The catch? Only her soul is able to travel back.
Artists: None
Characters: Angel, Angelus, Buffy, Drusilla, Ensemble, Jenny Calendar, Spike, The Master
Genres: Action/Adventure
Warnings: Adult Language, Buffy/Other (Temp), Spike/Other (Temp), Violence
Completed: Yes Chapters: 24
Word count: 91,318 Hit Count: 43,236 ePub Downloads: 375
Published: August 13, 2020 Updated: December 14, 2021
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I love time travel/fix it and I wanted to try a new little spin onto it. I've already started posting this on AO3, but with some nudging from the community here I've been convinced to submit here too. There is some Bangel and Spike/Dru, but it's mainly to follow canon. I know this is a bit of a slow burn but bare with me: the Spuffy will very much be there
1. Prologue by ZombieRed - Likes: 36 Comments: 13 Word Count: 1,631 Hit Count: 6,105 Published: August 13, 2020
Some set-up to get the plot rolling
2. Chapter 1: The Master by ZombieRed - Likes: 25 Comments: 4 Word Count: 2,101 Hit Count: 2,188 Published: August 13, 2020
Some dialogue from Prophecy Girl, written by Joss Whedon
3. Chapter 2: Bones by ZombieRed - Likes: 31 Comments: 6 Word Count: 3,947 Hit Count: 2,085 Published: August 13, 2020
Some dialogue from When She Was Bad, written by Joss Whedon
4. Chapter 3: Dance by ZombieRed - Likes: 41 Comments: 13 Word Count: 3,278 Hit Count: 2,080 Published: August 14, 2020
Some dialogue taken from School Hard, written by David Greenwalt and Joss Whedon.
A huge thanks to everyone who's commented so far. You guys are the best!! I appreciate all of them so much.
5. Chapter 4: Halloween by ZombieRed - Likes: 42 Comments: 17 Word Count: 3,545 Hit Count: 2,320 Published: August 20, 2020
I'm actually going to be away from my personal computer tomorrow (Friday) so early chapter!
Some dialogue from Halloween, written by Joss Whedon and Carl Ellsworth
6. Chapter 5: Uncertain by ZombieRed - Likes: 44 Comments: 10 Word Count: 4,160 Hit Count: 1,959 Published: August 28, 2020
Some dialogue from Lie to Me, written by Joss Whedon
7. Chapter 6: Happy Birthday by ZombieRed - Likes: 39 Comments: 10 Word Count: 5,590 Hit Count: 1,918 Published: September 09, 2020
Thank you guys so much for being patient with me as I took last week off from updating. Adulting just got a bit too stressful, haha. As a treat, here's this week's chapter two days early! yay!
Some dialogue from What's My Line? Part Two and Surprise, both written by Marti Noxon.
8. Chapter 7: Morning After by ZombieRed - Likes: 45 Comments: 15 Word Count: 4,295 Hit Count: 1,938 Published: September 17, 2020
Some dialogue from Innocence, written by Joss Whedon
9. Chapter 8: (Don't) Trust by ZombieRed - Likes: 47 Comments: 10 Word Count: 3,932 Hit Count: 1,940 Published: September 25, 2020
Thank you all SOOOO much for your comments! They mean the world to me and are keeping me going. <3
I seem to have somehow injured my wrist. Well, at first it was just the left but now my right is also in pain, so typing is difficult. I expect the next chapter might be delayed until I can find some relief. Fingers crossed!
10. Chapter 9: Relationships by ZombieRed - Likes: 38 Comments: 12 Word Count: 4,683 Hit Count: 1,767 Published: October 08, 2020
Thank you guys so much for the continued comments and support Can't do it without you <3
11. Chapter 10: Trust by ZombieRed - Likes: 53 Comments: 19 Word Count: 4,462 Hit Count: 1,667 Published: October 28, 2020
Thank you all so much for your comments and patience! I think you guys will really enjoy this one.
As a bit of a refresher: Last chapter Buffy had a cry with Willow over inadvertently breaking Angel's curse in the middle of a Blockbuster. Then she discovered Xander and Cordy making out only to be interrupted by Oz as a werewolf. Xander came clean to all the scoobies (read: Willow) about dating Cordelia. Buffy's mom has noticed that something is bothering her, but in true teenage fashion she didn't tell her mom diddly squat. She snuck out for patrol where she ran into Angelus. They fought, but when Buffy had the upper hand, Angelus tricked her by acting as if he was Angel again. Buffy hesitated, which he used to his advantage to knock her unconscious. Poor girl!
12. Chapter 11: Spell and Charms by ZombieRed - Likes: 52 Comments: 19 Word Count: 4,420 Hit Count: 1,751 Published: November 20, 2020
I'm literally in shock over this being featured!! Thank you so much oh my gosh I'm ;_; literally crying over this. Wow wow wow oh my GOSH. I'm really emotional over this. I honestly am surprised I made it this far with this fic. Everyone who's commented has made such a big impact on me and just <3 <3 I think you'll enjoy this chapter.
ANYWAY UH.
Remember the episode Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered? Yeah. That was something, wasn't it?
13. Chapter 12: After by ZombieRed - Likes: 58 Comments: 24 Word Count: 4,459 Hit Count: 1,678 Published: December 19, 2020
Wow this took a while to come out. I know. I'm really sorry. Please know that I'm not giving up on this story at all. I love it. But part of that is making sure that it's the best it can be, and my writing has been at a bit of a standstill lately. I think it's some of those Covid-blues, especially as my province has pushed much stricter restrictions on us. It's been a bit more difficult on me than I realized. I read and cherish each and every comment though. They warm my heart so much, you guys are SO amazing!
Some dialogue is taken/inspired/adapted from Becoming, Part Two, written by Joss Whedon.
Last time: was based off the episode Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered. The soul is able to take over Buffy's body due to Xander's misfire of a love spell. She has a conversation with Willow, gives herself the name 'Joan', and convinces Giles to perform the charm to anchor her until Xander's spell ends. She goes to the factory ready to kill Angel but finds that only Spike is there. Things got a little... heated
14. Chapter 13: Conversations by ZombieRed - Likes: 49 Comments: 17 Word Count: 4,535 Hit Count: 1,564 Published: January 20, 2021
It's been so long!! I'm so sorry, I feel awful for it taking so long to finish up with this chapter. Don't ever think that this fic will be abandoned though; I love this fic and already know exactly where I want it to go. I wish I could be a bit more optimistic about more frequent updates in the future, but everything is still up in the air; lots of Covid stress;;;
Last Time: Buffy and Willow both had to deal with the aftermath of the day from Bewitched, Bother and Bewildered. Buffy dealing with the fact that her 'other self' made out with Spike, and Willow with how Xander effectively r-ped her mind with his spell. Xander did not take proper responsibility for his actions which found him effectively kicked out of the Scoobies. Buffy later that day went home to find that her mom picked up a drunken, depressed Spike who was drinking hot chocolate in her kitchen. She then ended up slaying a vampire in front of her mom, forcing her (with Spike's help) to tell her mom that she's the Slayer. Spike gave a great suggestion of having Giles come over to explain the whole Slayer thing to Joyce.
15. Chapter 14: Lost by ZombieRed - Likes: 49 Comments: 12 Word Count: 4,098 Hit Count: 1,439 Published: February 14, 2021
Of course, of course I get this chapter done by Valentine's Day, ahahaha;
BEFORE READING: There is graphic violence in this chapter.
You guys remember Passion, written by Ty King? :^)
Last Time: Giles comes over to explain the whole Slayer dealio to Joyce, who accidentally let's him know that Buffy has been getting tutoring from Spike. Giles is very upset, but Joyce sticks up for Buffy <3 Then Buffy and Spike slipped out of the house. Spike explained that Dru seems to not care at all that she smelled Buffy all over him. She just didn't care, which broke Spike's heart. The next day at school Buffy and Willow had lunch together when Xander approached them. He didn't apologize and still doesn't fully understand what he did wrong. Cordelia then approached them and learns why Willow is so upset with Xander. She left incredibly upset at Xander, promising to explain to him what on earth he did wrong.
After school that day Buffy tells the rest of the Scoobies that she has a truce of sorts with Spike. Then she trained with Giles. Once finished they went by Miss Calendar's room to pick her up as it was sunset. But when they approached her room Buffy sensed a very powerful vampire.
16. Chapter 15: Baking Soda by ZombieRed - Likes: 41 Comments: 22 Word Count: 4,239 Hit Count: 1,447 Published: March 16, 2021
I didn't finish this quite as quickly as I wanted (work has been crazy busy, especially since I've been recruited to help vaccinate), but this chapter required some research. A huge thanks to my friend Sar and my amazing older sibling Kaidyn for helping me out with some of the finer details in this chapter.
Last Time: Buffy finds that Angelus has already found Miss Calendar. She's a mess and unconscious. Buffy and Angelus fight, but Joan noticed that Buffy let's her emotions get the best of her. Giles burned Angelus' face with holy water, causing him to flee. Paramedics arrived for Miss Calendar but by the time they arrive they need to start CPR. Giles disappeared and Joan knows immediately he has gone to the factory for revenge. Buffy arrives in time to stop Giles from inadvertently throwing a Molotov cocktail and lighting Spike (who's beside Angelus) on fire. The factory catches on fire and to Buffy's relief she sees Spike escape along with Dru and Angelus. Giles is furious at Buffy at first, but then realizes that his poor Slayer is traumatized and was terrified of losing him as well. Giles drove Buffy home who can't fully digest what she just went through. In an attempt to distract herself she goes to the graveyards where she finds Spike and ends up finding comfort in his arms.
17. Chapter 16: Hourglasses and Tea by ZombieRed - Likes: 43 Comments: 24 Word Count: 3,910 Hit Count: 1,356 Published: April 14, 2021
There were some difficulties with this chapter. It's a bit of a transition chapter. We're at the start of the end. I can see it creeping up on us on the horizon. Not like, super close or anything. But it's there. Looming.
Y'all are so amazing for sticking with me during this fic. It's been wild, and I'm so excited to share this ride with you until the end <3
Last Time: Buffy and Giles go to the hospital to find that Miss Calendar is actually alive! In critical condition in ICU, but very much alive. Emotionally exhausted, Buffy takes a well deserved day off and goes to the mall with Willow, where they meet up with Cordelia. The three of them then attempt and fail horribly at baking cookies. It's adorable.
18. Chapter 17: Trouble by ZombieRed - Likes: 46 Comments: 19 Word Count: 4,183 Hit Count: 1,303 Published: May 20, 2021
Last Time: Xander finally properly apologizes for his actions and is forgiven by the Scoobies. Buffy falls into a comfortable routine of trying to pay attention in school and meeting up with Spike on patrols.
It then fell to shit. Buffy runs into Drusilla on a patrol and they have a fight. Drusilla flees, but not before warning Buffy that "the scales of life are unbalanced" and that she would take it back. "An eye for an eye, a heart for a heart."
The next day Xander isn't at school. He isn't at home. He's gone. And we can all guess what's happened to him.
19. Chapter 18: Dark Magic by ZombieRed - Likes: 37 Comments: 14 Word Count: 3,918 Hit Count: 1,257 Published: July 26, 2021
Thank you guys so much for waiting! I appreciate it so much <3 This would have come out a bit earlier but then I, you know, got a back injury and heat exhaustion. WHOOPS! But I said you'd see me again in July and it's still July so there we go!
Last Time: The Scoobies are shocked to realize that Angelus has kidnapped Xander but quickly the older Buffy takes charge and comes up with a plan that hinges on Spike cooperating with them. Giles is unsure but 'Joan' is confident that he'll agree.
She comes across Spike already in her kitchen there to tell her that they have Xander, but tries to keep his 'tough guy' act by not immediately agreeing to a plan that has no obvious gain for him. After an off-screen dressing down by Joyce he agrees on the condition that she keeps him being able to walk from Angelus and that she doesn't kill Drusilla. He doesn't want her harmed. Buffy agrees to this.
Oz and Spike go to rescue Xander while Buffy, Willow, and Giles go to create a diversion. Willow ends up falling for Drusilla's thrall, which is broken Buffy punches her and Giles shoots a crossbow bolt into her head. Spike enters in time to see Drusilla screeching with blood coming out of her skull, and the Scoobies make their escape.
Xander is taken to hospital, but he's alive.
20. Chapter 19: Nightmares by ZombieRed - Likes: 37 Comments: 14 Word Count: 5,127 Hit Count: 1,128 Published: November 24, 2021
I know, I know: its been four months since my last update. What has ZombieRed been doing?!
Well. I feel a bit like I owe you guys a bit of an explanation. Someone very close to me had a very scary and long stay in hospital. It was a lot and because of that I really withdrew a lot. Along with that was a move, an engagement (!!), and a lot of difficulties at work. Over this entire time though I have been writing. Other than the epilogue I am actually finished this fic!! These last three chapters are very closely related, so I knew it would be better for the story to be editing them at the same time.
So expect the next chapter next week! :^) Thank you all so much for being so patient and sticking with this story. It means so much >w<
Last Time: After saving Xander, the Scoobies had a discussion about what to do about Angelus: harness dark magic and curse him again with a soul, or kill him once and for all. It was left as Buffy's decision. That night Buffy ran into Spike on patrol. He was furious with Buffy for harming Dru and acting as if the conditions of their agreement didn't apply to her because she's "good". He says that their truce is done and leaves her. Distraught, Buffy walks home to see a note on her door from Angelus, who says that he's going to go after Joyce.
21. Chapter 20: Answers by ZombieRed - Likes: 34 Comments: 13 Word Count: 3,529 Hit Count: 1,088 Published: November 30, 2021
Just as promised, I return a week later! So no "last time" update since it was so recent ;D
22. Chapter 21: End of the Night by ZombieRed - Likes: 41 Comments: 18 Word Count: 3,866 Hit Count: 1,145 Published: December 07, 2021
I have been WAITING for this chapter for so long, and I think you guys have too. The final showdown.
A warning that this chapter has my most intense depictions of violence.
23. Chapter 22: A New Day by ZombieRed - Likes: 25 Comments: 7 Word Count: 2,193 Hit Count: 1,142 Published: December 14, 2021
I'm really, really emotional now that we've gotten to the end here. I've been working on this fic for a year and a half. This is just incredible. I wouldn't have made it this far without all of the incredible and amazing support I've gotten from everyone here. I'm so incredibly honoured and lucky to have such incredible readers <3
24. Bonus/Supplemental Scene by ZombieRed - Likes: 51 Comments: 19 Word Count: 1,217 Hit Count: 969 Published: December 14, 2021
I was in the shower 3 days ago, where I do my best thinking, and went "huh, what if I wrote an extra bonus/supplemental scene from a different POV?"
And then suddenly I blacked out and when I came to I had this on the google doc. So here you go, a little extra something~
This takes place between Chapter 20 and 21