Shokushu High School

A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Story

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the name or character of Buffy, Willow, Giles or any of the other stars of BTVS, they are exclusive property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Other characters, ie Bacillus and Caldon, are my personal creations and should not be used elsewhere without my permission.

DISCLAIMER II: While there is some violence included within, it should not be considered any more intense than that of the average episode. No graphic sexual content either, sorry, but there is the hint of a relationship between two people of the same sex, so keep that in mind.

TIMELINE: This story takes place an undisclosed amount of time following the fourth season episode 'WHO ARE YOU', so beware spoilers up to and including that episode.

PROLOGUE

Sunnydale.

On the surface, it seemed to be a typical California town.

But for those in the know, the truth was a lot more difficult to swallow.

Vampires, demons, werewolves and ghosts, all of those shadowy creatures most children were brought up to believe could not possibly exist, actually did live in Sunnydale. In fact, they thrived. All thanks to the Hellmouth.

Located somewhere beneath the charred ruins of what was once Sunnydale High School, the Hellmouth was a doorway to a hellish netherworld of sheer evil. The Hellmouth radiated mystical energy, which was a lure to every dark-hearted demon and beast in California--and beyond. One such creature, who had become Mayor of Sunnydale not so long ago, died during in attempt to elevate his immortal body to that of a true demon, an act of ascension which would have virtually destroyed the world.

Fortunately, for Sunnydale as well as the world at large, the minions of evil were not the only mystical force present in the city. The forces of good had their own representative as well.

The Slayer.

CHAPTER 1

Sometimes, Buffy Summers hated having a foretold destiny.

As the Slayer, the Chosen One, it was her preordained role to stand against vampires, demons and all of the numerous other supernatural threats the majority of the people around her did not know existed, and wouldn't have believed if they did. The creatures who tortured and killed humans for food as well as for sport, and they had more than once attempted to destroy the world.

Not that it was always that dangerous. Or even exciting, for that matter. Occasionally, being the Slayer was far more mundane. Like patrolling one of the many, many cemeteries in Sunnydale. Waiting for the victim of a vampire to return as a vampire themselves. It didn't always happen though, sometimes the dead stayed dead and she was left with little to do. Slayer-wise, at least.

As an enrollee at UC Sunnydale, Buffy was kept busy day and night. More often than not, it was her studies which suffered the most. Like now--here it was past one in the morning and she had an early test she still had not studied for, in a class she was already close to failing. If she had at least been able to bag a vampire or two she might have convinced herself it was worth it, but so far the evening was a bust.

Buffy was fed up, and ready to call it a night. If she was lucky she might even be able to cram a few minutes of studying in before she lapsed into total unconsciousness. She grabbed her bookbag and was prepared to go, until a rustling in some nearby bushes got her attention. 'Damn!' The Slayer shrugged off her bag and drew a stake from a specially prepared slot in her sleeve. Her compact, black leather-clad body tensed as she braced herself for combat. 'Show yourself!' she shouted. 'And let's get this over with!'

The tall, young blond man who stepped out of the bushes was neither vampire nor monster. He was wearing combat fatigues, which probably would have have seemed somewhat out of place to anyone else. 'I surrender. You've got me.' He clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. 'Interrogate me.'

Buffy lowered the stake and sighed. 'Riley, what are you doing out here' Do you know how close you came to being hurt just now''

'I'm sorry.' Riley Finn, her boyfriend, and a member of the ultra-top secret, demon-hunting, quasi-military organization called the Initiative, shrugged his shoulders. 'Guess I ought to know better than to try and sneak up on a Slayer.' He frowned. ' 'But I needed to see you, Buffy.'

She nodded. 'I would have stopped by earlier, I just got all caught up in patrolling and...'

'It's okay. I was too busy to talk anyway. That's why I came looking for you.' Riley cleared his throat. 'The new boss just showed up. Professor Walsh's replacement'' Buffy nodded, and he continued. 'Turns out we're too sloppy for the new boss's taste.

As of...' He checked his watch. '...oh about twenty minutes from now, the Initiative will to be under a one hundred and twenty hour lockdown.'

'Meaning what'' Buffy asked.

Riley sighed. He didn't like what he was about to say anymore than she would want to hear it. 'We're going to be out of contact for the next five days, Buffy. The facility will be completely sealed off, from any outside communication. Period. And no one gets in or out. Period.'

'Can't I come with'' Buffy asked. 'Professor Walsh did make me a member. I...'

Riley shook his head. 'After the incident with Adam, your security clearance has been provoked. Seems the higher ups don't trust someone who traffics in mysticism and legend instead of science. In other words, their just as skeptical about your being the Slayer as Professor Walsh was.'

Buffy tried not to pout. For the most part, she succeeded. 'Guess I'll see you in five days.' She leaned up to kiss him, just as he leaned down to do the same. 'But I'll miss you.'

'I miss you already.' Riley stole another quick kiss. 'I really do...' Kiss. '...have to go...' Kiss. '...now. The new boss...' Kiss. '...would frown on my being late...' Kiss. '...on the first day.' He kissed her one more time then turned and disappeared back into the bushes.

Buffy watched him go, then dropped her hands limply to her sides. 'Guess this night is a bust. There's not a demon within a hundred miles of this place, I bet.'

The Slayer's judgement was somewhat off, though she did not know it. A pair of inhuman eyes watched her from the shadows of a nearby clump of trees.

As she was walking off, the mysterious figure actually started to laugh.

CHAPTER 2

When Buffy returned to her dorm room, she tried to open the door slowly and carefully, so as not to disturb her roommate. As it turned out, she needn't have bothered.

The other bed was empty. In fact, it didn't appear to have been slept in at all.

Once, not that long ago, that would have worried her. But she knew that her roommate, her best friend from high school, was spending a lot of her time elsewhere these days. And Buffy couldn't fault her for it either. She shrugged off her book bag, and dragged it over to the desk, to see how much studying she could get in before she passed out.

Not too much, as it turned out.

Buffy eventually fell asleep at the desk, her head literally in a book. When she awoke the next morning, to a ray of sunlight coming through a half-open window, she realized she had forgotten what little she might have learned the night before. She rose, brushing a stray piece of paper off the side of her face, and glanced around the room as she did her normal morning stretch-routine.

It was still empty, and that other bed was just as neat and untouched as before. As far as Buffy could tell, no one else had been in or out of their room the entire night.

'Whoa. She didn't even come back for a change of clothes'' the Slayer said to herself.

Across the UCS campus, in another dorm room, Willow Rosenberg stood in front of a mirror, adjusting one of the straps on a set of dark blue overalls. Her other clothes were piled up in the corner, and the tee-shirt and jeans she was wearing were a little tighter than she was accustomed to, but considering the fact she was going to be late for class she had to take what she could get.

'What do you think'' the pretty young redhead asked, her voice trembling. 'Is it me''

An equally attractive young woman with long blond hair slid across a bed to get behind her. She stood up to get a better look and smiled nervously. 'You're...it's...perfect.' She had on a flowing white nightshirt, but her bare legs indicated she wore nothing underneath. 'You look great.'

Willow smiled. 'Thanks, Tara.' The other girl's opinion meant a lot to her, though she was only beginning to understand how much. Or, for that matter, why.

The two of them had met during the Gentlemen's reign of terror--when the ghouls stole the voices of every single person in Sunnydale, in order to cover up their attempt to collect seven human hearts. Willow and Tara had been meeting regularly ever since.

It turned out they shared a passion for magic. While Willow was something of a novice--having taken to the mystic arts only within the last year or so--magic was apparently a family tradition with Tara. Her mother and grandmother were also witches, and

Tara followed in their footsteps. Though she had a greater understanding and working knowledge of magic the generally shy and awkward Tara declared that Willow's inherent mystic power exceeded her own. Together, with an unspoken synchronicity neither could fully understand or explain, they were able to perform astounding feats of magic neither of them would ever have been able to accomplish on their own...including making contact with the netherealm.

More recently, their relationship had begun to change. Deepening, becoming more personal. Willow started to spend more and more of her free time with Tara, when they were neither doing magic or studying, and they shared everything. Willow still hung out with her best friend Buffy, not to mention Xander and Giles, and she was right there whenever they needed a little help in the magic department--which, unfortunately--was not all that often--but she found herself relaxing and enjoying life more when she was with Tara. Besides the fact the two of them had so much in common, it was also safer...unlike Buffy, Tara did not constantly have murderous demons and blood-sucking vampires chasing after her.

'I just wish I didn't have to borrow your clothes.' Willow fingered the collar of the tee-shirt Tara pulled out of her closet. 'If we hadn't stayed up so late last night, I could have gone back to my room and...' She felt her heart skip a beat as Tara touched her arm.

The blond shook her head. 'Don't worry about it. I don't mind.'

'I know.' Willow turned to face her friend. 'But thanks anyway. I really do appreciate it.' She sighed. 'It is getting late, though. I've got a class...'

Tara tried not to look as disappointed as she felt. 'Oh. Okay. I was just hoping w-w-w-we...' She turned her head, her cheeks reddening. Whenever she got upset or excited she tended to stutter, a fact that was obviously embarrassing enough to cause her to stutter even more.

'Hey.' Willow reached out and cupped Tara's chin, turning the girl's gaze back to meet her own. 'Look it's okay. Remember what I told you' Don't worry so much, about what you're wanting to say, or else you'll wind up driving yourself crazy.' She smiled. 'Trust me. I know.'

Tara took a deep breath before continuing. 'I-I just wanted to...give you something.' She shrugged. 'Since I can't do it at breakfast...' She reached past Willow, to the top of her dresser, and grabbed a small jewelry box the redhead hadn't even noticed before. 'I guess I'll give it to you now.'

Willow's eyes widened. 'Tara, I...you didn't...' She shook her head. 'You shouldn't have.'

'I wanted to.' Tara opened the box. Inside were small, milky-white crystals, on two separate gold chains. 'I call them Karma crystals.'

'They're beautiful,' said Willow. 'But what are they for' A spell''

Tara shook her head. 'No. One is for you, and one is for me. They're enchanted.' She smiled nervously. 'If two people wear them, their hearts will be linked. You know. Connected' We'll each be able to know how the other is feeling. If they're scared or hurt or happy or...'

'I get it.' Willow looked up from the crystals, and saw the worry in Tara's eyes melt away as she smiled. 'I think it's a wonderful idea, Tara. Thank you.'

Relieved, Tara took one of the chains out of the box. 'Can I put it on you'' Willow nodded. She turned, and held her hair off her neck so Tara could do just that. 'There.'

'Now it's my turn,' said Willow. She took the other crystal and slipped the chain around Tara's neck. 'You are so incredibly thoughtful, you know that' If only...' To her surprise. the crystals around both of their necks started to glow with a faint white light. 'Hey, what's happening''

Tara's cheeks reddened slightly, and she cleared her throat. 'It's working already''

'It's mirroring our emotions. I get that.' Willow frowned. 'But which one''

Tara looked into Willow's eyes, wondering if her voice was going to fail her now. 'Red is like anger, blue is sadness. Yellow is fear. Black is danger. And if they ever lose their color entirely...' She hesitated. 'It means something has gone horribly wrong.'

Willow nodded. 'Okay, but what about this' This is...what' White' What does white mean''

Before Tara could respond, there came a knock on her front door. Both girls jumped slightly, startled by the unexpected intrusion. They both turned as they heard Buffy's voice from the other side.

'Will' It's me. We're already late for class.'

'I'll be right there!' Willow grabbed her book bag from beside the bed. 'I really have to go.'

Tara nodded. 'I'll see you later. Tonight' Dinner, maybe''

'Unless there's some serious Slayer-stuff,' Willow opened the door, and nodded to Buffy. 'I'd say chances are pretty good. See you later.'

CHAPTER 3

Buffy and Willow headed to the only class they shared, and while the Slayer had remained silent for most of the time her curiosity finally got the best of her. 'I didn't interrupt anything, did I''

Willow missed a step, but recovered quickly. 'What do you mean''

'You and Tara.' Buffy smiled. 'You guys seem to be hanging out a lot lately.'

Willow smiled knowingly at her friend. 'You're not jealous, are you''

'Me' jealous' Not even.' Buffy sighed. 'It's just...I haven't gotten to see you all they much since we started college, Will. I mean, we're roommates, but it seems like the only time we hang out any more is when there's a crisis and we meed the whole gang together.'

'Or for magic,' Willow offered. She shrugged her shoulders. 'But you're right. Sometime I miss being back in high school, when we'd meet in the library after school whether we needed to or not. And when we weren't busy doing Slayer-stuff, or saving the world...'

Buffy nodded. '...we'd go to the Bronze. See' That's what I'm talking about.'

'But you're busy,' said Willow. 'What with Riley, and the Initiative, and let's not forget Adam...'

The Slayer shuddered at the thought of the Initiative-spawned monster. 'And when we're not out saving the world, we have to deal with class schedules and homework.'

Willow nodded. 'So, in a way, it's like we are still in high school.'

They both shared a laugh at that.

But Buffy's good mood faded when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement near the space between two college buildings. Something large, and inhuman, lurking in the shadows.

Willow recognized the look on her friend's face. Trouble. 'What is it'' she asked quietly.

'I saw something.' Buffy pointed. 'Over there.' There wasn't anyone else around at the moment, so at least she didn't have to worry about protecting innocent bystanders.

'We'd better go check it out,' said Willow.

Buffy shook her head. 'Not we. Me. I'm the Slayer. You'd better get to class before...' Her face fell, and she sighed. 'There's no reason for both of us to get into trouble.'

'Are you sure'' Willow knew Buffy could handle herself, but that didn't stop her from worrying.

'Trust me.' Buffy pulled a stake out of her sleeve. 'I can handle it.'

Only minutes later, the Slayer was being knocked head over heels. She hit the ground and rolled back to her feet at once, angry it had gotten the drop on her.

Buffy had entered the makeshift alleyway knowing full well it would probably not be a vampire. Very few of the undead ever dared venture out into the open during the daytime, unless they actually wanted to be reduced to the contents of a dustbuster for some reason.

But while she had expected some sort of demon, she never anticipated that something so big and wide could possibly move as swiftly or as agilely as this one had. It towered over her at close to eight feet tall, and looked like some bizarre hybrid of a gorilla and a lizard, with stone-like plates across its massive shoulders, its broad chest, and its insanely long, muscular arms. Beneath its ridged, bony brow burned a pair of crimson eyes, and its wide maw was full of dagger-like teeth and a forked tongue.

Buffy frowned. 'Boy, they went all out on the ugly-meter with you, didn't they''

The demon cocked its pointed head and snarled. 'Slaaa....her...'

'Wait, did you say Slayer'' Buffy asked. 'Or slay her'' It seemed to be strong, but not exceptionally smart, and she hoped that would give her the edge. 'I just want to be clear on this.' The demon lowered its head and charged, with a speed that once again surprised her.

Buffy tried to leap out of its way but the thing lashed out with one huge, clawed hand and managed to catch her ankle. The wide-eyed Slayer suddenly found herself being swung through the air, only to be slammed into the side of one of the school buildings and released. She crumpled to the ground in a ball, conscious, but with all the air driven from her lungs. For the moment, she was stunned.

Growling, the demon opened its mouth and spit at her. The fetid green mist sprayed Buffy right in the face, and she couldn't help but scream as her nose and eyes were engulfed with pain. She thrashed about, punching and kicking blindly in the hopes of striking the demon on sheer instinct. As the pain began to fade she settled down somewhat, but her eyes still felt like they were on fire. Her ears were still working fine, however, they told her the demon's ponderous footsteps were moving away from her now. It had her down, helpless, and yet from what she could tell it seemed to be leaving.

Buffy lay there, confused, in pain, and--for one of the few times in her life--scared.

CHAPTER 4

Rupert Giles was bored.

While he was a Watcher he almost always had something to do.

The same went for his brief time as a librarian at the Sunnydale High School.

But since the High School had been destroyed, while fighting the Mayor, and he and Buffy broke all official ties with the Watcher's Council, his time was free.

Of course he still helped Buffy and the others when they needed it, most often with research, but since Buffy and Willow went away to college they were not around as often. The stoic Englishman never let on how much he missed spending time with them, however.

After all, it wasn't as if Giles never had anything to do.

On this particular day, for example, he was cleaning. He seemed to be doing quite a lot of that lately. In fact it was safe to say, his was probably the cleanest home in Sunnydale.

Rupert Giles leaned against his bookshelf, and sighed. 'I'm bored.' He turned, as he heard something strike his front door. He cleared his throat. 'Who is it''

'Giles! It's me!'

He frowned. 'Buffy'' Something was wrong. While she wasn't exactly inclined to be rude, neither Buffy or any of her friends usually knocked when they came over, they just let themselves in. It went against his nature but by now he was used to it. 'What is it'' He went to the door. 'What's...oh my.'

The Slayer appeared to have been battered--her clothes were torn, dirty, and her hair was a mess. There was a strange red rash all over her face, and her eyes were almost swollen shut. From the way she was stumbled in to his arms, it was a miracle she had made it to his place at all.

'Are you sure you're all right''

Sprawled out on Giles' couch, with a blanket over her legs, a dark-eyed Buffy Summers nodded. A few cold compresses had taken care of her eyes--her vision was almost back to normal now, and the rash had faded. He could hardly tell, physically, she had been injured at all.

'I'm fine.' Buffy frowned. 'On the outside. I hate getting my butt kicked though.'

Giles sat in a chair across from her, cleaning his glasses. 'And you said after it attacked you, the demon just up and walked away' Just like that''

Buffy nodded. 'I couldn't see it, but its like it just lost interest. Weird, huh''

'Disturbing is more like it.' Giles put his glasses back on. 'Like vampires, most demons avoid the night. Its safer for them that way, there is less chance of their being seen. But to attack and then leave, that would seem to imply it was after you for a reason. An assignment of some sort, perhaps.'

The Slayer shrugged her shoulders. 'Maybe so. But it didn't get the job done. I'm still around.'

'Whatever its reasons, we need to find out more about this demon.' Giles nodded. 'I want you to describe it for me again, using as many details as you can recall.'

Buffy sighed. 'Do I have to''

'Yes. If we're to determine its purpose for being in Sunnydale, and for attacking you, we must first know its origin. And the best way to do that is for us to know what sort of demon we are dealing with. Its strengths and weaknesses, where it likes to hide and what it needs to eat.'

'I know the routine,' said Buffy. 'Okay...'

They both jumped, startled, as the front door burst open. In came rather a ragged-looking Xander Harris, an old friend of Buffy's from high school. He had been involved in her Slaying activities almost from the day of her arrival in Sunnydale, and was one of the people always called when there was trouble. When he saw Buffy sitting up and watching him, a look of relief washed over his face.

'Well'' Seconds later, Anya arrived. She was Xander's girlfriend, but not so long ago she had also been the bane of male existence--as a Vengeance Demon, who granted the wishes of scorned women by bringing death and misery to their treacherous husbands

and boyfriends. Trapped in the shape of a mortal girl after a botched wish by Xander's ex, Cordelia Chase, she had a tendency to make everyone else's life unintentionally--at least they hoped it was unintentional--miserable, by speaking with utter honesty and tactlessness. In other words, if it crossed her mind she said it. Period. 'Is she dead or what''

Xander lowered his head. 'An...'

'You're alive.' Anya rested her hands on her hips as she glared at Giles. 'You interrupted our new bondage game for no reason at all. She's fine.'

Now Xander put his head in his hands. 'An, please...'

Anya crossed her arms and sighed. 'Whatever.'

Buffy looked up at Giles. 'When did you call them''

'While you were unconscious,' Giles replied. She had passed out almost as soon as she got to his door, but she clearly didn't remember. 'I thought it would be best if you were surrounded by friends upon awakening. It seemed the right thing to do at the time.' He glanced at his watch. 'As a matter of fact, I called your room, to tell Willow what happened. All I got was that blasted recording device...'

'The answering machine'' asked Buffy. She smiled. Giles and technology did not mix. Back in high school he had nearly had a heart attack when Willow suggested they bring a computer into the library. 'She probably hadn't gotten back from class yet. Or else she went to see...'

Willow came charging through the front door, also out of breath. She almost ran into Anya, in fact, who for reasons known to herself only had apparently decided to act as if she was rooted to that particular spot. 'Sorry I'm late,' she said between gasps. 'I just got Giles' message.' She looked back over her shoulder. 'Come on. I promise you, they won't bite.' She held out her hand, and directed an obviously uncomfortable Tara into the room with her. 'Everybody...well, everybody except Giles and Buffy, 'cause you've already met her...which, I guess, just leaves Xander and Anya. so I could have said...'

'Can we got on with it'' Anya snapped. 'Xander and I have sex to get back to.'

Xander's face turned beet-red at that, as did Tara's. Willow seemed flustered as well, and Giles turned away to cover one expression or another. Buffy held back the urge to laugh.

'This is my...friend, Tara,' Willow said, finally finding her voice. 'Tara...the Scooby Gang.'

Tara waved nervously, but could not quite raise her eyes. 'Hi,' she said quietly.

'Buffy,' Willow continued. 'You're okay' On the machine, Giles said something about your being attacked by a demon''

The Slayer nodded. 'Big, ugly sucker.'

'A rather vague description, don't you think'' Giles asked. 'More information...'

'...is needed to make an accurate identification of the demon in question,' said Buffy. 'I know. And if I had any, I'd give it to you.' She shook her head. 'Don't worry so much, Giles. We'll do the research thing, figure out what it is, hunt it down, and I'll slay it. End of story.'

Giles nodded. 'I only hope you're right.'

CHAPTER 5

Buffy's description of the demon which had attacked her was vague, not surprising given the circumstances, but it was enough to start them looking in some of the more specific tomes. With a little help from Anya, who had a rather intimate knowledge of such things, they eventually found it.

'The Bacillus,' Giles recited. 'Is what might commonly be called a mercenary demon. It's hired, for lack of a better word, by other demons, to eliminate a target without endangering themselves.'

'Like the Slayer'' Willow offered.

Giles nodded. 'Precisely.' He returned to reading. 'Using its great strength and surprising speed, a Bacillus will wear down or destroy its target.'

'And what about this breath attack it used on Buffy'' Xander asked. 'What's up with that''

'There are no records of it possessing such an ability,' said Giles. 'I would assume it is because most of the Bacillus' targets do not put up as much of a fight as Buffy did.'

'Can you guys please stop talking about me like I'm not here' It's so annoying.' Buffy asked. 'Giles...I just need to know one thing. How do I kill it''

He checked the book, and then took off his glasses. 'Assuming it is still in town, the Bacillus' only reported weakness is to fire. Burning it would seem the proper recourse.'

'What do you mean, assuming it's still in town'' Willow asked. 'Why wouldn't it be''

'As I said, the Bacillus is something of a mercenary. It generally does whatever it was hired to do and then gets out. Chances are, it's long gone by now.'

Xander nodded. 'So we have to figure out who hired it to come after Buffy.'

Buffy and her friends knew that if they wanted to know something about demon activity in Sunnydale, there was only one place to start.

Willy's.

Though human, Willy freely associated with humans, vampires and demons alike. He offered food and even shelter, sometimes, to the inhuman population of Sunnydale. It was unofficially agreed, by all parties, that the bar was neutral territory. No one was allowed to fight there or they would be asked to leave, and everyone was welcome as long as they did not cause trouble.

Except, of course, for the Slayer.

Willy rarely if ever turned anyone away, but Buffy's presence usually caused tension between his customers that was never good for business. Since she only ever showed up for information, he did his best to answer her questions and get her out of there before the vampires got anxious.

This time was no exception.

Standing behind the bar, pouring a glass of O-Neg for one of his regular customers, Willy glanced up to see Buffy coming through the front door. 'Damn.' He casually directed the Slayer toward the other end of the bar, so as not to attract the attention of any of the half-dozen vampires present. 'You're killing me,' he whispered. 'I can't have you coming around here so much.'

Buffy shrugged her shoulders. 'Sorry, Willy. I need some demon info, and everyone knows you are the man with the facts.' She leaned closer, and lowered her voice. 'Tell you what. You give me the four-one-one on an ugly called a Bacillus demon, and maybe I won't have to hit you.'

Willy sighed. 'They're hired thugs. Big, strong and tough. But just a little fire scares the crap out of them. I once saw a guy scare one off with a lighter.' He shook his head. 'Word on the street is, somebody's out to get you. The Bacillus was just to soften you up, for the big guy to come later.'

'What big guy'' Buffy asked. 'Who sent the Bacillus after me' Another demon''

'Has to be. The Bacillus only work for other demons.' Willy frowned. 'As for the identity, of the individual in question...' He shook his head. '...this, I do not know. I'm only privy to what my sources tell me, and there is no word on who or what is out to get you this week. However...'

Buffy arched an eyebrow. 'Go on.'

Now Willy lowered his voice, almost to the point where she couldn't here it. 'Okay, if anybody asks you did not hear this from me.' She nodded. 'But word on the street is the UCS campus is a real hot spot these days. I hear some big-time activity's going on around there, and I ain't just talking about those commando buddies of yours either. The demons are riled up.'

'Is it the Hellmouth''

Willy shook his head. 'Nah, most of them are over that. Too much trouble. Besides, who wants competition from all those other demons'' He picked up a glass and started to clean it. 'Anyway, I'd suggest you stake out the southern quad. Word is some new players are taking up shop there.'

'Thanks, Willy.' Buffy started to leave, then turned back. 'Hey, do you want me to...'

He held up his hands. 'No thanks. My nose still hurts from the last time. I'll take the heat, if it comes.' The bartender still held his breath until after she had left and then breathed a sigh of relief. It caught in his throat, however, as a figure stepped out of the shadows near the back of the bar. It was impossible to make out any of his, her or its features, except that it was tall and thin. 'Okay, I did what you asked. You happy' If she figures out I was the one who set her up...'

'Your petty fears do not concern me human. Only the Slayer's death matters. Once she is gone, then finally will Sunnydale belong to the creatures of the night!'

Willy shrugged his shoulders. 'Sure, pal. I've heard that tune before.'

A pair of smoldering crimson eyes glared at the bartender from the shadowy 'face' of the demon. 'You had best watch your tongue mortal! Before I rip it from your mouth!' It folded the shadows around itself, and was soon swallowed up by the darkness once more.

Just outside of Willy's, Giles and the others were waiting for Buffy.

All except Anya. She had become frustrated after Xander once again put off their personal time to assist the Slayer in dangerous activities, and stormed off. He briefly considered going after her, particularly when Buffy suggested he do just that, but he insisted on helping anyway.

It was no mystery why Tara was there.

She had little interest in the demon, or fighting, but she was staying with Willow. The redhead noticed her friend seemed unusually clingy, so while they were waiting for Buffy she took Tara aside and quietly inquired as to what was wrong.

'I had a dream,' the other Wiccan replied.

'What kind of dream'' Willow asked. 'Tell me about it.'

Tara shrugged her shoulders. 'It was scary. Shadows. Half-images. I couldn't understand most of it, but one thing came across clearly.' She raised her head, and her eyes met Willow's. 'You were there, and you were in trouble. I tried to help you, but I was too late, and you...'

Willow smiled as Tara's words dwindled off. 'It was just a dream. It doesn't mean anything.'

'N-No, it was more. It was...it was...' Tara shook her head. 'Its has happened before. I-I get these flashes of insight, visions I guess, and usually they...I mean they...'

'...come true'' Willow put a hand on Tara's shoulder to comfort her. 'It's okay. Look at it this way, if there is some danger out there, if something does happen, at least we'll be together.' She smiled. 'Think about it. If the two of us are on the case, how much trouble could it be''

After a few moments, Tara smiled.

Willow was right...together, there was nothing they could not handle.

CHAPTER 6

Buffy suggested they split up to search the southern part of the campus.

She and Giles would go together, while only half-jokingly saying Xander should stay with Willow and Tara so they could protect him.

If either team found anything they would signal the other using one of the walkie-talkies she'd requisitioned from the Initiative shortly before Professor Walsh's death.

Buffy also knew that Willow and Tara, at least, had to worry about classes the next day. If they weren't able to find the demon by midnight, the other two girls agreed to end their search and go home to rest. Willow was clearly not pleased with the idea, but Tara assured Buffy it would be done.

Hours passed without incident. While this might have seemed like a good thing, on the surface, as midnight approached Buffy became more and more frustrated. She even snapped at Giles once or twice, about what the two of them would normally have considered minor, unimportant things, and he could tell from the way Buffy kept rubbing her temples that her head was hurting.

'Buffy,' he finally said. 'Perhaps it's time we called it an evening. I think...'

'Hold that thought.' Buffy drew the walkie-talkie from her belt as it crackled again. 'Will''

'It's just about midnight,' Willow's voice replied. 'What do you want us to do''

The Slayer shook her head. 'You guys take off. Will, see if you can't get Xander to go home too. I'll do one more sweep...' She glanced at Giles, then sighed. '...then head home myself.'

'I'm going to take Tara back to her room,' Willow continued. 'So you may get there before me.'

'I'll see you later, Will. Night.'

'Good-night, Buffy. Say 'bye to Giles for me.'

The Slayer turned off the walkie-talkie and shoved it into her bag. 'Willow says good night.'

'So I heard,' said Giles. He took off his glasses--something he usually only did when he had a serious point to make. 'Buffy, I know you don't want to talk about what happened...'

'What do you mean'' Buffy asked, turning to face her friend and mentor. 'The demon''

Giles nodded. 'When you arrived at my home you were hurting. You needed help. Yet, you refused to allow me to do so. Now, I know you are the Slayer, and I imagine that would tend to foster independence--it is safer and easier for you that way, after all--but you are not alone. I am here to listen, to offer whatever assistance or aid you may require. The same is true of Willow, and of Xander.'

'Thanks.' Buffy shrugged her shoulders. 'But like you said...I'm the Slayer. The Chosen One. Emphasis on one. Ultimately, it all comes down to me fighting the forces of evil. And as much as I do feel safer knowing I have all of you behind me, I also know it'd hurt me a lot more than any vampire ever could if something were to happen to any of you. I couldn't live with myself.'

They both tensed as, somewhere nearby, a woman's shrill scream pierced the night.

'Looks like it's back to business as usual,' said Buffy. She drew a stake from her sleeve, and tossed her bag to Giles. 'Stay behind me!' she cried.

Around a corner, at the back of the gymnasium building, two blond women--cheerleaders, apparently--were being assaulted by vampires. Two blond, leather-clad, female vampires to be exact. They had pinned the girl's arms behind their backs and sunk their fangs into their exposed throats, while two dark-haired male vampires stood by and watched, drooling with anticipation.

Buffy shook her head. 'Would you look at this'' The female vampires jerked their heads up, blood dripping from their fangs, while the males growled. 'Typical guys. Dead or alive they all seem to love watching two or more women together. It's pathetic.'

'Get her!' one of the female vampires snarled. 'Now!' The two males lunged at Buffy.

'Oooh, I'm so scared.' The Slayer ducked the clumsy attempt at a punch from one of the men, then brought her leg around and swept the other's feet out from under him. As he fell, she made sure her stake was right in place--it went into the vampire's back, plunged through to his heart and he disintegrated. She then twirled on the balls of her feet and staked the second, snarling vampire as well.

Without even breaking a sweat, Buffy turned to face the two females...who shrugged aside their victims and came at her. As one got close enough to strike the Slayer started to raise her stake, only to feel a sudden rush of nausea that nearly doubled her over. It left her gasping for air, somewhat light-headed, and unable to avoid a right cross she should have seen coming a mile away.

As Buffy went down, the two vampires laughed and leaped upon her. Though she tried to fight them off, the Slayer's strength seemed to be leaving her now, and she could barely lift her arms. The vampires punched her in the face and chest, tearing at her shirt to expose her throat. Buffy's world exploded into shards of light and pain, and her eyes rolled back into her head as she passed out...helpless.

The two vampires smiled, having no idea they had the Slayer at their mercy. As far as they were concerned, she was just another source of food.

CHAPTER 7

The two vampires playfully nuzzled Buffy's pale throat from either side, then licked their blood-stained lips and prepared to feast. Approaching footsteps caused them to jerk their heads up and snarl, trying to ward off a rival who might want to try and share in their meal.

Instead, they recoiled in horror as Giles shoved a cross in their faces. He did not actually make contact with either, but the mere presence of the religious symbol was enough to make them reconsider their actions. They lurched away from Buffy and disappeared into the night.

The former Watcher lowered the cross, and sighed. 'Buffy!' He went to check her pulse--it was thready and weak. She was unconscious, yet there were no contusions or bruising, no outward signs of any injury at all. In fact, he was fairly certain the first two vampires had not laid a hand on her.

'The Bacillus.' Giles thought back to the condition Buffy was in when she first arrived at his place, and the remarkable recovery she made afterwards. 'Perhaps there is some sort of venom involved, which had more of a delayed reaction that any of us had anticipated. Damn.' He knew he had to get Buffy back to his place so he could do more research on the Bacillus, and besides...it was not safe to be alone out at night. One never knew when one might be the target of a homicidal demon or a bloodsucking monster.

Giles did not know how prophetic his words actually were.

From out of the shadows nearby stepped a tall, inhuman figure. It was that entity from Willy's, only more of its face and features could be made out this time.

In the most basic way it resembled the Gentlemen, who had come to Sunnydale not so long ago--it had pale, gaunt flesh, dark, lifeless eyes and wrinkled hands with fingers that were more like claws. But that where was where the similarities ended.

Beyond its face, and hands, the creature seemed to be made more of mist and shadow that skin and bones. It had the ill-defined traces of shadowy clothing about it, a swirling black overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, but that could just as easily been a trick of the darkness. Beneath its furrowed brow, burned a pair of tiny crimson eyes, and when it smiled it bared row upon row of needle-like teeth.

'Excellent. Everything is going according to plan.' The creature chuckled. 'The Slayer is powerless now. It is only a matter of time before I...'

'...are defeated,' said another, equally inhuman voice from behind it.

Behind it stood a creature that would have been considered bizarre, even by its standards.

The newcomer was a strange conglomeration of human parts, machinery, and demon. It wielded the skewer from a Polgara demon on one of its arms, but probably had less-obvious abilities from others as well. One of its eyes was artificial, and glowed as it examined the shadow creature.

'Demon. Specter Class.' It spoke very mechanically. 'Intangibility. Energy siphon. Primitive.'

The shadow-thing's own eyes smoldered. 'Who are you to call Caldon a primitive''

'I am Adam,' the newcomer replied. 'And your efforts are wasted here.'

Caldon folded its shadows around itself, so only its face was visible. 'What do you mean''

'You wish to destroy the Slayer. To make her energies your own, no doubt.'

'What business is that of yours''

'I seek knowledge,' said Adam. 'First vampires, now demons, and the Slayer is a hindrance to my efforts. I too would see her destroyed. But in my own time. And in my own way.'

Caldon hissed. 'I take no orders from a freak like you.'

'I bear no such demands,' said Adam. 'Only this warning. If you desire the Slayer's death, so be it. But you must take into account the fact that she does not fight alone. Even if you have incapacitated the Slayer herself you will likely have to deal with her allies in order to get to her.'

'I have no fear of these lowly humans,' Caldon replied. 'They are nothing to me.'

Adam shook his head. 'You would do well not to take them so lightly. I have been studying the Slayer since my awakening, and she has quite an impressive record. Several times she has prevented the opening of a local Hellmouth, she has defeated numerous vampires and other demons, and her reputation has begun to spread to other parts of California as well. Much of that reputation, however, is owed to her associates, who provide her with resources, information and assistance she might not possess otherwise.'

'Why do you tell me all this'' Caldon asked. 'What is your interest in my success or failure''

'Perhaps nothing at all,' Adam replied. 'Perhaps everything.'

The shadow-demon stepped back, into the shadows, and seemed to melt away.

Adam watched it go...and smiled.

CHAPTER 8

Giles, with a little effort and not a small amount of luck, managed to get Buffy back to his home without his being seen by people or night-creatures.

By the time he got her to bed, however, the Slayer had become feverish and was trembling. Her breaths now came in shallow, almost pained gasps, and she remained unconscious. Giles did what he could for her, though he had no practical medical knowledge beyond a handful of first aid courses he had taken during his time as a Watcher. He used cold compresses to try and keep her fever down, but he knew they would have to find out if the Bacillus had anything to do with Buffy's current condition in order to determine what course of treatment would be the most helpful. That required research, for which he needed help.

After seeing to it Buffy was as comfortable as possible, Giles reached for the phone. He called Xander first, knowing he would be the easiest to get hold of, but got no answer at Buffy and Willow's dorm room--he could only assume she was still with Tara. He left a message on their machine, then took some of his books upstairs to sit with Buffy as he started his research.

Xander, and an obviously perturbed Anya, arrived a short time later. The former demon's mood did seem to lighten up somewhat when she realized Buffy really was sick this time, but she was not happy--and made sure everyone knew it too--having to thumb through all the old, dusty books. More than once, she complained that the other member of the so-called Scooby Gang was not there.

'Actually,' said Xander. 'That's a good point. Where is Will keeping herself these days' It's not like her to miss out on research fun.'

'What is this spell supposed to do again''

Willow and Tara were sitting, cross-legged, in the middle of the latter's dorm room floor. A circle of white powder had been scattered around them, and Tara was scattering what appeared to be colored flakes over both of their legs. The blond raised her head.

'You remember the rose spell we tried to do''

Willow nodded. 'Where we floated it, and then tried to peel the petals' Of course.'

'This one is similar,' Tara replied. 'Only on a larger scale.'

'So what are we trying to float this time''

Tara smiled shyly. 'You'll see.' She held out her hands, and Willow took them. 'Close your eyes, and try to concentrate. Like before...it's a test of synchronicity.'

They both closed their eyes, and Tara started to whisper. Willow soon recognized the words, albeit not used in this particular configuration, so she chanted right along with Tara.

'Now,' the blond Wiccan said after several minutes. 'Open your eyes.'

Willow did. She gasped as she realized the two of them were still face to face, and holding hands--only now they were also floating over a foot in the air. They bobbed up and down gently as her concentration wavered a little, but she bit her lip and they soon evened out.

'Tara, this is...I mean...'

'Do you like it'' the blond Wiccan asked. She seemed nervous.

Willow shook her head. 'It's great, Tara. No, better than that. It's amazing.'

Tara smiled, clearly relieved. 'I just wanted to try and help take your mind off things.'

'I know, and thank you.' Willow wiped her eyes.. 'I just...' As her concentration lagged, so to did the spell, and she began to slowly sink toward the ground.

'Willow'' Tara was concerned. 'What is it' What's the matter''

'I-I'm sorry.' Willow unfolded her legs, and stood up on the floor once more. 'I can't keep my mind off of Buffy. I'm worried about her. I should just go home, and...'

Tara lowered herself to the ground, and stood up as well. 'It's okay. I understand.'

'But hey,' Willow lay a hand on Tara's shoulder. 'I'll see you tomorrow, okay' For lunch''

'Yes! I think I've got it!'

Giles came storming out of his bedroom, with a book in his hands.

'I found something!'

Xander leaped off the couch, scattering several other books as he did so. Anya, who had been half-asleep, as it was nearly three o'clock in the morning, was jarred awake. 'What is it''

Giles dropped the book he was carrying on the coffee table and pointed to an entry. 'Tobin's Spirit Guide is not one of my usual research volumes--as its author's involvement in supernatural activities is questionable at best--but in this case, I was desperate. According to this text, the Bacillus has, on certain rare occasions, been known to emit a foul and injurious vapor, which doctors of the time associated with a variety of ailments. The most relevant here, being nausea, blurred vision, vertigo...and catalepsy.'

'How does this help us'' Xander asked. 'We already know what caused Buffy's coma, what we need now is some kind of antidote.'

'I was actually coming to that,' said Giles. 'Apparently, there are two known cures. One is take a sample of the blood of the Bacillus, and from it produce a sort of mystical antivenom. The other is to gather ingredients for a hearts-blood poultice. They are very rare, however.'

Xander frowned. 'How rare are we talking' Like a virgin in high school rare''

'Much more than that, I'm afraid.' Giles peeled off his glasses, and massaged his brow. 'If we're extremely fortunate, we may be able to find most of them in one or more of the local magic shops. However, it might, in all honesty, be easier to discern the location of the Bacillus itself.'

'Just make a list,' said Xander. 'I'll start scouring some of the magic shops.'

Giles glanced at his watch. 'Xander, it's past two o'clock in the morning.'

'So you're saying breaking and entering is out of the question''

'While I must admit I'm as loathe to wait as you, I fear we have no choice in this instance.' Giles shook his head. 'As of now, I think it would be best for all concerned if we all got some rest, and then started our search of the magic shops the first thing in the morning.'

Anya practically leaped to her feet. 'Good thinking. Come on, Xander!'

'None of you are going anywhere!' The deep, inhuman voice seemed to echo from all around them, almost as if the structure itself had spoken. 'Until I get the Slayer!'

Giles frowned. 'Who is it' Who's there''

The three of them turned as a spectral figure stepped out of the nearby shadows.

CHAPTER 9

'Who the devil are you'' Giles asked.

Anya frowned. 'I can answer that.' She approached the demon. 'His name is Caldon.'

'The Insatiate'' said Giles. 'Of course. An energy vampire, yes' Who preys on the life-forces of mortals for sustenance. Several millennia old as I recall.'

The shadow-demon's beady eyes blazed angrily. 'Explain yourself, mortal! How do you know me'' Its ire was directed, not at Giles, but at Anya, who barely even flinched.

'You don't remember me, do you'' She crossed her arms. 'No, I don't suppose you would. Back then I was a different person. In fact, I wasn't a person at all. I am...was, Anyanka.' Caldon moved closer to her and swept open its shadows like a cape, revealing more of its semi-human form, including its hands. 'You have lost your immortality then''

Xander licked his lips. 'An, be careful.'

'For now,' Anya replied. 'It really sucks, too.'

Realization flashed in Giles' eyes. 'Caldon the Insatiate...feeds only on the life-force of the living.' He held out his hand, trying to get her attention. 'Anya, get away from him!'

As Anya was turning to glare at Giles, Caldon reached out with one pale hand and grabbed her left shoulder in an iron grip. She tensed, her eyes widening and her mouth going slack as the demon began to drain the life energy from her helpless body. Several times, she shuddered.

'Anya!' Without even stopping to ponder the wisdom of his actions, Xander picked up the closest thing to a weapon he could find on such short notice--in this case a book--and lunged at Caldon. 'Let her go you...' The would-be hero's voice died in his throat as Caldon caught him by the throat with its other hand, and started to drain the life-energy from him as well.

Giles looked on in horror as the two young people fell limp in the demon's hands. It shrugged them aside, a few moments later, and then turned to him.

'Where is the Slayer''

The ex-Watcher shook his head. 'I don't know what you're talking about.'

'Silence!' Caldon moved slowly toward him. 'Bring the Slayer to me, now, and I may be persuaded to have mercy on you. Refuse, and you shall suffer as have these two.'

Giles glanced at Xander and Anya. He remembered some of the legend of Caldon, although the stories were rather vague since he was not considered to be a major demon. Whatever life-energies Caldon absorbed, could be returned within forty-eight hours without fear of death to the victim. After that, there would be no bringing them back short of a miracle.

'What is your answer'' Caldon asked. 'Your life' Or the Slayer's''

Giving Buffy to Caldon was not even an option. Giles knew the demon would probably take his energy after he took hers anyway, so it didn't really matter. The question was, how was an ex-Watcher without weapons to defeat a centuries old demon whose only vulnerability was decapitation' Or else somehow spoiling his energy supply, neither of which seemed viable at the moment.

Giles gritted his teeth. 'Go to hell!' His bravado was admirable, but ultimately futile. Once Caldon finished with him, it could easily go in the next room and find Buffy.

The demon's eyes smoldered. 'Very well.'

'Giles, hi!' Willow's voice, from outside. 'I just got your message!' The front door burst open and Willow came charging into the room. 'Is Buffy...oh!' She almost ran right into Caldon--it turned, and reached for the frightened young redhead, who was too startled to get out of the way.

Giles' paled as the demon grabbed Willow, and she actually managed to scream once before it absorbed her life-energy as well. 'You son of a bitch!'

Back on the UCS campus, in the safety of her dorm room, Tara had just turned out the light and was getting into bed when she felt a strange cold wash over her chest. It was her Karma crystal, she realized, a twin to the one she had given Willow.

When she pulled it out of her nightshirt Tara noticed that the once milky white stone had taken on a darker, not quite black hue. It was also cold to the touch--but before it had been so pleasantly warm she had started to forget it was there at all. The color drained from her face.

'Willow!'

The blond Wiccan flung off her bedsheets, and rushed to get dressed.

CHAPTER 10

Caldon smiled as Willow's pale body shuddered once more in it wiry hands, then was still.

'Ah, the primal life-force of a witch. I'd know it anywhere. Young, but powerful.'

Giles resisted the urge to scream and throw himself at the demon. Instead, he glared past it to a trunk in the corner, which held his weapons. Most of them would probably have been inadequate to defeat a demon of this type, but some of the swords and axes could be used to decapitate it--assuming he could ever get close enough to use them in the first place.

'But it pales in comparison to the strength I will take from the Slayer!' Caldon roughly tossed Willow aside and glared at Giles. 'You, are her ally' Her protector''

'I suppose I am.'

Caldon folded the shadows back around itself. 'Then listen well. It is the Slayer's life I want. These others are inconsequential. Bring the Slayer to me, and I may be inclined to release their life-energies. Fail to do so, and their existences shall be forfeit!'

Though he had no intention of doing so, Giles decided to humor the demon for the time being. It might give him a better chance to defeat Caldon. 'How can I find you''

'The Hellmouth,' Caldon replied. 'Sundown tomorrow. If you do not bring the Slayer to me by then, your life will be but the first in this city to end. If I must, I shall take the energy of everyone in this state in order to get what is rightfully mine!' The demon was swallowed up by shadows, and vanished.

Giles breathed a half-hearted sigh of relief.

It didn't last.

Giles knew he had a lot of work to do, if he was going to find some way to stop the demon before the sun set again. He put Xander and Anya together on the couch, and lay Willow on the bed by Buffy, then took some of his books to his desk to look for more information about Caldon.

Before long he discovered that while it was considered to be one of the lesser demons, in the grand scheme of things, Caldon the Insatiate was a particularly vicious entity. Not only did it prey on humans, it did so with a vehemence unmatched by all but the most relentless vampires and demons. It also enjoyed torturing would- be victims, by allowing them to believe they were going to escape before striking, or worse by absorbing their friends and families life-energies while making them watch.

'The Insatiate is the son of darkness, the child of shadows,' Giles read outloud. 'As such, the light is one of its weaknesses. It cannot bear the embrace of the sun, much like the vampyre, and becomes solid, more as one of the flesh, than of umbra. But alas, only two methods of slaying are known--neither is permanent. Either the demon's head must be separated from its trunk, or else some way must be found to contaminate its sustenance in such a way as to make it unpalatable. If either is successfully performed, the demon's stolen essences shall be reunited with their proper hosts, assuming it is within two rotations of the sun. Otherwise, their bodies die, and their essence is lost forever.'

Giles took off his glasses and massaged his forehead. 'Bloody hell.' The former Watcher jumped out of his seat as, once again, his front door burst open. This time, it was that friend of Willow's...the other Wiccan girl, and she seemed upset. 'Are you all right''

'Willow!' Tara gasped, clearly out of breath. 'Where...is...she''

'The next room,' he replied. 'But how did you know ''

Tara shook her head. 'Please, I have to see her.'

Giles directed her to the bedroom, while he remained in the living room, both to give her some privacy, and to continue his research on Caldon.

The blond Wiccan virtually ignored Buffy as she walked over to Willow's side of the bed and then got down on her knees. 'Oh, Willow.' She swept a stray lock of hair from the redhead's face. 'It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you leave. If you'd just stayed with me this would never have happened.' She touched her forehead to Willow's, and let the tears flow freely. 'Willow, please...'

Some time later, Giles glanced up as Tara emerged from the bedroom. From the way her eyes were swollen and red he could see she had been crying, but since he did not know her very well he was not sure what to say to comfort. So instead, he waited for her to say something first.

The blond's eyes were narrow, her lips tight and quivering. 'Who...did this to her''

'A demon,' Giles replied. 'Called Caldon.'' Tara crossed her arms. 'Willow told me you all fight vampires and demons. What are you going to do to get this one' To save Willow' Because I want to help.'

CHAPTER 11

'We need Buffy,' Giles told Tara. 'As the Slayer, she is best equipped to deal with Caldon. Unfortunately, I don't think that is really an option at this point.' The blond Wiccan spoke up. 'Maybe it is. I know a...a healing spell.'

'Indeed'' Giles crossed his arms. 'You've done this sort of thing before''

Tara lowered her head. 'No. N-Not really.'

'As I suspected.' Giles pulled a wicked-looking ax from his weapons trunk, and checked the blade. 'I think it would be best if we concentrated our efforts on defeating Caldon.' He put the ax aside, and pulled out a big sword. 'According to the literature, Caldon's powers are lessened during the daylight hours. If I can find him, before nightfall, I might be able to destroy him by myself. Willow and the others would return to normal, then we can all work together on a way to revive Buffy.'

Tara nodded. 'But if you're going after the monster, what should I do''

'Wait here,' said Giles. 'Protect Willow and the others.' He put the weapons--as well as a few vials of holy water, a cross and a few stakes, just in case--into a knapsack and sat it near the door. 'However, I think that it might be prudent for me to get a few hours of sleep first. It would not do anyone any good if I were to doze off on the way to fighting the demon.'

As Giles dozed off in an easy chair, Tara returned to the bedroom and sat with Willow.

She had picked up a mystic tome, a book of spells, however, and divided her time between staring longingly at the redhead and looking through the pages. It was older, and somewhat more cryptic, than the book back in her dorm room, but she did eventually find a healing spell resembling the other one she had seen. It was more complicated, yet it did seem to have the better chance of success.

Tara decided that after Giles left, she would search his house for the proper ingredients necessary for her to perform the healing spell. What he didn't know, wouldn't hurt him.

With her mind made up, Tara lay the book aside and leaned closer to Willow.

'I read somewhere, that people in comas can hear when someone is talking to them. I hope you can hear me Willow, 'cause I really need to talk to you. I-I'm scared Willow. I'm afraid you won't wake up, that I'm never going to get the chance to tell you...' She sighed. 'Willow, please come back to me.'

Giles' rest period was a brief one, only a matter of a couple of hours, but it seemed to do wonders. He woke alert and aware, ready for the task ahead. He changed clothes, rechecked his weapons, and prepared to set out after the demon.

'How do you know where to find him'' Tara asked.

'Caldon mentioned the Hellmouth. Many demons do seem to be drawn to it. I thought I would check it first, and hope for the best.' Giles hoisted the knapsack over his shoulder. 'Tara...'

Startled to hear her name, Tara looked up. 'Yes''

'I need you to do me a favor.' Giles frowned. 'There is a chance--perhaps a very good one--that even if I do find Caldon I will not be able to defeat him. That being the case, someone must carry on here.' He sighed. 'If I do not return before sunset, or if you do not hear from me, assume I have failed. If you agree, it would be up to you to decide how to proceed next.'

Tara's eyes widened. 'M-Me''

'I can think of no one better suited to the task,' said Giles. 'Willow speaks very highly of you. In fact, since you helped us return Buffy and Faith to their own bodies, it seems as if Willow speaks of little else. I know it would be what she wanted...' He quickly corrected himself. 'What she wants.'

Tara glanced back at the bedroom door, and sighed. 'I-I don't know...I'm not a l-leader...'

'Nor would you have to be,' Giles replied. 'You would be the sole figure left. No one to lead, and no one to follow.' He saw the fearful expression on her face, and shook his head. 'I didn't mean to put such pressure on you. I only wanted you to understand the severity of the situation.'

'I do,' said Tara. She thought, once more, of Willow's pale face, and how much she wanted to see the thing that did this to her suffer for it. 'Believe me, I do.'

CHAPTER 12

Rupert Giles entered the burnt out shell--which was all that remained, after they used so much explosives to destroy the ascended Mayor Wilkins--of Sunnydale High School, slowly and cautiously. He was as concerned about falling debris as he was being discovered by Caldon.

Feeling somewhat nostalgic and reminiscent about his days there, Giles paused as he arrived at the entrance to what had once been his library. Having literally been the very center of the blast it was the most devastated, and just recently some demons had dug through what was left of the floor in order to gain direct access to the Hellmouth itself. A place he thought he'd never see again.

Twice, Giles had seen the Hellmouth opened, and done battle with the multi-headed, multi-tentacled demon that seemed to be standing guard on the other side. Both times it was because of Buffy that it was again sealed tight, and not so long ago she'd helped prevent it from being opened yet again. More than once the Slayer had suggested they ask the city to demolish the rest of the school so the Hellmouth could be covered up once and for all, but thusfar their petition had been met with silence.

'Bureaucracy at work,' Giles mumbled as he carefully made his way down through the rubble. He could see the earthly face of the Hellmouth--a seemingly innocuous hole in the ground, but no sign of Caldon. A fact he was found disturbing, and his white-knuckled hands gripped the ax even tighter.

Behind the former librarian--amidst the many shadows around him--a pair of smoldering red eyes surged to life. A ghastly, inhuman hand reached out of the darkness and caught Giles' shoulder, causing him to tremble as Caldon slithered up to his back. 'I doubted you would truly bring me the Slayer,' the demon hissed. 'But, I never imagined you would be so foolish as to come here on your own. What could you possibly have hoped to accomplish on your own''

Giles tried to speak, to fight back, to do something...anything, but it was too late. Caldon had already begun the absorption process. His last thought, before he surrendered to oblivion, was of Buffy, and his apologizing to her and to the rest of Sunnydale.

'I pray this works.'

Tara stood--on Buffy's side of the bed this time--with an open book in one hand and a small green crystal in the other. She had already sprinkled flower petals, a few drops of holy water, salt, and some other components on the Slayer, and was preparing to recite an incantation to, hopefully, revive her.

'Son of Darkness. Daughter of Light. Heal this person, with your might. Her wounds are grievous. Her pain is great. I beg you not her soul to take.'

Tara opened her eyes, and her face fell. The green crystal in her hands was intact--it would have shattered if the spell was performed correctly--and Buffy was still unconscious. 'I failed.' She sighed. 'I'm sorry, Buffy. I guess I'm not as good as I thought.' She put the book and the crystal aside, and walked over to sit back beside Willow. 'It didn't work. My power just isn't enough.' She reached out and caressed Willow's cheek. 'But I'll bet you could have done it. Or we could have done it together.'

A tear rolled down Tara's cheek as she turned to glance at a clock on the wall. Giles had been gone for over two hours, she was starting to wonder if he would be coming back at all. She remembered what he said, about her being in charge if he did not return, but she wasn't ready for that. 'I can't even make a simple spell work, so how am I supposed to handle a demon''

Tara had the rest of the day to ponder that very question.

As sunrise drew closer and closer, she knew in her heart that Giles had failed. Either Caldon had taken his life-force like all the others, or he was too hurt to get in touch with her, or...she didn't know him all that well, but she didn't even want to think about the third possibility.

Her best bet now, she told herself, was to find out all the information she could about Caldon. Giles had told her alot, but the books were even more informative. Through them she learned all of the demon's powers, and its weaknesses...how it couldn't stand direct sunlight, much like vampires, and could only be killed by cutting off its head or somehow spoiling its energy supply. She had no idea how to accomplish the first, but she found a spell in one of the books that would help her accomplish the second. It was risky, but if it succeeded Caldon would be defeated, and all of the energy it had stolen in the last two days would return to its proper host. That meant Willow...and her friends, of course.

'I'll still need help though,' Tara said to herself as she gathered some magic supplies. 'Someone to distract Caldon, while I try to cast this spell.' The problem was, who could she possibly find that would be willing--or able for that matter--to stand up to a demon who could drain their life-energy' Except for Buffy, of course, no mortal in Sunnydale would have a chance.

Tara blinked. No mortal. Caldon's powers only worked on living beings.

CHAPTER 13

Not for the first time, and probably not for the last time either, Tara inwardly wondered what she was doing as she entered one of the many cemeteries in Sunnydale. She had with her a knapsack containing the mystical ingredients for the spell she hoped to cast, as well as a couple of vials of holy water and a large wooden cross she carried in her hand. While she wasn't expecting trouble, she knew from experience that was when it came along most often, and she wanted to be as well prepared as possible.

Tara regretted leaving Willow back at Giles', but she also knew she did not have a choice in the matter. She knew Willow would never survive if Caldon did, and since Giles had apparently failed it was up to her to save her friend. Her plan was risky--not so much in terms of danger to herself, though Caldon would certainly take her life-force given the chance, but because of the implausibility of it actually succeeding. After all, the whole thing hinged on the help of someone she already knew she couldn't trust.

'I just hope I'm doing the right thing,' the blond Wiccan said to herself. She tightened her grip on the cross in her hands, and started looking around for one particular crypt.

'Well, lookee here,' said a thick, inhuman voice. 'I do believe it's snack-time, boys.'

Tara stopped in her tracks, and glanced fearfully over her shoulder. A tall, dark-skinned vampire stood by a tombstone...a hungry gleam in his eyes. Behind him, two other dark-skinned vampires were just clawing their way out of freshly dug graves. They all hissed and snarled as she held up the cross.

The lead vampire's eyes narrowed. 'Big mistake, bitch!'

'You're the one who made the mistake, mate!' Someone struck the lead vampire in the back, knocking him off his feet, then spun around and kicked the other two aside as well. One was impaled on an outstretched tree limb and turned to dust. The other two bolted, leaving Tara to face her rescuer.

Surprisingly, it was another vampire.

Except for a blood-red shirt he wore black from head to toe, including a long black overcoat, and he had the most strikingly platinum blond hair she had ever seen. As she watched his features reverted to those of a man, and he sneered. 'What are you staring at, chippie''

Tara blinked, barely able to find the words to speak. 'Y-You saved me.'

'Hardly.' He glared at the pile of dust that had once been another vampire. 'The bloke and I go...went, way back. I owed him.' The vampire's accent was decidedly British, and from Willow had told her, there were not too many English vampires around Sunnydale.

But Tara had to make sure this was the one she had come looking for. 'Are you...Spike''

'Yeah.' His eyes narrowed suspiciously. 'And who are you then''

The blond Wiccan hesitated, nervously biting her lip, unsure of what to say to a one hundred and something year old vampire. She already knew she didn't have to worry that he would attack her--Willow had mentioned the chip in his head to prevent him from harming any living thing.

'Come on, chippie. I don't have all night.' Spike pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it. 'Get on with it, or bugger off. I've got work to do.'

Tara licked her lips as he started to turn away. 'I-I need your help.'

That, at least, seemed to get the vampire's attention. He slowly turned, an amused look on his face. 'Well, I am the popular one tonight.' He crossed his arms. 'I'm listening.'

'I...' Again Tara hesitated, as she tried to decide whether or not to mention Buffy. She knew the Slayer and this vampire had quite a history, and if she told him helping her would also be helping Buffy there was a good chance he would decide not to listen to her at all. 'There's a demon,' she finally said. 'I-If I don't stop it...the people it hurt, my friend...they'll all die.'

Spike smiled. 'Sounds like my kind of guy.'

Tara was becoming desperate. 'L-Look, I need your help. I need someone to k-keep Caldon busy, somebody who is not vulnerable to his power. Will you help me or not''

Spike lit another cigarette. 'Not.' He started to turn and walk away.

'The Slayer!' Tara bit her lip as the vampire stopped, and turned, his eyes narrowing. 'He is here to kill the Slayer. He's already gotten her friends, and now he wants her.'

Spike glared at the girl, who trembled. 'You're a friend of the Slayer's' And you want me to help you'! Oh, this is too much!' His face hardened, becoming vampiric again. 'I'm supposed to be the bad guy! Now I'm so bloody pathetic, even the Slayer's friends are coming to me for help! You can bugger off chippie! There's no way I'm going to do anything to help the Slayer!'

'Please...' Tara cleared her throat, trying to find her voice. 'If you help me defeat Caldon, all the energy he stole will go back where it belongs. Willow...the others, they'll wake up.' Spike was still scowling at her with anger and disbelief on his face. 'Don't you see' It'll be because of you. If you save the day, if you help Buffy and her friends just this one time...' The blond Wiccan allowed her words to gradually trail off--hoping Spike might take the hint and follow her line of reasoning.

'...then she'd be in my debt.' Spike's eyes lit up. 'The Slayer and her blasted Scooby Club would owe me in a big way.' His face abruptly reverted to human. 'I like the sound of that.'

CHAPTER 14

Because he was the only one who knew how to find the Hellmouth, having been there just recently when the demons attempted to open it, Spike led the way. He strolled through the cordoned off front entrance, and into the charred main hallway of Sunnydale

High, Tara close behind.

She had a spell book in her hands, and was skimming through it as she followed the vampire. The Wiccan's confidence lessened the closer they got to the Hellmouth, however, as she could practically feel the negative mystical vibrations emanating from the portal. It would not be easy to make the spell she wanted to cast work in this environment, but she had no other choice, apparently.

'Hey, blondie. What makes you think this Caldon will still be in this neighborhood'' Spike asked, as he led them toward the remains of the library.

'It's a Hellmouth,' Tara replied, without looking from the book. 'Demons are drawn to it.'

Spike frowned. 'I know that. It's why I came to this blasted city to begin with. Biggest mistake of my life. If it wasn't for the bloody Slayer, Dru and I might...' His words soon became an throaty snarl, and he lashed out at the remnants of a shelf full of trophies as they passed by, destroying it. 'We're here.' He pointed toward an area that had been carved right out of the ground. 'Ladies first.'

'Me'' Tara shook her head. 'I-I can't go down there. I have to cast...'

'...the spell, I know.' The vampire crossed his arms. 'How exactly is this supposed to work' You sit back to watch while I endure all the punishment' Did the Slayer put you up to this''

'I-I can't face the demon. He'd defeat me too easily. But his powers won't work on you...because you're not actually alive. You should be safe.'

'Should be'' Spike shrugged his shoulders. 'Well that's very comforting. Listen witchie, if this turns out to be some sort of trick, I'll...'

Tara felt somewhat emboldened by the fact she knew he could not hurt her. 'You'll what''

'I've got half a mind to...' Spike took about two steps toward her, a fist raised, and then his eyes threatened to roll back in his head as he brain erupted in dagger-like shards of fiery pain. 'Damn it!' They subsided, just as soon as he stepped back and lowered his hand.

'Now please, can we finish what we came here for'' Tara asked. 'I don't want to see you hurt. I don't want to see anyone hurt. I just want to stop Caldon so I can get Willow back.'

Spike raised his head, his eyes narrowing. 'It's all starting to make sense now. Red is the real reason you're all fired up about this demon business, isn't she' You and her...' He made a rather crude gesture. '...you have something going on the side' Is that it'' He sneered. 'And here I thought she only went for dog-boys. Maybe Red is more interesting that I thought after all.'

Tara's cheeks reddened--as much from anger, as embarrassment. First Faith, now Spike. She was beginning to wonder what it was about psychopaths and monsters, which made them so easily able to pick on signals she herself was too terrified to acknowledge. About her feelings for Willow, feelings she was almost sure Willow shared, but was just as scared to bring up as she was.

'At least revenge is a motive I can understand.' Spike rubbed his hands together. 'Let's get to it then. I still have a demon to vanquish, right''

'Wrong!'

Spike and Tara both turned, as the shadows at the other end of the corridor seemed to flow and churn into a more solid, human-like shape.

Caldon emerged from the darkness, his bony hands extended.

'Whoever else you may be--you are a fool to think you can actually compete with me.' The demon glared at Tara. 'And as for the witch...' He chuckled at the look of surprise on her face. 'Yes. I first sensed you when I absorbed the life-force of the other one, and now, I begin to understand why. The connection between the two of you is very strong. It will be a pleasure to add your powers to my own.'

Spike stepped forward. 'Now just a minute, mate. I'm afraid I can't allow that.'

'Cretin!' said the demon. 'Who are you to allow anything' I am Caldon the Insatiate! I could drain you dry where you stand, without even batting an eye.'

Spike's face became that of a vampire, and he bared his fangs. 'Try me!'

CHAPTER 15

Tara backed away from the two creatures of darkness, suddenly mindful of the danger she was in. While she realized Spike himself could not hurt her without doing harm to himself in the process, during a heated battle with Caldon there was no telling what might happen.

Besides, she had work to do.

The blond Wiccan got as far away from them as she could without actually leaving the school, then huddled in a corner and sat down. After sitting the book she had brought with her in her lap, she started to arrange the other components for the spell in a circle around her.

'Even if this does work,' Tara said to herself. 'I probably won't ever know it. But as long as it stops Caldon, and saves Willow, at least I know it won't have been for nothing.'

She lit a small candle in front of her, closed her eyes, and began to chant.

Vampire and demon faced off, each sizing the other up, searching for sign of weakness and waiting to see if one or the other was going to make the first move.

'Why do you side with these pathetic mortals'' Caldon asked. 'You feed on them as I do. We should not be enemies, we should be allies. You take their blood, and I'll swallow their souls.' He held out his hand. 'What do you say''

Spike cocked his head, one eyebrow raised in consideration. 'Tempting.' Of course, he knew it would never work since he could not feed on humans any longer. And as soon as Caldon realized that limitation, he would more than likely turn on him. 'But no!' He snarled. 'I don't do well in teams. So I guess I'll have to settle for kicking your ass, and I'll keep all the humans for myself!'

Caldon smoldering red eyes narrowed. 'Have it your way, vampire!' It spread the darkness apart from itself and came toward Spike. 'Attack me...if you dare!'

The vampire swept back his long coat and sneered. 'With pleasure!' He leapt at the demon, hoping to force it down before it never knew what was going on. Instead, he passed right through Caldon as if the demon was not even there, and slammed face-first into a chunk of wall on the other side. As the shadowy figure reformed behind him, he rolled over on his side and groaned.

'Pathetic fool! Did you really think I would be so easy to defeat''

Spike struggled back to his feet. 'Well, I hoped...'

'Silence!' Caldon thrust both arms at Spike, and inky tendrils of darkness exploded from its fingertips. The vampire was trussed up, neck to toe, before he even realized it. 'I may not be able to drain the putrid lifeforce you possess, vampire, but that doesn't mean I am unable to end you!' The demon drew the tendrils, and Spike as a result, closer to it. 'Even an immortal can die, under the right circumstances.'

Spike knew he was in trouble. 'Not wait just a minute mate...' He couldn't break the bonds Caldon had cast around him, as hard as he was trying. 'Can't we come to some sort of agreement' I know the city, and I know the Slayer. Where she goes...and where her friends might have hid her.'

'Indeed'' Caldon stopped whatever he was going to do. 'And you would divulge this information to me, for what price, vampire' Your life''

Spike shook his head. 'No way will I die to protect the Slayer. You want to find her' Kill her' I'm all for it, and I am just the man to help you do it. Believe me.'

'I do.' Caldon released the dark tendrils, and withdrew them into itself. 'Treachery and deceit are the close companions of all demonkind. You bring me to the Slayer now, and I may just allow you to feed freely on any humans I choose not to consume myself.'

Spike, still in his 'vamp'-face, smiled. 'Deal.'

CHAPTER 16

'But first...'

Spike motioned for Caldon to follow him.

'I think you have some unfinished business to deal with.'

The demon nodded. 'Oh yes, the blond one. The witch. I'd almost forgotten.'

'Traitor!' Tara appeared from behind a charred section of wall, her body trembling and her eyes wild. 'You said you'd help me, Spike!'

The vampire shrugged his shoulders. 'I lied.'

'Did you really think you could oppose me, little girl'' Caldon asked. 'I have beaten many witches through the ages. Older, more powerful witches. You are hardly a challenge.' Tara glared at Spike once more, then turned so Caldon. 'So take me. Obviously, I can't stand up to the both of you. I might as well die with some dignity.'

'How deliciously noble.' Caldon reached for Tara, who simply closed her eyes and waited. 'We shall see if your resolve holds when you are writhing in pain from my touch!' Spike crossed his arms and smiled, one way or another it would soon be over.

'Now...' The demon's hand clamped down on Tara's left shoulder, and her body jerked as it began drawing her life-force in waves. Energy--visible, pure white ringlets of energy, flowed from her body to Caldon's, and the demon only smiled as its own power began to grow. 'Yes! Give it all to me!'

A single tear rolled down Tara's cheek as she fell to her knees. 'Willow...' she whispered. 'I...love...' Then her eyes closed and, with one last gasp, she collapsed.

Caldon, though, found the energy transfer had not ceased. The demon's eyes narrowed. 'What'!' In fact, as it tried to pull its hand away from Tara's body, the demon saw tendrils of black energy surging back and forth between the two of them. It lurched back, severing the contact, but now multi-colored bursts of energy began to boil and churn beneath the surface of its 'skin'. 'This...cannot...be!' It bellowed as it was violently wracked with pain. 'The witch! She did this to me! She had tricked me!'

Spike watched, with obvious amusement, as the demon's body began to swell like a balloon. 'Yeah, and you fell for it to, didn't you'' He laughed.

'One day! I promise one day I shall...' Caldon's shadowy-form exploded, vomiting out crackling spheres of energy that hovered in place for a moment, before rocketing off into the night...all but two. One entered Tara, who thrashed about in unconsciousness as if she was having some sort of seizure, while the other arched back and went down into the lower area, where the Hellmouth was located.

Spike saw all this, and smiled as his face reverted to that of a man. 'Well, that worked out rather nicely, if I do say so myself.' He heard movement--footsteps. Slow, and unsteady, but footsteps nonetheless, and turned as he saw someone climbing out of what used to be the library. The vampire smiled. 'I don't believe it. Giles' What in the world were you doing down there''

'Trying to help,' Giles replied. He stumbled, still groggy from his encounter with Caldon. 'What happened to the demon' And what are you doing here, Spike''

'Believe it or not, I was helping.' The vampire lit a cigarette. 'Though you really owe your so-called life, to this little chippie here.' He gestured to Tara, who still hadn't regained consciousness. 'I don't know what she did, exactly, but it was her magic that really took care of your demon friend.'

Giles went to push up his glasses, only to realize he had apparently lost them somewhere along the way. He shook his head. 'You mean to tell me she came to you for help, and you actually agreed' I can't imagine what she must have offered you to achieve such an arrangement.'

Spike blew a smoke-ring, and then smiled. 'That's between me, and the Slayer.'

'Good lord, Buffy.' Giles shook his head. 'Is she all right''

'Do I look like I care'' asked Spike. 'I'm still the bad guy, remember'' He tossed away the cigarette, not in the mood to smoke after all. 'I'm off. Tell Buffy I may be stopping by soon.'

Giles bent down to check on Tara as the vampire strode away.

CHAPTER 17

Giles carried the still unconscious Tara back to his home, where he found that Xander, Anya and Willow were all conscious again. The redhead seemed particularly frightened by seeing the frail-looking blond in his arms. 'What happened to her' Why isn't she awake' What do we do''

Giles held up his hand. 'Relax, Willow. Her pulse is strong, and so is her breathing.'

'Do you know what happened to her'' Xander asked. 'And for that matter, who saved us''

'Actually,' said Giles. 'Tara did. I found one of my spell books close by. Apparently Willow...' He lay Tara on the couch and nodded as the redhead dropped to her knees beside her. '...your friend very nearly sacrificed her own life for ours.' He tossed a bag on the floor. 'Tara cast a Bane spell...' Willow jerked her head up, her eyes widening. '...upon herself. She poisoned her own life-force, and then gave herself over to Caldon. Just as the legends said, when Caldon absorbed her life-energy into his own body, he received the effects of the Bane spell as well. It proved...incompatible with his system, and he suffered for it.'

'Is he dead'' Xander asked. 'Or will Mr. Tall, Dark and Ugly be back for a return engagement''

Giles shook his head. 'That's difficult to say. As a general rule, spectral demons like Caldon are notoriously difficult to eliminate permanently. They have a tendency to regenerate.' He sighed. 'However I think it's safe to say, if Caldon does return,

it will not be for some time.'

Willow fought back tears as she looked up at Giles. 'But what about Tara' We all woke up. We're better, so why isn't she'' She touched Tara's pale cheek. 'Why won't she wake up''

'Her mind and body been through a very severe shock, Willow. Not once or twice, but three times. First the Bane spell, of which there may still be lingerings, then having her spirit ripped from her body and thrust back within a relatively short amount of time. To be perfectly honest, I am more than a little surprised she was able to survive such a trauma at all.'

Willow swept a stray lock of blond hair from Tara's face and sighed. 'She'll make it.'

'Giles,' Xander put his arm around Anya--who he had been holding close ever since waking up. 'I'll admit I don't know the girl all that well, but do you mean to tell me Tara was able to stop that big, bad demon all by herself' Magic or not, how is that

possible''

Giles glanced at Tara. 'Oh, she wasn't alone. She did have some help.'

'Okay, but who'' Xander asked. 'We were all zonked by Caldon. Buffy's still out of it too, I checked. So if it wasn't us, and it wasn't the Slayer, then who''

'Believe it or not...' Giles could barely bring himself to say it. 'Spike.'

Willow looked up, her eyes swollen red. 'Spike''

'Tara went to Spike for help'' Xander asked. 'She must have been really desperate.'

'I-I...was...' The blond Wiccan slowly sat up, much to Willow's relief. 'But there...wasn't much choice. He was the only one who could keep the demon busy.'

Willow threw her arms around Tara who--after a moment of surprise--hugged her back. 'I'm so glad you're okay. I was scared. I didn't know if you were ever going to wake up.'

'Then we're even,' Tara said quietly. 'I felt the same way.'

Xander put his arm around Anya. 'Hey, the Scooby Gang's back together again!' He glanced toward Giles' bedroom, and his face fell. 'Well, almost. What're we gonna do about Buffy''

Tara looked around. 'We can try the healing spell again.'

'Again'' Giles asked, crossing his arms. 'Tara...'

The blond Wiccan nodded. 'I had to try, for Willow.' She lowered her head. 'It didn't work...' Some of her courage seemed to return. '...but I think it's because I don't have enough power on my own. If Willow and I... if we try it together...I think we can do it, Willow. I really do.'

'It certainly can't hurt to try.' The redhead glared up at Giles. 'Can it''

Giles started. He was unaccustomed to seeing such ferocity in Willow's eyes. 'Very well. Tandem magic is considerably safer, and more reliable, than the alternative.'

Willow and Tara both smiled.

CHAPTER 18

All of the supplies Tara had used for the healing spell the last time were still present, so after she conferred with Willow and Giles they were ready to try it again.

Tara stood on one side of Buffy, Willow on the other. They had already scattered the solid parts of the spell and were about to recite the incantation. Since they needed silence, to concentrate, so while Giles and Xander stood nearby, Anya had been asked to wait in the other room.

The two Wiccans clasped hands over Buffy, upon whose chest sat the green crystal that was a crucial part of the spell. They looked one another in the eye.

'Ready'' the blond asked.

The redhead nodded. 'Let's do it.'

'Son of Darkness. Daughter of Light. Heal this person, with your might. Her wounds are grievous. Her pain is great. I beg you not her soul to take.'

Willow and Tara opened their eyes as the crystal on Buffy's chest started to glow. It became so bright it was almost blinding, and then it suddenly exploded--raining shimmering green flakes down upon the Slayer. They seemed to be absorbed into her skin, and then her back arched. She let out a long, ragged gasp for air and was engulfed by violent seizures--which passed before the others could even attempt to come to her aid. Then her body settled down, her breathing returned to normal, and she opened her eyes.

'H-Hey...guys...'

Giles breathed a sigh of relief as she sat up. 'Buffy. Thank God.'

'Looking good there, Buff,' Xander started forward to embrace her only to be grabbed by Anya, who pulled him into the other room and began giving him a stern talking to.

'Buffy,' said Willow. 'Are you okay''

The Slayer nodded. 'I think so. I feel...rested.' She looked around. 'How did I get here''

'What's the last thing you remember'' Giles asked.

Buffy thought about it for a moment. 'Fighting some vamps. I dusted two of 'em and then I...' Her forehead creased as she tried to recall the outcome of the battle. 'I'm not sure. Why'' She glanced around, and saw the concerned looks on her friend's faces. 'What really happened''

It was, of course, a long story.

One which, as it turned out, Xander would have no part in telling. Anya insisted they leave as soon as Buffy was cured of...whatever, she'd lost what remained of her interest, and patience, by then. Giles told Buffy what his self-proclaimed limited role in the whole affair had been, and Tara filled in the rest as best she could. She was clearly uncomfortable with the word 'hero' that Giles and Buffy, and even Willow, seemed to so casually announce in her direction, and soon asked to be taken home. Willow agreed.

During the walk back to the dorm, the redhead noticed her friend was preoccupied with watching her feet as she made each step. She would not raise her eyes even when she knew Willow was looking at her, and did not respond to anyone of the redheads polite queries if she was okay.

'Hey.' Willow finally stepped in front of Tara, and even then the blond very nearly ran right into her before she noticed her friend had stopped. 'What's the matter''

Tara looked up. 'I...' She shook her head. 'Never mind. It's not important.'

'It is to me.' Willow put a hand on her shoulder. 'Tara, it's okay. You can talk to me.'

Tara nervously ran her fingers through her hair, as she tried to collect her thoughts. 'Your friends...they are

all so nice. And the way they worry about Buffy...'

'...except for Anya.' Willow shook her head. 'But that's not the point, is it' Tara, if it's because of how the others were talking to you, staring at you...that's how we tend to react whenever someone saves our lives. It's not all that often that someone is someone other than Buffy, and besides...remember, they're all still trying to get to know you. But trust me they're all good people...well except maybe for Anya, I think the jury's still out on her. She is trying though, and I guess she's helped Xander...'

Tara reached out, and pressed two fingers to the redhead's lips. '...be quiet.'

Willow nodded. 'Sorry. I tend to babble whenever I'm nervous.'

'Why are you nervous'' Tara asked.

Now it was the redhead's turn to lower her eyes. 'Because...'

'Because, why'' said Tara. 'Is it me' Am I doing something to make you nervous''

Willow nodded.

'Can you tell me what it is''

Willow took a deep breath. 'Because, I get the distinct impression you're about to kiss me.'

'And that scares you'' Tara asked. 'Why''

Willow abruptly reached out, grabbed the blond's face--and kissed her with more passion than even she was expecting. Several long, luxurious moments later she finally pulled back, their lips hesitantly parting, and she had to take a few moments more to

catch her breath. 'You tell me.'

Tara stood there, stunned and silent, as Willow strolled off with a smirk on her face.

END

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