Immortal2

Chapter 12:

"Silence"

Willow was in her room that night, folding clothes and putting them away, when Kennedy entered the room. "Oh, hey, where have you been?"

"With Faith, but they're getting ready to go patrol." She stuck her hands in her back pockets, hopping up on the balls of her feet. "So, what was wrong with that girl earlier today?"

"Who?"

"The one you were doing the spell with."

"Oh, Azrael?" Willow thought rapidly of something to say, and couldn't find anything good. "Nothing, really. She's just... excitable, I guess."

Kennedy grinned, nearing her. "Are you still excitable?"

She didn't give time for a response, kissing Willow passionately, and the witch felt herself responding, even though it felt wrong. How had it felt so right before?

After a moment, Willow had to pull herself away. "What's the matter?" Kennedy asked.

"Nothing, really. I just... I don't feel good. Just tired, I guess."

Kennedy's brow furrowed. "Oh. Alright, then. Just wanna go to bed?"

Willow hadn't even considered that Kennedy would be staying with her in her room. "Um, sure. Let's do that."

"So, where are we headed?" Faith asked.

"I was thinking we'd go to that Rouge place first, see if there was anything left behind that could lead us to a new location," Giles replied. Blake looked between them, absorbing everything that was said with earnest. "We're fairly close now."

"Good, I'm dying for a slay."

"Has Cleveland really been so slow?"

"God, are you kidding? It's, like, nothing. Pretty sad for a hellmouth."

They fell silent as the entered Rouge, and stopped still when they heard movement from the other side of the structure. Gripping her stake, Faith led Giles and Blake around the side.

And almost smack into Angel.

"God, you asshole!" she griped, stepping back and running a hand through her hair. She saw the raven-haired girl that had been at the Council earlier behind him.

"Faith?" he asked.

"Who's it look like? Yeah, it's me."

"But..." His eyes drifted to Giles, whose cold stare sent him looking elsewhere quickly.

"What am I doing here?" Faith asked for him. "Helping. What are you doing?"

"Well, I just wanted to see if there was any clue to where the Remelius might be. Azrael and I were hoping to find them tonight."

"Gee, same here. Look, I'm not taking sides here or nothing, but do you think Buffy wants your help?"

Angel cringed visibly. "No, that's why I haven't told anyone. But the way I see it, I'm responsible for what happened to her."

"Angel, that's so much bull!" Azrael cried.

He turned on her. "If you hadn't returned my soul, this wouldn't be happening, right?"

"So what if that's what she told me? That doesn't make it true!"

"I believe we're missing something here?" Giles inquired.

Azrael sighed. "When I went to get Angel's soul, one of the spirits of the Kalderash said some stuff to me. I didn't get it at the time, but she basically said if I killed Angel, the Remelius wouldn't bother trying to kill Buffy. They've got plans, something to do with three, and Spike and Angel are two."

"There are four vampires," Giles reminded her. "Soon to be three souled vampires, and I'm suspecting that might be significant." He glared at the angel. "And you couldn't have mentioned this earlier?"

Azrael looked guiltily to the ground. "Look, I just thought it was shit, that's all. Something to scare me off. I didn't know."

"At least it gives us some clue as to what they're planning, other than restoring the First in a physical body."

"Have you found anything?" Angel asked carefully, avoiding looking at the watcher directly.

"No, I've no information on spells to resurrect a being of such power. But apparently, there's a second plan, requiring the three of you."

"And Buffy? Is she..." Giles looked at him with fury, and Angel sighed, giving up. "Alright. But I'm on this, too. I'll have Azrael come by if we find anything important."

"That will be fine," Giles replied, watching as the vampire walked away, defeated.

Willow lay in bed, unable to sleep. Kennedy slept deeply next to her, and her eyes kept drifting to the brunette's peaceful expression. She was happy, and thought everything was just fine.

But it wasn't.

Willow didn't love her anymore.

She wanted more than anything to leave, and find Azrael's apartment, and crawl in bed beside her, groveling for the way she'd acted earlier. To see that slow grin as the angel forgave her, and to kiss those full lips.

She was busy thinking of the easiest possible way to break up with Kennedy when Willow felt something rush through her, something black and awful. She sat up with a gasp, looking around the darkened room. Kennedy did not even stir next to her, and she knew what she'd felt was magical. "As if we don't have enough to worry about," she complained quietly, crawling out of bed and leaving the room.

Downstairs, she found Buffy and Spike in the kitchen, and her brow furrowed with worry to see him kneeling on the floor below the Slayer, whose head was focused on the ground. "What's wrong?" Willow asked.

Spike turned, a dour expression on his face. "That whelp Harris," he nearly growled.

"Spike, don't," Buffy said weakly, and Willow knew she was crying.

"I don't... What happened?"

Spike rolled his eyes. "Blames me for Buffy. Not that he doesn't have a right to, but he didn't have to say it in front of her."

"What did he say?"

"He... he said he couldn't look at me," Buffy told her, sniffling. "I guess that's why he hasn't been around much."

"Why, that little--" Willow began, but Spike cut her off with a warning look, nodding toward Buffy. Willow nodded. "Guys, I came down to tell you something."

Buffy looked up, revealing her tear-stained face. "What is it?"

"I felt something. Something bad."

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, arching a brow.

"That's just it, I'm not sure. Some dark mojo."

"Great," Buffy sighed, flailing her arms weakly, fresh tears falling from her eyes.

"Oh, that's it," Willow said, going to take a seat next to Buffy, and taking her friend in her arms. "I can't stand to see you cry, you know." Her eyes met with Spike's and he smiled thankfully.

"I tried not to," Buffy whimpered.

"You always do," Willow replied, rocking Buffy like a child. "That's why I don't get to do this often." She felt Buffy laugh, and smiled. "Xander will get over it."

"That's what he said, and Spike tried to talk to him, and he got all pissed off, and left. And Spike wasn't even being an ass like he usually does."

"Hey!" he protested, and both girls giggled then. He rolled his eyes helplessly.

They all heard noise in the dining room, and soon after Giles entered, followed by Blake and Faith. Buffy sat up, wiping at her eyes. "Willow, tell Giles what happened."

Willow explained her feeling, watching as the Watcher grew perplexed. "I don't understand what spell they would be doing now, considering they would need someone to manifest the First."

"Don't forget about Buffy," Faith reminded him.

"What about me?" she asked.

Giles sighed. "We ran into Angel. It seems that when Azrael retrieved his soul, she was told that the Remelius are planning on using three vampires for something. There are already four within our circle, but Angel and Spike have a soul, and we've been planning on finding yours soon."

"So, that's what they're looking for?"

"Angel believes so."

Spike pushed himself away from the counter. "Sod what Angel thinks. Why would they have tried killing Buffy if they needed her to be a vampire?"

"That's a mystery still, I admit, but Angel's--"

"We don't need his help," Spike interrupted, his eyes blazing with hate.

"Spike, we might," Buffy told him, and he turned his glare on her. She sighed. "I should go talk to him, see if there's anything--"

"Yeah, you do that," he growled, his voice trembling with emotion as he stalked out of the room.

"Spike!" Buffy called, sitting up a little, but they all heard the slam of the front door. "Dammit."

Spike stopped only to light a cigarette, and walked quickly away from the Council, his mind racing.

How could she even be thinking of going to talk to him? Of even seeing him again? Spike even tried the last ditch effort of putting himself in Buffy's shoes, and couldn't imagine what would make her think what she was thinking.

Unless it was that she still loved him.

He didn't believe that, not really, but the thought kept nagging at him nonetheless. He'd been second for Buffy, and would always be that way. It wasn't something he could go back and change. He was always second to Angel, and maybe he'd won this time, but the victory wasn't a sweet one when she was going to go running to his sire again for answers. "Should've just killed him," he muttered angrily to himself.

Because he'd hurt her again, somehow. It's just what Angelus was good at doing, and having a soul only seemed to change the way he did it. She'd go to him, and he'd look at her with those brooding eyes, and her heart would break for him, for all the bloody guilt he felt.

"Fuck him," Spike growled, taking a deep draw from his cigarette before throwing it to the ground and lighting another.

"Oh, I believe you're the one that's fucked, William." Spike turned, sneering at the vampire that has spoken, and his two friends behind him as they emerged from the trees.

"Am I?" he asked, grinning just a little. "Because I'm a bit of a betting man myself, and I'd wager I'm older than the three of you put together."

The fledgling smiled, shrugging. "Yeah, but there's three of us, and only one of you."

Spike grinned in return, taking a last draw of his cigarette. "Let's get on with this, then."

One of the silent minions started the fight by throwing a stake, which Spike caught between the palms of his hands, dropping it in his pocket for later use. "Thanks for that, mate," he said before charging at the three of them.

Buffy lay reclined in the hot water of the bath, unable to relax. "Why can't he understand?" she whispered, willing herself not to cry.

No, she would never forget what Angel had done to her, and she wasn't sure she could forgive him, either. But he'd always been there at her side, helping her if she wanted it or not, and she couldn't imagine life otherwise. Spike was a fighter, and she needed that, she needed him, but Angel was the thinker, and she needed that as well. She needed all the help she could get.

Buffy heard the door to her bedroom open, and felt him near. It was different than it had been before, not the Slayer feeling, but one vampire sensing another. She stepped out of the tub quickly, walking into the bedroom.

Even in the dark, she could see the bruises that covered his face, the swelling of his lip. "What did you do?" she whispered, dripping water on the carpet as she neared him.

Spike stared her up and down before looking to the floor. "Got attacked," he admitted, running his hand through his hair.

"Was it the Remelius?"

"Pretty sure, yeah."

She stepped into his arms, and he exhaled shakily, his hands going to the moist skin of her back as she lifted his shirt, pulling it over his head. Her fingers traced the wounds on his chest carefully. "How many?"

"Three. They were young, and now they're dead."

"I love you," she whispered, leaning against him.

"I know that," he assured her, running a hand through her curling hair.

"Sometimes I wonder."

"Don't. I just... I don't get it, that's all."

She pulled away enough to look up at him. "I don't need you to get it. I don't get it, most of the time. But we're going to need him for this. I need to talk to him. It doesn't mean forgive and forget. Because I can't. Not right now."

Spike sighed, cupping her face in his hand. "When are you going?"

"In the morning, if we can get there."

"We can. But I'm going with you."

She raised her eyebrows. "Spike, I can't have you standing there, hovering over me like--"

"Not like that. I'm just going to Wolfram and Hart. I want to be close. I have to be."

Buffy smiled softly. "Okay."

Chapter 13:

"There"

The next morning, Buffy and Spike stood in the elevator as it rose to the fourth floor offices of Wolfram and Hart. As it stopped and the doors opened, he turned to her. "I'll be in the lab, if you need anything."

"Spike, I won't need anything when I'm there." She took his hand, squeezing it. "Just maybe when I'm done." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "And why are you going to the lab, huh? Certain somebody there?"

"Maybe," he replied, lifting his brow suggestively before ducking down to steal a kiss.

Buffy pulled away, her smile fading slightly. "I'm going now."

"Don't be too long."

"I won't."

Spike stepped out of the lift, staring at the Slayer until the doors closed. Taking a deep breath, he turned, making his way across the lobby.

Buffy took a deep breath as the elevator stopped, opening on Angel's apartment. She stepped out, glancing around to see no lights on, but the sunlight filtered in through the vertical blinds, giving her plenty light to see by.

Stepping softly, she crossed the living room, peering into the bedroom, where he lay, covered only by a thin sheet.

"You can do this," she whispered, her voice trembling. But she couldn't stop imagining him coming out of that bed with that maniacal grin on his face and throwing her down once more.

Without realizing it, she neared the bed, staring down at him. Definitely the face of an angel, though a worried one, it seemed, by the lowered brow and twitching hand. Did he have nightmares about it? She found herself hoping he did, her face twisting into a grimace of hate. It faded quickly, however, as he moaned in his sleep. How is it so different for him? she asked herself. There was no soul inside of her, and she'd been searching for the difference, but felt none. It only increased her confusion about her former lover, and he lay there looking so innocent.

She suddenly realized that his eyes were open, staring into hers, and her breath caught in her throat.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered, his eyes filling with alarm.

"I... I need to talk to you."

"No. No, you need to leave." He sat up, backing away from her.

"Angel--"

"Buffy, no." She watched the tears fill his eyes. "Wait, does Spike know you're here?"

"Yeah, he's with Fred, waiting for me."

"I'm sure he's real happy about that."

"No, not really," she said matter-of-factly. "But Spike's my sire, not the law."

"Back in my day, that was one in the same."

"Back in your day, you were Angelus, and look what he does to people."

He cringed visibly. "Buffy, I can't take it back. And I wanted to just... end it, but..."

"People need you?" He didn't reply. "Angel, it's nothing to be ashamed of. You've done so much good, and--"

"And it doesn't mean anything now."

"Yes, it does!" Buffy shouted. "Angel, I don't understand why you're so different."

"Because I'm not," he said flatly.

"What, so you wanted to rape me before you lost your soul?"

"No," he replied darkly. "I just... wanted you, is all. I'm weak without it, so weak."

"Why isn't Spike?"

He shook his head. "Buffy, I can't answer all your questions, and it's... a lot, to see you like this."

"As a vampire?" He nodded, not looking her in the eye. "Look, I'm sorry I guess, but I don't know what to tell you. I'm adjusting. I have to."

He met her gaze with a fierce expression. "Do you know how many times I absolutely ached to do it to you? So we could be together? But I didn't want you to end up like me. And here you are, still fighting the good fight."

"It's what I was born to do, Angel."

"But you're dead now. All your obligations don't matter anymore."

"They do to me."

He slipped his pants on, standing up. "And that's the difference between us. When I died, nothing mattered. Nothing mattered but obliterating any trace of what I had as a mortal."

"I'm never going to understand, am I?"

"We're all different, Buffy. Every single one."

She nodded. "I'm starting to get that," she told him before taking a deep breath. "I wish it wasn't true."

"Why?"

"Because it makes my job a lot harder... That's kind of why I need you."

"You don't need me, Buffy. I hate it more than anything, but Spike loves you, and he's what you need."

"I do need him. More than anything. But I need you, too."

"What can I give you that he can't?"

"Connections. You're the CEO of evil. You've got access to information, and we need it. You've also obviously dealt with this line before." She saw that he couldn't deny her words, but he didn't like them. And Spike's brave, but he can be careless. He got his ass kicked last night by those jerks. If there had been anymore, they could have taken them. He doesn't think all the time."

Angel snorted. "That's not something you need to tell me. So, I'm guessing you're not coming here to forgive me?"

She ducked her head. "No. Not... not yet."

"Good. Not ever, Buffy. I won't let you. But I'll help."

"Alright."

It was too early for her liking when Azrael sat up in bed, her head swimming. "Great," she muttered. "Hangover." She heard rapping on her door, and glared at it, putting into place what had dragged her from her near coma. "Yeah, I'm coming!" she yelled, pulling her blanket around her and going toward the door.

She opened it, immediately rolling her eyes, which sent a sharp bolt of pain through her head. "Great. And here comes the vengeful lover."

Kennedy stepped past the angel, and into the apartment. "You know, I think there's something going on that I haven't been informed of."

"Great observation," Azrael replied, dropping the blanket and walking naked over to her closet, where she began rummaging for something to wear.

Kennedy crossed her arms, her brow darkening. "Would you like to fill me in on what it is?"

"What, did she actually care that I left yesterday?"

"She's been cheating on me, hasn't she?"

Azrael flailed her arms, sighing. "No. Not once, not even close."

"Then, why did you leave in a huff yesterday?"

Green eyes clashed with brown. "Because I love her," Azrael stated.

"Well, I love her more," Kennedy replied.

"Really? Then, where's your ass been this whole time?"

She was taken aback by the question. "I'm a Slayer. I have obligations, which I'm sure you know nothing about."

"Oh, of course not. I'm just the angel of death."

Kennedy's eyes widened considerably. "W-what?"

"Yeah, kid, talk about your great big purpose. I've had a call of duty for more years than you could add in that pretty little head of yours. And yeah, I'm on vacation, but I didn't come here to fall in love. It just kind of happened to me."

"Well... I suggest you leave it alone," she said, looking suddenly uncertain.

"I've already left it alone, sweetheart. Now I want you to leave me alone."

Buffy entered the lab, smiling as she watched Fred chattering away at Spike as he listened with interest, if no real understanding. It was obvious to her how much Fred liked Spike, and she wondered why it had taken her so long to feel the same, to admit what a great sense of humor he had, and to see how kind he could be when he wasn't on the defense.

She approached, watching as Spike's eyes immediately fell on her. "You okay?" he asked, his jaw tensed.

"Yeah."

"You don't look it. Did he say something? Because if I need to go down there--"

"Spike, it's fine. He's going to help."

"You've got all us on board, too," Fred reminded her, and Buffy smiled, leaning into Spike as his arm encircled her shoulders. "Not that I have much I can do, but Wesley has been researching a lot."

"Thanks. All of you," Buffy said, then looked up to Spike. "Can we go home?"

"Of course."

In the Viper, he turned to her. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yeah. I've just got so much to think about."

He put the car in gear and started out of the garage. "You know, love, I wish I had answers for you, but it's not like Angelus ever really confided in me."

"I'm really more confused about you."

He looked at her in surprise. "How's that?"

"Well, without his soul, Angel reminds me of any vampire I've ever killed. I just wonder what made you different."

"Easy, pet. You did."

She smiled a little. "So, do you make me different?"

"I doubt it, love," he replied, smiling back. "It's like what I told you before, you're different. You're training, your life."

"My life seems a little out of sorts right now."

"Well, as far as my opinion goes, Harris can--"

"Spike," she warned softly.

"Fine. But... Dawn. I think, maybe, she needs you to talk to her."

"Why do you think that?"

"Well, she's lost you once, love. She can't decide if she's lost you again, or not."

"Maybe it's time I talk to everyone."

"If you're ready."

She took a deep breath. "Maybe I am."

Chapter 14:

"Through the Darkness"

When they returned to the Council, Buffy went straight up to her sister's room, knocking softly on the door. "Come in," she heard, and went inside to see the girl laid across her bed, with her homework before her, and her eyes widened when she saw Buffy. "Oh. Hey."

"Hey," she replied, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "How are you doing?"

Dawn shrugged. "Alright."

"Are you sure?"

Dawn's eyes met hers. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we haven't really had a chance to talk, since... you know."

"Yeah."

"Dawnie, are you sure you're alright? With me?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's okay if you're not, you know."

"I'm just," Dawn began, then shook her head. "It's just... strange. I wasn't sure if you were still... you."

Buffy took her sister's hand. "I'm still me. Just... colder, and sort of immortal."

"But you hated vampires, Buffy," the younger girl replied, entwining her fingers with those of her sister.

"I'm learning a lot. About vampires. I talked to Angel today, and I've been talking to Spike. It's a lot to understand, a lot to take in."

"Will you be able to slay?"

Buffy nodded. "I think so... maybe. Probably. I'm more worried about everyone else, though. Everyone here. I need to talk to them. I know Willow's alright with it, but there's..." she trailed off.

"Xander?"

"Yeah."

Buffy went down to the second floor of the Council, where Giles and Xander had their own quarters, and knocked on his door. There was no answer, and she thought of peeking in to see if maybe he was asleep, but decided not to, turning around. "I thought he'd be off work by now," she mumbled to herself.

"He is," she heard, and turned to see Meg coming towards her.

"What are you doing here?"

"Need to talk to Giles."

"Where's Xander?"

"He hasn't been staying here for a couple of nights now."

"And how do you know that?"

"I think everyone knew but you."

Buffy nodded, realizing. "Alright. Look, I want all Slayers in the training room. Fifteen minutes, okay?"

Fifteen minutes later, the six girls stood before her, much like on their first day. "I want to know right now if anyone has a problem with me," Buffy announced, pacing slowly before them. No one said a word. "Because I'm well aware of what I am, and that we kill what I am. I know I don't have a soul yet. I guess everyone wanted to protect me from the fact that Xander didn't feel safe here. Truth is, I don't need any protection. Not like that. I understand Xander's fear. I was scared of the same thing. But I'm not going to pick anyone off in their sleep. I'm still a Slayer, and more than that, I still care about everyone that lives in this house."

"What about the people who don't?" Blake asked, her eyes full of fear.

"I'm not going to kill anyone," Buffy assured her. "I don't even want to. I've been taught about vampires for years, and becoming one didn't erase that. They can be evil, ruthless killers. But I'm not. And I'm going to need every one of you behind me, but if you can't trust me, that can't happen. I want to know right now, does anyone want out?"

There was no answer.

"Good. Because tonight, we're ending this."

"Why the rush?" Staci asked.

Buffy looked over them all with intense eyes. "Because when this is over, we can concentrate on getting my soul. And then Xander can come home."

Just after sunset, Buffy left with Spike and the Slayers while Willow and Sophie sat up their supplies for a locator spell in the library. "I thought vampires couldn't be found with these spells," Sophie commented as she lit the candles.

"It's very difficult, but I'm not looking to locate any vampires. I'm looking for that magic I felt last night. No one can find the Remelius, and I think they might be using magic to cloak themselves somehow."

"Great, a huge army of vampires who know magic, too."

"Hush, Miss Pessimistic," Willow said, smiling a little.

"I am not pessimistic."

"Good, because after this," she said, with a lift of her brow, "I need your help working with Dawn."

Spike and Buffy led the group as they walked through an alley. "Are you sure this is the best idea?" he asked.

"What are you talking about?"

He shrugged, taking a draw from his cigarette. "I don't know, walking blind into the hiding place of who knows how many vampires just so the whelp can come back home with his tail between his legs?"

"That's not it, Spike," she snapped.

"No, of course not."

She sighed. "I want this over. I just want things back to normal for a little while."

He looked at her softly. "Love, things aren't going to go back to the way they were. You know that, right?"

"That's not what I meant," she replied, but the defeated tone of her voice spoke otherwise.

He was trying to think of something that might make her feel better, when the cell phone inside Buffy's jacket rang. "Hello?" she answered. "Alright, good." Spike watched her listen for a moment more before hanging up. "Willow found that magic she was feeling last night."

"And you think it's connected to the Remelius?"

"I'm really hoping so, because one big evil is all I can handle right now."

Twenty minutes later, Buffy led the group behind a gas station on Lucas. "There's nothing back here," Liz said.

"Bad Slayer," Spike replied, pointing. "Manhole."

"Oh, God, we're going into the sewers?" Staci squealed.

Spike smirked, looking at Buffy. "They wouldn't have lasted a day in Sunnydale."

Spike went down first, with Buffy close behind. "God, I can't see a thing down here," she complained.

"Can if you want to," he told her.

"You mean... the bumpies?"

"Could you not call them that?" he asked, rolling his eyes. "Sounds right pathetic."

"I don't want to do that. It'll scare them."

"They need to get used to it, pet. And the more of us that can see, the better."

Angelina approached them. "It's alright, Buffy," she said. "Heck, we can't see you anyway."

"Fine. How do I... do it?"

"Just think about it, love. It'll come."

"Alright." She gasped as she felt her face transform, and the tunnel came into view around her. "Okay, that was weird. Come on, guys, let's go."

The eight of them turned a corner, and Spike put his arm out to stop Buffy. "I think you were right, love," he said quietly.

"I feel it, too. A lot of it." She turned behind her. "Guys, be ready."

Before Buffy could turn back to see ahead of her, she was thrown backwards. Standing quickly, she looked around to see the Slayers and Spike also on the ground, looking around in confusion. "What the hell?" she whispered. "Is everyone okay?"

"Fine, love," Spike replied, looking around to the other Slayers, who were nodding as they gathered themselves.

"I believe I hear William the Bloody," a voice spoke in the darkness, and everyone turned to see a figure enter the tunnel, coming closer. "It's a shame that a magnificent animal such as you has been tamed."

"Wrong choice of words, Gabrielle," Spike replied, stepping closer. "What are you doing, helping the Remelius?"

"Spike, who is she?" Buffy asked, looking the woman over. She was extremely tall, with long, curling hair and insane eyes.

"She's from our line, love. Met her once or twice. Master's pet, she was."

"There are advantages to staying close to the source of one's power," Gabrielle replied.

"So, I'm guessing you've got a bit of magic now?"

"A bit, yes."

"Won't matter," Buffy said, and moved to charge the auburn-haired vampire, but was thrown back before she could even get close. Spike tried from the other side, and was also thwarted.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a bit of a problem," he muttered, standing up once again.

"That's not the only problem!" Amber called, and Spike looked to the other end of the tunnel, rolling his eyes when he saw half a dozen vampires coming towards them.

"Buffy, I think we should rethink this," he told her.

"Okay, but we have to get out of here before we can start on the thinking part."

"Don't stake the one in the coat!" Gabrielle called to the minions. "Your master needs him for the spell."

Buffy and Spike exchanged a confused look before they were attacked.

Chapter 15:

"Situations"

Sophie walked into the library, smiling softly at Willow. "She's ready."

"Really?"

"She can open the portal. I think she's been practicing on her own, really."

"She would. Getting herself in trouble is our Dawnie's forte."

"Have you heard from Buffy?"

"Uh, yeah. She called to let us know they're all okay, but they had to call a retreat. She said she'd let us know more when they got here."

"Doesn't sound good."

"We'll be okay. We can get Buffy's soul now, and then Xander will eventually calm down, and then we'll kick some vampire butt. No offense."

"None taken,” Sophie replied with a smile.

The door opened and both girls waited as Buffy and Spike entered, bruised and bloodied, with some pretty beaten looking Slayers behind them. "I'm guessing it didn't go so well?" Willow asked.

"They've got a witch," Buffy informed her. "A pretty good one." She winced, bringing her hand to the back of her neck.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I think we're going to need your help, Will."

"Great!" the redhead squealed. "Oh, and Dawn's ready to do the spell, to restore your soul."

"Soon," Buffy told her. "We've got other things to worry about. And some healing up to do."

"Right. Well, I'm going to go to my room, look up some stuff on defensive spells."

Willow left the library, feeling excited. It felt good to feel needed, to be occupied with something other than worrying over Azrael, who hadn't come back since their argument.

She entered her bedroom to find Kennedy sitting in her armchair. "What's wrong?" she asked, noticing the dark look on the Slayer's face.

"I went to that girl's apartment today. Azrael?"

"Why would you do that?"

"You never told me she was an angel."

"Well, you haven't been here long, and there's so much going on right now, I--"

"She said she loved you."

Willow's eyes widened. "She said... that?"

"Yeah," Kennedy replied, standing up and crossing her arms. "You look surprised."

"Well, yeah."

"So, nothing's been going on between you two?"

Willow looked at her girlfriend in shock. "You think I've been cheating on you?"

"No, but something's going on, with the way you chased after her. And you've been moping ever since."

"I..." Willow looked into the dark depths of Kennedy's eyes, and knew what she had to do. Azrael loved her, she'd said it. "Kennedy, I'm sorry, but I have to go."

"What?"

Willow grabbed her purse from the dresser, blinking back the tears in her eyes as she faced Kennedy once more. "I love her, too."

"Oh." Kennedy stood for a moment longer, then quickly ran from the room. Willow left as well, but she wasn't chasing after her former lover. She ran out the front door and to her car.

Azrael was so tired of people knocking on her door at all hours, but at least this time she was still dressed, having just returned from the local club down the street. "Who the hell is it this time?" she groused, going to answer it.

She blinked rapidly when she saw her visitor. "...Willow?"

"Hey."

"What's wrong?"

The witch smiled. "Nothing's wrong. Not anymore."

Buffy woke up and felt Spike's arm tighten around her. "What time is it?" she asked softly.

"Just after sunrise. How are you feeling?"

"Much less like a punching bag. You?"

"I'm alright." His hand slid under her tank top, and she laughed.

"Seems like it." She turned in his arms, kissing him deeply, and his grip around her tightened as he growled deeply in his chest. He would miss the warmth she used to give for awhile, but there was a world of new things to explore with his childe.

Spike's lips left Buffy's, trailing across her face and down to her neck, where he then slipped into game face, letting his fangs pierce the soft flesh. She cried out in surprise, but it was soon transformed into a moan of pleasure as he rolled on top of her, drinking slowly.

After a moment, he pulled away. "Like that, love?" he whispered, his human visage returning as he leaned down to kiss her again.

"Yes." Buffy couldn't think of anything else to say; she was too busy fantasizing about how her sex life would be as a vampire. Every single part of her was aching for him, alive with want.

"Well, we've got all morning."

"Actually, no we don't."

"Why not?" he asked, dangerously close to whining.

"You know, Remelius, magic, need to have a meeting?"

"It's barely sunrise," he reminded her, biting at her lip.

"Well, I guess we have a little while..."

It was nearly eleven when Willow pulled her car in front of the Council, checking her hair in the mirror, which made Azrael grin. "You look fine."

"Sure I don't look like I just had a bunch of sex?"

"Well..." The girls shared a sly smile.

"It's not funny," Willow told her. "Kennedy's in there, and she's probably not going to be that happy. Let's try not to... glow."

"No glowing. Promise."

Inside, the place was chaotic, with everyone finishing their breakfasts and getting ready to meet in the library. Willow and Azrael split up, with Azrael going to the library, and Willow into the dining room, where she ran directly into Spike.

"Well, hello, Red," he said, smiling. "And I'm guessing you've been here all morning?"

"Of course, where else would I be?" she replied quickly.

Spike chuckled. "Not sure, but that's a fantastic hickey on your neck."

Willow slapped a hand over her neck, eyes bulging. "Are you serious?" she whispered.

"No, but it was fun," he said, smiling. "So, you got to the winger, did you?"

"That is absolutely none of your business."

"Right," he replied, lifting his brow as he began to turn away.

"Oh, and Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"That term? Winger?" She grinned. "How'd you know she really had wings?"

His eyes widened, then he smiled. "Actually, I didn't until now."

In the library, everyone gathered, and even though Willow made sure not to sit too close to Azrael, Kennedy was sending daggers at both of them from across the room.

Buffy sat with Giles at the head of the room, going over some last minute things until he called everyone to attention. "To anyone that's not aware, last night's patrol for the Remelius wasn't exactly successful, but we did learn something. The first being that a powerful witch is aligned with them. Her name is Gabrielle, and she is from the line of Aurelius, which Spike and Angel are from. And Buffy now, as well. Therefore, it might not be just the Remelius we're dealing with. The second piece of information is that these vampires want Spike unharmed. Speaking with Buffy, I believe it's because he has a soul."

"But what about Buffy?" Willow asked. "Dawn's ready to open the portal to find Buffy's soul."

"We can't yet," Buffy informed everyone. "Not until we know what they're up to." She looked to the table, and Spike put his arm around her.

"Which is what we need to find out," Giles said.

"We're going back out tonight," Buffy added. "And this time, we're all going."

"Me too?" Dawn asked.

"No," everyone replied.

Chapter 16:

"Bleed"

Angel stepped out of the car at the gas station that night, looking around before walking behind the building. Azrael had called him earlier, filling him in on the attack the night before, but he wanted to check it out for himself. He told Buffy he'd help, and he planned to, even if Azrael had tried to warn him away, telling him about Gabrielle warning the other vampires not to harm Spike.

He walked quickly through the sewer tunnels, careful not to make a sound so he could listen for any activity. It wasn't long before he saw light reflecting from the water, and knew he was coming close.

He suddenly froze, his eyes widening with alarm. "I can't move," he told himself. "That's just great."

"I think you're lying," a voice sang, and he rolled his eyes as she stepped before him.

"Gabrielle."

"Yes. I'm so glad you're here."

"Could I ask you something, because I'm really dying to know." She lifted her eyebrows. "What idiot taught you magic?"

She sighed, then lifted her hand, gesturing for him to come near. Involuntarily, he did so, following the woman into a large chamber, where he counted at least fifteen other vampires. Five of them came forward, leading him into another tunnel, where he saw yet another vampire, but this one he knew. "Sophie?" he asked, wishing his body would listen, and fight the minions that were shackling him in right next to her.

When they were gone, she turned to him. "They think I have a soul," she whispered.

"What?"

Sophie nodded. "That's why they wanted you. And Spike. I've been listening."

"Tell me."

Azrael lay in bed at the Council that night, with Willow in her arms, perfectly at peace. She'd never known things could be so... calm. Or that she would like calm.

She nearly jumped out of bed when her cell phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered, smoothing Willow's hair as she stirred.

"Azrael? It's Wesley."

"Oh, hey. What's wrong?"

"You haven't heard from Angel, have you?"

"No, not since earlier today. Why?"

"We haven't, either. Not for several hours."

"He went, didn't he?"

"We believe so, yes."

"I'm on it."

Half an hour later, Dawn and Liz watched everyone else leave the Council, equipped with stakes, axes, and crossbows. "I hate that I'm stuck here," Dawn complained.

Liz looked at her as if she were crazy. "Well, I'm not hating this at all."

"Spike, you shouldn't be going," Buffy told him as they led the pack. "What if they capture you?"

"I think the Calvary behind us might prevent that, love."

"We don't know what we're in for."

"No, we don't. But we've also got a pack of Slayers walking in there, and any one of them would be just perfect for that spell to raise the First, now wouldn't they?"

She sighed. "Point taken."

Willow was the first down into the sewers, followed closely by Buffy and Spike. "Oh, this is the dark stuff, all right," she mumbled.

"Can you fight it?" Buffy asked. The witch turned, arching an eyebrow. "Are you serious? Please."

"Okay, then," she replied, turning quickly when she heard running footsteps behind them. "Will, just make sure she doesn't do any spells! We've got this." She turned to Spike. "Stay here with them. I'm going to find Angel." He nodded, and Buffy ran down the tunnel and into the chamber, where she stopped abruptly. "Oh, God, they were waiting for us," she whispered as she looked around.

There were over forty vampires in the room, and she saw components of what looked to be a major spell being sat up by several of them. She scanned over them until she spotted Gabrielle.

"Oh, look, it's the dead Slayer," she said, standing up from her chair. "We were hoping you'd come." She smiled warmly. "I expect you've brought company?"

"Plenty."

"Lovely, but we'll only need two." She turned to one of the younger vamps. "Bring Angelus and the girl. We'll be starting shortly. And someone else rouse Samantha."

"Who's Samantha?" Buffy asked.

"The Remelius Master," Gabrielle informed her. "Well, since 1644, anyway. The original one was killed."

"How awful."

"I expect it was devastating. Not that I care. I'm much more concerned about tonight."

"Do you have any idea of what you're trying to raise?"

"Quite a lot, actually, but I'm in no mood for discussion at the moment." Both women heard shuffling feet, and turned to see Angel and Sophie, bound in chains.

"Those won't hold him," Buffy informed Gabrielle.

"The metal won't, but the spell will, and I believe your witch is busy elsewhere."

"Not really," Willow said, walking into the room. She was followed by Spike, Giles, and Azrael, and the other Slayers filed in behind them.

"Well, what a gathering," a small voice said, and everyone turned to see a very young girl emerge from one of the farthest tunnels. Buffy looked at her in shock; she couldn't have been a day over thirteen, wearing a thin white gown that made her pale skin and black curls all the more striking. She gazed at the crowd before her with icy blue eyes, her small lips curling into a satisfied smile. "I trust we're nearly ready, Gabrielle?"

"Very."

"That's your Master?" Buffy asked in disbelief, which was also displayed on Spike's face.

"It's nice to meet you Buffy Summers," the girl spoke. "And I'm sorry we haven't more time to talk of your strange transformation. But I'll be needing William now. I will allow you to say goodbye, however."

Spike snorted. "Got a bit of an ego, don't you?"

"Not an ego, but a purpose. A vision. The First wishes to be made flesh, and I was called to accomplish this task. How could I say no?"

"It's a very small word," Buffy told her. "Easy to say."

"I have no time for jokes," Samantha said, before turning to her followers. "Seize William," she ordered. "Kill the others."

"Driven"

The fight began instantly, and Buffy heard someone call her name, turning in time to catch the axe thrown to her and behead the first two vampires that came her way.

Spike jumped for the first large group of minions he could find, throwing punches left and right, staking each opponent the moment they hit the floor. He heard his name and looked over to the wall to see Sophie. "Spike, the book!" she shouted, nodding with her head over to the other side of the chamber. He nodded back before swinging around, his stake hitting home once more.

Willow surveyed the battle around her, careful to block any spells thrown out by Gabrielle on her friends, but the vampire was coming closer to her all the time, and she had to suppress a smile. This might be fun, as long as she made sure not to lose control while she was at it.

Buffy swung her axe once more, and looked around to find the room empty of vampires, save the ones she already knew, Samantha, and Gabrielle. "Was that all?" she asked.

"Hardly," Samantha told her. "Second flank!" she called. Buffy looked around as she heard footsteps all around her in the surrounding sewer tunnels.

"Why do they listen to you?" Buffy wanted to know.

"Because I've promised them all safety once the First has returned."

"Do they know you're lying?" She stepped closer. "And I wonder, if I kill you, will they be so gung ho about it anymore?"

"You're going to kill one of your own kind when I don't even have a weapon?"

Buffy reached into her waistband, withdrawing a knife, and threw it to the girl. "Now you do."

Sophie watched the fighting helplessly as Angel struggled in his restraints. She was worried over Willow; she seemed to be evenly matched with Gabrielle, and she could practically feel her frustration. Because if Willow gave into her darker powers, if only just a little, she could beat the vampire.

But it was too risky.

"Willow!" Sophie shouted as the second group of vampires began to enter the chamber.

"Kind of busy!" Willow called.

"Come here! I can help!"

Willow quickly ran towards Sophie, never taking her eyes from Gabrielle, her hand up as she mumbled something in Latin to shield the woman's spell. "What is it?"

Without explaining, Sophie grabbed the redhead's hand, concentrating on sending all of her power out of herself and into Willow. She wasn't sure it would work until she heard Willow cry out faintly, and everything went black. She could still hear the fight around her, but her eyelids felt so heavy suddenly.

Willow turned toward Gabrielle, a bright smile on her face. "You know, I think I'm a little high," she admitted.

"Her power won't help you defeat me," Gabrielle told her.

"Oh, but I think it will," she replied, holding her hand in front of her. "Dust," she whispered, her grin broadening as she watched the vampire's skin slowly disintegrate as she screamed.

Angel watched as even more minions filled the room, and was glad for the fact that they were all young. None of the Slayers had been hurt too badly, and Spike was on a rampage, but Angel was focused mostly on Buffy. He couldn’t believe she’d actually offered a weapon to Samantha, as if she were some sort of equal. And now she was surrounded by vampires, her attention taken away from the Remelius Master, who seemed to be just waiting for the right opportunity.

He didn’t even have time to warn Buffy when Samantha came from behind, deftly running the blade she held across the Slayer’s neck. “Buffy!” he shouted as she fell to the ground. His eyes quickly scanned the room. “Spike!” he roared.

The younger glared across the room at him after staking a fledgling. “Call it off! Get Buffy out of here!” He watched as Spike’s eyes found the Slayer, widening when he saw her limp form in a pool of blood. Samantha had disappeared.

Spike went into a mad rage, killing all the minions around him before grabbing Willow and running toward Buffy. “Get her out of here,” he ordered.

“What about the others?”

“They can handle themselves, just get her home. I’ll be there soon.” He grabbed the axe that had fallen from Buffy’s hand and ran to the corner, where he picked up the book Sophie had pointed out to him earlier. The minions that hadn’t been killed were beginning to scamper away into the tunnels with no one to lead them, and he could tell the fight would soon be over.

Angry that it had been left to him to do it, he approached Angel and Sophie. His childe was still limp within the chains that bound her, and Spike caught her with one arm after splitting the metal with the axe. He laid her carefully upon the floor before looking to his sire. Spike wanted more than anything to use the weapon he held to separate Angel’s head from the rest of him, but knew he couldn’t. Instead he freed him.

“Thanks,” Angel said, stepping away from the wall. “Listen, Spike--”

“Not really in the mood to listen to you.”

“This is important. Buffy gave Samantha that knife.”

“What?”

Angel nodded. “You need to talk to her.”

“Don’t tell me what I need to do.”

The older vampire sighed. “I’ll get Sophie home. But thanks. Really.”

“You think I wanted to let you go? I did it for her. Now get the fuck out of my sight before I change my mind.”

Buffy lay flat on her back in her bed as Willow stitched the cut across her neck shut. “It’s weird, it doesn’t even hurt that much.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, since I don’t have anything for the pain. Did you get enough to eat?”

“For now. I still feel pretty tired.”

“Well, you bled a whole lot.”

“I hope everyone’s okay.”

“They will be. All the vampires started disappearing after Gabrielle got all dusty.”

“Yeah, that was pretty cool.”

"Uh-huh." Willow snipped the thread before putting the scissors away. "Well, it doesn't look pretty, but you can probably take those out in a couple of days."

"Thanks, Will."

The door to the bedroom opened, and Spike walked in, rushing to Buffy's side. "I'll just leave you guys alone," Willow said with a smile, stepping out.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, brushing the hair away from her face.

"Getting there. How is everyone?"

"Accounted for. Buffy, why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Give her a weapon!"

She cringed. "It didn't seem fair."

"Was it fair when you staked all those vampires before?"

"That was before I was one."

"It doesn't matter!" he insisted. "They'll kill you either way. There's not some bloody vampire union. To her, you're the enemy, and it was bloody stupid, what you did." He saw the tears welling in her eyes, and took her hand. "Look, I'm sorry, love, but you have to start thinking. You might be a vampire now, but you're still a Slayer. You have a job, and I don't think handing weapons to vampires was ever a part of it."

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be sorry," he said, leaning down to kiss her. "You'll heal, you'll be alright. Just don't do it again." He peeled off his clothes, joining her in the bed.

"Sleeping already?"

"Tonight, yeah." He pulled her close, careful of her wound, and she felt the press of his face against her back. "I swear, Buffy, sometimes I wish I didn't love you."

"W-what?"

"Oh, I'm not saying I'd have a choice. It's just... sometimes..." He sighed. "No one's ever scared me the way you do. You've made me crazy."

"Hey, I think there were a couple of incidents of insanity before this."

"Still over you, though. Always." She felt his lips on her skin, and pressed herself closer against him.

"And you hate it?" she whispered.

"God, no. I love you, Buffy."

She smiled with relief. "I love you, too."

Chapter 18:

"Words Revealed"

Giles had been up all night looking over the book Spike had taken from the Remelius, and when morning came, everyone met in the library, eager to hear what he had to say about it.

"Alright, everyone," he began, removing his glasses to rub at his eyes. "I believe I've come to the gist of this spell." He paused, looking down to the stolen book that sat before him on the table. "We already knew that the Remelius were planning on manifesting the First in a Slayer. But, what we didn't know is that is only the easiest answer for them. The First can inhabit any human that is supernaturally strong. The thing of it is, in a human body, it can still be killed, just as any human."

"Well, that's not so bad, is it?" asked Faith. "I mean, it would suck to have to kill someone, yeah, but at least we got a little bit of relief, right?"

"Not hardly," the watcher replied. "There is a way to make It unstoppable, to make it where nothing could kill it. It requires for the First to drink the blood of three vampires. Three with souls."

Everyone looked to Buffy, who immediately stared down at her fidgeting hands. "So, they think it's Sophie, don't they?"

"It would seem so," Giles said, looking uncomfortable.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing there's only two, huh?"

"Right!" Willow replied excitedly. "I mean, there's nothing they can do, and after we take them out, there'll be no problem!" Buffy tried smiling, but didn't quite pull it off, and Spike took her hand, which she squeezed gently.

* After the meeting, Spike left Buffy alone to have breakfast with Dawn. He couldn't stand how subdued everyone was, however. It seemed they were all afraid to laugh, or talk about anything normal. The only ones that even dared to whisper were the other slayers, not remembering that Spike could hear them. They were scared for Buffy, but it was apparent they were also scared of her, even though they tried not to show it.

Sick of it all, Spike finally made his way up to the bedroom, quietly opening the door to find Buffy in bed, her eyes closed. "You alright?" he asked.

"No." He neared the bed, crawling in behind her, and she pressed herself against him, seeming to take comfort from his presence. "I just want this to be over. I want to get my soul, and I want Xander come home, and I want to be different so I can stop thinking about all of this."

"Buffy..." He didn't want to say it, but he knew he had to. "Getting your soul back doesn't make you human again."

"I know, but... I can't do this, Spike. I can't be this, and go out and kill other vampires like I'm better than them. It's not fair."

"Love, no one ever said life was fair. I don't know when everyone started thinking it was supposed to be, because it's anything but. It's hard, and cruel, and you just have to take what you can from it, because all it's ever gonna do is take from you. It already has, but you have to keep fighting."

"I'm so tired."

He buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply. "Look," he said after a moment. "If you can't do this, you can't. And no one's going to hold it against you. We can handle this."

"No... I have to." She sighed. "I just need a reason, is all. I have to find one."

Spike spent the remainder of the day moving the rest of his belongings out of his apartment. When it was finally done, he handed the keys to the landlord, and walked out into the night, wondering if he should go to the Council. He didn't want to bother Buffy; she needed to think everything through, and he would be a welcome distraction. He also knew that home was now with her, and no one had questioned that.

He drove the Viper back, thinking it was a huge house, and he didn't have to see Buffy. He was hungry anyway, and it was the only place he knew there would be free blood, considering he'd have to watch his money for awhile.

In the kitchen, he found Willow sitting alone with a notebook before her, writing out notes. "Hard at work?" he asked, opening the fridge.

"Trying, but not really. Where have you been?"

"Moving out of the flat. Thought Buffy could use some time alone."

"She's taking it really hard, huh?"

He got out a pint of blood and went to the microwave. "Yeah, she is, and there's not a sodding thing I can do about it. Drives me crazy."

"Yeah, I can imagine. But she seemed fine yesterday, and we knew she couldn't get her soul then."

"Well, now it seems that it's going to be a bit longer than she bargained for, and it's starting to get to her."

"What, she's going to go all evil?"

He rolled his eyes, stopping the microwave and removing the container to take a long drink. "No, Red. It's just hard for her to kill her own kind. She thinks the soul will make that easier."

Willow frowned. "It won't, will it?"

"No," he replied, then decided to change the subject. "What's with you, anyway?" he asked. "No help with the research tonight?"

"Um, no. Well, Dawn offered, but she's got enough to do, being our portal opener, and all."

"What about the winger?"

"She's helping at Wolfram and Hart. We're trying not to be too close with Kennedy around, and all. She won't even talk to me about it. Very avoid-y."

He raised his eyebrows in a 'what can you do?' way, and joined her at the table. "So, the winger's got a real pair, eh?"

Willow blushed. "Yeah. Wings."

"Funny I never noticed that. Guess they only come out during moments of extreme..." He grinned, and it was pure evil. "Excitement?"

Willow's eyes widened, then she smiled. "Something like that, maybe."

Spike knew he wasn't going to get anymore than that. "Well, I'm happy for you, Red."

She nodded. "I'm happy for you, too. Both of you. I know things are... hard, but they usually are when you're us. She's happy with you, though, and I'm glad for that."

"Harris certainly isn't."

"He'll deal. We all have to. It's not easy when your best friend is suddenly undead, and you've been killing said undead for several years." Her brow puckered. "I think I can see what Buffy's going through. Oh, yeah. Yuck."

"That's one word for it, I guess." He drained the rest of the blood from the pint, and got up to throw it in the trashcan. "Think I'll go for a walk."

"Think that's such a hot idea right now?"

"I think we put a bit of a scare into them. Probably take them a couple of days to get back on their feet. 'Sides, I got some thinking of my own to do." Willow nodded, and watched Spike leave the room.

Outside, he inhaled the cool night air, letting it out in a heavy sigh.

He didn't know what to do for her, how to make her see. I just need a reason, she'd said. The old reason wasn't good enough anymore. It wasn't enough, just being told that vampires were evil, and should all be killed for the good of the world, not when she was one, and knew three others that would do anything to help her. Spike nearly wished she'd seen him before he'd ever come to Sunnydale, and become obsessed with her. She thought he'd been bad then. He hadn't been anything, nothing but a whipped puppy the second his eyes had landed on her. Sure, he'd tried very hard at being evil after that, but it had been a pathetic attempt.

He'd never been good at words. Talking, yes, but the right words often escaped him, and he knew he was lucky that Buffy seemed to understand the inadequate way he had of explaining things. Deep down, he knew Angel was the one for this, the one with all the grand answers to the big questions, and that Buffy should probably talk to him about it. He hated it, that Angel still had something Buffy needed, something he himself couldn't give her.

"Spike?"

His face went blank at the voice, and he turned, looking at his sire. "What the hell are you doing here?" he asked darkly.

Angel shrugged. "I just thought I'd walk by, make sure everything was alright."

"Everything's fine without you around to bugger it up."

"Spike, I--"

"Not now," Spike warned. "Trust me."

"Look, something has to happen. Things can't go on like this. I don't want Buffy to forgive me, but--"

Spike snorted. "Right you don't. Please, I'm sure it's all you bloody think about. And she'll do it, you know. Just give it the right moment, the right lighting, and she'll be on her knees, telling you that she's the one that's sorry."

"You're wrong," Angel replied calmly.

"No," he growled. "You're wrong. Everything about you is wrong."

"Spike, I can't say I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do but what I'm doing right now." He stopped, looking to the ground. "I didn't want to hurt her."

That was all it took to make him snap, and Angel was completely off guard when Spike came rushing at him, fists flying, a roar of complete despair tearing from his throat.

Angel didn’t fight back at first, letting Spike take him to the ground as he punched him repeatedly. “Don’t tell me you didn’t want it!” he shouted, his sanity gone for the time being. “You wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t want it!”

He couldn’t help it; it made him angry, and he grabbed Spike by the wrists, sitting up. “Don’t tell me what I would or wouldn’t do, and I really wouldn’t act so high and mighty when you almost did the same thing.”

It seemed he couldn’t say anything right; his comment only served to fuel Spike’s violence more, and the younger vampire tore out of his grip, the ridges on his face making an appearance as his fangs gnashed the air. Angel noticed him fumbling in his coat, and his eyes widened when his childe suddenly brandished a stake.

He meant to kill him.

Chapter 19:

"Nothing's Sacred"

Sophie was returning to her new apartment reluctantly that night; it was really the last place on Earth she wanted to go. When Spike had arrived before to pick her up, she hadn't even allowed him a chance to come inside.

It was horrible. The ceiling leaked from the unit upstairs, the stove barely worked, and the sink chugged out something that didn't even closely resemble water. Not that she really needed water, but it was just disgusting.

And there were roaches. She hated roaches.

When she made her way inside, however, she saw she had a visitor. "Xander?" He gave a little wave from his spot on the threadbare coach. "How did you know where I lived?"

"Been following you. You should really lock your door in a place like this." He looked around. "Not the greatest, huh?"

"No, not really," she replied, embarrassed, as she stuck the grocery bag she held in the fridge. "Um, what brings you here?"

"Buffy."

"Oh. I guess you need to talk to someone?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I do."

Angel didn't want to fight Spike. The last thing he wanted to do was make things worse, but he'd given up on wanting to become a pile of dust. He didn't believe there was any sort of redemption left for him now, but at least he could help where he was needed, and he couldn't let Spike end it for him now.

He was determined, though, and it was hard to keep him at bay. Angel knew that he was the stronger of the pair, but when Spike got mad, he was something to watch out for. And he was past mad, he was absolutely insane, and even though Angel was managing to keep the stake away from his chest, the rest of his body was getting majorly damaged. The stake had already gone through his side, and his shoulder, and Spike had nearly closed his left eye with a few good punches.

Not that Spike was looking so great himself. Trying to defend himself, Angel had put a few good bruises on the younger vampire, and delivered a kick once that had him limping.

Spike backed away to recover for a moment, and Angel tried to reason with him once more. "Spike, what good is this doing?"

"You'll tire out sooner or later," he panted. "I can wait."

"Only problem is, you're tiring yourself out in the process. We have other things to fight besides each other, and we keep this up, neither one of us is going to be able to move come morning. I don't blame you for wanting to dust me, but this isn't the time."

"Yes, that would be inconvenient," they heard, and both of them rolled their eyes, knowing they'd been tracked, as a rather tall vampire stepped out of the surrounding trees.

"Hidalgo," Angel said, and Spike looked in alarm at the stranger. He'd heard the name before, way back in Europe. Member of the Remelius, one of the first of them, and no one to mess with. Even in his day, Angelus hadn't gome into the older vampire's territory.

"Angelus," Hidalgo replied with a nod. "It's good I've caught you here together. Samantha will be pleased."

"Why are you working for someone younger in your line?" Angel asked.

"She's the flesh and blood of Auron, our original master. It seemed only right."

"She's that old?" Spike asked. "Doesn't look it." "She's only six-hundred, or so. Last surviving member of his human family, so he made her his own." He smiled slightly. "I believe that's enough of a history lesson, however." He turned, and Spike and Angel watched as a small army of vampires began to emerge from behind the line of trees. "I trust you'll be coming with us now."

Spike looked to Angel, who barely nodded, and the two of them charged ahead.

Buffy woke, sitting up took at her alarm clock. Nearly two in the morning, but where was Spike?

She felt horrible, feeling as if she had pushed him away somehow. She'd been trying to think, but had fallen asleep hours before, exhausted. She needed to talk to him.

Buffy left the bedroom, going downstairs to find no one around at all. The basement was the same, and she began to feel uneasy. Where else would Spike be?

She went back to her room, using her cell phone to call his apartment, but there was no answer. She then commenced to search the entire building, save the other bedrooms, but he didn't turn up anywhere. She called Wolfram and Hart, but Harmony informed her that he hadn't been by since she'd gone to speak with Angel. Her last effort was Sophie, who also hadn't seen him. "This has got to mean trouble," she told the other vampire. "I'm waking everyone up."

"Alright. We'll..." She trailed off. "I'll be there soon."

Buffy skipped Dawn's room, and went to Willow's knocking on the door. A sleepy redhead looked out at her. "Buffy, is something wrong?"

"Spike's gone."

She seemed to wake immediately. "He's not back yet?"

"Do you know where he went?"

"He said he was going for a walk, but that was before ten."

"God," she whispered. "This is bad. Look, get dressed. I'm waking everyone up."

"Are we going out?"

"Yeah, we are," Buffy said. "This... all of this... it ends tonight."

"Okay. I'll get Azrael here, too."

Buffy made her way upstairs, finally determined, and ready to fight. She knew she could now.

She had a reason.

Spike sighed, glaring at Angel, who sat in chains across from him. "I hope you know, this is your fault."

"What?" Angel asked incredulously.

"If you hadn't bloodied me up, I could've taken them."

Angel rolled his eyes. "I'm sure. Maybe I could've helped if you hadn't used me as a pincushion first."

They both heard footsteps, and turned to see Samantha enter the tunnel. "You both seem rather badly beaten," she said. "I'd hoped to have you look more presentable for the occasion."

"Sorry 'bout your luck," Spike retorted, licking a bit of crusted blood from his lip. "How are you going to do this, anyway?" he asked. "You don't have your third piece of the puzzle."

"But we will before the night's over. She'll be the easiest to catch out of the three of you, considering how you abandoned her, and all. It's sad, really."

"Don't need a lecture from a vamp that looks like she's still in grammar school, pet."

"Oh, I didn't mean to lecture. It's just, the three of you perplex me, and not much surprises me these days. I don't understand how one human girl, and a Slayer at that, could change you so much. It's a pity I don't have time to speak with Buffy."

"And what do you hope to accomplish by killing her?" Angel asked.

"Well, it seems everyone who hopes to stop me are behind her, so if I eliminate her, I assume that will take the fire out of all of you. I did want her as the host, but setbacks happen. I really do wonder why she hasn't arrived already."

When Sophie got off the phone with Buffy, she went straight to Xander. "I know you're having a hard time," she told him, "and I want to help, I really do. But there's trouble."

"Trouble?"

"Buffy's going after the Remelius. Tonight. They have Spike."

"And you're going?"

"I have to," she said, as if she were surprised he thought there was any other choice.

It took only fifteen minutes for everyone in the house to prepare themselves, but to Buffy, it was fifteen minutes too long. Once again, she left Liz to look after Dawn, being that she was weakest, and still scared to death of vamps. Sophie hadn't shown by the time they were ready to leave, but Buffy didn't let it stop her. Her friend knew where to go.

It became apparent that they were expected long before they got there. They were all still two blocks away from the gas station when they were attacked by nearly a dozen minions. Buffy took a moment to size them up as she watched the other Slayers fight. She'd never actually taken the time to watch them in a real fight, and she couldn't help but be proud. They'd really been learning. She was stopped from her observations by a fist to the back of her head, and without thinking, turned to stake her attacker. "There," she told herself. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Chapter 20:
"Still Alive"

Spike and Angel both heard the voices coming from outside the tunnel; one of the minions was informing Samantha that Buffy was coming. "They broke through all of them," he informed the young master.

"I figured as much, but I'm sure they've had some of the fight taken out of them."

"The other one, she wasn't with them."

"She'll come," Samantha assured the other. "We're doing this before dawn. And if she doesn't come to us, it won't be hard to go to her."

Buffy led the group as the made their way to the Remelius lair, where there were only five vamps that attempted to stop them. "That's a bad sign," she commented.

"There's probably a whole freaking army of them in there," Blake said.

"Well, we'll just have to take them out, like all the others. I'm tired of this." She readied her crossbow, then looked at everyone that followed. "Here we go."

Spike could smell the scent of the cavalry coming closer, and soon he heard her voice, closing his eyes. He was relived that she had come, but frightened; he wasn't able to help her, not until he got out of these chains.

"I'm glad you finally decided to come," he heard Samantha say.

"What, and miss the party?"

Samantha laughed softly. "I see you've even brought gifts."

"All you could ever want. If you can get to them before I dust you."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. Hidalgo, would you please?" Spike lifted an eyebrow, wondering what was going to happen.

"Attack!" he heard, and soon everything around him vibrated with the sound of running footsteps.

"Christ," he muttered.

Buffy had been ready for a lot of vamps, but the numbers that came running at them from all directions were far more than the people that had disappeared from L.A. in the past months. They'd been planning this for longer than that, it seemed, and she had a moment to worry over her friends before she was thrown to the ground, and nearly staked. "I don't think so!" she shouted, kicking the vampire away from her before withdrawing a stake from her jacket and dusting him.

She then made her way up a set of stairs, taking out vampires left and right with her arrows. She knew she could get more done from this vantage point, and could help those in trouble. Because some of these vampires were far older than the ones her Slayers had grown accustomed to fighting. She watched as Blake was taken down, the female vamp going for her neck. At the last second, Buffy shot, and the brunette was covered in dust. She looked up at Buffy thankfully before jumping back up and returning to the fight.

"Are you really doing your job all the way up here?" Buffy turned, looking down at Samantha, who was slowly walking towards her up the stairs.

"You know, I will kill you this time."

"I'm prepared," she replied, holding up her own stake for the Slayer to see.

"Good."

A movement caught Buffy's eye, and she gasped when she saw Xander enter the large tunnel, a duffel bag on his shoulder, and an axe in his hand. Sophie was right behind him.

"I knew she'd come," Samantha said, seeming pleased.

"Yeah, too bad she's not who you're looking for." "Sophie doesn't have a soul," Buffy replied, squinting over her crossbow before releasing another arrow down below.

"That's ridiculous. She hasn't killed in decades."

"I haven't killed yet, either, but I don't have one."

"You're a Slayer. You'll always be filthy, with your morals, and your beliefs."

"And my soul."

The vampire's eyes widened. "...What?"

"I'm your third, shorty." She smiled. "Only thing is, with all the commotion going on lately, I haven't gotten that soul back yet. You only have two to work with, and from what I hear, that's not going to cut it, is it?"

Samantha's cool composure was finally broken, and she gaped at Buffy like a fish out of water. "You're lying," she stammered.

"I'm really not," the Slayer replied, sounding regretful.

Samantha looked down wildly at her minions, watching as they were staked one of the other. "Retreat!" she cried, sounding much more like the little girl she resembled.

Hidalgo looked up at her. "Samantha?"

"She's not the one! Pull them back! Pull them--" She was cut off, looking down at the stake that protruded from her chest, and Buffy gave a little wave as she disintegrated.

Xander chopped his way through several vampires before Sophie got his attention, pointing to one of the smaller tunnels that led away from the center chamber. “Spike should be in there!” she shouted. “Get him out!” He nodded, heading that way. It was chaos, with many of the vampires running to escape, while some still fought on.

Spike was more than surprised when Harris entered the tunnel, axe in hand. He struck at the chains, and when they fell to the ground easily, he knew the magic on them was gone, which meant whoever had done the spell was dead. He hoped it was Samantha, or Hidalgo. Without them, the others would be running scared. He didn’t wait for Angel to be set free, only muttered a thanks to Xander before running out into the fight. There wasn’t much of one left. Only fifty or so vamps remained, but a lot of them were getting away.

He met Buffy as she came down the stairs, and she smiled. “I killed her,” she told him.

“And Hidalgo?”

She looked around. “I lost track of him.”

“We’ve got to find him. The others we can worry about later.” He stopped, kissing her quickly. “I’m glad you found your reason, whatever it was.”

Her smile widened. “Yeah, me too.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“Later,” she said. “Let’s find the Big Bad.” He mocked a glare at her. “The much less badder than you Big Bad, of course.”

“Right,” he laughed, and they went down the stairs together.

“Which way do you think he went?” she asked.

“Well, I can usually hear Samantha talking from that direction when she’s not in here, so I figure that’s command central,” he replied, pointing just left of them.

“Let’s go, then.”

“Buffy!” She turned to see Xander, who ran toward her, handing her the duffel bag. “Grenades,” he explained.

“Where did you get grenades?”

“Wesley,” he told her.

“Um, okay. Thanks. For showing up, I mean.”

He smiled. “Anytime.”

Buffy and Spike ran down the tunnel, and at the end discovered a fork. “Which way?” he asked her.

“Dammit,” she whispered, then sat down the bag, unzipping it and tossing him one of the grenades. “You take right, I’ll take left.”

“And you’ll be alright, doing this?”

She nodded. “I’m not leaving anyone to take my reason away again.”

He stared at her in surprise as he realized what she was saying, but she only picked the bag up again and smiled before turning and running away. “That girl...” he mused.

The battle continued in the main chamber, but it was no longer much of a fight, and Azrael took a moment to look around for Willow. She found her quickly, throwing spells left and right, setting them up for the Slayers to dust. She smiled before turning back around, right in time to jump yet another minion.

Spike walked for a bit before reaching a small room, and he smiled as he saw Hidalgo gathering up things from and forcing them into a box. “Going somewhere?” he asked.

“You really think a pathetic thing like you is going to stop me?”

Spike pulled the pin from the grenade with his teeth. “Think this might?” he asked, before throwing it and running back the way he had come. He wasn’t stupid, however. He waited at the fork, knowing that there could be the smallest chance that a vampire so old could live through the explosion.

He soon heard footsteps running toward him, and Buffy appeared. “Found him,” he told her. “Want to go see if he’s dust?”

“You mean there’s a chance he’s not?”

“Always a chance, love.” He pulled her close, running his hands through his hair. “Proud of you,” he told her.

“No reason to be. Just doing my job.” She leaned her head back, and he kissed her deeply for a moment before breaking away.

“Better go see if we’re done for the night.”

She laughed. “After this, I’m done for at least a week.”

“Wow, a vacation? Not like you, Slayer.”

“Well, just call me new, improved Slayer.”

“Right.” He took her hand. “Like you need any improving.” He smiled. “And like you’re going to take a vacation.”

“I might.” He only stared at her, and she rolled her eyes, knowing she couldn’t fool him. “One day. But there’s at least forty of those vamps that got away, and we’re going to have to pick them off.”

“And then there will be more, and more, love.”

“And there’s Slayers to fight them. I will take a vacation. Just not quite yet.”

“I’m holding you to that. Now, come on. We’re nearly done.”

Chapter 21:

"Gravity"

Buffy and Spike held hands as they walked back toward the Council, all their friends close behind. Everyone was excited, talking about the battle, and things felt... normal. Good, even. Daylight was still a couple of hours away, and she could smell it on the horizon, dangerous and warm. She would miss it, maybe forever, but she knew everything would be alright. She knew she could do her job, and that everyone would eventually accept what she'd become. Even more, Spike and Angel were less than twenty feet from each other, and no blood was being drawn.

"What happened to you two?" she asked, and he lowered his head.

"Got into a fight; got ourselves caught in the middle of it."

"What were you fighting about?"

"What do you think?" He sighed. "Wasn't really fighting. He let me beat up on him for awhile, until I tried killing him."

"What?"

He shrugged. "I snapped; couldn't help it. But it's over now. Won't happen again."

"He's sorry, you know."

"I know. Doesn't make us friends."

"I don't expect it to. But you don't have to be friends with your employer."

He looked at her like she'd grown a horn in the middle of her forehead. "What's that?"

"Couldn't you still work for Wolfram and Hart?"

He took a deep breath. "Buffy, I--"

"I mean, so we could have our own place."

That stopped him in his tracks, and Azrael nearly plowed into them before giving Spike a little shrug, and walking past. "Our own place?"

"Why not? We could get those fancy windows so we didn't have to worry about the sun, and maybe Dawn could stay with us."

"Of course she would," he replied, a smile growing on his face. "Is that what you want?"

"Yeah. But we need money for that."

"And it's not like I can really get a job anywhere else," he finished, watching her nod. "I get it."

"You could talk to Gunn and Wesley. I bet you'd never even have to see Angel. I'm sure he'd hire you back."

"I'll think on it," he promised, and they began to walk once more.

Three days later...

Buffy woke to a knock on her door, and sat up, looking down at Spike. His sleep was completely unaffected.

She went to the door, and opened it to see Dawn. "Hey," she said sleepily. "It's, like, three in the morning, what are you doing up?"

Her little sister shrugged. "Just wanted to know if you were okay, with the spell and all."

Buffy smiled. "I'm just fine," she promised. "It was a little painful, but I think it went great. You did a good job."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Yeah, all that thinking I had to do."

"Come on, I know it was harder than that."

"Well, just a little." She said nothing else, her eyes darting around, and Buffy realized.

"Hey, can you hold on just a sec?" she asked. Dawn nodded, and she closed the door, going to the bed to shake Spike.

"Whatisit?" he mumbled.

"Put something on."

"What for?"

"Dawn's going to sleep with us tonight." He nodded, throwing the blankets back and going to the dresser, where he slipped a pair of boxers on.

Buffy opened the door as Spike was crawling back under the covers, and pulled Dawn inside.

"What's going on?" the younger girl asked.

"It's family slumber party time," Buffy explained, giving Dawn a push for the bed. She giggled, crawling in next to Spike, who threw his arm over her. Buffy got in on the other side of her sister, cuddling up next to her.

"When we get a house, we can do this all the time," she said.

Spike snorted. "I hardly think so."

"Why not?" Buffy whined.

"That would interrupt the tons of shagging I plan on doing."

"Spike!" she cried, and Dawn giggled.

"Yeah, and the tons of shagging I'll be doing."

"Like I'm ever going to allow you to date, Little Bit."

"I don't have to date," she joked, and he let out a growl.

"I guess we were a bad influence," Buffy said.

"Oh, please. You guys were so dating back then."

"Couldn't drag it out of her with a tow truck, though," Spike chuckled, and Dawn giggled again with him. Buffy let it slide. Even though they were both making fun of her, it was good to hear laughter. She fell asleep quickly with the feel of Dawn's warmth next to her, dreaming of the new home she hoped to have soon, where she would come home from slaying, and check to see if Dawn had snuck out to see her boyfriend, then go to her bedroom with no worries. No, their bedroom, in their own house.

In their home.

*Fin*