Tempus de Muto

by Schehrezade

Disclaimer: They ain't mine but I gets to play with them!!
Feedback: As a first time writer, I would love input. It's a drug that I could become addicted to! Drop me a note at
schehrezade_1@hotmail.com
Rating: PG15 for now will vary from chapter to chapter. Will always put in a warning.
Dedications: To Tales, cos I wouldn't be writing without her prodding. You're my muse girl!! Madame Draco my Beta. Thank you for all the hard work and patience. A true gem!

Chapter 11 

Spike and Groo stood in the kitchen quietly discussing the events of the previous night. When Groo had asked to talk to Spike the previous evening, he had known that the young vampire he had talked to was someone Spike had known. The Pylean had been curious as to why he had been so upset and wanted to know why he had been considering about talking to the sunrise. A comment, which, he had interpreted as his fellow fighting companion was considering suicide over the young vampire.

Groo had absolutely no intention of allowing his new associate to kill himself. In preparation for the upcoming conversation, he had meditated, gathering strength for the confrontation. He knew that Spike was a strong fighter and wanted to be at his best. The Pylean Champion had woken an hour before the sun rose and sat waiting for Spike to make his move.

"So why do feel that you must sacrifice yourself to the sun?"

"What the bloody hell? Are you talking about?" Spike frowned.

"You said that you were going to talk to the Dawn," Groo explained. He frowned when the vampire started laughing. "What is so amusing?"

"No... Nothing!" Spike laughed. "Dawn, is Buffy's baby sister, the vamp I staked was her friend." Spike stopped laughing and stalked over to the confused Pylean. If any of the Scoobies had seen his expression they would have screaming for Buffy or reached for a stake. "She knows Janice was vamped and nothing else, she doesn't need to know, you get me?"

"Absolutely, I shall carry the secret to my grave." Groo placed his hand on Spike's shoulder. "I was not looking forward to stopping you from greeting the sunrise, your companion may not have been pleased if I had injured you too much." Groo grinned at the now gaping vampire.

"You hurt me? Not if I was pissed, tied up and blindfolded, you nit!" Spike grinned at the taller man. "You would have stopped me for Buffy."

"Indeed, the two of you have true kerumption."

"Bless you."

"I did not sneeze, kerumption is when two warriors meet and find that they are true soul mates. Such as yourself and Buffy," Groo explained.

Spike's Big Bad expression slid off his face, he blinked slowly and he smiled tentatively. "You think Buffy and I are soul mates?"

"Yes," Groo answered, he then clapped his hand on Spike's shoulder. "Come let us prepare a feast for our companions!"

"Buffy? You still there?" The shower muffled Dawns' voice slightly, so she popped her head out to see her sister still sitting on the counter.

"Yeah, I'm here sweetie. You okay?"

"I'm okay, I guess." Dawn ducked under the shower and rinsed her hair. "Can I have a towel?" She grabbed the soft warm towel Buffy held out and wrapped it round her body as she stepped out of the shower.

"You want me to brush your hair?" Buffy asked.

"Sure," Dawn shrugged and turned. Buffy began to carefully pull the brush through Dawn's hair, while Dawn pulled off the plastic bag taped over her cast.

"I'll call the school and tell them you have a fever, I think you need some time off, okay?" Buffy asked, she peered over and caught Dawn's eye.

"That would be good, you don't mind?"

"I wouldn't have offered otherwise. Also you've had a good attendance rate this semester, its not like last summer..."

"Thanks, Buffy. I don't think I could just go in and act like nothing was wrong. I need to get my head round Janice's being dusted."

"Do..do you want to talk about her?"

"I guess so. I just can't believe she's gone!"

"I know sweetie, I'm sorry." Buffy carefully untangled a knot. She stayed silent waiting for Dawn to talk. She knew her sister needed to vent.

"I'm really glad though."

"What do you mean Dawnie?"

Dawn hesitated for, a second, then her slim shoulders slumped. "I could, have been with her! It could have happened to me. Ow!"

"Sorry," Buffy unclenched her fist and smoothed Dawn's hair, trying to ease the pain. "I didn't mean to pull you hair." Buffy's mind raced, from what Spike had told her she didn't even want think about Dawn being turned and used like that. Her anger overcame her at the thought of Dawn in that place. "Look Dawn, please don't say anything like that to Spike, he was really upset about Janice. He'd flip if he heard you saying things like this."

"I know He's such a big brother! But you know what I mean Buffy. We hang, um, hung out all the time. I was just really lucky!"

"We were all lucky Dawnie, Janice played Russian roulette with her life and lost. Just promise me."

Dawn interrupted her sister before she could say anymore. "Buffy I promise no more stupid stunts. I swear." The two sisters hugged.

"I know, Dawn I know. I love you so much. Go get dressed and I'll call the school. Wait til you see Groo!"

Dawn grinned at her smaller sister, "cute is he?"

Buffy shuffled her feet. She briefly, glanced over at the door, checking for Spike. "Weell, he's is kinda cute, if you like big and muscley types!" She knew that Spike's might be able to hear her from downstairs. But Buffy didn't think he'd be tuning into the sisters conversation. His somewhat neglected Victorian morals kicked in at the weirdest times.

Spike was aware that Dawn and Buffy would need some time to talk, and he would never intrude on Dawn's privacy. Even if he did overhear the Groo appreciation society Buffy knew Spike would realise that 'his girl' was just trying to cheer up Dawn. 'Cos the Big Bad knew, that he was hers and there would never be anyone else for her! Ego much Spike?' She grinned at the thought of her vampire and a big ol' brand on his butt saying Property of the Slayer...

"What like you did? Before Spike slinked onto the scene, flashing his baby blues and with the Big Bad attitude," Dawn teased.

Buffy phased out for a split second, appreciating the yumminess that was Spike. "He is gorgeous isn't he?"

"Yeah, but also what's best he loves you." Dawn reached over, and began pulling on her clothes, during their conversation. Buffy had finished her sister's hair and French plaited it. "Smell's like breakfast is ready."

"Dawn, before we go down, you need to talk or cry, anything, I'm here." Dawn nodded and hooked her arm through Buffy's. As they headed down the stairs, Buffy stopped and turned to Dawn.

"Dawnie, why is Anya sleeping on the camp bed?"

"Oh my god, she was so freaked out by Xander. He was all with I don't approve of Buffy and Spike. She was all supporto gal, he got really mad with her." Dawn paused for a breath. "He grabbed her and shook her real hard! Tara and I were right there. I think he realised his bad. Cos the rest of the day, Xander's all big eyes and making nice"

"Xander grabbed Anya and shook her?" Buffy yelped. 'My god he is losing it!' She turned to Dawn, "is she alright?"

"I am alright Buffy." Anya appeared from the bedroom, followed by Tara. Buffy went over and ran her hands over Anya's arms checking for bruises. "No really I am okay, no bruises, I promise. Xander scared me though, I just didn't think I would ever see his father in him."

"I don't understand him, he is always so worried about becoming like his Dad, why would he do this to you?" Buffy kept her hands on Anya's shoulders, Dawn shifted down the stairs as Tara came behind Anya, she stood on the step behind the ex-demon and rested her fingers over Buffy's. Unknown to any of the girls, Wesley slipped out of Dawn's room. He had overheard most of their conversation. He stayed back not wanting to get in the way.

"He was mad about us not really supporting him in his rant about you and Spike. I am still glad you are both happy, Buffy." Anya smiled tremulously.

"What are you going to do?" Buffy asked gently, concern colouring her voice, as she looked Anya. Unused to this sort of situation, she was at a loss.

"I really don't know, I am really am not sure where I stand with him. I just don't know," Anya confessed.

"Anya, if you want stay here, however long you want. I'm really sorry that this happened because of us."

"Buffy, don't. The potential for Xander's anger was always there. I just hope that with time and my support I can help him rediscover the sweet boy I met in High School. But time will tell," Anya sighed.

"We'll be here for you, whatever happens remember you are my friend. I may not have said it before but you're one of the Scoobies. Once you get into the inner circle we don't let go!" Buffy squeezed Anya's shoulders gently and smiled.

"Okay now you're going to make me cry!" Anya's eyes filled with the threatened tears.

"Anya, I'll always be here for you," Tara offered. Dawn nodded in agreement.

"Grub's up." Spike's voice echoed up from the kitchen. "Come on girls, love can you drag the Watcher's lazy arse down here."

"I'm up," Wesley announced quietly. He took a step back at the combined squeaks of all four girls. "Sorry didn't mean to startle all of you."  Wesley smiled gently at Anya and then nodded for the girls to precede him downstairs.

**********

Amy, crept into her apartment, she had taken an early Lunch. Stopping for a second she tried to locate Willow. Her new flatmate had been very secretive and spent most of her time either meditating or at the library. She claimed that she was catching up on her studies. But Eric had mentioned that Willow had been in the flat most of yesterday and that she had been playing with the lights. Amy had interpreted her baby brother's comments as Willow spell casting, which had her worried.

Rack had disappeared. She had seen a couple of his regulars' obituaries, in the morning paper yesterday. There had been no mention of neck contusions. So she guessed that Rack had drained their life forces. Michael had emailed her at work to ask if she had heard from Jane, his girlfriend, who was also one of Rack's regulars. She hadn't, all of the information equalled something bad. When she tried a location spell, Rack was off the radar.

What Amy was now worried about was Willow. Why had she been casting in the apartment after everything had happened? It was like sending up a flare for Rack to find her. Scanning the sitting room Amy spotted a pile of papers, with Willow's neat handwriting all over it. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of her Mom's Book of Shadows opened and with a half empty coffee cup sitting on it. 'She's really gone off the deep end! This is the girl who freaked if someone bent the edge of a schoolbook down to mark his or her place! Now she's so into her magicks that Mom's book is a coaster!' Amy stared worriedly at the closed bathroom door.

In the background she heard Willow, in the bath, chanting a purification spell.

Edging closer to the coffee table, she grabbed the notes and began leafing through them. As the young Wiccan digested their contents, her eyes widened. 'Oh shit!' She glanced over that the closed bathroom door and grabbed her cell out of her coat pocket and then searched through Willow's purse for her Psion. Quietly she backed out of the apartment and sat down on the stairs. She quickly put up a barrier on the entire apartment.

Muttering under her breath, Amy copied Willow's notes into her spiral notepad and zapped them back onto the coffee table. She looked down at her Book of Shadows. Amy didn't want to leave it in the apartment. She had trusted her friend. Willow had betrayed her trust, by not only using the precious book. But then using it for a coaster! Amy was hurt and angry. She concentrated for a moment and then a glamour of the precious tome appeared in its place with the mug back on the opened page.

Amy scanned through the Psion, until she found Xander's number in the Contacts section. 'Hm not much with the friend making?' She gazed at the numbers, wondering if he would believe her or even if he would help.

***********

"Nibblet are you gonna blink anytime soon?" Spike teased his surrogate sister. He ducked as the teen swiped at him, blushing furiously.

"Shut up!" she hissed and tried not to look over at Groo. Who was talking with Wesley and Buffy by the fridge. From the moment Dawn had spotted the big man she had blushed and gone quiet. He had treated with a great deal of gentleness and charm, causing an instant crush to occur.

"He really is a fine specimen of a man!" Anya announced as she eyed Groo appreciatively. She ignored Tara's giggles. "Really, he must work out constantly."

Groo turned to the fascinated girl and smiled revealing his even white teeth. "No I am blessed with my strength. In Pylea I was the only one of my kind. I trained in weapons and fighting. I earned my wealth through tributes and spoils of war. Others worked for their money in markets and farming, I was a warrior."

"Did you say Pylea?" Anya frowned. "I've been there, has two suns and tall green demons. I cursed a very offensive horned man, his wife asked for his genitals, umph!" Tara's hand clapped over Anya's mouth.

"Teenage ears!" Tara yelped, trying not to laugh.

"Hey these teen ears would like a distraction!" Dawn flicked her braid over her shoulder. "Spoil my fun!" She groused.

Buffy smiled at her sister's antics, knowing that Dawn was trying hard to be happy. Spike wrapped his arms around the girl and brushed his lips over her shining hair. Offering his silent support to his Nibblet.

"You have visited my dimension?" Groo asked as he drew out a stool for Anya to sit on.

"Yes, was very pastoral, a lot of dairy farming I gather," Anya answered, as she heaped her plate with eggs and bacon.

"Dairy farming?" Groo asked puzzled.

"Yes the woman who called me, said her husband was more interested in his cows than her." Anya pulled a face at the memory. Wesley coughed, as his coffee went down, the wrong way. He waved off Spike, as he pounded him on his back. Wes shook his head at Groo, before the Pylean, could explain what cows were in his home dimension.

Buffy stood between Spike's legs, once he had perched himself on the kitchen counter. She leant back against him and sighed. She watched her rapidly expanding family and smiled, she felt safe and happy. Spike's hand appeared in front of her face and he pushed a fork heaped with scrambled eggs into her mouth. She chewed contentedly, occasionally opening her mouth for more food or a sip of freshly squeezed orange juice. The others ate and chatted happily. The new residents of Sunnydale gradually acquainting themselves with the more established ones.

"Buffy, something happened last night." Tara's quiet voice stalled the chatter around her as everyone turned to listen to the Wiccan.

"What happened Glinda?" Spike dropped the fork he had been using to feed his girl onto the now empty plate. He wrapped his arms around Buffy and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"That evil I sensed, it came back." She held her hand up to forestall a flurry of questions. "It was strange at first it was weak, but the second time I sensed it there was much more of a punch to it. The wards I put up kept it away, when I pushed back it vanished. I can't sense it anymore." She hesitated for a second. "It's not been back again, I...I think its lying low regaining strength. What for I don't know."

"So you are the one who wove the web of protection around this house?" Groo was impressed by the quiet girl's power. Tara nodded and blushed embarrassed by the attention.

"How can we find out about it?" Buffy asked the room. "Wesley, could you, Anya and Tara put your heads together on this?"

"Guess I'm going to be earning my keep." Wesley interjected wryly. "Tara? I haven't had a chance as of yet to thank you for the ointment."

Tara interrupted him. "May I?" She walked over and examined the now healed cut. She gently probed the scar and smiled when Wesley didn't react to her examination. "The scar should fade." He put his hand over hers.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you did for a complete stranger..."

"No, not a stranger. You're Buffy's friend and therefore mine. I would like to say anytime, but," She folded her arms and tried to look stern. "I don't think I will, cos not more nasty knife wounds mister!"

Wes laughed and nodded. "Will do my best to avoid anything sharp and pointy! I promise."

"Good." Tara sat back down and sipped at her now cold coffee. "Should we go to the Magic Box to research?" The others nodded.

"Also we can show Groo around the town," Anya suggested she turned to Spike and Buffy, who were still digesting Tara's news about the latest Big Bad. "How will you get there?"

"The usual way blanket and the car pet. Thanks for asking though." Spike was surprised at the ex Demon's concern. "Also, the Watcher hasn't seen the latest Slayer Central." The vampire turned to Groo "She's got some nice weapons and a training room in the back you may like to check out."

"Dawn will you help me with the stock reordering?" Anya asked.

"Sure, I'd like that," The teen answered, relieved to be included and also to have something to take her mind off Janice.

Tara slipped upstairs for a second. She reappeared with a box full of kittens and Miss Kitty. Buffy and Dawn fussed over their babies, watched over by a grinning Spike. The two new Summers had been cuddled, cooed over and fed. Buffy then blocked off the door to the kitchen, to keep them contained, until they got back. There was a rush of activity, before the house fell silent for the day.

The Desoto's doors slammed and muffled complaints, filtered out of the blacked out car. The phone rang in the empty house. After a while, the answer phone clicked on and Buffy's soft voice filled the now empty house.

"Buffy? Are you there? It's Amy. Look, if you get this message please call me. I left a message at the store as well. It's about Willow I think she's lost it. Dawn's in danger! I'm going to the Magic Box to see if I can find you guys there. Goddess I hope it's not too late!"

************

"My god I can't believe how much the town has changed!" Wesley reached in and helped Anya and     Tara out of the car. Both of them stretched relieved to be out of the cramped space. Groo straightened stiffly on the other side. He then pulled Dawn gently from the front seat. A very rumpled Buffy crawled out after her sister unaided. She half-heartedly attempted to straighten her hair finally giving up, she tucked it behind her ears. Leaning into the car to talk to Spike, who was waiting for Anya to open up the shop.

Wesley peered up and down Main Street and took in all the new shops, before turning to the Magic Box. He nodded, impressed at Mr Giles, for his foresight in renting the property and in turn leaving a useful tool for Buffy and her friends' work.

"Spike you can come in now," Anya called as she swung the door open and stepped out of the way of a smoking and cursing blanket. She tried not to laugh at the swearing and stomping that emanated from the dark shop. Wes wandered in behind Spike, followed closely by Groo. Both of them curious as to the set-up, they were surprised. After the limited resources of Angel Investigations, the Magic Box was a virtual paradise.
 
**************
 
Buffy had finally given up on straightening her hair, she growled and plaited it into Pippi Longstocking braids on either side of her head. Dawn and Anya stood together at the counter, flipping through a pile of papers and making notes as they chattered away. Buffy smiled at her sister, amazed at her resilience and how mature she was getting.

Wes and Tara wandered from shelf to shelf talking quietly about the various texts they had in common. She had also taken him up onto the galleried area and they had sat for a while discussing the more dangerous texts, which were shelved there. Tara had shown him the hidden magical texts and paraphernalia, that, Giles had either bought. Or, Buffy had retrieved from 'bad guys' on patrol. The bulk of which, Spike had appeared with one day after Dawn's attempted raising of her mother. He had hauled in box after box without a word. Spike had nodded to Giles, with a dramatic flick of his duster he had stalked out of the shop without a backward glance. Ignoring the startled exclamations from both Giles and Anya when they opened one of the boxes. He'd shrugged off Buffy's questions about his injuries. His borrowed blood had seeped out of the Ghora bite on his side and stained his shirt.

In the training room Buffy could hear Spike and Groo discussing her stash of weaponry. Unable to resist it, she, slipped into the training room and joined them. Checking with Dawn if she would be okay with Anya before she disappeared.

"Alright there Heidi?" Spike's mouth twitched her at childish hairstyle, as he twirled a fighting stick in one hand. Groo was examining the balance of the broadsword he had found hanging on the wall.

"Bored, no one to play with!" She pouted over at her entranced lover. "Spar with me?"

Spike ran his tongue over his teeth. He tossed the stick over to Groo, who caught it without looking away from the broadsword. "Anytime luv." He shrugged out of his duster and rolled his shoulders to loosen up. "He Man spot us will yah?"

Before the Pylean could reply the two blondes launched into action. He blinked, amazed, it was pure poetry. They were matched exactly. There were a flurry punches and kicks, that even his sharp eyesight couldn't catch.

"Come on Blondie Beaaaar, is that the best you can do?" Buffy taunted as she flipped over the training horse one handed and landed firmly on both feet. Her Hazel eyes, sparkling with anticipation and enjoyment, she bounced up and down lightly on her feet and grinned wickedly at her opponent.

Spike growled in mock anger and with a standing leap, he vaulted over to her. He grabbed the squealing girl around the waist and tickled her. "Don't call me that!"

"Ahhhh, let go! No fair! You're cheating..." Buffy gasped. Groo laughed at their antics, secretly amused at their vivaciousness, a startling contrast to the seriousness of Angel and his friends. Spike continued his assault on her ribs and back. "stoooop! Or I'll pee!" Spike let go and jumped back.

"That's disgusting Slayer!"

She shrugged, "well Giles taught me to use everything at my disposal!"  Buffy grinned and did a victory dance. "I win! I win! You lose!" She childishly stuck out her tongue.

"That an invite love?" Spike drawled as he, moved closer to the giggling woman/child. Enchanted at her antics and more than a little appreciative of her wriggling backside as she carried on her victory dance.

Buffy stopped and closed her mouth abruptly. She blushed bright red. "Spike we're not alone!" She winced, "and ow! I bit my tongue," she pouted.
 
"Come, let me have a gander." Spike pulled her to him and pressed a light kiss to the tip of Buffy's nose. She blushed and wriggled away, giving Groo an apologetic glance. Spike shrugged and turned to the quiet man.

"Sorry mate, but what's a bloke gonna do when he's presented with his lady love, wriggling around like a cat on a hot tin roof?"

"Indeed." Groo grinned at both of them.

"Hey are you guys coming? Tara and Wes have got coffees and donuts for everyone." Dawn called through the door.

***********
 
"Hey guys. Miss me?" Willow's voice made them all jump. She stepped hesitantly, into the Magic Box. There was no sign of Rack's influence on her pale and freckled face. The two days with Amy had helped her come down.

"Wills! How's your Nana Rosenberg?" Buffy stood resting her hand on Spike's shoulder. Willow frowned at the seemingly casual movement, when she looked into Buffy's clear eyes she saw it.

"Oh!" Willow's eyes flickered from Buffy's hand to Spike's face and saw the faint challenge in his eyes. "You two are together?" Before either of them could reply, Willow continued. Her eyes flickered around the table searching for Xander. He must have gone to work early. "Nana's fine. Hey looks like there's been some changes while I was off playing the Good Samaritan," Willow commented chirpily.

The red witch eyed, Groo and Wesley. "Wesley? Is that you? Wow, so um, what are you doing here?" Willow was completely wrong footed. There was something definitely going on with Buffy and Spike. Also what was Wes doing here? She needed to get to Dawn and there were too many obstacles in her way.

"I've decided to move back here. Are you well Willow." Wesley examined her closely, sensing something was off with her. Spike, sniffed the air and recognised the same scent of magics around Willow, as the ones that had been in the destroyed shop. He glared at the unconcerned girl and nodded imperceptibly to Buffy. Groo's hand tightened on the knife at his waist, the magic user who had entered evoked a sense of nausea in him. He was unsure as to what to do. The others seemed to know the girl.

"Oooh Coffee, cool!" Willow pouted, "none for me? No fair."

"The others are getting more and some extra donuts, we ran out..." Buffy trailed off.

"That's nice." Willow walked over to the counter. Completely oblivious to the looks she was getting from all the others. "Sooo, Buffy anything you wanta tell me?" Willow nodded to Buffy's hand, which now was white knuckled. As she gripped hold of Spike's shoulder. Her slayer senses were tingling but she couldn't figure out why.

"What? Oh yeah, guess you're the last to tell. Well except for Giles." Buffy loosened her grip. "I would have told you yesterday, but you were with the Nana visting!" She turned to the still silent vampire next to her and smiled. "Spike and I are..." Before Buffy could finish the bell chimed as Anya, Tara and Dawn came in carrying donuts and coffee. Tara's smile vanished when she saw Willow standing in the shop. Anya and Dawn just glared at Willow.

"Tara, honey. You came back!" Willow stepped forward. Thrilled that Tara may have decided to forgive her.

Tara stepped back, her face ashen. She tried to breathe through her mouth. Willow's scent had changed completely. Spike stood slowly, as did Groo, at the white Wicca's reaction. Tara felt Anya's free hand in the small of her back, pressing reassuringly. Tara sniffed the air again and nearly passed out. 'Oh goddess! She smells like what ever tried to attack last night. Oh Willow, baby what have you done?'

Willow's face crumpled at her erstwhile lover's reaction, she raised one hand. It shook slightly. "Tara? What's wrong?"

"N...nothing Willow. What are you doing here?" Tara stuttered slightly.

Willow frowned. "What do you mean?" Before Tara could say anything more Buffy shook her head slightly and raised her eyebrow at Tara.

"What you guys don't want me here?" Willow laughed nervously. Wondering if they knew about how the shop got messed up and that's why they were all acting weirdly.

"No, of course not it's just Tara thought you'd still be looking after yer Gran. That's all." Spike muttered. He caught Groo's eye and they both stepped away from the table, Wesley shifted slightly making room.

"Hey Dawnie, did you miss me?" Willow waved at the teen. Trying not to show her excitement at the fact that Dawn was here. She had already searched the High School and the house was to have been her next stop, after the Magic Box. If she could just get the girl on her own, then everything would be okay.

Dawn glared at Willow, as she walked past her and dumped the donut boxes on the table she sat down next to Wesley. Anya clattered over and joined them pulling Tara along with her. The normal loquacious ex demon remained silent, very aware that there was something going on.

Willow frowned at Dawn's reaction. 'The teen sulkage is getting boring!' She leant against the now repaired glass counter and watched the frozen tableau of figures. "So I'm guessing that's a no then Dawn?" Her voice had a slight edge to it, which caused Spike to growl quietly.

The phone rang.

Everyone jumped.

Anya trotted over to get it. Her usual welcoming spiel faded away, as she heard Xander's' frantic voice. Her face paled and she turned to look at Willow. "You sure?" She hissed into the phone. "Okay." Anya's hand shook as she carefully replaced the handset. "Xander's on his way over, something's come up." She tried to edge away from the counter and Willow.

Willow turned to face Anya; she really didn't like Xander's taste in women at all. She hadn't been able to hear what Xander had said, but from Anya's reaction it was something about her. Willow's eyes narrowed. "What's wrong Anya?" Willow shifted her weight slightly and stood.

"Nothing." Anya licked her lips nervously and glanced over at Buffy and the others.

"Nothing?" Willow echoed, she glared at the ex vengeance demon. "Come on, Anya, look at you. Xander's obviously worried about something. Care to share? I mean come on, you share everything else from penis size, stamina to outfits worn." Willow snapped nastily, really not in the mood for niceties.

"Willow!" Tara's soft gasp of horror made Willow stop and turn to face her. The redhead's expression anxious, her eyes flitting from side to side, worried that maybe she had said too much. "What's wrong with you?"

"It's Rack, he's been using her power, doing stuff to her!" Amy's breathless voice answered. She leant against the doorjamb clutching her side. "Man! I have been all over town! Your house and the High School. Dawn wasn't there! I didn't think to come here first. Did Xander call you?"

"Amy!" Willow stared at the newcomer, her mind whirling. She hadn't counted on the de-ratted Wiccan being around when she tried to sort everything and everyone out. She thought Tara wouldn't pose much of an obstacle but Amy had more power. "What're you doing here?"
 
"Willow, it won't work. I know what you're trying to do. You've got to stop before it's too late," Amy gasped as she tried to catch her breath. "What Rack did to you it's messed with your mind."
 
"You don't know anything," Willow shouted.
 
"Red, you been back to that git? After what happened to Nibblet the last time?" Spike snarled as he moved to position himself in front of Dawn.
 
"Willow you promised that you wouldn't go there again," Buffy added as she too moved to protect Dawn.
 
"Promise shmomise!" Willow waved her hand carelessly. Unaware of the sparks, that flew in its wake. Wesley frowned at the magics that the young witch had manifested without noticing. He surreptitiously reached for a book, which, Anya had given to him to read. One that Giles had given his assistant for safekeeping and to be used only for extreme emergencies. He slowly paged through the ancient text, until he located the relevant page.
 
Anya slid into the seat next to him and eyed the page he was tapping casually with his finger. She didn't recognise the language, she looked up wide-eyed at the ex-watcher. She shook her head slightly. Tara noticed their quiet interaction. With, an imperceptible gesture and a quiet whisper, the White Wiccan, touched the page. As her fingers made contact the text, shimmered and changed into English. All of which went unnoticed by her ex-lover, who was too busy arguing with Buffy.
 
"Willow what's wrong with you?" Buffy demanded angrily.
 
"Nothing, but there does seem to be something wrong with you though isn't there?" Willow snapped back, she eyed the blonde girl. There was something different about Buffy. She reeked of strong magics. She glanced at Spike and curled her lip in disgust. "What is it with you and Aurelian vamps? Next you'll be switching teams and sleeping with Dru." Buffy's eyes widened in shock and pain.
 
Spike snarled and stepped forward, his hands fisted at his sides.
 
"What're you going to do Spike? Pass out from pain all over me?" Willow dismissed the vampire with another flick of her hand. She was too far, gone to realise the hateful things she was saying, had hurt Buffy, Spike, Dawn and Tara.

Willow turned back to Buffy. "Also, Buffy, don't be so high and mighty about me and my magic. You stink of it!" Small black veins began to appear around her eyes and began to pulse.

Buffy's eyes narrowed and she stepped forward. "It's non of your business. But if you really wanna know. It was something I had to do to move on from Angel."

"Oh really, what?" Willow drawled. Her hair rippled into a darker shade of red.

Buffy glared at her friend and took a deep breath. Before she could answer Spike spoke.

"The git had claimed her without consent. So she went to him and sorted it. What's you excuse Red for the magic makeover?" He paused and eyed her darkening hair. "Or should I say Brown?"

"So all clear for you to stake your claim. Huh?" Willow snarled. She turned to Buffy, "and to think you were pissed with Riley when he went to that vamp for suck jobs. Looks like you showed him the way."

"Shut up!" Dawn screamed. Her eyes narrowed in hatred at Willow. Her protective instincts kicked in. "Leave Buffy alone. She's nothing like Riley. If she decides to let Spike claim her then, I think that's amazing. At least she'll be safe with him, it's not like he'd do anything to hurt her, like you did to Tara!"

"Now Dawnie, that's not a nice thing to say. What I did was for the best." Willow's eyes turned pitch black. She ignored Tara's gasp. "Now you're making wonder why I want to do anything to help you."

"I don't need anything from you. So why don't you just get on your broomstick and bug off." Dawn shouted. Willow glared at the teen. Gradually black veins began to crawl across her cheeks and forehead.
 
"Willow, your hair and face!" Amy whispered. Everyone in the room gasped. Black veins began to appear all over the redheads' face and her hair gradually phased to black. The Dark magics that Rack had infused her, had lain dormant, over the last two days. Once Willow drew on it for power there was a change in her. A change for the worse!

Spike looked at the girl, contempt all over his face. "Somehow Red I think you may just be a bit off the chart to register as human..."
 
"Shut up!" Willow stepped closer to her goal. Subtlety had gone out the window with Amy's appearance. Dawn was terrified. She huddled into the back of Spike's duster, trying to make herself as small as possible. Tara stood and moved next to Dawn, her hand slipped into the shaking girls clammy hand. She squeezed the teen's hand reassuringly. She stared at her first love in horror. The transformation of her sweet girl terrified her.
 
"Willow, please stop. Your face and hair it's changed," Tara whispered.
 
Willow's hands ran over the raised veins and then pulled a lock of her black hair forward. She shrugged carelessly, "hey I needed a change." She turned swiftly to the research table and with a gesture, Anya and Wesley's mouths sealed shut. "None of that please!" The two of them dropped the book, their hands reached searchingly at their faces. The horror and fear in their eyes, made Dawn cry. "Much better, now where was I?"
 
"About to get off the crazy witchy, merry-go-round Wills?" Xander's interrupted. He walked into the shop, his eyes taking in everything. "Hey Willow, don't like the new look, it just screams I'm a psycho ask me how?"
 
"Xander, come to join the fun?" Willow drawled. She managed to cover her panic. The sight of her oldest friend was making her nervous. She didn't want him to be here for this.
 
"There's fun to be had? Looks more like a brown trouser ride! Willow, how about you and me blowing this pop stand?" Xander was beginning to sweat, the shock of his sweet Willow, going all Elvira was beginning to get to him. He hadn't wanted to believe Amy when she called him at work, but something in her voice made him wonder. So he had offered to go to the lumberyard and left. He had driven, through every red light to get here. Once Xander, had seen Willow's transformation, he had realised that Amy was telling the truth. "Come on Wills, how about it? We can go get ice cream and talk this out at my place?"
 
"I can't, I need to make this right. Then everything will be better." Willow's hair faded to red and then black again, as she spoke to her oldest friend.
 
Before anyone could stop her she lunged towards Dawn. Brushing Spike and Buffy aside with a flick of her hand. Willow grabbed hold of the screaming girl and began chanting, in a language that no one recognised.
 
Spike and Buffy scrambled over to Dawn. They both tried to help Tara pull the terrified girl from Willow's iron grip.
 
"No, Willow! You're saying it wrong, it won't work!" Amy screamed and lunged forward, only to be bounced back by the barrier Willow had erected.
 
Wes, Anya, Groo and Xander rushed forward and were also repelled. All of them landed on their backs. Willow pinned them to the floor with a glance, all of them struggled, in vain, against the magical paralysis.
 
A green glow gradually began to emanate from Dawn. Covering the five figures inside the barrier.
 
"Willow, stop! You're hurting me!" Dawn screamed at the top of her lungs. Struggling ineffectually against Willow's superhuman grasp.
 
Tara began chanting, calling on Artemis and Gaia for help.
 
Buffy and Spike wrapped their arms around Dawn's waist and pulled.
 
Willow, grasped one of Dawn's hands, Dawn winced at the added pressure on her broken arm. Willow was lost in her power, unaware that she was twisting the teen's broken arm. Dawn screamed in agony.

Tara had hold of the other.
 
As Willow chanted her eyes gradually turned Obsidian. Blood began pouring out of her nose and mouth.
 
Dawn screamed one final time, a pain filled scream and then was silent.
 
Her body began to shake violently.
 
Then it stopped.
 
Willow kept chanting, as did Tara.
 
Buffy started screaming and crying, for Willow to stop hurting Dawn.
 
Spike cursed under his breath, unaware of the tears coursing down his cheeks.
 
The two lovers wrapped their arms tighter around Dawn. They pressed their faces to hers. All of them had their eyes shut. The bright glare emanating from Dawn blinding them all.
 
Dawn gasped and in a burst of green light vanished.
 
The magical blast sent everyone who had been holding onto her flying.

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