Rising Dreams: Paramus
by Can
“The ‘Paramus’ a powerful demon who attacks and kills people in their dreams” Willow read aloud from a large ancient book. “Great start! I’m hooked!” Xander smirked.

It was three in the afternoon. Buffy, Willow, Xander and Tara were at the Summer’s house researching the demon. Buffy had told all of them about her dream and her wound. Giles and Anya were back at the Magic Box examining books for information about the demon.

Listen to this, Willow continued to read, ignoring Xander’s remark. “The demon arises every 100 years....” “ First time I’ve heard of a demon that pops in every century. What next? A demon that appears every millennium” Xander said chuckling.

The three girls stared at him. “Okay, I’ll be quite now” he said sitting down beside Buffy and Tara on the couch.

“The ‘Paramus’ usually takes the form of anybody living or dead while attacking it’s victim”

“That explains why it attacked you as a vampire” Tara stated.

As I was saying “The ‘Paramus’ has been around for centuries and the only way of destroying the demon is killing it in the dream itself”

“So now all we’ve to do is take control of our dreams. That should be easy” Buffy said sarcastically.

“Oh the worst part is yet to come” Willow said and read out “The creature doesn’t die fully if killed. The only way to completely destroy it, is by saying a powerful incantation otherwise it will rise again after another 100 years.”

“It arises every hundred years” Buffy repeated. “That probably means it was around last century”.

“Oh, I get it! Someone must have killed it last time” Tara stated. “Exactly! We’ve got to find out how it was killed last time it had arisen. And destroy it completely this time.” said Buffy.

“Thats great! But, how exactly do we find that out?” Xander asked.

“There isn’t any more information in this book” Willow said putting down the ancient book on the coffee table. “I’ll go check online” she went out of the room.

Just then, Dawn entered the house. She looked at everyone in turn, then asked “Alright, whats wrong?”

“What makes you think somethings wrong?” Tara asked Dawn. “You guys, all quite-an-serious, having a group discussion. You don’t have to be a genius to figure that out” Dawn replied.

“It’s very unlike you to be so observant” Buffy said surprised. “Yeah, I’m full of surprises” Dawn said with an air of sarcasm.

“Very droll!” Buffy said as Dawn tossed her backpack on the floor and flopped down on an empty chair.

“So, whats the low-down on this weeks evil in spooks-ville?” Dawn asked.

“A demon who attacks while asleep. Thats all we know about it so far, Willow’s doing the research” said Buffy. “Who did it attack?” Dawn asked.

“Whom” Buffy corrected.

“What?”

“Never mind” Buffy said and continued “The answer to you earlier question is, me!”

“You! I don’t understand” said Dawn. “It’s no big deal, I just....” Buffy started but was interrupted by Willow.

“Hey guys! Get in here, I think I’m on to something.” “What did you find?” Buffy asked entering the kitchen with Dawn and the others close at her heels. “You didn’t tell me what happened!” Dawn persisted.

“Not now Dawn, I’ll tell you later. Go to your room” said Buffy. Dawn frowned. “They never let me in on anything” she said to herself and walked out of the kitchen.

“What did you find out Willow?” Buffy asked. “An incantation” said Willow. “Come again” said Buffy. “It seems there is an incantation that has the power to destroy the Paramus demon forever.” Willow said contentedly. “Thats great! Were finally making progress” Buffy said smiling.

“Oh wait you guys” said Willow “Whats wrong Willow?” Tara asked. “Sorry to burst your bubble so fast, but there is one problem” said Willow. “Okay then, tell us already!” said Xander.

“According to this. The incantation, which has never been used, was last known to be seen about a century ago in China.” stated Willow. “The country?” Xander asked in amazement. Willow gave Xander a thats-so-obvious look. Xander remained quite.

“Well, thats not good news” Buffy frowned. “Maybe Giles and Anya have found out something that can help us” said Tara. Buffy, Willow and Xander raised their eyebrows in amusement. “Well, maybe just Giles” Tara said sheepishly.

“Guys! Get in here” Dawn shouted from the living room. “Dawn what’s the matter?” Buffy asked entering the room. “Look” Dawn pointed at the television. The local news was on.

Reports from the past two days from various agencies indicate mysterious deaths in Sunnydale. Two residents, one a teenage girl and a middle aged man apparently died in their sleep. Sunnydale Police have not yet determined the cause of the deaths....

“Have they ever” Xander said sarcastically. But postmortem reports show that the victims were in perfect health at the time of their death. In other news Scooby-Doo film a hit! But critics disapprove of Daphne’s casting...... Dawn switched off the TV.

“Oh God!” Willow exclaimed. “Yeah, Daphne’s hot! Xander stated. “No, not that. Two unusual deaths in two days, died while asleep. Buffy, I think you’re in really great danger now!” Willow said seriously.

All of them looked at Buffy. She stared blankly into space, then after a few moments said “Okay.”



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