Rosenberg, Willow Rosenberg
Beginning of season 3
Note: I've fudged the timeline a bit Angel's already returned even though it's the beginning of September.
<>Denotes thought
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Willow walked into the library with her head hung low. She looked up to see Xander rummaging in the drawers for snack food behind the counter. At the table Buffy and Cordelia were discussing the pros and cons of facial masks.
"Oh, hello Willow." Giles said brightly as he came out of his office. His face changed immediately though when he took in the look on the redhead's face. "Willow, are you alright?" At this Buffy and Xander jerked away from their respective distractions to stare at the abject sadness in their friends eyes.
Buffy stood and moved to Willow. "Will, what is it? Is it Oz?"
"Is what Oz?" The question had come from the lycanthrope himself as he entered behind his girlfriend. Willow turned to look at him and collapsed into his arms crying softly. "Shh, Baby. It's okay. Whatever it is we can take care of it." He hugged her tight and slowly moved her to a chair. He sat and pulled her into his lap as her quietly soaked his shirt.
"Yeah Wills. The scoobies are undefeated, we always win." Xander said having moved over to Cordy's side.
Willow still said nothing, every time she lifted her head she would the concern and empathy in the eyes of her four closest friends, the unrestrained love in those of her wolf and that just set her crying again. She didn't sob uncontrollably, just a steady stream of soft tears of sadness for what she was about to lose.
This was the tableau Angel and Faith walked in on a few minutes later. "Uh, what happened?" "What killed who?" Buffy stepped them back into the stacks a little before telling about the apparent despair of their friend. When they came back Willow was straightening up on Oz's lap and preparing to speak. "Willow, can you tell what's wrong?"
The redhead focused on Angel, then turned and faced each one before speaking. She took a deep breath and did the only think she could, be blunt. "My parents have decided to send me away to school." As she looked at each one again she was greeted with the same expression, total shock.
"What do you mean send you away?" Xander was the first to recover the command of his voice.
Willow could feel Oz's arm tighten around her as she started to explain. "They actually noticed that I was injured this past spring and are concerned about my safety, at least that's what they said. Add that to the fact that they really don't live hear they came to the conclusion that it would be cheaper and better for me to sell the house and send me to boarding school."
"Wills, the only boarding school around here is St. Katherine's. Not exactly where they want their good Jewish daughter going." Cordy looked at Xander as if he had just started speaking Greek.
"Get a brain, lobotomy boy. If they were sending her to St. K's she wouldn't be crying. Obviously they've chosen a school not in Sunnydale. Personally, I'm glad." Everyone stared at Cordy. "What! She goes to boarding school; she gets out of Sunnydale, and away from the hellmouth! Since when is that a bad thing, I was just thinking of her survival."
"Princess has a point. You'll be safe Red, nothing to go bump in the night." Cordy smiled at Faith; at least someone understood her logic.
"But that's not fair! How are we going to fight the evil without our Wills? Besides school's already started so they can't pull her out now." Willow looked at her oldest friend and gave a sad smile; she had known that he wouldn't take it well.
"Xander, school started two days ago, I doubt I'll have trouble catching up with anything I might have missed."
"So you're just going to leave?" Willow turned to the blonde slayer and had to steel herself to stop from crying again.
"They're my parents Buffy, and I'm a minor, I don't exactly have a choice. I don't a have a choice about any of it, all the arrangements have already been made, even my flight plans."
"Well we'll just have to give a Bon Voyage party for my bestest bud."
"There won't be time Xander. My flight leaves at 7:30 pm Friday. I have tomorrow to pack."
"Flight? Where are they shipping' you off to Red?"
"Switzerland."
"WHAT?!?" Six voices reverberated off the walls while Oz was strangely silent.
In a soft voice that she could only make out, the one he reserved for her he said as he touched her hair, "I guess that leaves visiting out, huh?"
Willow's only response was to lay her head on his shoulder. She gently tilted her head to meet his eyes. "Can we go somewhere?" she whispered. She wanted to spend some time with him alone before she had to leave.
"Sure Baby, we'll go to my place." With that he stood and with one arm wrapped around her shoulders and the other around her waist they left the library. Willow gave her friends each a meaningful look and left with him.
"So that's it! They're just going to leave! What? We aren't entitled to Willow time?"
"Wouldn't you want one on one time with Cordelia, Xander?"
"Shut up Deadboy."
"Xander that was inappropriate."
"Sorry Giles, I'm just angry that I'm about to loose my best friend and I can't spend time with her." Turning he surprised everyone, especially Angel. "Sorry, Angel. You were right, I would want quality Cordy time."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow and Oz walked into his house through the back door, stopping in the kitchen to get something to drink. They made their way up to Oz's room in relative silence yet never breaking contact.
They sat down on his bed and promptly put their arms around each other. They stayed like that for quite some time until Oz broke the silence with a heavy sigh. "It's not going be the same without you. It's only a year though."
"It might be a little longer. Y-you see its not just a high school, it's a finishing school." Oz gave her a look, "I know, I don't want really want to know what all those mystery forks are for either but some of the classes I'd be taking would be university level. All there teachers are at the level of professor."
"Will you be coming back?"
"I want to. I don't want to leave at all. I know my parents don't understand, but I have it good here. I have school, friends, my witchcraft, and the fighting of evil. Mostly though I have you."
Oz looked deeply into her eyes when she said that and spoke the only words he could, "I love you." He saw her eyes grow wide and then a smile spread across her face.
"Really?"
"How could I not? I've never felt what I feel for you before and I've never been in love before, so I'm thinking that's it." Willow stared at him for a second and then moved and kissed him sweetly. The pain, sadness, and desperation from her leaving were put into that kiss. Likewise were the mutual love, desire, and need that were evident. All thought was lost as the two expressed their feelings for each other wordlessly. Just as they both found the epitomy of all Willow ended relative silence, "I love you Oz."
"I'm going to miss you Baby." Willow snuggled further into Oz's chest not wanting to lose what they had just shared.
"I know you will, at first."
"Not at first. Always, until I see you again."
"But you'll find someone else who makes you happy." Willow sat up and was on the brink of tears when Oz's strong arms folded around her and held her tight.
"No, Willow, there won't be anyone else." He pulled her back a little so he could see her eyes, "Wolves mate for life, my love."
Willow clutched him to her chest, "So do witches, at least this one does."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday's sunset saw eight very sad people at the airport. Willow had gone to school Thursday and Friday so she could finish the arrangements that her parents hadn't thought of, like marks and credit transfers. This left little time to pack and so had merely the essentials with her. Her luggage consisted of two large suitcases, a footlocker, and a carry on.
Willow hugged everyone, even Cordelia. He had gotten a surprisingly clear goodbye from Giles telling her just how proud he was to have known her. He had to promise Faith to take a picture of the first Swiss baddie she found and then immediately call so she could come and exterminate it. Cordy gave her hints about European fashion but Willow could tell that the brunette was upset underneath her cool exterior. Buffy was teary saying how much she would never get over Willow's leaving and nothing would ever be the same. Angel hugged her with astonishing ferocity and whispered that she was one of the reasons he worked to be a better man. Xander didn't care who saw him cry, the tears hadn't come yet but he wouldn't stop them if they did. He just hugged her and soaked up his last bit of Willowness. They both sensed that if they ever saw each other again things would be different but still a little the same, they would never lose that little bit of childishness they held so dear, protecting it from the horrors of the hellmouth.
When she got to Oz she nearly died tears running silently down his face mirroring hers. They held each other.
"I'll always love you." She whispered.
"All my life I've never loved anything else." He whispered back. The p.a. system announced her flight and as she pulled away he kissed the inside of her wrist. Willow felt herself breaking down so she ran. She ran through security, down the ramp, and onto the plane. The sound of jet engines downed out the sounds of her sobs.
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Willow stepped into the airport at Geneva, she was tired and looked like hell. She had cried for the first two hours of the flight finally falling asleep against the window at an uncomfortable angle.
Just as Willow was about pick up her luggage to grab a taxi a sophisticated looking brunette walked up to her and smiled. "Hello, you must be Ms. Rosenberg. I am Ms. Masterson, Chloe Masterson. You can just call me Chloe. I'm here to take you to Madame Beaudin's."
"Thank you. I wasn't sure how this was going to work ans I had no idea what directions to give a cab driver."
"A taxi wouldn't have taken you anyway." Chloe answered turning towards the door, "The school is out of the city." Willow followed Chloe to a black BMW and loaded her luggage into the back. "Is that everything?"
"Yeah. I realistically had about 16 hours to pack my entire life." Willow answered bitterly, rounding the side of the car and getting the passenger side.
"You sound as if you don't want to be here."
"I don't. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I'll come to enjoy the school but this decision was that of my parents who never noticed just what a great thing they forced me to leave behind."
Chloe smiled knowingly, "What's the boy's name?" This wasn't the first time a girl had come complaining about missing some high school football player.
"Daniel Ozborne, but everyone calls him Oz. I also left my family, meaning my friends. I care more about them than anything." Something in Willow's voice told Chloe that this was not your average circumstance of home sickness and made a mental note to help this girl get through it.
After driving two and a half hours into the mountains they pulled into a narrow lane. "You weren't kidding when you said out of town were you?" The car came out of the lane and Willow could see a large stone building, looking very much like a castle or a monastery. "This is the school?"
"Yes. It was started in the 1920's but the building much older." Pulling the car to a stop and getting out Chloe looked at the redhead, "Shall we?"
Once inside the lobby a short, slightly rounded woman approached Willow with a kind smile on her face. "Hello Ms. Rosenberg. I am Ms. Von Hechter, Maria Von Hechter, and I am the head mistress here. Welcome to Madame Beaudin's." Willow could detect a slight Austrian accent in the woman's voice as well as definite authority. "If you would follow me, I will show you to your room."
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That night Willow lay in her large bed. She was still trying to get accustomed to her new surroundings. She had been expecting a room a little larger than a walk in closet, she was wrong. Ms. Von Hechter had shown her to a room that was larger than that of her parents back in Sunnydale. The panelling, the floor, the ceiling, and all the furniture were all done in a dark cherry wood stain and hunter green velvet came close to pooling under the drapes and bed curtains. The colour scheme would have been very male if not for the delicate furniture that was most definitely made for the delicateness of a woman. Willow even had her own private bath, with a claw foot tub!!
She had asked how it was possible to have such a nice room. The answer she got was that there was a maximum of 200 students allowed at the school and many past and present students and families of students were very generous. Willow thought that it was a bit odd but she could live with it.
Willow rolled over onto her stomach and hugged her pillow. She sniffled a little before letting go and softly crying herself to sleep.
It had been two weeks since Willow had started at Madame Beaudin's and she missed her friends horribly but the school wasn't as bad as she had anticipated. She had called the gang as soon as she got their and she e-mailed them once a day.
Chloe had made an effort to reach out the redhead and while Willow hadn't told her about her old nocturnal activities she did tell about how close she and her friends really were, using the lie of PCP gangs as a cover.
Chloe, for her part, was amazed to hear the obvious loyalty and love in the girl's voice for her friends, even Mr. Giles the librarian. She was also pleasantly surprised to see just how intelligent her newest student was. Willow easily one of the smartest in the school.
Currently the senior classes were on a outing in Geneva to shop. Willow was having a great time buying new clothes that were a little more stylish than the usual jeans. Since she didn't speak any of the languages all that fluently and this was her first real tour of the city she was with Chloe and Ms. Von Hechter.
"So Willow, how are you enjoying your first real experience in Geneva?" Hechter asked the girl beside her.
"I'm enjoying myself. Cordelia, one of my friends in Sunnydale, would just die over the shopping." A small semi-sad smile formed on the redhead's lips and Hechter couldn't help but feel for her.
The three walked along the street for a few minutes until arriving at the meeting place to catch up with the others that had come to town. When they had all gathered they went to a restaurant for dinner. About two hours later they all exited the building tired and pleasantly full.
Willow was adjusting to her new life at the school and found refreshing in a way even if she still really missed her friends back home. Willow's thoughts were interrupted however by one Swiss vamp wanting to make a meal out of their head mistress.
One minute Hechter was behind the girls and the next they were wondering where she had disappeared to. That's when Willow heard the noises in the alley they had just passed. She quickly sent the girls off in small groups to check around the shops and backtracked to the alley.
There she found the bloodsucker struggling with the woman. Willow was surprised that Hechter was holding her own as well she was but she had been on the hellmouth long enough to see that eventually the vamp would win. Ever the slayerette she pulled her stake and holy water from her purse and attacked just in time to stop it from biting. There were a few moments of fighting that mainly consisted of the demon charging and Willow ducking. Finally she got a clear shot at his face and took it with her water pistol. As the vamp screamed for his burning face she plunged the stake home bringing a shower of dust down on her.
Willow turned and helped Hechter stand from where she had been thrown into the wall. "Thank you Willow. That was very brave, however foolish it was."
"Well I couldn't let you get eaten."
"Please join me in my private car on our way back to the school will you Willow." With those parting remarks Hechter walked to the group of girls that reassembled and took the lead, guiding everyone to the parking lot where the cars had been left.
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"Willow, where did you learn to do what you did in the alley?" Willow pulled her eyes away from the scenery to look at Ms. Von Hechter.
"Um, back home."
"Really? Were there many vampires in your home town?"
Willow's eyes grew wide upon hearing the word vampire and then she started babbling. "You knew what he was? Of course you knew what he was or you wouldn't have called him a vamp. Uh yeah, there were a lot of vamps in Sunnydale. The town is on the hellmouth, well technically the high school library is on the hellmouth."
"Really." Ms. Von Hechter nodded her head as if the light was beginning to dawn. "Willow, did you fight the vampires often?"
"Yes. My friends and I did all the time. I have since I discovered that vampires were real, when one of my closest friends was turned. It wasn't vamps though, pretty much anything that the good old boca el ferno would throw at us."
< That's why she's so sad to be here. She was doing something very special that her parents obviously didn't know about and was forced to leave. Well we'll just see if we can't make her feel more at home. "Would you mind telling me about it?"
Willow shook her head and proceeded to telling the head mistress about her adventures in Sunnydale. Of course she left some of the more personal details out but Ms. Von Hechter understood that some information just wasn't Willow's to disclose. After Willow was finished the other woman told of how she knew about vampires. It was simple really she was nearly eaten and a travelling slayer had saved her.
"Willow, your skills in the alley were very good. I would like to offer you a position in the advanced program at the school. Think carefully, for once you decide it is very difficult to go back."
"Ms. Von Hechter? I accept your offer, I would very much like to be a part of the advanced program. I do have one question though."
"What is it?"
"Won't I be behind the others in the program if I'm starting this late?"
"No, we always wait a while before starting it to see if there are any new comers to the school who would be candidates as well as the girls chosen from the year before. Do not worry, you will be starting off on an equal footing."
"Oh, good." It wasn't long after that they reached the school and they all separated to go to their own rooms for the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow awoke to some one turning on the lights in her room and throwing open the bed curtains. Wincing she turned her head into the pillow. It wasn't until she heard Chloe's voice that she looked up.
"You need to get up now Willow so you can begin the advanced program."
"At 5:00 am?"
Chloe smiled down at the girl, she remembered what it was like to be in her position. "Not everyday. Just for today for the introduction, then you go on the morning run. That is everyday and for that you get up a t 6:00 am."
Willow yawned and stretched, shuffling towards her closet. "6:00 I can handle." He pulled out a jogging suit and started to dress, Chloe looked at her funny. "What? Why shower if your just going to get sweaty running, besides I had a bath before I went to bed last night so its not like I smell."
"Head to Ms. Von Hechter's office when your done, I have others to awaken." With that the all too cheery brunette left the room.
Willow walked into the waiting room of the head mistress' office to find two other girls seated, she recognised from her biology class. After waiting a little while longer more girls came until there was total of eight, that was when Ms. Von Hechter opened her door and allowed them to enter.
"Welcome girls. You are the newest students in Madame Beaudin's advanced program. These advanced programs are unlike any other programs at any other school. We teach you not only academia but also etiquette and survival skills. Now I know what you are thinking about these skills but trust we WILL teach you how to survive, physically, mentally, and socially. In basic terms girls we will teach you how to be spies. You will be able to go anywhere, be anyone, do anything, and do it well. You all understand?"
The eight girls seated across from her all looked a little shell-shocked but they nodded. Hechter didn't miss that out of all of them Willow looked the least catatonic.
Chloe who had slipped into the room quietly also noticed the redhead's acceptance of the situation and gave a sad smile. Ms. Von Hechter had told her about Willow's home town, with Willow's consent of course, when she had informed the brunette of Willow's new place in the school. Chloe had been surprised that the girl had been chosen but after the explanation she was all for it.
Ms. Von Hechter proceeded to outline the rules for being a part of the advanced programs. "The first rule is that you do not tell anyone. If other students find out on there own so be it but you do not mention it unless necessary. No one except the students involved and the staff know of the programs true nature and it will remain so. The second is that you do not discuss it openly, if someone asks you a question about the things you do, exaggerate or outright lie but do not tell them anything important. The third rule is that once you are in you are in, so if any of you have a problem with this leave now and never divulge what it is you have seen or heard." She waited a minute and was pleased when all eight stayed seated. "That is good enough for now, you will start each morning with a run that Chloe will lead you on to start off with, after a time you can all meet and go on your own. Your new schedules will be delivered to your rooms today by breakfast. Chloe, have fun." With a small smile the older woman looked at the younger signalling that they should get going.
"Alright girls, lets go."
As Willow stood and headed out the door she smiled a little crookedly and cocked her head to the side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Willow took a deep breath and smiled her gentle smile as she pushed open the washroom door. Stepped out into the hallway and looked around. Everything was stunning right down to herself. She could admit that now, that she was pretty, not beautiful, but pretty.
Willow and her team were attending a holiday ball hosted by one of the school's alumni. Admittedly not a horrible fate, at least that's what they thought when the idea had come up, but then it had been explained that this alumni was not a graduate of the advanced programs and that they couldn't be them.
They were to attend this ball as different people, with different personalities, different names, different backgrounds, and not know each other. In short this was their cumulative final exam for some of first semester's advanced programs. Their host and hostess would not know who or what they were, the only people there who would know would be Ms. Von Hechter, Chloe, and a Mrs. Danforth-Smith. Mrs. Danforth-Smith was also alumni but of the advanced variety, she wouldn't know who the girls were, only being told that their was a team attending. Basically if she found them out they were on their way to failing the test.
Each of the girls was given an identity and a date it was their responsibility to bring the character to life. Willow was given the persona of a flirtatious, but proper young English lady. She was to be of average intelligence but of vast experience, seeing as she amused herself by travelling all over England. Willow was allowed to name herself and work out the details,
Her mind was full of names and faces of guests, insecurities about her etiquette, and worry for the other girls. It was true she wasn't. It was one of the first things they had been taught, she still remembered Mrs. Lowell's exact words, Willow's head suddenly cleared as she stepped down the last step and joined her escort for the evening. She instantly stopped being Willow Rosenberg and became Gwendolyn Post.
Willow had to smile inwardly, Oz had e-mailed her about the new watcher gone bad. She had taken the name knowing that it was British, the former owner couldn't show up and denounce her, and probably wasn't all that well known given she was a watcher. Willow just thanked the gods that she had spent all that time with Giles, she had been able to replicate his accent perfectly, surprising her instructor.
She proceeded to chat with a group of older knights of the realm as Reginald, the son of a Lord attending an all male academy in Denmark, got her a drink. She had prepared well and so it wasn't as hard as she had thought it would be to discuss in depth places she had never been. Reginald presently appeared chatting to a friend from school and his date. Willow hid her knowing look perfectly as she was introduced to Thomas McTavish and Ms. Doreen Carver.
Doreen Carver was a socialite from Texas whose family owned quite a bit of oil and cattle. She was obviously raised in the ways of the antebellum lady given her manners and speech. She was also Magdalena Tupolev, born and raised in St. Petersburg, and a member of Willow's team.
They all continued to make polite conversation until the music started again. The people coupled off and began to dance. Willow sighed in Reginald's arms, she loved to waltz. < I'm going to have to teach Oz how to waltz. That thought brought a sad feeling to her heart, she had had to call and tell him that she couldn't come home for Christmas. It wasn't hard, she didn't have to lie, she wouldn't have had anywhere to stay and her parents were supposed to be coming to pick her up and take her to Madrid for the holidays. Her parents, of course, had backed out at the last minute and so she was spending the holidays at the school. Not a totally evil concept considering how many students do. They were students like her, with parents that were too busy for their children. Ironically that included her whole team so they spent the extra time perfecting their skills and taking a few short overnight trips, like this one.
The rest of the night was spent chatting, dancing, and meeting those who truly made up the upper crust of European society. Among them were a Ms. Sofia Espizito and a Michelle Chu. Colette Breaux and Niane Sing respectfully, the other two members of Willow's team. By the end of the night and the girls were stepping out of the limo at their hotel Willow and the others were about to drop.
"Ugh! I'm so glad to be back, now I can fall back and die!" groaned Colette slipping back into her natural accent instead of the draining Spanish one she'd had to spout the entire night.
"At least you were just there as a dance partner and replacement for the man's fiancée. That McTavish boy was all over me. I thought I would have to use some of our other training on him." Magdalena's complaints were all it took to set all four girls giggling hysterically. It was obvious to anyone at the party but especially to her friends that Magdalena's escort basically just wanted to score.
"It just goes to show you Leny all men are alike, it doesn't matter how much money or class they have they're all still looking for the same thing."
"You are such a pessimist Niane. Besides it's not like your date was like that. As far as I could tell young Gottingtan was a perfect gentlemen."
"I'm not a pessimist Wills, I just don't a piece of honey waiting on the side for me whenever I want him like you. Gottingtan was a gentleman, a boring gentleman that could put an insomniac to sleep."
The girls walked to their suite and immediately stepped out of their heels and started pulling off gloves, purses, and jewellery. They had two to a room and each headed to their beds without another word, enjoying the silence that was so different from the party that they had just left. After putting everything back exactly where it belonged they took turns showering and then went to sleep with the minimal words of "Night" said by all.
It wasn't until two days later when they were all seated around the breakfast table back at the school they learned that had not only passed but done so with flying colours. It seemed as though Mrs. Danforth-Smith hadn't been able to distinguish them at all and had wondered to Chloe if Ms. Von Hechter wasn't having fun with her. Willow gave a tiny inward smile,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Months passed and Willow continued on with her routine. Get up, run, shower, dress, breakfast, classes, lunch, advanced programs, dinner, e-mail Oz and the gang, homework, workout, music, hang out, and bed. She put in long, hard days but in her mind they were worth it. She was acing all her academic courses and an excellent shot of getting into whatever university she wanted. She was improving in the advanced skills everyday, from fashion to weapons, from high-tech communications to knowing what fork to use, she was becoming more than proficient at it all. Most of all she enjoyed it. She hadn't had a group of friends like her team before, the Scooby gang was different, their it was Buffy and support personnel, but here they were all equal. Sure they all had their strengths but they were all accomplished at everything. No more being just research girl, now she was knife throwing girl with a side of comm skills to boot.
There was only one problem, she wanted Oz. She missed him unbearably and spent at two nights a week crying because she missed him so much. No sobbing, just those silent tears that ran down her face. It was happening more often now too, even in class, like when she read of Ferdinand and Miranda in English, the teacher looked up to see Willow, who was reciting, with rivers of sadness coursing down her cheeks while Willow herself was completely unaware of them. She couldn't wait until summer because then, come hell (literally) or high water she was going home to see her chosen family. She just prayed that they would all still be alive.
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Mean while back at the Hellmouth.
It had been a long year for Buffy and company. Angel and Buffy had tried to make their relationship work but to no avail, so they decided to be just good friends, and they were. Xander and Cordelia's heated passion had cooled so they were somewhat of a normal couple. Faith was still partying and pummelling as she liked to call it and had actually gotten out of the motel and was staying with Giles. For his part Giles had begrudgingly learned how to use a computer. Then there was Oz.
Oz hadn't been the same since Willow left he seemed quieter and even more laconic than before, if that was possible. Her daily e-mails and weekly phone calls were a help but it was plain to everyone that he missed her, more than anyone had thought, he needed her.
It was in mid April when they finally got news of the mayor's ascension. They knew it would happen at graduation but they had practically no resources on it. Now there was word that to complete the ascension he would need a certain artefact. It was really some sort of mystical evil branding iron that he had to use to give himself the mark of one who was worthy but the rest of the world was some ancient seal.
"Okay, I talked with my source in Vienna and he said that the brand was bought at an auction by an anonymous buyer but it was shipped to Milan and held there at the Vesconti gallery." Angel said rubbing his neck, it had been a long phone call in which he remembered just how little of the Austrian dialect his contact spoke he knew.
"Why would it be held at a gallery? Why not just ship it direct to Sunnydale?" Buffy was pacing, she didn't like all this international stuff, demonology was her thing.
"Because Wilkins didn't buy it." It was so soft and monotone if there had been any other noise in the library no one would have heard Oz speak. He was sitting at the computer that his Willow used to dominate staring at the screen. The slayer walked over to stand behind him and saw that he had hacked his way into the auction and shipping records. "According to this it was a man by the name of Lucias that bought it, shipped it, and is storing it." quickly bringing up another window he pointed to a gallery schedule. "It also looks like he's planning on displaying it then shipping, with escort, directly here."
"Okay so what do we do, wait for it to arrive and then snatch it from the courier or play mission impossible and steal it from this Lucias guy in Milan?"
"Ooh! There are major design houses located in Milan, I pick up some fabulous new things."
"Cordy honey, I was kidding. We can't jet off to Italy. As unofficial treasurer of the Scooby gang I can say without a shadow of a doubt that we are broke."
"Actually you might have an idea there Xander. I have a friend in Milan and he's told me more than once that the head of local organized crime often employs demon security. It's most likely this chap Lucias."
"If this mob guy uses demons, we can bet he and good ol' Dick made a deal for the brand. Chances are we might have to deal with his security plus the mayor's when the thing gets here."
"What do mean Faith?" Buffy stopped her seemingly endless pacing to look at her fellow slayer. She could honestly say she liked the girl and gotten over the whole 'I'm the only one' thing.
"When I went undercover to work for the mayor it was obvious that he didn't take anything too lightly. If something that important is going to come in he's going to every guy he can on top of it. Now willing to guess that Milan is somewhat more alert than Sunnydale and so demons would be a little more noticeable there, especially in a swanky gallery. There would probably be less to deal with there than here."
"Whoa there guys! I.WAS.KIDDING. Remember me, Xander, the joker. I wasn't serious about going to Europe."
"Its probably the best way and actually doable. I can call in some favours that certain people owe and with the frequent flyer miles I accumulated going from here to England a few times for the Council we should have just enough."
"It's a good start Giles but we're going to need more than just us."
"What do you mean Angel?"
"Like Faith said, there will less demons in Milan but I'm willing to wager that there will be a ton of human security. Not to mention the fact that this thing is going to be locked up tighter than a drum until the day of display. We'll need help from people who know how to deal with that sort of situation."
"Whom do you suggest?"
"Yeah Angel. As much as it makes perfect sense we can't exactly pick up the phone and call Commandos-R-Us."
"I know someone, and if we get there soon enough we'll have time to prep. Get in and get out without a problem."
"That sounds good enough. Angel why don't you call your contact and then I'll see about making flight arrangements, you all call your parents on the other line and clear it with them. Say its for a school club or something."
"Ooh Giles. Encouraging us young people to lie to authority figures?"
"Buffy."
"Alright, alright, alright. Hey, I'm going to Europe! Woohoo!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So why are we going to Geneva again Giles?"
"Because Buffy, that is where Angel's contact is and that is where we will be meeting the help that we need."
They had been enroute for hours now and were only a few hours away from their destination and Giles was wiped. He had spent the majority of the trip explaining to his charges what they should and should not expect from their collaborators. Of course he didn't know who they were, only that Angel had a friend who trained people for this type of work and they were in Geneva. At this moment the librarian felt very jealous of the vampire because he had managed to get this tiny space at the back of the plane just to himself while he personally had the privilege of watching over the children.
They soon landed in the Geneva airport and went to pick up there luggage. They then proceeded to stand there looking mildly strange and completely lost. That is until a cool looking brunette walked up to them and presented herself.
"Hello, you must be Donagan's party. I am Ms. Masterson, Chloe Masterson. You can just call me Chloe." The group took turns introducing themselves and Chloe had to stop herself from grinning like a fool, "The cars are out front. Shall we?"
They stepped outside and in the artificial lights of the airport they saw the veritable convoy of black BMWs.
"Wow. Angel, please tell me you have more contacts like this." Buffy said in a low voice that only he would hear at the sight of all the top of the line cars.
The ride was almost silent for an hour and a half when Xander piped up, "Um, if no one minds me asking. Where are you taking us?"
Chloe, who was driving that particular car, looked at him in the rear view mirror. "The school is another half hour into the mountains."
"Great." he whispered to Cordelia, "I knew Deadboy couldn't something right. He couldn't get us real commandos, he got us baby ones. They'll probably shoot us by accident and then themselves."
"Shhh!" Cordelia whispered harshly.
Chloe just glanced back and smiled a small smile.
They soon arrived at the school and dropped their luggage in the lobby to make their way to Von Hechter's office with Chloe in the lead.
Arriving at the door she knocked softly. "Ms. Von Hechter, Mr. Donagan's party has arrived."
"Show them in, Chloe, and have their bags moved to the north wing."
"Of course." She then turned to Giles and continued. "I'll arrange for a late meal ready for you when you're done. After that I'll show you to your rooms and anything else that you might need." With that she opened the door, showed them through and shut it behind Faith, the last of them to enter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Welcome, please have a seat." said a short and plump woman from behind a large oak desk. She then stood and went over to Angel and offered her hand, "You must be Angel. I must say it has been a while since we've had any contact with you."
"Yes, I haven't had a need to call upon your specific services in a long time, not since Lorraine Beaudin herself was head mistress. I'm surprised that you accepted my plea for help as quickly as you did."
"There are specific instructions left for the mistress from her predecessor and one of them that has lasted since Mme. Beaudin was that we should help you in whichever way possible. I'm just glad we could help. Now why don't you tell me exactly what the problem is."
It took a long time but they finally got the whole thing out. They told her everything about the mayor, the ascension, the brand, the gallery, and Lucias. Giles was surprised that the lady knew of vampires and demons and so she explained her own involvement with the supernatural, being saved by a slayer and then some study. They were thrilled when she said she would be able to help them without hesitation. There was only one thing plaguing Giles' mind.
"Forgive me Madame, but while you know of demons do your people? Will they be able to handle such things?"
"Yes, I do believe that my girls will be able to fine."
Xander's ears perked up at that, "Girls?"
"Yes, all our teams are comprised of women. This is after all a women's facility."
"Are you sure about your people Ms. Von Hechter, if we must we can make do with the few that can but the more the better. Have any of them had previous experience with anything strange? They would be a little more prepared than the others."
"Only one of our girls has had previous dealing with the supernatural, its tragic really, she had to grow up so quickly. In fact she is the leader of the team I am going to assign to you and they are the best. Now I'm sure you're all tired from your travels. Chloe will show to some food and then to your rooms to retire. I shall see you in the morning. Good evening." With that she opened the door and they filed out before they even realized what happened.
As the door shut Faith looked back, "Whoa, smooth."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chloe indeed did show them to the dining room, for that is what it was and not a cafeteria, for something to eat. There was even a supply for Angel which made him raise his eyebrows. She in turn just shrugged politely with a small smile.
They soon finished there meal and were leaving when Oz stopped in the doorway and turned back. Gently sniffing the air he got a puzzled look on his face and followed the others.
They followed Chloe down a long hallway listening while she gave small tips and instructions. She turned a final corner and pointed to each of seven doors while directing each individual to a separate door. When she was finished she turned around only to turn again with the most important instructions.
"The team you will be working with begins its daily training at 1:00 pm in the advanced gymnasium, in the basement of the south wing. Just walk back to the lobby and keep going until you see the third set of stairs going down. Then it's the first door on the left after the descent."
"Wait. When will we be meeting with Ms. Von Hechter again for planning?" Giles asked.
"Oh, everything from now on with be done with the team. They are perfectly capable of all aspects of a mission. If they require assistance they know where to get it. Goodnight." She then turned and left without another word leaving them there to stare at each other.
"She as smooth as the other one." Faith remarked.
"Just a note Deadboy. You brought us to European all chick spy school, you rule! Ow! Cordy!"
"I don't want to hear anything else about chick spies Xander Harris. I'm gong to bed."
"Uh, yes. I think we should all retire." And the Scooby gang went to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning the Scooby gang was shown into a private dining room off the
main one for brunch. Thankfully the way in was free of windows so Angel was
safe. There they met with Von Hechter who was concerned about the suitability
of their quarters and so forth. She then excused herself to attend to school
business. The Scooby gang returned to their rooms to get settled in a little
more before meeting with the team.
Meanwhile Willow and the rest of her team were busy going through their
respective academics. At lunch they were told to eat quickly and meet in the
programs conference room. They arrived together at noon and were thus filled
in on the mission, minus the demons of course.
"I cannot believe we get a real mission. I wonder if it is a test?"
"I don’t think so Colette, they would tell us if it was. Besides they
mentioned outsiders, like we’re being hired out. This is for real."
"How is it that you are not panicking like the rest of us Willow?"
"Why Niane that’s why she is our fearless leader of course."
"I am not fearless. I’m just in control of my emotions. Lets go and get
changed for our warm ups in the gym."
"I wonder when we’ll meet these outside partners and I wonder if there are any
men."
At that Magdalena gave a hearty laugh. "Colette is that all you ever think
about? Wait don’t answer I know it is. Come to think of it that might not be
that bad. Nothing like networking for your future early."
"We’ll probably meet them in here after our workout Colette." Willow added
quickly.
"You mean finding a husband, don’t you Leny?"
"I don’t see why it isn’t a bad place to look. In my mind he has to be tough
enough to survive me, international danger seekers like these seem like a good
enough place to start." With that and several giggles the girls went to the
change rooms.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It took the gang no time at all to find the gym and were there a little before
1:00 pm but to their surprise it was empty. They passed a few minutes
inspecting the set up. The room was large and could be divided into sections
although at the moment it was used in its entirety.
"Wow. Check the ropes set." They all turned their faces upwards to see what
had impressed Faith. The entire ceiling was open metal I-beams and
perpendicular supports. About 75% of it had at each cross a rope with a metal
end was attached to a metal loop in the ceiling. The ropes were long enough
to reach almost to the ground and the corner ropes were anchored to the floor
at an angle.
"Uh, yes. It is quite impressive." Giles said blinking and wondering just
who they had signed up with. Before he had a chance to think about it further
they all turned at the sound of a door opening at the far end of the
gymnasium.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magdalena opened the door to the gym and stepped through followed by Colette
and Niane. They stood together in front of the door appraising the group that
stood in front of them while they stretched.
"Well at least there are some men." Colette whispered to Niane who only
rolled her eyes.
"They’re children mostly, they might not be them. What do you think Leny?"
"Of course that’s them Niane. If they weren’t they wouldn’t be here and
besides we don’t exactly look like our job descriptions do we."
"Well all I know is that they have good taste in men. That dark haired boy is
very nice, he has potential."
"I prefer the tall dark one, he’s reached the peak but even the older man
seems capable enough."
"Leny! He’s old enough to be your father!"
"Stop being a twit Colette its not all about sex, he seems to be well in
control."
"Well you’re right I guess after all, I mean there is that shorter one on the
end. He’s, he’s…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The gang watched as three girls exited what they guessed was a change room and
started to stretch.
"So that’s them? Shouldn’t there be four?" Giles eyed the girls discreetly
at Cordelia’s observation.
"Well, uh, perhaps the last one is in the change room still. That must be
them or else they wouldn’t be here."
"What are you smiling at?" Buffy whispered to Angel who was trying very hard
not laugh.
"What Giles said about them being here. They apparently have the same idea."
"You can here them?" Her expression changed from curiosity to concern when he
suddenly lost his smile. "What?"
Angel kept his head down in embarrassment as he answered her reluctantly.
"They’re sizing up some of their new colleagues."
"Us?"
"Not all of us."
"What do mean?"
"They’re checking out the guys in the group." a sudden blink was the only
indication that he was uncomfortable. "Even Giles."
"Oh. That’s an eww."
"Excuse me? What did Deadboy just say? There checking us out? Woohoo! So
what did they say?"
"Well the blonde thinks you have potential and it sounds like she’s looking
for someone to hang on her arm. The brunette sounds like she’s going husband
shopping and thinks Giles has his act together and…"
"And what did she say about you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Angel, you have leave out face. You’re leaving something out."
"Cordy’s right. Oh God, I can’t believe I just said those words. So?"
"Well…"
"Well what?"
"She thinks I’m attractive." Buffy just looked at him. "She also thinks I’ve
hit my peak whatever that means."
"Well what about Oz?"
"The blonde is just talking about the short one on the end…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"…there is that shorter one on the end. He’s, he’s…"
"He’s Taken." The words were as cold as steel yet hot as hell with just a
hint of a growl to them. Willow stalked passed her team with very serious
intentions. She had come out of the change room to hear her friends talking
about the new comers who to her absolute shock were the old gang. Before
either the team or the gang had time to process what was going on Willow was
in front of Oz and was pulling him to face her. With all that fire and ice
Willow kissed Oz.
At first Oz was shocked but it only lasted a moment when he felt Willow in his
arms. When the kiss ended the two leaned their foreheads against one another
panting. "I missed you."
"I missed you too."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If you are quite finished Willow." Ms. Tremain’s voice broke the spell
between the two lost lovers forcing Willow to face her aerial’s instructor,
remarkably lacking in a blush. "Since you seem to already be acquainted with
our guests why don’t you make the introductions."
Willow turned to her team and straightened after seeing the strange look in
their eyes. Separating herself from Oz she unconsciously adjusted her
clothing and turned to the gang. "Guys, I would like you to meet my team…"
"Tupolev, Magdalena Tupolev. It’s a pleasure to meet you." The tall brunette
extended her hand gracefully almost purring the end of her greeting.
"Breaux, Colette Breaux. Bienvenue."
"Sing, Niane Sing. I am sure I will enjoy working with you."
The girls shook hands with each member of the gang then turned to Willow who
took a deep breath and began the second half of the intros. "Girls, I’d like
to introduce you to Mr. Rupert Giles, Ms. Faith Davis, Ms. Cordelia Chase, Mr.
Alexander Harris, Ms. Buffy Summers, Mr. Angel Donagan, and Mr. Daniel
Osborne. They’re my friends from Sunnydale…and if you’re the people we’re
supposed to be helping we’re in big trouble."
Before either group could get further into mission details Ms. Tremain decided
it was high time they started the aerials. "Girls! The set is written up on
the board so get going." Turning to their guests she smiled a gentle smile
they could all tell hid something a lot more dangerous than what showed. "Why
don’t you take a seat and see how the team handles themselves through their
aerials, then you all can discuss the upcoming mission. Oh and Willow?" She
called behind her back, "Its your turn to wear the scarf."
The only comment the gang heard was and small yet vehement "Damn." from the
redhead. They watched as the four girls walked to the four centre ropes and
climbed about fourteen feet up. They then wound the rope around their left
legs and let go so they were hanging only by that leg. The gang blinked in
unison as the team swung out and grabbed the ropes to their right with their
arms. They were trying to process that Willow was here, a spy, and doing rope
tricks the slayers would have to practice at!
The team proceeded to right themselves and swing tarzan style a ways slowly
climbing higher. They then flipped over and walked hand over hand down the
rope head first. Righting themselves yet again they curled the rope around
their right leg and swung forward curling the new rope their left. They
walked this way for a few steps while steadily moving down the ropes. The
gang gasped as one as each member swung to gain momentum and then leaping six
feet out to a corner rope and swinging around and down in a spiral by their
hands only until they landed softly and controlled on the floor. Only then
did Willow remove the blindfold.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
