Chapter 6: Bending Reality

Spike opened his eyes and looked around groggily. His eyes fell on the figure sleeping in the chair by his bed. He looked around at the machines he was hooked up to.

Spike struggled in vain to sit up as he continued to look around in confusion.

"Angel." Spike said quietly as he shifted his position and looked at the slumbering man at his side.

Angel opened his eyes and stood quickly and came to stand beside Spike.

"Spike, you gave us quite a fright lastnight. We were all pretty worried." Angel said as he placed a hand on Spikes shoulder.

Spike just looked at him sheepishly and smirked.

"Willow was here. She'll be stopping by later to see you." Angel said as he poured a glass of water for Spike.

Spike took the water and drank it down greedily.

"Red was here? Although I guess the name Red doesn't fit anymore, considering her hairs white since her becoming a goddess and all." Spike chuckled.

"Yeah I guess." Angel said as he looked at him steadily.

"So when can I get out of here?" Spike asked as he looked at the tubes attached to his wrists.

"Not for awhile yet." Angel said as he continued to stare at him.

"Yeah. Well, I'm not gonna stay here much longer mate. How's Buffy doing? Where is she?" Spike asked as he started scratching his wrists where the tubes were attached.

"Spike you have to get more rest. You're not fully healed yet." Angel said as he pushed Spike back to laying down.

"I'm fine. I want to see Buffy." Spike said as he looked at Angel questioningly.

"Sleep Spike." Angel replied as he pulled Spikes blankets back up.

"Why won't you let me see Buffy?" Spike said as his anger started to rise.

"You have to rest now Spike."Angel said trying to calm Spike down.

Spike shoved Angel away as he pulled the tubes from his arm and got out of bed. "I'll find her myself." Spike spit out as he made it to the hallway.

"Spike get back here. Your not well enough." Angel said as he pushed the button on the wall by his bed.

Spike didn't get very far before he was grabbed by a couple of orderlies and brought back to his room, followed by his doctor.

"I know what this is. You're still pissed that Buffy chose me." Spike yelled as he was strapped to the bed. The doctor pulled out a needle and quickly sedated Spike.

"You can't stand the fact she loves me, that she chose me over you." Spike said venomously.

"BUFFY.....................BUFFY." Spike yelled as his eyes began to droop.

"When she finds out what you're doing, she's gonna stake your lily ass peaches." Spike uttered as he passed out.

Angel just looked down at Spike as his brows knitted together.

~~ ~~ ~~

FLASHBACK

~~ ~~ ~~

"Of course you know we'll have to get married again." Spike said as he held Buffys hand.

"I know. Dawn is exceedingly pissed right now. So is Giles." Buffy said as her brow knitted together. "Faith and Angel too." Buffy added.

"We should have thought about that before we got married. But when you asked me to marry you, all coherant though vanished from my mind." Spike replied as he placed a kiss to her temple.

"I just wanted it to be me and you. I know it sounds selfish. But I wanted it to be private." Buffy replied as she layed her head on his shoulder.

Spike just smiled to himself as the plane started down the runway.

..........a couple hours later.

"Buffy." Spike said quietly as he carressed her cheek.

Buffy slowly opened her eyes and looked at him as she smiled lovingly.

"We're here love." Spike said as he started to stand, helping Buffy to her feet.

Buffy and Spike made their way off the palne and into the airport and over to baggage claim.

After finding their bags they started walking only to stop dead in their tracks.

They looked in front of them with alittle bit of fear. Spike crammed his free hand into his pocket and looked down at his feet. Buffy looked around before looking at her feet as well.

Both of them seemed to look like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

In front of them stood Giles, Faith and Dawn. All with very pissed off expressions an their faces.

"Before you say anything, we are planning to have wedding." Spike said trying to calm everyone down.

"Oh. Really? That's great. Will we at least be invited to this one? Giles said tightly.

Spike and Buffy swallowed hard as they quickly looked at each other, knowing they were not gonna get out of this unscathed.

They just dropped their heads again and followed them out of the airport.

"Well that was a helluva night." Faith said dropping her jacket just inside of the door as Buffy and Spike followed her in.

"Where'd they all come from?" Buffy said scrunching brows.

"It was definately a force to be reconed with. Not one I peticularly want to face again." Spike said as he took the bags up stairs to the room.

"That bad?" Giles asked as he came into veiw.

"It was a nightmare Giles." Buffy said as her and Faith moved into the livingromm and flopped down on the couch.

"Well, if I remember correctly, I told you not to put it off. You kept saying there was plenty of time." Giles said smugly as he sat down in his chair.

"I know. My bad. But who would've thought so many other people put off their Christmas shopping until the last moment." Buffy replied pouting slightly.

"Apparently alot of people procrastinate. You say this every Christmas yet you still wait until the last possible second." Giles said as he got up to answer the phone when it began ringing.

"Hello." Giles said as he rubbed his temple.

"Oh hello Angel...........Yes just one minute. I'll get him." Giles said as he set the phone down.

Giles went to the stairs and called Spike telling him to pick up the extension.

Giles walked back to the phone and put it to his ear unti he heard Spike on the line then hung up.

Giles walked back into the living room and sat back down.

"Angel?" Buffy asked.

Giles nodded his head as he read the paper.

Buffy let her head fall against the back of the couch and closed her eyes.

"That means Spike will be heading to L.A. over Christmas." Buffy said quietly.

"You don't know that B." Faith said.

"Yeah, I do. Whenever Angel calls, Spike goes to L.A." Buffy replied monotone.

"Go with him. At least then you'll spend Christmas together." Faith said as she took a drink of her water.

"Dawnie's flying in for Christmas. Dad had a business trip, so Dawn was planning on coming here. So we could all be together. With you and Giles, plus Xander was planning on coming too." Buffy answered quietly.

"Well we don't know for sure he's even going yet." Faith said as she heard Spike coming down the stairs.

Spike came to sit beside Buffy when he saw the dejected look on her face.

"Buffy love, what's wrong?" Spike asked placing a hand on her knee and squeezing gently.

"When are you leaving for L.A.?" Buffy asked quietly.

Spike dropped his head. "I have to leave tonight." Spike replied quietly.

Buffy stood up making Spikes hand fall from her knee, and started walking upstairs to their room.

"Buffy." Spike called.

Buffy just kept walking and ignoring him.

Spike watched the stairs until he heard the bedroom door shut.

Spike leaned back on the couch not sure what to do.

"You better go talk to her." Faith stated. "She's pretty pissed right now."

Spike pulled himself up from the couch and followed in Buffys footsteps.

He slowly entered the room and closed the door behind him. He walked over and sat beside her on the bed,

Buffy immediately got up and started pacing.

"Buffy.....love ar you gonna tell me what's bothering you?" Spike asked.

"What do you think is bothering me?" Buffy questioned back still pacing.

"If I knew I would be asking now would I."Spike stated as his voice started to rise.

"How long have we been together now?" Buffy asked as she crossed her arms and stood in front of him.

"Uh......couple years." Spike said wearily.

"Almost two and a half years now. Married for almost one year. Angel sees you more than I do. Why do you have to keep going there? We haven't even been able to have a wedding because you're always in L.A." Buffy said frustrated.

Spike let out a deep breath as he raked his finger through his hair.

"I know. I made a promise. It's my job Buffy." Spike said quietly.

"No it's not. It's Angels job. He did fine before you got there, why does he need you now?" Buffy said as she flopped down on the bed beside him.

"The First decided to make itself known." Spike said quietly.

"What?" Buffy said whispering.

Spike told her about the prophecy with Zoe and the first, and his part in it.

"Why didn't you tell us any of this before?" Buffy asked.

"Wasn't planning on telling you at all." Spike replied honestly. "You survived it before. There's no saying you will again. I wanted you as far away from the fight as I could keep you." Spike said as he rested his head in his hands.

"You know that's not gonna happen right." Buffy said as she got up and headed to the door.

"Where are you going?" Spike asked quietly.

"To talk to Giles." Buffy said as she walked out of the room.

Spike closed his eyes as he cradled hi head in his hands. Spike inhaled deeply feeling like a weight had been placed on his chest.

Spike slowly got up and packed his bag before going downstairs.

~~**~~**~~**~~

"You should have told us Spike." Giles said as they all sat around the diningroom table.

"I was doing what I thought was best." Spike replied as he lit a smoke.

"I can see why you kept quiet. I wish you had said something, but I can see where you were coming from." Buffy said as she grabbed his hand.

"You know we're in it now." Faith said as she looked at Spike.

Spike nodded as he looked at Buffy. "I know." he whispered holding her hand tighter.

Spike felt dread crashing all around him as he looked at her and to the faces that sat around the table.

~~~present day~~~

Angel stood in front of the hospital room, looking through the small window.

"How long has he been this aggitated?" Angel asked as he turned to face the doctor.

"Almost twenty four hours. He managed to free himself of the restraints, almost immediately attacking the nurse and orderly. I was able to finally sedate him. But when he comes to, this is how he is." The doctor said indicating Spikes present behaivior.

"I can see you out there Angel. I'm gonna kill you for doing this to me." Spike yelled from inside his padded room. Struggling with the straitjacket, trying to get free.

"Buffy is gonna kick you ass when she finds me Peaches." Spike said as exhaustion started taking over.

Angel and the doctor watched as he slowly skid to the floor and closed his eyes as sleep took him over.

"Buffy is his......"The doctor started to say.

"His wife." Angel finished as he continued to watch Spike.

The doctor nodded as he flipped open his chart.

~~**~~**~~

flashback

~~**~~**~~

Spike and Buffy descended the stairs to the lobby of the Hyperion.

Spike was scowling and Buffy looked none to impressed.

"Good morning Spike. Buffy." Wesley said from behind his desk.

"Whatever. I'm going out." Spike said in a clipped tone as he walked out the door and down the street.

"Is there something I should know?" Wesley asked as his brows furrowed.

"He doesn't want me here. He wants me back home, where it's safe. It a hellmouth, and he thinks it's safer than here. He'll get over it." Buffy said as she came up and sat in the chair beside Wesley.

Wesley chuckled as he grabbed his coffee.

"I can see his point though. You all barely survived the last time. He wants to make sure you're safe Buffy." Wesley said matter of factly.

"We survived. Spike didn't. He may be here now, because the powers want him here. But if they hadn't intervened, he wouldn't be. I want to make sure he survives." Buffy stated as she grabbed the coffee Wesley offered her.

"Morning." Angel said as he came into the lobby.

"Hey Angel." Buffy replied.

Wesley just nodded his greeting as he took a drink of coffee.

"Has the First made anymore appearances sine our last visit?" Buffy asked.

"Yes it has." Wesley said. "Since it's first appearance two months ago, it's been here almost on a weekly basis." Wesley said as he grabbed a donut.

"Can't keep a good thing down. Isn't that right luv."

Buffy turned quickly to see Spike standing in the middle of the lobby. Except it wasn't Spike.

"What's the matter Pet. Didn't you miss me?" Spike smirked.

Buffy got up and walked closer.

"Look Angel. The taunter is back." Buffy said sarcastically.

Spike smiled widely. "Are we gonna dance again luv? It was a bag of laughs the first time. All those young girls dead. Because of you."

"No, you killed them. Not me. And the answer to your question is yes. We are gonna dance. And I'll win.......again." Buffy said as she saw Spike walk through the doors.

"Oh goody. You're back." Spike quipped as he walked over and stood by Buffy.

The First shifted it's form to look like Buffy.

The First started to open her mouth to speak, but Spike cut her off quickly.

"You know there is nothing you can say that's gonna have even the slightest affect on us. We've played your game before. We know what you're about." Spike said as he leaned against the counter.

"Things change. I see you have. I'll be looking forward to our dance." The First said as it shifted back to Spikes form, smiling at Buffy before disappearing.

Buffy rolled her eyes as she turned back to the others.

Angel and Wesley just stared at them.

"What?" Buffy and Spike asked in unison.

"Although I was very amused by the display, I don't think you should have spoken like that." Wesley replied.

"Well it's better for us if she doesn't know we're worried. Less for her to work with." Spike replied. "You shouldn't be here love." Spike said quietly as he turned to face Buffy.

"I'm not leaving you." Buffy replied ending the conversation.

Buffy and Spike dragged themselves into the hotel only to collapse on the stairs exhausted.

They were quickly followed by Angel, Zoe and Wesley with Gunn bringing up the rear.

"Gotta say, she's definately trying harder. That bitch." Buffy said as she laid her head on Spikes shoulder.

Spike and Wesley chuckled, Gunn and Angel just shook theor heads and smiled.

"C'mon baby. Been a long night. Let's get some sleep." Spike said as he carressed her arm.

Buffy nodded and started to rise.

"See you in the morning." Buffy said over her shoulder as they went up the stairs.

Everyone bid goodnight and went their separate ways to get some much deserved sleep.

~~**~~**~~**~~

Present Day

~~**~~**~~**~~

"So how is he?" Willow asked as she came to sit beside Angel.

"The same. Have you seen....." Angel started but didn't finish his question.

"Yeah. I just came from there. They say there's very little chance she'll come out of the coma." Willow replied quietly.

Angel turned at looked at the door leading to Spike's room.

"Nothing can be done to bring her out?" Angel asked quietly.

"Nothing. I'm sorry. The longer she's in the coma. the less her chance of waking up." Willow replied.

A tear slid down Angels face. "How can I tell him that?" Angel asked whispering as the question caught in his throat.

"I don't know Angel. He's not handling everything so well right now. Maybe we should keep it from him for awhile. Just until he's able to cope." Willow suggested and she carressed his back.

Angel wiped his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Angel, have you had time for yourself yet?" Willow asked worriedly.

"I'm okay Willow. I've had time to grieve. Doesn't hurt any less. I just can't leave him like this." Angel replied sadly.

"Angel."

Willow and Angel turned to see the nurse standing beside him.

"Yes." Angel said as he stood up.

"You said you wanted to be kept posted on her condition. The doctor would like to see you now. He's waiting at the end of the hall." The nurse said as she gave him a sympathetic look and turned to leave.

Angel gripped Willow hand as they walked down to where the doctor was.

The doctor signed a form and handed the clipboard to the nurse then turned to face Angel and Willow.

"Doctor, you wanted to speak with me." Angel said cautiously.

"Yes I did. I'm sorry to have to tell you this. She passed away about five minutes ago. According to our records no heroic measures were to be taken. No resusitation or life support as per her wishes. Whom do I contact to make arrangements?" The doctor asked quietly.

"Her next of kin is Spike." Angel said quietly. "I'll take care of the arrangements." Angel said as he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.

~~**~~**~~**~~

flashback

~~**~~**~~**~~

"Spike." Buffy breathed as she clawed at his back, meeting him thrust for thrust.

Spike raised himself to his knees and grabbed her by the thighs and dove into her harder and harder.

"Buffy.........god........so beautiful." Spike breathes as he watched her thrash around.

"So good.......don't stop." Buffy said as her inner walls started contacting.

Spikes eyes rolled back as he felt her tightening even more around him.

"Spike........." Buffy screamed as she climaxed.

Spikes jaw tightened as he went over the edge.

Spike collapsed on top of Buffy breathing erratically.

"That was....." Buffy said.

"Amazing." Spike finished.

Spike enveloped Buffy and rolled onto his back bringing her to lay on his chest.

They layed together not talking just carressing one another for several minutes.

"I wish you'd change your mind and go back to New York. You don't have to be in this." Spike said softly.

"No. I'm not leaving you. Not this time. I have to know you're alright.

If something happened to you and I wasn't here.........." Buffy said stopping to swallow the lunp in her throat.

"Nothings gonna happen to me Buffy. I'll be fine. When it's over I'll be back with you for good." Spike replied.

Buffy just shook her head. "Not leaving without you." Buffy said quietly but very determined.

Spike and Buffy boarded the plane and took their seats.

"Did Angel say who was picking us up at the airport?" Buffy asked as she laid her head on Spikes shoulder.

"Gunn and Fred will be meeting us there. Wesley's out on a job right now." Spike replied as he draped his arm over her shoulder.

"Seems like we just got back to New York yesterday and we're already heading back to L.A." Buffy said quietly.

Spike chuckled quietly. "Pretty damn close luv." Spike said as he placed a kiss on her temple.

Buffy let out a deep breath as she closed her eyes.

Buffys brow crinkled slightly as she remembered a conversation she had had with Faith the previous night while on patrol. Buffy opened her eyes as she shifted and looked at Spike.

"Do you beleive in reincarnation?" Buffy asked curiously.

Spike looked at Buffy taken aback by the strange question. "Never gave it much thought luv. What brought about this line of thinking?" Spike asked smiling.

"Something Faith said. She read somewhere............that some people believe when we die, our souls are reborn and we keep coming back until we do what we were supposed to do. Until we get it right." Buffy answered.

Spike took a deep breath as he mulled over her thoughts.

"I'm not sure what to think about something like that." Spike finally replied.

"I don't know if I believe that either. But...................one thing I know for sure." Buffy said as she looked into Spikes eyes. "I'd always choose you. In every life................it would be you." Buffy said whispering.

Spike smile as he brought his hand up and carressed her face.

"It will always be you Buffy." Spike said quietly. " Forever. No amount of time will ever diminish what I feel for you. Just makes it stronger, every passing day. You'll always be the one for me." Spike replied.

~~~~~~~~~

Present day

~~~~~~~~~

Angel and Willow stood side by side as the rain poured down. Xander stood between Willow and Giles. The tears that were falling down their faces was well masked by the rain. Willow looked around at the crowd. So many people had come. Willows eyes rested on Xander as she watched him fall to his knees, burying his face in his hands.

Willow knelt down and wrapped her arms around him. No soothing words were forthcoming, she just held him and let him cry.

Willow stole a glance in Angels direction. His movements mimicked those of Xanders. In a flash Giles was over to Angels side, doing for Angel what Willow was doing for Xander.

Willow noticed how much Giles had aged in the last few months. His eyes no longer shined, they seemed to be almost empty, cold like the rain that was falling on them.

Willow held it together until she saw the casket being lowered into the ground. Sobs began to erupt from her throat causing Xander to put his arms around her holding to him like a life line.

*How many times are we going to have to go through this?* Willow thought to herself as people started to leave the cemetary.

"How can this be happening?" Xander croaked out between breaths. "Haven't we lost enough already?" Xander finished as he buried his face in his hands again.

"I know Xand........I know." Willow said through her own tears.

Slowly they all gathered their strength and made their way from the cemetary. All except one. Faith sat over the grave, watching everyone walk away. She stayed there for a few minutes longer, staring at the coffin.

Faith raised her head to the sky, letting the rain run over her face. Wishing the rain would wash away her grief.....the pain. Faith was jarred out of her thoughts when Xander appeared at her side. She took in his red swollen eyes. She nodded signaling she was ready to go. Xander ran his hand over her face gently before walking her back to the car.

~~~~~~~~

Flashback

~~~~~~~~

Spike and Buffy entered the club and grabbed a table.

"Patrol seemed pretty quiet." Buffy said as she rested her hand on Spikes.

"Calm before the storm love." Spike said as he he grasped her hand tighter and started to rise. "Dance with me." Spike said as pulled Buffy from her chair and guided her to the dancefloor.

~~~How do I............

get through the night wothout you?

If I had to live without you,

What kind of life would that be?~~~

Buffy melted in to Spikes arms as they slowly moved to the music.

Spike buried his face in Buffys neck as his hold tightened.

~~~Oh...I

I need you in my arms, need you to hold,

Your my world, my heart, my soul,

If you ever leave,

Baby you would take away everything good in my life~~~

Buffy turned her head so he face rest in the crook of his neck, placing a soft kiss, just below the lobe of his ear,her fingers lightly carressing the nape of his neck.

~~~And tell me now,

How do I live without you?

I want to know,

How do I breathe without you?

If you ever go,

How do I ever, ever survive?

How do I, how do I, oh how do I live?~~~

Spike lifted his head and turned to meet her eyes. He smiled slightly as his fingers lightly carressed her cheek. He brought his fingers down as his thumb lightly traced her bottom lip.

~~~Without you,

There'd be no sun in my sky,

There would be no love in my life,

There would be no world left for me,

And I...........

Baby I don't know what I would do,

I'd be lost if I lost you,

If you ever leave,

Baby you would take away everything real in my life~~~

Spike dipped his head and captured her lips in a slow gentle kiss.

In that moment nothing else around them seemed to exist.

Buffy returned the kiss just deep and slow, going to the beat og the music, letting their feeling flow through freely.

~~~And tell me now,

How do I live without you?

I want to Know,

How do I breathe without you?

If you ever go,

How do I ever, ever survive?

How do I, how do I, oh how do I live

Please tell me baby,

How do I go on?~~~

They broke the kiss as Spike rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes, losing himself in her arms. Living for her, living for her only.

~~~If you ever leave,

Babay you would take away everything,

I need you with me,

Baby don't you know that you're everything,

Real in my life?

And tell me now,

How do I live without you?

I want to know,

How do I breathe without you?

If you ever go,

How do I ever, ever survive?

Hoe do, how do I, oh how do I live?

How do I live without you?

How do I live without you baby?~~~

Spike kept Buffy in his arms as the song faded out.

"I don't think I could survive if I lost you Buffy." Spike said quietly.

"We'll never find that out. I'm not going anywhere." Buffy replied as she stayed in Spikes arms as the next song started.

Chapter 11: Chaos Reigns

"I've been thinking about that question you asked me. About reincarnation. I'd wait an eternity to be with you." Spike said as he looked at Buffy.

"So would I." Buffy said as she smiled back, before turning back to look

at the hordes of ubervamps and other demons coming towrds them.

While the First stood in front laughing at them .

"Stay by my side." Spike said as he braced himself for the attack.

Buffy nodded as she tightened her grip on her sword.

Angel and Wesley stood their ground along with the other slayers that chose to come.

Willow, Xander, Faith and Giles stood to the other side of Spike and Buffy, all prepared for what might happen.

In a split second the sounds of metal clanging, bodies hitting the ground and cries of agony peircing the air.

Willow threw fireballs, igniting fires as it burned their enemies to ash.

When more demons came breaking their line, they became separated.

Spike and Buffy fought feircely and desperately trying to get back to one another.

Spike saw Faith fall from a vicious blow to her back, landing heavily not able to rise.

"BUFFY." Spike yelled slicing through demons trying to get to her.

"SPIKE." Buffy yelled back trying to get to him.

At every turn their efforts were hampered as more demons seemed to come out of no where.

**********************

Present Day

Spikes heart monitor started beeping as nurses ran into the room, paging the doctor.

"What the hell is going on?" Angel asked getting angry when no one would answer him.

"Sir we're doing what we can, you'll have to wait." The nurse replied as she ran back into the room closing the door behind her.

"Angel what's happening?" Willow said frantically coming to his side.

"I don't know." Was all he said as he closed his eyes letting the tears fall.

Willow closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. She looked over when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder.

Her tears fell when she saw Giles standing beside her, Xander and Faith she could see over Giles left shoulder.

*Eveyone is here. Oh god.......it's happening again.* Was all Willow could think as she leaned into Giles arms.

***************************

They beat down the demons and ubervamps, but not at a loss. Many of the S.I.T's had fallen as did friends.

Spike saw Zoe approaching the First.....who was becoming corporeal.

"No...Zoe wait." Spike said cutting a demon in half as he came to her side. Glancing and spotting Buffy fighting one of the last few demons.

"I know how to do it. Kill the first." Zoe said calmly as the knowledge of what she had to do washed through her.

Spike looked at her questioningly.

"It always about the blood. My blood mixing with the Firsts. It had to become corporeal in order to destroy it." Zoe said smiling slightly as she looked at Spike.

"Good bye Spike." Zoe said as she ran towards the First.

Before Spike could respond he saw Zoe pick up a peice of rebar, holding it to her stomach and running directly to where the First was standing in front of collapsed wall.

Spike ran after her as he saw her catch the First off guard embedding the steel into it's stomach, the First just laughing at Zoe.

"Time for you to go to hell." Zoe said as she smiled at the First before throwing herself against the First pushing them against the wall behind them as they both flew back, the rebar peicing her stomach.

Zoe smiled as the First looked horrified as she felt her blood seeping from her into the First.

Zoe stood their pinned to the First with a smile as her life drained from her, knowing she won.

Power flew out of the Firsts body as she began to shake.

Spike just made it to Zoe when the last burst of power came from the First as she exploded, bringing the wall down ontop of Zoe and Spike.

********************

Buffy screamed as she beheaded the last demon and it's body fell to the ground.

Buffy sank to her knees as exhaustion came over her.

She sat there momentarily, gathering strength. "SPIKE." Buffy yelled. When she heard no response she rose to her feet.

Her eyes were tearing and burning from all the smoke billowing from everywhere. Her throat was raw and sore from inhaling the smoke.

"SPIKE." Buffy screamed his name as her tears fell. Slowly and painfully making her way around all the dead corpses strewn all over the ground. Tripping occasionally due to the smoke being so think it hindered her sight

.

"SPIKE." She cried as she fell to the ground holding her stomach, which was bleeding profusely.

Buffy cried as she tried to crawl, not giving up her search for Spike.

"Buffy." Angel said as he came to her side and helped her to her feet.

"I......c-c-can't find Spike." Buffy said looking around wildly.

"Stay with me. I'll help you find him." Angel said as she clung to him and they made their way around the entire battle zone.

As the smoke started to clear Buffy looked around more frantically.

Buffy and Angel stood over the body of Zoe. That's when Buffy noticed the ring on the hand sticking out from the rubble beside Zoe's body.

Buffy stomach started to convulce as the contents of her stomach came out and fell to the ground.

Angel held her as she began sobbing , she shook him off and moved to the pile of rocks and began pushing them aside.

"No,no,no,no,no...." Buffy kept crying as she removed the rocks.

Angel looked on a little confused until he realized who was under the rocks.

He jumped in and quickly removed the last of the debris to uncover Spikes crumpled form.

"No. You promised you wouldn't leave me." Buffy cried as she rocked back and forth.

She grabbed his hand and looked at his face. He looked like he was only sleeping.
Buffy took a deep breath as she held his hand.

Buffys eyes closed as she took on a white sheen to her complexion. She had lost too much blood, her strength drained as her eyes closed. Her body fell onto Spikes as she lost conciousness.

Just before she slipped into darkeness she heard sirens coming closer.