Part 1

Willow drummed her fingers on the table trying to figure out what to
do. Presently she was sitting the table trying to get some net
therapy but the net was slow and the pages were taking far too long
to load. Bored now. She'd now realised why her counterpart had come
up with that expression and it fitted her situation perfectly. She
was bored with everything. Life, magick... it was time for something
new. She found herself thinking about her vampire counterpart once
again. She made a really great vampire, skanky but a still great
vampire. She could only imagine how she'd turn out if she was turned
now. With all her magickal knowledge, power and skill she'd be
virtually unstoppable. She made a mental note to remember that if she
ever needed revenge on anyone. That was a much better way of living
than calling up D'Hofferyn and getting transformed into a vengeance
demon. Willow sighed, she really hated not having anything to do.

After Tara had left she'd spent a good few hours alternating between
sitting silently and crying. Looking back on the past few weeks she
could see that it had been building up and it was obvious Tara was
getting tired of her methods. It didn't hurt as much as it did when
Oz left, that was a good thing. Giles had also left, but Willow
didn't worry too much about that. He was really starting to annoy
her, all his ranting about her and magick. It was a bit hypocritical
if you asked her. When he was her age he was practising dark magicks
and look how he turned out, well if you put aside all that Eyghon
mess. Willow wasn't stupid enough to actually raise a demon that she
knew virtually nothing about.

Buffy was another sore spot for Willow. Buffy didn't even tell her
about where Willow had pulled her from. If Buffy had really wanted to
go back, Willow probably would have done it for her. She was prepared
to send or re-kill Buffy if she'd come back wrong. Wrong, ripped from
heaven, both were the same really. But she didn't have to do that
now, the backfired forget spell worked in it's own little way. Buffy
seemed happier and not as withdrawn into her own little world; she'd
forgotten all about heaven. Happier and obviously in love with Spike.
It was horrible, Willow did have to admit Spike was one fine male
specimen but it wouldn't work between them. It would be the whole
Angel/Angelus situation when Spike got his chip out. Willow didn't
want a repeat of that. She sat back from the computer remembering the
spell she'd been preforming when he'd kidnapped her and Xander. A few
alterations and Buffy and Spike could just remain friends. It'd make
things a whole lot easier for everyone. Who said spells weren't a
solution.

A few days later the spell was complete and everything was back to
normal. Willow smiled as she watched the scene play out in front of
her in the magic shop.
"After the little `will be done' episode Slayer, I should have
realised then that you were an idiot. How I thought I loved you I'll
never bloody understand, temporary poof insanity I'd suppose." Spike
yelled, slamming closed the front door. Buffy spun to face him and
put a hand to her head as if to erase the memories. She missed the
slight smirk from Spike.
"Do you have to remind me? I'm doing my best to repress those
memories. Besides, the feeling's mutual." She sighed.
"Buffy agreeing with deadboy junior? There's something you don't see
everyday." Xander commented, bringing forward a giggle from Dawn.
"You'd think Spike was Buffy's big brother." She grinned. That
comment earned her a death glare from Buffy and a snort from Spike.
"I'd rather have the little bit as a sibling any day, over the lot of
you."
"Whatever," came Dawn's reply as she turned back to the magazine she
was reading.
"And what do you find amusing Willow? All this noise is scaring
potential customers away, I don't find that funny." Anya accused.
Willow shrugged and smiled. She didn't think that `just happy that my
de-love/lust spell on Buffy and Spike worked' was an acceptable reply.
"Glad that were all back to our old selves, things have been pretty
wacky these past few weeks."

Willow lay on her bed reading the latest book she'd `borrowed' from
the magic shop. Anya wouldn't miss it overnight. It was a good thing
Willow was a fast reader and had a good memory. She'd been
systematically `borrowing' some of the more powerful books these past
few weeks looking for a way to remove Spike's chip. Anya hadn't even
noticed causing Willow to wonder exactly how well she actually ran
the shop. The others, Willow had to laugh. They'd banned her from
magick and taken all her books. That couldn't stop her, she'd decided
that she needed to put her skills to use and find someone who'd
appreciate her efforts. She was yet to figure out who that someone
was, but it definitely wasn't the Slayer and her groupies. For now
she was content to find a solution to Spike and his chip problem.

Giles had basically forbidden her to try to remove the chip, but he
wasn't there so she could do as she pleased. Spike chipless would
make things complicated but he could never do anything to her. Her
magick was much stronger than the others realised. Each spell and
incantation gave her more power, she could feel it inside. Willow
realised a few weeks ago, after the de-lust/love spell, that the
power had a lot of darkness in it. That really didn't worry her at
all, if anything, it was exciting. Willow grinned and sat up. She'd
finally found the spell she was looking for. And it was so simple.
She looked out the window at the darkening sky, it was late
afternoon. She could walk to the crypt and be there about a thirty
minutes before sunset. Now was time to pay a visit to Spike.

Willow strode into Spike's crypt, which looked a lot better than the
last time she saw it, and dumped her bag on a nearby chair. "Spike?
You here?" She called. Spike appeared from a darkened corner. "Why
Red, you didn't even knock." He commented, wondering what was going
on. Willow never just walked into a darkened crypt with that aura of
confidence. If anything she was slightly afraid of him. But then
again, he thought, she's changed a lot these past few weeks. Sure
her `friends' hadn't noticed but he had. He was noticing a lot, ever
since thoughts of the Slayer had disappeared from his head. Willow
was one of them. Somehow she'd managed to take the both the Slayer's
and Dru's place in his head. Not that he minded of course. The little
witch was growing up, and fast.  And you couldn't help not miss that
little glint of darkness in her eyes. He knew she'd had something to
do about the whole not loving the Slayer thing, and was glad she'd
brought him to his senses. Things never would have worked out and the
world didn't need two Angel's. Hell one was way too many as it was.
Spike leant against a column and lit a cigarette, this was going to
be interesting.

Willow took a step forward and looked directly at Spike. "What would
you say if I said I could remove your chip, right here, right now?"
Spike went to speak but stopped himself. He was about to say that she
must be kidding but could tell from the look on her face that she
meant business.
"Your little Slayer friends wouldn't be all that happy about that."
Spike observed, amazed that she was offering to take out the chip.
"Like they'd even care. They've never really appreciated all that I
do for them and this ban on magick for my own good just takes the
cake. The moment I went from reliable research girl to powerful wicca
girl they tried to hold me back. And frankly, I'm sick of it." She
fumed, finally getting her feelings out in the open. How dare they
try and tell her what to do, she wasn't a child.
"Why help me then? I am the Big Bad and you're one of the good guys."
Or supposed to be, he mentally added.
"Because Spike the Initiative had no right to do what they did to
you. It's not your fault you're a vampire and have to kill people to
live. Hell, animals can do it. Plus, you're one of my only friends
now, you've never told me what to do or who to be.. Do you even need
a reason?" Spike smiled, this could be fun. But first he needed to
make sure his suspicions were correct. Suspicions that the Scoobies
had lost their little hacker for good.
"So I get the chip out, what happens then, pet?"
"It's up to you, do whatever you want. Kill anyone, just as long as
it isn't me. I don't care." She stated bluntly.

Spike was sure he must be dreaming. All these months he'd been
cursing the Slayer, mourning over his lost love and plotting his
revenge. He'd thought he'd never be able to kill the Slayer, never be
able to find someone better than Dru and never be able to get the
Initative bastards back for the chip. And then here Willow was
handing him absolutely everything he ever wanted on a silver platter.
Suddenly he felt a warm feeling pass through him and snapped his
attention to the girl in front of him. The forgotten cigarette
slipped to the ground.
"What did you..." He was stopped as Willow threw a small metal object
at him. He caught it and looked at it closely. It was a chip. His
chip.

"I got bored with the talking and started with the doing." She smiled
as Spike looked at her disbelievingly. "Go a head try it, you're now
chip free." Willow said holding her arms out either side of her and
tilting her neck. Spike didn't need any more encouragement and had
her in his arms before she could even blink. He vamped out, ready to
bite and hesitated. Willow placed a hand on his head and pushed down
lightly.
"It's ok, the chip's gone, trust me. Just don't take too much or I'll
be forced to stop you." She whispered.

Cautiously Spike traced the flesh with his tongue before tentatively
biting down. There was no headache, and no mind numbing pain. The
chip really was gone. He drank slowly, enjoying the sensation of real
warm human blood. Something that was denied for so long. Willow's
blood was sweet and deliciously spicy; filled with the power that was
obviously coursing through her veins. The power had such darkness to
it, that the demon demanded more. The demon started whispering about
what a powerful vampire Willow would make, that she could be Spike's
prodigy childe and eternal mate. Spike began to lose himself in
daydreams.

Willow on the other hand, was lost in sensations. Never had she been
bitten like this, softly, almost tenderly. She'd braced herself for a
whole heap of pain but it never came. There was a little pain to
start off with but now there was just a whole other feeling. It was
almost erotic. Willow felt like she was floating in a warm sea of
nothingness. That was when she realised that Spike had taken enough.
"Ok, that'll do, if you want to save more for later.." She breathed
softly, wavering between consciousness and unconsciousness. Gently
Spike withdrew his fangs and held Willow in his arms. She looked up
at him, eyes slowly closing.
"Thank you Willow." He whispered, just before she passed out.
 

Part 2

Willow woke up lying on a soft bed in a room that she didn't
recognise. She sat up sharply and glanced around. She was in a small
room with a bed, drawers, a window and two doorways. She guessed that
she was in a hotel or an apartment. Obviously Spike had brought her
here after she'd passed out. She got up and headed to the doors. One
lead to a little bathroom while the other lead to a living room and
kitchenette. She sat down on a couch in front of a television and
looked around. She was still tired but felt alright. Spike hadn't
taken too much blood, she'd be right in no time. At that point she
noticed a note lying on top of the kitchen bench. She stood and
walked over and picked it up. It was from Spike, of course.

`Red, I thought we'd be better off discussing plans away from the
Slayer. Makes things a little easier that way. We're in an apartment
just outside LA, far enough away from Sunnyhell and miles away from
the great poof himself. I've just gone out for a spot of shopping and
will be back in a bit. - Spike'

Plans. There was a lot to think about. It was obvious to her now that
she'd never again be able to be with the Scoobies. At one time in her
life Willow would have been heartbroken, now she felt free and in
control. Briefly she wondered when she exactly started placing death
wishes on her old friends. It must just be the magick bringing out
the darkness in her. Anyway, it didn't matter. She was unbelievably
happy and would love to help Spike out. She could imagine all their
faces when she told them Spike had his chip out. It would be even
more amusing when they found out that she'd done it. Maybe she should
get a video camera just for the occasion. And then there was the time
when Spike would finally get his dues and kill the Slayer. She'd just
stand back and watch. She knew she was a really horrible person to
kill her once best friend, but she didn't care. Willow gaveth the
life, Willow could taketh away. Or get someone to take it away for
her.

Willow was brought out of her internal musings as Spike opened the
door juggling a barrage of shopping bags. "Hello luv, sleep well?"
"Yes I did, what on earth did you buy?" Willow exclaimed, getting up
to help Spike with the bags.
"A bit of everything really, didn't know how long we were going to be
away from dear old Sunnyhell. Clothes, essentials, food, some
spellbooks, a laptop, that sort of thing." He shrugged placing his
armload of bags on the kitchen bench. "I'll be back, there's still
more in the car." Spike called, heading back out the door.

Meanwhile Willow sorted through the clothes Spike had bought. She was
amazed at the amount of stuff he'd bought for her. They might as well
have been staying for a few months. There was everything she could
ever want; except for underwear she noted, she'd have to go shopping
for that later. There were tops, pants and skirts in leather, silk
and velvet. All in colours ranging from black to dark reds, greens
and blues. There was also an assortment of shoes and accessories. It
wasn't Willow's normal style but it suited her new dark, powerful, I
de-chipped Spike so watch out look. Excitedly, she grabbed a bag of
toiletries, a pair of black hipster pants and a forest green tank top
and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. It was time to shed
the old fluffy Willow skin and show the world who she really was.

Spike stepped out of the lift with the remaining shopping bags. He
had to admit he'd gone on a bit of a spree but how could he not? The
clothes and shoes weren't hard, he knew the size because all the
Scoobies tended to leave various sweaters and shoes laying around the
Watcher's old place. All he'd done was walk into a store, wave a
little cash in front of the shop assistant and told her to get
everything that she thought fitted dark and seductive. The chit
proved to have good taste and he'd decided not to just kill her, yet.
He bought the food and other bits and pieces for the witch; make-up,
toiletries and the like at another store. All paid for with a fake
credit card of course. The books had come from and old demon who owed
Spike a favour. He'd stolen the laptop after killing the sales
assistant. So it really wasn't all that much. Besides, Red had gotten
rid of his chip; back in the old days he'd be forever in her debt. A
few mere items that didn't cost him a cent was no trouble at all. He
swung open the door and stepped inside looking to see where Willow
had gone. Hearing the shower running, he placed the bags down and
decided to find something to do.

Willow checked her reflection in the mirror. She looked fantastic,
her double would be proud. Well, possibly disappointed at the lack of
leather and a corset, but proud nevertheless. Normally the idea of
wearing these types of clothes would have made Willow nervous but she
revelled in the feeling of freedom they gave her. The pants were like
a second skin and moulded her trim figure perfectly. The top fell to
just above her navel and was made of some shiny material. Willow had
never seen anything like it, but she loved it anyway. She brushed her
damp hair and flicked out the ends, giving it a messy and dangerous
look. All she needed was some boots and make-up to complete the
outfit. And those two items, Willow thought to herself, were still in
the kitchen. Willow took one last look in the mirror before heading
out into the kitchen to see if Spike was back yet.

As Willow came through the door to the living room and kitchen she
noticed Spike had his back to her. He was totally engrossed in a game
of online blackjack he was playing on the laptop. Perfect. Willow
grinned and walked quietly over to Spike.
"Bloody cheater, five blackjacks in a row.. that's not even bloody
possible!" Spike yelled at the screen, silently wondering if he could
get Willow to hack the site and rig the program so that he'd win.
Willow wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a quick kiss on
his cheek.
"Love the clothes." She whispered in his ear. Dropping her arms she
then took a step backwards so that Spike could get a better look.

Spike jumped, wondering how she managed to sneak up on him like that.
He turned around to take a look at Willow and couldn't believe his
eyes. The shy little scooby hacker from two days ago was gone. In her
place stood Red; confident, powerful, sexy and bloody gorgeous. She
was a goddess in every respect.
"Do you like?" Willow asked, twirling as she spoke. Spike managed to
get over his initial shock and finally speak.
"You wear the clothes, darkness and power so well... Red you look
bloody beautiful." He breathed. Willow smiled seductively and was
then struck with another idea.
"I've got something else that I know you'll like.. close your eyes."
"Aww pet.." Spike whined, wondering what she was up to.
Willow pouted, "Pretty please, for me?" After a few moments Spike
relented, nodded his head and closed his eyes.

"Ok you can look now." Spike opened his eyes and was face to face
with Willow. The vampire version. His demon roared, angered with
whoever had turned her, before it realised that she was still living
and breathing. Then it began to whisper about turning her, again.
Without thinking, Spike leant forwards and kissed her passionately.
Willow responded in turn. Their tongues duelled for a few moments
before both pulled away, Willow gasping for breath.
"I knew you'd like it!" She giggled, her face smoothing back to its
original form.
"If you ever want to be turned..." Spike began before being cut off
by Willow.
"Oh I do, but for now I think it's better if one of us still is able
go out in the sun. Unless you have a Ring of Amara, it's gonna have
to be me." Spike nodded before arching a brow.
"There's an us now?" He asked, amused.
"The second I offered to remove your chip, we became partners."
Willow nodded. Spike slung an arm over her shoulders and walked her
towards the couch.
"Well partner, I think I may have come up with a plan. I've been
inspired." He said, sitting them down.
Willow smiled, evilly; something Spike had never seen her do. "Oh do
tell."
 

Part 3

Willow pounded on Angel's door, tears streaming down her face. "Angel
please, answer the door!" The door swung open and Willow landed in a
crumpled mess on the floor.
"Willow?" Angel cried, sweeping the small girl up in his
arms. "What's happened?" Willow just sobbed and let Angel help her
into the office.
"It's Spike.." She choked out. Angel growled. What had happened to
his childe? He'd already lost Dru, not Spike too. But he would have
felt it if Spike were dead, surely. "He, he's sick. I've tried
everything, blood, spells.. some demons got to him. Nothing helps,
but there might be one thing." She babbled, barely controlling her
tears. Angel held her shoulders.
"What? I'll do anything." He said sincerely.
"The ring, the Ring of Amara.. if he wears it for a little while
it'll heal him. I know you've still got it somewhere.. I read that it
can't be destroyed. Please Angel.. it's his only hope. I can't lose
him. We can't lose him." With that, she broke down into
uncontrollable sobs.

Angel was torn between handing over the ring and trying to find
another cure. He knew Willow was resourceful and if she said she'd
tried everything, she probably had. He didn't want to admit he had
the ring but if it came between that and Spike's life, he knew what
he would do. A sire always looked out for their childe. Besides after
letting him wear it for a little while, Angel could take it back
before Spike regained his full strength. Just in case he had other
plans. His decision was made, but there was one problem.. where was
Spike?
"Willow, can you tell me where he is? Spike, where did you leave
him?"
Willow pointed to the door. "He's in the car.. I helped him in there
but I couldn't get him out and I was so scared. Please, see if he's
ok."
"I'll bring him inside. Can you get some blankets out of the closet
and put them on the couch over there?" He asked gently. Willow nodded
weakly as Angel gave her a reassuring hug before heading outside to
find Spike.

Angel carefully placed Spike down on the blankets. When he had found
Spike he thought he had been to late. The vampire was laying
unconscious in a pool of blood across the front seats of the DeSoto.
He was a ghostly white shade and had bruises and gashes marring the
usually clear skin. There were two holes in his chest, obviously from
misaimed stakes. It was amazing Spike had lasted so long. After
checking on Willow who was asleep on a chair, Angel headed towards
his room to retrieve the ring. He didn't trust the ring to be safe if
in the hands of someone else so he'd decided to watch over it
himself. The ring was stored beneath the floorboards, under the bed
in a fireproof and magickally protected safe. After obtaining the
ring Angel returned to where the others were resting.

"Here you go William, fight like I know you can." Angel said softly,
slipping the ring on Spike's finger. Angel sat back and watched his
childe's face, looking for any sign of life. Or unlife for that
matter. He leapt to his feet when Spike's eyes snapped open and he
sat up. All the wounds suddenly disappeared, Angel growled.
"Thanks Peaches didn't know you cared." Spike smirked. Angel went to
grab Spike but found himself unable to move. Or speak.
"Sorry Angel, but we needed the ring." Willow's voice came from
behind Angel. She slowly moved around to stand by Spike's side. "Why
you ask? Well let's see..." Spike's arms wrapped around the red
head's waist who unconsciously leaned back into him. It was royally
pissing Angel off, Spike held back a laugh.

"It's a simple story really mate. Red here got sick of the high and
mighty Scoobies, zapped out my chip and we're now off to cause
mischief and mayhem in good old Sunnyhell."
"Exactly what I was going to say. So Angel I'd advise you to stay
away from Sunnyhell and not to breathe a word of this to anyone. If
you do I think Angelus might be paying us all a visit." Willow
thought for a moment and noted the look of pain in the older
vampire's eyes. "Even though it would be fun, we wouldn't want that
would we?" Willow waved her hand and Angel was able to shake his
head. A strange prickling feeling passed through his head at the same
time. "Good, now we must be off. So much to do, so little time."

Willow and Spike turned towards the doors and started walking. Spike
paused and faced Angel once again.
"Just one second luv." He apologised before smashing his fist as hard
as he could into Angel jaw. Angel went down, hard.
"He'll be out for a while, and will be able to move when he wakes
up." Willow confirmed, taking Spike's arm and walking out the door.
"What if he tells Slutty and the others?" Spike asked, not wanting
their plans to be ruined.
Willow laughed. "He can't. I've ensured that if he even thinks about
mentioning it he'll get a migraine. Much like the one your old chip
used to produce." Spike was proud of her, she was everything he'd
dreamed and more. Hell, because of her they were now  walking down
the street in broad daylight. Unlife was good.
"You are a beautiful, intelligent and devious little thing aren't
you?" He chuckled, kissing the top of her head.
"Yep, and more." She smiled up at him, her mind whirling with
possibilities. "And we're just getting started."

Willow and Spike strolled through the park. Their combined power
radiated off them in waves, causing passers-by to scurry off in
another direction. Spike was having a wonderful time, revelling in
the fact that he was now able to walk under the sun. There was the
minor problem that the glare hurt his eyes but that was soon fixed by
a pair of dark sunglasses; Willow, not to be outdone also obtained a
pair. It may have been warm but nightfall and the cold were getting
closer, Willow shivered slightly and leaned closer to Spike. Suddenly
Spike was reminded of something he'd left back at the apartment.
"How about we head back to the apartment pet? I've got a surprise for
you. I was going to give it to you last night but we got all caught
up in plans and such." He said, tugging on her arm excitedly.
Willow had to laugh. "Spike one, you're babbling and two you're
acting like a little kid. I think the sunlight's affected your brain."
Spike looked at her hopefully, "So we can go?"
"Yes dear we can go."

Moments later, due to Spike's ability to navigate the DeSoto around
the streets while well over the speed limit and the fact that he
picked Willow up and ran to save time, they arrived back at the
apartment. Spike placed Willow on the bench and started hunting
around the abandoned shopping bags from the day before. After a few
minutes of cursing he found what he was looking for, a large black
box tied up with silk ribbon. He handed it to Willow. Eagerly she
unwrapped the ribbon and lifted the lid to the oversize box. She dug
into layers of black tissue paper until her fingers touched a
familiar material. Willow's eyes lit up as she pulled the item from
the box and brought it up to her nose. She inhaled deeply; the scent
of leather filling her nostrils. Willow slipped on the item, her own
full-length leather duster. She twirled, letting it flap around her.
"I love it Spike, thankyou!"
Spike shrugged and lit a cigarette, watching how the duster flew
around her form. "Can't be the next Big Bad without a duster pet."
Willow stalked up to Spike and slipped the cigarette from his
fingers. She took a drag and blew the smoke into the air.
"I suppose not, and the next Big Bad is exactly what we're going to
be."

Spike reclaimed his cigarette and studied the girl standing before
him. She was changing rapidly, becoming more confident and powerful
with every spell she preformed. Her inner beauty was coming forth and
coupled with her ever-present outer beauty, she looked gorgeous. He
desperately wanted to take her then and there, but he knew that could
wait. Willow would come to him when she was ready and judging from
the passion and desire he saw in her eyes, the little spitfire wasn't
far away. After all the longer the wait, the better the rewards. She
would be his mate, his equal, his everything very soon. As he would
be hers. He took another drag on the cigarette. Soon.

Willow watched Spike's face as he drifted of with his thoughts. She
loved watching his face when he did that as she knew he was planning
something. That something could be anything from killing the Slayer
to his next surprise for her. Either way, Willow was thrilled. She
noted the look in his eyes as they glazed over slightly. She smiled,
he was thinking about her. Soon they would be together and rule for
eternity. Willow could hardly wait and judging from the look in
Spike's eyes neither could he. She ran her fingers along his chest
getting his attention. She spoke as if reading his very own
thoughts, "Soon." They stared at one another for a while, their faces
inching closer before Willow broke the spell and turned away. "But
first, we've got a blond haired Slayer to kill."
 

Part 4

The DeSoto roared through the streets of Sunnydale, finally coming to
a stop outside the magic shop. Spike made a mental note to get a
different car, one that didn't have blackened windows. Something
faster and more dangerous, there'd be no doubt that they'd need it. A
speedy car for speedy getaways; that was next on his `To Do' list.
They had spent the whole journey back to Sunnydale arguing about
whether they should make a big entrance or keep their profile low.
Willow was all in favour of a big entrance, while Spike thought the
opposite. After a while Spike relented, basically because Willow
rendered him unable to speak. Their plan was to arrive at the magic
shop and prove that Spike could now bite again. Spike slipped out of
the car and helped Willow out, she was to wait outside until Spike
gave the signal. The fun was about to begin.

Spike crashed through the doors of the magic shop catching the
attention of all those present. Anya jumped, dropping the tray from
the cash register. "Thanks Spike now, I have to start all over
again." She whined, "Not that I mind counting the money though. Still
it was rude of you." She stooped down to pick up the money she had
been counting. Buffy sighed, not wanting to deal with Spike. She
promptly spun and headed back into the training room. Tara was
sitting away from the others intently reading a book trying to
pretend Spike wasn't there. Xander groaned, looking up from Dawn's
homework he was trying to help with. "Come around to brood over your
lost bite again?" Spike smiled and stepped towards the closest Scooby.
"Actually, I thought I should tell you all something." He said.
"What you've finally decided to move somewhere far away from here?"
Xander grinned, "`Cause that would be of much goodness." Spike shook
his head, all the while edging closer to his target.
"You see it's a very funny story.. actually no it isn't. It's self
explanatory really, let me demonstrate." He quickly reached out and
grabbed Tara by the throat. With one swift movement he snapped her
neck, the dead girl fell to the floor. Dawn let out a little shriek
and scooted behind Xander. "Any questions?"

Anya's curiosity got the better of her. "How?" She squeaked. Just
then Buffy burst into the room, she'd come running after hearing
Dawn's scream.
"How what?" She saw Spike standing over a dead Tara and gasped. "Oh
my god."
"Yes Spike had himself a little chipectomy. Quite a simple process
actually." Spike said proudly.
Dawn looked up with frightened eyes. "I suppose you killed whoever
helped you too?"
"Actually, she's right here with me as we speak. Come on out pet, the
floor's all yours." He called.  The doors swung open, mist rolling in
along the ground. All the Scoobies turned to face the door as a slim
figure stepped through. There Willow stood, wearing her duster, dark
make-up and an emerald silk dress. She'd changed since she was in the
car, Spike definitely liked the new dress. It clung to her figure as
she walked down the stairs. Willow stepped towards Spike and placed
herself between him and the gang, who were apparently in shock. He
moved forward, wrapping his arms around her waist. Willow glanced
upwards, "Tara, excellent choice." She whispered before she stole a
quick kiss. Remembering where she was, Willow turned back to the
group now wearing her false game face.

"You turned her, you bastard!" Buffy screamed and started to run
towards Spike, stake in hand. Willow held her hand out to Buffy, who
froze midstride, before bursting into laughter. Her gameface melted
away.
"Honestly, do you think he could just go ahead and kill me? Give me
some credit." She paused, eyes narrowing. "Oh that's right you don't,
hence the reason for this little visit."
"You removed Spike's chip?" Xander asked unsurely. "And you promise
that you're not dead? I can't lose you Wills!"
"Yes I removed the chip and am very much alive."
"Thank god," cried Xander running over to give his best friend a hug.
"Xander." Anya warned. Immediately, Xander stopped himself short.
"Oh bad guys, right." Willow processed this new information, that
Xander still cared for her wellbeing and that he couldn't lose her.
Maybe she'd misjudged him. Maybe with Anya out of the way they might
be able to re-kindle their friendship. She'd have to think about that
possibility very seriously later on.
"Were you here for any particular reason?" Anya asked, agitated at
Xander's outburst. Anya has to go, Willow confirmed to herself.

"Nope just thought we'd pop in for a visit and cup of tea like old
mates." Spike drawled sarcastically. "Of course we have a bloody
reason you idiot."
"Which is?" Anya snapped. Willow used every bit of control she had to
stop herself from ringing the ex-demons little neck. She really had
to go.
"To inform you of our new circumstances and your inevitable demise."
Willow said smoothly before looking at Xander. "But for you Xand,
that may possibly avoided." Spike looked at Willow curiously, she
never mentioned not killing the moron earlier. Although he was amazed
that Chubs had been concerned and showed genuine hurt when he thought
he may have lost Willow. He obviously cared more than she thought.
"So we've obviously got what we came for so we'd best be off." Spike
said, turning both him and Willow to the door. The Scoobies watched
in awe as the two left the shop. As the door closed, Buffy unfroze
and fell to the floor. She sat up and looked around in confusion.
"Ok what the hell just happened?"

"Willow's evil." Anya stated bluntly. "She's pissed off at us for
some reason, unchipped Spike and is ready to kill us all." Buffy
simply stared, unbelievingly. How could sweet little Willow be evil?
She must have been possessed.
"If it's any constellation, she doesn't want to kill me." Xander
added.
"Well she's going to have to, cause I'm not letting her have you. Not
now not ever!" Anya declared. Xander looked at her in bewilderment.
"So you want her to kill me?"
"Yes, if I have to die so do you." She nodded.
"Do we have to talk about people dying, I've had enough people die on
me lately. I don't want any more!" Dawn yelled before running out of
the shop. Buffy started after her but thought better of it. Spike and
Willow were long gone, the sun was almost up and her sister needed
space.
"She has to be possessed, that wasn't our Willow." Xander stated,
hoping his words were true.
"Possession, it has to be it. We need Giles. And now." Buffy added
quickly.
"Actually, in all my experience as a demon I don't think..."
"Shut up!" Buffy and Xander cried simultaneously.
"Fine then!" Anya rose and stormed out of the shop.

Buffy and Xander looked at each other. "Pre-marriage jitters?" Buffy
asked softly. Xander ran a hand through his hair and sat down on a
table heavily.
"I don't know, we've been fighting a lot lately. Not in front of you
guys of course. And then there's this jealousy thing she has going
with Willow. Wills will always have a place in my heart, she's my
best friend for god sake. Anya just isn't willing to share." He
sighed.
"It'll all be fine, trust me. It always works out in the end." Buffy
said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"What like you and Angel?" Xander muttered bitterly. "Yeah it'll work
out just like that."
"Xander, that.."
"And then there's all these little things. Stuff that I always
thought was endearing, like the way she was always blunt and the fact
that she doesn't know much about anything.. all that stuff just gets
at me now. It's growing old. I've tried talking to her but usually
she just shuts me up to have sex. I don't know Buffy, it isn't
working that's all." He sighed and rubbed his face with his
hands. "But we've got other things to worry about now. Willow and
possession. You want to call Giles?" Buffy nodded, trying to take in
what Xander had said.
"Ok then, I'll call Giles. You wanna start the research?"
"Sure."

Willow and Spike strolled through the cemetery, in daylight. Willow
was convinced that Spike was addicted to sunlight.
"So what now pet?" He asked.
"I don't know actually." Willow shrugged, only half paying attention.
She was wondering what they should do, waiting to see what the others
would do next would be their best option. "They probably think I'm
possessed and are calling Giles this very moment. I'm thinking we let
them make the next move."
"Righto then, wait it is. Whatever shall we do in the meantime?"
Spike asked, rasing his eyebrows suggestively.
"That's precisely what I love about you." She said, grinning as she
noticed a small figure over Spike's shoulder. "But how does, kidnap a
little someone and hold her just for fun sound?" Spike turned and
followed his red head's gaze.
"Sounds like a bloody good plan to me."

next

back