Parallel 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 – reading that story and its prequel, The Sacrifice, first are recommended.
Pairing: Willow/Kennedy

Both slayers looked at each other in sheer amazement. "That wasn't there yesterday," Buffy said befuddled. Kennedy nodded her head in agreement, then added, "It wasn't there all the times I looked since I've been here."

The slayers were huddled around the desk in Kennedy's room, staring at the first page of ten in the Han Nurrabi Chronicles that told the story of the Eye of Scrombes. Just as Willow had told her brunette, the tome had given up its secret to her.

They had been in the brunette's room for only about twenty minutes since Buffy's return from her mission and conveyance of her good news to Kennedy.

Buffy received information from a warlock about potential evil vibes coming from southwest of Miami. Realizing the man wasn't telling her all he knew, Buffy "pressed" him for more facts. After two broken fingers, the warlock realized the slayer wouldn't stop so he told her about a Miccosukee medicine woman who could possibly tell her more. Buffy, after getting directions, straightened out the man's fingers, said goodbye and quickly made her way to the main office building on the Native American reservation. On the way, Buffy marveled at the craziness of Miami drivers. "And they say I can't drive…these people act like act like they're on a racetrack…"

Once at the reservation, the blonde was directed to a newly built one story ranch style house. She was led inside by several ladies and made to wait in the living room. Within several minutes, an old blind woman came out of the kitchen and walk slowly over to the slayer who was sitting on a couch. The woman made her way to the sofa and sat beside Buffy.

"You are a slayer?" the woman asked as she placed her aging hands on Buffy's shoulder, letting them slide down her arm.

"Umm…how do you know about slayers?" Buffy didn't know what to tell this person.

"I know about many things…I know why you're here…but you're not the witch's slayer."

Buffy was startled and intrigued with that statement. How the woman possessed this information was a mystery to her. She wasn't sure she could trust her so Buffy decided she needed to do a little questioning.

"How do you know about slayers?…and how do you know one's with a witch?" Buffy wasn't going to converse unless she got some assurance that this wasn't a setup.

"A witch as powerful as your friend can't come to a place without those of sensitive feelings knowing…this is true of her slayer also." The blind woman's voice was soft and reassuring. She knew the woman before her needed to trust. "There are those in this tribe, myself included, who are…as they say 'gifted' with the ability to feel energy changes…Your friends…and I assume they're your friends if you've traveled to me on their behalf…their forces were felt when they arrived many months ago…we felt benevolence from them so left them alone…" The woman took her hand off Buffy's shoulder and put it on her knee. "…We felt the forces leave and then only one…the slayer, return later…"

Buffy felt confusion. "If you knew all this why didn't you help Kennedy…she's been trying to find Willow for months." The old woman shook her head.

"We had no information to give…we only knew of their energy…no others." Buffy was more confused.

"Then why was I told to come see you…I was told you'd have information about some evil forces somewhere around here." Buffy had too much to do to sit around a place talking to someone who couldn't help her find DeAntiao.

"Because things have changed," the medicine woman spoke. "Two nights ago, there was a breeze of evil in the air…it only lasted moments but it was chilling to the bone…unlike anything that's been here in quite some time."

Buffy had an intuition that the old woman had to be talking about their enemy. "Please tell me what you know…I need to get my friend back."

The blind woman smiled. "We all need the witch back…she has much greatness in her." The woman took a long breath and continued. "There have been only a few brief moments of the sense…and only in the last two days…but the wisest of this tribe have felt them…it is an evil of immense proportions…I wish I could tell you exactly where this devil is, but that is not possible…what I can say is that the monster resides in the glades, deep in the marshes somewhere south of here…" Through eyes that hadn't seen the face of a beautiful woman in years, the medicine woman quietly regretted, "That is all we know…we wish there was more."

The blonde slayer took the old woman's hands in her own. With a smile unseen, Buffy replied, "What you've told me is a lot…thank you so much." The slayer then stood up and headed for the door. Before she made it there, the blind woman spoke.

The old woman got a strange look on her face. "Oh, my…that really is your name."

Buffy stood for a few seconds with her head slightly tilted to the side until she was tapped on the shoulder by one of the women who had led her into the house. The slayer was escorted again back to her car. Though it had taken Buffy half the evening to get information, what she was finally able to discover was a goldmine. When she saw Kennedy in her doorway on her return to the Tides, the blonde couldn't hold in her excitement.

Buffy was even more thrilled when Kennedy told her about her "encounter" with Willow. The blonde's resolve shifted into fourth gear. "Kennedy…we're gonna get her back…it's all coming together."

After their brief conversation in the hallway, the women retreated back into Kennedy's room to peruse the Chronicles to see if they could find the Eye of Scrombes entry. They did.

What they now had was concrete facts to back up the events dealing with Kennedy's slayer dream. They knew who had taken Willow and how it was done. The slayers were also knee deep in the way to get her back. After reading the entry and Kennedy filling Buffy in on the spells and potions Willow told her about, the blonde knew they needed more help.

"Ok, we need to get this Eye stuff to Giles…there are passages in here we don't understand and we'll need to know about before Friday." Kennedy agreed.

"Yeah, Willow told me the spells she has for the cloaking and stuff aren't super hard, but they take more witchiness than you or I could fake…plus, we need someone to do the potion…"

"There must be witches down here we can get to help…don't you know any?" Buffy asked the younger slayer. Kennedy looked slightly embarrassed.

"I haven't exactly been making friends while I've been here…my 'dealings' with people have been all business…usually short and to the point."

Buffy could see Kennedy was now kicking herself for having spent all her time in complete mission mode. She felt bad for the girl. "Don't sweat it…Giles will know someone…we better call him."

The slayers called the watcher who was awoken from his sleep. "Sorry to call this early Giles…but we've got big news…" Kennedy placed the call on the speaker phone and both women told the watcher what had happened. The women recounted the night's events, the connection with Willow, her spells and potion and Buffy's narrowing of DeAntiao's location. They told Giles how they needed the name of some one who could do the spells and make the potion.

Giles was astounded and eager to assist. "This is wonderful news…Willow is alive and safe…yes, we most definitely can get you two what you need to get her back…Oh, this is wonderful indeed…" Kennedy and Buffy could hear the joy in the man's voice and the cracking in his words as emotion took over the watcher. "Please you need to fax me the pages from the Chronicles immediately…I need to study them."

The slayers were happy for the man's enthused help. They knew they were still far from their destination, but they could feel themselves getting closer. "Ok, Giles, we'll send those right now to you…then we'll wait til you get back in touch with a name for the spells and potion…but hurry Giles…we need to get to DeAntiao before Friday." Buffy had over the years leaned on the Englishman when in dire straits. Now she needed him just as much; this time to help bring back her best friend. She knew deep inside the watcher wouldn't let her down.

"I'll get back to you as soon as possible…you both have my word on that." The phone call ended and Kennedy went to the front desk to make copies of the Chronicle pages to fax to Giles. She watched as the copied pages made their way through the fax machine; she heard the phone line receive and accept the transmission. As she looked at the "TRANSMISSION SUCCESSFUL" message blinking on the machine's LCD panel, the brunette thought, 'It's up to you now Giles…be quick.'

She then went back to her room where Buffy was still waiting. "Well…I guess we just wait now, " Kennedy said nervously.

"Don't worry, Kenne…nobody works faster than Giles." Buffy reassured her. Then looking around, "Maybe we should try to get some rest before he calls…I gotta feeling tomorrow's gonna be a busy day."

Kenedy shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I could sleep…I'm too wired…I just want to get Willow back…" Then more reflective, "…God, seeing her again…even if it was just my head doing it…I jus…just…" The brunette was at a loss for words. Buffy saw her struggle to keep composed.

Tenderly, "How 'bout we watch some tv then?…keep our minds occupied…Hey, let's find out where our tropical storm is…Ok, Kennedy?" Buffy wanted to let the younger slayer know she wasn't in this alone; the blonde would be with her step for step.

Kennedy gave Buffy a grateful smile. "Ok, Buff…that sounds good." The two sat on the bed, turned on the tv and waited. They waited for the call that would be the beginning of the end for DeAntiao.

Both women were startled from their sleep by the ringing of the hotel phone next to the bed. Once aware of the source of the noise, Kennedy quickly grabbed for the receiver. Buffy rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked at her watch – 9:06am. She surmised they had both fallen asleep during the night. The sun was shining bright into the room as the blonde listened to Kennedy's side of the conversation. At one point, the brunette motioned Buffy to get her a pen and pad from the desk, which the slayer did. Kennedy quickly wrote on the paper. The brunette mostly listened and gave but a few monosyllabic answers before ending the call with a very heartfelt "Thanks so much Giles, we'll call you soon."

As soon as the receiver hit the cradle, Buffy said, "So?…what'd he say?…" Kennedy handed the blonde the piece of paper.

"Giles said this woman can get the potion together for us and she's strong enough to do the spells…does the name look familiar?" Buffy concentrated on it.

"She's one of the coven women, Altheana's friend, who helped Willow after Tara died…Giles said she came to the U.S. about two months ago to do some research for some University…any way, she's in Atlanta and Giles has already talked to her…she's on her way here."

Buffy immediately remembered the woman. The assurance began to swell in the slayer's psyche. Things were starting to swing there way on a grand scale. "It's shifting, Kennedy, "she said confidently.

Kennedy and Buffy knew they could do nothing until their visitor arrived, so they took this time to take showers, change clothes and get something to eat. While in her room, Buffy called Petson to update him on the events and just to hear his voice. She found after talking to him, she felt more relaxed and calmer about the impending mission. "I know you can do it Buffy…you and Kennedy will get Willow back…just keep believing that." Buffy asked Jimmy to inform Xander and Dawn of the latest unfoldings. She knew they were just as worried and anxious as she was.

By late afternoon, the slayers were waiting in the hotel lobby when they saw who they knew had to be their traveling witch arrive. They walked over to her.

"Glenda?" Kennedy asked.
"Yes, you must be Kennedy…" then looking at the blonde, "…and you're Buffy." She held her hand out for handshakes. Both slayers graciously obliged.

"Thanks for coming all the way down here…" Buffy could see the woman was already tired from what had to be a middle of the night phone call followed by a hasty departure.

"Please…I would gladly help Willow…she's such a gentle soul…whatever I can do to help…I'm at your service."

Kennedy didn't mean to be impatient but she knew time was not on their side. They had just over twenty-eight hours to find DeAntiao, get the amulet and open the portal to bring Willow back. They couldn't afford manners under these circumstances. "Glenda?…I don't mean to sound rude, but we're kinda pressed for time…"

Buffy saw the concern on Kennedy's face and understood the reason for the statement. "Yeah…we don't have much time to find this guy."

The witch nodded politely. "Of course, forgive me…well then, do you have a place where we won't be disturbed?"

Kennedy nodded. "My room's on the fourth floor," she said as she motioned for the woman to follow her.

"Let's go…I need to get you two ready to do a little warlock hunting, now don't I?" The three women headed to the elevator.

"So you think those spells worked?…It didn't feel like much when she did them." Kennedy sounded unsure.

"If Giles sent her here, then she knows her stuff…I'm sure everything was done right." Buffy didn't want the brunette to be nervous. She trusted Giles completely.

"You know, Buffy…I still can't believe that it's Willow that got us this far…I forget sometimes that she's as powerful as she is…"

Buffy understood Kennedy's meaning. Despite the almost unearthly power that Willow wielded, that she had in her grasp, the redhead was at all times still the sweet, gentle loving Willow that everyone had known for years. She never showed off her abilities; they were kept from view like a modest hero's medals. Their use was only when needed and then only to the extent necessary. The witch's quite reserved manner belied the strength within. The dichotomy of her best friend befuddled Buffy at times. "She is an amazing woman."

"Too amazing some times…I wonder sometimes if she'll always have some demon or madman after her…" This wasn't the first time Kennedy had had that reflection. The brunette really did worry for her witch when she thought about how important she was.

Buffy looked at Kennedy driving, and then said nonchalantly, "Then it's a good thing she's got a slayer for a partner…that's the only person that could really protect her…right?"

Kennedy glanced over and smiled. "Right, Buff" then quietly, "You know she wouldn't say much about what she's been going through…she said she's in a version of South Beach and that she was alone…mostly…" Kennedy stressed the last word. "I knew she didn't want to say much…she said she couldn't cos she didn't know how long our connection would last. But I think she was scared to tell me." Kennedy glanced at Buffy. "Some thing or things must be after her…maybe DeAntiao put demons or vamps there…" Kennedy raked her hand through her hair. "Shit…if she's being hunted like some animal…" Kennedy's voice trailed off.

Buffy saw the grave concern in the brunette's face. In fact, Kennedy's suppositions had also occurred to the blonde. Buffy knew terrible things had to be happening to her best friend; the demented mind of their enemy would not have had it any other way. But the blonde slayer also knew that calm resolve was needed now more than ever. She had to keep Kennedy's emotions in check. Looking strongly directly at Kennedy, Buffy said confidently "Will contacted you Kennedy. That shows she's alright…Whatever's been there, Willow's beat them…We need to focus so that she doesn't have to deal with it any longer than necessary…One day, Kennedy…One day and she's back and out of that place…remember that…"

Kennedy took in the words and then silently nodded. The younger slayer understood the import of Buffy's message. She knew she had to concentrate on getting the Eye and DeAntiao. Those were the keys to the success of getting her witch back.

Silence returned to the women. After the lobby greetings, the three women had gone to Kennedy's room where Glenda proceeded to perform the spells to "static-itize" the two slayers and to allow them to sense the whereabouts of DeAntiao. When she was done, the witch pulled a pouch from her bag and handed it to Kennedy. "This is the potion Willow told you about…It's actually a powder make up of some very strong ingredients…sprinkle this on the man and his powers will be slowed and not as strong…sorry I can't tell you how slow or weak he'll be…but this should help you get the amulet. He won't be able to fight or flee as well."

After they were done, each slayer gave Glenda her sincerest "thank you". The witch stated she would stay in town in case she was needed and would leave a message for them as to where she was staying. After a quick good bye and good luck from Glenda, the slayers were off to find the man that had caused the misery in Kennedy's and Willow's life.

Buffy had told Kennedy to drive out to the Everglades; they took the Tamiami Trail highway. The slayers knew they didn't have a specific location for DeAntiao. They were driving on a hunch.

These women had been down this road before. When Willow was lying unconscious in the tiny, old motel room after the battle with the First, the slayers had made a similar voyage to find the answer to the witch's condition. Back then, all they had was a name of a town. But they drove there knowing that their slayer instincts would point them in the direction of their fate. That drive had solidified both women's belief in their deep rooted intuition. They discovered then how finely honed their slayer nature was.

It was that infused sixth sense that both women relied on again. They drove west into the unknown flatlands that were the Everglades; they drove into the uncertainty of the night. The women slowly made their way down the highway, letting traffic pass them if needed, mindful only of the mission. They waited to be led to their destiny.

As they drove down the lonely roadway, the slayers kept vigil on everything they passed. They were waiting for that 'sign', that undeniable rouse to their systems that would let them know they were getting closer. There was a late evening shower floating eastwardly across the area and it started to rain and get breezy just after they left Miami proper. But the women didn't falter; they stayed glued to the road and their surroundings inching their way along.

Kennedy drove slower than the speed limit, almost like one would drive a car with engine or tire problems. As the car prodded along, Buffy locked her view to the outside scenery; first one side then the other. Neither spoke until Buffy sat up quickly and placed her hand on Kennedy's arm.

Kennedy looked at Buffy briefly. "See what?…where?" She slowed the vehicle further.

"Back there on your side…it looked like a road or something." Buffy was certain she'd seen an inlet and had gotten a weird feeling as they passed it.

Kennedy looked in her rearview mirror and saw that there was no traffic behind her. She stopped the car, put it in reverse and slowly pressed on the gas. "Tell me when we get to what you're talking about."

After about a couple hundred yards, Buffy said excitedly, "There…stop…look over there." The blonde was pointing to what was definitely an offshoot from the street, even if it was very well hidden.

Both women stared at the road and then each other. "Are you getting an uneasy feeling?" the blonde said knowing what the answer would be.

"Yeah…I'm definitely sensing something…" Then nodding her head, Kennedy said to Buffy, "We go down this road…he's down there…"

Buffy nodded in agreement. "Most definitely some evil vibes down there…let's go say hello."

The car then made a hard left turn off the paved road and started down the small, unkept line of a pathway. As soon as the entire car was on the dirt road, Kennedy shut off the head lights. Buffy turned to her with a questioning look. "It's ok, Buff…it's nearly a full moon…we don't need the lights to see…besides we don't want this asshole to see us coming." Satisfied with the explanation, Buffy looked forward again, searching for their next sign.

The vehicle slowly drove through the winding path, passing the tall marshy grass plains interrupted by first growth oak trees and spiny underbrush. The rain was intermittently pelting the area, coming from pockets of clouds dotting the night sky. The rain on the ground mixed with the sporadic moonlight to cause a shimmering affect around the slayers' line of vision. It took on the appearance of glass in the pouches of marsh water that nestled on either side of the shabby road. The women watched as they passed cypress trees filled with Spanish moss hanging like lynched strands from crooked outstretched branches.

The path wove through a thick line of oak, maple and hackberry trees spreading horizontal as far as they could see. Past that cropping of trees, the women left behind the glimpses of all civilization. The path took them farther into the glades, to the part unseen by most mortals…to the land where most feared to go.

The tree line behind them, Kennedy began to notice that steering was becoming more difficult. The wheels started to feel like they were sliding from under them. Finally, she stopped.

"I think we may be getting into mud…the car's not driving right…we better check."

The slayers exited the vehicle from their respective sides and scanned the ground around them and further up the road. "That's what I thought…" the brunette said with disappointment in her voice. "…Look, it's getting really muddy…there's still some hard ground but not enough for the whole car…we can't afford to get the car stuck…we still need to get outta here."

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and, with a slight laugh, said, "Well…looks like we walk from here on out…glad I wore my crappy sneakers…"

Without hesitation, the two women grabbed their weapons, a stake and a long knife, from the back seat and started their trek down the road. Kennedy shoved the stake in her boot and Buffy slid the knife through her belt loop. The farther they got, the wilder the path became. It wasn't long before they were constantly walking in mud, the rain soaking their clothes and the sporadic wind brushing against their faces. They were also mindful to keep an eye out for the creatures of the glades. They knew this was the land of alligators, wild boar and panthers. They were lucky enough only to see birds, squirrels and rabbits during their traverse.

"Whatever it takes…I don't need to worry about being anything's late night snack right now," the brunette replied jokingly, but with a hint of fright.

When Kennedy and Buffy marched around another grouping of cypress pine, they both stopped dead in their tracks. Softly, "Buff…you see that?" In a quiet response, "That's gotta be it," Buffy said. Thanks to their slayer vision, ahead of them in the distance, the women saw a small building. What made them know they had reached their destination was that there was a light on inside; they could see the bright beams cracking through the sides of the walls.

Whispering, "Ok…we need to get there fast and quiet…we can't afford to tip this guy off that we're here." Kennedy was already spinning the plan in her mind. "Once we get closer, let me go in and you hang back…just in case he gets by me…"

Buffy shook her head and quietly made her reply. "No way you're going in there alone…we've got a better chance together…one can distract while the other pounds him."

It was the brunette's turn to disagree. "If he hears either one of us, he's gone…unless I get the powder on him, he can vanish that fast…two of us means twice the chance of making noise."

Buffy stared at the younger slayer. "Kennedy, that isn't gonna happen…we both need to go in on this…something tells me we both need to head up there…besides this rain and wind is getting loud, it'll help muzzle any sound." When Kennedy tried to protest again, Buffy cut her off. Staying with the hushed conversation, "Kenne…you may have been right about Will…but you gotta trust me now on this one…we both need to go in…" Buffy waited for the brunette's response. Kennedy nodded in defeat, turned and quietly stated, "Ok, then…let's go."

As the women got closer to the structure, they could now tell it was a shack. As Kennedy stared more intently, she saw a flicker to the light. She could tell someone was inside moving around. She kept gazing at the shack, not paying attention to where she was walking. Buffy looked over and saw that the ground in front of Kennedy had a different appearance than that they'd been walking through. The mud and muck of the swamp his beneath it what appeared to be some type of covering. As Buffy looked more keenly at the area, she saw they were thin wooden planks laying side by side for about four feet. The brunette was just about to walk onto the several planks across the pathway.

Something told Buffy those boards were there for a reason, and not a beneficial one. The blonde felt an instant of imminent dread. Before Kennedy had a chance to put her weight onto the leg that was inching to the boards, Buffy sprang toward her and pushed her out of the way. Kennedy was thrown into the muddy water next to the path.

Buffy, thinking only of the sure impending doom awaiting Kennedy, was unable to keep her balance. She fell onto the boards which immediately broke beneath her. The blonde followed the pieces of shattered timber down into a muddy watery hole. The slayer had fallen into a coffin sized opening. She didn't even have time to stand before Buffy heard the hissing…and felt the slithering long bodies against her.

Buffy felt the first snake bite to her arm. The second she knew was to her thigh. After the seventh bite, the slayer lost count and orientation. Buffy was, for all intent and purposes, in a death bed of poisonous snakes, the coral and water moccasin variety that make the glades their home. The slayer became instantly frantic. She began to punch and swipe and fling her body around trying to keep the predators off her. The creatures struck at her grasping onto flesh with razor sharp fangs. Buffy struggled to pull the reptiles off her; she could feel their venomous daggers tear through her skin as she pulled. Water and mud flew everywhere and she started to let out a disarming low moan. As much as Buffy wanted to scream out loud, scream with every once of energy she had, the slayer knew such an action would mean the end for Willow. Any squelching sound would alert DeAntiao to their presence and send the man fleeing. So Buffy held in the screeching that was trying desperately to pry its way out of her mouth. Buffy agonized in virtual silence while she was literally being bitten to death.

As soon as Kennedy hit the round, she struggled to get on her feet. The marshy puddle hampered her slightly but she righted herself quickly. Once standing, the brunette saw a sight that would live with her for the rest of her life. She watched as the poisonous reptiles, she couldn't tell how many, struck Buffy over and over. The slayer was completely horrified and shocked.

After that slight hesitation, Kennedy rushed to the hole and without thinking about her next move, squatted, leaned forward and grabbed Buffy by the top of her shirt. Kennedy pulled with all her might. As Buffy came out of the hole, one of the snakes still on her lashed out and caught Kennedy on the hand.

Kennedy kept pulling on the blonde slayer until she was out of the hole completely. The brunette continued to pull until she fell on her back, Buffy landing on top of her. Kennedy anxiously moved Buffy on the ground to her side. Even with the steady rain now coming down, Kennedy could see the numerous bleeding and inflamed wounds on Buffy's body. She could also see that her friend was already feeling the affects of the venomous bites. She tried to reassure Buffy and took her bloodied hand.

"Don't worry, Buff…you're gonna be ok…I'm gonna take you to a hospital…you just need to stay still…don't move around…I'm gonna get you outta here…" There was extreme fright in the soft words. Buffy shook her head.

"No…" the blonde barely squeaked out. "…you g-gotta stop him…leave me h-here…go get him…it's W-willow's only ch-chance…" Buffy struggled with the words, gasping for breath with each word.

Kennedy refused to let her go on. "No, Buffy…you need to get outta here…now…we'll figure out a way…don't worry." Some part of Kennedy thought the blonde was right, but she couldn't leave her friend there.

Buffy opened her eyes and stared intently at Kennedy. "We're s-slayers…we know the p-price…s-save…Willow…" Buffy started to fade into unconsciousness, her eyes making attempts to roll back, and her head flopping to one side.

Kennedy took in Buffy's words. She looked up to the shack in the distance with the light still on. She knew DeAntiao hadn't heard them; the spells were working and the man was still in there impervious to the horror outside. She knew she could capture her tormentor; she could sneak up on him, douse him with the powder and snatch the amulet. She could kill him in seconds. It would be that simple. But to save Willow, the brunette would have to let Buffy die. Kennedy would have to allow her sister slayer, who had only minutes earlier saved her, die an agonizing death. The brunette would have to let her friend die only because Buffy was a slayer and death was included in her job description. It only took a matter of seconds for Kennedy to decide.

The brunette put her arms under Buffy and picked the woman up. She started to run as fast as she could back to their car. "Sorry, Buffy…looks like we'll have to try again…can't get the jerk without you…remember?" Buffy would have probably tried to protest if she wasn't unconscious.

The brunette battled through the mud and rain and eventually got to the car. She put Buffy in the back seat and dashed to the driver's seat, gunning the engine as soon as it turned over. Kennedy jammed the shifter in reverse and floored the gas pedal. The car's wheels started spinning mud everywhere then caught solid ground and the car lunged backwards. Kennedy drove that way for some distance, twisting and jerking the steering wheel to keep the vehicle on the path.

As she rounded the line of trees, Kennedy looked out the front windshield for an instant. She saw the tiny speck of a shack disappear from her view. Her heart sank for a moment thinking she'd lost the chance to get Willow back. She had come so close to the end of her mission she could almost taste it. That uplifting feeling she had, however, vanished in a moment…one horrible, painful moment. Then the brunette saw Willow's face telling her things would work out and she knew she had to believe. Kennedy turned her head back around and continued her demolition derby style driving.

Finally, the road became solid and wide enough for Kennedy to try to do a quick 180°. It wasn't exactly as seen in any decent car chase movie. Her rear wheels slid off the dirt roadway as the vehicle skated around. Kennedy almost got the undercarriage stuck on the embankment. But the slayer righted herself through sheer willpower. Once driving forward, Kennedy sped down the road striving to get to the main street. She hardly looked for oncoming traffic as she turned right onto the highway and headed back to Miami.

The entire time she sped down the road and through the streets of the city, Kennedy had but one thought – get Buffy to a hospital. She needed the blonde to live. The brunette slayer wasn't about to let her friend die.

Willow had her hand reaching back for the bed. The encounter with Kennedy had drained her. Not only had she held her own essence in another plane but she had also carried her slayer's as well. It was a grueling endeavor but Willow wouldn't have had it any other way. Just to be with Kennedy made the exhaustion she felt now worth it. To hear her voice and see for herself that her love was safe meant everything to the witch.

Willow sat down on the bed then quickly leaned back bringing her legs up and onto the bed. She was so tired she felt like she was melting into the bed. "Two more days…" the witch whispered. The redhead knew she only had to wait forty-eight hours and she'd be in the arms of her lover again. She quickly resolved that the best way to assure her safety during that time was to stay in her room. "I've got food, stuff to drink and everything I need when I go back through the portal…so there's no reason for me to leave." Willow didn't want to risk meeting up with a demon so close to her time of freedom. She was like a prisoner waiting at the end of a long sentence; she wasn't about to do anything to add more time.

After resting for a while, the redhead was able to get up, shower and change clothes. Still very tired, Willow decided she would try to get a good night's sleep. As she lay there alone in bed, she kept thinking how she was so close to being back with all those she called her family. Willow knew she was just hours away from being back together with her brunette. She lingered on how she would soon see her girl's beautiful brown eyes and dazzling smile. The witch knew she was only two days from hearing that voice that on so many nights had lulled her to sleep. Two days and Willow would once again touch silken bronzed skin and embrace a perfectly toned body. Willow ached to hold Kennedy, to caress her…to make love to her.

As Willow fell asleep, her thoughts were on their last time together before the horrible events at the beach. She dreamt about that wonderful morning.

Willow knew she'd been dreaming because she had memories of bunnies eating cheese in a fancy restaurant. Those surreal scenes gave way to a sensation; a tingling feeling tickling its way down the outside of her thigh. That awareness brought Willow slowly out of her sleep, although she didn't open her eyes. She was in that dreamy, hazy place between consciousness and sleep. When the soft, feather like feeling meandered ever so slowly to the small of her back, Willow became cognizant that she was now fully awake and the wonderful sensation to her skin was from the gentle fingers of her lover.

The witch was lying on her stomach, naked with a bed sheet haphazardly covering her lower body. Her left arm was over her head and under the pillow while her right rested near her side. She turned her head so it was facing Kennedy who lay on her side to the left of the witch. Willow gradually opened her eyes to see her slayer engrossed in the actions of her own bronzed fingers on alabaster skin. When the brunette came out of her study and looked into emerald eyes, a loving smile crawled onto the witch's mouth. Willow didn't speak; she merely closed her eyes again.

Willow felt the gentle, supple hand of her brunette navigate a lazy trail up the valley of her back and slowly weave its way along her shoulders. She could feel her slayer's fingers as they stopped at random freckles, circling them before moving on. There was a time when the redhead thought her freckles a detraction to her looks. They were just one more slander to an already precarious self image. All that changed the night of Willow's and Kennedy's first 'date' at The Bronze. The way the brunette had seductively described that particular feature to Willow made her blush. "Your freckles…lickable." It was the tone in the young woman's voice that made Willow realize she truly found them sensual. The redhead never thought of herself in quite the same way after that.

The witch's fond memory was interrupted when she felt lips barely touching the nape of her neck. She could feel the breath of her slayer on her. Then there was a slight moan. "Mmmm…you have such perfect skin…" Willow smiled at the compliment from her girl. As Kennedy's mouth continued its tender journey on Willow's neck and shoulders, the bronzed hand traveled gingerly downward, gently grazing awakened skin. The skilled hand roamed down Willow's side, creating shivers in the witch. It skimmed down the slope of the small of her back then traveled upward and onto her perfectly shaped backside.

During the slayer's self indulgent voyage across her lover's body, Willow was responding to every touch, graze and kiss. Alabaster skin came alive with sensation and the witch could feel her desire growing. Her breathing grew deeper; she became flushed from the heat building within. By the time she felt Kennedy's mouth on her neck, Willow's body had started a force of its own. There were slight movements to the advances of her lover's hand. When the redhead felt Kennedy's hand dip between her inviting legs, she couldn't hold back the gasp of pleasure or her body's need to feel more of her lover's touch.

In order to give the greatest satisfaction to her witch, Kennedy slid herself farther down her witch's frame and moved her body so it was positioned partly on top of Willow. The slayer's fingers danced and the redhead's body swayed with them. Kennedy expertly rubbed and stroked while she kissed along her lover's silky smooth back. Willow got lost in the ministrations against her; she rocked against them trying to gain greater friction, deeper penetration. As the sounds from the redhead grew, Kennedy increased the pleasure her hand was delivering to her girl. She sped up matching the growing intensity of Willow's movements. Her kisses became harder, more urgent on the infant beads of sweat forming on the redhead's flesh.

Then Willow began to feel it. That wondrous sensation born in the very center of what made her a woman. The feeling spread out as small tingling sensations down her thighs and up into her midsection. As Kennedy's actions increased, the feeling grew in intensity and began to take hold of every inch of the redhead. Willow couldn't stop her rhythmic pressing into Kennedy's hand; she didn't want to. As her mind fought to stay in control, her body took that desire away. The feel of Kennedy inside her, again and again, finally sent the witch's body to its release. The quivering began and grew like the force of the ocean, crashing over her like a tidal wave. She followed the crest and let the rippled spasms carry her away, her body recoiling as they pulsated through her. She rode out the intense pleasure with eyes wide open, hands gripping the bed sheet and a voice softly pleading her lover's name. Willow then closed her eyes; her mind floated until her body returned to calm. She was in heaven, or at least the closest thing to it on earth.

After a few moments, the witch felt her slayer shift and move beside her. Willow opened her eyes to see a very happy Kennedy smiling sitting up at the head of the head.

"Hmm…it definitely is-" was the satisfied response. "You know what would make it even better?" Kennedy got a feigned bewildered look on her face.

"This…" the witch said seductively as she moved over and on top of her slayer.

Willow pulled herself up so that she had one arm on either side of Kennedy. The witch leaned in and engaged her girl in a deep, probing kiss. She felt Kennedy's hands on her waist and then her back. Willow matched the girl's inquisitive hands with the intensity of her kiss. Her tongue searched and caressed as she hungered for more contact.

Once satisfied with her initial affect on her slayer, Willow withdrew from the kiss and began to make her way down the slayer's chin and her neck. The redhead planted soft kisses filled with desire against bronzed skin. She continued in her journey never stopping, always seeking out new flesh to entice. Willow brushed her cheek against Kennedy's firm breast and barely grazed her lips over the aroused peak. She heard her slayer moan from that slight contact. The witch continued and lightly pressed her mouth across the underside of that same breast. Again, the slayer moaned and arched slightly with the touch. Willow smiled as she made her way slowly to the other partner and treated it with like reverence.

Willow was in awe of Kennedy's breasts. Even if she hadn't been prone to attraction to that particular body area, she still would have become an addict to them. It was the first thing that took her breath away when she viewed Kennedy's naked form for the first time. Always having had a list of her own imperfections, Willow was in disbelief when she saw what she could only describe as the flawlessly shaped breasts of her brunette. When she gazed upon her lover's body, Willow knew she was witnessing perfection. And now that sight was hers forever. The witch exalted in tantalizing the slayer through her sensual provocations. This morning was no different. Willow took her time and massaged and caressed her slayer's breasts with her mouth until she could feel her girl begin to writhe beneath her. She felt her slayer's wanting hands on her head begging for her to make the rest of the slayer's body feel as alive.

Willow obliged her lover's silent request. She started her descent once again, trailing her fingers lightly down Kennedy's sides as she went. The redhead kissed a tight bronzed stomach as she continued in her slow effort to drive her slayer crazed with excitement. She stopped long enough to pay homage to the scar on the slayer's midsection. The evidence from the battle with the Fear Caller demon was still visible. It had faded but would always remain. Willow traced a finger over it and applied gentle kisses in appreciation of the sacrifices made by her slayer.

Kennedy knew her witch's final destination and she moved her legs to allow effortless access. Willow could hear the ragged breathing of her girl; she could feel the undulation of the woman's body pleading for more. Willow gave the sensation to her lover that she longed for. Kennedy's muscles flinched upon the first touch of Willow's lips upon her. The slayer's body instantly found the rhythm set by her lover's motions. Bronzed fingers raked through crimson hair as both Willow's mouth and the slayer's rocking body increased in speed. Willow started to feel the quivering from her lover's body. She knew Kennedy was close. When the slayer's hand left the witch's hair to press against the headboard, Willow knew the swell had begun. As Kennedy's body shook from the sensation rushing over her, Willow maintained her contact. She felt the twitching and jerking of muscles from the overwhelming sensation that coursed through the slayer. The spasms continued, lessening with time until they were but a memory scorched into the brunette's mind.

Kennedy lay motionless, willing her breathing to normal and her body to calm. When Willow leaned back and gazed up at her lover, she saw the look of complete happiness and satisfaction. A smile grew upon the redhead's mouth. Willow knew it was because of her that the look was there.

The realization the witch had that morning, that she was the one person in a sea of millions that made Kennedy truly contented, now drifted in Willow's slumbering mind. It was still there as sleep left her for the beginning of another sunny day in her altered reality. This day brought no thoughts of fear or dread. This morning only carried hope and anticipation. Emerald eyes couldn't wait to open.

Willow spent most of the day trying to pass the time; her excitement was increasing with each new hour. She cleaned her room, rearranged her clothes and listened to several CDs. After lunch, she watched a few movies. By the middle of the second, Willow's mind started to wander on what her slayer might be doing at that instant. She knew Kennedy and Buffy had the arduous task of finding DeAntiao and robbing him of the amulet.

As she thought about DeAntiao, Willow wondered what kind of person he was, what kind he had to be, to go to such lengths for revenge. The redhead also contemplated the hatred the man must have had for them, and especially Kennedy, to be as embattled as he was. It dawned on Willow that Kennedy's defeat of DeAntiao in Rio had to have been the worse thing ever to happen to the man.

The witch never saw the carnage that Kennedy reaped onto DeAntiao the night he kidnapped her. She had been unconscious and didn't awake until after Kennedy brought her back to their hotel room. Kennedy did tell her that the man was beaten badly. Willow also saw the swelled and bloody bruised hands of her slayer caused by the punishment dished out to him. Though the brunette told Willow what happened, the redhead felt like Kennedy had left something out, as if she didn't want to go into all the gruesome details.

Willow often wondered just how enraged Kennedy had become that night. In the course of three years, the witch had experienced Kennedy angry and incensed on numerous occasions. They always involved the horrible aftermath of some demon attack. Willow saw how furious Kennedy could get when she finally captured the evil that had taken innocent lives.

But never had Willow ever seen Kennedy in such a state that she lost control over her rage, her power. There was never a time when she could say that Kennedy was on the edge between slaying and murdering. A part of Willow suspected that Kennedy didn't talk about her beating of DeAntiao because it was the one time that the slayer had walked that fine line. Willow knew that an untethered Kennedy, a Kennedy fueled only by hatred and fury, would be a horrifying sight to behold.

Willow tried to get that thought out of her mind. She glanced around and could see from the speckled colored light against the side of the window casing that it was getting close to dusk. She put her attention back to the DVD playing for her distraction. She watched and drank from a soda sitting on the night stand.

She had finally gotten back into the plot of the movie when she quickly turned her head to the window and listened. Willow thought she'd heard something. After a few moments, the witch decided it was nothing and returned to her viewing.

This time Willow was certain she'd heard a noise coming from outside the hotel. Willow got very nervous. This had never happened before. She instantly thought that it must be some demon appearing because of her recent ramblings. The witch decided to ignore the sounds; she wasn't about to leave her room and she knew nothing could get to her inside. Despite her uneasiness, she tried to ignore what happened and focus on the movie.

That's when she heard her name. Willow froze. Her heart immediately started to race and a shiver ran down her spine. The redhead was certain she had heard her name spoken.

Willow didn't understand how her slayer could be calling her. The questions pelted her. 'Is she mindspeaking?'…'Is it really her?'…'Is she here?' Willow couldn't stand the suspense. She had to know for sure; she had to look out the window.

The witch slowly got off her bed and hesitantly walked to the side of the window. The drapes were open but the window closed; however, she could still hear her name being called. She wasn't about to step in front and take a full view of outside. Willow decided to slowly peek out from the side. She inched her head over until emerald eyes could see the area below her.

As she looked out to the street below, Willow saw Kennedy running up the street shouting out for her.

The witch couldn't believe her eyes. As plain as she could see her own hand, her slayer was outside the hotel calling for her as she raced up and down Ocean Drive. There was a speck of doubt in the witch that this was a trick, her mind acting against her again. But everything until now had been vampires and other demons; there were never any real mortals involved. As she watched Kennedy, Willow saw the woman act and move exactly like her slayer.

"She mustuv found a way to open the portal early…she's here for me…" Willow could only surmise that her brunette and Buffy had gotten to DeAntiao and procured the amulet. As she thought about it, there was no law written in stone that said they had to wait until Friday. By whatever miracle, or slayer brawn, Willow concluded the slayers had deciphered the code to her banishment and Kennedy was here to get her.

Willow couldn't keep her excitement down. She hurriedly opened the window and, waving her arms, called to Kennedy. "Kennedy-y-y-y…I'm here…up here…I'm here, baby…" There was joy and relief in her shouted words.

Kennedy stopped instantly, quickly turned around to see where the sound came from. The brunette looked up and saw the witch. She shouted back. "Willow…I've found you…" Kennedy started running back to the hotel.

Willow knew her girl was making her way to the Tides. The redhead was overjoyed. "She's here…she made it through…" All Willow could think was that she wanted to see Kennedy immediately; she wanted to rush into her arms. She couldn't wait for the girl to make it to her room. So Willow sprang across her room, opened the door and ran to the stairs. She raced down them so she could get to her slayer as quickly as possible.

Willow ran through the lobby and out the front door. As she stood on the veranda of the hotel, she saw Kennedy running toward her. She watched as flowing dark tresses bounced with each determined stride. She saw Kennedy reach the bottom of the hotel steps and stop gasping for breath. The slayer looked up and into waiting green eyes.

As Kennedy looked at her, Willow saw something other than the warm chocolate eyes she'd seen the last three years. There was something behind that look. What Willow saw was…hatred. Her breath caught in her throat.

Kennedy stared at Willow and, when she'd caught her breath, hurriedly said, "I'm glad you came out of your room…this makes it easier…" Then the brunette woman gave her an unnerving smile.

With the realization crashing in on her, Willow nervously said, "You're not Kennedy."

The brunette chuckled. "Of course I am…" The slayer took a step forward. Willow immediately stumbled back a few steps. Kennedy stopped and put up her hand. "Wait…I won't move…don't go…it's me, Willow…you know it is…"

Willow didn't know what to believe. Everything in her wanted to believe that the woman in front of her was her Kennedy who was there to bring her back home. But she couldn't get rid of the wrenching feeling she got when she first looked into those eyes. They told her the person in front of her wasn't really her slayer. And if it wasn't really her…? Willow got another chilling shiver down her spine.

"How did you get here?…it's only Thursday…did you throw the potion on the portal like I said to?" Willow tried to keep her tone calm.

"Yeah…it worked like a charm…just like you said it would." Kennedy said with a reassuring voice.

With that answer, Willow knew she wasn't speaking to her Kennedy. She never told Kennedy anything about a potion on the portal. She quickly deduced the 'person' in front of her was another actualization of her mind's ramblings; a Kennedy but not really her Kennedy. The witch also knew she had to get back to the safety of her room. She had no idea what abilities this altered slayer had and she didn't want to find out.

Willow started to answer the woman, taking her time to find words while she slowly and carefully tried to back up. "Oh…umm…that's good…that…you were…"

Kennedy saw the slight movement and took a step in. "Willow?…you're not trying to leave me, are you?"

Willow heard genuine hurt in her voice; for a moment the redhead thought the girl was Kennedy and felt bad for upsetting her. That moment passed. The witch ceased her action. "No…I'm…just…" Willow struggled to find a way to escape. She momentarily thought of teleporting but knew she hadn't had a chance to practice in her altered dimension. She still wasn't positive 'traveling' would be the same and couldn't chance to try it now. She knew she would have to make a run for it but wasn't sure what reaction it would elicit from the person in front of her.

Kennedy watched as Willow stood there stammering for words, the wheels turning in her head. "You can't go, Willow…I can't let you…"

It was the way that Kennedy said those last words that made Willow's heart sink to the pit of her stomach. They were said with such a sinister tone. The redhead knew she had one option and she decided to take it quickly and decisively.

In one fluid movement, Willow shifted her weight, turned and started to run into the hotel lobby. She headed for the stairs; she knew she'd never be able to get to her room waiting for the elevator. Willow never looked back; she just ran with all her might. She'd made it about twenty feet when she heard Kennedy's voice sounding disgusted, "Now why'd you have to run, Will?…ya shouldn't of done that." The next thing Willow heard was the thumping of Kennedy's boots as they hit the floor chasing her.

Willow made it to the stairs and was almost to the second floor when felt a hand grab her ankle. It made her fall forward crashing into the steps above her. Her arm came down catching the edge of the step, unlocking the clasp to her watch. Kennedy grabbed her right leg with both hands and pulled. "Red!…don't make this harder than it has to be…Don't run!" The words were deep and bitterly said.

Willow clawed at the steps, trying to pull herself out of the slayer's grasp. She lashed out wildly with her free leg. One kick landed on the slayer's shoulder and jerked Kennedy back freeing Willow. The witch instantly got up and started running again. She could hear Kenney stumbling to get up. The witch kept climbing, willing her legs to go faster and march harder to the safety of her room.

She'd made it to the middle of the third flight of stairs when she felt Kennedy close on her again. This time Willow stopped, turned and threw an energy blast at the dark haired woman. It hit Kennedy on the thigh with a burst of sparks and sent the slayer back in the air and into the wall where she fell down more steps.

Willow's first reaction was dread for having done that to her Kennedy. Then she remembered the woman hunting her was not her love. She went to turn and run again but halted when she heard the sincere plea of Kennedy's voice.

The witch stood there for a second. She hated the sound of her lover in pain; she hated that she'd been the cause. But she willed herself to keep hold of the fact that the heartfelt voice was not her Kennedy's. She clenched her eyes shut for a moment then turned and headed back up the stairs.

The slayer looked on as Willow started running once more. She shouted, "Go ahead and leave me, bitch…I always knew you would…See…this just proves you're no good." The slayer got her feet, gave an evil smile and started after the witch again.

Willow finally made it to the top of the fourth floor, turned and ran for her room. As she got there, she realized she didn't have her key with her. Willow looked behind her and saw Kennedy rounding the corner. The witch got anxious, fumbling at the door latch. As she shook the door handle, her watch's clasp came undone and the piece fell from her wrist landing behind her. Willow took no notice; she was consumed with trying to open the door. Kennedy was closing rapidly and Willow could hear the thundering sound of her boots on the hallway floor.

The witch shot out "Resero!" like a bullet from a gun. She saw the green light on the locking mechanism appear telling her the door was unlocked. She frantically opened it just enough to slide her body through. She slammed the door shut. At the moment the lock engaged, she felt a thundering crash against the door. Willow stumbled back terrified, fixated on the door with eyes wide open. She kept backing up until the back of her legs hit the bed. The redhead stood like a statue, holding her breath, not knowing if the door would come collapsing in. The light from the tv illuminated the room. The pounding on the door continued. Willow got frightened and ran back to it fumbling to engage the extra lock and the security chain. Then she quickly went back to the side of the bed and watched.

The hammering continued then for no reason, all noise stopped. Willow heard nothing for a few seconds. She tried to imagine what was happening. The witch looked around the room and saw that the window was still open. Terrified, she ran to the window and closed it quickly. Then she grabbed the drapes and yanked them shut. She stood in the middle of the room and just listened. What Willow heard chilled her to the bone.

"Willow?…You know you can't stay in there…You have to come out…and I'll be waiting…After what you've done, you know you can't go back…I can't let you…" Kennedy's voice was calm.

The witch couldn't believe what was happening. "Y-y-you leave me alone…you're not Kennedy…you're n-not her…I-I will g-get back…" Willow tried to put strength in her voice.

"Who wants you now…after what you did here?…I'm a slayer, Will…Do you really think I can't stop you?"

Willow was confused and angry and scared. She put her hands to her ears. "No!…l-l-leave me alone…I'm going h-home…K-k-kennedy wants me…"

There was a small laugh from the other side of the door. "I don't anymore…Lie all you want, Red…it doesn't matter…I will stop you…" There was silence and then the sound of footsteps which got fainter and farther away.

Willow was in a state of panic and disbelief. She was certain that the woman hunting her was not her Kennedy but another from her mind, like the demons and monsters that had plagued her for the last five months. But the woman was Kennedy in all other respects, just as every other demon and monster she'd faced was real though born from the mind sweeps set in motion by DeAntiao. There were moments when the brunette had seemed so real, when Willow could have believed the girl was her slayer.

Willow had come face to face with the 'untethered' Kennedy, the one Willow had pictured full of hate and anger. That look of total abhorrence was directed straight at the witch.

The realization of the events took hold and Willow couldn't keep in the emotion any longer. She started to feel her chest tighten, her breathing become hard and the tears form. Willow slumped to the floor and began to cry.

The minutes ticked away while the redhead emptied all the fear and anxiety she held within. She finally started to compose herself and was able to get up, sit on the bed and turn on a light.

"What's happening?…What did she mean?" The words from the slayer kept playing in the witch's mind. "What did I do?" The witch was at a lost.

Willow replayed the incident over and over. Of one thing she was certain; she knew she hadn't seen the last of the imposter slayer. Willow knew she'd have to confront the brunette if she wanted to get back to her real life, her real love.

The witch pulled herself up to the top of the bed and just sat there, knees clenched tight to her. Willow stayed that way, too scared to move or sleep, too deep in thought on how she was going to get to the grassy area the following night.

"If only you really could be here," Willow whispered. She had never missed her slayer more than in that moment.

Willow ran down the corridor to her hotel room. She could hear the heavy footsteps of boots behind her. She knew she had to get in her room or she'd be dead. The redhead fumbled with the door latch and then shouted "Resero!" She waited for the green light on the lock to come on telling her that her magick had saved her once again. Nothing happened. Willow's terror grew as she heard Kennedy getting closer. She yelled again, "Resero!" Still nothing. It was in that moment that Willow knew her life was over. She turned just as Kennedy lunged at her, grabbing the witch by the neck. Willow could feel the menacing grip of her slayer's hands around her supple, elegant throat. As her ability to breath left her, Willow looked into the eyes of the brunette. There was hatred in them…and sadness. "You made me do this, Willow…" was the last thing the witch heard before she felt her lover's hands crush her throa…

Willow jolted awake from her sleep. She was breathing in ragged gasps. She was disoriented and terrified. The redhead clenched her hands to her throat and let out a deep breath when she felt that it was still in one piece. Emerald eyes quickly darted around and the witch realized she was in her room, on her bed. The lights and tv were still on. Nothing had changed since her horrifying encounter with the imposter Kennedy. As the redhead tried to calm herself, she shook her head, attempting to rid her brain of the all too seemingly real dream she'd just had.

Looking at the bedside clock which read 4:37am, Willow realized she must have fallen asleep somehow. She was startled by the fact that her body let itself slumber. The events of several hours before had frightened her to the core. The redhead also knew that her sleep hadn't been that long. She remembered seeing 2:30 pass on the face of the clock.

As she sat on the bed, the night still very much upon her, Willow became dejected. She went over the fact again that the woman hunting her now must have been born from her thoughts. The witch knew the brunette wasn't a vampire or other form of demon. The slayer was Kennedy but in altered form. Somehow, DeAntiao's hand had reached into her life one more time and turned it into turmoil. When she first saw Kennedy outside her window, Willow had never felt happier or more relieved. She thought her nightmare had ended and she was going home. Now, she realized she probably had the most dangerous experience since her arrival in her hell hole yet to come. Something inside Willow told her she was going to have to engage the impostor Kennedy. She was going to have to fight her slayer. That thought rattled the witch. Even though she kept telling herself that the woman wasn't really Kennedy, there was still a part of her that didn't want to harm the brunette. Willow knew the woman was Kennedy on some level. There was also a piece of the witch that wanted the woman to be her Kennedy, to come to her, embrace her and tell her everything would be alright.

Sitting completely alone in her sanctuary, Willow had the overwhelming need to talk to her lover. Just to reach out to her and feel the strength from the woman. Willow knew that if she could hear Kennedy's voice, she'd have the courage to do whatever was necessary to get back to her true life. The witch's need wasn't just in her head, but in her soul. The desire was so great that Willow could physically feel the want building inside. It filled her up completely as if she'd swallowed the ocean.

The witch sensed a change in her body, as if it was disconnecting to her reality and reconnecting to the ethereal expanse. She let her mind go and it raced away to the conduit of the universe. Willow used all her mystical energy to let her mind do its bidding. It cleared a path to the earthly plane. That's when Willow knew. She was certain she could reach her slayer. It would be but a momentary connection, but it would be real. The witch sent her plea.

"Why do I keep ending up at hospitals?" Kennedy mumbled softly to herself. She was sitting in the Emergency lobby of the University of Miami Hospital. It was the first one she saw signs for in her mad dash back to the city after Buffy's attack from the snakes. By the time Kennedy rushed in the Emergency Room with the blonde in her arms, Buffy was unconscious and her breathing was very shallow. The nursing personnel took the blonde immediately and Kennedy was told she had to stay in the waiting room. That had been over four hours ago and the brunette still had heard nothing about the condition of her friend. Every time she asked, she was told there was no news yet. Since she was not family, she was informed the staff shouldn't really even speak to her at all. However, after being told that Buffy had no family down in Miami and that the brunette was the only person she knew, the nurses said that they would update the brunette when information was given.

After that Kennedy just waited. She sat; she paced and she sat some more. At one point a nurse asked her if she needed medical attention because of the injury to her hand. Kennedy looked at the snake bite wound that already begun healing. "No, it's nothing…just a scrape," she told the nurse. The healing site on her hand was the one thing giving Kennedy hope. When she arrived, she told the medical personnel that Buffy had been bitten numerous times by numerous coral and water moccasin snakes. She heard the staff shouting to get the appropriate anti-venom serum. Kennedy knew that Buffy would have already been dead had she not been a slayer. The brunette held onto the hope that Buffy's slayer body could stay strong long enough to allow the serum to take hold. Kennedy knew that if the medicine could stop the savage attack of the poison then Buffy's slayer healing would take over and bring her back. Kennedy waited for the good word from the doctors telling her that her hope was not wasted.

Kennedy sat there concentrating only on Buffy's speedy recovery. She was brought out of her thoughts by the television set on in the corner of the room. There was a weather person in front of a map of Florida and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean area. She heard the man describing the latest developments with "Tropical Storm Alexander." She saw the track of the storm and its expected time of landfall just south of the Miami area. She listened as the man spoke.

"Well as you can see, Alexander is a concentrated storm…but doesn't have a well defined eye…It's not nearly as strong as any of the ones from last year…we don't expect it to gain enough force to become a hurricane…but it still has wind gusts approaching fifty miles per hour…it's expected path puts its center a little south of here…"

As Kennedy looked on, she commented to her self how 'Alexander' was much like Xander – a little sloppy, didn't look all that dangerous but could pack a surprise wallup. She listened some more.

"When this storm comes through it'll be relatively quick…we expect the trailer bands to start hitting the area around early afternoon today…and the brunt of the storm to be past us by early evening…there's a tropical storm warning for our entire viewing area…but no mandatory evacuations as of yet…there is a voluntary evacuation for the medically needy, mobile homes and the low lying areas shown here on this map…"

Kennedy had heard all she cared to. The storm was just one more hurdle to the ever increasing struggle to get Willow back. She now knew any battle with DeAntiao would be against the backdrop of a raging storm. "Like Buffy isn't enough to worry about…" the brunette said quietly to herself.

Just then, the brunette heard footsteps behind her. She turned around to see a tall woman in green scrubs walking to the nurses' station. The woman, who Kennedy surmised was a doctor, spoke to one of the nurses. Then the brunette saw them both look at her. The doctor walked around the station towards her. Kennedy stood up knowing the woman was there to tell her about Buffy. The slayer held her breath.

"Yes," she said again wondering why she was being made to wait in agonizing limbo for the report on Buffy.

"Your friend's going to make it…It's a good thing you got her here when you did…I don't know how she managed to hang on…She's one amazingly strong woman…"

Kennedy half listened to the rest of the doctor's speech. 'Buffy's gonna make it' she kept repeating to herself. She let out a long, deep breath and closed her eyes. The worry that had been on her mind for the last several hours floated away. Buffy would be fine; that was one hurdle down.

The brunette tried to get back into the conversation with the doctor. The woman told the brunette that Buffy had been given a massive dose of anti-venom serum, a dosage so high that there were worries that the cure could be worse than the injury. Several hours into the treatment, Buffy's blood levels had ceased to worsen and stabilized. They were still critically low but at least they had stopped plummeting. After some more time, the medical staff saw that her numbers were actually improving. The doctor was frank with Kennedy. "I have never seen such a devastatingly extreme exposure respond so quickly…it's rather unexplainable…" Kennedy just smiled.

"When can I see her?" The brunette wanted Buffy to know that she was there, that the blonde wasn't alone.

"We've got her under heavy sedation…this treatment…subjects the body to high levels of toxins…there's always a likelihood of convulsions…so we sedate the patient to allow their body to sleep through the trauma…"

"When will she be awake?" Kennedy wanted to be by the slayer's side when she awoke.

"The treatment will run for another several hours and I don't expect her to come to until at least early afternoon…" The doctor looked at Kennedy and gave her a compassionate smile. "You should get some rest…There's nothing you can do right now…Why don't you go home and come back this afternoon…Your friend will be fine here…We'll take good care of her."

Kennedy didn't want to leave but knew she had several calls to make, to Giles, Petson and Xander. She also realized that she was exhausted and her clothes were filthy. "Ok…but I'll be back soon and I'll give my cell number to the nurse just in case."

Having done what she told the doctor, Kennedy headed for her car parked in the Emergency parking lot. She'd moved it from its initial spot in front of the entrance during her wait for news about the slayer. As she got in the car, the brunette felt her spike rubbing on her shin. She reached down and took it out of its resting place. The slayer rested it gently on the passenger seat. When she leaned upright, Kennedy got an inquisitive expression. She glanced around the front compartment of the car and then twisted and leaned over the center console scanning the back area of the vehicle. "Shit…where is it?"

Kennedy was searching for Buffy's knife. She knew the slayer took it with her once they got out of the car on the dirt road. She didn't remember seeing it on Buffy when she carried her to the car or into the hospital. The slayer hadn't been asked about any weapons by the hospital staff. Kennedy didn't know where the weapon was. She got worried. "Where the fuck are you?"

Kennedy's investigation into the whereabouts of Buffy's knife was cut down in mid thought. The brunette felt a tingle down her spine and then the unmistakable voice of her redhead.

The slayer was motionless for quite some time. 'That was Willow's voice in my head,' Kennedy thought. The witch spoke to her. It was the voice she'd heard a thousand times, every time she relived her slayer dream. That utterance was what she heard when she was trapped under the muddy water in her dream. Kennedy slowly shifted herself back so that she was once again sitting forward in the driver's seat. She reached out and clutched her hands to the steering wheel.

The tone of Willow's voice made her heart sink. Her name was said as a plea for help. There was fear and sadness and desperation in the utterance. That one word, her name, was Willow's merciful cry for help. Kennedy instantly knew her love was in grave danger. Something had gone terribly wrong and Willow was appealing to Kennedy to save her.

After getting over the shock of the emotion huddled in the plea she heard, Kennedy realized that her witch had somehow spoken to her in her thoughts. This wasn't an alternate dimension. Kennedy was here in her own reality, in her car. She didn't understand how Willow accomplished the feat, but knew it was also a sign of the dire circumstances she had to be in.

Kennedy decided she had to try to respond to her witch. She remembered what Willow taught her about mindspeaking. She thought back to how it felt all the times they'd done it before. Kennedy concentrated all her energy on trying to speak to her redhead.

That name carried with it all the assuredness Kennedy had in her heart. That word was filled with a slayer's determination and a promise to battle to the end to get her redhead back. There was not a speck of doubt; Kennedy's response to Willow would let the witch know she would not be let down.

The brunette sat in her vehicle for a few minutes waiting by chance to hear from her redhead again. There was no further communication. Kennedy started to worry again. The slayer knew that DeAntiao had to have gotten to Willow somehow; she cursed at the man with hatred in her thoughts.

"What the hell have you done to her?" Kennedy wondered what their tormentor was doing as she drove back to her hotel.

DeAntiao had been resting in his shack. Sleep was no longer a real concern of his. He was able to function with a mere hour or so a night. He sensed he really was becoming a creature of the night. As he lay on his cot, waiting for the night to pass, he contemplated the next day's events. "Friday…the hallowed moon and the day I finally get to see those two bitches die…I finally get my revenge."

The evil man had been busy since he sensed the increase in strength between the slayer and witch. Though his activity had been relegated to the confines of the make shift castle, he was busy nonetheless. The spike in activity in the kettle's water and his knowledge of some type of connection between the women had DeAntiao re-examine his plan. He remembered how he thought he outsmarted the couple once before only to have his life destroyed; he would not make that mistake again. But he also knew that he could not turn back. His life had been on this never deviating track for too long; he had given up too much to turn away now. His hunger for revenge was an all too powerful seductress to give up. He would stay in the swamp until he could finish his torment of the witch and slayer.

After sensing the increased power, DeAntiao basically took inventory and decided that one crippled hideous mortal with the Eye of Scrombes still outgunned two slayers and a witch stuck in another dimension. He had the upper hand because they knew not of him, his whereabouts or the amulet. He decided to bide his time and complete the deed awaiting him on Friday evening. He knew he'd now have to also kill another slayer but that sat well with the man. "The more the merrier…"

DeAntiao lay on his bed; he could hear the night's rain and wind outside. The lamp on the small table in the corner of the room flickered as the wind made its way between the slivers of space in the planked walls. "Just one more day and they'll all be dead…"

DeAntiao sat up as quickly as his failing body would let him. He cocked his head and listened. He was sure he'd heard some noise, one out of place in the nothingness he called home. The man listened intently for a long time, trying to decipher if there'd really been a noise or if his desolation was beginning to take its affects on his mind.

Not content to rely on just one of his senses, DeAntiao got off his cot and walked across the room to the front of the shack. He stood beside the door and leaned in, pressing his face against a crack in the planks. He peered outside with his one eye. He saw nothing, heard nothing. DeAntiao sensed nothing and no one…especially not a slayer.

He had erected a trap in the unlikely event any one was foolish enough, or brave enough, to seek out his fortress. Digging the hole was made easier with a spell and it was child's play to fill the murky water hole with snakes. Anyone unlucky enough to step on the wood covering the site would surely succumb to a horrible, painful death. As he looked out now into the dark, he wondered if an unsuspecting gator or boar had met its painful demise.

DeAntio hobbled back to his cot and lay down. He resumed his thoughts about how he was going to kill the witch and the slayer. He played it in his perverse mind like a game that always took on a twist to the plot even though the ending remained the same – death to the couple.

The hours passed with DeAntiao drifting in and out of sleep. He never fully slipped into a deep or sound sleep; his conscious mind hovered in that area of quiet relaxation. When he'd drift back to conscious realization, he'd comment to himself how totally empty his sensing was. For the longest time during his slumber, his psyche told him the stillness was due to his mighty power reigning supreme over the slayers and witch.

Then in a fraction of a second, when the night's hold draping the glades was soon to be overtaken by a new day, DeAntiao felt a shiver rush through him. It forced his body awake and his mind back to the present. He sat up with a look of serious regard. He knew that feeling; he'd felt it before only days earlier. This time however, the experience was closer; it was of this world.

DeAntiao got worried and angry all at once. "They've made contact again…" he sputtered out loud. He cursed into the night air and went to his looking glass. He stared into the kettle and saw the water churning. "How can this be?…There's been such calmness…"

The man thought back to the last day and specifically the night that was almost over. There had been dead calm as far as the slayers were concerned. "There's been nothing…"

DeAntiao said the line again under his breath. He held his breath then exhaled slowly. "Maybe too much of nothing…" The man began to wonder if somehow the witch or slayer had discovered his identity or what was he doing.

He contemplated the significance of the sensation that went through him. He was so close to his goal; he didn't want to consider that the slayer and witch could somehow destroy his life yet again. It was during this internal discourse that DeAntiao felt another shiver invade his body. This time he knew for sure. There had been another contact between the witch and slayer and it had just occurred. He was certain now that he had been found out in some way. How much had been discovered was still uncertain to the cripple. He recalled the earlier sound he'd rejected as nothing and an uneasy feeling covered him. "Just how much do you know?…"

As he struggled to walk down the narrow pathway, DeAntiao started already to churn in his mind what affects the knowledge of his whereabouts would have on his plans. He needed his shack; he needed to be in it until just before the climatic ending to his revenge. His torment on the witch and slayer, his ability to make each see the other dying in agony was dependant, on part, on his amulet and his cast iron pot. Each played a role in the systematic demise of the couple. His presence in the swamp and continual habitation there was not by chance. The area held the aura, the link to the channels of the interdimensional spaces necessary for success of his plan. As he dragged himself along the way, he held onto the hope that he really had heard nothing outside his shack.

DeAntiao's stomach turned when he saw the broken and missing boards where he'd set his trap. As he closed in, he still lingered in the belief that a creature of the glades had stumbled across the ambush. The man slowly inched his way to the edge of the hole and gazed within. He saw the still slithering bodies of hissing reptiles mingling among their brethren that floated in the water dead. He saw no animal or other image to satisfy him that he'd not been found.

As he strained his eye to look deeper into the hole, a shimmer caught his vision. Though very low in the night sky, the moon still reflected light out into the marshy area. A beam had pushed its way against the side wall of the hole and settled on an object. DeAntiao wobbled painfully to his knees and reached for the object. He brought it up close to his face. "A knife…" he said with disgust and anger. He sensed power from that implement…slayer power. The man struggled to stand back up and walked further down the path. He saw no other signs of invasion but then remembered the heavy rains that occasioned the area earlier. He stared back at the knife. "She knows.…" His tone was a mixture of apprehension and hatred.

The tormentor of Kennedy and Willow arduously made his way back to the shack. With each painful step, DeAntiao grew angrier and more hell bent on completing his plan. Despite everything the couple had taken from the man, one thing remained – his unrelenting belief that the two women deserved to die for their actions against him. DeAntiao retained his conviction that he could and would destroy the couple. By the time the cripple walked into his shack, he had convinced himself that the power from the amulet was still stronger than anything that could be thrown at him. He gave a deaf ear to the voices screaming within telling him that he would lose this fight also. The man gave a blind eye to the visions of him leaving the area to save himself. After all DeAntiao had done, all that he had given up, he completely convinced himself that he was invincible to the powers and strength of those he was destined to kill. The man had become uncompromising in the sense of his own self worth, his own vision of immortality.

DeAntiao walked into his shack and over to the kettle. He peered at the churning water. He huffed out a sinister laugh. "Bring it on…"

Kennedy reached her hotel by seven Friday morning. She had lots do and knew they had to get done so she could be back at the hospital by noon. The brunette was exhausted but wouldn't let her desire to get some sleep take hold. "I'll sleep after Willow's back."

As soon as she got into her room, Kennedy hurriedly got out of her dirty clothes and took a quick shower. She knew she had several long phone calls ahead of her and wanted to be able to give them her full attention. She brushed her wet hair in front of the bathroom mirror. As she looked at her face in the glass, she saw the full affects the last day had taken on her. She looked worn and beat. "Suck it up, Kennedy…you're a Prescott." She told herself now was not the time to wane; she had to be at her best for the next eighteen hours. "Willow's life depends on it." Kennedy left the bathroom with a renewed sense of determination.

At first Kennedy was bewildered that Giles knew it was her on the phone and then remembered the man who disliked modern technology did have one fondness – caller ID.

"Hey, Giles…" She hesitated a bit. "Don't freak out but Buffy had an accident…but she's gonna be ok." As soon as she said accident, Kennedy could hear Giles fidget nervously. After she said Buffy would be fine, there was a sigh from the watcher.

"Oh, my…Kennedy what happened?" The slayer heard genuine concern in the man's voice. She knew that Giles saw Buffy as his surrogate daughter; the child he never had. As much as he tried to keep a watcher's detachment to their relationship, he failed. He loved the blonde like she was his own flesh and when she ached, the man ached also.

"Well, we found out where DeAntiao is…we drove into the Everglades…" Kennedy proceeded to tell Giles every detail of their ordeal, starting with the spells that Glenda placed on them through to the mad drive to the hospital. She took special care to explain everything she could remember about the shack and its surroundings. The brunette tried to spare some of the horrible details of Buffy's attack in the hole. She ended her speech softly. "Giles, she was…not looking so good…I didn't know if I got her to the hospital in time…" Then Kennedy's tone lightened. "Then the doctor came out and said the serum worked…She's gonna be ok.…"

The Englishman listened to Kennedy's story dismayed. Though he never assumed an incident-free event to any mission, he never thought his slayer would be lying in a hospital bed clinging to life. The fact that she would be fine brought a sigh of relief to the man. "Buffy's lucky you were there to help her, Kennedy." The watcher was thankful for the quick reaction by the brunette. Any thoughts Giles had early on of Kennedy having a 'spoiled rich American' attitude quickly vanished after the Truxdeiro episode. He thereafter saw her as a worthy slayer and person.

Kennedy let out a deep breath. "It's my fault she's in the hospital, Giles…I was getting ready to step on the boards…Buffy shoved me outta the way…I should be where she is…"

Giles heard the remorse and guilt in the slayer's voice. He'd heard that same tone in Buffy's words the times they talked after Willow or Xander got hurt helping the slayer fight evil. "Kennedy, it's not your fault…you're slayers, it's in your nature to protect…You would have done the same for her." Giles couldn't see Kennedy give an uncertain nod. "Besides, there is still Willow's return to focus on and you can't be diverting your attention from that."

The mention of Willow's name made Kennedy realize she hadn't told Giles all the latest events with her redhead. "Oh God, Giles…I gotta tell ya what happened with Willow." Kennedy then told the watcher the contact she had with the witch in her car outside the hotel. She made it clear to the man that Willow must be in trouble. "You shoulda heard her voice, Giles…I know she's really scared…"

Giles was amazed at what the brunette told him. After being informed that Willow was alive and that the identity of the couple's tormentor was known, Giles got a renewed sense of life. When he allowed himself to feel the loss of Willow, part of him died. He was truly in awe of the magnificent person Willow had become. She was impressive in all aspects of her being. Accepting her death torn at his heart. Finding out she was alive and that he would get to see that gentle creature again made Giles want to shout off the rooftops. He attacked the information about DeAntiao and the Eye of Scrombes given to him with complete vigor. He plunged into the research in order to assure his dear Scoobie a return home. Now he was being told the witch was once again in peril. Once again, he felt the ache pull at his heart. He also knew Kennedy was the one having to deal with the new disconcerting news.

"Kennedy…I don't know what to say…if I was there…maybe…I don't know…" Giles felt useless to a degree. He was thousands of miles away and could do nothing to aid the brunette.

The slayer heard the frustration in the watcher's voice. "I know you wanna be here…but you had to be there…you've got the best resources…you're the only one to do the research…believe me, Giles…we wouldn't have gotten this far without your info…" Kennedy knew that was true.

The watcher smiled. "Thank you, Kennedy." The man also knew that they now had to focus on the mission ahead. "What are you going to do now?"

"I'll have to finish this myself…Buffy won't even wake up for probably another seven hours and I don't think she'll be in any shape to go hunting after our bad guy…I just don't know where to start…you know…I don't know if that asshole figured out we were there."

"I can't find the knife Buffy had…It's not any where…if she lost it during the snake thing, then it could be right out on path…" Kennedy's tone became concerned. "If DeAntiao goes sniffing around out there and finds it…" Her voice trailed off.

Giles understood her unease. "Well, we need to assume that he has found it…and take appropriate action."

"First, you'll need another cloaking spell…if DeAntiao's found any trace of your aura there, he'll be able to break the spell…You'll need to get Glenda to perform a different one on you."

"Ok, but how do I know he'll still be there…if he's hiding out…Christ, I need to find him…I can't waste time tracking him down again." Irritation lined the slayer's last comment.

"You won't have to, Kennedy…DeAntiao will be in that shack you found…He has to stay there"

Kennedy didn't understand what Giles had just said. "I don't get what you mean."

Kennedy couldn't see the confident smirk on the watcher's face. "He has to stay there because the Eye is only an outward power source…" Then with a positive tone, "My dear, Kennedy…I've learned a few new things about the Eye and our Mr. DeAntiao…"

Kennedy listened as Giles told her that the Eye was a powerful amulet but that the power could only be affected outward. DeAntiao could put spells on others; he could open dimensional portals to pass through another being. He was able to make others do his bidding and use the amulet to battle with others. But the Eye could not be used to change the holder. DeAntiao could not bend time for himself or teleport. Likewise, he was not able to change his own physical attributes or deformities. "You see Kennedy even from that first battle hundred's of years ago when the Eye was originally taken, it has only been used to affect those other than the bearer…DeAntiao has great power but it can only be directed to others…" The watcher went on to tell the brunette that from what he was able to learn about the man since the last talk with the slayer DeAntiao was in dire physical straits. "You devastated the man…From what I was told, he should have stayed in the hospital for at least another six months…You caused extensive trauma to him…"

After learning about the complete pummeling the man had received at the hands of the slayer, Giles realized that Kennedy had almost gone over the edge that night. He remained quiet after his comment and could hear the brunette breathing deeply on the other end. Then softly, "I almost lost it that night, Giles…when I saw what he did to Willow, I…I…"

The watcher needed no explanation. He knew what Willow meant to the woman and how deserved the beating was on the horrible man. "That's behind you now…you have nothing to explain to me…I'm telling you this because DeAntiao is in very bad shape…and the amulet didn't change that…"

Giles continued to tell Kennedy his theory of the man's scheme and why he'd still be in his shack. "He needs the power of the Eye and the energy from the Everglades…and he needs whatever he's using to sense and see you two…" Giles told Kennedy that DeAntiao had to have some object, he wasn't sure what, that could pierce dimensions with the aid of the Eye. He needed that to keep track of her and Willow. Since his physical abilities were limited, Giles suspected it was the man's plan to bring Kennedy and Willow back to him. "He can bend time to get you to his shack and open the portal to get Willow back…but he needs you to come to him…the Eye and his 'looking glass' need to be where he is…" Because of his restricted movement, Giles was certain the man would not leave; he couldn't at least until he had the couple.

"He's still there, Kennedy…all you need is a surprise attack. Get the amulet and he can't do a bloody thing to you…he'll be defenseless…"

The more the brunette listened to Giles the more certain she was she could succeed. She knew she could get the amulet; she felt it in her bones. Then a thought.

"Wait, Willow told me that a witch did the spell to turn off the Eye's power…she said this witch was almost like a holy person…no one else could touch the thing…Even if I can get it from that asshole, will I be able to hold it…to take it?…Who's gonna do the incantation to turn off the Eye and open the portal?" Kennedy's demeanor had gotten worried again.

Once again, Kennedy couldn't see the reassuring smile on Giles' face. "You will, Kennedy…the Eye recognizes the extremes…you're a slayer…you are bound by your destiny to protect…" Then the Englishman softened his voice. "You have a good heart, Kennedy…You never let go of Willow…that'll carry you through this."

Kennedy accepted the statement from the watcher with the kindness in which it was uttered. "Ok…If you say I can do it, then I will…So, we just need to work out the timing of everything…"

Giles and Kennedy discussed the plan further. Kennedy stated that she wanted to be with Buffy when she awoke so she could tell the blonde herself how Kennedy planned to bring Willow back. After she was certain Buffy was no longer in danger, the brunette would go see Glenda, who would have already been called by Giles, to receive her new cloaking spell. Hopefully, she would be able to find and kill DeAntiao with plenty of time to make it back to Lummas Park and use the amulet to bring Willow back. "There may be some leeway with the timing because of the frickin' storm that's coming through…" The storm was actually the least of Kennedy's concerns.

After all plans were discussed, the two knew their call was at an end. The only thing Giles could say was "Good Luck" and 'I know you can do this." Kennedy replied simply, "I'll have Willow call you to say Thank You." The watcher and the slayer ended their call.

Kennedy took but a few moments to gather her thoughts before placing her next call. This one was for the benefit of Buffy.

The brunette's call to Slayer Central was to inform Buffy's boyfriend of the events. Kennedy knew it would lift Buffy's spirits if she could hear the voice of the man for whom even Kennedy could tell the blonde had strong feelings. She also decided that Petson would want to know the condition of his girlfriend.

"Hello, Kennedy?…Is Buffy ok?" Kennedy was surprised with the comment. She surmised the man knew Buffy better than she thought. Not being called by the blonde made him instantly suspect she had fallen on bad circumstances.

"Yes, Jimmy…she is now…but I need to tell you what happened…" Kennedy again explained the search for DeAntiao, the snake episode and the ensuing hospital visit. She shortened the version but made the man understand that Buffy had been in grave danger. "They say she should be awake by early afternoon…I'm sure hearing from you would really help her out."

Petson was dismayed by the story from Kennedy. He knew a slayer's life was dangerous, but now that danger took on a whole new dimension. The terrifying events weren't just happening to a faceless slayer; they were occurring to one with mesmerizing blue eyes and hair the color of sunbeams. They were happening to the woman he loved. It tore at his stomach.

"Thank you for calling…letting me know…I will definitely call Buffy…and I'll talk to Dawn."

After sharing a few other facts about the status with Willow, Kennedy said her good byes and accepted Petson's "Good Luck." She knew she had to keep on schedule and she still and one more call.

Kennedy immediately punched in the numbers and hoped that her redhead's oldest friend hadn't gone to work yet.

"Kennedy, It's good to hear from you…yes, yes…Xan's still here…let me get him."

The brunette then heard shuffling, like a hand being placed over the receiver, and an excited Jessica shout out "Xander!…It's Kennedy on the phone." Within a matter of seconds, the slayer heard stomping of feet and then Xander take the phone.

"Kennedy…you called…Is Willow back?" There was complete anticipation in the words of the out of breath man.

"Not yet, but I wanted to fill you in on what's happened…it's not all good though…" Kennedy told her tale yet again. But with Xander, she tried to keep it as upbeat as possible. She knew Willow's disappearance had been hard on her friend and she didn't want to squash his newly found reason to be happy again. They talked for about ten minutes and then she told the man she had to go back to the hospital. "I'm sorry I can't talk longer…kinda pressed for time…"

"Don't worry, I get it…and I'll make sure Dawnie calls Buff later to make sure she's ok."

All calls made, Kennedy knew her next item on the list was to go back to the hospital and wait for Buffy to wake – so she could thank the blonde for saving her life. On her way through the lobby, the brunette eyed the continental breakfast set up against the wall. Upon the sight, her stomach growled. The slayer headed to the buffet table and picked up two bagels and a couple of apples. "Should tide me over for a bit…" She left the hotel and went to her car to take her back to see Buffy.

Kennedy was in Buffy's room by 10:30am. Buffy was still sleeping with an IV attached to one arm. She didn't know if that was the anti-venom serum or the sedative. Kennedy walked over to the chair beside the window and sat down. "Ready when you are, Buff." Sitting there, the brunette began to relax. It only took a matter of minutes before she fell asleep.

A squeaking brought the brunette out of her slumber. She sat up and looked at the nurse pushing a cart with a noisy wheel toward Buffy. Kennedy smiled. The nurse looked at her apologetically. "Sorry to wake you…maintenance hasn't gotten around to fixing this thing yet." Kennedy replied that it was no problem and watched as the nurse took Buffy's vitals. She looked at her watch – 12:38pm. As the man put the blood pressure cuff on Buffy's arm, the blonde stirred. The brunette instantly sat up. Buffy's eyelids began to flutter and after a few moments, blue eyes were looking around her surroundings puzzled.

"Where am I?" the slayer said groggily. Kennedy got up and walked to her bedside.

"It's ok, Buffy…you're in a hospital…I brought you here after the snakes…" Kennedy didn't finish the sentence. The nurse was surprised the woman in the bed was awake. The medicine she was on should have kept her out for at least several more hours. "I'm going to go tell the doctor you're awake." He smiled at Buffy then left.

When Buffy heard the word snake, all the memories returned and she remembered that horrendous ordeal in the swamp. She also remembered why they went there. Concerned, "Did you get the amulet?"

Kennedy looked at her with resignation. "I had to make sure you were ok…so, no, I didn't…but don't worry I'm gonna get it tonight." The brunette didn't want Buffy to feel like the mission had been compromised because of her.

Buffy turned her head and stared at the monitor and IV next to her. "You should have gotten the amulet," she said softly.

Kennedy responded quickly. "I wasn't gonna let you die…that monster isn't going anywhere…I can get to him tonight."

Kennedy shook her head. "No way…you're too sick…you need to stay here and get better…I can do this alone."

Buffy tried to sit up and got light-headed. The brunette nodded her head. "See what I mean…you're still sick."

The blonde tired again to sit up, slowly this time and had no difficulty. "I'm ok, Kenn…by this afternoon, I'll be back to normal."

Kennedy looked at the visible wounds on Buffy's arms and legs. "Buffy…you almost died for Christ sake…give yourself time to heal…I can do this."

Buffy knew Kennedy didn't have to have her there, but she felt compelled to help bring her best friend back. It was the least she owed the witch and the younger slayer. "But I…" Kennedy cut her off.

"Listen, when the doctor gets here, we'll hear what she has to say…If she says you to need to stay, then I go by myself…I'm not risking you getting hurt again just because you want to do your 'tough slayer' act." Buffy tried to protest but Kennedy cut her off again. "No, Buff…that's the way this plays out."

Buffy inhaled deeply. Truth be told, the blonde was feeling very tired and drained and her muscles ached. She exhaled. "Fine," she said aggravated.

The doctor finally came and went and Buffy was told her blood levels were still out of normal range and her vitals were not where they should be. "I can't explain it but you are healing extremely fast…but I still want you to stay here at least a few days…you're a very lucky young woman to be alive at all…"

The decision having been made by the doctor, Kennedy told Buffy her conversation with Giles and the plan. Kennedy could tell Buffy was frustrated with her situation. The brunette noticed the blonde frequently looking at her wounds. After they discussed it some, Kennedy glanced at her watch and said, "I wish I could stay…but I gotta start getting ready…I've got a lot of things to do before Glenda does the new spell…" Buffy said she understood and the women said their good byes.

"Be careful, Kennedy…and give Willow a big hug for me when you get her back." Kennedy gave her sister slayer a big, confident smile. "You bet I will…we'll call as soon as she's back."

Kennedy stepped outside the hospital's main entrance and felt the wind blowing. She looked around. The sky was already starting to darken. She could see a line of dark clouds to the east. The wind was picking up and it looked like it was getting ready to rain. The slayer shook her head. "Here comes our boy Alex…right on time." Kennedy decided to ignore the weather. She went to her car and drove back to South Beach to prepare for what she considered the most important night of her life – the one when her Willow would come home.

By the time Kennedy finally got to her room, it was almost four. The weather had gotten decisively worse quickly and now it was raining steady and the wind was occasionally gusting. She moved around her room getting her weapons in order. She decided to bring a knife, stake and her crossbow with her. "Always be prepared…just like a good Boy Scout," she chuckled. She had picked up some fast food on the way back and sat and ate it, not knowing when she'd get the chance again and knowing she'd need all her energy for the mission ahead. Kennedy tried to think if there was anything else she should carry or put in her car. She hoped she'd have time before she had to go to Lummas Park, but she wasn't certain. She wanted to make sure she'd have everything needed when Willow came back just in case there was no time to visit her room again.

At 5pm, there was a knock at her door. Kennedy opened it. "Glenda, come on in…just the woman I was waiting for…man, you're soaked…nice weather, huh?…"

"Well, you should be undetectable to him, Kennedy…that spell was just as powerful as the last one." Glenda had spent the last twenty minutes "recloaking' the slayer. "Now the powder is still good…throw some on him and it'll slow his power."

"Thanks, Glenda…I don't know how to thank you enough…If it weren't for your help…" The witch wouldn't let Kennedy finish.

"Please, as I said before, Willow is a gem…I am honored to help…and I'm going to go now and let you do your job…Good luck, Kennedy…and remember, I'll still be here if you need me…that's if they don't evacuate my hotel." She said the last sentence with a half serious laugh.

Kennedy said thank you again as she followed the witch to the door. The slayer opened the door for the woman only to see a wet Buffy standing in the doorway.

"Hey!…Getting a cab in a storm?…not so easy…ya know, even in a heavy rain, the cab drivers down here are maniacs…Oh, by the way, got another spell for me?"

"Buffy…I don't want you to risk it…" After Buffy walked into Kennedy's room, the two slayers started a dose of twenty questions. In summation, Buffy told Kennedy she was healed, showing her a few almost healed sites, and ready to help get DeAntiao. Kennedy didn't believe her and said Buffy was only doing this because she felt guilty. "I don't have time for this, Buff…just stay here and let me go."

"No way…I told you, the slayer healing kicked in and I'm good to go…I slept almost twelve hours…I just need a little cloaking spell." Kennedy went to argue some more but Buffy stared at her. She spoke very sure and compelling. "I 'am' fine…I wouldn't put Willow's life or yours in jeopardy just to stroke my ego…I'm strong enough, Kennedy…you know we need to do this together…"

Kennedy looked at her counterpart. Buffy knew she was churning the thoughts in her head. The brunette turned to Glenda. "Do your magick, Glenda…" Buffy smiled her gratitude.

"I cant' believe we're doing the same thing as yesterday…it sounds crazy…which means it just might work." Buffy was commenting on the fact that she and Kennedy were going down the same insignificant dirt road they had traveled not twenty-four hours earlier.

"Me and Giles figure this is like lightening." Kennedy said as she weaved the car down the road. Driving had become treacherous due to the storm which was now barreling down on them. The vehicle lights were off again also, but the cloud covered sky gave them no light for assistance. The wind had gotten severe and the rain came down in sheets quickly flooding areas. It swirled about taking flight wherever the roaring wind demanded it. "You know the old saying, 'lightening never strikes the same place twice'…Giles figured the last thing DeAntiao would expect us to do would be come down this road again…he's probably expecting us to wade through the swamp and sneak up from the side or behind…but we're going straight at the fucker."

Just then a loud crack of thunder and a bright flash lit up the sky. Buffy flinched. "Lightening strike, huh?…how appropriate."

The two slayers discussed their plan as they drove toward their battle ground. They knew if one could distract DeAntiao, then the other could get to him and take the Eye. "So long as he doesn't get the chance to use the thing on us we're ok…he can really do some damage to us if he hits us with the Eye's power…but if we hit him by surprise we'll be fine…" Kennedy knew surprise would be the key to their success.

"I still don't know if I get the whole 'he can't use the Eye on himself thing…What's the point if the amulet can't make the person stronger?" Buffy couldn't understand how DeAntiao could yield so much power but still be some defenseless man if not using it.

"Giles said it's because the Eye was created for witches who already had incredible power. They knew that added-on power would have to mingle with their own. They didn't want to chance losing control over what they had, so they just got something that let them use their own energy to direct more power against others." Kennedy could have cared less about the reason for the Eye's particular characteristics. She was just glad they worked to their advantage.

By the end of that little lesson, the car had reached the dense line of trees cutting off the glades from the civilized world. Kennedy stopped the car. "I think we better do the rest on foot…the storm won't get any better and we need the car to be on solid enough ground to get us outta here."

Buffy looked around outside and nodded in agreement. She watched the pounding rain being thrashed so hard by the wind that it was coming in almost sideways at times. "Wouldn't have an umbrella, would you?…It's a little wet outside." Buffy tried to lighten the mood.

Kennedy chuckled. "No, but I got this nice knife if you want." She held out the twelve inch blade to the slayer. Buffy took it and the mood got serious. "Let's go, Buff…time to kick some demented fuck's ass." The women nodded to each other and exited the car.

As soon as they stood up, the wind grabbed both and they had to hold onto their doors to remain standing. "Jesus…" Buffy said loudly over the wailing wind. "This is only a tropical storm?" The slayer had never been in such cataclysmic surroundings that weren't magickally or demonically created. Kennedy looked at Buffy and shouted back, "Oh, I forgot to tell you…Alex surprised everyone and somehow turned into a hurricane in the last hour." She gave the blonde an apologetic face. 'Ok,' Buffy thought to herself, 'this is something I haven't done before.'

The women struggled forward, pushing their way toward the shack. The wind and rain pelted on the bodies, their faces. There were times they couldn't see five feet in front of them because of the severity of the rain. The ground grew soft like mud on top of quicksand and several times each slayer had to free a leg from the engulfing soil. They marched as fast as humanly, or rightfully slayerly, possible. Kennedy carried her crossbow strapped on her back and a stake in her boot. Buffy had the knife tucked under the belt loop on the back of her pants. She too had a stake in her shoe as an alternative weapon. The women kept marching forward.

They went past the next set of trees and could see the building in view in the distance. The night took on an even more ominous feel at that moment. The only positive out of the horrendous weather was the fact that the wild beasts of the glades were nowhere to been seen. The creatures had survived thousands of years of hurricanes; they knew enough to take cover.

When the slayers got to the place where Buffy's snake attack took place, they hesitated. Kennedy saw Buffy avoid looking down the hole; she watched as the blonde stepped away from the area, walking as far away from it as possible. "You ok, Buff?" Kennedy asked concerned. Buffy was staring straight ahead and took a few moments before she turned and looked at the brunette. "Yeah…I'll be fine as soon as we get up there." Buffy pointed to the shed.

As the hurricane thrashed about them, the slayers never stopped in their mission. They kept advancing. They were soaked to the bone; their hair matted to their heads and their clothes wet from the storm and the sweat of the hike.

Finally, they had gotten about one hundred yards from the shack. The light was still on inside. As the women stood close and watched muted like monks, there was a flicker to the light in one corner of the place. Buffy quickly looked at Kennedy and spoke just loud enough for the slayer to hear.

That subtle movement was all it took for the anger to start building within Kennedy. She was so close to the man who'd destroyed her and Willow's life for the past five months. She couldn't wait to kill the monster. Kennedy didn't respond to Buffy; she simply began walking toward the shack again. Now, she crouched down and took her time, careful to look at each step she took so as not to make a sound. Buffy could feel Kennedy was being pulled by her desire to punish the man and she quickly got behind the brunette. She grabbed Kennedy by the shoulder, turned her so she could look her in the eyes.

"Kenne…we'll get his guy, don't worry…he won't leave this swamp…but we need to keep to the plan first…get the Eye, then DeAntiao."

Kennedy stared back. She knew Buffy was right. She couldn't let her hatred for the man destroy the mission. They needed the amulet to get Willow back. Kennedy nodded to Buffy. The blonde let go of the brunette's shoulder and they both turned and started the slow descent upon the shack. As they got closer, Kennedy wondered how much DeAntiao had deciphered and if someway he was prepared for their upcoming assault.

As the hurricane belted the shack around him, DeAntiao readied himself for the attack that he was certain would occur. After he found the knife on the pathway by the snake pit, the man was certain he would battle Kennedy before the night of the hallowed moon was over. The slayers had found his retreat and he knew they would be back to try and stop him. He was able to break the cloaking spells from the aura they left at the snake pit. "At least I can sense them if they try that one again…" He then spent the day preparing for the night's events. The darkening afternoon sky and the unusual behavior of the swamps inhabitants made the man know that a powerful storm was approaching. He didn't care. The weather held no advantage to the slayers. "I can sense through rain as well as a clear night."

DeAntiao passed the hours preparing for the night's ritual and adding a new deterrent to the entrance to his domain. The one 'luxury' he'd allowed himself was a battery powered "storm weather" generator. The thing had several power outlets and a built in radio. It was small but rather powerful. Most important, it was almost silent in its operation. It's what he used to cook or heat food when needed and occasionally it was used to power a light. Tonight it was used to put in place another trap for the slayers.

After all his work was done, the man waited. He listened to the storm as it rumbled through the Everglades. He fixated on the rain leaking into the shack from the ceiling and the sides. Mostly, the horrible excuse for a man just waited. "I'll know when you get near…" he laughed, "…then we'll see who surprises who…"

Kennedy and Buffy were almost upon the shack. They were so close they could see the silhouette of the man between the sliver of cracks in the plank siding. They were also thigh high in swamp water now, the torrential rainfall cresting the area. It was almost as if there was a shallow moat around the building. The sky was black as tar and the rain and wind was at its worse. The slayers had trouble keeping their footing. They had given up speech and began communicating with hand gestures. Their plan was for Buffy to go to the back of the shack and act like she was going to bust in from there. As soon as Kennedy heard the pounding of Buffy's attack, she was to rush in through the door and throw the quelling powder on the man and then she'd tackle him. The surprise hopefully would stun the man long enough for Buffy to get in the shack and steal the Eye while Kennedy finished her job with DeAntiao.

Giving the chosen gestures, each woman started to their assigned locations to carry out the mission. Kennedy got to her spot several yards away from the front door and crouched down with crossbow in one hand and the powder in the other; she stood motionless and waited. She waited for Buffy's pounding to begin. The wait seemed like hours; she glanced at her watch – 8:26pm. It could have just as easily been three in the morning as black as the night was. Kennedy waited impatiently. Then she heard Buffy's attack.

The brunette slayer never saw the thin metal wire that was strung six inches off the ground and several inches away from the door bottom.

As Kennedy lunged forward crashing the door in, her boot tripped the wire. Out of nowhere, there was a bright light and blaring music filling the space and mixing with the devastating sounds of the hurricane. DeAntiao had wired the generator radio and a light to a trip wire so that they would turn on when the wire was pulled. For the last hour, the man had been waiting for the signal. Upon its start, DeAntiao threw himself to the front corner of the shack and watched the confused and shocked slayer come sprawling into his sanctuary.

Kennedy stumbled into the place hard. She barely kept her balance. The noise and brightness caught her off guard but she tried to right herself quickly. As she came through the door, brown eye instantly scanned the area for her tormentor. She knew she had to either shoot the man or get the powder on him quickly. She saw a figure go by her on her left side. She stood up and around in one motion. She had the pouch and crossbow ready as soon as she had her target.

When she first laid eyes on DeAntiao, she froze. She almost recoiled with the disfiguring sight before her. What her eyes saw was the hideous remains of a man; he was beyond description. A fleeting thought ran through the slayer's mind – 'I did that to him.' Kennedy had trouble believing the 'thing' before her was the man she battled in Rio. Then she saw the amulet around the man's neck.

Kennedy's slight pause was enough for DeAntiao to make a move. With the power of the amulet, he thrust his arms forward and sent an energy ball at the brunette. It hit Kennedy against the chest with a thundering sound and sent her sailing back against his cot and into the wall. DeAntiao spit out the words, "Not the same pathetic power as last time…huh, slayer?"

Kennedy fell hard against the floor and dropped the bow. She tried to get up quickly but the man hit her with another blast. He started to walk closer to the brunette. "Not so easy this time is it, bitch…"

As he went to strike Kennedy again, he heard commotion at the front door. He turned around just in time to be tackled by Buffy. They both went toppling into where Kennedy lay.

Upon the music blaring and the brightness streaming through the slats, Buffy instantly realized DeAntiao had caught Kennedy in a trap. She knew the slayer would be dead if she didn't get into that shack and help disarm the enemy. Buffy pushed herself through the water surrounding the shack and made it to the front. Her first sight of DeAntiao had much the same misgivings as Kennedy's. Then she saw the man hitting Kennedy with flashes of electricity and raced in to stop the fiend.

All three were on the floor struggling to gain control. DeAntiao shouted some words and the two women were violently tossed through the air and to the other corner of the shack. As Kennedy hit, the pouch sprang out of her hand and landed several feet away. Buffy landed hard too, but immediately stopped her slide and jumped to her feet. Before she could get to the man he swung his arm in front of the blonde slayer and she was tossed again to the other side of the room.

Buffy hit the table with the caldron resting on it. The force of her strike caused the table to topple and the cast iron kettle to coming crashing down on her. Its contents spilled everywhere and then rolled off the slayer, coming to rest several feet away. Buffy lay motionless; there was blood streaming down the side of her head.

That exchange gave Kennedy enough time to get up, grab the pouch and stampede into the man, tackling him. The two went crashing against and through the back wall of the shack. They landed in the muddy water of the glades surrounding the shack, pieces of cypress planks falling on top of them.

Kennedy was on top of the man. She stammered to her feet, grabbing at the man's clothes, the pouch still in her right hand. The wind and rain was wailing around them, the force of the storm making it hard for the woman to keep her balance. The slayer pulled DeAntiao out of the water and looked for the amulet. The necklace had shifted around and the Eye was lying against the man's back. The brunette quickly decided to slow him down. Just as she was about to pour the powder on him, he spat out some words and Kennedy's hands instantly became engulfed in flames. She let go of the man and screamed in pain. She instinctively threw her hands under the water, pouch included.

That gave DeAntiao enough time to turn and start to push his way through the water away from the shack. The man wanted Kennedy to think he was escaping; he wanted her to follow him. And she did. As soon as the fire was out, Kennedy turned to find DeAntiao fleeing; she followed. The slayer caught up to the man quickly. DeAntiao stopped and turned to face the brunette. He shouted, "You don't win this time slayer," and he leaned back and then thrust his entire body and outstretched arms at Kennedy.

The feeling that hit Kennedy was probably known only to those unlucky few who've ever actually been struck by lightening. The sheer magnitude of the shock hitting the brunette would have torn a regular person in two. Every muscle in the slayer's body contracted and the pain sensors on her flesh were pushed into hyper overload. The pain was so intense Kennedy lost the ability to make a sound. She stood there, mouth wide open, silently letting out a scream that would have awoken the dead.

After the few moments that seemed like an eternity, DeAntiao lifted his arms and the force that had Kennedy in its grip lifted the slayer off the ground. The man slowly swung his arms around so that Kennedy was now on his other side, farther away from the shack. In front of DeAntiao's feet was a small wooden wall that looked like part of an enclosure. With the slayer hanging in the air over the enclosure, DeAntiao dropped his arms. The energy strike ended and the brunette fell to the ground, splashing into the murky water inside the enclosure.

Kennedy was in horrendous pain and disoriented. She was submerged in water only her head and part of her shoulders above the surface. Brown eyes tried to look up. The pelting rain stung against her face. The wind whipped at her hair. She saw trees around her, thrashing in the wind; the moss in the branches looking on like tantalized spectators. Then she saw the figure of a man come into view. Staring, she could only see the black silhouette against the flashing lights from the storm. Kennedy didn't need to see; she knew it was DeAntiao. Then she saw something else black come toward her. The brunette realized it was the man's boot when it crashed upon her face sending her under the water.

DeAntiao was in his glory. He had the slayer where he wanted her. The enclosure would be the desert to his meal of torment. He wasn't going to kill the slayer, not yet. He just wanted to beat her down and place her on the edge of death until it was time to pull in the witch. The enclosure was his little salute to the place he called home for so many months. Unbeknownst to Kennedy, that walled area was the feeding ground for some very predatory alligators. DeAntiao loved his idea for the slayer's death. "The witch gets to watch her slayer being ripped apart, piece by piece, by some very nasty gators…" Until the bewitching hour, DeAntiao planned on keeping Kennedy near death. He wasn't concerned about the other slayer. He saw the caldron plummet on her head; he saw her motionless body. "Too bad…I would have enjoyed killing her, too."

DeAntiao stood there, his crippled leg pushing down on the brunette slayer, holding her under the water. He knew she was so weak form the energy blast that she had no ability to fight. Even if she tried, he would just hit her with another blast. The amulet was doing its job superbly for him.

Kennedy broke into awareness and instantly knew she was under water. She tried to struggle, breathing in some muddy water before closing her mouth and holding her breath. She could feel the weight of DeAntiao's leg upon her neck. She tried to move, to shift to get out from the hold of the man. The more she tried, the harder it got. The slayer had no strength and she soon found herself loosing her battle with consciousness. She tried to get to air but couldn't gather the strength to push the leg off her. Kennedy slowly started to give in to the wave of weakness crashing over her. She was too tired to fight, too weak. DeAntiao and the Eye were winning. The slayer started to give in to death.

Then she heard her name. It was that call from Willow pleading for the brunette to save her. The voice in her head that told her Willow was counting on her to bring her back. Kennedy was her only hope. Somewhere in the deepest part of her soul, Kennedy found a pool of strength. She tightened her grip on the pouch that still remained clenched in her hand. The slayer rounded up all her power, all her determination, and in one quick swift movement pushed herself up from the murky, Everglades' water. She sprang up sitting, tossing DeAntioa's leg off her. The action caught the man off guard and he got off balance. While he was trying to right himself, Kennedy pierced the pouch with her cinched fingers and threw the powder at him. The wind took most of it but some fell on the man. Kennedy then jumped to her feet.

DeAntiao flung his arms in front of him as the powder landed on him, sticking with the mixture from the hard falling rain. He looked up at the brunette. Shock filled his disfigured face. He could feel something strange come over him; he knew the powder was having some negative affect on him. He decided to act while he knew he still could. "You fucking bitch…you won't win…you die now…" he yelled at Kennedy. He saw the slayer barely able to stand, drained of all her strength. He knew the brunette couldn't handle another large blast; it would kill her. He reared back to give her as much of a shock as he could gather.

Just as his hands started to come up from his side, he stopped and got a confused look on his hideous face. Kennedy stared as the man stood there for a few moments, not doing anything. Then he gurgled out a sound and began to fall forward. He fell face first into the swampy enclosure; an arrow sticking out his back.

Kennedy looked up to see Buffy standing about twenty feet away, the crossbow still in shooting position. She slowly lowered the weapon and started to walk toward Kennedy. The brunette got lightheaded and she fell back into the marsh. As Buffy got closer, her eyes widened.

The younger slayer saw Buffy's line of sight key in behind her. She turned her head to see several alligators slithering quickly through the muddy water, closing in on her quickly. Buffy raced to the edge of the enclosure and grabbed Kennedy by the arm as the brunette tried to get on her feet. Buffy pulled her forward and out of the water just as an enormous gator opened its mouth for the strike. The creature's jaws clamped down only on air and then water.

Kennedy stood in front of Buffy, the blonde holding her by the shoulders to help steady her. Then they heard the thrashing of the water. They both turned to see two alligators fighting over DeAntiao's body. One had him by a leg; the bigger one by his midsection.

"Fuck!…the Eye!…We have to get the Eye!" Kennedy screamed and jumped back into the water amidst the fray. The larger predator won thrashing the dead DeAntiao's corpse away from the other gator's clench. Kennedy grabbed the man's head by the hair as he was pulled under the murky blackness by the avarice gator. Kennedy followed the beast under the water, waging her strength against the turning and twisting of the reptile tearing into its newest meal. As the brunette disappeared into the swamp, Buffy yelled out for her. In a matter of seconds, there was a burst of water splashing up into the night air. From behind the cascade, Buffy saw Kennedy rise from the swamp, the water wading around her upper thigh. Kennedy's hand wiped the mud from her face as she held her other hand up…clenching the Eye. When Buffy finally saw the brunette's face there was a big smile plastered across it.

Buffy moved forward to help Kennedy out of the enclosure. Just as the blonde reached out her hand to the brunette, Kennedy's body jerked to the side. Buffy looked on dismayed and shocked as the second gator lifted out of the water and caught Kennedy's upper arm in its massive jaws. Buffy watched as the alligator took Kennedy back under the water. She instantly jumped into the enclosure to get the brunette.

Kennedy felt the bite of the gator and its tug to bring her under to its domain. She opened her eyes and only saw the dense blackness of the water. But the slayer could feel her captor on her; its teeth sinking into her flesh. Kennedy could feel the gator against her starting to leverage its weight to begin its "death spiral" which would bring her to the muddy bottom of the swamp and to the end of her life. She knew in that moment she had to free herself or she'd be dead. The brunette took her free arm and, while still holding the amulet, shoved her hand into the creature's mouth. With all her strength, she fought against the churning of the reptile while she pried its jaws open enough to disengage her arm. Then she twisted out of the gator's reach kicking the thing as she pushed herself away through the muck.

Buffy didn't see the acrobatics of her friend. All she witnessed was the chaotic agitation of the water's surface where Kennedy went under. Then she saw the tail of the gator come out of the water near her and the brunette spring out of the swamp in the other direction. Buffy quickly lunged for the gator and grabbed it by its snout, pressing down to keep its jaws closed. Then in one quick movement, the blonde slayer snapped the gator's head back, killing the beast. She threw the creature off to the side and went to Kennedy who was nearly at the enclosure's edge. The two women helped each other out of the place.

Kennedy had hold of her bleeding arm, the amulet never leaving her grasp. The blood streaked down her arm and was smattered on her shirt and pants. Buffy moved the brunette's hand so she could examine the severity of the injury. Buffy saw that the gator had left several deep puncture wounds that were bleeding freely. Saying nothing, the blonde undid her belt and wrapped it as a tourniquet around Kennedy's arm above the wounds. Then she just looked at Kennedy, a stare that let the brunette know that as close to death as she'd gotten, she would recover. Kennedy gave a serious look and then nodded. The women stood there motionless.

There was new commotion in the enclosure and the two slayers' attention was then returned to the swamp. They watched as DeAntiao's body was again torn and taken to be eaten and stored by the remaining blood thirsty predator. Then they looked at the necklace in Kennedy's hand and smiled at each other.

"So, how you like the bow?…Pretty smooth trigger, huh?-" the brunette said nonchalantly above the sound of the weakening storm.

"Yeah, pretty sweet…but I think your scope's off a little," the blonde replied in kind.

They both looked at each other and laughed again. Kennedy stopped and stared at her watch. "Shit…enough of 'basking in the glory', we've got an hour to get this thing to the park and get Willow back." Kennedy's tone had turned serious.

Buffy's demeanor too had returned to the sober tone of before. "Then let's get the hell outta here and go get Willow."

That voice filled her mind and instantly calmed her. Willow's frantic plea to Kennedy had been received and answered. The witch heard the slayer's promise to bring her back in her name; she heard the resolve that the brunette had to let nothing stop them from reuniting. Mostly, Willow heard the unwavering love Kennedy had for her.

Hearing her slayer wrapped Willow in feeling of safety. Her unnerving dream and fear about the Kennedy outside her bedroom door waned. The redhead relaxed just enough to rid herself of the fatigued being caused by clenched muscles. She moved slightly on the bed so that she was on her side, in a fetal position, but not terrified. She concentrated on Kennedy's voice and seeing her face. Slowly she drifted off to sleep.

"Wake up, babe…it's getting late…" Eyelids slowly fluttered to the sound until they raised completely letting green eyes view those of brown. Willow was still drowsy but saw the face of her lover softly smiling at her. "Come on sleepy head…rise and shine…" As Willow gazed upon that beautiful face, she got a warm feeling come over her. "You're not really here…I'm still dreaming, right?" said the redhead quietly to her slayer. "Yeah, I'm afraid so," replied the dream Kennedy. "So, why this?…now?" Willow asked sincerely. The brunette smiled again. "I wanted to tell you not to be scared…and to come back to me…whatever it takes…"

Willow sensed the light from the morning sun trying to sneak around the corners of the closed drapes. The words from her dream were still audible in her mind when she fully awoke. Her first thought was that she wasn't scared. Kennedy's connection to her and her dream had filled her with courage. She stretched out on the bed and looked at the clock on the bedside table-11:29am. Willow couldn't believe she had slept as much as she did. She was grateful she was able to, knowing that she'd have to be at her best form to meet the day's challenges.

Before getting out of bed, Willow listened for a few minutes to see if she could hear any sign of Kennedy outside her door or the hotel. She was pleased when she heard what she'd heard every other morning of her captivity – nothing. The redhead got out of bed and walked over to the window. She carefully opened the curtains, one side at a time. She wanted the view of the beach and the area where her destiny would be recaptured that night. From her window, she could almost see the part of Lummas Park where she had vanished five months earlier. Even though the witch couldn't see the spot, she could feel it. It was there and all she had to do was get to it at the appointed time.

Willow knew that there was more to her return than just standing in the spot where she was lost to the real world. DeAntiao had used the amulet to close the portal through which she came. But it was closed on two sides and both had to be reopened for her safe return. That meant that the Eye's binding incantation had to be said in two locations, hers and Kennedy's. Willow knew from what the Chronicles showed her that once the amulet was at the site of the portal where it was first opened, its flow of energy would seep through to her side. The portal wouldn't be opened but there would be the necessary mystical connection between the 'key' and the 'lock' to allow the spells to be spoken from both sides.

She had at first planned to get to the site early and just keep repeating the incantation. Since she didn't know when Kennedy would get there with the Eye, she had no definite time to synchronize the saying of the spell. However, after yesterday, Willow knew she wouldn't have the luxury of time. She would not be able to lull away the minutes until things 'clicked.' She was now being hunted and she'd have to be more precise with her timing. There weren't many words to the ritual; but it was exact and needed full concentration. The witch, after much thought, decided that she'd have to wait until just be fore it was time to make the dash to the spot and say the words that she knew would take her home. Willow figured in the time to run to the spot, say the incantation and wait for the portal to open. If she left her room at 9:30, she was confident she'd be able to get the job done.

Of course that scenario assumed no confrontation with Kennedy. Part of Willow wasn't even sure the woman still existed in her reality any longer. She'd heard nothing and briefly looked out the security eye of her door and saw nothing either. Even if the woman was still "out there", Willow decided that any confrontation would be handled by sending the slayer to another dimension, much like she did to Glory. That would give the redhead the time needed to return to her real existence.

Willow spent the next few hours getting prepared. She ate some food just to keep her stomach from getting upset. She took a shower. Still not totally convinced of the whereabouts of the slayer, the redhead left the shower curtain open so she could see the bathroom. She also took the mirror off the main room wall and placed it on a chair which she positioned in the bathroom doorway. The mirror allowed her to see the bedroom and more importantly the door into the room.

After showering was done, Willow changed. She put on the same clothes as when she first appeared in the altered reality. She even put on her bathing suit underneath. All the items that she came with were already packed in her bag. The witch spent some time trying to relax herself. She used the ways and techniques learned in Brazil to free her mind of energy that would block her magick.

Willow then checked the beach bag several times out of nervousness. The bag contained her book, lotion, and wallet. There was also Kennedy's magazine, her spike and blanket. As Willow identified the articles once again, she remembered the watch. It had been in the bag the night of her vanishing but had been worn on her wrist since her arrival. The redhead noticed that she wasn't wearing her watch. She went into the bathroom and looked on the vanity – nothing there. The witch crinkled her eyebrows and then went to the bed side table; it wasn't there either. Willow got a flush of panic. She started to inspect the entire room for the Rolex that Kennedy had given her. It was nowhere to be found. The redhead got very nervous. "I need that watch…everything has to be the same…"

Willow thought hard on the last time she knew she had the watch. "I remember having it on when I was watching the movie…and then I heard Ke…" The witch's eyes widened as she realized what had become of her watch. "Oh, no…please, not there…" Willow walked over to the door and looked through the security eye. She glanced around on floor visible to her from that view.

There, lying on the floor in front of her door to the left about ten feet away, was her watch.

"Oh, crap," she said deflated. Willow knew at that moment she'd have to retrieve her watch. She needed to keep things as close as possible to how she came to her reality. "I gotta get that watch."

Willow peered out the eye some more. She tried to look around as much as possible to determine if Kennedy was waiting out there. She didn't see anything unusual, but then again, there was so much of the space outside the door that she couldn't see. The witch knew her only option was to mad a quick rescue attempt. If Kennedy was out there, she'd find out soon enough.

An alabaster hand reached out and unlocked the security lock and also undid the chain. Then Willow stopped and thought for a moment. She knew she could never make it to the watch, pick it up and run back before the door closed. Willow understood she'd need to keep the door open slightly. That would be the quickest way to make her re-entry. The redhead went by the dresser and picked up a sneaker on the floor. She went back to the door. It was time.

Willow took a deep breath, placed her hand on the door latch and exhaled. Nervously, "One…two…"

On the number three, Willow opened the door, quickly placed the sneaker against the door frame and made a dash for her watch. She snatched it up, turned and ran back. She tried to kick the sneaker out of the way but missed. Once inside and while holding onto the inside door handle, Willow pressed her side up against the back of the door and went to kick the sneaker into the hallway to close the door. Just as her shoe was about to make contact, a black boot forced its way into the door's opening and came down on the sneaker. A bronzed hand also grabbed onto the edge of the door and there was the hard sound of a body hitting up against the door from the other side.

Willow frantically pushed back and started kicking the boot to try to make it retreat as she thought 'Where the hell did she come from?'

"Come on, Willow, let me in.…" The words were said forcefully. Willow pushed with all her might willing herself to propel the slayer back. She knew her room, that door, was her barrier to the outside. It was keeping Kennedy back as much as she was. "Just let me in, Will…", the slayer said just as harsh. The witch knew she couldn't hold out much longer and made a last attempt. She pushed and yelled, "Expulsum!"

The boot and hand instantly disappeared and Willow heard Kennedy crash against the back hallway wall. She kicked the sneaker out and slammed the door shut. Trembling fingers quickly set the security lock and chain. Then Willow backed up to beside her bed and waited.

"Babe, why'd you do that?…Every time you hurt me, it just makes me more sure that you're not the same person any more…this place has changed you."

Willow heard Kennedy's voice talking to her softly. The witch didn't want to listen but she was compelled.

"Willow, I loved you so much…how could you do this to me?…Why weren't you strong enough?"

The pleas from Kennedy wormed there way into the witch's mind. She tried to keep them out; she tried to remember that the slayer on the other side of the door wasn't really 'her' Kennedy. "Leave me alone…you're not Kennedy…I won't listen to you." Willow almost shouted the words.

"I am her…you know that…but you made me this way…you betrayed me, Willow…"

Willow's voice sounded conflicted. "I don't know what you're talking about…I h-haven't betrayed you…I've only wanted to g-get to you…I mean Kennedy, my Kennedy."

"I'm a slayer…I can't let you go back now…not after what you've done here." The soft tone had give way to a harsh flatness.

There was silence for several minutes. "You'll never make it to the park." The next sound was boots walking away from her door.

Willow put her hands to her face and breathed deeply. She was shaking and tears of fright began to escape from her eyes. She dropped her hands. "What is she talking about?…What have I done here?" The witch was as perplexed by that question as she was the night before. The one thing the witch did realize though was her plan to run to the portal area wouldn't work. Kennedy would surely catch her and engage her in a battle. She had to get to the park without going outside. Willow knew at that moment she'd have to forego her concerns and teleport to the spot. She knew it would be her only chance.

Those six hours were the longest in the redhead's life. They passed like thick molasses. Willow had to settle her nerves several times. She sat on her bed channeling her energy and calming herself. She was finally able to reach a state of quiet solitude. All thoughts of her impending mission were pushed to the side. She focused on her core power and her true destiny. She focused on getting back to her life.

By 9:35pm, Willow was as ready and primed as she could ever be. She was stalwart in her mission and in her ability to attain her goal. The witch would have liked to wait until just before 9:50 to teleport. Had she been in her true world, she could have. But she was still not positive she would end up exactly where needed, so she decided she would have to take the risk and leave earlier.

Willow looked at her watch again. She knew it was time. She placed the watch on her wrist and grabbed her beach bag closely to her. "This is it…Here I come, baby." There was nothing but hope in the words. Willow closed her eyes.

When the witch reopened her eyes, she saw a palm tree. She looked around and viewed the wall, the pathway and the grassy area where she had vanished all those months before. The teleportation had landed her, beach bag still firmly in grasp, right on the spot where she needed to be. "Way to go, Rosenberg…high five for the mega witch." She spoke softly but said it with a big, proud smile on her face. She looked at her watch – 9:35. 'That was quick,' she thought, then added, 'now all I do is wait and watch out for Kennedy.'

Willow heard the rustling of the palm tree frontons, looked up and saw Kennedy falling at her almost simultaneously. The slayer jumped at Willow from atop a tall coconut palm not fifteen feet from the witch. Had Willow not heard the branches, she would have taken a direct hit from the slayer. The redhead however was able to move slightly to the right and the brunette only came plunging down on her shoulder. The two women crashed to the ground, Kennedy ripping Willow's blouse as they went.

The witch started to kick and scramble away from Kennedy just far enough to bind a force shield between her and the impostor Kennedy. Willow knew Kennedy couldn't get through the barrier.

Kennedy stood slowly, seeing the aura of the force in front of her. She started to shake her head. "Not a good idea, Red…the more energy you use, the less chance you have to get back…" Kennedy then gave a harsh look. "…Not that you'll make it back."

Willow was still on the ground staring confused at Kennedy but she held the barrier in place. "Stay away…you don't know anything."

Kennedy laughed. "You were out for two days before you woke up here, right?" The slayer saw the look of disbelief on the witch's face. "Of course I know…and I know that it was because of the magick you did before the portal opened…you used up energy and then the portal trip took more of it…" Kennedy could see Willow was listening to her intently. "The portal won't stay open like the last time…if you don't have enough power, you'll be stuck forever…" The brunette knew the witch was digesting her message and realized she was right. "Put the shield down, Will…It's your only chance."

Willow listened as Kennedy explained the risks of the barrier. The slayer's tone sounded like she actually wanted the redhead to try to get back to her real life. There wasn't the hatred in the voice, just reasoned calm. Keeping her concentration, Willow stood up never taking her view off the brunette. She let the words register and knew that Kennedy was right. She needed to keep her powers as much at bay as possible. She couldn't afford a slip up now. Something inside her told her the slayer was truly trying to help her. 'Maybe this Kennedy got altered again somehow.' The tension in the witch's face left and she slowly dissipated the barrier.

"I knew you'd believe me," Kennedy said in a sarcastic tone. In that instant, Willow knew nothing had changed about the slayer; she was still the hunter. The redhead started to back up.

"I told you I can't let you leave." There was nothing but anger in Kennedy's words.

"Leave me alone…a-and…and I w-won't hurt you…" Willow steadied herself. She was determined not to run. She had to hold her ground; it was the only advantage she'd have. Though she didn't want to fight, to expend her energy, she knew her power was easier to access when she faced her opponent head on. Running would only make her mind muddled and allow the slayer to use her strength against the witch. In addition, as much as Willow knew this wasn't 'her' Kennedy, it was still 'a' Kennedy, a real human being, and she didn't want to harm the girl if she could avoid it.

"Hurt me?…Are you joking?…You could never physically hurt me…but you killed my heart by what you've done here?" Kennedy started walking closer to Willow as she talked.

Willow saw the slayer's movements and took a few steps back to keep the space while she pieced together her next move. "I don't know what you mean…I haven't done anything to you…I mean…my Kennedy." Willow had trouble talking to this woman. As soon as she saw that face, she wanted to believe it was Kennedy. There were times when the voice and eyes didn't betray her true identity. There were moments when the woman could have been her love.

Kennedy stopped. She looked intently at Willow and said in a disappointed tone, "You gave into the dark magicks…"

Willow was confused. "No…no…I didn't give in…" She remembered that horrible night in the park when she'd almost lost her soul to darkness. "I-I…stopped it…it didn't…"

Kennedy interrupted her. "You didn't stop anything, Willow…I did…You heard me…saw me…and that's what stopped it." Kennedy started walking toward her again.

Willow looked at Kennedy; she looked like her Kennedy, talked like her. Her long hair, her eyes; the way she walked. The witch's sure resolve faded. Willow's mind spun. 'Is it really her, somehow?…Is she right?" Willow knew that it was the thought of her brunette that kept her from diving over the edge that night. But she had been the one to come back; it was her that wanted to be good again. "No…that's…not true…I d-did…"

"You did nothing, Willow…You wanted evil to take over your soul…I'm the one that stopped it…" Kennedy was still closing in slowly, about ten feet from Willow now who had put up her hands as if to push the slayer away. "You said you were over that…you had it under control…I trusted you, and you lied to me…"

With Kennedy's ever present forward progress, Willow made a like backward retreat. She didn't want to accept what was being said about her control. She couldn't gather her thoughts to respond to the slayer.

"Don't you see, Willow…you'll never be safe to be around…you couldn't make it through a few months of lonely nights without turning evil…you'll never be able to control it in the real world…you'll explode eventually…" Kennedy knew she was getting to the redhead. It would be but a matter of minutes before her attack could begin.

Willow was still backing up and she was becoming disoriented. "No…I'm good…I didn't turn…I won't…I can handle it…"

Kennedy stopped and laughed. "You couldn't handle being alone…what are you gonna do when I die?" Kennedy saw shock in the witch's eyes. "Just because there's lots of slayers doesn't mean I won't get killed…I will…someday…How are you gonna handle that, Will?…two murdered lovers?…" Kennedy could see the frantic look on Willow's face. "Tara was bad enough…but we have a real life together…all our promises…our dreams…they'd be gone…" The slayer crept closer as the witch froze in her tracks. "Everything you dreamed about…gone…a house…kids…"

Emerald eyes widened with unexplained realization. Kennedy nodded her head slowly. "Yeah, I know you thought about kids…but do you think I'd have a child with you?…you're evil, Willow…you can't go back." Willow stood there dazed, her feet rooted to the ground.

Willow had listened to the slayer, trying to block the bullets that were pelting at her mind. Kennedy knew the truth; she wasn't in control. The dark magicks would always have a hold on her to some degree. The witch didn't want to believe it, but it was out. Kennedy was speaking the truth and it stabbed at Willow's soul. The witch hadn't even realized that she stopped moving; she stood motionless, listening to every ugly fact about her life said out loud.

With those last words, Kennedy lunged forward and tackled Willow to the dusty ground. The redhead's bag fell to her side. Willow struggled to get out from under the brunette. She tried to thrash and strike with her arms and legs. But the slayer quickly out-muscled the witch and grabbed onto her wrists. Kennedy straddled Willow, holding her arms down.

"I'm a slayer, Will…I have to kill anything's that evil…" Kennedy moved one arm of Willow's to the other so that the slayer could take hold of both with one hand. "To conquer evil as black as you, it takes a killer…like that from the first slayer…" Kennedy's other hand, now free, made its way to Willow's neck. "I loved you, Willow…how could you do this to me?…make me into a killer." Kennedy's stare burned into emerald eyes. Then the bronzed hand started to squeeze.

Willow never really saw Kennedy attack her and she never knew she tried to fight off the slayer. Her first realization when she came out of her shock was that she was being choked. Kennedy was killing her. Willow started to thrash about again trying to free herself so she could breathe. Kennedy only squeezed harder. Willow was scared, more scared than she'd ever been in her life. She stared into brown eyes. All she saw was hate. Kennedy hated her…Kennedy had become a killer.

That's when her dream from that morning came to her – "Don't be scared…come back to me…whatever it takes…" In that instant, Willow knew the person leeching her life away was not speaking the truth. Willow wasn't evil; she was loved and she was wanted.

The witch stopped fighting and relaxed for just a second before her mind and voice shouted out, "Pain!" Kennedy was immediately hit with a jolting shock to her brain. It was akin to being in the National Cathedral bell tower when the chimes were rung for high mass. It was a thundering bolt of pain scorching through the slayer's body. It made the brunette's brain shake in her skull.

Kennedy instantly let go and grabbed the sides of her head with her hands. She toppled over in excruciating pain. As soon as she was off Willow, the witch hurriedly got to her feet, stumbled to her bag and grabbed it as she started to run to the 'spot.'

It didn't take long for the spell to wear off and Kennedy to start recovering. Still on the ground, she rolled over and searched for Willow's whereabouts. She saw the witch heading back to the grassy area. The slayer struggled to her feet and started after her.

The witch heard the footsteps of the brunette chasing her. She decided to keep running; she would not have enough time to do the incantation. She needed to disable the slayer long enough to say the spell. She couldn't send Kennedy to another dimension because she couldn't concentrate long enough to say the proper spell. Willow ran following the wall separating the beach from the park. At an opening, she faked a turn into the beach area and instead turned toward Ocean Drive. Willow's knee wretched with the turn and she stumbled to the ground. She hurriedly got back on her feet and continued running despite the throbbing in her knee.

The redhead's move didn't trick Kennedy. Her fall allowed the slayer to get closer. Within seconds, the slayer was upon the witch again. Willow could hear her heavy breathing. Just when she felt Kennedy reaching for her, Willow bent time for an instant. She stopped dead in her tracks and crouched down wincing from the pain to her leg from the action. That momentary glitch in time threw off the slayer's timing and judgment just ever so slightly. Kennedy couldn't stop and she crashed into Willow stumbling over her. Willow got up quickly and threw an energy blast at the slayer. It hit her square in the shoulder with a thundering noise. The assault threw Kennedy back even further. Willow could see the torn opening in the slayer's shirt and the bleeding wound from the force of the contact.

Kennedy finally came to rest on her back and an unsteady hand felt at the wound. In a soft, pleading tone, "How c-could you do this?…I th-thought you l-loved m-m-me…" Kennedy's eyes closed and her head slumped to the ground.

There was an instant when Willow wanted to go to her slayer and comfort her. She heard the pain and agony in that voice. But then her senses told her to run, to get to the spot and say the spell. Willow picked up her bag and ran.

She got back to the spot, closed her eyes and started the incantation. She didn't bother to look at her watch. She knew time was running out. The words flowed from her and into the night air. As the incantation was uttered, Willow felt a strange sensation. The energy around her was changing. She could feel a shift. When the witch finished the last word, she looked up. The space in front of her was undergoing mystical changes of cosmic proportions. The place itself seemed to begin to melt and become liquefied. The view to green eyes started to swirl and then the blackness began to show. It was a bud in the center of the cosmic whirlwind. Then it began to grow; it engulfed the surrounding visage until there was nothing but an endless hole of nothingness in front of the witch. Willow could feel the passage calling her. She clutched the bag in front of her and took a step.

Willow looked behind her quickly. Standing there was Kennedy, still bleeding from her injury; her clothes dirtied and grass stained. For an instant, Willow was still, the thoughts spinning in her mind. She turned her head back facing the opening, discreetly placing her hand in the beach bag as she did.

That beautiful bronzed face looked at the motionless witch. "I'm a slayer…you know I kill…and this time it's you."

With that, Kennedy lunged again for Willow. As she did, Willow turned around. The slayer collided hard against Willow and wrapped her arms around the witch. At the moment of contact, Kennedy's body jerked, her brows creased then brown eyes widened.

Willow didn't move; she stood firmly pressed against the slayer. She stood quietly and stared intently into questioning brown eyes. Kennedy could feel a slight movement from the witch like she was trying to move her hand caught between them. That movement caused the slayer more pain and her arms dropped.

Willow never took her eyes off Kennedy. Their faces were so close they could feel the other's breath on their own skin. The witch gave her a look full of sorrow. Chocolate eyes fixated on emerald; they pleaded to know the reason for the witch's action.

"I'm sorry," Willow said softly as she firmly drove the wooden stake farther into the slayer's heart. Willow held it there, the silent binding spell she cast on Kennedy's slayer powers intact. Willow didn't move until she felt the life leave Kennedy's body. Brown eyes still stared at the witch as the slayer slumped to the ground.

Willow stood there with her hand in the beach bag and the bloodied spike still jutting out from the hole it had made in the side when she plunged it into the slayer as she grabbed the witch. Willow couldn't move; she kept staring at the dead form on the ground, the scorched shoulder wound and the bloodied site surrounding the torn and still heart.

Emerald eyes kept staring. Then Willow felt the pull of the portal. The witch turned back to the hole. She knew both dimensional doors were open. She was free to return to her world…her Kennedy. Willow withdrew her hand from the bag, dropping the spike inside as she did. The witch seemed as if in a trance as she slowly stepped forward and stared into the portal's mouth. The redhead stopped, both hands now clutching the bag, and turned around once again to view the lifeless body of Kennedy Prescott, vampire slayer, on the ground. The witch stood there, her blouse torn and filthy from the fight. Blood was on her bag, on her hands and clothes…Kennedy's blood.

Sorrow-filled green eyes were still affixed to the dead girl as Willow felt herself let go and fall back into the black expanse.

'Alexander' had caught the whole southeastern coastline of Florida off guard, of sorts. The tropical storm had given every indication that it would be nothing more than a harsher version of the typical afternoon thunder showers known to that area. Though everyone was warned to "batten down the hatches", the storm was not expected to cause much havoc, just heavy rain and some localized flooding, a not so unfamiliar sight to the residents there. As a result, there had been no mandatory evacuations. People were free to travel around in the crummy weather if they so chose. Stores remained open as did the restaurants and bars. Luckily, many people chose to wait out the storm in the comfort of their own homes, watching exaggerated "minute to minute" news coverage of the events.

Sometime in the late afternoon, Alexander unexpectedly, and unexplainably, grew stronger…quickly. It had grown into a category one hurricane and was now "Hurricane Alexander." Many people were trapped at work or in eating or drinking establishments because of it. Many people were still on the roads trying to get home or to the nearest safe place.

The slight worry and chaos caused by these events were what the two slayers found themselves in the middle of for their mission against DeAntiao. By the time they had killed the man and were returning to South Beach with Eye in hand, the scene had improved some. The worst of the weather had past, but the rains and wind were still a matter to be reckoned with. Kennedy had to skillfully weave her way through the traffic, careful not to get into an accident, and yet ever mindful of her deadline.

They got into a traffic jam just before the bridge going over to South Beach. An electrical pole had been struck by lightening, sending the power line across the roadway. There were sparks shooting off the live wire as it snaked around the asphalt ground. By the time the slayers arrived, the electric company already had workers on site, but it was obvious the intersection wouldn't be open for quite some time. There was a police officer directing traffic to a quickly made detour.

"Damn…we're gonna be stuck here forever…" Kennedy sounded frustrated. "I don't know where that cop's sending people, but they're going in the wrong direction."

Buffy looked around. There were cars everywhere. They'd never make it to the park waiting like they were. The blonde turned to the brunette. "Looks like we gotta go on foot from here out." Kennedy glanced around and nodded in agreement. "Well, at least we're already wet," the blonde chuckled. The slayers were still filthy from their fight with DeAntiao despite the heavy rain's ability to wash some of the swamp off their clothes. Kennedy's arm still was belted and she had blood stains on her shoulder and down the front of her clothes. Buffy's head wound had stopped bleeding but she still had the crimson ooze in her hair and on her face. The slayers gave one last look and Buffy opened her door and got out.

Kennedy did the same with amulet in tow and the two women started running as fast as possible down the streets leading them back to Lummas Park. They paid no attention to the sounds of the horns from cars thinking them crazy. They also ignored the occasion shout from a stationary vehicle honking its approval for two beautiful women in clinging wet shirts running by.

They ran through the streets of South Beach, heading eastward to their destination. They ran down Washington and then left onto 10^th Street. They didn't stop until they got to the intersection of Ocean Drive. Both women stood there, out of breath, gasping for air. Their muscles burned but the rain felt good on their heated bodies. They looked around. The streets were bare except for the occasional person racing down the street with umbrella or raincoat covering their head, darting into the closest building. The hotels, restaurants and bars were open though, and the slayers could hear that a good time was being had by those stuck inside. South Beach was a happening, hip city, even during a hurricane.

Kennedy looked at her watch. She wiped the rain drops from the face – 9:47pm. "We got three minutes…let's move." Kennedy headed for 'the spot' at a dead run, holding the amulet firmly in her grasp. Buffy followed behind her.

As soon as she reached the location, Kennedy dropped to her knees. She was holding onto the Eye firmly with one hand. She stuck her other hand in back pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. It was water soaked, but the brunette could still read the words that she had written on it. The words were the incantation from the Chronicles, the spell that would open her end of the portal and allow Willow to come back.

Kennedy concentrated and said the words while the wind and the rain played around her. Buffy stood and watched, too nervous to even breathe. The brunette said the words on the paper slowly and carefully. She'd never done a spell before. Even after all the time she'd been with Willow and with everything she'd learned from the witch, the slayer had still always left magick to the redhead. The main reason for the slayer's exacting performance was because this was the last impediment to Willow's return. Kennedy knew she had to get the spell right in order for Willow to come back through the portal.

As she finished saying the last word, Kennedy closed her eyes and kept silently repeating to herself 'Come back Willow.' She felt a surge pass through her from the Eye. It felt warm for a moment and then became cold. Kennedy thought to herself 'Well, that wasn't much for such a powerful thing.' After a minute or so, the brunette opened her eyes and stared at 'the spot.' Nothing had happened. She turned her head to look at Buffy who was standing slightly behind her. Buffy gave her a look that told her to be patient, that not enough time had passed to get worried. Kennedy looked back at the area and just stared at it intently.

The two women waited while the rain and wind continued to fall. The intensity of the storm was fading so that now it seemed like an ordinary hard shower typical of the time of year if not for that time of night. After several more minutes, the brunette became nervous and glanced at her watch. Brown eyes saw 9:58 staring back at her. She stood up and turned to Buffy, the paper and amulet still grasped tightly in her fists.

"Why isn't the portal opening?…Nothing's happening…Why isn't something happening?" Her voice was anxious.

Buffy could tell Kennedy was thinking that perhaps she had not said the incantation correctly, that the lack of activity was her fault. The blonde tried to calm her down. "It's only been a few minutes, Kenn…We don't know how long this'll take…We gotta stay calm, it'll work."

Kennedy's voice got even more uneasy. "But Willow didn't say anything about waiting…she said say the spell and the portal will open…maybe I messed up…maybe I should say it again…"

Just then Buffy saw a movement in the air at the location. Something was happening. "Kennedy…look, " she said as she pointed her finger. Kennedy turned around in time to see the space in front of her begin to shift and swirl. The view looked as if the air was being stirred. Then the slayers saw a black hole appear in the middle of the turbulence. It too took on a swirling liquid appearance as it grew in diameter. Before long, the entire 'spot' of Willow's departure had become engulfed in an interdimensional portal. The women could peer inside the expanse; the blackness was unending. Kennedy placed the paper and Eye in her front pocket.

"You did it!…Now I think we just wait for Willow to come through." Buffy placed her hand on Kennedy's shoulder.

The women waited for what seemed like hours but there was no Willow, nothing changed. Kennedy glanced at her watch again – 10:02. "Buffy, something's wrong…Willow shoulda been through by now…" Kennedy looked at the blonde. "DeAntiao mustuv done something to her…or she's stuck somehow." Buffy had gotten the same feeling. "Damn…We gotta think of something!"

"What!…No, Kenne, you can't go in there…We don't know if it's safe…or if Will's end is even open," Buffy stared at her friend.

Just then a flash of light burst from the opening, causing the slayers to put their hands up to cover their eyes. The blinding light disappeared just as quickly and the women dropped their hands and refocused their vision on the portal. The swirling blackness was gone.

Kennedy and Buffy instantly went to her and kneeled on the ground in front of her. Kennedy put her hands on Willow's forearms and helped her to sit up. She saw scared, confused green eyes staring at her.

"Willow, baby…are you ok?…You're back, Will…You're back." Kennedy's words were gentle but filled with immense joy.

The redhead didn't speak at first; she was disoriented and only looked down at the beach bag still in her grasp. Then she looked up and saw Kennedy. Her first visualization was the wounded shoulder and all the blood on the slayer. Fear filled green eyes and Willow tried to free herself from Kennedy's hold. She thrashed and twisted as she shouted, "Let me go!…Let me go!…You can't be alive…I killed…" Willow didn't finish the sentence.

Kennedy, dismayed by Willow's reaction, quickly let go of the witch and sat back on her legs. She put her arms in front of her with palms outward to show Willow she wasn't going to hurt her. "It's ok, Will…I let go…I won't touch you…" Kennedy waited for Willow to calm herself and realize where she was and who was with her. That's when Kennedy saw the torn shirt, dirtied clothes and blood on her redhead's hand and clothes. "Oh, no…Willow?…You're hurt!"

Buffy too was distressed by the conduct and appearance of her friend. She wondered what had happened to the redhead to have caused such a state. She also spoke. "Willow, you're back…We're here…You don't have to be scared…nothing's gonna hurt you now."

After the release by Kennedy, Willow scurried back on the ground a few feet taking the bag with her. She winced each time her knee touched the ground. The redhead was breathing hard and darting her eyes around the area. That's when Willow began to notice her surroundings. It was raining; it had never rained in her parallel reality and wasn't before she went into the portal. She also heard music and the sound of cars. Then she looked up again and for the first time really saw Kennedy and Buffy. 'Buffy?' she thought to herself. Her eyes scanned to the brunette. Though frightened, the redhead scrutinized the woman. There was no gaping wound to the heart. The slayer had different clothes on and she was soaked and dirty. Willow stared at the brunette's face. She saw loving brown eyes and a concerned expression, but there was no hate, no killer looking back at her. Then she noticed the raven hair; it was short.

"Kennedy?" The name was said softly and filled with expectant hope. Kennedy nodded, still kneeling, her arms now by her side. Willow looked at her friend again. "Buffy?" she said in the same tone.

Willow looked around one more time and saw cars moving and even a few people on the sidewalk hurrying through the rain. She raised a hand to see a light rain leaving pellets on her palm. That's when Willow realized that she was back…back in her own world. She had made it back to the people she loved. She turned to Kennedy and saw the suspended expression.

"Kennedy…I'm back." With that Willow dropped the bag, flung her arms out and reached for her slayer. Kennedy instantly hurried to her and took the witch in an urgent embrace. The two women looked at each other, their faces inches apart. Their hearts were pounding. Needing more concrete proof of their reunion, Kennedy cupped Willow's face in her hands and started kissing the witch. They were quick, urgent kisses all along the witch's forehead and cheek. Kennedy ended her barrage with a hard chaste kiss against Willow's lips and then took the redhead into another embrace.

Willow pressed her face against the slayer's neck while the joy overtook her. Then she unexpectedly pulled back with an expression of fear and doubt. "What about DeAntiao?…" Green eyes darted about.

Kennedy put her hand gently on the redhead's face. "He's dead, Will…He can't hurt you anymore."

Willow let out a sigh and gave a smile of relief. Then the full impact of the moment hit her. "I'm back…I'm back…" she kept saying, burying her face once again in her lover's neck, the words becoming lost to recognition as tears of joy and crying took their place.

Kennedy kept hugging her witch. She had her Willow back. The slayer held onto the girl like she would never let go. The brunette felt the realness of the woman in her arms. That feeling that she had prayed for time and again over the last five months was real at last. Kennedy too let the tears flow. They were tears of utter happiness. All the pain, heartache and despair were gone. In a flash, all Kennedy felt was bliss.

After a few moments, Willow looked over Kennedy's shoulder to Buffy. Kennedy too twisted around to her fellow slayer. "Buffy…" Willow cried as she put out her arms for her friend to come near. Buffy did and Kennedy let go allowing Willow to be in an embrace with her best friend. Through more sobs, "Willow…you're back…I missed you so much…" The two remained as such while Kennedy wiped the tears from her face, unable to hold back a huge smile.

Finally, the three were able to reign in their teary and happy welcome home. Kennedy saw that Willow was getting soaked and knew that they needed to get her back to the hotel. "Baby?…We need to get you outta here…outta the rain and to the hotel." Kennedy moved into a squat, took her witch by the arms and lifted her up. Willow stood and stumbled slightly. Her legs were weak and the knee hurt with pressure. She also felt lightheaded and fatigued. She put her hand on Kennedy's shoulder to steady her. "Whoa…teleporting…much nicer than portals."

Kennedy laughed slightly then asked seriously. "You hurt your leg…Want me to carry you, babe?" Willow shook her head. "I'll be ok…just need a little help." The slayer took Willow's arm and placed it across her shoulder; she then put her arm around the witch's waist. "No problem…Here we go." The three women started walking towards The Tides.

After a few feet, the redhead quickly looked back and anxiously said, "My bag…I need my bag." That beach bag and the contents inside had been the witch's savior. It was the reason she was in her lover's arms. Buffy ran back to the spot and picked up the sack; she instantly noticed the tear and blood but said nothing. "I got it, Will…don't worry." Buffy saw the apprehension in her friend's face.

Buffy followed Kennedy as she helped Willow through Lummas Park and up Ocean Drive. Willow hung on tight to her slayer. They paid no attention to the tourists and party goers who were starting to make their re-emergence into the now almost rain free night. During their walk, Willow thought back to the last time she made that path before her disappearance. Then a thought came to her. "Where's Faith?…Is she ok?" Willow knew that Faith had attacked the demon that horrible night but obviously didn't know the outcome of that battle.

""She's fine…She woulda been here but her and Miguel are on a mission in Costa Rica somewhere…She's gonna be so happy when she finds out you're back." Kennedy knew she spoke the truth. Faith and Willow had become good friends. With that out of the way, the three women continued their rainy night walk.

When they reached The Tides, Kennedy kept hold of her girl and walked through the lobby and to the elevator. When a night manager gave a curious look at the bunch of rain soaked, muddy women, Buffy sarcastically stated, "Not a great night for a walk on the beach." The elevator took the women to the fourth floor where Willow finally motioned for Kennedy to let her stand on her own. "Are you sure, Will?" The witch smiled and nodded. Kennedy released her and Buffy handed her the bag.

Willow glanced around; the place looked just as in her other reality. A nervous feeling rushed through her momentarily and she quickly scanned the area almost expecting to see the other Kennedy come leaping out. But nothing happened and the three women remained standing, quiet.

Buffy was the first to disrupt the solitude. "Well, I guess I'm gonna let you two get out of those wet clothes…I'm gonna do the same." The redhead looked at the two women. It was the first time Willow actually noticed how drenched, dirty and bloody Buffy and Kennedy really were. The blonde smiled at Willow and then gave her a long hug. "I am so happy you're back, Will…I couldn't stand thinking you were gone…" When she let go of the embrace, Willow was smiling back.

Before Buffy could turn, Kennedy went to her and also gave her a hug. Softly, "Thank you, Buff…for believing me…and saving my life."

The slayers came out of their embrace. Buffy gave Kennedy an understanding nod. "Just returning the favor…Go now…You know where my room is if you need me…Don't worry about anything tonight…I'll call Giles and Xander and I'll see if I can reach Faith or Miguel…" Then looking at Willow, "I'm sure your parents won't mind waiting until they get a call from you personally…I'll see you both tomorrow."

The witch and brunette both said good night and watched as Buffy walked down the corridor.

Kennedy then looked at her girl and sweetly said, "It's been one helluva day…How's bout we go inside and I give you a nice foot massage?"

Willow smiled warmly. "That would be nice, baby." They walked to their room, and Kennedy took out her key card and opened the door. The witch and the slayer entered, arms around each other, letting the door close behind them.

'Willow's back…Willow…is…back!' Buffy let the thought run through her mind as she opened the door to her room. She was ecstatic that her best friend was alive and back where she belonged. Five months without her had been too long; five months of contemplating her death had been too painful. That was all in the past now. Buffy entered her room ready to make a few phone calls that she knew were being waited on with expectant hope.

Buffy shut the door and instantly noticed the light was on as was the television. She looked up quickly, putting herself on guard and was caught in complete shock.

"Jimmy?" – She said bewildered and elated by the sight of the man standing by the table.

The man saw the blood on the side of the slayer's head and her disheveled clothes. "Are you hurt?"

The blonde shook her head and smiled. "Nah…just a little cut…nothing to write home about." Petson's worry eased.

"Good…Just wanted to make sure it was all good news before I did this…" Petson walked over to the blonde and took her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. When done, Buffy leaned back a bit and gave a sly smile.

"I'm filthy and water logged, Jimmy…you're getting this all over you." The slayer was laughing as she spoke.

"Oh, really?…I hadn't noticed." The watcher's smile seemed to cover his entire face.

Buffy flung her arms tightly around her boyfriend's neck. "If I tell you we took care of DeAntiao, do I get another kiss?" Petson laughed as he willingly obliged.

"I can't believe you broke into my room…that's so un-watcher like." Clad in a bath towel, Buffy was talking as she walked out of the bathroom drying off her hair. The first thing she did after she finished her 'hello' kisses with Jimmy was take a long, hot shower. She had to get the stench and muck of the swamp off her skin. She looked up to see Jimmy, wearing a different shirt, sitting at the end of the bed staring at the television. "Hello?…Almost naked slayer here?" Buffy said as she waived her hand at the man.

Petson came out of his trance and turned to Buffy. "Oh, sorry. I was listening to the weather report…It seems that hurricane came out of nowhere and then…around ten o'clock, just kinda fizzled out." He gave the slayer a mock bewildered expression. "I wonder how that ever happened?"

Buffy sarcastically shrugged her shoulders in ignorance as she walked over and sat at the head of the bed. She threw the towel she was using to dry her hair at Petson. "You sneak…coming all the way down here…talking to me in the hospital and not telling me you were already on your way." Petson had called Buffy just after he landed and while he was waiting for his rental car.

Petson flung the towel that hit him squarely on the back of the head on the floor. He turned around so he was facing Buffy. "I wanted to surprise you…I thought I was going to visit you in the hospital…but when I got there, they said you left…figured I'd wait for you here."

"No, just lucky…I got the last seat on a flight to Orlando just after they announced Miami Airport was suspending all flights. You know, the drive from Orlando to here isn't so bad."

The man got a serious look on his face and moved up on the bed so that he was sitting, facing his girlfriend. "When Kennedy told me what happened to you…and that you were in the hospital…the only thing I could think of was getting down here…to be with you." He looked down at the bedspread.

Buffy felt gratitude and love for the man. Softly, "I'm glad you came, Jimmy…I've missed you." The man looked up and gave an approving smile back. He started to move farther up on the bed when Buffy got a startled expression. "Wait! I gotta make some phone calls…Giles and Xander are totally gonna pass out when I tell them Will's back…What time is it in England?"

Jimmy too got a look of something just remembered. "Rupert's not in London…He's in New York." Buffy gave him a confused stare. The man continued. "After Kennedy's last call to him…Giles decided he needed to come here…He was able to get a flight…but by the time he landed at JFK for his connection, he couldn't get a flight down here…so he stayed in New York." Jimmy got off the bed and got a piece of paper from a pad on the dresser. "This is the number where he's at…He really needs to get a damn cell phone." Jimmy handed the paper to Buffy.

The blonde was elated that Giles cared so much that he wanted to be here personally for all of them. She was a bit sad that he'd been thwarted in his plans. The slayer grabbed the hotel phone and starting dialing numbers. "What's say we give his day a happy ending?'

"Ok, Xan. I'll be sure to tell Kennedy and I know Willow will call you as soon as she can…say bye to Jessie for us and I'll call you tomorrow too…bye."

Buffy had spent the last half hour letting Giles, Dawn and Xander know that Willow was back and everyone was fine. They were the best phone calls the blonde had ever had to make. There was nothing but pure elation and relief in the voices at the other end. She didn't give much detail given her lack of knowledge of Willow's struggles and also due to the time of night. The blonde told her callers that she wanted them to sleep knowing that their gentle Willow was indeed very much alive and back in the real world. She promised to call in the morning with more details so that they could let everyone else know.

Buffy had tried to reach Faith and Miguel. However, she was told they were on a mission in "the jungle" and weren't expected back until "tomorrow possibly." The blonde left the message for them that Willow was back and that the two "commandos" needed to call her "asap."

When done, Buffy hung up the receiver. Jimmy by this time had positioned himself also sitting with his back against the head board. After letting go of the phone, the blonde turned and looked at him with a contented look on her face. "They were so happy…I think I heard Xander crying." Buffy then moved so she was resting on her side facing Petson, still wearing her bath towel. "So whattcha wanna do now?"

Petson would have had to have been blind…and deaf…not to see the wanton look in the slayer's eyes or hear the seductive tone to her words. The man smiled devilishly. "Post-slaying hornies kicked in?…I was wondering when that would happen." The watcher had to admit, he'd never been with a woman that had as much "enthusiasm" for sex as Buffy. It was all he could do just to keep up with the blonde dynamo at times. It was one in a long list of qualities he admired about Buffy. "I think I can help you with that."

Buffy gave a concerned, long nod. "Oh, you think so, huh?…" Buffy shifted and took her towel off. "Well, we'll see about that." She moved over and straddled the man.

Their playful banter ended; joking expressions were replaced with transfixed looks of genuine feeling. The gaze between the watcher and the slayer showed an understanding. Though they hadn't said the words out loud to each other, both knew they were in love. Everything felt right when they were together and slightly amiss when apart. The events of the last few days had only confirmed that they wanted to be together, wanted to deal with life's ups and downs as a couple.

Buffy and Jimmy proceeded to have their own reunion celebration knowing all the while they were also acknowledging the next phase of their relationship.

When the door shut behind Willow and Kennedy, the redhead stood still and looked at the room. It looked different than what she'd been in during her captivity. Only the layout and furniture were the same.

Kennedy stopped beside the redhead and after a minute or so put her hand on Willow's arm. The witch came out of her gaze. "Sorry…it's just…this room…my room…looked different…still getting used to being back I guess."

Kennedy didn't know what to say. She didn't want to push Willow and frankly, the last thing she wanted to do was go over the details of their time apart. She was too happy to let anything affect that mood. So she let Willow take her time to get reacquainted with the place. The witch just stared around for awhile. Then she took a few limping steps and placed her beach bag against the wall. She made sure that the side with the tear and blood from the spike was facing toward the wall out of Kennedy's view. As Willow did that, Kennedy's eyes widened and she stuck her hand in her pocket.

Willow stared at the amulet in Kennedy's hand. After a few moments, she picked it up and turning it about, examined the piece intensely. It amazed her that the small object she held in her fingers had destroyed her life for so many months. It had torn her from her family and friends. It had made a mad man's revengeful fantasies almost come true.

The witch scanned the room. She saw the Chronicles sitting on the desk by the bureau. She slowly and gingerly walked over and placed her free hand on the ancient book. She slid her fingers over the hard cover. That was the book that had saved them both. It had decided Willow was worthy enough of its secrets and had given up its knowledge to both her and Kennedy. The witch's hand moved to the side and fingers felt their way down the pages. They stopped about two-thirds of the way down and pulled back, opening the tome to the exact page with the Eye of Scrombes entry. Willow placed the amulet on the right hand page and closed the book. Kennedy then heard her mumbling words. When done, the witch reopened the book and the Eye was gone. Not so much gone but made a part of the book. The amulet had become as much the book as the ink in which the words in the tome were written. She closed the book for the last time and then turned to Kennedy.

Kennedy stared at Willow. The redhead looked like she didn't know what to do next. They both looked intently at each other, taking in the battled appearance of their clothes and the worn look on their faces. "I'm back, Kenne…it almost doesn't seem real…I kinda don't know what I should do first." Though her voice had a slight unsure tone, Willow was just as happy to be back in the real world as was her slayer. She wondered if she wasn't experiencing a bit of "shell shock."

After Willow sounded her uncertainty, the brunette knew exactly what was needed. She dug her hand into her right back pocket and pulled out her cell phone. She flipped it open and gave a hopeful thought as she turned it on. She didn't know if the swamp had devoured her phone's usefulness as the gators had DeAntiao. Amazingly, the thing turned on. 'Now that's a good ad for this thing,' she thought amusingly.

With phone in hand, the brunette held it out to the witch. "I know two people who wouldn't mind a quick call from their daughter…" Then seriously, "…your mom and dad have been kinda frantic about all of this." Kennedy had told Willow's parents that they'd call as soon she returned. She could hear the hesitant hope they had in their voices during that previous call. The slayer wanted the Rosenbergs to stop worrying; their little "Willow tree" was back.

Willow came over and took the phone from Kennedy. She punched in the numbers and held the receiver to her ear. Kennedy held her breath.

The brunette knew instantly when Sheila Rosenburg answered the line. Willow's eyes watered up and she clenched the phone with her hand. "Mom?…" It was said like a little girl found after being lost in the scary woods. "…Yeah, I'm back…" It wasn't long before Willow's words were cracking, as happy as her mother was to hear each other's voice. They talked for a few minutes, and then the redhead talked to her father. The witch knew this wouldn't be a long call; she just wanted to let her parents have the peace of mind that their daughter wasn't dead. Willow ended the call by telling them she'd call again in the morning when they could talk longer. Kennedy smiled as the witch said, "I love you, too and I'll let Kenne know…talk to you tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Willow turned to Kennedy and sweetly said, "They said to tell you 'thank you for not giving up.'" As she gazed upon her slayer, Willow began to realize what Kennedy must have gone through over the last five months. "Baby…I want to thank you, too…I can't imagine…what…" Willow's thoughts were spinning; there was so much that needed to be said. She closed her eyes, trying to organize her thoughts and feelings. The day had been so exhausting and draining in so many ways that Willow found herself unable to clearly think.

Kennedy could see her girl struggling with her present emotions. She knew there would be plenty of time to talk. Right now, she wanted Willow to relax and regain her strength. "Hey, Will? Why don't we get cleaned up before we talk about this anymore?" Kennedy grabbed at her grungy shirt as proof of the need to get washed up. "I think a nice hot shower would do us both good."

Willow scanned the state both she and her slayer were in and agreed. Kennedy took her hand and walked her toward the bathroom. Before they entered, Willow stopped her and a worried look came to her face. "Is everyone else alright?…Nothing happened to anybody while I was gone, did it?"

Kennedy smiled. Even after all she went through, not only the time away but whatever battle had left her in such disarray, Willow's concern was still for others. "Everyone is just fine." After seeing her witch's face turn calm again, Kennedy led her into the bathroom.

"Let me get the shower ready," the brunette said. Kennedy could tell from the moment Willow came out of the portal, the witch was tired, very tired and still disoriented a bit. The brunette knew that the redhead must have been through so much getting to or through the portal. Kennedy, on the other hand, felt wired. The outcome with DeAntiao, the mad run back to South Beach and the reunion with her lover had made Kennedy anything but tired. The slayer however was determined to do whatever Willow needed to deal with her return.

After setting the water and turning on the shower, Kennedy got close to her redhead. "Let me help you with this." Willow could see that Kennedy was perplexed by her clothes. She knew Kennedy saw they were the same ones as when she vanished. She touched her shirt, "I wanted everything to be as close to when I left." The slayer nodded. The witch didn't know if her brunette really understood the reasoning behind her action.

The brunette then proceeded to gently take Willow's wet clothes off. After removing the redhead's blouse, she saw the bruise and scratch marks on the witch's shoulder; she saw the bruises around her throat. Willow's hummingbird necklace lay across some of the bruises. Kennedy thought about the symbol created by that view. She knew the witch had fought to stay alive so that she could come back to her life. Those marks signified not only the lengths the redhead would go to keep her life with the slayer, but also the ugly fact that the life to which they were destined would necessarily involve pain. To Kennedy, Willow was like the delicate hummingbird trying to survive in a world better suited for the mighty hawk.

Examining her lover further, Kennedy also saw the wound on the back of her neck where it looked like a bandage had been. Kennedy winced with the thought of the pain that Willow must have experienced. When the witch's pants were taken off, the purple bruise and swelling was evident on Willow's knee. While removing her girl's bathing suit, Kennedy softly touched the bruised knee, kissing it gently. The brunette stood up and gazed into emerald eyes. With complete sincerity, "I'm so sorry this happened to you…you shouldn't have gotten hurt."

Willow, naked before her slayer, placed her hand on Kennedy's cheek. "It got me back…It was worth it." They embraced, smiles lighting up their faces. "You really are back, Will." The couple could feel the relief and joy while they were hugging each other.

Kennedy pulled out of the hold first and took the witch's delicate hand in her own for a moment and gave a compassionate smile. She then took off her clothes dropping all the battered garments in the corner to be discarded at a later time. The redhead watched when Kennedy removed the make shift tourniquet giving a slight fearful, questioning look.

Willow too winced in disbelief at the sight of the burns on Kennedy's hands the extent of which she really saw for the first time. The witch examined the dark menacing bruises to her slayer's neck and lower throat. The redhead also saw the puncture wounds on the brunette's arm and understood the reason for the belt. After studying the injuries, Willow wondered what scars would leave their mark from this sacrifice by her slayer.

As the witch and slayer scanned over their partner's battle marks, they both had a need to know how they were received. But the two women also just wanted to be themselves again; free of the long and difficult discussion that they knew would accompany any talk of those wounds. The look in their eyes and their body language was enough to tell the other that the "de-briefing" about the past five months and the physical damage received could wait until tomorrow. Tonight was just for them.

Kennedy didn't let Willow concentrate on her injuries too long. She took her girl by the hand again and led her into the bathtub and to the hot pelting water from the showerhead. The brunette positioned Willow closest to the water. The lovers faced each other and Kennedy put her arms around the witch so that she able to caress the alabaster skin and knead her muscles as the water cascaded down Willow's back. Kennedy reached for a bar of soap and began to tenderly wash the dirt and rain from still perfectly soft skin. The slayer gently washed the horror of the night from her witch.

As her slayer babied her, Willow leaned back slightly. Green eyes scanned her girl's face. Then she gave a small smile.

Kennedy noticed her change in expression. "What?" she said softly and inquisitively.

Willow smiled slightly. "No…I like it…" The redhead thought to herself how it brought out her slayer's dazzling eyes even more.

"You let yours grow." Kennedy eyed the now shoulder length crimson mane of her witch.

Once again, Kennedy could tell her witch was struggling with her return. She also knew that Willow was holding within some terrifying experiences. She held her witch close trying to squeeze away Willow's inner demons.

The women stayed that way, holding onto each other, for a long while. Kennedy wanted to envelope Willow. She thought about the months without her and how desperate she had let herself get. Now, with the witch finally back she wanted to never let her go.

As Willow hung on to the slayer, she kept thinking about what it took to get to that very moment. Everything for the past five months had been unreal; nothing had been of her true world. The witch had trouble believing that what she was experiencing at that moment wasn't still some dream from which she would awaken. But her slayer was there with her, in the flesh, for real.

Willow got an uncontrollable necessity to confirm the brunette's presence, to validate that they were together finally and their need and desire for each other was still present. The redhead took her arms from around Kennedy's waist. She looked into brown eyes. Willow's want became urgent. She placed her hands behind Kennedy's neck and drew the slayer to her into a kiss. It was a desperate needful kiss, filled with all of the witch's hopes that the moment was truly real and was felt the same way by the slayer. It was long and firm, and when done the redhead bowed her head so it was resting on Kennedy's chin.

Kennedy moved a hand under Willow's chin and raised her lover's face. The brunette gazed into the most beautiful green eyes she knew she'd ever see. Kennedy realized she knew no words eloquent enough to capture her feeling at that moment. She replied with the one statement that was and always would be the truest belief she held. "I love you, Willow…with all my heart."

The couple embraced again knowing that their war was over. They slowly regained their focus and soon thereafter finished their shower. After drying off, Kennedy got Willow one of her night shirts to wear. They both donned clean apparel and stood in the middle of the room. The slayer could see that her witch was happy to be home but tired and hurt.

Then Willow went to the television and turned it on. She let out a slight "Huh." The redhead then turned around and looked at Kennedy. "Commercial." As she watched Willow turn the tv off, Kennedy wasn't sure what to make of that brief scene.

"Willow?…Are you really alright?" Kennedy wasn't sure what to say to help her girl.

The witch thought about the question; it was one she should have been able to answer with a resounding yes. But the dead Kennedy kept popping into her thoughts. It was something she didn't want to deal with so soon. She was out of her living hell, back with the woman she loved and that's the only thought she wanted floating in her mind.

"I'm ok, baby…Can we just forget about everything…I don't want to think of anything right now." There was a pleading quality in her tone. Kennedy nodded. The slayer also had the need to forego any unnecessary scrutiny tonight.

"Come on, babe…get on the bed and I'll give you that foot massage." Kennedy helped her redhead to the bed and laid her down on it making sure not to cause pain to the witch's knee. She then went to sit but stopped as if she remembered something. The brunette walked to the bureau and picked up her butterfly necklace that had rested in that same spot since her return to South Beach. The slayer placed the necklace on and then went back to the end of the bed. When she saw the questioning look on the redhead's face, Kennedy simply replied, "You're back. I can wear it now."

Willow gave her a reassuring smile and Kennedy sat at the end and took her lover's foot in her hand.

"Kenne?…Could you just lay down here next to me?" Kennedy heard that same pleading aspect to the witch's tone.

"Sure…anything you want." Kennedy moved up on the bed and positioned herself so she was on her left side facing Willow. The redhead also repositioned herself so she too was facing the slayer. Kennedy then wrapped her left arm under the witch and the other over her waist and gathered the girl close to her. "You rest, Will…everything's gonna be ok now…"

The reunion of the witch and slayer was full of immeasurable joy. The women may not have been popping champagne bottles or dancing in the streets, but they were rejoicing. Their quiet, intimate reunion was shaped by the hardship of the months apart and the pain and actions they endured that hallowed moon night to defeat their enemies and reach each other. Theirs was not a true fairy tale ending, though, for each carried their own Marley chains in their thoughts mingling ever so slightly with the bliss of being together.

Kennedy held on to Willow, her head was now resting against the brunette's shoulder. The woman couldn't believe she finally had her redhead back. The despair and loneliness and guilt that had strangled her for so long had vanished. She felt nothing but contentment now. It was as if her heart had stopped beating that night in January and had miraculously started pumping again.

As she embraced her witch, Kennedy thought how transfixed she'd become; Willow had changed her, fundamentally. Prior to the redhead, Kennedy thought of herself as independent, strong and completely self-sufficient. She could handle any situation, crisis or not, with the stern chin of a Prescott. Her life was meant to help others, to offer a strong hand and spirit; she never needed to lean on anyone. When Willow became an integral part of her life, Kennedy still thought of herself in the same light. Even after her meltdown in Sao Paulo, the night a family got butchered by a vampire, the slayer kept hold of her belief. That event she saw as a learning experience; one to show her emotional commitment and openness to Willow. The slayer knew she needed the witch and leaned on her emotionally, but Kennedy still envisioned herself as strong of heart.

But now, Kennedy saw the real truth. She was not strong enough to handle every situation. She had become as dependent on having Willow in her life as she was the air she breathed. Without the witch, Kennedy had collapsed. She was more than vulnerable; she was defenseless. The slayer wasn't really able to carry on without Willow. She needed the redhead like an addict needed the needle.

As she contemplated this realization, Kennedy also understood one other inescapable fact – she wanted it that way. At that moment, Kennedy didn't care that she had lost herself after Willow vanished. She had given her heart to the woman in her arms and that meant it was given with abandon, whatever the costs.

In that speck of a moment, the slayer felt an overwhelming urge for her lover. She felt the warmth of the redhead and touched her soft skin underneath bronzed fingers. As much as Kennedy knew she should let Willow rest to regain her strength and perspective, a part of the slayer hungered for her. She tried to cage it but her need to touch her witch prevailed.

Kennedy pressed the delicate frame closer to her so she could take in the scent of freshly washed crimson hair. Hands began to softly and gently graze along the redhead's back. Kennedy lowered her head and lightly kissed Willow's hair, making a slow path to her forehead, never breaking contact. Kennedy's body was humming. She wanted to touch every inch of her witch to experience all that had been stolen from her the last months. Kennedy was overcome by her physical need for the redhead. The emotion built within until she could restrain it no longer.

She moved her right arm from around Willow's waist and cupped the side of the witch's face in her hand as she leaned back. She looked deeply into emerald eyes staring back. The slayer's breathing had become labored as if she'd been running a marathon.

The slayer confessed through trembling voice. "I need you…" With that, the brunette urgently pulled her witch to her, the slayer's mouth searching out the witch's. Kennedy instantly felt the desire in her redhead return the kiss. The needle's plunger had been pushed and the slayer eagerly waited for the witch's intoxicating body to fill her with euphoria.

When Willow heard her slayer's words and felt the urgency in her kiss, she knew she had been right; Kennedy wanted and needed her. Willow let every other thought wash off her.

Prior to that kiss, while Kennedy was holding her, Willow couldn't stop her mind from dueling. She was so happy to be back to her real life, her friends and her love. All she wanted was to stay in Kennedy's arms and immerse herself in that blanket of safety she always felt when she was there. The witch didn't want to think about her time away; she only wanted to listen to the heart beat of the woman who'd never given up…who never would. But as hard as she tried to focus only on the moment, thoughts of her battle with the other Kennedy flashed in her mind. Each time they crept into her psyche, the redhead tried to chase them away. She tried to drown out the words of the impostor Kennedy telling her she wasn't wanted by concentrating harder on her slayer's beating heart. There was guilt lining the witch's thoughts; guilt for having killed her slayer. There was fear inching its way in also; fear that the other slayer's words were true – her Kennedy wouldn't want her if she knew about that night in the park.

As much as Willow's happiness permeated her emotions, those subtle thoughts nudged at her. She had to let her slayer know that she was hers completely, that she would never betray her. Willow felt the need to show Kennedy she would never hurt her despite what her actions had been to get her back to the real world.

The caressing of Kennedy's hands on her back and the gentle kisses on her head brought Willow out of her analysis. She had desperately longed for those hands to be touching her. The witch's body instantly reacted; it seemed like a surge of electricity was streaming through her. Every touch from Kennedy brought a stronger sensation. Willow felt the desire in her slayer; she felt it, too. She needed to touch and be touched. Their physical reunion would be the first step for Willow to prove to the doubts in her head that she and Kennedy were meant to be together.

When Kennedy pulled her in for that kiss, it was more than just the union of their lips. It was Willow's way to show her slayer she was the most important person, the most important thing, in the witch's life. It was the redhead's way to show she needed Kennedy. That kiss told Willow Kennedy needed her also.

The witch and slayer got lost in each other that night. All pain was forgotten and injuries became blurred to their senses. Their love-making was not slow and tender like lovers spending a lazy Sunday in bed. They craved for immediate feral gratification. The two women had been without contact, without the taste of each other for five months. They hungered like a lioness searching for sustenance in a desert plain. When they finally connected, Kennedy and Willow lost control. They frantically pressed and kissed and touched. The lovers were desperate in their attempts to satisfy their thirst. Nightshirts were discarded within moments. Willow attacked Kennedy's erect nipples, massaging and enveloping them with fervor. Kennedy's hands were everywhere they could reach, then she pulled Willow to her so her mouth could taste her lover's lips and neck. The couple's passionate actions culminated with Kennedy on top of the witch, one leg in between the witch's thighs, rocking and thrusting hard against Willow's center as the slayer's fingers gripped the sheet on which her lover laid. Each push was matched by the redhead arching and pressing in return. Their heightened, wanton senses had them both instantly on the cusp. It took but a few more firm thrusts by Kennedy to send Willow over the edge. The witch clenched her eyes shut and grabbed onto the slayer, digging her fingernails into tanned arms as her orgasm crashed down on her. The brunette felt those delicate hands clenching onto her arms and heard her name moaned loudly by the redhead. Those actions along with Willow's body arching into Kennedy sent the slayer to her release. Her body tensed and she jerked her head down, unable and unwilling to hold the sound of trembling groans within as the spasms washed over her.

As feverishly as it had occurred, it was just as quickly over. Kennedy collapsed upon her redhead and the two clung to each other, their breathing in hard deep gasps, while their bodies slowly calmed themselves. Their breathing eventually evened and their minds cleared. The couple was together again. They had been cleansed. Their physical union, their bodies, had been the Eucharist for their fears and self-imposed sins.

Kennedy slowly moved to the side of Willow. That intense, frantic explosion of physical and emotional desire had drained the lovers. Willow drew the bed sheets over their naked bodies. The women turned so they were once again facing each other. It was Willow this time that took Kennedy in an embrace. The women said nothing; no words could have carried the import of what they were feeling. They just stared into each other's eyes. Soon the witch and the slayer drifted off to sleep together…as it was meant to be.

By the time Kennedy woke up Saturday morning, the day's light was flowing fully into the couple's room. The slayer glanced at the clock – 7:28am. Kennedy had had a sound sleep and she felt wonderful. Her slayer healing had made short shift of her wounds and bruises. She didn't move upon awaking; she was still on her left side but now had the redhead's back pressed up against her. She could feel the warmth of Willow's skin on her naked body. The brunette listened to the rhythmic breathing of the witch, slow and steady, in and out. Kennedy couldn't believe how much she missed such a simple, seemingly insignificant act. She had finally brought in a new day with her redhead in her bed and in her arms. The brunette's view of the world had never seemed so bright.

There was no way Kennedy was going to move and risk waking her girl. So she happily remained still, gazing at her lover's form. She would gladly have stayed there all day if her redhead chose to sleep that long. However, within a half hour or so, the slayer felt the small movements that let her know Willow was beginning to come out of her slumber. Kennedy kept a gentle hold on the witch, allowing her to take her time to rejoin the world that she'd been lost to for so long.

Then Kennedy felt Willow's body stiffen. She could tell her redhead was holding her breath. The alabaster hand that was cradled in the slayer's trembled slightly. Kennedy gently squeezed that hand ever so lightly. She didn't speak or make a sudden movement. The brunette waited for the response from the witch.

Emerald eyes darted around the room. When consciousness initially started to creep upon Willow, she was still dreaming that same calming dream she'd had the previous morning. There was Kennedy telling her to come back to her, whatever it took. She gazed into loving, chocolate eyes. Then those eyes filled with hate and the face she saw was of the other Kennedy. That face said nothing; it just glared with hatred.

Willow was startled from her sleep. She dared not move, unsure as to her present state. She tensed up and eyes quickly looked about the room, trying to find a sign as to her whereabouts. Then she saw Kennedy's cell phone on the bed side table and several spikes neatly lined up on the floor by the wall. 'I'm here' – she thought and released a captured breath. She felt the soft touch of Kennedy's hand on hers which made her certain of her location. She was in the real world in bed with her slayer. And it was the start of a beautiful day.

Kennedy felt the tension leave from her witch and the alabaster hand turned so that its fingers interlaced with those of bronze. Willow snuggled further back into Kennedy and let the realization take full hold of her. The witch felt her slayer lean in and then tenderly whisper in her ear, "Good morning, babe…" Kennedy didn't see the content smile on Willow's face.

The redhead shuffled and turned over slowly so that she was on her side facing Kennedy. Just as softly spoken, "The best morning." She leaned in and grazed her lover's lips with her own. 'How I missed that,' she thought.

That gentle, fleeting kiss ignited the slayer. She didn't wait for Willow to follow with another; the brunette responded with a kiss of her own. This was slow and filled with pure emotion of five months apart. Tongues took their time to reacquaint themselves and search for that familiar synchronicity of movement. Kennedy's hand meandered through crimson strands while alabaster fingers lightly brushed down the slayer's side, a delicate thumb ever so slightly brushing against the side of her breast.

Kennedy pushed her weight forward, directing the witch onto her back. Without breaking their kiss, the slayer moved slowly on top of the redhead. As the brunette tried to reposition her right leg, she pressed it against the witch's knee.

"Uugghh…" Willow stammered, the pain from her voice interrupting the lovers' kiss.

Kennedy quickly stopped all movement and looked at her witch. She could see the pain on Willow's face.

"No, it's ok…" Willow didn't want Kennedy to feel bad about her desire; the witch was sharing in the emotion.

The slayer carefully extricated herself from her position on top the redhead to one beside her. She saw Willow slowly move her leg. Kennedy knew it was Willow's knee that had caused the stern look. She lifted the sheet to examine the injury.

What had looked like a bad bruise the night before had turned into a nasty mixing of purple, blue and black splotches all combined to cover most of the outside area of Willow's right knee.

"Damn…this looks really bad…maybe we should have a doctor look at it?" Kennedy was worried that the witch could have broken a bone or torn ligaments.

"No…no doctors…there's nothing broken…" The last thing Willow wanted to do was spend her first day back sitting for hours in an emergency room. "If it stays sore, I can heal it if I need to."

The brunette nodded as she thought 'Of course she can fix it herself, she's mega witch.'

"Alright Will…but you need to stay off it for a few days…" Kennedy rethought her statement after she got a 'No way I'm sitting here for days' look from her witch. "Ok…a few hours, then we'll see how it is."

Willow obliged only after she realized she'd get her slayer to stay in bed with her. "Only if you stay here with me."

Kennedy smiled. "I wasn't planning on being anywhere else." The two looked at each other

until Willow's expression changed. With child-like enthusiasm, "Can we watch tv?"

The brunette chuckled. "You bet." She then took the remote and turned on the set to cartoons.

"Can we find a news station?" Willow asked. Surprised, Kennedy said "Of course," and changed the channel to CNN. Willow leaned against Kennedy and the couple spent the next few hours watching the latest developments on the war in Iraq, the latest White House scandal and the ongoing trial and tribulations of the Hollywood elite. Willow was engrossed in every minute.

In the room a few doors down the hall, Buffy and Petson were likewise engaged in a conversation. Despite their long night of "celebrating" Willow's return, the two woke up rather early. They took their time getting out of bed. They teased with each other for a while and finally decided they both were hungry. "There's a buffet downstairs," the slayer said enthusiastically. The watcher knew better than to get in the way of a slayer and her quest for food. They decided they would not disturb their friends. They wanted to give Willow and Kennedy the space and time they needed together. "We'll wait 'til they call you," Jimmy stated. He knew they didn't know he was there.

So after quickly showering and dressing, Buffy and Petson went to fill their empty stomachs. They planned on returning to their room when finished and wait for Kennedy or Willow to call or knock on the door. Buffy also wanted to make another round of calls once she got back.

"…And that's the week in roundup…next, the week end market report…" As the program went to commercial, Willow stretched and moved from her cozy position against Kennedy to sitting up, her back resting against the headboard. She looked at Kennedy.

"Hey, you hungry?" Upon seeing her slayer's seductive smile, the witch realized her choice of words.

"Umm, maybe not the best way to ask that question." She tried again. "Would you like to get some breakfast?"

Willow saw the expression the mention of food caused on her slayer's face. "Stupid question…asking a slayer if she's hungry…Wanna go get something?"

Kennedy was happy to see her witch in a better frame of mind. Gone was the confused manner of the previous night. The brunette hoped that Willow had truly processed that she was "back." The slayer was also very hungry. She hadn't been able to satisfy the second part of her "Double H's" after Willow's return. Her sexual need had been filled but certainly not her hunger. Her growling stomach was her reply to Willow. A little embarrassed, Kennedy amusingly said, "Tummy says that's a yes."

Then Kennedy remembered the witch's knee. "Wait a minute. How's your knee…You're not going any where if it looks like it did before…we'll do room service."

The redhead wanted to get out and see the world again; just to make certain this wasn't a dream. "It's better…take a look…"

Kennedy pulled back the sheet to reveal a knee that looked noticeably improved. It wasn't healed or even almost healed, but there was definite improvement.

"How did this get better that fast?" The slayer hadn't seen Willow doing her healing meditation. The redhead had been watching the news the whole time.

Willow gestured like she'd just been caught with a big secret. "I did my healing thingy while I was watching tv," she said almost apologetically.

Kennedy stared at her confused. "You mean you can do that now at the same time you're doing something else?" The witch nodded. Kennedy started to laugh out loud. Now Willow got the bewildered look. The slayer spoke between chuckles. "My dad would be so proud of you…" Willow still looked perplexed. The brunette clarified. "You're multi-tasking."

After she'd gotten the amusement of that thought out of her system, Kennedy got more serious. "Really, Red, how is the knee?…Can you walk on it?"

Willow pushed the covers off her and got out of bed. She put weight on the leg and walked around. She still limped. "It still hurts but nothing like before…and see, I can walk…A little limping won't kill me…We can take it slow." The witch looked at Kennedy for approval.

Kennedy's first thought upon seeing her naked witch was, 'Screw breakfast, I want some of that.' But, she could see and hear how much Willow wanted to go, so she acquiesced. "Alright…let's get dressed and go get some grub." The naked slayer got out of bed, brushed up against the redhead and kissed her witch before heading into the bathroom. When she got to the doorway, she turned toward Willow. "You have no idea how much self control I just exhibited," the brunette said then turned around again, jutting her hip out as she finished walking into the bathroom.

The witch watched Kennedy's backside disappear within the room and she laughed at her girl's sarcasm. For a moment she thought of joining her girl for a little morning "hot and heavy" in the shower. The redhead knew there'd be plenty of time for that. She really did have an urgent need to see "outside", to see if others were truly out there.

While the slayer was in the bathroom, Willow rang for Buffy's room. Kennedy came out and Willow held out the phone. "She's not answering."

"Maybe she's in the shower." The brunette's explanation seemed probable to the witch. "We'll stop by her room first."

The two women got cleaned up and dressed. Of all the things Kennedy planned for, she forgot the most obvious – clothes for Willow. "Damn, Red, you look better in my clothes than I do." Willow smirked at her girl's comment. She always made the redhead feel beautiful no matter what the circumstances. "Sorry I forgot to get you some clothes…Guess a quick trip to a clothes store is in order after we eat." When done dressing, they headed to Buffy's room. After they got no response to their knocking, the couple decided she must have gone downstairs for food or out for breakfast.

When the elevator opened, the witch and slayer made a quick search of the breakfast area and saw Buffy…and Jimmy.

They proceeded to walk over. "Hey, Buffy…Jimmy?" the slayer said, bewildered at seeing the man. Buffy spotted them first. "Hey, you're up…" The blonde got out of her chair and went over and hugged Willow. "I'm so happy you're here, Will." Willow replied in kind. "Me too, Buff." Then she backed out of the embrace and looked at Jimmy then at Buffy again.

Buffy knew she needed to explain; both women had an inquisitive expression. "Jimmy got here last night…He was waiting in my room when we got back." The blonde took the man's hand, who by now had also stood up and walked next to Buffy.

Kennedy was happily surprised. Petson hadn't told her of his plans. She was glad the man came to be with Buffy. Willow looked at their clenched hands. Last Willow knew, Buffy and Jimmy were sleeping together, but they were keeping things very low key and private. "It seems as if I've missed certain developments going on…I'll need a full report, Buff."

The blonde was glad her friend was in playful spirits. Buffy had seen the dazed look on Willow the night before. It reminded her a little of how she must have appeared when she first came back from her resurrection. "You guys wanna sit down…We were just finishing…We didn't call you cos we thought you needed some time alone."

"Thanks…" Willow said. "But I was kinda hoping to go walk around a little…you know make sure this isn't some cruel joke…" The redhead half joked. "But you guys should come with us…"

Buffy still saw a hint of that Willow-Kennedy time in the couple's faces. She decided they should be able to spend some more time together alone after so much apart. Buffy knew there'd be plenty of time to catch up with her best friend. "Naa…you two go and enjoy the morning…when you're done, we'll be in my room…then we can start catching up, Ok?"

Willow understood what her friend was doing. "Ok, Buff…that'll give you two time to get you're stories straight about the obvious coziness going on and such," she said sarcastically.

After everyone said good morning again and then good bye, the witch and the slayer headed out. Willow was ready to see South Beach again for the first time in five long months.

The storm turned hurricane did nothing to slow down the pace of the town. Besides branches and a little extra trash in the streets and on the ground, South Beach held up quite well. Luckily, the storm's center had hit further south so the Miami area missed the worst of it. There were people already cleaning up the after affects of the previous day's weather. But like every other sunny, hot day, the people were enjoying life.

The witch was struck by the loudness of the place. Her last five months had been spent in near silence. Only wind, birds and the ocean waves made noise…and also the demons and vamps. Now, there were people everywhere talking, cars driving by and music. She heard the clanking of dishes being placed in bins for washing by busboys. There was movement all around her. Most importantly, no one and nothing was after her. The people could have cared less she was there. They weren't hunting her; they were just trying to have fun in that sunny paradise.

The couple slowly walked down Ocean Drive. "Do you have a place in mind, Will?" Kennedy had noticed the change in expression and body movements once they got outside. She could tell her witch was still making adjustments to being back.

"The News Cafe," the witch said immediately. That place had been the beginning of her time in hell. It would be where she started to put it to rest. As they walked, Willow knew she would have to start telling Kennedy about her five month banishment. She was also concerned about how Kennedy had faired during their separation. She just didn't know how to start so she stated the obvious.

"It sure is hotter than when I left." 'Stupid thing to say' she thought but at least they'd have to talk.

"Yeah…definitely is…I hear it even gets hotter down here." Kennedy was as dumbfounded as Willow concerning breaching the subject of their time apart.

Willow took the plunge as the walked. "It must have been hard for you…you all thought I died."

Kennedy instantly turned to correct the witch. To tell her in no uncertain terms that she never gave in. But then she saw the tenderness in those emerald eyes. "It was real hard…not knowing where you were." Kennedy realized the witch was trying to open a dialogue. "But I'm sure I had it easy compared to you…"

Just as Willow was about to begin her story, the two found themselves outside the News Café. The place was completely different than in Willow's other world. There were people every where. All tables were full with tourists and locals getting coffee and reading the morning news. It was bustling with activity. Willow looked around and then walked over to a counter with newspapers. She scanned the Miami Herald's front page…'Saturday, June 4, 2005.' The redhead got a big smile.

Just then, a waiter dropped a tray of dirty glasses that went crashing to the ground. Willow jumped, startled by the loud noise. She cowered and then quickly left the confinement, passing Kennedy on the way out. She stood out front of the place, almost hyper-ventilating when Kennedy came up behind her and put a hand on her back.

"Are you ok, Will?…What happened in there?" Kennedy was worried that the redhead's apprehension had returned. Willow stared at the brunette, knowing that her behavior would only make sense if she finally told Kennedy what her life had been like the last five months.

After calming herself, "We need to talk, Kenne…I need to tell you what happened."

Kennedy got nervous the way Willow said it. She now knew that the witch's story would be worse than she thought. "Ok, babe…Why don't we go back to the hotel." Willow nodded and then got a thought.

"But we still need breakfast. I don't want to do this on an empty stomach.…" Then she thought for a moment. "How about we go to the diner on Collins, first?"

Kennedy knew the place; she'd been there many times. "That's good…but how'd you know…" Kennedy stopped mid sentence. She realized Willow probably knew all the stores in the area as well as she did.

The couple walked to the restaurant making idle conversation. Both knew any serious discussion would wait. After eating and then a very quick stop at a nearby clothes boutique for Willow, the couple walked back to the hotel in silence. When they got off the elevator on their floor, Kennedy asked the witch if she wanted Buffy there also. Willow thought about it, then "What about Jimmy?"

"If you'd feel more comfortable without him there, then I'll ask him to stay in Buff's room…he'll understand." Willow thought some more. She knew this wouldn't be an easy story to tell and didn't feel like having to repeat it. She decided that it would be better to have them all present. This did, after all, still involve the forces of evil and it was necessary for them, meaning the good guys, to know all they could about the ways of the dark side.

"No…I think he should be there…he is after all a watcher…He needs to keep track of what happened…"

The logistics settled, the women stopped at Buffy's room and told her and Jimmy their intent. "We'll be there in ten minutes," Buffy supportively said.

Ten minutes later, the four were in the women's room. Buffy quickly filled them in on the second round of calls to Giles and the other Scoobies. Since Willow had made it back safely, Giles decided to go to Cleveland instead of Miami. "He said he'll be waiting for you when you get back, Will." The redhead knew she still had to call her parents again and she also wanted to call Xander and Giles, personally, but those conversations would have to wait until after the discussion. Kennedy too knew her call to her mother with the good news would have to wait for now.

All the peripheral matters done, Willow looked at the others staring at her and took a deep breath. She let it out slowly. "The last thing I remember from that night here was…" Willow went on to tell the group everything she could remember about her descent through the portal and her waking up in her parallel reality. She described each detail about the eerie solitude of the place. The witch explained her daily life, the demon attacks and her time in the Cleveland park. She skirted over the details about her battle with the dark magicks. She merely told them that she'd had a "very difficult" time there because of the extreme loneliness. After describing her return, she then went on to explain how she figured out it was DeAntiao who was after her and Kennedy. She told them how she determined the manner that he muted her powers and how he had gotten hold of the Eye of Scrombes. Along the way, there were a few questions; mostly the other three were too numb with the descriptions to speak. The witch kept explaining her exile until she was up to the day when the parallel Kennedy came into the picture.

When she got to that part, Willow stopped. She didn't now how she was going to explain to her girl that she'd killed her, or at least a version of her. She could still see those shocked and anguished brown eyes burning into her as the slayer's life ended. A part of her felt like she really had hurt her Kennedy, betrayed her love. She never thought she could harm her brunette; last night in the park proved otherwise.

The others in the room could see the hesitation in Willow. It had been a hard story for the witch to tell. There were parts that almost had Kennedy crying she felt so bad for what the redhead had endured. Even Petson was shaken with what he'd heard. But now, they knew the worst part had to be coming. They allowed Willow the time to gather her thoughts and find the way to tell them.

Finally, looking at the floor, Willow continued. "So, I was watching a movie…and then I heard my name…" That statement caught the others by surprise, but no one spoke. They let Willow talk uninterrupted. "…after a few times, I looked out the window and saw…" The witch hesitated again and looked up directly at Kennedy. "…you."

Kennedy's eyes widened with shock. "Me?" It was the only word that would come out.

"Yeah…you were there…or a 'version' of you…there mustuv been a mindsweep by the spell while I was thinking about you…" Willow didn't mention that she thought the other Kennedy was there because of her inner dialogue about the brunette's pummeling of DeAntiao.

"What did I do?" Kennedy was scared to ask that question. Everything they'd been told up to then was horrific. She knew Willow hadn't told them the worse yet. Now, the brunette was certain that 'she' had something to do with her witch's many injuries.

"It wasn't really you, Kenne…I had to keep telling myself that, too…" Willow stalled. She knew Kennedy would have trouble with what she was about to learn. The redhead also knew she'd have trouble reliving it. "That Kennedy wouldn't let me go…" Willow then proceeded to tell of her harrowing first episode with the slayer and the next with the watch incident. The redhead stopped several times to let herself catch her thoughts. She treaded lightly over the slayer's references to the reason the witch wasn't allowed to go back to the real world. She tried to explain how hatred filled the slayer and how she had to act the way she did.

Then Willow came to the actions at the park after she teleported. She stammered a bit as she relived the events. She finally had to give more description of how she had struggled with the dark magicks that night in the park. She told them that was the reason the altered Kennedy wouldn't let her go. The witch had a particularly hard time talking about the injuries she caused Kennedy from the energy blast, how she thought she had seriously wounded the parallel slayer. After she told them of the fighting, Willow finally got to the end.

"I'd said the spell and was waiting when all of a sudden she was behind me again…" She once more stared only at Kennedy. "…I had no choice…she was going to kill me…it was the only way to get back to you…" Kennedy stood motionless. Willow finished softly, "…I had to kill her."

Kennedy said nothing. She looked at Willow but it was as if she were looking through the witch. What she had just been told was surreal. 'I tried to kill Willow?…well, not really me,' she thought. 'Willow killed me?…but not really me.' The images swirled in her mind.

While Kennedy stood unable to comment, Buffy took in what the redhead said. Then she remembered the beach bag and the hole and blood. She got Willow's attention and tilted her head toward the bag. Willow nodded her head acknowledging that the bag was used. Buffy went to it and pushed the top open. She saw the bloody spike. The slayer immediately knew what happened. As she looked back at her friend, Buffy saw tears forming in sad green eyes.

Suddenly, Kennedy stood up straight. She walked over to the bag and looked inside. She just stared inside with no expression on her face. Then she looked up at Willow and calmly and plainly said, "You did what you had to do…you're back…that's all that matters."

Willow couldn't tell if Kennedy was being sincere or just donning that Prescott "Nothing bothers me" armor. She walked in front of her slayer. "Baby?…Are you really ok with this?"

Kennedy stared into green eyes. They were the eyes she wanted to look at for the rest of her life. "If I…umm…I mean if she was trying to hurt you…then I say fuck her…I woulda killed the bitch, too." The brunette gave her girl a confident nod. Willow felt a sense of relief.

Trying to break up the tension, Jimmy shuffled and remarked, "Well, that's got be one of the most interesting stories I've heard in a while…sure beats my 'vampire with a Brad Pitt fetish' story." The women all turned and stared at him at the same time. "I never said it was a good story." They all started laughing.

Once the air had been cleared, the four decided that they needed a break. It was after four and Kennedy knew she still had to let Willow know how she had handled their time apart, and she also had to be told how they killed DeAntiao and retrieved the Eye. Since Willow wanted to personally call Xander and the rest, along with her parents and Kennedy's mom and dad, they decided to take a few hours apart. They planned to get together at seven for dinner when Willow would be told about Kennedy's and Buffy's adventure. Buffy and Jimmy went back to the blonde's room.

Willow couldn't have been happier to hear her oldest friend's voice or that of her surrogate father's. She had long calls to Xander, Giles and Dawn. There was lots of smiling, laughing and scores of "welcome home." Then the redhead talked to her parents again who wanted to know when they could come and see her. "We haven't talked about leaving but I can't imagine we're staying much longer." Willow told her parents not to come to Florida since she really didn't want to be in South Beach much longer. She told them she'd let them know when she'd be back in Cleveland. Even though she said they didn't have to come see her, since she was fine, Willow's parents insisted. "We want to see our little girl…see for ourselves that you're ok…please humor us." Willow said of course she'd love to see them; that was the truth. She had missed her parents while she was gone. It would be nice to see them again.

After that call was done, Kennedy called Gabriella and told her the good news. The brunette hadn't told Willow about the support her mother had given, how she'd been the only one to see her break down. That would come later. Willow talked with her second mother for a while after Kennedy had and then said good bye. Kennedy next called Glenda to let her know Willow was back and to thank her for all her help. Willow knew Glenda slightly. She was one of the coven women who'd helped her after Tara's death. The redhead remembered how shy the woman was. They had met but a few times and, honestly, much of that time was a blur to Willow. Kennedy told the witch Giles had sent Glenda to do the spells and potion. Willow was able to personally thank the witch. When asked if they could meet, Glenda said she would have liked to, but an emergency back in Atlanta prevented it. Knowing that Willow was back was thanks enough and she said they would have to try to get together in the near future.

The last call was to Kennedy's father. Even though he didn't know about the situation, a fact which Kennedy told Willow before placing the call, the slayer was so happy to have the witch back she wanted everyone to talk to her. Kennedy spoke with her father, telling him that she and Willow were back in Florida and she just called to say hello. She and Willow talked to Emma for a bit and then ended the call. "You know, you're gonna have to tell your dad what really went on sooner or later." Kennedy jostled the statement around for a while. "I pick later."

After those calls were made and while they were getting ready for dinner, Kennedy's cell phone rang. She answered assuming it was Buffy. She was pleasantly surprised.

"Faith!…Where the hell are you?…Last we heard, you were playing Tarzan in the jungle."

When Faith and Miguel finished their assignment in the rainforest of Costa Rica, they made a hasty retreat to civilization. Their first call was to the Sao Paolo branch of the international slayer network. They were immediately informed of Buffy's urgent message. Faith called the blonde back and her next call was to the couple.

Faith talked with Kennedy and Willow and told them she and Miguel would be heading for the States within a few days. She promised to see them wherever they were. As their call ended, Faith talked to Kennedy seriously, "I'm glad for you K…you never gave up…I'll see you in a few."

The spirits of the two women seemed to be even lighter. They had made contact with those they truly called their family. Life was getting back on track. The couple finally had a chance to take a breath. They sat on the bed and chatted about the day's events for a bit. It felt just like they hadn't been apart at all. They were soon teasing and joking with each other which quickly turned to embracing and kissing. The couple didn't let it get too far; it was almost seven. Kennedy and Willow held each other for a while before getting up. They finished getting ready for dinner then left their room to meet up with Buffy and Petson.

"So, where you wanna go?…your pick, Will." Buffy was so happy to have her friend back. When she and Petson returned to their room, all they could talk about was how horrible it must have been for the woman. Now Willow was back and Buffy was determined to make it as enjoyable for her as possible.

Willow answered Buffy's question without hesitation. "The Colony," she said plainly.

Kennedy looked at her surprised. "Are you sure, babe?" She didn't want her girl getting herself upset needlessly.

"Yeah, I'm sure." Again, Willow wanted to lay to rest another piece of her tortured story.

The four proceeded to the Colony. Kennedy and Buffy noticed that Willow purposely kept from looking at the park on the other side of the street. Willow just stared at all the people gathered at the clubs and restaurants.

When they got to the place, they sat at a sidewalk table. It wasn't the one her and Kennedy sat at the night of her disappearance but it was close. The four ordered drinks and then food. They were actually enjoying themselves. Willow commented on the people there. "I swear there's got to be five times as many people here than before." Kennedy made sure she wasn't having second thoughts about her choice. "I'm fine, baby." Willow had missed the protectiveness of her slayer.

With desert done, Kennedy and Buffy knew it was time to tell their side of the story. There was so much commotion and music that none feared talking where they were. They would be just another group of people discussing their day. Buffy could see Kennedy was struggling with how to tell her girl about the time she spent alone in South Beach. The blonde decided that was something that Kennedy should be able to discuss with Willow privately. So, she helped out by starting the discussion.

"I guess we need to tell you how we got the Eye and DeAntiao…well, Kenne had been here for a few months tracking down every lead…she was working really hard, but had kinda hit a road block, so I came to see if I could help…Anyway…" Buffy went on to tell the story of what had happened over the last several days. Kennedy soon joined in, filling in the gaps and giving background information. They told Willow how they figured out it was DeAntiao, the calls to Giles and Glenda. Then they told her about the first attempt to get DeAntiao. Kennedy told most of that story; the snake attack was still too fresh in the blonde's mind. Willow looked at Buffy shocked with the gruesome tale and events at the hospital. Jimmy also listened in disbelief. Kennedy had only told him a short version of what had happened.

The slayers then went on with the final battle with the madman. Buffy and Kennedy took turns telling the account, back and forth, shooting out the sequence of events like volleys on a tennis court. Willow and Jimmy kept looking from one to the other as the story unfolded. Willow again held her breath when she was told about DeAntiao's final stand against her slayer. She cringed for both women when she heard about the gator attacks. Their story ended with them standing at the grassy area, after their mad dash through the streets, seeing the bright light.

"That's when you showed up." By the smiles and looks of happiness on the slayer's faces, Willow knew they thought their entire effort had been worth it. All three women looked at Petson when they heard him say "Damn." His eyes scanned them all. "Another one better than my Pitt story." His remark again lightened the mood.

"I can't believe you guys went through all of that…I-I don't know what to say." Willow was awe struck with the terror slayers would go through for a mission. They never ceased to amaze her.

"And me a second time…" Kennedy added. She remembered it was her witch who brought her back to life while she was on the operating table in Sao Paulo.

The couples talked some more until it was time to leave. They headed back to the Tides but Willow stopped when she got opposite to the area in the park where her nightmare had started and ended. She looked at Kennedy, "I gotta go there…just to see for myself."

Kennedy nodded. She noticed something different in her girl. Willow wasn't afraid to face her fears. Though the witch had in the past helped Kennedy in many a fight and had even initiated going with her on patrols at times, there was still a hesitant quality to her. Willow didn't like confrontation; she wasn't a fighter. She never went looking to settle a score, and she tended to shy away from things that made her uneasy. But now, Willow wanted to deal with her demons. Kennedy saw a new strength in the witch; one that she was sure was due to her months of having to fight to survive. Willow had become surer of herself, of her ability to overcome. So they all went to the grassy area.

Green eyes scanned the place. She found it hard to believe that that spot had held such importance. It had been the ocean that separated her from all that she loved. Now, it was just a patch of grass. They didn't stay long. After she had satisfied her senses, Willow took Kennedy's hand and without saying a word started walking to their hotel. Petson and Buffy followed.

Once on the fourth floor, the two couples said their good nights. "We'll figure out where we go from here tomorrow," Kennedy stated, although, she knew Willow wanted to leave South Beach and would probably figure out some way to leave. That thought made her think of her car.

"Shit!…the car, " she said looking at Buffy. The last she knew, it was parked in the street.

"Yeah, betcha it was…oh, well…guess I call the cops tomorrow and see where their compound yard is." Kennedy knew there was nothing she could do that night, so she decided not to think about it any longer. The couples parted agreeing to meet for breakfast in the morning.

Buffy and Jimmy picked up right where they let off the night before. There was a new appreciation for the slayer by the watcher. As they lay in bed, naked from their first round of 'activities', Petson took Buffy's hand in his. "You are an amazing woman, Buffy Summers…I have never met anyone like you before…"

Buffy tried to make light of his heart felt words. "Yeah, well, I'm a slayer and how many slayers have you met…" Then realizing her words, "…ok, right you're a watcher…ummm…"

Jimmy wouldn't let her joke her way out of the moment. He turned on his side and softly said, "I love you." He had taken the plunge and said those terrifying, wonderful words. He locked onto blue eyes as he searched for their reaction. They gazed back and were accompanied by a tender smile. "I love you too, Jimmy." Buffy Summers, the vampire slayer, was in love again. This time the knowledge carried with it a different texture. This time she could feel a future. This relationship had begun with something all her others never had, possibilities.

After a few tender moments of just 'being', the slayer and the watcher knew it was no longer time for words but for action. They spent the rest of the night showing each other just how much they really did care.

When Willow and Kennedy entered their room, they had a new sense of freedom. Their torment was over and they could be themselves again. Willow still wondered about Buffy and Jimmy.

"I can't really help you there. You'll have to pry the info outta Buff tomorrow."

"You were down here, that's right…it must have been tough for you having to do all the legwork yourself." Willow's voice sounded so proud that Kennedy felt guilty that she didn't know the real story.

"It wasn't really like that…not like Buffy said." Kennedy knew this was the time to tell her redhead how her life had really been without her witch. "Willow?…I gotta tell you some stuff…How I got here and…what I did…"

Willow got nervous from the tone in the slayer's voice. Uneasily, "Ok." Kennedy led her to the bed and the two sat down on it, cross-legged facing each other.

"Well…umm…I guess I should start by saying I didn't think you were really 'gone'…" Kennedy then got a somber tone. "…but I wasn't prepared for how much I'd miss you…I kinda pushed the others away…" Kennedy told Willow of her struggle with the results of the research that had been done after the witch's disappearance. She let her know that she came back to Florida because of all they'd talked about with magick and patterns and timing. When she described her drinking and slaying, the brunette lowered her head in shame. "No one knew except for my Mom…I tried to handle it myself…Same old tough ass Kennedy, huh?" She glanced at the redhead for a moment with that rhetorical question. The slayer finished by telling her that Buffy had come down because the Scoobies all knew that things had gotten out of hand for her. "I wasn't being some great detective here, Will…I was on autopilot…that's why Buffy came down…to try to knock some sense into my brain."

When she finished, Kennedy lifted her head. She saw a compassionate and understanding face looking back.

"Then I say you did pretty good under the circumstances." The witch's tone was light and she was smiling. "Baby, this was a horrible situation for both of us…we made it through it…alive…I say that puts us ahead of the game."

Sarcastically, "Let me see…You didn't care that I killed a version of you…No, I think I can handle you overdoing cocktail hour and putting a little extra pain to a few bumpy heads."

The two women smiled at each other. Their fears had been spoken and they felt released. They sat there a bit holding hands.

Kennedy and Willow leaned in and engaged in a soft, tender kiss. Kennedy lifted one hand and lightly followed the outline of Willow's cheek. The redhead had never looked more beautiful to her. A bronzed finger gently placed an orphaned strand of crimson hair behind the witch's ear. That finger then trailed softly down the redhead's silky neck. Kennedy pushed hair aside to expose the healing wound on the nape of the witch's neck. The slayer leaned in and gave that symbol to Willow's resolve a sweet kiss in reverence. She continued to softly kiss the redhead's neck and throat until her lips were once again in union with the witch's. Willow's hand reached out and rested on the slayer's arm, lazily traveling across supple skin.

Their kiss grew deeper and more intimate. Then Kennedy broke the union. Chocolate eyes blazed onto those of green. Kennedy reached out and slowly unbuttoned and removed her lover's blouse. She leaned in again and with her mouth brushed against Willow's lace covered breast as bronzed fingers undid the clasp of her bra. As the garment left contact with Willow's skin, it was replaced with a gentle touch from the slayer's lips. The brunette then took off her own shirt and removed her bra as Willow began to undo her slayer's belt and jeans. The lovers performed in complete synchronicity, like well rehearsed partners in a silent, slow motion ballet. During the entire time, their eyes never left each other.

Soon, the women were naked kneeling on the bed. Kennedy moved so that she was now sitting with her legs in front of her, knees bent slightly; she helped Willow so the witch's delicate frame was sitting in the slayer's lap, slender legs straddling her. The lovers embraced. All the tension and fear was gone.

The realization of their reunion again took hold. Five months apart had Willow and Kennedy once more hungering for their touch. That hunger would be satisfied again. This time, though, the women were slow and deliberate in their actions. This night, the witch and the slayer made every moment last forever and each touch homage to the senses. They traversed every inch of their lover's body and reacquainted themselves with all the tiny moans and subtle movements they'd come to know from their partner. As urgently as they had quenched their thirst the previous night, this night they would drink slowly. The lovers took their time as they shared their bodies completely. They made love with their hearts and their souls.

The witch stood above the prone slayer watching the blood ooze between bronzed fingers which the brunette held to her chest. The wooden stake in the witch's hand still had scarlet droplets running from the tip and falling to the ground. Willow stared into those brown eyes where nothing but hate and darkness resided.

As Willow watched the slayer die, she began to see a transformation. The hatred in the brown eyes faded and left, replaced with tenderness and love. As she looked on, the slayer from the altered reality became the Kennedy of her real life. The witch continued to watch as her lover's eyes became distant and empty until there was no life yet.

"I killed her." The witch's words were flat and emotionless. Then Willow began to feel it. The darkness within her spirit started to awaken from its slumber. The feeling of the dark magicks stirred and began to rise. The power engulfed her. The witch could feel the darkness color her hair. Emerald eyes gave way to black. Willow had turned; she was now the killer, the one with hatred in her eyes.

Willow quietly splashed water on her face. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were still the truest shade of green. "What was that?" she whispered to her reflection. Willow had woken up startled from the vision in her dream. "That's not me…' she told herself, "…I had to do it." The redhead stayed there for a few moments before turning off the light and opening the door to go back to bed. As she walked, the witch realized that being back one day and swapping stories wasn't going to put everything back to normal. These were feelings that would take time to heal.

As she neared the bed, Willow could see that Kennedy was not having the sound sleep that had always been the girl's trademark. The slayer's body was moving and she was mumbling incoherently. 'I wonder what she's dreaming about?' Willow hoped it was happier than hers.

"I can't take this any longer…You deserve to die…you're evil." Kennedy shouted the words as she plunged a stake into DeAntiao's chest. She watched as the man fell backward and landed on his back, the blood already trickling out of his mouth.

With gasping breath, the dying man stumbled out, "No…I'm not evil." DeAntiao's breathing stopped and the man lay dead.

Then the figure began to change. It lost its shape of the madman and took the form of Willow; the witch possessed with the dark magicks. Kennedy looked on as the dead body turned into the woman who had tried to end the world. But the shape shifted again and soon the lifeless being became Kennedy's beloved Willow. Crimson hair and green eyes filled the slayer's vision.

Kennedy kept staring. "I killed her." The words were flat and emotionless. The slayer then turned the stake on herself, plunging the implement deep into her heart. She listened as its beating grew weaker and slower until it finally…

Kennedy awoke from her dream as Willow was getting back into bed. The slayer squinted her eyes several times to make sure she had only been dreaming. She saw her redhead awake.

Both women were tired, scared and fearful of speaking further, so they kept silent. Kennedy pulled the witch to her and they both soon drifted off to sleep again.

The women woke several hours later when the day had really begun in their temporary coastal home. They had their peculiar dreams lingering in their minds but kept the matter to themselves. Both women wanted nothing more than to put their past torment behind them. They wanted to start fresh without the last five months hanging over their heads.

"So what are we gonna do, Will?…There's no reason to stay here, and you probably wanna get back home, huh?" Kennedy was ready to do whatever Willow wanted.

"I really would like to just go home…Do you mind?…Can we get a flight back?" Willow wanted the comfort of her own home, her own familiar scenes, her own bed.

"Of course I don't mind…I've been here too long…We'll leave today. I'll get us on a flight this afternoon."

"Don't worry about them. They can come back with us or they'll catch a different flight…We'll tell them at breakfast."

The couple did just that. Before meeting the blonde and the watcher, Kennedy bought two tickets on the 5:30pm Northwest Airlines direct flight to Cleveland. She also called the Miami-Dade Metro police to find out the whereabouts of her loaner BMW. As suspected, it had been towed and was available for pickup upon payment of a nice hefty storage fee and fine. Kennedy knew she had to get the car before she left Miami.

At breakfast, the couple told the others that they were leaving that afternoon. "You can get on our flight back, too." Willow hoped they would all go back together. Buffy and Jimmy hesitated in their response.

"Actually, Jimmy and I were thinking of staying a few days…We were gonna head down to Key West for a couple days…to relax a bit." Buffy felt a little guilty for not wanting to go back to Cleveland right away. As much as she wanted to make sure Willow got back unscathed, she also knew that Kennedy would see to that. Buffy had long ago realized that the brunette was the one that the witch relied on first when it came to her well being. Besides, she and Petson had taken an important step in their relationship in South Beach and she wanted to spend more time with him.

Willow understood the blonde's desire to be alone with her new found love. There had been many a time when she felt the same with Kennedy. "That's good, Buff…You two should take some time…besides, I've heard Key West is a great party town." Willow didn't want her friend to feel guilty.

Kennedy butted in, "…and very gay." Willow swatted her arm and shook her head. "Don't listen to her, she thinks every town is overrun with gays." Kennedy mumbled, "Well, my lesbidar says they are."

The four then discussed the subject of the hostage BMW. It was decided that Jimmy would take the brunette to the designated place to retrieve the car. Then Jimmy would follow her so she could return it right where she had picked it up at one of her father's bank branches. Willow would stay with Buffy.

The plan was initiated as soon as the two couples finished breakfast. Willow and Buffy were glad to have time alone. Willow's first question when finally alone with Buffy was easy.

"So what is up with you two?" She said it like she was asking to be let in on a big secret.

"Well…After you disappeared, Jimmy hung around more. He was there to help me through it all…and we…kinda just…" Then Buffy got a big smile on her face. "…fell in love."

Willow was beaming. "Oh, Buff…I'm so happy for you…" Then chiding, "I always liked him…smart…a plus…cute…another plus…and a beating heart…big humungous plus."

"I know…I know…you can stop teasing about my prior less than stellar choice of boyfriends…"

The women kept talking like old friends that hadn't been apart for so long. There was no uneasiness, no strain. They were and would always be best friends.

Kennedy and Jimmy accomplished their mission and very quickly it seemed it was time for Kennedy and Willow to leave. Jimmy and Buffy drove them to the airport. The couple watched as the place they had both made their home for so many months passed by as they looked out the car window. Their emotions were mixed. They had had a wonderful week together in South Beach, but it had also been a place of extreme pain. Neither knew if they'd ever go back; right now, all they thought about was going home.

As the four stood at the security check in area, they all said their good byes. Buffy and Petson planned to be back in Cleveland in three days. "Tell Giles to take it easy on you, Will…He doesn't need to get all 'Giles' with you right away about everything…You know how he can get…If he does, tell him Kennedy and I will kick his butt." The last thing Buffy said to Willow as they hugged was "It sure is good to have you back." Kennedy again gave Buffy her gratitude for all her help and support. "You woulda done the same for me" was the blonde's reply.

Kennedy and Willow went through security with their carry-ons, waiving to Buffy and Jimmy. Soon, they were on their way home. Right after the plane took off, the two women peered out the side window. They saw South Beach growing smaller beneath them. After a few moments, they sat back in their seats and looked straight ahead. Without turning, Willow said, "What about the Grand Canyon for our next getaway?…I've heard there are hardly any maniacal warlocks there." Kennedy chuckled and held her witch's hand as they flew back to their life.

That colorful banner was stretched across the couple's front door when they arrived home. Xander had insisted on picking them up. Actually, the welcoming committee at the airport consisted of him, Jessie, Dawn and Giles. It took over fifteen minutes to get all the Willow-hugging out of their systems. Everyone was ecstatic to see the redhead looking so well…and alive. They finally were able to get the luggage checked by the women. As usual, Kennedy became frustrated with the baggage claim process. "You'd think in five months they coulda gotten a little better…"

As they waited, Willow took Giles to the side and handed him her carry-on bag. "It's the Chronicles…the Eye's inside…I figure you'd know to do whatever is needed…I'd rather not be involved with it anymore." Giles looked at his gentle witch and gave a reassuring smile. "Of course, Willow…I'll see that this is taken care of immediately."

Luggage was finally retrieved and the group left the airport. The slayer and witch hadn't had dinner, unless eleven peanuts in a cellophane bag constituted dinner, so they stopped for a bite to eat. The gang talked and joked. They all wanted to give Willow and Kennedy a pleasant return. Not too long after, the witch and the slayer were looking at the banner on their door.

"Well, it's late so we'll leave now so you two can settle in, "Xander said as if in charge. "We'll see ya tomorrow…and you can tell us all about South Beach…I heard they got a topless section?" Jessie pushed him out the door. "What?…A man has a right to know these things…"

Willow and Kennedy were finally alone, back in their rented condo, the place that had been their 'home.' Looking around, Willow scrutinized every detail; it was exactly like she remembered it. "God, how I missed this place," she stated. The redhead had missed that safe, contented feeling she had while there. It was her home; it was where she and Kennedy had made their life. Then Willow realized it wasn't so much the place that she missed but the feeling she got from it because she shared it with her slayer. She turned to Kennedy. "I missed us in this place."

Kennedy went over to the witch and hugged her. "Well, you're back and I'm never letting you go again…" Jokingly, "I've decided we're never leaving the house…We'll become shut-ins and order pizza and Chinese delivery…and just watch cable and have sex…not necessarily in that order."

Willow seductively glanced at her brunette. "After five months away, that sounds like a good plan."

Kennedy acted like she was shocked. "Well, Ms. Rosenberg. Distance sure does make the heart grow fonder…and hornier." They both laughed. Then Willow yawned. Kennedy shook her head. "Looks like our life of secluded debauchery will have to start in the morning…time for bed, sleepy head."

Kennedy led Willow to the bedroom and soon the two were cuddled in each others arms, back in their own bed. They fell asleep almost immediately.

Willow woke up the next morning to find Kennedy's side of the bed empty. She looked at the clock – 5:49am. The witch knew she couldn't fall back to sleep. She'd had that same dream as in South Beach and her mind was racing. She wondered if she should tell Kennedy, but she didn't want to worry the girl. Willow rationalized that the dream was a natural manifestation due to what she'd been through and was just her mind's way of letting off steam to get her back to herself. "It'll stop in a few days" she told herself.

She got out of bed and went into the kitchen where she saw Kennedy. The slayer had made a pot of coffee and was leaning against the counter drinking a big cup. She looked engrossed in her thoughts and didn't even notice Willow was there until the redhead asked her for a second time if there was more in the pot.

"Oh, sorry…yeah, there's more. I'll get you a cup…go sit." Willow did, at the kitchen table. Kennedy brought her a cup and sat at the table also.

"Yeah, me too," Willow said softly knowing that her response wasn't quite accurate. Then she stared her slayer in the eyes. "You seemed pretty far away back there," Willow said questioningly.

Kennedy's answer to Willow wasn't the truth. The slayer had been involved with an internal dialogue about the dream she'd just had. She too had had the same dream from the previous night. Like Willow, she was trying to figure out why she was having it. She was only thankful it wasn't another slayer dream. Much like Willow again, she too didn't want to worry her partner with something she was sure would go away shortly. She diverted the conversation. "So, I guess we should decide what we need to do and prioritize." Kennedy wanted to just forget about her dream issue.

Willow put her coffee down and got out of her chair, walking over behind Kennedy and placing her arms around her slayer. "Item number one…we go back to bed…Item number two…we get all girl on girly for a while." Then she whispered in Kennedy's ear. "Is that a good priority?"

Kennedy was out of her chair and carrying Willow back to the bedroom before the witch knew what happened.

Over the following weeks, the couple proceeded to try to resume the life that had been torn from them five months earlier. Buffy and Jimmy came back when stated and everyone went out of their way to help Willow readjust. Initially, the couple reunited with their Scoobies. Faith and Miguel were in Cleveland several days after Buffy and Petson's return. They all attempted to reconnect. They had a belated twenty-fifth birthday party for Willow. She had vanished before her actual birthday. The Scoobies hung out as much as possible, but the nights belonged to the lovers. They tried to make up for the months apart. Their desire for each other ran as hot as when they first began to share their bodies. The couple also had a private celebration of the anniversary of their third year "together." It was one more event that had flashed by while they were apart. When Kennedy turned twenty-three at the end of June, the Scoobies celebrated again.

During their initial time back, the two women also met with family. Willow's parents visited as did Gabriella. The two made a quick trip to New York. Willow didn't return to her job. She resigned. "I just can't go back yet, Kenne…it doesn't feel right…" Kennedy supported her decision and told the witch to take as much time as she needed.

There were some aspects of the witch's behavior upon her return that Kennedy was not able to miss. For quite a while, Willow didn't want to be left alone. She certainly didn't want to be by herself in the condo. She also developed the habit of leaving the television set on in the house; it was always on a 24 hour live news station. The redhead had also begun to leave a night light on in the hallway. What Kennedy didn't know, because her girlfriend never told her, was that Willow continued to have that recurring dream from South Beach. A few nights every week, she killed Kennedy; everyday, Willow assured herself it would stop soon.

Kennedy allowed the redhead her idiosyncrasies. The slayer knew the harrowing ordeal the witch had survived. The fact that Willow wasn't screaming from the rooftops was taken as a good sign. Kennedy understood where the redhead's actions were coming from. She stayed with Willow as much as possible. They went shopping together and ran errands together. If the slayer had to do something by herself, or had patrolling to do, she got Buffy, Xander or Dawn to visit until her return home. If needed, she would drop Willow off at one of their houses until done with her appointments. Over time, the redhead was able to stay by herself, but usually during the day; she still wanted the company of another person at night. Kennedy didn't push Willow; she decided her witch's 'strange' behavior would run its course. As much as Willow had been through in her life, Kennedy knew she deserved the time to sort things out. It didn't matter how much additional strain or pressure that put on Kennedy for the slayer was a Prescott and she knew she'd handle it.

Willow wasn't the only one adjusting, though. Many nights, the witch woke up to an empty side of the bed. Sometimes she could hear her slayer in the living room watching tv. Other times, she'd get up and find her girl sitting motionless in a chair in the kitchen. What Willow didn't know was that the recurring dream of Kennedy's still haunted her. It woke her on many nights and once awake, the slayer knew sleep wouldn't find her after that. She had reverted to earlier behavior from her youth, when she'd sit in the dark in the middle of the night trying to solve all her issues. She was attempting to shoulder her problems alone like she had before Willow broke down her wall. The brunette kept cheery during the day; she didn't want her issues to be yet something else for the witch to have to think or worry about. But at night, when Willow was sound asleep, Kennedy could feel the pressure building inside.

After several months, the internal struggles of the couple began to show outwardly. They still were fine most of the time, but they started to have unexpected bouts of conflict. Kennedy had become more quiet and distant even though she continued to "be there" for Willow. The witch likewise had started to become short with Kennedy's attempts to protect her, to keep her from feeling alone. They began to quip at one another and, in time, to fight. Neither quite understood how the arguments would begin but they would and soon there'd be a burst of anger. For the first time in their relationship, they went to bed with issues unresolved. During this entire time, the couple's dreams still hounded them, although the episodes had grown less frequent for both. Neither still knew about the other's nocturnal struggles.

The couple's behavior had even become evident to their friends. "Buffy, what the hell is going on with them two?" Xander couldn't understand why his friends were beginning to argue. While everyone was together for dinner the previous night, Willow and Kennedy had erupted at one another over the redhead's preference for live newscasts. Willow thought Kennedy was making fun of her and the slayer said she was just making conversation. The others had all seen both Willow and Kennedy in a "bad mood" but this was different. The old friends were sitting in the library in Slayer Central discussing the incident.

"Something's wrong, Xan…that whole thing messed with their heads so much…I don't even know if they see it…they need to tell each other what's going on." Buffy too was concerned. She knew how much the two women loved each other and hated to see them this way.

"Listen, all I know is, I'm a guy…we got a problem, we either drink, screw or shoot it away…none of which, I doubt, is what they need…Sorry, Buff…looks like it's best girlfriend time…You need to talk to Willow."

Buffy nodded then looked uncertainly at Xander. "What about Kennedy?…If I know her…and I do…part of this is her 'I can handle this, I don't need help' crap."

"I'll handle the kid." Faith was standing in the doorway smoking a cigarette. "I haven't knocked some sense into that thick skull of hers in a while…it'll be my pleasure."

Both Xander and Buffy looked at the brunette startled. Buffy was the first to respond. "Geez, Faith, don't you ever knock anymore?…and when did you get here?"

Since Willow and Kennedy's return, Faith had made numerous trips to Cleveland. They were partly to make sure the couple was fine and partly because that ordeal had made her realize how much she valued her friends, her family. She wanted to spend more time with them, so she would pop in whenever she could.

Faith went into the room and sat in the chair next to Xander. Looking at Buffy, "You shoulda heard me, Miss Chosen One, so why knock…and me and Micky got in a little while ago…So there's trouble in lesbian paradise?…I knew they were acting strange."

After welcoming Faith back, the three discussed the issue with the witch and the slayer. They were certain that the events during their separation had placed more strain on them than the couple would admit, to themselves or the other. Unfortunately, with the life they led, seeking help wasn't necessarily an easy option. There weren't many witch and slayer counselors in the yellow pages. The Scoobies had come to understand that their lot in life carried certain restrictions. One of those was the inability to share many of the mystical and demonic aspects of their life with outsiders. They belonged to a small group of very special individuals; their price for having that was keeping most of their lives away from public knowledge. That meant that often problems were dealt with and resolved internally. As suspected, the results weren't necessarily the best nor the quickest reached.

But it was because of the bond that the Scoobies shared that the three friends in the library knew they had to help Willow and Kennedy get past this barricade. It was needed for their own good as much as that for their relationship. So it was decided that Buffy would broach the subject with Willow and Faith with Kennedy. Xander would be available if additional reinforcement was needed.

That night, Faith went patrolling with Kennedy while Buffy went to the couple's house to spend time with Willow. Both older slayers knew this was their chance.

"How long you here for this time?" Kennedy liked having Faith around and had gotten used to her being in Cleveland so often." The slayers were walking through a large cemetery not far from Slayer Central.

"Oh, I'm not sure. We've got some down time and Mickey wanted to check out some distributors here."

Kennedy was intrigued. "He thinking of hooking up with a place here for his business."

Faith hadn't told any one yet but the couple had been talking about moving to the States. Miguel was making trips to several cities to check out business possibilities. "Not sure yet. Still too early."

Kennedy got a happy feeling. "That would be sweet. Maybe we'd get to see more of you two that way."

Faith saw this as an opening. "Yeah well, as much as you and Willow have been bitching at each other lately, I'm not sure I want to…If I want that shit, I'll listen to Mick gripe about port taxes." Faith noticed the brunette get quiet. "What the hell's up with you two?…I've never seen you guys act the way you have been lately."

The younger slayer didn't know what to say. She loved Willow but did realize they'd been acting differently towards each other. She didn't like it but she was at a lost as to what to do. "I don't know…it's no big deal…we'll work it out."

Faith knew Kennedy was putting on her 'I don't need anyone's help' act. "Don't give me that shit…I know you, K…Remember Sao Paulo?…What the hell is bothering you?"

There were two people that Kennedy would let talk to her like that. Willow of course, who never would, and Faith. There was something about the no nonsense and honest manner in which the older slayer talked to her. Faith never got on the younger slayer's back unless there was reason to. Kennedy knew she'd be hounded by the slayer until she discussed the matter. There was a part of the brunette that secretly was glad to be put on the spot. She had quietly wanted someone to talk to; it couldn't have been Willow for the slayer didn't want to burden her.

Kennedy hesitatingly opened up to her friend. "It's just I want Willow to be back to her old self…and she's got this weird stuff she's doing lately…but I don't want to say anything cuz I know how hard she had it…" The brunette went on to tell Faith that she worried that Willow would be changed because of this. She wondered how the ordeal had really affected the witch. Then she started to say how Willow's killing of the altered Kennedy seemed to bother the slayer. "I don't know why it should…it wasn't even me…"

Faith interjected. "Was it her killing that fake Kennedy or the fact that a version of you was evil…trying to kill her?"

Kennedy thought about that. She loved Willow so deeply that the thought that the redhead could ever do anything to make her hate the witch seemed impossible. Kennedy decided to tell her friend about the dream. "There is something…a dream…that I keep having…" The brunette proceeded to tell Faith about the dream and how it still woke her up some nights.

"Does Willow know about this?" Faith knew she was getting to the base of the problem. Kennedy shook her head. "Why wouldn't you tell her something this important?" Faith knew Kennedy had reverted back to the 'I'll handle everything' mode.

The brunette looked to the ground. "I didn't want one more thing for her to have to deal with…I can't give her my problems, too."

Faith looked confused. "Why not?…She's your girlfriend, right?…You're supposed to help each other deal…Red's not the only one who went through something."

Kennedy looked at Faith deeply concerned. "But what if it's too much?…What if she decides she can't handle it?…What if…"

Kennedy nodded slowly and then added softly, "…or snaps or has a weak moment."

Faith began to understand. "Are you scared Willow's gonna leave you somehow if she knows you're having problems dealing with what happened?" Kennedy just stared at her. "K, that ain't gonna happen…Willow loves you as much as you love her. She'd die for you, kid…If you've forgotten, she almost did."

"I know…but even she can only take so much…I mean she almost let the dark magick take over."

Faith could feel that she still wasn't getting the whole issue out of her friend. She dug deeper. "So you don't think Willow is strong enough to keep the bad mojo away?"

Kennedy stammered and fidgeted. "No…not exactly…but what if something happens?"

Faith stared at the brunette. "There's always a chance something could happen to Willow…or you…or any of us…and not just the demon shit…people have stuff happen everyday…they get hurt…hit by a car…you know there aren't any guarantees."

Kennedy finally let it out. "I can't make it without Willow…if something happened to her, if I really did lose her, I won't survive."

Faith looked at her friend with compassion. She finally saw what Kennedy's problem was. "Kenne…you thought you lost Will. How you reacted was normal…you were hurting."

Kennedy shook her head. "No Faith…I lost it…I pushed everyone away…I didn't even act like a real slayer…I completely lost it…All I wanted to do was get drunk and kill things." Then she stared intently at Faith. "What if Willow really did die?…I could go over the edge…I know now I could…I can't let Willow know that."

The older slayer stayed silent for a while. She wanted to make sure her thoughts were organized before she responded. She finally spoke. "K, I'm kinda glad you went through what you did…it showed me how much faith you have in Willow and what you guys have…If you didn't freak then I woulda been worried…And about the future?…I say fuck it…We don't know what's gonna happen, so don't worry about it…besides, you wouldn't go off the deep end anyway…you know why?"

Faith spoke seriously. "Because you were already on the edge…you've seen it…you won't go go back there…no matter what happens. You should tell Willow…She'd understand that."

Kennedy didn't respond; she took in the words from her friend. Then she went to speak but Faith stopped her. "You and I are a lot alike in some ways…that's why I know you won't fall apart…Once people like us finally see the big picture, we don't make that mistake again…believe me, I know what I'm talking about."

Kennedy understood from where Faith was coming. The two had had conversations in the past about Faith's horrible transgressions and how she struggled for a long time to prove to herself that she was a different person now. Faith had traveled on the path of destruction for quite a while, too long. She had killed innocents and devastated the ones that only tried to help her. Faith had seen hell; she'd wallowed in it. But the slayer had also redeemed herself. She now knew her life was on a good course. Most importantly, she knew she would never let herself get that lost again. That part of her had died and was buried for good.

Kennedy remained quiet and soon the two slayers returned to their patrolling. All that needed to be said had been. The women slowly returned to their banter, but all the while the brunette knew that when she got home, she and Willow would have to talk.

While Faith was getting to the bottom of Kennedy's problems, Buffy was trying to do the same with Willow. It was evident to everyone that Willow had been significantly affected by her time away. Though she wasn't in the grief stricken state as when Tara died, the witch had undergone behavioral changes. She was still jovial and kind but she also carried with her a slight melancholy. She also seemed nervous at times.

Buffy knew the best way to get Willow to open up was through chocolate. The friends had had many nights when they sat in their dorm room at UC Sunnydale and spilled their issues over a container of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie. As it would turn out, this evening was no exception.

"It should be a law that chocolate ice cream has to be given away free. I'm convinced if we ate more chocolate we'd be less violent." The two friends were sitting on the couch in Willow's place not really watching some irritating reality show.

Buffy chuckled at her friend's newest theory. "World peace through chocolate?" She questioned amused. Willow nodded triumphantly. The slayer quickly added, "Maybe you should use it on Kennedy." Buffy hoped this comment would start 'the talk.'

Willow stopped eating her ice cream. Sadly, "I know…We've been kinda all 'grrrr' at each other lately."

Buffy knew she had her foot in the door. "What's up, Will?…I figured you guys would be all kissy face and nauseatingly happy?"

The redhead didn't know where to start. She had previously thought about talking to Buffy about Kennedy. The witch had also thought to tell her about the dream but she hadn't had it for over two weeks and figured that was finally behind her. Then the dream happened the night before. Kennedy had been so patient with her and all her 'weirdness' since her return, the redhead didn't want to worry her. Willow saw how the brunette had taken on the extra burden to make sure she could get through her 'issues.' There were times when she felt guilty about it and wished the brunette wasn't so understanding. There were also times when a part of her felt angry that Kennedy was so protective of her. Willow knew she couldn't just keep holding it inside; she had to talk to someone.

The witch looked at her best friend. "I-I've had this recurring dream since I came back."

Buffy's first question was, "Does Kennedy know?" Willow shook her head. The blonde realized there had to be a reason why Willow had not confided in her girlfriend. She decided to let the redhead talk through her problem. "What's the dream about?"

Willow then told Buffy about the dream and its frequency. "I thought I stopped having it, but it happened again last night."

Buffy could see how much that dream bothered her friend. The fear Willow had when she first came back from England after she tried to end the world was stifling. The witch was terrified that anything she tried might send her back to the dark magicks. The gentle Willow feared her own ability to hurt those she loved. Over time, and partly because of Kennedy, Buffy saw Willow transform in that regard. The slayer spell made her know she could control her magick. Her time in Brazil and after had brought her to a point of total ease and faith in her abilities as a witch.

The fact that Willow had almost given into the dark magicks during her disappearance must have shook the very foundation of her belief in herself, in her power to control. Willow had once told Buffy, after her return from Brazil, that she had never hated herself as much as when she fought the blonde and Giles during that horrible time after Tara's death. "I could never see myself going evil again." Yet, the witch almost had.

"Are you thinking that you could go veiny?" Buffy didn't believe the witch would ever do that.

"I don't believe that for a minute…You didn't go all bad..you stopped it…That shows that you're in control."

Buffy could sense that there was still something nagging at her friend. "If it's not that, then what is it, Will?…Is it something Kennedy did?"

Willow gave a small smile. "No, she's been great…putting up with all my wonkiness…Maybe too great…She's never said anything about that…and how do I say thanks?…By not getting my act together."

Buffy heard the disapproving tone in her voice. "That's not being fair to yourself…you went through something horrible…you were in some warped dimension being attacked for five months…give yourself some time…Kennedy understands that."

Willow let out a small breath. She looked at the television. "I know that. She's always been there for me and how did I repay her?"

Buffy sensed that Willow had wandered off to another topic. The witch's mind was thinking of some other action of hers. "Will?…What are you talking about?"

The redhead stared at Buffy without uttering a word for quite some time. Then, "I killed her, Buffy…how could I have killed her?"

Buffy now understood where Willow's issues were coming from; she was feeling guilty for having killed the imposter Kennedy. "Willow, you said she was trying to kill you…you had no choice…besides, it wasn't Kennedy."

Willow responded quickly. "But it was…it was Kennedy…a different version…but it was still her…Sometimes, she was Kennedy…At the end, she helped me almost, like she wanted me to leave…So she wouldn't have to hurt me…How could I do it?…I shouldn't have been able to."

Buffy shook her head. "You're wrong…You had to…to get back to your real life…Kennedy understands that."

Willow knew that Buffy still didn't understand. "Did I have to?…Why didn't I send her away like I did Glory…And remember when the vampire version of me was here?…She tried to kill people; she hurt people…" Then Willow's voice got soft. "I didn't let her die…I could have let you or Angel stake her…but I couldn't…because in some weird way, she was still me…a version of me."

Buffy could see her friend wasn't done so she remained quiet to let the witch finish her thoughts. Willow finally continued.

"I couldn't let an evil vampire be killed but I had no problem with killing Kennedy…Even if she was after me, she wasn't a demon…she was a real person…She was only that way because of what I did there…because I almost turned…" Then as if in defeat, "I killed Kennedy."

The truth was finally out. Buffy felt so bad for Willow. The redhead really thought she had betrayed Kennedy because of her actions done only to get back to the girl. Buffy put an arm around her friend.

In a comforting tone, "Will, you didn't kill Kennedy. That wasn't her, no matter how much she seemed like Kennedy…She was only there because of DeAntiao. He made all that happen, not you…And Kennedy knows that you would never hurt her…You did what you had to do…Whether it was Kennedy or a demon…or vampire Willow in front of you…You had to stay alive…You did the right thing…" Buffy gave the witch a hug. "It got you back to us…that is the only thing that matters."

The two women hugged each other for a while. Buffy could feel some of Willow's tension leave her body. They let go of each other and Buffy saw that smile again on her friend.

"I just don't want Kenne to think I could do that to her…I don't wanna think I could do that anymore."

"You need to talk to Kennedy. Let her know how you feel…I know she wouldn't want you to be worrying over this."

"Of course I'm right…who knows more about relationships?" Buffy sarcastically stated. When she saw Willow about to respond, the blonde put the witch's spoon back in her mouth. "Eat Will…eat."

It was about midnight when Kennedy and Faith returned. The two older slayers gave each other a look that let both know they were successful in their mission. They quickly said their good nights and soon the Willow and Kennedy found themselves alone.

"Us, too." The tension was evident. Finally, Kennedy couldn't handle it any longer.

Kennedy didn't have a chance to finish; Willow interjected. "I know…We do need to talk…" The witch gave a sad smile. "We haven't done much of that lately."

The two women headed for the kitchen. They were minutes away from truly putting their life back to that comfortable, safe place each longed for.

The slayer could feel her heartbeat begin so slow down to its normal rhythm. The tingling that had rushed through her body was only the remnant of a memory now. She could feel the witch's weight on her body. Willow lay partly on the brunette, her head resting on the slayer's stomach. The witch's chest still labored from her recent actions to her girl. The redhead's left arm draped across bronzed thighs and a slender leg likewise entwined with her slayer's legs. The bed sheet covered the women unevenly. As Kennedy waited for her body to return to normal, she could sense her redhead's doing the same.

"Oh my God…It's true…Make up sex is incredible." Kennedy could feel Willow's smile on her skin. "I don't think I can move…You may have sexed me into paralysis."

Willow chuckled and slowly turned her head so she could look at the woman. "Well, I may join you…I think I pulled a muscle and my tongue isn't working right."

Kennedy sat up and reached for the redhead, taking her by the arms and pulling her up to her. Willow willingly went. "Here, let's see if Dr. Prescott notices anything wrong." The slayer then gave the witch a long and deep kiss. She leaned back when done. "Nope…Seems to be working just fine to me." Willow laughed and laid back down next to Kennedy, the witch's head resting on her slayer's shoulder.

The women were coming down from several hours of love-making. It had been the culmination of the couple opening up to each other earlier in the thin hours of the night. After Buffy and Faith left, Kennedy and Willow sat on the living room couch and talked. They finally really talked to each other about their feelings from the five month separation. Each took her turn letting the other know her fears and doubts. They uncovered their secrets and divulged their dreams and the truth behind them. The couple communicated like their lives depended on it, and they did. Nothing was held back; everything was naked to the other.

It was almost 4am before the whole truth was out and examined. The witch and slayer had earnestly discussed their uncertainties. All had been understood and forgiven or explained. Willow made Kennedy see that she didn't have to fear the depth of her love. The witch knew that the slayer was strong of heart and would never turn against her destiny or family. For Kennedy's part, she made Willow understand that she could never fear the witch, would never think that Willow could intentionally harm her. Kennedy made certain that Willow knew she didn't need to carry any guilt for what she did. She was proud of Willow for having survived in her hell world.

By the time they finished talking, the women knew they were finally putting their ordeal behind them. They both promised the other that they would share their problems, no matter how painful or burdensome that might be. The weight of the world had been lifted from the shoulders and minds of the couple. They had a renewed sense of their relationship and of themselves.

That joyous feeling toward each other soon took the form of physical need. The heaviness of their issues dissolved and was replaced with the desire to rejoice in each other's body. The thankful embracing marking the end of their "talk" soon gave way to needful touching and kissing. It didn't take long before the women were desperate for the other. The couch gave way to the spacious comfort of their bed where they proceeded to drive each other to the edge of delirium over the next several hours. Their physical show of unity mingled with shorts bouts of slumber, usually just long enough for the redhead to regain her energy and continue in stride with the slayer's stamina. It was a glorious night that quickly turned to day.

The two women now lay in bed, knowing that they truly were starting their life back together again. Though neither wanted to rise, the clock on the bedside table let them know they had to.

"Damn, it's ten-thirty…We gotta be at Buffy's by eleven, right?" There was a meeting for the Scoobies at Slayer Central. That was the one thing Kennedy didn't miss during her whole ordeal; the girl hated meetings.

Willow glanced at the clock and sat up. "Yeah…and you know how Buffy gets if anyone's late." Since the blonde's return after the South Beach incident, she had a renewed sense of purpose when it came to her slayer obligations. She began to take a more active role in the activities and administrative duties of Slayer Central. She also was more involved with the newer slayers. Gone were the days of her semi-retirement. Buffy was 'the slayer' and there was no way she could dodge her destiny. More importantly, she didn't want to anymore.

Willow went to get out of bed but was yanked back down by the brunette. Kennedy took the witch in her arms. "We could call them and tell 'em we got ebola…or anthrax or something."

The redhead laughed. "Your attempts at subtlety amaze me…Let's go you sex fiend." With that, Willow turned over and got out of bed, dragging the brunette with her.

The couple showered, changed and were ready to leave when the phone rang. Kennedy checked caller ID and saw it was Faith calling. She picked up the receiver. "Hey, Faith? What's up?"

"Yo, just calling to see if you two were coming to the meeting this morning." Faith's voice sounded hesitant. Kennedy could tell that wasn't the real reason she was calling.

Kennedy couldn't keep the woman in suspense. "We're fine, Faith. We talked…Everything's good." The brunette could actually hear Faith relax. She just then realized how worried their friends must have been for the couple.

Before they hung up, "Faith?…So Buffy doesn't have to wait, you better let her know you two's tag team plan worked." As she was putting down the phone, she could hear Faith sarcastically say, "I got no idea what you're talking about."

The meeting was held and everyone could see the attitude change in the couple. That day soon ended and the following days quickly turned into weeks. Willow and Kennedy finally had their life back. The dreams for both stopped and they became the couple that the rest of the Scoobies remembered. Willow's readjustment continued. She eventually was able to be by herself, even at night. When she had Buffy or Xander over, it was because she wanted to, not because she felt she had to have them there. It was no longer necessary for her to leave a light on in the house. She didn't fear any attacks or an unexpected disappearance. Though she still didn't have a job, the witch didn't feel rushed. She had told Kennedy that she wanted to concentrate on her witchcraft again, to try to gain further insight. The slayer was nothing but supportive. Knowing that money wasn't an issue for the couple made the redhead feel more relaxed with her decision but also a little guilty. Once again, she didn't want to feel completely dependent upon Kennedy's money. She wanted to contribute to the couple in concrete ways. Kennedy helped her with that issue. "Red, I know you aren't trying to soak me for my money…And I know you have every intention of getting a job when you're ready…So, until you are, don't worry about it. Just concentrate on your magick…Do your best with that."

While Willow was studying her craft, Kennedy also had matters at hand. She had one semester of college left and she wanted to finish. She signed up for fall classes at CSU. "I'm gonna get that degree if it kills me." The brunette had decided to major in language. Actually, the degree was officially in linguistics, but every time anyone said that word around Xander he started chuckling like a twelve year old. "What? A lesbian linguist…Tell me that doesn't sound naughty."

On Labor Day, the entire Scooby Gang and Slayer Central staff and enrollees met at Xander's and Jessie's place for a barbeque. It was a great day. The holiday was made even more special by Xander's announcement that he and Jessie were getting married within the month. "I swear, I'm gonna do it this time," the man said when he received looks from Buffy and Willow. They really liked Jessie and wouldn't think of Xander pulling a walkout on her. The two women hugged and congratulated their old friend. Somehow, they knew Xander would be the first to marry.

After the excitement of the news had settled, the party goers returned to having a good time. Buffy and Willow eventually sat in lounge chairs under the big maple tree in the back yard. The two were discussing Xander's nuptials and the reason for the quick date. "I can't believe we're going to go to Xander's wedding…again…and Xan's going to be a daddy…" Xander had told Willow and Buffy about Jessie's pregnancy alone after the general wedding announcement was made. "You know, he really seemed happy about the whole thing…not scared at all…Although, it was obvious those two were in it for the long haul." Buffy was so happy for her friend.

Willow nodded. "Jessie's perfect for him…and he's gonna be a great dad…He still acts like a kid half the time…He'll relate so well." Then Willow got a devilish look. "So, are you next?" She raised an eyebrow to the blonde.

"Whoa, there!…Things are going just fine for me and Jimmy the way they are…I don't want to rush anything…This is the first time I think I really got a chance for something to last…So don't go picking out any invitations just yet." The blonde took a long drink of her iced tea. Then she looked at Willow. "Besides, if anyone should talk about making it official…" Buffy let her voice trial off.

Willow blushed. It was true that she and Kennedy had been together the longest of the Scoobies. She also knew that unless she fell asleep and Canada had taken over America, gay marriage wasn't possible. She momentarily wondered what she and Kennedy's status would have been by that day if it was possible. They had never discussed the topic of a ceremony or anything of that nature. Willow assumed that Kennedy wasn't interested in bending to that particular tradition of the straight world. Though Kennedy was open about her sexual identity, she had often made comments to Willow about the hypocrisy of the straight world and its treatment of gays and lesbians. The redhead decided to answer her friend jokingly. "Too bad, can't…Kenne's allergic to rice." Buffy thought she detected a bit of sadness in her best friend's voice.

While the witch and the blonde slayer were busy talking, the two brunettes were having their own discussion. Faith had just told Kennedy that she and Miguel were moving to the United States. "You're shittin' me?…You're moving to New York?" Faith and Miguel had decided to move to New York City by the end of the year. Miguel had found a lucrative business opportunity there. The man had discovered, during his time with Faith, that he enjoyed the chase and the fight more than his administrative duties. He eventually talked to Giles who had already had the inkling that Miguel was seeking a career change. The Brazilian branch of Slayer network had two other watchers in place when Miguel decided to leave. Giles made sure the transition went easily for all concerned.

The couple had thought about moving to Cleveland but knew that there were lots of cities that needed slayers. Though Cleveland was on a hellmouth, there were plenty of slayers to take of any big bad that showed its ugly head there. Also, as much as Faith tried to deny it, she was still, in part, a loner. She liked working an area without the input of lots of other people. "Too many cooks in the kitchen" as she put it when Kennedy asked her why they weren't moving to Cleveland.

"That's great Faith. We'll be able to see you a lot more often now." Kennedy knew that her and Willow's future was still not written in stone in Cleveland. Though they had no plans to move, Kennedy couldn't say for sure what their future held. "And don't worry, I won't say anything to Will while we're here." Faith had asked Kennedy not to mention the news to anyone yet. The older slayer wanted Xander and Jessie to have the day all to themselves.

The women continued talking and soon the discussion turned to the witch and slayer. "So, K, you and Red look pretty much back to normal."

Kennedy took a drink from her beer. "We are. Willow's got almost all of it behind her…and I start my last semester in a few weeks…Things couldn't be better."

"I'm glad to hear that." Faith was. She had always rooted for Kennedy, especially when it came to Willow. She too knew how much Tara had been loved and accepted by the Scoobies. When she found out about the blonde witch's death and Kennedy's courting of Willow when she returned to Sunnydale, Faith knew the then Potential had her hands full. She knew that there were those among the Scoobies who disliked her and questioned her motives. That had changed when they saw how much she truly loved their dear witch. As much of a hard ass as Faith knew she was or could be, she had a soft spot for the witch and slayer. She had always wanted to see them make it. Now she was certain they had.

Labor Day ended and before the couple knew it, the first day of Kennedy's last semester was upon them. The brunette scrambled around their bedroom getting ready. After putting on her clothes, she sat at the vanity to do her make-up. She stopped when she glanced at the photo of her and Willow tucked in corner of the mirror's frame. The photo was the most recent of them, taken at Xander's Labor Day blowout bash. The slayer for some reason, despite being behind schedule, glued her eyes to that picture. As she examined it, one inescapable fact emerged. The two women in that picture were completely happy. The slayer saw no sign of the struggles they'd been through. The picture could have been of any two people in love, any two not a slayer or witch. Looking at that photo gave Kennedy such a peaceful feeling. She had everything she had ever wanted and everything she could ever need. Willow had made her entire life make sense.

The brunette knew that there was still so much more to share with her redhead. Their entire lives were ahead of them. Kennedy started to think about the possibilities. She had been doing that often the past several weeks. Where would she and Willow be in five years? In ten? What would their lives be like? The brunette had never before thought about their future in quite that way. Truth be told, Kennedy never thought she'd be having that type of internal inspection. Though she had never thought she'd end up alone, the slayer didn't see herself as one to contemplate the typical straight world dilemmas. She was gay and with that had accepted certain facts. The society she lived in didn't treat her as an equal; in some segments, she wasn't wanted at all. As a rebellion, Kennedy had decided long ago that she didn't want or need society's institutions or trappings. Willow, that wisp of a redhead, had completely changed that around. Because of that gentle soul, Kennedy now wanted the all the symbols of togetherness – the open commitment, the home with a dog…she even thought about kids. Every time Kennedy looked into those emerald eyes, she saw her future, and she couldn't wait for it to begin. Looking at the little picture on the mirror now, the brunette knew exactly how she wanted her and Willow's life to be and how she would put it in motion.

Kennedy came out of her contemplation, a serene smile on her face. Just then Willow walked in. "Hey, You're not ready?" Kennedy chuckled with the witch's comment. She knew how much Willow loved school, any school. The thought of being late her first day must have had Willow in knots. "You goofing around, missy?"

Kennedy finished with her make-up and as she got up, she gave her witch a quick kiss. "Nope, just thinking about us…And I'm ready now, so don't worry…I won't be late for class."

Willow followed Kennedy to the front door, a perplexed look on her face from the slayer's comment in the bedroom. The brunette got her keys, books and jacket. "I'll be home by lunch time…This is my early day." The slayer kissed her witch once more and opened the door to leave. Half way out, she stopped and turned to Willow. She had a serious look on her face. "How 'bout Saturday, we go on a picnic, just you and me?"

"There's a park over by LaCrosse Street that's supposed to be nice." Kennedy knew this would be the couple's first park outing since the witch's return.

The brunette smiled proudly. "Anything you say, Will." Kennedy knew this was one more piece of their life that Willow was reclaiming.

Kennedy leaned in and gave her redhead another kiss good bye. This time she lingered on the witch's lips, staring intently into green eyes after the kiss was over. "I love you." There was such depth to the slayer's words.

Willow stared at her girl for a few moments. "I love you, too." Willow could sense Kennedy had something on her mind, but the witch got the feeling that it was something for the slayer to divulge.

Kennedy smiled at Willow again before shutting the door behind her. As she walked to her car, Kennedy knew that the upcoming picnic would be one that she and Willow would never forget. It was when, she hoped, the two of them would decide to take another step forward in their lives together.

The redhead watched as Kennedy's car drove from her view. That scene in the bedroom and at the door had the witch wondering. Willow went into the living room, deciding that she would just have to wait for the weekend for Kennedy's intentions to be made known. She had no uneasiness about it though; something deep inside told her that only good things were ahead for them. Whatever the brunette had in store, she was ready. The redhead knew that with Kennedy she would do anything and go anywhere.

Willow sat on the couch and turned on the television. She automatically put it on CNN. The witch stared at the tv for a few minutes, then started to channel surf. She stopped when a rerun of "Friends" came up. Willow put down the remote and watched the show. The witch's last demon from her banishment was slain.

"Oh, this is the one where Monica and Chandler propose to each other." Willow kept watching, the whole time thinking of Kennedy and saying to herself, 'Could she be thinking about?…Who knows…but it would be nice.' The possibilities danced in the redhead's mind.

The slayer and witch were just days away from yet again embracing the next chapter in their life together.

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Parallel

by LilBit

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