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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Disclaimer: same as the other chapters sex violence and squeamish themes also M/F and F/F male couplings

Feedback: Definately

Spoilers: I guess Halloween comes to mind but nothing else this is a total A/U fantasy of a slightly different sunnydale

A/N Thanks Norwalker for her help and her interest in this story if it wasn't for her this part would probably not be posted

Joss Whedon owns all

-1-

Free!
Cordelia Chase cannot remember ever feeling as free as she does now. Sailing high in the night sky, she looks down on the forest area surrounding Sunnydale. She feels the wind beneath her, lifting her transformed body easily in the air. She can feel her new muscles rippling under the covering of feathers she wears. She knows instinctively how by changing the shape of her wing, or moving her tail will alter the course of her flight. She is confident that she alone rules the sky; it is her domain. She knows no fear her, no questions, no doubts; she is powerful. Nothing can stop her from getting what she wants.
She feels a hunger stir within her. A need, not only physical, but emotional. The need to hunt, to kill and to relish that kill. Her heart pumps faster, her blood feels on fire as the need grows. She uses her enhanced eyesight to search out a likely target. No fish for her tonight; she wants something larger, warmer�
She spots a herd of mule deer grazing on the sweet grasses near Lake Sunnydale. Circling high overhead, she watches , assessing the group, looking for a likely target. Feeling her control, her power, she slowly descends, using the air currents to silently approach. Carefully she chooses a target, looking for a likely victim. Even in the moonlight she spots an older doe, obviously weakened and infirm. It stands off a little from the rest of the group, foraging for tender sweet stalks of grass. Cordelia adjusts her flight, setting herself to attack.
Whether it is instinct, or the shadow of her 15 foot wingspan that crosses over the moonlight, the herd is suddenly alerted to her presence. Sounding the call, the herd begins to stampede, racing to escape her clutches. The old doe, infirm from age and disease, attempts to keep up, but soon falls behind. Cordelia swoops down on the prey, her talons extended. The doe, weakened by age and fear, attempts to escape but Cordelia soon has it in her claws.
Struggling mightily, Cordelia rises, carrying the doe below her. The doe struggles, attempting to escape, but Cordelia sinks her claws deeper. They are like sharpened daggers; soon the struggles lessen , then cease altogether. The weight of her prey is holding her down, she quickly finds an isolated patch to drop the carcass. Circling around the clearing, she finds a jutting rock formation to land on, overlooking her prize. Perching proudly, she shakes out her wings, screeching loudly her triumph in the hunt.
Her animal instincts seem to take over. She hops off the rock perch, approaching the cooling carcass of the slain deer. Her movements are almost ritualistic; her head bobbing and weaving as her legs carry her large form towards the kill. Her beak, curved and sharp , cuts into the hide, opening a wound in the remains. She uses both talons and beak to rend the animal, pulling off chunks of raw flesh to gorge upon. The smell, the warmth of the blood, and the taste all overwhelm her, and soon she is tearing and eating, lost in the bloodlust�

Cordelia's eyes squint against the sun shining through her bedroom window, and she groans. She doesn't want to get up; she feels more exhausted than when she went to bed.
" go 'way" she mutters to the sun, " dammit, not time yet!"
She pulls the cover over her head, attempting to block out the nasty sun, when she smells the odd smell. A coppery smell. She tries to ignore it, but it's very strong. Finally, grimacing, she sits up and stretches.
The first thing she notices is that she's naked.
What the heck? I never sleep naked! I swear I put on a nightgown last night�
The second thing she notices is the blood. All over her and her sheets. Scared, too scared to even scream, a gagging sound emits from her throat as she almost tumbles out of bed in her haste to get away from the blood.
Oh, god! Oh god , oh god, oh god! She quickly checks herself for wounds, but finds none. Her brain, still fuzzy from sleep, takes a few seconds to catch up.
It's then that the memories of last night slam into her. She remembers it all. The drive to the lake, the change, and the freedom she felt soaring through the air. The hunger, the desire to hunt. The kill� and how she tore the deer apart. The blood, the taste still in her mouth�
Feeling dizzy and nauseated , she bends over and hurries to the bathroom. She barely makes the toilet when her stomach revolts, and she regurgitates the kill from last night. Falling to her knees, she leans over the toilet as her stomach empties itself.
Feeling ill, her face covered in a cold sweat, she nevertheless pushes herself away from the toilet, flushing it. She notices her arm is streaked with blood. Checking herself, she sees her entire body has smears of blood. Feeling woozy, she leans over the toilet, the nausea taking over again. But she is empty, her only response is a case of the dry heaves.
Weakened, shaky, she stands up again. Panic hits her as she realizes that the bloody sheets are still out in her bedroom. God, someone could see them! Galvanized, she rushes into the bedroom, fearing the worst. How do I explain the blood?
She sighs in relief when she realizes that no one has come up yet. She rushes to the door, and locks it. Turning back, she inspects the room. Except for the sheets, all seems well. She spots the open French windows, the ones by her bed, and realizes that's how she must have gotten back in her room last night� after�
Going into action mode, she quickly strips the bed, and is relieved to find the blood hasn't penetrated to the mattress. Bundling the sheets together, she carries them into the bathroom. She stuffs them into the hamper. I'll have to find a way to get rid of them later. Burn them or something. God, what am I going to do?
Starting to shake violently, she sits down on the toilet, and begins to cry.
What am I gonna do? God, I'm some kind of freak monster thing!!! What's wrong with me? What happened to me? I don't WANNA be a freak! I want to be ME again! Rocking back and forth, hugging herself tightly, Cordelia gives into the emotions, crying and repeating over and over to herself What am I going to do? What am I going to do?
Finally getting herself back into some semblance of control, she walks over and turns on the shower. Hopping in, she lets the water spray over her, washing off some of the blood on her body. Grabbing her loofah , she scrubs vigorously at her skin, trying to get every bit of what happened last night off her skin and out of her life.
She feels her panic and fear turning into anger. It's not my fault! I didn't ask for this! Hating what she's become, hating that it makes her feel free and powerful, she places the blame on the ones she knows are responsible for this.
Willow. And Faith� and Buffy�and all those freaks! They did this! They made me this way! They did something to me, made me some kind of freaky deeky monster! They�re jealous of me, because I'm rich and powerful and have everything I want and everything they wish they had!!! They used some magic or something to transform me, I know it! Oh, I'm so gonna get them back! I hate them, I hate them all!!!!
Skin almost raw from rubbing, Cordelia turns off the shower and grabs a towel to dry off. Her movements are swift and jerky, informed by her anger. Grim faced, she steps over to the mirror to comb her hair.
As she grooms, she feels her anger dissipate. She knows deep down that it's not any of the ' freaks' fault. Not really. She knows on some level, that this isn't a spell or a curse� that she was born this way. A freak of nature. Her anger isn't at them, it's at the fates that made her this way. All she wants is to be normal, to be an average( Well, ok, not average. I mean, I'm like way beyond average) girl with no strange things happening to her. She wants things to be the way they were� before all the weirdness started.
Even deeper though is a yearning. A yearning to give in, become again. To feel the power, the freedom she felt when she shed her human body and became the hunter� the avian creature. She loved the feeling of power she had, the feeling she owned the skies, the strength she felt and the hunger, the raw hunger to hunt and kill.
No!!! No!!! I'm not a thing� I'm a human� I don't want that. I hate that!!!
She knows she has to stay away from it, all of it. Especially Buffy's gang of freakazoids. They bring that � thing � out in me. I� I won't do it anymore. I can't. I need to forget it. I need to be normal. I'm going to be normal!
Feeling hot, she splashes cool water on her face. For the longest time she stares at herself in the mirror.
Who are you?
Her lips tighten, and her eyes harden.
" Not a freak, I'm not a freak, " She mutters to herself." I'm a normal girl, and � I'm not one of them. I'm not!"
She leaves the bathroom to dress for school.
-2-

" Concentrate!"
Dr. Walsh, Drusilla and Spike are in her office. The lights have been dimmed; most of the light coming from a desk lamp. On the desk are spread tarot cards. Riley Finn, also present, stands behind Dr. Walsh close to her desk.
" What do you see, Drusilla?" Dr. Walsh asks, watching her closely.
" OOOOhhhhhh, " Drusilla groans, her hands flying to her temples. She starts to weave in her chair.
" Drusilla, pet? Are you ok?" Spike, looking worried, puts a hand on Drusilla's shoulder. He throws a hostile look at Dr. Walsh.
" I see darkness, and confusion. Lots of confusion. Something wicked is happening� a man, a tall man, does something to change everything. Make everyone be what they pretend to be. Ooohhhh� so much fighting and pain� everyone is scared, so scared, I can taste the fear�" She looks up, her eyes bright. She's smiling. " I love it!"
" Who? Who's the man? Can you see who it is?"
" Like water from the sky, he is. Slippery and sneaky."
" Rayne? Is that it? Ethan Rayne?"
" Aye, that's him. Oh, he really loves to make things jumbled!" She starts to weave, her voice almost a chant. " like a storm he is, coming in on dark clouds. Then crash-boom the lightning strikes, and all are not what they are, but what they pretend to be. Oh, it's lovely, so lovely�." Drusilla holds her head between her hands, a small moan escaping her.
" Doc, that's enough. You know how this hurts her. She can barely stand after, " Spike goes over and kneels by Drusilla, " Are you ok, luv? Do you need anything?"
" Ruff, ruff. Good doggie!" Drusilla pats his head. " Mommy needs a bone, she does!"
" Drusilla? When is it going to happen? Can you see that?"
" Doc, I said enough!" Spike stands up, coming over to Dr. Walsh, towering over her , staring down.
Riley, standing behind Dr. Walsh, comes forward. Maggie waves him back.
Maggie Walsh stands up, facing Spike.
" I'm sorry, Spike, but I don't have time to coddle her, or you. Things are happening too quickly. Veruca's out of control, and now I know that Ethan Rayne is working against me, it's pretty sure Anne Price is too. Don't you see that?"
" She can't take much more, Doc. She gets into the funks, where she just lies on her bed, staring at the ceiling, talking to the walls. "
"If I don't stop them, Spike, Drusilla's talking to the walls will be the least of her problems. Unless you both fancy going back into stasis again?"
" Is that a threat, Doc?"
" No�I don't want it, but there are many that are more than willing to scotch the whole project. I've got to know what they're up to, so I can counter them. Or it's goodbye to all we've worked for!"
Spike closes his eyes, his mouth a tight line. He's desperately trying to keep his temper in check.
"Just don't push her so hard, Doc. You don't know how it affects her. You don't live with her, see her � every day."
" I'm sorry, Spike. I have no choice, " Maggie goes to Drusilla. " Can you see when it's going to happen, Dru?"
Maggie doesn't see Spike's hands reach out, as if to choke her. He quickly withdraws them.
" Oh, yes, I see� soon, Doctor, very soon. Before All Hallows, the plan, their plan will come to bear fruit."
" Their plan? Do you see someone else, Drusilla?"
At that moment, the lights in the room snap on. Anne Price is standing in the doorway.
" So, what's going on in here?" She asks, brightly. Her voice has a slight edge to it. " Secret meeting?"
Drusilla, still partly in her vision, sees Anne and starts to whimper.
" Oh, it's her," She points a long finger at Anne, " she always there!"
Anne frowns at Drusilla, not really understanding her meaning.
" So pretty this one, " Drusilla rises from her chair, going over to Anne. She circles around her, making Anne a little nervous. " Like a Venus fly trap. She shows the honey until she has you�," Drusilla snaps her fingers in Anne's face," � like that!" Drusilla smiles her slightly crazy wicked smile.
Anne, somewhat disturbed, leans away from her, then ducks around her, going over to Dr. Walsh.
" Do you think you can keep the freaks away from me?" Anne looks at Drusilla warily, " especially that one?"
" Oh, don't worry, Luv, " Spike comes up to Anne, enjoying her discomfort, " Drusilla won't hurt you. She's �sweet in her way. Now, me�." He morphs and shows his game face.
" Dammit! Get away from me!" Anne says, backing right into Dr. Walsh's desk. Trying to regain control of the situation, she turns to Dr. Walsh. " Can we clear the room? We need to talk!"
Spike laughs.
" That's enough, Spike!" Dr. Walsh barks. She turns to Riley, " could you please escort Spike and Drusilla back to their quarters?"
" Right away, Dr. Walsh." Riley moves to Spike, grabbing his arm. Spike gives him a look, as if he wants to hit him. Then he smiles, and beckons to Drusilla.
" Right you are. Come along, Dru. The good Doctor here needs her alone time with � Ms. Price, " Again, he morphs, smiling with full fangs. Anne Price blanches a little.
" Spike, I said, that's enough. Now, be a good boy and go with Riley." Dr. Walsh walks over to him, saying softly so only he can hear, " We'll talk more later."
" Absolutely, Doc. After all, it's all about saving your arse, isn't it?" Spike grins at Maggie Walsh's angry flush. He turns away, and while being dragged out by Riley, addresses Drusilla. " Come luv, lets have a go at naming the stars again."
" Now, Spike! " Drusilla chides him as they walk out the door, " You shouldn't be so mean to the Doctor. She is after all your grandmamma," She waves at Dr. Walsh, " Bye, mummy"
Spike, Riley and Drusilla leave.
" Why do you keep those freaks around? After all, I understand they're sterile. What's the point?"
" Oh, they can be useful, " Dr. Walsh is still taking some pleasure at Anne's discomfiture. " So, what was so important that you had to barge in here interrupting my experiment?"
" Oh, is that what this was?" Anne looks doubtful, " anyway, I'm here to inform you that the Congressional committee is not happy�"
" That's news!" Dr. Walsh comments sarcastically.
Anne continues as if she didn't hear that remark, " � and they want some answers about the Veruca situation."
" I'm sorry, " Dr. Walsh furrows her brows, " but exactly how did they know about the " Veruca Situation" anyway?"
" Well, as Congressional Liaison, of course I felt my duty to report the situation to the committee."
" I see, " Dr. Walsh returns to her desk, sitting down. Inside she's boiling, but she won't let Anne Price see it. She leans back in her chair, and smiles.
" Anne, I really wish you'd come to me before running off to report to the committee. I know you were doing what you thought was right, but I think if you'd discussed the situation with me before hand you would've seen that it's not as serious as it seems. And we already have plans to take care of it, and to keep from having such an occurrence happen again."
" The committee has to know when disasters happen. After all, they have to be prepared to explain it to the public, especially if this somehow got out in the media�"
" We have that taken care of, Anne. Which you'd know, if you consulted with me. Why do you think we chose Sunnydale to conduct these tests? For the ocean view?" Maggie shakes her head with mock sympathy, " We have the town tightly reigned in, including media outlets. Right now the ' media ' is reporting this as a suspected Satanic cult slaying� and that the perpetrators are close to being caught. No panic, no muss, no fuss� unless someone leaks the truth" She looks pointedly at Anne, " But we don't have to worry about that happening, now do we?"
" No, of course not."
" But now I have a group of nervous Nellie congressmen on my hands. Ah well, don't worry about it, Anne. I'll take care of this, " Dr. Walsh says dismissively, " I really wish I could've waited until I had Veruca in custody, but now I'll just assure them that it's all in control." She smiles sweetly at Anne. " See, if you'd come to me first, none of this mess would've happened. That's the purpose of a liaison, right? Communication?"
" Yes, of course, " Anne realizes that somehow Dr. Walsh has turned this around on her, and she's not happy about it. But she decides rather than confront her directly, she'll find a way to make her life impossible. And that would be sweet.
" Like I said, I'll take care of this. But could you do me a favor, please?"
" What is it, Dr. Walsh?"
" Could you find Riley and ask him to come back in? I need to talk to him."
Anne looks at her. What, am I a messenger girl now?
Dr. Walsh's phone rings. She picks it up.
" I have to take this. Thanks again, Anne." She turns away from her.
Anne, feeling as if she's missed something, leaves.
" Hello?" Dr. Walsh speaks into her phone.

-3-

Maggie Walsh hangs up the phone. Her expression is grim.
" I knew it, " She mutters to herself. " I knew she was a duplicitous little bitch, and now I've got proof!"
Maggie, worried and full of nervous energy, jumps up from behind her desk and begins to pace.
She goes over the conversation she's just had with Giles, and all signs point to a coming disaster.
Giles reported that he saw Anne Price talking with that� that� slime, Ethan Rayne. She knew there was some connection there; Dr. Walsh wasn't a fool. She had Little Ms. lollipop and razorblades checked out. But from Giles' report, and some other rumors she's heard, Dr. Walsh had to conclude there was more to their relationship that just colleagues. More like a Sugar Daddy . Some of the things she's heard they've done together � God, how sick is that? leads her to think that " Daddy" and Anne are � perverts to the nth degree. She shudders at the thought. Grow up, Maggie. No time for moral judgments.
What disturbed her more was the fact that Ethan had approached Giles with a plan to discredit her, and further, had knowledge of the subjects. Intimate knowledge. Knowledge no outsider should have. Meaning little Ms. Price is telling daddy all the scoop. Why? What was Rayne's interest in the Initiative, anyway? Wasn't his kind of action. He was more into making the better, more destructive bomb or weapon or plague. Never mind the rumors of Satanic worship. And all the politicians he's bought or has influence over, one way or another. Or the orgies at his " Ranch" in Canada. Or the other, even more vile stuff.
Focus, Maggie. What does he want with the test subjects? Is he planning to steal my work, sell it to the highest bidder? Or is something else, something more insidious in the works? God, I hate that man� and his whorish little daughter, too!
She knows what she has to do. She has to stop him. Both of them, before they can pervert her work. She can't allow it; she won't allow it! There's no telling what that corrupt madman would do with my research. What evil he'll unleash on the world!
The first thing she had to do was get the Veruca problem taken care of. Damn that bitch. I raised her from a glob of jelly in a petri- dish, and this is how she repays me. What the hell went wrong? Why is she going out killing humans? I should've reprogrammed her sooner. This is too out of control.
Maggie wonders what's keeping Lt. Commander Finn. I wonder if Ms. Slut even asked him to come back?
Dr. Walsh walks over to her desk, and presses the intercom buzzer.
" Yes, Dr. Walsh?"
" Bernadine? Contact Lt. Commander Riley. Tell him I need him in my office, immediately!"
" Right, Dr. Walsh"
Dr. Walsh sits heavily in the chair behind her desk. So tired, sometimes I wish I could just chuck it all.
Now, on top of everything else, she has the congressional committee to worry about. Thanks to Anne� Oh, thank you so much, Anne � the killings a few nights ago have gotten back to them, along with the responsible parties. She has to assure them that she has the situation under control, and there will be no repeat performances.
It was a lie. Veruca was no where near ' in control' . Worse, she's gotten her playmate to start evolving early, going on ' kills' with her. From what she could gather, Oz had no recollections of his killing; the mental blocks were still working on the newest generations. But the violence of the kills, and the attendant chemical and hormonal changes brought on by them, and the early acceleration, might cause the block to fail. Then what? Two powerful potential killing machines out of control. No, she had no choice. She had to bring them both in, devolve them both. Another failure! Damn!
The only bright spot on the horizon, so far, anyway, was the Faith/ Willow and Buffy/ Angel pairings. Both seemed to be progressing along the normal timetables set for their acceleration. The only possible worry was both pairings seemed to be getting emotionally involved sooner than she expected. Hey, it's love, or at least the chemical equivalent. Can't predict these things with any accuracy, you know! She chuckled to herself.
Her thoughts are interrupted by her office buzzer.
" Lt. Commander Riley is here to see you, Dr. Walsh"
" Very good, Bernadine. Send him in."
Lt. Commander Riley enters the office, dressed in civilian clothing. Dr. Walsh looks at him, somewhat surprised.
"What's this about, Riley?" She asks.
" I'm going on shift to do monitor duty in Sunnydale, Dr. Walsh, as you ordered. The electronic monitors have been planted on all the test subjects as you ordered, ma'am!" Riley stands at attention.
" At ease, Riley. Sit down," Dr. Walsh waves at the chair before her desk. Riley sits, ramrod straight. " Relax, Riley. This isn't a troop review. Can I get you something? Coffee, juice? Water?"
" No thank you, Ma'am" Riley replies. He relaxes a little, sitting back in the chair.
Dr. Walsh studies Riley Finn, thinking how fortunate she was getting him assigned to this project.
Riley for his part is silent, thinking of how to frame what he wants to say. Finally, he just decides to say it.
" Dr. Walsh, Spike and Drusilla have a request, " Riley pipes up.
" Oh?" Dr. Walsh frowns. This never bodes well.
" Evidently, Alpha Delta Tau fraternity is having a party Friday night, and they� well, they're a little itchy by being cooped up, and they want to go."
" I see, " Dr. Walsh looks at Riley, " What do you think about it?"
" Well, frankly? They're getting a little cranky, and that's never good. They're harder to handle when they get this way. I think it might be a good idea to let them attend the party. I have some guys planted on campus in the fraternity, and together we'll keep an eye on them. If they start anything, or get weird, my men can pull them out. But � being a Marine, I know that morale is important, and I think they could use the R&R."
Dr. Walsh sighs. " Very well, I'm inclined to grant their request. But I'm making them your responsibility, Riley. Make sure they don't get into trouble. " She sighs again, " damn, they're just like children. They are children, Riley. My children. I had such hopes for them. Spike, Drusilla and Veruca. They were my 'firstborns'. I wanted them to be special. I programmed them with strong personalities. I thought it was important." She shakes her head, " but it all went wrong. The genetics didn�t work, and they couldn't breed like they were supposed to. I think that's the trouble, Riley. With Dru and Spike, and especially with Veruca."
" I'm not sure I'm following you, ma'am" Riley replies.
" They're supposed to breed. They're programmed to desire it. But they can't, and I think that's what makes them act crazy. I think if they had bred, and had the responsibilities of raising their young, they would settle down. Be more responsible, and stronger. And not be so� wild."
" I dunno, Dr. Walsh. They're pretty �well, crazy, ma'am. Sorry, but they are. Not sure they would make good parents�"
" Well, we'll never know now, will we?" She looks at Riley, and smiles. " How 'bout you and Sam? How are things progressing on the baby front? I know you've been looking forward to being a father and all. At least, that's what it says in your profile�"
Riley Finn blushes. " We're working on it, Dr. Walsh, honestly!" Finn grins, " but with the job and weird hours and all�"
" I know. I've come to depend on you terribly, Riley, and I know it can't be helping things at home. Maybe when this current crisis is over, we can arrange a leave for you and Sam. Get some quality time in�" She smiles.
" Thank you, ma'am. That would be great, " Riley Finn smiles.
Dr. Walsh gets up, and walking to the coffeemaker in her office, pours herself a cup of coffee. She sips it, looking at Riley over the rim of the cup. Her expression is unreadable.
" Are you ok, Dr. Walsh?" Riley asks, a little nervous at the silence and scrutiny.
Maggie Walsh walks over to her chair, and sits. Putting down the cup, she looks at Riley intently.
" Riley? May I ask you a question? And get an honest answer?"
" Of course, Dr. Walsh."
" Are you happy Riley? I mean, here, being here?"
Riley is quiet for a moment.
" Ma'am? I'm not entirely sure I understand. This is my duty, Dr. Walsh. I go where I've been assigned. That would be here, for now. I don't see what my happiness has to do with anything."
"I know this is a strange assignment for you, Lt. Commander. You've seen some strange things around here. I've watched you careful, Riley. You're very discreet about what you've seen and heard here." Dr. Walsh gets up, and walks over to Riley, standing by his chair. " But a good soldier, an effective soldier, is one that is happy with his assignment. That's what I need to know. Are you happy with your assignment?" She places a hand on his shoulder. " The truth, Riley. I need the truth."
" Permission to speak freely, ma'am?"
" That's what I want, Riley."
" Thank you, Dr. Walsh. I won't lie to you. This was hardly what I expected when I joined the Marines, ma'am. Even when I was tapped for Special Ops, I didn't expect anything like this. I'm a soldier, ma'am. All this science stuff is a little strange to me."
" Go on, Riley. Please."
" However, ma'am, I will say, that since I've been here, you've been more than fair to me and my men. It was very unnerving at first, when I learned what was being done here. But you explained it to me, and didn't treat me like a grunt. I appreciate that, ma'am. You've been tough when necessary, but also have given credit when it's due. Again, I respect you for that. " Riley stops for a moment, as if to consider the next part of his answer." You ask me if I'm happy with my assignment here. I'm not sure I can say yes, Dr. Walsh. I'm not sure I believe in this ' super-soldier' concept. I frankly believe that humans, real humans, are still the best fighters. But that's not my call. I will say, that I'm satisfied with my treatment here, and with your leadership. I trust you, Dr. Walsh."
" Thank you, Riley, that means a lot to me, " Dr. Walsh returns to her desk, sitting down. " Things have not always run smoothly here, and I fear that a situation is developing in Project Sunnydale that may require careful scrutiny, along with corrective action when the time is right. Need I say that whatever we talk about mustn't leave this room?"
" Understood, ma'am."
" Good. First of all, we need to discuss Anne Price."
Riley's expression, usually so neutral, in this case reveals his distaste for the subject.
" Is there something wrong, Riley?"
" Frankly, Dr. Walsh, I don't trust her. She's up to something."
Maggie Walsh nods, feeling a genuine smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

" That�s my assessment exactly, Riley. I truly believe she's not working for the benefit of the project. I need you to put an operative on her, to keep tabs on her movements."
" Already done, Doctor."
" I beg your pardon?" Dr. Walsh looks surprised.
" I didn't trust her from the first. After awhile, she began pumping my men for information about the project. At that point, I figured she was up to no good. So I assigned one of my female operatives to her, to shadow her. All very discreetly, of course."
" Well done, Riley," Dr. Walsh seems genuinely pleased. " I see my confidence in you wasn't misplaced. What have you learned?"
" No much, I fear, Dr. Walsh," Riley replies, " But I do know she's been meeting secretly with one Ethan Rayne, a British Industrialist rumored to be worth billions�and who has some very interesting ties to some very nasty International terrorist networks."
Nothing I didn't already know. But still, very clever of Riley.
" Riley, I need your assessment of the Sunnydale situation. There have been some incidents, and I fear the Powers that Be� at least, that's what they think of themselves, are making some noises. I need an objective opinion."

" Not to put too fine a point on it, Dr. Walsh, I think you have some trouble there. I fear a situation may be in the offing."
" Indeed?"
" Your test subject, Veruca, seems to be out of control, in my opinion, Dr. Walsh. She's been observed creating havoc amongst the other ' subjects', and also, I suspect she's behind the rash of deaths that have occurred recently in Sunnydale. Moreover, I think she's brought her � well, she can't mate, but her cohabitant, Oz, into her little spree. To be frank, ma'am, I think it's time we took some action against her."
" I have to agree, unfortunately, " Dr. Walsh sighs heavily, " I've hesitated because she was in my first generation of test subjects. When the reproductive process wouldn't work with her, I still thought she had potential as a handler. To keep the lid on problems. Instead, she's become a problem herself." Dr. Walsh leans back in her chair." We still don't have solid evidence of her complicity in the crimes� but everything seems to point in her direction. Still, we can't reel her in right now. Not until we have more proof." She leans forward. " Those monitors, she has one?"
" Yes, Dr. Walsh. All the mutants do."
" Riley. I wish you wouldn't use that term."
" Sorry , ma'am."
" These monitors can track movements 24/7?"
Riley nods.
" Good. Keep an operative on her. I've got a forensic team going over the most recent murders. DNA tests have been run. I should have the results in a few days� and that should prove beyond doubt she's involved. Once we have the evidence, you're to bring her and Oz in for � reprogramming."
" Understood."
" Anything else to report?"
" Xander Harris, ma'am. I know he's been disciplined for behavior before, but I feel he's a loose cannon. For now he seems to be ok, but I don't think you can rely on him."
" Harris has been loyal. I realize he seems to have some problems, but overall I believe he's still trustworthy."
Riley remains silent.
" Ok, keep an eye on him. But don't do anything unless he proves to be � a problem."
" Disposition?"
" Capture but no kill."
" Understood ma'am." Riley seems to have more to say.
" Yes?" Dr. Walsh inquires.
" Dr. Giles, ma'am."
" I don't understand?"
" He met with Ethan Rayne, ma'am"
" I'm aware of that. He reported in just before I called you."
" I'm glad to hear that, ma'am� but�"
" Riley?"
" I'm not sure of his loyalties to you or the project, Dr. Walsh. He has a history with Ethan Rayne, going back to when they were both young men in college. Though he reported in, he might not be telling all he knows."
Dr. Walsh's brow furrows. " Explain, Riley."
" I don't think he will hook up with Rayne, ma'am. In my background check on him, I found there is bad blood between the two. But, I've observed him in relation to the subjects. Frankly, I don't think he's entirely objective when it comes to them."
" Your point, Riley?" Dr. Walsh sound irritated." I've known Rupert Giles for a long time. He's a very loyal friend, and a scientist. He's very professional when it comes to his work. I don't think he'd �"
" I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can only report what I've seen. On several occasions, I've seen him act not in the best interest of the project, but of the subject. I do think he's become too close to certain members of the group. Especially Buffy and Willow."
Dr. Walsh says nothing. She sits behind her desk, silently, staring out into space.
Riley finally breaks the silence.
"What do you want me to do about Dr. Giles, ma'am?"
" For now? Nothing. If the time comes, I'll handle Dr. Giles."
" As you wish, Dr. Walsh."
" Ok, Riley. I believe you know what you need to do. Get the necessary team in place to capture Veruca and Oz when the time is right. Also, report to me any changes in the circumstance in Sunnydale. And keep a tight reign on Ms. Price. Things are at a delicate juncture right now. The last thing we need is her causing more problems."
" Understood, Dr. Walsh."
" One more thing, Riley."
" Yes, Dr. Walsh?"
" I need a plan to shut down Project Sunnydale. That means everything. In case the worst happens."
" Shut down? You mean�?"
" Yes. But only in the worst case scenario. Can you do it?"
Riley hesitates a moment, then nods. " Yes, ma'am. It can be done."
Maggie Walsh nods.
" I hope it never comes to that, Dr. Walsh."
" Me either, Riley. Me either."

-3-

Cordelia Chase is strolling across campus to her class . She's still somewhat shaken up by this morning. But she's putting a brave face on it, not letting the world know that she knows she's a freak.
A freak. God, what did I do to deserve this one? I mean, why me??? I'm just a normal girl, with normal desires. To marry rich, to have a palatial mansion, and to have a black AMEX card to go shopping with, whenever I want. Oh, and servants, of course. And trips to Europe� well, I mean, what girl doesn�t? But no, I gotta be some freakazoid like Buffy and Willow�
That's not fair. After Willow and Faith helped me out. I know� I should be nicer to them. But � I just can't be seen with them. Hang with them. Never mind the social suicide� they make me know I'm a freak. I just can't be that, I won't be that.

Cordelia looks up from her musings, and sees something that makes her smile.
" Xander!" She calls out, waving.
She sees him stop and turn. He comes at her. When she can see his face, her smile begins to fade.
" Xander?" She says in an almost whisper.
Xander, looking angry, grabs her arm and starts to drag her to a secluded place on the campus.
" Xander! You're hurting me!" Cordelia cries out, struggling against him.
" Keep it up, Cordy, and you'll really know the meaning of pain."
" Xander? What's wrong? What did I do?"
" You know what you did, Cordy."
They come to a wall, and Xander reaches around Cordelia, taking and arm and twisting it up. She groans loudly.
" Please, stop it! I swear to God, Xander, I don't know what's wrong!"
" Who've you been talking to, bitch?"
"What?"
" Who've you been talking to? Who've you been telling things? Secret things?"
" No one. I swear, Xander ,I haven't told anyone anything!"
" Don't lie to me, bitch!" Xander increases the pressure on her arm. She lets out a loud yelp. " Shut up! Take it like the mutant you are!"
" Why're you doing this to me?" Cordelia starts to cry, " I told you, I didn't do anything, say anything. I swear, Xander!"
" Liar!" Xander hauls back and slaps her hard across the face, cutting her lip. It starts to bleed.
" Now, tell me the truth. Why were you out at Lake Sunnydale last night?"
" I just� I needed to get away, and think� that's all!"
He slaps her again. She cries out.
" Wrong-O bitch," He growls, pulling her close. His fingers dig into her arms. " I know what you were doing� now fess up!"
" There's nothing to confess, Xander. All I wanted was some alone time�"
" You goddamn whore, I should kill you right�" He cocks back his arm to hit her, but suddenly, his fist won't move. Nor his arm. He tries to hit her, but his arm simply won't move. He looks around.
Into the very stern face of Buffy Summers, who is holding his arm.
" Let me go, freak!" Xander struggles, but can't break her grip.
" Hitting women now, are we Xander?" Buffy says, twisting his arm around. He cries out.
"Stop it you bitch. This isn't your business. This whore�"
" HEY!"
Willow walks up to Xander, and kicks him in the leg.
" Damn you!" Xander cries out
" Leave her alone, jerk face!' Willow says, going to Cordelia.
" Get out of here, Willow, " Xander growls. " Get lost before I�."
" Ummm� jerk face?" Buffy twists his arm tighter. " Back off."
" I'll get you for this, you little�"
Buffy twists his arm even tighter. " What was that?"
Xander shuts up.
" Are you ok?" Willow asks Cordelia. She sees the cut lip. " He cut you?"
Instead of looking happy or grateful to see her, Cordelia seems angry.
Damn, don't they get he's dangerous? Can't they just leave things alone? Shit!
"What do you want, Freako?" She sneers at Willow.
"What?" Willow backs off, a little stunned.
" Are you deaf? What do you want?"
" I� I � thought you w-were in trouble and�"
" And what? Wanted to help? I don't need you're help, loser. Don't you get that yet? God, you're dense. Take your watchdog over there, and leave us alone!"
"What's wrong with you?" Willow protests, finding her voice, " this jerk is hurting you. I just want to help you. We're friends�"
" Me? Friends with you? Are you a total tard? Get this straight, you sears catalogue fashion victim. I'm not a freak, get it? I'm not like you! I'm normal !!! I don't need you, or your 'friendship'. I've got friends, real friends that are popular. Why would I want to be friends with an Ellen wanna-be and Buffy the wonder dog? Never mind Faith the bull dyke. Geeze, get lost, all of you. How much clearer do I gotta be?"
Willow feels like she's been stabbed in the heart. Her eyes are stinging, but by god she won't let Cordy see her cry.
" Fine" She whispers.
Turning on her heel , she walks quickly over to where Buffy is standing. They talk for a moment, Buffy looking over and frowning at Cordelia. Then they take off.
Cordelia, for her part feels like shit. She didn't want to do it that way, but if she let Willow help her now, later would only be harder. Better this way. She thinks I'm the royal bitch. Better, yeah� better� maybe Xander won't go after them now�
" Nice one, Cordy. I see why you win the Ms. Personality award every year," Xander, cagily watching the two girls walk away . There's gonna be a reckoning, and then you two bitches are gonna pay for that. Pay and pay. " So tell me, " He turns back to her, " Were you born a bitch, or was it long years of practice? I mean, wondering if it's inbred."
" Shut up"
" What did you say?" Xander raises his hand.
" Nothing, " Cordelia replies meekly.
" Good. So, back to business. What were you doing at Lake Sunnydale last night?"
" I told you� I needed some time to think�" Cordelia lies to him, " I got there, got out of my car, and � I don't really remember anything else�"
" Yeah, right, like I buy that�" Xander starts to raise his hand.
"Don't� I don't � I really don't remember anything!"
He slaps her again.
" Why're you doing this? I thought you loved me. Why are you hurting me like this?"
" Because, I like it, you stupid cow!" Xander sneers at her. " I don't want you to forget whose bitch you are!" He gets right in her face. " You're my bitch, got it?"

" I'm your what?" Cordelia feels revulsion, pure revulsion." Get over it Harris. You think I haven't heard about you screwing Veruca every which way but missionary? Oh, and I saw how you were drooling over Willow and Buffy."
"So the fuck what? What're you gonna do about it?"
" We're over, Harris. We're so over, you're still burning in the oven." Shoving him away, she starts to walk away.
Xander doesn't take that kind of treatment, however. Fast as lighting, he grabs her arm and whirls her around.
" You're not going anywhere, Cordy."
" I told you, Harris. We're over!"
He shoves her up against a tree, the bark poking her in the back.
" Get this straight, you little whore. We're not over til I say we're over. Clear?"
" Let me go, Harris. Let me go or I swear, I'm gonna�"
" What?" Xander glares at her, his eyes mean. She feels queasy, and a shiver goes down her spine. But she doesn't back down.
" This!" Not able to think of anything else, Cordelia kicks him in the shins. When he goes to grab his leg, she makes her escape.
" Come back here, Cordelia!" He yells, starting after her.
But the Cordettes make an appearance, and Cordelia, seeing them, runs towards them.
" Hey, guys! Wait up, " Cordelia calls out, waving at Harmony to stop. " Did you hear about Jennifer O'Shea and Mitch Davis?" She looks back at Xander.
Xander, knowing that if word of his abuse gets out again, he's in for another beating, or worse, backs off. But he mutters under his breath.
" This isn't over bitch. Not by a long shot!"
He turns and stalks off.

-4-

" She called me what?"
" Buffy the wonder dog, " Willow says, quietly. She's still stinging from the insults Cordelia threw at her and her friends.
" God, what kind of nasty pills does that girl take?" Buffy nods back to where they left Cordelia and Xander. " Know what? Those two deserve each other. She deserves whatever she gets!"
" Buffy!"
" Ok, ok� but still , she makes it hard to want to help her. I mean, if she's got all these friends, why is it we're the ones always pulling her wide-load ass out of the fire!?!?"
Buffy, stop it!" Willow chides her.
"What's with you, Will? I swear, she just insults you, you're girlfriend�"
" Not my girlfriend. I mean, Faith's a girl, and a friend, but not like a girlfriend girlfriend�"
" Oh please, Will. You think we don't see you sneaking off to do the smoochies with her? What, are we blind now?"
Willow turns about 16 shades of red. Buffy laughs.
" Anyway, she insults you, you're girlfriend, and your best friend, and still you're sitting here defending her."
" I can't help it, Buffy. She's so pathetic�"
" God, Will. You've got to get over this save the lost puppy syndrome you've got. Cordelia is not a puppy. She's a rotweiller/ pit bull mix. All she's ever gonna do is snarl and snap and bite you, if you give her the chance. Nasty is as nasty does, Will. I say, let her stew!"
Willow notices that Buffy, while talking and walking, is surreptitiously checking herself out. Particularly her legs and arms.
" What?" Willow asks, not getting it.
" Will, do you think maybe I should get a full body wax?" Buffy says, looking at her legs. " I mean, am I looking a little fuzzy to you?"
Willow has a little trouble following Buffy's train of thought until she remembers the remark Cordelia made about Buffy.
" Buffy! Forget it. That was just Cordelia being� well, Cordelia. Ok, I get it. Cordelia bad. I should remember that. After all, I am chapter president of the " We Hate Cordelia" club." Willow catches Buffy slipping a compact out of her purse. " Stop it! You're not fuzzy! You're cute, and you know it!" Willow laughs. Then she sobers up, " I just thought�" remembering the bonding they'd been doing, it was hard for Willow to accept Cordelia being back to full bitch mode.
" That's the problem, Will!" Buffy exclaims, tapping Willow's forehead with a finger. " Too many thoughts. You're poor brain? Way overheated!"
" Ok, geeze!! I get it. Cordelia� well, she's on her own. See if I stick my nose in to get it bitten off again!"
" That's my Will. Cute and bright!"
"Awww�." Willow blushes again.
" Oh, c'mon. I know of at least one person who'll remain nameless but has dark hair and dark eyes and goes by a name that rhymes with wraith that finds you pretty darned sexy I'm thinking�"
" Well, you got that one right, B!" A voice from behind startles both of them.
Both girls nearly jump out of their skins, and turn around, surprised to see Faith, accompanied by Oz, standing behind them.
" Babbeeee!" Willow cries, throwing her arms around Faith. " What're you doing here?"
" Aw, how was I gonna get through the day without my daily dose of Willowosity?" Faith grins, giving Willow a warm hug. She starts to break away, but Willow won't let her.
" Mmmm-nnnnn� Not til I get a smoochie �." Willow pulls Faith back, and gives her a rather warm kiss on the lips.
Buffy nudges Oz, giving him a smile about the two lovebirds. Oz chuckles and nods.
Faith, very aware that they aren't alone, gently but firmly pushes Willow away. Willow looks at her, surprised.
" What? Do I have garlic breath?" Willow cups her hand to check her breath.
" No, " Faith stage whispers, " but we're not exactly alone, you know!"
" What? Buffy knows� and Oz knows, doesn't he?" Willow looks puzzled, then it hits her. " You're shy! Oh my god, you're shy!"
" I'm so not shy!" Faith protests, " just not a kissing slut to do it just�anywhere!"
" And I am?" She looks at Faith, wide-eyed. " You think I'm a kissing slut?"
" Noooo� just� well�" She leans over and whispers in Willow's ear. " When you do that, well� things happen�" She glances down. " Obvious things�"
" Huh?" Willow notices where Faith's eyes go. " Oh�OH! " She quickly stands in front of Faith.
" Hey, Oz, am I that silly when I'm around Angel?" Buffy teases Willow, who starts to blush.
" Well, you do get a little goofy�" Oz teases Buffy right back.
" Hey!" Buffy complains, a little pink coming to her cheeks.
" Well, you sorta do."
" Ok, well� you didn't have to like point it out, you know!"
" You brought it up, Buffy."
" That�s really no excuse!"
" Hey, do you guys think you could stop talking like we aren't here?" Willow pipes up, " I mean, there's nothing going on between me and Faith� not really�"

Buffy and Oz smile knowingly, not buying that for a minute.
" What? I'm happy to see her, and she's a friend, so I give her a hug and kiss. That doesn't mean like we're sleeping together, you know. I mean, I always hug and kiss my friends." Willow walks over to Oz, hugging him, then giving him a brief kiss on the lips. " Hey, Oz, " then she walks over to Buffy, and before Buffy can react, she hugs her, and kisses her on the lips, too. Buffy's eyes go wide." Heya, Buffy!" she turns back to the group. " See, nothing going on here. Just my way of saying hi, you know?"
Even Faith is looking at Willow as if she's gone around the bend. Willow, seeing the looks, gets defensive.
Oz, realizing this has nowhere to go but down, decides to change the subject before Willow digs herself a bigger hole.
" Hey, actually, I'm glad I caught you two. There's a party at the Alpha Delta Tau house this Friday., and I thought you guys might like to come. I mean, we're gonna be working, " Oz indicates himself and Faith, " The Dingoes are playing, but � thought it might be fun ?"
" College party? Cool, I'm in, " Buffy says, turning to Willow.
" Gee� don't know � "
" C'mon, Will. College party. Sophisticated people, snacks� spiked punch�" She gives Faith a wink, " And I'm sure someone would be really upset if you didn't�"
" Well�." Willow pretends to think about it, when in fact wild horses couldn't keep her away. " Ok, I guess."
" Oh, good, we'll all be there, then, " Another voice drifts into the group. They look around and Veruca has joined them. She walks over to Oz, draping an arm on his shoulder." Hi, sweetie," She says, kissing his cheek.
Oz doesn't react, just stares straight ahead. Veruca looks a little confused.
" You ok, honey?" She asks, softly.
" Yeah, fine," He says, tone neutral.
Faith has been watching this, eyes hard, lips tight.
Willow notices the tension in the group, and is puzzled by it. What's going on with them?
Veruca, trying to ignore the rebuff, turns to Willow and Buffy.
" So, what're you two coming dressed as?"
" Dressed as?"
" It's a costume party. Didn't Oz tell you that?" Veruca turns to Oz. " Didn't you tell them?"
" Didn't have time, yet." His tone is flat.
" AHEM!"
The group, startled, looks up to see Principal Snyder approaching.
" Oh, crap!" Buffy knows this can't be good.
" Well, well. What've we got here? A group of juvenile delinquents � led by Buffy Summers. Why am I not surprised? " Snyder snidely says, stopping in front of them. " Aren't you supposed to be in class right now?"
" We were just going, Principal Snyder!" Buffy says, pulling on Willow, " Thanks for reminding us!"
" Same here, " Oz, gripping Veruca's arm, starts off in another direction
" Wait a minute!" Snyder orders.
They all freeze in place.
Snyder is staring at Faith, who is trying to sneak away quietly.
" Who are you?" He asks, his voice harsh.
Faith halts in her tracks.
" No one you know." Faith replies, and starts to walk away again.
" STOP!"
Faith stops.
" Are you a student here?"
" Uhhh� not really�"
" Not an answer, missy Are you a student, yes or no?"
" No."
" I see, " Snyder gets in her face. " But you thought you'd just wander on the campus, any which way you pleased? Here to sell drugs, I suppose�"
Faith's eyes harden. " Listen you oversized munchkin. Maybe the others are afraid of you, because you're like�what? Assistant Principal here? But I don't care. I don't go here, and there's not jack you can do to me!"
" Oh, really? Well, I wonder what the police would have to say about that?" He pulls a cell phone out of his pocket. " Think I'll just call them now�"
Before Snyder can do anything, Faith grabs the phone out of his hands.
" Nice phone! Thanks. " Faith smiles and pockets the phone.
" Hey, give that back to me!" Snyder barks at her. " Give it back or I'll�"
" You'll what?" Faith gets right in his face. " You impotent little Nazi! Get over yourself. You can't do squat."
" Oh, I can't?" Snyder backs off a little. You can see the sweat gathering on his brow. " I'll have you thrown off campus� and you're friends here will be joining you, after I expel them!"
Faith just shakes her head and smirks. " Don�t bother, I'm leaving anyway." She walks over to Buffy. " Hey, wanted to thank you for the patrol last night. It was mega cool. Hope we can do it again sometime." She smiles.
" No problem, " Buffy says, her eyes on Snyder, who looks like he's going to burst. " You were pretty impressive." She glances at Faith. " Maybe you should go now? He can be a bit of a �"
" Yeah, got it." Faith walks over to Snyder. " Here , Baldy. I think this is yours." She hands him the phone. " Later, people"
Not hurrying, or even looking back, she leaves.
" Another criminal. Should've known she was a friend of yours, Summers. " Snyder is recovering his nastiness. " Well, how would you like to keep her company when I expel you?"
" Expel me? For what?" Buffy complains. Oh great, mom will have a cow!!!
" For bringing a hoodlum onto campus, to start with�"
" Uh, Mr. Snyder?" Oz interrupts. " Faith is my cousin. She gave me and Veruca a ride to school, is all. I invited her to see the campus."
Snyder looks chagrined. " Your cousin? Well, make sure she understands she's never to show her face here again, understood Mr. Osborne?"
" Yes, sir"
Buffy , relieved the heat is off, smiles brightly.
" What are you smiling at, Ms. Summers?" Snyder growls.
Buffy's smile fades like the setting sun.
" Better," He says, trapping the group. " It's getting close to Halloween. Now, I know this is a special time of year for all of you, especially you, Summers. I mean, just think of the trouble you can cause. Keying cars, egging windows, beating up on poor defenseless little children�"
" Hey! I don't do that!" Buffy protests.
" But this year? It's going to be different!" Snyder whips out a clipboard. " This year, you're going to channel all that restless, destructive energy of yours in to something that will actually benefit the community. I know, it's a switch, but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures."
They all look blankly at him.
" The city council has formed a Halloween Safety Program. It's to protect the innocent little children you haven't managed to corrupt from the likes of � well, you. Volunteers take the tykes around trick or treating, ostensibly keeping them safe and from harm. High School volunteers, that is. And despite my best efforts, that includes you, Ms. Summers. And you, Ms. Rosenberg. All of you!" He adds quickly.
" But� but�" Willow stutters. Her plans for the big college party, going with Faith and all the planned fun and smoochies� and maybe more� that go with it seem to be flying out the window.
" Oh, Principal Snyder. We'd love to help, " Buffy puts on a sad face, " but you see� my sick grandmother? She's in town."
" Yes, yes! Her sick grandmother!" Willow goes along.
" And I promised my mom, we'd watch out for her that evening. So tragically, we won't be able to�"
" Cut the crap, Summers!" Snyder barks. " You four are volunteering. Period. Perhaps, just perhaps, that'll make me more kindly disposed when reviewing your record and maybe I'll find it in my heart not to expel you!"
" For what???" Buffy complains." I didn't bring Faith on campus!!!"
Snyder gets an almost orgasmic look on his face. He actually smiles, almost causing it to crack into two.
" Let me count the ways. Fighting� truancy� vandalism of school property�"
" Ok, ok�" Buffy concedes, knowing she's not going to wiggle out of this� unless� " But I still have to talk to my mom. Make arrangements for my poor sick grandmother�"
" Yes� her grandmother!"
" Can I get back to you on this?" Buffy stalls. " say� at lunch? We really, really have to get to class now!"
" Well�" Snyder, knowing she's trapped, is feeling magnanimous. Not really, but they should be in class, and he wants Buffy in particular to squirm just a little more, " Ok, at lunch. No later� or�." The threat hangs over them like a cloud.
" Great!!! Bye now!" Buffy, pulling Willow along, heads to class. Likewise, Oz gathers up Veruca, and they get gone, fast.
" I'll see you at lunch!" Snyder calls out after them.

" He's kidding, right?" Buffy mourns. She, like Willow, was looking forward to the party.
" This sucks. This so sucks. It ruins everything!" Willow complains. No party, no Faith, no smoochies. Life as we know it? So over!
" He can't like, make us volunteer, can he?" Veruca asks.
" This is Snyder. He'll find a way." Oz replies.
" Hey, don't worry. I'll figure a way out."
" How, Buffy?" Willow asks.
Buffy just looks at her silently.
Not a clue. Not a clue.

-5-

Close to lunchtime, Buffy slips into the library. Standing at the doors, she keeps watch.
If I can just avoid that troll for the rest of the day, I'll be fine. Damn. No way I'm missing that party to take a bunch of kids around trick or treating. She looks out, hoping to miss Snyder, but see Willow. Where is she? I told her to meet me here at lunch. C'mon Will, we gotta hide out in the stacks until class�
" Buffy?"
Buffy nearly jumps a foot. Turning around, she sees Giles looking at her, with his usual calm, mild expression. His eyebrows are raised, indicating a mild surprise at seeing her.
" Was there something I can do for you?" He asks, " Did you need to see me?"
" Giles! Hi!" Buffy says, then looks out the library door windows. She turns back to him. " No, I'm fine, I'm good, thanks."
" Aren't you supposed to be at lunch right now?"
" Lunch. Right. Be going there soon. But� ummm� I need a book. Yes, that's it. A book � for history class." Buffy smiles brightly, " I'll just go look for that now." She starts up the stairs towards the book stacks.
" Really? Well, what's the title, Buffy?" Giles asks, " Maybe I can help you locate it faster."
While Buffy and Giles are talking, Willow slips in the library doors. Like Buffy, she watches out the portals, for Snyder. She turns, and seeing Buffy and Giles in conversation, quietly slips up into the book stacks.
" Title? Well�er� not really looking for a specific book, Giles. It's for extra credit. You know me, Giles, always looking for the extra credit. Just going to find a book and do a report on it."
" Well, that's very industrious of you, Buffy, " Giles says.
" Yup, that's me. Industrious. So, I'll go looking for that book now�"
" Well, at least, what period of history, Buffy? I can direct you to the correct section."
" Ah, yes. Period. Hmmm. Medieval, Giles. Medieval."
" Really?" Giles queries. " I thought for sure your class was studying 20th Century European history." Giles frowns a little. " Alright, Buffy. Now, would you like to tell me what's really going on?"
" I told you, Giles, I'm looking for a book for history for extra credit and you're not buying a word of this, are you?"
Giles just shakes his head.
" Ok, ok. I'm hiding out from Principal Snyder" Buffy runs down to the door, looking through the portals. " He hasn't been by, has he?"
" No, I rarely have a visit from him here, " Giles admits, " I suspect his theories of education don't actually extend to students reading and learning anything."
" Ok then, " Buffy smiles brightly, again. " I'll just be up there hiding. If you see him, could you say you haven't seen me?"
" I can't do that, you know that Buffy, " Giles replies calmly, " so, why are you hiding from Principal Snyder anyway?"
" Well� uhhh� you see�."
" Volunteers" A voice, a familiar voice floats from the stacks.
Giles turns in the direction of the voice.
" Willow? Is that you?"
" Yes, Giles, " Willow comes out from the stacks, looking sheepish.
" Well, I have to say, I'm somewhat surprised. I mean, with Buffy, I sort of expect this. But � your involvement, well rather surprising."
" What do you mean by that?" Buffy is offended.
" Yeah!" Willow joins in, equally offended. " I mean, is Buffy the only one that gets to be a wild troublemaking rebel around here? I can be wild and crazy too!"
" Willow? Don't help!" Buffy turns back to Giles. " Why do you assume I did something to have Snyder after me?"
" Yes, of course. I'm sorry, you're right. Principal Snyder hardly needs any reason to single you out, I realize that." Giles pauses for a second. " What was that you said about volunteers, Willow?"
" Nothing� nothing!" Willow starts back towards the stacks.
" Willow?" Giles voice gets a shade sterner.
" It's just, well, Snyder is trying to recruit volunteers for the city council's Child Safety Program for Halloween, " Willow starts to babble, " and he caught Buffy, me, Oz and Veruca going to class, and stopped us, and well, he's trying to make us sign up , and he's threatening to expel Buffy if we don't, and there's this killer party we were going to on Halloween, and now we're going to miss it and I really, really want to go to that party and now I can't�" Willow sees Buffy's chagrined expression, " � and will somebody stop me before I say anything more, please?"
" Way to hang in there, Willow, " Buffy chides her.
" Sorry, Buff, I crack under pressure!"
" So, if I understand this properly, you two are hiding out from Snyder because you don't want to volunteer for the Halloween Child Safety program sponsored by the city� and he's implied expulsion if you don't volunteer?"
Buffy and Willow nod.
" I see, " Giles says. He clasps his hand behind his back and paces. " Not really fair of him to threaten you that way because you didn't ' volunteer' for his program."
" Exactly my point, Giles. It's not fair!" Buffy quickly agrees.
" However, Buffy, you've had lots of run in with Principal Snyder, and this might be a way at least to smooth things over. After all, like it or not, the �" Giles refrains from calling him what he thinks of him, " � man holds your academic future in his hands. This could make things easier for you, at least in the short term."
" I guess so�" Buffy doesn't sound too happy.
"And anyway, it's a good thing. It's not his usual onerous task he's wanting you to do. Rather, it's something I think would be good for you to do. Give something back to the community and all."
" Well, gee, if you're going to go all logical on us, Giles," Willow also sounds a bit down in the dumps.
Of course, at that very moment Snyder bursts through the library door, carrying the dreaded clipboard.
"Ahhh� there you are. I should've figured that you'd be here, " He turns to the rather glum duo, " so, I've come for your signatures on the sign-up list." He presents the clipboard to Buffy, " If you please, Ms. Summers."
Buffy, making a face, takes the clipboard and adds her name to the list. She hands it back to Snyder.
" And now you, Ms. Rosenberg, " Snyder gives her the clipboard.
Sighing heavily, Willow signs her life away. Or so she thinks, anyway.
" Well, that's just great." Snyder gloats, " We'll see you both, in costume, Saturday afternoon by four sharp."
The girls nod gloomily. Both are frowning.
" And don't be late� or�" Leaving the threat hanging, he leaves the library.
" That man can make Christmas a torture," Giles shakes his head. He looks at the two glum girls. " Now, it might not be all that bad, after all. It might even be fun."
" Oh sure, fun, " Buffy's voice is heavy with sarcasm.
" Leading a bunch of little kids around trick or treating. I know that's how I want to spend my Friday night," Willow grouses.
" Saturday night, " Giles corrects.
" Huh?"
" Principal Snyder said you were supposed to be here Saturday afternoon to pick up the children. Weren't you listening?"
" Saturday?" Buffy looks at Willow hopefully.
" Saturday?" Willow replies, looking at Buffy and beginning to smile.
" That means�"
" Yeah. Party. Music. Dancing�"
" And other stuff. Mega other stuff!"
" Yeah"
" Yeah!!!"
" I'm sorry, but I'm not following?" Giles looks at the two girls, clearly puzzled.
" The trick or treating is Saturday, Giles. Our party is Friday! Please, try to keep up!" Buffy says.
The girls give each other the high five.
" So, we gonna go to the Costume Emporium after school to get costumes?" Buffy asks, clearly jazzed.
" You better believe it, mister," Willow rejoins, having regained her humor, " Though I think I know what I want already."
" Really? Me, I don't have a clue." Buffy says, grabbing Willow's arm and leading her out of the library.
" And that's new� how?" Willow teases her.
" HEY!" Buffy pretends to be indignant. " Wonder if I can still get some lunch before class? I'm starving."
" Me too."
Giggling and joking, the girls leave the library.
A very befuddled looking Giles watches them leave.
He wonders if he'll ever understand the twisted labyrinth known as the teenage girl's mind.
Shrugging, turning towards his office, he pretty much doubts it.

-6-

" So, what do you think, Buff?" Willow says, pointing out the costume to Buffy.
" I dunno, Willow, " Buffy sounds very doubtful, " I'm thinking I better find something a little less� well, actually, a little more."
The two girls are looking at a costume on one of the dress dummies. It's an exact replica of the costume worn by Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman. It has the halter top, the skin tight micro-mini skirt and thigh high boots. Buffy starts to turn away, to look for something else. Willow grabs her arm and pulls her back.
The two arrived at the costume shop an hour ago, and had been wandering around, looking at various costumes for Buffy. She wanted something sexy, an attention getter. She really wanted to impress Angel at the party Friday night.
There had been one awkward moment when both girls had run into Cordelia, who evidently was also costume shopping. They stood in the aisle, staring at each other, neither one moving.
" Could you move, please? I'm trying to get through, " Cordelia says, a bit imperiously.
" Why don't you move? Oh, sorry, with those hips, maybe you can't move?" Buffy rejoins.
" Cordelia�." Willow, trying to keep things peaceful, still notes the bruise on Cordelia's mouth. She starts to move towards her, but is stopped by Cordy's withering look. She just looks down.
It was a Mexican stand-off, neither one moving. Finally, realizing this could go on for hours, Buffy backs up, giving Cordelia passage.
" Well, it's about time, losers, " she grumbles in passing.
" You're welcome" Buffy called out cheerily. She turns to Willow. " See? Same old Cordelia. Never changes."
Buffy starts up the aisle
" Yeah, I guess, " Willow says. But she sensed something is wrong. What has the bug up her butt this time? She wondered to herself. Oh well, if she doesn't want to talk or be friendly, her loss. Willow shrugged, and followed Buffy up the aisle.
Now they're standing in front of the Pretty Woman costume, and Buffy is a little hesitant.
" Aw, c'mon Buffy. It's perfect. It's sexy, and you know Angel's going to be gaga over it. It says, ' look at me, I'm sexy and dangerous' "
" It says, ' Look at me, I'm a great big slut', " Buffy replies.
" Pshaw, Buffy. You wanted an attention getter. This is definitely an attention getter."
" Oh yeah� the wrong kind of attention." Buffy shakes her head, " Anyway, mom'll never let me go out in something like that."
" That's just garbage, Buffy. I've seen you wear more revealing stuff to the beach, and you're mom's never made a fuss about it. That won't wash."
"Well, my bikini's never had a " For Sale " sign on their butt, either." But it was pretty clear that Buffy was wavering.
It is really hot, and Angel will have a cow when he sees it. No, but it's just too slutty. Still, slutty COULD be good. I mean, it might get him in the mood to do a repeat of the woods. That was wild�
" Buffy, c'mon. It's Halloween. Weren't you the one telling me that it's the night where you come as you aren't? You can be all sexy and dangerous, and no one can hold it against you?"
" Oh, this is good. Coming from the girl whose perennial costume is a sheet with eyeholes in it."
Willow blushes, realizing that Buffy already knows what her costume is going to be.
" So, what's it gonna be this year, Will? Percale, or linen?" Buffy teases her.
Willow, backed into a corner, lashes out, " Well, for your information, Ms. Smarty Pants, I'm going to wear something else this year!"
" Oh? What? Tie-dyed sheet? Ghost of Hippie past?" Buffy teases her mercilessly.
" No, something completely, totally different!"
" Really?" Buffy gives her a knowing glance, " like, what?"
Willow, realizing she's trapped, starts to stall," Ummm� ummm�" She looks desperately around the shop. For something , anything that isn't a ghost costume.
Buffy, staring at the Pretty Woman costume, gets a wicked smile on her face.

" I know something that would be different."

" What?" Willow is almost relieved. Then she follows Buffy's gaze, and her eyes go wide.
" Oh� no� no� I couldn't wear THAT!"
" Why not? I mean, you were all gung ho about ME wearing THAT just a minute ago�"
" But, that's different." Willow declares.
" How?" Buffy arches a brow.
" Well, for one, you can pull it off. If I wear that, I'm gonna look like a big�"
" Slut?"
" YES!"

" But, it's ok it I look like a big slut?"
" Yes� no� I mean� you wouldn't look like a slut. I mean all blond and�" Willow even realizes this is weak, very weak.
Buffy's not going to let it die. " Seems to me, " She says in a sing song voice, " Someone who will remain nameless, but is named after a small tree, was chiding me just oh, couple of minutes ago about how I told her how Halloween is all about being something that's not you. Getting all the moral superiority thing from it; yet, here she is, going with the same old costume she always wears�hmmmm� can you spell hypocrite?"
" Not a hypocrite!" Willow yelps, " I just think you'd be so much cuter in it�"
" Uh-huh"
" You would. And you know Angel �."
" Has probably had his share of sluts in his life, you know? Don't think me dressing up like one would really be a turn on."

Buffy turns to her, smiling, " Besides, I think someone really � special to you� would be very, very interested in seeing you all decked out sexy and maybe just a little slutty. I mean, it's so not you� and that's the beauty of it, Will. You get to be all hot and sexy, and no consequences!"
" No consequences?" Willow is starting to waver. The thought of Faith getting all hot and bothered over her, is really appealing.
" Unless of course you wanted some�" Buffy winks at her.
" BUFFEEE!" Willow colors," You're bad!"
" Mmmm� and I'm thinking, you're bad too in that outfit!"
" Really? Me?" Willow walks over to the costume, taking it off the rack and modeling it in front of her, " you think?"
" Oh I think!!!" Buffy nods, appreciatively, " and I'm pretty sure that someone else would ' think ' too."
" I don't know who you mean!" Willow again tries to deny what she and Faith are up to.
" Oh, really?" Buffy's tone is teasing. " this sudden wanting to be a little bad? Wouldn't have to do with a certain dark haired delivery girl, now would it?"
"And if it did?" Willow looks at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.
" You little scamp!' Buffy grabs her, pinching her. Willow squeals. " Fess up! You got the hots for her!"
" Nuh-uh. Not telling you nothing" Willow, holding the outfit, walks over to Buffy, " except that when I walk in wearing this� I'm not gonna be the only one with the hots!"
WILL!" Buffy exclaims, delighted. " You little slut!"
Willow giggles. Then she sobers up. " Oh� no� I can't , I really can't" She sounds mournful now. " There's no way my mom is gonna let me out of the house wearing this!"
" Not a prob, Will. You come over and dress at my house!"
" Oh, and that's not gonna make Sheila Rosenberg suspicious? Please, she is like all the time saying how she doesn't trust you, thinks you're a bad influence on me. And if she catches me wearing this? Grounded until� heck, until I'm ready for the old ladies home."
" She thinks I'm a bad influence on you?" Buffy sounds hurt.
" I don't think that, Buffy. But she's� well, she's just so�so�"
" Yeah, I get it. I'm a troublemaker, a truant, a � "
" Buffy! That's not true. She just doesn't know � about you."
" I guess, " Buffy decides to change the subject, a little." Still doesn't solve the problem though."
Both girls go silent, thinking about it. Then Buffy perks up, getting excited.
" I've got it, I've got it!"
" What?"
" So simple, god, " She grabs Willow's hand. " You put this on, then use the old " Ghost" costume to cover it. You're mom'll never know�and when we get to the party�. Viola! Off comes the sheet, and � well�"
" Brilliant, Buffy!" Willow hugs her. " Simple, but foolproof!"
"I know, I know, " Buffy waves her hand as if saying , " it's nothing."
"WAIT!"
" Huh? Now what?"
" What about you? I mean, we haven't got a costume for you now!"
" Oh� I'm sure we can find something around here�" Buffy starts to wander off, followed by Willow.
They wander around awhile, looking at various costumes. Buffy holds one up, a 20's flapper costume, but Willow nixes it. A little later, Willow pulls out a leather dominatrix costume. Buffy looks pained. They keep going, getting more and more discouraged as time passes.
God I'm never gonna find anything. Buffy mourns, I want something pretty, and says " I'm cute and I'm pretty and I want you." But there's just nothing here�
Buffy rounds a corner, and stops cold.
In front of her, on a dress dummy, is the most beautiful costume. It's red velvet, with lots of ribbons and bows, obviously designed to copy an 18th century noblewoman's costume. It's modest, but it's just what Angel would love. Buffy is sure of it.
She stands staring at it, imagining herself in it. Willow, who's been following her, and been doing a little woolgathering about the party, almost runs into her.
"What? What did you see�?" She stops, seeing what Buffy sees.
" Oh, Buffy! It's perfect! Angel will love it!"
" I know, I mean, it's perfect� but� I couldn�t ever afford it�"
" Oh, I don't know. I'm thinking� we've got a match!" A voice comes from behind them.
The proprietor is standing behind them, looking at the dress. And at the two of them. He walks over, and takes the dress off the dummy, and hands it to Buffy.
" Oh, yes, definitely, " He nods sagely, " It's as if it were made for you!"
" It's gorgeous, isn't it?" Buffy gushes, looking at the dress. Seeing a mirror, she goes and stands before it.
" I think we've found the hidden princess, " The shopkeeper smiles.
Buffy blushes, and smiles. Then she frowns.
" But it's too expensive. I could never afford it!"
" Well, I've had it for a few years. Never found the right person for it. It's just been sitting there. I'm really inclined to give you a deal you just can't refuse� I really think it's perfect for you� Ms?"

" Summers. Buffy Summers."
" Well, Buffy, I think we can work something out. I hate to see it just hang there another year�"
" Really?" Buffy is almost exploding with excitement. Clutching the dress to herself, she turns to Willow. " What do you think?"
" Buffy, it's perfect. Angel will love you in it!"
" Yeah, " Buffy suddenly gets shy, " I'll be all pretty for him!"
" Oh yeah!" Willow agrees.
" Well, come along Buffy, " the proprietor beckons. " We'll need to fit you, and then make any alterations necessary." He smiles at her. " But I can guarantee you, you're going to be the belle of the ball!"
The three of them make their way to the front of the store, Buffy almost bouncing in excitement.
This is so gonna be excellent! She muses. Can't wait to see Angel's face when I show up wearing this! This is gonna be my night!
Nothing can spoil it!!!!

To be continued.
- 6
- 7
- 8
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