Ok Disclaimers: Buffy and all the characters depicted in this story are copyright Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and belong to the creator, Joss Whedon. This story in no way intends to commit any copyright infringement, it's just for fun.
Warning: This story is set pretty soon after the events depicted in "Becoming 1 + 2" BEFORE Angel returned from hell and before Faith arrived in Sunnydale! This is written whilst Angel is still dead and Buffy has only recently returned to Sunnydale after her double life as Anne. OK? Also there is some violence in this story, so if you can't handle, I'm sure there's a good Walton's re-run on the Family channel. Plus, if you get fed up with the terms "Evil-Xander" or "Vampy Willow" remember, they all look the same, what else do you want me to call them??
Please, please end comments to ket@ktyler-smith.freeserve.co.uk I may write a sequel to this, it all depends on the feedback I get from it, so if you want one...say so!!
"Dark mirror"
By Scribe Slayer. Prologue
It was night. The town of Sunnydale was particularly quiet. The streets were empty. However, tonight, the town was not the main area of interest for Sunnydales Vampire population. A new Vampire had recently joined the small community of Sunnydale. A vampire named Pike. Pike was sired in 1633 in London and was a big influence on Spike when he was first sired. It used to be a common joke with the Demon community, the two buds, Pike and Spike. Pikes British accent was a lot like Spikes, so this added to the humor. Of course, anyone who mentioned the joke in front of Spike was usually dead soon after. Never could take a joke that Spike. However, Pike left Spike to join Angel on a spree of terror. Pike had run into Spike as he entered the country on a steamer. Spike explained that Drusilla had left him and that it was all the fault of. The Slayer. A young brat named Buffy. She had single-handedly stopped Spike and Angel from destroying the world or so Spike said. Pike remembered what he told Spike only 65 years into his life as a Vampire. "The day we bring this world under our control again, is the day the party really begins." Little did Pike know that Spike had never really wanted the world to end, and did not desire entering Hell. Pike however, had dedicated his life to finding some way of returning demons everywhere, to their rightful place, as leaders of a world of pure Evil. A world where the nauseating happiness of humanity wasn't gnawing at every corner.
So, here he was. Pike had come to Sunnydale to check out this Slayer first hand, but mainly because his new toy was being delivered here soon. Very soon. A stone. A stone with a unique ability, a stone that would give him a whole New World to destroy. A world where his Idol, The Master, was still alive? Pike always had been one for adventure. Soon it would come soon then Pike would show Spike what adventure and evil was all about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PROLOGUE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Down by the Sunnydale docks, a small cargo vessel docked at the main bay. It crew began unloading a few artifacts to be taken to Los Angeles for further study. The artifacts consisted of several Greek Artifacts recently uncovered in Thrace. A tomb had been discovered, thought to belong to a powerful tribe of warriors from Greece's ancient past.
"C'mon will ya?" one of the Dockworkers called out to his companions "It's friggin' freezing out here!". As their supervisor was showing his impatience, the workers started to move a little faster. First they pulled out a large crate marked "Ex.-1A" -containing an ancient ritual mask. They returned to the ships cargo hold and carried out "Ex-1B" containing a rare gem, thought to be the "Heart of Vidalius". As they returned for the last few boxes the supervisor grew more impatient and cold by the second. Before the dock supervisor could show his impatience he was tapped on the shoulder. "Mind if I take a look at that?" a young man with long brown hair asked. The supervisor looked at him, wondering how he came to be there, since he could have sworn he locked all the entrances to the main docking area "what are you doin' here?" he asked the stranger "you ain't supposed to be here!". The young man took a long sigh, as if he was becoming impatient and said sharply "give me that box!". To this the supervisor lost his patience, who the hell did this son of a bitch think he was "Look Buddy" the supervisor began "You got about ten seconds to get your slimy ass out of it before I kick it all over the docks!"
Before the supervisor could do anything to protect himself, the young mans face suddenly contorted hideously, so that his eyes were yellow and his whole forehead was severely frowned. The vampire lifted the man by his neck and squeezed "you pathetic fool! Did you think you could stop ME?". The supervisor was far too short of breath to offer any reply; he merely made croaking sounds. The Vampire broke the mans neck with a sharp flick of his wrist and the supervisors lifeless body fell to the floor in a heap.
As the dockworkers pulled the final crate they immediately noticed their supervisor on the floor, apparently unconscious…or worse…and a young man with long hair picking up one of the small crates with ease. "Hey!" one of the workmen shouted at the stranger "What the hell d'ya think ya doing buddy?". However, he immediately shut up as the man spun around to show a deformed face and sharp fangs where normal teeth should be. All the Dockers ran back inside and the Vampire walked off with the crate, laughing.
Chapter 1
Pike was sitting in a nice little work area he had uncovered under the small town of Sunnydale…in the sewer. He had been here for two weeks now and slowly one by one, all of his old friends had turned up to help him with his plan. He now had 15 of the most vicious Vampires he knew serving him, which they were happy to do, since he was so old and therefore a lot stronger than they were. A good contact to have at times. "Well?" Pike said, "is that it?" Eddy, one of Pikes newest henchmen, grinned, obviously pleased with himself, and replied "Yes sir-ey! This is the one all right. Looks like all those years I spent thieving finally paid off".
Pike patted Eddy on the back and congratulated him "Well done, my boy. I knew siring you wouldn't be a mistake". Eddy was grinning and looking at Pike as he laid the crate on a table. Pikes expression suddenly changed to one of impatience "Well? What are you waiting for, a bloody invitation? Open it!" he said to the young vampire. Eddy nodded vigorously "oh, of course, of course" he said. He rammed his fist into the box and took out a small wooden chest. "That's it" Pike said "brute force and ignorance. Give that to me". Pike took the chest and slowly opened it, to be greeted by the most beautiful thing he had seen since that time he had killed his first slayer and watched the blood spurt from her dying body. It was a red ruby, but not quite transparent, and it had a bright light emanating from it's core. Pike held the ruby in his hands. "Incredible" He said, "we'll start the ritual right away."
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Giles sipped his lemon tea and sat at the table in the middle of the Library. Things had been particularly hectic of late and so he liked to arrive at school a little bit early and just relax, gather his thoughts, before starting work for the day.
However, the peace was short-lived. Only moments after closing are eyes, Xander came bursting through the door of the library, whistling what sounded like "pop goes the weasel". "Good morning Mr. Librarian watcher!" Xander quipped "and how are things in the world of creepy books"?. Giles gave a small sigh and replied "good morning Xander. Why are you so punctual today"? Xander went a little red and replied "well, err you know me I love school.I'm still bitter that class only lasts an hour". Giles smiled and guessed "you've seen the new girl?" Xander gave up the charade and replied "Oh yeah. She been in here by any chance? I hear she's a book-worm. A very, young, attractive bookworm". Giles gave a tut tut and asked "what would Cordelia say?" Xander simply gave the reply that "Well, it's not like I'm gonna be making any moves here, I just want to welcome her on behalf of the Hellmouth". After Giles informed Xander that the new girl, Penny if memory served, had not been to the library, Xander said a quick farewell and dashed out of the door.
It was only another 15 minutes before Buffy came into the Library with Willow in tow. Giles had finished his lemon tea and was now prepared for whatever the day had to offer. Buffy and willow greeted Giles and then the watcher asked Buffy the same thing he did every morning "So, I trust your patrol was profitable last night?" Buffy sat in one of the Library's wooden seats and replied "No, actually, not really. I walked around the town for an hour, even went to the graveyard, not a peep." Giles straightened his glasses and pondered on this "Well, err, yes that is a little unusual, to have no activity at all. We know Spike and Drusilla haven't returned, So, possibly the vampire in Sunnydale are not as eager to feed without someone to lead them." "Or they decided to blow off the whole killing gig and just party-hardy" Buffy finished for Giles. "Well, rather unlikely I think" Giles added.
At that moment Xander came into the Library again, followed by Oz. "Hey, the Scooby gangs all here" Xander said. "Morning everyone" Oz said as he approached Willow and gave her a quick kiss. "So what is it today?" Xander asked "portals to hell? Giant insects?". Before anyone could offer a reply the school bell rang sounding not only the beginning of class, but the beginning of a dull biology class for Xander, Willow and Buffy. "Oh goody" Xander said "time for our weekly Biology rave!". As the small crowd departed out the library doors, Xander bumped straight into Cordelia. "Hello, my queen of the early, early morning!" he said. Cordelia gave him an angry glare "don't give me any of those Tom Cruise moves hormone boy" she said "I heard about you chasing that new girl like a dog to the postman". As Xander followed Cordelia down the hallway trying to define the meaning of "welcoming committee" the rest of the gang slowly split up and headed for their separate classes.
Giles went into his office and picked up his edition of the Sunnydale Express, which he had bought earlier this morning but had not yet looked at. Immediately he noticed the headline:ARTIFACT STOLEN AT DOCKS! SUPERVISOR DEAD!
He read the article which described a long haired young man whom was wanted for Murder, apart from the theft of a priceless artifact. Apparently the docks supervisor's neck had a clean break. Apparently this edition was printed up last night to include the recent murder! The article then went on to mention the artifact stolen -a valuable Gem from Greece, believed to be the mythological "Heart of Vidalius". Giles recognized the name, but couldn't recall any details about the Gem. "I've got to have Buffy start patrolling the docks" said Giles to himself as he immediately went for his books on Greek Mythology.
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"I don't get it" Buffy said as she, Willow and Xander left their Biology class "how can anyone talk about the life cycle of Ants for a full hour". Willow merely shrugged and Xander commented "Made me hungry. Anybody hungry?". Willow rolled her eyes and said "breathing makes you hungry". Anyway they headed for the cafeteria and picked up some of the school's own sandwiches despite the fact they tasted kinda like cardboard. As the three discussed the finer points of lettuce combined with mayonnaise Giles approached the table. "Buffy" he said "I do apologize for disrupting your lunch but something rather important has come up." Buffy gulped her sandwich and said "shoot". Giles looked about, obviously not wanting to discuss the situation in the school cafeteria. "If you would be so kind to meet me in the Library after school". Buffy agreed and Giles left. "Wonder what that's about". "probably the usual" Xander offered "world is in peril, probably all gonna start in Sunnydale. We'll find, you'll slay, we'll party". Buffy got up to go to her next class and said goodbye to her friends. "Buffy" Willow called out "I'll be in the Library after school too" Buffy smiled, thankful for the support. She wasn't sure she could take another major disaster after losing Angel. "So will I" Xander called out as Buffy was leaving the cafeteria "Although I do have a life you understand" Xander added loudly. He then said to Willow "it may consist of a rocky relationship with Cordelia and chasing bloodsucking Demons from hell, but it's a life". Xander watched Buffy leave the Cafeteria and said to Willow "How's she holding up?" Willow looked towards the door and replied "She won't admit, but she's still broken up over having to kill Angel. Maybe she'll never get over him. And maybe she'll neglect her slaying duties and be broken hearted, or leave Sunnydale again and there'll be no one to fight demons and stuff and " Before she could continue Xander stopped her with "Willow, Willow. Remember what we said about thinking before you say stuff" Willow nodded.."I was rambling again wasn't I?" Xander nodded "Uh-huh".
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Chapter 2
Buffy walked into the Library tired and sweaty after 45 minutes of volleyball practice and slumped down in one of the Library chairs. Giles came out of the office and she was the first to speak "ok Giles, sock it to me" she said. Giles merely approached the table and flipped the paper onto it. As Buffy read the headlines she looked back at Giles "ok, what would Spike want with a creepy stone?". Giles went into his office and returned with a dusty old book. "I've been reading up on the "Heart of Vidalius". According to legend it was created by a powerful Greek Shaman by the name of Vidalius. He was said to be able to "traverse the barrier between worlds". Buffy stared at Giles with blank looks "and this means?" she said. Giles realized that even he was not sure what this meant "Well" he began "I'm not entirely sure. The ancient Greeks used to believe that the afterlife was a different world, perhaps it has some linkage with the restoration of Hell." Buffy nodded slowly "uh-huh, so this is one of those 'it's really dangerous but we don't know why' situations?" Giles adjusted his glasses "err, yes, I'm afraid so". At that moment Willow came bouncing through the doors followed by Xander. "Hi" Willow said happily "Oz said he'll come here straight after practice" and then Xander added "oh yeah, and Cordelia wishes she could come over, but she has a life or death appointment with her manicurist". Willow shoved her hands in her pockets and asked "so, what's up?" Buffy looked to Giles and said "Big stone, door to hell, Giles will explain". Buffy sat back as Giles ran over the details again. She was just thinking how much things had changed since she had first started at Sunnydale high. Xander, apart from changing his hair, was a lot more courageous and mature now and Willow had much more confidence, especially now that they were seniors. Buffy was just thinking about how much she missed Angel and what he might do in this situation when Giles' voice broke her train of thought. "Buffy" he said she snapped out of it and looked at him "sorry" she said and so Giles asked her again "your opinion on this?" She stood up and pulled her self together "Ok" she began "the way I see it, we have two choices. Wait here until something bad happens and then try and fix it, or go find this Vampire now and stop him before he starts something." Giles put his book down and nodded "ok then " he said, Buffy looked up in mock surprise "I haven't decided yet" she grinned. Then she put her serious face back on "ok, ok, I think it's safe to presume that whoever this is Will want to be staying somewhere inconspicuous". "The Mansion?" Xander asked. "No" Buffy said "I only recently killed Angel there, and giles been going back there to work on The Acathla statue. Somewhere else?" Willow then suggested "How about the Masters old hideout?" Giles looked up "yes.of course.it's burnt out but still, err, useable." "That's it then" Buffy said " so I'll go there, do a 007, you guys see if you can find out anything else about this Gem ok?" The three of them nodded as Buffy went into Giles office, taking her stake out of a sports bag. "Wish me luck" she said as she left the Library "Good Luck" all three called out in unison.
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"The Parallel world, from which we call thee" the group of Vampires chanted together. Pike approached the Gem, stood on a stool in the middle of the room. He grabbed the corpse of the young girl he had abducted from a neighboring town a few nights ago and slit her hands with his blade. Squeezing the blood out onto the Gem he chanted in his typically British accent "I call upon the guardians of our worlds, to open the gate to me, so that I may be enlightened".
Buffy crept along the small landing up the stairs of the grand mansion and watched the ceremony with fascination. She crept down the stairs as Pike screamed some words, sounding like Latin. One of the Vampires turned around to see her and immediately attacked giving a ferocious snarl…Buffy just gave the beast her best determined look and said "stop it, you're giving me a wiggins". The Vampire leapt at her, Buffy spun to the side and dodged the attack whilst simultaneously swinging her leg around to land squarely in the Vampires back. The Vampire smashed into the nearby wall and Buffy staked him in the back before he could regain his composure, turning him into dust. Buffy spun around to see the far wall glowing a bright blue. Pike laughed out loud and said " Buffy I presume? You're too late Buffy! I may not be king of this world, but I'll bloody well be a king of the next one!" With that Pike grabbed the stone and leapt into the blue void, disappearing upon contact with it. The large group of Vampires all turned and snarled at her. A few began to leap through the blue void after Pike.
Two of them turned and attacked Buffy. Buffy managed to land a swift kick in the stomach of the first, sending him crashing into the stairs. The second leapt for her, but she spun to the side and kicked it straight in the leg, knocking it to the floor. Before it could stand she landed her stake straight in it's heart, turning the Vampire into a pile of dust. The first, having recovered, leapt on her back, but she reached back and grabbing it's head, threw it over her and crashing on to the floor. She shoved the stake into it's chest saying "Tell' em Buffy sent ya". The Vampire burst into dust and Buffy stood and examined the Blue void in the wall. She reasoned that it would probably be best to go back to the Library and tell Giles what had happened. But that would only give this 'Vampire with a vision' more time to carry out his plan, whatever it was. Her curiosity getting the better of her, Buffy took a step back, and leapt into the void.
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"Giles, look at this" Willow said urgently. The old book Willow was reviewing had a graphic representation of the "Hearts" power. It had a picture of the Earth, flat, as it was believed to be back then. Except there were two earth's, separated by a thin line. The Caption next to it said "The Heart of Vidalius opens the gate to a world, like our own, and nothing like our own". Giles took the book and began examining the text "yes, ..yes you may be on to something here Willow" Willow smiled proudly "Yay me" she said. Xander looked up from his book and grinned "oohh…two points for the Internet girl…" then his smile disappeared and he continued "whilst the Xander-miester scores zero!". Willow comforted him with " that's not true, you got me the book". Xander grinned again "hey that's true" he said "I am bad aren't I?". Giles turned to look at the two, realizing what the text may mean. "If I'm reading this right then.my god" he said.
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Chapter 3
As Pike emerged through the blue void in the wall they found themselves back in the Sewer, Only it seemed darker, and Pike immediately noticed that none of his stuff was there, his musty old couch, the candles that usually lit the walls nothing. Pike realized this was it! The ritual had worked! "Ok" Pike whispered to himself "time to check out the new Sunnydale. It can't be as bloody bad as the last one". 4 of his henchmen were also with him in the sewer, the others had been out hunting, but they would soon join him. To the others, Pike merely said "Well, guys, What are you waiting for? Go take a look around, enjoy yourselves!". The Vampires grinned at one another and ran down the tunnels of the sewer in delight. Pike slowly began walking towards the nearest manhole.
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A few moments after Pike had left the mansion, the blue void in the wall emitted another bright flash as another body tumbled out of it. Buffy composed herself to see that she was still in the Sewer. Except now, the candles that had lit the room where gone and the room was a lot more bare. Either way, Pike had left, and he was undoubtedly up to something. Buffy quickly left the sewer.
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"Well, share the knowledge, Giles" Xander said. Giles broke out of his sudden train of thought and said "well, it looks to me like, this err, this text is referring to contact with a parallel universe. Although such a thing is more a scientific theory than a paranormal one, a vampire could still cause a great deal of trouble with that power".
Willow remembered reading something about this in one of her science manuals "You mean like 'Einstein's theory, kind of parallel?" she asked. Giles looked at her through his glasses "Exactly" he confirmed. Xander then made his own contribution to the discussion "Ok, I think I saw something about this in Star Trek, Parallel universe, that's like two Xanders, two Willows, the path not taken...That sort of stuff right?" Giles was still deep in thought and simply replied "Yes, yes I believe so". Willow stood up and said urgently "well, we have to warn Buffy" To this Giles snapped to attention "No, no that's far too dangerous, we must wait until she returns" before Willow or Xander could object Giles added "and she will return, we must trust in that". Willow sat back down with a sigh and there was silence whilst each of them thought about the implications of this discovery.
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Finally Buffy came around the corner towards the high school. As she walked she noticed slight differences in general. The streets were not as clean as she remembered and there was a lot more graffiti surrounding the school walls then she remembered. However, she didn't have time to ponder such things, she needed to see Giles immediately.
Before Buffy could walk up the school steps a Vampire clad in a black leather jacked leapt in front of her, Buffy snapped into fighting position, but as soon as the Vampire saw her face, his reverted to normal human form. "What are you doing out here?" he asked her "I thought you were to stay with the Master tonight?" Buffy just raised an eyebrow and said "huh?" the Vampire looked at her, obviously waiting for an answer "Look" Buffy said "let me make this real clear for you. You and I are mortal enemies, we don't chit chat, we fight". The Vampire looked at her, obviously confused "What? This some kinda joke, Buffy?" Buffy slowly reached behind her and pulled the stake out of her belt, before the Vampire said anything else, she said "I don't have time for this" and staked him quickly. Just before the Vampire turned to dust, there was a look of shock on his face, as if he had not even seen the stake coming, what did he expect? She was the slayer after all. Too busy to think about it, Buffy ran into the school, whose doors, as always, were unlocked.
Buffy quickly rounded the corridor and entered the Library, fully expecting to find Willow, Xander, Giles and possibly Oz, hard at work on reviewing this obviously powerful stone. However, upon entering all she found was Giles, looking uncharacteristically untidy and nervous. His shirt hung out of his trousers and his tie was very loose, his shirt collar all ruffled...was this still Giles? He was reading from a musty book, nothing new there. Buffy began to think something must have happened...slowly she approached him, and he remained totally unaware of her presence until she said quietly "Giles?". Buffy's watcher looked up from his book and a look of shock washed over his face. Giles scrambled for a crucifix that lay on the table and once he had grabbed it he pointed it at her, he then grabbed a stake, also on the table and said desperately "Stay back Buffy, I..I..warn you...Angel will be back soon..." Seeing this made Buffy decide that the pressure had gotten to Giles and he had finally flipped. But as she looked at him, she realized that he really was terrorifed..of..her? She took a step forward and said "Giles?..what..what's gong on here?" Before Giles could stutter another word there was a ferocious snarl from behind her and she was shoved forward landing on the ground hard. After hitting the floor, she looked up to see........Angel!!!
"Angel?" she whispered slowly .. "I.. I killed you" ... Angel wore his Vampire face and said to her "Oh, you tried". To Buffy's surprise, Giles suddenly stood beside Angel, without fear or hesitation. Angel looked over at Giles and said "You know what you have to do", Giles nodded and quickly plunged his stake towards Buffy's chest..her lightening reflexes allowed her to spin onto her side and deliver a swift kick to Giles' arm, knocking the stake flying. Angel went to grab her, but she kicked him hard in the chest, sending him sprawling backwards. As Angel stood about to make another lunge for her and Giles retrieved his stake Buffy screamed "Wait!". Together Angel and Giles stopped, surprised by her call for mercy. Buffy looked at both Angel and Giles, but saw no recollection in their eyes. The fear washed over her now and in barely controlled sobs, she managed to say,"What's...what's going on?" This was not just brought on by her confusion, but by the reality that Angel was not dead, but was here! Alive! And attacking her!! She thought he had been lost forever and her relief at his presence, mixed with the confusion of the situation was too much for her.
Chapter 4
Angel watched Buffy on the floor, barely holding herself back from crying, and it reminded him of the old Buffy. The way she was. Despite himself he allowed his rage to subside, he locked the beast inside of him away again and cautiously asked "What is this? Another one of your tricks?". Giles still held his stake pointed at Buffy, but waited to see her response to Angels question. Buffy stood up slowly which seemed to increase the tension of both Giles and Angel. Buffy wiped the tears out of her eyes, angry at herself for coming over so weak in front of Giles, and said "Look, I just don't understand one damn thing that's going on and why no one can give me a simple straight answer!". Giles slowly lowered his stake and asked "What do you want to know?" ********************
As Pike walked around Sunnydale, he realized that he had been right all along. This was a better world. That sickly sweet effect that Sunnydale had, the perfect green grass, the cute little houses, impeccably clean streets, it was all gone. Sunnydale now was a town of dirty little houses and filthy streets. Graffiti covered a lot of the walls and the shops were all protected by iron bars. Another thing Spike noticed was that he could barely walk for five minutes without one of Sunnydales police cars speeding by him, siren blaring. Obviously the crime rate was higher here too. Either that or there were a lot more vampires.
As Pike strolled through Sunnydales main high street, observing the new and improved Sunnydale with glee, a Vampire leapt out from an alley, wearing his demon face. Pike recognized him, his name was Pierre, one of the masters henchman had sired him in France about 60 years ago, a relatively young Vampire. However, by Pikes recollection, Pierre had been killed by Buffy only two days after he arrived in Sunnydale……obviously not in this world. Pierre realized it was Pike and let his face return to normal. "Pike" he said "sorry, I thought you were human". Pike took a step forward "…..Pierre?" Pierre looked at him questioningly "Long time no see, huh? The Master will be glad you're here." This news immediately put Spike off a little. The Master was here! Great! His greatest hope and become reality. "Pierre" Pike said "it's a long story. Let's go back to the …..You guys are still living in the Sewer right? Pierre shook his head "uh-uh, We run this town my friend. Why would we live in the Sewer. We took over this cool little club in town, The Bronze. Perfect living area". "Good" Pike continued "let's go back there and I'll explain everything." And so Pike and Pierre headed off down the street together.
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"What…what is it you're saying?" Giles asked again. Buffy was staring at Angel, sitting across from her, Giles question snapped her back into reality. "I told you…this stone, the..err….Stone of Vidalis…Vidals or something. It made this big blue glow thing and …well…here I am". Giles nodded "yes, the stone of Vidalius. I've heard of it." Giles went into his office and retrieved one of his musty old books as he began to skip through it, Buffy's gaze was drawn back to Angel.
Despite the almost overwhelming urge Angel felt to just take Buffy in his arms and hold her Angel still held on to the stake in his hand for dear life and remained tense and ready to leap on Buffy should she make any attempt to move. Angel thought of Xander and Willow in order to remind himself of what Buffy had done, of what she had become. "How can we trust you?" he asked her "how? After all you've done, all you've destroyed? You're a bigger killer than I ever was!" Angel raised his voice a little at his point and was surprised to see that Buffy was not coming back with any sharp answers, instead she remained deathly silent and still fought back the tears. Angel was interrupted by Giles voice of reason "Angel!" Giles said sharply "we must keep our perspective here". Angel drew back, but kept his gaze fixed on Buffy.
"That's it!" Giles said after a few moments of reading "I've got it". Buffy sat up and looked at the book Giles read from, there was a drawing in it that looked a lot like the funky stone that Pike had used. "That's it!" Buffy agreed "that's the stone". Giles removed his glasses and looked at Buffy. "If….if I'm interpreting this right" he said "then….then….presuming what you've told us is true" Buffy grew impatient and said "Spit it out Giles".
Giles read the text again and said "the passage refers to the gate to a world, like our own, and nothing like our own…it would appear that the Stone can create a door to……parallel worlds". Buffy remembered this from science class "You mean like Einstein and all that?" Giles nodded slowly. Angel gave a large sigh "Well, beam me up Scotty" he said "You mean that this isn't even Buffy?" Giles spoke softly as he gazed at the young girl before him, a girl he thought was lost forever "Well…Err..yes…she is Buffy, just not the one from this world." Giles sat down and began to explain Einstein's theory "Einstein theorized that everything that can happen, does in fact happen, in a parallel world. Every decision we have to make in our lives has a number of outcomes….a new world is created every time in which one of the outcomes exist...you see?" Angel and Buffy nodded slowly.
Before anyone could say anything else Kendra walked through the door!!, …. Buffy almost leapt out of her seat in delight upon seeing the young slayer who Drusilla had killed so shallowly. As soon as Kendra saw Buffy she drew a stake from her leather jacket and leapt at her. Thankfully Angel leapt in front of Buffy "Wait!" he screamed. Kendra, still speaking with a strong Jamaican accent said "Are you crazy? She's a monster". Angel took the stake out of her hand "no, no she's not…Giles will explain". Kendra sat down as Giles explained everything to her
Once everyone realized that Buffy, was not Buffy, but was! There was silence for a few moments, then Buffy spoke up. "Ok, so if everything that can happen does happen, what in hell happened here?".
Giles looked around the table as everyone hung their heads. Giles took a large breath and ran through the last year or so. "Well, err…. there's so much. It all started when we discovered the Master had gained enough power to open the Hellmouth and release the Demons of hell onto the world" Buffy interrupted when she heard this "But I killed the master!". Giles looked at her, fascinated by this revelation and said "Really?!!" Buffy then realized what she said and finished "in..my universe". "Of course" Giles said…then he continued "Well, in this world, you managed to stop him the first time but you didn't kill him. You merely trapped him underground. I thought that would suffice, but I was wrong. He tried to bring forth the Demon Acathla" Buffy once again spat out "but I thought only Angel could do that!!" Giles answered her "Maybe in your world, but in this world the masters blood was needed. Anyway, you managed to stop him from completing this by destroying the statue of Acathla for good. However, before you escaped to safety the master managed to bite you…and you became a Vampire." Buffy could do nothing but listen to the horrible history of this worlds Sunnydale. Giles continued "Once you were gone, Kendra was dispatched immediately, but she didn't have enough training as you….and was unable to suppress the dark forces as efficiently". Through this Kendra simply nodded, not seeming to take any offence to the others lack of faith in her " with you helping them Buffy, the master was able to increase Sunnydales death toll. A new student died every week and ….now…..a year has passed and Sunnydale has become something of a Ghetto. Only the poorest families live here, because the housing is so cheap, and the town has become a breeding ground for criminals and crackheads. Kendra is coming up against larger groups of Vampires every night and we've recently discovered that the Master is attempting to open the Hellmouth once again." Angel ended Giles speech with "And this time, it looks like he might succeed." Buffy just sat, stunned by the fact that a version of her was a Vampire. "My poor mom" Buffy said "You got that right" Angel replied coldly. Buffy looked at him "What does that mean?" Giles removed his glasses and said…"I'm, err, afraid that when you were, err, sired….the first thing you did was return home and …..errr……kill your mother." Angel then added "And Cordelia". Buffy just sat and listened to this, totally horrified.
Kendra the said "So, how did it happen in your world?". Buffy gave a long sigh and said "well, I managed to stop the Master the first time and kill him. Then a new Vampire came into town…Spike…and I've been fighting him ever since….of course Sunnydale is a much nicer place to live". Angel turned to her and said "looks like you drew the lucky straw". Buffy suddenly realized that a few of her gang were missing "where's Willow and Xander?" she asked looking around the faces at the table. Giles answered her quietly "the ..err.. the first thing Buffy did when she became a Vampire was to sire Xander and Willow too." Buffy formed a lump in her throat as she asked "You mean their…..Vampires?" Giles nodded "I'm afraid so".
Buffy's worst fear was that one day something horrible would happen to her two best friends, and now she was in a world where that fear had become a reality.
"so this is it?" Buffy said "It's just you guys fighting them?" Giles nodded and said "yes…oh, and Oz too, you know him? He's quite an asset what with his being.."
Buffy ended the sentence for him "A Werewolf. Yeah, same deal where I'm from".
Giles added "In fact he's out there right now". Buffy looked startled "you let him out as a Wolf?" Giles nodded again "yes, chances are whatever he kills won't be human anyway". Buffy suddenly realized that the year of hell these versions of her friends had been through had changed them, individual human lives were simply not as important anymore.
Buffy stood from the table and said "ok, enough talk. This town has two slayers now, Kendra..and me! Together we'll be kicking the masters ass all the way back to hell". Giles immediately shook his head "I must protest Buffy, they need you back in your world, if you were killed..."
Buffy nodded in agreement "you're right, but there's this new Vampire around, he's the one who's got the stone and I can't leave the gate open. He's probably gonna go straight to the Master".
The realization suddenly hit Giles "but..you..you must be aware of the prophecy" he said to her…Buffy smiled at this "The Slayer will face the Master and the Slayer will die? Yeah, happened already in my world. We don't have to worry about it, since the Buffy of this world was already killed by the Master, the prophecies already been fulfilled." Giles nodded "of course, how foolish of me".
Chapter 5
Pike and Pierre entered the Bronze, walking past several Vampires outside feeding on Human victims. There was a bar inside, with bottles of thick red blood stacked behind it. A band played a loud song on stage, with words that sounded like "You're already dead my son". On the dance-floor a large group of male and female Vampires danced slowly and rather provocatively. "Masters in his room" Pierre said, pointing to a red curtain at the top of a small flight of steps. "someone to see the master" Pierre said to the large guard outside. He nodded and Pike followed Pierre inside. Pierre kneeled before the Masters throne..and..there he was! The Master! The oldest and wisest Vampire there was..and alive!! Not taken away by that damned slayer! Pike dropped to his knees and said "Master! It is an honour! You don't know how long I've waited to serve you again". The Master raised an eyebrow, obviously recognizing Pike and said "Pike! I thought you were still in London with Spike". Pike grinned at the thought of his counterpart still living with Spike. "Yes, my lord" he said "I am ...and I am not. It's a long story, but I have brought you great power." The Master nodded and then looked at Pierre and said "Leave us!". Pierre left immediately. The Master nodded at Pike and said "continue".
*********************
Back in our ‘Normal universe' Xander, Willow and Giles sat at the school library waiting for Buffy's return. Finally Xander spoke up "ok, it's been an hour. Hands up those who think we should go check". Willows hand immediately shot up, Giles was clearly not amused " I don't think that would be wise" he said quietly. Willow spoke up next "I don't think Buffy would take this long Giles, something's wrong". Xander stood up and said "Willows right, Buffy might need help and god knows that we can't stop Spike without her. Now I don't like being the hero, and I'd love to hide under the table right now, but Buffy deserves better then that". Xander finished his sentence and was surprised at his own conviction. Giles looked and Willow, then at Xander and said "Very well." Giles said "just let me get a few provisions and we'll leave". Xander nodded "of course, provisions, like Stake, holy water..the good stuff!".
****************
As Buffy gathered together what she would need, Giles read through one of his books, trying to find anything he could that might help Buffy. Kendra practiced her fighting techniques against thin air, whilst Oz suddenly staggered through the door, his clothes torn to shreds.
Giles immediately ran up to Oz and helped him to a chair. "How many did you get?" he asked the dazed young student. Oz looked up at him through tired eyes "err…four by my count." Buffy suddenly stepped forward and asked Giles "I thought he couldn't remember what he did as a Wolf?" Oz leapt back in fright upon seeing Buffy. Giles restrained him and spoke softly, saying "It's ok! Oz, it's ok! It's not Buffy". Giles quickly said "We managed to complete an Incantation that allows Oz to have more control over his animal half and remember everything that he does whilst in Wolf-form."
Whilst Giles explained Buffy's presence to Oz, Angel approached Buffy, who was sitting on the steps leading up to the second level of the library, and said "Buffy, I just want to apologize for what I said earlier. I just thought you were...the other Buffy". Buffy smiled at him and then he asked "How did you know only I could raise Acathla? What happened in your world?" Buffy sighed heavily and said "Take a seat" Tapping the step next to her.
Angel sat down and she explained "You errr..you lost your soul again, the curse was broken, and you became a jerk again. You brought back Acathla and so, In order to stop the guy, ...I had to kill you." Angel was the one who was speechless now, uncomfortable in the knowledge that Buffy had killed him in another universe...he was dead!
Angel then spoke after a few moments of silence "Buffy, where you come from…were we ever...I mean, did we?" Buffy finished the sentence for him "Where we a couple?" she said "yes, we were" she answered. "In fact it's the reason the curse was broken. We ...made love..that was your moment of happiness..that's all it takes for the curse to be broken, a moment of true happiness". Angel explained that in this world, he had only just started his relationship with Buffy before the master sired her. They had never gotten the chance to be intimate, although he was in love with her.
"So, I'm like...totally evil here?...no emotion...nothing?" Buffy asked, Angel simply nodded slowly. Suddenly Kendra approached the two and joined in the conversation. "Buffy" Kendra began "I never got to know the Buffy of this universe before she was...killed...but you seemed to recognize me earlier, do we know each other where you are from?" Although Kendra's death was several months over, Buffy suddenly realized how much she missed hearing her name said in that light Jamaican accent. "Kendra" Buffy said "In my world, you're..." Buffy was about to tell the young Slayer that she was dead too, but the look in Kendra's eyes, that look of determination, of friendship...a look Buffy missed...she couldn't do it to her...she owed her more than that "You're one of my best friends" she finished. "Don't ask why there's two slayers" Buffy said "It's a long story".
Once the pleasantries were over and Buffy had everything she needed, they were ready to leave. Everyone was fascinated by the difference in the two universes, especially Giles, unfortunately Buffy didn't have the time to sit down and explain everything to them. "Ok, here I go" Buffy said. Kendra stood up immediately "I'm going wid you" she said "So am I" said Angel "Count me in" Oz chipped in "Err..yes, well, I suppose I had better go too" Giles said. Buffy was taken aback by this different attitude. "What about, ‘sacred duty' yada yada yada?" Buffy asked.
A cold expression suddenly washed over Giles' face and he replied "I used to restrain myself and let you fight the battles on your own Buffy, and what did it get me? A dead Slayer...not this time". With that Giles smartly walked out of the Library. "you're not the only Slayer here Buffy" Kendra said as she followed Giles. "I'm sick of sitting back and letting the Master do what he wants" Angel said as he left the Library, followed by a weary Oz.
"Oh yeah" said Buffy "home sweet home." She then followed her friends out of the Library.
Out in the Hall Giles was insisting that Oz not join them, Oz seemed rather hesitant to sit this one out. "Oz you are far too weak to fight anyone right now, you know you're very important to us…it's too dangerous". Oz looked from one of them to the other and said "oh, that's great! You guys get to go kick ass whilst I have to sit here and wait!". Giles sighed and insisted again "Oz, it's too dangerous in your present condition. Please go and lie down, we won't be long." Buffy stepped forward and put her hand on his shoulder, which she noticed made him cringe a little "Oz, Giles' is right" she said. Oz sighed and said "Ok...but you guys be careful..I don't wanna be doing the slaying on my own". Kendra said "Don't worry, you won't be". Oz wished them luck and headed back into the Library.
Giles looked at the rest of them, all armed with stakes and crosses, apart from Angel, and said "Ok then, let's go". And Giles, Kendra, Angel and Buffy all walked out of Sunnydale high school with the sudden realization that a few of them may not be returning.
Chapter 6
Pike explained to the master about the Heart of Vidalius and how he managed to cross the void between worlds. The Master sat in silence for a moment, then stood from his chair and said "so, you are Pike, yet..not. And in this world which you have come from, the Slayer is alive...and I am ...dead?" Pike nodded and said "Yes, master". Several of the Masters servants stood in the small room and one of them said, "he's lying..
kill him" The master raised his hand before any of his minions could respond "No!" he said. "He has the heart..there must be some truth in what he says". The Master then turned to his servant and said "No one kills anything without my permission….remember that". The servant suddenly looked nervous and said "yes master, of course." The master then said "allow me to call in my secret weapon". Pike looked at the Master and said "Weapon? What weapon?" The master grinned, baring his sharp teeth, and called out "Sweetie? Will you come here for a moment?". To Pikes shock and disgust his nemesis Buffy stepped through the archway into the room, dressed in a black leather jumpsuit, and walked over to The Master.
"I thought she was dead!" Pike said! "Not dead" the Master explained "I sired her. She makes an excellent Vampire, don't you my dear?" Buffy nodded in agreement "Yes Master" she said. Pike couldn't believe the Master had sired The Slayer! "But..But..She's the Slayer!" Pike screamed "not anymore she's not!" The Master confirmed.
The master was thoroughly enjoying Pike's shock and disgust with the whole situation and suddenly announced "oh, that's not the only surprise we have here" he said slowly "Buffy, why don't you introduce our guests to your friends". Buffy grinned, putting on her demon face and called out "guys, why don't you come in here and join us?". To Pikes added shock, the two high school kids who always helped the Slayer, Xander and Willow, suddenly entered the room. Xander wore large leather boots, leather trousers and a thick leather jacket, whilst Willow wore a long flowing black dress.
Pike suddenly let out a loud laugh, "You must be joking!" he said "next thing you know, you'll have that bloody librarian walking in here dressed in leather tweed".
Xander grinned, also wearing his demon face, and said "who's the loser?". Buffy turned to him and said "parallel dimension, there's two of everyone, it's a big mirror thing. Important thing is we get to destroy two worlds". Willow stepped towards the Master and said "Master, when do I get to kill the Slayer...you promised and I'm hungry again". The master placed his clawed hand on Willows head and said "ahh..Willow... My favorite. Such a passion for good blood. Soon my child, Kendra will fall soon, as will the rest of this mortal world." Pike was amazed at how evil these people who he had been observing for the past 2 weeks had become.
It wasn't fair, why couldn't he ever have been this successful!
The master stepped down to Pikes level and said "Very Well, Pike. I will use this portal to destroy both worlds. Myself and Buffy will begin the ceremony to open the Hellmouth here. You will take Xander and Willow and return to your world. Begin preparations there for my arrival. We will create a Hell twice as strong and twice as Evil". Pike bowed his head and said "thank-you Master. You won't regret this". The Masters eyes flashed red "See that I don't" he warned Pike.
Spike turned and walked through the exit main area of the Bronze closely followed by Xander and Willow.
**********************
Back in the Primary universe Xander, Willow and Giles walked through the sewers
with a bag of provisions and each of them carrying a stake and a cross.
"Ok," Xander said to his friends "I can't help but notice that no ones attacking us yet". Giles looked around a little nervously "yes" he replied "I can't actually decide whether that's good or bad."
Willow seemed to be the bravest of the three, being the first to walk into the main area the Master used to inhabit. Followed by Giles and Xander. Willow always seemed to find extra courage when it was in the aid of her friends.
"Oh boy" Willow said "oh boy" she repeated several times. Giles and Xander just stood and looked at the blue void rippling over the far wall of the Mansion. "My god" Giles said "We're too late, somebody must have performed the ritual". Willow turned to the Slayers watcher and said "But if that's true, then where's Buffy?" She asked anxiously. Giles walked cautiously towards the Blue void and said, "I'm afraid to guess".
****************************
**********Alternate Universe***************
-
Buffy and her gang of deputy slayers were only a few roads away from the Bonze now, which, surprizingly to her, was where The Master and his Vampires now resided. "Jeez, where is everybody supposed to hang out' she thought. She also noticed how empty the streets were, even though it was night. "Where is everybody?" she asked. "Curfew" Angel replied "six ‘o clock curfew was imposed by the police department almost a year ago. And a ban on bright clothes. They attract Vampires". Buffy eyes widened "you mean.." Giles continued the explanation "yes" he said "everyone now knows about the existence of Vampires, and that a lot live in Sunnydale. The police to their best, although it's not much help. Despite everyone's awareness of the dangers, the death toll is still very high".
Just as Buffy was chewing over this latest change in the worlds, they arrived on the road which held The Bronze. Buffy smashed the window of a nearby car and unlocked it. She piled everyone in the back seat, then she got in the front. She then turned around to face the others and said "ok everyone, from here on in there's no turning back, so if anyone wants to leave, now's the time..I won't hold it against you." Everyone looked a little nervous, but no one indicated that they wanted to quit. "ok then" Buffy said "here's the plan. I'm a Vampire here, so I shouldn't have any trouble getting in. You guys stay here in the car, and wait for my signal, then you come in….not before!". As Buffy went to get out of the car, Giles called out "how will we know you're signal.?" Buffy turned and grinned at him "You'll know" she replied. Giles called out "Be careful" as she got out of the car and he watched her head for the Bronze.
Buffy knew she shouldn't let her friends, or at least this worlds version of them, join her on this hunt, but it had been a long time since she had faced The Master. The last time he had killed her. If she was to be honest, she was scared. For the first time since she had defeated the Master she was truly afraid of what she was about to face. However, taking one look at this worlds Sunnydale made her realize that someone had to do something. But what If I meet my counterpart, she thought. Will I have to slay myself?
Chapter 7
Back in the primary universe, In an act of bravery and foolishness, Giles shoved his hand into the blue void and immediately yanked it back out when it disappeared without meeting any resistance. ""oh..my" was all Giles could say. Giles pulled his mind together and said "ok. This looks like some type of portal. I would assume that Buffy has gone through to the other side". Xander stepped up and offered "Well then let's follow her". Giles appreciated Xander and Willow's concern for their friend but he couldn't risk all of their lives to go search for the slayer. "no" he said "it's far too dangerous, we have no idea what's on the other side. Besides, Buffy is perfectly capable of handling herself." Giles sat in a beat up old couch and thought for a moment. "I think the best thing to do" Giles said "is to go to the Sunnydale history Museum. I read that the archeologist who found the heart, a Dr. Solan, has studied the mythology surrounding it for much of his life. He's our best hope of closing this gate and getting Buffy back." Xander and Willow were both obviously unhappy with this less direct course of action. However, Giles urged them back outside and they climbed into his car. "ok" Xander said "but if this guy can't help us, I'm coming back with a machine gun". *******************************
*Secondary universe*
Xander, Willow, and Pike all stood in the Sewer. It was bare of all furniture and completely filthy. However, the four were too transfixed on the blue void shimmering on the wall to notice. "Now what?" Xander asked Pike. Pike looked at the now ally who had been his nemesis for so long. "Now, my boy, we enter it".
Willow turned to look at him, obviously not relishing the idea of putting her trust in the blue light. "Trust me" Pike said "just leap on in". Willow bared her fangs to him and replied "you first". Pike gave a large sigh and leaped into the void. Willow then shoved Xander in and leapt in herself.
Pike waited on the other side as Xander came tumbling through, then Willow.
"Here we are" he said "A Sunnydale sweet and innocent. Blissfully unaware of any danger to their pointless little lives". Willow stood up and straightened her black dress and said "good. I'm hungry". Xander stopped her before she walked to the exit and said "no. First we must gather sacrifices for the master, he needs the blood of many to open the gate". Willow's demon face emerged and she complained "But I'm hungry Baby!" Xander stepped forward and said "Hey, don't worry baby. Daddy will get ya some fresh meat whilst we wait..ok?" Willow gave her Vampire lover an evil grin and replied "Thank-you daddy".
From behind them Pike let out a long sigh and said "If you're quite finished!"
Xander turned and said "We're done here. Where can we get some fresh meat?". Pike grinned "I know just the place".
Chapter 8
Buffy approached the entrance to the Bronze and tried not to grimace as she watched several vampires feeding on human victims, too weak to fight back. She fought the urge to help the people, but did so because she realized it was too late for them. Quickly, she took her crucifix necklace off and shoved it into her jacked pocket before anyone noticed it. As she walked past the feeding vampires she wondered why they could not detect the fact that she was human. Didn't vampires have some kinda sixth sense for that? Oh well.
Buffy approached the main entrance and a large guard outside, whom constantly held the face of the demon within him, merely nodded at her as she entered. As Buffy walked inside, she noticed the place was like one big party.... for vampires. There was a band playing a slow rock song...the chorus sounded like .... "dead and loving you".
A bunch of vampires were on the dance-floor re-enacting a scene from ‘
‘Dirty Dancing.'
Suddenly, a feeling of nausea hit Buffy like a tidal wave. As she looked around to find the cause, she realized what it was. She saw herself standing only a few feet away at a table talking to...Harmony! One of Cordelia's old friends. Both were drinking glasses of thick Blood. Strange, from here she looked pretty normal..human in fact. Except for the fact that she was clad in leather pants and a horrible black blouse. She hadn't noticed Buffy, but she did have an uncomfortable look on her face, Buffy reasoned that she must be feeling the nauseating effects too. Obviously a side-effect of being too close to ones counterpart.
Quickly, Buffy ducked out of sight and mingled into a crowd. Buffy looked up at a red curtain at the top of a small set of stairs...closet? dressing room? Who knew. But she had to get out of sight, so she ran up the stairs and dashed quickly behind the curtain. Before Buffy realized where she was she was looking directly into the Masters eyes. He was sitting on a throne, ‘egotist' was the first word that came to Buffy mind before rational though was washed away by total fear.
Buffy thought about trying to run, but before she did, The Master smiled at her and said "bored already, my dear?" He thought she was this worlds Buffy!! She decided she had to play along. Locking away her fear, she forced a smile and replied "yeah. I tried to have a little fun with a boy outside, but he wouldn't let me have a bite! Kept on screaming" she said this in a soppy voice, like a five year old whining to her dad.
It worked though, The Master grinned and said "Humans." The Master then reached into the pocket of his leather tunic and pulled out a key. "why don't you go and play with the puppy". The Master said. ‘The Master has a dog?' Buffy thought. "The...puppy?" she said "Right" she took the key "where is it again?" The master frowned "in his cage in the basement..where else?" Buffy nodded "of course." She turned to leave, perhaps too hurriedly, but before she did the Master said "By the way, I like your change of clothes..so...catching." Buffy looked down at her figure hugging white top and suede jacket, combined with dark green bottoms and said "thanks...Master." She then left the room and just hoped that he hadn't suspected anything.
*********************
<Primary universe/ evil Xander and will>
Pike, Xander and Willow just finished off a young student who had been walking by, in an alleyway. Xander let the boy’s lifeless body hit the ground with a thud and said “what are these people, stupid? Running around after sunset.” Pike sighed and said “I told you, people here don’t believe in vampires! At least for the most part.”
Willow grinned and wiped the blood from her mouth. “I think it’s wonderful. It’s like Disney-land!”
“Hey look” Xander pointed to another couple. A young boy and a girl, not any older than Xander himself, walking along happily, enjoying each others company, blissfully unaware of the danger awaiting them. “Oh goody” Willow said “we can collect them for the Master”.
Xander walked towards the two and said “excuse me, got the time?” the boy looked at his watch and said “yeah, sure...10:30” Xander expected one of them to scream or run, as anyone in his world would, most people there would have recognized him as a Vampire. However, these two just stared at him, waiting for him to leave. “Amazing” Xander said. The boy then said, a little impatiently “something else I can help you with, Buddy?” Xander laughed and then said “yeah, let me show you something.” He turned his face away from them, then span back around with his demon face on, snarling. The couple screamed and tried to run out into the street. Before they could get too far, Willow leapt on the girl and bit into her shoulder. Xander attacked the boy, who tried to fight back admirably, but Xander hit him once and he was sent sprawling to the floor.
Before Xander had a chance to deliver a final blow, a screeching made him spin around. Before he could move a small car smashed into him, sending him sprawling. Willow looked up into the cars headlights and snarled. Pike immediately took a step towards the car and recognized the man who got out as Buffy’s watcher, the Librarian. Before he had a chance to attack the watcher he was gripped with fear and tried to suppress violent shudders as Giles flashed a cross in his face.
Xander and Willow, the human Xander and Willow, leapt out of the car and dragged the young girl and boy into it as the three vampires back away. Xander looked at the vampires and thought ‘man those guys look familiar’. Then he realized who they were and was stunned. All he could say was "oh..my...god". Giles said to him, "Xander we don’t have time for praying..get in the Car!".
Giles threw the cross at the three vampires, which forced them all to jump back, then he leapt into the car and slammed his foot down on the accelerator, plunging threw the little group of demons.
Xander, Willow and Pike could only watch as their prize sped out of reach.
"Dammit!!" Xander yelled. "You mean that goody goody Librarian is still alive in this world?" Pike merely glanced at Xander and said “fraid so mate”.
************************
Giles checked the young girls pulse. He recognized the boy from school, his name was Robert, and the girl was Tanya. A nice couple, they didn’t deserve this, no one does. The girl had a weak pulse, but it was there at least. “What the hell was that, man?” screamed the boy as he came to. Giles looked up from the girls bloody body and said “it was, err, Cannibals! That’s right, escaped Cannibals. Not to worry though, the police will handle it.” The boy looked deeply concerned and said “Is...is she gonna be ok?” Giles took out a handkerchief and pressed it down hard on the wound on her shoulder. Giles looked up at Robert and said “err, yes, yes I’m sure she’ll be fine”. Xander was driving, something he had only been legally allowed to do now for only a short time. “Xander” Giles called “change of plan, take us to Sunnydale hospital.” Xander swerved around a corner in order to move in the direction of a hospital.
Willow sat next to Giles completely pale. She looked at Xander, who just stared at the road ahead as he drove, saying nothing. “Xander” Willow began “Where they..where they who I think they were?” Xander didn’t look at her, instead he continued to stare at the road and replied “yeah, either I have a twin brother a never knew about, or Buffy not the only one using the big bluey thingy”. Willow looked at Xander out of the corner of her eye and said “can you believe they’re...we’re ... I mean, that there’s a version of us that are...” “Vampires?” Xander finished off for her “no, it’s not a pretty picture is it? And I mean, that guy, sure he looked like me, but the leather jacket and the boots...and the fangs!”. Willow drifted back for a moment and said “I haven’t seen you dress like that since that time you were taken over by Hyenas”. Recognition washed over Xanders face and he said “oh yeah. I guess I was dressed kinda weird then”.
Giles meanwhile, apart from trying to comfort poor Tanya, who was only semi-conscious, and Robert who was fully conscious and in a state of shock, managed to overhear Xander and Willows conversation, and thought about how bad things must be in this next world if Xander and Willow had become Vampires there. Where was their Buffy? Why had she not been able to save her friends? and to think that his Buffy was now in that world! The worst disgrace for a watcher is to lose his assigned slayer, the one whom he is supposed to look out for, supposed to prepare for every possibility. Giles hoped he would not be facing such a disgrace soon.
<Primary Universe>
Giles, Xander and Willow arrived at the Sunnydale Museum. The three got out of the car and approached the front doors. Giles pushed one of the doors and it creaked open. "Strange" Giles said "You would think it would be locked by now". As they stepped inside Xander asked "So, how do you know this guy’s gonna be here late at night?" Giles slowly walked down the corridor and replied to Xander, with Willow in tow "Because the paper said he would be using the Museum as residence”.
Xander and Willow followed Giles down to the Mythology department, where Giles presumed the good Dr. would be working. “I’ve always wanted to be in a museum at night” Willow commented “there’s something creepy about it, but also fun. Not that I think we should break into Museums for fun or anything, but at least this is educational and frightening.” “Oh yeah” replied Xander “they should schedule Vampire school trips for the kiddies”.
The three slowly entered the Mythology department, housing the staff offices. It was dark, but Giles could make out a light down the hall from them. “Wait here” Giles said “I’m going to, err, ask Dr. Solan some questions”. Xander and Willow stood still and watched Giles walk down the hall towards the light.
“Dr. Solan?” Giles inquired when he reached the office with the light on. He looked around the room, and saw whom he presumed to be Dr. Solan asleep at a desk at the far end of the room. He had his head resting on the desk. Giles walked up to the desk and, gripping the doctors shoulder, gently shook him. “Dr. Solan” Giles whispered “Dr. Solan, please wake up”. Just when Giles was about to start shaking the doctor more violently, he saw blood trickling on to the desk. “Oh..my” Giles whispered to himself. Giles turned to run out of the door, only to find the same Vampire who had attacked the young couple along with the Vampire versions of Xander and Willow standing by the door.
“Ahh..you found the dear doctor” The new Vampire said. “I’m afraid he’s dead tired at the moment”. The vampire said with a grin. Giles was still trying to work out where he had come from, he hadn’t been there a minute ago. “I knew you would probably come here” the vampire continued “try to find out more about the Heart, how to use it. I’m Pike by the way” Pike introduced himself “And you’re Giles, may I call you Giles?” Giles scanned the room for an available weapon, he couldn’t see one in reach.
Suddenly two new figures entered the room “Xander and Willow you already know” Pike said. It was the vampire Xander and Willow!! Giles found the physical likeness remarkable. Xander wore large leather boots, leather trousers and a thick leather jacket, whilst Willow wore a long flowing black dress.
“Hey Giles” The Vampire Xander said “Long time no see”. Willow grinned at Giles and said “How have you been Giles? Mmmmm...tasty”.
Just when Giles thought his time was up, the Xander Giles knew and loved (well, maybe not loved!) hit his counterpart in the back of the head with a fire extinguisher. Willow was with him, and held a crucifix in the direction of the three vampires. Evil Xander stood up and looked Xander over, "Man, I used to be such a nerd!" He exclaimed. Xander tried not to look shocked at coming face to face with his own self and replied "I’d love to stay and beat myself up, but I gotta run...Giles?" Giles ran in between the three vampires as they were shielding their faces from the cross Willow held. Willow quickly threw the Cross at them and slammed the door shut.
Xander, Willow and Giles, Knowing it wouldn’t be long before their other halves regained their composure, tore down the hall towards the Museums exit as quickly as possible.
Once outside, Giles leapt into the car and went to start it, however, it wouldn’t start!! “Come on!” Giles screamed. Willow pulled Giles out of the car, “Giles come on!” she screamed “we have to get out of here, leave the car, leave it!”.
Giles climbed out of the car and followed Xander and Willow in running towards the center of Sunnydale in a panic.
***************************
<Back in Alternate universe>
Buffy, Angel, Giles, Kendra and Spike all entered the old Abandoned church in which the Master use to reside, in the sewer. The blue void still shimmered on the wall. “Wait!” Kendra said “let me go wid you, I can help”. Buffy looked at the small gang “no, I can’t risk it. You have to stay here in case this new guy returns with the stone.” Buffy was about to step through the void when Spike grabbed her arm “Not so fast sweetie. We had a deal, I kept my part, I helped you fight off those vampires back at the bronze. Now, take me with you”. Giles stepped forward in protest “Buffy you can’t!” he said. Buffy merely held her hand up to silence him and said to Spike “Ok, but you remember our deal, no killing, and you leave Sunnydale immediately.” Spike merely nodded. Buffy looked at Giles and the gang and siad “don’t worry, I’ll be back before this thing closes to help you with the Master”. Buffy stepped through the void and Spike followed her in.
***********************
<Primary universe>
Giles, Xander and Willow had been running for about 15 minutes. They had noticed by now that the three vampires were hot on their tracks. Suddenly however, they had vanished, nowhere to be seen. Xander stopped running, as did Giles and Willow. “Where are they?” Willow asked. “Maybe they gave up” Xander offered. “Rather unlikely” Giles said “Vampires, as a rule, don’t allow their prey to escape”.
As if responding to Giles’ warning, The Evil Xander and Willow and Pike all jumped out from a local side Alley. “Humans!” Xander cried “you’re not worth the flesh you’re printed on! You actually thought you could get away!”.
Willow was frozen with fear, but was also fascinated at this vampire version of herself, and Xander. In a way, her alter-ego had some attributes Willow envied. She was obviously sexier and a hell of a lot more confidant than she was. Willow reasoned that there must be some small part of her inside this demon, some part that remembered her human life, her love for Xander and Buffy and Oz. Bravely, Willow took a step forward.
"you can’t do this!" Willow protested. Evil-Willow looked at her human counterpart in surprise "Really?" evil Willow said "and why not, Baby?". Willow took a deep breath and said "because you’d be killing yourselves. I know you’re not human and that you demons and everything, but there must be some part of you that remembers being human. Something that remembers love and friendship.” Xander and Giles stared at Willow as if she had lost her mind and Giles whispered “Willow! You cannot reason with Vampires!”. Willow suddenly linked hands with Xander, and entwined their fingers, like they always use to throughout their being best friends. “Here” Willow said “remember this?!”.
The Vampire Willow and Xander looked at Willow’s act of affection in recognition. “Yeah” EvilXander said “I remember that. You remember how comfortable that was baby?”. Evil -Willow grinned at her lover “yeah. That was fun” she giggled. Evil-Xander grinned again “the good old days!”.
Pike stared wide-eyed at his two vampire companions and then screamed “you idiots!! What are you doing??!! You’re bloody demons, so act like it!!”
For a moment, Willow, Xander and Giles actually thought that their vampire counterparts were going to feel sympathy and let them go. Evil-Xander however, had other ideas “Ok” he said “enough reminiscing, it’s snack time”.
“Wait” Willow cried “you can’t do this!!!” Evil-Xander laughed and said “that a fact, sweet-cheeks? Who’s gonna stop me? You?”
Suddenly Evil-Xander was kicked in the back and went crashing to the ground. Buffy now stood in his place “No” she said “that’s my job!”. Evil-Xander stood up, surprise written all over his face. “Are you insane!”??” he screamed “what are you doing??!” Before Buffy could offer a reply, Evil Willow answered evil-Xander’s question, “She’s not Buffy” she said “it’s the slayer!”.
“Buffy’s counterpart” Evil-Xander said. “Oh goody” Willow replied “twice the fun!”
Evil Willow was about to leap on Buffy when she was grabbed from behind by..Spike!! “Hello sweetie!” he said. “Bad Puppy” Evil Willow replied, although Spike had her by the throat. “Get off of her!!” Evil Xander screamed as he leapt onto Spike.
Buffy was attacked by Pike meanwhile. She knocked him to the ground and said “so, you’re the one who caused all this.” Pike grinned at her from down on the floor and put his game face on. “Name’s Pike” he said “nice to meet you...Buffy.” With that, he leapt onto her and she grappled with him.
Giles, Xander and Willow meanwhile, simply stood, watching Buffy and Spike fight the three vampires. “Run for cover!” Giles cried and pushed Xander and Willow behind a parked van, hoping that Buffy knew what she was doing, and wondering what the hell Spike was doing back in Sunnydale.
************************************
It had been almost 35 minutes since Spike and Buffy had leapt through the void and Angel, Giles and Kendra still sat in the Masters old lair, awaiting her return. "It’s been over half an hour!" Angel protested "shouldn’t we follow her in?". Giles shook his head "no." he replied "Buffy can handle herself, besides that not our world and we have not right to, uh, cross the barrier. It’s not right". "Spike didn’t worry about that" Angel replied.
"What’s that?" Kendra asked. Giles looked up "uh, what’s what?. The ground rumbled slightly beneath them "that!” Kendra replied. Angel stood, “oh no” he said “it’s happening. We were too late!”. Angel stood and ran our of the junction in which they stood. “Too late for what?” Giles Cried “Angel!!”.
Giles and Kendra followed Angel out and saw him climbing the iron ladder out of the sewers. Giles and Kendra followed him out and found him standing motionless in front of the school. “Angel” Kendra said “what is it?”. Angel pointed to the town square, just beyond the cemetery “look” he said “it’s begun”.
Giles and Kendra stared out across the cemetery, same as Angel and what they saw made they’re blood run cold. There was a gaping crater in the ground and out of it shone a fiery red light. Suddenly purple tentacles began crawling out of the crater, making way for some large creature. “He’s done it.” Giles said, spitting the words out as if they caused a bad taste in his mouth. “They have opened the mouth to hell”. Kendra hung her head, a little ashamed. She was the slayer! She was supposed to stop this from happening. Truth is, after what happened to Buffy, Kendra had kept making excuses to not face the Master, she had been too afraid. And now, this was the result of her cowardice. Armageddon.
Giles looked up at the high school. A monument to the human race, about to become obsolete. Suddenly, on the high school roof, Giles noticed two figures. Giles adjusted his glasses, and was able to make them out. It was the Master and..Buffy! The Vampire version of Buffy. They were looking very happy with themselves.
*******On the school roof***************
“Finally, my dear...we have succeeded”. Buffy grinned at her Master, pleased at his success. “Yes Master” Buffy replied “congratulations. You’ve destroyed the world”. the Master turned to his favourite vampire “yes, I have haven’t I?. I just wish Darla could have lived to see it. She would have loved this.” The Master was a little saddened at the memory of Darla, who had been his favourite for four hundred years. And, in a way, the master was now sharing his success with her killer...and yet..not her killer.
************Primary Universe****************
“You bloody Idiot!” Spike screamed as he held evil Xander up by his throat “you think you’re a big bad vampire? You’re still a baby compared to me! Thought you were real tough when I was locked in that cage didn’t ya? Well, let’s see ya try it now shall we?”
Buffy meanwhile, was having a grand old time with Pike, who, although his centuries of experience, was taking quite a beating from the slayer. Finally Buffy delivered a hard kick to his chest, and sent Pike crashing to the floor. Before he could get back up, Buffy slammed her foot down on his neck, rendering him helpless. Buffy bent down and frisked Pike’s pockets. "where is it?" Buffy said "where’s the stone?". Pike began laughing, despite the immense pressure Buffy’s foot was putting on his neck. Buffy eased up a little, to allow him to speak. In a hoarse voice, Pike said "did you really think I kept it? The Master has the stone, and soon you and you’re little friends will know the true meaning of Hell!!”
The realization of this shocked Buffy. If the Master had the stone, then no one was safe, she had to return to the other Universe and get it back.
Meanwhile, Giles, Xander and Willow still hid behind the large Van. Giles was flicking thought a pocket-sized brown book. Xander looked at him and said “Hey Giles, are Buffy and the blood-sucking demons boring you?”. Giles looked up from the book “uh, no” he replied “I managed to take Dr. Solans pocket diary from the Museum. I think I may have, uh, found a...a way to uh, close the portal we saw, and effectively send all who have crossed over back there.” Willow and Xander perked up at this “Well, that’s great!” Xander said “so we’re waiting….why?”. Giles then took a deep breath and said “there’s a, uh, slight problem. I need the, uh, the stone to complete the ritual”. Willow sighed “well, that new vampire that Buffy’s fighting has it, right?”. Giles nodded “yes I, uh, I think so”.
******Alternate universe*********
The Master and Buffy watched as several large, tentacled creatures emerged from the Hellmouth. “Ahhh…the Scarpedons” the Master recognized the slimy beasts “it’s been so long since they last walked the earth.” Raising his voice a little the master cried “Welcome home, my friends”. The slimy beasts didn’t seem to notice, they seemed too buys crushing Sunnydales surrounding buildings.
Angel, Kendra and Giles watched as the Giant slimy creatures began to trample the shops and stores in the center of Sunnydale. “My God..” Giles muttered. Angel now noticed several other creatures emerging from the Hellmouth. Several Demons leapt out of the mouth, without the benefit of human bodies they looked significantly uglier than the average Vampire. They immediately bowed their heads in respect of the Master and then began searching for mortals to feed on. “Quickly!” Giles cried “back to the sewer or they’ll track us!!”. Angel and Kendra leapt back down into the sewer with Giles right behind them.
********Primary universe**************
Buffy took her foot away from Pike’s throat and he went to leap up, however, Buffy slammed her stake into his chest and he staggered, muttered “you’re..too...late” then fell to the ground bursting into dust. Buffy then turned to see the Vampire Xander being lifted off the ground by his throat by Spike. She was about to help Spike when something leapt on her back, she managed to throw the assailant over her shoulder and they hit the ground with a thud. The young Vampire spun around to face the slayer and Buffy was taken aback when she realised her attacker was the Vampire Willow. "aww Buffy!" Evil Willow said "I thought we were friends". Buffy drew her stake and said "you are NOT Willow". Willow put her game face on and leapt at Buffy. Buffy spun 360 degrees and landed a kick in Vampy Willows stomach sending her crashing to the floor. Buffy spun around and was just about to slam the stake in Willows back when she noticed the Vampire was sobbing. “ok” Buffy said “Vampires don’t cry...do they?”. The vampy Willow hid her face from Buffy, but spoke in choken sobs “I’m sorry Buffy” she said “but It’s all your fault anyway. All your fault. I was your friend, and you killed me, you killed Xander and you killed me!” she sobbed. Buffy lowered her stake and felt guilt and immediate sympathy for this version of Willow, who had once been friend to her counterpart. “Willow...it wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t me...it was a vampire...you know I’d never hurt you or Xander”. The Vampy Willow appeared not to hear her “No Buffy! It was you, you let the Master win, we trusted you and you killed us!”.
Buffy knelt down beside the sorry Willow and put her hand on her shoulder. Buffy found she herself was now near to tears “Willow I am so sorry.” Buffy said “You’re my best friend Willow, you know that”. A tear now streamed down Buffy face.
Suddenly Vampy Willow spun around, wearing her game face, “YOUR FAULT!” she screamed as she leapt on top of Buffy. Buffy struggled to throw the vicious Willow off, but she was too strong. Buffy outstretched her hand to try and reach her stake, but it was too far away. Buffy then looked to Spike for support, but saw that Vampy Xander had somehow overpowered him and was not brutally kicking him in the stomach as he lay on the floor.
“Don’t worry Buffy” Willow said “I’ll go easy on yer”. Willow bared her fangs and lowered her mouth to Buffy’s neck. Buffy closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable pain. Suddenly Willow flew off Buffy and when the slayer opened her eyes, Angel stood before her. “you ok?” he said helping Buffy stand up “How did you..?” she asked Angel replied “we came through the portal because the, uh, the master..he...” Buffy felt her stomach muscles tighten, “He what?” she asked. Angel lowered his head “He’s opened the Hellmouth on the other side”. Buffy felt as if all the wind had been knocked out of her. She looked to the alternate Giles and Kendra and saw the expressions on their faces. They were now out of hope.
Suddenly, Primary Giles came running up to Buffy followed by Xander and Willow. “Buffy” he called “Are you..?” Giles noticed his counterpart and approached him slowly. “Are, you...uh..” he began. Giles’ counterpart replied “yes I, uh, I suppose so”. Under normal circumstances, watching two Giles’ interact with each other would have been hilarious. However, Giles realized he had to act quickly. Turning away from his doppelganger and facing Buffy, Giles said "Buffy, I have a uh, a way to close the door between worlds. I just need the uh, the...the stone."
Buffy look around, Spike was still laying on the floor, the evil Xander and Willow were nowhere in sight. Buffy shook her head "that’s gonna be problem considering the Master has it, and he’s opened the Hellmouth in the other world". Giles now turned pale "he’s..he’s what?". Giles’ counterpart nodded "that’s right, our world is apparently, uh, doomed".
Whilst Xander and Willow began to talk to Kendra, not letting on that she was dead in this world, just that they hadn’t seen her in a while, Buffy noticed a atmosphere between her Giles and the alternate Angel, obviously a result of Giles’ torture at the hands of Angel when he was trying to raise Acathla.
Spike now joined the small crowd “ok, what the bloody hells all this?”. Giles looked to Buffy for an explanation, she simply said “later Giles”.
Suddenly a rough voice rose above the crowd. “A Bloody Hell his exactly what this world is about to become”. Everyone spun around to face the Master. Behind him stood the three vampires. Buffy, Willow and Xander.
Evil Buffy stepped from behind the master and looked her counterpart up and down, “Jeez, my mortal look was so dull” she said, “Yeah, well what’s with the gothic look?” Buffy spat back. Giles was now totally confused, as was everyone else.
The Master smiled, an ugly sight, and said “Well, this is a wonderful little reunion, but…Hell waits for no man, or demon”. The Master simply raised his hand into the air and the ground began rumbling. “Buffy, that’s the first sign of the opening of the Hellmouth” Angel warned “we don’t have long”.
Buffy whispered to everyone as the master concentrated his power “ok, Giles...both Giles’ you find somewhere safe, that includes you guys” she indicated Xander and Willow “Spike, Angel, Kendra you three will distract my counterpart and the vampires of Xander and Willow whilst I get the stone off of the Master”. Giles protested “Buffy..!” but was cut short by her saying “Giles..I have to..it’s the only way. Now Go!!” Both Giles’s ran for shelter, as did Xander and Willow. “A World with two Giles’s” Buffy said “now that’s scary”.
Buffy turned to Spike “Are you still with us? You know if the master opens the Hellmouth you’re going back in the cage”. Spike thought for a moment “I feel like a bloody traitor” Spike said “but yeah, yeah alright, I’ll help”. Buffy nodded.
The Master suddenly turned his attention to the Fleeing Giles’s and Xander and Willow. “Get them!” he ordered the evil Buffy, Xander and Willow. The three vampires turned to chase them, but Angel, spike and Kendra stepped in their way “Going somewhere?” Angel said. The gang began fighting and the Master turned to face Buffy “just you...and me!” he said.
Buffy picked up her stake. “the final showdown huh?”. The Master grinned “Oh, I’ve been through this before” he said “now how did it end, let me see...oh that’s right, You Died!”. Buffy winced slightly at the memory of the last time she personally faced the Master a few years back, and how he had almost killed her, now she had to face him again.
Buffy suddenly saw the stone in the Masters hand, she had to get it! Buffy ran up to the Master and fly-kicked him in the chest. He stumbled back a little, but it was Buffy who fell to the floor. She quickly got up and hit the Master in the face. The Master laughed out loud and said "really Buffy, you’ve gotten weaker!". The Master dealt Buffy a hard back-hand that sent her flying backwards into a lamp-post. Buffy was already out of breath and aching, but knew she couldn’t quit.
However, before the dizziness buzzing around Buffy’s head disappeared, the Master was standing before her. He grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the ground. Buffy’s feet scrambled to find solid ground, but she quickly realized her feet were not on the ground! Buffy did notice however, that the tremors that were shaking the ground were becoming more violent. The Hellmouth would soon be open in this reality as well.
The Master looked into Buffy’s eyes and said “ I’m going to give you the chance that few slayers before you have had, my dear. I can kill you now, or you can become a vampire, like your counterpart and help me rule the world. Your voice would be second only to my own.” The masters grip on Buffy’s throat was very strong, and it was becoming increasingly hard for her to breath. Buffy managed to choke out one final sentence of rebellion “Go..to...Hell!!”. she choked. The Master grinned “oh I will. Pity, I’ll miss these little chats of ours. Goodbye Buffy”. Just as the Master was about to deliver Buffy a fatal twist, breaking her neck. Kendra leapt on his back and dug her nails into his eyes. The Master Screamed in pain and let Buffy drop to the ground.
Buffy landed on the side-walk and swallowed gulps of air, thankful to be breathing again. Buffy looked up to see the Master struggling to get Kendra off of his back and noticed something fall to the ground, the stone!! Buffy grabbed it and called out “Giles!!”. Humorously, both Giles’s peeped out of an alley and said “yes?”. To her despair, Buffy realised that she had no idea which was which. So, Buffy simply threw the stone, which on of the Giles’s caught and said “there’s the stone, start the ritual!”.
Buffy turned around to see that the Master had flung Kendra off of his back and, wiping blood out of his eyes, he pulled a dagger out of his belt and as Kendra stood up, shoved it into Kendra’s stomach. He then staggered back as Kendra slumped to the floor, rubbing his eyes vigorously.
Buffy ran and knelt beside Kendra, holding her in her arms. “Buffy” Kendra whispered “I tried to be a good slayer….I did….good?”. Buffy nodded, tears streaming down her face “yeah, you did good Kendra, you did real good” he assured her. Kendra smiled in satisfaction, then her body went limp and her expression blank. Buffy layed her body gently onto the floor and stood to face the Master.
“No More” Buffy said. "What?" the Master said, apparently amused. "No more" Buffy repeated "you kill my friends, you ruin my life, try to destroy our world, It stops here!". The Master was totally amused by this forceful attitude and said "and just how do you propose to stop me?" he said. Buffy didn’t answer, she merely leapt at him. The Master tried to block Buffy’s blows, but he found that, despite his great strength, the ferocity of Buffy’s attack was fueled by rage and he was not as able to block her.
Buffy’s punches and kicks were coming too fast for the Master to handle and he ended up flying to the floor, following a vicious kick from Buffy.
Buffy then turned to check on Angel and Spike, and found that the Vampy Willow was motionless on the floor, Evil-Xander was holding his ribs in pain, and her counterpart was fighting both Angel and Spike alone, and doing damned well.
Before Buffy could intervene however, Giles’ came walking out of the Alleyway and was just finishing off a sentence in Latin. “Nacumo!” he screamed “Nacumo Unse!!”.
Suddenly, before all of them, a large black whirlpool opened and Giles screamed “that’s it! It’s done!”. Buffy ran over to him and said “what’s done?”. Giles explained quickly “all those who have crossed over from the other universe will be sucked in, but it won’t affect anyone who belongs in this one”. Buffy suddenly realized that meant that the alternate Angel and Giles would be stuck in the other universe, in the middle of Hell!!
Buffy then noticed that, whilst she felt nothing, all the alternate reality people, Spike, The Master, Her counterpart and the Evil Willow and Xander, were all being blown, their clothes, their hair, as if by a strong wind, though Buffy felt nothing. Her counterpart was the first to go, she went flying into the black whirlpool screaming “Masteerrrr!!” The Master managed to grab a-hold of a lampost and was using it was an anchor. Whilst Angel and Spike were clinging onto a bench.
The real Giles, Xander and willow were watching all this with fascination. Giles’s counterpart however, made no attempt to hold on to anything. Gile’s said to his counterpart “If you have the scriptures of Orias in your world, I believe they have some text on how to close the hellmouth! Perhaps you can save your world” Giles screamed to his counterpart over the howling of the winds. His counterpart, smiled and nodded, then ran towards the Whirlpool and was sucked in.
The Evil Xander and Willow went next, Willow first, screaming Xanders name, who then let go off the car he clung to and flew into the void.
“Buffy!” Spike screamed “We had a deal!!”. Buffy shouted over the high winds “I’m sorry Spike, there’s nothing I can do. Thanks for your help!”. The piece of bench Spike held onto then snapped, and he flew into the whirlpool looking very angry. Buffy knelt by Angel and shouted out “I’m so sorry Angel. I can’t believe I’m losing you again!.” Once again, Buffy was near tears.
Angel clung to the bench for dear life and screamed “as long as one of our worlds is safe, there’s still hope. I’ll never forget you Buffy, and remember..Never give up!!"
With that Angel let go of the bench and flew backwards into the void, followed by Kendra’s corpse.
The Master still clung to the lamp-post. He looked over at Buffy and screamed "You haven’t won slayer, you’re friends are in my Hell now!". With that, he let go of the lamp-post and fell into the Whirlpool. As soon as the Master had passed through, the whirlpool shrunk very quickly until it disappeared. Leaving a rather bewildered Buffy, Giles, Xander and Willow in silence.
Buffy felt as though she was totally emotionally exhausted. She had seen her two best friends dead and possessed by Vampires, watched Kendra die again right in front of her eyes and had to go through the trauma of losing Angel again, allin one night.
Without warning, Buffy broke into a sob and started to cry, not just for Angel, but for the live of all her friends in the other universe. The emotions just overwhelmed her and tears streamed down her cheeks. Xander put his hand on Buffy’s shoulder and said “aww, Buffy, It’ll be ok, c’mon don’t cry”. “I’m sorry” Buffy said “It’s stupid, I know. I’m the slayer, I should be tougher”.
In a out of character show of emotion, Giles embraced Buffy, and whilst hugging her told her “now Buffy, that’s nonsense. Just because you’re the slayer doesn’t mean you aren’t human. There’s no shame in crying”. Willow then wrapped her arms around Buffy’s other side and Xander around Willow and the four of them stood there, in the street, comforting one another. They had all been through a hell of a night.
**********Alternate Universe***********
The Master sat in his throne in the Bronze. All around him lay rotting human remains. Outside monsters and demons of all shapes and sizes walked the Earth. Hell on Earth had finally come to pass. Once the whirlpool had closed, Giles and Angel and Spike had escaped before he could kill them, and the Master had been told that it would still take time to bring the whole planet under their control and that there were humans fighting them still. “no matter” the Master had said “we are the superior race, it is only a matter of time before the world is ours to control”.
Buffy handed the chain to the Master, at the end of the chain hung a small red piece of Gemstone. “ahh...a small piece of the heart” the Master said “lucky your counterpart was too stupid to notice this piece breaking off of the rest of the stone”.
The Master then yanked the chain he was holding in his hand, the chain connected to an iron collar, which was firmly clamped around Vampy Buffy’s neck. Buffy winced slightly at the yanking of the chain. “And you!” the master said “I would not have to re-open the portal if you had stopped your weak counterpart in the first place!”. The Master yanked the chain again and Buffy winced again, then said “Master, If I may speak”. The Master nodded and said “never let it be said that I don’t listen to my children, even when they fail me!”.
Buffy continued “Master it was the traitor who failed you. Angel sided with the slayer, again! All I ask is that you allow me, your humble servant, to administer his punishment when we catch him and that watcher." The Master smiled and replied "You’re trying to manipulate me! Oh, how sweet." The Master then stroked his chin and said "Very Well! Take Willow and Xander and find Angel and the librarian. And whilst you are disposing of them, I will be destroying our friends in the other universe!" The Master laughed heartily then looked down at Buffy. The threw the chain at her and said “Get started!”. Xander helped Buffy take the chain off, then said “Master, do you really think we can open the portal again with only that little piece of the stone?”. The Master nodded “anything is possible, my boy, anything is possible.”
***********Primary universe******************
It was the next day and Buffy, Cordelia, Xander, Willow, Oz and Giles all stood outside Sunnydale high school, discussing the previous nights events. “Oh My god” Cordelia exclaimed “I cannot believe I am dead in that other universe!” then she turned to Buffy and said playfully “and I can’t believe you killed me you psycho!”.
“This is heavy” Oz said “So, Giles, you found anything on helping me control the wolf more?”. Giles sipped his tea and shook his head “I’m afraid not. Whatever spell my counterpart used, I haven’t, uh, found it yet.” Oz was a little disappointed.
“so what do you think happened to all our counterparts?” Buffy asked Giles. Giles looked around the group and said “Well, suffice to say, some of them are probably, uh, dead now that the, uh, the Hellmouth has been opened on their side. However, I found my counterpart extremely resourceful. I think he and Angel probably are hiding somewhere, and who knows, if my counterpart can find the, uh, the spell for closing the Hellmouth, they still may have a chance.
“I’m just glad I never have to face the Master again” Buffy stated. “So, what happened to that cool stone thing?” Cordelia asked. Giles reached into his pocket and pulled out the stone “you mean the, uh, the Heart of Vidalius. Well, I’m thinking of, uh, sending it to a museum, unfortunately, it was chipped in Buffy confrontation with the Master, so a piece of it is broken off.” Buffy grinned “oops, clumsy me”.
All this talk of Masters and stones and vampires...anyone for Pizza?” Xander quipped. Before anyone could answer the school bell rang, signaling the start of lessons. “Looks like the pizza’s gonna have to wait” Buffy said. The group said their good-byes, Giles promised he would continue to look for a spell to help Oz’s “animal side”. Xander and Cordelia went off to their Modern history class, whilst Giles headed for the library. Willow kissed Oz goodbye and caught up with Buffy, they had Computer class together.
“Buffy, you ok?” Willow asked cautiously. Buffy smiled at her “you mean the whole Angel thing? No, not really. It was hard enough having to kill him the first time, now I had to condemn him to hell on earth." Willow patted her friends back "It wasn’t your fault Buffy. You saved the world again."
Buffy smiled "I did didn’t I?". Buffy gave a long sigh "I don’t know, maybe that other universe brought up buried thoughts that none of us wanted to face." Willow frowned "what do you mean?” Buffy shook her head "I don’t know. Like how the other Willow and Xander are vampires. It made me think, what if I’m not always there to protect you? What if one time .." Willow stopped her mid-sentence "You know what that other world taught me?” Buffy shrugged “Move to Miami?” Willow grinned “no silly, It taught me that the world would be a much darker place without Buffy summers!”. Buffy grinned “Awww..and it taught me that Buffy summers is a much darker person without her Willow...and I don’t look good in black!”
“Guess I doomed to never have a good relationship in Sunnydale” Buffy said as they reached their Computer class “Ice cream parlor after school?” Willow asked “Just try and stop me” Buffy said grinning.
And so we leave Sunnydale at this moment, with the Scooby gang safe in class, the Master tucked away in his own universe and Sunnydale relatively clear of vampires. If only they knew where the last piece of that Stone was.....
Please send your comments to ket@ktyler-smith.freeserve.co.uk if you would like to see sequels in this “mirror universe” trilogy.