Willow the Vampire Slayer by Matthew Wood

Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its characters, artwork, photos, and trademarks are the property of Twentieth Century Fox, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and/or the WB Television Network, UPN.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse: /mysticmuse.net
Watchers: /thewatcherscouncil.net
Feedback: Yes, please.
Spoilers: Some spoilers for season 7.
Author's Notes: This is an alternate ending for season 7...and a new beginning. I started it about 2/3 of the way through the season so you'll see references and familiar faces.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy

Summary: Buffy is killed in action and Willow becomes the new Chosen One.

It was the mother of all battles at the Hellmouth. Buffy has been mortally wounded. She's dying. Faith is dead, killed by the First and its minions in the great battle. Giles is seriously wounded, but still conscious.

Willow is holding Buffy's hand. She's crying, but trying to be strong for Buffy. She knows that Buffy has only moments left. She looks up to Willow, reaches up and wipes away a tear. "Don't cry for me Will. I'm going to a better place. I'm not afraid."

"I know. I love you too Willow. That's why this is so hard for me to say. The Potentials, or what's left of them…they're not ready. None are. It's up to you Will. You have to be the Slayer."

"Yes, you can Willow," Giles says from behind her. "You've known it deep inside you all these years. You've had the power, but you've never tapped it. Buffy has been here so you never had to. There's an incantation we can perform, but it has to be now. Before…. We can't wait."

Giles says, "It has been performed before, when there was no clear heir. The Slayer can choose her replacement in her final moments."

Buffy, "You have to Will. You're the only one. I'm sorry, Willow, but it has to be you. Giles, what do we do."

"Willow, hold onto Buffy's hand as you are now. Don't let go." Giles begins a chant. An ancient tongue Willow does not recognize, then says, "Repeat what I said Willow and hold on to Buffy."

Holding tightly to Buffy's hand Willow repeats the incantation that Giles had spoken. Buffy's wounds start to glow. Then her entire body. Willow holds on to Buffy's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face. Buffy's body arcs, her eyes start to glow. Buffy gasps as the glow jumps from her to Willow. Now Willow gasps loudly and is knocked back. She crawls back to Buffy and grabs her hand again.

Willow stands up weakly and faces Giles. Tears still streaming down her face, she looks him in the eyes. With surprising quickness, Giles swings an axe at Willow's head. She easily grabs his arms and pulls the axe away in one lightning quick motion and kicks him away from her, Giles flying back about 30 feet.

Giles, barely able to sit up, looks to Willow. "So, you don't feel any different?"

At the Summers house a disheveled Willow is holding Dawn. Dawn is sobbing uncontrollably. Willow is quietly talking to her, holding Dawn tightly.

"God Willow, not again! I can't take this! I've lost her once and I thought I would lose my mind. Not again Willow, not again."

Kennedy is sitting quietly in the room. She and Willow patched up from the battle, but both still in a lot of pain. They took Giles and three of the surviving Potentials to the hospital. They are all lucky to still be alive.

Willow was trying to comfort Dawn, but he mind was going a thousand miles an hour in a dozen different directions. Buffy and Faith are gone. In some final ritual, Buffy anointed her the Chosen One. None of this made sense. She knew the day may come that Buffy would be killed in action, but this. Willow a Slayer? She never imagined. She was always "dependable Willow, reliable Willow, Willow the Wicca, even evil Willow." But a Slayer? She still couldn't fathom the thought.

Giles told her it would take time…time and training. She has new strength and agility, but she has to be trained to use them. What about her Wiccan powers? She was just beginning to be comfortable with them again. She felt like her training by the Coven in England was beginning to pay off. She was feeling powerful again, but this time in full control. Would being a Slayer help her? Would she have too much power now?

Willow was frightened. Not of vampires or demons or even the Hellmouth. Willow was frightened of herself. What is she capable of now? Absolute power can corrupt absolutely. Can she really control herself with all this power?

She remembered Faith. Faith had been a strong Slayer. Giles and Wesley said she had the potential to be the most powerful Slayer ever. But that power had gone to her head. She had tuned to the dark powers and became very dangerous. She had nearly killed Buffy, Angel and others before somehow Angel got to her. He helped Faith see what she had become. She repented her ways and did time in prison for it. But what if she hadn't? Would Willow have Buffy's control of the power she now possessed? She just didn't know.

Giles was right. She did feel different now. She felt strong. Her injuries from the battle still hurt, but she could feel them healing already. Her senses were sharper than they've ever been. She was aware of everything around her…every sound and smell. Her vision, while not bad before seemed almost too good now. Like someone who had been nearsighted their whole life with glasses for the first time. Everything was so sharp and clear. All the colors seemed to burst out at her.

Willow was amazed that she was not disoriented. She would have thought all these enhanced senses would have caused on overload on her body and mind, but it didn't. She felt good, strong and alive.

And she felt terrible. Buffy was gone. She should be here now. She should be the one with the enhanced strength and senses. Willow wanted to do nothing more than hold Kennedy and cry until all her strength was gone. But she can't. Dawn needs her. Sunnydale needs her. She has to be strong. She is the Slayer.

Willow had given Dawn a gentle sleeping spell to help her rest. She was so upset. Willow was afraid she was on the verge of a total break down. She'd sleep now. Willow just hoped Dawn would feel a little better after getting some rest.

Kennedy was in Willow's room, sitting on her bed. They both were quiet. Willow wasn't sure, but Kennedy seemed upset…no, angry. Finally, Kennedy spoke, "Well, what's next?"

"I'm going to take a very long, hot bath, slip in to something comfortable and sleep for about a week," Willow answered. "Care to join?" Willow was trying to sound light-hearted.

"That's not what I mean, Willow. This isn't over. They killed Buffy and Faith. They killed most of the Potentials. Our friends."

"I am angry. I'm angry, sad, hurt. You name the negative emotion. I'm there. I would love nothing more than to crush what's left of them, but we can't just go out and try to finish the job right now. We don't even know what happened to Spike. He may be a pile of dust in that cave. Maybe he wigged out again and took off. Or maybe, the First finally got to him. He's not one we should take lightly if he's gone back to the dark side.

"We hurt them badly last night, but we have to recoup ourselves. I don't think we'll be hearing from the First for a very long time. I spoke to Giles and he agreed. You and I can 'mop up' once we're ready."

Kennedy, almost yelling, said "I am ready. God, Willow! You're the Slayer now! It's your job. Not to mention you're the most powerful Wicca in the Western Hemisphere. Can't you just waive your hand and wipe them out?"

"Stop it! That was different. I was out of my mind with grief. Even then, what I did was wrong. I lost control. I almost destroyed everyone I care about. I will never unleash that kind of power again."

Willow was tempted. She could have done it so easily. They took her friend from her. Her best friend. In the last few weeks, the First and its evil gang had hurt her and her friends over and over again. Xander was still in the hospital. He may never be the same after what they did to him. She has to be strong though. If she started misusing the magicks, she may not recover this time.

"I'm not talking about this now, Kennedy. I'm tired and you're not thinking clearly. I know you're upset, but we have to be smart about this."

"Okay, you really want to know? If I was the Slayer, I'd finish the job. Finish it now before they can regroup. You want to act like nothing happened. You were at the right place at the right time so you get to be the Slayer. I worked my whole life to be the best Slayer possible when my time came. Now I'm the side kick thanks to nepotism."

Willow was furious. "How dare you? How can you say that after what we've been through together? You know what Buffy means to me and you can say that? I never knew you could be so petty. I thought I knew you. Get out."

"I can't believe you'd say that to me Kennedy. I thought we had something special. I guess I was wrong. Just leave."

Kennedy looked down, then back up to Willow. Her eyes were tearing up. She looked like she wanted to speak, but the look in Willow's eyes dissuaded her. There was nothing she could say right now that would make things right. She walked out.

Willow was fuming. She thought she'd explode. Kennedy had cut her deep. She tried deep breathing. The Coven had taught her breath control and mediation to help her control her temper. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She could see Buffy's bloody face in front of her.

Willow opened her eyes and started to cry. She didn't want this, any of it. She just wanted to be Willow. She wanted to work on her magic. She wanted to finish school. She wanted to be with her friends. Her life will never be the same.

Willow was sitting in the back yard. It was a bright, beautiful day. She was getting accustomed to her new enhanced senses. Her eyes were closed. There was a symphony of sounds coming at her. The birds were singing, crickets chirping. She could hear each individual one. Each one sounded a little different. She never imagined having such hearing. She could even hear Dawn playing a U2 CD in the house. She didn't have the volume cranked, but she could hear each cord and every syllable that Bono sang.

She didn't normally like to sit out in the sun for long periods of time. She could almost feel the freckles popping out, but it was such a beautiful day. The sun felt good on her skin, warm and soft. The sounds of and smells of the garden had a healing affect on her. She was beginning to get used to these Slayer senses.

Then she felt someone looking at her. Willow opened her eyes and was shocked. Buffy was standing right in front of her.

Buffy smiled at her, but something was not right. This wasn't the smile of a friend.

"You're not real. I know you're the First. You can't hurt me. Leave now! We beat you."

"Willow?" It was Kennedy coming out of the house. She was stunned at the site of Buffy and walked slowly toward them.

The First easily deflected Kennedy's blows, laughing. She then grabbed Kennedy and held her in a head lock. Kennedy struggled, but could not fight free.

"I have you to thank Willow. You made me corporeal so you could try to defeat me, remember? Now I can kill with my own hands."

The pseudo-Buffy's mouth grew impossibly large. She smiled with huge, sharp teeth. "Say good-bye Willow."

The First exposed Kennedy's neck and bit down on her. Kennedy screamed in agony. The First ripped away a large part of her neck, virtually decapitating Kennedy. She let the body drop to the ground with a morbid thud, smiling at Willow with those horrific teeth, blood dripping down.

"Noooooooooooooooo!" Willow sat up in bed. She was covered in sweat. Her heart was pounding. It felt so real, but it was only a dream. Or was it a vision?

"Yeah, I'm fine. I need to get up anyway. I want to get to the hospital to see Giles and Xander."

"I said some terrible things yesterday. I'm sorry. I was tired, hurt and frustrated. I didn't mean it."

"I'm not so sure, Kennedy. It's not that simple. You hurt me deeply. I thought we had something. I was beginning to feel happy again for the first time in a long time. I thought you were my new horizon. Instead, you turn this into some sort of twisted competition."

"I'm so sorry, Willow. I really don't feel that way. I was just crazy yesterday with everything that's happened. I don't know what was wrong with me. Please, please forgive me."

"Fair enough. All I want is another chance. While you're thinking, do you want to go over our next plan of attack?"

Willow thought for a moment. "The ubervamps like it very dark and secluded. I'm thinking what's left of them may have gone to the caves outside of town. Not an ideal place for us to hunt them. I wish we knew where Spike was. We could use his help."

"Well, there's you and me. With your new Slayer strength we should be able to take out a couple beaten up ubervamps."

"Maybe. But I still have to hone my skills. Remember, I'm new at this Slayer stuff. I've picked up some things hanging out with Buffy all these years, but I'm not in her league. Not yet anyway. I want to talk to Giles and get his take."

"I still can't believe she's gone." Xander was staring into space. His face was half covered with bandages, his arm and a leg in casts. The First's hoard had done quite a number on him.

"I know," Willow said. "Every time I think about it, I go numb." Willow fought back the tears.

Xander looked at her, his one good eye directly meeting hers. "How are you doing? I have to say, you're looking pretty fit for someone who was just in the battle of all times."

Willow looked down at the floor. "Well, I have some kind of strange news. I'm not really sure how to tell you."

"Will, we've been friends since we were in diapers. Just say it." Xander gave her a weak smile.

"Okay. I was with Buffy when she died. She told me none of the Potentials were ready. She said I would have to be the Slayer."

"What? That's just silly. You can't be the Slayer. You're Willow! You haven't had the training you aren't a Potential. It's not like she can just hand you her 'crown' and appoint you 'The Anointed One.'"

"Well, yeah, she kinda did. Buffy said that she could choose her successor and Giles performed some ritual. There was all this light and flashes. Then I had this weird sensation hit my body, like electricity, except not. Next thing I knew I had these Slayer powers and Buffy was….you know. So anyway, I told Giles I didn't feel any different. He was like, 'Oh? Stand up and we shall see about that,' and he actually swung an axe right at my head. I don't know what happened. It was like instinct. I grabbed the axe from him and kicked him like 50 feet! I didn't even think. I just did it. It's so weird."

Willow smiled, "Darn tootin." The smile faded. "Thing is, I didn't want to be. I'm not ready for all this Slayer stuff, Xander. Giles said he'd help me prepare, but he's in the hospital too. I think I broke a few of his ribs."

"One of her pals came over. She said she wanted to hang out with them for a while. I took the hint and left. I thought I'd swing by here and see everyone. How ya doin' Xan?"

"I may have lost some vision in my eye. It's too early to tell and I'm going to have to do some serious physical therapy after I get out of these casts, but I should be up and about in no time, ready to kick some demon ass."

Willow grinned. "Aren't you big for your britches. Oh my. I think I just got that. Well, I better go. I still need to swing by and see Giles. See you tomorrow?"

"Ugh! Easy there Slayer-girl. Still have to get used to that super-human strength I see."

"Like I said, Dawn wanted me scarce so I thought I'd come down here and see everybody."

"Besides, it's a nice day and I thought a little fresh air would be good for me. I also thought a walk in the park with you would be nice."

Willow just looked at her for a moment. "Okay, I'm going swing by to see Giles. You can tag a long if you want."

Willow and Kennedy walked down the hallway to Giles' room. Willow said, "I hope he's not mad at me for breaking his ribs."

"Hey, he was asking for it if you ask me. Taking a swing at that cute head with an axe."

Willow looked at Kennedy and shook her head. They walked in to Giles' room. He was up and getting dressed in his street clothes.

Giles ignored her. "I'm feeling much better Willow." He grimaced as he was pulling on his shirt. "I'm a quick healer and the doctor said it would be all right if I took it easy for a bit. Besides, I can't train you lying in a hospital bed."

"Oh, I'll manage somehow." Giles tried to fake a smile, but he was in obvious pain.

"Don't worry about me Willow. I'll be all right. You need to be up to snuff and soon. Besides, Kennedy can help." He looked to Kennedy, "If you will?"

Kennedy perked up. "No problem! I'd love to go a few rounds with Willow." She smiled widely.

Willow glared at Kennedy. She was still smarting from their argument. "Never mind that Giles. Are you sure you're up to it?'

"Oh yes. Not a problem. Why don't we meet at the Magic Shop tonight? Around 7:00?"

"Sounds like a plan." Willow was starting to get excited about the prospect of Slayer training. Then, she started to feel guilty. Her best friend is dead. She's Buffy's replacement and she's feeling excited about it.

Giles could see the look on her face. "It's all right Willow. It's what she wanted."

Spike stood before the remaining ubervamps, Bringers and demons that survived the battle. "Listen up ladies. They may have won the battle, but the war is still on. We've hurt them badly. We killed the two Slayers and most of their so-called Potentials. Not bad for a day's work. We will strike again soon and finish this for once and for all. Now feast. Spike clapped his hands and four Bringers brought out four teenage boys. They were bound and beaten. The Bringers shoved them down on the ground before Spike. Dig in ladies. You'll need your strength."

The ubervamps and demons pounced on them. The boys kicked and screamed, but it only enhanced the feeding frenzy for the demons. In minutes they had been devoured.

An unsavory looking demon named Buckhanus approached Spike. "Interesting choice Master. Why the vampire?"

Spike answered, "This was the closest body without a heartbeat when the Slayer sliced through my corporeal body. I had to transfer my essence somewhere. Ironic really. The look on her face when her ex-lover slammed a sword into her was priceless."

"But isn't the will strong in this one Master? I've heard of this Spike. He is known to be very…independent."

"At first, but when he saw his love struck down by his own hand, he lost his resolve. Though I suppose it may not last forever. No matter. We'll have completed our task before then."

Buckhanus asked another question. "What of this new Slayer, my lord? There are rumblings in the Underworld. Some say she is more powerful than the last Slayer. Perhaps the most powerful one ever."

Spike answered, "Perhaps. Though I don't think she realizes her power. She's only just become the Slayer."

"Mm, yes. She is a witch, but I sense fear in her. She's afraid of her own power. We may be able to use that to our advantage. And she's human. Full of human emotions and weaknesses. She can be defeated, but if she gives us too much trouble, there are still forces I can call on that should have no trouble dispatching this witch."

"Yes, my lord." Buckhanus slinked away. He wasn't as sure as his master, but he dare not question him. Else, he too could become a meal.

Willow was hitting the punching bag while Kennedy held it. "Follow through with your punches more, Willow, "Giles instructed. "You're holding back."

Willow glared at Kennedy and hit the bag with full force. It knocked Kennedy back and she fell on her butt.

"Better," Giles said. "But when punching the bag you don't have to try to punch a hole in it. Controlled punching Willow. Forceful but controlled."

They continued with the bag for another fifteen minutes. Kennedy didn't make anymore "girl" jokes. She quietly held the bag as Willow punched. It almost looked as if she was pouting.

Her confidence was building. She felt good. They had been through a routine of jumping rope for thirty minutes, a kicking dummy and the punching bag for an hour and she wasn't even a little tired. A little sparring against a live opponent should be fun.

They put on sparring gloves and helmets. Kennedy was silent as they suited up. She was definitely mad. Good, Willow smiled to herself.

"Okay, Rosenberg, ready for a little one on one?" Kennedy started to circle to her right.

"Hardly." Kennedy swooped in with a low kick and took out Willow's feet. Willow hit the mat hard on her back. It almost knocked her wind out.

They stood and bowed again. Willow's eyes never left Kennedy. "Try that again," she said.

"What?" Kennedy dropped he guard for just a second. Willow hit her in the mid-section with a side kick, knocking Kennedy down.

Kennedy stood. This time, they didn't bow. They circled around they mat, staring into each others eyes. Willow was thinking of her move when Kennedy came in. A round house kick at full strength. She caught Willow in the side of the head, stunning her for a second but she stayed on her feet. Giles was quiet.

Willow shook it off, punched with her right hand which Kennedy deflected. But she continued in full fluid motion with a 360 and caught Kennedy with a back-hand left with such force, Kennedy spun around, her back to Willow. Willow went for the winning shot with a side kick to Kennedy's back. It knocked Kennedy down on all fours.

"I'm fine." Kennedy spun around and took out Willow's legs, knocking her down on her back. Kennedy dropped down with an elbow in to Willow's chest.

Giles agreed. "She's right Willow. You left yourself wide open to the attack. You have to be more cautious. Never give your opponent the chance to recover."

Kennedy reached down to help her up. Willow winced as she took her hand, then gripped her hand firmly and with a kick, flipped Kennedy over on her back.

Willow jumped to her feet and said, "Okay, I think I'm getting the hang of this."

"Not bad Rosenberg," Kennedy said as she stood up. "But you won't catch me like that again."

Kennedy began to circle again. Willow took a deep breath. She was focused. Kennedy came straight at her punching. Willow was easily deflecting the blows when Kennedy tried to catch her with another round house. Willow ducked and kicked, taking out Kennedy's legs. Kennedy hit the mat face first with a loud thump. Before she could recover, Willow was on her back and locked her arms firmly around Kennedy's neck. With a simple, quick motion, she could have snapped her neck like a twig.

Willow released her grip and stood, putting her weight down on Kennedy as she did. She wanted to remind Kennedy who the slayer is and who has the power. She knows that Kennedy was resentful for being passed over for someone who wasn't even a Potential. Maybe now, she'll feel a little different.

Willow backed away, not taking her eyes off Kennedy. Kennedy stood, turning and rubbing the back of her neck.

Willow looked at her. "Maybe. What I do know is I have what it takes to knock you on your ass."

Willow was ready for Kennedy to come at her after making that remark, but Kennedy just smiled. "Yes you do."

Giles, Kennedy and Willow were walking through the cemetery. Giles said "Remember Willow, your senses are enhanced now that you're a Slayer. Don't just wait for a vampire to jump out in front of you. Listen, smell, and even feel them as they approach. Clear your mind."

"Okay Morpheus, I think she's got it." Kennedy couldn't resist the remark. She looked to Willow for some sort of acknowledgment to her joke, but got nothing. Willow looked extremely focused. As if she wasn't even aware that other people were with her.

"Miss Sunnydale 2003? You in there? Come on, this is your first…" Kennedy was cut off when three vampires jumped out from the bushes. They were surrounded.

With lightening speed, Willow spun around and plunged a stake into the one closest to her, dusting him immediately. All, including the vampires, were stunned at the speed and precision. The other two vampires quickly regained their composure and went back on the offensive, one grabbing Giles, the other Kennedy.

Kennedy easily tossed her attacker over her head and had her stake out and ready. Giles' attacker had a better grip on him and went quickly for the kill exposing Giles neck and starting to bite down. Willow tossed a fighting star catching the vampire in the forehead. He screamed and let go of Giles.

Blood poring down his face, the vampire charged Willow. She caught him in the stomach with a powerful kick that doubled him over and followed with a round house to his temple. The vampire spun and Willow buried a stake into his back, turning him to dust.

Twenty feet away, Kennedy was going toe to toe with her vampire. Kennedy punched left and then right, the vampire blocking both punches. He followed with a straight jab right to Kennedy's nose knocking her backward.

"You vampire bastard! You broke my nose!" Kennedy charged the vampire in full fury. Her anger and blurred vision had her unbalanced though. The vampire stepped right and punched her in the back of the head as she passed. Kennedy hit the ground stunned. The vampire pounced.

"Get away from her!" Willow shouted. Blue energy shot from Willow's hands knocking the vampire back ten yards. As he tried to regain his feet, Willow grabbed another stake from her belt and threw it. The stake hit the vampire squarely in the chest. He screamed as he turned to dust.

"Yes, well done," Giles said as he approached Willow. I don't remember giving you training you with throwing stars however."

Giles now approached. "Let me have see." Giles kneeled down and examined Kennedy. "Yes, well, it's not broken, but I'm sure it does smart a bit." Giles pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Kennedy.

Kennedy held the handkerchief to her nose as Willow helped her up. She spoke through it saying, "Pretty impressive Willow. You surprise me more every day."

Willow couldn't help but grin a little. "Thanks. I just did what came natural. It was kinda weird. It was like I've done this my whole life."

"Hmm, yes. I wouldn't get too confident just yet Willow," Giles said. "There are far greater dangers than the three vampires we met tonight."

Kennedy started to hand the bloody handkerchief back to Giles and said, "Yeah, but she did good, right?"

Giles did not acknowledge the handkerchief. He looked at Willow with a cautious eye. "Yes, she did well."

Giles, Willow and Kennedy were sitting in the Summers' kitchen. Willow and Kennedy were drinking bottled water. Giles had made himself some tea. Dawn came walking in and said, "How was your first night on patrol Willow?"

Kennedy almost choked. "A long way to go? You kicked ass! I think we should celebrate. How about the Bronze tonight?"

Willow glanced uncomfortably at Dawn. "Um, I don't think it's a good idea. We should stay in."

Dawn smiled at Willow. "No, go. I'm all right. I have a ton of homework to catch up on anyway."

"Well I can stay here and help you." Willow still perked up at the prospect of homework and studying.

"No thanks Willow. I've got it covered. Besides, you deserve some down time." Dawn smiled and Kennedy. "Both of you do."

"Oh, by all means go. Dawn is right. You both should go out and enjoy the break."

At the Bronze, Willow was still drinking bottled water. Kennedy had moved up to one of those fruity drinks with an umbrella.

"Seriously. I admit it. I was a little jealous at first and I'm sorry. I was an idiot. Buffy made the right choice. Forgive me?"

"I forgive you. I guess we all are under a lot of pressure right now. Piss me off again though and I'll kick your ass."

They both started laughing. Kennedy said, "Okay, you're the Slayer." A song by Cold Play that Kennedy loved started. "Great song! Let's dance." She grabbed Willow's hand and took her out to the dance floor.

On the dance floor they were rocking to the beat of the song. Willow was getting into the rhythm, enjoying dancing with Kennedy. Several guys came up and tried dancing with the women. Willow and Kennedy just ignored them. Actually, they never even noticed the men. They were completely immersed in the music and with each others moves.

A slow song came on. Willow took Kennedy's hand and pulled her toward her. She put her hands on Kennedy's shoulders. Kennedy's hands went to Willow's hips. They moved slowly to the music, looking deeply into each others eyes. Willow tilted her head slightly, started to lean closer, then hesitated. Kennedy's hand went up to Willow's face. She gently pulled Willow closer to her. Their lips touched, warm and soft. Willow's hand went up to Kennedy's face. She stopped kissing her and looked into Kennedy's dark eyes, her hand stroking Kennedy's cheek and ear. She felt her heart pounding. She leaned back in, kissing Kennedy more deeply. They were both completely lost in the moment. Their souls touching each other.

The two women were walking up to the house holding hands. Willow was feeling awesome. It had been a great night. She kicked some vampire butt, much more handily than she expected, and she had had a great time with Kennedy at the Bronze. She hadn't made out like that in ages. Not since Tara. There was a twinge of guilt, but she fought it off. Tara would always be her true love, but she knows Tara would want her to be happy. Kennedy made Willow feel good. She hadn't been sure that would ever be possible again.

They walked through the front door, still holding hands and stopped dead in their tracks.

Dawn answered for him. "He was hurt badly. He made to an empty crypt and has been recuperating since."

"Yeah, I was just telling Dawn that I was there, but couldn't get to her in time. I was jumped by several of those nasties as I tried to get to her."

"I didn't see you there Spike. It was like you vanished." Willow felt uneasy. Something didn't seem right. "I thought you had been killed."

Willow thought this was really strange. She knew Spike was still in love with Buffy. Why wasn't he upset? He almost looked giddy. Like he was about to start laughing.

"Um, no. News travels fast in the Underworld. I heard about a new Slayer with magical powers. I put two and two together."

Kennedy could sense Willow's uneasiness. She moved around to the other side of Spike, trying to look casual. "Other than the crypt you were hiding in, where have you been?"

"It's just a little odd that you've been 'around,' but haven't come by," Willow said.

"Really?" Willow asked. "I usually have a sense for that sort of thing. I can still feel the First. I know it's still near and trying to regain its strength."

Spike looked at Willow and cast that evil grin again. "You can, can you? I didn't know you were that powerful."

Before Willow could move, Spike grabbed Kennedy. "There's a lot you don't know bitch." Spike had his arm tightly around Kennedy's neck.

"Maybe I don't want to. Maybe I want to have a little fun with her first." Spike vamped out and started to bite Kennedy, but to expose her neck he had t loosen his grip a bit. Kennedy spun out of his arms and tried to punch Spike in the throat. He blocked the punch and countered with a right to Kennedy's jaw, spinning her around and knocking her to the floor.

"Looks like it's me and you Slayer. I'll take care of her when I've finished with you."

Spike moved in. First a left, then a right. He was quick, but Willow blocked the punches and countered with a kick to his gut. It knocked him back, but he seemed unfazed.

Spike came in full speed, throwing a flurry of hard punches. Willow blocked and countered, but her punches were deflected too.

"Come on Slayer, you can do better than that." Spike spun and caught Willow in the face, knocking her across the room.

She looked up at him, her eyes black now. She held up her hand and blue energy shot out, sending Spike flying into the hallway.

Spike leaned up on one arm. "That's my girl! That's what I was looking for. There's a little of the evil still in you."

Willow was on her feet and moved in quickly, trying to take him out before he could recover, but he was up in a flash. She threw a furious series of punches that Spike somehow blocked. He grabbed her arm and spun her around, with her back to him. Willow slammed him in the nose with the back of her head as hard as she could. Spike let out a yell and let go. Willow turned to see him with blood gushing from his nose.

Spike smiled a bloody smile at Willow. "We'll continue this another time." He quickly flew out the door.

Willow went back into living room. Kennedy was sitting up, rubbing her jaw. "That's twice I've gotten my ass kicked tonight. I need to step up my training. You okay Willow?"

"I'm fine."

Dawn looked confused. "I don't understand. What's wrong with Spike?"

Willow helped Kennedy to her feet. She looked to Dawn, then the door that Spike ran out of. "That wasn't Spike. It was the First."

Willow was awake, but she couldn't seem to get her eyes open. There was some noise, quiet rustling. And she could feel someone near her. She worked to open her eyes but it was hard. She felt so tired, so groggy, but she felt a presence. She had to force her eyes open.

Slowly, her eyes did open. She wasn't in her bed. In fact she wasn't even lying down. She was standing on a stage in an auditorium. There were hundreds of people sitting in front of her, but they were silent. All were quiet, like they were terrified of her. Afraid to even breathe.

"Feels good doesn't it pet?" It was Spikes voice behind her. "All those people are so horrified of you, they're too afraid to move, to make a sound."

"No, you're wrong," Willow argued. "It's you they fear, not me. I'm here to protect them. It's my job."

"Oh please. You think they give a rat's arse about who protects them? Do you think they respect the Slayer? They wouldn't even understand what a Slayer is. They respect fear. It's what they know. Any one of those people out there would sell their own mother if they thought it would save their skins. Do you think for a second they wouldn't sell you out? You owe them nothing."

"Poppy-cock! Buffy dumped the job in your lap like she did everything else. Good ol' 'reliable Willow,' remember?"

"Trusted you! It was her great parting gift to you. Her final jab. 'I haven't dumped enough crap on Willow. Let me make her responsible for saving the world.' Pretty interesting if ask me. Putting you in charge of a world you almost destroyed."

"Were you now? Were you really saved? You can feel it. Everyone still looks at you thinking, 'will Willow snap again? Will we have to kill her next time?' I can feel it. So can they. There's still some of the evil in you. With the right motivation, you could be as evil as me. Evil Willow. Evil means fear and fear is the real power. The power over all that want to hurt you."

"No, Willow. I'm here to save you. I'm here to make you live up to your full potential, to fulfill your destiny. Yes Willow, your destiny."

Spike waived his hand. Suddenly, it was like Willow was watching a movie of herself. She stood before the hundreds of people in the auditorium. She was dressed in black, her hair and eyes were black as night. All the people were cringing in fear before her, men, women and children. Dark Willow stood before them laughing a sinister laugh. With a waive of her hand, all the people erupted in to flames, screaming in fear and pain. Dark Willow laughed louder. Spike was next to her. They embraced and kissed passionately to the symphony of screams before them.

"Mm, yeah. Thanks?" Willow smiled at her. Her breathing was starting to slow. What a nightmare…or was it?

Kennedy laid her head on Willow's shoulder and held her tight. Willow lay there, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was racing. Was this a dream, a prophecy or is the First getting to her? Is she the cure or the disease?

Willow, Kennedy and Dawn were sitting at a table at the Magic Shop. Giles was behind the counter reading through an old book.

"I'm sure Giles. I could feel its presence. The First wasn't just controlling Spike. It was Spike."

"Is there anything else you can tell me? Anything he said, anything else you sensed?"

Willow said, "I could still feel Spike. I was fooled at first. I think he's still in there somewhere." Willow hesitated. She didn't know if she wanted to tell Giles what Spike said to her. Then there was the dream. Would Giles think she still has a dark side?

Giles could sense that she was holding something back. Having to pry information out of Buffy had become an art form with him. "Is there anything else Willow?"

Giles was thinking that some things never change. Is it Slayers? Do they all withhold information?

"Well, we have our work cut out for us," Giles said. "Dawn, are you up for some research?"

Willow smiled at Dawn. She understood what Dawn was going through. "Okay, Giles. Where do we start?"

"Well, I suggest we start with the spell we used to make the First corporeal. The spell gave it form, but it appears that somehow it could move it's essence to another body. We must find out under what circumstances it can make such a jump and can we stop it from happening again."

"I really don't know Dawn. There may be some sort of exorcism we can perform, but it's probably very dangerous. If not, we may not have any other alternative. I suggest we move into research mode. Dawn, can you see what you can find on the internet? Kennedy and I will hit the books."

We can use your help, certainly. But you should do some training first. Then, you can help with the research."

"All right." Willow got up slowly from the table and followed Giles to the back of the Magic Shop. "Don't want to train. Want to do research."

Giles went about setting up practice dummies for Willow. "Giles, I haven't told you everything."

"Oh?" Giles tried to sound surprised. He stopped what he was doing and looked at Willow.

Willow's pout had vanished. Now she looked worried. "When I fought Spike, the First, he told me that he could feel the evil still in me. Then in my dream he said I could turn again under the right circumstances. He said my friends would try to kill me."

"Willow, you're human. Even a Slayer has weaknesses. You know this. Anyone is capable of evil under the right, or rather wrong circumstances. I'm not going to lie to you Willow. It is still in you. Evil is in me, it's in Dawn, Kennedy, all of us, but I have faith in you Willow and so should you. You're smart and you're strong. You'll be fine. Trust me."

Willow eyes filled with tears. "Thanks Giles. I needed to hear that" She walked slowly up to Giles and hugged him.

Giles patted her on the back as he hugged her back. "I'm not here just to train you to fight Willow. You can talk to me about anything. Though, you may not always like what I have to say."

Willow pulled back and looked up at him and smiled. "I'm glad you're here Giles."

Kennedy needed a break from research. She came back to the training room where Willow was doing bench presses.

Kennedy said, "You should really have someone spot you. What is that? Two hundred?"

Willow put the weights back in the cradle. "Yeah, it's easier than it looks. Slayer strength, remember?"

"Still, Willow, accidents happen. We can't have our Slayer having an accident doing something silly."

Kennedy started stretching, "Nada. Just that my eyes hurt from the reading. I thought I'd take a break and have a little work out. I would've come back earlier, but Giles is a real slave driver."

Willow grinned. "Tell me. He thrives off research." Now, Willow frowned a little. "It used to be one of my specialties."

"Well, now you have other specialties. Frankly, I'll never understand how anyone enjoys research."

"It's a mind set. And in the beginning, it was my biggest contribution. It's how I became a Scoobie."

Kennedy approached Willow. She reached up and ran her fingers through her hair. "Am I a Scoobie now?"

Willow looked into her eyes and got that fluttery feeling in her stomach. "I think we can say you're a full fledged member now."

Kennedy returned the look, still stroking Willow's hair. "What about an initiation?"

Kennedy hugged her. Their eyes met again and they exchanged a small kiss. Kennedy said, "I'm glad. There's no place I'd rather be than here with you." They kissed again, this time a little more passionately.

"I know, but you know…Giles and Dawn are right in the next room. Besides, I have a lot of work to do."

"Okay, okay. Let's train. I need to hit the weights. Will you spot me on the bench?"

Kennedy thought a moment. "Let's try a hundred. I'll work my way up from there."

Willow and Kennedy walked to either end of the bar and dropped the weights down. Kennedy then lay down on the bench and firmly gripped the bar. She pushed up and exhaled. She eased the weights down to her chest inhaling. Willow was right behind her watching closely, ready if needed.

Kennedy did a couple reps and let the weights rest on her chest a moment and looked up to Willow. "So why are you working out so hard? Being the Slayer, you're naturally strong."

"Giles says being strong isn't enough. You need to work out to fine tune your muscles. If I didn't work out and train, I'd have strength, but no focus and no idea how to use it."

There was a crash from the front of the store. Kennedy returned the weights to the cradle on the bench and sat up. Willow, after making sure Kennedy no longer needed her, started to walk to the front.

A vampire burst though the door. "He's taking a little nap." Three more vampires followed him in. "And when we're through with you, we're gonna make the little girl our snack."

The vampire snarled at her. "I was referring to the little one in the store, but don't worry, we'll have you too."

"Like hell." Willow grabbed a dumbbell by the bench and tossed it at the lead vampire. She nailed him in the chest throwing him back into his three companions. He flew backward with such force, they all hit the floor stunned for a second. Enough time for Willow to grab an unweighted barbell off the wall. Kennedy ran to the target area and took a cross bow off the table.

As the vampires stood, Kennedy shot one with the crossbow. The shot was perfect. The vampire turned to dust.

Willow lunged at the other three firmly gripping the barbell. She spun the barbell in a full circle and with a right thrust she hit one of the vampires in the jaw, sending him flying across the room. She spun around and hit the lead vampire in the throat with such force, she literally took his head off, turning him to dust instantly.

This took his only standing companion by complete surprise. He looked at Willow in complete awe, turned and ran out the door.

The one Willow had knocked across the room, was just starting to recover when Kennedy greeted him with a kick to the teeth. She followed with a stake into his chest.

Kennedy ran up to Willow. "Holy crap Will! I've never seen anything like that in my life!"

Before Willow could say anything, Giles came running in rubbing the back of his head, followed closely by Dawn. "Are you two all right?"

The adrenaline was still pumping through Kennedy. "Geez, Giles!" Kennedy was almost yelling. "You should have seen Willow! She took off a vampire's head with a barbell! Holy crap! That was amazing."

Willow was still holding the bar. She looked down at it, then back up at Giles. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Extraordinary." Giles was hard to read sometimes. Willow couldn't tell if he was impressed, scared, or giddy. "Willow, I'd like to run some tests."

"Oh, nothing to be concerned about; strength, endurance and so on. You remember, Buffy and Faith did it a few years ago."

Willow did remember. It didn't seem to be a big deal back then. "Okay, when do we start?"

"Okay, I'll be here." Willow felt a little excited about the tests. She was curious to see how she'd do. So far, she had exceeded her own expectations. She hoped she wouldn't disappoint Giles. "Now, want some help with research?"

Giles took off his glasses and started to clean them. "Yes, I suppose you've had enough training for the night. We could use your help with the research."

They all went back to front of the store. After a few minutes of picking up the mess the vampires left, the group went in to full research mode. Except Willow felt Giles seemed distracted. It was like his mind was elsewhere for the rest of the night. She wasn't sure, but she felt that Giles was concerned about something she had done. Maybe he thought she shouldn't have improvised with the barbell. He may be thinking that she wasn't the best choice after all. Whatever it was, Giles barely spoke the rest of the night. By 2 AM, they all agreed they were getting no where and thought it best to start fresh in the morning.

Willow looked at her watch. If she got home and showered soon she could still be in bed by 3 AM. Seven in the morning would come awfully early.

She thought to herself, I'm going to suck so badly tomorrow. I wonder if anyone ever flunked out as a result of these tests.

Willow showed up at the Magic Shop at 6:55 AM. She was notoriously early. While some people didn't appreciate this quality, she was actually quite proud of it. Buffy used to joke that Willow would show up at her house early just so she could see her naked. They would both laugh at this because Buffy was painfully straight and Willow could never think of Buffy "in that way."

Giles was already there, not really to her surprise. He was sitting at the table going through what looked like journals.

Giles looked up from the journals. "Good morning Willow. In a manner, yes. These journals contain the records of all the Slayers who have taken the tests that you're going to be doing this morning. The Council has been recording the results for centuries. I was just familiarizing myself with them again. It's been a while."

Willow was nervous. She was actually surprised how well she felt this morning. She had about two hours sleep, maybe. As planned, she was home, showered and in bed by 3 AM. But she was restless and couldn't sleep. Kennedy offered to help her "relax," but Willow declined. She was afraid she'd show up for her tests with wobbly knees. Kennedy tried to tell her that was a myth, but she didn't want to risk it.

Giles answered, "On the obstacle course. You'll run that, then we return here where you'll run through a series of exercises, then a ten mile run."

Willow was surprised. "All that? And ten miles?" Are you serious? Giles, I'm feeling better than I ever have in my life, but I think you're trying to kill me."

"Not at all Willow. This is standard for a Slayer." Giles tried to muster a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine."

As they ran through the obstacle course and other tests, Giles was busy writing everything down in a small journal. Willow was feeling pretty good. She doubted if she was knocking the socks off any kind of records, but she wasn't getting tired. She then started to worry why she wasn't getting tired. Maybe she wasn't trying hard enough. She started to pick up the pace through her work out.

Giles was a real trooper. He was doing an impressive job of keeping up with her. He wasn't doing all she was of course, but he still had to keep up somewhat. He was in much better shape than Willow had imagined.

Willow and Giles sat at the table in the Magic Shop. He was studying his journal versus the ones he had been reading earlier. Giles sat silently for a long time. Willow waited patiently drinking her bottled water.

She wasn't sure she liked how Giles looked. She thought the look on his face was one of puzzlement, but she wasn't sure. Did I suck that badly? He doesn't look too happy.

Finally Giles took off his glasses and laid them on the table. He started to rub his eyes.

Willow, despite your recent performance, I went into these tests with measured expectations. Frankly, you're older than any Slayer who ever went through the trials. I had hoped that you would finish within the top fifty per cent of all the Slayers."

Giles took a deep breath. "Actually you blew every record right out of the water. Every single one."

"Huh? Are you sure?" Willow was in shock. She was never a jock. She was always the brainy type. She had been working out more since meeting Buffy and even did some training with her, but this was impossible.

"Yes, I'm sure. I'm as surprised as you, Willow and frankly I'm a bit at a loss. A new Slayer your age with only a little training performing this well. This defies everything the Council has written."

"Well, Giles, there must be some explanation. The circumstances I became a Slayer, being here on the Hellmouth, something."

"Yes, I'm sure there is an explanation, but perhaps we should just leave well enough alone for now."

"You have extraordinary abilities, but if the First is gathering strength, we have to concentrate on that for now. Our focus has to be the First and defeating it for once and all. We will need for you to be every bit as strong as you are and maybe then some."

At that moment, the bell to the door rang as Kennedy and Dawn walked into the Magic Shop. They looked well rested and enthusiastic today.

Willow stood and looked at her trying not to smile, but she couldn't contain herself any longer. She burst out, "I kicked ass!"

The vampire that escaped groveled before Spike in the caves. "This new Slayer is very powerful my lord. I saw her take off Shane's head with a single blow."

"Really?" Spike/The First could not conceal his surprise. "Perhaps I've underestimated this new Slayer a bit. She may be a more stronger than I thought."

"She's not a Slayer you dolt. She's a Potential." Spike asked. "And what of Brian?"

"You ran to save your own skin. You reported to me because you knew I'd send for you."

"Um, yes lord." The vampire knew there was no lying to his master. He could see your thoughts.

Spike smiled. "Not to worry. If she can be turned, she'll make a powerful ally."

"Of course you don't. That's why you're a peon. The Slayer is also a witch, a powerful one at that; probably the reason she's so strong. This witch has already tasted the dark side. Once a human knows that kind of power, they can be more easily…persuaded to our way of thinking. She just needs the proper motivation."

"Yes lord." The vampire was still confused, but he dare not ask anymore questions. Spike was not known for his patience."

Spike looked down at the vampire. "You may leave now, but the next time you run from a Slayer I won't be as forgiving. She will kill you quick. I won't."

Kennedy and Dawn were reading through stacks of books. Willow was doing what she loved best, surfing the Net. Giles was souring through some books in the loft over them. They were all trying to find whatever information they could on the First. They wanted to exercise the First from Spike, if possible, and prevent it from moving in to another body. So far, they hadn't been very lucky.

Dawn slammed a book shut. "Nothing!" She got up and stretched her arms above her head. "I need a break or I'm gonna go blind."

Willow looked from Kennedy to Dawn. "I guess we have been hitting the research pretty hard."

"I know it's frustrating," Willow said. "But we have to try. I don't want to have to kill Spike. He's still in there somewhere. I could feel him. Beside, I don't even know if we can kill him. When we made the First corporeal, it was a living thing with a beating heart. Spike is a vampire. With the First inhabiting his body, we don't even know if he can be killed like your conventional vampire. Our best chance is to find something that will expunge it from Spike and, hopefully, destroy it for once and all."

Dawn said, "I just think we've read through everything we've got. I know I've been through some of these books three times already."

Willow sighed. "Yeah, I haven't come up with anything new on the Net either." Willow turned and called up to Giles. "How are we doing up there Giles?"

"Oh sorry, I was engrossed in the reading. It may be nothing, but it's the first time I've found something that may actually be useful."

"It's from an ancient Sumerian text. It refers to a great evil, not actually the First by name. It says this evil caused chaos and destruction of epic proportions. It also says that it can possess a nonliving body, which is probably how the First managed to jump into Spike's body."

"It sounds like you're on the right track," Willow said. "Anything else? Like how to kill it?"

Giles continued, "Unfortunately, there's nothing on how to kill it, but there is a spell the Sumerians used to expunge this evil from a body it used. This may be what we need to get the First out of Spike's body."

Kennedy said, "But without a way to kill it, the First will just jump into the first body it comes to without a heartbeat. And in Sunnydale, we've got plenty of those."

Always cheerful, Willow said, "At least it looks like we're on the right track."

Kennedy and Willow both sat up in their chairs with smiles on their faces. "Now that's a plan," Willow said. "Giles? You want to come?"

"I've got an idea," Willow said. "Xander is supposed to be home today. Let's take him some ice cream."

They went out the door and Giles went back to his research. He didn't want to admit that he was trying to drop a few pounds. He was sure he was on the verge of a heart attack when he was running Willow through her tests. Willow complimented him on his stamina, but he decided then and there to drop some weight and get back to his work out routine. He had slacked off quite a bit recently, but that ends today. If Willow was as gifted as she appears to be, he'd have to be in the best shape of his life to keep up with her.

Giles continued to read through his book. He said out loud to himself. "The Blade of…Spero?" He was sounding the words out. Sumerian was his least favorite of the dead languages. "'The Blade of Spero will destroy the Great Evil when plunged into its life center.' Fascinating, but where would one find this blade?"

Willow knocked on Xander's door. From inside, they could hear a weak "Come in." Willow eased the door open and peeked in. Xander was leaned back in a recliner, parked in front of the TV.

Willow opened the door the rest of the way. She walked in followed by Dawn and Kennedy. "Beware of Slayers bearing gifts." Willow walked up to Xander with a cup of chocolate chip cookie dough. It was his favorite.

"You're a doll. Thanks Will." Xander reached up with his good arm and took the ice cream. He moved it to his broken one, where he could still hold it while he ate. "Hey Dawn. How are ya? And it's everybody's favorite Slayer in waiting. Hey Kennedy."

Kennedy was surprised to see his good cheer. "Hey there Xan. You're looking pretty good."

"I look like crap, but thank you anyway. So what's new with you guys? Willow, you been kicking a lot of vampire booty?"

Before she could answer, Kennedy jumped in. "Oh my god Xander! You should see her in action! I've never seen anything like it. She's a natural. Giles made her go through all these Slayer tests; something that Slayers have had to do over the centuries. She totally kicked ass. She's got the vampires on the run."

Xander looked at Willow. He couldn't quite hide his surprise. "Really? Will, I didn't know you had it in you."

Willow was blushing. She was happy Kennedy was so proud of her, especially after the fight they had had days earlier. But she felt like a kid when their parents go on about how smart they are in front of their friends. It was embarrassing.

"Oh, I'm doing all right I guess. Still got a long way to go. How are you…really? Why are you home alone?"

"Mom brought me home and set me up. She ran to the store to pick up a few things. I'm glad she's here, but she's been hovering over me like a…."

"Hear anything from Anya?" Dawn asked. She immediately looked like she wished she could take it back.

Xander's mood visibly darkened. "Not since she left." He forced himself to smile. "So, what else is going on? Any new big bads out here?"

"Willow, you're not telling me something. I can always tell when you lie. Your eyes bug and your lips disappear. What's going on?"

"Is Spike." Willow corrected. "We think the First has possessed Spike's body. He's trying to regain his strength and gather his troops back."

"Get better," Willow answered. "We're doing okay and you have a lot of healing to do." She could feel Xander's frustration grow. She didn't have to be a witch to know that. She knew him too well.

"I hate this! You're going through all these dramatic changes, the First is back and has possessed Spike and I'm laid up here. Help, I've fallen and I can't get up. There must be some way I can help."

"I tell you what. We could use as much help as possible doing research. I'll come by later with my laptop and set it up for you. I'll fill you in on all we know so far."

Xander frowned. "Not my first choice, but I guess it'll have to do. I can't exactly go on patrol with you…unless you want to use me as a blunt instrument to beat the First to death."

Willow sat on the arm of the recliner next to Xander. "This will be a big help Xander, I promise. We've hit nothing but walls. You are needed."

"Yeah, we better get going." Willow leaned down and kissed Xander's cheek. "You feel better, okay? I'll be by later with the laptop."

The three women returned to the Magic Shop to find Giles still buried in his books. They each wondered if the man ever ate, slept or drank or even go to the bathroom. Willow lingered on that last one for a long moment. She could not remember Giles ever excusing himself to use the restroom. Weird.

"I found a reference to something called 'The Blade of Spero.' It supposedly can kill whomever is possessed by the 'Great Evil' who we are assuming is the First. However I can't find anything else on it, such as its location or what it looks like."

They all stood quietly for a long moment looking at Giles. Dawn finally broke the silence. "I thought we were looking for a way to exercise the First out of Spike. Now you're talking about killing him."

"I mention this, Dawn, because the texts on exercising this 'Great Evil' seem to be incomplete. There's mention of incantations and a ceremony but nothing more specific. If we can not find what we need to exercise the First, we may have no other option than killing Spike."

Willow stepped in. "Dawn, we will do everything we can. None of us have given up on Spike. Giles does have a point though. If we have no other alternative, we may have to kill him. We're going to have to research this 'Blade of Spero' more…as a backup plan."

"You can't be serious!" Dawn was getting more upset and got up in Willow's face. "How many times has he saved one or all of us?"

Kennedy stepped between them. "How many of times has he tried to kill one or all of us? I think you need to calm down and think about this rationally. Willow and Giles are dead on. We have to have a back up plan. We can't let the First get back to full strength, no matter what the cost."

"Well, I won't be part of it." Dawn turned and started to walk toward the door to leave.

Willow reached and grabbed her arm. Dawn spun around with fury in her eyes. She looked like she was about to hit Willow. Kennedy actually stepped back. If Dawn was going to take on Willow, she wanted to be out of the way. Though it wouldn't be much of a fight, Kennedy didn't want to catch a stray punch to the head. She had been beaten up enough the past few days.

Willow remained calm. She spoke to Dawn softly. "Dawn, its dark. You can't go home alone."

Dawn looked to the window and saw that Willow was right. Night had come. As upset as she was, she was rational enough to realize she shouldn't be strolling around Sunnydale alone at night. Especially not right now, not tonight.

Giles spoke. "Dawn, if you want to help Spike, stay and help us with the research. If there is a way to exercise the First, we'll do all we can find it."

"Fine, I'll help with that, but I want nothing to do with this blade of whatever." Dawn went to the table, sat down and opened the book closest to her. They all doubted that they were going to get her best effort tonight.

"Right then," Giles said. "Willow, will you get on the Net and do a search on these passages? Willow walked over and looked down at the pages Giles was pointing at. "As I mentioned, there are references to exercising a Great Evil, but details are lacking."

Willow looked at the passages. "No problem. I can Google some of the key words and phrases and see what I come up with."

Giles took off his glasses and started to clean them. "Google? Never mind, I really don't want to know."

Kennedy rubbed her hands together. "Okay, I'll help look for this Blade of Spiro."

Dawn slammed the book she was allegedly reading shut and grabbed the next book in front of her. They all looked at her, but said nothing. Hopefully, she would come around. Dawn had gotten to be very good at research. They needed her full attention right now. If she couldn't focus at the task ahead of them, she wouldn't be much help. Speaking of focusing, Willow thought she had to do a little of that herself.

Willow opened up her laptop and started searching for the keywords Giles had shown her. She was getting thousands of returns. Far too many for her to be able to look through. She tried to narrow her search when an instant message popped up from 'GeekGrrl2003.'

Willow smiled. It had been a while since she had spoken with Winifred "Fred" Burkle. Not since she went to L.A. to restore Angel's soul. She still felt kind of bad about the way she said good-bye. Fred had been gushing all over Willow about some ancient texts and her being a Wicca. Willow started to feel uncomfortable so she told Fred she was seeing someone. There was a long awkward moment of silence and Willow left with Faith to go back to Sunnydale. She had thought about calling Fred to apologize, but couldn't get up the nerve. Did she really want to just apologize or did she have an ulterior motive in the back of her mind. She shook off that thought and responded to Fred.

GeekGrrl2003, "Oh you know, same ol', same ol'. Trying to avoid the apocalypse."

WilloWicca, "Oh, yeah. They were great. Thanks! Couldn't have done it without them."

WilloWicca, "Actually, we could use your help again. We've run into a brick wall up here."

GeekGrrl2003, "Sure, you name it. I'm always willing to help my favorite witch. J "

Willow got that uncomfortable feeling again. She glanced up from her laptop to look at Kennedy. Kennedy felt her looking and looked up from her book. She smiled at Willow. Willow smiled back, but it was strained. She felt guilty, but tried to convince herself she had no reason to. Willow looked down at her laptop and continued. She filled Fred in on what was going on. She told her about Spike and the First, about how they were trying to find a way to exercise the First and about the Blade of Spero.

GeekGrrl2003, "Wow, I'll do what I can. E-mail me what you've got so far and I'll see what I can dig up here."

GeekGrrl2003, "No biggie. I'm sure we can think of some way for you to pay me back. ;)"

Willow jumped. Her new Slayer senses had betrayed her. She never even noticed Kennedy had gotten up and walked over to her. "Uh, she's my friend, Fred, you know, in L.A. She works for Angel. She's going to help us with our research."

Giles and Dawn both were looking at them. They could feel the tension rise in the room and both were getting uncomfortable. Dawn had even almost forgotten about the Blade of Spero.

Willow took a deep breath to compose herself. She realized that Giles and Dawn were now looking at them, but she tried to ignore them and focus entirely in Kennedy. She forced a smile. "Are you jealous?"

Kennedy wasn't prepared for that question. "Uh, well, it just looks like she's going someplace that I'd prefer her to stay away from."

Willow stood, looked Kennedy straight in the eyes and took both her hands. She put Kennedy's hands on her hips, and then put her own on Kennedy's shoulders. "Look, number one, you have nothing to be jealous of. She's a friend and that's all. Second, you shouldn't be reading over my shoulder. I am entitled to privacy."

Kennedy blushed. "I wasn't trying to read over your shoulder. I swear. I came over to rub your shoulders. You looked so tense."

She leaned in and kissed Willow on the lips. The two embraced tighter and started to kiss more passionately, Kennedy's hand coming up to the back of Willow's head. They were getting lost in the moment.

They opened their eyes and looked around them. Giles was staring intently at his book. Dawn was looking them and smiling. "Don't stop on my account."

Willow and Kennedy separated. They both were a little embarrassed that they had gotten so carried away.

"Umm, we better get back to work," Willow said. "I have to get this info to Fred." Willow sat back down to her laptop so she could e-mail what she had to Fred.

Kennedy pulled back her hair. "Whew! It's hot in here." She fanned herself as she went back to her chair and sat down.

The group continued to research until the early hours of the morning. They agreed to call it a night finally. They were getting no where and decided to start fresh in the morning. Giles told Willow she should train first thing and join them later. She agreed. Willow knew she still had to sharpen her skills. Even though she was getting more comfortable in her role as the Slayer she felt she had a long way to go before she was up to Buffy's level, despite how well she did with the tests.

Kennedy said, "I really should work out with you in the morning Willow. You keep getting stronger and faster. I have to stay in shape so I can keep up with you." She winked at Willow.

They all left the Magic Shop. Giles drove off to his apartment. The three women walked home. The night was cool and crisp. The sky was perfectly clear. Willow could see every star in the sky. She and Kennedy held hands as they walked home. The warmth of Kennedy's soft hand felt good in the cool night air.

Nights like tonight made Willow wonder. How could there be demons and other creatures that wanted to destroy all this? At times like this, it made no sense to her, even though she had nearly tried to do it herself once. It all seemed like a bad dream now. It was like it was someone else and she had been a spectator. But it was her and she could not forget that. She could never let herself forget what happened or what she is capable of.

The next morning Willow and Kennedy sparred in the back of the Magic Shop. Kennedy wore light pads while Willow went without. Her confidence was really beginning to build. She had come to realize that a normal person, even one with Kennedy's training, would be hard pressed to really hurt her. And she hated wearing pads. They made her hot.

The two women exchanged several jabs and kicks. Willow told Kennedy not to hold back. She wanted a serious workout, but Kennedy seemed distracted. Her heart wasn't in it. Finally, Willow stopped sparring and asked, "What's up? I get the feeling I'm not getting your full attention here."

"You've been warming up for a while. Usually you'd be all over me and talking trash by now."

Willow's mind wandered for a moment and she smiled. She shook it off and said, "I'm serious. Talk to me. You're not all here right now. And speaking of last night, it seemed awfully important to you that we…you know. I've never seen you like that before. You were extremely…energetic."

Willow grinned again. "You know I did. But it felt like you were trying to prove something. Now, I can tell your mind is not entirely here. Is all this because of Fred?"

"Okay, yeah. You two seemed a little too friendly. What happened down there in L.A.?"

Willow sighed and sat down on the mat they were sparring on. Kennedy sat in from of her, her eyes never leaving Willow. Willow looked up at Kennedy and spoke. "Really, it was nothing. More like a mutual admiration society thing…and…"

Kennedy looked away from Willow, then back directly into her eyes. "Is she pretty?"

Willow wasn't sure how to answer that question. Was she attracted to Fred? Yes, she was, but she didn't want Kennedy to think that there was anything going on between them. There wasn't. They were friends and Willow wasn't looking for anything more.

Willow decided to answer the question directly. "Yes, she's very pretty, but I'm not with her. I'm with you."

Kennedy looked away again and said, "I don't know Willow. I saw you smiling when you were chatting last night. And when I asked you about her, you looked like you were so busted."

"Oh yeah? 'I'm sure we can think of some way for you to pay me back.' That doesn't sound like shop talk to me."

"It was innocent Kennedy. She didn't mean anything by it. I'm not taking it seriously. Why are you?"

"Because I care about you Willow. I have some strong feelings for you and they're getting stronger every day. I don't want to lose you."

Willow sat up on her knees. She gently took Kennedy's face in her hand and gazed into her eyes. "And I care about you Kennedy. I'm not going anywhere, okay? We're just friends."

Kennedy smiled at Willow. "Okay. I'm sorry. It's just that I haven't felt like this before. It's like you've cast a spell on me."

Willow winced inwardly. She was reminded of Tara and it still hurt. She fought back tears and leaned forward to hug Kennedy. Kennedy sat up and returned the hug. Willow squeezed her so tight, she could barely breath, but she wasn't complaining.

They sat back and looked at each other. Kennedy smiled and said, "Ready to get your ass kicked?"

After sparring, a sweaty Kennedy and Willow came out to the front of the store. Giles and Dawn were deep into research mode and didn't notice them come in.

Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He put his glasses back on and slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid we've come up with nothing new. Again, we've found references to exercising a Great Evil from an inhabited body, but nothing more specific."

"Nothing there either." Dawn answered. Either she had done a complete turn around from the night before or she was doing an excellent job of hiding her true feelings.

Giles spoke. "I only hope your friend can come through. I fear we've exhausted all our resources here."

Kennedy was silent. Willow was sure she was biting her tongue, trying not to make a pointed comment. They had made up, but it may take some more time for Kennedy to get over her jealously of Fred.

Willow took her Palm Pilot from her bag and walked around to the counter where the phone was. She looked up Fred's number and dialed.

"I know I just e-mailed you that stuff on the First last night, but have you had a chance to look at it? We've hit a wall."

"As a matter of fact, yeah. I may be on to something. It's pretty quiet around here right now. If you like, I can come up there with the books I've found."

Willow looked over to Kennedy who was trying to look casual, like she wasn't trying to eaves drop. Willow lowered her voice a bit. "I don't want you to go to any trouble."

"It's no trouble. I wouldn't mind getting out of the city for a day or two anyway. Angel's been darker and broodier than usual. How about I head up there tonight?"

Before Willow could speak again, Fred had hung up. Willow sat the phone down and looked up at everyone.

Willow cleared her throat. "Um, yeah. She thinks so. She's coming up tonight with some books she found."

Kennedy was obviously not very happy at the prospect of having Fred come for a visit. "Couldn't she e-mail you what she found?"

While Kennedy wasn't very pleased, Giles was. "Excellent! I'm looking forward to seeing what she's found. And I must admit I'm looking forward to meeting this Fred. She seems intriguing from what you've told us.'

Kennedy couldn't help but be sarcastic. "Great. Can't wait for her to get here."

Willow and Kennedy were walking through one of Sunnydale's many cemeteries. Giles suggested, and Willow agreed, that she may as well patrol for a couple hours until Fred got in. They had gotten no further on the research. Willow and Kennedy would be more useful on patrol right now. Besides, Willow needed more field experience. She had excelled at training and had had few problems with the vampires she had met so far, but still "one can never have too much experience in the field" according to Giles.

It was another clear, cool night. Willow inhaled deeply. The cool air felt good going into her lungs. She looked up to see the stars. There was no moon tonight so the stars shined with extra brilliance. But it was also very dark. This particular graveyard was older and not well kept. They had to watch their every step.

Kennedy was quiet. Willow knew she was upset over Fred coming to town. She knew they'd have to talk about it sooner or later, but she just wasn't in the mood right now. Willow was feeling like Kennedy had been a little high maintenance the last couple of days. She felt a little guilty for having that thought, but she never had to deal with a jealous lover before. Even Oz didn't act like this and he had caught her and Xander red handed. If anyone had had a right, it would be Oz. Then again, he could have been happy, mad, sad or indifferent and most of the time you wouldn't know which.

Finally, Willow decided she had to be a grown up and break the silence. "Nice night, huh?"

"Why don't we try another graveyard? This place is dead." Willow stopped, looking at Kennedy hoping to get a reaction to her bad joke.

"Fine. I'm just not thrilled at thought of your cyber buddy coming up here, that's all."

Willow was starting to get annoyed now. "Kennedy, you're going to have to get over this and chill. She's coming up to help. And even IF she did have ulterior motives, what do you think I'm going to do?"

"You really don't know me at all do you." Willow's voice started to rise with her frustration. "If you did, you'd know that you have nothing to worry about. I'm not about to hop into the sack with any hot girl that comes a long."

"I told you Willow. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I'm not used to it. I guess it's making me a little nuts."

Willow shook her head. "Well, here's a tip for ya. Jealousy - big turn off. The only thing you're accomplishing by doing this is pissing me off." Willow smiled and tried to lighten the mood. "Don't make me kick your ass."

Willow pulled Kennedy to her and put and arms around her waist. "I can SO take you."

The two women started to kiss when they heard a noise in the bushes near by. Willow called out, "Hello? Is someone there?"

Silence. Then out of the darkness two male vampires walked out. They looked young, in their teens. They were dressed in leather and had not been stingy with the hair mousse."

The two women separated and slowly spread a part while walking to meet the vampires. They wanted to be on either side of them.

One of the vampires spoke. "Don't stop on our account. We like watching chicks make out. Especially when they look like you two."

Willow pulled a stake out of her coat. "Tell you what. I'll show you how fast I can send you back to hell."

Willow charged the vampire closer to her. She swung with left, then a right, never losing her grip on her stake. The vampire was able to block both punches and landed jab to Willow's jaw. Willow countered with a palm punch to the vampire's nose knocking him back several feet. He maintained his footing, but blood now ran down from his nose.

Meanwhile, the other vampire attacked Kennedy. He charged her both hands up, like he was going for her neck. She quickly side stepped him and punched him in the back of he head as he passed. He face planted into a tombstone in front of him.

Willow's vampire wiped the blood from his nose. "You're gonna pay for that bitch."

He flew at her, his fists swinging with fury. Willow blocked the punches with ease. She spun around and planted her stake in to the vampire's temple. He screamed in agony as blood gushed from the wound and dropped to his knees. Willow grabbed him by the hair and jerked his head back. "Don't ever call me a bitch." She pulled the stake from his head and plunged it into his chest turning him to dust.

She turned to see how Kennedy was doing. The vampire fighting Kennedy had split his forehead, probably when she sent him flying into the tombstone. Blood was flowing down his face into his eyes. It was obviously affecting his vision. He was swinging wildly at Kennedy, but hitting nothing but air. She was easily dodging the punches.

The vampire stopped swinging to look in Willow's direction. Was she serious? The distraction was all Kennedy needed. She staked the vampire before he knew what hit him.

Kennedy smiled. It felt good to spank a little vampire ass. "Thanks Will. You weren't too shabby either. Ready to go?"

"Hey, as long as you understand that Fred and I are just friends. I'm not going to hurt you baby."

A dark figure watched from the shadows as the women held hands and talked as they walked away. "You do have the killer instinct don't you love," Spike said. "You will be a valuable asset to my army…in time."

Willow and Kennedy walked into the Magic Shop. Fred was already there. She was sitting at the table next to Giles. They were looking at a book together. Dawn was standing, leaning against the counter.

Fred looked up as they walked in. Her face lit up. "Willow!" She immediately stood and walked briskly over to them. "It's great to see you again." She gave Willow a hug.

Willow smiled. "Hi Fred. Good to see you too. Um, this is my friend Kennedy. She's a Potential Slayer."

Fred looked back to Willow and her smile faded and she took her hand. "I'm sorry about Buffy. I know you two were very close."

Memories of Buffy suddenly flooded Willow's thoughts. She gripped Fred's hand tightly, but then looked over to Kennedy and saw that she was looking down at their holding hands. Willow released Fred's hand.

"Thanks Fred. It's been hard without her here." Willow quickly changed the subject. "So, what have you got for us?"

The three women walked toward the table where Giles sat. He had only glanced up for a moment when they arrived. He was still intently looking over the book Fred had brought.

Fred said, "I found some interesting stuff in this Celtic book, of all places. It's called the Anam Cara. I don't know Gaelic, but there's no shortage of Gaelic dictionaries on line."

"You know Gaelic?" Kennedy seemed surprised. She obviously didn't know Giles as well as Willow yet.

"Of course." Giles responded with an irritated tone. "There are some very interesting passages that Fred has found here. It doesn't refer to the First by that name, but it does make reference to the Great Evil and the One Evil. They seem to be one and the same. I think this may be the First."

"It appears so. The Celts who wrote this wrote much of it in verse, but I think that this one here," Giles pointed to a page in the ancient book, "may contain the ritual that must be performed."

Willow hadn't noticed. She looked over at Dawn and saw what Kennedy meant. Dawn looked pretty upset, arms crossed and looking down at the floor. She wasn't making eye contact with anyone.

Giles spoke. "Because Fred also found this Welsh volume. It contains very clear instructions on creating the Blade of Spero."

"Yes." Fred answered. "What I found was that there is no one blade. When I first read this, I was discouraged but as I continued my research what I discovered was that meant that virtually any knife or dagger can be the Blade of Spero. All you have to do is say this blessing over it."

Willow walked over to Dawn. She put her hand under Dawn's chin and lifted gently. "Dawn, we'll only use it as a last resort, I promise."

A tear rolled down Dawn's cheek. "It's just I can't bear the thought of losing someone else close to me."

Willow turned and looked at the rest of the group. "Well, all we need now is a plan. We have to get close to Spike which means we have to find him. And I'm guessing he won't be alone. I'm also betting he's not going to just stand there while I try to perform an exorcism on him."

"No," Giles said. "That would be a safe bet. I suggest we reconvene here tomorrow after we've all had a night to think about it and I've had more time to look over these texts. We can discuss strategy then."

"Sounds like a plan." Willow said. She looked to Fred and asked, "How long are you in town?"

"Then it's settled," Willow said. "You can crash at out place tonight and head back to L.A. in the morning.

Willow and Kennedy were in the kitchen. They were throwing together a light dinner of chicken and salad. Willow was having a glass of merlot, Kennedy a Corona. Dawn was in the living room entertaining Fred.

Kennedy was being quiet. Willow guessed that she wasn't really thrilled about their house guest, but decided not to pursue it. She wanted to have a quiet dinner and good conversation.

They both looked up from what they were doing when music started blaring from the living room. Dawn had recently gotten the new Evanescence CD. Apparently she wanted to share it with Fred…as well as the rest of the neighborhood. Kennedy and Willow looked at each other and smiled, then went back to preparing dinner.

Willow was putting the final touches on the salad when she felt Kennedy's arms come around her waist. Kennedy rested her chin on Willow's shoulder and said, "How ya doin' lady?"

Willow leaned her head against Kennedy's. "Better now." She put her hands on Kennedy's.

Dawn walked in kitchen followed closely by Fred who looked surprised. "Oh, sorry to interrupt."

Willow was surprised by Kennedy's pleasant tone. "That's okay. You're not interrupting."

Dawn laughed and said, "You have to get used to that with these two around here. They're very touchy-kissy. I think it's sweet."

Willow said, "Well it's nothing fancy. Everybody grab a plate and help yourself."

Dawn went and got dishes for everyone. She handed one to Fred and said, "Company first."

Fred smiled and accepted the plate. She walked to the center island and got what Willow thought was a pretty skimpy helping. No wonder she's so tiny, Willow thought. They each took a turn and made their way into the dining room. Before she sat down, Kennedy even asked Fred if she'd like more wine. Willow was amazed how polite Kennedy was being. She had been afraid she'd start acting all territorial, but instead Kennedy had been pleasant and gracious.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. Angel Investigations has kept us all very busy in L.A. I haven't had the chance to come up before now, but Willow and I've exchanged e-mails and phone calls. She's helped us out of a jam on more than one occasion."

"Oh yeah. Well, I', sure she told you about her last visit…when she restored Angel's soul…again. She's also been a great source for me. Whenever I needed some help with research or ran into a problem with a spell, I've been able to call on Willow."

Willow smiled slightly. "Oh it's been nothing really. An incantation here, a Sumerian ritual there. Research is my thing…or it used to be." Willow's smile faded.

"Well, you've been a great help to us when we're in a bind. Especially when you restored Angel's soul. We've couldn't have done it without you." Fred raised her glass to Willow.

Willow returned the gesture. "And now you're a Slayer," Fred continued. "Amazing. Have you found that the magics have helped you in that regard?"

"Surprisingly, I haven't used magic that much. Giles has instructed me to trust my instincts. So far, I've only used magic once or twice since becoming the Slayer."

"Hmm, I have to disagree with Giles," Fred said. "I think you should use your magic more. You have the potential to be the most powerful Slayer ever."

"She already is," Kennedy said with pride. She looked to Dawn apologetically. "I'm sorry Dawn. I mean no offense."

Kennedy went on. "Willow scored higher than any Slayer before her when Giles tested her. She's done things I couldn't imagine and she's only been the Slayer for a few days. And training? She's run circles around Giles."

"Kennedy, come on," Willow interrupted. "It's not that big a deal. I've been pretty lucky too." She reached and took Kennedy's hand and looked lovingly at her. "Besides, I've had you watching my back."

"Um, yeah." Kennedy looked away from Willow to Fred. "If anything should happen…you know, then I may be called to be the Slayer." Kennedy looked back at Willow. "I'll just have to make sure nothing happened to her." Willow and Kennedy smiled at each other and squeezed each other's hand.

"Too bad you can't stay longer," Dawn said. "Sunnydale is a pretty exciting place if you don't mind the constant danger and threat of the apocalypse."

Fred was helping Kennedy with the dishes in the kitchen. Kennedy was washing with Fred drying. Willow was feeling a little "woozy" after one or two too many glasses of merlot and had excused herself upstairs to regroup. She promised to come back down to help in a few minutes. Dawn had wandered off to her room, probably to chat with her friends on line.

Kennedy continued to wash, thought for a second. "A few months I guess. It was kind of rocky at first. I don't know how well you know Willow, but there was another before me. Willow lost her in a tragic accident."

"Willow never really talked to me about it," Fred said. "I heard that some guy murdered her. Tara, right?"

"It was, still is sometimes. I know she still thinks about her a lot. You never forget your first true love."

They continued washing and drying without speaking a word for several minutes. Kennedy broke the silence. "So, any special girl in your life?"

Stunned, Kennedy put down the dish she was washing and turned off the water. She looked at Fred. "You're not? I thought…I mean the flirting. You're so… friendly with Willow."

"I really like Willow," Fred responded. "She's great. I've learned a lot from our conversations. She's so smart and easy to talk to, but I never considered…you know."

Kennedy shook her head. "I have to admit. I'm shocked. I thought I had a really good sense about these things. I swear I was picking up on something. A genuine attraction."

Fred looked away and took a deep breath. "Well, I admit, there is a little something. I mean Willow is so smart and nice. And she is very pretty. I may have had an intellectual curiosity, but I'd never act on it."

"Yeah, I saw you say something about 'thinking of a way to pay you back' when you guys were chatting on line. I just assumed…"

"I meant she could teach me some spells. Maybe even be a mentor to help me with magic."

Relief rushed through Kennedy. All this time she was jealous for no reason. Willow had tried to tell her, but she didn't hear her. Then she started to feel a little guilty. Not just for feeling jealous, but for the terrible things she had thought about Fred…and the terrible things she thought she would do to Fred if she made a move on Willow. She shook her head and went back to washing the dishes. "Go figure," she mumbled to herself.

Just as they were finishing, Willow came in the kitchen. "Hey, how are you guys doing?" She seemed a little nervous.

"Great timing as usual Willow," Kennedy said. "We're all done. How's your head?"

Willow sat on a stool at the counter. "A little better. Took some Tylenol and drank a big glass of water. So, what did you guys talk about?"

Kennedy and Fred smiled at each other. Kennedy said, "Oh you know…stuff. We're just getting to know each other better."

Willow grinned slightly and nodded. "Good. Well, every party needs a pooper and tonight it's gotta be me. I think I'm going to crash."

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired myself," Fred said. "And I should get an early start in the morning."

Kennedy walked over to Willow. "Come on, I'll take you upstairs and tuck you in."

Willow and Kennedy said their good nights to Fred and went to their room. Kennedy shut the door gently behind her and locked the door. "So, still woozy?'

Willow woke up feeling really good this morning. The sun was out and it was a bright, beautiful day. Usually after a night of too much wine she felt terrible, at least until noon, but not this morning. She woke up with a clear mind and spirit. Must be the Slayer strength she thought to herself.

She rolled over to find Kennedy still asleep. She slid over and kissed her on the cheek. Kennedy opened one eye. "Good morning," Kennedy half yawned. "How did you sleep?"

Willow snuggled up to Kennedy, laying her head on her shoulder and putting her arm around her. "Like a baby. I haven't slept that well in weeks. I think I have you to thank for that." Willow gently squeezed Kennedy. "You make me feel good."

Kennedy stroked Willow's bare back. "I like making you feel good. Besides, you make it easy. You have no problem giving directions."

Willow leaned closer and kissed Kennedy. She pulled back and they looked into each others eyes. Kennedy placed her hand on Willow's face, her thumb gently stroking her cheek, fingers tickling her ear. Willow leaned back in for another kiss, this time longer, deeper. She pulled Kennedy closer to her as they kissed and held her tightly.

"True, but she's probably up by now. We should get up and make coffee and breakfast."

Kennedy pulled Willow back to her. Their lips met, their bodies melting together as one.

Willow and Kennedy walked together into the kitchen, both of them all smiles. Fred was already in there, glasses on, sipping coffee and reading the morning paper. As she saw Willow and Kennedy walk in, she took off her glasses and put down the paper.

"Not at all," Willow said. "I'm glad you've made yourself at home. You need anything else? Juice or anything?"

Kennedy made her way to the coffee pot and poured herself and Willow some. "Milk and sugar baby?"

"I should be leaving soon." Fred answered. "You'd think they can't run Angel Investigations without me. I had a devil of a time getting off just so I could come up for this little visit."

Kennedy walked over to Willow and gave her her coffee and said to Fred, "Well, you should come back when you have more time. We can show you around town and maybe even hit the Bronze. That's the local hang out."

"That would be nice. I'd like to. And you guys are always welcome to come down to L.A. We don't have a Hellmouth, but we do have our share of excitement."

"Sounds good," Willow said. "I guess I better wake Dawnie. We should get to the Magic Shop soon and discuss strategy."

"Oh, she's already gone," Fred said. "She left shortly after I got up this morning."

Fred got up from her seat. "I should be getting back. Thanks for all your hospitality. I hope the books I brought are helpful."

Willow walked up to Fred and hugged her. She stepped back. "We should be thanking you. I think you found exactly what we need."

Fred smiled. "It was nothing. I'm happy to have helped." Fred turned to Kennedy. "Kennedy, it was nice meeting you."

Kennedy reached out her hand and shook Fred's. "You too Fred. Don't be a stranger."

"Oh, I won't be. Willow, I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon. And don't worry about those books. You can get them back to me any time."

Willow and Kennedy walked Fred to the front door where they exchanged more hugs and goodbyes. Willow promised to help Fred with any questions she had on witchcraft and Fred promised not to try to do anything without consulting Willow first.

Willow looked a little shocked. "Really? Well, I have to say, you were very nice to her. I admit, I was a bit nervous about you two meeting."

"Honestly, so was I. But we had a nice talk when we were doing the dishes last night. I got to know her a little a realized how ridiculous I was being."

"What did you guys talk about?" Willow walked into the living room followed by Kennedy.

"Me? What about me?" Willow started to look a little nervous. She sat down on the couch. Kennedy sat next to her.

"She told me how much she liked and respected you and how she hoped you'd help her with magic."

"She's not? Uh yeah, she's not gay." Willow tried not to look stunned or disappointed.

Willow faked a chuckle. "Of course I knew. That's why I couldn't understand why you were so jealous."

Willow stood, stretched her arms up and turned her back slightly still trying to get out the morning knots. "Okay, I'm going to go take a shower before we go."

Kennedy stood up; put her arms around Willow's waist. "Good idea. I'll join you."

Willow and Kennedy made it to the Magic Shop around noon. Giles was noticeably irritated. "Finally! While you two have been doing…whatever it is you've been doing, I translated the entire text that we need to exorcise the First from Spike. I also completed the translation of the blessing we need for the Blade of Spero. I would have done it myself, but I'll need your assistance Willow."

"No problem Giles. Sorry we're a little late. We had to see Fred off…and stuff. You know." Willow tried to not look too embarrassed. "Dawn come by?"

Willow was getting concerned. "You haven't? She told Fred she was coming by after she ran some errands."

Kennedy said, "Ah, she's okay. She probably met up with friends and lost track of time."

"Willow, I need you here." Giles snapped. "I need your help with the Blade of Spero. I'm sure Kennedy is right. Dawn will be by later."

"Okay." Willow had a pout on her face. She still didn't like it when Giles snapped at her and was she not so sure that everything was all right with Dawn. Something didn't feel right.

Willow walked over to the table where Giles was sitting and sat next to him. They started reviewing the procedure for blessing the Blade of Spero. This type of thing bored Kennedy to tears. She knew that work like this was very important and necessary, but she couldn't get into like Willow could. She'd much rather be practicing with weapons or some other training. She was a Potential Slayer after all. She wasn't going to sit down and pretend to be interested. Besides, Willow knew how she felt about this stuff. She wouldn't be fooling anyone.

Kennedy wandered around the shop looking at things that didn't really interest her and finally said. "I'm gonna go in the back and work out. Join me in a bit Will?"

"I believe so. The blessing doesn't seem that complicated, but it will take both of us to complete it."

Willow continued to read through the text. "Whoa! What's this? 'Blood of the Sacred One'?"

"Just a few drops should do. The blessing calls for you cut yourself with the blade. We then we proceed with the ceremony."

"I would suggest that you pick it out. After all, it should be something you're comfortable with since you will be the one wielding it."

Willow went to the back of the shop. Kennedy was practicing Tai Chi. Willow stopped and watched her for several moments. She was moving so gracefully. Kennedy was so focused, she hadn't noticed Willow come in. Finally, her eyes moved in Willow's direction.

"I wish. I've come to pick out a knife for the blessing." Willow walked over to the wall where an assortment of knives, daggers and swords were hung.

Kennedy walked over beside her. She pulled a Ninja sword off the wall. "How about this one?"

Willow shook her head. "Mm, maybe, but I think it may be too big." Willow pulled a dagger off the wall. It was nothing too fancy. It was double edged with a small grip wrapped in leather, but it was well balanced and felt good in her hand. "This one I think, but I'll bring the sword with me too. Giles is in a mood. I think I should have a back up."

They walked back into the front of the shop where Giles had drawn a circle on the floor. He had lit some candles and incense. He stood waiting for Willow, book in hand. "Are you ready?"

Willow looked at Kennedy and took her hand. "Part of the ceremony. I have to cut myself with the blade?"

"It's no big deal, really. A small cut. Some of my blood has to be on the blade to bless it."

Kennedy shook her head. "Great. And I thought this was going to be a non-pagan ritual."

"Willow?" Giles said. "Please come sit in the circle with the blade you've chosen."

Willow handed the Ninja sword to Kennedy and walked over to the circle. She sat down on her knees in the middle of it. Giles handed her a sheet of paper with something he had written on it.

"Read from this, then cut your left forearm with the blade. Once you've done that, I will walk around you with this," Giles held up an incense ball with a chain attached to it, "and say my part of the blessing."

Willow looked at the paper. "Giles, this is in Gaelic. I haven't studied that yet."

"No matter. Just read what I've written there. You don't have to understand it."

Willow closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had to focus, push away any fear she had. It was human nature to avoid pain and injury. She had to clear those thoughts from her mind. She looked down and the paper she had sat in from of her.

Willow spoke, "Coiseunuich an usga lan ag mi cró." She took the blade and slid her across her forearm opening a cut as she did it. Her blood stained the blade as she cut. Giles started to circle her swinging the incense ball like a pendulum as he spoke in a tongue she knew was Gaelic, but did not understand what he was saying.

Kennedy moved closer to Willow without getting in Giles' way. She hated this voodoo stuff. It always made her feel creepy. She felt she needed to be close to Willow though. She wanted to be there in case she needed her.

Giles stopped walking. He spoke a few more words and waived the ball in Willow's direction.

Kennedy walked up to Willow quickly and helped her up, though she didn't need it. She felt fine. While it was still bleeding, her cut barely hurt.

"Yes." Giles pointed to Willow's wound. "Kennedy is right. You should tend to that. I'll clean this up."

Willow and Kennedy started to walk to the back where there was a first aid kit when they both stopped dead in their tracks. There was a demon and two vampires in front of them. The demon looked like a cross between something like a goat and a dog. It had two small horns high on its forehead, but a small dog-like muzzle with large fangs protruding out from its snout.

The demon spoke. "You really should block off that trap door that leads to the sewers. There are all kinds of unsavory types that could use it."

Willow and Kennedy instinctively put some space between themselves. Kennedy still had the Ninja sword and Willow the newly anointed Blade of Spero. She didn't want to taint it with demon blood however. She had no idea how it may affect the blade. Without looking, she tossed the dagger behind her hoping Giles would catch it. Her instincts were right. Giles caught the blade with one hand while leaping over the counter. He had wooden stakes hidden back there for just such an occasion.

"About what?" Giles had moved in behind Willow. She put her hand behind her back and he placed a stake in her palm.

The demon held up a necklace. Willow moved a little closer for a better look. It was Dawn's. A necklace she had had for years, the one with her name on it. Willow could see blood on the letters. She could feel the fury rising in her. She gripped the stake in her hand tighter in her rage.

She walked up to the demon and stared directly into his cold yellow eyes. "If you've hurt her, I'll kill every one of you bastards."

The demon didn't flinch. "She's alive. The Master said you would know if she were dead, that you're some sort of witch."

Kennedy moved next to Willow. "Yes, she is. A very powerful witch. If I were, I wouldn't be pissing her off."

Kennedy stepped closer, but Willow put her arm up to stop her. "What do you want?" Willow asked.

The demon rubbed its muzzle-like chin. "Let's call it insurance. He doesn't trust you."

It was Willow's turn to laugh. "He doesn't trust me? You must be joking. You know, I'm not stupid. Do you honestly think that I'd walk into a trap this easily?"

The two vampires lunged at Willow and Kennedy. Willow stepped out of the way as her attacker flew by. Unfortunately, he slammed right into Giles sending him flying across the floor. The vampire ignored Giles and charged Willow again. His face met the heal of her foot as he came at her sending him back in Giles direction. Giles was waiting for him and staked the vampire as he hit the floor.

The vampire attacking Kennedy was more cautious, circling her to feel her out. "The hell with this." Kennedy said. "Bring it wuss."

The vampire was infuriated. He flew at Kennedy. She ducked as he went over her into a bookshelf. She had the Ninja sword up and ready. As the vampire stood, she swiped her blade decapitating him.

The demon appeared to slump down. Before Willow could react, he lunged at her with a loud terrible scream, his massive fangs fully exposed. He knocked her backward into some shelves with pottery and statues, the shelves and glass crashing down around her. She was dazed for a moment, the demon felt like he was made of solid lead.

The demon charged her again. "Willow!" Kennedy called out. She tossed Willow the sword she had. Willow caught it as she rolled out of the demon's path. He flew by her and crashed into small table. The demon rose. His eyes appeared to be flaming with fury. He came at Willow again. She stepped aside, swinging the sword and he flew by. The demon stopped and turned. His hands were at his stomach as he tried to hold in his eviscerated insides. He dropped to his knees.

Willow walked up to him and pointed the sword directly at his eyes. "Where is she?"

"I will in a minute." Willow swung the blade, cleanly decapitating the demon. It fell to the floor with a grotesque squish as its insides spilled on to the floor. Willow knelt down and took Dawn's necklace which the demon still clutched in its fist.

Willow smiled. "Exactly. Normally I would use a standard locator spell that would help us track her, but sometimes that can be inaccurate. This necklace actually belongs to Dawn. With this, I can pin point her exact location up to the second."

"Don't you think the First thought of that?" Kennedy argued. "It's still a trap. He knows you're a witch, that you would use a spell to find Dawn and walk right into his hands."

Giles stepped in. "Kennedy, the best way to avoid a trap is knowing of its existence. We know that the First will be lying in wait for Willow, but he does not know that we have a spell that will exercise it from Spike nor does it know of the Blade of Spero. Granted, the odds may still be in its favor, but I think, with our help, Willow can defeat the First for once and all."

Kennedy shook her head. "I don't know. I still don't like it. I just wish we had more help. We have to fight our way through who knows how many demons, vampires and ubervamps and then try to get the First to sit still long enough to do this exorcism. Seems like pretty long odds to me."

"Well, with the locator spell, maybe I can find a back door. Besides, our first objective should be to save Dawn. If we find the First in the meantime we can work our mojo."

Kennedy was still unconvinced. "Say we survive long enough to find the First, he's not gonna stand there while you perform your voodoo ritual. He's gonna fight."

Willow's expression darkened. "Let him put up a fight. I'll beat him to a bloody pulp, then exercise it from Spike's body, or what's left of him."

"There's no more time. We have to get Dawn out of there. We go now. We'll take what weapons we can."

Willow, Kennedy and Giles walked to the back of the shop. Willow and Kennedy each took a handheld crossbow. Willow strapped the Ninja sword to her back. She stuffed some stakes into a pouch with some throwing stars and a pair of Nunchucks. She put the Blade of Spero in a sheath on her belt. Kennedy also stocked up on stakes but she took a pair a Kamas, long sharp blades with long wooden handles. Giles picked his weapons of choice, a standard crossbow and a battle axe.

Willow looked to Giles and Kennedy. They both looked worried, but confident. So was she. Willow knew that this may not go well. There were a million things that could go wrong. She wished she had more time to plan, but that was no longer an option. They had to get to Dawn and had to do it now. Spike/The First would know that she had killed his minions. She didn't know what his reaction might be.

More time, if only she had more time. Time to plan, time to prepare, time to say good bye to Xander.

Willow clutched Dawn's necklace tightly in her hand. The locator spell was working as planned. Dawn was still alive. Willow could feel where she was. No big surprise here. They were headed straight for the cases south of town. Willow had suspected that would be where they were, but now she knew it. Dawn wasn't the only thing she could feel as they approached the First's lair. She could feel the evil, and the power, coming from the caves.

The caves would be a problem. Because of the locator spell, finding Dawn shouldn't be a real issue, but the caves were like a maze. Finding their way out could be difficult and you never knew what could be lurking in the shadows or around the corner.

"I don't like this," Kennedy said as the cave entrance came into view. "They're gonna be waiting for us. There could be a hundred ubervamps in there as far as we know."

They approached the mouth of the cave and Willow stopped. She looked at Giles and Kennedy. Kennedy couldn't remember Willow ever looking so serious or determined. "Remember, this is a rescue mission. If we can, we get in, get Dawn and get out. If we run into some baddies, I'll take em out. You're here to back me up only. No heroics. If we do find Spike, leave him to me."

Willow couldn't appreciate the moment as much as Giles. Things looked pretty grave right now. They would all be lucky if any of them made it out alive.

Willow closed her eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath. She opened her eyes and said, "Okay, let's do this."

They moved cautiously into cave weapons drawn. Willow and Kennedy had their small crossbows loaded and ready. Giles' crossbow was slung around his back. He had his battle axe out. Willow's eyes adjusted immediately to the limited light. Hmm, Slayer-vision, she thought. She knew Kennedy and Giles' eyes wouldn't adjust as quickly or as well. She looked behind to make sure they were right behind her and all right.

Willow continued on. Walking carefully, trying to make as little noise as possible. They had moved about 150 yards into the caves. So far, no Dawn or creatures of the night. They were getting closer though. Dawn's necklace was sending out strong signals to Willow.

Willow could see light ahead of them. Her pace slowed. She held her hand up, hoping Kennedy and Giles could see it. She didn't want them running into her from behind, tripping over her. As she walked closer to the light, it grew brighter. She walked cautiously closer, her crossbow ready. The cave opened up to a chamber. There were torches lit all around. Willow looked slowly around. She knew Dawn was nearby.

What she saw horrified and sickened her. Dawn was tied to what looked like a chain link fence, only in her underwear. She had bite marks all over her legs and arms. Rage grew within Willow. The monsters had been feeding on her. They had hooked up an I.V. of blood to keep her alive.

Willow handed Kennedy her crossbow and ran to Dawn. She lifted Dawn's chin, trying to look in her eyes. "Dawnie?" Willow fought back tears.

Dawn's eyes opened slightly. She barely whispered, "Willow? Is that you? Is this a dream?"

Kennedy and Giles moved closer. They stayed on high alert. There was no telling who or what could come jumping out of the shadows at any moment. Willow untied Dawn's hand and feet and lower her gently to the ground.

"I wouldn't remove the I.V., not just yet." Giles said. "We don't know how much blood they may have taken."

"Wasn't going to," Willow knelt next to Dawn. "Dawn, I'm going to carry you out, okay? Put your arms around my neck if you can."

"It's about frigging time!" A voice with a heavy English accent came out of the darkness. A voice that sent chills through all of them. Spike walked out of the shadows of the cave. "Buffy would have been here long ago and she wouldn't have brought the cheering squad with her."

Behind Spike emerged two ubervamps. Twelve Bringers seemed to appear out of the cave walls. Ten vampires and demons appeared in the entrance way of the chamber. Willow cursed herself for falling so easily into the trap. They were surrounded.

Kennedy looked all around them. There seemed to be no way out. "We are so screwed." She raised the two crossbows she held in her hands, not aiming at any one target. There were too many to choose from.

"No we're not." Willow said quietly. Kennedy looked at her. She stood there with a quiet confidence, not looking afraid or even worried. Willow pulled the Ninja sword from the sling on her back. She looked to Spike. "Show me what you've got."

Six Bringers charged them at once. Kennedy took down two immediately with the crossbows. The other four didn't slow and continued their charge. Willow decapitated the one closest to her as he started his attack. Two more swung their daggers at her which she was able to deflect with her sword. She lunged at one slicing as she went. He dropped to the ground, blood gushing from his throat. With a smooth, fluid motion she plunged her blade into the others chest. He died instantly.

Another came at Giles who buried his axe into the Bringer's skull. Kennedy had dropped the crossbows and had her Kamas out, one in each hand. The three stood in a tight circle surrounding Dawn waiting for the next wave.

Spike laughed out loud. He seemed unfazed. "Not bad Slayer. This is why I wanted to make you my bitch."

The ten vampires and demons started approaching the small band cautiously. They weren't going to charge in like the Bringers just to be cut to pieces. Bringers were known to be strong, but stupid. These monsters weren't going to make the same mistake. The remaining Bringers appeared to be able to be taught. They walked slowly toward the group too, knives drawn.

"Relax Kennedy." Willow held up her hand at the approaching vampires and demons and uttered "Cremare!" Lightning shot from her fingertips. The first wave of approaching creatures erupted into flames. Three of the vampires turned to dust and ash immediately, two demons screamed in agony as they burned. One bumped into another vampire as he tried to run away setting him on fire and sending him to dust. Two more of the vamps saw this and ran out to escape the fire.

Willow turned toward the Bringers and took three throwing stars from her pouch. She tossed them all at once. Two hit their marks, hitting her targets in their foreheads, dropping them immediately.

Spike and the ubervamps held back. Willow decided this was probably because he thought that the others could do the job easily enough. She had the opposition down to a manageable number now. There were two vampires and four Bringers left. They appeared to be waiting for Willow to make the next more. None seemed too eager to attack now, not even the mindless Bringers.

Without looking at them, Willow asked Giles and Kennedy, "Can you guys keep them off of me? I'm going after Spike."

Willow ran for Spike, sword held high. The two ubervamps jumped in her path. One flew at her. She ducked and rolled, knocking his feet out from under him. She came to a stop on one knee right in front of the other ubervamp. She plunged her sword upward through the bottom of his chin. She stood, holding the grip firmly with both hands. The blade had gone through the top ubervamp's skull. He stood, paralyzed, shaking. Willow quickly pulled out the blade and sliced in one motion, lopping off the monster's head.

She heard the other ubervamp running toward her from behind. She turned quickly, held up her hand and shouted, "Cremare!" The last ubervamp burst into flames and disintegrated.

Kennedy and Giles were holding their own against the last of the vampires and Bringers. Kennedy had dusted one of the vamps, but mostly they were just keeping them at bay so Willow could take down the First.

Willow faced Spike/The First. She dropped her sword and pulled a pair of Nunchucks from her back pocket. Spike laughed. "What's this pet? You know, to kill a vampire you have to stake him or cut his head off. You're not going to be able to do either with those."

The two started to circle each other, feeling one another out, waiting for the other to make a move. Willow glanced out of the corner of her eye to check on Kennedy and Giles. That's when Spike lunged quicker than Willow could react. He punched her in the jaw sending her spinning. She kept her footing and stood ready for Spike's next attack. He moved cautiously toward her left and then came at her with a round house kick. She blocked it, but the kick was so hard, it still knocked her off her feet. She took a hard fall on a rock and was sure she cracked a rib. Before Spike could come in for another attack, Willow was already on her feet, but was obviously favoring her left side.

"What's the matter love? Body smart a bit? Why don't you use a little of that black magic and take me out? You know you want to."

"I don't need magic to kick your ass Spike." Willow came at him, Nunchucks, flying and spinning. Spike managed to duck out of the way of the first attack, but Willow came down hard on the back of his head with her second, sending him to his knees. She spun to hit him again in the side of his head, but he blocked her grabbing the Nunchucks and threw her to the ground. Willow hit with a loud thud on her back, hitting the back of her head, momentarily stunned. Spike dove at her. Willow put both feet up and caught him in the chest. She kicked outward and sent Spike flying.

Willow stood and shook out the out cob webs to clear her head. She checked again to make sure that Kennedy and Giles were all right. She saw that they were still beating back their foes, but looked to be tiring. She had to end this quickly. Willow charged Spike as he was recovering his footing. She didn't think, she just attacked with the Nunchucks with all their fury. Spike put up both hands trying to defend himself, but Willow was too fast and too strong. She beat down on him repeatedly. He dropped his guard for a split second trying to counter her attack. Willow hit him in the face with the Nunchucks, splitting his eyebrow. Blood flew and Spike hit the ground face first. Willow then came down on the back of his skull with a loud crack. He was out.

"Just keep them off of me for a few seconds," Willow called to Kennedy and Giles.

Willow knelt down beside of Spike. She pulled out a slip of paper that had the exorcism written in Gaelic on it. Giles had given her the rough translation earlier, but told her the exorcism had to be spoken in Gaelic. Willow started to chant the ancient poem. As she was a quarter of the way through, a blue light seemed to emanate from Spike. Willow saw this, thinking that the exorcism must be working. She continued to chant louder and faster in her excitement.

The light grew brighter as she read. She was near the end of the poem and read the last couple of lines. Willow stared at Spike, watching the blue light grow. Suddenly, there was a bolt of light that shot from Spike's body. It struck Willow and sent her flying back thirty feet.

"Willow!" Kennedy called. She hit her own attacker with a thunderous kick and ran to her lover. Willow was face down on the ground. Kennedy knelt down, rolled her over and lifted her head. Willow's hair was black. Kennedy ran her fingers through Willow's hair. It didn't feel any different. "Willow, are you all right?"

Willow opened her eyes, they were as black as midnight. She smiled up at Kennedy. "I'm peachy." She held up her hand toward Kennedy. Blue energy shot out of it, sending Kennedy flying backward.

Willow rose straight up from the ground effortlessly. Kennedy sat up on her elbows looking at her in shock. Giles stopped fighting and dropped his axe at the sight, two of the remaining Bringers grabbing his arms.

Spike pulled himself up to his feet. He walked over to Willow, kissed her on the lips and said, "Welcome to the family love."

"Tie them up to the fence," Spike/The First directed the remaining vampires and Bringers. "We'll feast on their blood and flesh."

Willow grinned an evil grin, "I've got it." She held up her hand. Giles, Kennedy and Dawn flew up hard against the fence, the bits of rope on it magically tying them to it. Dawn was still barely conscious, while Kennedy struggled to get free. Giles looked resigned to the fact that they were all going to die.

Willow walked up to Kennedy and stroked her face. "What's the matter baby? Don't you want to play?" Willow looked to Spike. "Do what you want with the others. I want this one for myself."

Spike walked up and put his arm around Willow. "All right, you can have her. But I want to watch." He leaned closer to her and they kissed passionately for several moments. Kennedy looked away, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Your little spell love. I was ready for it. I knew you'd try that old Irish exorcism. I just did a little spell on myself. Anyone trying to expel me from this body would become my servant. Willow is now mine."

Willow pulled back, looked up at Spike. "I like that." She responded. She pulled Spike back to her and they continued to kiss.

Willow was running her hands up and down Spikes back when he noticed suddenly she was now only using one hand. He opened his eyes and pulled back a bit. Willow was staring at him with those cold, black eyes. In her right hand she held a dagger, the Blade of Spero.

"What the…" Before he could finish his question or even react, Willow plunged the dagger deep into his chest. Spike staggered back, his eyes wide in shock. His body started to shake and glow. He dropped to his knees. He screamed, "Damn you! You could have had everything you ever wanted." He fell face first into the dirt. His body continued to glow brighter and brighter, almost blinding everyone in the cave. Suddenly the light was gone and so was Spike.

Willow collapsed on to one knee. The remaining vampires and Bringers charged her. She held up her hand, blue lightning shooting from her fingertips. The last of the First's army erupted in to flames and disintegrated.

Willow then held her hand up toward her friends. The ropes around their wrists and legs turned to dust. Giles caught Dawn before she fell to the ground.

Willow fell backward. Her breathing was shallow and fast. Kennedy ran to her. She slid to her knees and lifted Willow's head. Her eyes and hair were still as black as night.

Willow looked up at Kennedy, tears were streaming down her face. "Kennedy," she said weakly. "I can't fight it much longer, the evil is too strong. You have to kill me."

"You have to Kennedy. I'll do terrible things. Please, Kennedy, save me. Save me from the dark."

Kennedy started to cry harder. She stroked Willow's face. She leaned down and kissed Willow tenderly on her lips. Kennedy whispered in to Willow's ear, "I love you." Their eyes met, Kennedy kissed Willow again, deeper, longer. "I love you Willow."

The blackness of Willow's eyes started to fade. Kennedy could see white, then the green of her irises. She looked at Willow's hair. The beautiful red that it had once been began to emerge from the black. Their eyes met again, tears still flowing from Willow's green eyes.

Kennedy pulled Willow to her and hugged her tightly. Willow whispered in her ear. "I love you too."

The next day at the Magic Shop Willow, Kennedy and Giles sat around the table. Giles was theorizing over the events of the previous day.

Willow and Kennedy held hands and smiled at each other. Willow said, "I asked you to save me and you did." She leaned over and kissed Kennedy. She looked back to Giles. "What about Spike? The Blade of Spero wasn't supposed to kill him, just the First. What do you think happened to him?"

Giles removed his glasses and started to clean them. "I don't know. He may be dead or maybe in another dimension. The writings for the Blade are still somewhat unclear. I'll be continuing my research."

"I'm just glad it's over," Kennedy said. "Wherever Spike is, I hope he's okay, but I don't ever want to see the First again." Kennedy then looked to Willow. "So, what do you want to do now Slayer?"

Willow stretched her arms over her head. "I'm thinking about going to bed for about a week."

Kennedy leaned over and kissed her. She looked deeply into Willow's eyes and smiled. "I like that idea."

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Willow the Vampire Slayer

by Matthew Wood

Copyright © 2003

Matthew Wood