| |
|
"M'Lady," greeted the butler with a bow. Nodding slightly, Kendra walked on past the butler and entered the hall. She marveled at the splendor of the party. Looking down at her attire, Kendra admired the lovely dress that she wore. It was, in fact, a gown the color of blood, with gorgeous shoes to match. The dress was from the 18th century, just like everyone else's attire. Her hair was styled and worn up, while her hands were gloved past her elbows in the same color as her dress. Many people, mostly men, had turned to look at her as soon as she had entered the party. She was definitely a breathtaking sight. The hall was filled with dozens of people of aristocracy. The lords and ladies all bustled about in this wonderful and exuberant social event. An orchestra played light music in the background while people socialized, gossiped, ate, and danced. Walking further into the hall, Kendra suddenly was struck with the notion that something was not right. This was not her time, nor her place. She did not belong here in this century. Just as she was about to turn around and exit the party, a hand caught hers. Turning around, Kendra looked upon the young man who had caught her attention as he released his grip on her hand. Gazing into his hazel eyes and handsome smile, Kendra's heart couldn't help skipping a beat. "M'Lady, would ye do me the honor of joining me in this dance?" asked Angel with a thick Irish accent, who was also dressed in 18th century clothing. He extended his hand again signifying his offer. Kendra smiled slightly. And before her brain had processed exactly what was going on, she blurted out, "It would be my pleasure." She placed her right, gloved hand in his and he led her to the dance floor. Once there, he placed his right hand on her waist and she put her left hand on his shoulder. They began to dance. The music was somber yet beautiful and Kendra couldn't help but lose herself in it and the moment. The music washed over her as they danced. As the two of them waltzed across the room, Kendra felt, strangely, safe and secure in Angel's arms. Her previous worries had dissolved and all she thought about was being here, now, with him. Angel let go of Kendra's waist and twirled her around. She closed her eyes, to fully enjoy the moment. When Kendra felt the hand return to her waist, she opened her eyes, only to find that it was not Angel she was dancing with anymore. Instead, she stared into the eyes of one who bore an insidious grin upon his face. Without warning, Kendra's new partner, Xander, pulled her fiercely to his body. She felt her chest crush upon his own, ruffling her beautiful gown. Kendra gasped at the strength and apparent insistence of Xander's actions. He lowered his head and she could feel his breath upon her neck. Again, her heart skipped a beat. Through their clothing, Kendra could feel his heart beating. But, he's a vampire, her mind reasoned. His heart shouldn't be beating and he shouldn't be breathing! Her mind was again plagued with thoughts of something being terribly wrong. Looking over Xander's shoulder, she was momentarily distracted by the sight of a vampire. A bald vampire was plainly walking among the people who continued to laugh and gossip. His gaze suddenly fixed upon her and he smiled, making Kendra's blood run cold. There was a flash of blinding light, and Kendra found herself in the Sunnydale High School library, wearing the same clothes Ms. Calendar had given her. Her ears heard the sound of sobbing. Someone was crying. Walking up the steps, Kendra saw someone on their knees in a crumpled heap, their head in their hands, crying. As she approached the individual, Kendra soon realized that it was Willow. Kendra placed a hand on Willow's shoulder. The redheaded adolescent lifted her head and turned to face Kendra. Kendra gasped at the sight that she was faced with. Willow's face was cut and bloodied. Her hands also had blood upon them. She outstretched her hands towards Kendra as if she were offering something or begging her and said, "Blindness." Kendra was then compelled to turn around. Turning her back on Willow, Kendra looked down the stairs to where someone looked upon her patiently. Kendra was not prepared for the person that she saw. It's Buffy. She was dressed in a plain, white dress, which flowed past her bare feet, but it was Buffy. Kendra was overjoyed to see the Slayer. She wanted to say something, anything, but she found herself unable to even make a sound. Buffy merely looked at her, as if analyzing her. Then she raised her right arm, pointed her index finger at Kendra and spoke in a calm voice, "You. You do not belong." And before Kendra knew what was happening, Buffy was consumed in flames. Kendra wanted to leap down the stairs to try and help her, but found herself unable to move. In a matter of a few seconds, there were only ashes where Buffy had been standing. Kendra found her mobility again, and was just about to turn back to Willow, when a hand grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around. There again was Angel, but he was different from when Kendra had been dancing with him. She didn't have that same feeling of safety. Looking intently, she noticed how tears streamed down his face. When he whispered to her, his voice no longer held any trace of the previous Irish accent, "You. You're the one." Kendra blinked her eyes, and Angel was replaced with Xander again. This time, Xander bore his vampire game face and an evil grin. "But you're dead." He brutally grabbed her shoulder and head, exposed her neck, and bit into the flesh. Kendra screamed. << Back Next >> |