Disclaimer at the beginning of part 1

Rating: PG (I think)

Innocence lost,someone found- part 1e- by Sha


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Struggling to her knees, Buffy looked around her to see who all was hurt. Seeing that Angel, Willow and Oz was none the worse for wear, she focused her attentions on Xander.

Crawling over to him, she was heart broke to see that he was passed out. "Oh please Xand, wake up, wake up for Buffy, please. I'm so sorry." Leaning over him she fought the tears back, tears she didn't want to waste on self pity. Turning, she yelled out to the others, "Guys, help me get Xander to the van. He needs to go to the hospital now!"

As carefully as they could, they picked Xander up and carried him to the van. Putting him inside, they all jumped in and headed off to the hospital.Once there, Buffy jumped out and ran inside for help. Going to the nearest personnel she could find, she explained that her friends had been mugged and were hurt. One with a broken arm, the other unknown injuries.


As she spoke, Oz,Willow and Angel came through the door. The nurse Buffy had talked to checked Oz out and sent him to x-ray, she then grabbed a stretcher and went outside for Xander.

"Doctor! I have yet another mugging victim, he's unconscious,pupils are dilated unevenly, breathing is very shallow.Internal injuries are a possibility.I'd say a definite concussion." Turning to Buffy, she smiled,"You can't go back here with him, you'll have to go to the waiting room down the hall."

Before she could protest,Angel wrapped her in his arms and led her to the room.Inside Cordy and Anya sat,tears streaming down their faces.Seeing Buffy, they jumped up and gave her a hug,asking about the others.

Eyes downcast, Buffy explained what had happened. "Buffy, Xander and I both knew what we were getting into when we agreed to help. You couldn't have kept Xander away if you knocked him out beforehand. I'm so sorry about your mom and Spike,but Buffy they didn't die in vain.Never forget that.They wouldn't want you too."

Smiling at the former demon, Buffy turned to Cordy, the question in her eyes.

Swallowing hard, Cordy gently broke the news to Buffy. " Percy will be fine.He broke both his legs, but he was really lucky.Giles, well Giles wasn't so lucky. The angel burned Giles pretty bad.I'm still waiting for the nurse to bring me news on him. I'm sorry Buffy, I feel like I failed somehow."


Hugging her tight, Buffy silently cried for the innocence all her friends had lost."Oh Cordy, you didn't do anything wrong, if you hadn't been there, the others wouldn't have gotten to the hospital when they did. We'll just sit here and wait for the good news they will bring us. I need to go check on Oz. I'll come right back, I promise."


"Don't bother Buffy,I'm here." Everyone turned to see Oz, face gray, standing in the door way. "I tried to keep him here over night, but he wouldn't listen, said there was a girl that needed him more than he needed a bed. Make sure he's very careful with that wrist and if the pain gets too bad, have him take the pills I gave him. I have other patients that need my attention.Oz, make sure you go to your doctor asap and then you'll need that cast off in about 6 weeks."


Giving everyone a wave, the E.R. doctor left the room. Oz walked over to Buffy and took her in his arms. "Are you all right Buffy?"

Holding on for dear life, Buffy couldn't answer.Walking to a chair,Oz sat Buffy down,taking a seat beside her. Taking that as a cue, everyone else sat as well. All waiting for the news on their friends.

A few minutes later, Willow walked into the room. "Hey guys, Percy is doing great. The doctor said that his legs should heal in no time.Buffy, I think you should have your head looked at. It's still seeping a little blood."

"I'm fine,I'll heal faster than everyone here.That's the way it always works. You guys help me out, I let you, and you all get the bum end of the deal."


"Buffy! That's enough!" Everyone looked at Angel in shock, they had never heard him use that tone with Buffy before. Ignoring Oz's warning glance,Angel continued." Before this all began each one of us was asked if we wanted to help. We all said yes freely and on our own.I saw both Spike and your mom Buffy. They both jumped in front of you to protect you because they loved you. They gave their lives to protect yours. Given the chance, we all would.Buffy,every night you do the world a service, if we can help and give some ourselves, well then, we feel pretty damned important. Don't cheapen what they did for you by calling it a mistake or an error. Always treasure the gift they gave. I know it hurts, but that will lessen over time.You need time."


Before anyone could say a word, yet another doctor walked in. "Is there an Anya and Buffy here?" The two girls stood up nodding. "A Xander Harris said to tell Buffy he was fine and he wants to see Anya.Also, Rupert Giles has requested that Buffy come see him."

The two rushed out of the room, the others forgotten in their rush.The doctor smiled and said that all was fine and promised to bring more news later.Again, they played the waiting game.


It wasn't too long before Anya came back, a grin on her face. "Xander is fine.He has a concussion and broken ribs but other wise is great. He was awake and said to tell all of you hello and go home and get some rest. He knew about Spike and Joyce but I-I didn't tell him about Giles or Percy, I didn't want him t-to worry."

Willow crossed the room and gave Anya a hug."You did the right thing, he needs to get better. There isn't anything he can do by knowing anyway."

"Come on guys, I'll drive everyone home.Oz are you staying?" Seeing his nod,Cordy turned to the others."Ready? Oz can call if there's any news.Come on Angel, Oz will stay for Buffy. It's almost sunset, you need to get under some cover."

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"Giles, Giles it's Buffy, can you here me?" Leaning over the bed, Buffy looked at Giles face. "I'm here, I'll stay right here until you don't need me any more."

"That'll-never-happen-B-Buffy." Giles, his voice raspy and weak, grabbed Buffy's hand."I'll always-need-you."

"Shh, hush Giles, rest.I'll stay here."

"Buffy, the-others.How?"

"They're fine Giles,just fine. It's you we're all worried about.What is wrong Giles? What did they tell you?"

"Said I'd be fine.Just needed some skin grafts to the back of my neck."Giles tried to laugh,but it came out as a croak.Coughing,he tried speaking instead."I always figured a vampire would take me out with a bite to the neck.I find it a little ironic that this happened instead.Sorry, so- tired- Buffy.Could you come back later? Need- sleep."


"Yeah, you sleep Giles, I'm just gonna go home and get some rest myself.I'll come back tomorrow." As quietly as possible, Buffy walked out of the room. Unable to face the others, she took off running as if chased by demons. Oz was coming around the corner and saw her flight.Stopping at Giles room, he saw that the watcher was awake. Going in for a minute, he went to the bed.


"Giles? It's me Oz." Turning, Giles smiled at Oz."thanks goodness.Tell me the truth Oz,what about the others? Buffy tried to lie, but she was never very good at it."

"Yeah, she just ran out, I need to go after her. She's not in the best frame of mind. Giles, Joyce and Spike didn't make it. The angel was getting ready to kill Buffy and they jumped in the way and died for her. She's putting on a brave front but......" Looking at Giles, Oz nodded towards the door. "I really need to go check on her. Xander and Percy are here in the hospital but they'll be fine. You rest and get better. I gotta go find our girl."

Reaching out quickly,Giles grabbed his hand." Hold her tight Oz. Let her feel your love.Make her stay with us. Hurry."

Nodding once more, Oz turned and hurried out of the hospital in pursuit of Buffy.


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