Ethan was content as he whistled a tune and tripped down Bridge Street. His latest feat of Chaos-baiting went off without a hitch. No one would know about it until the turn of the century. Ethan smiled resignedly. It was the only immortality he could hope to have, after all he had no offspring and no chance of any because of what his Uncle had done… His whistle died in his throat. Can’t whistle round a lump.

He shook his head wondering where that had come from. He’d not thought of his Uncle in years. The darkness of the night enfolded him and he shuddered. Although he told himself that he was merely searching for which pocket contained his keys, he thrust his hands within the comforting folds of his trousers seeking the solace of his warm body.

An eerie wail followed by an abrupt splash brought him running to the parapet of the bridge he was about to cross. Peering over the wall he saw a pale limb stretch above the water bidding the world "farewell" before it sank like a lead weight beneath the surface.

He ran his hand hurriedly through his hair. Ripper had done the same for him; he’d merely redress the balance. Ethan kicked off his shoes and dove after the body. When he struck the water, the cold took his breath away. In the murky depths, he struggled to see the young woman that had beckoned him. She had weighted herself down with a rock tied to her ankles. Her arms wafted in the current and her eyes appeared to be closed in a serene sleep.

Ethan raged at her youth, her desperate act. He knew her! Tara, Willow’s lover. He drew a switchblade from his pocket and cut the rope. Then he surged up to the surface bearing his precious cargo, his lungs bursting and muscles deadened with cold.

Once on the shore he checked her pulse. He couldn’t find it. Shaking his head, he continued to revive her, resorting to powerful magic to bring her back into herself. If she weren’t too far-gone, a witch would have no choice but to answer the call of a Sorcerer. After lengthy minutes she began to breathe on her own and Ethan carried her to his car.

He undressed her and put her to bed in his hotel room. When he was sure she slept peacefully he took a hot shower to warm his chilled bones. As he soaked under the heat of the water, he closed his eyes and felt dread grip his heart again.

He saw his Uncle clearly, the eyes of a snake in a human face, with grey liver- spotted hands, pawing at his young body, plucking at his flesh and finally penetrating him after he begged to be spared. Ethan’s fists punched the tiles until his knuckles bled, while he repeated his mantra "No way to treat a child."

Ethan returned from his nightmare when he heard a strangled sob from his bedroom. After hastily wrapping a towel round his waist, he rushed from the bathroom and found Tara rocking to and fro in the bed weeping inconsolably. He sat down beside her and opened his arms. She clung to him while he soothed her fears. Her sobs slowly subsided and at last she released him with a questioning look on her face.

"Who are you? Why did you save me?" She huddled down under the covers hiding everything from Ethan; there wasn’t much to hide. God! He hated the fashion for stick-thin bodies!

"I’m Ethan. We’ve met before. I thought you might remember me…" He smiled and gently moved a strand of her pale gold hair from her right eye. She was a creature of light, why did she want to mess around with dark magic?

"Oh, yes. I remember you. You caught me watching at Rupert’s window…" Ethan smirked as he remembered, and then frowned as he recalled the advice he gave her.

"My advice didn’t work then…I’m sorry Tara. I had to learn to share Ripper at best and do without him at worst. So I do sympathise…. Was Willow your first love?" He asked quietly.

Tara nodded, fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. Her composure crumbled and his heart melted. He searched frantically for a tissue and finally settled on using a corner of the towel he wore to dry her tears. She sniffed then suddenly threw down the towel to reveal Ethan in all his glory. She scooted away and he glanced down.

"Oops, how’d that happen?" He chuckled and covered himself. He left the bed and walked to the phone. "Hello? I’d like to order a meal for two for room 212, please. Is it possible to have some clothes laundered?" He listened for another few seconds before hanging up.

"I assumed you wanted everything, you look half starved. I think I have something in my case you can wear while we’re eating…"

Tara gazed at him enigmatically, "Everyone I’ve met in Sunnydale has said that you’re wicked and evil…"

Ethan smiled. "Two of my favourite adjectives. What do you think of me, Tara?"

"I think…." She hesitated, frowning. "You need to be taught a lesson young man!" Ethan’s heart froze in his chest at the sound of his Uncle’s voice coming from Tara’s lips. He watched in horror as the young woman’s eyes clouded and changed. "How nice! Ethan all grown-up. Now I can do to the man what I did to the child…" The voice faded and died as Tara came back to herself…

"I think you’re gentle and kind…" She smiled and it warmed his heart. His sudden smile left her slightly puzzled. The knock on the door made them jump. Ethan answered it and wheeled the trolley into the room, gripping it fiercely to disguise his trembling hands.

He helped Tara devour the meal. She had eaten her fill and had rosy cheeks at the end. He smiled; she looked just like a cherub. Well, an anorexic cherub, but he’d soon fix that…

"Tara, y’know what I think we should do?" He finished spreading some cheese on a cracker. "We should find ourselves new partners… Ahhh, ah!" He waved a warning finger at her before she had time to protest. "We can do it together, you choose mine and I’ll choose yours, deal?"

She smiled at him with glittering bright blue eyes. "Yes, Ethan, deal."

He studied her eyes, they were clear of any malice. What would make them change like that? He needed to do some research. Now where had he heard about something like that before?

End of part 1

Site Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. own the Buffy characters.
All products, movies, books, songs, etc. are owned by their respective owners.
No copyright infringement is intended.
All ORIGINAL plots and characters on this site are owned by their respective authors.