Spike POV

Buffy is amazing as a huntress. She is strong, but not obedient.  I could
have killed her for hurting Tara. I had beaten her until she was bleeding.  I
feed her from a dropper until she had healed.  She will not cross me again.
Even now, I am revolted by her.  She is a mockery of the slayer I came to
love and hate.  I knew Red was close with Tara.  It hurt to dial the numbers,
to hear Willow's voice change as I told her about Tara. I know my sire will
probably want both our heads for this. I won't go down with her. She is hell
bent on destroying Willow.  She thinks it will get her Angel back. She is
more foolish than I ever thought.

I felt my sire come into town.  I knew Red would be with him.  Buffy lie on
our bed laughing as she told me her sister was here as well. I ignored her.
Her very voice was grating on my nerves as she laughed.  It was a maddened
laugh, just like Dru's.  I was not about to go through those whims again,
ever. I had gone to Tara's apartment.  I had been her lover for quite a while
now.  I take my clothes off and lie in the bed I shared with her.  The sheets
smell like her. I only began fucking the slayer as payback. Tara caught us
that night Buffy hurt her. I went over to her jewelry box.  I found this
necklace, I think it was the one of her patron goddess.  Magic idols look
alike to me.  It had a strange shell-like stone.  I knew she loved it. I took
it and went to the hospital.  I hoped that when I returned Buffy would still
be chained to the bed, where I left her.

I was sad when I saw Tara breathing through the tube. My chest hurt as
the ventilator pumped air into her damaged body.  I cried as the machines
giving her life beeped and buzzed. Her pretty face was puffy and bruised. I
placed the necklace around her neck. I apologized to her. I kissed her
forehead and left. I knew from the doctor's reports that she would more than
likely never walk again, if she even woke up. In the four days she was
admitted near death, I have been here every night.  She had lost so much
blood that night, and I saw the damage she took. It was amazing she was alive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow POV

The ringing phone startled me. I answered it. It was Spike. He sounded
really upset.  He said something happened to Tara. I was so worried. I woke
Angel and told him.  We called Faith and Giles. We agreed to go to Sunnydale
come nightfall. It seems Tara was attacked.  She was bitten and cut up.
Someone had carved a cladagh ring into her back.  The doctors said her spine
was broken.  They said that she might never walk again, even if she woke up
from the coma.  The doctors stressed that she was violently attacked.

Faith was nervous.  She told me of her dream. I knew Giles was upset. We
went to Sunnydale quickly.  I was glad that Kate and Wes would take care of
things until we got back.   I went to Xander's apartment.  They were in the
packing process.  They had to wait until the lease was up in the apartment
before they could move.  I found Anya crying.  It seems Xander didn't come
home from work last night.  Angel and I shared a worried look. There had been
no new vampires into town.  I knew something else happened. Somehow I knew
Riley was involved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara POV

I felt like I was floating.  It is the only way I can describe the sensation.
 I knew I was hurt.  I don't remember everything that happened. I remember
Buffy came over to my dorm.  She was upset.  She knew I saw her and Spike in
bed. Then she changed. I mean her face changed.  Spike has lost his chip.
She hurt me.  After the first punch, my memory went. She tied me up.  I
remember waking up and being tied to my bad, face down. I screamed when I
felt something hurting me.  She took off her panties and shoved them into my
mouth.  She was saying nasty things.  I know I passed out about three times.
She used smelling salts to wake me up.

Then I remember being here, in a hospital bed.  I couldn't feel anything.
 I remember being aware that Spike came to see me.  He apologized.  I guess
Buffy was not supposed to hurt me. I felt him place something around my neck.
Then I was aware of nothing. I felt myself being lifted in the air.  Within
seconds, I was standing in front of these large cast iron gates. I was
standing.  I felt my feet touching the ground. It was the first thing I have
felt in hours.

"Welcome." The man with the horns said. He is familiar to me.

"Where am I?"

"Arasmahad."

"The demon's realm."

"Yes, more or less.  You power speaks in volumes to us."

"How did I end up here?"

"The talisman around your neck called me."

I ran my hand over the necklace. Spike brought me the talisman. This made
no sense. "Why am I here?  This place is not for mortals."

"You have been chosen. Are you ready?"

"For?"

"Immortality. You heart has been broken, stepped on by those whom you
trusted.  That is why the wish is special. You are suited for vengeance."

"If I refuse?"

The man opened his hands and a screen appeared.  I saw the bed.  I didn't
recognize myself, accept for the necklace that was glowing. "You spine has
been crushed and you will not never walk again.  The doctors are not sure of
the extent of your injuries.  If you refuse, then back to that prison.  You
are comatose with no expectation to wake up."

I saw Willow crying at my side.  Angel looked upset as well. I knew what
the man said was true. "Will I be slimy?"

The horned man chuckled. "No, you will remain as you look. Young and
beautiful.  The scars inflicted by the slayer shall disappear.  Do you accept
the power of the Wish?"

"What are the conditions?"

"The necklace is the way your power flows.  Be careful.  The power will
still be in you, but the necklace will make it easier."

"Is that what happened to Anya?"

"Yes, we changed the policy since then. She was good. Perhaps I can use
her to train you."

"I accept."  I felt this energy go through me. I felt alive and death in
the same timeframe. It hurt and tingled and felt incredible.  The horned man,
named D'Hoffren brought me to the main castle. D'Hoffren began to show me the
library.  I was to learn all the spells. They were to be what I did. I was
looking forward to a whole new world. My first assignment was the slayer.  I
smiled when the idea came to me.  D'Hoffren has shown me how to work the
portals.

Chapter 42

Buffy POV

I think Spike is mad at me. I hurt Tara.  It was so much fun.  She didn't cry
like I thought she would. I saw then come to me.  My Angel and his slut. I
also saw my big little sister, Faith and her husband. It would all come to a
head tonight.  I could feel it in the air, like a mist covering me. I feel so
free.  No more insults from Riley.  Xander was fun.  He is sleeping at the
foot of the bed now.  Spike says if I am good, he will let me hurt Xander. He
thought he would leave me.  I don't think so.  I know the ex-demon was going
to steal him from me.  No one steals from the slayer, no one. I must teach
Willow that lesson.  I know Xander will wake up soon. Daddy made him.  He
will be wonderful to hunt with. I always wanted a puppy.

I hear Daddy as he enters the house. "I missed you, Daddy."

"Was Buffy a good little bitch?"

I smile, letting my new face shine. "Only for you."

"Angel is in town."

"I know. I told you I saw."

"What are you going to do?"

"Find Willow, teach her about taking what's mine."  I say.

He smiles at me. "Angel will kill you."

"No, he won't. I am immortal now."

"Be careful."

"What will you do?"

"I am getting myself a new toy."

"Can I play too?"

"Possibly."

I waited until Daddy released me. Tonight would be fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow POV

I went to the hospital.  It was awful. Tara looked so broken.  I kissed her
forehead and left the room.  I walked out of the room. I knew Buffy did this.
I needed to find her. "Angel, stay with the others, I need to take care of
something."

"You can't fight her alone." He said.

"I need to.  Find Spike, see what he knows."

"I'm with you, Willow." Faith said.

"I need to do this." I said.

"I am strictly back up." Faith said.

"Faith, please......" I said.

"It is me or her." Angel said.

"Fine, Faith." I said and walked off.

"Red, listen he means well." Faith said when she caught up to me.

"I am tired of this. It ends here and now." I told Faith as we entered
the Resfeild cemetery."

"I think it should as well." The voice said.

"Buffy." I said.

"Hey, it is my sister. Long time no see."

"What can I say, saving humanity can keep you busy."

Buffy chuckled. "Let me give you some help, Faith." Buffy said as she
jumped from the crypt and drop kicked Faith hard in the stomach. "FAITH!"  I
screamed.  She was clutching her stomach in pain.

"See one less bastard to save." Buffy said.  "Oh, I forgot, it wouldn't
have been a bastard, you were married. You fucked up Faith.  Thinking you
could take your big sister on."

"One slut down, one to go."

"What happened to you?"

"You happened.  You took the one thing I had and perverted it."

"Buffy, who did this to you?"

"It doesn't matter now." Buffy said and she shot me with a tranquilizer
dart.  It all went black. I don't know how long I was out for, but my head
hurt. I felt the fog in my head going away. I tried to move I couldn't.
"Sleeping Slut is awake."

Shit. Buffy. I opened my eyes and saw her.  I gasped as the ridges formed
in her face. She smiled at me. "Who did this?"

"He freed me."

"Who?"

"Spike.  You have no idea what has happened in this wicked place. My
marriage became a prison, and I am free now.  Free to get back what's mine."

"He doesn't love you." I said.  I knew she was crazy.

She chuckled. "He does. He always has. Without you, he will see things as
they are."

"He will stake you."

"No, he will won't.  I will free him from you."

Buffy walked over to me. I felt her cool finger trace along my neck. "He
bit you, I wonder how you taste."

I didn't move.  I never knew the extent of her madness. She was going to
kill me. I closed my eyes and felt him through or bond. I love you, Angel.
 

MEANWHILE ACROSS TOWN.......

Rupert paced back and forth. Angel and Rupert found Faith earlier.  She
was hemorrhaging, Angel could smell her blood. They got her quickly to the
hospital.  The doctor confirmed what Angel knew.  Faith had lost her baby.
Rupert broke down crying.  Angel had comforted the watcher. Faith knew she
had lost the baby.  They had signed her out and taken her back to the
mansion. Then Angel felt it. Faith and Rupert had seen his face change and
heard his growl.

"Something has happened to Willow." Faith whispered.

Faith got up to follow Angel, with Rupert grabbing some extra weapons. He
sniffed the air, trying to find her scent.  It lead him to an old home. Angel
ran to the apartment where he and Buffy had made love that first time many
years ago. Angel smelled burning flesh. Faith gasped when she saw Willow
chained to a bed.  Willow looked dead.  Angel saw the smoldering cross placed
on her stomach.  "She has been turned." Angel said.

"Angel, look. Her necklace." Faith said. The group watched as the opal
necklace given to her by the Oracles began to glow a silvery purple color.
They watched as the necklace then simply disappeared into her skin. Angel
held her. Faith stood near her husband when the bright flash of light came.
Giles recognized the Oracles.

"It has begun. Warrior, she is like you now. The four gathered here, the
paths have crossed.  Warrior of the light step forward." The female Oracle
pointed to Giles. "The chain has begun. Warrior of the shadows, stand by your
fellow warriors. " The male Oracle pointed to Faith.  Faith stood next to
your husband.

"Awaken sorceress." The female spoke.  Instantly Willow's eyes opened.
Angel could see she was confused.

"Angel, what happened?" Willow asked. Willow then yelped. Angel then
removed the cross from his mate, not caring that the sacred object had burned
him.

"How do you feel?" Faith asked.

"Cold, hungry." Willow said in a small voice.

"Let's get back to the mansion." Ripper said.

Willow tried to stand up, but nearly fell as Angel caught her. Angel
carried her. "Dizzy, feel dizzy."

"It's okay, lover. I will fix it." Angel said, reassuring his lover.

"What's that thumping sound.  Hurts my head?"

Angel realized she didn't know she was a vampire now.  It would explain
her cold, her body was getting used to the lower temperature.  Her senses
were in overdrive.  It would explain her dizziness.  He mentally cursed when
Willow mentioned the thumping.  It was both Faith and Rupert's heartbeats.

"Faith, Giles, go ahead. I need to be alone with her." Angel said.

"Angel, I feel strange. Make it stop." Willow said.  He could hear the
worry in her voice.  It had been at most four hours since he felt her being
ripped away from him.  She should still be sleeping.  Her memory hasn't
kicked in.

"I know, lover, it will make sense soon.  Buffy hurt you.  What is the
last thing you remember?"

"Hospital, she hurt Tara. Did Faith lose her baby?" Willow asked.

"Yes, she did."

"Angel, I can't feel you in my head."

"I know.  Buffy turned you.  It severed our consort bond."

"I'm a vampire now." She said looking at the ground.  Angel held her as
tears fell from her pretty green eyes.

"I don't feel any different, just cold." Willow said in a shaky voice.

"Your body is getting used to a new temperature.  Usually this is done
while the fledgling is asleep."

"What face am I wearing?"

"The one I fell in love with.  Your human face."

"I feel something close." Willow said.

"What do you feel?"

"Tingly, it hurts Angel, make it stop, please…make it stop Angel." Willow
said crying hysterically.

"Your sire is near.  Let's get you inside."  Angel ran carrying Willow to
the mansion.  An invisible barrier stopped them.

"Sorry. Angel, Willow, come in." Faith said.

Angel and Willow entered. "We wanted to make sure psycho couldn't get
in." Rupert said.

"Faith, do me a favor.  Fill the tub in the Master bedroom with Hot, I
mean scalding hot water. Now." Angel said.

Faith did as she was told. "Why hot water Angel?" Rupert asked.

"Her body temperature is changing, the hot water will alleviate the
discomfort of the change." Angel told Rupert.

"Done, Fang." Faith said.

Willow looked around the room.  Angel growled as Willow looked at Faith.
"Faith, get the blood wine and a knife, bring them up to us."

"Why Boss man?"

"Willow's hunger is going to kick in.  I need to bond to her to help her
control the demon.  It will sever the connection Willow has to Buffy."

"They are connected?"

"Yes, Buffy has sired her.  Buffy can trace her and weaken her.  She will
need my strength. Now, please." Angel said, trying not to lose his temper.

Angel carried Willow upstairs and removed her clothes. "You are beautiful
naked Angelus." Willow said.

"As are you, my princess.  Come, join me." Angel said as he slipped into
the steaming hot bath.

"It looks really hot."

"It will feel better, trust me." Angel said, licking his lips at his
mate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow POV

Everything has changed.  I am a vampire now. I can feel Buffy in my head.  I
hate this.  I miss Angel there. He convinced me to step into the bath.  It
felt wonderful.  I trust Angel completely.  I am just surprised at how
different I feel.  I expected extreme blood lust.  I watched Angel drink his
wine.  I knew what was in it.  It smelled so nice. Angel held the glass while
I drank.  It tasted so wonderful.

"Feel better Lover?" Angel asked me.

"I miss you.  Make her go away."

I watched as Angel emptied the glass.  He then cut his wrist.  I watched
mesmerized as the blood pooled and fell into the glass. The liquid was thick.
I had tasted his blood once before.  I saw his concentration. I bit into his
shoulder.  Angel growled.  I growled as the blood hit my taste buds. I felt
Angel holding my head in place as I sucked on his wound. I then felt his
hands in the back of my hair, pulling me away from him.

"Soon Lover." Angel said huskily. I felt my face change.  It tickled.  I then
cut myself.  We began the chant.  We each drank from the glass.  Then we bit
and fed from each other. The glass had fallen from Angel's hand and smashed
when it hit the ceramic tile floor. It felt perfect as his teeth bit deep
into me.  I bit his back harder than I thought possible.

We broke apart as the energy went through us. Angel stood up and grabbed
me. He threw me on the bed and we began to fight. I was clawing him, he was
biting and scratching me.  It was violent and blissful. I was aware of him,
only him.  I couldn't feel Buffy in my head anymore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faith POV

Rupert shuddered when the growling started.  My slayer hearing heard the
glass break. The prophecy had been revealed.  We were the chosen four. I had
to chuckle as I watched a rerun of the A-team.  Maybe that was us.  I would
be Murdock, the nutcase.  Willow would be like Face, the smooth talker who
pulled things off.  Angel, he would be B. A Baracas.  Angel was definitely
the muscle.  And Rupert, he would be Hannibal. He created the plans.

Rupert asked me what was so funny. I told him.  He gave me his
are-you-serious-look, then he smirked.  I was still weak from Buffy's attack.
 I knew the minute she kicked me, I lost the baby. I wasn't as terrified as I
thought I would be. I guess since the dream, I knew it would not happen.
Destiny and Fate don't like slayers. I wondered who was to be called next?
Then again Buffy still walked, was I the only active slayer? I hate when my
brain starts asking too many questions.

I looked at Rupert.  He was busy reading the text.  I could hear Willow's
growls along with Angel's.  The though came to my head fast. Want. Take.
Have.  Rupert was so engrossed in the texts, he didn't notice my moan.  I
then saw his sitting at the table. I got on all fours.  Rupert didn't move.
I knew that if Angel and Willow were to come down, they would see me under
the table.  I didn't care.  I found the zipper quickly.  Rupert gasped then
moaned as I took his head out.  He was half-hard.  I took him deep and I
heard Rupert put the book down.  His hands were in my hair, playing with it
while I sucked him.  Rupert moaned loudly. I pushed his chair gently.  I then
stood up and straddled his lap.  I was glad I had worn a skirt. I took him,
right there in the foyer of the mansion.

I loved being with Rupert. He was so good.  I groaned as his hand snaked down
to my clit and he teased me.  I was bucking wildly against him. I jumped when
I heard wood snap.  I managed to break off one of the arms.  Rupert grinned
and stroked me right.  I came so hard, I screamed his name out loud. I felt
Rupert come.  We lay there awhile.  It was the sounds of clapping and
cheering which brought me back to reality.  I looked at my husband.  He was
grinning.  I turned bright red. I looked up and saw Angel and Willow
clapping.

"Honey, um, could you let me go?" I asked Rupert.  He kept his hand on my
hips, and my panties that had been pushed off to the side and were now in a
very un-comfy spot.

"What's the magic word?" my husband asked.

"Please?" I said.

"Nope, try again."

"Now." I said putting some menace in my voice.  He hands snaked away, but not
before brushing my clit, causing me to jump.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tara POV

I called D'Hoffern. I am ready. I have spent hours pouring over the
volumes. I watch as he steps out of the portal and into my chambers.

"You summoned me."

"I am ready." I said.

"The slayer who wronged you is the test."

" She will not hurt anyone else. 'Startled at the stillness broken by
reply so aptly spoken, "Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock
and store, Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore:
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore, Of
'Never-nevermore.'"

"Interesting. Poetry in motion."

"Yes, an American poet, Edgar Allen Poe wrote in his poem, The Raven.  In
the poem the raven spoke only one word, nevermore. That is the fate of the
slayer."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy POV

I shot up in bed.  I couldn't feel my wretched child. I knew they were still
in town.  I looked around to find I was alone.  Spike was gone, all his stuff
was gone.  So was Xander.   I knew it was dark.  When had they left?  Damn
them.  No one takes from me. Ever.

I went on patrol.  I saw Riley. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Had some trouble.  Nice of you to find me." I said.

"Tara has been hurt."

"We care why?"

"I care that is why."

"You like Tara now?"

"I have for a while, someone hurt her, she will never know."

"I hate you Riley Finn." I then bit him. It felt good to kill him.  I hated
him so much.  I then left his corpse for someone to find. I was walking when
I felt it.  My childe was near. I thought they staked her sorry ass.  It
seems such a shame, considering she was the only one who knew the restoration
spell.

I saw them.  I saw Willow dressed in leather.  So was Angel.  They were
passionately kissing.  I tried to use the bond that I had with her.  I felt
nothing. "Talk about tramps of the night."

Angel didn't even turn to face me. "What is it, I am busy?" Angel said
keeping his face buried into her neck.

"You have to stake her now, she is a vampire."

"She has her soul, no threat."

"How?"

It was then the portal appeared. I gasped as Tara came out of it.

"Slayer, long time no see."

"I've been busy.  You aren't human."

"No, I have you to thank for that."

"Tara?" Willow spoke.  Angel silently watched the exchange.

"Hello, Willow.  Buffy, you know, I have had a lot of time to think about
what to do with you." Tara said.  I felt her cool touch.

"I could do so much to you. Then it occurred to me, I needed to make sure
you couldn't cause trouble. 'Startled at the stillness broken by reply so
aptly spoken, "Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and
store, Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore: Till
the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore, Of 'Never-nevermore.'"

"What?" I asked.

"Well, Slayer nevermore indeed." I watched as A copper birdcage appeared
before her.  I felt strange.  I felt myself shrinking my body was changing.
Soon I felt my hair falling out.  My hands changed into wings and I felt
feathers. I opened my moth to speak. "Nevermore."

She opened the door to the birdcage and scooped me up and placed me in
there.

~~~~~~~~~
Spike POV

"Tara?" I asked.  She looked radiant.  I knew she wasn't human.  But she
was alive.

She turned her eyes at me. She is truly the most beautiful creature I
have ever seen. "Spike."

"How, when, why?" I asked her.

"You."

"Huh?"

"It was you who brought me the talisman from D'Hoffren. He made me into a
demon."

"Your not slimy are you?"

"No, I am a vengeance demon."

"Like Anya."

"Yes, Come to me lover.  Let s leave this place, I have work to do.  Keep
in touch Willow."  I went with her into that portal.  I nearly lost her once,
I will not make that mistake again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow POV

I watched as Tara, Spike and Raven Buffy went into the portal. I looked
at my immortal lover.  He still took my breath away.  We slowly walked back
to the mansion. We were a family.  I wondered how the prophecy would unfold.
I was happy.  Buffy was gone.  Tara was a demon.  We found Xander draining
Anya and staked him.  Anya was already dead when we got there. I watched as
Angel staked her corpse and it turned to dust.

Faith and Rupert were busy reading about the prophecy.  We left Sunnydale
that night and went home. I knew there was a new slayer in town.  She would
take care of things. We had gotten back to LA by daybreak.  I looked at my
home with my new eyes. As much as it looked the same, everything was
different now. I let my lover take me upstairs.  He held me all night long. I
slept wonderful that night, no nightmares, no visions. Just my lover, me and
the stars in the sky. I thanked the powers that be for everything.  In my
dream I was standing in a field.  I saw Delia.  She was glowing. "Willow."

"Delia, what?"

"No questions.  Take care of him. Take care of each other."

"We never found who hurt you."

"It doesn't matter anymore.  I am happy now. Ok, no more visions, which I
had no idea who go them."

I smiled at her and hugged her. She was at peace.  While I missed her,
her death made this all possible. I made a note to visit her grave more
often.

The END
 

back