Story by DragonWriter17 and Zahir al Daoud

Written by DragonWriter17

Directed and Produced by CN Winters

Sounds by CSR

Edited by DragonWriter17 and Susan Carr

Art Direction by Robert Kidman

Artists – Robert Kidman, CN Winters, Zahir al Daoud, Sarah, and elfTLG

For Colleen…

Fade In:

Int.

Willow’s Apartment – Late Halloween Night

In the living room, the lights were low. Willow and Rowena were snuggled together on the couch, the hectic events of yet another fun-filled Halloween apparently forgotten. Rowena had her head on Willow’s shoulder, and Willow had both arms wrapped around Rowena. The redhead sighed happily and gave Rowena a tight hug.

“This feels good,” Rowena said. “I’ve missed it.”

“Me too,” Willow replied.

Rowena smiled contentedly then sobered. “But it’s not quite like it was, though, is it?”

Willow didn't say anything at first. She sighed again, this time sadly. “No, it’s not,” she admitted softly.

At Willow’s words, Rowena frowned. Willow seemed to sense this and pulled away. She turned to face Rowena.

“But that doesn’t mean it won’t be good, or even better,” Willow added sincerely. “A lot has changed. We’re just gonna have to change with it.” Willow’s eyes were filled with fragile hope.

Rowena didn’t mirror Willow’s hopeful expression. “That won’t be easy,” she pointed out. “Not with the way our Council positions come into conflict.”

Willow smiled mischievously. “Easy is for wimps,” she said with mock bravado, “and I’m no wimp...At least when it comes to love.” Willow moved closer until she was nose to nose with Rowena. “What about you? Are you a wimp?” Willow gave Rowena a playful poke in her side.

Rowena jumped and laughed, then quickly and firmly said, “No.”

“Are you sure?” Willow gave her two more tickles, first on one side, then on the other.

Rowena struggled to stifle her giggles but finally managed to get out another denial – this one a little louder and higher pitched than the previous one.

“Sorry, just not convinced yet,” Willow said as she began to tickle Rowena in earnest.

Rowena squealed with laughter and tried to scoot away from Willow while defending her ticklish sides. She got too close to the edge, though, and sent the two of them sprawling off the couch. Still laughing, Rowena hit the floor with Willow on top of her.

Willow continued to tease the blonde with well-placed jabs and pinches until Rowena suddenly grabbed Willow’s arms and flipped her over. Rowena straddled the witch and pinned her arms over her head. When she had caught her breath, Rowena leaned closer to look Willow in the eyes.

“I told you…I’m not a wimp,” the watcher said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Willow grinned sexily and said, “Glad to hear it.”

Rowena grinned too then planted a hungry kiss on Willow’s lips – a kiss that Willow eagerly returned.

Cut To:

Ext.

University – The Grove – Same Time

Two forms ran desperately through the wooded acres of the park on the university campus, their bodies seen only in flashes through the trees. Their breathing came in hard pants and gasps as they ran for their lives.

Behind them, a horde of armed demonic pursuers followed. A deep growling voice came shouting from the horde.

“Get the Vl’hurg!”

The two forms kept running, until one started limping and finally fell. The other pulled him to his feet and helped him to a hiding place behind a brick barbecue grill. In the faint starlight filtering through the treetops, the two figures could finally be seen. It was Brell and Reteesk.

Fifty yards away, the pursuing demons stopped abruptly when their leader held up his fist. The leader turned his head from one side to the other, listening intently, seemingly having lost where his prey had gone. Behind him, his fellow demons shifted impatiently, gripping their weapons tightly.

Behind the grill, Reteesk groaned in pain. Brell instantly covered his friend’s tentacled mouth and then held his own breath. Nearby, the demon leader continued to listen. When the sound of crunched twigs came from the side, the leader turned suddenly, his long and scraggly hair whipping across his face. His eyes burned with anticipation.

“This way!” he bellowed before rushing off in the direction of the noise he had heard.

Once the demons had moved a safe distance away, Brell slowly let out his breath. He moved his hand from Reteesk’s mouth and turned to look at his friend. Reteesk’s eyes were closed, and the robed demon wasn’t moving.

“Reteesk!” Brell exclaimed in a frightened whisper. Brell gave Reteesk a small shake, but the demon didn’t respond. Brell asked sadly, “Friend?”