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Time and Time Again.
Author: Citanul
Feedback: Be kind, rewind?
Spoilers: Just about all of them. Go watch the show.
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: W/T, B/F
Disclaimer: You all know I don’t own the rights to characters you’ve seen on TV.
Summary: A story of reincarnation and interdimensional travel made possible through the power of love. What misfortunes will our two favorite love birds be able to prevent with the aid of experience from countless past lives.
Author’s Note: This entry is a bit on the long side. Had a lot to squeeze in before the break. There's a Love scene early on. At this point I'm starting to think that adding warnings about love scenes might be a spoiler. Granted, I don't want to blindside anyone who doesn't want to read about sexy bits but I've kind of written a lot of them into the story at this point.
Anyway please enjoy.
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Dark Age Chronicles: The Kingdom
Stray beams of sunlight danced across closed eyelids as the blonde rolled over in her bed. She groaned once before the surprising softness of the sheets enveloping her and the mattress beneath her registered in her tired mind. As the all too unfamiliar feeling of comfort came to her notice hazel eyes flew open in surprise.
Buffy looked around the sparsely decorated room in wonder. She was in a palace the likes of which she had never seen before. Smooth stone walls, floors and ceiling surrounded the massive bed at the center of the large room.
To one side was an archway leading out to a wide balcony. Cloudy glass doors and sturdy looking shutters could easily be drawn to keep the elements outside. To the other side were a large wardrobe and a small doorway. On the far wall was another door with a bookshelf to one side and a sizeable dresser to the other.
Nothing about her surroundings made sense at first. Then the memories of the day before started to trickle into her mind. What she and Giles had tried to do. What had been revealed to her. Above all, the thing that stuck out the most was the wholly unexpected kindness the person she tried to assassinate had shown her.
“How am I ever going to make that up to her?” Buffy muttered wearily as she looked down and noticed she had slept in nothing but her underwear. She began to scan the room for any sign of her clothes just before a knocking came from the door on the far wall. “Who’s there?” The Slayer cried out in shock as the door opened.
“Oh Honey, you’re finally awake.” Joyce called out as she came into the room holding a clean stack of folded laundry. “You have no idea how happy I am to have you back.”
“I’m glad to see you too Mom.” Buffy admitted with a small smile. “I still can’t get over the fact that you and Dawn are alive and happy.”
“I missed you so much Sweetie.” Joyce said after setting the clothes aside and sitting on the bed to embrace her eldest child. The Slayer held back a relieved sob as she felt loving arms wrap around her. The two blondes sat there holding each other for several long moments. The tender reconnection went on until the relieved mother spoke softly into the young woman’s ear.
“Buffy, we need to talk.” Joyce said. Her tone was laced with resolve that almost shocked the Slayer.
“I know Mom.” Buffy whispered. “I screwed up pretty big yesterday didn’t I?”
“You didn’t know what was going on.” Joyce assured before growing stern. “But you can’t do anything like that again. Tara has been so good to us. And for reasons they will probably explain themselves she and Willow care about you as much as everyone else in their city.”
“I got that impression last night when she let me out of the dungeon.” Buffy said with a slight smirk before growing more serious. “I broke down when she told me what Merrick did to you. She just opened the prison cell and pulled me into a hug. I gave her every excuse to kill me, and more than enough reason to think I would take any chance to kill her, and she still took me in with open arms.”
“That’s just the kind of person Tara is.” Joyce affirmed with a smile. “All hail the Witch King.” She added with a chuckle.
“I’m not going to walk out that door and find armed guards am I?” Buffy asked with a worried frown.
“No dear.” Her mother replied. “Tara would never put guards in our personal chambers.”
“We have chambers?” The Slayer asked.
“Uh huh.” Joyce said. “A few bedrooms, a common room, and even a small kitchen.”
“How big is this castle?” Buffy asked in wide eyed surprise.
“Big, Honey.” Joyce affirmed. “Get dressed. Your sister is waiting for you for breakfast.”
“Dawn’s waiting for me?” Buffy replied.
“Of course.” Her mother said. “We had no idea where you were and all Tara and Willow could tell us was that Faith’s training was a good sign you might be alive.”
“Why would Faith be involved?” Buffy asked.
“I don’t know dear.” Joyce said as she walked to the door. “You’re both Slayers. Maybe that had something to do with it.”
“Faith was supposed to be chosen after my death, wasn’t she?” The Slayer whispered.
“I don’t want to hear anymore talk of your death!” Joyce said forcefully. “I had a hard enough time hearing you died three times in one of the past lives Tara and Willow lived. Buffy I know you have responsibilities being the Slayer. But you aren’t alone anymore. You aren’t going to die on me.”
“You’re right Mom.” Buffy agreed with a slight smile after recalling the more drastic events from the day before. “I’m not the only one anymore.”
With that Buffy dressed and the two blondes went to join the third member of the Summers family for breakfast. Dawn was overjoyed to have her big sister back and playfully ribbed the older girl about her next big assignment from her assassins’ guild throughout the meal. Buffy just smiled good naturedly at her bratty sibling. She had her family back. That alone drove the Slayer to ensure that her past mistakes wouldn’t jeopardize her place in this kingdom. For the first time since being chosen Buffy felt at home.
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Willow awoke to find herself laying atop her love. Smooth creamy arms wrapped around her as the fingers on one hand traced delicate circles around the smattering of freckles upon her shoulder.
“Mmm, Baby.” The redhead moaned contentedly as she luxuriated in Tara’s embrace.
“Morning Sweetie.” The warlord said. “Ready for the day?”
“If I said no would you think less of me?” She asked.
“Never.” Tara affirmed.
“You were amazing last night.” The redhead added.
“You weren’t too bad yourself.” Tara replied with a wide smirk.
“Not that!” Willow yelped. “Though that was nice too. You’re always great when it comes to that.”
“I aim to please.” The Witch King chuckled.
“I meant your talk with Buffy.” Willow said at last.
“I know.” Tara replied. “I can’t help but think about her.”
“Should I be jealous?” The inventor asked with her own smirk. The warlord only rolled her eyes as her hands played with fine crimson locks.
“She’s been through so much.” Tara said after a moment.
“We all have.” Willow agreed. “But you saved us all. You saved each and every person in this kingdom.”
“I don’t think I even meant to.” The honey blonde admitted. “I was just looking for you.”
“Well you found me.” The redhead said with a smile. “Anything you want to do now that you have me?” She asked as one hand slowly traced down her love’s collar bone and up the exposed breast.
Tara shuddered as delicate finger tips traced her areola in slow circles. A gasp escaped her lips as the nipple was caught firmly between thumb and forefinger.
“Vixen!” Tara breathed out as Willow’s lips worked their way across the flesh of her shoulder and up her neck. As the redhead suckled just below the ear Tara’s strong arms wrapped around her even tighter. Willow grinned into the neck she adored as her hand slowly slipped down the length of their stomachs. With boundless joy she cupped her hand over the length of Tara’s center and just held it there.
“Willow.” Tara moaned breathily at the tender yet determined contact. The fingers pressed slightly into her already wet folds as she begged her slender love for more. “Baby.”
“You know what that word does to me Baby.” Willow whispered into the ear she had begun to nibble. “You know me so well my love.”
“Please.” Tara whispered once. She let out a strangled cry of pleasure as two fingers slid all the way inside her. “Oh Goddess.”
Tara flung her head back into the pillows as the fingers nestled within her began to stir. As the pace evened out for a long, smooth session both women could enjoy Tara tried to bring her head back up to face her love.
Their lips met half way and Tara melted into the kiss. Willow slid her tongue past Tara’s lips and traced her front teeth. The honey blonde submitted to the probing muscle and their tongues began to wrestle in a slow, sensuous dance.
Tara’s hands slid down the pale girl’s lightly freckled back and grasped both of the redhead’s ass cheeks with desperate need. Her thigh slid upwards between Willow’s legs.
Willow moaned into her love’s mouth as her core graced the smooth yet slightly muscular thigh. Her own arousal coated Tara’s leg as she ground her palm into the honey blonde’s clit. Willow’s hips took up a well practiced pace as they worked their way up and down Tara’s leg.
The honey blonde’s grasp on the petite buttocks intensified slightly as she felt the pace of the dexterous fingers within her quicken. Her hips bucked upwards as she felt finely trimmed nails drag over the sensitive bump within her. Tara felt Willow’s lips form a smirk against her mouth as the redhead repeated the action. Tara couldn’t help but moan more loudly as the teasing continued.
With practiced skill and lustful ferocity Willow tormented the most sensitive recesses of Tara’s body. Minutes stretched on and on as Willow picked up speed. Tara’s hips practically vibrated as tremors gave prelude to the earth shattering release yet to come.
The honey blonde screamed her rapture into the redhead’s throat as the hand at her center gave one final thrust and stilled within her soaking and molten folds. Willow rode out the aftershocks and ripples of Tara’s orgasm with a smile. The crimson haired girl looked down at her shaking love and smiled.
Moments later Tara’s eyes fluttered open. She looked up to see the smirk she couldn’t help but love. Realizing the imbalance of their explorations Tara made up her mind to act. With a swift motion that took Willow by complete surprise Tara rolled them so that she lay atop Willow’s slender frame.
“Baby?” Willow asked once before the curvy girl’s stomach pressed into her center with delightful results. The redhead moaned as Tara smiled down at her.
Tara slipped her hands upwards until she clasped both hands with Willow’s. The sinuous rocking of her hips ground out a beat in Willow that was echoed by her racing heart. As she brought both their hands over Willow’s head Tara leaned down and captured quivering lips with her own.
With each wriggle her stomach worked into Willow’s aching core. Slim legs came up and wrapped around Tara’s hips and back. The red head bucked repeatedly as Tara maintained the kiss throughout their frolicking. Willow shuddered violently once more and Tara couldn’t help but smile as she felt the sweet arousal coat he stomach.
The two of them collapsed where they lay with Tara sprawled across the smaller girl and Willow still clutching all of Tara’s curvaceous form in her arms and legs. Time passed in the royal bedchambers as stillness settled over the lovers.
Panting led to gentle laughter as both women regained their senses. With contented smiles the witches gazed into each other’s eyes. Basking in the warmth and love that all too often overwhelmed them both.
“I love you Baby.”
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“I’m heading to the weaver’s guild to place an order for some tapestries for Buffy’s room.” Joyce said as she stood by the door. “Maybe a few rugs too. You girls be good while I’m out.”
Buffy and Dawn looked at each other as their mother walked out the door. A slight frown crossed the younger sister face as she recalled what day it was.
“I gotta go Sis.” Dawn lamented. “Cassie and the girls are waiting for me to meet them in town.”
“What?” Buffy asked. “You’re leaving me? What am I supposed to do while you’re both gone?”
“Go walk around town.” Dawn replied. “Talk to people. Make friends. Prove you aren’t some crazy assassin sent here to ruin our community.”
“I was afraid you’d say that.” Buffy said as she let out a groan.
“You’ll be fine.” Dawn assured. “Just be sure to play nice. And no stabbing Tara’s pet demons!”
“How many demons live here?” Buffy asked in wonder.
“Only a few, but they are all really sweet and a little on the timid side.” Dawn said. “One is half human and married to this kinda spazzy woman. Another has a great singing voice. And you saw Clem yesterday.”
“The guy with the saggy skin and the salsa recipe?” Buffy asked.
“Yeah, he’s harmless.” Dawn replied as she turned to the door. “They all are. See ya later Buffy.”
The Slayer sat at the table and stared in shock at the door her family had exited through. With a weary sigh she got up and looked around their living space. In no time she found the most opulent bathing room she had ever seen.
The very thought that her mother and sister were afforded such luxury awed Buffy. If this was what one of the secondary quarters held she wondered what marvels the Witch King’s personal chambers boasted.
Then again the people here put a premium on cleanliness. It seemed to be one thing the “royal couple” took a very firm stance on. With a smile Buffy realized she would have no qualms about falling in line on that issue.
The Slayer found a small grate for the wood burning stove beneath the tub and set about building and lighting a sizeable fire. She filled the tub with water from the faucet that only took her a few minutes to puzzle out. The wonders this castle held could not be understated to the young woman who had spent most of her life in a rural farmhouse and the last year or so on the road with a grumpy librarian.
Stripping out of the light dress her mother had given her before breakfast seemed awkward at first but a wide smile broke out across her face as her toes dipped into the warm water. With a sigh the Slayer relaxed into the large bath tub and let the warmth strip away the stress of her tumultuous life. A good hot soak was apparently what she had needed all along.
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With a startled grunt the watcher almost leapt from the surprisingly comfortable mattress. He had slept soundly in his traveling clothes without even removing the uppermost sheet on the bed. Yet still it had been the most restful slumber of his life. He looked around the room as memories of the day before replayed in his mind.
“The world is never going to be the same.” Giles muttered. He noticed a large wardrobe and dressers to either side of the bedroom. A few yards past the foot of his bed was a railing. He got up and went to look over the side.
The main room of his quarters awed him now that he had a clear enough head to take in the sight. A staircase to his left went down along the side wall and met a small landing. Another few steps and it reached the main floor. All along the walls were wooden bookshelves waiting to be filled. As he descended the stairs he saw more of the large room.
Dark wood trim that matched the shelves stood out on the soft green walls. Under his loft sleeping area was a cozy kitchen with counter space, cookware, and cutlery enough for any bachelor. A medium sized table sat in the center of the room. A set of upholstered couches and soft looking lounge chairs sat around a short coffee table to the left of the larger table.
Past the seating area two large windows dominated the walls around a fireplace and mantle. Sitting in the corner was a sight he had not expected to see. An acoustic guitar leaned against a small stand. How could they know he played? Buffy didn’t even know.
Across the room from the fire place, under the staircase was a door he presumed led outside. To the other side of the kitchen was a short hallway that led to a nicely tiled bathing chamber and a second small room lined with bookshelves. A desk sat in the middle of that room with two more large windows flanking it.
Giles looked out the windows and saw a fairly large courtyard nestled between two massive stone walls that curved outwards to either side. His chambers were apparently nestled between to large circular offshoots of the main building. He would have to ask about that later.
He would also have to ask about reaching out to his contacts to fill the lovely book shelves. No doubt the new Slayer force that lived here would need his aid in researching demonic activity.
As Giles drew himself a bath he smiled. Things might turn out for the best after all. If only he and his Slayer could earn the trust of this kingdom. He suspected that now lay in Buffy’s hands.
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She sighed, knowing she couldn’t put this off any longer. After her bath she had dressed in trousers and a shirt her mother had left her. The familiar attire would hopefully afford her some maneuverability if things escalated once she was out among the townspeople. Her hand clasped the door handle and she stepped out into the hall. With a sigh she relaxed for a moment.
“Sup B!” Came a familiar voice.
Buffy spun around and saw Faith was leaning against the wall only a few feet from her family’s chamber door. She was dressed in a ridiculously tight vest that hugged her ample bosom like a corset. Another pair of tight leather pants and high boots completed the effect the brunette was going for. The Slayer reigned in a yelp of surprise as the outgoing girl came up to her.
“Faith!” Buffy squeaked. “How did you know where I’d be?”
“Duh new girl.” Faith replied with a sarcastic, slack jawed moan. “We’re neighbors.”
“We are?” Buffy asked.
“Sure.” Faith said. “They put me next door to the Brat and Mrs. S the first day I got here. Granted my room’s a little on the small side and I don’t got a kitchen but the dinning hall is almost always open and you’re mom is a hell of a cook. I spend most of the day out training anyways so it’s all good.”
“You spend time with my family?” Buffy asked in surprise.
“Oh yeah.” Faith smirked. “Didn’t have the nicest one growing up. I think your mom figured that out just by looking at me. She was all like, “Young lady you are going to have a real meal with us so wash up and come help set the table.” It was nice at first and then I kinda got used to it.”
Faith’s eyes widened for a brief moment as she looked up at the blonde. Buffy wondered what was going through her head before she realized the brunette was afraid of something.
“I can still come by every now and then right?” Faith asked. “I mean, it’s great you guys found each other. You should spend time together. I don’t want to butt in on that.”
“You can still come to family dinners Faith.” Buffy said with a smile. “Aside from my own mother, you and Tara have been the nicest people I’ve met since I screwed up yesterday.”
“Everything’s five by five B.” Faith said dismissively. “Way Red tells it, that council you used to take guff from needs a kick in the teeth. Now you know better.”
“Do you think this Willow I keep hearing about will forgive me for trying to kill her…” Buffy trailed off for a moment. “What exactly do the people around here call the “royal couple?” Wives? Lovers?”
“They keep throwing the word girlfriend around.” Faith answered. “Not as much as they say soulmate or “Mine!” But enough that everyone else just goes with that for now.”
“Okay.” Buffy sighed. “And no one has a problem with the fact they’re both women?”
“No one dumb enough to let it show anyway.” Faith said. “I can’t speak for all the people we bring in every few days but everyone in this castle is cool and everyone in the city walls owes the Boss their lives. No one has said a word since Al and the boys started helping the good ol’ Witch King take down slave caravans.”
“That would inspire loyalty and at least some open mindedness.” Buffy admitted. She looked up at her newly empowered fellow Slayer and smiled. “So Dawn told me to look around the city. Care to be my guide?”
“Damn B.” Faith chuckled as she took the petite blonde’s hand and led her down the halls. “Thought you’d never ask. Let’s start with the castle. You’ve got the main tower and the four offshoots. Right now you and me are in the living quarters. It’s two stories and mostly apartments and bedrooms for what Red and Blondie call the family.”
“Family?” The Slayer asked.
“Yup.” Faith replied. “They just told us a bunch of stuff yesterday but basically each of us has proven themselves to the girls in some other life or some shit.” The brunette smiled wickedly for a moment before continuing. “That includes you B. Apparently you were the first thing the Boss asked Mrs. S and the Brat about when she found them.”
“She knew about me?” Buffy asked.
“She knew about all of us the second she laid eyes on us.” Faith said. “Blondie took one look at me and just knew how to handle my attitude. It took Al a whole week before she learned that trick.”
“How am I doing?” Buffy wondered.
“Oh you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.” Faith said as she led them on. “So the living quarters are on the east side of the base of the tower. To the south you got the old keep. What used to be the Boss’s old man’s fort. He wasn’t as great at parenting as your mom though so Blondie set his house on fire and offed most of his bandits and thugs. Way I hear it she came back almost a year later and skewered him as he ran away like a punk.”
“Her own father?” Buffy whispered.
“He wasn’t enough of a man to be a father B.” Faith corrected. “He was just the guy that got her mom knocked up. Nothing special.” They walked on until Faith brought them to a large stone staircase that spiraled downwards. The brunette continued to talk about the castle layout.
“Anyway the old keep has the entrance you got dragged through and the dungeon. Also the servants’ quarters, on duty guard barracks, the grand dining hall, kitchens, and the second floor has the throne room and the balcony that overlooks the town square. Plus an office slash war room type deal. The Boss hardly goes there so pretty much everyone hangs out in the throne room or that big balcony and shoots the breeze.”
“Sounds nice.” Buffy offered.
“Nah, we got way better places if you want nice.” She said. “Now to the west is the printers’ hall.”
“Printers?” Buffy asked with a perplexed frown.
“Check it.” Faith replied. “First thing Red did was show a bunch of blacksmiths and artisan types how to make these machines that print as many copies of pages from books as you got paper to put them on. They made a hundred or so and started filling the library with stuff from Red’s old man’s library and stuff Red knew that ain’t nobody else in the world even dreamed of yet.”
“Giles is gonna love that this place has a library.” Buffy said with an eye roll.
“Big one too.” Faith added. “Takes up the first four floors of the tower.”
“Okay that sounds impressive.” Buffy admitted. “What else is in the tower?”
“Fifth floor is the royal chambers.” Faith said before starting to waggle her eyebrows lewdly. “That’s where Red and Blondie get their fuck on if you know what I mean?”
“Eww!” Buffy all but shrieked. “Faith you are depraved.”
“Don’t worry B.” Faith replied as she continued to waggle her eyebrows suggestively. “I’ll grow on ya.”
“Sure you will.” Buffy said with an eye roll. “That tower seemed really tall from the outside. Anything else up there?”
“Yup.” The brunette affirmed. “You got the Aviary. That’s where all those ravens you met yesterday hang out.”
“Oh my god those were real birds?” Buffy asked in shock. “I thought she threw her shadow at me or some other magic thing.”
“Nope, real birds. They just have a little bit of that Witch King swagger. Lets them do stuff for the Boss.” Faith confirmed. “Above that is a few lookout posts with these big telescopes, a large chamber that I think is just for storage, and at the very top is a huge platform on the roof. Up there you can see just about everything for miles around.”
“Sounds impressive.” Buffy admitted. A moment passed as Faith led them to a normal enough looking door. Buffy looked at it expectantly and wondered what lay behind.
“I figured you’d want to check this out first.” Faith said. “Make sure everyone is alright.”
Buffy titled her head to the side in curiosity at the young woman’s statement as she watched Faith knock on the sturdy door. Shuffling could be heard inside as someone came closer. The door opened and Buffy let out a relieved shout.
“Giles!” She cried.
“Buffy?” Giles said. “I’m so glad to see you. How is your family?”
“They’re good.” Buffy said as she reigned in her emotions. “They really missed me.”
“Buffy please believe me.” Giles began. “I had nothing to do with anything your first watcher did. I would never have condoned such actions against innocents, especially innocents that mean the world to you. I just.” He paused for a long moment as the girls noticed the emotion building in his eyes. “I just hope I can one day earn your trust again.”
Buffy was silent for a long while before she replied to her watcher. When she spoke it was not quite as harsh as she thought it would be.
“I need some time Giles.” Buffy said. “It’ll get there. I’m not turning my back on you after all we’ve been through. But right now, it’s hard.”
“I understand dear girl.” Giles said with a slight bow of his head.
Faith could easily feel the strained emotions between the two people she had been told to look out for. She could tell her earlier fears of some unseemly romantic relationship were unfounded.
What the two people before her shared was trust and friendship. The bond between a committed student and a mentor that focused all his efforts on a singular pupil. The only affection between them was innocent. Fatherly.
For a brief instant Faith felt sorry for herself and the utter lack of family she had been cursed with. Then she recognized how much the newly revealed betrayal was hurting the watcher and Slayer before her.
A brief image of a happy life popped into her mind. One where she had won over Buffy’s affections. One where they sat at a dinner table with Joyce and Dawn and even Giles. Laughing and eating. In that instant Faith knew the path she must take.
“Hey, sorry to butt in here but there’s some things you guys will want to see.” Faith said, drawing confused looks from both Slayer and watcher. “This way.”
The brunette led them a short distance down the hall to a large set of double doors on the opposite side of the long curved hall from the watcher’s door. With a smile she pushed the doors open and led them into the heart of he Witch King’s tower.
The Slayer and her watcher looked up to see countless bookshelves stretching out in all directions. The high vaulted ceiling sported buttresses that curved up towards the center of the tower. They stopped short of meeting in the center of the tower, leaving a wide opening allowing all to look up to the three floors above. Each containing just as many bookshelves as the last. Massive windows allowed light to pour in from all sides of the tower.
“Welcome to the library.” Faith said as both of the citadel’s newest residents stared in awe.
“My word.” Giles whispered.
“That’s a lot of books.” Buffy admitted.
“Yeah, makes me glad they forced me to learn how to read.” Faith admitted with a chuckle.
“I do hope they did that with all the Slayers living under their care.” Giles replied.
“Oh yeah.” Faith said. “It’s like the Boss is always sayin’. Readin’ is fundamental.”
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“Well they certainly look impressed.” Ira said as he looked down on the trio from the second floor of the library.
“Yeah, Giles is a huge book nerd.” Willow said with a chuckle as she sat in Tara’s lap.
“Are we sure they can be trusted?” Sheila asked for what seemed like the hundredth time.
“Yes.” Willow and Tara answered in unison.
“Mom, please give Buffy a chance.” Willow pleaded. “She’s not a bad person.”
“She tried to murder my daughter in law.” Sheila said with mild outrage.
“She was lied to by the people who h-had her family sold into s-slavery. They’ve been manipulating her life since the day she became the chosen one.” Tara stated.
“You both really trust her?” Sheila asked.
“With our lives.” Willow said. “She has saved them more times than either of us can count. And she’ll save them again and again in this life and how ever many more we are blessed with. She’ll prove herself to everyone in this city if she has to. Mom, please don’t hate Buffy. There were times when she was the only person in the world I could talk to. Times I wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t have her shoulder to cry on.”
“She’s really that important?” Ira asked.
“She’s the Chosen one.” Tara said as though that was all there was to it.
“She may be the only person who can take the gang of young girls we just turned into Slayers and forge them into a force that can save this world.” Willow added. “If anything happens to us she’s the leader this kingdom will need to lead it through the darkness and into the light.”
“Alright.” Sheila huffed. “I guess I can give Bunny a chance.”
Ira couldn’t help but stare in confusion at the heartfelt laughter his wife’s words brought to his daughters. In the end he just smiled and let Willow and Tara have their fun.
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“Okay, so the library is the center of the tower. The tower is the center of the whole city.” Faith explained to the newest citizens of the kingdom. “The main hall runs all the way around the library and is the easiest way to get around the base of the tower. G man, your pad is on the outer wall, tucked between the printers and our next stop.”
“Printers?” He asked.
“Apparently they have like, a hundred printing presses.” Buffy added.
“Remarkable.” Giles whispered.
“Yeah it’s real swell.” Faith said as she led them to yet another set of large double doors. “But this next stop is even better.”
The brunette pushed through the door and practically strutted into the massive chamber beyond. Buffy and Giles both marveled at the crystal clear skylight that dominated the high vaulted ceiling. Their expression brightened as they noticed the wide open training area, the various pommel horses, uneven bars and balance beams, a large number of martial arts training dummies, punching bags and a huge fighting ring, the countless racks of weapons lining the outer walls, and of course the rows of tables and benches set to one side next to even more book shelves and a chalk board.
“Welcome to the Slayer Academy.” Faith said with a grin as she walked into the training space. “Yo, listen up!” She yelled, causing a dozen or so girls to come running.
“What’s the deal Faith?” Rona asked.
“And why are they here?” Molly added.
“Today’s the day all this stuff we’ve been doing makes sense.” Faith said loudly. “The Boss and Red have clearly been training us for the worst. Well this gal here has seen the worst! So listen to what she has to say!” The brunette turned back to the stunned Blonde and smiled slyly.
“Go ahead B.” Faith said. “Tell these chicks what it means to be the Slayer.”
Buffy stared at Faith for a long moment. She almost couldn’t believe what was happening. But soon enough her resolve kicked in and the Slayer knew what to say.
“The Slayer is the line.” She said at last. “Between the world, and the much darker world. I protect people from what’s in the darkness. I stop the things that go bump in the night. And when I can’t do that I bump back. I slay evil. I’m the thing that monsters have nightmares about.” She paused for a brief moment. “And now so are all of you.”
Each and every one of the newly empowered Slayers stared in awe at the conviction in the petite blonde’s voice. They knew she could back up every word she said.
“But you’re still not as strong as the Witch King.” One girl in the back said.
“No, she’s a lot stronger.” Alonna corrected without taking her eyes off the blonde.
“Alonna’s right.” Buffy admitted. “I am stronger than the Witch King. I could have killed her yesterday.”
“B.” Faith said as a worried expression crossed her face.
“I might not have made it out of the town afterwards, but I’d have slayed her and gone down fighting.” Buffy went on. “I could have probably taken out dozens of guards before a few archers got off some lucky shots. And even if I had died another girl somewhere would just end up with all my powers and take up the fight right after me. It might have taken her awhile to get here and steal back the Scythe but she’d have done it eventually.”
“So why did you lose?” Alonna asked.
“Because the Witch King knew the weakness of every Slayer.” Buffy explained. “Countless monsters and immortals have fallen victim to the Slayer line. The smart ones figure out the trick. You don’t go after the Slayer. You go after the girl.”
Confused looks swept the room as Slayers listened in earnest. Buffy just continued retelling the most important lessons she had learned.
“The Slayer can’t be beaten.” She declared. “But the girl the Slayer is in can. Your leader showed me the one thing that would steal my focus away in the middle of the fight. She outsmarted me and for an instant I wasn’t the Slayer. I was just a girl shocked to find out that her family was still alive. And in that instant I lost.”
“And that can easily happen to each and every one of you.” The experienced Slayer said. “You are all Slayers now thanks to everything that happened yesterday. My power is your power. So let’s see what you’ve got.”
With that Buffy launched herself into a backwards cartwheel heading straight for the nearest weapons rack. Half the girls stood there, staring in shock as the other half scrambled for weapons to defend themselves with.
“Damn B!” Faith shouted as she drew a pair of long daggers from her waist. “You got moves girl.”
“Let’s see if you’ve got them too Faith!” Buffy said with a laugh as she whipped around to face the brunette with the long sword she pulled from the wall. The two squared off and began to duel.
As their fight fell into a steady rhythm other girls tried to close. They were summarily beaten back by either Slayer. Giles watched the battle as younger Slayers tried to approach Buffy two and three at a time. His charge held them off easily while still facing Faith.
“You guys are doing pretty good.” Buffy called out. “But if you’re going to be the Witch King’s army you need to learn to coordinate. And that’s something no Slayer has ever had the chance to learn.”
As a group of five girls began to flank Buffy Faith let a wicked smile cross her face. She brought her blades up to catch Buffy’s sword and leaned in to whisper her plan.
“What do ya say we go two on twenty B?” Faith asked.
“I say I like that idea.” Buffy agreed. The two Slayers faced off the other girls attempting to flank the blonde. The younger team didn’t stand a chance. They were disarmed and sent running.
Alonna, Vi, Rona and the Cooper twins came up next. They faired better but only lasted a minute longer than the last batch. As the last girl was disarmed Faith and Buffy shared a brief smile.
“That was really impressive you guys.” Buffy announced. “You’re all incredibly strong. But I’ve been doing this for about two years now. Giles, can you start giving them pointers for improving their form?”
“I most certainly can Buffy.” The watcher replied happily. He quickly introduced himself to each girl and told them exactly where they needed to focus their efforts to improve the fastest. Buffy smiled at the ease with which the only man she ever trusted adapted to their new lives.
Alonna watched as Faith went up to Buffy and whispered something in her ear. Shock mixed with amusement as the brunette led the blonde out the Academy doors and off she knew not where. With a small shake of her head the ebony Slayer turned back to the Englishman. If the man and the girl were really going to be a part of Tara’s kingdom she would have to get used to them sooner rather than later.
******************************
“So what do we do now that every potential is a Slayer?” Tara asked.
“I don’t actually know.” Willow admitted. The talk with her parents had gone well enough and they had decided to lounge around one of their private rooms for an hour or so. Willow knew Tara wouldn’t admit it but she could tell her curvy love was still a little sore from her fight with an enraged Slayer. Her amorous exploits afterward probably hadn’t helped.
“The first time things went badly because some demon dimension wanted to start a witch hunt.” The redhead paused briefly as her words registered. “But you know, with Slayers.”
“We should probably do something to pick up the slack.” Tara said. “Obviously we can’t trust the council to guide every girl we unlocked.”
Green eyes widened as an idea formed in Willow’s mind. Tara watched in awe as the most beautiful grin spread across her soul’s face.
“Ooh, oh, oh, Baby! I got it! I know what we can do to help.” The inventor cheered excitedly.
“Tell me all about it Sweetie.” Tara replied hopefully.
“Okay well first we have to…” Willow leaned in and whispered in her love’s ear.
“Okay.” Tara said as the whispers continued. “Oh that’s good.” She smiled as the plan unfolded. “I love it!”
“I’ll tell Fred to get the lab ready.” Willow began as she wriggled happily in Tara’s lap. “We should pick our best three for the plan itself.”
“I already know who will do the best.” Tara replied as she thoroughly enjoyed the excited gyrations of her slender love.
“I know, they’re perfect.” Willow said as she leaned down to steal a tender kiss. “You’re perfect.”
“I thought we agreed no one’s perfect.” The honey blonde said between kisses.
“I agreed you always make perfect sense.” Willow whispered into luscious lips.
******************************
“Okay B.” Faith said as they raced out the front gate of the castle. “So you’ve seen the town square.”
“Funny, Faith.” The blonde replied.
“I try.” She added. “Let’s swing by the markets. After that I got a surprise in mind.”
“Really?” Buffy asked as they walked past crowds of people. Everyone made sure to not be caught gawking at the young woman who had been dragged off to the dungeon the day before. No one wanted to be caught in a fight like the one they had witnessed.
“Yeah.” Faith said as she looked around the street with a frown. Buffy could tell something was bothering her new friend.
“You sense them don’t you?” The Slayer asked.
“I got this weird tingle.” Faith admitted. “Like Vuja De or this buzzing just under the skin.”
“There are demons nearby.” Buffy informed her. “That tingle is part of the Slayer package. Is this the first time you felt it?”
“Nah, I think I felt it yesterday during the meeting.” Faith admitted. “Lorne and Doyle were there.”
“Maybe you should try to follow the feeling.” Buffy ventured. “See if you can get a feel for it while no one is trying to kill you.”
“We’re gonna have to get the boys to help on this.” Faith said as they moved with newfound purpose towards the unknown. They rounded a corner and almost ran into two men having a nervous conversation.
“No, Sugar, everything is okay.” The green man assured the pale one with floppy ears and sagging skin.
“No Lorne I think I really screwed up.” Clem argued. “What if the Witch King had gotten hurt? I shouldn’t have been so chatty.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong Clem.” Faith said from just behind Lorne. Both demons turned to look at the brunette and practically flinched when they saw the blonde beside her.
“Oh goddess.” Lorne said as he brought a hand up to his chest. “Honey Bunch you gotta warn a guy before you sneak up on him like that.”
“Wait what is she doing here?” Clem asked. “Please don’t slay us.”
“Muffin, relax.” Lorne said. “The Big Kahuna said Little Miss Thang is good people.” He turned back to the Slayer and smiled. “Hello there Sweet Pea. I’m Lorne. You’re the little ball of sunshine’s big sis aren’t you?”
“Hi Lorne.” Buffy said nervously. “Hi Clem. Yes I’m Dawn’s Sister. Guys, I just want to say I’m sorry about yesterday. Clem, the misunderstanding was my fault.”
“Really?” The loose skinned demon asked. “Lady Tara won’t banish me will she?”
“Nope.” Both Slayers replied.
“Say, guys.” Buffy said. “We kinda have to train all the new Slayers now. And I’m starting to think they need to get caught up fast. Would you mind helping with that?”
“Oh Honey Cakes, we aren’t really much for fighting.” Lorne said.
“I have this one thing but Lady Willow has been having me use it for one of her projects.” Clem added. “I don’t think I’d be much good to you.”
“No it’s nothing dangerous, and it won’t even involve fighting.” Buffy said. “We just need the girls to get used to following their senses to demons. And as luck would have it we happen to know a couple who can walk around all over the place and the townspeople won’t think anything of it.”
“No fighting?” Lorne asked skeptically.
“Nope.” Faith said.
“So it’d be like hide and seek?” Clem asked.
“Actually that’s a great way to start it.” Buffy said. “Faith just found you guys by following her new Slayer senses but I don’t know how far along some of the other girls are. You guys could really help us all out and teach them something that will save their lives one day.”
“Oh, maybe we could wear little flags like that game the boys play and you girls could see who can grab the most flags the fastest while we’re just wandering around town.” Lorne wondered. “Oh this sounds like fun.”
“Oh I have to go.” Clem said suddenly. “Appointment in Lady Willow’s lab, but that sounds alright. Anything I can do to help.”
“Thanks Clem.” Faith called as the floppy eared man ran off. “Lorne thanks for this. We’re gonna have to run it by everyone but we should be able to start soon.”
“Think nothing of it Sugar.” The green man said with a little wave of his hand. “I have some errands to run. I’ll see you girls back home in a bit.”
“They seemed nice.” Buffy said as the singer wandered off.
“Yeah, real pushovers, but great guys.” Faith agreed. “Come on B. Let’s get back to our fun.”
The two Slayers headed off again. This time Faith knew exactly where she wanted to take them.
******************************
“Charles.” Fred moaned as the young man kissed her neck. “I have to wait for Clem to show up.”
“Girl, you know he won’t mind you having a little fun.” Gunn whispered in her ear. The two lovers were standing just inside the entrance to the citadel. The soldier always made it a point to spend his free time with his girl whenever he could. The lab assistant always enjoyed his company.
“That’s because he feeds on nearby emotions and your bouts of the horny are enough to last him a week.” Fred chastised.
“Hey guys.” Clem said as if on cue.
“Hi Clem.” Fred said as Gunn just nodded and smiled politely. “We can start the milking whenever you’re ready. All the equipment is in the lab.”
“Thank you Fred.” Clem said. “You’re always so thoughtful.”
“I don’t know how I feel about you guys calling it milking.” Gunn interjected.
“Oh don’t be like that Charles.” Fred said as she rolled her eyes. “It’s just like milking snake venom only the subject is much more cooperative.”
“Anything to help out my community.” Clem said cheerfully. “All hail the Witch King and all that good stuff.”
As the trio started to head for the lab Clem turned and came face to face with a very confused Slayer. He all but shrieked as he narrowly avoided bumping into the girl.
“Alonna please don’t sneak up on me like that.” Clem complained.
“Sorry Clem.” Alonna muttered and she tilted her head to the side as if something was puzzling her. “Something’s different.”
“I’m telling you it’s coming from this way.” Rona said as she and the rest of the girls from the Academy came around the corner.
“Dose anyone else feel itchy?” Vi asked. “Like really itchy.”
“I still don’t know what you guys are talking about.” Molly complained.
“Girls.” Giles called out as he came around the corner and saw the crowd gathering around the loose skinned demon. “Ah, that explains it.”
“Explains what Giles?” Alonna asked as she kept looking at Clem.
“Your Slayer senses are developing.” Giles said cheerfully. “And quite nicely I might add. It took Buffy months before she had this level of range and accuracy.”
“Faith, was able to track me from a few blocks away.” Clem chimed in. “Hi I’m Clem.”
“Ah yes, hello there Clem.” Giles said as he came to shake the demon’s hand. “Rupert Giles. So you spoke with Faith and Buffy in town?”
“Yes.” He said, nervously as Slayers started to circle him. “I was talking with Lorne and they kinda snuck up on us. Buffy had this idea about helping the girls train by playing hide and seek.”
“Why that is a marvelous idea.” Giles said. “Girls I want you all to focus on what you are feeling right now. A Slayer should be able to feel demonic presence without looking, without thinking. Even through the mass of a crowd, or din. You should be able to sense them. Reach out with your mind. You have to hone your senses. Focus, until the energy washes over you. Until you, you feel every particle of...”
“I’m not feeling it.” Molly said.
“Is it supposed to itch this much?” Violet asked.
“Vi change out of that sweater.” Annabelle snapped.
“Oh.” The girl whispered as the cause for half her itchiness dawned on her.
“Okay I think I got it now.” Amanda said.
“Yeah kinda like a tingle.” Chloe added.
“Very good girls.” Giles said. “We can continue training these senses once we talk to, I’m sorry what were the other gentlemen’s names again?”
“Lorne and Doyle.” Gunn said.
“Thank you young man.” Giles said with polite nod. “Until then let’s try to focus on range. I’m sure Clem here has things to do. Why don’t we all return to the Academy and see if you can feel where he goes in the castle?”
“I still don’t feel anything.” Molly muttered.
The Englishman led the throng of young women out of the old keep and back around the tower. As they left Fred, Gunn and Clem were left staring in shock.
“That was so creepy.” Gunn muttered.
“And you weren’t even the one they could “feel.” Clem said with a slight shudder.
“You okay Clem?” Fred asked with genuine concern.
“Yeah, I think so.” He replied. “I just don’t want to get on their bad side once the training is done.”
“Don’t sweat it man.” Gunn said as they began walking towards the lab. “They all know you’re one of the good guys.”
“Thank the Goddess for that.” Clem whispered.
******************************
“Oh my god Faith!” Buffy shrieked as she clung to the brunette’s waist.
They sped across the farmlands behind the castle on horseback. The beast beneath them was at a full gallop as the blonde clung to her new friend. Faith couldn’t have been happier. As they rode the horse up a gentle hill the brunette slowed its pace until bringing them to a complete halt at the top. She turned the animal around to survey the lands they had crossed.
“Wow.” Buffy whispered.
“I know.” Faith replied. “Beautiful isn’t it?”
“Yeah. What’s that near the back wall of the castle?” She asked as she noticed a large grove of trees forming a rough circle along the back wall of the Slayer Academy.
“The garden.” Faith answered with a more severe tone than any Buffy had yet to hear from her. “I’ll take you by there soonish. That’s where the Boss buried her mom.”
“Oh.” Buffy said with a sad tremor. “Sorry, didn’t mean to spoil the mood.”
“No worries B.” Faith said. “Five by five.”
“So what else did you want to show me back here?” The blonde asked.
“Maybe I just wanted to get you alone so I could have my way with you.” Faith said almost seductively.
“Faith.” Buffy began but was cut short as the brunette whipped around and captured her lips in her own. Shock gave way to bliss as the Slayer melted into the soft pouty lips. The gentle contact lasted far longer then either girl expected. The tender brushing of lip against lip dragged on, filling both young women with a contentment that neither had ever known nor even dreamed was possible.
But like all good things it had to end. Buffy almost fell forward as contact was severed with the tender lips exploring her own. Hazel eyes fluttered open and came to rest on concerned brown pools.
“Faith, I don’t.” Buffy started to say but was once again cut off.
“You don’t have to say it B.” Faith said. “I like you okay. I think, no, I know we could be great together. You don’t have to say anything now. When you’re ready I’m here for you.”
Buffy stared in shock at the heartfelt admission. She hadn’t expected to ever find someone who seemed to understand her. She had given up looking a long time ago. Yet here was someone who got her. In fact the idea that Faith would soon be getting much more of her didn’t seem to frighten Buffy like it might have not too long ago.
“Thank you Faith.” Buffy whispered as she wrapped her arms around the brunette’s waist while resting he head on the girl’s shoulder. “Thank you for understanding.”
“You’re worth it Buffy.”
******************************
“Giles!”
“What?” The Englishman said as he turned around startled. “Oh, hello there Lady Willow, Lady Tara.” He bowed slightly.
“Oh no.” Willow said. “Please don’t do the whole bowing thing.”
“My apologies.” Giles said. “How may I be of service?”
“We noticed you were doing really well with t-training the girls.” Tara said. “Thank you so much for that. We had something we wanted you to look at.”
“It’s our next big project and we think your insight will help out a lot.” Willow said as she took a tightly bundled package and handed it to the man. Before she could say anything more definitive the door to the castle’s main entrance opened and both Buffy and Faith walked inside hand in hand. “Guys!” Willow cheered.
“Hey Red.” Faith greeted with a smile. “What’s up?”
“You must be Lady Willow.” Buffy said in an apologetic tone. “I just want to say I‘m so sorry about everything.”
“Buffy you don’t have to apologize to us.” Willow replied as she walked up and hugged the blonde. “You’ve saved my life so many times I can’t hold even your biggest mistakes against you. Tara and I are so happy to have you in our home.”
“I can’t even begin to understand why you two are so nice to me.” Buffy admitted a small tear escaped the corner of her eye. “I could have ruined everything yesterday.”
“But you didn’t.” Tara said as she came up and joined the hug. “Buffy, you’re a part of our family. The others might take a w-while to see that but you need to accept it.”
“Faith could you go grab Alonna.” Willow asked. “We need the three of you in the lab for our next big project.”
“Sure thing Red.” Faith replied as she gave Buffy one more meaningful look before departing.
“What do you need me to do?” Buffy asked as she started to grow worried.
“Just come with us and say a few things some people need to hear.” Willow said.
“It will save a lot of lives.” Tara added.
The witches walked the Slayer out of the large entryway and left the slightly stunned watcher standing alone. He looked down at the object in his hands and realized its shape was very familiar to him. Giles unwrapped the object and stared in shock.
In his hands was a large book. Upon its cover was one word. As he opened it and flipped through pages he realized what he was holding and who it was intended for. With a wide smile Giles took the wonderful tome back to his chambers. He would have a smashing evening going over its contents.
******************************
“So what is this about Faith?” Alonna asked as the two Slayers walked through the library.
“Next big thing Red and Blondie have cooked up.” The brunette replied. “They wanted the three of us to help with something in the lab.”
“Three of us.” Alonna began before realizing who the third was. “Oh, you mean Buffy.”
“Yup.” Faith said.
“So how are things going with you two?” Alonna asked with mild curiosity.
“Better than I could have ever hoped.” Faith admitted. “I took her horseback riding like I planned. We rode around to that hill overlooking the back of the castle. We kissed.”
“Just kissed?” Alonna asked with a smirk. “You mean to tell me Faith Lehane spent a whole day with someone she wanted and didn’t hit that?” The ebony girl began to laugh hysterically.
“Oh goddess, you’re as bad as Dawn was before we knew I was talking about her sister.” Faith shot back. “I like her, okay Al? I don’t want to screw this up by going too fast! She could be the one.”
“Sorry, sorry.” Alonna apologized as she caught her breath. “Wow, so this is serious? I still can’t believe everyone trusts this girl so fast. And what was that in the Academy today with the team-up?”
“What about it?” Faith shot back. “She had serious skills. Did you expect me to knock her to the ground and try to cop a feel in front of you and the girls? Sorry, y’all may think I’m easy but I don’t like audiences.”
“But you do like skinny blondes.” Alonna quipped.
“Like I said before Al.” Faith retorted before giving her hips a shake. “You had all the time in the world to tap this. But no, you like me as a friend.” She finished with a sarcastic pout.
“Eww, Faith.” Alonna frowned before starting to laugh again. “Who’d have thought we’d be smiling and laughing like this after that brawl yesterday?”
“The Boss and Red.” Faith said. “Those two never lost hope.”
The two Slayers stopped as they came to a small corner to the rear of the library. It was on the ground floor. They had shared a laugh when they realized this part of the library was half way between the living quarters and the Academy.
The book shelves opened up to reveal a small space blocked on all sides except the one row they had entered through. In the center of the small room a chandelier hung from the low section of ceiling. Directly below it was a handrail that circled a small spiral staircase in the middle of the floor. The Slayers went down the stairs to the lab they rarely had occasion to visit.
Once past the floor of the library they saw the workspace beneath was much busier than it normally was. Lights all around the large chamber were lit and several people worked tirelessly. Shelves filled with books and glass jars of many varying sizes lined the circular room. Tables were spread around the cavernous room. In the center was an open space. It sported a massive pentacle forged of iron set into the floor.
“You guys are here!” Willow cheered as she looked up to the two Slayers. “That’s great.”
“So what’s the big project?” Faith asked.
“Here take these.” Willow said and she handed the girls a stack of papers. “Read them and tell us what you think.”
“If you want to add anything be sure to say so before we begin.” Tara called from the edge of the large circle set in the floor at the center of the chamber. “Fred how are the crystals coming?”
“Almost done Tara.” The slender brunette replied as she placed one of countless small crystals on the floor all around the inside of the pentacle. “This is a lot of crystals.”
“We have a lot of people to help.” Willow said.
“I think this is pretty good.” Buffy said as she stood up from a table and came over to Willow. “This seems like you tried to write it specifically for me.”
“We did.” Willow assured. “I’ve heard your rousing speeches so often I can just pick the highlights from memory.”
“Is this more of that past life stuff everyone keeps talking about?” The Slayer asked.
“Yes Buffy.” Willow said. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’re family. We can’t lie to you.”
“Okay.” The blonde relented. “This looks good. Better than most of the things I can think of off the top of my head.”
“Just say what feels natural.” Tara added. “We want this to feel authentic to everyone going through the change.”
Faith and Alonna read their scripts and couldn’t help but feel shocked. The major details they were seeing for the first time gave them a renewed appreciation for just how powerful the spell the witches preformed yesterday really was.
“You guys ready?” Willow asked.
“Yeah, let’s do this.” Faith replied.
“How are we sending this message out?” Alonna asked.
“Don’t worry about that.” Tara assured her friend. “Just speak from your heart.”
The three Slayers carefully walked to the center of the circle. Buffy stood in the center while Faith and Alonna took up positions just behind each of her shoulders. As one they looked up and nodded to the witches.
Tara and Willow faced each other and smiled as they clasped hands. They locked eyes and fell into a deep trance as the crystals around the room began to glow.
Fred stood by watching in awe as Buffy spoke her first lines. She watched as the three Slayers delivered a message of hope to people they may never meet. To think Tara and Willow would set in motion a plan so ambitious. She couldn’t fathom the number of people they sought to help. The lives they could save. All in all living under the rule of the Witch King kept surprising her.
******************************
“So what’s up here again?” Buffy asked as she rode along with her arms wrapped around Faith’s waist.
“The royal mine B.” Faith answered. She couldn’t help but enjoy the way the blonde’s breast pressed into her back. If only Buffy’s hands would slide down just a little further. “I’ve never been up here but Al says this is the place it all started from. The Boss was camped out here on this mountain saving people left and right until she had enough to take back her home and build the city.”
“That’s impressive.” Buffy admitted.
Before they could comment on how impressive the carriage Willow and Tara rode in pulled through the gates on the edge of the camp. The horses carrying all the young Slayers, and a few of the men the Witch King trusted most followed.
Buffy looked around the mining camp and couldn’t help but be impressed. A rather impressive two story barracks stood to their side as they entered the gate. Further up the hill she could see a quaint little cabin near a barn and a fenced in area filled with pigs. Beyond that were mines carts on tracks that led into a small opening in the cliff face.
“She built all this?” Buffy asked.
“Actually, I did.” Xander chimed in as he rode along side Faith’s horse. “I drew up the plans for these buildings and a lot of the city. Then we gathered up whatever men folk we had on hand and started construction.”
“Very impressive.” Buffy said with a smile. Xander grinned until he caught sight of Faith’s slight scowl.
“Yes I must say this is all rather amazing.” Giles said as he joined them. “You say this was done in less than a year?”
“Yeah, well Lady Tara was here a few weeks before she saved me and the Gunns.” Xander admitted. “But after that we were up here almost a year saving people and scavenging whatever we could to make life easier. What’s really impressive is how fast we managed to finish the city wall and the aqueduct.”
The group stopped as they saw the carriage pull up to a small man with thinning hair and a lightly armored soldier. The door opened and the out stepped the Witch King in full armor.
“My Liege!” The small man said with a bow. “Welcome back to your mine.”
“Thank you Snyder.” Tara intoned in her deep voice. “It’s good to be back. I have some wonderful news for my miners. Oh and I don’t think you've met someone very important to me.” As she spoke Willow stepped out of the carriage. “This is my heart and soul. Say hello to Willow Rosenberg, my fiancé.”
“My, what wonderful news my lord.” Snyder said as he continued to grovel slightly more than anyone was comfortable with. “I must say you have excellent tastes?”
“Thank you Snyder.” Tara said and Willow giggled. “I believe we should get this underway. I’ll enchant the mirror in the barrack’s hall so the rest of the soldiers can see the show.”
“Of course sire.” Larry said. “Very thoughtful of you.”
All around the camp men went to work getting ready as the group from the capital dismounted and lined up outside the mine. They had been promised a show.
******************************
Angelus paced back and forth. News of an imminent visit from the Slayer hadn’t sat well with him. It had been days since the troll brought soldiers into the mine to make the big announcement. And in all that time he and his fellow prisoners had grown restless.
Before he could finish is thoughts a loud ringing sounded through the mine. Darla came running to join the brooding vampire. It wasn’t long before the rest of the undead workers joined them.
“I must say my King.” Came Snyder’s voice from the entrance to the mine. “That is a wonderful way to call the rank and file to attention.”
“Yes. I do like to keep my property on its toes.” Replied a deep, yet bored, masculine voice. Beside the short human they had all grown sick of walked a taller figure in pitch black armor that seemed to actively avoid glistening in the torch light. On his shoulder perched a large raven that stared directly at the vampires. “Ah so good of you to show up when I command. I was worried I’d have to reinforce discipline around here.”
“We don’t take commands from the likes of you human!” Penn shouted. “In fact!” He was cut short as his lips were sewn shut with thick black twine.
The vampires looked past the Witch King to see a slender redhead casually walking towards the barrier. Her arm slowly lowered as she came to lean against the armored figure.
“Ah how good of you to join us my love.” The Witch King said while putting an arm around the girl. “I’d like for you all to meet my fiancé. Willow Rosenberg.”
“Ooh there’s to be a wedding.” Drusilla squealed. “Will there be cake? Are we to be guest at the party?”
“Sadly no Drusilla.” Tara said as she raised a hand a snapped her fingers. Four men came running from the entrance carrying a large and ornate chair. They placed it at the heels of their sovereign and stepped back to stand to the side. The eldest looked up at the assembled vampires and let his eyes widen considerably before a smirk crossed his face.
“Thank you Xander, Gunn, Larry and Giles.” Tara said as she took a seat. Willow promptly took up her rightful place in Tara’s lap. “I had much more impressive news to share with you vampires.” As she spoke she reached up and removed her helmet. Long honey blonde locks fell across armored shoulders.
“You’re a woman?” Darla shrieked. “Did the troll know about this?”
“Of course I knew.” Snyder said with a smug smile. “I’m favored among my King’s vassals. Why else would she trust me to keep an eye on you blood suckers?”
“And you’ve done a fine job Snyder.” Tara said in her normal voice.
“Thank you my lord. To serve is its own reward.” He replied with a bow.
“So we were captured and enslaved by a witch pretending to be a warlock and a king.” Angelus remarked. “Can’t say this news warrants much pomp and circumstance.”
“Oh but I haven’t told you the best part yet.” Tara said. As she spoke a petite blonde strolled up to the side of her throne.
“I’d like to introduce you all to Buffy. The Vampire Slayer.”
“This is the Slayer?” Luke asked. “She is but a child. A tiny one at that.”
“Oh that may be true, but her presence at my side allowed me to do this.” Tara clapped her hands together. Before the vampires could wonder what else lay in store a procession of young girls strolled into the cave. Each casually held a weapon lethal to the undead.
“Thanks to Buffy I can introduce you all to Alonna the Vampire Slayer. And Faith the Vampire Slayer. As well as Rona, Violet, Molly, Annabelle, Colleen, Shannon, Eve, Amanda, Chloe, Chao-Ahn, Caridad, and of course Justine and Julia.” Tara said smiling as she introduced the twins last. “Isn’t that amazing? I have a pair of redheaded twin Vampire Slayers. They’re rarer than albino unicorns.”
“How?” Jesse muttered in shock as all the older vampires stared in terror at the assembled force.
“How you ask.” Tara said with a laugh. “Oh dear sweet Jesse. I’m the Witch King. I am more powerful than you undead monsters could ever imagine and I’ve used that power to make every girl on the planet who could be the Slayer into the Slayer.”
“Slayers!” Tara called. “This is the Order or Aurelius. The first task I’m giving you will be to find the one who sired each of them and slay him. He still goes by the name “The Master” in this dimension doesn’t he Darla?”
“Umm.” The blonde vampire stammered.
“Of course he does.” Tara said. “So tell me Luke. His lair is on that mountain we took you from all those months ago, isn’t it?”
“I’ll never betray him to the likes of you.” Luke said.
“That sounds like a yes to me.” Willow giggled.
“To me as well my love.” Tara smiled as the redhead nuzzled the side of her face. “He’s most likely in that town at the base of the mountain that ran off that bandit horde. Or maybe the bandits bit off more than they could chew and are now his spawn. In any case he’s dust waiting to happen. Right girls?”
“All Hail The Witch King!” Buffy and each of the young Slayers shouted.
“That sounds like a yes as well.” Tara smirked.
******************************
A young girl in mainland China walked through the forest. She had been trying to figure out all the odd things that had happened to her in the last week. It all started with that dizzy spell she had. Since then she felt stronger than ever. Her senses had grown sharper than any man in her village. Her reflexes had improved as well.
Just when the baffling puzzle of her life began to frustrate her a bird alighted on her shoulder. She almost shrieked at the sight of the large raven. It blinked at her once and dropped a small crystal into her hands. With a loud caw it flew off and the girl was transported to another place.
“Hello.” She heard from behind her. “I’m Buffy Summers, and I’m the Vampire Slayer.”
The young girl turned to see a pale skinned blonde with an ebony girl and a pale brunette facing her. The blonde’s lips were moving strangely, as if they were speaking another language that was being translated so she could understand these strange girls. Who could do such a thing?
“Into every generation, there is a chosen one. One girl in all the world. She alone will wield the strength and skill to stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer.” The other two girls said in unison.
“I was chosen to have power. To stand alone. To die alone. Because a bunch of men who died thousands of years ago made up that rule.” The blonde continued. “They were powerful men. I met women more powerful than all of them combined. We changed the rule. My power is our power. From now on every girl in the world who might be a Slayer will be a Slayer. Every girl who could have the power will have the power. Every girl who can stand up will stand up.”
The girl gasped as the truth behind those hazel eyes dawned on her. What this meant was beyond anything she could grasp.
“Make your choice!” Buffy said. “Are you ready to be strong?”
There was a flash and the strange girls disappeared. The young Chinese girl looked around and found herself back in the forest. The bird was long gone and so was the crystal. In the crystals former place a book now lay in her hands. The girl looked down and saw the title printed in her language. It was one word.
Slayer
Last edited by Citanul on Sat Apr 04, 2015 11:25 pm, edited 6 times in total.
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