Adult-FanFiction.org : Buffy

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
- 3
- 4
- 5
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these Characters, Joss Does

Rating: Somewhere between NC-17 and R.

Summary: Totally A/U fantasy of a slightly Different Sunnydale

A/N: Need feedback Praise or Flames but hopefully mostly Praise
e mail shojuku14@hotmail.com

Disclaimer Two: besides the name change which may change again. this fic has themes that may be squeemish to some people. read at on risk

-1-

It was a bright and sunny day in Sunnydale, clear and warm. One of those days that make tourists wish to live in California. The citizens went about their usual morning business; getting to work, getting the kids to school; deliveries made and things sold. That's what people love about the small coastal community; it's beautiful, and nothing ever happens in Sunnydale. Nothing bad.
If only they would look up in the sky.
Circling overhead, taking advantage of the rising thermals, an enormous bird of prey was on the hunt. Gliding, it soared over the populated sectors, seeming to seek out a particularly tasty treat to satisfy its hunger. A rodent, a stray pet; maybe something even juicier. But it's seeking produced nothing.
The predator, its hunger overriding its curiosity, flapped its huge wings, heading for the lake nearby. It was a magnificent creature: 5 foot standing perched, its wingspan was nearly 15 feet tip to tip. Its tan plumage and brown cowling gave it a particularly regal bearing. Its amber reddish eyes, with enhanced vision, made it a superb hunter. It combined the qualities of all the great avian predators: The persistence of the hawk, the sharp eyes of the eagle, and the speed of the falcon. Its physical form combined all three.
Circling over the large lake, the hunter scanned the water carefully for movement. It was hungry, and wanted a particularly worthy reward for its efforts. Circling lower and lower, it spotted a shoal of bass. It's razor sharp talons extended, it dived quickly, breaking the surface of the water and snagging it's prize. Carrying the large fish easily in its claws, the hunter sought a place to perch. The prey struggled against its captor, but it grew weaker as the predator flew higher and away from the lake.
Perching on a cliff, the hunter started tearing at its prize. It used its beak to render the fish, and it's claws to tear it open. It enjoyed the kill almost as much as the eating, smelling the blood of the dying fish. It tore into it with almost orgasmic pleasure. Lifting its head, it screeched out its victory call�
Cordelia Chase woke up screaming, bolting upright in her bed. Still in the fog of her dream, she could almost taste the blood and fish in her mouth. Her eyes were wide in terror and disgust, and her body was covered with a fine sheen of perspiration. She was shivering; the dream had been so real. But it wasn't the worst of her recurring nightmares. Often she woke with vivid memories of rendering and consuming not fish, but children� small, innocent children she swooped down to�
" Cordelia, are you alright, dear?" Her mother, Amelia Chase, called from her doorway. One word summed up Amelia Chase: Patrician. Her fine bones and classic looks were reminiscent of her daughter's beauty.
" We heard you screaming� did you have a nightmare?" Her Father, Stanton Chase asked. Unlike her mother, Stanton wasn't patrician in bearing or looks. But he had those dark good looks that made up for it; that, and a Midas touch. He walked over and looked carefully at his daughter.
" Yes, Daddy, " Cordelia covered. She was ashamed of her dreams. If her parents ever found out about them� " it was just a nightmare, is all." She turned away from him, afraid he'll read the truth in her eyes.
" It's that � what's his name? Harris boy you've been going around with. I telling you, Cordelia, he's all wrong for you. He has no class, no breeding. What's his family?" Her mother interjected, moving a little closer.
" Mummy, he's fine, " Cordelia said, " He's just a little rough around the edges. Like Daddy, when you met him. He just needs a little polish. He's very sweet, and good to me." Cordelia said it as if by rote; almost as if the response had been programmed in her.
Her parents exchanged a quick look.
" Still I wish we knew him better. When are you going to bring him around to meet us?" Her father asked.
" Oh, Daddy, it's not that serious!" Cordelia declared. " You're still the number one guy in my heart!" Cordelia flashed him her 1000 megawatt smile.
" Very well," He sighed, turning and going to the doorway. " I just don't remember you having so many nightmares before you started dating this boy�" He shook his head. He knew his daughter, once her mind is made up, was immovable.
Her mother has been watching the whole time. She has an odd expression on her face. After Stanton left, she quickly crossed to her daughter's bed.
" You're sure everything is ok. He's not mistreating you or anything, is he? This Harris boy?" She colored slightly, " he hasn't made like�advances, has he?"
" Ewww. Gross!" Cordelia replied, " of course not!"
" Ok, dear. Just� well, you know you can come to us if he tries anything � never forget, you're a Chase. A cut above!"
I know, Mummy, " Cordelia impulsively reached out and hugs her mother. " I love you."
Amelia, looking embarrassed, awkwardly returns the hug. " Me too, dear."
She left the room quickly, to forestall any further such displays of affection.
Cordelia, alone again, lost her smile. All this is just mega too weird! I'm not some freakazoid like those losers that hang around Buffy. So why am I having these dreams? God, and why do I enjoy tearing and �the blood� oh god! Nauseated, she threw off the covers, noticing the time on her alarm clock . 5:33 am. God, no more sleep tonight, I guess. Getting up, she grabs her robe and heads for the bathroom. Another wave of nausea hit her as she recalled her dreams. She rushed to the bathroom, slamming the door. Sounds of retching could be heard.
-2-
A couple of hours later, a dingy white van with multiple gray primer spots pulls into the parking lot of Sunnydale High School. Its herky- jerky motion is accompanied with the grinding of gears. Finally reaching an open parking spot, the driver pulls in, nearly swiping a car in the process. The sounds of cursing can be heard coming from the driver's side.
Driver and passenger, also known as Faith and Oz, respectively, hopped out of the van. Faith was obviously upset.
" Dammit, Ozman, I just can't get that stick shift. Every time I shift it sounds like a fucking dryer with tennis shoes in it. God, I'm so fucking lame!"
" You're doin' ok, Faith, " Oz, seeing his cousin upset, came over to comfort her. He patted her shoulder. " Just takes some practice, ya know? Don't sweat it. Just�ummm". He trails off, not wanting to crush her confidence any further.
"What?"
" Well, kinda take it easy on the curves and speed, ok? Not that I'm minding it, but there's a traffic cop that makes Sunnydale high his personal crusade. One more ticket, and we're both gonna be walking� not too good when you're the only one with a van to haul the band's stuff."
" God, I'm sorry, Oz. I'm hopeless, " Faith complained.
" No you're not. You're doing really well, honest."
" Really?"
" Sure, " Oz lied." You just need more practice."
" I just can't seem to get the hang of driving stick."
Faith looks around, hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar red-headed girl. God, what's the deal with that? We've only hung out a little. Not like we're buds, really. Still, deep down she's jonesing for some Willow goodness. She perks up noticeably when she spots her, accompanied by a couple of friends. Wait, change that. One friend, one jerk of an asshole. She recognizes the guy as being Xander. What's she hanging with that prick for, anyway?
" Hey, Ozman, I'll catch ya later, ok?" Faith tossed the keys to him, and headed off towards Willow.
Willow, almost instinctually, felt the presence of Faith. Looking up from her conversation, Willow spotted her heading her way. For some reason, suddenly her day seemed a whole lot better. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't totally suppress the smile that tugs at her lips. Only Buffy noted the change in Willow's demeanor, and didn't indicate she noticed.
" Heya, cutie, " Faith beamed at Willow. "Whazzup? Hey, Buffy, " Faith deliberately ignored Xander.
Xander's eyes narrowed, and his mouth turned down into a small scowl. He was still pissed off from being beaten up by the brunette bitch, and he didn't like being ignored. Still, he was trying to get back into the group's good graces, so he kept quiet.
Faith noticed the dirty look however, and turned to him.
" Got a problem, bozo?"
Xander bites his tongue, still smarting from his beating. But he noticeably flushes. " No problem, " He smiles, which looks more like a grimace. None that a knife in your gut wouldn't fix.
Buffy observed the dynamic between the two, and was intrigued. But more intriguing to her was the way Willow reacted to Faith. She's all nervy and checking herself out, like Faith is special� is there something going on there? Nawwww� well� nawww� couldn't be� I mean, Will's not� is she? Hmmm. Gonna takes some really sherlocking to suss this out.
Willow, always believing the best trouble is that avoided, decided to separate Xander and Faith before the dogfight got started in earnest. Taking Faith by the arm, calling over her shoulder to Buffy that she'd see her later, Willow steered Faith away from the group.
" Whoa, girl. Not gonna bite him, " Faith says, once Willow had them safely away from the others. " Don't need the food poisoning."
" Faith!" Willow sounds pained.
"Aw, I'm sorry, sweet cakes. Just not getting it. Why were you with Count Jerkula, anyway?"
" Faith, he's been like so sorry and whipped puppy-like all weekend� I dunno, I kinda felt sorry for him. I mean, I've known Xander for a long time, ever since he stole my underoos back in Kindergarten. He can be a jerk, I know� but he's harmless. Really."
Faith gave her a sidelong glance. " You WERE with me when I pulled him off Cordy, right?"
" He's just been under a lot of stress lately. He's kinda not doing good in school."
" Yeah, that remedial basket weaving class is really giving him the mental dumps, huh?"
" Well, at least he's going to school�" Willow arches a brow.
Faith blushed.
" Awww, I'm sorry. I know your circumstances are diff, " Willow said." Look, I'm just trying to make sure he apologizes to Cordy, you know?"
" Yeah, whatever. Like that'll happen," Faith looks at her watch," gotta motor, hate to be late for my first day on the job."
" You got it?" Willow's all excited.
" You betcha. You're looking at the newest member of the Quicksilver Messenger staff." Faith is all grins.
" Cool, " Willow smiles, " but why're you here, then?"
" Ah, well� Oz is trying to teach me to drive� making me drive him and Veruca to school. You know, so I can get my license, get a better delivery job or somethin� I dunno." She winks, " never drove before, can you believe it?"
" Saw you pull up, " Willow's eyes gleam mischievously. " I can believe it."
" Hey! Driving stick? Not natural!" Faith looks around, " Speaking of sticks, you seen Cordelia 'round?"
" Nope. No one has, not since that night at the bronze. Why?"
" Dunno, just wanted to be sure she's ok, I guess."
Faith noticed that Willow looks a little shy.
" What's wrong, Red?"
" Just kinda wondering, " Willow is blushing a little, " How were ' things' this morning?" Despite herself, she glanced at Faith's crotch.
Faith got it immediately, " Willow! God!" She mutters.
Willow had waited til she could get Faith off alone to talk about it. Didn't want little ears hearing things that might get spread around.
" Aw, c'mon Faith. Kinda � well�curious, " Willow smiles. " Gotta be different." She giggles.
" Oh you betcha it's different. It's really weird waking up and seeing the sheet tented � where your knees aren't," Faith almost whispers, " gotta admit, it felt kinda � good."
Willow turns red, imagining it.

" Boy, you really feel it in the shower, ya know? And peeing? Whole new experience, doing it standing�"
" I can see what you mean, " Willow says, noting a slight bulge in Faith's jeans. She giggles. " Think I can give you a kiss? I mean, for luck and all on the job?" She suddenly gets shy again.
" Sure, " Faith says, feeling her throat get dry.
Willow puts her hand on Faith's shoulder, and leans in, giving her a tiny kiss on the lips.
" Well, isn't this sweet? Lesbos in love, " Cordelia Chase snickers. " Don't you two think you should get a room, or somethin?"
The two break apart as if hit by electricity. Willow blushes, while Faith just stares at Cordelia, frowning.
" What's your deal, Cordelia?" Faith asks.
" No 'deal ', Faith, " Cordelia sneers, " just thinkin' if you two wanna make out, you should do it somewhere where it won't pukify the rest of us."
Willow and Faith feel their jaws hit the ground. Is this the same girl we saved from becoming kibbles via Xander's fist? Faith wondered. The ungrateful stuck up bitch! Willow groused to herself.
" Funny, ya didn't seem to get too picky when we were pulling Xander off you the other night, Cordy." Willow said
" You two go brain dead? What're you talking about?"
" The other night, at the bronze. When Xander was introducing his fist to your face." Faith was confused, and steaming a little.
" God, we had a little tiff. No big. We would've patched it up if you hadn't interfered, Super Dyke. God, Xander's a sweetie when you get to know him." She shook out her mane of brunette hair." Well, gotta run. Some of us got real lives."
Shrugging her shoulder, as if to shrug them out of her memory, Cordelia turns and starts for class. The two stare after her as if she's a bad dream, come alive.
The bell rings
" I gotta get to class, and you've gotta get to work, " Willow said, turning towards the school. Over her shoulder she adds, " think you can live without me for a couple of hours?"
" Getting a little cocky, aren't ya, Red?" Faith smirks.
" I'm not the one that's a little cocky!" Willow giggles, running off.
Faith stood watching her go, feeling embarrassed and confused .
And loving it.
-3-

It was lunchtime before Willow caught up in with Cordelia. She was burning mad by then, and throwing caution to the wind, moved to block Cordelia's passage.
" Hey, Willow, what's your deal?" Cordelia mocked, " lookin' to cheat on the missus? Sorry, don't swing that way myself�"
" I want an apology, and I want it now!"
" Ok, " Cordelia shrugged, " I'm really sorry they ran out of flannel shirts and work boots at Sears. Know your were jonesing for the new ' you ' look."
" You ungrateful witch with a b!" Willow growled, " You owe me and Faith an apology, big time!" She jabs at Cordy's chest with her finger.
" Hey, keep your gay fingers to yourself. If you think I'm gonna apologize to some dyke and her femme girlfriend for calling it like I see it, get over it," Cordelia snapped at her, irritated by Willow daring to touch her person.
" God, what is your problem?" Willow snapped back, hurt by Cordelia's ingratitude, " If it hadn't been for us, they'd still be picking up pieces of you behind the Bronze!"
" Full of yourself much?" Cordelia scoffed, " Xander and I were just having a little tiff, and if you're girlfriend weren't so bloody butch, it wouldn't have blown all out of proportion. You're lucky I don't scratch your eyes out for attacking my boy toy."
"Is that why you weren't here most of last week. Because Xander's so sweet to you?" Willow is disgusted, " You looked like an army marched over you, twice. You're such a skank, I swear. Well, I want the props me and Faith got comin' for saving your sorry ass, or I'm�"
"What?" Cordelia sneered," What're you gonna do? Call Ellen?"
Willow saw red. She's just about to lay into Cordelia when an oily, unctuous voice breaks in.
" Well, Hello, Cordelia! No time, no see�"
Cordelia lit up like a spotlight.
" Baby! I was just thinking about you!" Cordelia, all sweetness and light, goes over and puts her hand on his chest. " Honestly I was! " She leans in for a kiss. " Gimme sugar, sugar!"
Willow is beyond revolted. The fact that Cordelia doesn't have enough pride in herself to stand up to Xander, plus the ' gimme sugar, sugar" line makes her stomach go flop. She makes a rude gesture involving pantomiming gagging herself with her finger. Cordy, over Xander's shoulder gives her a " Are you still here? Why?" look. Willow shakes her head, and walks off. See if I ever help HER again! What an idiot!
-4-
Willow decided to head for the library. Maybe Giles can figure out about some of the weird things going on here, Willow mused. She opened the library door and paused. Giles and Buffy seemed to be deep in a serious discussion.
" I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Buffy, " Giles is pacing around.
" Just� weird. You know, strange, things not being as they should be? Things are weird around here, " Buffy pauses, " Ok, well� this is Sunnydale � things are always weird. But this is weirder than usual� if weird got wigged, this is what it would be like�"
Giles takes a moment to clean his glasses, while trying to interpret BuffySpeak. Willow took the opportunity to make her way into the stacks, a little out their sight. She didn't want to interrupt, but on the other hand, she wanted to hear what they were talking about.
" Buffy, do you have some examples of what you're talking about?" Giles put back on his glasses. He's moved to the window. He looks out.
" Well duh, yeah. I mean, I've been having these mega wiggy dreams, and waking up like lobster girl, then there's the whole� well, what's with Xander anyway? I mean, he's acting out like some juvey reject. Then there's that Faith chick�"
Willow perks up. What about Faith? Why're they � do they know? God, This can't be good.
" I'm just saying where did she come from, anyway?"
" I understand that she's Oz's cousin, isn't that so?" Giles says, seemingly distracted by what's going on outside.
" Well, that's what she says� but all of a sudden she just shows up here? Now? And why hasn't Oz mentioned her before? I never knew he had a cousin�"
Hey! Are you calling Faith a liar? What's your deal, Buffy? Willow looked at her friend a little sternly. She's about to get up to defend Faith when she realized that neither seemed to realize she's here. Maybe just be quiet and listen, Will?
Giles also picked up Buffy's tone, and turned back into the room. " That's odd, Buffy. If I didn't know better�"
" What?"
" I'd say you were a little of Faith�"
" WHAT? That's� well, that's just � you're way wrong. I'm just worried about Willow. She seems to be getting really chummy with this girl, and what do we know about her?"
Willow, much as she loves Buffy, just wasn't buying that one. By Giles' look, neither was he.
Buffy got defensive, reading Giles' look. " Hey, I'm worried, Ok? I mean, I love Willow, she's my best friend, and all. But she can be kinda � well, she tends to just accept anyone as being like real, and hey, what if this Faith is � well, you know�"
" Actually, I don't, Buffy, " Giles says, " do you?"
Oh yeah, get all protecty about me and � my girlfriend? Willow stops for a second. That's the first time the thought really hit home with her. but you go dating a 240 year old vamp, and hey, that's just well ok. Geeze, Buffy, hypocrite much? Willow was immediately ashamed of her thoughts. Hey, she's just looking after me, right? Gosh, don't have to get all biotch on her, do I? But that's Faith she's dissing, kinda pisses me off!
" Alright," Buffy sounds like she's have a tooth pulled, " maybe just a little jealous�"
Of me? Willow shakes her head. Never been like� the one to make someone jealous before! This is cool!
" Well, I'm not saying you're not concerned, Buffy, but maybe you're just making too much of this whole thing, " Giles was back to looking out the window, voice distracted.
" What's going on out there, Giles?" Buffy noticed his distraction.
" Hmmm?? Oh, nothing really. But I think I should� " He stopped, not wanting to let the cat out of the bag. He turned to Buffy." Look, Buffy, we live on a hellmouth, and you're the slayer. Maybe it's a slayer dream you're having. I'll look into it, see if anything is � well, prophesied."
" Ok, Giles, " Buffy said, but she had the feeling she was being mollified. " Have you seen Willow, by the way?"
Uh oh! Willow carefully snuck back behind them, keeping out of sight. Not good if they catch me.
" No, actually, I haven't. Strange, she usually drops by at lunch�"
Willow made a noise like she's just entering the library.
" Hey guys! What's up?" She smiled, innocently.
" As I said, " Giles smiles. "Hello Willow!"
" Hi, Will!" Buffy called out, moving towards Willow. " Whazzup girlfriend?"
" Up? Nothing's ' up'! " Willow said nervously, feeling a little guilty about eavesdropping. " Just came by the library� to get a book, yeah a book. That's it. Book. It's around here somewhere�" Willow headed for the stacks, but Buffy stopped her.
" Willow� what's up?" Buffy stared at her.
" I just said, Buffy, nothing!' Willow realized her powers of lying were nil. " I � ummm� well�"
" Did you want to ask Giles something? Maybe something I shouldn�t hear?" Buffy was growing suspicious.
" Huh? No! Well� maybe� later�"
" Actually, whatever it's, it'll have to be later, " Giles breaks in, " I'm afraid I have to take care of something and� " He looks at his watch, " It's time you two were headed to class." The bell rings.
" Yeah, ok, " Buffy doesn't sound all that enthused. She wasn't big into history. She starts off, then turns. " You coming, Will?"
" Coming? Oh, class. Right. Coming" Willow hurried to catch up to Buffy. They walk down the hall towards history, when Buffy stops her.
" Hey, are you sure you're ok? You're kinda not with the talking, Willow."
" Hmmm? Oh, no I'm ok, just � well, I didn't expect to see you in the library I guess. Don't usually see you there at lunch unless there's a reason to be there� so� ummm� what were you talking to Giles about, anyway?"
" Nothing, " Buffy says, feeling a little ashamed.
" Nothing?" Willow's brow furrows.
Buffy looks around, feeling the press of students between classes.
" Not here, Willow. Kinda don't want little ears listening in, blabbing � you know?" She grabs Willow's hand. " C'mon�"
" Where we going? We've got class�"
" Oh, please. History. Don't worry, it'll be there tomorrow�"
" Buffy!" But Willow is being led along, and is kind of curious. What were they talking about before I got there? Still, she's the conscientious student, and missing class is very foreign to her.
Buffy, pulling along the reluctant Willow, heads off to a more private spot where they can talk when she runs right into a group of strangers. She halts, looking up.
Two very tall, very adult strangers were standing in front of them. One woman, one man, both dressed from head to toe in black. Both were wearing mirror shades, as if they don't want their eyes seen. There's something about them that unsettled Buffy and Willow. For what seems like an eternity, the four of them stood there, looking at each other.
" Uhhh� excuse us, " Willow piped up, needing to break the unnerving silence. " Can we help you?"
The woman approached her, removing her sunglasses as she got closer. Her eyes are an icy blue, and Willow felt a chill do a round trip on her spine as she realizes the woman is scrutinizing her. A small smirk is on her face, as if she knows Willow, which just makes it tenser, and Willow wiggy. She seems about to speak when a shadow seems to fall over the sun, followed by a sudden thunderclap. Buffy and Willow jump, moving towards each other. Out of the shadows two more figures emerge. One is dressed in a long black dress and has a mildly European look and bearing to her. The other has platinum colored hair, spiky. They approach the group.
" Here now, let the bits alone. We have more important things to be doing, " Spike, with Dru behind him, says to the female dressed in black." We've got an appointment with Giles, remember pet?"
The female turned to Spike, nodding acknowledgement. But before backing off, she leaned into Willow and whispered, "We'll be talking soon". Joining the others, she left.
Two very creeped out teenagers watch them go.
" What the �?" Willow asks, really not wanting to know.

" Ummm� not knowing, and really not wanting to find out. You know what? All of a sudden, got a jonesing for a little history."
The two scoot along , quickly disappearing from sight of the group of four.
The man in black is looking out the doors leading to the quad. He turns to the others.
" Wait here." He goes out.
-5-
Xander has Cordelia pinned up against a wall. Though being scrupulously careful to not touch her( at least, not where any marks will show), it's clear he has her pinned. Cordelia looks more than terrified.
" Gee, baby, don't be that way, " Xander, his voice oily ,but with an underlying threat, says softly to Cordy. " I'm not mad at you� I just want to know what you said to them. I mean," he shrugs, " I'd hate for stuff to get spilled that shouldn�t be spilled� understand?" He leans in closer.
Cordelia feels her heart thudding in her chest.
" Honestly, Xan, I haven't said anything to anybody. Really, baby, I wouldn't do that!"
" Cordy, Cordy, Cordy, " Xander says, all false sympathy , " Don't do that."

" What?"
" Lie to me, " Xander's voice grows cold. " You know how much it upsets me. " He shakes his head, sadly.
" I'm not lying!"
" I don't want to hurt you�"
" Then I suggest you don't" A strong masculine voice comes from behind him.
Xander suddenly feels himself being lifted, caught by the collar and the seat of his pants. He struggles to turn around, but can't.
" I suggest you leave the young lady alone," the man in black says, his voice soft.
" Hey, buddy, butt out. This is a private discussion�"
The man squeezes Xander at the neck, twisting his fingers.
Xander yelped, and struggled to break free.
" Please, don't hurt him!" Cordelia interjects.
The man in black just turns to her, staring at her through his mirrored shades. He said just two words.
" Go now."
Cordy opened her mouth to reply, closed it and scurried off.
" What the hell is this?" Xander growled , " Look , I don't know who you are, buddy, but you're gonna be in so much trouble when I get outta this�"
The man released his hold on Xander's pants, bringing his hand up to box his ear.
" Shut up" was all he said, carrying Xander across the quad by his scruff.
Xander, scowling, is quiet.

-6-
The four of them, plus Xander, reach the library. Opening the double doors with his foot, the man in black carries Xander inside to Giles, where he unceremoniously dumps him in front of Giles. He steps back a bit, joined by the three others.

"What the hell is going on around here?" Xander, rubbing his neck, rumbles. " I don't like being treated like this!"
" So, there you are, " Giles said, reaching his hand down to offer Xander a hand up. Xander waves him off and stands.
" What's going on?" Xander repeats, a note of threat in his voice. " Dr. Walsh isn't going to like this."
" Really? Because Dr. Walsh not only knows what's going on, but suggested it, actually, " Giles says, his voice soft.
"What?"
Giles moves closer to Xander. His lips are tight, his eyes narrowed and steely.
" Listen, you burke, I don't know what's going on in that wart on your shoulder that passes for a head, but frankly you're actions are not permissible." He jabs a finger in Xander's chest. " You're jeopardizing the whole project with your treatment of Cordelia. Not to mention your lewd remarks and leering of the OTHER female subjects."
" You're full of it, old man, " Xander sneers, " mind your own business." He turns his back on Giles
" You're none too clever, are you Alexander?" Giles grabs his shoulder, whirling him around. " They� all of this� IS my business, you bloody fool. A lot of time, and a lot of money have gone into this project. You're close to scotching the whole thing, because your actions are beginning to be noticed by the subjects. So, I'm warning you. Back off, and keep your hands to yourself, or �"
" Or what?" Xander scoffs, " I'm CIA, you moron. I've been trained in the martial arts, and in dirty tricks. What the hell do you think you could do to me?" Xander shakes his head, " Nothing I think."

" Really?" Giles says, his voice very low.
Before Xander can even react, Giles has him by the neck. He lifts him off the ground. He takes Xander's hand in his, and twists. A snapping sound is heard.
" Would you like to find out?" Giles says, his voice almost pleasant. He drops Xander back to the ground.
Xander yelled in pain.
" You crazy bastard!" Xander grabs his wrist.
He glares at Giles, advancing on him.
" I outta break you in half, you twig in tweed. But I got better things to do."
He turns, and runs into a wall of solid flesh. The four block his egress. He glares at them.
" Back off, muties. I got things to do, and elsewhere to be."
Xander attempts to push his way through, but is stopped cold.
" I do believe our Mr. Harris hasn't learned his lesson yet. Would you be kind enough to educate him?" Giles says to the four.
" Be a pleasure, mate, " Spike says, advancing on Xander. The two agents hold him, Dru is to the side, watching and smiling.
" So you bloody sod, got it yet? Leave Cordelia alone, or by god I'm going to tear your head off your neck and feed off your neck like a chalice."
" Do you worst, mutie freak. I can take it like a man."
Spike shrugs and smiles. " Suit 'cherself"
Spike began to pound on his head as the agents joined in. The female agent whirl kicked him in the face, knocking back into the male agent who kidney punched him. He tossed him back to Spike, who begins to pummel him in earnest. Xander falls to his knees, nearly unconscious. They back off.
" So now, you bleeding skite, do you understand yet?" Giles came to where Xander was kneeling, and squats down. " Your little games with Cordelia are to cease immediately. Furthermore, you are under NO circumstances to torture, terrorize or otherwise bother Buffy, Willow, Faith or any of the subjects. If I hear of you attempting anything with any of them I will personally hunt you down and �" He draws his finger across his throat. " Clear?"
Xander looked at him defiantly. His mouth is bleeding and his face is beginning to bruise. He's out of fight to object, however.
" Sure, sure, gramps. I get your drift, " Xander replied. He spits, hitting Giles in the glasses with a gob of blood and mucus.
Giles backhands him, knocking him to the floor. Standing, he removes his glasses to clean them.
" Take� this � out of here." He says to the two agents as he wipes his glasses.
The agents grab the prone Xander, and none to gently, carry him out of the library.
Walking down the hall, they carry Xander towards the school infirmary. Before they reach it however, they prop him against a wall.
" In case the message wasn't clear, " the male agent punches him in the solar plexus. The female agent knees him in the balls. Both carry the sagging Xander, now starting to cough blood, to the infirmary door. Opening it, the literally toss him into the office.
They close the door, and walk away. Smiling at each other , they left.
-7-
Anne Price walked down the hall towards Dr. Walsh's office with a small smile on her face. She was well pleased with her role here. She enjoyed keeping tabs on the 'mad scientist' , as she referred to Walsh in her own mind. She loved giving suggestions that sounded more like orders. And she loved giving the doctor a hard time.
She was good at her job. Very good.

Dr. Walsh, for her part, was sitting in her office, going over some reports she received from Lt. Riley. Her brow was furrowed, her mouth turned down into a scowl. I can't believe this. Someone's been accessing secure files about the project. If these get out� it could mean disaster. Worse, someone with the right knowledge of genetic research could duplicate my work� but who? Who'd do this?
As if on cue, her office door burst open, and Anne Price barged in, unannounced.
Dr. Walsh felt her stomach churn. The woman was quickly moving from annoyance to hindrance. Soon, soon we'll have to do something about her�
" Dr. Walsh�" Ms. Price began, but Walsh interrupted her.
Or maybe I should ask, who else?
" Ms. Price. This is, after all, my private office. It wouldn't hurt to show a little courtesy, would it, to knock before barging in? I mean, they did teach you manners some where along the way, didn't they?"
Anne Price just stared at her, her contempt barely below the surface.
"Well, maybe not. But maybe you could explain this?" Dr. Walsh slid the report over to her. Anne price picks it up, looks at it, and smiles.
" Sure, I accessed your files. So?"
Maggie Walsh felt her blood pressure rise.
" So what? Who gave you the right to access those files? Those are confidential to this project, need to know only. You have no right to be combing my files�"
" Dr. Walsh, I should remind you. The Government, and the Select committee in particular, is not all that pleased with your reporting methods. I'm here to watchdog the project. If that means I have to access confidential files to do so, so be it. I have that right." Anne Price leaned over the desk. " Need I remind you exactly how shaky the footing this project is on? One wrong word� and well� Pfffft." She shrugged.
Dr. Walsh pales. " You wouldn't!!! This is too important."
" Yes, all you science types feel the same way. But let me tell you something. You're NOT in charge around here, Walsh. I'm in charge. If I'm not happy, I pull the plug. So, make me happy. Got it?"
Maggie Walsh was furious. This was her life work, her dream. And this � cretin dares to come in here and trample her size sevens all over it? The unfairness of it galled her. She wanted to get up, slap the bitch silly and throw her out of the building herself. But the project was at a critical phase. If funding were pulled now� She gritted her teeth. She'll play along � for now. She'll make a mistake. And when she does�
" Are we done here then?" Dr. Walsh asked, wanting to get rid of her before her temper blew.
" Not exactly, " Anne Price replied, " I came here for a reason."
" And that interests me� why?" Dr. Walsh glared at her.
" Because I said it does," Anne Price told her. " Remember, I have the pull� so to speak."
" Oh, very well, what IS it?" Dr. Walsh sighed.
" You have a 'visitor' at your clinic, Dr. Walsh."
" I see. Well, " Dr. Walsh turned back to her notes, " let one of the staff doctors take care of it."
" I think you should see this visitor personally, Dr. Walsh."
" Oh, you do, do you?" Dr. Walsh's tone is harsh, " Exactly why would that be?"
" it's one of your subjects, Dr. Walsh. An important one."
" Who?" Dr. Walsh looked up, curious.
" Ms. Buffy Summers, " Anne Price smirked.
Maggie Walsh starts. What in heaven? Has something gone wrong? Oh , this is just wonderful! Just too wonderful!
"Why wasn't I informed earlier?"
" I'm informing you now, " Anne Price ignores her tone. " I thought you should know."
" Well, thank you, " Dr. Walsh's tone doesn't sound thankful, however, " I'll attend to her immediately."
She stood to leave, and noticed that Ms. Price was still there, waiting for her.
" What now?" She asked, exasperated.
" Thought I'd go with. I'd like to have a little chat"
Dr. Walsh felt her stomach clench. Chats with Ms. Price? Never good.
They walked down the hall to the clinic.
" I just thought I'd let you know I took care of the Cordelia/ Xander problem."
Dr. Walsh stops, looking at Anne.
" What do you mean, you 'took care of it'?"
" Well, it wouldn't do to have one of the subjects blundering around, knowing what she does, angry at Xander now, would it?" Ms. Price grins at her. It's not a pleasant grin. " Just think of the ramifications if this somehow got out."
" Yes, of course, " Dr. Walsh snapped impatiently," but so what to do about it?"

Ms. Price stopped at a door. She beckoned Dr. Walsh to follow her. Using her key, she opens a highly secret room.
Inside was a high tech nightmare. A chair was in the center, with wires and electrodes leading to a bank of computers. Equipment of various pedigrees sits around, including optical scanners, biofeedback machines and with what appeared to be a small chemical lab. Maggie recognized some of the equipment, and turned to Ms. Price.
" What does this mean?" She asked, but she already thought she knew.
" You're not the only one who works with memories, Dr. Walsh. I've had extensive training in memory manipulation. I triggered Cordelia's homing response last night, having her come to the lab. We did a mild memory 'adjustment' on her. She doesn't remember anything of that night at the Bronze, or of her abuse at Xander's hands."
Dr. Walsh looked grim.
" Do you have any idea how foolish what you've done is?"
" Dr. Walsh, I wouldn't be calling the kettle black right now. Xander is after all , your mess."
" Actually, not, Ms. Price. He was brought onboard by the original clients of this project. Being CIA, they thought he would be good in keeping control on the subjects. Believe me, having mental morons around isn't exactly my idea" She looked pointedly at Ms. Price.
" Clever, Dr. Walsh, having that deniability in place, " Ms. Price smiles, coldly, " but he is nonetheless under your control, and therefore, your responsibility. Could look bad� very bad� to the current interested parties."
" Will that matter, if your ' intervention' causes Cordelia's memories to cascade? If the carefully built life for her goes out the window, then what? You can't just program in 'gaps' in a person's memories. People aren't built that way. When they don't know something, they gnaw at it, pick at it, and worry it until they figure it out. If her carefully constructed life is destroyed, if she realizes what she really is�?"
" That's your problem, Doctor, not mine. Better figure out a solution. Or, if this project gets exposed�?" Ms. Price's face turns hard. " lets just say that no one, no one connected with it on your level, will be around to testify. Understood?"
Dr. Walsh goes pale. She stands there, clenching and unclenching her fists. She says nothing.
Anne looks at her watch. " Dear me, look at the time. You best hurry, Doctor. You're patient is waiting."
" What about agent Harris?" Dr. Walsh asks, as she turns to go. " How're you going to take care of him?"
" Now, don't worry your mind about him, " Ms. Price smiles. " It's taken care of."
Dr. Walsh feels a chill down her spine. She leaves before she has to talk with this woman again.
Anne Price watches her go. She pulls out a cell phone, and dials a number.
" Hi, Dad? Everything's going smoothly. Yes, we're on schedule� ahead actually. I've taken some samples, and will send them right along to our science guys. What? Dr. Walsh? Don't worry about her. She's an idiot. No, not science wise. But she hasn't a clue as to what we're really up to. Yeah, don't worry. When the time comes, she'll be properly taken care of. No, I'm telling you, she has no idea whatsoever. Don't worry. Before anyone gets it, we'll have it done. Yes� right� ok, Bye Dad."
Ms. Price exits, flicking the lights off after her.

-8-

Dr. Walsh entered Exam room 1 carrying a clipboard and with a stethoscope around her neck. She walked over to where Buffy Summers sat on the exam table, flanked by her mother.
" Hello, Buffy, Joyce. How've you been? It's been a long time since you've been in, Buffy. So, tell me, what seems to be troubling you today?"
Buffy was about to reply when Joyce Summers cut her off.
" She's been having some nightmares, Doctor. Vivid nightmares. About having gynecological examinations while strapped down in some laboratory. Then she's carried off into another room, and well� she imagines being thrown into a vat of boiling liquid."
" Mrs. Summers, " Dr. Walsh seems to signal her with her expression, " while it may be disturbing to the patient� Sorry, Buffy, that's you� to have nightmares, it's not unusual for a girl in this stage of her development to have them." Dr. Walsh smiles at Buffy, " I admit, you're are rather� interesting, in a clinical fashion, simply because of the subject matter. But most young people have nightmares about fitting in. You know, the usual ones about being naked in front of class, or such."
Buffy looks at Dr. Walsh, then at her mother. " Really? It's normal then?"
" Of course, dear. " Dr. Walsh turns to Joyce Summers. " Is Buffy sexually active?"
" What? NO! Of course not!!" Joyce declares, and both she and Buffy blush.
" Sorry, just had to ask. It seems with the nature of the dreams� are you sure?"
Joyce looks to Buffy, who shakes her head violently.
" I'm sure!!! "
" Well, maybe it's simply a symptom of stress. Have you had extra stress in your life lately, Buffy?"
" No, I don't � no, " Buffy replied.
" What, Buffy?" Dr. Walsh asked.
" nothing, " Buffy looks down.
" Buffy, dear, if you're not honest with us, how can you expect us to help you?"
" Dr. Walsh, it's all very well to talk about stress. But what about this?" Joyce Summers unties the first tie to Buffy's exam gown, and beckons Dr. Walsh over. Dr. Walsh takes a look, and blanches.
" Hmmm, " She said, covering her nervousness.
" Hmmm? She said hmmm?" Buffy looked at Joyce anxiously. " What does that mean, hmmmm?"
" No, Buffy, don't be alarmed, " Dr. Walsh tried to reassure her. " Just I've never seen a psychosomatic reaction so pronounced before."
" Psycho- what? I'm a psycho?" Buffy turned a scared face to her mom. " I'm a nut job?"
" No, Buffy, Dr. Walsh didn't mean that. Did you, Dr. Walsh?" Joyce throws her a look.
" No� Buffy. A psychosomatic reaction means you had a physical reaction to a mental stimulus. Usually it's stress related. Like�ok, some people get hives. Most are allergies, but in a few cases, the cause is mental. Stress related."
" Mental? As in psycho loony mad nuts?" Buffy's voice sounded fearful.
" No, Buffy, no! It means that something is stressful in your life, and your body, overwhelmed by mental stimulus, reacts."
" Not a nut?" Buffy looks at her mom and Dr. Walsh hopefully.

" No, dear, not a nut, " Dr. Walsh chuckles. " It's perfectly normal. Your body's way of telling you to take it easy, is all."
"Whew!!" Buffy sighed, relieved. " God, you had me going there for a minute, Doc."
" However, Buffy, I would like to do a more thorough examination of you. Make sure that your symptoms, the dreams, the reactions, don't have an organic cause." She turns to Joyce. " Mrs. Summers, if you could wait outside for Buffy�"
" I'd really like to stay, if you don't mind, Dr. Walsh." Joyce says, sounding worried. " She's my little girl, after all."
" Mrs. Summers� Joyce, I promise you, Buffy will be perfectly safe. I really want to examine her, make sure everything's developing normally, on time. " Again, a look passes between them. " She'll probably be more comfortable with it with you out of the room."
" Buffy?" Joyce looked to Buffy.
"God, mom, I'll be fine, ok? Geeze I'm not like 9 anymore, ok?"
" I'm sorry, honey, of course, " Joyce said, walking over and brushing her hair with her hand. " I forget sometimes." She smiled at Buffy, who returned the smile.
" So, Mrs. Summers, if you'll wait in the waiting room?" Dr. Walsh knew a stall when she saw one.
" Are you sure, baby?" Joyce asked Buffy again.
" Yes, mom, positivo. Ok?"
" Ok, honey," Joyce made to leave. It's obvious she was reluctant. She fiddled with the doorknob for a minute, then, sighing, let herself out of the exam room.
Dr. Walsh watched her go, a worried look on her face. This isn't good. The surrogate parents are supposed to bond this deeply with the subjects. This bears watching. She turned to Buffy.
" Sorry about that, Dr. Walsh. Mom can be so� mom-like at times." Buffy shrugged, playing the sophisticated teenager, but really deep down loving it.
" I understand, Buffy. Now, if I might?" Dr. Walsh held up the stethoscope.
She walked over to Buffy, and held the stethoscope to her heart. Normal� a little fast, but that's probably just nerves. Nothing out of the ordinary. She took the scope and placed it on Buffy's back.
" Cough please, Buffy."
Buffy coughs.
" Lungs are fine, good to hear, Buffy." Dr. Walsh smiles at her. But the redness on her back, along with the elevated skin temperature and soreness worries her. This is very odd, indeed. Never seen a reaction like this last so long.
" So, Buffy, " Dr. Walsh begins casually, " Tell me more about this dream. When did you start having it?"
" I don't know, doc. Been like forever, it seems. But lately, they've been getting more frequent, and a lot more real."
" What do you mean, Buffy? More real?"
" Well, I'm waking up, in a cold sweat, my body feeling hot and well�sore, and tingly, you know?"
" Does this happen every time you have the dream? I mean, when you've had it recently?"
" Yes, and� frankly, doc? I didn't want to freak mom, but it's kind of scaring me!" Buffy's brow got wrinkly.
" Buffy, again, I want to reassure you. What you're experiencing is not uncommon. You're growing up, dear. Your body's changing, and with the elevated hormonal levels, there's bound to be some side effects. It's perfectly natural."
" I dunno, doc. I mean, it's kinda scary becoming lobster girl every time I dream."
" Does this happen with other dreams, Buffy?"
" Not really, " Buffy answered evasively.
Dr. Walsh cocked her head, looking at her.
" Well, sometimes�" Buffy blushed, " when I have � well�" . Her blush deepened.
" When you have erotic dreams, you mean?" Dr. Walsh asked her, her tone gentle.
" yeah, " Buffy's voice is low.
"Again, normal, dear. All young people have those. Hormones again, " Dr. Walsh smiles.
"Really?"
" Absolutely, Buffy."
Buffy's relief was even more obvious than previously.
" Now, Buffy, I do want to run a few tests on you, while you're here. Just to be sure there's nothing else going on."
" tests? Will they hurt?"
" No, dear. Call it the miracle of modern medical technology. " Dr. Walsh went over and picked up a device, about the size of a retail scanner. " This is what I'll be using to examine you with."
"Wow� really? That little thing?"
" Uh-huh. That little thing will run some non-invasive tests that'll give us a better picture of your general health."
" Really?" Buffy looked at the scanner. " It won't hurt, right?"
" Not hardly. You may feel some tingling, and an occasional pin-prick like sensation, but nothing really bad." Dr. Walsh comes over to Buffy, " and, the tests are processed real time, so we'll have answers immediately. So, what do you think?"
" Cool beans, Dr. Walsh. Let's do it!"
" Ok, now lie back, and stay still. It's important Buffy, so the readings are accurate."
Buffy lies back, and Maggie begins to run the scanner over Buffy, a few inches from her skin. She runs it over her entire body, from different angles to get a complete reading. As she watches the output monitor, she is somewhat surprised.
Well, this is interesting. She's beginning to change down to the molecular level. The accelerated hormones in her body are really kicking in. By all readings, she's entered estrus. She'll be ovulating soon. Hmmm. I wonder if Willow is also reached this state? I'll have to make some excuse to get her into the lab, to check her out. This would be wonderful. Both pairs ready for mating!
Dr. Walsh does some follow up work: blood pressure, body temperature readings, eye, ear, and throat examinations. All pointed to the same thing. Buffy is coming into heat� but how advanced, and when she would peak? No telling. Have to keep an eye on her.
" Well, Buffy. Everything seems to be normal. I'd say you're a very healthy young woman." Dr. Walsh smiled at her.
" Really?" Buffy seemed elated.
" Absolutely. Still, with your recent nightmares and reactions, I want to give you a prescription." She caught Buffy's expression. " No, it's nothing bad. Just a mild sedative. It'll help keep the hormones in check. Should cut down on the dreams, and the well, as you put it, the lobster girl aftermath."
" Cool!"
Dr. Walsh gives Buffy her coat to wear. " Bet your feeling a bit chilly, huh?"
" Oh yeah, hate these backless gowns, " Buffy giggled, feeling better than she has in awhile.
" Ok, well, why don't you go get dressed and I'll meet you in the waiting room. I'll call ahead to get the prescription ready for you, so you can pick them up right away at the front lobby pharmacy."
" Thanks, Doc! " Buffy , wearing the doctor's coat, leaves the exam room to retrieve her clothing.
A few minutes later, Buffy, full dressed, returns to Dr. Walsh's exam room. Dr Walsh escorts her to the waiting room, and stops her just before they reach Joyce.
" Now, remember, Buffy, I want you to take the prescription before you go to bed. And I want you to have this."
Dr. Walsh handed her a small pager.
" Thanks, Doc. What's this for?"

" It's a pager, Buffy. It'll get me day or night. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to page me, ok?"
" Sure, Doc, thanks," Buffy said, a little puzzled. Still, she pocketed the pager and walked out of the waiting room with her mother.
Dr. Walsh watched them leave. She immediately started making her way back to her office. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number.
" Yes. This is Dr. Walsh. I need to see Lt. Commander Riley immediately. Have him come to my office, ASAP."
Walking down the halls, her expression was grim.
-9-
Cordelia stood on the sidewalk, looking towards the Rosenberg house, undecided.
Part of her wanted to turn around and just leave. After all, she and Willow had zero in common. She was rich; Willow was middle class. Cordy was a cheerleader; Willow was a geek. Cordy was popular; Willow on the other hand hung out with the freakazoids. This is stupid. Just stupid. I should get back in my car and motor way away from here!
Another part of her, a very large part, however, was scared. Really scared. Xander had worked her over again, and she looked it. She looked worn and frail, her body seeming to rebel against the constant abuse. Worse, there were the dreams� the dreams that haunted her. She needed someone to talk to. God, can't go to my friends. They'll think I'm a freak!!! And she needed to talk� talk to somebody who'd understand. Like Willow.
God, she hated this. Needing Willow. It was against the laws of man and nature. It's just � wrong.
But she had no choice. She knew what she had to do. Gathering her courage, she marched up the steps and knocked on door.
Sheila Rosenberg opened the door and smiled.
" Well, hello Cordelia. It's been a long time since I've seen you!. You've turned into quite the lady."
" Thank you, Mrs. Rosenberg. Ummm� is Willow home?"
" Yes, she is, matter of fact. Do come in, dear. I'll call her."
Cordy enters the home, waiting nervously by the door.

" Willow, honey? You've got company. Come on down, dear."
" Yeah, mom? Who is it?" Willow came down the stairs, and stopped cold. Her expression said it all.
" What do you want?" Willow was barely civil.
"Willow Rosenberg. Did I raise you to be rude?" Sheila gives her the eye.
" Aw, mom�" Willow complains.
" Willow?" Sheila's tone says don't go there.
Willow sighs. " Hello, Cordelia. How nice to see you. Won't you come in?" the sarcasm in her voice is thick as syrup.
" That�s better, Willow. But lose the 'tude, ok? Now, why don't you ask your friend upstairs?"
" C'mon up, Cordelia." Willow chokes out.
Willow, followed by Cordy, goes upstairs. As soon as they are out of sight and earshot, Willow turns on her.
" Ok, Cordy, what the heck is going on here? What's your deal? Why're you here?" Willow dropped all pretenses at politeness.
" Can we talk?" Cordy asks, her voice low.
" oh, sure� like, never! Why the heck should I talk to you, after the way you treated me at school? Oh, and the chutzpah of showing up at my house, now? Gotta give you your props, Cordy. Too bad you can't return the favor."
Cordelia was shocked. Willow, the mousy little Willow, has never dared to talk like that to her before. It came so out of left field, was such a surprise, that it bypassed all her carefully built defenses. She feels the walls, fall, and the tears begin to follow.
" Oh, god, Willow, I'm so sorry�" Cordy begins to cry. Her whole high holy bitch girl persona goes running down her cheeks in her tears.
Willow's anger immediately dissipates. She can't be accused of having a hard heart. She comes over to Cordelia, and puts a hand on her arm.
" Hey, Cordy� don't" She says, " c'mon in here."
She leads Cordelia to her bedroom and shuts the door. Leading the weeping girl to the bed, she fetches some Kleenex.
" Here, " Willow says gently, handing Cordelia some tissues. " Do you want some water?"

" N-No, I'm ok" Cordelia says, trying to recover herself. " Ok, lying. Not ok. I don't know what I am. I'm�so messed up!"
" Cordy, what is it? What's wrong?" Willow asks, getting worried. This is a side she's never seen out of Cordelia Chase. She's not sure she can deal with it.
" G-God I'm s-so scared, " Cordy stutters, " I d-don't know what's happening to me� I� I really didn't remember what happened at the Bronze� not until Xander started in on me again today�."
" Xander�?" Willow got a disgusted look, " the bastard!"
" God, Willow, I didn't realize what he'd done. I thought you and Faith were making it up� kind of trying to score points, you know� hang with the popular crowd�"
Willow just shot her a disgusted look.
" Ok, I'm shallow, shoot me, " Cordy says, a little defensively." But it's all I know."
" I don't think your shallow, Cordy, " Willow replies, " I think you let people tell you your shallow, and you buy into it, because it's easy�"
" What, you think my life's easy?" Cordelia exclaims.
" Let's see. You're rich, beautiful, boys hang all over you like a cheap suit, you've got your own car, and you can have anything� your right. Sorry, my bad. It's a rough gig!"
" Yeah, well, you see one side of it and figure you got it sussed out. But there's more. I'm always on, Willow. I can't make a mistake, or the sharks who swim around me, pretending to be my friends, will turn and attack me. I don't even know if I've got any friends. Because I'm rich�" She looked miserable. " Do you know what it's like not being able to trust anybody?"
"Poor little rich girl," Willow mocks. " Sorry if I'm not crying all over you right now!"
" Yeah, well what about you? ' Poor me, because they all pick on me'. God, that's a load. Get over yourself, Willow. Nobody gives that much a damn about you."
They glared at each other, burning in silence.
" So, why'd you come here, then?" Willow finally asked.
" Because�" Cordy's frown gets deeper. " I need someone to talk to� someone who'll get it. Someone who's already a freak�"
" Ok, not scoring points here, Cordy," Willow growls.
" No, I didn't mean it that way. I mean�someone who's already a freak� because I'm thinking I'm one�"
Willow looks at her, puzzled.
" Xander� my relationship�or whatever, isn't the worst of it. Hardly even close."
Willow shakes her head, not understanding.
" I have these dreams�" Cordy says, her voice getting quieter. " In them I'm flying � flying high� above Sunnydale. Like a bird� I am a bird� I can feel it, sense it. I'm hunting, looking for a kill. I soar over Sunnydale, looking for prey�" Cordelia's voice takes on an awed quality. " I'm hungry, so hungry� I need something to kill� I look around� and find something� usually a fish� or a rabbit�"
" Rabbit?" Willow gulps. " You hunt rabbits?" She thinks of little cotton tailed cute rabbits.
" Willow?� please� focus! It gets worse. I hunt, flying loving the feeling it gives me. The rawness of it, the unspoiled pure desire�"
" Ok, still not getting this Cordy. I mean, everybody has flying dreams�"
" Not like this. God, never like this. I'm flying, and I see it. Prey. Something I want, something I need. I swoop down, I'm over the lake�"
" Lake? What lake, where did the lake come from?" Willow's having a hard time following Cordelia's train of thought.
" WILLOW!" Cordelia almost screamed it out, " just let me finish!"
" Ok, " Willow sounded a little sullen." You're flying over some fricking lake�"
" Flying high, but I can see so much� I can see everything� it's all so alive, so clear to me. And I see it, in the lake� swimming� the fish� I'm all focused on the fish�"
Willow is about to say something, but seeing Cordelia's look, thinks better of it.
" I dive down� I feel this� feeling, this utter feeling of almost�god, it's like an�" Cordelia looks at Willow, decides she won't get it, and changes metaphors, " Like eating chocolate ice cream. God, I want� need it so badly� I diving down�and I see them�"

" Who? Who do you see?"
" Not who, what. Claws. I have these huge claws. Talons. Razor sharp�"
Like, that's so different, Willow thinks, looking at Cordelia's perfectly painted nails.
" God, they're scary, but seem so right, at the same time. I reach the surface, and extend my claws� skimming for the fish� skimming� and I've got it. I feel it in my claws. I go up, up , up. The fish wriggling in my grasp. It's a big fish, and it's wriggling� trying to escape. But I know it's useless. My claws have it hooked tight. It wriggles, and I can sense its fear� I can sense it� and I relish it. Almost as much as I'll relish �." She trailed off.
" What?" Willow, fascinated now, urged. " What?"
Cordelia just looked pale, and shivered. There's an expression that rarely ever graced her features. A look of self disgust.
" I fly up with my catch, looking for a place to perch," Cordelia continued. " I find it� a small cliff in the hills. I land, dropping the fish. It flops around, dying. I'm looking at it, feeling the anticipation. I want it now. Before it dies, I need it now. I approach it, feeling my wings feeling everything. I hop on it, and� oh god�" She trails off again.
Willow saw the pain and embarrassment and the disgust she felt, and she felt empathy. She'd never seen Cordelia so open, so exposed about anything. She reached out, and took Cordelia's hand. Cordy looked up at her, a little surprised. But there was also a grateful look in there.
" It's so horrible, " her voice was hoarse with emotion, " I started tearing it apart. Ripping through it's flesh and scales, ripping it, feeling the blood. It was� god, it was awful."
" Of course it was, " Willow says, squeezing her hand, " it must've been terrible, seeing that� "
" No, you don't get it, " Cordelia cried out, " you don't understand."
"What? Cordelia? What?"
" I liked it. Oh god, I liked it so much. it was � like� god, I can't describe it� but it was like � you know�like�cumming�"
" Cordy!" Willow blurts out, astonished. She's open mouthed.
" There's worse, though. Much worse�"
" I don't�tell me!" Willow insisted.
Cordelia hesitated, afraid. God, if she rejects me� god, it's all over. I'm all alone. With this. How can I tell her? But I gotta tell someone. I gotta. Or I'm gonna go nuts!
" That isn't�wasn't � the worst dream I had. I've had others, with other prey. I've had them� where it wasn't an animal I attacked� it wasn�t � it was.. oh god�" Cordelia groaned.
" Tell me, Cordy," Willow says, calmly.
" Children, " She almost whispers, the images so horrible. " I took children� and ripped them apart�and bathed in their warm blood� and� god, the pleasure was so much more intense�" She looks down.
Willow sat there, open mouthed. She was horrified. But she saw Cordelia; really saw her, and saw it was tearing her apart. Instead of feeling like needing to want to run and scream , she felt� empathy. Felt her hurt, her pain, her disgust� She stayed there, not running. She heard a low moan come out of Cordelia.
" Oohh, god, I'm such a freak!" Cordelia cried out. " I'm a monster. A MONSTER. Killing children, and feeling� that� oh god, what's wrong with me? I'm some kind of mutant monster freak!!!!" She breaks down again, crying.
Willow ached for her, and instinctively gathered her in her arms. She rubbed her back, and caressed her hair, gently holding her.
" Shhhh� it's ok, it's ok. It's just a dream, just a dream�"
"No, it's more� it's too real, too vivid. I know it�. I can feel it, taste it.. and I feel the desire for it, want it� oh god, I hate me. I hate this. Feeling like this. I'm a freak. Who could want me? Love me, like this? I'm some kind of monster, I'm EVIL!!!"
" No, shhh� no, that's just wrong. You couldn't be evil. Can't be, and feel like this about it," Willow is even more surprised then Cordy by her words. What the hell am I saying? Cordy, the evil bitch queen from hell? And I'm telling her she's not evil. But god, she's so lost� so miserable� I can't be angry with her, not now. Not like this, not with her so �hurting!
Cordelia looked at her, amazed. She couldn�t believe that Willow really got it, understood, and didn't run screaming or hit her or something. Or make her feel like a cheap whore, like Xander always did.
" You do get it, don't you?" Cordelia's voice is awed. " You do� and you don't hate me?"
" Of course not!" Willow says, still holding her. " Don't be stupid!"
" God, Willow, I've been such a bitch to you� and � oh, I'm so sorry� so sorry�" She started to cry again.
" Don't� don't!" Willow chided her gently, " God, aren't we wet enough from the waterworks?" She poked her gently.
Cordelia smiled, a genuine, face lighting smile.
"Why're you being so nice to me?" Her voice grows suspicious. " Why're you being so nice to me?"
" Cordy, don't go there, please?" Willow didn't exactly want the bitch queen back. " I get it. I get how it feels to be a freak, ok? Don't even get hostile now�"
" I'm sorry, really, I'm really sorry, " Cordelia said. " Just no one's ever� well, it's hard to trust. And� I'm sorry about before� earlier� I was so � I'm sorry."
Willow looked at her, her turn to feel suspicious. But she sees genuine contriteness in Cordelia's expression.
" You really are, aren't you?" Willow asks.
" OH god, yes! I was so horrible to you� and to.. Faith� I attacked you after what you did for me� "
" You were� horrible�" Willow nods.
" I was jealous, I guess," Cordelia admits, in a barely audible voice.
" I'm sorry� that was my bad ear. I thought I heard you say you were jealous?"
" Please! It was hard enough to say the first time, " a little of the old Cordelia come out as she recovers. " Ok, that was just mean� look� you and Faith� whatever. I mean, if that floats your boat, ok. I get it. Yeah Ellen and all that. But that wasn't why I was jealous."
Willow looks puzzled, but Cordelia logic always does that to her.
" I mean, I'm not� that way, get it?"
" Ok, yeah, never thought you were�"
" Ok, but� why I was jealous� was, well, I saw you� I mean, I came up, and saw the kiss. And god, it was so shy, and so sweet, and so genuine� it was just� and I saw red, because I've never had that, never will�not� not being a monster freakazoid like I am�."

" I'm a freak too!" Willow blurts out, before she can think.
" What? Oh please, just because you love a girl� god, I've got a cousin that's gay� that doesn't make you a freak�"
" No, now you don't get it� there's more�" Willow blushes furiously. What the hell are you doing? Telling Cordy? This is so wrong. So wrong on so many levels!
" Ewww� don't wanna hear!" Cordelia withdrew a little.
" No� not that� that hasn't happened� God!" Willow blushed furiously.
Cordy's turn to look puzzled.
" You gotta swear. You gotta promise you won't tell anyone!" Willow looked at her, all serious. " Pinkie swear" She held out her pinkie.
"What are we, like, 7?" Cordy shakes her head. But Willow persists. " Oh, ok. For god sakes." She holds out her pinkie.
Willow wraps her pinkie around Cordelia's, and then tugs. When it breaks, they both yell out " Pinkie swear!" Cordelia felt foolish.
" Ok, what? What's so important we had to do that?" Cordelia looks sideways at her.
Willow looks at her. She's been jonesing to tell someone. Needing to. But she couldn't tell Buffy. She could just see Buffy's reaction. And � she knows Cordy'll never tell. Not now . Not knowing what she knows�

" It's Faith, " Willow says, in a very small voice. " She's got a thing�"
" Thing?"
" You know� a thing!"
" What? Not getting it? She's kinky?"
" NO!! I mean, no, I don't think so� maybe, I don't know� " Willow blushes furiously.
" C'mon, Willow. Spit it out. I showed you mine�"

Willow blushed deeper.
" That's just it, " Willow said, almost in a whisper. " She showed me hers� and it's a penis!"
The look on Cordelia's face is priceless. It's as if she's had ice water thrown in her face, followed by a slap. She sits there, stunned for a minute. Then she frowns, and starts to get angry.
" That's just mean!"
"Huh? What?"
" I can't believe I trusted you!"
"What are you talking about?"
" That! I told you my deep dark secret. I laid it all out for you, and then you do this?"
" Do what?" Willow was confused. "What did I do?"
" This. THIS!!! You lie to me. I tell you my most awful secret, and you tell me you've got one, and you lie!" Cordelia stood up, all full of righteous fury, " I trusted you, and you � lie to me!" She makes to go to the door.
" Cordelia� Cordy! Please�" Willow runs after her.
" No, get away from me!" Cordelia shoves her.
" I'm not lying. I'm NOT! It's TRUE. FAITH'S GOT A COCK!!!"
Willow's hands flew over her mouth, realizing she just shouted that out. She looks red and mortified.
Something in Willow's tone , the desperation , makes Cordelia turn back and look at her. Seeing her expression and reaction, she stops.
" No way. That's not possible!"
" Way� oh, God, so WAY!"
Cordelia moves back into the room.
" You� you've got to be wrong. There's no way. Girls don't have� I mean, we've got � but not penises� no� you've got it wrong. Someone fibbed to you!"
" I saw it myself, that night in the Bronze. She showed it to me, in the girls room."
" Ewww!"
" What?"
" Well, she � he� can't be a girl. She's a guy� she� he has to be. Girls don't have dicks!"
"No shit? Gee, only been one what� all my life! But she's got one. She does!"
" Then she is a he! "
" No, she's a she. She swears she never had one, not before that night� in the Bronze. She swears until that night, when she sat down, and we started to � well�" Willow blushes, remembering the intense feelings at the table. " � she swears she had a vagina, just like everybody else�"
" No way! God, she's lying to you, and you're buying it!"
" No, she's not!" Willow got defensive. " I know. She� she doesn't smell like a guy. She smells like a girl."
" How would you know?" Cordy asked. Not being mean, just considering, curious.
" God, I've had dates! Ok, they didn't go so well, I lose the ability to speak in sentences, but I've had dates. For goodness sake, my best friend� one of them, is a guy. I can tell the diff!"
" Still� maybe he has a hormone imbalance. I mean, looking at her� him� you'd think he was a girl�"
" No� goodness, ok� her boobs? Real!"
" Ok, now I know it's a lie. No way!"
" Way. I �er� I �" Willow went read again�" Well, we were fooling around, kissing and I� geee� I touched one."
" What? You felt her up?" Cordelia chuckles. " Are you sure you're not a guy?"
"CORDY!!!"
" Kidding, I'm kidding!" Cordy says, putting her hand on Willow's arm. " Just�well, there are such things at boob jobs�"
" NO, �. I mean� it was her reaction to being touched there�"

" Ok, huh?"

" You know well as I do how sensitive our boobies are. Guys aren't wired that way. Well, when I touched it, she jumped. Like I put an electrode to her. That's just something � she's a she, I know it!"
" Ok, ok� she's a she, got it!" Cordelia put up her hands. " You don't think�" she trails off.
"What?"
" Well, maybe she was born� maybe she's a heshe? A�whatchamacallit?"
Willow looked like she swallowed bile.
" No, I told you. She �didn't have one before, and I believe her!"
" Ok, ok, chill out� I believe you�" Cordy smiles.
" So, guessing I'm kind of a freak too. See. I'm a freak too. So, not � bad� get it?"
Cordelia nods.
They sit silently for awhile.
" I gotta know." Cordelia said, her curiosity overcoming her decorum.
" What?"
" About Faith�"
" What about Faith?"
" Well� you said you saw her�ummm� thing, right?"
" Penis, we can say penis, yes?"
" Ok, her penis�ummm�gosh� how big was it?" Cordelia blushes.
" Huh?" Willow blushes. God, what does that matter?
" Just� well, you gotta admit� ok, I'm a snoop. But how big?"
Willow shrugged. She held up her hands, together, then spread them until they were approximately as long as she remembered Faith's penis being.
Cordy's eyes go wide.
" No�way!"
" Way!"
" My god, she's� hung like a horse!"
Both girls look at each other, and break out in embarrassed giggles.
" How.. thick?" Cordelia asks, already a little awed.
" This thick," Willow holds up her fingers circled.
" Oh my god!" Cordelia blushes deeply. " I wonder� if you get tired of her.. can I have her?"
Willow shoots her a dark look.
" Ok, kidding, again!" Cordy smiles. " You know, there might be something to this gay thing�"
" STOP!" Willow punched her arm, but it was friendly.
" Ow.. ok, geeze�"
" One thing. You can't ever , EVER tell her I told you. You can't know�ok?"
" Yeah� I guess, saying " how's it hanging?" not gonna go over well?"
" STOP!"
" I promise, I promise� just no more hitting!"
" 'K "
"uhhh�?"
"What now?"
" Did you� well, she showed it to you� did you� touch it?"
Willow turns seven shades of red before she nods.
" And?"
" It felt� kinda �nice" Willow's voice goes low.
" I bet!"
" You don't know?"
" Of course I know!" Cordelia says a little too quickly. She blushes. " Ok, well� not really �"
" Not Really?"
" Hey! I'm not a slut! I've only slept with Xander, and he's kind of funny anybody touching ' Little Alex' as he calls it."
" Oh my god. He calls his thing ' Little Alex ' ?" Willow giggles
" I know. He's such a dork!" Cordelia starts to laugh, then sobers up. " Hey, this is just between us, ok? If he ever finds out I told ANYONE, I'm so�" Cordelia looks scared.
" It won't. Promise!"
" Ok, then, " Cordelia was relieved. " So, I guess� I guess we're friends?"
" I guess." Willow shrugs.
" So, what? Do we hug?"
" I guess�" Willow doesn't sound all that anxious.
They do hug, but it's more that hug women share that are rivals than friends. A kind of back slapping hug without much body contact.
Willow gets an evil idea, and she reaches around, giving Cordy a squeeze on her butt. Cordy jumps.
" HEY! Don't! I don't do that with girls!" Cordy protested.
" Kidding!"

-10-

A bright moon shone over Sunnydale and the surrounding woods as the couple, married an in their mid thirties, ran down the path.
Carrying a blanket from the car, they looked for the perfect place. Both were horny, naked and jonesing for a little adventure. Their lovemaking had become a little � well� predictable, and they were looking for an adventure.
An adventure they would regret for the rest of their lives.
Giggling like teenagers, they found the perfect spot. A small clearing near the highway, seemingly rock free. Spreading the blanket, they stood, and took each other in arms. The kissing started to get passionate.
They fell on the blanket, and things began to heat up for real. Touching, kissing and moving all began to sync, and both knew it was going to be the best time they've had together in awhile.
Just as the husband was about to enter her, he was knocked forcibly off her, and laid stunned and bleeding. He quickly lost all arousal when he saw what hit him.
A huge beast towered over his wife. Turning, the beast attacked him, tearing out his throat and life in one swipe. The man lay like a mannequin, stiff, cold, lifeless.
The beast turned back to the woman, who, having slightly recovered from shock, was crawling away on her back. The beat leaped on her, pinning her to the ground. The woman, already near shock, screamed.
The beast slavered over her. It reared up, and dove at her crotch, in one bite of its huge jaws disemboweling her through her vaginal region. The woman screamed in agony, and then died from shock and blood loss.
The beast, just starting, tore her apart, devouring its kill with relish. Turning on the body of the husband, it tore him apart, worrying and consuming the meat with relish.
Its horrible deed done, the beast reared up, relishing the thrill of the kill.
There was something oddly familiar about this beast. Something that sent chills down the spine.
Its mane was red streaked. Punker style.
It was Veruca, in her lycanthropic form. It � she� relished her latest human kill.
She lifted her head again, and ululated her triumph!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To be continued.
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- 5
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