Warning Intense spoilers for Chosen
So, I just got done bawling my eyes out. *L* Yeah, it didn’t hit me until after Chosen ended. I just was sad. Everything followed the spoilers to my disappointment. And now I am bereft. Poor Anya and Spike! *sigh* I have got myself all depressed at the thought of Buffy being no more. Of Spike being no more (except for him to miraculously somehow end up on Angel) Anyways, I just needed the series to continue somehow. So here it is, my version of season 8.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8
Written by: Heather Martin
Episode 1: The Break of Dawn
Prologue
It was the dawning of a new day. The sun was waking up, making the shadows fade away. With its rays it cleansed the world of uncertainty and doubt, clearing a path that was straightforward and true. The light crept through the bus window, hitting Buffy’s face. She shut her eyes, letting the intensity of it seep into her skin.
A smile made its way onto her lips. She felt as if she were sleeping beauty, just now awakening from a deep slumber. Everything was new and promising. She was truly alive, rejuvenated, and free. She was ready for whatever might come her way.
In the seat next to her, Dawn stirred. She opened her eyes and groggily sat up. Moaning she muttered, “Is it morning already?”
Her sister turned toward her, still smiling. “Yeah, it’s morning.”
Dawn took a hand and began to massage the side of her neck. “God, we better find a motel soon cause these seats not very cushiony.”
“Not muscle friendly, huh?”
“That would be a no.”
Dawn glanced around the bus. She took in the sleeping people occupying the seats.
“So we won?” Dawn asked.
“Looks like,” Buffy answered.
There was a span of comfortable silence.
Finally Dawn said, “So, what now?”
Buffy looked down at her grungy attire. “Well, I’m gonna need a new wardrobe and a shower. No, make that a bubble bath.”
“No, Buffy, really. Where are we going?”
Buffy took a few seconds to ponder that question. Then she replied by saying,” That’s the amazing thing. Wherever we want.”
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Okay, I’m gonna need some help. I really want to write a continuing Buffy series, but I need some ideas. What direction do you want the show to go? I already know what I am going to do regarding Spike (btw I am a B/S shipper, so turn back now if you are repulsed). I need some suggestions for where Buffy and the scoobies should end up. Cleveland? Do you want them to guard another hellmouth? Or do you want them to open up a school to train the new slayers? Something like in X-men. Maybe a new council? Hmm, this school idea could work. What do you think? It is your decision, guys. Do you want new characters? Just tell me, please and I will deliver. : ) Oh, and anyone who can tell me the names of the potentials who survived Chosen, that would be great!
Episode 1: The Break of Dawn
Scene 1
Two beings resided in the upper plane. The entities knew all: everything that had been and everything that would be. They were sometimes referred to as the higher powers. They had no form at the moment and spoke telepathically.
“The world is one step closer to the balance,” one said.
“Yes,” the other agreed.
“They fought bravely and won honorably.”
“They have won a battle. But the war is far from over,” the second power told the first.
Scene 2
The bus had stopped to get gas. Andrew had been given the job to pay to his delight. He felt important because of the menial task, grinning as he went into the mini-mart.
Buffy stood by the bus entrance, breathing in the fresh air. The slight breeze blew through her hair.
Giles sat in the driver’s seat. He shifted himself so that he could face the slayer. “Buffy?” he asked, addressing her through the door.
She turned her head. “Huh?”
“I need to know what direction to go,“ he informed.
“Oh,” she said softly.
Her ex-watcher removed his glasses. “I know this is difficult for you. Your home was just destroyed. . .”
She surprised him by smiling. “Some part of me will miss Sunnydale, but another part, a much larger part, finally is free. I have choices now, Giles.”
Nodding, he showed his understanding. “And I ask that you make a choice now. Where do I drive?”
She took a moment to think. Then she said, “Why don’t we head toward LA? I think I owe it to Angel to inform him that I’m still alive. Oh, and thank him for the necklace.”
“Yes, Buffy, that would be a wise decision. It will also give you time to decide on what to do next.”
“Yeah.”
“Also, Buffy . . .” Giles sighed. “You should inform Angel on . . . uh, Spike.”
A faraway look crossed Buffy’s face. “I’ll do that,” she responded in a monotone.
Episode 1: The Break of Dawn
Scene 3
They pulled up to the Hyperion Hotel hours later. The group filed out of the bus, to be confronted with the huge structure. Faith supported Robin Wood as he made his way down the stairs. The former potentials clamped together. Except for Kennedy, who clasped Willow’s hand.
“Wow,” commented Andrew. “This is like Wayne Manor.”
“Except for the fact that this is a hotel,” Xander said.
“Oh, yeah, except for that.”
Buffy took a deep breath. She began to walk towards the door without saying anything.
“Well, troops, shall we press on?” Xander said.
They stepped inside the lobby. Rona and Vi lingered behind everyone else. Uncertainty fell over them.
“So, this is where the other souled vamp lives?” Vi whispered.
“No, this is where the ‘only’ souled vamp lives,” Rona clarified.
A woman came into the room. She had long dark hair, and was carrying a box. She noticed the people gathered and smiled. “Welcome to Angel Investigations. We are in the process of moving. Uh, I can give you our new address and in a day or so we can work on your case.”
“Actually we’re here to see Angel. I’m Buffy and . . .” the slayer began.
The woman’s eyes widened. “Buffy Summers? The slayer? Oh my gosh!” She became flustered. She came over and shook Buffy’s hand. “It is an honor to meet you. I’m Fred.”
Buffy was about to tell Fred that she wasn’t ’the slayer’, but just a slayer among many, when Angel exited his office.
“Fred, have you seen my pencil sharpener?” the vampire inquired.
Fred held up her box. “I packed it.”
“They have everything we need there.”
“Y-Yeah, but we should have some of our own things.”
Angel saw Buffy, the scoobies, and the former potentials. “Buffy?” he said in surprise.
“Hey,” his ex greeted.
“You’re all right,” he observed.
“Yep. We saved the world again.” Buffy glanced around at the others. Then she went on, more flatly, asking,” Can I talk to you alone?”
He nodded in reply. “In my office.”
She followed him into the side room. He shut the door and then stood in front of her. There was a span of silence.
“So, you’re moving?” Buffy asked, breaking the quiet.
“Oh, yeah. Not my living arrangements, but the agency. We’re moving into a law firm.”
She looked at him curiously. “Okay.” She didn’t know why he would be moving into a law firm, but that was his business not hers.
“We were offered a deal that we couldn’t refuse.”
“Oh, good.”
Tension filled the room.
“Buffy, why are you here?” Angel asked.
She fingered the hem of her shirt. “I thought it would be only right that you knew I wasn’t dead.”
“So, the necklace worked then?”
“Yeah.” Her voice came out strained.
“Can I have it back?”
Buffy blinked. “Huh?”
“Can I have it back?” Angel repeated. “It is rightfully mine, me being the champion and all.”
Astonishment came over Buffy. “No, you can not have it back.”
Angel breathed in deeply. “Spike lost it didn’t he? I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him with it.”
Something kindled in her green gaze. “Spike didn’t lose it! He used it to save the world. He stayed until the very end as Sunnydale crumbled to dust. He sacrificed himself to save us. Have you ever saved the world, Angel? Sure, you’ve killed your share of demons. But have you ever been willing to die for the sake of others?”
Angel stared at her with shock.
“So, tell me what your definition of a champion is!” Buffy said loudly.
She wasn’t aware of the tears that streamed down her face as she spoke. Or the fact that she was shaking with emotion. Angel did, however. He felt sympathy for her grief, but also anger toward Spike for creating it. His grandchilde didn’t deserve her sorrow.
“Would you like a room, Buffy? You can stay the night. Maybe you should go calm down,” he suggested.
Buffy shook her head. “I don’t need to calm down!”
“Okay,” Angel stated. “If you want to scream and cry in here go right ahead.”
Buffy realized she was crying and furiously wiped the wetness off her cheeks. She deflated then, her strength leaving her. “Maybe I should go rest,” she reluctantly agreed.
The vampire gave her room 22. It was nice, with a large bed and a table. There was a bathroom down the hall for convenience.
“Thank-you,” she told Angel.
He noticed her appearance then. “Fred could show you a nice place to buy some clothing tomorrow. Do you want me to ask her?”
Buffy nodded. “That’d be nice.”
“Goodnight, Buffy.”
“Night, Angel.”
He turned around and walked out of the room. Buffy looked at the room blankly. She went over to the bed and crawled onto the mattress. Not bothering to get underneath the blankets, she lay on her side and curled up into a ball. At that moment she allowed herself to banish the slayer in her and be only Buffy.
She cried herself to sleep.
_______________________________________
So, anyone who wanted more emotion from Buffy there you go.
Episode 1: The Break of Dawn
Scene 4
It was late, when everyone was supposed to be asleep. Dawn sat on the bottom step of the hotel, her chin resting on her hands. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear or see Xander come up behind her.
“Dawn?”
She jumped. She turned to see the man, who seemed so much like an older brother. “Xander. Can’t sleep either?”
He settled on the stairs beside her. “Nah. Tried, but my mind had other ideas.”
She nodded. “I didn’t even try. Thank God the school went cablooey. There is no way I would be able to concentrate for class.”
A sigh came from Xander. “I keep thinking about her,” he told her.
“Me too,” Dawn said. “All of them, but mostly Anya and Spike. And I feel kinda bad, ya know. Like I should have gotten to know the others.”
He touched her arm. “I understand.”
“I wish I would have talked to Spike before. . . I forgave him and I never told him.”
“I think he knew.”
She shook her head. “I said something horrible to him. I told him I would come after him when he was sleeping if he did anything to Buffy. I think I scared the shit out of him. We used to be really close and could have been again if I had only talked to him.”
Their conversation took a pause. Then Xander said,” I should have married her. You only have so much time in this world and we should push fear aside and do the things that matter.”
Dawn looked over sadly at him. “She knew you loved her.”
“Yeah,” he replied softly.
A minute went by. Dawn’s mind was trying to remember everything she could about each person that died. There was very little she could recall about any individual potential. She always liked Anya. She wasn’t afraid to express herself and was often funny. Spike . . . Spike was her friend. He hadn’t treated her like a child and told her the truth. Why hadn’t she told him she forgave him? Now he would never know.
Dawn stood up. “We should have a memorial service.”
Xander raised his head. “Now?”
“Why not?”
“Oh maybe because it is five in the morning.”
“Does it matter? I betcha no one is sleeping soundly anyways.”
Xander got to his feet as well. “All right, let’s gather everybody.”
Scene 5
Everyone was gathered outside in the garden. Even Angel had joined them. It was the perfect temperature and the sky was clear. A gentle breeze rotated through the air.
They had already spoken for the fallen SIT and had begun to speak about the two people closest to their hearts: Spike and Anya.
“I loved Ayn,” Xander addressed. “I don’t really know why exactly, I just did. I wish I had married that girl. I should have never broken her trust. I lost a lot of time because of that. Time we could have spent together. I’m really sorry for that and I’m going to miss her terribly.” He stepped over next to Willow, emotion on his face.
Andrew took Xander’s place in the middle. “I uh. . . Anya saved my life. I hadn’t expected to live. I don’t deserve to. Anya did. We both used to be evil, but she was different. I’m just a big nuisance, while she actually did stuff to make up for her wrongs. If I could go back and take her place I would.”
Dawn came forward. “Anya was often annoying. I’d roll my eyes at what she had to say. But that was just Anya, ya know.” She gave a small smile. “I actually enjoyed her outbursts. She would talk about taboo things like orgasms. She was like no one else. I’ll miss her.”
“Anya was a very remarkable young woman. She embraced the world and all it had to offer. I enjoyed watching her muse over simple things, such as commerce,” Giles stated. “I can not think of a better person than her to mind my store.”
It was Willow’s turn. “At first Anya was the outsider. We really didn’t know what to think of her. But then she became part of us: family. A hole has been created that will never be filled.”
Buffy took a step before them. She glanced over her friends. “I’m going to be honest. In the beginning Anya wasn’t on my Christmas card list. She would say the worst things at the worst times. She was very ignorant and annoying. But Willow is right. She was family. She stuck with us when she didn’t have to. I admire her for that.”
Xander went back up. “I guess it is time for Spike. The peroxide and I weren’t the best of pals. We exchanged insults like crazy. We did it so often in fact that it became expected. After awhile, when Spike got his soul, I actually started to like him. God, I hate admitting this, but it is true. We still bantered some, but it no longer had the same impact. We both knew it too. Anyway, the guy saved the world and I’m grateful. I hope he ended up somewhere without fire.”
“Spike told me never to tell anyone this,” Andrew began. “He said he’d kill me. But he isn’t here to show his fangs so I’ll take my chances. Spike was a cool guy. Giles sent us on a mission together. I don’t think he wanted me along, but that’s okay. The point is we talked. We talked about the blooming onion and stuff like that. We got along. I think maybe we were even friends.”
Dawn took the speaking position. “Spike was my friend. I don’t think I ever told him that. He understood me and treated me like an important person. When I found out what he did to Buffy I wanted to hate him. I made myself believe that I did. Later I realized I didn’t, but was only hurt and angry. I forgave him because he really felt sorry and was trying to be a better man. I never told him, though. With everything going on I didn’t. I’m so sorry I didn’t. I wish Spike could have known that I cared.”
Giles cleared his throat before talking. “I once told Spike that he might have a higher purpose. I had been inferring to him killing a ten foot monster with horns. I never expected his part to go to these magnitudes. He was a one of a kind. He was willing to go against everything he was to change. There will never be another like him.”
“I was Red to Spike,” Willow announced. “I think it was because of my hair. I never said so, but I liked it. Spike tried so hard to be accepted, but we never completely let him in. That was wrong of us. He deserved it and we couldn’t forget the past. I remember when Tara’s family was accusing her of being a demon. Spike knew the chip would go off but he punched her in the nose to prove she was human anyway. He pretended he didn’t care about us, but I know he did. He was always being the tough guy, but that really wasn’t who he was.”
Buffy hesitated before taking her turn. She stood there without opening her mouth for a moment. “I didn’t treat Spike very well. He loved me and I kept rejecting it because he was a vampire- a demon. But that isn’t the truth. I didn’t see it until after I hurt him. Spike was a man. A good man. A champion.” Her voice broke. “I made myself believe that I hated his smirks, his nicknames, his duster, his rude remarks, his smoking. I was fooling myself. I. . .” She took a deep breath. “I loved those things about him. Everything about him. Well, except for the smoking. I. . .” She looked down, mustering the courage to continue. “I loved Spike. I loved everything about Spike.” She raised her head again. Her green eyes swam. “And I’m not ashamed.”
After saying that, Buffy fled into the Hyperion. The tears multiplied, falling down her face and blinding her vision. She fell to her knees on the lobby floor, sobbing.
“I loved him. I loved him,” she repeated over and over.
She didn’t know how much time passed before she felt the hand on her shoulder. It was Dawn. Through the water, Buffy could see that the teen was crying also.
“Buffy, it’s okay. You can let yourself love him,” Dawn told her.
Buffy reached out and embraced her sister. They clung to each other, struggling for comfort.
Scene 6
Buffy stood near the window of her room. She gazed out into the lightening sky. She touched the glass. “Goodbye, William,” she whispered as the sun peeked over the horizon.
__________________________________________
End of Episode 1: The Break of Dawn.
Next week on Buffy . . .
Episode 2: Champions
The powers that be make an offer that a certain vampire can’t refuse. Buffy is plagued by disturbing dreams. A slayer has a death wish. And the future of the scoobies is decided.
Episode 2: Champions
Prologue
A tremendous light blinded him. It took him a while to clear his head. Memories swam through it. He remembered Buffy telling him she loved him, and how he knew it wasn’t true. He recalled feeling his soul pour radiance out into the world because of the amulet. He remembered . . . dying. The last one made his eyes fully open, ignoring the brightness around him.
“Hello, William,” a female voice filtered into his ears. It sounded strange, echoing around him.
Spike surveyed his surroundings. There were two people gazing intently at him. One was a woman, while the other was male. They were glowing, as if power reflected off them. Behind them was a glittering gate.
“If this is hell, I have to wonder what heaven is like,” Spike said.
“This is not hell, vampire,” the male informed.
Spike smirked. “Don’t tell me this is the bloody good place then. I know I’m not worthy for that.”
The female being stepped forward. “No, this happens to be the in-between, a dimensional portal. We are the gate keepers. We decide where a spirit is sent after they have reached the end of their journey. It is time to send you where you belong.”
Spike chuckled. “So it’s to the fiery depth afterall, is it?”
“Silence, vampire,” the male commanded. “You are not headed to heaven or hell.”
Spike rose an eyebrow.
“You have not met the standards for a dimension of bliss, what you mortals call heaven. Yet, we found it not appropriate to send you to torment. Your nature is different than others of your kind. You made the decision to seek out a soul for no other reason than to become more than you were. And then you sacrificed yourself so that others could go on. It is quite remarkable ,” the female told him. She had an impressed expression on her face.
Spike wished he had a cigarette. “So, let me get this straight, I can’t go to heaven or hell. Where am I headed for then exactly?”
The entities smiled, clearly knowing something he didn’t. This annoyed him.
“We’ve been discussing this for quite some time, and finally have come to a decision. We’re sending you back.”
_______________________________________
: ) Spikey is back!
Episode 2: Champions
Scene 1
In horror, Buffy watched the light spill out of Spike. She shifted her eyes to meet his. And that is when she knew. She could feel it aching in her chest, begging her not to leave him.
“I love you,” she told him.
“No you don’t . . . but thanks for saying it,” he replied.
Tears stream down her face. “Yes I do!” she screams. “I didn’t lie!”
Things change then. Spike is gone to be replaced with Dawn. Her sister and she were in the desert. A bonfire blazed in front of them. The flames mesmerize her.
From the depths of the fire Buffy could hear the first slayer. “Love is pain, and the Slayer forges strength from pain. Love ... give ... forgive. Risk the pain.”
Dawn turned toward her, a stoic expression on her face. “But you didn’t,” she stated.
“Yes I did,” Buffy protested. “I loved Spike.”
“But it was too late,” Dawn informed. “He didn’t believe you. It was too late.”
With that, the fire was extinguished, leaving Buffy in the dark.
Buffy’s eyes shot open. She sat upright in bed, trying to slow the beating of her heart. She breathed in, calming herself. She just sat there for a few moments. Finally, she got out of bed and got dressed.
She turned on the light and glanced over at the clock. It was 1:27 AM. She had only been asleep for an hour, but there was no chance of her drifting back off anytime soon. She had to get out of there. Her mind and body longed for something to kill . . . to forget.
She put on a new outfit she had just bought: black pants and a white top. She exited the room and went downstairs. The light was on in the office. She peeked in, expecting to see Angel. Instead, however, she was surprised to see Wesley. The ex-watcher raised his head to acknowledge her presence.
“Buffy,” Wesley said.
“Hey there, Wes. Watcha doin?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I was examining an interesting file I acquired from Wolfram and Hart.”
“Oh.” She paused. “Would it be all right if I borrowed a stake?”
Wesley closed the folder in front of him. “You are going out to patrol at this hour?”
“It’s a slayer thing. I can’t sleep and I need to release some energy. So, can I borrow a stake?”
He got to his feet. “Certainly.”
The man showed her where the weapons were kept. He gave her two stakes, which she tucked away for future use. Then she went out into the night. It was chilly and she was grateful for her long sleeves. Wesley had given her directions to a couple places that were notorious hotspots for vamps. She didn’t get a chance to get to one.
The sound of fighting hit her ears. She could hear the punches and kicks, the grunts and moans. This must be what I sound like, she thought. Except without the snappy comebacks. She followed the sound to a dark alley. Of course, it is always an alley.
Within the alley was a girl. She looked about fifteen, with long brown hair. She reminded Buffy of Dawn, although not as tall. She was battling a vampire who was decked out in leather, and had a red Mohawk. They were equal in skill, moving around each other with grace. Dancing, Buffy thought with a smile. They’re dancing.
Buffy sensed a connection with the girl. She is a slayer, Buffy realized. This was one of the girls Willow’s spell had awakened. For a newbie she was pretty good too.
The original slayer relaxed, watching the show before her with satisfaction. That is until the atmosphere changed.
The vampire pinned the girl up against the wall of a building. Buffy could see it in the girl’s eyes . . . she was surrendering.
Every slayer has a death wish, Buffy could hear Spike’s monologue from long ago. And this one was no different. But she is so young . . . I won’t let it happen, she vowed. Buffy moved in.
The vampire was about to bite the girl. He had already tilted her neck. Buffy grabbed the vamp and hurled him away. He recovered quickly, eyeing her stake in awe.
“That’s right, buddy, I’m a professional,” she told him.
She flung an elbow in his face as he came at her. After that she kicked his stomach. He stumbled back. Seeing her opportunity, Buffy shoved the wood in her hands through his heart. He instantly burst into ashes.
Buffy dusted herself off. She turned toward the girl to find her staring off in a daze.
Angry, Buffy shouted, “What were you thinking!? You gave up and wanted to die, didn’t you? What would your family think?”
With blank eyes, the girl said, “I don’t have a family.”
Buffy blinked. The only reason you've lasted as long as you have is you've got ties to the world... your mum, your brat kid sister, the Scoobies. They all tie you here but you're just putting off the inevitable. Spike always spoke the truth. Her friends and Dawn were the reason she kept going. What would it be like to be all alone? To have nothing to strive for?
Buffy looked at the girl. “Are they gone?”
“Dead,” the girl answered. “A long time ago.”
Buffy nodded. “What is your name?”
“Laura.”
“I’d like to help you, Laura.”
Disbelief came over Laura. “Why?”
“Because no one deserves to be alone.”
_________________________________________
Episode 2: Champions
Scene 2
Spike stared at the beings in disbelief. They were sending him back? An ache spread over him at the thought of the ones he left behind. God, he missed them so much. Buffy . . . To touch her even one more time . . .
“This isn’t a trick, right? No strings attached? No bloody consequences?” Spike asked, a little doubtful.
“The powers that be only wish that you keep going down the path of good. You acted as a champion even before they asked you to, and hope that you will continue to do so. If by the time of your next death you have done more good than evil, there is a gift in store for you,” the female told him.
“Don’t know, wings are so tacky. Don’t go well with black.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to spend eternity with your slayer?”
His own eyes grew large. “Buffy,” he breathed.
“Yes. She will someday come here once again. But not for a while. She needs you back on earth. She does not know it, but she calls to you.”
“Calls to me?”
“Yes, her love grows stronger for you in your absence.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but Buffy doesn’t love me. She only said that because I was savin the world.”
“Silence, vampire!” the male snapped. “Do not speak of things you do not know of.”
Faltering, Spike gaped at the two beings. His voice trembled. “You gits are serious?”
The idea of Buffy loving him was too unreal. It had happened a million times in his dreams. But they were fantasies, his imagination. He never believed they would come true. Buffy actually . . . He closed his eyes, the emotions too much for him to deal with.
Taking a deep breath, Spike composed himself. He opened his eyes and rubbed his hands together. “All right then, let’s get this show on the road.”
“You wish to accept our offer?” the male questioned.
Softly, he answered, “Yeah, I accept.”
The female grinned. The gate began to open. It revealed endless darkness. That was all right with Spike, he was used to the shadows.
“Your future awaits. Good luck,” the male being said.
Spike didn’t hesitate. He walked toward the gates.
Just before he was through the gates, the female commanded, “Wait!”
Spike glanced back.
“We are not sending you back empty-handed. Every deed must not go overlooked.”
“Is that so? What nifty gift am I taking back with me?”
“You shall see, vampire champion.”
A force pushed Spike through the gates. He heard them close behind him. Pitch blackness was all he saw. Sighing he took a step ahead . . . and fell.
Scene 3
Laura hesitantly stepped into the dark hotel. Wesley had left, turning off the office light. She looked around at the spacious environment, her eyes adjusting.
“I-I don’t understand. Why bring me here?” Laura stammered to her companion.
The blond woman stood beside her. She turned to face the girl. “My name is Buffy Summers. I’m a slayer. Do you know what that is?”
Laura shook her head in confirmation.
“I battle vampires and other big nasties. I didn’t choose my calling, but somebody has to do it.”
“I-I don‘t . . .,” Laura began.
Buffy smiled slightly. “You are a slayer now too. There used to be only one, but we changed all that. Now there are many.”
“Me? I’m a fighter?” Laura’s expression showed how freaked out the prospect made her.
“I saw you with that vamp tonight. ‘You’ definitely have potential. But you faltered, letting your foe get the upper hand.”
“I didn’t see a reason to win,” whispered Laura.
Reaching out a hand, Buffy touched Laura’s shoulder. “I’ve been there. But you have to find something to hold on to. A reason to go on and fight. Me, I have a sister and friends. They are my family. When I go out to beat up the undead, yes I want to save people I don‘t know, but I mostly think about the people that matter to me the most.”
A distant look passed over Laura. “All the people that matter to me the most are gone. I have a foster family, but they’re very distant towards me. I can’t . . . “
Buffy squeezed Laura’s shoulder. “We’re here for you, Laura. I want to give you something worth fighting for.”
__________________________________________
Episode 2: Champions
Scene 2
Spike stared at the beings in disbelief. They were sending him back? An ache spread over him at the thought of the ones he left behind. God, he missed them so much. Buffy . . . To touch her even one more time . . .
“This isn’t a trick, right? No strings attached? No bloody consequences?” Spike asked, a little doubtful.
“The powers that be only wish that you keep going down the path of good. You acted as a champion even before they asked you to, and hope that you will continue to do so. If by the time of your next death you have done more good than evil, there is a gift in store for you,” the female told him.
“Don’t know, wings are so tacky. Don’t go well with black.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to spend eternity with your slayer?”
His own eyes grew large. “Buffy,” he breathed.
“Yes. She will someday come here once again. But not for a while. She needs you back on earth. She does not know it, but she calls to you.”
“Calls to me?”
“Yes, her love grows stronger for you in your absence.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but Buffy doesn’t love me. She only said that because I was savin the world.”
“Silence, vampire!” the male snapped. “Do not speak of things you do not know of.”
Faltering, Spike gaped at the two beings. His voice trembled. “You gits are serious?”
The idea of Buffy loving him was too unreal. It had happened a million times in his dreams. But they were fantasies, his imagination. He never believed they would come true. Buffy actually . . . He closed his eyes, the emotions too much for him to deal with.
Taking a deep breath, Spike composed himself. He opened his eyes and rubbed his hands together. “All right then, let’s get this show on the road.”
“You wish to accept our offer?” the male questioned.
Softly, he answered, “Yeah, I accept.”
The female grinned. The gate began to open. It revealed endless darkness. That was all right with Spike, he was used to the shadows.
“Your future awaits. Good luck,” the male being said.
Spike didn’t hesitate. He walked toward the gates.
Just before he was through the gates, the female commanded, “Wait!”
Spike glanced back.
“We are not sending you back empty-handed. Every deed must not go overlooked.”
“Is that so? What nifty gift am I taking back with me?”
“You shall see, vampire champion.”
A force pushed Spike through the gates. He heard them close behind him. Pitch blackness was all he saw. Sighing he took a step ahead . . . and fell.
Scene 3
Laura hesitantly stepped into the dark hotel. Wesley had left, turning off the office light. She looked around at the spacious environment, her eyes adjusting.
“I-I don’t understand. Why bring me here?” Laura stammered to her companion.
The blond woman stood beside her. She turned to face the girl. “My name is Buffy Summers. I’m a slayer. Do you know what that is?”
Laura shook her head in confirmation.
“I battle vampires and other big nasties. I didn’t choose my calling, but somebody has to do it.”
“I-I don‘t . . .,” Laura began.
Buffy smiled slightly. “You are a slayer now too. There used to be only one, but we changed all that. Now there are many.”
“Me? I’m a fighter?” Laura’s expression showed how freaked out the prospect made her.
“I saw you with that vamp tonight. ‘You’ definitely have potential. But you faltered, letting your foe get the upper hand.”
“I didn’t see a reason to win,” whispered Laura.
Reaching out a hand, Buffy touched Laura’s shoulder. “I’ve been there. But you have to find something to hold on to. A reason to go on and fight. Me, I have a sister and friends. They are my family. When I go out to beat up the undead, yes I want to save people I don‘t know, but I mostly think about the people that matter to me the most.”
A distant look passed over Laura. “All the people that matter to me the most are gone. I have a foster family, but they’re very distant towards me. I can’t . . . “
Buffy squeezed Laura’s shoulder. “We’re here for you, Laura. I want to give you something worth fighting for.”
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