Consequences of 'What if'

Night 4

Some say love is the pinnacle of all emotions others would argue that lust is stronger. Experience has forever shown however that though lust may indeed be the most vibrant it is love is most enduring.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Xander woke early, too early as it was clearly still daylight outside.

The sound of police sirens nearby had stirred him though and he edge to the curtain to take a look. Frustratingly though he couldn’t get close enough to see what was going on for every time even the slightest part of him touched the aura of daylight he started to smoke.

So it was left to his imagination, perhaps they had discovered the bodies of those they had disposed of and were conducting investigations. Either way it was little to do with him now he tried to convince himself. However a nagging feeling of guilt toyed at the back of his mind.

“Come back to bed lover, its too early in the morning.” Willow called softly. She rolled over revealing her full nakedness and ran her hands through her hair. “Don’t leave a girl alone on a day light this. It’s impolite.”
She rolled over on her side and pouted her lips seductively. “I have needs you know!”

Xander looked at her; she was so irresistible he thought. “Well a mans got to do what a mans got to do.” He giggled excitedly and practically dived back on the mattress.

He stared at her in the shaded reddish glow of the afternoon sun, which made her eyes burn like fire, and her hair dangled loosely like a molten river around her shoulders.
She leaned in and kissed him and he responded opening his lips slightly to invite a feline tongue. Whilst she explored his mouth licking his canines with careful strokes he tickled her lips with his own.

His hands traced her shoulders, stroked down along her back and to her right thigh pulling it close around him. She shuffled closer and he could feel her cool soft skin pressing against his.

One of her hands supported her head whilst the other reached out and squeezed his butt cheek making Xander shudder slightly. “Ooh that felt good.” She giggled.

She rolled back and stretched out invitingly and Xander carefully lowered himself on top of her.

“Mmmm!” Willow moaned with pleasure. “Now that’s my kinda man!”

It wasn’t long before the police sirens seemed to be drowned by the passionate groans of the two lovers and when the climax of their engagement came, silence seemed to wash over the world as they drifted off to sleep again in each other’s arms.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

It was dark when they next rose from their slumber and the warmth of the room had faded to a dank grey.

“We cannot stay here.” Xander declared, “Also given the events of yesterday it’s too risky to go back to my place so we really need to find a new place to stay.”

Willow sat up pulling her clothes on slowly. “Well this house has a number of happy memories but I agree it’s not the greatest way to live.”

“Any suggestions?” He asked as he crept in behind her and snuggled his hands around her waist.

Willow seemed to think for a minute then smiled “Well I am working on that but we certainly need some furnishings and stuff. You got any money?”

“A little but only back at my apartment along with clothes, and practically every other ounce of what I own.” Xander rolled his eyes. “How about you?”

Willow shook her head. “Only what I can sponge of mummy dearest.”

“Hmm … Not the greatest start to a new relationship.” He admitted.

Willow finished dressing then leaned over and kissed him. “I think your going to have to pay a visit to home as we need to start somewhere.”

Xander gasped. “I just finished saying how it wasn’t safe now you expect us to just walk back in!”

“Not us lover, just you.” Willow smiled. “I have to pay a visit of my own.”

“Your house?” Xander frowned. “What will your mum say?”

“Oh I guess she will just be all fraught with worry and possibly furnish me with milk and cookies.” She winked knowingly.

“Hmm, Ok then but you take care.” He agreed. “We meeting back here?”

“Where else lover. You never know maybe someone else will stop by for a night cap.” She licked her lips.

Xander shook his head, what was he going to do with her.

They parted to go their separate ways in the alley, pausing only briefly to kiss each other goodbye.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

“She’s still making those damned scraping noises!” Doyle moaned to Alfonse indicating to Willows cell.

Alfonse moved to the window to see Willow had moved position again and was still scratching at the floor. “I have told you countless times girlie, you’re on a solid platform you won’t find a soft spot to dig yourself out of this place.” He mocked. “Now why don’t you put the rock down?”

Willow looked up at the tall vampire and screwed her face. She grabbed a small rock and threw it at him and he backed away. “Stupid girl!” he scoffed.

She had been at it all day and both vampires were growing more and more agitated. They were not going to open her cell though as that would be an obvious ploy. No the mistress would sort her out Alfonse thought.

Willow scrapings were more than random digging though. She knew exactly what she was doing and her scrapings were precise and deliberate. Whenever she completed a section though she blew dust over to hide the markings and conceal her work.

Her arms were tired but she was almost finished now and was not going to let her work be in vain. She was rather pleased with herself at having taken the time to study this particular incarnation as if it worked it could be the means to her salvation.

“What was that?” She heard one of he vampires stammer, not sure which.

She listened carefully and heard it too a scratching at the entrance above.

“Check it out.” Alfonse ordered Doyle.

Willow stood up and stared out of her cell as curious as the others. She watched Doyle climb the stairs carefully and unlatch the door from the inside.

He stepped out paused then called down. “There’s no one here!” He declared.

Suddenly there was a loud growl a thud and something large and ferocious clawed its way down the stairs.

“Oz!” Willow sighed relieved. She paused further watching the other move to engage the werewolf then turned rushing to finish off her work.

‘Oz, may be able to take out these vampires but in his current state she realised she was in as much danger from him as they were so she still needed a back up plan.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

The apartment was dark and desolate Xander observed as he nervously approached it from a distance.

The slayers would be out patrolling by now and he felt exposed by the fact that they knew about Willow being a vampire. Oz had no doubt smelled Willow on him and if Cordy was somehow still alive she was no doubt barking in abundance about his darker side.

He ran quickly across the road and almost dived inside. He crept about quickly in the darkness throwing essential clothing and any valuables in a rucksack.

He moved to the bedroom and grabbed some sheets and towels. Then just as he was trying to squeeze a couple of pillows in he was suddenly bathed in a brief flash of light.

As it cleared he noticed a woman stood in its centre. He stepped back cautiously not certain what move to make.

“Oh , um … there you are … erm good!” The woman stammered. “Err Ok, I am Anya, and you must be Xander?”

Xander was understandably confused. “Err yeah, and your next line is not take me to your leader is it?”

Anya looked puzzled. “Oh, humour! Ha! Yes that’s a good one. No I am here to help you.”

“Well instant transportation would be a boon right now. Are you good for one trip or more?” Xander quipped indicating at his rucksack.”

“No, not with the stuff. Oh I am not good at this.” She looked flushed.

Xander realised he was being a bit harsh. “OK. Calm down and tell me what you have come to tell me.” He said slowly sitting on the bed and making a patting motion with his hand.

“Well, err, the thing is this is all wrong.”

Xander raised an eyebrow looking around. “This?”

“No, your all wrong.” She said getting all flushed.

“You know?” Xander started. “How?”

“A spell.” She rolled her eyes.

“What?”

“A spell me and Willow cast it went wrong.” She tried to explain.

“Hmm. Now I am starting to get it. This is wrong, I am wrong, a spell caused it and Willow is involved. Well I have to tell you I feel fine so thanks but I am Ok?”

“No I don’t, I mean you don’t understand. You see Willow and I cast this spell. It was kind of supposed to put everything right but instead just messed everything up some more.” Anya clenched her fists and rubbed them together. “Something came through you see, something bad and now it’s spreading making more stuff bad.”

“And you know this because?” Xander frowned.

“Well I am kind of a vengeance demon, or rather I was but that was before the stuff and now I am just mortal.” She shook her head and slumped on the bed. “See I really wanted to go back to what I was so asked Willow to help me but we messed the spell up and now I cannot go back but also want to put this right too.”

Xander finished packing his bag. “Ahhh Ok! So you’re a vengeance demon? Who wants to do good! Hmm, yup I am buying all that warm and fuzzy stuff.” He moved towards the door. “Nice light trick there though. You know ‘Captain Kirk’ has a patent on that trick!”

“Aww, I screwed it up.” Anya cried softly. “I am always screwing it up.”

Xander paused thoughtfully for a second. “Why should I believe you and why has Willow not said anything of this to me?”

“Because she’s not your Willow!” Anya turned to face him. “Haven’t you been listening?”

“Doh, sorry, who’s Willow is she then?” Xander scoffed.

“Look I am getting nowhere with this.” She confessed. “If you don’t believe me check out the west wing of the graveyard.”

“What am I supposed to find there?” He asked.

“Willow! It’s where she has been going the last couple of nights. Hasn’t she told you?” Anya shook her head. “When you want to talk some more you will find me here.” She scribbled an address down and passed it to Xander who pocketed it.

“OK, I might but do me a favour and lock up when you’re done.” He nodded and ran off into the night.

He stopped by the derelict house and concealed the rucksack in a cupboard up the stairs.
He looked about, Willow was not back yet. OK then, it couldn’t hurt could it?
He shook his head wondering what he was thinking. Then chased off on a wild story thread towards the graveyard.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

‘Evil Willow’ knew something was wrong even before she reached the crypt and when she saw the door ajar she panicked some more.

She looked about for signs of other assailants but then heard a wolf cry from down below and had a notion on who the assailant was.

She pulled up a small marble slab from on of the graves and crept carefully down the stairs.
She arrived just in time to see the werewolf close its jaws around Alfonse’s neck and with a quick snap he turned to dust.

“Oooh there’s a big bad wolf!” ‘Evil Willow’ teased. “Coming to play with me?”

The werewolf paused confused. It seemed to look her up and down then slowly made its way towards her sniffing at the air to get her scent.

“That’s it puppy. Come to mummy” She beckoned with one hand and slipped the marble slab behind her back.

The werewolf growled as it neared her. It stopped just short and licked the air. Then tipped its head skyward and let out a loud, “AWOOooo.”

‘Evil Willow’ instantly grasped the opportunity and swung the marble slab hard catching the Werewolf across its brow. It let out a fearful cry and shook its head wildly.

She didn’t stop for breath; she leapt over its body full length and charged for an open cell. The werewolf recovered quicker than expected and chased here snarling wildly.

She entered the cell and the werewolf charged in after her but stopped just inside looking about confused and sniffing the air. Then a cell door closing behind it made it realise its fate.

“Stupid mutt!” ‘Evil Willow’ spat at it from behind the bars. The werewolf charged at her and crashed against the door.

“Tut, tut, tut!” She mocked waving a finger in front of her. “Two inches of iron should give you a hard time. Smiling at her own cleverness she moved upstairs to shut the crypt door and then went to see how the other Willow was holding up.

As she unlocked the door she saw a far more composed Willow sitting on her chair in a pretty red dress. “What did you do to him?” She snapped.

‘Evil Willow’ feigned a look of total innocence and raised a finger to her lips. “Who me?” She said softly.

“Yes you. If you have hurt one hair on his body” Willow threatened starting to stand but ‘Evil Willow’ moved quickly to apply pressure to her shoulder.
“Stay down, he’s fine all safe and cosy in another cell. You never know I may even let him come and play with you if you are good.”

‘Evil Willow’ slowly circled her captive. Her hand glided over her shoulders, ran fingers through her hair and then raised it to catch Willow under the chin. She cocked here head forwards and lowered her lips to kiss her. Strangely Willow did not resist, instead she pressed forwards and returned the kiss full on.

‘Evil Willow’ was taken aback, she didn’t expect this and retreated slightly breaking off from the kiss.
Willow slowly stood up and with her head a little bowed rolled her eyes and pouted her lips. A nervous hand reached out and slipped around her captor then she pressed on pulling herself to ‘Evil Willow’.

“Mmmm, this is new!” ‘Evil Willow’ smiled approvingly and let her hands drift to massage the back and shoulders of this more responsive Willow.

“I thought I ….err….you know what they say don’t knock it until you have tried it. So I thought I try and see.” Willow muttered shyly. Her tongue slipped out and played with her top lip.

‘Evil Willow’ smiled “Don’t worry; I will try to be gentle.” She fumbled with the material on the red dress slowly raising it to the point where Willows bottom was exposed and she lowered two hands to grasp and caress it. Willow shuddered but did not break away. She felt the hands on her bottom slide down to her thighs and lift her effortlessly. The vampire was incredibly strong Willow thought as she showed no indication of straining as she lowered her to the ground.

The stone floor was cold and brittle but ‘Evil Willow’ affectionately supported her at the shoulder and hips so as to alleviate any discomfort. A tongue toyed against her lips and Willow let it in slightly but not too far. The kiss felt soft and warm and strangely actually felt good. Her head tipped back and her mouth opened some more and ‘Evil Willow’ nibbled her bottom lip.

‘Evil Willows’ body was firm but soft pressed against her and she felt a tingle go down her spine. ‘Oh god…. got to concentrate.’ Willow thought.

She feigned a soft moan and tilted her head back further, as expected ‘Evil Willow’ responded positively to this. She felt the vampire kiss her openly making her way to her exposed neck and gasped a small breath as two teeth pricked her skin. Her heart was pounding and her blood must have been ripe for the taking she thought.

She lay there holding the vampires head into her neck rubbing her ears whilst half covering them. Then she whispered slowly and carefully an incarnation that she had worked on all night.

A trace outline of greyish light dashed across the pentagram and symbols hidden on the floor sprang to life.

‘Evil Willow’ was too engrossed in the stimulation of the blood letting to notice until a shock static charge cracked between both of their bodies and she felt a pulling sensation deep inside.

She jumped up instantly and the flickering died down. “What … What have you done?” She scolded looking about at the now clear etching of the symbols on the floor.

Willow grinned and pulled herself back onto the chair. “I’m sorry, did that hurt!” she taunted.

“You...You…Fucking Witch?” ‘Evil Willow’ stammered.

“Yes.” Willow smiled. “I suppose I am.”

‘Evil Willow’ backed off quickly sealing the cell as she went. “I’ll be back for you!” She snapped and ran out of the crypt closing it behind her.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Xander manoeuvred his way through the graveyard, scouring the morbid landscape trying to see what Anya was referring to. He was never comfortable in graveyards and even in his now undead state he found it challenging at best to loiter here.

It wasn’t long before he decided that he had had enough and was going to give up. His head was ringing a little again and his throat was getting dry. ‘Does this ever get any easier?’ He thought

“Crazy witch!” He muttered to himself and he turned to leave and see if he could find something to abate his hunger.

Then across the way he heard the grating sound breaking the eerie silence and turned to just catch sight of Willow making her way out of a crypt and running off into the night.

He was about to call out to her but stopped himself. His curiosity was roused so he let her go, waited a while for the dust to settle then slowly approached the crypt she had deserted.

The large door had a latch on the outside and he forced it back and cautiously entered.

The air was dank and musty inside and he felt a chill run down his spine. Below he heard light growling noises which slowed him and made him move all the more cautiously downwards.

He was in a large camber it appeared with off shooting cells. Something about the place was familiar but he couldn’t place it.
There was a sudden crash against one of the cells and a snarl and he turned to see the werewolf chewing at the bars. Fortunately the cell door was locked it seemed.

Only one other cell appeared occupied as a flickering torch light came from it and he could hear scratching noises coming from it. He crept cautiously towards it and glanced in.

He beheld a red haired girl dressed in a short red dress bent over on the ground chalking up markings.

“Hi, are you ok?” He mustered up the courage to say.

Willow turned and jumped up instantly with a huge beaming smile. “XANDER!” she cried.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

‘Evil Willow’ felt empty, whatever the witch had done to her had drained her somewhat and she felt the need for blood and quickly.

Her head was ringing and her chest heaved sickly. She had not felt this hungry since she first was sired. Clouds of red washed over her mind, the blood lust was spiralling out of control. It had taken all the will power she could muster just to leave the crypt, but she wasn’t letting Willow go that easily.

A figure stepped into view before her. She could hear her heartbeat even before she appeared from a distance away. Perfect she thought and charged forwards.

As she neared her victim she could just barely make out it was a woman but her identity was a blur at this stage in the blood lust, she just didn’t care who it was, just that she could feed on her.

Her face contorted into a vampire grimace and she snarled as she leaped for her jugular. At the last moment though her prey moved aside and she felt a sharp blow of a boot crashing down on her back. She landed in the dry earth creating a small dust cloud, which she twisted quickly out of, narrowly avoiding another blow to the head.

“Think you fast, don’t cha! Bet you wish you were a tad faster eh?” A mocking voice called. The voice was familiar but she couldn’t quite place it.

‘Evil Willow’ jumped back to her feet and brushed off the dust from her eyes trying to sedate the shadows enough to make out her assailant.

“What’s the matter Willow, cat got your tongue?” The voice taunted again. Whoever she was she knew Willow and that could not be good.

“Who … are you?” ‘Evil Willow’ gasped.

“You mean you don’t recognise me? I mean I know you’re always making bat eyes towards Buffy but its just rude pretend I don’t exist. I may not have the limelight of miss stuffy pants but I do have a reasonable rep now in this town now!” She snapped.

‘Evil Willow’ strained, shadows abated slightly and she could see the long dark hair shadowing the woman’s face. She was dressed in denim and looked a darker shade to the Buffy slayer she despised. Then it clicked.

“Faith!” She spat.

“Give the girlie top marks.” Faith mocked “But goodie two shoes was always the top swot weren’t you. Guess what though, I kill you and I move up a notch or two. What do you say, wanna die quickly for me?”

‘Evil Willow’ thought of the Faith that she knew from her own world. She was no more than a play toy to the vampires there. Once a slayer of the white hats brought to Sunnydale to resolve the Vampire problem with a pathetic watcher called Wesley. He had been fun to play with she thought. He was so intimidated by women she lured him so easy and Xander had ripped his head off. Faith had failed to stop the Master thanks to her watchers failings and her own ego getting the better of her.
She had paid for it by losing both eyes but the Master let her to live as an example to others. The last ‘Evil Willow’ saw of her was scrabbling for food in some alley.
This however was not that reality but the Faith was the same lost soul she hoped. That could be her undoing.

“Well I always thought you were smarter than Buffy in any case.” ‘Evil Willow’ smiled deviously. “You also obviously have me beat. So what now, I am not dead so perhaps I can serve some other purpose. ”

Faith slid a stake from down her sleeve and spun it around in her palm. “Hmm, perhaps.” She mused.

“Perhaps what?” ‘Evil Willow’ implored rolling her eyes.

“Perhaps you can be of some use? You are, after all, now a vampire. How do you fancy a job?” Faith poised awaiting a response.

Now that was a twist she didn’t expect. ‘Evil Willow’ listened to faiths heart beat. It sounded smooth and relaxed, but then slayers usually did. If she wanted too though she could have slayed her already so it may be worth the risk. Besides at this point she didn’t have a lot of options.
“Ok!” she nodded. “How about a drink to cement our relationship?”

Faith shook her head. “I am not having some vampire tasting my blood.” She frowned but if you can hold off a while I know a man that will offer you whatever you need.”

‘Evil Willow’ sighed, it needed to be soon she thought but she could possibly hold on a short while more. Unless that was an opportunity arose earlier.

“To the town hall then.” Faith grinned cunningly.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Xander could hardly believe it. Willow was here. He fumbled with the latch and forced the cell door back quickly. This couldn’t be a trick could it? He had definitely seen her leave unless his eyes deceived him.

“Willow?” He called.

She ran towards him at once and threw her arms around him wholeheartedly. “I am so glad to see you Xander, you have no idea what I have been through.”

“It’s Ok I am here now.” Xander assured. He held her close, her heart was pounding with excitement and despite a dry mustiness about her due to being in his place she smelt alive.
Xander stopped suddenly. “You’re alive?” He gasped holding her away slightly and looking her up and down.

“Err yeah dummy!” Willow giggled slapping him on the chest affectionately.

“But how, I mean what happened to you?” He asked.

Willow stepped in close to him again and squeezed him tight. Then looked up at him with doleful eyes. “I was held by an evil doppelganger vampire thingy.” She explained. “Which reminds me didn’t you see her?”

“I saw something.” Xander admitted. “But I am unsure what, how long have you been here”

“This is my third night and I have to say I am more than a little famished.” Willow choked as she started to cry and Xander hugged her protectively. “I haven’t eaten in ages and have been left alone here in the dark for days on end.”

Xander felt a twinge of the guilt that his soulless body would allow and then his feelings turned to frustration at not having been aware to do anything to help. Finally to anger at being lured in to a spider web by the vampire Willow and who he had ultimately given his life for.

“What’s the matter?” Willow asked concern lining her voice.

Xander paused thinking for a moment. How could he tell he tell her that he also was now a vampire sired by the very woman that held her captive. He couldn’t. Not yet.

“Oh I am just pleased to have found you!” He whispered.

They stood hugging for a while until eventually Willow poised. “How did you find me anyway?”

“You won’t believe it but this crazy witch, well I thought she was crazy, zapped into my apartment and told be that you were here.” He explained. “She said that you both cast some kind of spell and it all went wrong or something.”

Willow thought then turned to him. “Oh that’s right. Anya, the girl from school. She asked me to cast a spell of sorts to put her right, whatever that meant, anyway it felt wrong so I stopped it.”

Xanda pulled away and looked around the cell room running his hands through his hair. “You know this is all now wrong. We need to get you out of here.”

Willow agreed and followed him as he moved towards the door.

As they entered the main chamber Xander put his hand around her supportively.

Suddenly though there was a large growl and the werewolf frantically bashed against the cell door on sight of her.

“What about Oz?” Willow asked Xander.

“Well in this state as I don’t have a lead and muzzle I am not going to let the doggy out.” He shook his head. “I think he will be Ok here until morning at which point you can tell Buffy to come and get him.

Willow looked back and shuddered. Even she couldn’t get through to him in this state she hated to admit. She nodded. “OK let’s get out of here.”

They climbed the stairs and stepped out into the graveyard. The air had never smelt so fresh Willow thought as they broke out of the crypt.

They didn’t stop to savour it though as they quickly moved off into the night.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

The town hall was deserted it seemed Faith led them towards a back door and quickly dodged inside.

Faith navigated the dark corridors as if she knew them like the back of her hand.

Willow could hear the slayers heart pounding in an excited chest and the smell of rich blood flowing around her veins and with the emptiness growing so wanted, no needed to taste her. She gradually moved closer at every turn until she was just about to chance another strike when two doors opened at the end of the corridor by a tall suited man and a warm glowing light spread across them.

“This way.” Faith gestured. Willow fell back slightly then followed.

They entered a plush office which was occupied only by the man who had opened the door and a slightly shorter but obviously superior man sat behind a large mahogany desk.

On sight of Faith he jumped to his feet. “Faith. My prodigal daughter returns. How have you been?” He said affectionately.

“Oh, so so.” She replied and half turned in a gesture to introduce Willow. “Brought you something!”

“Why you brought a friend and if I am not mistaken its little Willow Rosenberg. You are looking a little pale though dear. I hope my girl here didn’t give you a hard time?”

Willow snarled slightly and moved forwards. Faith raised an arm to block her.

“Oh you’re a bit different than the girl I heard stories of. You’re not doing drugs are you?” He frowned in a concerned manner.

“No I just do blood and I am a little overdue in getting some so hence my short temper!” Willow snapped. “You up for a donation, you office types are usually good for charity aren’t you?”

The mayor grinned. “You kids today, don’t they teach you please and thank-you’s in school?”

Willow was going to spring again as the red shadow was upon her again but a glance from the slayer made her think twice.

“Who are you then?” Willow smiled falsely.

“Why my dear I am Richard Wilkins the Third.” ‘and First and Second’ he thought. “I am mayor of this town.”

“You always work the midnight shift. I thought power had its privileges.” Willow mocked.

“Oh you young’uns today, you just don’t understand the additional work pressures that a position like mine can bring.” He moved around the front of his desk and indicated for Faith to join him. She responded in kind and leaned into him. The Mayor put his arm around her. “Anyway I am assuming if my right hand woman here has brought you in it’s because you have a desire to join us, correct?”

Willow felt shakes again, her head began to tingle. She buckled slightly but tried hard to hold her feet. “I just need blood!” She snapped.

“OH how rude of me. I should have offered you a drink first of course.” The mayor looked past Willow at the man by the door and smiled a sly smile. “Bernard, be a good man and give this girl a drink won’t you?”

Bernard looked at the mayor with a shocked look and moved nervously to leave.

Willow looked at the mayor then the shaken man and didn’t wait to be told twice. Her face contorted and she pounced on him before he could reach the door, fangs bared.

“Can I get you something dear?” He turned to Faith.

Faith smiled back, happy to have a distraction from the carnage. “A coke will be fine thanks.”

The mayor winked then as he passed her a cold one from the fridge. “I think things are going to work out very good from now on.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………

“Where are we going?” Willow asked as they escaped the graveyard.

Xander looked at her affectionately and smiled. “Hopefully somewhere where we can put a few wrongs to right.”

He led her through the dark alleys and kept to the shadows in the main streets to avoid any contact with Willows evil shade but also the slayers.

“Are we going to find Buffy and Giles because I think we are heading in the wrong direction for them?” She bemused.

“No!” Xander said adamantly almost shocking Willow with his resolution.

“Why ever not?” She pressed.

“Because I think I would be as welcome as a stray cat wandering into the local dog’s pound.” He declared.

“Why is that?” Willow pressed stopping and facing him. She had a worried frown on her face.

“OK truth?” Xander said. “You’re my oldest friend and I owe you that, but promise me you’re not going to freak out when I tell you.”

“Err…Ok!” Willow stammered. “Your not coming out on me are you?”

“Eh …No…God no!” Xander half choked. “Why did you think that?”

“Well considering I have just spent a few nights in the clutches of a freakish lesbo, dominatrix version of myself, nothing would really surprise me.” She frowned. “So what is it then?”

“Well you see the thing is a few nights back I was following up on a lead on a vampire sighting at the Bronze. It was only supposed to be one and Buffy was otherwise engaged so I thought I would get some recognition at last by taking one on toe to toe. Problem was she pinned me first and it …it was you. Well who I thought was you.”

“Easy mistake.” Willow agreed.

“Well yeah.” Xander nodded. “Anyway you…she took advantage of my surprise and bit me. I don’t know what happened next but you see the thing is now I….Now I’m a ……”

“VAMPIRE?” Willow finished for him stepping away shocked.

“Hmm yes!” Xander bowed his head in shame. “Don’t worry, I could never hurt you but …Well I just thought you should know.”

Willow looked at him for a moment and a slow tear built up in her eye and rolled down her cheek. He looked like the old Xander and acted like it but now he lacked a soul could he be trusted?

Xander reached out to her but she pulled back slightly. “Err I am just going to need some time.” She whispered. “You didn’t kill anyone did you?”

“Kill, no, but your other self was pretty ruthless in that area.” He groaned. “I did bite Cordy however.”

“Really …Is she..” Willow started.

“Dead. No, I don’t think so anyway as I left her alive.” Xander confessed.

“Oh, well that’s good…” Willow found herself strangely giggling. “Bet little miss stuck up didn’t see that coming.”

Xander frowned bemused by her humour. “No I guess not.”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. It’s just weird you know I have two men in my life, ones a werewolf and the others now a vampire. What’s a girl to do to find a normal man in this town?” She laughed some more.

Seeing her laugh brought Xander round and he started laughing too.

Willow composed herself after a short fit. “So where are we heading anyway?”

Xander calmed down too “OK. Thing is I am taking you to the witches house. Anya? I am hoping she can work some mojo and clear this up before I cannot control the need to feed again.”

“Well if you start feel the urge let me know. OK?” Willow smiled reassuringly. She stepped in and gave him a hug.

Xander hugged here back. “Sure, you will be the first to know.” He replied. ‘If only she knew I have been struggling to suppress that urge since we met’ He thought. His head buzzed and her heartbeat played on his mind.

He broke off and pulled at her. “Come on we need to get moving!”

They headed off again to meet with the Wicca.

………………………………………………………………………………………

“There now, you drank your fill?” The mayor asked the vampire Willow as she finally let off Bernard.

She stood back up and wiped the blood from her lips with her sleeve. “It’ll do for now I suppose.” She winked.

“Shame of course. Good men are hard to find in this day and age, but they do say the stress of working long hours will kill you.” He shrugged and turned to sit back down on his chair. Faith joined him standing at his right hand side.

“What do you want with me anyway?” Willow scoffed.

“Well the long and the short of it is I am planning this little party of sorts and you could say I am putting together a very tight guest list.” He replied. “Faith here is already on board and I was hoping you might want to come on board also.”
Something suddenly clicked in Willows mind as the blood lust had now sedated. “You’re the Mayor right?” She snapped.

“Yes?”

“The same mayor that sent those vampire goons after me?” She pressed.

“Oh, well look that was clearly a misunderstanding of sorts. Let’s put it down as a bad judgement call, happens all the time in politics. What happened to Alfonse and his merry men anyway?” He clenched his hands and rested his elbows on the table forming a cradle to rest his head on.

Willow smiled sadistically. “Well I broke a few bones and the wimps offered to work for me but then a werewolf got to them today.”

“See what I mean about good staff?” The mayor shook his head. “Hopefully we can put all that behind us though?”

“That depends. On what are you offering and what you want me to do?” Willow moved to the table and perched herself on the corner of the desk.

“Well I would hope we could offer you a good deal. You know usual stuff new digs, new wardrobe, food on tap and of course diplomatic immunity.” He smiled reassuringly like a bank manager completing a deal. “It’s got to be better than living in fleabag houses or a dark mouldy graveyard surely. No staff of mine is lives in a dingy hole.”

Willow thought for a moment, sounded like a good plan, especially as she had far too few supporters in this place and a politician and a slayer on side couldn’t hurt.
“Sounds interesting but what do I have to do for all this, treat you as my sugar daddy?” She smiled sultrily.

“Now, I would have no such thing. I'm a family man after all.” He sat back half shocked.

“What then?”

“Oh, not much for now. Besides I believe the duty of any young girl is a well placed education.” He fiddled with a draw in his desk and pulled out a large parcel wrapped in dusty cloth. Carefully he unwrapped it to reveal a book. He blew the dust off and passed it to Willow. “Care to study?”

Willow took the tome. It was leather backed and the cover was etched with runes. She turned to the spine and read ‘The Wicca ‘Go-spell’ “Hmm. Witchcraft lore. I think I am beyond that.” Willow boasted.

The mayor looked offended. “Can you read runes?” He poised.

Willow looked into the runes and stopped short of finishing. “Aradia! This is one of he lost tomes?” She gasped excitedly.

“You see,” The mayor sat back pleased. “That’s what I like to see, a young woman showing appreciation and respect for a good piece of literature.”

Faith looked bemused. “Who is Aradia?”

Willow flashed a glance at her then started to flick through the pages. “Arcania is only one of the greatest figures in witch lore, a goddess who formalised texts of Wicca incarnations. Her books though disappeared on her death. Most scholars thought they were all destroyed until now.”

“Oh.” Shrugged Faith. “Just another witch then?”

Willow gave her an evil glance then looked towards the mayor. “I can have it. Are you serious about this?” She held the book tight to her chest.

“Why of course.” He grinned proudly. “So you’re joining the party?”

“Willow looked to Faith then the mayor.” Then stood back up snagged her hand on her teeth and reached out with the bloody palm. “Want to make it a blood oath?”

“Erm fine.” The mayor just reached out and shook her hand not cut though. Willow squeezed tightly but was impressed that his hand did not give so easy.

He retrieved his hand and took out a handkerchief to clean it. “You girls run along then and I will finish up here. I will see what I can do with respect to new digs. Come and see me tomorrow evening.”

Willow nodded and left. Faith turned, gave the mayor a peck on the cheek. “Did I do good then?” She pouted.

“Very good dear.” The mayor smiled.

She headed off after Willow.

“Kids today!” The mayor whispered when they had left. “Now what am I going to do about you?” He looked down on the pale dead body lying on the floor.

………………………………………………………………………………………....

“It looks clear!” Xander assured Willow as they approached the address the wicca Anya had given him.

“Are you sure about this?” A nervous Willow asked.

“Well this is your witch buddy. What do you think?” He asked.

“You’re right. Let’s see what she has to say.” She agreed.

The two crossed the road quickly and knocked on the door.

“Coming, coming!” came a call from inside.

There was a fiddling of keys and the door swung open. “Ahh you found her.” Anya dressed in a towelling dressing gown smiled approvingly at Xander. “Come in quickly.”

They entered a pretty plain downstairs apartment that was sparsely furnished. Most had been pushed out the way, including the carpet so that a large pentagram with runes could be etched into the stone floor.
Long candles were laid out on the side ready for some incarnation and scrolls were scattered across the table.

“Erm find a seat. Can I get you anything?” Anya strained a great smile but was betrayed by the clasped hands that were squeezed together to tight that her knuckles were white.

“Any coke?” Willow asked. Anya nodded and paused, waiting for Xander who shuffled anxiously.

“Oh Xander, I picked you up something from my local butcher.” She ran into the kitchen and brought back a coke and a large bottle of red liquid. “Pigs blood!” She smiled proudly.

Xander grasped at the container wantonly and threw back the contents down his throat. The blood was cold and salty on his pallet but it satisfied nonetheless.

Willow watched her friend gulping the blood down and half choked. Repulsively she turned away back towards Anya who looked kind of relieved.

Xander finished off the bottle in one take and wiping his mouth asked Anya. “How did you get that at this time of night?”

“Oh, it’s called ‘orbing’. Remember what I did in your apartment.” She clapped with glee. “Advanced witchcraft.” She whispered to Willow and followed with a wink.

“Lovely place you have hear anyway, I love what you have done with it. Making it all Runey…I mean Roomy.” Xander nodded approvingly. He walked over to the sofa and collapsed on it. “So what now?”

Willow joined him although sat tight against the other end of the sofa since she still felt a little uncomfortable with him.

Anya paced about the room nervously. Suddenly she stopped in the middle of the room. “I wasn’t totally honest with you Willow.” She confessed again clenching her hands before her leaning slightly towards them. “The other night when we cast a spell I was trying to escape back to another reality. A reality where I still had my powers.”

“But I thought you still had some power.” Willow interrupted. “If not how did we cast a spell in the first place?”

“Oh I have a few tricks but nothing to match what was taken. You see without that I am reduced to the troublesome practice of pentagrams and candles.”

Willow looked at the Wicca bemused. She thought pentagrams were the cornerstone of magic. “What’s wrong with that?” She protested.

“What’s wrong? What’s right with it don’t you mean!” She scolded. “This stuff is so beneath me.” She indicated to the etchings on the floor. “and I am mortal now too.”

“You weren’t always?” Willow gasped.

“No I was a vengeance demon. Cheating men and wonton women loathed and feared me. I was a goddess with the power to wish but that was unjustly stripped from me and now I want it back!” She cried.

“Err… am I the only one thinking. We should help you because?” He challenged.

Anya shook her head in disbelief. “Because unless you help me the vampire Willow will continue to roam this reality unchecked.”

“Hmm.” Xander frowned. “So we don’t help you and have Vampire Willow running amok, or we help you and have Vengeance Demon Anya instead. Tough choice!”

Both Willow and Anya looked at Xander with dismay.

“What?” Xander retorted to the silent criticism. “Ok, what do we do?”

“Well first we need to catch her and bring her here.” Anya indicated to the prepared pentagram. The rest is up to us.

“Do you think you can do that?” She looked at Xander.

”Why me?” Xander looked at the two witches. “Hmm, why not me?”

………………………………………………………………………………………….

‘Evil Willow’ skipped along the graveyard path clutching the tome the mayor had given her. ‘Now to teach that witch a lesson she won’t easily forget!’ she thought.

She had left Faith to go and play slayer with the other white hats. She wished she had got to know her better in her reality. She was almost as twisted up as herself, and she had a cute ass. They could have had fun.

As she approached the crypt though she noticed the door ajar and in a panicked haste ran down the stairs.

Willow was gone!

The werewolf was still in its cell but more subdued now. ‘Not him she thought.’

She sniffed the air. Something familiar beyond the musty stale air. “XANDER!” She cried out loud.

“How the fuck this place?” She spat. ‘I am not ready’ she thought.

‘Now where would he have taken her’ she thought. His scent would be lost now as she had hardly detected it on the way in.

Then she looked across at the cell containing the werewolf. “Hmm”

She walked over and looked in through the bars. The werewolf was crouched at the far wall licking its paws. “Yes, you found Willow before didn’t you?” She smiled a sly smile. “You will do so again.”

She went to the purple dress Willow had worn last night and held it out to the Werewolf. It ignored her for a few moments then noticed she was holding something and crept forwards. As it neared her it suddenly pounced for the dress and Willow dropped back just in time to prevent being skewered by its claws.

“Fuck…..Bad puppy!” She scolded.

The werewolf retreated back into the cell and sniffed and licked at the dress.

“That’s it. You remember don’t you?” Willow teased. “Think she’s yours eh? Well I can tell you she is spoiled goods. First me, now Xander. That girl’s not going to have anytime left for a pet.”

The werewolf appeared angered by this and let out a great cry “AWOo…AW AWO..AWWOOooo.”

“Yes puppy, I feel your pain.” Willow put her hand inside the cell and the werewolf approached it cautiously and slowly. “You wouldn’t hurt Willow would you? And you wouldn’t hurt me!”

The werewolf nuzzled into Willows hand and with the other she unlatched the door. As she did so it instantly lifted its head and charged for the door and out. It gave Willow a glancing look, sniffed, growled then bolted out the crypt door.

“That’s it puppy. Go find your lover.” She called after it. She went over to her leathers she had hung out last night and slipped them on.

“Don’t worry lover! I forgive you but I am still going to make you regret fucking with me!” She called to the empty crypt.

………………………………………………………………………………………

Xander stepped out onto an open street. It was still deep into the night and there was a slight chill to the air carried along on a breeze. The clouds were apart and the moon and stars lit the streets.

‘Where to go?’ he thought. ‘He could try the house first. A good bet. Then a thought crossed his mind what would he say to her?’

He didn’t have to think much longer as he caught the sound of a loud snarl just as the huge form of the werewolf crashed into him knocking him off his feet.

Xander tried to get back to his feet again but the beast was atop him again and ripped a claw across his back. Xander lurched forwards with the pain that felt like a blade had been driven into his spine.

It kicked with its hind leg gashing his leg and let another claw fly towards his head. This time though Xander manage to twist and put an arm up in time to stop it.

The impact was shattering and he heard something snap. Immediately his face contorted into a monstrous vampires grimace and he snarled back at the werewolf. He pulled away and jumped to his feet.

Courage, no anger stirred inside him. “Come on you mutt!” He taunted beckoning with his good hand.

The werewolf growled again and charged. Xander was faster this time though and punched the beast heavy on the snout.

It whimpered and backed away circling him looking for an opening.

It leaped again but as Xander raised his arm to hit him again it shifted slightly and grabbed his leg. The teeth bit down hard and he felt the jaws like a vice lock on his leg.
He whacked the werewolf on the brow but it just shook his leg and bit deeper. He tried to kick out but his leg had gone dead.

“Get off me …. get off me!” He snapped.

He lashed out again. This time it caught the werewolf on its nose and it released its grip on him slightly. Not chancing it getting a firmer grip again he kneed it in the chest and he scrambled from beneath it. His leg shook but as he moved it gradually felt better. ‘Good old vamp regeneration’ he smirked.

The werewolf scraped at the ground again, a slow grating scrape that played on his nerves. It cocked its head back and a loud “AAWWOOoooo!” echoed across the night.

It licked his lips.

“OK boy. Wanna try that again?” He beckoned. The wolf complied and charged forward in rage. Xander leaped aside and slammed two fists into its spine.

It let out a loud whelp and buckled to the floor. Xander leaped on its back and locked arms around its neck and legs around its waist.
Jaws snapped wildly and Xander ducked and dived as he squeezed on his neck.

He could hear the beast’s heart raging and all the power in the muscles straining to get him loose but he wasn’t giving. Claws slashed at his hands and arms and they bled but still he held on.
Then it tried rolling around but its breathing was slowing. Xander opened his mouth and bit down into the beast. Blood flowed but he didn’t drink. He bit again and again then choked and spat. ‘Hairball’ he thought.

The beast stopped fighting and went limp. He rolled off and raised his hands to smash down on its head again. Another on its spine, another, then another. He heard a crack but in his frenzied state was not sure if it was him or the werewolf.
He was about to hit it again when soft hands grabbed his not strong enough to stop him but affectionate enough to calm him. He turned to see a sobbing willow who gasped at his features. Her soft skin and red dress was a deep warm contrast amongst the grey shadowy streets and carnage that had just occurred there.

Xander turned back to normal and moved to stand. Her hands lowered down his forearms as she inspected them for injury but the wounds were fading fast. “You will be Ok.” She whispered and put a hand against his chest.

Then she lowered herself to the defeated werewolf. She placed an ear to his chest. “His breathing I faint but he will live if he gets immediate care. As she stroked his hairy back he started to transform and a naked Oz lay in its stead.

“Quick.” Willow pleaded to Xander. “We need to get him inside.”

“Err…Is that wise?” Xander frowned.

“Sure, it will be Ok he is over it now.” She reassured him. “He will feel it in the morning though.”

Xander nodded and leaned to effortlessly lift the broken body of Oz and carry him indoors. Willow helped support his back and kissed Xander on the cheek. “Thanks. I am glad you are Ok.” She whispered.

A slow clap suddenly broke the moment and a familiar voice “Well, well, well. Isn’t this all warm and fuzzy!” ‘Evil Willow’ jumped up on top of a neighbouring wall where it appeared she had hidden and observed the whole scene.

Both Xander and Willow turned together. They saw ‘Evil Willow’ dressed in her tight leather outfit with a large book of sorts tucked under her left arm.

“You cheating on me lover?” ‘Evil Willow’ snarled.

“No!” both Xander and Willow responded at the same time. Then both stopped and looked at one another.

‘Evil Willow’ laughed a cackling laugh. “Ha. Gotta love moments like these don’t you?”

She slowly moved toward them and Xander sensing trouble stepped in from to Willow.
“Why didn’t you tell me she was alive?” Xander snapped.

“Oh baby. Did you ever ask?” She pouted sultrily and jumped down to the street stretching her arms out. “You got a kiss and cuddle for me lover?”

Xander lowered the ragged body of Oz to the ground and stepped over him. His fists were clenched so tight they almost glowed in contrast to his pale skin. “You lied to me!” He growled.

“No I didn’t.” ‘Evil Willow’ feigned shock. “I told you what I was up to the whole time. You just chose to hear what you wanted. Just typical of a man.”

“You twisted things.” He closed on her until he was stood within a few feet. “I never asked for this.” He indicated as he contorted his face then back again.

‘Evil Willow’ closed the last few steps and leaned in to his chest. An arm went to circle his waist but he pulled away. “Oh lover you may not have asked but you fucking well needed it!”

Xander stood there looking at her mixed emotions raging through his mind. She was still strikingly beautiful and despite what she had done and the fact he wanted to rip here head off for what she did to Willow he also felt strangely drawn to her.

“What the matter lover. Cat got your tongue?” She stepped forwards again and this time put her hands on his shoulders pressing her breasts against his chest as she leaned up to affectionately bite his bottom lip.

Xander could feel himself growing aroused. She smelled intoxicating. He didn’t react though keeping his fists clenched and by his side.

‘Evil Willow’ noticed his reluctance and stepped back. “Bored now!” She snapped “Lets find someone else to play with.” She turned to brush past him but he grabbed her arm. She looked at it with a sense of detachment and shook it loose.
He tried to grab her again but this time she was not so gentle. She spun round and drop kicked him right between the legs. He keeled over at once crying in pain.

“Not so hot down there now eh lover?” She snarled. Raising her book she cracked it into his head and he hit the stone paving with a crack and went limp. She paused for a moment then turned back on Willow.

“Two lovers down only me to play with now sweetie.” She grinned and slid a tongue out to lick her lips. “Got any more tricks up your sleeve?”

“A few.” Willow frowns lifting her hands out before her. “Excico domante!” She cries and a blue bolt of energy hits ‘Evil Willow’ head on.

“What the?” ‘Evil Willow leaps back to her feet. “Oh I’m gonna fuck you bitch when I get hold of you!”

She charged forwards again and again Willow waved her arms. “Engosto comrade!” She muttered and a chill wind rose up from behind her and created a wall that ‘Evil Willow’ slammed into snapping her back.

“If it’s going to be like this I have a few tricks of my own you know.” ‘Evil Willow’ retorted raising her hands she motioned towards Willow. “Cometere Fieros!” She cackled but nothing came forwards. She looked down at her hands despairingly. “Cometere Fieros!” She called again but nothing.

“Lose something?” Willow grinned shrewdly. “Try this; Cometere Fieros!”

A funnel of fire ripped through the air and caught the vampire head on. It bit against her leathers and scolded her skin. She rolled around on the ground trying to put the fires out. After a few moments she crawled back to her feet looking at Willow. “How?”

“Oh this? Excudo!” She snapped and a white light threw ‘Evil Willow’ back hard against the far building wall. There was a loud crack and a few pieces of masonry fell down crashing on ‘Evil Willow’ She slumped forwards defeated.
Willow stepped proudly forward past the dazed Xander who was just pulling himself back up.

She stood victorious over the bedraggled vampire that lay slumped on the floor.
“I just borrowed a bit of your power. How do you like it when the wheels turn eh bitch?”

She kicked ‘Evil Willow’ in the stomach. There was a low moan then no movement so she turned to see how Xander was. As she walked away she tilted her head back and spat “Oh and your breath stinks by the way, don’t you ever brush your teeth?”

Xander was sitting up now and she rushed to him. He was still clutching his groin protectively and wincing in pain. His head was also still bleeding but he seemed oblivious of this so she leaned in and kissed the wound. Xander twisted as she did and met her lips with his. She didn’t pull away instead fell to her knees and hugged him tightly. Their lips parted and they exchanged tongues passionately.
It seemed the strain of the night had worn them down and this affection was long overdue.

“What happened?” A voice called from the distant house. Both Xander and Willow turned to see Anya, now fully dressed, step out almost oblivious to the battle that had just been fought.
They turned to each other giggled and kissed again quickly before Willow assisted Xander to his feet.

Anya ran forward and seemed flustered as she couldn’t figure how to help. “What happened then?” She asked again.

Xander looked at her and grinned. “Oh just a little street tussle with a werewolf and Willow the vampire!” He twisted his head a little to indicate behind him.

“Vampire Willow, oh good you found her. Where is she?” Anya gasped gleefully.

“Over there!” Willow replied and turned to indicate where her body had fallen.

She was gone!

All three of them looked around at each other foolishly.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Epilogue Night 4

It was all ‘Evil Willow’ could do to claw her way out of there. This situation was getting more and more out of hand daily she thought.

Why was it so tough here and yet so easy on her world? What was different? Why did everyone have such resolution and fight in them and not lie down and grovel at her feet.

Then it hit her…..’Buffy Summers!’

She had to kill the slayer then it would all fall back into place.

She looked down at the tome she had managed to still hang onto. ‘But perhaps a bit of studying first? Hmm all in good time’ She thought and clambered away into the night.