12192/Summers' Twilight

Summers' Twilight
Date of Scene:	17 September 2020
Location:	Summers House, Sunnydale
Synopsis:	A summer BBQ turns to chaos when *someone* opens a Pandora's Box!
Cast of Characters:	Buffy Summers, Phantasm (Drago), Willow Rosenberg, Thomas Raith, Spike, Karrin Murphy

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Buffy Summers has posed:
It's early evening and there is still sun in the sky, and a slight breeze too. There will be bugs gathering soon, but that's probably why there are so many citronella candles lit up on the back porch of the Summers residence. Of course Dawn might have had something to do with that too, being all obsessed with candles and stuff.

What started out as a small family gathering became a bit more festive as Buffy extended some invitations to her friends too, and of course, her dad was expected to arrive at any minute.

He's late of course. But he's not the only one. Dawn's not yet here either, which leaves just Buffy and her mom stoking the barbecue and preparing the steak burgers as they wait for others to join.

The back yard is at least spacious with a big tree, flower beds, a large picnic bench and a swing attached to one of the larger trees.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick is early. But he's got several reasons to be. First one is that public transportation was actually on time today. (WEIRD) The second was the emergency call in to pick up some random groceries on the way over. So here he is, at the doorstep. EARLY.

Shuffling the bag over to one hand, the ballcapped musician lifts up a scarred arm to knock. As he waits, he glances tiredly at the lawn. Other than the grocery bag, he's not carrying anything else.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow came precisely on time. Okay, probably several seconds (minutes, ahem) before the party was begun. "I brought two types of cookies. Chocolate chip.' She holds up one container. "And oatmeal raisin." She holds up the second container. "Where do you want them?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
"Come in! The door is open!" Buffy calls, but she hurries to the front steps anyway to let them in and smiles, "Hey Nick! I haven't seen you in forever! And Willow, I'm sooo glad you could make it! We're out in the back, dad didn't co e yet and Dawn is.l..Who knows where she is? getting home from school soon I hope!" she smirks, "You're both early.."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Hearing the door open, the sleepy looking singer turns his head to look at Buffy and then Willow. Nick blinks. How did he miss her coming up? HOW tired is he?! He gives a small smile, nodding to the both of them. Waiting for Willow to step inside before he does. "Things have been busy in New York." He responds, glancing around, "Uh, I never met your parents before so what topics are safe and which ones aren't?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Which reminds me!" Out comes from her satchel a book. "For Dawn. I bought her her own copy of this one. If she learn for this one, I'll bring her another book. Only next time it will be intermediate. You're welcome." Willow grins.

Thomas Raith has posed:
This time Thomas decided to drive something a little less flashy. So it's the white BMW rather then the Fararii or the Hummer. He smiles a bit as he sees the crowd outside of the house. "Well then it looks like I found the right place." He says parking and jogging up to meet his friends. "Hey there Wills, need an extra hand?

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers arches a brow at Nick, "Heey you okay? What happened? Cmon, rest a bit, you look beat." she shrugs and grins as she leads her friends to the back doorpatio. "Hmm well my mom already knows I'm a slayer, ditto Dawn..Dad, he knows nothing. Only my mom is here so far so hopefully we can break dad in soon..Make yourselves at home! Mom is still working on those steaks but we got pop too, and salad and ice cream!"

To Willow, she Oohs and peers at the book, "Not actual spells I hope? But that's thoughtful of you..Thanks! I know she'll love it." to Thomas she smiles, leaning over to give him a quick peck on the lips, "Hey, handsome, glad you could make it! Do t suppose you heard from Dawn? She's so secretive lately...and she's late..Seems to trust you.." and Spike, but let's not go there..

Speaking of, looks like Dawn is attempting to slip in through the front door while Buffy is otherwise engaged.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick pauses, biting his lip at the question to what happened. "Since the last time I saw you?" He asks, stalling a bit before he glances around. Lowering his voice, "Well last week was Teleporting telpathic dogs, criminal bars, a war zone, heven, and technovores in space." He pauses, "Apparently Jet lag applies with space travel too."

A less than satisfying explanation given, he makes his way out to the patio Buffy leads them too. He glances around for a place to sit.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith returns the what for him is definately a chaste peck on the lips to Buffy, eyes looking a a little dazzeled as they always do when he sees her. "I wouldn't have missed it for... well it would have had to be something very big to make me miss it." He says playfully following her into the house. "Haven't seen Dawn anywhere. Sorry."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers totally misses the sneaking Dawn as she quietly slips in and heads straight for her room. Outside, Joyce turns away from her cooking briefly to smile and nod to the new comers, "Ahh I see your friends have arrived Buffy, but still no Dawn..I'm afraid dad'a plane was a bit delayed too. He will be here soon. Hello Willow..And you must be Nick and..How can I forget my daughter's boyfriend? It's Thomas right? How have you been?"

Buffy blushes a bit as she prepares the table, setting out plates and cutlery (Good quality China and not crappy cheap paper plates) for everyone. "I guess Harry and Karrin couldn't make it. Oh well.."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Seeing the mother come over to greet them, Nick forms another smile, still tired but present. As Joyce determines who he is he gives a nod in confirmation. "Nice to meet you."

The bag in his hand crinkles. Oh right. The groceries. "Oh, right where did you want these?"

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith smiles a little bit, giving Joyce one of those knee weakening smiles he is good for. "Joyce, it's so good to see you up and about again." after all the last time he'd seen her she'd been in a hospital bed. "You are a vibrant reminder as to why I should hang onto Buffy for dear life, if the old adage 'Look to the mother is to be believed." Thomas? Laying it on thick? Never!

Spike has posed:
     For a guy that rides a motorcycle you'd think Spike would step up and steal a chopper or buy a Harley or something. Not that he has a bad bike per say, it's just not...well good either. Regardless he shuts the bike off and steps over the bike. He steels himself for whatever he's about to encounter and follows the sound of voices and the scent of food.

     He takes a cigarette out of his pack and places it between his lips. Noting Joyce and despite being a general degenerate, he takes it from his mouth and tucks it behind his ear. He looks over those gathered and frowns thoughtfully. He has just enough manners to go to talk to the matriarch briefly. He offers a nod to Nick and Thomas in turn. Buffy is busy so she might not even see him yet,"Hello Joyce. I got a text from your youngest. Any chance you might know where to find her?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Joyce smiles to Nick. "Oh yes, Buffy has mentioned you Nick! Thank you for the groceries, I guess you can set the shopping down on the end of the table. Thank you, how very generous. Please, everyone, take a seat, make yourselves comfortable, dinner will be ready soon." she smiles at Willow, "Oh, a book for Dawn? How nice! She really needs to study more, maybe you can tutor her some time? I hear your very smart, a star pupil.."

Joyce smiles warmly at Thomas, and yeah, he lays it on thick. "My, you are quite a handsome young man, Thomas, my daughter is very lucky to have you.." she smiles, "Much better than last time, thank you.."

And finally there's...Spike? "Oh dear, it's, Spike right? The band member who plays..Triangle was it? Oh, you're a bit old to be a friend if Dawn's but..I'm not sure where she is, she was suppose to be here by now but she didn't return my calls. May e she will listen to you?"

Buffy is briefly busy preparing the table but pauses at the mention of Spike. "Spike...? I didn't know you were coming..,Did you hear from Dawn? She's not answering anyone.." she seems concerned, but of everyone, Spike is probably the only one she would contact, especially if she's in trouble.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Seeing the nod from Spike, Nick returns it. "Hey Spike." He greets, before Na side glance to Thomas. Wow. Almost thicker than molasses. He turns to carry the groceries to the end of the table before seeking out an empty seat. He has been burning the candles at both ends recently so the promise of sitting is quite enticing.

The mention of Spike playin the triangle does cause the rock star to glance up though, looking between Joyce and Spike curiously.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks at Spike, nods singlely, and says nothing. Neither the time nor the place after all. He uses the moment that Nick and Joyce are speaking to the Vampire to slip next to Buffy, giving her a light kiss on the shoulder and whispering something in her ear before asking "Anything I can do to help? I promise not to set anyone...anything on fire."

Spike has posed:
     "That's right." Spike replies and looks at his phone as it buzzes,"She's texting me again. Not sure where she is though." He sighs and puts the phone away. A nod to Buffy,"I wasn't. She sent a text that sounded important, but I forget sometimes she's a teen, so hopefully she's close so I can talk to her and get out of your way."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers bites her lip, moving close to Thomas. "Umm, I'm okay, I'm just worried abobut Dawn.." she sighs, leaning over to whisper something in his ear, but clbutches at his arm gently as he talks abobut setting 'someone' on fire. "Thomas, it's okay...He only came because Dawn texted him...Right? " she peers at Spike.

"What's going on, Spike? Did she steal something again?" Buffy frowns, clearly annoyed, "I swear, I'm gonna kill her next time I see her..."

"Buffy! That's cruel!" returns Joyce, "Dont talk abobut your sister like that!"

Just then the bell rings and a male voice calls in, finding the door unlocked in the front. "Hello? Anyone home?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick finds a seat and plops down, giving a brief sigh of contentment before looking to the group, only getting hints of conversation from his chosen perch. As Joyce snaps at Buffy, Nick glances over to Spike curiously, "So what have you been up to?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
The book was a beginner guide to wicca.

"Nothing that can harm you, I promise. But it will give her a chance to see what it can do." Somewhere along the lines people showed up! Willow waved.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith turns his head as he hears the unfamlier voice, but he can easily guess to whom it belongs to. His hand slides down and slips his fingers to intertwine his fingers with her's. "So no shotguns. You promised." He says to Buffy in a playful tone as he waits to meet the man.

Spike has posed:
     Looking at the phone a moment, waiting for a return text from the last one he keyed, Spike glances towards Nick and replies,"Crypt shopping in Gotham." he tells Nick and shrugs,"Other than that very little." He offers a nod towards Willow and otherwise just waits to get another text to figure out what is going on and why he's here.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles a bit nervously to Thomas and nods, tightening her grasp around his fingers. "Yeah..It'll be okay.." she glances over at Spike, "Did you check her room? She likes to hide up there. Maybe you and Willow can talk to her.." she seems worried but surely if anyone can handle Dawn, it's those two..Besides, she'll be thrilled to see the magic book.

And that's when her father steps into the backyard, smiling and stepping towards Buffy to scoop her up in his arms, "Ohh honey, it's been a long while. And I assume this handsome man is your boyfriend?" he steps back, peering critically at Thomas, "We'll now, let's take a look at you..Aren't you a handsome one? I'll bet the girls won't leave you alone!" he laughs but there is a threat in there somewhere.

"I hope you're treating my daughter well!?" another warm smile and veiled threat. Joyce smiles, "Come on, you promised not to scare her boyfriend away!"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Gotham?" Nick repeats, considering the city, "...Yeah there probably are a lot of choices there." He pauses, considering the task, "The ones in the Randall area seem pretty well maintained so, that might be a risk for getting found though."

...The hell Nick?

The smile fades. Whether it's because of a mood change or the overall fatigue is another matter.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks mildly amused as He lets the older man take a look at him as it were. "Of course I am sir," Thomas manages in a completely guileless tone, though when Joyce offers him a moment by scolding the man the White Court Vampire leans down and whispers in Buffy's ear, "I'm trying to be good, but if he keeps feeding me straight lines like that all afternoon, it's not going to be easy."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Oh-kay?" Willow supposed she could check on Dawn, even if she had to do it with Spike.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns as Spike goes off to a corner to talk to Dawn, speaking in hushed whispers. "I just dont get why, of all people she would choose to confide in a criminal and a vampire.." she sighs, knowing exactly why.

"Hey Wil, give him a second. You got that book? Maybe Dawn will come down to play with it? Besides the food will get cold. Let's eat first, worry about Dawn later." she glances at Thomas and smirks, "It'll be alrught.." she murmurs, "Dad, give him a break, he's a good person..Honest!"

Mr Summers chuckles good heartedly, reaching out to pat him on the back, "Take it easy, I'm only making sure my girl is taken care of." he winks, "Take a seat, all of you. We'll take care of the barbecue..Besides I thought I saw a light I Dawn's room.."

Joyce smiles as she offer everyone plates, "Go ahead and help yourselves! I've got pop too...And..Ooh, who brought the wine?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With Spike moved away and hearing Buffy's question. Nick arcs a brow in response. "Ever heard of the phrase, 'pot calling the kettle black'?" Shaking his head, the tired musican starts to get up from his seat before the father's request reaches his ears. He sits back down.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Go upstairs. Don't go upstairs. Jeesh, would you please make up your mind!!

"Sure, besides.. um, never mind. The food is getting cold, right? Right!" Willow takes a seat.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith gives Buffy's hand a light squeeze and gives her lips a quick peck saying softly, "Indeed, she'd be much better served spending time with an Incubus and Club owner to be certain," He releases her hand to take a plate from Joyce adding "I brought a few bottles over from the Club, nothing too fancy I'm afraid. Honestly it's dead Stock that you'll be doing me a favor by taking off my hands." He offers with that smile. Then his eyes seem to glaze over almost in ecstasy as he asks, "That chicken smells divine.."

Spike has posed:
     Looking back over the group, Spike notes Willow and motions her to follow as he heads towards the house and whatever Dawn has gotten herself into this time. He opens the door and heads inside, not running per say, but getting closer to it with each step.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
Better late than never. The sound of a familiar motorcyle, Karrin's sleek Kawasaki ZX-10R, can be heard outfront. She kills the engine and sets the stand, kicking her short frame off of it and then coming into the house. Her leather jacket and helmet are left near the front door out of politeness, more than anything, before boots carry her through to where the crowd is. She flickers a gaze about, no sight of tall, dark and trouble, but several other friends. "Sorry I'm late... the commute from Gotham is... not fun."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smirks at Thomas, nudging him lightly, "Heeey, don't push it." she scoops food on her plate and pours a glass of wine before heading to a table, "Thanks Wil.." she just nods to Spike, not sure what else to say to him. "Yeah...Lets just enjoy the evening, everyone. I'm sure Dawn's just being Dawn."

Joyce chuckles and shakes her head as she tends the bbq, filling everyone else's plates. "Don't be so hard on Dawn, Buffy. She's a teenager! You weren't much better at her age." she smiles, glancing at Nick. "So how do you know Buffy? Classmate or..?" and then she hears a motor in the front and smiles, "More friends? The door's open! We're in the back!" she calls out to Murphy. The back fence latch is unlocked, she can probably see and smell the barbecue.

Mr. Summers sits opposite Thomas and smiles as he watches him. "So..How long have you known Buffy? How did you two meet..?" more questions.

Unfortunately dinner is about to get cut short,as there's a sudden flash of light, followed by a scream.

It came from Dawn's room.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"What did you do?" Of course Spike had to do someone, right? (if only because she was angry at him!) Willow runs to Dawn's room!

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick shakes his head, "Oh no. Not classmates. We share a few mutual aquainte-"

Hearing the scream, Nick's voice stop as he turns his head, seeing Willow already running inside. Well, this can't be good. "Cr-" Setting a hand on the table, he gets up, turning to follow after.

Spike has posed:
     Racing up the stairs, Spike goes head long into the flash of light. He's smart like that. He doesn't bother to reply to Willow as mad at him doesn't even rate a burner, let alone the back one. He doesn't just dive right into the room, but it is the next best thing. Whatever is already loose, he looks to Dawn and then the strange box.

     Think later, react first. He lunges at the box and the lid, slamming one on top of the other and then holding them together a moment while assessing where Dawn is and what in blazes she just let out.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
"Shit." Karrin mutters, just having gotten into the backyard when that light goes off. She's not as fast as a vampire, or people who know the household, so she's towards the back of the pack where the emergency response is concerned. But she's running. Her hand reaches for the back of her jeans' waistband, grabbing at the hidden holster there so she can pull out her SIG that she keeps on her at almost all points in time. "So much for dinner."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith glances at Buffy only for a second at the scream. One hand releases the plate he was holding (which lands perfectly flat on the table and doesn't even splatter sauce on the table cloth) as the other reaches to the small of his back to grab... the Kukri knife he left at home. Seriously why would he bring a weapon to a barbecue? Still he is right on Spike's heels as they rush to Dawn's room. He might have to envicerate the man later, but if it's a fight there are few people he'd rather have at his back.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Of course, Spike didn't do a gosh darn thing. "Woah. Be careful, it's magic. Which means it could happen again." She casts about the room, looking for the crux of it. But Spike rushes in.

*sighs* It would be just his own fault if it happened to him as well.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers blinks, jumping to her feet, and the first thing she's thinking of is.."Dawn!" she follows the others up the steps, even as Joyce and her dad peer after the scoobies. At least Joyce knows more about these weird things than her poor dad who is at a loss as Joyce tries to calm him.

And as the others arrive in Dawn's room, they will notice there is indeed a big wooden box sitting on Dawn's bed. And it is indeed glowing, its sides covered in mysterious runes. Good thing Soike managed to close it in time.

But something escaped. It's subtle, like a faint red haze in the air, almost unnoticeable unless you are sensitive to magic. To Willow it will be like a loud alarm going off in her senses. Whatever it is, it's dangerous. And it's spreading.

Then there are the unseen voices, whispering in your ear, a powerful, convincing thought, feelings of extreme anger and fear, specifically.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Getting a late start, Nick ends up bringing up the rear. Not knowing the layout of the upstairs is another reason for hanging back as well. He doesn't reach for any weapons. No, the bookbag and escrima sticks stayed home. But, then again he could probably figure something out if weapons do turn out necessary.

As far as sensing anything... Nick seems, not at all disturbed by it. But the whispering, Yes. That he can hear. He turns his head, looking around to see if anyone else seemed to be hearing this.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
The problem with red smoke and something escaping a box is that it gives Karrin absolutely nothing to shoot. She's used to demons, vampires, whatever fight she needs to get into. But fighting the unseen, especially without Harry at her side? That's harder. She draws in a deep breath, completely unaware of how much worse that could make things, as her gun remains tracked at the floor, eyes flickering around the room.

"...What escaped? Is it a...demon? Do you see it? Fuck." She hisses, something gearing up her anger and her trigger finger. Fortunately, with no target, she's trigger disciplined enough not to raise her gun. Her pulse quickens harder in her throat, temper rising, ready for the fight.

Spike has posed:
     Once it is clear the lid won't pop off on its own, Spike slaps it down on a dresser. He snarls and looks towards the exit,"Bloody Summers women." he snarls and starts out of the room towards the exit,"All going to be the bleeding death of me." He gets madder by the second and is seething before he can reach the door to shoulder past people,"Sunnydale for that matter!"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow throws her hands over her ears. "Oh gosh, it is loud! It's Pandora's Box, and everything in it has now gotten out. Okay, think.." As she's getting used to it, it becomes more manageable. "We need to come with a plan." Because, otherwise, the rest would spill out as well. Bad idea!

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick turns his head, looking oer to Willow. "Why the hell do they have Pandora's Box here? He tilts his head down, pinching the bridge of his nose before he shakes his head. "I'm too tired for this shit." He seethes.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith's eyes shift from dark, almost saphire blue to pale ice in a fraction of seconds. As Spike tries to shoulder past him, he straight arm's the shorter man and pushes him back. "Watch your mouth and who you aim it at Leech." He says with an uncharacteristic snarl. "Just because your not capable of getting one of your own don't mean you get to run them down. Only capable of trying to poach after the fact right?" Is anyone else getting a little warm? Thomas's hunger seeming to pool off him, adding to problems.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers glowers at Dawn who cowers in a corner, crying. "Dawn, WHAT did you do? Again? Why the hell cant you just stay out of trouble, just once? Now you had to go and open a Pandora's box? Seriously? I'm so damn SICK of digging you out of a hole!" Dawn whimpers and cowers as she shakes her by the shoulders.

"Buffy! I'm sorry! I didn't mean...Your..Your face! What happened to you?" Buffy snarls, baring teeth, her face appearing more demonic like. More...Vampiric. "Nooo!" Dawn screams, backing against the wall.

Red mist continues to swirl around the room, amplifying the anger and animosity, and fear. Yeah, it's getting uncomfortably warm in here.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"I don't know? Probably it reaches out for a victim, looking for one who will open the box. For all I know, Dawn thought it was a surprise for her." Probably Dawn wanted to try magic, without the proper learning.

To the room.. "Stop it right now. Get a hold yourselves!"

To Nick: "Help? They're getting out of control?"

Spike has posed:
     Already in a foul mood. Add to that the fact he really wants out of this town. Compound a dose of angry Thomas who has some right to be and Spike has had enough. A staight push gets met with a quick left jab. Half anticipating a shock from the chip...Spike gets a memory of the fact Thomas isn't exactly human and so the usual zap doesn't fry his brain.

     He doesn't say more, just shakes his head and starts to the door again. The old Spike would have fallen on Thomas, but maybe that modicum of respect he has for the younger vampire still rings enough to not fall on him totally,"Bloody well stuff up your pompous ass as well." he spits. A pause, that will probably cost him later, as Dawn screams and he notes the looks at vampire Buffy and sighs opting to turn back to Dawn. Guess mad or not he does care about her.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
As the two vampires snap, one at the Summers girls and the other at the first, Karrin jerks forward, trying to put herself directly between them. Her jaw is gritted and blue eyes flashing with anger. "BOTH OF YOU STOP IT." But then Spike is tossing a punch and Karrin swears loudly. All thought of the fact that she is TOTALLY out of her weight class here is gone as she tosses herself physically between them, trying to intervene before Thomas fights back. "QUIT IT... This is...some other SHIT... and Buffy needs your help because FUCK." Karrin curses, her anger manifesting in the worst, most over protective of ways. She will scream this room down if she must, body still ready for a fight, but staring at her best friend and those fangs. She doesn't even know what happened.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's eyes widen as Willow's voice joins the serenade of voices. And turns to look to Willow. He sighs, giving a nod as he brings his hands up.

He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes as fingertips press against fingertips in prayer formation. The fingers shift, lacing together loosley while the thumbs continue to press together. The head tilts forward.

'One thing to ask
a tone demure
Raphael's flask
give me a cure.'

As the chant is uttered, there is a mild glow to his hands.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks human. He can pass most tests that would have almost anyone believe he is human. He is not human, not any more. He can take the punch as well as any, and as a dribble of pink blood drips from his lip he actually smiles a predatory grin, moving to deliver a freight train like blow... when Murph steps in. He glares ice at her as if to ask how very /dare/ she, a kine... cattle, step between him and the target of his righteous anger, when her words seem to penetrate the pink haze of his mind. His head snaps around to look at his lover and he quickly moves to her side.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
That's it. Willow is swayed by power, and everyone *except* Nock was frozen in place. "Nick, grab the box. We're gonna to have to trap whatever it is Dawn got out, back into the box. Hurry! This won't last long."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers blinks slowly, reaching up to touch her face. "My....? What happened? Oh Dawn, I'm so sorry, I don't know..." dammit, it's a spell, isn't it? she stands protectively in front of Dawn now as Nick's spell washed over her, her features slowly returning to normal. As Karrin throws herself in harm's way, she feels her mind slowing down as Willow freezes the area. Somehow it seems to affect the hot mist in the room which in turn starts to dissipate.

"Willow! What's going on? A spell..." she glances towards the box, shivering. Oh. Pandora's box...? She and Dawn are gonna have *words* later, but for now...

"Wait..." her teeth chattering, drawing several deep breaths to calm herself. "Anger and fear...Must have escaped...Willow can you seal it before it can slip open again? We can take it to the magic box, have Giles look at it. Dont think...Other evils got free.."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick lingers, not immediately following up as he goes through the verse over and over again. One for each person in the room who wasn't able to snap out of it on their own.

When he's done, his hands stop glowing and he lowers them. "I'm going to need to sit down." He declares, deliberately, calmly, before collapsing to the floor where he once stood.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow can 'lock' the box up, so that nobody can 'spill' it. It takes her a few moments but she manages it. Surprising, freezes the area *also* cause the red glow to disappear. Neat! "There. I should take over to Giles." Or Nick. They were the only one to be unaffected by the magic.

Spike has posed:
     Cold. Who turned down the heat. Living or not, Spike knows cold. He stops in his tracks, pulling the coat in a little absently,"What the....?" he manages finally. The cold shaking off some of the effects at least for the moment. He squints a little and notes Dawn and Buffy together. He scowls at her, but for a different reason. Looking at the box he sees it is closed. No sense of immediate threat, he reaches for a cigarette and lighter.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
As Thomas actually turns to Buffy and gets some level of control over himself, Karrin turns on Spike, her temper still up and eyes flashing, "He's grown up, so you fucking better learn too, got it!?" She hisses at him, reeling back, ready to absoluely launch herself at the man if she needs, to defend her friends and, honestly, to pick a fight she really wants to have...

Then things are going cold. Calmer. Some of that rage melts from her and Karrin falls back onto her heels instead of the balls of her feet. She exhales a few ragged breaths, looking back to Buffy and Dawn, "...shit.. are.. Are you two okay? Nick? What the...hell was that?" Then to Willow, confused and curious as she swallows back her racing pulse.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith takes a deep breath and reaches out and touches Buffy's arm. That's all. No feeding, no wash of pleasure. Just the touch of one lover to another, reasuring and gentle. He shakes his head and says softly, "You know normally at barbecues it's customary to just fight over who makes the better potato salad." He says softly, before asking "What in the name of Empty Night happened?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers laughs a bit nervously, but relieved as she gives Thomas the once over glance, hugging him tightly, but gently. "Well, you know how it is..Never a dull moment at theSummers' residence..You okay?" she frowns in concern, noting the blood, pulling out one of the napkins from the bbq out of her pocket to dab at the blood on his face. "I'm sorry...I lost control.." with a soft sigh, she glances around.

"Everyone else okay? Was that...A Pandora's box? You think Dawn used magic to open it..?" not good. Speaking of which..

Dawn sobs as she shakily climbs to her feet, eyes still full of tears. "I'm sorry! I..Ididnt know it was a magic box, honest!" she sobs as she runs to Spike of all people. "I'm sorry I stole it. I knew the others wouldn't understand.."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick is sitting, and based from the way he's positioned, probably uncomfortably. He doesn't seem to care at the moment. The man's head tilts back, using the nearby wall to provide the needed support so he can look to the group.

Hearing that Dawn stole the box, answering his question from earlier, he closes his eyes. A long, slow breath is drawn before being released in the same manner. Hands start to clench. And then, he does it again.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Pandora's Box sits in Willow hands, waiting to be certain everyone was all right.

"Everyone is ok? I should really give it to Giles now, not later. I'll have you bring me a leftovers plate."

Spike has posed:

     Chaos and mayhem, the night is just beginning for some. Spike sighs and shakes his head,"Be more careful little bit. Try to stay out of trouble too. The next call will take a lot longer to respond to." With that he leaves the rest of them all talking and heads out,"I'll be out of town for a while, maybe for keeps. It's taken a lot less time to remember why I left last time. Nothing to do with you Dawn." After that, no more talk. He puts the cigarette to his mouth and offers a polite good bye to Joyce on the way out to the waiting motorcycle.

Karrin Murphy has posed:
"Yeah.. I... I'll be fine." Karrin gives Spike a bit of a wave, a quite frown, but she's still caught up in her own quiet horror at the temper she felt. Which, somehow, makes her mad again. She looks across the faces in the room, making certain everyone looks stable enough, before she leans down and offers her hand and shoulder to Nick. "Come on. Let's...get fresh air into you and somewhere more comfortable to sit. And a beer. Probably...several beers."

Karrin gazes back to the magic users. Willow, Dawn, Buffy... the people who know far more than she does. There is something strange behind her eyes. Not exactly jealous, but a little bit sad. She says nothing. She just turns, helping Nick from the room, if he accepts it. Otherwise, heading out alone.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods to the offered hand, taking it and using Karrin for the tiny brace she has become. And so they make their retreat together with a shared mental warcry.

.oO(BEER!)Oo.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith wraps his arms around Buffy and gives her a loving squeeze, but glances over at Dawn and says "If you need to talk, you can give me a call you know?" he says simply. After all, what is family for.

Spike has posed:
     Down on street level, Spike gets on his motorcycle and pauses long enough to light his cigarette. Joyce seems like a decent sort so he doesn't light up in the house. Instead he takes a slow drag and exhales as he looks at the house once more,"Bloody deserve each other." he mutters and starts the bike,"It's time to see what Gotham has to offer." With that he rides off.