Book 5: Welcome to My Nightmare

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Buffy got out of the family car carefully, trying not to pull on her broken ribs. Xander grinned as he and Anya walked out of the Summers' house. Anya moved to help with Buffy’s overnight bag and Xander lent his good arm to Buffy to help her stand.

Buffy’s pained face lit up when she saw Tara standing in the doorway, waiting for her.

“It’s not good, Buff,” Xander admitted. “It’s been four days since you toasted Dracula and she hasn’t improved much.”

Buffy tried to let her tension and worry disappear when she melted into Tara’s welcoming arms.

The Slayer was tired and so was the rest of the Scooby Gang, the only ones semi-fit were Anya, Joyce and Giles.

Giles had recovered from the vampire bites from Dracula’s females; Anya and Joyce had escaped unharmed. Xander was nursing a broken arm and nose along with the humiliation of having been one of Dracula’s “Renfields.” Brad still had his jaw wired from where a Renfield-crazed Xander had broken it and Tara had escaped physical harm except for an energy drain and sprained ankle. Buffy had racked up an impressive number of broken ribs, collapsed lung, and the loss of enough blood to have almost killed her.

The worst was the stress of dealing with Dracula and what he had done to Willow. The red-haired witch had been seduced by his mental control, kidnapped and feed a steady stream of raw, black magickal energy. Within a day, in the midst of the continual feeding of the drug-like power, regular feedings by Dracula, and being tormented by Dracula’s female vampires, Willow was hooked on the magick and hurting.

“She’s s-still hurting so bad, Buffy,” Tara said softly, almost choking. “Willow still d-doesn’t know us or anything.”

“Remember that anti-drug film we saw last year?” Xander asked as they entered Buffy’s home.

“Yeah, like shaking all the time, sweating, muscle cramps, and that fun stuff,” Xander agreed. “Willow is worse.”

“Oh God, I should have been here,” Buffy whimpered as Tara led her to the sofa.

“No, the doctors didn’t want to release you today,” Joyce protested. “They’re still worried about that punctured lung, young lady.”

“I know, it just drove me crazy to lay there for four whole days while Willow is hurting,” Buffy protested.

“I know and you need to prepare yourself,” Joyce said gently, sitting down on the coffee table as Tara held her daughter’s hand. “Willow looks like hell, she’s lost weight, she’s pale and most of the time her eyes are that magick black.”

“Giles t-told you about the Watcher Council helping,” Tara asked and Buffy nodded. “There’s a hospital b-bed in Willow’s room and there are t-tubes and monitors everywhere. A lot like when s-she was stabbed.”

“Her wrists are secured with sheepskin lined leather restraints,” Joyce continued, watching her daughter carefully.

“She’s still out of it, Buff,” Xander added. Anya was resting her head on his shoulder as she sat in his lap.

“The Watchers have someone magick trained by her side all the time,” Joyce continued. “Giles says that whenever she tries to do her own magick they stop her, binding her.”

“They’re n-not sure,” Tara said softly, trying not to break into tears again. “The Watchers say they’ve n-never seen anything t-this serious before. They’re hoping that with you home we’ll b-be able to help settle her energy. Etheridge has b-been meeting with Giles for days.”

Tara and Xander helped the Slayer up the stairs but at the door of the bedroom, she hesitated.

The Slayer glanced at the woman sitting next to Willow’s bed and dismissed her for the moment as she looked at her lover and whimpered.

Even with the warnings, Buffy wasn’t prepared for what she saw. Willow looked like a heroin junkie going through withdrawals. Her skin was tight on her face and she almost looked lifeless. The red-haired witch's eyes were sunken in her head and surrounded by dark circles and pale skin. She had lost weight where it had been unnecessary and Buffy wasn’t sure if the body lying in front of her weighed over 100lbs.

Tubes ran from two different IV bags into her veins. Other tubes appeared and disappeared from under the covers along with wires leading to monitors.

Willow’s hospital bed was halfway between lying flat and sitting up. The young witch appeared to be sleeping restlessly, pulling at the restraints with small whimpers.

Buffy crossed the floor slowly and Tara dragged a stool over for her lover. The Slayer gently touched Willow’s forehead and stroked her cheek.

Tara moved around to the other side of the bed as the Watcher moved aside without a word, taking notes. Tara reached out and held Willow’s hand.

Tara’s eyes brightened immediately as Buffy smiled hopefully at her. The Watcher quickly wrote in her notebook, watching the girls as Joyce watched from the doorway.

“Giles, I’ve been with Buffy most of the time the last few days since Dracula,” Joyce said slowly. “Can we have some coffee and you explain this to me?”

A few minutes later, Giles sighed heavily as he sat down with a cup of tea and Joyce with her coffee.

“Where to start?” he complained. “Willow is a witch and has dealt with magick for awhile. Most of the time things went wrong until she teamed up with Tara and she seemed to find a balance. Together they both improved, even their own individual powers.”

“Willow has more power than I’ve ever seen, Joyce,” Giles admitted. “When she used that Black Magick spell to call the werewolf curse from Buffy onto her, she opened herself up to temptation. It was like taking a small bite of the apple.”

“I’ve heard you both talking about that, when she healed you,” Joyce nodded again.

“Yes, and once you take that bite, it can’t be undone,” Giles tried explaining. “All you can do is keep from biting it again; part of it is now in your system. She was doing alright, even when she ran away from us.”

“Carson said she did some things but never anything what he would consider ‘evil,’” Joyce commented.

“Yes,” Giles agreed. “Some of the magick could be seen as self survival or selfish but not evil. Healing her hand, hiding their identities when stopped by police, things like that.”

“From what Buffy saw, Vlad Dracula was a sorcerer before he turned into a vampire,” Giles said slowly and thoughtfully. “He bragged to her that he wasn’t turned by another vampire, he changed himself into a vampire when he was dying in a battle by sheer will alone.”

Joyce sat back in her chair, not believing what she was hearing. “Giles, that’s not possible, is it?”

“Well, he does exist,” Giles smiled ruefully. “He was totally evil and without a shred of compassion before he turned. One could argue that he had no soul to lose and simply changed from one demon to another, one that could continue the existence of his body.”

“That explains why he’s different than other vampires?” Joyce asked. “I mean, that mental control he had over the kids and changing into mist?”

“Yes, there’s also some speculation that there are actually different types of vampires,” Giles again said thoughtfully. “There are hints that not all vampires are alike and not all werewolves are the same. We may have seen an example of that with Willow being different than Oz and that werewolf she attacked.”

“Dracula and Willow?” Joyce asked, drawing him back to the original conversation.

“She’s powerful, Joyce,” Giles said softly, his face worried. “You saw that healing ritual she did for me and Angel. Two different healings at the same time with the most raw and powerful energy that can be harnessed.”

“Healing you and binding Angel’s soul to his body,” Joyce nodded, remembering their road trip to the beach.

“Yes,” Giles nodded. “It should take someone years to reach that ability. It seems to come easier to her now since she did that werewolf spell. Dracula tapped into that and was feeding her raw magickal energy.”

“Buffy said Dracula was doing it with a wave of his hand,” Giles said thoughtfully. “I tried to explain it to Tara like this: the affects of dealing with the magick level she and Willow were at was like alcohol or marijuana. When Willow used that black spell she graduated to the magickal equivalent of cocaine.”

“Dracula was feeding her the same level of almost pure heroin,” Giles said softly. “Now’s she hooked on that energy.”

“Buffy told me about that night,” Joyce said slowly. “She said that Willow crawled across a floor on her hands and knees to Dracula for that energy.”

“Yes,” Giles nodded, clenching his jaw against the mental pain of that image.

“Buffy also told me that Willow resisted him when Dracula demanded Willow sever her ties with Tara,” Joyce pointed out.

“She told me that too, and Tara told me how Willow changed into a werewolf willingly and fought Dracula’s werewolves,” Giles continued. “Did Tara tell you how Willow did that?”

Joyce shook her head. Neither one of them was aware that Buffy had ventured down the stairs and was listening on the other side of the doorway. The Slayer felt herself go pale at the conversation.

“She mentally connected with Tara, grabbing onto Tara’s humanity so she could think somewhat like a human,” Giles continued explaining. “Willow used that edge to kill the other two werewolves.”

“So if she broke Dracula’s hold, why is she suffering so badly?” Joyce demanded.

“Willow resisted breaking her ties with Tara but she didn’t break her ties with Dracula,” Giles corrected. “I think if he showed up tonight, he could call her from that damned hospital bed.”

“But she helped Buffy break Dracula’s thrall on Buffy,” Joyce pointed out.

“Yes, but not her own and not her addiction to dark magick,” Giles argued. “Tara and Buffy are the only things holding Willow on this side of the light. Without them, she’d just give in and become one of the most powerful evil sorcerers I’ve ever seen.”

“She’s going through this hell because she’s fighting it?” Joyce frowned.

“Yes, we’re keeping her tied down but with a single thought she could snap those bonds and throw that Watcher through the window,” Giles said grimly. “Willow is letting us keep her down.”

“What about the future?” Joyce asked. “Is it like addiction? She’ll always be tempted?”

“Yes,” Giles nodded. “Just being around her at times is difficult for me.”

“I still feel the craving for good strong magickal energy running through me,” Giles admitted. “Sometimes it dances off the girls. It's like a recovering alcoholic being tossed in a bar and handed his favorite drink.”

“At a very high risk,” Giles said slowly. “The more she works and the easier it comes and the more tempting it will be. Like a heroin junkie drinking a beer, it may not set off a full-blown crash but it doesn’t help. Willow could still fall to that darkness, anytime in her life.”

“There are a few options open to us,” Giles said. “One is Aversion Therapy, the Council is in favor of that after seeing how affected Willow is and how strong the energy is in her.”

“What’s that?” Joyce asked, not liking the sound of the term and not liking anything the Council was in favor of.

“Every time Willow begins to chant or do magick, someone zaps her with a stun gun or cattle prod, actually,” Giles said calmly and winced when Joyce stood up so rapidly that she knocked over her chair. The Englishman lowered his head, refusing to meet her angry eyes.

“Rupert Giles! If any of you even bring one of those into my house I will use them on all of you and shove them….”

“Joyce!” Giles said rapidly, cutting her threat off. “I didn’t say I was in favor of it. I think it does more harm than good, especially with what she’s already been through with the Initiative's shock experiments.”

Joyce reluctantly picked the chair up and sat back down, unaware that Buffy was smiling grimly at her mother’s threat. The Slayer was pleased Joyce had reacted so strongly.

“What we’re doing, especially now with Buffy and Tara here,” Giles said softly. “Try and focus Willow through the recovery and let the black magick work its way out of her system.”

“Well, the Council would suggest feeding her just enough energy to keep her stable and taper her off slowly,” Giles added, beginning to clean his glasses. “I don’t like the method, it never works. Another would be to kill her and eliminate the threat.”

“Stop!” Giles said, raising his voice and hand. “Again, not an option we’ll allow. You need to understand their fears, Joyce, to understand what they’re capable of.”

“Willow could be powerful enough to leave most of Sunnydale flattened in a day,” Giles said slowly. “That kind of power is tempting and I’ve never seen anyone who didn’t give in.”

Buffy frowned and leaned against the wall next to the kitchen, continuing to listen in on the conversation.

“Some recover and make it out alive, others become sorcerers and totally abandon the light, some don’t make it and burn out or are destroyed by their own energies,” Giles explained.

“You’re telling me it’s possible that Tara will have to take Willow down someday?” Joyce asked.

“Yes, look at Star Wars,” he said firmly. “Silly films, I know, but the message is clear in them. Anakin Skywalker is tempted by the dark forces and gives in, he becomes Darth Vader and his mentor tries to kill him.”

Buffy frowned and moved away from the wall, sneaking back up the stairs without the soda she had gone to the kitchen for in the first place.

The Slayer was quite disturbed by the Star Wars analogy. That was something she could understand. Power and the temptation of darkness, it was an easy answer. A quick way to power as Tara had explained once. Those working magick in the gray and light areas practiced, studied and worked with others to keep themselves in balance. Those that went for the quick power almost always fell into the dark. It seemed easier and quicker but the price tag was higher.

Buffy stood in Willow’s doorway and watched her lover struggling against the bonds and her own inner demons while Tara held her hand. The Watcher kept Willow shielded from using any magick.

Giles had hoped that Buffy’s return home would send Willow into a rapid recovery but he was disappointed, along with the rest of the Scooby Gang family. The next week was spent in the agonizing duty of watching over Willow as she detoxed.

The physical part was bad enough to watch: vomiting, losing control of bodily functions, shaking, muscles cramps, night sweats, convulsions, and major nose bleeds were the worst of the physical. What was worse was the emotional. Willow became somewhat aware of her surroundings after three days and the gang had rejoiced at first until the pleading, begging and threats from their beloved Willow had hit them.

Giles and the Watchers tried to reassure everyone that this was expected and not let Willow’s words get to them but it wasn’t easy to listen to her cursing everyone, threatening them if they didn’t release her and begging to be allowed a little magick.

Finally, Willow slipped into a deep sleep that lasted 48 hours. Despite the Watchers saying they expected it, the gang and especially Buffy and Tara were worried.

“How are you feeling?” Tara asked softly. Willow was amused when Tara looked over at a sleeping Giles in a chair and frowned. “Giles!” she called and the ex-Watcher continued sleeping. Tara picked up a box of Kleenex and threw it at him.

“What?” he demanded, sitting up quickly. His eyes focused on Willow looking at him and blinked several times. “Willow?”

“I take it I haven’t been myself?” Willow attempted to joke as Tara raised the hospital bed up a little further.

“It should be okay,” he said slowly. “Willow, what will you do if released?”

“No,” Willow shook her head with a frown. “Don’t think I have the strength for anything. Don’t wanna.”

“Willow, I need you to promise me, solemn oath, that you won’t work any magick without Tara or my consent,” Giles said firmly.

Willow wanted to hug Tara back but found she had no energy to even raise her arms. A few moments later Buffy dashed through the door and joined in the hug as Giles released their lover.

“We can help with her physical recovery,” Etheridge offered. “Just enough energy to get her back on her feet faster so you can start on the emotional and mental recovery.”

“Of course,” Etheridge agreed, watching the three young women. “Giles, the Council has authorized me to approach you and Ms. Summers about coming back to the Council. We’ve had some changes since you left and would like to offer you the chance to return.”

“The chance to return?” Giles repeated with a frown. “What does that mean?”

“It means that Ms. Summers would be tested on her Slayer skills,” Etheridge said easily. “Not that archaic test that caused your separation but physical testing of her skills and reflexes, much like was done when Faith was here.”

“Look around you, Giles,” Etheridge urged. “You were lucky with that Initiative mess. You could have used our support and our resources.”

“If she’s as smart as she seems to be, she’ll jump at the chance,” Etheridge said, oozing confidence.

“Besides training, what would the Council insist on?” Giles asked, knowing there were always hidden loopholes and small print when it came to the Council.

“No civilian involvement in the Slayer duties,” Etheridge said. “Your group has gotten hurt and into trouble more times than the Council can count. You’ll be allowed to continue as her Watcher on probation, another Watcher will be brought in to further her training. The Council feels you have reached the end of your teaching skills.”

“Why you arrogant little puppy,” Giles growled, clenching his fists and stepping forward a step.

“Further,” Etheridge continued, as if Giles hadn’t said a word or made a move. “Both Tara Maclay and Willow Rosenberg will return with me to England to further their magickal studies and train to be Watchers. If the Council agrees, they can return in a few years as Ms. Summers’ Watchers.”

“Out of the question,” Giles hissed, trying to keep his voice down and not attract the attention of the girls in question. “They’ll never agree to being separated from Buffy for any length of time. You’ve surely seen the depth of their connection. How can you even suggest that?”

“It is felt, and I agree, that the three of them are too close,” Etheridge commented. “You can see it’s unhealthy and doomed to failure. By separating them and letting the witches stay together, everyone benefits.”

“The girls don’t,” Giles argued. “How the hell can that benefit Buffy?”

“She’ll be able to focus on her Slaying and her Slayer skills and not on this unhealthy fascination with the other two,” Etheridge said, his voice flat.

Giles felt his hackles rising. He glanced over at the three young women and saw Buffy glance at him, her eyes blazing with anger.

//Damn, Slayer senses!// he thought but mentally shrugged. She had heard too much already and it wouldn’t help to stop the conversation now.

“You feel because the three of them are involved that it’s unhealthy, correct?” Giles asked, still keeping his voice low, at the same level as before.

“Of course,” Etheridge agreed. “We’ve never seen a triad work before, especially with a Slayer and someone as powerful as those other two.”

“Just because you haven’t seen it before doesn’t mean that it can’t work,” Giles complained. “You’ve seen how they balance each other.”

“Damnit, I won’t even consider separating them, ever!” Giles declared. “Buffy took a werewolf bite for Willow; Willow took the werewolf curse for Buffy; Tara brought Willow back from the brink of death by the power of love alone; Tara risked her life to save Buffy and Willow from Dracula; Willow almost died for Buffy again; Buffy walked into Dracula’s mansion to save Willow. No, there’s no negotiating and no argument, they stay together and the Council can go to hell.”

Etheridge looked up in surprise and realized all three women had somehow heard the conversation.

“Slayer senses,” Buffy grinned. “And Willow here has the hearing of a wolf. Tara, well, we dropped our mental shields, joined together and let her hear through our ears what you two were talking about.”

“Something your Council will go absolutely batty over,” Giles grinned. “You see, the girls can connect to each other mentally. They can see, talk and sense what the other two are seeing and such.”

“Yes, well,” Giles coughed and pulled his glasses off to begin cleaning them.

“Mr. Giles, you must explain this,” Etheridge demanded. “No Slayer has ever connected like this with anyone other than a vampire.”

“I know,” Giles smirked. “Change your opinion about what to do with them?”

“Just remember one thing,” Buffy added, standing up and glaring at the Watcher Elder. “I’m an adult and I decide who, what and where. There will be no discussion about Tara and or Willow leaving.”

Etheridge and Giles moved away from the door, heading for the kitchen to talk over tea, like typical Englishmen.

Willow was grateful when Buffy ran the female Watcher out of the room and pulled the red-haired witch into her arms.

“Why is the Watcher Council here and why do they want me and Tara?” Willow asked in a weak voice.

Willow frowned and thought for several moments. Tara whimpered at the sight of her lover struggling to even think clearly.

“I remember Xander hitting me,” she whispered. “I was tied to a bed and Dracula kept…it felt incredible.”

“Wills,” Buffy said softly but Willow wouldn’t raise her head. “Wills, we know Dracula was feeding you magickal energy and how powerful it was. He was also feeding on you, keeping you weak and under his control.”

“We’re not mad, Will,” the other witch said softly. “Buffy couldn’t resist him either until we all combined our energy.”

Willow frowned, still thinking. “He wanted me to do something I couldn’t….”

The two other lovers waited patiently. They had talked for hours with Giles and the Watchers on how to handle Willow’s mental state when she became aware of her surroundings. The advice was to let her remember slowly and be prepared for anything.

“I couldn’t let Tara go,” Willow remembered and looked up into Tara’s blue eyes, almost desperately.

“Buffy couldn’t do it either,” Tara whispered. “You remember anything else?”

“The energy, it hurt so bad when it was gone,” Willow said softly, dropping her eyes again. “It felt like I couldn’t live without it.”

“You almost couldn’t,” Buffy nodded. “You’ve had a rough time, Willow. That energy he was feeding you was black magick and he got you addicted.”

Willow’s frown deepened and she began to take in the IV bags, the tubes, wires and monitors surrounding her hospital bed. She also noticed how weak and thin she was.

“Over a week,” Tara answered softly as Willow’s eyes widened in surprise. “It’s been hell, Willow. We’ve been t-taking care of you while your body was g-getting over the addiction.”

“It was much like detoxifying from a narcotic,” Etheridge answered from the doorway. “I’m Robert Etheridge, Watcher Elder, sent to help oversee your recovery.”

“Tell me,” Willow demanded, her eyes showing a higher level of energy than before. “They’re afraid of something.”

“Am I a danger to my lovers and family?” Willow demanded. “Is that why you want me and Tara in England and under your thumb?”

“Yes to both,” Etheridge answered calmly. “Giles has been explaining the unique connection the three of you have with each other and I’ve re-evaluated that original idea. Now I think the three of you do need to remain together. The fact still is that you need training desperately.”

“You are addicted to magick and black magick is the easiest magick to access,” Etheridge explained as he walked into the room with Giles behind him. “You want the truth, Ms. Rosenberg?”

Willow nodded firmly as Buffy and Tara exchanged worried glances across her bed.

“You have more potential, magically, than the Council has seen in centuries,” Etheridge said flatly, watching Willow’s reaction.

“No, not me,” she protested. “Most of my spells go wrong and I haven’t studied that long.”

“Nevertheless,” Etheridge continued. “You have the potential and have tapped some of that. Healing your crushed hand and damaged heart, healing Giles’ back injury, sealing Angeleus’ soul, all of that is high level magick.”

“No, only do good stuff,” Willow protested. “That’s the motto of the Scooby Gang.”

“You’ve already worked black magick with that lycanthropic spell,” Etheridge pointed out.

“You still called on the Dark Forces to work the spell,” Etheridge snapped. “Don’t pretend you didn’t know the consequences.”

“And you knew if you continued to use magick that you would be tempted with darkness,” Etheridge growled.

“Yes,” Willow nodded. “I also resisted Dracula’s demand that I give up the light in my life, Tara. I resisted the darkness.”

“And you’ve been willing to die for your friends and lovers,” Etheridge admitted. “That speaks well of your strength and willpower. What happened to you this week is that we kept you alive while your body craved and then rejected the Black Magick Dracula gave you. If you begin using magick again, the odds are that you’ll fall next time.”

“The Council feels that we can’t take that chance,” Etheridge said calmly.

Tara squeaked softly when Willow’s eyes changed to black again. She and Buffy looked up to see Etheridge standing stock still – his eyes wide with surprise and a touch of fear.

After a moment she fell back against the bed, her eyes shifting back to green as she closed them. She was breathing deeply and the heart monitor was showing a rapid increase in her heart rate.

“How dare you?” he shouted and Giles held him back as Willow opened her eyes again.

“Don’t get self righteous with me, Watcher,” Willow snapped. “You didn’t tell Giles what you really have planned for me, so don’t get all indignant now.”

“Willow, what are you talking about?” Giles demanded as Etheridge suddenly glanced away and wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“They plan on magickally short-circuiting my abilities,” Willow said bitterly. “Kinda like Spike’s chip, anytime I try and use magick I’ll zap myself.”

“She’s too dangerous, damnit!” Etheridge shouted. Giles moved to position himself next to Buffy as the female Watcher, Jennifer Bryant, entered, alarmed.

Willow whimpered softly but was too weak to even raise her arms to protect herself.

“Stand aside, Giles,” Etheridge ordered as Bryant’s eyes shifted from brown to black. “Let’s us do this or our only option is to eliminate the threat.”

“You touch Willow and I’ll rip your throats out,” Buffy promised. “Have you asked what she wants?”

“That doesn’t matter!” Etheridge yelled. “She’s a danger and it’s your job as the Slayer to eliminate threats to mankind.”

“It’s my job as Slayer to fight the forces of darkness,” Buffy countered. “I remember, individual choices don’t matter to any of you.”

Everyone turned to see Tara standing on the other side of Willow’s bed with her hands over the red-head’s body, a cocoon of silver light surrounding Willow and the bed.

“Leave us alone!” Tara ordered as Willow’s head dropped forward, her energy gone.

“Yes you will,” Buffy countered. “You told Giles you wanted me back as long as I begged. Well, guess what? I’m not begging and neither is Giles. Tell your witch friend there to back off with the energy thing or she’ll try it with my stake in her throat.”

“I’m not your Slayer, remember?” Buffy countered, stake in hand, poised for throwing.

“Mrs. Bryant,” Etheridge said softly and the woman’s eyes shifted back to brown.

“Now, I’ve been thinking,” Buffy continued. “The way I figure it is that without a Slayer, you guys are out of a job or trying to invent one. You need a Slayer and you want me back but to save your egos, you want me to think that you’re doing us a favor.”

“I must say!” Mrs. Bryant began to protest and she looked down at the stake sticking out of the floor between her feet.

“No interruptions,” Buffy ordered. “No tests, no begging and no changing of my Watcher. Giles will be reinstated as my Watcher…”

“…retroactively and with full pay,” Buffy continued. “No taking Willow or Tara away from us and no more talk about zapping Willow’s powers. We’ll figure it out as we go along and we’ve got each other to keep each other in line. Willow knows the dangers and we’ll learn them.”

“And where are they now? Hello!” Buffy demanded sarcastically. “You’re talking about two very powerful witches, a 1000 year old ex-demon with inside knowledge on other demons and evil stuff, a police detective and two FBI agents, pretty good team, I think.”

“Xander is the heart of the group and has never backed down from a fight,” Buffy countered. “And he’s logged more field time than anyone else in your Watchers.”

“Wow, soldier-type speak,” Tara muttered to Willow, pleased to see her lover manage a small smile as she opened her eyes.

“I’m not your Slayer until I agree I am,” Buffy snapped. “And I don’t give a damn about your orders. In the future you won’t be giving orders but suggestions; we work as partners with the Council, not its puppets. You share information and hot tips and we’ll take care of the problems, deal?”

“Once again I point out that I’m the oldest living Slayer you’ve ever had,” Buffy smirked. “I stayed this way because I had friends working with me and because I’m rather stubborn and don’t always do what the Council wants.”

“You train young girls to be Slayers until they die and you get another one,” Buffy continued, glaring at Giles for a moment. “Well, I’m not a young girl any more. I’m an adult and so are Willow and Tara and the rest of us. You’ll start treating us like adults and not the teenagers you think you can order around.”

“This is much like a government or military operation,” Etheridge said slowly. “The job of the Slayer is designed to take orders from the Council, to be the weapon, not the leader.”

“I’m not a machine, I’m not a toy, and I’m not a trained animal or robot you can turn off and on,” Buffy growled. “I don’t want to lead your stupid Council; I just want some respect for me and my friends, along with some cooperation. No secrets, no testing, no keeping information back from us that might be helpful and no replacing Giles.”

“This is most unorthodox,” Mrs. Bryant complained, crossing her arms and looking irritable.

“No,” Buffy said firmly. “What Willow needs is to be addressed by her name, to stay with Tara and me, not to see any more doctors, tubes or hospitals. We will handle it together.”

“I’ll present your requests to the Council and let you know their decision,” Etheridge said slowly and unhappily.

“They aren’t requests, Etheridge,” Buffy corrected. “Every one of them is be agreed upon or you can pack up and go back to merry old England.”

“No, none,” Buffy said firmly and began counting off on her fingers. “Let’s see, the highlights: Giles, back pay and reinstated as my Watcher; no replacement Watchers; no holding back of info; no testing of me or anyone else; no removing Tara or Willow; no zapping of Willow’s powers; Xander, Anya and Brad stay; I get treated like an adult. Did I miss anything?” Buffy asked the others. “Half Watcher pay for everyone else, it’s murder replacing ripped and bloody clothing, smashed doors, demon gore covered books, stuff like that.”

“I’ll let you know,” Etheridge grimaced and motioned Mrs. Bryant out of the room.

The girls and Giles were surprised when Xander and Anya rushed through the door after the Watchers had left.

“Yes, I think she was marvelous,” Giles agreed and turned to the witches, wanting to confront Willow about using magick on Etheridge only to discover she was asleep.

“That little bit wore her out,” Tara said softly, wiping away the blood as it poured from Willow’s nose.

Willow slept soundly for another eight hours before waking up to find Giles sitting next to the bed, watching her.

“No, it was precautionary after that flash of magick you did,” Giles said calmly, his voice neutral and not scolding.

“Sorry about that, I just felt this incredible feeling of danger from them,” Willow whispered, her voice raw.

“I understand,” Giles nodded, leaning over to unbuckle the other restraint. “It does disturb me though; you had just sworn not to use magick to me.”

“And I acted instinctively,” Willow said just as calmly. “I don’t know how to answer that, Giles. It’s like the werewolf curse, I took it to save Buffy but I used black magick to do it. I sensed danger and used magick to protect myself after promising I wouldn’t. I can’t say I wouldn’t do it again either.”

“We might have a problem if we can’t trust you,” Giles said, his face worried.

“Well, we sure found out we still can’t trust the Council,” she countered.

“Lying down for a bit,” Giles answered. “Tomorrow night is the full moon.”

“I have another idea,” Giles said thoughtfully. “Do you think with Tara’s help that you could heal your body from what you’ve been through this week?”

“Like you said, I don’t trust the Council not to harm you or try to stop you from using magick,” Giles began explaining. “I think they might try and take you while you’re still weakened.”

“When do we get a break from someone trying to kidnap me?” Willow demanded, her voice frustrated.

“I suggest that the three of you spend tomorrow night at the cell; we need you healthy to go through that,” Giles continued. “After the full moons, maybe a road trip for the three of you?”

“Road trip?” Buffy’s voice joined them. The witch and ex Watcher looked up to see Buffy and Tara walking in, looking sleepy. “We felt Wills’ energy change.”

Willow brightened at the sight of her mates but whimpered when she couldn’t even raise her arms to hold them. Giles stepped aside with a smile to let Tara in on his side of the bed while Buffy grabbed Willow’s hand on the other.

“I would like Willow healed in time for the full moon tomorrow night, using Tara and Willow’s magick,” Giles explained. “After the full moon, I want the three of you out of town until I settle the Watchers down and they give up this idea of burning Willow’s magick out.”

“Tara, with your connection with Buffy and Willow, can you do it?” Giles asked.

“It’ll leave the three of you rather tired, I expect,” Giles commented. “Let me make arrangements with Xander, Anya, Joyce and Brad. I’ll have them prepare the crypt for your three-day stay. Once you do the healing, we’ll sneak you out of the house and to the crypt.”

“All three of us will be zapped?” Buffy frowned, hating the idea of being helpless.

“After werewolf duty, we hit the road?” Buffy asked, her frown turning into a smile. “I think we need that.”

“Actually, I was thinking that all of you need that if you don’t mind taking Anya and Xander with you. He can’t work as a security guard with his arm in a cast and I can run the store,” Giles suggested. “Joyce and I are going to settle in and start planning the wedding and getting rid of the Council.”

“You’ll find a small RV waiting for you after the third full moon,” Giles promised. “Part of my back pay.”

Tara grabbed the bars of the cell tightly as Willow’s hand reached around from behind her. She was holding and roughly massaging the blonde witch’s breasts as her fingers danced between Tara’s legs, demanding entrance.

“Oh Goddess!” Tara whimpered at the ferocity of Willow’s sexual needs and how turned on she was by it.

Tara had gone into the cell to wake Willow up after the first night of the full moon and her being a werewolf. Buffy had snuck out to grab breakfast for the three of them and Tara had stayed behind.

Instead of a sleepy red-head, she found a very frisky Willow who was already naked from her transformation from werewolf to human. Willow wasted little time and effort in grabbing Tara in an embrace that left the other witch breathless, her heart racing and her body very aroused. Willow had also wasted little time in getting Tara’s clothes off.

“Need you,” Willow growled, her hands everywhere on Tara’s body. The blonde witch felt like she had to grab something solid to hang onto, just to keep any rational thought in her head.

“Willow, yes!” Tara begged, feeling her body thrusting against Willow's as the red-haired witch lowered her mental shields, drawing Tara into her highly aroused state, joining them together. “Please!”

Willow entered Tara with several fingers as the witch gasped and thrust back, trying to take more of her lover. The red-haired witch whined as Tara’s sensation swept back in through her own body.

Tara felt Willow’s arousal hitting back through her, jolting her and then her lover's other hand moved from her breasts down to her clit as Willow moved deeper into Tara’s center. The blonde witch heard her own voice making whining and whimpering noises as her body begged for more.

Willow growled and bit down on Tara’s shoulder, the light touch of pain sending her lover over into trembling orgasms that had her clinging to the bars, slowly collapsing to her knees onto the sleeping bag.

“I’m sorry,” Willow mumbled, brushing Tara’s hair back from her forehead.

“That was fast and rough,” Willow grumbled but with a shy smile as Tara stroked her arm.

Willow squeaked as Tara flipped her over and was now on top, kissing her passionately and with rising energy.

The squeak turned into a moan as Tara’s nipples brushed across hers and Willow’s and her lover’s body settled against each other, a thigh between each leg. Tara began an agonizing slow crawl down Willow’s body, her tongue and lips trying to cover every inch between Willow’s lips and her sexual lips, sending Willow into a trembling mass of muscles.

“Oh Goddess,” Willow whimpered as Tara’s hands stayed at her breasts and the lips and tongue moved lower.

Willow felt Tara’s hands move down to her hips and the other's witch's body shift slightly. The red-haired witch yelped when she felt her body slowly lifting off the sleeping bag. She looked down between her legs and found Tara grinning at her as she sat up on her knees, following Willow’s body. The levitating witch was now at a height and angle that was totally open to Tara.

Tara took advantage of the position to drive her tongue as deeply as possible into Willow, her hands moving around the redhead's body to grasp her nipples. Willow felt an incredible sense of trust sweep over her and then a wave of Tara’s arousal.

The weightless sensation added a new depth to her arousal but it was also maddening in that she couldn’t grab onto anything as Tara’s tongue began to drive her into a frenzy and her legs began to shake out of control.

Tara knew she would never get enough of her lover as she drank in Willow’s essence. She knew Willow’s body and what pleased her lover as she entered her lover first with two fingers and then danced her tongue over her lover’s clit. The red-haired witch began thrashing in the air, sweat covering her body despite the cool winter morning. Tara added another finger as Willow’s body opened further for her.

The blonde witch increased her speed and depth and Willow screamed, her body convulsing around Tara’s fingers and tongue.

Willow opened her eyes once her breathing calmed down and snuggled closer in Tara’s arms as her lover pulled the sleeping bag up over them before they drifted into sleep.

Buffy grinned as she quietly opened the cell door. She expected Willow to wake up frisky and then attack Tara; she didn’t expect to find both of them asleep.

Buffy leaned over Tara and began kissing her lover softly. She then leaned over further to kiss Willow as well and then moved back to Tara’s lips as both women began to stir. Buffy was kissing Willow as Tara’s arms wrapped around her, surprising the Slayer by pulling her in between them.

The Slayer laughed for a moment until Tara’s lips captured her. Buffy knew they were both naked when she woke them up but landing between them was a shock to her system, one of arousal. Especially when she felt Willow’s hands pulling at the buttons of her blouse.

Tara’s lips moved to her earlobe and neck. Buffy moaned as the witch began working her neck like an experienced vampire while Willow got the buttons of her blouse undone. Buffy felt her blouse being opened and Willow’s lips on her nipples.

“Uh, guys?” Buffy asked as her breath quickened. She felt her hips arching in anticipation as Tara’s hands began demanding entrance at the buttons of her jeans.

“This too much?” Tara asked softly, pulling back slightly. She felt Willow freeze, moving back from Buffy’s breasts.

“Well, I know Willow is getting hit with Full Moon Friskies,” Tara grinned as Willow began blushing. “I’m okay with this; I love you both, very much.”

“I’m not wigging,” Willow grinned and ran a tongue over one of Buffy’s nipples, causing the blonde to jerk in response.

“Oh boy, me either!” Buffy agreed, pulling Tara in for another kiss that was demanding as Willow’s lips and teeth returned to her nipples.

Both her lovers decided that Buffy was over-dressed and sought to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. As Tara attacked her neck and Willow began moving down her body with her lips, Buffy wondered exactly who was being attacked with Full Moon Friskies: Willow or Tara. Buffy knew it was going to look like she had been attacked by a vampire after Tara was done with her neck but didn’t care, it felt too good.

Buffy had no idea whose hands or lips were where, the two witches seemed determined to drive her insane sexually and were working very hard at it, Buffy managed to think as her body arched off the sleeping bag. She felt her hands grabbing someone’s shoulder as fingers entered her and others tweaked one of her nipples. Buffy forced her eyes open and managed to see red hair between her legs just before Tara claimed her mouth again.

Buffy's body jerked in reaction when she felt Willow’s mental “ping” and Buffy dropped her shields, letting her lover connect with her, sending waves of love and desire zapping through the Slayer’s body. Buffy felt Tara joining the connection and felt her mental jerk when Buffy surprised her by moving her hand between Tara’s legs and entering her lover quickly.

Tara broke away from the kiss to gasp and then moan. Buffy cried out as Willow increased her attention to the Slayer’s clit and labia lips.

Buffy was always amazed whenever she touched Willow or Tara, they were both different yet each of them seemed to know her so well and each other. The Slayer figured it was part of their connection; each of them knew what the other ones needed when. Like now, Buffy thought, they knew she liked it a little rough occasionally and Willow was more than a surprising match for the Slayer. Buffy also knew that Willow’s full moon madness was shooting through Tara as well and it was one of the times that she wanted it faster, deeper and a little rougher than she usually did.

None of them really knew how long they slept except that they woke up with the hot chocolate Buffy brought gone cold, the donuts a little stale and all of them intertwined; a mass of arms, legs and skin.

“Gods, you two are incredible!” Buffy grinned as Willow moved to snuggle on one side and Tara on the other.

“It feels good to be somewhat back to normal, aside from the turning furry with no control thing last night,” Willow smiled back.

Both Tara and Buffy had to agree with that assessment. Compared to the last six months, turning into a werewolf while locked away in a crypt was low on the excitement meter and they were all more than ready for a rest.

After the horrors of detoxifying from the black magic, Willow was left with the energy of a gnat. Only the continual intravenous feedings had kept her alive during the week and a half it took for her system to purge itself of the toxic and addictive energy running through her body.

Buffy shook her head mentally; she still couldn’t believe that Willow had been in that condition less than 48 hours previously. Together with Tara, Willow had managed to heal her body, taking it back to its semi-healthy condition before crossing paths with Dracula.

“I’ll agree with t-that,” Tara said shyly. “I d-don’t think my body is used t-to it yet though.”

“Well, we’re stuck here for another night and no one told us how to spend the time,” Buffy teased and then laughed when both Tara and Willow began to blush. “Aside from locking Willow away during the full moon, I suggest we only get dressed long enough to eat and get cleaned up a little. Other than that….” Buffy wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and Willow turned a brighter red and Tara tried to hide her face in Buffy’s arm.

“Watch it, Slayer,” Willow threatened playfully through her blush. “I still know your tickle spots!”

“Any idea where we’re going to go until the Council calms down about Willow?” Tara asked.

“I suggest that it not be anywhere that we’ve talked about or made plans to visit before,” Willow added. “We have no idea how much the Council knows about us.”

“They’re like some secret organization out of a sci-fi show,” Tara complained.

“That’s because they are,” Buffy growled, remembering the Council’s decision to magickally “zap” Willow’s powers so that she would be helpless to use magick again. During her last phone call to Giles, Buffy had learned that they weren’t too particular in what condition it left Willow either. They were viewing the young witch as a major threat to mankind and they were determined to either cripple her magickally or kill her.

“Well, I don’t want to mess with passports and records of us crossing borders so Mexico is out and so is Canada,” Buffy pondered.

“We can’t take an RV to Hawaii,” Tara smiled, her eyes dancing with amusement.

“There are a few states that what we were doing an hour ago is very illegal,” Willow added, giggling at Buffy’s surprised expression.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Buffy protested but Willow lost her smile as she nodded. “What does anyone care what we do together in a sleeping bag?”

“Last time I looked most species in the world had homosexuality,” Buffy protested. “Including primates, dolphins and otters!”

“How about heading north, the weather is getting better and they won’t expect us to head north in the cold,” Tara suggested.

“I agree,” Buffy nodded. “They’ll expect us to head for warmer climate and beaches somewhere.”

“Can Anya and Xander go with us?” Tara asked, nuzzling Buffy’s neck as her hand played through Willow’s short hair.

“Yeah, now that Christmas is over, the mall has cut Xander’s hours and didn’t mind him taking vacation,” Buffy answered. “They’ll meet us tomorrow at noon, outside the cemetery.”

“Why at noon?” Willow asked, beginning to drift off again. “Why not at dawn when I change back?”

“Because that’s what the Watchers will be expecting and watching almost every route out of town,” Buffy smiled as Willow closed her eyes.

Giles had warned them that Willow would want to sleep a lot, her body and mental state had been through a great deal and it would be natural for the body to try and catch up. The body still wanted to rest, even with the rapid healing.

Buffy nodded at her other lover and Tara got up slowly, reaching for clothes as Buffy put a pillow in Willow’s arms, watching to ensure the witch continued to sleep. She grinned as Tara handed the Slayer her shirt.

“I’m starving,” Buffy admitted. “Mom packed enough to feed an army for a week, what say we have some brunch?”

“Yeah,” Tara agreed. “Have you noticed she hasn’t asked about Carson?”

“I think she knows and doesn’t want to talk about it,” Buffy said slowly. “He came to me that night and told me to live; I don’t doubt he made the same trip to Wills.”

“When do we stop suffering? Look at you, watching Willow, me and Xander become Dracula’s playthings, watching Willow turn into a werewolf every full moon, Carson dying…”

“And look at the love I’ve got,” Tara countered. “We have a c-connection that even the great Watcher’s C-Council c-can’t figure out.”

Giles opened the front door of the Summers' home and slammed the door behind him, meeting Robert Etheridge on the porch.

“They still aren’t here, they aren’t coming back and Mrs. Summers doesn’t want to talk to you,” Giles said firmly.

“Giles,” Etheridge began slowly. “We’re not going away as long as Willow Rosenberg is a threat.”

“Why not?” Giles countered. “You leave us in the lurch all the time when it comes to holding back information on prophecies, demons, Hellmouths and whatever else comes along. As long as we handle Willow, why do you care?”

“I agree with Ms. Summers that her relationship with the Council needed to change, yours too,” Etheridge allowed. “We aren’t accustomed to dealing with an adult Slayer and adjustments need to be made. We also need some cooperation on your end.”

“No cooperation if it entails harming Willow in any way,” Giles shook his head. “There is a distinct possibility that wiping Willow’s magickal abilities out will leave her brain damaged or wipe all her memories out. That’s not acceptable.”

“You’re insisting that we leave one of the most powerful, untrained, and black tainted witches to you and your group of children?” Etheridge snapped.

“That’s exactly what I’m insisting,” Giles continued. “These children, as you call them, have seen more than all of your Council members could even dream of. They have been through hell several times and have survived. They are fairly sane, strong, and a good team.”

“To prove that, Buffy, Willow and Tara have left town and will stay gone until I tell them you aren’t going to kidnap, ambush or harm Willow in any way and agree to Buffy’s terms,” Giles finished.

“I’m authorized to issue an all out hunt for your Slayer and the witches if I need to,” Etheridge said firmly. “Turn the witch over to us or we’ll take them all out.”

“I wouldn’t advise trying that, mate,” Giles growled, losing his English gentleman accent as Ripper came closer to the surface. “My girls sent Dracula, Acathla, Angeleus, Adam, the Master, the Judge and many other horrors packing. Do you really want to kill a Slayer and the good guys?”

“A Slayer who had sex with a vampire, failed to kill him until it was almost too late for the entire world,” Etheridge countered. “A Slayer who let herself get bitten by a werewolf to protect her girlfriend. A witch who will crawl on her hands and knees to get a dose of black magic.”

“We don’t know that,” Giles growled. “I have faith in Willow and in Tara and Buffy’s abilities to keep her on this side of the line.”

“Two months,” Etheridge said flatly. “Two months, regular progress reports and I’ll consider letting her stay here unmonitored after that and untouched.”

“Agreed. Until then, no hunting parties, no alerts and no other Slayers going after them,” Giles bargained. “You bring in another Slayer to cover Sunnydale with their Watcher.”

“You’ve never told them about the other Slayers, have you?” Etheridge asked, his manner shifting to general conversation. Giles pointed to the porch swing and they sat down.

“No, I’m surprised they didn’t figure it out when Kendra was called forward and then Faith,” Giles frowned. “I still wish we didn’t keep that a secret from them.”

“You know the temptation for a Slayer to quit if they knew they weren’t the only Chosen One,” Etheridge reminded the former Watcher. “How many times has your own Slayer complained about her ‘fate’ to be the Slayer?”

“I know and it’s natural for them!” Giles protested. “We take young girls, convince them they are the only hope for the world and turn them into Slayers. They go into it knowing they’ll probably die very young.”

“And if they knew there was some other girl to take their place?” Etheridge countered. “A large majority of them would quit, wanting a normal life of a teenager.”

“A life, period,” Giles complained. “You can’t blame them, we don’t even ask young men to go off to war as young as we take these girls out of their normal existence and start training them.”

“Giles,” Etheridge hesitated. “I hope they make it. Ms. Summers leaving the Council was a major blow and I don’t think we can take another major shakeup and war with her.”

“I’m glad, Etheridge,” Giles said truthfully. “We’re on the same side; going to war would only benefit the side of darkness.”

Buffy watched the werewolf pace restlessly in the cell. Since the telephone call earlier from Giles had told the girls they were no longer in danger of being kidnapped or killed by the Council, Buffy had sent Tara home for the evening to get things ready for their upcoming trip. Giles had encouraged them to continue with their plans for getting out of Sunnydale. After everything that had happened, he felt the entire group needed a break and the three women agreed.

Buffy also suspected that Giles didn’t trust the Watcher Council not to jump in at the first sign of any problems with Willow. If the Council didn’t know where they were, the Scooby Gang would have a better chance at relaxing and letting Willow heal.

The Slayer glanced up and found the wolf watching her closely, as if trying to read her thoughts. “You there, Wills?” Buffy asked softly. She debated about getting closer to the cell but held back. The werewolf could be unpredictable on full moons, they had discovered over the last two nights.

The werewolf cocked her head and then laid down on the sleeping bag, still watching the Slayer.

Buffy sighed and leaned her chair back until she and it were leaning against the stone wall. In her lap was a tranquilizer gun and at her feet was a crossbow, both loaded.

“It’ll be good to get away for awhile, Wills,” Buffy said softly, keeping her eye on the crypt and the cell door. “We all came so close to dying so many times in the last few months. I need a break and some new clothes.”

“Oz returning, realizing I was in love with you and Tara and that you both actually love me back,” Buffy smiled to herself. “That’s the upside of things, by the way.”

“Getting bit to protect you,” Buffy continued reminiscing. Any other presence than Buffy or Tara irritated the werewolf but her lover's voices seemed to calm the primal beast on full moons. Willow had managed to control the change when Tara had been attacked by other werewolves but she hadn’t attempted it since then. “Then you went and did that stupid spell. I still could whack you for that one!”

The werewolf opened her eyes and raised her head at the sound of anger in Buffy’s voice.

“Sorry, wolfie,” Buffy lowered her voice to a calmer level. “I just wish you hadn’t done that. I also can’t believe that we just bared our necks and let Dracula walk right up and bite both of us.”

Buffy closed her eyes wearily. It would be good to get away and spend time with the gang. Xander was also feeling guilty about falling to Dracula so easily and hurting everyone. Willow needed time to adjust to the magickal addiction and the three girls needed a chance to really reconnect and discover a stable relationship with each other.

Buffy and Red werewolf drifted off to sleep as the moon disappeared behind the horizon.

Willow mumbled and pulled the sleeping bag over her head as gentle hands tried to wake her up. “Sleepy.”

“Yup,” Buffy agreed. “Grab her clothes, I’ll carry her if we need to.”

Together, the two lovers managed to get a very groggy Willow dressed in a large t-shirt and sweat pants and then let her sleep some more as they gathered up their things from the crypt.

Xander and Anya arrived shortly after dawn, the plans once again being altered to leaving Sunnydale at dawn instead of noon. The gang was anxious to begin their vacation and they also wanted to throw any kinks into ambush plans the Council might have just in case the Council had changed their minds about eliminating Willow as a threat to mankind.

Xander grinned at the sight of a grumpy Willow curling back up into the sleeping bag as Buffy and Tara packed up their clothes from three days and nights of werewolf babysitting.

“That’s my Willow,” he smiled as Anya walked up from behind him and hugged him.

“She will be better when we get her away from guys in white coats,” Anya commented and the tall male had to agree.

“She’s been through hell the last few months,” he nodded as Anya broke off the hug to grab a box of snacks and as he bent down to grab the ice cooler. “We all have.”

“It will be interesting to see the country as a human,” Anya said thoughtfully. “When I came over here it was as a demon and I was always too busy with cursing males to appreciate the beauty of the land.”

Xander shook his head with a smile. “Only I could fall for a former demon,” he smirked. “I’m just glad that you’ve stopped telling me some of your more interesting curses that you put on men. The thought of boils all over my manliness is just too disturbing.”

Anya grinned and wiggled her eyebrows at him. “Me too, I like parts of your manhood intact and functional, including your heart.”

“Mushy stuff!” Buffy yelled from across the room and Xander began to blush a bright red.

“Yeah?” he snapped back with a goofy grin. “I’d talk! Whenever Tara or Willow is around, you can’t see, think or do anything!”

“That’s not true!” Buffy protested, sticking her tongue out at her best male friend.

“Enough!” Tara laughed, pulling Willow into an upright position and shaking the red-head. “Let’s hit the road. Come on, Wills, let’s get out of Sunnydale for awhile.”

“Out of Sunnyhell?” Willow mumbled, opening her eyes and rubbing at them. “I’m game.”

Together the group managed to haul the snack box, backpacks of clothes, ice cooler and one groggy werewolf witch through the graveyard to the street where the RV awaited them.

“Your chariot, MiLadies,” Xander grinned as he sat the cooler down and unlocked the side door.

Buffy stayed outside, watching for anything out of the ordinary on the daytime street of Sunnydale as Tara and Willow entered the rolling small apartment. The Slayer took stock of the vehicle from the outside as she hovered protectively over her friends and lovers.

The RV was new and bigger than a camper but smaller than a typical RV. Buffy was impressed with the smallness, she figured Xander and Tara, the most experienced drivers among the bunch could handle something that size. Buffy was also concerned about the smallness of the RV, the thought of two months with Xander and Anya with the three of them in that small space could be a frightening thought.

The Slayer shrugged to herself; they had planned on taking breaks along the way and renting hotel rooms now that the Council wasn’t hunting them.

Xander grinned and shoved the ice chest inside the RV and followed Anya in, placing himself in the driver’s seat. Buffy said a small prayer that his driving had improved since high school. Tara leaned out the door with a grin.

“The bed back here is Queen size and the one over the cab is big enough for Xander and Anya!” the witch smiled. “Willow’s already curled up in the corner.”

“Let’s hit the road then,” Buffy agreed, taking one last look around for anyone watching them. “Xander, wander around town awhile, get the feel of this small monster and see if anyone is following us.”

“You got it, Buff,” Xander smiled and turned over the motor as Buffy shut the door and took a look around their new home for the next month, at least.

Buffy headed first to the back of the RV where Tara was leaning against the bulkhead with Willow’s head in her lap. The Slayer’s eyebrows rose in surprise as she took in the size of the spacious bed and the small TV/VCR combination on a shelf above the foot of the bed. The closet could be bigger, she decided, but expected the small space was expected.

Willow was already dozing as Tara gently stroked her hair and Buffy felt her heart going out to the two witches once again as she watched them. Buffy often felt that life was one long string of “unfair” events, especially with her being chosen as the Slayer. Over the last few months, Willow especially had been through more than Buffy could ever wish on her worst enemy.

“We love you too, Buff,” she said softly as Buffy grabbed onto the doorway as Xander pulled away from the curb.

“I love you both,” Buffy responded with a loving smile and turned to survey the rest of the vehicle.

More closet space, refrigerator, sink, stove, microwave, overhead storage, dining table, lounge chair and a bed over the cab of the driver’s area. What impressed the Slayer was the shower, toilet and sink area.

“Thank God, no gas station bathrooms,” she muttered and Anya, in the passenger seat nodded enthusiastically.

“One time I cursed a male to his own private hell of cleaning gas stations bathrooms for eternity,” the former demon commented.

“Interesting,” Buffy acknowledged and sat down in the lounge chair behind Anya, glancing over at the dining table. The space didn’t seem that small with everyone sitting down somewhere but it would probably be impossible if more than one person were up and moving about. They’d have to work on morning schedules or something, she thought to herself.

The young man pulled the RV over as Anya got out the map of the western United States. Xander, Buffy and Anya looked it over closely.

“No real plans of where we’re going, right?” Xander asked. "There's three different ways to go north, guys."

“Okay, are we going up the other side of the mountains heading into Nevada, through Bridgeport and the mountains to Reno, Nevada? Or there is the center of the State through the Central Valley? We would hit Sacramento and stuff. The other option is up the coastline towards San Francisco.”

“There’s always cross-over highways in case we change our minds too,” Anya pointed out. “There’s a highway that goes from Bridgeport through Yosemite to the Central Valley.”

“And here’s one from the Central Valley to the Coast,” Xander pointed to another.

“Well, we’re not set on making time getting anywhere,” Buffy said thoughtfully. “Do we know if there is still snow in Yosemite?”

“There’s snow until late spring blocking Tioga Pass,” Tara commented from the back. “We would end up going through Reno, through Susanville and dropping back into California from that route. We run the risk of snow.”

“You’ve never said anything about them, I guess I thought you were an orphan or something,” Xander commented.

“Are we visiting family types?” Anya asked, unsure if she was in favor of that thought or not.

“No!” Tara said quickly, startling Willow. Tara touched Willow’s cheek softly. “No, they don’t agree with me leaving home, going to college and they forbid the practice of witchcraft and homosexuality.”

“Nope, let’s see seals, otters, and lots of twists and turns!” he said cheerfully.

Since all of them had been over this part of the highway before, Tara snuggled down next to Willow while Buffy, Anya and Xander debated what would be the first CD for road music.

“I’ve been so scared of losing you these last few months,” Tara said softly, kissing Willow for several long moments.

Willow sighed, relaxing in her mate’s arms. “I know, I am so tired of being kidnapped, tortured, bitten and separated from you and Buffy.”

“I love you, Tar,” Willow said softly, running her hand over Tara’s arm. “I don’t feel so strong.”

“I know, you’re just tired right now,” Tara smiled, stroking Willow’s hair as the red-haired witch closed her eyes.

Tara glanced over her shoulder, catching Buffy watching them. The Slayer was smiling as she watched Willow drift into sleep. Anya had won the round of Rock-Paper-Scissors and they were currently listening to some group called Dead Can Dance.

The blonde witch smiled, turning over slightly so she could look at and touch her other lover.

“Yeah, she’s got a lot to catch up on after that mess with Dracula,” Tara agreed.

“We all do,” Buffy agreed, leaning down to kiss the witch tenderly. Buffy’s eyes were sad when she pulled back. “I’m so sorry about Dracula, Tara.”

“I’m trying to understand,” Tara admitted. “It does hurt but I know you weren’t in control. I know that.”

Buffy continued to frown. “It feels weird, all he had to do was snap his fingers and we both jumped.”

Tara reached up to wipe away the tears beginning to fall from Buffy’s blue eyes.

“I didn’t resist him, Tara,” Buffy said softly. “Willow fought against breaking the connection with you, even when she was hurting so bad from the magick thing. She fought back, I didn’t.”

Tara felt Willow stirring and saw that Willow was awake and hurting for their lover. Together they pulled Buffy in between them as she began to cry.

Because of Willow’s crisis over the withdrawal from the magick, Buffy really hadn’t had time to have her own emotional crash over the incident of falling to Dracula’s mental control and desires.

Willow and Tara had actually expected it and held the Slayer tight, letting her cry. Tara glanced up and saw Xander and Anya purposefully keeping their eyes on the road ahead of them. She reached up and closed the curtain between the bedroom area and the main area of the RV.

“We’re safe, we’re together, and Dracula’s gone, Buff,” Willow said softly, stroking Buffy’s hair as Tara wrapped her arm around both of them.

The comforting consisted of snuggles and gentle touches until Buffy and Willow had cried themselves out and drifted into sleep.

“Yeah,” she said easily. “They’re j-just both exhausted and emotionally on overload.”

“I can understand that,” Xander muttered. He grinned and reached over to squeeze Anya’s hand. “Dr. Xander and Nurse Anya at your service, we will do our best to get them to relax and heal. You too!”

Tara blushed slightly but smiled. Sometimes it wasn’t easy for the shy young woman to believe that she was totally accepted by the Scooby Gang but it was getting easier. She knew that Buffy and Willow loved her very much and Xander loved both of them. Anya came along with Xander, therefore Buffy, Willow and Tara accepted and liked her. Tara came along with Buffy and Willow now, therefore Xander and Anya accepted and liked her.

What really amazed the young witch was Joyce Summers' and Giles’ acceptance of her relationship with both Buffy and Willow.

Being in love with both Willow and Buffy was unusual enough, being involved with them in slaying and witchcraft was even more unusual in that it worked and the three of them seemed to balance each other.

That balance was what was needed now, they all realized. Dracula’s mental control over Willow and Buffy and Willow’s physical addiction to black magick because of Dracula had damaged that balance. It had also damaged everyone’s confidence in their skills and strength.

Tara glanced over as Xander drove along the highway. He hadn’t said much about Dracula’s mental control either but everyone knew he was feeling guilty for having betrayed Buffy and Willow to his Dark Master Dracula.

Tara settled into the seat and dozed lightly, listening to Anya’s continual tales of travel throughout the ages and how much nicer the RV was than a carriage in the 17th century.

The first real stop of the trip was at the classic Malibu beach. The day was clear and in the low 70s, perfect for roaming along the sand, Xander declared. The weather in Sunnydale was still in the grip of winter and hadn’t let go of temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Xander grinned and parked the RV, satisfied with the vast amount of parking on a weekday.

“Beach!” he shouted. Tara grinned as Anya clapped. The back partition opened to reveal a grinning Buffy and a blinking but smiling Willow.

“We’ve all been keeping too many night time hours,” Buffy added. “I could use some sun. You too, Will.”

The first real test of the motor home came moments later when it was debated whether it was warm enough for shorts and who would change where. Given Willow’s recent physical problems, they decided just to run around a bit on the beach and not change their clothes this time.

Xander and Anya picked a picnic table to sit on as Buffy, Willow and Tara romped on the edge of the surf, tackling each other and ending up playing tag. Until the teasing during the play ended up in a three-way snuggle and kissing fest.

The next test for the group came with the second decision: make time as far up the coast as they could get, play tourist along the way or both.

Anya leaned back in Xander’s arms on the sand as the triad settled down, each grinning and flushed from their romp by the ocean.

“It's so weird,” Buffy commented. “We’re always chasing our tails, either with school or saving the world. I’m not used to having time to think, let alone slack off.”

“I agree,” Willow added, leaning against Buffy’s shoulder as Tara lay on a blanket, her head in Willow’s lap.

“I suggest we just hit Highway 1 and stop whenever and wherever we want,” Xander proposed and everyone nodded in agreement.

“Let’s move then and at least get out of the county,” Buffy suggested, sitting up with a grin.

The next week was spent moving slowly up the California coastline. After the first day Xander began to relax and settled into driving at a calm pace instead of rushing through the scenery.

Malibu beach, a cruise around the Channel Islands; La Purisima Mission; Point Sal; Pismo Beach; Los Osos; Morro Bay where they spent the afternoon eating calm chowder and French bread on a dock; Harmony, a town of artists that barely registered on a map; a very long day in Hearst Castle; the magnificent beauty of the rough coast of Big Sur; another day exploring Carmel, Monterey and Cannery Row.

Tara threw herself onto the RV bed with an exaggerated sigh as Willow spun around in the Captain’s chair, laughing softly.

“Got tired of the noise too?” Willow asked, knowing that about her sometimes shy lover.

“Yeah, that arcade is enough to make you dizzy,” Tara nodded, leaning up on her elbows. “Buffy and Xander are competing with a shooting game. I think Buffy forgot that Xander was some kind of soldier for real one Halloween and he’s giving her a run for her money in sharp-shooting and Anya claiming all the prizes.”

“Yeah, you should have seen him that Halloween,” Willow smiled. “For a scary thing it was actually interesting. He was like John Wayne or something.”

“And you were a ghost,” Tara added, remembering being told the story of haunted costumes.

“The others should be gone for awhile,” Tara said softly and Willow felt her heart skip a beat as her mate’s eyes darkened in desire.

Willow moved slowly out of the chair as Tara turned over onto her side. The red-haired witch grabbed something from the back of the door and placed it on the outside door handle before closing it.

Tara smiled as Willow climbed onto the bed next to her and closed the partition.

Willow touched Tara’s cheek gently, as if afraid her mate was a dream. Tara pulled Willow into her arms and moaned as their lips met. Her red haired lover snuggled down into her arms with a sigh and a smile.

“We haven’t had a lot of time to snuggle since Dracula,” Willow commented.

“Before that actually,” Tara observed, beginning to unbutton Willow blouse as Willow drew a leg over Tara’s. “I love you Willow, don’t you ever dare run away again!”

“I won’t, I promise,” Willow said, her voice getting husky as Tara pulled her blouse open. “I’ll never leave you or Buffy again.”

Willow’s hands were pulling at Tara’s t-shirt as well and growled as it remained stubbornly on. Tara smiled and rose up enough for her mate to get the t-shirt over her head. Bras were removed quickly and mutually as both women began breathing heavily and movements became a little more frantic.

“Yes, now!” Willow growled, pulling at Tara’s jeans as the other woman tugged at her shorts.

“It always feels like fire when I'm touching you!” Tara whispered, kissing Willow’s neck and biting her earlobe before moving to her lips again.

“I love you, Tara,” Willow moaned as clothing was shoved aside, impatiently. She cried out as Tara’s lips and teeth moved lower to her breasts and nipples. Her back arched as her lover's hands roamed all over her skin.

“Need you! It’s like I’m in heaven when I touch you and I’ll die if I don’t keep touching you,” Tara mumbled.

Willow willingly gave up the lead to her lover as Tara’s body covered her. A leg between hers caused Willow to cry out again and thrust against Tara. The blonde witch felt herself whimper as her hand moved between their bodies, touching warmth and wetness as Willow bit her lip.

Xander stopped in the parking lot, his arms filled with stuffed animals and packages. Buffy and Anya snapped in protest as they nearly ran into him until they saw the red bandana tied to the door handle of the RV.

“Should have known this would happen when they both decided they had enough of big noises,” Anya complained. “We are getting a hotel room tonight, Xander!”

“Yes, dear,” he said willingly. The only real draw back of traveling with the Scooby Gang was the lack of privacy for sex.

Buffy grinned, she intended to give Tara and Willow another work out later that night in their own hotel room. She needed snuggle time and sex as well and sometimes having Anya and Xander just on the other side of a thin partition wasn't enough space.

The next day was spent along the beach at Santa Cruz. Xander and Anya took in a few of the rides on the Boardwalk while Buffy, Willow and Tara lounged on a blanket on the beach. The weather was nice; it was a weekday so it wasn’t crowded and they wanted to relax from playing tourist.

“This is really nice,” Willow murmured, her head resting on Buffy’s stomach.

“Any Jonesing for the magick thing?” Buffy asked the red-head, running her hand over Willow’s hair.

“Some,” Willow admitted. “It’s not bad, though. I look at the two of you and it passes.”

“You bet,” Willow nodded. “I think the real test will be when we get back to Sunnyhell and facing danger.”

“Yeah and I don’t think the Council will let us off the hook just because we played tourist all this time,” Buffy said thoughtfully.

“I know, they’ll still want to keep an eye on me until we either prove I can handle it or can stay away from it,” Willow nodded.

“Which do you want to do?” Tara asked, sitting up to look down at her lover.

Willow frowned as she thought for a moment. “I’ve been going over it in my head, a lot. I want to work on controlling it with you. The magick started working for me when we worked together. I’d like to start slow and go back to the basics.”

“Okay, we can start any time you’d like,” Tara nodded and used the opportunity to bend over and kiss Willow and then Buffy before lying back down.

Buffy sat up instantly as Tara and Willow looked up to find three college-looking males standing nearby.

“Here we were going to ask for a date tonight,” the voice continued with a smirk.

“Guess that’s out of the question, huh, Steve,” the middle one grinned. “Looks like they’re either very, very kinky or a bunch of dykes.”

Buffy glanced around, gauging her surroundings, her lack of weapons, and her growing irritation. She had heard the word ‘dyke’ muttered around them after Willow and Tara had been open about their relationship but never to her face.

The blonde Slayer slowly got to her feet and moved to where Tara and Willow were slightly behind her.

“Look, guys,” Buffy said slowly. “We’re just trying to grab some sun and quiet. How about giving us some space?”

The Slayer knew that it wasn’t likely that the three males would leave but she really wanted it to end peacefully.

The three smirked again and Buffy quickly sized each of them up in their baggy shorts, baggy t-shirts and baseball caps. No weapons of any kind but they were big, probably football players, she surmised.

“What’s the matter, sweetheart,” the third one grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. “Don’t dig guys?”

The beach was fairly deserted and there wasn’t anyone close enough to help or encourage the males to leave. Buffy had a sinking feeling this was going to get messy.

Buffy’s sense of fair play demanded that she wait until they made a move before she beat the hell out of them but that didn’t mean she couldn’t push them.

“Well it has been awhile since I got to kick some ass,” she muttered. “Look, guys, if you are the alternative to women, I’ll choose women every time.”

It took the males a moment to realize what she was saying and then they got angry.

“Why you little dyke!” Steve growled and swung his fist at Buffy’s nose as the other two moved to grab her.

Buffy knew they expected her to try and go for the groin. Instead the Slayer thrust upwards with the palm of her hand, shattering Steve’s nose. She bent her body over to one side and brought her leg straight up under the chin of the one on her right. He fell heavily to the sand.

The remaining male stopped his advance and looked at his friends, one lying on the ground with a broken jaw and the other on his knees, holding a broken nose.

“Take them and leave, you ruined my sun,” Buffy complained. “And that wasn’t even a decent demonstration of self defense.”

“Come on, let’s head back,” Willow said behind her as the male helped his friends to his feet.

Buffy kept an eye on the wounded males as Willow and Tara gathered their things.

Xander had been disappointed that he missed the minor altercation on the beach but Anya was overjoyed. She had managed to drag her boyfriend into a deserted janitorial closet for some kinky private time.

Xander's hand over her mouth stopped any further graphic descriptions of their sexual encounter when he blushed a bright red as Tara and Willow giggled. Buffy grinned at his embarrassment.

"Hey, that's enough now!" he protested. "Okay, how about….uh, food! Food would be good!"

"He's trying to change the subject," Willow pointed out the obvious to Tara and the witch nodded, still feeling as playful as Willow.

"How true. You know he's always hinting for descriptions about what we do together sexually but he never lets Anya share what they do, ever notice that?" Tara teased.

"I think I'll crawl under the RV now!" Xander shouted. "No talking about my sex life!"

Anya was quickly sitting in the passenger seat and buckling her safety belt, very compliant.

Buffy and her mates laughed hysterically for several moments as Xander started the RV up and moved out of the parking lot.

The Slayer took the chance to watch her lovers and friends over dinner and smiled. For the first time in six months they finally were relaxing and it felt a bit like old times as Willow laughed and leaned against Tara as Xander made goofy faces over his slice of pizza, resting his cast on the table.

Buffy found herself grinning as Tara and Xander raced for the jukebox in the pizza parlor, fighting to see who got to choose the next set of songs. Anya shook her head and watched Xander with loving eyes.

Xander caught the look from Anya and grinned a goofy smile and began blushing, giving Tara an opening to insert her dollar into the machine while he was distracted. He threw up his hands in defeat and began to beg Tara for a chance to pick at least one of the songs.

Buffy, watching Xander saw him suddenly get a very serious look on his face as he dug into his jacket pocket for something. The Slayer had noticed him checking the pocket every ten minutes ever since they had left the RV for dinner and wondered what he was up to.

Xander was obviously nervous when he and Tara came back to the table causing Willow and Buffy to get very quiet. Anya, catching Xander's expression fell silent a moment later.

"Xander? Is something wrong?" Anya questioned after a moment of the young man standing at the table instead of sitting; shuffling his feet, hands deep in his pockets.

"I…I've been doing a lot of thinking lately," he stammered. "That deal with Dracula really twisted me up inside…I almost lost all of you…I was almost lost."

"I don't want to miss any chance I've got," he continued quickly. "Seeing the three of you together makes me…"

"NO!" he snapped, blushing. "Kinda like warm fuzzies, I guess. You three just fit together and Willow and Buffy are finally happy. I want that too."

"You do not have this with me?" Anya demanded, beginning to pout. "You wish more women or men in your bed?"

"NO!" Xander snapped and went to one knee, fumbling with something in his pocket.

"Anya," Xander continued, ignoring his friends and opening the box to reveal a very nice diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

Anya blinked as the other three women held their breath, eyes wide in surprise. Buffy was surprised when the former vengeance demon's eyes filled with tears.

"Yes," Xander nodded. "Whatever you want; white dress, preacher, our friends, a small house, kids, everything!"

"Yes!" Anya shouted and pulled Xander to her for a long and passionate kiss as Buffy, Tara and Willow began to cheer and clap.

Other customers, figuring out what was happening when they saw the young man on one knee with a ring box, joined in on the cheering and clapping. Xander got to his feet with Anya still in his arms. He kissed and held her tightly.

He began moving slightly with his fiancée as Bryan Adams began singing "Everything I Do."

Willow leaned against Tara and held Buffy's hand as they watched the young couple sway, lost in the moment and in each other's eyes.

The next three days were spent in San Francisco celebrating the engagement and their freedom. The only 'bitch' during the trip to that point was Anya complaining that Xander wouldn't let her buy everything in sight. Her mercenary heart quickly calculated the resale value of several things they saw along the way that she could resale in the Magic Box and Xander put his foot down by saying there wasn't enough room in the RV.

Willow consulted the map as they crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. A quick detour to the Marin Headlands for a picnic and travel decisions led to the general idea of driving slowly, continuing up Highway 1, taking in the little towns and the magnificent coastline above San Francisco.

Tara, having lived in Northern California, stood back and watched Buffy and Willow discover the crashing ocean against the sea cliffs and the pine trees that lined the other side of the road. Willow was delighted with the combination of coast and forest and the rest of the group was more than happy to indulge her desire to explore almost every spot along the way. Xander took special delight in pointing out that they could take a tour of the area via horror movies.

Buffy asked what he was talking about and he happily pointed out that several movies had been filmed in the SF area and above.

"'Scream' was filmed at the Santa Rosa high school; 'The Birds' at Bodega Bay; 'The Fog' was at Point Reyes; 'Interview with the Vampire' in San Francisco," he grinned.

"And 'Time After Time' in San Francisco too," Tara mentioned and Willow raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"I remember that one!" Willow said happily. "Jack the Ripper and H.G. Wells, so romantic!"

Buffy laughed from the seat behind Anya. "Only Xander would know what horror films were filmed where," she grinned.

The small band took their time traveling up the coast, taking several days before they reached Eureka.

As they got closer to the California-Oregon border, they decided it was time for more traveling decisions and huddled over the maps one evening in a hotel room.

"Well, we have 15 days before the next full moon," Tara pointed out, looking at a calendar and holding Willow's hand. "We need to decide if we want to be back in Sunnydale by the full moon or chance sedating and chaining Willow up somewhere on the road."

Willow's jaw muscles clenched as she struggled against her feelings of guilt for putting her friends through the hassle of dealing with her as a werewolf as she looked over the map.

"None of that, Red," Buffy scolded. "None of us are to blame for this, not even Oz really. No guilty feelings, we just deal with it."

"Yeah," Xander agreed as Anya played with her ring. "It's no deal, Will. Just like when we watched over Oz."

"I suggest we take our time heading back," Tara said thoughtfully. "I can help hold the werewolf magickally and it'll show the Council that we're not afraid of dealing with Willow on any level."

"Okay, how about crossing over from here to Redding, over to Susanville, down to Reno and then back to Sacramento and then down to home?" Xander suggested, pointing out his suggested long route. "It'll take us through some major mountains, into the fun gambling city of Reno and then down the State. We can veer off and see Yosemite from Merced or something else if we want."

"Grand idea and we can see Lake Tahoe, it's so beautiful this time of year," Buffy agreed. "Giles isn't complaining about the credit card charges or yelling for us to hurry back, so I agree."

"Probably not even listed," she mumbled. "And it's further up than we're going."

"Let's get some sleep and we'll start the mountain tour tomorrow," Buffy suggested.

"Well, I remember the hotel manager threatening to break in your door last time we stopped at a hotel," Buffy teased and Xander began blushing again.

"Yeah," Willow joined in quickly. "He wasn't sure if you were having sex or killing Xander."

"Well, can you blame him?" Tara added as Xander groaned. "Seeing Xander tied to the bed and Anya with a…."

"Nothing! That wasn't a riding crop in her hand!" Xander protested and dragged Anya off the bed. "It was the belt off my robe!"

"I thought that's what I tied your hands with…" Anya began to correct him as he dragged her out of the room.

"Anya makes him such a great target though," Buffy commented as Willow lay back on the bed holding her ribs.

"One of these days he's going to catch us doing something and tease us forever," Willow warned as Buffy moved slowly to lay beside her. Willow's breath caught in her throat as Buffy's eyes darkened with desire and she began unbuttoning Willow's blouse.

"Oh yeah and I enjoy every minute of it," Buffy muttered as she unfastened Willow's bra and took a nipple into her mouth. She then moved up to Willow's lips.

The evening was spent snuggling, nuzzling and slowly building to sex. One of the times the three lovers had the chance to take things slow and lovingly and they intended to treasure it.

Two days later Xander pulled over and consulted the map as they traveled from Susanville towards Reno, Nevada. Anya turned and smiled at the three women snuggling in the back of the RV. The trip had been good for everyone, Anya included.

Most of those two days were spent snuggling in the RV, either Xander and Anya in the bed above the cab or the three lovers in the bed in the back. A gentle and romantic mood had descended on the group after Xander's proposal and Anya's acceptance of marriage.

Anya frowned as she changed the channel on the radio. Xander looked over with a puzzled looked as she swore under her breath.

"Radio religious fanatics are more annoying now than in the 15th century," Anya complained.

"It is so stupid! These uptight men and women who probably have never achieved an orgasm go around telling people how to live," Anya continued to complain.

"That moron was saying that homosexuals are evil people just because who they have sex with and love," Anya bitched loudly.

Xander glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed Buffy leaning up on her elbow, as the three women got quiet.

"Can't change those types, Anya," Xander said sadly as he looked around at the road signs. "Just change the channel."

"They are stupid and should be educated," Anya protested. "All they would have to do is spend time with our friends to know that they aren't evil. We fight evil, they aren't evil."

Xander grinned as he saw Buffy shake her head with a grin. Anya switched seats with him and wrangled the RV back onto the road, managing quite well.

"They wouldn't even agree to talk with Willow and Tara, Anya," Xander tried to explain. "They think witches are evil too."

"So, they think Willow and Tara are evil because they are gay and witches?" Anya asked.

"Pretty much, Buffy gets included because she's gay now or at least bisexual with them," Xander nodded, putting in a CD to avoid any more preaching from the radio.

"But Buffy fights evil more than any of us! That is not fair! She's died for the good side, don't those idiots think about such things?" Anya asked.

"Not really," Xander pondered. "They think Buffy is wrong because she now sleeps with women, two of them at the same time and has unmarried sex. Lots of things, I guess."

"They never have, I know that," Anya snapped. "It just shouldn't continue is what I'm saying. They should be willing to take time to learn their mistakes."

"I agree totally," Xander nodded. "Unfortunately, we can't tie them to a chair and make them listen."

"Can we stop for lunch, guys? I'm a little tired and would like to switch drivers," Xander called. "We've got a town coming into sight down in that valley below."

"That's strange," Anya muttered, looking over the map. "There's no town listed this soon."

"I hope they do, I'd really like a good greasy hamburger, please," Xander begged.

"Cool, thanks," Xander smiled and worked the RV slowly down the mountain road slowly. The group had decided to take some off highway roads and see the mountains. Now they had found a small town that wasn't even listed on the map.

He grinned with relief when they spotted a small coffee shop at the end of the one road town.

"Oh, so not a place I want to visit!" Xander declared. "I don't want to squeal like a pig!"

The place looked like a stereotypical small mountain town from a horror movie: small little shops, a sheriff's office, a bar and a few houses. A couple of roads branched off from the main road and they could see several houses in the woods along those roads.

The small group emerged from the RV, smiling and joking among themselves. They spotted several locals hanging around outside a small general store but didn't pay too much attention to them. Buffy, of course, immediately gauged strength, potential weapons and possible danger from the men and two women and anywhere surrounding them but her "spidey" sense wasn't buzzing so she followed her mates and friends into the coffee shop.

"You watch too much TV!" Tara whispered back as a waitress with a bee-hive hairdo approached them with menus.

Buffy could tell that Xander was barely hanging onto his composure and not laugh in the woman's face. She did look like something out of a TV truck stop.

The group sat down in the booth, with Willow squeezing in between Tara and Buffy. Xander grinned at the typical menu and leaned against Anya.

"Can I take..." Xander looked up as the woman hesitated, her face puzzled as she looked at the three young women.

"Order?" Xander asked quickly, wondering if they were about to get a dose of small town prejudice. "Yeah, I'd like a double cheeseburger, fries and a coke."

"Okay," the waitress smiled but Willow caught Buffy's frown, the smile seemed forced.

"Was that weird or what?" Tara whispered as the woman leaned over a back counter and handed someone in back their order.

"Yeah," Xander agreed and frowned when he noticed the waitress moving to the far end of the counter to urgently talk with one of the locals. Buffy continued to frown when the scruffy young man got up with his meal only half finished and moved out a back door.

"I don't know," Willow frowned. "It's like…I don't know, damnit. Maybe she's a magic user and I'm sensing that."

The waitress returned with three plates and made a return trip with the last two, including Xander's double cheeseburger. Drinks followed next and Willow continued to frown.

Buffy felt Tara trying to extend her "senses" at the same time Buffy did but couldn't sense anything out of the ordinary.

"Okay, Willow senses something weird," Xander said between large bites. "Why isn't Buffy sensing something?"

"Buffy, please! Let's get out of here!" Willow begged and Xander was on his feet in a moment. He quickly crossed to the counter and pulled out some money.

"I'm sorry, my friend isn't feeling well, thanks!" he said quickly as the girls dashed for the door with Anya right behind them. Xander grabbed his burger and moved to follow her friends.

Willow squeaked as the door slammed open and a huge man in uniform stood in their way. Xander turned to find that the same scruffy young man had returned and was standing at the back door.

"Good afternoon, ladies," the Sheriff said calmly. "Sir," he continued, including Xander as he looked over their shoulders.

Willow felt her heart racing as the Sheriff's eyes changed from dark brown to wolf yellow and his canines extended into fangs.

Willow's squeak turned to a growl when the Sheriff's canine's turned into fangs. She felt Buffy's muscles tensing behind her.

"Please!" the Sheriff said quickly, holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "We mean you no harm! I promise!"

"Will?" Buffy asked, her hands on Willow's shoulders, ready to pull her lover out of the way to protect everyone.

"I swear by Romulus and Remus and their wolf mother that we don't mean you any harm," the Sheriff said slowly. He pulled out his pistol and handed it to Buffy; butt first.

The small group returned to their booth and the young man brought over a chair for the Sheriff to sit down at the edge of the booth.

"I'm called Luke," the Sheriff said introducing himself. "That's Lucille and the young one is Phillip."

"Yes, we're the descendants of an ancient tribe from the Carpathian Mountains," Luke explained. "Our families immigrated here with the gypsies but we stayed together and founded this small town when mankind moved west."

"The entire town gets furry on full moons and tears up the countryside?" Buffy asked, wrapping an arm protectively around Willow's shoulders.

"In a way," Luke grinned. "We find our wolf selves when we hit teenage years and the Elders show the young ones how to control it so we aren't a danger to anyone."

"You can control it?" Willow whispered, her eyes suddenly hopeful instead of fearful.

Luke nodded gently. "Yes, and we offer that to any of our kin passing through, like you."

Buffy frowned. "A friend of ours left town a while back and when he came back he could control the wolf but he was totally evil."

"He didn't learn from us," Luke said firmly. "We teach the young how to accept the wolf and nature. We view ourselves as part of nature, not something evil and cursed."

"But I was," Willow said softly. "I took the curse from someone by using black magic."

"That doesn't make you evil," Luke said firmly, shaking his head as Lucille placed a hand on his shoulder. "We can sense evil ones and ask them to leave town once they finish their meals. You aren't evil."

"No, full moons especially," Tara answered, feeling Willow's 'fight or flight' energy fading quickly. "She changed once to protect me but she has no control on full moons."

Buffy raised Willow's chin gently and wiped at the tears flowing down her lover's cheeks.

"Her energy is low, she's been ill recently," Luke said, passing a hand in front of Willow's face.

"Do you think you all could stay a few days?" Luke asked. "We could show her a lot in three days, enough to keep her from being a danger on full moons."

"I don't know, we need to talk about it," Buffy said slowly. "I'd like to meet some of the others."

"Of course," Luke agreed readily, standing up as Lucille smiled at the small group. "Shall we meet in the church in about two hours? I'll get the Elders together."

"Where's the church?" Tara asked as Willow watched Luke and Lucille carefully but wearily.

"At the end of the street, top of the small rise," Lucille smiled. "Lunch is on us."

"Thank you," Buffy said softly as the group worked their way out of the booth, Tara and Buffy staying on either side of Willow as they made their way to the RV.

Buffy and Tara quickly moved Willow to the bed and sat on either side of her as she perched on the edge of it.

"Does this remind anyone else of a horror movie?" Xander demanded. "I say we rev Priscilla up and get the hell out of here!"

"Okay? An entire town of werewolves feels okay?" Xander squeaked. "What, you got warm fuzzies for werewolves after what Oz did to all of us?"

"Back off, Xander!" Buffy snapped. "If they're on the level, it might be a perfect chance for Willow to learn. You know the hell she went through when she escaped."

"Look, I know how much it scares all of us that she might escape and hurt someone," Xander said softly. "But how weird is this? A town of werewolves? John Carradine is going to rise from the grave sprouting fangs and fur!"

"Okay, we live on a mouth of Hell, what are the odds that we found a town of werewolves?" Xander demanded.

"I'm not surprised, actually," Buffy shrugged. "I'm just surprised it took something this long to jump out at us."

"I want to see the Elders," Willow said more firmly. "If they can help, I'd be a major idiot to pass up the chance."

"I have to agree," Tara nodded. "I didn't sense anything evil from them and Buffy's Slayer senses didn't go into alert."

"Okay, how about we stay in the RV with the engine running in case you guys need to leave quickly?" Xander suggested.

"Alright," Buffy nodded. "That's not a bad idea. Until then, I want Willow to get some rest and we can plan an escape and ready our weapons."

One added feature of the RV was a secret compartment in the floor and under the dining seats. Inside the compartments were weapons: stakes, silver daggers, crossbows, axes, swords, holy water, tranquilizer gun and five automatic pistols. The bullets were a special mix with silver hollow points filled with garlic.

Tara curled up in bed, holding Willow closely as the others dug out the weapons and checked them, stashing them in various parts of the RV.

Buffy frowned and placed the tranquilizer gun near the door. Tara caught her eye and frowned.

"I don't think they're dangerous," Willow muttered, closing her eyes as she curled up in Tara's arms.

"Hasn't she been through enough already?" Xander complained as he looked at his best friend drifting into sleep.

"Yup, and it's up to us to protect her for awhile," Buffy nodded. "I hope they don't want to fight us for her."

"Actually I don't," Buffy responded. "I would really rather not take on an entire town of werewolves with only a few clips of silver bullets."

"Okay, we're supposed to meet them in half an hour," Tara said softly, looking at her watch, stroking Willow's cheek as the girl napped restlessly.

"Let's walk to the church," Buffy suggested. "Xander, if you hear gunshots or see one of us flashing our flashlights, you come barreling down the street."

"So do we, Will," Buffy nodded, handing her a small Mag-Lite flashlight. "We signal Xander and Anya with either gunshots or flashlight."

"Okay," Willow nodded, clipping the flashlight to a belt loop but frowned when Buffy started to hand her a small pistol. "Silver bullets?"

"Will, if these werewolves are bad guys, they won't let us leave," Buffy said softly.

The small church looked like something out of a New England postcard. It was small, white and with a steeple.

"Does it hold everyone?" Tara asked as they approached the small building on the rise.

"I don't know," Buffy commented, constantly looking around for town's people and possible danger. "Luke said he'd gather the Elders, not the entire town."

Phillip was waiting on the stairs outside and smiled broadly when the three young women got closer.

Buffy noticed a few people hanging around outside their front doors, apparently curious but not threatening.

She felt Willow's hand slip into hers as Tara placed a comforting hand on the red-haired witch's shoulder.

Buffy glanced at her lovers and smiled, trying to encourage them. She could tell Tara was nervous and Willow was as jumpy and shy as when Buffy first met her.

"Ladies, thank you very much for agreeing to meet with the Elders," Phillip said calmly, opening the doors for them. Buffy was surprised, he sounded well educated, not the back-woods farmer type he looked like.

"Thanks," Buffy smiled, noticing that he held his hands in sight, as if he expected them to be nervous.

He moved through the doors ahead of them, as if anticipating they wouldn't want someone between them and the door.

Xander waited impatiently as he and Anya watched the three women enter the small church. Anya had a pistol in her lap and Xander had a shotgun across his. The shotgun was loaded with special rounds, a combination load of wood, iron and silver pellets. They were special loads for vampires, demons and werewolves. He could see several people milling around inside the coffee shop, occasionally watching the RV.

Xander had a feeling it was going to be a long wait. Anya put in a CD as the engine idled.

Luke, the Sheriff, was standing near the front of the pews and Buffy quickly scanned the church, looking for windows, doors, and any at-hand weapons. The altar had been moved back and two tables set up with chairs all around it.

Tara's student eyes took notes of the older adults: the youngest looked to be 50 and the oldest somewhere over 100. Overall, the general impression to the young college student was a senior citizen meeting or a small town council.

"We're a little nervous here," Buffy admitted and was grateful that each of the Elders had small name plaques on the table in front of them.

"Robert Stockwell, Maggie O'Connor, Layton Lawson, Pietr Androvkoff, Stefn Wulfsson, Ster Johansson, Helki Androvkoff, and Rowan O'Connor," Luke pointed to each member.

"Yes," Willow nodded shyly. "The sheriff says the entire town are lycanthropes."

"Yes," Robert nodded. "Most are, some aren't by way of marriage and sometimes the wolf skips a generation if one of the parents is human."

"I offered young Willow our usual hospitality," Luke said, sitting down to join the table.

"Let us tell you about Lupercalia," Rowan suggested. "Our families originated in the Carpathian Mountains, stayed together when mankind moved west across America and founded this small town. We keep to ourselves but most of our young people venture out, go to college and build lives but they always return, usually with wives or husbands, adding new blood to the town."

"We have met many Weres in our history," Layton continued. "Most had no control over their wild side. We offer help in learning that control."