2.1

SIT

The Darkness Within

By Stephen Craig

The Town of Sunnydale never slept. Even in the early hours of the morning one could find police officers getting doughnuts and coffee at the Espresso Pump, the Horror fans trawling out of the sun cinema after another black and white Christopher Lee movie fest, and in the Graveyards and dark alleyways of the town there were always the demons.

The Vampire went down with a grunt, before springing back to its feet, snarling. Kayce, Jenna and Rose all stood in front of it, stakes in hand. The Vampire was either extremely stupid or overconfident, or Rose guessed, maybe a little of both, because instead of retreating as most Vampires would when confronted with sharp wooden pointy sticks, it actually advanced.

“Ok are you naturally stupid or were you unborn that way?” said Kayce jumping forwards, stake outstretched in her hand. The vampire surprised her by doing a quick jump out of the way, Kayce missed by a clear foot. “Hey! no fair!” she shouted, turning to face it. The Vampire laughed, and advanced on her. Suddenly its eyes went wide with surprise before it exploded into a pile of ash. Jenna was standing behind it, rolling her eyes.

“I could have handled it” Kayce said by way of thanks.

“Don’t mention it” Jenna replied. Pocketing their stakes the three girls turned to face each other.

“Another patrol or do we call it a night?” asked Rose.

“Its pretty quiet, I think we hit our quota for the night” Jenna said.

“Good, I’m tired and cold” Rose agreed. They began walking away from the pile of ash, towards the gate. When they were out of sight, a red shoe stepped into the remains of the vampire, it crunched the ash down slightly.

“Ashes to ashes.. Dust to Dust..” said the woman’s voice.

Tim Brown looked up as the door opened admitting Rose, Jenna and Kayce. He put the book down and smiled at them.

“How was patrol?” he asked.

“Patrol was kaput” said Kayce, slumping down into a chair. “It was dead.. excuse the pun” she added.

“Yeah what’s with that?” asked Jenna. “I mean you have the source of all Evil running around with a demented southern priest.. and on that topic why are southern priests always bad? anyway, I kinda figured that with The First here, all the demons would be here, instead we get one suicidal Vamp with halitosis” she added.

“Demon lore, you really should read it Jenna” Said Giles walking out from the kitchen. Jenna frowned.

“I kill monsters and help the helpless.. and you also want homework from us?” she said, eyebrows raised.

“Vampires aren’t true demons Jenna” Said Rose, leaning over Tim’s shoulder to see what he was reading.

“Batman’s way cooler than Spiderman any day” said Rose, drawing a glance from Kayce, Jenna and Giles. Jenna shook her head and continued.

“They hunt, they drink blood they kill people and they’re un-living. What would you call them?”

“Ok look as fascinating as this topic is.. can’t it wait until a sociable >hour? say tomorrow after we’ve slept?” Kayce cut in, standing up from the chair.

“Sleep is good” agreed Rose. As the girls went up the stairs, Rose called back. “Batman”

“Spiderman” Tim shouted back. Giles shook his head, sighed took a sip of tea and went back to the peace of the kitchen.

“Soon my lady, you will be able to cross to this realm” said the woman, looking at a mirror.

“I grow tired of waiting Delucia, My power is unlimited, my patients are not” the face in the mirror said. Although a light was on, the mirror appeared dark, as if light was shying away from it.

“I assure you, all will be ready. Petal has left with Ruby to prepare your hunting ground, and I have found a suitable anchor in this realm to which you may bind yourself” Lady Delucia explained.

“Excellent, who is to be my Anchor?”

“A watcher actually.. poetic isn’t it?” Lady Delucia replied. The face in the mirror became clearer for a moment, a grinning visage of evil.

“Very.. those who once banished me shall be the anchor of my return. Tell>me who is he?”

“He has been touched with darkness, and briefly gave into it.. his name is Marc”

“Marc.. Marc” The face seemed to be tasting the name. “Very well bind me to this Marc and then I shall begin my emergence into the mortal realm once more. And then let those who would banish me suffer”

“It is already done.. when he next uses his powers.. the binding will be complete” Delucia said.

“Excellent Delucia.. you shall be aptly rewarded for your services” with that the mirror shimmered, before returning to its correct reflection. Lady Delucia leant back on her sofa and sipped her Champaign. It was going so well.

Simone walked downstairs, to find Stephen, Kara, Giles and Marc already up, the smell of brewing coffee drifted through the air, and she headed for the kitchen.

“Morning” she said stiffening a yawn as she walked past them. In the kitchen she poured her coffee and took a sip. Simone. the voice was faint, but unexpected. She dropped the mug, shattering it on the floor. The watchers ran in, expecting trouble.

“Simone?” asked Marc stepping forwards.

“Huh? oh what?” she looked at the broken coffee mug and blinked as if she’d never seen it before.

“Are you ok?” asked Stephen, concern in his voice.

“Fine.. I just..” SIMONE.. Come home to us.. we’re all waiting for you the voice, more powerful. Simone gripped the counter tightly, her knuckles white with the force of the grip. She didn’t see Marc reach out to her until he touched her. She jerked away, glaring a him. The she shook her head.

“Sorry I just.. its nothing.. Gotta go out for a bit” she said rushing past them.

“What the hell was that all about?” asked Kara looking at the group. The other watcher shrugged.

Simone ran upstairs, slamming her door closed, and locking it. Sitting down on the bed she shook her head.

“Your dead.. I saw..” she said. the voices didn’t answer. Simone looked out of the window. And instinctively knew her family had finally come for her.

“Ok ready?” asked Giles standing opposite Marc. Marc nodded. He was standing bare chested in the training room, Off to the side sat Stephen, Kayce, Rose and Willow Rosenberg. Giles smiled.

“Good. Willow?” he gestured to the powerful Wicca, who stood and stepped over to them. Giles gave her a smile, that she returned, and then took his seat.

“Ok Marc, remember this is your space.. your time.. focus on the energy around you. Those you love those you care about, those you have lost. All of them are a part of your power.. all of them are a part of the earth, of nature. An inherent part of magic that you must understand and feel before you can continue your journey” Willow said. Marc, eyes closed, remained silent, but nodded.

“Good. Picture me in your mind marc. just me. When you have it, picture the others, one at a time, don’t rush the process” Willow said again. Marc’s eyes closed tighter. Suddenly Willow took his hands in hers, closing her own mind.

“Good, now you have us in your mind, picture the crystal. Its moving.. its floating freely. Do you see it Marc?” she asked quietly.

“Look” said Kayce in an excited whisper. Across the room, on the table, a large crystal had floated free of its holdings and was hovering in the air, steadily.

“Good Marc.. now I want you to move the crystal.. move it towards-” Willow was cut off as the crystal flew across the room, hit the wall above Giles and shattered. Marc’s eyes opened wide, they were jet black.

“Free” he snarled, before falling to the floor. Willow, Stephen and Giles were immediately beside him, helping.

“Why do I get the feeling that was a bad thing?” said Kayce.

Two hours later The group were sitting around a table, joined by the other Slayers, and watchers.

“I honestly don’t remember I had the crystal pictured, perfectly, then I felt.. cold and then I woke up with you guys around me” Marc said.

“Strange.. and you don’t remember anything else?” asked Giles.

“No.. its like I’m missing something”

“You said Free.. does that mean anything?” asked Kayce.

“No.. unless.. well unless there’s something inside me that was waiting for the right moment to get out” he offered.

“Well it seems that we have a mystery.. Simone will you take.. Is she still gone?” asked Giles looking around.

“Yeah, she came back about an hour ago, collected some stakes and a cross and left.. said she’d deal with patrol” Said Kara.

“Very well, but we should keep an eye on her. If Simone is in trouble she won’t be forthcoming with it” Giles said.

“Simone’ll be fine Giles, she can handle herself” said Paul.

“I hope your right Paul.. I really do” Giles replied.

It tested the bounds of its prison. She had escaped again. Leaving him, trapped within this glass cage, unable to break free, only to grow in its rage. It paced around the limitless bound of its cell, the infinity of its prison. Its six legs clattering on the unseen ground, the breath from its feted mouth frosting the unseen air. This was not its existence. Once it had known another one. One outside the confines of this Glass prison. Long ago on a world far different, in a time far removed from this one. It was an Old one itself. Beyond time, limitless knowledge of what was, what is and what could be. It was called the Darkling. And for the past 14 years it had been trapped within the Mirror with its human host, the host to whom it had shared its power. Now she was gone and the Darkling was alone. No.. not alone it thought to itself. As long as that other lived it would never be alone.. for she was a part of The Darkling as the Darkling was a part of her. The part she had cast off like an unwanted skin. For this alone the Darkling would kill her. But to do that it would have to be free. And it would be. When the mirror broke. When the time was right it would emerge. And Hell would reign from above. Nothing defied the will of the Darkling. Nothing defied the will of the Darkling and lived...

Hope had been following Simone from the confines of the condo, and out to the Mausoleum. Frowning she watched as the Slayer entered.

“Now what’s going on there?” she wondered aloud. Quietly she crept up to the windows of the mausoleum and looked in. Night had fallen, but her vision compensated for the lack of light. Candles lit the interior of the mausoleum, and Hope could make out Simone standing in front of a group of Vampires. Turning she quickly ran into the night, back towards the Condo.

Time had crawled to a stop for Simone. She stood frozen in place. The mausoleum she had gone to had been projected into her mind perfectly. She didn’t know how or why, she just knew that they would be here. And they were. Her family stood around her. The family that should not even still be alive. And in a sense, weren’t. These were corpses, given life by the creatures that had killed them. Vampires.

“Why do you hold back Simone. Don’t you want to be one with us? isn’t this what you wanted?” asked Simone’s Father.

“No.. It isn’t.. you’re not.. human.. your abominations..” she stammered.

“What we are Simone, is your family. Join us.. lets all be together.. for eternity.. is that so bad?” asked her Mother. Simone was about to shout yes.. but the voice was plaguing her. Join them Simone.. show them your one of them still.. be with them as is right. It told her Simone backed away from her family, but even as she did, the stake fell from her hand. “God help me please” she said softly...

“If only he could Simone..” said her Mother with a grin.

Giles looked up as the front door opened. Expecting to see Simone he frowned at the woman standing there.

“May I help you?” he asked.

“Your Slayer... she’s in trouble” said Hope.

“What?...how do you know?” Stammered Giles.

“time’s wasting watcher, you want to save the Slayer or ask stupid questions?” Hope replied.

“Put that way.. let me get the others” Giles said standing.

“Guys I’m home!” shouted Xander, walking through the door. Looking around all he saw were Willow, Marc and Paul.

“And the surprises continue.. where is everyone?” he asked.

“Simone’s Missing, they’ve gone looking for her” Marc said.

“So Ermm ok why are you three still here?”

“We’re doing a little Magic” said Willow.

“Oh.. Does Kennedy know? I mean I’m all for the trying of new things-”

“NOT that type of Magic Xand” Willow cut him off. She turned back to Marc and nodded.

“Ok.. I’m picking up your Aura again.. its weird”

“How so?” asked Marc, concerned.

“Well its like your.. aura is confused.. if I were to put it in an explainable way” she said. Marc shrugged.

“Hell I’m confused.. no wonder my aura’s pissed as well” he said.

“Marc.. do you feel strange in anyway? like there’s something.. some kind of feeling you have to let out?” Willow suddenly asked. Marc shook his head.

“Not that I can tell why?”

“Because this spell is wrong then” she said.

“Huh?” said Paul confused.

“Well the spell I just did was to read your Aura.. Marc Its picking up two of them.. You and something else”

“Could it be his Dark Alter Ego tying to resurface?” asked Xander.

“Dark Marc? its possible, but I doubt it” said Willow.

“But it IS possible right?” asked Xander again. Willow sighed.

“Xander, Dark Marc is a complicated entity. He’s prominent on several planes of existence, Both physically and mentally.. so it is possible. But to blame every problem Marc has on Dark Marc.. is like telling someone with Flu that they have problem with their brains and its all in their minds” she said. “Besides I said I was picking up 2 aura’s.. distinctively different. Marc's and Dark Marc's auras are similar. This other Aura emanating from Marc is powerful and.. I’m pretty certain its female” Willow explained. “Right on the button Witch” Marc hissed, backhanding Willow across the room suddenly. Xander stood up, but Marc had already rounded to face him.

“Try it boy.. and I’ll crush you before you can even blink!” Marc hissed.

“Marc stop!” Paul tried, but suddenly found himself lying next to Xander.

“Marc! take control.. you have to fight it!” shouted Willow.

“Fight? oh I intend to fight.. I intend to pummel you into the ground”

“Marc...” Xander began. He didn’t finish as he was thrown across the room, to hit the far wall and land winded on the ground. Marc hadn’t even looked at him.

“You think your little white magic’s can beat me Wicca.. allow me to.. enlighten you” he said still looking at Willow who had stood up.

“No need.. Willow might not be able to take you.. but if this is dark marc then get ready to have your booty kicked” she replied as her eyes went black, so did her hair. Veins began to criss cross her face.

“You just pissed the Wicca off little man...” she said.

Xander looked up at Marc and Dark Willow and closed his eyes.

“oh crap” he muttered.

“Where the hell are we going?” demanded Jules, walking along between Kara and Tim. Hope looked back at her.

“A crypt” she replied without emotion.

“Oh yay.. I’m so glad I did my hair” Kelly muttered. Stephen moved up to walk alongside Hope. Still looking ahead he began to speak.

“So.. you just happen to know where our friend is? that she’s a Slayer and your willing to help”

“Yeah.. lets just say I got a score to settle with these vamps who have her” Hope replied. “Vampires huh.. so your a demon hunter then?” he asked. Hope smiled a little.

“In my own way I try to do the right thing. This is one of those things”

“Can I ask why?”

“You can ask yes”

“ok then.. why?”

“That’s my business, not yours Watcher. I have reasons and they’re my own”

“Sorry I didn’t mean to pry”

“Yes you did.. Humans always pry into other people business.. its in their nature”

“So your not Human?” Rose asked from behind them.

“I am what I am.. and again that’s none of your concern. We’re here” she said stopping. The group had arrived outside a large Mausoleum. Light flickered from inside it.

“Why do you hesitate Simone.. Join us.. Search your heart.. you know this is what you’ve always wanted” said Simone’s Mother.

“Yeah Simmy come back home.. I miss you” said her little sister. Simone closed her eyes tightly.

“I.. I...-”

“SIMONE!” it was Jules voice. Simone suddenly opened her eyes.

“I think you should go to HELL” she shouted as the door leading down burst open and the SITS and watchers began to come down into the crypts lower level.

Xander and Paul had managed to get themselves out of the house and into relative safety, relative because both Dark Willow and Possessed Marc were outside with them. The wind blew through the trees as spell after spell was being cast.

“Incognia!” Marc muttered, immediately Willow burst into Flames, only to be extinguished by her own powers, the burnt flesh of her face healing as she launched her own attack.

“Sulpharus!” Willow roared, Marc felt his muscles tighten, and it became hard to breath, however with a simple flick of his wrist the tightness vanished.

“They’re gonna kill each other” said Xander. Paul beside him nodded.

“So how do we stop them?” he asked.

“Your the watcher” Xander replied as a fireball launched from each of them, the fire balls collided in mid air, creating a large explosion setting several of the nearby trees on fire. Almost as suddenly a heavy downpour began dousing the flames before any permanent damage could be done. Willow smiled and then gestured with her hand, and Marc flew back wards several feet, landing near to the Condo. He stood, glaring at her, and clenched his fist, Willow grabbed at her throat, as if she were trying to dislodge an invisible hand that was choking her. Suddenly she screamed, a high pitched sound, and the windows in the condo shattered outwards, several embedding themselves into Marc who fell to the ground, stunned. Willow ran over to him, standing above him, poised for the killing blow.

“Its over Marc” she said.

“Yes” he rasped. “It really is over.. for you” he brought his arms around in a savage punch that threw Willow back she rolled over a few times and lay dazed. Both of them stayed where they were, recovering from their injuries for the moment.

“Xander.. what do we do?” asked Paul again. As if in answer Willow sat up, her hair red again, her eyes normal. Across from her, Marc was lying on the ground gagging. An oily black tar erupted from his mouth and into the air.

“Know me as Neona.. I am that which is everything Queen of the dead” it said. Its voice sounding as oily as that of the oily tar like substance it was comprised of.

“Neona...” said Paul softly.

“You may have weakened me at the moment Wicca, but I shall return to Marc when I have regained my strength and then I shall destroy you!” it promised, before vanishing into thin air. A few moments later Marc sat up, looking around groggily.

“What the hell was that? it tasted like out of date un cooked fish” said Marc.

“Your guest” replied Willow.

“So what do I do.. how do I stop it coming back for me?” Marc asked. Willow looked at him and took his hand.

“There are some people who might be able to help you. But it will be your decision Marc”

“I need to prepare Will.. I can’t become a receptacle for this Neona whenever she’s ready for a fight” he said. Willow nodded.

“Marc have you ever heard of Red Hill?” she asked.

Simone’s Family had backed against the wall’s as the SIT’s had come down into the crypt. The vampires were hopelessly outnumbered by the Girls. They looked at each other, then at Simone.

“We offered you our love Simone.. this.. this is how you repay us?” her Mother asked. “Simmy don’t let them kill me” shouted her sister. Simone looked at them. A look of hatred in her eyes.

“You were my family once.. now your the enemy” she said.

“Simone...” Jules said, standing beside her.

“But.. your still my family... even if your just a mask of what they were.. Leave here.. never come back or I will not stop them killing you” Simone said. the Vampires looked at each other then slowly they made their way past the group of SITS and Watchers, and up the stairs. When they were gone Jules looked back at her.

“Simone...” she began.

“Jules.. I’ll be fine.. just.. give me a few minutes please” she said softly. Jules nodded then looked at the others and they went back up stairs. When they were gone Simone allowed herself time to sink to the floor and begin to cry. Finally she stood, and dried her eyes. She had anew family. Paul was her friend, mentor and watcher. He would help her get over this.

“They arrived before we could turn her” said Simone’s Father.

“I do not want excuses I want results.. you have failed me” Lady Delucia said to the three Vampires in front of her.

“We could not have won if we had fought” he tried again.

“YOU WILL BE SILENT!” Delucia shouted. “I have made everything ready for my mistresses freedom and you cannot even manage to destroy one lone Slayer?”

“We tried-”

“You tried? you had her within your grasp for some time before the other Slayers turned up.. You could have destroyed her then... AND YOU DIDN’T!” Delucia was screaming at him. he backed away, head bowed.

“If Neona’s plans fail because of this then she will take great pleasure in destroying you” Delucia told them.

“Perhaps if we were to try again...” ventured Simone’s mother.

“That will not be necessary” said a new voice. A black oily could filled the mirror. Delucia turned and bowed before it.

“Mistress what happened? why are you back in the mirror?” Delucia asked, looking up. “I’m not.. this is merely a vessel.. I am still bound to Marc.. even though he and that infernal Wicca do not realise it. And soon I shall be far enough away that this mirror will no long be a prison for me when I reveal my true self”

Simone walked back to the house alone.. she had got hold of her emotions and was getting ready to face the rest of the SITS. However when she opened the door and walked in the room fell into silence.

“Wow.. who died?” she asked.

“No one Simone” said Paul.

“That’s good, so why the long faces?” she asked.

“Simone.. I’m leaving” said Marc, smiling gently at her.

“What? why?”

“I’m not safe, that’s why” he replied.

“oh.. Ermm.. I’m sorry to hear that”

“I’m going too... So is Oz” said Jules looking at her.

“And being Marc’s Slayer I can’t exactly leave him by himself” Kayce added.

“Marc.. are you sure about this?” asked Paul.

“I’m sure Paul.. And I’m grateful your staying with me.. I need you through this” “Whoa.. wait up.. Paul’s going as well?” Simone said looking up. Paul nodded at her. “I have to do this Simone.. your welcome to come with us.. I didn’t want to vouch for you-” “You bastard...” she interrupted.

“Simone?”

“I just faced my Family Paul.. MY UN-DEAD FAMILY AND YOU WEREN’T EVEN THERE! AND NOW I COME HOME AND HEAR YOUR LEAVING..” she shouted. Paul looked stricken.

“What? you wanted me to jump up and down with joy and throw confetti?” she said, the rage in her voice clear, the tears on her face visible everyone else be damned if they could see them now.

“Simone.. I’m.. I’m sorry I just-”

“No you know what Paul? lets not do this ok.. I just.. I can’t deal not right now..” she said pushing past him and up to her bedroom.

“Plane for London Heathrow now boarding at terminal 5” said the voice over the loudspeaker. Marc, Jules, KC, Tim, Oz and Paul stood in the boarding area. The others with them. Stephen stepped forwards and hugged each of them, all of the remaining members of the SITS did the same.

“Take Care you guys” said Stephen. Marc nodded.

“We will” he replied.

“Keep in touch” said Kelly looking at Jules and Kayce. The other girls nodded and they hugged again.

“Plane for London Heathrow now boarding Terminal 5” the voice on the loudspeaker said again.

“Well I guess we better go” said Marc.

“Yeah” Stephen said, his voice catching briefly in his throat.

“None of that now” Marc said Grinning. Stephen grinned back. With a final hug of everyone Marc’s group turned and made there way into the boarding lane, and were soon safely on board the plane.

20 minutes later the group stood outside the airport, watching as the plain lifted from the ground.

“You think they’ll be alright?” asked Kara. Stephen smiled and looked up at the plane as it flew over head.

“I think they’ll be just fine” he said.

“Are they gone?” asked a voice behind them. Stephen and Kara turned to see Simone standing there.

“Yeah.. They’re gone” said Kara softly. Simone nodded. Then she looked up at the sky “Good bye Paul” she said softly.

Lady Delucia jumped slightly when the mirror that had held Neona suddenly shattered. The glass shards scattering across the floor. From deep within the depths of the blackness there was the clatter of claws. Then It leapt from the mirror. Delucia screamed and ran out.. But that didn’t matter. The Darkling was free... and Now its mission was simple.. Bring Neona back so it could kill her. It grinned, black oily tendrils of Spit pooled onto the floor. It opened its jaws and roared.