Ordained by God- Chapter 10

As soon as they were through the portal in the post office, Buffy knew exactly were she was. She was back there again. She smiled at the familiararity. She looked down and again saw the white gown she wore days earlier.

"What the fuck?" Spike bellowed from beside her. Noticing the gold outfit he was wearing. "I'm a nancy boy poof!"

"It's the dress code up here Spike" Buffy said off handedly. She got a small growl in response.

"Hey at least you match sweet cheeks!" Lorn said from the other side of Spike. He too was in a gown like theirs.

"Quiet!!" a voice bellowed from across the room. Spike, Buffy and Lorn's heads all snapped to the direction of the voice as a large man appeared in a white rob.

"Servant Lorn, you have brought us these warriors as we have asked. Thank-you". The man said curting his head at Lorn.

"I live to serve my liege" Lorn answered bowing.

"Yes quite" another voice spoke coming from the mist in the room. Seconds after she spoke a small woman appeared dressed in a gown very much like Buffy's only more eloquent.

"Slayer, William, thank-you for coming". The woman said as she stood next to the man.

"I am sure you have many questions" the man filled in.

"But you must wait to ask them until we tell you of the reason for your visit" the woman finished. Buffy nodded and Spike just looked on waiting for the next statement.

"The slayer was called here day's ago that so we would be able to make sure things were set. There is a destiny at stake and we had to assure ourselves that the slayer's stubbornness would not dislodge that." the woman said.

"Excuse me, stubborn? Me? Who are you anyway??" Buffy demanded.

"We are, Slayer, the highest deity you will ever meet. We are the creator's of life, true children of god. We are Adam and Eve." Eve said.

"Adam and Eve?" Buffy asked shocked.

"Yes" Adam replied "it is true"

"You two are part of the power's that be?" Spike asked.

"Honey, they *are* the power's that be. They are the highest member's below god himself. They are the keeper's of fate and destiny" Lorn explained.

"Yes and as such it is our duty to tell you what needs to be done" Eve said.

"Alright" Buffy said crossing her arms over her chest. Spike stood beside her with a smirk on his lips that soon began to fade.

"First off we must tell you that you two are destined lover's. All the things that have happened in your pasts have all been so that your relationship should lead to this. Your inability to kill each other was because of fate. What you two will do together is destiny. Now for the reason why you were called" Adam began.

"Good and Evil have rivalled for centuries. That much has been known since the beginning. But now things are changing, evil is over taking good. And so it is the wish of us, god and the rest of the power's that be, that there be a merger of the two. It has happened before that the two sides have come together but never in such a strong way that you two have. Since the beginning you two have been destined. It was assumed at first that this union of two entities was to be of Angel and the Slayer, but after you two met the signs in the stars changed."

"What exactly are you getting at mate?" Spike asked.

"What I am getting at William is that, it has been proficied that a warrior of good would fall in love with a warrior of evil and vis versa. The warrior of evil will be changed by the Warrior of good's love and will join her side. They two will bring a child into this world that will be the hope of the land. The child will have the power to change the world as we know it, her power will be that of a deity. In order so that balance of good and evil may be restored "

"Whoa" Buffy said "feel the pressure"

"You two. You two alone are what will save us all" Adam bellowed.

"Excuse me, but?" Buffy asked.

"Slayer, don't be insolent!!" he bellowed again.

"I'm sorry mate, were just a bit confused. We came here expecting some sort of humanity deal..not this" Spike said stepping in front of Buffy.

"You and the slayer are a new beginning William, you have a chance to be more than just Slayer and Vampire. You can be royalty. You *ARE* royalty in the eyes of the power's" Adam said sternly.

"Slayer, your power's have surpassed those of all Slayer's before you for a reason. You will be the Queen of good. And William will be the king. You two will rule equally--"

"whoa whoa whoa, slow down, hold on a min, freeze, pause, whatever! First you tell us that we are going to have a daughter who is a deity and *NOW* were royal? Did I miss something?" Buffy asked.

"Oh were sorry, I suppose were just excited." Adam said. "William, you are aware of the redemption that you grand-sire seeks?"

"Yes," Spike leered.

"That redemption is yours" Eve filled in.

"I don't want redemption, I just want to be with Buffy" Spike growled.

"And you will, just not as a vampire. As an immortal human. As will you Slayer." Eve said.

"Ok still confused!" Buffy said raising her hand.

"I'll attempt to clarify" Eve said. "The prophecy states that when the two warriors finally consummate their love properly, the ascension will begin. They will become one, all their properties will soon be shared...your physical qualities and ability's. The Vampire will become human with the traits of the slayer and still hold the immortality of the vampire and the slayer will hold the strength of her own power and that of her lover's as well as the immortality he holds. This transition will start on that day, which by our observation was 3 days ago, and end 13 days there after. When the transformation is complete, the woman will be of child and that child will be of what will save the world for imbalance. As well as when the transformation completes you will become of Royal blood, truly ordained by god."

"Again I say whoa" Buffy said looking at Spike, who wore the same expression she was. Lorn then spoke.

"Even though I knew that this was going to happen, I am still a little puzzled by something. These two can't exactly go around saying I am royalty."

"Yes we are aware of that. And so things will be done so that it will be discovered that the Slayer is a descendant of the Royal Family in England. Things will be put into place and soon you two will marry. You may set up a kingdom where ever you wish. But will rule by the Power's wishes. The last time we set up a royal family it `went down the shitter' as you mortals say." Adam said.

"I don't think I can stress this enough so I am going to say it again. WHOA!" Buffy said still shocked. Spike then spoke for the first time in five minutes.

"I'm with you on that one sweet's"

"So what are we just supposed to accept this?" Buffy asked coming out of her shocked state.

"We didn't think it would be a problem. You and William will be together, blessed by us and god. You will be royal, able to have a child, and will not die until the power's see fit." Eve stated matter of factly.

"So I get to back to obeying people?" Buffy asked.

"No you get to be something better than you are, save the world, be with the man you love in everyway and have everything you want. Its been awhile since I stood before a mortal and had a conversation with one but it would seem that this is ideal for you." Eve said curious at Buffy's reaction.

"Yea of course it sounds good. What's the catch though?" Spike asked grabbing Buffy's hand.

"No catch" Adam said quickly.

"Nice try Adam, what's the catch!" Buffy said catching Adam in his lie.

"Well...."

"Well what!" Buffy demanded.

"You'll be off mind sight with each other" Eve said quietly.

"Mind sight?" Buffy asked confused.

"She means we'll be able to read each other's mind's love"

"Oh"

End Chapter 10

Jolt- chapter 11

"Of course you have a choice with the royal part. But the birth of your daughter...well that is destiny, whether we told you or not the ascension would have happened. we thought it prudent to tell you though, considering. The choice of royalty is more just a precaution, I suppose, when your daughter does what she is to do, it would be easier for her to carry it out if it was assumed that she was royal. No one would question her motives, decisions, or opinions" Eve stated.

"oh" Buffy said glancing over at Spike who stood beside her holding her hand. "what about this mindsight deal? why is that going to happen?"

"when your bodies join, so will your minds, its that simple, it is a slight flaw, one that isn't possible to remedy. all we can tell you is that, after awhile you'll be able to control it, and only hear each other's thoughts when its needed. We understand that this is a big deal and responsibility. But you must understand, it is required. You don't have to accept the Royal status as Eve said, but you have to accept that your going to be one, your bodies will bind together and you each will be truely each other's soul mate. Your daughter, and we know it will be a girl, will have the strength of a slayer and the endurance of a vampire, as well as some traits of her own. She will be blessed by god." Adam said his becoming louder towards the end.

"what are we supposed to say to this?" Buffy asked a bit annoyed that her life was being controlled.

"nothing. It is out of your hands. The only decision you have is whether to be Royal. If you choose not to, the least that we can do is give you compensation to live comfortably. The money in your mother's bank account...will now be larger 10 fold. I know this may seem frivolous to you, but it is our belief that it is both needed and earned." Eve stated in a voice the rang with authority.

"uhum" Lorn coughed.

"Yes?" Eve asked.

"I was just wondering about the consequences. These two blonde's were just given a great responsibility and a gift, you can't tell me that there are no consequences besides Mindsight!"

"well there is one other" Eve said quietly after a moment she spoke again.

"The daughter...she will be in constant danger. It won't be long before the demon world becomes aware of her. They will want to destroy her I assure you. The slayer's sister, the key--"
"She isn't the key anymore!" Buffy said curtly.

"See that's where your wrong. Your sister is very much so, still the Key, only her purpose isn't to open any portal, her purpose dear slayer is to be the shield, the protection. When your daughter is born, Dawn will be linked to her. Dawn is made from you Buffy that much is true, but when your daughter is born, Dawn will have a natural inkling to protect her. She will jump at every oppurtunity to be there to protect her. She will die for her." Eve said solemly.

"Die?" Spike asked

"There will come a time, many years from now, where your daughter will have an assasination attempt upon her life and your sister, who will soon becoming into powers, will protect her and she will die. I can't give anymore details, we have already told you eneogh" Adam said. His voice ringing with authority that said that the disscussion will end.

"You have 12 hours to decide on the Royal status, take this" Eve said handing a talismon to Buffy "when your decision is made, say the words, es mar tuva, a messenger will appear. Tell your decision to him. Please keep the talismon as well. If at any time there is a need to contact us you can" Eve said with a wave of her hand.

There was a flash of light and then they were back in the post office. Neither said anything for a moment.

"Lorn...this is what you meant by the humanity deal? I thought you said when the moment comes that I felt the most...when I was truely happy, that I should come to you, what if I wasn't happy? the ascension has already bloody began!" Spike asked breaking the silence.

"ha, you see that's what you don't get, neither of you do! this thing is destiny. It was all set in motion. all these things. all this. your becoming the slayer's better half, your having a daughter, it was forseen! the moment you met, they knew."

"So what, it doesn't matter what actions we make it is set in stone?" Buffy asked.
"ofcourse not, but the prilimanary stuff, like you two getting together, becoming one, having a child, its destiny." Lorn smiled at Buffy.

"Buffy, luv, I think we need to talk about this" Spike said taking her hand again.

"I know" Buffy said, she glanced at her watch, "and we had better do it soon, my meeting is at 11 remember? It's 10:12 now."

"I'll just go, I should get back to Angel's, make sure everyone is alive still" Lorn said excusing himself. Lorn left, Buffy glanced at Spike and he nodded. "Right lets get out of here, the bank is about a block and a half from here and its daylight..." Spike said. Buffy smiled and lent in and kissed him softly on the lips. He pulled her tighter in his arms. Buffy was getting into the kiss when she felt a little zap of energy go through her.

"Whoa what was that?" she asked as she quickly broke this kiss.

"No idea love maybe-" Spike was cut off by another jolt between them. This time though they were separate.

"What the fu-" Buffy almost yelled again getting cut off by a jolt. The jolt was strong and hard this time and both Buffy and Spike were on their knees. Spike growled and then there was another jolt. His demon emerged this time, his eyes turning yellow. Again another jolt hit them and Buffy fell unconscious.

"Buffy!" Spike yelled. He tried to move to her but he felt as if he was frozen to the ground. His demon subsided after he let out a fierce growl and then all was quiet except for one thing.

A heartbeat. And it wasn't Buffy's.

Business.. Chapter 12

His heart beat pounded loudly in his ears. It was like nothing else he had experienced in his life. One moment there was no sound and the next, it echoed in his ears. The sensation was surreal, like deja vu, only not. Spike stood up slowly, his legs unsteady. He took a breath, 'breathing, I'm breathing, bloody hell' he thought.

"Buffy?" he ran quickly to her side and shook her softly. Her eyes fluttered softly and opened. Her green eyes shining with passion.

"Spike?" she said as she attempted to sit up.

"Yea pet, are you alright?" he asked concern filling his eyes.

"Yea I'm fine, that was one powerful kiss" she exclaimed.

"Buffy, that wasn't just a normal kiss..I'm...I have a - "

"heartbeat" she finished for him.

"Yea" Spike answered. He reached for her hand and pulled her up. 'Wow luv you fell hard...I hope your all right' Spike thought to himself.

"I'm fine spike" Buffy answered as she dusted of her behind.

"Luv, I didn't say anything" Spike said looking into her eyes. 'I heard you Spike' she thought.

"Mind sight!" they both said at the same time.

________________________________________

"I thought they had another 10 days Adam!" Eve exclaimed from the pool.

"So did I..." he said coming up beside her. He looked into the pool and saw the Slayer and William staring at each other.

"What is going on Adam? the ascension wasn't supposed to happen so soon! Were we wrong?" She asked looking at her partner.

"I don't know Eve, I really don't know, maybe we were wrong, the jolt wasn't predicted so soon but the stars did say that it would happen between the start and the end of 13 days. They are strong dear they will handle it accordingly" he placed a hand on Eve's shoulder and she stood up and wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Are you sure darling? I would hate for a love like there's...I would hate for it to be ruined by something like that"

"Don't worry, this isn't what their test will be...there will be other things, you know that"

"I know...but why?"

"No one ever really knows why these things happen. Maybe it is just what exactly we think it is. A test " He said guiding her away from the pool.

__________________________________________

"Spike...your human?" Buffy asked as she stared into her lover's eyes.

"Yea luv, I think the heartbeat kinda clinched that" Spike said

"oh my god! What the hell happened? We were supposed to have another 10 days!-"

"the ascension was supposed to be complete in 10 days luv-" he filled in. 'You were also supposed to be pregnant with our child' he smiled to himself. 'Oh shit, I forgot! Damn mind sight!'

"Yea that's right spike I am supposed to be pregnant" Buffy said with a smirk. 'oh my god I just smirked! God damn you Spike' she thought as she smiled at him.

'Sorry luv, can't help it that we rubbed together' he thought at her and then laughed. Off her glance he thought

'That was more dirty than I intended luv'. She laughed and kissed him. Suddenly thoughts of having sex in the park during the day entered her mind.

"Oh my god Spike is that all you think about!" Buffy exclaimed.

"What? Can't a bloke dream? But I suppose that could more of a reality now huh?" Spike asked with a innocent face. Buffy just laughed and grabbed his hand. 'We better get going, I have that meeting' she said with her mind.

"Alright" Spike said, the realisation hitting him that he could really go out into the sun.

"Come with me?" Buffy asked.

"of course sweets" Spike answered.

Meanwhile at the Hyperion....

Lorn entered the hotel to quite a site. Angel and Cordelia were cooing over Dawn holding a very giggly Conner.

"Who make's every girl turn to mush? Huh? Huh?" Cordelia cooed at the baby.

"Spike?" Dawn quipped. Cordelia laughed and Angel just gave Dawn a look that said 'ya right'.

"Hello kiddies!" Lorn said as he descended the front stairs. Dawn smiled, Angel nodded and Cordelia said

"Hey" she looked towards the door and then asked "where's Buffy and Spike?"

"Oh they needed to talk. I think after that Spike was going to come back here and Buffy was going to go to the bank" Lorn answered as he sat down next to Dawn.

"What happened?" Dawn asked.

"Oh don't you worry about it precious you'll find out soon enough" Lorn answered as he tickled Conner's chin.

"Lorn?" Angel asked.

"It isn't your business Angel, if Buffy and Spike feel that you need to know then I am sure they will tell you."

"Alright, alright." Suddenly the phone rang. Cordelia went over and answered it.

"Angel investigations, we help the helpless, Cordelia speaking, how may I help you?" Cordy gushed into the phone.

"Oh hi Buffy!"

*pause*

"Yea Dawn's fine. She's playing with Angel and Conner"

*pause*

"Spike's going to the bank with you? Ok well we'll see you in a hour or so right."

*pause*

"ok, see ya!" Cordelia said and hung up the phone. She started to walk back to Dawn and Angel went realisation hit her.

"Spike's going to the bank with her-, but its daylight!!! What the?" Cordelia said to the room.

"Uh oh..." Lorn answered.

At the Bank...

"Good Morning. How may I help you?". The clerk at the desk asked as Buffy and Spike walked in. Spike was squinting at the light and muttering in his head 'damn light' and 'fucking sun'. Of which Buffy just giggled.

"Hi, I have an appointment with Mr. James. My name is Buffy-"

"Summers?" the clerk asked eagerly.

"Yes" Buffy answered. 'Damn bitch, cut me off!' she thought jokingly. 'How rude' Spike drawled. Buffy gave him a look and then smiled at the clerk.

"I'll take you right in" She said getting up. She gestured for them to follow and she walked into what appeared to be a large office. The entered into a office that was most defiantly manly. There was a large mahogany desk in front of the bay window. A leather couch and chair set in the corner and various other expensive items were gathered around the room.

'Must be nice to be the president of a bank!' Spike thought.

'Yea' Buffy thought and smiled at Spike. A large man about Angel's height stood up and greeted them.

"Miss Summers! Oh how nice it is to have finally met you!" He exclaimed offering her his hand. Buffy took it and they shook hands.

"Please call me Buffy" She smiled at the man. "This is my Boyfriend William Rodling," she said gesturing to Spike.

"Please to meet you". The man said to Spike shaking his hand as well.

"Buffy" he smiled back. "Before we begin I must tell you how deeply sorry we are to hear of your mother's passing. We had no idea until you had phoned. She was a wonderful women and a very respected costumer at this bank."

'Talk about a suck up luv' Spike thought. 'Do you mind Spike?' Buffy said and laughed in her head.

"I am sure you miss her very much" he said sincerely.

"I do" Buffy said looking down. Buffy began to think of her mother, a ache forming in her chest. She suppressed it as best she could and then looked at Mr. James again. After a pause he spoke.

"If you don't mind me asking, how come you waited so long to inform us?" he asked patiently. Buffy quickly began to think of something to say.

"I wasn't aware that my mother had this account until I was going through some of her paper's. I found a bank statement and thought that I should phone."

"I see, well let's get to business then" he said gesturing for Buffy and Spike to sit down in two chairs in front of the desk.

'Just like these business men, get right down to business!' Spike joked in his head. Mr. James reached into his desk and pulled out a form, set it on his desk and typed something on his computer.

"Can I offer you two anything to drink?" Mr. James asked. Spike automatically thought of blood. But the thought churned his stomach as quickly as the thought entered his mind. 'Oh yea human' Spike thought. 'I would kill for some Buffalo wings right now'. 'Later Spike' Buffy thought and rolled her eyes.

"Tea is fine for me." Buffy answered.

"Same for me mate" Spike answered glancing at Buffy giving her a wink. Mr. James picked up the phone and asked his secretary to bring in three cups of tea. He typed a few things on his computer and then the printer spewed out a piece of paper. He handed the sheet to Buffy.

"As you can see, the amount of money in this account is quite significant."

'You call over $900 000 significant! Holy shit!" Buffy screamed in her head. 'The power's weren't kidding when they said they would make it larger' Spike answered.

"Yes it is" Buffy answered.

"Would you like us to transfer to the money to a bank in Sunnydale or would like us to change the money from your mother's account to your own here?" Mr. James asked casually.

'Oh god what do I do?' she asked herself and Spike. 'Split it up sweets' Spike answered calmly. 'Half here, half in Sunnyhell'. Buffy nodded.

"I would like to put half of the money into an account in Sunnydale and the other half in an account under my name here" Buffy answered.

"Very wise decision" Mr. James said.

Buffy and Mr. James went through a couple more things and then everything was finished.

Later on...

"How much?" Dawn asked from the chair. Buffy, Spike and Dawn were alone in Wesley's office. Buffy and Spike had just told Dawn what the power's said and what happened between them and at the bank.

"Over $900 000 Dawnie" Buffy answered.

'She sure is taking it well' Spike thought.

"Yea" Buffy answered out loud.

"What?" Dawn asked.

"oh nothing Dawn, Spike just umm thought something" Buffy said and laughed.

"So....were rich, Spike's human, and you can read each other's minds?" Dawn asked.

"Yea that's about it" Spike answered.

"And your going to have a daughter together?"

"Uhuh" Buffy and Spike said at the same time.

"Sounds like a cheesy novel" Dawn quipped. Buffy and Spike just looked at each other.

'She's right luv' Spike thought.

'I know...oh well, lets enjoy it while we can though, knowing our lives it won't last long'

"Can we go shopping?" Dawn asked.

On with the story......

Steppin' Out - Chapter 13

"it's 11:30 now, how about we go back to the hotel so Buffy can change into something more casual, we'll have lunch at the hotel, go shopping for a few hours and then meet Angel and the rest for dinner, we can go to Caritos after and then from there we'll wing it" Spike said addressing mostly Buffy, but the rest of the room nodded in agreement.

"What time and where do you wanna meet us?" Angel asked. Spike thought a minute and then answered. Buffy's thought's were filling his head as well so he had to sort them out.

"Umm 7:00 at the French Rose lounge"

'good thing I've already done the L.A. scene' he thought.

'good thing' Buffy answered with her thoughts. 'And nice Spike, expensive too'

'its like you said love, we gotta enjoy this while we can' he replied. He smiled at her and then they kissed.

"Would you two quit doing that it freaks me out" Cordelia said. Spike laughed and Buffy just smiled.

"Good choice m'boy" Angel commented trying to get the subject off of Buffy and Spike's new found connection.

"Yea, my boyfriend has some taste, and were about to find out how much he really does have" Buffy said grabbing Spike's arm and dragging him towards the front door.

Spike shot Angel a look of help, knowing full well of Buffy's plans for him. Angel just smiled ironically

'I'm the slayer's lapdog' Spike thought, temporarily forgetting about the mind sight.

"Excuse me!!" Buffy responded out loud, letting go of his arm and turning to glare at him. Angel laughed and muttered "uh oh" under is breath. Everyone stood staring, not understanding what was going on.

"Nothing Love, I am uh...uh....." Spike said and ran out the door. Buffy chased after him, Dawn who had figured it out just rolled her eyes and followed.

"My family, ladies and gentleman!" She exclaimed as she walked out the door. Angel and crew laughed at her remark and the 'family' was out the door.

Later on.....

"Buffy, luv, I am NOT wearing that! It's...it's...it's green!" Spike exclaimed as she showed him a silk shirt.

"It's forest green and it would suit you!" Buffy said not to be defeated.

'And plus you won't have to wear it long' Buffy thought.

'What do you mean love?'

'You just have to wear it tonight, if you like it, keep it, if you don't we'll return it. After we get back to the hotel-'

"Buffy can I get this?" Dawn asked, interupting their thoughts, holding up a ruby red cashmere sweater and a leather skirt with a pouch in the front.

"How much is it?" Buffy asked.

"Umm the sweater is $58 and the skirt is $75" Dawn answered sweetly.

"Fine, you wanna wear it tonight?" Buffy asked.

"uhuh" Dawn answered and went to look at more clothes.

'your going to be taking it off and I am going to be wearing this' Buffy thought as she held up a black silk teddy from behind her back.

'one track mind you got there love' Spike answered dumbly. His excitement showing. Buffy giggled and Spike growled.

'Damn it, I forgot about the uncontrolled blood flow, I got so used to *controlling* it!'

'We can put that to good use you know?' Buffy thought as they looked at some men's pants.

'I wish I were stupid so the imagery that accompanied that thought would not have happened' he thought. Buffy giggled again.

"I love you" she said and kissed him. They started to kiss passionately right there in the men's section. Buffy was grinding her hips towards Spike's and his hands were cupping her ass.

"Hey" a voice calmly stated.

'What now!' Spike thought. He and Buffy parted. They turned to see Willow, Tara, Xander and Anya.

"Hey Buff" Xander said

"Hey guys!" Buffy said nervously. "We were just umm uhhh..."

"Testing the softness of this here shirt" Spike said plucking the now static full, green shirt off of Buffy's chest.

"What are you guys doing here? Is something wrong?" Buffy asked quickly.

"Everything's fine Buffy" Willow answered "Angel called us earlier and said that it might be nice if we joined you guys for dinner and whatever tonight, as a surprise to you and Spike"

"What time is it?" Spike asked.

"4:00, we just got here, the girls wanted something nice to wear tonight and we saw Dawn over and the women's section, she pointed in a general direction and were here" Xander said.

"Oh" Buffy said.

"So...Spike's human, you guys can read each other's minds, you share an existence together and...Buffy will be pregnant soon?" Tara asked. "Did I get that right?"

"Angel told you?" Spike asked.

"Nope I saw it with that spell I did" She answered.

"And you didn't tell us?" Buffy asked.

"Nope" Tara said smiling and everyone laughed.

"So where are you guys staying?" Buffy asked.

"at the Beverly hills hotel" Anya said matter-of-factly. "where you, spike, and dawn are staying"

"Angel told us, we figured why not go with the crowd" Xander filled in.

"Ok" Spike said grabbing Buffy's hand again. She leaned into him and they shared a moment just lost in each other's eyes.

'Your glowing again' he commented

'its all for you baby' she answered

"So yea were gonna get back to shopping....and you guys can get back to ummm shopping" Tara said a slight smirk crossing her face.

"See ya guy's later" Buffy said. They waved and walked towards the women's section.

"So where were we?" Buffy asked. "oh yea, the green shirt!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You look good Spike" Dawn said from the living room chair.

"I look like a poof" he murmured. He was standing by the bar appraising his hair in the mirror. "And I look like Billy Idle, always thought you guys were making fun of me, but hey no wonder the slayer can't resist me" he said playing with a few frontal hairs. He was wearing the green silk shirt, the top two buttons open to reveal his necklace, a pair of black cotton slacks, and a pair of brand new leather boots. "I look like a male barbie doll though" he commented under his breath.

"Well ken are you ready for Barbie?" Buffy asked from the door of their bedroom. She stood there in a pair of black strap heals, a black dress that sat just below her knees. It had a beautiful red sparkle pattern down the sides, low cut just enough to reveal a hint of cleavage. A silver necklace entwined with mock rubies hung off of her neck, her hair pinned back at the sides hung lose over her shoulders. She wore lip gloss and white eyeshadow. She looked breathtaking.

'Whoa' Spike thought, losing control of his blood flow again.

'Thanks, your looking pretty whoa yourself' she commented.

"You look gorgeous Buffy" Dawn said getting up from the chair.

"Thanks Dawn, you look very great too" she said giving her sister a hug. Spike went over and kissed Buffy.

'Do we have to leave?' he thought

'yes'

'Damn, How long till we get back?'

'No idea' Buffy thought and laughed out loud.

"What?" Dawn asked.

"Spike is recovering" Buffy said to her sister.

"Oh" Dawn said and giggled. Spike gave them each a look and went to his and Buffy's bedroom. He came out and went to Dawn's room. He returned with their coats. He slipped Buffy's new leather one on over her shoulder's and did the same with Dawn's new leather one as well. He slipped on his and said,

"Ok no more embarrass Spike, let's go"

"Alright" Buffy said and she and Dawn giggled. They walked out the door, Spike locking it behind them. They went down to the lobby and met the rest of the scoobs.

"You guys look great" Tara said as they approached.

"Thanks, you look great too" Spike said, kissing her on the cheek. Tara blushed a bit and smiled. She was wearing a deep red dress with a black lace pattern on it. It fit her hips perfectly and she looked great in it. Willow stood next to her holding her hand, smiling adoringly at her. She also wore a dress, it was deep silverish blue with spaghetti straps. It sat just above her ankles, just like Tara's. Both were wearing shoe's like Buffy's only Tara's were red and Willow's were silver.

"You look great too red" Spike said and kissed her cheek as well. Buffy watched the interaction that was going on between her friends and Spike and thought that the contentment that she was feeling could never be topped. Xander and Anya's said their greeting. Xander complimenting Buffy immensely and kissing her on the cheek as they greeted. He was wearing a black sweater and gray slacks and Anya was wearing a black velvet dress that had a slit down her outer thigh. Basically they were ready for a night out.

"Well ladies and gentleman are we ready to step out for a night of fun?" Dawn asked. They all nodded and walked out. Hailing two cabs from the street.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

They all met in the front of the restaurant, they went in, Buffy and Spike taking the lead.

"Bonjour Sir" the waiter said.

"bonjour, la table pour 12 le nom est sous Rolding " (hello, table for 12 the name is under Rolding) Spike said in perfect french

"very well sir" the waiter answered back obviously pleased that Spike could speak French. He gestured for them to follow and he lead them to a large dinning table by the patio. Candles adorned the area, and a vase of red and white roses stood in the center.

"Wow" Cordelia said.

"Yea" Fred said

The men pulled out chairs for the ladies and then the dinner began. After they all ordered and received their drinks. Xander stood up and made a speech.

"We are here tonight to celebrate a new beginning, a new life, and friends, please hold your applause at my wonderful speaking skills till the end" Everyone laughed and then Xander continued.

"Buffy, we all love you, those of us that have known you for years anyway. We have fought together, we have bled together and we have laughed together. We've even seen you die. You've saved our lives and you've saved the world. And yet you manage to live every day like it's normal, even though its not. When we were in Highschool Willow, you and I thought we were doomed, never to find love, never be normal."

Willow and Buffy nodded knowingly.

"Yet we have found love, I have found Anya, Willow found Tara and you found Spike. You changed your mortal enemy into your enemy. Your are truly a very beautiful person. Even the most evil fiend in the world can see that"

Buffy beamed and lent over and kissed Spike.

"No matter what has happened or will happen, you are the hero Buffy. The world may never know what you have done for them, but we know, and that's what really counts. So here's to finally reaching the point where were not doomed. The point in our lives where we can say we got up and we stepped out" Xander finished and raised his glass.

"To stepping out" they all chimed and clinked there glasses.

End Chapter 13.

To be or not to be... - Chapter 14

She swayed her hips slightly with his. Lost in each other Buffy and Spike danced slowly to the song being played by the house band. They seemed content but in their minds they were having a avid and strong conversation.

'We have three hours to make a decision luv'

'I know that spike'

'Do you wanna be royalty Buffy' he asked cupping her chin and lifting it so that he could look into her eyes.

'I don't know, there is no reason for us to be right now' she responded.

'I know that sweet's'

'This is just going to fast, 24 hours ago you were still a vampire, and I was still a slayer, and now were joined together as what can only be described as ultra human, I am probably pregnant, if not I will be soon.' she rambled quickly.

"shh" he said placing a finger upon her lips. 'Don't worry, if things weren't fast, then it wouldn't be exciting'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"look at them" Cordelia said addressing Buffy and Spike. Her and Angel were sitting sipping wine at the table, everyone else was either wrapped up in a conversation or dancing.

"I know" Angel answered his head bowed.

"Angel?" she asked.

"Yea?"

"Can we have that? What Buffy and Spike have?" She asked sincerely placing her hand over his. He looked at her, a look of surprise on his face.

"You wa-want to..be together, me and you...in the relationship sense?" he asked stumbling over his words.

"Yes" she said plainly. She looked into his eyes and said, her voice full of emotion "I know we can't be together Angel, I know that if we were to be together in the physical sense, I am as good as dead, but I can't hold back any longer-"

"I love you" he said cutting her off.

"I love you" Cordelia said. She placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him softly on the lips.

"Let's try this" Angel said.

"And who knows we might find a way to work around the curse" she added hopefully.

"Maybe" he said and kissed her again.

"Why do I feel like I was just part of a cheesy romance?" she asked when they parted.

"That's cause all romance is cheesy when your in love, whether you see it or not" Dawn commented as she walked by, winking at Cordelia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike kissed Buffy softly on the lips and whispered "I'll be back". He walked away and out of her sight. She sighed and went to sit down with her friends. She sat talking to Willow and Tara for a few minutes when spike appeared again. As he appeared the lights in the room began to dim. Candles only illuminating the room. Soft music began to play and the room fell silent.

'What's going on' Buffy thought. When Spike didn't answer her she looked at him puzzled. He smiled at her and finally stood in front of her. He reached for her hands and when she gave them he pulled her up into his arms. He pulled her towards the dance floor, when they reached it he stood and stared into her eyes.

"Buffy, I love you" he said finally.

"I know that I love you too" she responded a questioning look still on her face. Spike smiled and motioned at a waiter, he brought her a chair and had Buffy sit down. By this point they were the only ones on the dance floor, everyone else just watched the event before them. Spike kneeled in front of her.

"I have never in my whole existence met someone who could do what you do to me. The ability to make feel so many things at the same time is the most wonderful thing in the world." he said gazing up at her. "from the moment I met you I knew that I would be part of your existence, and now I will be forever, when you die, I die, and I wouldn't have it any other way, because I love you, and could never see my life without you again" he said full of emotion. Buffy just stared at him, a look of happiness and surprise on her face. A single tear slipped down her cheek. He reached up and wiped it away. He then reached into his pocket and produced a small black box.

"How come I didn't see this coming?" Buffy asked and laughed.

"Because love, I just spend the whole day not thinking about it, and the last half an hour trying to block your bloody stubborn mind" he said opening the box for her. She smiled at him with appreciation.

Inside was a platinum gold diamond ring. Its four diamonds were heart shaped and small, all lined up in a row. In the very centre of the ring sat a red stone, the same shape as the diamonds, only slightly bigger. Buffy gaped at the sight.

"Buffy, will you be my queen, even if it might not be of the world?" Spike asked beaming up at her.

'Oh my god!' Buffy thought. 'So this is what mom meant'

"If this is a spell..Willow is so dead" Buffy responded. Spike laughed, and they both glanced at the scoobies. All sat watching with pride and admiration on their faces.

"Yes William, I will marry you" Buffy answered, using Spike's real name only seemed fitting. He reached up to her and pulled her into a kiss. When they parted he put the ring on her finger.

'Were getting married?' Buffy thought.

'Yes luv, we are' he answered and kissed her again. He stood up and pulled her off the chair.

'Do *you* want to be royal Spike?' Buffy asked as they started to Dance to the music. They were still the only ones on the dance floor, everyone else still watched, not wanting to miss a even a second of the sight.

'All I want Buffy...is to be with you. But I think we should purpose a compromise with the power's'

'I agree' she answered.

They walked back to the dinner table, and for a few seconds no one said anything. When finally someone did everyone was shocked and surprised.

"I have to admit that I was never truly a big fan of the Buffy and Spike relationship, but that was beautiful, now not only do you guys have my blessing and support, you have my blessing and support and love. Congratulations guys." Xander said.

Everyone began to hug Buffy and Spike. When Dawn finally got her turn she looked at each of them with love.

"All I have to say is, thank-you" she said and kissed them both on the cheek. "Thank-you for giving me a family again"

"That's right nibblet, its us, you and the soon to be" Spike said glancing down at Buffy's stomach. Dawn laughed and the three hugged.

"It's about time we had a day full of happiness and good news" Willow said.

"Yea I was starting to think all we could do was brood and live in depression land" Cordelia said holding Angel's hand.

'I think we've made our decision luv'

'So do I' Buffy answered. 'But I am still going with that compromise'

"Guys, we have something else to tell you" Buffy said.

"Your pregnant?" Gunn asked.

"Nope not yet mate, that comes later" Spike responded.

"Oh I see" Gunn said winking at Spike and then laughing.

'Let's not tell them Spike, let's show them, this is something I want them part of'

'Alright' he said and nodded at her understanding completely.

"Guys lets step out side" Buffy said. They all looked at her and Spike, wondering what was going on. .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone grabbed their things from their chairs and then the group walked outside. Spike told the waiter that they would be back shortly, but it didn't matter cause the dinner had already been payed for.

When they got outside, Spike suggested they to go to the park across the street. When they were among a clearing of tree's with the moon and a few lamps for light they stopped. Spike asked everyone to stand in a circle, when they did so Buffy reached into her purse and pulled out the amulet the power's had given them. Spike glanced at Tara and saw that she had a look of knowing on her face.

'Tara knows our decision' Buffy thought.

'I just realised that luv' he thought 'She hasn't argued against it'. Buffy nodded in agreement and then spoke out loud.

"We weren't going to tell you all about this until we were absolutely sure, and now we are." All listened to her not daring to ask a question. Buffy and Spike walked towards the centre and stood.

"We were asked by the power's that be, to become royal, ruler's of good, ordained by god." she blurted out. They all stood stunned.

"So the real question here is to be or not to be?" Wesley asked.

"Right on the money Giles junior" Spike answered.

Everyone fell silent again and watched as Buffy and Spike clasped hands. Buffy, with her free hand, placed the amulet in their enclosed hands.

"Ready when you are love" Spike said. She smiled at him, and kissed him, and together, when they parted, chanted the words:

"Es mar tuva"

A bright light appeared in the left outside of the circle that the group had formed. Angel and Cordelia moved out of the way, making the circle appear as more of a half circle. The light took the form of a small transparent women, more light than form.

"You have made you decision?" the entity asked.

"Yes we have" Buffy and Spike answered together. Buffy and Spike appeared as if they were the same person. There voices completely together, non faltering.

"What is your decision?"

"For the good of the world, we will join together as man and wife under the eyes of god, and with his power we will rule for all" they said again.

Everyone looked on, not being able to say a word. They seemed frozen, aware of what was happening but still unable to do anything but watch.

"And so it shall be" the entity said.

"We have a condition" Spike said by himself.

"Yes?" the entity asked.

"That we only be known as ruler's to the demon and magick worlds. The human world is not to know. They may have their own royalty. Just as our world shall have theirs. When our daughter's destiny comes to pass, she will have the respect and authority she requires." Buffy said. The entity stood silent for a second and then responded.

"And so it shall be". She nodded at Buffy and Spike and then disappeared.

End Chapter 14.

Final Ascension. Chapter 15

When the light had disappeared, everyone went silent. The only sounds that could be heard were that of the living members of the group. Spike and Buffy stood panting holding on to each other, Cordelia and everyone just stood staring, breathing low. The silence was broken by Dawn's scream's. Everyone automatically turned to look at her.

'Dawn' Buffy and Spike thought at the same time.

Dawn was glowing and her body was floating a few inches above the ground. Her arms were out from her side and her head was titled back.

"Buffy what's going on" she whispered loudly.

"I don't know honey" her sister answered. Dawn's glowing had turned into a strong green and seemed to be emanating off of her like electricity.

"I do" Tara said solemnly.

"What's wrong with her Tara?" Spike asked, while holding on to Buffy.

"She is the final part of your ascension" she answered.

"How is that possible? She isn't even involved in this!" Angel asked.

"The key of dimensions, will become the key of life, on the day of coronation for a new order a new power will rise." Wesley whispered.

"What's that mate" Spike asked wesley.

"A prophecy. One that was with Angel's" he answered quietly.

The glowing that was coming from Dawn began to overtake her, and very quickly the only thing left was green light.

"Dawn!" Buffy and Tara screamed at the same time going over to Dawn. Spike grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

"Let it be" Wesley screamed just as Tara began to chant. She fell to her knees as she did.

"Invito a los dioses, ahora venidos aquíí, digo de un claro del prophecy y fuerte, porque una nueva orden asíí que seráá" (I call upon the gods, come here now, tell of a prophecy clear and strong, for a new order so shall it be)

The light that was Dawn became brighter. Larger. Stronger. Thunder and lightening cracked the sky above.

Fred ran to Gun's side holding on to him tightly. Cordelia, Angel, Willow and Wesley stood strong behind Buffy and Spike. Tara kneeled in front of them her hands above her head chanting in Spanish.

"What the hell is going on here?" Gunn screamed.

"QUIET" the green light that was Dawn yelled. "Strega, you call us forth?" it asked.

"I do" Tara said lowering her hands and nodding.

"You wish us to reveal" it asked strongly.

"I do"

"Strega you have served us well" the light said.

"Thank-you" Tara said nodding.

"Your mother is proud" he finished.

"I know" Tara answered a tear escaping her left eye.

"Slayer and William?" The light asked the group. Buffy and Spike stepped forward. "Has your ascension completed?"

"I am not with Child yet" Buffy answered.

"Yes you are" the light corrected. "You have been with child for days. Your ascension is complete" it assessed.

"When?" Spike asked.

"The consumption gave it to you" it answered.

'The building' Spike thought.

"The key is the final step" it said.

"Yes we were told that" Buffy said glancing at Tara. Willow was next to her hugging her. Both were watching the light.

"When the key undergoes transformation, the coronation is complete." it said.

"What is happening to my sister?" the slayer asked.

"The key, is changing, evolving, coming into power."

"which means?" Spike asked.

"The key will be your weapon, It will serve you, protect you and will be the chalice."

"Chalice?" Buffy asked.

"When life is needed to be given, the chalice will provide. When life is wrongly taken, the chalice will heal and provide.." it answered.

"Who are you?" Spike asked. "How do you know?"

"We are the first power. We are gods. An so will you be"

"excuse me but what?" Buffy asked.

"When you die, you will become a deity. As will your mate. The last time you died, the only reason your friends were able to bring you back to earth was because you were not complete. The ascension has remedied that. Your other half is with you now"

"That is why I was made human?" Spike asked.

"You were made human because it is your destiny to be with the Slayer and together you two will change the world"

"What about us?" Xander asked.

"You all are servants to them. You will serve them and fight with them. As you always have." the light answered. "Strega?"

"Yes." Tara answered.

"You must tell them"

"I know"

"Good luck." it said and then asked for Angel.

"Yes?" Angel said stepping forward.

"The redemption you seek, it is yours, you will not become human, but your soul is truly your own. You stray from your path and you will lose all the faith and strength we have given you. Strega will answer the rest of your questions."

The light dimmed and then Dawn returned to her true form. She floated for a bit and then fell in to Angel's arms.

"Good catch" Spike said to him.

"Anyone else here confused?" Xander asked raising his hand.

Everyone but Tara nodded.

"Tara why did he keep calling you Strega? And why do you know so much?" Buffy asked Tara who was standing up from the ground.

"Because Buffy, I am not who you all think I am. Strega is Italian for Witch but what I am is not just that"

"Then what are you?" Spike asked.

"I am the chosen one" Tara answered plainly.

End of Alive.