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Initiative	By : wright99 Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 9187 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
Disclaimer: Second verse same as the first. this is not your poppa's sunnydale there will be M/F F/F pairings. adult sexual situations and violence maybe even some drugs. you know, the good stuff.

oh, and Joss Whedon owns all.

Feedback: God please yes

A/N This is it folks. The End, no more.i did have plans for a continuation. but nah, i'm spent. so hope you enjoy.

Initiative Part 16

1

You're a hypocrite, Joyce Summers.
She's sitting in the front seat of the van, holding one of the blaster rifles they managed to recover from their raid on the initiative. Just in front of them, on the highway to Ethan Rayne's estate, is the Rosenberg Cadillac. Seeing it reminds her of her reaction to the Rosenberg's actions.
You're so judgmental of what they did Willow, but how about what you did to Elizabeth? Buffy, I mean. I still have times where I think she's my � but she is, isn't she? In a way? She's my little girl? And I went along with the program, allowed them to do those things to them. Why, Joyce? How could you stand by and let that� woman� do that to her? Knowing what you knew? Why didn't you stand up to her? Why didn't you protect her?
Because you knew you'd lose her. They'd just get you out of the program, and then probably 'reprogram' you're little girl, so someone else would be her ' mom'. And you couldn't stand that, could you? So you did what they told you until you're daughter had the courage to stand up to them.
Now she's going to fight to get back Willow. She might die tonight, and it'll be your fault. Because you couldn't be a real mom to her. Some mother you turned out to be�
" Joyce, are you quite all right?" Giles, driving the van, asks solicitously. He has noticed as the time to put the plan in action drew nearer, Joyce had become quieter and quieter.
" Yes, I'm fine," Joyce responds, a little distractedly. " I guess I'm just a little worried." Her eyes go to the car ahead of them.
" She'll be fine, Joyce," Dr. Giles reassures her. " Buffy is an extraordinary young woman, as is Faith. They'll get through this, I'm confident."
" She shouldn't have to fight for her life, Giles, " Joyce says, " It's not right that she should be made to defend herself against the very people that should be helping her." She looks at Giles. "She's so brave. And she shouldn't have to be. She should be going to school, and dances, and dating and all the rest of that stuff. Instead�" The life seems to go out of her," I wasn't a very good mom to her."
" Nonsense, Joyce. You took care of her the best�" Then it hits him. " We're not talking about Buffy, are we?"
" I should've seen what was happening to her, Dr. Giles. I should've known something was wrong. But with the divorce, and everything else, I just didn't. And Elizabeth grew more and more apart, getting silent and moody. And I chalked it up to be a teenager� I didn't know she was so troubled. I just put down the small fires as pranks, or rebellion. I didn't get it until�" Joyce turns her face away, surreptitiously wiping away a tear. "� and Buffy's so like her. Before all the bad things started happening. Bright, smart, �so sweet� I just want to protect her, and I don't know how�"
" Maybe we can't protect them, Joyce," Dr. Giles says, " perhaps all we can do is help them the best we can, and let them determine their own lives."
" She's just a teenager, Giles. She�"
" She's not your typical teen; none of them are, " Giles replies, " I'm not at all proud of my role in all of this. I should've done more, sooner. But I was afraid just like you, but my reasons were much less noble. The only way I can partially expiate my guilt now is to help them the best I can to let them have some sense of a normalcy in their lives. I can�t make up for what I've done, I can only try to make it better. Maybe that's all we can do."
They both fall silent, and Joyce realizes no matter what happens tonight, things can never go back to what they were.
In the back of the van, Angel and Oz sit silently. Neither one is much into talking; there's not much for them to say each other.
Oz checks his weapon, again. Though he's here, it's only because of Faith. He doesn't give this operation much chance of success. He looks up at Angel.

" If we get through this tonight, can you do me a favor, Angel?"
" Sure, Oz. What?"
" Look, I'm not really seeing much of a future for me in Sunnydale. IF we get through this, I'm going to take off. Could you tell Faith that I care about her, but I need to find my own way?"
" Oz, look. I know things have been bad, especially for you. but do you think it's a good idea to separate yourself now? I think we'd do better keeping together."
" I just can't. You guys, you and Buffy; Faith and Willow. You got somebody. You're like a unit. I'm the odd man out. I can't go on looking at you guys and figuring it's going to be ok, cuz it's not. I gotta find myself, find a way for myself. Can't do that if I'm hanging around with the group."
" Oz, we're here for you. You're part of us, you know? Let us help you."
Oz smiles a rueful smile. " No real help for me, guy. Sorry. Just tell her, ok?"
Angel looks at him, then shakes his head.
" No. I mean, if you want to take off, I can't stop you. But I'm not going to do your dirty work, Oz. You gotta face her, and tell her yourself. Sorry."
" Then I'll just take off, " Oz says, quietly.
" Again, your choice. But she won't know why from me."
" Can't you just do it, Angel? What's the deal?"
" She cares about you, Oz. I'm not going to have to look in her face, or have to try to keep her from looking for you, or any of it. Choices have consequences. You've got to pay yours."
" Yeah," Oz says, thinking of Veruca and all the bad choices he's made up to now. " Yeah."
They fall silent again.

In the Cadillac, Faith and Buffy are hunkered down in the back seat. Both are wearing dark clothing, and there's a blanket to cover themselves when they get to the Rayne estate.
" Don�t try anything funny when we get there, Ira. This gun is pointed right at you. You'll be the first to die if you try anything stupid.
" I get that. I won't, " Ira, driving says quietly." You've made it quite clear you won't hesitate to kill me �"
" Good, just so we understand each other, " Faith says, her voice edgy.
" Faith? Chill. it's going to be ok," Buffy touches her arm, trying to soothe the other girl. " This is going to work. We're going to get her."
" I'm sorry, I'm sorry, " Faith subsides. " I'm just all nervy." She looks at Buffy. " You're all cool as ice."
" Not really, " Buffy admits, " inside I'm like Jell-o on a roller coaster Wobbling and shaking every which way." She sighs heavily. " Gotta admit I can think of better ways to spend my evening."
" Yeah, I know�" Faith says, " still, you were like some super chick demon hunter. This should be old hat to you."
" And Giles was a librarian. We know how true that turned out." She smiles tightly, " Still, demons and vampires? Pretty easy. I know what they want. This Ethan guy? Not sure what's his deal is."
" He wants to rule the world, " Faith sees Buffy's look. " Isn't that what the bad guy always wants?"
" I guess, " Buffy says." Damned, this is all fucked up."
" Eh?"
" Being a slayer? At least then, I knew what my purpose was. I was to kill demons and bad things, until they killed me or they retired me with a gold watch or something. But now� what's it about? What'm I supposed to do?"
" Hell, I dunno. Me, I thought when I got here, it was gonna be all cool. Maybe roadie for Oz's band, play drums�"
" You play the drums?" Buffy says, a little amazed. " Cool. Will didn't tell me that."
" I'm ok. Thing was, I was gonna figure it all out, normal like. Then I got here, and fell all gaga for Red, and then�" She looks down," �things happened." She looks up, seeing Buffy grinning. "What?"
" Oh yeah, things," She giggles. " Or thing. I'm tellin' ya, we get outta this? I so wanna�" She looks towards Faith's crotch.
" Oh god. Can't you let that go?" Faith makes a disgusted noise.
" Gotta hold it first to let it go!"
" You're hopeless, " Faith shakes her head. " Anyway, it just got weirder and weirder� then Giles tells us about what we are� and the shit hit it." She frowns. " Now this. Man, all I wanted to do was do a little rock and roll� this sucks."
" So, if we get through the sucky, what're you going to do?"
" I dunno," Faith says, " get outta dodge, that's a fact. Take Red if she'll go with� and Oz� find someplace to disappear�" Faith looks at Buffy. " You?"
" Really haven�t thought that far ahead. Maybe � no�I can't pretend none of this happen� I guess I'm gonna have to leave too. Me and Angel. Can't see us just being Joe and Jane Normal." Buffy makes a face, " I'll think about it later� really don't have that plan yet."
" You two. You'd best get under those blankets. We're getting near the estate, "Ira says from the front seat.
Buffy and Faith are about the pull the blankets over themselves when the car suddenly is bathed in light.
" What the hell?"
" I don't know. There's something up ahead," Ira says. " They're waving me over."
The two girls look at each other.
" Damn"

2

Inside the main house at the Rayne Estate, the party was getting underway.
The entire main floor has been dedicated to this party, with a reception area for the ' special' guests attending. Food, liquor and other amenities have been laid out in abundance. There is a chamber orchestra playing; servers circulate amongst the guests being sure that no one is without food and / or drink. One thing can be said of Ethan Rayne. He knows how to throw a party.
The guest list reads like a who's who of the criminal world. Representatives from various terrorist organizations and rogues states are present, along with almost every know criminal organization worldwide. These are scary people; people responsible for murder, mayhem and a variety of illegal activities and corruptions world wide. They are not a group normally found in one location; it is the influence of Ethan Rayne that brings them under one roof.
At the rear of the hall an impromptu stage has been set up. Semi-circular in design, it's only feature is a lectern and microphone set a little off center. It has a set of curtains obscuring the rear of the stage. Around the stage is seating set for the guests.
Behind the curtains are two cages. In one of the cages is Willow. She is naked except for a collar around her neck. She is standing by the bars, holding on to them so tightly her knuckles are white. She looks very scared.
In the other cage, Veruca sits back by the rear of the cage. She looks neither happy nor scared; she just stares out front, as if unaware of where she is. Like Willow, she is naked, and also wears a collar.
" Veruca? Is that you? Are you alright?" Willow calls out, but gets no response from the other girl. " Do you know what's going on? What're they going to do with us?"
Still, the other girl ignores her, just staring out the front of her cage.
Dr. Walsh, dressed in a black pantsuit and white blouse, comes behind the curtain to check on her exhibits.
" Ah, I see you're awake, Willow. Very good. I was afraid that tranquilizer they gave you after your bath may have been too strong."
" What's going on here? Why am I caged? Why am I naked? What is this?"
" You're the star of my show tonight, Willow. Being pregnant, you've advanced the project considerably." Dr. Walsh walks over to her cage. She opens a small black bag she's carrying, and pulls out an instrument. She shines a light in Willow's eye. " now, just cooperate, dear."
And suddenly, Willow isn't in the cage. She's on a rooftop, one she's never been before. All of it seems strange. Her body feels weak, unable to move. Her mind feels foggy, as if wrapped in cotton. She looks down, and panics. She sees blood on her blouse. Her arm � she feels the wound on her arm. Turning it over, she sees the wrist is cut. Then it hits her. It's not her arm� not her body. It's Her arm, the girl� the one she keeps having flashbacks about. What's her name? What's her name? Rory� right� god, she's � what's she done?
Willow struggles to get up, but can't raise up. Her energy feels drained, the life hanging by a thread. Then she hears a voice�
" Can't do it anymore." The voice says, then someone not quite whole, not quite real, is leaning over her, looking down on her." It was too much, too much for me. Don't you get it? I tried to be what everyone wanted. I tried to be the good daughter, and the A student, the genius they expected me to be. I worked hard, denied myself any fun, because I had to be the best. I never saw that I could be good, and still do ok. I had to be better than everyone else. I focused my whole life on one goal: Being the best at what I did, and threw away living. Life. Then it happened, and everything went to hell, and I couldn�t cope. I had to do this, don't you see? It was the only way� I couldn't face the shame, what they'd think of me�
Willow panics. She knows the body she's in is dying. She'll die if she doesn't leave. But it so quiet here. She feels so free. Nothing at her, no one telling her what to do, how to be. Just quiet. She looks at the stars above her�
They're so cold, so distant .They're beautiful! Do they look down on me? Do they see me back? Do they look at me, and judge me? When I die, will I be with them, dancing and singing? Finally free? I just want to stay here forever, and dance with the stars� the pretty stars�
A sudden pain rips through her, and she struggles. She fights to stay, not to be ripped away. Is this death? Am I dying� will it be � oh god I don't want to die! Not yet, not yet! I want to live. I gotta live. See Faith � hold her again, kiss her again� God, PLEASE!!!!
She's back in the cage, backstage. She feels as if a hundred fists hit her at once. Dr. Walsh is standing outside the cage, looking down on her. She's pointing a device at her.
" Don't ever try that again!" Dr. Walsh says in a heated tone.
Willow notices her clothes are disarrayed, and her hair is mussed. What happened?
" I'm sorry," She says, not really understanding.
" If you try something like that again�" Dr. Walsh hits the button again.
A pain shoots through her neck through her body. Willow screams. She grabs at the collar, but the pain only increases. She goes limp.
" Don't make me do that again, Ms. Rosenberg," Dr. Walsh says firmly. " Be a good girl now."
" Yes, be a good girl, " a voice floats over from the other cage. " That'll get you real far."
Veruca is up, standing at her bars, grabbing out for Walsh.
" Be quiet, Veruca!" Walsh points the device at her, zapping her. Veruca screams. She falls back from the bars, onto her haunches. She grabs at the collar. " Don�t bother, you can't remove it."
" Stop it, leave her alone," Willow cries out, getting up. She slams against the bars, trying to reach at Maggie. " Stop it!"
" Do you want me to use it on you again?" Maggie says, pointing the device toward Willow.
Willow backs off, standing at the far end of the cage.
" That's better, " Dr. Walsh smiles. " Now get ready. You'll be onstage soon for all to see. Tonight is your night to shine. Don't let me down."
" I'll get you for this, you bitch, " Veruca says from the other cage. " You're going to pay for this, I swear."
" I see the new you is back to being the old you. The reprogramming didn't take too well, " Dr. Walsh frowns." After tonight's little demo, I guess we'll just put a closed on your file. That's too bad, really. I kind of liked you."
" Yeah, I'm touched, " Veruca retorts, " But I'm thinking, you love money and power more. I can still feel your love�" She turns around, and her back is crisscrossed with whip marks. Some are fresh� " If it didn't work, it's cuz you didn't want it to work� don't turn your back, Doctor�"
Willow watches the scene from the far end of her cage. She doesn't move, doesn't change expression. But there's something new in her eyes: hate.
" You're hardly in any position to threaten, Veruca, " Dr. Walsh says. She looks at her watch, then claps her hands.
" Get ready. It's showtime."

3

" Step out of the car, please," The officer says, looking into Ira's window.
Ira and Sheila Rosenberg sit stiffly in the front seat of the car. Buffy and Faith are hidden beneath blankets in the back seat.
" I don't understand, Officer, " Ira says mildly, not wanting to get shot from either direction. " Did I do something wrong?"
"Ira, don't argue, just do it, " Sheila says, nervously.
" You too, ma'am," The officer says. He steps back.
In the back seat, Faith is sweating bullets. What the hell is going on? Why did Deputy Dawg stop us? Not wanting to reveal herself, she remains hidden, sliding the pistol she's carrying quietly under the driver's seat.
Both get out of the car, and are directed away from the car. They comply, looking around at the scene.
There must be at least 2 dozen police vehicles parked by the side of the road. Officers are milling about, seeming to be waiting for something to happen.
Close by is a smaller contingent of military vehicles, and a platoon of soldiers stood by, looking at the civilian officers.
A third group, distinguished only by their obvious Government Issue vehicles , stood about 2 dozen strong, talking amongst themselves. They were across the road from the other groups. Both flanked the highway leading to the Rayne estate.
As they watch, the van following the Rosenberg's car is pulled over, and immediately someone from the non-descript group crosses the highway. Giles gets out of the van, and greets the approaching man.
The talk for awhile, and finally the other man returns to this group, calling them in. He then leads them across the highway to consult with the local authorities and military personnel.
Giles, looking around and not seeing Faith or Buffy, wanders over to the Rosenberg's Cadillac, and knocks on the back window.
" You two can come out now," He says quietly." It's ok, the cavalry has arrived."
Two heads, one blond, one brunette, peek from under the blanket in back. They quickly move out of the car, and stop, amazed.
" What the � what's going on, Giles?" Faith asks, looking at the collection of police, military and FBI agents.
"As I said," Giles gestures around, " the cavalry. I suspected we could use some backup going into the Rayne estate, so I made a few calls."
" I don't get it�how? Why?"
" Oh, " Giles says , slightly amused, " Marguerite Walsh isn't the only one with contacts in Washington. That, and a call to the local military installation, brought out this. They're going to get a fine coup when they capture a major gathering of terrorists and underworld types."
Buffy looks at him wide eyed. " We don't know everything there's to know about you, do we?" She asks.
" Perhaps not," Giles smiles enigmatically. " So, where's the Dawn Bot?"
" Oh, crap, " Faith reaches in, and pulls the trunk release on the Cadillac. The trunk pops open, and Dawn, looking a little worse for wear, steps out.
" I've really gotta say, not liking the ride," She walks over to the others. " So� what's going on?"
" Hello, Dawn," Giles says, " do you have the gate codes ready?"
" Of course, Dr. Giles, " She taps her head, " All right up here."
" Excellent, " Giles smiles at the 'bot. " I want you to come with me. I think it's time we give Ethan his little surprise party."
Taking Dawn by the hand, he leads her to the gathering group.
Buffy looks at Faith. Faith looks at Buffy. They both shrug, then follow the others.

4

Ethan Rayne surveys the party, and smiles. The turnout has been even better than he expected, and his nimble mind began the run up the financial possibilities of this evening. It would indeed turn out to be a very profitable venture.
More important than the financials, however, was placement. The people in this room represented his main rivals to power. If he could place, eventually, a number of units with each, he would be happy. Unbeknownst to even Dr. Walsh, Rayne has his own agenda for the combined research of Rayne and Walsh. Secretly he's in development of a controller chip for each of the 'creations'. Not an ordinary controller chip, but one that would be accessible to only him.
When he'd placed the units, and their new 'owners' came to depend on the ' children', then with the entry of a few commands, he could easily turn them on their new masters, essentially wiping out his competition. Once he consolidated the power from the vacuum left by the assassinations , he could put his next phase into operation� creation of a single world state, under his leadership.
He turns to the stage where Dr. Walsh is pacing nervously. Here's to you, Maggie, for making this all possible. He smiles broadly. Once I take over the world, dear girl, I'll have a statue erected in your honor. Better, I'll have you stuffed and mounted, as a museum piece�for all my little worker ants to appreciate.
Ethan makes his way through the crowd, stopping to meet and talk with some of his better known rivals. He finally reaches the stage, grabbing the microphone from the lectern. He moves down front.
" Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I'm Ethan Rayne."
There is polite applause from around the hall.
" I hope everyone is enjoying the party? I believe so, because I've already had o send out for more liquor�" Polite laughter." But now, it's time to get down to the reason I called you here this evening. If you could make your way to the back of the hall, towards the stage, you'll find seating has been provided for you."
He waits until the majority has been seated, then continues.
" You know me of course, from our association in BioWar. Rayne International has been a leading provider of advanced biological and technical weaponry to you serve your needs." Again, more applause. " But we are waging a war here, and in all wars, we need not only weapons, but soldiers. Rayne has been working on that problem, and in collaboration with my colleague, Dr. Marguerite Walsh, we have come up with what I believe is a novel and effective solution.�
Ethan gestures to Maggie.
" I would now like to introduce my colleague, Dr. Marguerite Walsh, and allow her to explain the newest product of Rayne." He turns to Maggie. " Dr. Walsh, if you would?"
Dr. Walsh climbs up the steps to the stage, and after a brief exchange with Ethan on stage, takes the microphone.
" Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen," She waves, and a rear projection screen is lowered onto stage. The lights in the hall go down." I'm sure most of you are aware of the novel " The Island of Dr. Moreau" by H.G. Wells? It details experiments at evolution by Moreau, attempting to raise animals on the evolutionary scale into proto humans. Of course, with the science of the day, it was rather crude and ultimately a failure."
The screen behind her lights up, showing the DNA double helix
"We've come a long way since H.G. Wells." She gestures back at the screen behind her. " This is the Double Helix of the DNA sequence common in all of us. Rather than, as Dr. Moreau attempted, push evolution up on animals, we at the Moreau project have gone about the problem a little differently."
The screen behind her animates, with the sequencing pairs float out and back in, creating a bit of a light show.
" What we've done is take Human DNA and enhance it with animal DNA. We have created essentially what is called in nature a Chimera�a creature that shares tissue and parts of various animals. This process provides us with a new being, a hybrid if you will."
" I know you're asking yourselves, " So what?" She waits until the laughter is finished. " Imagine, if you will , a new creature. One with the intelligence and adaptability of a human being, combined with the strength and special abilities of certain members of the animal kingdom. Say, a person with the strength of an elephant, or the quickness and grace of a tiger, or ferocity of a crocodile, or � all of these? Imagine being control of such a creature� being able to direct him/ her into battle, or as an operative�or agent? Imagine the edge you would have over your enemies."
" Perhaps, however, you would prefer the evidence of your own eyes�"
With that Maggie gestures. The curtain rises and the spotlights are turned on Willow and Veruca, now freed from their cages but restrained by electronic manacles.
" Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you with the Soldiers of the future� the Super soldier."
The crowd laughs, amused at the slender young women facing them. Maggie smiles tolerantly.
" Of course, it's silly, isn't it? These two slip of girls. They can't possibly hurt a fly, much less be the ' super soldier' you seek. Yet, appearances can be deceiving."
Maggie points the controller device and Willow, and presses a button.
Willow screams, and falls on the floor. The popping and snapping sounds of bones reshaping themselves are heard. Her body lengthens and grows, and her body excretes a fine fur that gradually thickens and turns a tawny red color. Her limbs change, as does the shape of her body and head.
Soon, nothing is left of Willow. She has become a large panther like creature, standing nearly 4 feet tall sitting on her haunches.
Willow, inside attempts to fight the change, to retain her humanness. But the nature of the beast takes over, and she feels anger and rage well up in her. She roars at the crowd, then charges.
" Oh my god, the beast is loose! Run� "
There is a general panic, as the audience attempts to escape. They find, however, they are surrounded by a phalanx of Ethan's security force, that holds them in place.
" There is no need to panic," Dr. Walsh assures them. She pushes another button on the controller, and the cat that was Willow stops in its tracks, and sits calmly, staring at them.
" What is the meaning of this?!" An indignant voice calls out from the crowd. It's chorused by many others.
" The hybrids are controlled by a series of microchips implanted in it at its creation. This device, " She holds up the controller module, " Allows you to control the beast. You can change it to a beast as I have. Stop it in it's tracks, or�" She points the controller at cat. The cat mewls in pain, rolling on the floor. Its body starts to change, it's form reshaping into human, it's hair retreating back into it's skin, "� or return it into it's human form."
"All very well, Herr Doctor. But it's not always about fighting�"
" No, I realize that you have other needs. Covert ops. To get in and out without detection. Yes?"
" Ya. That vould be an advantage�"
" Would an agent that could change shape interest you?"
" Very amusing, Herr doctor. But of course that's� ach, mein�godt!"
Dr. Walsh has turned to Veruca, and pressing a control button, has changed her shape from a woman to a man.
" This is incredible. Impossible!"
" Do you doubt the evidence of your eyes? Rayne's nanite technology, combined with our cloning technique, has allowed us to create the perfect covert operative. One who can change shape� to avoid detection." She presses the button again, and Veruca morphs into the large bird Willow saw in her room," Of course, she is just a prototype�" Dr. Walsh changes her back to her true shape, " But imagine the possibilities, Herr Kimmler�"
At that moment, pandemonium breaks loose. A series of loud explosions, followed by gunfire invade the hall.
" What the bloody hell?" Ethan goes to his security staff. " Go check it out, you�"
" ATTENTION ! THIS IS THE FBI. WE HAVE THE HOUSE SURROUNDED. EVERYONE INSIDE IS UNDER ARREST!" the amplified voice reverberates through the hall. " PLEASE STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LEAVE!"
The crowd inside starts panicking, looking for a way out. The windows along side the hall start to break in, shot out by smoke grenade canisters flying through them from the outside.
Time to make a graceful exit, I think, Ethan Rayne thinks, heading for a secret exit door he had installed just for such emergencies. Looks like the others might be caught. Oh well, that's life� He weaves his way through the crowd.
At that moment ,the front doors burst open, and more objects are thrown in. They're flash bang grenades, designed primarily to confused and disorient the intended targets. Following them are various law enforcement and military personnel.
Some of the 'guests', hardened criminals and terrorists, begin pull out weapons and begin firing in the direction of the oncoming force, hoping to fight their way out.
Slipping in under the cover of the confusion, Buffy, Faith, Angel and Oz start working the perimeter, looking for Willow.
Onstage, Dr. Walsh, , seeing the confusion, grabs Willow and heads for one of the rear exits. Willow struggles to free herself.
" Don't be difficult," Dr. Walsh pulls her along. She aims the remote at Willow, zapping her enough to get her compliance. She runs towards the first exit she sees.

Oz smells her before he actually sees her. Stopping, he looks around, and sees Veruca. She is staring at him, smiling.
" Hello, lover," She mouths to him from across the floor, " wanna play?"
She starts to laugh, and as she does, her body starts to change. Her arms lengthen, growing claw. Her body is covered in red striped black fur. Her face lengthens into a snout. Still seeming to laugh, she surveys the crowd for a victim.
Scenes of the carnage and killing he participated in with Veruca flash through Oz's head: the blood, the screams, the rendering of flesh. He feels ill; despite his 'beast', Oz doesn't love the kill. He hates It. Now Veruca is going to start up again, and his rage and anger takes over. He feels the change coming on.
Unlike the others, he's been through the change a lot, and he's not weakened by it. He starts running towards Veruca as his body morphs into the wolf. Not again, Dammit. I won't let it happen again!
" NOOO" He roars in the wolf voice, startling Veruca. She turns towards him, just as Oz leaps through the air and attacks her.
Veruca attempts to take out Oz, trying to dominate him as she always had before. But Oz, his strength augmented by rage and remorse, is her match. They tumble into the smoke and crowd, clawing and biting, and disappear into the smoke filled room.
5

" Where the fuck are they?"
Faith looks around the hall, trying to spot Willow. She knows if she spots Dr. Walsh, Willow won't be far away. But with the smoke and confusion, she can't make out much of anything.
" Where's Oz?" Buffy asks.
" What? Oh great. Great time to go off and � forget him. We've got to find Willow. We can hook up with him later."
" There's two exits at the rear of the hall. Maybe they went through one of them?" Angel points out to the other two.
" Swell.. but which one?"
Angel shrugs. " Haven't a clue, " he admits. " Maybe I could check out one, you guys the other? "
" I don�t like splitting up," Faith says, looking from one exit to the other. " But damn, we don't gotta choice, do we? Ok, you check out the left one, Angel, and we'll go right. We'll meet back here in 30 minutes if we don�t find anything. Agreed?"
Angel, his usual laconic self, nods. He heads towards the left exit. The girls watch him go.
" Not much for the talking, is he?" Faith says as they head for the right exit.
" Nope. Pretty much, he just focuses on the goal and gets the job done, " Buffy says, as they go through the door.
Just once in a while, I wish I were the goal. She sighs internally as they start down the hall.

6
" Stop it!" Cordelia cries out, pinned to the wall by Xander.
" Aw, c'mon baby. Don't be that way. Just let daddy have some goodies," Xander, in his usual romantic mode, is pawing at what little clothing Cordelia is wearing. Though lately Cordelia has been more than compliant with Xander's little sex games, today she feels something important is going on, and she has to get to Ethan. He needs me, I know it.
" Just take me to the lab, Xander, and stop getting grabby!" Cordelia manages to free a hand. She slaps him.
" You bitch!" Xander, angered by her rejection and being hit, punches her in the stomach. Cordelia groans, sliding down the wall. He's about to kick her when a strong hand on his shoulder turns him around.
" I guess you didn't get the memo, did you junior?" Angel says, his fist following his words. " No means no, butthead."
" Stupid mutie freak!" Xander, backing up, curses. He reaches into his coat, and pulls out a 45 automatic." Let's see how you freaks do against bullets!"
He fires the gun, hitting Angel in the shoulder. The force of the bullet slams Angel back into the wall. Cordelia, in a panic, screams.
" SHUT UP!" Xander comes over and grabs her. He hauls her to her feet. " You want to go to your precious Ethan, then fine, we'll go." He starts shoving her down the hall.
An inhuman shriek stops him, and he turns around. His eyes go wide.
Angel, the pain and anger forcing his transformation, is in his bat creature form. He closes the distance between himself and Xander, and leaps on him, attacking him.
Cordelia, already scared, starts to crawl away. This is way too much for her. She gets up, and starts to run, when something grabs her leg. She trips, and then sees what grabbing her. She screams again.
Xander, under attack, has also mutated. He's become a mandrill. Well, that's the form basically, but it's like no mandrill that's ever walked the earth before. He's huge, almost 6 feet tall, and must weigh close to 300 pounds. His hands are claws, and he has a particularly nasty set of razor sharp teeth.
" Stay still, you fucking mutant, " It grunts, then turns to attack Angel.
Cordelia, totally freaked out, just backs into a corner as the two creatures begin to fight�

7

In a room near the end of the hall, Maggie, with Willow in tow, is packing a bag. Every time Willow tries to escape, she hits her with a mild jolt of pain. Not enough to change her. Just enough to keep her in line.
Willow, feeling defeated, sits on the bed, head down.
" Finally. God, you're almost more trouble than you're worth. But I have plans for you, Ms. Rosenberg. You my dear, are going to get me the funding I need to continue my research. Once we get out of here, of course."
Dr. Walsh walks to the closet, and pulls out an attach� case. She holds it up. " I took it from Ethan. I'm sure he won't mind if I take a little for traveling expenses, do you?"
She returns to the bed, throwing clothes and other effects in a bag. She goes back to the closet, and taking out a dress, tosses it towards Willow.
" Here, put this on. Can't have you traipsing about naked, can I?"
Willow just looks at the dress. She doesn't move.
" Damn you, child. Stop being so difficult. " She points the remote at Willow. " Or perhaps I need to use this to keep you in line?"
Willow cowers, afraid of the pain. She picks up the dress, and starts to put it on.
" That's a good girl. Do what your told!" Dr. Walsh says, a small sneer in her voice. " I have high expectations of you."
Something snaps in Willow. She's always doing what's expected of her. Just like that girl. The girl who's memories she keeps flashing on. The one who finally killed herself because she couldn't live up to those expectations. Willow throws the dress away.
" Stop it. Stop being defiant, " Walsh goes to point the remote, but Willow screams at her, and attacks her, knocking her back against the wall.
Maggie, surprised, drops the remote control. Willow snatches it up, and defiantly points it at herself. She presses the button, and she screams in pain.
Then her body begins to change. She lengthens and grows larger, her head changing shape, becoming more triangular. Her eyes shift, and her ears shift and shorten. Her body is covered by tawny red fur.
Dr. Walsh, startled, is frozen in place. Oh, god, oh god, oh GOD! She thinks as suddenly, a very angry, very large panther like cat is confronting her.
She screams.

8

" Did you hear that?" Buffy, in the lead, says over her shoulder.
" Sounded like Willow!" Faith sounds stresses." If that bitch is hurting her�"
Buffy hears what sounds like party poppers going off behind her. Another scream is heard.
" Faith we better go �" She turns around, then nearly pisses her pants in shock.
Faith is in the final stages of her transformation. She is huge, and covered in black fur , and doesn't look at all reasonable.
Damn, that's just� I can't get used to this transformers crap. Buffy thinks as she is almost knocked over when the large black panther runs by her, nearly knocking her over. She hears another scream. Shit, I better follow. She sees the form of Faith loping in front of her, and sighs. Nice kitty, good kitty.
She runs down the hallway.
Faith is already at the door, and sensing her mate is inside, in trouble, she's throwing herself at the door, trying to smash it down. Buffy comes up to the door, and Faith turns on her, growling.
" Nice kitty, good kitty, " Buffy gulps, not liking how kitty is looking at her. " I'm here to help you. See?" Buffy turns to the panel, and starts pressing buttons. Shit, I hope I get this soon. So not feeling like becoming Faith's next bowl of kibbles.
Faith starts throwing herself at the door again. She's got to get in there, save her mate!
" Not helping, Faith, just�" Buffy hits a combination of numbers, and it works. The door slides open, and Faith throws herself through the doorway. Buffy follows.
What she finds inside doesn't exactly help her already pounding heart. Dr. Walsh is pinned up against the wall by a huge red coated cat, now joined by Faith.
Dr. Walsh, looking up, sees Buffy at the doorway.
" Help me, please. They're going to kill me." She looks at the two cats, who definitely have the look of dinnertime on their faces. " Get help!"
Buffy just stands there, conflicted. One the one hand, Dr. Walsh, getting mauled by two large cats, especially Willow and Faith, not exactly bothering her. From what she's learned, she deserves a lot worse. On the other hand, a genetic imperative has been put in her brain. She can't allow human life to be harmed, or to harm a human. She's stuck and doesn't know what to do.
" You stupid mutant!" Maggie screams, as the two cats draw closer. " Don't stand there like a moron. HELP ME!"
Of course, first, you've got to be human. She thinks, staring at the scene.
" You know, if you want help� really not a good idea to insult me," Buffy says, " Sorry, but exactly what do you expect me to do?"
" Kill them, you idiot!"
" Naw, I like them," Buffy says. She goes to the cats, who just look at her. She rubs her hands over their backs. " Who're the good kitties?"
Not moving, they still purr.
" Yeah, I like them. Too bad, I'm not liking you too much, " Buffy turns, and walks towards the door. " Good luck with that." She exits.
" Come back!" She hears, as she stands in the hallway. She just leans against the wall, and shuts her eyes.
While she's not all that concerned about what happens to Maggie Walsh, she doesn't particularly want to see it, either.
Buffy! Help me, please! A voice in her mind startles her.
What the hell? Buffy thinks, looking around.
Help me! Help me!
Buffy thinks for a second it's Walsh, but the only sound coming out of that room is whimpering and growling. Ok, going nuts. Conscience acting up, maybe I should�
In the lab. Ethan's here. He's going to� come to me, please!
Buffy feels a sharp burning pain on her shoulder� where the tattoo is. She suddenly has a flash, and she's in a tank of warm water, floating. She's looking out, and there stands Ethan and some� thing� with him. Everything seems hazy, but she can see Ethan is gathering things up. What's he doing?
HELP ME!!! PLEASE!!!
Buffy, by instinct or compulsion, abandons Walsh to here fate. She starts running down the hall.
Gotta get there. NOW!

9

SNAAAAAP!
The bat creature , torn and bleeding, grips the head of the mandrill. In a final effort, it jerks its head violently, snapping its neck.
The beast formerly Xander Harris, looks surprised for a moment, then falls to the floor, dead.
The bat creature shrieks its triumph. As it does so, its body begins to change, back into its human form.
Cordelia, having witnessed the fight, sits in a corner, babbling to herself.
Angel, human once more, stands looking down at the corpse of Harris. The beast has also reverted to human form. He walks over, and kneeling by the corpse, feels the pulse point. Dead. He shakes his head.
" Don't hurt me, please don't hurt me, " Cordelia, near hysteria, babbles from the corner. " I'll be good, just don't hurt me, please!"
Angel, weakened from the fight, still manages to rise to his feet. He staggers over to Cordelia.
He looks at the woman, dressed essentially like a hooker, cowering in the corner. Despite the fact she looks almost nothing like Cordelia Chase, something inside him senses different. He reaches out his hand.
" Cordelia?" He asks, hesitantly.
Cordelia, the shock of what happened snapping her out of Ethan's spell, looks up at Angel. She's frightened, and wary.
" Angel? Is it really you?" She asks. She looks around, and then at herself. " What happened? Why am I dressed like a whore?"
" Long story, Cordy. I don't know everything. But we gotta get you outta here." He reaches for her hand.
"I'm sooo pissed off. God, what's going on? Where are we?" She looks at her clothing. " Damn, that old creep. He musta drugged me or something. God, once I tell daddy what happened, he's gonna sue the bastard into the poorhouse."
Angel, despite his wounds, can't help smiling. Some things never change. God, I can't wait to see what she does when she gets to a mirror.
" Never mind that now, Cordy. Let's find the way out of here."
" Never mind? Who knows what that old lech did to me," She looks at her costume again. " Do you think this skirt makes me look fat? Hey, watch the hands, ok? I mean, enough with the free groping!" She sees Angel is barely able to stand. " Ok, maybe a little free groping. Are you ok?" She puts an arm around his waist to steady him.
" Been better," Angel says, leaning heavily on her. " Can we go now?"
" Yeah, ok, " Cordelia says, helping him to walk down the hall." But don�t think this is a free pass to get grabby, big guy."
Angel just rolls his eyes and groans as they disappear down the hall.

10

Maggie Walsh watches the two cats warily.
What the hell are they playing at? She wonders, as the two cats seem to back off, sitting on their haunches. Both are close together, leaving her a hole on her left to move. She moves carefully , and neither reacts. Ok, something's going on. Why aren't they stopping me? Shut up, Maggie, and move! She edges further left� and the cats just watch her. Maybe I can edge my way out of this.
She moves a little more, and then a little more, neither cat reacting, only watching her. Damn� maybe I've gonna get out of this, after all. She feels hope build up in her breast, and she starts to walk across the French windows along the side wall.
Faster than she can think, the large black panther is blocking her way, growling softly. Oh, crap. She turns to her right, and the smaller red cat is blocking that way. All right then, I'm not going to my right. She starts forward, and both cats growl threateningly. Damn. She looks over her shoulder, and sees the French windows behind her. Maybe I can get through those. If I�m quick, I can burst through, and run. Maybe� damn�
For a moment, she stands stock still, watching the two cats. Then, she's turned and bursting through the windows, running as if the hounds of hell are on her tail.
Close enough.
The two cats leap after her, running to catch her.
They love to play with their food.

11

" Where's our money?"
Spike, along with Drusilla is in the lab with Ethan. Preparations are underway to move some of the more valuable 'samples' from the estate. With the FBI showing up, things have simply gotten too hot here for Ethan to continue.
" You'll get your payment once we're safely away. Now, get to work and start getting things ready to go," Ethan, stressed out, barks at Spike.
" Right, mate. Well, new plan. I'm thinking, why should I help you, if I don't get paid?" Spike leans back against the tanks containing the ' samples'. " After all, I've already betrayed Dr. Walsh, which got her here in the first place. And you still haven't paid us for that one. So, I'm thinking me and Drusilla will just shove off now."
" Oh really, old boy?" Ethan looks up, his expression angry. " Well, do that and you'll never get paid. Never mind that I'll have Riley have a little talk with you." Ethan turns around, and calls out. " Riley, would you come here, please!"
The thing that used to be Lt. Commander Riley enters the room.
Almost 7 feet tall, it looks like something out of a bad Frankenstein movie. Its head is large, square jawed, the jaw thrust forward to accommodate the rather large lower teeth jutting out. Its forehead is sloped, with a very heavy brow ridges. Its eyes are small and almost pig like.
But it's the body that's really impressive, and somewhat frightening. Its arms are huge, making Arnold Schwartzenegger look like he has toothpick arms. They are a little too long for his body, making his hands, now impressive claws, hang close to his knees. His chest is broad, waist narrow, and legs sturdy. Yet for all his bulk, he moves swiftly and gracefully.
" You called, Ethan?" It croaks out from it's deformed mouth.
" Yes, I believe our friend spike here requires a refresher course on manners, " Ethan says," Do you think you could show him?"
The beast nods, and starts towards Spike.
" Now, mate, don't be hasty," Spike backs off, " I'm sure we can come to some agreement�"
" Oooooo�. " Drusilla calls out. She turns to the tank, addressing the burned body of Elizabeth Summers. " I do think someone's been talking out of turn. Naughty, naughty!" She waggles a finger at the body.
" What are you babbling about, pet?" Spike says, backing off from the hulk known as Riley.
" Someone's here, Spike," Drusilla says.
At that moment, an alarm goes off in the lab. Ethan looks towards the entrance of the lab.
" Well, well. Seems we have company, children." Ethan turns to Riley. " Let him be for now, Riley."
Riley stops, awaiting commands.
Ethan goes to a console, and presses a button. A whoosh of air is heard.
" Do be a good host, and go greet our guest, Riley." Ethan smiles.
The man-monster makes it way towards the entrance.

12

" Dammit," Buffy growls in frustration. She pushes another sequence of numbers. " Why won't this thing open?"
Hurry, Buffy, please. You've got to stop him. This has got to end.
" So not helping you just popping in my mind like that," She complains, and tries another sequence of numbers. Alarms go off. Damn, now what did I do?
She hears a whoosh of air, and the door to the lab slowly begins to open.
" Well, shoot. I musta finally got it, " Buffy congratulates herself.
Be careful. Ethan knows you�re here. Listen to me carefully�
Buffy stands still as the voice in her mind starts explaining things to her.

Inside the door to the lab, the thing formerly Lt. Riley Finn, waits for its prey. It feels a strong urge to crush and kill. It likes to crush and kill.
But deep somewhere in what's left of its brain, another voice talks to it. The voice of Riley as he once was.
Don't! Don't do this. Back off. Don't attack whoever's coming in
But, I like to attack. I like to kill! I want to kill.
No! This is an order, soldier. Stand down!
I must fight. I must kill. It's my duty.
Buffy walks into the lab. Something is definitely different about her.
Her face is a cold, hard mask. Her expression is grim and resolved. It's her eyes, however, that are scary.
They're glowing. Glowing with a power heretofore unknown.
The enemy! The thing that was Riley thinks I have to go, kill it.
NO! That's not the enemy. The enemy is Ethan. He's the one that did this to you� to us.

Elizabeth explained it to her. She was a mutant, different from birth. By just concentrating on things, she could cause them to burst into flames. She learned early on she had to hide this ' talent'. That no one would understand. But as she grew, she developed it, used it to get revenge on those who hurt her� until the night of the dance, when her friends turned on her, made fun of her. She lost all control, and literally torched the school gym, her power out of control as her rage burned through her. In a fury, she burned down the school gym, using her powers which burned through her. Her power went out of control, her rage and anger was so intense. She burned the gym and almost killed herself in the process.
Now Buffy feels the power coursing through her. She needs to stop this� stop all of this�here and now.
Do it Buffy. Destroy it. Destroy them all!
The monster known as Riley starts towards her. It hesitates, in conflict with itself. Buffy stares at it, and it starts to glow.
The glow grows brighter and brighter, and suddenly the beast is on fire. It roars in pain.
Ethan, startled, looks up to see his ' creation' burning like a torch. His eyes go wide.
" What in bloody hell�" He gets out, before he notices it's suddenly gotten very warm in here. He looks down at himself, and notices he's glowing. " What �"
Buffy smiles, and in her mind, envisions him burning like a match.
Ethan bursts into flame, his body engulfed in a private hell. He screams, but it's way beyond too late for him.
" Spike, I'm scared. The nasty girl's going to torch us," Drusilla starts to moan.
" Now, pet," Spike holds up his hand to Buffy. " We didn't have anything to do with this. We're just little mutants like you. No need to get all hot and bothered about us."
Buffy blinks, and her eyes stop glowing. She looks at Spike and Drusilla.
" Go, now. Before I change my mind." Her voice sounds strange, as if coming form the air, rather than from her.
" Right then, " Spike says. He notices Ethan's attach� case, and picks it up. " You don't mind if we take this, do you?"
Buffy just ignores them. She's in her own little world.
" Right. Well, Ta."
Spike grabs Drusilla, and before Buffy can change her mind, beats a hasty exit out of the lab.

13

Elsewhere, Veruca and Oz circle each other. Both are looking for an opening.
They are both bleeding from the multiple wounds they've inflicted on each other. Each only has one thing on their mind. To kill their enemy, to bite and snap and claw, to bathe in its blood. To make it dead at last.
They keep circling about each other. Both know this is it. One will emerge alive, the other dead.
All they can see is each other. The rest of the world doesn't exist.
Until, that is, the fates, or whatever else you want to call them, step in.
Maggie Walsh, fleeing from the panthers hot on her tail, runs right between them.
The two wolves stop their fight.
Veruca, working on instinct, growls . She senses a kill. An easy kill. She salivates in anticipation.
Faith and Willow, seeing the situation, stop dead in their tracks. They sit on their haunches, watching.
The wolves, sensing more predators, turn and growl. The cats answer, and it's a stand off between them.
Maggie takes the opportunity, and runs.
Veruca, the lust of the kill strong in her, takes off after her in a shot.
Oz, still focused on Veruca, lopes after her, determined to finish this once and for all.
The cats follow silently, padding carefully behind.
Veruca corners Maggie against the fence. She throws back her head, and howls in triumph. She growls at her, driving her back.
" I told you, " Veruca, in a guttural voice, speaks to Maggie," I'd get you, bitch. Now you're mine!"
" No," an equally hoarse voice says from behind her. " You're mine!"
Oz has snuck up on the two, gauging his opportunity. Some small part of him remembers about the fence, how deadly it is.
Before him he sees the two things that destroyed his life. Veruca, making him into a killer, and Dr. Walsh, making him a mutant. He growls low in his throat.
Veruca, distracted for a moment, turns. Oz runs into her, pushing her and Dr. Walsh, who's standing behind her, into the electrified fence.
Oz himself is thrown free as 100,000 volts of electricity course through the bodies of Veruca and Dr. Walsh. The raw power causes the two to catch on fire, as sparks and flames shoot out from the contact point. It crescendos into a huge fireball, the electrical hissing becoming louder and louder�
And then the lights go out all over the estate.

Buffy doesn't seem to notice the lights have gone out. She's focused on her source, Elizabeth. The tanks are powered by back-up generators that come on in case of power failure.
She moves to the glass, touching it. It's warm to the touch.
" Are you alive?" She whispers.
Yes. Barely. But I don't want to be alive anymore. I need to die.
" I don't understand."
I'm in hell, Buffy. I need to be released. I need to�please, help me die.
" I can't� I can't do that, " Buffy says, upset. " I can't kill you."
Suddenly, Buffy is assaulted with images and sensations. She feels everything that Elizabeth feels. She cries out in agony. Her skin takes on a reddish color, the skin blistering.
" It was you�you trying to tell me� oh god, make it stop�please," Buffy cries.
Elizabeth withdraws the pain. Buffy collapses onto the floor. For a moment, she just lies there, stunned.
" I get it. I'll help you." Buffy says ,finally.
Thank you, Buffy. Buffy hears a sigh in her mind. I know where my source power is coming from. I can show you how to stop it. But before that, I need to tell you something. Something to tell mom.
As Elizabeth speaks in her mind, Buffy sits up, listening carefully.

Inside the hall, all shooting has stopped. The two sides, surprised at the sudden darkness, stand in awe. Then the Police, military and FBI use flashlights, and begin rounding up the surviving criminals. They seem too stunned to resist.
" What the hell happened to the lights?" One of the FBI agents asks, looking around in the darkness.
" Dunno� maybe one of the agents found the breaker box." Another replies.
" Do you smell that?" Giles notices a peculiar and unpleasant odor. He looks around for the source, and sees a group of people gathered near the fence. Tapping one of the agents on the shoulder, he indicates he should follow.
They reach the group, which is strangely silent. All seem to be focused on a spot he can't quite see. He pushes his way to the front; then wishes he hadn't.
Lying on the ground close to the fence are the charred and smoldering bodies of Veruca and Dr. Walsh. In death, Veruca has returned to her human form, but both are barely recognizable, charred by the fire that's still smoldering on their bodies. Feeling his gorge rise, he turns to escape, and nearly runs into Angel and Cordelia.
" What happened? Angel asks, his eyes fixed on the bodies.
Giles fights his nausea, turning again to look at the bodies.
" I believe we're seeing the legacy of Dr. Walsh's dream."

14

" Found it!" One of the FBI agents calls out, somewhat later.
There's a brief pause, then the lights come up on the estate. People are milling about everywhere.
The bodies of Veruca and Dr. Walsh have been covered by a blanket. Rupert Giles stands near them, looking down.
So, Maggie. I guess this is the end of your dream, Giles stares at the blanketed shapes. Was it all worth it?
" Are you all right?" a voice near his elbow startles him. He turns to see Joyce Summers standing next to him.
" She wasn't evil, you know." He says quietly.
Joyce doesn't say anything.
" I knew her for very long time. We were both young medical students at Oxford. She was from Northern Ireland, on scholarship. She found out one day that her whole family had been wiped out in the Irish troubles." He sees Joyce's puzzled expression." The civil war in Northern Ireland," he explains." It changed her. Before that, she'd been very outgoing. She was planning on returning home, offering her services to the neighborhood. But the news � I think she died too, that day. She became withdrawn, threw herself into research. She no longer liked being with people. For some reason, she still was fond of me. But she wasn't the same girl I'd known, and I think the what happened to her family � started this madness."
" It wasn't until later that I found out she was into genetic research. Her theory was that violence and hate were genetic, inborn as defenses for a more primitive time. Maybe it was what she saw as a youngster, and what happened to her family, that drove this belief. But whatever the cause, she was determined to identify the source pair of genes, and eliminate them. Of course, when I heard this, I thought she was indeed mad, but I hid my feelings. She explained to me that if she could breed out, or alter the DNA sequencing, she could find a way to create a new, non violent race of humans. That was her dream. To stop from happening what had happened to her. I should've known then she was insane, but I chalked it up to grief over her loss."
" I didn't see her for many years, and when I next saw her, I was on the skids myself, career wise. I'd had a few problems, personal in nature, and I was in serious legal trouble. She looked me up, and frankly, offered me a job. I was desperate, as I couldn't find anywhere to practice. My own past kept coming back to haunt me. Anyway, she hired me, and somehow, made my troubles disappear. My reputation was restored. I was grateful. "
" It wasn't until later that I found out exactly what she was doing. Instead of diminishing, her madness grew with the years. I wanted to quit, early on. But she held my past over my head; if I quit, the bad stuff would return. I � was a coward, and I went along. There's no excuse for my actions. None."
" When I found out what she planned to do with Buffy, and the rest, I reached even my limit. I couldn't sit by, and allow her to continue. Not enough, not nearly enough to expiate my guilt. But, I don't know if there's enough I can ever do."
He looks down at the blanket.
" And now it's come to this. It's ironic, that she so much wanted peace, and turned out to be creating the ultimate weapon. Ironic, and somewhat sad." He brushes a small tear from his eye. " I hope she finds some peace from her demons now, somewhere."
He takes on finally look, and then turns away. " We best go in, and find the others."
Angel, looking worried, comes up to them.
" Have you seen Buffy? No one can seem to find her"

15

" I'm so sorry, " Buffy says quietly, leaning against the glass tank.
Doesn't matter now. It's over. Just, please, do it now. I can sense them, and they're coming, looking for you. Please, before she gets here�
Buffy moves over to the computer console. She types in commands that Elizabeth has given her. An audible alarm goes off.
"WARNING. LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS ON TANK 3 SHUTTING DOWN. ALL LIFE SUPPORT WILL BE TERMINATED IN 20 SECONDS"
" 19� 18� 17�" The voice counts down the seconds of Elizabeth's life.
You won't forget to tell her, will you?
" No, I promise, I'll tell her"
"�12�11�10�"
I'm so sorry for the pain. I didn't have any other way to reach you.
" I know� I just wish� I could've known you better�"
Take care of her for me, please? Let her know I love her
" I will."
Thank you, Buffy.

" �3�. 2� 1"
The lights go out in tank #3, Elizabeth's tanks. The air pumps cease, and the water becomes still.
Goodbye, Buffy�
" Goodbye�" Buffy leans against the glass. She feels a part of herself slipping away.

" Buffy?"
Buffy looks up to see the others in the doorway. She pushes off the glass, and walks over to them.
Giles looks around, and sees the charred skeletons laying on the floor.
" What happened here, Buffy?"
" Does it matter, really?" Buffy says, looking at the remains of Ethan and Riley. " Ethan's dead, along with one of his�" She stops, the sadness overwhelming her. " Can we go now?"
" Why is that tank off?" Giles says, seeing one of the preservation tanks is dark.
Buffy looks at him, with a strange expression on her face. " Because, Giles, she didn't want it to happen again."
" I don't understand."
" How could you?" She looks at him. " God, how could you?"
Buffy turns her back, and walks out of the lab.

Epilogue

A year has passed since the events at the Rayne estate. A lot has changed in that time.
Rayne International, and all it's holdings, have been seized by the UN , as evidence to convict the board and the top executives of various crimes against humanity in the World Court. The disappearance of the CEO and Chairman, has never been explained, and is an ongoing investigation.
A number of members of the Senate Select oversight committee concerning the Moreau Project and Operation Sunnydale have been indicted on various charges, including bribery and fraud.
The Rosenbergs, Ira and Sheila, have disappeared. No one has seen them since the night of the party at Ethan Rayne's estate. Their assets have been seized by the government for their involvement in the Operation Sunnydale scandal. Willow and Faith have come to live with Joyce Summers, temporarily. In separate bedrooms.
4 months prior:

" C'mon, baby, you can do it. You can do it, " Faith says, holding Willow's hand in the delivery room.
" GOD IT HURTS!" Willow screams loudly, her body shaking and her brow wet with perspiration." I AM SO GONNA KILL YOU WHEN I CAN!" Willow screams at Faith.
The nurses, a little puzzled, look oddly at Faith.
Faith grins. " My brother. The father is my brother� and Willow blames me. Go figure?" She grins, embarrassed.

" We can see the head�we see the crown." The obstetrician, sitting between Willow's legs, calls out. " Push� just a little more�Push!"
Willow makes some grunting sounds, bearing down. Faith holds her hand, and mops her brow. " you're doing great, baby, really great."
" Yeah, well, next time, YOU get pregnant, and I'll coach� Ok�Ohhh�OOOOOO!"
There is some activity down at the other end of Willow, followed by a slapping noise, and a loud wailing sound. Willow, tired beyond exhausted, looks at Faith, who looks at her. They smile.
" You did it baby, it's so cool"
The nurse brings the cleaned up and wrapped baby, and lays it on Willow's stomach.
" Congratulations, Mom. You're the proud mother of a beautiful, healthy baby girl." She beams at Willow. She looks at the baby, then at Faith. " She looks a lot like you. Oh�right, you're brother's the father. I forgot." She smiles.
Faith smiles back, and looks at the little bambina. Willow takes her hand.
" She does look like you, honey, " Willow says, bringing the baby up to her arms. " So, we're decided then?"
" Yup, I think so. Hope Marie Rosenberg-Lehane. I think it works, don't you?" Faith looks at the little girl. " Our little Hope. Ah, She's got your eyes."
" Uh-huh�and your rest of it. No one can mistake her daddy." Willow says softly.
" Well, yeah� my imaginary brother." Faith chuckles.
" Yeah, well� you're brother might just be making more babies in the future. He's sooo sexy," Willow says, softly. Faith blushes.
" I love you, Red."
" I love you too, Faith."

Joyce and Buffy are sitting at the dining room table. Joyce's eyes are puffy from crying, as are Buffy's. They look at each other.
" She said all that?" Joyce says, " god, I thought� Dr. Walsh told me she was�"
" She was alive, mom," Buffy says softly." She was aware�and in incredible pain. She wanted to die� it'd been torture for her."
More tears slip down Joyce's cheek.
" But she wanted to hang on, until she could somehow tell me. She wanted you to know she wasn't some kind of mental case. She was a mutant. She had the ability to create fire out of her mind. It scared her, and she hid it. From you and from her dad. It wasn't until that night, at the gym, when her 'friends' humiliated her. Her best friend learned about her secret, and told the others. They spread it around school. Everybody thought she was a freak� and she found out who did it. She lost her temper�and�"
" She was so sorry, mom. She wanted you to know that. And that she loved you. Very much. It hurt her to think you thought she was � crazy� so she hung on, enduring the pain� until she could tell you�somehow�"
Joyce breaks down, crying.
Everything over this past year has been so hard. The interrogations, the trials she's had to attend as a witness, all of it has been hard on her. Going over and over how she became involved.
She had to mortgage the house to afford the legal fees. Also, the fines imposed on her for her involvement. But she protected Buffy. She didn't want her to have to live as a freak. Just allow her to have some kind of normality in life.
Buffy waited until it was over to tell her mom what Elizabeth had said. With everything going on, she thought it best. She wonders now if maybe it wouldn't have been better to tell her sooner.
" She� she didn't hate me then?" Joyce manages after awhile. " God, she should've . You should. I've done so many bad things."
" No, mom, she didn't hate you, " Buffy says, " And I don't hate you. How could I? You're my mom."
" I'm so sorry for everything I did, Buffy," Joyce says, " I �"
" It's ok, mom, I get it. You wanted her back. I'm sorry I can't be her."
" Buffy, I love you. Who you are," Joyce says.
" That's the thing mom. Who am I? What am I? What'm I supposed to do with my life? I'm not normal� we know that � I have to find that out�for myself."
" I know," Joyce sighs. She accepts Buffy's decision. But that doesn't make it easier. " When are you leaving again?"
" At the end of the year, after I graduate." She reaches out, covering Joyce's hand. " I told you this before."
" I know. I just keep hoping I got it wrong. That you'll stay longer."
" Mom�"
" I know, I know, you gotta go, " Joyce says, smiling through her tears, " Doesn't mean I can't try, does it?"
Buffy just smiles.
" I love you, Mom."
" I love you too, Buffy."

4 months later, in front of the Revello house.
Angel and Buffy are sitting in a huge old convertible Angel restored. In the back seat is Oz, cradling his guitar in his arms. His amp sits on the remaining seat. Faith stands by the car, looking in. She has her daughter in a baby carrier on her back.
" So, I guess we'll all hook up in L.A., then?" Faith says, occasionally looking back at the house. " Damn, I thought she'd be here by now."
" Yeah, well, it's not like we're saying goodbye or nothing, " Buffy says, " We'll see you tonight. You've got the address, right?"
" Yeah� somewhere."
Buffy reaches into her purse, and pulls out a pad. She scribbles something on the page, then tears it out, handing it to Faith." Don't lose it, ok? L.A.'s too big to look for you guys."
" Ok, ok, I promise." Faith says, a little exasperated. " I don't know why we couldn't go with you guys. Red got some bug up her butt about ' alone time'." Faith shrugs." I guess we'll take the bus. I don't know what she's thinking. This would be so much easier on the baby."
" She probably wants as much time as she can get. Once we hit it, Faith, you know we're gonna be touring a lot." Oz says. " Can't do without my number one drummer, ya know."
" Yeah, ok. But we could still go along. Shoot, you could fit an army in that car."
" Hey, I worked hard to get it running, " Angel grouses, " not easy, you know? And it's a classic."
" Yeah. Classic piece of junk," Faith teases him.
Angel makes an impatient gesture, then starts up the car.
" Ok, drive careful, Ok? Don't want to have to bail you guys outta jail or nothin," Faith grins.
" Goodbye, Faith," Angel grouses.
" Take care guys. See ya in L.A."

She waves at the departing car, all the time worried about Willow.
Where the hell did she get to? She knew they were leaving. She promised she'd be here. I swear, she's been acting really weird lately.

Faith is just about to turn and walk up towards the house when a stretch limousine pulls up in front of the house.
What the hell?
The chauffeur gets out of the front, and walks to Faith.
" You're Faith Lehane?" he asks solicitously.
" Uh� yeah."
He nods, and walks over to the rear door of the limo. He smiles and opens it.
" Umm� guy? Nice joke, but the wrong Faith. Sorry."
" Aw, c'mon Faith, get in. I wanna get to L.A. already," a voice floats out of the car.
Not just any voice. Willow's voice.

" Huh?" Faith look into the rear of the limo, and sees Willow grinning at her. Willow pats the seat next to her.
" C'mon, it's really comfy," Willow grins.
" Ok, real nice joke, Red. What? We're going to the bus station in this?"
" Heck no. L.A., baby. Only the best for my two girls, " Willow laughs." C'mon, we haven't got all day."
Faith, still suspicious, slides herself and the baby into the car. The chauffeur puts the luggage in the trunk, then gets in the driver's seat, and takes off.
" Ok, Red. Really gotta say, this is sweet But how? I mean, do I gotta remind you, we're broker than broke?"
" Really?" Willow smiles a Cheshire smile at Faith. She reaches out her arms. " Gimme Hope, and you take a look in the attach� case on the seat."
Faith gives the baby to Willow, then picks up the case. She opens it, and her eyes go wide.
" Money. This thing is stuffed with money!" Faith looks in the case. " Lots and lots of money."
" Oh yeah," Willow smiles.
" But� I don't get it� how�?"
" Remember dear old Dr. Walsh?"
" Do I have to?"
" Well, let's just say, that's her 'wedding' gift to us."
" Not following you, Red."
" She was carrying that the night she tried to carry me and hope away to someplace." Willow says. " After all the crap died down, I kinda went back and snagged the bag. Kinda curious, you know. When I opened it, I found all that."
Faith looks at her, jaw open.
" Honey, you look much better with that closed," Willow giggles.
" So�did you count it�how much?"
" Ummm� close to a million dollars. Real close."
" SHIT! We're RICH!"
Willow laughs. " Oh, well, at least we're comfortable."
" Wait� that was a year ago. You've had this all this time?" Faith looks in the case again, as if she's afraid the money will be gone. " You didn't tell me about it?"
" Uh-huh." Willow says," At first, I put the money in a safe deposit box at the bank, figuring I'd give it back," Willow says," Then� well, little miss priss here came along, and I was kinda busy, you know?" She giggles again." After I got out of the hospital, I didn't have a clue how we were gonna pay for it�"
" You told me your parents� their insurance� covered it."
" Ok, I lied. I dipped into the money. I figured, I still have most to give back, you know?"
" Right, with you� I guess," Faith looks at the case." Ummm� but it's not � I mean it's here� Ok, what's the deal?"
" Well, I got to thinking. They expected me to give it back, you know? I mean, they didn't know I had it, but it was expected of me to give it back," Willow's face gets a hard look on it. " Kinda tired of doing what everybody expects of me. And, I've got a family and friends to worry about. And hey, after what they did to us? I figure, it's the least we deserve�" She smiles." So, I kept it."
" Red� that's� that's just� brilliant!" Faith grins broadly. Then she frowns. " But why didn't you tell me?"
" Cuz, honey. Love you, you're a dream� but sometimes, you get this idea that you gotta do the right thing, every single time. And�" she cuddles Hope."�I'm thinking for us. Screw the right thing."
Faith looks at her, then at the baby, then back at the money, then back at her. She smiles, and settles back, putting an arm around Willow.
" Baby, you're the best."

Fin.
- 15
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