Like Mother, Like Daughter

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Questions Unanswered

Annie and Aly try to take it all in-all the pitfalls of being a Slayer plus a witch. At times they seem overwhelmed but someone is there to give them a sounding board. This day is no different, after a training session with Buffy and Faith they sit on the mats taking a break. Annie watches her sister who appears to be deep in thought. "You okay?"

"Yeah-just still trying to process it all sometimes it's -" she stops. "How do we keep it from happening to us?"

"We remember what's at stake-"

"No pressure there-" says Aly, a little flip.

"Don't think anybody said it would be easy," smiles her twin.

"Don't guess they did-"

"We just look out for each other," replies Annie.

"Can you believe that Mom did those things?"

"No-she doesn't seem capable but it proves anyone can mess up and follow the wrong path."

Aly nods- "You got my back right?"

"Always-" smiles Annie. "Let's find mochas-"

"Ohhh-I like mochas!" She stands and reaches her hand down to her sister. She takes it and pulls herself up.

A few days later Xander is in his backyard building a tree house with Will and David. The boys watch as he saws the boards to the right length. He then helps each little boy cut one and they smile up at him.

"Dad," asks David, "do you still wish you had super powers?"

"Sometimes-I mean flying would be cool don't you think?-I could zip these boards right up there." He looks toward the tree then back at his sons who are giggling. "What?" he questions playfully.

"Not flying," says Will- "Powers like Mom-"

"In that case no-I'm happy with who I am."

"Me too," agrees Will. "I can fight bad guys like you when I'm older."

"When you're older," Xander repeats his son's words.

"Like ten?"

"Maybe just a bit older-"

"Eleven?" interrupts Will.

""We'll see-"

"Twelve-" adds David.

"Who wants to help with the next board?"

"Me-" chime the kids in union and Xander smiles-the topic of fighting gone till another day.

Willow is sitting on the balcony alone looking up at the stars, after the recent events, her mind has been drifting to Tara more than normal. Aly walks out and over to her- "Mind if I s-" Willow lost in thought is startled as the teenager speaks, "Sorry Mom-"

"No it's okay-sit with me." Aly sits between her legs her back resting against her mother and she smiles as she feels arms settle around her waist. Of late this is when she feels most safe. "Bad dream?"

"No-just couldn't sleep-" reports the girl. She follows her mom's eyes toward the heavens.

"Tara loved the stars-we'd watch them for hours." The redhead smiles but it quickly fades. "She made up names-"

Aly interjects, "The pineapple one?" Willow nods, "Mom can I ask you something?"

"Anything Aly-"

"Do you still love her?"

"Tara?" Aly nods her eyes still on the sky. Willow takes a slow deep breath before answering, "Always-a part of me will always love Tara."

"But you love Mama-"

"Absolutely-"

"How?"

"It's hard to explain-it just is the way it is-" They sit quietly for a few seconds and then Willow adds, "Some day, with time and healing, you'll understand." She places a kiss on the crown of the teenager's head.

Aly loses the battle to tears and as they fall she whispers, "I miss her."

"I know," assures the redhead.

The girl's words are louder, "I should have been able to save her-"

"I felt that way too," confides her mother, "when I lost Tara-but I couldn't-I had all this power but I couldn't-" her words die away. Composing herself she starts again, "I couldn't change any of it-and neither can you."

In the doorway Kennedy listens to the conversation not wanting to interrupt them-she wipes away a tear and goes back inside. As she does she decides to check on the kids one room at a time. She goes to Kara and Kristen's room first the youngest of their children are sleeping soundly. She kisses each of them and then leaves. The room across the hall belongs to Alex and he too is sleeping. She fixes his covers and then kisses him as well. She smiles down at the boy-kisses him again and then leaves. In the next room, Erin and Ellie's, she sees Erin sleeping while the other little Slayer tosses restlessly. She sits on her daughter's bed and touches her cheek- "Shhhh-you're safe baby girl." She presses her lips to Ellie's temple.

The dreams of the little Slayer continue as Kennedy moves the child into her arms. In her dream she is floating in darkness-all the child can see are a few sprinkles of stars in the distance. A voice speaks, "Ellie Mac?"

"Yes," answers the Slayer, "that's me."

"You must listen carefully and remember."

"Listen and remember-" repeats the child.

"Your eyes hold the truth-" As the voice goes silent the stars appear to get closer. Suddenly she realizes they are not stars at all-they are the shining eyes of things unseen.

Ellie gasps and the dream ends. She looks up in her mama's eyes- "Mommy!" she screams.

Windows to Your Soul

"Ellie it's Mama-you're okay-look at me-" the child focuses on the voice and she stops struggling. "Now shhh-" Ellie hugs her mama tightly as she starts to cry. "Shhhh-I got you."

Aly walks across the room and gathers a still sleeping Erin in her arms and goes out of the room. Willow sits next to Kennedy on the child's bed. "Bad dream sweetie?" asks her mommy as she strokes the little girl's dark hair. Ellie just nods-

Kennedy presses a kiss to Ellie's head and her worried eyes meet Willow's. "Wanna sleep with us tonight?" Again the child just nods. Kennedy stands and then Willow, together they leave the room.

Aly walks to the door with Erin just as Annie starts out- "What happened?" Her voice is full of worry.

"Ellie had a nightmare-she's pretty upset. I thought she would be better off here-in case she wakes up." She smiles as she finishes the sentence and then adds- "Not that she actually would-I think she could sleep through anything."

"I wish I could sometimes-" says Annie.

Aly walks to her bed and tucks her little sister under the covers. She sits beside her. "Yeah-I wish the same thing all the time."

"Still having dreams about-"

Aly doesn't let her finish, not ready to hear the name on her twin's lips. "No-not for a few days."

In their bedroom Willow and Kennedy are snuggled together with Ellie between them. The little girl stares at the ceiling her eyes never once closing- "What some hot coco?" asks Willow. The child shakes her head. "Okay-close your eyes and sleep," says the redhead; her voice soft as her fingers trace a circle on the little girl's back trying to sooth her.

"I don't want to-" Ellie's voice is barely a whisper.

"We'll be right here-nothing to worry about," assures Kennedy.

"But if I sleep they'll come back-" she says as she fights tears.

"Who will come back?" asks Willow.

"The shiny eyes-" states the girl.

"Shiny eyes?" replies Kennedy unsure.

"In my dream-I thought they were stars but they were eyes and they were watching me." She snuggles closer against Willow. The redhead wraps her arms around the child.

"Do you know why?" asks the Slayer, again Ellie shakes her head no.

Willow decides to try more questions, "What else was in your dream?"

"A voice-it was nice," the child adds as an after thought. The parents wait for her to continue. Kennedy puts an arm around her too. "She told me to listen and remember-"

"Remember what?" The redhead watches her daughter as tears fall-

"I don't remember-I tried but I got scared."

Willow wipes Ellie's tears as Kennedy kisses her head. "It's okay-if it's important you'll remember tomorrow after you rest."

"What if I don't and someone gets hurt?" She turns to look at her mama.

"I won't let anyone get hurt-promise."

"Promise?" Ellie tries to stop her tears.

"We both promise," assures Willow. "Now try to sleep. I could read you a story-"

"What kind of story?" The child looks into her mommy's eyes. The excitement winning out over the fear. Kennedy smiles.

The next day Annie and Kristen are doing the breakfast dishes. As they wash and dry in silence the little redhead looks to her older sister. "What happened last night?"

"Ellie just had a bad dream-nothing to worry about," assures Annie though she isn't positive she's right.

"Are those funny-eyed guys coming back?" The child's voice betrays her and the fear becomes obvious.

"Come 'ere," says Annie as she lifts her sister from the stool and sets her on the counter. "Those guys might be back but we're ready for them-okay?" Kristen nods slowly. Annie hugs her little sister and whispers softly- "I won't let anything hurt you." Their eyes meet and tears finally fall from soft green eyes. "Shhhh-" Annie hugs her again.

In the backyard Aly is pushing Kara on the swing. "Did Ellie have a nightmare?"

"Yep-but Mama was there to take care of her."

"Aly they're gonna come back aren't they?"

"The Bringers?" The little girl nods- "Yeah probably but you don't have to worry." She stops the swing and kneels in front of her little sister. "Mama won't let them hurt any of us-and Mom she'll zap 'em out of here."

A smile crosses the little girl's face- "Clear into some other dim-dimen- what's it called?"

"Dimension?" asks Aly with a smile.

"Right that-they'll be sorry," the child's confidence shows through her fear.

"You bet they will."

In the bedroom Willow is holding a sleeping Ellie as Kennedy walks in- "Finally sleeping." The redhead's tired eyes meet her Slayer's. "Want me to hold her while you get some sleep too? You were awake all night."

"I'm okay-" Kennedy moves to the bed behind her love and circles her in her arms. Willow leans against her body and rests her head on her shoulder. "I'll just have to hold you both-now close your eyes." She presses a kiss to her redhead's cheek.

"Eyes-whose eyes Kennedy?- Bringers don't have eyes."

"I don't know but I talked to Giles. He was gonna check around and see if there's a new Big Bad around town." Before the sentence is finished the witch is asleep in her Slayer's arms. Kennedy brushes a hand against her arm as she realizes she is no longer awake. "Sleep."

Later that day Giles is in the study talking with Kennedy and Willow. "I called in some favors and nothing. I even talked with Ethan-he hasn't heard a thing from his end either."

"That means his sources are as in the dark as we are or they figured out he switched sides," states Willow.

"Either way we don't know any more then we did last night," says Kennedy.

"I afraid not-" admits Giles. "She still hasn't remembered anything else the voice said?"

"No-or if she has, she hasn't told us," Willow looks at Kennedy.

"When she does, she'll tell us-she just needs some time," Kennedy's voice is sure.

She looks up as the door opens and she sees Aly and Ellie there. "She wanted to tell you good night-" says Aly.

"Come 'ere," smiles Kennedy. The girl walks to her and her mama picks her up and kisses her forehead.

Willow moves beside them and kisses her too. "Sleep tight," says the redhead softly.

"Will you read to me later?"

"You bet-" says her mom.

"Night Grandpa Giles."

"Good night my little one." He smiles as Kennedy puts her down. She walks to him and hugs him. Ellie then walks to her older sister and they leave hand-in-hand. "She seems to be okay now-" he says once he is sure she is out of hearing range.

"I think so too-" agrees Kennedy. Willow watches the door unsure.

"I'll keep checking-"

"Thanks-" Willow hugs him.

Late that night Ellie is still awake in her mother's arms. As the redhead presses a kiss to her temple she whispers so she won't wake the sleeping brunette beside them, "Sleep-"

"I can't," tears threaten to fall. "Those star-eyes are scary," admits the little Slayer.

"No-stars aren't scary." She stands up and holds out her hand. "Come on I'll show you."

The little girl crawls out of bed and takes her mom's hand. They walk out onto the balcony. Willow sits on the lounge chair and pulls Ellie into her lap. The child's small body lies on top of hers-both look up at the sky. "No what else is creepy?" She asks as she continues to look at the night sky full of stars.

"No what?"

Ellie watches the stars- "They're gone now-" states the child.

"What's gone sweetie?"

"The stars-the ones we see now, they burned out."

"That's true-but it's not creepy, it just takes the light a really long time to get here." They sit quietly, "Remember when you were little and we'd lie on the grass and count the stars?"

Ellie smiles, "Yeah-that was fun."

"Want to count them now?"

"Nah-but we could say the names," volunteers the little girl.

"If you want," says her mom.

"That's the Big Dipper-" replies the child as she points to her right.

"Yep, and there's The Hunter, see the tip of his bow?"

"Cool-and the Pineapple," she points to a nearby one. "But it's not really right?"

"Right that's just what Tara called it. You remember that?" asks the witch with a smile.

"I remember-" she pauses and then sits up excited. She faces her mother, "I remember!"

"The dream-" Willow's green eyes meet the sparkling blue of her daughter's. "You remember?"

"The voice said that the truth was in the eyes," she pauses unsure, "what does that mean?"

"I don't know but we can research tomorrow-" she presses a kiss to her forehead.

"Can we now?" asks the antsy Slayer.

"It's much too late for little girls-" realizing this battle would not be won the little brunette turns into her mother's arms and snuggles against her. "Sweet dreams."

"Night Mommy," her eyes close and almost instantly the redhead can feel the child's rhythmic breathing. Sleep at last settles on the little Slayer.

However the peace of it shatters as the visions start again. The voice calls to her, "Little one-your eyes. The truth is in your eyes."

"My eyes-" repeats the child she tries to focus on the figure starting to materialize in front of her. "Okay-but I don't get it."

"You will- your mommy will help and so will I. I will be your wind-" before she can finish, the glistening eyes appear and they begin to chant. "Wake up now-I can't leave you alone with them it's dangerous-open your eyes now!"

Ellie's eyes fly open and she screams, "Don't hurt her!"

Startled from a light sleep of her own Willow holds her- "Who Ellie-?" Kennedy runs out to them.

"They were going to hurt the lady."

The Magic's Back

"What can we do-we can't go in her dreams with her," replies the Slayer.

"Actually-maybe-" she gets up from the bed and walks across the room to the bookshelf. She looks at the magic books there and picks up two before returning to the bed. This time she sits cross-legged in front of her Slayer.

"Magic?" Questions the younger woman. "Is that such a good idea?"

"I think-I mean there's a spell that allows you to enter the dreams of others."

"And do what?"

"Maybe make some sense of it or see who or what the voice is-" answers the redhead.

"I don't know Will-you'd be vulnerable there."

"No-maybe but I have to do something." Her eyes search Kennedy's for understanding and finds it, "If you were my anchor-"

The Slayer interrupts with a teasing voice and a raised eyebrow, "Anchor? I thought I was your kite string?"

"You are-an and well that's good but the anchoring it entails a little more power from you."

"I knew it was the Slayer thing all along-" she says teasing a bit trying to lighten the mood.

"No-you know that's not true," assures the redhead as she touches her face with a hand, caressing it gently.

"My looks?" asks the woman. Willow shakes her head- "My charm?" Again she shakes her head. Now it is Kennedy who is being teased. "Not my money?"

"No-I don't care about the money."

"Then what?"

"The tongue ring Kennedy," she smiles- "it was the tongue ring." She smiles.

The Slayer shakes her head as a smile covers her face as well. "You-I'll get you for that one-"

Willow giggles quietly. "Sorry just had to-" replies the witch.

Kennedy raises an eyebrow and chews her bottom lip- "This isn't over-I'll-"

"Right-" she giggles again.

Kennedy just mock glares at her, "You're so gonna get it?"

"Promise-?"

"Count on it."

As things settle back down, Willow flips through the pages of a book and finds what she is looking for. She hands it to Kennedy, "See what you think." Kennedy nods and begins to read. Willow opens the other text and reads as well looking for any potential drawbacks that the spell might have. She doesn't want to put Ellie in anymore danger than she's feels she's in.

Later after Kennedy has read and reread the book she and Willow are again lying with Ellie Mac between them. "So?" asks the redhead as she reaches across their daughter and takes her Slayer's hand and laces their fingers together.

Their eyes meet and Kennedy takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "It sounds a little dangerous. I mean I've never done a spell this difficult. What if I can't-"

"I trust you," the redhead responds.

"You should get someone from the Coven or Giles-they've had more experience."

"I know but I'd feel better if it's us together, safer-"

"Okay," comes the Slayer's quiet answer. "I'll do it-when?"

"The full moon is the day after tomorrow-"

"Right-so Friday. Friday's good."

Willow pulls her Slayer's hand to her lips and kisses it. "We can do this-" her voice is confident.

Kennedy looks down at Ellie then back to her redhead, "Yeah-" she leans across and kisses her softly.

The next day is just a normal day in the life of the Langdon's. After shopping for the needed supplies for the Ritual, Willow is sitting in the garden watching the kids play on the swings and the Jungle Gym. The summer sun warms the freckled skin of the redhead as a gentle wind blows. Alex and Ellie are sitting on top of the Jungle Gym after chasing each other around it.

Willow looks toward the gate as it opens and stands as she sees a teenage boy and girl walk toward her. She smiles when she recognizes them. "Jake-Katie-wow, look at you." She touches each face and they both blush slightly. "How's your mom and dad?"

"Okay," says Katie, "Dad got the job so we're staying."

"The girls will be excited."

"Excited about what?" Asks Annie as she and Aly appear from the porch.

"We're staying," says Katie.

"That's great-" says Aly with a smile crossing her face.

Jake speaks for the first time, "I-we thought we would see if you wanted to go to the park-"

"Cool-" says Annie "yeah-I mean sure-" she looks at her mom, "Okay?"

Aly turns to her mom as well, a little sparkle in her eyes, "Is it?"

"Sounds fun-" says Willow.

"So we can go?" Annie questions.

"Just be back by dinner-"

"Thanks-" echo Annie and Aly as they hug the redhead. Willow smiles, glad to see Aly excited about something again.

"Maybe we can get ice cream too-" says Katie and everyone agrees as they walk towards the gate.

As dinnertime approaches Kennedy comes into the kitchen from the training room. She slips her arms around Willow from behind and kisses her neck. "Hey you-" smiles the redhead as she turns in her Slayer's arms.

They kiss softly and then the younger woman speaks, "Where are the kids?"

"Aly and Annie went to the park with Jake and Katie they should be back soon-the others are getting cleaned up for dinner. It's almost rea-" before she can finish the sentence she feels lips on her lips and the kiss escalates before either can stop it. As Kennedy's hands slide under the hem or the redhead's shirt, the Slayer's lips nip and kiss the soft skin of her neck. Willow pulls away, "Careful-don't want to have that whole hickey conversation again."

"Got you-careful," her lips go back to her lover's neck then her tongue slips out and trails along pale skin. Willow moans loudly.

"Goddess-" she swallows hard and again pulls away- "The kids-"

"Aren't here-" as they kiss again the back door opens, but they don't hear it-swept away in the passion.

Aly and Annie roll their eyes and then look at the other teenagers, they all laugh. The couple breaks apart and Willow blushes, "Ah-sorry didn't hear you."

"Obviously," smirks Annie. The others fight to keep the smiles off their faces. Kennedy gives her daughter a pretend evil stare.

Aly changes the subject, "Can Katie and Jake stay for dinner?"

Willow smiles, "I planned for it-"

Jake smiles as he looks at Annie, "Is it okay if I use your phone?"

"I'll show you where it is," says Annie and they leave going through the living room.

Aly and Katie sit at the bar. The young Slayer picks up a carrot and takes a bite as Willow turns back to the stove. "Need any help Mom?"

Without turning around Willow answers, "You could carry the salad to the dining room.

"Be right back," she smiles at Katie as she stands.

"I'll help," says the teenager as she stands. They reach for the bowl at the same time and their fingers brush slightly. "I got it-" Katie says as she smiles. "Show me the way." Aly nods and starts toward the dining room.

Kennedy smiles, "You see that?"

Willow turns to her, "See what?"

"Nothing-" Kennedy smiles, "I'll get the kids."

"Wait-" says the witch as she touches Kennedy's arm. "You saw it too didn't you-the look in her eyes?" The dark haired Slayer nods. "I was afraid it was just wishful thinking on my part. I was afraid she'd-"

"I know-" she pulls her wife into a hug and then kisses her softly. "She's gonna be okay." Willow nods and Kennedy kisses her again. Again the intensity grows quickly.

Katie and Aly walk back in "Could you just stop?" asks the teenager as she turns red.

Willow pulls away from Kennedy and looks at her daughter, "We could-"

"But we don't really want to," adds her mama as she kisses her again.

Katie laughs, Aly looks at her annoyed, "What?"

"You're supposed to be on my side," states Aly.

"Right, sorry." The kids come running down the stairs.

"Is dinner ready?" asks Alex.

Later that night Kennedy has Ellie on her lap. The little Slayer listens as her mommy explains the ritual to her. "What do I have to do," asks the child when her mommy finishes.

"Just sleep," assures the redhead with a smile.

"I can do that."

"Sure you can," smiles Kennedy as she strokes her daughter's hair.

"When are we going to do it?"

"Tomorrow night after you go to sleep-" Willow reaches out and begins to tickle the child who squeals. Kennedy laughs at their playfulness.

As Ellie slides out of her arms Kennedy pulls her back. "No you don't we're not finished yet." She begins to tickle her as well. They laugh together for the first time in weeks. Seconds later more laughter fills the room as the tables are turned and they double-team Willow.

In Aly and Annie's room, both teenagers are lying on their beds reading magazines. Aly turns to face her sister- "You like him don't you?"

"He's funny-and smart and not to mention gorgeous, so -nah-don't like him." She smiles and then ducks as Aly throws a pillow at her. "Okay-fine yes, I like him."

"I knew it!" she smiles.

There is silence followed by a simple question, "Do you like Katie?"

Aly's smile fades, "I-ah-"

"Goddess-" Annie realizes it was a bad idea to bring up the topic so soon, "Sorry-I shouldn't have-I"

"No-I mean the question is valid- it's just-" her words stop as she fights to keep tears at bay. "It's okay-I'm okay-" she says not sure if she's trying to convince Annie or herself.

"You still think about her?"

"All the time," she confesses, "everything reminds me-" a pause again for composure, "but it really is better. It's not always sad now, you know?"

"I get that," pause, "did you tell Katie?"

"We talked-yeah," Silence again fills the room but it is followed by playfulness. "So are you gonna tell him?"

"No, he'll figure it out."

"Eventually."

"I can be cool till then-" assures Annie.

"Right," Aly smiles. The pillow she threw earlier sails at her head. They both laugh.

In Willow and Kennedy's room the couple is kissing softly. Hands roam over clothes and then under them as soft moans can be heard. Kennedy's strong; soft hands begin to slide Willow's tank top over her head. She kisses the exposed skin of her neck and then down to her collarbone. Her studded ring follows the same path causing her to moan and arch into her touch. "Like that baby?" questions Kennedy with a smile.

"You know I do-" she fights to form words as the Slayer continues to kiss, lick and caress her body.

Later as Willow is fast approaching her release Kennedy's movements stop and she begins to remove her fingers from Willow's humming body. "Don't stop-" pants the redhead.

"Door-"

"Huh?" her thoughts are foggy.

Again there is a knock on the door, "Somebody's at the door." Kennedy slips her shirt back on and makes her way to the door. She opens it to find Erin standing there- "What's wrong sweetie?"

"I heard something-" Kennedy stands looking at the child who can sleep through anything-totally confused. "In my room-"

"We'll check it out-" they walk out the door.

In Erin and Ellie's room a shimmering figure appears, "Ellie-can you hear me?"

The little girl opens her eyes. When she sees the woman and hears the voice she is surprised, "Am I dreaming?"

"No-I'm here-"

"Why-how?"

The bedroom door opens.

Before my Eyes

The Slayer looks at her daughter, "Who was here?" Suddenly her Slayer senses go all tingly and she can't shake it. "Ellie-"

"The lady Mama," answers the little Slayer, "but you scared her away."

"The lady from your dreams?" Ellie nods- "Here, in this room?" Again the child nods.

Kennedy goes across the room and picks up her child and then back to Erin and takes her hand. She ushers the twins from the room. Once in the hallway she goes to Aly and Annie's room-she opens the door without knocking. The teenagers look up at her- "Get the kids, go down to the living room and wait for us-" They nod and scramble off their beds and out of the room without asking questions. Kennedy continues down the hall to Willow, worry growing with each step. She takes the kids inside- "Will-get dressed we need to go-" she lets go of Erin's hand and puts Ellie on the bed as she pulls on pants. The redhead who is discretely trying to pull on her tee shirt and pajama pants looks at her Slayer concerned.

"What's wrong?"

"The woman from Ellie's dream was here in the house."

"No-it's I mean I -no it's not possible on so many levels."

"She was really here Mommy."

"Did she try to hurt you?"

"No Mommy-" the child is confused by the question, "she's not mean. Mama scared her away."

Kennedy looks at her child, "I scared her?" The little Slayer nods. Kennedy's eyes meet Willow's- "I scared her. How is that possible?"

"You're sure it was the same woman?"

"Yeah-and she's pretty," adds Ellie. Willow sort of smiles.

Kennedy takes the hand of each child, "Let's just get the kids somewhere not here-and we'll talk about this then." Willow nods in agreement.

Later the Langdons are at Buffy and Xander's. The adults are sitting on the couches talking. Annie and Aly are there as well. Ellie has her head on Willow's shoulder as she tries her best to stay awake. The other children are sleeping again.

Willow looks at her friends, "Thanks again for letting us crash here."

"Anytime," says Xander. There is a pause before he asks, "Not wanting to upset a powerful witch or anything-"

"But," interjects Buffy.

"I thought you did a spell on the house?"

"Sort of demon proofed it?" Buffy adds.

"I did-I guess this thing whatever it is found a way around it."

"It keeps out bad things right?" Buffy meets her friend's eyes.

"That would be the goal yes-"

"So maybe it isn't-bad I mean."

"Are you saying she -it was trying to help?" Asks Kennedy.

"That's what I tried to tell you," explains the tired little Slayer. "She's nice-and pretty." The child crawls out of her mother's arms and onto Buffy's lap.

"How do you know," asks her mama.

"I can just tell." She curls up in Buffy's arms.

Willow touches her daughter's hair, "Tired sweetie?" She brushes her fingers through it.

"It's way past my bedtime," the child informs them as she yawns for effect.

"Why don't I tuck you in with Joy? We can finish our talk tomorrow at breakfast."

"That's probably a good idea," Kennedy supplies. Buffy stands with the child in her arms. "Give me kisses," smiles her mama.

The child leans down to kiss her mama. "Give Mommy kisses too," says Buffy.

Willow stands, "I'll walk with you."

They walk down the hallway and into Joy's room. As they tuck the little girl under the covers she points to a picture on the nightstand, "Who's that?-She's pretty," says Ellie.

"My mom," says Buffy but before she can say anything else the child's eyes close.

Buffy and Willow look at the picture of Joyce, Buffy touches it-her eyes turning a little sad. The redhead puts an arm around her friend, "I miss her too Buff-"

"I know-I wish-the kids you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," she kisses her daughter, "Mom's alive and she's never seen any of them-never even calls-" Willow stops and shakes her head.

"Maybe some day-" says the Slayer as she hugs her friend.

Xander looks from Willow to Kennedy and then back to his lifelong friend, "What does your gut tell you Will?"

"You mean besides keeping Ellie safe no matter what?"

Buffy asks, "You really think she wants to hurt her?"

"I don't know Buffy-"

"Ellie isn't afraid of her;" Aly speaks for the first time.

Then Annie adds, "It's the creepy-eyed things watching her that freak her out."

"That's true," admits Kennedy, "And Erin wasn't afraid, she just knew something wasn't right-probably her Slayer senses."

Aly is amazed, "Erin actually woke up?" Kennedy nods, "That's just too weird for words."

"Did she see her too?" asks Annie.

Again her mama shakes her head, "No, I'm guessing she waited for Erin to lave before she showed."

Buffy looks from Xander to Kennedy, "Want me to go Sherlock around the house and see what I can find?"

"No use-she won't be there. She'll be where Ellie is," assures the redhead. Everyone looks toward the hallway.

Later that night Willow and Kennedy lay snuggled together on an air mattress in the floor of Joy's room. The redhead can't sleep-her mind is racing with thoughts and worries, She feels Kennedy's arms tighten around her waist and then her lips pressing a soft kiss against her hair. The Slayer's thoughts fill her head, 'She's okay.'

'I know,' she answers back.

'Then sleep, you need to rest if you still plan on doing the ritual.'

'I'm trying, I can't get my mind to be quiet."

'I can help-' Willow can hear the smile in her Slayer's voice as her love's hand slips down her body.

'The kids-'

'Are sleeping across the room in the dark-' her fingers play at the waist of her redhead's pajama pants.

'We can't-just hold me, it'll be enough for now.'

'Okay-' surrenders the Slayer as she presses another kiss to her head. 'I love you Red.'

'I love you.' Willow's eyes close.

In the other room, Xander is holding his Slayer, "You okay?"

"Just thinking."

"About?" he asks as he kisses her shoulder.

"Mom-I miss her." She turns in his arms and leans in to kiss him softly. "But I'm okay-it's just sometimes-"

"Sometimes it's hard, I know." They are quiet than he adds, "Joy reminds me of her-"

"You think?"

"Yeah, she gets this one look and it's like wow- then-" his words stop as Buffy kisses him softly at first but then begins to nibble his bottom lip. He pulls away and looks into her darkened eyes, "Buff-house full of Slayers of all ages-with you know Slayer hearing."

"Don't care," she says as she kisses him again.

He pulls back and smiles, "All I wanted to hear," he kisses her again and as lips open and close against lips, hands begin to explore. Buffy moans softly and arches into his hands as they slide under her nightshirt and meet bare skin.

Later, down the hall Kennedy smiles, 'Way to go Xander-' her mind slips and she giggles as she realizes they probably heard her.

Willow turns to look at her, "What?"

"Nothing," she answers in a whisper.

"No, come on what has you giggling?"

"You really don't want to know."

"I do," assures the redhead, her voice barely a whisper.

"Xander and Buffy were-you know- and I heard, "Willow's eyes get big and she turns red instantly. "I told you you didn't want to know."

"But how did you-"

"Slayer hearing."

"The redhead smiles, "I always forget and it always gets me in trouble."

"Yes you do and it usually does," Kennedy smiles.

"Meaning?" Asks Willow.

"For one I knew about my surprise party before it happened."

"No-" whines the woman, "I thought I really surprised you."

"You did-I mean with the part after everyone left." She smirks as Willow blushes again.

"Surprised me to-it was my favorite part." The blush deepens.

"Come 'ere." She leans in and captures the redhead's lip. The kiss is instantly passionate. She finally pulls away. "Now sleep."

"After that?" Her breathing is erratic, "You're kidding right?"

Just before sunrise the next morning Buffy begins to dream. She hears soft words from a familiar voice, "You must help keep her safe-" then the voice is gone.

Sitting up in bed the Slayer opens her eyes, "Mom?"

She feels a hand on her shoulder, "Buff?" Xander looks at her concerned, "Bad dream?"

"No-just,-I'm okay," assures the blonde. She lies back down and he pulls her onto him and holds her tightly.

In the other room Kennedy is also dreaming- a soft voice fills her ears as well, "They are coming for her-be ready."

The voice is gone as Kennedy's eyes fly open and she scrambles to her feet to cheek on Ellie. She touches the hand of the sleeping little Slayer then feels a hand on her own shoulder. "Kennedy?"

"It's okay," assures the younger woman.

"You had a dream didn't you?- A Slayer dream?" Kennedy nods and turns to look at her wife. Willow pulls her into a hug.

At Faith's house the scene is the same. The sleeping Slayer is dreaming, the face of a dark haired child flashes through her mind and then a voice follows that is full of fear, "Help me!" cries the child.

Faith sits up in bed, "Ellie!"

Revelation

"How'd you-never mind, I had a dream. We have to find Red and Junior the kid's not safe-"

Buffy's smile fades as she realizes how upset the once dark Slayer is. "They're here-come on in-" as Faith walks in and she closes the door they see Kennedy in the room.

Quietly all three Slayers enter the living room. Buffy sits on the couch, Faith on the arm of the chair and Kennedy on the coffee table. "Tell me about your dream," says the youngest Slayer.

Buffy speaks thinking she means her- "A voice-maybe my mom's, maybe not-I don't guess that's the important part-she told me to help keep her safe."

Faith looks at the dark haired Slayer, "Ellie was scared, she was screaming for me to help her."

From the doorway Willow speaks, "Why did she need your help?"

"I'm not sure Red-but it was-" her words die as she shakes her head and stands, "But she's okay right?"

"Yeah-" the redhead nods, "but something isn't if all of you had a Slayer dream about her."

Buffy looks at Kennedy, "You too?"

The youngest Slayer in the room nods, "Yeah-a voice told me they were coming for her to be ready."

"So we get ready," announces Faith as she stands.

"Ready for what-who?" Asks Willow as she stands next to her Slayer.

Kennedy stands and wraps her arms around her- "Anyone who tries to hurt her."

The Langdon children minus Ellie are in the guestroom. Six children are scattered on the floor and the bed. Annie gets up from the bed carefully and steps over Alex. The boy is sleeping, a slight snore evident. The teenager smiles and continues to dodge bodies as she goes out the door. Aly begins to stir and as she does she sees someone at the door- "Who's there?" As her vision becomes clearer she recognizes the girl- "How?"

The adults, with Xander now present are discussing a plan of action when from down the hallway they hear a scream. They all start that direction, as they get closer they can hear crying as well-Kennedy is the first to burst through the bedroom door. She finds Annie holding tightly to Ellie-the teenager is trying to comfort her younger sister.

The crying is coming from a frightened Joy-Buffy rushes to her and picks her up. She whispers to her softly as she rocks the child in her arms. "It's okay-shhhhh-" Joy begins to calm.

Ellie however is still upset, they can hear Annie's whispered words but they don't seem to help, "Shhhhh-Ellie Mac, I've got you you're safe."

"No-let go-I have to help her." Ellie struggles to get away.

As she does and starts for the door Kennedy picks her up. Again she struggles- "She's gonna hurt her-"

"The woman from your dream?" Asks her mama.

"No Mama-Aly-" Kennedy lets her go and starts for the door.

Faith is the first one out the door and into the hall. She runs to the guestroom, then goes inside-she stops cold when she sees Sarah standing in front of Aly. She looks at the other children who are now awake, "Out-" is her one word comment and they hurry to the door. "Aly-" she looks back toward the teenager. "She's not real, you know that right?"

"She is she knows things only Sarah would-"

Kennedy now in the room interrupts, "It's a trick-The First-listen to me Aly, walk to me."

"But Mama I miss her-I want to go with her."

"You can't-" she fights tears. "She's gone-"

"She's right there and if I do what she asks I-"

"You'll be dead like her-" says Faith as she picks up a toy from the dresser and throws it through the form of Sarah.

Aly looks confused by this, "Sarah?"

"Almost had you-" the First smiles, its face still Sarah's. "Soon-" the form vanishes in a flash of light.

Aly falls to the floor in tears. Kennedy goes to her and pulls her close holding her tightly. "Shhhh-it's okay-you're okay."

Faith watches but steps out of the room quietly as Willow walks in. She to goes to the teenager and kneels down next to her. She touches her hair with a gentle hand. Her eyes meet Kennedy's.

Hours later they are all at the academy, Giles and Robin along with Faith's kids join the rest there. The children are coloring quietly across the room except for Ellie who is on Faith's lap at the table. Kennedy walks to the table and sits down. Giles, Xander, Buffy, Robin and Faith all look up from the texts at her. "She's asleep-Will's gonna sit with her for awhile. Find anything?"

"No-" says Xander. "A big bunch of nothing."

Robin adds, "We know the First is involved and we know it's after Aly-or-" he doesn't finish as he feels Faith's hand on his. He simply looks at the little Slayer in his wife's arms.

"Right-but which? I mean after the dreams I was sure it was-" a pause. "But now-"

"Now it could be either or both-" confirms Buffy.

"We'll know tonight after the ritual," informs Kennedy.

"Trying it now may not be wise," says Giles.

"We talked about it-we know it might be a trap but it's all we've got. So-we do it."

"Then I'll be there to have your backs," assures Faith. Her fingers absentmindedly playing in Ellie's hair.

"We all will be," adds Buffy as those around the table nod their agreement.

Annie who has been across the room with the kids walks to the table and sits beside Kennedy, "Mama?" the girl's eyes meet Kennedy's.

"Something not right?"

"Besides the obvious-" she sort of smiles as Kennedy nods. "Aly-why are they after her and not me? I mean if it's because of the prophecy that includes me doesn't it?"

"She's got a point," says Robin. "Why just one of them."

Willow stands in the doorway, hear voice surprises them, "I think the First knows that if it gets one of you the other will follow-"

"I don't understand," admits Annie.

Willow sits beside the teenager, "It's counting on you to go all Grrrrrr-" she takes her daughter's hand.

"By Grrrrr you mean all hatchetty-murdery ?" Asks the young Slayer.

Before Willow can answer Ellie says softly, "You did in my dream-" All eyes turn to the child and she continues. "Your eyes were all black and scary."

"What dream Ellie?" asks Willow.

The child hesitates, "I had a dream before the lady ones."

"Why didn't you tell us?" asks Kennedy.

"Cause I didn't want-I didn't want you to fight anymore so I didn't-" admits Ellie.

Kennedy and Willow's eyes meet and they both look at the little girl. Willow speaks, "Sometimes couples fight-but it's okay-"

"I didn't want you to get a divorce-"

"No sweetie-we're not," assures Willow.

"Never," affirms Kennedy. "I promise."

"Okay-" says the child- she leaves Faith's lap and goes to Kennedy. The Slayer picks her up and the child snuggles against her.

"What else do you remember about the dream?"

"Mommy was in it too-she had black eyes and-" her words stop as they hear Aly scream.

Annie runs toward the room and Willow follows shouting as she does, "The rest of you stay with the kids."

In the study Aly is sitting up on the couch crying as Annie and Willow run in. "Aly?"

"Dream-sorry-it was a dream." Willow sits beside her. Annie stands in the doorway.

Later Buffy and Faith are alone at the table- Faith meets Buffy's eyes, "I got a bad feeling."

"And I thought it was just me," states Buffy. "Willow using magic now I don't know-"

Before she can finish, the figure of a woman appears before them- "You're right Buffy don't let her do the ritual."

Buffy's mouth falls open-

Faith speaks, "The First again-don't you ever give up? Get the hell out of here-"

"Is it really you-?" Buffy stands and steps toward her.

"B- you know she's not-" she stops not able to say the name. "Back up it's a trick-"

"I don't think-" she holds out a hand and reaches it toward the blonde. As she touches her hand a tear falls, "It's really you-how?"

"There isn't time listen-she can't use magic-"

"We need answers Tara. The kids are in danger she's not gonna listen," says the blonde Slayer.

"You have the answers right in front of you-the truth is there. Ellie knows-her eyes it's in her eyes."

"Enough with the damn riddles just tell us-" requests Faith.

"I can't it's not allowed-but it is written. I can do no more but please keep them safe. Tell Willow always-" Tara's tears fall. As lights appear in the room the blonde disappears.

The First in the form of Joyce shows its self- "Buffy don't-"

"You're not real-" says the Slayer her voice calm. "You're not my mother."

Another figure appears as that one vanishes, "Faith you know they won't trust you why bother?"

"You're wrong-you were always wrong. I know that now-" He too leaves in a whirl of lights. Faith feels Buffy's hand on her shoulder, "I'm okay? You?" Buffy nods. "We gotta talk to Red."

"Yeah-but what do we say?"

"Never was good with words B-I'm action girl-"

"Let's talk to Giles-" offers the oldest Slayer.

"That's a plan."

Again everyone is gathered in the conference/research room with books around them. Willow is standing by the window just staring out. Kennedy walks to her and slips her arms around her waist, "You okay?"

"No-" she fights tears.

Kennedy presses a kiss to her hair and asks, "What can I do?"

"I don't know-" Kennedy turns her in her arms and hugs her tightly. The redhead puts her head on her Slayer's shoulder and cries.

"We'll figure this out without the magic. She said everything we need is here-so let's look at what we have."

"Faith's right we've got a riddles and pieces of dreams-" The redhead looks into Kennedy's brown eyes. "What is the thing with the eyes? The truth is in Ellie's eyes?"

"Maybe she sees things we can't?"

Willow's eyes get big her green meeting Kennedy's brown once again, "Goddess-I-her eyes-no-that can't-"

"What Will-?"

"Kennedy-I-" she takes the Slayer's hand and they go back to the table. Ellie is sitting in Aly's lap- "Ellie look at Mommy," the little Slayer's eyes meet those of her parents.

"Willow-are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"I don't-I-don't know- maybe-"

Faith looks at them unsure, but before she can speak Ellie does, "What's not right Mama?"

Kennedy doesn't answer she stares at the dark haired child before her then back at Willow. She turns and walks out of the room tears streaming down her face.

"Kennedy-" the redhead calls after her and starts her direction. The others look around confused.

"What just happened?" Asks Xander as he looks at his wife. No answer is given as she simply shakes her head.

Go on to Part 3(Chapters 11-13)

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