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Disclaimer: I don't own anything, please don't sue me, I have no money. Some of the dialog is from Buffy episodes Out of My Mind written by Rebecca Kirshner and No Place Like Home by Doug Petrie.
Chapter 9: My sister, the fiend
Angel sent a roundhouse kick at her way but she dodged it, just barely. He faked to the right and kicked her again, this time getting contact and she fell to the floor.
“Buffy!” He bent next to her and she looked at him annoyed, more at herself than him.
“Auw”, she groaned and started to get up. Angel offered his hand which she took and got up to her feet.
“I don't think training was such a good idea, you're distracted”, he stated and guided her to the couch on the corner of the living room.
“Yeah, not one of my best moments”, she conceded.
“Wanna talk about it?”
She sighed deeply and quickly looked around herself avoiding his eyes. Finally she gave another sigh and turned to look at him. “It's just... what Angelus said... about Dawn”, she confessed and she could see the guilt in Angel's eyes.
“I'm sorry”, he said looking down to the floor and she grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at her.
“Angel, you we're even in the body then, how can it possibly be your fault what he did and said?”
“I should have realized what was happening”, he insisted.
“And how could you have known, you still had part of the demon inside you. Giles explained the whole weaker and stronger thing, it was the demon inside you that got split”, she said firmly and swallowed thickly as she remembered Giles saying that it was the demon inside him keeping him alive.
“But even after we knew Xander being split, I didn't realize it.” He wasn't ready to give up proving his guilt.
“And neither did I, so does it make me part of the blame?”
“Of course not!” he answered immediately and she gave him a pointed look.
“And it wasn't your fault either, so get over it so we can concentrate on living”, she stated and got up from the couch, offering her hand to him. He took it and followed her to the bathroom.
“I still can't get his words out of my head”, she grumbled while removing her sweaty clothes.
“He was just taunting you, trying to throw you off your game”, Angel reasoned but he also felt that Angelus may have been telling the truth, he could often remember two versions of one memory and it was bothering him. But he didn't want to alarm Buffy before he knew more about what was happening.
He turned the water running and turned to look at her, her face was scrunched into a frown. “I'm not so sure about that. The way he looked at Dawn...” She shook her head, trying to chase the chills away.
“If it makes you feel better, we'll look into it”, he promised and started removing his clothes.
“Yeah, that would be good”, she stated and stepped into the shower.
XXX
When Buffy and Angel walked into the office, they were greeted with a furiously pacing Doyle. “What's going on?” Buffy asked and looked questioningly at the half-demon.
“I'm gonna ask 'Delia out to dinner”, Doyle answered firmly and started pacing again.
“That's great. Finally”, Buffy said with a smile but it didn't seem to have any affect on Doyle who was still nervous. He stopped and gazed at the door as Cordelia strolled through it making her way to the office.
“You never guess! I've got a date tonight!” she said excitedly and everyone just stared at her. “What?!” she yelled not understanding why everyone went so quiet.
The awkward moment was interrupted by Buffy's cellphone, she pulled it out of her pocket and sighed as she saw the caller was either Dawn or her mom. She didn't even have time to say hello when Dawn's frantic voice interrupted her. “Dawn, Dawn! Take a deep breath, calm down. What happened to mom? Call an ambulance right now, I'm on my way”, she said and hung up.
She turned to look at Angel with panic in her eyes. “Mom collapsed”, she said with her voice breaking. Angel pulled her into his arms and after glancing into the bright morning light behind the shades, he turned his gaze to Doyle. He took his car keys and handed them to Doyle.
“Take her to Sunnydale”, he said and Doyle nodded. Angel pressed a soft kiss to Buffy's forehead before brushing her tears away with his thumb. “You're not in the condition to drive, Doyle's gonna take you”, he said and she nodded, the tears still flowing down her cheeks.
“You're mom's gonna be okay”, Cordelia said from behind her and placed a comforting hand to her shoulder. Buffy turned to look at the former cheerleader and offered a sad smile, the gentleness coming from Cordelia was something she rarely let anyone see.
“Cordelia's right, you're mother is a fighter.”
“I know”, Buffy whispered and pulled away from his arms. “I'm gonna go now”, she added and quickly made her way out with Doyle.
After they were gone, Cordelia turned to Angel. “You think Mrs. Summers is going to be okay?” she asked with uncertainty in her voice.
“I hope so”, he stated solemnly, still staring at the door.
XXX
Buffy and Doyle ran though the Sunnydale hospital corridor till they saw Dawn sitting by the wall. “Dawn”, Buffy whispered and ran to her sister, pulling her into a tight hug. “Needing to breathe”, Dawn choked out and looking slightly embarrassed but none less worried Buffy pulled away.
“Are you alright? What happened? Is mom alright?” Buffy bombarded her with frantic questions.
“I'm okay”, Dawn assured her.
“And your mom is doing just fine”, came a male voice from behind them. Buffy turned to look at the man, he was young and some might say cute, but the fact escaped Buffy.
“This is Ben, he gave me this stethoscope”, Dawn said and showed the stethoscope hanging from her neck.
“Who borrowed you the stethoscope”, Ben corrected and turned to Buffy. “You must be Buffy. I'm Ben, I'm an intern here. I've had the pleasure of hanging out with the renowned Dr. Dawn here while your mom's being tested”, Ben said offered his hand which Buffy shook.
“Nice to meet you. How's mom? What happened?”
“Well, she's doing okay now. The doctors don't really know what caused the collapse, it could've just been a dizzy spell, low blood sugar, that sort of thing”, Ben told her. Buffy glanced at Dawn who was playing with the stethoscope and turned back to Ben, still worried.
“But it's nothing bad. I.. I mean it's not... serious, right?”
“Very unlikely. So your mom doesn't have a history of fainting?” Ben asked and Buffy shook her head.
“No. I mean, not that I know of. She's usually really healthy. I live in L.A but I visit on weekends, she hasn't said anything and I'm positive Dawn would have said something if she would have fainted”, Buffy answered.
“Well, I think they'll be running tests for a few more hours, then they'll probably want her to come back for some follow-up tests in a couple weeks, but it really doesn't look like anything too serious”, Ben assured her and Buffy let out a sigh of relief.
“Oh, thank God. I was freaking out”, she sighed and Ben smiled with understanding.
“I think you'll be able to take her home before too long.”
“Thank you”, Buffy said before Ben walked away.
She turned to Dawn who had just stopped playing with the stethoscope and turned her eyes to Doyle. “Who is he?” Dawn asked bluntly, eying the man suspiciously.
“Could you say that little more rudely?” Buffy said giving her sister a half-glare.
“Sure I could”, Dawn shot back and earned a real glare from the big sister.
“Dawn, this is Doyle. Doyle, this is my little sister”, Buffy introduced them.
“Aah, so this is the little lass, nice to meet ya”, Doyle said and offered his hand.
“Lass?” Dawn questioned with a raised eyebrow but took his hand anyway. Buffy just gave her a innocent shrug, then turned to Doyle.
“Doyle, could you look after Dawn for a minute, I have to make a call”, she said signing to the corner where the pay-phones were.
“Gonna check on the hubby?” Doyle said with a smirk.
“I don't need a babysitter”, Dawn protested.
“Yes you do”, Buffy shot back firmly.
“Come on, little one, don't rive me from the company of a beautiful girl, I could take it personally that you protest my company like this”, Doyle said holding his hand over his heart like he had been wounded.
“I'm gonna go now, behave you two”, Buffy said and went to the phones, still keeping an eye on them from the distance. She dialed Angel's cellphone number and waited till there was an answer. “Angel”, she breathed out his name as soon as there was an answer.
“Buffy. How's your mother?”
“Ben, the intern I talked with said that it's probably nothing serious, that it could be low blood sugar or something like that”, she answered and glanced at where her sister and Doyle were standing.
“I'm glad she's alright. Have you seen her yet?” Angel asked with genuine relief.
“Not yet, they're doing some testing and all that but Ben said she can come home today.”
“Have you called the university to tell you're not coming?” Angel asked already knowing the answer. Buffy grimaced, she hadn't even thought about it.
“Oops. I knew there was something I forgot”, she said sheepishly and Angel let out a soft chuckle.
“Don't worry, I called them after you left”, Angel soothed her.
“You're a lifesaver. I knew there was a reason why I love you”, she said with a smile.
“So it wasn't just my broody good looks, that's good to know”, he joked and Buffy gave him a small chuckle.
She glanced at her sister and the smile faded away from her face. “I think I should stay here for a few days, just to make sure mom's okay, and to look after Dawn, she looked pretty shook up, well not that it changed her attitude but still”, she said with a sigh and closed her eyes.
“I understand. But how about your studies?”
“I think I'll call Melissa, she has few same classes with me but other than that, I just have to make it work. But I think I have to hang up now, Dawn is giving Doyle googly eyes.”
Angel chuckled debating if she was serious or not. “I love you.”
“I love you too. I'll call you later. Bye”, Buffy said and hung up. She walked to the others and sat down next to Dawn. She took her hand and gave it a small comforting squeeze. Dawn looked at her but didn't say anything.
It didn't take her long to find a burly vampire near an abandoned industrial building. “Nice night for a walk”, Buffy said and the vampire spun around with full vamp face.
“Slayer”, he growled and Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes.
“Oh please, after five years that line starts to get worn out”, she said. With a growl, the vampire attacked her and threw her against the wire fence surrounding the building. The vampire tried to smash his fist into her face but she ducked just in time.
“I always wanted to kill a slayer”, he growled and Buffy just gave him a shrug.
“And I always wanted to take piano lessons. So really, who's surprised we've got all this suppressed anger?” she said casually and hit the vampire sending him staggering back. She hit him again several times but somehow the vampire managed to get a good punch at her and she almost lost her footing. She retaliated twice as hard and after few hits, she swung his hand behind his back and slammed him roughly against the fence.
“But honestly? I think I'm expressing mine better. Tell you what, you find yourself a good anger management class...” she started to say before the vampire managed to throw her off his back. She was quick to react as she grabbed the vampire, threw him back against the fence and drew a stake from her jacket. “And I'll jam this pokey wood stick through your heart”, she finished like the conversation hadn't been interrupted at all. Quickly she stepped forward and embedded the stake into the vamps chest and it burst into ashes. “I think that sets the world speed record for closure”, she mused to herself.
“Hey!” she heard a man's voice call out and as she spun around, she was blinded with a flashlight shining to her eyes. “Miss, if you're looking for one of those rave parties, I'm afraid you're too late. I chased a bunch of kids out of here last night”, the night watcher said and Buffy tried to look disappointed.
“Oh, right. Darn. My fellow ravers will be so disappointed. It was my turn to bring the Bundt cake”, she said and the night watcher gave her a sympathetic look.
“If it was my call, I'd let you do whatever you want. It's not like anybody's using this place or nothing. But they just don't pay me enough to argue with the boss so...” the guard said and pointed at the doorway with his flashlight.
“Already gone”, Buffy said with her hands held up in surrender. She turned around to leave but the man's voice stopped her.
“Hey! Hold it, miss. Take your...” the man picked up a glowing orb from the ground and handed it to Buffy. “Whatever this is, with you.”
Buffy looked at the ball with scrutinizing eyes. The man laughed and shook his head. “Glow balls, huh? I swear, I don't get your generation. What is that thing?” the man said still chuckling.
“Oh, I'll let you know as soon as I find out”, Buffy answered and started walking away.
She stopped at the nearest phone booth and dialed Angel's number, she didn't carry her cellphone while patrolling since they tended to break while tossing vamps around. “Hello”, she heard his voice from the other end, immediately followed by a sound of hard fist contacting flesh.
“Is this a bad time?” she asked as she heard a skull scrunch against something hard.
“No, not at all. Is everything alright?” Angel asked and threw the vampire to the ground before pinning it down.
“Yeah, I just found something odd and I thought I'd talk to you. It's a glowing orb or something.”
“Can you hang on for a second?” Angel asked and balanced the phone between his shoulder and side of his head as he pulled out a stake and dusted the vampire. He got up to his feet while dusting his pants.
“Okay, I'm all yours. What kind of orb?”, he said to the phone, giving Buffy his undivided attention.
“I don't know, the glowing kind. I was thinking I'd drag Doyle to the magic shop tomorrow and put the scoobies in full research mode”, she answered not so sure about it herself.
“Sounds like a plan. How is your mother doing?” Angel asked genuinely concerned.
“She has a headache but other than that she's fine”, Buffy answered not able to disguise the concern in her voice.
“I'm sure she's gonna be fine, she's a strong woman”, Angel comforted.
“I wish you were here”, she whispered.
“Me too. But Doyle has my car”, Angel stated almost sounding like a jealous child and a smile irrupted to her face.
“Don't worry, it's still in one piece. He hasn't driven though any iron gates. Well, he wanted to but I talked him out of it”, she said and she could almost see him scowling.
The next morning Buffy got up early enough to cook breakfast. It wasn't something she did often or was very good at but she was fairly certain it was eatable. She slipped the food from the pan to the plate that was already set on to a neatly arranged tray.
“Dawn, touch nothing”, Buffy said not even looking as her sister entered the kitchen.
“Who died and made you the Iron Chef?” Dawn shot back.
“Look, mom's sick and I made her a nice non-instant breakfast for once. And I don't need you...” she started to say when Dawn knocked down the rose vase as she was trying to put another rose into it.
“Oops!”
“doing that”, Buffy finished with a tired sigh. She finished putting the ingredients back to the fridge as her mother walked into the room.
“Oh! Check out the 'Pamper Mom' platter”, she said with a smile and turned to Dawn.
“You two do all this?” she questioned clearly addressing to the younger sister.
“Buffy helped”, Dawn answered easily and Buffy just gaped at her, not believing her.
”I didn't 'help'...” Buffy started to say pointedly but was interrupted by Joyce.
“I'm sure you did”, she said motherly and sat down to the table.
“So neither of you is pregnant, failing school or under indictment? Just checking.”
“We knew you were feeling less-than-great so...” Buffy started to say but let it just hang in the air.
“Yeah, the headaches they said would go away came back and brought some friends along with”, Joyce answered.
“I know something about those myself. Mornin' everyone. It seems I'm not the only one with the head-scrunching headaches in this house but I'm not going to recommend the treatment I use, you don't look much of a drinker. But despite the party going on in your head, you look lovely, Mrs Summers”, Doyle said as he walked into the kitchen.
Joyce gave him a sweet smile and shook her head. “You are a sweet liar, Doyle”, she said.
“I figured you'd be hung over till noon”, Buffy stated, she was surprised to see him up already.
“Well, who can live in a house with three women and sleep? Buffy here was banging in the kitchen while the younger miss Summers splashed around in the bathroom”, Doyle answered.
“Why don't you go splash around in the bathroom while I make the coffee, we're going to the Magic Shop later so try not to look so hung over”, Buffy said and Doyle lifted his hands up in surrender.
“Alright, alright. Bossy. You've been taking lessons from 'Delia”, he said and left the room.
Buffy turned to her mother, her concern returning. “The hospital called yesterday, what did the doctor say?” she asked.
“Oh, just to take four of some-pills a day and come back for tests.”
“So they don't know what's wrong?” Buffy asked getting more concerned.
“Not yet. But it's only been one day.”
“But that's still unacceptable. I think we should get a second opinion”, Buffy insisted.
“Well, we need a first opinion first, honey.”
“Okay, we'll go right now”, Buffy stated ready to leave but Joyce gave her a stopping look.
“Buffy, I know you're concerned. But don't be. I'm still the mom. Which means I get to worry about you two. Which is a good thing because you're a Vampire Slayer”, Joyce said firmly and pulled Dawn into her lap, wrapping her arms around her. “And you, you are my little pumpkin belly!” Joyce cooed to Dawn who just laughed embarrassed.
“Mom! That's like my kid name”, she protested.
“So I can't be retro?” Joyce questioned with a smile.
”Did you ever have any names for me?” Buffy asked with a hopeful undertone.
“No... I think you were always just Buffy”, she answered not noticing the quick hurt going through Buffy's face.
“I got some names for ya...” Dawn said but Buffy ignored her, turning her back to the couple and started making the coffee she had promised Doyle.
“So, I'm going to the Magic Shop with Doyle, are you sure you'll be alright?” Buffy asked and Joyce sighed deeply.
“Buffy.”
“I know, I know”, she sighed and went back to cleaning the table top.
“Book club tonight?” Joyce asked Dawn who nodded in conformation. Buffy wasn't even going to ask, it wasn't like she lived there anymore, besides, Dawn had always been the favorite, she was the normal, meaning not a Slayer who was living with a over 240 year old vampire.
“Just take it easy, I want you to relax and get a Oprah overdose.”
“Plus you can check my rain forest report and you know there's like eighty bazillion old board games...” Dawn started but was interrupted by Buffy. “You're coming to Giles' opening.”
“You said I couldn't come”, Dawn protested.
“Changed my mind”, Buffy stated.
“Bring me something... like a flying broomstick”, Joyce said but Dawn shook her head.
“They never really work.”
“Oh, well. Some scented candles maybe”, she conceded.
Buffy walked through the shop door and was greeted with the sight of Giles smiling serenely while he was dressed in a cape and a wizards hat decorated with stars. She just stared at him passively till he dropped the grin and removed the outfit, revealing his normal clothes.
The bell rang and Dawn and Doyle stepped in. If they hadn't been on a car, she probably would have ditched Dawn on the way, well with Doyle that either wasn't a possibility, so she had just rushed in before Dawn.
“Whoa... Mr. Giles. This place is so... wow. I mean, check out all the magic junk”, Dawn commented as she looked around the store.
“That is our new slogan”, Giles said dryly from behind the counter.
“So when does it open? You know, for customers?” Dawn asked.
“Since nine this morning actually.”
“Dawn. Go. Browse. And...” Buffy ordered and Dawn interrupted her.
“'You break it, you bought it'. Heard you the first sixty times”, she grumbled and went to look at the things on the shelves.
Buffy went to Giles with Doyle following. “Giles, I'd like you to meet Doyle, Doyle this is my watcher Giles”, she introduced the two men.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr Doyle”, Giles said and offered his hand which Doyle shook.
“It's just Doyle”, Doyle corrected.
“Very well. I believe Buffy said something about you having visions”, Giles went to the shop talk, obviously intrigued by the subject.
“Oh, yes...” Doyle started but was interrupted by the bell as Willow rushed through the door. She stopped on the steps, looking excited.
“Giles! Where's your hat and cloak?” she questioned not loosing the smile. Dawn went to Willow as soon as she spotted her, showing her some talismans she had found.
“Willow! You gotta see this. They have the coolest talismens... mans... talisguys. I...”, she said but was interrupted by Buffy.
“Actually, I have a little Scooby-centric deal to deal with first”, she stated and pulled the glowing orb from her bag. “What the hell is this?” she asked and everyone gathered to look at it.
“It appears to be paranormal in origin”, Giles stated.
“How can you tell?” Willow questioned with a small puzzled frown.
“Well, it's so shiny.”
“Found it on patrol last night”, Buffy said and gave it to Giles.
“It seems to be something worth looking into”, Giles stated and went to look into his books.
“So, how is your mom doing?” Willow asked.
“She still has the headaches”, Buffy answered sadly.
“Any word from the doctor?”
“Not since yesterday evening. He just described her some pills.”
“Buffy. She's going to be just fine. The doctors will figure it out and fix it”, Willow said and placed her hand on Buffy's arm, giving it a small squeeze.
“Yeah, I really hope so”, Buffy said and cringed as she heard the glass breaking and a quick 'Sorry' coming from Dawn.
Buffy and Dawn walked through the front door, Doyle had stayed in the Magic Shop to help with the research. As soon as they noticed Joyce laying on the couch clearly in pain, they rushed to her side. “Mom!” Buffy yelped in alarm.
“Are you okay?” Dawn questioned just as worried.
“It's just my head”, Joyce answered slowly rubbing her forehead.
“I'm taking you to the doctor”, Buffy said firmly but her mother just shook her head.
“No, sweetheart. I'm fine”, she insisted.
“We don't know that. We don't know anything. We're going.”
“I just need my prescription. Please?” Joyce said and Buffy grabbed the paper from the table.
“Hospital pharmacy open?” she questioned and Joyce nodded. “Ten minutes”, Buffy promised and as soon as she was out the door, she sprinted into run. She ran all the way to the hospital and didn't slow her pace till she reached the front door. She made a straight line to the pharmacy counter and purchased the medicine. She looked at the bottle scrutinizingly as she made her way to the door, she almost didn't notice that her name was called out.
“Hey! It's Buffy, isn't it?” the man questioned and first Buffy looked at him confused. “Ben... but you can call me the man-nurse. Everybody else here does”, Ben said and Buffy nodded as a sign that she remembered.
The patient in the gurney caught Buffy's attention as he struggled to sit up ignoring the men trying to restrain him. “I don't belong here. I have important instructions. Fascists!” he yelled.
“Now you're hurting the nice orderly who's here to help you”, Ben said to the patient and then turned to the nurse and gave her an order. “I need nine CC's of Phenobarbital in this guy n...” He didn't finish his sentence as Buffy stepped in and slammed the man back down easily. “Or not”, Ben finished in awe. “Now let's strap him”, he ordered the orderlies and turned to Buffy still looking at her in wonderment.
“You know, not to be rampantly sexist in the workplace, but you've got some serious muscles for a girl.”
“I... um...” she didn't know what to say to that.
“Radioactive spider bit you”, Ben helped her out.
“How'd you guess?” she said with a small smile.
Suddenly the man grabbed a hold of Buffy's wrist and looked at the medicine bottle in her hand. “Doesn't even help. Doesn't make a damn bit of difference!” he ground out.
“I've met this guy. He's a security guard. He's not crazy”, Buffy said recognizing the man just from last night.
“They're coming at you. Don't think you're above it, missy. They come through the family! They get to your family!” the man continued looking straight into her eyes.
“My family? What do you mean?” she asked the fear running through her.
“Let's get him to Exam One. Now would be nice”, Ben ordered the orderlies and they took the man away. “I'm real sorry about that. Here. For your mom?” Ben asked pointing at the bottle she was squeezing in her hand.
“Yeah”, she whispered.
“She's not feeling better?”
“Not yet but she will be. I'm starting to figure out what's wrong”, Buffy answered and left the hospital. She took the medicine to her mother before running to the Magic Shop. Buffy rushed through the door, finding the gang doing the research while Giles was posted behind the counter. Quickly she made her way to them and spoke in low voice so no outsiders could hear her.
“Giles, I have an idea what's making my mom sick.”
“Have you spoken with her doctors?” Giles asked, knowing what was going on because he had heard Buffy and Willow talking earlier and Willow couldn't keep her concern for Joyce quiet. Giles couldn't help but feel a little hurt that Buffy herself hadn't confided in him but he understood that she had lot in her mind.
“They won't find anything. What's hurting her, it's supernatural. The night watchman who found this thing? And he went crazy, like overnight”, Buffy said showing the orb and the others backed away. “It won't hurt us. I had it on me all night. But this guy, he saw things... he said things.”
“Such as?” Giles questioned.
“They'll come at me through my family.”
“Who?” Doyle asked in concern, he had developed quite a liking to the Slayer.
“I don't know... yet. But whatever touched this guy, it made him see through what the rest of us are seeing. He knew someone's hurting my mom and they're trying to get to me.”
“It's possible but still... the ramblings of a madman aren't much to go on”, Giles reasoned but Buffy shook her head.
“But it's a start. We need to find out who's making my mom sick and how.”
“And then what?” Willow asked frowning.
“Then I hunt them... find them... and kill them”, Buffy said firmly leaving no room for negotiation, nobody went after her mother.
It was nearly dark when Buffy decided to stop researching and prepare to go patrolling. The business was still blooming and Anya had found his calling from taking people's money, other's could call it being a cashier.
The phone rang and Giles answered it just glad to get away from all the people. “Is Doyle there?” came the female voice from the other end before he could say anything.
“Cordelia?” he questioned in surprise as she heard the familiar voice.
“Yes, Cordelia. Is Doyle there? You know, little Irishman with no fashion sense what so ever”, Cordelia said and with a sigh Giles placed his hand on the phone and turned to the man.
“It is for you, please answer it right away”, Giles said and nearly shoved the phone to the other man's hand. “I see Cordelia hasn't mellowed during the year apart from the Hellmouth”, Giles stated to the young people who were gathered around the table.
“I still can't believe that you're working with Cordelia”, Xander stated shaking his head in disbelief.
“Come on, she's not all that bad. Well, maybe she is but she has changed, a little”, Buffy defended Cordelia somewhat awkwardly.
“I've called and called and you haven't answered! Would it be so hard to get a cellphone!? I called the Summers house and some Dawn answered the phone, what's with that anyway?” Cordelia ranted into the phone as soon as Doyle gathered enough courage to answer it.
“Well, it would make sense for her to answer the phone since she lives there”, Doyle stated.
“Since when?“ Doyle ignored the question with his own.
“Why didn't you ever tell me Buffy had a sister? You've practically told everything else about her.” He was going to add 'while you were ranting about the Sunnydale days' but it was best not to if his life was precious to him.
“What are you talking about? Buffy doesn't have a sister”, Cordelia asked confused but not loosing the charging attitude.
“What you mean, 'Delia? Buffy introduced me to her sister in the hospital.” Now Doyle was getting confused and worried.
“Did Mrs. Summers adopt or something?”
“What I gather she's Joyce's biological daughter. This is getting very confusing.”
“Give the phone to Buffy”, Cordelia demanded, this was getting them nowhere.
“Buffy, Cordelia wants to talk to you”, Doyle hollered and Buffy came to answer the phone, not knowing why she would want to talk to her.
“Cordelia? Is Angel alright?”
“I'm sure he's fine, he left to Sunnyhell last night. But what I want to know is, what's this deal with a sister? You don't have a sister!”
Buffy froze. “What?” she choked out, the memory of Angelus saying Dawn wasn't real popped into her mind.
“We went to school together for three years, never once I heard anyone mention a sister nor did I see any signs of her. So unless she was a guarded secret locked up in a loonyville from birth, I would say something weird is going on.”
Buffy had a hard time breathing, Dawn really wasn't real. Almost as if a sleepwalker she handed the phone to Doyle who looked at with worry. “You okay, Buffy?” he asked but she shook her head.
“Dawn's not real. Angelus wasn't lying. She might be the thing hurting my mother”, she whispered till she seemed to pull herself out of the haze. “I'm going home”, she said and quickly left.
“What did you say to her?” Doyle asked into the phone while looking at the door where the Slayer had just disappeared.
“She went out. What's with the bitch attitude?” Dawn shot back.
Buffy just gave her a glare and prepared to say something back when the phone rang. She went to the living room and picked up the phone. “Hello.”
“Buffy? Oh, I'm glad I've caught you. I think we may have underestimated what we're dealing with”, came Giles' voice from the other end.
“Go on”, Buffy said knowing that Dawn was behind her.
“Right after you left, we found something. We've uncovered more than expected about this orb. It's called the Dagon Sphere and it has a history going back many centuries.”
“So what's it do?”
“It's a protective device, used to ward off ancient primordial evil”, Giles answered and Buffy glanced at a family photo on the table.
“Any word on what this evil looks like?” she asked with her eyes fixed on the smiling face of what she thought was her sister.
“Unfortunately, no. This is where... where accounts get vague. All we've managed to uncover so far is the Dagon Sphere was created to repel That Which Cannot Be Named.”
“I'm going to go back to the factory where I found it. Whoever planted this doohickey's got answers”, Buffy said determined.
“Buffy, you've heard me say this before but do be careful. Anything that goes unnamed is usually an object of deep worship or great fear, maybe both”, Giles warned.
“Okay, I'll see you later once I've got answers”, Buffy said and hung up the phone. As she turned around she came face to face with Dawn.
“What was that all about?” she demanded.
“Slayer stuff. I'm going out”, Buffy stated coolly and headed to the door. But Dawn's words stopped her before she got out.
“Do you really think I care you're the Slayer?”
”What's that supposed to mean?” Buffy asked, her tone not any warmer and she received a cold look from Dawn. “I'll be home in an hour”, she stated and opened the door.
“Mom's coming back.”
“I'll be back first”, Buffy stated and walked out the door but she could feel she wasn't alone and not in the Angel-tingling way.
“What are you doing here Spike?” she asked with a hard voice, she was not in the mood for his games.
“It's a free country”, Spike protested.
“Explain in five words or I'll punch you in the face. I've had a really bad day so unnecessary violence is welcomed.”
“Out. For. A. Walk”, Spike counted with his fingers and added: “Bitch.”
“Out for a walk at night by my house. No one has time for this, William.”
“On your merry way, then. You know, contrary to one's self-involved world-view, your house happens to be directly between parts... and... and other parts of this town. And I would pass by in the day but I feel I'm outgrowing my whole 'burst-into-flames' phase”, Spike explained not very smoothly.
“Fine. Keep going, I cut you a break”, Buffy sighed really getting tired of him. She tried to walk past him but he wasn't ready to let her go.
”Oh, yeah. Okay, let me guess... you won't kill me? Ooo... the whole crowd-pleasing threats-and-swagger routine. How stunningly original. You know, I'm just passing through. Satisfied?” he said defensively and turned to leave but then turned back continuing. “You know, I really hope so because God knows you need some satisfaction in life besides shagging the big poof and I never really liked you anyway and... and you have stupid hair.”
With that Spike stalked away leaving behind a somewhat stunned Buffy who didn't know what brought up this sudden imitation of a five year old. She glanced into the ground which was full of burned out cigarette butts but she didn't have the time to go into the twisted workings of Spike's mind so she just left for the factory.
“I have had experience with stuff like this before. Best of all...” she continued chatting and suddenly spun around and grabbed the woman by her throat. “I'm not stupid”, she finished.
The woman grabbed her arm and wrung it off her throat before backhanding Buffy hard enough to send her flying across the room. She hit the wall, making a deep crack into it before sliding to the floor, stunned at how strong the woman was. This is not good, she thought to herself. “You sure about that last part?” the woman sniped at her. Buffy got up and attacked the woman but before she could hit her, she was grabbed by her shoulders and thrown against the wall again.
“I just want you to know...” the woman said while walking to her, she grabbed her and threw her against one of the pillars. “...The whole 'beat you to death' thing I'm doing? It's valuable time out of my life that I'm never gonna get back”, she continued. Buffy kicked her to stomach and tried to hit her but she grabbed her hands and twisted them to her sides.
“Wait, I've always wanted to try this. You know that thing with worms where if you have one, you rip it in half, you got two worms? Do you think that'll work with you?” Buffy headbutted the woman, making her staggered back several steps. She lifted her gaze and looked at Buffy stunned, almost in tears.
“You hit me! What, are you crazy?” she accused. Buffy attacked, hitting and kicking the woman strongly enough to send her retreating back. “You can't go around hitting people. What, were you born in a barn?” the woman accused incredulously till she seemed to snap out of it. “Fine. Be that way”, she stated and hit Buffy hard across the face. She stalked to her and lifted her in the air by her throat.
“I just noticed something. You have super powers. That is so cool. Can you fly?” She threw Buffy across the room, landing her hard next to the tied monk. Buffy rose to her feet with a slight swagger and prepared to attack but then noticed the monk still in the chair. She glanced at the woman and helped the man out of the chair, guiding him towards the window.
“Hey! Hands off my holy man!” the woman yelled after her and started walking towards them. Buffy pulled the monk with her and crashed through the window, twisting them so she would be the one landing under him. But to her surprise, she didn't feel the hard, cold ground under her, but a hard, strong body.
“Oomph!” he exhaled as the two bodies pushed the air out of him.
“Angel?” Buffy questioned stunned as she turned enough to see the man laying under her.
“Hey”, he greeted. Buffy got off of him with the monk and helped Angel to his feet as they heard the building crumbling. Angel helped her to keep the man on his feet as they made their way out of the courtyard.
“Stop. Please”, the man breathed out.
“No. We have to keep going”, Buffy protested but the man was too tired and he fell against the fence, sliding down to the ground.
“My journey's done, I think”, he said painfully.
“Don't get all metaphor-y on me. We're going”, she told him and tried to pull him back to his feet but he pressed a seizing hand to hers.
“You have to... the Key. You must protect the Key”, the man choked out looking pleadingly into her eyes.
“Fine. We can protect the Key together, okay. Just far, far from here”, Buffy conceded but the man shook his head not letting go of her eyes.
“Many more die if you don't keep it safe.”
“How? What is it?” Buffy questioned not knowing what he was talking about.
“The Key is energy. It's a portal. It opens the door...” the monk choked out.
“The Dagon Sphere?”
“No. For centuries it had no form at all. My brethren, its only keepers. Then the abomination found us. We had to hide the Key, gave it form, molded it flesh... made it human and sent it to you”, he told him and the realization started to dawn to her.
“Dawn”, she whispered and looked at Angel with sad eyes.
“She is the Key”, the monk confirmed.
“You put that in my house?” Buffy ground out.
“We knew the Slayer would protect.”
“So all my memories... my mom's...” Buffy started but couldn't finish it.
“We built them”, the monk answered and Buffy's face darkened.
“Then unbuild them! This is my life you're...” she said angrily but the monk interrupted her.
“You cannot abandon...”
“I didn't ask for this! I don't even know... what is she?” Buffy protested her emotions going between angry and confused. She could feel the tears rising but she didn't bother to wipe them away.
“She is human... now only human. And helpless. Please... she's an innocent in this. She needs you.”
“She's not my sister”, Buffy stated.
“She doesn't know that”, the monk whispered and coughed painfully. He exhaled roughly and Buffy could see the life going out of him.
“Angel”, she whispered painfully and turned to her lover.
“It's okay”, he comforted and pulled her into his arms.
“She's not my sister”, she choked out and let the tears fall freely.
