Opening the wooden door, she wasn't suprised to see him there.  She had been desperately hoping that it would be him behind the door so that her search could be over fairly quickly.

Spike was shackled to the wall by heavy black manacles and he was slumped on the floor out cold.  Striding over to the prone figure of her friend's
Childe, Maggie peered at his bindings, nodded and started to chant a small de-spell that would loosen the magic's hold on the metal.

As she felt the magic lift from the metal manacles, Maggie kneeled down and shook Spikes shoulder.  Signaling to Ventris she said, "Look around, is
there a key somewhere?"

Looking around Ventris spotted a small, glass table with a glass bowl sitting atop its surface.  In the bowl he could see an array of objects in
it, one of which looked to be a set of keys.  Striding towards the table in the center of the room he moved some of the smaller odds and ends around until he could grasp the set of keys.  There were three of them attached to a small metal key ring.  "Here," he said, handing them to Maggie.

Taking the keys from him, Maggie inserted the first of the three keys into the lock.  She was in luck, the key was a perfect fit.

Groaning, Spike resurfaced from the darkness that was part of being unconscious and herd a faint metallic click.  Opening his eyes, he was at
first blinded by the bright lights but gradually he was once again accustomed to the brightness.

Once his eyes were once again normal, Spike was able to recognize both Maggie and Ventris.  Completely ignoring his current condition and
surroundings, he asked, "Where's Red?"

"Who?"  Maggie asked

"Willow," he clarified.

"I presume she's either fighting Mackenzie right now, or she's still downstairs along with everyone else fighting the rest of his vampire and demon army."

Using the wall behind him as leverage, Spike picked himself up and said, "Well, lets get going then."

Hurriedly Maggie, Ventris and Spike all moved towards the door when suddenly they were surrounded by a slow moving black fog.

"What's happening?"  Spike asked.

Concentrating on erecting a protective barrier against the fog that was sluggishly moving to engulf them when she said, "I don't know.  It's some
sort of inhibitor fog.  Can't you feel it.  It's making me tired."

"I'm feeling rather tired now that you mention it."  Ventris said.

"Well whatever the hell it is, we need to get out of her.  Red might need our help," hesitating then he continued, "and Peaches might too."

"I can't get the door opened.  It's locked."  Ventris informed them, wriggling the doorknob.

"Here let me try,"  Spike said.  Then he proceeded to use his exceptional vampiric strength to bang against the thick wooden door by using his
shoulder as a battering ram.

"Hurry, Spike.  I can't keep this up for much longer."  Maggie said tiredly.

Seeing that Maggie did look exceptionally weak against the black fog Spike renewed his assault on the door.  Minutes later the door crashed open and the three made their way down the hallway towards the stairs leading back downstairs.  Halfway to their destination they were unexpectedly encircled by two demons and three vampires and the black fog was once again present.

One of the vampires had the presence of mind to say to them before the attacked, "Give up now.  Or die."

Looking at each other a silent communication was had between the three and each came to the conclusion that they would each rather die fighting than face whatever it was that was in store for them if they did give up.

Simultaneously the three leapt into action; Spike springing at the demon closest to him proceeded to let out his frustrations while Maggie did the
best she could holding off the other demon while she watched helplessly as Ventris fought the three vampires.

Hopelessly out numbered and with no weaponry at hand the three were easily subdued and they were swallowed up by the black fog.  When all the fog was clear the three were gone and the only thing left standing was a very injured demon the body of a dead demon and two vampires.

Downstairs Alex, his twin Jesse, Mey, Lana and Angel were doing considerably better than Spike, Maggie and Ventris.  When all the demons were finally dead and all the vampires were dusted it was Alex, Jesse and Lana who were rejoicing with Angel looking around for Willow or anyone else while Mey stood still among the littered bodies of severed demon body parts.

Steadily and calmly she said to the other unsuspecting teammates, "Um, guys?"  When no on answered her she repeated, "Guys?"

"What?"  Lana said.  "Can't you see we're being happy over hear 'cause all the bad guys are dead?"

"Yes, I can see that," Mey informed Lana, with her accented voice still calm, "but I think you should all know that we're being surrounded by some
sort of black smoke, and we don't have any way of fighting it."

It wasn't long before all of them were completely engulfed by the magical fog and when the smoke cleared the only thing left in the foyer were piles of dust and the dead bodies of various demons.

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

Opening the door Willow was greeted by an predictable sight.  Mack standing tall and regal by the window looking out as if he had no care in the world.  He had a sword in one hand and he was attired in a comfortable pair of jeans and a white shirt.  Looking in her direction he said in a civilized and languid voice, "Ah, Willow dear.  I see you've mad it here.  I assume you're here for your vampire?"

Angrily Willow said to him, "Mack, let Spike go."

"Um, well lets see, like I already told you're vampire hours ago, no.  But seeing as he's already free..."

Hearing those words Willow blew out a sigh of relief.  That was her mistake, with  her guard down Mack lunged forward.  Eyes widening Willow side stepped his attack but not fast enough as he managed to graze her side.  Standing back Mack smiled when he saw the read stain spread on the side through her shirt.

"Wouldn't it be much simpler for you to just give me what I want," Mack said swinging his sword in a high arc towards Willow's neck.

Easily blocking his attack Willow raised her sword and swung going for his unprotected torso.  "It's not something I can just *give* you Mack.  Like I told you years ago.  The only thing you can get it is to kill me.  And you can't.  We've established that already, you've tried."

After that the room was filled with the clang of connecting swords, harsh breathing and the occasionally grunt of pain.  Unnoticed by Willows one of the corners of the room was slowly filled with the cloying black fog.  Another metallic clang and both swords were held at crosspoints while Mack
whispered, "You don't have a chance, dear."

Pulling her sword free Willow too a calculated risk and lunged wildly at Mack with her right hand holding the sword while she took out a hidden
dagger from behind the waistband of her pants with her left hand.  While he struggled to deter her sword attack Willow lowered her dagger and stabbed his thigh.

Crying out in pain Mack stepped back clutching his thigh while still holding onto his sword.  "Smart, Willow.  Very smart."

"I've learned from the best.  Now either let Spike go or die."

"I'm afraid I can't do that.  You see, It's not on the vampire I have now..." gesturing with a wave of his hand to a corner of the room.

Looking in the direction he indicated Willow caught a glimpse of black fog clearing away to reveal Spike, Angel and everyone else.

"Now," Mack said decisively, "Give me what I want and I'll let them go."

Shaking her head Willow asked, "What is it that you want Mack?"

"Can't you tell?  I want what the Power gave you.  That spell we performed years ago allowed the power to give you not only immortality,"

"Which I do have thanks to you."  Willow said.

"True.  But I want the power too.  It was supposed to be mine from the start.  It was my spell.  Mine."

Looking into his eyes Willow realized that although Mack had sounded civilized, had fought competently and had sounded reasonable the entire
time, he was really quite mad.  There was a wildness in his eyes that no sane person could have.

Willow grieved for the man she thought she knew but soon shook free of it when Mack walked over to Spike picked him up and said, "Now, make your choice."
 

~Part 12~

Spike was unconscious and how he knew this he had no idea.  He was also aware of everything around him, including the situation at hand.  He felt
each piece of information filter through to his unconscious mind like water through a sieve.  It was a strange feeling because he knew his eyes were closed and there was no possible explanation that he could be aware of all of this.  The strongest of these feelings were that if something happened to him it could possible harm Willow.

He felt strong hands pick up his body but could do nothing about it.  Mentally struggling to free himself from the stifling blanket like restraint over him, Spike felt a wave of heat wash over him. All of a sudden he saw red lights flash beneath his eyelids, then he saw that he was in some sort of temple.

The marble was white with a tint of pink to it and there were tall Grecian columns in a circle around him.  Looking around he became aware of
someone...or something watching him.  Turning swiftly around behind him he saw two people standing calmly before him, studying him.  The female was short with flaming red hair reminiscent to Willow's own color while the male was standing slightly behind her with both arm crossed.  He too had red hair but more in a berry red wine color.  Both were staring at him expectantly.  Do they want me to do something.

Aware of the fact that he was in the presence of a greater power than himself he non the less asked, "Where the bloody hell am I?"

"That is not important."  They both said simultaneously.

"Oh, yeah?  Than what is?"  He asked irritated that they spoke to him as if he was beneath them, and being a demon vampire he probably was.

"You," they said patiently.

"Me?" he asked then, "Look, this all sound pretty important but I have a fight to get back to.  Red's in trouble and I have to go help."

"We are aware of The Flame's predicament.  That is why you have been Called."

"Called?"  Spike asked, confused.

"You who are the Flame's heart.  You who are her strength.  You who are her ultimate demise."  Their voices echoed off the rounded walls behind the columns.

"Whoa, now hold on a minute.  Are you saying that Willow's going to DIE?"  he asked incredulously.

"We do not want that.  She has been a great help to the side of Light."  They stated ignoring his question.  "You, Spike, are her soulmate.  We do
not wish for Willow to meet her end just yet.  Be grateful the powers have seen fit to make you her equal and no longer her weakness.  Connected for all time you and The Power's Flame."

"And what about this Mack guy?"

"He is of no consequence.  The Flame has many trials ahead of her but he is not one of them.  A minor irritation," they said with a not of dismissal.

Raising their arms both the female and the male started to glow.  Light red then steadily they became brighter and brighter.  The next thing Spike knew he was once again back in Mack's house and he was being held up by Mack himself with the echo of their words still ringing in his head.

Shaking his head Spike groaned and said, "Wha... Hey let go."

"Sorry, can't," Mack addressed Spike with a tsk-ing sound.  Now, Willow dear.  Be a good girl and give me what I want.  Or else."

"Or else?"  Willow choked out with as much bravado as possible.

"Or else I make this vamp here a pile of dust."  Mack said with enjoyment, his eyes sparkling with eminent mayhem.

Upon seeing Spike wake Willow was filled with a bone deep certainty that no matter what would happen to Spike, she had nothing to worry about.  Filled with this new found knowledge Willow looked Mack strait in the eyes and said, "Go ahead."

Unknown to Mack Willow had been filled with a blinding flash of inspiration. A plan so unthinkable that it was possibly the only way to sway Mack to
either give up his plan or for her to kill Mack once and for all.  Taking a deep breath, Willow closed her eyes and concentrated.

Surprised, Mack did just that.  Using his own powers Mack summoned forth a wooden stake into his empty hand and proceeded to bring it down into Spike's chest.  Only he wasn't prepared for the flare of light that consumed him, the vampire in his arms and Willow who was across the room from him - which in turn interrupted his arm's dissent into Spikes chest.

Instantly all three were transported to the woods outside of Mack's residence.  All around them were tall trees and dark green shrubbery.  In the darkness they could hear the inhabitant's of the woods cease their nighttime chatter and they were suddenly surrounded by darkness and silence.

"Mack, this - whatever it is you want from me - this is between the two of us. Fight me, and if you win you can have my power. Leave Spike out of this."  Willow demanded, still concerned for Spike.  No matter how old he was or how powerful he had become over the years, Willow knew that Spike would be no match for Mack.

Grinning maniacally, Mack nodded and lunged.  The only warning Willow had was the small flickering of his eyes letting her know that Mack had summoned for his sword.  With both dagger and sword in hand Willow advanced towards Mack.

No battle yell, no grunts, not one sound could be heard from either opponent.  Watching them, Spike was reminded of two strong forces clashing
in a dance, vying for the position of lead.  Battering at each other, neither gaining the upper hand, both Mack and Willow fought with everything
they had.  Using both magic and man-made weapons it was a battle 'til death.

Flashes of metal against metal and the colors of magic against magic filled the darkness allowing Spike's night vision an even better view of the
terrain around them.

Frustrated because Spike knew deep down that he would be no help to Willow like this, he wished he had paid better attention when he was at that temple in Asia.  At least then he would have learned something, anything to at least sway the battle to Willow's corner.

Red, then blue, then red again their magic collided and sparked.  From behind Willow Spike saw the flashing blue of Mack's strengthening magic form
behind Willow and he knew that even yelling out a warning to her wouldn't be enough time to prevent harm.  Thinking fast with memories and feelings and unknown dreams flashing through his mind Spike used all his preternatural speed to move in behind her and take the blow that was meant for his intended mate.

All his animalistic instincts roared into life urging him to do something, to prevent harm and to protect his mate.  With all his strength Spike ran
straight towards the fight and in that last possible moment everything slowed down.  He was able to see everything so clearly it was as if each
movement was a still picture.

Spike saw the blue magic form into a metal spear aimed strait for Willow.  He saw Mack's smug grin.  He saw Willow take advantage of his inattention to attack, sword flaring into a brilliant flame, swinging it in a low arc to his midsection slashing his abdomen and at the same time thrusting her dagger with all her adrenaline pumped strength through his chest and into his heart.

Knowing Willow was focused solely on Mack, Spike moved between her and the spear and he felt the spear go through his chest.  He felt the magic
enhanced metal push through his skin, past his ribs, into then out of his lung then out of his back.  The burning pain spread from his chest outward
towards every undead nerve ending in his body, and even though he had exceptional healing he knew if he survived this, it would be a very long
time before he would be able to dole out a good portion of violence and pain to anything.  Then, the next thing Spike knew was nothing, as blinding
white, throbbing pain enveloped him and he blacked out from it all, falling into the healing silence of oblivion.

Willow was aware of the events around her but focused only on eliminating Mack and drained from her previous transportation spell she could do
nothing.  Having gotten the great idea to tap into Mack's powers, channel it through her own, thereby draining Mack, and moving them onto a level
fighting field Willow was just plain tired.

But she could do nothing about it.  Deep down she knew that the only way to be rid of Mack, thereupon gaining some measure of peace in her rather long life, was to kill him and the only way to kill him was to first weaken his resources then to surprise him with unexpected actions.

That was exactly what she did.  As each spell he performed became weaker and weaker Willow knew that he would try for something desperate and that would be her signal for her to attack.

As she felt her dagger slip deeper into Mack's chest Willow was once again aware of something else.  Something that was a litter off center and all of a sudden she knew what had happened.

Willow made no claim to any power's of sight or any powers of foreknowledge but this time, Willow knew something was wrong.  Looking into the fading light in Mack's eyes she pulled her dagger out and watched as he fell to the ground.  Turning around sharply Willow gasped as she looked upon Spike's fallen form as a glowing blue light faded from the spear in his chest.

Looking closely Willow saw that it was only inches from his heart and the only thing she could think of was, 'Thank the Goddess it wasn't a wooden
spear.'
 

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