Facing Cordelia again, he felt himself teetering on the edge of something dark, some place that he definitely didn't want to go. And above their heads, the moon hung full and round in the sky, its soft, pure glow masking its less benign qualities.
"Look, you want to talk about this here, fine! Let's talk about it here. Harsh truth time, Cor. Yes, I shut you out. Yes, I put up walls. But it's not because I'm trying to shut you out. It's because I'm trying to shut this thing inside me *in*."
He stepped forward, getting right in her face, letting her see the golden hue that his eyes had been taking pretty much all night since the moon rose. "I live with a monster inside of me 24/7. And it's not like Oz, who only has to deal with it three nights out of a month and the rest of the time it plays the quiet game inside his head. This thing's right at the surface, waiting for a chance to get out. Waiting for me to slip. And yeah, the full moon makes it worse than normal, but that doesn't change the fact that at a random 2 PM on a fucking Tuesday afternoon, with no moon in sight and no night in sight either, it's still there. Waiting. And if I ever let my guard down, even for a moment, somebody might die because of it. And then that would be on my head for the rest of my life."
He took a deep breath and stepped back, trying to regain a shred of his control before things got even further out of hand. "I'm not the same guy I used to be. And unless some miracle cure pops up for lycanthropy in the near future, I never will be. I will never be normal; I will never be safe. And I will never be able to let down the walls, not all the way. Not because I don't trust you, but because I don't trust *me*. I'm sorry, Cor, but that's the truth. That's all that I can give right now, to anyone."
Taking a deep breath, he added, "And when I say anyone, I mean anyone. Including Isabel. You think she somehow knows me better than you do? You think I let her inside while I was busy shutting you out? Well, you're wrong. There are a lot of things about me that you know like the back of your hand which she'll probably never know. You knew me *before* I turned into the monster under everyone's beds at night. You knew me when I was just me, instead of some freak-a-zoid. And that's always going to be something special, something that no one else gets. But she understands some things about me that I don't think you quite get. Oh, you know it intellectually, but you don't get it *here*." He tapped her chest, just over her heart, to emphasize his point. "She knows about having powers that make you different. She knows about having the weight of the world on your shoulders and not being ready for it. She knows what it's like to not be normal. And yes, I kissed her. Yes, I have feelings for her. And while I know it was wrong, I can't quite find it in me to regret it happened, at least not completely, though I did hate the part when I had to lie to you about it. But I put a stop to it. It was wrong and I ended it. That doesn't change the fact that she won't just drop off the face of the Earth because we made out once or twice. I'm going to have to work with her. Quite probably a lot. And you're going to have to accept that. Because our problems, on an 'end of the world' scale? They amount to a big, fat nothing."
He studied Cordelia's face for a moment, before asking softly, his voice tired beyond words, "So, is that what you wanted to hear? Do you feel better now?"
Written by Sonya, Nominated by James and Erin
Quickly looking over herself while the two talked revealed nothing but a few grazes. "No. I'm... fine I guess" she replied hesitantly, uncomfortable with talking about herself to someone who was supposed to be a bad guy, but actually sounded like he gave a smeg about how she was.
Now that she thought about it though, could she actually say Max Evans was a bad guy? It was after he spoke that the other guy backed off... and earlier back at the apartment complex, he'd thrown that weird green thing around Izzy to stop her. Having a homicidal sister wasn't exactly his fault, she supposed.
He was at the park the other night, but did she actually see him *do* anything? Well she was a bit too busy bugging-out to actually work out what the sides were.
Wait, the park... Arrrgghh, why didn't she think of this before? Those bodysnatcher clones or whatever the hell they were. There was two of each person, but there was no reason to assume that she'd seen all of the doubles. So was that why these guys weren't interested in fighting? Because they were the originals?
It was a theory, but then Nikki had a lot of them lately and each one seemed to supercede the last. *Well, it's not like any o' this makes enough sense t' work it out logically* her thoughts derided. Sorcerors and clones weren't exactly something you dealt with on a daily basis. *But I might have t' now, so I'd better start gettin' used t' workin' it out* she thought.
Written by Nick, Nominated by Angela
Xander hopped out of the car and walked over to stand beside Cordelia. "Okay, what the hell is your problem?" he demanded, trying and failing to remain calm. God, why was she trying her best to pick a fight with him on a full moon night?
Grabbing Cordelia by the arm, he spun her around to face him, still talking in his "I'm so angry and just barely keeping it in check" tone of voice. "Isabel told me she thought she knew someone with a tranq gun who could help me catch Oz, who just happens to be in full-wolf form and running around loose in Roswell. I was just gonna call her back and tell her nevermind because I lost him, not to mention that since Faith is also apparently going psycho, we have more things to worry about than just a runaway Oz-wolf."
Letting go of Cordelia, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at her. "So I don't have time to deal with you having jealousy issues right now, got it?"
And the fact that Cordelia's jealousy was actually well-deserved when it came to Isabel? Well, he just wasn't going to think about that right now. It kind of ruined the whole rightous anger thing he had going on here.
Written by Sonya, Nominated by Court
She slammed on the breaks and pulled off into the shoulder. Then she snatched her phone out of Xander's hand.
"You are *not* calling *her* from *my* phone, Xander Harris!" Cordelia snapped. She shoved the phone into her purse. The air in the car was beginning to get stuffy. She felt like she couldn't breathe.
Abruptly, Cordelia got out of the car. Her purse falling to the floorboard, forgotten. She slammed the car door hard, and walked several steps away from the vehicle. Her high heels crunched on the gravel.
*Come on, Cor, get ahold of yourself* Cordelia ordered herself. She put her hands on her flushed cheeks, trying to cool them from the heat of anger. *You don't know that there's anything between them. You're being irrational. Especially considering... well, you're the pot calling the kettle a big, fat cheater.*
Written by Erin, Nominated by Sonya
///Xander gave one lost look over his shoulder at Jessica, Max and the girl before turning his attention back to Cordelia. "Where are we going?" he asked, looking down at his bloody clothing. "Somewhere with a shower would be good," he added with a sigh.///
Cordelia unlocked her car and hopped into the driver's side. "We could go back to your place," she suggested. The whole plan of having this conversation in a public place so he couldn't yell at her had already become moot. She didn't really want to go back to Xander's apartment, because it just seemed tacky to tell someone you'd cheated on them in their own home. But maybe she could take the long way back or something. She was the one who'd done the cheating, so it served her right if the bad vibes ended up in her car instead of in his apartment.
Written by Erin, Nominated by Sonya
Spike wandered over to where Aidan was slapping the racks and sprawled in nearby chair. Taking his pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and lighting one, he took a drag before gesturing at Aidan. "If you ask me, I say we throw you in tight black jeans and a black leather jacket with pins. You'd be a f*cking marvelous Sid Vicious. Spike your hair and everything. It'd be bloody brilliant."
Laughing darkly, he spread his hands. "And once Loni gets back, we can get her to change back to the norm. Bloody set of Sid, Nancy and Billy Idol." His eyes glittered darkly at Aidan. "But Billy gets the bird."
Spike immediately let his gaze drop and chuckled, throwing Aidan his pack of cigarettes. "Here."
Written by Angela, Nominated by Kay
Jessica grinned back at Max as she waited for Nikki's answer. For a suspicious sorceror guy, he didn't seem that bad. He'd healed someone he apparently didn't know, and he had a nice smile and...
[...and we're just stopping that train of thought right there,] she finished. [What, do I have some dark-haired-guy radar or something? Argh! Bad thoughts!]
Written by Lisse, Nominated by Erin
///Growling, he held out a hand and blasted the bitch into the wall, knocking Liz free in the process. Then he grabbed Liz's hand and pulled her behind him, making sure he was between her and the Barbie Doll with attitude. "Hey, bitch, don't ya know anythin'?" he snarled, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Nobody kidnaps Lizzie but me."///
Glory paused and turned around staring at him intently. "What is with you guys, you're like cockroaches." Glory gleefully pointed in his direction. "You really need to work on your verbage, it's *anything* they put that 'g' in there for a reason."
Written by Diana, Nominated by Sonya
Faith's head snapped in her Liz's direction,the second she saw the girl she muttered curses under her breath. "Meeting over," Faith whispered to Wesley bobbing her head in Liz's direction. "Who let the N'Synch groupie in the clubhouse?"
Faith needed a time out,a few minutes away from watchers,slayers,lawyers,and peppy,perky teenage girl. Faith realized she would never be a great leader,this was something Buffy,Wesley,or Lindsey were good at. In her eyes she was a grunt,they point she goes and kills. Faith never thought she was anything more than a strong arm,the muscle of the group. This was becoming too much,there was a watcher,a want to be doctor,a slayer,the lawyer,and now some teenage girl who's butt she kicked. It was becoming some bad version of the Village People.
"Talk among yourself,I need...something." Faith brushed past the other and rounded the corner. She heard the sound but was hit before she could defend herself. Faith flew back hitting a brick wall that ended up knocking the wind out of her. Faith feel to her hands and knees doing her best to suck in some much needed air. When Faith looked up she noticed the figure passing her but it went by so fast she couldn't make out who it was.
"Hello,little brother,I see you went out and made friends." Glory stepped into view looking at each of them. Her dress was dirty and torn,her hair was disheveled as she stepped closer to the group. After surveying the cast of characters she focused her attention on Ben. "Let me guess,you rounded up the little piggies in hopes they'd finish me off right?" Glory paced her blue eyes never leaving her brother.
"You're good,I have to admit I did get a warm,tingly feeling my brother had it in him." Glory applauded,the clap echoing throughout the alley. Her demenor was menacing and eerie,but that's what she wanted. Glory wanted everyone in that alley to question their mortality. The goddess looked at the interlocked hands of Buffy and Ben,Glory smiled walking over to them. "How cute,my brother went out and got himself a girlfriend,and a slayer no less. So what was on the enu hmm? Making love like jackrabbits,spit out a few kids?" Glory looked to the heavens playing out Ben's life in mental pictures. "Wow,offspring with god and slayer genes,you put a collar on those things and you mold them they'd really do some damage wouldn't they?"
"Glory what don't you--"
"Shhhhhh," Glory interrupted. "I think you said enough earlier." Glory looked at Wesley who seemed to be the older of the group. "They grow up so fast don't they? You teach them,you show them right from wrong,and they screw you. They walk into your house grab you by your hair.." Glory balled up her fist wih a gleeful smile. "And they show you how much they love you,over and over again." Glory took her fist punching her open palm.
"I want to tell you all a story. There once was a Queen searching for her golden key to her kingdom. She searched high and low,near and far,but she couldn't find it. Well it seems by some act of...karma that her lowly brother came into a litte bit of power and rather than helping his sister find this golden key he decides to go looking for it himself. See boys and girls *he* wants the kingdom all to himself so he can call the shots even though he lacks the skills and brains needed. He kills a few monks then decides to manipulate a few sheep to finish off his sister."
"Because your stupid," Ben fired back letting go of Buffy's hand. Ben kissed Buffy before standing face to face with Glory and scoffed. "You'e a fool Glory,you want to destory this place,I want to control it. Look around you Glory,look how these mortals worship their gods. They read books,and pray,and fall on their knees begging for forgiveness. The ones who worship me won't die,they'll live on in the world *I* create." Ben turned to Buffy extending his hand. "And Buffy will be by my side,it's about time she ruled this world,she *has saved it it's only fair."
"Fuck,we were played," Faith charged over toward Ben but was stopped when Ben's hand clamped onto Faith's throat.
"What was it you were saying Faith?" Ben said in a condescending tone. "You said something about the feeling that you were going to die. You felt me Faith,you were so close but you were so busy playing bad ass you couldn't see the big picture."
Glory looked on as Ben lifted Faith off her feet,the Slayer's eyes widened as her air was cut off. The goddess looked at Faith's eyes and saw acceptance,as if she was going to let death take it's hold on her.
"No!" Glory punched Ben causing him to relinquish his hold on the Slayer. Faith fell to her knees trying to recover. Glory looked down at Faith knowing she could kill the slayer if she wanted but it was something about that look in her eyes when Ben was about tkill her. It wasn't fear,it seemed like she wanted to die,she didn't fear death but embraced it.
Ben darted forward hitting Glory realizing her guard was down. Glory staggered back a few steps,her ire rose when she saw the smile on Ben's face. Glory hit Ben in the stomach following up with a forearm to the face. "You idiot!" Glory grabbed Ben by his throat slamming the back of his head into a brick wall. The first one caused the brick wall to crack,the next one formed a hole where Glory slammed his head. "I am the one that makes mens heart beat faster when my name is spoken, I am the end of the world these mortals fear. This little blue marble these cows call Earth will be in my glass case not yours."
Glory threw him through the brick wall and looked on in glee as the remains of the wall caved in on Ben. "Mold the world how you see fit? Wilting flowers,tortured souls,arms and hearts reaching out as you sit on your golden throne. If they dare look at you they're eyes will set ablaze,the masses muttering your melancholy sing song soliloquy. Let us go,let us go!!!" Glory shut her eyes,her hand aggressively massaging her forhead. The god gritted her teeth muttering latin to herself,exhaling a a deep breath Glory opened her eyes and marched over to the rubble. She went to finish the job when she noticed there was a warehouse of some sort on the other side,she rummaged thru the rubble looking for a body. After a few minutes she looked at the group bewildered but enraged that Ben got away. "He's gone."
Glorificus rubbed her temples looking at the rag tag group. She peered over at Lindsey,looking him over from head to toe. The goddess slowly walked over to him totally oblivious that the others were even there she reached grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him away from the others and out the alley.
Written by Diana, Nominated by Erin
Nikki blocked him out as she walked, wondering what to do next. *Oz... a werewolf... and I fell for it* she chastised herself. But then she starts to think. Didn't the guy who attacked her also say something about werewolves? But that didn't prove anything, they could both be in this together... But then Oz did run...
Nikki shakes her head. Ridiculous! But it didn't stop her from turning round briefly. She could see Jeffery in the distance, rummaging in his car, then leaving for the building they were originally headed to.
So what was he doing now? There was no point in Jeffery or whoever the hell he was going through with this charade unless she was with him, right? Unless he was counting on her turning round and thinking this.
What? No, he couldn't possibly know she'd turn round. But then maybe he was just taking the chance she would. But even if he was, and this was a trap, so what? She could take them on, she'd dusted those vamps in UFOnics, why would this be any different?
Arrrrggghhhh!!! Motive and counter-motive were cancelling each other out in her mind. It was like a conspiracy theorist's database gone nuts in there. And here came the clincher theory that changed her mind. What if - and this was rather a small what-if, but still in the realms of possibility - what if Jeffery was telling the truth? That Sunnydale was a coincidence and that Oz really was a werewolf?
F***!
Hoping that she wasn't making another mistake, Nikki turned and started to jog back towards the building, making sure Jeffery didn't see her. If Oz was a werewolf, then she sure as hell wasn't going to let Mr Holier Than Thou here shoot him. If it was a trap? Well... she'd take her chances.
Written by Nick, Nominated by Erin
Well, the man obviously knew about Buffy and Faith... and him. While Wesley wasn't as anal over the secrecy rule as most, it did seem a little off that they weren't even making an effort.
He considered what to say to Lindsey. He couldn't be seen talking to Faith or Buffy in a public place if his cover was to work. If the information got back to Elisabeth, however innocently, he'd have a hard time explaining how he knew a couple of vampire slayers. Likely he'd lose her trust altogether. At the back of his mind, he berated himself for not telling Faith this before she left the motel, however he'd been rather preoccupied with other matters at the time - like supernatural doubles and evil goddesses.
"Give Faith my apologies" he said quietly, "but I can't talk to her here. Tell her to meet me round the back of the alien museum in 15 minutes if she wants to talk. If not, I'll assume everything's in hand."
In a louder voice, just enough to sound like a normal rebuttal, rather than a conspicuous 'we weren't really having a secret meeting, cough-cough, wink-wink' tone, he stood up and took his leave of Lindsey. "Sorry, but I'm not that way inclined. I'm sure there are... clubs or bars which cater for that sort of 'action' though."
He smiled a small and rather embarrassed smile, then left the cafe with the remnants of his burger, knowing full well what any eavesdroppers would make of that. Cruel, but hey!
Written by Nick, Nominated by James
///That said, he stood and walked over to the Watcher and sat down across the table from him, like he had every right in the world to be there. "Name's Lindsey. And I'm helping your girls over there save the world. Care to lend a hand or are you just in town for the Alien Blast sundaes?"///
Faith opened her mouth to respond and was about to accept Lindsey's request. But before she could respond he was up and headed to the table, it was the first time Faith took her attention off her food and watched as Lindsey set up camp at the watchers table. Faith had this childlike expression knowing Lindsey was probably about to go over there and do it himself, she tried to read his lips but what she made out sounded more like a sexual invite then him tossing a threat in the watcher's direction. "B, if our boy decks the watcher we should have his back," Faith joked. "Anybody care to put a twenty that the guy'll go down like a rock with one punch?"
Ben looked over at Wesley and shook his head, "I don't know he looks prim and proper but maybe that's just a gimmick, the guy could be a British Bruce Lee."
"But there's that whole lawyer edge, they'll do what they have to to win, they'd have sex with your mom if it'll win the case. Lindsey's a lawyer, he'll depants him and chew on a testacle if it meant winning the fight. My money's on the Rambo Lawyer."
Written by Diana, Nominated by Sonya
Darcy looked Cordelia over and cleared her throat, "Well first off I would fix myself up a bit,it's a bit harder for a guy to rage when he has thigh and cleavage in his face.Also,go to a public place,that means if he goes psycho you have witnesses." Darcy gave this confident nod as if she knew her advice was any man's kryptonite. "Last,you'll have me along,nobody is going to go O.J. on a friend of Darcy Brinkman."
Darcy stood up looking down at Cordelia,"Plus this crying pathetic Cordelia Chase is lame,where's the Cordy who told the camp counselor she wasn't fit to lead anyone with her out of date shoes and haircut. We're going to get up,head to your house get you in some attire that will make this Xander fall to his knees and kiss your feet.You ready for the confrontation?"
Written by Diana, Nominated by Sonya
Faith looked at this car in front of her,it was a really nice car,shame it wasn't Lindsey's. As he scolded her Faith stood there playing it as if she was a young child being yelled at by her father,she looked over at Buffy with a 'what the hell is this guys problem' expression on her face. The whole crossbow thing was her way of moving on but she could see Lindsey refused to let this go. "Jesus,please shut the hell up,I'm begging you," Faith exclaimed. "I'm not in the mood for this,the day I've been having--"
Faith balled up her fist raising it in Lindsey's face,biting her tongue. "We can either kiss and make up right now,or we can chuck this partnership and spend the next 3 minutes beating the living hell out each other. But there's no way in hell I'm gonna leave here hunting down Glory wondering if you will or won't have my back. If I get hurt no skin off anyones chin right,but if your bullshit gets Buffy hurt I will take that crossbow and jam it right up your ass. The way I see it you need us too,cause I would love to see you go one on one with Glory,one bitch slap and your ass would be a vegetable,drooling and pissing all over himself. But if you help us,smile,maybe shake your ass now and again for me and Buffy then when all this is over we will back you and try to help you get a job with the council or something."
Faith shifted her weight from one foot to another looking at Lindsey sternly, "Look that whole Zeke thing was a screwed up situation. I was in the same boat,I let Zeke in,told her things I'd never tell anyone else and she fucked me over,walked away and didn't give a hot damn about me. Then there's the fact she killed someone,I was at the hospital and I saw the parents there now without a daughter because Zeke is a cold hearted bitch. When I saw her all I wanted to do was beat her till I felt better,maybe get something heavy tie it around her ankle and let the bitch live under the sea,because that's what she deserved. I feel bad Zeke fucked you over,if I had it my way I would've stopped her the day me and Aide hopped out that car. If I ever catch sight of her you better believe I'll damn well try to kill her,she's evil,she doesn't deserve to breath the same air as me,she's dog shit on the heel of my shoe. But if your walking around with this monkey on your back because of her you need to get over it cause she isn't worth it,that's something Zeke would enjoy,don't give her the satisfaction. After all this is over,I *will* find her and I will kill her,I'm gonna take her head stuff it and hang it on my wall. Just in case you wanted to hear my take on Zeke."
As Faith went on she forgot Zeke's history,she forgot that she was standing side by side with the future mother of Zeke.After she said what she had to say Faith regreated saying what she did in front of Buffy. But it wasn't like she could take it all back now,what was said was said. Faith turned to Buffy hoping she wasn't two seconds from hitting her. "B,I'm sorry,it's just...she's hurt so many people,and because of her a life was taken, I-I just don't see any other way."
Written by Diana, Nominated by Erin
Lindsey watched until she'd made it safely to her car and started the motor, then he turned and sorted through the items he'd emptied out of his backpack, looking for one in particular: a medium-sized, wooden case. Grabbing it, he opened it and began taking items out of it and spreading them out on the bed. There were black candles, different colored powders and liquids in separate viles, a small, leather-bound book and a cerimonial dagger with a jewel-encrusted hilt. As he began setting the things he'd need up, Faith's last words to him came to mind.
///Do you have the balls to face off with evil itself? When it comes down to it, would you stay and fight or would you turn tail and run? Things are bad and things are going to get a lot worse around here in good 'ole Roswell.///
Well, he kept telling everyone that he'd made his choice, didn't he? Lindsey supposed it was about time to step up to the plate, so to speak. Of course, in order to do that, he needed a better idea of what was going on here in Roswell. And it looked like Faith and her cohorts were less than willing to tell him anything useful. If there was one thing Lindsey had learned during his time at Wolfram and Hart, it was that knowledge is power. So it was damn well time for him to get a little knowledge.
Sitting down Indian-style on the floor of the dingy motel room, Lindsey picked up one of the vials of powder - this one was a dusky red in color - he sprinkled it around him in a circle. Then he took the dagger in his right hand and laid the blade across the palm of his left hand. Closing his eyes, he began the spell.
"Goddess Hecatea, I beseech thee, guide me through the crossroads of change."
He slowly brought the dagger across his flesh, drawing a thin line of crimson.
"God Apollo, I beseech thee, shine the light of truth through the darkness that clouds my vision."
Setting the dagger beside him, he then touched one finger to the blood on his hand and touched it to his forehead, drawing it down over his nose and to his chin, leaving a line of blood on his face in its wake. Then he took the same finger and started at one temple and dragged it across sideways, leaving a second line of blood that went across his closed eyelids.
"Goddess Athena, I beseech thee, grant me the wisdom to know the right path."
No sooner had he finished speaking the last word of the incantation, then a circle of light appeared on his forehead, growing brighter and brighter by each second. And a series of images went speeding through his mind, so fast that it was hard to make each one out. His eyelids fluttered, but did not open. He began breathing heavily, his hands clenching and unclenching in fists at his sides, beads of sweat trickling down his chest. And then, just as suddenly as it began, it was over and Lindsey fell forward, his hands dragging through the circle of sand as he slumped to the ground in a heap, trying to catch his breath.
"Wow," he whispered, slowly pushing himself up and looking around the motel room in shock. "It worked." He had tried this spell before, without ever having any success. Lindsey couldn't stop a proud grin from flitting across his features. "Well, that was definitely unexpected."
But now was not the time to sit around patting himself on the back. He had work to do.
Lindsey quickly cleaned himself up and then returned the key to the desk clerk before he headed out of the motel on foot. It was already dusk, but he didn't worry about any vampires attacking him. If they did, they were in for a rude awakening.
Written by Sonya, Nominated by Erin
Darcy ran full speed toward the football field and just as she turned the corner she ran right into Cordelia with a thud that sent her stumbling backwards. "Bitch," Darcy shouted at the female who was in her way. When she focused and looked at the female her jaw dropped, she walked a few steps closer making sure it was who she thought it was.
"Excuse the hell out of me!" Cordelia exclaimed, picking herself up off the ground. "But I don't think I asked you to come barrelling down here like a cow in heat..."
Nominated by Sonya; Written by Erin and Diana
Oz nearly stumbled as he heard his name yelled but forced himself to keep moving. He was too focused on getting away that he couldn't quite tell the voice of who was chasing him, but they were close and that was very, very bad. He'd lost his shoes halfway back once his nails had started growing and the rest of his clothing was getting tighter as fur and muscle started to grow on him. He was trying so hard to keep it back longer, but his face was already shifting.
(("Oz. Slow down, it's just me."))
This time the voice registered and he slowed down. Xander. Xander was safe, the wolf wouldn't hurt him, he was pack. A younger and lower member of the pack, but still family. Falling to his knees, he started to tear at his clothes. The pressure was getting worse, it felt like he was going to burst if he didn't get free soon.
Nominated by Erin; Written by Darlean, Section in (( )) by Sonya