A shadow rushed out at him from the dark. Swinging his briefcase with his right hand, he used it as a weapon against his attacker. It found impact against the creature's face, and he fell to the ground. Using the few second's grace he'd won himself, Giles raised the stake in his hand, and impaled the creature.
Not even waiting to see it turn into dust, he started running. There was at least one more out there. He didn't see the obstacle in front of him. He tripped, then tried to roll into the fall. The sound of snapping bones told him his maneuver wasn't successful. His leg was broken.
Forcing the pain from his mind, he listened for the sound of his second attacker. Lying prone, he hoped to deceive the vampire into believing he was unconscious. It was his only chance.
The creature ran toward the still man. His job would be simple now. His master would be proud of him. He knelt by the figure, and prepared to sink his fangs into the warm artery running through his victim's neck.
Giles moved quickly, swinging his arm back. Luck, more than accuracy, ensured the strike was on target. Vampire dust fell on him. But his luck had run out. He could hear a third creature nearing. Well, he'd been prepared for this eventuality. Bending down, he pulled the stiletto from the strap around his ankle. He didn't have much time. Using, his last remaining strength, he aimed the point to his heart and started to plunge it in.........
Joyce Summers breathed a sigh of relief as she started the engine to her four-wheel drive. She hadn't wanted to work at the gallery so late, but she'd had to finish her catalogue. Now, all she had to do was get home in one piece before Buffy found out. Now that she knew the truth about vampires, she was on a night curfew. It was almost amusing if it hadn't been so scary. The child putting the parent on a curfew.
Five minutes later, Joyce cursed as the car sputtered and came to a halt. Grabbing her bag from the back, she started to look for her cell phone. A noise made her stop. It sounded close, but she couldn't see anything out the windows.
Becoming extremely nervous, she dumped the contents of her bag onto the passenger seat. A thump on her roof told her how much trouble she was in. Muttering a childhood prayer, she picked up the phone and started dialing Giles' number. The sound of smashing glass was her only warning. She screamed her daughter's name as a hand grabbed her shoulder and started pulling her through the window..................
Buffy Summers walked toward her home after a fruitless patrol. She didn't like it when she couldn't find even one vampire to kill. It didn't seem right. She'd have to check with Giles. See what he thought of it. Maybe there was some sort of new prophecy around he hadn't told her about.
She turned into her drive, relieved to see her mother's vehicle parked there. Now that Joyce knew about the really bad guys, she tended to worry about her more than before. Buffy crossed the lawn toward the front door. Something out of the corner of her eye made her stop and turn toward the vehicle again. She could just barely make out some shapes in the front of the car.
Slipping a stake into her hand, she made her way cautiously forward. They didn't move. A terrible premonition came over her. She moved to the front driver's door, noticing the broken window. Bracing herself, she yanked on the handle and pulled.
The two people stared straight ahead as if going for a drive. They even had their seatbelts on. From her position, Buffy could see the bite-marks on her mother's neck. A cold numbness spread over her as she automatically checked for any signs of life, knowing she wouldn't find any. She then reached across the body to check on her watcher. He too was dead. She noticed something shining in the moonlight. Moving his jacket aside, she saw the stiletto sticking out of his chest. There were also bite-marks on his neck. Which had been the killer?
She stepped back, then moved toward the house. She had to make some calls. She wondered when the pain would come. And the rage. Somebody had thought to destroy the slayer by killing those closest to her. Well, they would learn how wrong they'd been. Now she had another reason to kill vamps. Vengeance....
Chapter Two
The following morning, Willow and Xander walked into the silent library. They both half-expected to see Giles coming from his office, or looking up from a book he was researching. The emptiness of the place renewed their feelings of loss and desolation.
After Buffy’s phone call, Xander had rushed over to Willow’s, and held her as they grieved for their Watcher and friend, as well as the woman who’d become a surrogate mother to them all in the past year. There were tears too, for Buffy. She’d had to overcome so much, and now to lose her mother and Watcher on the same night.
A sound from the office caused them both to turn with unreasonable hope. Could Buffy have been wrong? Neither could help the disappointment that poured through them at the sight of the slayer exiting the room.
Willow moved toward her friend, enveloping her in a hug. Buffy hesitated a moment before returning the embrace. “Buffy, I’m so sorry.”
Xander stepped up to the pair, gently rubbing Buffy’s back. “Hey Buff.”
Buffy stepped back, then looked at them both. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wish you’d come to me last night.”
“I couldn’t Will. I..” she paused, trying to retain control. “I needed to be on my own.”
“Where did you go?” Xander knew she wouldn’t have stayed at her own place.
“Here.” She took a deep breath. They had things to do. And not much time in which to do it. “Willow. I need you to check the medical examiner’s records.” “Why?”
“I need to know how Giles died.” They both understood her meaning. Willow moved toward the computer, praying that they were wrong.
Willow looked up at her expectant friends, not knowing how to tell them what she’d found out. “There were two wounds. Bite marks on the neck, and a knife in his chest.”
Buffy wondered what her friend wasn’t telling her. “We already know that.”
“Buffy, they think the knife wound was self-inflicted.” Buffy lowered her head.
Xander felt the rage flow through him. “What!? That’s a lie! Giles would never...”
“He did.”
“What?”
Buffy looked up at Xander. “I saw it once when we were training. It was strapped to his ankle. He said that if a time came when he knew he wouldn’t survive, he’d make sure they never had the chance to turn him. He did it for me Xander.” She turned toward Willow as Xander moved away deflated. “The question is, was he successful?”
“I don’t know. They can’t decide what killed him. The report does say there wasn’t much blood on his chest. But, they can’t say for sure.”
Buffy sighed. “Then we assume he wasn’t.”
Willow and Xander looked at each other, a silent message signaling between them. Willow rose and moved toward Giles’ office. She exited a few moments later with a square box in her hands. She handed it to Buffy.
Buffy looked at the box in confusion, before lifting the lid. She looked at the contents in shock then returned her gaze to Willow. “He hunted another one down. After what happened with Angel, he thought it might be handy to have a spare.” Willow couldn’t resist the small smile at the memory.
Buffy moved away, her back to her friends. Xander hated to be the one to remind her, but he didn’t want to get her hopes up too high. “It’s only good for one casting Buffy.”
“I know.” She lifted the orb from it’s box, raising it until it prismed in the sunlight. “I....know.”
Chapter Three
The creature opened it’s eyes to the darkness. A rage and hunger burnt through it, as consciousness awoke. Lifting it’s hands, it started clawing at it’s wooden prison, feeling the material splinter as it gave way. Dirt started filling into the box as the creature broke more of the wood, then started digging up through the ground. The hunger was stronger now, consuming it with need. But still the rage was there, filling it with power. Strength.
At last, it’s efforts were rewarded, as it felt it’s fingers break through the soil. Moving quickly now, it widened the hole, until it was able escape into the fresh air. It turned, sensing both danger and food.
The girl stood watching the creature, a sense of devastation surrounding her. An inner sense warned the demon that this was danger. It’s mortal enemy. But still, the pull of hunger, the smell of fresh blood was stronger. It attacked.
The fight didn’t last long. The demon was only young after all. But the girl didn’t seem to give her all, and almost let the creature come too close a few times. Finally, she flicked the vampire onto the ground, raising a stake high. Conscious thought and memories belonging to a past life flooded into the creature as it looked into the tear-streaked face of it’s nemesis. “Buffy?”
“I love you Mom.” Buffy wept as the dust of her mother’s ashes settled on the ground around her. She turned at a sound behind her, sadness at facing the second new vampire to rise that night. Taking a walkey-talkie from her belt, she spoke only two words. “Start it.”
Chapter Four
Rupert Giles gasped, feeling as though he'd been punched in the stomach. A few things reached his consciousness at the same time. It was dark, he was laying on the ground, and his leg hurt like hell. He looked up to find his slayer in defensive mode. "Buffy? Wha - what's happening?"
Buffy relaxed, then spoke into the walkey-talkie. "Bring the van up."
Giles looked around him, noticing the two fresh graves. "Vampires? Were we fighting them? It's strange, but I can't seem to remember how we got here."
Buffy moved toward him as the sound of an approaching vehicle could be heard. "It's alright Giles. I'll explain later, but first we have to get you out of here."
"But..."
"Please Giles. Later. Right now, we have to get away from here. There might be .. more vampires around." The van pulled up, Xander jumping out of the side door. A look Giles couldn't decipher passed between he and Buffy, then the two of them helped him stand. All he knew that he was tired and in pain. He gave himself up to his slayer, trusting in her instincts as they bundled him into the van.
The vampire entered the room, fear and trepidation weighing on him. His master was not going to like what he had to say.
"Well? Where are our new recruits?"
"I-I couldn't find them."
"What?!"
"I went to the graves, but they were empty. They'd already risen. I looked for them, but...." He shrugged.
"Did you see the slayer?"
"No, but.." He hesitated. "There was some dust on the ground. Near one of the graves."
The leader hissed. Had his plans failed? "You got there too late. You were to lead them to me." He reached out, grabbing his minion by the throat. The attending throng turned away as the vampire's screams echoed around the room.
Chapter Five
Willow paced nervously around the apartment. After she'd cast the curse, Xander and Oz had left her behind. She supposed they didn't want her to see Giles get staked if it didn't work. For Buffy's sake, she hoped it did. But part of her also knew that Giles wouldn't have wanted this. If it worked, she hoped he'd understand.
She turned toward the door at the sound of a key in the lock. Oz entered, followed by Xander and Buffy supporting an obviously injured Giles. His confusion was very evident. "I don't understand. Why did we come here?" "It's safe." Buffy's frustration and fear was evident in her voice.
"Safe from what?" He stumbled as they helped him over to the bed. "I feel so tired. And hungry. Very hungry."
The others looked toward Buffy. She sighed then moved toward the refrigerator. The moment of truth had come. She returned with a packet in her hand, holding it out to Giles.
He looked down at the packet, an objection forming on his lips. The smell of the blood drew him, and he fought an overwhelming temptation to take the offering. Realization finally dawned. He shook his head in disbelief. "No! What have you done?!"
"You were attacked the other night. They turned you." Her voice sounded so matter-of-fact. Unemotional. "Here. Take it. You'll need it."
He turned his head away in shame and anger. "How could you? Knowing what we know, how could you?"
Buffy dropped the blood on the bed, her quiet "I'm sorry" her only words as she ran out of the door.
"Buffy!" Willow chased after her friend, frightened for her.
Xander turned toward the Watcher. "Giles. You weren't the only one they got to."
Giles looked at the younger man, then turned toward Oz. There was only one person missing. "Dear Lord no." He tried to rise out of the bed, weakness and pain hampering him. Succumbing, he grabbed the bag, biting it open in his need. He didn't need to see the expressions of the other two to know he'd morphed. He paused. "Please give me the decency of having to do this in private." They turned as he fed on his first meal.
Giles woke to a darkened room. It was hard to tell what time it was. But he supposed it didn't matter any more. In the future, all he needed to know was when the sun rose, and when it set. He felt the bitterness wash over him again. And the rage. He wondered if that was the influence of the demon.
A sixth sense made him turn his head. He wasn't alone. He felt her, before seeing her outline near the door. "Buffy?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Not so tired. The pain has eased. I suppose the recuperative abilities have kicked in. I think my leg is mending." She still hadn't moved. "Buffy. Come here please? I'm still not well enough to chase after you."
She moved slowly toward the bed, guilt and pain dragging her steps. She wouldn't be surprised if he hated her now. What had she done to him? When she reached the bedhead, she lifted her hand to his extended one.
His next movement was so sudden, it surprised her. He pulled hard, causing her to topple on top of him. Not giving her a chance to resist, he enveloped her in a hug, immobilizing her. "I'm so sorry."
At his whispered words, she finally broke down, weeping for her loss, and his. He held her silently for several minutes, allowing her to mourn. She finally spoke, her words almost incoherent. "I-I couldn't do it. I had to choose. I...."
"Shh. I know. It's alright. I understand. You were right. Your m - Joyce wouldn't have accepted any other option. We'll work it out somehow."
Buffy lifted her head, starting only a little at his vampiric features. She lifted her hand, gently tracing the ridges and bumps. "What have I done to you?"
Giles turned his head in shame.
"Don't. Please?"
He turned back to her, his face slowly regaining it's human form. "I can't control it."
"You will." She gently touched his broken leg. "How long do you think it'll take to mend?"
He shifted, testing it. "A few more days. Until then, I'm virtually helpless. I'm afraid you'll have to continue to feed me."
She nodded. "Then we go after them." It wasn't a question.
He allowed his features to change as the rage flew through him. "Oh yes."
Chapter Six
Willow looked up from her book. Giles still seemed to be sleeping. They were all doing duty, keeping an eye on him. She was halfway through her shift.
Xander hadn't wanted her to stay on her own. It had taken a lot of persuasion, and a reminder who they were talking about before he'd agreed. She knew Giles had heard the argument. She could only guess at how hurt he was. He hadn't said a word though. Just lain down, and gone back to sleep. He seemed to be sleeping a lot lately. And feeding. She didn't want to think about that. Giles drinking blood.
She didn't want to think about any of it. Buffy's mother. What Buffy had to do. And what they'd done to Giles. And how much he'd changed. She sighed. Well, it was done. They couldn't go back.
Returning back to the book, she allowed herself to get lost in the journals of some long-dead watcher. A noise broke her reverie. She looked up to see a restless Giles. Obviously still asleep, he seemed to be in the throes of a nightmare. Swallowing she rose and moved toward him, intending to wake him. Only he stopped when she came near the bed. She moved forward to replace the blankets he'd tossed off himself.
A hand shot out, squeezing her wrist in a painful vise. Startled, she looked up. The vampire's feral growl was deafened by her terrified scream.
Buffy turned the key in the lock, juggling the parcels in her arms. She opened the door, surprised to find the room empty. Placing her parcels on the floor, she moved nearer the bed. She sighed in relief to find Giles still there. But where was Willow?
She turned toward the kitchenette, grabbing the container of blood packets on the way. As she placed them on the bench, she heard the bathroom door opening. She turned to greet her best friend. "I wondered where you were."
"I-I was in there." Willow hesitated. "Buffy? Have you noticed how Giles has changed?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he's harsher. And - unfeeling. And he doesn't wear pajamas!"
"What happened Will?"
"Nothing!" Seeing the look on Buffy's face, Willow's resolve crumbled. "He was dreaming. I went to wake him up, but he stopped, so I decided to cover him and...and.." She unconsciously rubbed her wrist.
Seeing Willow's actions, Buffy grabbed her hand, examining it. A yellow bruise was forming a waistband around the delicate flesh. "Did Giles do this?"
"H-he didn't mean to. But I startled him. And - and he jumped at me. But he' d changed and..."
Buffy sighed. "He wouldn't have been properly awake. He would never hurt you. And...Wait. You saw him naked?"
Willow blushed. "Well, I didn't see much. I was too scared. He apologized afterwards, but, well I kinda freaked. I've been mainly hiding in the bathroom."
Buffy winced. If Willow reacted this way, how were the others feeling? "Of course he's changed. Did you expect him to stay our same fuzzy Giles after being killed? And, the demon is fighting him too. He's gotta be harsher Will."
"I think you should call Angel." Seeing the Slayer about to object she rushed ahead. "Who else would understand what he's going through. Perhaps he could help him, or...something."
"Yeah, right. 'Giles, we know you're not evil, but here's the person you think evil personified to help you out'. I'm sure that'd help him a lot."
"She's right." They both turned towards the bed. "Perhaps he can help. Lord kno....." He stopped, realizing the inanity of the phrase. "I can't seem to do it on my own."
"It's not dark yet. I can't get in touch with him."
Willow moved toward the door. "I'll call Cordelia." She paused, not quite looking at Giles. "I'll see you guys later." She tried to control the tears until she' d left the apartment.
Chapter Seven
They looked at each other as the door closed behind Willow. When it was obvious Giles wasn't going to speak, Buffy turned back to the counter, removing one of the packets.
"Where did you get the supplies?"
"It's delivery day at the hospital, remember." She opened the packet, then reached for an empty wine glass. She found he dealt better with drinking out of a glass.
"You stole it?"
"Nope. Some vamps did. I just 'liberated' it." She turned toward the bed, hoping for a smile at her quip. She was disappointed.
He took the glass from her, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "Thank you." They both looked at each other, a battle of wills silently being carried out. He still refused to feed in front of anybody. She wanted him to trust her. As usual, he won. Sighing in frustration, she turned and went back to the kitchen, putting away the rest of the blood.
Giles drained the cup in one swallow. What probably terrified him the most was how much he'd come to crave this moment. To relish it. That reminded him of how evil he'd become. The personification of all that he'd fought against most of his adult life.
He looked at Buffy. She'd finished putting away the supplies, and now waited silently for his signal to turn around. After the incident with Willow, he decided it was time to face some issues. "Why do you take turns stopping here? Frightened I'll walk into the sunrise?"
She turned to face him. "For one thing, you're not going anywhere yet. Your leg's not mended, remember. For another, you won't do anything until....after. After that, well, we'll see."
He acknowledged her comments. Right now, there was no danger of him killing himself. Later? Well, he wasn't sure himself. It depended on Buffy. He looked at her properly for the first time, since his 'death'. There were dark circles under her eyes, and she carried a weariness around her that worried him. "When do you sleep? You spend most of your time here, then you patrol, or pack up my things. When do you rest Buffy? And where?"
She shrugged. "I rest. When I need to. Usually in your office at the library." She moved towards the remaining parcels on the floor. "Speaking of your things." She lifted a book, taking it to him. "This the one you wanted?"
Instead of taking the book from his outstretched hand, he grabbed her wrist, noting how thin she'd already become in the past few days. "Why don't you sleep here?" He saw her hesitation. "Unless you don't think you can trust me?"
She was quick to deny his accusation. "No, it's not that. Willow said you're not wearing any pajamas."
At last. A smile. A small one, but his lips definitely lifted. "Xander brought some. I'll put them on, just for you."
"Okay. Back in a few." When she came out of the shower several minutes later, Buffy found that he'd not only changed, but moved to the edge of the bed. She crawled between him and the wall, got under the covers, and promptly fell asleep.
Chapter Eight
Several hours later, Giles looked up at the sound of a key in the lock. He wasn't completely surprised to see Angel walking through the door.
The vampire saw the other man in his bed, the girl he loved draped across him. In his anger, he morphed. "Guess she's got this thing about vamps."
Giles felt his own features change. He moved Buffy away from himself. "At least her taste is improving."
Hearing the Englishman's voice coming from the face of a vampire deflated Angel's rage. He felt only sadness. The same he'd felt when Cordelia had told him what happened. "I'm sorry."
"I don't want your pity! I don't even want your help. But it seems I have no choice."
"You can't control the demon?"
"It's hungry for more than packet food."
Angel nodded in understanding. He'd had to fight the same cravings for all his souled existence. "It takes time. Fortunately, the demon is new. And weak. You'll master it." He moved toward the only available seat in the room.
Giles felt at a distinct disadvantage. He couldn't defend himself very well if attacked. And that made him angry. "Before or after I kill somebody?"
Angel didn't even bother to answer. Instead, he looked toward the sleeping Slayer. "How is she?"
"Not good. I don't suppose having to slay your mother is exactly a bowl of cherries. Then, having to choose between her and me."
"She chose you."
Giles looked at him in surprise. "No. She chose her mother."
Buffy woke slowly. She looked toward the other side of the bed. Only to find it empty. Panic hit her. "Giles?" The room was empty. "Giles!?"
The bathroom door opened. Only the wrong vampire appeared. "Hey."
"Where's Giles?" She couldn't help the accusatory tone. She was frightened.
Disappointment clouded Angel's face. "Having a shower. We've been testing his leg."
She sighed in relief. "How is it?"
"He may have a permanent limp. But, it's healed quite nicely. He should be ready tonight." She nodded, and he turned to return to the bathroom.
"Angel." He looked back at her. Something other than anger ran fleetingly across her face. "Thank you for coming." This time he nodded before returning to the bathroom.
Tonight. She had to prepare.
Chapter Nine
Willow winced as she knocked her wrist against the desk. She'd forgotten about the bruise. Hopefully, none of the others saw her.
"Willow? What's wrong?" Darn. Why did Xander have to be so observant. Kind of ironic really. Not long ago she would have wanted him to be 'so observant'.
"Nothing. I just banged my wrist, that's all." She checked, making sure her jumper still covered the bruise.
Xander could tell when Willow was lying. So could Oz. They started a joint attack, moving toward her. "How'd you bang it."
"Why didn't you tell me baby? I would have kissed it better."
She felt hemmed in. She hated it when they did their macho thing. "I-I did it last night. When I got into bed. I just knocked it on...." Xander grabbed her wrist, pulling the jumper back. "Ow."
"Since when does a bed leave finger marks!" He eased his grip, but showed the bruise to Oz. It was obvious that somebody had grabbed her wrist. Hard.
"Who did this baby?" She lowered her head, muttering. "Who?"
"Giles." She saw the anger on their faces. "But he didn't mean to. He was sleeping, and I kind of snuck up on him, and he woke up and...." she thought better than to mention his state of undress. "...and he morphed, and grabbed my wrist. But, then when he realized it was me..."
"He vamped on you?!" Xander felt the rage wash through him. Nobody, not even Giles, was gonna hurt his Willow. Whether she was his Willow or not. "And when were you gonna tell us this tidbit of news?"
She blushed. "I-I didn't think it was necessary.."
"You were going to lie to us." Oz didn't hide the hurt in his voice. "Why Willow?"
"Not lie. I just....I just didn't want you guys getting all macho and going after Giles. He felt really bad afterwards. And Buffy said he wouldn't have hurt me."
Xander interrupted her. "Wait a minute. Buffy knew? And what did she do about it."
"Well." Oh well. Time to break the good news. "She agreed with Giles and me that we should send for Angel."
"Angel?! So now we have two psychotic vamps with souls around the place?"
"Angel can help Giles. If Giles doesn't kill him first. But, he can help him to control the de-mon. Oh-oh."
"He can't control the demon? That's it! I don't want you anywhere near him!"
"You can't tell me what to do, Xander Harris!"
"Maybe not. But I can. And I agree with Xander. Until we know it's safe, I want you to stay away from Giles."
"That won't be a problem."
"Buffy!"
Xander decided to take his anger out on the next available target. "Hey Buff. Who's minding your homicidal watcher? Your homicidal boyfriend?"
"Xander!" Willow tried to stop the fight she could see coming.
"Actually, when I left them, they were both training." Buffy moved toward the cage. "We're all going out tonight."
"You're going after them?" She didn't even answer. Xander felt a shiver of fear down his spine. "I'm going with you."
"Me too." They all looked at Willow. "I'm not completely hopeless you know."
Buffy stared at her friends. "This isn't like before. I don't want you guys involved."
"Too late. We already are. We became involved when they took down Giles and your Mom."
"I want to help too."
"Oz. It's a full moon tonight."
"So? You can chain me at the entrance. I can stop any of them leaving."
Buffy sighed. She couldn't fight them all. "I'll ask Giles. Meanwhile, I could do with some help in getting these weapons over to the apartment."
Chapter Ten
"No!"
"Giles..."
"No! I don't want them there!"
"It isn't your choice." Xander moved closer to the Watcher and slayer. "We've never run from a battle yet. And we won't this time."
Giles laughed. "But that's just it, you see. This won't be a battle. It'll be a slaughter."
Xander flinched. He heard Willow gasp behind him. "We're still in."
"No you aren't!" Why wouldn't they understand. He couldn't have them there. He couldn't let them see him like that.
"You think you're the only one that wants revenge? You and Buffy weren't the only losers that night. It could have been one of my folks, or Xander's, or Oz's. It could have been one of us. And, we lost our friend and Watcher that night too. So don't tell us we can't be there tonight! We have as much right as the two of you. We've earned it!"
Giles looked at Willow. Saw the pain and rage there. He then looked at the other two properly for the first time. They had all seemed to age overnight. He'd been so busy wallowing in his own self-pity, he hadn't thought of what this was doing to them. Some of the rage eating at him ebbed. "Willow. I'm only trying to....."
"Protect us. I know. Well, it's too late for that. We know about the monsters in the night. We've met the boogie man, Giles. We aren't children any more."
He turned away. "I realize this. There's a difference this time. I'm the monster. The boogie man. And I don't want any of you to see that. I don't want you to be any more afraid of me than you already are."
They dropped their heads in guilt. He was right. They were afraid of him. Willow looked down at her wrist. She raised her eyes, to see Buffy staring at her. She nodded, then moved toward Giles. She touched his shoulder, then pulled him to face her. She raised her hand, touching his cheek lightly. "I was afraid of you. I'm still a little nervous. But, you're still Giles. And you could never hurt any of us. I just needed reminding of that, that's all."
"Yeah. Ditto. Just don't expect me to go rubbing your cheek." They smiled at Xander's comment. The slayerettes relaxed. They'd won. They would all be out on the hunt tonight.
Chapter Eleven
The silence of the deserted streets was broken by the sound of a heel on the bitumen road. Buffy moved slowly, keeping the crossbow at the ready. Nothing moved. She hoped they'd found the right place.
A noise to her left caused her to swing around. It was the diversion they were waiting for. She was quickly surrounded by a dozen vampires. Two of them gripped her arms while a third snatched the crossbow from her hands. She felt the terror wash over her as they laughed at her. She flinched, waiting for them to start feeding on her.
"Bring her in. He's waiting for her." The lead vampire looked at her. "We've been following you for a while. Don't know what the fuss is about. You're not that tough." They all turned, following their leader into an abandoned church.
"......and the Lord said 'I am the light and the resurrection', and the Master....." The voice echoed in the cavernous meeting place. What was once a place of worship was just a sad building in a state of disrepair. The stained-glass windows, once the pride of the congregation the only remaining monument to it's past prosperity. Now, among the pews sat not the worshippers of God, but the evil incarnate. In the pulpit stood not the minister of hope, but the creator of despair and destruction. He stopped as he saw his minions returning. "Well. It seems we have an unexpected guest. Welcome." He stepped down, moving toward the terrified slayer. "We are always happy to have others join our happy little group." His face morphed, he bent toward her neck. She couldn't prevent the whimper that escaped. "But you will be a most appreciated addition."
The sound of a closing door stopped him from finishing what he started. Nobody should be behind him. He turned, anger turning to surprise, then pleasure. "Well, it seemed my plan was not a complete failure. We have been looking for you."
Giles moved further into the room, the force of the evil beating down on him, calling his own demon to respond. "I had to hide. I was injured." He indicated his leg, as he halted a few feet from Buffy and the congregation. He looked at her, then allowed his features to morph. An inner sense caused him to turn to his left. A smaller vampire seemed to stand separate from the rest. It was ugly and dirty, and he knew it was his sire.
"I know. Disappointing. We all hope that our sire is going to be someone memorable. If it comforts you, I turned it, so I too am your sire." The vampire's gaze swept between the Slayer and Watcher, a smile forming as an idea came to fruition. "Well, you must be hungry. And look, a meal just for you."
"No!" Buffy found herself pushed toward Giles. Her hands came hard against his chest, as his arms encircled her. "Please no." None of the vampires noticed as her hands delved under his jacket.
The leader smiled victoriously. "Well? What are you waiting for? You must be starved."
Giles bent toward her exposed neck, baring his teeth. He paused. "Normally, I would be. But, I fed before we left home."
Chapter Twelve
The vampire showed a moments confusion before Buffy spun out of Giles' arms, a stake in each hand. Her first one hit true, the leader's dust falling to the floor as she spun to attack her next victim.
A sword spun through the air, reflecting the light from the candles spread through the room. It landed near Giles' feet. He made a mental note to compliment Xander on his aim before retrieving his weapon of choice and attacking the vampires on Buffy's flank. His blade cleaved the first one, it's dust a veil between he and his next target.
One of the congregation circled the slayer, intending to attack her from behind. It didn't have a chance. As it neared it's target, a bolt passed through it's heart. Willow reloaded as Xander felled his first victim. Their position at the upper balcony ensured they had an unrestricted view. There was just one place that was hidden. And that was being covered.
Some of the vampires realized they might not survive. They decided to turn tail and run. They never made it to the front doors. Angel dispatched two of them. The werewolf chained to the doors took care of two others. It tore into them, ripping them in half in it's frenzy.
Giles reached his sire, looking in disgust as it cowered before him. "Hello Daddy. You took something from me. I want it back."
"I c-can't bring you back to life."
"Oh, I know that. But there is something you can give me." He grabbed the vampire by the scruff of it's neck, then pierced it's flesh with his fangs. He drank of the warm fluid, accepting the bitterness as it filled his veins. He let the body go when the blood was drained. As it fell to the floor, he decapitated the head, before rejoining the fray.
One of the terrified congregation sprinted past the slayer and watcher, leaping for the windows, hoping to escape that way. It made it as far as the glass before a burning sensation covered it's body. It screamed. A flash and the smell of smoke were the only remains of the body. The vampires stopped in shock.
Giles grinned evilly. "Didn't I tell you? The cute redhead is a witch. Anybody else want to try?"
They looked up at Willow. Her innocent features contrasted starkly with the deadly weapon she held in her hands. "Please try. For me?" One more tempted fate, running straight at the glass. Within seconds it too, was disintegrated. "See Giles. Told you it was good for 99."
"Years?"
"Burnings."
He laughed as he, Buffy and Angel herded the survivors together. He could hear Oz howling in the background. Probably wanting some more 'toys' to play with. He knew Angel had been feeding too. The blood on his lips was testament to that. He looked at his prisoners and sighed. What a sorry lot they were.
"Which one of you killed my mother?" The vampires shifted uncomfortably, whispering among each other. "And don't give me that crap about them already being dead. Which one of you was it?" She lifted her stake.
Giles intervened. "We aren't interested in the rest of you. Give us the one who turned her mother, and we'll be done."
They looked toward each other, before their gazes slowly shifted to one of their own. The vampire felt the fear trickle through him. "No. Please. I - I was only following orders. Please." Angel grabbed him, pulling him toward Buffy, before forcing him on his knees. "Please."
Buffy hesitated. This would be murder. Nothing less. She'd always killed them in self-defense or combat before. Then she remembered what he'd done. Taking Giles' sword, she ran it through his neck.
Xander dropped a duffel bag onto the lower level. Giles moved to retrieve it. One of the remaining vampires decided to act as spokesperson. "We can go now right. You said you only wanted him. You promised."
Giles extracted a crossbow and bolts, before passing the bag onto Buffy and Angel, who retrieved their own weapons. He sighed. "The trouble with demons is you can't believe a word they tell you. I lied." Five bolts instantaneously left their catapults. The vampires screamed as they met their deaths.
Chapter Thirteen
Giles returned the tranquilizer gun to the duffel bag. Buffy passed him some of the weapons. Angel and Xander cleared away some of the vampire remains before Willow came down to them. They didn't want her to witness the results of her boyfriend's handiwork. The silence was punctuated only by the heavy breathing of a now sleeping Oz.
Willow moved down the steps. Exhaustion showed plainly on her face. "It's done. The two of you should be able to leave now."
Giles nodded in acknowledgment. He looked toward Angel. "Can you return Oz to the library? And make sure the others get home safely?" At the other vampire's agreement he hefted the weapons bag on his shoulder. "We'll meet you back at the library." He and Buffy exited without another word.
They jogged through the streets, keeping an eye out for any stray vamps. Breathless, Buffy rested against a building. She closed her eyes, trying to slow her heartrate. She sensed, rather than heard Giles shift. Before she could react, his body was pressed into hers, pinning her in place. His mouth covered hers, grinding into her lips. She tasted blood as his tongue ravaged her. He rubbed his aroused body against her. Shock held her immobile.
Suddenly afraid, she started to struggle. Shifting her arms between them, she shoved against his stomach. They battled silently, each trying to retain control. She shifted her legs, getting ready to bring her knee into his groin. Giving one last shove, she pushed him away from her.
Giles staggered back, his vampiric features showing in stark relief against the street light. She wiped her hand across her mouth, removing the traces of blood. Fear turned to rage. "What the hell was that about?!"
He looked at her, struggling to reign in his feelings. Finally, he regained control. "Sorry. It seems that all of my passions are running out of control tonight."
She relaxed. The danger was over. "Well next time, take your 'passions' out on someone else. What if it had been Willow?" She smiled. "Though Willow probably wouldn't have been in danger." A flush covered his cheeks. "Willow? Giles!"
He smiled. "I know you only saw me as an old man. But I'm only......I was only human. I couldn't help but notice three attractive young women running around my library half-naked."
"Three? Cordy too? Have you no taste?" She couldn't believe they were bantering about it.
"Well, yes. I didn't include Faith in the list." He now wore a full mega-charged grin. "And I don't believe I would have 'attacked' Cordelia tonight." He bent to retrieve the duffel bag. "Shall we continue on?"
She pushed away from the wall. "As long as it's safe to turn my back. You're not gonna try jump me again, are you?"
"Oh no. You're quite safe." She nodded and walked away. "For now." She shook her head. Vampires. You never know when they're joking.
Chapter Fourteen
Angel shifted his burden as he turned to nudge the library doors open. A sixth sense caused him to pause, then turn slowly until he faced the room.
She stood with her back to him, packing some books into a box. Her blonde hair was tied up into a knot, showing the classic lines of her neck. He preferred it down. Her shoulders were slumped, as if the full weight of the world bore down upon them. In all the time he'd known her, he'd never seen her so defeated. Not even when he was her enemy. Considering all she'd gone through in the past days, he supposed it was understandable.
His gaze shifted, looking for any other occupants in the library. They were alone. He moved toward the cage, intending to dispose of his extra 'baggage' and talk to Buffy before they were disturbed.
"Did you get Xander and Willow home all right?"
He hesitated. "You knew I was there?"
She looked at him and smiled. "You were quiet. But Oz snores." Her smile faded as she noticed the condition of the sleeping werewolf. "He's got blood on his fur."
Angel moved on. "We cleaned it off as much as we could. Hopefully, it'll disappear when he changes back." He dropped Oz gently into the cage, then shut and locked the door, before turning back to Buffy. "Where's Giles?"
"Gone to check something out." She shrugged. "That's all he'd tell me."
He looked away in embarrassment as he broached his next question. "So, what are the sleeping arrangements?"
She looked at him curiously. "Well, now you're back, we'll move out of your apartment. I'll sleep here, in Giles' office."
"You don't have to do that."
"It's your bed Angel. I'll be allright here."
"And three can't fit into it comfortably?" He hadn't meant to say that.
"What does that mean?"
"It means that you seem to like that bed. Especially with a vampire to share it." His rage and jealousy built as he remembered seeing her lying beside Giles the previous night.
"You have no right to say that! You know it wasn't like that!"
"Are you saying I don't need to be jealous?" He stepped toward her, wanting her to admit how she really felt. Before she could respond, however, a heavy weight bore down upon him, pushing him to the ground.
"Giles!" Buffy watched in horror as the vampires began to fight. Angel was the older, and more powerful. But Giles held his own, delivering some well aimed punches and kicks. He had more hatred against the other to release. She was frightened they would kill each other. The sound of bone shattering prompted her to move.
Giles felt nothing, saw nothing except the red rage burning within him. This was his enemy. The monster that had taken away everything and everyone dear to him. Had destroyed his life. He couldn't touch him before. Now, he was going to destroy Angel. Retribution.
A different pain began to seep into his consciousness. He paused, looking down at his sleeve. It was wet, and he could smell flesh burning. He screamed as he rolled off Angel. The other vampire was screaming too, as he cradled his hand. They both looked up in anger and resentment at the avenging warrior before them.
Buffy raised her super-soaker, and glared at them both in disdain. "If you two want to kill each other, don't use me as an excuse. I don't want any of it. You asked if you had any reason to be jealous? You don't have any right. Not any more." Angel turned his head in pain. "As for you." Giles backed away from her rage. Good. Let him be afraid. "You're meant to be controlling the demon, not letting it take over. Stop being a sulky boy, and start behaving like the man you once were!" She stormed off, deciding that if they wanted to destroy each other, fine. But she wasn't going to watch them.
Giles glared at Angel. "If you ever go near her in your morphed form again I will kill you."
Angel looked at him in shock. "I'd morphed? I didn't know. I'm sorry. I'd never hurt her."
"You already have. Too many times."
"And you haven't?"
Giles paused. He was right. They'd both caused her pain. Still were. It had to stop.
Chapter Fifteen
Buffy woke to the sounds of movement in the reading room. She threw the blanket off, and sat up before rolling her shoulders. Giles' sofa wasn't as comfortable as it looked. Standing she saw Willow and Xander in the other room. A look out the window showed it to still be dark. She moved to join them.
"Hey."
"What are you guys doing here?"
"It's almost dawn. Oz should be waking up soon. He doesn't like to be on his own."
"You should know better than to walk the streets at night."
Xander shrugged. "We got all of the vampires in Sunnydale's city limits last night. We figured we'd be safe."
"You don't know that Xander."
Willow decided to change the subject. "Where's Giles?"
"He decided to make a bed up in the old sports storeroom. Said nobody goes there any more."
"The sports storeroom? Isn't that under the gymnasium?" Concern showed in Xander's voice.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Cordelia and I used to meet there after cheer-leading practice. Buffy, the storeroom is just below ground level. There's a window near the ceiling." He raised his voice as he finished his sentence to the swinging library doors.
Buffy ran along the empty corridor. It was almost dawn. She had to hurry. Dear God, let her be on time. Sliding around the corner, she saw the gray light of dawn's fingers touching the window. Leaping over a discarded piece of equipment, she raced across the gymnasium as night's shadow pulled it's skirt off the ceiling. Not pausing to catch her breath, she slammed open the storeroom door, before leaping down the steps, and landing at his feet.
He sat in a chair against one wall of the storeroom, facing the window. Sunglasses covered his eyes from her view. He looked down at her before raising a goblet to his lips. Across the other side of the room, sealed off from the window by boxes and blankets, lay a cot.
"Hello." His voice sounded calm. Almost serene.
"What are you doing?"
"Waiting for you."
She stood up, then moved behind him. He turned his gaze to the window as ribbons of pink edged their way into the room. "I thought you might want to watch the sunrise with me." Her hand rested on his shoulder. "After all, it's the last one I'll see in a long time."
Chapter Sixteen
They walked down the corridor quietly. Together, yet apart, not allowing a part of their bodies to touch. Nor would they allow their gazes to fall on each other. As a unit they moved toward the library, joined by the same intent, yet separated by their thoughts and emotions.
Xander pushed the door open, allowing Willow and Oz to enter before him. He kept his head bowed, not wanting to see the expressions on their faces.
Willow stopped just inside the doors. "Giles?" Giles paused in his activities to look at them, before resuming. "What are you doing?" "Packing."
Xander stepped forward. "Yeah, we gathered that. What we want to know is why?"
Angel stepped from the shadows, watching the interplay.
"It's time to move on."
"To where? Where can you go?" Willow moved nearer, not bothering to keep the hurt and concern out of her voice.
"You could always come to L.A. with me."
Giles smirked at Angel. "I think that would be one ensouled demon too many. Even for Los Angeles."
"You can't go. What about us? What about Buffy?"
"I'm going because of you Willow. Look at you. You can't even bear to look at each other."
"How will your going change that." Xander decided he was getting pissed. "You can't take our memories with us."
"No. But without my presence, you won't be continually reminded of what we did."
"You're not to blame." Oz the peacemaker. "We knew what we were letting ourselves in for."
"Did you? Then forgive yourselves, and get on with your lives."
"You can't go. You'll be on your own."
"No he won't."
"Buffy?" Willow turned to her best friend, seeing the bag in her hand. "You're leaving us too?"
"It's time Will. I can't stay here any more. Too many bad memories. Besides, no more vamps to slay."
Xander finally accepted the truth. "Where will you go?"
Giles smiled. "I have a place in mind. I believe it's time Buffy saw some of my country."
"You'll let us know." Giles nodded. If they were needed, they'd be called.
Buffy looked at Willow. Seeing her friends tears brought her own close to falling. "Hey Will. It's time to get your life back." She accepted her friend's hug, knowing it would be a long time before she'd feel those arms around her again.
She looked at her friends. Saying a visual goodbye to each of them. Her gaze strayed on Angel for a moment longer, before settling on Giles. She nodded. It was time for them all to move on.
Epilogue
The stillness of the man was absolute. He stared down at the grave, not even his eyes flickering. The full moon was his only light, but still he read the words. Memorized them, as he had others.
"Rupert?"
He turned to look at the intruder. The years had been good to her. Age and experience had matured her features. Now she was beautiful, not just pretty. But, still there were signs of the innocent young girl he'd known years ago. Her auburn hair was still just below shoulder length, only a few tendrils of gray showing through. Her figure was still trim, although there were more curves and bumps than when they'd last met. There was an agelessness to her. He wondered if it was the affects of continued use of magic. "Hello Willow."
She moved toward him. He hadn't changed. But then, she hadn't expected him to. Vampires don't age, after all. She turned to look at the headstone that had held his attention, a gentle smile on her lips. "When did you get into town?"
"Last night. I slept at the old mansion. One of the few things still the same in Sunnydale." He smiled at her, as they turned and walked from the grave. A bench stood nearby, and they sat on it side by side. "I can't believe how much has changed."
"Thirty years is a long time Rupert. Nothing stays the same."
"The years have treated you well. Have you been happy Willow?"
She heard the concern and love in his voice. How to answer? She'd known joy and love. But death too. Would she change any of it? Well, perhaps one or two things, but not the majority of it. "For the most part. I've been - content too. I am now."
Giles looked back at the grave. "Who would have thought Xander would be the constant one?"
Willow laughed. "I know. He told me the day I moved in with Oz that he would wait for me. Oh, he had girlfriends. But he was always honest with them, and me. He was waiting for me."
"I hope Oz never knew. It's rather morbid."
"He knew. And he said it brought him peace. Knowing that Xander would be there for me." Her smile faded slightly. "I guess he knew that he wouldn't live very long."
"Werewolves never do Willow. But they don't usually get run over by a car."
She smiled again. A sad, gentle smile this time. "At least I had 8 good years with him. And he gave me a beautiful daughter."
"Buffy."
"Yes. Xander laughed when Oz told him. Said that neither our daughter or her namesake would appreciate it. He was right."
He wasn't ready to broach that subject yet. "We'd hoped to be here for the wedding."
"I know. I'm sorry. It took Xander two years to pull down my defenses. I felt so guilty after Oz's death. So, when I finally agreed, he just rushed me off to the nearest Registrar's office. My baby made a beautiful bridesmaid. And she was so happy she could call Xander daddy."
Giles laughed. "I could never imagine Xander as a father."
"He was a good one. To Buffy and our own two. He said he had the greatest example on how to be a good parent. He was talking about you Rupert."
Giles turned his head away in pain. "I wasn't that much of a parent to you all. I abandoned you. The nearest things to children I'd ever have."
"I'm sorry. I forgot vampires can't have children. And you didn't abandon us. You and Buffy made Sunnydale safe for us before you left. After that night, not even the Hellmouth was a big enough attraction for any demons or vampires to face our wrath. And we all knew you had to leave."
"I don't know if Xander ever forgave me. Not only for leaving, but for taking Buffy with me."
"He forgave you. He had a more generous heart than any of us gave him credit for. He never stopped loving you both until the day it stopped."
His hand covered hers. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't have lost them both."
"Xander and I had twenty wonderful years together. How many married couples can say that nowadays?" Time to change the subject. "Did you hear about Angel and Cordelia?"
He sighed. "Yes. She tried to help him one too many times. And he was destroyed trying to save her. Buffy felt his ending."
"Rupert. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I never doubted her love for me. But she and Angel were connected in a way even I could never understand. She wept for him. And grieved. But the intense love she'd once felt for him was over long ago."
Willow hesitated before continuing. "You and she were lovers."
"Yes. Not at first. She didn't see me in a sexual light for quite a few years. Then, we were too afraid to do something about it. One night, we had a close shave. Our emotions got the better of us." He smiled at the memory.
"But you didn't turn?"
"No." He'd woken up the next evening to Buffy sitting beside him, a stake at the ready. It had taken several minutes to assure her his soul was intact. "The only thing we could come up with was that I was never truly evil. I'd never fed off a human being. There was no other reason. I'd certainly found contentment. And love."
"Was it hard? At the end?"
"The disease moved quickly. By the time we realised, it was too late. Buffy insisted on staying home. Her doctors didn't realise it was because it was the only way we could be together day and night. I nursed her as best I could. Mercifully it was quick. I don't think she felt much pain."
"You weren't tempted to turn her?"
"I wouldn't wish that on my own worst enemy!" He growled the words in disgust.
"After she died, why didn't you destroy yourself?"
"That would have made her gift to me worthless. And would have sullied our time together. As you said of your time with Xander, how many people can boast twenty five wonderful years with the person they love?"
The two sat quietly, remembering those they'd loved and lost. Giles was the first to stir. "Shall we?"
"Yes." They moved back toward the grave. Willow lifted a container out of her bag, opening it's lid. "I don't know who sent me the ashes. Either Whistler or Spike. I was too surprised and grateful to find out."
Giles opened his own container. Together they poured the contents over the grave. Buffy and Angel's dust joined before settling on the dirt covering the mortal remains of Xander Harris. "There my love. Now you can truly rest in peace."
They turned away, neither saying a word until they reached the road. A car stood waiting for them. Willow turned toward him. "Come home."
He looked at her in surprise. "Your children."
"Want to meet their Uncle Giles. Xander told them all about you. They have your room ready. Not even a pinhole of sunlight."
Giles felt humble. And, he felt love, for the man he never had the chance to say good-bye to, for his children, and for the woman beside him. If he went home with her, they would eventually become lovers. They had shared too much not to turn to each other at this time. Was he ready for that? And to return to the place of his nightmares? And his memories?
Giles hesitated a moment longer, then nodded. Willow stretched up, kissing him lightly on the lips. She clasped his hand, pulling him toward the car. It was time to take him home.