Of Fact and Fiction

Angel Eternal

email: angel_eternal_01@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is owned by Joss Whedon, several

companies and God knows who else. One thing is certain - I don't own

any of it! Nothing - zip - nada!

Set: Post "Intervention"

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

Rapidly the pages of the book flipped open, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"How are you doing honey?"

Willow looked up and smiled at Tara. "Ok, just looking for one little thing, then we can

go ahead and do this."

Tara smiled at her encouragingly, as the door of the Magic Shop opened.

"Ok, the cavalry has arrived!"

Willow and Tara looked up as Xander and Dawn walked in. Xander immediately

went to the counter to grab a kiss from Anya.

Dawn sighed, and rolled her eyes at the couple. "Remind me again what I'm doing here?"

Xander turned and flashed her a grin, "You're here because the Buffster left you with

me, hence where I go, you go."

Willow smiled at her, "Don't you want to help out with the spell Dawnie?"

At the mention of spells, Dawn brightened, "Spells? As in ass-kicking stuff?"

Willow laughed, "Well it's a little something to help Buffy..."

"Let me guess - you're ball of sunshine? Wasn't that the one that brought on big

troll with big hammer?" Dawn smiled as Willow squirmed.

"Well...you see...it's gonna work this time!"

Dawn laughed, "Yeah, I know Wills - I'm sure that whatever happens it can't be as

bad as a troll."

Xander gasped dramatically, "Don't say that! Now we're jinxed!"

"So where is Buffy?" Anya asked, her attention focused on log.

"Where else?"

* * *

"Has anyone ever told you that cleanliness is next to godliness?"

Swiftly Buffy flipped the attacking vampire over her shoulder, "Well I guess you have

no chance at being anywhere near 'godly' but still..."

While he was still reeling, she swiftly kicked him the head before staking him. Without turning,

she threw a stake over her shoulder and staked the vampire behind her.

Buffy sighed, and dusted herself off. Nothing lately seems to keep her on her toes

anymore...

The breath was knocked out of her as she hit the unforgiving ground. She gasped

desperately for air, but was rammed back into the ground. She could feel what was

possibly a knee grinding into the small of her back. Buffy fought for consciousness, as

whatever was attacking her pummelled mercilessly into her body.

As sudden as the attack itself, the weight disintegrated, and she felt dust settling around

her.

Groaning, Buffy rolled over, and stared up, blinking as ashes drifted into her eyes.

Spike stood over her. He slipped the stake back into his pocket and offered her his

hand.

Angry at herself, she callously brushed away his hand.

"Oh - no thanks then? Somebody should teach you manners Slayer."

She shuddered, not wanting to face him, "I didn't need your help."

Spike smirked at her, "Oh yeah - keep telling your self that Slayer. What the fuck was

that?"

He tried to keep the worry out of his voice. She was almost taken out by a third-rate

vamp! Not even a Master Vampire.

Buffy whirled around. "Why the hell do you care? And please don't tell me about

your misguided 'love'!"

Spike flinched, but tried to ignore it. "That isn't the point Slayer - you almost got killed!

That stupid vamp was seconds away from snapping your friggin' neck!"

Buffy tossed her hair over her shoulder, still stinging with the humiliation. "I ask again -

why do you care?"

Spike just stared at her, and Buffy looked away from the intense ice-blue eyes.

Spike sighed, "Do you really have to ask anymore luv?"

Buffy backed away from him, "I don't need this right now..."

Spike smirked and crossed his arms, "Yeah run away - like you always do."

The comment made her stop in her tracks and stare at him, "What are you saying?"

Her voice was low, with a that threatening edge to it that made shivers run through

Spike.

Spike smirked at her again, "You know precisely what I'm saying luv."

She lunged at him.

* * *

"Remember Willow, one incorrect word and God knows what could happen..."

Willow waved aside her girlfriend's cautious reminders. "Yeah yeah - I know."

Excitement was pumping through her veins. She was so close to perfecting this spell.

Tara's hands flashed as she shuffled the tarot cards.

The Scooby gang were seated in a circle, and Tara dealt a tarot card for each of them.

"The Magician." she laid the card in front of Willow.

"The Popess." she placed the card in front of herself.

"The World." she placed the card in front of Dawn.

"Justice." she laid the card in front of Xander.

"The Falling Tower." this she placed before Anya.

"Force and The Hanged Man" for Buffy and Spike respectively.

"Umm - remind me again why Spike has to be in this?" Xander asked, uncomfortable at

the thought of the blonde vampire.

Willow arched one eyebrow. "Can you deny that he's been helping us out with the

vampires lately?"

Xander opened his mouth to protest but fell silent.

Willow breathed deeply, trying to calm her mind. Then she started

"Venis tarah kameta toovid..."

Light rose from the middle of the group.

"Acatha vatera - vashee..."

"Kushini tavana Re!"

Tara glanced at her sharply, but before anything could happen the ball of light swirled

upwards then exploded momentarily blinding them.

As soon as the white haze had lifted from their eyes, they sat up.

"Uh - was that supposed to happen?" Dawn asked, rubbing her eyes.

"No..."

"You mispronounced a word."

Willow glanced at Tara, "What? I did?"

Tara nodded, "You said 'tavana' instead of 'tavina'."

"Oh..." Willow blushed.

Xander shrugged, "No harm done! Just temporarily blinded!"

Dawn stared at the middle of the circle where Tara had placed Buffy's and Spike's

cards.

"Um guys..."

"Yeah Dawnie?"

Dawn silently pointed, "It doesn't mean anything does it?"

The cards were gone.

Tara shook her head, "N-no - at least I don't think so - I mean, they could've just been

blown away you know?"

Dawn nodded. "Yeah - nothing happened."

* * *

"Ow! Bloody hell Slayer!"

Buffy continued to pummel him, venting her frustration on him. Then suddenly he grabbed

her, and rolled her onto her back.

Spike sat on her astride, grinning down at her with that wicked grin in place.

"Always wanted you..."

He was interrupted by a very distinct neighing.

* * *

"Hey check this out! What a coincidence!"

Xander turned to his girlfriend, "What is it An?"

Anya smiled at him brightly, "How many 'Buffies' do you know? And how many 'Spikes'?

And what's the coincidence that some author would put them in her book?"

Willow's head snapped up and ran to Anya's side, "What did you say?"

Anya looked at her bewildered as she snatched the book out of her hand.

Anya had been reading the book that Willow had been reading. Willow knew for a fact

that there was no character in that book named 'Buffy' or 'Spike'. She flipped the book

open to the first page and scanned the words, mouth dropping.

"No - it can't be!"

She flipped through the rest of the book only to find that the book was blank.

Tara came up behind her, "What is it honey?"

Willow threw the book down on the ground, then thinking better of it, picked it up and

dusted the cover. "Buffy - Spike - Buffy and Spike! Book!"

Xander tilted his head to the side, "Do I speak for all of us when I say - huh?"

Willow stopped to catch her breath. "Buffy and Spike are in this book."

Xander frowned, "Again with the - huh?"

Tara picked up the book, "That spell - the cards representing Spike and Buffy,

they got pulled into another universe?"

Willow nodded. "I - I think so..."

"We have to get them out! I mean Buffy!"

"And Spike." Dawn reminded him.

Xander shuddered, "Poor Buffy!"

Dawn frowned at him, but before she could say anything she was interrupted by the

door opening.

"What is this about Buffy?"

They all turned as Giles walked in, head barely visibly above the stack of books he

carried in his arms.

All fell silent, unsure how to explain to the Watcher something they couldn't explain

to themselves.

Giles began to be concerned about the silence. In his experience, silence never boded

well. "What happened to Buffy?"

Willow was the first to speak, her words tripping over each other. "Well, we're not

sure...I mean we kind of know what happened...but we're not sure...and....I..."

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the headache coming, knowing that it

would probably develop into a full-blown migraine in another two hours. "Anya?"

"Buffy and Spike are stuck in a book." the ex-demon simply stated.

"What?!"

Willow sighed, and tried again to explain. "Remember the ball of sunshine thing?"

Giles groaned, "The one that brought a hammer-wielding troll into our lives?"

Willow flushed, "Sheesh! One little mistake and no one ever lets you forget it!"

Tara touched her arm, "Honey - track?"

Willow nodded, the flush still evident on her cheeks. "Right - track - keep on it.

Okay here's the deal. I wanted to try out the spell again - I was so close!" Giles

frowned at her, and she hurried through her explanation. "A-anyway, We formed

a circle and we placed Buffy and Spike in the middle, because one they weren't

here and Buffy has to be able to handle it without having me along all the time and

the spell has to recognize Spike..." again Giles frowned at her, "But that's not the point,

anyway I did the spell, but I mispronounced one of the words and there was this big ball of

light and whoosh th-the cards representing Buffy and Spike were like gone, and then

I picked up the book that I was reading and Buffy and Spike were in it..."

Willow trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

Giles stared at her, trying to digest the information that had been thrown at him.

"So you're saying that Buffy and Spike are in another dimension and the only way

we can reach them is through a book?"

Tara nodded, "Basically, but it seems to be a one-way thing - like those mirrors

the cops have? We can see what they're doing - it's written into the book."

She handed the book to Giles, who turned it over in his hands, trying to sort the

jumble of thoughts in his mind. "Does it matter what kind of book it was? Is what is

being written have any similarity to the original text?"

Willow thought carefully, "Well - the setting of the story I guess. But that's it - what

is being written is what Buffy and Spike are doing, and it just keeps going."

Giles sighed, and Xander winced, "Oh no - I've heard that sound before - it usually

precedes an all-night research party."

Giles nodded wearily, "I'm afraid so - we need to get them out of there."

A the Scooby gang settled to picking books, Dawn picked up the book. "Umm guys,

what about this?"

Giles tilted his head to one side, "What about it Dawn?"

"Don't you want to read it? I mean to find out what's happening - maybe the answer is

in here. Besides what if something happens to them?"

They looked at each other, Willow sighed, and took the book. "We'll take turns reading

it - while the others do the research."

Willow settled into a seat. She didn't know what to expect. She also didn't want to

mention to the others that the book that she was reading had been a romance.

Just for those who are curious, here's a little of what the tarot cards meant:

The Magician (Willow) - originality, creativity, self-reliance, skill, will-power,

self-confidence, ingenuity, guile, masterfulness, trickery, deception, unity of thought

and emotion, determination to see a task finished

Reverse: insecurity, disquiet, use of one's skill for destructive ends

The Popess (Tara) - wisdom, common-sense, serenity, objectivity, perception,

self-reliance, hidden emotions, teacher

Reverse: lack of understanding, ignorance, shallow

The World (Dawn) - attachement, perfection, honors, ultimate change,

the end result, path of liberation, eternal life

Reverse: lack of vision

Justice (Xander) - fairness, righteousness, good intentions, well-meaning

actions, firmness of character, considerate

Reverse - bias, false accusations, intolerance

The Falling Tower (Anya) - complete change, breakdown of old beliefs,

abandoment of past relationships,

Reverse: oppresion, imprisonment

Force (Buffy) - control, strenght, courage, fortitude, defiance, action,

confidence, inate ability, fervour, mind over matter, conquest

Reverse: pettiness, lack of faith, scummbing to tempation

The Hanged Man (Spike) - sacrifice, transition, change, reversal of the

mind and one's way of life, repentance, uncertain outcomes, an unappreciated

person

Reverse: preoccupation with the ego, unwillingness

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

Buffy and Spike both looked up at the sound.

"Horses?" Spike asked, a bit confused.

Buffy clapped her hand over his mouth, "It might be those knights - the ones who are

after Dawn. Shut up."

Spike stared up at her, keeping still, but revelling in the feeling of her hand on his mouth.

He could almost taste her on his tongue - the feel of her on top of him...

He silently groaned, things were bad enough as they were without his mind wandering in

that direction!

"What is this?"

Buffy leapt off Spike, and stared up at the man seated on the horse. He had nothing on

his forehead, so that shot that theory to hell. Too bad - she was really itching for a fight.

Spike leapt up, as well, "We're umm - lost."

Buffy whipped around to stare at him, but Spike ignored her. Something was wrong, he

could feel it. The air felt different...

Spike thought quickly, "We are weary travellers..."

"Lady Elizabeth!"

They all turned as another man rode up on a horse. He slid down, and grabbed Buffy around

the waist. "Lady Elizabeth - we weren't expecting you for another month!"

Buffy stared at him, her mouth dropping open. Who was this man who treated her so familiarly?

Who was 'Lady Elizabeth'?

Spike glared at the man, hating how close he was holding his Slayer. He wondered what

damage he could do before the chip would activate. Surely snapping the man's neck

wouldn't take too long and would be damn worth the pain...

The man turned and noticed Spike, he quickly stepped away from Buffy and bowed low to

Spike. "Lord William! How fortunate you and the beauteous Lady have happened upon each other!"

Spike stared at the man as if he was insane.

But before either Buffy or Spike could say anything, the man spun around and ordered the first man

to hurry back to the castle to inform them of the Lady Elizabeth's and Lord William's arrival.

As soon as the man was gone, he turned back to Buffy.

"My gracious Lady, where are your escorts?"

Spike answered for her, "We were set upon by a gang of ruffians, both the lady and I have lost

our escorts."

He nodded understandingly. He murmured something about the problem with theives which both

Buffy and Spike ignored.

Spike noticed that Buffy was too stunned to say or do anything on her own accord, he decieded

to take action. "I'm sorry my good man, but your name is?"

The man bowed, "Sir Raymond at your service Lord William." he turned back to Buffy, "Your

sister would be happy to see you."

Buffy finally gained her voice, "My sister?"

Raymond nodded, "Yes, the Lady Danica would be ecstatic to see you. You have been far from

home for a long time gracious Lady." he bowed his head, "May I be the first to say that your

mother would be greatly missed. Fear not Lady Elizabeth, the Lady Joylyn suffered no pain..."

At the mention of her mother, Buffy recoiled. Logically she knew that he wasn't speaking about

*her* mother, but logic could not rule when her own mother's death had happened so recently.

She didn't hear his other words but was spun back to another time. She saw her mother lying

so still...

Spike saw her pull away from Raymond, and without thinking about it pulled Buffy into his arms,

murmuring into her ear, and stroking her hair, "Hush pet - it's ok..."

Raymond watched stunned as William embraced Elizabeth. This was something that was completely

unexpected. But wonderful. With the Lady Joylyn gone, Elizabeth as the heiress was expected to

marry - and soon. How fortunate that something might develop between Elizabeth and one of

England's richest and most powerful duke.

* * *

Willow bit her lip, the story was definitely different - same setting - in the same social circle as the

original story, but it was different. She couldn't help but smile at how Spike was treating Buffy.

Spike a duke? Willow wanted to laugh at the image of Spike prancing around in a tunic and tights.

"How is it?"

Willow looked up and smiled at Tara, "It's...um...interesting."

Tara frowned, "Is that good or bad?"

Willow laughed, "It's good." she snuck a glance at Xander who had his head buried in a book.

"Just depends on who you ask."

* * *

"Buffy!"

Buffy looked up and was stunned to see a dark haired girl run into her arms. Buffy pulled back a

little and studied her face. No, it wasn't Dawn, but the similarities were striking. Her eyes were

perhaps more larger, and her lips not as full, small details that told Buffy that this wasn't her sister.

But she had called her...

"Buffy..." the girl whispered.

Tentatively Buffy stroked her hair, struggling to remember what Raymond had called her sister,

"Danica?"

The girl nodded, a smile gracing her features.

A woman ran up to them, and pulled Danica away from Buffy, "My apologies Lady Elizabeth!

The little lady has been quite distraught lately..."

Without further explanation she started to haul Danica away.

"Buffy!" the girl howled, obviously in pain, as she struggled against the woman's punishing grasp.

Buffy stepped forward, "No! I want her to stay with me..."

The woman stared at Buffy as if she had grown another head; she relaxed her grip on Danica's

shoulders and Danica ran to Buffy's side.

"Buffy..."

Spike walked in after them, he had been outside surveying the castle, well, as well as he could by

moonlight. He and Buffy had silently agreed that they were no longer in Sunnydale.

He stopped short when he saw a dark-haired girl in Buffy's arms. "D..."

"Danica." Buffy looked up, quickly slipping in the name. "This is my sister Danica."

Spike took the clue, and bowed to the girl. The girl looked up at him and smiled gleefully.

"Spike!"

All the people who had quietly gathered to welcome the mistress back gasped in mortification.

All gazes swung to Spike, awaiting his reaction.

Spike smiled, he had been uncomfortable being called 'William'. It reminded him too much

of a past that he wanted to forget.

"Yeah Nibblet - it's Spike."

The room sighed their relief. The duke was not opposed to being called the awful nickname.

A slender young woman stepped forward; she had coppery hair falling down to her

waist, and highly slanted green eyes. Buffy for a month thought it was Willow, but there was

a hardness in those green eyes that Willow's never possessed.

"Lady Elizabeth, you must rest and allow us to prepare for the feast tonight."

She gently led Buffy away, with Danica still clutching her arm.

Danica smiled at the girl, and reached out to stroke her hair, "Fire - Winona - fire..."

The girl smiled, and for a moment her green eyes softened, "Yes little lady."

Spike watched them walk away, he turned and beckoned to Raymond. He had already

summarised that whatever this was - he was a guest, not a permanent fixture of this household.

Raymond came up to him, bowing low, "Yes Lord William?"

Spike grimaced at the name, but decieded not to say anything, "I wish to talk - where's the

library?"

Raymond nodded and lead the way. Once they were in the stuffy library,

Spike turned to face him.

"Tell me about the Lady Elizabeth."

Raymond thought for a moment. "Well as you know her mother died, and she was the heiress.

That places her in line for the throne - of course she is but a woman. Soon the Lady Elizabeth

would have to marry." he sighed, "That would be a difficult task - for the lady is much opposed

to it."

Spike snorted, "That's not the only thing she's opposed to."

Raymond continued on as if Spike hadn't spoken, "I know the lady has many...

eccentricities, but surely her beauty, wealth and position would overcome such protests from

potential suitors..."

Spike stopped him, "Eccentricities?"

Raymond ducked his head, "Understand Lord William, we love her for them - it is what makes

her unique...but others..."

Spike growled, patience never being a virtue of his, "Spit it out man!"

Raymond flinched, "Well you must know Lord William..."

"Pretend I don't..."

Raymond sighed, "I'm sure you must know that the Lady Elizabeth is a warrior - the King's best."

Spike smirked. Figured.

"As a result she abhors wearing dresses - and prefers clothing she designed herself...She also

happens to be very temperamental. My Lord..."

Spike sighed, and nodded. "What about her position?"

Raymond stared at him oddly, wondering why the duke was asking such questions - the answers

were common knowledge. "She is very close to the King - she is the King's niece."

A princess. That would make Buffy a princess. Spike absorbed this information. Who knew how

long they would be staying here?

* * *

In her rooms, Buffy was busy grilling the girl for all the information she could have.

Hazarding a guess, she called out to the girl, "Winona?"

Winona came back into the room, "Yes Lady?"

"What do you know about S...Lord William?"

Winona grinned at her, "Aside from the fact that he is devilishly handsome?"

Buffy rolled her eyes, Danica was falling asleep where she sat by Buffy's feet. Buffy gently pulled

her up and made her slip into the large bed. "Winona - you know what I mean."

Winona smiled, and started to brush Buffy's hair. "Well, as you know he is the Duke of Norrith,

third in line to the throne. He earned the nickname 'Spike' as Danica called him, and 'William the

Bloody' for his ruthless tactics on battlefield. Surely you must know all that."

Buffy nodded absently, highly amused at the fact that Spike still had a bloody reputation wherever

they were.

"His wife, the Lady Desdemona died five years ago - very tragic, Lord William adored her. However

she was..." Winona glanced at the sleeping Danica, "Impaired in the mind."

Buffy noted that glance, and wondered if Danica was insane.

Winona continued. "But Lord William could never stand a disparaging word said against his dark

beauty. He indulged her every whim - the stories I've heard." Winona shuddered.

Now Buffy was curious about Desdemona. "Tell me."

Winona hesitated, but Buffy prodded. She lowered her voice. "I heard that she loved to drink...

blood. That she had a room specially made for it. She drank the blood of criminals and such."

Somehow, Buffy wasn't surprised, "I'm sure that wasn't true."

Winona shrugged lightly, "Who knows - except for the Lord William. You have to admire his

dedication to such a creature."

Winona held up a dress for Buffy, "What do you think Elizabeth?"

Buffy stared at it in horror and at all the trappings that went with it.

Winona saw the look and sighed, "Please Elizabeth - we have such an honoured guest with

us tonight. Please?"

Buffy sighed, and knowing that she really didn't have a choice, allowed Winona to slip the

dress on her. Briefly she wondered how she was expected to walk with so many things

under the voluminous skirt.

* * *

"Ooooh - she's getting dressed? Can I read that part???"

Willow snapped the book close and glared at Xander. "Aren't you supposed to be

researching?"

Xander pouted, "That's not fair, you get to read about her getting undressed and dressed

and all that!"

Anya heard the remark and scurried to his side, "Who's getting undressed?"

Xander grinned sheepishly at his girlfriend, "No one An!"

One dark eyebrow rose, "Xander..."

Xander led her away, assuring her of his love and devotion.

Willow grinned and went back to the book.

* * *

Buffy walked downstairs with Winona by her side. She had to find Spike. They haven't been

able to talk at all since they got here, and she desperately had to talk to them.

Winona walked on ahead, and Buffy hesitantly followed her, but from the shadows someone

jerked on her arm.

She fell against whoever it was, and as soon she regained her senses she realised it was Spike.

Her senses were highly attuned to him, and for once she was grateful for his presence. She

relaxed against him, and she felt his arm tighten around her waist.

Spike had watched her descend from the stairs, a vision in a gown of deep purple. The bodice

moulded itself to her form, and the skirts fell in voluminous waves to the ground. The top of the

bodice was studded with amethyst and diamonds and fell open to reveal creamy shoulders. Her

golden hair had been piled on top of her head, allowing the soft waves to drift down to caress

her shoulders. In short she was stunning.

Spike breathed in the scent of her, grateful for this opportunity, but her voice pulled him back to

the present.

"So what have you learned?"

Spike swallowed, "Well basically pet you're a sword-wielding princess who has to get married

soon."

Buffy blinked. "A princess? Are you sure? I mean won't I be addressed as 'Your Highness' or

something?"

Spike shook his head, "Your mother - the King's sister married against his wishes - married

someone far lower then her in social standing. But you're still a princess; don't get your hopes

up about the throne though. You're a woman. But trust me, watch the door and see how many

guys would be lining up for you - that would be a change."

Buffy frowned, diplomatically she decieded to ignore most of his comments "A sword-wielding

princess?"

Spike grinned, "Figures huh? Apparently you're a weirdo ?not much has changed if you ask me."

Buffy frowned and this time she punched him then hauled back up again. "What else?"

Spike winced, as he rubbed the arm that she had punched, "That's about it - what about

you?"

Buffy shrugged. "You're still William the Bloody. Basically the story of your life without the

whole vampire thing. Tragic love story with your wife Desdemona who died five years ago.

From what I hear, she's exactly like Drusilla."

Spike smirked.

Buffy sighed, "What is this Spike? I mean is this history? Would our being here change history?

Why are we even here?"

Spike sighed, "I don't know luv, but I don' think this is the past. Smells different."

Buffy frowned up at him, "What do you mean 'smells different'?"

Spike shrugged, "Just that pet - it doesn't smell like good ole Earth."

Buffy groaned, falling back against the wall, "Are you telling me I'm stuck probably in some

alternate universe with you?!"

Spike frowned at her, "Hey ducks, what are you so stressed about anyway? I'm sure one of

your damned Scooby gang has probably figured out what happened and working out someway

to get you out - probably Red - lots of brains in that little thing."

Buffy scowled at him, "You think they could leave you here?"

Spike grinned at her, "Wouldn't mind it luv - think about it. Here I'm a bloody duke!"

She snorted, "And how do you explain not being able to go out in the sun?"

Spike shook his head, "Shows what you know pet - I can be a weirdo just like you!"

Buffy growled, ready to rip into him, when a voice called out to her. "Buffy?"

Only one person called her that in this dimension, "Danica?"

Danica stepped forward; she looked so forlorn. Buffy went to her side instantly.

Spike stared at the girl. She looked so much like Dawn...

Danica peered into the shadows, "Spike?"

Spike slid out of the dark, "Yeah pet?"

Danica smiled at him, and held out her hand. Spike took it hesitantly. Danica pulled him close

to her, then turned and grabbed Buffy's hand and slid it into Spike's loose grip.

"Buffy and Spike."

She stood back, grinning at them.

The feel of her hand in his preoccupied Spike; he swallowed, "They're expecting us."

"Yeah..." Buffy nodded, staring up at him, she had never noticed how blue his eyes were.

Then she wondered why she was thinking about his damned eyes.

He took a deep breath and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and walked towards

the well-lighted dining hall. Danica following them with a happy grin on her face.

* * *

"Willow, what's happening? Anything of significance?"

Willow sighed, and put the book down. "Not much, kinda just explaining everything.

Buffy's like a princess, only not and Spike's a duke."

Giles frowned, "Ah - well - yes - is there any information about how they can get out of there?"

Willow shook her head, "No - nothing."

Dawn took the book from Willow, Willow pointed out where she left off, and let Dawn settle

into the seat. Privately Dawn was rejoicing that her sister and the vampire was stuck in some

alternate universe. Maybe now Buffy could open her eyes and really look at Spike. Maybe

Buffy would see what she saw.

She smirked to herself - Spike a duke? Buffy a princess? Yeah - definitely not in the realm

of reality.

Dawn settled down to read, eager and hoping that Buffy wouldn't be so narrow-minded.

Buffy really had to realise that there were such a thing as shades of grey, that life wasn't and

never has been black and white.

How Buffy managed to get that meal was beyond her. They all ate like pigs. Grabbing

food, and stuffing it into their mouths, their fingers greasy and revolting. Of course

Spike fit in perfectly. Why wasn't she surprised?

Buffy had now shed the violet gown, and after exploring, found a pair of leather pants,

of course it was crude compared to what she had back home, and a simple white shirt.

She also found a beautifully crafted dagger that she tucked away, feeling much safer

with the weapon.

Swiftly she strode out to take a walk. No one questioned her and no one seemed overly

surprised at what she was wearing.

She had to clear her head. None of her questions had been answered and she feared that

she would never find her way back. Not wanting to think about that possibility, she pushed

the thought aside.

Maybe she could find someone here that would get her back...

* * *

Spike leaned out of the window as a flash of white caught his eye. He easily saw her

slim form. She was moving fast, but he could see that it was purposeless. Spike knew

that she was restless, anxious, just as he was.

Spike didn't know what to think about this place. The people here were the people

in his world - only not quite.

Little Danica tore his un-dead heart out. She looked so much like Dawn and every time

he saw her, he thought of Dawn. He also knew instinctively that she had not been

treated well in her sister's absence. However Buffy was here now.

He slipped out of his room, and ran to catch up with the Slayer.

* * *

She was itching for a fight. She needed to relieve this tension, and she knew that the

best way to do that was to fight - attack something. She found herself wishing for a

vampire population in this dimension.

The thought brought her up short. What was she thinking? She had been in effect given

a reprieve from her Slayer life. Hadn't she always been complaining that she wanted a

normal life? Wasn't this 'normal'? Well, as close to 'normal' as she could ever get?

Buffy moaned and buried her head in her hands. She just wanted to go home. Go

home to her friends and family.

"Slayer."

Buffy spun around, and relaxed when she saw Spike approaching. She noted that

he was still dressed in the tunic.

"Spike...what are you doing out here?"

Spike stopped a few paces away from her, "I was going to ask you the exact same

question."

Buffy sighed, "I needed to take a walk - you know clear my head."

Spike nodded, "What are we going to do now Slayer?"

Buffy flinched, she didn't want to answer that question - she didn't know how to

answer that question. "I don't know...we have to find a way...we need to..."

Spike strode to her side and took her hand, "'Salright pet, we'll figure something

out."

At the touch of his hand, Buffy stilled. She fell silent as Spike gently stroked her

hand, offering her comfort.

She didn't know what she would have done if he hadn't been with her. She looked

up at him. "Thank you Spike."

Spike was surprised, never had ne thought to hear such words from her.

"What for pet?"

"For being here."

* * *

"I found something..."

Dawn looked up. She didn't want them to find a solution - not yet! Things were

just beginning to look up for Spike...

Xander frowned, "It's about being sucking into a book..."

The Scooby gang huddled around Xander's find. Eager to find a way to get

Buffy back.

"There's a spell to pull them out - think it will work Wills?"

Willow studied the spell. "I don't know." her brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm

not sure Xand. I mean the circumstances of how they got in are different..."

"A-and this says that the people were pulled into the existing story - not like

Buffy and Spike who are creating a story..." Tara pointed out.

Xander frowned. "We have to at least try."

Giles nodded, "Agreed - we have to try."

Dawn frowned, but decieded not to say anything, and went back to reading.

"Come on Spike..." she muttered, "She's weakening - kiss her - all romantic

under the moonlight stuff..."

"What did you say Dawn?" Xander asked, frowning at her, unsure of what

he heard.

Dawn shook her head, "Nothing!"

She settled down again, this time egging on Spike mentally.

* * *

"My lady?"

Buffy groaned, she was hoping that she could just skulk around the castle until

sunset - hoping that no one expected her to do anything.

She turned, and saw Winona standing behind her. "Yes?"

"My lady, Laird Angus is here..."

Buffy blinked, thinking of nothing else to say, she simply said, "Oh?"

Winona nodded, she frowned, "He's the first in the long line of suitors my lady." she

snorted indelicately. "A Highlander - thinking he could court you my lady? The impertinence."

Buffy tried to hide her smile, "Nevertheless Winona, we must welcome him - hope

that he leaves as swiftly as he arrived. Show him to the library."

Buffy smiled to herself, she was getting the hand of talking properly.

Winona curtsied, obviously not liking Buffy's decision.

Buffy sighed, she found herself wishing that it was night - Spike would then be able

to advice her. He seemed to know what to do and say.

"Elizabeth."

She turned, and her mouth dropped open.

Angel stood by the door way, his massive frame dressed in a kilt.

He strode towards her, and clasped her hand, "My Elizabeth- I am so sorry to

hear about your mother - she was a fine woman."

Buffy struggled to find her voice - this was undoubtedly Angel. He looked

exactly the same.

He frowned down at her, "Elizabeth?"

Buffy swallowed, logically she knew that this wasn't her Angel - he couldn't be.

"Angus..."

He smiled down at her gently. "How is little Danica?"

"Fine." her voice was horribly high, she knew that it sounded forced. She

took in a deep breath to steady herself.

Angus peered into her eyes, "What about you lass?"

Buffy tried for a smile, "Fine - I'm fine."

* * *

Spike stirred from sleep as soon as the sun had set. He was grateful for the heavy

drapes that surrounded the bed, and even more grateful that all had followed his

orders and left the chamber untouched during the day.

Swiftly, he pulled on some clothes, despising them and envying Buffy for her 'alternate'

wardrobe. He made his way through the cavernous halls, searching for Buffy.

He found her in the hall. He stood by the doorway, taking the opportunity to gawk at her.

She was dressed this time in a sapphire gown, her golden hair loose around her

shoulders. She was laughing.

As he walked forward, his gaze did not stray from the vision that was Buffy.

He reached the dais that her table was placed on; he took the few steps, surprised

that she had yet to turn to acknowledge his presence. He leaned close.

"Slayer..."

She turned, and for a brief moment, her tantalizing mouth was mere inches from

his. Then she pulled back.

"William! How good to see you boy."

His head snapped up to stare at the man seated at Buffy's left. Angel.

Angus stood to offer his hand to him. Spike straightened and stared at the man,

refusing to take it.

The entire hall fell silent, watching both men.

Spike knew that this couldn't possibly be 'Angel'.

The man sighed and allowed his hand to drop, "Are you still angry about that? It was

five years ago!"

Buffy's gaze swung to Angus. Did he say five years ago? That would've been the

same time that William's wife, Desdemona, died. Could this be related?

Spike drew up tall, instant loathing for the man rolling around in the pit of his stomach.

The man sighed again, "William, you know that it was through no fault of mine -

you know I loved her as well."

Spike, forgetting that this wasn't Angel, answered, his tone cold. "That was the

problem.

Angus flinched, "William...Des...she was...it was an accident."

"So you say."

Buffy tugged on Spike's arm, drawing his attention to her.

Spike stared down at her, then flinging one last contemptuous glance at the

man, sat next to her.

Buffy blew out a deep breath. Again she prayed that she would make it through

dinner.

* * *

"Don't forget to write down everything that you take!" Anya flitted behind the

Wiccans, anxious about the saleable goods.

Xander gently took her by the shoulders, "Don't worry An - they will."

Anya wrung her hands, and threw a worried glance over her shoulder, before

letting Xander lead her away

Willow and Tara exchanged amused glances, before turning to the rest of the

gang.

"Okay - we're ready!" Willow pushed back her sleeves, showing she meant

business.

They all gathered around a single candle, with the exception of Dawn, who

was too caught up in the book to pull away.

Willow took in a deep breath, fixing the incantation firmly in her head, determined

that no more fiascos would result out of this rescue-spell.

She held out her hands, chanting the words softly, as Tara threw in the

ingredients into the circle. Tara started chanting with her. She held up her hand,

and blew in the last ingredient.

* * *

"Tell me about Desdemona."

Angus looked up from the fireplace. He stared at Elizabeth, as always caught

up by her beauty. "Desdemona...a more stunning creature you would never meet."

Why Buffy flinched when she heard that she would never know, and didn't, at

that particular time want to examine the why.

Angus however did not notice her reaction, but stared into the fire. "Beautiful -

innocent. The rumours are all false you know. Created by malicious minded

people who didn't understand."

Buffy lifted her skirts, sitting down.

"William and Desdemona married so young, but they had been in love since they

were children - meant to be. What they say about William adoring Des was

true, but no one mentions how fiercely Des loved William."

Again Buffy flinched, she knew, logically, that he wasn't talking about Spike

and Drusilla - but Angus really looked like Angel.

"Des was ill. Very ill, in fact had been ill of her life. The doctors knew no cure

for her. But William sent far and wide for physicians - the best the world has known -

all came to treat Des, but there was no hope."

"How did she die?"

Angus looked at her sharply, then looked away. "It was an accident,"

Buffy reeled. He had said the exact same thing to Spike in the dining room.

She pressed him for more information, but he refused to speak further of the

death of Desdemona, Duchess of Norrith.

Spike strode in, and stopped when he saw them.

The poof that looked like Angel stood by the fireplace, arm resting on the mantle,

staring down at Buffy. Buffy sat on a chair, leaning forward, eager to catch every

word that fell from that blasted mouth. He didn't know if Buffy could separate this

ponce from the other ponce.

They were bathed in the light of the fire, making the whole scene look surreal.

Spike felt he was intruding upon a moment, unbearably intimate.

He must've made a noise, because they both turned to look at him.

"Ah William - boy."

Spike seethed. The only person who called him 'boy' with that same leer in his

tone was bloody Angelus. He'd be damned if he'd let this prancing poof call him

that.

"Angus." the name hissed from his mouth, as he threw visual daggers at the man.

He suddenly wished that Buffy wasn't there. He would've sunk his teeth into the

smirking idiot, pain be damned, and ripped the bloody smirk off his face as he

drunk every drop from his body...

He took a deep breath and turned to Buffy. Half of her face was clothed in

shadow, and his breath caught at the sight of her.

He held out his hand to her, silently begging for her to take it.

Buffy stared at him; she saw the myriad of expressions that had crossed his face.

She knew that the loathing he felt for this man was what he felt for Angel. She just

never realised the extent of his hatred for Angel.

She looked up at Angus, and noted the tense set of his shoulders. She stood and

took Spike's cold hand. She squeezed it gently, before turning to Angus.

Spike didn't hear what she said to the poof; all he was aware of was the melodious

cadence of her voice, and her warm hand holding his. She had gone to him.

She had taken his hand.

* * *

They stared expectantly at the circle. Waiting.

Dawn looked up and glanced at the clock. She rolled her eyes, "Umm - guys?

It's been five minutes - you'd think something would've happened by now."

Willow straightened, pushing a slim hand through the red locks. "What if...what

if it already happened and we just don't know it? Th-they could be where they

last were...umm...that would be cemetery...I think...I mean that would be the

last place they were...right???" Willow gazed desperately around.

Tara straightened, ready to assure her lover, "Yes - of course - that's where they

could be..."

"Umm - guys?"

They all turned to Dawn who was still curled up in the chair. "See this?" She held

up the book. "It's still writing - they're still doing stuff. I'm sure that's an indication

that it didn't work."

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose, "You know if I didn't know better Dawn,

I'd say that you're almost enjoying this."

Dawn tried to hide her grin. "Oh - almost Giles - but almost doesn't mean I am.

I mean almost is almost. It isn't is."

Giles frowned as he tried to work out that dizzying logic.

They all stood, except for Xander, who was still bent over, staring intently at the

ingredients of the spell.

Anya knelt down next to him, "Xander? I don't think it worked..."

"Shush...you're disturbing it..."

Anya frowned. "Xander, get up - we could try out that position later."

Willow rolled her eyes, and grinned at Tara, she gestured to Xander's upturned

tush. "Doesn't it make you just want to kick it?"

Tara giggled at the thought. She turned to Dawn. "Um Dawnie? Do you want

me to take over now?"

Dawn thought for a moment, then shook her head, "Let me read this for a little

longer - it's...interesting."

Tara arched an eyebrow, "That's the exact same word that Willow used to

describe it."

Dawn shrugged. She wanted to keep reading, she was hoping that Buffy would

just kick out the Angus guy, and turn to Spike. Did Buffy ever listen to her?

Nooooo. Did anyone ever listen to her? Noooo....

Well, they should - life would be so much simpler.

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

Buffy and Spike strolled outside, Buffy still hadn't let go of Spike's hand, and that very

fact made his head spin.

Spike couldn't tear his gaze from her slim fingers holding his.

Buffy stayed silent. She was telling herself that her...loyalty...no not loyalty, something

less then that...was supposed to be with Spike. No matter who was in this twisted

dimension, no matter who they looked like.

They walked, lost in thought, oblivious to their surroundings.

"Don't get any ideas."

Spike turned to her, her voice breaking the silence of the night had startled him.

"What do you mean luv?"

Buffy refused to look at him; she found that she couldn't think properly while looking

at him. Another thing she didn't want to examine to closely

"About this - about all of it...I mean..."

Spike snorted, "Course not pet, I'm only convenient aren't I?"

He shook off her hand, and walked ahead of her.

Buffy stared after him; she picked up her skirts and ran after him, cursing the fact

that she had to pick up her skirts at all.

"Spike! It's not like that!"

* * *

"Come on Dawnie - can I have it now? I'm tired of the research gig and sitting there

looking pretty would be a better job." Xander whined.

Dawn looked up, and back down at the passage she had just read, she skimmed

ahead, a grin lighting up her features. She stood and handed Xander book. "Here

you go Xand."

Xander grinned at her, happy to have an excuse to stop researching.

He plopped down in the chair, putting his feet up, not thinking about the jubilant

smile on Dawn's face.

* * *

Spike whirled around to face her, "What is it like then Slayer? What is it? You're

stuck with me - you don't want to be stuck with me. But I'm all you got - desperate

times call for desperate measures is that it?"

Buffy started to protest, but he held up his hand, "I'm sick and tired of it Slayer.

I try to help and what do I get? Nothing! Not even a sodding acknowledgement!

You know what sweetheart? I may be dead, but it doesn't mean that I don't feel.

Emotions have got nothing to do with a sodding pulse! When are you going to

realise that having a soul is a moot point? Do you think Hitler was demon baby?

You know he wasn't. The most horrendous people on this fucking earth have

been mortal - with friggin' souls. What do you think of that huh?"

He drew up and stared into her eyes, "Just because I love you and you don't

love me back doesn't give you the bloody right to walk all over me."

With that he whirled around to leave, but her hand darted out to stop him.

"Spike...I'm sorry...I..."

He stared down at her, and Buffy found herself staring into his eyes, without

thinking she...

* * *

"Holy Mother of Christ!"

The Scoobies turned; Xander had flung the book across the room, and was now

standing on the chair, staring at it aghast.

Willow bent to retrieve it, "Xand..."

"Don't touch it! Oh God - that isn't Buffy - she is not doing that!" Xander panted

frantically, his eyes wide. Anya tried to calm him down, but he refused to let her

touch him.

Hurt, Anya drew back, staring at Xander, uncomprehending.

Confused, Willow opened the book and read. She gasped. "Oh God..."

She stumbled into the nearest seat.

* * *

...grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. The kiss was soft at

first, hesitant, but as Spike realised what was happening he deepened the kiss.

Their mouths fused, tongues tentatively exploring. Gently, he pulled Buffy closer to

his body, as his fingers delved into her hair. Buffy let him bend her backwards as

his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth.

Finally, they broke apart, Buffy breathing heavily as she stared up at him.

Spike stepped back, "God...Buffy...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..."

Buffy rolled her eyes, and went on tiptoe to kiss him once more. This kiss was

different, harder more demanding, and over much too quickly.

Her mouth quirked into a smile, "That was to remind you that I kissed you first.

Or have you forgotten?"

His eyes darkened, as he pulled her close, "Hell no..."

He frowned then stepped back, "What is this Slayer? What's with the sudden

feelings?"

Going on defensive, Buffy stepped back, "What feelings?"

As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them. Hurt flashed in his

eyes as he spun on his heels and left her. This time, Buffy didn't have the energy

to go after him.

She sat on the ground, uncaring about her dress. Why had she said that? God,

she really was a bitch. But how was she supposed to explain that her heart

raced every time he was near, that she felt her breath leave her body at the sight

of him - that her world revolved around him? How was she to explain that she

had felt this for some time, but never knew how to accept it, to say it.

He was a vampire, and she the Slayer. It her was duty to dust the vamps, not to

love them. Was it her curse? That the only one who could understand her, was the

very one she was sworn to destroy?

She struggled to remember that he had tried to kill her so many times. That very

recently he had chained her to a wall with his ex a metre away.

She tried to forget that he had endured unspeakable torture for her and Dawn.

She tried to forget that she cared about him, like she had never cared for

another. She stubbornly refused to call it love.

* * *

Willow put the book down, unsure what to think.

Xander was still staring at the book as if he wanted to hack it to pieces.

Giles turned questioningly to Willow, who simply shook her head. This

development was...stunning.

Willow knew in the back of her mind that there was something between

Buffy and Spike. Spike had been forthcoming with it. But Buffy...

The lady doth protest too much.

Dawn gleefully picked up the book. From Xander's and Willow's reactions

she knew that something good was happening. Maybe her sister wasn't so

dense after all.

* * *

He truly wanted to kill something. Anything to deaden the pain within him.

How many times does a poor sod have to be rejected?

"William...Spike...."

He looked up, and for a moment his vision was blurred, but he blinked and

saw the most stunning sight he had ever seen.

She stood above him, her dark hair loose, dark eyes inviting. She held out

her hand, and without thinking he took it.

"God...Dru..."

She frowned, then smiled, "It's Des, Will - Des - have you forgotten me?

I know I'm not your golden beauty, but would you accept me in lieu?"

Spike stepped back; this wasn't Drusilla. Her voice was clear and strong.

Her gaze wasn't hazy with visions. This wasn't his dark angel.

"William..." she touched his cheek, then drew back. "She's all over you -

you can never be mine..."

Her gaze was so sorrowful, and Spike was struck by the image - the image

of this woman and his Drusilla. His Drusilla telling him he reeked of the

Slayer. His Drusilla turning away from him sadly, knowing that his heart

belonged to another.

She touched his cheek again, and he leaned into her touch...

"Spike!"

His eyes snapped open, and there was no woman with him. Spike looked

up and saw Buffy walking towards him.

What the hell happened?

"Spike...I'm so sorry...I didn't mean for it to sound like that...please..."

Spike focused his attention back to the woman that he loved. "Buffy - luv,

slow down."

He watched as Buffy drew in a deep breath, appreciating the way the dress

she wore tightened at the movement. He shook his head slightly.

"Spike, I'm sorry. What I said back there, I didn't mean it...I panicked. I

don't know how to explain."

Spike took her hand, "I know Buffy, I know."

Buffy shivered lightly, she loved the way he said her name, in a breathy

whisper, his deep voice caressing the syllables.

"You've been scarred, I know that. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been such a

wanker. I don't blame you..."

Buffy placed a finger over his mouth, "I just want to take this slow. I mean we're

in a different world, what if..."

"...we go back and it all changes? I know Buffy-love."

Buffy nodded, slowly "Spike, please, slowly - so I'll remember."

Standing there, shadows caressing her skin, looking up at him with those eyes.

Her eyes would always betray her. Every emotion she felt flashed in those

ever-changing eyes. In them he saw the light of hope and something else -

something undefinable. That was what reminded him why he loved her, her

courage, her strength, and that undefinable something in her eyes. No matter

what happened he could never go back. The point of no return had been

crossed a long time ago.

This strong warrior - his fire, his soul, his match. This was what he lived for.

Dark memories might beckon to him, but he could never answer back.

He flashed her a grin, "I'm too easy on you luv, and you know that right?"

Buffy stepped forward, "At least I know you'll stay."

Spike's eyes darkened, "I'll never leave you." He grinned at her again. "I'm

like nothing you've ever know Buffy Anne Summers."

He bowed low to her, "You're a princess, and I intend to treat you like one."

She giggled, "I am aren't I? I mean for real!"

He wiggled his eyebrows at her, "Figures huh?"

His head snapped up, "Come on Buffy-love, the sun's coming and I for one

don't want to be toast."

* * *

Dawn sighed, "Well it isn't the undying love and devotion that I wanted, but it's

good enough I guess."

She opened her eyes, and found all of them staring at her with emotions that

ranged from shocked (Giles), aghast (Xander), curiosity (Anya and Willow)

and agreement (Tara)

She blushed, "Did I say that out loud?"

Xander groaned, and started to bang his head on the table, as Anya tried to

soothe him.

Willow also tried to offer comfort, "They're in an alternate universe, maybe

they'll forget all it when we get them out."

Xander stopped banging his head, then Anya spoke up, "I don't know about

that Willow. I mean I've done the inter-dimensional travel thingy, I assure you

what happens in an alternate universe is real."

Xander groaned and resumed the banging, as Willow glared at Anya, who

didn't know what she said wrong.

Tara sat next to Dawn. "You think he'll do the whole gallant knight thing?"

Dawn grinned at the blonde witch, "Oh definitely - can't you just imagine it?"

Tara giggled, "I'm still trying to imagine Spike in tights."

Dawn's eyes widened, "Oh my God you are so right! I think he'd look great

in them don't you think? That tight ass..." she stopped when she realised that

the Scoobies were back to staring at her.

Tara winked at her, "Oh definitely, he's got a fine ass!"

"Tara!" Willow squeaked.

Tara laughed, and winked at her, "Don't worry hon, you've got a nice ass

too."

Willow's face flamed with embarrassment, as Dawn and Tara discussed how

cute a couple Buffy and Spike would make.

After listening to them for about a minute, Xander fainted dead away.

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

Willow glared at them, "Really you two, you knew how'd he react..."

Dawn couldn't stop giggling, "Yeah I know, you got to admit Wills, it was

fun!"

Willow rolled her eyes at the girl, and went back to researching.

Tara smiled at Dawn, and Dawn handed her the book, "Just call me over

if anything...interesting happens."

Tara smiled, "Of course."

* * *

Angus paced the library. He wasn't expecting William's presence, and the

fact that he was here was grating on his nerves. He knew that William would

never forgive him for what happened with precious Desdemona.

He smiled cruelly, remembering her soft cries of pain...

"Angus..."

He turned and drank in the sight of the Lady Elizabeth. He rushed forward,

grabbing her hands. It doesn't matter that William was here. He could never

stand between him and this lovely jewel. Knowing that William wanted her

as well, just made the whole thing even better. He would teach William

once and for all that what William had would eventually be his.

"Elizabeth, you grow lovelier by the day."

Buffy blushed as Angel - no Angus, took her hands and kissed them.

"How long will you be staying Laird Angus?"

Angus stared deep into her eyes, "As long as you want me Elizabeth."

Buffy shuddered, how many times had she wanted Angel to say those

words? She shook her head slightly to clear it. This wasn't Angel.

"You may stay as long as you wish Laird."

With that she murmured some excuse about household duties and slipped

off.

Angus watched her retreating form. Yes, the beautiful Lady Elizabeth

would be his, William the Bloody be damned.

* * *

Buffy poured over the texts that she found. She wished that Giles or Willow

were here now. She could imagine them flipping out over the books.

She sighed, and put the book aside. She was restless; she wanted to get

back to slaying. She know realised that slaying was a part of who she was,

integral and not separate.

Frustrated, she slipped into some more comfortable clothing. In the privacy of

her room, she started basic kicks and punches, imagining an opponent. It didn't

give her the same satisfaction as hitting something hold, but it helped. She soon

moved into combinations of kicks and punches, pummelling the invisible opponent.

She worked out her frustrations and for a precious hour thought of nothing.

* * *