Chapter Eleven

*

Buffy gathered everyone in the kitchen of the apartment for a meeting. No one seemed to question the absence of Giles as they turned their heads to Buffy, who stood at the front of the table. Once everyone had been seated, Buffy began.

"We have some new information. I can't get into it all, but basically what it boils down to is this. Someone or something is trying to reopen the Hellmouth where Sunnydale used to be. We don't know why and we don't know exactly when this is supposed to go down. We need more information. Spike, Faith and I are going to the crater to do some re-con, check it out. We'll relay to you what we find and hopefully can shed some more light on just what the hell is going on," Buffy stated, her eyes traveling to each person seated at the table.

"Uh...Buffy? What are we supposed to do until you guys get back? I-I mean do we just sit here and wait? What if something happens? We won't have a Slayer or Spike here you know," Willow piped in.

"I'll need you to put a mojo on the apartment so everyone is safe, Will. Can you do that?" Buffy asked. Willow nodded.

"You bet. I just need some supplies and then consider the apartment officially mojoed," Willow said and then reached into the bag at her feet, withdrawing a notepad and a pen, along with a thick spell book. Buffy turned to Xander.

"Xander, I need you to watch out for Dawn. Anywhere she goes, you go. Got me?" Buffy said.

"Got ya, Buff," Xander said with a nod. Dawn scoffed and glared at Buffy.

"C'mon Buffy, I'm eighteen. Do I still need a babysitter? You know I can take care of myself," Dawn whined. Buffy rolled her eyes and turned to face her sister.

"Just stay with Xander. Please. I couldn't handle it if something happened to you. I know you're capable of taking care of yourself, but for my peace of mind I need to know that you're safe. Ok?"

"Fine," Dawn acquiesced, folding her arms across her chest and turning away from Buffy. "Butthead," she mumbled to herself. Buffy disregarded Dawn's mumbling and turned to Faith and Spike.

"I've made arrangements for us to fly out tonight. Will you guys be ready?" Both Faith and Spike nodded in agreement. "Good. It's all set, then. I'll have my cell phone with me at all times, so if anything...I mean anything happens call me immediately," Buffy said, once again addressing the entire group. She was silent a moment as she stared at the floor and then looked back up again, a new determination in her eyes.

"I know I can't tell you guys all the details on what is going on. I can tell you that it's bad. We're looking at possible end of the world bad. You guys are the only ones I can count on to stand by me on this. We'll beat this, I promise," Buffy said assuredly.

"What about Giles?" Xander asked softly. "Shouldn't he be here for this?" He glanced around the room and noticed how uncomfortable his comment had made everyone. Willow nodded in agreement at Xander's voicing of the obvious.

"A-and why is it that we're not allowed to know all the details here? I-I mean, we'll research and do whatever needs to be done, but it's kinda hard without some real information to go on," Willow said, turning a confused gaze onto Buffy. Buffy took a seat in a chair and faced her friends. She steepled her fingers and rested her chin on them, thinking a moment.

"Just tell 'em B. Better they know the truth anyway," Faith piped in from the corner. Buffy sighed, dropped her head a moment and then looked up again.

"Ok. You guys wanna know the truth; I'll tell you the truth. About Giles," Buffy looked to Xander, "and the rest," she finished glancing at Willow. Willow reached her hand across the table and covered Buffy's with it.

"Whatever it is, we can handle it. Alright?"

"We've been through worse. A hell of a lot worse," Xander said, giving Buffy a knowing look.

Buffy stared at Xander, her eyes landing on the black eye patch that he still wore over his left eye and sadness washed over her. She knew that Xander was still mourning over Anya, that he thought about her everyday. If Anya had come back to him and someone wanted to kill her, Xander would be doing the exact same thing as Buffy, trying to right the wrongs. Suddenly, in that moment, Buffy knew that she could tell her friends about Giles' betrayal and that they would understand. She took a deep breath and began.

"You guys are probably wondering how it is that Spike isn't dead anymore," she began.

"Love, I don't think-" Spike started, but Buffy held her hand up for silence and turned to face Spike, her gaze imploring that he let her do what she was about to do. He nodded slightly and took a step back, letting her continue. Buffy faced her friends and went on with her explanation.

"Somehow Spike's energy was funneled into the amulet he wore that day we battled The First's army. The amulet was mysteriously mailed back to Wolfram and Hart in Los Angeles and Spike just seemed to reappear from it. A few weeks later, he started having strange dreams. About me. Long story short, he ended up here and found out from The Oracles that 'The Powers That Be' passed these visions onto Spike because he returned to a corporeal form, instead of being a ghost," Buffy explained.

"Wait...Spike was a ghost?" Xander cried and then whipped around to face Spike. "You didn't say...come and start haunting anywhere other than Los Angeles? Like at a bachelor party or something?" Spike narrowed his eyes at Xander and frowned.

"Course not you wanker. I couldn't leave Wolfram and Hart," Spike retorted. Xander breathed a sigh of relief and turned back around.

"Just checking," he said and then glanced up at everyone who was staring at him curiously. Xander shrugged. "What? A buddy of mine said there was an incident at his bachelor party, something about the stripper and-" Xander stopped short. "Could've been the copious amounts of alcohol that was flowing that night. My bad. Continue," he said to Buffy. Buffy stared at Xander a moment, then shrugged and went on.

"Anyway....Spike arrived here, and subsequent visions followed. They didn't make any sense and they kept showing something happening in Sunnydale, around the crater. Giles got some information from the Council that possibly 'The Immortal' could be involved," Buffy said.

"You mean like 'The Immortal' who was once your boyfriend?" Willow asked. Buffy nodded. "Oh. Of course. That Immortal. For a minute there...oh God...Buffy...isn't The Immortal...I-I dunno...like a bad guy?" Buffy sighed and shook her head, careful not to look in Spike's direction, even though she could feel his blue eyes boring into the back of her head.

"T-That's not the point," Buffy said with a shake of her head. "The point is-"

"C'mon pet, tell them about 'The Immortal'. This here's valuable information, a need-to-know kind of thing," Spike said and Buffy whipped around in her seat and glared at Spike.

"Not now, Spike," she said through clenched teeth, her green eyes flashing. Spike stepped forward.

"Fine. Guess I will then, since I knew the bloke," Spike said and soon felt pairs of eyes swinging over in his direction. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Spike ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat. "Yeah, I knew him. So what's it to you? I knew him back in my vampire without a soul days...before I became redeemed," Spike said.

"Just tell them, Spike," Buffy said with a shake of her head.

"Right then. Anyway, Angel and I had a run in with the bloke back in the day. Real evil type. Mysterious. Has a bunch of goons working for him. He tied Angel and I up, but didn't kill us. Works real smooth that way. Nearly had a run in with him again about six months ago when Angel and I came to Rome...for other business," Spike finished, darting his eyes around the room, as if daring anyone to dispute what he'd said.

"So, that's it? What's so evil about that?" Xander asked, glancing between Buffy and Spike. "Am I the only one that's confused here?"

"Right there with you," Willow piped in.

"Thanks Will," Xander said.

"No problem," Willow said.

"Guys," Buffy said looking between her friends. "It doesn't matter what this whole thing has to do with a certain ex-boyfriend of mine. The point is...yeah...he is kind of shady...and yeah...with the mysterious, but I don't think he's capable of something like-"

"Murder?" Faith asked, sauntering over from the corner to stand in front of Buffy, her arms folded across her chest as she stared down at the other Slayer, brown eyes darkening slightly. Buffy sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead. Faith was right. Everyone was right. The silence was heavy in the room as everyone's thoughts went back to Robin Wood and the fate of the young Slayers in Cleveland.

"Ok...I get it. So maybe 'The Immortal' is definitely something we have to look into as possibly being connected to all of this. Anyway, Giles said he was a co-conspirator. Which means we have to find out who this original...uh...conspirator is."

"Ok, so where do we start?" Willow asked.

"How about we start with the part where Giles and Angel were working together trying to kill Spike?" Faith blurted out. Buffy whipped her head around, facing Faith, a perplexed look on her face. Faith shrugged nonchalantly. "What? Someone had to say it."

"Whoa whoa whoa..." Xander said holding up his hand and shaking his head in confusion, "didn't we already go through this back in Sunnydale? You know, when Giles tried to kill Spike once before?"

"Guess he wanted a second crack at it," Faith said sardonically.

"But why would Giles and Angel want to kill Spike? He's done a lot of good. I-I mean what with the sacrificing himself for the world and all. I don't think that warrants putting the guy to death," Willow said.

"Thanks Red," Spike said softly.

"Just saying," Willow said glancing over at Spike and then turning to face Buffy. "He used to be ya know...all evil...but now he's not. He has a soul. What...was Angel jealous or something?"

"Don't know Will," Buffy said slowly, her shoulders sagging a little. "All he told me was that he and Angel were going to try trapping Spike's essence back into the amulet, using some fake visions that would trick Spike into returning to the Hellmouth. What he didn't count on was this other evil stepping into the mix. Hence, the reason Faith, Spike and I must re-con. In like...an hour. So are we done here?" she asked, glancing around at her friends. Everyone nodded and got up from the table. Willow reached over and embraced Buffy.

"We're here for you, Buff. You can count on us," she whispered into her friend's ear. Buffy squeezed Willow tightly.

"Thanks," she said softly. They exchanged a small smile and then stepped away from each other. Finally the only ones that were left in the room were Faith and Spike. Buffy regarded the former Slayer and the blonde vampire warily for a moment.

"You ready to do this, B?" Faith asked. Buffy nodded at Faith and then turned to face Spike.

"You're gonna head to Los Angeles then? Get some answers from Angel...without any violence I hope?" Buffy asked. Spike frowned.

"I should stake the Poof for plotting like this behind my back, getting 'The Immortal' involved. But if you don't want me to hurt him, I won't," Spike said, reaching for Buffy and pulling her close. Buffy reached out and tenderly stroked Spike's cheek.

"Just get the information we need and report it back to me. I'll deal with Angel," Buffy said softly.

"What about Giles, B? What are you gonna do about him?" Faith asked. "Seems to me a righteous ass-kicking is in order." Buffy shot Faith a glare and Faith shook her head, lifting her hands. "Could just be me, I guess. I'll meet you guys by the car. Privacy and all." Faith turned to saunter away and Buffy called out the Slayer's name as she retreated. Faith turned and lifted an eyebrow.

"I'm terribly sorry about Robin and the girls," Buffy said softly. "If there's anything you need-" Faith looked down a moment, biting her lip. Then her head came back up, her brown eyes filled with determination.

"I got it covered, B. But thanks. Means a lot coming from you," Faith said with a slight nod and a half-smile. "I'll be in the car," she said jerking her thumb toward the outdoors.

"We'll be a minute," Buffy said and then turned to face Spike, who was staring down at her imploringly, love shining in his eyes. "Ready for this?"

"Ready for anything love," Spike said, then leaned forward and pressed his lips gently to Buffy's. The kiss was slow, tender and achingly sweet. Buffy clung to Spike tightly, her features crumpling a little as her emotions intensified. She didn't want to leave Spike. The thought of him not being at her side when she and Faith stormed the former Hellmouth left her feeling a little frightened. But she would deal. She glanced up at Spike and stared into his eyes, getting a little lost in the blue depths that never failed to captivate her.

"Try not to get dead," she said, lifting her hand and caressing his cheek. "Again." They both started to chuckle and their lips met again.

"Speak for yourself love," Spike said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth in amusement. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and kissed her again. "You know that I love you. Right?"

"Of course. But probably not as much as I love you. I know I don't say it enough." Buffy said, lowering her eyes. Spike placed a finger underneath Buffy's chin and lifted it so her eyes slammed into his.

"Got no complaints here, pet. The things that you’ve showed me in the last week alone are quite enough to make a bloke feel loved. No words required," Spike said. Buffy bit her lip and nodded. Their lips met again in a soft kiss.

"So what happens after this?" Spike asked as they walked to the front door, arms around each other. Buffy stopped and whirled around to face Spike, a frown creeping over her features. She pressed a finger to his lips and stared deeply into his intense blue eyes.

"No future talk. Not yet," she said softly. "Not until we're on the other side of this. Ok?"

"Of course," he said softly.

"Thank you," Buffy said, smiling sweetly. "We better get to the car before Faith takes off without us." Spike turned to Buffy, a perplexed look crossing over his pale features.

"Who said she gets to drive?" he asked and Buffy playfully shoved his shoulder as they headed outside and to the car.

"Merely saying...thought we agreed I'd drive us to the airport. Just 'cause I'm a neutered vampire doesn't mean that I forgot how to drive," Spike stated as he climbed into the backseat of the jeep parked in the driveway.

"Faith called it first," Buffy tossed back as they pulled out of the driveway.

"Bloody women," Spike muttered to himself. Buffy reached behind the front seat and grabbed Spike's hand, lacing her fingers with his as the car turned out of the driveway and pulled away from the apartment complex.

*

Giles paced the floor of his darkened apartment, talking furiously on the phone.

"No...she said she's going to Sunnydale...she could possibly be headed your way as well...I'm just saying...keep your eyes open...take care of anything that may arise. The ritual must still take place," Giles said as he went to the sofa near the far side of the apartment and settled on to it as he listened to the voice on the other line.

"Of course...whatever it takes...by all means...just get Spike to the Hellmouth...I'll handle it from there...for now...I need you to be on the lookout...yes...yes...alright....thank you," Giles said and then flipped the phone shut, his gaze darting around the apartment as he took off his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes.

He stared at the duffle bag that he'd packed earlier that day and set near the door. It was time. The wheels of the plan were in motion, now it was time for follow through. Spike was going to be put away. For good, so he couldn't cause anymore trouble. He needed to do this for Buffy's sake; there was no way around it anymore. Giles felt as if he were talking himself into doing something that wasn't right and niggling doubts were beginning to creep up in his mind. 'The Immortal' had mentioned something to Angel about a price that had yet to be named. Once Spike was handed over, payment would be decided upon. Giles felt as if they were making a deal with the devil, but hadn't voiced his concerns. He didn't know much about 'The Immortal' save for the fact that he'd dated Buffy at one time. That and his shady dealings with the demon world.

Giles sighed and lifted his hand to his neck, kneading the tightened muscles there. Bloody hell, he was knackered. All of this plotting and planning was beginning to take its toll. Giles found himself looking forward to when it would finally be over. He hadn't expected a new player to step into the game and make things worse than they already were which had caused Giles to reveal everything to Buffy in a moment of weakness. Bloody stupid, that move was. But things would still go according to plan. Buffy would be ushered out of the Hellmouth and the ritual would take place. It would be over soon. Giles kept repeating the sentence to himself like a mantra. It would be over soon. It would be over soon...

End of Chapter Eleven

 

Chapter Twelve

Help me I don't know what I'm doin...help me before I fall to ruin
And if I'm blind I will lead you on...come follow me now before our time is gone...
(The Curse: Audioslave)

*

Spike could feel the soft weight of Buffy's head rested on his shoulder as the plane took them toward California. Her hair brushed his arm and Spike couldn't help the warmth that spread over his body. She'd fallen asleep shortly after take-off and Spike guessed the poor girl was bloody knackered. She'd been running on nothing but adrenaline and fumes this week, not to mention all the shit she had to deal with. He guessed she hadn't had a good night's sleep in quite some time and Spike wasn't about to deny her that one luxury. He brushed her hair aside and gently pressed his lips to her soft cheek, feeling her sigh as it shook her entire body. Spike settled himself in his seat and resisted the urge to take a leave for a moment for a smoke. Just because that would be too much time away from Buffy and right now he couldn't stand being too far away from her. More than ever she needed him and the feeling was mutual. The events that had brought them to this moment were mind-boggling. He was still wrapping his mind around the fact that Angel and Giles had been plotting behind his back. But the more he thought about it, the less bloody surprised he was about the whole turn of events. He should have almost expected this of the former watcher and the Poof. It was becoming the 'thing' the two of them did these days, find new and interesting ways to kill Spike.

Spike's fingers clenched around the armrest of his seat as he remembered what Giles had said. He and Angel were planning to funnel his essence back into the amulet and dispose of him in some way. Like someone taking out the bloody trash. The thought sickened Spike. But a lot of things were starting to make sense. The visions, for instance. Spike cursed himself for being the stupid git he was. Visions, my ass. The whole confrontation with The Oracles, all of it had been nonsense and Spike hated that he hadn't seen it in the first place. It also made sense as to why the Champ had let him go off to Rome, traipsing after his former with such ease. He remembered not feeling right about the whole thing back in the airplane hangar, now he knew why. The damn Poofter had been twisting the knife in Spike's back the entire time. That bastard was going to get an earful when Spike returned to Wolfram and Hart, that was for damn sure.

Glancing at the sleeping Buffy beside him, Spike remembered his promise to not hurt Angel. Even though the thought of plunging a sharpened redwood into the Champ's chest was appealing, he'd made a promise. Made a promise to a lady, Spike thought to himself. The words rang in his ears as he remembered that night on the tower, the night he'd promised to watch after Nibblet. The words were still true today. He'd do anything for Buffy, even if that meant not ending the unlife of his grandsire, even when it was richly deserved.

Suddenly, Buffy stirred and began to moan in her sleep. Spike whipped his head around sharply, a frown creasing his features as he watched Buffy intently. A low moan issued from her lips, then she sighed and relaxed again. Spike let out the breath he'd been unnecessarily holding. He'd hoped that Buffy would rest the entire flight so she'd be fully energized and ready for what was to come. Spike knew he was ready. He was ready to face the Poof and smack him around a little. His hands were itching to hit something and if the Poof happened to be in the way, then so be it.

Spike glanced over at Faith in the seat across the aisle. She was out like a light as well, her chin resting on her chest. He felt a stab of sorrow for the brunette Slayer. That girl was a fighter, through and through. She'd walked in on a bloody massacre and was still standing. It amazed Spike, the kind of strength that one had. He found himself admiring her a little, someone with fortitude like hers deserved to be admired. In ways, he and Faith had a lot in common. They'd both been evil and malicious in their own time and had both walked a rocky path to redemption. They didn't exactly come out smelling like a rose for all their troubles, but they managed just the same. Spike knew that when it came down to life or death, Faith was the one to have at your back. Glancing at Buffy, Spike considered himself lucky to have the strongest women he'd ever known at his side. It was unfortunate that the two Slayers had to go it alone at the Hellmouth, but he knew they'd hold their own just fine.

Spike yawned and stretched in his seat, or at least did the best he could with Buffy on his arm. She was starting to drool a little and all over the leather jacket, too. Spike shook his head and tangled his fingers in the long blonde tresses that spilled from her head and onto his arm. The scent of the fragrant shampoo she used drifted up, invading Spike's senses, filling him with a desire that was red hot, like liquid molten lava in his veins. God, he wanted her all the time, never failed. It could be a normal day or night, or your everyday apocalypse and Spike would still burn for Buffy, his Slayer. He shifted in his seat as his jeans grew a little tighter around the crotch area. Bloody hell, Spike scoffed to himself. Not now! He forced his thoughts into loftier places and turned to stare out the window.

*

Buffy found herself awakening slowly. She bolted up and darted her eyes around in a panic. Her gaze landed on Spike, who tilted his head and stared at her crazily. Buffy closed her eyes and shook herself mentally.

"You alright, love?" Spike asked. Buffy opened her eyes and looked at Spike again.

"Yeah, forgot where I was for a moment," Buffy said, settling back in her seat. "How long was I out?" Spike shrugged.

"Can't rightly say. Hour, maybe two," he said. Buffy nodded and glanced across the aisle and gazed at the sound asleep Faith.

"Looks like she pooped out as well," Buffy said sadly and then her eyes traveled back to Spike, who was smiling to himself.

"What are you smiling about?" Buffy asked, tilting her head and staring at Spike, poking a finger into his shoulder.

"You'd stake me for even thinking this," Spike said shifting in his seat and turning his body so he faced Buffy, "but I've got a bloody brilliant idea. Something to kill some time," he said, the smile turning to a full-fledged grin.

"Spike..." Buffy warned. Spike's hands shot up along with his eyebrows.

"What? You don't even know what I was thinking, Slayer!"

"Mile high club?" Buffy asked, her eyebrows shooting up as she tilted her head toward the lavatory at the back of the plane. Her expression had 'duh' clearly written all over it. Spike had the audacity to blush.

"Balls," Spike said with a shake of his head. "You see right through me don't you, pet." Buffy said nothing and moments later her hand came to rest on his thigh. It traveled lower and lower until she was resting her fingers near his-

"Slayer," Spike said naughtily wiggling his eyebrows, "never knew you had it in you."

"You only live once, right?" As soon as the words left her mouth she started to laugh, as Spike chuckled beside her. "Or in our case, you only live two, three times. Right?" Spike lowered his head and shook it, the grin never leaving his face.

"Whatever you say, love."

"So?" Buffy asked, "do we dare?"

"Oh I dare," Spike said getting out of his seat and reaching for Buffy's hand. She giggled, put her hand in Spike's and followed as he led her to the lavatory. Buffy shot Faith's sleeping form a fleeting glance and hoped the other Slayer would stay asleep. Lucky for them, Buffy Spike and Faith we're the only ones on the late night flight to L.A. that night.

*

Buffy brought Spike's mouth to hers in a punishing kiss as they stumbled backward into the bathroom. Spike kicked the door shut and hoisted Buffy onto the counter top of the sink as she wriggled free from the jeans she wore. She reached for Spike's belt buckle, pulling him closer and then worked her fingers over it as it loosened, the jeans sliding down his legs until they were in a heap at his feet. Spike scooted Buffy closer and tucked a thumb beneath the waistband of her panties, sliding them down her legs and leaving them to dangle at her feet. He leaned in for another kiss, probing her lips open with his tongue, and nipping at her bottom lip as she groaned and cradled his face with her palms, moaning his name into his mouth. Her teeth tugged on Spike's bottom lip gently as she drew him closer. Buffy's hand reached down between their bodies and clasped around Spike's erection, stroking his shaft as she wriggled her hips closer, spreading her thighs.

"Spike!" she cried out, pulling her mouth away from his and tilting her head back as Spike's hand cupped her sex, and one finger slipped inside of her. "Oh God!"

"Ssh love. Don't want to wake the neighbors," Spike said, unable to control the laugh that slipped out as Buffy lowered her head and regarded him with hooded eyes. The joke was forgotten a moment later as Spike's finger brought Buffy to the edge and back and soon she was begging him to finish what he started. Spike teased her as he guided his erection to her wetness, probing it around until the moment she couldn't take it anymore and Spike finally entered her, burying himself deep within her. Their cries of satisfaction echoed around the tiny cubicle that was laughingly called a bathroom. Rocking their bodies gently, Spike moved his hips slowly at first, and then increased his speed as Buffy's moans encouraged him. She clamped her legs tightly around his waist and arched her back. Spike clenched his teeth and bit the inside of his cheeks, desperately trying to hold himself in check as Buffy's inner walls clenched and released around his shaft. The tightness was exquisite and Spike couldn't get enough. As he continued to thrust himself into Buffy's body, his hands reached up and shoved themselves underneath her top and the bra she wore. He lifted both garments away from her body until her breasts were bared and he did his best to pleasure her there as well as the obvious places. Buffy dragged Spike's lips back to hers as they met in another bruising kiss. Spike felt the first twinges of Buffy's orgasm as her walls clenched tighter yet and it wasn't long before she was sobbing her release into his shirt front, her tears spilling onto the fabric as held on, her climax making her whole body shudder. Spike found his release a moment later, his body collapsing atop of Buffy's as he gritted his teeth and held in the guttural moan that wanted to spill from his lips. Things were spilling elsewhere as Buffy reached a second climax. Spike pumped his hips furiously until he was spent as Buffy slumped backward onto the counter top of the sink, desperately trying to catch her breath.

*

Moments later, they left the bathroom, clinging to one another. Spike whispered something in her ear and Buffy blushed, resting a hand on Spike's chest with a giggle. They both looked up as someone's throat was cleared and their gaze slammed into an amused Faith, who glanced between the two of them. She grinned and shook her head, then returned to her seat, watching Spike and Buffy, she laughed to herself again and reached for a magazine that was stowed in a pocket near her seat. She flipped it open, but out of the corner of her eye she could see Spike nibbling Buffy's neck and Buffy playfully pushing him away. She caught Faith's stare and shot her an innocent smile.

"Hope that's out of your system," Faith said addressing the couple, "cause I doubt there'll be much for time for anymore nookie once we hit L.A."

"Faith-" Buffy started, but the lifting of Faith's hand silenced her as another amused grin light the rogue Slayer's features.

"Welcome to the Mile High Club," Faith said. "Million members and counting." The three of them shared a laugh as the mood lightened. Buffy found herself more at ease than she had been the entire week. It was amazing what a little airplane bathroom sex and sharing a laugh with an old acquaintance could do to lift one's spirits. She sobered instantly as she thought of what was to come, as the pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing they were about an hour away from Los Angeles. Spike stiffened in his seat and Faith folded her magazine closed and stared blankly ahead. Buffy shook her head and reached for Spike's hand, lacing her fingers with his. She turned and faced Spike, who met her glance.

"Stupid apocalypse. Talk about your major buzzkill," Buffy said, her lip jutting out in a pout. Spike lifted Buffy's hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.

"Couldn't have said it better myself love," Spike said smiling at her sadly. The three travelers were silent as the plane headed toward Los Angeles and an unknown fate.

*
End of Chapter Twelve
 

Chapter Thirteen

If I die tomorrow...as the minutes fade away... I can't remember...
Have I said, all I can say...you're my everything...
You make me feel so alive...if I die tomorrow...
(If I Die Tomorrow: Motley Crue)

*

Buffy glanced at the two people who walked beside her as they disembarked from the plane, heading wearily into the airport terminal of LAX. There had been little to no conversation between herself, Faith and Spike in the remaining moments of time as the plane ascended toward Los Angeles. Buffy's thoughts were heavy as she walked with Faith and Spike to the curb outside of the airport to wait for cabs. One cab would bring Spike to Wolfram and Hart and another would take Faith and Buffy to a motel, where they would spend the night and come morning, head to the area that had formerly been the tiny town of Sunnydale. Faith went to hold a taxi for herself and Buffy, giving her a few moments alone with Spike. The two of them regarded one another soberly. Slowly, Buffy closed the distance between herself and Spike, falling into his arms as he embraced her tightly, clutching her head to his chest. He closed his eyes and stroked her hair. When Buffy lifted her head, tears were shining in her eyes. Her green eyes searched the intense blue depths of Spike's as her hand reached up and shakily caressed the smooth pale skin of his cheek. Spike tilted his head an inch or so to stare deeply into Buffy's tear-filled eyes. He tucked a lock of blonde hair behind her ear and attempted a thin smile.

"No tears love," he said huskily, his voice thick with the tears that wanted to spill from his eyes as well. Buffy lowered her head and bit her lip, attempting to be brave, but not succeeding. She lifted her head once more and her features crumpled. Spike shook his head, tilted it back, anything to staunch the tears he wanted to spill desperately. He was trying to hold it together, to be strong for Buffy, but he was unsuccessful as well. He pulled her body to him in a crushing embrace, lowering his head as their lips met in a soft kiss.

"Got to be strong, pet. I know you can do it," Spike said softly. Buffy nodded, swiped the tears from her cheeks and faced Spike, her breath hitching in her chest. She reached out her hand for Spike's lacing their fingers together, almost expecting their joined hands to burst into flame, reminiscent of another life-altering moment between them. She frowned as green eyes clashed with blue.

"Spike-" she started, her voice trembling. Spike pressed a finger to her lips.

"No goodbyes, pet. Please," he begged her forcefully. "We'll see each other soon, I promise." Buffy shook her head vehemently.

"Don't make promises, Spike. Don't you dare promise me anything, I wouldn't be able to stand it if you-" Spike silenced her with a punishing kiss, one that left her breathless with desire and yearning for something more. They broke the kiss and Spike disentangled himself from her embrace, starting to back away. Buffy tilted her head back as more tears threatened. Her eyes never left Spike's as he backed away from her. Buffy pressed a hand to her heart and felt something weigh heavily on her shoulders. It was fear. Urgency built within her as Spike reached a taxi, opening the passenger side door.

"Spike!" she shouted to him and his head whipped around at the sound of her voice. "I love you!" she cried. Spike gave her a watery smile and pressed a hand to his heart.

"Love you too," he said softly to himself, feeling as if the words would crack him in two, as well as the heart that didn't beat in his chest. He knew that her heart beat enough for the two of them. There were no rejections this time, no denials. He believed the words that came out of Buffy's mouth, because this time she meant them. He wasn't blind anymore. Her love radiated from her, like heat waves over hot pavement. It burned inside of Spike too, pulsed through out his entire being. Buffy loved him. It was all that Spike had wanted, needed and yearned for. It was enough. They had finally come full circle and Spike knew that her affirmation was well worth the wait.

Spike stood a moment, frozen to the spot as he watched Buffy turn slowly and head to her waiting taxi. Heaving a sigh, Spike got into his taxi and slammed the door shut.

"Wolfram and Hart mate," Spike said coldly to the taxi driver. "And bloody step on it, got some pressing business that can't wait."

Spike turned in his seat and stared out the back window of the taxi, watching as Faith and Buffy's taxi pulled away from the curb and inched by his. He peered out the left side passenger window, hoping for one last glimpse of Buffy. He saw her for a brief moment, as she stared stoically ahead.

Spike couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. Buffy was going to be just fine. That girl, he didn't know where she pulled her strength from, but it had to be a powerful place for a woman so small. It was amazing and interesting all at once. It was the one thing that Spike loved most about her, among other things. She had incredible strength when the odds were stacked against her. It made her beautiful and strong and Spike was confident they would see the other side of this, in fact he was bloody determined they would, even if his own life depended on it.

He stared ahead as the scenes of Los Angeles whizzed by his window in a blurry montage of images. Spike wasn't paying attention to the scenery; his mind was only on one thing. Getting to Angel and beating the bloody hell out of him. The thought made the blood rush in Spike's veins, made him sit up a little straighter. He'd been itching for a good brawl, it had been a long time since he'd unleashed the demon inside that had been lying dormant for far too long. Kicking the Champ's ass halfway across L.A. and back was something that Spike looked forward too. He couldn't bloody wait.

I spent all my life...looking for our innocence...
I've got nothing to lose...nothing to prove...
I won't make the same mistakes...now I know...
That everything will be okay...if I die tomorrow...

*

Buffy couldn't look at Faith as the taxi sped along the streets of Los Angeles toward the motel she had booked a room at, just moments before. She pocketed her cell phone and then stared listlessly at her hands in her lap. She felt Faith's inquisitive eyes on her and turned to face the Slayer who sat beside her.

"How you holding up, B?" Faith asked.

"Oh dandy...you know...with the impending doom and all...yourself?"

"You know me, B...always ready for action..." Faith said with a tilt of her head and a grin. Buffy smiled back at Faith. Had to admire the girl's gusto, she thought to herself. It made the sharp edge of sadness of leaving Spike behind fade away a little, a new determination shooting into her veins, like adrenaline.

She and Faith exchanged a look and in that moment Buffy knew that she was ready to do whatever needed to be done. She was ready to grab this evil-whatever-it-was by the throat, slam it against a wall and watch as the life slipped away. It was her most basest Slayer instinct; hunt and kill, one she had denied for too long as she'd let the other young Slayers around the world pick up the slack.

The time she'd allowed herself to luxuriate in her new found freedom hadn't taken a toll on her physically. She was still in excellent shape as she still trained three to four days a week with the young Slayers at the school in Rome. Her body was fine-tuned, a well-oiled fighting machine. But the thing Buffy worried most about was her spirit. Was she really in this fight? Did she have it inside of her to follow through with this?

Buffy glanced over at Faith, who was wriggling around in her seat, staring out the window, cracking her knuckles, the pent up energy inside of her was evident and Buffy found herself relating. It had been too long since she'd really been in a major life or death struggle, since they'd defeated The First's army, and now it was time to step up. Buffy was ready for whatever fate was going to throw her way. She had much to look forward to afterwards, a new beginning with Spike at her side. Buffy believed that the love they felt between them was strong enough to withstand any baggage from the past that they might still carry with them. She still believed in Spike, even when he'd gone away, she'd believed in him. Now he was back and it didn't matter anymore that he hadn't told her the truth about it, she was just glad she'd realized how much she needed him and just how much she truly loved him. Before it was too late. She'd finally given Spike what he wanted and realized it was what she had wanted all along, her denial of his love a thing of the past. She didn't want to hide or pretend anymore. She loved Spike. Through and through. The thought made Buffy smile and her heart beat faster. It was the best feeling in the world, to know exactly who she wanted in her life. Spike. Only Spike.

The taxi came to a stop and Buffy realized they'd arrived at their destination. Faith grabbed the bags and Buffy handed the cabbie some money. Then she was steps behind Faith as they entered the motel and headed to the check-in counter. She and Faith would rest up tonight and then first thing tomorrow they would head to Sunnydale. Buffy's gut twisted in anticipation and a tad bit of fear, those were the emotions that would enhance her fighting skills when the time came, those were the emotions she would count on, as well as the other Slayer at her side. It was going to be a good fight, Buffy was damn sure of that.

*

Spike strolled through the front lobby of Wolfram and Hart and headed to the bank of elevators that would take him to the Poof's floor. Checking the clock on the wall as he waited for the elevator to arrive, Spike noted that it was almost midnight, he was sure Angel would still be in the office. It was perfect timing as far as Spike was concerned. Stepping onto the elevator, Spike mentally coached himself on the words he would say. This had to be worked with a little bit of finesse and Spike was hoping he could pull it off. The Poof would see through him before too long though, and Spike was ready for anything, even if it came to a fight. The elevator bumped along to the top floor and then stopped, the doors sliding open slowly. Leather duster swirling, Spike stalked down the hallway and stopped at the last door on the right. Taking a breath, Spike lifted his leg and kicked the door open, sending it flying from its hinges and hurtling across the room. Angel vaulted up from his desk and frowned, until his eyes met Spike's. Spike smiled cockily and strutted into the room, strolling up to Angel's desk and levering his hands on the wood surface, leaning forward to push his face close to Angel's.

"How's it goin, Poof? What's new? I'm sure the office is just a-buzzin init?" Spike said haughtily as Angel recoiled slowly, his eyebrows knitting together. Angel got up from his chair and came around the desk, until he and Spike were face to face.

"What do you want, Spike?" Angel asked, folding his arms over his chest. Spike flopped into the chair that stood in front of Angel's desk and propped his feet up onto the wood surface, knocking items off it and onto the floor.

"What do I want, hmm? That question is bloody funny coming from you," Spike said getting to his feet and pacing around the office, picking up objects as he walked. "Seems to me that you've got a hell of a lot more going on than I do...hmm...Poof? The grapevine's all a-buzz with the news. You get me?" Spike asked, as he strolled to a curio cabinet in the far corner of the office, opening the glass doors and pulling out a glass sculpture, tossing it back and forth in his hands as he regarded Angel from across the room. He had to give it to Captain Forehead; he was keeping his cool despite the circumstances.

"I don't have time for games, Spike. Either say your piece or get the hell out of my office," Angel said evenly, his expression unfazed as he glared at Spike.

Spike said nothing, just stared at the sculpture he held in his hand, while his features shifted and he vamped out. Reeling back, he heaved the sculpture across the room watching in satisfaction as it shattered into a million pieces against the wall, just inches away from the Poof's head. Spike began to laugh as the Poof jumped away moments before the sculpture could hit him. Angel got to his feet and charged Spike, tackling him to the floor, throwing punches into the blonde vampire's face as they fought. Spike got the upper hand quickly, pushing Angel off him and vaulting to his feet, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he darted around Angel, his blue eyes flashing as he challenged his grandsire. Angel accepted the challenge and charged again. Spike dodged Angel's advance, instead grabbing him by the neck tightly and hauling his body forcefully until it slammed into a wall nearby. Angel made a strangled sound in his throat as Spike's hand tightened, pushing against the Poof's windpipe. Spike's face shifted back into his human guise and he narrowed his eyes at Angel, whose brown eyes were darting around frantically. Spike leaned in close and began to speak.

"Now I like a good brawl as much as the next bloke, but I honestly didn't come here for that, mate. I've got a few questions for you and you're going to give me answers. It's a whole give and take thing. Are we on the same level here?" Spike asked acidly as he increased the pressure around Angel's windpipe. Angel struggled beneath Spike's grasp.

"Spike-" he choked. "I can explain-" Spike released Angel from his grip and stepped back, watching with amusement twinkling in his blue eyes as Angel's hand flew to his throat, his body wracking as he choked and sputtered, levering his hands on his knees. Slowly, he straightened, regarding Spike with cool indifference.

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about Spike," Angel said evenly, walking back to his desk and sitting slowly in the chair behind it.

"Why don't you clear things up for me then?" Spike retorted, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at Angel. Angel shook his head, reached for the phone at his left hand and punched a few numbers. He waited a moment, spoke something softly into the receiver and then cradled it, regarding Spike once again.

"We only wanted to do what was best for Buffy. Giles and I," Angel said getting to his feet and closing the distance between himself and his grandechilde. "Then you had to come popping out of that damn amulet, messing everything up. I had plans, Spike. Big plans and they never included you."

"Not following you, Poof. Way I heard it, you and the Watcher were planning on putting an end to me. Got a news flash for you, mate. That's not going to happen," Spike said, tilting his head at Angel, waiting for a reaction. Angel tilted his head back and then lowered it, a self-serving smile lighting his features.

"Oh Spike, Spike, Spike...you just never learn do you?" Angel retorted as his features shifted and he vamped out, baring his fangs at Spike and charging. Spike was thrown off guard as Angel struck, sending Spike's body hurtling across the room and slamming into a nearby wall. Spike groaned and rolled to his side, clutching himself as he struggled to get to his feet.

"I'll die before I let you hurt her," Spike ground out forcefully as he glared evilly at Angel. Angel bent to Spike's level and grinned.

"C'mon Spikey, you know as well as I do that this was never about hurting Buffy. I don't want to do anything to Buffy; it's just you I'm anxious to have out of my life once and for all. I thought I got my wish when you burned in the Hellmouth, but no, you had to show up here, make everyone's life miserable. Well, I'm gonna do you a favor. I'm gonna put you back where you belong, so you can haunt someone else for a change," Angel explained.

"Believe me, Poof...you don't owe me any favors," Spike said as he got to his feet and threw a left hook into Angel's jaw, sending him reeling backward. Angel laughed evilly, straightened and came after Spike viciously. Spike stepped easily out of Angel's reach and they regarded one another.

"Buffy's better off without you, Spike. You know as well as I do that you never deserved a woman like her. You're an animal, Spike. Nothing but a blood-thirsty animal just waiting for the next kill. That's why you have to be ended, so you can't destroy anymore lives," Angel spat stumbling to a chair and flopping his body onto it.

"Bloody funny coming from you, Angelus! You killed the Watcher's lady love, almost killed all of Buffy's friends...doesn't make you any less of an animal than me. You're just jealous because I earned my soul, fought for it. You're soul's only a bloody curse, a curse you never wanted. So you and I mate, we're not too far off from one another, 'cept I got the girl. Can't say so much for yourself can you, Poof?" Angel let out a growl and leapt from his chair, grabbing Spike by the waist and hauling him across the room, slamming his body into the floor. He reeled back to punch and Spike caught his fist in his hand, holding it back as Angel's arm trembled from the force. Spike kicked Angel off him and they sparred back and forth for a few moments.

"Admit it, Poof...you're knickers are all in a twist 'cause I can give Buffy what she needs and if you even get a happy...the beast is unleashed...and you start killing off everyone she loves. Doesn't give you much in the leverage department does it?" Spike shot back.

"Shut up, Spike!" Angel shouted.

"Come over here and make me! Hit me, I dare you! C'mon you know you want to!" Spike taunted as he bounced on the balls of his feet, grinning in devilish glee at his grandsire.

Suddenly a commotion behind Spike made him whip around as men in dark colored suits began to file into the room. Spike turned a perplexed look on his face and jumped a few feet when he realized he was face to face with Angel, who was grinning widely.

"You know Spike, the more you talk the more I want to hit you. The words are coming from your mouth and irritating as usual and I've never acted on the one impulse I always have when I'm around you. Now I can and it's gonna be fun," Angel retorted haughtily and then reared back, the punch hitting Spike squarely between the eyes. The impact was instant as Spike teetered for a moment, and then blacked out, hitting the floor in a crumpled heap. Angel stood over the motionless body of his grandechilde and swiped the blood that trailed from the corner of his mouth, catching his breath. He glanced up at the men that had entered the room.

"Took you long enough. I don't know how much longer I could have held him. Lucky for you idiots, Spike never shuts up. Get him out of here. The car's waiting," Angel said with a gesture, turning his back to stare out the bank of windows that overlooked Los Angeles. The men in suits moved silently and swiftly as they picked up Spike's lifeless body and carried it from the room.

Moments later another dark-suited man entered the room. He was groomed meticulously, wearing a neatly pressed Armani suit, newly shined loafers and black sunglasses, his black hair combed back with hair gel, not a single strand of hair out of place. Removing the sunglasses from his face, 'The Immortal' and Angel regarded one another evenly from across the room. A smile tipped the corners of 'The Immortal's' mouth as he looked at Angel.

"Well done, my friend. The fighting was impressive. I knew by the looks of the two of you that you would be evenly matched in battle. It's the reason I delayed the arrival of my men, it was just entertaining to watch the two of you spar like that. Amazing," 'The Immortal said shaking his head with a smile. Angel frowned and clenched his jaw.

"You got what you came for. Get him out of here and remove yourself as well," Angel ground out, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. 'The Immortal' shook his head at Angel, toying with the sunglasses in his hands.

"It's not that easy my friend," 'The Immortal' said shaking his finger at Angel, "there is still the matter of a price, of which we have not discussed. You'll be coming with me, as well as the British Watcher. After the packages have been delivered we will expect payment immediately."

"If its money you want-" Angel started.

"Oh no...not money. I don't deal in money, my friend. I deal in blood. A messy business in itself, as you know, but it does the job," 'The Immortal said and chuckled at Angel's sharp intake of breath and horrified expression. "Don't look so surprised, Angel. I'll get paid, not to worry. I believe the payment will be arriving...mmm...tomorrow I believe. Now, you're coming with me, you've got a front seat along with that Watcher friend of yours. There's a good show on tap, you'll want to be there for the main event."

'The Immortal' reached for the cell phone in his pocket, dialed a number and then spoke into the phone briefly. Before Angel could try to escape, three men entered the room and quickly advanced on the vampire. A cattle prod appeared out of nowhere and was shoved into Angel's back. He convulsed for a few moments and then went limp in his captors’ arms.

"Take him to the car," 'The Immortal said quietly and then followed behind his men as they left Angel's office. Moments later, Angel was tossed into the backseat of a car, which caused him to gain consciousness. When he glanced around the car his eyes landed on something in the seat nearby. It was Rupert Giles, handcuffed, a swath of duct tape covering his mouth as he struggled and made incoherent sounds behind the tape. Before Angel could speak, a piece of duct tape was lowered over his mouth, cutting him off, then the cattle prod appeared again, which caused Angel to black out once more. The car rolled away from Wolfram and Hart just as soundlessly as it had arrived.

*
End of Chapter Thirteen

 

Chapter Fourteen

*

Buffy's travel alarm clock went off at six a.m. and she rolled over in bed, wanting to cling to sleep for as long as she could. It had taken her hours to fall asleep after she and Faith had arrived at the motel. They'd taken a turn in the shower and fallen into bed and then lain awake, talking. Faith had fallen asleep first and Buffy couldn't seem to follow suit. Something was bothering her, a niggling she had in the back of her mind, a twisting in her gut. She wanted to tell herself that Spike was alright, that he'd gotten the information he needed from Angel and was now waiting for sundown to contact Buffy and Faith. But still, Buffy couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

The feeling lingered as Buffy and Faith moved about the room, preparing for the day. While Buffy waited for Faith to return from a coffee run, she packed weapons into a bag and mentally went over the plan of attack in her head. But it was getting more and more difficult to concentrate, and frustrated, Buffy plopped down on the bed and pressed her fingertips to her temples. Another whopper of a headache was coming on, not to mention the sick feeling in her gut that accompanied the pain in her head. Buffy lifted her head and stared out the window nearby; praying to herself that her gut wasn't telling her what she dreaded it might be telling her...that Spike might be in trouble. Suddenly Faith barreled into the room a look of panic in her widened brown eyes as she skidded to a halt in front of Buffy.

"Faith, what is it?" Buffy asked, getting to her feet and staring at the other Slayer who looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

"A message," Faith said handing a slip of paper to Buffy, who took it and frowned. "It's from Wolfram and Hart...uh...from Fred, I think. Something bad's going down B, I can feel it." Buffy stared at the message and read it out loud.

"Spike showed up around midnight and fought with Angel about something and now the two of them are gone. Call as soon as you receive this message," Buffy read and then stared up at Faith. As their eyes met, the girls immediately sprang into action. Faith gathered the bags with the weapons, and Buffy whipped her cell phone out of her pocket and dialed Wolfram and Hart.

"Get me Fred...Fred Burkle...no...now dammit...it's an emergency..." Buffy rolled her eyes and waited as someone picked up the other line. "Fred, i-it's Buffy...yeah...what's going on...I know...yes...oh my God...no...Angel too? Ok...hang tight...Faith and I are on our way...thank you..." Buffy ended the call and glanced at Faith who was standing at the door, her hand on the knob ready to burst out of the room.

"We movin?" Faith asked hesitantly.

"We're moving," Buffy said forcefully as Faith pulled the door open and walked out, Buffy not too far behind on the other Slayer's heels.

*

Spike's mouth felt as if something had died in it, or that possibly a large wad of cotton had been shoved there, sticking to his tongue and coating his mouth. He struggled to open his eyes and swallowed a few times to get the awful taste out of his mouth. It felt as if he were riding somewhere, because he could feel motion from beneath him as if he were in a vehicle speeding down the highway. Spike sensed he was in a closed space, there was no light and it smelled faintly of oil and gasoline. Spike's eyes adjusted in the darkness and he glanced around, trying to get better acquainted with his surroundings. It didn't take more than a moment for Spike to realize he was riding in the trunk of a car, an expensive car judging by the spare tire his body was shoved up against. Spike attempted to move, and then realized his hands were tied with some kind of cord. No amount of pulling or strain of any kind was going to loosen the binding, either. Spike attempted once more to free himself, but gave up as exhaustion claimed him quickly. Something was wrong with his body, he was weak all over, and his head felt a little fuzzy, as if he'd been drugged. A wave of nausea so profound washed over him and he resisted the urge to vomit. Another wave of nausea followed and along with it came sheer and utter exhaustion. In moments, Spike was half-asleep. Just before he blacked out he uttered one word:

"Buffy."

*

Buffy and Faith had only lingered at Wolfram and Hart briefly. They ran right into Fred, who took them to Angel's office, showing them the debris. It was obvious that a fight had taken place there, judging by the amount of broken glass and splintered furniture. Buffy investigated for ashes or stakes and found nothing. She came to the conclusion that neither vampire had been staked. Then something caught her eye and she bent to retrieve a scrap of leather off the floor, twisting it in her fingers. It was a torn piece of Spike's jacket. Lifting the tattered scrap to her nose, she inhaled the faint scent of cigarettes and her suspicions were confirmed. Getting to her feet, Buffy got Faith's attention, showing her the scrap of leather. Faith nodded and showed Buffy signs of the struggle that had occurred in the office. It looked like the two vampires had fought and one had been taken down. Faith came to the conclusion that Angel had set Spike up somehow, but hadn't planned on being taken captive as well. The two girls took the information in for a moment and then headed out of the office and out of Wolfram and Hart. Ten minutes later, they'd rented a car and were speeding down the freeway, headed to the site of a former town, somewhere between Los Angeles and Pasadena.

*

The next time Spike awoke was when he felt someone or something lifting his body. Then bright light hit him full in the eyes, followed by excruciating pain as the sun hit his body full force. Crying out in pain and screeching as the sun burned him, Spike tried to escape, but strong arms held him captive. The drugs had screwed with his equilibrium, making his brain all wonky, leaving him weak and exhausted. Spike sagged and slumped as he was shoved along, not caring that the sun was scorching his body little by little. He was just tired, bloody tired. Suddenly, it was dark again and cooler as he was lead into a cavern of sorts. Spike tried to lift his head, but found it was too heavy, like a lead weight had been draped around his neck. The nausea returned and Spike slumped over as once again the veil of unconsciousness was dropped over his eyes. He never saw Angel and Giles being hustled along beside him.

*

Buffy watched as Faith tapped the gas pedal and felt the powerful surge of the car as it leapt forward, propelling them faster towards their destination. No words had been spoken between the two Slayers since they'd left the city of L.A., only the sense of quiet determination that hung over them like an ominous cloud. Buffy glanced at Faith, noticing the hard set of her jaw and the coldness in her eyes. It seemed she was being driven by a different force altogether. Anger and revenge.

Buffy bit her lip and stared ahead. She didn't want to think of what might have happened to Spike or even Angel for that matter. She kept her mind clear of any doubts or fears that could sneak in and muddle her judgment. The situation called for quick thinking and immediate action, there was no room for emotions. Buffy only wanted to get to the former Hellmouth and find Spike, even if she had to kill everything that stood in her path. She gathered that Faith was feeling the same sentiment, judging by the raw energy that seemed to radiate from the rogue Slayer's body. They passed a highway sign on the side of the road and Buffy's eye caught it. Ten miles or more and they'd be back at the former location of Sunnydale. Briefly, Buffy found herself praying that they would find Spike and that he would still be alive.

*

Spike felt the pull of the chains around his wrists and the prick of a needle in his right arm. Struggling once again to open his eyes, Spike tried desperately to see where he was. He shook his head with the hopes that his vision would clear, but to no avail, the images in front of him swam. He had a bleeding migraine on top of it all, probably related to the drugs this particular Big Bad seemed adamant about pumping into his system. He felt motion as his body was lifted and he could vaguely see that the chains were connected to a wooden beam, as his body was propelled in an upward motion. Blinking rapidly, Spike desperately tried to see what was happening him, opened his mouth to speak, but the words were garbled and incoherent. Finally he hung his head, ready to give up, noticing that he was shirtless and that a figure stood below him, holding a knife. He briefly thought of Buffy, conjured her in his muddled brain. The image of Buffy kept Spike hanging on with the last shred of clarity that he could muster. Her blonde hair blowing gently in a breeze, her green eyes deep and fathomless, the curve of her lips, the feel of her palm caressing his cheek...these were his last coherent thoughts before once again he slipped into unconsciousness.

*

Faith slammed on the brakes and almost sent Buffy hurtling through the windshield as she gripped the armrests of her seat tightly. In moments they had exited the car, each hoisting a bag of weapons as they ran to the crater a mile or so in front of them. Stopping short, the two Slayers stood at the edge of the gaping hole and stared down into it.

"One way to go B," Faith said, glancing over at Buffy. "Ready to kick some ass?"

"You and me, Faith. Once we get down there, kill anything that moves. If anyone or anything comes near Spike I'll kill them myself," Buffy said through clenched teeth as she hoisted the strap of the bag onto her shoulder.

"Let's do the damn thing B," Faith said with determination taking the first steps toward the crater. She crouched slightly and slid her way down the steep incline, kicking up dust and pebbles as her body propelled forward and then disappeared.

"I'm coming Spike," Buffy said softly and crouched, starting to slide behind Faith as they traveled further and further into the cavernous hole, until she couldn't see her hand in front of her face anymore. Suddenly, she rolled and began to tumble, hitting her shoulders and legs on jagged rock and debris. Buffy gritted her teeth and held on as she continued to roll, coming to a stop once she hit the bottom. Struggling to her feet, she reached into her bag and withdrew a flashlight, swinging it around wildly.

"Faith!" Buffy called, "are you here?"

"Right with ya B," Faith groaned and Buffy swung the beam of the flashlight as Faith struggled to her feet, brushing the front of her jeans off. "What a ride!"

Buffy rolled her eyes and then traveled them up and down her own body, checking for injuries. Her skin was cut, but the cuts were shallow and only leaked a little blood. Her clothes were torn and she was dirty all over, but in light of the situation Buffy would survive.

"Are you hurt, Faith?" Buffy asked in concern. Faith rolled her neck around on her shoulders and Buffy cringed as she heard the sound of bones popping and crunching.

"I'm fine, B. Let's move," Faith said with determination, picking up the bag that she'd dropped and opening it.

She withdrew an axe and tossed it to Buffy, who caught it easily. Next out of the bag was a sword, which Faith wielded in her strong hands, holding it upright and swinging it slowly in front of her face, as the blade caught the light. Buffy stared at the axe in her hand and immediately recognized it. The smooth red painted handle, the long curved blade at one end and the sharpened wooden stake at the other caused Buffy to smile. It was the scythe, from the battle with The First's army. Buffy's eyes glinted with a gleeful smile and she turned to Faith, who was smiling smugly in return.

"Thought you might need the big gun," Faith said nodding toward the scythe in Buffy's hand. "Or in this case the big freakin scythe."

Buffy felt the energy humming from the weapon flow into her body, reminding her of who she was...Buffy the Vampire Slayer, through and through. When had she forgotten that? The weapon she held in her hand fairly vibrated with power and Buffy could feel it coursing through her veins as she gripped it tighter in her hands. It was time to do some damage. She glanced at Faith, who smiled and nodded.

"That's it B. You remember," she said. "Let's go dust some vamps and save the day."

"May I?" Buffy asked, a new determination in her voice as she and Faith slowly walked through the darkened cove toward the rubble ahead.

*

The two Slayers hurdled over piles of rubble and debris as they walked further into the crater. The two stopped short as they took in the scene around them. Buffy inhaled sharply as Faith stopped beside her, craning her neck to take it all in.

"Fuck," Faith muttered under her breath as she looked around.

"Right there with you on that one," Buffy said softly.

Sunnydale had been completely demolished, ground into a fine powder. Anything that hadn't been crushed in the massive earthquake had been mangled by other falling debris. Buffy stared up at the contrast of the azure blue sky above them and the shadows that the mouth of the crater cast on what used to be her hometown. She felt miniscule as she and Faith ventured slowly into what could loosely be called the city limits of Sunnydale. Buffy hadn't realized how deep and wide the crater had been. Of course at the time, she'd been more concerned with getting away with her life than stopping to take in the damage. The two Slayers walked along what had once been Main Street, their heads sweeping simultaneously from side to side. Buffy caught the remains of familiar landmarks as she passed them. The Sun Theater, The Bronze, The Espresso Pump and various former establishments and businesses that Buffy had passed by everyday once upon a time and long ago it seemed. The mangled shells of those places were all that remained of them now.

Buffy choked back tears as she passed what remained of Revello Drive and cast a longing glance down the street where her home used to sit. There wasn't any time for sightseeing as she and Faith pushed onward. Buffy shook her head and glanced down at the rubble that crunched beneath her sneakers. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried not to think of the grainy substance beneath her feet as human bodies, she would only get sick. They pushed forward, heading to the sight where the school had once sat; the veritable heartbeat of the Hellmouth and determination surged through Buffy's veins as intuition came over her. Spike was close, she could sense him, feel him. Wouldn't be long now.

*

Spike let out a strangled cry as the knife sliced into his skin, sliding in and out of his belly like a hot knife through butter. He was regaining his senses again. His vision had cleared, his head wasn't foggy anymore and some bloody fool was slicing his skin. It hurt like a bloody bitch, the pain causing his features to shift into that of the vampire. He growled low in his throat and then noticed something hanging from his neck. The amulet. Once again, blinding pain seized Spike and stars danced in front of his eyes and he tilted his head back and let out an ear piercing scream of agony.

"Buffy!"

*

Faith and Buffy climbed over mountains of debris and rubble as they entered what had once been the high school. They seemed to know exactly where they were going as the two headed deeper and deeper into the remains of Sunnydale High, approaching a seal that Buffy and Faith recognized. The two stared at it for a moment, contemplating it.

"Damn, what the hell is that thing made of? Must be some strong shit to have survived-"

"Faith, shut up!" Buffy cried and strained her neck, as she listened and concentrated.

"What is it B?" Faith asked and Buffy held her hand up for silence, slowly lifting her head higher and higher until she was staring at the ceiling. There was an opening above where flames danced along a wall, signaling that someone or something was up there. Suddenly, the sound of a pulley could be heard, as ropes squealed and something lowered slowly from the ceiling. Buffy readied herself and Faith did the same as they hoisted their weapons in the air. Their eyes never left the ceiling as the sounds continued.

"What the hell is that?" Faith asked.

"I don't know and I don't want to find out," Buffy said.

"Looks like we're gonna anyway," Faith said. The two Slayers strained their eyes as a wooden cross-shaped beam came into view, appearing as if a person had been strewn to it with chains. Buffy gasped aloud as she took in the beam as it continued to lower. Shackled tightly to the cross-like structure was a shirtless male with a shock of white blonde hair. Blood leaked from wounds that criss-crossed over his chest, the cuts were scattered among many bruises and red raised welts along the smooth pale expanse of his skin.

"Spike!" Buffy called as he came into her field of vision.

The beam halted its descent and came to a stop, bobbing a little as the ropes strained from the weight. Buffy stepped forward and was halted by the gentle pressure of Faith's hand on her arm. The sound of footsteps from behind caused the two Slayers to wheel around, eyes darting to take in the presence that was entering the room. Buffy felt her arms lower to her side and the scythe hang listlessly from her hand as her eyes swept over the men that walked into the room. 'The Immortal' walked into the room surrounded by bodyguards in dark suits and sunglasses. They were dragging two other men with them and Buffy immediately recognized the hostages as they were brought into the room, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Giles and Angel," she said in a horrified whisper. "Oh my God." 'The Immortal' stepped forward and began to clap his hands as Buffy and Faith stood in frozen silence.

"Well done, ladies. I see that my trap worked effectively. Welcome. Now that everyone is in attendance we can begin the ritual," 'The Immortal' said, whipping his sunglasses off and depositing them in the pocket of his suit coat.

Buffy found that her feet were frozen to the ground as she and Faith eyed the formidable presence of 'The Immortal' warily. Suddenly, the situation had taken a dangerous turn. Lives were hanging in the balance, literally. Buffy's gaze traveled upward slightly and she got a glimpse of Spike. His head was tipped to his chest, as if he had passed out and Buffy's heart broke a little. She didn't know how they were going to get themselves out of this one; she had to come up with a plan and quick. One glance at Faith confirmed that she was thinking the same thing as Buffy. The scythe felt heavy in Buffy's hand as she clutched it limply at her side. Too bad there were more of 'The Immortal's' goons than Buffy could count. She would have to rely on her wits and skills for this fight. Would it be a fight she could actually win? Buffy seriously doubted that at this point in time.

End of Chapter Fourteen
 

Chapter Fifteen

Change...everything you are...
and everything you were...your number has been called...
Fights, battles have begun...revenge will surely come...
your hard times are ahead...
(Butterflies and Hurricanes: Muse)


*

Spike could see the scene unfolding below. He was chained to a cross-like wooden beam and had been lowered over...something. His vision was still a little wonky and he had to blink a few times to clear it. Narrowing his eyes he leaned forward slightly, to get a better look at what he was suspended over. The chains pulled at his wrists, the metal digging into his skin and he winced in pain. The pain from the wounds on his chest and stomach caused Spike's eyes to swim, but he gritted his teeth and tried to ignore it. Looking closely, Spike could see a seal and realization dawned on him. The seal. That seal. Damn. Everything made sense to him now. Giles and Angel had set him up in a major way. Spike felt the weight of the amulet as it hung from his neck. He understood pretty bloody clearly now. The Hellmouth would have to be opened, because that was where Spike had died with the amulet hanging around his neck. The energy from the Hellmouth combined with the powers of the amulet would somehow channel his essence back into the trinket around his neck. Some magic would probably be required.

The pain searing his entire body became too much and Spike tipped his head to his chest, exhausted. His equilibrium was still off, as the beam he was chained to shuddered slightly from having to hold his weight. Nausea bubbled up in Spike's throat as he swayed back and forth. Balls, he hoped they would just kill him and get it over with. No sense in dragging out the inevitable.

Suddenly, his eye caught movement from below and Buffy's figure came into his line of vision. His heart leapt a little. She'd come...she'd really come. But something else was going on, as Faith stepped into view. Soon more and more bodies were filling up the tiny room and Spike had a hard time making them all out. Angel and the Watcher were dragged into the room, and Spike realized that something was wrong. Terribly wrong. He could see Buffy clearly, as her body trembled. She held a weapon in her hand, but she looked as if she were about to lose her cool. That could not happen. She had to stay strong. C'mon pet, hold it together, Spike thought to himself. Suddenly, Buffy's head tilted and her eyes connected with his. She nodded her head ever so slightly as if she had heard his thoughts. Not possible. Or was it?

*

C'mon pet, hold it together. Buffy heard Spike's voice in her mind. She glanced upward, caught Spike's eye and nodded. She had to admit it was a little freaky. First the simultaneous visions and now mind reading? What would be next? The fear she had been feeling a few moments before seemed to vanish as she stared at The Immortal across the way.

Glancing around, Buffy mentally calculated her odds. There were twenty or so bodyguards in the room, surrounding the entire perimeter. They looked big, like wrestler or football player big. She could take them and she knew that Faith could. The Immortal was another story. He was a formidable presence, and even though he didn't look like much with the neatly pressed suit and the meticulous grooming, he was a force to be reckoned with. Looks could be deceiving.

She'd only dated him for a month or so, but she'd heard stories about him before then. She knew he was a shady character, a businessman of some sort, mostly dealt with the underworld, demons and vamps. Other than those few details, there wasn't a hell of a lot else she knew about him, and that bothered her more than she liked. Giles had said that he was involved in this whole thing, but Buffy had doubted him. Now she wished that she could take it back as she glanced at her former Watcher chained to a pillar about ten feet away. He'd slumped to his knees and his head hung limply, his chin touching his chest. He had bruises on his face as if he'd been beaten badly. Angel didn't look much better. Buffy didn't like the feeling she was getting and it only got worse as The Immortal began to approach, addressing the entire room.

"Now that I have you all here I guess we should get down to business," The Immortal said, glancing at Buffy as she held the scythe tightly in her hand. "I would think about putting that away, my dear. Your weapons are useless against me."

"This weapon was pretty useful against a preacher...sliced him right up...starting with his b-"

"Silence!" The Immortal shouted at Buffy, stalking across the room.

He wrenched the scythe from her hand and tossed it out of her reach. Lifting his hand he hit Buffy forcefully, sending her hurtling across the room, her body connecting with a wall and sliding to the floor. Faith charged, but was easily disposed of as she followed Buffy's path, hitting the same wall. Reaching into the breast pocket of his suit, The Immortal reached for a handkerchief, cleaning the blood from his hands. He stared haughtily at Buffy and Faith as they stumbled to their feet.

"Watch your step, little girls. The fun's just beginning and I want you to hear it all. You see those two?" The Immortal pointed to Giles and Angel across the way. "They are sheep. Just like the two of you." He said, addressing the two Slayers in front of him. "You were all pawns in my ultimate plan and you fell into step so easily." Buffy frowned and glared at The Immortal.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. The Immortal began to laugh which pissed Buffy off. But she held her ground.

"You silly silly girl. Did you really think you could come here and save the day? You, with your little toy weapon and your super-strength? You don't know just what it is you are dealing with," The Immortal said, walking slowly toward Buffy. He pushed his face within inches of hers and then reached out and grabbed a fistful of Buffy's hair, pulling her forcefully toward him.

"Well pay attention, because you're about to get a lesson you'll never forget." He released her and sent her stumbling backward a few feet. Then he addressed the room.

"You're all going to get a lesson once you hear what I have to say." Faith stepped up and hoisted her sword.

"Tell you what, man. I'm done being schooled. So how about we cut the chit-chat and just get right to the fighting. I wasn't much for paying attention in class," Faith said. The Immortal signaled one of his bodyguards.

"Take her," he said and one of the football player-types charged forward, tackling Faith to the ground. She fought him valiantly, but was unable to ward off the attack. In moments, her arms were hauled behind her back and tied tightly as the bodyguard hauled her away.

"Faith!" Buffy called as she watched the other Slayer being taken to one of the nearby pillars and chained to it, just as Angel and Giles had been.

"I got it, B!" Faith called wearily. The Immortal faced Buffy and started to laugh again.

"So I'm sure you're wondering what all of it means, how we came to this point?" he asked. Buffy tossed her hair and folded her arms over her chest.

"Not really. But I'm sure you're going to tell me," Buffy said. The Immortal stepped to the middle of the room and glanced toward the beam suspended above them.

"There is the matter of our friend Spike, here. He was the one that was the driving force behind all of this. If it weren't for Angel and Giles' hatred toward him we wouldn't all be standing here, now would we?" The Immortal glanced around the room, which had grown silent.

Buffy's eyes traveled upward to Spike, who appeared to be out cold. From her point of view, she could see the bruises, red raised welts and ugly slash marks of injury criss-crossing his upper torso. The feel of her heart breaking in two cut her straight to the bone. It also made her angry. She lowered her eyes and then swung them to The Immortal.

"So what do you want then? You didn't drag us all here to talk us to death, I imagine. So what's the deal?" Buffy asked, crossing her arms over her chest. The Immortal shook his head and gave Buffy a condescending look.

"Now is as good a time as ever to explain myself. I so hoped to prolong this moment, because I love drama as much as the next person," The Immortal said.

"Cut the shit, Immortal! Just tell me what the hell you want. You gotta want something, otherwise why would you have gone to so much trouble?" Buffy cried out.

The Immortal stalked across the room crossing the distance between them in seconds. He reared back to strike Buffy again, but this time she prevented the blow, catching his fist in the palm of her hand. Buffy smiled as his arm trembled from the pressure. She released him and then sent a left hook flying into his jaw. He struck back, once again sending Buffy catapulting across the room. Once Buffy had gotten to her feet, The Immortal began to speak.

"I like your style, Slayer. I'm just sad I never got to see this side of you when we were dating," The Immortal said, once again reaching for his handkerchief to clean his hands.

"You're a pig! Now I want answers! This talking thing? Getting kind of old...and boring," Buffy said haughtily. She watched with satisfaction as The Immortal tensed.

"Bitch," he muttered shaking his head. Then he lifted his gaze. "Fine. You want answers? Then answers you shall get."

"Well, it's about damn time," Buffy said sarcastically. The Immortal paced the room and began to explain.

"You all fell so easily into my hands; it was much like shooting fish in a barrel. The ease of which you walked into my traps, well...that was just poetic...a work of art, really," he began. "But I have to say, it required a little finesse on my part."

"Traps? What traps?" Buffy asked. The Immortal shrugged indifferently.

"Oh...some fake visions here...a slaughter there...you know...a little this...a little that..." he said with a nonchalant wave of his hand.”It's so easy to manipulate those whose minds are weak. Weakness is the key. Use that and you get in," The Immortal said with a clap of his hands, "every time."

Buffy shook her head and stared at the floor. The sinking feeling in her gut told her that she'd been played like a fiddle. It wasn't just her that was a victim to it either. Giles, Angel, even Spike, they'd all walked into it. Damn.

"So, these traps you set up...they had to have a reason behind them...a purpose...what was yours?" Buffy asked. The Immortal smiled with devilish glee.

"A promise to an ally, my dear. A strong ally, one that was extinguished by you and your puny little army...oh...about a year ago," The Immortal said and chuckled at Buffy's gasp of realization.

"The First," she said in horror. "You and The First...were like...buddies?"

"In a manner of speaking," The Immortal said. "We watched out for one another, if you will. I helped The First, and vice versa. You know the saying; keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I was just doing my part."

Buffy couldn't believe what she was hearing. To her it sounded as if a deal had been made, something like a back up plan between The First and The Immortal. Somehow it made perfect sense. Taking down its army that day last year had almost felt too easy. Buffy regarded The Immortal and hoped her indifference wasn't see- through, because deep down she was terrified of this new knowledge she was receiving.

"So what was this deal, Immortal, between you and The First?"

"Now, if I told you that I'd be giving away all the secrets and how much fun would that be? But since you insist, well than I must be forthcoming. After all, I could never deny anything from a woman as lovely as yourself," The Immortal said, walking a few feet until he stood before Buffy, reaching out his hand to touch her face. Buffy pulled away, her face contorting with disgust. In anger, The Immortal slapped her and Buffy fisted her hand, connecting it with his jaw. He laughed, spit blood into his handkerchief and stepped back.

"Aah...you are a feisty one...I have always had the desire to reign in such power...contain it...you would be a most lovely thing to break in...bend to my will...but we will save that for another time," The Immortal said. "For now, we will return to the matter at hand. The ritual."

"There's a ritual?" Buffy asked, her eyes widening a little as a shaft of fear pierced her body.

"Of course. Your friends Angel and Mr. Giles asked that I bleed the vampire, channel his essence back into the amulet and send him far far away. Did you not know of this?"

"But there's gotta be more," Buffy said, with a shake of her head, her eyes narrowing.

"Now you're catching on!" The Immortal cried, pointing a finger in Buffy's direction. "I see I've forgotten to mention the other part of my plan...call it a favor for an old friend."

The Immortal reached into the inside pocket of his suit and withdrew a knife. The blade was at least ten inches long and had an intricate design on the mother of pearl handle. He ran his finger over the blade and stared at the weapon as if captivated by it.

"I even selected a special knife just for the job," he finished and then made a motion with his hand as the bodyguards surrounding the room began to advance.

"You see, little girl...The First had special plans...not just for the world...but for you as well...and you're little friend over there," he said motioning toward Faith. " Now that my ally is gone, I see that I must keep my promise. Once you extinguished The First Evil, it wanted to make sure that it had a back up plan, if you will. A way to return the favor and for that it called on me. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige."

"Oh God," Buffy said as she began to back away. Her eyes darted nervously around her surroundings as The Immortal's goons came closer to her. "What are you going to do?"

"In order for The First to be restored, the seal of Danzlithar must be reopened. To reopen the seal it must be activated with blood...but not just with ordinary blood, my dear. This particular ritual requires the blood of a Slayer. But I didn't think bleeding one Slayer would be as fun as bleeding two. You can thank the Watcher and Angel for that by the way. They were the ones who lead you right to me. Call it payment for the debt that is owed," The Immortal said.

"Debt?" Buffy squeaked.

"Have you forgotten?" The Immortal asked as he stepped closer to Buffy, who was backing further and further away, "they asked me to dispose of Spike. Did you not think I would do something like that for free? Come now, for everything there is a price. I return Spike to the amulet and in return I get the blood of two Slayers. I love it when things just come together," The Immortal said and nodded slightly, the bodyguards springing into action.

Buffy was surrounded immediately. She did her best to ward off the attack, but succumbed when a powerful kick to her mid-section caused her knees to buckle. She tumbled to the ground and moments later blacked out. The Immortal stood over her body and then glanced toward the ceiling at the vampire suspended above him.

"It's time," he said and then glanced at his men as they hauled an unconscious Buffy to her feet. "Get her out of here. Take Angel, Giles and Faith as well. The ritual begins in an hour."

The Immortal slipped the knife in his hand into the pocket of his suit jacket and stalked out of the room.

*

Spike wished that his strength would return because he found himself a little afraid of what was going to happen next. He'd heard bits and pieces of the conversation that had taken place below him, that is, before he slipped in and out of consciousness. He'd recognized The Immortal easily, heard about the traps that had been set. He'd ached when he'd seen Buffy taken down and hauled away. A ritual of some sort was going to take place and Spike found himself not wanting to stick around and find out anymore about it. Glancing at the chains shackling him to the wooden beam, he narrowed his eyes and tugged at them a little. If he could only summon the strength to pull a little harder...just a tug more...Spike tugged and watched as the links of the chain stretched and pulled from the strain. Sweat broke out all over Spike's body as the limited amount of exertion he was exercising tired him easily. C'mon you bloody git, pull it together...just got to pull a little harder..., he coached himself. To Spike's satisfaction, one of the chain links gave underneath the pressure. Spike could feel some of his strength returning as he continued to work at the chains. A quick glance downward showed that the room had cleared. Good, no one was watching. Before long, he had one wrist freed. Now it was time to work on the other...

End of Chapter Fifteen

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