Chapter Sixteen

*

I’m alive, was Buffy’s first thought as she came to. Opening her eyes slowly, Buffy glanced at her surroundings wearily. What a mess this whole thing had turned out to be. It had all started with some lousy dreams and now she was about to be sacrificed by her ex-boyfriend to resurrect an enemy she thought she’d buried a year ago. The events that had brought Buffy to this point whirled in her mind.

Spike had just shown up at her door alive, totally out of the blue. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they’d been sharing the same dreams about something strange happening at the former Hellmouth. The Hellmouth that was supposed to be closed. To add insult to injury, Spike believed that the dreams hadn’t really been dreams at all, but visions sent from ‘The Powers That Be’, making things just a tad more complicated.

Then the betrayal of Angel and Giles. The two men she had trusted more than anyone in her life had gone behind her back in an act so shockingly out of character that Buffy had thought her world would crumble from the knowledge. What made the betrayal sting a little more was the fact that her former Watcher and the vampire she had once loved more than life itself had wanted to kill Spike. What had possessed the two of them to want to do such an awful thing still confused Buffy. Maybe they were still under the misguided notion that she didn’t know what was best for herself that was the only way she could make sense of it all. Unknowingly, Angel and Giles were the ones who had led two grossly naïve Slayers right into a trap, in which The Immortal was the center of. Buffy shook her head at the thought of her former boyfriend being at the center of this whole ordeal. Not only was he going to kill Spike, but he wanted to kill Buffy and Faith as well.

The only thing that made sense in the midst of this nightmare was Buffy’s love for Spike. It was that love that had allowed her to board an airplane with no fear and jet halfway across the world, just to save Spike from an undeserved death. It was love that found her where she was today, tied to the wooden post just a few feet from the seal that would open hell on earth. Buffy’s eyes traveled to the ceiling above as she searched for Spike. Her heart jumped in her chest a little as she saw him moving slightly above. She couldn’t make out what he was doing, but she hoped that he had come up with a plan, because Buffy was fresh out of new ideas. She didn’t know how she was going to get herself the hell out of this one.

Buffy’s eyes traveled over her body. Her clothes had been stripped, save for the blouse covering her top half. Her legs and feet were bare. Thick ropes were bound around her wrists, and when she tugged on them she realized they were tied so tightly, that even her enhanced strength couldn’t loosen the bindings. The seal was only inches away from her feet and it seemed to stare back at Buffy, vibrating with energy so evil it radiated with waves of animosity, almost like heat over pavement on a hot day. The evil was palpable; you could touch it, taste it and smell it.

Buffy saw movement from the corner of her eye and turned her head. Faith was alive. Thank God. Buffy needed all the help she could get right about now. She watched as Faith glanced around, her eyes swinging back and forth almost in a panic. Her coffee colored eyes slammed into Buffy’s hazel orbs. They exchanged a look that spoke more volumes than any words they could form at that moment.

“You alright, Faith?” Buffy asked wearily. Faith struggled against the ropes binding her to a similar wooden post and then lifted her eyes.

“Five by five B,” Faith said, blowing the hair out of her face. “You?”

“Could be worse,” Buffy replied. The corners of Faith’s mouth lifted in a wry smile. Leave it to Faith to find something humorous about the deeply terrifying situation they were in.

“Where’s Spike? Is he still suspended above us?” Faith asked, her eyes traveling to the ceiling.

“I hope he’s up there. I can barely see him from here. I think he’s still alive…I would know if he wasn’t,” Buffy said softly, unable to hide the catch in her voice as tears threatened. Faith met Buffy’s eyes with determination.

“C’mon B, hold it together. I know this situation blows, but we gotta come up with a plan. You and me remember?” Faith coached as Buffy nodded with a sniffle.

“I’ll try,” she said softly.

“Atta girl,” Faith said and then began to pull forcefully on the ropes binding her wrists together. “If only I can loosen these…just a little bit….” She gritted her teeth with the effort and Buffy followed suit, tugging on her ropes as well.

They never saw the movement from behind them as Spike fell from the beam he’d been chained to and landed on the ground, flat on his back. At that moment, The Immortal entered the room, followed by his trusty bodyguards, who were hauling Angel and Giles with them.

*

“I wouldn’t try to escape, girls. Those ropes are pretty strong, so pulling on them to free yourselves would be a useless endeavor I’m afraid,” The Immortal said as he entered the room. He never noticed Spike crawling on the floor and moving to a darkened corner of the room. Instead, The Immortal was concentrating on Buffy as he walked to where she was positioned.

“These are life’s special moments, I do have to say. I’m here to tell you my love, it just doesn’t get any sweeter than this,” he said, leaning his face within inches of Buffy’s. He reached out a hand to touch the smooth skin of her cheek and Buffy cringed and tried to pull away.

“Don’t touch me!” she spat. The Immortal’s hand connected with her cheek in a blow so forceful it sent Buffy’s head reeling back against the wooden post, nearly knocking her unconscious.

“You’ll keep your pretty little mouth shut or I’ll have one of my men shut it for you. Clear?” The Immortal seethed, regarding Buffy through the narrowed slits of his eyes. Buffy said nothing and The Immortal continued to walk until he faced Faith.

“Aah…the bad seed,” The Immortal said, tipping his head to meet Faith’s eyes. “A wild one like you would be most entertaining to break and bend to one’s will.”

Faith reeled back and spat on The Immortal’s face and he jumped back a step, reaching for the handkerchief in his pocket and mopping his face with it. He stared in contempt at Faith for a moment and then lifted his eyes to one of the bodyguards standing at attention nearby.

“Gotta love the girl’s spirit,” The Immortal said and then backhanded Faith across her cheek.

Faith took the blow, gritting her teeth. She didn’t flinch, didn’t give The Immortal an ounce of satisfaction. In fact, it looked as if she were daring him to hit her again. Instead, The Immortal glanced at his watch and then swung his gaze between both Slayers.

“As much as I would love the fun to continue between us, we unfortunately are on a tight schedule. It’s midnight and you know what that means,” The Immortal said, signaling with a slight nod to his bodyguards, “It’s time to do what we came here for. The First has been looking forward to this day for a long time and I would hate to disappoint.”

He reached into the inside pocket of his suit coat and withdrew the knife with the mother of pearl handle that he’d showed to the Slayers an hour before. Running his finger along the blade, he stared at it and then lifted his eyes. He walked to Buffy and placed the tip of the blade against her cheek sliding it ever so slowly over her cheekbone and down to her chin, leaving a tiny cut behind, which began to leak blood.

“I think it would be most fitting to start with you,” he said huskily, dragging the blade of the knife over Buffy’s neck and to the first button of the blouse she wore. Cutting the miniscule strings of the buttons, The Immortal watched in fascination as the buttons popped from the material and the blouse fell open. He pushed the fabric aside and in one fluid motion, swiped the blade over Buffy’s exposed skin, making shallow slash marks. Buffy watched in stupefied horror as the gashes began to bleed and her eyes lifted to those of The Immortal’s. He was getting off on this and rage built within Buffy.

“You are a pig!” Buffy cried, “And if I weren’t tied up you’d be-“ The Immortal pressed the blade of the knife to Buffy’s lips.

“No talking you little bitch. You listen to me now. The ritual is starting and soon everyone you know will be dead. Including your friends and sister in Rome,” The Immortal threatened, his eyes widening in glee at Buffy’s sharp intake of breath.

“You wouldn’t,” she said in horror.

“Oh I would,” The Immortal said and then stepped back from Buffy, folding his arms over his chest and staring at the blood that slid down Buffy’s stomach and traveled down her legs, the drops hitting the seal at her feet. “Time’s up, little girl. Say a prayer…you’re going to need it.”

*

Spike racked his brain for a plan. He couldn’t just tackle The Immortal and rescue the damsel in distress. The bloody bodyguards would dust him before he could even take a single step toward Buffy. He had to think of a better solution, because he wasn’t looking forward to hanging around and seeing how this was all going to end. He’d participated once before and didn’t fancy sticking around for the grand finale where this time the good guys didn’t win. Hell no. If it weren’t for the selfish motives of the Poof and the Watcher, they wouldn’t even be in this place and Buffy wouldn’t be in danger. Spike shook his head to clear it. There would be time to drag up the uglies later. For now, he needed to come up with something and bloody quick or it was all over for everyone.

He took a cautious step toward the seal, his eyes never leaving The Immortal. Thank bloody God he was conferring with his minions that meant he wouldn’t be paying attention to any movements behind his back.

Suddenly his eye caught Faith’s, who nodded slightly. Spike’s eyes traveled to the hands tied behind her back and he noticed that she had loosened the ropes binding her. He couldn’t help the smile that touched his lips. That feisty bint was damn resourceful. It was good to have her in this fight. Spike respected Faith in that moment. But the moment was fleeting, because Faith had wriggled free and was now approaching The Immortal. She lifted her arm and landed her elbow right between his shoulder blades, causing him to crumble to the ground in a heap. The bodyguards leapt into action and the fighting began. While Faith distracted the minions, Spike ran to Buffy’s side.

*

Buffy stared ahead blankly as Faith wriggled free and attacked The Immortal. Fighting erupted around her, but Buffy felt as if she were standing on the periphery of it all, like something out of a dream or an out of body experience. The moment felt surreal to her, until she glanced down at the ugly red gashes on her stomach and the blood that leaked from the wounds. Suddenly, she felt strong fingers at her wrists, loosening the ropes holding her to the wooden post. In an instant, she knew that Spike had arrived…at last.

“I gotcha, love. Hang tight,” Spike said as he untied the ropes and set Buffy free.

Buffy threw herself into his arms and held on tightly. The embrace was short-lived as Faith sent a bodyguard hurtling across the room. Buffy pulled her blouse around her and jumped into the fray, Spike on her heels. No one noticed The Immortal getting slowly to his feet. He grabbed Buffy around the waist and hauled her around to face him. Buffy struggled in his grasp and caught the glint of metal as The Immortal whipped out the mother-of-pearl handled knife.

“You think you’ve won you little whore, but the battle has only begun,” The Immortal said, tightening his grip on Buffy.

Buffy reared back and landed a left hook on his jaw. He released her as he was sent flying across the room. She charged after him and leapt to attack, but he managed to roll away as Buffy landed on the ground in a crumpled heap. The Immortal got to his feet and grabbed Buffy by the arm, hauling her to her feet. He grabbed her by the neck and pushed her roughly until her back slammed against a nearby wall. Buffy struggled, but The Immortal’s grip was tight around her throat, crushing her windpipe, leaving her unable to speak.

“Time’s up, Slay-bitch. The ball’s in my court and I,” he reared back and plunged the knife fluidly into Buffy’s stomach, “always win.”

Buffy made a strangled cry in her throat as The Immortal released her, watching with satisfaction as she slid to the ground, clutching her stomach, unable to staunch the flow of blood that leaked through her fingers. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she slumped to the side.

“Buffy!” Faith cried from across the room, which caused Spike’s head to whip around.

He saw The Immortal plunge the knife into Buffy’s stomach and step away. Spike’s hands clenched into fists at his sides and he vamped out, charging The Immortal. In one smooth motion, he wrapped his hands around The Immortal’s neck and twisted it violently, snapping it like a twig. The Immortal fell to the ground, dead. Spike kicked the lifeless body viciously and then lifted his eyes to Buffy. His features shifted into his human guise and he immediately rushed to her side, praying she was still alive. He got to his knees and cradled Buffy’s head in his arms.

*

Faith dispatched of the bodyguards easily. Probably the easiest fight she’d ever been in. She rushed toward Giles and Angel, but a sound from the seal caused her head to whip around. She watched in stupefied horror as the seal began to open, a brilliant light emanating from its depths.

“Spike!” Faith shouted getting the blonde vampire’s attention. She pointed a finger in the direction of the seal. “The damn thing’s opening!” Spike got to his feet and rushed over to the seal, peering down inside. Faith joined him instantly.

“What now, Liz?” Faith asked, nodding toward the amulet still hanging from Spike’s neck. “What have we got to lose? It’s the only way. Throw the amulet in, see what happens. Then I say we run like hell.”

Spike reached for the amulet and ripped it from his neck, dangling it over the seal as something roared and came to life from within.

“Nothing to bloody lose. Easy for you to say,” Spike said narrowing his eyes as the light got brighter. He shaded them with the palm of his hand and then released the amulet into the gaping hole, watching as it was swallowed immediately.

Another roar sounded as the amulet hit home and soon energy was rushing up from the depths, causing Spike and Faith to be knocked off their feet as the earth soon began to shake. Spike struggled to his feet as Faith did the same.

“Get Buffy! I’ve gotta get Giles and Angel and then we get the hell out of here!” Faith shouted over the roar of the energy pouring from the seal.

Spike nodded and ran across the room scooping Buffy’s lifeless form into his arms and cradling her against his body. He glanced across the room as Faith tore the chains shackling Giles and Angel, freeing them. Angel seemed to come alive at the last moment and lifted an unconscious Giles, draping his body over his shoulders. Another earthquake shook the room as rocks and debris began to pelt them from above. Spike took off in a run, holding Buffy as tightly as he could against his body, shielding her from the deadly debris raining down all around them. The earth shook violently as the five left the remains of Sunnydale High, racing across the floor of the crater.

It wasn’t long until they were standing at the steep incline that would lead them to higher ground. Faith charged and used the rocks that jutted from the earth as footholds as she hauled herself upward. She reached for Angel’s hand and helped him up. He carried Giles with ease not once losing his step as they climbed the side of the crater. Then Faith and Angel created a chain and helped Spike to the top as he clutched Buffy in his arms tightly. Spike wasn’t as deft as he climbed the steep incline, stumbling once and hurtling back a few feet as the earth continued to shake violently. He regained his footing and with Buffy still in his arms finally managed to make it to the top of the crater, rolling to the pavement of the highway at long last.

At that moment, the crater began to cave in on itself. Another violent roar issued from below. Slowly the rumbling began to dissipate as the crater sealed itself. Moments later…silence.

Spike opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the stars in the sky above and the first thing he smelled was blood, but not his own blood. Buffy, Spike thought as he got to his feet. He reached for Buffy and pulled her close to his body. He gazed down in horror at the blood soaking her blouse.

“Spike!” Angel called and Spike looked up as Angel tossed him his shirt.

Thinking quickly, Spike rolled the shirt and pressed it gingerly to the open wound on Buffy’s stomach, hoping in some way to staunch the flow of blood that seeped from her stomach. Slowly he got to his feet and carried Buffy, walking toward the car parked a mile or so down the road. Wordlessly, Faith fell into step. Angel trailed along, helping along Giles who had regained consciousness. Faith took the wheel and the others piled into the car.

“Hospital,” Spike croaked, “she needs a hospital. Find the closest one. We don’t have a lot of time.”

Faith didn’t say a word as she turned the ignition key, the engine roaring to life. She stepped on the gas, did a u-turn in the middle of the deserted highway and sped off, kicking up dust as they raced away from the crater that had fallen silent.

*
 

Chapter Seventeen

Cause I'm broken when I'm open…
And I don't feel like I am strong enough…
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome…
And I don't feel light when you're gone away…
(Broken: Seether f/Amy Lee)

*

Buffy was losing blood faster than the t-shirt serving as a makeshift bandage could absorb it. Spike felt an acute sense of helplessness as he stared at the motionless woman in his arms. He blamed himself entirely for this mess. If he had gotten to her one moment earlier this wouldn't be happening. Once again, he'd failed...it brought back memories he preferred stay buried...memories of a night on a tower...when he hadn't gotten to her in time and she'd jumped. For as long as Spike lived he didn't want to go through that again. Those one hundred and forty seven days cold and empty without her had been an unspeakable torment...one he didn't wish to go through again.

Spike glanced out the window to his right and was relieved to see they had entered the city limits of Pasadena. He stared down at Buffy and a cold stab of panic went through his entire body. Her face was a deathly pale color, her lips turning an unholy shade of blue. Her chest rose and fell, but only slightly as her breathing became more and more shallow. Spike closed his eyes and concentrated...there it was...the faint beat of her heart...she was still alive...but barely. The next time he glanced out the window they were making a hard right turn and screeching down the street. Another turn and soon they were pulling up to the emergency entrance of the hospital.

Faith had barely tapped the brakes when Spike bolted from the car, carrying a lifeless Buffy in his arms. He raced into the emergency room shouting at the top of his lungs for help. The nurse at the desk immediately sprang into action calling for a doctor. In moments, Buffy had been transported to a trauma room. The kindly nurse from the desk offered to clean Spike up, but he numbly shook his head and wandered to a chair nearby. He flopped onto the hard plastic chair and bowed his head. That was when he realized he was still shirtless, the evidence of his own injuries blindingly clear. That didn't matter now. The only thing that mattered was Buffy getting well. He couldn't think much further than that. He barely acknowledged Angel and Giles joining him in the waiting area. At this moment, Spike couldn't bear to look at the two of them, for fear he would wrap his hands around their necks and squeeze the life out of them. He mumbled something about a smoke and wandered off.

*

Faith slipped some change into the pay phone, glancing at the phone number written in ink on the palm of her hand. She'd cautiously asked Giles for Buffy's home number, to call and update Dawn and the Scoobies on the current situation. He'd given it to her without looking directly into her eyes. Faith knew guilt when she saw it, and it was written clearly on Giles' face. She didn't say anything, just gave him a nod and walked away. Some things were better left unsaid and she definitely didn't want to get into it with the Watcher. There would be time for placing blame later.

For now, Faith wanted to get this phone call out of the way. She knew it was going to be a big emotional scene and she wanted it over with as quickly as possible. Luckily, Xander picked up the phone.

Faith relayed the most basic information to him, broke it down in the simplest way she could. They'd made it out of the Hellmouth. Buffy had been hurt badly and now they were at the hospital waiting to see what the outcome would be. Xander took it in solemnly and made Faith promise to call when things changed. He asked if there was anything they could do and all Faith could say was...pray...and pray hard...'cause they were going to need it. Then she hung up the phone.

As she walked down the corridor she caught a glimpse of Spike buying a pack of cigarettes at a vending machine. Then he slipped out a back entrance and Faith followed him. She felt a little sorry for the blonde vampire. She knew that seeing Buffy in the condition she was in had to be killing him. Faith felt a pang of sadness in her chest, she was right there with Spike on that one. She still thought of Robin and those five young slayers that The Immortal had butchered for her to find. It was going to take years before she got over that one, but she would deal. Seemed Spike would have some dealing to do as well. Faith stopped a nurse on her way and asked if there was a shirt available for Spike to wear. Clutching the blue hospital issue shirt in her hand she continued to follow Spike.

Outside, Faith stood beside him as he smoked silently and stared at the night sky. For long moments neither of them spoke. Spike offered a cigarette to Faith who took one from the pack, nodded her thanks and thrust it in her mouth. She then handed him the shirt and he slipped it on. They didn’t speak, the silence stretching between them for what seemed like hours.

Faith glanced at Spike, not sure what to say. She realized at that moment that she and Spike had a lot in common. They both preferred to keep their pain hidden, their vulnerabilities in check, just so they wouldn’t get hurt. It was a feeble protective measure…and sometimes it wasn’t enough.

Faith tossed her cigarette on the ground and crushed it with the heel of her shoe, then thrust her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, turning to face Spike.

“She’s gonna be ok. You know that, right?” Faith said as Spike turned his head in acknowledgement.

His slight nod didn’t give Faith the hope that she was vying for. This wasn’t the Spike Faith remembered, the one who fought tooth and nail for the things he wanted, for the people he loved. Now it seemed as if he were broken…and that he was about to give up. Faith glanced up at the sky and then back at Spike.

“B’s a fighter, man. Slayer, remember? Yo, she’s died twice and come back. The way I see it, there ain’t nothing she can’t beat,” Faith said, hoping the words coming out of her mouth were as convincing as they had sounded in her head. Faith tilted her head and gauged Spike’s reaction. There was none. Shaking her head, Faith turned to leave. Obviously she wasn’t going to get through to him. He called her name and she turned around.

“Thanks for the pep talk Faith,” Spike said, flicking his cigarette away and following the rogue Slayer back inside the hospital. “Just wish I could make myself believe that she’ll pull through.” Faith nodded and glanced at the floor.

“Used to be a time that I didn’t believe in too much myself and you saw where that led me. Then I started hanging with B again, saw how much she tries, how much she cares and it changed me. I dunno…then Robin and those five Slayers we took care of…just did something to me. You know, made me see the light,” Faith explained. “Gave me hope. You’ve got it too, man. She does that to you…gives you a taste of the goodness and light…makes you want to be a part of it. Ain’t that the reason you got the soul?” Faith finished, stabbing Spike gently in the chest with her finger. Spike nodded slowly.

“Bloody right. Got the spark put back in me for her, because of her. Still…doesn’t take away the fear that this time…she’s not coming back,” Spike said, averting his eyes.

“I mean, she wasn’t supposed to come back the last time either, until Red that is. But you see how that buggered everything up, brought The First into the bloody mix, killing all those Slayers? I dunno, it could happen again.” Faith reached out, touching Spike’s shoulder.

“Willow’s spell unnaturally altered things, man. This time she could come back from it all natural like. The way it’s supposed to be. You just gotta believe. Have some faith!” Faith said and then shook her head. “No pun intended.”

She and Spike shared a laugh and then continued walking down the corridor. They stopped short when Angel intercepted their path. He glanced at Spike and Faith warily, narrowing his eyes.

“Doctor’s back. He’s got news,” Angel said in a clipped tone, turning on his heel and walking away.

Spike felt his body tense immediately, his gut twist. This was it. The moment of truth. He hoped that Faith’s words would be true; he hoped that the fighter still existed inside of Buffy. Because if she died…well…Spike didn’t think he could make it back again from that painful blow.

He remembered the promise he’d made to himself back when he and Buffy had parted ways at LAX. If she didn’t make it, then Spike wouldn’t be sticking around for the aftermath. There was no bloody way he was going to put himself through the same bullshit that he went through the last time. There wouldn’t be enough bourbon in the world that would cure his ache. The pain would be so much more acute, especially now that Buffy had realized her feelings for him. It would be too much to bear, walking through life without her, knowing what he had lost…knowing what they could have had together. He wasn’t strong enough…not this time. Squaring his shoulders, Spike headed down the corridor toward the waiting area.

*

“She’s lost a lot of blood,” the doctor was saying as Spike entered the room perching himself against the arm of a chair. “The injury did extensive damage to her stomach and intestines, but we were able to repair it.”

“Bad news?” Spike asked as the doctor stared at him a moment and then nodded.

“There is bad news, I’m afraid. The massive blood loss caused some of her organs to shut down, which in turn is causing her body to shut down,” the doctor continued, holding up a clipboard and flipping pages.

“What exactly are we looking at, doctor? Is she going to be alright?” Giles asked, getting to his feet and removing his glasses. “Can we take her home?” The doctor frowned at the paperwork on the clipboard and then turned his eyes to Giles.

“I’m afraid not,” he said with a shake of his head. “She’s comatose. At this point it’s difficult to determine if she will wake up soon, if at all. The next twenty-fours are critical. She’ll need to be monitored…vital signs…brain wave activity. The longer she stays in a comatose state, the chances of her waking up decrease.” Spike bowed his head, clutching at with his hands. He tried to keep the tears at bay, but was having difficulty.

“What does this mean, then?” Spike asked, lifting his head and narrowing his eyes at the doctor sitting before them. “She’s not going to wake up? She’s going to die?” The doctor shook his head.

“It’s hard to tell right now, it’s still very early. We’ll know more in the morning. Right now, I suggest-“ The doctor didn’t get to his finish his sentence as Spike leapt from his chair and lunged.

“There’s got to be more,” Spike cried, reaching for the doctor, “something you’re not telling us!” The doctor took a large step back, holding up his hands.

“I’m sorry sir-“

“You’re sorry! Don’t tell me you’re sorry! Just give me bloody answers!” Spike lunged again and this time Faith and Angel stepped in, holding Spike back physically. He struggled as Angel and Faith held him and then shrugged out of their grasp, storming from the room. Giles stepped forward and walked with the shaken doctor as they exited the room, muttering apologies. Faith and Angel stepped away from each other and went to sit on opposite sides of the room. Faith hoped that Spike would be able to clear his mind and focus…this wasn’t the time for violence. It seemed the situation kept going from bad to worse. What would be next?

*

Spike wandered the corridors of the hospital until he found himself standing in front of Buffy’s room. He traced his finger over the letters of her last name on the placard beside the door. He placed his palm over the wooden surface of the door and then pushed it open. The sterile scent assailed him immediately as he stepped into the dimly lit room. Mingled with the scents of antiseptic and sterility was a familiar scent. Her scent. He could have detected it anywhere, no matter what the circumstances.

Slowly, Spike walked to the bed where Buffy lay and got to his knees beside it. He reached for her hand from beneath the blanket and clasped it in his own. Her skin was clammy and cold and the sensation made Spike shiver. He glanced around at the machines surrounding her bed; the wires and tubes connected to every part of her and squeezed his eyes shut. Opening them, he glanced at Buffy. She looked so tiny and fragile underneath the blankets and the sight made the lump in Spike’s throat even harder to swallow around. Her skin still held a deathly pallor; her eyes had dark circles ringed beneath them and her lips were still blue. Slowly, Spike tipped his head forward and rested it on Buffy’s chest. He could hear her breathing, hear the rush of blood in her veins, the slight thump of her heart and in that moment he prayed. Clinging to her hand tightly in his, Spike let go and the flood gates opened. He sobbed viscously, without abandon. The tears rained from his eyes and soaked the thin material of the hospital gown Buffy wore. The only sounds in the room were of the machines whirring and beeping as they kept Buffy alive. But Spike heard nothing, only clung to Buffy and sobbed for all he was worth. Seemed there was nothing left to hold onto.


The worst is over now and we can breathe again…
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away…
There's so much left to learn, and no one left to fight…
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain…

*

Faith searched the corridors of the hospital, looking for Spike. The scene in the waiting room with the doctor had probably been building. Spike was an explosive man. Not only as a vampire but as a person as well. He didn’t deal with his emotions very well and it looked as if he were starting to crack from the pressure. Faith could definitely relate. She wondered in that moment when she had become so observant of people’s emotions. Maybe she’d gained compassion for others since the turning of the new leaf and all. It was a different side of her that she never realized she had. Didn’t matter now, though. She had to find Spike and quick before all hell broke loose.

Finally, Faith found what she was looking for, Buffy’s room. She pressed her ear to the door and listened. Pushing it open a bit, she peered inside. The scene before her made her heart break a little. Spike was on his knees by Buffy’s bedside, his head bowed, his hand clasped in hers. It was a very private and personal moment and Faith wasn’t about to interrupt. She closed the door quietly and stepped away, only to bump into Angel, who was standing behind her. She whipped around, her gaze traveling over Angel in distaste.

“What do you want, batboy?” Faith asked haughtily.

“Spike in there?” Angel asked, nodding toward the closed door behind Faith. Faith crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground.

“Yeah, he is. I wouldn’t go in there if I were you…not unless you want to fit inside an ashtray,” Faith said. Angel shook his head and sighed.

“Look, I’ve been dodging the evil eye all night from you and Spike. Get over it,” Angel said and turned to leave. Faith grabbed Angel’s shoulder and whipped him around to face her.

“I don’t want to fight with you,” she reared back and hit him with a right hook to the jaw, “doesn’t mean I won’t.” Angel stumbled back a few feet and touched a finger to his lip, checking for blood.

“Faith-“ Angel started, but she cut him off by punching again.

“Mmm…that feels good…been wanting to do that for a long time. You got some nerve, you know that?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Angel said, actually having the gall to sound confused. Faith shook her head with a small smile.

“This is denial, right? Please don’t tell me you’re trying to pull that one on me,” Faith said. Angel sighed and thrust his hands into the pockets of his pants. He avoided her eyes as he began to speak.

“Look what Giles and I did…God…I know it was selfish and wrong,” Angel said, tilting his head back a little and then returning Faith’s stare.

“Don’t forget stupid,” Faith piped in.

“Ok, it was stupid. I’m on board with the stupidity of my actions. But if you knew Spike like I do-“

“Oh, don’t give me that bullshit, Angel! Spike has a soul now…you know…like you? He’s all soul-having and granted not as tortured about it as you are, but just the same…soul. He’s good now. So what’s the problem? I have a hard time believing its boys will be boys,” Faith said, tilting her head slightly.

“You wouldn’t understand. There’s a whole thing…I mean this is Spike we’re talking about here. And it’s Buffy…like I said with the thing,” Angel attempted to explain, but Faith was starting to see through the façade. She narrowed her eyes and studied Angel.

“That’s it, isn’t it?”

“What?” Angel asked. Faith shook her head and paced the corridor. She turned to face Angel again.

“The whole time that’s what this has been about? I figured it out. You,” she pointed at Angel, “are jealous that Buffy moved on. But she pulled out all the stops on you…by moving on to Spike, the big arch-rival. That just kills you, doesn’t it?”

“Faith-“

“I’m right, aren’t I?” Silence stretched between the two as they eyed one another warily.

“Since when did you become such an advocate for Spike’s well-being?” Angel asked dryly, folding his arms over his chest and frowning. Faith didn’t even have to think about that one.

“Since you and Giles so brilliantly thought up your evil scheme involving an innocent life that was nearly taken,” Faith replied, “sometimes that changes your attitude when lives are in danger. You know how it is…or seems you used to.”

“Innocent,” Angel scoffed with a shake of his head, “you’re delusional. Spike is far from innocent. Soul or no soul. He doesn’t deserve-“ Faith cut him off with a lifting of her hand.

“I didn’t mean Spike. Yeah, it wasn’t right what you wanted to do to him, I’m telling you that right now. Whatever your beef with Spike is between you guys,” Faith said, “but Buffy is…well…I wouldn’t go as far as to say we’re gal-pals…but she’s….you know…and you almost got her killed. That’s not right, my friend.” Angel lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers as he sighed.

“How many times do I have to apologize for that…it wasn’t meant to go down this way. Rupert and I…well…we had it all planned out…for Spike…Buffy wasn’t supposed to be involved. It just happened that way,” Angel tried to explain. Faith burst out into laughter at his feeble attempt.

“Whatever, brother. Slice it and dice it anyway you want…you’re still in the wrong and you know it…everyone knows it,” Faith said and then turned to walk away. She stopped short a moment and then turned around, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips as her eyes danced in mirth.

“When Buffy wakes up she is so gonna kick your ass…like up and down the planet, yo…and the best part about it is…you’ll deserve it. You brought it on yourself, dude. Reap what you sow,” was Faith’s parting remark. She shook her head and sauntered down the hallway, disappearing around a corner.

“Fuck,” Angel muttered under his breath as he watched Faith walk away. Shortly after Faith’s disappearance, Angel made his exit. Neither of them noticed Spike watching from the other side of the door leading into the hospital room. He shook his head and then glanced over to where Buffy lay. He ducked out of the room and walked down the corridor. Suddenly he had an urge for a smoke. The tension was running rife all over the place and there was only so much a bloke could take.

*
Meanwhile…

The cavern was cloaked in darkness, to the point where one couldn’t see his hand in front of his face. A few hours before, the place had been alive with energy, humming and throbbing with the prospect of things to come. Now a deathly silence had fallen, the sounds of life awakening had been ceased abruptly. A figure rose within the darkness, made a deep growling sound as it prowled the floor of the cavern, struggling to feel its way along the stone walls. The figure finally came to a standstill, rising to an upright position, until it stood above something…a seal.

A match was struck and the light from the burning tip illuminated the entire room as a human face became visible. The match was extinguished and the room fell into darkness once again. Soon after, another match was struck, this time it was held to the tip of a candle that been discarded near the formidable looking seal of Danzlithar. The candle flickered once…twice…and then remained lit, allowing a better view of the human male that had risen as if by mystical means from the shadows.

He glanced down at his body, his features rippling into a frown. The once neatly pressed suit was now a shredded mass of fabric and covered in copious amounts of blood that had soaked right through the fragile expensive fibers. His face was littered with bruises and scratches, and his neck…his neck was grotesquely twisted, to the point where bones protruded from the skin. As if in slow motion, the man placed his hands around his neck and twisted violently, causing the bones to snap back into place instantly. The man rolled his neck around on his shoulders, as if loosening stiff muscles.

With a sigh, the man bent at the waist to retrieve something from the stone floor of the cavern. Upright once again, the man stared at the object in his hand as the candle light glinted off the razor-sharp blade of a knife, which held an intricate carving on the mother- of- pearl handle. A smile tugged at the corners of The Immortal’s mouth as he twirled the knife slowly in his hand. Quickly the knife was returned to the inside pocket of his suit. He closed his eyes, lifted his hands and chanted briefly as energy shot from his fingertips. Slowly, he rose from the surface of the cavern as the energy intensified, became solid. Seconds later, a brilliant flash of light engulfed The Immortal and when it was extinguished, his body had disappeared…

End of Chapter Seventeen
 

Chapter Eighteen

A candidate for my soul mate bled…
Push the trigger and pull the thread…
I’ve got to take it on the otherside…
(OtherSide: Red Hot Chili Peppers)

*

Buffy hovered somewhere between her subconscious and the waking world. There was pain, but she seemed to be standing on the periphery of it, watching from somewhere above and beyond it. Deep inside of her things were healing, shifting, re-energizing and she felt herself slowly becoming stronger. She could hear movement, the sounds muffled and distant, but there just the same. From somewhere beyond her subconscious Buffy could feel touch, the brush of a hand against hers, the slight pressure of a head on her chest, a scent. It was him. He was alive, which meant she must be alive.

Buffy was trapped within the confines of her body and she didn’t want to be released. It was safe here; warm and comfortable. There was nothing here to hurt her, no demons to fight, and no tears to cry. Only soothing warmth and a sense of security like she had never felt before. Am I in heaven again? Did I make it back to heaven? Buffy tried to remember what had brought her to this state, but once she tried her mind went blank. There was only this place that existed in her mind, a place that helped her to forget.

At that moment, Buffy struggled to open her eyes, but a weight seemed to be sitting directly on her eyelids, making it difficult to perform the simplest of tasks. In fact, the weight seemed to be parked on top of her entire body. She couldn’t lift her arms, make sounds, or give any indication that she was ready to come out and face the world...and maybe…just maybe…this was where she wanted to stay…so much easier this way…

*

Spike stared at Buffy’s lifeless form beneath the mountain of blankets until his eyes swam. Two days had gone by and she was still here…they were all here. The news wasn’t getting any better, either. Buffy was alive, but had somehow become trapped inside of her own mind. The psychologist that had examined Buffy had tried to explain it in the simplest of terms. Her mind had been so traumatized by whatever occurrence she had witnessed that her subconscious now refused to release Buffy from the safety and security of the dream world she now existed in. It was all gibberish to Spike, he just wanted Buffy back. He wanted her in his arms, the warmth of her body pressed to his; he wanted her to wake up. All the wishing in the world didn’t seem to be doing a damn bit of good though.

Spike paced the confines of Buffy’s hospital room, seemed he couldn’t stay seated for long. He glanced at Buffy and sighed. He’d done everything he could think of; he’d prayed, wept, begged and hadn’t gotten a damn thing for his troubles. Buffy remained comatose. Spike had never felt so helpless in his unlife. He was watching Buffy literally slip away from him and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop it. Spike pressed his forehead to the cool pane of the window he was staring out of, the tears slipping down his cheeks. He was tired…so tired…

*

Faith studied the blonde vampire from the hallway outside of Buffy’s bedroom. She closed her eyes and sighed. The situation was becoming pointless. The longer Buffy was out of it, the less chance there would be that she would awaken. Faith had heard the doctor’s words, everyone had heard them. Now two days had passed and Buffy still hadn’t come to. Faith was growing tired of waiting. Buffy’s doctor from Rome had flown in just yesterday and after examining Buffy, he’d pulled Giles aside and explained things. Faith had overheard the conversation and not by accident either.

Buffy’s doctor had told Giles that physically Buffy had healed. Her stomach wound was on the mend and her other injuries had cleared up as well. Mentally, it was another story. Buffy’s doctor had conferred with the hospital’s psychologist and they’d both agreed that Buffy had somehow slipped into a dream world, one that she didn’t want to wake up from. The doctor than asked if this had happened before and Faith had studied Giles’ reaction, as the Watcher slowly sank into a chair, removing his glasses. Giles nodded at the doctor and then explained that Buffy had gone into a catatonic state after an especially traumatic event regarding her sister. He also said that Buffy had suffered a similar mental episode after finding the body of her deceased mother. The doctor had pressed a finger to his chin, deep in thought and then had gently persuaded Giles to think about taking Buffy home, making her comfortable. Giles had only nodded mutely, neither in agreement or disagreement. Then the two men stood, shook hands and left the room. Neither of them had noticed Faith standing nearby, listening to the whole exchange.

Now, Faith regarded Buffy’s comatose form from the hallway outside of the hospital room. Her eyes shifted between Spike and Buffy. Spike was in rough shape. He hadn’t fed, hadn’t slept. His hair was unkempt, his appearance disheveled and he had been wearing the same clothes for two days. No one had bothered to help Spike though, to ask him to shower or to feed. Faith had been the only who’d tried and for her troubles she’d gotten a punch to the jaw. Of course she’d punched him back, yelled at him, swore at him…but the words seemed to go right through him as did the pummeling to his face. He’d given her a cold look rife with anger and despair and then stormed from the room.

That had happened last night. Faith was at the end of her rope. Something had to be done and soon, because she was getting one of those feelings in her gut. Her Slayer instincts were telling her that something wasn’t quite right with the way things had ended in The Hellmouth and Faith knew there wasn’t time to sit and wait for Buffy to decide when she wanted to come out of La La land. Now was the time for action. If no one else was going to take matters into their own hands, than it was up to Faith to be the first to try. She studied Spike for a moment more and then thrust her hands into the pockets of her jeans, walking down the corridor toward the sign marked ‘Telephone’.

*

Rome

Willow picked up the phone by her hand absentmindedly, as she stared at the flickering computer screen in front of her. It was one a.m. and Willow was the only soul stirring in the tiny apartment that Buffy called home. Xander and Dawn had conked out on the living room floor watching old movies on one of the cable channels. The movies were all in Italian, but that didn’t seem to bother the two, who had munched on popcorn and giggled at the dubbing of the voices on the screen. Shortly before midnight they’d passed out, the TV casting black and white shadows over the sleeping forms of Xander and Dawn. Andrew was working late, which left Willow with the place pretty much to herself. She’d spent the entire night on her laptop, downing cup after cup of tea. Something was niggling at the corner of her mind, making it difficult for her to even attempt to sleep. So she was researching. Now the phone was ringing. Willow glanced at the watch on her right wrist and frowned, wondering who would be calling at such a late hour and then it dawned on her. Maybe it was more news on Buffy. Xander hadn’t been very specific the other day and it bothered Willow more than she liked. He didn’t need to protect her; she was a big girl and could handle bad news. Now Willow was the only one home and awake and the phone was ringing. Willow’s hand shook a little as she picked up the cordless phone and punched the ‘Talk’ button. Get a grip Will, she chastised herself.

“H-hello?”

“Willow? That you?”

“Faith…you’re calling…here…now…you realize it’s after one a.m.?”

“Oh. It’s around noon here…didn’t wake you did I?”

“Course not. I was just doing some research.”

“Damn girl, you ever stop with the research?”

“Hey…I’m helping here…”

“Just saying Willow…when was the last time you slept?”

“Y-yesterday! Uh…did you have a reason for calling? Is there news? Buffy…is she-“

“Chill, Buffy’s still the same…no change. In fact, that’s the reason I’m calling. We need help and in a serious way.”

“What do you need?”

“A spell…any mojo you can work…something to help B…’cause the feelings I’m having…yo, the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up…you know what I mean?”

“Slayer instincts. Got ya. Give me a few hours here. I’ve gotta get supplies and give everyone the heads up…then we’ll see what we can do, ok?”

“That’d be great. Just hurry, everyone’s pretty screwed up here with B out and all…”

“Ok,” Willow said and then hung up the phone with a sigh. She ran a hand through her hair and turned her eyes back to the computer screen in front of her. She tapped a few keys and brought up a page that was written in Latin and began to scroll down. She highlighted a few passages and then copied them to a disk. She hit the print icon and soon a page slid out of the printer that sat a few feet away on the dining room table. Willow grabbed the page and then reached for the bag at her feet, withdrawing a thick leather bound volume. Willow got to her feet, grabbed car keys and left the apartment in silence. Headlights washed over the house as Willow drove away. At that moment, shadowed figures appeared from behind bushes and trees and crept into the apartment. A black Econoline van pulled up to the curb in front of the apartment complex and came to a halt. Moments later, the figures emerged from the apartment carrying the limp motionless bodies of Xander and Dawn.

*
A hospital in Pasadena

Spike ran a hand through his hair and grimaced. He knew what he must look like and at that moment thanked God that he didn’t have a reflection. He didn’t think he could bear to look at himself. Faith had seemed to be the only who noticed that Spike wasn’t taking care of himself, but he’d pushed her away. At this point, he didn’t give a damn about his own appearance. All that mattered was Buffy. He hadn’t left her side in two days and it was starting to take its toll on him. He felt drawn and exhausted. He slept only in fits and starts and hadn’t fed since they’d arrived at the hospital. Spike could feel the weakness starting to invade his body. He’d gone without blood before, but didn’t think he could sustain the hunger much longer. Casting a look in Buffy’s direction, Spike sighed and went to her bedside. He got to his knees and pressed a kiss to the cool skin of her cheek.

“Only be gone a moment love,” Spike said to her softly. He watched as her eyelids fluttered, as her chest rose and fell rhythmically and felt a stab of pain hit his body. Sadly, he lowered his head to his hands a moment and then got to his feet. He exited the hospital room and wearily stumbled down the corridor to the waiting area where Giles, Angel and Faith were camped out. He glanced at the clock near the reception desk and noticed that it was near sundown. A whole day had passed without Spike’s knowledge.

He entered the waiting area and located Angel sitting across the room, reading a book. It pissed Spike off that the Poof was still there, as if he mattered, as if he cared. The Watcher too. If they had given a bloody damn about Buffy they wouldn’t have put her in this situation. It was their bloody fault that Buffy was where she was and anger boiled Spike’s blood hotly in his veins. Everyone had seemed to disregard the Poof and the Watcher, seemed to bypass the severity of what they had done. But not Spike.

Twice now, he and the Poof had nearly come to blows over the situation. If Faith hadn’t conveniently stepped in and put a stop to it the two vampires would be no more. The Watcher had completely distanced himself from the group and for that Spike was grateful. He didn’t even want to get into it with Rupert; otherwise Spike would have a human life on his conscience if things got too out of hand. He had a soul now and one more death added to the body count he’d already inflicted over time would put Spike over the edge. For now, he’d let it pass, but he wasn’t about to forget. Hell no. There would be time for all that soon enough, once Buffy woke from her coma. He still firmly believed that she was going to wake up sooner or later, no matter what the sodding doctors said.

Spike stood in front of Angel and cleared his throat, causing the older vampire to lift his gaze from his book and cast an indifferent glance on his grandchilde.

“What is it now, Spike?” Angel asked in annoyance. “I’m not in the mood for any fighting tonight.” Spike said nothing for a moment as he took a seat beside Angel.

“I’m calling a truce,” Spike said, avoiding Angel’s stare in his direction. “I need a little something…blood…anything you got.” The sentence cost Spike a lot and Angel was fully aware of it as he set his book aside and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“And I’m going to help you because…?” Angel trailed off, glancing at Spike. The younger vampire made a frustrated sound in his throat and got to his feet.

“Oh just forget it! Don’t know why I bloody even tried,” Spike muttered, running a hand through his hair. He started to leave, but Angel called him back.

“Wait!” Spike turned his head and cocked an eyebrow at the Champ. Angel sighed and got to his feet.

“Fine. I’ll get you some blood. I’ve got a resource here in town. I’ll have it to you in a couple of hours,” Angel acquiesced, pulling a cell phone from the pocket of his jacket and flipping it open. He punched a number, spoke into the receiver softly and then flipped the phone shut.

“Don’t say I never did anything for you,” Angel mumbled, settling back into his chair and crossing his legs. Spike squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth as he shook his head. He was going to let that one slide for the moment. He would never say it out loud, but Spike was starting to let go of his anger toward Angel…just slightly…never all the way…not when Buffy’s life was hanging in the balance. With a sigh, Spike retreated from the room.

*

Faith was bored and restless. The constant waiting and wondering was beginning to unravel her nerves. The twisting in her gut confirmed that something wasn’t right. She itched to hit the pavement; find out what it was that was causing her to feel this way. Faith got to her feet, mumbled something about coffee and left the waiting area. She nearly collided into Spike in the corridor. They regarded one another for a moment in silence. She glanced up and caught Spike’s eye. God, he looks like hell, she thought to herself.

“How you holding up?” she asked. Spike lifted a hand to his neck and massaged the muscles there.

“I’ve had better days. You?”

“Mmm…not so good. We need to talk. Care to step outside with me for a minute?” Spike nodded and followed Faith to the back entrance of the hospital. He breathed in the cool night air as he stood next to the rogue Slayer.

“Something you want to say?” Spike asked, frowning at Faith.

“Yeah…I kinda did something…to help things along…to help B,” Faith said, avoiding Spike’s eyes.

“What did you do?” Spike asked evenly. Faith looked up and shrugged.

“I called Willow…for a spell. Maybe she can work the Wicca mojo on B, snap her out of the coma,” Faith said.

“You what?” Spike asked in horror. “Magic? You want her to do magic on Buffy? Did you not hear about the last time, what happened? Hello, First Evil!”

“I-I know. I was there, remember? But without Willow’s help there may be a chance that she’ll never wake up…I had to do something…I just can’t sit here and wait for her to d-“ The word never left Faith’s mouth as Spike grabbed her roughly by the shoulders.

“You shut your bloody gob!” Spike shouted, inching his face close to Faith’s. “Buffy’s not going to die!” Faith shook herself free from Spike’s grasp.

“Face facts Blondie," Faith said with a tip of her head, “B’s not getting any better. It’s been two days. Two days. She’s not coming out of it on her own, and the sooner you realize that the sooner-“

“What?” Spike ground out. “Just say it.” Faith turned her back to the wall behind her and gave it a light punch, as if debating on what to say next. Then she faced Spike.

“My Slayers senses are all tingly…you follow? Something’s not right and it’s bad and big…and I can’t shake it. So we need to take action and take it now before we’re all in a bad way. Without B…well…there’s only so much I can do.” Spike was frowning at Faith, his head cocked slightly to the side as he took in the words she was saying.

“The Immortal? You think we didn’t-“

“I didn’t say that. I’m just saying my gut’s telling me something and I’m rarely if ever wrong,” Faith said.

“I snapped his neck. Like a twig. You were there,” Spike said, making a twisting motion with his hands to emphasize his point. “I heard it go ‘crunch’…so you can’t be saying-“

“I don’t know, Spike. Do you really want to be around to find out? I mean if this guy’s coming back, he’s coming straight for us and here we sit…and without B…I don’t even want to find out. So I had to do this. I had to call Willow. It’s the only way,” Faith explained and was relieved to see Spike nod slowly.

“I’ll bring the Poof and the Watcher up to speed. Did Willow say when she’d get here?” Spike asked. Faith shook her head and frowned.

“I called her this afternoon. She said she’d get back to me when she had something. I’ll try her again,” Faith said. Spike nodded and turned to walk away, but stopped when Faith called his name.

“You think I did the right thing…calling Willow? I-I know that the magic is evil and bad…all last resort…but I did what I had to, you know?” Faith said, her voice wavering a little. She threw her hands in the air. “Usually B’s the one in charge. I don’t do leadership very well.”

“You’re doing fine, love. The right thing. We need to get Buffy back and sod all else. Ok?” Faith nodded and watched as Spike walked away. She took a deep breath and followed him inside.

*

Rome

Willow juggled her bag and the magic supplies as she hurried up the walk toward Buffy’s apartment. She reached inside the bag for keys, and then swore when she dropped them on the ground. Retrieving them, Willow entered the apartment building and climbed the stairs. Her steps halted and her eyes narrowed as she took in the apartment door at the top of the landing. It was ajar. Fear rose within her and she slowly set her things down on the hallway floor and then cautiously approached the apartment door. Willow closed her eyes and said a brief incantation. When she opened her eyes, the apartment door swung open by itself, slamming against the wall behind it. Slowly, she entered the apartment and scanned the silent space. The protection spell she had used against herself would only last an hour or so and Willow hoped that her mind was playing tricks on her, giving her the extra wig. She stepped around the apartment, noticing that the space on the living room floor that Xander and Dawn had occupied was now empty. Frowning, she walked toward the area and kneeled, touching the spot with her hand. A scrap of paper taped to the television set caught Willow’s eye and she reached for it, unfolding it to read. A horrified gasp issued from Willow’s mouth as the paper fluttered to the floor. Frantic, she raced to the hallway, snatched her things and slammed the door shut. Then she ran to the phone and began to dial with shaky fingers.

“Yes, hi. I-I need the earliest flight you have to California…y-yes…I-I will…thanks,” Willow disconnected the call and then punched in another number. When she was connected to the hospital in Pasadena she asked for Giles, who then handed the phone over to Faith.

“What is it, Willow?”

“I-I came home…a-and Dawn and Xander were missing…t-there’s a note…I’m taking the next flight out of Rome and should be there by morning your time,” Willow stammered into the phone.

“Ok Willow, just calm down…breathe…what did the note say?” Faith asked. Willow ran with the phone to the living room and picked up the paper from the floor, reading the note aloud over the phone.

“Shit,” Faith breathed, “I knew it, knew the whole time. You got the stuff we’ll need to bring B back?”

“Yeah, I-I do. I can work the spell,” Willow said as she sat shakily on the sofa.

“Good. I know you’re freaked but you can do this, ok? We’ll have your back. Angel and Spike are here, we’ll be fine,” Faith said.

“I-I know, I’m all with the deep breathing and staying calm. I just keep thinking about Dawn and Xander…where they are…if they’re alive. Ok, major freak out here. I-I think I’m gonna hang up and catch my flight. Watch your backs,” Willow said.

“Xander and Dawn are going to be fine. We need to concentrate on getting B back. See you when you get here,” Faith said reassuringly. The call was disconnected and Willow sat for a moment, pressing the phone to her forehead. Then she got to her feet and began gathering what she needed for her trip to California.

*

Somewhere over the Mediterranean Sea

Dawn opened her eyes slowly as the fog lifted from her brain. She tried to move her body, but realized she was tied to something…possibly chained. Lifting her head, Dawn scanned the place she was in frantically, trying to identify where the hell she was. Her eyes slammed into Xander beside her. He lay flat on the floor, his hands chained to a pole of some sort. He was unconscious, which caused a sick feeling to wash over Dawn. This was bad, really bad. The last thing she remembered was being asleep on the sofa next to Xander at the apartment and now she was here…in this place. What had happened between the early hours of the morning up until this point in time? Obviously they’d been kidnapped by something or someone, which meant that the protection spell that Willow had cast over the apartment hadn’t done its job. Dawn glanced around at her surroundings, taking it in. There were boxes and crates stored in bins all around, the low drone of an engine from below helped Dawn to put the pieces together. They were in the cargo hold of a jet or airplane and judging by the engine rumbling below, the plane was in flight. A cold sweat broke out all over her body as the seriousness of the situation settled over her. She was alone with a helpless Xander, someone or something would probably be returning at any moment, and Dawn was clueless as to how she herself was going to stop this. She tried to pull at the bindings on her wrists, but to no avail, they weren’t coming loose. Yeah, her sister was a Slayer, but the trait wasn’t passed on through genes that was for sure. At that moment, Dawn wished it was, as the metal door of the cargo hold squealed on its hinges, indicating that someone was entering. Dawn held her breath as every muscle in her body stiffened. A man walked into the room, surrounded by burly bodyguard-types. He wore a stiffly pressed suit and was groomed impeccably. The only thing that seemed out of place on the man was the ugly bruises circling his neck. Dawn swallowed hard as the man approached her, squatting to her level to address her. Recognition washed over her as she realized who the man was. He leveled his brown eyes with her, the cold glint of evil lurking in their depths as the two regarded one another.

“Dawnie…we meet again. It’s been too long. How is school going? Are you passing all of your classes?” The Immortal asked, a smile curling up the corners of his mouth. Dawn glared at him and turned her eyes away.

“Just shut up,” she seethed, “I don’t have to talk to you.” The Immortal squeezed Dawn’s face roughly and turned it to face him directly.

“Now that is no way to speak to an adult. Didn’t your sister teach you any manners? What about that mother of yours? Did she raise a nice little girl…sugar and spice and all that’s nice?” The Immortal said as he goaded Dawn evilly. Dawn turned defiant eyes to the man and then reared her head back and spat onto his face. The Immortal calmly reached into the pocket of his suit jacket and withdrew a handkerchief, swiping it over his face.

“Now that’s not nice, Dawnie. Not nice at all. How about I make you a deal? You do that again and I cut your little friend over there right open and play with his intestines while you watch,” The Immortal said, getting to his feet and glaring down at Dawn. She remained silent, turning her head again. “That’s what I thought, little girl. You’ll do as you’re told and keep your mouth shut. I have a present to deliver to your sister and her vampire boyfriend…your cooperation will ensure that the people you love remain safe.”

“What do you want with us? Why can’t you leave us alone?” Dawn cried, as hot tears began to stream down her cheeks. The Immortal stepped back from Dawn, preparing to leave the cargo hold.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart. These are the things I must do. It’s only business. You understand and soon enough you’re sister will understand,” The Immortal said calmly and then turned on his heel and exited. Dawn waited until the metal door slammed shut and then tipped her head to her chin and sobbed.

*

End of Chapter Eighteen
 

Chapter Nineteen

I watch the heavens but I find no calling…
Something I can do to change what’s coming…
Stay close to me while the sky’s falling…
I don't wanna be left alone…don't wanna be alone…
(World’s on Fire: Sarah Mclachlan)

*

Pasadena, California

Willow slipped off her sunglasses as she pulled the rental car into a parking spot in front of Pasadena Memorial Hospital. She reached for her bag on the seat beside her and clutched it to her chest as she got out of the car. She walked quickly to the entrance and stepped inside the lobby of the emergency room. Glancing around her, Willow walked toward the reception desk, speaking briefly to the nurse on duty. The nurse pointed toward a waiting room and Willow thanked the kind woman and stepped away. She stepped into the waiting room and took in the scene before her. Angel and Giles were watching television on the far right side of the room, Faith dozed in a chair on Willow’s left, but Spike was nowhere to be found. Slowly, Willow approached the sleeping form of Faith and gently touched the Slayer’s shoulder. Faith nearly shot from the chair as she awoke, almost backhanding Willow in the process, who smoothly ducked out of the way.

“Whoa, Faith. Watch that right hook, you almost clobbered me,” Willow said sheepishly with a little smile. Faith got to her feet.

“Willow thank God,” Faith breathed and then drew the red-head into a crushing embrace.

“Uh Faith…glad to see you too…but, breathing? Really becoming an issue here,” Willow said with strain and immediately Faith stepped back, nonchalantly running a hand through her hair.

“Yeah no big,” the Slayer said with a nod, maintaining her cool exterior, even though her emotions appeared to be brimming at the surface. “So when do we start? You ready for the big mojo?” Willow motioned for them to sit and then opened her bag, withdrawing items from within it.

“I need to set up. I’m also going to need a distraction to keep anyone out of Buffy’s room. If the course of the spell is interrupted in any way it won’t work,” Willow explained. Faith nodded.

“We’ll have you covered, Will.”

Willow craned her neck around the room, searching for something. Then she glanced back at Faith.

“Where’s Spike? You did say he was here didn’t you?” Willow asked.

“Right here Red,” Spike piped in from behind. “Catching me a smoke, what do you need?” Willow glanced down at the volume she held in her hand and than back up at Spike.

“Um…I need the blood of someone she’s been close to…in the physical sense…uh…you know…”Willow hedged, the sheepish smile returning to her face. Spike nodded knowingly.

“You mean someone’s she made love to recently. Fellow you want for that is me,” Spike said without hesitation. Faith snorted as Spike took a seat. He glanced at the brunette Slayer and shook his head.

“What? At least I’m honest,” Spike retorted with a shrug. He turned to Willow cocking an eyebrow. “If I may ask, Red…why do you need the blood of someone she’s been with in the physical sense?”

“The spell calls for a mixing of essences. Obviously you and Buffy have gotten all mixy…so hence your blood is needed…I-I think,” Willow explained with a hesitant shrug of her shoulders. Spike nodded and then held out his arm, rolling the sleeve of his shirt up.

“You take all you need then,” Spike said softly, his blue eyes shining with unshed tears. Willow shared a sad smile with the vampire and then shifted her eyes to the book in her hands.

“I’ll need to prepare Buffy, so it might be awhile before your part, Spike. First there’s this,” Willow said digging around inside her bag and withdrawing a slip of paper. She handed the slip to Faith, who looked it over with a frown.

“What’s that?” Spike asked, leaning over to peer over Faith’s shoulder. Faith wasn’t quick enough to hide the paper, giving Spike time to look it over. He glanced between Willow and Faith.

“The Bit? He’s got the Bit?” Spike asked.

“I’m sorry Spike; there was nothing I could do. They came and took them before I got home,” Willow said softly reaching out to touch Spike’s shoulder tentatively, “if there was anything I could have done…well…you know.” Spike swallowed hard and then nodded slightly at Willow.

“S’alright pet. Not your fault,” he said roughly, the tears thick in his throat. “If you’ll excuse me.” Spike got to his feet abruptly and then slipped out of the room. Willow turned to face Faith.

“You didn’t tell anyone about the kidnapping?” Willow asked. Faith sighed and lowered her eyes.

“I didn’t want to start a riot, Will. I mean with B and all, that’s a lot to deal with as it is,” Faith said softly, twisting her fingers in her lap.

“Kidnapping? There was a kidnapping?” Giles’ voice came out of nowhere and Willow and Faith whipped there heads around in unison at the sound. The Watcher was standing nearby, staring at the two women through narrowed eyes. “Are we to say The Immortal isn’t quite out of the picture yet?” Wordlessly, Faith handed the note over to Giles. He studied it and then lowered his head, removing his glasses.

“This is all of my fault,” he said softly, turning and taking a seat in a chair nearby. Willow frowned at Giles’ reaction. She’d only heard bits and pieces of what Giles and Angel had done behind everyone’s backs. It saddened and sickened Willow. She glanced at Faith and lifted an eyebrow. Faith took the cue and nodded, getting to her feet. Willow watched her walk away and then shifted her eyes to Giles who appeared to wilt right in front of her.

“Tell me,” Willow said softly, reaching out and touching Giles on the arm, “I want to know the truth.” Giles nodded, keeping his eyes averted. Willow knew guilt and shame when she saw it.

“I guess I should start by saying that I made some horribly improper judgments regarding Buffy and Spike,” Giles began with a slow shake of his head. “I acted like a complete fool and now we are all suffering the consequences for it.” Willow waited in silence as Giles took a deep breath and began to explain.

“Angel and I planned to funnel Spike’s energy back into the amulet with a very dangerous and tricky ritual that required more things than we expected. Without my knowledge, Angel contacted The Immortal, who, for a price would do the job. He failed to mention that the price would be the sacrifice of two Slayers in a ritual that would resurrect The First Evil. Apparently, some back alley deal had been made between the two before the big battle in the Hellmouth,” Giles said, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes with his fingers. He put the glasses back on and continued.

“When Angel and I set the plan into motion, Buffy was never supposed to be involved. Spike was supposed to go directly to the Hellmouth, the dreams o-or visions we’re only a spell to begin with…just something to make Spike think he needed to return to the Hellmouth. What we weren’t prepared for was The Immortal pulling the strings behind everyone’s backs,” Giles said. Willow’s eyes widened at that bit of information.

“The Immortal…what did h-he set you guys up or something?” Willow asked. Giles nodded.

“Yes. He orchestrated the entire thing, rather brilliantly I might add…played us all for the fools we were. The visions, the murder of Robin Wood and the young Slayers, all of it was The Immortal’s doing. I realized that much too late, I’m afraid,” Giles said, glancing at Willow, who had pressed a hand to her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut. She lifted her eyes to Giles, unable to hide the hurt and betrayal from her gaze.

“What happened in the Hellmouth Giles?” Willow asked warily. Giles sighed so heavily his entire body seemed to shake from the effort. He truly had the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it appeared that the weight was bearing down with alarming intensity. Willow held her breath as Giles continued.

“The Immortal attempted to sacrifice Buffy and Faith…h-he wanted to use the seal in the Hellmouth to resurrect The First, the ritual required the blood of a Slayer. He got two Slayers for the price of one, if you will. We managed to escape, but barely. As you know, Buffy didn’t fare so well as the rest of us. The Immortal stabbed her before anyone could stop him. Luckily, Spike and Faith knew what to do. I watched Spike throw the amulet into the Hellmouth as it opened. He saved us all,” Giles finished. Willow looked at her hands and shook her head in disbelief.

“Now The Immortal, true to his name, is back. He has Dawn and Xander,” Willow said, getting to her feet and retrieving her bag. “I have to help Buffy now. But I’m glad you told me the truth. I don’t understand any of it, but at least you told me.” She turned to leave, but Giles stopped her with a hand to her arm.

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” Giles said softly. “You have to believe me.” Willow took a step back and gave Giles a sad look.

“Yes you did, Giles. You wanted Spike out of Buffy’s life. You wanted to take away the one thing that could have made her really happy. Don’t you see it? Spike has changed. He’s good, he has a soul, and he loves Buffy. Why you and Angel don’t get that through your neanderthal skulls is beyond me. Stop trying to do what you think is best for Buffy. She’s an adult and can make her own decisions. Just let it go,” Willow said, watching for a moment as her words sank in. Then she took a breath and continued.

“If anything happens to Dawn or Xander…or if Buffy dies…there souls will be on your conscience. I hope you remember that the next time you think you know what’s best or when you’re doing it for someone’s own good. I used to respect you, Giles. You were a gifted Watcher, a wonderful friend, and a father figure to a Slayer whose father all but abandoned her. Then you betray her? You and Angel were the two people she trusted most in the world and this is how you thank her?” Willow shook her head and snapped her mouth shut. “I’m going to be quiet now before I say too much. I’m sure Buffy will have a few words for you once this is over. Think about what I said, because I doubt Buffy is going to be as kind to you as I have.” With that parting remark, Willow left the room, leaving the Watcher to wallow in his own guilt and shame.

*

“Told him didn’t you, Red?” Spike asked Willow as he led her down the corridor toward Buffy’s hospital room.

“I don’t want to talk about it, Spike. Can we drop it?” Willow asked as they stopped in front of a closed door. Spike nodded.

“Right,” he mumbled, and then reached for the door handle and turned it. He stepped aside and allowed Willow to pass and then followed her inside. Willow stood motionless in the middle of the room staring aghast at Buffy’s comatose form buried beneath a mountain of blankets, the machines beeping and whirring the only sound in the room. Willow turned her eyes to Spike beside her.

“Can I have a minute? I need to prepare,” Willow said. Spike nodded and headed toward the door, closing it behind him on his way out. Willow took a breath and then took slow measured steps to Buffy’s bedside. She swiped tears from her eyes as she gathered Buffy’s hand in hers, squeezing it tightly.

“I’m sorry for doing this to you, Buffy. I know the resurrection spell was traumatic for you and I regret bringing you back from the dead. I regret what I’m about to do. I hope you’ll forgive me for it. It’s just that we need you…we need you back…Dawn and Xander…they’re in trouble…this is the only way,” Willow said softly and then leaned forward, tucked her hair behind her ears and pressed a kiss to Buffy’s forehead. She squared her shoulders and gently laid her bag on a nearby table, withdrawing items from it methodically. She withdrew four candles and placed them around Buffy’s bed, lighting each one. Then a crystal and an urn followed. Holding a bag of sage in her hand, Willow sprinkled the herb around Buffy’s body and then stepped back. She walked to the door and peered out of it, calling Spike into the room. Silently, she reached for his hand, turning it so his palm faced up. Then she reached for a scalpel and dragged the blade across the skin. Spike gritted his teeth and winced, but didn’t cry out as blood pooled from the incision. She lowered Spike’s bleeding palm over the urn and waited as the blood flowed into the vessel. Next, she reached for Buffy’s hand and repeated the same steps, mixing the Slayer’s blood with the vampire’s. She stepped back and then faced Spike.

“Stand by the door. Don’t let anyone inside. If there are any interruptions the spell won’t work. Ok?” Willow said. Spike nodded mutely and then turned to leave the room. He stopped short and turned around.

“I just want to thank you…for doing this,” he motioned to Buffy, “and for standing up for me. Besides the Slayer, you are the only who’s stepped for me. It’s right good of you, Red.” Willow nodded slowly.

“She believes in you, Spike. The one thing I’ve learned over the years being Buffy’s friend is that if she believes in you, than you must be a decent person. You’ve done a lot of good over time and she loves you. I don’t care what anyone else says, that makes you alright in my book,” Willow said, a tiny smile lighting her features. Spike gave Willow a nod and then left the room, flipping the lights off as he exited. He hesitated at the doorway a moment, his eyes soft and sad as he gazed between Willow and Buffy. With a sigh, he left the room closing the door behind him.

*

Willow stood at the foot of Buffy’s bed and lifted a book in her hands, reading the words aloud as she began the spell. Mystical energy began to swirl around the red-headed Wicca, the force blowing her hair back from her face as she spoke the words faster. Her voice rose as the words flowed. Willow’s head tilted back and her eyes turned an unholy shade of black as the book fell from her hands to the floor, the words coming out faster and in monotone as she chanted in Latin. She reached for the urn, dipped her fingers inside and painted red streaks on Buffy’s arms and face as she continued to chant.

Willow’s body seemed to encompass the spell as she chanted louder and louder, the bright blues and purples of the energy swirling like wind around her, as the crystal on the table nearby illuminated. A column of white light shot from the crystal and poured over Buffy’s body, bathing her in its white glow. The intensity of the spell caused Willow’s body to crumple to the floor in a heap as the white light infused Buffy from the outside in and moments later, the Slayer sprang upright in bed, her green eyes wide as a scream was expelled from her mouth. Then the crystal darkened, the room silenced, and Buffy slumped forward. Willow came to and rushed to the bed, grabbing Buffy’s hand.

“Did it work…did it work…c’mon Buffy…” Willow pleaded; lifting her friend’s head and gazing into her eyes. Buffy frowned, squeezed her eyes shut a moment, and then opened them turning her head to take Willow in. The two embraced one another as sobs wracked their bodies. Suddenly, a pounding could be heard as someone tried to get into the room. Then the door burst open and a doctor and nurse rushed into the room. They took in the scene before them as Willow got to her feet.

“Spiritual healing…it’s a miracle!” Willow said sheepishly holding her arms out and shrugging. The doctor pushed past Willow and rushed to Buffy’s side, armed with a stethoscope, ready to examine the patient. Willow was ushered out of the room by an insistent nurse.

*

Buffy was declared healthy, but no one seemed to breach the question of how she had suddenly emerged from her coma-like state. She was moved to a private room, given a meal and allowed to bathe and change clothes. Just as she was situated into bed, Buffy felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as a distinct presence entered the room.

“Hello Spike,” she said softly without looking up, knowing that it was him who lurked outside her door. “You can come in.” Spike sauntered into the room slowly, his intense blue eyes never leaving Buffy’s as he crept to her bedside, lowered himself onto the mattress and then clasped Buffy’s head between his hands, lowering his mouth over hers in a soul-searing kiss. Buffy clawed hungrily at his body as his mouth claimed hers in a mutual desperation that they both shared. Spike lowered her body against the pillows as they continued to kiss frantically. Moans issued from Buffy’s mouth as Spike’s hand traveled over her body as the kiss deepened. Buffy’s features crumpled and suddenly she was pushing Spike away gently, breaking the kiss. Buffy breathed heavily as she stared at Spike, who looked confused.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly turning her head, “it’s just that I’m not…I mean…I don’t want to...” she sighed and gave Spike an apologetic look. “Did I say I was sorry already?” Spike nodded and clasped her hands in his.

“No worries, pet. You’re still weak, I understand. It’s just that…seeing you…awake…and…” Spike tilted his head back as his emotions started to get the better of him. “God, I’m such a jerk,” he muttered, then lowered his head and looked into Buffy’s eyes. She smiled at him and pressed a palm to his face, her fingers caressing his cheek.

“I’m happy to see you too. For a while there I wondered-“ Spike pressed a finger to her lips.

“None of that talk now, love. Got trouble brewing on the horizon. Did Faith and Willow tell you?” Buffy nodded and sighed.

“Guess The Immortal is well…all immortal,” Buffy said with a shake of her head, “and now he’s got Dawn and Xander. This wheel of fun we’re all spinning on? Can it stop now?” Spike chuckled and got up from the bed.

“I’ll gather the troops. Should be heading out soon…time’s a-wasting, yeah?” Buffy nodded sadly.

“But you’ll come back right? I mean…you’re not going to…”

“I’m staying right here, love. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” Spike said, levering his arms on the bed and leaning forward to press a kiss to her lips. “Just glad you’re with us again.” He winked at her and then left the room.

*

“Ok…so what’s the deal? The Immortal kidnapped Dawn and Xander…so what does he want?” Buffy asked of Faith and Willow who had gathered around her bed.

“Don’t know, B. He left this note for Willow after he took them,” Faith said handing the note to Buffy. She read it over with a frown and then lowered it to her lap.

“A gift? He wants to give me a gift? He kidnaps my sister and my friend to give me a gift? What did I ever see in this guy?” Buffy muttered the last part to herself and then leveled her gaze on Willow and Faith. “Ok, we figure out where he’s taken Xander and Dawn and after that I don’t see much farther than kicking his Immortal ass. Permanently.” Willow leaned forward a little.

“I-I hate to burst the yay rah here, but if Spike getting all twisty on The Immortal’s neck didn’t kill him, what do you think will?”

“I know how to kill him.” Heads whipped around as Angel came into the room, a solemn expression on his face as he regarded the women. Buffy rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Angel.

“I don’t recall asking for your help. You can’t be trusted,” Buffy said through gritted teeth. “Get out. Now.” Angel stood his ground.

“Without me, The Immortal will kill you all…including Dawn and Xander. You need me in this,” Angel said evenly.

“Funny, you betrayed me. Ask me again why we’d need your help?” Angel reached into his pocket, withdrawing his cell phone.

“You forget that I work for Wolfram and Hart. I have resources at my disposal. You want The Immortal dead? I can make it happen,” Angel said, regarding Buffy with cold eyes. Buffy seemed to think that over for a moment. Willow tapped her on the shoulder.

“He’s right, Buff. We don’t have a clue here. Maybe his resources can give us the leverage we need. I’m just saying,” Willow said. Buffy glanced between her friend and her former lover and then sighed.

“Fine,” she said with a lift of her hand, “but if anything happens to Dawn and Xander, you’re the first one I’m coming after.” Her eyes never wavered from Angel’s as he nodded curtly. “It’s going to be a long time before I’ll be able to forgive you for what you’ve done. Things are not ok with us,” Buffy finished.

“I understand,” Angel said softly, taking a step back. “I’ll work on those resources.” He left the room silently. Buffy turned back to Faith and Willow.

“Find out where The Immortal took Dawn and Xander. The faster we get a jump on his location, the faster we can kill him and be done with this.” Buffy said. “And I can’t wait to be done with this,” Buffy said with a sigh.

*

An abandoned warehouse in California

Dawn was exhausted. It seemed like an eternity since the last time she’d eaten or had anything to drink. And she was sure she was dirty and smelly, if the funky odor was any indication. She and Xander had been transported from the cargo hold of the jet and were then deposited onto the cold concrete floor of a warehouse type building and chained to consecutive metal poles.

Glancing around her surroundings, Dawn got a sick feeling. Seemed things were spiraling out of control and she wondered if anyone had realized that she and Xander were missing. A sound from across the way caused Dawn’s head to turn slowly and she realized Xander was waking up. He sat up, clutching his head.

“Ouch,” he said with a frown, “why do I have a big knot on my head…and oh my god…where am I?” Xander cried as realization hit him. His gaze landed on Dawn. “Dawn…my God…what happened? Where are we?” Dawn shook her head.

“I don’t know, Xander. But The Immortal is alive and he’s kidnapped us. We have to do something…find some way to get a message to Buffy,” Dawn said frantically.

“I wouldn’t worry about Buffy,” a voice boomed from the front of the room.

“Oh God,” Dawn whispered as The Immortal entered the room.

“This can’t be good,” Xander said. The Immortal stepped to the center of the room and regarded his captives with a smug smile.

“It’s not time for Buffy yet,” The Immortal said. “Once she gets my message then you shall see your Buffy. I realize I went about this all wrong the first time. I severely underestimated our little Slayer and her vampire boyfriend. They thought they could pull one over on me…well…they haven’t seen the last of me or the worst that I’m capable of. Especially now that I have something they want.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“What do you want?” Xander cried. “Is the poor Immortal upset ‘cause Buffy broke up wif you,” Xander taunted. In seconds, The Immortal crossed the room and grabbed Xander by the hair, lifting him to his feet, ignoring the whelp of pain that issued from his mouth.

“What is with you people and the comments? Didn’t anyone ever teach you to keep your smart-mouths shut?” The Immortal cried as he released Xander roughly, sending him skittering across the floor a few feet away. Dawn shrank away as The Immortal stood before her.

“My plan is going to come to fruition and once the Slayer arrives I will watch all of you burn. My friend here will be most impressed,” The Immortal said and motioned to one of his bodyguards. A door was opened and a presence entered the room. The figure that entered the room looked, walked and even smelled like Buffy Summers, but Dawn and Xander knew better than that, as The First Evil wearing a Slayer’s body stepped into the room, smiling smugly.

“Hey guys,” First/Buffy said. “Miss me?”

*

End of Chapter Nineteen
 

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