Chapter Twenty

But you always find a way
To keep me right here waiting
You always find the words to say
To keep me right here waiting
If you chose to walk away
I’d still be right here waiting
Searching for the things to say
To keep you right here waiting
(Right Here Waiting: Staind)

*

Buffy watched as Faith and Willow left her room, listened as the silence enveloped her. She glanced around at her surroundings. The hospital room was harshly lit, sterile, and smelled faintly of antiseptic. The bed she lay in had stiff white sheets, a simple beige colored blanket and pillows that left more to be desired.

Suddenly, Buffy missed Rome. She missed her apartment, missed her own bedroom. It felt as if an eternity had passed since she, Spike and Faith had left the foreign country and returned to the States. Now The Immortal was back, he had Dawn and Xander, and it seemed the revolving hell that was her life these days was never going to stop. Being trapped in the coma for two days had given Buffy a sense of perspective, this awareness hovered over her like a black cloud, threatening much storminess in her future. They would begin research mode tomorrow at sundown, providing that Angel’s contacts came through. But tomorrow was a whole day away. For now she had tonight, a perfect opportunity for one to lie awake and think about the terror that loomed ahead. Buffy knew a sleepless night would be on tap for her, it was inevitable.

She sighed and situated the blankets around her body as she settled back against the too-lumpy pillows. She winced in pain as the sting of the wound across her stomach reminded her that she had failed. Miserably. She had let The Immortal take the upper-hand in one solitary instant, throwing her entire world off keel. This knowledge didn’t sit well with the Slayer. She was off her game and it killed her more than she would have liked to admit. It brought to light that deep down inside, in the places she never talked about, it all boiled down to one thing. She was weak. Plain and simple.

Buffy knew that she had let herself go in those months following the battle with The First. She’d slacked, happy with the knowledge that other Slayers around the world had been passed the torch or the stake if you will, and would pick up where Buffy left off. Now there was imminent danger on the horizon and she was terrified that she wouldn’t be able to stop it. And to make matters worse? So much more was at stake as Dawn and Xander’s lives hung in the balance. They would be counting on her to save them, but could she do it this time?

It didn’t matter anymore that her former lover and her Watcher had stabbed her in the back, betrayed her in ways that words couldn’t describe. It didn’t change anything, just made things a hell of a lot clearer and brought home some ugly truths.

Things were different now, so different. Altered. The air around her was inundated with not-the-sameness. Trust had been abandoned in one fell swoop and Buffy doubted that it would ever be regained. There were just some things you couldn’t forgive.

She was completely and utterly on her own. For the first time she suddenly understood her birthright as the Slayer. There was no one out there to trust. Someone was always waiting…with the knife at her back…biding time to spring out and attack. Seven years of fighting the good fight and it all boiled down to the simplest of truths…she was alone…would always have to be alone. It was the be-all end-all of her life. Buffy accepted it now. She would take help when it was given, but would accept it warily; hold it at arm’s length.

In that moment, Buffy thought of Willow and Faith, Dawn and Xander. They were the silver linings, she supposed, the diamonds in the rough. Maybe there was still some hope that some people existed not to betray her and find ways to do something for her own good, maybe there was still a way to find trust again. The steps would be slow, that was for damn sure. It would be a long cold day in hell before she would ever give anything away so easily again. She could thank Giles and Angel for that. Since it was they who had taken it upon themselves to shatter any misguided notions Buffy might have had about relying on others or giving out trust like it was free. Well, not anymore. There was always a price for things in this life, a sacrifice. No one knew that better than Buffy herself.

Suddenly, a scent assailed Buffy, causing her head to lift slowly as she identified it instantly. The scent of cigarettes and leather permeated everything it touched and Buffy would have known it anywhere. She chastised herself mentally. How could she have forgotten? She wasn’t alone, not even close. There was still one person…one man…she could count on. At the moment, the man in question was hovering in the hallway beyond her room. They had shared so much in the last few weeks. It bothered Buffy that he still didn’t feel comfortable around her, that he had to tiptoe around her. It reminded her of those nights in Sunnydale when he would lurk behind the big tree in her front yard, smoke his cigarettes and watch her. Back then, the feeling that he was nearby had given her the extreme wig…but now it was a comfort. She just wished he’d stop lurking and just come inside. He didn’t need to hide anymore, not from her, not from anyone.

“Come in Spike,” she breathed softly, wondering if her soft-spoken words had hit their desired mark. A sigh of relief issued from her mouth as he entered the room, his head ducked. Buffy frowned. Why did he do that? Why did he slink into the room like she was going to jump out of bed and pummel him? Why did he hide those beautiful baby blues from her? Oh yeah, ‘cause you used to smack him around like a punching bag just to make yourself feel better. ‘Cause you used him and abused him until he couldn’t take it anymore, Buffy thought to herself. Seemed she was going to be paying for her treatment of him for the rest of her life.

Buffy knew she wasn’t a saint, she was just anxious for Spike to trust her. She could sense the distrust when she told him she loved him, and almost half-expected him to shoot back: ‘no you don’t, but thanks for saying it’. But time had gone by, things had changed. She was a different woman now than she had been back in Sunnydale. She believed in herself, believed that she could love whomever the hell she wanted. She wouldn’t be hiding anymore. Spike was in love with her, she was in love with him. If anyone wanted to dispute that fact they could have at it. Buffy was tired of defensiveness and mixed signals; she just wanted Spike in her life…all the way. Getting him to believe that fact was a task Buffy was prepared to tackle.

She watched him with her eyes as he walked to her bedside and then tentatively took a seat by her side. Buffy drank him in, noting that his appearance had changed from a few hours before when she’d first come out of the coma. He’d been disheveled, distraught. His clothes had been rumpled, blood stained. Now his platinum hair fairly gleamed as if he’d groomed himself recently. He wore a fresh pair of black jeans and a matching black tee. And…the leather jacket was back. Buffy was relieved to see that he’d gotten rid of the god-awful hospital-issue shirt he’d been wearing previously. Then there was that scent…was that cologne? He’d actually put cologne on for her? Buffy couldn’t help feeling a little flattered. He’d actually gone all out for her…it made her feel special. She glanced at the vampire at her side, he looked a little uncomfortable. The silence between them couldn’t last forever, so Buffy was the first to break the ice.

“I thought the jacket was lost forever,” she noted, fingering the lapels idly attempting small talk. Spike glanced down at the jacket in question and then raised his eyes back to Buffy.

“Bought me a new one,” he murmured with a lift of his shoulder, “There’s a mall about a mile from here…had Red drive me over.” Buffy nodded, mentally kicking herself for not being able to steer this conversation away from small talk hell. Pretty soon they were going to be discussing the weather! Where was this sudden awkwardness coming from? Slowly, Buffy reached for Spike’s hand, lacing her fingers through his, uniting them. She hoped the small gesture would break the ice between them. Lucky for her, Spike was perceptive enough to pick up on her subtle signals. He squeezed her hand gently and smiled.

“Thought we lost you there for a moment,” Spike began as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles, “don’t know what I would have done had you—“ Buffy interrupted him by grabbing his face and pulling him to her, descending her lips onto his in a punishing kiss. She found herself unable to stand the tension any longer, the feel of Spike’s lips against hers a welcome sensation. His tongue probed her lips until they fell open, allowing him fuller access to her mouth. She moaned inside his mouth as his hands came up to grip her shoulders, pulling her closer.

Desperation and need got the better of Buffy as she found herself clinging to Spike with an innate sense of helplessness that she wasn’t normally known for. Spike picked up on her need and matched it with his own, as he clasped her face between his hands and dipped his tongue into her mouth with fevered intensity.

The kiss was broken a moment later and they stared hotly at one another as the breath hitched in Buffy’s chest. There was no denying the heat in Spike’s gaze and at that moment Buffy knew what he wanted, because she wanted it too.

Sensing these emotions, Spike got to his feet and backed away, his eyes never leaving hers. He crossed the room, closed the door softly and hit the lights, casting the room into darkness. The shadows were welcomed and Buffy found that she was anxious to have Spike near her, covering her in the only way that he could.

Sounds assailed her senses as leather rustled and hit the floor in a heap. He’d removed his jacket and now his weight was dipping the mattress beside her. Seconds later, he pulled her into his arms, his lips descending on hers once again. Buffy clung to Spike, her anchor in the turbulent seas of the mass hysteria that had become her life. How was it that it had taken her so long to realize what she felt for this man? Why had she been so blind? His love was right out in the open for all to see, it was begging to be noticed and the only one who hadn’t seen for all those years had been Buffy herself. She could lie to herself all she wanted, but deep down she knew the truth lay hidden within. Well, she was ready now. Ready to shout it from the rooftops. She loved Spike, heart and soul, mind and body. With that realization, she broke the kiss and leveled her hazel gaze with Spike’s expressive blue eyes.

“I love you,” she whispered sadly, reaching out to caress his cheek softly. Spike tipped his head, leaned into her caress, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Love you. Always,” Spike murmured and slowly leaned forward, kissing Buffy softly on the lips as he expressed the deepest of emotions to the one woman he would easily die for. He had come to the brink of that more than a few times. Buffy found she was comfortable with this new easiness that she and Spike were sharing. She reveled in his kiss, reveled in the newness of the feeling that twisted her heart, made her pulse race. This was love. It was real. It was returned and it could never be broken. Once again, Buffy leveled her gaze with Spike’s.

“I want you,” she whispered. Spike shifted his body so that he lay perpendicular to hers on the bed and then turned his head.

“You realize love that we’re in a hospital. A doctor or nurse could walk through that door at any moment,” Spike indicated with a nod of his head toward the door. “Don’t think you fancy anyone just walking in and getting an eyeful.”

“Honestly, would that really stop you?” she asked, fiddling with the blanket covering her lap, unable to hide the small smile that touched the corners of her mouth. Spike chuckled and shook his head.

“Not really.” Buffy turned her body so that she faced Spike.

“So?” she lifted an eyebrow inquiringly. Spike reached for Buffy, clasping her shoulders and pulling her to him roughly.

“Don’t have to ask me twice, pet. You know you’ve got a willing slave here,” Spike asserted, making his point by crushing his lips against her in a kiss that nearly robbed Buffy of breath. The sensations that the kiss provoked made her tingle from head to toe. She shivered as Spike’s hands traveled from her shoulders, coasted over her arms and came to rest at her hips as they sat facing one another. Their eyes penetrated one another deeply and at that moment if the world were to end; neither of them would have noticed it. Buffy couldn’t take it anymore. The ache inside threatened to topple her with its intensity. She wanted Spike and she wanted him now.

“Please,” she begged, jutting out her lower lip. A low growl issued from Spike’s throat and Buffy rejoiced on the inside. She knew he was a sucker for her lower lip. Worked every time. Coherent thought was robbed from her brain as Spike gently guided her body back against the mattress and held her as he hovered above her. She reached up, draped her arms loosely around his neck and accepted his kiss.

Spike’s fingers were deft as they traveled to her back, loosening the ties of the hospital gown she wore. He stared in wide-eyed wonder as the gown slid from her body. Buffy wriggled slightly, removing it and then flung it across the room. She helped Spike remove his own clothes, reaching for the buckle of his jeans. Soon his clothes were in a heap on the floor beside hers and Spike’s body was positioned between her legs as Buffy’s thighs fell open. Spike hungrily descended his lips onto her body, starting with her neck. His expert tongue and mouth laved the skin at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. He nibbled his way around until his lips hovered at the valley between her breasts. He pressed his nose to her cleavage and inhaled deeply. Her scent was musky and tinged with a hint of vanilla; her favorite perfume.

Buffy closed her eyes and arched her back as Spike clasped a nipple in his mouth and tugged on it with his teeth gently. The moan that issued from Buffy’s throat was filled with longing and desire. It came from deep within her as she arched and let it spill from her lips. Spike’s lips were making their slow descent to her stomach, where he darted his tongue into her navel, causing Buffy’s body to vault from the bed at the sensation. Her hands ghosted over the muscled expanse of Spike’s back. She dug her nails in slightly and dragged them over the skin.

Spike delighted in the sensation as his head came up and his mouth possessed hers once again. Staring down at her, Spike smiled lustily and loosely draped Buffy’s legs over his shoulders, lowering himself until his face was within inches of her sex. He pressed his nose into the soft curls at the apex of her thighs, inhaling the distinct scent of arousal that seeped off her in waves. Spike was getting a contact high from her scent alone, his head swam with it, his senses were filled and he was complete. Gently, he nuzzled her sex with his nose and then delved his tongue into her center, delighting in Buffy’s surprised gasp and the involuntary lifting of her hips. He could feel the sensations that rocketed through her body as her hands clenched fistfuls of the sheet at her sides, as she thrashed her head back and forth against the pillow behind her, trapped in the throes of her climax as words tore from her mouth.

“God…Spike…Yes…Yes…” she moaned, her words punctuated by the breaths that huffed from her mouth as she virtually panted beneath him. Spike lifted his head, savoring the taste of her on his lips as she melted like butter in his arms. Sweat matted her hair to her brow as she opened her eyes, staring at him lazily. She reached up, pulled Spike close so that his body covered hers. He levered his arms at her sides and nudged her thighs open with his knee. Their eyes remained fixed on one another as Spike guided his erection to the gateway of her sex, probing her, teasing her, until finally she couldn’t take it anymore and begged him to fill her. Spike was happy to oblige and sheathed himself inside of her in one thrust, until he filled her to the hilt. He rocked his body gently and then began to move his hips slowly and methodically. Buffy quivered beneath him, her eyes slamming shut as once again she was hurtled into the oblivion this pleasure was bringing her.

Spike could feel delicious sensations curling low in his stomach and lower still as electric shocks of pleasure rushed through his body. He increased the speed of his thrusts as he began to reach his own pinnacle. A fine sheen of sweat covered his skin as his chest heaved from the effort; matching Buffy’s expelled breaths in unison. He tipped his head back, gritting his teeth. His hips pumped furiously into Buffy’s body, as he gripped her legs tightly in his hands. He hit his release with such intensity his body shook as Buffy moaned from beneath him. In moments he had collapsed atop of Buffy’s body, still draining his love into her, his hips thrusting slower and slower. Soon, his body relaxed on top of Buffy’s and he buried his face between her neck and shoulder blade, holding himself for a moment inside of her. Buffy lifted Spike’s head and pressed a kiss to his sweaty forehead, earning her a weak smile. He lifted himself and rolled onto his back, turning his head to face Buffy. A lazy smile lit her features as she found his hand and intertwined it with her own. He lifted their joined hands to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She reached down and pulled the blanket up to cover their bodies.

“Love you Buffy,” Spike whispered sleepily in her ear just as she was about to drift off to sleep, nestled in the safety and security of his arms. As her eyes drifted closed a realization hit her forcefully…he had called her by her name. Not love. Not pet. But Buffy. She squeezed her eyes shut and felt her heart slam against her ribcage, the intensity of her love for him encompassing her entire body.

“Love you too Spike,” she mumbled, pulling his arms tighter around her body and reveling in the feel of his weight beside her in bed. A sigh of contentment issued from her lips as sleep finally claimed her. Spike’s eyes remained open, waiting until Buffy’s deep, even breathing signaled that she was out. Moments later, Spike was asleep as well.

*

Abandoned Warehouse: Pasadena, California

The First dressed as Buffy stared off into space and then turned as someone entered the room. The Immortal stood beside The First.

“What are we contemplating, my friend?” The Immortal asked.

“The fact that humans are merely animals,” The First replied, “they seem to feed off one another’s wants and needs. I wonder why they crave closeness so much.”

“Because it is all they have,” The Immortal mused, tapping his finger to his chin, “what else is there in life if you don’t have that ‘one’ to reach out to in the dark of night? Humans thrive on these connections. Pointless, really.”

“I agree,” The First said and then slowly turned, gazing at the still bodies of the captives chained to poles a few feet away. “Soon, Immortal. Soon you and I will inhabit this earth…my other right hand man was weak. He didn’t possess the strengths that you do, didn’t have the ba-…”

The First disguised as Buffy shook its head with a smile. “Hmm…poor choice in words…you know what I mean…and you know what you have to do,” The First stepped toward The Immortal. “Lure them here, any means necessary. I want to see the little Slay-bitch and her dead lover pay…give them a taste of what real revenge is. Are we agreed?” The Immortal nodded as a grin spread across his features.

“We are, my friend. Indeed we are. I already have a plan formulating to bring the little rodents right to us.”

“Good. That’s good,” The First nodded, “and I have to say…brilliant work on dating the little bitch…she must have fell for the routine.” The Immortal smiled haughtily, as if congratulating himself on a job well done.

“I do have a certain charm with the ladies. They call it amore’ in Italian,” The Immortal said with a chuckle. “We’ll have them all here soon and it will be a delight to watch them get what is coming to them. They bested me once before as they did you, and I am downright excited to see the devil get its due…if you will.” The First exchanged a look with The Immortal and then the two walked off together, laughing aloud.

*

End of Chapter Twenty

 

A/N: Here it is, guys. Like it or leave it...

Chapter Twenty-One

I never meant to cause you trouble...
And I never meant to do you wrong...
And I, well if I ever caused you trouble...
O no, I never meant to do you harm...
(Trouble: Coldplay)

*

Spike could hear movements, sounds from the edges of his sub consciousness, but dismissed them, deciding he must be dreaming. But the sounds continued, seeped into his brain, caused him to awaken. He opened his eyes, shaded them from the bright light of the room and then sat up slowly in bed. He frowned when he took Buffy in. She was racing around the tiny hospital room, mumbling to herself and throwing things into a bag. She was fully dressed, blonde hair pulled into a loose ponytail. Her skin still held the deathly pallor of her recent blood loss and subsequent coma and fear coiled inside Spike's gut at the realization that she was taking off. Buffy walked near the bed and bent to retrieve her boots, when Spike's arm shot out and grabbed her, halting her movements.

"Wanna tell me what the hell you're doing, pet?" he asked, tipping his head to the side and cocking his scarred eyebrow at her inquiringly. Buffy pulled her arm out of Spike's grasp and shot him an apologetic look. She avoided his eyes as she sat on a chair nearby and pulled her boots on.

"I have to go. Now. I don't have time to explain. You just have to trust me," she explained in monotone as she got to her feet. She retrieved the large duffle bag from the floor and hoisted it on her shoulder, preparing to leave the room. Spike vaulted from bed and sped to keep up with her before she could escape. He grabbed her shoulder and whirled her around to face him.

"Don't think so, pet. Before you walk out that damn door you're gonna do some explaining," Spike argued, jabbing a finger into her chest. "I'm not letting you leave. Not alone. Not without protection."

"Let me go Spike," Buffy demanded as she tried to wrestle free from Spike's iron-grip on her shoulders. Spike shoved his face close to hers.

"Not bloody likely," he emphasized, holding her tighter. Buffy once again tried to release herself and then finally relented, her body sagging. The bag dropped to the floor and she leveled her gaze with Spike's...stubborn hazel clashing with confused azure blue. Spike's hands dropped to his sides and he lifted his eyebrows, indicating that any time would be good to start explaining. With a sigh, Buffy hugged her body, as her gaze traveled to her feet.

"I had a dream...one of those dreams," she explained with a lift of her eyebrows to emphasize that it had been a prophetic dream. Spike nodded.

"I see, love. I've had dreams too, but turned out they were bloody fabrications. I'm not buying it," Spike stood his ground, crossing his arms over his chest. Buffy shook her head and pressed her fingertips to her temples.

"I don't have time for this. The dream...I saw Dawn...she was chained...to something...and Xander, I think he was passed out. I think they're still alive, but if I stay here I waste time. The longer they're missing...the more time passes...I just can't...not without..." her voice wavered as her emotions brimmed at the surface. She lifted her head, her eyes shining with tears. "I have to get to them. Before it's too late. Now. Let. Me. Go." Spike reached for her hand and pulled her body to his roughly. He framed her face with his hands and stared deeply into her eyes.

"Not alone," he murmured, "not without protection. You're weak. Let Faith do this. We need you here." Buffy pulled free from Spike's embrace, shaking her head vehemently.

"No. I'm going. Dawn needs me and there's nothing you can do to stop this. Please," her lower lip quivered as she begged him, "let me do this. I promise I'll take care of myself. The Immortal...I-I can handle it." Spike closed the distance between them in the space of a heartbeat, his hands shooting out to lift her shirt, revealing the thick gauze covering her recent injury. Buffy had the grace to look pained as Spike pointed to the wound.

"I don't call that," he pressed the wound roughly making her cry out, "handling things very bloody well, pet!" Buffy tore at Spike's hands pushing them away from her body as the heat of her angry stare hit him full force.

"Don't make me do something I'll regret," she seethed as her features twisted painfully.

"What's that love?" Spike asked. "If you leave you'll have to go through me. Now I know we're matched in fighting skills...you know I can take you." The punch flew out of nowhere and moments later Spike was hurtling across the room and slamming into a wall. The force of the blow knocked him unconscious, his body sliding to the floor in a soundless heap. Buffy's body trembled and tears fell unchecked down her cheeks as she stared at Spike's motionless form before her.

"I'm sorry," she cried out in a pained whisper. "I only do these things 'cause I love you. I hope you'll forgive me." Moments later, she slipped out the door, disappearing down the dimly lit hallway of the hospital wing.

*

"Bloody hell," Spike mumbled as the veil was lifted from his eyes and he stumbled to his feet. His head hurt like a bitch and the reason why flooded into his brain as he remembered. His eyes searched frantically around the room and when it connected that she was gone, his shoulders sagged. Damn. Spike shook his head and trudged to the bed, flopping onto it. Willow and Faith rushed into the room a moment later, demanding to know what the hell was going on.

"She's gone. Bloody took off on some half-cocked notion. She could be God-knows-where by now," Spike indicated with a tip of his head in the direction of the doorway. "Tried to stop her...got a knot on my head for my bleeding troubles." Willow shot Faith a worried look.

"S-she's gone? Where did she go? Did she say?" Willow's words rushed together in a jumbled heap as her panic increased.

"Slow down, Willow. Breathe," Faith countered. "Just chill. If B just took off there had to be a damned good reason. Did she say why she left?" This comment was directed at Spike, who shook his head slowly.

"Said she had a dream...about the Nibblet... and the whelp. Said she thought they were in trouble and that if she waited around they might not make it. Then she hit me and took off."

"Prophetic dreams!" Willow cried, her glance swinging between Spike and Faith. "S-she's had the dreams for as long as I can remember! If she dreamed about Xander and Dawn, she must know where they are and she can save them. That's good...right?" Willow glanced around hopefully. The look died a quick death when Spike shook his head.

"Shouldn't have gone off on her own...not in her condition," he murmured and Faith nodded in agreement.

"B messed up, Willow. She's gonna get herself killed. Her energy's nil...The Immortal's gonna chew her up, swallow her and then spit her out." Faith shot a glance in Willow's direction, receiving the look of mortal terror that crossed the red-head's face. "Sorry, Will. It is what it is."

"Then we have to do something!" Willow cried and then glanced at Spike. "You!" She pointed a finger in his direction. "You just let her go...why didn't you chase after her o-or something...you're supposed to be...ooh... The Big Bad!" She made her point by feigning air quotes with her fingers. Spike vaulted to his feet and faced Willow.

"You wait one bloody minute...she was gonna go...nothing I could have done to stop that...especially on account of the fact that I was lying in a bloody corner knocked unconscious!" Spike shouted. Willow took a step closer and that was when Faith jumped in to intervene.

"Everyone just chill!" she cried, swinging her glance between Willow and Spike. She sighed, folded her arms across her chest and then lifted her gaze.

"B's taken off so we gotta find her. I'm gonna call Angel; see if his contacts came through with any information. Willow...do one of those locator spell thingies...see if you can get us a jump on where B might be," Faith said and then turned to Spike.

"You," she shook her head. "Actually, I'm not sure what to do with you. Any ideas?"

"Got a bleeding headache, pet. Was thinking about having a smoke, if you must know," Spike said avoiding Faith's piercing stare in his direction. Faith eyed him warily.

"Don't even think about it," she replied narrowing her eyes. Spike actually had the nerve to look put upon.

"You...what are you bloody talking about... you're off you're nut...I'm not going to...did you think I'd..." he stammered, lowering his eyes guiltily.

"Save it," Faith insisted. "We can't have you chasing after B. You're the only one who's strong enough to watch my back, ok? Just until we can get a lead on B's location. Think you can handle it, blondie?" Spike shrugged.

"What choice've I got?"

"Alright, then. Let's move," Faith nodded to Willow and Spike. They began to file out of the room and Faith couldn't help the smile that touched her lips. "I could get used to this," she murmured to herself.

*

The taxi cab pulled to a slow stop at the city limits sign on the outskirts of Pasadena.

"Far's I go," the cabbie mumbled to the slight woman in the back seat, leering at her reflection in the rearview mirror. "That'll be thirty bucks."

Buffy rolled her eyes and thrust some bills into the man's grubby hands, murmuring 'keep the change'. She stepped out into the dusky twilight of early evening and stood on the side of the road watching as the cab disappeared in a plume of dust and gravel. Buffy sighed and readjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder. She walked along the shoulder of the highway, the gravel crunching under her boots as she approached an empty parking lot. The abandoned warehouse that sat a mile or so away caught Buffy's attention and she closed her eyes. It was the exact same one she'd seen in the dream; this had to be the right place. She began to walk toward it, all the while giving herself a pep-talk.

"Ok...approaching the big freaky warehouse...just gotta keep telling myself this was the right thing to do...I am not on some half-cocked notion...I'm notion girl...with the notion...oh God..." Buffy's sharp intake of breath indicated that maybe she was biting off more than she could chew as she crossed the garbage-littered parking lot and immediately found herself surrounded by at least twenty burly bodyguard-types.

"Help?" she squeaked as the bodyguards began to approach. "Hey guys!" she said with false cheer and a wave of her hand. "Nice day for a brawl, huh?"

*

"We have her in view, sir. Do you want her taken dead or alive?" a tinny sounding male voice came over the headset The Immortal wore. The Immortal turned to The First and they exchanged a look.

"Alive...it will be amusing to watch..." The Immortal murmured into the mouthpiece that extended from the headset as he peered closer to view the monitors in front of him. The scene showed Buffy, fists poised, ready to fight, as the bodyguards drew closer and closer. A chuckle issued from The Immortal's throat as he leaned back in his seat, folded his arms over his chest and contemplated the scene in front of him with amusement. He glanced at The First, who still wore The Slayer's body.

"I imagine you enjoy this," he said. The First smiled smugly with Buffy's features.

"It turns me on."

"You Slayers and you're lust for battle.... I've never understood it," The Immortal pondered with a shake of his head. His glance landed on another monitor, the one that was focused on two hostages chained to separate poles.

"What shall we do with the children when everything is said and done?" The Immortal slid a glance in the direction of The First, who stared ahead unwaveringly.

"Kill the boy. The little girl belongs to me," The First said tonelessly. "She will be a lovely vessel to inhabit when I take what belongs to me." The Immortal nodded slowly.

"What belongs to us," he murmured, not noticing the flicker of disagreement that crossed over Buffy/First's face.

"Yes to us," The First echoed as the monitors zoomed in on Buffy fighting the bodyguards and gaining the upper hand.

"Feisty bitch, isn't she?" The Immortal asked, leaning forward with interest as Buffy annihilated bodyguard after bodyguard effortlessly. The First chuckled.

"Gotta love a girl who can hold her own in a fight...well...except for that one time." The two exchanged looks.

"That will soon change. The bodyguards," The Immortal nodded toward the monitors, "they are weak. She has yet to face the real power," he finished glancing at The First.

"Which would be me. Shit, I love this job," The First murmured in satisfaction. The fighting continued on the monitors before them, as The First and The Immortal contemplated the action with self-serving smiles on their faces.

*
A motel room: Pasadena, California

"Got her!" Willow cried as she jumped up from the bed and raced over to Faith on the other side of the room. The tanned brunette Slayer flickered a glance in Willow’s direction as she paced, talking rapidly on her cell phone.

"One second Angel," Faith said, covering the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand and nodding at Willow. "Whatcha got?" Willow's eyes were round with excitement.

"I located Buffy...she's at a warehouse on the outside of town," Willow relayed. Faith spoke into her cell phone.

"We got her, Angel. Warehouse. Outside of town. Meet us there and bring the arsenal...sure as hell gonna need it," Faith said and then disconnected the call. She slipped the cell phone into her back pocket and grabbed her jacket from a chair nearby, slipping it on. She called to Spike who stood on the balcony outside of the motel room.

"Yo Blondie! We're moving!" Spike flicked his cigarette over the railing of the balcony and sauntered into the room, retrieving his leather duster from the king size bed nearby.

"What about the Watcher?" Spike asked. "Not that I care," he added. Faith glanced at Willow who shrugged.

"I dunno. He said he was going to assemble a special meeting of the Counsel, see if he could get any additional information on The Immortal," Willow answered. "Should we wait?" She swung her glance between Faith and Spike with a slight frown.

"No time pet," Spike urged Faith. The rogue Slayer lifted her shoulder in a half-hearted shrug.

"We leave without him. He's got my number if he comes up with anything. Right now...I'm kinda relying on Angel for back up." Spike murmured his agreement and then glanced at Willow, who hedged a little.

"Guys...I know he screwed up...but we can't just leave him out of the loop," Willow pointed out sheepishly.

"Can't see how he'd help us now," Faith interjected. Willow chewed her lip as she debated and then finally nodded.

"Fine," she agreed. "I'm not comfortable with it...but...what choice do we have?" Spike lifted a brow at Faith.

"We moving, then?"

"We're moving," Faith stated, squaring her shoulders and heading toward the door. "Frankly, I'm ready to end this guy. Whatever's he got...we can handle. Right?" No one answered and Faith wilted a little as Spike stepped in front of her. "A little help would be nice...ya know...for the morale."

"Doing our best, pet."

"Well, try harder," Faith cried with a shake of her head.

Spike stepped toward the door and opened it, allowing the women to pass through.

"We few...we happy few...we band of buggered..." Spike murmured to himself as he pulled the door closed and followed Faith and Willow down the hallway of the motel.

*

End of Chapter Twenty-One
 

Chapter Twenty-Two

There were times...I’m sure you knew...
When there was nothing...Fucking else to do...
But through it all...When there was doubt...
I shot it up or kicked it out...I fought the just as before...
And did it my way...
(My Way: The Sex Pistols)

*

Buffy stepped back from the fight with her hands on her hips, surveying the damage. The dead bodies of twenty bodyguards littered the ground around her. She reached for the bag she'd dropped on the ground and hoisted it onto her shoulder, stepping over the causalities effortlessly as she approached the entrance to the warehouse. Though, entrance was a loose term to describe the boarded up receiving doors that greeted Buffy. She lifted her foot, kicked through the rotted wood and stepped inside, surveying her surroundings as she walked. Broken glass crunched beneath her boots as she walked the concrete floor, glancing around her. The large, spacious room she entered was dimly lit and smelled faintly of wet cardboard and mold. It was deathly silent, which raised alarms in Buffy's head as she slowed to a stop and stood in the middle of the room. Suddenly, lights began to flicker on, bathing the room in a bright fluorescent wash of pale white. Instinctively, Buffy's muscles tensed through out her body and her fists poised, ready to fight. She frowned and glanced around, expecting an attack from every angle.

"Now that I have you here, whatever will I do with you?" a loud voice boomed from above. Buffy tipped her head back, taking in the twisted maze of catwalks above her that extended from the ceiling. Her assessment confirmed that the voice belonged to The Immortal, who descended the catwalks slowly, a self-serving smile pasted over his features. Buffy sighed and rolled her eyes as The Immortal stepped onto the ground floor of the warehouse, walking toward her. The Slayer thrust her hands on her hips and regarded her enemy with a cool disinterested stare.

"Not the most original are you Marius," Buffy taunted, calling The Immortal by his real name. The Immortal laughed aloud as Buffy tilted her head to the side, contemplating him a moment.

"Original indeed. I didn't think anyone knew my real name...you've done you're research haven't you little girl?" The Immortal replied eyeing Buffy with pleasure. Buffy shook her head, a cheerless smile lighting her features.

"Cut the bullshit.’Cause I'd much rather be getting to the fight portion of tonight's entertainment rather than sit here and have a conversation about it," Buffy shot out haughtily. "It's just the way I like things...simple...unblemished. C'mon, Immortal. You and me...think you can take me?" She taunted. The Immortal tipped his head back and roared with laughter, then met Buffy's gaze.

"Judging by our last encounter...the question we should be asking here is can you," he reached for something in the breast pocket of his suit, pulling a familiar knife out, "take me? Because seriously, if we're honest with ourselves, I'm the one with the real advantage here, Slayer." He walked toward her, wielding the knife in his hand. When he had closed the space between them, he leaned forward slightly and waved the knife in her face, tauntingly. Buffy lifted her foot and kicked the knife out of his hand, sending it skittering across the concrete floor. She leveled her gaze with The Immortal's, as confident hazel slammed into astonished onyx. He lifted a brow and nodded.

"Well done. I see you've worked through your issues," he said, eyeing her stomach. Buffy, on a reflex, clutched her stomach, reliving the pain of the knife sliding easily into her gut. She opened her eyes and lifted her fists, her eyes narrowed.

"I'm over it. Totally. In ways that you can't even imagine. Now...I just really wanna fight," Buffy warned, sizing up her opponent. "You haven't got your little toy...how you gonna take me now?" The Immortal clucked his tongue and waggled his finger in her face.

"Ah Ah Ah," he murmured with a smile, "There is something you're forgetting. I have a little leverage...well...actually more than you can imagine...but we'll start small." Buffy's fists remained raised at eye-level, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

"You have my sister and my friend...big scary! It's nothing I haven't faced before. Sing me a new one!" Buffy cried, tipping her head to the side, unfazed. The Immortal stared at her in bewilderment as Buffy tossed her hands in the air and shook her head with a tiny laugh.

"You've gotta be kidding me...has no one heard of me anywhere? Hello...Chosen One here! Saved the world...a whole bunch of times? What's a girl gotta do to be recognized around here? I've taken on bigger things than you," she said her gaze crawling over The Immortal's body in distaste. "Who dressed better." The Immortal crossed his arms over his chest and contemplated the Slayer for a moment.

"You are full of yourself aren't you? Cocky, young little Slayer. It's a shame really. Yes, I do have your sister and friend, pathetic as they are. I also see you fell right for the dream," he shook his head, pressing a finger to his chin as he glanced downward. His eyes lifted, mirth dancing evilly in the onyx depths.

"Magic...a truly wonderful hobby to have I must say so myself," The Immortal stated. He craned his neck, glancing around the room as if searching for something and then met Buffy's stare.

"Where are your little groupies and your vampire lover? They'll be galloping in to save you at any moment, I imagine. Well, there's not going to be much left to save. Not after what I have to show you."

The Immortal's gaze traveled to the catwalks above and Buffy's eyes followed as another figure began to descend from the wired walkway. Minions dragged two lifeless forms from the rear and as they came closer, Buffy narrowed her eyes for a better look. She heard a piercing female shriek and was happy to confirm that Dawn was alive. Xander on the other hand, didn't look so good, but appeared to be alive as well. Buffy was flooded with relief at the sight, but the feeling was replaced with fear as a figure stepped from the shadows, heels clicking against concrete as it approached. Suddenly, Buffy found herself standing face to face with her clone and in that moment something clicked in her brain. Her fists dropped limply to her sides and she took a step back.

"The First? No...No...," she shook her head frightfully taking another large step back. "W-We killed you...i-in The Hellmouth...you weren't supposed to come back..." The First/Buffy crossed its arms over its chest and smiled with smug satisfaction, glancing at The Immortal.

"I think we have her right where we want her. Agreed?"

"I believe we do," The Immortal replied with a nod. "Indeed. The word delicious comes to mind."

The two contemplated Buffy who was darting quick glances around her fearfully. Dawn cried out for her sister, but Buffy didn't respond. Instead, her eyes widened and her lips mashed into a tight line as The First approached her.

"Time to play, little girl," it said as it morphed into the form of Jenny Calendar, Giles' former lover. The form of the dark-haired Romanian woman took a step closer to Buffy and sneered. "This time sweetie, the gloves are off. I went easy on you last time and now...I'm done playing around. This is for real...I'm finally going to get what's mine...and this time you or your silly little friends aren't going to stop me." Buffy shrank back a little, her eyes still widened in fright.

Spike, Buffy thought to herself. Help me.

*

Scenery flew by the passenger side window of the rental car as Faith steered toward the city limits of Pasadena. Spike shifted in his seat and willed his gut to stop churning. He glanced over at the Poof beside him, who stared ahead, a frown creasing his features. Cool, calm and collected. Spike didn't know how the Champ could go into a fight with such ease. You needed the adrenaline of fear and tension, it was what propelled you, drove you. Spike couldn't imagine not having that extra bit of power, that advantage in his corner. How could one fight if they didn't have the blood rushing through their veins, the bile churning in their guts? Spike's thoughts were interrupted when a voice glided into his mind abruptly. Spike...help me. It was her...bloody hell...it was Buffy and she was in trouble. Spike jolted forward, gripping the seat in front of him and addressing Faith.

"Bloody step on it, pet. Trouble ahead," Spike warned. Faith shot a frown at him over her shoulder.

"I'm going seventy-five...any faster and I'll get pulled over. Yo, I do not need a ticket right now!" Faith argued.

"Just bloody do it!" Spike shouted, causing Willow to jump in the front seat.

"Alright...alright..." Faith murmured. She glanced at the speedometer as the needle inched toward the ninety mark. "What's the big deal anyway?" Spike leaned back against his seat.

"Buffy...heard her in my brain...she's in trouble," Spike murmured. Angel's head whipped around to face the younger vampire beside him.

"What do you mean you heard her in your brain? You guys have mental telepathy?" Angel asked, lifting his eyebrows. Spike shrugged nonchalantly as if to say 'it's a thing'. Angel shook his head. "How come he gets the mental bond?" he muttered to himself. "I'm her forever true love, for god sake."

"Get over it, Poof. So you got any information? Anything useful, that is?" Spike asked with a lift of his eyebrows.

"As a matter of fact I do," Angel said reaching for the file folder on his lap and opening it. He withdrew a sheaf of papers and held them up. "It's a spell...to get rid of The Immortal...possibly global warming...we're working on that," Angel shook his head. "Anyway, we've got Willow here, she can work the mojo." At the mention of her name, Willow turned in her seat and glanced at the two vampires.

"I heard mojo...you speak my language. What's up?" she asked. Angel reached to the floor of the car and retrieved a plastic bag of supplies, handing them over to Willow.

"All the supplies you'll need for the spell. This spell will rearrange all of his molecules and then vaporize him...I-I think...Fred wasn't too clear...it sounds to me like a magical grenade or something. There's enough there...so if you mess up you can try again," Angel explained. Willow nodded slowly.

"Guess I'm the big gun, huh?" she asked.

"You can do it, Red...we got your back," Spike assured her, which earned him a small smile from the Wicca.

"Heads up guys," Faith said as she slowed the car and made a turn into a shoddy looking parking lot. "We're here. Suit up." Faith surveyed the surroundings as she parked the car. Everyone filed out one at a time and stood silent for a moment.

"Ready to do this?" Faith asked, glancing at those surrounding her.

"Let's go be heroes," Spike muttered and took a step forward, the rest following his lead.

*

The First stared Buffy down with Jenny Calendar's eyes. The menacing stare caused ripples of fear to undulate over Buffy's body. She was shaking so badly she thought she might topple over. Briefly she wondered how the tables had suddenly turned. When had the time come that Buffy trembled in fear? Usually she was a little apprehensive, but now she was veering dangerously toward petrified, frozen-to-the-floor type of fear. She hoped that the reinforcements were on the way, 'cause she was seriously regretting her hasty retreat from the safety of the gang. She faced The First/Jenny Calendar and swallowed hard.

"H-how did this happen?" Buffy asked shakily.

"The seal opened...thanks to your blood. Oh, you thought you stopped it, but a little was just enough," The First sneered, pacing the floor in front of Buffy.

"Now...here I am...ready to finish what you started...ready to avenge the deaths of the soldiers you slaughtered in The Hellmouth. Then I will make good on a promise."

"And what promise would that be?" Buffy asked, some of the strength returning to her voice as she regarded The First.

"That I would be made flesh. You see, I'm sick and tired of being incorporeal. I want to feel the bones of your neck when I wrap my hands around it and twist," The First replied, making a twisting motion with its hands as it continued to pace the floor.

"I want to dip my hands in your blood, feel it slide through my fingers. Isn't this what you were created for? To die? One girl in all the world..."

"Shut up!" Buffy cried. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as her anger replaced her fear. "You forget there's not just one girl in all the world...there's hundreds...thousands...you end me and you deal with the rest." The First laughed haughtily, tossing back the black hair of the Romanian form it possessed.

"You understand nothing, little girl. Once I am made flesh I will have the power to decimate your puny little half-Chosen One's...so you can stop entertaining delusions...nothing will stop me. Not this time." Buffy glanced over at Dawn and Xander who were chained to a post, their bodies slumped over. Dawn glanced at her wearily, her face dirty and drawn. The First had approached The Immortal and now they stood side by side, united in evil.

"So what happens now?" Buffy asked. "You become corporeal and evolve into what...a bigger pain in the ass than you already are?"

Buffy could feel her confidence returning as she took a step forward. The First laughed haughtily and turned to The Immortal.

"I warned you about the mouth," The Immortal replied dryly. "Words fly out of it...she has no respect for a higher power." The First turned back to Buffy.

"I guess we'll have to teach her some won't we?" Buffy laughed and shook her head, looking down at her feet and then lifting her eyes.

"Remember that little conversation we had...oh...about a year ago? You know...with you being the taunter and all? The act is still old. I'm not buying it. You can't affect anything...the air isn't even disturbed when you pass through it. Somehow I doubt that you'll be able to touch me," Buffy responded, folding her arms over her chest. "This is a fight I'm so gonna win."

The First turned to The Immortal, and then shot a glance in Buffy's direction.

"Oh your wrong, little girl," The First said, stepping closer to the ally by its side. "Dead wrong."

With a motion of it's wrist, a figure materialized from out of nowhere, stepping into the room. Buffy immediately recognized the form as it was washed with fluorescent light. The black robes. The lack of eyes. The knife. It was a Bringer. Immediately, Buffy readied herself to fight. The Bringer advanced, but instead of barreling toward Buffy at full-speed, it turned, advanced on The Immortal and grabbed him by the neck. He made a strangled sound in his throat, black eyes darting nervously.

"What are you doing you fool? Get the Slayer!" he ground out. But before he could take his next breath, the Bringer had lifted the knife and sliced it across The Immortal's throat, the blood leaking from the deep gash like water spurting from a hose. With a sigh, The Immortal crumpled to the floor in a heap, his blood leaking onto the concrete floor. The Bringer stood at attention as The First stepped forward, beginning to smile as Buffy's eyes rounded in surprise and shock.

"Hmm...Guess no one's immortal," The First taunted haughtily. Then it glanced at the Bringer and pointed at Buffy. "Get her!"

*

"I hear voices ahead," Faith whispered to the others behind her and slowed down, making a motion with her hand for silence. They had entered the warehouse by following Buffy's path of destruction...the dead bodies outside a sure sign that the Slayer had arrived before them. Stepping over the carnage of twisted bodies, the group entered the warehouse and crept silently down the corridor, a light ahead causing them to halt their steps.

"I see Buffy," Faith craned her neck as she took a step closer, still cast in the shadows of the darkened room the group was hiding in. "Xander and Dawn, too. They're ok...alive at least."

She turned to Willow who hovered from behind. "Start the spell. Over there," Faith pointed to a darkened corner and Willow nodded, clutching her supplies and the folder Angel had given her. Then Faith turned again to peer out into the openness of the room ahead of them and gasped.

"What is it, pet?" Spike asked, stepping forward. Faith didn't speak and Spike leaned forward to look for himself.

"Bloody hell!"

"What! What is it?" Angel pressed. Faith turned to face the gang behind her, sliding her sweaty palms over her jeans and looking a little worried.

"The First. I-it's in there. With a Bringer. And it just killed The Immortal. We're in deep shit," Faith muttered. Spike lowered his head, cradling it with his palms as a sigh issued from his lips.

"Plan B?" he asked in a low defeated voice.

"I think the word 'run' comes to mind," Faith said taking a step forward.

"I'm on board with that," Angel agreed with a nod. "But what about, Buffy? She can't take The First...and there's Dawn and Xander." Willow appeared suddenly.

"The spell...i-it didn't work. Guys...what's going on?" Faith turned and stared again at the room where Buffy stood, facing off with The First.

"Big trouble," Faith murmured. "Really big."

Suddenly a crash resounded from the entrance of the warehouse, as a bus careened through the wall, knocking it down and sending debris flying everywhere. It roared through the building as the gang jumped in different directions to avoid being run over in the process. The bus crashed through the doorway leading into the main area of the warehouse, where Buffy and The First whipped their heads around in astonishment. The bus drove clear through to the other side and broke through the wall, it's hulking body hanging half in and half out of the wall as the wheels spun. Suddenly, the engine quit, then died and silence descended upon the room. Buffy got to her feet, and glanced quickly at The First. The two then stared in open-mouthed astonishment as the rear door of the bus flew open, swinging on its hinges. Girls began to flow from the bus, like a river washing downstream. There were at least a hundred of them and once they had all filed out another figure stepped out of the bus, and stood stone-faced in the middle of the group. Buffy gasped aloud, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Giles!"

End of Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Hearts are worn in these dark ages...
You're not alone in these stories pages...
The light has fallen amongst the living and the dying...
And I'll try to hold it in...yeah I'll try to hold it in...
(World on Fire: Sarah Mclachlan)

*

Chaos. Confusion. There were no better words to describe what was unfolding around her. Buffy was doing her best just to stay focused on the matter at hand. The First was back, it had killed The Immortal. The tables had turned. Violently. Now, Giles had come crashing through the building in his big yellow school bus...leading the cavalry, she supposed. As at least a hundred girls flooded from the rear door of the bus and gathered around the former Watcher, Buffy realized she could do a little table-turning herself.

Glancing around, she noticed that The First had conveniently disappeared...for the moment. It was probably re-grouping. Good. That would give her time to find another way to kill the non-corporeal pain in the ass. For now, this was a rescue mission. Buffy struggled to get to her feet; the impact of the bus crashing through the building had sent Buffy hurtling backward into a wall, every bone in her body ached. A glance down at her stomach revealed that she'd popped a few stitches, blood had leaked from the wound and now soaked through her top. She sensed a presence beside her and her heart did a little flip-flop...which could mean only one thing...Spike. He crouched down beside her, his blue eyes round with concern and love. A slight frown wrinkled his brow and Buffy felt her insides go to mush. He was concerned about her, he was worried. Love rushed through her entire body as she clasped her hand in his. He helped her to her feet, not breaking eye contact with her. Buffy reached out her hand and placed it against his face, his head tilting into her touch as he gazed lovingly at her. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Buffy's heart broke a little at the sight of him before her. His face was streaked with dirt, a nasty scratch bled just above his eyebrow, and a bruise was forming on his left cheek.

"You're hurt," she said softly. Spike peered closer at Buffy, his gaze traveling to her stomach.

"I'll live pet," he said and then nodded at her stomach. "You're bleeding. We need to get you out of here." Buffy's head bobbed up and down slowly in agreement.

"We've got to get Dawn and Xander out of here first. Then we need to do some serious battle strategy. I want The First good and riddanced." Spike clasped her hand in his.

"I'll get the Bit and Harris. I think you and your Watcher need to have a discussion," Spike indicated with a tilt of his head in the direction of the group a few feet away. Buffy nodded and then leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Spike's lips.

"Thank you," she breathed against his lips, brushing her fingertips over his cheek. "I'm sorry about--" Spike pressed a finger to her mouth, silencing her apologies. He stared deeply into her eyes.

"You did what you had to do. It was bloody stupid of you, but understandable. Now go to the Watcher," Spike commanded forcefully, pointing in the direction of Giles. Buffy gave Spike a small smile and then walked slowly in the direction of the group gathered a few feet away. Spike watched her go and then headed over to where Dawn and Xander were chained. Angel, Faith and Willow had joined the group surrounding Giles and stood talking amongst themselves as Buffy approached.

"Buffy!" Giles called, breaking away from the group and rushing over to greet her. Buffy held herself tightly as Giles embraced her. She wasn't ready to welcome him back with open arms just yet, it was too soon. His betrayal was still fresh in her mind. Giles sensed this as he pulled away from her, clearing his throat and removing his glasses. Buffy regarded Giles evenly as she thought of what she might say to him. He'd come to her rescue...in a way...but it wasn't the cure-all for the wounds he'd created...for the mess he'd made. Buffy decided to tread evenly.

"So what's the plan?" she asked, as they began to walk toward the bus.

"I contacted the coven in Devon, there seers are...hmm...well...seeing. They sensed a presence in this area and acted quickly. I gathered our strongest Slayers and brought them here. It's been an excruciating twenty-four hours," Giles explained and then darted a glance in Buffy's direction. "I-I mean...well..." he stammered and Buffy held her hand up for silence.

"Not now, Giles. I don't want to hear apologies or explanations right now. We've got a First problem...a big problem...and that's number one on the agenda. Ok?" she explained, lifting her eyebrows to emphasize her point, which Giles picked up on right away.

"Of course. We need to figure out how to stop it. Permanently," Giles agreed with a nod. Buffy was about to speak, but she winced in pain and doubled over, gritting her teeth. Giles rushed to her side.

"We need to get you to a hospital straight away. It appears you've popped some stitches," Giles pointed out. Buffy's face contorted in pain and then relaxed.

"There's one thing I want to do," Buffy said, turning to walk away.

*

Dawn and Xander were ushered to the bus. Neither of them were hurt badly, just dehydrated and exhausted. The young Slayers tended to the two former captives, while Buffy and the group gathered around the dead body of The Immortal.

"He's gonna come back if we don't do something about it, B. Got any ideas?" Faith asked as she glanced around at the others gathered. Buffy nodded toward the sword in Faith's hand. The rogue Slayer's eyes traveled to the sword and then back to Buffy. Understanding crossed over her features and wordlessly she handed it over. Buffy tightened her grip around the handle and crouched to the floor, where The Immortal lay. The gash on his neck still bled, the fresh blood pooling around his body. Black onyx eyes stared ahead into nothing. Buffy lifted the sword and brought it swiftly to his neck, decapitating him. She handed the sword back to Faith and began to walk away, but her footsteps wavered and before anyone could catch her, Buffy had crumpled to the floor in a dead faint. Spike was at her side instantly. Giles whipped out his cell phone and dialed 911.

*

Spike stroked Buffy's hair as he watched her sleep. The ambulance had taken them back to the same hospital where they'd all waited in agony for Buffy to wake from her coma. It was like bleeding deja-vu and Spike was right tired of it. The doctor had stitched Buffy up and given Spike a stern lecture, saying that Buffy would need to stay in the hospital for a few days...no leaving. Spike didn't agree or disagree because he knew that they wouldn't be staying much longer than the night. The doctor had given Buffy a sedative to help her sleep and then taken his leave of the room. The Slayer had been sleeping for about two hours and Spike was relieved to see her resting. Once she awoke it would be time to get to business. But for now, Spike was going to treasure these moments alone with her that he had. Even though she slept, Spike was content to just be near her. It was more than enough. He leaned forward, pressed a kiss to Buffy's forehead, his lips lingering on her warm skin for a moment, before he lifted his head and resumed stroking her hair.

*

Buffy knew she was dreaming...because she found herself in the Hellmouth again. A presence hovered at Buffy's side and immediately she knew what it was. She turned and faced The First, still wearing the form of Jenny Calendar. Buffy tilted her head back and rolled her eyes.

"You just don't quit, do you? We beat you once and you liked it so much you came back for more?" Buffy stated, thrusting her hands on her hips. The First shook its head, a thin smile tugging the corners of its lips.

"You're way out of your league, Slayer. I told you once before you'll never see me, but I'm always there. Watching. Waiting. That moment when you're not looking is when I'll slip in," The First leaned in close to Buffy, who shrank back a little. "I'll take what's mine and I will be flesh again. Your puny little army can't stop me because I'll always come back." Buffy shook her head.

"You're good with the threats. You can come after me all you want...I'm not going anywhere. Hurt me all you want, I won't break," Buffy replied with a shake of her head. "I've walked away from fights worse than what you tried to pull. So whatever you got? Try it. I'll be ready."

The First laughed, it was a dry sound...emotionless. It made Buffy's skin crawl. The First took a step back and regarded Buffy haughtily.

"Never said it was you I was coming after," it said. Buffy's eyes rounded with fear.

"What do you mean?"

"Ah ah ah," The First chastised. "If I told you everything it would ruin the surprise."

"Surprise? What surprise?"

"Soon," The First said and then disappeared.

*

Buffy woke suddenly with a gasp, her eyes flying open. Spike's head shot up from his arms, his eyes darting to Buffy in a panic.

"What...what happened?" Spike babbled. Buffy sat up slowly, pressing a hand to her forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head to clear it, then glanced Spike's way.

"Bad dream," she mumbled and then tossed the blankets from her body, getting out of bed. Spike watched her walk across the room.

"You're not going to hit me again and run off are you? Because I've had about enough--"

"It was The First," Buffy murmured over her shoulder, "in my dream. It's planning something...said there was a surprise waiting for me." Spike got to his feet and closed the distance between them, gripping her shoulders and turning her body to face his. He framed her face with his hands and met her eyes...patient blue colliding with terrified hazel.

"We'll face it, love. Together. You may have gotten past me once, but this time I'm not letting you get away. Not alone. You need me in this," Spike said with intensity, his thumb idly stroking her cheek. Buffy's eyes closed as a tear slipped down her cheek.

"I know," she whispered. "I just feel so helpless. The First...i-it's gonna win and there's nothing I can do to stop it." Spike hauled her body against his and pressed her head to his chest, his eyes squeezing shut painfully.

"Stop that, love. You're strong...the strongest woman I've ever known. I know that you can face this. You've got a powerful Wicca, a fiercely strong Slayer, about a hundred potentials and one more thing," Spike urged, as she lifted her head from his shoulder, raising her tear-filled eyes to Spike's.

"What?"

Spike stared deeply into Buffy's eyes, his gaze unwavering and so full of love. The emotion washed over Buffy with the force of a tidal wave.

"Me. You've always got me, love. I'll never let you down. I'll be at your side, fightin the good fight. And if it means my life for yours, than that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make," Spike responded, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Buffy's eyes squeezed shut as she shook her head. Spike tucked his finger beneath her chin and thrust her face up so their eyes met.

"Let me show you something."

Before Buffy could protest, Spike had lifted his hand and pointed to something...it was a scar...a very large scar... on his hand. It criss-crossed through his fingers and ended at his palm, where the skin was pink and puckered, while the rest of his hand looked normal. Immediately Buffy stared at her own hand, held it up and traced her own identical scar, located in the same place as Spike's. She flashed back to that day in the Hellmouth as Spike became a champion and saved the world. The memories were still fresh and they still stung sharply, tugged at the corners of her mind, brought back emotions that she thought were long buried. Staring at Spike she listened as he spoke.

"This reminds me of my connection to you," he pointed to his hand, “the bond that won't be broken. You gave me something that day in the Hellmouth," Spike emphasized, his hand dropping to his side.

He reached out and clasped Buffy's hand in his, the intensity of his stare pulled Buffy in as his words washed over her.

"You gave me your respect, your admiration and the chance to redeem myself. You laced your fingers through mine and left me with the promise of your heart. The fire burned our hands, our fingers, and sealed our fate. Don't you see that? We're meant to be together on this, on everything."

The tears were streaming down Buffy's cheeks unchecked as everything came together inside of her. Spike's words, their meanings...it was all true. Slowly, she lifted her head and met Spike's eyes.

"But you...you denied me...re-rejected..." her voice wavered as the emotions brimmed at the surface, her hand lifting to cover her mouth. Spike reached for her and pulled her close, remembering the words exchanged between them as the Hellmouth caved in around them, as light streamed from the amulet, as Buffy finally said the words he'd been dying to hear come out of her mouth for so long. The reminder was painful and poignant at the same time. It was just another chapter in the long and storied history of what they had shared between them, how much pain and distrust they had put on one another.

I love you.

No you don't, but thanks for saying it.

Slowly, Spike tipped her chin so their eyes could meet. He was having trouble finding the words to explain for his actions that day. For so long he'd buried it deep inside, pushed it away, and pretended that it didn't exist. He realized now that he'd only been lying to himself. When he'd come back from wherever the hell he'd been he'd made a promise to himself that he would never interfere in Buffy's life again...all because of that damn sentence he'd uttered to her in those last waning moments they'd shared in the Hellmouth. For as long as he lived, Spike would never be able to forgive himself for denying her the way he had. At the time he'd thought he was doing the right thing, helping her to feel better about moving on and leaving him there...but staring at her now, Spike knew that those words had killed something inside of her and he was immediately sorry that he'd ever said them.

"I'm so sorry, love. So so sorry," Spike whispered.

Buffy stared at their hands clasped together and lifted them, slowly lacing her fingers through his, the scars fitting together perfectly. Her eyes collided with his as her features crumpled and a sob issued from her throat. Spike gripped her hand tightly and then leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. Buffy returned the kiss, pouring all of her emotions into the melding of their mouths. They broke apart, breathing heavily and in that moment between them, all had been forgiven. Buffy understood now that she and Spike were bound together, heart and soul. Nothing could sever the connection between them...not even death...not even The First. Buffy reached with her other hand and pressed it to Spike's cheek.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice wavering.

"I love you, too. Love you so much," he whispered back roughly, the words leaving his mouth on a ragged sigh as once again he captured her lips in a slow, achingly sweet kiss. They were so wrapped in their own world that they never noticed the presence hovering outside the door, watching. The First materialized and watched a moment more and then dissolved as it began to walk the corridor of the hospital wing.

*

The First approached a room and stared at the closed door. It slipped through the door unnoticed and entered. Dawn lay sleeping, at peace. Her features were relaxed and her chest rose and fell rhythmically as she slept. The First hovered at the bedside of the Slayer's sister, shifting into the form of Joyce Summers. At that moment, Dawn's eyes flew open and darted around nervously, until they landed on the presence at her side.

"Mommy?" Dawn whispered, sitting up slowly. "What are you...I mean...how?" Joyce pressed a finger to her daughter's lips silencing her cries.

"Shh sweetie...you need to lie back. Rest. I'm here," Joyce replied soothingly, a soft smile lighting her features. Dawn obeyed and rested back against the pillows.

"Mom...it's terrible...so much has happened...The First..."

"Hush now, Dawnie. Everything will be fine. Just close your eyes sleep now. When you wake up everything will be better again. I promise." Dawn sighed heavily and closed her eyes, giving into sleep.

"Glad you're here mommy," Dawn mumbled before she slipped into slumber.

The First shifted into its true form, a horned beast with claws and large teeth, as its body materialized into a smoke-like apparition, swirling around Dawn's body, changing again into a wisp of black smoke. The smoke lowered over Dawn's face and entered through her nose and mouth. A moment later, Dawn gasped and her eyes flew open. Slowly, methodically, she got out of bed and walked across the room to the mirror on the back of the exam room door. Dawn studied her features as a cryptic smile crept across her features. Her hair changed from brunette to an unholy shade of black, the color left her eyes and was replaced with the same shade of black. Dawn lifted a hand to her chest and pressed it there, feeling the beat of her heart beneath her rib cage.

"It's good to be back," Dawn/The First said. The voice that issued from her throat was deep and unearthly sounding. The First backed away from the mirror and opened the door, heading out into the corridor toward Buffy's room.

End of Chapter Twenty-Three
 

Chapter Twenty-Four

Frail, the skin is dry and pale, the pain will never fail...
And so we go back to the remedy...
Clip the wings that get you high, just leave them where they lie...
And tell yourself, "You'll be the death of me"...
(Remedy: Seether)

*

Buffy and Spike jumped from the bed when the door slammed open, banging against the wall in a terrifying crash. They stared in dumbfounded shock as a figure entered the room. It had black hair, black eyes and moved slowly as if it were in a trance. Buffy's fingers flew to her mouth as a strangled gasp issued from her throat.

"Oh my God! Dawn?" Buffy's eyes narrowed and she tilted her head, not believing what she was seeing. "Is it really you?"

As soon as the question left her mouth, Buffy knew that she wasn't dealing with her sister anymore; she was dealing with something else entirely. The 'something else' vaguely looked like Dawn, inhabited her body, but Buffy knew deep down that Dawn didn't live there anymore. Spike pushed Buffy aside and positioned himself in front of her, his arms agape as he tried to shield Buffy from...whatever this was standing before them. Buffy stepped beside Spike and gave him a look. They faced the thing that looked Dawn.

"What are you?" Buffy asked, a frown creasing her features. A harsh laugh issued from Dawn's throat and a chill ran up and down Buffy's spine. She knew that laugh...had heard it somewhere before. Immediately her brain flashed back to the dream she'd had earlier and realization dawned on her.

"The First...you...you've got to be kidding me, right?"

Dawn's mouth opened and a black cloud burst forth. Buffy stared as the cloud streamed from her sister's mouth and frowned. A buzzing sound could be heard and Buffy realized that it wasn't a cloud...it was a swarm...of something and it was headed right toward her and Spike. The swarm surrounded them and Buffy wrapped her arm around Spike's neck and thrust them both to the ground as the buzzing got louder and the swarm lowered over them. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the swarm disappeared. Buffy opened her eyes and got to her feet and before she could speak, Dawn or whatever it was that was controlling Dawn had wrapped a hand around her neck, cutting off her air. Spike jumped in and reached out to help Buffy, but Dawn held up her other hand, muttered something and sent Spike hurtling across the room, his body slamming into a wall. Buffy desperately tried to pull the hand from her throat as she was lifted from the ground, feet dangling and kicking as she was lifted.

"Dawn please," Buffy croaked as the grip around her throat tightened.

"Dawn doesn't exist. There is only me!"

The voice that issued from Dawn's throat sounded like it had come from the pits of hell. The sound was deep and resonated in an other-worldly pitch. Buffy began to gasp and choke for air as the voice continued.

"I've come to finish what you started, bitch! I've come to get my revenge! You die now, Slayer!"

The room began to spin as Buffy's eyes drifted shut. The grip around her throat was so tight that even her strength couldn't remove it. She felt the air leaving her lungs as her body slumped forward. The First laughed hellishly as Buffy's struggling ceased, as she started to give up. She could feel herself slipping away and had almost let go when she heard the voices. Buffy's eyes flew open as she was dropped to the floor, the air rushing back so quickly that she began to cough and choke violently. She lifted her eyes to see Giles and Willow entering the room, chanting from books they held in their hands. The First writhed and made freakish sounds of pain as Willow and Giles chanted, their voices rising as the words rang out. Buffy took a step back and watched in horror as Dawn's face twisted and shifted in pain, the deep voice emitting from her mouth sounding feral and animal-like as her body fell to the floor. She covered her ears and bellowed loudly as Giles and Willow approached, holding out their hands as neon colored light began to stream from their fingers, surrounding Dawn's body and binding her tightly. The commotion ended suddenly as Dawn's body was lifted off the ground and suspended in mid-air, the neon light surrounding it as she or it, appeared to sleep. Buffy shot a glance in Spike's direction and rushed to his side as he struggled to sit up, clutching his head.

"What the bloody hell was that?" he grumbled, a frown creasing his features as he stared in bewilderment at Buffy. He registered the look of fear and shock on her face and shook his head. "Never mind, maybe I don't want to know." Buffy helped him to his feet and inspected him for injuries.

"I don't know what the hell that was, but it sure wasn't Dawn," Buffy said with a sigh, lowering her eyes. "Something's taken over her body and I think that something is The First." Giles and Willow stepped up and Buffy whirled around to face them. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Explain. Now."

*

Buffy gathered everyone into her room and heard the gasps of shock, the questions, as the group gathered, taking seats on the floor and on the bed. Buffy stood beside Spike, holding his hand tightly in her own as if she were afraid to let go. Her eyes traveled around the room and landed on Faith, who had a frown on her face.

"Ok, what the hell is that?" Faith asked pointing at the figure that resembled Dawn, suspended in the neon bubble before them. Buffy turned, glanced sadly at her sister's body and then shifted her eyes back to Faith.

"That," she said pointing at the bubble, "used to be Dawn. Now, it's The First. Somehow the non-corporeal bastard found a way to inhabit a human body and coincidentally the first one it chose was my sister. Giles and Willow are going to explain. I hope." Buffy stepped aside as Willow and Giles took the floor, glancing around the room.

"Freaky," Faith muttered, shaking her head.

"Listen up everyone. This is important...and different...as it has never happened before," Giles began. "The First has never been all that powerful. It's only power lies in being able to taunt its victims, bend them to its will with very persuasive tactics, using the victim's mind against them. It could take on the form of any dead person it chose, as we all know." Giles cleared his throat and continued.

"But now...it has apparently found some way to inhabit the body of a human being and unfortunately chose Dawn as its vessel. I've been in touch with the coven in Devon and frankly, they were terrified. This," Giles nodded toward the neon bubble, "is unprecedented. The coven was able to find a spell...a-a binding spell...to contain it for the moment. But it won't hold forever."

"And you were going to tell me this when?" Buffy asked, tossing her hair and crossing her arms over her shoulder, shooting Giles a malevolent glare. "Before or after it killed my sister? Cause this," she made a motion with her hand toward the body of her sister, "is bad timing. Really bad." Giles sighed, removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. Then he lifted his head wearily.

"If there was something I could have done to stop this before it happened, I would have. I didn't discover that The First's presence had followed us here until it was too late," Giles replied slowly.

"But you could have stopped it, could have said something!" Buffy exclaimed stepping closer to Giles. He angrily whipped off his glasses and stormed across the room facing Buffy.

"I am not responsible for this!" Giles shouted.

"Yes... you are!" Buffy cried heatedly. "All of this...it's your fault! The Hellmouth, The Immortal, The First...all of it. You're stupid plan to kill Spike again after you promised me you wouldn't has set this whole thing into play! You're the reason were here and you're the reason that Dawn is like that!"

She pointed to Dawn again as her eyes widened, realizing what she had let slip. She mashed her fist against her mouth, her features crumpling. Turning away, Buffy took a seat beside Spike, who wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. Giles sighed and hung his head.

"I take complete responsibility for this..." he gestured wildly in the air in search of a word, "chaos. Yes, chaos. But now is my chance to redeem myself. Pass on the information I have and put it to use so this...nightmare can end," Giles finished, glancing at Buffy, who turned her head away and averted her eyes. Giles shifted his gaze to Willow who stood beside him, staring at her feet.

"Maybe Willow would be better suited to explain." He gave her a half-smile and then stepped away. Willow stepped forward, pasted a smile on her face and then lifted the piece of paper she held in her hand and glanced at it.

"The spell we did on The First will only hold it for a short period of time. Until then we need to find something to extract it’s..." Willow struggled for the word and glanced at the paper in her hand, "essence. Right now it's doing battle with Dawn's spirit...trying to gain control. Its obvious motive is to kill Buffy...a-all of us. I'm working on research," Willow finished and then stepped back.

"So that was the plan all along? For The First to inhabit a human body and take us all out?" Faith asked in confusion glancing around the room. Giles stepped up again.

"Y-yes. It used The Immortal to manipulate...uh...myself and Angel...not unlike a chess game. It was positioning the pieces...strategizing...until it had us where it wanted us. Once the ritual to resurrect it was performed in the Hellmouth, it was energized once again," Giles explained.

"So...taking out The Immortal...all part of the big scheme?" Faith asked again.

"Yes," Giles nodded. "It didn't need The Immortal anymore, so it...disposed of him...rather brutally I might add...apparently he had no idea. I haven't quite put the pieces together as to how it found a way to take over a human body, but the coven is working on it and hopefully we'll have answers soon. For now I think we should--"

"We get Dawn back," Buffy's voice piped in suddenly, "then we deal with whatever's next." Giles put his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels.

"Agreed," he stated in monotone as Buffy stepped to the middle of the room and faced everyone.

"Ok. So we hit the research. Willow," Buffy said her gaze shifting to the red-head, "how long will the spell hold The First...will it buy us enough time?"

"Should," Willow said with a nod. "I'm going to hit the 'Net...try and find a spell that will extract its essence from Dawn's body."

"Good," Buffy replied and then turned to the others. "I guess all we can do is wait," she finished with a shrug. With that said, everyone stood and began to file from the room. Spike appeared at Buffy's side as she stared at the neon bubble encasing the body of her sister.

"How did this happen, Spike?" Buffy asked softly, her eyes never wavering from the image in front of her. "What if we can't..." she sighed and lowered her head slowly.”What if we don't get Dawn back?" Spike pressed a comforting hand to Buffy's shoulder.

"We will, love. We will," he said softly.

"I wish I could believe that. I wish I could stop doubting so much...but truth is...I'm terrified. I have been since this all started. I just want things to go back to the way they were. I hate this," Buffy agonized, her shoulders slumping in defeat. Suddenly, movement from the neon bubble caused Buffy to lift her eyes. Dawn's eyes opened and shifted to meet Buffy's gaze. Buffy let out a horrified gasp and took a step back as the black depths of Dawn's eyes slammed into hers. Tears began to well in them and her chin began to quiver.

"Help me...Buffy...please." This time it was Dawn's voice that spoke and not the other more terrifying voice of The First. Buffy timidly stepped closer and reached out a hand.

"God...Dawn. I..," she stammered brokenly as she stared at Dawn's tears. Once again, Dawn's face shifted, her jaw clenched and she tilted her head back, letting out an animal-like roar. The room began to shake and Buffy reached for Spike to hold her up. The First reappeared and sneered at Buffy.

"Got me now...can't hold me forever," the voice seethed. "I am controlling everything...pulling the strings...you can't stop this."

"Watch me," Buffy said as steely resolve edged into her voice. She felt herself returning to Slayer mode, snapping right back into it like stepping into a comfortable pair of jeans.

"I will stop you," she finished through gritted teeth and then turned on her heel, Spike hot on her trail as they left the room.

The First let out another earth-shaking roar as it struggled inside the neon bubble. Buffy slammed the door closed as Xander stepped up and loosely draped a thick chain over the handle, looping it around and then snapping a padlock through the links. He dropped a key into Buffy's palm as they exchanged a look. The three descended down the corridor, ignoring the wails and other-worldly roars that emitted from the room. Doctors and nurses peered around corners and stared, but pretended not to notice the commotion.

End of Chapter Twenty-Four

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