Dark Moon: Pt One - Waxing Moon

“So do you think there’s anything you can do for her?” Willow asked Ciorstaidh as she and Buffy lay on Buffy’s bed.

Ciorstaidh watched the grey rat as it nibbled delicately on a kernel of corn, and said, “I don’t know. Maybe she doesn’t want to be changed back. What did she say when she transformed herself?”

“Well, she called upon Hekate and Diana...”

“That might be your problem right there. Hekate is Greek; Diana is Roman. Hekate is an excellent choice of a Goddess to call upon for transformation, but Diana is a bit of an odd choice. Diana is a Moon Goddess, Like Hekate, but she is not as associated with wild animals as her Greek counterpart, Artemis. Try calling upon Artemis, and perhaps you’ll have better results.”

“Aren’t those also the same two Goddesses that the prophecy mentions?” asked Buffy.

Ciorstaidh smiled, and said, “Precisely. It might be a good idea for you and Faith to become familiar with them prior to the prophecy. Just so you have an idea as to what to expect.”

“But how are Hekate and Artemis related to what Amy did?” asked Willow, slightly puzzled.

“Well, you know that Hekate is the Goddess of Witchcraft, a Dark Goddess, if you will. She is also a Goddess of the Crossroads, the Waning and Dark Moon and of magic in general. Artemis is the Goddess of the Waxing Moon, of Childbirth, and of the Hunt. And on top of that, she is known as Potnia Theron; the Mistress of Wild Animals. She is their protectress and guardian. It makes sense that Amy would call upon Hekate for her power, and Artemis or Diana to be protected in her new form. Perhaps it is Artemis herself that is blocking your efforts to free her, solely to keep Amy protected.”

Willow pondered that for a moment, then said, “That makes a lot of sense, but I’d still like to have my friend back. I mean, outside of this cage and with normal clothes on.”

“So try it then,” Ciorstaidh told her, “Just try not to be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen to work. Magic isn’t perfect, and how it works often depends completely on the Gods of whom you call. People themselves rarely possess much in the way of supernatural ability; it usually depends on their relationship with higher forces. You, however, tend to be a little bit of an exception.”

“Really?”

“Definitely. Every so often, depending on how the Moon and the Stars are aligned, children are born with a greater potential than others. It’s like the Gods take a hand in their creation with a higher purpose in mind. And trust me, you almost glow with that little bit of extra.”

Willow smiled happily, and Buffy said, “Wow! Way to go, Will!”

“I just have to try to transform Amy back again,” Willow said, “I have a new determination now.”

Ciorstaidh checked her delicate silver pocket watch that she hung from a chain around her neck, and saw it was almost nine o’clock in the evening. She then exclaimed, “I hope you don’t think I’m rude, but I really must leave; I’m going to be late for an appointment!”

With that, she jumped up and left before Buffy or Willow even had a chance to reply.

“Strange girl,” commented Buffy, tossing a newly sharpened stake from hand to hand.

“This is Sunnydale; we’re all strange here,” replied Willow, pulling a cardboard box out from under Buffy’s bed. She stored a few magical supplies there, from her previous attempts with Amy. Buffy’s Mom was so much more understanding and open-minded than her own Mom, who’s mind was like a steel trap; it opened on occasion only to snap firmly shut once again, and was almost impossible to open after such an occasion.

“Oh, by the way,” Willow said non-nonchalantly, “I was talking to her a couple of days ago... she seems to think that Angel’s curse may be unconditional now.”

Buffy dropped her stake, and said, “If you’re kidding, that’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said.”

“I’m not joking.”

Buffy sat silent for a moment, then sighed. “It doesn’t matter,” she said, “Angel would never believe me. He says he’s too scared that he’ll end up doing what he did to Drusilla’s family and such.”

“Harsh,” said Willow sadly, disappointed that her news couldn’t bring Buffy happiness.

Buffy managed a slight smile, and said, “Don’t worry about me; let’s focus on getting Amy back.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

“Ok,” Xander directed, “This is my bedroom. It’s messy, but that’s the way I like it.”

“I can live with that,” Faith replied, surveying the room before her. Xander was giving her that drill on how life in the Harris household progressed.

“This is my bed. I’ve decided to be generous, and allow you to use it for the next couple of days. I’ll take the floor.”

“It’s not like we haven’t shared a bed before,” Faith reminded him.

“That was your place. My parents live here,” Xander said, then continued with his speech, “You can throw your clothes in the closet over there, and help yourself to anything in this room. Except for the contents in the top drawer of my dresser. That’s my private stash.”

“Alcohol and drugs?” Faith asked hopefully.

“Ho-Ho’s and Ring-Dings.”

“I see,” said Faith, suppressing a smile. She could see how serious Xander was about his ‘stash,’ and she didn’t want to take advantage of his generosity.

“Anyway, I’m going to leave you to your devices. I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back before tomorrow.”

“Have fun,” Faith told him, flopping down on the bed, “I feel like I’m suffering from jet-lag anyway. Don’t worry about waking me when you get in; I doubt I’ll hear you.”

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Xander met Ciorstaidh just outside his house. He became almost breathless when he saw her; she was wearing her dark hair up in a loose French braid, with scattered tendrils of hair framing her face. Unlike the typical long dresses she usually wore, she instead was clothed in a short burgundy skirt and a tight black tank top. Her skin almost seemed in glow in contrast to the dark material. For the first time, Xander could see her shapely legs, which were adorned by the black ribbons of the ballet slippers she wore on her feet.

“Wow!” said Xander, “You look really beautiful.”

Ciorstaidh blushed and said, “Thanks, but I really feel a little funny wearing a skirt like this... Buffy, Faith and Willow took me shopping this afternoon.”

“Hey, I love the dresses you usually wear, but wow! You look amazing!”

Ciorstaidh just blushed again, and silently laced her arm through Xander’s, and they walked down the street and away from his house. Neither saw Faith watching from the upstairs window.

Xander glanced down at Ciorstaidh’s pale arm, and immediately noticed the thin pink scar that ran across the back of her wrist. It wasn’t incredibly noticeable, but for someone who carried both the blood of the Slayer and the Vampire in her veins, any blemishes were unusual.

“I hope you don’t think I’m rude, but I haven’t seen many Vampires or a Slayer with a scar before,” he said, “It must have been a pretty bad wound.”

Ciorstaidh gently traced the line of the scar with the fingers of her other hand, then said, “While I was in training to become a Slayer, I mis-stepped, and my Watcher nearly severed my hand with his foil. Considering the extent of the injury, it really isn’t much of a scar.”

Ciorstaidh paused a moment, then continued, “I know that now, if I wanted to be rid of it, I could cut it out, and the wound would heal without blemish. But in a way, I kind of like it there. It makes me feel more human.”

“So... what are your plans for after the dark moon?” Xander asked, trying to continue the conversation.

“I don’t know. I don’t ever really have plans. Things just... happen.”

“Well, I know you travel a lot and all, but I was kinda wondering if you wanted to stick around Sunnydale for a little while.”

“Any particular reason why Sunnydale should appeal more to me than any other place in Southern California?” Ciorstaidh asked with a shy smile.

“There’s always exciting stuff happening here... you know, prophecies, the apocalypse, Demons coming to and fro... and of course, there’s always a variety of Vampires in town,” Xander told her, then added, “Plus, I live here, and I know you haven’t known me for very long, but I was hoping that maybe...”

Ciorstaidh silenced him by placing her finger to his lips, then stood on her tip-toes, and kissed him gently on his lips. When they parted, Ciorstaidh looked up him and smiled.

Xander was so shocked, he almost didn’t react at all. Then he gave his head a little shake and said, “Wow... was that a yes?”

“Yes.”

“Wow...” Xander repeated, then leaned down and kissed Ciorstaidh in return, lacing his hand in the loose tendrils of hair at the nape of her neck. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck in an effort to be closer to him. When they parted a second time, Xander could hear her sigh in contentment, as she nuzzled her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her as she began to shiver with the slight chill that had settled in with nightfall.

Suddenly, Ciorstaidh stiffened in Xander’s arms.

“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly, his voice full of concern.

“Listen,” she whispered, “Someone is near!”

“There’s bound to be people near... it’s a public street.”

“No... it’s different.”

The silence was broken by the sound of a haunting laugh.

“Sister!” called a strongly accented voice.

Ciorstaidh broke away from Xander and turned to face the direction that the sound was coming from. In the diminishing moonlight, she saw the figure who had called to her.

Quickly turning back to Xander, she mouthed the words, “Play along, please,” before turning back to the other person and calling out, “William!”

When the figure approached so that Xander could identify him, he recognised him immediately.

Spike.

Aside from Angel, he was the one Vampire that he both trusted the most and the least. And he could see from the smile on his face that he seemed happy to see Ciorstaidh.

Almost ignoring Xander completely, Spike stepped up to Ciorstaidh and embraced her in a hug.

“You’re warm... just fed, did you,” Spike commented, then turned and studied Xander, “obviously not from this mortal, though. His cute red-headed companion, I presume? Can’t say I blame you; I always wanted to sink my teeth into her...”

“Hey, don’t you dare talk about Willow that way!” Xander snapped angrily.

“So sorry... Xander,” Spike apologised with a wicked smile.

“In town for the party?” asked Ciorstaidh, slipping into her more natural Irish accent and avoiding Spike’s first question completely.

“Actually, yes, I am,” he replied, keeping his eyes on Xander and licking his lips hungrily.

Xander stepped closer to Ciorstaidh.

“Where’s Drusilla?” asked Xander coldly, “Did you ever manage to get her back from that other Demon?”

A small flicker of hurt flashed in Spike’s eyes, and he said, “Dru should be here for the party, but I’m not sure if she’ll be with someone or not. We’re taking a... short break from each other. It’s just temporary, though.”

“Of course it is,” said Ciorstaidh soothingly.

Directing his attention back to Ciorstaidh, he said, “You’re truly the last person I ever expected to see here in Sunnydale. I expect ‘Dad’ finally knows about you, then.”

Ciorstaidh blushed slightly, and said, “I suppose you could say that.”

Spike grinned widely, and said, “I love seeing the blood of others brighten your face. Truly a beautiful sight.”

With that, Ciorstaidh unwittingly blushed even brighter.

Spike continued to smile, and said, “I guess I can excuse your present company; perhaps you’ll choose to bring him into the fold?”

“Well, considering he really had no idea until you showed up,” Ciorstaidh said wryly, “I guess I’ll have to do something with him now.”

“Then I’ll let you be,” Spike replied with a smile, “Besides, I need to be in search of one of those walking ‘happy meals’ of my own.”

He turned, then vanished into the night.

“You know what?” Xander whispered, “You’re really scaring me.”

Ciorstaidh smiled reassuringly, then said, “Thanks for playing along; you may have saved both our asses. So I assume you already know William?”

“You could definitely say that. So who were you being straight with? Him or me?”

“You, of course. Like I told you before; I’m not one of them,” Ciorstaidh said, taking one of Xander’s hands in her own, “See, my hands are warm. The blood that flows through my veins is my own. It’s the one thing that almost gives me away.”

“Unless they assume you just fed,” Xander concluded.

Ciorstaidh smiled, and said, “Exactly.”

He leaned over and kissed her, then let his lips travel over to her throat, where he nibbled teasingly. Ciorstaidh giggled, then pulled away.

“Xander,” she told him, “You are wonderful.”

Xander just smiled, and kissed her again.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

“Hekate, Goddess of Witches and of the Night!” Willow called loudly, holding a simple wooden wand with a quartz crystal on the end, “I beseech you to bless this crystal with your magic; may the power of transformation be received within!”

Willow and Buffy sat facing each other on the floor in Buffy’s room, surrounded by flickering black and white candles. Amy the rat sat between them, using her front paws to clean her whiskers.

“Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt and of all Wild Creatures!” Willow called again, raising the wand into the air above her head, “I call upon you to revoke your protection from Amy; may she be free to resume her true form once more!”

Willow then brought her wand down to the floor, and pointed it at Amy, who leaned forward and sniffed at it.

“Powers that be, transform this creature into her true shape; from rodent to human! This I charge, so mote it be!”

One by one, the flame of each of the white candles leaped higher and burned brighter, as the black ones dimmed. Seconds later, the reverse happened, with the white candles suddenly sputtering and extinguishing, while the black ones grew brighter and stronger. The crystal on the end of the wand began to glow a deep blood red, as at the same time, a bright white light began to emit from Amy and scatter towards the ceiling in a spiral formation. As the last flashes of white light disappeared in the air, a red glow matching that of the wand overtook Amy as a rat, growing brighter and more intense as the seconds passed. Within the light, both Buffy and Willow could see Amy changing and growing, resuming her human shape. When they both had to shield their eyes from the light and seemed as though it couldn’t possibly get any brighter, it suddenly ceased all together.

All the candles had gone out, and the room was dark.

“Amy?” Willow squeaked nervously, “Are you here?”

A low moan answered Willow. Buffy scrambled up from the floor and frantically searched for the light switch on the wall. When she found it and the room was flooded with light from the ceiling fixture, both Buffy and Willow could see Amy’s naked form sprawled out on the floor.

She was human once more.

Amy lifted her head groggily, and strained to see into the bright light. Then she let her head fall to the floor with a thump, too weak to put in much effort.

“Will, you did it!” Buffy exclaimed, grabbing her bathrobe from the hook on the back of her bedroom door and gently draping it over Amy. “Are you ok?” she asked Amy quietly.

Amy opened her eyes once more, and hoarsely said, “I think so... I feel cold.”

Willow pulled the comforter off of Buffy’s bed, and wrapped it around Amy, who had began to shiver.

Willow looked at Buffy with large eyes and whispered, “I really didn’t expect it work... I actually did it!”

Amy licked her lips to moisten them, then said, “Fire... I remember fire... and running... in a wheel.”

“Congratulations, you’re the first person we know who’s been to ratdom and back,” said Buffy with a grin, “Well, long-term ratdom, anyways. Do you have any idea how many laps you did in that wheel?”

Amy simply gave her a puzzled look.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

After walking Ciorstaidh back to her apartment, Xander headed back home for some sleep. It was a little after midnight, and just knowing that there were a few more Vampires in town than normal caused him to quicken his pace.

Upon arriving home without incident, he headed up to his room, dreading sleeping on the floor. He was tired, and he desired the comfort he had been without for the last week.

Faith was not in his bed as he had expected.

Instead, she was curled up on the floor with a blanket, sleeping soundly. Xander shrugged, undressed to his boxers, and climbed into bed.

“If she wants to sleep on the floor, that’s fine with me,” he thought sleepily, and he rested him head on his pillow. Xander was asleep within minutes, his mind filled with the memories of his date with Ciorstaidh, and the fantasies he had of being with her.

From the floor, Faith opened her eyes, and glanced up at Xander’s sleeping form on the bed. A wicked smile spread across her face as she silently rose to her feet, then crawled into bed with him. He didn’t even stir.

Of course, Faith was sure she could change that.