are you there?"

Giles appeared from behind one of the seemingly endless rows of
bookshelves, "Oh Buffy here already?"

"Yes well, thought I would get some brownie points for showing up on time,
after you let me have my way this morning" she replied sheepishly.

Giles smiled. "Fair enough.  Get the equipment, I will be down in a second"

Buffy moved over to the cupboard that housed the entire vampire fighting
equipment that Giles stored.  She had moved quite a bit to her own house
recently and was surprised to find some new weaponry when she opened the
doors.

She looked it over and noticed a number of bottles filled with a clear
liquid.  She picked one of them up and examined it, opening the top and
smelling the contents.   There was no discernible smell.

"Giles, what are these?" she said holding on of them up so he could see.

Giles was coming towards her as she did, "oh that's a little spin on the
Molotov cocktail.  Filled with Holy Water.  Never know when it might come
in handy," he said as he took the bottle and put it back, "we only have
these five so be careful, it can be difficult to explain in a hurry why you
want to fill bottles up with Holy Water"

"Cool" Buffy replied.

............................................................................
.......

Cordelia pulled the car up in the driveway to her place.  Xander had been
watching Cordelia all the way and did not realize he wasn't at his place
till she stopped the engine.  He looked around at the house in front of
him.  House, well maybe a mansion would be more of an apt description.
With its Greek pillars at the front doorway to its elaborate gardens, it
certainly stood out form the rest of the street.  It did seem to suit
Cordelia's family though.

"I take it I was meant to navigate," he said.

"Ha, ha" she replied sarcastically

"Well it's just that I am not you father's favorite person"

"Well it's a good thing you don't want to go out with my father" Cordelia
replied.  Xander just gave her a look; "my parents won't be home for a
couple of hours, how about coming in for a drink?"

"O.K.", Xander said as he got out of the car, "It's not that I am scared of
your father, it's just that..."

Xander glanced at Cordelia.

"O.K., it is that I am scared of your father, but you would miss out as
well if I am not allowed to see you."

"Oh I would get by, there are some very nice eligible young men in this
street" she said with a smile, "C'mon, I will save you from the boogie man."

She took his hand and led him through the front doorway, "Take a seat, I
will be back in a minute."
.............................................................

It was getting dark as Buffy started to walk home, 'another session with
Giles over, vege time in front of the TV tonight, things aren't all bad'
she thought.  Still she was more concerned about Giles' information session
this morning than she was willing to let her friends see. She knew full
well that she was not the one in the immediate danger, her friends were.
Willow, Xander, Giles, Cordelia and maybe Oz were in the front line so to
speak.  Even though they had been training a few days a week with Giles and
her, they were not equipped like she was.  She felt responsible for them.

She was glad her mother was away for the week at a conference in San
Francisco.  It was one less person to worry about.  It was quite a thrill
for her to be trusted to look after herself for a week.  She liked to think
that her mother had decided that she was responsible enough.  She knew
however that a big part of the reason was that her mother had to go to the
conference.  She had no other choice, as her father could not get out of
work to come and look after her.

She reached her front porch just as the sunset, and quickly went inside and
locked the door behind her.
............................................................................
.......

Xander looked at the dark sky outside and then his watch, the couple of
hours were getting really close to being over.   It upset him.  They got so
little time to be together by themselves, without having to resort to
necking in Cordy's car that he had really savored the opportunity to spend
a couple of hours lying on the lounge holding Cordelia in his arms and
feeling her close to him.

"Cordy?" he whispered after lightly kissing her forehead, "I should get
going, this has been great and I would hate to have it spoiled by the
arrival of your parents, not to mention while it's still light it's a lot
safer to get home."

Cordelia didn't respond straight away, she too was enjoying the moment.
She found it hard to believe that originally she couldn't face up to the
fact she was falling for him, and yet lying in his arms she found a
closeness that she had not before experienced.

"Cordy?" he asked again.

She moved herself up and turned to face him, "Xander, my parents are away
for the night, I don't want you to go."

****************************************************************
[e-mail]         Visit Slayer's Down Under at
http://www.powerup.com.au/~hazman/index3.htm
        The Offical Keeper of:
"There is a beautiful, big full moon outside tonight. It doesn't
 get more romantic than this. So shut up!" - Cordelia [Phases]
****************************************************************

-



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

From: "Clare H." <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (4/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 14:47:01 EST

cool story...please write more soon!

    Clare
    [e-mail]




______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question About Love (2/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 15:53:40 EST

Title: The Question about Love (2/?)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 2)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

The day went on, and on, and on.  Buffy, Xander, and Willow went out to lunch
at Hard Rock, then went to their ninth period class.  They met up after school
to discuss their party plans.  They decided to go home and meet up around
seven at Buffy's house.  So they all walked home.
At Buffy's house, in Buffy's room, Buffy lay sprawled across her bed staring
at her trigonometry homework.  She gazed at her watch. 6:00pm.
"I had better get ready," she said to herself.  "Xander will be here in an
hour, and Willow will probably come early."
So Buffy got dressed, put make-up on, and did her hair.  She looked at her
watch again. 6:45.  The doorbell rang.  Buffy walked down the steps and opened
the door.  She surprisingly saw both Willow and Xander at the door.
"We're early," Xander said.
"Come on in," Buffy said.  "I was just getting ready."
"Take your time," Willow said.  "We are in no hurry."
So Buffy finished her hair and reapplied her lipstick.  She grabbed her
leather jacket (the one that Angel let her keep), and headed down the stairs.
All three of them walked out the door and walked to the Bronze.
The place was packed!  Kids were pushing and shoving to get inside.  Ten
dollars admission was obviously not enough.  Willow peered through the window.
She was amazed.  Everyone in school, even some teachers, was there.  Buffy
looked in the window too.  She spotted Giles, a few friends, Cordilia, and
quite a few vampires.  More vampires than usual.  She saw at least twenty
vampires without even trying to look.  But no Angel.  As she was making her
way through the doors, the feeling of being watched came back.  She looked
everywhere but only one person was looking at her, and that was the guy at the
door asking her for the ten bucks to get in.
Inside sitting at a table all by herself, the same girl was watching her.
Buffy couldn't detect her because Buffy was outside and the girl was inside.
When they finally got in the Bronze she, again, noticed the vampires.  She
noticed that they were not lurking, but they were just hanging out.  Not one
of them looked hungry.  Surprisingly she saw Giles coming her way.
"What are doing here?" she asked.
"I am on a date with Miss Calendar." Giles replied.  "She said that she had to
come see the hot new singer, and invited me to join her."
"Aw, how cute," Buffy replied.  "There are tons of vampires here.  Do you know
why?"
"No," Giles said, "I spotted many myself.  I even saw Spike."
"SPIKE?" she asked with amazement.  "Did he try anything?"
"No, he is with someone, or least was with someone." Giles answered.
"Who?" Buffy curiously asked.
"Let me see if I can spot her.  Oh, there she is.  She is sitting at the far
table.  See her?  She is sitting all by herself." Giles pointed her out
Buffy spotted her then curiously stared at her.  "Giles look," she said.
"What?" he asked.
"Look at the way she is sitting." Buffy said.
Giles looked at the beautiful young girl. He stared at her for a few seconds
then turned to Buffy.  He saw nothing unusual about the way the girl was
seated.  Her legs were crossed and her hands were folded over her knees.  She
had great posture and you could tell from the way the lights hit her face,
that she was nervous.
"What is so strange about the way she is sitting?" he asked Buffy.
"She is nervous," Buffy said.  "I have slayed a lot of vamps in my day, and I
have never seen one that was nervous."
"So, maybe she is not a vampire," Giles responded.
"You said she was with Spike.  I have never seen him turn down a meal before,"
Buffy said.
"Maybe that is why she is nervous," Giles said.  "Maybe she knows he is going
to eat her and is afraid."
"Then why doesn't she run?" she asked him.  "She could bust through those
doors and be out of her in seconds."
"No she couldn't," Giles said.  "Look at how those vampires are posted around
her.  She the one standing at the door?"
"Oh my gosh!  You're right," she said.  "The vampires are here because of her.
That must explain why no guys are hitting on her."
Just then, they both saw Xander leave the table where he and Willow were
sitting.  He was walking in the direction of the young girl.  Buffy started
toward him, but Giles stopped her.  He explained that he didn't think the
vampires would hurt Xander, but basically scare him away.  Sure enough, the
vampires just growled at Xander, without hurting him.
He walked away in a huff.  Buffy went to join Xander and Willow, while Giles
went to sit with Miss. Calendar.  The announcer went on stage and said that
there would be quite a few singers tonight.   He announced the name of the
performers in order of when they would sing. LOVE's name was called last.
So the other six singers went on stage.  None of them were bad, but not as
good as the kids hoped.  The announcer came on once again.
"Alright kids, take yours seats please.  Now for the moment you all have been
waiting for.   I would like to introduce LOVE!" he said.

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Dark One (5/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 15:56:24 EST

Title: The Dark One (5/?)
Author: Michelle
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes up to Killed By Death
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!

The Dark One (5/?)

"A fair fight?"
    "Am I the only one who see's this as not a good thing?" Xander questioned
looking to Giles and Buffy for an answer.
    "No. I'm flipped by it. But, what else could I do? I had to tell him yes,"
Buffy said with tears in her voice.
    The room remained quiet for a few seconds as Buffy watched the frightened
looks upon her friends' faces.
    "In all my time, I never have heard of Savarah doing something like that. She
has always preferred having the advantage."
    "Giles. I think she does have the advantage." Buffy walked the library
searching for an answer.
    "Well, if she was so great as a vampire, maybe she's just looking for that
'rush'. She knows she can kill a Slayer. I think she wants to do it again."
Willow watched as a pacing Buffy stopped in her tracks.
    "That's it." Buffy's face lit up with excitement. "She wants me to fight for
Angel." Buffy paused for a moment and then grabbed her back from the counter.
    "Uh, where are you going?" Giles started to follow after her in attempts to
stop her.
    "I've got to visit a few friends."
    "Buffy, you can't fight her now. You're not prepared."
    "Giles, I'm the slayer, I was born prepared.  I'm not going to fight her. I
just want to chat."  Buffy rushed out of the library and made her way to the
streets. She walked at a determined pace as she headed for the warehouse.

_______

"Don't move!"  A hand with a knife was shot up to Buffy's throat from a
formerly sleeping body. Buffy stood at the side of Savarah's bed.  "What do
you want, Slayer?" Savarah snapped as she flipped over to face Buffy. Her face
was a near white as she tried not to move against the cold blade.
"To talk," Buffy snapped. She was taking her chances.
"Oh, so you talked to Spike," Savarah face smiled with enjoyment.  Angel
suddenly walked into the room.  Buffy took immediate notice. She could see his
body's impression on the bed next to Savarah. The thought sent chills down her
body.
"Buffy! What a surprise." He anxiously watched the blade against her neck.
"You want to move that knife?" Buffy snapped not letting her eyes leave
Angel's.
"Oh, I'm sorry, is it bothering you?"
"Yeah," she knocked Savarah's arm away from her throat, "it is."
"So, do we have a deal?"
"Yeah, we have a deal."
"Oh, goodie. Meet me Saturday, 9:00PM, Sunnydale High School football field."
"Fine," Buffy spoke quietly. She began to back out of the room, making sure
not to turn her back on her two worst enemies.
After Buffy had left, Angel sat down on the bed next to Savarah.
"A fair fight? Do you really think it will work?" Angel asked worried of
loosing one of the two women he loved.
"Angel, I need a challenge.  There is no risk involved except that I may loose
you." She suddenly realized that she let her secret slip.
"Me? What the hell you mean by that?"
"Listen, you are a vicious, evil demon. You've set unbelievable standards for
those who follow in your footsteps.  However, having a soul has plagued you
with flaws. Flaws that you don't even notice. You flaunt them to the Slayer,
and one day, she will use them to her advantage."
Angel didn't have words to express his rage to her.  Even that she brought
these things up to him hurt. But he refused to let it show.
"The fact that you had a soul, has given you thoughts and feelings that will
never leave you.  Even if the demon inside prevents you from showing it,
you're actions of rage against Buffy and her friends, is your way of warning
her."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, you still love the Slayer, you always will.
He spent several minutes searching for the right words to counter her attack
on him, but couldn't find them.
"So, then, how would you loose me?"
"I used you as the bet for Buffy to fight me. If I win, she dies, if she wins,
you're soul is returned."
Angel sprung to his feet and marched out of the room. Savarah remained in the
bed.  Her evil was too strong to have feelings. She had no concern for other
regardless of what they meant to her.  Attacking Angel with her words was just
part of the job. She curled up and fell asleep again.

End Part 5

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question About Love (4/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 16:04:15 EST

Title: The Question about Love (4/?)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 4)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

"If Buffy is going, then I am going," Xander said.
    "We all are," Giles said.
    So they all followed the vampires.  They ended up going to a large warehouse.
The windows were spotless.
    "Are warehouses normally this clean?" Xander asked.
    "I don't think so." Miss. Calendar answered.
    They all looked inside the window.  They were amazed.  The inside of the
warehouse was completely furnished.  There was even a fireplace and kitchen.
Willow thought that it was really cool how on the third level, there was a
complete computer room.  Xander loved how big the place was.  Four stories
high and what looked like two stories underground.  Giles loved the library
that was on the second floor.  Miss. Calendar liked all of the big screen TV's
and stereos.  Buffy liked the gym, and Cordilia liked the huge bathroom with
all of the vanity tables and stuff.
    "I don't know about you guys, but I think we should go inside and check it
out," Xander said.
    "Yeah," everyone agreed.
    "NO," Angel stopped them.  "The warehouse may look fun from the outside, and
even better from the inside, but the place is the home of Spike.  He has other
vamps stay there, and they never refuse because they have the opportunity to
stay in the coolest vampire home anywhere.  There are dozens of vampires
inside there that will do anything at Spikes command.  We are safer outside
until Spike leaves, then we can LOVE out simply."
    "Angel is right," Giles said.  "Without their leader, the vampires won't know
what to do.  We are safer if we wait."
    So they waited, and waited, and waited.  It took Spike forever to leave.
They must have been waiting for hours.  Then the warehouse door opened.  Spike
walked a ways away, then pulled out his cigar, lit it, and started to smoke.
Now was there only chance get inside.
    Slowly, one bye one, they entered the back of the warehouse.  Once they all
were inside, the discussed their plan.  They knew that they would have no
chance if they decided to fight, so they thought maybe if they hid until the
right moment.
    "I have to do this for LOVE," Angel said.
    "Do what?" Buffy asked.
    "It doesn't matter.  You guys just stay here," he said.
    "NO!" Buffy screeched.  "We will all do this together."
    "I am going to try to fight them.  Other than you Buffy, no one else can
fight."
    "Like I said, we do this together," she said.  "Are you guys up to it?"
    "Yes," they all agreed.
    Cordilia took it upon herself to get the vampires attention.  She stood up
and yelled at them.
    "Hey you bloodsuckers over there," she screamed.  "Yeah, I'm talking to you!"
    "Cordilia!" Buffy uttered.  "What do you think you are doing?"
    One of the vampires heard Buffy.  She stood up.  Another vampire recognized
her from a previous fight.  He looked terrified when he saw her.
    "Slayer," he hissed.
    "Slayee," she hissed back.
    Buffy did a front handspring and landed in the middle of the room, right in
front of the vampires.
All of the vampires plunged at Buffy at the same time.  She started to kick
turn and twirl as she beat them up one at a time.  One of the vampires that
was holding a metal pole, came up from behind her and whacked he hard on the
back of the head.  She was always on her guard, but this time, she was not
suspecting the attack.  She fell to the floor.  The rest of the gang rushed
over to her and tried to help her gain consciousness.  She opened on eye and
was able to say "look" before she went out cold.  The rest of the vampires
piled on top of the seven people.
Spike walked into the room and said, "tie them up." He then realized who Buffy
really was.  He said, "this must be my lucky day.  I get to kill the Slayer."
The other vampires tried to restrain the others, but none of the remaining six
was going to give up easily.  In fact, the only one that was not fighting
back, was the sleeping slayer.  All seven of them were finally restrained.
Spike walked up and down looking at each and everyone of them.  Not caring if
Buffy was still alive or not.  He just kept pacing.  It was almost as if he
was seeing who was the first one to go.
    "Who is ready to die?" he selfishly asked.  "What?  No volunteers?"
    "I do," Buffy managed to get out.  "Kill me first."
    "NO!" Angel yelled.
    "Relax my gallant hero," Spike said.  "It is no fun for me to kill the slayer
unless she has complete consciousness.  I'm going to drive a stake through her
heart. The exact same weapon she uses to kill us is going to kill her. And I
want her to feel it.  So no, no, I am not going to kill her first, I want her
to watch her friends die."
    "Then kill me first," Angel replied.  "If you want to hurt her, than kill me
first."
    "Well aren't you the throw yourself to the lions type of guy.  You always
were," he hissed.  "Alright then, you die first.  Your little Rebecca of
Sunnydale farms gets to watch you suffer as I give you a bath of holy water."
    "Bring it on," Angel bravely spoke.  "It is not like I am not used to it by
now.  Remember that little Drucila incident.  Oh Yeah! I forgot that you were
unconscious most of the time thanks to Buffy.  Too bad Dru is dead now."
    "You know Angelus, I am going to enjoy watching you die.  TIE HIM UP!" he
barked.
    After a few minutes of struggling, Angel finally gave in and the other
vampires were finally able to tie him up.  He was tied on a large strong rope
that was somehow attached to the ceiling.  It was so strong that he could hang
from it.  Stupidly enough, the vampires didn't tie his feet together.  Spike
walked over to Angel with a jar of holy water.
    "Lets just hope you had some Pepsid AC because you are going to have some
serious heart burn." Spike joked.
"Cute", Angel remarked, "not funny but cute."
Spike walked by the other six people that were still on the floor.  He was
holding a large glass jar.
"This," he said "is the way I always wanted to kill you.  Now that Dru is
dead, I don't need you around anymore.  Goodbye."

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question About Love (5/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 16:11:33 EST

Title: The Question about Love (5/?)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 5)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

Spike came at Angel with the jar of holy water. He was just about to splash
Angel with it when someone from behind Spike tapped him on the shoulder.  He
turned around in surprise. A clenched hand came at his face in a hard right
hook.  Spike fell backward.  Angel turned to see his hero, expecting Buffy or
maybe Giles, he was surprised when he saw Willow standing there rubbing her
fist.
"Ouch!" she screeched.  "You have a hard head for a dead person."
"Willow?" Angel asked in amazement. "How did youà?"
"Hey," she said. "I am not going to let some slime ball hurt my best friend or
her boyfriend."
"Way to go Willow," cheered Xander from the background.
"Thanks," Angel said still a little amazed.
"That's right, thank your stupid little friend," Spike said as he got to his
feet.  "She isn't going to be around for much longer.  But you Angel, are my
first priority."
Angel held the rope with his tied up hands and hung there as he kicked his
feet high up and hit Spike right under the chin.
"ENOUGH!" Spike screamed.  "This is starting to become a bloody Bruce Lee
film."
Spike, once again got a jar of holy water and brought it over to Angel.  He
took the lid of once again and prepared to pour it on Angel.  Just as he was
about to, he was interrupted.
"Spike?" a mysterious female voice asked.
Just then a young girl (about Buffy's age) walked in the door.  She was tall
for her age and very beautiful.  She was dressed in a long ivory nightgown.
It was clear that all the yelling and smashing had woken her up from sleeping.
She looked very familiar to everyone in the room.  Though, it was clear that
Angel, Spike, and the other vampires were very much afraid of her.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"N-n-nothing," he replied with a shaky voice.
She then realized what he really was doing.  The calm, innocent look on her
face disappeared.  Her bright blue eyes turned black and cold. Her voice
became strong and shaky.  Her beautiful, long hair blew from side to side from
the strong wind coming from the open doors of the furnished warehouse.  The
changes just made her more beautiful.  Spike, Angel, Xander, Giles, and all of
the male vamps knew it.
"Oh yeah? Well it doesn't look like you are doing nothing.  It looks like you
are doing something.  Something Bad! In fact it is the worst thing that you
could possibly do.  It looks like you are hurting MY ANGEL" she forcefully
replied.  "You know the rules!  No one hurts My Angel and gets away with it.
Or have you forgotten that rule already?"
"No I remember it.  I am sorry that I broke your number one rule.  I promise
that it will never happen again." Spike replied.
"You're darn right it won't.  And if it does than you know I will kill you.
No one breaks my rules.  Not even you." she replied strongly.
    She suddenly froze.  Her eyes began to flood with tears, yet not a drop fell.
She was facing Angel and not the other six.  She didn't even see them when she
came in which made her next move even weirder.  She put her finger to her
temple, and looked as if she was thinking.  She closed her eyes and all the
flooding tears fell to the floor.  She looked even more psycho like that.  She
slowly turned around, still in the same position.
    "Slayer?" she asked with a strange hiss in her voice.  "SPIKE!" she screamed.
This time the entire room shook as she spoke.  "You were going to kill the
Slayer?" she asked with a lighter tone of voice.
    Her audience was amazed and terrified at the same time.  You could tell that
the other vampires were used to her strangeness.
    "LOVE, can you help me down?" Angel asked trying to change the subject.
    "Of course my Angel." she replied.
    She girl walked over to Angel and untied the rope he was fastened to.  Angel
lowered his hands and rubbed his wrists.  There was an indentation on them
where  the rope was tightest.  He fell to both knees and lowered his head.  It
was as if he was bowing to royalty.  The rest of the vampires, even Spike, did
the same.  Just then, all of the remaining mortals remembered where they had
seen her.  She was LOVE.  She was the singer at the Bronze.  She was the one
that the vampires bowed to.  It couldn't be though.  She looked so different.
She looked so much older.  She looked so much prettier.
    "RISE," Love said to the vampires. They all got up.
    She made a 'get lost' hand signal and all of the vampires left the room.
Every vampire except for Angel.  She looked at him, then looked at everyone
else.
    "She needs some ice," LOVE said.  "I'll get some."
    LOVE called Ox, one of the larger vampires, and had him carry Buffy into
another room.  LOVE walked into the kitchen and opened the huge freezer.  She
grabbed a plastic bad and filled it with ice.  She walked back into the living
room.  When she had gotten there, everyone was already untied.
"You guys just stay here and rest," she said.  "Go ahead and use the stereos
and TVs. You're more than welcome to grab a snack from the fridge on the left.
Angel, grab yourself a drink, or a body part from the fridge on the right.
The only rule is that you stay in this room.  Oh, by the way I owe you guys,
and I don't want you to let me forget."
"She's awesome" Xander commented.
"See.  Not all vampires are bad," Angel declared.

End Part 5

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question About Love (6/6)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 16:16:04 EST

Title: The Question about Love (6/6)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 6)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

LOVE walked into the room that Buffy was in.  She put the bag on Buffy's head,
and they both introduced themselves.
    "Buffy Summers," Buffy said.  "Occupation- vampire slayer."
    "LOVE," LOVE said.  "Occupation- your worst nightmare."
    "It is amazing how many people have that job," Buffy answered.
    "From what I hear, only one person has the job, but they have to keep sending
in reinforcements.  They tell me that you are quite a diamond in the rough,"
LOVE said.
    "They do?" Buffy asked.
    "Yes," she said.  "They say that they fear the slayer.  It is told that every
vampire has a chance to kill a slayer.  If that is true, then you must
encounter, and kill millions of them before the one that is supposed to kill
you comes.  Unlessà."
    "Unless what?" Buffy asked.
    "Unless the one that kills you is someone you love.  Someone you trust.
Someone that you grew up with.  Someone that was chosen to be a vampire just
for the purpose of your death.  Does that make that person's death your fault?
Does it mean that your fate decided the fate of others?  If it does, then I
sure am glad that I was killed on my first day on the job. How many lives
would be changed because of me?  How many people would be without a person in
their family because of my error?  How many demons would be roaming around
because of my misjudgment? How many people would only want one thing from
life, which was to be one of the few that didn't have a vampire inside of
them?  How many people would be dead?"
    "I'm sorry.  Are you telling me that you were the slayer?" Buffy questioned.
    "Yes," LOVE answered.  "In my time, I was the slayer."
    "What was your time?" Buffy asked.
    "Well, lets see.  I was born in 1740.  Today I am 258 years old, which means
I was killed in 1756," LOVE answered.
    "You were only sixteen when you died?" Buffy asked.
    "Correct.  I guess I was too trusting," LOVE answered.
    "You are older than Angel.  He is only 242.  Who killed you?" Buffy asked.
    "Actually," Love said, "Angel had been a vampire for 242 years, but he was 20
when he died, so he really is 262 years old."
    "Oh.  Who killed you then?"
    "That doesn't matter," LOVE said.  "You rest now.  I am going to check on the
others."
    LOVE walked into the other room.  She saw Willow, Xander, and Cordilia
sitting in front of the TV watching a horror film on the sci-fi channel.  She
saw Giles, Miss. Calendar, and Angel talking.
    "Anyone need anything?" she asked.
    "Yes actually," Giles started.  "I was wondering if I could stroll through
the library."
    "Willow and I wanted to see your computers," Miss Calendar said.
    "I realize how interesting this place may look but I can't let you explore.
You see this is my house, but I let other vampires stay here.  If you are
really interested, you are more than welcome to come back during the day when
my friends are gone," she said.
    "We can come back?" Cordilia asked.
    "Of course you can.  Anytime.  But call first so I know to warn Spike and
friends to not eat you," said LOVE.
    "Do you want us to leave?" Willow asked.
    "You can go at anytime.  Buffy may have a small concussion so she can't be
moved.  Willow will you do me a favor?" she asked.
    "Of course.  What do you need?" she asked.
    "I was wondering if you would call Buffy's mother and tell her that Buffy is
spending the night at your house.  I hope you don't mind lying.  If we move
Buffy, then there is a chance her head may begin bleeding, which would make
her condition even worse," LOVE declared.
    "I don't mind lying, just as long as it is for Buffy," Willow said.
    Willow called Buffy's mom, and well, lied.  All six of them left together
around 10:30pm.  In the morning, Buffy woke up, but she was not in her bed.
She was sleeping on a couch, on a den, in a five-story warehouse.  LOVE made
breakfast, and loaned Buffy some clean clothes.  She took Buffy to school.
Buffy didn't mind her driving a little fast, because she had a chance to ride
in LOVE's cherry red Ford Mustang Convertible.  LOVE gave Buffy the choice of
riding in that car or one of the other one hundred cars she owned.  When Buffy
asked her why she had so many cars, LOVE said it was because her life as a
living person stunk, so she made a better life for herself.  She also added
that no one says "NO" to a 5'10 vampire.
    Anyway, LOVE and Buffy became good friends.  They did lots together.  Xander,
Willow, Cordilia, and Angel hung around a lot too. They normally hung at the
Bronze, but they went other places.  She spent tons of money and magic on
them.  When they asked her why she did all of these nice things, she just said
she wanted to have fun.  They thought that she was just cooler after that.
    Spike, Angel, the other vampires, and LOVE knew the real reason that she did
these things.  They all knew that she was not going to be around for much
longer.  What Buffy and friends didn't know was that LOVE was dying.  No one
except LOVE could explain it, but she wouldn't tell a soul.
    One night LOVE invited everyone over to her house for a party.  The only
drawback was that there was going to be tons of vampires their.  It really
wasn't a problem though because they knew LOVE would warn them not to touch
the mortals.  Angel, Willow, and Xander all went to Buffy's house. They waited
there until Cordilia came to pick them up.  She drove them to the warehouse,
and they all walked to the big iron doors.  They could here loud music from
inside.  They looked into the window and saw everyone dancing.  Even the
vampires were having fun.
    "Don't you think that her neighbors would complain about the noise?" Xander
asked.
    "Yeah. Making hungry vampires mad is something every mortal wants to do,"
Angel answered.
    "Shouldn't we ring the doorbell?" Buffy asked.
    "Good idea," Willow declared.
    Inside Love was dancing to "Come On Ride the Train" with Spike and the other
vampires.  She was the engine of the long line of people.  Then a loud
piercing scream came over the music.
    "What was that?" Cordilia asked.
    "Doorbell," Angel answered.
    Just then the large door opened, and LOVE invited them in.
    "Go ahead and grab some punch," she said.  "It is the bowl on the left.  The
bowl on the right is something else."
    The party was great.  Most of the vampires left around 2:00 though.  They
would have to if they wanted to make it home before sunrise.  LOVE, Spike,
Angel, Xander, Willow, Buffy, and Cordilia were the only ones left around
2:30.
    "Great party LOVE.  Better than your last one," Spike commented as he kissed
her cheek.
    "Yes I loved it," Angel said as he did the same.  "I think I had better get
home though before I get a sunburn."
    "Wait Angelous.  I have something to give you," LOVE said.
    She walked out of the room and for moment, and returned with some items in
her hands.  One of things she had with her was torn pages from an old book.
She handed them to him.  He looked at the top of it.  It had "THE ANSWER"
written across the top of it (See The Answer).  She then took his hand.  And
placed something in it.  She closed his hand before he had a chance to see
what it was.
    His hand stung at first then it stopped.  He opened it and sitting on his
palm, was the silver cross necklace that Angel had given her 258 years ago.
He bought it on the day of her birth, and she had never taken it off even
though it was to big for her as an infant.  There was no burn mark where he
had sat.  He felt sick, and LOVE looked sick.  Angel, LOVE, and Spike all fell
to the ground.  Angel and Spike weren't moving, but LOVE was gasping for air.
Then she stopped struggling, and closed her eyes.
    Spike slowly sat up.  Then Angel did the same.  They both looked at their
hands, and felt their faces.  Buffy had never seen a person so happy before.
    Angel smiled, then said, "I'm human.  I am not a vampire anymore."
    Spike looked happy too.  Just then a man stumbled down the stairway.  He was
a large man.  He looked just like Ox the vampire, but not as hideous.
    "I'm not a vampire anymore!" he happily cried.
    Angel unhappily looked at LOVE lying on the floor.  He looked at her in those
eyes.  He took the cross, and put in her motionless hand.  Her eyes opened.
In surprise, she sat up.
    "Did it work?" she asked.  "Are all of the vampires human?"
    "We are." Angel answered. "I don't know about all of the vampires."
    "If you are, then everyone is," she answered.  "Looks like you are out of a
job Buffy."
    "THANK YOU SO MUCH!" she screamed.  "Maybe now I will have a normal life."
    "So Angel, Spike, now that you are human, what is the first thing you are
going to do?" Xander asked in a cheesy game show host voice.
    "Shave," Spike replied.
    "Get a sun tan," Angel replied.
    "You know," Love started, "it is lonely in this big old house with no one
around.  How would you two like to move in with me?  You don't have to pay
rent."
    "Living with my sister, and my worst enemy in a huge warehouse, for free?  I
would love to," Angel replied.
    "Me too," Spike said.
    So Buffy, Xander, Willow, Cordilia, Miss. Calendar, Giles, Angel, Spike, and
LOVE all became the best of friends.  They did everything together during the
summer, and when school began, LOVE, Spike, and Angel would sneak into classes
and say they were foreign exchange students that didn't understand English.
They had so much fun.
Who would have thought that Angel and Spike would ever get along?  Who would
have thought that a 258-year-old ex-vampire would look so good? Who would have
thought that vampire could do the "Train ride" dance?  Who would have thought
that a brother and sisters love for each other could be so strong that it
could change the world.

End of The Question About Love. The Answer is coming up soon!

-



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

From: Klutz454 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ***
Date: 30 Mar 1998 16:50:54 EST

unsubscribe

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Question about Love (3/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 15:53:46 EST

Title: The Question about Love (3/?)
Author: Dominique
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Not really. Takes place before Angel becomes evil.
Feedback: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
The Story and the characters not part of the regular cast are mine!
Summary: A new creature comes to Sunnydale with an interesting tie to
vampires.
(The other story I submitted wasn't mine. This isn't either. Please send
feedback to me and I'll relay it to the authors. I'll have my first story out
soon.)

The Question About Love (Part 3)

Important: This story is from the earlier days when Angel was good. All
characters except LOVE belong to Joss Whedon and the production teams of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer. LOVE is capatalized to express the importance of the
character and to keep the name from being confused with the word.

The young girl from the far table got up and walked toward the stage.  Giles
and Buffy's faces lit up when they saw her.  She looked even better standing.
She glided across the dance floor, and up on stage.  The announce handed her
the microphone.
"How's everybody doing tonight?" she asked.   Almost all of the kids answered
with a  'fine' or a 'good'.  "That's good," she said.  "I am going to sing a
song I like to call 'Angelic demon'.  I hope you like it."
The band behind her played soft music, then she began to sing.  The words she
spoke were beautiful.  They had the perfect tone.  She sounded as if she were
an angel.  Buffy looked over at Willow and rolled her eyes.  She liked the
music, but wasn't too sure if she liked the title of the song.  She saw
Willow's face.  Willow was starring at the stage in disbelief.
"Come on Willow," Buffy said.  "She is good, but not that good."
"Tell that to them" Willow said pointing to the stage.
Buffy turned and looked at the stage.  She couldn't believe what she saw.
Every guy in the Bronze was up at the stage.  Giles, Xander, and ever
Cordilia's date was by the stage, starring at LOVE.  Just watching her sing.
Listening to her words.
Cordially came marching over to Buffy and Willow.
"What is up with this?" she asked.  "Richard dumping me for her?  I don't
think so."
Love finished her song.  Her voice was still as beautiful as the guys thought
it was.  She finished off with a "Thank You" and exited the stage.  She
returned to the same table. The men stopped drooling, and went back to their
dates.  You would be surprised how many of them were slapped or had coke
poured on them.  Buffy knew that she had to question the girl.  She got up and
started to make her way over there, even though she wasn't totally in hurry to
meet her.
Buffy watched as the girl looked around the room.  She stopped when she saw
Spike.  It was almost like she had a plan.  Buffy kept watching as Willow,
Xander, Cordilia, Giles, and Miss. Calendar joined her.  She informed them
about what she saw, and they watched together.  Once the girl saw Spike turn
his head away, she took action.
She stood up and looked at the vampire guarding the door.  She ran toward him
and, like a running back, she trampled him. She bolted out the door.  Spike
noticed what she did, and ordered the vampire to go in different directions to
find her.  Buffy and gang decided to help the girl, so they made their way
outside.  They saw vampires running here and there, and they also saw LOVE
hiding.
When she thought that the coast was clear, she headed out.  She had bad
timing.  Though Spike and a good majority of the vampires had gone around to
the other side, there were two huge burly vamps and two little ones that saw
her.  She was tired of running so she was walking while the four vampires were
chasing her.
"Let's try to help her," Buffy said to everyone else.  "Here," she said as she
handed them each a stake.
Angel showed up just then.  He took one look at the girl being chased be the
vampires, and immediately ran after them.  Buffy saw him and did the same. The
rest of them followed.  One of the small vampires and one of the large
vampires realized they were being chased, so they turned around to fight of
Angel and Buffy (who was not far behind).
Angel went for the large guy.  Angel did a spin kick in the air, and hit the
vamp across the face.  He fell back, but would be up in a few seconds.  Buffy
finally caught up with Angel and threw him a stake.  He stabbed the big
vampire and killed him.  He was proud of his work and thankful for Buffy.  The
little vampire smacked Angel across the back of the head.  Angel fell to the
floor.  Just because he wasn't hit hard enough to go unconsciousness, doesn't
mean he wasn't hit hard enough for it to hurt.  He got to his feet.
He realized that Buffy was doing fine, so he continued to run after LOVE.
Buffy staked and stabbed the other vamp just as the rest of the group caught
up with her.  They all followed Angel in the chase.  They reached him.  He was
watching.  LOVE had stopped walking, and the stalking vamps were only five
feet away from her.
"Shouldn't we help her?" Willow curiously asked.
"Just watch," Angel answered.
The larger vampire stepped on a twig, breaking it in half.  The CRUNCH noise
that it made enlightened LOVE of their presence.  She turned around and kicked
the little one in the face.  The larger one came at her with his arms
extended.  She knew that her fighting would not hurt him, so she decided to do
the only thing she could do.  She turned and ran.  He followed her.  So did
Angel, Buffy, and everyone else.
After five minutes of running, she got tired, and stopped.  She looked up at
the sky as she gasped for air.
"Enough," she said.  "Bow."
All of the vampire got down on their knees, and lowered their heads.  They
then got up.
She raised her hands high into the air.  The clouds shifted, and the sky
became dark.  Thunder boomed and lightning crashed all around.  She clenched
her hands as if she were reaching for something.  A loud crackling noise came
from in front of her (behind everyone else).  Buffy couldn't believe her eyes.
LOVE was ripping a tree out of the ground without even touching it (MAGIC).
Just then, Spike and the rest of the vampires showed up.  Spike went up to
Angel.
"What is she doing?" he asked Angel.
"Getting rid of unwanted anger would be my best guess," Angel answered.
"LOVE!  Why don't you stop now, and we can go home for some nice hot tea,"
Spike shouted to LOVE.
"I hate hot tea!" she screamed.
"Coffee?" he asked.
"I hate Coffee too," she answered.
"Gee Spike, you really know your girlfriends well don't you?" Angel said to
Spike.
"Shut-up," he said back.
"Hey LOVE," Angel shouted to her.
"Angel? Is that you?" she asked.
"Yep. How would you like some Snapple, or maybe some Frappuccino?" he asked.
    "I would love some," she said to him.  "See Spike, I haven't seen Angel in
almost five years, and yet he still know more about me than you do.  You both
should know because it wasn't just Angel that raised me.  You and Dru raised
me also.  I am psychotic, just like Dru was so you stay away from me.  No one
owns me.  I own myself.  If I am going to live or die, then I am going to live
or die the way I want to.  Understand?"
    "Of course," Spike said sincerely. "You can have whatever you want.  You know
that."
    "Yeah, I really know that.  Why do you think I ran away?  I want to go
outside.  I want to be free.  I want to be able to see my family.  I want to
see Angel.  I want a chance to make friends," she shouted back.  "That's all."
    The crackling noise stopped.  She fell to the ground.  The larger vampire
stood in front of her so she wouldn't run away.  Spike walked over to her and
picked her up.  He and the other vampires left with LOVE as they walked around
the side of the building.  Angel waited a minute, and then he slowly walked to
the side of the building.
    "Where are you going?" Buffy asked him.
    "I am going to follow them.  This way I will know where LOVE is kept, and I
will know where Spikes hiding spot is," he answered
    "Good plan," Buffy agreed.  "I will go with you."

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I Need You Now (1/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:25:48 EST

TITLE: I Need You Now
AUTHOR: mInDy ([e-mail]    or    [e-mail])
SUMMARY:  This is set 13 years after Angel lost his soul.  Angel now has his
soul back, and Buffy goes to visit him.  Things don't turn out the way
planned.
SPOILERS: Everything that has happened, but mostly S/I
DISCLAIMER: Nothing really, I own nothing, have no money.  I only claim rights
on the story idea.
DISTRIBUTION: Ask Me First PLEEEAAASSSEEE!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:  At the end of this chapter there is something that said one,
but alot of people thought it should be two, well it should be one. Read the
story and it will make more sense.


I Need You Now

By: mInDy


Part One
***********
    Buffy walked up to his apartment.  She was nervous, even though it was her
Angel, she still didn't know how to act around him.  She had gone through a
lot of changes in these past 13 years.
    Buffy was now a 30 year old women, not a 16 year old girl.  She had already
been married and divorced once, to Xander, and had given birth to a beautiful
boy during that marriage.
    She had given birth to her son, Noah, at age 19, which would make him 11
years old now.  Noah and her lived in a townhouse, just a little way out of
Sunnydale.
    She loved Noah more than she could even tell you.  She had wished she loved
Xander the same way, but she couldn't.  Buffy was too in love with Angel.  The
one who she gave her virginity to, the one who she loved the most in the
world, more than herself most of the times.  But that didn't matter.  Buffy
didn't know if Angel still loved her.  She always believed that he did, but
she just wasn't sure.  A part of her had wished she had just stayed home today
but another part was just to curious for it's own good.
    Buffy finally reached the big metal door that led to his apartment.  She
knocked on the door. *Ok this is it.  I can either stay here and see him, and
find out if he still loves me, or I can turn the other way and run as fast as
I can.*
    Angel opened the door and there was Buffy, his Buffy.  God did he miss her.
    "Buffy?"
    "Yeah, hey,"
    In the distance they heard a scream, not knowing who it was they both took
off after it.
    When they got there they were not prepared for what they saw, it was Xander's
and Willow's bodies hanging from a tree.  Willow was in her wedding dress and
Xander was in his tux, they were suppose to get married next week, but it
didn't look like it would happen.
    "Oh God," Buffy wispered.
    Angel walked up to the tree where they were hanging and on it, there was
something written.
    "Buffy, come here." Angel commanded.
    Buffy did as she was told.  When she got over there she saw it too.  On the
tree, written in blood was: "Till Death Do You Part, One Down Three To Go"
    Neither Angel nor Buffy knew what to think.  All they could do was morn over
the loss of some very close friends.

************
END PART ONE

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: BUUFYFIC: I Need You Now (3/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:26:07 EST

TITLE: I Need You Now
AUTHOR: mInDy  ([e-mail]     or        [e-mail])
SUMMARY:  This is set 13 years after Angel lost his soul.  He Now has his soul
back, and Buffy comes to visit him, and things don't turn out for the best.
SPOILERS: Everything up till now, but mostly S/I.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.  Maybe a sock or two.

**********
Part 3

    Buffy's alarm clock went off at 7:00am that morning, pulling Buffy out of a
very good dream.  The radio was playing the song "Butterfly" by Mariah Carey.
Buffy finally opened her eyes, to hit the dumb alarm clock so her and Angel
could go back to sleep, when she noticed there was no Angel.  Buffy's heart
started to race, *Not again, I don't think I could handle Angelus now, not
after what happened to Will and Xander, Oh God, please let him......* Buffy's
thoughts were interrupted when she saw a note on her table next to her bed.
It was sitting underneath her Mr. Gordo pig that she still had after all these
years.  She smiled knowing it was from Angel, and that he was ok.  She picked
up the not and read it. It read:

    Good Morning Love,
        Ahhhhh I shouldn't call you that, I sound like Spike!!!! Anyway I'm writing
this to  tell you that I'm downstairs, so you won't think that well you know
what happened last time after we, well, anyways now that you're awake why
don't you come downstairs, so I don't have to write anymore, I'm not good with
writing letters.

                                                    Love,
                                                Angel
    Buffy got Angel's message and got up, put her bathrobe on, and walked
downstairs into the living room, then down to the basement.  When she got down
there Angel was laying on the couch/bed asleep.  He looked so peaceful.  She
curled up write next to him, and after a few minutes fell asleep herself.
**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
    When Buffy woke up this time it was to the sound of her CD player going off
playing her Grease soundtrack.  Angel was listening to it. When he realized
she was awake, he walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead.

    "Hey, I see you got my letter," Angel spoke first.

    "Yeah," was all Buffy could say, she was to busy looking at love in Angel's
eyes.

    All of sudden, the song on the CD player had changed to Olivia Newton-John's
song "Hopelessly Devoted to You".

    Angel looked up then back at Buffy and asked, "Can I have this dance?"

    Buffy was shocked at first, but then shook her head yes.  Angel pulled her up
into his arms, and swayed slowly to the music.

    They both were enjoying being and feeling so close until the phone rang,
breaking the feeling.

    Buffy went to answer the phone.  It was Giles.

    "Buffy, I hate to call and tell you this, but Cordila died last night."

    "What?" Buffy asked not beliving what she was hearing.

    "Cordila died last night, Buffy, I'm sorry."

    "What time did she die?"

    "Around midnight, why?"

    Buffy threw the phone down.  Immeadatly Angel was at her side asking what was
wrong. When Buffy finally stopped crying, she told Angel what happened.  Then
she screamed at him, "So you see, why we were making fucking love, Cordila was
dying. I could've, no, I should've been there to save her.  Not laying in bed
getting fucked by you!!"

    Angel new she wasn't mad at him, she was mad that she couldn't have been
there.  Angel watched as Buffy curled up into a tight ball on the floor
crying.  Whoever was doing this to his slayer was going to pay, and they were
going to pay dearly.

**********
END PART 3
I LOVE FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I Need You Now (2/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:25:57 EST

TITLE: I Need You Now
AUTHOR: [e-mail]  or     [e-mail]
SPOILERS: Up to S/I
SUMMARY: Angel has his soul back, and it's 13 years since then.  Buffy goes to
visit Angel after all this time and things don't turn out the way she hoped.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.  Not even money.
WARNING: May have some violence, lots of deaths, and suggests sexual contact.


*********
PART TWO

    Angel walked Buffy to her new town house in silence after they called the
police.  When they got to Buffy's front door, Buffy turned around to face
Angel.

    "Angel, listen, I stopped by your apartment to talks about alot of things,
which I still wanna talk about, but....."

    "I know Buffy, I know.  Are you gonna be ok tonight?"

    "Yeah I'll be fine, I just don't know how to tell Noah his dad's dead."

    "Who's Noah?"

    "My son, well mine and Xander's son.  She when you lost your soul, I had no
where else to run to, but him.  I slowly started to fall in love with him...."

    "Yeah I get it, you stopped by to tell me about all this, and now you don't
have husband anymore."

    "No, no, NO Angel.  That's not why I went to your apartment.  You see me and
Xander got a divorce,"

    Angel looked up at her to tell if she was lying, and he couldn't tell, he
just could feel in his heart that it was the truth.

    Buffy started talking again which took Angel from his thoughts,"Angel I came
by your apartment tonight to tell you that even after all you did, I still
love you. And I was hoping you still loved me too."

    Angel couldn't believe what he was hearing.  She still loved him even after
what he did.  What was wrong with her?  Why was God being so nice to him after
all that he had done to all those people?  All these questions filled his
head, and before he knew it he was crying.

    Buffy was just standing there, watching him, waiting for an answer.  She got
her answer all right, Angel was crying.  She went over to him and held him.
She stroked his back and neck, while he cried on her shoulder.

    "Let's get inside," Buffy whispered in Angel's ear.

    Angel followed her inside, after he was invited in of course.  He sat down on
the couch in the living room, Buffy sat next to him.

    Buffy couldn't help it.  With him being so close to her, her body started to
come alive in places she long forgot about since becoming a single mother.
Thank God Noah was at his Grandma's.

    Angel looked at Buffy, he couldn't resist the urge to kiss her.  He leaned
over and kissed her lips lightly.  Buffy responded immeaditly, pressing her
lips hard on his.  They both started to explore each other's body's since it
had been so long since the two were together.

    After a few minutes, Angel looked up at Buffy and asked, "What about Noah?"

    "He's at his Grandmother's." Buffy stated simply kissing him hard on the
lips.

    The two continued this for awhile downstairs, till they climbed up the stairs
to Buffy's bedroom.

    As the two made love that night, nobody heard the scream of Cordelia Chase
echoing through the town.  And a note written near her: "For Better, For
Worse: Only a few more to go."

END PART TWO********
FEEDBACK PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: I Need You Now (4/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:57:46 EST

TITLE:  I Need You Now
AUTHOR:  mInDy   ([e-mail]    or     [e-mail])
SUMMARY:  This is set 13 years after Angel lost his soul.  He has his soul
back, and Buffy comes to visit him, and things don't turn out for the best.
SPOILERS:  Everything up till now, but mostly S/I.
WARNING: May contain violence,  lots of deaths,  and may suggest sexual
situations.
DISCLAIMER:  I own nothing!!!

*******
Part 4

    Buffy layed curled up on the floor for what seemed like hours, till the phone
rang.  Angel had to get up to answer it, since it looked like Buffy wouldn't.

    "Hello,"  Angel said politely.

    "Hello, is Buffy there,"  It was Buffy's mom on the other end.

    "Yes, hold on."

    "Buffy," Angel whispered in her ear.

    "What?"

    "Phone."

    "I don't wanna talk to anyone."

    "Come on Buff, it's your mom,"  Angel asked gently, while rubbing her back.

    "Ok, fine." Buffy said getting up, "Hello, Mom?"

    "Yeah honey, I'm calling to ask if it was ok with you, if I took Noah to the
amusement park?"

    "Yeah mom, that would be great."

    "Ok honey, we better get going then ok?"

    "Ok, bye mom, I love you."

    "I  love you, too, Buffy."

    Buffy hung up the phone, looking at Angel sitting next to her on the floor.

    "Hey, Angel, about what I yelled at you earlier, I didn't......."

    "I know Buffy, you were just upset, I understand," Angel interrupted her,
then kissed her on the forehead.

    Buffy smiled at him, then looked up at the clock, then back at him and smiled
again.  "You know Angel, you still have about 5 hours until sunset while stuck
with me."

    Angel smiled at her and asked, "What do you suppose we do until then?"

    "I dunno," Buffy answered simply, moving in closer to Angel's face, "what do
you think?"

    "What I think? Hmmmm....how about.."  Angel kissed her hard on the lips and
pulled her down on the floor, "this?"

    "Sounds like a plan to me," Buffy smiled and kissed Angel back.

    At least the two had a little while together, with no pain, well no pain from
anyone else but each other.

END PART FOUR
************
FEEDBACK PLLLLEEEEAAASSSEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS:
Date: 30 Mar 1998 19:44:16 EST

In a message dated 98-03-29 23:59:15 EST, you write:

<< Ingrid, I'd LOVE the challenge...but unfortunetly I'm already in the
 middle of Three Lists, 9 Fanfics plus stuff on the side...do you have
 any idea how much e-mail a day you get from 3 Lists? It's HELL, Hehehe.
  >>

You know how much mail you get from 3 lists? Try 4 lists! Plus I'm on the FK
War loop and 8 newsgroups. The amount of messages I read each night is
incredible. Why do I read so many. Cause it's fun!!!!!

Nastassia

-



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

From: GothGirl77 <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Until The Morning Light (1/1)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 19:48:58 EST


Title: Until The Morning Light (1/1)
Author: Nastassia
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: Suprise and Innocence
Feedback: Please please please!
Distribution: Maybe if you ask nicely.
Disclaimer: Buffy, Angel, and Joyce belong to Joss & Co. Only the story is
mine.
Summary: Buffy dreams of Angel and awakes in tears. Joyce wonders what is
happening to her daughter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey all, this is the first fanfic I have ever sent to a list, so I am begging
!BEGGING! for you guys to give me feedback. This is something I wrote today
during study hall. I hope you like it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until The Morning Light (1/1)
by Nastassia



"I love you."

Buffy awoke with a start from another dream where Angel held her again.
Another dream that continued to haunt her....

No.

No, the dreams were not what haunted Buffy. It was waking up. While she slept
Buffy was able to see Angel as he really was-the gentle loving man she had
fallen so easily in love with, not the sadistic evil bastard Angelus had made
him into.

No, Buffy did not hate the dreams. They were all she had left.

Buffy closed her eyes as she recalled the dream she had awoken from. Without
realizing it, Buffy started to sob again. It had been a dream about that
night, the night Angel had made love to her for the first time.

'The only time,' Buffy thought, but did not say. The house was silent except
for her sobs.

Buffy remembered that night. Angel had been so gentle with her, so careful not
to hurt her. The night had been like a dream. The nightmare had not started
until the morning after.



Joyce Summers stood outside the door to Buffy's room, listening to her
daughter weep. It had been like this every night since her birthday. Something
had happened, but Buffy refused to talk about it.

Joyce's heart ached for her daughter. She wanted to do nothing but throw open
the door and take Buffy in her arms and hold her until all the bad things went
away.

Yet Joyce stood still.

She knew Buffy would refuse to tell her what was wrong. Buffy was stubborn as
well as proud. She would suffer in silence before she would reveal her pain to
anyone.

Without ever saying a word Buffy's mother turned and walked back to her
bedroom, where she knew she would listen to her child's cries until morning.

*****

Buffy stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, staring at her image glass
without really seeing it. Instead she looked at the reflection of her window
in the mirror. Buffy turned and gazed at the window and thought of all the
times Angel had snuck into her bedroom to watch her sleep or kiss her
goodnight or to just see her.

The window looked so different in the daytime, with the golden rays streaming
in. Buffy wondered idly what Angel would have looked like in the sunlight.

Buffy shook herself out of her reverie and turned back to mirror. Nothing more
than a slight redness of her eyes gave away what she had gone through last
night, what she went through every night.

She was finished dressing for school except for three things. Buffy fastened
the clasp of the cross Angel had given her around her neck. She picked up
Angel's leather jacket from the bed and put it on. Buffy inhaled the rich
scent of leather and Angel. No matter how often she wore this jacket it still
smelled like him. It was as close as Buffy could get to having Angel's arms
around her.

Buffy opened her jewelry box and removed the gold claddagh ring. With
trembling hands Buffy placed the ring on her finger, the heart facing her. In
her memory Buffy heard Angel say, "It means you belong to someone."

"I still belong to someone, Angel," Buffy whispered, touching the ring softly
and remembering how Angel had shown her the one he wore, "I will always belong
to you, my Angel. I love you."

Buffy exited her room quickly, before she could break down into tears again.
She didn't see the pale specter appear before her window. A sad smile was on
Angel's face. Bathed in the sunlight he was more beautiful than he was in the
darkness. Angel touched his ring, a gesture identical to Buffy's. "I will
always belong to you my beautiful warrior against evil. No matter what he
says, know that I will never stop loving you."

The soul of Angel faded away, and, though there was no wind that day, Buffy
felt a light breeze blow past her, and she would later remember that the
breeze seemed to be calling her name as it softly kissed her cheek.

*The End*

So what does everybody think? I have a few ideas for some longer stories so
tell me if you want me to write them!

~Nastassia~
[e-mail]
I fed on a flower person once. I spent the next six hours watching my hand
move.....

-



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

From: G90210 <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re:  BUFFYFIC: Until The Morning Light (1/1)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 19:58:47 EST

It was very good, it was really sweet.  What can I say, I miss my Angel!

~mInDy

-



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

From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: Discussion: BUFFYFIC: Until The Morning Light (1/1)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:32:20 -0800

I liked it, rather kind of sad, though.  Buffy's a little too emotional,
I think, but it basically works out.  I mean, I don't necessarily think
she's going to be crying ALL the time, I mean, now she's freaked out
about Angelus.  Just my thoughts.

Taygeta 8~) ([e-mail])
Writer of "The Chronicles of the White Knight"
Writer of "Capeside: the Hellmouth"
Writer of "Beyond the Creek"

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-



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

From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Chronicles of the White Knight 1/?
Date: 30 Mar 1998 18:56:04 -0800

Name: Chronicles of the White Knight #1 Loving in the Shadows
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Spoiler: Not really, just a few references to the show and past episodes.
 My own little ideas, but not really anything I think we'll happen as
such.  If it does occur, I had nothing to do with it.
Disclaimer: The characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  In other words, these
characters do not belong to me, and I am just borrowing them.
Description: The Chronicles is not really a multi-part story, but is a
series of stories, some of which piece together and some of which don't.
#1 is an intro to the series and it is basically revolves around Xander.
Warnings: Not really, unless you don't like Xander and don't really want
to read about Xander and Buffy.  First paragraph, I know it's cheesy, but
I don't mind anyone telling me so, I'm just warning.  So basically the
rating is: PG.
***********
Chronicles of the White Knight
#1 Loving In the Shadows
By: Taygeta


    He is the white knight that is destined to battle Angelus, the
demon of darkness.  He secretly loves and protects his true love, the
Slayer.  He battles not with strength, nor does he battle with force.
His battle is won through love, love for a Slayer in love with a demon.
He stands in the shadows with his heart of gold, waiting and loving in
hopes of a love that can be fought and won.  He is Xander, the White
Knight.

    Xander Harris stared at his reflection in the mirror in his
bedroom and sighed pitifully.  He couldn't help but wonder if something
was wrong with him?  What was it that she didn't see in him?  What is it
that made Buffy see love in a demon?

    He resented Angel, more than he liked to admit, but he did.  He
had despised him for so long that he often wondered how it was possible
that he hated Angelus even more.  He knew the answer, it all involved
Buffy...it always involved Buffy.  With Angel, Buffy had been happy and
all Xander wanted to do was to make her happy, and he supposed that was
why it hurt that she found happiness from outside of him.  Yet, with
Angelus, all Buffy faced was sorrow and pain and heartache that was so
evident in her face and her manner that Xander felt it at a glance, but
knew he was helpless to take it all away.  Angel had been foe, but Buffy
loved him and so Xander could only step away.  Angelus, on the other
hand, is foe, and he hurt Buffy and in hurting her, he hurt him.

    The phone rang loudly and Mrs. Harris yelled to her son that it
was Cordelia and he yelled back that he'd call back later.  Cordelia
thought Xander with a sigh and a half smile.  Never did he think that he
would be dating Cordelia, never.  Half of the time he wondered what she
felt about him and the other half spent fearing for his life.  Not that
Cordy was all that bad for his health, it was just that he sometimes felt
that he was cheating himself and cheating her in the process.  So maybe
he would never get Buffy, and maybe Cordelia was who he should be with,
but everything was a huge gigantic maybe with Cordy.  Yet, every time he
saw Buffy, everything said yes, and Cordy...well, Cordy was a maybe, a
possibility.

    He didn't know why he always contemplated this to himself.  It
was practically on a daily basis.  He wouldn't see how Buffy could ever
love him or ever try, he wasn't the big hero like Angel was to her, even
though he fought for the sake of her for more times than she would ever
know.  He guessed that that was all he could do since he could only love
in the shadows.

************
End of #1

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From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic: Chronicles of the White Knight (2/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 19:11:11 -0800

Name: Chronicles of the White Knight #2
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Using in anything: Ask me first.
Spoiler: Not really, just a few references to the show and past episodes.
 My own little ideas, but not really anything I think we'll happen as
such.  If it does occur, I had nothing to do with it.
Disclaimer: The characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  In other words, these
characters do not belong to me, and I am just borrowing them.
Description: The Chronicles is not really a multi-part story, but is a
series of stories, some of which piece together and some of which don't.
#2 involves a dream that Buffy has, her first encounter with the white
knight.
Warnings: Not really, unless you don't like Xander and don't really want
to read about Xander and Buffy.  So basically the rating is: PG.
**************
Chronicles of the White Knight
#2 Only In Dreams
By: Taygeta

    Buffy fell into a deep, yet troubled sleep as her thoughts
drifted of Angel and of his predecessor Angelus.  She found herself in
the arms of her beloved Angel and she sighed, feeling his embrace around
her.  All at once the affection drained from his grasp and she felt his
hands swiftly moving, but before she could stop it, a hand had grabbed
her neck.  Her eyes widened as she painfully looked up at her assailant,
and saw that it could be no one else but Angelus.

    "Hello, Lover, miss me?" Angelus said with a wicked grin as his
grip grew tighter and tighter around her neck.

    She clenched her teeth and swallowed before she found enough
strength and anger within her to kick him in the stomach and once he let
go of her neck, she clipped him with her right fist.  He toppled to the
ground and Buffy, in her fighting stance, waited for him to stand up.
Angelus slowly got up and as he rose from his fall, he was laughing and
almost cackling.

    "Not now, Buffy, it's not going to happen now," said Angelus
shaking his head with a crooked grin, and in the corner of Buffy's eye
she saw a figure in white dash by.

    "If not now, when?" demanded Buffy, glaring at Angelus with such
angered passion that she was breathing heavily.

    "Soon," said Angelus walking away, glancing at something white
glinting in the distance, before he stuffed his hands into his black coat
pockets.  As Buffy continued to eye the back of his tall form, she heard
him continue, "Very soon."

    Buffy ran after him and wanted to push him to the ground, but
once she reached the figure in the black coat, he was gone and the
darkness that had surrounded them with him.  She found herself in
engulfed in music, dimmed lights, and hushed voices and then realized she
was in the Bronze.  Across the way, she saw Willow and Xander talking
with Oz and Cordelia at one of the various tables set around the dance
floor.  Then, she noticed that she was standing in the middle of the
dance floor.  She tried to walk, but for some odd reason, she couldn't
move.  The music had shifted from semi-slow to an even slower love song,
and she smiled sheepishly hoping that no one would notice her and no one
did.  All eyes had fallen onto a figure that approached them.

    He was dressed in white and no matter how hard Buffy tried to see
his face, she couldn't.  At every angle, his face was shadowed from her
view and then she realized this stranger in white was walking towards
her.  His hand gently placed itself on hers, and she gasped feeling
almost a current of electricity running through their fingers.  Even more
surprising to Buffy, she felt her feet become released from the magic
that had stuck them to the ground.  Nervously, she placed her head on his
shoulder and unbeknownst to herself, she sighed, feeling so at ease and
so taken in by his silent charm.

    She finally broke the silence between them and whispered, "Who
are you?"

    "The White Knight," he replied simply in a soft tone.

    "Why are
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 you here?" she asked looking up at him, but still she
saw no face, only a shadow that covered it to almost entirely.

    "Buffy, I'm always here," he whispered back and despite the
shadow on his face, she detected a warm smile, "I'll always be by your
side."

    "If you've always been here, then why is this the first time I've
seen you?" asked Buffy, slightly jokingly, but there was some truth to
her tone.

    "Let's just say that I've watched you from afar," he said as the
music began to fade.

    "So tell me White Knight, will I ever get to see what you look
like?" said Buffy looking up at him, standing still once more when the
music stopped.

    His softhearted smile warmed Buffy's lately saddened heart as he
replied, "You'll see me someday, I hope, but it's not my decision to
make.  You can only discover who I am when you can look beyond all the
shadows that surround me."

    "And how am I supposed to do that?" she asked although she
realized that all those around her were looking at them.

    "By using your heart," he answered, and then to her surprise,
gently kissed her with a kiss that made her pulse race.

    She looked at him for a second and smiled, realizing that the
shadow that concealed his identity was beginning to slowly fade, but
before she began to realize who it was that made her heart beat so
wildly, she woke up.  In a daze, she glanced at the clock beside her bed
and realized that it was nearly six-thirty, and although she went about
her usual morning routine, her mind still wondered who was this
mysterious White Knight.  Her thoughts still lingered of this figure in
the shadows when she met Xander and Willow later that morning.

    "You know, guys, I had the strangest dream," said Buffy after
their usual greetings, and both Willow and Xander noticed that she was
smiling, really smiling, for the first time in weeks.

    "Really, Buffy?" questioned Willow with a inquiring smile, "Was
it a nice dream?"

    "The beginning was fairly freaksome, but it turned out to be very
nice," said Buffy, who although knew it was a dream, felt a tingle on her
lips from the passion that had met her with his kiss.  "See there was
this guy..."

    Before she could continue, Xander cut in with, "Me, right,
Buffy?"

    "No, not you, Xander," said Buffy with a laugh, thinking that
such a romantic and mysterious guy couldn't possibly be Xander, "But you
were in there for a little while.  So were Willow, Oz, and Cordelia.
Remember Cordelia, your girlfriend?"

    "Remember Cordelia?" said Xander with a chuckle, "Who can forget
Cordelia?"    "Enough already, Xander, I want to know Buffy's dream!"
said Willow and she turned to Buffy and continued, "Well?"

    "As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted," said Buffy
giving Xander a look, "There was this guy and he called himself the White
Knight.  I couldn't see his face because everything was so shadowed, but
when he touched my hand, when we danced, and then when he kissed me in
the end, it was like...wow."

    "Wow?" asked Willow who wondered why she couldn't have Dream
kisses that were wows.

    "Wow," said Buffy nodding her head, but still feeling like that
couldn't even describe it.

    "A wow kiss," said Willow with a sigh before she separated from
them to go to her own class.

    Xander had become intensely silent, when he heard Buffy talk
about the White Knight and he turned to ask her, "So, you have no idea
who this White Knight is?"

    "No idea, whatsoever, but most likely he's probably just
something my mind made up," said Buffy and when she realized that he had
grown even more silent she said with a laugh,  "Why, Xander?  Do you
think the White Knight's you?"

    Xander contemplated for a second and then said, "Let's see, to be
the White Knight, I get to not only dance very close to you, I even get
to kiss you, right?"

    "That's right, Xander," said Buffy nodding and in the distance
she heard the bell ring.

    Xander glanced at Buffy and sighed while shaking his head, "Only
in dreams, Buffy, only in dreams."

    Buffy paused and gave him a perplexed expression before she
laughingly said, "Xander, it was
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a dream."

    Xander smiled and gave a side-ways glance at Buffy, and before he
walked away Buffy heard him say, "I know, Buffy, I know..."
***************
End of #2

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From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic:Capeside: the Hellmouth (1/?)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 19:10:56 -0800

Name: Capeside: the Hellmouth #1 The Collision of Two Worlds
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Uses in anything: Ask me first.
Spoiler: Not really, considering that this is a crossover story.  Has
reference to "Killed by Death" at the end, but that's about it.  I will
mark those lines with *
Description: A crossover with Buffy and Dawson's Creek, is a series, and
not really a multi-part story, although each story usually connects to
another.
Disclaimer: The Buffy characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  The Dawson's Creek
character's portrayed in this are the property of its creater Kevin
Williamson, and its owners.  In other words, these characters do not
belong to me, and I am just borrowing them.
Warning: A little fighting, but no references to bloodshed.  To anyone
that doesn't like DC, maybe you shouldn't read it, but please give it a
try.
**********
Capeside: The Hellmouth #1
The Collision of Two Worlds
By: Taygeta

    *"He is dead, right?"  Xander asked raising his eyebrows as he
carefully helped the very weak Slayer walk, "I did hear something
crack."*

    *"That would be his neck," Buffy said with a smile, despite how
weak she felt with a 107-degree fever, "And I think neck breakage
classifies him as dead."*

    Suddenly, a bright light flashed behind them, and was echoed by
the howling of a cold wind, causing them to turn around.  Buffy and
Xander's eyes widened as they saw light radiating out of Death's body,
and their heads turned to look at each other.  Then, simultaneously, they
said, "Run!"

    But it was too late; their bodies were immersed into the light
and the light that radiated from the body continued to expand until it
had swallowed the entire town of Sunnydale.  The light wrapped and
twisted until there was no Sunnydale to speak of.  The Hellmouth reacted
to this explosion, but it could not save itself without saving the town
with it, and finally, it found a perfect home.  Remote and quiet, just as
Sunnydale had been, but just as they were about to transfer worlds,
something went decidedly wrong.  The effects of dimensional travel caused
a collision of two worlds, resulting in the survival and even switched
role-play for some, if not all, of the towns' residents, creating what we
know as, Capeside: The Hellmouth.

    Buffy and Xander's bodies were crumpled beside a pier of a creek
of some sort.  Buffy's eyes opened reluctantly and she stood up quickly;
recalling what had occurred minutes, really hours, ago.  She was dazed
and confused, but her fever was gone, as she touched her forehead and
muttered, "Where am I?"

    She turned to see Xander beside her, his face was scratched, but
other than that, he seemed all right, and began to stir.  Groggily, he
sat up, and saw Buffy sitting confused beside him and with a pained
voice, he asked, "What's going on?  What happened?  Where are we,
Buffy?"

    "I - I only wish I knew," said Buffy, turning to look at him, but
she saw him topple, again, and she heard a weak groan.  "Xander, are you
alright?"

    "Yeah, j-just a little sore," said Xander touching his right
cheek and winced at the pain it caused, "But I can walk."

    "Come on, I think I see someone lying over there," She said as
she squinted trying to make out the slumped figure of a man in the pale
moonlight.

    "Yeah, sure," said Xander standing up and paused for a moment,
trying to regain his lost balance and with the help of Buffy was able to
begin to walk.

    "Buffy, that looks a lot like Giles," said Xander, who
reluctantly took his arm off of Buffy's shoulder, finding that he could
walk better now.

    "It is Giles," said Buffy in a concerned voice as they walked
towards the man who had propped himself against a tree.  "Giles!
Giles!"

    He looked up, was glad to see a familiar face, and said softly,
"Buffy, Xander.  Oh, thank God, you're both alright."

    "Giles, what ha
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ppened here or better yet, what happened to you?"
asked Xander, whose face winced when he saw the state of Giles' face and
the tattered suit he wore.

    "I-I'm not too sure, I found myself waking up and my face was at
the present state you see now," said Giles, his British accent and his
words seemingly had no damage from his accident.

    "In other words, you woke up like that," said Buffy, who had
mastered simple Giles language, but had yet to have the ability to
translate major Giles.  "But do you know what happen?"

    "From the knowledge I have at the moment, the killing of the
creature you refer to as Death, caused a strange reaction in the
Hellmouth.  Resulting in the catastrophic cosmic collision of extremely
unknown consequences, and the apparent disappearance of what we know as
Sunnydale," said Giles, who winced as a cool wind stung the wounds on his
face.

    "Sunnydale is gone?" asked Buffy, who couldn't believe that was
possible.  "But what about everyone and my mom and Willow and even,
Cordelia, where are they?"

    "Sunnydale is not essentially gone, it still exists to some
extent, but it has been integrated into this place we are in now.  The
people of Sunnydale are still here, but they are not the same people you
knew before.  Their lives have been integrated into the lives of those
that already live here, therefore, we are complete strangers to them,"
said Giles, wishing that he didn't have to be the one to tell them that
they had just lost the last 17 years they had known as their life.

    "No!  No!  I will not accept that, it can't be true!  It just
can't be, Giles," insisted Buffy, but when she saw the sympathetic and
sad expression on his face, she knew it couldn't be anything, but true.


    "I-I don't get this, Giles!  How is it that you, me, and Buffy
are the only three that know about this whole ordeal?" asked Xander, who
was just as frustrated as Buffy.

    "I was coming to you when the explosion happened and Xander, you
and Buffy, were practically next to that Death creature when the light
radiated from him.  It seems that the closer you are to the creature, the
more of yourself you remember, but those that are farther away from the
initial impact, had more of their lives washed away.  Those lives were
further twisted with the lives of those who live here," Giles tried to
explain, although his knowledge of what had actually happened was very
limited.  "At least, that's what I think, but it just might be that we
were close enough to Buffy to regain our memories of our past lives.  To
tell you the truth, I am not really sure, but those are my initial
beliefs as to what occurred."

    In the distance, they heard a familiar voice, "Pacey, look, there
are some really injured people over there."

    "Cordy," said Xander in a soft voice, and he turned to Giles and
Buffy with sad eyes.  "She doesn't remember us, does she?"

    "I'm sorry, Xander, no," said Giles, who didn't really like her
presence at times, knew that he'd miss her, but perhaps not as much as
Xander might, but all the same, he would.

    "It probably wouldn't have lasted long, anyway," Xander muttered,
kicking a rock as Cordelia and the boy that stood beside her, who she had
called Pacey, walked towards them.

    "Hey, are you guys, alright?" asked Cordelia, her act and her
ways were just the same, her voice showing some concern, but her air
showed her insincerity.
    "Yeah...well, sort of.  My name's Buffy, and that's Xander and
he's, um, he's G-Giles.  W-we got into an accident, a car accident,
actually," Buffy began to lie, which was an art she had mastered over the
years.  "It was a couple of miles from here, and, uh, we couldn't find
the hospital, so, um, we just sat here hoping someone would come."

    "Then, we better help them out, Cordy," said Pacey, who was tall
and, Buffy quickly summed, an extreme hottie.

    "Yes, I guess, so," said Cordelia, who was strictly annoyed when
she saw her boyfriend give Buffy a flirtatious smile.  "Why don't you go
and call the hospital and I'll just stay here and keep them company."

    "Alright," said Pacey, and h
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e gave Cordelia a quick kiss, before
he treaded up the walk and his figure disappeared on the road ahead.

      "So, what brings you to Capeside, besides the accident, that
is.  I'm guessing that you were on your way here," said Cordelia looking
at Buffy with annoyed look still.

    "Yes, we were coming here to, uh...well, Xander and I are part of
a national exchange student program," Buffy said quickly, and Xander gave
her a look of surprise as well as Giles.  "And, um, Giles here is part of
that program too, but he's, uh, part of the world exchange teachers
program.  He's from England and is going to teach here for awhile."

    "Oh, that's nice," said Cordelia, who looked as if she couldn't
care less about anything at all, "Hmm, I think I see Pacey and it looks
like he has our friends with him."    "F-friends?  I thought he was
going to call for help," said Xander, suspiciously, feeling that old
Sunnydale sixth sense coming to him.

    "Well, I guess he met up with our friends first," said Cordelia
with a smirk as she gave her boyfriend a kiss when he stood beside her.
"Buffy, Xander, Giles, I'd like for you to meet my friends, and my dear
friends, please meet...dinner."  Cordelia turned around to face them, she
no longer had that face she had prized not so long ago, she now had the
deep grooves and the pale skin and the evil, sharp-toothed grin, of the
creatures she used to abhor.

    "What do you expect with Capeside, "The New Hellmouth"?" muttered
Xander aloud and he looked a Buffy.

    "Xander, get Giles out of here," said Buffy in her commanding
voice, like she often did when it involved vampires.

    "Buffy, there are too many of them," insisted Xander, seeing
about ten vampires surrounding them and more approaching.

    "There they are!" a voice shouted in the distance causing Xander,
Buffy, and Giles to turn and see three people running towards them, and
Xander heard Buffy gasped.

    Xander squinted and made out the group, two girls, one short, one
tall, and the very familiar form of Angel.  They all had stakes in hands,
an individual cross on a chain hung on each of their necks, and looked
fully prepared for a fight.  Apparently, they were Capeside's closest
answer to a slayer, and even more apparently, Angel was no longer a
vampire.

    "Angel," said Buffy softly and Xander turned to see her surprised
expression.

    "Buffy, you've got to remember, even though it's hard to believe,
that he doesn't know who you are," said Xander with a sigh as he saw the
three forms running towards them.

    "But he's not evil, anymore, Xander," said Buffy, as if the
knowledge of that changed everything, although she knew in her heart it
didn't.

    "I know he's not, Buffy, but he's still not the same Angel he was
before," said Xander and he looked at Cordelia, who had stopped the
"dinner" so that they could fight the wannabe Slayer Squad.  "If you
don't believe me, look at Cordy."

    "I understand, but it's not that, Xander.  It's just that I
accepted Angel as a vampire, and seeing that he's not, really gives me
the wiggins," said Buffy, who couldn't really say to Xander, what it was
she feeling right now, but Xander didn't need an explanation, he
understood.

    "You guys, better get out of here," a girl with brown hair called
to them, "It's dangerous."

    "I think we can handle it," said Xander, taking a two stakes from
the strange, but pretty girl's hand.

      "We?" asked Buffy, raising her eyebrows at Xander.  "Don't you
mean, that I can handle it?"

    "I'll have you know, that I've fought plenty of vampire's in my
time," said Xander, who was about to argue with Buffy, but Giles cut into
their conversation.

    "Uh, pardon me, for interrupting, but I think that they can
probably use some help," said Giles motioning over to a blonde and Angel
who were fighting off the vampires, although, not too well.

    "Right," said Buffy, grabbing a stake from Xander's hand and
patting the cross she always wore around her neck.

    "You do have the acquired capabilities in the usage of stakes,
don't you?" asked the brunette that Xander had taken them from.

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    "What?  Oh, do we know how to use stakes?  I think we can handle
it," said Xander as he followed Buffy into the fight.

    "Who are you, guys?"  Angel said with heavy breathing as he
punched a vampire in the face.

    Buffy gave a hard right sidekick into the stomach of a vampire,
staked his heart with accuracy and power, and looked up at Angel and
said, "We're their worst enemy."  She saw Xander topple in the distance,
although he had staked a vampire, and smiled before she continued with,
"At least, I am."

    As more and more vampires got killed, Cordelia got frustrated, as
did Pacey, who thought it was going to be an easy kill...of humans, not
vampires.  Pacey yelled to them, "Come on, we better get out here, it
seems that Calvary has arrived."

    "What are you?  Some super vampire fighter?" asked Angel after
Buffy had killed most of them with out even a scratch on her.

    "Um, something like that, yeah.  My name's Buffy, and you guys
are...?" said Buffy, and then she looked at Angel and the girls beside
him.

    "I'm Angel," said Angel, although unbeknownst to himself, he
didn't need an introduction.

    "And I'm Joey," said the tall, brunette that had told them to
run.  "I guess, my initial reaction of making you go away was entirely
wrong."

    "I'm Jen," said a short, blonde that stood comfortably beside
Angel, who had his arm around her shoulder.

    "Are you two...?"  Buffy suggested it, although she knew all too
well that Jen and Angel had a relationship.

    "Uh, yeah," said Jen, blushing slightly, and then she saw Xander
standing beside Buffy, and suggested, "What about you and him...?"

    Buffy and Xander glanced at each other and chuckled nervously as
they looked away, shaking their heads and Jen looked apologetic.  Xander
explained, "No, Buffy and I, we're just really good friends.  Anyway, I'm
Xander, and the rumpled sack of potatoes in tweed is Giles."

    Giles gave Xander a murderous looked and said, "Nice to meet
you."

    "Oh, you're torn up pretty bad," said Joey, her voice with
definite concern.  "The hospital is too far away from here, but we know
the best next thing to a hospital."

    "What's that?" asked Xander, as he and Angel helped Giles up.

    "Willow's house, of course," said Jen with a smile, as if that
was the most logical answer in the world.

    "Willow?" asked Buffy, Xander, and Giles at the same time.

    "Willow is a witch, but a good one, and she has all these potions
and powders for medicine," explained Joey as they walked over a bridge
and entered the neighborhoods of Capeside, and when the reached a normal,
suburban house she continued, "That's her house, over there."

    "Willow!  Willow!"  Jen said, rapping on the front glass window,
and a shadowy figure could be seen in the curtain-covered window, walking
to open the door.

    "Jen, Joey, Angel," said Willow with a surprised expression, and
then she saw the rumpled figure of Giles and a concerned look flashed on
her face.  "Come in, come in, hurry.  Lay him on the table."

    Xander and Angel placed Giles on the kitchen table and walked
away as Willow came towards him.  Xander walked over to where Buffy was
standing and whispered to her, "Definitely not the Willow we knew."

    "Definitely not," said Buffy, thinking that she never would have
thought Willow as a witch, not even a good one, let alone a bad one.

    "Um, Willow, do you think he'll be alright?"

    "He's fine, I just need to put some herbs on his skin to stop any
infection from happening," said Willow looking at her and then she
frowned and continued, "Who are you?  And who is he?"

    "I'm Buffy," said Buffy, feeling as if she must have said that
same phrase for a million times that day.

    "And I'm Xander," said Xander feeling very strange that he was
introducing himself to his lifelong, or as it was, ex-lifelong best
friend.

    "Buffy," said Willow to herself, thinking the name was very
familiar and then she remembered and pulled a book out of her huge
bookcase.  "You're the vampire slayer."

    "Vampire Slayer?" asked Angel, Joey, and Jen in unison as they
looked at Buffy.

    "
_____________________________________________________________________
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Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]

I...uh..." Buffy said with a meek smile as she looked at Giles
and Xander for help, but they looked just as helpless as she was.

    "That's right," said Willow opening the book she held in her hand
and turning to a page and read aloud, "It is prophesized that a girl
shall come, a Vampire Slayer, of unknown origin calling herself Buffy.
She will come, come and save our world from the demons of this earth."

    "Are you the Vampire Slayer?" asked Joey brushing a wisp of brown
hair from her face.

    "Uh, Giles?" asked Buffy looking at him carefully, and she saw
him nod,  "Okay, so I'm the Vampire Slayer."

    "Why didn't you come here sooner?" demanded Joey, angrily,
glaring at Buffy before she shoved by her to sit on the couch beside
Willow.

    "I-I don't understand.  Why are you so angry at me?" asked Buffy
looking at Joey, but when she didn't reply, she turned to Angel and Jen.

    "Last night, an unexpected incident occurred," Jen began to
explain with a sigh as she gave a sympathetic glance at her friend.  "Our
friend was taken from us and turned into a vampire.  He was Joey's best
friend, and she's known him all her life."

    "Oh," said Buffy, and she looked at Giles and Xander, feeling
that this was all too familiar, "What was his name?"

    "Dawson," said Joey, looking up suddenly, "Dawson Leery."

_____________________________________________________________________
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Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]


-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Vengeance (1/4)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 23:17:47 EST

Vengeance 1

Title: Vengeance (1/?)
Author: Michelle
E-mail: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13 = violence and graphic descriptions (no sex)
Summary: (you'll just have to read it)
Spoilers: Everything up to Killed By Death
Feedback: Please, good or bad, I need to know if I suck or not. I won't care
if you tell me this story is horrible, I just want to know.

This story is something that happens after Killed By Death. Probally a Third
season type story. This story has some pretty graphic descriptions and some
people may be upset by the story. There is a PG-13 rating on this story
however, there is no sex or sexual situations. Just some Buffy like language
and violence. This story will go on for a while, or until I come up with a way
to end it. The characters, Buffy, Xander, Willow, etc. belong to Joss Whedon,
The WB, Sandollar, etc.

The ground was ice cold. Her body lay there, covered by what little remained
of her clothing.  A piercing pain engulfed her left eye as she attempted to
wake.  She found herself chained inside a metal cage. The chains were too
strong for her weak body to break.  A surge of immense pain filled her body as
she made the slightest move. Gaping wounds were scattered across her body. The
ground was covered in her blood. It didn't take a geinus to figure out she was
dying.
"Well, well, look who finally woke up?" Footsteps came from above her head.
The sound was echoed a hundred times louder in her head.
"Are well feeling okay?" A familiar woman's voice continued to speak but she
couldn't pinpoint whose.
Ignoring the pain, Buffy moved her head to face this woman. She opened her
mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
"Tongue-tied?" Drusilla stood like a redwood above Buffy's face. She looked
down at her badly beaten body and laughed. Seeing the remains of the slayer
was a real joy. After what Buffy had done, Drusilla thought that a slow, pain-
filled death was the least she could do. The thought sent shivers up her
spine. The pain that still remained in her dark heart was more than anything
she had ever suffered.
"Don't worry, you're not going to die.  I'm not going to let you. You've got a
lot of suffering ahead of you."
Through her swollen eyes, Buffy could have sworn she saw a tear fall from
Drusilla's eye.  The tall figure left the slayer to freeze on the cold floor
of the warehouse.
"What did I do?" Buffy thought hard despite the pain it caused her. She
couldn't remember anything.  She attempted to break the chains the bound her,
but she knew she couldn't succeed. Even at her full slayer strength, the
chains were too strong.
"Don't do that," a quiet voice came from her left. Buffy snapped her head to
the side and then cried out in pain.  Willow was chained to a beam across the
room. Her face was cut and her clothes torn. She wasn't sure if she really was
there. Buffy knew very well that her mind was in no condition to be clear.
She tried to respond but she still couldn't speak.
"It's okay, don't talk. Save your strength."
Buffy tried to mouth the words, "What happened," but she couldn't understand
her.
"It must hurt to see your friend like that," a quiet voice came from behind.
Xander walked up to the cage and looked down at Buffy. He could see the fear
in her eyes as Buffy looked at her vampire friend.
"Xander?" Buffy managed to get out.
"Yeah, I think this vampire look makes me more attractive. Don't you? Oh,
wait, that's right, you never found me attractive."
Buffy's faced faded to sorrow as she saw the anger in his expression.
"That's okay though. Cause now, I can have all the women I want. And eat them
too!"  Xander laughed as he walked over to Willow who remained chained to the
beam.
"Even you."  Willow cried out for help but no one could save her. Xander sunk
his teeth into her neck as a frightened Buffy could only watched. Willow sunk
to the ground and Xander removed the chains that bound her.  He slit open one
of his wrists and tilting her head back, let the blood drizzle down her
throat. He stopped and she fell into his arms.
"Now how does it feel to see your friend like this?"
Tears pooled up in Buffy's eyes and she cried herself to sleep.

End Part 1

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Vengeance (4/4)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 23:18:08 EST

Vengeance 4

Title: Vengeance (4/?)
Author: Michelle
E-mail: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13 = violence and graphic descriptions (no sex)
Summary: (you'll just have to read it)
Spoilers: Everything up to Killed By Death
Feedback: Please, good or bad, I need to know if I suck or not. I won't care
if you tell me this story is horrible, I just want to know.

This story is something that happens after Killed By Death. Probally a Third
season type story. This story has some pretty graphic descriptions and some
people may be upset by the story. There is a PG-13 rating on this story
however, there is no sex or sexual situations. Just some Buffy like language
and violence. This story will go on for a while, or until I come up with a way
to end it. The characters, Buffy, Xander, Willow, etc. belong to Joss Whedon,
The WB, Sandollar, etc.


    Drusilla offered her hand to Xander who eagerly finished off the meal.
Drusilla wanted them both to be strong.
    "You two go get something to eat. I'm full. Bring something fresh back for
our little ex-slayer here." Dru knew very well that she would be facing many
problems now that the slayer was dead. A new one would be called. The slayer
becoming a vampire would be something no one would expect.  A vampire with
that much experience and knowledge would prove very useful.

    Giles arrived at the warehouse. He paused outside for a moment hoping that
his suspicions weren't true.  Quietly entering through the front door, Giles
carefully examined his surroundings.  As he moved into the main room, he saw
Buffy chained up to a beam.  All that were left of her wounds were scars. He
rushed to her side and tried to awaken her.  He couldn't.
    "Well, well. If it isn't our favorite librarian." Willow quipped from behind
him. Giles quickly got to his feet to face her but the shock of her appearance
was frightening.
    "Willow?"
    "No, it's Xander!" Her new found life as a vampire gave her a whole new
confidence.
    "Who did this to you?"
    "I did," Xander said from the shadows behind Giles.
    "Oh God, Xander!"
    "Now you're getting the hang of it."
    "What did you do to Buffy," He demanded.
    "They didn't do anything. I did," Drusilla came down the stairs to face
Giles.
    He was trapped between three vampires and there was no slayer to save him.
    "Buffy did some bad things. Now, she's being punished."
    "How can you do this?" Giles looked for any compassion in their eyes but he
knew he would find none.
    "What did you do to Buffy?"
    "I think I'll let her answer that for me."
    Giles quickly turned around to face Buffy who had broken her chains and now
stood up as a vampire.
    "Oh Buffy, what have I done."
    "Nothing Giles. You haven't done anything. It's more of what *I'm* going to
do."
    "Buffy, please, don't."
    "Giles, I tried that, as you can see, it doesn't work."  Buffy backed Giles
up against the cage that still remained in the center of the room. She grabbed
him by the throat and threw him on top of it.  Before he had a chance to
protest, her teeth were in his neck.
    "What the hell is going on here?"
    "Angel!" Drusilla was shocked and stumbled backwards until she found a chair
to sit in.
    "I leave for a few months and look what you did." He looked around the room
to see what Drusilla had done. "Xander? Willow? Oh, Dru, I didn't think you
had it in you."
    After finishing her meal, Buffy quickly turned around to face her once lover,
Angel.
    "Buffy? Who...what...how?"
    "Do you like?" Dru questioned, searching for approval.

End of Vengence Series. To be Contined in the Second Series: Lost & Found

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Vengeance (3/4)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 23:18:02 EST

Vengeance 3

Title: Vengeance (3/?)
Author: Michelle
E-mail: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13 = violence and graphic descriptions (no sex)
Summary: (you'll just have to read it)
Spoilers: Everything up to Killed By Death
Feedback: Please, good or bad, I need to know if I suck or not. I won't care
if you tell me this story is horrible, I just want to know.

This story is something that happens after Killed By Death. Probally a Third
season type story. This story has some pretty graphic descriptions and some
people may be upset by the story. There is a PG-13 rating on this story
however, there is no sex or sexual situations. Just some Buffy like language
and violence. This story will go on for a while, or until I come up with a way
to end it. The characters, Buffy, Xander, Willow, etc. belong to Joss Whedon,
The WB, Sandollar, etc.

    "No.  Angel is still alive. He left several months after he and Spike had a
terrible fight. They both left with bad battle wounds and Angel had more
important things to take care besides Spike."
    "That's okay though. His loss is our gain." Xander was happy that he was a
vampire, whether he wanted to be or not.
    "How true," Drusilla added as she caressed Xander's face. Apparently, she had
found a new love, someone who worshiped her more than Spike or Angel ever
could.
    "Then how?" Buffy's voice trembled with fear.
    "Long story." Drusilla dropped her head for a brief moment while she recalled
the events that brought her back to her full strength.  "We have better things
to do now. Willow, get her some clothes."  Buffy looked down at the bloody
pieces of cloth that barely covered her body.

    He searched every inch of Sunnydale but found nothing. Suspecting the worst,
he went to the last place he ever wanted to go. Giles got back in his car and
headed off towards the warehouse. After everything that had happened there,
all the people who had caused him so much pain...he stopped.
    "I can't do this to myself. Buffy, Willow and Xander are in trouble and I
have to try and save them. If that is possible."

    "Is she ready yet?" Xander cried out to Willow impatiently.
    "Yes."
    Buffy found herself chained to a beam, as Willow was only days ago. She
couldn't stand on her own and Willow had to hold her up.  Buffy knew what was
to come and knew there was no way out.  Drusilla entered the room and quietly
walked over to Buffy.  She leaned over and whispered into Buffy's ear.
    "You killed my love. Now, I will kill you. You will commit horrendous acts.
Kill humans, feed off their life, and enjoy it!
    "Please, don't do this." Buffy made her last attempt of mercy. She knew it
would do no good.
    Drusilla sank her teeth into Buffy's neck. A brief moment of de jus vu struck
her before she realized she was really going to die this time. Buffy went limp
in Willow's grasp.  Drusilla took a small step back to admire the work.
Killing a slayer was her greatest achievement and she wanted to enjoy it.
Moments passed before she jolted her arm out and snapped Buffy's head
backwards. Xander took Dru's other arm and cut a slit on her palm. Her blood
dripped down Buffy's throat. Willow dropped Buffy to the ground and they all
laughed as the lifeless slayer lay before them about to join them in their
glory.

End Part 3

-



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

From: Aglx <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Vengeance (2/4)
Date: 30 Mar 1998 23:17:55 EST

Vengeance 2

Title: Vengeance (2/?)
Author: Michelle
E-mail: [e-mail]
Rating: PG-13 = violence and graphic descriptions (no sex)
Summary: (you'll just have to read it)
Spoilers: Everything up to Killed By Death
Feedback: Please, good or bad, I need to know if I suck or not. I won't care
if you tell me this story is horrible, I just want to know.

Disclaimer & Author's Notes: This story is something that happens after Killed
By Death. Probally a Third season type story. This story has some pretty
graphic descriptions and some people may be upset by the story. There is a
PG-13 rating on this story however, there is no sex or sexual situations. Just
some Buffy like language and violence. This story will go on for a while, or
until I come up with a way to end it. The characters, Buffy, Xander, Willow,
etc. belong to Joss Whedon, The WB, Sandollar, etc.

    "You will let me know if you hear anything? Okay, fine." Giles slammed the
phone down. Buffy, Xander and Willow had been missing for over a week.
    "Damit. This is all my fault." He went to the back room and gathered several
weapons.  As he walked out of the library, he stopped and looked back at the
empty room. "I'm so sorry Buffy."

    "Rise and Shine!" Xander cried out to Buffy who was healing but still in
terrible shape. He lifted the top of the cage and stepped in.
    "Get up!" He kicked her in the side and she cried out in pain. "Oh, I'm
sorry, did that hurt?"
    "That's enough," Drusilla said as she entered the main room followed by an
anxious Willow. "She needs to be conscious to learn."
    "Huh. I always thought unconsciousness was a great learning experience."
    Drusilla smiled at his comment and then indicated for him to get her to sit
up.
    "Get up!" He kicked her again, this time in the chest.
    "I can't," Buffy spoke faintly.
    "Oh, yeah, that's right. Poor little slayer is hurt." He undid the chains and
saw the bloody wounds that they left on her wrists and ankles. Standing over
her he grabbed both of her shoulders and pulled her up to lean against the
bars. She screamed as her wounds sent pain surging through her body. "I bet
that hurt," Xander laughed and Willow joined him.
    "Why are you doing this to me?" Buffy's feeling of innocence was clear but
Drusilla knew the truth.  "What did I do?" Buffy yelled hoarsely, her voice
still sore.
    Xander exited the cage and closed the lid again.  They all sat down on three
chairs placed in front of Buffy.
    "What did I do?" Buffy cried out a final time.
    "You...you...you killed Spike!" Drusilla was furious and still disturbed by
the events that had occurred.  The fear in Buffy was obvious. She didn't know
what to say or do.  She searched through her mind to recall the situation, but
nothing came to mind. Suddenly, flashes of the fight filled her mind. He was
charging at her, she dropped to the ground and threw him against a wall with
her feet. As he came down to the ground, she could hear his moaning. She
rushed to his side and plunged a railroad spike into his chest.
    "What do you have to say for yourself, slayer?" Willow tried to keep up with
the action. She had only been a vampire for a few days and was still getting
used to it.
    Buffy had nothing to say to any of them. She just knew that she had to get
out of the situation she was in.  Still, there were many unanswered questions
that plagued her thoughts. Where was Angel? How did Drusilla catch her?
    "How did you catch me?" Buffy finally asked, hoping Drusilla would answer.
    "Easy. My power has been restored to its full power. You weren't that hard to
find."
    "That means...Angel is dead."

End Part 2

-



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

From: Anexsin <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: The Ties That Bind (8/10)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 01:16:07 EST

Title: The Ties That Bind (8/10)
Author: Melinda Frango
Email Addy: [e-mail]
Rating: PG
Spoiler: All episodes before Passion.
Distribution: Ask first
Feedback: Greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: Buffy and the gang belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, etc.
Only the story is mine, and whatever characters never seen or mentioned
on the show.
Summary: Buffy and the gang get help from an unexpected source in
restoring Angel's soul.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*
"You have a stake on you?" Caitlin asked Buffy.

"Yeah," Buffy answered and fished a stake out of the sleeve of her
jacket.

Caitlin kneeled on the ground next to the unconscious vampire, and
gently shook him.

"Angel," she called out.

When he began to stir she got the stake ready.

Angel moaned softly, and brought his hand to the side of his
head where Caitlin had kicked him.

"Ow," he murmured.

"It's not that bad. You'll be all better in a few hours, unless I
have to stake you," Caitlin informed him.

His opened his eyes slowly and looked directly into Caitlin's.

"Caitlin," he whispered. "How..I...you. This is all a really bad dream."

Caitlin chuckled. "Nope, not a dream. I'm really here."

Caitlin helped him stand up dropping the stake in the process,
while the others backed off a little to give them some room.

"But, your dead. I..." he trailed off.

"That's a really long story," Caitlin reiterated.

"I don't understand, and I don't care," were his last words before
he pulled her into a crushing embrace.

"You did it? You restored my soul?" he asked after realization hit him.

"Yes, with a alot of  help from your friends," Caitlin answered.

 "Is it permanent this time?"

"Yep, nothing and I mean nothing will ever take it away from you again."

Suddenly the events of the past few weeks crept into his memory,
and he chocked on a sob. "What have I done?" he asked guilt
edging it's way into his voice.

"Nothing. Listen to me it wasn't your fault. There was nothing you
could do to prevent it," she replied firmly.

He released her from the hug and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
She hadn't even realized she was crying.

"I make everyone cry," he whispered.

"No they're happy tears. Really, really happy tears," she smiled at him.

 He turned away from Caitlin towards the rest of the group. They
could see his dark brown eyes clouded over with self-hatred, guilt,
and sorrow. He didn't know what to say them, and vice-versa.
Angelus had made all there lives a living hell the past few weeks,
and what he did was not something you forgive and forget. He felt
it to be the best course of action, to walk away and out of their
lives completely. Only to be seen to help fight some dark force
that would come into town, or to warn of a possible danger to the
Slayer's existence.

He looked directly at Buffy and whispered almost inaudibly, "I'm sorry."

Then he turned back around to Caitlin and spoke into her ear.

"Will you meet me by the Bronze when your finished here? It's
on the otherside of town, you can't miss it," he almost pleaded
with her.

Caitlin nodded agreeingly and watched as he picked up the
stake she dropped earlier when he hugged her and walk out
of the park. Buffy started  in the same direction Angel had just
left in, until Caitlin grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"What are you doing?" Buffy asked angrily. "I want to see him."

"Let him come to you, Buffy. He needs time to deal with everything
that has happened,"

"But I love him," she admitted.

"I know you do. It's all a matter of time."

Buffy took a deep breath and nodded, the whole time looking
forlornly in the direction  Angel previously had left in.

"We're finished here," Caitlin informed. "Thank you for all your help.
You don't know how much this means to me, and to him. Can
you all make it home alright?"

"Yes, we'll be fine. Go help him," Giles assured.

"Thank you."

"If it's any consolation to Angel, tell him Xander doesn't hate him.
Even after the window incident. He'll get a kick out of that one,"
Xander joked.

"I'll tell him that," Caitlin chuckled. "Always the funny one of the group."

They watched Caitlin go and Giles turned towards Buffy.

 "Are you ok?" he asked concerned.

"Just peachy." she said

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Caitlin reached the exterior of the Bronze she saw Angel
leaning up against a wall, waiting for her.

"Hey," she greeted. "What are we doing here?"

"I live right over here,"Angel answered. "I think we need to talk."

" You're right."

Angel nodded sightly and led Caitlin down an alley and through
a doorway at the end. They went down a small stairway and
stopped in front of another door while Angel fished a key out
of his pocket and unlocked it. Angel ushered Caitlin in and then
closed the door behind himself.

"What do you think?" Angel asked wanting her approval.

"It's so you," Caitlin smiled as she glanced around the apartment.

"It serves its purpose," Angel chuckled slightly.

Caitlin sat down on Angel's recliner and stared at him for a long
moment before speaking.

"I'm going first. Then you can ask your questions," Caitlin stated.

"Alright, but I'm not promising you anything but listening."

"That's all I ask."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Spike, something is wrong," Drusilla realized.

"What is it love?"

"She took my Angel away. I can feel the goodness within him,"
she whined.

"The girl returned Angel's soul," Spike asked giddily.

"Yes, he's gone Spike. My Angel left me again."

Spike wheeled his chair over to where Drusilla was sitting on
the cold ground of the warehouse, and helped her up. He sat
her on his lap and softly stroked her hair with a wide grin
plastered to his face.

"It's alright pet. I'm here for you.  We don't need him." he
cooed softly in her ear.

Drusilla slowly lifted her head from his chest, and Spike
quickly wiped the smile from his face as fast as it had come.

"Do you love me Spike?" she asked sadly.

"You know I do," he answered honestly.

"You won't leave me like my Angel did, will you?"

"Never. I'll always be here for you," he stated firmly.

Drusilla smiled at him and gently laid her head on his chest
once again, and began humming a soft tune. Spike smiled
widely once more when Dru wasn't looking. Now that Angelus
was out of the picture Dru was all his, and only his.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
End part 8.............to be continued.


-



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

From: "Angel's Lover" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Restoration Part Five of ?????
Date: 31 Mar 1998 01:25:49 PST


 This is part five of a continuing story of mine... nothing big.. just =
the tale
 of how Angelus is reversed back into Angel.  I have no idea where it's =
going..
 hell, I barely know where it's been so my plan is basically to keep on =
writing
 until it tells me it's finished.  The characters of BtVS are not mine, =
they
 belong to Joss and Mutant Enemy Productions and WB Productions...  I am =
making
 no money off of this, and no copyright infringement was intended.  All =
my
 stories are archived at my homepage, Heaven's Gates:
 http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/3863 , comments are always appreciate=
d..
 please direct them all to Lea at either [e-mail] or
 [e-mail] .  Thanks, and enjoy!

 _______________________


    Restoration ~ Part Five

    School dragged that day; aside from lack of sleep, way boring classes, =
and an unneeded training session through which Giles basically ignored =
her, nightfall seemed so damn far away.
    Buffy sighed; she had made it back to her room without being discovered,=
 but less than an hour after she crawled into bed, her mom had been at =
the door to wake her for school.  A shower and make-up helped, but it was=
 hard to hide how tired she was.  Now, heading home after an unusually =
long day, she decided to take a nap until it became time to go to Angel's=
.
    Thankfully, her house was empty; with a sigh she climbed the stairs, cra=
wled under covers on her bed, and immediately fell asleep.
    The dreams of memory filled her mind as further images of the previous =
night pierced her subconscious, drawing her back once more.

*****************

    A light drizzle was falling, making the graveyard more dank than usual. =
 She knew that Angel was there; though she couldn't see him her body was =
well attuned to the feel of him.  He was moving around behind her slowly,=
 keeping hidden behind the large gravestones.
    Quickly she raised her crossbow, spinning and firing into the direction =
in which she could feel him.  A soft grunt came as her reward and the vam=
pire stepped out of the shadows.
    "Nice shot, Buffy," he grumbled as he pulled the shaft of the bolt from =
his shoulder.  "You should shoot blind more often."
    "Thanks anyway, Angel, but I've recently given up stepping blindly into =
things."
    He put on a sarcastic pout.  "Gee, I hope it wasn't something I did."
    She scowled.  "I'm so way tired of this.  I loved you once, but this can=
't go on.  It ends here.  Now."
    He snarled, "Then I hope you've said your prayers, slayer, because tonig=
ht you die!"
    Buffy dropped the crossbow and reached for her stash of stakes.  She spu=
n quickly, dropping into her fighting stance as he leapt at her.
    His fist cut across her face, sending her spinning to the left, but as =
she landed she flung out a leg and brought him to his knees.  He grunted =
in momentary pain before regaining his footing and jumping back into the =
fight.
    "What's the matter, Buffy?  You can do better than this.  I'm disappoint=
ed in ya!"
    She glared at him as she leapt into the air, twisting over his head to =
land on the other side of him.  She drove her fists quickly into his back=
.. one!.. two!!.. knocking him forward.
    "Life's a bitch, Ange.  Deal with it!"
    A sound from nearby caused Angel's head to turn; he grinned a wide, evil=
 smile.  "When the going gets tough, the tough find something to eat! Din=
ner time, slayer.. back in a flash!"
    Buffy, too, had heard the chattering conversation of the approaching gir=
ls.  Fear drove through her as Angel swiftly cleared the gravestones and =
disappeared in the direction of the voices.
    "Damn!" she growled as she flung her bag onto her back and ran after him=
.  It was only seconds before she realized the voices had quieted.  Now =
it was muffled cries that reached her ears.  She rounded one final graves=
tone in time to see Angel pull his fangs out of the neck of one girl, and=
 sink them into the other girl that he held firmly in his right arm.
    She hurtled herself at him, wrapping her arm around his neck, forcing =
him to stop feeding, but she was too late.  The bodies of the lifeless =
girls merely dropped to the ground with a sickening thud, and softly squi=
shed to rest in the grass.
    Angel backed away from Buffy, running the back of his hand across his =
mouth.  "Mmmm.. 1982.. smooth texture, delicate aroma... a good year.  =
Not my favorite, but hey, beggars can't be choosers, right?"
    "You make me sick!"  Her voice broke as she stared at the still bleeding=
 body of the girl she had failed to rescue.
    "You wound me, lover, you truly do.  There was a time when I used to mak=
e you scream."  He paused as he put on a thoughtful look.  "You know, com=
e to think of it, the idea of my ever having anything to do with you make=
s me sick, too.  After all, you were nothing compared to Darla... and you=
 will never be anything compared to my Dru.  You were just another notch =
on my bedpost for me to laugh at when memory strikes."  He grinned as pai=
n flashed across her face.
    "Yeah, well, a lot more than the memory of me can strike when it comes =
to you, lover!"  She snarled, and as the rain grew heavier, pelting the =
surrounding gravestones with a soft tapping, she bolted forward, striking=
 him across the face and in the chest before spinning and planting her =
foot solidly into his stomach.
    Angel laughed as he hit the ground.  "That's my girl!  Now we can have =
some real fun!"
    In the blink of an eye he had a hold of her, picking her up over his hea=
d and sending him flying through the air into the solid form of a gravest=
one.  A soft groan filtered through her lips and for the briefest of mome=
nts she closed her eyes.

*****************

    The tapping awoke her; Buffy at first believed the sound to be that of =
the rain falling onto hard stone, but as she grew into consciousness she =
realized someone was knocking on her door.
    Groggily she made her way to the door, opening it to find Willow and Xan=
der smiling at her.  "Hey, there, schitzophrenia girl!  Did ya forget you=
 had friends today or what?"  Xander pushed past her to flop back upon =
her bed.
    Willow came in more slowly.  "How come you didn't want to hang with us =
today?"
    Buffy shrugged as she settled on the bed with her friends.  "I didn't =
get much sleep last night.. I kinda just wanted to come home to bed."
    Xander scowled, "What, you didn't get enough time in bed at the loft?"
    Buffy blinked and looked to Willow, "You told him about Angel?"
    The girl nodded, "He'd find out sooner or later.  I just wanted to break=
 it to him gently."
    Buffy giggled, "And be there to comfort him in the wake of his disappoin=
tment?"
    Willow blushed, "If comfort was needed, I could be there."
    The two girls grinned as Xander's chest puffed out with egotistical glee=
.  "Women, women everywhere..."
    Buffy finished on a laugh, "And not a one for you."
    "Touche, Buff."
    "Truth hurts, don't it, Xand?"
    "So how is old pointy tooth these days?  Planning on taking out any more=
 teachers any time soon, cause you know I have a midterm next week, it =
would be really helpful if..."
    Buffy scowled.  "That's not funny, Xander.  He's pretty wigged about the=
 whole thing."
    "As well he should be!"
    "Come on, Xand, it wasn't his fault.  Angel and Angelus are two seperate=
 people.  I learned that a long time ago."
    "So, what?  We just forgive and forget?"
    Buffy sighed, "I don't think we can ever forget.. but we have it in all =
of us to forgive."
    Xander met Buffy's eyes, "So you went crawling back into his coffin."
    She never blinked as she nodded, "You knew that if my Angel came back, =
I would."
    "How could you after he killed Ms. Calendar?!"
    "We got over your behaviour when you became a hyena."
    "But I didn't kill anyone."
    "Excuse me, but if WE hadn't locked you up you would have eaten Principl=
e Flutie along with the rest of your pack!  I can't hold what Angelus sai=
d and did over Angel. It wouldn't be fair."
    Xander rested a hand on Buffy's shoulder, his eyes for once bearing the =
maturity he rarely showed.  "What about Giles, Buff?"
    "He's okay with it.." she frowned, "Well.. kinda.  All Giles wants for =
us now is to go on with our lives.  He will never forget what Angelus did=
, and I doubt he'll ever forgive Angel for being host to those actions, =
but he's not gonna stop me from seeing him."
    Xander climbed to his feet and walked to the door.  "Buffy, I love you =
and you know that I would do anything for you, but if that demon shows =
his face around me anytime soon, I refuse to be anything less than rude."
    She sighed, "Have you ever been anything but?"
    He scowled, "Well, now I have a reason.  Come on, Will.  We don't want =
to keep Buffy from her boyfriend.  You know how testy those vampires can =
get."
    Willow looked helplessly from Xander to Buffy and back again.  "I.. ah..=
. oh God."
    Buffy shook her head, "It's okay, Will, you go on.  I'm supposed to be =
going to Angel's anyway."
    "Are you sure?  'Cause I mean if you want I could stay."  A sadness fill=
ed Willow's eyes as she was forced to choose between her best friends.
    "Yeah.. Go on... dance.. party.. laugh.. live a normal teenage night." =
 She smiled weakly, "I'll catch you before class tomorrow."
    "Okay."  Willow walked slowly out of the room, turning at the dor to smi=
le at Buffy reassuringly.  "Thank Angel for my fish.  I called him Future=
."
    Buffy blinked, not understanding, but filing the comment away as somethi=
ng to ask Angel about later.  "Will do, Will.  'Night."
    As her bedroom door clicked shut behind her friends, Buffy lay back upon=
 her bed.  The time was nearing for her to go to Angel's and relive, once=
 again, the events from the night before.
    With a sigh she scribbled out a note to her mom, climbed down the stairs=
, and pinned the note to the fridge.
    Finally she stepped out her front door, and in the chill of the night =
began her long walk across the darkened town.

****************

    End Part Five!!!!

 _____________________________
 Angel's Lover (fondly known as Lea)
 "Love makes you do the wacky!"
 "When you kiss me I want to die."
 "I'm SO the net girl!"

 Defender of David Boreanaz... you know, the man with the fangs!


-



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

From: NightHunter <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Re: Vengeance
Date: 31 Mar 1998 06:36:29 -0800

Wow! this has to have been one of the best I've read lately
I Can't wait for the next series.

-



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

From: sah <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: ADMIN:  List rules
Date: 31 Mar 1998 16:16:23 -0500

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-



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (35/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:28:31 PST

Title:  Hope
Author: Sara B.  [e-mail]
Disclaimer:  I don't own them.


Part 35

ôGo upstairs and get washed up.  Their is a towel in the closet a the
end of the hallway, and feel free to use anything we have in the
bathroom,ö Buffy said to Hope, as she shut the door behind her.  Hope
nodded wearily and trudged up the stairs.  ôHope?ö

The beautiful girl turned around.  ôYeah?ö  her parched voice said.

Buffy did her best to smile.  ôA vampire is a demon.  They kill,
torture, and cause suffering to people.  They have no conscious and no
guilt.  Killing one of them is a good thing, in a weird way.  The more
of them you kill, the safer the world is.ö

Hope took her words to heart.  ôIÆll remember that.ö  She said, and
continued making her way up the stairs.

Buffy walked into the downstairs bathroom.  She cleaned up the cut she
had on her forehead, and took off her clothes.  Standing in front of the
full length mirror that was hanging on the door, she eyed her
appearance.  ôYuck,ö she said, noticing her mussed hair.  Grabbing a
brush out of a drawer, she ran it through her hair, trying to make it
descent looking.  ôWhy am I even doing this?  I have a world to save.ö
Sighing, she pulled a tissue out of the box and wiped the black makeup
off that had run down her face from her tears.  ôI really need
waterproof mascara.ö  She pulled a pair of clean jeans from the laundry
basket and put them on.  She put on a small white shirt on and pulled
her hair back into a low pony tail.  After taking a final glance at
herself,  she walked to the kitchen.  Walking over to the counter, she
noticed the open phone book.  Flipping to the right page, she found the
number for the hospital and dialed.

ôSunnydayle Hospital,ö the male voice said.

ôUh, hi.  I need to speak with Rupert Giles.  He should be there,ö Buffy
said.

ôDoes he work here?ö

ôUh, no...he is a librarian.  I mean, he is waiting there....at the
hospital,ö she stammered, ôjust page him or whatever you do.  ItÆs
really urgent,ö Buffy said, feeling like an idiot.

ôRight.  What was his name again?ö

ôGiles.  Uh, Rupert Giles.ö

ôOkay, please hold.ö  Elevator music blared through the phone into her
ear as she was put on hold.  After three minutes of what seemed like an
eternity, her WatcherÆs familiar voice soothed her.

ôHello?ö  Giles asked.

ôGiles!  ItÆs Buffy.  WeÆve got big problems.ö

*****

Hope walked to the hall closet and pulled out a plush pink towel, then
walked to the bathroom.  Shutting the door behind her, she rested,
leaning on it.  Her body tingled, and she could smell the stench of
dried blood.  Looking down, she saw her stained jeans, remembering what
she did to Marcus.  Groaning, she peeled off her clothes and started a
shower.  She relaxed as the water hit her.  The water turned a light
pink color as she washed her body.  Hope grabbed the nearest bottle of
shampoo.  ôMmm...peach.  My favorite.ö

When she finally felt clean, she turned the water off, and stepped onto
the mat that lay beside the tub.  She dried herself off, and wiped the
mist off on the foggy mirror.  ôI really need waterproof mascara,ö she
grumbled, and grabbed a tissue to wipe off her makeup that had run down
her face.  Running a comb through her blond hair, she left the bathroom.

In BuffyÆs room, Hope got dressed, putting on a pair of jeans and a
white shirt that she pulled out of her bag.  ThatÆs when she looked at
the clock and realized she hadnÆt spoken or seen her parents in a long
time.  ôOh know!  They are probably so freaked!  IÆm going to be
grounded forever,ö she said.  Racing to the phone, she quickly dialed
her number, fearing what her parents would say.

ôHello?ö

ôMom!  Oh, IÆm so sorry I havenÆt called you!ö  Hope rushed.  ôIts just
that, well, there are things going on and I canÆt explain them to you
but I canÆt come home because I have to save the world.  OH!  I ...I
mean I have to uh, I have to, um...ö  she rambled, trying to think of an
excuse.

ôItÆs okay, honey.  Calm down.  I understand that you are busy with your
new friends,ö her mother, Gayle Callahan said.

Hope was confused.  ôWho are you and what have you done with my mother?ö
she asked, and Gayle laughed.  ôI donÆt get it.  I was sure you and
Frank would be wigged out with worry.ö

ôHope, dear, we know,ö Gayle said.

ôYou know what?ö  Hope questioned suspiciously.

ôWe know about Mira and the necklace and the prophecy,ö Frank CallahanÆs
voice said as he picked up the extension.

ôWh..What?!  I donÆt understand!ö  Hope exclaimed, feeling queasy.

ôWe know about what is going on right now.  Why do you think we came to
Sunnydale?  Why do you think we gave you the necklace right before we
moved?  Because of your destiny to fight with Buffy,ö  Gayle said.

Hope now felt like throwing up.  ôYou know Buffy?ö

ôYes, we met today.  I was the one who gave her a ride into Sunnydale.
I know that this is a lot to take in all at once, but there is no time
to explain.  We can talk about it later.  Right now you have a duty to
perform.  You must save Angelus.ö  Gayle said.

ôYour mother is right.  Angelus needs you to give him his greatest
wish,ö Frank said.

ôWhat wish?ö  his step-daughter asked.

ôHis wish to be able to human.  To be with Buffy,ö he told her.

ôOh man.  How do I do that?ö

ôYou will know what to do when the time comes,ö Frank said.

ôHow long have you known all of this?ö  Hope asked.

ôSince before your birth.  That is why I named you æHopeÆ.  You were to
be the hope of the future.  And you are,ö Gayle explained.

Hope was astonished.  ôDid my dad know about this before he died?ö

ôYes, he did.  And Frank also new before I married him.ö

ôThis is all too much,ö Hope said.

ôDonÆt think about this right now.  Think about what you have to do.
And remember, you have the power within you,ö Gayle said.

ôRight, right,ö Hope said, dazed.

ôWe love you, honey,ö she said.

ôWe know you will fulfill your destiny,ö Frank said.

ôBye Mom, Frank,ö  Hope said.  ôI love you.ö

She slowly placed the phone on the base.  ôHoly shit.  This is too
much.ö

*****

Hope walked down the stairs to inform Buffy of her newly found
information.  She found her lounging on the couch, sharpening a stake.

ôHey,ö  she said, shyly, and put her hands into her pockets.

Buffy looked up and sprung to her feet.  She was about to speak but shut
her mouth closed, eyeing HopeÆs outfit to find it exactly like her own.
Both girls stared at each other in bewilderment, shocked to find out
that they both had on jeans, white shirts, and hair pulled back.  ôThis
is really weird,ö Hope said, breaking their silence.

Buffy took a deep breath.  ôShould you change, or should I?ö  she said,
beginning to laugh.  Both girls burst into giggles, laughing
uncontrollably until their stomachs hurt.

When they were able to control themselves, the happy atmosphere turned
into a serious one.  They shared their telephone conversations.

ôThis is all too much,ö  Buffy said.

ôStrange.  That is what I said,ö  Hope sighed.

Buffy stared at her friend.  ôWe have to win this fight.  But how?ö

ôI donÆt know,ö she said, leaning up against the wall.  ôI canÆt believe
they took your mother.ö

Buffy looked down, hiding her tears.  Her stomach flipped upside down
and her throat tightened.  <Mom.  ItÆs my fault she is in danger >  ôIf
they hurt her, they will live to regret it.  Actually, part of me thinks
that Angel wonÆt do anything to her.ö

ôWhy do you think that?ö  Hope questioned.

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.  ôBecause he doesnÆt want
her.  He wants me.  And he wont let Spike hurt her because she is the
bate to lure me in.ö

Buffy stared at Hope.  Suddenly an idea floated into her mind.  Buffy
jumped up off the couch.  ôI have an idea!ö  She exclaimed, and pulled
Hope up the stairs.

She ran to her room.  Hope followed her quickly, eager to find out what
Buffy was up to.  Buffy pulled out her desk chair and told Hope to sit
in it.  She stood behind her friend and they stared into the mirror.

ôDo you see what I see?ö  Buffy asked.

ôNo,ö Hope replied honestly.

ôWith our blond hair, slender figures, light skin, we almost look
incredibly alike,ö she said.  Hope examined her reflection against
BuffyÆs.

ôYou know, your right,ö she agreed.  ôBut what does this have to do with
anything?ö

Buffy grinned mischievously.  ôJust wait and youÆll find out.ö


Part 36

ôPaging Mr. Giles.  Mr. Rupert Giles.  You have a telephone call,ö  a
loud voice said over the intercom.  Giles sprung to his feet and ran to
the front desk.

ôIÆm Rupert Giles,ö he said quickly.

The large, overweight man pointed to a phone.  ôLine 3.ö

Giles nodded and picked up the receiver.  ôHello?ö

ôGiles!  ItÆs Buffy.  WeÆve got big problems.ö  Buffy explained what had
happened, from the moment her and Hope left the hospital right up to
this telephone call.

ôOh....oh m..my.  Sh-Sh-She rrripped it off?ö  Giles gulped, loosening
the tie that had suddenly become extremely tight around his neck.

ôYes, Giles.  She ripped it off.  I think Hope just fulfilled the
fantasy of every American woman,ö Buffy said.

Giles felt largely uncomfortable, and changed the subject.  The though
of what Hope did to Marcus made him feel queasy.  ôS..so you say that
she wasnÆt in control of her body?

ôThatÆs what she told me.  You should have seen her, Giles.  She was
raving mad.  It was like someone else in HopeÆs body.ö

Giles pondered this.  ôIt may be a side effect of her transformation.ö

ôHer transformation?ö  Buffy asked, confused.

ôYes.  If her slaying abilities are permanent, then she is going through
a transformation, just like what you went through and what all the other
slayers went through.ö

ôOh...okay.  What if her abilities are temporary?ö  She asked.  Giles
took in a deep breath and was silent.  ôWhat is it?  Is it bad?ö

He winced.  Giles didnÆt want to have to tell her this.  He had hoped
she wouldnÆt ask, but since she did he couldnÆt lie to her.  ôYes, IÆm
afraid so.  If her abilities are only temporary, then she might die when
they leave her.ö

ôWhat do you mean, she might die?!ö  Buffy exclaimed, feeling a little
dizzy.

The Watcher wiped the sweat from his brow.  ôA transformation takes a
lot out of a person.  Her body is going through some changes.  If her
abilities were to leave her, then her body might not be able to handle
the immense stress that she would endure.  The stress would kill her.ö

ôOh, no,ö she whispered.  Buffy tried to push the thought of Hope dying
out of her mind.

ôIf we are lucky, she wonÆt die.  The transformation will be permanent,
and she will be a slayer,ö  Giles said,  trying to not make Buffy more
upset than she already was.  ôBut we canÆt think about that right now.
We need to think about how to rescue your mother.ö

Buffy nodded.  ôYour right.  IÆm sure by now she already knows all about
who I am.  How is she going to handle that?  What if Angel kills her?ö
BuffyÆs hands began to shake and her chin quivered.  ôWhat if Angel
turns her into a vampire?!  What if I never see my mother again?!  What
if I am forced to kill her if she is a vampire?!ö  She was starting to
panic.  Her mind was racing with horrible things Angel could do to
Joyce.  The thought of Angel hurting her mother made her sick.  BuffyÆs
emotions were running wild.  One moment she felt fine, the next she was
in a frenzy.

ôBuffy, now is not the time to panic.  You have to think clearly and
rationally.  Angel wonÆt kill your mother.  I hate to say this, but
right now she is the bait to lure you in.ö  When Buffy didnÆt respond,
he continued.  ôListen, just try to relax.  I will be there as soon as I
can.ö  He said, and hung up the phone.
< How are we ever going to do this?  Hope is raging and Buffy is
hysterical >

He saw Xander who sat with his head resting in his hands.  < Poor boy.
He must be tired >  Giles walked over to him.  ôWould you like me to
take you home, Xander?ö  Giles asked.

Xander looked at the old librarian, shaking his head.  ôNo.  I want to
stay here.ö

Giles sighed.  ôVery well.  I am going to BuffyÆs house.  Apparently she
had a run in with Angel, and he has kidnapped her mother.ö

Xander stood up so quickly he almost knocked Giles over.  ôWhat?  That
bastard.  IÆm going with you.ö

ôXander, I donÆt think--ö  Giles began, but stopped in mid sentence as
Xander pushed him out of the way and out the doors of the lobby.  Giles
sighed again.  ôTeenagers,ö he muttered, and followed the boy to the
car.


*****

A half an hour later, Giles walked up to BuffyÆs front porch.  He paused
before knocking, feeling guilty for leaving Jenny, Willow, and Cordelia
at the hospital.  Xander walked up behind him.

ôWhat are you waiting for, G-man?  Knock already,ö Xander said. Giles
glared at him with annoyance, and Xander shut his mouth.

He knocked three times, and waited.  The door opened, and Hope greeted
them with a smile.  ôHey guys,ö she said.

ôHey, Buffster,ö Xander said, pushing his way in front of Giles.
ôWhereÆs Hope?ö  Someone poked him gently on the back and he turned
around to face Buffy.  ôHey Buffy.ö  He stopped, his eyes opening wide.
He looked at the girl in front of him and again at the girl behind him.
ôWOAH!  What is going on?  Have I entered the Twilight Zone?ö he asked,
backing away.

Buffy smiled at Hope.  ôTold you it would work.ö

Hope laughed.  ôI didnÆt think they would buy it!ö

Xander and Giles, both incredibly confused, demanded an answer.  ôWho is
who?  And what is going on?ö

Buffy smiled.  ôIÆm Buffy, and thatÆs Hope.  How alike do we look?ö

Giles was amazed.  ôThe resemblance is uncanny,ö he said.  ôHow did you
do this?ö

ôLetÆs just say it was a fast hair cut and a quick dye job,ö Buffy said.
ôI cut about two inches and lightened her hair, then I styled it just
like I do mine.  We dressed the same, so we now look alike.ö

ôExcept that I have to wear a pair of two inch black boots to make me
taller,ö Hope said, grinning.

ôWow, two BuffyÆs.  This is my lucky day.  Thank you God!ö  Xander
exclaimed.

Ignoring his rude comment, Buffy shut the front door.  ôNow, we have to
get moving.  I have stakes, holy water, and crosses,ö she said, sitting
on the couch.  ôDoes everyone still have their stakes?  Or did they fall
off when we were hit?ö  She asked, referring to their car accident
earlier.  Giles and Xander nodded, while Hope re-strapped the stakes on
her body.  Both girls had tiny backpacks full of crosses and two small
bottles of holy water.  Buffy handed the two men each a large cross and
a bottle of holy water.

ôTake these,ö she ordered.

ôWhat is the plan?ö  Xander asked.

ôIÆll explain it on the way.  Right now, we need to hurry before it is
too late,ö Buffy said, leading her three friends our of the house.

ôHey Hope, I have a question,ö Xander asked, hurrying down the steps of
BuffyÆs porch to catch up with the blond beauty.  She turned to look at
him.

ôWhat?ö  She asked.  < He is so cute.  No wonder why Cordelia likes him.
She is so lucky >

ôDid you really rip off that guys ----ö

ôXANDER!!!ö    Buffy and Giles scremed in usinson.

He quickly snapped his jaw shut for the second time that evening.  Hope
leaned over and whispered in his ear.  ôYes, but donÆt worry...I only do
it when IÆm angry.ö  Grinning, she walked away, silently chucking to
herself, while Xander stared at her in amazement.

ôThat is one wild woman,ö he said to himself, and followed them to the
car.



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (36/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:31:24 PST

Title:  Hope
Author: Sara B. [e-mail]
Disclaimer: I don't own them.


Part 36

ôPaging Mr. Giles.  Mr. Rupert Giles.  You have a telephone call,ö  a
loud voice said over the intercom.  Giles sprung to his feet and ran to
the front desk.

ôIÆm Rupert Giles,ö he said quickly.

The large, overweight man pointed to a phone.  ôLine 3.ö

Giles nodded and picked up the receiver.  ôHello?ö

ôGiles!  ItÆs Buffy.  WeÆve got big problems.ö  Buffy explained what had
happened, from the moment her and Hope left the hospital right up to
this telephone call.

ôOh....oh m..my.  Sh-Sh-She rrripped it off?ö  Giles gulped, loosening
the tie that had suddenly become extremely tight around his neck.

ôYes, Giles.  She ripped it off.  I think Hope just fulfilled the
fantasy of every American woman,ö Buffy said.

Giles felt largely uncomfortable, and changed the subject.  The though
of what Hope did to Marcus made him feel queasy.  ôS..so you say that
she wasnÆt in control of her body?

ôThatÆs what she told me.  You should have seen her, Giles.  She was
raving mad.  It was like someone else in HopeÆs body.ö

Giles pondered this.  ôIt may be a side effect of her transformation.ö

ôHer transformation?ö  Buffy asked, confused.

ôYes.  If her slaying abilities are permanent, then she is going through
a transformation, just like what you went through and what all the other
slayers went through.ö

ôOh...okay.  What if her abilities are temporary?ö  She asked.  Giles
took in a deep breath and was silent.  ôWhat is it?  Is it bad?ö

He winced.  Giles didnÆt want to have to tell her this.  He had hoped
she wouldnÆt ask, but since she did he couldnÆt lie to her.  ôYes, IÆm
afraid so.  If her abilities are only temporary, then she might die when
they leave her.ö

ôWhat do you mean, she might die?!ö  Buffy exclaimed, feeling a little
dizzy.

The Watcher wiped the sweat from his brow.  ôA transformation takes a
lot out of a person.  Her body is going through some changes.  If her
abilities were to leave her, then her body might not be able to handle
the immense stress that she would endure.  The stress would kill her.ö

ôOh, no,ö she whispered.  Buffy tried to push the thought of Hope dying
out of her mind.

ôIf we are lucky, she wonÆt die.  The transformation will be permanent,
and she will be a slayer,ö  Giles said,  trying to not make Buffy more
upset than she already was.  ôBut we canÆt think about that right now.
We need to think about how to rescue your mother.ö

Buffy nodded.  ôYour right.  IÆm sure by now she already knows all about
who I am.  How is she going to handle that?  What if Angel kills her?ö
BuffyÆs hands began to shake and her chin quivered.  ôWhat if Angel
turns her into a vampire?!  What if I never see my mother again?!  What
if I am forced to kill her if she is a vampire?!ö  She was starting to
panic.  Her mind was racing with horrible things Angel could do to
Joyce.  The thought of Angel hurting her mother made her sick.  BuffyÆs
emotions were running wild.  One moment she felt fine, the next she was
in a frenzy.

ôBuffy, now is not the time to panic.  You have to think clearly and
rationally.  Angel wonÆt kill your mother.  I hate to say this, but
right now she is the bait to lure you in.ö  When Buffy didnÆt respond,
he continued.  ôListen, just try to relax.  I will be there as soon as I
can.ö  He said, and hung up the phone.
< How are we ever going to do this?  Hope is raging and Buffy is
hysterical >

He saw Xander who sat with his head resting in his hands.  < Poor boy.
He must be tired >  Giles walked over to him.  ôWould you like me to
take you home, Xander?ö  Giles asked.

Xander looked at the old librarian, shaking his head.  ôNo.  I want to
stay here.ö

Giles sighed.  ôVery well.  I am going to BuffyÆs house.  Apparently she
had a run in with Angel, and he has kidnapped her mother.ö

Xander stood up so quickly he almost knocked Giles over.  ôWhat?  That
bastard.  IÆm going with you.ö

ôXander, I donÆt think--ö  Giles began, but stopped in mid sentence as
Xander pushed him out of the way and out the doors of the lobby.  Giles
sighed again.  ôTeenagers,ö he muttered, and followed the boy to the
car.


*****

A half an hour later, Giles walked up to BuffyÆs front porch.  He paused
before knocking, feeling guilty for leaving Jenny, Willow, and Cordelia
at the hospital.  Xander walked up behind him.

ôWhat are you waiting for, G-man?  Knock already,ö Xander said. Giles
glared at him with annoyance, and Xander shut his mouth.

He knocked three times, and waited.  The door opened, and Hope greeted
them with a smile.  ôHey guys,ö she said.

ôHey, Buffster,ö Xander said, pushing his way in front of Giles.
ôWhereÆs Hope?ö  Someone poked him gently on the back and he turned
around to face Buffy.  ôHey Buffy.ö  He stopped, his eyes opening wide.
He looked at the girl in front of him and again at the girl behind him.
ôWOAH!  What is going on?  Have I entered the Twilight Zone?ö he asked,
backing away.

Buffy smiled at Hope.  ôTold you it would work.ö

Hope laughed.  ôI didnÆt think they would buy it!ö

Xander and Giles, both incredibly confused, demanded an answer.  ôWho is
who?  And what is going on?ö

Buffy smiled.  ôIÆm Buffy, and thatÆs Hope.  How alike do we look?ö

Giles was amazed.  ôThe resemblance is uncanny,ö he said.  ôHow did you
do this?ö

ôLetÆs just say it was a fast hair cut and a quick dye job,ö Buffy said.
ôI cut about two inches and lightened her hair, then I styled it just
like I do mine.  We dressed the same, so we now look alike.ö

ôExcept that I have to wear a pair of two inch black boots to make me
taller,ö Hope said, grinning.

ôWow, two BuffyÆs.  This is my lucky day.  Thank you God!ö  Xander
exclaimed.

Ignoring his rude comment, Buffy shut the front door.  ôNow, we have to
get moving.  I have stakes, holy water, and crosses,ö she said, sitting
on the couch.  ôDoes everyone still have their stakes?  Or did they fall
off when we were hit?ö  She asked, referring to their car accident
earlier.  Giles and Xander nodded, while Hope re-strapped the stakes on
her body.  Both girls had tiny backpacks full of crosses and two small
bottles of holy water.  Buffy handed the two men each a large cross and
a bottle of holy water.

ôTake these,ö she ordered.

ôWhat is the plan?ö  Xander asked.

ôIÆll explain it on the way.  Right now, we need to hurry before it is
too late,ö Buffy said, leading her three friends our of the house.

ôHey Hope, I have a question,ö Xander asked, hurrying down the steps of
BuffyÆs porch to catch up with the blond beauty.  She turned to look at
him.

ôWhat?ö  She asked.  < He is so cute.  No wonder why Cordelia likes him.
She is so lucky >

ôDid you really rip off that guys ----ö

ôXANDER!!!ö    Buffy and Giles scremed in usinson.

He quickly snapped his jaw shut for the second time that evening.  Hope
leaned over and whispered in his ear.  ôYes, but donÆt worry...I only do
it when IÆm angry.ö  Grinning, she walked away, silently chucking to
herself, while Xander stared at her in amazement.

ôThat is one wild woman,ö he said to himself, and followed them to the
car.



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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (37/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:38:30 PST

Title:  Hope
Author: Sara B. [e-mail]
Disclaimer: I don't own them.



Part 37

Angel walked into the MasterÆs old lair, and could feel his lingering
presence.  He examined his surroundings.  Parts of old pews were strewn
about, and old, dead, dried up bodies and body parts lay around the old
church, which was now mostly a huge rock cave.  A large wooden crucifix
was mounted on the stone wall. Angel walked over to a grand, stone
platform and wiped the dust off the lavish ornate chair that the Master
had sat in.  < His throne.  My throne > Angel thought with a gallant
smile.  Tall cement columns stood around the lair, with white liturgical
candles resting on their tops.  He turned and walked to the pond where
Buffy had almost drowned.  The thick ledge that went all around the pond
was slowly crumbling away with age, and the tall pillar still resided in
itÆs center.  Candles lined the edge, and sat on the pillar.  Angel
sauntered over to the pool of blood that the Master hibernated in.  He
bent down, and swirled his finger in the warm liquid.  Bringing his
finger to his lips, he tasted the bitter sweet nectar.  Slowly standing
up, he watched Spike, Drusilla, and the woman enter the cavern with a
large amount of minions behind them.

ôItÆs a fixer upper,ö Angel joked, as they inspected the underground
chamber.

ôOut of all places, why did you want to come here?ö  Spike asked,
kicking an old pew out of his way.

ôBecause she died here once, and she doesnÆt want to come back here,ö
Angel told him, while walking back over the throne.  He sat down in the
plush, velvet cushion and relaxed his body.

ôI thought you wanted to kill her,ö Spike said.  ôIf she isnÆt going to
come here, then how are you going to do that?ö

ôI never said she wouldnÆt.  I said she doesnÆt want to.  She will be
extremely uncomfortable and I will use that to my advantage,ö Angel told
him.

Spike nodded.  ôI canÆt say itÆs the best plan, but I suppose it will
due.ö

ôYou suppose?  Do you question my decision?ö  Angel asked raising his
eyebrow.

Spike was about to retort with a sarcastic comment, but knew that he
could no longer disrespect Angel.  ôNo,ö he answered roughly.

ôGood,ö Angel said.  ôNow, I want this place cleaned up.  Get rid of
those old pews and bones.  Sweep the dust away.  Make sure this place is
all tidy,ö he commanded.  The minions went to work, following his
orders.  Spike led Drusilla through a small passageway into another cave
where she could rest.  The Woman sauntered over to Angel, holding Joyce
by the neck.

ôWhat shall I do with her?ö  She asked, baring her demonic face.

ôChain her up,ö Angel said.

ôWhere?ö

Angel looked over by the wall with the crucifix.  ôOver there.  Under
the crucifix.ö

She nodded, and hauled a struggling Joyce to the wall.  She put a chain
on her wrists and her ankles.  ôNow donÆt go anywhere,ö she said,
laughing.

He watched her chain Joyce up.  A small smirk formed on his red lips, as
he relaxed in his plush throne.  Angel was trying to prepare himself for
near future battle between him and the Slayer.  He was partially amused,
thinking of her last fight with a Master.  < ItÆs too bad it will end
the same way for her...only this time Xander wonÆt be there to save her
>  The thought of killing Xander brought joy to him.  The hated that the
two men held for each other was intense.  He chuckled, imagining the
look that the poor fool will have on his face as he slowly got the life
sucked out of him.

The Woman, who was standing nearby, heard his small laugh.  ôSomething
funny?ö  she asked.

He shook his head.  ôNothing in particular,ö he told her. The minions
continued cleaning up the cavern.  ôHURRY UP,ö AngelÆs voice bellowed,
and the vampires increased their speed immensely.

ôThey are coming,ö the Woman said, slowly sitting on his lap.  She
straddled his body in an very sexual way.  She rubbed her hands down his
bare chest.  The cut that Drusilla made of the star still resided, and
the Woman traced the outline of it with her finger.

Angel nodded, ignoring her sexual advances.  ôYes, I know.ö  She leaned
in to kiss him, but he turned his head.

ôHow do you feel?ö  she asked, putting his arms around her tiny waste.

ôStrong.ö  He answered.

She put her finger on his lips.  ôCan I make you feel even better?ö

Angel rolled his eyes.  ôNot now,ö he said harshly.  ôIÆm not in the
mood.ö  He pushed her off of him.  ôI need to prepare for her,ö he said,
and walked over to one of the columns.  With a quick wave of his hand,
the wicks of the candles sprouted a flame.  ôMy power is almost
complete.ö  Angel roamed to each column and did the same to each candle,
lighting them with this power.  Standing across the room  from the pond,
he waved his hand in front of him and the candles lit simultaneously.

ôAhh,  the power,ö he said, feeling himself grow stronger by the minute.

ôWant to show me your power?ö  The Woman asked, and sat down in his
chair.  She spread her legs apart and cocked an eyebrow at him, silently
begging him to come to her.

ôI told you I am not in the mood.  And get the hell out of my chair,ö
Angel growled.  She glared at him and stood up abruptly, leaving the
cavern embarrassed and offended.

Angel sighed.  < She was always impatient > he thought, watching the
woman walk through the passageway into a different cave.  He looked
again at BuffyÆs mother.  < Time for the truth to come out > he thought,
strolling over to her.  Her tired eyes glanced at the vampire who stood
before her.  ôHello, Joyce.ö

ôWhat do you want with me?ö She asked quietly.

ôDonÆt worry.  ItÆs not you I want.  YouÆll make it out of here alive.ö
He said, changing his face into his human form.

ôI donÆt care about me, I care about my daughter.  You tried to kill
her.  Why?ö  She asked, demanding an answer.

ôBecause she is a threat to my existence,ö he answered simply.  Her
questioning look caused him to explain himself.  ôYou see, there is
something you donÆt know about your daughter.ö  He studied her face for
a reaction, which she didnÆt give.  ôIt is time you knew the truth about
Buffy.  I will repeat to you what has been said many times before.ö

Taking a deep breath, he began.  ôIn every generation, there is a chosen
one. She alone, will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the
forces of darkness. She is the slayer.  Trained and guided by her
watcher, her destiny is to basically fight and die.ö  Angel said, slowly
pacing back and forth while he recited GilesÆ words.

JoyceÆs eyes narrowed.  ôAnd your saying that Buffy is the Slayer?ö

ôWell, yes.  Buffy is the slayer.  Unto each generation a slayer is
born. One girl in all the world, the chosen one. One born with the
strength and skill to hunt the vampires.  All this would describe your
seemingly normal daughter.ö

Joyce laughed.  ôAnd you expect me to believe this?ö

Angel took a step backward.  ôYou mean you donÆt?  I would think that
you would.  I have an idea Joyce, that might help you put all of this
into perspective,ö he said, pulling an old pew over to him.  He sat down
on it, and stared at Joyce.  ôI want you to replay the last two years of
your life, starting in Los Angeles.ö

She looked at him questioningly.  ôOkay.ö

ôBuffy gets kicked out of Hemory High for setting the gym on fire.
Why?ö  Angel shrugged.  ôDid you ever get a real reason for that?ö

Joyce stared into his cold eyes.  ôNo.ö

ôI didnÆt think so.  But, IÆll tell you why.  That gym was full of
vampires.ö  Angel said.  JoyceÆs shocked expression pleased him.

ôVampires?ö  She asked, reluctant to believe his words.

ôYes.  Vampires.  Surprised?  DonÆt be.  IÆm not finished.  Now think
about when you moved here.  Buffy is out late *every* night.  Sometimes,
she--,ö Angel gave a fake gasp, ô--sneaks out!  Why would Buffy do
something like that?  Because she goes hunting.  She goes to kill
vampires.ö  JoyceÆs expression started to soften at the reality of his
words.  ôAnd why, oh, why does a sixteen year old girl hang out
religiously with an old, creepy librarian?  If you think that answer is
because he helps her with her homework, then you are very gullible,
seeing that BuffyÆs grades are less than stellar.  Anyway, back to the
question.  That old creepy librarian just happens to be her Watcher.  He
trains her to fight.  He tells her of prophecies.  He helps her perform
her duty as the Slayer.ö

Joyce shook her head in the disbelief she still tried to hold on to.  ôI
donÆt understand.  If all of this is true, then why didnÆt she tell me?ö

Angel snickered.  ôThink about it.  If Buffy had come to you and said:
æMom, there is something very important to tell you.  I am a Vampire
Slayer.  I go out and kill those pointy, toothy, bitey blood suckers
that hang out in the dark.  I have to go and risk my life now.  See you
at dawn.Æö  He smiled.  ôWould you have believed her?  I donÆt think so.
You would have had her committed to an institution before she could say
good-bye to you.ö

ôSo if she is a Slayer, and you are a vampire, then she has to slay you,
and you want to kill her before she gets the chance,ö Joyce said.

ôItÆs so nice to see you understanding all of this,ö Angel said.

ôSo who are you?  What is your name?  Age?ö  Joyce questioned, oddly
interested in his life.

ôMy name is Angelus, but you can call me Angel.  I am 242 years old.
Born in Ireland.  Anything else you want to know?ö

Joyce thought for a moment.  ôActually, there is.  If Buffy is a slayer,
then why did she let you in our home?  Why didnÆt she kill you before?ö
She questioned, trying to find this so-called vampire in a lie that
would prove he was feeding her a bunch of B.S.

ôGlad you asked that. Well you see, I was going through a phase.  I was
a good vampire, vowing never to feed off a person again.  I became
friends with Buffy, helping her out when she needed me.  Eventually, in
her vulnerability, she fell in love with me,ö he said laughing.  ôWell,
my phase has officially ended.  Tonight, was the Rising of the Master,
which would be me!ö  he said in mock enthusiasm.  ôI am the Master, and
it is now time to kill you daughter.  Which, I might ad, will be very
enjoyable.ö

Joyce felt sick.  The thought of all this being true was unbelievable.
< I feel like I am Scully from the
X-Files, doubting MulderÆs every word, except this time Mulder was a 242
year old Master Vampire.  Vampires.  Vampire are real, and my daughter,
out of ALL people, was chosen to kill them.  This is too much.  Buffy
doesnÆt have the strength to kill anybody... >  JoyceÆs thoughts steered
into the memories of Ted.  She remembered watching Buffy beat up Ted so
violently.  Joyce had been shocked at her daughters strength and ability
to fight off a man who was twice her size.  She remembered that night at
her school when that PCP gang...< PCP gang? >  JoyceÆs head pounded.  <
That wasnÆt a PCP gang.  Those were vampires.  And thatÆs why Buffy went
after them.  Oh my god, how could I have been so blind to all of this? >
She leaned up against the wall.  < All the times I got angry with her
for sneaking out and coming home late....all the times I called her
irresponsible and careless...all the times I grounded her for her bad
grades...she had the weight of the world on her shoulders >  Guilt
swarmed within her.  < She was protecting my life, and the life of her
friends.  Oh God, my poor Buffy >

Unexplained memories filled JoyceÆs head.  The time she went to pick up
Buffy from the library, and found Mr. Giles with those books on Vampires
and the Occult.  The time she found the stake, holy water, and cross in
BuffyÆs desk drawer.  < Now I know why she has those things >  The night
she caught Buffy sneaking in through her bedroom window.  < Why didnÆt
she just tell me who she was?  I would have understood..... > Joyce
looked at Angel, who stared at her with an evil grin.  < No, I wouldnÆt
have.  Angel is right.  I wouldnÆt have believed her. >

ôDo you believe me now?ö  Angel asked, eager for her answer.

Joyce glared at him.  ôIf you even dare to hurt Buffy IÆll...ö

ôYouÆll what?ö  Angel asked, interrupting her.  ôYouÆll kill me?ö

ôYes.  I will kill you,ö She told him.

Angel laughed.  ôIÆd like to see you try,ö he said, and stood up,
walking back to his throne.  Joyce tugged at her chains, trying to
escape.

ôYouÆll never succeed,ö Joyce yelled at him.  He turned to face her.

ôWeÆll see,ö he said, and sat down on the plush cushion.  The minions
finished cleaning and stood, waiting for his next order.  Angel waved
his hand, dismissing them.  < Ahh...nice and tidy.  Just for my precious
little Slayer.  WonÆt she appreciate it? >  He looked at the pond.  <
WonÆt she appreciate her death? >

(End part 37)

*I would like to thank Mark Safransky, BLS7877, and Daphne1784 for
giving me the descriptions of what the Lair looked like*

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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (38/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:44:28 PST

Title: Hope
Author: Sara B. [e-mail]
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

Part 38


Giles pulled up in front of the large graveyard and parked the car.
Hope looked wearily at the mostly new tombstones and ghostly feel of the
old cemetery.

ôA graveyard?ö  She asked, cocking an eyebrow.

ôThis is how we get to the MasterÆs lair.  We have more than enough
reason to suspect that Angel is there, assembling his army,ö Buffy said.

ôSo how do we get down there?  IÆm assuming it is underground, is it
not?ö  She asked.

ôYep, itÆs underground.  When the Master tried to open the portal
between Hell and Earth, he got himself trapped down there in what used
to be a church,ö Buffy explained.

Hope shuddered.  ôGreat.  Just another creep factor that I have to deal
with.ö

ôBut thatÆs just one of the benefits of living on the Hellmouth,ö Xander
said, unbuckling his seat belt.

ôWhere exactly is the Hellmouth?ö  Hope asked.

ôRight underneath the library,ö Giles said, thinking back to that
dreadful night last year.  ôBut weÆre not here to talk about that right
now.  Buffy, what is your plan?ö

ôWell, me and Hope,ö Buffy began.

ôHope and I,ö Giles corrected her.

Buffy rolled her eyes with an annoyed glare.  ôGiles, we are here to
save the world and you are correcting my grammar?  What gives?ö

Giles blushed slightly.  ôO..oh..I guess you are right.  Sorry.ö

ôAnyway, Hope and *I* are going to go down there, save Angel, save my
mom, and kill Spike and Dru.  Any questions?ö  She asked, as she opened
her car door to leave.

Giles was skeptical.  ôThis is incredibly risky,ö he said.

Buffy nodded.  ôYouÆre right.  It is risky.  Everything in my life is a
risk.  My being alive is a risk.ö

Hope spoke up.  ôIf I can pull of being Buffy for even a few seconds,
then it should work.  I know that he will soon realize that IÆm Hope,
but if Buffy and I look as much alike right now as you say we do, then
we should be able to pull this off.ö

ôDo you want us to go in there with you?ö  Xander asked, hopeful that
she would say yes.

ôNo.  It would be to dangerous,ö Buffy said.  ôYou ready, Hope?ö

ôYeah, as ready as IÆll ever be,ö she said, grasping a hold of her
necklace.

Giles took in a deep breath.  < I have to tell them this now, before it
is too late >  ôHope, there is something you should know about that
necklace.ö

ôWhat?ö she asked.

ôI wasnÆt going to tell you, but considering our present situation, I
think it is necessary,ö he said.  He turned to face her.  ôThat necklace
may be what is giving you your power.  It may also be what is keeping
you alive.ö

HopeÆs eyes grew wide in shock.  ôWhat?  What do you mean, keeping me
alive?ö

He tried to choose the right words to tell her this.  ôYour body is
going through a transformation right now, giving you your ability to be
a slayer.  If your power was to be taken away, the stress level on your
body might be too much for you to handle and it might kill you.ö  He
looked down.  ôIÆm sorry to have to tell you this under these
circumstances, but you need to know that you must not take that necklace
off, for any reason.  Do not take it off.  Remember that,ö he warned
her, his voice stern.

Hope nodded, and grasped her necklace again.  She opened her door and
stepped outside, breathing in the night air.  She looked at the cemetery
and scrunched her nose up.  < Graveyards.  Ick >

Before Buffy stepped outside, she turned to Giles.  ôIn case I donÆt
make it...ö

ôDonÆt talk like that, Buffy,ö Giles said quickly, cutting her off.

She put her hand on his and squeezed gently..  ôJust listen,ö she
whispered softly.  ôIn case I donÆt make it, make sure my mother and
Hope are safe.  And,ö she took a deep breath, ômake sure Angel dies.   I
donÆt know what will happen in there tonight, but I need to say this.
Giles, you have been the best Watcher that a Slayer could have.  And I
mean that with all of my heart,ö A tear slide down his usually
unemotional face.  She looked at Xander, who was frantic with worry.
ôXander, I love you and Willow so much.  You are my best friends.  I
donÆt know what I would do without you,ö she held back her emerging
tears.  ôTell Will that, okay?ö

Xander shook his head.  ôNo.  I wonÆt tell her that.  I wonÆt need to
because you will make it out of there alive.ö  Buffy saw his tears and
finally couldnÆt hold hers back anymore.  She leaned over and kissed
Xander, then Giles.  ôI love you, guys,ö she said, and got out of the
car.

She looked at Hope, wiping her tears from her eyes.  Hope gave her a
sympathetic smile.  ôLetÆs go,ö she said, and walked to Buffy, who led
her to the crypt.  Before they stepped inside, Buffy took a moment to
speak with her friend.

The Slayer looked into HopeÆs eyes, trying figure out what she was
feeling.  ôHope, are you sure your okay with this?  I mean, fighting
Angel is a big thing and I...ö  BuffyÆs voice trailed off not knowing
what words to use.

ôIÆll be fine.  If my mother was telling the truth, then this is my
destiny.  I was put on this earth to fight Angel,ö  she said, looking
down the dark stairs of the crypt.  ôI canÆt believe all of this is
happening,ö a small, half-hearted laugh emerged.  ôI had such a normal
life.ö

Buffy looked down at the ground, feeling the exact same way.  ôItÆs
okay.  I know how you feel.ö

< She knows how I feel? >  Hope looked at her with a sudden boiling
anger.   ôHow can you possible know how IÆm feeling?!  I was born for
one reason.  Not to have a normal life, not to grow up and get married
or have a job.  I was born to save Angel.  To help him.  I donÆt even
know what to do!  How do I save him?  Do I kill him?  What?!ö  Hope
yelled furiously.  ôI donÆt even know how to feel!  I donÆt know if I am
upset or angry or perfectly okay.  How am I expected to deal with all of
this?!ö

Buffy listened to her HopeÆs words with more of a familiarity that she
knew.  She took a step backwards, understanding her friends feelings but
becoming angry and offended at her harsh tone.  ôHow do you think I felt
when I learned of my destiny?  Huh?  How do you think I felt?!  I was
put on this earth to be a slayer.  I am in the exact same situation that
you are in so donÆt you dare think that you are the only one who doesnÆt
have a normal life.  DonÆt be that selfish to think that you are the
only one who might not live to see tomorrow.ö  She snapped, trying to
control her anger.

Hope opened her mouth to speak, but shut it immediately, feeling ashamed
at her behavior.  She forgot about BuffyÆs feelings.  The blazing look
in her eyes turned to a look of shame and regret.  ôIÆm sorry,ö she
whispered.  ôI donÆt know what came over me.ö

ôItÆs okay.  I understand what you are going through.  I wasnÆt exactly
kosher at the idea that I was the chosen one.ö  Buffy said.

Hope ran her fingers through her blonde hair and rubbed the base of her
sore neck.  ôI donÆt know how to deal with this,ö her chin quivered.
ôWhat if I die tonight?ö  She asked.  Buffy gently pulled her friend
closer and hugged her tightly.

ôYou wonÆt die.  I promise,ö she said, wiping the tears from HopeÆs
eyes.  ôDo you want me to fight Angel?ö

Hope shook her head.  ôNo.  I can do it,ö she said, then smiled faintly.
ôI just donÆt know how believable IÆll be.  I mean, can any one do the
same strut that you do?  You really have the hip action going on when
you walk,ö she joked.

Buffy laughed.  ôHip action?!ö

ôJust ask Xander.  I see him watch you walk away.  YouÆve got in going
on!ö  Hope exclaimed with a giggle.  Buffy laughed.

ôCome on, we have to go down there.  We canÆt put this off any longer,ö
Buffy said, trying to become serious again.

Hope nodded.  ôYour right.  LetÆs go,ö she said.  They stared down into
the black tomb, barely able to see a thing.

ôUh, you can go first,ö Hope said, slightly afraid of the unknown.

ôN..No, really.  After you,ö Buffy said, urging Hope to go in first.

ôI think we should get a flashlight,ö Hope said, backing away from the
darkness.

ôYeah, we should.  OH!  ThatÆs right, I put on in my bag,ö Buffy said,
opening her small backpack.  She pulled out a flashlight.  ôWell, here
we go.ö

The two girls slowly walked down the old stairs.  A rotting stench
filled the tunnel and got stronger as they neared the sewer.  Buffy held
the flashlight steadily in front of her, carefully avoiding the dead
bodies and old bones of the innocent, unsuspecting people who walked or
were lead down this passage.  Finally, they reached the sewer.  The
murky water was only an inch deep as they trudged toward the lair.

ôThis smell is awful,ö Hope whispered, covering her nose with her hand.

ôAnd to think, IÆve been here before and willingly am going here again,ö
Buffy said.  She too, covered her nose, blocking out the foul odor.  She
began to have flashbacks of her last visit here.  Shuddering, she
blocked the images out of her mind.

ôUgghhhh,ö Hope groaned in disgust, as she stepped over the body of a
decaying cat.  ôI think IÆm going to be sick.ö

ôI know what you mean,ö Buffy said.  They reached the end of the sewer
and came upon another staircase lit by small torches that lines the
walls.  ôHere we go.ö

They carefully crept down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible.
ôHow much farther,ö Hope breathed.  < I want this night to get over as
soon as possible.  This has got to be the most hellish day IÆve ever had
>

ôWe should be there soon,ö Buffy said.  They reached a small cave-like
room, with three different passageways.  ôThis way,ö she whispered, and
beckoned Hope to follow her through the middle one.  Creeping down the
small corridor, BuffyÆs awareness of Angel grew intense.  She could feel
his evil presence fill her body and mind.  They came to a tiny, round
room with a small doorway.  Buffy looked at Hope, with fear in her eyes.
ôWeÆre here.ö



Part 39

ôWeÆre here,ö Buffy breathed.

Hope took a deep breath.  ôLet me go in first.ö

Buffy nodded.  She peeked her head into the cavern and looked around.
She saw her mother chained up beneath the crucifix, and Angel sitting in
his throne.  ôHeÆs alone.ö

ôGood.  It will be easier that way,ö Hope said.  She looked at Buffy.
ôBe careful.ö

ôYou too,ö  Buffy said, and Hope stood up, and cautiously walked through
the doorway.


*****

ôDo you think they are okay?ö  Xander asked Giles.  The two men sat in
the car, staring at the crypt.

Giles nodded.  ôY..yes.  I..IÆm sure they are f.fine.ö

ôI think we should go down there,ö Xander said.  Giles looked at him.
ôJust in case, you know.  Something might happen.ö  He stared at the
Watcher with hopeful eyes.

ôYes, I think you are right.  We should go down there,ö Giles said, and
they got out of the car, running toward the crypt.

ôYou go first,ö Xander said, staring at the darkness.

Giles rolled his eyes and walked down the old steps with Xander close
behind.




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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope mistake
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:47:14 PST

Oops!  I accidentally sent part 39 right after 38 without putting it on
a seperate post!  Sorry!

Sara B.

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

From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (39/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 17:48:44 PST

Author: Sara B.
Title:  Hope
Disclaimer:  I don't own them.



Part 39

ôWeÆre here,ö Buffy breathed.

Hope took a deep breath.  ôLet me go in first.ö

Buffy nodded.  She peeked her head into the cavern and looked around.
She saw her mother chained up beneath the crucifix, and Angel sitting in
his throne.  ôHeÆs alone.ö

ôGood.  It will be easier that way,ö Hope said.  She looked at Buffy.
ôBe careful.ö

ôYou too,ö  Buffy said, and Hope stood up, and cautiously walked through
the doorway.


*****

ôDo you think they are okay?ö  Xander asked Giles.  The two men sat in
the car, staring at the crypt.

Giles nodded.  ôY..yes.  I..IÆm sure they are f.fine.ö

ôI think we should go down there,ö Xander said.  Giles looked at him.
ôJust in case, you know.  Something might happen.ö  He stared at the
Watcher with hopeful eyes.

ôYes, I think you are right.  We should go down there,ö Giles said, and
they got out of the car, running toward the crypt.

ôYou go first,ö Xander said, staring at the darkness.

Giles rolled his eyes and walked down the old steps with Xander close
behind.





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From: "Sara Barton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope  (40/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 18:15:35 PST

T: Hope
A: Sara B. [e-mail]
D: I don't own 'em!


Part 40

Hope stepped through the small doorway into the Lair.  Looking around
the room, she couldnÆt see Angel.  ôHello?  Any vampires in the house?ö
She called out.  Joyce looked at her from under the crucifix.

ôBuffy!  Get out of here!  They will kill you!ö  She screamed, pulling
hard on the chains, desperate to escape.

ôTsk Tsk Tsk.  Come on, Joyce.  DonÆt give away the ending,ö a voice
said, and Angel stepped out of the shadows.

HopeÆs heart thudded violently and her hands trembled.  She took a deep
breath, trying to maintain her cool composure.  < Okay, Hope.  Buffy
could do this without spazing, and so can I >  ôHello Angel,ö she said,
keeping the shakiness out of her voice.

ôHello Buffy,ö he said, leaning against a column.

< He bought it!  He thinks IÆm Buffy! >  ôYour looking good,ö she said.
< Damn.  He is hot.  NO! DonÆt think about that.  Those are bad
thoughts! >  Hope thought, scolding herself.

ôReally?  In these old things?ö  He said, referring to his black jeans
and bare chest.

ôReally,ö she replied.  < And I am being honest >  Hope walked farther
into the cavern.  She ran her hands along the stone wall.  She walked
over to the throne, forcing Angel to turn his back to the door.

ôIÆm surprised you came alone.  I thought that annoying Hope girl would
be here with you.ö

< ANNOYING?! >  ôIÆd rather do this alone.  ItÆs easier that way.ö

ôWhat?  No Giles, Willow, Xander?  This is a first,ö Angel said.

ôYour not the only one who can change their ways,ö Hope said casually.

ôTouchΘ,ö Angel said, walking closer to Hope.

Hope ran her fingers through her hair and tugged at her earlobe.  < The
cue.  Come on down, Buffy >

ôMmm...you look tasty,ö he said, surveying her appearance.  ôGood enough
to eat.ö

Hope laughed.  ôSo now you are unoriginal?  You canÆt come up with your
own lines?ö

ôIf the line works, why not use it?ö He said, shrugging.  His eyes
wandered down her body, examining her.  ôYou look different.ö

< DIFFERENT?!  Oh no.  RELAX!  DonÆt let him know who you are! >  ôCanÆt
say the same about you,ö she said.  ôThe same old Angel.  But then of
course, you wouldnÆt know if you changed, would you?  Since vampires
canÆt see their reflections.  Do you even remember what you look like?
ItÆs been, what, 242 years?ö  She asked, sarcastically.

ôYou think your funny?ö  He asked, angrily.  Hope saw Buffy slip through
the door silently.

< Finally > ôNo, not really.  Just stating the facts.  I mean, you canÆt
see your reflection.  You canÆt wear a cross.  You canÆt eat normal,
human things.  Hell, you canÆt even suntan.  When _was_ the last time
you saw the sun?ö Angel growled loudly.  ôOh, Angel, donÆt get mad.
Those are just small technicalities in the vampire world.ö

Hope watched Buffy tiptoe into the other passageway.  < Whew >  Angel
looked behind him, just as Buffy disappeared.  < Thank the Lord he
didnÆt see her.  I hope she will be okay....>

*****

Buffy crept down the passageway toward the other cavern.  She could see
the Spike and Drusilla sitting in an old pew.  Her head was on his lap,
and he was stroking her hair softly.  < Truly amazing.  Two demons who
are cold blooded killers can show so much affection for each other >
Buffy walked through the doorway, entering the cave.  It looked a lot
like the MasterÆs Lair, except smaller and not so extravagant.

Spike looked up and growled.  ôWhat the hell are you doing here?ö

She smiled.  ôJust paying ya a visit.ö

ôShouldnÆt you be with Angel?  I figured he would have killed you by
now,ö Spike said, annoyed.

Buffy rolled her eyes.  ôSo quick to assume.ö

Spike suddenly wore an evil grin.  ôHave you been re-acquainted, yet?ö

ôHuh?ö  Buffy asked, confused.  Spike motioned for her to turn around.
She did, and was stunned beyond belief.  ôOh my God,ö she whispered.

ôHello, Slayer,ö the familiar voice said.

ôDarla?!ö  BuffyÆs mouth gaped open.  She couldnÆt believe her eyes.
Darla was standing before her, alive and well.  She wore the same
Catholic school girl outfit that she wore the last time she saw her,
right before Angel put a stake through her heart.  Her head spun as she
tried to keep in control.  ôYouÆre alive?  How can you be alive?  I
watched you die,ö Buffy asked, her eyes wide with shock.

ôJust a technicality,ö Darla said with a laugh.

ôAngel killed you,ö Buffy said, gritting her teeth.

ôOh, but Drusilla brought me back,ö she answered sweetly.

Buffy looked at the sleeping vampire.  Spike stood up and stood beside
Darla.  ôAre you surprised?ö  he asked.

ôGee, no.  This doesnÆt come as a shocker at all.  IÆm used to seeing
vampires who I thought were dead roaming around,ö  Buffy snapped
sarcastically.  She stared at Darla, still shocked.  ôWhy were you
brought back?ö

ôTo rule with Angelus,ö she said, nonchalantly.  Darla held her hand out
in front of her, inspecting her nails.

Buffy stepped backward, trying to maintain her composure.  ôWha...What?ö

ôYou heard me.  IÆm here to rule the earth beside Angel,ö Darla smirked.

ôY..youÆre AngelÆs true love?ö  Buffy asked, near tears.  < I thought he
loved me... >

Spike roared with laughter.  ôTrue love?  Who said anything about true
love?ö

ôI read the prophecy,ö Buffy snapped.  ôIt said that AngelÆs true love
will rule beside him.ö

ôHavenÆt you learned anything?  But prophecies are tricky creatures.
They don't tell you everything.ö  Spike said, gloating.

Buffy inhaled sharply, her head pounded as the night the Master was set
free.....Those had been his exact words.....

*But prophecies are tricky creatures.  They don't tell you everything.*

*You tried.  It was noble of you.  You heard the prophecy that I was
about to break free and you came to stop me.  But prophecies are  tricky
creatures.  They don't tell you everything.  You're the one that sets me
free!  If you hadn't come, I couldn't go.  Think about that!*

*Oh God!  The power!*

*And by the way.....*

*I like your dress.*


The Slayer shuddered, the memories rushing back to her.  She was
here--in the Hellmouth--again.  Facing a Master...hearing those words
replay in her head.  It made her sick to her stomach.  She wanted to
run, far away, so she didnÆt have to face this---so she didnÆt have to
deal with this problem.

ôWhat do you mean by that?ö  Buffy asked, fighting her fear.

ôAngelÆs true love is the same as his true nature.  Angel lives for
death, destruction, suffering, pain, killing.  He wants to bring hell
upon the world and itÆs inhabitants.  AngelÆs true love isnÆt a measly
human, itÆs evil.  ItÆs everything that is the exact opposite of
righteous and good.  ItÆs the exact opposite of you.  And who better to
help him achieve that than Darla?ö  Spike asked, his voice raw and
emotionless.  ôAngel may love you.  But Angelus doesnÆt.ö

BuffyÆs head spun with dizziness as she grasped the wall for support.  <
DonÆt let him do this to you.  Keep your head clear > Buffy commanded
herself.  She glared at Spike and Darla, her eyes full of anger.

A sinister smile formed on DarlaÆs red lips as she sauntered over to
Buffy.  ôEat you heart out, bitch,ö she hissed.  ôYour precious
boyfriend is gone.  ItÆs only a matter of time before he kills you.ö
Her laugh rang out through the hollow cavern.  ôIÆve been waiting for
this moment for a long time.ö

ôAnd IÆve been waiting for this,ö Buffy growled, and gave Darla a
roundhouse kick to the face.  She stumbled back and pulled out a knife.
Darla swung with the knife, but Buffy ducked the swing and and gave her
a kick to the head, knocking the vampire to the ground.  She scrambled
to her feet, holding the knife up and ready.

ôWhatÆs with you and weapons?ö  Buffy asked, dodging DarlaÆs swings.

Darla swung with the knife, and Buffy caught it.  The vampire pulled her
around and slamed her into the wall, pushing the knife into her chest.
Buffy pushed the blade up and away from her.  Darla pulled down on it,
flipping Buffy over onto her back.  She bared down on her, and Buffy
kicked DarlaÆs feet out from under her, causing her to fall on her face.

They both scrambled to their feet.  Buffy kicked the knife out of her
hand.  Darla tried two kicks, which Buffy easily blocked.  She belted
out a right hook to DarlaÆs face, hitting her right in the nose.  She
winced in pain, and hit Buffy in the stomach, and kicked her hard in the
face.  Buffy backed away from her and pulled out a stake from the small
of her back without Darla noticing.  The vampire lunged at Buffy, but
she did a quick flip over her head and landed behind her.  Buffy grabbed
Darla around the neck and held the stake at her heart.

ôSay buh-bye,ö she snarled, and plunged the stake in her heart.

Darla screamed as she turned into a pile of dust.  ôOne down,
one......disappeared,ö she said, turning to SpikeÆs vacant seat.  Buffy
frowned, wondering where he went.  ôOh well.ö  Buffy was about to leave
when she came across to vampires who blocked her exit.  ôNot now,ö she
grumbled, and with two quick moves she staked them both.  Buffy looked
behind her and noticed a large curtain.  She walked over to it and
looked behind it.  A large opening lead to another passageway.

ôBingo,ö Buffy said, and walked down the small corridor to another cave.


THANX:  Thanks to everyone who has been patient with me thru "Hope".
Sorry it has taken me so long to write and sorry it has been such a long
story!  Don't worry, I'm almost done writing it!


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From: "Leslie S." <[e-mail]>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: FORMATTING GUIDELINES
Date: 31 Mar 1998 20:40:11 PST

I am sure that I as well as most of the list subscribers ignores the
re-issuance of the list rules on its regular basis.  But I wanted to
point out that #7 is really important!!!

7.  When posting stories to the list, please follow the following
formatting guidelines
--No story parts longer than 250 lines
--No lines longer than 75 characters [this one especially!!!]
--Turn off your "smart quotes"-- many readers receive these as garbage
or weird symbols

It is very hard to read a story with irregular line breaks, so much so
that often times I will not finish a story.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a moment to check your format when sending
stories to the list.

Thank you!  I'm getting off my soap box now!

Leslie

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Subject: BUFFYFIC: unsubscribe buffyfic-digest
Date: 31 Mar 1998 23:45:00 EST

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From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Buffyfic:Capeside: the Hellmouth (2/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 20:58:32 -0800

Name: Capeside: the Hellmouth #2 Loving and Losing
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Uses in anything: Ask me first.
Spoiler: Not really, considering that this is a crossover story.  May
have references to past episodes up to killed by Death.
Description: A crossover with Buffy and Dawson's Creek, is a series, and
not really a multi-part story, although each story usually connects to
another.  Specific story is hard to explain so you must read.
Disclaimer: The Buffy characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  The Dawson's Creek
character's portrayed in this are the property of its creater Kevin
Williamson, and its owners.  In other words, these characters do not
belong to me, and I am just borrowing them.
Warning:  Not really anything violent, I don't think.  To anyone that
doesn't like DC, maybe you shouldn't read it, but please give it a try.
**************
Capeside: The Hellmouth #2
Loving and Losing
By: Taygeta

    Pacey walked through the room, back and forth and back and forth,
his brain was going a million times a minute.  He was going to kill
himself if the rest of his immortal life was going to require so much
trouble.  At first, all he had to do was worry about getting rid of
Dawson's curse.  He silently swore at Willow the Witch for using the
Gypsy testaments to restore Dawson's soul.  He had begun a death list
ever since that incident and Willow was on the top of that very list and
a close second was his latest enemy, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer!
    Cordelia blew on her long finger nails, trying to dry the black
nail polish on them, and then yawned as she glanced over at a pacing
Pacey and said, "Really, Pacey, you're giving me a headache.  Can't you
just stay in one place?"
    "How can you be so calm?  This girl is amazing, she must be the
one!" said Pacey exasperatingly as he eyed Cordelia with wide eyes.
    "Of course she's the one Pacey, what else could she be?" asked
Cordelia with a sigh as she stood up from her relaxed position and walked
over to Pacey.  "Darling, rest your dear black heart, we can think about
the Slayer girl later."  With that, she gave Pacey a kiss, but before
Pacey could return her affection, Grant Bodean walked in.
    "Pacey, Cordelia, oh, I mean Master and Mistress," said Grant
walking in rapidly and so eagerly that Pacey and Cordelia wanted to gag.
    "Yes, Grant, what is it?" asked Pacey, giving Cordelia's pale
hand a kiss, as he gave Grant an annoyed and bored look, "And it better
be important!"
    "Well, it is, it is!" said Grant eagerly, "I think we've found a
cure for the new vampire!"
    "You mean Dawson?" asked Pacey brushing Cordelia's hand aside
quickly, much to her dislike.  "Well, what happened?"
    "We were able to reverse the spell, Master," said Grant as a huge
grin formed on his face.
    "At least, something's going right in the Hellmouth!" said Pacey
with a loud sigh and continued, "Bring Dawson in."
    "Yes, Master," said Grant with a smile as he rushed to the back
room of their hangout, an abandoned train station.
    "Pacey, darling, when are you going to get rid of that - ugh!  -
Grant?" asked Cordelia with a whining voice.
    "As soon as his services can be deemed unnecessary," said Pacey,
rubbing his temples at the whining tone of his beloved.
    "Pacey, you wanted to see me?" asked Dawson walking in with a
laugh, as blood dripped from his fangs.
    "I wanted to see you, yeah, but for Devil's sake, man, clean
yourself up!" said Pacey throwing Dawson a handkerchief he wore in his
lapel.
    Dawson wiped his chin clean and said, "Well, what do you want?"
    "I want you to go on a hunt with me, tonight," said Pacey with a
slight smile, "I want to be sure that I can trust you."
    "Of course you can trust me, Pacey," said Dawson with a grin,
sitting down beside him.
    "Hello, Dawson," said Cordelia with a sweet smile as she lay a
kiss on his left cheek and Dawson kissed her ha
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nd, much to Pacey's
dislike.
    "Enough groping!" said Pacey, angrily pulling Cordelia's hand
away from Dawson's lips, "Dawson, my man, glad to have you back."
    Dawson nodded and when he was out of lackey Grant's sight, he
glanced at the bodies that he had been feeding on and felt sick and
guilty.  He didn't know how they could live this way, he didn't know why
anyone would want to live this way, and it was just plain wrong and evil.
 Then he remembered they were wrong and they were evil, and he was one of
them.  He dreaded tonight, it meant killing and hurting innocent people
and he didn't want to be apart of it.  He didn't want to be the enemy,
and he wished that they had just killed him right then and there, so that
he wouldn't have suffered so much pain.  He was going to escape before
things took a decidedly bad turn.
    When nightfall approached, Dawson got ready to leave and hoped
that no one would miss him until it was too late.  He had only one place
to go, his parents, who had been killed by Pacey and Cordelia, had left
him the house in their will.  He claimed it the night before, when he
successfully freed himself from one of Grant's "Good-bye soul"
inventions.  He sneaked out of the abandoned warehouse that was the
Vampire's Hangout, he ran on, and didn't look back for a second.
    As he approached his house, he saw a lone figure sleeping on the
porch swing in front, and as he walked closer he realized who it was.  He
smiled softly, knelt down beside the sleeping figure, and touched her
cheek gently, lifting a wisp of brown hair from her face.  He felt her
jump and he backed away, and hid behind a nearby wall.
    Joey's hand fell upon her cheek; the cold but tender touch still
lingered on her skin.  She shook off her initial apprehension and glanced
around, realizing where she was.  She hadn't meant to fall asleep,
especially not at the old Leery house, but she had always felt safe
there, even though he was gone.  Not a minute went by in the day that
Joey did not think of Dawson and not a minute went by after thinking of
him that did she not recall her regret.  Joey regretted not telling him
how she felt and had always felt, and she hoped that he had known her
heart when his soul died that night.
    Dawson winced as he saw her walk away, and the farther she walked
away, the more pain his heartfelt.  As he opened the door to his house,
he looked back to see the figure walking farther and farther.  He wanted
so much to love her and so much to know she cared, or at least, had
cared, but that was too much to ask.  As the screen door squeaked to
close behind him, he shook his head thinking that no one could love a
vampire.
    Dawson, however, came to this conclusion without the knowledge of
Buffy's past.  A past that consisted of a forbidden love between vampire
and slayer and a love that lingered on every time she saw the Angel that
was not hers and had never been hers, an Angel that was Jen's.  Buffy's
mind consisted of Angel the next morning, as she leaned against a metal
locker after Angel had dropped off her, Jen, Joey, and Xander at the high
school.  Although it was already after school, Buffy still had him on her
mind.  His manners, his expressions, his face, and even his laugh was
exactly the same as the good Angel of her past, the Angel she had almost
forgotten after she had lost him.
    "Earth to Buffy?  Alternate Universe to Buffy?" said Xander
jokingly, as he waved a hand in front of a space cadet Buffy and she
snapped out of her thoughts.
    "Uh, yeah?" asked Buffy with wide eyes as she glanced at Xander
who stood beside her.
    "Where did you go, to our old universe and back again?" asked
Xander with a laugh, and Buffy smiled slightly thinking how true it was.
    "Something like that, yeah," said Buffy and she realized that she
still had to put her books in her open locker.
    "So, how do you like, Capeside?" asked Xander as he and Buffy
took route to the library, which looked exactly as it did in Sunnydale.
    "Capeside's proving to be decidedly lame," said Buffy with a
sigh.
    "Aside from the fact that it's a Hellmouth and
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we have a heck of
a lot of vampires running the streets at night, you've got a good point,"
agreed Xander, who had yet to see anything "fun" in Capeside.
    "Well, Jen and Joey must know some place to go when we don't have
to go on a hunt," said Buffy with a shrug, hoping that everyday was not
going to be a slayer day.
    "If they're boring people, too, we can always ask Angel,"
suggested Xander, "Unless he's boring, too."
"Uh, yeah, Angel," said Buffy with a trying smile, and something in her
tone made Xander look at her for a moment.
    He hesitated in saying anything, but he had to know and so he
asked her, "Y-you don't have a thing for this new Angel, do you?"
    "W-what?  You're kidding, right?  I mean, a thing?  N-no way, of
course not," rambled Buffy, and despite her denials, she couldn't even
look at Xander and her eyes kept to the floor.
    They continued to walk towards the library, and the awkward
silence continued to grow stronger between them.  Xander knew that
despite all of Buffy's efforts to mask her feelings, she was still in
love - in love with a nonexistent Angel that she, now, saw in what was
only a familiar form.  He painfully began to realize that it was her
blind love of Angel that she could never love him, a friend that would
always be by her side, a friend that existed and loved her to no end.
    As Xander and Buffy had their tribulations, Jen and Angel were
having theirs.  Jen had asked Angel to pick her up after school and to
take her to the beach where they could talk.  Angel had a feeling that
this "talk" was not going to be a happy one, but he did as she asked.
Now, they were walking hand-in-hand along the beach, and both were silent
not wanting the moment to ever end.
    "Um, so how's living arrangements with Xander and Giles?" asked
Jen, awkwardly, trying to fill time with meaningless conversation.
    "Oh, it's alright," said Angel, but silently he wondered what he
had been getting into when he had agreed to that, "What about Buffy at
your house?"
    "Grandma's going a little crazy having such a long-term guest in
the house, but I think she likes Buffy," said Jen with a sigh.
    Xander and Giles were staying at Angel's house for the time
being, and living arrangements were just a little too crammed.  Angel
couldn't help but think about how he had suddenly became Xander's brother
through a few strokes of a keyboard on Willow's part, but he brushed
those worries out of his mind.  As he looked at Jen, he wondered what it
was that made her need to talk to him.
    "Speaking of my Grandma," said Jen with a somber expression,
"Well, s-she says that I can't see you anymore, Angel.  She thinks you're
too old for me."
    "B-but Jen -" Angel began to argue, but Jen pressed her index
finger to his lips before he could talk.
"I love you, Angel, but right now, I can't see you," said Jen with a
wistful smile, "I want to stop things before they get way out of hand,
but we can still go out once in awhile, when it seems okay.  When
tensions between me and my grandmother calm down, maybe we can start
seeing each other, but not now."
    "I understand, Jen, but I'm going to miss you," said Angel and he
kissed her gently on the cheek, and said, "That isn't good-bye, that's
just until we can see each other again."
    They lingered for a few moments and finally Angel let go of her
hand and walked slowly away.  A thousand thoughts, a million memories of
the girl he had to walk away from, but he was determined that it wouldn't
be for long.  He loved Jen and nothing was going to change that, he just
hoped that nothing was going to change her feelings for him.
    Everyone was having his or her loves and losses in romance, it
seemed, and Giles was no exception when Buffy and Xander walked into the
door.  Just as soon as he was about to talk to them, someone came into
the door.  He recognized her instantly and would have recognized her even
if she had been a mile away.  Her black hair and her dark eyes, her tall
form and her grace, all these aspects came rushing into his mind, and he
heard his heart beating tenfold.
    "Excuse me, you must be the
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new librarian, Giles," she said as
she walked towards him with a smile, "Well, I know this is a strange
favor, but I used to know the former librarian.  Well, Niles and I were
dating when he died and I wanted to have something of his."
    "Uh, what is this strange favor?" asked Giles nervously, and he
was quite away at the widening eyes of Buffy and Xander despite their
silent conflict.
    "Niles kept a journal at school and he keeps it in a locked
drawer in his desk, I was wondering if you could give it to me?" she
asked with a questioning smile.
    "Uh, y-yes, I-I think that would be alright, um, Ms..  Uh - "
Giles said, making sure that her name was still the same as it had been
before.
    "Ms. Calendar, but you can call me Jenny," said Ms. Calendar who
extending her hand and shook hands with Giles.
    "Yes, Jenny, um, let me go get it," said Giles who quickly walked
out of the room to his office.
    Ms. Calendar found a seat at the same table that Buffy and Xander
were sitting at, and all was silent, until two students walked in.  They
were two very familiar students that made Buffy's and Xander's mouths
drop, they were none other than Druscilla and Spike.
    "Hello, Dru, Spike," said Ms. Calendar greeting them as they
walked in, and Buffy and Xander would have said something if they hadn't
been so dumbfounded in their life.  "What can I help you with?"
    Druscilla was still as pale and spooky looking as ever, but her
hair was pulled into a high ponytail and she wore - a cheerleader's
outfit.  Spike, it seemed, had returned to his normal and possibly better
strength because he was sporting a Capeside High football jersey.
    "We need books on the American Civil War," replied Druscilla,
whose voice had lost its entire accent.
    "Books on the Civil War are -" answered Giles, but when he looked
at who the request was from his mouth fell open and he gained enough
composure to explain," Um, they're on the last shelf to the right."
    "Is that the journal?" asked Ms. Calendar glancing at the
black-bound book that he had in his hand.
    "Yes, yes, it is," said Giles and he handed it to her.
    "Thank you, thank you very much.  I'll see you around sometime,"
she replied before she left.
    "It's three-thirty, already?" asked Buffy standing up and
grabbing her backpack.  "Sorry, Giles, I promised Joey I'd help her out
at the restaurant at four and it'll take me that long to get there."
    "Quite alright, we'll talk tomorrow morning," said Giles
absently.
    "Then, that means I can go, too," said Xander and he and Buffy
reached the library doors at the same time, both wanted to go the
opposite directions.
    "See ya, Buffy," said Xander with quick raise of his hand and he
walked away.
    Buffy walked swiftly out of the school, feeling a little guilty
that she had just lied to Giles.  She hadn't promised Joey that she was
going to help her at four, but Buffy felt that she needed a little time
alone.  She knew that her comments were plaguing Xander very much.  He
had been distant and aloof, ever since she had lamely tried to deny that
she didn't love Angel, the new Angel.  Xander had lately become more than
a pal, he was the only one her age that knew who she had been before and
he was the only one to understand her, and she hoped that he hadn't been
hurt by her false denials.
    She walked out and decided to take a stroll along the sands of
the beautiful beaches of Capeside, one of the many things that Sunnydale
had lacked.  In the distance, on the pier, she saw Angel, in his familiar
black jacket, and even from faraway he looked sad.  Buffy decided she
should see what was wrong and walked along the creaking boards of the
pier towards Angel.
    "Hey," she said to him, trying unsuccessfully to sound cheerful.
    "Hi," said Angel with a sigh and a small smile as she sat down
beside him.
    "What's up?" asked Buffy eyeing his depressed expression.
"Oh, nothing much, except that Jen just broke up with me," said Angel in
a nonchalant tone that made Buffy confused.
    "I thought that you and Jen were doing great," said Buffy as a
salty wind blew her blonde hair into her face.

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    "We were and are, it's just that her grandmother doesn't approve
of me, and I respect that.  I mean, I wouldn't want to make anything
harder for Jen, or anything like that, I love her, after all," said Angel
seriously, and Buffy smiled despite his confession of love for Jen
because she knew he meant it.
    Buffy had to admit, for awhile, she had been confused with the
Angel of her past and the different Angel that sat beside her now.  Her
love for the past Angel never died, but it never began with the Angel by
her.  This Angel was different, his heart was destined for Jen and his
friendship was destined for her, and nothing else.
"It'll be alright, Angel, and before you know it, Jen will be yours
again," said Buffy with a smile as he glanced at her and she gave him a
friendly hug.  "Hang in their tough guy, Jen will always be yours."
    "I hope you're right, Buffy," said Angel with a nod, and then he
gave her a sly smile.  "What about you and Xander, hmm?"
    Buffy paused and laughed softly and said, "What about me and
Xander?"  Angel ceased to ask anything at all, and they sat there,
watching the sunset.  Yet, Buffy couldn't help but think about Angel's
question, what about her and Xander?
    In the distance, Xander looked on at Buffy and Angel.  He saw how
close-knit they were, he knew that Angel and Jen had broken up.  It's
just a matter of time now, thought Xander to himself.  As the sun fell
down and the beasts of the night began to stir, he walked away.
***********
End of #2

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From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Chronicles of the White Knight (3/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 20:53:03 -0800

Name: The Chronicles of the White Knight #3 Understanding Willow
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Uses in anything: Ask me first.
Spoiler: Not really, just a little bit of reference to the Willow and Oz
relationship.  Might have mentioned a past episode.
Description: Basically Xander's thoughts about Willow and Oz
Disclaimer: The Buffy characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.
Warning: Not really, I guess a PG.
****************
Chronicles of the White Knight
#3 Understanding Willow
By: Taygeta

    Buffy took a sip of soda from a can of diet coke as she sat at a
table near the window that overlooked the promenade.  She glanced across
the promenade and spotted what Willow called Oz's cool hair.  The shade
of orange-red could be seen for quite a distance, and Buffy smiled and
thought silently that it was cute how Willow and he were always hold
hands.  She glanced over at Xander, who was sitting at the same table,
and found that he was looking at the very same couple.  Her scrutinizing
eyes peered at Xander's expression, and she silent counted to herself, 5,
4, 3, 2, 1...

    "Doesn't that just make you sick?" responded Xander waving his
hand at the couple in a disgusted gesture.

    "Come on, Xander, they've been together for weeks!" said Buffy
with a sigh, "It's not like your opinion counts in their relationship, so
get over it!"

    "How can I if they keep rubbing their relationship in my face.  I
mean, every time I see them together it's all this touchy-feely stuff!"
insisted Xander and Buffy rolled her eyes and put her soda can down,
making a soft sound as the aluminum hit the table.

    "Right, Xander," said Buffy with an air of sarcasm, "And how do
you justify you and Cordy's touch-feely stuff?  Which I might add, is
about ten time worse than what Oz and Willow do."

    "Hey, I resent that comment, Buffy because Cordy and I - " Xander
paused a moment to contemplate, and feeling that Buffy's eyes were still
on him, he chuckled nervously and glanced at her, "Never mind."

    "Yeah...that's what I thought," said Buffy with a smile, despite
the fact that her acceptance of Cordelia had yet to begin.

    Xander didn't reply to Buffy's comment as he continued to stare
at Oz and Willow.  Xander contemplated that Willow looked happy, but he
didn't believe she was because she was with Oz.  What was Xander's
opinion of Oz?  Oz was just an orange-headed villain out to hurt his best
friend.  Once he reached to the thought of Willow being his best friend,
he paused, unsure if that was what Willow was, nowadays.  They were
friends, Xander knew that for sure, but if they were BEST friends, was a
whole other matter in its entirety.

    Things had been distant between them for quite awhile, Xander
realized.  Even before Cordelia and Oz had even entered the picture as
romantic counterparts, their relationship had been readily changed.  Did
Buffy have anything to do with it, thought Xander for a moment and then
he sighed realizing that she had, but not profoundly.  Whatever had cause
them to separate happened, and everything, well, it just made it worst
than it had been before.

    He wanted very much to understand Willow.  He would give anything
to understand her, and try to make things back to the way it had been
Yet, he knew that that way was gone and to return to it was impossible.
He couldn't believe how much Willow had changed to become a Willow that
he couldn't even understand.  Still, had he ever understood her to begin
with?  It still shocked him to think that Willow had been in love with
him, and he didn't think he'd ever get use to the idea, and now with Oz,
he wouldn't have to.    Oz, thought Xander, what a crazy guy, what
does she see in him?  Truthfully, he didn't really know what he had
against Oz.  The weird part was that if Oz was just one of the gang and
had no romantic connection to Willow at all, he knew he woul
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d be friends
with him.  But the point was he wasn't just one of the gang, he was
Willow's...boyfriend.  Sure, Oz being a werewolf didn't make Xander like
him any more, but for some odd reason, it didn't make Xander like him,
any less.  It just gave him more to complain about, more that made some
reasonable sense anyway.  He supposed a lot of his resentment came form
his thoughts that Oz made his friendship with Willow even more strained,
even though deep down, he knew that that wasn't true.  Oz was only a
factor because he was making him a factor, and although Willow was chummy
with Cordelia, now, Xander knew that Willow was making her a factor, too.
 It was as if they were divided sides trying not to be separated, but
their efforts just made them even more so.

      He thought again about Willow's face and finally realized that
she was happy...with Oz.  It didn't matter whether he liked it or not, it
wasn't his choice to make, as Buffy had told him once.  He stepped away
from his heart because Buffy was in love with Angel, but Oz and Willow
were different, he wouldn't have to step away.  All he had to do was be
happy because Willow was, and maybe in doing that, he could finally start
treating Willow for what she had always been, and what he had always
taken for granted, a true friend.  Then, maybe, just maybe, he could
start understanding Willow.

*************
End of #3

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

From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: DisscussionBUFFYFIC:Capeside: the Hellmouth (2/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 21:16:46 -0800

Sorry if it looked kind of weird, my e-mail was doing some pretty weird
things, but I'll send another, so disavow that version of "Capeside: the
Hellmouth Loving and Losing".  The new one is marked with Stars above the
title.  Thank you.

Taygeta 8~) ([e-mail])
Writer of "The Chronicles of the White Knight"
Writer of "Capeside: the Hellmouth"
Writer of "Beyond the Creek"
"Xander's lips met hers, softly and gently, and all Buffy could think
about was that this was wow and a whole lot more."  - from "Chronicles of
the White Knight #5 In the Hands of Astarte

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From: [e-mail] (Charity C Tran)
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Capeside: the Hellmouth (2/?)
Date: 31 Mar 1998 21:16:31 -0800

****************************
Name: Capeside: the Hellmouth #2 Loving and Losing
Author: Taygeta
Address: [e-mail]
Feedback: Please send
Uses in anything: Ask me first.
Spoiler: Not really, considering that this is a crossover story.  May
have references to past episodes up to killed by Death.
Description: A crossover with Buffy and Dawson's Creek, is a series, and
not really a multi-part story, although each story usually connects to
another.  Specific story is hard to explain so you must read.
Disclaimer: The Buffy characters portrayed in this story and any other
references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the property of its creater
Joss Whedon, and its owners Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions,
Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox.  The Dawson's Creek
character's portrayed in this are the property of its creater Kevin
Williamson, and its owners.  In other words, these characters do not
belong to me, and I am just borrowing them.
Warning:  Not really anything violent, I don't think.  To anyone that
doesn't like DC, maybe you shouldn't read it, but please give it a try
*******************
Capeside: The Hellmouth #2
Loving and Losing
By: Taygeta

    Pacey walked through the room, back and forth and back and forth,
his brain was going a million times a minute.  He was going to kill
himself if the rest of his immortal life was going to require so much
trouble.  At first, all he had to do was worry about getting rid of
Dawson's curse.  He silently swore at Willow the Witch for using the
Gypsy testaments to restore Dawson's soul.  He had begun a death list
ever since that incident and Willow was on the top of that very list and
a close second was his latest enemy, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer!
    Cordelia blew on her long finger nails, trying to dry the black
nail polish on them, and then yawned as she glanced over at a pacing
Pacey and said, "Really, Pacey, you're giving me a headache.  Can't you
just stay in one place?"
    "How can you be so calm?  This girl is amazing, she must be the
one!" said Pacey exasperatingly as he eyed Cordelia with wide eyes.
    "Of course she's the one Pacey, what else could she be?" asked
Cordelia with a sigh as she stood up from her relaxed position and walked
over to Pacey.  "Darling, rest your dear black heart, we can think about
the Slayer girl later."  With that, she gave Pacey a kiss, but before
Pacey could return her affection, Grant Bodean walked in.
    "Pacey, Cordelia, oh, I mean Master and Mistress," said Grant
walking in rapidly and so eagerly that Pacey and Cordelia wanted to gag.
    "Yes, Grant, what is it?" asked Pacey, giving Cordelia's pale
hand a kiss, as he gave Grant an annoyed and bored look, "And it better
be important!"
    "Well, it is, it is!" said Grant eagerly, "I think we've found a
cure for the new vampire!"
    "You mean Dawson?" asked Pacey brushing Cordelia's hand aside
quickly, much to her dislike.  "Well, what happened?"
    "We were able to reverse the spell, Master," said Grant as a huge
grin formed on his face.
    "At least, something's going right in the Hellmouth!" said Pacey
with a loud sigh and continued, "Bring Dawson in."
    "Yes, Master," said Grant with a smile as he rushed to the back
room of their hangout, an abandoned train station.
    "Pacey, darling, when are you going to get rid of that - ugh!  -
Grant?" asked Cordelia with a whining voice.
    "As soon as his services can be deemed unnecessary," said Pacey,
rubbing his temples at the whining tone of his beloved.
    "Pacey, you wanted to see me?" asked Dawson walking in with a
laugh, as blood dripped from his fangs.
    "I wanted to see you, yeah, but for Devil's sake, man, clean
yourself up!" said Pacey throwing Dawson a handkerchief he wore in his
lapel.
    Dawson wiped his chin clean and said, "Well, what do you want?"
    "I want you to go on a hunt with me, tonight," said Pacey with a
slight smile, "I want to be sure that I can trust you."
    "Of course you can trust me, Pacey," said Dawson with a grin,
sitting down beside him.
    "Hello, Dawson," said Cordelia with a sweet smile as she lay a
kiss on his left
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 cheek and Dawson kissed her hand, much to Pacey's
dislike.
    "Enough groping!" said Pacey, angrily pulling Cordelia's hand
away from Dawson's lips, "Dawson, my man, glad to have you back."
    Dawson nodded and when he was out of lackey Grant's sight, he
glanced at the bodies that he had been feeding on and felt sick and
guilty.  He didn't know how they could live this way, he didn't know why
anyone would want to live this way, and it was just plain wrong and evil.
 Then he remembered they were wrong and they were evil, and he was one of
them.  He dreaded tonight, it meant killing and hurting innocent people
and he didn't want to be apart of it.  He didn't want to be the enemy,
and he wished that they had just killed him right then and there, so that
he wouldn't have suffered so much pain.  He was going to escape before
things took a decidedly bad turn.
    When nightfall approached, Dawson got ready to leave and hoped
that no one would miss him until it was too late.  He had only one place
to go, his parents, who had been killed by Pacey and Cordelia, had left
him the house in their will.  He claimed it the night before, when he
successfully freed himself from one of Grant's "Good-bye soul"
inventions.  He sneaked out of the abandoned warehouse that was the
Vampire's Hangout, he ran on, and didn't look back for a second.
    As he approached his house, he saw a lone figure sleeping on the
porch swing in front, and as he walked closer he realized who it was.  He
smiled softly, knelt down beside the sleeping figure, and touched her
cheek gently, lifting a wisp of brown hair from her face.  He felt her
jump and he backed away, and hid behind a nearby wall.
    Joey's hand fell upon her cheek; the cold but tender touch still
lingered on her skin.  She shook off her initial apprehension and glanced
around, realizing where she was.  She hadn't meant to fall asleep,
especially not at the old Leery house, but she had always felt safe
there, even though he was gone.  Not a minute went by in the day that
Joey did not think of Dawson and not a minute went by after thinking of
him that did she not recall her regret.  Joey regretted not telling him
how she felt and had always felt, and she hoped that he had known her
heart when his soul died that night.
    Dawson winced as he saw her walk away, and the farther she walked
away, the more pain his heartfelt.  As he opened the door to his house,
he looked back to see the figure walking farther and farther.  He wanted
so much to love her and so much to know she cared, or at least, had
cared, but that was too much to ask.  As the screen door squeaked to
close behind him, he shook his head thinking that no one could love a
vampire.
    Dawson, however, came to this conclusion without the knowledge of
Buffy's past.  A past that consisted of a forbidden love between vampire
and slayer and a love that lingered on every time she saw the Angel that
was not hers and had never been hers, an Angel that was Jen's.  Buffy's
mind consisted of Angel the next morning, as she leaned against a metal
locker after Angel had dropped off her, Jen, Joey, and Xander at the high
school.  Although it was already after school, Buffy still had him on her
mind.  His manners, his expressions, his face, and even his laugh was
exactly the same as the good Angel of her past, the Angel she had almost
forgotten after she had lost him.
    "Earth to Buffy?  Alternate Universe to Buffy?" said Xander
jokingly, as he waved a hand in front of a space cadet Buffy and she
snapped out of her thoughts.
    "Uh, yeah?" asked Buffy with wide eyes as she glanced at Xander
who stood beside her.
    "Where did you go, to our old universe and back again?" asked
Xander with a laugh, and Buffy smiled slightly thinking how true it was.
    "Something like that, yeah," said Buffy and she realized that she
still had to put her books in her open locker.
    "So, how do you like, Capeside?" asked Xander as he and Buffy
took route to the library, which looked exactly as it did in Sunnydale.
    "Capeside's proving to be decidedly lame," said Buffy with a
sigh.
    "Aside from the
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fact that it's a Hellmouth and we have a heck of
a lot of vampires running the streets at night, you've got a good point,"
agreed Xander, who had yet to see anything "fun" in Capeside.
    "Well, Jen and Joey must know some place to go when we don't have
to go on a hunt," said Buffy with a shrug, hoping that everyday was not
going to be a slayer day.
    "If they're boring people, too, we can always ask Angel,"
suggested Xander, "Unless he's boring, too."
    "Uh, yeah, Angel," said Buffy with a trying smile, and something
in her tone made Xander look at her for a moment.
    He hesitated in saying anything, but he had to know and so he
asked her, "Y-you don't have a thing for this new Angel, do you?"
    "W-what?  You're kidding, right?  I mean, a thing?  N-no way, of
course not," rambled Buffy, and despite her denials, she couldn't even
look at Xander and her eyes kept to the floor.
    They continued to walk towards the library, and the awkward
silence continued to grow stronger between them.  Xander knew that
despite all of Buffy's efforts to mask her feelings, she was still in
love - in love with a nonexistent Angel that she, now, saw in what was
only a familiar form.  He painfully began to realize that it was her
blind love of Angel that she could never love him, a friend that would
always be by her side, a friend that existed and loved her to no end.
    As Xander and Buffy had their tribulations, Jen and Angel were
having theirs.  Jen had asked Angel to pick her up after school and to
take her to the beach where they could talk.  Angel had a feeling that
this "talk" was not going to be a happy one, but he did as she asked.
Now, they were walking hand-in-hand along the beach, and both were silent
not wanting the moment to ever end.
    "Um, so how's living arrangements with Xander and Giles?" asked
Jen, awkwardly, trying to fill time with meaningless conversation.
    "Oh, it's alright," said Angel, but silently he wondered what he
had been getting into when he had agreed to that, "What about Buffy at
your house?"
    "Grandma's going a little crazy having such a long-term guest in
the house, but I think she likes Buffy," said Jen with a sigh.
    Xander and Giles were staying at Angel's house for the time
being, and living arrangements were just a little too crammed.  Angel
couldn't help but think about how he had suddenly became Xander's brother
through a few strokes of a keyboard on Willow's part, but he brushed
those worries out of his mind.  As he looked at Jen, he wondered what it
was that made her need to talk to him.
    "Speaking of my Grandma," said Jen with a somber expression,
"Well, s-she says that I can't see you anymore, Angel.  She thinks you're
too old for me."
    "B-but Jen -" Angel began to argue, but Jen pressed her index
finger to his lips before he could talk.
    "I love you, Angel, but right now, I can't see you," said Jen
with a wistful smile, "I want to stop things before they get way out of
hand, but we can still go out once in awhile, when it seems okay.  When
tensions between me and my grandmother calm down, maybe we can start
seeing each other, but not now."
    "I understand, Jen, but I'm going to miss you," said Angel and he
kissed her gently on the cheek, and said, "That isn't good-bye, that's
just until we can see each other again."
    They lingered for a few moments and finally Angel let go of her
hand and walked slowly away.  A thousand thoughts, a million memories of
the girl he had to walk away from, but he was determined that it wouldn't
be for long.  He loved Jen and nothing was going to change that, he just
hoped that nothing was going to change her feelings for him.
    Everyone was having his or her loves and losses in romance, it
seemed, and Giles was no exception when Buffy and Xander walked into the
door.  Just as soon as he was about to talk to them, someone came into
the door.  He recognized her instantly and would have recognized her even
if she had been a mile away.  Her black hair and her dark eyes, her tall
form and her grace, all these aspects came rushing into his mind, and he
heard his heart beating tenfo
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ld.
    "Excuse me, you must be the new librarian, Giles," she said as
she walked towards him with a smile, "Well, I know this is a strange
favor, but I used to know the former librarian.  Well, Niles and I were
dating when he died and I wanted to have something of his."
    "Uh, what is this strange favor?" asked Giles nervously, and he
was quite away at the widening eyes of Buffy and Xander despite their
silent conflict.
    "Niles kept a journal at school and he keeps it in a locked
drawer in his desk, I was wondering if you could give it to me?" she
asked with a questioning smile.
    "Uh, y-yes, I-I think that would be alright, um, Ms..  Uh - "
Giles said, making sure that her name was still the same as it had been
before.
    "Ms. Calendar, but you can call me Jenny," said Ms. Calendar who
extending her hand and shook hands with Giles.
    "Yes, Jenny, um, let me go get it," said Giles who quickly walked
out of the room to his office.
    Ms. Calendar found a seat at the same table that Buffy and Xander
were sitting at, and all was silent, until two students walked in.  They
were two very familiar students that made Buffy's and Xander's mouths
drop, they were none other than Druscilla and Spike.
    "Hello, Dru, Spike," said Ms. Calendar greeting them as they
walked in, and Buffy and Xander would have said something if they hadn't
been so dumbfounded in their life.  "What can I help you with?"
    Druscilla was still as pale and spooky looking as ever, but her
hair was pulled into a high ponytail and she wore - a cheerleader's
outfit.  Spike, it seemed, had returned to his normal and possibly better
strength because he was sporting a Capeside High football jersey.
    "We need books on the American Civil War," replied Druscilla,
whose voice had lost its entire accent.
    "Books on the Civil War are -" answered Giles, but when he looked
at who the request was from his mouth fell open and he gained enough
composure to explain," Um, they're on the last shelf to the right."
    "Is that the journal?" asked Ms. Calendar glancing at the
black-bound book that he had in his hand.
    "Yes, yes, it is," said Giles and he handed it to her.
    "Thank you, thank you very much.  I'll see you around sometime,"
she replied before she left.
    "It's three-thirty, already?" asked Buffy standing up and
grabbing her backpack.  "Sorry, Giles, I promised Joey I'd help her out
at the restaurant at four and it'll take me that long to get there."
    "Quite alright, we'll talk tomorrow morning," said Giles
absently.
    "Then, that means I can go, too," said Xander and he and Buffy
reached the library doors at the same time, both wanted to go the
opposite directions.
    "See ya, Buffy," said Xander with quick raise of his hand and he
walked away.
    Buffy walked swiftly out of the school, feeling a little guilty
that she had just lied to Giles.  She hadn't promised Joey that she was
going to help her at four, but Buffy felt that she needed a little time
alone.  She knew that her comments were plaguing Xander very much.  He
had been distant and aloof, ever since she had lamely tried to deny that
she didn't love Angel, the new Angel.  Xander had lately become more than
a pal, he was the only one her age that knew who she had been before and
he was the only one to understand her, and she hoped that he hadn't been
hurt by her false denials.
    She walked out and decided to take a stroll along the sands of
the beautiful beaches of Capeside, one of the many things that Sunnydale
had lacked.  In the distance, on the pier, she saw Angel, in his familiar
black jacket, and even from faraway he looked sad.  Buffy decided she
should see what was wrong and walked along the creaking boards of the
pier towards Angel.
    "Hey," she said to him, trying unsuccessfully to sound cheerful.
    "Hi," said Angel with a sigh and a small smile as she sat down
beside him.
    "What's up?" asked Buffy eyeing his depressed expression.
    "Oh, nothing much, except that Jen just broke up with me," said
Angel in a nonchalant tone that made Buffy confused.
    "I thought that you and Jen were doing great," said Buffy as a
salty wind bl
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ew her blonde hair into her face.
    "We were and are, it's just that her grandmother doesn't approve
of me, and I respect that.  I mean, I wouldn't want to make anything
harder for Jen, or anything like that, I love her, after all," said Angel
seriously, and Buffy smiled despite his confession of love for Jen
because she knew he meant it.
    Buffy had to admit, for awhile, she had been confused with the
Angel of her past and the different Angel that sat beside her now.  Her
love for the past Angel never died, but it never began with the Angel by
her.  This Angel was different, his heart was destined for Jen and his
friendship was destined for her, and nothing else.
    "It'll be alright, Angel, and before you know it, Jen will be
yours again," said Buffy with a smile as he glanced at her and she gave
him a friendly hug.  "Hang in their tough guy, Jen will always be yours."
    "I hope you're right, Buffy," said Angel with a nod, and then he
gave her a sly smile.  "What about you and Xander, hmm?"
    Buffy paused and laughed softly and said, "What about me and
Xander?"  Angel ceased to ask anything at all, and they sat there,
watching the sunset.  Yet, Buffy couldn't help but think about Angel's
question, what about her and Xander?
    In the distance, Xander looked on at Buffy and Angel.  He saw how
close-knit they were, he knew that Angel and Jen had broken up.  It's
just a matter of time now, thought Xander to himself.  As the sun fell
down and the beasts of the night began to stir, he walked away.

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