Chapter 19



Buffy felt herself floating, her arms and legs prickling. Then she heard voices. She strained her ears to understand the mumbling, but couldn’t put her finger on them. She heard Spike, felt him; she felt the distress and abundant guilt through their claim. “Spike,” her mind desperately wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him. She heard Dawn, her cries and pleas. Struggling, Buffy fought for consciousness, knowing that they needed her, “Spike,” she whispered, her lips dry and cracking, but able to move. She felt him rush towards her, the voices now shouting. He touched her hand, holding her fingers in the palm of his hands. She focused all her energy on moving her fingers, wrapping them around his hand. She heard the voices raise once more, excitement in their voices. She felt something sharp pierce her right hand and inhaled sharply.



“Coming around… responsive… eyelashes fluttering…. BP stable, 102 over 72, pulse 85… she’s coming around.” She felt the mattress move, Spike’s cool body next to her.



She felt Spike encouraging her, and she smiled at him. “She’s awake,” Dawn screeched. “I saw her, she smiled at you, Spike!”



Buffy groaned, wincing even though her eyes were still closed. “Hey,” she licked her lips, feeling better.



“Buffy,” she felt his breathe on her cheek, his whisper barely audible. She knew that his head was next to hers on the bed. She opened her eyes, wincing at the brightness of the lights once again, but kept them open so she could see his blue eyes staring back at her, “You all right, love?” His eyes were shimmering with untold emotion, and she smiled at him.



“Getting there, I feel it, Spike… dissipating, it doesn’t hurt as much.” She blinked, the bright lights still bothering her eyes.



“Turn down the bloody lights!” Spike growled, “Its okay, love. Dawn’s here.”



Dawn appeared before Buffy, behind Spike’s body, which wasn’t moving from his close position. “Hey Buffy!” Her voice was quiet, almost reminiscent from when Buffy first came back from the dead all those years ago. “How you doing?”



“What is my sister doing in England?” Buffy asked Spike, her green eyes flashing yellow in anger.



She felt his chuckle, moving the hospital bed in his mirth, “I’d say it’s safe to say Buffy is feeling better,” a large smile erupted on his lips. They shared a short moment, reveling in the reality Buffy was in fact getting better.



“Sha!” Dawn rolled her eyes, “It’s not like my sister was kidnapped by some vapid soldier ho half way across the world and no one bothered to tell me.” Buffy could have sworn she heard a bit of her mother’s voice in Dawn’s. Buffy rolled her eyes, she couldn’t argue with Dawn, not only was Dawn right, but Buffy didn’t have energy to argue.



Instead of answering, she closed her eyes, rolling her head toward Spike, “I love you,” she whispered to him.



She felt his lips on her slightly heated skin, “I love you, too.” Buffy sighed, feeling Spike next to her, holding her lightly.



“Dawn?” She questioned softly after dozing off a bit.



“Here, Buffy,” Dawn’s voice came closer, “just sitting on the stool over there,” Buffy opened her eyes to find the room dimmed again and Spike lightly growling next to her. She could feel him sleeping, the pull of his dreams tugging on her.



“Where are we?” She looked around the room once more.



“A clinic owned by the Council.” Dawn picked up the stool and brought it to the side of Buffy’s bed.



“Oh,” Buffy closed her eyes again.



“How are you feeling?”



“Tired,” Buffy opened her eyes again, smiling, “but feeling better. What did they do with Sam?” Dawn looked over at Spike whose growls became sharp and loud suddenly. Buffy moved and kissed his cheek, “Shh, baby. It’s okay.” When Spike’s growl became more of a purr, Buffy looked apologetic towards Dawn, “Better not say the S word.”



“Yeah,” Dawn shook her head away from Spike’s form. “Travers captured her when Spike and Riley went to find you.”



“Riley?” Buffy questioned, she tried to remember what happened while she was kidnapped. She remembered seeing Sam and a couple Army type people, but not Riley.



“Yeah, Sa… the bitch, she totally pulled one over on him, such a wanker.” Dawn and Buffy shared a smile, “And, she left him. Riley went back to the vamp hoes to suck the life out of him and Spike and Drusilla found him.”



“Drusilla?” Buffy questioned. Her heart started to race. Drusilla was in town? “Drusilla?” She whispered again, repeating the name.



“Is all right, love,” Spike opened his eyes, “She helped me find you.” He cuddled closer to her, wanting to assuage any doubts Buffy had. “The bloody stars told her I needed her to find the sunshine or something like that rot.” Buffy felt the truth in his words, comforted with the knowledge that Spike held no romantic feelings towards his Sire.



Buffy blinked, her emotions too turbulent to analyze right now, “Where’s Giles?”



“Out in the hallway, talking to the doctors, I can go get him for you?” Dawn asked.



“Okay…” Buffy answered, still a bit tired. “I’m getting sleepy,” she commented after she yawned.



“Is all right, baby. He’ll be here when you wake up, then.” Spike shifted, as Buffy turned over, allowing her to rest partially on top of him.



“I’m not hurting you?” She whispered while she waited for Giles to come into the room.



“Never,” Spike said emphatically. He played with a clump of her hair, grimacing that it was still grimy. “Tell you what, love. Get some more rest and then we’re going to pamper you so good. Bubble baths, manicures…”



“Oh, can I have a pedicure?” She sounded excited.



“Got a foot fetish, do you?” He smiled into her forehead, enjoying the quick wit between them once again.



“Do, but you do, too” She lifted one leg carefully, drawing it up his.



Spike growled playfully, “Better stop it, or I will be forced to flip you over and make love to you for hours. I missed you so much,” he closed his eyes, willing his emotions to rest.



She smiled, ready to tell him she wouldn’t mind what he threatened, when Giles walked into the room. “Are you all right, my dear?” Giles sat down on the stool Dawn brought over.



“My blood still kind of burns, but a lot less than before.” She turned her body back so she would face Giles. Spike wrapped his arms around her, bringing her head back so it would be pillowed on his chest. She closed her eyes, “What happened?”



Giles took his glasses off and started to wipe them with a handkerchief. “Not very clear. I’m afraid that Quentin was a bit hasty with the disposal of her body,” he put his glasses back on and looked at her. “There are a few things we need to discuss.”



Spike felt her inhale sharply, “It’s about it, isn’t it?”



“Yes,” Giles answered simply. Spike felt confused. Their cryptic words sent shivers down his back.



“Not now, Giles, okay? Give me a few…” Buffy closed her eyes, exhaustion over taking her.



“I understand, dear girl.” She heard his last words before drifting back into the sea of black.

Chapter 20
Refreshed from a not so luxurious shower, Buffy sat in a bed at the Council’s Headquarters. Spike moved around the room, moving flowers he bought her closer so she could smell the freesia. Buffy smirked, her eyebrow quirking in a very distinctive manner. “Spike, stop it and come to bed.”

He smiled over at her, glad to see most of the bruises faded and a smile back on her lips. “Not yet, Slayer. Got to make everything perfect.” He watched her cross her arms over her chest and grumbling something about ‘stupid vampires and their hyperactivity,’ then something about a ‘promised bath with lots of pampering.’ He smiled and continued to move around the room. “Do you want your robe at the end of the bed?”

“Whatever,” she grumbled, still a bit upset.

“Is better than the clinic’s bed, love.” He pointed out, bringing an IV bag out of the cooler so he could change it in the middle of the night.

“Maybe,” she snuggled deeper into the pillows. She smiled back at him, fingering her newly washed locks, teasing him.

“Look here, missy,” he pointed at her, knowing full well what she was trying to do. “They didn’t have to let you come back here, point in fact, your doctor didn’t want you to leave for another couple of days. The fact you didn’t have to spend the night there… consider your self lucky!”

She stuck her tongue out at him, “Spoiled sport,” she hid her smile, instead of going in for the kill, “Come here,” and stuck her lower lips out, pouting for all it was worth.

“Oi! Don’t do that to me,” she broke into a smile when he stopped dead in his tracks, looking at the ceiling and silently counting. When he looked back down, she quickly jutted her lower lip out again. “I’m going to get you back when you are feeling better.”

“Spoiled sport,” she grumbled again, but moved to lie down. The stress of coming back to the mansion and seeing everyone started to weigh down on her.

“Go to sleep, love,” she felt the mattress dip from his weight and his lips on her cheek. She snuggled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and falling asleep with him beside her.

~*~*~
“So, Giles, what’s up? Buffy smiled happily as Giles walked into the bedroom Spike had banished her too. Sitting against the headboard, Buffy cuddled next to said vampire, looking like she didn’t almost die. He set his notebook at the bottom of the bed and placed a chair next to the bed.

“Well, I’ve been working furiously, you know,” Giles took his glasses off and started to clean them with a handkerchief as he sat down. “The Council’s archives are chalked full of the history of the demon world.”

“What is it Giles? You have that face, you know… that face.” She pointed at his face, moving her hand in a clockwise fashion.

He sighed and looked over at Spike, “When did she get the energy to become difficult again?”

Spike chuckled, hugging Buffy close, “Last night.”

“Hey, sitting right here, in bed! Just like how you commanded me, Your Majesty,” she sneered, “Won’t let me even go get something to eat… insists someone brings it to me.” Buffy scooted away from Spike, pouting. “I’m not being difficult.”

“No, of course not, my dear. Our mistake.” Giles answered, knowing it would be better to just placate her. “The Council… you were right. They are fully aware of the implications of your… age,” Giles frowned. “At least, the information is available to them. I’m not so sure if they are aware of it.”

“So what is it?” Buffy snuggled back into Spike.

“You were correct with your theory.” Giles opened the notebook and looked over some of his notes. He continued with a hush tone, “Ten years after your calling, age 25 in your case, the nature of the Slayer starts to change.”

“Nature of the Slayer?” Buffy questioned, an ominous shiver went up her spine. Spike sat back, listening to them. Buffy informed him this morning about her strange increased abilities.

“According to the legend that I pieced together from many different texts, the First Slayer was created by melding a demon into a random human girl to save her village. Actually the girl wasn’t as random as we thought. She was first daughter to Chief Hamjerk of the Dasheeki tribe. The tribe was mainly nomadic and was settling down at the edge of the Sahara. One day the oldest daughter of the chief was washing clothes down at a small watering hole and was spotted by the Fharylilik demon that fell in love with her. He promised to protect and look after her. The Chief was angry and refused the demon a mate in his daughter. He took the tribe and ran into the desert, hoping that the water dependent demon would not follow into the dry desert.”

“Huh, what does that have to do with the whole melding thing?” Buffy asked.

“I’m getting there. The settled not far enough away and the demon followed his love. While trying to build their new homes, the tribesmen started to disappear. Slowly, the tribe of over 400 men, women, and children dwindled down to less than 200, each member dying a horrific death. Chief Hamjerk was the last to be annihilated. They found his corpse mutilated, drowned, and dismembered. The new Tribal Leaders, mostly elders and Shaman, decided to fight back against the demon. Finding his offenses egregious they decided the best way to hurt the demon was to make his love kill him. So one night, they took her out in the middle of the desert, far away from where Fharylilik could follow. The commanded that the warrior spirit of their tribe enter the young woman. With anger of the spirit in her heart, she tracked the demon that she, too, came to love and killed him.”

“That’s so sad,” Buffy sniffled.

“So devastated the next day, she ran away from her tribe, ashamed that she killed the creature. The spirit became agitated and angry with the betrayal of the elders. Through the years of self banishment and loneliness, the young girl turned her hatred on demons, killing them.”

“Spike…” Buffy looked at Spike, tears in her eyes.

“Shh, never going to happen.” He hugged her close, whispering calm words into her hair. Not knowing if they were meant for her or himself.

“Yes, Buffy,” Giles interrupted. “We always thought that demons and Slayers were supposed to be enemies, but according to this...that isn’t true. In fact, Buffy, every Slayer that has survived longer than a few years has had a demon on her side. More specific, has loved said demon and visa versa.” He watched the two lovers take comfort in the knowledge that they were supposed to be, that it wasn’t wrong to be attracted to each other. “But that isn’t what I found out… at least not half of it.” He looked back down at his book, “Do not worry about Spike and yourself, it will work out in the end. Now, about the nature of the Slayer.”

“OK.” Buffy was a bit disturbed to hear what the First Slayer went through. The pain she must have endured, the solitude.

“The Slayer’s power is demonic. There are no ifs ands or buts. And because it is demonic, it evolves.”

“You make me sound like Australopithecus, Giles.”

“In a way, the evolution is the same as a vampiric evolution. Fledgling to Vampire to Master Vampire to being the Master of a clan. Each step can only happen after a certain amount of time and training. A Vampire cannot become a master Vampire unless is taught by another Master Vampire.”

“True,” Spike agreed with Giles reasoning. He looked over at Buffy, gauging her reaction to the fact that her power was demonic.

“I’m a demon?” She questioned. Spike knew what she was thinking. The way they acted together all those years ago. The hate that filled it, fueled her actions.

“If you want to break it down to yes or no answer then yes, you are a demon. But to be specific, you are a half demon. A hybrid.”

“Like a vampire?” Her voice echoed in the room.

“Yes, like a vampire. The books take long length to theorize about which demon entered the First Slayer. Most come up with the Vampire spirit. First, it was a warrior spirit and Vampires fight their whole existence, crave the violence.” Buffy sat still, looking off in the distance as she processed the new information. Spiek could here her heartbeat increase, the rhythm changing. “Buffy, this really doesn’t change anything, who you are.”

“Yeah,” Buffy mumbled. She wanted Giles to leave. She wanted to be alone with Spike, curl up with him and cry. She didn’t know why she wanted to cry, but she wanted to. In her head she knew that this information doesn’t change who she is, what she is. It doesn’t change all the people she has helped or the apocalypses she’s averted.

“…and it appears your powers are evolving like a vampires. Your initial period of being called. Then, after training and a set amount of years… your powers evolve. According to the texts, your human metabolism slows down.” Buffy flinched at the term of human. “I know, dear, it’s hard to get used to, especially after what you’ve been through. Anyway, the aging. You’re not aging like a normal human does. The… powers… spirit base… you will not age beyond it. It appears that you have already reached that.” Buffy touched her hair, gray hair none existent. “The changes aren’t limited to your aging. Your strength increased, correct? It will continue to increase at a steady pace for over the next thirty years. New abilities will pop up. It’s the spirit inside you, learning to control your body.”

“Is it bad?” Buffy touched her throat, the mark she so proudly carries tingling.

“No, no!” Giles spoke up, “Not bad. It’s just evolution. You’re life… for ten years has been devoted to helping human kind. Surviving all those… battles… this is your reward.”

“Am I immortal?” She asked, staring intently at Giles. Spike stiffened, his demon reaching out to his mate, wanting to dance forever with her.

“I don’t know. I know you age slower. There are death records for every Slayer. Even the ones that have reached your… age. There is mention of outliving their family and friends. It looks like…” Giles rubbed his nose.

“They gave up.” Spike supplied.

“Yes, they… died alone.” Giles averted his eyes away from Buffy and continued, “Your muscles become stronger as your agility becomes faster. I suppose you already figured that out.” Buffy nodded, still reeling from some of the implications to the discoveries. Giles sat beside the bed, pondering with Buffy and Spike.

Chapter 21
A/n: Character death

Spike was standing in the front door of the Council’s headquarters smoking a cigarette. The day felt like an emotional roller coaster and he was still on it. After Giles left the bedroom, Buffy curled on top of him, allowing him to wrap his arms around her, to comfort her. The bond between them let him know it wasn’t that she was scared or angry with the information Giles gave them, in fact she suspected the part about being demonic, but that didn’t stop her from feeling overwhelmed. He felt it, too. The pressure starting to weigh down on them. Quentin had yet made an appearance to ruffle her feathers or Giles, but Spike knew he was lurking in the shadows.

Spike took a hit from his cigarette, staring off into the night when he felt her. Without turning round he exhaled the smoke from his dead lungs, “Hello, pet.”

“William,” her voice sang through the night, interrupting the owl’s hoot. “The sun shines another day.”

“Yes, Buffy’s safe,” he turned around to face Drusilla’s form, “Thank you, Dru.”

“Don’t thank me, my Spike. It was the stars whispering behind the clouds… no not Gilbert, the others.” She paused looking up at the sky, “So bright that the clouds must shield their magnificence.”

“Dru, what… what are you about?” He asked, stepping back as she came forward.

“Shh,” her fingers moved to touch his lips, “She will shine brighter than the stars, do not worry, William.”

“Drusilla, stop talking in rhymes. I’ve bloody well have had it!” Spike stomped away, turning back towards her he continued, “She… so close, so bloody close and I couldn’t do anything for her!”

“You did, William. You saved her.”

“I almost turned her, Dru! Why didn’t you warn me?”

“Oh, William,” Drusilla turned away, nibbling on her finger. “Black and white, white and black. The Kings are pawns in their hands, slipping through their fingers like dead salmon. Your choice… her choice… their choice. It’s all in a circle, round and round we go.” She demonstrated as she twirled around, “Do you understand?” She turned back and looked past Spike, “The stars knew your heart and your mind, it was written before time.” She pointed up into the night sky, her voice strong and determined, “They tell me that you taste like ashes. The sun burned you up, engulfing all that the monster was. He is no longer, he is ashes. You, William,” her voice became softer and she gently caressed his cheek, “You are what has been created. Do not be afraid to embrace it for the stars told me you would be great.” She kisses his lower lip, lingering yet barely touching, “Your journey is not over, William, it’s just begun.” Drusilla stepped back and looked over his shoulder, “Look, it’s our little ball of sunshine, Spike. Isn’t she pretty?”

Spike turned around to see Buffy standing in front of the door. Her hair was shining under the moon, looking almost silver. “Buffy…” He reached out for her, knowing what it must have looked like, “Love, you shouldn’t be up.”

“I know,” she stepped forward, grabbing on to his hand to steady her steps. Spike came closer, enfolding her in his arms. “I just missed you.” She looked over at Drusilla when she was firmly held by Spike. “Drusilla, Spike told me that you helped him find me, thank you.”

“My poor boy is now yours,” Drusilla spoke quietly. “The pixies told me to no longer hold on to him, he’s no longer my Spike, but your William.”

Buffy hugged Spike, having trouble following Drusilla, “What do you mean?”

“William, go fetch the sun some water, her mouth is parched.” Drusilla spoke directly to Spike, “She is in no danger from me,” she assured him. Spike looked down at Buffy, registering her nod of agreement. Buffy waited until Spike vanished from view before she made her way to sit on a step, Drusilla came to sit below her, but moved to she faced Buffy. “He loves you.”

“I love him,” Buffy countered, feeling somehow connected to Drusilla by the love she felt for Spike.

“He’s mated with you; I feel the blood in his veins connecting his mind to yours.”

“Are… are you mad?” Buffy asked, it felt so strange to sit on the steps talking to Drusilla.

“No, no my girl. The stars saw it all the time, leaving a breadcrumb path for William towards you. His destiny lies within you.” Drusilla touched Buffy’s knee, “Do you know what to do?”

“Do?” Buffy asked, feeling peace when Drusilla touched her.

“The claim. It must become stronger, extend over eras and geography.” Drusilla whispered conspiratorially. “He has bitten you, taken in your verve into his own. He has part of you within him. You must do the same.”

“Claim him back?”

“Yes, Spike… when he bit you, it was possessive and untidy, wasn’t it. My daddy was a bad, bad man.” She snickered. “But the intent was there and the intent is here,” she laid a hand on Buffy’s breast, feeling her heart thump under her fingers, “The life,” Drusilla’s eyes closed as she withdrew her hand, “your destinies are intertwined, but you must become each other.”

“How?” Buffy felt like she was in another trance. Not too heavy, just enough to weigh her down, to keep her from panicking.

“When William makes love to you, and oh, he will. It will be glorious and earth shaking, you must bite him. Do it over mine, the skin is thinner. The first pull will bring his demon forth, allowing the mating ritual to start. The magics involved aren’t light or dark, good or bad. They are the magics that bind the universes together. Do not be afraid, child. William will be there with you.”

“What if… something wrong happens?” Buffy couldn’t believe that she was having this conversation with Drusilla.

“Shh,” Drusilla’s hand patted Buffy’s leg again, “The stars told me it is to be done. The world owes you a debt of gratitude that they will never pay. The universe will pay for them.”

“And what exactly will the payment be, demon?” Quentin’s loud voice boomed through the air, drenching the sky with his hatred. Buffy jumped up, her heart racing. “Because I do believe Miss Summer’s duty to do what she has done and no payment is earned,” he stepped down the stairs, heading towards Buffy and Drusilla.

“Calm, child.” Drusilla touched Buffy hand, helping herself up. “The pixies whispered you secret in my ear; I know the dirt you hide under your cap and gown.” Drusilla hissed, “You think you can hide it forever? That the others won’t find out?” Drusilla stepped forward, whispering, “Whisp, whisp, whisp… even now they are telling your secrets.” She spied Spike in the doorway, along with Giles and another watcher, “It must burn your knickers, demon hunter, that the power is held within a tiny slip of a girl. A girl that wouldn’t listen to you like your soldiers do. She wouldn’t line up in the form, would she?” Drusilla’s voice rose in volume, “Walking two by two, demon hunter. She a small girl had the audacity to refuse you! How dare she!”

“Now, look here,” Quentin yelled, he felt like his whole body was shaking.

“Training and testing, testing and training. Nothing held her back, did it? Being helpless, she wasn’t helpless, was she? Removing her trainer… the one that made her as good as she was… it didn’t work. The younger one… he was a surprise, wasn’t he? All brains and no brawn… yet, you thought he should be in charge of the power. Tsk tsk… his strength surprised you, too, not lining up with the rest.” Drusilla cocked her head, appearing to listen to something, “Yes, then the god. What possessed you to keep vital information away from the Slayer? The world was ending?”

“Oh my god!” Buffy called out, realization dawning on her. “You…” she accused Quentin.

“Yes, deary, he did. He kept it all locked away, salivating over the prophecies of your demise. But, he didn’t count on your friends, did he. The prophecy was broken, true but false. Oh, he was angry!” She clapped her hands, “I smell it even now, the anger rolling off of him. Smells. So. Delicious.”

“Drusilla,” Spike warned, by every word she spoke, his anxiety level increased. At this moment, he had Quentin and Drusilla between Buffy and himself. If something happened, he wouldn’t get to her in time.

“Oh, hush Spike. Tomorrow will be a glorious day,” Drusilla looked at Quentin again, his face pale and his hands curled in a fist. “Do you understand yet? Do you? I know your secrets!”

“Shut up,” Quentin spoke through his clenched teeth.

“No, no, I don’t think so. Want to kill my William’s light so the moon only shines and I cannot let that happen.”

“I helped save her.” He answered.

“Only because you want to be the cause of her failure. Do not be fooled by this aura… it is not true,” Drusilla yelled, gathering passing interest from other people in the mansion. “He is not what he appears to be, are you demon hunter… or should I say demon?”

Buffy gasped, watching in slow motion as Quentin’s face changed, his eyes arching down and changing shape. His nose flattened while his eyebrows increased. She watched his fingers transform into claws, itching to scrape against flesh. He hunched down on his knuckles, preparing to pounce towards them. She saw Spike’s body flash before her, knocking Quentin’s new form down. She heard flash tearing, teeth snapping. She fell down a step, too surprised to catch herself. Drusilla screeched across the steps, vampire visage in place. She tore Quentin’s arm around, hearing a satisfying crunch sound, her other fist ramming into his puffy cheek.

Buffy felt arms around her, picking her surprised and befuddled body up from the muddy ground. She looked up to see Giles staring across the garden. She followed gaze to see Spike and Drusilla annihilating Quentin. She watched Spike rein numerous blows against Quentin’s new form then let Drusilla have a go, her nails cutting into his flesh at a rapid speed. She watched Quentin’s black eyes roll up; his body had taken a lot of abuse from both vampires. She heard him groan, an unearthly groan. His form swayed, Spike not using his boots to kick. Buffy felt herself falling again, her energy was waning. Giles felt her, grabbing before her knees collapsed. She saw Spike’s blue eyes dart her way, keeping an eye on her. Suddenly he was close, holding her to him, softly cooing in her ear. She closed her eyes, relishing in the soft embrace. “Oh, my god, Spike! Quentin… he’s a demon.”

“Shh, love,” Spike picked her up, his arms carrying her up the stairs, bypassing Quentin’s still form. Drusilla was attached at his neck, deeply drinking the tainted blood of the former head of the Watcher’s Council. Spike nodded at her, acknowledging her before he stepped into the building. Giles followed, only to turn around to look at Drusilla.

“How?”

“The stars tell many secrets Rupert,” Her form changed back into Jenny Calendar’s. “The universe will pay them for their sacrifices, rest assured.”

“Goodbye, then,” Giles turned around and stepped inside. He moved to close the door, only to encounter Drusilla’s form up close, “Tell William to believe in his heart, for it is true even without rhythm.” She turned, blood still on her chin and walked away.

Chapter 22:

a/n: unbetad chapter

Buffy felt a shiver go up her spine; the whole mood of her recovery had changed. Quentin was trying to kill her the whole time. Spike had brought her to their room immediately after picking her up from Giles’ arms. She felt his panic, the thought that her life was in danger this whole time that they stayed in the mansion. His demon picking up on the aura of the mansion, yet unable to discriminate where the ill feelings originated. She felt the moment when he realized what Quentin was what his intention was when Quentin changed into his monstrous visage. She burrowed herself deeper into Spike’s embrace, her head between his shoulder and head, breathing in his calming scent. The coincidences of the past filtered around Buffy. Most recently, the goon squad they sent after her and Spike. She now knew there was more to the story that just Xander’s babblings bringing them about. They were just waiting for Buffy to mess up, for to look like a possible threat. She sniffed, feeling tears well up in her eyes. Spike’s arms tightened around her, bringing her body closer. She couldn’t image what would have happened if Drusilla didn’t tell them, warn them. Buffy was in no shape to defend herself. The outside wounds were healing, but the inside ones still bled. Buffy suppressed another shudder, she still felt the sting of the needle, injecting the poison, she still felt it as is flowed through her veins, crippling her. Spike moved her off his lap, laying her down on the soft quilt. She held on to him as he moved over her, refusing to break their physical bond, “Shh, my love,” his deep voice echoed in her ears. “Is all right. Nasty bloke is gone, Drusilla took care of him, eh?” She surrendered to feeling safe in his arms.

~*~*~
The room was dark when she woke up next, a fresh IV bag hanging from the stand. Spike was sitting up, his back against the headboard as he read from an old book. “Morning, love.” He spoke over the book, his eyes never straying away from the pages.

Buffy stretched up, feeling her muscles expand and contract, “How’d you know I was up?” She moved further under the quilt, liking the cocoon of warmth it provided.

She saw the smirk twitch onto his lips before he left a marker in between the pages and moved down so he was lying next to her. “Don’t you know, I’m all knowing Spike.”

She smiled, snuggling her chest up to his, “All knowing Spike, huh?”

“Yeah, I know everything.” He whispered, his nose nuzzling the soft skin of her cheek. He inhaled her scent, noticing the sleepy arousal that she currently was feeling.

“Everything?” She smiled, her leg moving towards his. His arms brought her closer so she could feel his erection.

“Everything,” he breathed. She smiled wickedly, a woman that knew what her man wanted. Buffy shifted, bringing her body underneath his. His lips found hers, still swollen with sleep. Their soft kisses turned more passionate, tongues moving from licking and teasing to dueling. Spike rested most of his weight on his forearms, but he relaxed into Buffy, slowly adjusting his weight on her, ready for the slightest inclination that she was in pain. Images of her unconscious body with broken ribs and bruised skin filtered through his mind making him panic, the feeling that he couldn’t do anything for her rose in his chest. Spike could almost feel his heart beat in that panicked rhythm, the monster rising within him, reminding him it could happen again, he could loose her forever. Their link was opened by their passion, sending his thoughts to her. Buffy stiffened not expecting the images Spike was remembering to enter her mind. Instead of curling back, the memories of not being able to waken, to breathe were still fresh in her mind; she started to push back with her feelings. Love and commitment. The feel of his lips on hers, the petal soft skin of his penis against her leg. She sent him images of their first sunset dream on the beach. Making love for the first time together. She felt Spike relax; confident in the knowledge she calmed him. “I love you,” the urgency in his voice caught her off guard; she shifted so she could look at him. His eyes were flashing golden amber; his reign on his demon was precarious at best.

“I love you, too,” Buffy blinked her green eyes up at him, their movements stilled. She heard Drusilla’s voice in the back of her head, “The stars saw it all the time, leaving a breadcrumb path for William towards you. His destiny lies within you.” Spike heard it too, the declaration that he was meant to love her; “…you must bite him.” Spike looked horrified, knowing where the words came from, the voice haunted them, the ghostly song repeating in Buffy’s head, “Do it over mine, the skin is thinner.” Spike shook his head negatively, she couldn’t mean it, “The first pull will bring his demon forth, allowing the mating ritual to start.”

“No,” Spike felt the demon emerge, the thought of completing their bond ripen the experience, “The magics involved aren’t light or dark, good or bad.” Spike felt the words wash over him, his Sire’s words speak to him, “They are the magics that bind the universes together. Do not be afraid, child.” Child. Childe. He remembered the feeling of his demon fluttering when she called him that, “William will be there with you.” Spike shook his head, freeing himself from the cobwebs. “Don’t even think about it, love, is too dangerous.”

“She said it was meant to be, our reward.” Buffy whispered, she shifted, bringing his cock to rest between her thighs.

“Wish it were, pet. More than half the time, it kills. Can’t loose you.” Spike buried his head against her shoulder. “I’ll take too much and then you’ll drink mine, attempting to solidify the claim, but it doesn’t. It will kill you.”

“Not if I bite first.” Spike lost his erection, the mere thought of her dead softened him. He jumped off of her, reality that he was on top of her, hurting her bruised body. He turned around, sitting at the edge of the bed, his face buried in his hands. “Drusilla told me in my mind, how can she do that?”

Spike looked at her, realizing that Drusilla sent her in a thrall, and narrowed his eyes. Anything could have happened to her in that state, “Will kill her for that.”

“No, Spike, I’m all right. She wanted to help you, make you happy.”

“I am happy, Buffy. Happy with you!” He turned around and grabbed her shoulders. He felt himself anchor towards her, feeling the pull towards reality. “I can’t risk it, not on the delusions of a crazy bird.”

Buffy smiled shyly, her eyes shadowed by her eyelashes, “You said crazy bird.” Her skin turned pink, teasing Spike.

Spike faltered, his retort fallen from his lips. He felt his lips twitch; Buffy had an uncanny way to make a serious discussion end up in a fit of tickles. “That I did, pet.”

She smiled as he turned his body back towards her, she propped herself up on her elbow, facing Spike. “She isn’t all that crazy Spike, she loved you.” Her free hand came up to his face, caressing his cheek.

“Also Angelus,” Spike spat bitterly.

“And, Angelus. But, she wants you happy and she seems to think I will make you happy.” Spike shifted, his nose nuzzling her palm.

“Makes me happy,” he corrected.

“Yes, but I think…” Buffy paused, the words on her tongue. “When I was… captured, I had a vision. Not quite a Slayer Dream, something else. Maybe… do you think Drusilla sent it to me?” Buffy stopped a moment, contemplating the probability that Drusilla sent it to her. “Any way, I felt… I don’t know, complete and you were there with me… fighting beside me.”

“I’m beside you right now.” Spike shifted, bringing their bodies into contact.

“Spike, it was years in the future,” her eyes were staring off in the distance, seeing in her mind Dawn’s children, their dark skin glistening in the pool in Hawaii, their mother’s belly heavy with another child. Her friend, Sam, her confidant, with graying hair, rubbing his wife’s protruding stomach. “It was… the future and we were… Spike?” She looked over at him, feeling the happiness seep through her. “We were… one. I couldn’t tell where you stopped and I began.”

He tugged her closer, their bodies intertwining. He kissed her temple, his cool lips touching her warm skin reverently. Buffy shifted underneath him again, brining her mouth to his. Their kiss started to fuel their fire again, their love licking at their souls, seeking relief. Spike moved, rolling himself across the bed and Buffy on top of him. Her knees bent at his waist, straddling him. She lifted her body up, pulling at the nightgown he made her don last night. Spike eyes watched her, his pupils dilating with lust. “Buffy,” his hands ghosted over her bare thighs, and up to her waist, he settled his hand on her smooth skin, feeling her heat scorch him. Buffy smiled down at him, totally naked now, she ground her core down on his jean-incased erection, making his eyes roll up in their sockets. His hand ran up her taunt stomach, feeling her soft skin give way to the pressure as he made the journey up to her breasts. She moaned, throwing her head back as he finally reached his goal, massaging her nipples between her thumb and forefinger. Buffy’s hands found their way to his jeans fastenings, quickly dispelling them away. She moved over him, allowing him to move his pants down as far as he could without making her leave her throne on top of him. She moved over him, feeling the need to connect in the most intimate way. They moved quickly, something other than their love driving them to the brink of wanton madness. Buffy bent down, kissing Spike, his mouth greedy and sucking his lips into his mouth. She smiled, her hips moving in time with his. She moved her head, Spike kissing her neck now. She licked her own trail across his jaw towards his ear. She brought in the puffy skin into her mouth, suckling and twisting it between her teeth. Spike moaned, his hips meeting hers each time. Her lips strayed down his neck, over the raised Skin Drusilla spoke of. She licked him, pressing her wet tongue against him. She heard him growl, his demon waiting, wanting to come forth. Spike grabbed her head; his fingers diving into her silky hair and yanked her face up. She blinked at the sudden movement, the push away. Spike brought his mouth up to her, silencing her questions At this point, Spike was for all intents and purposes sitting up, their bodies shifting together, grinding against each other. Buffy’s head flew back, her breath so quick she felt she couldn’t get enough oxygen into her lungs. Spike licked down her face, inhaling the wonderful scent at her neck and moved down to suck on the skin above her breasts. Her arms pulled him closer, wanting them to be touching everywhere. She started to feel her body’s signs of impending explosion, the imaginary coil in the pit of her gut, tightening just a bit more, her core pulsing with need. “Do it over mine.” Buffy whimpered, her orgasm just out of reach. She looked down at his platinum head, making her decision.

tbc...

Chapter 25
The smoke rose from above the ground, the chill in the air turning warmer. Spike inhaled the scent of spring being reborn, thinking over the past week. Buffy was fully recovered, all bones and abrasions healed, distant memories of her ordeal. She tried to remember her torturous week at the hands of Sam and her lackeys, but she was too drugged to remember much. Bits of her dreams seeped into her brain, causing Spike to relive his own nightmares. Buffy finally met with the Council of Eight, the core council of the Watchers. She didn’t even know they existed, not realizing that the Council actually was a council, Quentin being chairman. They were thrilled to include Giles, the only existing member that has had a charge. They were eager to pick his brain for information. Through conversations, it was determined that Quentin had lied to the Council of Eight of Buffy’s continued existence and Giles’ reinstatement to the Council years ago. They still were under the impression Wesley was her the Watcher in Sunnydale. All Giles’ notes and journals that he sent back to the main Council had been hidden in Quentin’s office, thoroughly read through. Suspicions arose when they found the journals that spoke of the Initiative and Sam Finn’s introduction to Sunnydale in Quentin’s private quarters. Accusations were thrown across the room, theories evolved, but no proof to the involvement of Sam Finn and Quentin Travers was found. The Council of Eight accepted Quentin’s signed papers, his resignation and recommendation for Giles to take his place was approved.

Life was going better for them. Dawn left to go back to California, her classes starting soon. Spike and Buffy felt even closer now, their knowledge of the universe, their realm set them at ease. Late at night, their thoughts would float up above their bed, drifting around for them to discuss. However, Spike would worry during those times. The knowledge that she was his forever, to lay at his side for eternity thrilled yet scared him. Being with her wasn’t a frightening thought; it was what she gave up to receive the gift. Being normal. He knew now that the choice was given to her in Hawaii when he walked into the hospital, walked into her house, walked into her heart. She had accepted it then. The change inside her, to know that being loved and loving someone in return was the greatest thing in the world. He also knew; felt that Gaya had told her privately, not allowing Spike in the knowledge that there would never be any children to result from the union. Her body isn’t meant for childbirth; to support a life inside her would now be infeasible. Her sharing his blood and him sharing hers to keep her alive forever was not what an infant needed. To watch the child grow up with her green eyes and his smirk only to watch the death was ultimately cruel to them. Her body hormones shifted, her human reproduction system shutting down. That is what scared Spike the most. Buffy regretting taking the gift, his gift of love because it shut so many doors for her. He stayed up late at night, watching her sleep as he fretted if she would wake up wanting, needing a child of her own. She knew he was worried about something, keeping the origins of that something hidden behind his demon, locked in a box that said “Off limits to Buffy.”

The council took to Buffy and Spike’s news very well. The older members of the Council of Eight remembered a prophecy, started over a millennia ago. They scurried about trying to find the codex that contained the prophecy. Giles and Buffy sat back, allowing them to look as they laid out a plan for Slayer compensation. Healthcare and living expenses were to be taken care of, to help the next chosen girl. Buffy was put to tasks quickly, her patrols monitored; her strength, agility, and senses observed.

Buffy ambushed Spike first, hiding behind the libraries doors, lying in wait for him to come in after his afternoon nap. He swore her fingernails became claws as she grabbed him, throwing him across the research table. He watched with morbid curiosity and shock as she leapt through the air, pouncing on top of him, pinning him to the dusty floor. He spied Giles in the corner of his eye, realizing that Giles and probably Buffy wanted to document exactly what was happening to her, to them. Spike let his face shift to his demonic features, growling up at Buffy. His body jerked up, breaking Buffy’s grip on him. She flew through the air, turning her body to hit the floor with her feet, crouching low as she landed. Spike snarled, his own body turning over to crouch close to the floor, sizing his enemy up. Buffy moved to the left, circling him. Spike kept his amber eyes on her, watching ever step, every lunge he made. When she made it about fifteen feet, she jumped up towards him. Spike leapt up, his body airborne and met with her, crashing into her, clawing at her. He smelled her blood a second after she gasped, his own fingers ripping into her flesh. Buffy looked down at her arm, watching intently as the skin healed it self, knitting together so quickly. Spike watched along with her, his interest peaked when the smell of her blood weakened, her vein no longer open. Giles stepped forward, curious about the reason why they stopped fighting. He watched Spike bring her arm to his face, his roughened tongue licking her arm clean. “All right, love?” he whispered, his face shifting back to his human features.

“Yeah, just weird.” She whispered back, her other hand to touch her injured arm.

“What happened?” Giles nodded towards them, his pen poised above a journal.

“Spike slit my arm and I started to bleed, but just a quickly, my arm mended it self.”

“Has this ever happened before?” Giles questioned.

Buffy rolled her eyes, her hands on her hips, “Sure Giles, it happens everyday and it dumbfounds me every time.”

“I’m just writing it down, you don’t have to snap at me,” he walked away.

Spike wound his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him and whispered, “That’s my snarky girl.”

Spike inhaled the last hit of the cigarette, throwing the spent butt on the ground and crushing it with his heavy boots. He lifted his head up to the moon, its pale light defusing around him. He inhaled the cool air again, the spring scents of England awakening, and then he paused. A stale scent lingered in the air, smell of death and isolation. It could only come from one source: Riley Finn. “Come out, Whitebread, I can smell you in a hog factory.” Spike straighten his shoulders as Riley came out of the shadows, sulking towards him.

“Spike,” he nodded in his direction, “How’s Buffy?”

“Fine,” Spike said, trying to reign in his anger towards the ex-soldier.

“I couldn’t find Sam.” He looked up to the room Spike and Buffy shared, “I heard she was pretty bad off.”

“She’s fine now. And the bitch was taken out of her misery, don’t bother looking for her.” Riley was shocked, he could only surmise that Spike had killed Sam, his anger growing, “Don’t look at me like that, minute man, I didn’t do anything to the bint, it was all Traver’s thing he took her out when she wouldn’t spill her nasty secrets.”

“Oh,” Riley calmed down, he was angrier at himself to allow Sam to become that desperate, to want what Buffy had, ready to kill her for it.

“I don’t think she’ll want to see you,” Spike spoke quietly; in fact, he knew that Buffy wouldn’t want to see him, her anger on the situation rested on Riley’s shoulders.

“I know, she must hate me,” Riley looked over the gardens, the moon dropping off. “You’d better go inside,” he commented, his feet shuffling back to whence he came. “Better take care of her.”

Spike walked to the door to the building, pausing while he watched Riley disappear into the shadows, “I will, mate. I will.”

a/n: one more chapter! Get your reviews in before it's too late!!!

Chapter 26

“Flight 4580 Newark International Airport, NJ USA departing at gate 87b. Passengers in rows 1 through 8 now boarding. Please have your identification papers and ticket ready when you reach the counter,” a stale voice announced over the loud speaker.

“Guess that’s us, love,” Spike said, his arm was securely around her shoulders as they sat in the terminal. Giles was sitting on the other side of her, going over last moment details about the Slayer line.

“I guess so,” she looked at him and smiled. Her head swiveled back towards Giles, “That’s us, Giles.”

“Yes, dear girl.” Giles put his notes away, all three rising to stand. “Take care,” his arms wound around Buffy, squeezing her close. “I’ve sent a Watcher to Sunnydale for Katerina and I will be going back soon.” Giles caught Spike’s stare, releasing Buffy. His hand stretched out, welcoming Spike’s. “You too, take care of each other.”

“Will do, Watcher,” Spike hooked an arm around Buffy as he shook Giles’ hand. Buffy bent to take her duffle bag, hoisting it on her shoulder.

“Now make sure you make it to Hawaii soon,” Buffy said, smiling. “I’ll miss you,” she stepped forward again, hugging Giles. Spike tugged at her arm, pulling her towards the gate. “Don’t forget ‘Health Insurance’ is not a dirty term.” She scolded Giles, wanting to make sure that the future Slayers would be taken care of. “Oh, and living expenses is not poverty level!” Spike lifted her up, carrying her towards the check in area, smiling at his girl as she shouted more and more demands at Giles. He shared a secret head shake with Giles as he finally pushed Buffy through the gate towards the plane.

~*~*~
“The captain has turned off the seatbelt light; you are now free to roam the cabin.” A cheery female voice crackled over the loud speaker.

Spike snapped his seat belt off immediately, stretching his body. “Can’t believe they didn’t have any first calss available, bloody poofters.”

“Spike, honey,” Buffy shook her head, all too aware that the person next to them listening in on their conversation, “Time nor place.”

Spike shrugged, noticing the man on the other side of Buffy staring at her bare legs. He felt like growling, asserting his territory, but Buffy’s warm and on his arm stopped him. His demon felt secure in his mate’s love and affection. He didn’t need to warn anyone to back away, she would do it herself. Knowing she didn’t care for the attention, he decided to rectify it, “Cold, love? Bet they’ve got a blanket or two up front?”

Buffy smiled and nodded. She knew it would be easier and probably a lot safer for all involved if she would let Spike just cover her body than to argue with him. Spike pushed the Flight Attendant button, grinning evilly while waiting patiently for one to come. Buffy watched Spike’s face as a short slim man asked him if he needed anything. Spike shook off his surprise and asked for a blanket. Coming back the Flight Attendant winked and handed over the blanket. Spike took ceremony to drape the thin material over Buffy’s legs, tucking it under her skirt. Buffy giggled has his fingers pinched her right butt cheek as he stuffed the material under her. “Mmm, all nice and cozy,” she purred, laying her head on his shoulder.

“That’s right, kitten,” he smirked, during another time and another plane ride, he would have pulled out all the stops, driving her libido to new heights, driving her crazy with lust.

“Behave,” she whispered, cuddling closer to him. Most people started to surrender to sleep during the night flight, leaving them alone. Even the man to Buffy’s side drifted off, snorting in his sleep.

“Seems we have this big cabin all to ourselves, love.”

“Behave,” she warned, she brought the blanket up, covering her face. He smiled, knowing she was blushing, remembering a similar conversation.

“I would have bought the whole cabin, but someone was rushed and wanted my first sunrise and sunset in Hawaii.”

“Not your first one… just the one you are going to see outside. With. Out. Protection. And, enjoy with me.”

“Wonder what we can do to pass the time?” He whispered in her ear, his cool breath tickling her hair.

“Spike,” she breathed, her heart beat increased, closing her eyes, trying to calm herself down. “Please,” Spike’s hand found its way under her blanket, now touching her upper thigh. “Don’t,” His hand found the hem of her skirt, reaching down to touch her bare skin. “Stop,” his finger inched toward the apex of her thighs, wiggling along the warm, moist fabric of her panties.

Spike smirked, his eyebrow rose as he moved his fingers away, trailing a line of heat on her skin under her skirt. He brought his hand out from under the blanket, resting it on the bulge of his jeans. “Fine, have it your way,” he grumbled, hiding his smile as her head peaked out from the cocoon of the blanket.

“What? Huh? Get back here mister!”

“You told me to stop,” he batted his eyelashes, trying to appear innocent.

“I told you to: Please,” she opened the blanket towards him, showing him her little fingers glistening with her juices, “don’t stop!” her voice trailed off as his fingers came back to her, entwining with her own.

“Tell me what you want,” he whispered, inhaling her scent.

“Oh God, Spike.” She writhed on his fingers, her own grabbing on to the arm of the seat. “I like what you do to me, how you make me feel.”

“Love it when you talk dirty,” he smiled, pulling the blanket around her, “Hush, sweetheart.” His gaze fell to the aisle of the airplane.

“Can I get anything for you?” The same flight attendant asked Spike, smiling.

“A bottle of water please.” Spike thanked the flight attendant as he left, his fingers still imbedded inside Buffy.

He wheeled the beverage cart away, Buffy gasped, feeling her orgasm peak. “Oh God!” She rode Spike’s fingers for a few more moments, drawing her pleasure out. “You are a naughty man,” she whispered when she regained her brain functions.

“Maybe I need spanked?” he brought his fingers up to his mouth, sucking in his digits with veracity, licking up her spendings.

She settled next to him, yawning, “Maybe, but that’ll have to wait until we get back to Hawaii.” She patted his thigh, “After we spend the day in the hot tub, watching the sun travel across the sky and then the moon.”

“Okay, love. After that.” He brought his arm around her, bringing her as close as the seats allowed.

“And you feed me,” she yawned again, fighting her fatigue.

“After I feed you.” He patted her head, smelling the fragrant shampoo she used last.

“Oh, and after we go to the Rain Forest.” Her eyes couldn’t stay open anymore, the call for sleep too strong.

“And after we go to the club.” He replied, smiling at her.

“After all, we have forever,” she snuggled deeper, finally succumbing to the call of the sandman.

“Forever,” he agreed. He closed his eyes, secure in the knowledge that he did have forever with her.

~The End~

Wow!! That’s it. The end! After almost a year, the trilogy of the Forever Series is finished. I hope you enjoyed the rollercoaster of their lives. If you are wondering where Buffy and Spike are….. he bought a boat shortly after they arrived in Hawaii and they spend their time drinking champagne and watching the sunset every night. Dawn graduated from college with her Ph.D. and came to Hawaii. She now helps her husband run the Rain Forest, pregnant with their third child. Katerina and Willow fell in love and between Willow’s magic and the new Watcher’s Council, Katerina looks like she will be the second Slayer to enjoy the full gift of the Slayer Legend. And they lived happily ever after.