From: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com (Buffyfic-digest) To: buffyfic-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: Buffyfic-digest V2 #34 Reply-To: buffyfic@xmission.com Sender: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-buffyfic@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk Buffyfic-digest Tuesday, February 10 1998 Volume 02 : Number 034 In this issue: BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 02/08 BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 05/08 BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 07/08 BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 04/08 See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the buffyfic or buffyfic-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 22:21:18 -0600 (CST) From: kmuller@ix.netcom.com (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) Subject: BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 02/08 The Price of Vengeance 02/08 by Liz Muller Jenny sat, her head hanging down, too tired to move. Three days ago, she cast the spell that restored Angel's soul. It had worked, but not quite as she had planned. Angelus had been sent back to Hell, but somehow, when Angel's soul was restored, so was his mortality. She insisted Angel swear never to tell anyone, especially Giles or Buffy how he'd been freed. They didn't need to know, and she was planning on leaving. She had no reason to stay anymore. She would move on. Angelus was back in hell, where he belonged. She'd given Buffy back the one person who truly made her happy. In the process, Jenny had lost everything... lost Giles. It was time for her to go. The thought of Giles made her cry softly. She hated loosing him. If only she could have trusted him, told him who she was, but that had been impossible. Her family would never have allowed it. She couldn't tell him now. Buffy's pain was her fault, and he would never forgive that. Slowly she reached up and touched the wound Angelus had made in her throat. Of all the hurts Angelus gave her, this one was the worst. He'd touched her soul, seen what was there and twisted it. He'd taken the encounter she'd had with Eygon and played with it. Her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to block the images from forming. He made her watch them as if it was happening again, only this time there was no one to stop her. With his own experience, he made her feel what it was like to kill. To kill Giles. Over and over. That had almost broken her will. Somehow she had managed to cling to the truth, that Giles was alive and well. She moaned as once again, the scene played out before her. Panicked at the thought of being alone, reliving this nightmare every time she tried to rest, she got up. Somehow, she managed to get herself ready for school. It probably wasn't her best choice, but she *needed* to see Giles...just to be sure. ************ Giles surveyed the library with a feeling of satisfaction. Two days ago, Angel had turned up, mortal. He refused to say anything about his return. He finally admitted, after much prodding, that he'd had help. He flatly refused to tell them who it was, saying only he had sworn not to. Neither he or Buffy had been happy about that, but Angel was adamant. Buffy's irritation passed quickly. She couldn't hide her pleasure over his return. Giles had his own ideas as to the identity of Angel's benefactor. Giles left the library, heading towards the main office. As he neared the stairs, he saw Angel and Buffy talking. He was just about to call out to them when he spied Jenny coming down the stairs. He noticed, with concern, how tired and pale she looked. The dark scarf around her neck didn't help, either. Oblivious, she walked straight into Angel. To his utter astonishment, Jenny took one look at Angel and ran. Giles watched as she ran from the building, apparently terrified. He looked at Angel. Angel's expression was a mix of sorrow and guilt. Suddenly, it made sense. Jenny had to be the one who helped Angel. After all, it had been her people who had cursed him in the first place. He could see Buffy shared the same thought. Catching their attention, he motioned towards the library. As the door closed behind them, Giles turned to Angel. "Please, tell me what just happened," Giles asked softly. Angel looked away, torn. He'd sworn never to tell, but neither of them had counted on her reaction. "She's the one who helped you, isn't she?" Buffy asked cautiously. Angel nodded slowly, miserable. "So what happened in the hall? She was terrified of you." Angel nodded again. "She has good reason to be, Buffy. To her, I look like Angelus... And Angelus really didn't want to be banished." He fell silent. "And that means...?" she asked cautiously. He took a deep breath. He *did* not want to tell her, tell anyone, this. " Probably the worst thing Angelus did was play with her memories." Angel looked haunted. Unwillingly, he continued. "He used Eygon against her. He twisted her memories of what really happened to suit him, and then he made her watch them. Over and over. He made her feel how much Eygon would have enjoyed killing you Giles. He made her *feel* it!" his voice broke then. Giles face had gone grey at the mention of Eygon, but all color drained from it as he listened. Unsteadily he said, "Probably the worst? I would think that was the worst." he remembered just how hard it had been for Jenny to begin to heal. He felt old, familiar guilt rising once again. Angel glared at Giles. "It wasn't the only thing he tried, Giles," he snapped angrily. He knew all too well, everything Angelus had done, and his eyes were haunted. More softly he went on, " I was there Giles, I know what happened. All of it. And believe me, no one should ever have to go through that." They were silent for a moment. Then Buffy asked, "How? How was he able to do that?" Buffy knew how, but Angel needed to say it. She could see it was eating at him. "He drank from her. It allowed a...connection. He used that to get inside her head. Once inside, he knew everything about her. It was easy to find something to hurt her with." Giles looked positively ill. He hadn't told Buffy everything about the night Eygon had tried to kill him, using Jenny. The pain he'd felt over it at the time was nothing compared to what he felt now. He had to find her. ******* Willow looked up, surprised as Ms. Calendar ran down the steps looking panicked. For a moment, she looked ready to run, then she shook herself slightly. As Willow watched, Jenny walked over and slumped down on a bench nearby. Willow liked Ms Calendar. She couldn't believe that Ms Calender would deliberately allow Buffy to be hurt the way she'd been. So she'd been keeping and eye on her. Over the last few days, she'd noticed that something else seemed to be bothering her. "Uh, Ms Calendar? Is everything ok?" Willow asked timidly. She really hated doing this kind of thing. She winced slightly as Jenny looked up at her. The depth of the pain and fear in her eyes was scary. Berating herself for losing control in school of all places, Jenny tried to smile. "I didn't sleep too well last night Willow, thanks for asking," Jenny said shakily. Willow wasn't buying it. What she'd seen, before it was carefully hidden, spoke of something deeply wrong with the teacher. Willow sat down next to Jenny. "You know, it's not my place or anything, but well, if you want to talk, it's not like there are that many people here in Sunnydale who would believe you." Willow stumbled to a halt. She was babbling. This time Jenny's smile was more believable. Giving Willow a pat on the arm she said, " Thanks. I mean it. You're right, it is..." her voice faded out as she stared at something over Willow's shoulder. Turning, Willow watched as two slightly odd looking men made their way over to where she they sat. Glancing at the teacher, she saw a stunned look on her face. Willow began to get a very bad feeling. She turned back as they arrived. The men studied them. Willow saw that she was quickly dismissed by the younger, though the older gave her a thoughtful look. She sat silently and watched. The younger man stared at Jenny with hate in his eyes. She realized he looked a lot like Ms Calendar. And they both resembled the older man. He was watching Jenny with such a look of sadness in his eyes. "Jenny, do you know why we have come?" The question was asked in a tired, defeated voice. " Yes, Papa. I know." Her voice was soft, and sad. "I have to say the words, Jenny. Know that I don't agree with them. I have no choice." He shot a venomous glare at the younger man. The look of triumph on the younger man's face was sickening. The older man hunched in on himself and spoke. "Jenny, you have failed your people. You have broken our trust in you, you allowed evil lose into this world. For this, your punishment is banishment." Willow could see tears gleaming in his eyes. "You have compounded this failure by betrayal. From us, your family, you stole the means by which Angelus escaped his just punishment. For this there is but one punishment." Jenny sat rigid, staring at nothing. Numbly, she listened. "From this moment on, none shall speak your name. It will be as if you had never been." The words roared in her ears. She knew this had been a possibility, but she never expected it to happen. She looked up. Her father had already shut her out. She could deck him right now, and he'd never acknowledge that it had happened. Her brother, now he was a different story. The gleam in his eye spoke of his pleasure in her downfall. His way was cleared with the removal of his hated older sister. He was heir. She saw the smugness in him as he reveled in her pain. Then he looked right through her. She watched numbly as they turned and walked away. ********* Giles and Buffy emerged from the school and looked around. Angel had left, knowing his presence would do more harm then good right now. Buffy spotted Jenny and Willow, as they sat watching two men walk away. Pointing them out to Giles, they headed over. As they got closer, Buffy could see the stunned look on Ms. Calendar's face. "Jenny?" Giles said softly. They waited but there was no response. Speaking louder, Giles tried again. "Jenny?" This time he touched her shoulder. Still nothing. They exchanged a glance. "Um, Giles? I think Ms Calendar is a bit freaked. She just got some, um well, bad news... horrible news, actually." "What happened?" Buffy asked. Something else just had to go wrong now, she thought disgustedly. Jenny awakened with a start. "Oh, hi, Giles." Jenny said distractedly. Growing more concerned every moment by Jenny's erratic behavior, Giles spoke, "Why don't we go into the library? Its more comfortable and private." Jenny allowed herself to be led to the library, and settled into a chair. She blinked and looked into three very concerned faces. Faint surprise blossomed inside her as she realized they did still care. "I guess you have some questions," she said hesitantly. Giles sat next to her, and gently took her hand. Absently, he began to stroke it. "What's going on, Jenny? Who were those men? What bad news did you get?" he asked, concerned. Jenny looked past him, her face a mask of grief. "This is hard to explain, really. My people are so different then yours." She said softly. "I am Rom. To us, loyalty to family is all. Duty to the family comes before all else." Her voice trailed off, and she seemed to be looking into the past. The others exchanged uneasy glances as she continued. "My duty was to insure the vengeance of my people. It was my task to make certain no happiness came to Angel. I was prepared, or so I thought, to do this. It never occurred to me to wonder what would happen if the curse was broken. That would never happen. Angelus must be made to pay for his crimes, if Angel was hurt in the process...so be it." She paused. "When I got here, I found a tortured soul trying to make amends for his evil... And I found you." She looked at Buffy as she spoke. Buffy could see the guilt in her eyes. "When I found out who, what, you were, I was shocked. That the Slayer, the one chosen to protect humanity from vampires, could love one of them... I hesitated. To fulfill my duty, I would have had to hurt you...and I found I couldn't do that." Jenny dropped her eyes then. "So my inaction allowed Angel to find true happiness. Because of me, Angelus returned." Again she stopped. They could see her struggling to continue. She pulled her hand from Giles, and got up to pace. "Then you asked me to curse him again. As far as I knew, it could no longer be done. I watched as Angelus pecked away at you. I had to do something, so I went home. I found a way...I stole the knowledge from my family, came back and did as you asked...or tried too. Angelus is banished back to hell, but somehow Angel became mortal." She stopped pacing. Staring into space, she went on. "The men were my father and brother, come to pronounce sentence on me for my crimes. For the crime of failure, the punishment is banishment. For betrayal, it is death." Buffy gasped at that. Jenny smiled bitterly. "They're not really going to kill me Buffy. They just cut me off. For them, I never was." Buffy looked puzzled at that. "How can they do that? I mean pretend you never were?" "I told you, we are different...they are different. Because it is the law, they will do it. They have *already* done it. It's not pretending. I am invisible to them," she said flatly. She had no emotions left, the past few days had used her up. Except for one. Hate. Hate for her brother, because she knew he'd done this to her. After all, he was the one who taught her most of what she knew about the curse. She should have known. "Why does your brother hate you?" Willow asked. They stared at her, so she went on. "I saw him look at you, Ms Calendar, and he gave me the willies" Jenny rubbed her aching head. All she wanted to do was go home and sleep, but she couldn't. These people had earned the right to answers, and they'd get them. She didn't have to like it though. Jenny slumped into a chair, and sighed. "Sacha always thought he should be Father's heir, because he is a man. My father is....somewhat well know among the Rom, and he has power...so does his heir. Sacha, since he was little, felt he should be heir. A sentence of banishment wasn't enough. At my father's death, it would have been lifted and I would have inherited. So he forced my father to 'kill' me. Now, he is heir." Giles made a small, strangled sound. He'd read about the Rom. For some reason they fascinated him. Banishment was permanent...except in one case. Buffy looked at the Watcher curiously. "Ah, as I understand it, the lifting of a banishment is only done for the heir of the clan chief." Buffy turned to look at Jenny. "Does that mean you would have been the next chief?" she asked. "Yes." she said. "Oh, Wow," Willow breathed. Distantly, Jenny heard them talking, but it was so hard to concentrate. A fog was creeping over her brain, making it hard to think. Deciding that she didn't want to think anymore, Jenny allowed the fog to engulf her. Buffy and Willow were talking quietly to each other, when Giles noticed Jenny start to slump. He jumped, and just managed to catch her as she slid bonelessly out of the chair. He cradled her gently as he searched her face. There were new lines etched deep into her face, her pain showing clearly. His eyes fell on the scarf she wore, and he untied it. A large square of gauze became visible. Gently, he pulled the covering from the wound, and gasped. A red, ugly looking tear marred her throat. It was swollen and angry looking. "What did that?" Willow hissed in surprise. Belatedly, Giles realized Willow didn't know about the ceremony Jenny had performed. Looking closer, Willow recognized it. "That's a vampire bite," she exclaimed, shocked. Buffy went over to her. "Yes, it is. She got it helping Angel... Angelus did it." Buffy hated to admit that, but she knew Willow would figure it out herself. "Wow" Willows eyes were huge as she quickly put it all together. Compassion flowed from her as she realized what Jenny had gone through. Giles carefully picked Jenny up and carried her into his office. He laid her down on the couch, covering her with his jacket. Right now, the best thing for her was sleep. He joined the others. None of them seemed to know what to say. Finally Giles spoke, " I think Jenny, that is, Ms. Calendar will need our support for the next while," he said quietly. Any hurt feelings from her evasions paled next to the tragedy she had endured. "Yeah, I agree. What she did for Angel..." Buffy trailed off. She couldn't voice all she felt. Willow nodded somberly. She had known Jenny wouldn't have betrayed Buffy. Giles was about to continue when he was interrupted by a shriek from the other room. Giles ran into the room to see Jenny shaking in horror as she seemed to watch something. 'Eygon', Giles thought as he rushed to her side. Buffy right behind him, ready for a fight. "Jenny, its ok, its just a dream." He tried to reassure her, but she didn't seem to hear him. Giles began to shake her gently, trying to wake her up. Suddenly her eyes cleared, and she saw him. Her eyes filled with tears and blindly she reached for him. Buffy nudged willow, and they left, closing the door behind them. Giles held her close, murmuring soft words to her. His grief grew as he remembered just what she had been dreaming about. He closed his eyes in pain. "I'm sorry, Jenny. I'm so sorry." he repeated over and over as he held her. end, part2 kmuller@ix.netcom.com - - ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 22:22:12 -0600 (CST) From: kmuller@ix.netcom.com (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) Subject: BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 05/08 The Price of Vengeance 05/08 by Liz Muller It was 7:10pm; Giles was late, and he hadn't called. It made her uneasy. Her mind drifted back to the conversation they'd had earlier. She began to wonder if he'd found something. Unable to sit stillany longer, she got up and began to pace. She was deep in thought when she heard a soft knock. She smiled as she hurried to the door. Her smile quickly faded when she saw Giles and Buffy at her door. She turned away and sat down on the couch. Buffy and Giles exchanged a glance and entered. Giles silently closed the door and moved to the couch. He wasn't sure where to begin. He fidgeted for a moment, trying to figure out how to say this. The grim look on Buffy's face told her all she needed to know. Something truly horrible was going on, and it involved them all. Inwardly, she started to scream. One part of her wanted to get up, walk out the door, and never look back. Another part of her screamed at the idea of anymore *pain*. "Just tell me, Rupert." To her surprise, she sounded normal. Giles took a deep breath then spoke. "There is a prophesy that tells of the coming of a new, more powerful Chosen one. Certain recent events... correspond to parts of the prophesy." He paused and looked at her. "It tells of a child, filled with a demon's soul. Because of recent events, it is possible both you and Buffy could be pregnant." Giles watched as Jenny's eyes closed. Eyes still closed, she asked, "Is that all?" When Giles didn't answer right away, she opened her eyes and looked at Buffy. Buffy tried to smile, as she said, "You know how it is around me, Ms Calendar. Fate of the world, and all." Buffy fell silent. There was no response to that, it was the truth. Finally Jenny broke the silence. "So what's the plan?" In response, Giles held up a small brown bag. Twenty minutes later they stared at twin pink plus signs. *************** Willow and Xander breezed into the library, only to fall silent as they caught sight of the depressed threesome sitting at the table. Exchanging a glance, they moved to the table and sat down. After five minutes, Xander'd had enough. "Look, would someone mind telling me what's going on around here? I'm not dumb you know. Something's been off all month." He stopped and glared at them. Giles raised his head, neither Buffy or Jenny moved. "We have a very big problem," he said finally. Xander knew nothing of events, and was bound to be furious when he learned what was going on. "I'd say thats an understatement" Xander shot back, eyeing Buffy with concern. She looked tired, and more depressed then he'd ever seen her... and he'd seen a lot. "Xander!" Willow gasped. "Look. Will. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be rude, but saying 'We have a very big problem.' is always an understatement lately. We never have little problems anymore." Xander sat back frustrated. Jenny spoke quietly. "If this was anyplace but Sunnydale, this would be a small problem, Xander, but it's not." She looked over at Buffy. "Buffy and I are pregnant, and Angelus is the father of both children," Jenny said bluntly. Xander's jaw dropped in shock. There was no way he was hearing this right! "Whoa, slow down! I thought Angelus was gone, and anyway, how is that possible?" Willow just glared at Xander. Sometimes Xander could be so incredibly dense! "Wait a minute... You slept with Angel?!!" Xander said to Buffy heatedly. Buffy couldn't look at Xander as she nodded. Xander was vibrating with rage. "Ok, ok, ok, that explains you, but what about her?" He said, gesturing to Jenny. Giles bit back his anger. Xander was hurt, so he was lashing out. He didn't mean to sound so cruel, but he did. "In the course of sending Angelus back to hell, and freeing Angel, Angelus raped me," Jenny said flatly. Dead silence filled the library. It was the first time they had actually used the word. It had such an ugly sound to it. Xander looked like he was waiting for the floor to open up and swallow him whole. Jenny got up and went to him. " Xander." When he didn't look up, she tilted his chin up. "Xander, listen to me. It happened, and its time we all acknowledged that fact. I'm coping with it, and frankly we have more important problems to deal with just now." "I'm sorry, Ms C.." "I know Xander, and it really is all right. You couldn't have known." Giles looked distinctly uncomfortable. "As to 'dealing' with the problem, I suppose we have to arrange to... to terminate the pregnancies." Giles ground to a halt. 'There will be time later, Jenny Calendar, to have your own hysterics, right now Buffy needs you.' she said to herself, as Buffy's face broke. She looked so very young and scared. At once, Jenny moved to her side and began to comfort her. After a short burst of tears, the Slayer was back in control. Determined not to show any further weakness, Buffy dragged Willow and Xander out. Giles watched as Jenny sat down, her eyes unfocused. She seemed so far away right now. Concerned he moved to her side, and knelt down. "Jenny, what is it?" he asked urgently. She made a sound, not quite a chuckle. "Im just so tired, Rupert. So tired," she said finally. ************ Giles and Jenny sat in the library, waiting for Buffy and Willow to arrive Jenny appeared to be engrossed in a book, but Giles knew better. He'd grown concerned about Jenny as the week went on. She'd been pleasant, but distant, all week. The closer Friday came, the worse it got. She'd been staring at the same page for the last five minutes, without seeming to see it. Giles' musing was cut off when Willow and Buffy arrived. Buffy's mom had to go out of town for the weekend, so Buffy would stay with Willow. It made things easier. "Good, you're here," Giles said as they came over. Jenny looked up and gave them a faint smile. Giles continued, "We should be going...we have to be there by four...it will take a couple of hours to get there." Buffy and Willow headed out, as Jenny slowly stood up. They followed the girls in silence. As they walked, Giles spoke, "Jenny..." his voice trailed off in confusion. Sensing his concern, Jenny tried to smile. "I'm sorry Rupert, I know I've been distant all week, it's just I'm having some trouble dealing with all this." She fell silent, allowing him to see the hurt confusion that filled her. He reached over and took her arm. "I understand, Jenny. I just wish you'd let me help," he said softly. Jenny gave him a warm smile, and squeezed his arm. "You have, Rupert. I don't think I could have gotten this far without you," She said with feeling Smiling with relief, he patted her arm as they joined the others at the car. Soon they were settled, and on their way out of town. They drifted into a companionable silence as Giles drove. Buffy stared out the window, thinking. For a brief moment, she'd been happy. She should have know it was too good to be true. A faint feeling of discomfort passed through her and she shifted slightly. She began to absently rub her stomach. Another wave of discomfort caused her to make a small sound. Willow leaned over. "Buffy, are you ok?" She asked concerned. Buffy was handling this better than she had expected, but still... "Yeah, Will, I'm fine. My stomach's just a bit upset, that's all," Buffy replied quietly. Willow nodded, she wasn't surprised. Just thinking about it made her feel queasy. Giles had been eyeing Jenny as they drove. He noticed when she tensed. Before he could speak, he caught a movement behind him. Buffy shifted as the discomfort became a cramp. Growing more concerned, Willow faced Buffy, watching her. "Buffy, is something wrong?" Giles asked worriedly. "Its just a cramp, Giles, no big thing," she said shortly. It was only a cramp, but it sure as hell hurt. Jenny turned to look at Buffy, then groaned. Her hand flew to her stomach, as the pain washed over her. "Jenny!" Giles exclaimed sharply. He pulled over and shifted so he could see Buffy and Jenny clearly. It was obvious that they were both in mild pain. "I think we should postpone this until you two are feeling better, and we know what is going on," he said firmly. They drove in a tense silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Jenny frowned as her discomfort eased. An ugly thought formed in her mind, so she spoke. "Buffy, how are you feeling?" she asked curiously. "Better, Ms Calendar. The cramps have passed," Buffy responded quietly. "Giles," Jenny said softly. "Do me a favor, turn around and head away from town, I want to see something." Puzzled, Giles complied. Jenny watched Buffy, as they drove out of town again. As the first wave of discomfort passed over her, she saw it reflected in Buffy's eyes. She closed her eyes. It seemed Hell wasn't going down without a fight. "Ok, Giles, I've seen what I needed to, let's take the girls home." Jenny said wearily. When they got to Willow's. Jenny got out too, and took Buffy off to one side; "Buffy, we'll work it out, somehow. Giles and I will find an answer," Jenny said firmly, even though she had trouble believing her own words. "Have you noticed nothing ever goes right here?" Buffy said dryly. They exchanged a grin. Jenny hugged Buffy tightly. "This time will be different, it has to be." she whispered. Buffy nodded then pulled away. As she followed Willow, Jenny joined Giles in the car. "Giles, we have to talk. Why don't we go to my place?" she said tiredly. She wondered if she would ever feel rested again. ********* Sacha paused at the doorway of his father's study. Imre sat in front of the fire, reading. He'd been doing a lot of that lately, Sacha thought resentfully. It was to help *her*. Even now, he still helped her. Then Sacha smiled. It was a greedy smile. So what if he did try to help her, the end would be the same. He would be chief, as it was meant to be. Confidently, he stepped into the room. Imre looked up at him and frowned. "Come Father. Do not bury yourself in books. A few of the council wish to speak with you." He smiled. "I'm busy, Sacha, I'll speak with them later," he said, then turned back to his book. He missed the look of anger that passed over Sacha's face. "Father..." Sacha began, but Imre cut him off. "Later," he said. Sacha could hear the finality in that voice. He fumed as he left. How dare anyone treat him like that he thought furiously. As he stormed out, he could hear faint mocking laughter in the back of his mind. ************ "Are you sure?" Giles asked again. Jenny sighed deeply. "We could test it again, if you like. But we just have to face the facts. Buffy and I won't be allowed to leave Sunnydale...the HellMouth is protecting its own." They drifted into a gloomy silence. The depression Jenny had been fighting since this whole mess began overwhelmed her. Tears began to form in her eyes, then she hunched over and began to cry deep, wracking sobs. It had been bad enough that she had been raped, physically and mentally, then to add a supernatural pregnancy to it had pushed her to her limits. She couldn't handle anymore, and now she was paying the price. In a flash, Giles was holding her, comforting her. She held on to him for dear life, unable to stem the tide of rage and grief that flowed through her Giles was unsurprised by this. He knew she had been close to the edge for weeks now. Buffy, at least, had other friends she could talk to without fear, but Jenny had no one. Besides, he thought bitterly, much of her pain was his fault. Jenny had finally admitted to him that she was still having nightmares...about Eygon. "Jenny, shhhh now. I'll think of something, I promise," Giles whispered as her sobs began to lessen. He felt her nod her head against his chest. "I know Giles...it's just so hard." she whispered brokenly. Giles pulled her closer as they sat together on the couch. She was quiet now, drained. "I love you, Jenny Calendar." He whispered softly. She sat up and stared at him, astonished. "Why are you so surprised?" he asked gently. "How can you say that after all this?" she gestured vaguely. he saw the look self-loathing that crossed her face. He smiled sadly. "I don't expect you to believe me, Jenny, not now. I just thought you should know. I love you and nothing will ever change that," he declared. A myriad of emotions ran across her face, then she threw herself at him. "I love you too, Rupert. Never doubt that," she said as she began to cry again. Smiling widely, Giles brushed the tears from her cheeks. They settled back in each others arms, content for now. end part5 kmuller@ix.netcom.com - - ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 22:22:15 -0600 (CST) From: kmuller@ix.netcom.com (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) Subject: BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 07/08 FANFIC:The Price of Vengeance 07/08 by Liz Muller Buffy and Willow barged through the door to Willow's room, juggling a variety of bags and boxes. Willow had managed to talk Buffy into a trip to the mall. She thought Buffy needed something simple to do, that might take her mind off her problems. So Willow suggested shopping. Much to her surprise, Buffy'd agreed. Buffy hadn't been exactly depressed, but she had been quiet, too quiet, and Willow was concerned. She couldn't imagine how her friend had managed to cope so far, but was determined to do anything she could to help. Buffy had asked Angel to stay away for a few days, but Willow wasn't sure that had been a good idea. Buffy hadn't told Angel about her pregnancy, or Ms Calendar's. She thought it best if he wasn't around while they dealt with this. She remembered when Buffy had told her that. At first, she'd been upset with Buffy, sure that Angel could help her get through this. Willow knew how much Angel loved her, and she said so. "Thats exactly why I don't want him around, Willow," Buffy had said. She'd gone on to explain. Angel already felt so much guilt over what had happened, she wasn't sure how he would take this latest blow. If had only been Buffy, she might have told him, But there was Ms Calendar. Buffy herself felt rotten about what she had thought about her, And Angelus had done much more than think. Buffy hadn't told her much of what Angel had said about that, but she'd told her of his guilt. He knew exactly what was happening, but had been powerless to stop it. If he knew about Ms Calendar's condition, Buffy was afraid he'd do something stupid. So Buffy had told him she needed sometime to herself, and he had grudgingly agreed. Since it was easier for him to go, he had gone to L.A. While he was there, he'd do some research. Buffy had convinced Giles not to tell him that they knew what the problem was, and he'd agreed. Problem was, even if she wouldn't admit it to herself, Buffy needed Angel. So Willow had suggested shopping. For now, it seemed to have worked, as Buffy rummaged through the bags, pulling out pieces of clothing to try on again. Willow's parents were out for the night, so they had the house to themselves. Buffy was just about to try on a blouse when the phone rang. She jumped at the sound, then smiled. Willow picked it up. "Rosenberg residence," she said cheerily. "Willow, its Jenny. Is Buffy there?" Willows cheer faded at the strained tone of her voice. Silently she held the phone out to Buffy. Buffy looked at the receiver as if it would bite. Involuntarily, she looked into Willow's eyes. What she saw there made her angry. She took the phone from Willow, and spoke. "Hello?" her voice was calm, composed. "It's Jenny. Listen Buffy, you and Willow have to stay put till Giles and I get there. Lock the doors, and don't let anyone in till we arrive, ok?" Jenny sounded weird. Tense, worried, and something Buffy couldn't figure out. "Whats going on?" Buffy was surprised at the eveness of her voice. She certainly didn't feel calm. "It too complicated to explain right now, and we'll be there in 10 minutes. Please, just wait till then." A slight pleading note had entered her voice. Buffy sighed deeply. "Ok, we'll see you in 10." Then she hung up. She sat down on Willow's bed and sighed again. She should have known things were too quiet. the minute she relaxed, something bad happened. Once again, her 'destiny' was there, threatening any peace she found. All the old hurts flared up. Once again, she was face to face with the bleakness of her future. "Buffy?" the quiet voice intruded into her thoughts. The compassion and caring in it caused her to look up. Willow was looking at her with quiet sympathy, prepared to help in any way she could. This was why she was here Buffy thought suddenly. To protect people like Willow. Her friend. Who stayed her friend even though it would have been easier for her to leave, and certainly safer...Jenny's words came back to her then. "We have to lock the doors, Will, and wait for Jenny and Giles to arrive." Buffy said as she glanced at her watch. "They should be here in about 5 minutes, then we'll get some answers," she continued as she got up and headed to the door. As her hand touched the knob, the door slammed open, knocking Buffy backwards to the floor. A dark-haired man, dressed in black rushed in, and saw Buffy. He rushed her, and stumbled as Buffy rolled into his legs. He fell twisting to the floor, grabbing at her arms, as she swung her fist at his head. He pushed her, and she rolled away, gracefully rising to her feet. As he followed suit, her foot caught him under the chin and he crashed against the bed, stunned. She followed that up with a shot to the jaw that knocked him to the floor, out cold. Buffy watched him warily for a moment, barely breathing. "Buffy! Willow!" They heard Giles's shouts then he came running through the door. He slid to a stop, Jenny right behind him. He took one look at the man on the floor, then said. " We have to go, now!" The urgency in his voice caused them to move, and before she knew it, they were in Giles's car, speeding away from the house. "Whats gone wrong now, and where the hell are we going?" Buffy demanded. Giles didn't take his eyes of the road as he answered. "Someone is trying to make sure we don't interfere with the pregnancies. They intend to kidnap you and Jenny, to make sure nothing goes wrong," he said shortly. Buffy digested this. Right now, she didn't need to know who, but when she found out..."Where are we going?" she repeated. She knew they didn't have many choices. As Giles was about to reply, the car lurched, rammed from behind. Willow screamed as the car swerved. Regaining control, Giles glanced out the rear view mirror as the car shook again from impact. Swearing, Giles fought desperately to keep control, but couldn't. The last thing he saw was the tree, rushing at them. *************** end part 7 kmuller@ix.netcom.com end part7 kmuller@ix.netcom.com - - ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 22:22:16 -0600 (CST) From: kmuller@ix.netcom.com (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) (by way of kmuller@ix.netcom.com) Subject: BUFFYFIC:The Price of Vengeance 04/08 The Price of Vengeance 04/08 by Liz Muller One week later... Jenny poked her head into the library. She had returned to work yesterday, after being out for a week. She had a lot to catch up with, but she wanted to drop on Giles. She saw Buffy, Willow and Giles talking quietly so she stepped inside. They hadn't noticed her, so she watched them for a bi,t smiling slightly. Giles had been her rock over the past week. Since she told him all that had happened during the ceremony, her emotions had been on a rollercoaster. It was to be expected, she thought. And Giles had been there for her no matter how bad it got. Willow looked up and saw her. Smiling brightly, she said, "Ms. Calendar, Welcome back!" Jenny smiled and moved forward. She had just a moment to wonder at Giles' panicked expression, when she heard a voice from Giles' office. "Giles, I think I found..." The voice trailed off as it got closer. She could feel panic start to build when she heard his voice... Ruthlessly, she crushed it. Angel was not Angelus. Angelus was gone. It didn't matter that he lingered in her soul; he was not here. This was Angel, Buffy's Angel. A sweet tortured soul, who was as hurt by what had happened as she was. Gamely she turned to face him. Detached, she took in the stricken look on his face. This was as hard for him as for her. Realizing that, She mustered a smile. "Hello, Angel. Its good to see you." She was somewhat surprised to find she meant that. He was proof after all, that Angelus was indeed gone. Angel gave her a cautious smile. "I'm glad to see you're back," he said softly. He could see the unease in her eyes, but he could also see that it wasn't him she was afraid of. Still, he was the cause of her pain. "I'm glad to be back." She smiled again. It was easier this time. "So," She looked around the room and saw the open books littering the table. "it looks like I've interrupted, so I'll just.." Buffy interrupted her even before Giles could. "You know, Ms Calendar, we could use your help. These two," she said pointing at Giles and Angel, "are doing the cryptic thing again. You know, talking in riddles, arguing dead languages." Buffy gave them both an exasperated grin. Jenny laughed. "Yeah, I think I know what you mean. Why don't you fill me in, and I'll see if I can help." An hour later, Jenny wasn't smiling. "I'd say the signs were pretty clear. Whatever's on the way, its bad." They looked apprehensively at each other. "Yes, well. I best start trying to find other sources. Buffy, are you patrolling tonight?" Giles asked. Glancing at Angel, she replied. "Um, yeah. Angel and I are going to check out the usual spots." Giles frowned slightly at that. As forgiving as Jenny was, Giles still had trouble with Angel. He was sure Buffy didn't know all that had happened between Jenny and Angelus. Blaming Angel was wrong, he just couldn't help it. "Be extra careful, and call me when you get home," Giles said sternly, with a sharp look at Angel. Buffy knew that there was a tension between them. She didn't know why, but they seemed to be handling it ok. Dragging Angel by the arm, and gathering Willow with a look, Buffy tossed a "Yes, Dad." over her shoulder and they were gone. Once they were gone, Giles laid his book on the table and moved to Jenny. Taking her hand, he looked deep into her eyes and asked, "How are you doing?" She smiled up at him. He was really so sweet. "I'm fine, really." When he looked unsatisfied, she sighed. "Seeing Angel was a shock. I wasn't expecting to see him. It took me a moment to accept he isn't Angelus any more. He does make me a bit uncomfortable, but thats my problem. Given time, I'm sure it will work out." Giles studied her for another moment then nodded wearily. He could see she was telling the truth, and he was relieved. She had a lot more to work out, but this was a good step. "So, Giles, are you going to tell me what you didn't tell the others?" She said dryly. Giles was taken aback by the question. How had she figured out he was hiding something? She chuckled softly. "I think we've gotten to know each other well enough to know when we're hiding something." Giving her a small smile, he nodded. "I've had a message... there are hints of the coming of a new annointed one, more powerful than the last. Its very vague," he said, starting to pace. "But the hints lead to this new chosen one appearing here." Somehow Jenny wasn't truly surprised. One thing about living over the Hellmouth, life was never boring. "Any idea when?" she asked. She was hoping they had some time to prepare. He shook his head, "Not yet, but we're looking." he said. Jenny was doing well with the news, and he was relieved. They chatted for a bit, then Jenny glanced at the clock. Sighing, she got up. "Sorry Rupert, but I've got to run. I've got a class in 5 minutes." He nodded slightly, then he had an idea. "Um Jenny?" he began cautiously as he watched her gather her things, "Would you join me for dinner?" He kicked himself the moment he finished for sounding so formal. Jenny regarded him for a moment, then smiled. Giles felt his heart speed up when she did that. "I'd love to, Giles. Why don't you pick me up about 7?" she said. He was staring, he knew it. He flushed when she repeated herself. "Seven would be great." he stuttered. Favoring him with another smile, Jenny left. Giles stood watching the door for a few moments more, a small, goofy grin on his face. He turned and picked up his book. Heading to his office, he heard the door open behind him. Thinking it might be Jenny, he swiftly turned around to see Imre standing there. His good mood evaporating at the sight of the Rom chief, he walked back to the table. He had a feeling that things had gotten worse. Imre watched as the good humor left the Watcher's face. He smiled grimly to himself. This Watcher may appear harmless, but he had the right instincts and could prove leathal with the right provocation. His people had long known of the Slayer and the people who guided them. *Watchers*. Such a passive name for those with such power. Misleading as well. Watchers did far more than simply watch. This Watcher, however, was different. In his short career he had taken a young, untrained, frightened girl and turned her into a legend. From the Master to the Judge, she had triumphed. Somehow this man had kept her sane. And alive. An enviable feat. "Watcher, you amaze me," he said. He chuckled and sat down. "Come, sit with me. We have much to discuss. As you have already guessed, I do not bring good news." Giles did as he was told. Imre had his full attention. "Watcher, I told you once, I was not unaware of current events. Because of them, I've been doing some research. In an old book, hidden away for a long time, I came across a prophesy you need to see." Imre held up a small, thin book, its binding cracked with age. Giles carefully took the book. Squinting, he tried to read the faded letters on the cover. Eyes widening in surprise, he exclaimed. "This is the Dotherian! I thought the last copy had been destroyed 500 years ago." Giles held the book reverently. This one small book held the only true copies of some of the major prophesies in the world. It was also believed to contain a missing prophesy that forecast terrible events. "Go on, Watcher, open it. I marked the prophesy you need to see." Any semblance of good humor was gone from Imre's voice. Giles shuddered. Five minutes later, Giles closed the book, tears streaming down his face. Finally he looked at Imre. The calm mask was gone, and Giles could see the anguish it had hidden. "Does it never end?" Giles whispered. Bleakly, Imre replied " I don't know whom I pity more; Us for watching it happen, or them for living it." Giles jumped up. "Maybe it's a mistake. How do we know this speaks of Buffy or Jenny?" "Watcher, you know better than that. The prophesy is quite clear." Imre said sternly. Giles looked as though he wanted to argue. Imre held up his hand. "Enough, enough. We do not have time for this. You must talk to them show them the book, explain it to them. Jenny can help you, once she knows what is going on." Giles bitter laugh filled the room, and startled Imre into frowning. "You know something of events, Imre, but you don't know everything." Giles expression was one of deep self-loathing. "Have you ever heard of the demon, Eygon?" Giles asked conversationally. "Yes, a fairly minor demon, nasty, but manageable." Imre replied, puzzled. Slowly Giles shook his head. "Manageable? I don't think so." he said softly. "When I was young and stupid, my friends and I summoned him. One of us died that night, and Eygon escaped. For years I heard nothing about him, so I pushed it from my mind. Not long ago, he returned. He wanted revenge. Jenny never stood a chance. Eygon took her and used her to try to kill me. We were able to destroy it, but..." Giles trailed off. He didn't really need to say anything more anyway. He couldn't look at Imre, he knew what he'd see. "After Angelus... I think the idea of having anything even remotely to do with demons would be close to impossible for her, but this?" Giles slammed his hand down on the book. "This could well destroy her." Imre sat in stony silence. Rage filled him as he listened to Giles. He was furious at the harm Giles had caused, but grimly he realized that Jenny had forgiven him. If she could do that, then so would he. Besides, it was obvious that this man loved his daughter. "Do not underestimate my daughter, Watcher. She is stronger then you think." Giles looked dubious. "Now, Watcher, how will the Slayer react?" "How will I react to what?" Buffy asked as she stepped into the room. Buffy wanted to talk to Giles, so she stopped by the library. When she saw Giles talking to the older man, she decided to wait. They hadn't noticed her entry, and when she heard what they were talking about, she'd stayed put. She eyed the two men warily as she approached, taking in their astonishment at her presence. Something was up, something bad, and she just itched to know what. 'Oh no, oh no' was all that ran through Giles mind. He was not ready for this conversation, Nope, no way. He stood frozen, unable to even form a reply. She'd been nervous before, but Giles' blank look made her down right scared. She would really much rather have Giles freaking than not. It was when he did this, that the worst things happened. Imre closely watched the Slayer. He was impressed at her control even though she was frightened. She could read her Watcher like a book, and had correctly surmised the worst. She would want details. He waited. Giles abruptly pulled himself together; this was not helping Buffy. Giles gestured to Imre. "This is Imre, clan chief of the Rom." Imre nodded to Buffy. She nodded once. "Ms. Calendar's father." Giles blanched, but Imre smiled. She had spunk, this one. He liked that. He chuckled slightly. "Yes, Slayer. She is my daughter." Oh, how his son would *love* to hear those words! He'd have no trouble killing him then. "Ah, yes... Imre brought me a book of prophesy that had been lost for hundreds of years." Giles glared at the innocent looking book. "It contains a rather nasty prophesy. It's rather dense, so I shan't read it to you, but basically it says," Giles paused. "It says, 'When freed from righteous bondage, a demon shall sire a child, who shall destroy the world." Imre's words fell like stones in the dead silence that filled the library. Buffy's face hadn't changed at all as Imre spoke. When he finished, she began to nod her head. "And I'm the lucky Mom," she whispered. This just could not be happening. Finally, for once, things had been going her way. She had Angel. A mortal Angel, who was all she'd ever dreamed of. Why couldn't even one thing go right? Just one, she thought, despairingly. "Possibly, Slayer, possibly. There is however, another candidate." The powerful voice of the Rom broke her emotional storm before it could begin. The hint of grief told her who the other was. Jenny. Just what that meant hit her, and she looked to Giles for conformation. He nodded slightly. Something else struck her. "What if it's both of us?" she asked quietly. The look on their faces told her they hadn't thought of that. Wonderful. "We have to find out.. if..." Buffy stopped. She began to shake. What if she was pregnant? Giles hurried to her side and pulled her into a hug. 'Its not fair!' he screamed silently. How much more would Buffy be forced to endure? Buffy was sobbing now, unable to stop the storm of tears once started. Imre laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. Buffy looked up at him, tears still spilling down her cheeks. "Slayer, I don't pretend to understand your pain. I can't. What I do know is this," he paused and looked at Giles before continuing. "You are surrounded by family and friends who love you, and will help you, no matter what. It is a treasure, this friendship, so freely given. Guard it well, and when you need it, it will be there to help you, even in the worst of times. You are blessed, Slayer remember that. Let them help you, this time." He smiled down at her. "This time, you need not do it alone." Slowly, she smiled back. He was right. This was too much for her, alone. But she did have help. She dried her eyes as she pulled away from Giles. She shot him a look of gratitude, not needing to speak. He smiled cautiously back at her. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now... "How do we tell Ms Calendar?" **************** end part4 kmuller@ix.netcom.com - - ------------------------------ End of Buffyfic-digest V2 #34 ***************************** To subscribe to buffyfic or buffyfic-digest, send the command subscribe buffyfic-digest or subscribe buffyfic to majordomo@xmission.com. You will need to go through a confirmation process, and the listowners have to manually approve your subscription request, so it may take some time. Back issues of this digest can be found at: ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/lists/buffyfic/archive/ Dalton Spence has also provided an index of the buffyfic archive at: http://www.hwcn.org/~ag775/BUFFYFIC.HTM For help, contact Jill Kirby (jtkirby@mcs.com) or sah (romana@mindspring.com)