2.2

SIT

The House

By Stephen Craig

40 years later...

“Here we are outside the DeWillaims House. Historians note the house was built almost one hundred years ago, however after the death of the last DeWilliam no family who has purchased the house have ever remained in residence for more than two weeks. Last night, yet again another family, the Borris’s fled in terror, and are already in LA awaiting a plan to New York. The question is.. what transpired her last night? what has chased this family and so many others from this house? Our network psychic has some idea’s on this-”

“Damned idiot box” muttered Rupert Giles, as he turned off the television.

“HEY!” shouted Kelly between munches of Popcorn.

“we were watching that” she said. Beside her Rose, Simone and Jenna all nodded.

“Your abilities would be better served studying books and not the Television.. There’s never anything of note on TV and much of note in books” Giles administered.

“What? ok did you just ignore that whole broadcast?” asked Jenna sitting forwards. “Yeah Giles.. I mean old house.. no one able to live in it.. I’m sure that would have got your attention” said Simone. Giles shrugged.

“What I find fascinating is found in books.. not some hypothetical haunted house on TV” he stated.

“Giles, you really have to lighten up” said Kara walking in with Stephen. He turned to her.

“Are you implying that I’m.. stuffy?” he asked.

“As stuffy as a teddy bear.. with glasses” said Rose. Giles looked at her opened mouthed. “Face it Rupert.. your out gunned” said Stephen patting him on the back. Giles sighed and looked back at him.

“Well my stuffy-ness is not the important fact. Did you find her?” he asked, sitting down, aware of Rose Turning the TV back on, the broadcast had ended and there was a weatherwoman pointing out pretty computer generated clouds and saying it would be another unusually wet day. Stephen dropped into a chair opposite and shook his head. “Nope, this Hope’s a mystery.. if she’s made her presence known to the general populace then they’re not being upfront about it”

“But she’s not unknown, I stopped by Willy’s place. As soon as I mentioned her name most of the bar cleared out” Kara added.

“she had more luck than me” Stephen said with a smile.

“Hope.. there’s something missing here.. I’ve heard that name before but I can’t place where.. Its not in any of our books that I can find” Giles said. Across from him Kelly stifled a laugh.

“Wow.. you mean there’s something NOT in your books?” she asked, still trying not to laugh.

“Kelly do shut up please” said Giles.

“Ok so the best plan is that we be cautious around her” said Kara. Giles nodded in agreement.

“Ok.. so what we’re you talking about before we came in?” asked Stephen.

“The values of Books versus the Idiot Box” said Kelly, before blinking. She looked over at Giles. “I have spent too much time around you” she told him.

“Glad to see my wisdom is rubbing off on you” Giles said.

“Ewww Giles.. Old people and rubbing off do not make for a good mental picture” Kelly said with a grimace.

“I second that” added Rose, Jenna and Simone.

“ok back on topic.. what were you watching?” asked Kara.

“There’s this house, on the outskirts of the town, apparently no family has ever been able to live in it for more than a couple of weeks max” Rose explained.

“Sounds interesting” said Kara.

“We thought so, Giles on the other hand...” Simone let her voice trail off. Stephen stood up.

“Well its been pretty quiet.. a lot of people are getting out of the town, perhaps we can check it out” he said.

“See this is why we like Stephen, he’s fun” said Jenna.

“Phiff” muttered Giles. Stephen looked over at him.

“Did you just Phiff me?” he asked.

“Ok evil mental picture again” said Rose.

“Very well seeing as how you all seem intent on this.. excursion then I shall agree, however we have to research this supposed haunted house first” Giles finally said.

“Ok.. did you tape that broadcast Kelly?” asked Rose. Giles smiled at them.

“Using books” he said holding one up. The groans from the SIT’s made him smile.

“Ok it says here at in 1963 a priest tried to exorcise the place. Its said he ran out covered in blood and mucus.. yuk” said Rose, looking up from an old book that had paper clippings in it.

“Does it say his name?” asked Giles. Rose looked back at the paper and scanned it. “Yeah, Father Frank Lars, he was 33 at the time, he’d been a priest for about 10 years before the house incident”

“Father Lars? he’s the Vicar of the church in town” said Kara. Giles nodded.

“Kelly, you can come with me, we’re going to pay Father Lars a visit” Giles said. Kelly jumped up and closed her book.

“I love you Giles” she said happily.

“You can resume your research when we return he said”

“I take that back” Kelly said, following him out. A moment later the door opened again and Willow and Xander walked in.

“Hey guys.. problem?” asked Xander sitting down and looking over at the studying girls. “Dunno. You saw that broadcast this morning about the house up on Laricross Drive?” asked Jenna looking up.

“Yeah, kinda freaky” Said Willow.

“well Giles has just left to go see the Priest who tried to do an exercise there in the 1960’s” said Simone.

“Its Exorcism Simone” said Jenna dryly.

“Whatever” Simone said waving her hands.

“Anyways we’re gonna go check it out, spend some time there, see what’s causing it” she finished.

“Sounds dangerous” Willow warned.

“It probably will be, which is why we’re asking Xander along” said Stephen with a smile.

“Me? no you got the wrong guy.. I’m the man who fixed the windows that’s me”

“Awwwww please Xand.. I’ll be there too” said Rose. Everyone looked up from what they were doing at Rose.

“What?” she asked a little too quickly.

The Church was a large building, it’s spire one of the highest points in the town and could be seen for miles around. Its large wooden oak doors were open inviting anyone in to find shelter. Luckily enough for the Priest who ran the place, the demonic element of the town wasn’t fond of frequenting churches.

“Its amazing, I’ve lived in this town for several years, passed this church on so many occasions yet I’ve never realised how beautiful it was” Giles admitted.

“Its unfortunately the same in a lot of places around the world my son” said a voice. Kelly and Giles turned to see Father Lars standing there. Giles held out his hand. “Father Lars, I’m Rupert Giles, thank you for seeing us at such short notice” “Nonsense it is no trouble, how may I help you?” asked the priest shaking his hand.

“Its about that house. The one your tried to cleanse about 40 years ago” Said Kelly. Giles looked at her, eyebrows raised. She was never usually this polite. The Priest nodded.

“Ahh yes.. I remember it, all to well I’m afraid. Even now I have nightmares relating to that night” he told them.

“What can you tell us of that night?” asked Giles. the Priest began to walk up the aisle, head bowed. ”What I can tell you is in the newspapers I’m sure you could get the information you require from those” he said. Giles smiled.

“I’ve found it that when dealing with certain phenomena that an eye witness version is more down to earth than any writings” Giles said. the Priest stopped at the Alter, knelt, crossed himself and then stood, turning to face Giles and Kelly.

“I do know who you are.. a Watcher and a Slayer.. I take it you are planning to go to that house” he said, shocking them. He chuckled slightly.

“Don’t be so surprised The Slayers legacy has long been tied with the affairs of the Church, we are well aware of your sacrifices. that is why I say this. If you were planning to go to that house then I implore you to reconsider”

“If you know of our legacy then you know we cannot turn our backs on this” Giles said as the Priest led them to his office.

“My faith is strong Watcher, and so are my abilities” said the old Priest, looking at Giles and Kelly. The Priest sat down and gave them a small smile.

“I have served the faithful for 50 years, I have watched my flock with the eye of God.. However I will NOT go back into that house. I suggest you heed my words, for that house is a place not even God will enter” he said, his voice falling emotionless.

“So your in?” asked Jenna looking at Xander. Xander sighed.

“Yes I’m in.. Will can you let Buffy know I won’t be around tonight?” he asked turning to Willow. Willow nodded.

“Ok then, I just came to see if you heard from Marc?” she said,

“Yeah he arrived safely” said Stephen.

“good, well catch you guys later” Willow said with a smile before leaving. As she approached the door it opened and Kelly walked in with Giles. She said a quick hello before leaving.

“How’d it go?” asked Jenna. Kelly sat down and shrugged.

“Apart from telling us not to go there fine” she said.

“That was it?” asked Kara. Giles nodded

“Yes.. his exorcism was cut.. shall we short.. he was literally scared out of the house” “Shouldn’t be too bad.. I mean he’s not a Slayer.. we are” said Rose confidently. “That’s gonna be null and void when you get there” the group turned. Hope was standing in the doorway, rather leaning on it, looking at them.

“You again” said Rose.

“Yep me again” she said, walking in.

“you know of this house Hope?” asked Stephen, standing up. Hope looked at him.

“I know enough to stay away from it” she replied.

“What are you anyway? some divine guardian Angel?” asked Simone. Hope laughed bitterly.

“I’m no Angel kid” she replied.

“I’m not a kid” Simone protested.

“whatever.. anyways If your positive about going through with this then its on your own heads” she said.

“well thanks a bunch” Said Kara, looking at Stephen who was looking a little to much at Hope. Hope looked at her than back at Stephen.

“what? is my clothing a little too much for you?” she asked smirking.

“huh? no.. its fine” he replied.

“Then stop staring” she said, turning and walking out. When she was gone the group looked at one another.

“So now what?” asked Rose. Giles shrugged.

“I guess its time you all left for the house.. I would come but I have to go to see Buffy.. she’s not quite forgiven me for that thing with Principal Wood and Spike” he admitted, as he walked out.

The House looked like all the others along the street, except it was a little more run down. Fortunately most of the houses were now empty because of the mass exodus of the towns population.

“Doesn’t look so bad” said Rose.

“These things never do” Muttered Simone. Finally she moved forwards, and opened the door.

“Shall we?” she asked calling back.

“Lets do it” said Kelly, walking in behind her. A moment later the Jenna, Xander, Stephen and Kara entered the house.

“Damned Idiots” muttered Hope as she watched them walk into the house. She wouldn’t be going in there, she knew. So all she could do was wait and then when it started getting bad, go and get help.

Inside the house, it was quiet. Kelly flicked the light switch and the single bulb hanging in the hallway turned on. A wall paper with floral design covered the walls. The floor was bare, a rolled up carpet leaning against one of the walls having never been laid. “Cosy isn’t it?” said Kara softly.

“Wow we have a fridge. . a working fridge” said Jenna from the kitchen.

“The miracles of modern technology” said Stephen playfully.

“Well this is fun” said Rose, walking into the lounge. She sat down on the floor and unrolled her sleeping bag. A few moments later the others did the same.

“So what do we do now where here?” asked Kelly.

“Wait I guess” replied Kara, opening a flask of coffee. As they drank, they remained silent. After twenty minutes Stephen stood up.

“I’m gonna go have a look around, see what’s upstairs”

“Ok I’ll come with you” said Xander. Rose stood up.

“And me.. I need to stretch my legs”

“Yeah right” said Kelly. Rose glared at her, but followed Stephen and Xander out. A moment later Simone stood and ran out after them.

“hey wait up!” Simone called.

“Who wants to check the basement out?” asked Kara, standing.

“I’ll come with you” Jenna said. Kara looked at Kelly.

“Kelly?”

“No, I’ll stay here, its nice and quiet” Kelly said. As she watched Kara and Jenna leave she closed her eyes. A few moments later she heard it. Drip.. Drip.. Drip... opening her eyes she looked up. In the far corner of the ceiling she could see something dripping. She moved over to it, and looked at the floor. It was mucus. Kelly gulped and stepped back. “I’m not scared.. I’m not scared.. its the plumbing”

“Get out” the voice was quiet.. almost a whisper. Kelly blinked.

“what the hell?” she muttered.

“Get Out” the voice was more forceful. Kelly turned and ran from the room. It had begun.

“This must be a nursery” said Rose, looking around the room at the top of the House. the light in room was barely adequate in removing all the shadows. there was a large double bed pushed against the wall, and next to it, an old rocking cradle. A few toys littered the floor. But otherwise it was quiet.

“yeah.. kinda creepy actually” muttered Xander. Suddenly Stephen put his hand over his nose.

“What the hell is that stench?” he asked as the sickening smell of decomposing flesh surrounded them. Xander, Rose and Simone all grabbed their noses and gagged. Suddenly Rose’s eyes went wide. She pointed as the blanket on the bed rose slightly. They watched in fascination as a baby's cry echoed around them, and the cradle began to rock.

“This is.. amazing” muttered Stephen. The cradle began to rock faster and faster, the baby’s cry becoming more and more frantic.

“SHUT UP!” screamed a woman’s voice. Suddenly the cradle stopped moving and so the baby’s cry’s. Rose moved over to it slowly and looked in.. then screamed. Stephen and Xander ran to her and looked, Xander grabbed his mouth and turned away, throwing up. Stephen pulled rose away, from the foetal baby in the cot, it was moving but its stomach had been split open blood gushing from the wound. Suddenly the baby’s mouth opened. “mamma” it cried out. Stephen grabbed Rose and Xander and pulled them out of the room. “Mamma Mamma!” the things cries issued from the room behind them. Outside they stopped for a moment.. long enough to see Simone wasn’t with them.

Kara and Jenna had gone into the basement, unfortunately they had to rely on the light from the full moon outside as the bulb down here had blown when they’d turned the lights on.

“Its cold” said Jenna.

“I know” Kara agreed, her breath frosting in the air. Suddenly Jenna jumped.

“Kara did you just touch my hand?” she asked. Kara looked at her.

“Jenna I’m in front of you” Kara told her.

“Kara something just touched my hand.. Physically touched”

“it was probably a bug or something” Kara told her.

“oh yeah old house.. lots of bugs.. yep..” Jenna did not sound convinced. Kara smiled at her. Jenna took a deep breath, and then let out a yelp as something dripped onto her forehead. She wiped it away with her hand, and looked. It was dark red.

“Kara.. please tell me this isn’t...”

“Death...” the voice whispered around the basement. Kara took Jenna’s hand.

“Jenna, I think we should get out of here”

“Death” the voice repeated, this time accompanied by the laughter of ghostly children. The room began to grow even colder. And at the far corner of the room, two red eyes lit up.. glaring at them. Kara turned and still gripping Jenna’s hand pulled her up the stairs and through the door. Slamming it shut she took a deep breath. then looked around. They’re were not in the hallway. They were in the nursery.

“momma” the foetal baby cried as it struggled to sit up, the blood still pumping from its stomach. A rotten stench filled the air, decomposing flesh and vomit mixed. The Baby looked at them, and opened its mouth, revealing needle sharp fangs within its barely formed mouth. A forked tongue slithered from its mouth, the teeth drawing more blood from it.

Outside the House Hope looked up as flashes of light began to flicker in the windows. It had been twenty minutes she had been waiting. And it had been twenty minutes she realised she should have been going to get help. Turning she began to long run across the town.

Kelly had found herself in the kitchen she had sat down at the table, and he her head in her hands. Nothing had happened in here, but she had heard Rose scream earlier. Calling out she had waited but heard nothing. Suddenly the kitchen door slammed open. Kelly jumped and then let out a breath as Stephen, Xander and Rose came in.. Xander looked pale, Rose looked like she had seen a ghost, and Stephen was shaking.

“What happened?” Kelly asked.

“You don’t wanna know” Xander said going to the cupboard and getting out a glass. He filled it with water and took a gulp.

“I thought I heard Rose Scream” said Kelly, looking at her. Rose nodded.

“I saw... it was a baby.. but it wasn’t...” Rose ran to the Sink and poured herself a glass of water.

“It was what rose?” Kelly asked.

“It wasn’t formed.. it was a foetus.. a foetus that was calling for its mother, and bleeding from its stomach..” Rose said.

“And the stench..” said Xander.

“Kelly, where’s Kara and Jenna?” asked Stephen.

“They went to check out the basement. Where‘s Simone?” Kelly asked.

“I don’t know. She was with us then she wasn’t.. We need to get out of here.. that Priest was right” Xander said.

“You guys stay here, I’ll go get them” Stephen said walking out.

“Be careful” called out Rose.

Kara and Jenna had left the Nursery and found the master bedroom. walking in they were glad it was warm, and that the light was working. As Kara sat down she saw Jenna rubbing her head.

“You ok?” asked Kara.

“Yeah, headache, I’ll be fine” Jenna assured her.

“good, lets wait here for a few minutes and then go downstairs-”suddenly the lights went out.

“Kara...” Jenna said. The lights suddenly came back on.. Jenna saw that she was alone. Looking around she yelled in surprise when she saw that a picture on the wall had two people in it. A woman and a man. The woman was Kara no doubt, the other one wasn’t quite formed.

“mine momma... mine!” screamed a voice. Jenna turned and saw the baby clawing its way up the bed sheets towards her. .Jenna screamed as the walls began to bleed around her, the pain in her head becoming unbearable. She turned and ran out of the room down the stairs, aware that she left foot prints of blood behind her. She ran down the stairs screaming, when a hand reached out and grabbed her. She screamed again.

“Jenna its me, Stephen” Stephen said. Jenna looked at him, and threw her arms around him. “What you doing up here?” he asked.

“Upstairs? but I just ran down them. But.. Never mind, Kara and I were in the basement.. there was this voice.. and blood.. and we ran but when we went through the door there was a baby, and it followed me and Kara’s gone” Jenna had almost lost it.. Stephen hugged her tightly.

“Jenna its ok.. we’ll find Kay and get out of here, but lets go down to the others ok?” Jenna took a breath and nodded.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to lose it” she said, as they walked down the stairs.

“its ok” said Stephen as he walked into the kitchen. “we’ve all had our share of scares” The others in the kitchen looked up.

“Hey Jenna, you ok?” asked Rose.

“I will be, now I’m back with you guys.. Stephen what do we do about Kara?” Jenna asked turning.. But Stephen was gone.

“What happened to Stephen?” asked Xander looking at the doorway.

“Its taking us.. one at a time.. this house..” said Jenna. Suddenly below them the house began to rumble and every single light went out it was too dark to see anything.

“Ok stay calm.. we can deal” said Xander. “Everyone grasp hands stay in connection with each other” he ordered. The girls did as they were told.

“Kelly what have you been holding, your hands sticky” said Rose.

“Rose, we’re all in front of you” Kelly said. Rose suddenly stopped.

“Then what the hell am I holding?... Oh god I wish I hadn’t asked that”

“Momma your hurting me” said the baby, next to Rose. Rose turned her head and saw the Two red eyes not a foot away. Rose screamed let go of it and Kelly and suddenly realised she was alone.

“Help me please!” Screamed Rose. Suddenly strong arms grabbed her, and kicked the baby thing away, it landed with a thud out of sight, Rose was still screaming.

“I got you Rose.. don’t worry” said Xander. Rose held his hand tightly as the group joined hands again. They walked out of the kitchen and into the hall.. and stopped.

“Oh no” muttered Jenna. They had left the Kitchen and were back in the basement. “Death” said the voice.. the one from before. The lights suddenly came on and they found themselves in a flat room.. It was huge as if the entire House had suddenly become one level.. The nursery was over in the far corner.. Next to it the front door, the kitchen was to their left, the lounge in front of them. They however were still in the basement. On the wall was a large portrait In it they could clearly see Kara, Stephen and Simone. All of them looking as if they had been terrified as they had been painted. Three more figures were also taking shape next to them.

“oh god.. Kara.. Stephen, Simone...” Jenna sobbed.

“We can help them later, first we have to get out of here” Said Xander, heading towards the door. Suddenly something slammed him back, he hit an invisible barrier hard, knocking him out. The girls moved to help him but stopped when they heard shuffling watching they gasped in horror as the baby climbed onto Xander chest.

“momma! momma!” it cried out. Then the lights went out, the room rumbled and the lights came back on. Rose was in the Nursery, looking around she could see the trail of blood pumped from the baby’s stomach. She ran out and stopped. It was hot out here.. very hot. Below her she heard Kelly and Jenna screaming. Kelly from below and Jenna from the basement by the sound of it. Kelly screamed again as the cold dark began to move in around her. she heard Rose scream from the top of the stairs.

“Rose!” Kelly screamed as the blackness shrouded around her like a cloak.

The coldness flowing swiftly behind it.

“Kelly!” Rose screamed back, even as the banisters of the stairway began to glow red then white hot, and her Face and hands began to blister and burn.

Hope and Giles stood outside the house and watched in horror as it began to twist on itself, Blood seeping from its hinges lights flashing in the windows, the inhuman screams from its depths. And among it all.. The screams of the SITS trapped within the House... Oh god” breathed Giles. “We have to help them” he said to Hope. Hope looked at him. “All we can do Giles is Pray...” she replied. Giles looked at her and then back at the house. then he actually snarled.

“if God is not invited into this house then we’ll invite him” he said, turning and running a moment later Hope was running next to him.

Rose could feel her hands and face burning.. the pain was causing her to lose focus. Suddenly she fell forwards down the stairs, screaming again, she hit the ground hard, and landed on top of Jenna. Jenna was sitting on the floor rocking back and forth.

“Jen.. Jenna” rose said. Jenna pointed across the room. The portrait was there, glowing. Now it had Xander added. Jenna sobbed. Rose pulled her to her, in a hug.

“momma!” came the cry from across the room. Rose looked up as the baby began to crawl across the floor, the blood seeping around it.. as it passed the walls they began to bleed, the floor began to rumble. The Girls screamed as it put a wet slippery hand on them..

“momma” it said again. this time its mouth opened wide and from within they could hear the screams of Kara, Stephen, Simone and Xander.

Father Lars looked up as Giles ran in with Hope. He sighed to himself.

“They went to the house didn’t they?” he asked.

“they did, despite my objections” Hope told him. Giles shot her a glance.

“We need your help.. they’re trapped.. their screams.. you have to help us”

“I have already told you Mr. Giles that God is not welcome in that house.. I went there once and it almost proved my undoing”

“Then go there and make him welcome.. you cans top this!” Giles shouted at him.

“I cannot stop evil such as that” the Priest said sadly.

“Then your refusing to help us?” said Hope.

“I will pray for them”

“Wow” she said dryly. The Priest rounded on her.

“I would have thought a creature like you would not enter this place. Ahh wait I see now.. your not like those others.. your not a Vampire.. I see conflict within you.. A demon in flesh a woman in soul.. A monster of both worlds belonging in neither”

“This is not about her.. its about those girls and those watchers” Giles cut in.

“but its eventually about her.. Take care with her Watcher” said the Priest. Giles suddenly grabbed the Priest.

“You call yourself a man of God.. someone who protects his flock.. then I’m telling you to act like one. Those people will die in there.. unless you help”

“I will not go back into that house!” the priest shouted.

“then God hasn’t abandoned you.. You have abandoned him..” Giles said sadly. He turned to Hope and nodded. She glared at the Priest then turned.

“Wait!” called out the Priest. Giles stopped and looked back.

“I once made an oath to protect the innocent. I will.. I will come with you.. But I will have to enter the house alone. Your part in this is over” he said. Giles nodded.

“Your help is appreciated” he said.

“Don’t thank me yet Watcher.. I’ve not helped them yet”

Kelly woke with a start.. taking deep breaths. Sitting up she looked around.. she was in the lounge. A fire was crackling in the fireplace. Sitting up she saw that everything was still.. no movement.

“He... Hello” she called out.

“Home” said the voice. Kelly stood.

“Yeah Home, nice place, wouldn’t want to live here” she muttered.

“You are home” the voice said. Kelly blinked.

“no.. I’m not.. I’m here for a visit”

“See” it said.

“See? see what?” she asked.

“momma!” the baby’s cries came from outside the door. It crawled in. Kelly held her mouth. “momma!” it said reaching her feet, it reached up, its unformed eyes seeming to blink.

“Follow” said the voice. Kelly closed her eyes and then reached down.. and picked the baby up, aware of its blood flowing over her hands. It pointed out the door and up the stairs. Kelly went in the direction it pointed. Going up the stairs it pointed to the master bedroom. Kelly opened the door and walked in. The Picture on the wall was complete. Stephen, Kara, Simone, Jenna, Rose and Xander all in it, looking as if they were being tortured. And next to it another portrait.. this one of a woman being sacrificed, her unborn child being ripped from her. Kelly stepped back.

“No..” she said.

“yes” said the voice.

“Its.. not...” Kelly’s voice faltered as she shook her head.. the woman in the picture was her.

“Death...” the voice said again. The air suddenly came alive.. Screams of tortured victims.. and among them she heard her friends.. all screaming.

“No...NO!” Kelly screamed. The baby began to laugh.. and then bit her. Kelly jumped and dropped it. It hit the floor hard and popped open, the blood pooling around her feet, and spreading. Soon it covered the whole floor and was moving onto the landing. The walls began to bleed, the picture of the inhuman birth caught fire. Kelly screamed and turned to run.

“BE GONE CREATURE OF THE PITS!” shouted Father Lars standing in the doorway. the screaming intensified.

“GET OUT!” shouted the voice.

“Never not until this house has been cleansed of your darkness!” He called back. then he took Kelly’s hand.

“Child if you wish to save your friends you must hep me”

“What do I do?”

“You give yourself to God child” he told her. “Pray with all your heart” he ordered. Kelly nodded.

“our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name” she began. On the floor the baby began to cry out. “momma! momma!” but even as it did so it burst into flames. Kelly tried to ignore it, she continued praying as Father Lars sprinkled Holy water over the floor. The house began to scream. And suddenly there was a flash of light, Simone was on the floor, curled into a tight foetal position, eyes closed, crying hysterically. Kelly stopped her praying and helped her to stand.

“quickly, both of you.. continue praying!” called out Father Lars. Around them the room changed to the basement. there was another flash, Xander reappeared. The Girls continued, now with Xander. Around them the whole house began to shake. The basement faded out, and it faded in at the kitchen. Stephen reappeared., all the while the Girls prayed, holding hands, the Father Prayed sprinkling Holy water.

“GET OUT!” the voice sounded as if it was choking, a foul stench filled the air again, the group ignored it, the kitchen faded out, replaced by the master Bedroom. Kara reappeared, she looked around, And took Xander’s offered hand, joining their circle. “Stop!” cried the voice, frantically. The room faded to the lounge, the fire had spread from the fireplace and was close to catching the sofa. The same sofa Rose appeared on, looking scared to hell. The circle grew, and the group found themselves making a protective barrier around Father Lars.

“momma! momma!” the baby’s cries were weak, the baby was still moving even though it was nothing but a burnt hollow corpse. The Lounge changed and they were in the hallway. A moment later Jenna appeared, Kara grabbed her hand and continued to Pray. “IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST I COMMAND YOU TO BE GONE FROM THIS PLACE!” Screamed Father Lars. The was a huge scream then everything fell silent. The group looked at each other. The front door suddenly exploded open and a rush of air flew past them. Lars took a deep breath and sank to his knees.. Looking up he managed a smile.

“This house.. is clean” he told them.

Outside they found Giles, waiting, alone. Hope had left when the door had burst open. He smiled when the group walked out.

“Are you all ok?” asked Giles.

“Oh yeah.. fine.. absolutely Phiffy” Stephen said.

“what happened?” he asked.

“I think we’d rather not talk about it” said Rose. Walking up the street.

The next day the sun shone down on the house. Stephen and Kara had gone back to collect the gear that had been left in it.

“You know now this place is ghost free its quite homey” Kara said. Stephen looked at her.

“I’m not gonna even ask if your joking” he said. Kara laughed and picked up one of the sleeping bags. Suddenly a chill took the air. Stephen looked at Kara the look of horror on his face mirrored in hers.

“GET OUT!” the voice said. Grabbing the last of the bags they ran from the house.. a moment later the Front door slammed behind them.

“That was Marc.. he’s asked if we can let him borrow Simone for a little >bit” said Giles, putting down the phone.

“Me?” what’s he want me for?” she said, looking up.

“why ask.. its a vacation” said Rose.

“Fine. I’ll go get packed” Simone said, going upstairs to pack.

“He’s ok isn’t he?” asked Jenna. Before Giles could answer Willow walked in with Xander.

“Willow? Xander?” is something wrong?

“Its time Giles.. Buffy ready to deal with the First” Willow said.

“and the Scythe?” he asked.

“Lets just say.. I think we can kick its ass now” Willow said. Giles smiled and nodded. “What’s going on?” asked Rose.

“Its time to end this fight with the First” said Xander... “One way or the other”