TITLE: TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOU.
Author: Lami
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Rating: NC -17 (only the last chapter)
Author's notes: My first fic! Feedback welcome! Constructive criticism, death threats, anything else you want to share.
Warning: You are what you read!
Disclaimer: The characters used in this story, while entirely fictional, do not belong to me! I am in no way making profit from them and do this for entertainment, mostly my own. So don't sue me plz. A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend ;)
PS: # Thoughts #
Chapter I - Look before you leap (in to a vortex.)
~~~~~~~~~
". . . you're not the 'Big Bad' anymore! You're a fangless nuisance and in case you haven't noticed you're living in MY basement!"
"You'd have to be a lot deader than I am not to notice that, mate!"
The argument could be heard before the participants even walked through the door, much to the chagrin of the owner of the store. Giles set his tea down on the counter. He'd need both hands for this. The young witch was deep in concentration and could not be disturbed. After all, the dark magics she was using bore an uncanny resemblance to walking a tight rope blindfolded on a windy day, without the additional disturbance that was crashing through the door.
The next few seconds took a decidedly different length of time to pass for each person involved. Willow chanted under her breath, blissfully unaware of impending cataclysm. Giles watched in morbid fascination as the argument increased in volume:
"Oh yeah? If you'd rather go back to your crypt, be my guest!"
"That's an oxymoron."
"You're an oxymoron!!"
Even as words of warning left the watchers' mouth and headed through the air at a leisurely pace Xander spun around to yell at Spike and then tripped over the stairs, and spiraled gracefully through the air in to Willows' sacred circle.
As soon as Spike walked through the door he could sense magic in the air, and somewhere in the back of his mind heard the watcher say something about a spell. Then the boy yelled something at him and just as Spike noticed the scene directly in front of them, Xander went flying across the room. And then he was following him.
The only thing Xander could think as he realized he was heading down the stairs without his feet being involved was to grab on to the only object within reach, namely, Spikes' arm.
Time chose this moment to resume its normal speed. The first thing Willow saw as she opened her eyes was an unidentified flying blur go sailing past, right in to the vortex that she had conjured, and then disappear with a clap of thunder.
"oh dear."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"oh dear? Giles, what.?"
Willow was starting to wonder if all her spells were doomed from the start. There was supposed to be a vortex!
"umm, I was positive I locked that."
Giles said, indicating the door. He had hoped to let Xander and Spike in after heaving a chat with them out side. He certainly didn't anticipate them to come barging in and, as it happed, right at the perfect moment to get sucked in to God knows where!
"Willow, where does that go, exactly?"
The witch could sense the panic radiate off the watcher in waves without any extrasensory perception.
"I managed to push back quiet far this time. I'd say a couple of hundred years. But it wasn't supposed to do that. It, it was supposed to stay open until I told it to dissipate!"
"Or until something came through."
Giles supplied helpfully.
"yeah, or until something ca. . . Giles?"
How was he supposed to tell her that her best friend was just transported to the past?!
"um, Willow, Xander and Spike may have. well they are. two hundred years?. . ."
Willows' eyes seemed to take up all of her face for an instant. Then understanding dawned all rosy and bright.
"uh oh."
She uttered biting her lower lip as it began to tremble. How was she going to fix this?
Chapter II - Where is here?
The blissfully picturesque country side was awakened with an ear piercing scream.
"When I said 'go out with a bang' I didn't mean literally!"
Spike said as he got to his feet, looking heavenward.
"My last words were 'you're an oxymoron.'"
Xander mumbled dejectedly. Something about afterlife didn't seem to make sense though. . .
"hang about. . ."
Spike started to feel like himself again now that the mind numbing pain was wearing off.
"oh my God! I'm, I'm in hell! You're here! This can't be heaven!"
Spike tried not to smile at that. The boy was still in shock and trying heard to get to his feet, yelling at the injustice of it all. Spike rolled his eyes and helped him up.
"Snap out of it you ninny, you're not dead!"
Xanders' brain was starting to function again and checking for a pulse he tried to slow his breathing. What happened? One minute they were in the 'Magic Box' and the next they were here. Where ever here was. Oh wait! He fell! That's it, he must have hit his head and this was all trauma induced hallucination. He was getting worried for a moment. Ha. Why was he not waking up?
"ok. Ok, don't panic. . ."
Spike watched as Xander checked his pulse and seemed to reach some internal conclusion that the vampire wasn't privy to.
"I'm not panicking. I'm watching you panic. It's much more entertaining. . ."
It seemed that whatever deity had a grudge against Spike was watching and the next moment saw the usually smug vampire race across the country side in a blind panic.
Xander was about to say something when Spike turned and then a look of utter shock and indignation passed over his features. Xander didn't get to enjoy it for long though as a second later it, along with the rest of Spike was making a b-line for some trees.
# definitely a dream # thought Xander, and followed Spike.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Xander set off across the field after the vampire he had a chance to take in some of his surroundings. They had found themselves in a clearing almost completely surrounded by trees. It was too dark to make out much detail, all he could see was open grassland in the direction that wasn't forest. His head was feeling slightly better and he tried to think logically. That didn't work on his best days though so he realized that there wasn't much hope for it now. All he could come up with was that this must be the unfortunate result of one of Willows' spells. By the time he was done wrecking his brain, he had reached the edge of the forest.
"Spike?"
"I'm over here."
Spike could see that the boy had a burning question, so pointing to the horizon by way of explanation he turned and watched the first rays of sunlight creep across the morning mist. When he turned back towards Xander the look on the slayerettes face made bad ass vamp Spike want to offer some comfort. He quickly shook off the feeling.
"what's going on. . .?"
"How d'you mean pet?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong here but wasn't it night just a second ago? How long were we out? Where are we? This stuff always happens to me! Am I cursed? This is your fault!"
Spike could see that his companion was running out of air.
"yes, we weren't, don't know, I've noticed, and probably."
Spike said ticking the questions off on his fingers. Xander looked confused. Spike figured the boy was just trying to work out what he had answered.
Xander was confused. Spike, the one person he could count on to point out his inadequacies decided not to comment on the last statement. Strange, considering the fact that the vampire wouldn't be far off blaming him for dragging him in to this mess.
Literally.
"where are you going?"
Spike halted his progress through the undergrowth.
"I don't tan well so I though I'd find somewhere to hole up for the day. You coming?"
"Huh? No. wait! First thing's first. . ."
Spike watched as Xander pinched his arm.
"Ow!"
"You done ?"
"Yep. I'm good."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After what seemed like hours (but was actually only forty minutes according to Xanders' watch) of making their way through the dense forest the unfortunate duo encountered a river. The banks were rocky and fortunately for Spike had caves a plenty, as the only distraction Xander had during their hike was pointing out when the vampires hair was starting to smoke. Neither one of them had said much, which in itself was disconcerting but the fact remained that they had no idea how they got there and if possible, even less of an idea about how to get back.
"we're stopping?"
This from Xander, who didn't know why they couldn't take a break before, seeing as how they didn't know where they were going. Then Spike had explained that the sooner they got there the less time they would have to spend together, he decided to put all his efforts in to accomplishing just that. And now they were stopping.
"yeah. As soon as I find a big enough rock to crawl under."
Xander, who despite appearances was very perceptive could tell that Spike was as frustrated with the situation as he was.
"a minute ago you were all 'the sooner we get going the less time I have to spend with you' guy."
Xander actually did a passable approximation of Spike's accent.
"we can carry on after the sun sets. I happen to like my hair the way it is."
# too bad you're the only one # thought Xander, despite the fact that he had always thought Spikes hair was cool. He'd die before he admitted that to anyone though, even himself.
"yeah well, I don't have to sit here and keep you company, I can just go on alone!"
"Fine! Go ahead. I'm sure there's plenty of native wildlife that can't wait to meet you!"
Hmmm. He had a point. Xander sat on the flat surface of a rock next to the water and trying not to fall in, took a drink.
Spike watched the boy slide slowly towards the water. Despite his nonchalance he didn't want to be left alone either.
After finding a roomy cave Spike settled on the damp floor watching Xander pace out side. He came to the conclusion that the boy was bored and wished that the cave had enough room for him to pace too.
Xander had realized that it was actually quite cold now that they stopped hiking and found that pacing helped. After ten minutes of it though he got dizzy and sat at the mouth of the cave.
"I'm hungry."
"Go fish."
Came the expected barb from the darkness in the cave.
Another ten minutes followed this exchange after which neither one could take the silence any longer.
"Spike, I've been thinking . . ."
# What, no 'don't strain your self' ? # Thought Xander.
# Wow. He said my name. # Thought Spike.
"it's day."
"I think we've established that, luv."
"And it's cold."
"Your insight in to the obvious is uncanny. . . "
At the annoyed look from Xander the vampire held his hands up allowing the boy to finish the though with no further input.
"I'm thinking, we're not in Kansas anymore. Did I imagine that or was Wills doing some sort of witchy thing that we fell in to?"
"Yeah. The Watcher said Red was practicing her mojo tonight, something about transportation spells."
He could practically see the wheels turning in Xanders' head.
"it doesn't make sense. I mean, why would it be day? Unless she transported us across the planet. oh my God, we're in Australia!"
The look of horror on the brunettes face was too much for Spike and he started to laugh. Really laugh. After a moment Xander joined him. # not that it was that funny # but he figured both of them needed a let out. They lay panting on the rocks after, Spike just out of a die hard breathing habit. Xander realized that he had never heard the blonde laugh before, barring the occasional evil chuckle. He didn't know what to make of that random thought though so he just left it alone and it joined the other miscellaneous 'Spike thoughts' in a corner of his brain and made friends.
"so what now?"
Xander asked in a breathy voice, after the laughter died down.
"now we wait."
One of the things they had in common was the inability to sit still for long though so waiting was easier said than done. After Xanders' attempts at skipping stones, then looking for food, then cave art, and finally, naught 'n' crosses, the sun was setting. Not a moment too soon for Spike who was climbing the walls of his cave by then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"so. where to, fangstien?"
"Err.. you pick."
Xander seemed to deliberate for a moment and then pointed to the right.
"this way."
He said finally, trying to look like he could think of some reason why that direction was favorable.
"You sure?"
"Yes!"
Xanders' voice was full of confidence now.
"right, then."
Said Spike, spinning round and walking to the left along the river bank. A glance over his shoulder revealed a very confused looking Xander.
"No offence pet, but you aren't exactly the luckiest person I know."
The brunet was going to protest, but then, his current situation was a case in point. # great Not only am I stuck in the wilderness, but I'm stuck with him! #
Chapter III - Down the rabbit hole.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, back in the present.
"what do you mean, you can't!? *can't*, can't? . . ."
Willow was on the brink of an emotional breakdown. She had been trying to explain to Buffy, Riley, Tara and now, Angel what had happened to Xander and Spike. The not so much explaining as talking to a wall was taking a little longer than she thought it would. Not that they couldn't understand, but everyone was so worried about Xander, and Spike to a lesser degree, that they kept interrupting with suggestions and comments just like Buffy was doing now.
"No! I didn't mean I can't. can't yet! I need to research this before I try to get them back. But. . ."
Willow looked up at Giles who had been looking through a book in the stacks. He shook his head no and closed the book. Willow sighed. She'd figured as much.
"I can reopen the vortex, but they would have to be in the exact same time and place as they came through. I. um, I could try, but I'm not sure it will work."
"Why not?"
Buffy was getting frustrated. She was action-girl. Just sitting here formulating theories wasn't her forte. After three hours of listening to Willow and Giles explain the situation her ears were about ready to drop off. From the magic-speak she could understand it seemed as though Xander and Spike had been somehow transported to the past when they walked in to a vortex Willow had conjured while practicing her magic. They didn't know weather they could get them back just by opening the vortex again at the exact same time as they arrived there because of the time difference. They had spent three hours there already so bringing them back now would mean that they would loose that time. Buffy thought it was perfectly logical to conclude that they wouldn't mind being a bit younger but at the exasperated look she received it appeared things weren't that simple. While the Slayer was pondering this, Willow and Tara set up the sacred circle again and after a stern warning to stay out of the way, began to chant.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The lush green grassy patch was perfect. Or so thought the rabbit, that had spent the morning looking for a spot to dig its' new home. Just as the search came to a fruitful end, the ground shook, and a clap of thunder echoed through the cloudless sky. Then the wind picked up and not two feet from the startled rabbit a swirling vortex appeared out of nowhere.
# What do ya know. a vortex. # thought the rabbit and turning, hightailed it out of there. Those things are more trouble that they're worth and rabbits like to err on the side of caution. It paid to be able to run fast, if you were a rabbit.
~~~~~~~~~
Two hundred years ago, in a grassy meadow, Willows voice could be heard coming from the center of a small vortex.
*they aren't there.*
*wait, maybe they'll come back. . .*
*it's day.*
Willow failed to see why that was worth mentioning. She looked at Buffy. Then back at the field through the murky center of the vortex. Then back at Buffy.
*oh my God, Spike! I didn't even think! What if. . .*
She left it open. Every one knew what the 'if' was. The Slayer could see that thoughts of their resident evil being dust were upsetting Willow even more.
*don't worry Wills, he's not that easy to kill. Trust me I know. I saw some trees over there. . .*
Buffy moved to point but her arm was slapped away by Tara.
*y you don't want a, a two hundred year old arm. do you?*
Buffy snatched her arm away.
*they'll probably just hide out there till the sun sets.*
Willow and Tara made the vortex dissipate and the room was oddly silent for a minute.
"I don't get it. I thought you said it was supposed to open at the same time as they arrived?"
Said Buffy. She once again felt like she had missed something. This is probably what
Willow meant when she said it wouldn't work.
Another hour of Buffy staring at a book and everyone else researching revealed that the vortex would open in Xander and Spikes' current time, but they would have to walk through it to return, and for that they would have to be in the same area, and for that they would have to know where they were, and for that they would need a miracle.
"Giles, I don't know what else to do. . ."
Willow whispered brokenly. The vortex just wouldn't move without another spell of some sort. The witch was lost.
"Angel?"
Buffy thought that she might as well ask if he had any bright ideas. It took some work to get his two available facial expressions to mesh in to a 'sorry, no idea' but he managed.
"Giles. . .?"
"I don't know. But I know someone who might. . ."
Ripper said cryptically and disappeared in to his office.
TBC. . .
Author: Lami
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Rating: NC -17 (only the last chapter)
Author's notes: My first fic! Feedback welcome! Constructive criticism, death threats, anything else you want to share.
Warning: You are what you read!
Disclaimer: The characters used in this story, while entirely fictional, do not belong to me! I am in no way making profit from them and do this for entertainment, mostly my own. So don't sue me plz. A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend ;)
PS: # Thoughts #
Chapter I - Look before you leap (in to a vortex.)
~~~~~~~~~
". . . you're not the 'Big Bad' anymore! You're a fangless nuisance and in case you haven't noticed you're living in MY basement!"
"You'd have to be a lot deader than I am not to notice that, mate!"
The argument could be heard before the participants even walked through the door, much to the chagrin of the owner of the store. Giles set his tea down on the counter. He'd need both hands for this. The young witch was deep in concentration and could not be disturbed. After all, the dark magics she was using bore an uncanny resemblance to walking a tight rope blindfolded on a windy day, without the additional disturbance that was crashing through the door.
The next few seconds took a decidedly different length of time to pass for each person involved. Willow chanted under her breath, blissfully unaware of impending cataclysm. Giles watched in morbid fascination as the argument increased in volume:
"Oh yeah? If you'd rather go back to your crypt, be my guest!"
"That's an oxymoron."
"You're an oxymoron!!"
Even as words of warning left the watchers' mouth and headed through the air at a leisurely pace Xander spun around to yell at Spike and then tripped over the stairs, and spiraled gracefully through the air in to Willows' sacred circle.
As soon as Spike walked through the door he could sense magic in the air, and somewhere in the back of his mind heard the watcher say something about a spell. Then the boy yelled something at him and just as Spike noticed the scene directly in front of them, Xander went flying across the room. And then he was following him.
The only thing Xander could think as he realized he was heading down the stairs without his feet being involved was to grab on to the only object within reach, namely, Spikes' arm.
Time chose this moment to resume its normal speed. The first thing Willow saw as she opened her eyes was an unidentified flying blur go sailing past, right in to the vortex that she had conjured, and then disappear with a clap of thunder.
"oh dear."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"oh dear? Giles, what.?"
Willow was starting to wonder if all her spells were doomed from the start. There was supposed to be a vortex!
"umm, I was positive I locked that."
Giles said, indicating the door. He had hoped to let Xander and Spike in after heaving a chat with them out side. He certainly didn't anticipate them to come barging in and, as it happed, right at the perfect moment to get sucked in to God knows where!
"Willow, where does that go, exactly?"
The witch could sense the panic radiate off the watcher in waves without any extrasensory perception.
"I managed to push back quiet far this time. I'd say a couple of hundred years. But it wasn't supposed to do that. It, it was supposed to stay open until I told it to dissipate!"
"Or until something came through."
Giles supplied helpfully.
"yeah, or until something ca. . . Giles?"
How was he supposed to tell her that her best friend was just transported to the past?!
"um, Willow, Xander and Spike may have. well they are. two hundred years?. . ."
Willows' eyes seemed to take up all of her face for an instant. Then understanding dawned all rosy and bright.
"uh oh."
She uttered biting her lower lip as it began to tremble. How was she going to fix this?
Chapter II - Where is here?
The blissfully picturesque country side was awakened with an ear piercing scream.
"When I said 'go out with a bang' I didn't mean literally!"
Spike said as he got to his feet, looking heavenward.
"My last words were 'you're an oxymoron.'"
Xander mumbled dejectedly. Something about afterlife didn't seem to make sense though. . .
"hang about. . ."
Spike started to feel like himself again now that the mind numbing pain was wearing off.
"oh my God! I'm, I'm in hell! You're here! This can't be heaven!"
Spike tried not to smile at that. The boy was still in shock and trying heard to get to his feet, yelling at the injustice of it all. Spike rolled his eyes and helped him up.
"Snap out of it you ninny, you're not dead!"
Xanders' brain was starting to function again and checking for a pulse he tried to slow his breathing. What happened? One minute they were in the 'Magic Box' and the next they were here. Where ever here was. Oh wait! He fell! That's it, he must have hit his head and this was all trauma induced hallucination. He was getting worried for a moment. Ha. Why was he not waking up?
"ok. Ok, don't panic. . ."
Spike watched as Xander checked his pulse and seemed to reach some internal conclusion that the vampire wasn't privy to.
"I'm not panicking. I'm watching you panic. It's much more entertaining. . ."
It seemed that whatever deity had a grudge against Spike was watching and the next moment saw the usually smug vampire race across the country side in a blind panic.
Xander was about to say something when Spike turned and then a look of utter shock and indignation passed over his features. Xander didn't get to enjoy it for long though as a second later it, along with the rest of Spike was making a b-line for some trees.
# definitely a dream # thought Xander, and followed Spike.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Xander set off across the field after the vampire he had a chance to take in some of his surroundings. They had found themselves in a clearing almost completely surrounded by trees. It was too dark to make out much detail, all he could see was open grassland in the direction that wasn't forest. His head was feeling slightly better and he tried to think logically. That didn't work on his best days though so he realized that there wasn't much hope for it now. All he could come up with was that this must be the unfortunate result of one of Willows' spells. By the time he was done wrecking his brain, he had reached the edge of the forest.
"Spike?"
"I'm over here."
Spike could see that the boy had a burning question, so pointing to the horizon by way of explanation he turned and watched the first rays of sunlight creep across the morning mist. When he turned back towards Xander the look on the slayerettes face made bad ass vamp Spike want to offer some comfort. He quickly shook off the feeling.
"what's going on. . .?"
"How d'you mean pet?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong here but wasn't it night just a second ago? How long were we out? Where are we? This stuff always happens to me! Am I cursed? This is your fault!"
Spike could see that his companion was running out of air.
"yes, we weren't, don't know, I've noticed, and probably."
Spike said ticking the questions off on his fingers. Xander looked confused. Spike figured the boy was just trying to work out what he had answered.
Xander was confused. Spike, the one person he could count on to point out his inadequacies decided not to comment on the last statement. Strange, considering the fact that the vampire wouldn't be far off blaming him for dragging him in to this mess.
Literally.
"where are you going?"
Spike halted his progress through the undergrowth.
"I don't tan well so I though I'd find somewhere to hole up for the day. You coming?"
"Huh? No. wait! First thing's first. . ."
Spike watched as Xander pinched his arm.
"Ow!"
"You done ?"
"Yep. I'm good."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After what seemed like hours (but was actually only forty minutes according to Xanders' watch) of making their way through the dense forest the unfortunate duo encountered a river. The banks were rocky and fortunately for Spike had caves a plenty, as the only distraction Xander had during their hike was pointing out when the vampires hair was starting to smoke. Neither one of them had said much, which in itself was disconcerting but the fact remained that they had no idea how they got there and if possible, even less of an idea about how to get back.
"we're stopping?"
This from Xander, who didn't know why they couldn't take a break before, seeing as how they didn't know where they were going. Then Spike had explained that the sooner they got there the less time they would have to spend together, he decided to put all his efforts in to accomplishing just that. And now they were stopping.
"yeah. As soon as I find a big enough rock to crawl under."
Xander, who despite appearances was very perceptive could tell that Spike was as frustrated with the situation as he was.
"a minute ago you were all 'the sooner we get going the less time I have to spend with you' guy."
Xander actually did a passable approximation of Spike's accent.
"we can carry on after the sun sets. I happen to like my hair the way it is."
# too bad you're the only one # thought Xander, despite the fact that he had always thought Spikes hair was cool. He'd die before he admitted that to anyone though, even himself.
"yeah well, I don't have to sit here and keep you company, I can just go on alone!"
"Fine! Go ahead. I'm sure there's plenty of native wildlife that can't wait to meet you!"
Hmmm. He had a point. Xander sat on the flat surface of a rock next to the water and trying not to fall in, took a drink.
Spike watched the boy slide slowly towards the water. Despite his nonchalance he didn't want to be left alone either.
After finding a roomy cave Spike settled on the damp floor watching Xander pace out side. He came to the conclusion that the boy was bored and wished that the cave had enough room for him to pace too.
Xander had realized that it was actually quite cold now that they stopped hiking and found that pacing helped. After ten minutes of it though he got dizzy and sat at the mouth of the cave.
"I'm hungry."
"Go fish."
Came the expected barb from the darkness in the cave.
Another ten minutes followed this exchange after which neither one could take the silence any longer.
"Spike, I've been thinking . . ."
# What, no 'don't strain your self' ? # Thought Xander.
# Wow. He said my name. # Thought Spike.
"it's day."
"I think we've established that, luv."
"And it's cold."
"Your insight in to the obvious is uncanny. . . "
At the annoyed look from Xander the vampire held his hands up allowing the boy to finish the though with no further input.
"I'm thinking, we're not in Kansas anymore. Did I imagine that or was Wills doing some sort of witchy thing that we fell in to?"
"Yeah. The Watcher said Red was practicing her mojo tonight, something about transportation spells."
He could practically see the wheels turning in Xanders' head.
"it doesn't make sense. I mean, why would it be day? Unless she transported us across the planet. oh my God, we're in Australia!"
The look of horror on the brunettes face was too much for Spike and he started to laugh. Really laugh. After a moment Xander joined him. # not that it was that funny # but he figured both of them needed a let out. They lay panting on the rocks after, Spike just out of a die hard breathing habit. Xander realized that he had never heard the blonde laugh before, barring the occasional evil chuckle. He didn't know what to make of that random thought though so he just left it alone and it joined the other miscellaneous 'Spike thoughts' in a corner of his brain and made friends.
"so what now?"
Xander asked in a breathy voice, after the laughter died down.
"now we wait."
One of the things they had in common was the inability to sit still for long though so waiting was easier said than done. After Xanders' attempts at skipping stones, then looking for food, then cave art, and finally, naught 'n' crosses, the sun was setting. Not a moment too soon for Spike who was climbing the walls of his cave by then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"so. where to, fangstien?"
"Err.. you pick."
Xander seemed to deliberate for a moment and then pointed to the right.
"this way."
He said finally, trying to look like he could think of some reason why that direction was favorable.
"You sure?"
"Yes!"
Xanders' voice was full of confidence now.
"right, then."
Said Spike, spinning round and walking to the left along the river bank. A glance over his shoulder revealed a very confused looking Xander.
"No offence pet, but you aren't exactly the luckiest person I know."
The brunet was going to protest, but then, his current situation was a case in point. # great Not only am I stuck in the wilderness, but I'm stuck with him! #
Chapter III - Down the rabbit hole.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, back in the present.
"what do you mean, you can't!? *can't*, can't? . . ."
Willow was on the brink of an emotional breakdown. She had been trying to explain to Buffy, Riley, Tara and now, Angel what had happened to Xander and Spike. The not so much explaining as talking to a wall was taking a little longer than she thought it would. Not that they couldn't understand, but everyone was so worried about Xander, and Spike to a lesser degree, that they kept interrupting with suggestions and comments just like Buffy was doing now.
"No! I didn't mean I can't. can't yet! I need to research this before I try to get them back. But. . ."
Willow looked up at Giles who had been looking through a book in the stacks. He shook his head no and closed the book. Willow sighed. She'd figured as much.
"I can reopen the vortex, but they would have to be in the exact same time and place as they came through. I. um, I could try, but I'm not sure it will work."
"Why not?"
Buffy was getting frustrated. She was action-girl. Just sitting here formulating theories wasn't her forte. After three hours of listening to Willow and Giles explain the situation her ears were about ready to drop off. From the magic-speak she could understand it seemed as though Xander and Spike had been somehow transported to the past when they walked in to a vortex Willow had conjured while practicing her magic. They didn't know weather they could get them back just by opening the vortex again at the exact same time as they arrived there because of the time difference. They had spent three hours there already so bringing them back now would mean that they would loose that time. Buffy thought it was perfectly logical to conclude that they wouldn't mind being a bit younger but at the exasperated look she received it appeared things weren't that simple. While the Slayer was pondering this, Willow and Tara set up the sacred circle again and after a stern warning to stay out of the way, began to chant.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The lush green grassy patch was perfect. Or so thought the rabbit, that had spent the morning looking for a spot to dig its' new home. Just as the search came to a fruitful end, the ground shook, and a clap of thunder echoed through the cloudless sky. Then the wind picked up and not two feet from the startled rabbit a swirling vortex appeared out of nowhere.
# What do ya know. a vortex. # thought the rabbit and turning, hightailed it out of there. Those things are more trouble that they're worth and rabbits like to err on the side of caution. It paid to be able to run fast, if you were a rabbit.
~~~~~~~~~
Two hundred years ago, in a grassy meadow, Willows voice could be heard coming from the center of a small vortex.
*they aren't there.*
*wait, maybe they'll come back. . .*
*it's day.*
Willow failed to see why that was worth mentioning. She looked at Buffy. Then back at the field through the murky center of the vortex. Then back at Buffy.
*oh my God, Spike! I didn't even think! What if. . .*
She left it open. Every one knew what the 'if' was. The Slayer could see that thoughts of their resident evil being dust were upsetting Willow even more.
*don't worry Wills, he's not that easy to kill. Trust me I know. I saw some trees over there. . .*
Buffy moved to point but her arm was slapped away by Tara.
*y you don't want a, a two hundred year old arm. do you?*
Buffy snatched her arm away.
*they'll probably just hide out there till the sun sets.*
Willow and Tara made the vortex dissipate and the room was oddly silent for a minute.
"I don't get it. I thought you said it was supposed to open at the same time as they arrived?"
Said Buffy. She once again felt like she had missed something. This is probably what
Willow meant when she said it wouldn't work.
Another hour of Buffy staring at a book and everyone else researching revealed that the vortex would open in Xander and Spikes' current time, but they would have to walk through it to return, and for that they would have to be in the same area, and for that they would have to know where they were, and for that they would need a miracle.
"Giles, I don't know what else to do. . ."
Willow whispered brokenly. The vortex just wouldn't move without another spell of some sort. The witch was lost.
"Angel?"
Buffy thought that she might as well ask if he had any bright ideas. It took some work to get his two available facial expressions to mesh in to a 'sorry, no idea' but he managed.
"Giles. . .?"
"I don't know. But I know someone who might. . ."
Ripper said cryptically and disappeared in to his office.
TBC. . .