Life Changes Everything by LilBit

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All the characters from BUFFY: THE VAMPIRE SLAYER are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy, Inc.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse http://mysticmuse.net
Feedback: Of course. Please!
Spoilers: Post-Chosen.
Author's Notes: This story is a continuation of Alterations with Time and Parallel – reading those stories and the prequel, The Sacrifice, first is recommended.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy

Summary: Kennedy and Willow face some big decisions and another Big Bad in the Big Apple.

Willow's and Kennedy's decision to try to have their 'own' child was in reality as much at the beginning of the process as when Willow started her research. Though they agreed that magick would be used to make their dream come true, the exact nature of what would have to be done was as unknown as the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa. Willow had only determined that women in the past had given birth through magickal means; she still had no clue as to what they did or the consequences that were faced as a result.

After the night of their talk, Willow began the arduous task of probing into her magick resources to discern the mechanics of how she and Kennedy would "make a baby." She knew she would not find the answers in any obvious place. There wasn't a chapter in "Introduction to Magick" on female to female reproduction. The redhead realized that her examination would have to be more subtle and exactingly precise. The witch found herself delving into esoteric and oft-forgotten manuscripts and books; she studied tomes ridiculed for their fantasy-like concepts and propositions. Many of the source materials she needed were not in her possession and it was Kennedy's job to hunt down and acquire whatever was requested from the witch.

Magick, however, was not the only area studied by the witch. Willow understood the interrelatedness of magick and the physical world, the natural way and order of things. If the couple's goal was to be accomplished, the redhead knew that she would need a better understanding of biology in general and reproduction in particular. So Willow studied. She learned the intricacies of cell growth and cell division. The witch became an expert on DNA and chromosomal structure; she became fluent on the seemingly miracle of fertilization.

The "plan" was, in theory, simple. She needed to take Kennedy's DNA, her XX chromosome, and have it split. One half then needed to "join" with one half from her own XX chromosome. About the only thing that was certain in the overall picture was that their child would have to be a girl since there was no Y chromosome to be found. Willow surmised that the bonding could take place. In regular reproduction, the chromosome was described as a ladder which split down the center of the rungs to allow attachment by the other partner's like split chromosome. There wasn't any theory-ending uniqueness to the differing gender's ladder; no tab A going into slot B. The rungs fused at a cellular level. So long as the chromosomal "steps" were at the same location, which they would be, Willow determined that biologically they could join to create a new XX chromosomal entity that was half her and half Kennedy.

Magick was needed to make the fusion happen. It was also needed to split both women's DNA and create the magickal petri dish where the fertilization would occur. The witch understood that what she and Kennedy were going to do was a far cry from the "after ovulation, sperm fertilizes the egg which then implants in the uterine lining" speech she received in high school. Biology told her there still needed to be ovulation. Regardless of how magick would make the two women's DNA mix, a fertilized egg still had to end up in Willow's womb so that a pregnancy could occur. The witch didn't expect to say a spell and have their child fall out of the sky.

When Willow thought she had the outline of how the procedure would take place, she went to the Han Nurrabi Chronicles for input into the spell. Though she had looked in the tome before without luck, the witch speculated that the magick she was searching for now would be so tangential and remote as to be something that the old manuscript gave up only sparingly. That she had the book at all was credit to her resolve about witchcraft. After her return from South Beach, Willow had given the book to Giles to dispose of the Eye of Scrombes that she'd magickally placed inside. For the longest while, she didn't want to see the book ever again. But her destiny with her craft pulled at her and she eventually asked for the tome's return. Giles was only too happy to comply with her request. He knew that the Chronicles belonged with Willow; she was the only one powerful and decent enough to elicit its knowledge and secrets.

The redhead sat in her kitchen with the book on the table in front of her. She was alone; Kennedy was with Buffy patrolling. Willow shut her eyes and took a deep breath and lightly traced her fingers along the side of the tome, feeling the pages on her skin. Her fingers moved ever so slowly, the witch waiting for the right shift of energy to tell her she'd reached her passage. The tips of those alabaster fingers eventually touched the bottom cover of the book without any such pull. The witch left her fingers at that spot; concentrating on nothing but the love she had for her slayer and their desire to express their love in the form of a child. Her mind kept constant on that want of a life known so easily to so many others. Her mind pictured the silhouette of her and Kennedy walking each holding one little hand of their child in between them. Willow never faltered in her vision or her desire to make it happen.

After what Willow knew had to have been at least ten minutes, she began to think that the Chronicles did not have the answer to her dilemma. Just as she started to lift her fingers off the book, she felt a slight tingling at the tips.

She opened the manuscript at the page where it had led her. Emerald eyes gazed upon the parchment with confusion. There was but one word on the page-

Willow had no idea what the word was but she knew that it held the answer to her problem. She knew her next move was to research that word. It was a search that would take Willow on a magnificent discovery.

While Willow tried to find the answer to their parenthood issue, Kennedy wasn't sitting idly by. Whenever the redhead needed anything, the brunette got it. She kept all matters of any significance out of her witch's path so that the woman could focus all her concentration on their issue. Kennedy found herself taking care of household and other matters much like she had done when they first arrived in Sao Paulo and Willow was locating new slayers. The brunette willingly took on the work for she knew that what Willow was trying to do was an act not to be taken lightly by the powers-that-be. Kennedy saw Willow juggling her school tutoring, her witch mentoring and their issue. The brunette tried to not let Willow get over stretched in her desire to take care of all her daily work. The slayer made the redhead take time off everyday to gather her strength and thoughts. She wanted her girl to be keen of mind and spirit. The brunette knew Willow would have to convince the cosmos that she was worthy of being privy to the universe's best kept secret. While Willow toiled against the cosmos, Kennedy toiled against the daily chores and all the other little nuisances that living life brings about.

Finally, one night rather late, Kennedy was watching television while Willow was researching. The redhead had been in their bedroom for almost six hours. Out of the blue, the brunette heard the door to the room open. She then heard the footsteps of her witch come down the hallway and into the living room. Willow walked slowly to Kennedy and without saying a word sat beside her. The witch gazed at her slayer for a moment and then leaned in and gave her a gentle and lingering kiss. When done, Willow broke from the kiss and just smiled softly at her brunette.

That look gave Kennedy the immediate feeling that something profound had occurred in the bedroom. She sensed that this was an intense happening for her witch, something that went deeper than a realization from hard work. The slayer looked deeply into emerald eyes, searching for that answer. Kennedy saw it, sure as day, staring back at her. This was a moment that defied boisterous celebration; Willow's demeanor exuded quiet reverence for what she had learned.

Willow had the look of complete humility and relief on her face. "I've figured it out, babe…I know what we do."

Kennedy instantly grew an enormous smile. "I knew you would." Kennedy never doubted that her witch would unravel the mystery at some point, but she had done it in only six weeks. Kennedy embraced Willow and kissed her lightly on the neck. She quietly stated, "You are incredible."

The couple finally ended their silent celebration and Kennedy questioned the witch. "What did you find out?…Is it a spell…or potion?…Do we need to get stuff?" Willow could see how excited her slayer was.

"Well, you know how I told you that 'Anquestrom' was the key?…I started off by talking to Althenea and what she told me about it…You won't believe what happened …Ok, first thing was…" Willow then went on to tell Kennedy what she had discovered.

Once Willow had the name 'Anquestrom' from the Chronicles, she had immediately begun to look up all references to that word. She had very little success and could only find variations of the word in any resource materials she reviewed. Since it was given to her by the Chronicles, the witch decided that maybe it was a source meant to be kept from all view. The only person she knew that held more knowledge than her, at least when it came to witchcraft archives, was Althenea, the woman who'd helped her so much after Tara's death.

Althenea was an older woman who had led the Wrenthem, England coven for more than twenty years. She was especially talented in history in general and witchcraft in particular. The woman was a walking encyclopedia of resource information. When Giles brought Willow to England after Tara's death, the older woman felt a kindred spirit with the redhead. She'd heard things about Willow from Giles and knew already the gentle nature and impressive mind of the distraught young witch. Althenea helped Willow come to terms with her grief, at least to the point of allowing her to make it through the day without constantly crying. More importantly, the woman showed Willow that her magick was a part of her, something that she could never turn away from but for which she had to learn to control. Althenea and Willow would sit outside her house in the back yard underneath an old birch tree and Althenea would read to Willow. She read from the pages of all sorts of books, from those on witchcraft to the sonnets of William Shakespeare. Althenea knew Willow loved learning, that she felt safe in an academic like setting. She also knew the poor girl had no emotional or physical strength to put toward her own self healing. From the moment the Englishwoman met that frail, lost woman, all she wanted to do was help bring her back to some semblance of the wonderful person of whom Giles had spoken so highly.

Over time, the two women grew closer. Willow became stronger and began to realize the nature of her life. She began to engage Althenea in discussions about the ways of magick and its mysteries. Willow found out that the woman was the "keeper of the ways"; the coven member whose responsibility it was to hold the documents and writings of their craft. Willow loved the fact that Althenea was so literate in the origins and back story of witchcraft. By the time Willow left England, she considered Althenea a dear friend and one of the main reasons she'd made it through the ordeal.

After Giles created the new Watcher's Council, he decided that there needed to be a closer connection between it and covens. Without hesitation, he went to Althenea to head that part of the operation. Her new duties included acquiring knowledge as to matters before thought off limits to only the most elite in the Council. She was given access to and responsibility over some of the most important facts and legacies known to magick. It was because of that trust in her abilities that Willow thought of the woman when dealing with her present issue.

Willow, having run down her leads and come up dry, called the English woman and broached the subject matter.

"Where did you get that name, Willow?" The redhead could hear reservation in the woman's voice. Willow decided not to lie or mislead the coven leader; Althenea had done too much for Willow to give her anything but complete honesty.

"The Chronicles showed it to me." Willow heard a slight gasp on the other end of the line before the woman spoke.

"I-I…I can't believe…Do you know what this means?…What it means for you, Willow?"

The redhead wasn't sure if her sister witch knew somehow that she had sought out the information in order to have a child with Kennedy. She hadn't mentioned it to the woman…or anyone for that matter. "I'm not sure I know what you're getting at, Althenea."

"Willow, the Anquestrom is a series of rituals and spells for only the most enlightened. The word itself is known only to a handful of people. I only know about it because of my position in this coven and its affiliation with the Council…I've never had anyone ever ask me about it for a personal reason."

Willow got a slight chill down her neck from the import of the picture presented by her friend. "I don't know what to say…I'm just me…bu…but the Chronicles did show me…What kind of book is it?"

"That's just it… Anquestrom isn't a book…It isn't an object…It's a transfixed state of mind…like a…a revelation."

Willow was speechless. She let the woman's words sink in her brain. They made no sense to her. "It's like a dream?…How do you get the spells and stuff if it's not written somewhere?"

The woman's response was given in a hushed tone. "I've been told it's like hearing the voice of God…What's said becomes a part of you."

Willow was at a loss for words. She couldn't fathom how her and Kennedy's desire to have a family had turned into what amounted to divine providence. She could only stammer a response. "I…err…uhh…"

Althenea softly spoke in a most revered tone. "Willow…I don't know what you went to the Chronicles for…but the universe…has said yes …You've been touched by God's grace, Willow…This is truly a magnificent thing."

The witch let the impact of what she'd just been told wash over her. The universe had decided that she was worthy, she had done something in her life that made her past transgressions and horrors not be the defining acts of her life. 'Have I made amends finally?' she wondered. Willow spoke almost as if ashamed. "This can't be right…There must be something else…or…"

Althenea cut her off. "No, Willow…there is not…You don't even realize the great things you've done for the world, do you?…the slayer spell…your help to anyone who asks…your devotion to fighting evil…You've given so much and never expected or asked for anything in return…Your humble modesty astounds me…I can't think of anyone more deserving of this than you."

Again, Willow was at a loss for words. She never thought of herself as one better than or "holier" than any other person. She'd only ever tried to be a good person. After her fall into the dark magicks and that horrible dark period in her life, Willow tried even harder to walk in the path of light. In her wildest dreams, she never thought this would be the result.

"Willow?…I know this must seem unbelievable…but you've been given this gift…Use it."

The redhead was finally able to think a coherent thought. "But how do I get these dreams?" The witch couldn't bring her self to say 'visions from God'; that was too heavy even for her.

Kennedy listened as Willow told her about her conversation. As stunned as Willow was to be told she'd gathered the favor of the universe, Kennedy was just as unfazed. No one had to tell the slayer how special her witch was to the world. Kennedy knew the sacrifices the redhead had made, the atonement for a life wrongfully thought unredeemable. The brunette never questioned Willow's right to be forgiven and rewarded. To Kennedy, Willow was the most generous, loving person that graced the face of the earth. If anyone deserved good fortune, it was her Willow. "Just goes to show you…the powers-that-be definitely know a good thing when they see one."

With that playful remark, Willow underwent her own analysis on how she came into the good graces of whatever pulled the strings of life. Looking at her slayer, the witch started to formulate that whatever secrets she was being let in on were done so not just for her good deeds. Willow was certain that Kennedy's life of sacrifice and loyalty had as much to do with being given the knowledge as anything she'd ever done in her life. The brunette had, in reality, given up any normal existence since age eight. In those tender years, Kennedy was already undergoing the transformation needed to possibly carry on the slayer obligation. Kennedy had given up so much, all for a destiny she wasn't even sure was hers until the slayer spell. Personally, the redhead couldn't think of her own accomplishments without seeing the brunette right beside her. Kennedy had given of herself so unselfishly on so many occasions that Willow knew the gods had to be shining their light on her also. Together, they had made the best of life as they could, helping those in need whenever needed. For that, they both had been touched for happiness.

When Kennedy questioned the witch's gaze at her, Willow simply replied, "I think the powers-that-be have been keeping an eye on you, too." After the story of the phone conversation was told, Willow continued to tell Kennedy how she had "heard from God."

"After I finished with Althenea, I kinda zoned out for a bit…That's a lot to take in…even with all the weird stuff we see and do…So I was lying on the bed, thinking about what she told me when…" The witch proceeded to tell her slayer that she must have dozed off. Then she told her of a surreal dream she had where she walked around a room that had writing on all the walls. "But it wasn't just any writing…It was the spells and ritual directions for us…The walls were completely covered…and I just kept reading…thinking there was no way I'd be able to remember everything." The witch continued, Kennedy stuck on her every word. "The weird thing is I was reading the words…but it was like they were also being spoken to me…like I was able to read them at the exact moment I heard them…It was so peaceful and…I had this feeling like everything being said was the absolute truth…I didn't have to learn it or make my mind remember it…It was a part of me like my blood…" Willow told Kennedy that as soon as the last word was spoken, she instantly woke up. The dream was already hazy in her mind. Within seconds, the redhead was certain she knew the exact way for her and Kennedy to have a child. She looked at Kennedy. "I know every word that I saw…I know that we can have a child together."

After the witch finished with her tale, the slayer stayed silent for a few moments. Kennedy realized that all the times she'd called her witch a goddess, she'd never really knew how true that term was. The brunette knew she was in the presence of a most powerful witch, a true goddess, and that she was sincerely blessed to be a part of her life. Kennedy was in awe of Willow.

The slayer had no words to convey how astonished and proud she was of her redhead. Lacking the ability to say something to capture the moment, she simply said, "So how do we have a baby?"

"Well, we start by finding some rather rare ingredients for a spell…" Willow went on to tell Kennedy that there were several spells and potions that were necessary and that the items that made up the recipe weren't going to be easy to find. She then gave her the short version of the technical aspects of the ritual, the theoretical dry run of what would take place. Kennedy found out she was going to be just as involved in the actual ritual as Willow. When all had been said, Kennedy's next two questions were ones that were still unanswerable by the witch.

Willow had gotten to the point of finding out they could create a child and she had been told by powers greater than herself how that could be done. She knew her work was not finished until she found out the best time and place for the ritual to take place. "I've got to work on that part now, baby."

Both women realized that they had come so far on the matter in a relatively short time. "Don't worry, Red…It'll all fall into place. You do what you need to do and I'll help anyway you anyway I can."

Over the next several days, Willow researched the remaining pieces of the baby puzzle while Kennedy sought out the items they knew they would need for the ritual. "Did you know you can get yak testicles over the internet?" When questioned as to why that was being investigated when yak balls weren't one of their ingredients, Kennedy nonchalantly said, "Oh, I know…I just didn't know there was such a big demand for those things."

One thing that started to creep into the witch's mind over those few days was whether there would be a backlash or "payment" that would be exacted because of the extraordinary thing that the two women were going to do. Willow was all too familiar with the fact that magick usually didn't come 'free.' Many times in the course of the Scooby gang's history, an unexpected demon or other event would surface to offset some magick performed. Because of the extreme nature of what the redhead and Kennedy were planning, the possible retribution was an issue that started to follow the witch around in her thoughts. In the beginning of her research, Willow hadn't thought about it merely because she was so entranced in just trying to determine if the deed could actually be done. However, once that was answered in the affirmative and she had time to let the matter sink in, the witch began to consider the ramifications of her and Kennedy's decision and that included not only how it would change their life but also what possible payback might be required to even the score.

Her concern on that issue didn't stop Willow from determining where and when the ritual should be preformed. However, it was one more thing that she had plaguing her mind. The redhead didn't want the subject of her and Kennedy's decision to be open knowledge to everyone. This was a highly personal decision made by the two and they wanted it kept that way. But, Willow needed to talk to someone about her concern. The one person who she thought would best be able to help her through this dilemma was Buffy. The blonde had been in the middle of many a time when magick or the cosmos in general gave its 'reaction' to an 'action' done to help mankind.

"Buffy?…Is there anything you regret doing as a slayer because of the after affects?" Willow broached the issue to Buffy when she was over the slayer's apartment visiting one day.

"No, I mean like when some demon showed up or something else happened because of an action you took as a slyer."

Buffy could see that Willow had something on her mind and that is was important. She thought about her answer. "It's all part of the mission…You can't not act just because there might be a repercussion…I did what I had to do at the time and then worried about the consequences." The blonde looked at her friend and saw a look of confusion on her face. "What's up, Wils?…Why the deep question?"

Willow knew she didn't want to step around the matter with Buffy. "It's just that…me and Kennedy kinda made a decision to do something and now I'm wondering what consequences there may be."

"Well, you've guys have been through a lot and you've always handled it before."

Willow could tell Buffy wasn't on the same page as she. "No, I don't mean something coming between me and Kenne…I mean a consequence to out there…you know, the world."

Buffy stared at Willow and began to understand that what the redhead was talking about had to be big…really big. "What did you two decide to do?"

Willow knew she couldn't hold the truth in any longer. "Remember that discussion we had that day we all went to the park?…" The witch let Buffy figure out the rest. She did.

"Oh my god, you and Kennedy are gonna have a kid?…You can do that?" The blonde was floored with the news and excited.

Willow smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. "Me and Kenne have been looking into it and we've found a way…but something this big has got me wondering what's gonna happen in return."

Buffy could hear the real concern in the witch's voice. "What makes you think there'll be something done in return?"

"I can't help but feel that if the universe let us in on how to do this, it won't let us off the hook free and clear."

Buffy tried to calm her friend. "Listen Will, if you were told or shown how to do this then maybe it's because the universe is paying you back…Even if it's not, don't you think this is worth the risk?…Deal with any fallout later…This is a chance you and Kennedy can't pass up."

Willow thought about what the slayer said. She knew Buffy had gone through so much and had to have faced these types of questions many times. She decided to trust her friend's advice. "Ok, Buff…You're right. This is too important to us not to do it."

Buffy hugged Willow. "I hope everything works out…I can't wait to be an aunt again."

A few days later, after infusion of a new sense of determination, Willow was once again talking to her girl on their couch.

"So, you figured out where and when?" Kennedy was nervous waiting for the information.

"Yes. What we're doing is a blend of magick and the birds and the bees, so we have to use as much of the natural state of things as possible…What I figured out was…" Willow then told Kennedy how the process of getting pregnant wouldn't really change. They would have to do the ritual during the normal time that pregnancy could occur if they were doing it any other way. "We can't just pick any old day. It needs to be when I'm ovulating."

The 'trick' to the whole event though was that once ovulation occurred, it would be the spell and ritual that created a fertilized egg that was half Willow and half Kennedy. "We need to do it when there's a strong mystical presence that matches up to my natural cycle…" In short, Willow had calculated that her cycle matched up very close to the Fall cross quarter day in the yearly planetary cycle.

"I have no idea what that means, Will." It was like her witch was speaking another language. Kennedy smirked; this was the first time Willow had had the upper hand on her when it came to languages.

"What I'm saying is that my ability to get pregnant is just about the time of Halloween which is when the cross quarter day of the equinox happens. That's when the separation between the mystical and the mortal plains of existence is at its thinnest."

Kennedy had to make sure she understood her witch. "You mean this Halloween?…We can do this in less than two months?" The enthusiasm in her voice was evident.

Willow gave a big smile. "That's what I'm saying…It's like everything is just falling into place…like it was meant to be."

"Well, this is so dependent on magick and having the strongest possible connection to the mystical plain…It needs to be at a very spiritual place…One totally about the mystical…the connection to other worlds."

Kennedy thought about where that place could be. The different choices ran through her head. 'Easter Island…the Egyptian pyramids…the Tibetan highlands…Stonehenge." That's when Kennedy knew. "It's Stonehenge, isn't it?"

Another smile swept across the slayer's face. "Well, I better get our passports out."

Willow got a confused look on her face. "We don't need passports to go to New Hampshire."

Now the brunette was dumbfounded. "New Hampshire?…I thought you just said we're going to Stonehenge."

Willow nodded. "We are…Salem, New Hampshire…Home of America's Stonehenge…A four thousand year old site that's the most mystical place in the United States."

The redhead scrunched her face a little. "It's there or Toadsuck, Arkansas…It's got a strong witch connection, too."

Kennedy shook her head. "No, that's ok. No Toadsuck…If you say New Hampshire, then New Hampshire it is."

The two women then realized that they had placed the final piece into the puzzle of them having a child. They both sat there with joyous, but nervous, smiles.

"Ok, Andrew. Let me know what you find out as soon as you can." Willow hung up the phone from her call with Andrew in England. Looking at Faith and Kennedy, "He just got the tape and he's going to start working on it right away."

While the three women were researching the leads they had, Willow decided that Andrew might be able to have better luck deciphering the tape than they'd had. He had access to many high tech machines of which Willow couldn't even pronounce the names. After making Faith see she had nothing to fear by sending him the original tape, Willow sent it out by overnight mail.

"Don't worry, Faith. Andrew's not the geek he used to be." That remark got the witch a big 'That's not quite right' look from Kennedy. Willow rephrased. "Alright, as far as work is concerned, he's not a loser. Really Faith, he's gotten very good at his job."

Faith was less than convinced. "If he fucks up the tape or makes one Star Wars analogy to this, I'll fly over there and ram a stake down his throat." Faith wasn't exactly a convert to the "Friends of Andrew" club.

"You'll see, Faith…If there's more on the tape, Andrew will get it." Even Kennedy thought the slayer was still too hard on the ex-nerd.

While they waited for news from Andrew, the women continued to track down leads on the one fanged vampire and the symbol they found on the last victim. There wasn't any information on a one toothed vamp. Even Giles came up empty. The symbol was proving almost as mysterious. There were a few sects that had similar ones, but they had all panned out.

It was the 28^th of October when Willow and Kennedy told Faith about their planned trip to New Hampshire. They didn't want to just spring it on her the day before. The work they'd been doing and the progress being made demanded that she be given several days' notice.

"We wanted to let you know so you didn't think we were just taking a day off…We all want to catch this demon…and we really do want to make sure you're ok with this." Kennedy felt some guilt leaving even if it would be for only one day. She hated not seeing things through.

Faith calmly replied. "Don't worry about it…We've gone over this shit a hundred times and Halloween is the one night we're sure nothing will happen…I think I can handle one day on this alone."

Willow didn't want the brunette to think they that didn't have confidence in her competency. "We know that you can do this Faith…We just feel bad that we're leaving for a day…If some new info comes in…" Faith didn't let Willow finish.

"I'll track it down and find out what it leads to…You guys have really helped here. We've gotten a lot closer to finding out who the asshole is that's doing all this shit…You two need to go do your magick baby-making hocus pocus thing…I've got it under control…It's all five-by-five." The last thing Faith wanted to do was put the skids to her friends' plans. From the little that the witch and slayer had told her about what they were going to do, the older slayer could tell it was a monumental endeavor. She could hear the anticipation in their voices as they talked about it. There was no way that Faith was going to be the reason that the two women lost their chance to try to make a little piece of history.

"Are you sure?" Willow wanted to be absolutely convinced that the slayer was ok with their leaving.

"Jesus, are you guys deaf?…I said go…make a baby…make a dozen if you want."

Satisfied that Faith had no misgivings about their trip, Willow and Kennedy felt more at ease about the upcoming adventure. They only had three days to wait. Luckily they had the mission to keep them from obsessing too much. They also had Xander and his family to keep them distracted.

As luck or fate would have it, Xander, Jessie and little Nate were to be in New York the following day. Jessie had a teacher's association conference to attend starting that Monday. She also had a close aunt who lived in the city that hadn't seen Nate yet. Xander thought the timing would be perfect for a quick family getaway. "You can do your conference during the day and me and Nate'll go visit the girls."

Xander and Jessie had been married for over a year and it had been nothing but smooth sailing. All the worry that the man used to carry for the institution of marriage quickly disintegrated once he fell into the married life. What Xander came to realize was that marriage wasn't hell; his parents' marriage was hell. The man saw how being with someone you loved and respected made all the difference. He could never imagine treating his wife the way his father had his mother. He was just as certain Jessie would never do to him what he'd witness his mother do to his father. Xander realized that his parents were two people that hated each other but didn't have the guts to leave and strike out on their own.

Because of the happiness and contentment that Xander had, he started to take on a new perspective on his life. For Xander, his wife and child were everything to him. Nothing else mattered except their happiness and well being. As a result, the Scooby's focus on demon fighting changed. He shed his younger years' views on the extent of danger that was acceptable in his life. Xander knew that the more danger he put himself in, the closer that danger could get to his family. He didn't want evil knocking at his front door. So Xander began to retreat from his active participation in the demon fighting scene. He stopped going on missions with slayers; he ceased asking to go. There were times when he forewent even knowing what the big bad in town was. Life was no longer him, Buffy and Willow. There were many slayers capable of taking care of any evil that showed its head. He even saw how Buffy had reigned in her fighting and let the other slayers take lead.

Curtailing his involvement didn't mean he was out of the action all together. There were still times when his knowledge came in handy. He helped out at slayer central when needed and was usually kept informed of what was brewing on the Cleveland Hellmouth. He just wasn't in the thick of it any longer. Every time he saw his beautiful wife and child peacefully resting in a chair or asleep in their beds, Xander knew he'd made the right decision. He never felt like he was missing out on the action. He had come to a point in his life when his family was all the action he needed.

The Harris family got into New York on Sunday morning. Since the conference didn't start until the next day, the three spent the day sightseeing. That evening, they had dinner with the other two Scooby couples.

"You didn't have to take us out to eat, Miguel…We woulda been fine with sandwiches at your place."

"Nonsense, Jessica…This is New York City…Everyone eats out…It's uncivilized not to."

The group found out that Xander and the rest planned on staying until Wednesday. "My conference ends on Halloween. So we thought we'd go see my aunt that night and leave the next morning."

"Yeah, looks like me and Nate are gonna pester you guys part of the time while Jessie's at her school thing."

Willow couldn't be happier. "We'd love to see you," she said smiling while looking at the baby. Then she looked at Xander. "You can come, too."

The next day, Jessie went to her conference and Xander and Nate went to Willow's and Kennedy's hotel. They had breakfast and talked. It was the real first day that the two women hadn't rushed right over to Faith's office. The friends took their time and enjoyed each other's company. Willow filled him in on the status of their vampire mission. Xander told them of Nate's latest development. "I'm telling you the boy is definitely a genius and a Harris…He can stand up and crawl already and he knows to go right for the Victoria's Secret catalogue."

As Willow watched her friend talk about his son, she couldn't help feel envious in a small way. The witch could see that Nate was the sun of Xander's galaxy. More importantly, she could tell that Xander was totally contented with that. Willow saw the love he had for his child. She had never seen that gleam in his eyes before. It was the best look he'd ever wore. Watching her friend wrapped up in the joy of his son made her desire and anticipation for a child of her own even stronger. The redhead couldn't wait until she had that look in her eyes.

Kennedy's perception of the scene took on a different slant. She too saw the devotion Xander had for his child. He stared at the boy like there was no one else on the face of the earth. The brunette thought about her father and wondered if he'd ever really had that much love in his heart; she wondered if he was capable of that much emotion. She did remember a time when she thought the world of her father and knew he loved her. But having matured and gotten a better understanding of the breakup between her parents, she pondered whether her father's actions during the time following the desertion were just a mask the man wore for her benefit. The slayer was well aware that her father wasn't the "warmest" person; he hid his emotions like buried treasure. A part of Kennedy became uneasy thinking that she might carry on that 'tradition' with her own child. She knew she could be distant and tough under the right circumstances. Though Willow had made her shed a big part of that, it was still there. Kennedy could only hope that her father's distance wasn't one of the dominant Prescott genes she carried.

After breakfast was done, Xander told the couple that he'd see them at Faith's office later in the day. "We have to get Mommy a present from Saks, don't we big guy?" He also told Jessie they'd meet her for lunch during her break. "Ok, Xan. We'll see you later." Willow hugged her friend the little guy and the four went their separate ways.

Later that afternoon, Xander and Nate made their appearance. He was quite impressed with Miguel's operation and also Faith's. The Brazilian showed the two around and then led him to Faith's room. Once inside, Xander instantly became open mouthed. He couldn't believe the amount of information that the women had gathered on the victims and the crimes. He made his way around the room, holding his son in his arms, looking at the multitudes of pieces of paper.

"My, God…You guys have gone crazy here…Our research sessions back in Sunnydale were nothing compared to this…It looks like you're getting closer to this guy."

Faith nodded her head accepting the compliment given by the man. "Yeah, we've certainly put in the hours…Now we just need to get lucky on a few things."

By this time, Xander had made his way to the wall with "CRICKETS PAT" on it. He looked at the words bewildered then at the picture next to it. When they examined Rebecca Ward, Kennedy took a few pictures. One was of the symbol they found on the bottom of her foot. They taped the picture next to the words. Xander stared at the picture for a few moments.

"This picture…It looks just like the bat…the one they use in cricket…What's it here for?"

The three women glanced amongst each other. Kennedy was the first to speak again. "Why would you say a cricket bat?…How do you know what that is?"

Xander acted a bit offended. "Do you guys think I do nothing manly?…I watch ESPN…I know a lot about sports, and this thing looks just like a cricket bat…ESPN shows that stuff all the time. It's become trendy in the Ivy League circle and hoity-toity prep schools. It's kinda catching on here…but I can't see it getting big like baseball…"

Xander continued his analysis of the future of cricket in the United States. The three women weren't listening though. They had their attention concentrated on the symbol. They were all thinking the same thing. The marking on Rebecca Ward's foot had to be made by a necklace charm, pin or other artifact. The woman was a prostitute in Cleveland; there was no chance in hell she'd have anything to do with cricket.

"We gotta find all the cricket teams or clubs in Cleveland." Willow sounded firm. "We need to see if any have this as their logo." The witch knew this was a tremendous break. She looked at the words next to the picture again and then got another thought. She went to the phone and called Andrew.

"Andrew?...Hey it's Willow. I was just call…" She stopped and listened. "Oh, you did…We must be on the same wavelength…I bet I know what Rona said…" She listened some more. "I knew it!…Thanks. I gotta go but I'll call back later."

When she hung up the phone, she saw three faces waiting nervously for her to speak. She smiled. "Rona said 'cricket bats' …and Andrew picked up the words 'chain' and 'their necks'…He said there was noise behind Rona's voice. When he blocked out her voice…there was some sort of heavy banging…a rhythmic banging."

Kennedy looked bewildered. "How would Rona know about cricket?…She wasn't into sports, never mind some English rich kid sport." Xander got a knowing expression.

"Her boyfriend went to school in Vermont, right?…I'm pretty sure he told me that at her funeral…This cricket thing started in New England, in the Ivy League and private colleges up there…She learned about it from him I bet."

The people in the room knew they'd had a breakthrough. Willow went to Xander and gave him a hug and Nate a kiss on the forehead. She spoke to the boy. "Nate?…I'm so glad your Mommy got your Daddy interested in sports."

Xander looked shocked. Willow stared up at him. "Please, Xan…Jessie always jokes about how she likes sports and you like The Stooges."

The man tried to save face. "That's not true…Ok, it is kinda…but I knew about sports without having to watch them…" He continued to mumble.

With the latest revelation, there was a renewed drive on the part of the slayers and witch. Over the next day, they scoured every source they had to see if they could pinpoint the cricket gang that they were sure was somehow involved in the murders. Faith's sources paid off and they were able to identify ten cricket teams in the city. There was a club started two years earlier which had its season from mid summer to late fall. The slayer obtained locations for the head of each one and she and Kennedy started to check them out. It turned out that everyone they investigated was legit…everyone except the Hampton Court Strokers, the team that joined the league this past season. The address given for their captain was abandoned. In fact, when Faith checked, its address for contact had changed several times in six months. The head of the cricket club said that the team's dues were always paid in advance and they never caused any problems to warrant contact. As far as talent, the team was neither good nor bad. In actuality, the members were quite reserved and stayed to themselves. Probably the most interesting and disturbing fact that Faith and Kennedy learned was that the club played its games on Tuesday night under the lights in the city's cricket field in Hansitta Park. "This is a men's league…Most of our players do this after work."

The slayers told Willow what they learned. When studied, the redhead realized that the park was in the vicinity of where the bodies had been dumped.

"Maybe our guys aren't going too far from home…If they play around there and dispose of the bodies around there…maybe the operation is close too." Willow had another idea. She tried sensing again but this time to see if she could determine how much of the city was being 'hazed' and where it was strongest.

While she did her witchy moves, the slayers were calling Giles to see if there was a vampire with a particular history with cricket. Faith called in markers from her snitches and had them on the lookout for information on the real leader of that cricket team. All three women felt that the vampire they were looking for wouldn't be stupid enough to be at the games. They guessed that he had his minion's stake out potential victims at the games. Another theory was that the team was a way to keep the workers in line; let them blow off steam without calling attention to themselves. One thing the women still didn't know was whether the cricket members were just men or vampires taking in a slice of regular life. Their gut reaction was that those the players lacked one essential feature all the men from the other teams had…a beating heart. They were certain that in order to find out, they needed to catch one of them.

By that night, Willow had confirmed that the entire city was not in fact being barricaded by the 'snow.' She had narrowed the area to the old warehouse district. Additionally, she was able to determine that the strongest vibes came in the northern end of the place, near an area under corporate renewal and renovation.

"Shit!…The noise Andrew said he heard on the tape…the banging…I betcha it has to do with the building they're doing around there." Faith could feel they were getting so close.

"Yeah, like those piling drivers…They're like a big press that just keeps pounding at the foundation spikes." Kennedy had seen many of those in her numerous trips to New York when she was younger.

"Hey, K?…Wanna go do a little vamp hunting?" Faith knew they needed to find the place where the cricket players were hiding. She was certain that if they found them, they'd find their leader. Kennedy instantly got a big smirk on her face.

Willow got a nervous look and shuffled her feet around. "You're gonna go…just like that?…I mean, we don't have a good location or know how many are involved…We don't even know who the leader is…"

Kennedy could see how uneasy her redhead had become. "Will, it'll be ok…We need to try to locate these guys…Me and Faith will be fine…" Kennedy went to her witch and took her hand. "…This is more reconnaissance…just to find them…Right, Faith?"

Faith knew Willow had not only her slayer's well being in mind but also the affect the night outing might have on their trip the next day. "Right…Don't worry, Red. I'll have the misses back in a couple of hours…good to go on your trip."

Willow's face grew more relaxed and a bit embarrassed. "I didn't…mean…that was all…I…was…"

Faith stopped the stammering. "Hey, it's cool, Red…Tomorrow's a big day for you two…There ain't no way I'd let it get messed up."

Kennedy thought of an idea that might help her witch keep calm. "Why don't you go see Xander and Jessie. Hang with them while I go with Faith."

Willow thought about that and nodded her head. "That sounds good…I'll do that, but I won't stay too late…I'll be waiting for you back at the hotel."

The plans made, the three women went off to their destinations. Kennedy gave Willow a big kiss and whispered "I'll be ok" in her ear before she left.

"We're so close, Will, I can taste it." Kennedy was speaking in an excited tone. It was 1:30am and she was telling the witch of the outcome of her and Faith's mission. "We ran into several vamps which weren't our guys…Needless to say, they are no more…but then we found this old fur storage building…" Kennedy then told Willow that the place was empty but they could tell it had been inhabited very recently. "The stuff left behind was pure vampire…It was a nest of them…but we hit payday because one of the morons left a magazine behind…Guess what it was about?"

Willow knew exactly what to answer. "Cricket." Kennedy gave a big smile and nodded her head.

"Even better…One of the idiots was doodling on one of the pages…and drew a picture of a one fanged vamp…I think maybe our 'leader' is having some dissention in the ranks…The picture wasn't very nice…big head, pointy ears…dumb ass expression." By now Kennedy was pacing around their bedroom. "We are definitely talking about a clan of vamps…We figure the head guy is trying to gain power somehow through the killings so he can take control of the city underworld maybe."

That seemed plausible to the witch but she had an intuition that more was at stake. "The ritual's too exact and too complicated it seems, just so a vampire can be top dog over other demons…I think maybe our guy is planning to control more than just the underworld of New York."

Kennedy took in what her witch said. 'That makes more sense,' she thought to herself. "Probably right…If you're gonna get power, why not go for the brass ring?"

"So what's Faith planning to do, now?…Does she want us to stay and help?" Willow couldn't help but keep coming back to the status of their trip.

The brunette shook her head. "No. Faith says since nothing's gonna happen tomorrow, she'll just keep looking…If she finds out who the leader is or where they are, she'll stake out the place so we can get them when you and I get back…We still gotta find them and that may not happen while we're gone…Faith insists that we go…She said she's got this all under control."

"All right then. We leave for New Hampshire tomorrow…I told Xander we'd have breakfast with them since we won't get a chance to see them before they leave on Wednesday…That ok?"

Kennedy went over to her witch and embraced her. "Perfect…Did you tell them why we were going on a trip?"

"No. I figured we can say something to them tomorrow. Why? Did you want me to tell them what we're doing?"

The slayer shook her head. "Not really. It just seems weird keeping this secret. I want everyone to know, but then again, I want this just to be our thing…well, besides Buffy and Faith already knowing."

Willow hugged her slayer tighter. "This is just us…except for the two we had to tell… Besides, if it works then everyone will know soon enough…Let's this just be for you and me right now, ok?"

The witch leaned back slightly with a decidedly knowing expression. "So you finally admit I'm the boss do you?" Willow then got a devilish look on her face. "Then I've got a job I need you to do, young lady…" She pointed to the bed. "We need some major snuggling tonight…Tomorrow's a big day."

Kennedy got a feigned intimidated look on her face. "Yes, mame…Right away, mame…Won't disappoint." The slayer then giggled and took Willow in her arms and walked over to the bed, dropping her down onto the middle of it. As she turned off the light and got on the bed, "Ya gotta love the fringe benefits of this job…"

"Well, it's good we could see each other now…We'll be at Jessie's aunt's house tonight…probably won't get back til late." Xander was disappointed that his friends weren't going to be around the whole day. He was hoping to spend time with them until Jessie's conference ended. "Seems weird that you gotta go to New Hampshire to get info on the vamp guy."

Willow and Kennedy looked nervously at each other trying to think up an answer. Willow thought first. "Well, there's this old manuscript that can't really be moved…and you know the saying…If the mountain won't go to Mohammad…"

Xander chuckled. "See that's why I always hated the book stuff…" His voice got whiny. "I'm a thousand years old…I'm an ancient book that can't be moved or I'll disintegrate…blah, blah, blah."

Willow just shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good book."

Breakfast ended and the friends said good bye. Xander told the couple he'd call when they got back to Cleveland to see how their mission was going. After that was done, Willow and Kennedy stopped by Faith's apartment; she wasn't in the office because she had some leads she wanted to track down.

"You sure you're ok with us going?" Kennedy still had some minor guilt about leaving.

"Jesus Christ, will you stop asking…I'm fine. I can handle this for one day by myself…I'm not some frickin retard who doesn't know her ass from her elbow." Faith sounded mad.

Faith grinned. "Hah!…Just fuckin with ya…Really, go…Hopefully, I'll have a name and location by the time you get back tomorrow and we'll go and kick some vampire ass."

The younger slayer's returned expression let Faith know what was on her mind – 'If you weren't my friend…'

Willow turned to Faith. "Ok, then…we're outta here…It's noon now…We should be back by noon tomorrow."

The witch and slayer headed toward the door. As they were getting on the elevator down the hall from Faith's apartment, they heard the older slayer say, "Good luck, you two…Go make a baby."

All Hallow's Eve, Halloween, is one of the most misunderstood 'holidays' in the United States and world for that matter. History traces the day back to the ancient religion of the Celtics. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it. Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer on May 1, and Samhain at the end of fall on November 1. The Celts, later melded into the Druids, believed Samhain was a time when the division between worlds became very thin. On October 31^st, the belief was that separation between the physical and spiritual realities was its least guarded and its veil the thinnest. It was a time for dimensional openings and workings. During this interval, the normal order of the universe was suspended; the barriers between the natural and the supernatural temporarily removed. Of course, the day was best known for the fact that supernatural beings from other dimensions were able to freely move into the differing dimensions. It was a time to co-mingle with the dead. For the true believers, that history remains. But as has happened to most things mystical, the day has been turned into a cosmic farce. It was one thing for it to revert to child's play; now, Halloween has also become just one more excuse for adults to party and get sloppy drunk.

Halloween, however, is also connected to the astronomical calendar that marks many important days in ancient cultures. These include the solstices, equinoxes and cross quarter days. The term solstice means "sun stands still". The summer solstice falls around June 21st and the one for winter around December 21^st. They are the longest and shortest days for sunlight, respectively. The equinoxes occur when the sun is over the equator. On those days daylight and darkness are equal in length of time. The equinoxes are approximately March 21 and September 21. The cross quarter days mark the days between the solstices and equinoxes. Old Celtic calendars observed cross quarters. Unlike modern calendars that define the start of a season on a solstice or equinox, the Celts perceived solstices and equinoxes as events occurring mid-season, with the seasons actually beginning and ending on the cross quarters. Many ancient holy days fall very close to many holidays on modern calendars. One such example is Halloween which represents the cross quarter day of November 1^st.

With that understanding, it was only natural that Kennedy and Willow would attempt what amounted to one of the greatest magick feats imaginable in the most mystical place in America on the most mystical night of the year.

The drive to Salem, New Hampshire had been thankfully uneventful. Willow determined it would take about five hours to get to the place. The fact that they didn't fly into Boston was through no fault of the slayer. Kennedy had suggested that very thing when they realized their original plans would have to be changed. The couple had their "magick baby" trip planned well before they got involved with Faith's investigation. They were going to fly into Logan Airport in Boston, then rent a car and brave the Boston traffic northward to Stonehenge.

When they first went to help Faith, the couple assumed they'd only be there a few days so they did nothing to change their arrangements. When the women finally realized they would be in New York on Halloween, the subject of how to get to Salem was discussed.

Willow had already looked into the driving time and had an alternate plan. "Kenne, it's only about a five hour drive, which if there are flight delays or rental problems might end up not being all that much time difference…" The witch then stated her real reason for driving. "…Besides, you know how I get flying…This ritual takes a lot of concentration and the calmer I am, the better chance we have at making this work…We'd be able to relax and enjoy a nice ride…and even if…"

Kennedy put her hand over the witch's mouth. "No need for Willow babble. You want to go by car, we will." Kennedy needed no other reason that it was what Willow wanted. As a result, Kennedy called her dad's main New York office and made plans to borrow a company car. "Doesn't your dad get upset when you borrow a business car for non business reasons?" Kennedy looked at Willow confused. Responding like the daughter of a very rich father, "Why would he care?"

The couple left New York around noon and made their way northeast on I-95 through the rolling hills of Connecticut. They took the highway past New Haven and then onto I-84 through Hartford, the insurance capitol of the United States. The women continued meandering across the eastern mid section of Massachusetts, watching the fall colors deepening as they drove farther north. In order to let Willow get the most relaxation possible, Kennedy drove the entire way. Before they left, they picked up food and beverages which were in a cooler on the back seat. Next to the cooler were other articles they would need for the "event."

As they drove, the women carried on light conversation about the magnificent New England scenery and the beautiful fall day. They also discussed their mission with Faith and the things that would take place that night. That they would be able to conduct the magick spell at all was due to Willow's keen research of the place to which they were going.

America's Stonehenge, as it was named, was a tourist destination. The company that ran the locale advertised that a million people visited the location every year. It was open everyday from 8am to 8pm during the summer months and 10am to 5pm in the colder months. The first issue Willow had to address was whether she and Kennedy could even get into the area and stay for several hours without being disturbed. She knew that they needed to do their conjuring at night, well after the place was closed. Her concern was the presence of security or on premise residents. Luckily, that wasn't a problem.

"No, mame, we don't allow overnight camping or events…We close at five and by six the place is empty til around eight the next morning…No, we don't have security or anything that you could rent…We just don't allow it…" Because of that call, Willow knew if they got onto the property after six they'd be undisturbed for the entire night. The plan for getting in was rather easy. The couple would get the car as close to the entrance of the property as possible then walk to the ruins. Willow was certain she could cast a spell to cloak the vehicle until their return to it the following morning.

Continuing on their way around Boston on Highway I-495, the women's conversation grew lighter and less frequent the closer they got to New Hampshire. It finally ceased altogether and the women became silent. Kennedy occasionally glanced at Willow; she could see the calmness coming over her face. The brunette began to think about all the amazing things her witch had done and soon would bring about. The more she thought, the more the slayer was certain that Willow could do anything magickal to which she set her mind. The witch had the power to not only bend but break the laws of nature to do her bidding. Willow was a force unto herself; a tornado of power within supple alabaster skin. Kennedy understood she shared her life with someone infused with greatness. The brunette knew her own uniqueness lie in her slayer strength and heightened senses. But she also knew she, and all other slayers, fell short of the "specialness" of Willow. The brunette couldn't teleport, bring back the dead or make a baby. During her drive, Kennedy contemplated the true significance of having that wispy, shy redheaded witch in her life. She also wondered, as she had on occasion in the past, how she had been fortunate enough to have warmed her way into the witch's heart.

Despite the brunette's natural ease with 'romancing' and her innate ability to capture anyone within her seductive sights, Kennedy knew from the start that receiving Willow's affection would take time, no matter how confident the brunette acted. In the beginning, it wasn't a foregone conclusion that Willow would accept the advances of the overly persistent potential given the melancholy state in which the redhead was immersed. Kennedy wondered how much fate and luck played in getting her to the point she was at now, in love with the most amazing person she'd ever met. She wondered what her life would be like if she'd run from instead of staying at her watcher's house after she found him torn apart, or if she'd listened to the rumors and left the despondent witch alone in those early days. She wondered what her life would be like if Willow had chosen differently. What if she hadn't been brave enough to take another chance at love? What if she'd never become addicted to magick…what if?

Willow's immense powers and the thoughts of those early times made Kennedy ponder. Though she rarely asked the redhead about Tara, one question now entered her mind.

"Hey Will?" Kennedy's soft voice broke the silence of the drive. Willow turned to her.

The question caught the witch completely off guard. She studied Kennedy with a look of uncertainty as to what brought on that query. "What made you ask that?"

Kennedy shrugged her shoulders as she kept her eyes on the road. "I dunno…I was just thinking how powerful you are…all the things you can do…I know you really loved Tara…I was just wondering…you know…You coulda gotten all that back…" Kennedy's voice got quieter and more child-like as she spoke.

Willow studied her slayer. The brunette had never really broached the subject of Tara before let alone such a heavy topic of resurrecting the woman. Kennedy had asked general questions but they'd never had a deep discussion about the woman. The redhead saw her girl fidget a bit as she spoke and after a few moments Willow realized what was happening. Kennedy, the woman she loved with all her heart, was feeling insecure. Even after all the time they'd been together, the brunette still had lingering doubts in the back of her mind. Willow wasn't sure if it was because of her magickal powers which even she had to admit were very impressive or because of some residual abandonment issue Kennedy had with a hypothetical quandary. Willow tried to get a grip on Kennedy's concern. Had Willow wanted to bring Tara back? Would she have after having met Kennedy? Was Kennedy wondering where she'd be if the witch had back then the kind of power she had now? Willow could see a sliver of that hurt and scared little girl who'd been abandoned by her mother and pushed away by her father. That fragile part of Kennedy, shown only to Willow, made the witch love her even more.

Willow spoke soothingly and honestly. "I thought about a lot of things back then…Whether the Council was going to kill me for what I did…whether I deserved to be alive at all…whether I wanted to be…" The witch's voice trailed off as she lowered her view. After a moment, she looked back at Kennedy. "I thought about bringing her back…but I knew I couldn't…like Buffy couldn't let Dawn bring their mom back…As horrible as it was…Tara was gone…in a better place…I knew she was."

Kennedy said nothing and kept staring out the front window. Willow couldn't tell what was running through that mind of hers. The redhead placed her hand on Kennedy's thigh and leaned toward her.

"You know I love you, Kennedy." Kennedy nodded her head slightly. Willow squeezed the slayer's thigh tighter. With more certainty in her voice, "I love 'you'…I don't want my life any different…It's you and me, ok?"

Kennedy finally glanced at her witch and smiled. The slayer could see that Willow was telling her that they belonged together. "Ok, Will."

By the time they reached the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, the sun was just starting to dip below the tree line. The New England summer had been wet and the fall mild leaving the timing of the color change later than usual. The rainy summer meant an additional brilliance to the autumn foliage. The net result of Mother Nature's actions was that Willow and Kennedy had a front row seat to the magnificence of a New England "changing of the seasons." Trees may have turned in every part of the country with the lowering of temperatures, but it was only in the Northeast that the view could literally take one's breath away. Willow had never seen anything so panoramic in all her years in Sunnydale. Even seeing pictures in books and documentaries did no justice to the wondrous sight.

As they drove, the sun speckled between the winding roads and through the hillside vistas. As far as they could see, the woods lining the highway burst out in electric shades of orange and red and yellow. The colors melted together while still being ornate entities of their own. The entire spectrum of autumn was sparkling from the setting sun's illumination. It was the kind of scene that instantly made one understand why people in that region put up with the harsh, long winters. It was worth it just to be able to be witness to the creator's most vibrant of canvasses. Fall in New England was like springtime in Paris…a dream desired by many and owned by few.

Before the couple realized, the exit for Stonehenge was in front of them. The day had turned to dusk and the opulent colors of fall were beginning to dim with the loss of the sun's aid. The destination for the women was still several miles ahead. The road that led them there was typical of any quaint New England town. It was an undivided two lane thoroughfare with no shoulders and a natural canopy of overreaching oak, birch and maple trees. The affect was a spattering of dark swashes of shadows covering the road and the moving vehicle as they drove closer to their goal.

As the car slowed and approached the site's entrance, Kennedy could see that there were still two cars in the parking lot. Despite her developing excitement at seeing the place, the brunette drove past. "We're a little early…Let's just go up the road a while, then we'll turn around and head back." She looked at Willow. "We're here, babe…Are you getting nervous?"

Said honestly, "I started to get butterflies as soon as I saw the highway exit sign."

Kennedy drove another twenty minutes then turned around and took her time driving back. When they reached the address again, all vehicles were gone and there was a metal gate across the driveway. Kennedy pulled in so that the car's nose was almost touching the gate.

Willow shook her head. "No. This is better than I thought it would be." The witch had anticipated much more involved security into the area. "Give me a sec." Willow narrowed her eyes and mumbled a few words. Instantly, the lock on the gate opened. She got out of the car, walked to it and removed the lock. After returning to the vehicle and getting in she looked at the slayer. Holding up the lock, "Remind me to put this back in the morning."

Kennedy smiled and drove the vehicle in. They were in the parking lot and taking out their "items" soon thereafter.

The place called America's Stonehenge was not a megalithic structure like the one standing in England's Salisbury plains. The American version was nestled hidden in the dense New Hampshire forest. America's Stonehenge was one of the largest stone constructed sites in North America. Like Stonehenge in England, it was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. It had been determined that the site was an accurate, astronomically aligned calendar. It was, and still could be, used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year. No one knows for sure who built the structures. A maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places, America's Stonehenge was most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States dating well over 4000 years old. Archaeological excavations at the site uncovered an amazing range of historic and pre-historic artifacts — from stone tools, pottery and ancient old world scripts to 18th and 19th century housewares, and manacles most likely removed from slaves who used the site as a stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1830's and 1840's. It was an American treasure unknown by most.

Willow took out the map of the grounds that she'd printed off the internet site for the place. She turned on her flashlight and started to walk with Kennedy trailing right behind her. The public prayer site, akin to its cousin in England, was of a circular pattern with rocks strategically placed for necessary astronomical, seasonal and mystical importance. Its stones were not nearly as large and impressive as the British Stonehenge but were placed just as precisely. Beyond that area, which was the closest to the office and ticket building, was a public gathering place thought to be used for eating and greeting. To the right of there was the spot that held the witch's interest. It was a man-made stone chamber used solely by the mystics and high priestesses of the inhabitants.

The couple walked to the entrance and then inside. The structure was half underground with a rock and log roofing system. The bottom of the enclosed entrance was about fifteen feet below the earth's surface. The women walked the gentle decline for about twenty feet before getting to the mouth of the room. It was a circular enclosure with a diameter of about forty feet. The stone and wood ceiling was approximately twenty feet above their heads. There was an open pit in the middle of the area and what was left of an altar directly across from the opening on the other side. As Willow guided her flashlight around, the women could see crude markings in the stones that made up the walls of the chamber.

Willow went over to the pit and placed her flashlight under her arm. She opened the small bag she had carried from the car and withdrew a stone. She closed her eyes and chanted some words in Latin. When done, the stone began to shine as if it were a lantern. The soft blue light spread throughout the chamber. The witch then placed the stone on the ground in the middle of the pit.

Kennedy stayed at the entrance to the room and watched as her redhead began to place crystals and other items down on the edge of the stones that made up the outer rim of the pit. Her movements seemed more than natural to the witch; they were as if Willow wasn't acting from a set of directions but creating the moves as she went. Kennedy could do nothing but stand in awe. Though she had seen her girl 'do' magick before, this was the most concentrated she'd ever seen Willow.

After setting up the main items, the redhead looked up to find her slayer. Willow saw Kennedy standing, motionless with a look that seemed almost…intimidated. She knew this had to be a lot for the brunette to take in; the slayer had never been privy to an intense mystical event. Willow wanted to make her brunette at ease for she knew that Kennedy played a large role in events to come.

"Baby?…Could you spread out the blanket?" The witch's voice was soft and comforting. Kennedy came out of her thoughts and simply nodded as she walked over to where the witch was and opened the blanket on the ground between the pit and the wall. She went back and grabbed the large bag she had carried.

"Where you want this, Will?" The witch pointed to the edge of the blanket and Kennedy complied.

Willow took out the other needed items from the large bag along with a second blanket that was left folded off to the other side of Kennedy. She placed the ritual items around the blanket, then she took a deep breath.

"Ok, we first need to get one thing out of the way…come here." Willow took Kennedy's hand and led them onto the middle of the blanket where she directed the slayer to sit as she did – cross legged. "Give me your hands…Close your eyes, empty your mind and just let me do the next part." Kennedy did as she was told. After several minutes, she heard Willow speak very low and in a language she had never heard before. The witch kept repeating the words, a rhythmic chanting that took on the feel of a lullaby ballad.

After more time passed, Kennedy felt a definite temperature change in the room. Being the end of October, the New Hampshire weather had begun to turn cold. The women wore long sleeve shirts and jackets to ward off the chill of the late night air. But now, Kennedy felt as if she was in a heated room. She felt warm like being wrapped in a comforter. The sound around her had also changed. Gone were the noises of the rustling trees and night birds. Her eyes remained closed but the slayer couldn't wait to open them.

When she did, the slayer saw a translucent barrier surrounding them, encasing the entire chamber. She gazed around bewildered.

"It's a cloaking shield…to protect us just in case…No one can see us or come in and we don't have to worry about the cold…We're totally free to do what we need to do." The fact that Willow was able to create such a large and strong barrier was thanks to the slayer energy that she drew off Kennedy.

Willow smiled back. Both women took off their coats and then the witch took the slayer's hands again. "Now, we need to get our energy together in the right place…This may take a while, but we need to concentrate on merging our essences…Close your eyes, concentrate on your energy and let me get us going." Again, the slayer did as she was told.

The witch held her girl's hands as she summoned up the words of the beginning ritual; the one that she'd heard that day…the one that became a part of her. As time passed and the chanting continued, the women began to slowly feel an alteration to their bodies. Over time it was as if their physical form was losing its boundaries, as if their bodies were liquid. The women knew that they weren't changing in reality but that their ethereal make up was being reconfigured and growing closer.

It took well over an hour for the slayer and witch to reach the state of mingling of energies, but they could feel the end of that process as much as when it first started. Willow opened her eyes.

Brown eyes looked back and Kennedy let go of Willow's grip. The slayer smiled lovingly. [Let's do it then]. Both women knew talking was not necessary. They were so attuned to each other's being that mindspeak was the only communication form that applied.

Willow picked up a special wooden bowl bought at a magick shop in Cleveland. She then began to take the differing bottles of rare liquids and powders and mixed them together, in exacting quantities, in the bowl with a just as specially purchased, wooden spoon. As she did, the witch chanted the second of the verses that had become absorbed by her during her dream with "God." Her words were said with modesty and veneration to the power that had given them unto her. When she was done, Willow placed the bowl on the ground in between her and Kennedy. She then put her hand in the small bag and took out an old ceremonial knife that had been previously sanctified. The witch touched the blade and looked at the slayer. [You first…], the witch thought to her girl.

Kennedy held out her hand palm up over the bowl and Willow took the brunette's wedding ring finger and pushed the razor sharp blade across the tip. The slayer's crimson life began to drip immediately. After the witch was satisfied that enough blood was extracted, she let go of the slayer's finger. Kennedy put her finger in her mouth and drew off the excess.

Willow then handed the knife to Kennedy and held her own left hand over the bowl. Kennedy took the delicate, slender finger in her hand. She brought it to her lips and kissed it gently. It was then placed over the receptacle again and the knife's edge cut across the end. The same blood letting was performed. There was a revered silence during this time for something so personal and internal that had never before been felt by the couple. Both women understood the significance of their actions, the spiritual and mystical connection they were making with the universe.

Willow completed blending the items as she again said the mystical words known to her as well as her own name. It wasn't until she stopped mixing that the women realized that their breathing had become heavier and their skin warmer. Willow put the bowl down but this time to the side of her and Kennedy.

In complete silence, the witch reached out and touched the side of her lover's face. Willow leaned in and in the moment her lips met those of her slayer, Kennedy heard her witch's words – [I love you]. It felt so intimate to the slayer; the act and thought creating a single sensation, not becoming as one but seemingly having originated as such. It was profound in the most subtle of ways.

Kennedy stood up and took Willow by the arms with her. With them both standing, the brunette began to unbutton the redhead's shirt. The witch stood there, eyes closed allowing her lover to shed her of her clothes. Each article was carefully folded and placed behind the witch. When she was done, Kennedy gazed at the slender form of her redhead. The hue from the stone's light radiated around the witch's delicate body. Kennedy had never seen her witch look more fae like. She couldn't help but give her a light kiss on tender lips.

Willow opened her eyes with the contact and smiled. She then put her hand up to Kennedy's face and brushed her fingers over the slayer's eyes reminding the slayer it was her turn. Kennedy closed her eyes and Willow proceeded to ritually undress her slayer in the same revered nature given by her brunette.

As they stood there, naked, the women never strayed from their view. Emerald eyes stared into dark brown. They stood motionless, bodies so close yet never touching; no contact and yet the women never felt physically closer. After some time, Willow motioned for Kennedy to kneel down which she did. The witch then moved down onto the blanket so that she was lying on her back before her slayer.

Willow knew well the strange and often startling sensations that a spell or ritual could cause a person to undergo. The next several minutes Willow knew would cause some concern and confusion for the slayer. The slayer, however, understood this was the critical part of the ritual. She didn't want to break the flow of the ceremony.

Kennedy reached her left hand into the bowl and slowly dipped the tips of the inside of her fingers in the magickal brew. She let them linger there like toes in a warm foot bath. They eventually came out with a thick, deep crimson liquid coating them. Kennedy could hear Willow chanting as she stared at her fingers. The witch's voice had a supple and soothing melodic tempo, one begging to be taken in and joined. The slayer began the chant also. She moved her hand over Willow's body and then lowered it to her smooth skin. The brunette gently and carefully streaked the coating low across Willow's abdomen, from one side of the pelvic bone to the other. The slayer paused and the women repeated the ritual words, the pass key to their desired future. In time slowed by the importance of the actions, Kennedy repeated that ritual ten more times as she continued to join Willow in the ceremonial words. The significance of the eleven passes was to attain the high spiritual plain and illumination found within the number itself.

When finished, Kennedy sat back and looked at her witch who was gazing back with the most tranquil look on her face. Kennedy thought how her witch looked completely at peace. The witch and slayer neither moved nor spoke nor thought.

Kennedy's eyes only finally shifted when they saw those of emerald slowly look downward. The slayer followed Willow's line of sight. It was focused on the mixture across the witch's skin. As the women looked on, the crimson streak began to change. Witch and slayer watched on in awe as the liquid transformed into an opaque makeup. At the same time, Kennedy felt her left hand's fingers heat up and she brought them up to her face. The blood that had been there had also turned to that same color. Then, as if wiped off by an invisible cloth, the substance was gone. The brunette quickly returned her gaze to the witch's body only to witness the entire length of the markings she'd made be absorbed into the witch's skin. The process with the redhead wasn't like her fingers. The ritual blood did not disappear on Willow; it flowed into her like sand through a sieve…it became a part of her.

After the substance vanished, Kennedy and Willow remained still and silent. There was an aura of mystic energy flowing around them. They felt connected in some unearthly way. It was almost as if the could feel the creation of a new existence. Those moments in time were ones that neither woman would ever be able to adequately describe. There were no words to capture the sensation or feeling of it.

After a few more moments, Willow sat up on the blanket. She lovingly smiled and embraced her slayer who embraced in return. It was such a soft and pure moment. Kennedy then brushed her lips on the witch's neck.

When she did that, the brunette got a strange feeling on the side of her neck. She leaned back and saw those beautiful green eyes gazing at her. Letting the sensation past, the slayer leaned back in and gave her witch a tender kiss on the lips. Again, she felt something different, this time on her lips. Kennedy thought about the feeling as she stared at her witch.

[What's happening?]. The sensation didn't feel wrong. In fact, it felt wonderful.

Willow got a curious expression. She reached out and lightly stroked her lover's cheek with her hand. The witch caught her breath. [Did you feel that?].

Kennedy took her hand. [I felt your hand on my cheek.]. The slayer cautiously moved her hand so that it grazed down Willow's neck, then chest and across her nipple. The witch gasped and her peak hardened. At that instant, Kennedy felt a charge of excitement rush through her. Brown eyes widened with realization. The slayer leaned forward and took Willow in a deep kiss. She massaged her piercing over the witch's tongue. When she did, Kennedy felt a reaction not of her own making.

When she looked back to Willow, she knew that the witch had also discovered what was happening. When Kennedy first kissed her, the witch had a reaction, or so she thought. It was outside of her senses but still a part of her. When she stroked Kennedy's cheek, the redhead felt 'it' again. A wonderful sensation created not by her but flowing through her. Seeing her slayer's reaction to her touches made Willow realize what they were experiencing. The interconnectedness of their bodies and souls had become tangible. They were each able to feel what the other felt when touched. Each graze of a mouth or slight touch of a hand let each woman know how it was accepted by the other.

The witch was astounded. There had been times when her spells seemed to radiate energy off her to another. In sensing, she was able to feel another's presence. But this was beyond anything Willow had ever imagined for this ritual. She was actually sharing Kennedy's body, her physical and emotional reactions. She thought the only thing that made sense.

The moment captured the two women. Kennedy took the witch in her arms and lay her back down on the blanket. The women were on their sides, facing each other. This was such an extraordinary event that they just started to tenderly and gently trace their fingers over the other's naked skin. Each felt the desire build from their own actions, their own physical reaction to the feel of their lover's skin and heightened breath. Their bodies became increasingly awakened from the touches given by their lover. In addition, however, their appetite was infused even more because they could feel how the other woman reacted to their touch.

As Kennedy trailed her hand down Willow's arm and across her hip, she could actually feel the redhead writhing. This was not second hand; the slayer was experiencing it herself. Amid her increasing sexual arousal, the brunette became blissfully content with the knowledge of the joy and heightened feelings she was able to give her witch. It brought her to an even greater sexual charge knowing that her touches caused such a reaction for Willow. For a split second she thought, 'I really am good.' The notion was gone as soon as it entered her mind. She had become too entwined with the experience to concentrate on anything other than the mixture of emotions and physical sensations occurring in her body.

Willow was undergoing a similar awakening. Every sense she had was put on edge instantly upon a touch from her slayer or her touch upon bronzed skin. This wasn't merely connecting; this was a cosmic convergence of souls. The redhead wasn't just making love with Kennedy; she was one in the experience with the brunette. Kennedy was in her, as much her as her own self. Willow marveled at the emotion and reaction that her touches brought to the slayer. Despite all of Kennedy's pronouncements of complete satisfaction in the redhead's 'methods', the witch never realized the pure truth behind that praise. Every one of her caresses seemed to bring the brunette on edge. Willow didn't think she could be the cause of so much ecstasy; her affect on the slayer overwhelmed her. 'I do that to her?' she thought.

[You've always done this to me.] Kennedy had heard her witch's thought. The slayer was amazed that Willow had no clue as to how sensual she really was, how completely entranced the brunette was with every touch from her redhead. If nothing else became of this night, Kennedy at least knew Willow would understand the depth of the slayer's satisfaction caused by her.

The affects of the 'bonding' had the women wanting for more, needing to explore the heights of desire their actions could cause. Their breathing was labored, their bodies already aching for release. All that just from simply touching each other's skin. Something echoed in the women's minds that this was a night for union but not in the known sense. Willow and Kennedy knew that it wouldn't take much more for each to find their relief. But this night was about more than just that; it was about connecting in the most intimate and mystical way. Kennedy shifted so that she was on top of Willow, who was now lying on her back, bronzed arms on either side of the redhead holding up the slayer's weight. The slayer fixated her dazzling brown eyes on the sparkling green of her wife. The women never moved their sight. They gazed at one another as Kennedy began to rock against her witch. Their legs were positioned so that each had contact to their center from the other's thigh. The slayer slowly kept rocking joined by the witch's movement, the friction causing an increased feeling of electricity rushing through their bodies. This was not a night for anything more than that. There was no need for probing fingers or mouths; the contact of flesh on flesh and the bewitching stares were enough…they were everything.

When the moment came, Willow and Kennedy felt not only their own release rage through their bodies but also that of their partner. Each saw it build in the other's eyes. They saw pupils dilate and mouths open in anticipation. They felt muscles tighten and thoughts turn to specks as their releases overpowered them. Willow's back arched as Kennedy's hips pushed down. Delicate hands gripped bronzed arms as tanned fingers clenched the blanket beneath. Moans from both women escaped the silence. Kennedy's forehead pressed against the witch's shoulder. Both felt the tremors flush over them. It was sensation upon sensation; wave upon wave. Time seemed to slow as the ripples continued to spread through their bodies…until finally they subsided.

They were the most intense orgasms that the women had ever had. Willow and Kennedy had felt more than just their own ride over the waterfall. They experienced what they were able to do to the other; how far off the cliff they were able to make their lover fall. That night would become the most sexually powerful and mind expanding experience they would ever share. It would be a night coveted and shared with no one else.

After the last swell of their release left their bodies and feelings returned to normal, Kennedy moved next to Willow. The slayer tenderly kissed her witch. She then reached back and grabbed the second blanket they'd brought. She opened it and draped it over them both. Willow turned and pressed tightly against her slayer. Then she looked at her. There was something shared by the two, known by them, that told them talk would infringe on the perfection of the moment. They knew what they had shared; their expressions told how much the other was loved. Willow kissed her slayer and leaned her head against the brunette's shoulder. The women were exhausted, both emotionally and physically.

In the blue haze from the crystal still shining in its place in the pit, the witch and slayer slowly fell asleep, each hearing [I love you] before slumber's curtain was drawn. They were satiated, joyful and hopeful of the future. Dream world overtook both women while one request floated in their minds…please let it be.

The Harris family visit to New York could only be considered a success. Jessie had enjoyed her convention, gathering important information to take back to her school district. Xander had hung out with his friends and more importantly with his son. Being able to spend the entire day with the boy made Xander happy beyond belief. Even though Nate was only seven months old, Xander believed his time away from his son during the work week would lessen the bond between them. He valued the weekends and this trip. Xander Harris treasured any time he could have Nate "all to himself."

While Jessica was away during the day, dad and son took in the sights of New York. They went to the zoo and Central Park. When mom got back, they did the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Nate had seen more of New York at seven months than many Americans ever see in a life time. The boy was at ease throughout the entire time. Xander marveled how his son really didn't fuss, except when he was hungry. "You've been hanging out with your Aunt Buffy too much, little guy…You've got that hungry slayer attitude."

On Halloween day, the conference was over and the Harris' went to visit Jessie's Aunt Carmen. She was the woman's favorite relative. They had a wonderful family gathering. Several other relatives dropped over for the planned dinner and Halloween party. Xander turned out to be a hit. Jessica's family thought him funny and nice. Of course, the star of the evening was Nate who, within twenty minutes of being there, had everyone "ooo-ing and "aahh-ing" at how special and cute he was in his pumpkin costume. Jessica spent the evening catching up on old times and Xander was able to find out about some of Jessica's more "embarrassing" moments as an awkward teenager. It was a great night; the kind of family outing Xander never had and was never quite sure existed.

It was very late by the time they left Aunt Carmen's brownstone. Their rental pulled into their hotel outdoor parking lot space a little after 12:30am. Nate was sound asleep in his car seat. Xander and Jessie were ending the discussion of their evening.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Please, the woman's eighty-nine…It must be dimentia?"

"Oh, you don't think women of all ages sense my animal magnetism?" Xander tried to sound serious. He finally stood up straight and looked at his wife as he was closing the car door. A terrified expression burst on his face.

After Willow and Kennedy left, Faith decided she still had some surveillance that needed attention. Knowing the 'bad guys' had some connection to the area cricket league, the slayer decided to pay a visit to the local field that night. This was the first Tuesday since the 'discovery' and Faith hoped to get lucky and find the vampire crew revved for a game. She got to the park just after dark. The first teams were playing; the Strokers weren't due for another hour or so. The brunette sat in the make shift stand and waited. When the time came, the Strokers were nowhere to be seen. Faith saw the officiator talk to the other team's captain who then talked to his players. As soon as that was done, the men began to gather their belongings and leave the field.

"Hey…What happened?…I was all set to see my first cricket game." The brunette tired to sound like she was really interested in watching a bunch of burly men play. One of the players looked at her.

The man nodded agreeing with her disapproval. "I thought I saw one of them, but I guess not…What can ya say?…The guys on that team are pretty unsociable."

The slayer smiled. "Hopefully you'll really get to beat them next time you play."

Faith said good bye and started to leave for the parking lot. She was almost to her car when she got a familiar feeling. She discreetly glanced around as she moved slower to her vehicle. She took her time to case the area.

Just on the other side of the parking lot, hiding behind a tree, not very well since he was visible to the brunette, was a vampire. Faith knew he had to be one of the Strokers. She also knew she had to get him.

The slayer started to pat her hands on her pant's pockets pretending to search for her keys; then she looked around the ground and started mumbling to herself. She turned and, purposely looking in a direction other than where the vamp was, began to walk back to the field. She kept pretending to look for her keys. When she was out of view of the vampire she doubled back around and, within a matter of moments, was a few yards behind the vampire. The demon had no idea she was there. 'They may be evil fucks, but this one is stupid as shit,' she thought. She readied herself and then lunged at the demon.

Faith landed on the vampire's back and easily took him to the ground. She had his arms pinned and her stake out pushing against his dead heart in seconds. Next to the tip of the stake was a gold pendant hanging on a chain; it was a small cricket bat.

"Who the fuck are you?" the slayer demanded. The vampire kept silent, smiling at her. Faith gave one push and the stake pierced lifeless flesh and inched closer to its target. The demon's eyes widened and his smirk disappeared with the brunette's action and the realization of her seriousness.

The vampire got a scared look. Faith could tell he had to be one of the less convinced members of the gang. She wondered if he'd been the one to draw the caricature in the magazine. She pushed again on the stake.

The vampire tried to free himself to no avail. He knew he was dead, or dusted dead to be more precise, if he didn't respond. "I'm j-just a vampire…a-a-and not a very g-good one as y-y-you can see."

Faith grew angrier. She pushed again on the stake and this time the demon cried out. "Do you think I have time for games, cricket man?…Who's your leader?"

A scared laugh came out of the creature. "Why should I tell you?…You'll just kill me anyway."

Faith stared at the demon then eased her hold on him. "Tell me and I'll let you go." The demon really laughed. Faith spoke in a calm, serious tone. "Look, I already know the score…and I know you don't want to be with this group…I know you think your boss is a loose cannon…that he's gone over the edge…" Faith wasn't sure if any of that was true, but she had no options than to try to bluff her way through this. The brunette continued. "You've been here over six months…I know you're not feeding cuz there haven't been a lot of dead people showing up…He doesn't let you, does he?…Can't raise suspicion, right?…What's he do?…make you feed on dogs…or rats?" She saw the vamp's expression change to one of recognition. "He's got all of you by the short hairs…keeping you from being your true selves…He lets you play ball so you blow off just enough steam to keep in line…But that just puts you around a bunch of mortals…with blood pumping through their veins…That's awfully nice of your boss…He promised you power, right?…You're a fool…He treats you like shit now…What do ya think he's gonna do when he really has power?…He'll get rid of all of you. He won't need you." The demon's expression showed contemplation, then turned to skepticism again.

Faith looked at the man and then placed the stake on the ground next to her. She took another chance. "You ever hear of a slayer named Faith…The one that went evil?"

"That's me…The things you heard are true…I'm not interested in your pathetic story…just your piece of shit boss…I don't give a fuck about you…If I can get him by letting you go…so be it…I'll leave it to another slayer to dust your ass."

The demon studied Faith. He'd heard the stories of the rogue slayer, the one who was never 'lily white and pure of heart;' the one who'd walked with evil. The vampire tried to see if there was deception behind her words. All he saw was hate…for a demon other than him. He knew if he said nothing he'd be dusted. So, he decided to accept what those cold brown eyes were saying to him.

Faith, upon hearing the name, shifted and got off of the vampire. She stood there, one arm behind her back, the other by her side; the stake was on the ground. The vampire sat up and stared intently at the slayer; then, never taking his eyes off her, grabbed her stake and slowly got up. They stood there, toe to toe; neither said a word. The demon nodded ever so slightly and took a step back.

Before he had a chance to take another, Faith whipped her arm from behind her and hit the vampire in the chest with another wooden stake. The demon didn't even have a chance to look down before he was dusted.

The slayer bent down and picked up both stakes. One thing she learned early on, always carry an extra weapon; hers was usually tucked in the back of her pants. Faith turned and headed for her car, "That rogue shit works every time…I was right, one stupid fuck."

"Uuurrghh…hhummph…uuhh…Who is this?" Faith could hear Giles clear his throat, as he groggily answered her call.

"Giles, it's me, Faith." The woman couldn't see the Englishman fumble for his glasses on his bedside table and then look at the alarm clock.

"Good God, Faith, do you realize it's four in the morning here?" There was a definite tone of anger in the man's voice.

"I know, but I've got a name." The brunette spoke like she'd found the secret to immortality.

Giles instantly knew what she was talking about and the cloud of sleep that hovered over his mind vanished just as quickly. "Who is it?"

"Dalfort…Do you recognize the name?" At the other end of the line, the watcher thought hard, the concentration evident on his face.

"No…I can't say I do…but we should be able to find out who he is easily now. Willow didn't recognize the name either?" Giles heard silence for a few moments.

Giles was confused. It wasn't like Willow to leave her responsibilities. "Well, where is she? She must be told. She'll be able to research this for you, too."

Faith knew she had to tread on this matter lightly. "I can't get her…Her and K went out of town to do some stuff for me…umm, connected to this…Point is I can't reach her which is why I called…I need you to look this guy up for me…figure out what the hell he's up to."

"What do you mean they both left the city?" The watcher was even more confused than before.

"Just drop it, Giles, ok?…They ain't here so I need the info from you…Are you gonna do it or not?"

As much as the Willow/Kennedy matter bothered the man, Giles knew that Faith was in dire need of help. He understood how difficult it was for her to ask for assistance. The fact that she didn't want to wait for the witch's return proved to him just how desperate she was.

"Yes, Faith…of course, I'll help." As Giles turned on his bedside lamp, Faith started to tell him the information she gathered.

After that phone call, Faith felt a sense of relaxation come over her. She knew who was doing the killings and was certain that within a few hours she'd know why and how to find the demon. She stopped pacing in her living room which was from where she'd called the watcher. The slayer told Giles to call her cell as soon as he had some answers for her. Though she would rather have had Willow doing this, she knew that wasn't an option. She was secure in the fact that the Englishman would be able to get her an answer just as fast and complete. Once the adrenaline rush ceased from the night's events, Faith realized she was tired. She, along with Kennedy and Willow, had been putting in long hours on this case; now she had an overpowering need to get some decent sleep. She had a feeling she'd need all the energy she could get soon. The only other thing she wanted at the present was her Mickey. However, the man was out of town and not expected back until tomorrow. Though tired, the slayer still felt on edge. She knew Miguel could have 'helped' her with that problem. The slayer instead took a shower and got in bed. She picked up the phone and called her man.

Faith was astounded how well the man knew her. "We got a big break tonight, Mick…I found out who…" The brunette then told Miguel the events of the night.

When done, the man once again felt bad for not being able to be there but did say that he'd be ready to help the next day. The call ended not too much later after both parties had satisfied their need to hear the other's voice. Just talking to Miguel made everything easier for Faith. She knew she'd be able to sleep and be ready to fight evil full force the next day. The slayer fell asleep thinking that she was on course to stopping the demon from taking any other lives. She didn't even know that she was already too late.

A sharp pain in his shoulder was what first brought Xander out of his sleep. His eyes fluttered and all the man could feel was his head throbbing. It took a few moments for his eyes to finally open. The first thing they saw was the steering wheel of his rental car. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming; he remembered snippets of a vampire behind his wife which he also thought a dream. Then the pain surged again and brought him to his full senses. Xander realized he was lying across the front seat of his car, draped over the driver's seat with his shoulder wrenched up against the center console. In that instant, the man knew something terrible had happened. He sprang to get up calling for his wife.

"Jessie?" He cried as he looked around. He found the woman sleeping on the back seat.

He shouted his wife's name again as he practically dove into the back seat. He grabbed the woman by the shoulders and started to shake her as he kept shouting for her to wake up.

Within a few moments, Jessie began to stir. She slowly opened her eyes and stared at her husband. She saw the frantic look on his face. She immediately turned her head and saw that Nate was not there. Her face then also took that same expression of desperation as her husband's.

The two quickly exited the car and hysterically searched around the vehicle. They ran into the hotel and questioned the desk clerk if someone had brought in their boy or if someone had come in with a boy. Despite the frenzied tone with which they spoke, they were met with blank stares.

"No one came in with a baby last night…After midnight, noone came in or out at all…It was really quiet." It was now six in the morning.

Xander and Jessica were on the verge of getting hysterical again. They hurried to their room. The only facts they knew were that their son was missing and a vampire was involved. Xander hated the implied conclusion to that. If a vampire had taken their son, he knew the police would be useless to find him. Even though they were out of town, his first reaction was to call Willow and Kennedy. He nervously punched in the speed dial number for Willow's cell phone. He was sent to voicemail. The man left an anxious message. He next called Kennedy and received the same treatment. Xander's next call was to Faith.

As soon as the slayer answered, Xander started to shout. "Faith, Nate's gone…Some vampire got him…you have to find him…" Xander was in tears.

Faith heard the hysteria and pain in his voice. She also knew something he didn't. "He wasn't the only one…Stay where you are. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Hearing the dejected tone in Faith's voice made his heart sink. Xander's world was falling apart.

"There were two other kids taken last night…One was ten, Alicia, and the other, Ricky, was four…This time, they were taken right after midnight…The parents were all unharmed…Ricky was taken as the family left an emergency room…The girl was snatched as her and her parents came out of a movie theater." Faith was pacing in the couple's hotel room telling them what she'd heard from her police informant.

Several hours after the slayer went to sleep, she was suddenly awakened by the squealing of her police scanner. She didn't catch some of the conversation at first, but cleared her head to listen as soon as she realized there had been more kidnappings. She was stunned to hear the reports. 'It's fucking Halloween…they're not supposed to do anything tonight.' Then the slayer looked at her clock. It wasn't Halloween any longer. The vampires had kept true to the demon's observance of the sacred nature of the day. They had attacked on November 1^st. Faith immediately got dressed and called her source at the local police station. The place was in bedlam and she had trouble just getting someone to find her cop. When she was finally able to get him to stay on the phone, he filled her in on the fact that two children had been abducted and the parents knocked unconscious or chloroformed. She was getting ready to go to meet the man when Xander called.

After arriving at the hotel room, Faith spent the initial time trying to calm the two down so that they weren't acting hysterical. They kept talking wildly and incoherent at times about Nate and how they should have been able to stop the kidnapping. They also told the brunette how they kept trying to get a hold of Willow or Kennedy but couldn't.

The slayer was able to give them one speck of hope. "I know how terrible this is…but remember, the others were alive for a day after they were taken…They were all alive…That means Nate's alive too…and we'll find him…we'll find him today."

That one assumption, one gigantic leap of faith, was the only thing Xander and Jesica had that kept them from completely breaking down from grief. The hope that their sweet innocent boy was being kept alive by the vilest of creatures ever put on earth was what kept them from falling apart.

Xander had only one thing on his mind. "Let's go find him Faith…I want my son back."

Faith stared at Xander. Never had she ever heard such shear force in his voice. His eyes had the look of a soldier ready for the battle of his life. There was hard determination in his body language. Gone was the weak, uncertain boy from high school. Before her stood a man who she knew would fight to the death for his son. Faith wanted to tell him no, that he needed to stay with his wife while she searched for the boy. One look in those pleading eyes made her decide otherwise. She realized he'd trek out on his own if he couldn't figure out a way to trail her. Xander had enough skill from being a Scooby to know how to seek out a vamp. She also knew the man was just unskilled enough to get himself in trouble. The last thing Faith wanted was to have to save two Harris family members.

She let out a deep breath. "Alright, you can go…but I call the shots…Do what I say, no questions, got it?" Xander nodded.

Despite protestations from his wife, Xander knew he had to go. This was his son and there was no way he'd let a vampire touch one fine hair on his tiny little head without a fight. He'd fought to save the world many times; this time he would fight to save his world.

"Keep trying to reach Wil and Kenn…If you do, let them know what's going on and tell them to get back here quick." Xander gave the directions to Jessica and then went to her and embraced her. He kissed her and softly said in her ear, "I'll bring him back." He then turned and walked out the door with Faith.

Faith and Xander had been driving around the old warehouse district for about twenty minutes. They were in his rental. The slayer didn't want anything of hers at the scene to which they were heading that might later be discovered by the cops. Her slaying was still very much on the hush-hush. Xander fidgeted the entire time she drove. He nervously tapped his hand against his knee. Faith could see he was getting very anxious; she could see the layer of desperate concern just below the surface.

"Listen, the three kids taken were all about the same distance from this area. The vamps didn't show at their game last night, so I'm betting they're all at wherever this is going down…This is where the noise Andrew heard must be from…They gotta be around here…in a building with all the windows blacked out…They can't risk anything going wrong, like sunlight getting in somehow…There's at least twelve altogether, Xan…That many vamps in one place?…I know I'll be able to sense them if we get close." Faith wanted to give the man some reason to blindly trust her.

Xander knew Faith was his best chance. She'd been a slayer long enough to know her strengths. Tracking was one of them. He became reflective. "What if something happens to him, Faith?…What if it's because of this whole slayer business?…If my life brought this on…" The man's voice trailed off.

The brunette needed to get Xander's head back in the game. "I don't think this has anything to do with you being a Scooby…Two others where taken…They have nothing to do with slayers or magick…I think it was just bad timing."

Xander wasn't convinced. "But if I'd gotten away from all of this, maybe we wouldn't have done the same things today…or been in New York at all for that matter."

The brunette saw Xander headed for another round of extreme doubting. "Listen, let's get your kid back first and then you can move to Iceland if you think that's what you need to do…but for right now, you need to be 'all' here…You get what I'm saying?"

Xander stared at Faith and I understood he was close to going over the edge again. As horrible as he felt about the loss of his son, this was not the time to dwell on it. He had a job to do and if he ever hoped to see his son alive again, Xander knew he needed to give one hundred percent to the mission.

"Yeah…I get ya, Faith." Xander calmed down and started looking around again. After a few minutes he tried to break the tension. "Bet you never thought we'd be alone together again, huh?" He nervously chuckled.

The thought of their one night triste all those years ago flashed in the slayer's mind. It was a night she wasn't very proud of. She half smiled. "Uh…yeah. But don't worry…no passes this time." Xander smiled awkwardly.

"Ok with me…happily married man here." Faith looked at her passenger then back to the street ahead of her.

Xander smiled as he accepted the compliment. Then he got a smirk. Jokingly, "Besides, Miguel would probably kick my ass if anything even remotely happened." Now it was Faith who laughed.

Faith chuckled some more and then suddenly went silent. She stopped the car and looked off to the left. Xander followed her line of vision. It went to a large five story old building…with all the windows blacked out.

Faith gripped the steering wheel and squinted her eyes. "There…the vamps are in there," she said evenly and confidently.

They quietly and cautiously walked around the corner of the building. Faith had parked a block away and the two came at the building from the east side. "The sun's shining in this way…less chance any of them will be sitting by a window even if it is blacked out. As he followed the brunette, Xander canvassed the area. The construction renovation that was happening was several blocks away even though they could hear the thumping of machinery. Workers were already busy with their day. However, the area they were in hadn't made it on the list of the 'next great place to rebuild'; the place was deserted, not even hookers wanted to be around there.

The building they were headed for was a typical run down dilapidated structure. There was graffiti everywhere and windows were either blacked out or boarded up. Faith scanned the building to determine how many ways she could gain entrance and did a quick calculation of the risk associated with each.

Speaking in a low hushed voice, "Ok, we got three sets of doors on this side…Definitely not the way to go…they'd obviously barricade and patrol them…" She looked up. "…We got five stories of windows…Good thing is I don't think they'd be guarded as much…I'm figuring this is taking place as far away from windows as possible…But, getting in through them would be noisy…can't risk shattered glass drawing anyone's attention…" Then Faith knew what they had to do. "The fire escape…We climb it to the roof…There's gotta be a door in up there." The slayer kept staring up.

"What happens when we get in?…What's waiting for us in there?" Xander thought Faith's plan to enter the building made sense. He was concerned with what they'd find when they got in. He didn't want to go in with "guns ablazing" if it might result in harm to his son.

Faith saw the look of concern on her friend's face. She knew however that she didn't have much to offer him. "I don't know what's there…or what they're doing."

Xander looked at her worried. "Then how do we know that us barging in won't make them do something?" Xander didn't have to say what Faith knew he meant; would their entry cause the demons to kill his son? She answered him the only way she knew how.

"I don't…I don't know anything other than a name…Dalfort…I don't know what he's trying to do or why he has your son…" Then the slayer got dead serious. "All I know is we've got less than sixteen hours to save Nate and the other two kids…or they're gone…We don't have the luxury to wait for answers and formulate a plan…We go in and find the way to get this done."

Xander studied the brunette slayer. He'd been on missions before with Buffy and saw the look in her eyes when she knew her slayer instincts were right. He knew the look of slayer resolve and determination. Faith had that look.

The two climbed the fire escape cautiously, careful not to make any noise. When they got to the top, both jumped onto the roof. Faith looked around and immediately saw the roof access door; she motioned to Xander who looked and nodded. They slowly walked over to it. Xander tried the handle but it was locked. Faith moved his hand out of the way and grabbed the doorknob. She twisted it and Xander could hear the insides of the locking mechanism break. Faith pulled on the door and peered inside the darkened stairwell. "Follow me and be quiet." The slayer went in, followed closely by Xander.

As Faith walked, she held her hand against the wall, sliding it as she went. It eventually brushed up against a door frame. She stopped. Turning to Xander, who she knew was behind her more than she could see he was, she whispered, "We go inside and see what's up…keep low." Just as quietly whispered came a shaky response, "Ok."

This door wasn't locked and the slayer ever so slowly opened it…inch by inch. She bent down as far as she could get. As the opening increased, the brunette tried to see inside to get a view of coming attractions. Light flowed in; it was coming from below them. After a few moments, Faith could tell the building had been gutted. There was what appeared to be a walkway in front of them. However, she could see that there was a big cavernous opening in the middle. As the door opened farther, Faith realized that the entire middle of the interior of the building was gone. All that was left of the actual floors was just the flooring in front of the door. She could see that it ran all the way around the building forming a walkway of sorts.

The other thing that caught her attention was the voices. She could hear people talking; it wasn't loud but she could hear it.

"There're vamps down there, Faith," whispered Xander excitedly. Obviously, he had heard the voices too.

"I know, but I can't see a damn thing…I need to go out on the floor over there…close to the edge so I can see down." She started to crawl.

As she went, Xander grabbed the door. He too was in a crouched position. The man moved so that he was also out of the stairwell, but he held onto the door, keeping it opened slightly. He watched as Faith made her way there, looked down and then came back. Quietly, "Jackpot!… There're a bunch of vamps all standing around a big cage…It's gotta be them." Her voice was soft but full of confidence. "We need to get to the bottom…That's the only real chance we have to surprise them." Xander nodded.

"Sorry, I could only see the cage." She placed her hand on the man's arm. "Let's go get your son."

The two crawled back to the door and Xander pushed it open further as they got close. Once there, they kept in their crouched positions and went back into the stairwell and closed the door. It was only then that they stood up. Both looked at each other with big smiles. Their eyes had become accustomed to the low light and they could see the hope in the other's expression.

Neither saw the forearms that came crushing down on the back of the other's head until it was too late.

Willow lay there on her side looking at her sleeping brunette. Her head rested on a make shift pillow forged of her clothes and jacket. The witch remembered falling asleep with her head resting on Kennedy's shoulder. She knew sometime during the night, the brunette must have created the pillows for them. The redhead had been awake for about ten minutes. Willow let her eyes dart momentarily to the chamber opening. Despite the light in the place, she could tell it was still before sunrise. But she had a sense that it would be getting light outside soon. She diverted her eyes back to her girl.

As she stared at Kennedy, a serene feeling came over the witch. She canvassed her slayer's face, that piece of living art that had become a part of her. Willow treasured the times when she woke before her slayer and could just watch her peacefully sleeping. It was then that the redhead knew for certain Kennedy was completely content. The brunette's face belied the hardship she'd undergone in her young life. Willow knew most people would find it hard to believe that the rich, beautiful Kennedy Prescott had had anything but a fairytale life. But Willow knew better; she understood that money didn't equate to happiness and beauty didn't shield a heart from pain. The redhead marveled at the strength of her slayer, a quality that showed even on her slumbering expression.

Looking at her slayer, Willow knew that she was gazing at the closest thing to physical perfection she'd ever seen. Long eyelashes, full lips and luscious hair were only the beginnings to the Prescott package. Willow didn't know how to describe her lover's skin other than to say it was enticing to the touch and warm on the eyes. The brunette's body was addictive like a drug. It was firm, yet supple, and curvy in all the right places. Kennedy's toned complexion stood in direct contrast to that of the witch. Willow gently moved her hand so that it draped on the brunette's arm. 'So different, and yet so right together.' The redhead had a feeling of quiet realization come over her. She had everything she wanted in life. Willow had someone who would love her forever and whom she would love the same. After last night, she was certain they would have the living expression of their commitment and devotion. In that silent fraction of a moment, Willow was never happier in her life. The woman lying beside her was the reason for her state; deep down, Willow knew Kennedy was her only reason.

The touch of Willow's hand on her skin brought the slayer out of her dream state. Eyelids fluttered as Kennedy stretched her arms. She turned her head to see Willow staring at her.

Kennedy stretched some more as she got a cheeky look. "Because you think I'm irresistible and can't keep your eyes off me." Willow laughed at the bad attempt at modesty.

"Well if that's true, then I guess I must have been staring." The witch leaned in and kissed her slayer. Kennedy put her hand on the back of Willow's head and prolonged the contact, engaging the redhead in a slow, soft kiss. When done, Willow leaned back with a dreamlike expression on her face.

"That was incredible last night…I don't even know where to start…Did you know that was gonna happen?" Kennedy's thoughts of the previous night's events flooded her mind.

"No, not exactly…I knew we'd have to be connected somehow…but I never imagined it would be like that…" Willow paused for the right words. "…Getting to feel what you feel when we…" The redhead blushed slightly. Kennedy's heart melted. She adored the fact that, even after all the time they'd been together, Willow was still shy about talking about sex…even their sex. She smiled warmly.

Kennedy turned on her side and kissed the witch's bare freckled shoulder. "I'm glad you know…first hand…I told you that you were amazing." Willow got embarrassed.

"Well, as you know now, you push all the right buttons, too." Willow's words came out uneven because Kennedy had moved her kisses farther down along the witch's neck and had snaked her hand under the covers where it traced lazy eights along the witch's thigh.

Kennedy's fingers trailed across Willow's stomach. It stopped when it reached the area where the ritual blood had been absorbed. The slayer placed her palm spread out over it. The kisses ceased and brown eyes glanced down. "Do you think it worked?"

Willow heard so much hope in the question. She placed her and over the brunette's. "I certainly hope so." The two looked at each other knowing the expectation each held.

After a minute or so, Willow shifted and looked at the opening. "It's probably time we get up and get out of here." She stuck her hand inside her jacket pocket and found her watch. "It's six-thirty already." Kennedy nodded.

The women put their clothes back on and then stood up. Willow said a few words and the barrier was gone. Both felt a cold rush of air hit their skin. It was a chilly New Hampshire morning. They gathered up their belongings. The last thing Willow did was to pick up the crystal which still shone brightly. Again, she said some words and the light went out. The chamber was bathed in darkness except for the early morning beams finding their way down the entranceway. The women held hands as they walked out of the enclosure and back to the surface. As they exited the place, they took one look back. Each knew that what had happened below the earth was as good as a miracle. For them, that site had become their holy land.

The couple quickly went back to their vehicle and Willow reversed the cloaking spell she'd placed on the car the previous night. They got in and Kennedy started the engine and drove out of the parking lot. They got to the end of the driveway and just as Kennedy was about to turn onto the highway, Willow shouted, "Wait!" Kennedy jammed on the brakes. Willow smiled as she reached into the big bag on the back seat. She pulled out the gate lock. "Be back in one second." Willow raced out of the car, closed the gate and reattached the lock. Once back in the car, "Let's go back to New York, baby." Kennedy drove away, the scene of the most important night of their life disappearing in their rear view mirror.

The drive back to New York was soon interrupted. "I gotta eat, Will…and I gotta pee…Don't you gotta pee?" There were definitely times when Kennedy could be too straight forward. The couple stopped at a McDonalds and took care of all their morning needs. After stomachs were filled and bladders emptied, the two started on their journey again. They talked nonstop; the conversation was light and fun. The women were happy and excited. When they got around Boston and were heading for Hartford, Connecticut, Willow remembered that she hadn't turned on her cell phone. Both women had left theirs turned off in the car overnight. The last thing they wanted interrupting their ritual was a call from anyone about anything.

Willow turned on her phone and saw that she had messages. "I betcha Faith called to leave some smart ass good luck wish," the slayer joked. Kennedy drove as Willow listened to her messages. The slayer glanced over to see a dismayed look on her wife's face. The longer she looked the worse the expression got. Kennedy became worried.

"What is it, Will?…What's wrong?" Willow slowly turned to look at her brunette.

Said in a stunned manner, "It's Xander…He's almost incoherent…He said a vampire took Nate…"

Kennedy wasn't sure she heard right. "What?…What about Nate?" She had trouble keeping her eyes on the road.

Willow kept listening to message after message that her oldest friend left on her phone. In each, he sounded almost hysterical; he had trouble forming words. She could hear Jessica crying in the background. In each call, Xander told her that Nate had been kidnapped by a vampire and he pleaded for her and Kennedy to return to New York.

"Kenne…pull the car over…" When she got a confused look from the brunette, she shouted. "Pull the car over!" Kennedy did weaving through the sparse traffic to the shoulder. As soon as the vehicle stopped, Willow jumped out and leaned against the front fender with her phone still to her ear. "Check your phone," was all she said.

Kennedy got hers out of the glove compartment and listened to the messages Xander had left for her. She too heard the desperation in the man's voice. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. 'How could this happen?' The slayer was too bewildered to make sense of it. When she looked up, she saw Willow calling someone.

"Jessie?…What's happened?" Willow's voice now had a dose of hysteria. Kennedy waited as she watched Willow listen intently, her eyes welling up and her hand clenching at her chest. It seemed like hours before the call ended.

Willow was on the verge of tears. Her words were chopped. "When they got back to their hotel last night…" Willow told Kennedy every detail that she was told by Jessie. The witch told the slayer about Nate's kidnapping, Xander and Jessie being knocked out, Faith telling them about two other children being taken and the name of the demon Faith had Giles researching. Lastly, she told Kennedy that Faith and Xander went to find the baby and that Jessie hadn't heard from them yet. "They've been gone a couple hours, she said…Xander didn't call her like he said he would…Jessie's a mess."

"What the fuck do we do now?…We need to get back…We're not far from Logan…" Willow didn't let Kennedy finish her sentence.

"You're right, we need to get back…They need us now…not in three hours." Willow stared at the slayer. "I could get back…I could teleport."

Kennedy shook her head. "I know you can, but if you find the vamps you can't take them on all by yourself…You said Faith told Jessie there were probably at least twelve vampires…You'd never be able to handle all them at once."

Willow was upset. "We gotta try though…We can't stay here…I could at least try. I know I could find them." Kennedy shook her head again.

"Finding them's not enough…You said yourself, whoever's behind this has got a lot of power…He's using magick which means you'd be up against magick and demons…"

Willow didn't care about the odds. "That doesn't matter…They've got Nate and who knows what's happened to Xander and Faith…This is the only way Kennedy." Willow's voice was adamant.

The slayer studied her and then she looked down and concentrated. She wasn't about to send her witch off to sure annihilation at the hands of power crazed vampires. But she wasn't about to let Nate be left out like an unwanted orphan. She knew they both had to get back to New York. That was their only chance. Then the answer hit her. Brown eyes looked at willow.

Willow was stunned. "I can't do that…I've never done…You know I've only teleported myself…I can't risk something happening to you…" This time Kennedy stopped the witch.

"Nothing will happen to me…I know you can do this…You can send us both back…" Her eyes pleaded to the witch. "…This is the only way…This'll work and we can both find all of them."

The witch stared at the slayer; she had such a look of confidence in what she'd just proposed. Willow, however, was unsure. In theory she knew it could work if she and Kennedy held onto each other. But, could she risk her lover's life on her hunches about a theory? The pull to help Xander and Nate was extreme. She knew Kennedy was right. They both needed to be in on this hunt. In the end, it was the certainty in the slayer's look that decided it for Willow.

"Ok…I'll do it…" The witch glanced around. "Get in the car, the back seat." Kennedy pumped her fist and got in the car. Willow followed.

Once in the car, Willow gave her directions. "You need to clear your mind of all this stuff…think about being in our hotel room…the living room in front of the couch…You have to keep that thought in your head."

Kennedy squinted her eyes closed. Willow put her arms around the girl and took a deep breath. She exhaled slowly and began to concentrate. Within a few moments, Kennedy began to feel tingling on her skin and white bursting sparks behind her closed eyes. She kept doing what Willow told her despite the feeling that she was beginning to become lighter.

When a Massachusetts state highway patrol officer stopped behind the vehicle ten minutes later, he ended up putting a citation under one of the windshield wiper blades. It was for abandonment of a vehicle. There wasn't a soul to be found in the car.

Kennedy felt Willow let go of her and she opened her eyes. They were sitting on the floor in their hotel's living room, right in front of the couch like Willow said. The slayer felt a sudden bout of nausea and a pounding at the base of her skull. She felt Willow stand up.

"Are you ok, baby?" Willow had long ago mastered teleportation. When she traveled, there were no longer any physical side affects. She wasn't certain the same would be true for her brunette.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a headache." The slayer didn't want anything to get in the way of why they'd teleported in the first place. She certainly didn't want Willow worrying about her on top of the horror with which she already had to deal. She also got up and smiled at Willow.

The witch relaxed slightly. The fact that Kennedy didn't have the extreme spasms and dizziness she'd gotten when she first traveled, Willow could only chalk up to her being a slayer. The super slayer abilities must have insulated her from the ravages that the 'traveling' did to normal bodies.

"We need to let Jessie know we're here…and we need to call Giles." Willow's brain was working a mile a minute.

"You call Jessie and let her know we'll be right over…I'll call Giles and find out what Faith told him and what he found out about that Dalfort vamp." Kennedy was just as eager to get the ball rolling.

Both women did their respective jobs. Willow was able to calm Jessie down slightly. The woman was so grateful they were back. Willow was told that she still hadn't heard from Xander. The redhead heard a slight tone of relief when she let Jessica know she and Kennedy would be there soon.

Kennedy's call to Giles took longer. First, she had to tell him about Nate's kidnapping and the unknown whereabouts of Faith and Xander. Then she questioned him on what he and Faith had talked about and what he was able to find out about their one fanged demon. The conversation became so informative that she hung up, called the man again and put him on the phone's speaker so that Willow could get the information he'd found. "Giles, we're both listening, so start over so Will knows everything you told me."

During the course of the phone call, Giles told Willow and Kennedy that the reason they'd hadn't been able to find information on a one fanged vampire before was because there wasn't one.

"Dalfort didn't have one fang in the literature we have on him," said the watcher emphatically.

Kennedy was confused. "What are you saying?…The vamp Faith killed gave her bum information?"

Now Willow was confused and edgy for an answer. "Giles, we don't have time for twenty questions…What do you know?" The Englishman heard the impatience in the witch's tone.

"Let me start at the beginning and this will all make sense…It's Dalfort and I know what he's trying to do. Initially, Dalfort is his acquired demon name. His mortal name was…" Giles continued to tell the couple of the history of Dalfort, the Vampire.

The demon's mortal name was Piers Gaveston, the son of a rich land baron in the north of England. He was a friend of England's Prince Edward at the beginning of the 14^th century. He had actually introduced the Prince to the game of cricket which had been in existence in England, in some crude form or another, for hundreds of years before that. The Prince and Gaveston were actually honored with having played the first recorded game of cricket in London in 1300 A.D.

"Gaveston always was a fanatic about the game…regardless of everything else in his horrible life, he kept an unbreakable link to the game."

Giles told the women how Gaveston had a reputation for being not only athletic but also a forward thinker, a marvel at that time in history when anything secular was considered the work of the devil. The man was a Renaissance thinker in a Dark Ages time. Gaveston believed in reincarnation and the mind over the soul. He was fascinated with tales of immortality and the struggles of Good and Evil. He believed in eternal life and gods and demons.

"He was not fond of the dictatorial nature of the Church…He didn't feel everything associated with the dark side was necessarily evil…" However, not all was rosy in Gaveston's life. "From what we can put together now, with the advances in psychiatry, the man was a genius…Unfortunately, he was also mentally ill. From the stories we have, it's rather clear that he suffered from severe manic depression…"

Giles described stories of how Gaveston would stay up for weeks working on inventions or contemplating the origins of the universe. "…He wrote treatises and gave spur of the moment lectures…Then he'd crash and be found in the bedroom of his ancestral home mumbling about Man's need to go back to God." Giles said that the only reason the man wasn't put away in an insane asylum was because of his wealth and friendship to the Prince. "He really was a very disturbed young man."

The Englishman went on to say that one night, in 1316, Gaveston mysteriously disappeared. His vanishing went unsolved by the authorities and it was thought that he had finally succumbed to his weakness and drowned himself in the Thames. "What wasn't known was that the man had been the victim of a vampire. He was sired just after midnight struck bringing in the end of All Hallow's Eve."

"His turning became a curse on London. The madman who was once bound, in the loosest of ways, by the rules of a society he hated, now was able to indulge every one of his sick ideas." Giles told the women that Gaveston, before his death and rebirth, had even dabbled in the occult, the dark magicks. Unknown to even his best friend, Prince Edwards, the man had become an accomplished warlock. Being a vampire only added fuel to the fire.

"Gaveston was like Druscilla in a way…The mental illness they had as humans didn't disappear when they became vampires…It fact, they got worse. The sicknesses in their minds were unleashed by their demon essence…In Gaveston's case, the man went on a killing frenzy…he murdered everyone that had ever kept him from experiencing anything during his mortal life. He attacked the clergy particularly egregiously." Giles repeated the story of how Gaveston, who by the mid-1400's went by the name of Dalfort – "God's Revenge", literally wiped out entire monasteries and convents by the score.

"His reason was that the 'people of God' were blinded by their faith and wouldn't see the true message and meaning from God…He was a creature of the night who still thought he had a connection to the Creator's meaning of life…He was more of a madman than he ever could have imagined in his mortal days."

Dalfort spent hundreds of years killing his way around Britain. "During this whole time, he kept searching for the way to gain control of all information…He believed in a version of the Tree of Knowledge story in Genesis…He believed that there existed the possibility of gaining universal awareness…of becoming God…'the' God, the all knowing, all seeing Power-that-be."

As Giles told his story, Willow and Kennedy sat on the couch in the hotel room, mesmerized. They were listening to the tale of a madman, a verifiable lunatic who unfortunately had the demonic power to search out the truth of his hypothesis. They listened as Giles told them further that Dalfort had spent hundreds of years searching out the spell or potion or ritual that would give him that absolute power. The anecdotes the watcher recited of the cruelty capable by this demon against those who got in his way made the hair stand on the backs of their necks.

Willow had heard more than her share. "How does the one fang come in?" If this vampire was as notorious as he sounded, she was at a loss as to how he had been 'defanged.'

"Ah, now the story gets really interesting…" Giles was intense as he told the next part. "The vampire had run amuck in Western Europe for hundreds of years, killing and dismembering as part of some twisted theory of retribution for God…meaning the God he created in his sick mind…The one he was convinced he could become…Well, the forces of Good finally decided that he had gone too far and needed to be stopped. The story goes that a warrior god, a soldier from the cosmic otherworld, was sent to do battle with him…"

The story continued that Dalfort, in 1857, in the agrarian flatlands north of London, engaged in a battle of monumental proportions against the warrior god. "It was written that the skies were dark like night and all living creatures stayed confined to avoid mistakenly being caught up in the battle. The war raged on with Dalfort using not only his vampire attributes but his wisdom of the black magicks to gain the upper hand throughout the time the two battled."

"In the end, however, the warrior won out. The vampire had made tactical and mental errors…no doubt caused by his skewed view of reality. The passages regarding the defeat are not precise. It appears Dalfort was beaten and stripped of his powers…The writings say he was 'disfigured' from the utter massacre done to him…The last piece of information on the battle says that the demon vanished."

"That's it?…Nothing more?…How is this guy back then?…and how does he only have one fang?" Kennedy was upset. All that Giles had told them still didn't give them the insight they needed on the demon.

"I said he 'vanished'…When I read the passages, the interpretation by many other sources was that he was dusted or vanquished…Everyone thought the warrior god had killed Dalfort…gotten rid of him for eternity…but that's not what happened…Dalfort must have had enough magick left to make himself vanish…He didn't die…He just went somewhere to regroup…" Giles voice was getting serious again. "He must have lost the fang in the battle…that must be the disfigurement…only something as powerful as a god could alter the physical makeup of a vampire…that's why there hasn't been any one fanged vampire…Dalfort's been in hiding until now."

Willow got an eerie chill. "And now he's back with a vengeance…He found the ritual he was looking for, didn't he?…The one that'll give him absolute power."

"Yes, I believe he has…or he thinks he has." The watcher's voice was low and carried a tone of fear.

"What's the spell?…What's it got to do with the kidnappings and killings?" Kennedy knew all she needed to about the vampire. She now wanted to know what lay waiting for the poor young Nate and the others.

The slayer looked at the witch. The redhead slowly brought her stare to the brunette. "It's always blood…He's using the victim's blood to gain some primal experience or something like that, right Giles?"

Said just as flatly, "I believe so, Willow." The watcher let out a long breath. "There were some references to Dalfort's earlier efforts to find his version of the 'holy grail.' He knew that blood was the essence of life. He felt it held the key to the knowledge of the universe…During his vampire rampage, he experimented on killing and drinking the blood of people of all types…to see if he felt the infusion of all existence in him…It was different than feeding on them."

"He found the right combination…that's why he's back…The last six months have been part of it, right?" Willow was getting more worried as she worked her way through the madman's inner workings.

This was the part on which Giles was still hazy. "I still can't find the exact ritual or spell he's got to be doing…The last six months may have been a dress rehearsal, or genuine steps along the way…The Council members I've talked to seem to think that he's still trying to find the key…that the people he's killed are part of his experimentation."

"But the fact that last night's kidnappings were out of the expected pattern must mean he's figured it out…He wouldn't expose him or his group after being so careful if he wasn't sure he didn't have to worry if he was found." Willow was certain that they were running out of time; they had to act and act now. "We have to find him and the others…Nate and the two kids will be dead if we don't."

Kennedy chimed in. "Giles, all we care about now is finding these guys and killing them…You got any info on that?"

Willow nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Giles. I've never been able to sense them…there's like a barrier in the way…which makes sense now. It's Dalfort's magick."

Giles tone became surer. "Willow, you have the children now…sense for them…sense for Faith and Xander. I'm confident that you can locate them all…they must be very scared."

Willow's expression turned to one of realization. "Of, course. Why didn't I think of that already?" Kennedy knew that they needed to get their operation under way. They still had to go see Jessica to make sure she was under control.

"Giles, listen, we've got about as much facts as we're gonna get. Me and Willow just need to find them now…We'll get this Dalfort and his crew …but we really need to do this now."

"Of course, of course. Just remember, this vampire has more than just demon powers. He was magicks to use also…You must be extra cautious…He is a lunatic…Unfortunately, I have no more information that would help you on his weaknesses…I'm still researching…All I can say is good luck, to both of you."

The women said their good byes and then turned their attention to going to see Jessica. Kennedy still had her headache which was migraine quality. The nausea had subsided for the most part but Willow was worried about what another bout of teleporting would do to the slayer's body. "We can't chance you having physical problems now. You need to be full strength if we're going to beat these guys." The problem they faced, however, was that they lacked a vehicle. Theirs was still on the highway in Massachusetts as far as they knew. Taking a cab or the subway would take too long. In the end, the slayer convinced Willow that teleporting was again their only quick option. "We can't waste any more time, Will." The witch grudgingly agreed and once more took her slayer in an embrace and sent them on a trip through time.

Jessica was sitting in the chair in the hotel room, going slowly insane from the worry when suddenly two figures materialized by the room's door. She saw Willow and Kennedy crouched on the floor, the slayer in the witch's embrace. The woman was completely stunned. Xander had told her about the magickal abilities of Willow and the supernatural tendencies of Kennedy, but she had never seen any acts of either with her own eyes. Even Willow's actions on Xander's sight were done behind closed doors. The view before her now made her speechless. Just as she was about to get out of her chair, she stopped in her tracks because of the actions of Kennedy.

The slayer had not taken the second 'trip' as well as the first. She hadn't been able to concentrate as before. The result was that she'd had a "bad landing" as Willow called it. The slayer was all on fours, her head hanging down. The throbbing at the back of her skull was matched only by the pounding behind her eyes. Her muscles ached like she'd run three marathons. She was sweating and she could feel her heart thumping in her chest.

Willow knew immediately that Kennedy had experienced a rough ride. She saw it in the rigidity of the girl's body and the slow deep grunting sounds she made. She put her arms on the slayer's shoulders. "Baby, don't try to move. Stay still…The pain will go away, but the more you move, the longer it'll take." Willow's felt bad for the pain she knew her slayer was undergoing. "Try to take deep breaths…Don't force anything." Willow looked up and saw Jessie now standing in front of the chair with a stunned expression. The redhead mouthed "water" to her. Jessie stood motionless for a few moments and then nodded and went into the kitchen.

By the time she returned with a glass of water, Kennedy was standing, with Willow in front of her, raking brunette hair out of the slayer's face.

"Wow…That one was a little bumpy…" Kennedy smiled in an effort to calm her witch. "I'm ok now." She looked at her redhead with another reassuring smile.

Jessica came over with the water and offered it to Kennedy. "Take it, baby…It'll help with the muscle cramping." The slayer did as Doctor Willow prescribed.

Within a few minutes, everything was normal. Willow once again was amazed at the healing powers of slayers. She knew she would have been out of commission for quite a while if it had been her. Once Kennedy was herself, the couple made sure that Jessica was making it through the horrible event. "I'm scared to death that I've lost my son and husband." Kennedy and Willow tried to reassure the woman that her family was still alive and that they would find and bring them back. They told her a very short version of what Giles had told them, just enough to give the woman some hope that adequate information was known about Dalfort to allow his capture and demise.

When the couple had Jessica calmed down enough, they told her their plan. It was the one they devised before they teleported to the hotel. "I'm going to try to sense Nate…Find out where he is…Once we know that, Kenne and I will go there and stop these monsters…I'm pretty sure they have Faith and Xander…" Willow's gut reaction was that everyone was alive. "Jessie, I can sense for Nate on my own, but I might have more of a chance for a quicker and stronger connection if I can hold something of his." Willow didn't have to say another word. Jessica ran over to the rented hotel crib and grabbed a stuffed Elmo doll. She hurried back and gave it to the witch. "This is his favorite doll." There were tears in her eyes and her voiced cracked.

Willow took the doll and held it to her chest. She closed her eyes and lowered her head. She said nothing; she stood perfectly still. No one in the room made a sound. Kennedy and Jessie watched as Willow stood there. They could see sweat form on her neck and her breathing became shallow and quick. Finally, Willow's head sprang up. Beads of perspiration fell down her face. Her hair was matted to the sides of her face. She looked as if she'd just worked out intensely for an hour.

The witch stared at the other two women. Her expression was a combination of accomplishment and fear. "I know where he is."

That was all Kennedy needed to hear. Before Jessica had a chance to say anything, Kennedy was out the door with Willow right behind her.

At first, it sounded like muffled words under water. Nothing her ears took in made sense. Then the cloud started to clear from her mind and the talking became sensible to Faith. She was still very groggy but could hear male voices behind her seemingly in a heated conversation. The slayer didn't move initially. She had learned long ago never to make sudden moves when her head wasn't totally in charge. She remained still with her eyes closed. She listened as she lay there on a cold, hard floor.

"This is bullshit!…He said we'd get to do the ritual too…That's what he said…Now, it's only him?…What the fuck is this?" Faith heard the tone of a man betrayed.

"We've got to trust him…Dalfort knows what he's doing…He's a genius…he won't go back on his word…He'll give us the power he said he would." This man's voice was hesitant but still loyal.

"I can't believe you're that naive…You're a vampire for fuck's sake…Dalfort's gonna get his and then screw us over…He treats us like shit now…Well, I for one ain't gonna wait around for that…I'd rather be out on my own and still around than stay here and end up dusted." The last part was said in a lower volume.

"Freddy, you can't go. You know we're all needed to do this…He'd find out anyways if you tried…He's got every inch of this place covered…How'd ya think he got them two?" Faith knew he had to talking about her and Xander.

At that thought, the slayer opened her eyes slightly and glanced around. It was enough to let her see her surroundings but not enough to be noticeable. She saw Xander lying unconscious on the concrete floor about five feet away from her. She could see that he had chains wrapped around his wrists and ankles and that the chains were tied somehow to a large metal beam coming out of the floor. Very carefully, she looked down at herself and tried to move her arms. She quickly deduced that she too was bound. The brunette looked around and memorized as much of what she saw as possible. She picked up again on the dialogue of the two vamps behind her.

"…and that's how I get out. Dalfort ain't God yet…He can't be everywhere at once…or his toadies for that matter…You think Pepe's one?…He always kissing Dalfort's ass."

"Freddy, you better stop talking that nonsense. Someone will hear you and then for sure you're not gonna get any power…then it won't make a difference how many drainage lines are under here…because you won't be around to get to one." Faith could tell from the tone that the higher pitched vampire was getting nervous.

"Listen, all I know is Jones told me he'd had enough and was getting out…and I haven't seen him since he left for the cricket field…So I'm thinking he made it…He said 'fuck you very much' to our great leader and decided being a regular vamp wasn't such a bad gig after all…the guy had balls to do that. And if he can, so can I…I'm heading down the drain in that back room as soon as this shit really hits the fan…All I'm saying is you can come, too."

Just then there was loud commotion at the other end of the warehouse. Faith opened her eyes slightly again only to see the two pairs of legs walk past her in that direction. She saw just enough of the rest of the talking vampires attached to those legs to catch a glimpse of a shiny necklace around the neck of one of them. She swore it looked like it had a cricket bat pendant. The slayer scanned the area some more and saw that no one else was in her vicinity. She opened her eyes completely. What she saw startled her.

She and Xander were indeed on the bottom floor of the old gutted building. As she looked up, she got the impression that the place was indeed being taken apart, or at least had been at one time. It looked like a gigantic fist had rammed itself down the middle of the building, taking out all the floors except for the very perimeter of each. As she strained her eyes upward, Faith could see where she and Xander had been captured. She knew there had to have been a trap or alarm system set up somehow to stop intruders.

Canvassing the ground floor some more, Faith saw that the 'main' activity area was at the other end. She saw a group of vampires. Something was happening but the brunette couldn't tell what. Looking around her area, the slayer noticed carcasses of rats, cats and dogs off to the left side. She also saw the bodies of what appeared to be homeless men, two of them. It didn't take a slayer to know they were dead. Also over in that part of the warehouse was a large heavy looking metal box. The closer she examined the more it appeared to be a furnace. When she noticed a hand made exhaust pipe stuck down a water drainage hole, Fait knew it was indeed a furnace. She suspected it was used to cremate the dead, be they men or mice, to keep the 'smell' from getting so strong as to call attention to the place. The brunette also saw cricket equipment and magazines dedicated to the sport sprawled about. All in all, it was a disgusting place.

Faith took her eyes away from her immediate area and looked further up in the direction of the crowd. Before they got there, brown eyes were diverted to a metal cage. It was the one she had seen from the top floor. She could see three bodies in there; one of them definitely being that of the seven month old Nathaniel Harris. The baby was sleeping, or at least that's what it looked like to the slayer. She prayed the little one was dozing. The other two children were making noises; Faith suspected they were crying. Even from her far distance, the brunette could tell that the children were terrified. The rigidity of their bodies said it all. When the crying got louder, a vampire went to the cage and banged on it with his fist. The children cowered but became silent. Unfortunately, the noise woke Nate who began to cry. The vampire reached down to the side of the cage and grabbed a baby bottle. He pushed it through the space between the metal bars and said something to the older child. Quickly, she took the bottle, picked up Nate and started to feed him, quieting his outburst.

Faith, feeling impotent due to her inability to help the youngsters, looked away. She followed the noise to the commotion. There were about ten or so vampires in an intense argument. They were shouting and arms were flying about. A few almost came to physical blows but then a sharp, loud thundering voice echoed above the rest. There was instant silence. To the slayer, it almost seemed as if the vampires were scared. 'Well, that's unusual.' Faith knew it took real power to make a vampire flinch. She kept looking where the sound came from; she knew that it had to be Dalfort. The brunette got edgy just wanting to catch a glimpse of the killer she'd been after for six months.

Suddenly, the crowd parted and the silhouette of a large figure came walking in her direction. It walked slowly and never deviated in its course. The figure didn't bother looking at the cage or the many other horrible sights between it and the slayer. It wasn't until the creature got about fifteen feet from her that Faith actually saw a face. What she saw startled her and came vocal in one horrible word.

"No use talking about it now…We didn't and that's it…I said no teleporting, so get over it." The witch kept driving.

After the couple had left Jessica's room, Kennedy stopped at the end of the hallway. Willow looked unsure. "Where are we going?"

"Will, we needed to get outta there…Did you see Jessie? She was freaked out. We need to teleport but I can't concentrate knowing she's all weirded out and staring at us."

Willow got a stern expression. "We're not teleporting again. The last one really got to you…I don't know what another would do. I'm not risking you getting seriously injured…or worse."

Kennedy looked shocked. "Nothing's going to happen to me. I'm fine…I just had a little headache…We need to get there fast and…" Willow wouldn't let her finish.

"You didn't have just a little headache…and your 'I can handle this' attitude isn't gonna work this time. No teleporting."

The two argued some more until Kennedy realized she was wasting her time. If Willow wasn't going to do her magick, then the issue was dead. This was one time that a Prescott woman wouldn't win. Kennedy resigned herself to defeat.

Willow gave her a look that let the slayer know she wasn't amused. The witch thought for a moment and then said, "Follow me."

They walked through the hotel's parking lot, not noticing Faith's car in the back, to the lot next to it for another hotel. "Why are we here?" Kennedy asked. "Need to keep Xander's hotel out of things," was the redhead's reply. Willow went up to a white car and tried the door handle; it was locked. She glanced around, put her hand back on the handle and blinked. The handle lifted easily and she opened the door. Willow hit the unlock button and the rest of the doors unlocked. "Get in," she told the brunette. Once inside, Kennedy watched as the witch put her hand on the ignition switch and once again blinked. The engine started. The slayer was surprised.

"You're stealing a car?…Oh, yeah, this is much better than teleporting." The sarcastic tone was back.

"Don't get testy with me just because I won't let you have your way this time. We won't be using the car that long…hopefully…and when we're done we'll bring it back or let the cops know where it is."

Kennedy accepted her defeat and sat back in her seat. The witch and the slayer drove off.

A little later, after Kennedy had her bout of "we should teleported" again, the slayer nervously asked, "How do you know where to go?"

The two remained silent until Willow spoke. "This is the payback." Her voice was flat.

"For wanting our own baby…for being selfish and going against nature…Nate and the other two kids are gone because of what we did."

Kennedy heard such hurt and guilt in her witch's words. "No, babe…This isn't because of us…It's Dalfort that did this…all of this…Nate being taken was just a one in a million…bad timing…'We' didn't do anything wrong." One thing the slayer was sure of was that Willow had nothing to be guilty about.

Softly and through strained voice, "If anything happens to Nate…" Kennedy put her hand on Willow's arm.

The couple continued to drive through the streets of New York's old warehouse district. There were times when Kennedy could have sworn she saw the car turn without Willow touching the steering wheel. What Kennedy didn't realize was that her eyes saw right. As Willow drove, she remembered the last time she'd driven this way. It wasn't a good memory. She was supposed to have taken Dawn to the movies. Instead, they visited the warlock, Rack, and she'd gotten high on magick. It was the night she got into the car accident that led to Dawn's broken arm and her own realization that she'd hit bottom. It was the worst night of her life, until the day Tara died. Willow pushed all the unhappy memories from her head. This time her physic driving was being put to use for a good reason, for the best one of all, to save lives.

The redhead drove up to an intersection and stopped the car. She looked straight ahead. Willow pointed. "There it is…three blocks up…that old red brick place on the left."

Willow shook her head. "No. If I was Dalfort, I'd put a sensor up…like an invisible alarm…to let me know if anyone nondemon came around…We need to leave the car here."

"I need to see if I can find Faith and Xander. If they're in there maybe they can tell us something about the inside."

Kennedy looked unsure. "I thought this guy had some barrier up scrambling stuff like that?"

Willow nodded. "He does…but I'm not sensing for a dead person…I found Nate because of how strong his and the other's kids fear was…I know how to get 'under' his radar now…If Faith or Xander is in there, I'm pretty sure my powers are strong enough to reach them."

"Do you really think a one fanged warlock-wanna-be vampire can outgun me?" Willow used a feinged tone of disappointment.

Kennedy shook her head slowly and in an exaggerated fashion. "I think one beautiful redheaded witch beats out an old crazy vamp any day."

"Then let's see what I can hear." Willow stared at the warehouse. [Faith?…Xander?…Are you there?].

The vampire was tall but had a disfigured face. Nothing so horrible that she had to look away. She saw the one fang hanging from under his lip. The demon looked old; he looked crazy.

"So you're awake. Slayers never stay out as long as you'd like them to…" Dalfort glanced at Xander still unconscious. "…You should be more like your companion."

Faith wasn't affected by his deep, low voice. "Never was one to follow the rules."

Dalfort grunted. "No difference. You'll be dead soon enough and it won't matter."

Faith just glared at the demon, her eyes trying to burn some emotion into him. "You won't get away with this," she said confidently.

Faith attempted not to let her confusion show. All she had on this guy was a name. She never had the chance to find out from Giles what his story was. She knew she had to try to get the vampire to tell her his plan. "You'll be God as soon as I am…What makes you think you got it right this time?" The slayer saw the hatred in the demon's eyes. 'Vampires are vain if nothing else,' she thought to herself.

"What makes me think it is because I know I've found it. After centuries of searching…of being beaten down, I know I have the answer."

Faith interrupted just to get the demon even more upset. "So you'll be some 'big, bad vamp,' seen 'em, killed 'em…You'll be nothing special, just a bad excuse for a can opener."

Dalfort kicked the slayer in the gut. She let out a loud, "hhmmffph" and grimaced.

"Not a vampire…I'll be God…all knowing, all powerful…I will have all of existence at my feet."

Faith could see that this demon was a madman. He didn't want to rule the underworld or even the entire world. This vampire wasn't looking to bring evil on the world; he wanted dominion over the entire universe. The slayer kept pushing him.

"Please, you can't even control a bunch of idiot vamps…'You'…God? My ass…You let your guys feed on rats…you let me and him live…Doesn't sound very powerful to me…seems more like you're a pussy."

Dalfort exploded. He bent down and grabbed Faith by her throat. He lifted her until her chains tugged back taut. He spat as he shouted.

"What do you know of power?…I have shown the utmost of power…of discipline…I have followed the ritual to the letter…repressing my own nature to show my strength and worthiness…I've refrained from human blood…from killing…made my legions feast on animals, just to show my sacrifice for the knowledge…I've killed only according to the ritual…That is power…Others will follow me …must follow…Those that do not will get their retribution…"

Just then, Xander began to stir. Dalfort looked down at the moving body and swiftly kicked him in the head. The man went unconscious again. Faith struggled but the demon still had her neck.

The slayer looked behind the vampire and saw that his 'legions' were ready to break out into a fight again. "You won't need to punish them…They'll do it for you…How can you rule existence when you can't even keep your chumps in line?" Faith motioned her head behind the demon.

Dalfort turned and saw the infant insurgency. He let go of Faith. "You'll be dead soon enough." Then the vampire went back to the crowd.

Faith knew she'd gotten to him. She'd also gotten a lot of information from the madman. She turned her attention to Xander. "Xander? Are you awake?…You gotta wake up, man." The slayer couldn't reach him to see how bad his injuries were. She stopped fighting her chains and rested back on the floor.

Kennedy knew that Willow had gotten a response when she saw the witch's face light up with a big smile.

The two women continued their short and to the point conversation. Faith told Willow as quickly as possible all she could about their situation. [I don't know how Dalfort knew me and Xander were in here.]

[He's not just a vampire, Faith…When he was mortal, he was into magick…I'm betting he has a sensor spell in there that picks up on nondemons.]

Faith and Willow discussed the warehouse some more, the strange things Dalfort said to Faith and the conversation she overheard between the two vampires. [There's a drain…that's what the vamp said. It must be a water main to be big enough to fit a person in it.]

That made sense to the redhead. They talked some more, Willow filling Kennedy in as the discussion proceeded. Faith was able to tell them what side of the building they were in and what areas to avoid. Willow knew she could conjure up a reversal spell for the barrier in the warehouse. [I can do a spell that'll make our aura seem invisible so there won't be any warning vibes going off…You need to wake Xander up.]

Willow and Kennedy then planned their covert assault on the building. They carefully walked around near the building. From what Faith said, the vampires were gathered in the west end of the place. They decided to search for the drainage access on the south side. They looked around the streets until they spotted a manhole cover with the initials "NYCWW" – New York City Water Works.

"Before we go in, I'm going to do the reversal spell…I don't know where this Dalfort guy started his sensing…Better safe than sorry." Willow proceeded to perform her spell.

Watching the witch do that, Kennedy again was amazed with the power possessed by her redhead. All it took was a little information and the woman was able to counter anything thrown at her. Her knowledge of spells and conjures was overwhelming. 'Glad she's on my team,' the slayer thought. She meant it in so many different ways.

"Ok…We're good to go." It was that simple for the witch. Kennedy leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. "What was that for?" a surprised witch asked.

Kennedy smiled. "Let's just say I don't tell you enough how completely amazing you are." Willow smiled back.

"Time to go save the world again." Willow chuckled, as did Kennedy. Kennedy lifted the manhole cover out of the way and the women disappeared into the belly of New York City.

After ending her mindspeak with Willow, Faith took on the task of trying to wake up Xander. She quietly shouted his name; she tried to kick her feet at him. The slayer pulled as hard as possible on her chains. They didn't break put she thought she'd heard a noise from them. The brunette looked around and saw a splintered piece of a two-by-four behind her legs. She moved them around enough to get the wood under her feet which pushed it in front of her. Her legs then nudged it up further until she was able to grab it with her hands. She stretched as far as possible and was able to jab it into Xander's back. She kept at it until she heard groans come from the man. She stopped.

"Xander?…Can you hear me?" The man groaned some more and started to shift. "Xander…don't make sudden moves…there're vamps all around…Can you hear me?"

"Y-yeah." The answer sounded unsure. After waking up to the painful jabs to his back, Xander instantly felt the throbbing pain in his head. 'It feels like someone used my head for a soccer ball.' Xander had no idea how accurate his thought was. After responding to Faith, the Scooby opened his eyes and canvassed the place. He was searching for his son. "Where is he, Faith?"

The slayer told him and he grimaced when he saw the cage. He started to twist and turn to try to undo his confinement.

"Hey, don't move…We don't wanna get any of those vamps back here…I know you wanna get to Nate, but trust me, we need to stay still and quiet…We'll get him Xander. We just need to wait for Willow and Kenn."

"I thought they were in New Hampshire?" Xander couldn't believe the couple was back in New York.

"You know them, can't stay away from a good apocalypse." Faith went on to tell Xander about her "talk" with Willow and the fact that the couple was going to find a way into the building. "Once they get us outta these chains, then we get those kids away from here and kill the demon motherfuckers."

"How can they get in?" Xander worried for the fate of his friends knowing that he and Faith thought they'd had a sure fire entry plan.

Xander recognized Willow's voice immediately. He and Faith stretched their views behind them and saw Kennedy and Willow crouched down near them.

Kennedy mocked, "The drainage system in this city is very scenic. We took pictures. We'll show you later…" She looked up and saw that the vampires were all occupied in some type of discussion. "How's about now we get you guys free?"

"I don't know about Xander, but I'd be in favor of that." Xander seconded that statement.

The younger slayer nodded. "Good, then let's see what two slayers can do to them." On the count of three, both slayers pulled on the chains as hard as they could. Within seconds, they heard more cracking and then a lick broke. Faith had her hands untied. She sat up and the two did the same on her leg shackles. They also broke from the slayers' immense torque. Faith and Kennedy immediately crawled over to Xander and within minutes he too was freed.

Willow stared at the other end of the warehouse and the group of demons. "What is going on over there?…It's like they forgot all about you two."

Faith grunted. "Dalfort has a very major mutiny on his hands…Seems this guy's been keeping our poor vampire friends from being their vampirery selves…They are now showing their discontent."

Xander was rubbing his wrists. "Hey, they're going on strike…Who knew vampires were union." Then the man got serious when he saw the cage again. "Enough of them, I want my son." He started to get up but was yanked back down by Kennedy.

"Hold on, Xan…We're going to get Nate and the others, but we need to do this right, so those jokers don't see us."

Willow nodded, her eyes looking at her friend with understanding compassion. "Kenne's right. We need to get them out without putting them in any more danger than necessary." Xander sat back down and let out a frustrated breath.

"We've got one, don't worry." Willow put her hand on the fellow Scooby's shoulder.

Kennedy and Willow proceeded to tell the other two the plan that they devised as they made their way through the city's water and drainage passages. She explained that Willow would try to inflect more feelings of resentment and anger in the atmosphere of the squabbling demons. "Hopefully, that'll get them arguing even more and think less of you two and the kids." Willow knew that they had no idea she and Kennedy were inside the warehouse. If they'd known, there would have been a showdown by now. Once they were sure the attention was away from them, all four would slowly proceed to the cage, making sure they stuck to the sides and behind cover as much as possible. Once there, Willow would try to open any lock from her hidden spot. The real dangerous part of the plan came next. She and Kennedy knew that the kids wouldn't know that the lock was open, and even if they did, they would be too scared to move. Someone would have to go to the cage and get the kids out.

Strongly, "No, you aren't…This needs to be quick and without being noticed…and sorry, Xander, but you're way too klutzy and noticeable."

"She's right, Xander," Faith agreed. "We need someone small and stealthy…It has to be the Kid."

After looking at Willow whose eyes told him the slayers were right, Xander acquiesced.

The rest of the plan was, once Kennedy got the kids, to back track their steps and have Xander and Willow take the children out of the warehouse to freedom. "Once you guys are outta here, then me and Faith get to work on those chumps." This was the part of the plan that Willow was the most uneasy about. She didn't like the idea of her slayer taking on that many vampires and Dalfort. Faith's presence only made her worry for both of their safeties.

The details of the plan set out, they knew it was time to get started. The four slowly walked in a crouch over to the darkest part of the warehouse and carefully proceeded to their destination. It was time to save the children.

The plan would have worked perfectly except for the one thing that they had all forgotten – kids do the darndest things.

The vampires were in such a state of anarchy that the four were able to get to the cage without trouble. Willow did a chant and the lock opened. Kennedy, using her skills learned in Brazil, slinked her way to the cage like a night cat on the prowl. She was able to keep the older children from making noise when they saw her. The slayer opened the cage and motioned them to follow her. She reached in the cage and picked up Nate who was once again sleeping.

As soon as she got back to the rest, Xander rushed her and grabbed onto Nate. The slayer immediately gave the boy to his dad. She looked at Willow, who had her arms around the two older frightened children. Willow and Kennedy shared a moment, seeing the overwhelming joy and relief on Xander's face as soon as he had his child in his arms once again. The man kept hugging his child and kissing his baby-haired head.

Faith interrupted the reunion; she knew they needed to move fast. Xander nodded and everyone headed back to where they started. Willow told the other two children that they needed to be "as quiet as possible…be good and you get an ice cream sundae." As with their approach, the retreat went smoothly. Before they knew it, they had passed where Faith and Xander were chained and were at the doorway of the back room where the slayer and witch had entered.

"Ok, you and Xander get the kids outta here…and keep going," Kennedy told Willow.

"Kenne…I don't want to leave you and Faith to do this all by yourself…Dalfort knows magick." Willow was very worried. She didn't want to see anything happen to her slayer.

"Will, we don't know if any of these vamps will try to go after the kids or Xander some way. You need to stay with them." Kennedy didn't want Willow to stay because she didn't want to take the chance of her getting hurt. She was confident she and her fellow slayer could do the job.

"We don't know what they're capable of because of Dalfort…We can't risk the kids that way…Please, Willow, just go. Faith and me can do this."

Faith was getting anxious. "I don't mean to rush things, but we gotta get the kids outta here…pronto."

Kennedy stared at Willow until the witch gave in. She looked at Xander. "Let's go."

Willow started walking to the opening where she and Kennedy had come into the building. The "drain" that was to be their escape was actually a large man-made hole in the concrete floor which led down to the city's main water access system. During the initial demolition of the place, workers must have chiseled out the actual drainage access connection. The water system was an under ground tunnel of sorts large enough for a person of small stature to almost stand erect. The drop from the floor to the top access of the drainage area was about ten feet.

Willow held the older children by the hand. Xander followed with Nate in his arms. Just as they were about to start down the hole, the four year old halted and said, "I need my teddy." Willow tried to ignore the comment and pulled on his hand. The child wouldn't budge.

The vampires, who seconds before were on the verge of civil war, all stopped shouting and turned to the direction of the scream. They saw the open and empty cage. Dalfort looked for the slayer and her companion but saw noone.

"Find them!" he bellowed. Instantly, the crowd of vampires scattered running toward the other end of the warehouse.

"Shit!…Get the hell out..now!" Kennedy practically pushed Willow into the opening. The witch hurriedly jumped down and grabbed the kids as Faith handed them to her one by one. Then Kennedy took Nate so Xander could go down. As soon as he got to the bottom, she bent down just enough to hand him back his son.

"Go, now…and don't stop." Kennedy forcefully said. Willow quickly went to her and kissed her nervously. "I love you, Kennedy." The slayer smiled. "I know. I love you, too…now go." The brunette watched for a moment as they started down the narrow drainage access. Kennedy quickly went back to join Faith.

The two slayers stood there as the noise of stomping vampires got closer to the back room where they were…waiting.

Faith gave a slight nod. "Shit…you're right…then let's kick some ass for the hell of it."

"We need to get outta this room…We can't get back through that door…Too many of them," Faith shouted as several vampires ran towards them.

"Then let's make a door," Kennedy shouted back as she yelled out and ran straight at three of the vampires. The brunette lunged at all three and rammed them back against the doorway wall. The four of them went crashing through; plaster, wood and metal sent hurling everywhere. Kennedy ended up on top of the demons. She grabbed a splintered piece of wood and within seconds had staked two of them. The third was able to crawl out of the way and righted himself for an attack on the slayer.

Faith followed Kennedy's lead and also sent herself and two demons through a similar instantly made entranceway. She was not so lucky as to find a make shift stake and soon found herself pinned down by one vampire as the other picked up a large metal beam. The vampire on top of her tried to move off to the side when he heard his brother demon yell at him to move. However, just as the metal beam was thrust down at her, Faith gripped the demon that had her by the arms with her legs and twisted so that he landed on top of her again. The heavy beam came crashing down on the vampire's neck, decapitating him. Faith was able to grab the beam and stop its movement before it struck her. The demon quickly turned to dust. Faith then sprung to her feet and charged the second vampire, pushing him back into the remaining part of the wall that they'd just come crashing through. The demon landed up against a broken piece of stud which was protruding out. The sharpened end went through the demon's heart like a warm knife through butter. He too was dust. The slayer had to jump out of the way as the entire wall came crashing down.

The older slayer didn't have time to assist Kennedy because as soon as she turned around two more vampires were upon her. This time she knew she needed more space to fight. She threw debris at them as they came at her then leapt over them, landing in stride, and headed for open space at the other end of the warehouse.

Kennedy only saw her fellow slayer run past with her peripheral vision. She was still busy with her last vampire. The two battled, smashing into the walls of the warehouse and toppling over load-bearing beams and suspension walls. The demon attempted sudden reaches for the slayer but always missed. Kennedy's superb fighting style, learned in Brazil and honed to perfection, was ultimately no match for the vampire. Within a short time, the slayer had her demon, the chains that were once around Xander now around the vampire's neck. She tightened the steel links with one hand as the demon thrashed its arms about. Kennedy's other hand searched out another piece of wood. Fingers gripped one when found and as the brunette flipped the demon on its back, the stake went into its heart like a cruise missile…dusted.

"Three down," the slayer said as she got up and scanned the view in front of her. When she got the children out of the cage, the slayer counted ten demons and Dalfort. Quickly counting, Kennedy now saw only five of the worker bees left. "Two against six…I love those odds." Kennedy had no time for more comments because two more vampires were heading towards her. Like Faith, she knew she needed more space and dodged them for more open space.

As quick as lightening both Faith and Kennedy were near the other end of the warehouse. They were just past the cage. The remaining demons were coming at them. "Ok, Kid…ready for some tag team slaying?" With that, Faith ran to the closest demon. She grabbed him, swung them both around in a circle and then fell back down onto her back. As she pulled the vampire with her, she planted her feet on the demon's stomach and catapulted the monster over her head, right in front of Kennedy. The vamp landed on its face and the younger slayer slammed her shoe down on its neck breaking it. She then threw the sharp piece of wood she picked up on her escape at the demon. Bull's eye – right in the heart.…poof!…another gone.

Faith flipped back onto her feet but not quickly enough. Another vampire barreled into her sending both of them smashing against the heavy steel cage. The corner of the open metal door caught the slayer on the side of the face, causing a large gash. The slayer was put out of sorts from the blow and was dazed. The sight of the free flowing blood sent the rat-feeding vampire into a frenzy. Simply killing the slayer was forgotten; he wanted to feed. The vampire seemed to go crazy and lunged wildly at Faith's head, reaching out to touch the crimson liquid streaming down her face.

Kennedy saw that Faith wouldn't be able to react in time, so she ran over and jumped on the delirious vampire, sending them sliding on the ground. The two struggled, twisting and rolling on the concrete. Kennedy was able to get free and she lunged for a large piece of broken concrete. She picked it up and smashed it against the vampire's head. That action by Kennedy was enough to stun the demon long enough for Faith to regain her senses and find a spear-like piece of wood. When the vampire got his faculties back and looked up to find Kennedy, all he saw was that spear sailing through the air right into his heart. Another one down and out.

Kennedy looked at Faith and saw that the slayer was back to normal. They searched for the remaining demons. What they saw was two of the demons running away from them, towards the back room. Faith swore they were the two who were behind her when she was chained. "Don't let them get to the drain!" shouted Kennedy. Before either made a move, a flash of light burst in the room and the two vampires exploded into flames. They were gone in seconds.

The slayers turned to the direction of the blast's origin. There stood Dalfort and his last remaining minion.

The slayers before this time hadn't taken notice of the area where Dalfort and his sole vampire gang stood. They were on top of a large symbol drawn on the floor. It wasn't a pentagram or any of the usual "evil" symbols often seen on cheesy horror movies. This was an elaborate diagram of contiguous hexagons seemingly layered upon each other. Some of the shapes made by the intersecting lines were colored in no pattern obviously discernable to the women. Encompassing the entire structure was a black circle. At the far end of the symbol, by the back exterior wall, was a plain table. Resting on it were several bottles of liquids and powders and a stone bowl. The slayers knew at first sight that this was the spot for whatever ghastly deeds were performed on the victims that had been found to date.

After scanning the ritual area and then back to where the demons vanished, Faith turned to Dalfort.

"So much for the 'I don't kill to prove I'm worthy'…What's the matter…all this commotion got your dander up?"

Dalfort glared at her angrily. "The ritual forbids human death out of turn…Those traitors mean nothing."

Kennedy looked around. "Don't you need those so-called traitors for your little ascension?" She knew they needed to stall Dalfort, keep him talking long enough so they could figure a way to kill him.

The master demon examined the slayers. In his history, he'd met up with a few of their breed but never to the point of hand to hand combat. He knew of their tenacity but dismissed their ability to overcome his strength. He decided to answer the slayer. "I can get more."

"But we took your main ingredient…No kids…no God." It was Faith's turn to try for a stall.

Kennedy shook her head. "See, now there's the problem…We can't let you do that…Picking on babies is like clubbing baby seals…definitely a no-no…Ya gotta pay for that."

Dalfort and his minion laughed. "And you think you can stop me," he said as he glanced at Kennedy and then Faith.

Faith nodded. "Since you can't kill us cuz of your 'ritual', I'm thinking we can, asshole."

The mad demon shook his head and motioned to his minion. "Why kill when I have others to do it for me…" He pushed the vampire with his hand. "…Kill them!"

Instantly, the last vampire was after the slayers. This demon was not like the others, however. He was quick and agile and had expert skills. He grabbed a thick piece of rebar as he ran for the women. He swung it like a samurai expert. Neither slayer could get near him. He was able to keep himself in between the slayers and Dalfort, fighting them while he protected his master. Kennedy tried for a sudden attack and was caught on the forearm with the metal pole. She heard her bone break. "Aaarrggghhh!" she cried in pain.

That split second of distraction was enough for the vampire to go after Faith with a fury. The demon charged her jamming the steel piece into her chest and sending her slamming into a concrete floor beam. His force was so hard that it pushed the brunette through the column, large pieces of concrete and other debris falling down on her. Faith fell to the ground and the vampire was standing above her in a flash. She tried to crawl away but the demon jammed the end of the rebar down on her shoulder, causing her to stop in agony. He then put the tip to her neck. He arched back to get better force to plunge the pipe into Faith.

Just as he was about to start his downward thrust, Kennedy tackled him from the side sending them both hurling to the ground. The rebar went sliding away from her. The younger slayer struggled to stay on top of the demon; she pinned his arms as she straddled him. Her face showed the pain she was in from the broken arm. When she looked at his face, Kennedy saw that the vampire's eyes were glowing. She knew that Dalfort must have 'juiced up' the vamp. He was fighting with magickal enhancements. Kennedy couldn't hold her grip and soon the demon pushed her off him and quickly got up. He went to get Kennedy but was hit by a piece of concrete thrown by Faith.

"Come on you shit…We ain't done yet," the older slayer said sarcastically. The vampire headed for her. Kennedy saw the look Faith gave her after that remark. She knew that Faith wanted them to attack him from both sides. Kennedy waited until the demon's attention was back on Faith and she started for him. She picked up the steel rebar on her way and just when the vampire was almost upon Faith she swung it as hard as she could. The pole had such velocity that it acted like a sword when it came into contact with the demon's neck. The metal sliced through the dead flesh like a sharp knife through a loaf of bread. Before he knew what happened, the vampire's head, complete with wide opened, surprised glowing eyes, went tumbling off his shoulders and onto the floor. Everything turned to dust instantly.

Kennedy stopped and looked at Faith. The older slayer smiled and was about to speak when she was hit with a blast to her back. The explosion lifted Faith off the ground and in the air about ten feet. She landed, face down, about fifteen feet away. The back of her clothes were torn, charred and smoking. There was a gaping wound filled with ash and oozing blood. Kennedy could see that one of her ribs was broken.

Kennedy quickly turned toward Dalfort. There were sparks coming from the tips of his fingers. The man had a wild look on his face.

"You can't kill her…the ritual…you won't become God." Kennedy glanced back at Faith and saw shallow breathing.

Dalfort leered at Kennedy. He snorted and said sadistically, "Well, maybe next time." He started to lift his hands. "Now it's your turn." Kennedy could see the electricity starting to spark off his fingers. She knew he was going to blast her. As his hands lifted further for the pulse, Kennedy threw herself to the side, hoping that she wouldn't take a direct hit. She heard a loud thundering noise, like a clap of thunder as she hit the ground.

The slayer rolled several times then stopped. She expected to feel her flesh burning, but instead there was nothing. She rolled on her stomach and looked for Dalfort. What she saw was the demon lying flat on his back on the floor about twenty feet back from where he stood. Then she heard footsteps behind her. She quickly flipped over to surprise the intruder. Kennedy saw intense deep green eyes looking at her.

Stunned, Kennedy got up and looked back at Dalfort who was just starting to come out of his daze. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?…I thought I told you to stay with Xander." The last thing Kennedy wanted was to have to worry about Willow getting hurt.

Willow smiled. "I'm glad to see you, too…And can we talk about my disregard for your presumed authority later…We need to take care of that guy." Willow pointed to Dalfort who was now trying to get up.

When the vampire stood up, he let out a thundering wale. He shot out his arms and sent an energy pulse through the air that hit Kennedy and Willow before they had a chance to move. It sent them sailing in the air. Kennedy grabbed the redhead so that she landed on the slayer when they hit the floor. They scrambled to get up.

"So, he's got a few tricks," the witch muttered. "…but I've got more." Kennedy heard the anger and confidence in Willow's voice. Willow moved her hands in font of her like she was waving the air around. That motion caused a disturbance in the air space around Dalfort. The wind picked up around him and within a few seconds, there was a mini tornado swirling about. Anything loose was caught in the whirlwind; the objects went spinning at him. The vampire had to duck and run away from the area. He was hit by several large chunks of concrete and pieces of metal. He ended up near the back wall. He grabbed one of the bottles and scattered the contents into the wind. The storm stopped instantly.

Willow wasn't done. She threw an energy blast at the demon which he partially deflected. It still sent him stumbling back more. While the redhead was diverting the vampire's attention, Kennedy rushed around the side. She picked up a pointy piece of wood on the way.

Willow and Dalfort traded blasts, hitting the remaining load-bearing walls and beams holding up the building. As the battle raged, the building began to get weak and structurally unsound. Each attack by the duelers put more stress on the already shaky warehouse. By the time Kennedy had positioned herself, she could hear the building start to break and come apart. The slayer looked around at the cracks and fissures appearing in the walls. She heard the blacked-out windows begin to break. She got a plan; she needed to get Willow's attention.

[Don't worry…Keep your eyes on the window behind him…You'll know what to do.]

As soon as she said that, Kennedy started to run out into the middle of the symbol on the floor. Willow stopped because she was afraid she'd injure Kennedy. Kennedy held her hand up to Willow as if to tell her to stop.

"Hey, Dalfort…Why don't you stop with the pussy-ass magick and come do some real fighting…you lame son of a bitch."

"Forget the witch…she does what I tell her do…Come on…What's the matter?…God complex not working so good for ya?"

At the instant that he was a few yards away from Kennedy, Willow sent an energy ball at the third story window. As soon as Kennedy mentioned the window, Willow had looked up and knew exactly what the slayer meant for her to do. It was already cracked and when the blast hit it, the glass shattered into a thousand pieces, sending the late morning sunlight streaming into the building. It flowed in like a beacon of light from parted clouds. The sun beam swept down directly in Dalfort's path. It showered him completely. He burst in flames. As he stood there burning, trapped in the sun's rays, Kennedy went up to him and for good measure plunged her stake through his heart. Seconds later, Dalfort was no more.

Willow ran to Kennedy and embraced her tightly. Kennedy grimaced from the pain to her arm but hugged back and kissed her witch on the forehead. They didn't have time to talk because the building began to crumble around them.

"We gotta get outta here…This place is coming down…now!" Kennedy said seriously. She ran to Faith and picked up the slayer with her good arm and put her over her shoulder. Then she grabbed Willow's hand and headed for the drainage access. The building was falling in around them; they had to dodge boulders of concrete and steel beams falling from the ceiling. Glass shattered around them. It was a down pour of construction debris.

They finally snaked their way around the disarray and got to the exit. "You go down and I'll pass Faith to you." Kennedy had to shout because the building's destruction was deafening. Willow hurriedly went into the hole. Kennedy lowered the unconscious Faith through the access for Willow to grab; she felt the redhead take the slayer from her. 'Faith's safe.' That was one less thing for the younger slayer to worry about. While Willow was still out of view in the tunnel, Kennedy heard a loud crashing noise. She looked up to see a large section of the building's ceiling came screaming down. The brunette tried to jump out of the way to no avail. The debris landed on and around the brunette. Kennedy lay there on the floor pinned under sheets of plaster wall board. Her only free arm was the broken one. There was a metal I-beam resting on top the plasterboard keeping Kennedy from being able to move her legs.

After the dust cleared, Kennedy saw some small debris covering the access hole pushed away. Willow stuck her head out.

"Oh no, Kennedy…are you alright?…Can you move?" Willow's voice was filled with worry.

The warehouse continued to fall in around them. Kennedy knew it would be a matter of minutes before the whole thing imploded. The only thought that ran through her mind was that there was no time to try to extricate herself from her situation. She was trapped, but Willow wasn't. The slayer saw her girl as she cowered and flinched with the falling wreckage landing around her. Right then, Kennedy knew Willow needed to get out. The witch needed to save herself and, if all had gone right, their unborn child. She looked lovingly at her wife.

In a desperate tone, "Willow…go…there's no time…get out …take Faith…the baby."

Through the cascading rubble, Willow studied her slayer's face. The witch didn't want to believe that they were in yet another life and death situation. But she saw the truth of their circumstance in her slayer's expression. She saw that same look of sacrifice in those beautiful brown eyes that she'd seen before. It was that ultimate burden that Kennedy was always willing to shoulder that made Willow love the woman so completely. It was that part of the brunette that made Willow want to stay even though her slayer begged her to go. That utter selflessness that Willow knew ran deeper than her just being a slayer. Willow fixed on her slayer's face.

Outside, three blocks away, Xander watched what seemed like a demolition of the warehouse. His son was sleeping in the front seat and the other two children were likewise in the back seat of the white Sunbird. As he looked on stunned, Xander waited to see his friends appear unscathed, walking away from the building in triumph. All he saw, however, was more glass breaking, dust bellowing from the broken windows and then even falling debris.

As Xander saw the warehouse collapse, his heart sank at the thought of his missing friends. Then he saw the dust cloud bellowing towards him. He quickly opened the driver's side door next to him and hurriedly got in. He pulled the door shut just as the wave of dust and sand rolled past. The fragments hitting the car were enough to wake the children in the back seat and his son lying on the passenger's side. Enveloped in the brown swirling air, Xander remembered their escape from the building.

After they got everyone into the drainage tunnel, Willow kept the children close to her and led them and Xander, who was carrying Nate, through the dark maze. She had the course memorized from her and Kennedy's journey in not that long before. There were a few turns and a couple of very tight spots for the tall Xander, but after some under-the-breath swearing, the man was able to extricate himself and continue their march. They finally made it to the access rungs that took them to the street's surface. The metal drainage cover was still off to the side where Kennedy had placed it.

Xander went up first and then assisted Willow as she took each of the other children up the steps. As they hit the surface, they winced from the bright sunlight of the beautiful autumn morning. A cool breeze wafted in the air. The surrounding streets had very light traffic; that area had been for the most part blocked off from regular traffic due to the massive reconstruction and demolition being conducted. There was no traffic at all in the area where the escapees came out of the ground.

Once standing, Willow looked around and saw the car she'd stolen a block and a half away. "There, Xan…that car…go to that car." He did and soon all were leaning against the vehicle.

Willow observed the two kids. They seemed dazed and scared. She bent down to look both in the eyes. "Don't worry anymore…You're safe now…We're going get you back to your parents, ok?"

Both children came out of their stupor and gave a small smile, which grew bigger. "I can see my mommy?" the boy said.

Xander crouched down. "You betcha, big guy…All the bad stuff is done and we're going to get you home real soon…but you gotta be good for just a little while longer ok?" The boy and girl nodded their heads. "Let's get you two in the car…get in the back seat…We have to wait here."

"Yup, that's right…but it shouldn't be long and then we'll go." Xander looked at Willow. He knew that Faith and Kennedy expected that they'd get the kids out and take the car and leave. He also knew that he couldn't just desert his friends. They had saved his son and he wouldn't abandon them. From the look on Willow's face, the man knew that she didn't want to leave either.

They stood there looking at the warehouse. "I'm getting worried, Xander." It had been some time since they got to the car with no sign of the slayers. Xander heard the concern in Willow's voice.

Willow started to nervously fidget standing by the car. All the children were sleeping, exhausted from the terrifying night's events; the ten and four year olds were in the back seat and Nate in the front. Willow was wringing her hands and rocking. Finally, she turned to Xander. "Something's wrong…I feel it…This is more than just demons…Dalfort has magick…" The witch peered intensely at the building. "…something happened…Kennedy needs me…I'm going back."

Willow started to walk away but Xander grabbed her by the arm. "Willow, you can't go back in…it's too dangerous…Kennedy and Faith can handle this."

The redhead pulled her arm free. "No, Xan…they can't…that's why I have to go back in…take the kids outta here…make sure they're safe…I have to go." Willow hurried back to the hole in the road as Xander watched yet another friend ready to place her life in danger. He watched as the redhead disappeared into the belly of the city.

Xander came out of his thoughts when Nate began to cry. The other children were also asking questions, frightened from the charging dust and sand. As the man looked around remembering where he was, something caught the corner of his eye in the direction of the warehouse.

Out of the settling dust storm, Xander saw figures moving. Upon closer inspection, he saw Willow walking next to Kennedy who was carrying Faith over her shoulder. The man let out an exuberant joyful yell.

"They don't want to go to the hospital…I swear, slayers are the most pig-headed people alive." Willow signed exacerbated leaning against the wall in Faith's living room. "Faith's trying to say her back is no big deal…" The redhead put her hands up in front of her. "…all 'five-by-five'," she said mockingly. "And Kennedy won't go if Faith won't…seems if a nasty back wound and broken rib isn't too bad, then a silly little broken arm certainly doesn't call for medical attention." Willow was completely frustrated.

Sitting on a couch, Xander gave a compassionate nod. "You know slayers, Will…They despise hospitals…and you can't make them 'do' anything…especially those two."

Jessie, holding Nate, walked over near Xander. "I hate to say this but if they went wouldn't the doctors figure out where their injuries came from?…Faith's back isn't your every day variety cut…They'd both get linked to the warehouse and kids, right?"

Willow knew Jessica was right. They all needed to keep out of the public view right now, at least for the rest of the day. She turned when she saw Kennedy come out of the bedroom where Faith was. Willow put her hands on her hips as she saw her slayer with a waiting expression. "Alright, no hospital…for now. This plan better work."

The plan to which Willow referred was the one devised by her, Kennedy and Xander as they drove back to Xander's hotel. After the Scooby saw his three friends come out of the dust of the imploded warehouse, he rushed out of his car to help them. He took Faith from Kennedy and they headed for the vehicle. Once there, Xander walked around to the passenger's side so he could sit the older slayer down in the front seat. She was still unconscious. The cut on her face had stopped bleeding and was already healing. They examined her back wound. It had stopped bleeding also but still looked rather bad.

After satisfying himself that the slayer would live, Xander looked at the couple and smiled. "Now that's what I call an exit…trashing the building, not very subtle but to the point…I take it all our bumpy friends are dust?" He then got a concerned look. "That big ball of dust that went by…that wasn't them was it?"

Kennedy laughed. "I don't think so, Xan…They're still in the rubble back there." The man looked relieved.

It was Willow's turn next. "Now what do we do? We've got to get the kids back to their parents and you and Faith to a hospital."

"I agree we need to get the kids home, but I don't need a hospital, and if we take Faith we're gonna get all involved in this warehouse mess…We need somewhere else for her."

"I don't need shit…I'm fine." A wincing and slow moving Faith said as she woke up and tried to lift herself up from the seat.

Willow went over to her and put her hand on the slayer's leg. "Don't try to move, Faith. You're really hurt…You need a doctor."

Faith stopped and turned to look at the witch. "You take me anywhere and we'll be linked in with those kids…We need to get them to a safe place and then we need to disappear…We can't get involved in this. It's too public." Faith knew that although no one knew of Nate's kidnapping, the entire New York City Police Department, and by now most of the city if not the country, were aware of the other two's disappearance. Dalfort's latest victims weren't members of society's fringe. They were adorable little kids with hysterical parents demanding immediate police action.

Kennedy's eyes widened and she stood up straight. "Why don't we drop the kids off in front of a police station…then go back to our hotel?"

Willow shook her head. "No, we'd still have the stolen car to deal with." That statement got a surprised look from Xander and Faith. Willow raised her eyebrows. "I'll explain later…Why don't we leave the kids in the car near a police station?"

"We take my rental…" Xander commented. "Faith and I drove here…my car's a couple blocks away…We could all go back to my hotel." Kennedy shook her head.

"Nah, too much of a chance of people seeing us…We need to go to Faith's apartment."

After more discussion, the plan was worked out. Willow and Kennedy would drive the children to the nearest police station. They would leave them in the car and Willow would do a spell to make the cops immediately find the children. Then Xander would pick them up and the entire crew would leave the scene. When they initially decided on that part of the plan, Faith was worried about the two kids telling the authorities what really happened to them and how they were set free. Willow talked to the two older children. "Ricky…Alicia, I know you know what happened to you…with the bad men…and how we helped you…This is what we do…and if you ever want us to be able to help other kids like you, no one can know about us…Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" The girl responded. "Yeah, I think so…You don't want us to say that you guys got us out, right?" Willow nodded. Somehow Willow knew those 'kids' understood the importance of their promise "not to tell."

For the rest of the plan, once the children were safe and Xander had picked up the couple with Faith and Nate in tow, they would drive to his hotel to quickly pick up Jessie and Faith's car. Then they would all go to Faith's apartment. The older slayer told them that Miguel was expected home later that night.

The plan worked perfectly and before long they were at Faith's place. They immediately placed Faith on her bed so the woman could start to recoup and find out exactly how bad her injury was. Xander helped get Faith to her room. Kennedy's arm was still too tender to do any real lifting. Jessie held onto to Nate the entire time. In fact, she had been holding the child since picked up at the hotel. Jessie hugged and kissed her son and hugged and kissed her husband when she saw that they were uninjured and safe. Her tears of joy lasted just long enough to let Xander know how much he and his son were loved.

Once in the apartment, Willow examined Faith's injury much to the discontent of the slayer. "I'm fine, Red…You don't need to mother me." Willow simply ignored the stubborn brunette and cleaned and dressed her wound. Near the end of Willow's triage, Jessie came into the room. She had finally let her husband hold their child. She went over to Willow and took the gauze and antibiotic from her. Then she motioned over to the doorway where Kennedy was standing staring at the television Xander was watching.

"I'll finish, Willow…I think maybe another slayer needs a little TLC." Willow looked over to Kennedy and then at Jessie. The witch smiled and nodded. She then got up and went to her slayer.

The redhead took her slayer's hand and led her into the master bathroom. She closed the door behind them. Kennedy leaned against the vanity. Willow carefully examined the woman. She still had dirt on her clothes and face; her shirt was torn from the battle and debris. Her broken arm was swollen and bruising. Willow slowly led her eyes away from the slayer's battle wounds up to her face, stopping when they engaged those of deep brown. The witch just looked into her brunette's eyes. She saw pain, relief and gladness in them. She then glanced down again to the injured arm and touched it lightly. Kennedy put her other hand ton top of Willow's.

"Don't worry, It'll be fine…I can feel it healing already." Kennedy gave her redhead a small smile to let her know she needn't be scared. Green eyes welled up and Willow leaned her head onto Kennedy's shoulder and wrapped her arms around the woman. Kennedy could feel the tears seep through her shirt.

Softly, "Oh, baby…don't cry…shhh…everything's ok, now." Kennedy gently stroked crimson hair. The slayer knew that Willow was letting out the emotion of almost once again having lost her. "I'm not going anywhere, Red." Kennedy let her witch cry a bit longer then took her face in her hands. She looked deeply into emerald eyes. With a grateful smile and tone, "Thank you for not listening to a word I said to you back in the warehouse."

Willow gave a small smile back. "I told you we were in this together." The two women embraced.

After Kennedy pleaded to Willow to leave, the witch came to a cross road in her mind. She knew that the building wasn't going to be standing much longer. She also knew that if the Halloween spell worked, she had inside her the beginning of what would grow to be her and Kennedy's child. The slayer was asking the witch to let her die so that their child could live, so that their child would grow up never knowing the amazing person that was her mother. To Kennedy, it was an all or nothing proposition; either she died or they all died. In the split second after Kennedy asked Willow to leave, the redhead let that race through her mind. She instantly got her answer. This time, life would not be unfair. Willow decided that Kennedy would live and they would all survive to see tomorrow. Kennedy would not be sacrificed; she would live to see what their future had in store.

In the midst of the rubble and noise and commotion, Willow looked her slayer straight in the face. "I'm not going anywhere without you…You're not leaving me to be a single parent." With that, Willow got out of the drainage hole and started to move pieces of concrete and such off of her brunette. Kennedy at first said nothing and then almost began to protest. But a quick determined look from the witch stopped that. Instead, Kennedy also started to move the debris. When the last big pieces remained, Willow told her slayer to shield her eyes, which the brunette did. Willow threw an energy ball at the steel beam and large section of wall that had pinned Kennedy. The blast was enough to move the metal piece and break up the section. The women hurriedly continued to remove the material. Within a short time, Kennedy was free. She stood up and looked around as the warehouse became dangerously unstable.

"We need to get out, now!" Kennedy grabbed Willow by the waist and jumped into the access exit. They landed on the ground several feet away from an unconscious Faith. The women heard the building crumbling in above them. "RUN!…NOW!" screamed the slayer as she picked up Faith. Kennedy followed Willow through the maze until they were finally at the street access area. Just as they were about to climb the steps, the couple heard a thundering crash and felt the ground around them shake. Then they heard the wind as it swept through the tunnel. They crouched down, Kennedy covering Faith with her body, and braced themselves as the dust-filled wind blast engulfed them. After several minutes the worst was over and they were able to get to the surface. They then headed for the car where they were met by Xander.

In the bathroom, the women were still embracing. Finally, Willow spoke. "You really need to stop this life and death stuff, though…it's really getting old." Kennedy hugged her witch tighter and let out a soft laugh.

Not too much later, Faith had 'recovered' enough to be out in the living room with the others. They all had a chance to clean up, meaning brushing the dirt off their clothes and washing the dust off their skin. They were watching tv waiting to hear news of the children. Finally, it came. Local programming was interrupted to bring "breaking news of the appearance of the two kidnapped children" and the reunion with their ever so grateful parents. The news reporter told how the children were found in an abandoned car close to a police station. The children were uninjured but weren't able to say much about their captors. Analysts speculated that the kidnappers got scared and dropped the kids off and left the city. There was nothing at that point to connect the children with the imploded building. As it would turn out, the officials never did link the two publicly. The official New York City line for the building destruction was a demolition that went a wry. The Scoobies involved realized that city officials couldn't afford another scandal about the dangers of their fine metropolis. The cover-up of the implosion and its connection to the kidnappings went untold, much to the delight of those involved. It turned out that New York City could turn a blind eye to 'unnatural' events much like Sunnydale had for all those years.

The rest of the day was spent by all trying to recuperate from the harrowing morning. They stayed at Faith's knowing that it was safer for all to keep together for a while. After they all ate, Faith slept a while as did Xander and Jessie, the mother and father taking a nap on the bed in the spare bedroom with their son tucked peacefully in between them. Willow and Kennedy spent their time sitting together on the couch, nestled against each other talking with the low droning sound of the television in the background.

"What made Dalfort do all that?…He was like a crazy man…Why a baby and little kids?" Kennedy still couldn't fathom the reason for the vampire's actions.

"I don't really know…Giles was still looking when we took off this morning…" Willow's expression turned to realization. "Oh, no…We forgot to call Giles…He doesn't know yet about Nate and everything."

Kennedy too became aware of their overlook and got up to get her cell phone. She handed it to Willow. "Well, let's call him and tell him the good news…maybe he found out some more stuff on Dalfort…not that it really makes a difference now."

"I know, Giles…I don't know what he would have done if something had happened to Nate…But he's fine, so we don't have to worry about that…I'll let him know we talked to you. I'm sure he'll give you a call later…Thanks again, Giles…Bye." Willow ended her call with the watcher and gave a satisfied look to Kennedy. "He's all relieved that Nate's ok, and he found out some more on Dalfort."

"So, spill the beans, Red…I wanna know what this whack job was up to." Faith had walked in the living room and sat gingerly in a chair. Kennedy and Willow looked at Faith and smiled. Her attitude was back; she had to be feeling better.

"Ok…First, Giles tried to call you with some of what he told me, but I guess you and Xander had already gone looking for Nate…Did you leave your cell phone here?"

Faith got a scolded look. "Shit…I did…I left it on the table by the door." The slayer knew that was one mistake that would never happen again.

"That's what Giles, figured. Anyway, what Giles told us," Willow said as she looked at Kennedy, "was right on…Dalfort was one crazy mortal and vampire…Giles was able to find the spell he was trying to do…" Willow proceeded to tell the slayers that Dalfort had attempted, in his own twisted way, a refined version of a resurrection spell.

"Wait a minute…He wanted to become God…What would a spell on bringing back dead people have to do with it?" Kennedy hadn't heard the entire phone call, just Willow's side of the conversation with Giles and was confused by the comment.

"It was for the resurrection of the known back to the unknown." Willow saw two bewildered faces staring back at her. "Right, sounds weird I know, but there's this school of thought that…" The witch told the slayers about the belief system that saw all of existence being of a single indefinable consciousness. In this view of the world and beyond, there was no "God" entity as known by most of civilization, no supreme being with a master plan, pulling at the strings of Man, listening to prayers. There was no God because everything was God; everything that ever was, is or would be was of one origin, the "infinite unknown." In this context, 'God' was existence, complete knowledge of the total sum of all of infinity. "In this precept, followers say that people identify themselves as being separate beings instead of part of the universal whole because the physical shell we have has corrupted us…it keeps us from acquiring the full knowledge that we are all God…" Faith interrupted Willow.

"I am so totally fucking lost…Great, we're all God. What's that got to do with Dalfort?"

Willow shrugged with her understanding that the concept was esoteric. "In this system, we, meaning all humans, are really not alive…We're 'dead' because we haven't realized our true nature…The only true life is attainment of that state with the unknown…if one does that then he or she has been resurrected to actual life." She went on to explain the symbols on the warehouse floor were representations of the twelve levels of realization. "The connected hexagons are like pathways through the mortal and physical dimensions…six levels of consciousness for each…kinda like a cosmic twelve step program."

"Ok, if I didn't think the guy was a nut job before, I certainly do now." Kennedy stated. Willow shook her head.

"No, don't think Dalfort just had weird ideas. This spiritual line of thought was very prevalent long before Christianity or even Judaism came on the scene. In fact, Giles said Christianity today would look very different if Augustine hadn't won out on dogma over a bishop named Valentinius who was a big follower of this." Willow saw that the slayers looked like lost and bored high school students.

"Dalfort believed in this, right?" The three women looked behind them to see Xander walking into the room. He sat on the arm of the couch.

Willow nodded. "Absolutely. While he was alive, he studied this pretty thoroughly. He spent his time trying to find a way to attain that state of perfection. Of course, being the loon that he was, his mind twisted things…When he became a vampire, he still had the idea in his head, but then to him it was if he could become 'God' then he wouldn't rule the world…he'd be the world. Everything would be as he wanted it without having to make anyone do anything."

"Well put, Faith." Xander always did appreciate the slayer's direct take on things.

"But how does he get to the last six months and stealing kids?" Kennedy still wanted to get to the meat of the meal.

"Like I said before…it's always blood. Once he was a vampire, Giles thinks that became the overriding factor. Everything for vamps revolves around blood…" Willow told them the rest of Giles findings and assumptions. Dalfort knew that blood was the life force. He knew that it held the primer for all of mankind. DNA was the blueprint of man's existence. "One drop of blood contained the imprint of Man back to the caveman, back to when we were just primordial ooze…back to that initial moment of consciousness by the infinite unknown…In his demented mind, Dalfort connected blood with attainment of total knowledge and hence, becoming God."

Willow was standing, lecturing like a professor, her students now enthralled in her lesson. "Giles found a resurrection spell that keyed in on blood…" The redhead looked at Xander. "Different than the one we used on Buffy…Ours was the Sesame Street version compared to this." She then turned her attention back to the entire group which now also included Jessie who was standing behind her husband.

"Dalfort was draining his victims while watching them…He took their blood until he saw something change in their expression or eyes…from what Giles said, this part may have been kinda made up by Dalfort…"

"That first moment of consciousness." Everyone had the confused look again. "Dalfort mustuv believed that when a person died…just at the moment of death…the person gained perfect insight…kinda like being able to see everything perfectly clear…He thought that included being able to see that first moment of being for the universe."

The witch told the group that the ritual Dalfort used required the blood of those "free of life's shield." The vampire took that to mean that he needed people who weren't straddled with the trapping's of society; those on the fringe. "Remember how he hated the Church's rules when he was still human?"

"That's why all the poor and destitute." This was the first thing that was starting to make sense to Faith.

"Because he interpreted the spell wrong initially…'free of life's shield' wasn't meant in a sociological way, but in a physical way…as it relates to blood."

"Dalfort finally figured out that he needed blood that was 'free of life's shield'…meaning blood not tainted by the things that life…that living brings…he needed a baby's blood because it hasn't acquired the immune system or other antigens and things that it does later on…It is the most pristine and pure blood out there in a living being…and he probably thought the kind closest to that first moment of consciousness."

The group let that statement sink in. Kenned got a questioning look. "Then why three kids of different ages?"

"Giles think that Dalfort still wasn't sure that he had it right…He was hedging his bet…that or he was just sick and crazy and wanted to cause pain."

"So he intentionally kidnapped Nate and the other two." Jessie's tone was pure hatred.

"Definitely," Kennedy said looking at her. "When I got the kids out of the cage, I saw bottles with formula, diapers and baby food…There were also soda cans, chip bags and cookies inside. Dalfort knew exactly what he needed to keep kids going for a day."

Faith still had other questions she wanted answered. "Why the cricket gang?…Why not do this himself?"

"Because of the belief system," Willow responded. "Remember, we are all of one origin…We are not separate…If Dalfort kills or injures outside the ritual, he's proving he's tainted and not worthy of becoming God."

"So getting his lackeys to do it makes it ok?" Xander found that unbelievable. From Willow's expression, so did she.

"This is where I think his craziness and the ritual get jumbled…He was able to convince his little gang of bumpy heads that this was all true…If they kidnapped and did the legwork, Dalfort could do the sacrificial killing because that's when he got the 'life force' that would make him God."

"What was his army gonna get out of it?" Faith wanted to know because from what she could see, only Dalfort got ahead in this game.

Willow shrugged. "That's something Giles couldn't figure out…Maybe Dalfort promised them power or part of the universe…Who knows."

Kennedy stood up. "But wait…You said no killing except for the ritual…Well, we know that didn't happen because they killed Rona."

Faith smacked her hand on the arm of her chair. "That's what started the mutiny, I bet…There's Dalfort telling these blood thirsty vampires that they can't kill…can't feed…can't do 'anything' except play cricket…around a bunch of humans…then on top of everything else, a slayer stumbles onto their plan…I bet Rona found that nest me and Kennedy found…Can you imagine a bunch of vamps having a slayer right there for them to kill?…and their boss is telling them they can't."

Kennedy mimicked the excited tone of her fellow slayer. "They must have been going nuts…the only thing better than killing a human is…" Kennedy and Faith looked at each other and then said together, "…killing a slayer."

Kennedy continued. "I bet they couldn't hold back…they lost it and killed Rona."

Faith nodded in agreement. "And then ol' crazy man freaks out, punishes a few, tells them if you ever…blah, blah…and the insurrection begins."

"I think all that commotion Kenne and I walked in on was all part of Dalfort trying to get his guys back in line…by the time all his minions were gone from the fight, he knew he'd lost so killing wasn't an issue anymore."

"Would the ritual have worked?" Xander had a flat tone. He kept from trying to imagine Dalfort draining his son as he stared in scared brown eyes.

"That's the million dollar question…Giles isn't sure. Because Dalfort was so crazy and mixing in weird stuff to the ritual, no one knows for sure if it woulda worked…We can only be thankful we didn't have to find out."

"Cricket bat…It all started with that…Rona came through in the end after all." Faith had a respectful tone to her voice.

"And that mark on Rebecca's foot…still don't know exactly how it got there…maybe she stepped on a necklace or something." Kennedy realized how lucky they had been with the breaks they'd had.

Everyone in the room became quiet. The details of the conversation seeped in and the group once again let out a collective sigh of relief knowing that evil had been beaten again. They remained silent for a long time before Jessie had to get up to attend to an awake and noisy Nate in the spare bedroom.

By early evening, Miguel came home. He was met by the group of people in his living room. "Well, this certainly has the look of a story…I don't suppose it has anything to do with the two kids that were found?" he said with a mock innocent expression.

The Scoobies proceeded to tell the Brazilian the tale. He went to Faith and checked her wounds when he was told of her injuries. "Faith…are you sure this is healing properly?" There was genuine concern in the man's voice. Faith tried to downplay his concern and her gladness that it was there. "Yo, Mick…You know me. No little blast is gonna slow me down." The tender touch Faith gave to Miguel's hand didn't go unnoticed by the redhead or Kennedy. Once Miguel was convinced his woman was in no danger, he relaxed and asked what the group's plans were for the rest of the night. "You are all most welcome to stay here…It might be better to keep out of sight for the night."

The other two couples had different plans. Xander thanked Miguel for the hospitality but said that they'd go back to their hotel. "We need to get Nate back…All his stuff's at the hotel…Besides I need to redo our flight so we can get outta here first thing in the morning…I just wanna take Jessie and Nate home."

Kennedy and Willow concurred in Xander's position. "Kenne and I need to get back to our hotel too…Kenne needs to really clean up…me too…and our clothes are there…Plus I need to talk to Giles again." Willow and Kennedy wanted nothing more than to take a shower, put clean clothes on and be in each other's arms. It had been that kind of a day.

In the end, it was decided that it was safe for everyone to go back to their place of abode and make whatever arrangements were needed to go back home. Kennedy and Willow decided that they wouldn't leave for Cleveland in the morning. They still had some loose ends to tie up with Faith. They all said good bye to Xander and his family, the witch and slayer telling them they would call as soon as they returned to Cleveland. Being without a car, Miguel drove Willow and Kennedy to their apartment. This was not a night for the subway or a taxicab.

That night, little Nate didn't sleep in his crib. Xander and Jessie kept the boy in bed with them. He was in between the two, mother and father instinctively protecting their young. The husband and wife crossed legs and draped their arms over each other. As much as they wanted to touch each other, to let each know how much they were needed, both knew there would be time for that another night. This night they needed the closeness of family.

Xander and Jessie didn't talk that much about the ordeal. They were happy to have their son back and getting him home was their only concern. As he lay in bed that night, Xander Harris once again contemplated the effect of his Scooby connection on his life. He'd lost friends and lovers to the battle with evil. This time he'd almost lost the most important thing in his life – his son. Xander had been able to rationalize, if not totally accept, the cost to his happiness that fighting the good fight had taken. He'd been able to accept it up until now. His son and Jessie had changed him and how he viewed his place in the world. As he fell asleep, Xander knew that he'd have to make some very tough decisions in the very near future.

On the other side of town, Faith and Miguel were having their own awakening, of sorts. Seeing the slayer's wounds and hearing the traumatic story made Miguel come to a decision. "I'm selling the business." Miguel knew he could not continue to lead the half life in which he found himself. Pretending to care as much for his import business as he did demon hunting was eating at his conscious. The man understood that Faith wanted him to be happy, to have more than just the daily worry of death that a life fighting evil brought. But he wasn't truly content. He realized his happiest times were when he and Faith were knee deep in demons, making the world safer for those who knew nothing of the dark side of existence. He wanted to be a part of protecting society, and that meant from demons, vampires or just the thug with a gun. "Faith, I want to be with you in this…not coming home to you after it's done." Miguel loved Faith; he hated to see her in dangerous situations alone even though the man knew the slayer could more than handle herself. "I want us to do this together." For the man who had never been able to find a woman who measured up to his expectation, Faith, the vampire slayer, did that on every level. She was his lover, his friend and his comrade. The brunette was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman; fighting evil, he realized, was what he wanted to devote his life to. Now that he had the chance, he didn't want to waste his life anymore.

For Faith, Miguel's request was met with happiness but mostly concern. Faith had no doubt that she loved him. He brought out something in her that she'd never experienced before…trust. She trusted the man with her life. A part of her wanted to be with him, side by side as they brought justice to their corner of the world. The fact that she could see herself with Miguel fighting evil day after day made her feel like she was maturing. There was, however, a part of the slayer that met the remarks from the man with trepidation. It was the part of the woman that kept that loner persona, the Faith from long ago that still had to be on her own occasionally. She wondered if she and Miguel were able to last as they did because of her ability to get away if needed, to have distance with him and the rest of society. That side of the slayer worried that she'd grow tired of the man and eventually toss him to the side out of boredom and routine. As much as Faith had tried to let that woman die by the wayside, she remained in the recesses of her mind.

Miguel saw the hint of concern in his girl's face. "Faith, I don't want to smother you…I know you've been on your own…done this on your own and your own way since you became a slayer…I just…want there to be…more." Once again, Miguel knew Faith better than she knew herself. The man saw the fright in her eyes. However, he had come to a turning point in his life. He needed more and he wanted it with Faith. He knew he'd have to make the slayer realize she wanted it, and needed it, too. "Don't answer now…think about it."

The slayer was confused. She didn't want to contemplate her own state in life. She liked the situation with Miguel. Why did he want to change things? The brunette never handled well being put on the spot about 'feelings' and 'emotions.' The last thing she wanted that night was to seriously ponder the status of her relationship. So, Faith reverted to handling her problems like she did in the old days. She 'sexed' her concerns out of her head. Faith spent part of the night "showing" Miguel how much she really did appreciated him being in her life. She wasn't ready to decide if she could tame the stray cat enough so that they'd be happy. Tonight that issue was abandoned; all she wanted was to get lost in the physical. That was something that Faith understood completely. Tonight she wanted it hard and intense. Miguel's concern for her injury came upon deaf ears. "If you think a little cut's gonna stop me from fucking you senseless, then I really need to explain the after-slaying horniness to you again." Miguel's attempt to answer turned into a moan as the woman made her way down his body. For at least that night, the couple would be happy together.

In another bedroom in New York, Kennedy and Willow were lying in bed after having showered the remnants of the battle from their bodies. There was a small night lamp on. The slayer's tired and battled body needed sleep. Kennedy could see the exhaustion in her girl's eyes. She and Willow had had an incredible twenty-four hours. They went from the most mystical and inspired feeling that they ever had to the pains of battle and possible death. Any lingering slayer wantonness was washed away with a cold shower. Kennedy was concerned for Willow's well being on many levels. She wanted the witch to regain her strength and energy; she wanted to give their night at Stonehenge the opportunity to do its "magick."

They talked briefly about the success of the mission and the gratefulness they had that Nate was unharmed. They commented on the fearlessness Xander showed in saving his son. The witch and slayer got a front row seat to the depth of the love a parent carried for their child. They couldn't help but be humbled by it. The unspoken dialogue between the women was whether they were destined for that same intense devotion to a child of their own.

The women snuggled together, Willow on her right side, the slayer behind and pressed tightly against her. Willow held Kennedy's left hand in her own close to her chin. The brunette lightly caressed the redhead's slender fingers. She stopped when her finger touched the cut on the witch's ring finger. Kennedy's cut had already healed completely, the miracle of slayer healing. But the redhead's was still fresh.

"Do you want to do your meditating thing for this?…You can use me to make it heal faster."

Willow took their entwined hands and held them up so she could see the wound. Softly, "No, I want it there…This may sound weird, but I feel like it needs to be there." That mark to the witch was the culmination of the dream that she and Kennedy had hopefully made into reality. It was the desire that sprang from an innocent joke and came to fruition on a cold New England night in the deep dark woods. If she and Kennedy had created life, it was because of that mark. It symbolized the possibility of the impossible.

Kennedy understood the meaning behind Willow's words. To the slayer, that cut was their future. The end result of which would be a life which, before Willow, she never thought she wanted nor ever dreamed she could have. The calamity of the day was behind her and the brunette's focus was back to the hope that she and Willow would be parents. She didn't want to do anything now that could disrupt that goal. Secretly, she prayed that the ordeal they faced had not.

Willow turned off the light and for the second night in a row, the slayer and witch fell asleep with the same thought running through their minds – please let it be.

Willow walked around the small room, fixating on every word in front of her. The space was saturated with writing on each of the four walls. The witch knew the words formed stanzas which became the rituals for the creation of life. She knew she had to capture them. But just as she placed her eyes upon one, the word would disappear, never having made it to the witch's memory. It kept happening, word after word, all vanishing as soon as she gazed upon them. The witch became frantic; she understood this was her only chance, the only opportunity to give Kennedy what she deserved. The faster Willow tried to take in the words, the quicker they were gone, until finally, there were no more. Only blank white walls stared back at her. "Why?" she cried out looking up to the heavens. A soft child's voice responded. "Because I was never supposed to be." Willow fell to the floor, hands over her face, sobbing from the knowledge that the one chance for her and Kennedy to be like the rest of the world was gone…forever.

Willow awoke startled. It was still dark in the bedroom. She shifted and glanced at the night stand – 5:12am. Her breathing was shallow and heart pounding. She felt an incredible sadness flush over her. In that split second, the redhead's brain told her that the powers-that-be had changed their minds. Willow had felt a presence in her dream, some thing letting her know that events had changed. It was like a whisper come from the beyond, telling her that the ritual didn't work; she and Kennedy would not be parents. She felt such a sense of loss.

She turned over to see the silhouette of her sleeping slayer. The woman looked so peaceful. Willow could hear the rhythmic breathing; she could feel the calmness in the woman. At that moment, Willow had never felt sadder for the two of them. Her heart was heavy for the innocence of her brunette. Even sleeping, Willow knew Kennedy still believed they'd made a child. The witch knew she couldn't wake Kennedy and tell her of the dream; she wouldn't take this one night of happiness from her.

Willow turned over facing away from the slayer. She drew her legs up close and placed her hands together under her chin. The witch softly cried for the dream taken away from them.

"Good morning, babe." Kennedy had snuggled up behind Willow and maneuvered her arms around the witch. She whispered seductively in redhead's ear. "Arm's all better…had a good night sleep…got this big ol' bed we're in…" She started to kiss Willow's neck. Instead of the soft moan and accepting exposing of the neck she expected, Kennedy received a stiff response. She stopped her actions and, as she turned the redhead to her, said," Hey, don't tell me you're tired of that move…" As soon as she saw Willow's face, the slayer knew something was wrong. Kennedy stared concerned. "Babe?…What's wrong?" There was a hint of fear in her tone.

Willow looked at her girl. She hadn't slept much after the dream woke her. She didn't know how to break the news to the slayer. She pushed some hair out of Kennedy's face and then gently stroked her chin. "I had a dream last night." Kennedy said nothing, letting Willow take the time necessary to get out her story. "The ritual didn't work…they told me it didn't work."

Kennedy looked like she'd been told the world was flat when she knew it was round. There was bewilderment and denial in her expression. "What you mean 'they' told you?…What kind of dream was it?" The slayer knew her witch was dead serious in her comments but she refused to accept anything of this magnitude without full discussion.

"Last night, in a dream…I was in the room where I'd gotten the ritual…and…" Willow proceeded to tell her account of the dream. It was painful; the witch could see the disbelief and disappointment that seemed to sprout and then disappear from the slayer's face. When done, Willow could think of nothing else to say except, "I'm so sorry, baby."

Kennedy was quiet for a while. Then she got a new look on her face, one of determined resolve. "It doesn't have to mean the spell didn't work." She wouldn't let Willow try to respond. "No…you were all guilty about Nate being taken…and that it was payback…We came close to dying…You used a lot of energy with your magick over the last day…this could be your subconscious letting off steam…It could be just a regular shitty dream…nothing more." Kennedy refused to accept the alternative.

"But baby, it wasn't like other dreams…I wish it was…I don't want it to be true either." Willow shuddered at the thought that she'd had the witch's version of a slayer dream.

Kennedy shook her head. "I don't wanna make it seem like I don't believe you…I just think that we should consider that it could have been just a real crappy dream…I don't think we should automatically assume the ritual didn't work…We were given the way to do this…There's no reason it woulda been taken back…They can't play with us like that." Kennedy was getting frustrated.

Willow stared at the slayer. She desperately wanted to believe Kennedy's take on the dream. Could it have been her mind coping with the guilt she felt? Was it possible to see the dream in another light? 'I did use up a lot of energy…this was something completely different.' Willow pondered on the matter. She didn't want to jump to the conclusion that she had failed her slayer. In the light of day, maybe her reaction to the dream was partly due to the dream itself, her reaction in the dream carrying over into her conscious self. The more she thought, the more Willow began to side with Kennedy. They had come so far not to keep their hopes alive at this point.

"Maybe you're right…maybe it was just a bad dream…I guess I kinda freaked out cos of what was in the dream." Willow had decided to trust the ritual and stay focused on it working.

Kennedy gave her a grateful smile. "I understand…with all that happened, I can see why you'd be upset…the ritual…teleporting…the whole thing with Nate…" Kennedy saw Willow's face turn to dismay again. "What?"

"Teleporting…I don't know what affect teleporting us…me…might have had on this." Willow hadn't had time to think through the impact the 'rides' her and Kennedy may have had on any attempt at making the pregnancy occur. She didn't know if 'things' were still in the process of getting where they needed to be or if it was a 'done deal.' This newest development was just one more obstacle to her faith in the success of their Stonehenge trip.

The slayer couldn't stand to see the worry and concern on the witch's face and in her body language. She decided that Willow was overanalyzing the situation. Gently, "Hey, you…you need to stop all that stuff that I know is racing around in that brain of yours…No reason to get wiggy again…Just try to calm down…Everything's gonna be fine, Will."

Kennedy took the woman in her arms. "No matter what happens, we're gonna be ok, babe…Let's not worry about it now."

Willow eventually relaxed and hugged back. Timidly, "Sounds like a good plan to me, baby."

First thing that morning, the Harris family headed back to Cleveland. Father and mother were glad to see New York City disappear from sight outside their airplane window. This was one trip that wouldn't make it into the scrap book. The whole way home, Xander started to think of how he was going to keep his family safe and out of the reach of evil's grasp. He knew once he found a way, he'd have to discuss the matter with his wife.

While Xander and his family were in the air, Willow and Kennedy had gotten through their morning crisis and were preparing to meet Faith at the office. They were almost out the door when Kennedy's cell phone rang. The brunette looked at the number on the viewer. "It's my dad." Instantly, Kennedy knew what the call was about. "Shit!…the car." The slayer answered the call. "Hey, Dad…What's up?" She tried to sound oblivious. Willow saw her face scrunch up and could hear the loud voice of her father coming through the receiver.

"Why was a company car abandoned in Massachusetts?…Why were you even driving one? …First Florida, now this?" Kennedy knew her father was upset.

Fifteen minutes later, Kennedy finished her talk with her father. Jackson Prescott was not totally satisfied with his daughter's actions of taking vehicles without warning, but he understood the reason. Kennedy promised that she'd never do it again without informing him first if she could.

"All's good on the dad front?" Willow knew that Kennedy and her father still didn't have the best of relationship. She worried that episodes like this would only hamper the progress they'd made.

"He's pissed a little…but he'll get over it…telling him we saved kids helped a lot." They both laughed and finally made it out the door to meet Faith.

The rest of the day for the couple was spent at Faith's office winding down the investigation. Faith met with her main police contact and informed him that there would be no further kidnapping or murders. "You can trust me on this one." It turned out that there were some members of the New York Police Department who believed in the evil forces in the world. The three women gathered up the paperwork and pictures on the matter and Faith put them all files in her filing cabinet. She made calls to the victim's families to tell them that the mystery of their loved ones' deaths had been solved. The slayer let them know that no further families would be torn apart as theirs had been.

There was a layer of melancholy over the day for the friends. Even though their reunion was due to a horrendous event and unsolved murder mystery, the women had enjoyed their time together. For Faith, she was able to spend time with the person she considered her closest friend and the fellow slayer that she respected and with whom she enjoyed working. She and Kennedy worked well together. As strange as it seemed, the older slayer also enjoyed seeing Willow, more than she probably realized she would. She had developed a kinship with Willow born from their past transgressions to the dark side. Faith knew she would miss the couple.

For Kennedy, she liked being out on her own more, out front in fighting evil, even if she was partnering with Faith. In New York, the slayer was in the trenches doing the gritty work with a fellow slayer who was her equal. There were times in Cleveland when she felt like a baby sitter of sorts, there to show the newbie slayers the ropes. Plus, there were so many of them that she rarely was able to consider any mission her own. Plainly put, Kennedy liked being the investigative slayer.

Willow also had her reason to feel let down since the end of the mission. While in New York, the witch had a chance to really use her powers for the betterment of society. She helped save true innocents from a monstrous force of evil. She was in the fight again, something that she didn't think she wanted; something that she found she missed. The redhead was also astounded with the witches and other mystically inclined who contacted her in New York. The people weren't all from that state; many calls were from the neighboring New England area. Willow felt alive helping all those individuals who looked to her for guidance. Willow also was certain that she'd miss the action there.

Eventually, the three women got all loose ends tied and there was nothing left for them to do but say their good byes. Kennedy and Willow had tickets for the 7:00am flight back to Cleveland the following morning.

"I don't know what to say…thanks for coming here…I don't know when I woulda been able to figure this out if you hadn't been here." Faith was trying her best to be grateful.

"No problem…You woulda done the same." Kennedy knew it was hard for the older slayer to show her emotions.

"Yeah, Faith…We're just glad this all worked out…You're doing a great job here…You should be proud of yourself." Willow wanted the slayer to know she admired the work done.

"Listen, there doesn't need to be a crazy vamp on the loose for you guys to visit…You're always welcome…" Faith realized how much she had missed her friends.

"Same with you…and Miguel." Kennedy could tell the conversation was getting strained. It was time to leave. "Well, we gotta go but we'll call you when we get back tomorrow."

The women said their last good byes. Faith went to Kennedy and quietly said "That's twice you've carried me out of a jam…I'm starting to get a complex." Kennedy knew that was the older slayer's way of saying thank you. She merely smiled back in acceptance. Willow and Kennedy finally left. Faith found herself alone in her office. She thought to herself, 'Is this what I want?'

After the couple left Faith's, they went to their hotel. They weren't in the mood for sightseeing or any outside activity. They stayed in their room and watched television. They were feeling the 'down' after the finish of their amazing stay, like the excitement leading up to Christmas that's replaced with sadness after all the presents are opened. They tried to talk about the things that waited for them upon their return home. But that was in the future; now there was just an empty space. They went to bed accepting that the adventure was over and their real lives were just hours away.

In the weeks that followed the battle with Dalfort, life returned to normal for all the parties involved, to some degree. Xander and Jessie went back to work and Nate continued being the adorable baby he was. There didn't appear to be any residual affect from his kidnapping. Xander, unknown to his wife, did some inquiry into making his life safer for his family. He put out feelers for a possible buyer of his business. The man also made some calls for positions with consulting and construction firms in Michigan and Missouri. Xander decided the best way to keep his family safe was to distance himself from the hellmouth and his friends. As much as he hated the idea of leaving his friends, he hated more the thought of future possible harm to his family. If moving them away would keep them safe and out of the path of evil, then that was what he would do. Fighting the good fight was not as important as his family. He'd done his share and now it was time he put him and his family before the world. Xander knew he'd have to tell his wife; he just didn't know how and when to approach it.

Xander wasn't the only one conflicted. Faith, too, had been dealing with her own 'dilemma.' She still hadn't discussed the status of her relationship with Miguel. She hadn't told him if she was ready or willing to become partners with the man in play and business. He hadn't pushed and for that she was grateful. Faith was struggling with her security in what she had and her possible reaction to the unknown. The 'this' that she and Miguel had worked; she felt secure and safe in it. For the first time in her life, Faith was happy in a relationship, even if it was unconventional in some ways. She was scared about what a change would bring. The slayer was also, however, scared that if she did nothing at all or said no to Miguel, she'd lose the only man that had ever "gotten" her. Faith just didn't know what to do, so she did nothing for the time being. She kept busy and purposely avoided talks with Miguel. She knew it was childish but for her there was no alternative at the time. She knew, eventually, she'd have to come to a decision. Faith didn't know whether to feel good or bad about that.

For Kennedy and Willow, the weeks following their return were filled with subdued expectation and activity. As soon as they got back, Kennedy jumped right into helping with the new slayers again. There was some trouble brewing from a nest of new vamps that she assisted in bringing to a resolution. For her part, Willow was just as busy. She resumed her tutoring, having found a substitute while she was away. Buffy had actually gotten her a few more students to help. The witch also had to take care of the backlog of requests for help from area witches and mystics.

The one thing the couple tried to keep from their minds was whether the ritual worked. Instead of dwelling on it, they decided to resume their life and let nature take its course. They knew they wouldn't know either way for several weeks anyhow. So they didn't discuss it which helped to keep the memory of that dream from both their thoughts.

However, try as she might, Kennedy found herself occasionally during that time wondering about their future and their child. Kennedy couldn't help but hope that Willow was wrong about her dream. As many times as the slayer had automatically accepted the opinions of her witch, this was one instance she couldn't. During that time in flux, the brunette often took to running, allowing her time alone to let her mind run through everything that mattered in her life. It always took her to Willow.

There were times when Kennedy would have trouble breathing just from thinking about how much the witch had become a part of her. She felt it so much inside, it hurt at times. Kennedy loved Willow's generosity, her intelligence, her form. The thought of her having their child made the feeling even stronger, a feat thought unattainable by the slayer. After their return from New York, Kennedy couldn't look at Willow without a renewed sense of adoration. If she thought the witch beautiful before, now to Kennedy Willow was beauty's inspiration.

The outward expression of the brunette's feelings were not lost on Willow. The redhead would had to have been blind not to see the new look in those brown eyes when they stared at her. There was a sense of hunger in that gaze, something showing that Kennedy's feelings couldn't be held within. Willow was humbled by the fact that the look was for her. One morning, that need in Kennedy erupted.

Kennedy woke up early, too early for reasonable people. The sun was still sleeping as was her redhead. The brunette knew she couldn't get back to sleep; it was one of those mornings where she felt wired, the slayer energy racing through her veins. She'd been anxious lately, not because evil was lurking or even thoughts of the possible baby. Her edginess came from a general state of limbo. She realized that her life in the past several weeks was frozen in the air; she felt like that was going to change. She was waiting for the change.

Knowing that sleep was not an option and not wanting to disturb her slumbering witch, Kennedy decided that she needed to get up and out of the house. She quietly got out of bed and changed into sweats. She'd found that when she had this pent up energy, running was good medicine to quell it. She left the house and proceeded to run; the street lights still shone bright over the darkness of the infant morning. Kennedy ran. The whole time her mind was on her witch, their life and future. The more she thought, the harder she ran. Instead of fixing her ills, the brunette realized her actions were only creating within a need to be with her woman. The harder she ran, the more she thought of Willow, her skin, her smell, her sounds.

By the time the slayer made it back to their condo a couple of hours later, she had worked herself into a knot for the girl. All she could think of was getting Willow in her arms, beneath her. Kennedy practically flew up the stairs to their front door. She had to calm her breathing and her composure just to make it in the door. Still early, Kennedy entered the place quietly, not wanting to ruin any moment with a commotion. She made her way to their bedroom and slowly looked inside. The sun had awakened and the room was filled with the early morning haze. What Kennedy saw inside would stay with her forever.

There by the chair in front of the window, looking out over the wooded area that backed their condo was Willow. Her back was to the door and she hadn't heard the slayer's approach. Kennedy could see the redhead gracefully standing there. She had a shirt of Kennedy's in her hands and she slowly lifted it to her face. Kennedy could see the witch take in a deep breath, then gently graze her cheek against the fabric. Willow just held the cloth close to her. Kennedy could see a small, contented smile on the witch's face. That one small gesture, so miniscule when compared to so many other events in their life, showed Kennedy that she was loved and wanted and needed. It was Willow's feelings for her in their simplest form, stripped of influence from any outside force or event. Kennedy moved just to make sure the moment was real.

That was enough sound for Willow to turn and see her slayer. "Hey, baby…early morning run?" Willow had also noticed Kennedy's recent addiction to jogging. Kennedy just nodded. When Willow looked more intently at her brunette, she saw it. That wanton look that had been so near to the surface with the slayer recently. It's not that she'd never seen the look before, she had. But lately, to Willow it seemed even more…intense. "Everything ok?"

In the time Kennedy first saw Willow by the window to those words, her blood was rushing through her. Seductively, "It will be…Don't move." The way Kennedy said those words made Willow shiver. They carried the feeling of a starving man placed in front of a feast. The words salivated hunger, for her.

Kennedy quickly disappeared and Willow shortly thereafter heard the shower. Just as quickly it ceased. After a few more anticipated moments, the witch heard her lover approaching. Kennedy walked into the bedroom. The woman was naked. She had toweled herself dry but there were still areas on her body that glistened. Her hair had also been toweled dry and combed back. Willow hadn't moved.

Brushing a stray hair away from her face, the brunette slowly walked up to Willow facing her. Willow could see the desire burning in deep brown eyes. Without a word, the slayer placed her hand behind the witch's neck and drew her in. The kiss was pure lust; the slayer used every ounce of control she had just to keep from taking her redhead right there. But Kennedy got her cravings in line. This was one of those times when she wanted to send Willow to the heavens. She wanted to indulge her every desire. Kennedy wanted to 'have' Willow's body in the most seductive and sensual of ways. This morning, Kennedy would once again show that she could bring her lover to her knees begging for more.

There were times when, for Kennedy, her sexual need, her release was driven solely by her desire to make love to Willow, to touch and caress, to kiss and taste. In those times, her senses were heightened to the point of explosion from the motions and sounds she elicited from her woman. It was what she was able to do to Willow that sent her over the edge. It was sexual selflessness for the most selfish of reasons. Kennedy knew that Willow craved this side of the brunette, that she secretly yearned for those spontaneous times when Kennedy would get that look in her eyes. It was those precious times that made the slayer know the witch couldn't live without her.

Kennedy withdrew from the kiss. Willow's eyes remained closed for a moment, taking in the sensation. She slowly opened them to see the slayer glaring at her with a look of lost abandon. Willow's legs went weak and the air rushed from her lungs. Willow knew what was about to take place; they had shared the experience before. The redhead had been captured in her lover's desires many a time like this. It was something for which she never begged but was always grateful when it was aroused.

Willow, already knowing the answer, playfully said, "We're not going to do the laundry this morning, are we?" Kennedy slowly moved her head from side to side, never changing that look. Willow felt the surge to her core; it knew the pleasure waiting.

Kennedy stood in front of the redhead. She slowly reached out and trailed her fingers along the hem of Willow's night shirt. It was tight with small shoulder straps. The thin material hugged the witch's form and accentuated her breasts. That alone quickened the slayer's pulse. Kennedy leisurely moved her fingers under the cloth and ever so lightly grazed the skin on Willow's stomach. The slayer's other hand had joined the first in lifting the shirt just enough for the cool room air to make the skin tingle. The brunette leaned into the redhead and lightly placed her lips on the witch's neck, just below her ear. She breathed and could feel the witch tense from the sensation. Kennedy worked her lips down the witch's jaw, grazing lightly over a slightly opened mouth.

The slayer leaned back and with both hands took her time in removing the redhead's shirt. She lifted the material as she pressed her palms against the sides of the girl. Bronzed hands followed the silkiness of Willow's arms as they instinctively rose to allow the slayer to complete her deed. Kennedy let the shirt fall from her hand onto the floor. She stepped forward, putting one arm around the witch and lowering her onto the chair.

Willow looked at the slayer curiously, "No bed?" Kennedy's eyes widened slightly.

The slayer then started to kneel down, touching the witch's legs and opening them, so that she ended positioned in between and pressing her own legs against the edge of the chair. Kennedy moved her hands from Willow's knees ever so slowly up her thighs and continued until fingers reached the band of the redhead's pajama pants. Expert fingers glided along the waistband and disappeared behind the witch's back. Willow then felt the slayer motion her to lift her hips which she did as if ordered. As Kennedy looked into the redhead's eyes, she slipped the clothing from Willow's form. Brown eyes then followed hands as they directed the pants further down until finally free of the witch. That piece of clothing was also relegated to the same location on the floor as the shirt.

Willow watched as Kennedy stayed motionless and just canvassed her with those eyes. There was a wildness, a primal hunger in that look; a look that Willow knew was only for her. That stare could make her do anything; she would do anything. Willow was defenseless to it.

Kennedy leaned in again and gingerly touched her girl's thighs. How Kennedy loved that feel. It sent sparks from her finger tips through her to her already aching center. Hands traveled up along smooth alabaster sides and further still to the outside contours of the witch's breasts. Willow sunk back into the chair and closed her eyes. She absorbed the sensation to her body caused by those supple hands. Kennedy continued her caressing, tracing over the redhead's hardened peaks, dipping to their underside and then moving down painfully slow, stopping when they reached the witch's hips again.

Willow was in agony over the torture her slayer was putting her through. She was ready for Kennedy to take her then but knew the woman was prolonging the sensation, stirring her into a whirlwind of emotion. The art of eroticism, the moves and sounds that put the redhead in a dizzying state of desire, was the thing at which Kennedy shined. Willow had heard stories of women driven to indifference with sex because of its passionless approach, the lack of seduction in its offering. The witch couldn't imagine what that felt like. Even though their years together had altered their sexual appetite, there was still passion and true desire. Though they'd gotten to that point in their relationship where they knew what the other liked and when, they were still able to surprise each other. They still could drive the other crazy with their body. Willow knew that was what Kennedy was doing to her now.

Kennedy closed the distance with her redhead and engaged her in another deep and penetrating kiss. She let her piercing explore the contours of the witch's mouth and tongue. The kiss lingered as Kennedy's hand discreetly moved up and barely touched the redhead's center. Willow gasped against the slayer's mouth. She could feel her desire grow. Kennedy lightly trailed her fingers along her lover's center, then retreated to its original spot and began to massage the area. This time, Willow let out a moan; her back arched and her hand went behind Kennedy's head and pulled her in.

Willow knew the game Kennedy was playing, the wonderful sensual game meant to bring her to the edge and dangle her there. The redhead understood in this game, Kennedy set the pace, the agonizingly slow taunting of her will. If she couldn't have her release yet, then she would indulge in letting the slayer know how ready she was. Willow held the slayer firm and kissed her hard, the whole time soft noises coming from her of which she wasn't even aware.

Kennedy kept pressing and teasing her witch. She felt the twitching of muscles and jagged breathing. Kennedy could see the unsteady rise and fall of the redhead's chest, struggling to keep her actions in tow. The slayer knew Willow wanted more, needed more. It was the heightened anticipation that Kennedy craved to see and hear in her witch. She decided her love had waited long enough.

Kennedy withdrew from the kiss and whispered in Willow's ear. "Enough foreplay, baby?"

Willow had trouble speaking. Her insides were reeling from Kennedy's touches and her skills were becoming distorted. Through shallow, jagged breath, "y-yes…oh, god…" Kennedy heard the plea; she didn't refuse.

The slayer dropped her head down to the witch's breast and took a peak in her mouth. At the same time, she placed one hand under Willow's hip and shifted her up so that her other hand had free access to its final destination. At the moment the brunette's tongue flicked upon the nipple, fingers entered. The reaction from the witch was a loud moan, her hands gripping the arms of the chair and her head jerking back. The feeling hit Willow like a winning right cross. Her body convulsed with the sensation. Though not prone to any dialogue during their 'romantic' activities, Willow let her mind empty. She quietly murmured under her breath, '…oh…f-fuc..ck.' It seemed the slayer was influencing the witch in a number of ways.

Kennedy continued her actions. She was slow and deliberate both with her hand and mouth. She paid attention to both breasts before kissing all along Willow's chest and neck, the rhythmic pace of her fingers never waning. As she saw Willow's movements and sounds increase, the slayer quickened her own.

The slayer felt Willow's release build up and then ignite. Kennedy watched as her lover closed her eyes, her body spasmed and she fought the moans without success. The ripples persisted and then finally receded. But the slayer didn't move; she didn't retreat. She waited until the precise moment and started her rhythmic assault on the redhead again. Kennedy knew how to make her lover fall twice, the nuances of Willow's body that told her exactly what to do and when.

Once again, the brunette took things slowly, building up Willow to the point of release. The second fall was as great as the first and this time Kennedy soon followed. The look on her redhead, the rocking of her body and Kennedy's own motion against the chair was enough to send the slayer crashing. It always amazed her how making love to Willow and watching her fall could send her over the edge. Willow's possession of the brunette was so strong, the witch didn't even have to touch her.

Kennedy let her body rock with its release; she felt the surge flow through and then dissipate. When over, the slayer fell spent against her lover; her head in the woman's lap and arms around her waist. Willow, also exhausted from her ordeal, slumped forward, putting her arms over the slayer's back and leaning her head against Kennedy's.

After a few minutes, the women moved, Willow sitting up and the slayer retreating to her kneeling positioned.

Kennedy got that look in her eyes, again. "Don't plan on washing the clothes today…I've got more 'things' in mind." Willow felt the slayer's hands tighten on her thighs as she said that. The feeling came instantly back.

Kennedy took the redhead's hand and pulled her off the chair and onto the rug. Willow was quickly on her back. Looking at her slayer. "No bed?"

Kennedy just smiled. "I told you we'll get there eventually." Kennedy got on top of her witch and slowly started her way down her body, kissing her gently as she went. Willow closed her eyes and ran her fingers through her crimson hair. 'I love being married to a slayer,' the redhead thought. Her muscles flinched when the slayer's piercing worked its way around her belly button.

Round three was underway and it looked as if the slayer had a thorough command of the event.

It was almost 2:30pm by the time the witch and slayer made it out of the bedroom. They did finally end up in bed as Kennedy had promised, although the witch couldn't truly say she preferred her sex there or on the floor. The last hour before the couple got up was spent napping. Kennedy had brought Willow to the point of exhaustion. After the initial few times of solo gratification, Willow was able to "return the favor" to her brunette.

Willow waked several minutes before her slayer and spent the time examining her life. Her aching muscles made her first think about the brunette sleeping beside her. As strong and hard and cocky as the woman could portray herself to the outside world, Willow knew the real Kennedy; the one that wasn't afraid to let her insecurities and doubts show, or her softness. Kennedy was a unique individual, rich and pampered in ways yet made hard from a distant family and years of preparing for her slayer destiny. She was beautiful, confident, intricate and captivating. One sensual look could send Willow's knees buckling; one expression of sadness could break the witch's heart. Kennedy did for her something that noone else ever had; she let the witch be herself completely. Kennedy didn't just see 'Willow the shy girl' or 'Willow the mega witch'; she wasn't merely smart or kind. With Kennedy, Willow was all those things and so much more. She was brains and beauty and brawn; the redhead was the slayer's fantasy and her comfort. The brunette allowed Willow to be the complex, passionate person that had been locked inside for so long.

A perfect example of Kennedy's influence was the 'romantic' side of their relationship. Willow had never thought of herself as a sexual dynamo or someone who craved sex. It wasn't that her time with Kennedy had turned her into a person who 'had' to have sex. It's just that Kennedy allowed the redhead to discard her inhibitions; with the slayer, she wanted to. She became bolder and bawdier, and most importantly, better. Willow had to admit she'd become a more proficient lover with Kennedy. It wasn't just because the woman was a slayer with increased stamina. Willow knew the brunette was skillful even before the slayer spell. Willow's receipt of that adeptness from her girl made her want to return it in kind. The end result was that were times when the two women were down right horny needing each other to squelch the fire. That's not to say that they couldn't be gentle and soft when the mood was right. The fact was that the couple ran the gambit from soulful love-making to, what Kennedy liked to refer to as, "wild monkey sex." What had changed in Willow's life because of Kennedy was her need, and the intensity of that need, for all of it. The redhead loved her slayer and everything that the brunette could do to her.

As Kennedy woke up, Willow lay there, looking at her. When the slayer gave her an inquisitive stare, the witch just smiled.

"And I'd say the time spent getting here was put to good use." Kennedy sounded proud of herself.

"I'd say the fact that I could care less that the laundry didn't get done is testament to that."

"Better than Haagen Dazs Triple Chocolate Chunk ice cream." Willow smiled with satisfaction.

Kennedy rolled over and playfully put her arms around the witch. "Wanna see if I can outdo Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey?"

Willow laughed and squirmed. "I swear anymore of this and I'll die from the euphoria."

The women started tickling each other and teasing. They ended up with Kennedy holding her witch. The slayer spoke softly. "You think we'll be able to do this after we have a kid?"

It was the first time that either had talked out loud about that subject since their return from New York. Willow heard the subdued anxiousness in her slayer's voice. In all honesty, Willow hadn't been able to keep her mind totally free from thoughts of the ritual and whether it had worked. Though the dream she'd had still lingered in her mind, she tried to be positive and hoped that it 'took.'

"We'll make sure we do…but we'll eventually need a better lock for the bedroom door."

Kennedy got a big smile on her face. She wasn't sure how Willow would take her comment. The brunette didn't know where her witch's head was at on that matter. She was glad to see that the redhead was as expectant as she was. She decided to push a little more. "When do you think we can find out?"

Willow knew exactly what the question meant. "Well, not being exactly 'regular gal' to begin with…I say if nature doesn't take its course in the next few days, we get a pregnancy test and check." That thought made Willow slightly nervous.

"Wow," Kennedy said to no one, staring out at nothing as the words came softly out of her mouth.

Unknown to them at the time, in three days, Kennedy and Willow would have their answer.

It was two days before Thanksgiving and Xander was still making some repairs to the banister on the staircase of his home. The reason for the carpenter skills was that the Harris' were hosting dinner on the upcoming holiday. There would be twenty slayers, watchers, friends and relatives in all. After having done such a great job with his Labor Day blowout bash the year before, many had suggested they give it go. The pressure was off a bit because it was decided that the event would be pot luck. Everyone had orders to bring a dish. Even though they wouldn't be straddled with preparing an army's worth of food, Xander still wanted to make sure the house was up to par for his guests. He'd been working on finishing some projects that had been left unfinished for too long.

If tightening a few spindles was all the man had had on his mind, Xander would have considered himself lucky. But, he'd been struggling with the matter of what to do to keep his family safe and away from danger. He'd been able to put a plan together; unfortunately, he'd not found a 'good' time to discuss it with Jessica. Every time he thought it was right, Nate would get fussy or work would call. It almost seemed like the universe was trying to make it impossible for him to talk to his wife.

Finally, after he'd finished the staircase and Nate was in bed, Xander went into the living room and sat down next to Jessica. He took the remote from her hand and turned off the television. The woman looked at him perturbed until she saw his expression. She instantly knew he was serious.

The woman slowly nodded her head, uncertainty shone on her face. "Ok," she said cautiously.

Xander turned slightly so he was facing her. "I wanna tell you something I've been thinking about for a while, but I don't want you to say anything until you hear me out…I just wanna to say what I need to say…and then we can discuss what you think…Ok?"

"Fine." Again the tone was filled with trepidation. Jessie looked intently at her husband.

Xander smiled and then took a deep breath which he let out slowly. "Ok…well, since we got Nate back I've been thinking real hard about our life…here in Cleveland and near the hellmouth…heck, I've been thinking about a lot of things…the way my life used to be, and the way it is now with you and Nate…and I've really been thinking about how I want our life to be from here out…"

Jessie listened silently as Xander told her about how he viewed his life before her met her. The man told her that being a Scooby meant everything to him. Fighting evil with Buffy and Willow was what he did. "As scared as I got, I liked it…it gave me a purpose…I felt like I was doing something great for the world…" Xander's approving reminiscent tone got darker. "But the good stuff was mixed in with some horrible times…"

Xander went on to say how he watched as good friends died. He saw more death and destruction than any one person should see. "I lost people I loved…people I really cared for…but I kept telling myself that was the price for being in on the whole demon/vampire thing…I wasn't willing to get out of the danger because I didn't have a reason to…the fight was always more important."

Xander stood up and paced slightly in front of the couch where Jessie was still seated. He stopped and turned to her again. "The fight isn't more important anymore…you and Nate are." He went back and sat on the edge of the coffee table. "When Nate was taken, I thought I was gonna die…All I kept thinking was that him being taken was somehow connected to me being a Scooby…being part of the crowd that goes after the bad guys…I thought if I hadn't still been in this, Nate wouldn't have been taken…"

Jessica went to talk but Xander stopped her. "No, let me finish…I know now that it was just bad luck, but afterwards, it bothered me that I'd even had that thought in my head…"

The man continued with his dialogue. He told his wife how now all he wanted was his family safe. "I don't want anything to happen to you two…I couldn't handle it if anything did…" Then Xander got to the tough part. "Jess, I know your family is here and our work is here…but…I'm thinking that…maybe we shouldn't be…If we move, we can keep all that evil junk away from us…We won't have to worry about something bad happening to Nate."

Xander saw the startled look on his wife's face. He quickly started talking again. "I know this is sudden and we never talked about anything like this before…but I know we can do it…You wouldn't have trouble getting a teaching position at any school district, no matter where we went…and I've checked around and there are a couple guys who'd be interested in buying my business." Xander stopped and waited to see some reaction in his wife.

Xander smiled. 'At least she's open to the idea,' he thought to himself. "I was thinking Missiouri…St. Louis…One of my vendors here has a brother there who's looking for a consultant."

Jessica studied Xander. She'd known for a while that there was something troubling the man. He'd been distant and not the irreverent man she'd married. Jessie decided it was just the after affect of the harrowing episode they went through. She knew she was still on edge for quite a while after they returned from New York. The woman understood that Xander had felt responsible for Nate's abduction. It took a lot of convincing by Willow and Kennedy to make him accept that it was all just one terrible coincidence. Jessie also knew that since they'd gotten married, her husband had cut back on his involvement with the slayer network and evil fighting in general. After their son's birth, it was reduced even more.

The one action she didn't notice, because it never happened, was Xander's distancing himself from his friends. Even if he wasn't fighting with them, the Scooby kept in touch with, visited, and loved his friends as much as when they first met. Xander loved those people; they were more his family than the real ones were. Because of this, Jessica knew the decision Xander had made didn't come easily or without regrets. The woman answered the only way she could; she answered the way she knew Xander, deep down, wanted her to.

"No, Xander…We're not moving." Jessica took his hands in her own. "I love that you want to protect us…keep anything bad from getting at us…But, honey?…You'll never be able to do that…Whether it's demons or an accident or a sickness, bad stuff sooner or later will probably knock on our door…"

Jessie shook her head. "You know deep down that's not true…How many times have you told me about people not knowing all the demon stuff that happens around them…right?"

Xander knew he had to admit that was true, but he wasn't giving up yet. "But the farther away we are, the more chance we have of not being caught up in it…This is a hellmouth town."

Jessie's voice was becoming more assertive. "And this is where our family is…my family has always been here…We can't just leave them…And what about your friends?…How can we just get up and go?"

Xander got adamant. "They're slayers and witches…They can take care of themselves…I need to know you and Nate are safe."

Jessie was starting to get that 'I'll disagree just to disagree' feeling. She held her breath for an instant and gathered her thoughts. "I want Nate to be safe too…but I don't want to bring him up to run away…to think it's ok to leave people you love because you're scared…" Jessie held onto Xander's hands tighter. "…That's what happened here…You're scared Xander…and that's ok. I'm scared too."

Xander looked into his wife's eyes and then lowered his head. After a few moments, he looked back up. "I can't lose you two."

Jessica pulled the man off the coffee table so that he was kneeling in front of her. She took him in an embrace. "We're here, Xan…We won't go anywhere without a fight…But we can't run away…The school and the slayers need you." She leaned back from the embrace. "I knew who you were and what your life was like along time ago…Do you think that if I had doubts I'd have married you?"

Xander smiled. He knew he had the best woman in the world to share his life with. Jessica was strong and smart when it came to figuring him out. "It won't always be an easy life…fighting the baddies out there…You think we can keep Nate safe?"

The man got a smile in return. "We will all keep him safe…You know that everyone at slayer central would die for that kid…These people are our family, Xan…We need to be here for them as much as they'd be here for us…moving away shouldn't be because we're scared."

Xander leaned back in and hugged the woman. Softly in her ear, "I love you, Jess." He heard "I love you," whispered back.

After a few moments, the two ended their embrace. Xander gave one of his trademark smiles. "Well, I guess if we're not going anywhere, I better fix the loose tile in the bathroom…We've got a Thanksgiving dinner to do in two days."

While Xander was straightening out his life's dilemmas, Faith was working on her own. She and Miguel were getting on a plane to Cleveland in the morning to share Thanksgiving with their friends. Since it was really only Faith and the Brazilian together in New York, they were pleased when Xander invited them over. "I know it means flying on a holiday, but I hope you two can come." They were forced to go on the actual day because Miguel had some business that he couldn't wind up until the day before the holiday. "Don't sweat it, Mick…We get there when we get there." As it turned out, the slayer and Miguel planned to stay a few days to catch up with everyone.

Even though they'd made plans for the trip and seemed to be sailing smoothly, both individuals knew there was unfinished business on their minds. Faith and Miguel still hadn't discussed the request made by the Brazilian several weeks earlier. Faith knew she'd been putting it off. She didn't know why it was so hard to just say tell the man that being with him was all she wanted. 'Is that what I want?' Faith knew that was the question. She'd been a loner for so much of her life that she felt like part of her could never settle down. She liked the release valve of being able to disappear if needed and not having the same routine every day. The brunette knew she was not conventional. Would working side by side with Miguel each day in New York be too much of 'normal' for her to take? Faith wondered all those things as she sat in her office the day before their flight.

For his part, Miguel realized he had to make Faith face this decision. He wanted to be with her; he loved her. But, he could not be less of who he was. The man knew he was meant to help the unprotected, the defenseless. Whenever he'd done a mission while they were in Brazil or even when he could in New York, the man felt alive. He couldn't keep blinding himself with a regular business. He wanted in on the action; he needed to be. Of one thing he was certain, he wanted to do it with Faith by his side. Now, he only had to wait to see if the slayer realized she was strong enough to do just that.

Miguel was not ignorant to the problems Faith was going through. He saw the nervous look on her face, one that resembled a wild animal being led to captivity. The Brazilian had enough years under his belt to know Faith's decision would come down to how much she had matured during their time together. He knew only she would be able to figure out for herself that the man wasn't trying to tie her down or turn her into a domesticated version of another woman. Miguel liked the untamed part of the slayer. He understood her need to 'be her own woman' at times. He never wanted to make her his inseparable partner. Miguel only wanted them to do what they were destined to do – fight against evil, together. So, while Faith fought her inner demons, the man finished putting away papers in his warehouse file cabinets. He secretly hoped that he wouldn't have his life shattered, that he'd be with the woman he loved doing the thing he was meant to do.

By 7:30pm, Faith couldn't stand sitting in her office any longer. Analyzing her problem gave her a headache. So, she left her desk and headed out to go home. She didn't know Miguel was still in the warehouse; he was supposed to be with a business associate. As she walked to the exit, she heard a noise. Instinctively, the slayer got in fighting mode and quietly went over to where the noise was. She hid behind some furniture so she wasn't seen. The slayer actually thought she'd break up a robbery; Miguel's place had numerous high money import items. What she found was something totally different.

Faith looked on unnoticed as Miguel cleaned up part of the storage area. It wasn't just any section but the area that kept many of the slayer's weapons used for her job. She watched as her man picked up every weapon with complete reverence for its importance. She saw him clean, shine and then put away the axes, knives, swords and crossbows. The man worked silently and expertly. There were some weapons there that Miguel had never used and hardly handled, and yet, he treated each like it would soon save his life. Faith saw the respect and emotion the man carried for the thing that the brunette did everyday. Miguel was sewn to a life of assisting Good in the fight against Evil, of that she was certain.

The slayer saw more than just Miguel's respect for "the fight" in his actions. After all she'd been doing lately, ignoring his need to be apart of something bigger, the man still had complete deference to her and her work. Those weren't just anyone's weapons; they were his woman's. He wasn't running away or being small or childish. He was doing what he'd always done, taking care of things while he let Faith figure things out on her own. The slayer knew Miguel never pushed, never smothered and never tried to make her into anything she wasn't. She now wondered why she hadn't seen that before. The brunette in that second knew exactly what she wanted.

Faith walked from behind her hiding spot and over to her man. When he first heard footsteps, Miguel was startled. Upon seeing his slayer, he calmed immediately.

Neither minded the fact that they were both wrong. Faith continued to watch as Miguel cleaned and put away her weapons. The man had the feeling that the slayer wanted to talk. He didn't say a word, letting Faith determine the right moment. A tiny part of him was scared of what she'd say and didn't want to hurry the matter.

Faith just stood there and occasionally took a knife from the man or gave him a rag when needed. Each time, Miguel said "thank you" but nothing further. Finally, the slayer walked over to the man and took his cloth and the sword he was holding out of his hand. She stared at him. He just looked back.

"After we get rid of your business crap, can we use the big room over there for our office?" Faith didn't notice the tension that instantly dissipated from the man.

The brunette smiled back. She knew they would be fine. At that moment, she couldn't imagine how she'd ever thought otherwise. "Why don't you leave that?…We'll finish it next week…We've got a flight tomorrow to get ready for."

Faith took Miguel's arm and started walking to the exit door. He naturally followed.

Back in Cleveland, the witch and slayer had thought that they were ready to find out the status of their future. It had been an excruciating two days for Kennedy. Every time she saw Willow enter a room, she had the same thought on her mind with a corresponding look on her face – 'Did she start her period?' Kennedy found it rather weird that she was focusing on such a subject. Certainly, 'feminine' issues were second nature to the couple. It was hard to be two lesbians in a committed relationship without the subject being a part of their lives. The slayer, however, found it strange that it had become the main focus of her thoughts, all the time. She knew that Willow felt her anxiety too. She'd gotten a look or two from the witch which seemed to say, 'Don't you think I'd tell you if I got it?'

By the day before Thanksgiving, the two were wrecks. Willow decided she couldn't wait any longer. "That's it…You're driving me crazy with the looks…I say we find out today." Even though she'd wanted to wait several more days, Willow knew Kennedy would explode by that time.

"Are you sure, Will?…It's been long enough?" Kennedy's tone wasn't convincing. She was ecstatic they were going to finally get an answer. Patience was never one of her strong points.

Willow just shook her head at the lame attempt. "Please, don't even try to seem like you're all 'it's no big deal' with this…You were going to pop if I didn't do something."

Kennedy tried to innocently smile but that failed just as badly. She gave up the charade. "If you say it's time, it is…Wanna go to the store now?" Kennedy had already headed for the closet to get her jacket before Willow even had a chance to respond.

The brunette stopped, saw what she'd done and shrugged her shoulders in acceptance. "Sorry…got a little ahead of myself there." Kennedy grabbed Willow's coat and held it out for her. "After you, babe," the slayer said as she opened the front door. The two women headed out.

"Jesus, who thought there were so many of these stupid tests to chose from?" Kennedy was reading the label of one pregnancy test box while Willow looked at another. They had been in the drugstore for over twenty minutes investigating the different brands.

"They all seem pretty much the same…gotta do the same thing." Willow had read the directions on seven different brands. "But it doesn't matter which we choose cos we have to wait til tomorrow for all of them."

"What?" Kennedy said rather loud. She hadn't made it through all the directions yet.

Willow showed her a box and pointed to a section of the directions. "Right here…it says it's better to test first thing in the morning."

Kennedy wasn't convinced. "Well, that doesn't mean you can't do it now…right?"

The redhead got a nervous look. "Kenne, I only want to do this once…I want to make sure we get it right…you know…I don't want to think one thing if the truth is something else…Ok?"

The slayer saw the expression on her wife's face. She could see that the girl was anxious about this as mush as she was. "Sure, Will…we'll do it in the morning."

Willow smiled her gratitude and picked one of the containers. "Let's do this one…It either shows 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant' for the result…obvious much?"

Kennedy nodded her agreement and the woman bought the item and headed home. That night seemed to drag on forever for the couple. They ate dinner, watched tv and made the dish that they were going to bring to Xander's the next day. As they cleaned up the kitchen and readied for bed, Willow started to have second thoughts about doing the test the next morning. She told Kennedy her concern. The slayer's response wasn't exactly the supportive reaction she expected.

"You don't want to do the test because you don't believe in Thanksgiving?…Isn't that being just a bit irrational?"

Willow didn't see the foolishness in it at all. "You know I'm not crazy about the day…We had that discussion already…It seems like bad karma to do it tomorrow…the day we basically legitimize the white man's slaughtering of Indian nations is not the right vibe to do this."

Kennedy tried not to laugh. She knew that Willow was serious about the holiday. It came straight from her parents. But she also knew they needed to know more than Willow needed to carry on with her principled stand against the injustices to the native peoples.

"Why don't you look at it differently…Tomorrow hasn't ever been considered a 'good' day to you…cuz of the bad karma…What better way to change that than to find out you're pregnant?…It would be perfect."

Willow got an intense look. "What if I'm not?…It would just be another reason to hate the day."

Kennedy wouldn't give in; she wouldn't let her girl think so negatively. "I don't think that's gonna happen, Will…I don't know why but…I really believe the spell worked…and I think we deserve to find out as soon as possible." Brown eyes stared confidently at her witch.

The redhead concentrated on those eyes and then let out a breath. "Ok, we do it tomorrow." She was instantly taken into an embrace. Mumbling, "This still doesn't make me any less nervous."

Kennedy got a very devilish look on her face. "Well, I believe I can assist you in alleviating that problem." The slayer then took the witch in her arms and headed for their bed.

"Oh, crap!" Kennedy heard Willow shout out. The redhead had been in the bathroom behind a closed door for about ten minutes. The brunette was on the other side of the door pacing nervously. It was Thanksgiving morning and the couple were about to learn the fate of their future.

Willow was glad she'd said 'no' to allowing the brunette in the room with her while she did the 'deed.' She was nervous enough without having an audience. Of course, the slayer didn't see it exactly that way. "You're shy about me seeing you pee?…First, I've seen you pee before… and second, you've done a lot of other 'things' in front of me and didn't get nervous…" Needless to say, Willow's weirdness won out and the slayer was stuck waiting for her redhead to come out of the bathroom.

Finally, Kennedy saw the doorknob turn. The door opened and there stood Willow. She was holding the pregnancy stick in her hand. Kennedy stared at her, waiting for a reaction. Willow said nothing. She only lifted the stick up to the slayer's eye level.

Then the witch slowly turned it around in her fingers so that the result screen was facing Kennedy. The slayer's eyes fixated there for the longest time. Then, brown eyes moved back up and caught those of green.

Dinner at the Harris' was going well. Everyone arrived on time and all were busy catching up, meeting for the first time and generally having a good time. As suspected, the guys gathered around the tv to watch the football game. They were a little surprised at the number of young women who joined them. Jessie's family was re-introduced to the Scooby gang and the others from slayer central. Of course, they didn't know anything other than the group were all friends or colleagues. Xander and Jessie had no plans to tell the relatives about their demon fighting connections. Nate was a hit as usual. Jessica's sister had two children, four and seven, that spent much of the time playing with the boy.

As the time went on, waiting for dinner to be served, the Scoobies reconnected. Willow and Buffy got to talk. The blonde told her friend that she and Jimmy were still doing wonderfully. To make the day seem even more prefect, Dawn was home from college and also at Xander's. She talked to Willow and Xander and Kennedy, telling each how she loved her life. They could all see how mature the girl had become. She was no longer "Dawnie," even if she would always be Buffy's little sister. Willow filled Buffy in on the mission in New York but avoided conversation about her and Kennedy's 'deal.' In like manner, Kennedy talked with Faith and was happy to hear that she and Miguel were going to run the 'investigation' business. When the older slayer tried to broach the subject of their trip, Kennedy dodged the matter by insisting she had to go to the bathroom.

When everything was ready, dinner was served. With so many people, the meal was put out buffet style. Xander used the dining room to lay out all the food everyone brought. Everyone took their turn grabbing a plate and making their way down the long tables filled with holiday delectables. After a heaping plate of food was scored, individuals scattered throughout the living room, kitchen and sunroom to eat. Though Miguel wasn't American, and didn't even understand the holiday until the previous year, he took to it like second nature. Jessica's parents were surprised at how much some of the girls ate. It was like they were famished. Many were working on their second plate even before others had a chance to sit down with their first.

The meal continued, people making numerous trips for more turkey or Jessie's Aunt's secret stuffing. The same process started all over again a little while later with dessert.

Eventually, the Scooby family ended up in the same room. They were all sitting around a large table. The friends laughed and talked, not like people who'd only shared apocalypses together, but like ones who'd shared their lives. These men and women were family in all but blood. And as powerful and essential as they knew blood was in the world in which they lived, they also knew it wasn't stronger than what they had together. They were and always would be there for each other, even if they were miles apart.

In the middle of their reunion, Xander held out his glass. "I'm glad you came …" He looked at his wife. "…Our house is always open to you guys." The rest of the gang smiled and gave their own "thank you's" for the Harris' generosity. Then the man continued. "I'm usually not a sentimental guy…but this Thanksgiving, me and Jess have a lot to be thankful for…We've got Nate and…" He looked at the brunette slayers and Willow, "…if not for you guys, we woulda lost him…We don't know how we'll ever be able to thank you…" Xander's voice had genuine gratitude in it.

Faith spoke up. "Make sure he takes after Jess and that'll be thanks enough." Everyone started laughing.

Jessie hugged Xander then looked at her new family. "No, really…This is a great day for us…it couldn't be better…We're just glad we get to share with you."

Miguel leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach like the full and content man that he was. "Really, how could this be any better?" Faith looked at the man then leaned her shoulder into him and smiled.

On the other side of the table, no one noticed Willow and Kennedy place their hands under the table. Kennedy then took Willow's left in her right. She gently squeezed it.

"Umm, guys?" Willow said as she briefly looked at Kennedy then back to the others. "I think me and Kenne got a way."

The witch looked at her slayer and they both smiled widely. "We have something to tell you…"

Back at the witch's and slayer's condo, past the living room, down the hall and in the bathroom, there it was. Resting perfectly on the corner of the sink on top of a piece of tissue paper was the stick. It was facing up for all the world to see. Willow's and Kennedy's fate had been sealed. Inside the tiny result screen of the stick, in small black lettering, it read…

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Life Changes Everything

by LilBit

Copyright © 2006

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