~Part 10~
Wilow sat on a large pink mushroom, her mouth curved into a smile as the fairies in front of her giggled excitedly to one another, their small slanted eyes watching her curiously. After Gabriel had stomped out of the room, she had slept for a while, only to haunted by that damn dream so she had snuck quietly from the room and stepped into something that she could only call the land of the fairies. They were everywhere, their little multicolored wings fluttering at hyper speed as they surrounded her. Of different color eyes, skin, sizes and shapes, the fairies had zipped around her leaving a golden dust in their wake, making her sneeze and them laugh in delight.
Willow was getting used to seeing all of the magnificent creatures of fairy tales come to life in this world, but she still had to watch in amazement as they had seemingly grabbed the large mushroom from nowhere, their little bodies working together to send it towards her so that she had a seat. After sitting down, they had formed a circle around her, noises coming from them their mouths that she couldn't understand. From the way they were gesturing, it looked as if they wanted her to join them. Her brows knotted in confusion. She was way too big, it couldn't work. She would smash them. She shook her head no, pointing her hand at them and then herself, spreading her hands apart as if they had a large space between them.
I wish I could understand them, Willow thought, and suddenly she could. All of their little voices were speaking at once, their tone one of confusion.
"What is she doing?" she heard one say. "Is that some sort of code?"
"Does she not want to join the fairy ring? Has our Queen rejected us?" One wailed, her tiny blue eyes filling with tears. Her outburst caused a wave of panic to run through the rest of them and they all started shrieking at one another.
"Wait!" Willow interrupted. "I would love to join. But I am too big." She said, trying to calm them.
"My Queen, you have the power to be whatever you want. If you want to be a part of the ring, all you must do is wish it." one of the fairies said, her shock of pink hair standing straight up on her head.
"Really, I wish it and it will be done?" Willow asked, her eyes wide.
"That is how it is, My Queen, you are a Goddess. You control all of us, you are all of us." another said, her eyes perplexed because she didn't understand why her Queen did not know this for herself.
Willow stared back at them as they watched her expectantly, waiting for her to join them. Well, here goes.. Willow thought. I wish, umm, I wish that I were a fairy and she closed her eyes. She opened them when she felt her hand engulfed in another, her eyes level with the golden eyes of a fairy with golden hair to match. Willow laughed, the sound one of pure joy. She reached a hand behind her and pulled slightly, letting go when she felt the pressure on her lower back as a result. She had just felt her wings. She was a fairy. Willow smiled, this was going to be so fun!
When the fairies saw her smile, they took it as a sign to begin the fairy ring, dragging her along with them as they began to fly in a perfect circle, gold dust forming a golden glow around them. Willow looked down, watching as the ground passed beneath her at an impossible speed, her hair whipping around her face, occasionally getting in her mouth. But she didn't care, she was flying! She closed her eyes and let the momentum take her, a half smile on her face. When she heard a hum began, she looked down to see her body covered in the golden glow, a sense of peace spreading through her body, almost making her limp. Looking around, she saw the fairies were experiencing the same thing, the speed of their circle slowing down as a result of the relaxing feeling. She felt a bond with the rest of the fairies, as if they were a part of her family. She felt complete. Looking to the left of her, Willow saw the one with the pink hair smiling at her, her eyes bright. She smiled back, letting her eyes twinkle. Then a flash of heat went through her body and they landed back on the grass, hands still joined.
"Wow." she said in awe. Looking at her now tiny feet, she noticed the singed ground beneath them. Stepping out of the circle, she saw that the heat from the circle had burned a perfect circle into the grass.
"That is one of the affects of the fairy ring, My Queen." one of the fairies said to her, smiling. "We burn the grass."
Willow giggled and the rest of the fairies followed suit, their laughter ringing in her ears. She had never smiled so much at one time. It must be her reaction to being so small. Motioning them to step back from the now blackened circle, Willow closed her eyes and ran one hand over the area. She felt a tingling sensation in her stomach and when she opened her eyes the burnt circle was gone as if it had never been there. The fairies clapped, happy with their Queen. Willow smirked, happy with herself. She could get the hang of this.
"I see you are using your powers." a deep voice said, causing Willow to jump in fear, a hand raised to her chest in order to still her thumping heart. Almost afraid to look up, Willow raised her eyes slowly, taking in the long muscular legs that led up to that increasingly familiar chest that gleamed, the shoulders seeming even broader now that she was about one inch high. Willow stared up at the giant man, her neck hurting from the difference in height.
Turning to the fairies, who were now staring at their King with respect, Willow said, "Thank You. I will never forget this experience, my sisters." The fairies blushed as one, their eyes filled with pride at her comment. Willow wished to be returned to her original self and then she was standing next to Gabriel, looking down at the fairies.
"Yes, Thank You." Gabriel said to the fairies. "I will not forget how well you have taken care of your Queen. You will be rewarded." Grabbing Willow by her arm, he pulled her back into the room and Willow snuck in a quick wave on the way.
"How do you feel?" Gabriel asked. His eyes wandering over her flushed features, a few specks of golden dust still resting on her cheeks and in her hair. She looked beautiful.
"I feel wonderful." Willow said, her eyes bright. Then she had a thought.
"But I still have to go home Gabriel." She was slowly coming down from her little fairy high.
"Willow, how can you even think of that place after you have seen the beauty of this realm? After what you have just experienced? Can't you see yourself with me? Happy by my side?" he asked.
"I'm afraid I would be. A little too happy." she said, her lower lip trembling. Encouraged by her answer, Gabriel took a step closer. He lowered his head until his lips were a just a breath away from hers.
"Don't be afraid." he whispered and he gently placed his mouth on hers.
Willow felt the electricity that was his trademark and placed her hands on either side of his head. When she touched him, she felt the golden hum that she had just felt. That same feeling of completeness. He must have too because he groaned and wrapped his arms around her waist. She felt like a tramp, but she couldn't help it. This felt right. She finally felt as if she were where she belonged. Completely accepted. No longer the outcasted nerd, the unwanted daughter, or the inexperienced witch. She was powerful. She was a Queen. She had followers. Hell, she could be whatever, whoever, she wanted. She didn't have to make a decision.
That thought stilled her motions. No longer stroking his hair, she felt her face flame as he moved his mouth to her neck, suckling on the sensitive curve of her throat. He didn't notice that she was no longer responding. Her eyes widened as one of his hands grabbed her ass, squeezing tightly. Willow jumped away, her movements so sudden that Gabriel almost fell face forward, his normally graceful movements chalky as he caught himself.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"I can't." she said.
"You can't?" he asked, and she could see the anger forming in his eyes. "You just were. You were doing it very well too."
Willow blushed and shook her head.
"It was just the after affects of the ring. I don't know what is wrong with me."
"I know what is wrong with you. You are finally accepting that you are a Goddess. You are seeing our world for what it is. You are seeing it as your world. There is nothing wrong with that."
"Yes, there is!" she yelled. "I have responsibilities. School. Friends. Spike.. Angel.."
"No!" he yelled back, stomping over to glare into her face. "You do not have any of those things. What do you think your friends are going to do when they find out that you have been sleeping around with Angel? What do you think Spike is going to do? You will have no one but me.They will hate you. "
Tears started flowing freely from her eyes now, her worst nightmares thrown in her face. "No.," she denied.
"Yes,." he said forcefully. "They will regret that they came here looking for you when they find out. They will leave you all alone. Unwanted by everyone except for your family. Me and my people. Our people."
Willow backed away from him, her eyes narrowing. She watched as her anger caused a big piece of metal to mold itself around his mouth, effectively stopping his words. He looked shocked for a moment, then pleased as he tore the metal off, his laughter filling the room.
"You use your powers now as if it were second nature." he said. "How do you think you will survive in that world like this? You are above them."
A paper bag appeared over his head, making him trip over his own feet at the sudden loss of sight. The bag was ripped off and he stood up.
"Enough!" he shouted and she found herself tied to a chair, a gag in her mouth. "You will not use your powers against me!" He stared at her for a moment and then his eyes softened. He moved his hand in her direction and the ropes and gag disappeared.
"I'm sorry Willow, but my patience is growing then." he said. "Your friends are almost to the castle. They are not stopping, despite the warnings. They will be here soon and you must choose." When he saw her wince, he kneeled in front of her, his eyes concerned.
"I know you hate that word. I know you don't want to choose between Angel and Spike, let alone Angel, Spike, and me, but you must. You can't have everything Willow. Even if you deserve it."
But what if I want everything? Willow asked herself. If I am a Goddess, can't I make it so? Willow stood up, her eyes determined.
"I have made my decision." she stated.
Gabriel looked relieved, a smile forming on his face.
"What is it then?" he asked.
"I will tell everyone at once. Let them into the castle safely and it will be revealed." she said. Gabriel looked uncertain, but when she turned to him, no doubt in her eyes, he nodded his acceptance. It was what she wanted and as her King, he was going to do everything in his power to make it happen. He only hoped her decision was in his favor.
~Part 11~
Spike stormed through the trees in a rage. He kicked another log out of his way and paused, waiting to see if anything was going to come out at him. If so, he was ready for those little mother fuckers. When nothing came out, he continued his march, slightly disappointed. This was the worst day of his life, he thought. Well, the worst day of his unlife. First, he was pulled from a very restful sleep by Angel's little girlie phone call to Giles, whining about how Willow was gone. He had hopped off of the couch, fear in his eyes as Giles had told him about Willow being missing. He had been the first out of the door, ready to find Willow and save the day. Managing to calm himself by the time he had gotten to her house, he had then surprised himself when he had actually portrayed a laid back facade, even making jokes. But all that shit was over now.
Willow was fucking, Peaches!! He yelled to himself. He felt pain in his gut at the thought and he had visions of pulling Angel's head off. What he wouldn't give for just a few minutes alone with him and no slayer to save his nancy ass. He couldn't believe it, he had to hear it from her himself. If it were true, he had no idea what he would do to Willow and Angel, but it wouldn't be pretty. How dare she let him fall in love with her while she was bumping ugly with that prick. Ughh!!!
"Those bitches!" he yelled to the trees, his hands curled into fists. He could still remember how just yesterday Willow had been laying with her head on his chest, her hands playing in his hair as they talked about anything and everything. Although they had not had sex yet, he had felt closer to her than anyone else. Not even Dru had made him feel like that.
When he had heard all of Angel's little comments about Willow and the way he had practically claimed that blanket he had begun to get his suspicions. When he had said, like the little weakling he was, "I need her" in his whiney voice, he had known. Angel had a thing for his Willow and he had sought him out with the intention of warning him off of Willow.
What he had not expected was for Angel to get that condescending smirk on his face and say "What? I've already had her. Willow and I have been together since she brought me back from hell." When Spike had just stared at him, no expression on his face. Angel had gotten nervous and realized that maybe he shouldn't have said that.
"Well, what I mean is, Willow is mine.." Spike's face only got darker and Angel abruptly shut up as he landed on the ground. Spike growled at the memory. Well, now that he could, he was going to make her pay for hurting him. He was tired of playing second fiddle to Angel, Willow was his. And it was time she knew it too.
~Part 12~
Spike made it the front of the castle, his anger growing. How dare she come here, worrying him to death, (no pun intended) and stay at this opulent castle. The doors were wide, big enough for a giant to fit through and intricately decorated. Spike looked around warily at the thought, knowing that a giant could be watching him at the moment and he wouldn't know it. Going closer, he pushed the doors hard and they swung inward, creaking slightly at the force of his shove.
He walked slowly into the corridor, wondering why it was so easy to walk into the castle. If there were trees wondering around giving warnings, why, when he makes it to the main event do they go slack on security? Spike shrugged his shoulders, screw it, he thought, I have a girl to punish.
Striding forward purposely, Spike made his way toward a long hallway that had mirrors lined up and down its walls. Expecting to see his reflection didn't help him when he actually saw twenty different versions of himself staring back at him once he entered the hallway. When he saw that he was still vamped out, he made a conscious effort to smooth out his features and when he looked up, he saw that he had succeeded. Can't let her know I'm angry right from the start. That's no fun.
Moving past the hallway, he started to enter one of the rooms directly to the left when he heard voices coming from the corridor he had just left. Quickly, he pulled back behind a curtain that was hidden in a corner, his eyes watchful. Two little green men, about three feet tall and dressed in armor, their little beady eyes shrewd, were walking slowly towards him. He'd swear they were Leprechauns but he wasn't up on his fairy tales so he couldn't be sure. They looked like guards though and he knew he had to watch out for them. When they stopped right in front of him, he stiffened, expecting to have to defend himself from little men again for the second time in one night. Instead, the men didn't even notice them, their conversation taking all of their concentration.
"The King says that we are to bring the other worlders here. The Queen wishes to see them." He heard one say to the other, his voice hushed.
"No!" The other one said. "How can the King agree to that? They will take her away from us."
Spike leaned closer, remembering that the tree had referred to Willow as the Queen. They were talking about Willow. Spike rolled his eyes. First she is in a comfortable castle and then she is a Queen. Was all of his stress for nothing?
"It is what he wishes. You can't question him." the first one said. "He will not let anyone take her. She is his, he loves her. So don't worry, trust in our King."
Spike almost growled when he heard that. What?! Did Willow have a fucking sign on her that said, "Take me, I am everything you could ever want!" tattooed to her chest? A sign inviting every male, even those from another world, to try to take her away from him. Maybe it was that sweet jasmine smell that she always had, even when covered in mud. It had to be something, this was too much for him, he was just damn unlucky. Now he had to go and kick somebody else's ass. That 'King' had better not have touched Willow, he didn't want to have to take away some world's 'King'. Then he smiled evilly, but he would if he had to.
Spike tuned back into their conversation in time to hear the first one tell the other to tell the rest of the team to bring in the intruders while he went to check with the King and Queen. Spike waited until he had turned the corner before following him. He followed a distance behind, his skills as a predator helping him to do so unnoticed. The leprechaun moved fast, his little feet almost flying through the halls, so when he abruptly stopped before one of the doors, Spike almost skidded before he once again flattened himself against the wall, hoping that the little man hadn't noticed. When he stuck his head out to check, he let out a sigh of relief as he saw the door closing. Running with vampiric speed, he caught the door before it closed, sneaking inside. Looking around, he groaned.
It was another forest. He had no idea why there was a forest inside of a castle, but there it was. Sighing, he rushed forward, hoping to catch a glance of the little leprechaun that was supposed to be leading him to Willow. He saw nothing, but pressed on anyway. Staring straight ahead, he made out a door and suddenly he knew that was where she was, he started to run for the door and promptly fell over a big pink mushroom.
"oomph!" he said as he landed on his head, his face buried in the grass. Lifting his face out of the foliage, he sat up, picking pieces of grass off of his face.
"Why the hell is there a big mushroom just sitting there where anyone can just fall over it?" he asked outloud, his voice angry.
He began to get up when heard a little giggle. He turned his face towards the sound, stiffening. Just as he thought, there was something weird there.
Fairies. A lot of them. All staring at him. He looked closer and he felt a flash of fear run through him. He could swear that they were looking at him with lust in their eyes. He suddenly got this horrible image of being raped by the horny little women. Trying to be inconspicuous, he started to scoot backwards, only to have his flight cut short when his back came up against the mushroom. 'That damn mushroom" he thought.
He laughed huskily, "Hi girls." he said, trying to keep his tone even.
"Are you our reward?" One of the fairies asked, stepping forward, her eyes traveling up and down his body.
"Reward?" he asked.
"Yes, the King promised us a reward. You look like a reward." she said, flying over to him and landing on his thigh. "A very good reward," she said, running her small hand up his inner thigh.
Spike didn't need any other signs, he jumped up, almost crushing the one that had been on his thigh and ran for the door, hysterical. He made it to the door, putting his hand on the handle and looked back quickly. He immediately wished he hadn't when he saw the swarm of fairies heading toward him, angry that their toy was being taken away.
Closing his eyes, he pushed with all of his might and tumbled into the room, much like he had tumbled through the mirror earlier. Scrambling to his feet, he quickly closed the door, his chest rising up and down as he took the unneeded breaths. He sighed, opening his eyes slowly, hoping that when he opened his eyes all the way he wouldn't see some giant woman, waiting to have her way with him.
There wasn't and he laughed out of sheer relief when he saw Willow laying on a bed, her red hair spread out around her and her eyes closed. Straightening away from the door, he stalked towards the bed, the fairies forgotten. It was time for the punishment. to begin.
~Part 13~
Willow's eyes opened slowly as she felt a finger brush across her eyelids. The touch soft and gentle. Still half asleep, she tried to swat it away but it only came back again, this time stroking her lips. When she felt a hand drift between her thighs, she quickly closed her legs, locking the hand there and sat up in the bed, her eyes wide. Glancing down, she saw Spike smirking up at her, his beautiful blue eyes gleaming mischievously. When his face came closer, his eyes locked on her lips, she closed her eyes, anticipating his kiss. When it came, she sighed softly, her mouth opening under his as his tongue rimmed the outside of her lips, denying her invitation to enter the warm space between them. Willow raised her hand, pushing her hand through his disheveled locks fervently as the hand between her legs began to move in a smooth rhythm against her panties. Willow arched into the hand unashamedly as this was only a dream. There was no way that Spike was there making love to her. It just couldn't be possible. He had never done anything like that before. Their relationship had been platonic. Sure, she had wanted him to touch her like this but there had been no sex. Therefore, this was a dream. Willow smiled, usually he wasn't this gentle in the dreams, she thought. He would mostly tie her up and spank her. But then again, that was her crazy subconscious. Maybe she really did like it as rough as Angel always insisted she did. Oh well, no more thinking. Just enjoy it before you wake up, idiot, Willow told herself. Just then, as Spike thrust his tongue roughly into her mouth, one of his hands ripped off the blouse that she had on with careless abandon. There it is, she thought, that's the dream Spike I know and love. Willow lay back to enjoy the ride.
Spike glanced up at Willow to see how she was reacting to his sudden change of pace. He stared at her in confusion when she just spread herself across the bed, a dazed look on her face. Spike frowned. He plunged his hand beneath her panties to find her soaking wet and again she bucked against his hands, but she didn't even seem to notice how fast they were moving. He growled low in his throat. What the hell was this? This was their first time and she was just laying there waiting for him to serve her. Fuck that. He grabbed her clit, twisting hard. Willow arched up off the bed, a high squealing noise coming from her throat. He continued to rub against her clit with his fingers, watching her face carefully. Right when he saw her eyes shut in anticipation of an orgasm he let go, completely removing himself from her. Willow, her eyes still closed, lay waiting for him to come back, her body humming. When he didn't, she opened an eye and saw him sitting at the foot of the bed giving her a dirty look.
"Spike?" she asked, uncertainly. Her dream never had him do that before. He at least let her come. She looked around the room. She looked at Spike's face. Then she felt a wave of heat run through her body.
"Oh shit!" she screeched. "You're not a dream!" she yelled at Spike accusingly.
One of his eyebrows went up, making him look sexy as hell, a fact that did nothing to help her current situation.
"No, Pet. I'm not." he said. He stared at her for a moment. "Did you think I was?" he asked.
"Well, yeah.." she said, her hands twisting her shirt in her hands. She continued talking, her words not getting through to Spike who now understood her dazed sprawl across the bed. Looking around the room, he saw a piece of rope laying next to a chair and his face brightened.
"Umm hmm." he said in response to her moving lips as he quickly grabbed the rope. Willow was so into her explanation, she didn't even notice him wrapping the rope around her wrists until he had gotten them secured to the head board.
"Spike!" she said when she noticed her position. "What are you doing?"
"I'm punishing you of course." he said.
"But.. but why?" she asked, fear in her eyes.
Spike's face suddenly became very serious and he got onto the bed, climbed on top of Willow and stared intently into her eyes.
"Why do you think, luv?"
"Um.." Willow, who didn't want to tell him about Angel, just in case he didn't know, came up with all the other possibilities. "I didn't mean to come here--"
"Nope, that's not it." Spike said, slipping a hand behind her to unfasten her bra.
"I didn't know Gabriel wanted me--" again he cut her off, yanking the bra away.
"Nope, try again. Although, I really want to meet this Gabriel. Is he this 'King' everyone has been talking about?" When Willow nodded slowly, he leaned down to kiss her neck but quickly pulled back, his face vamped out.
"What the fuck is that, Willow?" he growled, pointing to the hickey that was on her throat.
"Umm.."
"Just shut up!" Spike said as he turned her face from side to side, looking for any more marks. He then ran his eyes over her breasts, his eyes almost clinical in their inspection. She gasped, shocked, when he buried his face between them, breathing in their scent. He lifted his head up, his face back to normal, satisfied that Gabriel's scent was not on her chest.
"Damn it Willow! DO you have a sign on your body that says 'take me' ? If so, where is it so that I can remove it!"
Willow stared at him confused.
"Nothing," he said "At least he didn't touch you anywhere else." he suddenly straightened.
"He didn't, did he?"
"No!" Willow rushed to assure him. "Nope! Unh unh.."
"All right! You had better not let him touch you anywhere else."
Willow nodded frantically.
Spike looked down at her disgruntled. Then he seemed to get angry again. Willow took a deep breath. Spike followed the movement of her chest, his eyes glazed. Willow smiled, no more punishment, she thought. But then he shook his head and placed his menacing face close to hers again.
"Why am I punishing you, Willow?" he asked again, his hands wondering down and removing her skirt.
"I.."
"Willow!" he barked.
Willow jumped and hurried into speech. She had never seen Spike like this.
"Well, I'vebeenhavingsexwithangelbutitwasbeforeyousopleasedon'tbemad!" she said in one breath.
Strangely, Spike had understood her and instead of trying to kill her, he looked sad.
"Are you still having sex with him?" he asked.
"No, I'm here--"
"Willow, don't try to evade the question."
"I had been, but for the past couple of weeks I realized that I couldn't be with him anymore. I had planned on meeting him at the mansion that night to break it off."
"Why couldn't you be with him?" he asked.
"I love you." she admitted, her eyes downcast.
Spike felt hope for the first time that night. All he had been hearing were other men's claims on the woman he loved and it was taking its toll on him. He was exhausted. Like right now, he should be beating Willow, but instead he was straddling her practically naked body, fully clothed. That was just plain stupid. He was going to prove what was his and he didn't need to beat her to do it.
Bracing himself on his forearms, he rested his forehead against Willow's.
"I love you too." he said and watched as tears filled and fell from her eyes. She was smiling so big, he could see every single one of her teeth. That was just so cute!
She placed her mouth on his, kissing him softly.
"Ok, big boy, don't you think you had better start taking some clothes off. I'm feeling kind of lonely." she said, giggling.
He jumped up off of her, pulling his shirt over his head. He reached for the snap in his jeans and hurriedly pulled them off too, along with his underwear. The he jumped on the bed, his face eager.
He immediately went for her panties, the only piece of clothing that lay between them. She blushed as he pulled them down with his teeth, his eyes staring up into hers happily. When he placed kisses on her inner thighs, she shuddered and tried to wrap her legs around his head. He smiled and pushed her legs down. He placed his mouth over her, breathing in her scent as he had done over her chest.
Looking up at her, he said, "Just checking." Willow just smiled at his antics but gave him a nudge with her knee, already desperate after her little 'dream' earlier. He seemed to understand and gently took her clit into his mouth, nibbling at it and sucking all at the same time. Willow heard herself growl and suddenly she knew that wasn't enough. She wanted him inside of her. Closing her eyes, she wished the restraints gone and after opening them she hauled a surprised Spike on top of her, moaning.
"I need you inside of me. Right Now!" she screamed. Spike, after glancing at the now useless ropes, kissed her slowly before saying, "Yes, My Queen," and plunging deep within her body.
He paused for a moment to let her adjust to his size and to let himself get used to her tightness. It was all he could do not to come right then. She opened her eyes, her gaze hot on him. She was practically panting. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she moved with him as he pounded into her, their gazes never moving from each other's face. There were no words spoken, there didn't need to be, each knew what the other wanted. Their rhythm started to speed up, sweat glinting off of their faces. Spike moved his hand between them, stroking her clit when he saw her eyelids start to flicker and felt her walls tighten around him. With a scream she came, he inner walls spasming around him so hard that he was helpless but to go with her. Burying his face in her neck, he felt his fangs pierce her flesh as her body milked him for every drop. They both suddenly slumped exhausted. He turned on his side, pulling her into his body, licking her blood from his lips. She snuggled against him, her body warming him.
There was silence for a while and then Spike asked, "How did you get free from the ropes?"
"It's a long story Spike." she said, " Let's just say, I wished it and it was so."
"Hunh?" he said, for all the world, sounding like Xander.
"I'll tell you when I can think." she said.
"Oh."
There was a long pause, then,
"Pet, did you know there were horny fairies in a forest right outside your door?"
~Part 14~
Upon viewing the castle, Giles sighed, relieved at having finally made it. Glancing back at the rest of them, he saw how tired they were. Buffy was visibly sagging, her hair plastered to her face and Anya was hanging onto Xander, her head resting on his shoulder. Xander himself had a blank look on his face and was just trudging along, his shoulders slumped. Cordelia was not watching where she was going, instead she was looking into a mirror, applying lipstick to her already perfectly colored lips. Angel was staring straight ahead at the castle, his brow furrowed.
"How are we going to get in?" he asked, walking up to stand next to Giles.
"Knock?" Buffy suggested.
Giles looked at Angel, "Well, it's worth a try." he said, and gestured to the wide doors. Angel merely stared at him, wondering why he was always volunteered for the crazy jobs.
"I'll do it," Buffy said. She walked up to the door and pushed. Nothing happened. She pushed again and even gave it a quick kick. Again, the door didn't budge. Only then did she raise a hand and pound on the door, her small hand turning red with the effort.
"I guess nobody is home." Xander said after they had stared at the door a good five minutes with no response.
"Someone has to be here. This is the only place Willow could be. There are no other castles around. And I bet Spike is in there too." Angel said.
Suddenly Cordelia yelped, latching onto Xander as he was the closest person and buried her face in his neck.
"Xander!" she screamed, "Get him! Get him! He was under my skirt!" When Xander just wrapped his arm around her consolingly, his hand patting her back. She looked up, glaring at him. "Use your army skills, Damnit! Get it!" Anya reached out, pulling Cordeila away from her man, her face angry.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" she yelled at Cordelia. When Cordelia actually held on to her, wrapping her arms around Anya with her face in her back, Anya stiffened, realizing Cordelia must be really scared to actually hug her.
She glanced over to where Cordelia had been standing and saw what appeared to be a little army. An army of things. That was the best way she could describe it. Standing right in the front was a leering leprechaun, watching Cordelia covetously.
"Ugh!" Anya screeched, and hopped behind Xander, dragging Cordelia along with her.
Although she didn't like Cordelia, she didn't want some little green man to rape her.
When Xander saw what they saw, he started backing them up, trying to get Angel's attention.
"Umm, excuse me." Xander said. When neither Buffy, Giles, or Angel turned away from their inspection of the door, he yelled, "Excuse me!"
They spun around, their eyes widening at the sight of the large group of creatures watching them. Leprechauns, sprites, a unicorn, a gnome, a couple of elves, and a foot. Angel's eyes followed the foot all the way up to the big made up of face of a giant woman who was staring at him hungrily. He backed up against the door in fear, his hand clutching at Buffy's arm.
They watched as the Leprechaun that had tried to violate Cordelia's panties stepped forward. Cordelia flinched, holding Anya tighter.
"You must come with us." he said, his little beady eyes staring at Cordelia lustfully.
"Hell no!" Cordelia yelled back. Anya patted her hand, trying to comfort her.
"You must. Our Queen is there in the castle and she would like to see you. Our Queen wishes it."
"Ok, we'll come with you if that is what Willow wants." Buffy said.
Cordelia started crying hysterically and Buffy glanced at her quickly before adding, "But you can't go anywhere near her."
The leprechaun looked at her, almost as if he was seeing if he could take her on in a fight. Buffy placed her hands on her hips, flexing her muscles and glared at him warningly.
"Oh, all right." he said, his voice disappointed. "Let's go."
Angel, still staring at the giant woman, wondered if all the creatures in this world were horny. The thought made him think of Spike and he almost smiled but he caught himself. He didn't want that woman to think he was flirting with her. When the leprechaun led the way to the doors, they stepped aside allowing him to push the doors open. Angel was the first to run in, followed by the terrorized Cordelia and the rest of the gang. When everyone had filed in, the leprechaun motioned them to follow him down a long hallway filled with mirrors.
Leaving the other creatures behind, they swept quickly through the hallway. Cordelia was still attached to Anya, bringing up the rear since she had refused to even come close to the little man. They walked for a while until they stopped in front of a door that looked exactly like all of the other doors they had passed. Buffy didn't know how they didn't get the doors mixed up, she definitely would if she lived here. Walking through the door, there was a group gasp of surprise at the sight of more lush trees.
"I hate this friggin' place!" Giles muttered."They even have trees inside!" Buffy sent him an amused glance and waited for the leprechaun to tell them what they were doing here. Although it was pretty, there was no Willow. Or Spike.
"Hey, have you seen a pale guy running around with really, really blonde hair?" Buffy asked, suddenly, startling the leprechaun.
"No. There are more of you?" he asked. His face worried.
"Yes. We got separated." she said, sending a sideways glance at Angel.
"Oh. This is bad. I must find him before I bring you to the King and Queen. They want all of you. Stay here, I will find him. When I come back, you will see the Queen." He went to walk back out the door, but he stopped next to Cordelia. She stiffened and stepped on Xander's foot trying to squirm away.
"Unless you would like to help me find him?" Buffy answered for her. "No she doesn't! What did I tell you? You cannot go anywhere near her, you perv!" He huffed and shuffled out of the door.
"Thanks Buffy." Cordelia said, finally relaxing now that he had left.
"Damn, we are back in a stupid forest! I say we don't wait and find her ourselves." Anya said when Cordelia had let her go. Cordelia smiled at her and she smiled back. Maybe the spoiled brat wasn't so bad after all.
"I agree with Anya." Xander said.
"You'd better." Anya replied. Xander just grunted and followed after Giles who was already starting the journey into the trees.
"I see a door!" Buffy said, excited that they had not had to travel far at all to get to their destination.
"Really?" Giles asked. "Where?"
"Right there. It is hidden behind that tree. Actually, the door is in that tree."
"Well, it would be appropriate for Willow to be in a tree." he said. When they all just stared at him, dumbfounded, he added,"You know.. Willow is a type of-- Oh, never mind!" Giles said, disgusted.
Angel walked up to door and pulled. It came open easily, a bright golden light pouring out from the door onto the grass. Putting one foot in the doorway, he turned back to them.
"What are we waiting for?" he asked impatiently.
"Hell to freeze over?" Xander asked cheekily.
"Ha ha funny." Buffy said, and pushed Angel in, quickly following him herself. Not wanting to be left in the forest, the rest of them jumped through the doorway.
Once inside, they looked around in awe. Every thing was gold. There was a golden mirror, golden carpet and unbelievably, there was a small golden sun shining in the corner, not affecting Angel at all.
"Hey, would you look at that? Somebody has their own sun." Xander said, amazed that it's brightness was not hurting his eyes.
Angel went closer to the floating sun. A look of pure bliss on his face. When he went to touch it, Buffy pulled him back, saying, "I know you haven't seen the sun in a long time, Angel, but you can't touch it."
"I want my own sun." Angel said, his voice jealous.
Cordelia could be heard gasping again. They all spun toward her to see if that leprechaun was back under her skirt. Instead of staring down between her legs, she was looking over Angel's shoulder at the man that had just stepped into the room.
"I want one of those." she said, her eyes hot.
Everyone's head snapped around to stare at the man who walked into the room, a frown on his face. He had golden hair, golden skin, golden eyes. He matched the room and he was perfect. Cordelia was in love. He was color coordinated and he was gorgeous with a perfect, perfectly bare body that was dripping with water. He had not one strip of clothing on and he didn't even seem to notice.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked, his eyes angry.
"Ogling you." Anya said, licking her lips.The man looked down at himself and grimaced. Snapping his fingers, he was suddenly dry with a full outfit on, the pants tight.
"Damn." Cordelia muttered under her breath. Anya looked at her a winked. They shared a secret smile. Xander saw this and popped Anya on her ass. She yelped.
"Who are you?" Angel asked, his tone threatening.
The man turned to Angel, a sneer on his face. He walked over to him and picked him up by the throat.
"Don't you dare talk to me that way!" he growled at Angel, his hate for the vampire showing in his eyes as he slammed him against the wall. "You do not even deserve to be in my presence."
When Buffy tried to go and help Angel, she was stuck frozen, her body unable to move when the man turned those blazing eyes on her. The rest of them quickly shut their mouths like naughty children, their hands at their sides. The man turned back to Angel, confident that he would not be disturbed.
"You are nothing but a filthy vampire who has had the nerve to touch something that is mine. You are in my world now, I can do whatever I want with you. I could kill you." he said, his voice thick with longing to do the things he threatened. But instead of killing Angel, as he so clearly wanted to do, the man dropped him and stepped away. "But I can't. If I did, she would hate me and I could not bear that." Angel dropped to the ground like a bag of potatoes, his hand on his throat. When Angel glared at him, the man raised a hand toward him and Angel was lifted off of the ground by an invisible hand and slammed against the roof, then thrown back to the floor. "But she won't notice that." he added, smiling. Looking back at the rest of them, he released his hold on them and Buffy, concerned for Angel, ran over to him.
"Are you this King everyone has been talking about?" Giles asked, respect in his voice.
"Yes." he said, "My name is Gabriel and I am the ruler here. I know you are here to take Willow away from me. But that won't happen. She belongs here with me. Just a warning." Gabriel watched them all for a second, then he turned back to Angel. "Where is the other one?" he snarled, his anger rising to the forefront again at the sight of Angel..
When Angel looked at him blankly, he turned to the girl staring at him adoringly. She would answer his questions.
"Where is the blonde vampire. Spike!" he spit the name out as if it hurt him to say it.
"We--We got seperated." Cordelia said, using the same excuse that Buffy had given. She could barely think with all that manly flesh standing right in front of her. Shit, and he wanted Willow. Did the girl have a six pack of beer stuck in her panties? "We thought he was in the castle already. He was ahead of us."
"Fuck!" he shouted, then he disappeared.
The others looked at each other, dazed after meeting Gabriel. He was, by far the most fascinating creature they had seen so far and he was angry. And he wanted Willow. Not a good sign.
~~~*~~~
Willow snuggled into Spike's chest, giggling sleepily when he ran a hand across her hips, adjusting her so that her face was once again nestled between his neck and shoulder. She playfully nipped him on the sensitive curve of his throat, purposely going for the jugular vein, causing him to growl low in his throat.
"Pet, stop that. You wore me out. Let me sleep."
Willow was about to show him how she could get him to feel wide awake when she felt eyes on her. She froze for a second before lifting her head from Spike's throat and slowly looking over her shoulder. What she saw there almost made her jump from the bed in fear. Only her lack of clothing actually prevented her flight.
"Gabriel." she whispered.
"Have you been enjoying yourself?" he asked, his position on the wide golden chair casual, his face blank.
Willow shifted nervously and brought the black silk sheets up to cover their nakedness. A quick glance at Spike showed her that his eyes were still closed, oblivious to the danger he was in. Willow quickly averted her eyes back to Gabriel, not wishing to bring his attention to Spike.
"Um.. No?" Willow answered hesitantly. Gabriel's face, if anything only became more expressionless. He was scaring her. Before, he had always been up front about everything. Always giving her a choice. Making her feel like royalty. Now, he was just staring at her with no feeling at all. Willow knew she was in trouble.
"Is that your choice?" he asked emotionlessly, nodding to Spike.
"Well.. I--" Willow stuttered, but he only interrupted her.
"Because I could have sworn you wanted everyone here to hear your decision. Isn't that right, Willow?" he asked.
Willow stared at him, unsure of the purpose behind his line of questioning.She nodded slowly in response.
"I knew that was what you wanted." he said, anger finally coming to his expression, his eyes actually glowing. Willow flinched when he raised a hand, but it wasn't toward her, instead she recognized it as the gesture he used before using his powers.When the sheet suddenly disappeared, she knew what he was going to do and she felt a blush rise on her face. With a snap of his fingers, the room was suddenly filled with commotion as the scooby gang fell from mid air and landed in a heap at the foot of the bed.
Spike's eyes flew open and he stared around incredulously at the now crowded room. Willow, her face red, waited for a reaction, and she got one. Angel, on the bottom of the heap, looked up rubbing his head and saw his naked lover in bed with an equally naked Spike, their limbs entwined. He growled and shoved Cordelia from on top of him and dived at the bed, his hands outstretched. Spike, unprepared for the attack, fell off the bed, Angel's hands wrapped around his throat. When Angel started landing punch after punch, Willow tried to get off of the bed to stop them but was held back by an invisible force.Her head snapped to the side and she saw Gabriel watching her, a smug expression on his face. She started to struggle until she noticed Xander staring at her jiggling breasts with a glazed expression in his eyes, his mouth half open. She stopped moving and glared at Xander. When he noticed her angry stare, he immediately looked away and focused on the Giles shocked face who seemed unable to take in all of the naked pale flesh. He was actually red and choking. Cordelia ran over to him and started to pat him on his back. Buffy and Anya were still sitting on the floor, watching Spike and Angel with wide eyes, trying to get a glimpse of naked Spike flesh.
"Buffy!" Willow yelled, "Quit staring and stop them." Buffy blushed and took a few steps forward before she too was frozen in place.Willow sighed, frustrated. She looked over to Angel and Spike who were both wearing their game faces and several cuts and bruises. They were killing each other. Willow turned her face towards Gabriel. He was watching the two vampires with unhidden glee.The more their blood was shed, the bigger his smile grew. Willow felt herself get angry. How dare he enjoy watching them get hurt, they were hers.She felt heat fill her body.
Xander gasped as he saw Willow's body turn golden, the green of her eyes flashing brightly. Everyone turned to look at her, except for Spike and Angel who were currently slamming each other against the wall. Willow sat up in the bed, breaking Gabriel's hold on her. Shocked, Gabriel watched as she materialized clothes on both her and Spike's body. He had not known that her powers had grown enough to overpower his. Angel and Spike stopped fighting, surprise written on their faces as they were plucked into the air and placed on opposite sides of the room.
"Stop it!" Willow yelled, tears running from her glowing eyes. Spike tried to go to her, but he was pushed back down into the chair. He looked at Willow questioningly, but she had already turned to Gabriel.
"How dare you try to make them kill each other? Taking them away isn't going to make me choose you!" she said vehemently.
"I did not force them to fight each other." he said quietly.
"Why did you bring Angel in here when we were in that position? You knew how he would react?"
"You know why I did it." he said as he stepped up to her, so close, their lips were almost touching. There were twin growls from opposite sides of the room. Willow ignored them and cupped his face in her hands, all of the anger drained out of her.
"Gabriel, I know. I'm sorry if I hurt you. But you know I can't stay here. I love it here. I love my people. I even love you." she said, and she heard complete silence from the rest of the group. She even felt the tension emanating from Angel and Spike."I will never forget you for introducing me to this world. I have this big space in my heart thanking you for that. But I am, for the most part, human. That is where my family is. You said that I would feel as if apart of me were missing if I went back. You didn't think of how I would feel if I stayed here. My heart would be gone." She glanced at Spike, then Angel. She leaned in and whispered into his ear so that only he could hear. "I need them. I'm sorry."
Gabriel stared at her intensely, his brow furrowed.
"You know that you will still have to make that decision later on down the road." he said, referring to her Angel and Spike dilemma. "Only, I guess I'm no longer an option." His shoulders slumped and he stepped away from her. "I can't force you to stay,Willow. Like I told you, I am not evil. I just wanted you to know who you were. I just wanted to love you." He paused. "You are free to go. I am sorry if I made this hard on you, that was not my intention. Even if I did get a bit high handed."
Gabriel raised a hand and a portal was opened right next to Xander. A view into Willow's room appeared, the moonlight shining brightly on her bed, showing that only a night had passed. Everyone gathered in front of it, relief and confusion mixed on their faces.Spike placed an arm around Willow's shoulders when he got next to her and Angel took her hand. The two vampires glared at each other.
"One more thing, Willow." Gabriel said, observing some of the glazed expressions of her friend's faces as they watched the three of them. "I feel I need to warn you that you look, act and feel different now. You are a Goddess, regardless of your human fantasies. If you ever need me, use the mirror. I will always be here for you."
Willow nodded and motioned the scooby gang toward the portal.
"Go." she said. They all went, except for Cordelia who stopped in front of Gabriel and whispered something that made him blush. Then she walked haughtily through the portal. Willow waited until she could see them on the other side in her room, staring at the mirror before turning to Gabriel, who was still a little red.
"Can I really visit?" she asked.
"Yes, your people will miss you. You are still their Queen, even if you chose some nasty vampires over their King. They will forgive you, as I do." he said teasingly. "Besides, I'd like to think I am your friend at least."
"You are." she said, then winked. "I'll see you tomorrow, friend." She gave him a little wave and then stepped through the portal. Once through, she turned to the mirror and he watched as her image disappeared when she ran a hand over the front of the mirror. Gabriel smiled, proud. She had come so far. He turned away and looked at the room. He had to clean it up so that Cordelia could visit.
~~~*~~~
Willow sat on her bed, dabbing at a cut on Spike's eye. She was ignoring everyone. She had yet to say a word to them after she had entered her room.
"Willow." Giles said. "We have to talk. A Goddess--"
"You're fucking Spike and Angel! Willow, you go--"
"Shut up, Anya." Xander said, putting his hand over her mouth. Willow finished putting the band aid over Spike's eye and then she stood up. Making eye contact with all of them, she began to speak.
"Thank you all for coming to save me. I appreciate it and I also think you deserve some sort of explanation for going through all your trouble. I will explain everything about what Gabriel was talking about tomorrow. But there is one thing I want to clear up right now." she said, after seeing Buffy's hurt expression.
"I did not purposely go out and just have sex with my best friend's boyfriend. It was a result of me bringing him back from hell." When she heard gasps, she nodded."Yes, it was me. It brought us closer, we couldn't help it. We needed each other."
Willow glanced at Buffy. "I really didn't mean to hurt you or keep it a secret. I loved you too much Buffy and I thought you would hate me if I told you."
"I could never hate you, Will. I understand. It hurts a little, but I can handle it." Buffy's eyes also told Willow that she wanted the whole story later.
"But Willow, where does Spike come into this?" Cordelia asked, her face sober. She liked the vampire and she could tell he really loved Willow. Willow, who had been avoiding looking at either Spike or Angel, looked at them both. Angel's expression was closed, his eyes dark. Spike just looked shattered, his face even paler than usual. Something Willow hadn't thought possible.
"I had been with Angel and I still needed him more than ever." She stared at Angel, willing him to look at her. When he did, she went to him and kneeled in front of him. She heard a moan of pain. She knew it was Spike, he thought she was choosing Angel over him. She could feel it. She ignored him for the moment."But then I got to know Spike. He was beautiful. Everything I ever wanted. He became my heart." When Angel's eyes darkened in pain, she backed away. "I still needed Angel, there was this pull that made me go to him." Turning back to Angel, she said. "I will always need you." She paused and went over to stand next to Spike. "But I can't have both of you. I love Spike. I'm sorry Angel. I know you feel that I am hurting you, but you don't love me. We have some strange connection that I will figure out so that we can live normal lives. We can do it, I know we can. We can fight it and then maybe you could be with whoever you want. Someone you love, not someone you are forced to be with."
Everyone was just sitting there with their mouths open. Spike was practically glowing from happiness. Angel suddenly didn't have an expression. Not even a brooding one.Willow waited for him to say something. She had told him this in front of everyone because she hadn't known if she would have the strength if they were alone. They would have probably just ended up in bed. He said nothing. He didn't even look at her, he just got up and walked out the door. Willow watched him go sadly.
"I'm tired," she said.
They all jumped up at once, their minds blown by all they had learned in that forever-lasting night. Spike was the only one left after they had filed out of the room.He came up behind her and rubbed her shoulders.
"You scared me." he said.
"I know." she said, frowning. "I told you I loved you."
"I know, Willow. But I am always second best to Angel. I guess I was expecting to be rejected."
"I love you, Spike." she said "Don't ever forget that, no matter what happens."
"I won't." he said, leaning down to kiss her. Willow closed her eyes, enjoying the comfort of his mouth. "I'll see you tomorrow." he said, and climbed out her window. She stood there and waved him away, her eyes haunted. Long after he was gone, she stared out the window sightlessly. Only after her legs had gone numb did she turn away and climb into the bed with visions of Spike, Angel and strangely enough, fairies, dancing in her head.
~~~*~~~
Angel watched as Willow turned away from the window. He had no idea what she thought she was doing, but she was not getting rid of him that easily. He closed his eyes and he could clearly see Spike and Willow naked in that bed. Right from that moment he had first laid eyes on them, he had felt like he was going crazy.He had known Spike thought he loved her, but he had no idea that his Willow returned that monster's feelings. It hurt, but he was confident that she would realize that it was him she needed. After all, she had no choice.
-The End-