Subject: [SpikesSalvation] Phoenix Dreams- Chapter 2 Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 10:00:03 -0800 (PST) From: Jerusha Hancock Reply-To: SpikesSalvation@yahoogroups.com To: SpikesSalvation@yahoogroups.com Chapter 2 "Please tell me you're coming with me," Dawn pleaded. "It's L.A., Buffy." Her sister shook her head. "I don't know, Dawnie. It's L.A. I'm happy doing this." Dawn wanted to shake her sister. Buffy had been on the move almost constantly for over five years now. Training other Slayers, visiting hot-spots, putting out demon-born fires, you name it, she'd done it. The younger Summers was beginning to wonder if she would ever settle down. "Angel is in L.A.," Dawn pointed out persuasively. "Angel and I aren't together," Buffy said patiently. "So I don't see what that has to do with anything." Dawn rolled her eyes. "I thought Angel was supposed to be the love of your life, Buffy." "Angel and I are friends," she replied. "Most of the time." Buffy heaved a deep sigh. "I grew up, Dawn, and Angel's soul is still a little bit chancy. At this point, there's a snowball's chance in hell of us getting together." "So he's your friend," Dawn said. "Look, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, and you know that he would love to have you around. Instead of you going to trouble, trouble could come to you for a change. Besides, Willow's going to be there this year too. It'll be fun." Buffy smiled at her sister. Dawn really had blossomed into an incredible woman. For the last few years, it had mostly been just them, and they had come to rely heavily on one another. And now Dawn had gotten the opportunity to go to graduate school in ancient languages and archaeology. She was beyond proud, and would love to be close, but that would mean being in Los Angeles. It would also mean staying in one place, and she wasn't sure she wanted to do that. Sunnydale had been her home, as much as she had hated it at times. And the man she had loved had died there, his soul pouring out in great beams of light. Moving around meant she didn't miss him as much. At least, that's what she told herself. Maybe it was time, though. If only for a little while. "I'll give it a shot, Dawn," Buffy finally said. "I could probably use a vacation." "But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed." 2 Cor 4:7-9 ---------------------------------