Price of Immortality

Parts: 1-7

E-Mail: sundevil48@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: Not mine. BtVS belongs to Joss. Highlander belongs to Panzer.

Distribution: The usual.

Rating: PG-13

Category: X-over

Key Couple: W/A/S

Summary: Guess

Dedicated to Kylia who is my inspiration.

Feedback, yes please. My first attempt at a W/A/S and I'm scared of how it is. Let me know.

Note: Okay, there is a story thats goes with Price of Immortality. It's called
Inmates Are In Charge of the Asylum. You can find it on willangel or you can E-Mail the author.

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

The fight was like all the others. Buffy and Spike took down the best fighters, while Xander and Willow held crosses and did what they could. At least, that's how it normally went. This time, a distraction caused a deadly mistake.

"Willow," a male voice called, making the witch turn in his direction and lose track of the vampire that she had been battling.

"Oz," se cried in disbelief at the sight of her ex boyfriend. Then she felt the cold hands of her attacker around her neck.

"Noooooo," Spike screamed as he watched helplessly. He quickly staked the vampire that he had been fighting and ran to Willow's side dusting the vampire that held her in his arms. But it was already too late. Spike caught her as she fell to the ground, lifelessly. He saw the strange angle that her head was in, and knew that her neck had been broken and that her death had been instantaneous. The blonde vampire didn't feel the blood red tears that began to course down his face as he cradled the red head to his chest. "no, Red, don't leave me. Please don't leave me."

Buffy finally defeated her and Xander's opponents and stared at the spot where Willow had lost her life, both in shock at the death of their friend.

They went over and knelt on either side of Spike, their tears mixing with his on her body, all three mourning the loss of someone they loved. They didn't even acknowledge Oz as he came to join them. That is, until he went to touch her body. Oz jumped back when Spike growled at him, full game face on.

"Get your god damn hands off of her, you bastard," the vampire hissed at the musician. "You killed her."

"I didn't," Oz denied. "I wouldn't. I love her."

"She died because you distracted her," Spike snarled, his sorrow at Willow's loss turning to anger as he faced the boy that had hurt her so long ago and was the reason that she now lay dead in his arms. "If you have only kept your big mouth shut, that she would still be alive."

Oz shook his head, trying to deny what Spike was saying, but he was unsuccessful. Sure, he had left Willow back in October, but that was because he needed to deal with his wolf. He knew that she would understand eventually. She was like that and it was one of the reasons he loved her.

And that's why he was back, because he realized that he needed Willow in his like. When he saw her fighting that vampire, the only thing he could do was call out to her. He hadn't meant to distract her. Her death was the last thing he wanted.

"I'm sorry," was the only thing he could say.

"Sorry," Spike shouted. " I should rip your bloody heart out. And I would, it I thought it would do any good. The only thing that is keeping you alive right now is the fact that at one time you were important to Willow and she wouldn't want me to hurt you, no matter how much I may want to."

"Spike," Buff said gently, resting her hand on the vampire's shoulders.

"This isn't doing any good for anyone. We need to call the police so that they can come pick up her body." Buffy was trying to be strong, but wasn't succeeding well. She had lost so much in her life and the fact that Willow was now gone hurt her more than anything. She could only imagine what the blonde vampire was going through. Xander couldn't say anything, the only thing he was capable of doing was stroking the red hair of his childhood friend. Oz looked on at the closeness of the three people, confused as to why Spike was included in the group. Before he had a chance to find out what was going on, a phone rang. Spike reached into his duster and jerked the cell phone from his pocket.

"What" He growled at the caller.

"Spike, what happened to Willow?" Angel asked from the other end of the phone. Angel had been talking to Cordelia and Wesley about a case that Kate Lockley had brought to their attention when he was hit by a sudden lose. He knew that it meant one of two things, and either possibility scared the souled vampire to death.

"Peaches, she's…." was Spike's only reply before he broke down into tears again. Buffy gently pried the phone from his cold hands.

"Spike," Angel called again.

"Angel, it's Buffy."

"What happened? Where's Willow?"

"Angel, I'm so sorry. She got distracted during a fight. A vampire. He broke her neck." Buffy's heart broke as she heard the anguished cry coming from her former lover. She listened as Cordelia and Wesley asked him what was wrong. "There was nothing we could do. She was already dead by the time Spike got to her. Angel, I think it would be a good idea if you got here as soon as possible. Spike needs you."

"I'll be there as quickly as possible," Angel replied, closing the connection. Buffy placed the phone on her pocket after calling Giles and the police.

"Spike, come on, you have to get out of here before the cops show up,"

Buffy prodded the grieving vampire. "You know the Initiative will probably show up and Willow wouldn't want you to risk getting captured again."

"I'm not leaving her," he whispered. "I promised Red that I would never leave her."

"I think she would understand." Buffy pulled Spike to his feet. The sounds of sirens already heard in the distance. "Go." Spike looked down at Willow once more before reluctantly leaving. Buffy, Xander and Oz watched him go.

"Okay, can someone please tell me why Spike was acting that way. And how did Angel know about Willow?" Angel looked at Oz, her anger at his stupidity in distracting Willow finally taking shape.

"Willow was their mate. When she dies, she took a part of both of them with her."

"Spike," Angel called to his childe as he entered the morgue. Cordelia had gotten the vampire to Sunnydale in record time, having decided that he was in no shape to drive there himself. When they had arrived at Giles home, Angel hadn't been surprised to see that Spike wasn't there. Without so much as a goodbye, Angel went to the one place he knew the blonde would be.

"Spike," Angel said again, coming up behind the blonde and wrapping his arms around him. He didn't say anything else, just stared at the pale, lifeless body of their mate. Their love. Their goddess.

"Damn it, why did she have to die," Spike whispered. "Why now? We only had two more days in this bloody town. Two lousy days."

"I know," Angel replied. "I should have been here. I shouldn't have left. Maybe if I had stayed this wouldn't have happened. She's still be alive."

The tears that Angel had been holding in, finally began to make their way down his face. "My place was by your side. I shouldn't have left."

"She told you to go," Spike reminded his sire. "She knew why you had to leave and she understood. She didn't want you to give up your quest for redemption. That's why we were moving to LA."

"Doesn't mean that this wasn't my fault. I still should have been here for her."

"Damn it, don't you dare do this," Spike growled, pulling away from Angel and turning to face him. "This wasn't your fault. As much as I hate it, this wasn't my fault. If it was anyone's fault, it's the damn wolf's. He's the one that called to her. He's the one that distracted her. He's the reason she's lying here." Angel reached out and grabbed Spike as the younger vampire broke down and wept. Whereas their love and obsession for Drusilla had driven them apart, the love of Willow ad brought them back together. She had been their shining light and they had willingly accepted the other's role in her life. Now that she was gone, they didn't have anything to hold on to and both were already making plans to see the next sunrise.

A gasp from the table beside them made both vampires turn towards it, shock registering on their faces. They both reached out a tentative hand to the apparition in front of them, certain that they had gone mad in their grief.

When their hands touched warm flesh, they both rushed forwards and took the person into their arms, showering her face with kissed, not even caring that the impossible had happened.

"Umm, guys, wasn't I dead?" A very much alive Willow Rosenberg asked.

End Part 1

"Guys," Willow said as she was smothered by the two vampires, "breathing still an issue here." Angel and Spike separated slightly, not willing to let her go for fear that she might disappear. Neither were quite ready to believe that she really was back from the dead.

"Willow," Spike whispered, placing his hand on her cheek. "How? I saw you die."

"I don't know," she replied. "One minute I was dead. The next I felt this sudden need for air and I woke up here."

"Well, I don't care how or why you came back," Angel stated. "I'm just glad that you did. I don't even want to think about what we would have done without you in our lives."

"Bloody hell, I know what I would have done," Spike swore. Willow held both her mates close to her, knowing exactly what Spike meant.

"I'm glad that we don't have to worry about that," she told them both. "At least, not right now." Suddenly Willow clutched her head in pain. Spike and Angel looked on, concerned about what was happening to the red head and afraid that they still might lose her.

"Luv, what's wrong?"

"Willow, what's happening?"

"Willow looked towards the morgue's doorway a moment before it opened.

Angel and Spike moved to stand between the man that entered and the woman they both loved. The man appeared to be in his mid thirties with long brown hair. The new arrival looked at the three people in the morgue, his eyes stopping on Willow. All four occupants looked at each other warily.

"Can we help you?" Angel asked the man. There was something about him that screamed different and he wanted to know more before he would be willing to let his guard down.

"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod and I'm looking for one Willow Rosenberg,' the man said. He watched as the other three people looked at each other and saw the protective way the men were with the women. He realized that the woman that had been assigned as Willow's Watcher had been right in asking for Joe's help in finding a teacher for her. The girl had
the potential of being someone very special.

"Why?" MacLeod looked from one man to the other, trying to figure out just the right way to explain what had happened. In most cases, once an Immortal is killed, their life and friends are left behind, but it was obvious , in
this case, that wouldn't be possible.

"I have something to discuss with her," Duncan made a move towards Willow but was stopped by the two vampires.

"And what is it you need to talk to her about?" Angel demanded.

"That's between the lady and myself."

"Sorry, mate, but that's where you're wrong," Spike told the Scot.

"Anything that concerns Willow, concerns us also."

"Spike, Angel, it's okay." Both vampires turned to look at Willow. "I can't say why, but I trust him." Willow jumped down from the table she was one and approached Duncan. "I'm Willow Rosenberg, Mr. MacLeod. What is it you want to talk to me about? Is it about what happened to me?"

"I think it would be better if we talked privately." Spike growled, while Angel just glared at the stranger.

"Spike, hush," Willow ordered, placing her hand on his arm. "Mr. MacLeod, whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of Spike and Angel. We have no secrets from one another. We can't." Duncan sighed as he realized that he would not get out of his assignment as easily as he had though. He inwardly cursed Joe for getting him involved with this. He had hoped that he would have been able to come to Sunnydale, get Willow and then leave without raising any suspicion. It was apparent that would not be the case.

"Do you know what happened tonight?" Duncan began. "Why you are here?"

"We were in a fight when I got distracted by Oz, my ex boyfriend. Then this vamp, I mean , guy had his hands around my neck. The next thing I knew, I woke up here with both Spike and Angel with me." Willow turned to Spike. "Is everyone okay? I mean..."

"No one got hurt luv," Spike assured her. "That is, other than you. Even wolfboy is still breathing, although I had some serious thoughts about killing him."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't," Willow told the blonde. Duncan cleared his throat, getting the pair's attention back to him. "Oh sorry. So do you know why I'm not dead, or undead as the case may be?"

"Yes," Macleod stated. "You are an immortal. What you experienced was your first death."

"First Death?"

"Yes. You see, as an immortal, it is possible for you to die, just not remain that way."

"So Willow can't die? Ever?" Angel questioned, wrapping his arms around the petite red head, joyous over the notion that she could be with them forever.

"Not by conventional means," Duncan went on. "You won't age or get sick.

You will have the ability to heal instantly. The only way you can be killed is if someone takes your head."

"Yeah, I can see where that could be a bit hazardous to your health," Spike observed. "Immortal or not."

"Just out of curiosity, why would someone want to cur off my head?" Willow asked. "I mean, I'd like to think that people don't want to kill me."

Spike and Angel chuckled. "I said people, not demons."

"Sorry, luv. Couldn't help it."

"Sorry." Duncan looked back and forth between the three people, trying to figure out what was going on. They were taking the news of Immortals much more easily than most. And what did she mean by demons.

"It's part of the game."

"Game?" Angel looked at Duncan, disgusted by the term. "Someone getting their head cut off is considered a game? I'd hate to see the prize."

"Actually no one know what the prize is," Duncan informed the trio. "Some say that whoever the last immortal is and there can be only one, they will become ortal. Others believe they will be able to rule all of humankind."

"Do I have to play this game?" Willow didn't like the idea of having to fight another living being. Vampire, yes. Human, no.

"There are some, like me, who try and avoid the game," the Scot told her.

"But if you are challenged, you have to fight. And there are some, called headhunters, who specifically seek out those whom they consider weak or inexperienced. A new Immortal is their ideal opponent."

"If that's the case, then we just make sure that Willow is never alone,"

Angel said. Duncan shook his head.

"No good. One of the rules of the game is no interference. If you come upon a fight, you cannot help the other immortal."

"Have I ever told you how much I hate following the bloody rules.

Especially someone else's," Spike swore.

"Spike, please, calm down," Willow begged the blonde vampire. "I know this is tough to handle, but we don't have a choice. Apparently this is going to be a part of my life now and I need to know all I can." Spike's blue eyes met Willow green ones and he found that, as usual, he was more than willing to do whatever she wanted. He bent down and kissed her gently on the lips.

"Fine, luv. I'll play it your way," He said.

"Thank you. Now, Angel, you too."

"What?" Angel protested. "I haven't said anything."

"I can feel the tension rolling off your body in waves." Willow turned to him. "Now promise to behave while Mr. Macleod explains things, okay?"

"And if I don't."

"Same ole Peaches. Stubborn as always," Spike teased. Willow just looked at Angel who, like Spike, found himself willing to do anything the hacker wanted.

"Fine, I won't say a word," he agreed reluctantly. Willow pulled Angel's head to hers and kissed him deeply, confusing Duncan who had thought that he had finally figured out the relationships in the trio.

"Okay." Willow turned back to Duncan, "you said there are rules. What else should I know?"

"Actually, there are only two major ones. The first I told you already,"

Duncan explained. "The other is that you cannot fight on holy ground. No immortal that has disregarded that rule, lived to tell about it. That's why its the best place to train a new immortal. I was planning on taking you to a St. Michael's sanctuary in Seacouver to train."

"Out of the question," Willow told the surprised Scot. "Sorry, can't go there. Have to choose somewhere less Catholic."

"Why?"

"Because Angel and Spike won't be comfortable someplace filled with holy water and crosses and they are going to be with me." Duncan looked at the two men.

"Why would they be uncomfortable?"

"They're vampires, that's why," Willow stated simply causing Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod to do something that he had never done. He fainted.

End Part 2

"Mr. Macleod, are you okay?" Willow asked as she bent over the recovering immortal. She was surprised that he had fainted when she told him about Spike and Angel being vampires. If what he said about Immortals was true, and she had no reason to doubt him considering that she was still alive, then she was sure that he must have come into contact with a vampire or demon in his time. "Mr. Macleod?" Duncan looked at Willow, Spike and Angel as if all three were attached to one body. He would swear that they were insane for believing that, not only were vampire real, but that they were said creatures if not for the fact that it would explain their easy acceptance of Immortality.

"I'm fine, Willow," Duncan said as he got to his feet. "Just a little unsure of what I heard. Did you say there were vampires?"

"Yes," Willow answered. Duncan again swore at Joe for sending him to Sunnydale. "I said they were vampires."

"That's what I thought I heard you say." Duncan looked back and forth from Spike and Angel. The way they were behaving with Willow went against all of the stories and legends that he had heard about vampires. "I thought vampires were ruthless killers, but your friends, Angel and Spike you said, appear to be anything but."

"Don't bloody remind me," Spike growled.

"Spike," Willow gently placed her hand on the blonde's arm. "I promised you that we would find a way to remove that chip and you know I never break my promises."

"I know pet."

"Excuse me, but what are the two of you talking about?' Duncan inquired. "What kind of chip?"

"A chip that makes it impossible for Spike to hurt any human." At Duncan's confused look, Willow continued. "There's a group of government demon hunters called the Initiative. They captured Spike a few months ago and implanted him with this chip that sends some kind of electric charge to his brain whenever he touches, or even thinks of hurting a human.

"Kind of puts a cramp in the bad ass vampire reputation that I worked so hard to make for myself over the years." Angel snorted, causing Spike to glare at him. "What are you laughing at, Peaches? At least I don't feel guilty for the things I've done in my life?"

"Nope, you just feel like you're impotent," Angel bit back. Spike growled as he approached his sire, only stopping himself when Willow stepped between the two.

"If you two don't start behaving yourselves, you'll be spending the night with only each other," Willow admonished the two vampires. "Do you understand me?"

"Understood," Angel grumbled.

"Got ya Red," Spike agreed. Willow turned towards Duncan again.

rry, Mr. Macleod. You'll have to forgive my mates. They tend to behave more like children than their actual ages," Willow explained.

"Mates?"

"Long story but, I'm sure you can understand there is no way that we can stay where you had originally planned," Willow again told Duncan. "Besides, why do I have to go anywhere. Why can't I train here in Sunnydale? Or, what about LA? That's where were going anyway. We were moving into Angel's place."

"And I take it your friends and family knew this," Duncan stated more than asked. Willow nodded her head.

"Of course they do," Willow thought of something and chuckled. "Man, wait until Giles hears about this. He'll have a field day researching."

"Not to mention the Slayer," Spike grinned.

"You can't tell them," Duncan informed them, causing Willow to look at him sharply. "It's for the best. If they continue to think your dead they cannot be used against you. It's one of the things that all Immortals have to deal with. If it wasn't for the fact that Spike and Angel were here when you woke, you wouldn't have even been able to tell them. Mates or not."

"That wouldn't have even been in question, Macleod," Angel replied testily.

"There's a bond between the three of us. We would have known Willow was alive, just as I knew that she had been killed even though I was in Los Angeles when it happened. It's one of the perks of our mating."

Duncan accepted what Angel told him. "Be that as it may, to the rest of the world, Willow Anne Rosenberg is dead, at least for a few years." Willow shook her head.

"No way," she argued. "I can't do that to the gang. We've been through too much. We're family." Duncan looked at the young girl whose strange life had been changed even more radically then she could imagine. He understood her feelings when it came to telling the people that she cared about that she was alive and he sympathisized, but he also remembered the reactions of his own people when he returned from the dead.

"Willow, I'm sorry. I truly am, but think about it," Duncan said softly.

"Your friends think you're dead. How will they react to you not only being alive, but also immortal?"

"We've been battling vampires and demons since sophomore year," the red head countered. "Hell, I'm mated to two master vampires. I'm pretty sure they would be able to handle it."

"As much as I hate it, pet, Duncan may be right." Willow looked sharply at Spike. "Hear me out. The Slayer and the moron already saw you dead, as did the wolf. They al know enough about the strange and unusual to not fully trust what MacLeod had been saying, even if you do. Not only that, there is the Initiative to think about and your folks." Angel saw where Spike was going with his speech and agreed with his childe.

"Spike's right kitten. Remember how hard it was for Buffy and the others to accept us. If it hadn't been for Delia and Wesley being so supportive, they would still be angry. Your parents won't even talk to you and they don't even know about the vampire part." Angel noticed Willow's face deflate as she remembered the difficulties that had come from her mating Angel and Spike. He took her in his arms and placed a kiss in her hair.

Angel looked over at the Scot. "You said something about Seacouver. Willow is right about the sanctuary, but there must be somewhere else that we could use."

"Well," Duncan thought for a minute, "we could use my dojo to train, but my place isn't big enough for everyone."

"We'll find a place to stay," Spike assured the older man as he joined Willow and Angel. "When do we leave?"

"As soon as possible," Duncan's eyes had sorrow in them as he again took in Willow. "I am truly sorry about this, but I promise to make this as easy as possible."

"Thank you, Mr. Macleod."

"Duncan, please." Willow smiled slightly and the Scot found himself envying the two vampires.

"Alright, Duncan." With that said, the four people left the morgue behind.

By the time Willow's body was discovered missing and her friends realized that Angel and Spike were also gone, they were well on their way to their new home.

End Part 3

"Hey, Duncan, welcome back," the Watcher greeted his immortal friend.

"Joe," Duncan said stiffly, still not quite forgiving the man for getting him involved with Willow and her mates.

"So how did your trip go? I though you were going to take Willow to St. Michael's."

"That was the original plan but she wouldn't go for it," Duncan informed the man as he brought him a drink. "She's going to be trained at the dojo instead."

"Amanda will just love that," came another voice from behind him. "A pretty young girl in such close proximity to you. That will set off her jealousy genes." Duncan shook his head.

"I don't think so, Methos. Not with this girl." Duncan and Methos looked towards the door as they felt the presence of another Immortal. "Sunset, just like she said," he commented when he saw Willow, Angel and Spike enter the bar. He signaled to them, attracting their attention. The trio made their way over to Duncan. "Did you have any trouble finding it?"

"Nope, your directions were perfect," Willow told him, looking around the club, "Nice place. I like it."

"Thank you." Joe beamed at the compliment to his bar. He reached over to greet Willow. "I'm Joe Dawson, the owner of this fine establishment."

"Willow. And this is Angel and Spike," the red-head pointed at each of her mates as she said their names.
 

"Spike?" Methos quirked his eyebrow. "What kind of name is that?" Before the blonde could say anything, Duncan did.

Like Methos is any better?" The elder Immortal shot Duncan a withering glare, not liking the idea of three strangers, one of them an Immortal, knowing who he really was. "Calm down Adam. They aren't interested in taking you head. They don't know you well enough for that yet." Everyone, but Methos, laughed at Duncan's teasing of his friend.

"Actually Spike's just a nickname he picked up quite a few years ago," Willow explained, "It was given to him by some people that didn't like him all that well." Angel choked back laughter at Willow's downplaying of Spike's history. "His real name is William, but only Angel calls him that and only when he has royally pissed him off."

"Surprised I don't use it more often," the elder vampire mumbled.

"Sod off, Peaches."

"Interesting friends you're picked up, MacLeod," Methos commented.

"Blame it on Joe. He's the one that sent me to Sunnydale in the first place," Duncan stated, before turning to face the Watcher. "Least you could have done was warn me about the damn town."

What do you mean?" A confused Joe asked.

"Come on, like you didn't know it was infested with vampires." Willow, Spike and Angel had given Duncan an all too detailed history of their lives on the Hellmouth. The Scot had been fascinated, surprised that after all the years that he had been living, he had not known that vampires and demons were real. When they told him about Slayers and Watchers, he had a feeling that somehow Joe was part of the same organization, even though their agendas and rules differed.

"Vampires?" Methos laughed. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Nope, deadly serious. So why didn't you tell me Joe. Afraid I wouldn't go if I knew?" Duncan continued to inquire. Joe pulled out a chair and sat at the table.

"Didn't really see a need to tell you," he told Duncan. "You were only going to be there for a short time and I didn't think you would run into any."

"Not to break the news to you, mate, but he did," Spike quipped, causing Joe to take a closer look at him and, when he did, his face turned white.

"William the Bloody," he whispered, just loud enough for everyone at the table to hear him. Spike smirked at the man's recognition of him. "And you said your name was Angel. Short for Angelus, correct?" Angel nodded and Joe looked between the four people that had just arrived from Sunnydale.

"MacLeod, what is going on here?"

"Well, funny thing happened when I went to pick up Willow. Turns out that there were two vampires, that also happen to be her mates, by her side, quite happy over her return to the living," he informed the stunned man. "And I take it you've heard of them." Joe nodded his head.

"There are quite a few records that detail the history of Angelus and his childe, William that Bloody, or Spike as he was later called because he had a tendency of torturing his victims with railroad spikes. The Watcher's Journals have classified them as "do not attempt to kill" because of the number of Slayers that have died at their hands."

"So you do know about the Slayer. Then that must mean Giles knows about Immortals," Willow said excitedly. "See, that means we can tell the other I'm alive. Giles can tell them what's happened to me."

"Are you talking about Rupert Giles?"

"Yes. He's Buffy's Watcher. Well, ex-Watcher since he got fired. She has this nasty tendency of getting her Watchers fired. Took poor Wes forever to get over it," Willow babbled. "If it wasn't for Delia and Faith, I think he would still be way too depressed about it."

"Willow, hon," Angel started.

"I know, babbling again. Sue me. I just can't wait to tell Buffy and the others the news.

"Wait a minute," Methos interrupted. "Can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on here?"

"Sorry, Adam. I forgot that you haven't worked your way up the ladder high enough in the Council to know everything. There's another branch of the Watcher's Council that guides and trains young girls that are destined to be the Slayer."

"And the Slayer is?"

"The one girl in all the world with the power and ability to battle vampires and other creatures that roam the night," sing-songed Spike, Willow and Angel who knew that tune by heart.

"Right. There are currently two Slayers, because the first died for a short time before being revived."

"That would be Buffy," Willow supplied, taking over. "The other is Faith, whom the Council would like to kill off because she told them all to go to hell and suggested a few ways to get there."

"I'm sure there are a few that she would even volunteer to help get there too, Red," Spike commented, garnering nods from his mates. Joe looked at the three, surprised at how knowledgeable they were about the Slayer situation, especially the two vampires. It had been awhile since he had been in contact with anyone on that branch of the Watchers and apparently, quite a few things have happened.

"Might I ask just how you came to possess so much information on the current Slayers?" Joe inquired.

"Sure. Buffy's been my best friend since sophomore year in high school and she's the reason I met Angel. I started helping her with research and everything," Willow explained. "Even went on patrols with her, although I usually just kept out of the way."

"Giles allowed this?"

"Didn't really leave him much of a choice," Willow remembered, smiling. "I think Giles was just happy that we were willing to help him do the research thing. Gave him some time to himself, although I think we did test his
patience more often than not."

"Did?" Spike questioned in a teasing voice. "What do you mean did?"

"Okay, so we still test his patience," Willow conceded. "Especially a certain blonde vampire that I love." Spike sat up straighter, taking pride in that statement.

"Damn straight. Just because I can't hurt people doesn't mean I have to always play nice with the Slayer."

"Whatever Blondie," Angel snorted. "Just admit it. You love getting under Buffy's skin because you actually consider her a friend." Spike looked disgusted by what his sire said. "Admit it."

"I'll admit nothing of the sort," the blonde growled. "Just because you had the bad taste to date the chit, it doesn't mean that I have to like her too."

"Wait a minute. You dated the Slayer?" Joe asked Angel, who nodded his head.

"For a bit. But that was before I knew what I had in Willow." Angel looked over at the hacker. "Compared to her, Buffy is nothing but some pretty face on an average street." Willow blushed at the vampire's
compliment.

"Thank you sweetie." She turned back to Joe. "Okay, so since you know about Slayers and Giles knows you, we can tell him I'm alive right?" Dawson shook his head sadly.

"I'm sorry, Willow, but you can't tell your friends, especially if they are involved with the Slayer. We have always made it a point to not tell the Slayers about Immortals."

"Why?"

"We did it before. The Slayers in question then refused to fight, saying that the job should go to an Immortal since vampires can't kill them," Joe explained.

"Makes sense to me, I guess," Willow agreed dejectedly. Angel and Spike wrapped an arm around their mate.

"Don't worry pet," Spike said. "Me and Peaches are still here."

"And we promise that we aren't going anywhere,"

End Part 4

"No, Willow, don't lean in like that. It makes it easier for your opponent to disarm you," Duncan reminded the girl he was training. It had been three weeks since he had gone to Sunnydale to retrieve Willow. Three weeks since the Immortal had learned of the existence of vampires and other demons.

Three weeks since he had meet two of the most feared vampires in history. And three weeks since Willow had met Amanda. He still hasn't figured out which was the one thing he regretted the most.

As soon as Amanda met Willow, and her two mates, the woman instantly took the young girl under her wings, taking her out shopping during the day while Spike and Angel were forced to stay indoors. MacLeod actually found himself feeling sorry for the two vampires who felt as if they were losing their mate to the older Immortal. He knew how persuasive Amanda could be, having known her for over two hundred years. Even Methos found himself falling under her spell at times. MacLeod was just waiting for the day when Amanda finally talked Willow into helping her in some scheme of hers.

Willow had taken to her training better than Duncan had originally thought. Even though she was small in stature, she made up for it with an agile fighting style that he attributed to her activities while still living in Sunnydale. She was a quick study, already having mastered some techniques of swordplay that Ritchie still had trouble with, often besting MacLeod's other student. And while Willow had yet to be challenged to a real fight, there had already been rumors circulating about an Immortal head hunter that was just waiting for the right time to take her head.

"Mac, is it okay if we stop a little early today?"

"Any particular reason?" The Scot asked.

"It's my anniversary," Willow informed him. "Angel, Spike and I have been together for six months."

"A whole six months, ehh," the elder Immortal chuckled, causing the red head to blush.

"Yeah, well, I know it doesn't seem that big of a deal to you, but for the three of us, it means something special," she told him. "I mean, this time last year, Spike was our enemy and now he's a major part of my life. And well, Angel has been through so much more than anyone should ever have to go through. And let's not even get started on how my life had been turned upside down." Duncan put his hand on Willow's arm.

"It's okay, Willow, we can stop early," he said. "I understand. When it comes to love, time really has no meaning. You take everything that you can, whether you're Immortal or not. And I think in your case, you have every reason to celebrate your six month anniversary." Willow gave Duncan a smile that he swore lit up the entire dojo.

"Thanks Mac." Willow went over to where she had placed her bag and grabbed her towel, wiping off the sweat that had accumulated during her workout.

"Mac, can I ask another favor?"

"What is it?"

"Can I borrow your shower?" She asked sheepishly. Duncan grinned at her, having already found out that, like Amanda, he couldn't say no to the red-head.

"Sure go ahead. Can't have you going home to Spike and Angel all sweaty now, can we?" Willow ran over and gave Duncan a quick peck on the cheek before racing into the elevator that took her upstairs to his apartment. As soon as the elevator was out of sight, Duncan felt the buzz that signified another Immortal was around. He turned towards the entrance and saw Amanda walking in. "Hey you."

"Hey there yourself," the older woman said. "I thought you were supposed to be practicing with Willow."

"I was, but she wanted to end early because its her six month anniversary with Spike and Angel," he explained. "She's upstairs taking a shower now."

"How come we don't celebrate our anniversary," the blonde Immortal pouted.

"Because we have no idea when our anniversary is," he reminded her, sweeping her into his arms and kissing her deeply. When they pulled apart, she pushed him away.

"You're all sweaty," she said.

"I though you liked me sweaty."

"Only when I'm the reason," she told him. "Now I want you to go take a shower."

"With Willow?' He teasingly asked, only to be hit on the arm by Amanda.

"Not in this lifetime, buddy," she commented. "If I didn't kill you, Spike and Angel would."

"And why would we do that pet?" Spike asked from the doorway of the dojo.

"Nothing," Duncan quickly replied, earning himself a knowing smirk from his lover. "What are you doing here Spike? I thought Willow was going to be meeting you and Angel somewhere."

"Well, Peaches and I have a special surprise for Red and we thought we would give it to her here," the blonde vampire said.

"What is it?" Amanda inquired, curious as to what the red head might be receiving from the two handsome men that were her mates. "And where is Angel anyway?:"

"He's picking the present up as we speak. He should be here in a few minutes," Spike replied. "So where is Red anyway?"

"She's upstairs, taking a shower," Duncan answered. "She wanted to make sure she looked nice for the two of you, although I have no idea why."

Spike growled as he turned to face Amanda.

"Why do you put up with this wanker?" He asked the other bleached blonde.

"You could do so much better."

"I know, but you and Angel are already spoken for and I have a feeling that Willow would just as soon take my head as allow me to have any fun with the two of you," Amanda said. She had taken to flirting with both Angel and Spike, having to admit that the young red head had indeed found herself two very attractive men to be her mates. And, while Amanda never had any problem getting a man, she knew that the two master vampires were completely spoken for. She had to envy the young hacker. While Willow might not have had too much experience with boys, she certainly knew how to pick them.

"Amanda, luv, if it wasn't for Red, I would love to have you by my side," Spike drawled, causing Duncan to roll his eyes.

"Okay, is the mutual love fest over now, or do I have time to take a nap?"

"Jealous?" Amanda teased the Scot.

"Of who, Blondie. I don't think so," Duncan rebutted. "I just don't think Willow would like to see her best friend and her mate flirting with each other."

"Good point, mate" Spike said. "Red always has had a bit of a jealous streak in her, so what say we just go up to your apartment and get my lovely wife."

"Hopefully she's out of the shower so that Mac can jump in," Amanda commented as the three got in the elevator once it returned to the lower level. As they reached the apartment, Amanda and Duncan felt the buzz that signified that Willow was in it. They got out of the elevator to see her standing in the middle of the living room, packing up her things. She didn't turn around when the elevator came to a stop, having already figured out that it was Duncan and Amanda that were coming upstairs. Spike crept up on the girl and wrapped his arms around her waist, lowering his teeth to her neck and gently nibbling on it.

"Mac, how many times have I told you. You can do anything you want, just no biting," Willow said. Spike growled and turned her around, only to see her smiling at him.

"You little minx. You actually had me going there for a minute." Willow wrapped her arms around the vampire and placed a kiss on his lips. "I was ready to kill you and him."

"Come on, Spike. Why would I want Mac when I already have you and Angel," she told him. "The two of you are all I need."

"Damn straight."

"So where is Angel, anyway?' Willow inquired, wondering about her other mate.

"He's bringing you a surprise for our anniversary." Willow's whole face lit up like a Christmas tree at the word surprise. She loved getting surprises, especially since her parents very rarely gave her anything.

"What kind of surprise?"

"You'll see." The sound of the elevator being called downstairs made the others look towards it, awaiting whoever was coming up. "I believe that will be them now."

"Them?" Willow asked. "Them who?"

"I told you. You'll see." They could hear the elevator coming back up and Willow nervously waiting to see who would be with Angel. The two vampires had done everything possible that they could to make Willow comfortable with her new life away from her home in Sunnydale, making sure that she lacked for nothing and that only made her love them more. She watched as Angel opened the elevator and her breathe caught as she saw who was with him. She ran over to the man that was beside her mate and threw her arms around him as he reached down to hug her. Angel, Spike, Amanda and Duncan looked on at the teenager, who had begun to cry, only to be comforted by the man she held. Finally once she calmed down enough, she separated herself from the man, only to give Angel a huge kiss, before taking both of their hands and leading them into the living room.

"Amanda, Duncan, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine. The man who is as much a father to me as anyone could ever be. This is Giles."

End Part 5

Duncan and Amanda stared, in shock, at the Englishman whom they had just been introduced to.  They both knew who he was.  In fact, they knew about everyone in Willow's life, which was easy considering how much the young red head talked about her past in Sunnydale.  The two Immortals had a feeling they knew more about Buffy, Xander, Cordelia and the others then they did about each other.  Neither one of them had expected to meet any of them, though, considering that it had appeared that Willow had accepted that she wouldn't be able to contact any of them.  However, here stood Giles, Willow's mentor and substitute father figure, standing before them, courtesy of her two mates.  All in all, it left two Immortals very confused.

""It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Giles," Duncan greeted.  "Willow's told us a great deal about you.  She looks up to you quite a bit."  Duncan smiled when he saw Willow blush slightly in embarrassment.  Giles squeezed the younger girl's shoulder, grateful to be allowed to hold her one more time.

"Please, call me Rupert, or Giles like the children," the ex-Watcher said.

"And trust me, the feeling is mutual.  Considering how much Willow has been through, let alone what she has seen, in the past few years, the fact that she is still he same sweet, innocent girl that I first met, she has truly earned my respect."  Willow's blush turned a bit redder at Giles' compliment.

"Thanks," she mumbled, before looking up at Giles.  "Giles, not that I'm not happy to see you, because believe when I say I am, but what are you doing here?  I mean, don't get me wrong, but I was told that I couldn't tell anyone about what had happened to me, not even you and you already knew about Immortals."

"Well, you have Wesley to thank for that one," he told her.  "He told me about you being alive and here in Seacouver, although he thought that I had already been told."

"Wesley?  How in the world did he know, unless," Willow looked sharply between Spike and Angel.  "Angel, Spike is there something you want to tell me?"  Both vampires shook their heads and Amanda and Duncan had to stifle a laugh at how scared they were as they both denied Willow's accusation.

"He figured it out all in his own," Angel answered.  "It came to him while he was talking to Kate and then he called Joe, who confirmed it.  I just talked to him earlier today after he had already spoken to Giles.  We were planning on telling you but then we found out that Giles was already on his way to Seacouver to confirm that you were alive, so we thought it would be nicer if we surprised you."

"Well, it is definitely a surprise."  Both vampires breathed an unnecessary sigh of relief that Willow had apparently forgiven them for not telling her that Giles and Wesley knew that she was alive.  "So, Wesley figured it out while he was talking to Kate?"  Angel nodded his head.  "Well, I guess she is good for something," Willow commented dryly.  She had never liked that blonde detective, especially since the said detective had told her that she was waiting for the time that Angel would tire of the teenager so that she could have him.  Angel had not been happy by that declaration and it had taken Willow, Spike, Cordelia, Wes and Faith to keep him from hurting the woman, although none of them would have really minded to see her in a bit of pain.  After that, if had been decided that, whenever she came to the office, Wesley would be the one to deal with her and whatever problem she was bringing to them.

"So Wes knows too.  What about the others?"

"Faith and Cordelia both know, of course.  Apparently their relationship with Wesley dictated that he inform them as soon as he found out," Giles said a little stiffly.  Although he had been able to accept Willow, Angel and Spike together, eventually, the concept of Wesley being involved with both Cordelia and Faith still caused him to shudder.  Willow, Spike and Angel grinned at the face Giles was making as he thought of the other threesome in Los Angeles.

"Don't worry, Giles.  You'll get used to them, eventually," Willow stated.

"Yes, well," the ex-Watcher continued.  "As I said, Wesley, Cordelia and Faith know.  As for the others, I have not told them anything and I've asked Wesley not to say anything to them about it, either."

"Why?"

"Because, Joe is right.  It will be very difficult for them to accept your immortality," he explained.  "Buffy and Xander are just beginning to accept your death.  It devastated them.  And Oz is feeling guilty because he called out to you, distracting you from that vampire."

"Bloody wanker should feel guilty," Spike growled.

"Spike, hush," Willow admonished him.  "But if they feel that badly about my death, isn't that all the more reason to tell them that I'm alive," the witch argued.  "This way they don't have to grieve anymore."  Willow separated herself from Angel and Giles and went to sit on the couch.  All of the guilt that she had been feeling over being alive while her friends and family though her dead, coming back to her in torrents.  Spike went over to her and took her in his arms.  "I mean, I just miss them so much."

"I know, pet.  I know," he whispered into her hair as he felt the girl he loved cry in his arms.  He looked up at Angel, both holding the other's eyes.  They had known that Willow had been holding in her emotions, bottling them up and they knew that it was doing her any good.  They had tried everything that they could think of to get her to talk to them, but so far, nothing had worked.  Apparently the sight of Giles, and his agreeing that Buffy and Xander should remain in the dark about her new life, was what was needed to get her to break.  It was one of the reasons that they had agreed to the visit when they had spoken to him earlier.  They had hoped that he would be able to help.    And it had.  Angel went over and joined his mates on the couch.

"Shhh, kitten, its okay," he cooed as he wrapped his arms around the sobbing girl.  Duncan, Amanda and Giles looked at the three people on the couch, each feeling extremely uncomfortable at being a witness on what appeared to be a private moment.

"Giles, I bet you must be starving after your long trip," Amanda said, finally breaking the awkward silence that had descended upon the apartment.
 

Giles smiled at the beautiful Immortal, grateful for what he knew she was doing.

"Actually, I am rather hungry.  You wouldn't happen to know of a good place I could go and grab a bite, would you," he asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do," she answered, putting her hand on Duncan's arm.  "Why don't we show you."

"But I thought you wanted me to take a shower," Duncan countered, even as he let himself be led from his living room.

"You can take one later.  And if you're really good, maybe I'll scrub your back."  With that, Amanda, Duncan and Giles got into the elevator and left the three mates alone, the two vampires comforting the woman they loved and would protect from everything that threatened to harm her.

End Part 6

"So, Rupert, how have things been done in Sunnydale," Joe Dawson inquired.

Amanda and Duncan had brought Giles to Joe's bar, figuring that the two Watcher's had a lot to discuss.  Including the fact that Joe had felt the need to keep Willow's immortality from his friend.

"They've been better," the Englishman replied honestly.  "Willow's death hit the Slayer hard.  Buffy wasn't even able to patrol for a week.  Needless to say, the vampires and various other riff raff took full advantage of that."

"I'm sorry about that," Joe apologized.  "I would have told you if I could, but you know the rules."  Giles nodded his head.

"I know and I understand," Giles assured him.  "If I was in your position, I would have done the same thing.  I just can't believe that I didn't even put two and two together when Willow's body went missing.  We all just assumed that Spike and Angel had taken it in their grief.  The fact that Wesley was the one to figure it out just amazes me."  There was something in the way that Giles said that other ex-Watcher's name that made Joe curious about how he felt about him.

"I take it you don't get along with him."  Giles shrugged his shoulders.

"It's not that I don't get along with him," he explained.  "He's okay, I guess.  Apparently he's changed quite a bit since he left Sunnydale and joined up with Angel."

"You're just bothered by the fact that he figured out what had happened to Willow before you," Joe told his old friend.  "Maybe you were too close to Willow to see what happened.  Your grief blinded you to what you knew could be."

"That could be it," the former librarian agreed.  "Willow is like a daughter to me.  When I heard that she had been killed, I was heartbroken.

To think that her beauty and light was gone from this world was almost too much to bear.  It was one of the reasons that we all understood why Spike and Angel had disappeared, even though we wanted to be there for them too.
 

To help them get through their loss."

"And now you know that the three of them have been living in Seacouver the whole time," Amanda stated, feeling sorry for the man that she had just met.

  Believing that a loved one was dead had to be one of the hardest things a person could ever go through, Immortal or not.  It was even harder for an Immortal because they knew that they would always outlive their mortal lovers.  It was one of the reasons that Amanda never wanted to fall in love with someone that she would be forced to outlive.  The man beside her was proof of how much it hurt to lose the person that you love.  Duncan was still haunted by images of Tessa, the woman that he had planned on marrying.

"I'm glad that she had someone who was there to explain to her what had happened, although I am still unsure as to how you knew that she was going to die that night," Giles stated.  Joe began to look uncomfortable in his chair.  "Joe?"

"Look, Rupert, I really would rather not discuss the details of how I knew, if you don't mind," the watcher said, but Giles refused to be put off that easily.

"I do mind," he insisted.  "How did you know about Willow's death that night.  I mean, it is quite a distance between Seacouver and Sunnydale and according to Duncan, you asked him to go two days before Willow had even been killed.  What did you know?"

"I didn't know anything," Joe answered.  "At least, not for sure.  I was just taking precautions in case what I had heard about was true."

"What you heard about?"  Duncan asked, curious as to what his friend was keeping back.  "Joe, what's going on?"  Joe looked at the three faces that were staring at him, deciding what to do.  Finally he just sighed as he realized that he really did have no other choice other than to tell them why he had asked Duncan to go to Sunnydale.

"Okay. What I am about to tell you are extremely secret. I mean, it goes no further than he four of us, especially not back to Willow," Joe explained, his voice completely serious.  The three other people could tell that whatever was about to be said was important and nodded their heads, agreeing to his demands.  "Well, a friend of mine from the Council told me that the attack on Willow wasn't a random vampire attack.  It was planned.  By the Council themselves."

"What?" Giles shouted, drawing glares from some of the other bar patrons.

He looked sheepishly at them and turned to face Joe again.  "What the bloody hell do you mean the Council planned the attack?  They wanted Willow dead?"

Joe nodded his head.

"Yes, although I was made to believe that her death was supposed to be final.  The vampire was supposed to capture her and behead her, thereby assuring her death."  Giles felt nauseous at the thought of someone planning the murder of one of his charges.

"Why?" Amanda asked, concerned for her friend.  If the Watcher's Council truly wanted Willow dead, what was going to stop them from trying again to kill her.

"Because they are afraid of her power?"  At the others' confused looks, Joe continued.  "Someone discovered that a very powerful Immortal was about to enter the game.  One that would possibly be the One.  It is believed that Willow is that Immortal.  With her powers as a witch.  Knowledge of what goes bump in the night courtesy of living on the hellmouth and connection to the Slayer, all signs indicate that she is the one that is being talked about."

"What went wrong then?"

"Well, as best as I can figure out, the Council didn't know about her mating to Angel and Spike."  Giles nodded, acknowledging that.  "And the vampires that attacked were unprepared for her being with her mate and friends.  They didn't stand a chance.  In fact, the only reason that they actually managed to kill Willow in the first place was because of her ex-boyfriend.  If he hadn't of called out her name, she would probably be living in Los Angeles, blissfully unaware of the events that had almost happened."

"What about now?  Is there still a threat to her life?" Giles asked, concerned for the young red head.  Joe shook his head.

"No.  Now that she is Immortal, and being trained by Duncan, the Council is not planning anything that I know of.  They are going to sit back and let whatever is supposed to happen happen," he informed them.  "Especially now that they know about Angel and Spike."

"So she's safe?"

"For now."

"Why did they want her out of the game?" Duncan asked.

"Because they are unsure of which side she will be on.  There is a just as much a chance that Willow could be turned to the evil side as there is that she will remain on the side of good.  That's why I sent Duncan to help guide her."  All three people took in a deep breathe as they realized just how important it was that Willow was trained correctly or else risk her using
her power for evil instead of good.

End Part 7

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