HISTORIANS NOTE: This story takes place during Season 3
Short Synopsis: As Buffy is about to meet her mother, Joyce Summers, she witnesses a shocking event in which Joyce is taken away from her by a terrible Revel demon. The Revel demon needs her to mate with, and takes her to his lair. It is up to Buffy with the help of her friends to battle to demon, and save Buffy’s beloved mother.

As Buffy Summers stepped outside the doors of Sunnydale High School, a smile began to rise across the beautiful face that she owned, that was until she heard Principal Snyder’s annoying little voice.

“Err, Miss Summers.” Snyder said in that voice that annoyed Buffy so much, ever since she first heard it.

“Yes.” Buffy replied abruptly. Buffy had no time for people like Snyder.

“Just reminding you to be bright and early tomorrow morning.” Snyder smiled and at that moment Buffy had to fight the urge to smack him one. Instead she kept her cool.

“Am I ever late??” The Slayer replied and without even waiting for another annoying comment from the little Dwarf that had it in for her, turned around and paced out of the School grounds. On her way home, Buffy had promised to go and help her mother, Joyce, at the Art Gallery near-by. Luckily for Buffy this was en route so she was there in good time hopefully and with, if she was in luck, one happy mother waiting for her. As she turned the corner to have the Gallery in sight, Buffy stood there – frozen in shock at what she saw.

In all Buffy’s years of slaying, nothing had prepared her for this. What stood in front of her was such an image that brought tears to Buffy’s eyes. There, lying helpless on the floor was Joyce Summers, Buffy’s beloved Mom. Blood was dripping from what seemed like everywhere possible.

“Buu-u-ff-y.” Joyce managed to mumble in such a hurt and terrified voice that broke Buffy’s heart.

“Stay away Slayer, we do not need you interfering when we are so close.” Stood over Joyce was such a terrifying demon. His skin was sun red and horrifying bubbles were popping all over his body. He had horns coming out of either side of his head. He sent a shiver down Buffy’s spine.

“MOM!!” Buffy shouted and came dashing towards her Mom and the demon towering over her. But even with Buffy’s speed she gains from being the Slayer, she was not fast enough. Joyce and her capture vanished from the area and in a matter of seconds all that was there was the boxes of antiques Joyce was obviously carrying to her car.

“ Noooooooo..” Buffy screamed. Tears ran down her cheeks and she sank to the floor. Buffy could not believe what was happening. She would not allow herself to believe it. She just didn’t have the energy to phone Giles, her Watcher, and get him to find out where her Mom had gone. Even though she knew this was exactly what she should do. But at the moment, as she just collapsed to the ground entirely, with tears streaming down from her watery eyes, all her emotions were taking over her mind.

With Buffy realizing this is not going to help her Mother in the slightest, she overcame her emotions and went to the nearest phone-box to inform Giles. As she slowly got up she realized that everyone else will have been in the gallery too and they will be injured as well as her Mother. Oh. My. God. Buffy thought, better call 911 too.

***

Buffy dialled the phone number, figuring that is where Giles would be at this time. With the tears still streaming down her face, she waited for Giles to pick up the phone. Three dials had gone and Buffy was about to give up on anyone answering when someone answered. It was a familiar voice to her – but not the voice she was expecting. But she didn’t really mind.

“Hello, Sunnydale Library” said the voice.

“Err Xander, can you please put Giles on the phone. I need to talk to him.” Buffy replied softly and in an obvious saddened voice by something.

“Is everything alright Buffy?” said Xander Harris, a loyal friend who has always stuck by Buffy.

“Just put Giles on please.” Buffy didn’t mean to be so abrupt with Xander but she was in such distress all she wanted to do was to find her Mother and get her back safely.

“Erm, yes of course Buffy, I’ll just go get him.” Xander said, who was obviously taken aback a little. After a few seconds there was the voice that she did want.

“Hello Buffy. What is the problem? I hope its nothing too serio-“ her Watcher got cut off by Buffy

“Giles, its my mother. She has been taken” Buffy replied, obviously shaken.

“By whom? Can you describe the demon? Do you know where it has taken her? queried Giles

“Giles stop. Too many questions. I’m coming into the library.” Then Buffy hung up. She put her head in her hands and wept for a couple of minutes. Then she wiped away her tears and headed towards the library. She had not thought that she would be returning to Sunnydale High so soon after leaving in the evening.

***

Sat on the library table was Buffys best friend, redhead Willow Rosenberg. Ever since Buffys brief phone-call to inform Giles on what was happening, Willow has not been able to rest. She jumped off the table and onto her feet. “Oh God, Oh God” Willow muttered. Joyce was not just Buffys mother; she was a friend to the Scooby Gang and meant an awful lot to Willow. She glanced the library to see what everyone else was up to. Xander was pacing around the library, obviously as frightened about Joyce as she was. Giles was, as he usually is, researching. He had his head stuck in a big, dusty book, probably about demons that can vanish into separate dimensions. I guess it was his way to show that he was helping Buffy. Even though things were a bit awkward after they were all turned into crazy children after eating candy, Giles still obviously cared greatly about Joyce. Willow hated this, with everyone so upset; she just wished she could do something that really helps. Then the library doors slammed open and then stepped in a teary-eyed Buffy. Willow ran towards her and hugged her.

“I’m so sorry Buffy,” said a now very upset Willow; Tears began to dribble down her cheeks. She grabbed onto Buffy tighter and gave her a bigger hug. She wanted Buffy to know she was always there for her.

Buffy let go of Willow and asked her, “Where’s Giles?”

“In his office, he’s doing research but I think he needs more details.” Willow replied.

“Thanks,” Buffy made her way past Willow and into Giles office. It was just how it always has been, with his big, old, dusty books about vampire, demons and all things supernatural, just the opposite of any other schools librarians’ office. Buffy nearly managed a smile but instead, after getting Giles attention, began to fill Giles in on all the happenings of the terrible incident.

“Oh my, Buffy. I am so sorry that you had to see that. You should never have to go through that.” Giles said and Buffy knew that he really meant that, and that made Buffy happy and realise just how lucky she was to have such a good Watcher. After Buffy described the demon to Giles, he had recognized it instantly and immediately got out a book and started flicking through the pages and then found the demon. “The ‘Revel’ demon is a one single type demon that thrives on women. When the Revel spots a woman he wants, he never gives up until he has her. Once he has her and has tasted her blood, he transports her to a separate dimension where she is made a Queen. Every time a Queen is made, a new Revel is formed and the Queen is killed. The process takes two days for full completion.” What Giles said scared her but meant she only had two days to save her Mom. And she would.

***

As Joyce woke up, everything was a blur to her. She figured that, after she got teleported somehow to this separate place, which seemed so isolated, she must have fallen unconscious. All she remembered is seeing her beloved daughter vanish from her sight. She remembers carrying boxes from the Gallery to her car, then getting struck on the back of her head and feeling blood drip down her neck. She never saw the face of the demon, all she saw was his bubbly red hands. Ever since Joyce found out about Buffy being the Slayer and protector against everything supernatural she had never been the same, she had been worrying about Buffy even more and was in constant danger. But Joyce knew that Buffy will and has been doing everything possible to do to keep her out of danger, and Joyce knows Buffy will not rest until she is saved.

“Oooow.” Joyce groaned as she felt the huge bruise on the side of her head. As she glanced around her new settings she was disappointed, there wasn’t really that much to see. It seemed, and looked like an ordinary prison cell, well those she had seen on television. Just as Joyce was about to drift asleep, the door slammed open. This startled Joyce as she jumped back just to protect herself.

“Ah Mrs. Summers, how nice it is to see you on such a beautiful day,” snarled the Revel demon. Ahead of Joyce stood the most horrifying image she had ever seen. With bubbles of green sticky substances being popped all over his bright red skin and the horns on its head, the demon was such a gruesome sight Joyce had to look away just so she wasn’t sick.

“Who are you? What do you want with me?” Joyce bravely asked the demon.

“Why I’m upset you don’t know me. I thrive for you Joyce. I need you. You needs to become my Queen, sorry, you shall become my Queen.” The Revel demon laughed and this, not for the first time, sent a shiver down Joyce’s spine. The Revel demon continued to smile while he walked out of the cell and slammed the door shut.

“Oh god, Buffy please help!” Joyce wept silently.

***

“Ok, so Willow you search on the net to try and find more out about the Revel demon. Xander, are you alright with researching about opening separate dimensions?” Buffy spoke with confidence. Xander nodded and went and got his head stuck in a book. It was clear everyone was still very shaken up by the thought of losing someone so close to them, but yet they all realised that if they were all just to sit around there then they would lose Joyce but if they helped out and tried to find her, Joyce would not be lost. So, as Giles watched from his office window, he realised how lucky Buffy was that she had such good friends that would always stick by her. He realised how much all three of them had grown up in the three years he had known them. They had there other friends, who helped around too, but you could always guarantee them all to stick by each other. Giles heard someone else enter the library and speak in a low monotone voice. He knew that Buffy must have invited Angel to come and help find Joyce. He was the obvious choice but Giles still felt a little weary around him, after his experiences when Angel lost his soul and turned into the evil Angelus. Giles couldn’t really hear what was being said but he was sure it would be comforting Buffy.

“I’m so sorry Buffy, I’ll go to Willy’s to see if he know anything about this ‘Revel’ demon” said Angel.

“Good idea, I’ll come with you.” Buffy said, glad to be leaving and getting some fresh air.

“Oy! Dead-boy. Have you never heard of this ‘Revel’ demon on your travels?” Xander inquired, knowing that him calling Angel ‘Dead-Boy’ would annoy him immensely. Angel knew Xander was jealous of his close-ness to Buffy, so he called him names. Angel decided it was best to ignore and just carry on regardless.

“No Xander. I have never come across this demon. I wish I had so I could help but unfortunately I haven’t. Sorry not to be any help.” replied Angel. Then putting his arm around Buffy, walked out of the library with Buffy.

***

Usually, at this point, Buffy would be one of the happiest girls around. Having such a beautiful, sensitive guy at her side, how wasn’t she happy? Her Mom. Still missing and time was slowly dissolving. Her and Angel were on there way to Willy the Snitch’s Bar, to hopefully get some information on this Revel demon, Willy’s Alibi Room was the local demon hangout, and the owner, Willy the Snitch, was the one who knew all about the latest demonic happenings. So he was perfect for Buffy and Angel to get some information out of.

“I am really in no mood for Willy to mess us around tonight. If he doesn’t give me a straight answer I swear I will just – “ Buffy got cut off by Angel who put his hand around her to comfort her.

“We’ll get it out of him. I don’t think we will have to go that far.” Angel said in that convincing voice that pleased Buffy so much because it comforted her every time she heard it. As they walked down the stairs to enter the Alibi room, Buffy could see Angel’s expression change as he sensed the amount of demonic presence around him. As both of them entered, all demons lowered there speaking tone and edged further away from them. All of them will have known Buffy was the Slayer so would steer well clear from her. Willy had seen them both, so before they saw him he tried to slip into the back room.

“Err Willy. Where do you think you are going? Walking out on customers will not do any good for your business.” Buffy quoted, obviously having the upper hand over Willy.

“Oh…Bu..u..ffy…I…I.I didn..’t see you there.” Willy quivered, scared of Buffy and Angel.

“Well you’ve seen us now so now you can stay. What do you know about the Revel demon??” Buffy queried.

“Never heard of one, sorry to disappoint.” said Willy, trying to sound convincing.

“Now Willy, do we really have to get violent??” asked Buffy, raising her fist in a punch shape.

“Ok, Ok, I..I….I don’t know much. Just that this single demon came in wanting some help.” Willy said.

“What did it want??” Buffy threatened.

“A female mate. For it to..to..to err form a partner with, so it can roam around Sunnydale with. It didn’t give out much more than that.”

“Where is it keeping??” Buffy said, raising her fist once again.

“I…I….I have got no idea, sorry.” Willy lied, and Buffy knew it. She pulled her fist right into Willy’s face and Angel could hear the crunch of Willy’s nose. “Oooooooow, God, how do you keep up with her??” Willy asked Angel.

“So…” Buffy inquired, waiting for Willy to reveal the demon’s habitat.

“Ok, Ok. No need to get more violent. Willy’s face can’t handle anymore. I’ll never find a woman if you ke-”

“The location Willy.” Buffy said sternly.

“Well the demon sets the image that it is transported to a separate dimension, but really it just goes under the ground. So you’re best bet will be the place you saw it v..v..vanish.” Willy said, still with bags of nervousness.

“To the Art Gallery it is then, that is after informing Giles.” Buffy said to Angel. The two of them headed out of Willy’s to the library where they would fill Giles in to everything they have learnt from Willy.

***

“Any news from Buffy yet, Giles?” inquired Willow.

“Erm, no I’m afraid not. I’m hoping she’ll call or come back quite soon.” said Giles, a little upset by the fact that his Slayer had not kept him in touch of her whereabouts. Well I suppose she will be too worried about he mother, Giles thought. He cared an awful lot about Buffy, even thought he knows he cant get too close.

“Ah-ha!!” screamed Xander, lifting his head out of the book.

“What is it Xander?” queried Giles

“Well it seems this Revel demon isn’t all he seems to be. He can’t get past Xander. Ha!” exclaimed Xander.

“Just explain what it is you found, Xander!” shouted Giles, beginning to lose his temper rapidly.

“Ok, ok. God, chill. Anyway, this Revel demon, once found, is quite easily defeated if it is the only one of its species. It makes out that it is this big-bad-fear-me demon but really it is no more than a cute little bunny rabbit. The only way to kill it is to simply separate it from its mate, presumably Joyce.” said Xander, obviously pleased about what he has found out and equally pleased that it is getting more likely Joyce will be seen again.

“It is not that often I say this but well done Xander.” spoke Giles, also obviously pleased.

“Yes, well done Xander.” Willow went over to Xander, smiled, and patted him on his shoulder. Xander was obviously pleased with himself and his research. He rarely gets so much praise for his work so he decides to revel in it. But then he focused back to the matter in hand. They have not found Joyce yet so, back to the research.

The library doors swung open and Buffy and Angel strolled in. Xander could tell they had found some information, as Buffy was not in tears. Giles had also heard their arrival so he came out of his office to greet Buffy.

“Any news?” Giles asked, hopefully.

“Yes. We come with the arrival of news,” Buffy beamed with delight. “This Revel demon is not all it seems.”

“Really? What have you found it?” Giles was a little shocked that the demon was found easy to defeat again/

“Well, after some punches here and there into Willy’s face, we found out that it has not taken my mother to a separate dimension, but to mearly underneath the Gallery!” Buffy exclaimed, with a hint of happiness.

“So what, you mean the Revel demon can create an illusion to fool the victim?” Giles pondered

Buffy replied, “That’s what we think.” Buffy turned, smiled at Angel, and cuddled into him.

“She’s right. That’s all Willy would say though.” Angel said.

“Right, so Willow. Will you be able to find out what is underneath the Gallery?” Buffy asked

“Sure thing Buff.” Willow said and was immediately on the computer, fingers going crazy on the keyboard.

“Thanks, Will.” Buffy smiled, and knew Willow appreciated every compliment she got. There were a few moments of silence as all eyes were fixed on Willow, everyone knowing that all that would stop Buffy from finding her mother was what Willow were to find.

“Ok, so this is what I’ve found,” Will said, with eyes still firmly fixed on the computer screen, “Underneath the Art Gallery is something quite odd. Underneath, is what it seems is an abandoned….erm…..abandoned Prison service. The Sunnydale Police Service shut it down and transferred all the criminals into a new Prison cell block opened up on the outskirts of Sunnydale. Quite strange placings for a prison block.”

“Does it say why they had it underground?” questioned Xander.

Willow skimmed through the text on her screen then began to quote, “The FC Prison Cell block was placed underneath the town for a very good reason. All the inmates locked inside were the worst around. Having it above ground would have been too big a risk. When the moved, to above the ground, the prison was impossible to escape from, so everyone was safe.

“Typical Sunnydale, ‘Boca del Inferino’.” Added Xander.

“So, now all we need to know is how to get down there.” exclaimed Angel.

“Ah well that’s easy,” Giles said, “The Art Gallery has an underground cellar so, I’m sure we will be able to find out the whole Prison block surroundings quickly, once in the cellar.”

“So, what do we need to get to kill it?” Buffy asked. Xander filled her in on all his research, much to her delight and suprisment.

“No weapons need then.” Buffy said happily and then walked out of the library doors, with the rest of the Scooby Gang following her, on the way to the Gallery. On their way to save Joyce.

***

Joyce was getting desperate. She was not sure how much more of this she could cope with. A day had passed and yet no sign of Buffy saving her. She was getting scared, and seemed to be being starved. She was getting no food from her capture, and she was beginning to lose hope of ever getting out of this hell she has been placed in.

***

“Any news from Buffy yet, Giles?” inquired Willow.

“Erm, no I’m afraid not. I’m hoping she’ll call or come back quite soon.” said Giles, a little upset by the fact that his Slayer had not kept him in touch of her whereabouts. Well I suppose she will be too worried about he mother, Giles thought. He cared an awful lot about Buffy, even thought he knows he cant get too close.

“Ah-ha!!” screamed Xander, lifting his head out of the book.

“What is it Xander?” queried Giles

“Well it seems this Revel demon isn’t all he seems to be. He can’t get past Xander. Ha!” exclaimed Xander.

“Just explain what it is you found, Xander!” shouted Giles, beginning to lose his temper rapidly.

“Ok, ok. God, chill. Anyway, this Revel demon, once found, is quite easily defeated if it is the only one of its species. It makes out that it is this big-bad-fear-me demon but really it is no more than a cute little bunny rabbit. The only way to kill it is to simply separate it from its mate, presumably Joyce.” said Xander, obviously pleased about what he has found out and equally pleased that it is getting more likely Joyce will be seen again.

“It is not that often I say this but well done Xander.” spoke Giles, also obviously pleased.

“Yes, well done Xander.” Willow went over to Xander, smiled, and patted him on his shoulder. Xander was obviously pleased with himself and his research. He rarely gets so much praise for his work so he decides to revel in it. But then he focused back to the matter in hand. They have not found Joyce yet so, back to the research.

The library doors swung open and Buffy and Angel strolled in. Xander could tell they had found some information, as Buffy was not in tears. Giles had also heard their arrival so he came out of his office to greet Buffy.

“Any news?” Giles asked, hopefully.

“Yes. We come with the arrival of news,” Buffy beamed with delight. “This Revel demon is not all it seems.”

“Really? What have you found it?” Giles was a little shocked that the demon was found easy to defeat again/

“Well, after some punches here and there into Willy’s face, we found out that it has not taken my mother to a separate dimension, but to mearly underneath the Gallery!” Buffy exclaimed, with a hint of happiness.

“So what, you mean the Revel demon can create an illusion to fool the victim?” Giles pondered

Buffy replied, “That’s what we think.” Buffy turned, smiled at Angel, and cuddled into him.

“She’s right. That’s all Willy would say though.” Angel said.

“Right, so Willow. Will you be able to find out what is underneath the Gallery?” Buffy asked

“Sure thing Buff.” Willow said and was immediately on the computer, fingers going crazy on the keyboard.

“Thanks, Will.” Buffy smiled, and knew Willow appreciated every compliment she got. There were a few moments of silence as all eyes were fixed on Willow, everyone knowing that all that would stop Buffy from finding her mother was what Willow were to find.

“Ok, so this is what I’ve found,” Will said, with eyes still firmly fixed on the computer screen, “Underneath the Art Gallery is something quite odd. Underneath, is what it seems is an abandoned….erm…..abandoned Prison service. The Sunnydale Police Service shut it down and transferred all the criminals into a new Prison cell block opened up on the outskirts of Sunnydale. Quite strange placings for a prison block.”

“Does it say why they had it underground?” questioned Xander.

Willow skimmed through the text on her screen then began to quote, “The FC Prison Cell block was placed underneath the town for a very good reason. All the inmates locked inside were the worst around. Having it above ground would have been too big a risk. When the moved, to above the ground, the prison was impossible to escape from, so everyone was safe.

“Typical Sunnydale, ‘Boca del Inferino’.” Added Xander.

“So, now all we need to know is how to get down there.” exclaimed Angel.

“Ah well that’s easy,” Giles said, “The Art Gallery has an underground cellar so, I’m sure we will be able to find out the whole Prison block surroundings quickly, once in the cellar.”

“So, what do we need to get to kill it?” Buffy asked. Xander filled her in on all his research, much to her delight and suprisment.

“No weapons need then.” Buffy said happily and then walked out of the library doors, with the rest of the Scooby Gang following her, on the way to the Gallery. On their way to save Joyce.

***

Joyce was getting desperate. She was not sure how much more of this she could cope with. A day had passed and yet no sign of Buffy saving her. She was getting scared, and seemed to be being starved. She was getting no food from her capture, and she was beginning to lose hope of ever getting out of this hell she has been placed in.

***

“Ok, so is everyone okay with what they have to do?” Buffy asked the Scooby Gang. All nodded back to Buffy giving her the message that they were fine, “Good, okay then, so Xander you go off now and distract the receptionist. Angel you come with me, Giles and Willow follow behind us. But don’t get too close, we don’t want any further problems. And, thank you all. Just for being so supportive. Now lets get going.”

Xander walked off into the direction of the Art Gallery. Everyone watched Xander as he went up the stairs. This was it. Their one chance of saving Joyce. Xander knew his job and was going to do everything he could to succeed in doing it. Doing it for Joyce. Xander smiled as he approached the Reception Desk.

“Hello Sunnydale Art Gallery, how may I help you?” asked the receptionist.

Knowing his job, just to hold her up as the rest snuck past her Xander asked, “Erm, could you please show me where the toilets are. I cant find them anywhere.” It was the only question Xander could think of.

“Yes, of course,” she got out of her seat, out of the desk area and walked past Xander, expecting him to follow, and up the stairs.” They are just behind that door on your rig-“ she turned around to see Xander not there. She shook her head in disgust and went back to her desk.

***

“Excellent job Xander.” Giles quoted. They had all slipped down the set of stairs, into the cellar, quite easily after Xander had distracted the receptionist. Xander had quickly joined up with them too. At this moment, Buffy and Angel had made there way a couple of feet forward, as planned. Their plan was going perfectly so far, but there was still a lot to do. Ahead of Giles, there was Buffy looking on the left, and Angel looking on the right. Both just looking for any passageway that would lead to the abandoned prison. They had found no luck so far, but they continued to look, with the rest following. After another couple of minutes Angel tapped Buffy on the shoulder. He was obviously showing her a door. Then, Buffy turned around to see Giles and nodded. Obviously giving the indication that they had found the entrance. Buffy and Angel entered, with the rest following after them.

When Giles got to the entrance he glanced upwards and saw the sign, ‘FC Prison Block. Authorized Personnel Only’. Good job we found the correct place anyway Giles thought, and stepped into the prison. Firstly, Giles passed the empty Security office, then reached the deserted prison blocks. It was very dark inside and if it weren’t for the torches they had it, would be pitch black. All Giles could hear was footsteps and the slow dripping of water from somewhere. Buffy and Angel were a couple of feet ahead, looking into the blocks. All they need now was Joyce, then their whole horrific experience would be over.

***

“Are you doing okay?” Angel asked Buffy, obviously showing great concern for her.

“I’m holding up fine, thank you.” Buffy replied and wanted to cuddle up to him but knew it would set a bad impression and it would not bring a smile onto Xander’s face. Instead she decided just to take his hand. It comforted her just enough, “I just hope we find Mom soon.” They both took another corner.

“We will. We will,” said Angel as he led as they went through a corridor to a second set of prison cells.

“Oh. My. God…O-o-o mm-m-my God. Noooo,” Buffy wept as tears flowed down from her eyes, “MOM!!” In the first prison cell of the second block was Joyce Summers. But what was worse was the fact that the Revel demon was surrounding her. Also surrounding her, was a puddle of Joyce’s own blood.

***

Xander, Giles and Willow had all heard Buffy’s screams and knew that Joyce must have been found. Xander began to run forward but Giles put his hand in front to stop him.

“Xander, you know what Buffy said. We are to stay behind her at all times,” spoke Giles, “We have to obey her commands. It’ll be for the best, I can guarantee it.” Giles calmly responded, but also wanted to sprint forward to go and help Buffy and Joyce himself.

“But I just want to help.” Xander said, as a tear began to drip down his cheek.

“And you will be if you wait. Then we will come in when needed.” Giles firmly added. At that moment Willow just burst out into tears. Giles and Xander brought her back up to her feet.

“It’s okay Will. We’ll get through it. Joyce will be fine.” Xander said, only he just wished he could believe himself.

***

Buffy, for the second time in a matter of days, was stood frozen in shock and panic. Angel put his hand around and, for a first time, it didn’t comfort her. Buffy ran towards her Mom, knowing all she had to do was to separate them. But as she was about to pull her Mother away she was blocked by something and was sent backwards. The Revel demon had obviously put up a protection barrier against them both.

“Sssslayer,” the demon whispered, “Leave now, you cannot stop me.”

Tears streamed down Buffy’s cheeks as she screamed, “Nooooooooooooo!!”

“There has to be a way, there has to be a way.” muttered Angel, desperately trying to think of a way to get past the barrier. Then it came to him. “Buffy. Buffy! Willow? Can’t she break down the barrier or something?” Without even thanking Angel for his good thinking, she called for Willow. Immediately Willow came dashing down the corridor, waiting to hear what Buffy wanted her for.

“Willow, what do you know about breaking down barriers?” Buffy asked her best bud.

“E-e-erm not too sure. I might be able to put one up or break one down. Why? Willow replied, trying to be of some help.

“Will, please listen. We need you to break down the barrier that the Revel demon is holding up.” said Buffy. That was the first time Willow had glanced over to see Joyce and the demon. It was a horrific sight to see such a terrible demon having his hands wrapped around the bloodied and beaten Joyce.

“I’ll do my best. I should be able to do this. Just give me a minute.” Willow stood there, trying to re-call the breaking spell. Willow hated being put under pressure. So many things were whizzing around in her head. It was hard to try and focus. But she made herself, for Joyce’s sake. After a minute, Willow began to recite some Latin text. Buffy did not understand any bit of it but didn’t care if it got the barrier down. But what was clear to Buffy was the fact that the spell was not working.

“Amateur Wicca, quite pathetic.” hissed the Revel demon.

“Shut up,” Angel snarled at him, “Carry on Willow.”

***

Giles could hear what Willow was trying to do. And he could also sense that she was failing. Desperate to get that barrier down too, he began to join in with the spell, and also began to recite the Latin.

“Giles, what are you doing?” Xander queried. Giles just stook his hand out to shut him up, and carried on with the spell, hoping that somehow it would help.

***

Buffy was staring at her mother. The barrier, at first, was not visible, but since Willow had started reciting the spell for a second time, ripples began to show – which seemed like a good sign as it showed the barrier was weakening.

“C’mon Will, keep it up. You’re doing good.” Buffy said, trying to give Willow more confidence. Buffy wasn’t sure if it was working though. Willow’s expression didn’t change at all. Her eyes were still firmly fixed on the barrier, while she continued to work the spell. The ripples were getting bigger, and it looked like holes were appearing.

“Wicca, STOP! I ORDER YOU TO STOP!…..NOW!” exclaimed the angry Revel demon. More and more bubbles were popping all over his body. He was obviously panicking.

“Will, just ignore him. You’re doing brilliant. Keep it up.” Buffy added over the Revel’s voice. Without them knowing it, Giles was also going strong reciting the spell, and it looked like his help was greatly needed.

“Buu-u-ff-y!!” Joyce shrieked from inside the slowly dissolving barrier.

“Mom! We’re going to get you! Hang on!” Buffy screamed. The Revel demon shrieked loudly, forcing Willow, and Giles, to raise their voices. This brought greater impact and within seconds the barrier was down and the chanting stopped. Now it was just up to Buffy.

“You will NEVER separate me from my Queen!” shouted the Revel demon as he picked up Joyce and ran. Buffy ran after them and was soon level with them. Buffy grabbed hold of her Mother’s arm and tugged as hard as she could. But the demon was strong so it held a tighter grip. Joyce would not budge. Angel, noticing Buffy could not sperate them on her own joined Buffy and also got hold of Joyce. At the same time they both tugged. Joyce flew off the demon and past Buffy and Angel, right into Willow. But that did not matter. Joyce was free. The Revel demon burst into flames then, after a couple of seconds, there was no sign of him ever being there.

Buffy ran up to Willow and said, “Thank you. I love you, Will.” Then she hugged her. Giles and Xander came down the corridor to join the rest of the group. Buffy then let go of Willow and gave a huge hug to her Mom.

“I love you, Mom.” Buffy managed to say.

“I love you too, Buffy” Joyce replied. Both of them cried, but cries of joy. Joy that they were re-united. The rest of the Scooby Gang just watched in happiness. They were all just glad Joyce was safely back.

***

“Are you sure you’re alright now?” Buffy asked her Mother.

“Yes I’m postive, thank you.” replied Joyce. Immediately after they had got out of the abandoned prison they had rushed Joyce to hospital. She had cuts and bruises all over and she was in a terrible state of mind. But what did you expect after being held captive for a good part of two days. Everyone was at hospital, except Angel who had to head back to his mansion so he would be there before sunrise.

“We’re just all happy you’re back, Mrs. Summers.” Giles added, sensitively.

“We certainly are.” Willow and Xander both said at the same time, Everyone laughed.

“Can I just say thank you,” Joyce began, “Thank you to you all for being such good friends to myself and my daughter. And thank you for everything you did to save me. It means a lot to me. Thank You.” Buffy smiled and looked at all her friends. She was very lucky to have such loyal and supportive friends. They were like family to her, and it is family that matter to her the most.