Transported
By Robbie Jean B. Alvarado

r_jean@i-cebu.com.ph

Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy, Angel, Willow, and the rest do not belong to me but to Joss Whedon. The quotes from the episode Passion are not mine also but only to make the story interesting. Rose Rodriguez/Jade Martin is the only character who belongs to me.


Incensed, Rose Rodriguez paced her room, repeatedly from one end to the other. Fury raced inside her like icy fire. She needed to vent her frustration, her bitterness and her anger. But there was nothing around for her to smash when she desperately needed it. Even now she never cease to be amazed with how her sister could calmly steal her money from under her. Just so she could buy a new dress for the prom which is three months away.

Breathe, Rose. Breathe. She told herself. No use being angry over something that’s already done.
But it took a long time before she could really calm down.

When her sister comes back from her shopping spree, she’s so into some long sermon ahead of her.
Few minutes later, Rose finally flopped on her bed, sighing. Studying and working at the same time could frazzle the nerves. With the additional workload in the house and the pressure from school, her mind as well as body was exhausted. She needed to rest for awhile before she faces the world.
In a moment, she was sound asleep.

She was falling. Fast. Into the dark void of swirling mist. She could feel her heartbeat drumming in her ears. Her breath was shallow. She panicked. Desperately grasping on thin air for anything to hold on to. But she was still falling. Then she was sucked back up.

Rose woke with a start. Sweat beaded on her face. She panted for breath. Her heart was beating fast. It was a dream, she snorted ironically. More like a nightmare.

Then with burst of energy, she got up, changed and went to do her duty as the household manager of the Rodriguez home.

In another dimension, a beautiful woman stood dressed in a white see-through gown with gold trimmings on the sleeve and collar. Around her purple haze swirled around her like a whirlpool. It was space in its true form. Endless, without neither beginning nor end. She was looking through a window or a portal watching the dark-haired girl walk away from her room.

She closed the portal and walked back towards a glowing ball that floated in space. She murmured something what sounded like Greek and the ball grew more brightly then sent blinding rays all over the place like laser beams. But the woman was unharmed. She only smiled as her plan began to work. She turned around walking away, pleased with her self.

Another mortals’ life is about to change.

It was 10:45 p.m. bedtime. Rose sighed gratefully as she snuggled in her bed. Finally she was able to accomplish her tasks for the day including giving Maria a piece of her mind.

But she still feels angry despite all that. In the back of her mind, she remembered how she never wanted the responsibility of looking after her three younger siblings, be a senior student and expected to maintain the house. Deep inside she still blames the untimely death of her parents for leaving them orphans in the world.

Rose again sighed. Though how many times she wished things were different, that she wasn’t the one holding these responsibilities, she has no choice.

She turned on her side and went to sleep.

The night was still as shadows played around the darkened room. Suddenly a mass ball of light appeared above the sleeping girl’s bed. Then beams of light shone out of the ball.

The girl never stirred.

The beams shone on her delicate face and the length of her body. Then slowly a form floated from her being.

It was the girl, floating towards the ball of light. In an instant, the form and the ball disappeared.

She was falling. Again. This time faster like a rollercoaster ride. Frightening and exciting. The frightening part made Rose desperately held out her hands as she did before. Heart beating so fast. Breath is getting shallower and shallower. She felt like dying…she just knew she’d die…if she can’t…

She woke up, panting hard. As if she ran a million miles. She rubbed her face, feeling the sweat. God, it was a dream. Only a dream.

No more caffeine in the evening for her.

She relaxed then fell back to her bed. Only then did she notice that something was wrong. She didn’t remember her bed this soft. And why are the walls white with tiny flowers, obviously hand-painted. She tensed and sat up immediately.

This wasn’t her room.

The place where her drawer was supposed to be was replaced by a beautiful settee. The room was carpeted and her curtains were gone. Instead blinds allowed the sunlight to stream to the room, giving it a cheerful glow.

Oh, god. Rose thought. Where am I? How did I get here?

Questions raced through her mind. She desperately tried to figure out how she ended up sleeping in a large dreamy room.

She slowly got out from the bed. Looking for anything familiar but nada. She moved to the dresser where something caught her attention.

The mirror.

Most importantly the image reflected by it.

The girl standing in her pajamas. She had blond hair and blue eyes but the face…

It can’t be. It was hers.

She turned away looking for anything to dispute the image when her glance caught a picture frame.

It was a picture of a family, a mom, dad and brother. She gasped when she looked at the fourth member. It was the girl in the mirror.
She placed the frame on the table and took a notebook beside it. She opened to the first page and saw the name.

Jade Martin.

Rose went downstairs. Somehow, she doesn’t know how, she was brought to another place. She knew deep down she was not in her hometown.

And somebody has been messing with her hair and eyes. But how? And Why?

She reached the foot of the stairs. Whoever this Jade was, she sure was wealthy as evidence by the expensive-looking furniture in the hall.
She heard a noise. It was coming from down the hall. She walked towards the room, which was the kitchen.

A woman was cooking on the stove. A man was sitting on the table, reading a newspaper. They were the couple in the picture. Jade’s parents.

Just then Jade’s mother turned around, holding a steaming pan. She saw her by the door.

She smiled. "Good morning, Jade, honey." She frowned. "You’re still not dressed."

Rose looked down her pajamas, wondering if she should speak.

"I…I…" she stammered.

"Are you okay, sweetheart." The father asked his voice concerned.

I have to relax she thought then replied cheerfully "I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep well, that’s all."

Frowning, mom went to her, feeling her forehead. "Are you sick, honey?" she asked.

"No, I’m fine. Really."

"If you’re sure."

"I’m sure."

Mrs. Martin smiled. "Well, then I must wake your brother Mark before he gets another detention for tardiness."

Rose perked up. Mark. The brother.

She was able to go through breakfast though she kept silent the whole time, listening to their conversation.

Mrs. Martin works on the bank since she kept repeating something about bank statements. Mr. Martin is a business who runs a computer software supply store. Mark is a sophomore.

They didn’t seem to mind that she was quiet. Thinking that she was tired after a sleepless night.

When it was time for them to get ready for school, Rose frowned.

She didn’t know what school Jade was going.

But she can’t just say she’s sick.

Oh, great. I have to go to school until I figure out what’s going on. She thought.

She turned to Mrs. Martin. Mom.

"Uh…mom. Can I have a ride to school?"

Mrs. Martin smiled. "Sure, honey."

"Great." And with that she went upstairs to change.

Jade had lots of real cool clothes, it was hard to pick one. But she decided to wear a white shirt and skirt and black boots. She combed her now blond hair and let it loose around her shoulders.

What is she doing? She thought to herself. Pretending to be this girl is going to get her into a lot of trouble.

"Well, it’s not like I asked to be here." She said aloud. She’s going to find out what’s going on. But she has to go to school first.

She was nervous as her present mother drove her to school. Everything she saw was different. Proof that she wasn’t in the East part of the world anymore. It looked more like a place somewhere in America. The people, the roads and signs indicated California.

She frowned. How did she get from the Philippines to California? She couldn’t have been shipped here in one day. It’s impossible even if she was drugged. She could have remembered something. But why America? And how?

"We’re here."

Mrs. Martin’s voice broke into her thoughts. Rose looked through her window to her school.

Sunnydale High School.

It looks so familiar. Where have she seen this place?

There was no time to ponder because her mom was waiting.

"Uh, thanks, mom."

"No, problem. Want me to pick you up later?"

Rose smiled. "Yeah, that’ll be great."

"Okay, see you then." She drove off the sidewalk to traffic.

Rose breathe then turned towards Jade’s school. How was she supposed to pull this off? She has no idea what kind of person is Jade? Was she the loner type or the popular type? Who knows?

Rose slings the bag she carried and took a notebook. As she expected there was Jade’s classes and room numbers.

"No sweat." She muttered. Then with another breath she walked towards the school.

Hours later, Rose walked towards her locker. Jade’s locker.

"So far so good." She whispered. Nobody has taken notice of her. Like she fits in okay. That’s okay with her. The fewer interactions she has, the less likely it would be for her to pretend.

She opened the locker. My, the girl has taste. She thought, noticing make-up and few thingies in the locker.

A picture caught her eye. It was Jade, her arms around a handsome guy with dark hair and smiling eyes. The name Ted was signed at the corner.

"Oh, great." She hissed in disgust. "She has a boyfriend."

Suddenly a pair of strong arms went around her waist followed by a kiss in the head.

"Hey, beauty," Ted, she assumed.

"I missed you."

Rose slowly untangled herself. "Yeah, I missed you too." She replied, injecting syrupy sweetness.

"So feel like going to the Bronze tonight?"

The Bronze?

"I don’t know…Ted. I have lots of homework to do."

He raised a brow. "Since when did you start working on homework?"

Rose glared at him. "Since now."

It wasn’t a lie. A glance at Jade’s note revealed a lack of effort in terms of academics. The girl needs help.

"Ow…come on, Jade. Meet me at the Bronze tonight. It’ll be fun I promise."

Rose sighed. She didn’t want to go. But then if she doesn’t, he might think something was up.

Oh, well. What’s wrong with going out just this once?

"Okay." She finally said, mustering enough enthusiasm to convince.

Ted grinned. "Great. I’ll meet you there at eight." Then he was gone.

Eight it is. She thought sarcastically.

The bell rang and school was out for the day. Rose pushed the swinging door of the library. She had so many homework to do and she needed some references.

She frowned again, which is very much what she has been doing since she woke up.

The library was deserted but what concerned her was another feeling of déjà vu. She has been to this place before or at least seen it somewhere just as Sunnydale and the Bronze sounded so familiar but she couldn’t put her finger where.

She shrugged and decided to ponder on it after her research.

She went to the long table at the center of the library and placed her bag underneath one of its chairs. Then she went up to the bookcases and scanned around the back, looking for a book. She was still searching at the back when she heard people enter the library.

A girl was talking followed by a British accent answer and a couple more voices, a boy and a girl.

Rose quietly went to the side and sneaked a peek at the edge of the bookcase. A girl with blond hair stood at the edge of the table wearing a black long-sleeve blouse and white pants. The other one stood at the left side of the table wearing a blue shirt and black skirt. The young man with dark hair sat on one of the tables while the British speaking man was behind the counter.

He must be the librarian. Rose thought as she surveyed the well-cut coat and tie he had on.

"Is something wrong Buffy?" asked the librarian as the blond girl came into the room.

Buffy? Rose felt her heart skip when her memory jogged around the name. Buffy Summers. Buffy, the vampire slayer.

NO. It can’t be.

But as she listened she was beginning to fear that it was. She recognized the brunette as Cordelia Chase, the school snob-turned-slayerette. The young man was Xander Harris and Rupert Giles, Buffy’s watcher. The only one who’s missing is Willow Rosenburg, the computer whiz.

"He was in my room," said Buffy.

"Who?" asked Giles

"Angel." She replied, her voice tensed. "He was in my room last night."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. When I woke up I found a picture he left me on my pillow."

Xander spoke up. "A visit from the pointed tooth fairy."

"Wait," said Cordelia. "I thought vampires can’t come in unless you invited them in."

Vampires? Oh, my god. Rose thought as another realization came over her.

Is she in the series? Is she in the Sunnydale? On the Hellmouth where all demons and creatures of the night converge? Where vampires roam the street as soon as sunset comes?

Vampires. How did all this happened?

As she contemplated the thought, the four people continue to talk.

"Giles, there has to be some sort of spell to reverse the invitation right? Like a barrier, no hues, no pulse, no service kind of thing?" Buffy asked.

This was familiar, she thought. Their talk was from a scene in Buffy. But before she could remember what episode it was Cordelia said "Hey, look at this."

The people went to see what Cordelia found. It was a backpack.

Oh, no! Rose cried. She went back to her place and flipped on the book she got then pretend to have been intently reading instead of eavesdropping on the group.

As she expected, they found her at the back of the bookcases.

"Jade." It was Cordelia. "What are you doing here?"

Rose looked up, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think?" she replied innocently, indicating the book she held. "I’m doing some research."

"Since when did you do research work?"

Rose shook her head. That’s the second time somebody has implied on Jade’s lack of interest in the academe. Rose looked at the people around her.

"Am I not suppose to be here?"

"No…no." Giles said. "Of course, you’re quite welcome to…a research."

"Thanks." She looked at all their faces. "Well, I think I found my book…so I can…" she prepared to leave.

"Good." Said Giles, leading the way to the counter. "Would you like to take it out?"

Rose smiled. "Yeah."

Just then two students came in.

"Hello?!" Xander said. "Excuse me but have you ever heard of knocking?"

"We’re suppose to get some books. On Stalin." The boy replied.

"Does this look like the bonds and nobles?"

"This is the school library, Xander." Interjected Giles.

"Since when?"

Giles ignored him as he motioned to the books. "Uh…Yes…Uh…Third row. Historical biographies."

"Thanks." Replied the student.

Rose watched the students as they went to the back of the library. She smiled at Giles, "I guess this is some kind of headquarters for them, huh?"

"What?" then he grinned as she glanced at Buffy and her friends, "Oh, yes, they sort of think that this is their territory. Here you go."

"Thanks."

After Giles finished stamping her card, Rose went out. She can’t believe what just happened. Somehow she was transported from the Philippines to Sunnydale. She just knew she’s experiencing one of those dreams that felt so real. But does dreams be this real. She hurriedly went home.

Back at the library, Giles watched the girl walk out. He then turned to the others, motioning for them to follow him outside so as not to be heard by the two students who entered the library.

"Do you think she might have heard us?" Xander asked the others as they walked in the halls.

"I don’t know." Giles replied, but he was frowning doubtfully. "I hope not because we were talking about Vampires then."

"Speaking of which we still haven’t figured how to stop." Buffy quipped the in a worried voice, "Giles, Angel once told me that when he was obsessed with Drusilla, the first thing he did was to kill her family."

"Your mom." Said Xander.

"I know. I have to tell her something. The truth?"

"No," said Giles, "you can’t do that."

"I got to tell her something. I got to do something." She persisted. "Giles, Angel has an all-access pass to my house and I’m not always there where my mother is. I can’t protect her."

"I told you…I will find a-a spell."

"What about until you find a spell?"

"Until then you and your mother are welcome to ride around with me in my car." Cordelia replied.

"Buffy, I understand your concern." Giles said "but it’s imperative that you keep a level head through all this."

"That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have Angel lurking in your bedroom at night."

"I know how hard this is for you." He paused as Buffy gave him a look, "Alright I don’t. But as the slayer you don’t have the luxury being a slave to your passions. You mustn’t let Angel get to you. No matter how provocative his behavior may become."

"So you’re basically saying is just ignore him and maybe he’ll go away?"

"Yes, precisely."

"Hey," Xander said, "How come Buffy doesn’t get a snotty once-again-you-boiled-down-to-the-simplest-form thing." He stopped when they all looked at him, then he added, "Watcher’s pet."

That night Rose got ready to go to the Bronze. She wore a red shirt and black mini and leather jacket. She crossed to the dresser and placed two stakes she made in her pockets, aware that she might encounter vampires in Sunnydale. Then she was off.

The Bronze was easy to find. Most of the young people in Sunnydale were always hanging in the club. She entered and looked for Ted.

The room was dark and crowded with lots of kids hanging or making out. A band was playing on the small stage and some people were dancing. She saw Buffy dancing with Xander and Cordelia and Willow talking on the table near by.

Ever since their meeting that afternoon she has accepted the fact that she’s trapped in some sort of "dimension" and the only people who could help her would be the Scooby gang.

An hour later, Ted still hadn’t show up which made Rose totally pissed off. She was at the bar, holding a drink, finally deciding to talk to Buffy when she bumped into a guy.

Where did he come from, she thought as she composed her wits.

The man turned.

Rose gasped as she gazed at the man before her. Angel.

He gave her a slight smile. "Have we met?" he asked his voice deep and low.

Rose shrugged nonchalantly, realizing that she just said his name aloud. "Not really. " she replied. Inside she was nervous. Aware that before her was Angel or is it Angelus, a vampire.

"So, how did you know my name?"

"Well, aren’t you the guy Buffy is dating?"

"You know Buffy?" He seemed to smile genuinely which made Rose heart felt like ice.

She shook her head. "No, not very well. We just go to the same school. That’s all."

"I see." He looked around. "What’s your name, by the way. Are you hear alone?"

"Jade." Rose smiled sarcastically. "I was suppose to meet my boyfriend but he’s a no show though."

"It’s his loss."

Rose looked at him. He was flirting with her, she realized.

Uncomfortable as well as to make sure, she gestured to Buffy who was already sitting with her friends. "Aren’t you gonna hang with Buffy?"

He looked to where she pointed. His eyes narrowed. "No" he replied. "Let’s just say we cooled off for awhile." He turned to her. "So how come I never seen you here before, Jade?"

Rose chatted with him for awhile. He was sweet and attentive that she almost forgot that he was a vampire. They were talking about the music when someone grabbed her arm.

It was Buffy.

"Hi, Jade. Can I speak with you for a minute?" she was glaring at Angel who only smiled.

"Sure." When they were already out of earshot. "What’s up?"

"I know this may sound…jealousy but really good advice…you know coming from a fellow girl…"

"You want me to stay away from Angel." Rose cut in.

Buffy looked up in surprise. "Yeah" she replied. "He’s not safe to be with…"

"I know."

Buffy frowned at Jade. "You do?"

Rose sighed. Not knowing what to say to Buffy. She glanced at Angel who was still lounging at the bar watching them. It wasn’t time to tell the truth. So she invented.

"Sure." She replied. "What girl wouldn’t see that guy and not know how dangerous he is."

As she expected Buffy misunderstood her comment, then decided to let it be.

"Okay" Buffy said then said in an urgent voice. "But whatever you do, don’t go with him."

Rose smiled. "Okay." She realized that even if she was a stranger to Buffy, she continue to make sure that she was safe. She didn’t need to be told twice.

She went back to the bar where Angel was waiting.

Smiling sheepishly, she said. "Well, it seems your girlfriend thinks I should stay away from you. Sound like she was jealous."

"Is that what she said?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Silence.

"It’s getting late. Want to go somewhere before home?"

"No thanks." Rose replied, relaxing despite her nervousness. "Maybe I should call it a night." She started for the exit.

"Let me walk you to your car." She wasn’t able to protest because he was already guiding her out. She had no choice but to comply.

Her car was parked a few meters from the Bronze. Rose was apprehensive. From her conversation with Buffy she knew that it was Angelus beside her. The ruthless vampire that terrorized Europe before his soul was restored and then lost again recently. She knew she was the next victim so she carefully clutched the stake hidden in her pocket.

They had reached her car. Rose turned around to thank him then screamed when he has morphed into his vamp self.

"Sorry, Jade. Your time is up."

He charged at her, killing intent in his movement. Rose raised the stake she held and aimed it for his heart. But not before Angel caught it his hand.

"You knew all along, didn’t you?" he said, astonishment in his eyes as they struggled with the stake. Rose was scared but then on instinct she kicked him on the shin then punched her fist on the side of his head sending him flying backwards. The stake fell beside him.

Rose stared in shock. How did she do that? She had no time to wonder because Angel go back on his feet.

Angel was just as surprise as her. He charged again, hitting her with his fist but she was able to block it then gave him some well-aimed blows.

She fights just like Buffy, he thought as she once again sent him sprawling on the ground.

Suddenly Angel was able to caught Rose’s punches and kicked her on the stomach. He slapped her across the face where her lips started to bleed. She fell hard on the ground with a grunt.

Rose was fearful. She wasn’t able to overpower Angel. He was too strong. He came nearer, this time sure that her end was near.

"Time to die, Jade."

"Not while I’m around." A voice said behind him.

Angel turned and was punched on the face. It was Buffy and she didn’t look at all pleased to see him.

"When are you ever getting off hurting my friends, Angel?"

He just smiled wickedly. "Once I’ve finished with you, lover."

They fought. Hard and fast. Rose slowly got up but then was helped up. It was Xander and Willow, making sure that she was okay. Cordelia was also there.

The fighting continue. And just when Buffy was about to dust him, Angel ran off hurriedly.

"Coward." Buffy said as she watched him go. She turned to the group and to the girl who was hurt but alive. "Are you okay?"

Rose smiled then winced. "I’ll live."

"I told you not to go with him."

"I didn’t. He followed me. He was so intent in making me this evenings meal."

"Luckily Cordelia saw you two walk out together. If she hadn’t…"

"I would have been dead meat." Rose finished.

"Those were impressive moves, though." Xander said.

Rose turned to him confused. "Huh?"

"We couldn’t believe our eyes when you kicked his butt." Willow added, impressed.

Rose looked at all of them. "You saw that?"

"Yeah," Buffy replied, quietly. "We all did."

Then with more emphasis. "Who are you, really, Jade?"

Rose looked at Buffy with apprehension then sighed. "My name is Rose Rodriguez. I’m not from this world."

"You mean you’re an alien." Cordelia exclaimed.

"NO, Cordelia. I’m from another dimension. I don’t know exactly how I got here but I think I was transported from my world into yours. Why and How, I don’t know. But I do know that in my world, you guys are characters from a TV series Buffy: the vampire slayer. That is why I knew Angel was a vampire and that you." Turning to Buffy, "are the slayer."

"If you knew about me, why didn’t you say something at the library this afternoon?"

Rose shook her head. "To tell you the truth I didn’t want to believe it at first. I thought this was all a dream. But then I realize that dreams don’t go this long. I was about to ask your help when I bumped into Angel." She laughed. "I know this all sound strange…"

"NO, not at all." Willow interrupted. "We had more stranger things believe me."

"Yeah with this being the Hellmouth and all," Buffy replied. "We have to go to Giles. Maybe he can come up with something."

They agreed that Buffy call Giles tonight and fill him in and meet up at the library next morning.

Before they split up, Rose said to Buffy. "Thank you, Buffy for rescuing me from Angel."

"No biggie." She replied. "By the way, where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I don’t know. It was sort of automatic."

She smiled. "It sure made me feel weird, seeing Angelus being kicked by anyone other than the slayer."

They giggled.

The next morning, Rose waited outside the school, searching for Buffy. She saw them by the steps and went to join them just as Xander came behind Buffy and Willow.

"Well, good morning ladies. And what did you do last night?" Xander asked.

"We had kind of a pajama party-sleep over-with weapons thing." Willow replied.

"He got your fish, didn’t he?" Rose asked, watching as Buffy and Willow looked at her in amazement.

"How did you know that?" Willow asked.

"Last night I tried to remember what episode this was and it came to me." She looked at them in shocked. "Oh god, this was the episode that…"

"Oh, darn." Willow cried, as she saw Jenny Calendar across the schoolyard. "She’s here. Five hours of lesson planning just poured down the drain."

Willow walked away disappointed as Buffy turned to Xander and Rose, "You know what I’ll see you in class." Then she went to intercept Miss Calendar.

"She’s gonna tell Jenny that Giles misses her." Rose murmured.

Xander looked at the two women. "How do you know that?"

Rose looked up at Xander, surprised that he was still there. "Well, I told you. Buffy is a TV series in my world. And I very much watched that series."

The bell rang.

Xander smiled at her ironically. "Despite the dangers of living in the Hellmouth, we still get to go to school."

Later that afternoon, all of them piled into the library. Giles had piles of book on the table as the Rose and the Scooby gang waited for him to talk.

"It seems that you might have indeed transported from another dimension, jade…uh, Rose." Giles began.

"It’s Rose but might as well go on my borrowed name Jade."

"Right, Jade. From what you’ve told us, you woke up from sleep and you were in a different world. And from what you say about Buffy being a series in your world… sort of explains your knowledge about Buffy’s identity and others."

"We already know that, Giles." Buffy told him. "But how did she came here and why."

He indicated a book. "I found something that might explain it. Once every millenium, there are records of a paranormal activity wherein an individual from another world is transported from another parallel universe by a being called Fates."

"Fates?" Willow remarked, "as in one who controls our destiny."

"Sort of." Giles continued, "You see in Greek mythology, The Fates gives men at birth evil and good to have. They were three; Clotho, the spinner who spun the thread of life, Lachesis, the Disposer of lots, who assigned to each man his destiny and Atropos who carries shears to the thread of life to death."

"But they were myths." Rose said, "Are you saying they really exists?"

"Yes," Giles replied. "However, among the three, I’d say that it is Lachesis who has brought you here."

"But why? Why am I here?"

"That I could not answer. Although the phenomenon happens once millenium, not much can be told about it. It seems that the individual was transported back after a few stays in the dimension he or she was placed."

"Meaning she’ll just be transported the same way she was taken from her world?" Xander asked.

"Precisely." Giles replied.

Rose shook her head. "No," she said, turning to look at Giles. "There is a reason why she brought me here."

"I imagine there is but there is no way for you to know until you have accomplished that something."

Rose sat in her chair hopeless. "So what am I going to do in the meantime? I mean sooner or later someone’s going to figure out that I’m not Jade Martin."

"Yes but I think your stay here with us will not be long. Most of the records show that everything goes back to normal after a few days."
Willow leaned forward. "I’ve been wondering. If Rose is here in our dimension where is Jade?"

Giles frowned. "I think her astral body would be contained somewhere until it could returned when Rose is done."

"Well, I guess that’s that, Rose. You’re stuck here until this Lachesis decides to bring you back home." Xander said.

"By the way," Giles said, moving from his seat towards his office, returning with a small book. "I found a ritual to revoke the invitation to…to vampires."

"Oh, thank goodness," Cordelia exclaimed. "I actually had to talk my grandmother into switching cars with me last night."

Giles coughed as he continued. "The ritual’s very basic actually. It’s a recitation of a few rhyming couplets, spreading of moss herbs, sprinkling of Holy water…"

Buffy nodded. "I’ll stop ahead in my house." She replied.

"Hanging crosses…" Giles continued.

"Oh, god!"

They turned to Rose who sat, her eyes in fear.

"What is it, Rose?" Buffy asked.

"Giles, did the books say anything about individuals who come to the dimension to change things?" Rose asked.

Giles looked confused. "No, I believe they didn’t. But as I said there wasn’t much record of this phenomenon."

"Why? What’s wrong?" Buffy asked.

Rose hesitated. Then blurted out, "Something’s going to happen tonight. Something horrible." She pleaded with Giles. "But if I tell won’t there be some kind of consequences? Like the destruction of the parallel universe or something?"

"It’s a possibility, Jade" Giles replied, frowning. "It depends whether the information you have could either help or not the situation."

"What’s suppose to happen tonight?" Willow asked.

Still Rose hesitated. If she tell them about Jenny’s death, there will be time to save her and Angel, too. But she couldn’t change the fates of this people. Jenny might have been destined to die and maybe Angel was destined to be sent to hell by Buffy. But for her, she wanted so much to tell because she knew the pain that it will cause to all these people in the room.

She turned to Buffy who was expecting her answer. "Buffy, after you reverse the invitation will you come and patrol the school?"

"Why?"

Rose looked at her. "Angel might be here." She paused. "I don’t want to say everything but trust me it would be worth it."

Buffy nodded. "Okay."

Later that night, Buffy, Rose, and Cordelia were in Willow’s house performing the ritual.

"I had a hard time explaining this to my dad." Willow remarked as she nailed a cross by her window.

"Do you really think it’ll bother him?" Buffy asked.

"Ira Rosenburg’s only daughter nailing crucifixes to her bedroom wall? I had to go over to Xander’s house just to watch Charlie Brown’s Christmas every year."

Buffy winced. "I see your point."

"Although it is worthwhile to see him do the Snoopy dance."

Rose watched the conversation from Willow’s bed. If only she could tell them what will happen next.

"Willow," Cordelia said, looking at the aquarium. "Are you aware that there are no fish in your aquarium?"

Willow gave a soft moan as she remembered her fish. Buffy smiled a little. "You know, Cordelia, we’ve already done your car. Call it a night if you want." Said Buffy.

"Right. Thanks." Cordelia gathered her jacket saying a matter-a-factly, "And you know I’d do the same for you. If you had social lives." Then she saw an envelope. "Oh, this must be for you."

"That’s from Angel." Rose remarked as Willow opened the envelope.

"It’s for you." Willow gave the paper to Buffy.

It was a drawing of her mother sleeping. "Mom" she whispered.

Crumpling the paper, Buffy turned to leave saying, "I got get home before mom does."

Rose and Willow followed her home.

Mrs. Summers won’t be home until almost dinnertime and Buffy and Willow made sure that they performed the ritual. Rose watched the window for any sign of Angel. Everything was still. She looked at her watch. It was 7:15 p.m. she would be here by now. She glanced again out the window and what she saw made her heart skip.

Angel was on the other side, smiling at her in his wicked way and just then Mrs. Summer’s car turned on the driveway. Angel tuned to walk towards the car.

Damn, Rose thought as she went to the stairs and yelled, "Buffy! Willow!"

They went downstairs just as Mrs. Summers turned the key and entered.

"Just leave us alone." Mrs. Summers said.

They saw Angel about to enter the house but was suddenly stopped by an invisible barrier as Willow recited, "Hiswebes… Kensunses… rechises… est."

Buffy walked towards her former love, her arms across her middle. She glared at him. "Sorry, Angel. Changed the locks." And with that, slammed the door on his face.

Rose watched as Buffy turned to face her mother who had just now found out about Angel and Buffy. Mrs. Summers was not happy and neither was her daughter who until now cannot accept that…that demon used to be her beloved.

"Buffy, let’s talk upstairs. Right now." Mrs. Summers said, following her silent daughter upstairs to Buffy’s bedroom.

Willow watched them go. "Poor, Buffy." She said, pity in her voice. She turned to Rose. "You do know the Back story don’t you."

Rose nodded. "Oh, yeah." She replied. "Buffy gave Angel one moment of true happiness and he lost his soul."

Willow looked at her in amazement. "Gosh, you really do know everything about us."

Rose shrugged. "Just enough to know that what you guys are going through sucks."

"Yeah," Willow agreed. "I mean when angel turned, it took me weeks to accept it. I couldn’t believe that he’s gone."

"There might be a way to get him back." Rose said.

"No." Willow said sadly. "Jenny said that magic was already lost in her people. They couldn’t curse him anymore."

"I won’t be too sure about that." Rose said, mysteriously. Then she looked at the time. 7:30 p.m. They have to go to Sunnydale High soon or it’ll be too late. Knowing that the talk upstairs would take a while, Rose turned to leave.

"Willow," she said. "As soon as Buffy finishes talking with her mom. I want you to tell her to meet me at school. at Miss Calendar’s classroom."

"But…" Willow stammered.

"Just do that and hurry." Then she was gone

The school was deserted as expected at night and the air was awfully still and eerie. Rose quickly walked towards the school entrance, aware of the danger that awaits inside. She clutched the stake she brought. She knew she might not be able to kill Angel but at least Jenny Calendar will be safe. That… she's gonna make sure of. She only hope that Buffy can come on time before Angel finishes them off.

She went straight to the computer lab and was about to knock on the door when it crashes open and a woman fell to the floor.

Jenny Calendar.

She looked up when she saw Rose. She yelled, "Run!"

That’s when Rose knew that Angel was already in the room. With one swift move she brought her leg up and kicked Angel as he went out of the room. He yelped with surprise as he flew backwards and fell on the chairs.

That gave Rose time to catch up with Jenny who tried the doors but they were locked in.

"Who are you?" Jenny panted.

"No time to chat." Rose replied as they went out the door towards the courtyard. Rose turned around and saw Angel running after them. She ran faster.

Jenny reached the door that led to the inner hallways. But it was stuck. She pulled it hard twice before it gave way. They entered just as Angel slammed into the door.

"Come on!" Rose cried as they ran to the long hallway. Jenny paused enough to send a janitor’s equipment tools slamming towards Angel. Then she went up the stairs to the second floor.

"Jenny, NO! Not that way." Rose cried. But it was too late jenny was already up. And Angel was gone where he lay a moment ago.
Rose ran back and went up the stairs. Oh, lord she thought. Angel’s gonna get her if I don’t get there in time. And she almost did.
By the large second floor window, Rose saw Angel intercepting Jenny and without hesitation she rushed towards them as fast as she can and kicked him hard on the side. Angel was able to let go of Jenny who fainted on the floor from Angel’s tight grip.

Angel looked up at the person who disturbed his plan, his face menacing. "You!" then he grinned. "Goody, I get to kill four birds tonight afterall."

Then he charged. Rose was surprised at his speed but thanks to Jade’s knowledge in Karate which Rose discovered at home, she was able to block his kicks and punches and gave one of her own as well. They fought against the darkness. But it was clear that Rose was no match for the ruthless vampire who was the scourge of Europe two hundred years ago.

With a well-aimed punch from Angel, Rose flew backwards and banged on the wall.

She was dizzy and then she gasped as Angel grabbed her neck and raised her up.

"You know you pissed me off when you totally rejected me couple of nights ago and since then I’ve been wanting some payback time."
Rose gasped, fighting hard to breathe. His grip was like steel. And she was slowly losing consciousness.

Angel continued to talk. "I’m gonna enjoy draining you with blood, little lady as soon as I finish Miss calendar here. It’s a first come, first basis you know."

He dropped her hard on the floor, knowing that she won’t have the strength to stop him now. He went to Miss Calendar who had just waked up from her faint. She gasped as Angel grabbed her hair and hauled her up.

"Now, Jenny," he murmured, "where were we? Ah, I was about to say, This is where you get off."

"No" a voice behind him said, "This is where YOU get off."

Angel turned just as Buffy kicked him in the face. Angel held the side of his face and growled, "Where did you come from?"

"What’s the matter, lover? Not happy to see me?" Buffy mocked then proceeds to beat Angel.

Rose watched them fight then went to jenny who was dazed. "Are you okay, Jenny?"

She only gazed at her. At that moment, Willow, Xander together with Giles and Cordelia came and helped the two of them up.

"Are you girls alright?" Giles asked concerned.

"Jenny looked a little dazed." Rose replied.

"Come on, we better get you out of here." Willow said.

"No! Wait." Rose cried, turning to the two who were still fighting. "We can’t let Buffy kill Angel."

"What?!" Xander exclaimed.

"Don’t worry." Giles reassured. " Buffy won’t kill him."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because Angel is about to quit now."

As Giles observed Angel backed off gave them an evil glare and ran like hell. Buffy stood, stake in hand, watching Angel go. She won this round but she knew there’d be another time. She turned back to the group of people who were huddled around Jenny.

"Is she gonna be alright?" she watched as Giles took Jenny and carried her like a baby.

"I think she will be thanks to you," then to Rose, "and you, Rose. You both saved her life."

Rose suddenly felt shy. "I only did what I think was right." She replied. She turned to Buffy. "What took you so long?"

Buffy moved her head. "Traffic. Happens all the time in Sunnydale."

They walked away laughing.

They didn’t see the woman who was watching them through a portal. Lachesis smiled, satisfied that her job had gone well. Soon everything will be the way as it should be. Jenny would be fine and Angel’s soul would be restored. And it happened with the quick wits of the girl she sent. She continued to smile as she closed the portal and the night was still again.

They were in Giles apartment. After making sure that Jenny was asleep, the Scooby gang went in the living room and talked about the nights happening.

Willow turned to Rose, "Rose why did Angel want to kill Miss Calendar?"

Rose was sitting in the chair facing the group who waited for her respond. "Jenny had been working on a spell to restore Angel’s soul."
They looked at her in surprise. Buffy spoke, hope in her voice. "You mean, there’s a way to get Angel back?"

Rose nodded.

Giles spoke, astonishment in his face. "So that’s what she had been working on." He turned to the others. "She was supposed to come over and tell me something."

"So angel knew about this and decided to attack Jenny." Xander shook his head. "What a way to go."

"But now that Miss Calendar is alive, we could be able to get Angel." Willow remarked.

"Wait a minute," Xander exclaimed. "Why would we do that? I mean, let’s remember what he’s done for the past months shall we? He killed Teresa and probably numerous innocent girls, he’s been helping Spike and Drusilla with whatever scheme they could devise and let’s not forget that he tried to make me his lap dog last Valentine’s day."

"But that wasn’t Angel." Buffy defended. "It was the demon who did those things. Not Angel."

"Buffy you seem to have forgotten that he had been trying to kill you ever since." Xander persisted. "So now you’re willing to forget all that just to get your beloved Angel back."

"That’s enough!" Buffy shouted. "I know you hate Angel, Xander. But I love him and if there’s a chance I can get him back then my god, I would take it. It wasn’t his fault that he lost his soul. It’s not his fault that his body was possessed again by the demon. Right now, he doesn’t deserve to be where he is right now."

"We’ll get him back, Buffy." Willow said quietly. "Don’t worry."

An hour later, they decided to call it a night. Before Rose could leave, Giles stopped her. "Rose, " he said, looking her gratefully. "I wasn’t able to thank you for saving Jenny’s life. If you hadn’t gone there sooner, she might have …" he stopped.

Rose smiled understandingly. "I’m only glad that Buffy came as she did or else we both would have…"

Giles smiled then. "I’m sure you’re aware…that maybe after this you could come home."

Rose sighed. "I hope. I’m a little sorry though. I was beginning to like living in Sunnydale."

Giles looked at her in surprise. "In the Hellmouth?"

Rose smiled cheerfully. "It’s more exciting than my life that’s for sure."

"I see."

"Well, I have to get home now."

"Goodbye, Rose."

Rose only nodded. She didn’t want to say goodbye.

Rose lay awake that night. She truly hoped that she could come back home but deep inside she also wanted to stay a little longer. But knowing the dangers of living in this world she knew she couldn’t stand a chance. She turned on his side. She only hoped that she has done what she was supposed to do in this world. She hoped that Angel would truly be restored so that they would be happy. Well, she thought frowning, at least for awhile. Then with a sigh, she went to sleep.

3:13 a.m. a mass of light appeared above Rose’s bed. Like before it sent beams of light through her body and taking her soul back to her world. It disappeared in a blink, leaving only the blond girl asleep.

On the other dimension. In her world, Rose woke up with a jolt. She glanced at the dresser. 10:45 p.m. she looked around. She was back in her own room. Her dresser, her curtains, was there.

Finally she was home.

While above her, the woman looked down smiling. She closed the portal before the girl saw her.

Mission accomplished.