Chapter 33 *****You Lose*****

The door flew open with a crash of wood and chimes. All eyes stared in shock and varying levels of fear as a blonde woman sauntered through the broken doorway.

Buffy leapt to her feet to stand between the hell god and her family, Spike a step behind her.

“No need to stand on ceremony with me.” Glory drawled lazily as she stopped at the top of the steps, her minions fanning out behind her. “In fact I’d much prefer you people on your knees.”

“Glory!” Xander half whispered.

“Smart boy you have there, Slayer.” Glory said snarkily.

Buffy stood speechless, her eyes trained on the woman, her gaze barely registering the ill fitting jeans and men’s shirt that encased the hell goddess. Behind her, Buffy felt Anya, Willow and Tara move to stand on either side of Dawn, Xander and Giles moved to stand behind the Slayer and Vampire.

“Oh, the humans want to play too!” Glory cooed. “Funny thing happened when I woke up today.” Glory said conversationally, taking two leisurely steps closer to her prey. “What do I find when I open my gorgeous eyes but my exalted self encased in disgusting polyester blend cloths and sitting in Benny boy’s pathetic excuse for a car in the middle of rush hour traffic.”

“Looks like the git took your advice, slayer.” Spike smirked.

“I wasn’t done speaking.” Glory snapped, fury clouding her features. “Really Slayer, you should get better control of your boyfriend.” Buffy shifted uncomfortably under Glory’s penetrating gaze.

“He’s not her boyfriend.” Xander offered naively. Buffy could feel Spike stiffen beside her and she ached to reassure him of her as of yet unrealized, newly awakening feeling but she could not remove her focus from the threat to her sister.

“Is he always this naïve?” Glory laughed clasping her hands together in amusement before levelling Xander with a pitying gaze.

“I hate to. . .”she paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Actually, no, I take that back. I take great pleasure in telling you just how wrong you are. They reek of each other. His smell is all over her. Gods, how she could let something so impure touch her-” Glory shuddered in revulsion, unable to finish her explanation.

Buffy gritted her teeth and ignored the sputtering sounds of protest that Xander continued to utter until Giles silenced him with a firm grip to his arm. Giles watched the exchanged with an openly amused expression.

“Well, well. Dissention in the ranks, and lying to your friends.” Glory shook her head with mock reproach. “Really Slayer, what have you been up to and where in the hell do you four think you’re going hmm?” Willow, Dawn, Tara, and Anya froze in their attempt at escape. The four turned and faced Glory and her minions, matching expressions of fear on their faces.

“I was talking.” Glory yelled her irritation at a front. “I am a God, you will obey. Boys-” With a snap of her fingers a crowd of minions made their way towards the retreating women.

Spike reacted first, shifting into game face. Black leather flashed around him as he delivered a round house kick, knocking over two of the advancing minions. Buffy was a step behind as she twisted around on underling, backhanding it to the ground with a fast left, her right snatching up a near by sword to stab a second through the chest. The fight was on.

The group had barely a moment to think before the fight was over. With one last flourishing swish of her sword, Buffy removed the head of the creature in front of her. The head flew through the air almost in slow motion to land in Glory’s hands. Her eyes widened in out rage.

“EWW!” Glory screeched, dropping the head to her feet, her hands covered in the dead creature’s blood. “You got blood on my brand new manicure!” Glory took two enraged steps forward coming to stand at the bottom of the steps. “And you killed my minions.”

In a blur of movement Buffy flew across the room to land in an unconscious lump beside the cash register, taking Xander with her to soften her landing. Spike was quick to follow, taking out Giles as he went.

“That BITCH!” Glory spat with a crack of her neck. Enraged eyes trained themselves on the remaining Scoobies.

Willow and Tara stepped in front of Dawn, the pair muttering a quick protection spell. Glory sighed and sauntered towards the women.

“Silly witches.” Glory said with a shake of her head as she came to stand before them. A flick of her wrists broke the forming barrier and had the Wiccans flying off in separate directions. Anya grabbed Dawn’s hand and pulled the terrified teen toward the training room. The pair had barely taken two steps before they were stopped short by a restraining hand tangled in each if their hair.

“Where you going Dawnie.” Glory cooed, pulling the teen towards her and throwing Anya away in disgust. “What is with this sister of yours? Sleeping with vampires, cavorting with witches and vengeance demons. Can you slay sleeping on the job!”

Dawn’s fearful eyes fell on Glory briefly before flitting over each of her fallen protectors.

“Now are you going to tell me who the key is?” Dawn gave no response and Glory sighed. “Imagine what you'd feel with my fingers wiggling in your brain.” Dawn’s eyes grew large and a whimper escaped her trembling lips. “It doesn't kill you. What it does ... is make you feel like you're in a noisy little dark room. . .” Glory stopped, a frown crossing her lips as she fidgets uncomfortably. “You’re naked and ashamed . . . and there are things in the dark that need to hurt you because you're bad . . . little pinching things that go in your ears. . .” Dawn started to shake, silent tears coursing down her cheeks. “And crawl on the inside of your skull. And you know . . . that if the noise and the crawling would stop . . . that you could remember how to get out.” Glory’s voice grew louder as the memories assaulted her, a far off look in her eyes. A quick shake of her head and she was back.

“But you never, ever will.”

Buffy blinked awake, her gaze finding her sister instantly. She watched in horror as Glory placed her long fingers against Dawns temples. A heart beat passed before Glory slid her fingers deep within Dawns head. The teens eyes rolled back ad her mouth opened wide in a silent scream as a pure green light enveloped her body. Glory staggered back in shock.

Buffy lurched to her feet and watched helplessly as a maniacal grin broke over Glory’s face. In a blink of an eye, Glory had swept Dawn up in her arms and they were gone.

Buffy stared in shock at the last point she saw her sister. Around her the Scoobies slowly made their way to their feet.

She’s gone.” Buffy whispered as Spike came to stand behind her. He placed his hand on her arm in sympathy. Buffy turned and gazed a Spike, her eyes bright with tears.

“Slayer?” A lone tear traveled down her cheek.

“I lost her. “Buffy whispered before she collapsed. Spike caught her as she fell, lowering her softly to the ground and laying her as comfortably as he could. The gang watched in shock as Spike whipped off is beloved duster and bundled in beneath Buffy’s head, her hand gripped tightly in his immediately after finishing the task.

“Buffy, luv, wake up.” Spike said softy as he gently patted cheek to rouse her. “Come on luv, come on. That’s it.” Spike gave a relieved smile as Buffy’s eyes fluttered open.

Next Chapter *****Do You See It?*****
 

Chapter 34 *****Do You See It?*****

Empty. The only word that could remotely describe the look in her eyes was empty. A gaze normally filled with emotion, mirth. . . pain. . . love. . .that little sparkle she got every time she argued with him. It was all gone. Bright hazel reduced to a pale grey, staring sightlessly. Focusing on a point beyond even his enhanced senses. Her chest moved rhythmically, her breath even and constant. Her heart beat strong and steady, her body calm in the relaxed state of sleep. Except for her eyes.

He would give anything to see the spark that normally filled her gaze the moment she woke, and didn’t smoulder out until she collapsed exhausted into sleep.

He would give up all that he had gained -- the taste of her on his lips, the feel of her skin against his, her trust -- just to see her eyes burn holes into his skull as her mouth twisted in humourless insults. At least then she would be alive.

No amount of wishing, no amount of prayer to a God he had forsaken over a century ago brought her from her oblivion. The movements around him, the concerned voices, nothing broke through his complete concentration on the woman before him. She was his world. His reason for breathing, for living a life he had no right to be living. It all meant nothing unless she was living as well.

Nothing swayed his attention until a hand crossed his vision, reaching for the fallen slayer. Spike’s features shifted into his demon visage, a menacing growl rumbling through his frame.

“Mine!” Spike snapped causing a startled Willow to snatch back her hand. At the fearful look in her eyes, Spike loosened his grip on the slayer and shifted back to give the redheaded witch a sheepish smile, his blue eyes unbelievably sad.

“What is your problem dead boy?!” Xander spat out, taking a step closer to the vampire.

“He’s protecting his mate.” Anya said simply, pulling a protesting Xander back.

“MATE?” Xander squeaked, getting a glare from the watcher. Spike’s eyes flashed gold as Giles knelt beside his slayer. Reluctantly, Spike sat back and let the watcher look over Buffy.

“Her heart rate’s strong and there is no problem with her breathing.” Spike said quietly as Willow and Tara joined them on the floor, the red headed witch casting an apprehensive glace at Spike. “She’s
fine.”

“How do you know that, Spike?” Xander asked scornfully. Spike jumped to his feet, stopping inches from the startled man’s face.

“I’m a vampire you git.” He growled, his face shifting from demon to man in the blink of an eye. “Or have you forgotten that little fact?” With a sniff of distaste, Spike returned to his place at his slayer’s side.

“She is fine physically.” Giles said quietly. “But emotionally she’s a wreck. She has retreated inside herself. The loss of her sister on top of everything-” Giles broke off, his eyes lowered.

“There is a spell we can do.” Willow timidly offered. “To connect with the inner Buffy.”

“We should get her home.” Giles said. “It might be better if she was surrounded by familiar things.” Spike nodded once and gathered the slayer tightly in his arms.

“Car?” Giles jumped at Spike’s word and grabbed his keys, Willow and Tara following after them into the night, leaving Anya and Xander to lock up shop and follow in their car.

The ride to the Summers’ house was made in silence. Spike sat in the back with Buffy cuddled in his lap, Tara sitting beside him. Willow sat rigid in her seat, the presence of the vampire behind her causing her unease. Giles noticed the witch’s discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on hers.

The group reached the house in record time. Spike waited impatiently as Willow opened the car door and shifted the seat out of his way. She quickly opened the front door and preceded the group to Buffy’s room.

Willow couldn’t help but notice the disarray the bed was in. With quick movements she put the blankets to rights and watched as Spike gently set Buffy on the bed, propping her up against the pillows.

“I’ll call you when I’m done.” Willow stated, seating herself before the unresponsive slayer. Spike started to protest but Willow’s expression brook no further argument. With a terse nod he strode from the room, brushing past Giles who stood in the doorway. Giles gave Willow a reassuring smile and shut the door behind him. Willow heaved a sigh of resignation and turned to the task at hand, willing her mind to meld with that of her fallen friend.

Next Chapter *****Lost in Your Mind*****

***Thanks To Slackerace for the terrific beta job. You rock. Thank you to everyone who continues to read and review. I have the rest of the story plotted, just need to type and beta, and me with the next 2 weeks off work. . .
 

Chapter 35 ***Lost in Your Mind***

It was dark. Not the dark most are used to with streetlights and headlights helping to break the gloom of night. This was true night. Stars overhead glittering like millions of tiny jewels, their light unencumbered by the glare of the modern world. A bright moon sat full and heavy, just rising over the horizon, illuminating the sparse foliage of the desert in its pale glow.

Willow turned around completely, her eyes straining against the dark to search the desolate landscape. The moon reflected off of a lone desert tree’s sun scorched leaves as they swayed in the light breeze. The crackle of fire caused Willow to jump and turn towards the sound, her eyes momentarily blinded by the sudden light.

As her vision cleared she noticed she stood before a raging fire, the flames leaping towards the heavens, the heat scalding in its intensity. Willow took a step back and ran into something that wasn’t there a moment ago. Turning she noticed that Buffy was sitting on a large rock, her gaze unwavering from the fire.

“Buffy, what are you doing here?” Willow asked as she took a seat beside her friend. Her gaze never moving, Buffy pointed towards the fire. Willow turned and noticed a woman standing on the other side of the fire, her hair long and matted, her body covered in mud and rags.

“She was the first.” Buffy said quietly, her voice a whisper over the fire.

“We’ve met.” Willow replied wryly as she remembered the primal spell that caught the Scoobies in a dream and at the mercy of the first slayer.

“What do you know of the beast?” Buffy called across the fire, her voice echoing in the night.

“Strong. Fast. Hell god.” The First Slayer replied; her voice gravely, her body moving with the flames as she paced before the fire. “From a dimension of unspeakable torment, where she ruled with two other hell gods.”

Willow stared at the Slayer across the fire, her mind barely able to comprehend the information being given.

“Along with the beast they were a triumvirate of suffering and despair. Ruling with equal vengeance. But the beast's power grew beyond even what they could conceive. As did her lust for pain and misery. They looked upon her, what she had become ... and trembled.”

“A god afraid?” Willow squeaked, looking at Buffy in shock.

“Such was her power.” Buffy replied; her stare never wavering from that of the Slayer across the fire. “They feared she would attempt to seize their dimension for herself, and decided to strike first. A great battle erupted. In the end, they stood victorious over the beast ... barely. She was cast out. Banished to this lower plane of existence, forced to live and eventually die trapped within the body of a mortal ... a newborn male, created as her prison. That is the beast's ... only weakness.”

“Kill the man,” The First Slayer called out, “and the god dies. She’s found a way to escape her mortal prison form for brief periods.”

“Ben!” Willow gasped; her mind clear of the cloaking spell while within this place.

“Ben.” Buffy replied as she finally turned her eyes toward her friend.

Willow blinked and found herself in a dark cavern. Torches adorned the walls, the flames casting long shadows on the bones strewn about the floor. Willow rounded a stone pillar and saw Buffy sitting in the middle of a large bed. Dawn sat in front of her. Willow watched for a moment as Buffy brushed Dawn’s hair while the teen flipped through a magazine, before slowly making her way closer to the bed.

“What about the key?” Dawn asked pointing to her magazine.

“The key is almost as old as the beast itself.“ Buffy replied, as Willow made her way around the bed to look over Dawn’s shoulder at a picture of a glowing green ball of swirling energy. “Where it came from, how it was created ... the deepest of mysteries. All that is certain is that its power is absolute. Countless generations have sacrificed their lives in search of it, to destroy it before its wrath could be unleashed.”

But the monks found me first!” Dawn laughed as she flipped through more pages, their pictures showing a group of brown robed men scrambling about casting a spell.

“Yes.” Buffy replied with a fond smile at her sister. “They created you with their magicks. They thought they could harness your power for the forces of light.”

“How do you know all this?” Willow asked incredulously.

“I don’t.” A voice replied from behind her. Willow jumped to her feet and saw a second Buffy standing before her.

“This comes with the whole slayer package.” Buffy said as she watched herself and her sister, a sad smile on her lips. “You know about the dreams. This is an extension of that.”

“So you know all about-” Willow waved her hand, searching for the correct words to describe what has been going on.

“No.” Buffy replied with a shake of her head. “It’s all here but I don’t consciously know. It’s all here.”

“Where’s here, Buffy?” Willow asked; her eyes trained on her friend.

“Here is Spike’s crypt.” Buffy laughed without humour. “Don’t you recognize the place?”

“Why are we here?” Willow asked. Buffy walked over to the second Buffy and sat on the bed behind her, taking up a brush.

“We’re here because it’s safe.” Buffy began brushing the hair of the other Buffy as a rumble filled the room. “He’ll be back soon and he won’t like you here.”

Willow flinched as the rumbling grew louder.

“Buffy, what’s that noise?” Willow yelled over the ever increasing roar. Before Buffy could reply there was silence. No sound broke the air as Dawn rose from her seat, a glow surrounding her.

“It’s time.” Dawn’s voice echoed through the eerie silence, the green light filling Dawn’s body. Willow watched in horror as the teen’s skin cracked and peeled away to reveal a swirling green mass of pure energy. Willow shaded her eyes as the light grew; her skin beginning to burn from its intensity. Willow’s last thought before the green fire consumed her was to wonder who was screaming so loud.

***Next Chapter ***When You'd Scream***

 

Chapter 36 ***When You’d Scream***

Willow woke to find four pairs of eyes staring at her. The fifth was staring intently at the still catatonic Slayer.

“I guess it didn’t work.” Willow said wryly as she struggled to sit up. Tara was at her side already and assisted her to an upright position. “How long was I out?”

“From when we found you,” Giles answered, removing his glasses to wipe away nonexistent dust, “a few minutes, but you were up here for almost an hour before we heard the scream.”

“Scream?” Willow asked. “I heard it. Who screamed? Was it Buffy?”

“You were the one screaming, sweetie.” Tara’s soft voice broke in, her hand moving soothingly over Willow’s back. Willow leaned into Tara’s caress, still in shock.

“What happened in there?” Anya piped up, her curiosity over running her minimal level of tact. Willow blinked and shook her head.

“I’m not sure. First I was with Buffy and the First Slayer as they discussed Glory.” Giles perked up at her works.

“What were they saying?”

“It seems Buffy knows exactly who, what and where Glory comes from. Something about Slayer dreams.” Giles nodded thoughtfully.

“What happened next?” Xander prompted.

“Then I was in a cave. Buffy and Dawn were discussing the key, then a second Buffy showed up, Dawn exploded and here I am.” Willow laughed at the gang’s confused expressions. “Hey I was there and I don’t even understand it”

“A cave you say?” Giles prompted. “Did you recognize it?”

“No, I’d never been there.” Willow said with a shake of her head. “But Buffy did say it was Spike’s crypt.” At the mention of his name, Spike’s startled gaze met Willow’s.

“Why would she dream of his crypt?” Xander spat out.

“She said it was safe.” A small smile crossed Spike’s lips. Before Xander could respond, Giles had drawn Willow and Tara from the room to interrogate the red haired witch further.

“Buffy, luv.” Spike whispered. “You in there? Come on Slayer, wake up.” Spike shook her lightly, frustration at the fore as she did not respond.

“She’s not going to answer you.” Xander said snidely. Spike glared at the man and gripped Buffy’s shoulders.

“Slayer, rise and shine.” Spike said loudly, shaking Buffy none to gently. When he received no reaction from Buffy, Spike slapped her hard across the face, but still she just stared.

“Are you INSANE?!” Xander screeched grabbing Spike’s shoulder as Spike grabbed his head in pain. “We could be dealing with neurological damage here. You want to kill her?”

“I have to do something.” Spike raged, pulling himself away from Xander’s grip. “I can’t just sit here watching. We are wasting time with kid gloves. Red’s spell didn’t work. How else do you suppose we wake her? Besides, when all is said and done, Buffy likes it rough.” Xander’s fist connected with Spike’s nose.

“Don’t talk about her like that.” Xander said furiously, his arm winding back to land another blow. A soft hand caught his fist before it could connect.

“Xander, just leave him.” Anya said as she pulled Xander from the room. Spike sat beside Buffy again, his head still throbbing from the effects of the chip.

“Come on luv.” Spike whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “The Scoobies need you - Dawn needs you - I need you.”

“Giles thinks I should try the spell again.” Willow’s voice drifted from the doorway.

“What’s the use?!” Spike spat. “Didn’t work.”

“He wants me to send you.” Spike looked up in shock.

“Bet the whelp’s just tickled.” Willow couldn’t help but laugh.

“The Slayer’s Watcher overrides friends, no matter how well intentioned.” Spike nodded, his gaze going back to the woman on the bed. “You really love her don’t you?” Willow asked in awe, Spike’s feelings for the Slayer almost tangible.

“More than life.” Spike said simply.

“How is that possible? Angel said -”

“Angel said what? That demons can’t feel love? Just ‘cause the ponce was a heartless bastard when soulless doesn’t mean we all are.” Spike snorted in disgust. “We can love all too well, if not wisely.” Willow watched as Spike ran his fingers down Buffy’s cheek, bringing her hand to his lips to place a soft kiss to her knuckles.

“What does Buffy say?” Willow asked, always looking out for her friend.

“She knows.” Spike said, his expression clearly stating he would have nothing more to say on the matter. “So where do you want me?”

“Go ahead and lie down next to Buffy.” Willow gestured toward where Buffy was situated. “Just relax and clear your mind of everything but her.”

Spike chuckled quietly as he easily focused all his attention on the woman he loved. He lay on his back, his eyes closed, his hand clasping Buffy’s in a firm grip. He breathed in and out slowly, matching her calm breath. The steady beat of her heart filled his senses. He could feel the blood pumping leisurely through her body, allowing its rhythmic pound to course its way through his; feeling as if his heart was beating again.

The steady thump of her heart grew louder as his awareness of the blonde woman beside him grew. The sound of her heartbeat grew in intensity until it was the only sound he could hear, yet the thumping grew louder and louder. Spike dropped Buffy’s hand to cover his ears with his hands, trying desperately to muffle the deafening sound. The beating refused to be subdued, growing louder still. Spike could feel a scream welling up within his chest as the beating grew to impossible proportions, the sound piecing his very being. He opened his mouth to scream - but there was silence.

Spike opened his eyes in shock. Thousands of tiny dots of light littered the sky above where the ceiling of the Summers’ residence should have been. He slowly rose to his feet, looking around to find himself standing in a dark desert, a large moon rising full and heavy over the horizon. The crackle of fire brought his attention to his left. Buffy sat on a large rock, her gaze unwavering from the fire.

“Slayer!” Spike exclaimed, quickly moving to her side. “There you are.” Buffy pointed towards the fire without answering. Spike turned saw the same Slayer Willow had described.

“She’s the First Slayer.” Buffy said quietly.

“Red told us all of this, luv.” Spike replied, taking Buffy’s arm in his hand.

“What do you know of the beast?” Buffy called out, her voice echoing in the cold desert.

“Strong. Fast. Hell God.” Came the reply.

“Yes.” Spike hissed, trying to bring Buffy to her feet. “Red told us. No need to repeat the whole disturbing scenario.” Spike ignored the slayer across the fire as he tried in vain to get the slayer before him to move. Every time he reached for her, Buffy would easily shrug from his grasp. Spike threw up his hands in exasperation.

“That is the beast’s only weakness.” Buffy said, ignoring the vampire at her side.

“Kill the man and the God dies.” The First Slayer called out. “She’s found a way to escape her mortal prison for brief periods.”

“Yes we know, we know.” Spike huffed. “Ben.”

“Ben.” Buffy replied turning her gaze on Spike.

Spike barely blinked before he found himself in his crypt. Just as Willow had seen, he was in the cavern below. Dawn and Buffy sat on his bed discussing the key. Spike wondered for a moment ‘just when had Buffy seen this part of my home’, but curiosity was soon taken over by impatience as the pair on the bed refused to acknowledge his presence.

“Cone on Slayer, where are you?” Spike yelled out, remembering Willow’s description of the scene.

“I’m right here.” Buffy said quietly from behind him.

“Bloody hell woman, wear a bell!” Spike yelped, turning to face the second Buffy. “What are you doing here luv?”

“It’s safe.” Buffy said simply, wrapping her arms around herself and looking at the pair on the bed. “It’s my fault.”

“What is?” Spike asked softly wrapping Buffy tightly in his arms.

“I killed her.” Buffy said; her voice emotionless. “I let him live.”

“It’s not your fault.” Spike said forcefully as he pulled her tighter against him, his eyes flashing gold.

“It’s coming.” Buffy whispered as a rumbling filled the cavern, slowly rising in intensity.

“It’s time.” Spike turned to see Dawn standing by his bed, her skin glowing from the inside. He turned shielding Buffy from the burning light as Dawn’s skin peeled away, the power of the key growing until in enveloped him. The last sound he heard was Buffy’s voice screaming his name.

***Next Chapter ***Untitled as of Yet***
 

Chapter 37 ***Get This Party Started***

Spike awoke to arguing. He could hear Xander’s voice from behind the closed door.

“Why is he in there?” Xander argued. “We’re her friends. How’s he going to help her?”

“Xander,” Spike could hear Willow plead before he tuned out the rest of the voices and turned to the woman beside him. Buffy lay staring at the ceiling, tears running unheeded from her vacant expression. Spike pushed back the despair that threatened to fill his entire being, his face filling with determination.

“If I can’t come to you,” Spike whispered as he pulled Buffy’s unresponsive body to cover his own. “Then you will come to me.” Spike shifted to game face, his golden eyes glowing in the darkened room. One sharp nail scratched over the juncture of his neck and shoulder allowing the blood to well to the surface. Spike carefully placed Buffy’s lips against his broken skin before slowly sliding his fangs into her jugular.

An intense amount of feelings welled up as the potent Slayer’s blood hit his tongue. The pain of the chip paled to that of the pain that suffused the very being of the Slayer. The feelings of guilt and remorse filled his senses as he drew more of the blood into himself. Spike felt Buffy gasp against his neck, her hot breath tickling his skin.

When Buffy moaned, Spike twisted them over until he lay on top, the small amount of blood welling from his cut falling into the open mouth of the woman beneath him. He felt the wetness of her tongue as she licked the crimson stain from her lips. Spike gave another pull of her powerful blood before carefully licking the wound closed his eyes closing in pleasure as he felt Buffy’s tongue caressing his skin.

Buffy’s arms wrapped around his cool body, pulling him closer to her, her lips drawing at the healing wound on his neck. She could feel an over-whelming love surrounding her, cushioning her from the pain that filled her being. Spike moved to place his lips against hers, licking away the blood from her lips. Buffy moaned into his mouth, her one hand moving to tangle itself in his hair, pulling him more firmly against her. Spike couldn’t help but smile as Buffy’s legs moved to wrap themselves around his waist, her body arching into his. Spike moved one hand down to cup a soft breast, his fingers pinching and twisting her sensitive nipple.

Buffy pulled her lips from his to let out a gasping cry. Spike lifted her shirt to wrap his lips around the lace covered nipple, his hand moving to caress its neglected partner.

“Spike,” Buffy whispered, her grip in his hair tightening. “God Spike.” Spike gave her sensitive flesh one last flick before moving to look into Buffy’s eyes.

“Morning, love,” Spike whispered placing a soft, sweet kiss on her lips.

“Morning,” Buffy replied, her hand gently caressing his cheek.

“How you feeling, Slayer?” Spike asked as he leaning into her caress. Buffy’s eyes grew wide, pain and shock filling the hazel orbs with glistening tears.

“Dawn?” Buffy asked, a lone tear sliding over her cheek only to be caught up by Spike’s tongue before it could stain the sheets.

“We’ll get her back,” Spike said with finality. “We will get her back.”

“Glory plans to open a dimensional portal with Dawn’s blood,” Buffy stated quietly.

“It’s always about the blood,” Spike said with a shake of his head, moving off Buffy and helping her to a sitting position.

“The portal will only close once the blood is stopped and the only way for that to happen is. . .” The words caught painfully in Buffy’s throat.

“It will not happen,” Spike said firmly, gripping the Slayer by the shoulders. “Dawn will not die.”

“How can we fight a god, Spike?” Buffy asked, desperation in her voice. Spike sighed and gave Buffy a hard look.

“You are the Slayer,” Spike stated, taking Buffy by the arms and making her look at him. “You are The One. The hero, the champion for the Powers that bloody Be! There is nothing you can’t do or beat.”

“You have a lot of faith in me,” Buffy said softly, her eyes bright.

“You have brought William the Bloody to his knees. You have made the most dangerous vampire, the Slayer of Slayers, your own personal slave.” Buffy couldn’t help but laugh as Spike slipped to his knees before her, his hands clasping hers tightly. “You have made a man out of a monster, Buffy. There is nothing you can’t do.” Buffy pulled Spike to her, wrapping her arms around his neck, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

“Is that why you love me?” Buffy asked.

“No.” Spike wiped the tears from her eyes. “I love you in spite of that.” Buffy laughed and kissed Spike passionately.

“I love you Buffy Anne Summers,” Spike said when she finally pulled back for air. “I love the woman, the slayer. I love everything about you.”

“Spike.” Buffy sighed as she rested her forehead against his. “I-”

A loud knock came at the door and Spike had just enough time to rise to his feet before Willow walked in.

“Hey, Spike? Giles sent me to see-” Willow’s words stopped in her throat as she noticed the conscious Slayer sitting on the bed. “Buffy!”

Buffy caught Willow as she launched herself into her friend’s arms, hugging her tightly. Spike watched as Willow’s cry brought the entire Scooby Gang into the room. He shrank from the glare the Watcher sent his way at the fresh fang marks on his Slayer’s neck.

“So how’s the research coming, Giles?” Buffy asked, getting right to the point once the excitement of her awakening lessened.

“From what Willow found out from her visit to your subconscious, we found a text that explains what we are to expect. The key was living energy.” Giles explained. It needed to be channelled, poured into a specific place at a specific time. The energy would flow into that spot; the walls between the dimensions’ break down. It stops, the energy's used up, and the walls come back up. Glory uses that time to get back into her own dimension, not caring that all manner of hell will be unleashed on earth in the meantime.”

“So we stop Glory before she can start the ritual. We still have a couple of hours, right?” Buffy asked, knowing that the ritual must wait for the moon to rise.

“If we don’t make it in time-”

“No. We will make it. Dawn will not die to close the walls between our dimensions. I love you all but I will not kill my sister,” Buffy stated firmly.

“If the ritual starts, then every living creature in this and every other dimension imaginable will suffer unbearable torment, including Dawn,” Giles argued quietly.

“Then the last thing she'll see is me protecting her,” Buffy apologized, her expression firm. “We need to know how to destroy Glory. I have fought her before and barely left a mark. Slayer strength doesn’t cut it.”

“Oh, the Dagon sphere. When Buffy first met Glory, she found that glowy sphere that was meant to repel Glory. We've got it in the basement at the Magic Box,” Anya said excitedly. “We also have Olaf’s troll hammer. You wanna fight a god, use the weapon of a god.”

“You are a genius, Anya.” Buffy smiled as she gave the ex-demon a quick hug. “Let’s mount up guys. We’ll make a quick stop at the Magic Box to gather our weapons and a few spells for our witches.” Buffy smiled at the Wiccan lovers.

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

They made it to the tower’s lot with mere minutes remaining before Glory’s ritual was to take place. If they acted too early, they could fail with no second wave to stave off the destruction of the earth. The Slayer, her watcher, her vampire, two witches, an ex-demon and a man. A diverse group if ever there was one, but a group who had turned back the darkness time and time again. Buffy looked around the lot before calling on her troops.

Where once there was nothing but dirt and graffiti now stood a fifty foot high mess of brick and metal. The tower swayed precariously in the cool night air, a disaster waiting to happen. At its base were dozens of 'touched' humans. People who were--for some reason or another--mentally unstable, perfect pawns for Glory's scabby troll-like minions to boss about, forcing them to build the monstrous tower. Buffy looked up the rocking structure, her gaze captured by a flash of red and gold at the top. A woman stood on the edge of the platform clad in a long gold and crimson gown, her long brown hair floating in the breeze.

"Dawn!" Buffy whispered, fear piercing her heart as she noticed a small dark man standing on the tower with her sister, the shine of the moon reflecting on the dagger in his hands.

“Xander and Anya, you guys keep the humans safe. Get as many out of here as you can.” The pair nodded, moving ahead. “Willow and Tara, I need you to take care to protect and help Giles get rid of the minions.” Giles pulled out his sword, the Wiccans began their protective chants. Buffy turned to the vampire at her side.

“Dawn is at the top of the tower, and there is someone with her,” Buffy said, worry edging into her voice.

“I’m on it,” Spike replied, moving to take off up the tower.

“Spike?” He turned to his Slayer, her eyes were bright.

“You will do this,” Spike reassured Buffy, taking her hand in his, disregarding the chaos around them.

“We will do this,” she replied with a smile, pulling him close to place a soft kiss upon his lips.

“I love you Buffy Anne Summers,” Spike said with a smile, then took off at vamp speed up the tower to become a hero.

“I love you too,” Buffy replied to Spike, who was already out of earshot. She watched for a moment as her friends started the battle to save the world until a blonde head caught her eye.

“Buffy, Glory is yours,” she whispered to herself, before running into the fray, her god-blessed hammer at the fore.

Chapter 38 ***Faster***

‘Faster.’ The creaking of the poorly built tower grew in sound as the vampire raced up the metal structure, causing it to sway back and forth by his movements.

‘Faster.’ One of the most important things in his life depended upon him to move faster, be stronger, fight fiercer than he ever had before.

‘Almost there.’ The irony was not lost on him as he pushed himself harder to save the very thing he should’ve rejoiced in destroying. He could hear the whimpers of pain and the smell of blood filled his senses as he rounded the last corner to stand upon the top platform. The small demon known as Doc stood before his girl; her hands tied tight to the structure, shallow cuts lacing her bare arms, the crimson fluid running slowly down her pale skin.

“Doesn't a fella stay dead when you kill him?” Spike called out. Doc whirled around and watched warily as Spike strode slowly forward.

The old demon was quick but Spike was filled with an astonishing amount of determination. A slight shift of his weight brought Spike closer to the edge of the structure as he fell, allowing him to grasp the platform with a steel like grip, his other hand moving up to grasp Doc’s leg, yanking him over the tower. Spike watched the demon fall for a long moment, the small body impacting the debris filled ground with a satisfying crunch. A whimper of fear and pain pulled Spike from his vigil. With a deft swing, he pulled himself back onto the platform and rushed to Dawn’s side.

“I’m sorry, bit,” Spike said softly as he quickly released her from her bindings.

“You saved me,” Dawn replied and wrapped her arms around his waist in relief.

“Let’s get out of here,” Spike said, pulling Dawn from the edge.

As she stepped away a single drop of blood fell from her skin to land on the platform under her feet. As if in slow motion, Spike watched helplessly as it slid sensuously over the dirty metal towards the open air below them. The drop sat for a long defiant moment, clutching to the platform, before falling gracefully from the tower, to strike an invisible spot mid air. The sky crackled with energy as the bead started a chain reaction, the air filling with bright white cracks, spreading out like broken ice.

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

The force of the hammer caused Glory to fly back into a pile of rubble. Glory had blood running down her face. She looked at Buffy in anguish, slowly rising to her feet.

“You’re just a mortal. You couldn’t understand my pain,” Glory cried, the pain of her wounds taking its toll on her body.

“Then I’ll just have to settle for causing it,” Buffy sneered, hitting Glory again across the face with the hammer. Glory fell to her knees with a cry. With murder in her eyes, Glory flipped her hair from her face and rose again to her feet.

“You can’t kill me,” Glory spat at the advancing Slayer.

“ No,” Buffy replied with a smile. “But my arm’s not even tired yet.” The hammer swung with the force of 100 men knocking the hell goddess to her knees yet again. Buffy didn’t even let her rise again before blow after blow rained down on the hell goddess. Buffy stopped for a moment to look at the pathetic creature at her feet. Glory pushed her hair off her face and looked at Buffy with tears in her eyes.

“Stop it!” Glory cried as she struggled to rise to her feet.

“You’re a god,” Buffy said with a smirk and another blow from the hammer knocking Glory to the ground. “Make it stop.”

Buffy sauntered over to Glory and knelt at her side. She slammed the hammer down onto Glory’s prone body over and over again, the rage she felt at almost losing her sister causing the Slayer to override the woman’s sensibilities. Buffy stopped her incessant blows as the bruised and bloodied face of Glory morphed into that of Ben.

“I’m sorry.” Ben coughed, blood dribbling from his chapped lips.

“Not as sorry as I am,” Buffy replied with a resigned grimace as she lifted the troll hammer to her shoulder.

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

The pair on the tower watched helplessly as the fissure grew, blue waves of lightning flashing from the bright depths. Dawn turned and buried her face in Spike’s chest, her arms clutching him frantically as a large dragon broke free of the confining gateway to fly screaming its triumph through the early morning air.

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

“Can you move?” Giles voice asked. Buffy watched as he came to kneel beside Ben’s body.

“Need a minute.” Ben gasped as a shudder of pain wracked his body.

“Buffy, go see to Dawn,” Giles said quietly. Buffy’s gaze met with that of her Watcher’s for a long moment before she nodded in understanding, quickly disappearing up the tower.

“She could’ve killed me,” Ben said.

“No she couldn't,” Giles replied. “Never. And sooner or later Glory will re-emerge, and ... make Buffy pay for that mercy. And the world with her. Buffy even knows that...and still she couldn't take a human life.” Ben smiled softly in relief.

“She's a hero, you see,” Giles continued, removing his glasses from his pocket to give them a good wipe. “She's not like us.”

“Us?” Ben asked as he watched Giles slide the glasses on. Giles looked upon the half man in pity before a calm mask took over his features and he placed his hand over the man’s mouth and nose. Ben struggled weakly for air, unable to move his broken body.

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

“Dawn!” Buffy screamed as she reached the top of the tower.

“Buffy?” Dawn whispered, pulling back from Spike’s embrace. She found herself squished between the vampire and the Slayer.

“I'm so sorry,” Dawn whispered, a lone tear traveling down her face.

“Shhh.” Buffy hushed with a shake of her head.

“I have to jump,” Dawn said simply. “The energy…”

“It’ll kill you,” Buffy protested as she gripped her sister tighter.

“I know,” Dawn said softly. “Buffy, I know about the ritual. I have to stop it.”

“No!” Spike said, pulling his girls against him.

“Spike’s right. I won’t let you,” Buffy argued.

“You know you have to let me,” Dawn cried, tears running freely down her cheeks. “It has to have the blood.”

“Then it can have mine,” Buffy stated, pulling back from their embrace. “The monks made you out of me. Our blood is the same. It can have mine.”

“There has to be another way,” Spike growled, his eyes flashing yellow at the though of losing either Summers girl.

“We don’t have time,” Buffy said sadly.

“Buffy!” Spike whispered, his arms reaching towards her in desperation. With a sigh Buffy fell into his arms, gripping Spike as tightly as he held her.

“I love you, Buffy,” Spike whispered in her ear. Buffy pulled back and gave him a sweet smile before her lips pressed against his, telling him without words how she felt.

“I can’t let you do it.” Buffy broke from Spike’s embrace as her sister’s voice broke through the fog of sensations that surrounded her at his touch.

“Dawn!” Buffy watched in dismay as her sister moved to the edge of the platform and looked back at the pair still holding each other in a loose embrace.

“I love you Buffy and I can’t let you do it.”

“Dawn NO!” Buffy screamed, moving towards her sister.

“No,” Dawn replied, holding her hand up to stop her sister. “They need you. You’re the Slayer. I’m not even real. I’m the key. This is what I was made to do and it's time for me to lock this door.” Dawn turned and placed herself right on the edge of the tower looking down into the crackling doorway. A sad smile graced her lips as she turned back to face her sister and surrogate big brother.

“Tell everyone I love them. And tell mom I’m sorry, for everything,” Dawn said with a brave smile on her face. “Spike you look after them, or I’ll come back and haunt you.” Spike smiled and nodded sadly through his tears.

“Dawn!” Buffy cried, tears streaming down her face as she took a step towards her sister. The rumbling in the air grew louder as the walls between dimensions began to crack and crumble.

“It’s time.” Dawn turned and looked down into the fissure, her dark eyes reflecting the blue-white glow. With a deep breath she took a step back, her eyes turning to a bright green, then flung herself into oblivion.

Buffy and Spike rushed to the edge to see Dawn fall into the blinding light.

To Be Continued

***Chapter 39 *** Rumblings ***