| |
|
******
The grim battle raged - With a face full of blood and pain, Willow dodged a slam kick and countered a blow to her rivals face, sending her crashing into a nearby tree. Buffy was hurt, shaken by the terrible sorrow and guilt that showed briefly in her reflection before she regained control. She needed them to fight, she wanted to speak angrily and madly but In truth, she listened to her best friend and knew what she heard was from the heart. Albeit a vampire one. "When I needed you most, you were someone else, somewhere else. I would have given anything to be there with you," Willow continued, but her expression seemed softer, her tone less accusatory. They came to stand in front of the other, but it was hard to be angry with someone up close. "I brought him back, because he was the last thing I had left of you, that you loved." "And I saw you die," Buffy abruptly countered. "on the ground surrounded by flames, tears and devoured by the man I loved with all my heart." Buffy cried out, unable to hold back any longer. "I never wanted to see that! And I sure as hell, didn't want to be a part of it. But I was... because you forced me to be!" "The knowledge that my actions put you with the forces of darkness is the most heartbreaking revelation of my life." Buffy curled her fingers over Willows cool flesh and willed it to be warm again. "Even though, I know.. Giles said you're only half vampire, It has changed us forever." Willows gut tightened. "I'm still Willow!" she protested, "Hacker, friend, Wicca sage.." Buffy seemed to falter, but she knew the deeper forboding sense. "My heart tells me that, but...." "What?" "Willow, I'm never not the Vampire Slayer when I'm with you now. I try to cut off what senses and urges I have when you're near, but I can't. You are the physical representation of everything that I oppose, that we used to oppose together. It was like that with Angel, and it's now like that with you. and this time you broke the hearts of those who loved you." Willow cringed. "So I'm not the effort for you to try?! I'm the 'enemy' right?" Buffy grabbed Willows wrists pulling her closer than before. Eye to eye. "You are my balance in life. My best friend. I could not be the Slayer without you.. and most of all, I am not 'Buffy Summers' without you. You'll never be my enemy, but we cannot be what we were." Buffy watched the recognition sadly touch her green eyes, and Buffy leaned in to rest her head on Willows shoulder. "I don't know about anything else, or what will happen.. but I know one thing - I miss you. I love you and I can't loose you again." Buffy found herself suddenly scooped up into an embrace that threatened to crush her. "Funny," Willow said, against her hair. "I was just about to say the same thing." she buried herself into her friends embrace. "Let's go home." There was still so much to sort out, but for now the ice had broken and each woman found her place in the other. For now, it was the only wish the Gods heard. In the trees above the cemetery, hidden by darkness and draped in shadows, Angel watched his ex-girlfriend Buffy, and his best friend, Willow walk away, their arms wrapped around the other. He had seen the fight, and for a moment he feared that Buffy would take her life. Angel floated down, considering this moment. Willow was like a small piece of sanity in the flood, that had followed soon after her unexpected change. He took upon the guilt, and when she was restored her soul - she didn't blame him, as she should - but herself. A year he searched for her. And it took nearly as long to get her home again. These thoughts darkened his mood quickly. As much as he wanted Willow to have happiness, he couldn't bring himself to let her go in order for that to happen. Their connection had deepened... both to each other and to the hidden bonds that only Willow knew of. She promised one day to reveal the source of his sudden power, but said it was safer for all concerned that she remain a secret. After all, they had the rest of their unlives to grow stronger. Stronger? he didn't know what for, but trusted her decision. It was his source of balance. A soft voice touched his mind, soothing and calm. His eyes fluttered closed, strengthening the bond between him and Willow. [Angel?] there was a moment of hesitation, then he felt a deep sense of calm and happiness flow through him.. he knew it was because of Buffy and... something else? Because of HIM? [I could never have gotten this far if it wasn't for you Angel. You are very much a part of this happiness.] There was another silence then she continued. [And I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are with me in everything. That is a promise.] Angel didn't need to speak what he felt or thought, she immediately knew through the connection they shared. He drank in the sound of her telepathic voice and the joy she felt with being forgiven and forgiving in return. He longed for that most. Walking towards the Bronze, he smiled again.. very much aware that in all his years he had always been alone. This time, he wouldn't be. *** The Legacy Island. Kendra took a deep breath filling her lungs and let it out slowly. Usually the exercises helped her to focus, preparing her mentally for each new day. But today was a little different. She opened her eyes, and took in the scene before her. In front of her the San Francisco bay stretched out like watered topaz silk. But the jewel, upon which evil was fought was the circa 1900 castle. Ivy covered the historical walls, curling up to the two storey windows. The Legacy - a secret-society that has been in existence since the sixth century. It had its beginnings in England, where the Ruling House now resides. The Legacy is dedicated to collecting knowledge and artifacts, solving paranormal problems and protecting mankind from supernatural evils. Over time, the membership expanded around the world. Legacy "Houses" were set up in other cities and countries. Each house has a "Precept" - a leader - that can be identified by his/her insignia ring. Dr. Derek Rayne is the Precept of the San Francisco House, set in a castle-like mansion here on Angel Island in the Bay. Derek, Nick, Alex, Rachel and Philip work under the guise of the Luna Foundation, a philanthropic institution which collects artifacts and antiquities. Together, The Legacy search and uncover a secret world of terror as they resolve to defend the world against evil and darkness. Now she was a part of it, or soon would be.. if only she could get past her doubt. She closed her eyes again, closing that part of herself out, instead imagining the wide humid vista of Jamacia in her minds eye. After a while she slipped into a deep state of meditation, her moves becoming so natural and fluid that to anyone watching it would be hypnotic. Approaching footsteps made her turn at the sound, and faced her teacher and friend. "Father," she smiled, coming to stand in front of him. Nick also finished his routine and greeted him in kind. "Philip," he acknowledged. After a covert look passed between them, Nick grinned. "Boss wants me, right?" Philip laughed. "When doesn't he?" The two grasped hands firmly and Nick nudged Kendra teasingly in the ribs. "Tomorrow morning same time, yeh?" "Affirmative, Sir." Both men chuckled. She was stubborn in ways of discipline, even more so than Nick was. Nick chanced a pleading gaze at his friend. "Would you talk to her about this?," he chuckled. "She's gonna have me as precept if this keeps up!" Philip grinned as his friend departed. He turned back to Kendra, and marveled at her recovery. She was toned, lean and in fighting form. Fighting demons had been the best medicine. The fire returned, and her first encounter only led to her becoming more and more vibrant. She didn't know it, it didn't occur to her that she was exquisite. Men all around her would clamor to be beside her. But she wasn't interested.. something else drove her to a duty she could not deny. "I was wondering if we could talk... away from prying minds," Father Philip Callgan joined her, and motioned for them to walk awhile." "Yeah, I noticed," She observed, throwing a covert glance towards the second story window. Her fingers slid up to her throat, looking for the small silver cross she had long discarded. Philip knew the object well, and the deeper meaning of its loss and the importance. He had suspicions that she was still governed by her first duty, the vow she couldn't ignore. Nick confirmed as much, when she bypassed the high security systems to go hunting again, and he caught her outside the grounds on a newly installed hidden camera. It was a deeply intristic value. One he was all too familiar with. "Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?" Kendra lowered her head. "Nothing." Placing her arms at the back of her, linking her hands behind her, aware she was giving too much away with her unconscious actions, "Dere is a lot to weigh." Philip took a few steps away from his friend, before whirling to face her, making Kendra stop in her tracks and look up at him. "It's an emotional decision..." Kendra pushed away from the tone of this conversation, forehead creasing into a deep frown. "Emotions are far outdated. dey make you weak.. I gave in once, and I guess we all knew how dat turned out." She looked up into his eyes. He was a handsome Irish priest, in his early 30s but looking more like a man in his 20s. He was her teacher, so that bond was something that would never change. She gave him her trust, so shared the part of her that was hers alone. "I obeyed orders without question, as da Slayer should. A slip might have meant death. I don't know who else to be, than The Vampire Slayer." "No one is asking you to be any differently," he said. "But you have to decide, Kendra," Philip urged, moving forward and wrapping an arm around her shoulder "You know I understand the conflict. I asked Derek the same thing. Why The Legacy has fought evil for nearly 3,000 years without my help. I didn't see why they needed it now." "What did he say?" "Where ever evil bides, so must we. Parish Priest or Vampire Slayer - we do what we must, where we can. My vow to God was stronger, but I understood the importance of The Legacy. It is why I stayed. The Legacy battles evil in every form it takes. We know it's out there. It's a part of the mortal world. And if I've learned anything, it is that the last battleground must be here," he says, placing his hand over her mind, "and here." and pointed to his own heart. She smiled. Derek had a habit of being for truth, even if it wasn't what we wanted it to be. In truth, she wanted to stay. They each gave her something of themselves that made her better for it. Not alone, even though she had her space, they were her guide. For a moment she wondered if this is what Buffy had in the Slayerettes. Philip was impressed with the calm determination within her eyes. "Dum spiro, spero" she whispered, taking Philips lead back to the house. Philip beamed her a fantastic grin, glad to see she remembered. "while I breathe, I hope." Together, they climbed the stairs - home. *** Dereks Journal Tonight we have a new member among our ranks. Her bonds were instantaneous, much to my apprehension - mainly for reasons, I cannot speak of, dare not speak of. Philips connection is the strongest. It is almost like he has taken on the role of an unofficial watcher, someone she deeply admires and respects. She would be embarrassed to hear it, but I believe Philip feels the same way about her. The bond is also about the conflicts they keenly share, of where their loyalty is divided between the church and The legacy. I'm not sure if they will ever resolve this, but together they just might. She is also a master at linguistic and ancient translations. Nicks reaction to her was one of suspicion. His loyalty to myself and the members are indisputable. But like the rest, they had trouble keeping their distance from her. They each saw a reflection of themselves. For Nick it was his brash, impulsive "Hit 'em, and then ask the questions" attitude. Nick and Kendra complimented the other as well as competed. Her mastery of skills is astounding. Rachel saw Kendra as her daughter in 15 years. Beneath her feisty exterior, she was in fact quite vulnerable emotionally, and she had always found it difficult or impossible to relate to anyone her own age. Rachels maternal instinct had gone on overdrive. Besides the obvious medical miracle she was - Kendra provided her with a intimate look of a shy and orphaned girl in the body of a sentinel. A Jamaican Joan of Arc. That bond was the most difficult for Kendra, and the most rewarding. Kat, Rachels 13 year old daughter, on the other hand, had no qualms in accepting her in. Kendra is still at a loss on how to deal with children, but she has many times shown compassion and concern for the little one - before gruffly denying so and storming off to hit something. Hard. Alex. It is strange that she is the most distant lately. They share many things, but I assume the vampire hunter and the vampire (albeit briefly) can never be bedroom buddies. I doubt this will be a problem, but it does make for some interesting discussions. Her knowledge of the occult is limitless. She has become, quite franky, irreplaceable. And myself. *changes to secret code* She reminds me of a saying... A soul touched by others, but never held. The distance she must place between herself and others, but still need so much to be a part of a group. As I do. She lives veracity just like I live for honor. It wasn't just what we did. It is who we are. With this in mind, I rang Ruling House and pulled some strings. Kendra will spend five years with us before she has to train at the Academy. Another 10 years before she will become Precept - which I have secretly known from the start. I told only one other person, and that was my precept, William Sloan. My confession was a difficult one.. confusing to whom she was. Not of God. Not of hell. And neither between.. and William became embittered with the idea of evil ruling London House. A while after, I discovered, to my horror that the parents of the immortal precept was killed in an accident. He denied it - but I couldn't be sure. From then on, I gave only what I had too and nothing more. I'm not sure which is worse - to know he could kill without the whole truth, or that those around him could execute so easily without him knowing. Either way, he protected his own. And he had every intention of doing so. "In the absence of revenge - perhaps the best you can ask for is Justice." *** The end. |
