Razor's Edge

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimers: The characters and show all belong to Joss Whedon, Fox, Mutant Enemy, Kuzui, and God only knows who else. The storyline, however, is the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

Distribution: http://www.hunterash.com/    http://mysticmuse.net

Feedback: Feedback welcome!

Pairing: Willow/Other

Spoilers: Takes place after New Moon Rising.

Part 1    Part 2    Part 3    Part 4    Part 5    Part 6    Part 7    Part 8    Part 9

Part 1

Born to Be Down

Jessica FitzHugh jammed her elbow back into the ghoul's face as his hands clawed at the Slayer's neck. She barely noticed the sound of his nose breaking and his howls of pain as he released her.

The Slayer moved like a cat, reaching behind her and pulling the ghoul over her shoulder in time for him to take the spear in the back that had been aimed at her chest. Fitz knew Giles would yell about the loss of life later but Fitz didn't care at that moment. Technically ghouls were human but Fitz had lost all sense of ethics in this fight.

She had lost it when Willow was kidnapped by the latest sorcerer. He wanted Willow's energy to tap into the Hellmouth and open the damned thing up again.

Fitz had nearly gone insane looking for her lover and when they had finally tracked the red-head and sorcerer down, Fitz had gone into a berserk fury. Willow was tied to an altar and her clothes had been cut away. What had driven Fitz to a homicidal rage were the bruises, cuts and burns on the pale skin of her lover. Willow had been tortured as the sorcerer attempted to steal her magickal energy.

The Slayer turned and saw Giles working at the ropes, holding Willow down, with a knife and turned her attention back to the sorcerer and his minions. Ghouls, humans, and vampires, Fitz knew she and Buffy could deal with. She didn't know how they were going to handle the wizard without Willow and it looked like her mate was unconscious.

Fitz saw Buffy grab two ghouls and ram their heads together, pull out her stake and backhand it into the chest of a vampire. She then spin kicked another vampire in the chest before jumping forward and staking him.

"Saints, Buff, you are good!" Fitz grinned as the blonde Slayer smiled back and wiggled her eyebrows.

Fitz frowned when Buffy lost her grin and her eyes widened. The dark haired Slayer turned and glanced around the cave.

Giles was putting Willow over his shoulder, the sorcerer was muttering inside his protection circle, three ghouls were trying to get back to their feet and two vampires were holding back from the Slayers. Fitz felt something grip her stomach when she saw what Buffy had been noticing; the rocks were beginning to move from the cave walls.

"Rock demons!" Giles shouted. "Use the hammers and get out of here!"

Fitz turned and ran for the opening of the cave, flipping over one of the ghouls and rolling into a crouch. She grabbed one of the sledgehammers the gang had dropped at the opening of the cave, along with swords, stakes, a crossbow, and crosses. She tossed the hammer to Buffy and grabbed the other hammer up in her hands.

"No!" Buffy screamed as a rock demon materialized beside Giles and hit the Watcher across the jaw, dropping him and Willow to the cold stone. Buffy somersaulted to stand over their Watcher, lashing out with the hammer. A good placed blow took the demon's arm off.

Fitz turned, distracted by several demons getting close to her. Fitz glared at the sorcerer in the circle as he looked up and laughed at their struggles.

The battle took a turn for the worse when four rock demons charged Fitz at the same moment while three others rushed at Buffy. The blonde Slayer launched herself into the air, letting the demons crash into each other, two of them smashed fatally, the third lay stunned.

Fitz started to make the same move except she hesitated, seeing a demon reaching for Willow's unconscious body. The dark haired Slayer felt the demons hit her from three different angles and screamed as darkness tried to crowd her.

The Slayer lashed out with the hammer, not aiming at anything, just swinging to try and keep the demons off her. Suddenly there was a flash of color and the demons weren't hitting her anymore. Fitz tried to breathe as Buffy knelt down beside her.

"You okay?" Buffy asked.

"I don't believe I am," Fitz muttered. "Protect Wills."

"Got it!"

Fitz sat up slowly and moaned with the effort. "Oh that is a bit of a fix then," she muttered when she caught sight of her leg. It was twisted strangely inside her jeans and dark red was darkening the faded black material. It didn't help Fitz' confidence when she couldn't move her foot.

"Goddamn rocks busted me ribs, nose and leg," Fitz yelled, assessing her injuries. She knew she was hurt but not life threatening, yet. The Slayer turned over and began crawling towards where Buffy was fighting off three rock demons and the two vampires, trying to protect Giles and Willow.

Fitz crawled next to Willow and gently shook her lover. "Come on, Wills, we be needing your magics."

Willow moaned and opened her eyes slowly.

"Come on, my love," Fitz encouraged.

"Jess?" Willow whispered.

"That's me," Fitz smiled. "I told you I'd come for ya."

"You'll always return to me," Willow nodded and glanced up at her best friend and Slayer fighting the demons. "I'll try and help."

"Good girl," Fitz nodded and tried to pull herself up with the hammer but fell back onto the floor with a cry of pain when her leg refused to hold her. The Slayer had to wait for a wave of nausea to pass from the incredible pain. Fitz leaned against the stone wall as Willow stood up and faced the sorcerer.

Buffy took two of the rock demons down but the Slayer was badly beaten and tired as she faced her last rock demon and a vampire.

Fitz frowned. <One vampire? Where the hell was the other one?>

The dark Slayer yelped when the missing vampire landed in front of her and yanked the sledgehammer out of her hands. Fitz reached for a stake in her belt as the vampire raised the hammer over her. The stake flew into the vampire's chest as the hammer came down on her leg.

Fitz whimpered, not wanting to open her eyes. It was better in the dark; it didn't hurt as much.

<Willow?>

The dark Slayer opened her eyes to find that not much time had passed. Buffy was struggling with the rock demon and the last vampire was rushing up behind Willow.

"No! Wills!" Fitz screamed.

Willow was grabbed by the vampire before she could turn and Fitz screamed as the vampire sank his fangs into her lover's neck.

"Buffy!" Fitz screamed.

The blonde Slayer smashed the rock demon over the head with her hammer and turned, throwing a stake as she spun.

Fitz felt her world stop as the vampire twisted Willow's neck a moment before crumbling to dust. The dark Slayer didn't hear the snapping of the bones but watching Willow's body crumble to the floor told Fitz her lover was gone.

Buffy screamed and rushed to Willow's side, sobbing as she pulled her best friend into her arms.

Fitz felt her blood go cold as the sorcerer laughed.

The dark Slayer reached down into her boot and pulled out a dagger. Giles rose up on his hands and knees and spotted Buffy holding Willow's body. Giles began crawling towards them as Fitz rolled over and crawled two feet to one of the unconscious ghouls.

Fitz felt nothing as she slit the young male's throat, coating the knife in blood.

The Slayer began a slow crawl towards the sorcerer with the bloody knife in her hand.

Giles moved around in front of Buffy, looking Willow over. His Watcher eyes took in the fang marks and the angle of Willow's head. Buffy held the red-head close, tears streaking her face. The Watcher wrapped his arms around his Slayer and little friend.

He wiped at his tears and looked for his Irish firebrand; Giles' eyes widened when he saw her almost at the protective circle.

"No!" he shouted. "You can't cross! It'll kill you!"

"I got a frickin' key," Fitz muttered. "I'm taking him with me."

The dark Slayer reached the edge of the circle as Giles tried to get to his feet.

The Sorcerer laughed at the sight of the Slayer crawling towards him with murder in her eyes.

"You can't hurt me! You touch the circle and you die!" he taunted.

Fitz' eyes were manic as she held up the bloody knife.

"I read Giles' book, the blood of one of your servants," Fitz growled and thrust the knife into the circle. "I'm taking you with me!"

The sorcerer screamed as Fitz pulled herself into the circle.

"Easy," a voice urged. "Don't try to move."

Fitz gritted her teeth and shouted in pain. She had never felt anything like this in all the years of Slayer training and then actual Slaying with Buffy.

"Giles!" Fitz reached out and grabbed her Watcher's hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Do I know you?"

The Watcher was kneeling beside the wounded Slayer and looking very concerned and puzzled. Fitz could tell that much but the pain was making any more concentration than that difficult.

"Did that blow to your head rattle your brains again, boyo?" Fitz snapped, trying to joke.

<Willow? No, don't think of Willow!> she snapped at herself. <With this pain, you'll be following soon.>

"Giles!" Buffy's voice reached through the pain. "Xander called 911 and is going to lead them here. How is she?"

<Xander? What's she talking about?> Fitz asked herself. <Xander's been gone nigh three years.>

"It's bad, Buffy," Giles said softly as the dark haired girl clenched his hand. "She called me by name."

"You know her?" Buffy's voice questioned.

"No, not that I know of, but this is Sunnydale, after all," Giles pointed out to the blonde Slayer.

<Sunnydale? Not Sunnyville?>

"Frick," Fitz muttered.

"What is it?" Giles asked.

"One, it hurts like a sea dragon has been using my leg for a toothpick!" Fitz snapped, glaring at the Watcher. "Two: I know you but you don't know me. Three: Xander's been dead three years since Angelus nailed him to a wall. Four: I'm thinking I'm not in Kansas anymore."

"Who are you?" Buffy asked.

"Damn, this is bad, girl," Fitz muttered, falling back onto the stone floor, thrashing in pain. "I've been your shadow for almost five years. Light and Dark Slayers, called when you were killed by the Master it was."

"But what about Kendra?" Buffy asked, obviously confused as Fitz slammed her other hand against the stone floor in anger from the pain.

"Where are they?" Giles demanded. "Buffy, release that tourniquet for a few moments."

Fitz screamed in agony and let the darkness claim her.

Willow's hair fell back over her shoulders as the vampire sank his fangs in her neck. Fitz could see the look of pain on her lover's face and the absolute terror in Willow's eyes as they dimmed.

Fitz screamed at the sound of breaking bones as the vampire twisted Willow's neck.

"Hey! It's okay," a voice said, trying to sooth her. Fitz could feel someone holding her wrists down and started to fight back but then hesitated at the familiar voice. "You're having a nightmare! Come on, wake up."

Fitz opened her dark blue eyes and whimpered at the sight of beloved green ones hovering over her.

"Not real!" Fitz cried out, trying to pull away. "I saw you die!"

"Hey, I'm real!" Willow protested. "See, this is me trying to hold you down so you don't rip the IVs out of your arm. If you don't stop they'll strap you down again."

Fitz stopped thrashing and blinked. "You died."

"No, I swear that I've never died yet," Willow shook her head, trying to smile and then slowly released Fitz' wrists. She reached over to the nightstand and held a cup with a straw to Fitz' lips. The Slayer drank the water gratefully.

Fitz leaned up as far as her wounded ribs would let her and wasn't surprised to find her entire left leg in a cast, complete with tension pulleys and an ace bandage around her ribs. Tubes ran under the covers and into her arm.

"Again?" Fitz questioned, noticing the restraints hanging loosely from the bed railing.

"You were out of it for awhile and kept trying to hit everyone," Willow explained softly. "They think it was from the pain and the trauma."

Fitz finally sighed and turned her attention to Willow, hoping and praying to every god, goddess and saint that she found that it was her Willow.

Fitz felt her throat tightening when she looked at this Willow. Her Willow had longer hair and seemed older, not as shy. Her Willow also wore a simple gold wedding band, the one that matched hers. The inscription inside remained hidden from the world, shared only by them.

The young woman closed her eyes as the tears began to flow.

"What is it?" Willow asked, panicked. "Are you in pain?"

"Yeah, physical and emotional," Fitz muttered and opened her eyes again. "You're not my Willow, are you?"

Fitz felt her heart breaking as this Willow blushed, just like her Willow.

"Your Willow?"

"My Willow," Fitz said firmly, suddenly needing answers. "My best friend, Scooby Gang member, and my wife."

"Well, I am a Scooby Gang member and I could be a friend….wife?" Willow's eyes went wide as she backed away from the bed.

"Leave me please, lass," Fitz said wearily, wishing she could turn over, away from the young woman that had the body, face, voice and eyes of her lover. The wife that she wouldn't see until death.

"Your Willow died, didn't she?" a voice asked softly and Fitz tried to remember to breathe as she fought back sobs.

"Aye! Just before I got zapped here. Leave me please!" Fitz begged, throwing an arm over her eyes.

Fitz heard the door shutting behind Willow and let her tears overcome her emotions and rational thought.

When Fitz opened her eyes again she found Giles sitting in a chair next to her bed, reading some obscure book on demonology and spells.

"Giles," Fitz said, her manner strangely calm.

"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," Giles said slowly, putting the book aside and leaning forward.

"Jessica FitzHugh, Slayer," Fitz replied. "You're Rupert Giles, Watcher of Buffy Summers. At least in my world, you are."

"You've figured that out, have you?"

"Yeah, you've always been saying I'm awfully clever for an Irish brat," Fitz complained. "In this world Xander is alive, Willow isn't my…she's not my Willow and you don't know me. That means I'm out of place."

"We need to talk about what got you here and how to get you back," Giles nodded, having come to the same conclusions.

"First, my injuries, tell me," Fitz insisted.

"Well, yes," Giles stood up and nervously pulled off his glasses and began cleaning them with his shirt tail.

"How weird is this?" Fitz muttered and smirked as Giles turned with a questioning expression. "You clean your glasses when you're nervous, my Giles does that."

"Well, yes," Giles said, frowning. "Well, the doctors think that you'll be able to keep the leg. It seems that whatever happened to you is fairly unique. Opposing forces connected at the same time, breaking your leg at an odd angle and then there was the other breakage."

"Three rock demons hit me at once and then a vampire used a sledge hammer on it," Fitz grumbled, explaining.

"Well, yes, that would do it, wouldn't it?"

"You're being awfully damned Brit today, Giles," Fitz complained. "Is it me Irish accent that has you uncomfortable or just me?"

"I could care less whether you're Irish, Scots, Russian or Haitian," Giles replied indignantly. "I'm just confused about your presence here and how to set things right again."

"I don't know if they can," Fitz muttered.

"You have your friends, family and Slaying to return to," Giles pointed out.

"You're about to tell me I'm not going to walk on me leg again," Fitz countered. "I just watched my…I saw Willow killed in front of me. There's nothing to go back to."

"What about your friendship with Buffy and that Giles?" he asked softly.

"Aye," Fitz said thoughtfully. "You've got me there. I will be missing them if we don't set this right. Saints, Giles, I saw Willow die! She couldn't…I didn't even have time to…"

Fitz threw her arm over her eyes again.

"Willow said that you mentioned you and your Willow were, uh, close?" Giles asked.

"Aye, Watcher," Fitz answered, not removing her arm. "Against Council wishes and without their blessings, we were married in a religious ceremony. You gave away the bride when her family rejected her because she choose me after Oz was killed by the bounty hunter."

"Oh God," Giles muttered. "Oz wasn't killed in this realm."

"They're together then?" Fitz asked, trying to tell her heart not to feel anything. <It didn't matter; this wasn't her Willow. She wasn't being rejected for Oz, she didn't exist in this realm. This Willow didn't even know her name.>

"No, he left a month ago to find a cure for the werewolf part of him," Giles explained. "We need to find out how you got here."

"Call a Scooby meeting and compare notes as usual?" Fitz suggested. "How long am I here?"

"Six weeks," Giles answered absently. "And how did you know I was going to tell you that you may not walk again."

"I'm slightly psychic and I saw the leg," Fitz said, keeping her eyes closed. "Call the gang then."

"This is disconcerting, you know us but we don't know you," Giles complained.

"I don't know you," Fitz snapped. "You have the names, the bodies and maybe even some of the same history, but you're not my Watcher and Willow isn't my…she's not my Willow."

"Yes, well," Fitz could hear Giles moving toward the door. "I'll call the group together."

"Good, you be doing that," Fitz growled.

"Tell me how I got here," Fitz demanded once the gang was assembled around her bed. The dark Slayer fought her emotions down when Xander and Willow walked into the room. She wanted desperately to hug them both but fought against the desire. These weren't her best friend and lover. They were strangers. She didn't recognize the girl with Xander and nearly came off the bed when Spike walked in. Fitz grabbed for the rosary hanging from her bed rail.

"Easy, Mick," Spike growled. "I'm tame in this world."

"Tame?" Fitz questioned, wondering why he hadn't been staked by Buffy yet and that the gang seemed to accept him.

"A secret government agency put a modifier chip in his brain," Willow explained, her voice soft and shy. "He can't attack anything human."

"Someone went and neutered the boy?" Fitz said in wonderment.

"Rack off, bitch!" Spike grumbled. "I hear you're a Slayer without a home."

"Aye, that I am," Fitz agreed with a snarl. "In my world you're just a pile of dust along with that crazy bitch you hung with."

Spike was about to counter when Buffy and Giles walked into the room.

"Enough you two!" Giles snapped. "My God, Spike, do you piss off everyone you come in contact with?"

"It's my specialty," the vampire muttered, leaning against the wall.

Now they were gathered around the hospital bed and looking at a Slayer none of them knew.

"How did I get here?" Fitz demanded again.

"We were looking for Willow," Buffy began explaining. "She had been kidnapped by a sorcerer."

"Same in my world, bastard wanted revenge on my…on Willow for finding and performing the spell that sent his half brother back to hell."

"Yes, exactly," Giles nodded. "He had her in a cave and was about to torture and kill her."

"He told me the best revenge was losing someone you love," Willow joined in, her manner still extremely shy. "Darius said that he was going to do a spell that would bring my soul mate to the circle and then he was going torture and kill them in front of me."

"In my world, Will was kidnapped by Darius the sorcerer," Fitz said thoughtfully and wiped at the tears in her eyes. "He…he didn't have grand plans. He just figured on torturing and killing Wills was all, trying to steal her magic. Darius had a protective circle and we couldn't get to him without Wills awake to counter his spells."

"Awake?" Willow asked softly.

"You were…Wills was unconscious when we got there," Fitz said softly, turning her attention away from Willow, it hurt too much.

"So why did you show up in the circle and not Oz?" Xander questioned.

"You got me," Fitz complained.

"The spell was for Willow's soul mate, we know that isn't you," he snapped.

Fitz felt her face blushing with anger as her eyes blazed.

"Maybe not in this realm but in mine we were…" Fitz hesitated. "We were close."

"You and Red were shagging?" Spike smirked, loving the way Willow turned a bright red and ducked her head in embarrassment.

"Shut up, Spike," Giles muttered.

"Willow's straight, don't even think of trying anything here!" Xander warned Fitz.

"You look like my Xander and you even act like him but don't be threatening me, boy!" Fitz growled. "Cast or no, I could still snap your spine if you got close enough."

"Enough!" Giles shouted, moving close to Xander. "This isn't productive."

"Yeah, maybe Red there has been playing for the wrong team," Spike suggested with a laugh. "You did say that weird vampire twin of hers played both sides."

Spike found himself pinned to the wall with his boots dangling in the air as Buffy's hand wrapped around his throat.

"Shut up, Spike," she growled and released him, sending him tumbling to the floor.

"Everyone shut up!" Giles snapped. "Whether the spell went wrong and grabbed Jessica here or whatever, we need to find the spell and send her back."

"Fitz, please call me Fitz," the dark Slayer said absently. "Everyone calls me Fitz except Wills, she…nevermind."

"You said your Willow was unconscious, what happened during the fight?" Buffy asked.

"We were holding our own but I got smacked by three rock demons," Fitz said slowly. "They took me leg out. You were busy with three of the bastard things and two vamps. Wills woke up and took on the sorcerer."

Fitz hesitated and smiled but avoided eye contact when Willow handed her a plastic cup with a straw.

"Giles was down, broken jaw this time, I'm thinking," Fitz continued. "One of the vamps grabbed my hammer and smashed my leg again and everything went gray."

Fitz stopped as the memories of a vampire's fangs sinking into her lover's throat flooded her mind.

"We were fighting ghouls and vampires, no rock demons," Xander commented. "Willow wasn't hurt, just tied down."

"The sorcerer had already cast his spell," Giles continued. "There was this blinding flash and you were in the circle, injured and with a knife in your hand."

"Aye," Fitz nodded. "After Willow was…after she…Buffy and Giles didn't see me for a bit as I crawled to the circle. I had read something in your book about breaking a protection circle with the blood of a willing servant of the sorcerer."

"The bloody knife," Giles reasoned, his face becoming stern. "Do Slayers normally kill humans in your realm?"

Buffy's eyes widened and everyone became very quiet.

"No," Fitz admitted as she glanced at a confused Willow. "I saw the light of my life killed in front of me, my leg was shattered and I knew I was dying. I was going to be taking that bastard with me."

"You killed one of his servants with the knife and broke the circle," Giles nodded.

"Aye," Fitz admitted, her own jaw clenched and her eyes challenging anyone in the room. "I don't remember anything after the circle exploded until you were telling me to be still."

"There was a blinding light and you were there with the knife," Giles repeated. "You crawled over to the barely conscious sorcerer and slit his throat."

Fitz wasn't sure what she felt. She knew she should feel horrible for having killed a human but didn't. She wasn't happy at getting revenge for Willow's death either. Fitz realized she didn't feel anything, just numb inside.

"I'll not say I'm sorry then," Fitz growled.

"Slowly slit his throat," Xander added.

Fitz felt her pale Irish skin blushing.

"About bloody time, a Slayer with some balls," Spike grinned.

"Yes, well, you were out of your head with pain and grief," Giles amended.

"And if I was in my realm the Council might let me off then?" Fitz smirked. "Might just let me retire since I won't walk again? Maybe set me up in a small library in Eire?"

Giles frowned. "We didn't find his spell book at the cave so we'll have to find where he was hiding or living and find the book. It's the only way we'll be able to send Fitz back to her realm."

"Okay but I'm not sure how we'll track that down," Buffy said slowly and thoughtfully. "We're usually tracking someone living or undead. Finding someone after the fact will be a little harder."

"I suggest we get on it right away," Giles said calmly. "I'm going to stay here for awhile and talk with Fitz."

"Why?" Xander demanded. "We're sending her back as soon as possible, right?"

Fitz growled deep in her throat and met the young man's glare.

"I don't think I was in any shape to have pissed you off meself so what bug crawled up your bum about me?" she demanded.

"You thinking you're close to Wills," he snapped. "Bad enough Oz was stupid enough to leave without some pervert coming in and confusing her."

"Stop it!" Willow shouted. "It's not Fitz' fault she's here!"

Xander shut his mouth and pouted.

"As it is, until she can be moved, we can't send her back or she'll lose that leg," Giles pointed out. "I suggest we make her as welcome as we can. She is a Slayer."

"And a Scooby Member in her world," Willow pointed out, jumping to Fitz' defense. "That makes her okay."

"Yeah, well Faith was a Slayer and a member and look what happened with her!" Xander countered.

"Is that what's got you all twisted?" Buffy demanded. "You think she's their version of Faith?"

"Well, it would make sense!" he grumbled. "We got Willow's double that time, why not Faith this time to mess us up."

"One: Faith is here and alive; two: this is not Faith," Buffy snapped, listing the things on her finger. "Faith has dark eyes and is American, Fitz has blue eyes and is Irish. Three: Faith was called when Dru killed Kendra, Fitz was called when the Master killed me in her realm. Four: nothing Fitz has said indicates that she's a psycho like Faith."

"Except intentionally killing two men," Xander countered. "Even Faith thought the Mayor's assistant was a vampire when she killed him."

"Xander, what would you do if you saw someone kill Anya in front of you?" Willow asked softly.

Xander started to answer and then clamped his jaw shut, glaring at Fitz.

"You're just upset because she was with Willow in her realm," Buffy complained. "You've always been overprotective and jealous of Wills. Though the thought of a gay Wills is a little strange."

"Aye, even in my realm he was," Fitz nodded wearily. "He always suspected how I felt about Wills."

This world version of Xander turned almost purple with anger at the thought of the dark Slayer with his best friend.

"Don't tell me we're stuck with another Slayer for two months," Spike complained and Fitz' eyes widened.

"No, you've got to send me back sooner than that!" she demanded. "I don't care about the leg, just get me out of here."

"Here as in hospital or this world?" Giles asked softly.

"I hate hospitals, I hate being bored, I hate recovery!" Fitz shouted, pounding her fist against the mattress.

"Typical Slayer," Buffy smirked. "Don't worry, we'll find ways to keep you busy."

"Everyone go on," Giles ordered and sat down in the chair next to Fitz' bed. Willow hung back as the others left, bickering and debating with each other where to start looking for the living space of a dead sorcerer.

"Did you have any idea where your sorcerer lived?" Giles asked.

"No, none," Fitz shook her head. "That's why it took so long to find him and he had time to…to do his rituals."

"Willow?" Giles asked, looking up from the chair and his notes.

"I'd like to stay," Willow said softly, noticing that Fitz wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Why?" Giles asked, obviously puzzled.

"Well, Fitz is going to be here at least six weeks," Willow pointed out. "She's going to need a friend."

"No!" Fitz snapped, glancing at the red-head for a moment and then looking away. "Send Xander to sit with me, our fighting will get me tossed out of here quick."

"I'd like to stay," Willow repeated. "I want to know about you and your world, maybe it'll help if you can talk about your Willow."

"Just seeing you kills me, lass," Fitz said softly, finally meeting Willow's eyes.

"Willow might be right," Giles said slowly.

"Fine," Fitz grumbled, relenting. "I never could deny her anything."

Willow looked pleased and sat down on the window ledge.

"What do you want to know, Watcher?"

"Everything," Giles smiled. "We know there are other realms, including demon ones and parallel ones. The more we learn the better it will be if any of us get caught up like you have."

"Okay, let's see," Fitz said thoughtfully. "One, my town is Sunnyville, California, United States of America. I was born in Belfast, Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. I'm Catholic, mostly non-practicing. I was orphaned at age 10 by an Ulster bomb and lived in various foster homes."

"Ulster?" Willow asked softly.

"The Protestant side of the Irish/English conflict in Northern Ireland," Giles explained.

"Aye, happens a lot. The Provos of the IRA bomb an Ulster police station or English troop convey and they turn around and bomb us," Fitz agreed.

"Us?" Giles asked with an intense frown.

"Aye, I was IRA when I was twelve," Fitz nodded, closing her eyes. "I was in a foster home in Derry. Four of the boys had already died fighting the Brits. I began running guns across the countryside on my bike or hiking them in from the coast. Then this really weird Brit shows up looking for me when I was thirteen."

Fitz opened her eyes and smiled a rueful smile.

"He starts going on about Slayers and vampires and how I'm supposed to go with him," she snorted.

"A Watcher," Giles smiled. "They sent an English Watcher to you?"

"Aye, not too brilliant, were they?" Fitz smirked.

"I don't understand," Willow said. "Don't Watchers and Slayers transcend international boundaries, like the UN?"

"Aye, but you first have to get that through the mind of a stubborn Irish rebel," Fitz pointed out. "I wasn't impressed with the man and figured him for some lame English trap."

"What happened?" Giles asked.

"He was following me and telling me about vampires," Fitz said. "I tried to walk away from him and we were jumped by three vampires. He was slashed to bits in front of me. Being a decent Catholic, I held them off with my crucifix and ran into a church."

Willow and Giles waited for the Slayer to continue.

"When the next one came looking for me, I was ready," Fitz shrugged. "They sent a German woman this time. She took me to England and trained me for the next two years until I got the call, the strength and everything. I was sent to Sunnyville to replace Buffy and take on the Master and try and to close the Hellmouth."

Fitz took a long drink of water.

"I found Buffy alive, the Master dead and the Hellmouth a pain in the arse," she grinned. "The demons and vampires kept getting stronger so the Council decided I should stay with Buffy as a team."

Fitz hesitated.

"I was sixteen and beginning to realize I was in love with Willow and Buffy was all nuts for the vampire with a soul," Fitz said softly, her eyes cloudy with memories. "Then came Buffy's birthday and we got Angelus."

Part 2

"Angelus?" Willow squeaked.

Fitz looked over at the red-head and recognized the look of fear. "Here too?"

"Yes, Buffy's birthday," Willow whispered.

"What happened?" Giles asked.

"Angelus was a right bastard, he was," Fitz continued, her eyes hard. "He…he hurt all of us."

"Go on," Giles urged.

"Why do you want to hear this? It didn't happen here," Fitz suddenly demanded.

"Go on, I need to know about you," Giles answered.

"In case you can't send me back and I'm stuck here?" Fitz ventured, her voice bitter.

"Yes, actually," Giles answered honestly. "We all need to know a bit about you."

"Why? I won't be a Slayer anymore, you won't need me," Fitz said bitterly motioning at her plaster encased leg.

"You were a Slayer and a Scooby member, that makes you family," Willow protested and Giles nodded. "If you are stuck here, you'll need friends. You don't even have an ID."

Fitz frowned.

"We'll compare worlds," Willow joined in.

Fitz' blue eyes softened as she looked at Willow but quickly looked away.

Willow felt her face flushing; she never thought anyone would look at her with such adoration before. Not even Oz looked at her that way.

"It's not pretty," Fitz warned.

"Go on," Giles urged.

Fitz closed her eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you, Watcher. Angelus first went after Buffy, taunting and then teasing her sexually. She knew right away something was wrong but his words and actions still hurt the girl, she was so vulnerable. Then he killed Will's fish and left a drawing of Willow, nude, tied down on an altar with an upside cross above her."

Fitz didn't open her eyes but by the sound of Willow's gasp something similar had happened in this realm as well.

"Willow?" Giles questioned.

"I…I never showed anyone the drawing," Willow said softly. Fitz opened her eyes and wasn't surprised to find Willow's head ducked, hair falling and hiding her face. "I knew it would just upset everyone."

"Aye, it did," Fitz agreed, closing her eyes again. "I knew I was in love with you…I mean, my Will, but she was still grieving for Oz."

"Oz?" Willow's voice was taunt and slightly shrill.

"In my world he was killed by a bounty hunter our sophomore year," Fitz explained. "We spent a lot of time together and I knew I had fallen for her and Angelus torment of Willow just sent me into a berserker fury."

"What happened?"

"I went raging after him and was caught," Fitz said slowly. "He threw me to Dru and Spike while he set about destroying Buffy and the others."

"Fitz," Giles said softly.

"You wanted to hear it, Watcher," Fitz snapped, her eyes opening and Giles flinched under the stern stare of the Irish woman. "They decided to keep me alive and torture me a bit."

"What did they do?" Willow asked softly.

"Let's just say it wasn't a very pretty sight," Fitz said firmly. "I was more dead than alive when Buffy and Xander rescued me. In revenge, Angelus killed Jenny and her unborn child."

"Child?" Giles asked, dropping his notebook and pen.

"You had a Jenny here, as well then?"

"Yes, she and Giles were dating," Willow explained.

"Mine were married and with child," Fitz said.

"Giles?" Willow asked softly as his face sagged with the horrible memory of finding his own Jenny murdered in his bed.

"We never…we were…she wasn't," he stammered. "How did she….?"

"Leave it, Giles," Fitz warned. "Both Jenny's are gone."

Giles nodded as he picked up the notepad and pen again.

"Angelus kept leaving drawings, notes and such to all of us," Fitz continued. "I was in the hospital for three days and Buffy was nearly out of her mind with worry about all of us. My Giles tried to go after Angelus and nearly got himself and Buffy killed."

"Same here," Willow said.

"Buffy, Xander, Will and Cordy set a trap with me as the bait," Fitz continued. "Angelus, Spike and Dru walked right into it. We managed to kill Druscilla and Spike went insane, breaking Xander's arm before we drove them off."

"We were in over our heads and couldn't face it," Fitz complained. "Every time we tried something, Angelus would merely counter with something more horrible. This time he kidnapped Cordelia, tortured her for hours and carved upside crosses in her cheeks."

"Oh God, Cordy," Willow said softly, horrified.

"Aye, her parents sent her overseas to the best plastic surgeon they could find and she transferred school to Paris," Fitz nodded, still keeping her eyes closed.

"What next?" Giles pushed.

"Saints, haven't you heard enough?" Fitz demanded, opening her eyes but turning away from the Watcher and young woman. "The next night Angelus overpowered Xander with a pack of vampires and crucified him to the front wall of Buffy's house. He had his vampires slowly drain and torture the boy before he died."

"I, uh, I…."

Fitz looked up as Willow dashed out of the room.

"How did it end?"

"The bastard had decided that the end of the world would be a good thing and set about calling up a particularly vicious demon," Fitz continued.

"Acathla," Giles prompted and Fitz nodded.

"To get the incantation and spell right, he kidnapped my Giles and tortured the hell out of him," Fitz noticed the expression and look in Giles' eyes and her own widened. "You too?"

"Yes, Buffy and Xander rescued me when she came to kill Angelus. Spike turned against him and rendered Druscilla unconscious and then left," Giles answered.

"Maybe without Spike and Xander there is why it was worse with my Giles," Fitz pondered.

"How so?"

"His kneecaps were drilled through," Fitz answered brutally and smacked herself mentally as Giles turned pale. "He can walk with braces and crutches but not well and he's in pain most of the time. Much like I'll be I'm thinking."

"I'm sorry but please don't take your anger out on us," Giles growled. "We're trying to help."

"I know," Fitz said wearily. "I'm scared and I've never admitted that to anyone in me life. Willow died in front of me, I couldn't move, I couldn't help her, I couldn't protect her and she was my life. I watched her die, Giles."

Giles nodded, his face pained and troubled.

"That left just you, Willow and Buffy," Giles said after a moment.

"Aye," Fitz said softly, her eyes filling with tears. "Spike was really angry at me for Dru, I was the one that killed her. He kidnapped Willow and…and…both he and Angelus hurt her."

"Oh God," Giles muttered, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes.

"She was shattered. They left her in my bed for me to find," Fitz continued. "It backfired in a way. While I was blubbering like a fool, I told Will how I felt about her. Spike made the mistake of trying to sneak up on me in the hospital while I sat with Willow. I took his head off."

Giles nodded.

"Buffy and I found Angelus and Giles. I got Giles out of there while Buffy took on the vampire," Fitz explained. "When I went back inside he almost had her but she rallied, she did. Buffy took him down and she shoved her sword through his chest as I took his head."

"I can't say I'm sorry that happened to him in your world," Giles muttered.

"And in yours?" Fitz demanded. "What's different?"

"Angelus killed Jenny, tormented all of us, came between Buffy and her mother and such," Giles began. "He planned on bringing Acathla into the world here as well. Spike didn't want the world to change so he struck a bargain with Buffy, he would help her in the battle if she let him take Druscilla and leave. Buffy was reluctant because Druscilla had killed Kendra, the other Slayer, and had put Willow in the hospital."

"Kendra, she's the Slayer in training after me," Fitz commented. "What happened?"

"Willow found a spell on one of Jenny's disks that would restore the curse and performed the spell," Giles continued. "Xander rescued me while Buffy took on Angelus. Spike surprised him and rendered Druscilla unconscious and then left. Buffy was able to defeat Angelus but the spell had been cast and Acathla was crossing over. Willow's spell worked and Angel was back but the world was about to be destroyed. Buffy killed Angel to stop the spell."

"She knew her boyfriend was back?" Fitz asked with a frown.

"Yes, she ran away the next day and was gone for months," Giles said.

"My Will did magic, got really good at it, she did," Fitz added.

"Our Willow's spells are hit and miss sometimes," Giles admitted. "They seem better since she started practicing with a girl she met on campus."

"Tara?" Fitz asked.

"Yes," Giles answered, startled.

"She's our best friend and new Scooby member," Fitz explained. "In my world, she's dating Verucca, a werewolf singer."

"Our Verucca seduced Oz and liked being the werewolf and killing, that's what broke Willow and Oz up," Giles countered.

"My Verucca is okay, we just lock her in an old bomb shelter three nights a month," Fitz shrugged. "What else, Watcher? I'm getting tired."

"You and Willow?"

Fitz' face looked pained. "After Angelus, I found out she heard me and my confession of love and she said she had been fighting the same feelings and…and she was so damned cute! I don't know much except we were kissing, crying and were together after that. No one batted an eye except her parents; they disowned her and threw her out. Buffy's mom took her in."

"Where did you live?"

"Hah!" Fitz snorted. "With you, I mean, with my Giles. With his legs all busted up, we moved him into a ground floor apartment with two bedrooms."

Willow stuck her head in the door. "Can I come back?"

"Sure," Fitz said softly, glancing away.

"Fitz was just telling me that she lives with the other Giles," Giles explained. "Seems his injuries from Angelus were more serious than mine."

"Did you kill him?"

"Aye," Fitz nodded, noting Willow's troubled expression. "In my world, Will didn't find a spell and she wasn't in any shape to be casting one if she had found it. Buffy had no reservations about killing Angeles and neither did I."

Willow nodded but still looked troubled.

"That means Angel didn't come back, I wonder what the Powers That Be had in mind for your realm?" she said thoughtfully.

"PTB?" Fitz questioned. "You're saying Angel came back here?"

"Yes, he returned from hell," Giles answered, his own voice curiously flat. Fitz had the feeling Giles still wasn't sure if he wanted Angel back or not. "He has an investigation service in Los Angeles, he and his team help people in trouble, usually of a supernatural origin."

"He does good things and is trying to make amends," Willow added.

"What about him and Buffy?" Fitz demanded.

"Unsure about losing his soul again," Giles commented. "So he left rather than face the temptation and putting both of them through the hell of seeing each other and unable to be together."

"Right big of him, then," Fitz growled.

"Your Spike?" Willow questioned.

"Dust," Fitz said simply. "He tried to attack me and my Will while she was in hospital and I took him out."

"Oh," Willow muttered. "This is all confusing."

"It doesn't get better on my side," Fitz joined in the complaining.

"What about the Mayor and graduation?" Willow asked.

"We found the Mayor was at the bottom of some major drug dealing, bribery, harboring of demons and vampires, and planned on blowing up the school on graduation to open the Hellmouth again. He had made a deal with demons that the graduating class would be dinner."

"Our Mayor became invincible and planned on this Ascension to godhood or something," Willow countered. "We stopped him."

"So did we," Fitz nodded.

"Did you blow up the school?" Willow asked with a grin.

"No, we didn't get that far," Fitz admitted, smiling at a little at the one-up-manship game. "We did take down a really mean biker demon bar that had me and Buffy on the ropes for a bit."

"Did you have the really weird episode of where no one could talk because of The Gentlemen?" Willow asked enthusiastically while Giles kept quiet and took notes, not wanting to break the friendly and informative banter.

"Yeah! You ran into Tara from the Wicca group," Fitz grinned. "I mean, my Willow did. They were in serious trouble and I didn't know it. I was looking for her and Buffy. They managed to protect themselves by combining their powers."

"Were they close?" Willow asked softly.

"Aye, best friends, the lot of us," Fitz nodded, her eyes going distant with memory. "Tara began dating a musician, Will and I were together and Buffy had just hooked up with an old friend from her previous school, Billy Ford."

"Billy Ford died our Junior year," Willow frowned again. "He had brain tumors."

"Our Billy boy is quite healthy," Fitz countered. "And quite taken with our Slayer."

"How did you…you and your Willow?"

"Well, Fitz," Giles interrupted and stood up. "I think the questions can wait for another day. Come on, Willow, she's exhausted."

"Can I stay?" Willow asked. "We don't have to talk."

"Willow," Fitz said gently. "I know you're trying to help. You're so much like my Willow, she's the first to help, put in the long hours, never complain and be a friend. Because you're so much like her, it's killing me. I need to sleep, I need a pain shot and I need to cry some more and I don't do that well with company."

Giles was surprised, if Fitz was anything like the other Slayers he had known, the pain must be incredible for Fitz to ask for painkillers.

Willow looked hurt and confused.

"I don't even have a picture of her," Fitz said softly, closing her eyes, touching her wedding ring.

"You said the Council didn't approve of your marriage, why?" Giles asked, seeing the wedding ring, suddenly curious.

"Blasted stuffed shirt Brits!" Fitz snapped, her eyes blazing. "Said they wouldn't allow a Slayer to get 'emotionally' involved with anyone while they were active Slayers, they did. Pointed out the disaster of Buffy getting involved with someone, a vampire and such. I pointed back that Willow sure in hell wasn't a vampire and they could twirl on their blessed umbrellas."

"And the Irish Church agrees with same sex marriages?" Giles countered and watched Fitz blush.

"Nay, you're right there, Watcher," Fitz admitted. "But then Mother Church hasn't said much about me life since I joined the IRA either. Willow had already been disowned by her parents and we told the Council to stuff themselves."

"You were still with the Council?" Willow asked.

"Aye, why in shouldn't we be?" Fitz asked.

"What happened on Buffy's 18th birthday?" Giles asked.

"The Council showed up on our doorstep and said they'd be testing Buffy and for us to stay out of it," Fitz said slowly. "Giles found out what the test was and told them off and threatened to expose them. The Council and Giles compromised, they followed Buffy and me for two weeks without us knowing it. They even called in some particularly nasty demons and vampires to test us and we passed, using our resources, brains, talent, and strength. They passed all of us. What happened on this end?"

"The test was a major bitch and Giles agreed to it!" Willow snapped. "He drugged Buffy so her Slayer strength was useless and she had to defeat an insane and super strong vampire on her own."

"And I paid for it!" Giles snapped back. "We left the Council."

"Well, we didn't and the Council threatened to send me away, with me being a minor at the time and such," Fitz said. "I told them plain that I wouldn't leave and they didn't want a war with two Slayers, two witches, a werewolf and a Watcher with magic training."

"Werewolf?" Willow questioned. "You said Oz died."

Fitz glanced away quickly. "He did. Tara, in my world, is dating a female werewolf."

"A musician," Willow said, her eyes narrowing. "Verucca."

"Aye, Giles said that your Verucca is a wrong one," Fitz nodded.

"Was, and you don't have a Faith in your world," Willow muttered.

"I'm tired," Fitz repeated. "Come back later, both of you."

Giles nodded and placed his hand on Willow's shoulder as Fitz rang the buzzer for the nurse.

Willow was unusually quiet on the ride back to the college in Giles' car. He knew the last two weeks had been difficult on everyone but especially on Willow. First she had received word from Oz that he wasn't returning and then she had been kidnapped by that damned sorcerer.

Now they had Fitz to deal with. An angry, confused, and grieving Slayer. One who was very much in love with her own version of Willow.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly.

"No, I'm not," she admitted, keeping her eyes on the passing scenery. "How do we help her, Giles?"

The Watcher smiled gently, thinking this was the reason he loved the kids so much. Their undying love for each other and especially Willow's innate goodness. Even though everything was confusing, she was quick to jump in and try to help the wounded woman in their care.

"I'm not sure you're the best person to help," he said slowly.

"Because I'm Willow but not her Willow?"

"Yes," Giles nodded. "I know it would kill me if Jenny's double came through a portal somewhere."

Willow was quiet for several more minutes.

"Giles," she said slowly, hesitating. "You remember my vampire double?"

"Of course, Willow," Giles said calmly, letting Willow go at her own speed in the conversation.

"She wasn't straight," Willow ventured, her voice soft.

"No, I think all vampires are highly sexual and aren't particular about gender but she definitely had a preference for females, I believe," Giles said honestly.

"Buffy said that the demon vampire doesn't reflect the person's personality," Willow pondered.

"I'm not sure she was correct on that point," Giles fought to keep his voice calm and steady. He could sense the girl was struggling with something and had a good indication of where she was heading. The Watcher didn't want her retreating back into her shy shell. It had taken over a month to get her to stop crying over Oz and Giles knew the new girl from the Wicca group had been a big part of that recovery.

Giles also knew that Willow might be on the edge of trusting him with something she probably hadn't even talked with Buffy about and he didn't want to scare her off.

"Do you think that you're having feelings for Tara?"

Giles kept his eyes on the road but glanced at the young witch out of the corner of his eye and found her blushing a bright red, just as he thought her reaction would be.

"I, uh, I like Tara, a lot," Willow stammered. "I don't know…it feels…and then there's Fitz."

"Well, nothing wrong with that," Giles said easily. "It's not something easy to discover about yourself but it can be very nice too."

Willow's eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" she squeaked.

"We've found over the years that most Slayers are bisexual, vampires are just sexual and a good portion of the human race is bisexual or gay," Giles shrugged. "You won't shock me if you discover that you are bisexual or lesbian."

"You…you won't be disappointed in me?" Willow asked, her voice soft and so young sounding it nearly broke the Watcher's heart.

"Why?" he asked. "Because you have the capacity to love someone? Willow, that's what makes you so much YOU. My Willow gives so much and loves with all her heart. I don't care what gender the person is that receives that beautiful part of you. Besides, you remember Ethan. We were more than close at times, that's one reason I have trouble taking permanent action against him. Never question love, Willow, gender doesn't matter."

Willow wiped away tears of relief and stress.

"You've known Tara for awhile now but you just mentioned there was something about Fitz that disturbed you?" Giles asked.

"I don't know," Willow frowned. "It's like I'm drawn to her and don't want to leave until I know everything about her. It doesn't feel like…I don't know what it feels like."

"Fitz hasn't even begun to grieve," Giles warned. "I don't know what happened but she watched as her Willow was killed in front of her. It would be natural to cling to you, especially now."

"I think I understand that," Willow frowned. "She used the term wife."

"Yes, they had a ceremony in which they were 'married' in all ways except legally, I believe. My counterpart walked your counterpart down the aisle," Giles said.

Willow became quiet again and Giles let the conversation drop.

He watched the witch as she walked towards her dorm, head low in thought and he felt his heart aching for her.

"Will, please, no!" Fitz thrashed on the bed as cool hands and voices tried to calm her. "No, don't hurt her! Willow!"

"What's wrong with her?" Buffy's voice was demanding.

"Her wounds have become infected and she's spiking a high fever," an unknown voice answered as hands held her arms down and someone was strapping her wrists in restraints.

"How serious?" Giles was demanding from somewhere far away.

"Will?" Fitz called, unable to focus on anyone.

"I'm here," a voice answered and a familiar hand and energy brushed black hair from the Slayer's forehead.

Fitz calmed instantly, crying as Willow wrapped her arm around under Fitz' head, moving as close as she could.

"I saw you die, please don't let it be real," Fitz sobbed. "I can't do it without you, lass."

"I'm right here, Fitz," Willow's voice reassured her. "Its okay, let them give you a shot for the pain and the fever, okay?"

"Anything for you," Fitz whispered. "I can't touch you!"

"Let one of her hands go," Giles' voice insisted.

"You saw how she's flailing about, she'll rip the IV's out," a male voice protested.

"You also see how she's calmed down with Willow there," Giles countered. "Willow can call for a nurse if Fitz begins thrashing again."

Fitz felt her right hand being freed and managed to focus on the green eyes she adored so much as Willow slipped Fitz' hand hers.

"You feel real," the delirious Slayer said in wonderment.

"I'm here, Fitz," Willow said softly, tears streaking her face. "She's hurting so bad, Giles."

"I know," he said softly. "Don't mistake empathy or sympathy for something else though."

Buffy walked back into the hospital room.

"The doctor says Will can stay with her since it's the only thing that seems to keep Fitz calm," she announced.

"I'm not sure this is a good idea," Giles grumbled. "Fitz is grieving for her own Willow, having our Willow here all the time will only delay that grief and there's a good chance Fitz will rebound right into Willow."

"Just until the fever breaks and she's out of danger," Willow countered.

"She's right, Giles," Buffy added. "With Slayer strength, the nurses will have a hard time if Fitz is out of her head and fighting."

"Until the fever breaks and then you put some distance between you and Fitz," Giles ordered.

Giles pretended to not notice Willow's infamous 'resolve face' and saw Buffy frowning as she watched her best friend's reaction to the order.

"Saints, it hurts, Will," Fitz whined. "Feels like fire in me leg."

"I know, Fitz, it'll be okay," Willow said softly as Buffy and Giles left the room.

"Jess, why are you not calling me Jess, my love?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just so worried about you," Willow said quickly. "You're my Jess, just like Jesse James."

"Aye," Fitz smiled, closing her eyes. "Like that Cher song you like so well. Yours forever, Will."

Willow felt tears flowing down from her eyes as she held the wounded Slayer.

"Why couldn't you have been in this realm?" Willow asked the Fates. "No one could love me like you did her."

Buffy hesitated outside the door, her Slayer hearing everything Willow had muttered. The blonde Slayer turned to go and find Xander and Anya for the evening patrol.

So what the hell do we do with Fitz?" Xander demanded as they walked along in one of the many graveyards in Sunnydale.

"What do you mean, Xan?" Buffy asked. "We help her recover and send her back to her own realm, like we did Willow's vampire double."

"I think Will is spending too much time with her," he grumbled. "She's been at the hospital almost four days straight now!"

"You know how Will is," Buffy shrugged, keeping her senses alert for any vampires or demons. "She wants to help anyone that's hurt."

"Yeah, will this injured puppy has major issues with Willow and I don't think we should be encouraging them to spend any time together," he snapped.

"What is your major maladjustment?" Buffy finally demanded, spinning to face her friend so quickly that it surprised Xander and almost knocked him over. "Fitz is a Slayer and in the wrong realm! It's not her fault!"

"For some reason the thought of Fitz and Willow being orgasm friends bothers him," Anya said calmly.

"Homophobic much?" Buffy snapped, turning around to scan the graveyard.

"I am not!" Xander snapped back. "I don't care either way!"

"Unless it's one of your friends?" Buffy snarled. "Or is it just Willow?"

Anya's eyes flashed with instant anger and jealousy.

"Yes," she joined in. "Is it the thought of two women together? I don't think so because of the porn movies you like, they include a lot of woman-to-woman action and you seem to enjoy that very much."

"Enough!" Xander growled. "I am not homophobic, I just don't want Will getting hurt. She's not even over Oz yet and here's someone totally head over heels for her."

"Will is an adult and will make her own decisions, Xander," Buffy growled back. "She's not dating a werewolf, a vampire or a former demon. In fact, they're not dating! She's helping keep Fitz calm until Fitz can heal."

"She doesn't belong here," Xander muttered.

"We know that already," Buffy complained. "Let's find that damned spell book and send her back so we can all continue on with life, Fitz included!"

"What if she doesn't want to go back?" Xander demanded. "Her Willow is dead, ours is alive!"

"Is that what's bothering you? That Willow might fall for her?" Buffy asked.

"Why would that bother him?" Anya asked. "Xander, why does Willow's sex life bother you so much?"

"It doesn't!" he snapped. "I just don't want her hurt."

"None of us do, so drop it," Buffy muttered.

Xander nodded reluctantly as they followed Buffy on patrol.

Part 3

Willow looked up from her laptop as the sound of Fitz' breathing increased and the Slayer moaned in pain and a nightmare.

Tara was supposed to drop by and compare research notes on getting Fitz back to her own realm and Willow was worried about the fiery Slayer. Fitz didn't seem to be getting any better from the fever.

The red-head moved closer to the hospital bed as Fitz began clutching at the blanket with her hands.

"No, please, no!" Fitz whispered. "Will!"

Then the Slayer was speaking in Gaelic and Willow didn't have a clue as to what Fitz was saying but it was very emotional, judging from the expression on Fitz' face.

Willow gently shook the dark Slayer.

"Come on, Jess," she said softly. "You're having a nightmare, love."

Willow had discovered that loving words and touches from her could usually calm the nightmare and fever wracked Slayer like nothing else seemed to do.

Jess FitzHugh opened her eyes and Willow recognized the fevered shine in them

"Will?"

"I'm here, Jess, I'm here," Willow said softly. She hated herself for deceiving the Slayer. She knew that Jess thought Willow was her Willow but it seemed to comfort the Slayer.

Willow leaned over to brush a lock of dark shaggy hair from Fitz' face and the Slayer reached up and gently stroked Willow's cheek. The witch felt her breathing suddenly quicken as she looked deeply into Fitz' eyes and saw nothing but love and desire in them.

Unaware she was doing it, Willow leaned into the touch with a sigh and felt Fitz' fingers roam through her hair, to the back of her neck, drawing Willow closer to her

The kiss was soft, gentle and at the same time electric. Fitz moaned and shifted slightly on the bed. Willow whimpered and felt her own hand moving over Fitz' ribs, moving closer to the Slayer's breast

Willow didn't know how long the kiss lasted but it felt like forever. The witch was panting from the emotional shock and leaned her head against Fitz' as her body shook.

"I love you, Will," Fitz said softly, closing her eyes.

Willow pulled back slightly and gently placed Fitz' arm back onto the bed as the Slayer fell back into a restful sleep.

"Oh dear God, what's happening to me?" Willow whispered. "What am I gonna do?"

The hacker was no closer to answers when Tara walked in twenty minutes later to find Willow bent over her computer with an intense frown.

"Is she any better?" Tara asked as Willow looked up and broke into a smile.

"She's sleeping better and longer, which is a good sign," Willow answered as she stood to hug the other witch.

Tara drew out of the embrace after a moment with a questioning look into Willow's green eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Willow sighed. "Can we go for a walk? I need some fresh air."

"Sure," Tara agreed immediately.

Willow was once again quiet for a long time and Tara let her contemplate what she wanted to say as they walked in front of the hospital.

"What's up, Will?" Tara asked softly as the red-haired witch moved under the shade of a tree and leaned against the bark.

"I'm so confused, Tar," Willow said softly.

"Is it because the other Willow was in love with Fitz?" Tara asked gently.

"Not totally," Willow frowned. "I was confused before she showed up. I was getting confused about…uh, I was wondering about my sexual feelings before that."

"About us?" Tara asked, her head down and face hidden by her hair.

"Yes," Willow admitted, holding her breath.

"What…what have you…any conclusions?"

"Uh, that I'm…I'm attracted to you and Fitz," Willow whispered.

The witch risked looking up and noticed Tara was looking down at her shoes but smiling slightly.

"Me too," Tara whispered. "I mean, to you. Not Fitz, I don't know Fitz."

"Is my babbling contagious?" Willow teased, sitting down and sighing with relief when Tara sat next to her.

"I don't want to ruin our friendship," Tara said slowly.

"Me either and I don't know what I'm feeling," Willow agreed.

"What about Fitz?"

"She's still out of it because of the fever," Willow frowned. "Jess thinks I'm her Willow."

"She thinks her lover is with her," Tara joined Willow in frowning. "What happens when she comes out of it and knows that you're not her Will."

"Fitz probably won't remember any of it," Willow muttered. "And she'll have time to grieve for her Willow."

"You're letting yourself fall for her knowing that she's leaving," Tara scolded and still frowning. "Willow, I could fall in love with you and I think you're setting yourself up for some serious heartbreak."

"Yup, total agreement," Willow laughed bitterly. "And I'm being unfair to you."

"Willow, you can't stop how you're feeling about anyone or anything," Tara said slowly. "You know I've been spending a lot of time with Sarah, from the group."

"Terrific," Willow said, somewhat sarcastically. "Fitz will go back to her realm and you'll be dating Sarah and I lose both of you."

"You won't lose me," Tara snapped back. "You can't ask me to hold back hoping to be second choice when Fitz goes back."

"You're right, of course," Willow nodded. "I'm sorry. I would do anything not to hurt anybody. I don't like being hurt either."

"Why can't Fitz stay here?" Tara asked the unspoken question that had been running through Willow's mind for days.

"I…I don't know," Willow admitted. "I'm not her Willow, we're not her friends and this isn't her world. She's out of place."

"How out of place will Amy be when we finally de-rat her?" Tara countered.

Willow frowned. "Maybe things will be messed up karmic like."

"Aren't they already?" Tara countered.

"You trying to get rid of me?" Willow joked. "Setting me up with Fitz?"

"No, I want you to be happy," Tara said softly. "I don't think it's with me. What about you going to her realm?"

Willow frowned. "I hadn't thought of that."

"Her Willow is gone, there wouldn't be two of you," Tara pointed out, wrapping an arm around Willow's shoulders.

"Still, wouldn't that mess up karma stuff, like changing things by going back in time?"

"I don't know," Tara said softly, her breathing quickening as Willow's warmth spread to her and the wonderful scent of Willow's hair filled her senses. Tara mentally kicked herself, trying to fight the sudden sensations.

Willow sensed the change in her friend and possible lover and shifted slightly until she was looking Tara in the eyes.

"Tara?"

"Goddess, you are so cute," Tara said softly, stroking Willow's cheek.

Both moved forward slightly until their lips met. Tara thought Willow might pull back and was surprised when the red witch shifted and her hand went behind Tara's head, pulling her closer.

After a few moments the women broke apart and leaned against each other.

Tara sighed heavily and reached up to wipe tears away from Willow's cheeks.

At the gentle gesture, Willow broke down and collapsed into Tara's arms weeping. Tara closed her eyes against her own tears and held Willow closely, rocking the confused young woman.

Willow pulled back after a few minutes, sniffling.

"I'm sorry, I'm think I'm just tired and wigged," Willow said softly.

"It's okay and understandable," Tara said softly. "Have you kissed Fitz?"

Willow blushed and glanced away from her fellow witch.

"She thought I was her Willow," the witch muttered.

"And?" Tara pressed, stroking Willow's hair.

"It…it was…it was surprising," Willow blushed an even deeper red.

"And?"

"Fireworks," Willow admitted.

"And us?" Tara continued pressing her friend.

"I…Tara…this…us…"

"Sparklers instead of fireworks?" Tara teased lightly.

"I, uh, you too?" Willow whispered.

"Yeah," Tara admitted. "I could really fall for you Willow Rosenberg and it would be wonderful. Kinda like best friends who are lovers."

"But?" Willow pressed.

Tara shrugged. "Do you want safe sparklers or risky fireworks?"

"Wow!" Willow muttered, her eyes widening in thought. "Can I get back to you on that?"

Tara laughed and squeezed Willow tightly as the mood lightened.

"You're falling for her, Will," Tara said softly. "You're heading for a lot of pain. You aren't her Willow."

"I know, she hasn't had time to grieve and here I am getting all goo-goo eyed," Willow complained with a heavy sigh.

Tara sat back against the tree, her arm around Willow and the red haired witch snuggled in her arms, taking comfort in the closeness and friendship.

"Will?"

Willow glanced up from her laptop with a smile for the confused blue eyes looking at her. She got up and held a cup with a straw to Fitz' lips.

"It wasn't a dream, was it then?" the Irish woman asked softly, taking in the slight physical differences in this Willow from hers.

"No, it wasn't," Willow said softly, pulling her chair closer. "I'm not your Will, you're in a strange world and we don't know how to get you back."

"Everything hurts," Fitz complained. "I feel like a wet kitten left in the rain."

"I don't doubt it," Willow smiled. "You've been pretty out of it for five days."

"What?" Fitz whispered in disbelief. "I don't remember much. Nightmares and such and Willow with me."

Fitz noticed this Willow glancing away.

"You were with me?" the dark Slayer asked softly.

"Yes, it seemed to help," Willow said softly as she replaced the cup on the nightstand and sat down.

"Thank you for that," Fitz said slowly. "I think I remember talking with Giles and the others before everything went fuzzy. You don't know how to get me back to my world?"

"No, Buffy and everyone is looking for the Book of Shadows or grimoires of the sorcerer but they haven't found anything. If we can't find the spell he used we could end up sending you to a different world and you wouldn't want that," Willow explained.

"Maybe my Willow would be alive in another realm," Fitz said thoughtfully.

"She still wouldn't be your Willow, just like I'm not," Willow countered, her voice sounding almost hurt, surprising Fitz.

"You're right," Fitz nodded after a moment. "I'm lost no matter what happens. Guess it doesn't matter what realm I end up in."

"Yes it does, we know of one realm where vampires control Sunnydale and humans live in fear," Willow told the Slayer.

"How would you know that one?" Fitz asked with a smile.

"We got my double from that realm," Willow explained. "Only that Willow had been turned and was like totally evil."

"Whoa, that had to be a different experience seeing yourself like that," Fitz commented and was puzzled when Willow began blushing a bright red and ducked her eyes away from Fitz'. "What?"

"She was…kinda like me but…me as a vampire was so…weird!" Willow stumbled. "She was so skanky and evil and…and…"

"And?" Fitz asked, amused by Willow's discomfort. The hacker was so damned cute! So much like her Willow but different in little ways.

"Like so sexual with anyone!" Willow blurted out. "She even wanted to snuggle with me!"

Fitz bit her lip to keep from laughing but couldn't hide her smile. "That had to be one of the weirdest experiences yet."

"Total freak-out!" Willow agreed, finally looking up and managing to grin at the situation.

"What happens now then?" Fitz asked, getting serious again.

"I don't know, neither does Giles," Willow admitted, grateful that Fitz seemed to be able to look her in the eyes now. "I brought you something."

"Flowers? I'm not much a flower type person," Fitz teased. "Unless they're black."

"Are you sure you're not related to Faith?" Willow teased back.

"The evil Slayer, right?" Fitz asked as Willow nodded. "Well, my Giles always bitches that I dress more like a vampire than a Slayer."

"What does a Slayer dress like?" Willow grinned. "Faith preferred leather, tops that barely covered any skin and the tighter the better, Buffy can be trendy or total casual."

"I'm into black; jeans, t-shirts, jackets and such," Fitz said slowly. "What did you bring me?"

"I, uh, it's nothing much," Willow stammered, reaching into the backpack next to her chair. She slowly handed over a picture.

Fitz felt her throat tightening as she looked at a picture of a young Willow, Buffy and Xander in front of the high school, arms around each other and smiling for the camera.

"You don't have anything to remind you of your Willow, that was taken about the time you said you met your gang," Willow explained, her voice soft as tears filled Fitz' eyes. "I thought it might help give you something."

"Thank you," Fitz whispered, wiping at her eyes. "I don't know how I'm going to live without her."

"Would you tell me about her?" Willow asked. "I know that I look and sound like her and that it hurts but it might help to talk about her and remember the good things you had."

Fitz frowned, pondering Willow's words for a moment, giving it fair consideration. "Aye, it might help."

The conversation was interrupted by the nurse making her rounds. She smiled at the coherent patient and went to grab a doctor. The next hour was spent explaining the infection that had hit the dark Slayer, explaining about the damage to her leg and Fitz' future recovery probabilities.

Fitz had been right, the doctors didn't believe that she would walk on the leg again. Willow's eyes widened as Fitz' eyes narrowed and brightened. The witch had a feeling that she was seeing the Slayer's own 'resolve' or stubborn face.

Fitz managed to dodge most of the doctor's questions about her background and the numerous scars they had found.

Finally the doctors were satisfied with Fitz' recovery from the fever and their exam of her leg and other injuries. They then left the two young women alone with a nurse. The older woman went about her duties as Willow filled the awkward space with general chit chat about her school work, Xander's job in construction, and Giles' employment at the museum.

Fitz sighed as the nurse left and closed the door. "It doesn't bother you?" she asked Willow.

"What?" Willow asked, obviously puzzled.

"The bags and stuff," Fitz frowned.

"No, why should it?" Willow asked easily. "You can't walk to the bathroom so things happen differently under those sheets."

Fitz blushed profusely. "You heard the docs, if they let me out early, I'll be needing help."

"Well, I know you'll probably end up either at Buffy's place or Giles' apartment," Willow said thoughtfully. "My parents are never around and I've got school during the day. We couldn't leave you alone. Xander and Anya work during the day and his parents don't even notice if they're around."

"Where does Buffy live?"

"On campus with me, but Joyce wouldn't mind having you. She's been here several times to visit you while you were out of it," Willow explained.

"Ma is alive?" Fitz said, her voice filled with wonder.

Willow lost her smile. "She's not in your world?" Fitz pained eyes answered her. "I wouldn't mention that bit to Buffy."

"Aye, I'm agreeing with that one," Fitz said softly. "I hope she likes me."

"She took Faith in," Willow said cheerfully. "Listen, Buffy and Xander are supposed to stop by later and I need to check in with my professors. Can I come back later?"

"You don't have to," Fitz said softly. "But I'd like it, I think."

"It's not hurting too much?" Willow asked honestly.

"I'll admit that it does," Fitz said slowly. "But I...I…"

Fitz' eyes filled with tears and she looked away quickly but didn't pull away when Willow reached out and held her hand.

"You can tell me," Willow said softly.

"I'm scared," Fitz admitted, letting the tears flow. "I've never owned to that in my life but Giles. I'm scared and alone."

"You're also tired, sick, hurt and grieving," Willow pointed out. "But you're not alone. You won't ever be alone."

"Willow, you can't promise that," Fitz grumbled. "You're going to try and send me back to my own world."

Willow frowned as she gathered up her things and shut down her laptop.

"I'll be back later," Willow muttered and Fitz nodded, both frowning.

Buffy and Giles were obviously uncomfortable when they entered the hospital room but were trying to be cheerful.

"Glad to see you're feeling better," Giles said calmly.

"Yeah, Willow says that you haven't a clue on getting me back," Fitz responded, getting right to the point.

"No luck so far," Buffy admitted. "What do the doctors say?"

"That I'll never put weight on me leg again," Fitz said calmly, a lot more calmer than Buffy figured she'd ever be facing that future. "They don't know me or my strength. They said the best hope would be to walk with a leg brace at the knee to the foot and a crutch or special cane."

"Doctors don't know about Slayer strength, that will help," Giles agreed, sitting down in the chair that Willow had been in.

There was an awkward silence as Buffy shifted on her feet uncomfortably.

"Look," Buffy said finally. "You might be stuck here. We should face that and figure out what to do."

"Well, I was figuring that I'd get back on my feet," Fitz said slowly. "Beyond that, I'm not sure where to go."

"Why go anywhere?" Buffy asked.

Fitz felt her face turning red. "I don't belong with you guys."

"Who says?" Buffy asked, her voice turning stubborn. "You got along with the other Buffy."

"Aye, not minding your competitive streak," Fitz grinned.

"Hey!" Buffy huffed but grinned. "My mom wants to meet you and adopt you."

Giles sat back and watched the interaction between the two Slayers. "Adopt me?"

"How did the other Mom react to you?" Buffy countered.

Fitz blushed. "Yeah, I, uh, she adopted me. Does she know about you as a Slayer?"

"Yeah, she found out when I went up against Angelus," Buffy said slowly. "Giles told me about your Angelus and what he did."

"Yeah, right royal bastard he was," Fitz muttered. "Your Watcher told me about your Angel and that he's trying to redeem himself."

Buffy nodded and Fitz waited, wanting to see where Buffy would take the conversation next.

"This is so weird," Buffy finally complained.

"Try it on my end," Fitz countered.

"Let's declare a game night, what games do you play?" Buffy decided.

"Name 'em," Fritz grinned. "Including poker."

"Cool, tomorrow is Saturday," Buffy said, planning. "I'll get the gang together and we'll put the Risk board or something across your bed."

"The docs say that I've got at least a month in this traction thing, another four months in a cast and then years of physical therapy," Fitz said thoughtfully. "This like sucks! I don't even have a single item to me name except my ripped up clothes."

"What would you like to do to pass the time when you're alone?" Giles asked.

"I haven't a clue!" Fitz complained. "I don't even know how to pay for any of this. In my world the Watchers would handle it. Here, I'm a stranger. Talk about your illegal alien!"

"Don't worry about the medical bills," Giles said softly. "I've been talking with the Watcher's Council and they are more than interested in interviewing you, extensively. They are willing to pay all the medical bills and get all the paperwork and identification you need if you would tell them everything you know about your realm and be willing to train Slayers in training."

"It's a thought if I get stuck here," Fitz said thoughtfully.

"What would keep you busy?" Buffy asked. "Being in the hospital would drive me crazy."

"Aye," Fitz nodded. "Hell, I don't know. I'm not much one for sitting."

"How about we surprise you with puzzles, a Game Boy or something?" Buffy suggested.

"You all are doing more than enough," Fitz said slowly.

"Nah, you're family," Buffy grinned. "A distant cousin we're getting to know or something."

The two Slayers began chatting. This conversation was different than the previous one with Giles, this one was more friendly and casual. Giles soon excused himself.

Two hours later, Fitz growled and shoved the tray table aside, leaving ninety percent of the hospital dinner uneaten.

Buffy laughed and switched the channels on the TV again, finally settling on a Harrison Ford movie.

Both Slayers grinned when Willow opened the door with a heavy backpack slung over one shoulder and a large pizza box in the other.

"Will scores!" Buffy proclaimed.

"I had to bribe the nurses with a box of chocolate to get the pizza in," Willow grinned.

"Wow, you came prepared!" Fitz smiled and felt her heart lurch. It was something her Willow would have done.

Buffy and Willow pretended not to notice Fitz' sudden silence and pained look and set about dividing the pizza.

Fitz managed a small smile as Buffy handed her a slice of a wonderful smelling combination pizza.

"What's in the pack, Will?" Buffy asked.

"I brought some books, a Game Boy, a word search puzzle book, my old CD player and some CDs," Willow answered, rummaging through the pack.

"We were talking about how to keep Fitz from going stir crazy," Buffy said. "Figures Will would beat us to it."

"Yeah," Fitz said softly, watching Willow's green eyes but then looking away.

The next three weeks crawled by for the dark Slayer but almost always by her side was Willow. Fitz had demanded to know what Willow was doing about school and argued with the witch for half an hour when Willow informed the Slayer that she was studying most of the night and taking make-up classes. The witch had informed her professors that her step-sister had been in a major accident and Willow was sitting with her at the hospital.

Willow had put on her 'resolve' face and refused to give up her daily visits to the dark Slayer.

In turn, Fitz and Willow had talked almost non-stop until they each knew more about each other than Fitz had known about her own Willow.

Tara, Buffy and Joyce were frequent visitors. Fitz didn't say anything but it hurt that Xander seemed to be keeping his distance from the new Slayer. Fitz knew that this Xander wasn't her best friend but she had hoped to get to know the man her Xander might have become.

The initial confusion and anger soon melted into an uneasy acceptance of the friendship the Scooby Gang was offering, especially Willow.

Willow frowned when she entered the room and heard Fitz moaning. The witch quickly realized the Slayer had fallen asleep and was now caught up in a nightmare. Willow quickly moved around the bed and began shaking the Irish woman gently.

"Will, please!" Fitz muttered. "No!"

Fitz sat up in the bed abruptly, blinking in confusion as Willow held her shoulders. The Slayer was covered in sweat and was breathing heavily.

"Oh Jesus, Mary and Joseph," Fitz whispered, lying back on the white sheets as Willow rushed to the bathroom to wet a washcloth in cool water.

"Bad one this time?" Willow asked gently as she placed the wet cloth on Fitz' forehead.

"Aye, I keep remembering more details of that last night," Fitz whispered, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. "She was so beautiful. I saw her eyes as she died and there was so much there, fear, regret, love."

"That's a first, Jess," Willow said softly.

"What?" Fitz asked, her face puzzled.

"You usually slip and start to say 'you', meaning me when you speak about your Willow," Willow pointed out.

"I think I caught that," Fitz said thoughtfully and frowned as she pondered what Willow had said and then nodded. "I've spent a lot of nights crying, yelling and pounding my pillow into a tiny ball. I miss her so badly."

Fitz hesitated and looked up into Willow's green eyes.

"I think I've accepted that you're not my Will," she said softly. "You look like her and sound like her but there are differences."

Willow frowned, which puzzled Fitz.