As Time Goes By

[watty]

I have to say, I disagree--not on pragmatic grounds, but on the nature of what they do and how they've done it in the past. How many bullets have they dodged? How many 11th-hour reprieves have they won? I think their practical sides are screaming out in frustration: "What do we do?" And yet the idea of consciously admitting and even accepting defeat is just not tenable to them, esp. when they can draw on experience and say, "Yeah, but we did it this time."

I have one last point to make, which is they need to know that they can't fight every single battle. That it's as important to know when not to fight, when to actually retreat, that will keep them fighting longer. They must be smart and admit that this is one time they can't win and let the last 2 victims go. It's not defeat for them, they have to stop taking responsibility for every bad demony thing that happens in Sunnydale. Having Kyra's special powers and stuff surely is better, they have another fighter, I've always been a little puzzled at W/T's huge denial and reaction. Of course they see things differently as parents, but still ...

Chuckling at the Anadeis this time, I don't hate them as much, but man, they're still stuck up and obnoxious and I want to throw a large pot of tea in their faces to get the smug, holier-than-thou grins off their faces. Well, I might be nice and make it mint tea, but they grate my cheese. Still. A lot.

Grudgingly grateful that they still picked up the call though, and for still wanting to help. And willing to return for further questioning. Do they have email? A world of difference between how Tara talks to them compared with Willow. Some people just deal better with people they don't like. Willow does take their willingness to risk Kyra to heart, and Tara does too, but Tara can tune out the needling, esp from the daughter Anadeis. Excellent characterization, btw, Mistress of Deeply Thoughtful Writing.

The Anadeis are right. Accept the two souls are lost and move on. I'm glad that Kyra will have a choice, and I hope that her family will train her well so she can make a good choice. I wonder if there is a time gap between the last sacrifice and Kyra's calling. I suppose you'll reveal that in due course.

[br]

[tal]

Mary,

Well of course I took Faith, honey. But no worries, I made sure she had sunscreen on her at all times. Put it on myself, just to make sure she wouldn't miss any spots. A true humanitarian, I am. And yes, both my tan-line and I were very well rested, a fact that did not go unnoticed by my boss, who took it upon herself to correct the situation in record time.

But on to the story… great update as usual. Not that I take it for granted, mind you. Good writing should always be appreciated. So I do. Am. Oh, you know what I mean.

So our Cerberus-like deities had some good news for a change. A choice for the promising toddler. That's always good, and complicated at the same time. Good, for the obvious reasons, and complicated for both child and parents. You want to make sure your kids have all the options, and choose the right path – but standing by and watching your child willingly choose the more dangerous path, even if it is the right choice is always hard. Harder when it is a choice and not just a given. Just ask my mom… I don’t think she slept one night when my brother and I did our time in the Army, but it was worst with me, cause I had a choice to do something less dangerous.

Also liked your dealing with the idea of sacrificing a few to save the many (or in your case to create something that would save the many). It used to be a favorite of mine in law school, though I always found myself arguing the minority opinion. I guess I could never really get past the one. One life, a whole life, always seemed so all-encompassing to me, I just couldn’t get past forfeiting something so amazing – no matter the consequences. It just didn't feel like a choice any human should ever make. In that sense I get the conversation between the Anadeis and our girls for what it should be. A deity considering the big picture, where as the humans thinking about the individuals, and the personal impact of their possible passing. In a way, that's how it should be. But then, it could be just me…

Great work, Mary. And next time I travel to the magical kingdom where the ladies are scantily clad, and the drinks have little umbrellas in them – you're coming with me. I foresee many philosophical debates.

Tal.

[justin]

That it's as important to know when not to fight, when to actually retreat, that will keep them fighting longer. They must be smart and admit that this is one time they can't win and let the last 2 victims go.

But what about the next monster that's a bit difficult? or the one after that? Should they really give up whenever they face a monster that causes them some trouble.

The way I see it the Scoobies are modern knigh errants. Part of the quest of the knight errant is "to fight the unbeatable foe."

Also there's the question of what happens next time this Despair comes out of hibernation? If they don't stop it now, how many more people will it kill before someone else is able to stop it. Things might seem hopeless for the Scoobies but given the fact that five of them are now immune they've probably got a better chance of beating it than anyone has ever had, or will have for a long time.

Every time it reactivates and isn't stopped that'll be ten more victimes they'll be letting go.

also Kyra is supposed to have a choice, but how can she have if she knows that people had to die in order to give her her powers?

Equally how will she have any respect for her parents knowing they let people die because trying to save them was too hard.

At least that MNSHO

[JustSkipIt]

Mary,
I just got back and have a 1000 things to do so I am skipping full feedback and hope you understand. I'll just say: How could anyone not have noticed that Dawn & Xander were alone? That was the first thing I thought when I read the "getting ready plan." Stupid!!!!!

DW - no offense re: stuntmen/women. I wouldn't want Asher doing it but you're right that it provides entertainment. Of course the same could be said for boxing and I totally oppose that.

[the hero factor]

"I can see this whole good soul crap is gonna bite me in the ass for a while," the ex-demon said grimly.

Hee! I love your Anya.

"What do you suppose we could do?" the second voice asked. "Throw her bodily into battle? Kyra's powers are meaningless if not freely chosen."

It's good that Willow and Tara are able to breathe a bit easier now, knowing that Kyra won't be forced to fight. Although what the Anadeis said made sense. It's like Buffy. She didn't have a choice in getting the Slayer powers, but she chooses to use them to fight.

"It is indeed tragic," came the eldest voice. "Some will make peace with it. Some will tell themselves that it was some latent insanity. Perhaps some will even discern a pattern behind so many inexplicable losses, and pursue the truth in their own fashion. But you are correct: It is likely that at least some of those left behind will believe that their love was insufficient to keep the beloved near. And it will grieve them beyond words."

I have to say, right now, I don't care about Kyra being the Guardian, and any future good that might do, I just want the Scoobies to stop this thing from taking anymore innocent people. It seems likely that they won't be able to stop it, unfortunately, but I want them to try.

Equally how will she have any respect for her parents knowing they let people die because trying to save them was too hard.

I agree. If the Scoobs don't at least try, then they might as well pack in the hero gig and take up flower arranging.

And Xander and Dawn. I didn't even think about the fact that they're alone, well, because they're together. But now I'm all worried. Please let them be okay.

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hello, all. A few more replies...

Willow-Rosenberg: Hey, how's school going? You must be--what? Halfway through the semester? Yeah, I thought it was important that Kyra have a choice. Our mothers were reacting in the first meeting with full parental outrage but realized that they needed to eat a little crow. Now, as for Buffy and Faith--I'm not writing this from Buffy's point of view, so we're left to wonder a little bit about what she's thinking, but suffice it to say that Faith is registering on her radar pretty powerfully these days. We're just not quite sure how.

Liked this point:

It just empasizes the point that they can't watch people 24/7 no matter how hard you try.

Indeed. Do you follow them to the bathroom?

Thanks for the good words, WR, and I hope graphic design (yes?) is treating you well.

Histchic: But of course I like your feedback--it's so likable!

You observed:

The Anadeis wouldn't have picked the Scoobies just from skimming their file.

Exactly. This selection was anything but random. And who isn't shaped by our parents to some degree, even if it takes the form of making the most diametrically opposed decisions we possibly can: they're still influencing us! I love to see the wheels spin on this board! Thanks for taking the time to mull this over and weigh back in with it. I will toodle, indeed...and you as well.

KatezOr: Hey, glad you like the Ann Coulter reference! As I told Russ, I tried to think of the most imperious, arrogant witch I could, and there she was!

There was definitely some humility needed from our girls, difficult as it was. Who's this Naiman you mentioned? His Despair sounds really compelling. In this story, I sort of picture an emaciated, skeletal frame, eyes almost black with the emptiness. Anyway, I'd like to check out his stuff.

This is so true:

[Faith and Buffy] are a pretty formidable team, any way you pair them.

But how will we pair them? Hmm...

I know, Xander and Dawn are hardly my favorites, and you reference probably my least-favorite Dawn moment of all time. But do we want them killed? That seems a bit...much.

Thanks for following this, Kate! Hope your week starts off well.

Watson, My Dear: You noted:

they need to know that they can't fight every single battle. That it's as important to know when not to fight, when to actually retreat, that will keep them fighting longer. They must be smart and admit that this is one time they can't win and let the last 2 victims go.

Ah, but when? If there were a clarion call that all agreed was the voice of ultimate truth, saying, "This cannot be won," then possibly yes. But do they take the Anadeis' word for it? Let me say that I don't necessarily disagree with you that in this case it might prove to be the best course of action. But how does that decision get made? It reminds me of when they decided to run in S-5 (and yes, I know I don't have the numbers and decimals correct--stay with me!) and you could tell there was great ambivalence about that: it went against everything they believed in. But it was absolutely the right decision. I think in this case, though, they'd feel that they were abandoning other people. (They knew that Glory was after them.) 'tis tricky stuff, these decisions. I think Giles is flipping a coin as we speak.

I definitely wanted the Anadeis--particularly the oldest one--to be a little less off-putting this time. (Worked for some readers; not others.) You offered:

Well, I might be nice and make it mint tea, but they grate my cheese.

Well, I think that's a reasonable compromise, Watson, and actually quite generous of you.

You make a good point re: our girls' reaction in the conversation: Tara can indeed tune out the needling part, esp. now that she's had her mini-meltdown and faced the likely music. Willow still has that fiery, reactive side to her. And what will happen to Xander and Dawn? Find out this week!

Thanks for the fb, Watson! Always good to see your name.

tal You told me:

Well of course I took Faith, honey.

Uh-huh. I knew it. Faith was just grinning like the Cheshire cat when she finally strolled back in. Didn't give any answers; just smiled enigmatically and went about her business. But I knew. At least send pictures, tal. You have to. I'm glad she was in such good hands. (Rim shot.)

I appreciate your appreciation--no joke whatsoever. It's gratifying to put work into an update and feel like it's enjoyed.

You make a very astute point about choice vis-a-vis danger: if something like danger is thrust upon you, I suspect there's a kind of philosophical aspect to it. But if someone has a choice and chooses to embrace the danger, for whatever reason? I suspect a parent would indeed have a harder time with it. Did your mom try to talk you out of it? Interesting stuff...

You wrote:

One life, a whole life, always seemed so all-encompassing to me, I just couldn’t get past forfeiting something so amazing – no matter the consequences.

God, I love how you convey that. I feel much the same way. Even if logically I understand the opposite position, how do I look upon that one life and say, "You must be sacrificed so that others may live"? And am I as willing to sacrifice myself? I wonder how many wars would be averted, rightly or wrongly (e.g., I think the US needed to be in WW2), if the people in charge of them had to get to know each soldier and then say, "You may well die."

And now, on another note: scantily clad ladies? Umbrella-festooned drinks? Gimme 24 hours, and my bags are packed. Philosophical discussions are always more enjoyable when conducted over pina coladas...

Thanks for the kind words and the very thought-provoking ideas, tal. I love seeing your name here! And stay sane back at work.

Justin: I think we have similar thoughts, Justin, which should terrify you immensely. No, seriously...As I mentioned to Watson, I think it's very hard to know when to run up the white flag (and I think that's what it would feel like to them), even if logic suggests such a course of action. I guess I just see this as a very, very hard decision b/c (a) they've never been quite so in the dark about an opponent before; (b) they have such an incredible stake in it via Kyra; and (c) they are, indeed, knights errant. What to do? And how to do it? The logistics are a huge problem here.

Oh, you also make an excellent point about Kyra:

"Mommy, how did I get so powerful?"
"Well, in part it's because we pretty much abandoned some innocent people."
[Silence.]

I can see your brain whirring from across the pond, Justin! I love reading all these ideas.

Debra: I told everybody you called them stupid and now they're in the bathroom crying. Great. This sucks for me b/c (a) I'll be up all night trying to cheer them up and (b) eventually I'll need to get in my bathroom and get ready for work. Oh well...Hope the resettling in is going well.

HeroFactor: Oh God, Anya's so fun to write! Glad you're enjoying her.

Nice analogy to Buffy. She doesn't have to fight, and she fights best when she realizes that, in the times she consciously chooses to use her powers.

I think a lot of people want them to stop this guy b/c the implications of his success feel so frightening. But how? Or should they focus their energies on keeping themselves safe and perhaps being better prepared should they face him again? So many questions...I hope the woman writing this knows what the hell she's doing.

Thanks for the good thoughts, Hero!

OK--thanks again, everyone. I'm anticipating an update on Wednesday. If it's gonna be later than that, I'll let you know. (Because I know you'll all just be breathless with anticipation...)
Mary

[Safuega]

Mary:

At least now we have a way of recognizing each other in the oft chance that we manage to be in the same city, and the same street at the same time, I'll be the one carrying "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and/or "Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat: a Calvin and Hobbes Collection".

Okay, it's been a long week and it's near my bedtime so I'll make this brief. How utterly delicious and annoying to have the 'Anas' tell Willow and Tara that Kyra does have a choice. How convenient for the supreme powers that be to give humans a destiny and then watch it all play out by also giving humans free will. The irony of it all 'cause as a human you can't very well complain, can you? If you do complain, the powers that be in their wisdom can simply fall back on the 'but we also gave free will, so what's your beef?' line. Wicked and brilliant.

Also liked the 'Anas' discourse on the death of good people. I thought you did a good job of explaining how loss and death are random. Even though in this case there is a BB that is responsible for these deaths, in general death is just as random as this BB. Good people who deserve to live and should continue to live for their sake, that of their loved ones, and even the world, die every day. Death itself is incomprehensible, and any death, especially the death of a good person, inevitably leaves the survivors feeling abandoned or guilty that they are still alive. It is the nature of death to be unfathomable, and it the nature of death to touch all of us, good and not so good. Being good does not exempt you from its calling.

I had to chuckle at the cliffhanger because it highlighted the futility of trying to stop the BB. I mean here are the Scoobies, all in the same house, with the two potential victims under their noses and they all go their separate ways leaving them all alone! If they can't keep track of Dawn and Xander while they are all together in a confined space, how can they be expected to keep track of all the do gooders in Sunnydale? Call me heartless, Mary, but I did not even think about the fact that Dawn and Xander were alone until you pointed it out. Or call me twisted cause I was laughing. Or call me trusting since I trust you not to harm these folks. I trust you to manhandle (womanhandle?) them a bit, but not really hurt them.

Fave line in this update? Buffy as cabana girl. Buffy as a sidekick to Faith is just a priceless vision. Thank you.

Finally, alas, I get to do my good deed from my office in the city. I wish I could go 'cause I'm used to being in the trenches, but I'm happy to help in any way I can even if that means I get to do it from my desk in my office. I've been working nonstop on the LA project and I'm hoping that something good comes off it. It feels good to be doing something.

Thanks for sharing your stories, Mary. As usual, I look forward to the next installment.

Safuega

[Katez0r]

Who's this Naiman you mentioned? His Despair sounds really compelling. In this story, I sort of picture an emaciated, skeletal frame, eyes almost black with the emptiness. Anyway, I'd like to check out his stuff.

Neil Gaiman is a writer, probably best known for his graphic novel series The Sandman (from DC's adult-oriented Vertigo line), which is where his Despair comes from. It's this huge mythological horror story, but it's so much more than that. It's centered mainly on Morpheus, Dream, The Sandman... whatever you want to call him. It starts out simply enough. A group of sorcerers have decided they want to live forever, so they decide to bind Death. Instead, they capture Death's younger brother, Dream. The first book, Preludes & Nocturnes, chronicles Dream's escape and his journey to regain the symbolic items (a helm, a pouch of sand, and a dreamstone) which contain his power so he can get back to and rebuild The Dreaming. The chapter "24 Hours" is probably one of the most horrifyingly fascinating things I've ever read. Emphasis on the horrifying.

Dream is one of the seven Endless. Destiny, Death, Dream, Desire and Despair (the twins), Delirium, who used to be Delight, and the prodigal Destruction, who abandoned his realm. They're all really cool. Especially Death. I never thought she'd be a perky happy goth girl, but Gaiman's is, and it works really well.

But yeah. I ramble because I love it and recommend it to everyone, ever. Gaiman is also the author of the fabulous novels American Gods, Neverwhere, and the recently released Anansi Boys. He also co-authored Good Omens (which, hilarious!) with Terry Pratchett.

You should check it out. If you're one of the people who are like "comics r dum!" Sandman should change your mind.


Oh, and the whole get out thing? TOTALLY my least favorite Dawn moment. But I liked her more than Xander. He's just... kind of an asshole. Like, most of the characters are really pretty selfish, but Xander is just so petty about it. Ugh.

I also love your Anya. You get her. I've read a lot of fic where she's just reduced to "Oh yay Xander penis and money!" and it annoys me to no end. She's far more complicated than that.

[tal]

Mary,

At least send pictures, tal. You have to.

Well, I would, you know, but there was an incident with some coconut oil, slippery hands and a midnight skinny-dipping session… suffice to say all evidence have been… dampened.

Did your mom try to talk you out of it?

Talk? Yeah. There was also some crying and begging involved. Oh, and all the guilt a Jewish mother can muster, which I've gotta tell you – ain't a myth. But at the end of the day (weeks, actually), I've pointed out it was the only choice I really could make considering how she raised me – and that was an argument she just couldn’t refute…

Philosophical discussions are always more enjoyable when conducted over pina coladas...

Now, Mary hon, you do realize that when I mentioned foreseeing many philosophical debates, it was actually a code name for foreplay – right? Not that I have anything against cerebral challenges and all – but scantily clad ladies usually hold a somewhat different inspiration for me. It’s a thing.

Because I know you'll all just be breathless with anticipation..

And there you go.

Tal.

[simplyblue]

Dear Mary,

It's been forever since I've left fb for you, for the simple reason that I've been deliberately refusing to read ATGB. Life has been too complicated on my end and I find the Kitten Board so seductive that it's too easy for me to escape into it at the cost of actually attending to my responsibilities. Damn those responsibilities anyway...

My resolve held until I got a nasty cold a few days ago and needed some W/T comfort. So I broke down, signed on, and went directly to ATGB and have been reading ever since (and, ahem, ignoring said responsibilities.) I'm not even up-to-date yet, but you wrote something that struck me so powerfully that I feel driven to talk about it, especially since the phenomenally thoughtful Kitten analysis of ATGB moved by it rather quickly.

So anyway, after this incredibly rambling preamble (a preamble ramble?), here's the text that drove me to delurk and post fb:

"She's not a Guardian," Tara practically roared. "She's our daughter!"

"Whom you have solely as a function of our plan," came the youngest ancient voice. "She is no more truly yours than any child on the street."

And finally Willow, too, was shocked into rage. "Fuck. You." She spat the words. Fury and terror eclipsed any misgivings she might have had about cursing a trio of immortals.

This interchange gets at the heart of what it means to be a family. And as a) an adoptive parent who b) lives in a state where religious right activists and legislators are working assiduously to define my family out of existence, my blood pressure rose about as high as I imagine Willow's and Tara's did. But the intense anger isn't particularly about my legitimacy as a parent being called into question; it's about protecting my daughter from any sense that what she has isn't real, isn't valid, isn't permanent, isn't safe.

Since I'm working on the assumption that W/T shared both my outrage and the reasons for it, it dawned on me that that the whole "she isn't really yours" statement also cuts deeply at both their insecurities. Willow's got a ferocious need to protect her loved ones--one that being a mother has surely only heightened. The need to protect her daughter from any sense that her family isn't real must be overwhelming. Tara in turn recently discovered that her father wasn't her "real" father and that her mother wasn't quite who Tara thought she was. If the BB was right, Tara is worried that she might replicate her family-of-origin's internal dynamic despite all her efforts to escape it. So Tara's struggling with a sense of what a "real" family is, herself--something you allude to when Tara talks about her family "home" and her family "here." No wonder they're both determined to alter their daughter's fate as foretold by the prophesy. It's not just about protecting her from the pain of being a warrior, it's about protecting their family unit.

On a related note, it also dawned on me that W/T have a gigantic dilemma facing them in the near future: what to tell Kyra about her birth. Kyra's too young to wonder about her family structure, but in a year or two she's going to wonder whose belly she came out of, whether she has a daddy, and all sorts of tricky questions. What will W/T say? (Our solution was to create a life book that chronicles our daughter's life from birth to the first year of our becoming a family. I could see Tara as the scrapbooking type...) If W/T DON'T tell Kyra the truth, then they're withholding an enormously important part of Kyra's story from her -- and when and if Kyra finds out, her trust in her mothers will be shaken severely. If they DO tell her the truth, she's going to wonder why the PTB did what they did. Since W/T now KNOW why the PTB did what they did, they're going to have to figure out whether, when, and how much to tell their daughter. Blech. What a horribly difficult situation to be in. (BTW, the virtue of explaining to a toddler that she arrived in a mystical flash of energy is that it makes about as much sense as any other explanation of how a baby is made. And cousin Dawnie's own mystical background should come in handy as well...)

Geez, this comment has taken on a life of its own, and I've only really talked about one sentence of your story. My goodness it's a fabulous read: so psychologically astute, so vivid, so entrancing and erotic. My only quibble is that Kyra sounds a bit like a Stepford baby: except for her epic battle with peas, this kid is the most low-maintenance baby I've ever encountered. Whither the tears of frustration and/or pain? Whither the desire to be the center of attention, impeding the smooth flow of adult conversation? Whither the waking up at unfortunate times. (Actually, thankyouthankyouthankyou for not letting Kyra wake up during sex. That would've broken my heart...)

Simplyblue

[DarkWiccan]

Yet another incredible installment. W/T learn that their daughter does have a choice , meanwhile the fates of Dawn and Xander hang in the balance...

Gripping stuff!!!

And..I am so sorry, but have to do this... a little game of "Name that Tune"

Anadeis Anadeis, Anadeis
Anadeis Anadeis, Anadeis
Anadeis Anadeis, oh oh oh Anadeis

Come on and Rock me Anadeis!



Yes... I know.. I shouldn't have.

Cheers
DW

[Katez0r]

You know, when I first read the name Anadeis, I got the same song stuck in my head.

Rock me Amadeus!

[Patches]

Hey Mary,

I’ve read this chapter over a couple times now; not out of necessity, but simply because there is so much to consider. You’ve revealed the nature of the BB (the whole insidious non-corporeal bit does explain the schizophrenic episodes that lead to the suicides.) It’s vaguely reminiscent of a ‘conscience;’ if one said, the Devil made me do it, would one be referring to this BB? I’m still fascinated by this ‘thing’; it can manipulate and persuade, but not compel a victim into action—and that whole, ‘right thing to do,’ tag is still sticking in the not-so back of my mind. Kinda like ‘do the right thing’ weaves throughout the text. Though it seems the Anadeis are bound by the same conditions: they manipulate, persuade, but ultimately cannot make anyone “do” anything, or so they imply—they believe in fate, but accept free will, anticipating (in their interminable way) that when the time comes, Kyra will, ‘do the right thing.’ Humm, and humm, interesting parallels (maybe); I guess we’ll see. Btw, if one is ‘compelled’ to make a ‘choice,’ is it really a choice?

The Anadeis do seem at least somewhat benign; they are a counter to malfeasance, but what is bugging me is their method – I’m trying to tie the BB with their plans, and I can’t figure it out; why use death, well okay, unnatural death to achieve their ends? Kinda feels like cross-purposes, or is this way to balance the scales in the present to ensure the potential for the future. Are the evil ones sacrificing their ‘best of the best’ to bring about a champion of evil, and letting light/good into the world, while they prepare the way of darkness? Would be a bit of a mind-fuck if it turns out Kyra was the result of some type of reciprocal action on the bad guys’ parts. (This is a joke, not more fodder for this already mind-screwing tale, btw.)

Good and evil, light and dark are inexorably intertwined, and you’ve made that abundantly clear here. It’s fascinating how you pull the threads of this through the story, and it’s highlighted at the beginning; the dichotomy, spelled out in the opening scene: what a terrifying honour to bestow on both parent and child. The interaction between Tara, Willow and the Anadeis, and of course, the Scoobie banter was perfect. I really like Buffy in this story (along with the rehab job you’ve done with Xander and Dawn,) the, “couldn’t you let us die,” line made me laugh. Now, having a chance to read some of the other bf, vis-à-vis Dawn and Xander doing the dishes…well, no one can be ever alert, consider all possibilities, and one moment’s inattention can lead to disaster. They’re tired, stressed, frustrated, and in the simple act of normalcy, planning and getting ready for the day, the veil of invincibility flutters unnoticed to the ground. However, knowing your style, Mary, Dawn and Xander could either have downed a bottle of bleach and dish soap, or have simply taken the trash out and got caught up chatting with the neighbours. I await the next instalment of this fine tale (which with luck might be tomorrow, if that nasty thing called life doesn’t get in your way.)

Cheers!! Fine Scribe,
Patches

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hello, all. First of all, an apology. I won't be able to update tonight (Wednesday). In addition to doing things that I get paid for (therapy, prostitution), I'm also throwing a huge Halloween party on Saturday and so a lot of my free time is going into decorating/cleaning. My costume? I'm so glad you asked: a white "gown" made out of a sheet, covered with purple flowing tunic; gold headband. Cigarette tucked behind my ear. A vibrator painted purple and dusted with gold glitter, worn on a chain around my neck. Purple wings festooned with tiny packs of lubricants and brightly colored condoms. I am...Quickie, the Goddess of One-Night Stands. Thank you...Thank you very much...Anyway, I've got the chapter half written, but I can't see myself being done by tonight; or at least, not liking that version very much. So I apologize. Look for it tomorrow night, EST.

Oh, and thanks to Dark Wiccan and Katez'Or for planting "Rock Me, Amadeus" in my head. It's now taken complete root.

Now...on to replies.

Safuega: Wait a minute; did Marquez write Calvin and Hobbies? Or did Hobbes write "Solitude"? I get these authors so confused...

Yes, the Anadeis would deny that they dictate anything: they merely set things in motion and see where the particular dominoes fall. You also noted:

in general death is just as random as this BB. Good people who deserve to live and should continue to live for their sake, that of their loved ones, and even the world, die every day. Death itself is incomprehensible, and any death, especially the death of a good person, inevitably leaves the survivors feeling abandoned or guilty that they are still alive. It is the nature of death to be unfathomable, and it the nature of death to touch all of us, good and not so good. Being good does not exempt you from its calling.

You're the first person, I believe, to really pick up on that and run with it which is noteworthy b/c for me, that and the issue of free will were the biggest elements of the update. I wrestle with that concept a lot, and I know that as someone who wants to believe that life isn't a crap shoot (such that it makes at least some sense for me to have goals and hopes and plans), the idea of that randomness is chilling. But it also seems inescapable, at least to my reckoning, as backed up by the very point you raised.

There have been varying reactions to Xander and Dawn's solitude, ranging from "Duh!" to "See? You can't watch someone 24/7." Womanhandle them? Oh, but if I do that they might like it...

And finally--my respects, again, on the work you're doing on the Louisiana front. Doesn't matter whether it's from a desk or the trenches: if your skills are being put to good use, you're jake with me. (And I know that was so pressing to you...) Seriously, Safuega--I admire you for your work. Thanks for the very kind words and for the thoughtfulness of your observations. You rock in languages heretofore unknown.

Katez'Or: Ooh...sounds interesting. I confess, I've not really read many graphic novels--not that I have a negative opinion of them; I just haven't checked them out. But this sounds really good. Thanks for the review!

I'm with you (look over to your right--there I am!): Anya's more complicated than people realize. I enjoy writing her. Xander was my least favorite character, b/c so much of the time he came off as judgemental, when his own track record wasn't exactly stellar: he didn't want Willow until someone else "had" her; he lied about Willow's words when he met Buffy before she went in to fight Angelus in "Becoming"; he went freak about Buffy lying about Angel's return while he was off trying to kiss Willow in the stacks. I had to change him when I wrote him; otherwise I'd kill him off in the first chapter.

Thanks again for following this, Kate--love that avatar!

Tal: But surely there's a videotape somewhere...? ("No, there isn't, Mary. And stop calling me 'Shirley.'")

What a fantastic point:

But at the end of the day (weeks, actually), I've pointed out it was the only choice I really could make considering how she raised me – and that was an argument she just couldn’t refute…

You'll see some foreshadowing or discussion of that element in this story.

Oh, yeah--I get the code. Sure. I mean, it's not like I'm some nitwit or something...(Mary steps away from computer; scribbles hastily on notepad.)

Crackin' me up, Tal...

SimplyBlue: Hello again--good to see you! Hope you're feeling better, though denial of Kitten privileges is a harsh, harsh sentence to impose on oneself...

Wow...Your experience really hit me. (Dare I ask what midwest state? I'm originally an Ohio girl myself...) These words were especially poignant:

But the intense anger isn't particularly about my legitimacy as a parent being called into question; it's about protecting my daughter from any sense that what she has isn't real, isn't valid, isn't permanent, isn't safe.

I can only imagine, Blue. I'm guessing you fight more battles on a monthly basis than many parents do in a decade...Wonderful thoughts, too, on Willow and Tara's inner processes; what it means to both of them to protect their family. I found myself shaking my head in agreement a lot as I read your ideas. And oh, yeah--our girls have many decisions ahead of them, regardless of whether this prophecy comes true--including, as you say, when and what to tell Kyra about her origins.

'tis a very valid quibble you have about low-maintenance Kyra (now with more fiber!). I'll be honest: I'm not the world's biggest baby person, and to some extent, I realized, it's just impossible to write parents fighting evil on a near-daily basis and write the baby's tantrums, fussiness, and infinite other ways in which its needs dictate the day's events. So once I decided to put 'er in there, I said, "Listen, kid--there's a lot going on. You're gonna need to roll with some stuff, here, OK?" She took it pretty well...But yes, most of the time I have to remember not to leave her at the Magic Box, or inadvertently starve her, or have her sleep for five consecutive days.

Thanks for catching up and leaving such great fb. I appreciate it.

DarkWiccan: Hey! How's it going? Oh, I tried to log into "Testamafy," but forgot my password. (It's one you "loaned" me.) Could you send me that again? Thanks. And thanks for the good thoughts, not to mention the musical obsession now running through m'brain.

Kate: You too? Oh God...Get help! We all need to get help!

Patches Most Dear; So Glad That You're Here: Ah, the philosopher is in full swing, n'est-ce pas? Interesting thoughts re: conscience versus blatant psychosis. As I mentioned elsewhere, I'm using this idea (the right thing to do) to capture the sense that some suicidal people have: "This is simply the only logical thing to do; other people would be better off if I were dead." It's not self-pity or melodrama; it's an absolute conviction. And I think that other people are also wondering why the Anadeis are essentially hitching a ride on the death train. Is it to balance out the scales, as you mention? Is it chaos? We'll see...

Yeah, I see good and evil as so inextricably linked, in so many ways--including our comprehension thereof. I can't truly grasp compassion until I've witnessed cruelty--or so I believe. It's so easy to set them up as eternal opponents, but is it possible that each needs the other?

As I mentioned to Safuega, it's been interesting to read the reactions to Xander and Dawn's seeming solitude. (Remember: we didn't actually see them alone. That's part of what's made the reactions so interesting!) Bleach or trash; bleach or trash...Maybe they're taking bleach bottles to the trash and suddenly...? Oh, and check out what actually happens. You'll have an inside chuckle, for reasons that will become clear.

Thanks for the thoughtful (in both sense!) words, Patches! Hope the schedule is easing just a little...

OK--update tomorrow.
Mary

[Darth Pacula]

G'day, Mary. Damn, woman! You are an inveterate tease! I lurch out of bed this morning, zombie-like (minus the groaning and the hunger for brains), log onto the Kitten board, and lo and behold! What do I find but your name.

So, of course, I assume that you've posted the next chapter, and I've another chance at claiming the gold medal. But no! You've just posted to say you're not posting until tomorrow. Another whole day, Mary? (Imagine me whining horrendously here, if you like) I can't wait that long! Honestly, that's just so frustrating, and yet so considerate at the same time.

Alrighty then, on another note, 'Quickie, the Goddess of One-Night Stands'? That is abso-bloody-lutely brilliant, Mary! I know it's been said before, but I reckon you'd really like Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. He's got such gods as Offler the Crocodile God, who speaks with a lisp, Blind Io, who has a whole bunch of eyeballs floating around his head, and even a god of hangovers. You'd fit right in. Kind of makes me wish Halloween was a bigger thing here.

Anyhoo, I'll be waiting impatiently for the next thrilling installment, Mary. Sitting in front of my computer, in the dark, panting and salivating ... and I really need professional help, don't I?

Have a great party, Mary, and I hope the worlds oldest profession is treating you well.

Bye,
Paul.

[AntigoneUnbound]

Paul: Glad you like the costume! I gave it an initial run-through last night, just checking for sizing and such. I am merely being honest when I say that I was both grossly inappropriate yet oddly compelling.

Sitting in front of my computer, in the dark, panting and salivating ...

Sounds like some of my best dates!

OK--update to follow.

Mary

[AntigoneUnbound]

AS TIME GOES BY

Part 27

Synopsis: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Sometimes, it just was. And there's a baby.

Pairings: Willow and Tara; Karl Rove and a US Federal Grand Jury

Distribution: With permission and along the normal curve (Mary wrote, suddenly having a flashback to her graduate stats classes).

Disclaimer: Dis claimer is ta state dat I don't own dese characters.

********

Oh god...

Buffy and Faith tore down the hallway and took the stairs two at a time, Willow and Tara a few steps behind them. They skidded into the kitchen, finding nothing but clean dishes drying on a rack. A dash to the living room showed it to be empty as well.

"Fuck," Faith muttered under her breath.

"Dawn! Xander!" Buffy's voice was thick with fear.

Glancing to her left, Willow instinctively flung open the front door, not really expecting to find--

Xander and Dawn standing together, eyes wide.

Buffy pushed frantically past Willow. "Don't do it!" she shouted hoarsely.

The carpenter and the teenager exchanged a furtive glance, then looked back guiltily at the quartet before them.

"Xander, Dawnie--listen to her," Willow implored, though her sheer terror had abated with the knowledge that the two Slayers could easily stop them even if they tried to bolt.

"Maybe she's right," Dawn finally whispered. "Maybe--maybe we shouldn't be taking out the trash."

Glancing down the sidewalk, Willow could see two cans standing smartly at attention, awaiting the transfer of their contents.

"Buffy, relax," Xander said, a grin creasing his features. "We're been with Anya or Giles or both the whole time. Anya helped us with the dishes. Heck, I even showered with her," he added conspiratorially.

"Thanks for sharing," Faith replied, taking an instinctive step backward.

Dawn piped up, "And while I did not shower with--"

"Don't say it!" came five voices, united in a new and altogether different kind of horror.

"My point is, my itinerary looked a little different from Xander's, but I've been Suzy Social all morning too."

"OK. Good." Buffy drew a deep breath, then looked up sharply. "But this little detour? Very foolish, kids." She glared at Xander with particular feeling, and Willow knew that the Slayer held him responsible for this foolishness.

"Hey, I asked Xander for help," Dawn replied, catching the look. "It was a five-minute trip."

"Which wouldn't be a problem if the threat in question moved with all the speed and agility of George Bush's brain," Buffy shot back. "But we know how he works."

"Hey, I'm sorry," Xander said, raising his hands. "My bad."

"It's just...You guys know better," Buffy said, hands on hips.

"C'mon--let's not stand out here and argue," Tara suggested, linking her arm companiably through Xander's. "Whatever will the neighbors think?"

"That we're a real bunch of freaks," Dawn nodded, sounding rather proud of the fact. As they turned to go back, Willow caught another glance between Dawn and Xander, one that smacked of something other than "Oops, we goofed up."

What's going on here?

They trudged inside to find Giles and Anya waiting for them. "Oh--there you are," the Watcher said with obvious relief. "Each of us thought you were with the other."

So you planned this little side trip? Willow's internal threat system went from yellow to orange.

"Well, we're all together again," Xander replied smoothly. "And really, kids--we can't let so much time go by between visits. People just drift apart when they don't see each other regularly. So, Willow and Tara...News? Updates?"

Willow frowned for a moment. You aren't off the hook, Xander Harris. But she proceeded to fill in the others on their conversation with the immortal trio.

"So Kyra gets to choose?" Dawn asked, her voice reflecting some of Willow's initial disbelief.

"That's what they said," Tara nodded. "Though they seemed insufferably certain that she would choose to be the Guardian."

And they were probably right, Willow realized. Look how she would grow up; who would be shaping her...Catching the others' expressions, she knew they were thinking the same thing.

"Well...it wouldn't surprise me," Buffy said slowly, casting an apologetic glance at Tara. "I mean, her role models are sorta...active."

"Yeah," Xander added tentatively. "It's not like we'd be in much of a position to say, 'Kyra Rosenberg-Maclay, you put down that broadsword right now and go back to leaf collecting.'"

"I know," Tara said heavily. "I just...It scares me." She squeezed Willow's hand, then fixed Faith with a sudden, urgent gaze. "Faith--if it comes to that, we'll need you. I mean, really need you. Promise us you'll come through. Please."

Willow was startled to hear her soft-spoken mate issue such a directive. This is just a whole different level of danger.

Faith looked squarely first at Tara, and then Willow. There was none of the typical bravado or sarcasm in her eyes, or in her voice when she replied, "I promise. She gets everything I have." She turned to Buffy and added quietly, "I'll need your help, B."

"Everything I have."

Willow felt everything else dropping away for one suspended moment: the four of them held together in a tight circle. The four points, with Kyra at the priceless, precious center.

She'll learn from such amazing women...

And then, again, she felt some sort of energy--heat?--shimmer between the two Slayers. Or was she imagining it?

Someone shifted behind her, and Willow wrenched her attention away from this inner circle, turning to look at the others.

"Willow...Tara...Each of us will do our part, should this prophecy come to pass," Giles offered simply.

"Yeah," Dawn jumped in. "I mean, we may not show up in the prophecy credits, but we'll be there. I'll have a thing or two to teach her about having an unusual start to life."

"And I'm not exactly Super Power Boy, but Uncle Xander will be there to help her with...Well, I'm not sure, exactly...but I'll be there." He shrugged awkwardly, shoving his hands deep into his jeans pockets.

"You'd better be there," Tara said softly, favoring him with a patented Tara-smile: lop-sided, and so very gentle.

"And I'll teach her what to do if someone tries to fuck her over," Anya put in decisively. "As Dr. Seuss wrote, 'Oh, The Tortures You'll Know!'"

"Um, I think that's 'Oh, The Places You'll Go,'" Willow ventured hesitantly, casting a worried look at her mate.

"Sure. That's what it ended up as," Anya said darkly. "But the original? The illustrations alone..."

"Right, well, we'll review her reading list in due time," Tara broke in, returning Willow's gaze. "But for now--thank you. All of you."

"Though the previous caveat still applies," Giles added. "We hope that this is a moot point because our primary goal is to stop this creature."

"Um...about that," Willlow began, and felt the reassuring warmth of Tara's hand on her own. "They basically said we couldn't. Stop him, I mean."

"Excuse me?" Buffy broke in. "We can't? As in, we're not allowed, or we're not able?"

"That would be Door Number Two," Tara said regretfully.

"OK, now that just pisses me off," Faith muttered.

"They said to go ahead and try, but we wouldn't succeed," Willow put in.

"They're taunting us," Xander spluttered.

"I don't think so," Tara replied slowly. "It was more...logical, I guess, or philosophical. Like, they knew we'd try to stop him because that's what we do, and we'd definitely try because Kyra's involved, and they're not going to try to stop us. They just know--or they say they know--that this is one bad guy we can't stop. We kept saying it wasn't fair and they...They didn't exactly find that a news flash," she finished, looking at Willow who nodded in agreement.

"But why do they need the ten deaths in the first place?" Dawn asked. "Why not just send Kyra a few years ahead of these women she's supposed to protect and let her decide when the time is right?"

"They said he was just a tool," Willow shrugged. "'A means to an end,' I think, were their exact words."

"Do we know if they actually wrote the prophecy?" Xander asked.

"That has been my assumption," Giles nodded. "Although of course it's possible that some other source is responsible for the prophecy and these spirits simply appropriated it for their own uses." He chewed thoughtfully on the stem of his glasses.

"That seems like a dicey proposition," Buffy countered, shaking her head. "They would have to depend on this guy showing up at the right time, and there's no sign that he makes regularly scheduled appearances, right?" She glanced at Giles, who nodded in confirmation.

"But maybe it works the other way around," Anya offered. At the others' confused expressions, she explained, "Maybe they wait until he shows up--whenever that is--and then start the heads rolling."

"Except Kyra came just over a year ago," Tara pointed out, "and the suicides didn't start until last month."

"Pisser," Anya replied petulantly.

"Speaking of which--timing, not urination--do we know yet if there's a deadline here?" Dawn asked, but Giles shook his head regretfully.

"I'm afraid not. Similar to his appearances in this dimension, the time between attacks shows no discernible pattern."

"So then, going back to the connection between the prophecy and this Big Bad--would these wencholas, with all their talk about What Will Be, really leave the timing up to chance?" Buffy demanded skeptically.

"Doesn't seem to fit," Faith mused.

"OK, let's go with the theory that they wrote the prophecy," Willow said, trying to sort all of the elements in her mind. ""Does that mean they sent this freak in the first place?"

"If they did, that really blows their claim to goodness right outta the water," Xander replied, eyes widening.

"Hey, they're more than willing to let ten people die now for some future good," Dawn pointed out.

"But to create something that reappears, endlessly, over the course of centuries if not millenia?" Giles asked incredulously. "I agree with Xander--and yes, I realize that that fact is apocalyptic in its own right--that such an act would make them the basest of hypocrites."

"Alright, how about this?" Anya began. "Our latest Big Bad is independent of the prophecy, at least where origins are concerned. He shows up on the Anadeis' radar, for whatever reason, they decide he would be perfect for the role of Prophecy Boy, and the curtain rises."

"OK, that could fit," Willow nodded, "but Dawn's right: why mess with a prophecy in the first place? Why build the ten souls into it?"

Giles looked at her uncomfortably. "Is it possible that these latest victims are the price for--for the greater good?"

"You mean the price for Kyra," Tara said flatly.

"By extension--yes." The Watcher's voice made it abundantly clear that he didn't enjoy this line of thinking at all.

Oh goddess...not that, too. How many things would they have to explain to Kyra? Willow pictured their daughter, sleeping only a few yards away, and felt overwhelmed at the thought of all they would have to say to her over the years. Maybe it'll make the sex talk seem like a snap...

"Before we saddle the kid with another burden, let's back up a step," Faith said decisively. "I think we gotta focus on what we do know and how we can use it."

"That'll be a shorter conversation," Anya muttered.

"Faith's right," Buffy nodded. "Until we have some idea of where and who this guy's gonna hit, all of this speculation doesn't amount to a hill of fresh-roasted coffee beans."

"All we know is that it gives no warning aside from exhaustion and a headache and that it moves so fast it's scary," Xander offered.

"Leaves no trace, can't be seen, felt, heard, or smelled," Dawn continued. "We'll leave out taste," she added.

"We always do," Giles said drily.

"Could we try to track down the most likely targets?" Tara asked. "You know--figure out whose moral resume makes them a good bet?"

"It's possible," Giles acknowledged, "though one wonders exactly what we would tell them, and certainly whether they would be inclined to do anything with our story aside from have us forcibly and understandably removed from the premises."

"Maybe a PSA," Anya suggested.

"Sounds kinky," Faith said approvingly.

"Sadly, no," Anya replied. "A public-service announcement. You know, those spots on TV where supposedly real people talk about real problems, and then this avuncular man does a voice-over to tell you what you can do about it."

"And what exactly would our spot say, Ahn?" Xander asked, looking at his wife with a mixture of bewilderment and affection. "'Have you been feeling suddenly and desperately suicidal, despite a lifetime of good deeds? You might be the target of a demonic creature who feeds on moral souls. Be careful, and buck up!' I dunno..."

"Yet again, I'm forced to agree with Xander," Giles said. "I can appreciate wanting to reach as many people as possible, Anya, yet I can't imagine such a thing proving successful."

"Just trying to help." The ex-vengeance demon sounded distinctly demoralized.

"I know. I appreciate it," Willow replied, and meant it. For all of Anya's foibles, Willow knew that she loved Kyra fiercely.

"Will, you said you might be able to work some computer magic, come up with some ideas about the next attack, based on what we do know?" Buffy said hopefully.

Willow looked at her glumly. "I've run every possible program and model imaginable, and believe me, there are quite a few. There just aren't enough data to give us any kind of useful picture."

Faith gave an exasperated sigh and plopped down on the couch, shaking her head. "Dammit, even if we could figure out a way to attack it, we don't even know where to find it. This is like a bad fucking dream, where you know you need to call someone and you keep trying, you keep walking up to the phone and you plug in a few numbers but then you forget, or something distracts you and you lose your place, and time just keeps slipping away and the next thing you know you're in a strip bar." She glanced up quickly at the bemused faces around her. "Um, that last part may be just me," she mumbled.

"Faith's right," Willow said, rubbing her temples. "Well, maybe not the strip bar, but everything else. We're flying blind, with absolutely no sign of a working instrument panel any time soon."

Frustration and near-desperation rippled through the silence that followed. Willow could feel everyone growing more dispirited, trapped in the Summers house with myriad speculations and zero good info.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dawn lay a surreptitious hand on Xander's arm, and looked up to see yet another silent glance flow between them. OK, what's going on? But before she could ask, Xander had cleared his throat self-consciously.

"Um, guys? You know that whole part about not being able to find it?"

"Why?" Faith tiredly, head sunk in her hands. "You got it tucked away in a tool-box somewhere?"

"Ha! Tool-box...That's good." His nervous laughter ended with a sharp poke in the ribs from Dawn. "No, no tool-box. But we may have an idea of how to get its attention."

Now he certainly had their attention. "How?" came a veritable chorus. Buffy's voice, though, offered up a quieter but somehow more compelling question: "Who's 'we'?"

Xander shifted nervously. "Uh, that would be the Dawnster and me," he answered, his tight grin never coming within shouting distance of his eyes.

Buffy's eyes, meanwhile, had narrowed to slits. "And just what were you discussing?"

Xander's nervous shifting had grown even more so, if that were possible. "OK, see, we were talking about all of this earlier, when we took out the trash, and we were saying how we needed to do something, but we didn't know what, and part of why we didn't know was because we don't know how to locate it and, you know, sometimes you have to try something different, even if that sounds sorta wacky and nutty at first because--"

"Oh for heaven's sake, Xander," Dawn broke in, rolling her eyes. "The whole town's gonna die of natural causes before you get to the point. It boils down to three simple words." She looked at Buffy and drew a deep breath. "Me. Xander. Bait."

********

To Be Continued

[histchic]

DIIIIBS!!! My first dibs!!!!!! *does a little dance* and its to one of Antigone's stories *does another little dance*

Ok. So much for the merriment.

What in the world are Xander and Dawn thinking? "If I throw myself in front of a bus, that will make it stop before it gets to the station?" I get that they desperately want to help, but.....this seems a little skeeky to me.

Everything we've pretty much covered round and round, this prophecy...blah blah...Kyra choosing....blah blah....

Ohhhh, B/F sparkies!!!! Yippeee! Ok, I'm wayy to excited to give my usual deep, psychological feedback. Maybe more later

Toodles and take care!

[UnderTheirSpell]

WOOOOHOOOO!! Silver medal, baby! back in a moment...

Ok, now that I've secured my first-loser status...

"And I'll teach her what to do if someone tries to fuck her over," Anya put in decisively. "As Dr. Seuss wrote, 'Oh, The Tortures You'll Know!'"

"Um, I think that's 'Oh, The Places You'll Go,'" Willow ventured hesitantly, casting a worried look at her mate.

"Sure. That's what it ended up as," Anya said darkly. "But the original? The illustrations alone..."

I just love Anya more and more because of lines like that!

AND...

"I agree with Xander--and yes, I realize that that fact is apocalyptic in its own right

Truly classic G-Man!

Your innate understanding of all the Scooby's thought-processes and dialogue...I humbly bow.

Um, anything I can do while I'm down here to speed up the next ---uh, forget I said that.
(Unless it might actually work)

(Then, I'm all for...nevermind)

Leaving now

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Mary,
Happy Halloween. Quickies indeed. Some very snappy dialog here. Have to say that I can't believe it took the scoobies so long to catch up with the whole D/X plan (not that kind of D/X). I mean bait of course. Duh. Sometimes they are just so dumb. I'm totally looking forward to that plan.

Also, that's one convenient sleeping baby you've got.

[Katez0r]

She glanced up quickly at the bemused faces around her

So, I totally read bemused as bespectacled and I was like "WHAT? THIS BIG BAD'S TURNED THEM ALL INTO WANNABE GILESES TOO!?!?! THE FIEND!" But then I re-read and felt silly. But I blame it on the fact that today I was punched in the face by a crazy woman and my head's all wonky.

I said it before and I'll say it again, I love your Anya. And actually, I suppose, by extension, I love YOU(r writing skillz, homes) because you're the one that's actually thinking up stuff like "Oh the Tortures You'll Know." I got a total kick out of that because my dad read it... uh, the edited version, I guess, to my brother and me when my mom was pregnant with us. Or so he says. I suspect he was busy in the garage sharpening his hunting knives for when the boys came a-callin' for his baby girl... which fantastically enough they never did!

The gang really can be collectively idiotic sometimes, can't they? They spend so much time trying to figure stuff out that when there's A PLAN afoot, they don't see it until someone hits them upside the head with it.

On my darker, more sadistic days, I've had many a fantasy of Xander and Dawn as bait.

It never ends well for them.

But your Dawn and Xander? I'd rather not see them die. I've grown quite fond.

PS: My avatar loves you, too.

[Darth Pacula]

G'day, Mary.

Ah, what an end to the working week. Right, first off, I've got to agree with Debra here. They really are dense not to spot Xander and Dawn's plan to use themselves as bait.

On the subject of that plan, well I've got a few thoughts (hey, it surprised me too). Do you want to hear them? Well, you're going to, whether you want to or not.

First impression is that it's really the best plan of attack they can come up with. For everything they've learned from the wencholas (great word btw) they still don't really know much of immediate use to stop the Big Bad. They've got plenty of interesting questions, sure, but it's all pointless conjecture from the perspective of trying to stop It.

But that raises the question of what are they going to do even if they can coax the baddie into taking the nice juicy bait. Since it relies on it's victims killing themselves, they could wait until It strikes, run in and tie them both to chairs, or shoot them with the ol' tranquilizer gun. But what then? Can W&T come up with some magical way to trace It's spore, as it were? Find it's lair, and then cue the maniacal hacking?

That being said, is this Big Bad that stupid, or alternatively arrogant and over confident enough to even make a try for them? If I were it, I'd go after easier prey, rather then going after the last few vulnerable members of the opposition. I mean, c'mon what kind of threat do they pose to It at the moment?

On a less theoretical front, I loved Anya's little tidbit about Dr Seuss. So the good doctor wasn't so much a good doctor, huh? And the PSA bit was a giggle. Sorry, I mean a deep manly laugh. Oh, who am I kidding?

Um .... can I think of anything else? .... Apparently not. I'm tapped out, for the moment. Still, it feels like we are rapidly approaching the pointy end of the story, which brings with it a sense of both joy and despair. Or maybe I'm just plain barmy.

Whatever. As always, great banter between the scoobies. That seems to be a trademark of yours, Mary.

Anyhoo, have a grand party and a spooktacular Halloween er ... whenever it actually is. See, not so much of a thing Down Under.

Bye for now,
Paul.

[AntigoneUnbound]

Notes on Writing (continued)...When preparing to divulge something that readers can probably see coming, don't drag it out past 1-2 verbal exchanges. The characters witnessing the revelation will come off as stupid. (See, e.g., "ATGB, Part 27.")

Oh, hello all. Just making a few notes for future reference...

Histchic: First of all, congrats on the yellow jersey. Well, our kids are desperate, and this seems like the only in-road they possibly have. F/B? We'll see...(Heh...I rhymed...) Thanks for following, HC.

UnderTheirSpell: Oh, don't bow--that's bad for your knees! I'm glad you're enjoying this, particularly the characters b/c that's what feels most important to me. Thanks for the very kind words, and I promise I'll update next week. (Things will get a little bit easier after the party.)

Debra: Yeah, you know those dumb-ass Scoobies. And Kyra's beyond convenient; she got shipped off to toddler boarding school. Glad you liked the dialogue. Take care down there in the sunny south.

KatezOr: Dammit, Kate, you foiled my ingenious plan: subjugation through astigmatism! Drat...

God, I love that book! The idea just kinda popped into my mind and suddenly I saw all those beautiful pictures just slightly...altered. So does Dad know the knife-sharpening was unnecessary, or does he now sharpen the knives for the girls? Ah, parents...

I knocked off the 8th victim to set up the possibility of Xander and Dawn as a 1-2 punch, and a tempting one for this creature who has never--to our knowledge--lost before and showed at least some sign of taking it personally when he went after Tara. They're hoping to use that to catch his attention.

Thanks for the kind words, and give your avatar a kiss for me!

Paul: I wonder if our paths crossed. I went to be at about 3am EST, having been up carving pumpkins and doing really inappropriate things for my constume.

Our thinking is similar in the game-plan. This is the only information they have; they have to use it. The next update will go through the specifics. (I was originally going to make this into one big chapter but RL dictated otherwise and if I wanted to post anything this week, this was the spot to divvy it up.)

You noted:

Still, it feels like we are rapidly approaching the pointy end of the story.

Yes. We are.

Thanks for the kind words on the dialogue. That's probably the part that comes most naturally to me. You have a nice touch with it yourself, sir.

The party promises to be a grand affair. The guest list thus far includes a "Head Nurse" (with grass stains on her knees) and a gynecologist named Connie Lingus. I've been up late every night this week, decorating and watching "Monster Fest" on American Movie Classics. I'm not so much into slasher movies but I love the old classics plus ones like "American Werewolf in London." In terms of sheer enjoyment, I like Halloween more than Christmas. I hope your own weekend is a grand one, and I eagerly await the next installment of "At Any Cost." (Run, don't walk, Kittens, to that thread.)

Merci, mes petits
Quickie

[LtSticks]

I KNEW IT! I knew Dawn and Xander were going to be planning something crazy!

I'm placing a big wager on the reactions being of the not good variety.

As always dear Antigone, you have made it well worth the wait (ok, I admit, I was glued to my pc last night hoping for an update, fell asleep on my keyboard...but it was worth it )

~Sticks

[tal]

Oh Great and Holly One,

Quickie, the Goddess of One-Night Stands – well, finally a deity I can worship without reservations. And considering the alternatives… a God that stands firmly against cheeseburgers. I mean seriously, that's just… wrong. Quickie, The Magnificent One, on the other hand -- who will guide you through times of drought and slim-pickings and stir you clear of the Ultimate Danger, also known as I-totally-lied-when-I-said-I'm-not-looking-for-anything-serious-either girls -- now there's guidance I'm more than willing to pay tributes to (ummm… ok so a shot of me in a bikini counts, right? Cuz if were talking flowers or candy – I'm out.)

But enough Theology for one day, and on to the tale. A wonderful update, as always, and worth the wait.

I don't think I've mentioned how much I'm enjoying the POV in your story, but I've been meaning to. It's very hard creating a story that is written almost exclusively through one of the characters POV and still being able to capture the rest of the group's moods and notions so subtly through actions and dialogue. I love the way you manage to do that.

"It's not like we'd be in much of a position to say, 'Kyra Rosenberg-Maclay, you put down that broadsword right now and go back to leaf collecting.'"

Ah, yes… my prior point exactly. And I also foresee great fun with variations on this line. Xander does have his moments…

Now, considering for a moment the question of the origins of the prophecy… isn't the whole idea behind a prophecy is that it originates with fate itself – meaning it is not created by anything, but is simply there to be discovered? Like a… map. It shows you events that might occur, given certain choices, and maybe even points out a probable if not certain outcome? Maybe higher powers have an easier time reading, deciphering or even utilizing a prophecy, but creating it? I'm not sure. Dunno… could be just me. Feel free to prove me completely wrong in the next update.

Well, I've rambled enough. Have a wonderful weekend, Your Holiness.

Tal.

[justin]

I really enjoyed that update

It was kind of funny seeing them all dashing to try and rescue Dawn and Xander. Though I suppose they're right to be paniced.

I think they were too quick to reject Anya's idea. I mean they're right that they couldn't tell people about the demon aspect but maybe just say that some kind of drug has accidentally been released into the water supply and that whilst it's harmless to most people, some people might have suicidal urges and that if they have certain symptoms they should seek medical attention right away.

I'm sure that Dawn and Xander's bait idea will go down well

There are a few problems that I can see. Such as how are they going to attract the BB's attention. Also how will they get it to go after them rather than someone else? I suppose it might see some value in kill the key, but then again it might not. Not knowing how it chooses it's victims will make it harder.

Also whilst the bait idea will help them locate the BB (or will it? Does the BB need to be close to it's victim?) it won't help them to actually fight it.

Perhaps a better idea would be some sort of summoning spell. Maybe a similar one to the one they used to summon the spirits from lowel house (I can't remember the ep name but it was the one where Willow revealed her horse issues)

Actually a better idea (though only better in the sense of making them, or maybe just me, feel better) is to visit the Anadeis again and taking a shotgun with them, "hey bitches, prophesise this!"

[LeatherQueen]

Well Mary, Queen of the Snappy Dialogue, that was quite an update. Good to know nothing happened to Xander and Dawn, but I don't think Bub the Vampire Slayer is going to be too keen on this plan of theirs.

And of course, I must comment on the Faith bits. Because I love the Faith bits. Almost as much as I love Faith's bits. Ahem.

That scene between her and Buffy, and those two and W & T... very touching. You can almost feel the connection between these two couples. And granted, Faith and Buffy aren't a romantic couple here, they still are a couple in the way that they understand each other better than anyone else ever could. At least their Slayer sides.

Anyway, much kudos to you and I hope you enjoy your Halloween party. I always loved 'em myself, but never get to go to them anymore. Nobody ever wants to have fun dress-up time here. Hrmph.

[Katez0r]

Well what's a better way to defeat someone than make them need glasses? I bet the BB was plotting to steal their glasses and point and laugh them to death when they ran around blind.

I think Dad's having a dilemma now, because he's old and genteel and doesn't want to threaten the girls with knives, so he has to settle for glowering. And my father just does not glower well. He doesn't have the face for it, though he does have the bushy caveman eyebrows.

I'm secretly a huge Dr. Seuss fan. So huge, in fact, that we read The Butter Battle Book in my high school International Relations class because I convinced the teacher that it was entirely relevant. Which it was. And my speech at graduation was a total Dr. Seuss rip.

I know if I happened to be a Big Bad I'd be pretty pissed if I was foiled like that, and I'd totally be all revengey and go for the two leftover Scoobs. Possibly making them commit suicide by microwave, because that's damn near poetic. Leftovers... microwave. Oh dear God I need sleep. But I've had so much coffee today that I will either a) never sleep, b) die of a caffeiene overdose, c) pee forever, or d) all of the above. So let's blame something other than my total lack of a brain on this babblefest, okay? But anyway. Dawn and Xander would be very tempting, I think. Um. In an "I want to kill them" way. Okay that didn't sound right either, but what.ever. The BB has to know that they're all going to be on super high alert though, right? So why not just go for two more people who have absolutely no idea that anything's going on? On the one hand there's this revenge thing, and on the other, there's "HEY THAT WAS ASTOUNDINGLY SIMPLE!" Yeah. I'd have a hard time choosing, too.

Uh, the avatar got a little overly enthusiastic. I'm sorry about the excess of tongue and saliva.

[watty]

"Me. Xander. Bait."

Makes sense actually. They're the ones the BB hasn't attacked yet. But how do they make sure it bites? The Anadeis already told them that they can't stop it, I think they should focus on preparations rather than pulling their hair out on the last 2 victims. I think you and I have our viewpoints on this matter, and yes I want them to make a decision and move on to the bigger fight. Take the Anadeis' word? Perhaps not 100% but logic will tell them that it has a high degree of truth.

I like how the Scoobies rallied around to promise to help Kyra.

"Everything I have."

That's a lot of everythings, considering it's the entire Scooby Demon Fighting Machine. Kyra isn't exactly likely to say when she's 18, "bye all, I'm off to study for an MBA and be a management consultant."

Nice update, Mary. Like the others said, good dialogue-driven update. Thanks for that.
[br]

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-


Well I'm glad you stopped it there. Now we have a chance to lay down plastic and put away the breakables. I believe the phrase 'somewhat upset' would be descriptive for Buffy and Anya's reactions. In a purely tactical way Dawn and Xander are suggesting a workable course of action. The person I really don't envy is Giles. Now that the words have been spoken he will have to think about them, or at least think about them after dealing with his own gut reaction to placing more of his family in danger.

Then there's going to be Willow and Tara's reactions. I won't even guess at them because you've done such a wonderful job. I'll just wait patiently.


Thank you for this,

Jixer