Destiny - Chapters 13 & 14
Nov. 2nd, 2003 01:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
psubratAuthor: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Buffy and William stand their ground while Willow and Tara head to London...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Ramifications"
The deep purple sky was streaked with hues of yellow and red as the last traces of daylight disappeared rapidly behind the trees in the forest. The Master paced back and forth deep within the cave, waiting for the sun to completely diminish. He could feel the Last Judgment coming ever closer. Two of his best minions sat quietly on the dirt floor, awaiting his bidding. Tonight he would have them seek out those who had imprisoned him. Tonight they would pay for their betrayal. He had plans; plans that would set into motion the Drawing of the Twelve. He sensed that half of them had already arrived in Sunnydale but one had left, disappeared from his inner line of sight. Despite knowing that one had gone, he still had confidence that she would return to her place of destiny soon enough.
He sat down on the makeshift throne that his minions had built for him and closed his eyes. He imagined what the world would be like when the Last Judgment arrived...the darkness, the chaos, the burning and the pain. Yes, the pain, especially the pain. In his mind’s eye he saw himself defeating all twelve of them, one by one, savoring every moment of their pain and their loss, absorbing their powers. The Slayer would be last, of that he was certain. His thoughts of destruction were interrupted by a voice in the shadows, a voice that was at once melodious and grating.
"Master," the voice said sadly. "I’m quite certain that it’s Spike that you seek. He’s been a bad, bad boy."
"I am certain you are correct my dear. But do not worry. He will be back in the Order very soon, he and Angelus both. Then we’ll be a family again."
"That would be lovely. But we won’t really be a family you know, not without grandmum."
"That’s true, my dear, but we will avenge her death and all will be well with the world."
"I’m hungry," the voice said as it changed to a whine. "May I go out and play?"
"Not yet. Soon. Very soon." He sat back in his chair and let an evil grin spread across his face.
It was getting late at night while Willow and Tara waited for their cab to arrive to take them to London. They had received an urgent call from Giles while he was in flight to England. He sounded somewhat panicked, which was worrying; Giles never panicked. The two had grabbed overnight bags and packed as lightly as they could, a sense of urgency surrounding them. Tara had been the first to sense something powerful on the horizon earlier that afternoon, after she and Willow had shared a few hours of lovemaking. Tara had gone immediately to the head of the Coven to discuss her fears. While she was gone, Willow’s senses began to hum, whatever was rising was dark and powerful...and frightening. By the time Tara had returned, Willow was beside herself with worry.
"Tara I’m scared," Willow said with fear in her eyes. "Something awful is coming. I can feel it."
"I can feel it too. Maybe Giles will have some insight to it. Did you say anything to him about...this?" ‘This’ was the only word she could use to describe the creeping feeling of darkness that was starting to take over in her.
"No. He didn’t give me the chance. He was all like ‘get to my flat as quickly as possible!’ Not even a ‘please’ or ‘it’s important’ and that’s not like him at all. He’s usually so..."
"British?"
"Yeah."
"Did he give you any reasons at all for the call?"
Willow shook her head. "He was kinda in a rush. Oh! I did catch something about a prophecy though and the Council. Think they might be connected?"
"I don’t know. I guess we’re not going to find out until we see him." Tara was concerned. Why would Giles call them for help and from mid-flight no less? She supposed they would get their answers soon enough. Or maybe they would just get more questions.
"Here’s our cab," Willow yelled. She took one last look around the room to make sure they had everything before she grabbed their bags and headed out the door. She had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a very long night.
William was the first to stand. He helped Buffy to her feet and then put his arm around her protectively. They both looked at the accusing, brown eyes in front of them. What had started out as one of the best days of his life was quickly becoming one of the worst as well. It was one thing to have to break the heart of someone he held dear, but it was quite another thing to have to face the whelp and his hurtful stares and tones, especially since they were directed at the woman he loved more than life itself.
"Now see here Harris..." William started but was cut off.
"No! I think I’ve already seen enough!"
Buffy’s eyes narrowed. "Xander let me explain..."
"You can’t possibly explain what I just saw here."
"Yes I can. Xander, listen to me. I love Spike..."
"Okay, so not going to listen to this."
"You are going to listen to this," Buffy demanded of her friend. "I love Spike..."
"Are you insane?" Xander asked incredulously. "He tried to rape you Buffy, or have you forgotten that because he’s human now?"
If looks could kill, Buffy would have struck Xander dead right there on the spot. "Don’t even give me that attitude! You of all people should understand how I feel..."
Xander shook his head wildly. "You’re wrong. Anya and I are different..."
"No, no you’re not. You’re in love with an ex-vengeance demon. I’m in love with an ex-vampire. The difference between you and me though...I loved the monster as much as I love the man."
"What’s going on? Why is everyone yelling?" Anya asked as she joined the heated discussion.
"I just caught vamp boy swapping spit with Buffy," Xander growled.
"What? Are you sure? Surely there must be some kind of mistake. William is dating Cecily..."
"There’s no mistake Anya," William said softly.
Anya stared confusedly at William and then at Buffy.
"I love Buffy. We’re together..."
"There’s no way you two are together. No way!" Xander screamed.
Buffy took a step towards Xander. "First of all, you have no right to say that. I can be with whomever I want to be with. It’s none of your business."
"No Buffy, it is my business," he stated coolly taking a step towards her as well. "It’s also my business to kill the son of a bitch for what he did to you last spring."
"You will not lay one finger on him. I’ve already forgiven him for what happened and he’s forgiven me too."
Xander seethed. He kept clenching his fists, just hoping that Spike would make a move, just one. "Forgiven you? For what? For letting him live?"
"Xander you don’t know what you’re talking about," Buffy replied in a hard tone. "Now, you don’t have to like him or accept him but you do have to accept the fact that I love him and we’re together."
"What about Cecily?" Anya asked quietly.
"I broke it off," William answered. "It wasn’t fair to her."
"You’re right," Anya said glaring. "It wasn’t fair to her. You should have never agreed to be with her if you knew you loved Buffy."
"Anya, I didn’t hurt her on purpose. I had myself convinced that Buffy would never return my love, that things with her were dead. I didn’t know that Buffy loved me..."
Anya looked from William to Buffy and then down to the floor. This was a very difficult situation for her. Both Cecily and Buffy were her friends and she wanted nothing but happiness for them. She looked back up at Buffy. "Are you happy?"
"What?" Buffy asked frowning.
"Are you happy? It’s a simple question actually."
"Y-Yes..." Buffy stuttered.
"Then I’m happy for you," Anya said throwing her arms around Buffy and embracing her tightly.
"An, what are you doing?" Xander roared.
"I’m happy for my friends," Anya replied.
"But..."
"Xander shut up," Anya snapped at her lover as she pulled back from the embrace. "Buffy is a grown woman and whether you like it or not, she and William are in love. They don’t need your permission to be together."
Xander’s mouth snapped shut and he glared. "Fine. I don’t like any of this at all," he declared as he threw his hands up in the air in defeat.
Buffy walked over to her friend and put her arm around him. "You don’t have to like it. Just be happy for me, that’s all I ask."
Xander sighed and looked down into his friend’s green eyes. He saw a spark there that he hadn’t seen in years. How could he deny her happiness? Finally, he reached out and hugged her. "I’m sorry Buffy. I do want you to be happy. Can’t you just find happiness with someone other than dead boy?"
Buffy laughed softly. "He’s not dead now, ya know." She walked over to William and smiled brightly at him. Nope, no doubt about it, she loved this man.
William held out his hand to Xander. "For the lady’s sake can we just call a truce?"
Xander looked at the hand and then at Buffy. Unwillingly, he took the hand and shook it. "I don’t like this but for Buffy’s sake I’ll accept it...with conditions. If you so much as hurt her again I will kill you, human or not."
"Fair enough," William nodded. He kissed the top of Buffy’s head and gave her a squeeze.
"Now that this is all out in the open, I’m gonna go do a quick patrol and then head home. Angel should be dropping Dawn off in a few hours." She gave William a look that asked if he was coming with her.
"I’ve got some things I want to do here first luv and then I’ll meet you there."
Buffy smiled and brushed her lips over his in a quick kiss. After grabbing a couple of stakes she left and went out into the early evening.
Angel watched the three girls from the top of the stairs. Dawn, Fred and Cordelia were sitting on the couches talking about only God knew what. He noticed how happy Dawn seemed at the moment. He was about to take that happiness away. He had to. Taking an unneeded deep breath, he started down the stairs.
"Hey girls. What’s up?"
"Hi Angel," Fred said with a smile. "Dawn was just telling us about the time you took her to the park and rode the merry-go-round."
Dawn giggled at the look on Angel’s face.
"You swore you’d never tell anyone about that," Angel scowled playfully.
Cordelia rolled her eyes at him.
"Hey, could you two give me and Dawn some time?" He asked his friends.
"Sure Angel," Fred replied knowingly. She grabbed Cordelia’s arm and the two girls went into one of the back rooms.
"I guess it’s time for that talk, huh?" Angel remarked as he sat down across from Dawn.
"That would be of the good," Dawn nodded.
"Right. I guess I just don’t know where to start..."
"Why don’t you start with telling me who Connor is?"
"I guess I should do that." He smiled slightly and began to tell Dawn the story behind Connor, starting with his decent into darkness the previous year.
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Buffy's newest threat reveals itself as Dawn and Angel finally have their discussion...
Timeframe: Immediately following "In the Shadows"
As soon as Giles’ plane landed at London’s Heathrow Airport, he practically sprinted to his car. He was surprised that he had made it from the airport to his flat in record time and without one speeding ticket. Throwing his bags to the floor inside the doorway, he quickly went to the answering machine to check his messages. There were several from the Council catching him up on the latest translations and begging him to come to headquarters as soon as possible. Finally, he got to Willow’s message, she and Tara were on their way and there was something urgent they wanted to discuss with him.
"I think I may already know what it is," he sighed to himself. He looked at his watch; it was pushing the wee hours of the morning. It didn’t matter; they had a long night and maybe an even longer day ahead of them. The translations needed to be accomplished as soon as possible and he was hoping that Tara and Willow would be able to help him with those.
The insistent knocking at the front door brought him out of his thoughts. He quickly opened it and greeted two very tired witches.
"Giles," Willow cried hugging him. "Something bad..."
"Is about to happen. Yes. I know. That’s why I’ve called you here. I need you both to accompany me to Council headquarters. I need your assistance with a few things. It’s quite urgent."
Both Tara and Willow nodded their heads and followed Giles back out into the night.
Buffy quietly walked along the tree line in the oldest cemetery in town. She was glad to be out of the shop and alone with her thoughts. The day had been overwhelming and tonight’s patrol gave her time to unwind. Her eyes slowly swept the graveyard. She thought things were a little too quiet, especially since she was sure that the Master was lurking about somewhere. She knew her dreams couldn’t be wrong; he was here in Sunnydale somewhere, waiting for her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. It looked like a demon fighting with a vampire.
"Maybe they’ll kill each other and make my job a little easier," she said to herself.
She took a few steps closer to get a better view of what was happening. At first glance, she hadn’t recognized the demon, but now, being closer to the action, she saw that it was Clem. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards the demon who was obviously in trouble. Grabbing the supposed vampire by the collar, she pulled him off Clem and threw him to the ground. She turned to Clem and helped him to his feet.
"Are you okay Clem?" Buffy asked as she dusted him off.
"I-I’m fine. I think. Kid came out of nowhere and started pounding on me!"
"Kid?"
"Yeah," Clem replied as he pointed over at his assailant.
Buffy’s eyes widened when she realized who it was. "Steven?"
"What? You know this kid?"
"He’s Dawn’s boyfriend," she said absently as she walked over to the teen.
"Heh," Clem replied. "You Summers women certainly have strange taste in men."
"Clem why don’t you head home? I’ll take care of this."
"Sure thing Slayer. Thanks for the help. I’ll have you and Dawn over for dinner sometime soon but she can’t bring him."
"Sounds good Clem," she said still staring at Steven. She waited until Clem had gone before she said anything to the boy. "Wanna tell me what that was all about?"
"You let him go."
"Uh, yeah. Clem’s a friend."
"You are stupider than I thought," Steven growled at her.
"I don’t think I’m liking this tone..."
"I don’t care what you like," he hissed as he came at her full force.
Buffy was stunned as he knocked her to the ground.
"Wait a minute here," Dawn exclaimed as she stood up. "You mean to tell me that you have a son? Like in flesh and blood and Darla’s his mother?"
"Yes," Angel replied quietly.
"No," she said shaking her head. "I don’t believe you. Vampires can’t have children! Isn’t that what you told Buffy? Isn’t that why you left her?"
"It’s much more complicated than that Dawn."
"I’ll say. Next thing I know you’re going to tell me that you’re in love with Cordelia!"
He looked up at her, not saying a word.
"Oh my god," she cried, backing away from him. "How could you? How could you do this to Buffy?"
"This isn’t about Buffy. This is about me and Connor and Cordelia."
"Why are you telling me this then? What kind of reaction did you expect from me?"
On the other side of Sunnydale from where Steven and Buffy were fighting, Wesley and Lilah were in the throes of passion when the phone rang.
"Don’t answer it," Lilah begged.
"I must. Could be the office."
Lilah flung herself off Wesley and onto the bed in frustration as he answered the phone.
"This better be good," Wesley growled into the receiver.
"Good evening Wesley."
"Gavin. Is there a particular reason you’re calling me at home?"
"Yes. I need you and Ms. Morgan at the office immediately. The identity of Buffy’s new watcher has been ascertained."
"And you felt the need to interrupt me at home to tell me this?" Wesley demanded.
"You’ll understand better after you get here. I suggest you two get moving immediately. I’d hate to have to tell the senior partners that their best two associates were too busy getting it on to care about anything else."
"Right. We’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Goodbye." Wesley hung up the phone and threw his legs over the side of the bed. "Get dressed. We’re going to the office."
Buffy pushed Steven off her and rolled to the side. She stood up glaring at him. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?" She demanded.
"I’m going to kill you," Steven spat back at her.
"You’ll have to stand in line, lots of others would like that honor. Just one question though. Why?"
"Because you loved the beast willingly."
"I loved the..." Before she could finish her question, Steven came at her again brandishing a sword.
"You deserve death!"
Her mind struggled to understand what was going on. Why was Dawn’s boyfriend attacking her? He had seemed like such a nice, quiet boy. Aren’t those usually the ones you should watch out for though? Didn’t her mom tell her that at some point? It didn’t matter right now, because right now, she was fighting for her life. She attempted to disarm him by kicking his hand but he had anticipated her move and turned to his left. His strength and prowess surprised her.
He lunged at her with the sword, hoping to gut her but she moved quickly to the side. He should have known that she would be a worthy adversary. Taking a step back, he grinned at her.
Buffy shivered at the sight of his grin. It was cold. Calculating. This was not the same boy that loved her sister. It couldn’t be. As she stepped out of the way of his attack, she picked up her knee and kicked him in the small of his back. He went down on the ground, the sword flying away from him. Before he could get back up, Buffy grabbed the weapon and pointed it at him.
Steven stood up. He wiped the blood away from his mouth with his sleeve. The cold smile crossed his lips as he began to circle his prey. "How could you love the beast? You’re a warrior like me. How could you do it?"
"Okay, first of all, no clue to what you’re talking about. Second, you’re really starting to piss me off. I think now would be a good time for you to explain yourself."
"I don’t need to explain myself to you."
"Oh but I think you do..."
"Dawn, listen to me, please," Angel begged of the hysterical girl in front of him.
"Why? Why should I listen to any more of this crap?" Dawn demanded, glaring at him. "I should kick your ass for what you’ve done to Buffy, I really should. She is so much better off with Spike!"
"Spike? What are you talking about?" Angel challenged.
"None of your business," she snapped. "You still haven’t told me why you’re telling me these things. What do they have to do with me?"
"Because I believe that Connor is with you..."
"I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I don’t know any Connor!"
"I realize," Angel said putting his hands up defensively. "I think you might know him by another name."
Dawn rolled her eyes and flopped down on one of the sofa furthest from him.
"I think he might be using the name Steven."
"W-What?" Dawn asked, her eyes getting wide.
"Connor was kidnapped and taken to a hell dimension and raised by a man who called him Steven..."
Dawn was shaking her head back and forth. "No. No. This can’t be..." The pieces were starting to fall into place now. What Steven had told her was making much more sense, but god no, this couldn’t be true.
"I want to show you a picture of Connor, right before...before he tried to kill me."
Dawn’s head jerked up at his last comment. "He tried to kill you?"
Angel looked down at his feet and then back up at Dawn. "Yes. He sent me to a watery grave. If it hadn’t been for Cordelia..." He trailed off as he handed the picture to Dawn.
Dawn gasped and put her hand to her mouth. The tears started flowing.
"Is that him?" Angel asked, already knowing the answer.
She nodded and collapsed back into the sofa.
"So are you going to tell me what this is all about or not?" Buffy demanded of Steven.
He shook his head and smirked again. "If you can’t figure it out for yourself, I’m not going to tell you."
"You are quite the jerk, aren’t you? If you want to continue to see my sister...Wait, what am I saying? You’re never going to see my sister again. Not after this!"
Steven’s eyes narrowed and his face darkened. "You cannot threaten me that way. Once you’re gone, Dawn will be able to do whatever she wants." He lunged at her again but she was ready for him.
"Okay, I’ve had about enough of this," she said grabbing him by the shirt and backing him against a large oak tree behind him. She held him to the tree with one hand and put the sword to his throat with the other.
Abruptly, Dawn stood up and threw the picture at Angel. "Are we done?" She asked still sniffling back the tears. "Cause if we are, I’d like to go home now."
Angel nodded and stood. He walked over to the teen and put his hand on her shoulder. "I’m sorry."
She looked up at him with anger in her eyes. "I don’t think you should be touching me right now. What you did to Buffy..."
Suddenly electricity charged the air around them.
Buffy continued to hold Steven captive against the tree. "I want answers, now!" She demanded as she pushed the point of the blade a little harder against his throat.
He started to laugh at her but said nothing.
"I really don’t see anything funny about this Steven," she replied coolly. "Did you think by getting rid of me, Dawn would come running to you to thank you or something?"
Still he said nothing, just stared at her with that same cold smile.
In the midst of their confrontation, neither had noticed the portal open beside them.
"Don’t make me kill you!" Buffy yelled at him.
"Buffy no!" Angel screamed from the other side of the portal.
Confused, Buffy looked around for the voice that she remembered so well. "Angel?"
"Buffy don’t do it!" Angel cried out as he crossed through the portal and ran towards the two figures by the tree. "He’s my son!"
The distraction was enough for Steven to break free from Buffy’s grasp. He took off running, never looking back.
Buffy dropped the sword and looked at the man who had been the love of her life. "He’s what?"
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Buffy and William stand their ground while Willow and Tara head to London...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Ramifications"
- 13 -
In the Shadows
In the Shadows
The deep purple sky was streaked with hues of yellow and red as the last traces of daylight disappeared rapidly behind the trees in the forest. The Master paced back and forth deep within the cave, waiting for the sun to completely diminish. He could feel the Last Judgment coming ever closer. Two of his best minions sat quietly on the dirt floor, awaiting his bidding. Tonight he would have them seek out those who had imprisoned him. Tonight they would pay for their betrayal. He had plans; plans that would set into motion the Drawing of the Twelve. He sensed that half of them had already arrived in Sunnydale but one had left, disappeared from his inner line of sight. Despite knowing that one had gone, he still had confidence that she would return to her place of destiny soon enough.
He sat down on the makeshift throne that his minions had built for him and closed his eyes. He imagined what the world would be like when the Last Judgment arrived...the darkness, the chaos, the burning and the pain. Yes, the pain, especially the pain. In his mind’s eye he saw himself defeating all twelve of them, one by one, savoring every moment of their pain and their loss, absorbing their powers. The Slayer would be last, of that he was certain. His thoughts of destruction were interrupted by a voice in the shadows, a voice that was at once melodious and grating.
"Master," the voice said sadly. "I’m quite certain that it’s Spike that you seek. He’s been a bad, bad boy."
"I am certain you are correct my dear. But do not worry. He will be back in the Order very soon, he and Angelus both. Then we’ll be a family again."
"That would be lovely. But we won’t really be a family you know, not without grandmum."
"That’s true, my dear, but we will avenge her death and all will be well with the world."
"I’m hungry," the voice said as it changed to a whine. "May I go out and play?"
"Not yet. Soon. Very soon." He sat back in his chair and let an evil grin spread across his face.
******
It was getting late at night while Willow and Tara waited for their cab to arrive to take them to London. They had received an urgent call from Giles while he was in flight to England. He sounded somewhat panicked, which was worrying; Giles never panicked. The two had grabbed overnight bags and packed as lightly as they could, a sense of urgency surrounding them. Tara had been the first to sense something powerful on the horizon earlier that afternoon, after she and Willow had shared a few hours of lovemaking. Tara had gone immediately to the head of the Coven to discuss her fears. While she was gone, Willow’s senses began to hum, whatever was rising was dark and powerful...and frightening. By the time Tara had returned, Willow was beside herself with worry.
"Tara I’m scared," Willow said with fear in her eyes. "Something awful is coming. I can feel it."
"I can feel it too. Maybe Giles will have some insight to it. Did you say anything to him about...this?" ‘This’ was the only word she could use to describe the creeping feeling of darkness that was starting to take over in her.
"No. He didn’t give me the chance. He was all like ‘get to my flat as quickly as possible!’ Not even a ‘please’ or ‘it’s important’ and that’s not like him at all. He’s usually so..."
"British?"
"Yeah."
"Did he give you any reasons at all for the call?"
Willow shook her head. "He was kinda in a rush. Oh! I did catch something about a prophecy though and the Council. Think they might be connected?"
"I don’t know. I guess we’re not going to find out until we see him." Tara was concerned. Why would Giles call them for help and from mid-flight no less? She supposed they would get their answers soon enough. Or maybe they would just get more questions.
"Here’s our cab," Willow yelled. She took one last look around the room to make sure they had everything before she grabbed their bags and headed out the door. She had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a very long night.
******
William was the first to stand. He helped Buffy to her feet and then put his arm around her protectively. They both looked at the accusing, brown eyes in front of them. What had started out as one of the best days of his life was quickly becoming one of the worst as well. It was one thing to have to break the heart of someone he held dear, but it was quite another thing to have to face the whelp and his hurtful stares and tones, especially since they were directed at the woman he loved more than life itself.
"Now see here Harris..." William started but was cut off.
"No! I think I’ve already seen enough!"
Buffy’s eyes narrowed. "Xander let me explain..."
"You can’t possibly explain what I just saw here."
"Yes I can. Xander, listen to me. I love Spike..."
"Okay, so not going to listen to this."
"You are going to listen to this," Buffy demanded of her friend. "I love Spike..."
"Are you insane?" Xander asked incredulously. "He tried to rape you Buffy, or have you forgotten that because he’s human now?"
If looks could kill, Buffy would have struck Xander dead right there on the spot. "Don’t even give me that attitude! You of all people should understand how I feel..."
Xander shook his head wildly. "You’re wrong. Anya and I are different..."
"No, no you’re not. You’re in love with an ex-vengeance demon. I’m in love with an ex-vampire. The difference between you and me though...I loved the monster as much as I love the man."
"What’s going on? Why is everyone yelling?" Anya asked as she joined the heated discussion.
"I just caught vamp boy swapping spit with Buffy," Xander growled.
"What? Are you sure? Surely there must be some kind of mistake. William is dating Cecily..."
"There’s no mistake Anya," William said softly.
Anya stared confusedly at William and then at Buffy.
"I love Buffy. We’re together..."
"There’s no way you two are together. No way!" Xander screamed.
Buffy took a step towards Xander. "First of all, you have no right to say that. I can be with whomever I want to be with. It’s none of your business."
"No Buffy, it is my business," he stated coolly taking a step towards her as well. "It’s also my business to kill the son of a bitch for what he did to you last spring."
"You will not lay one finger on him. I’ve already forgiven him for what happened and he’s forgiven me too."
Xander seethed. He kept clenching his fists, just hoping that Spike would make a move, just one. "Forgiven you? For what? For letting him live?"
"Xander you don’t know what you’re talking about," Buffy replied in a hard tone. "Now, you don’t have to like him or accept him but you do have to accept the fact that I love him and we’re together."
"What about Cecily?" Anya asked quietly.
"I broke it off," William answered. "It wasn’t fair to her."
"You’re right," Anya said glaring. "It wasn’t fair to her. You should have never agreed to be with her if you knew you loved Buffy."
"Anya, I didn’t hurt her on purpose. I had myself convinced that Buffy would never return my love, that things with her were dead. I didn’t know that Buffy loved me..."
Anya looked from William to Buffy and then down to the floor. This was a very difficult situation for her. Both Cecily and Buffy were her friends and she wanted nothing but happiness for them. She looked back up at Buffy. "Are you happy?"
"What?" Buffy asked frowning.
"Are you happy? It’s a simple question actually."
"Y-Yes..." Buffy stuttered.
"Then I’m happy for you," Anya said throwing her arms around Buffy and embracing her tightly.
"An, what are you doing?" Xander roared.
"I’m happy for my friends," Anya replied.
"But..."
"Xander shut up," Anya snapped at her lover as she pulled back from the embrace. "Buffy is a grown woman and whether you like it or not, she and William are in love. They don’t need your permission to be together."
Xander’s mouth snapped shut and he glared. "Fine. I don’t like any of this at all," he declared as he threw his hands up in the air in defeat.
Buffy walked over to her friend and put her arm around him. "You don’t have to like it. Just be happy for me, that’s all I ask."
Xander sighed and looked down into his friend’s green eyes. He saw a spark there that he hadn’t seen in years. How could he deny her happiness? Finally, he reached out and hugged her. "I’m sorry Buffy. I do want you to be happy. Can’t you just find happiness with someone other than dead boy?"
Buffy laughed softly. "He’s not dead now, ya know." She walked over to William and smiled brightly at him. Nope, no doubt about it, she loved this man.
William held out his hand to Xander. "For the lady’s sake can we just call a truce?"
Xander looked at the hand and then at Buffy. Unwillingly, he took the hand and shook it. "I don’t like this but for Buffy’s sake I’ll accept it...with conditions. If you so much as hurt her again I will kill you, human or not."
"Fair enough," William nodded. He kissed the top of Buffy’s head and gave her a squeeze.
"Now that this is all out in the open, I’m gonna go do a quick patrol and then head home. Angel should be dropping Dawn off in a few hours." She gave William a look that asked if he was coming with her.
"I’ve got some things I want to do here first luv and then I’ll meet you there."
Buffy smiled and brushed her lips over his in a quick kiss. After grabbing a couple of stakes she left and went out into the early evening.
******
Angel watched the three girls from the top of the stairs. Dawn, Fred and Cordelia were sitting on the couches talking about only God knew what. He noticed how happy Dawn seemed at the moment. He was about to take that happiness away. He had to. Taking an unneeded deep breath, he started down the stairs.
"Hey girls. What’s up?"
"Hi Angel," Fred said with a smile. "Dawn was just telling us about the time you took her to the park and rode the merry-go-round."
Dawn giggled at the look on Angel’s face.
"You swore you’d never tell anyone about that," Angel scowled playfully.
Cordelia rolled her eyes at him.
"Hey, could you two give me and Dawn some time?" He asked his friends.
"Sure Angel," Fred replied knowingly. She grabbed Cordelia’s arm and the two girls went into one of the back rooms.
"I guess it’s time for that talk, huh?" Angel remarked as he sat down across from Dawn.
"That would be of the good," Dawn nodded.
"Right. I guess I just don’t know where to start..."
"Why don’t you start with telling me who Connor is?"
"I guess I should do that." He smiled slightly and began to tell Dawn the story behind Connor, starting with his decent into darkness the previous year.
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Buffy's newest threat reveals itself as Dawn and Angel finally have their discussion...
Timeframe: Immediately following "In the Shadows"
- 14 -
Slayer Interrupted
Slayer Interrupted
As soon as Giles’ plane landed at London’s Heathrow Airport, he practically sprinted to his car. He was surprised that he had made it from the airport to his flat in record time and without one speeding ticket. Throwing his bags to the floor inside the doorway, he quickly went to the answering machine to check his messages. There were several from the Council catching him up on the latest translations and begging him to come to headquarters as soon as possible. Finally, he got to Willow’s message, she and Tara were on their way and there was something urgent they wanted to discuss with him.
"I think I may already know what it is," he sighed to himself. He looked at his watch; it was pushing the wee hours of the morning. It didn’t matter; they had a long night and maybe an even longer day ahead of them. The translations needed to be accomplished as soon as possible and he was hoping that Tara and Willow would be able to help him with those.
The insistent knocking at the front door brought him out of his thoughts. He quickly opened it and greeted two very tired witches.
"Giles," Willow cried hugging him. "Something bad..."
"Is about to happen. Yes. I know. That’s why I’ve called you here. I need you both to accompany me to Council headquarters. I need your assistance with a few things. It’s quite urgent."
Both Tara and Willow nodded their heads and followed Giles back out into the night.
******
Buffy quietly walked along the tree line in the oldest cemetery in town. She was glad to be out of the shop and alone with her thoughts. The day had been overwhelming and tonight’s patrol gave her time to unwind. Her eyes slowly swept the graveyard. She thought things were a little too quiet, especially since she was sure that the Master was lurking about somewhere. She knew her dreams couldn’t be wrong; he was here in Sunnydale somewhere, waiting for her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. It looked like a demon fighting with a vampire.
"Maybe they’ll kill each other and make my job a little easier," she said to herself.
She took a few steps closer to get a better view of what was happening. At first glance, she hadn’t recognized the demon, but now, being closer to the action, she saw that it was Clem. Without a second thought, she sprinted towards the demon who was obviously in trouble. Grabbing the supposed vampire by the collar, she pulled him off Clem and threw him to the ground. She turned to Clem and helped him to his feet.
"Are you okay Clem?" Buffy asked as she dusted him off.
"I-I’m fine. I think. Kid came out of nowhere and started pounding on me!"
"Kid?"
"Yeah," Clem replied as he pointed over at his assailant.
Buffy’s eyes widened when she realized who it was. "Steven?"
"What? You know this kid?"
"He’s Dawn’s boyfriend," she said absently as she walked over to the teen.
"Heh," Clem replied. "You Summers women certainly have strange taste in men."
"Clem why don’t you head home? I’ll take care of this."
"Sure thing Slayer. Thanks for the help. I’ll have you and Dawn over for dinner sometime soon but she can’t bring him."
"Sounds good Clem," she said still staring at Steven. She waited until Clem had gone before she said anything to the boy. "Wanna tell me what that was all about?"
"You let him go."
"Uh, yeah. Clem’s a friend."
"You are stupider than I thought," Steven growled at her.
"I don’t think I’m liking this tone..."
"I don’t care what you like," he hissed as he came at her full force.
Buffy was stunned as he knocked her to the ground.
******
"Wait a minute here," Dawn exclaimed as she stood up. "You mean to tell me that you have a son? Like in flesh and blood and Darla’s his mother?"
"Yes," Angel replied quietly.
"No," she said shaking her head. "I don’t believe you. Vampires can’t have children! Isn’t that what you told Buffy? Isn’t that why you left her?"
"It’s much more complicated than that Dawn."
"I’ll say. Next thing I know you’re going to tell me that you’re in love with Cordelia!"
He looked up at her, not saying a word.
"Oh my god," she cried, backing away from him. "How could you? How could you do this to Buffy?"
"This isn’t about Buffy. This is about me and Connor and Cordelia."
"Why are you telling me this then? What kind of reaction did you expect from me?"
******
On the other side of Sunnydale from where Steven and Buffy were fighting, Wesley and Lilah were in the throes of passion when the phone rang.
"Don’t answer it," Lilah begged.
"I must. Could be the office."
Lilah flung herself off Wesley and onto the bed in frustration as he answered the phone.
"This better be good," Wesley growled into the receiver.
"Good evening Wesley."
"Gavin. Is there a particular reason you’re calling me at home?"
"Yes. I need you and Ms. Morgan at the office immediately. The identity of Buffy’s new watcher has been ascertained."
"And you felt the need to interrupt me at home to tell me this?" Wesley demanded.
"You’ll understand better after you get here. I suggest you two get moving immediately. I’d hate to have to tell the senior partners that their best two associates were too busy getting it on to care about anything else."
"Right. We’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Goodbye." Wesley hung up the phone and threw his legs over the side of the bed. "Get dressed. We’re going to the office."
******
Buffy pushed Steven off her and rolled to the side. She stood up glaring at him. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?" She demanded.
"I’m going to kill you," Steven spat back at her.
"You’ll have to stand in line, lots of others would like that honor. Just one question though. Why?"
"Because you loved the beast willingly."
"I loved the..." Before she could finish her question, Steven came at her again brandishing a sword.
"You deserve death!"
Her mind struggled to understand what was going on. Why was Dawn’s boyfriend attacking her? He had seemed like such a nice, quiet boy. Aren’t those usually the ones you should watch out for though? Didn’t her mom tell her that at some point? It didn’t matter right now, because right now, she was fighting for her life. She attempted to disarm him by kicking his hand but he had anticipated her move and turned to his left. His strength and prowess surprised her.
He lunged at her with the sword, hoping to gut her but she moved quickly to the side. He should have known that she would be a worthy adversary. Taking a step back, he grinned at her.
Buffy shivered at the sight of his grin. It was cold. Calculating. This was not the same boy that loved her sister. It couldn’t be. As she stepped out of the way of his attack, she picked up her knee and kicked him in the small of his back. He went down on the ground, the sword flying away from him. Before he could get back up, Buffy grabbed the weapon and pointed it at him.
Steven stood up. He wiped the blood away from his mouth with his sleeve. The cold smile crossed his lips as he began to circle his prey. "How could you love the beast? You’re a warrior like me. How could you do it?"
"Okay, first of all, no clue to what you’re talking about. Second, you’re really starting to piss me off. I think now would be a good time for you to explain yourself."
"I don’t need to explain myself to you."
"Oh but I think you do..."
******
"Dawn, listen to me, please," Angel begged of the hysterical girl in front of him.
"Why? Why should I listen to any more of this crap?" Dawn demanded, glaring at him. "I should kick your ass for what you’ve done to Buffy, I really should. She is so much better off with Spike!"
"Spike? What are you talking about?" Angel challenged.
"None of your business," she snapped. "You still haven’t told me why you’re telling me these things. What do they have to do with me?"
"Because I believe that Connor is with you..."
"I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I don’t know any Connor!"
"I realize," Angel said putting his hands up defensively. "I think you might know him by another name."
Dawn rolled her eyes and flopped down on one of the sofa furthest from him.
"I think he might be using the name Steven."
"W-What?" Dawn asked, her eyes getting wide.
"Connor was kidnapped and taken to a hell dimension and raised by a man who called him Steven..."
Dawn was shaking her head back and forth. "No. No. This can’t be..." The pieces were starting to fall into place now. What Steven had told her was making much more sense, but god no, this couldn’t be true.
"I want to show you a picture of Connor, right before...before he tried to kill me."
Dawn’s head jerked up at his last comment. "He tried to kill you?"
Angel looked down at his feet and then back up at Dawn. "Yes. He sent me to a watery grave. If it hadn’t been for Cordelia..." He trailed off as he handed the picture to Dawn.
Dawn gasped and put her hand to her mouth. The tears started flowing.
"Is that him?" Angel asked, already knowing the answer.
She nodded and collapsed back into the sofa.
******
"So are you going to tell me what this is all about or not?" Buffy demanded of Steven.
He shook his head and smirked again. "If you can’t figure it out for yourself, I’m not going to tell you."
"You are quite the jerk, aren’t you? If you want to continue to see my sister...Wait, what am I saying? You’re never going to see my sister again. Not after this!"
Steven’s eyes narrowed and his face darkened. "You cannot threaten me that way. Once you’re gone, Dawn will be able to do whatever she wants." He lunged at her again but she was ready for him.
"Okay, I’ve had about enough of this," she said grabbing him by the shirt and backing him against a large oak tree behind him. She held him to the tree with one hand and put the sword to his throat with the other.
******
Abruptly, Dawn stood up and threw the picture at Angel. "Are we done?" She asked still sniffling back the tears. "Cause if we are, I’d like to go home now."
Angel nodded and stood. He walked over to the teen and put his hand on her shoulder. "I’m sorry."
She looked up at him with anger in her eyes. "I don’t think you should be touching me right now. What you did to Buffy..."
Suddenly electricity charged the air around them.
******
Buffy continued to hold Steven captive against the tree. "I want answers, now!" She demanded as she pushed the point of the blade a little harder against his throat.
He started to laugh at her but said nothing.
"I really don’t see anything funny about this Steven," she replied coolly. "Did you think by getting rid of me, Dawn would come running to you to thank you or something?"
Still he said nothing, just stared at her with that same cold smile.
In the midst of their confrontation, neither had noticed the portal open beside them.
"Don’t make me kill you!" Buffy yelled at him.
"Buffy no!" Angel screamed from the other side of the portal.
Confused, Buffy looked around for the voice that she remembered so well. "Angel?"
"Buffy don’t do it!" Angel cried out as he crossed through the portal and ran towards the two figures by the tree. "He’s my son!"
The distraction was enough for Steven to break free from Buffy’s grasp. He took off running, never looking back.
Buffy dropped the sword and looked at the man who had been the love of her life. "He’s what?"
