Branches of the Willow

by April

Copyright © 2004

xenasis@yahoo.com

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All characters are property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. I only took them out for a stroll.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse    http://mysticmuse.net
Sure, just let me know where and when.
Feedback: Please.
Author's Note: I want to take just a minute to thank all those who have read this piece and especially the ones who gave me such ego boosting feedback. I could not have done it without you. Lisa, you’ve been a great beta and I’m really glad we met at Dragon Con last year. It was your listening and encouragement that convinced me to begin this epic. The continued support of the BTVS community kept me going. Salute!
Spoilers: Doppelgangland.
Pairing: Willow/Vampire Willow/Faith

Part 1    Part 2    Part 3    Part 4    Part 5

Part 1
The Seed

She slowly dragged her tongue up Willow's thin, neck. "What do you say? She asked when the redhead shuddered against her. "You wanna be bad?"

That was the final straw. "This just can't get more disturbing."

The vampire growled in frustration and desire, baring her teeth, readying for the bite.

"Eeww." Willow pulled away, pushing the vampire's hands away. "No more. You're really starting to freak me out."

Facing the leather clad vamp out version of her; the young woman made a lunge around her and out of the library. Spotting Xander's cross on the counter, she reached out, snagged it, turned and waved it at the Vampire.

It didn't stop the vamp, when she knocked it out of the girl's hand, grabbed her and in a fit of rage, threw her hard up and over the counter.

Landing with a crash, the red head was stunned for a few seconds. Adrenaline from the fear in her veins kept her from feeling the pain of her landing and kept her conscious when her head connected with the file cabinet. "Ow," she mumbled shaking off the cobwebs.

"I guess if you don't want to play, I can't force you." The vampire pouted and started moving around the corner.

Looking around for any kind of weapon, the girl spotted the tranquilizer gun under the counter. Giles always kept it handy and loaded and she reminded herself to thank him for that later. Pulling it from it's hiding place; she slammed the bolt into place and aimed at the end of the counter just as she heard her twin coo. "Oh wait. Yes I can."

Taking a deep steady breath, she was ready to fire. When the gun was yanked out of her hands from above she was completely caught off guard. "Not this time." Her tormentor purred through her fangs.

Finding herself trapped in a corner, Willow stared up the barrel of the gun, wielded by the vampire version of herself. Anya was the one who should be here. The ex-demon had deceived her into working a spell that was responsible for this visitor from another time. Her knack at having spells go awry held its title when the vampire Willow had attacked the Bronze. Buffy, Giles, Angel and Xander were on their way now to remedy the situation, the situation that was now threatening her life.

Willow Rosenberg wasn't a quitter, or ready to die just now. "Listen…ouch..."

The dart penetrating her shoulder silenced her. The world was swimming when her double jumped down next to her and then the world went dark.

Nausea and aches awaited her as she came to. She kept her eyes closed and took a few deep breaths to push away the queasy feelings. From the stale air and musty odor she deducted they were in an old crypt, and slowly opening her eyes she met only darkness. As they became more accustomed to the lack of light, she made out a huge crypt in the center of the room and smaller ones along the walls.

Shivering from the cold and fear, she wondered where the other Scoobies were. Running back for the trank gun would have only taken a minute or so, so when she didn't catch up, they had to have come after her. Surely they would have come before her leathered twin kidnapped her. They would be here soon, she told herself for comfort.

She suddenly realized there was a presence in the crypt with her. Letting her eyes scan the darkness, she couldn't locate her captor but knew she was here, even without any sound or light.

The Vampire stood immobile in the far corner, watching her captive. So strange to know she was about to give death to herself, be her own Sire. Was this Willow like the others, soft, easily led, or was she like the rare one she met on her journeys? A warrior fierce and unbending in her stance to wipe out all vampires.

Controlling the urge to giggle at her thoughts, she redirected her focus to the woman tied and leaning against the stone wall across the room. They would go back and help the Master rebuild. She had already found a reality where he still reigned and the three of them could change it and make it a fun world again.

"Time to play." She whispered just loud enough.

"Hnn. You know I...I think we should talk about this. Us." She stalled into the darkness. "I know spells and magic and could be very useful to you. Tell me more about yourself. When you became a vampire. How? You know, reasonable things."

The pinpoints vanished and the voice was suddenly next to her ear. "You are going to help me and be useful. The two of us will have so much fun." Another lick to her neck, a rush of breath against the dampness and then daggers piercing her neck. A mouth latched onto the wound and began suckling, drawing in her essence.

Pain faded into pleasure, like when Oz nibbled her neck and left his little love bites, only this felt like a really big love bite. Two warm hands caressed her stomach and she leaned into the arms around her. Sweet music filled her mind and her fear had long since run away.

"Mmmmm." The vampire groaned against her neck. Drinking her own virgin blood was a heady, intimate experience. Arousal that she hadn't felt in ages ran through her and made her realize how much she missed having someone. Biting deeper, she drank more and felt their connection growing. This Willow was capable of love, caring, and innocence. To her surprise her instincts were becoming more like a mothers, she couldn't say she minded. The Master had turned she and Xander and yes they had made others, but this was different. This was her.

Willow relaxed against the softness, floating above her body. She was slightly aware of the cold that crept into her body and tightness in her stomach and loins. A feeling she had sometimes when she was with Oz but never this strong. Almost feeling his hands on her, exploring and caressing her body, she moaned weakly and came.

Reluctantly, her twin stopped feeding and released her hold on the wonderful neck of her child. Eyes rolled back in their sockets with euphoria, it was a few seconds before she calmed herself and turned back to the semi-conscious woman in her arms. Again using her sharp as knives claws, she cut the ropes around her captive and caught her as she fell forward.

Studying the pale reflection only strengthened the bond of affection she felt. Since Xander's demise, she had been so lonely and was unaware of the sadness her face reflected. "Wanna playmate. A friend. A sister." She whispered, brushing loose strands of hair from her twins rapidly cooling face.

"C...cold." Willow answered weakly.

Against even her own rules, the Vampire made a sudden decision that could change the game. "Listen to me." She instructed and made sure the woman was looking at her before she continued. "I can end it for you now. Fast, clean and with no pain. Or I can bring you over to be one of us. To be my Sister. I'll teach you and take care of you and you can do the same thing for me. I have never made or will make this offer again to another soul. You have been given a choice. That's what undeath is. We're not like others are we, Willow?"

Eyelids like weights, Willow managed to keep them open and listen to the offer. She was dying; she knew that and was never clearer of mind in her life. In the face above her she saw genuine concern and a deep loneliness. That drew her to her doppelganger. It was something she was on intimate terms with. Xander, Jesse and she had been together forever, and now there were the other Scobbies and even her own boyfriend. But never something that was just hers, and that hole seemed to grow inside her.

She didn't want to die and knew she could maybe do good like Angel so she struggled to form an answer. Cold and weariness were settling into her bones and she found the thought of death oddly comforting. " N…no….w...we…we're …nnn…not."

With the joy of a child, the vampires eyes lit up and she smiled broadly. "Goody. A Sister and playmate." Pulling the limp woman as close as possible, she rested her head on her breast, just above the leather and lace of the bodice. Using her nail she made an incision on her left breast. "You need to drink. It won't take much." Instructions given, she nudged Willow's head to the bloody breast.

Willow smelled something coppery that seemed to call to her. She felt her head being urged closer and warmth touched her lip. Salty and smooth, she traced the stream offered. Halting, the girl looked at her Sire for permission.

"Such a good polite girl. Go ahead." With that she put her hand on the back of Willow's head and guided it forward. Lips suckled the wound and the surrounded it, pulling the precious warmth into her.

Willow gulped down the heat, trying to capture every drop she could and feeling herself stirring to life or death as it would be.

The two women embraced tightly, savoring, the closeness until the vampire felt a chill. "Enough." She ordered, grabbing Willow's hair and pulling her off.

Glassy eyed, Willow stared up at her Sire. Licking her lips clean of the sweet liquid, she saw that the wound she had been drinking from was already rapidly healing.

"We'll stay here for tonight." Vamp Willow stated. "You should be strong enough to leave tomorrow night."

Content to fall asleep where she lay, she was enveloped by an intense burning through out her body. Her body was drawing and beginning to seize and unable to speak she looked at her Sire. "Auuuuu." She groaned out, attracting the Sire.

"Oh dear." The woman sighed and embraced her child. "It's the transformation." She informed. Willow threw her head back, face contorted in pain, tears, the last vestiges of her old life, running down her cheeks.

"Shhh, sweet one." The Sire comforted. "I can't stop it or make it go away, but it will soon. You have to die before you can be reborn."

Those words slammed into her and Willow realized what was happening and how horrible it truly was. She was going to die in a crypt alone.

Picking up on part of the thought, the Sire picked up the cringing woman and held her close. "I won't leave you, Sister. You are not alone." Proceeding across the room, she stopped next to the makeshift coffin for two. Crawling inside, she made sure they would be safe for the day and then held her Sister as death claimed them.

Something was calling to her. Climbing out of the darkness her senses were flooded.

"Go slow." A voice soothed. "You're hearing sounds, feeling sensations, things you never knew existed. You'll get used to it in time but for now try to focus on me. On my voice."

Skittering of tiny little nails in and around the crypt. Owls' wings flapping by on the roaring breeze. Air against her skin like silk, making her body feel alive for the first time. She could even hear the dew settling on the early evening grass. So many sounds and sights but there was one that outweighed them all. Power. Focused and filled with concern.

Opening her eyes, she found her mirror image watching her intently. Their eyes locked and Willow tuned into her Sire. Other things fought for her attention, but she offered a calm cohesive link and she stayed with that.

"How do you feel?"

Continuing to hang onto the link, Willow waited until she could control herself...How did she feel? Excited, scared, nervous, regretful, happy so many things but underneath it all there was a gnawing pain that had crept into her bones.

Her Sire nodded, reading her thoughts. "That's the hunger you're feeling. It gets worse until you feed. It can drive you insane but it won't kill you. It can make you wish you were dead though. You must feed to exist."

Buffy and Angel had told her that when someone was turned, they died and were inhabited by a demon that maintained the memories and actions of the host body. She didn't feel like a demon but she was a vampire. Vampires fed on blood, that thought made her shiver but not as much as the next one. Human blood.

"I have to kill somebody? A person. A living, walking, breathing person?"

Smiling sympathetically, her Sire nodded. "Yes, Sister. It's not that bad and I'll teach you how to make it fast and sorta painless. I like the pain but I know you don't. Once the Master gets the factories up and running, it's will be even easier."

"The Master's dead. Buffy staked him…."

Words stopped when she saw that her twin's face had changed. "In this world he is…" She yelled before lowering her voice. "…but there are others realities where he rules and he will welcome us by his side. If we're very good, we may even get puppies."

"Uh huh." Willow nodded, sensing that her Sire might have something in common with Drusilla. Dru had been driven insane by Angelus so who and what did this to her Sire. That train of thought was unacceptable so she changed tracks. Angel has sworn off human blood. He went to the butcher and…

Stunned by the slap, Willow stepped back and rubbed her cheek, looking at her Sire. "Hey."

"Animal blood will not pass our lips." She growled. Stepping forward, she gripped Willow's wrist.

The new vampire had no strength against her Sire as she was pulled then dragged across the room and chained to the wall. For the first time she realized that they were no longer at the crypt but were now in what looked like an old dungeon. Tugging at the chains, she knew they were solid and watched as her Sire stepped back and looked at her with disappointment.

"Won't mind Mommy you bad girl. You'll just have to be punished then and stay put until you're ready to eat."

Cold from the crypt and her Sire's insanity scared her and at the moment she was absolutely helpless. Time for some quick thinking on her part. "Please." She started. "You promised you'd take care of me. Teach me."

Frowning, the Sire stepped closer. "I'm a bad mommy." Kneeling, she faced Willow, placing a few comforting kisses on her face. The Sire's game face had vanished and she pouted. "Cranky now."

"I'm sorry."

This was her newborn child and already she was scaring her. "I'll give you a snack for now but when I get back, you will have to feed. If you don't eat, you'll pray for death and it won't come easy." With that she made a cut on her wrist.

Willow smelled the scent and her mouth watered. Instinct told her to lunge at the offered wrist but she didn't want to further antagonize her Sire. Delicately, she accepted the wrist. This was blood, she thought to herself. I'm about to drink blood. Hunger kicked in and she wondered why she had been hesitant to feed.

Vampire Willow stroked her hair, mistaking the hesitation for shame and regret of her earlier thoughts. "That's my girl."

Cold and pain eased, replaced by a tingling throughout her body as the nourishment was absorbed. Unconsciously, the tried to hold on when her twin pulled her arm away.

Looking at her child, she saw the satiated glazed stare. Her mouth was smeared with the remnants of her snack. Leaning in, the Sire gently brushed her lips on her twins, tongue tracing the stained lips of her child and tasting her own blood. It was a soft, gentle kiss that ended quickly.

"I have to make our travel arrangements and feed, so you'll be here alone for awhile. You'll be safe here and I'll bring you something back to eat when I return. But understand this. I will not feed you again. I will teach you all that the Master has taught me so you can be independent, but I will not carry you. If you do not feed…" The Sire stopped there.

With the buzz of her snack fading and the tone of her words, Willow became uncomfortable.

Casting a final look, the leather clad woman vanished out the barred door and into the darkness beyond.

Willow leaned back against the wall and although she was chained up, she was alone for the first time since the whole ordeal began. There were a couple of torches burning and the Sire had left her the makings of a bed. At the very least she had a few hours to try to find a way out and get to Buffy or Giles.

Looking around at her surroundings, she became aware of a coppery taste in her mouth. 'Blood' she thought to herself. Willow Rosenberg, high school honor student, nice computer geek had drank blood and liked it. Her stomach clenched but their was no nausea or urge to vomit the contaminates her body had absorbed. The hunger in her body had taken care of the problem.

Even now she could feel it inside her. The ache of hunger. Tugging at the chains, she discovered that the chains were solid and after an hour of brainstorming to no avail, she decided she would have to wait for her Sire to return.

It was two days before the Sire returned to the dungeon. Upon her return she found a mere shell of her twin. The tall, slender red head had curled into the fetal position and made every effort to become part of the wall. Splatters of blood dotted the floor and walls and her hands were covered with scabs from the missing skin left on the walls. Her skin was gray and her hair and eyes were limp and lifeless. Her body shook continuously causing the chains to rattle like chimes in the wind. Barely able to hold her head up, she looked at her sire. "Please."

Rushing to her, the Sire tossed a bundle beside them and knelt in front of her. Releasing her restraints, the Sire heard her whisper, "Hurts…make it stop." Embracing her she sighed. "It's the hunger. It will only get worse, but it won't kill you. I'm sorry I was gone so long but I had to be sure, let you experience the full extent of this."

Time was running out. "You instincts will lead you if you let them. Focus my child. Tell me what you feel."

So hard to do but she did as asked. There was a steady distant pounding at first. Next it sounded like the waves of the ocean crashing onto the shore. Sniffing the air, she detected a faint smell that caused her mouth to water. Uncurling from the tuck, the smell was so sweet and pure, she felt infused with energy and tried to sit up.

Leather smiled and steadied her as she sat up. Instinct was kicking in and both women licked their lips unconsciously. Although the Sire had already fed, she was anxious to see her child's first kill. "I brought you a gift." She smiled and motioned to the bundle a few feet away.

With movements like a rag doll, Willow, turned her attention to the gift and realized it was where the wondrous smell and sound came from. Inside, the human part of her understood that there was a person, a living being in that bag, but instinct told her the contents of the bag would ease her hunger. It would make the pain go away and Willow Rosenberg couldn't kill a fly. If she wanted to survive she would have to kill now.

During her time in this prison, she had thought that she was willing to give up her own life rather than take an innocent life. Now she wasn't so sure she could do that.

There was a twitch in her face and reaching up to touch, she found the ridges of a vampires face. Slowly extending her tongue, she found fangs and scratched her tongue, releasing a drop of blood that made her groan.

The Sire gently cupped her face in her hands. "My beautiful one."

At least now she knew what she looked like as a vampire, although the pink fuzzy sweater had to go. Scary at first, she got used to her game face quickly.

Releasing her hold, the Sire reached for the package and dragged it between them. There was a grunt and the package landed and using a sharp black nail, she sliced the fabric open that covered the gift.

"Dinner is served." She pulled back the material, revealing, what would be Willow's first kill.

A half-conscious man gazed up at them. First one then the other and Willow picked up his thoughts. 'I'm seeing double.' His reaction amused her and she smiled softly, then it vanished.

The haze of hunger swam over her but she started to recognize features. Small in stature, black hair this week, a gentle face. She shook her head in disbelief. "Oz?"

Part 2
The Seed is Planted

The sound of his name drew his attention while the sight and sound of his blood held Willow's. Now she realized that the rushing wave she had heard earlier was the blood in his veins. A trickle of blood oozed from a slash on his forehead, and the scent was pure nirvana to her.

Seeing and sensing his confusion, she reached out to touch him, her hands shaky. He looked into her eyes and she felt the sting of tears in her own. Her Sire stood nearby, watching the scene. "Please. Not him." Willow begged.

Oz continued to try and focus to access his situation. He was sure he had seen two Willows and he was relieved that she was safe. When they discovered her missing, the Scoobies cleared the Bronze of the attacking vampire posse first and were conducting a frantic search for their friend. "Willow?" His voice was soft, unsteady. "What's going on?"

Unfazed, the Sire looked at both of them. "It is your choice my sister. You have an hour to decide. I've released your bonds and you're free. You can choose to feed or release him. In an hour if you haven't …if he still lives, I will kill him as you watch. Then I'll correct my mistake. You."

Willow watched the Sire disappear into the shadows, her words still echoing in her ears.

"Willow?" Oz asked again, trying to sit up. Turning her attention back him, he groaned when she helped him to sit up.

A steady throb ran through his head and was accompanied by a healthy dose of queasy. Reaching up he touched his head and brought his blood-covered fingers to his face. Vision finally clearing, he sighed. "Explains the headache."

At least he knew his Willow was okay. Raising his eyes, he saw Willow or the vamp that looked like his girlfriend. Unable to find vamp Willow during the clean up of the Bronze and with his Willow missing they put two and two together. So this was who knocked him out. "What have you done with Willow?" The menace in his voice was unmistakable.

"It is me Oz."

Yellow orbs glowing, ridged forehead, fangs, definitely vampire but the voice, the body language, that left him puzzled. Oz started to reach out and touch her, forgetting about his blood-coated fingers but pulled back when he heard the low growl. Due to his intimate knowledge of werewolves, he knew a hungry, threatening sound when he heard it.

As much as she wanted that touch, she wasn't sure she could control herself and pushed his hand further away. "She turned me Oz. The Vampire Willow that everyone thought was me."

Sight, smell and sound told him that this was or had indeed been his Willow. He also detected the pain, hunger and unsteadiness within her but when he saw her staring at his bloody fingers and licking her lips be was unnerved and inched away from her.

There was no way the Sire could miss the hurt that the simple action had caused her child. Her voice couldn't cover it either when she asked. "Oz?"

"He's a white hat." She replied from the darkness. "How ironic that the dog boy is rejecting a vampire. You're not a nice wolf."

Craning his neck, he tried to locate the other voice but stopped when he got hit with dizziness and almost fell over.

Willow moved to help him, but he held up his hand to ward her off. Kneeling back in place she stared at him. "I'm still me Oz. No demon moved in and took over. Angel and Giles were wrong or something. Okay I have fangs and all but I love you Oz. I'm still your Willow."

The familiar raised eyebrow appeared and he sniffed the air, detecting her scent, a scent that was now mingled with death. At first she thought she had reached him, until his thoughts slammed into her. 'Why didn't you fight. I have to release her, destroy that mockery.'

Slumping back, her hunger and pain riddled body was crumpling under his mental volley. He didn't believe her and wanted to kill her now. 'Silly Willow' she scolded herself. 'You thought you could be like Buffy and Angel.' Knowing her time was almost up she made her decision. Help Oz escape and then let the Sire do what she would with her. She was a mistake that should be erased.

"No." Leather voiced and approached the prisoner. "You dare insult her like that. She stood beside you during your lycranthropy." Pointing to her slumped twin, she continued. "She is willing to die for you boy." Disgusted, she raised her high-heeled boot and connected with his shoulder, knocking him to the stone floor.

A soft keening sound told her that her child needed her now. Turning, she kneeled down and drew the quivering woman to her. "So much for you to learn. You are the same my sister. Most of the stories they tell of us are lies or old wives tales. The only difference now is that you are smarter, faster and stronger than ever before. Power comes with a price and for us that is our hunger but believe me when I say that I will never turn my back on you. As long as I live you will never be alone, neither of us will."

It was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Oz pushed off the floor and tackled the two women. Leather flew into the stone wall, head connecting hard enough to daze her.

Willow was pushed backwards and landed on her back. Oz was on top of her and straddling her in the blink of an eye. Reaching behind him, he withdrew a wooden stake from its hiding spot and raised it to strike.

Confusion, shock and fear fought for control as she realized she was going to die by the hand of the man she loved. Not the happy ending she had pictured but one she accepted when she joined Buffy in her fight, although she hadn't expected it to be by a friend's hand.

"I love you. Forgive me and rest in peace." He brought down the stake with all his might.

Power surged through her when she realized she wasn't quite ready to give in yet. There had to be a way to make him understand. At the last instant possible, she turned to the side and screamed when the wood ripped through her shoulder.

Realizing his error, he cruelly pulled it free causing even more damage and readied for the killing blow. Strong hands gripped his shoulders and lifted him off the crying girl. "Bad Puppy."

The Sire was up and pissed off. "You need a muzzle and leash." With that she tossed him across the room, like he was nothing more than a rag.

Rolling with the action, he landed in a crouch. Small and lithe, his wolf instincts were at the forefront as he sprung at her in attack; stake still clenched in his hand.

Moving to protect her wounded twin, she collided with the advancing attacker. Growls filled the room as the two exchanged blows.

Swallowing her pain, Willow gritted her teeth and began pulling herself up using the chain on the wall. Able to make it up to her knees, she leaned against the wall and watched the two of them fight.

Oz. Her sweet, sensitive Oz had tried to kill her. No questions, attempts to understand or even believe what she had told him, just dust the vampire. Would Buffy, Giles and Xander be the same way? They had accepted Angel even after he lost his soul, killed and terrorized and then regained his soul. She hadn't lost her soul and was still aware of everything she was. How could the man that loved her not see that? Would the Scoobies be the same way?

Sweet smells on the air caught her attention. A combination of Oz and the Sire's blood wafted across the room. Hunger filled her again and pushed the pain of her shoulder to the background.

Watching as Oz knocked her twin to the ground, then punched at her, caused the hunger to be replaced by anger. He got a good hold on Leather and raised the stake, driving it down at its target.

"Nooo." She yelled and with speed even she couldn't believe, intercepted his arm from behind. "Oz, stop it! Please just talk…"

"Get off me!" He growled, shoving her backwards into the wall. Free of her he continued his assault on the Sire. Knowing he wasn't going to stop, she latched onto him again, letting her new strength take over.

"Bitch." Again he released the Sire and drove Willow back into the wall but she held tight this time. Pulling away, his neck was exposed fully. His heart and blood sang out with fear and anger and she was overcome by its power. That brought the hunger upon her; instinct took over. Pulling his arm behind him, she buried her fangs into the soft white flesh of his neck.

White-hot energy scorched through her. It overtook the pain and aches she had been consumed with only seconds before and filled her with heat. Her body seemed to be floating and was inflamed with power and lust. When the warmth waned, she bit harder and drew hungrily the substance that soothed every part of her. No longer aware of time or her surroundings, she didn't realize when she fell back into Leather's arms or that Oz fell forward, unmoving.

"My good, good girl. You've made mummy proud. You protected me and in doing so saved yourself. Rest now my sweet. Your new life awaits."

Hardly aware of the words, she could feel the euphoria of the feed and the pride of her Sire, both intoxicating. With a satisfied, bloody smile, she fell into a deep sleep.

Part 3
Fruitful

Instantly awakening, she was bewildered for a few moments. No slow easing from sleep just a sudden awareness, of everything. Warmth surrounded her and opening her eyes she found darkness but had no problem seeing her Sire embracing her.

Next she became aware of a hand over her mouth and soft lips beside her ear. "Quiet. We've visitors."

There, she could now pick up footsteps attempting a stealthy approach. A soft whoosh of clothing and even the sound of grass being crushed under foot. How could she have never heard it before?

Smells were next and they were familiar. Sweat, fear and anger primarily but there were underlying scents that told her who their visitors were. A ghostly essence of the herbal shampoo Buffy liked. Xander's crisp, fresh aftershave, Angel's musky cover scent and finally the one that caused her to silently sigh. The odor of tea and old books. A reminder as to why she had had a crush on the handsome older librarian when he first came to Sunnydale.

These were her friends and they were probably looking for her. Why was she hiding from them? The Sire had to be wrong. They loved her and would never hurt her.

Reading her thoughts, the Sire growled, "No..." but Willow had already slipped from her hold and left their hiding place.

Easing out of the caretaker's shack she moved away so as not to endanger her twin. The Slayer spotted her first. "Wills?"

Red hair turned their way. "Buffy?"

Xander smiled. "Willow." He ran towards her, the others close behind. Slayer sight picked up what the others saw only as they got closer and they stopped as one. Seeing the front and side of her sweater covered in blood caused his smile to fade. His mind was still trying to deal with what he was seeing but Buffy's was on full alert.

Slayer senses told her what she didn't want to believe and Angel's body signaled recognition of his own kind.

"Oh dear." Giles frowned when he observed her condition.

Hesitation over, Xander moved faster towards his friend. "Willow." He felt a retraining hand on his shoulder and turned to face the slayer, scowling.

"Wait." The Slayer answered his silent question.

"She's hurt." He argued and pulled away from her, continuing his trip.

Willow's face was smudged with dirt, blood and a few healing bruises. Opening his arms, she fell into them and he held her as tightly as he could, feeling how cold she was and assuming it was the reason she was shaking. "Will, are you okay?"

"No." She whispered, clinging to him. His arms offered security and warmth but with his pounding heart she was reminded of the gnawing hunger she felt. Biting her lip, she was ashamed of herself. There had to be a way to gain control of this and she knew the Sire would help her, teach her. A tear crawled down her cheek, cutting a trail through the grime.

Buffy was still hesitant and disbelieving. "Willow, what happened? Where have you been?"

Angel reached over and grasped Buffy's wrist. She understood his unspoken concern and the two slowly began flanking the couple.

"Something happened Xander." Willow mumbled into his chest. "I'm scared."

Pulling his best friend even closer he offered her reassurance. "We're here Willow. I won't let anyone hurt you."

From the shadows, her Sire watched protectively. Seeing Xander, even a human Xander, tugged at her and reminded her how much she missed her comrade. Perhaps in the near future she could find him as a compatriot again. That thought made her smile but for the moment her main concern was keeping her sister safe.

Also disturbing was watching the Slayer and this realities version of her puppy move to surround the newest child. It brought on the Sire's game face.

"Willow? What happened to Oz?" The Slayer asked.

Looking up, Xander became aware of their movement and was confused to its purpose. "What are you guys doing? She's hurt."

Angel picked up on Buffy's hesitation to accept what was happening and spoke up. "Xander, you need to step away from her."

"Excuse me?"

"You know about Oz." It was a statement from the Slayer, not a question.

Returning to the library when Willow failed to meet them and deal with the Vamp Willow, they discovered the signs of a struggle and Willow missing. Handling the vamps at the Bronze had been easy and they had since then been searching for the missing Scooby. The one place they hadn't looked was the cemetery. It was Angel that found what had once been Oz. He recognized a blood lust feeding and realized then that they were probably going to find a new vampire. He had shared his find with Buffy but they kept the other two from viewing the grizzly scene.

Buffy had been denial girl while they continued their search. There was no way Willow was dead or had anything to do with Oz's murder. Her best friend who couldn't even swat a fly. Who had insisted on a funeral for her slain goldfish courtesy of Angelus. That Willow was standing in front of her wearing blood stained clothes and seriously jingling her spidey sense. "Talk to me Will, please?"

"I'm sorry." She wept, not only from the weight of the guilt for what she'd done to Oz but from the loss of contact when Xander pulled away. He stayed close but she still felt small and so alone as she tried to explain. "I tried to talk to him, to explain, but he attacked me."

"Oz attacked you?" Xander frowned. "He must have thought you were the Vampire Willow."

Turning her head, she pulled the stiff bloody collar away, exposing her neck. The bite marks were healing but still visible. "I am, now."

Mouth dropping in shock, he stared at her for a minute. "No, Willow."

Buffy tightened her grip on the stake in her hand and moved a few steps closer. "Tell me it wasn't you that did that to Oz." Her voice cracked. "Please tell me Willow."

Giles and Angel closed in and tightened the circle.

"He came at me with a stake." She tugged at the jagged tear it had left in her sweater. "I tried to talk to him, to explain but he stabbed me with the stake. I was going to let him kill me, but the Sire stopped him. Then he went after her. I didn't want to hurt him Buffy. I loved him." Vampire or not, soul or not, the weight of her sin drove her to her knees and she wept harder.

Buffy looked at Angel hopefully but he shook his head. "Those weren't defensive wounds. It was bloodlust. She's made her first kill now."

Flashing back to the previous night she remembered her first encounter with Vamp Willow. They were so sure it was their pink fuzzy sweatered Willow that had been turned and were mourning, when their Willow popped into the library alive and well. Buffy had felt such relief and prayed that she never feel that kind of pain again.

Prayers that had been ignored. Before her was her former best friend, now a vampire who had killed not only one of their own but the man she claimed to love.

"Buffy?" Willow continued. "I don't remember everything that happened but I do know I still have my soul. It couldn't hurt this bad if I didn't."

"Or you're just a very good actor." Angel said.

"The spell?" Giles suggested. "The one to restore a soul. It could help Willow."

Red hair swirled in his direction. "I have my soul Giles. Not just the memories but everything including my soul."

"Angel?" Buffy asked.

He shook his head. "Not possible. The restoration spell was geared to me so it wouldn't help. I've never heard of another vampire with a soul."

Xander kneeled next to his shivering friend. "Well maybe you don't know every vampire."

"It is feasible that there are others…" Giles said before Angel interrupted. "No one with a soul could have mutilated someone they loved like Oz was."

His words slapped her and she dropped her head. She truly did only have flashes of memory but what she had done was unforgivable. She felt a strong arm around her waist and she was being pulled to her feet. Xander was by her side and staring at Angel.

"I remember a time not so long ago when you weren't all loving and fuzzy yourself, Angel."

"Giles?" Willow found her voice again. "You know me and you know about vampires. There has to be something about vampires with souls somewhere. I was defending myself when Oz attacked me. It triggered something in me." She looked back at Angel. "You know what the hunger can do to you. How much it hurts."

"Yes, I do." He conceded. "I overcame it and now I survive on animal blood. It took me two hundred years and a soul before I could."

Lost. There was no way to get through to them. Her Sire had been right. They didn't understand. Even the one who should understand seemed to be stacking the deck against her.

Xander's defense was picking up steam. "Of course we just take your word for that, fang boy."

Buffy stepped forward. "Xander…."

"No." He shot back. "When Angel went all dark and rampagey, you gave him a break and he killed Ms. Calendar. So when he gets his soul back, all is forgiven and fluffy bunnies again. This is Willow, Buffy. Our friend and I expect the same chance for her."

With blinding speed, Angel moved closer to her, game face in place. "She's tricking you."

"Who's tricking whom Angelus?"

Appearing from the shadows, The Sire moved to join her sister. All eyes turned and focused on the newcomer. To Willow's surprise she was relieved to see her Sire and moved closer to intercept her.

"Uh...Will…" Xander said and then looked at her face. "Shazam!!"

From his expression, and running her tongue along the incisors, she realized her own change had come on. "I won't hurt you Xander or let you be hurt."

"I know." He relaxed a bit. He felt another presence and looked to find the Sire watching him, her face a mixture of love and grief.

Willow knew the love but she had her Xander and to feel her Sire's grief was almost overpowering. She never even wanted to think about losing him.

Her Sire started to reach out but when every one tensed, she stopped. "Always my brave heart. Wanna come with us? I can show you a whole new world."

"No." Willow and Buffy replied in unison. She knew she had to get her Sire's mind off that idea. "What did you mean when you said that?"

With a smile, the Sire turned to face the Slayer's vampire. "You wanna answer puppy or should I."

Xander's eyes widened when Angel snarled, baring his teeth. Seeing this, the leather clad vampire became childlike and raised her hand. "Ooh, please pick me to tell. Please."

"Angel?" Buffy called, curious to his response.

Giles was at an angle to see Angel's aggression. Tightening his grip on the stake in his jacket pocket, he moved closer to the brooder in black. "Angel?"

"White hats as far as the eye can see." The Sire directed her attention to the librarian. "You don't know about the souls and you call yourself a watcher." Back to Angel, "And shame on you for not telling them, you naughty puppy."

This was growing tiresome. "Telling what?" Buffy asked in a raised voice.

"Don't always lose your soul," sing-songed the Sire. "It's a very well kept secret even to our kind but I know the secret."

"She's lying." He disagreed.

"Of course I am Angelus." She smiled. Turning back to Buffy she said, "Hand her your crucifix if you don't believe me. Those with a soul have no repulsion to the cross."

She reached for her crucifix while Giles jumped into the conversation. "All our records and the legends say…"

Leather interrupted. "…Legends are not always accurate. Sometimes things are forgotten and tucked away or even embellished to scare the kiddies."

Angel leapt at the Sire, a move she had anticipated and the fight was on. Smaller in stature made no difference as she used his charge against him. Intercepting him in mid stride, she latched onto his jacket and spun him over her left hip. He landed with a thud and she drove her spiked boot heel into his ribs.

Confusion swept over the bystanders. Why had he attacked? Buffy readied to jump into the fray until she felt Giles firm grasp. "He's keeping something from us."

Another hand landed on her other arm. Soft, silky cool flesh led up to the pale face of her best friend. The tears in the glowing eyes caused the Slayer to hesitate. "Please Buffy. I don't want to hurt any of you. You're my family."

"I want to believe you Wills…." But her words stopped as Angel tumbled toward them. Instinct drove her to jump to her former lover's aid and propelled her towards the Sire.

Instead she found herself pulled backward, maintaining her balance but when she moved forward Willow had moved in front of her Sire. Xander was there to stand in front of Willow.

Angel was up and ready to back the Slayer in the fight. "Please explain what you said about the soul, Willow." Giles asked firmly, warning off the Slayer.

"Giles, she's a demon." The dark brooding vampire groused. In response Giles held up his hand for silence.

The Sire cocked her head to the side. "I like you white hat and because you asked politely, I'll let you in on a very closely guarded secret." Curling her finger, she motioned him forward with child like glee.

Truth told he was hesitant to get close to the obviously unhinged doppelganger. However the Willow of this time had, like Buffy, become a daughter to him and if there were any chance to save her he would take it.

Keeping a close eye on the watcher and her Sire, Willow made sure with a look to her creator that she wouldn't allow him to be hurt any more than she would her.

She sniffed him when he stopped just a few inches from her. The smell of his apprehension and fear caused her to chuckle but her child's readiness to protect both of them made her focus. "The demons only come to the dead. There is a point when only a thread of life remains and the spark is extinguished. If you turn someone in that instant, their soul remains. The Master forbids it but it was my gift to her. I could not take a soul capable of such love and greatness."

Giles stepped back; all of them were silent, comprehending her words. He looked at the demon before him with curiosity. It was a strange story but it did answer some long unanswered questions. What next puzzled him was Angel's reluctance and aggression to the information. The Sire's next statement offered a frightening explanation.

"Of the few that are granted this gift, there are those whose soul is already tainted. Their life reflects their death."

"Garbage." Angel tossed out. "I know the difference between when I had my soul and when the demon was in me. There is no such 'gift'."

Giles wasn't ready to dismiss it that quickly. "You said you wouldn't take a soul like Willow's but you turned her. Why?"

The Sire frowned and Willow answered for her. "Companionship. A chance to gain something back that was taken from her."

The final observation caused the Sire to become fully aware. Her child had used her powers and discovered the real truth.

"You're defending her?" Angel asked the red head with disbelief. "She turned you into a monster."

"She's not a monster, she's Willow." Buffy said with a sad smile.

Xander reached back and grasped his Willow's hand. The Sire began to realize that perhaps she had been wrong in her actions. A Willow from another time could not regain all the things taken from her when she was turned. "I'm sorry." Her thoughts relayed to her child.

The scene was upset when Angel made another charge for the Sire. He shoved Xander aside but was not expecting the wall that was Willow. "Angel, I won't let you hurt her. Right or wrong she's me and we owe one another."

"Time to go." A voice called to the Willow's.

Getting ready to move her out of the way, Buffy stepped in front of her now. "Back off Angel."

Willow looked at her Sire, unsure of the voice she heard. A gentle smile awaited her. "I'm sorry. I was selfish and bad. You were right about them accepting you so stay with your friends. I've got to go."

She turned to go but was stopped by her twin. "I should be angry with you but I did ask for this and that means the whole package. You promised to teach me and I'll teach you, cause some things will have to change."

"You'd come with me?"

The look of hope on her Sire's face almost brought tears to her face. "Yes. That was part of the deal."

She turned back to her friends. "We're leaving now."

A chorus rang out with "no's" and "Willow". Buffy got the first word in. "Leaving? What do you mean leaving?"

Giles was next. "Leaving for where? Willow we can help you. You mustn't leave."

With a simple look in her eyes, Xander understood. His own eyes teared up but he offered her a supportive nod.

"I have a lot of things to learn and deal with. She's going to help me. We're going to help each other."

"But she's not from this time line. It will be a whole different world." Buffy argued.

Willow smiled. "Kinda neat huh?"

The Slayer could see the turmoil and guilt within her friend but wouldn't argue anymore. "How long?"

Tentatively, she took the Slayer's hand. "A while. I can do some good Buffy, make up for…what I did…to Oz. I'll be back though if I'm welcome." Leaning in closer she added, "And maybe you should get Angel on decaf or something."

Xander gave the Sire a firm, threatening look. "You take care of her or I'll hunt you down no matter where you are."

He was given a nod and smile. Vamp Willow mentally called her child, telling her they had to leave now.

A round of quick, reluctant hugs and the twins pulled away from the group. "I'll keep her safe." The Sire offered.

"You bloody well better." Giles ordered.

"Come home soon, Wills." Buffy tacked on.

"I'll be back soon."

It had gone better than she had thought as they vanished into the darkness... They met the demon Anyanka in a nearby storage building to return to their world. But there was still the underlying of danger and fear from her friends and her own guilt over Oz.

She would atone and then come back home.

Part 4
Growth

Hot water poured over her, not only washing away the dirt and grime but some of the grief from the last forty-eight hours. The water steamed as it came into contact with her cool flesh. She faced the wall, palms flat against it, her head down, allowing the water and memories to trickle through and overlap. She held her eyes closed, trying to block the later most of all but the reruns ran anyway.

Her Sire had instructed the Vengeance demon, Anyanka, to return them to their time a few minutes earlier than she had originally left. Willow glared at the demon, knowing that it was her fault the whole thing got started.

'…. I heard you were the person I should ask if…' 'Nothing big, just a little spell'. She had been so flattered that the 'new girl' had come to her and that she was considered a pretty powerful Wicca. The girl had needed help to create a temporal fold. Willow knew better than to play with the black arts but the demon had known exactly how to get to her.

The spell had gone wonky. Instead of taking Anyanka to the time she wanted it had brought the Vampire version of herself to Sunnydale. Now she was a vampire, her boyfriend killed by her hand, she had had to leave her own world behind.

Before the spell could be recreated, Willow had informed the demon that she might get her evil amulet back but if she hurt the librarian, there would be no place in time she could hide.

The Sire silently backed her child up and the demon believed the threat and agreed. Gathering inside the circle, the spell was recast and a blinding light surrounded them.

In the same, yet different storage building, there was a flash and the three women appeared in the middle of a full-fledged battle. The demon rushed out of the building, mind focused only on repossessing her amulet. Her Sire was not surprised by the melee around them. Willow found herself shoved against a wall to safety as her Sire leapt into the fight.

Watching in shock, she saw faces she knew fighting against one another. Many vampires and few humans but the humans fought bravely and fiercely. Eyes roving the room, they fell on the Master. He was standing on a platform, above all the action, calling out to his warriors to finish off the invaders.

Next to the Master stood a tall, dark rugged man and Willow did a double take when she realized it was Xander. The vampire version anyway. He had been fighting but was now moving to protect his master, a move that would prove fatal. A blur came into her field of vision and she realized it was an arrow. The Master saw it as well, grabbed Xander's shoulder and thrust him around and out as a shield.

Uttering a soft scream, Willow watched the arrow penetrate his chest. His shock was visible and he looked at his Master before dissolving into a pile of ashes and floating to the floor.

"XANDER!" The Sire called as she watched her companion fall. Again she had not been able to save him and was too distracted to notice the approaching danger.

But Willow did see a familiar figure rushing her Sire. It was almost a repeat of what had happened with her Oz.

Oz tackled the Sire and firmly pushed her backward toward a wooden grating with wooden planks pointed outward like awaiting stakes.

'Not again' was her only thought when Willow leapt into action. With speed that surprised her, she intercepted them only a few inches from the protrusion.

All three tumbled to the floor, a mass of arms and legs. The boy came to himself rapidly but was bewildered to see two versions of the same woman surrounding him. The Sire again pushed Willow away to a safe area.

It seemed she had spent the most part of this day being tossed around and now was no different. She rolled into a wall while her Sire continued the fight with Oz.

Movement in front of her drew her attention. The Master flew off the platform, charging toward someone, tossing people out of the way as he went. Across the room, a smaller figure was doing the same thing and building up steam with each step. It took a few seconds, until the small figure came into clear view before she recognized her.

The Slayer of this reality was much different than her friend. Her body was thinner but more streamlined and tightly muscled. She carried herself like a cannon ready to explode, her face wearing a grim, emotionless look. The usual fluffy, golden locks Buffy took such pride in was now dingy and dull, pulled back into a haphazard ponytail. The always fashionable wardrobe, replaced by baggy, smudged work pants, an old tank-top and oversized jacket which was tossed to the floor as she neared the Master.

Vampire and Slayer met exchanging blows. Buffy's normally precise and well-placed hits were erratic and rushed but still powerful. 'Faith' Willow thought to herself, 'she fights like Faith.'

The fight began winding down quickly and Willow watched in horror when Buffy made the fatal mistake that landed her in his claws. She had to stop this now and got to her feet just as the Master twisted Buffy's neck and snapped it. In slow motion, the slayer dropped, an odd mix of relief and surprise on her face as she slumped at his feet. The entire world seemed to stop for her. Watching her best friend's defeat and death forced her mind to begin shutting down.

Seeing their hero dead, the white hats retreated out of the building, scattering for a hiding place until dawn. The Master clapped his hands and praised his minions before urging the restart of the blood factory.

Willow was hardly aware of her Sire by her side and lifting her into strong arms. She was quickly slipped away from the building and the Master's range. While making their escape, they came across several of the human combatants injured and dying. Willow remained silent as her Sire tried to convince her that these people were going to die and by feeding, they could make it quicker and less painful.

In her trance-like state, Willow allowed her Sire to bring her a middle aged man and with the smell of his blood her instinct took over. There was no way the Sire could miss that her child took only enough to end the man's suffering and stopped, even with the hunger gnawing at her. With that she followed her child's example and they hurried back to the Sire's retreat.

As the Master's numbers had grown and he claimed Sunnydale, he allowed those who served him well and were most trusted to stakeout their own resting-places and set up house. They were allowed slaves, pets, anything human they wanted as long as the Master cleared it first.

Xander and Willow chose an old abandoned mansion just outside of town. It was large and after they did some remodeling, very secure. It provided everything they needed including a human servant who also served as a protector for the daytime hours.

He was waiting at the door when the two women arrived. He was tall, muscular and completely loyal to his employers and protectors of his human family. He couldn't mask his surprise at seeing his Mistress carrying her twin but he was quick to recover.

With a nod of respect, he escorted them to the back of the mansion to his Mistress' private quarters. He opened the door and stepped aside as she walked in. Instantly he began lighting candles and lamps around the room.

"Clothes." The Sire instructed. He stopped his task and vanished to begin his new task.

Passing through another doorway she placed her child on the tiled floor, she was pleased to see that she would stand on her own. "You need to clean up and get some rest." Taking her hand, the Sire walked her over to the large, open walk-in shower.

Willow looked down at herself and the blood encrusted clothes she still wore. Stains of her sins, her mind whispered.

Picking up on the thought, the Sire realized that her twin was standing at the edge of a precipice and could tumble over into a meltdown at any instant. Firmly grasping her shoulders, she met the new vampire's gaze.

"I'm going to leave you here to get cleaned up. Jacob will bring you clean clothes and anything else you may need. Then I want you to sleep. The bed in the next room is quite comfortable."

Willow only nodded her understanding but the Sire still felt the doubt and fears surging through her. With nervous hands, she clasped Willow's face in her hands. "Already you have saved my life twice, even after what I did to you. I won't let anyone hurt you and after you get some rest we can have a long talk."

The response was so soft only vampire hearing could have picked it up. "I asked for it willingly."

The Sire sighed. She placed a chaste kiss on Willow's cheek and took her leave.

Once she had been left alone, she turned on the water in the shower and stepped in. Unable to contain them anymore, the sobs finally erupted from her.

The water began to run lukewarm and she had cried until there were no more tears. It was time to end the shower she decided and the self-pity.

A soft, fluffy towel was waiting when she stepped out of the shower. Inhaling deeply, she picked up on the clean scent and wrapped herself in it. It swallowed her and she felt safe inside the makeshift cocoon. For the first time since her Doppelganger's appearance, she actually felt more to herself.

Easing out of the bathroom slowly, she looked around the darkened bedroom. It too was large and airy, like the rest of the house and she was surprised to see two large windows in the room.

"Tempered glass." A voice supplied.

Startled she turned around, and found Jacob in the corner by the door, head down, awaiting her instructions. She pulled the towel closer and said, "I'm sorry?"

His eyes remained downcast. "The mistress likes to watch the sunset sometimes and she can with these windows without danger."

Sunsets. Willow should have known. It was her favorite part of the day and on many evenings she had set on the porch or at her window watching. They were the same people after all, but there had been a turn in the path for one of them. A turn that had led to different lives and worlds.

The large queen sized bed situated in the center of the room, with its thick wooden post, draped in a gauzy material was something she had always wanted. Large, puffy pillows in various shades of blue and purple adorned the bed and it's black color scheme. On the bed, she spotted a T-shirt and pair of leather pants. Walking over, her feet fell silent on the stone floor, and she picked up the clothes.

The rich leather smell tickled her nose and she marveled at how much softer they were than she imagined they would be. "Yeah. Me in leather?" She mumbled to herself and smiled at the mental pictures it conjured up.

"I'm sorry Mistress, I'll find something else for you." Jacob said nervously.

Willow turned to face him, bothered at how a simple statement would make a grown man so afraid. "It's fine Jacob." She made an extra effort to make her voice sound as friendly as possible. "I would like to talk to you and add a different style of clothes to the must have list, if I may?"

"Yes Mistress."

The bed looked so inviting, but she worried if she closed her eyes, she would be haunted by everything. A hot shower had eased some of her tension but not the pain deep within her. Knowing this reality's Oz escaped helped some but he wasn't her Oz. Instead she had watched this realities version of the Slayer be murdered. True not her Buffy, but still it was Buffy. Harder, more volatile and seemingly with a death wish, the woman had charged in and looked relieved in death. That image as the slayer fell to the floor would haunt her the rest of her life.

The servant cleared his throat cautiously. "Mistress, is there anything you desire?"

Willow smiled. "No thank you, Jacob. I just want to sleep now."

He couldn't help but look at her oddly. She was so much different from his Mistress and Master. This girl seemed more human and nicer, kinder. "Rest well, Mistress." He nodded and eased out of the room.

The bed was calling to her and just as she was about to drop onto it, she detected a sound. A groan. Focusing her new senses, she heard more sounds a few seconds later.

Whispered words, a struggle and muffled groans all warned her of danger. She could feel the tension of her Sire. Had they been followed? By whom? Was her Sire in danger and being prevented from calling for help?

That was the thought that propelled her across the room and out into the hallway. The sounds were louder now. Utilizing her stealth, she was able to move to the sitting room off the main hall without being detected.

Two figures were struggling in the room, until one pushed the other against the wall and pined the other's hands above their head to the wall. She was about to move when her eyes adjusted and the light from the fireplace illuminated that the two were nude.

Her Sire, the aggressor, was licking and nipping the others neck and collarbone. Head moving down, her mouth found a pert breast and hardened nipple and latched onto it. The smell of blood reached Willow's nose when the Sire bit her companion's breast.

That small action caused the demon Anyanka to moan aloud and add a muttered, "Fuck." Instead of pulling away, she thrust her chest forward, offering more.

Willow was frozen, mouth agape and in shock at the sight before her. She, her twin, was having sex with a demon. A female demon. Another woman. Of course she knew about couples of the same sex, she'd read books, but to see herself, her Sire, was just too much and even more uncomfortable for her, a tiny bit exciting.

Pulling away, the Sire met the demon's, glazed hungry eyes. "The book man is safe?"

Anyanka was almost panting. This was not her normal way of doing business but the damn vampire was just so seductive and skilled. "Yes. I got my amulet and left. Just like you told me to."

Grinning, the Sire showed a bit of fang. Her right hand seized both of the demons wrists and that freed her left hand to explore. With torturing slowness, the hand traveled down the demons slim arm, over her shoulder around her neck and down her chest before coming to rest just above her breast. As her hand took hold of the breast and kneaded, she focused on the demon's face and reactions. The woman was squirming and thrusting her hips and chest outward, asking for contact. The Sire brushed her thumb over a hard nipple and then grabbed it and pinched.

Willow felt her own breast react. Her nipples hardened and were nestled against the soft cloth of the towel. Crossing her arm across her chest only made matters worse when pressure was applied.

"Please…" The demon begged as the Sire released her breast and ventured down her stomach, tracing patterns over her hips before coming to her thighs, were she gently stroked the muscled skin there.

"Are you sure you were a good girl?"

Anyanka nodded. "Yes. He was scared but alive..."

Smiling, the Sire moved her hand up and over the patch of curly hair. A single finger moved in and ran over the damp outer lips before teasing the hardening nub.

"If you move your hands, I'll stop. Understood?"

"Yesss." Anyanka agreed. She felt the other hand leaving her wrists but it was soft lips that she felt on her neck. When the lips were satisfied there, they moved to her chest, placing tiny nipping kisses on her breast. The Sire kneeled as the kisses continued down.

Even at this distance, Willow could smell the arousal. She and Oz had never gotten beyond some heavy petting but she had touched herself on a few occasions and she knew how good that felt. Course then there was the guilt for doing something her mother would consider dirty and the little nagging voice that tagged along. What she was now feeling went beyond any of those good feelings in the past.

Her Sire reached up and parted Anyanka's labia lips, clearing the way for her dancing tongue. At the contact, the demon gasped and threw her head back and then fell forward when the tongue penetrated her. The vampire bore the weight of her demon with no difficulty, allowing her lover to relax and enjoy.

Willow couldn't pull her eyes away. She knew she should leave them so they could have their privacy but she found the scene hypnotic. More surprising was how her feelings of excitement were building. Picturing herself in the demon's place made the ache magnify and her hand slipped into the towel. Dirty or not, playing with her breast felt wonderful.

The Sire wrapped her left arm around Anyanka's hips and pulled her forward. The demon struggled to keep her hands above her head, knowing the vampire would be true to her word and stop.

Moving forward, the tongue began tickling her clit and fingers took their place inside her. The Sire thrust and felt the river coming from her, and when she was satisfied, she tightened the arm around the demon. This time when she thrust her hand up, it continued, stopping only long enough to ease her thumb joint past the wall of resistance. Anyanka yelped in pain and pleasure. The violation had happened so quickly and without warning, but all she felt now was the sensation of fullness settling over her.

Stilling all movement, the Sire allowed her lover a few seconds to adjust to having an entire hand inside of her. When she started back, it was with the tongue resuming its play with her clit.

"Uhnnn….please…" The demon begged, raggedly.

Like a blooming flower, she opened her hand and let her finger wiggle slightly, ending any attempts at talking the other woman had.

Exploring first, the Sire watched the woman for reactions to the different areas she touched. Next, she began a slow pumping, in and out that after a few minutes left the other woman ready to explode and only able to express her pleasure by little squeaks.

Knowing the orgasm was building, the Sire returned to the clit and grazed it with her teeth. She also increased the speed and pressure of the pumping.

"My hands?"

Leaning back, the Sire said 'yes' and returned to her place. Lowering her hands, the demon let the left rest on her breast and the right settle on the shoulder of the woman between her legs.

Spurred on by the reactions, flavors, sounds and touch, the vampire pumped even harder, the force almost lifting Anyanka off the floor.

Digging her fingers into the smooth shoulder under her hand, the demon thrust herself onto the hand and mouth even harder.

The strength of the orgasm caused her to cry out and her entire body stiffened as it was carried away on the waves of pleasure. The Sire held her hand still until she felt the woman begin to relax and then withdrew slowly. Once her hand was clear, the demon slumped over her shoulder, shuddering and spent.

Willow felt her own breathing increase as she stroked herself, feeling the wetness drip down her leg and be soaked up by the towel. She knew she was getting close, but suddenly she felt something else. Someone was watching her. Opening her eyes, she stopped immediately when she saw the Sire looking in her direction, even though she was hidden by shadows. Embarrassed and ashamed, she withdrew her hand and rushed back to the bedroom. Remaining wrapped in the towel, frustrated and upset, she vanished under the covers.

Waking slowly, she was aware of the warmth surrounding her. Soft bedding greeted her as opposed to the cold hard stone floors of the last few days.

'What a dream.' For several moments she was able to forget everything but the sensations until she realized one of those sensations was of strong arms wrapped around her.

"Oz?' Quickly she shook that thought away. Opening her eyes she found red hair, porcelain skin, nude skin. That thought brought her more awake. A mirror? But she never slept without her jammies.

Hunger gently tugged at her and she knew it wasn't a dream and she was now in a parallel world. The arms that held her as a mother belonged to her Sire. Her vampire twin.

Glancing down she saw that she was also minus clothes. Shyly, she tucked in tighter in an effort to cover herself. Remembering the night before or more accurately the sex scene she'd spied on, she found herself curious and studying her Sire's body.

They lay face to face on their sides, her Sire holding her close with her head resting against a pale chest. She noticed a scar on her twins chest just above her left breast and as her eyes took in what she saw, she realized her Sire was in much better shape than she was. Her hand lay on the other woman's hip. The skin beneath her hand was smooth and cool, smelling of cinnamon. Firm breasts, small, round with hard tight nipples that were currently pressed against her. Without thinking, her hand moved over her Sire's hip.

Another ache had returned to combat her hunger. Thoughts of tasting the skin next to her caused her to lick her lips. Just as she was about to do it, she came to her senses. 'That's me!' Her brain screamed. 'And she's a she. I am seriously twisted. What's happening to me?'

Suddenly the Sire sighed and pulled her closer and Willow found she was comforted. This woman, her twin would protect her and had been a bit saner since they came together. Yet Willow still wondered why she wasn't completely consumed with guilt over killing Oz. It had been self-defense, she reasoned and he had not given her a chance to explain before attacking, much like the Oz in this world.

Again she found her hand stroking the skin beside her. Feathery touches up the hip, to the side, over the ribs and then returning the embrace.

Above her, the Sire had observed all. It made her happy that she could comfort her child. "It's all right to be curious." She said softly. "Ask me your questions."

"Are you going to kill me?"

"Willow." Her Sire soothed. "Of course not. However you must be able to feed on your own before we meet the Master."

Startled, she pulled away and looked up at her Sire. "Here? Now?"

She placed a gentle kiss on her child's forehead. "He will be thrilled to meet you, but he will sense a difference and you will have to prove yourself."

"I'm scared.

"You should be."

Eyes wide, it was not the answer Willow was expecting and a tremor passed through her.

Pushing up and resting on her elbow, she looked at her child. "I made you a promise, remember? Now ask me your questions."

It was not what she expected. "What happened? When you were turned?"

Willow watched the other woman's face fall, eyes downcast and brow furrowed. It was a look Willow was familiar with. It was the same look she wore when she didn't want to talk about something, usually bad or painful.

"Ask me again another day." The Sire said softly. "Not a pleasant bedtime story for my girl."

This time it was Willow that pulled her twin into a comforting embrace. "I'm sorry." Her fear was chipped away and replaced by anger. Even more so when she felt scars on her Sire's back. Vampires healed and left no scars unless they were injured by items that could destroy them. This meant some of the scars she felt came before she was turned. When she was human.

Her mind drifted and she came to reason that her Sire had been turned their sophomore year in school. Buffy had not been there to prevent her from walking out of the Bronze that night with a strange boy. Had not been there to help them escape being taken to the Master.

She once wondered what could have been done to make her twin become unhinged and now that thought slammed into her with a bright realization. She hadn't been turned right away.

Before she could let her mind go any further, she heard her Sire in an almost childlike voice say, "Please. Stop."

Willow Rosenberg was not the type to get angry and fly off the handle but with this new information, she discovered even more of her fear of the Master fading. The new Willow might have a few things to say to him upon their meeting. Right now, she would do as her Sire asked. "Okay. We should get a bit more rest before we meet him."

Satisfied, the older vampire snuggled against her child.

Part 5
Rooted

The final streaks of sunlight entered the bedroom of the Rosenberg mansion and its inhabitants began to stir. As Willow awoke, she again had to take a few seconds to acclimate to her new surroundings but seeing packages awaiting her sped up the process.

Jacob had gone shopping at some point while they slept and his efforts awaited her perusing. Two pairs of jeans, one blue, one black and an ankle length multi-colored skirt. There was also a taupe button down that would match any of the apparel. A dark blue sweater, neutral sandals and black tennis shoes with socks finished out the items.

The Sire sat up in bed, watching her child examine the items, smiling at the girl's excitement. Watching Willow, the Sire realized that she had on too many occasions been harsh even cruel to Jacob. For making her girl this happy, she would have to thank and reward him.

Her cheery thoughts were interrupted when memories of meeting the Master came back. She could no longer avoid him and he was expecting to see her tonight. Knowing his moods and thoughts on the old ways, she was extremely worried about his reaction to his new grandchild.

Instantly, her defiance and anger arose and pushed away the concern. Her beloved Xander was dust, the Master not even blinking. He hadn't hesitated to use him and lose a trusted and most loyal servant.

Xander. Such a geek in his mortal days and upon meeting the first time it seemed destined that they should be together. As an immortal he was her rugged warrior. Smart, sadistic and hers. It was he that saved her life after she had been captured. A demon may have claimed their souls but their loyalty to one another had defied death. The questions her child had asked had dredged up long buried memories. Horrid memories in some cases.

"How do I look?" Willow questioned.

The Sire came out of her daze and turned to her twin. Seeing that the girl was already dressed, she hadn't realized she had been preoccupied for so long. Willow was dressed in the leather pants of her Sire and the blue sweater. She was a mixture of soft and sultry. "You don't have to wear those pants if you don't want to. It won't hurt my feelings."

Smiling shyly, Willow rubbed her palms over the leather, enjoying the feel. "Actually, I kind of like them. They're so soft. But if these are like your trademark I won't wear…"

Holding up her hand, she halted Willow. "They are not my trademark, I just like how they feel against my skin. They look very attractive on you."

Her blush was almost as red as her hair. "Thank you."

Clocks throughout the house began to chime and the Sire sighed. It was time to leave and face her Master.

Willow sensed her twin's mood change and could smell the very tangible fear she held. Her blush faded and was replaced with the ridges and protrusions of her vampire features.

With a frown, the Sire watched her carefully surprised, by the change that had come on and its cause. "Can you control it? Calm yourself before it comes?"

"I'll try." She replied softly. Closing her eyes, she cleared her mind of everything. Normally she would have focused on her heartbeat or breathing to help but neither of those were available any more. Instead she drew upon her memory and the beats of music of Cibo Matto and she felt her face returning to normal. When she opened her eyes, her Sire was smiling. "Good girl."

Moments later, dressed in her usual leather pants and corset the Sire walked across the room to her and took her hands into her own. " I know you're afraid." She began. "Keep your emotions under control. I may say, act or do some things that confuse you or scare you but just play along. I will keep my promise to you."

Struggling to keep those very emotions in check, Willow nodded and followed her Sire from the room.

Jacob was awaiting them downstairs, a large Buick Century idling in the driveway. The car was red and gleamed as if freshly washed. The windows were shaded and granted the utmost privacy. He opened the door as the women approached, a bit nervous himself about being anywhere near the Master's lair.

It pleased him to see his new Mistress wearing the sweater and shoes he had picked out. She smiled as she approached him and thanked him for picking the items up. Unused to such niceties he offered her a weak smile and nod. Upon getting the two women settled in the car, he rushed around, climbed into the driver's seat and headed downtown.

The drive to the Bronze was a quiet one. Desolate, dark streets were a homecoming for her Sire and under other circumstances she would have been excited to be home. Her mood tonight was subdued and she knew her child was also feeling it.

Sunnydale was a completely different town from Willow's own reality. The streets were almost deserted; the few people out were demons or other vampires. Buildings that should have been opened and busy like the mall and theater were closed and dark. Some storefronts were burned out and she spotted an occasional demolished car as well. Willow stared out the windows as they drove down the streets and was surprised to see some of the vampires openly feeding in the streets.

Her mind was spinning and she looked away. It upset her, saddened her and made her hungry. That thought made her ashamed of herself and she turned her eyes down. The shame Willow felt rolled off her in waves, and her Sire patted her leg. "Don't be ashamed of your nature."

"By night, the town is ours." She supplied. "There are still mortals here and during the sunlight, the town is theirs. They run their business, families and have lives. But they know to be off the streets by nightfall."

Willow turned to look at her, puzzled. "They stay? Even knowing about you…us? Why?"

"Who knows why they do anything. Some of them work for us in exchange for favors or protection. Some even willingly donate their blood. There is no crime rate here and we have our own code that the Master insures is followed."

The last statement was hard to believe when the car pulled up in front of the Bronze. Groups of leather and denim clad youths loitered outside and in the alleyway. Loud music streamed through the open door to the club and people were moving through the doors in a steady flow. Litter tumbled around the pavement and Willow's senses picked up on the blood soaked into the pavement and walls.

Upon seeing the car come to a halt, several of the outsiders stood up straighter and one sent word back into the club of the new arrival.

Jacob moved to get out but the Sire waved him still. He had been around long enough to know that something was up and he broke a rule by speaking before being spoken to. "Mistress, should I come in with you?"

Her mind was too preoccupied to notice the breach of etiquette. "No Jacob. Just stay in the car and be ready to leave when we come out. I hope this won't take too long."

The change in her Sire's demeanor was fast and furious. The deranged vampire Willow had first met was back and it was she that stepped out of the car.

A noticeable quiet filled the alley when the vampires saw the Master's trusted enforcer and daughter. He turned very few himself but those he turned were afforded higher status and also were imbued with more powers. The Sire surveyed the area, then patted the car roof.

Shooting Jacob a look of fear, Willow followed her Sire out of the car. The quiet became silence when another Willow appeared. The only difference being the blue sweater and the smell of fear on her. Some of the older vamps picked up on the scent but Willow quickly fell back to her focus on the beat of the music and it came under control.

So proud of her child, the Sire cocked her head to the side and held out her hand. "Time to see daddy, sister."

Willow took the offered hand. Raising an eyebrow, she looked at the nest of vampires around them, trying to impress upon them that she was another Willow but not like the one they were used to. Her Sire began skipping into the building and she allowed herself to be led into the darkness.

A wall of smells greeted her as they entered the Bronze. Blood, fear and leather were the most dominant but the smell of liquor and sex came in next. Walking through the building, the smells grew stronger and Willow hid her shock at the changes the once teen friendly spot had undergone.

Cages, stocks and tables with manacles were spaced throughout the building. On one wall was a display of various whips, knives, clamps, chains and other implements of torture. There were a couple of mortals occupying the devices as they walked by, but Willow forced herself to ignore them.

To her surprise there were actually some vamps dancing on the dance floor and a few occupying the couches in the corners for make-out sessions. She did her best not to stare but some of the things she observed, confused and excited her.

Her Sire on the other hand, strolled through nonchalantly, humming and skipping as she went. All eyes were on the duo as they reached the back door that led to the Master's personal quarters.

Two large men stood outside, eyes moving constantly in search of trouble. With the Slayer dead now, they knew an attack was less likely but they also knew another would take her place so better safe than sorry. The twins surprised even the bulky guards, but the Sire, gave them a look of boredom. "Open now."

A second later, one of them turned and opened the door, standing out of their way.

Leading the way, the Sire passed into the Master's den. What had once been the back stage and storage area had been converted into an almost plush receiving room. Candles and lamps offered enough light to be surprisingly bright. Pillows were littered along the floor and a few pieces of furniture made places for his special chosen children to relax, talk and plan. On the farthest wall sat a large overstuffed chair similar to a thrown. He sat on it now, leg thrown across one arm and looking bored as a minion finished giving him a report.

Chained to the floor where several mortals. Bruised, pale and drawn, Willow figured that these were entertainment for the Master and his favorites. People to be fed upon and tortured but not killed. All for the amusement of the thing sitting before her and she felt sick.

Seeing his favorite approaching, the Master smiled, seeing her twin made it fade. "Willow? What did you do?" His tone was taunting like a parent catching a misbehaving child. Slowly, he rose from his chair and came forward.

The Sire continued her skipping, only on a slower, smaller scale. "Made a new playmate, Daddy."

He sniffed the air, crinkling his nose. "She reeks of humanity. A soul."

"I'm going to teach her to be a good girl like me. You'll be proud of your granddaughter."

Willow blinked and found the Master standing directly in front of them, his red eyes boring into her. Her urge was to step back, but she held her ground and met his eyes.

"You are my favorite so I allow leeway but you've gone too far. She is not one of us and should be destroyed." He ruled, baring his fangs in his 'Kool-Aid stained mouth' as Buffy had once called it.

The Sire pulled her child away from her Master and held a sharpened fingernail at her child's throat.

'This must be one of those strange things I'm supposed to go along with' she thought to herself and held still.

"Why this abomination? Have I not given you anything you've asked for?" He prodded.

The nail dropped from her neck and she was pulled into a hug. "Xander's gone. Puppy's gone. Nobody to play with." She brightened some. "Now I have a sister and we can play and we can help you." She placed a kiss on Willow's cheek. "Daddy's a bit cranky."

Hands shot out, shoving Willow aside and seizing the Sire's shoulders, lifting her off the floor. "You left her with a soul. You've betrayed your kind and that is unforgivable."

Incensed by the brutality directed at her Sire, Willow's face changed and she growled, taking a step closer, making sure the Master saw her.

He arched an eyebrow. "I'll deal with you in a minute little girl."

"Leave her alone." Willow replied with courage she had been unaware of.

She had his attention and she could sense her Sire's alarm. Losing interest in his captive, he released her, her boot heels clicking when she hit the cement. Pushing her aside, The Master moved to stand in front of this whelp. "Or you'll what? Appeal to my sense of humanity? Try to destroy…"

Silence.

Looking down he found a stake pressed against his chest, the leather coat creaking with the pressure. Neither he nor her Sire had seen Willow produce the weapon and her Sire's eyes were full of worry and surprise.

The room was frozen and quiet. His red eyes never left hers and the tension level was rising fast. Her Sire moved in. She reached out and grasped the stake. "You bad girl. Give mommy the sharp, pointy stick before Daddy loses his temper."

Instantly Willow let go of the stake but she held her ground. She only stepped back when nudged. Tenderly, her Sire caressed her face, then stepped between her child and Master. She leaned against him, handing him the stake as a sign of trust and respect. She stroked his leather-covered chest and offered a pout. "Don't be angry Daddy. She's very protective of me."

"And if I decide to exterminate her now and punish you, what will you do?"

She snuggled closer to him. "Whatever you tell me to. I didn't mean to be bad. I was just lonely."

Willow's face had returned to normal. She was still shocked at her sudden bravery but realized she cared about the woman, her Sire, herself and wouldn't allow anyone hurt her. Apparently being one of the Scoobies around Buffy had taught her a lot more than she realized. Mix that in with her new powers and she could really make a difference in this world.

The Master looked back and forth between the twins. The souled one was smart and loyal, traits he sought in his children. There was strength buried deep within her and she could prove useful. Add on her stealth and being from a different reality, she could offer a new perspective that would help his takeover.

"I over indulge you daughter." He stated to his favorite. "Don't make me regret this."

She hugged him tightly and then pulled away, beaming with excitement and relief. "I won't. I'll teach and train her. We'll be a fierce team."

"Perhaps I'll train her." The Master smiled.

Willow almost flinched when the wave of fear from her Sire smashed into her. On the surface, the Sire didn't show it and the Master didn't seem to pick up on it.

"Spoil sport." She pouted again. "You never let me have any fun. Training is one of the best parts."

Turning, he took a few steps toward two semi- conscious mortals. Reaching down, he grabbed the male, brought him to his feet and buried his razor sharp fangs into the half-struggling prisoner.

Willow knew she was being observed to gauge her reaction. Despite the loud slurping and tearing of flesh she kept her face neutral. Pulling free of the boy he licked his lips and shoved his still living body to his Willow.

She caught him, game face coming on and was about to toss him to her child but the Master had expected that. "No." Yanking the young woman prisoner to her feet, he shoved her forward and Willow caught the stumbling woman.

The woman in her grasp had short black hair and hazel eyes, eyes that were filled with dread and a glimmer of hope. Willow knew they were about the same age because she had sociology class with her in her reality. Scanning the girl, she saw the multiple bruises and fresh marks, similar to the scars of her Sire.

Mustering all the calm she could, she relayed it to the girl, her touch becoming one of comfort and her green eyes offering a calm that seeped into every inch of the girl's being.

Aware that she was still the center of attention, Willow's mind raced. Should she try to escape? Take the girl or leave her behind, refuse to feed and risk she and her Sire. She also knew that the Master wouldn't destroy them right away. He would make it last and that scared her. Every avenue she explored was a dead end.

Steepling his fingers, the Master inhaled deeply, directing his question to his favorite. "Is there a problem?"

Remaining silent, the Sire gave Willow a nod of desperation disguised as approval. Offering a smile to her Master, she started feeding on the young man in her arms.

The sound of the girl's heart beat drummed in Willow's ears. Her body craved nourishment and just sniffing of the girl she held made her mouth water. Licking her lips alerted her to the fact that her fangs had appeared.

Worried that the sight would scare the girl, Willow met her eyes. A flash revealed all the horrors and humiliation the girl had endured at the hand of the Master and his soldiers. Her plea for an end to the nightmare was also clear.

Leaning down, Willow brushed a kiss on the girl's cheek and whispered, "Forgive me." Releasing control, instinct took over. Feeling the squeeze of acceptance. Willow sniffed her neck and ran her tongue along her jaw, down her throat, over her shoulder and gently bit into the pliable flesh.

The prisoner collapsed into her arms as warmth flooded into Willow. With her rapidly rising strength she fought the urge to drink and bite as to cause pain. Using that strength she also warned off anyone that came close, holding the cooling girl protectively.

The Master smiled and the entire room seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Her Sire continued to feed and could feel the turmoil raging in her child.

But no one saw Willow's salty tears streaming down her face and mixing with the blood she consumed.

Satisfied for the moment, the Master had agreed to let his favorite train her offspring but she would be monitored very closely. Exchanging pleasantries with some of the club's occupants, the duo left the Bronze as soon as the Master released them.

Willow climbed into the back seat, and closed herself off. Her Sire knew she needed time and gave it to her. She felt the turmoil grow, she began to worry. As soon as the car pulled up to the mansion, Willow was out of the car and disappearing into the cavernous house.

"Jacob?" The Sire called, still sitting in the back of the car.

"Yes Mistress?"

"The shopping you did for her…"

Here it came. The bottom was going to fall out. She would punish him for not only taking it upon himself to shop for the new guest but for his breach outside the club. Instead he received the last thing he expected. "Thank you."

He knew he hadn't heard correctly. "Mistress?"

She was just as befuddled. It had been three years since she had called on her human traits and they were very rusty. "You made her smile. I thank you for that. I won't mind if you do that from time to time."

He was shocked. "As you wish Mistress."

"Take the rest of the night off and you don't need to be here before sunset tomorrow." With that she exited the car and went inside.

It had been at least a month since he had seen his wife and children and now he had almost a whole day with them. Whatever was transpiring with his Mistress he hoped it continued.

She found her child standing on the balcony of their bedroom. With a half moon and partly cloudy sky, only a hint of light fell over her.

Age and heightened senses showed her what the girl held in her hand and she tried to sneak up on her.

Willow brought a stake to rest between her own breast.

"Put that down!" The Sire ordered harshly.

"Remember that I wanted this. I don't blame you." Willow replied without moving.

Her Sire pushed forward. "But it is my fault. I turned you and gave you a gift I thought you were strong enough to handle."

"Then you shouldn't have left my soul."

She softened her voice toward her child. "Talk to me. Why do this to yourself? The girl would have died eventually but not before tasting hell. You saved her that. She knew it." She moved ever closer to Willow.

"I killed her and it may have been for the best but I shouldn't have enjoyed it. Felt the things I was feeling." With the admission, her shoulders fell and the Sire saw her chance. She leapt forward and tackled the girl to the floor, yanking the stake from her grasp.

They spent the next few hours talking and playing Q and A. It was natural, her Sire explained to feel pleasure, even euphoria from the hunt and feed. It was a part of their primal instinct and the laws of nature. Kill or be killed and survival of the fittest.

She introduced her child to bottled blood tempered with warm brandy, helping the girl to calm and understand. But there would be times she would have to kill and feed. Now that there was a promising start with the Master, Willow would have to maintain appearances. They were scheduled to return to the Bronze for another meeting with the Master in a week and Willow was going to endure a very intensive training regimen.

Eventually, she knew her child would get to the topic but that hadn't stopped her from dreading it. They were seated on the bed, facing one another when Willow eyed her Sire. "You let him think you're unbalanced to allow you more leeway?"

"At first no. I was a bit crazy but Xander helped with that."

"So." Willow took a deep breath. "My question is what did he do to make you this way. I've seen the scars so don't tell me nothing."

The Sire stayed silent and gathered her thoughts. Willow began again trying to piece together the events of her twin's capture. "If Buffy hadn't gone to Sunnydale when she did, there wouldn't have been anyone there to save Jessie and I when we were caught. I know that she never came to town in this reality so my guess is you were captured and taken to the Master then. You intimated that Xander was turned before you but he wasn't with us that night so why was he turned before you?"

"You remember what we were like then?"

Willow nodded, suddenly unsure that she wanted the answer.

"I amused the Master. I was his personal 'pet' for a while. Xander was captured about three weeks after I was, although it seemed like three months. He convinced the Master to change me and that saved my life." Leaving the bed, the Sire walked across the room. "I know how that girl felt. Believe me when I say you did her a favor." She shivered with the memory. "It's been a very tiring day. Can we please go to bed?"

She had not meant to stir up such bad memories and Willow left the bed, standing next to her Sire and resting her head on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you, I'm just so curious. Forgive me?"

Softening, the older vampire wrapped her arm around the girl's waist. "Of course. I'll always try to answer any question you have but I would rather leave my past out of it."

Had it not been for the petite blond slayer, this would have been Willow's life. Would she have survived as well as her twin? As children and even into their teens, she and Xander and later, Buffy had often played a game called 'What if?' She was living it now.

"You did well tonight." Her Sire complimented hoping to change the topic. "I envy you your courage."

Willow shrugged. "It's yours as well."

Playfully patting her child's bottom, she motioned to the bed. "Almost dawn. Go to bed."

From the shadows, she watched her Sire's hands caress Anyanka's body. Every available inch of skin received a touch, lick or kiss. When she was ready for more flesh, she simply tore the Demoness' shirt off.

Already braless, her breast surged free. Nipples that were already firm became hardened peaks as the cool of the mansion and the vampire's desire consumed her.

Observing the two women made Willow's own body begin to react. The sounds her Sire were pulling from Anyanka as she explored her body only made Willow's want soar higher. She squirmed slightly, wanting very much to be explored as Anyanka was.

Three times in the last week, she had been highly aroused by women. When her Sire had turned her, she had experienced her first orgasm and understood why they called it 'La petite morte'.

Self love had been pleasurable and she enjoyed it but it was nothing like what she had felt. Watching her Sire and the Demon have sex and even feeding on the girl at the Bronze had brought on the feelings without the payoff. Her body craved contact and release to the extent that she was pulled from sleep by it.

Coming awake, she was spooning her Sire and she found herself just as aroused in her waking state. Hoping it would fade or come under control, she lay still for several minutes. It only worsened. Giving into it, she eased away from her Sire, left the bed and ventured into the bathroom.

She and Oz had kissed and even played touchy feely once or twice but she remained a virgin. The one time she tried to initiate more he had wanted to wait. Now that would never happen. She also had her crush on Xander but another woman had never aroused her. Her only close girlfriend was Buffy and she had never seen her in that way. She did have a healthy dose of idol worship but never anything sexual.

Turning on the shower and walking in she let the warm water wash over her. The steady drum of water caused her to sigh and close her eyes. Gentle hands began rubbing her body and she could feel dampness gathering between her legs.

Rubbing her hand over her pubis several times gave her a jolt and she twirled her fingers in the red curls. Tugging slightly sent movement over her slit and a sigh escaped her.

The sigh turned into a gasp as a pair of hands touched her. Two small delicate hands came to rest on her slim hips. Stone hard nipples pressed into her back and a patch of pubic hair tickled her butt. Next came soft nips on her neck and shoulders causing her to sway slightly. It felt so good that she could almost forget this was not just a dream. Almost.

Gathering herself, she pulled away and turned around to find her mirror image. "W...What…Ww Why?"

Reaching to her child's shoulders, she brushed her finger over wet skin. "I sensed your need." The Sire leaned in, licking the water from Willow's neck and biting her earlobe. "I could smell it."

Willow stepped back, throwing her hands up in front of her. "Whoa there. This is so not right."

The Sire began running a finger over her own body, teasing and tweaking various spots. "Why is it wrong? I want the same thing you do. Comfort and contact. Acknowledging the ache and satisfying it."

A slim hand toyed with the belly button piercing before moving downward, where a finger disappeared into a thatch of hair. Willow had watched every movement, hypnotized.

Her own body was betraying her and she tried to resist. "I'm a woman. You're a woman. You're me. It's just not right. There's a cosmic badness here."

Willow was forced against the cool tile her, Sire only an inch or two away. Lips rested against Willow's ear. "We are the same person. One single event caused an alternate reality. I know what we like and where to touch because we are or were Willow Danielle Rosenberg." She nibbled at her child's ear. "Consider it mutual masturbation and I've learned a few new things." Her tongue licking around Willows ear then down her neck finished the statement.

'That should not sound logical but I can't find a reason to disagree' Willow thought to herself. It was the last coherent thought before the Sire's lips met her own and began their research mission.

Hands soaped her body, touching and teasing every crevice. Willow grabbed the soap and mirrored the movements. What the Sire had said was true; they were the same, including ticklish spots. She had always heard about how stupid a person looked during sex and now she found herself intently watching her twin. She knew she should close her eyes so it wouldn't seem as weird but she was enthralled.

It was Willow that made the first move, her fingers penetrating her Sire and taking her own sweet time to do it. Wet, silky warmth, cocooned her fingers and she was fascinated that this was how she felt inside. She ran her fingers along smooth walls, stroking periodically.

The sounds issuing from her Sire only made it better and encouraged her so she next used her thumb to locate the hardening bundle of nerves.

"Aahhhhh." She growled when her child began stroking her clit. She felt herself tossed back three years, remembering her mortal life and when she would masturbate. Of course her child was three years older than she had been and was a bit more educated but it was a gift to be allowed a brief return to innocence.

A tentative mouth encircled her nipple. The Sire placed her hand on the back of Willow's head, letting her know what she was doing was allowed and welcomed.

Beginning a gentle thrust, Willow latched onto the nipple, licking, sucking and nipping. "Oh Yes." The Sire grinned. "More."

Willow was amazed to watch her Sire thrust harder onto her hand. Water rained on her and the older vampire was floating, head back and mouth slightly agape. She moved her left arm around the Sire to support her and picked up the pace of her right.

With each increase of force and speed of the thrusts, her Sires face and body glowed. She was emitting a soft almost constant moan. Muscles tensed around Willow's fingers and the Sire exploded, body stiffening, limbs straining and her head falling forward as she shrieked her orgasm.

Willow held her shuddering Sire close. As the trembling abated, she slowly withdrew her fingers, her Sire gasping at the loss.

Her now free hand reached out and shut off the shower. Muttering a simple spell, she managed to get a towel and wrapped it around them. It was her turn to be surprised when two hands cupped her ass and pulled her even closer, grinding her pelvis into her Sire's. A fresh bolt of want ripped through her. "Thank you." Sire whispered to her.

She was lifted off her feet and carried to the bedroom then laid across the large waiting covers. Stray droplets of water glistened on her ivory skin and attracted the Sire like a moth to the flame. She slithered on top of Willow, covering her body with kisses.

Willow had always been a breast woman and so her Sire focused much attention on the small rounded breast. They were topped by areola of pale pink with nipples a few shades darker. When her mouth had to leave them, her hands took their place. Another area needed her mouth's attention.

Wiggling on the bed, Willow felt lips on her thighs. Rational thought kicked in when she realized where they were headed. Eyes wide, she lifted her head and saw a familiar red head duck between her legs. Before she could say anything a tongue stroked her and rational thought went up in smoke.

She collapsed back into the bed; sensations of the tongue swirling around her clit, then going inside her threw her into oblivion. As the day progressed she discovered mutual masturbation was fun.

Continued...