postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 20:49:08 GMT -5
Disclaimer: I own none of this...except the twisted idea to put these two together. LOL. Summary: Buffy procrastinates on her book report and winds up stuck in the land of Oz instead. Along the way, she must learn the reasons why she can't just click her heels at the beginning and she has to deal with some characters from her life. Pairing: B/W (b/c it's all I know...lol) Rating: PG (this is just mostly Buffy on a journey) Author: Rin Distribution: www.ikoly.com/fanfic/authors.php?no=218----------- As the vampire below her continued to rest, Buffy waited impatiently, reading the book she was assigned for Senior English. The blonde slayer huffed, angry that she couldn’t just watch the movie like she normally would. Willow had insisted she read the book first, though. It was almost impossible for the slayer to deny her best friend anything. Buffy sighed. “Are you gonna come out soon? I still need to do my calculus homework, and Will’s probably in bed already.” Buffy mumbled to the unmoving grave. Finally, the ground started to shake, and dirt began to rumble. “Finally.” Buffy was too tired to even attempt a fight tonight. Lately, she had just wanted to get away again. Go someplace far, far away. Some place where there isn’t any trouble. She didn’t even give the vampire a chance to rise completely before she slammed her stake in his heart, and watched him mingle with the fresh dirt he had been buried in earlier that day. As she started her trek home, her thoughts fell back on Willow. These days, that’s all her thoughts did. Her grades could attest to that. Ever since she found out about the redhead and Xander, it had been hard not to be jealous. She did her best not to show her open feelings but it started to get harder once Oz left the picture. ‘I’m going to find myself; get rid of the wolf.’ That’s what he’d told Willow. The redhead begged him not to go but he still did, and Willow had been mopey girl ever since. Secretly, Buffy was elated that the redhead was free but that unrequited feeling of lust and love she had for her best friend just made it harder. The slayer inside her was just screaming to take action, be bold, tell her friend about her feelings. The seventeen-year-old girl inside her was telling her that so many things would go wrong, including the worst thing possible: losing Willow in any way, shape, or form. Buffy came out here to slay, to fulfill her duty, all to make the world safe for her friends, especially Willow. Crawling into bed, she picked up her book, determined to do as Willow wished. The movie was sitting on her dresser, ready to be watched. It was tempting just to stick it in there, and forget the book entirely. Surely, there couldn’t be that much difference. Then again, she did get a C on that last paper because she had obviously watched the film instead. Making a decision, she forced herself to read the book. She got into the second chapter before she put it down, frustrated and tired. ------------------------- “Morning, Giles.” Buffy walked in, sunglasses still plastered to her face. It was too bright today, even in the musty, old library. “Buffy, how was patrol?” Giles made his way from behind the counter, and joined Buffy in front of the table. “Boring. I waited for that vampire to rise like you said but he took forever. I didn’t get to bed until after four, and I’m swamped.” Buffy put her head on the table. Maybe a small nap before classes started would help. “I’ve been doing research on Angel’s reappearance. I can’t seem to find anything solid but I’ve managed to uncover a few theories.” Giles took a deep breath; unhappy at the long hours he’d spent on Angel’s case. Buffy didn’t ask him to, she honestly didn’t seem to care about the vampire anymore but the Watcher in him would not allow a phenomenon like this to hang above their heads. It could be relevant at some point in the future, be it evil or good. “I’m sure he’s doing research, too.” Buffy sighed. She didn’t want to think about Angel. He was still a sore point, and she absolutely abhorred him. Okay, so that was harsh. She didn’t hate him completely. She just didn’t like him anymore, if she ever really did. He was something she couldn’t have, something forbidden, and she realized too late that their relationship was more of a rebellion against her duties as the slayer. She didn’t want to accept her own fate, so she chose to mingle with an evil being, soul or no soul. “Yes, well…perhaps it would be wise to take Willow or Xander along with you tonight.” Giles never suggested putting the others in harm’s way but it was quiet these past few days, and Buffy needed to spend more time with her friends. It seemed the three of them were drifting apart slightly. “I’ll think about it.” Buffy choked down a growl, as she heard the bell ring, signaling it was time for Calculus. She’d only done a few of the problems before she left for school this morning, and they were probably wrong anyways. “I’ll see you later, Giles.” ---------------------------- The day went by fast, and nothing exciting happened. She decided to take Willow out tonight, just the two of them. They were in the Espresso Pump, chatting about the matinee they’d caught when Cordelia walked over to them, smug expression on her face. “I see the fashion police haven’t caught you yet.” Cordelia curled her nose up at the two. “If I really cared, I would take you down to the sheriff right now, and make sure those clothes are destroyed.” “Nice to see they let you out of your cage, Cordy.” Buffy squinted her eyes in warning. There was no need for the comments but the former cheerleader was just angry at the redhead. Still, Buffy would have none of it. Willow was already upset about the situation. “Don’t blame me because you are fashion rejects. It’s not my fault only demons and losers will touch you.” Cordelia stared holes into Willow. “Cordelia Chase, just because you own half the county doesn’t mean you have the power to run the rest of us! For seventeen years, I’ve been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now – well, being a good witch, I can’t say it!” Willow stood up, and grabbed her bag, huffing past the beauty queen, Buffy following fast behind her. “Will, wait up!” Buffy followed her friend out, surprised at the outburst from the quiet girl. “Hey, you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine.” Willow stopped, and sat down on the bench. “I’m just mad. I tried to be her friend, and yeah…I screwed up, I let what I thought were feelings for Xander ruin that but…but…” “It’s okay, Wills. I’m just surprised is all.” Buffy sat down next to her friend, and placed a comforting hand on the redhead’s knee. “I get it. If I’d known I didn’t really love Angel like I thought, all of last year could’ve been avoided. Ms. Calendar would still be alive, and…a lot of people would still be alive.” “Hey, it’s not your fault.” Willow swallowed hard, as she gripped Buffy’s calloused hand in hers. “You didn’t know Angel would go evil. We just let our hormones get the better of us. Maybe subconsciously, I knew it would hurt Cordelia, and that’s why I did it. I don’t know. I just…I know I hurt Xander, too, and that’s what bothers me more.” “I don’t ever want to hurt you.” Buffy’s eyes were so open, so revealing. “Willow, I…” “Looks like you girls could use a hand.” Two strangers approached the girls, and Buffy’s slaydar immediately cried ‘vampires.’ “We’re fine, thank you.” Buffy watched them approach closer, as she subtly grabbed her bag, and fished around for a stake. All she found was her holy water-filled mace, as she pointed it at the two. “Mace won’t help you, little girl.” The taller vampire said, as he vamped out first. “It has a little extra zing.” Buffy sprayed it in their faces, as smoke started to billow from them. While they were distracted, she dug in her jacket to pull out her stake, disposing of the two vampires quickly. “You okay?” “I’m fine. You’re my hero.” Willow smiled that purely Willow smile, and Buffy couldn’t help but smile in return. It was adoring, loving, and awe-stricken all at the same time. “Should we patrol?” “I think we should.” Buffy was about to pour her heart out right there, that look on Willow’s face said so much. As a matter of fact, a lot of things lately had hinted that the redhead’s feelings for her might be deeper. ‘If only…’ Buffy didn’t want to risk the friendship if she was wrong. Again, Buffy started to feel tired and worn thin. She just wanted to escape it all, get away but she knew Willow would hurt more if she ran away again. No, she’d have to stay put for now. ------- As she tried to finish the book, Buffy found she thought about Willow the entire four pages she’d sifted through the past two hours. Reading was getting her nowhere, and the paper was due tomorrow. She’d have to watch the movie again after all. School started in a few hours, and there was no way she’d finish the book, and get a decent paper written in time. She was already about to fall asleep, as the rain was hitting stronger against her window. Getting out of bed, she laid the book aside, and put in the movie. Cuddling up to Mr. Gordo, she started the film, sighing that she was letting Willow down. She feared that it’s all she would do if a relationship with the redhead were ever possible. The storm outside got louder, as the tree branches started hitting her windows. She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, worried that her mother’s drive from Los Angeles would be delayed. She clutched Mr. Gordo to her, as she walked to the window to have a look outside. She could see a tornado in the distance, as the winds blew against her window harder. The branches against the window hit extra hard, as the tornado grew closer, and with one big hit, the window went smashing in, as Buffy flew back from the wind. She struggled to stand, as she grabbed hold of Mr. Gordo extra tight, and made her way into the hallway. The windows, walls, and pictures were all rattling. She saw a picture of her and her parents fall to the ground, the frame broken, and glass now on the floor. She dodged the broken glass, as she made her way down the stairs. She was trying to get to the basement but to no avail. There was a loud boom, a strong rumble like an earthquake, and everything stopped. It was eerily quiet and calm; the rain was no longer hitting the roof, the branches no longer hitting the windows. Curious, Buffy made her way down the rest of the stairs until she came to the doorway. Still clutching to her stuffed pig, she walked onto her porch, only to stare out at vibrant colors, and a winding, yellow road. There were small people ducking their heads out to stare at her, and she was tempted to pass out on the spot. Staring down at Mr. Gordo, her wide-eyed expression said it all. “Mr. Gordo, I’ve a feeling we’re not on the Hellmouth anymore.” Buffy swallowed hard, as she stared out at the tiny village in front of her.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 20:49:43 GMT -5
Chapter 2: We Welcome You to Munchkinland
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There were tiny people peeking their heads out all around her, as she walked closer into the village. How did this happen? Sure, it was Hellmouth-worthy but this place didn’t make her spidey sense tingle. Actually, it gave her a calm euphoria of emotional senses; it was soothing. As Buffy made her way onto the road, she noticed it was made of yellow bricks. ‘This is not happening…’
Just as she was getting ready to run back into her house, and try to wake herself up, a glowing ball started to fall from the sky in an ethereal movement. It dissolved into the most beautiful woman Buffy had ever met: Willow. However, the dress she was wearing was something straight out of a bad movie musical.
“Now I know I’m not on the Hellmouth.” Buffy loosened her grip on Mr. Gordo, as she walked closer to Willow.
“Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?” Willow cocked her head to the side, as though she didn’t recognize the blonde.
“Who, me?” Buffy wanted to chuckle but held back upon seeing the seriousness on her friend’s face. “Why, I’m not a witch at all. It’s me, Wills. You know…Buffy the Vampire Slayer, your best friend.”
“Oh! Well…” Willow truly did not seem to recognize her. “…is that the witch?”
“Who, Mr. Gordo?” Buffy again had to hold back a chuckle; though she started to worry she had somehow flown herself into some wacky alternate reality. Giles would want to know everything, so she tried to pay attention. “He’s a stuffed pig.”
“Well, I’m a little muddled. The Munchkins called me because a new witch has just dropped a house on the wicked witch of the East. And there’s the house, and here you are, and that’s all that’s left of the Wicked Witch of the East.” Willow pointed to two feet protruding from the bottom of the house. Buffy started to panic. “So what the Munchkins want to know is, are you a good witch, or a bad witch?”
“Oh, but I’ve already told you. I’m not a witch at all. This isn’t funny anymore, Wills.” Buffy wanted this to be a bad joke so bad but everything was too real. She knew HER Willow would never call little people munchkins; it wasn’t politically correct, and she’d be afraid of offending them. Buffy harrumphed, as she mumbled under her breath. “Witches are old and ugly.”
There were giggles, as Willow chuckled as well. Buffy didn’t mean to say that out loud. She knew it wasn’t true. After all, Willow was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she was becoming a witch.
“The Munchkins are laughing because I’m a witch. I’m Willow, the Witch of the North.” The redhead had that gorgeous smile on her face.
“Oh, I beg your pardon. You are very beautiful.” Buffy lowered her voice to whisper to herself. “Though I’ve always thought so.”
“Only bad witches are ugly.” The redhead watched, as the little people started to come out of hiding. “The Munchkins are happy because you have freed them from the Wicked Witch of the East.”
“This isn’t happening.” Buffy wanted to scream. “All I wanted was to get a good grade on this paper, not become the movie! Where the hell am I?”
“It’s Munchkinland, and you are their national heroine, my dear.” Willow motioned with her hands for the little people to approach. They slowly started to come out one by one but needed a little more coercing. “It’s all right. You may all come out and thank her.”
“Really…this isn’t happening.” Buffy watched as swarms of little people came out of the most ridiculous hiding places. ‘Please don’t let there be songs, please don’t let there be songs.’
“Well, the Munchkins are extremely grateful to you.” Willow turned to the cadre of Munchkins, and raised her voice in glee. “Let the joyous news be spread: the Wicked Old Witch at last is dead!”
“Thank the powers for small favors.” Buffy took a sigh of relief. No songs, thank goodness.
“Miss, I’m happy to announce that the Wicked Witch is most sincerely dead.” An older Munchkin, who carried with him some sort of document, handed it to two other regal looking munchkins. Again, Buffy couldn’t believe she was saying the word munchkin, and looking at a village full of them.
“We regally welcome you to Munchkin City.” A stout, older gentleman took her hand, as she was led into the center of the crowd. “History has been made today! Let it be rejoiced, and…”
A big smoke cloud followed a loud boom, as all the Munchkins ran to hide again. ‘Shit…can I just wake up already? Give me the shoes, I’ll click my heels, we’ll get this over with…’
“Cordelia?!” Buffy truly wanted to fall down laughing now. The former cheerleader was decked in what could only be explained as the worst outfit ever…plus, her skin was green! “Oh, I should’ve brought a camera. Wills would love this.”
“This is the Wicked Witch of the West, and she’s worse than the other one was.” Willow rolled her eyes, and stood protectively in front of Buffy. This was different. It was usually the slayer protecting the redhead. This was definitely an alternate reality.
“Who killed Harmony? Who killed the Witch of the East? Was it you? Answer me!” Cordelia was in Buffy’s face, pointing fingers. Maybe this reality wasn’t that much different.
“Leave her alone!” Willow forced herself further between Cordelia and Buffy.
“You stay out of this! I’m here for vengeance.” Cordy stalked closer, as her eyes squinted into that dangerous, predatory look Buffy was all too familiar with. “So it was you, was it? You killed her, didn’t you?”
“Technically, it was an accident. I didn’t plan on slaying any witches today.” Buffy looked over at Willow to see the girl’s resolve face in place. That made the slayer smile just a bit, despite the obvious danger at hand.
“Didn’t mean it, eh? Accident, eh? Well, my little pretty, I can cause accidents, too, and this is how I do it!” Cordelia raised her hand to strike but Willow stepped forward again.
“Aren’t you forgetting…the silver slippers?” Willow pointed over at the legs protruding from underneath the Summers house.
“The slippers! Yes, the slippers!” Cordelia forgot about them for a moment, and made her way towards the legs. Once she got there, the slippers disappeared, and she turned back in pure anger. “They’re gone! What have you done with them?! Give them back to me, or I’ll…”
“It’s too late!” Willow held her hand up in silence, and her voice was powerful. She pointed at Buffy’s feet. “There they are, and there they’ll stay.”
“Oh…these are cute.” Buffy examined the slippers, and decided to move things along by clicking her heels together three times. She remembered how this worked. “There’s no place like home.”
“What are you doing?” Cordelia shouted.
“Apparently nothing.” Buffy pouted, as noticed she had gone nowhere. Maybe she did it wrong. She really should’ve read the book.
“Give me back my slippers! I’m the only one that knows how to use them. They’re of no use to you! Give them back to me!” Cordelia started towards them again, as Willow whispered to Buffy.
“Keep tight inside them. Their magicks must be powerful, or she wouldn’t want them so badly.” The redhead stared down at the green witch.
“You stay out of this, Willow, or I’ll fix you as well!” Cordelia did her best angry eyes but the redhead didn’t even flinch. Instead, she just started to laugh. “Oh, rubbish. You have no power here. Be gone before somebody drops a house on you, too.” Willow’s laugh was infectious, and Buffy took a deep breath to relish in it.
“Very well. I’ll bide my time. And as for you, I can’t attend to you here and now as I’d like, but just try to stay out of my way! Just try!” Cordelia waved her hands in the air to leave but not without one final threat. “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little pig, too!”
“Well…that was overly dramatic.” Buffy huffed, as she clutched Mr. Gordo tighter to her. “So…how do I use these things? How do I get back?”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you there. You’ll have to ask the Wizard of Oz himself. He lives in Emerald City, which is quite a trek from here, though I suppose it wouldn’t be if you’d brought your broomstick, which I see you haven’t, so I guess you’ll have to walk…which isn’t going to be fun but it’s the only way there.” Willow took a deep breath. Babble…that was definitely a trait inherit of HER Willow. Oh, how she already missed her. “The Munchkins will see you to the border of Munchkinland but remember not to take those slippers off at any time, or you’ll be at the mercy of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
“Okay…so I guess I just follow the Yellow Brick road?” Buffy took a deep breath, and stared out at the long path. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” Willow the Witch of the North bent forward, and placed a soft, fluttering kiss on Buffy’s cheek. The blonde slayer blushed furiously, and touched her hand to where those soft lips were.
“Thanks.” Buffy choked on her words, as she kept her fingers touching that spot where Willow had kissed her. She still had goose bumps from the small contact, as she watched Willow dissolve back into her ball of light. “People come and go so quickly around here.”
The Munchkins didn’t have much work to do. Buffy knew what she had to do, as she started to follow the Yellow Brick road. ‘This is gonna suck in these heels…’
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 21:01:48 GMT -5
Chapter 3: If I only Had a Brain
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“Follow the Yellow Brick Road…” Buffy was singing to herself, as she clutched Mr. Gordo to her side, walking as fast as she could along the uncomfortable pavement. Coming upon a fork in the road, she took a deep breath. Maybe this was where she would get to meet the Scarecrow, and the walk wouldn’t be as boring. As much as she loved Mr. Gordo, he wasn’t much of a conversationalist. A big part of her wished that Willow the Good Witch would’ve taken the walk with her. Then again, she probably had witchy stuff to do; no need to bother her. She wasn’t HER Willow anyways, whom she was missing more with each step she took. “Now which way do we go?”
“That way is a very nice way.” A voice said from somewhere.
“Finally.” Buffy walked over to find the Scarecrow but couldn’t tell which one it was. There were three of them in the field. She eyed each of them carefully. “Who said that?”
“It’s pleasant down that way, too.” The voice said again.
“This isn’t funny. Which one are you?” Buffy stood close to them, and studied them each separately. They all looked the same: lots of straw, tattered clothes, and a hat.
“Of course, people do go both ways.” It was as though this creature was taunting her.
“I know it’s one of you, so just fess up.” Buffy saw one of them nod his head, then shake his head. “Are you doing that on purpose, or can’t you make up your mind?”
“That’s the trouble.” Giles! It couldn’t be…this was too funny. She really wanted that camera now. “I can’t make up my mind. I haven’t got a brain – only straw.”
“Okay…how can you talk if you haven’t got a brain?” Buffy decided to test him. This was too good to be true.
“I don’t know…but some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don’t they?” Scarecrow Giles was missing his glasses, and just dangled on the post.
“Yeah, I already met this reality’s Cordelia. Not much different from mine.” Buffy snickered, as she tried to find a way to help Giles down.
“Oh, I’m not feeling at all well. You see, it’s very tedious being stuck up here all day long with a pole up your back.” Giles did something similar to a pout.
“Apparently, you’re not much different, either. Even without brains, you use big words I don’t understand.” Buffy didn’t want to add her thoughts on the pole stuck in places. “Let me help you down.”
“Oh, that’s very kind of you…very kind.” Giles watched in curiosity as Buffy went to the back, and began to lift his entire body without stress. “Of course, I’m not that bright about doing things but if you just bend the nail down in the back, maybe I’ll just slip off, and OH!!”
“Oh…sorry.” Buffy grimaced, as she lost her grip on Scarecrow Giles. He fell to the grass, and some of the straw came out of him.
“Ha…there goes some of me again.” Giles started to pick up, and stuff the straw back in his shirt.
“That’s really disturbing…” Buffy tried not to laugh but it was growing increasingly difficult.
“Did I scare you?” Giles cocked his head in question, as he noticed Buffy was holding her hand over her mouth.
“Oh…no. I, uh…I just thought you hurt yourself.” Buffy bit her lip.
“But I didn’t scare you?”
“No – of course not.” Buffy was going to walk closer to Giles but a crow landed on his shoulder. Again, she had to bite down her lip to keep from laughing.
“Boo! Scat!!” Scarecrow Giles only looked foolish trying to scare the crow from his shoulder. “You see…I can’t even scare a crow! They come from miles around just to eat in my field and laugh in my face! Oh, I’m a failure because I haven’t got a brain.”
“Well…what would you do with a brain if you had one?” Buffy thought back to her Giles, and couldn’t help but wish she had that camera even more. It’d be good for blackmail in the future when she wanted a day off from patrol.
“Do? Why, if I had a brain, I could…well, I could…”
“While away the hours, conferrin’ with the flowers?” Buffy thought she wasn’t going to have to endure any songs. Looks like she was ready to do that happy dance too soon.
“I beg your pardon?” Giles was still very British, even in a Scarecrow outfit.
“Nothing.” Buffy coughed uncomfortably but at least she didn’t have to rule out that happy dance.
“Oh. Well…” Scarecrow Giles did something similar to a little dance of his own. Buffy couldn’t figure out exactly what he was doing. “Sorry, a piece of straw was positioned uncomfortably.”
“Well…if my Giles back home in Sunnydale did that, the vamp…uh, crows’d be scared to pieces.” Buffy coughed again. This was a ‘happy place’ but she wasn’t sure if vampires and demons was a good topic of conversation.
“They would?” Giles perked up a little.
“Oh, yeah…” Buffy didn’t mention that she was a little scared, unsure what the spasm was about anyways.
“Where’s Sunnydale?”
“That’s where I live. I’m trying to get back, so I’m walking to Emerald City to see the Wizard.” Buffy propped herself up on the fence to sit. It was time for a rest anyways.
“Oh! Do you think if I went with you, this wizard would give me some brains?” Giles was way too perky. This was definitely NOT her Giles.
“If I wrote this right, he should…but even if he didn’t, you’d be no worse off than you already are.” Buffy shrugged, as Giles walked closer to her.
“Yes. That’s true.”
“But you’d better not. As usual, I’ve got Cordelia mad at me, so you might get into trouble.” Buffy huffed. She really wanted the company.
“The Witch? Huh! I’m not afraid of a witch! I’m not afraid of anything, except a lighted match.” Scarecrow Giles had a little shiver, so a few strands of straw fell out again.
“I don’t blame you for that.” Buffy smirked, as she decided that she liked this version of Giles. He was more…quirky.
“But I’d face a whole box of them for the chance of getting some brains.” Giles didn’t know about how literal that would be in Sunnydale. ‘Zombies…eww…’ “Look, I won’t be any trouble because I don’t eat a thing, and I won’t try to manage things because I can’t think. Won’t you take me with you?”
“Uh…” Buffy tried not to panic at the begging. Her Giles would never beg. He was too busy with his scones and tea, and being bossy and managing things. “Sure, why not?”
“Hooray! We’re off to see a wizard!” Scarecrow Giles did that little scary dance again.
“Yep…” Buffy just let that linger, as she tried not to just flee.
“I’ll bet he is a whiz of a wiz.” Scarecrow Giles started down the road already, as Buffy followed.
“If ever a wiz there was…” She just smiled. She was starting to really miss the Hellmouth…and that said a lot. Forgetting the camera, she just wished that HER Willow could be here to see this version of Giles. They could laugh about this for years.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 21:02:27 GMT -5
Chapter 4: ...a Heart
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The day seemed to drag, and Buffy just knew she had blisters on her feet. She didn’t know how Dorothy didn’t complain. Plus, her stomach was starting to growl. The hunger pangs were starting to take over; she knew she should’ve had more to eat at dinner. She was too wrapped up in her internal debate on what to do about her feelings about Willow. ‘Living on love,’ her mother had called it.
Seeing an orchard up ahead, Buffy started to get excited. She knew she could take on those apple trees, and it was the first sign of food for miles. Preparing for the battle ahead, her stomach started to rub its figurative hands together in glee.
“Oh! Apples! Oh…look…” Buffy started to trot a little faster; Scarecrow Giles not far behind her. She braced herself for the tree’s reaction, as she timed her picking method just right.
There!
Buffy pulled an apple off but even slayer reflexes weren’t quick enough for the tree. It smacked her hand, and she dropped the apple on the ground, rubbing her hand from the pain. She just huffed, and pouted at the tree.
“What do you think you’re doing?” The tree said.
“We’ve been walking a long way, and I was hungry and… Did you say…” Buffy shook her head to clear it. She thought she was prepared for talking trees but she was learning that even slayer mental and physical training was no match for this place.
“She was hungry!” The tree looked at its neighbor, and cackled a little. “Well, how would you like to have someone come along, and pick something off of you?”
“Depends on who and what they’re picking…” Buffy thought about Willow again, and the dream she had the night before…there was some good picking there.
“Come along, Buffy. You don’t want any of those apples.” Giles turned his nose in the air, and walked past the trees with a British superiority.
“What do you mean – she doesn’t want any of those apples? Are you hinting my apples aren’t what they ought to be?” Why was this tree reminding Buffy of Faith?
“Oh, no. It’s just that she doesn’t like little green worms.” Giles taunted the trees, as he started toying with them. Buffy just stood back, and wished she had a video camera now. “I’ll show you how to get apples.”
“Oh…I’ll show you little green worms.” The tree was acting like it was going to fight Giles but the scarecrow just kept taunting it. The tree started to throw apples at them. “You can’t do that to me. I’ll show you!”
“Hooray! I guess that did it. Help yourself.” Giles was delighted that the tree had thrown so many apples. Buffy crawled on the ground, and started to pick up the apples, biting into some along the way. She’d put some in her pockets for later.
That’s when she saw it.
How could she forget?! A tin foot…was it this part of the story already? She saw the oil can, and picked it up, knowing she’d need it soon.
“It’s the Tin Man!” Buffy closer, and noticed something familiar about his face. “Ah, crap…Xander? I should’ve known.”
“What?” Giles came over to examine the tin man closer.
“Oil can…oil can…” Tin Xan was tightlipped but it was obvious what he was saying.
“Yep…I just wanna make you suffer a little for what you did to Wills.” Buffy was still jealous over the whole Xander/Willow thing. This was the only revenge she’d get, and it wasn’t real. If he wasn’t made of tin, she might kick him in the…
“Oil can…” Tin Xan didn’t move a…well, tin muscle.
“Oil can what?” Giles just cocked his head to side, and started to ponder that question. Buffy shook her own head, and wanted to laugh at the stupidity of it all.
“Yeah, yeah…where do you wanna be oiled first?” Buffy held up the oil can, and juiced it up a little by doing a pre squirt.
“My mouth…my mouth…” Tin Xan got his mouth oiled, and he moved it around a little. Now, he’d talk nonstop if her Xander was any reference.
“M..m..m…my goodness! I can talk again! Oh – oil my arms, please. Oil my elbows.” Tin Xan’s eyes moved a little to the right, where his axe as held high. Buffy just squirted some oil there, and was glad she didn’t have that camera now. Her Xander would love this way too much. His arm fell, and the axe went with it. “Oh.”
“Did that hurt?” Buffy’s eyes widened in genuine concern. Xander was still her friend, no matter if he DID lock lips with her Willow.
“No. It feels wonderful. I’ve held that axe up for ages.” Tin Xan moved his arm around a little bit to get the kinks out. “Oh…”
“How did you get like this?” Buffy couldn’t really remember. She really wished she’d read the book now. Maybe she’d remember the story, or maybe she’d already be home, since she’d know how to work these painful shoes…cute as they were. She liked these versions of her friends but they weren’t HER friends. Even though she had wanted to get away, this may be too far away. Maybe when she got back, she’d talk Willow into going on a road trip this summer. That’d be nice…as long as the roads weren’t yellow bricks.
“Oh…well about a year ago, I was chopping that tree, minding my own business, when suddenly it started to rain.” Tin Xan started to lose his balance and fall but Giles and Buffy were there to catch him. Giles took the oilcan from her, and started to fix the rest of him. “…and right in the middle of a chop, I…I rusted solid. I’ve been that way ever since.”
“Well, you’re perfect now.” Buffy watched as Scarecrow Giles finished oiling up Tin Xan. ‘Ew…bad mental image…’
“My…my neck. My…my neck.” Tin Xan started to roll his neck around in contentment but his smile didn’t last long. “Perfect? Oh…bang on my chest if you think I’m perfect. Go ahead – bang on it!”
“Oh…” Buffy may have hit him a little more than necessary to hear the resonating hollowness.
“Beautiful! What an echo!” Giles was too happy about that. She missed super British Giles that hardly ever showed emotion.
“It’s empty. The tinsmith forgot to give me a heart.” Tin Xan frowned a little at that. Where were the jokes? Xander always avoided emotional talks through humor. Where was the funny guy Buffy knew and loved? Okay…so she missed him, too; even if she was still mad at him for locking lips with Willow.
“No heart?” Scarecrow Giles came over to examine the Xander-shaped tin a little closer.
“No heart…and hollow.” Tin Xan opened his mouth, and started to sing but Buffy rushed over, and put a hand over his mouth.
“Um…I thought I heard something…sorry.” Buffy’s eyes widened. She was NOT going to endure singing. This was bad enough already. When she let go, Tin Xan fell down. “Oh! Are you all right?”
“I’m afraid I’m a little rusty yet.” The two others helped Tin Xan stand again, as Giles oiled him up a little more.
“Why don’t you come to Emerald City with us? Ask the Wizard for a heart?” Buffy helped Xander move his arms around to get the oil’s full effect.
“Emerald City? Why, that’s a long and dangerous journey. And it might rain on the way.” Tin Xan took a deep breath, even though he didn’t need it. He was made of tin, after all. ‘Why do things do that? Vampires don’t need to breathe but they always huff and puff and…’ Buffy came out of her reverie when Scarecrow Giles spoke again.
“But you’ve just been saying how much you want a heart.” Giles placed the tin can inside Xander’s chest compartment.
“And the oil can will be handy…” Buffy wanted to chuckle. Well, if it wasn’t holding anything else. That was just one less thing they’d have to carry. Looking down at Mr. Gordo, she smiled just a bit. She hadn’t forgotten about him in all the excitement.
“Well, suppose the Wizard wouldn’t get me one when we got there?” Tin Xan was using logic? This was a new trait.
“Oh…he will. We’ve come such a long already…” Buffy forgot about the witch, as Cordelia’s cackle started to fill the air around them. “Shit…not again.”
“Oh! What’s that…” Tin Xan’s eyes widened in fear. Regular Xander would’ve snapped back at Cordelia. This was definitely new.
“You call that long?” Cordelia appeared on the tin man’s roof. “Why, you’ve just begun! Forgotten about me, eh? Well, I haven’t forgotten you! Helping the lady along, are you, my fine gentleman? Well, stay away from her!” Cordelia used her broom to point at Scarecrow Giles. “Or I’ll stuff a mattress with you!” Then, she moved her broom to point at Tin Xan. “And you, I’ll use you for a bee hive. Hey, Scarecrow…wanna play ball?” She laughs, as she throws a ball of fire, catching Scarecrow Giles on fire a little.
Tin Xan helps Scarecrow Giles get the fire out, as Buffy is about to go help. Cordelia’s laughter stops her.
“And as for you, my little Buffy…I wish you luck with the Wizard of Oz. And a happy journey back to Sunnydale!” There was a cloud of smoke, and the witchy green Cordelia disappeared.
Buffy just huffed her frustration, and tried clicking her heels again. Nothing! At least she had the poppy field to look forward to…she’d not been sleeping well lately, and that would be a big help. Plus, she was curious who the lion was going to be anyways.
“I’m not afraid of her! I’ll see you get safely to the Wizard now, whether I get a brain or not. Stuff a mattress with me. Ha.” That sounded a little more like Giles, in all his British accented glory.
“I’ll see you reach the wizard, whether I get a heart or not. Beehive…bah! Let her try and make a beehive out of me. You know…” Tin Xan stops, when a buzzing sound starts. “Hmm? What’s that?”
Bees started to fly around them, and Buffy saw one on her arm. She panicked at first. Why did she feel like an outsider here? She was the slayer. She shouldn’t be afraid of a bee. Tin Xan had to shoo it from her arm.
“Oh…they’re gone now.” Tin Xan tries to shield Buffy from the swarm of bees surrounding them.
“Did any of them get you?” Buffy was ducking the bees.
“I…I guess they tried to but they bent their stingers.” Tin Xan looked down, and shooed another bee from Buffy’s arm. He opens his hand, and finds the dead bee there. His eyes turn sad. “Oh…see. I killed it. I killed that poor little honeybee. It’s only a man without a heart that could do a thing like that. Poor little bee.”
“Uh…are you crying?” Buffy saw Tin Xan showing signs of tears. She’d never seen Xander cry, not even when Jessie died, or Willow was hurt last year. “Uh…don’t cry. It’s only a drone bee. See? It would’ve died anyways. You just put it out of its misery. No biggie.”
“Oh.” Tin Xan seemed better at that news.
“It’s just…that Cordelia is so…wicked. I don’t think you two should come with me. There could be trouble.” Buffy just wanted to run there, and she knew her slayer speed would get her there quicker without these two.
“Oh, you don’t think we’re gonna stand by, and let her get away with fireballs and bees, do you?” Scarecrow Giles looked ten feet tall all of a sudden.
“Oh…damn. Okay…” Buffy huffed. She knew it wouldn’t be that easy. “Come on then. Let’s head that way. Still have half a book to go…”
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 21:02:55 GMT -5
Chapter 5: ...the Nerve
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Buffy was leading the way through the dark forest path, holding Mr. Gordo to her chest. Scarecrow Giles seemed to huff when Tin-Xan would try to make a joke. It really did feel like home in those moments.
Her thoughts turned back to Willow and she loosened her grip on Mr. Gordo, stopping when her slayer senses picked up noises. The others stopped bickering long enough to stop beside her.
“This forest gives me the wiggins. It reminds me too much of Homecoming.” Buffy remembered Willow explaining that’s when she and Xander had their first fluke. The memory made Buffy frown, as Giles came to stand beside her.
“Of course, I don’t know but I think it’ll get darker before it gets lighter.” Giles placed a comforting hand on Buffy’s shoulder, which did oddly comfort her.
“Well, we’ll see some lions and tigers and bears.” Buffy sighed deeply, as she imagined her Willow wearing this dimension’s Willowy outfit. Pink kind of clashes with her bright red hair…but she’d be able to pull it off.
“Oh my.” Tin Xan hid behind Scarecrow Giles.
A feral growl startled them, as they saw something run in the trees. Buffy squinted, trying to get a hint of who the lion was going to be but she couldn’t make out a clear figure. All she could make out was a blonde fur. Platinum blonde, to be exact.
“Surely not…I thought for sure it would be Angel.” Buffy crossed her arms, and waited for Spike to show himself. It didn’t take long, as he pounced on the road in front of them, stood on his hind legs, and put up his paws in a fighting stance.
“Put ‘em up, put ‘em up!” Lion Spike’s fur was the color of his hair, making him almost white. Buffy couldn’t figure out what he’d use for bleach out here in the woods. “Which one of you lot first? I’ll fight you together if you want! I’ll fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I’ll fight you standing on one foot. I’ll fight you with my eyes…”
“Cut the act, Spike.” Buffy smacked his hand and got the warranted reaction. Lion Spike held his hand and started to cry. “Shame on you!”
“What – what did ya bloody do that for? I didn’t bite anyone.” Spike helped her with Angel and he’d reappeared recently. In fact, he was the reason why Willow and Xander were caught smooching behind closed doors. The reason Cordy was mean to them again. Of course, who wouldn’t after being skewered?
“No but you probably would have tried.” Buffy rolls her eyes as Lion Spike continues to cry. “It’s bad enough I have to deal with you now; no need for you to try your Happy Meal on Legs routine.”
“Well, you didn’t have to go and hit me, did you? Is my nose bleeding?” Spike grabbed his tail, and started to pick at the fur, as though he were crazy. Buffy knew she’d have a headache the rest of this trip. The sooner they got moving, the better.
“No…and you’re a coward. We all know that, and…and I’m not love’s bitch!” Buffy sensed that Spike knew she was harboring feelings for Willow, just through her actions, ignoring Angel when he tried to help track her friends, the way she was more concerned with finding Willow than with Angel trying to hold her hand. Truth was…she really was love’s bitch; not that anybody else would know it. She figured Angel would have figured her out by now, too…but he still followed her around like a lost puppy. In a sense, maybe he was…it couldn’t have been easy to return to hell, only to find out that the person you thought loved you was really faking. No, that wasn’t fair. She had loved him…in a way.
“I haven’t any courage at all. I even scare myself. Look at the circles under my eyes.” Spike let go of his tail only long enough to point. This version of Spike was almost worse than the soulless version back in Sunnydale, or wherever he went. Thoughts of him torturing Drusilla were so not images she wanted in her head right now.
“Executive decision: you’re coming with us to get courage from the wizard.” She held up her hand to stop the protests from Scarecrow Giles and TinXan. “As much I as I hate having to say this about Spike in any form: he’s entitled to see the wizard as much as we are, so he’s coming with us.”
“Well, wouldn’t you feel degraded to be seen in the company of a cowardly lion? I would.” Spike’s eyes lit up as he stopped crying.
“Spike, degraded doesn’t even begin to explain how I feel about your company…but you’re still coming with us.” Buffy pointed that Spike should walk first. No matter what, she would never let Spike walk behind her. Instead, the other two grabbed her elbows, and pulled her to where they were all walking side by side, arm in arm.
---
It didn’t take long to reach the poppy field, and Buffy found herself smiling at the thought of finally getting some sleep. She ran ahead of the others into the field, the Emerald City’s building glowing in the distance.
“Well, come on then. What are we waiting for?” Lion Spike hadn’t shut up the entire trip, and Buffy was going to be glad for the much needed rest.
“Nothing. Let’s hurry!” Scarecrow Giles started to run, and the others weren’t far behind him. They stopped to look at the city again. Buffy just went ahead and sat down, anticipating her nap. “Here, give us you’re hands and we’ll pull you along.”
“I take it fine just here.” Buffy cradled her arms under her head, and relaxed for the first time in weeks.
“Oh, you can’t rest now. We’re nearly there!” Scarecrow Giles reminded Buffy of her Giles nagging her about slacking on patrol.
“What’s her deal?” Lion Spike yawned, which started a train reaction. Buffy didn’t budge and refused to open her eyes. Any minute now, she just knew the poppies would take effect. Tin Xan started to cry because they couldn’t get a reaction from her. Lion Spike was the next to lay on the ground. Buffy was slowly drifting, letting her mind wander over good thoughts, only good thoughts.
“Oh, now look at her. Can’t budge her an inch. This is a spell, this is!” Scarecrow Giles exclaimed.
“It’s the Wicked Witch! HELP!” TinXan started their cries for help but Buffy just tuned them out. Instead, she started to dream…of telling Willow she loved her, of how she could never hate her, and how it would start to snow as they walked down the Sunnydale street. They could get their friendship back on track…but with a little smoochage and other relational benefits. She didn’t realize it really had started to snow. Buffy and Lion Spike started to wake up, hearing the voices of Scarecrow Giles and TinXan being excited for the fact.
“Oh…unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?” Lion Spike held his head, reminding Buffy of the church organ falling on him. She had to chuckle at the memory.
“Well…that was strangely not helpful.” Buffy huffed that she still didn’t get any rest, even with the good dream and sleep-induced poppy spell. “Well…at least we can get to Emerald City now…so…let’s jet.”
Buffy stood and started walking again. She was seriously becoming frustrated with this dimension and Lion Spike still wouldn’t shut up.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 21:03:32 GMT -5
Chapter 6: The Great and Powerful Oz
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The Emerald City was more beautiful than she ever could have imagined. She really did feel like Dorothy in this moment. Buffy and the others walked up to the huge door and she pulled the long tasseled rope, hearing a deep dong resonate around them.
Who she was expecting was not who the doorman was.
“Who rang that bell?” The doorman stuck his head out, and his little scruffy goatee and red hair sticking out wildly across his head.
“Oz? I thought it would be obvious if you were the wizard…you know, it being Oz and all.” Buffy wasn’t surprised that Oz wasn’t wearing a crazy outfit, though she was upset at already having to deal with him. She wasn’t ready to face Oz yet, as she had mentally prepared for him to be the wizard.
“Can’t you read?” Oz was no different in this dimension than he was back in Sunnydale.
“Read what?” Scarecrow Giles asked, which made Buffy chuckle louder than she meant at the thought of her Giles ever saying those two words together.
“The sign on the door.” Oz just nodded his head non-committally towards the door below him. “Bell out of order. Please knock.”
“Can we see the wizard? I’m way too under prepared to deal with you right now, not with all these Willowy thoughts going on in my head.” Buffy didn’t want to think about how Oz had possibly gotten to touch HER Willow first; it made her sick to her stomach.
“The Wizard?” Oz was even stoic here, the first character to go somewhat off script from the movie. “Nobody can see the Great Oz. Nobody’s ever seen the Great Oz. Even I’ve never seen him.”
Again, Buffy chuckled at her little inside joke and stopped uncomfortably when the others gave her a look of confusion.
“Just let us see the wizard, whoever the hell he is. Please don’t let it be the Mayor…” Buffy whispered the last part to herself. “Look, I have these shiny yet affordable slippers that Willow gave me back in Munchkinland…”
“Well…okay. Come on in.” Oz disappeared from the manhole high in the door, and the giant door opened, revealing just how small the young man was.
Buffy knew what to do, and waited for the horse of a different color. This was another part she was looking forward to…a little massage, a little salon. Maybe they’d do her nails, too. She was in dire of a manicure.
“Cabby! Cabby! Just what you’re looking for! Take you any place in the City, we does.” Snyder was at the reins. What other obstacles was she going to have to face in order to get back home? Now…she had to deal with this troll man, taking all of the excitement out of the potential spa visit.
“Take us to the wizard.” Buffy waited for the others to board the carriage.
“The wizard? Well…yes, of course. But first I’ll take you to a little place where you can tidy up a bit.” Snyder snapped the reins to get the carriage moving. At least the ride wasn’t long, so she didn’t have to deal with him long. The music was very elevator-esque, playing this instrumental song she’d heard Willow play by Nerf Herder.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this to you…but thanks.” Buffy was the first to exit the carriage, letting the townfolk usher them to the spa.
Buffy lost herself slightly in the head massage she got. No manicure unfortunately; that would be something she’d have to schedule when she got back to Sunnydale. Maybe she’d make a weekend of it, go up to visit her father in L.A….maybe even take Willow with her. It would be the perfect time to gauge a better take on the redhead’s feelings for her.
The spa session ended way too soon, though. Buffy felt more refreshed than the extremely brief sleep in the poppy field but she felt more tense because of her musings, despite the massage. Mr. Gordo even got some fresh stuffing and a bath.
Scarecrow Giles, TinXan, and Lion Spike looked clean and better, and she was glad that her hair was clean again. She hadn’t had a chance to shower before bedtime, and she’d been wearing last night’s vampdust still. As they made their way to the Wizard’s door, they laughed and complimented each other. Buffy even admitted that Spike cleaned up nice, though she was internally chuckling at the blue ribbon in his hair.
Looking up, they noticed: ‘Surrender Slayer or die’ being broom-exhausted into the sky.
“It’s Cordelia.” Buffy sighed; it was getting to the hard part of the story. She was rather enjoying her demented vacation, even if she really just wanted to be home.
“Can’t that female take no for an answer?” TinXan rubbed his metal forehead.
“Guess she just wishes I never came here.” Buffy shrugged, already mentally prepared to deal with Cordelia. That much she could handle, at least.
“Surrender Slayer or Die? What’s a slayer?” Townsfolk were talking around them about the smoky message.
“The wizard will know! To the wizard!” The townsfolk were making their way to the door, and Buffy started to follow them. Surely, the others would get the hint. The guard was Oz again, just like in the movie. At least this time, she was more prepared to face him. “Wait a minute. Stop.” Oz wasn’t wearing a guard’s outfit or holding a spear. Instead, he looked like the Oz from Sunnydale, jeans, random tshirt, and guitar. “Everything is alright. The Great and Powerful Oz has got matters well in hand – I hope. So, you can all go home; nothing to worry about.”
The townspeople started to dawdle away, so Buffy and the others moved their way towards the guard.
“Let us see the wizard. It’ll cut back on so much time, and I won’t have to kick your ass.” Buffy stood in her slayer pose, challenging Oz…just like she wanted to challenge him when he started dating her Willow.
“Nobody sees the wizard. Not nobody; not nohow.”
Buffy just stomped off, knowing it was useless. She’d have to play it out and pray that Lion Spike didn’t have a song and dance routine. This wasn’t a musical episode she wanted to encounter…at least not right now. She was too tired.
Sitting on the steps, she started to cry without warning. She felt like she’d never get home, like she’d lose Willow if she did tell her, that all these emotions were flowing through her so strongly and it was getting harder to ignore them or push them aside.
“Don’t cry, Buffy.” Tin Xan couldn’t bend over with all his metal parts, as the others sat on either side of her on the steps.
“Willow has always been so good to me…but she kept these secrets…and I kept secrets. We’ve been pulling apart, and it’s killing me. I love her so much, and it’s killing me not to tell her that the reason I’m keeping these secrets is because I’m more scared of losing her than I am of any creature I’ve ever faced. I would send Angel to hell a thousand times without a thought if I could just somehow tell her how I felt and not have her hate me.” Buffy let all of her bottled emotions flow. It felt okay to do this here, since these weren’t her real friends, not that Spike was ever a friend. “I’ll never forgive myself if I hurt her, and I’m so afraid of hurting her.”
“Please don’t cry anymore.” Oz stood there, showing emotion…the same expression that was on his face when he admitted he was leaving Sunnydale. “I’ll get you into the Wizard somehow. Come on. I had a Willow myself once.”
“I know…” Buffy stood, wiping her tears from her eyes, trying to get some composure. Straightening her dress, she felt as though she had passed a major hurdle. Just like when Oz left, there was that possibility again.
They made their way into the grand hall, and it was no surprise that Lion Spike was trying to run away. Buffy just grabbed his hand, loathe as she was to ever hold hands with Spike, and pulled him along. The wizard’s voice was echoing in the room, as they moved closer to the sepulcher. Biting her lip, Buffy found she was nervous who the next obstacle would be…who would take her home? Who would be the person she had to go through to get back to Willow?
“I am the Great and Powerful Oz!” A giant face appeared on the screen, though Buffy ignored it and went to the curtain, pulling it aside and revealing.
“Angel?! Really?” Buffy was really confused now. “I was actually rooting for you to be a flying monkey.”
“Hey!.” Angel was wearing his long duster, reminding Buffy of Angelus.
“Please tell me you’re not the evil version of yourself.” Buffy was slowly starting to understand her own dream, if this was a dream. The meaning was there…in the back of her mind…but it just wouldn’t budge. “We’ll drench Cordy, Xander’s good at that, and then we’ll bring you her Gucci bag or whatever…but we’re not playing games once we get back. You will give them the courage, heart, and brains they came for…and you will take me home without question. I’m tired, I’m hungry, I’m missing the comfort of my own bed, and I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I can’t wait to wake up for school.”
“Go ahead, slayer. I’d like to see you try.” Angel got a hard punch in the face for his comment, as Buffy pulled Lion Spike by his tail, and the others followed her out.
“It’s time to show Cordy who the real Queen is around here.” Buffy ignored Spike’s protests, as they ventured towards Cordy’s castle. “It’s Slaytime.”
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 26, 2008 21:04:04 GMT -5
Finale: There's No Place Like Home
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“I’d turn back if I were you.” Lion Spike was reading the sign, and practically tearing the hairs from his tail. Buffy rolled her eyes, and pulled his paw to get him moving again.
“Look, I deal with things scarier than flying monkeys on a daily basis. Let’s just get to the castle, and get this over with so I can go home and you guys can get what you want.” Buffy picked up a fallen branch and tested its sturdiness. Those flying monkeys were tricky, so she’d need a weapon to fend them off. “Plus, the thought of you three trying to save me? It doesn’t leave a secure feeling in my mouth.”
“What’s a flying monkey?” TinXan tried to walk softly but his metalness was clanging too much.
“Why…I would imagine them as monkeys that could fly…but I’m not too sure about those things.” Scarecrow Giles was loosing his straw when the jitterbugs would pull some from his body.
Right on time, the flying monkeys came flying…but the only thing they got was Mr. Gordo. This upset Buffy.
“That’s it. Cordelia is going down.” Buffy was never happier she remembered the movie; she knew to lead the others to the castle after putting Scarecrow Giles back together.
The Winkies were marching, and Buffy didn’t waste time attacking the rear guards, stealing their outfits for the others, not even bothering with one for herself since they were so unflattering. They could just pass her off as a hostage.
“Who’s them? Who’s them?” was Lion Spike’s initial reaction but he immediately changed demeanor when he helped Buffy take out the guards.
“Spike, I knew you had a little monster in you.” Buffy just patted him on the back, as they fell in line with the other guards, entering the castle.
Buffy wasn’t sure about the directions in the castle, so they just went about searching. It didn’t take long for Cordelia to show, holding Mr. Gordo no less.
“Give me back my pig, Cordy.” Buffy placed her hands on her hips, challenging the witch.
“Go ahead. Do something…roar! Roar!” TinXan nudged Lion Spike’s arm, trying to hide his own fear.
“What good’ll it do us?” Lion Spike just pulled his arm back. The Winkies surrounded them, pointing their spears and weapons dangerously close to hurting someone.
“That’s right. Don’t hurt them right away. We’ll let them think about it a little first.” Cordy just smirked, as she went to skewer Mr. Gordo on one of the spears. Buffy went to move forward but was stopped by several spears at her throat. “Well, ring around the rosy, a pocket full of spears. Thought you’d be pretty foxy, didn’t you? Well, I’m going to start in on you right here – one after the other!”
Buffy moves back and the spears back away slightly. Seeing Mr. Gordo’s stuffing coming out was causing the blonde to get even angrier. Cordy was so going to pay for this.
“How about a little fire, Scarecrow?” Cordy sent a fireball at Giles, who immediately panicked, trying to get the fire out.
“No, no, no, no!!” Scarecrow Giles flailed about, fire starting to grow. “Help! I’m burning! I’m burning! Help! Help!”
Buffy grabbed a pail of water that she for some reason just now noticed.
“Stupid me.” She went to go throw it at Cordy but seeing Giles on fire caused her to rethink her actions. At the last minute, she threw the water on her straw-filled watcher. Looking down, she only saw a little bit of water left in the pail. It would have to do, so she threw the remainder on the witch’s face.
“Oh…you cursed slayer! Look what you’ve done!” Cordelia was starting to smoke.
“Guess your twenty layers of skank weren’t waterproof, after all. Next time, maybe try Maybelline.” Buffy threw the bucket to the side, as she watched Cordelia start to melt. “I know. I know. You’re melting, you’re melting. Sing me a new tune.”
“She’s…she’s dead. You’ve killed her.” The lead guard checked the empty cloak and hat.
“Don’t be so dramatic. She’s not really dead but you can hail me anyways and say that she is.” Buffy felt relieved, though she couldn’t find a broom or any other accoutrement that Cordy was carrying. What were they supposed to take back to Angel? Instead, she just pulled Mr. Gordo’s remains from the spear and clutched him tightly to her body.
---
Buffy led the others back to Emerald City, though they were empty handed. She was afraid that there would be no way home now, so she would have to convince wizard Angel another way.
Instead of facing the dramatics of the big head again, Buffy just pulled the curtain back and pulled Angel out by his collar, placing him in front of them.
“Okay. So…here’s how it goes. Explain to these three that they’ve always had what they’ve come to find, and then get me home.” Buffy’s facial expressions challenged Angel to argue.
Angel pulled out his black bag and handed Scarecrow Giles his ThD (Doctor of Thinkology) before moving over the Lion Spike. Buffy could just see the brawl that was about to happen.
“Yes, we know, Spike. Angel is bloody stupid and his hair sticks straight up. Just listen to him.” Buffy gestured with her hand to move the process along.
“You are under the unfortunate delusion that simply because you run away from danger, you have no courage. You’re confusing courage with wisdom. Back where I come from, we have men who are called champions.” Angel saw Buffy’s glare, and decided to just hand Spike the triple cross medal. Buffy was surprised to see Spike didn’t burn or smoke even a little, which disappointed her to a degree.
“As for you, my galvanized friend, you want a heart! You don’t know how lucky you are not to have one. Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable. I could…” Again, Angel stopped his tirade and coughed uncomfortably from Buffy’s glare and handed TinXan the heart-shaped watch. “Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others.”
“Finally…let’s get moving, so I can wake up from this nightmare.” Buffy knew the black bag didn’t have anything for her, so she took it from Angel and threw it to the side. “So…it’s time for you to balloon me back to Sunnydale. Let’s get going.”
--
They moved to the balloon, and Buffy was not surprised when Angel made a long speech to the townsfolk. That’s when it hit Buffy.
“I can’t go with you.” She climbed out of the balloon just as it was leaving.
“Buffy, what are you doing?” Scarecrow Giles asked, as the others surrounded her.
“I can’t go with Angel. Don’t you see? All of this…this dream…this dimension…whatever it is…I was meant to learn something, and it just dawned on me what it was.” Buffy took a deep breath and smiled. “This was my path, my destiny. I’m supposed to clear these obstacles, these people…because they’re the reasons I haven’t told Willow.”
“Told Willow what?” TinXan placed a comforting hand on Buffy’s shoulder. Just then, the ball of energy floated from the sky and emerged into Willow.
“You don’t need to be helped any longer. You’ve always had the power to go back to Sunnydale.” Good Witch Willow smiled, glad to see that Buffy learned her lessons.
“I know…and I…I’m ready.” Buffy steeled herself. “I’m ready.”
“Why didn’t you tell her before?” Scarecrow Giles was a little defensive, watching out for his charge.
“Because she wouldn’t have believed me. She had to learn it for herself.” Willow just pointed to the silver slippers.
“What have you learned, Buffy?” TinXan asked.
“Well, I…I that it…that is wasn’t just enough just to want Willow…it’s that…if I ever want my heart’s desire, I have to make it happen myself. I can’t let obstacles or other people stand in the way. I just have to trust Willow not to hate me because if she doesn’t feel it, too…then I never really lost her to begin with.” Buffy felt stress release from her body. “I’m ready.”
“Now I know I’ve got a heart – cause it’s breaking.” TinXan started to cry. Buffy just handed him the oilcan and wiped his tears with her fingers before hugging him.
Instead of hugging Lion Spike, she just patted him on the back and wished him well. Then, she hugged Scarecrow Giles, causing a few straw pieces to fall out.
“I’m ready now.” Buffy closed her eyes, clicked her eyes and thought of nothing but Willow.
--
“I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m ready.” Buffy mumbled in her sleep. She woke to the feel of a wet cloth on her forehead. Thinking it might be Willow, she smiled and took a deep breath before opening her eyes. Instead, she found Giles, her mom, and Xander standing over her bed.
“Buffy, Buffy…Buffy, dear. It’s your mother.” Joyce was worried. She’d come home to find her daughter passed out on the floor, the window smashed, and a harsh gash on the young girl’s forehead. The storm had passed, so she was able to get home sooner than she thought. Immediately, she called Mr. Giles, who in turn called Willow and Xander. “You’ve been out for about two days now.”
“Where’s Willow?” Buffy tried sitting up but couldn’t move from the pain in her head.
“You got a nasty bump and I called the others. Willow hasn’t left your side for a minute. We finally sent her to get some sleep in my bed.” Joyce sat on the bed, brushing back the blonde hair from her daughter’s face. “We struggled to get her to do that. She’s very persistent.”
“Home. There’s no place like home.” Buffy looked over, seeing that Mr. Gordo was fine, there was no hole in his body or stuffing falling out. “It’s good to see you guys…you wouldn’t believe where I’ve been.”
“You talk in your sleep. We can only imagine.” Xander stood, not wanting to say what he’d overheard but knowing it wasn’t something he expected. He would just need time to deal with it.
“How much did I say?” Buffy was worried, especially if Willow never left her side. She wanted to tell her face to face, not have her find out because of mumblings from a dream. Now, she wouldn’t get that initial facial reaction. She loved all of Will’s little facial expressions; they were so endearing.
“Enough for us to understand why you’ve been so distant lately.” Giles removed his glasses, though he didn’t clean them. “I would be remiss in my duties as your watcher if I didn’t warn you of…”
“I know, Giles. Thank you…but I trust Wills. No matter what happens, I don’t think it’ll affect my slayage ability.”
“You may want to be easy about it, though. I’m not sure Will has ever thought…I mean, she’s never really shown signs…I mean, maybe there was a couple times…but…it’s Willow, Buffy.” Xander bit his lip before tucking his hands beneath his armpits.
“I know, Xand. I just…I can’t live my life anymore without ever even trying, or at least telling her. If I don’t, I wouldn’t be a very good friend. I need to be honest in any case.”
The others just nodded that they’d leave it to Buffy before they listened to her tell about her adventures. In the other room, Willow couldn’t sleep for the thoughts going on in her head. Hearing Buffy mumble her name like that…gathering those bits of mumbled phrasing from the concussed girl…putting it all together. She was more than confused…though everything finally started to make sense. Instead of getting any rest like she’d intended, she just stared at the wall.
--
Willow avoided Buffy until school the next day. Since she was injured in the storm, the teacher allowed the blonde an extra week to do her Wizard of Oz assignment. This time, she had no problems writing an essay.
Finally catching up to the redhead after school ended, Buffy decided that she couldn’t avoid the inevitable any longer. She knew that Willow knew…and she had to at least explain or talk before she lost the redhead. “Hey.” Buffy saddled up to the redhead, leaning against the locker beside Willow’s.
“Hey.” Willow just continued gathering her stuff from the locker, afraid to make eye contact, still not sure what to say.
“So on a scale of one to a million, how much are you hating me right now?” Buffy’s expression said it all, and Willow knew she had to be delicate.
“Zero.” Willow bit her lip to hide her emotion, as she shut the locker door and they started leaving the building. “You were scared, you kept a secret, you know? That’s…it…it’s okay. I mean, secrets aren’t bad. You know, they’re normal. They’re better than normal. They’re good. Secrets are good. Must be a reason why we keep them, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Buffy understood exactly what TinXan meant now. She knew she had a heart now because it was breaking.
“Look, Buff…” Willow took a deep breath. “Maybe we should go somewhere…talk?”
“I would like that.” Buffy tried to smile but it was forlorn. “My house, I guess, since it’s closest.”
The two girls walked in awkward silence. All the scenarios played in her head but Buffy never expected Willow to start pacing the floor in front of the couch.
“I…I have to make allowances that…that our friendship is strong enough to survive if something happens. I’m not a good person. Look what I did to Oz…and Xander…and even Cordy. What happens if I do something like that? Where does that leave us? I can barely look at Xander now, Cordelia is back to torturing me, and Oz left. I can take that from them…but you…I don’t know if I could take that from you. I need to know that we would remain friends if or when I mess this up.” Willow stopped briefly to take a breath, afraid of Buffy’s reaction. Since all she got was fishface, she kept going. “I mean…I’ve thought about it…about us…and…I just never saw it happening, so I let it go…did what was expected of me…but that didn’t work. This isn’t easy for me.”
“I…I…” Buffy swallowed hard. “Wills…I just…”
“I love you, too, Buffy…part of me has always known that…but hearing you say it? I never would’ve…I mean, it’s not something I ever saw happening. I just chalked it up to another Xander crush…just because you were there, because you were my friend. It never dawned on me that it was more than that…that I really do love you…like you love me.” Willow sat down beside Buffy on the couch, her facial expression showing her worry. “And I’m not sure what that means…but I’m willing to find out.”
“It means everything, Willow. It means everything.” Buffy took Willow’s hand in hers and leaned in to hug her friend. Buffy felt that her home was in Willow’s arms. ‘There’s no place like home.’
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