Escape from Truth...
By: Drusilla's Hire

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters they belong to WB.
Authors Note: By the way this happens hours after the Becoming episode (Season Finale)
RATED PG-13 (Some language and a tiny bit descriptive in parts but nothing big, so read on!)

Prologue

Buffy had nothing nor wanted anything. Not to be the Slayer, not to live, not to feel the pain. The torment had overwhelmed her heart and she know knew Whistler has been right. Buffy did have one more thing to loose but by loosing that one thing she had lost an eternity. As she realized what she could have back, Angel. And when she had to kill him with his scared so innocent eyes Buffy's mind snapped. The Slayer realized her true being was over. Everything she breathed for, fought for, died for was dust. But what was to happen to the Slayer now

Scene One

Buffy collected her thoughts as she sat on the bumpy bus ride. Kendra was dead, Willow was conscious but still battleing illness, Snyder had expelled her, her mother knew everything yet didn't believe and Angel sacrificed himself to save the world. Only when he had done so did Buffy loose the innocence of her soul.

Of course her true innocence had been lost long before when Angel had turned evil and well words would never be able to express. Still it was so hard to understand how naive she'd been. Suddenly a tap almost a poke startled her motionless self.

"So where are you headed?" It was a young girl not much older then Buffy whose eyes told the story of the past she'd run away from.

"I don't know," Buffy uttered quietly. "But I will when I get there."

"Sounds cool. My names Sarah, I'm not sure where I'm gonna go either. So what's your name?"

"Huh," the Slayer sighed already back into the world of her problems. "Oh. Buffy, Buffy Summers."

"Buffy?" the girl said. "Never heard that name before. You know maybe we could hook up when we get off this bus. It looks like we're running from the same things."

"Listen," the Slayer said obviously annoyed. "I really don't care. Besides I'm not running, I'm just not looking back anymore," Buffy said letting her crystal blue eyes hit the glass of window.

"Fine whatever." But Buffy didn't care it was just another friend Buffy didn't have, couldn't have.

Scene Two

"You know she should be here by now," Willow said slumped down in her wheelchair. "No matter what happened-" but Willow was cut off.

"Well Will maybe nothing happened or maybe something happened and it's not a good something!" Xander blurted out. Willow then began to look teary eyed as she watched what Xander had just said and back with every breath at the doors to the library gazing hopefully. "I'm sorry Will," Xander said realizing.

"I didn't mean it. It's just, - DANM! Where is she?!" Xander's fist hit the table hard as the words sputtered out. As difficult as it was for all the fact of not knowing was the toughest.

"It's okay Xander," Cordillia spoke as she walked by his side and began to hug Xander for the 5th time today. It had been a tiring day for the both of them.

"Yeah Willow. Nothing happened to Buffy," Oz spoke quietly giving her a sweet kiss on the top of her troubled head. Right then the four teens peacefulness was disrupted as principal Snyder came briskly through the library's big swinging doors.

"And what are you four doing here?" Snyder started up once again. "I thought when I expelled that gang leader of yours you'd all stop hanging around here and just disappear from my sight.

"Expelled!" Xander said breathlessly.

"Wow Buffy," was Cordillia's only expression.

"But why did you-," Willow began.

"Expel her, Ms. Rosenburg? Because she's a cold blooded murderer, that's why."

"But she didn't do anything," Willow began to protest.

"Figures you would stand up for her. God only knows how many weirdoes she's killed before this."

"Well actually," Cordillia called out. Just as every Slayerette's eye flashed upon Cordy Giles came walking leisurely out of his office.

"Hello all, ehmn principle Snyder. Anything new on the where abouts of Buffy?"

"Eh, yeah. She's kinda expelled," Oz explained.

"Expelled! Mr. Snyder what was the meaning of this?"

"Mr. Giles, may I remind you that you are the librarian and are not in a position to be asking. We have to except the facts of this situation. The Summers girl is expelled and that's final!" With that principal Snyder walked slyly out of the room without looking back.

"Gee thank-you too you little troll. Drop a bomb like those losers did in China," Cordillia yelled towards the doors.

"Cordillia I believe it was Japan and those um, loser were American soldiers of World War 2. But that's quite besides the point."

"Okay if Buff's expelled maybe she'd be home or something."

"Good idea Xander," Willow piped in. "I'll phone and check."

"And I'll help, the doctors said you need your rest," Oz mentioned as he helped roll Willow to the phone in Giles office. Five minutes later Willow and Oz emerged from the phone only to a frantic pacing Xander, unable to be calmed down even by his girlfriend, Cordillia.

"There was no answer," Willow spoke hastily as Giles brought his head up from his clasped hands.

"Well all right then," Giles began while cleaning off his glasses in a grief stricken dej-a-vu. "I'll stop by her house immediately."

"Excuse me!" every Slayerette bursted.

"Giles I don't think so. It's last period as we speak. We can all go. No way do you get previed Watcher rights. Buffy's a friend to us all," Xander virtually yelled.

"Good then it's settled. Oz I guess we'll take your van since your girlfriend 's kinda disabled as we speak."

"Cordy, honey. You know she's not really disabled, just to tired to walk," Xander calmly explained pulling her closer with his warm arms.

"I know," Cordillia said leaning closer to Xander's lips. Xander looked back at his girlfriend and then glanced at everyone else.

"We'll catch up with you guys later," Xander spoke exiting the room with Cordy. Both were content to get their minds off the Hellmouth.

"I think I'll meet you four there. I quite prefer the quiet of my car," Giles said completely puzzled at the display of teenage appearance.

Scene Three

Joyce finished sweeping the last tear from the puffiness that surrounded her eyes. She felt so helpless and un in control. Her one true tangable daughter wasn't tangible anymore. Joyce was no longer mom, who watched over a sweet vulnerable child. Of course she never was considered "vulnerable" in her mother's eyes with all the fights, lies and now sex. No, she was a deceived mother of a vampire slayer and when Buffy, if Buffy came back home Mrs. Summers had all ready looked up the best psychologist in Sunnydale.

Joyce suddenly thought back and began to remember when all turned for the worst, it was when that Angel character slept with her daughter and that Spike guy came into our home. Buffy wouldn't be allowed to see those people anymore, that was for certain. But if only Joyce knew that in reality it had turned for the real worse. Mrs. Summers slowly pulled another tissue for the new well of tears that started to trickle down her damp check, just then the doorbell rang.

Joyce didn't move but soon she became entrapped within the nightmare of her mind. She began bolting towards the door yelling out Buffy's name. Only on the other side of the door there was silence.

"God, where is everyone?"

"I'm afraid Cordillia is right," Giles said. "Someone should be home at this point of day." As Giles' words spoke for themselves everyone turned to look at the screaming bright sun into its stability it unknowingly held and how the un-dead knew how for granted it was taken. How lucky the living were to feel the sun kiss their skin everyday or watch it rise East to West. But one by one each Slayerette turned away from the sun as its stability began to sting the eyes as it so often does.

"You guys what if she's hurt, or dead?" Willow softly commented.

"She's not," Xander shot back. "She's fine, please god let her be fine. Ha," Xander sadly laughed to himself as a small tear almost streaked his face. "I wouldn't even mind if she was playing bed buddy with Angel." No one really reacted to Xander when he finished it only waffled through the air but it was more ignored from fear of the realness.

"You know maybe I should just ring this again," Oz piped up. Pressing the ringer again he pleaded to be of some aid to the overwhelming situation and fragmented lives. "Hello, anyone here," Oz knocked while talking through the door.

Joyce shot up from the sofa; a film of sweat covered her face. She straightened her hair and gently laid a kiss on her trembling fingers to the picture of her and Buffy at the new Putt-Putt. Dear god she can't be the Slayer, she's not! But the doubts only grew bigger, the sneaking out, the man turning to dust and most of all Buffy doing it to him.

At the pit of her stomach Joyce knew but just wasn't ready to believe only denied. Deny everything, the sex, the fights, the sneaking, the expulsions. Mrs. Summers' thoughts concluded as reached the door and slowly swung it open.

Everyone on the other side of the door held their breath and for all they cared would never release it. All any of them wanted, cared of had passion for was right now seeing Buffy one the other side of that door. But Sunnydale didn't make dreams come true. The only truth in Sunnydale was corruption and that's why the Slayer wasn't nor could ever be on the other side of the door, not for Joyce or the Slayerettes.

But when that door opened it was like two worlds collided. One that knew the Slayer and her vampire boyfriends, the world that learned to except and stake vampires. Another world totally sheltered and in the dark about vampires but only by chose. One world thought of a daughter's safety the other of a Slayer's duties. Except when the two worlds collide the unthinkable happens to one's beliefs or will the denial only become stronger.

Scene Four

"All right time to get down to business, think mode. What the hell am I going to do?" Buffy began thinking out loud as the sleeping cargo of the bus rested soundly as the bus pulled to a stop and arrived at the station.

"You know miss," an employee said approaching Buffy's restless thoughts. "The route is almost at an end, where will you be getting off?"

"Do I have to decide now?" Buffy said as her eyes struck the man's face. "Is everything just one impulsive decision after another! Why don't you just buzz off so I don't kick your ass!" The Slayer's words rang with increasing volume.

"Miss I'll have to ask you to lower your voice or leave this bus immediately."

"Fine!" Buffy screamed. It didn't make a difference to her where she ended up. She didn't want anyone to make a big deal over her anymore. Only one black duffel bag sat slung onto her shoulder as she took her stance and walked so unsure off the bus. She didn't want people to feel for her, she wasn't ready to feel back. It didn't matter anymore.

No one really got up at the sound of Buffy's temper. Only one passenger arose enough to hear the events that had just happened. Silently the girl that had been talking to Buffy earlier, Sarah reached for her bag and just as the bus' doors shut. Sarah frantically tore her mind apart for a decision but her gut made the chose for her. As the bus began rolling away from the station doors Sarah bolted up and ran toward the bus' exit.

"Wait!" Sarah yelled almost deafening the sleeping passengers. "I forgot," she began lowering her voice immediately, "this is my stop." The bus doors swung open into a mystery of darkness. 'Where had that lippy girl gone?' Sarah thought to herself, searching to what she'd gotten herself into.

Buffy stood in the cool summer air. She felt more alone yet more free than ever. But suddenly a cold chill hit her like a rock because in that split second she found out where she lay on the map, LA. Instantly the newly ex-Slayer collapsed onto her black duffel bag. This is where the world of vampire had all begun for her. "God not LA, anywhere but LA." Tears began to streak Buffy's pale checks as she uttered her unending nightmare. This was the moment Buffy knew would come from the day she discovered her destiny as the Slayer. Buffy at last had her true mental collapse and the more she looked at it the worse it became. What the hell was she doing? She'd just run away from the only sense of constant security Buffy'd had her whole life, her friends.

Buffy didn't care that she ran away from her destiny to die a Slayer and all though it hurt leaving her mother in Sunnydale it could have been worse. But she left her mom to be the Slayer and now Buffy couldn't bare the thought. It was at this moment Buffy realized was truly alone and destined for emptiness.

But before Buffy could ever face or be anything again she would have to deal with the fact she killed Angel at his most scared hour and vampires were not known to be scared or as innocent as he'd looked. And when he'd touched Buffy's arm with so much caring and then kissed her without knowing but what really hurt was Angel trusted her and then she'd killed him.

Buffy's life was without passion but a fire stilled burned for it to come alive. She would be the Slayer again. Now, if only a comforting voice would come to her aid. If only something she'd left behind would find her and bring her back. But maybe it would

"Running won't do anything," a voice spoke through the darkness. "If only you knew� Buffy looked up from her duffel bag that was now stained with her salty tears yet she continued to stay speechless. "You know you're just as lost and bound for nothingness as when I met Angelus."

"Go to hell," Buffy managed to say between the tears that began to burst out at the mention of Angel's name.

"But I was of acquaintance with Angel just as I am with you." Buffy swept away the tears caused by her hearts turmoil and stood up from the cold ground, letting her love's existence and Slayer reflexes began to take control.

"Okay quiz time," Buffy said reaching for the voice's throat. "A. A Name. B. Why I shouldn't dust you right now," she screamed at, - "Oh my god!" Buffy breathed in a moment of realization. "You,"

"Slayer," the man greeted, tipping his hat as if a long lost friend. But he wasn't a friend, more an allie to a Slayer's war. Slowly Buffy released him from her hold as he continued to talk. "We never properly met, have we? The name's Whistler."

"I'm-"

"I know who you are. The Sunnydale Slayer,"

"Not anymore,"

"Exactly, if you want to be somebody, somebody important, somebody alive. You'll let me show you, everything"

"Why? It doesn't matter anymore. If you've not been paying attention I just killed my ex-boyfriend. Only in the second I killed him I had him back. I ended Angel's existence when the only thing he'd done for me was save mine. He was cheated out of his living life and his un-dead life because of me."

"Angel gave you more than keeping your life. Have you forgotten all the good? He loved you and it would have hurt him more if because of him all were pulled in the whirlpool to Hell."

"You see a world full of Slayer's," Buffy commented. "All I ever see now is the vampires. Why fight the inevitable?"

"Because then more will die. Every hour, every minute the sun drops behind the mountains. Don't let them win again,"

"I told you, it doesn't matter," Buffy said looking down.

"Oh, but it does. There's still a Slayer burning inside you. I see it in your eyes. "It never stops, isn't that what you told your mother. Look at you, you're a pathetic wreak." Buffy didn't blink or react in anyway she just walked, walked into the darkness. "You were right Buffy!" Whistler yelled out to her. "It never stops, until the evil stops you."

The figure that was slowly moving away froze dead in her tracks. The evil had won when she fought with it last. It beat her and she'd lost the last thing she had to loose, her passion, Angel. For him, Buffy thought to herself. His death had taken away her faith but had given her an unknown fire that would force her to go on. Gradually Buffy turned back around to face Whistler in the blackness.

"Show me," Buffy uttered to Whistler, her new temporary Watcher. Evil had won the last battle but Buffy would endure to win the war, she was the Slayer once again.

Scene Five

"Where's my daughter!" Joyce began. After a split second of silence Mrs. Summers was inspired with a new image. Surely her friends could convince Buffy she wasn't a Slayer nor had to run away in such a fragile and psychotic mental state.

"Don't you know?" Willow said not believing.

"No. She told me she was some kind of a" Joyce stopped. "She didn't tell you where she was going?" "Going?" Willow questioned with an awe of wonder.

"I'm afraid we haven't heard from Buffy since last night," Giles spoke up.

"She didn't, I mean I just figured Buffy would say goodbye today at school," Mrs. Summers said.

"Well that's kinda hard seeing how she's been expelled and all," Cordillia blurted out once again.

"Expelled," Joyce complied. "This is gone to far, I'm calling the police. I need to find my daughter."

"Your going to turn in you own flesh and blood, that's low," Xander stated.

"Buffy needs help, why didn't I raise her better? Vampires, honestly I can't believe," Mrs. Summers continued to ramble on but Willow, Xander and Giles only froze in disbelief.

"She, she, um, she told you?" Giles finally said barely getting the words out.

"Told me what? Don't tell me you believe this too? I can't handle this, stay the hell away from my daughter!" And with that Buffy's furious, broken-down mother slammed the door shut and locked it.

"She's knows," Willow murmured stunned into the silence.

"Will we don't have time for this. She's calling the police," Xander franticly explained.

"Like they'll be any help at stopping vampires," Cordi spoke out.

"Exactly. We have to stop her."

"Yes quite, we need to sit her down and-" Giles tried to reason.

"And what Giles that obviously isn't going to work. Take a look, she's Psycho-mom on the loose. Oz help me brake down the door." Xander was all ready well into planning.

"Xander," Willow calmly said. "How are we going to manage that? There's a back door it's right by the phone inside."

"Perfect thinking sweet. Let's get on the move," Oz dictated leading the way. Willow began to follow after Oz and Xander only to be helped along by Giles from behind.

In the kitchen Joyce had just finished fumbling through her purse to find the business card of agent Thomas, the man who'd dropped by earlier last evening searching for Buffy. Joyce's hands shaking she managed to reach for the receiver and pull it to her ear. Mrs. Summers' head spun with so much knowledge, could she really turn in her own daughter? Finally Joyce punched the last few digits and waited for the ringing tone. After only a few rings it had seemed like an eternity of torture.

Just as the forth ring ended into a short quiet buzz Joyce spotted the two Slayerettes trying frantically to open the back door which she fortunately locked. But Mrs. Summers knew it wouldn't take long for the pair of teens to slip their way in. At last a voice pick up on the opposite end.

"Hello, Sunnydale Police. How many I direct your call?"

"Hello, this is Joyce Summers. I need to speak with Agent Thomas immediately," Buffy's mom said eyeing the back door. "Please hurry."

"Of course mame, one moment." Doubts filled Mrs. Summers' mind so many decisions; so much confusion had settled itself in the last 24hours. Suddenly a rock crashed through the pane of glass closest to the door's lock spraying a shear coat of glass everywhere.

Xander reached into the newly formed hole and efficiently unlocked the door. Bursting through it he had all ready unconsciously apprised himself of the situation. Bolting for the phone Xander slammed down the receiver from Joyce's hand before she could even get two words out. Oz silently left the door open for the others and then stood by Xander's side.

"Listen up!" Xander yelled at Mrs. Summers. "I know you're Buffy's mom and your really wigged out but I'm telling you, don't get the police involved. You'll only get them killed or worse," Xander voice slowly lowered itself as he finished speaking.

"You know that's exactly what Buffy said, you'll only get them killed."

"Well Buff's right. She's the only one who can help right now. You're just gonna have to chill," Xander complied.

"No I won't chill! Wait around while my daughter's expelled and doing god knows what because she's sure as hell not fighting vampires!" Joyce erupted back at everyone.

"Do you want me to prove it to you? Haven't you put it all together yet, seen people get turned to dust? Seen Buffy do it to them? Fine then look!"

Xander didn't care how much older Buffy's mom was, she was going to get herself killed and Xander was quickly coming to his wit ends. So he grabbed Joyce's arm and forced her to see the truth. Leading Joyce to Buffy's room Xander let her go and through Buffy's Slayer trunk open.

"Can't your see? This isn't a chest full of cloths. These are stakes, a crossbow, holywater, crucifixes. Weapons only a Vampire Slayer can use. And there's still more," Xander continued pulling out Buffy's drawer and slamming it onto the bed full of scattered outfits. "Don't you understand? There's the book! Read it front to back if you like because this is what Buffy does every night. Except it!" Slowly Joyce touched the book's cover, worn from the disbelief it held.

"Oh my god, what have I done?" Joyce spoke softly collapsing onto the floor. "She didn't kill that girl, did she? And Willow, she's all right isn't she?" Giles peeked through the door. Creaking it open cautiously. "Mr. Giles maybe you can explain. You are only Buffy's librarian, right?"

"No, I'm afraid not," Giles answered. "I came here from London on a, um, mission I suppose you could say. I am the Slayer's Watcher, her guardian if you will," Giles tensely paused trying to face what he must state. "I couldn't help but overhear Xander mentioning to you before. Not to get anyone in a panic but if Buffy has fled then it is impartial we find her. The vampires with follow her, seek her out, and hunt her down. Eventually, in Buffy's mental state they will kill her."

"No, they won't," dictation sort of way. "We are going to find our Slayer." Xander commented.

Scene Six

"This is the shipping warehouse," the Slayer said walking into the pitch black of darkness. Whistler followed only steps behind nodding to Buffy's words. "I remember this place they used to have imported cargo in here. It was LA's teen hot spot for major parties."

"The only party in here is Blood Fest 98'," Whistler spoke.

"What? I thought vamp central was in Sunnydale? Oh well, no worries. I'll mix us up some dust bunnies."

"It's not that simple," Whistler said flatly. "Listen up Slayer, LA has been newly crowned the temporary sucking ground. All your Hellmouth activities can be enjoyed right here including the killing of one undying Slayer." Buffy fell to the ground as the moist dirt singed itself into her clean hair that was hanging towards it.

"I can't handle fighting a hole mega fleet of them right now. I still only feel like half a Slayer, if that."

"Did I ever tell you how many friends, I mean stick by you always friends that one encounters in this particular line of work? Well let me tell you it's not a whole many."

"So? I can deal," Buffy replied not understanding where this was leading to.

"I don't think you can. You're not as tough as you think you are Slayer." There was a moment of silence while this aiding demon of the unknown reached into his mix matching coat pocket. "Here," Whistler said presenting Buffy with square piece of cardboard.

"Gee is this another precious weapon like that sword," Buffy finished saying as she examined the paper.

"It's a postcard."

"Exactly. Those once in a lifetime friends of yours are seriously freaking out as we speak. Tell them what happened, the past and the present."

"What about the future?" Buffy questioned.

"Remember how I told you the sword wasn't enough. When you took it all away you only had you. Well you still only have you. Against these vampires and this fight. That's the future but no one else is you and the pure future can be told by no one."

"Yeah but who's gonna stand the test of time cause I'm sure as hell not going anywhere." As Buffy finished she reached for the gleaming postcard. It was marked 'Extremely Urgent!' and would arrive in Sunnydale in less than 12 hours or so. The Slayer placed the letter into her Jean pocket and turned to Whistler. �We've got history to make," Buffy spoke decidedly.

"Good," Whistler said ushering Buffy towards a high glowing window.

The Slayer walked to another matter-of-fact point in her destiny, one that would erase memory of anything else. Taking it one step at a time as she's lived her whole life, not really paying much attention to the path ahead of her. She now saw the rock, stones, curves and corners her actions carried. Buffy was a new Slayer, one that could dodge the forces of evil just a little faster. Reaching up onto her tiptoes Buffy teetered on a small boulder nestled in the earth.

Peering over her fingers memories flooded back into her mind. The bliss Buffy had felt touching her soft lips with Angel's. Raising up to her toes in the same unknowing way with such innocence and belief. How she wanted to embrace with touch right now, feel his skin, guild his hands. Tears welled up in the Slayer's eyes which made it every so difficult to see the array of vamps that lay like a carpet of grass covering the warehouse floor.

The plywood was creaky but still sturdy enough to hold these corrupt creatures. 'Why?' Buffy thought to herself examining her surroundings.

"Do you see?" Whistler probed.

"See what?" Buffy retorted. "I see vamps, ugly, evil, vamps that are parting a path to. Oh shit! And I don't mean the little kind. This is like, well, shit!" Was all the Slayer could say to sum up her mind's unexpectedness. "But how? Why?" The Slayer's voice trailed off into LA's chilly night air only to be picked up.

"A barge will leave on Sunday. That gives you three whole nights. Spike and Drusilla will be gone then." Whistler continued. "They're going to Prague, to destroy it. Spike has claimed revenge on Drusilla's behalf."

"They'll become more then even with Prague if they've got all of the Hellmouth going."

"Not all are leaving, it's your job to make sure none survive." Whistler at last said all he could say and could only turn to Buffy for a decision. But Whistler finally saw a Slayer when he turned around. A person he'd been waiting to see forever, someone that would replace the young popular girl he'd seen so many years ago and take her place as the force between the corrupt and the just.

"I'll do it." Finally Buffy saw herself as the Slayer too.

Scene Seven

"Okay Giles give it to me straight," Xander said walking down the stairs where everyone awaited.

"Straight?" Giles wondered.

"Come on Giles Buffy's mom's still up there, how bad is it? Really?"

"I'm afraid it's much worse then I have just finish plotting out to you. The vampire's hunting Buffy out, that was all true but it's almost known without any thought they have all ready found her."

"God dam it Giles why didn't you tell us!" Xander now ran down the last steps taking them two at a time and finally bursting through the living room doors only to see the distrait group. "We've got trouble."

"That would be a major understatement Xander," Cordillia said opening her mouth once again.

"Have you heard the saying, if you don't have anything to say, say nothing at all?"

"Shut up Xander." Cordy glared.

"Trouble?" Willow said just tuning in to the conversation.

"Vamps," Xander stated. "Wherever Buff is they know too. They're going to kill her."

"That would be on the down side," Oz side noted.

"This is to much for us to handle but I have an idea." Willow began turning to Oz. "Oz could you find us some paper and a pen?"

"Sure," Oz said wondering off into the kitchen. Just as Giles walked slowly to join the team.

"I see that you've told them," Giles spoke.

"Someone had to," Xander murmured to the floor.

"We don't have time for this," Willow stated. "Think of this mess as a, dusted vampire. We need to put all the dust back together," Willow continued. "Okay bad example, but you get the point." Suddenly Mrs. Summers stumbled into the living room closely followed by Oz with pen and paper in his hand.

"Answer me one thing, who's Spike?"

"Spike? That ugly old vamp, he's like, 100% enemy," Cordillia answered again.

"How do you know Spike?" Willow probed.

"He was here. A member of some band or something," Joyce said. Everyone's eyes hit each other as they motioned for someone to talk. All screaming for just one of them to tell the whole complete story with no games, no lies. "Willow? What's going on?" Joyce asked. Sensing Willow's uneasiness Oz broke into the conversation.

"Hey people, we've got paper and a pen, which is of a very blue color."

"Thanks," Willow spoke reaching for the pen and paper and also the mental support of Oz's hands. Willow knew what she had to do, tell the story of the Slayer. "Um, Mrs. Summers? What did Buffy tell you about Spike?"

"Nothing," Joyce mouthed quietly speaking. Ultimately squeezing Oz's gentle, calm hands Willow took a deep breath and began, not caring if Buffy's mom wanted to hear it or not.

"Buffy's a Vampire Slayer," Willow started. "Giles is her watcher and was summoned here from England to guide Buffy. Xander, Cordillia, Oz, and I all found out one by one kind of the same way as you. We ALL help her out. We're Buffy's friends and Oz," Willow paused, it was still hard to believe. "He's a werewolf."

"A, a, um, a werewolf?" Joyce sputtered out terrified inside.

"Hey, don't worry. It's like a once a month kinda deal," Oz explained lightly.

"That's not important," Willow resumed. "This is only the beginning to the story and players are yet to be introduced. Do you remember an Angel? What did Buffy tell you about him? The two of them have a kinda, history. On Buffy's 17th Birthday Buffy and Angel slept together, Angel lost his soul and began hunting Buffy, for fun. Buffy loves him and Angel loved her. He killed Ms. Calendar," Willow paused glancing at Giles. "They belong together, Buffy always told me Angel was what kept her alive, sane, he gave her pleasure."

"That's little too much history if you ask me." Xander interrupted his voice waffling off un-intendedly but was screechingly picked up.

"Xander! Willow!" Mrs. Summers yelled out. "Maybe it's best we don't talk about him!" Joyce bursted. Oz and Xander bolted from their chairs to intercept Joyce's raging voice and body that was inching slowly toward Willow. Xander efficiently held her down as Oz stood protectively in front of his girlfriend.

"What the hell!" Xander shouted. "Assistance would be a plus people,"

"Oooh," Cordillia whined moving herself closer.

"Xander get off me, Buffy will never like or love you by doing this?!" Joyce proclaimed first saying then realizing later. Xander turned stunned but didn't know why. Cordy was his girlfriend now so why did he care is Buffy LOVED him? Still frozen Cordillia jumped into the ring but she also noticed the conflict on Xander's face. Anyway.

"Excuse me!" Cordy flipped now right over top of the mini episode.

"You heard me, someone get him off me! HELP!" Mrs. Summers entered into a blood-curdling scream, which filled the room. The scream was partly of frustration but partly of fear.

"Hey psycho bitch?!" Cordillia yelled slapping Mrs. Summers to shut her up. "No one says my boyfriend loves Buffy Summers!"

Chaos continued to bubble yet Giles only looked at the mayhem contemplating how one Slayer could spark this anger and cause, well as he held back, the end to everything. Oz still kept his stance in front of Willow but slowly started slinking her outside, as this new action of physical violence would render her helpless, since she was in a wheelchair.

"She really went like, wow. Are you okay?" Oz said parking Willow in front of the cement step of the Summers' house.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Things are really well, wow."

"That's what I was thinking," Oz said tapping his head.

"Oz, what are we going to do?" Willow questioned the situation.

"Well there's always, this?" Oz said casually falling into Willow lips while being memorized by her sparkling eyes. After a short moment of bliss Oz quickly pulled away turning his back to Willow trying to compose himself, all most regretting his impulsiveness. Willow only realized how nice it felt to lift the heavy tension and for a split second have not a care in the world. Suddenly a crash came from inside the Summers' house.

"Forget this!" Cordy screamed swinging open the door and storming out almost hitting Willow. "I'm sick of always being second to Buffy. It's over Xander, I can't take any of this anymore." The next thing anyone knew Xander was sluggishly emerging from the door, watching Cordy take off trying to hold back her anger and also her tears; after all she loved Xander with all her heart. Seconds later Xander walked up the street towards the graveyard looking up at Willow for a moment then dropping his head as regretfully as one could.

At last Giles took his place on the cold cement step walking through the door, which had been left wide open. He muttered to himself looked back down and sorrowfully stepped back into the house closing the door. The Slayerettes were now at rock bottom.

"Kay, what just happened?" Oz spoke not noticing Willow watery eyes.

"Buffy might be dead and this isn't helping," Willow began through snuffles. "My best friend is walking at below 50% to a graveyard at sundown and there's no Slayer. We're short one Slayerette and Giles is going cryptic on us." Finally a tear started to roll down. "I've got a plan, come to my house Oz. I need help and I don't want to be alone."

"Okay," Oz said gently kissing Willow on her head. "It'll be okay."

Part Eight

Buffy and Whistler sat in the back of a white stretch limo, the post card had been sent and would arrive on Willow's doorstep the next morning. Whistler found himself digging out dusty weapons from the trunk while Buffy readied stakes and arrows, all though in the back of her mind she wondered what happened to that girl Sarah from the bus, oh well.

"So," Whistler spoke breaking the silence. "Do you have a plan?"

"And what kind of plan do you suggest?" Buffy said being curt. "Plan A where I kick vamp ass at day break or plan B where I kick vamp ass come night fall. The difference is of the slightest, really."

"Day break would probably be the best option." Whistler said noticing some of the old Slayer coming back.

"Fine," Buffy said throwing another finished stake to the immense pile already on the floor. "So, just to pass the time, mind telling me why you live in a limo?"

"It keeps the sunlight out, extra crispy really isn't my style. So Slayer," Whistler began to inquire. "Tell me what did happen to Angelus?" Buffy didn't utter a word but only at the mention of his name, drop her head in sadness. "Trust me Slayer, this is not the time for secrets." Yet still Buffy did not loosen a muscle. "Alright I'll help you along. Fill you in so to speak. Xander comes to tell you break a leg from Willow but horrors. Guess what? Xander was supposed to let you in on the plan, Willow tried the spell again." The Slayer looked up suddenly practically in shock. She could have saved Angel.

"Xander?" She hissed in total anger.

"That's right, you could have had Angel beside you, aiding you but no. And on one last note, your boyfriend's not dead." Whistler's pitch silenced the stale air. Watery eyed the Slayer looked up her huge brown eyes overwhelmed with belief. "It true." Whistler added before stepping out into the black of night.

Buffy watched him go before sinking into the plush seats as she started to sob. Her tears for Angel wet the heap of stakes cluttered on the floor as Buffy hid her hand in her pocket trying to curl away from the world, away from her lover's pain. Shaking she wiped a tear that roles solemnly down her cheek as Buffy's heart craved for his lips, his touch, his body. Ultimately yanking her fist from her Jean pocket. She slowly released her grip to reveal the cladder ring, which Angel had given Buffy on her 17th Birthday, the night Buffy gave herself to him. Buffy mind sought to see where he lay in Hell, if he would still wear his ring, their ring.

A new out burst of tears began to come on and the salty water impaired the Slayer's vision but the Slayer's sobs weren't enough to keep her from her heart's pain and desire as she slipped the cladder ring on to her left hand. Thoughts of Angel immediately followed themselves back to her mind thoughts of Angel caressing her and memories of the night on the dock. Rubbing her eyes clear Buffy admired the ring that positioned itself on her wedding finger.

The heart faced towards her as she reminded herself whether Angel was here or not, he would always be there in spirit. There was no escaping the heart's truth and that meant always was forever.

Finally, quivering, Buffy fell asleep clutching onto her cherished memory of Angel, dreaming the nightmare that was her life and the bliss Angel gave her. That kid deserves it, Whistler thought. After everything she's over come an innocent nap is just what will aid her. So at that Whistler poked in his jacket pouch and pulled out a knife. When Buffy arose the Slayer would at last rein and as a favor the Slayer would rein with all her stakes ready and waiting.

Part Nine

It was almost mid night in Sunnydale as Willow and Oz sat in her house still forging on, finishing the plan despite their slouching eyes. Inch by inch Willow was seeing how her plan wasn't working all that well. The pair sat hunched over a stack of paper their wrists' weary and tired of writing. Oz growing exhausted leaned back to support his spine on Willow's bed.

Willow on the other hand still crept closer, trying desperately to sort out this mess. You see Willow's plan was to write down every problem so they knew where they stood, the only thing was how were just the two of them going to fix it all? Finally Willow let out a long yawn that she'd been hiding for about 45mins. Progressively she fell into a quiet slumber without even a sound.

"Will I think I got it!" Oz proclaimed glimpsing towards his sleeping girlfriend. Oz only smiled a shy smile and lifted the folded blanket on the top of her bed and lightly laid it on her. She looked so heavenly, like and angel, wrapped up all in one blissful package. She'd been working so hard. Dropping the list on the floor Oz walked to the bathroom to splash his face with some water, which would wake him up.

But as soon as he reached the bathroom the doorbell rang. Oz hesitated, should he answer the door? Lingering for a moment Oz finally stopped in front of the door and swung it open, holding his breath.

"Oz? Where's Willow?" It was Xander coming to talk out the hurdle that they faced.

"She's in bed," Oz replied.

"So what are you doing here?" Xander probed.

"Willow invited me over."

"I'm Will's best friend and like hell she'd invite you over so late," Xander began to scream.

"Well, why not? Willow is like an angel, she's my bliss," Oz said.

"She is an angel and if you go near her," Xander continued raising his fist.

"Xander? Are you," but Oz was cut of by the blow of Xander's fist to his right eye. Oz fell to the floor as Xander looked at him with an evil eye. Contemplating Oz bolted from the ground his knuckles like a rock jabbing Xander in the abdomen. As Xander doubled over in pain Oz winced trying to regain some of his sight from the blow. Feeling better of the situation Oz turned his back for a moment only to be tripped by Xander. Falling to the ground once again Xander came crashing after him able to give a few punches to Oz's stomach.

Just as Xander clenched his hand tight Willow came drowsily down her stairs to find the most important guys in her life trying to kill each other. The door of her house was still wide open and the sounds of traffic woke her up.

"What the hell is going on!" Willow exploded. "It's mid night and most sane people are asleep."

"Will? I thought you were sleeping with him, he said you were like Angel. I just figured," Xander's voice trailed off.

"You figures what?! We'd pass the sex around! Xander grow up," Willow was about to continue before realizing this was her best friend. "Look at the two of you," she spoke slowly calming down. "Are you all right?" Willow asked helping up Oz.

"I'll be fine," Oz spoke still eyeing Xander carefully.

"Oh my god, your eye," Willow said as Xander was surprised to hear Willow use such language. I guess too much time with Buffy he thought. "Come on," Willow urged tugging Oz lightly by the sleeve but Oz was still reluctant. "Please," Willow begged touching her hand to his bruised eye as tenderly as one could.

"All right," Oz answered. He couldn't bare to see her in pain, especially over him. So Oz followed HIS girlfriend into the kitchen.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Willow continued probing as she and Oz entered the kitchen.

"Yes, fine. Don't worry about me," Oz said watching Willow emerged from the fridge with a cut of meat.

"I'm more worried about you. Why aren't you in your wheelchair?"

"I feel fine, now don't squirm," Willow said as she placed the steak over Oz right eye.

"I thought they only did this in the movies," Oz said squinting from the cold temperature of the beef.

"Come on, it'll help, please," Willow urged.

"Okay," Oz said lightly with his half smile. How could he refuse his angel?

Xander still in the living room only watched them leave regretfully but after a while noticed his own wound. Stepping into the light of the porch Xander slowly raised his loose relaxed shirt and found where Oz had slugged him. The ring Oz had been wearing had turned Xander's bruise into a deep cut.

Xander sighed at the events of this crappy day. All though the graveyard calmed his nerves because of the stability it held it also made him realize that there was no Slayer but the vampires still reined. Xander truly hoped Cordillia would keep herself safe, at least for tonight. Moments later none other then Cordy herself came briskly up the driveway staring at the darkness of night not noticing Xander thus bumping into him and his wound.

"Oh," Xander winced in pain, trying to cover his cut as quickly as possible.

"Oh shit! Are you okay," Cordillia worried, then realizing to cool her reflexes. Xander instantly looked up, exhilarated by Cordillia's concern but then he also realized it wasn't her job to be concerned anymore.

"I'm fine," Xander said turning his shoulder to her coldly. Memories shot back to Xander's mind, 'back to square one' he thought. Xander and Cordy were ready to piss one another off. They knew how the other ticked and could push each other's buttons to their limits.

"Xander," Cordillia spoke softly placing her hands on his shoulder and around his waist allowing herself a pure moment of vulnerability. Yet Xander still kept his mood, letting his guard down was something he would not allow himself to do. Cordy picked up on that so to keep Xander at bay continued to talk. "I, I, I" Why couldn't she bring herself to say it. "I was wrong," Cordillia finally blurted out. Xander looked up from the floor.

"What,"

"You heard me. Maybe I was a little harsh to think you wanted Buffy," Cordillia paused letting silence fill the room. "Like you want me," she finished. Xander was touched and felt a tingle creep into his soul but was still enraged at the same time.

"A little harsh? You broke up with me because some psycho said Buffy won't love me?!" Xander said feeling himself bubble with anger.

"Well if you didn't act so stunned and miserable when she'd said it this wouldn't have happened!" Cordillia screamed. She too was becoming increasingly angry.

"What wouldn't have happened? There's nothing to happen! It's not like I slept with her?!"

"Yeah I know, that was Angel. You remind me everyday, just admit it. You love her?" Xander's heart broke just hearing Cordy's accusations but both remained equally as furious.

"I love you, god damn it!" Xander blurted out.

"You what?" Cordillia asked breathless. Xander then realized what he'd just confessed and cringed from the embarrassment.

"I, never mind," Xander said turning away.

"Fine play it like that. I don't know what I ever saw in you. The only way you ever look good is if Buffy dresses you anyway."

"Yeah well at least I have enough common sense not to wear my heart on my sleeve," Xander shot back before walking away.

"Hey wait!" Cordillia said furious grabbing Xander's arm. "What the hell was that supposed to mean?" Xander was about to fire back when the pair recognized how close their bodies were to the heat of each other. Xander's eye wandered up and down Cordillia stopping repeatedly at her cleavage as Cordillia's eyes lingered as well but grabbed increasingly onto Xander's upper arms as she could feel his muscles growing taught under the tension.

Finally the twosome gave in to their lusts, their lips colliding in a kiss of passion in one simultaneous move. As they began to grope Xander lead kiss kisses towards Cordy's neck and shoulders before she lifted his chin and their mouths met again still full of passion and in the moment. As the intensity began to die down their tongues met as they Frenched once before breaking away.

"Wow," Xander exhaled glimpsing back at Cordillia's cleavage then towards her face.

"Yeah," Cordillia answered simply. "Um, Xander," Cordillia spoke breathing in deeply. "I love you too." Xander wore his childish grin as they both met to embrace. For that couple, at least all was at ease in their lives.

Part Ten

Buffy lay peaceful asleep her hair as well as her heart strewn about in a wild mess. A vast pile of stakes sat on the fluffy carpet of the limo. Rarely did you see the crimson red peeking through on the floor past the immense number of stakes. Casually Buffy began to stir, tossing and turning provoking hints of her nightmare to the eye of the Hellmouth, at its new relocation.

Whistler had finished the last of the stakes and had taken refuge in a near by hotel as daybreak had come and was now ending. Not that the sun was deadly to him but it's light had always made his skin run wildly cold to hot. It was a demon thing he continued to tell himself.

Finally the sun had completed its cycle behind the mountains and the darkness and evil of night began to rein. Buffy's tousled cloths were in a tangled mess. She hadn't changed them since she'd left Sunnydale and compared to the Slayer's usual tidy appearance she looked like Hell run over twice. Her hair was soaked in sweat as it rubbed against the velvety seat of the limo. Almost at once Buffy's Slayer senses stirred within her sub-conscious as she jolted up in the company of the undead.

The Slayer's feet flew to the crimson red carpet, which was covered by the wooden stakes that cracked beneath Buffy's firm weight. Noticing that the vamps weren't in the limo Buffy breathed in a quick sigh of relief before reaching for a stake and efficiently slipping it into the sleeve of the leather jacket Angel had given her. During the flood of remorse Buffy had felt during the night before she'd pulled the jacket on to ease the pain but now it would also aid her fire against the vampires, demons and forces of evil.

Feeling her surroundings Buffy's Slayer kicked in. She'd already figured there were about 5 vampires outside and by peeking through the limo's tinted windows she'd caught a glimpse at the head vamp. 'Spike's men,' the Slayer realized getting ready for the attack. Buffy had 3 stakes tucked into the leather jacket and one clenched in her hand. Slowly opening the door Buffy crept away from the limo and towards the stack of crates behind the limousine.

"You vamps are so stupid," Buffy muttered to herself after securing her stance. Drawing attention to herself the vamps looked up and to their surprise saw the Slayer. Buffy guessed Spike hadn't told them who they were going to fight or if they were just surprised to see her at full strength. 'She'd show them,' Buffy thought. Acknowledging the Slayer's presence most of the vamps growled, as if saying hi.

"Here we go again. So where's clepto guy?" Buffy questioned remembering the last vamp she'd fought of Spike while also trying to provoke anger in them. After all an angry vampire is a foolish vampire. Lunging to the ground Buffy bounced like a ball of the cement and took her fighting stance as the vamps circled her like sharks. The Slayer's stake flew high into the air as she picked her first prey. "Hello," Buffy said jumping onto the vamp, pinning him before going for the heart thus major dust.

"One down, four to go," Buffy mentioned. "Well, whose next?" Now it was her turn to circle the last four vamps, wait! Where'd the fourth one go? "Shit!" Buffy cursed. "What the Hell, I take my eyes off you for one minute and, ouch. What are you going wiggy about?" The Slayer elbowed one vamp to the floor before tripping another to the ground and dusting him clean. The Slayer let out a sigh of relief brushing her stringy hair away. The last time Buffy fought this hard was when she'd allied herself with Spike.

"Slayer!" Whistler yelled through muffled hands. Buffy spun around as Whistler motioned her attention to him. "You're on your own kid," Whistler waved. "Don't wait up, you only have you now." And with that Whistler was gone, a demon kidnapped by a vampire. "God damn it!" The Slayer screamed in furry. There was only one vamp left behind as he tried to pick himself up off the hard earth. "I don't think so." Buffy kicked him back down with her roundhouse kick but the vampire still managed to get himself up. "I don't think you heard me," Buffy said power house kicking the vamp down, only this time the vamp got angry and jabbed the Slayer which made her fly.

"I repeat," Buffy said flipping herself to a handstand then to her feet making up the distance. "Go to Hell," and with that the Slayer returned the punch and thrusted her stake into this, thing's heart. Then Buffy walked away, back into the limo, alone again. She knew exactly what Giles would be saying right now, scolding her for beating the undead guy into a 'bloody pulp,' as he put it.

To Be Continued... FEEDBACK PLEASE!!!