Willow stood on a hill, overlooking what once was the city of Sunnydale. It was nearly dawn, and soon she and her companions would need to seek shelter from the sun. The fire below still raged, and was spreading. Mercifully, the screams were nearly gone...Willow wondered how many had survived, and cried silent tears and she remembered the dead. The gentle touch of Angel's hand on her shoulder reminded her that it was time to go, and Willow turned her back on the only home she had ever known.
Angel was not surprised at the little redheads strength, he had seen it before, too many times to count. This time though, the world as they knew it was gone, or would be very soon, and there was little if anything they could do about it.
The forces of evil had at last broken through the Hellmouth and were taking over the earth, one town at a time. Giles had said that if the Hellmouth opened it would only be a matter of years before the world was ruled by evil. Humans would be slaves, or worse. So it was, that the Slayer and the Scoobies fought valiantly, but in the end lost the battle to evil and its minions. Angel had returned from L.A. with Cordelia, Wes, and Gunn to help fight, and out of his number Angel and Delia were the only two left. The Slayer and her watcher were the first to fall, and the fight went downhill from there. Out of the Scooby Gang, Willow was the only one left standing.. Spike survived, as did Drucilla. Now the small band sought refuge from the daylight that was swiftly coming.
They found a small house, the occupants had obviously fled and Delia silently uttered a small prayer that they had escaped the carnage that was only a few miles in the distance. Delia tried not to look at the photographs of the family on the wall, or the stuffed pink bunny on the floor by the open door. She couldn't help herself, she stooped down and retrieved the well loved bunny, held it to her chest, and sobbed. Dru held Delia close, and they sank to the floor. The vampire rocked Delia like a baby, and softly cooed comforting words in her ear.
It was some time before anyone spoke. Willow forced her vocal cords to work, she cleared her throat and her quiet words rang in the silence. "It will be light soon, Angel, Spike please cover the windows." The men nodded and went to the task at hand. "Dru, you help Cordelia clean up, then you two had better get some rest." Cordelia did not protest as Drucilla helped her to her feet and set off to find the bathroom. Willow had her own task to complete before she could at lastgive in to her own exhaustion. She walked around the outside of the house chanting spells to ward it against unwelcome visitors. Willow knew the warding would only last a day at most, but it would be enough time to rest*and decide what to do next. I'm not going to cry now* she admonished herself firmly*time enough for that later, after we are safe!* Willow went inside.
"Will?" Angel said when she had closed the door and locked it*like that'll help* thought Willow sadly. "I warded the house, it should be safe to rest for awhile..." Angel opened his mouth to say something, but Willow held up her hand to silence him."No, Angel, we need to rest before we do anything else, take a shower and go to bed." Willow walked away, she found Dru cleaned up and getting into bed next to Cordelia. The vampire tenderly kissed Delia's forehead, long fingers smoothed the seers hair. Cordelia was already sleeping, she looked so peaceful. Willow felt a lump come to her throat.*Oh, Delia* she thought*what I wouldn't give to see you dancing at the Bronze, carefree again. Or as carefree as one can be in Sunnydale* she sighed, and tucked the blankets around the two women. Dru smiled and said, in a motherly tone, "Willow, we will be alright, go wash up and rest now. I'll take care of Cordelia."
Drucilla had amazed everyone. Miss Edith had told the beautiful vampire to come back to Sunnydale and help Spike and the others against the "darkness". At first, of course, no one had believed "the looney", but then Dru had proven herself by first making herself vulnerable to their attack. She had arrived at the magic shop with her arms above her head, facing the stunned group at the table, she said " Hello all, I've come with Miss. Edith to help defeat the darkness." Spike stood, seemingly at a loss for words, his mouth hanging open. Not sure if he should hug her or stake her. Spike chose to hug her, he lifted Drucilla easily and spun her around. The beautiful vampire laughed, smiling down at him." Oh Spikey! I missed you!" Spike sat her down, then said "pet, you've come back!" If Buffy had wished she could have dusted her easily. Xander was still not convinced,"hey, she could be hiding a weapon in those long skirts of hers!" Dru smiled innocently, " I could take off my clothes, you naughty boy." She reached out for him teasingly, Xander stepped back quickly, and Spike growled. Second, she quoted word for word, the prophecy that foretold the opening of the Hellmouth and the reign of evil upon the earth. Giles had been impressed, and forgot to be afraid of the lovely vampire. A few moments later, he again realized what she was and nearly had heart failure! They all had laughed as he turned over his chair in his attempt to jump up from the table. That last echo of laughter filled the dreams of the battered group.
The alarm went off at three PM. Willow reached over and shut off the clock.*What an annoying sound!* She tried to remember where she was, and when she did remember, she tried to forget again. Willow had never been into denial, it could get a person killed, so she got up found some clothes. They were a little large,*beggars can't be choosers* she thought as she dressed. Willow then woke up the others, asking each to meet her in the livingroom when they were ready.
Dru came into the livingroom wearing a pair of slightly baggy jeans and a t shirt. Cordelia followed, also wearing jeans and a thermal top, and hiking boots. Whoever had lived there was exactly Delia's size*leave it to Delia to look like she stepped out of an L.L. Bean catalog* Willow thought in awe. The two women sat on the sofa opposite Willow, saying nothing as the men walked in. Spike was dressed in sweat pants and a sweatshirt, he had a scowl on his face."What!?"He said testily, " bloody hell!" As Dru laughed openly at him, Spike sat down, obviously sulking. The two other women bit back their giggles, so as not to enrage the pitiful sight of a bad ass vampire he made. Angel looked better in jeans and a t shirt, but seemed uncomfortable in them. The men sat, and looked at Willow."We're all ears luv." uttered Spike, a hint of his usual self shining through.
"Well," Willow said "I suppose Delia and I should see if we can find something to eat before we do anything else. Angel, Spike, Dru, when will you need to feed again?" Angel answered for the vampires, "We will be fine till we get back to L.A." Willow sighed with relief and Spike chuckled, " afraid you'd have to feed us witch, or hopeful?" Willow blushed, and Spike leered at her, wiggling his eyebrows.""Bite your tongue," Dru scolded half heartedly, "or I'll have to do it for you!" Willow stood, "come on Delia lets find something to eat." In the kitchen, the women sat and ate. Every once in awhile they could hear snippets of conversation from the other room. A "Bloody hell" or "whatever you say peaches," from Spike, and"Princess will you stop dancing, you're making me dizzy," from Angel. Dru's sing song childlike quetions, "do you love me daddy? Spikey I've been bad, do you want to spank me? Did you hear me Spikey?" The girls stayed in the kitchen a very long time.
They spent the afternoon listening to the television news. It was reported that there was an earthquake centered in the city of Sunnydale California. The quake set off a natural gas explosion, that set the city on fire. There was mass looting, and riots. Talk of mother nature, and those taking advantage of a bad situation. Denial. They weren't surprised really, but they knew the evil was spreading. They needed to get back to L.A. and soon. When sunset came, they took the missing family's car and headed back towards L.A.
Angel Visits The Oracles
Angel dropped the women at Cordelia's apartment, then he and Spike headed to the hotel. "Phantom Dennis" Delia yelled through the locked front door "it's me, Delia open up, I've lost my keys!" Dennis opened the door and Cordelia came in with Willow a step behind, without turning Delia said"Come in Dru." The plan was for the women to bathe, dress and eat, and ready themselves to flee the city. They hadn't decided where to go yet, they just knew they had to run. Phantom Dennis wasn't pleased at the turn of events, but he was protective of Delia and wanted her out of harms way. If that meant she had to leave him, then so be it. He was worried though, and spent the night fussing over Delia as if she were a chick and he a mother hen.That night Delia cried, she had grown fond of Phantom Dennis, and would miss him.*God, I hope I live to see this mess set right again so I can come home* she thought. Then sniffed, and said aloud " Dennis, I'm going to miss you!" Dennis floated her a box of tissue, and plumped her pillows, earning himself a weak, but grateful smile. The men would be back the next evening after sunset.
At the hotel, Angel and Spike packed what they thought they would need for the journey. Angel made a few telephone calls of warning a demon here and a human there, and commandeered a van for transportation. He would also pay a call on the new oracle's. Spike had wanted to tag along, "ah come on mate, I'll get those wanker's to cooperate!" Angel shuddered at the merethought of his child opening his mouth in their presence.*Hell, Spike would probably come on to one or both of them. Or, perhaps threaten to tear them limb from limb.* The tall brooding, and feared master vampire was a little nervous...he thought*yeah, that's all I need!* Angel said to Spike crossly,"you are staying right here! I can still kick your lilly ass boy! And don't forget it!" All Spike said in reply was,"oooh, I'm scared peaches! You talk big for a poof!" Angel did kick Spike's ass before he left, and he had to admit*I feel much better!*
***Inside the temple.***
"What gift did you bring us warrior"? The female asked. Angel wasn't surprised that they looked the same as the two who preceded them. He answered, "I've brought you a photograph", he held up a framed snapshot of The Scooby Gang at graduation.*All smiles, looking toward a bright future...gone, all gone, save dear, sweet, brave Willow.*He thought as he choked back a sob. Angel continued a hint of anger in his voice,"everyone in this picture died trying to keep that damned Hellmouth closed!" He then added, "except the redheaded witch, she lost everything that night, and still she fights for good!" The silver frame floated into the females hands, she studied the picture closely, her fingers caressing the glass. The female oracle looked up, a tear on her cheek. She handed the picture to the male, then nodded her head as she spoke. "Those dear to you, gave their lives willingly for the greater good." The male looked up from the photo and continued where the female had left off."They shall be rewarded in the next life, and honored in this life and beyond." The female replied,"your gift is accepted," then she bowed her head towards Angel in a silent salute to the warrior and his comrades. When she lifted her head again, she said "what do you wish to know?"
The vampire had given this question a lot of thought, it was direct and simple, he said"How do we close the Hellmouth, how do we return the evil that escaped?" He waited for the answer, it seemed like hours before the reply to his query, but he knew it had only been a moment or two .
The oracles had their heads together, and were speaking in tones too hushed for even a vampires sensitive ears. Angel occupied his time by watching the swirling mist around him*I didn't know there were so many shades of white.* As the oracles came nearer, he faced them and waited.
They spoke, seeming to share the same mind, one at a time, but finishing each others thoughts and sentences. It was hard to keep track of where one voice began and the other ended, so he didn't bother. It was the message that deserved his undivided attention.
"The fight is not lost."
"The seer will receive..."
"...a vision, from the Power's."
"The vision will tell you..."
"...who you need to see..."
"...and where you need to go."
"The Hellmouth can still be closed..."
"...and the forces of evil..."
"...contained."
The mists fell in a curtain around the lone vampire, and the oracles faded from view. As Angelturned to leave, he heard the faint voice of the female follow him."They will not have died in vain. Blood shed willingly for good is very powerful, they will have helped you defeat this evil. Remember them with love, and your questions will be answered."
***Back at Cordelia's apartment.***
The pretty brunette slept in her queen sized bed with Willow, she hadn't wanted to sleep alone. Drucilla sat on the bed in the guest room having a tea party with Miss Edith, Dennis, and Cordelia's stuffed alligator Gus.(Short for Augustus, Delia had said.)Dru liked the alligator, *all those lovely teeth!* She thought as she clicked her teeth together menacingly.Dru knew that the seer slept with the gator, and had since she was a child. "Gus keeps me safe," Delia had admitted with a blush, as she handed Dru the gator, only a few hours before. "There isn't enough room for him to sleep with me tonight, maybe you'd like Gus to keep you company?" Dru had gladly accepted the brunettes offer. *I wish I had my tea set* Drucilla thought, *oh well, I guess I'd better make do...* She began to sing, "I'm a little tea pot..."
Cordelia was having a dream, and she knew instinctively that it wasn't an ordinary dream. It was a vision from the Power's That Be. She watched the drama unfold before her.
The small group had driven north into Oregon, Cordelia saw the exit sign from the van, it read, Springfield Mackenzie Hwy next exit. Then she was in a wide spot in the road up the Mackenzie Hwy called Walterville. She found a long driveway the mail box read, J. Brexton..Up the drive was a small cottage with a picket fence, and a woman tending her flowers. The woman was about thirty, and she was pretty, but slightly plump. She had short blonde curls, and dark blue eyes that lit up when she smiled. The woman waved at Cordelia, as if she were a friend and came to meet the van.
Cordelia woke with out the usual splitting headache that accompanied her other visions, and was grateful for that small blessing. She wrote down the information on a pad that sat on the night stand. The bedside clock said it was 2:15 AM, Delia snuggled under the comforter and went back to sleep.*No sense in getting her panties in a bunch, there wasn't anything she could do till later anyway*, she thought as she drifted off.
By sunset that evening they had the van packed and ready to go. They had all fed and rested, talked over the latest tidbits of information, and watched the news. The news wasn't good, aftershocks caused more fires and power outages, that spread towards L.A. several small towns had been evacuated. The National Guard was called in to keep the looters and media at bay, trying to maintain some semblance of peace. It also seemed that there was an outbreak of contagious disease, but not to panic. *Oh right!* Willow thought almost out loud, and she wasn't the only one in the group to think so. Phantom Dennis floated Cordelia's secret stash of chocolate to his room mate, along with a note that said, "come home soon! Good luck Delia, I love you!". Cordelia answered that she would indeed be back, and that he'd better not make a mess of the place or he'd be sorry! False bravado, to cover her fear and sorrow, and they all understood...Willow called "see you soon Dennis!" As they walked out the door. Dennis turned the lock after them, and wandered aimlessly around the apartment. The ghost's way of pacing, and if he had a brow, it would be furrowed with worry.
The Virgin Witch
.
***J. Brexton's house.***
Jet Brexton was waiting for the white van to arrive.*It should be anytime now,* she thought, as she deadheaded the pink climbing roses that grew over the white picket fence, in front of her house. Jet was a witch. She had seen the destruction of Sunnydale in her dreams, and knew of the odd group that would be here this afternoon. The Power's seldom sent her visions, she had another destiny.* And this is it!* Jet did not own a television, she didn't read the newspaper, and she never listened to the radio. She was considered odd by her neighbors, she didn't own a car, she had moved in with her maiden aunt when she was in first grade. The aunt had died several years before, and Jet had rarely left her property. She made her living selling homemade jams, herb crafts, and quilts to tourists and locals. Her aunt had left her well cared for finance wise, and even though Jet was thought odd, she was well liked by all who knew her. Jet's thoughts drifted to this unexpected turn of events in her life.* I had just begun to believe that the Power's had forgotten about me, and my so called destiny.* Not minding what she was doing, she pricked her finger on a thorn, she held her finger to her mouth. The tiny drop of blood was licked away by her pink tongue.""Aaahhh," she moaned as a vision flashed into her mind, and the ground rose up to meet her.
***Jet's vision.***
Blood. Virgin blood, her own blood, flowing freely as she walked around the Hellmouth. A circle to contain the evil, to close the Hellmouth permanently. Shock waves radiated from her as she made the circle, vanquishing the escapees where they stood. Even as far away as L.A. it looked so easy, *too easy* she thought.
She came to, and stood up brushing grass and dirt off her dress. Jet had no time to reflect as she heard a car approach,*van* she corrected herself silently. The blonde witch waved as the van came into view.
"Guys! We're here." Cordelia yelled back into the dark recesses of the van. It had been a long trip and the vampires were sleeping away the daylight hours in the back. Willow had sat up front to keep Delia company. The women hadn't talked much, instead they put on 80's music and sang songs like, Karma Chameleon and Tainted Love. Dancing in their seats and making strange and wild gestures with their hands. Willow even held a comb and pretended it was a microphone, "... I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night..." Delia was singing the" ooh, ooh, ooh's." Near Ashland Oregon, the vampires had even woke up, briefly, to sing some Billy Idol songs. Spike was really into it, pretending to be the man himself. He looked like he was having a seizure while singing Hot In The City, and To Be A Lover. Cordelia was laughing so hard she had to pull over, trying to gain a modicum of control, before returning to the freeway. It was a welcome respite for all of them.
Both women waved at the pretty plump witch standing before them. Jet directed them to a detached garage where they parked the van. The vampires covered themselves with blankets and ran into the cottage, having been invited just the few seconds previously. Jet knew of the vampires, and had made the cottage ready.
After a short bathroom break, the group sat in Jet's tiny livingroom, drinking coffee or tea, and enjoying home baked cookies. It was time to get down to business. They took turns around the room, Jet first, then Delia and so on till they all had the whole picture. Spike nearly choked on his cookie when he'd found out the blonde witch was a 30 year old virgin! Before he had a chance to say anything derogatory to their hostess, Willow hissed in his ear,"one word Spike, and I will turn you into a dolly for Drucilla to play with!" As an after thought she added." I'm sure you will love tea and cakes with Miss Edith!" Spike's eyes opened wide with surprise.He kept silent, but inside his head he was ranting.* Little witch! I'm the Big Bad! She doesn't know who she's messing with! Wench!...Tea with Miss Edith indeed...over my undead body!" The others thought it sad. For Jet to fulfill her destiny, she had to make such an unrealistic sacrifice. "So, dose this mean you will die closing the Hellmouth?" Willow asked softly."Maybe,"Jet replied."Maybe not, but the important thing is that we succeed." She shrugged her shoulders, then continued"individual lives are important, but we all made a choice to risk ourselves for the greater good." Cordelia snorted."What choice!? I wasn't given any choices!" She muttered under her breath, but loud enough for those in attendance to hear..."Destiny shmestiny! Blah, blah...yadda, yadda. The fool HAD to kiss me! I didn't ask to be a seer, damn it!" Delia was well into her rant, not noticing that the others looked on in silent amusement."And another thing!" She added,"I am destined to be a great actress!"Cordelia looked at the others with an indignant look in her eyes,"What!" she fumed. The others laughed, and before long Delia had joined in. It wasn't too long ago that she would have been angry at their laughter. She saw humor in herself now, and realized that you had to find humor where you could. Delia smiled as she though of the old adage*I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you!*
The laughter died down, and it was again, back to the task at hand. Angel asked Cordelia a serious question, it was something that had been on his mind for awhile."Delia? Would you have refused Doyle's power? If you could give it back, would you?" All eyes were on Cordelia, as she contemplated her answer. The pretty brunette, they once thought of as selfish and vapid, answered."No, I wouldn't have refused. Doyle gave his life to save us." A tear slid down Cordelia's face as she continued..."Doyle's death had meaning, and he was unselfish, giving his power to continue the (air quotes) good fight."As Cordelia spoke, Angel wondered how he could have ever thought the former cheerleader vapid. "...And no, I wouldn't give the power back. I kinda like being Vision Girl!" (Again with the air quotes!) Cordelia smiled, "I'm glad my life has a purpose, and I guess the Power's saw that inside me, even if they didn't ask directly." She looked at the ceiling and said in a joking manner, "RUDE MUCH!" Another moment of levity, then they continued their discussion. After a few hours and dinner, they went to bed. It was going to be yet another long day tomorrow.
It was decided that they would fly back to L.A. after dark that next night. Jet called the Eugene airport and made arrangements. During the day Willow and Cordelia had taken a walk in the woods, then down to the Mackenzie river.*Goddess, it is so beautiful here!* Willow thought. Delia was thinking much the same thing...*I'd love to come back one day. Maybe go to those hot springs Jet mentioned!* As the women walked, they chatted off and on about their loved ones. The good times remembered and shared, with a twinge of sadness. The silences between them were comfortable. They sat on the river bank, watching the water swirl and eddy, wondering just when it was that they had become real friends. Willow sighed, she felt a real peace for the first time in ages. It felt as if a weight was being lifted from her soul, this place was soothing her battered spirit.*I didn't know places like this existed!* Born and raised on the Hellmouth, it was hard to believe demons, and things that go bump in the night weren't a common occurrence every where! It was nice to know that there were people in the world who still believed vampires and demons were make-believe. Cordelia said a silent prayer to the Power's That Be."Please let us save the world...again! If I must die, then so be it, but please let Willow and the others live, or unlive as the case may be. Don't get me wrong! I'd like to live too! Have babies, live past my 21st birthday! Marry a rich guy...a cute rich guy...but not as cute as me! Whatever price I have to pay, I'd pay willingly, only let good triumph over evil, and all that jazz! Please!" They sat a long time, each thinking their own thoughts. A rainbow trout jumped and broke the women's reverie. They smiled at one another and stood to make the walk back to Jet's house.
Dru and Jet sat at the diningroom table, decorating sugar cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles. It was almost easy for Jet to forget that the endearing creature before her was a vampire.*A very dangerous vampire too, made even more so...being mad and all.* Jet felt a goose walk over her grave, as Dru confirmed her rumination with her next words."Mummy made cakes...before Angelus drank her...she is dead now, you know?" Dru looked up at Jet, with a pout on her lips, and faraway eyes. Jet felt a sudden, fight or flight response, but held it in check.*Deer in the headlights! Calm down...she can smell fear. Easy.* She made herself breathe deeply. The vampire didn't seem to notice the panic that came off the blonde witch in waves. Drucilla resumed her prattle uninterrupted,"mummy sang patty cake when I was little." She licked frosting off her finger."Oooh, sweet! Like the blood of innocents!"A beguiling grin spread across her face...The impish thing that sat before Jet, was lost in her memories. The witch did not want to hear any details! Quietly she slipped away to her bedroom, she suddenly felt the need to wear a turtleneck sweater.
Angel and Spike were playing cards in one of the smaller bedrooms, and the dark vampire was losing badly. Spike threw down his cards and did a victory dance around the room, strutting like a rooster ,and shaking his butt in his sire's face. Being one to gloat, Spike sang, "I'm bad!...Yeah, I'm hot!" As he said"hot" Spike put his right index finger to his mouth and licked the tip, then put his finger to his right butt cheek."tssss!" He laughed as he looked over his shoulder at his sire. Angel merely rolled his eyes at his impudent child.
The Good Fight
***Back in the city of angels.***
They were all staying at Angel's hotel. Cordelia didn't want to go home until they had saved the planet from evil. Until she could tell Dennis that the world was again safe for ghosts and little children. *Or as safe as possible anyway.* The group would rest, then when night fell, they would go back to Sunnydale. It wouldn't be easy to get back, the roads were well guarded, but they would manage. They always did. L.A. was feeling the effects of the Hellmouth, even those in denial were locked away in their homes. Calling in sick to work or school, not daring to leave their sanctuaries. Huddled in the dark like rabbits, jumping at their own shadows. A good time, was NOT had by all, only the nasties were out to play. And play they did, dancing in the streets, not bothering to conceal what they were, killing on whim. Oh yes! The nasties were having a good time! Since few human beings were walking the streets anymore, the demon's and other scary evil things, were beginning to turn on one another. That was a good thing!
Drucilla was lying next to Spike, her mind drifting away on flights of fancy. Before this adventure started, she and Spike were getting reacquainted after her brief affair with a chaos demon in Brazil. Spike had that chip in his head, and it made him somewhat of a nancyboy in Dru's eyes, but she loved him. She was being *good*, after her little foray with Darla. The stars had sung to her. Telling her to return to Sunnydale, and Spike, that something was going to happen. Vague, yes, but that was the way of the stars. Dru could see that the redheaded witch was in love with Tara. They seemed to be a good match, but she thought Willow belonged with her and Spike. When you were as old as they were, you tended to try new things, sexually speaking, and otherwise too. Dru's fanciful mind had dreamed up schemes to get the red witch into their bed. It would have to wait though, till his whole Hellmouth thing was over, and after Willow finished mourning her lover, family and friends.* Oh, to be a happy family again!* Dru thought as she let her hand wander between her thighs. *Daddy doesn't know it yet, but he loves the seer!* She smiled, as she sang sing song thoughts, and brought herself to orgasm.
Jet was staring at the ceiling, or where the ceiling would be...it was dark. She had been thinking about what she had missed, keeping her virginity intact all these years. She didn't usually dwell on it much, but these last few days... The group from California exuded sex. They might, or might not be aware of it, but it was plain for her to see. Vampires, she knew were very sexual beings, she had read stories that made her toes curl. Jet smiled as she remembered her aunt catching her in a compromising position after reading one such story. She may be a virgin, but she wasn't dead! Jet sighed unhappily, as she felt a wave of jealousy move through her.*If I live through this, the first thing I'm going to do is get laid!* Jet rolled over and tried to sleep.
As Willow slept, she dreamt she was with Tara. They were laying in bed, under quilts watching colored fairy lights flit above them. Tara had used her magic, making a romantic surprise for Willow. Ethereal music filled her ears, as she was swept away on wings of love. The almost childlike form of the red witch, snuggled closer to the dream Tara, safe and happy at last.
Cordelia was soaking in a large tub filled with bubbles. Unable to sleep, she thought a nice hot bath would relax her. It was working, she was nearly asleep already. The water was beginning to cool, and she could hear the bubbles crackling as they began to disintegrate. She could hear her own breathing, and feel her heartbeat. Her eyelids fluttered, and she knew she should get out of the tub...*Just five more minutes.* she sighed to herself. Cordelia woke a few minutes later.She reluctantly drained the tub. Dried off and fell asleep, with the towel still wrapped around her slim form.
Spike was reliving*the good old days* in his dreams. Angelus, his sire, before he became Peaches the poof. The vivacious, cold blooded Darla, and his insane princess Drucilla. The Boxer Rebellion, killing and shagging, and killing some more. Endless nights of blood, carnage and mayhem. Very sweet dreams for William The Bloody, half the scourge of Europe!
Last but not least, Angel, who sat reading poetry and listening to Mozart. His attention not really on what he was reading. If you had asked him what he was listening to, he wouldn't be able to say. Angel was brooding, that in itself wouldn't have been news to anyone who knew him. What was news however, was his growing love for Cordelia. He hoped, one day, to make his feelings known to his beloved .*If they lived through this latest disaster,* Angel thought warily.
***On the Hellmouth.***
The two witches were skyclad, as they chanted charms and spells. They walked the circle around the Hellmouth. Willow had a ceremonial athame, with a handle made from wood from a holly tree, and had a bloodstone imbedded into each side. Its small silver blade glinted in the fire light, as she again cut her flesh. Her blood flowed freely, as she continued the circle, her essence mingling with Jet's. The red witch could feel the presence of loved ones, their blood had infused the earth she walked on. Their power willingly became hers, she could feel them. They gave her a strength she had never known before, and she embraced it. Willow called the limitless power, and cast it forth."Do my will!"
Jet also had a athame, she'd had it custom made years ago. It was a solid piece of silver, and the short blade twisted, the handle was wrapped in a leather thong. While the red witch called the power of loved ones, she was calling her own power. The power of her destiny, the power of her advanced virginity, and her personal power as well. Jet was the last of a line of witches that had been in existence since the dawn of time, called by the virgin Goddess Diana herself. The blonde witch evoked the Goddess now, as was her birthright, and directed it's energy towards Hell's gaping maw!
Angel and Spike had lay waste to the nasties, leaving the witches to do their work. The blonde vampire was enjoying himself immensely, he didn't just make a swift kill and move on. No, William The Bloody was grinning like a madman (mad demon?) taunting and teasing the nasties, before he finally dispatched them."Come on you bloody wankers! Afraid of little ol' me?" A big fungus demon was a little way off, and Spike was encouraging the*bugger* closer by mooning the smelly thing. The demon charged in a rage, catching the vampire off guard. Dru and Delia laughed, as Spike had to fight the thing, pants around his knees! *I didn't know he didn't wear underwear!* Delia thought as she watched, *not bad, not bad at all!* The comedic vampire disemboweled the fungus demon, made a mock bow to the ladies, then he pulled up his*knickers*.
The dark vampire, all business, made quick kills, moving one to the other without pause.Angel nodded disapprovingly at his child, muttering. "Damn fool! He's going to get himself dusted if he's not careful!"
Meanwhile, Dru and Cordelia were sitting against what remained of a brick wall. Watching with wide eyes, the women, too absorbed in the action, didn't notice as a nasty advanced. The demon had three heads, cat, goat and toad, tall, with four arms, and a tail that was forked, like a snake's tongue.
"Oooh, Delia," Drucilla cooed,"too bad we don't have any popcorn!" The brunette laughed, and shot the vampire a sideways look. It was then that she noticed the big ugly thing that was nearly on top of them. As Cordelia leapt to her feet she yelled ,"eeep! Dru, look out!"Pointing at the thing, her finger shaking.
The vampire was fast, and calm, almost disinterested, it seemed to the quaking seer beside her. Drucilla, took the sword that was laying between the to women, rose, and without effort, eviscerated the demon that loomed before her. The thing fell, a look of shock on all three faces, into a pool of steaming innards. "Eeeewww!" The seer said, turning slightly green. Dru frowned, as she looked down at her shoes, they were covered with goo. She kicked the dead beast and yelled at its still form, "how rude! These shoes are kid leather, and new too!" Drucilla smoothed her dress, as she again sat, then patted the spot next to her, inviting Delia to sit as well.
Jet continued around the circle, perspiration beading on her pale skin. Blood still flowed from her fingertips, to the earth below her feet. She had several cuts on her hands, and wrists, Rivulets of menstrual blood ran from between her thighs, although she was unaware of it. The Goddess had bestowed upon her a potent weapon.( Jet had not been due for another week.) Shimmering waves of energy began to radiate from her flesh, reaching outward like tendrils. They spread following the destructive influence of the Hellmouth, the instant it touched an escapee, they'd evaporate into nothingness.
All eyes were on the witches now, as they walked the circle, still chanting softly. An aura surrounded them, barely tangible, a glimmer of silver and blue. The Hellmouth itself, was capped with a soft amber bubble of light. The light dimmed, then faded away... Jet and Willow each retrieved a dish of consecrated salt, and a velvet bag that held stones with runes carved on them. They salted the earth inside the circle, then buried the stones in the center, along with a small silver pentacle. Cordelia and Dru ran over to the women, and covered them with robes. The ride back to Los Angelus was silent.
***At the hotel.***
Willow and Jet insisted they were fine, the wounds had healed when the Hellmouth closed, they were just tired. The rest of their group had been fussing over them, the witches protests fell on deaf ears. The only thing to do, was to settle back and let the others fuss.*Might as well enjoy it while we can,* Willow thought, as she lay in a tub filled with hot water and sweet smelling bubbles. Drucilla had run her bath, and would have bathed her like an infant if Willow had let her. The vampire was now turning back the covers to her bed, and laying out a nightgown. Spike had brought her a dainty teacup filled with chamomile tea. Cordelia had retrieved her stash of imported chocolates. Angel had lit candles and brought her a portable C.D. player, and a small selection of classical music. At this moment she was listening to a piece by Grieg, it was called At the Cradle.
Jet was receiving much the same treatment as Willow. She let her mind wonder as she bathed, *it's time for me to begin to live my life for myself, my destiny is fulfilled."A smile spread across her features, as she lay back, deeper into the huge tub. "I can have sex! I can have a family of my own, I don't have to be the last of my family line of witches."
Cordelia spent the night at the hotel, she was too tired to go home.*Too tired to tell the whole adventure to phantom Dennis,.* she realized. Sleep claimed her, and a vision came to her in the form of a dream. Sunnydale was being rebuilt, it would be a sleepy little city, with little in the way of demonic activity. A new Hellmouth had opened, this time in Hawaii. A new slayer was called, her name was Kimika Shokaku, she was Japanese, and very pretty. Delia also saw Jet, she had three little girls, and a handsome husband. The family was playing on the beach, a sign nearby said Sunset Bay. The seer smiled in her sleep.
Saying Goodbye
***The next evening.***
The group saw Jet to the airport. Cordelia and Willow would follow in a week or so, to retrieve the van, and visit those hot springs Jet had mentioned. The two witches hugged each other tight,"I miss you already!" Willow cried, "I'll call you with our flight time in a few days." Jet laughed, " I can't leave if you don't let go!" "Then I wont let go!" Willow said, but she knew, in her heart, Jet had to go... The young woman was ready to start living her own life now.
* Jet deserves a long and happy life,* Willow thought, as she gave her new friend one last squeeze. Jet smiled at them all fondly,"don't be strangers!"She said in a soft voice, accented with a hint of tears. Then with a final wave she boarded the airplane.
Phantom Dennis was waiting for Delia, and accosted her the moment she stepped over the threshold. The ghost made her a cup of tea, as his roommate related the groups adventure. Cordelia sat on the sofa, long legs tucked beneath her, gesturing with enthusiasm. Dennis hanging on every word the seer had said. The young woman yawned, and felt unseen hands gently pulling her to her feet and then leading her towards the bedroom. "All right Dennis, I get the hint," Delia laughed."I'll get ready for bed, but no peeking!" She called to Dennis when she was ready to be tucked in, it had become a ritual of sorts over the last six months or so. Cordelia liked it, she felt cared for, and in turn she did little things for the ghost as well. The pair had a genuine friendship, Delia thought it was an advantage to have a friend that couldn't be taken from her. "Thank you Dennis," the woman said with a smile, as the ghost floated Gus into her waiting arms. "Goodnight, phantom Dennis," she called softly as her friend closed the bedroom door.
***A month later.***
It was decided that Willow would move into the hotel, Angel had hired a contractor to make a small apartment from a few rooms on the top floor. The red witch liked the idea of her own place, and access to the roof. She had begun to do a few rituals up there, away from prying eyes, under the warm sun, or the moon and stars.
Spike and Drucilla had left a few days ago, they were going to tour Europe for awhile. They promised to return to L.A. in about" six months, or a year, two at the very most,."Spike had said with a wink and a grin.
Angel, Cordelia, and Willow were still mourning the people they had loved so dearly, always would to one degree or another. The next few months would be so very, very hard for each of them...but they still had each other. To cling to, to cry with, to laugh, to love, and always...to remember.
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