home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
ftp.xmission.com
/
2014.06.ftp.xmission.com.tar
/
ftp.xmission.com
/
pub
/
lists
/
buffyfic
/
archive
/
v02.n086
< prev
next >
Wrap
Internet Message Format
|
1998-03-31
|
45KB
From: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com (Buffyfic-digest)
To: buffyfic-digest@lists.xmission.com
Subject: Buffyfic-digest V2 #86
Reply-To: buffyfic@xmission.com
Sender: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com
Errors-To: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com
Precedence: bulk
Buffyfic-digest Tuesday, March 31 1998 Volume 02 : Number 086
In this issue:
BUFFYFIC: Hope (36/?)
BUFFYFIC: Hope (37/?)
BUFFYFIC: Hope (38/?)
BUFFYFIC: Hope mistake
BUFFYFIC: Hope (39/?)
BUFFYFIC: Hope (40/?)
See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the buffyfic
or buffyfic-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:31:24 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (36/?)
Title: Hope
Author: Sara B. Sara114@hotmail.com
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.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:38:30 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (37/?)
Title: Hope
Author: Sara B. Sara114@hotmail.com
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*
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:44:28 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (38/?)
Title: Hope
Author: Sara B. Sara114@hotmail.com
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.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:47:14 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope mistake
Oops! I accidentally sent part 39 right after 38 without putting it on
a seperate post! Sorry!
Sara B.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 17:48:44 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (39/?)
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.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 18:15:35 PST
From: "Sara Barton" <sara114@hotmail.com>
Subject: BUFFYFIC: Hope (40/?)
T: Hope
A: Sara B. Sara114@hotmail.com
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!
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
- -
------------------------------
End of Buffyfic-digest V2 #86
*****************************
To subscribe to buffyfic or buffyfic-digest, send the command
subscribe buffyfic-digest
or
subscribe buffyfic
to majordomo@xmission.com. You will need to go through a
confirmation process, and the listowners have to manually
approve your subscription request, so it may take some time.
Back issues of this digest can be found at:
ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/lists/buffyfic/archive/
Dalton Spence has also provided an index of the buffyfic archive at:
http://www.hwcn.org/~ag775/BUFFYFIC.HTM
For help, contact Jill Kirby (jtkirby@mcs.com) or sah (romana@mindspring.com)