Part 14:

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Spike was stunned for a few seconds and XanderÕs voice broke his reverie.

"Dammit, get off of me, you bleached corpse. Who the hell do you think you are? I think you broke my arm." The tremors quit as quickly as they started. Spike looked at Xander sideways.

"S'not broken. Here, I'll show you---." Xander jumped to his feet hissing from the pain.

He glared at Spike as the vampire also stood. "Don't you ever lay a hand on me, or any of my friends, ever, ever again or I swear, I will be the ends to your means. Get it, blondie? I have no qualms about ending your existence."

Buffy had made her way over to the boys and heard Xander's rant. She cocked her head at him and placed her hands on her hips not believing the words emanating from his mouth.

"Xander!?"

"Don't bother, luv. He's so short sighted, he can't even see past his own nose." Spike walked away sadly.

Xander pointed at the departing vamp. "Oh yeah, you---damn. I couldn't think of a good comeback." He saw Buffy's demeanor.

"What---the dead guy, your ex-whatever, attacked me and dislocated my shoulder. Didn't you see him?"

"I saw---the whole thing. I guess Spike is right. You choose what you want to believe. Xander, just think about it. Why would Spike just come right out and attack you? Did you even notice that slab of concrete right there?" She pointed at it.

"Yeah." Buffy rolled her eyes; he wasnÕt get the big picture.

"Well, about five minutes ago, you were standing right there where it is now laying. Where do you think you would be now if Spike had *not* knocked you out of the way?"

Xander stood there in silence looking at the concrete wall. It hit him like a ton of bricks; Spike had actually saved his life. He never figured the vampire, souled or not, would think twice about him. Xander had berated him, now he felt like a heel. He was the only one out of all the Scoobs who disliked Spike and voiced his opinions about it daily. Now the stupid souled one had to rush in and save his life. Why, he asked himself. God, now he would have to apologize *and* thank him at the same time. His life couldn't be anymore complicated.

Buffy and Giles met up nearby, both voicing their concern about the earthquake. It meant more research especially if and when an apocalypse was upon them. They looked up at the sound of Xander screaming in agony. Spike had made Xander hold the handle of the weapons bag with his bad arm. The weight of it had pulled his arm back into the right place. He swayed back and forth as Dawn wrapped her arms around him to steady him, looking as if he would surely pass out from the pain. If he did, she would ask Spike to carry him home. He didn't of course, but he grumbled all the way as they all headed back to the Summers' house.

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Everyone was solemn on the walk back. When they entered the Summers' sanctuary, a sigh of relief could be heard from everyone. The atmosphere relaxed. The girls went into the kitchen to pull out the snacks, which left the guys in the living room. Spike quickly strode over to the chest to put away the weapons. Giles looked at Xander and motioned him to go over to Spike to say something. Xander hung his head in shame and trudged towards his mission.

"Uh, Spike." He didn't answer or even look in his general direction.

"Look, this is hard for me, cause I don't like you. So could you at least give me a chance to apologize with dignity?"

"I suppose and the feelingÕs mutual," Spike muttered as he straightened up and glared at the whelp.

"Alright, fair. What I mean to say is---ssss---sorry. For the way I treated you back in the cemetery after you, you know, did what you did. And, thanks. I guess I owe you one."

"You don't owe me a thing. Didn't want a bunch of blubbering women out there when you flattened into a pancake. Just doing what---doing the right thing, that's it."

Spike noticed then they had an audience as everyone stood looking at the two enemies. A sort of truce was being made between them and they wanted to witness it. Xander pulled his hand out of his jeans pocket and extended it towards Spike. Spike looked down at it then glanced over at Buffy. She smiled and nodded at him to accept. He rolled his eyes and shook Xander's hand. They quickly broke away from it and went off in separate directions. Buffy was now happy that two of her friends were trying to make a go of it. She knew it wasn't going to be pretty, but it was a start. Now maybe they could all work together to get to the bottom of all this ugliness building up underneath them.

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The following morning, a Saturday, Buffy slowly made her way down the stairs. She had retired to her own bed very late leaving the others strewn about the room. She stopped at the bottom step and gazed around. Her living room floor was almost covered with bodies. Everyone had decided to stay overnight since no one had any prior arrangements for the day. Giles was going to head up an all day research party and he co-erced everyone to stay and help, bribing them with tasty morsels. He would take everyone out to dinner that night if they volunteered for research duty.

Buffy walked over to the side of the couch and looked down at Giles, who was still knocked out on the sofa and off to her right, Xander, Willow and Anya were snoozing as well. They had found pillows, blankets and sleeping bags to use for their little slumber party. Spike had found a patch of open floor right in front of his beloved telly, where Dawn and he were now casually lounging and watching the morning cartoons. Actually, Dawn watched and ran a commentary for Spike, who was awake but laid there, arms behind his head with eyes closed, a slight smile playing at his mouth. He was enjoying his company and Buffy thought it was so cute how Dawn used Spike's folded arm as a headrest.

Giles started to stir so Buffy made her way to the kitchen to make coffee and search around for breakfast type foods. When she returned back to the room, Willow and Anya were sitting on the floor on the other side of Spike. Xander, who still looked asleep even though his eyes were wide open, was on the couch next to Giles who was now sitting up and of course reading over something important, she was sure. She heard Dawn giggle and noticed there was a slight struggle occurring between her sister and the blonde vampire. Dawn was poking him in the ribcage, which caused a surprising reaction on Spike's behalf. Dawn noticed Buffy standing in the doorway.

"Guess what, Buffy? Someone we all know is very ticklish."

Spike growled and tried his best to grab the girl's quick hands. "Am not."

"Are so! Watch, I'll show ya. Come on, Willow. Let's watch the vampire squirm."

Willow was laughing at how Spike was moving all over the place, trying to get away from the long bony fingers of Dawn. Willow made a surprise attack on the other side of his ribs. Anya sat there, a look of wonder on her face as if she wasn't quite getting what was going on.

"I hear vampire's have very sensitive feet. Oh, look, Spike has no shoes or socks on." Anya swiftly moved towards his feet.

"NNOOOO," Spike yelled between snickers and snorts. Buffy heard sounds coming from him she had never heard before. She definitely had never heard him laughing this way. She couldn't help but to start laughing as well.

"Giillleess, help me." Spike was hoping someone would rescue him from this tickle attack. He couldn't fend any of the girls off and thought that just maybe endorphins were being sent to his brain and zapping his body of all his strength. Yeah, that had to be it. He even tried to persuade Xander, reminding him he owed him one. Giles and Xander just looked at one another.

"No, I clearly remember some undead one saying I didn't owe him a thing. Do you recall that, Giles?"

"Yes, I distinctly remember something coming up like that in your conversation." Giles snickered and went back to his notes. Xander continued to watch TV.

"Bugger, ok, ok, timeout, timeout. I'm about to die---again. You've all done your parts at humiliating the dead guy. The cats out of the bag--- Spike just happens to be ticklish." He sat up and saw Buffy holding her belly and silently laughing so hard, tears were rolling down her face.

"Thanks, Summers, for the help. Glad you found it so bleeding humorous." Buffy walked over to the group sitting on the floor.

"Aww, Spike. That was your initiation into the gang. You passed with flying colors." She held out a hand to help him up. He eyed it warily, and then stuck his hand into hers. Surprisingly he jerked her down onto his lap.

"I think you need to have your membership re-affirmed. Don't you think so, bit?"

All four of them pounced on Buffy, who had rolled up into a ball trying to keep her ticklish spots hidden. The whole house was filled with laughter as Giles and Xander finally decided to join in the raucousness. The much needed bit of fun and relaxtion ended all too quickly. Back to the dreaded books.

Six hours later, everyone was completely exhausted from sifting through tons of information. Spike had dozed off on the couch, in which Xander voiced a formal complaint about. Dawn reminded him that Spike was a creature of the night and usually slept during the day anyway. He had already been doing his share of research. Spike was the one that found information on the council secretly training potential slayers in different parts of the world. After he proudly informed everyone about that bit of info, he tossed the folder aside, yawned and stretched, and mumbled that he was taking a nap.

A half hour later, they were all jolted out of a research stupor by yelling coming from the living room. Everyone moved swiftly into the adjoining room to find Spike fighting in his sleep. Buffy moved to wake him up just as he jumped off the couch.

"No, you can't take her. Not my girl."

He stood next to the sofa in a fighting stance, his vampire face on causing Buffy to take a step back for a secone, then walked towards him again. It took a while for him to focus and realize Buffy was standing in front of him. He shifted back to human face and grabbed her arms tightly. She gasped.

"Buffy, thank god. They were after us and I couldn't do anything. Not even when they grabbed you and dragged you away. I---."

He slowly turned his head towards the group now staring at him. He cleared his throat as he let go of Buffy and rubbed the back of his neck. If she didn't know any better, she would swear he could have been blushing from embarrassment.

She quickly asked, "Do you think you had a vision, or something prophetic?

He looked back at her. "I don't know. It seemed so real but I couldn't see their faces. They wore cloaks with hoods over their heads. They took you and I was alone. I didn't know what to do."

His voice trailed off with a hitch in it. Buffy placed a hand on his arm as Dawn walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist to comfort him. Buffy wished she felt comfortable enough to do that in front of her friends. She did, though, rub his back not unlike the time he comforted her on the back porch a few years ago.

ÒHooded guys, no face. Same ones in my dreams.---So, you were trying to protect me, huh?" She smiled softly at him.

He looked up at her. "Trying being the operative word. Didn't do so well. I'll work on that, though."

Giles cleared his throat, not wanting to interrupt the warm moment. "I think we should call it a day. The sun is setting and I'm sure we are all starving by now. How about Italian tonight? I'm paying for everybody, so if you need to leave to go get cleaned up, you better meet us back here in an hour."

Everyone took off in different directions. Spike hesitated and looked over at Giles. He opened his mouth to say something until Giles broke in.

"Yes, you are coming to dinner with us. I know for a fact you do eat human food. And I'm sure they can leave the garlic out if you ask them. I suggest you get your blood fix here, though, before we leave." He walked up the stairs to go get changed.

Spike smiled; he had never felt so welcomed in all of his undead life. Even with his vampire family he felt like an outcast because of the love and humanity he seemed to have carried over with him when he was turned. Maybe this soul wasn't so bad after all. He was being accepted in this group of humans he had struggled for so long to get into. He knew at that very moment he would do anything to protect each and every one of them, even if it cost him his unlife.

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TBC

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A few weeks had passed by, and Spike was still living in Buffy's basement. Quite funny actually, because Xander had offered Spike a room in his apartment a week earlier. The ball was now in Spike's court. He found it was a tough choice. He knew if he stayed here at Buffy's, it might drive a wedge into whatever relationship there was building back up between the two of them. He really wanted to keep things the way they were at the moment. It was going fairly well, a friendship that could very well turn into something more. He felt though living in her house put a strain on that slowly blooming relationship. Yet the thought of living with Xander made his blood run even colder. He could put up with him for a little bit, but having to live under the same roof as him may even be the death of him, again. Even with the soul, he was trying his best to put up with him. He would definitely give it more thought.

By now they all knew that whatever was brewing in and around the hellmouth would be upon them soon. Buffy continued to have her dreams, as well as Willow's starting back up. Something was coming, they just didn't know what or when. Anya had heard about it through her vengeance pals, before she revoked her vengeance ways. She was still a demon, but more on the side of good. She called herself a 'reconciliation demon', helping the lovelorn and the broken hearted. She had even started helping Buffy and the gang even more, which placed her back on Buffy's good people list. Anya was strong and very much needed; she was the one that informed Buffy about a new demon in town, one who was up to no good. Apparently there was a bounty out on the slayer's head. Head as in literally her head, detached from her body.

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They had all voted and decided they would start patrolling in groups. Giles had continuously informed everybody throughout the day about the uneasy feelings sitting with him. Too much evil was lurking around and in between to do the patrols all alone. This particular night was no exception and they all went along. Good thing because they ran into the group of demons who were incidentally working for the new big bad. The scooby gang spread out per Buffy's orders, but Spike felt he needed to stay as close as possible to the slayer. Giles' uneasies were spilling over to him now.

It was an all out war, between good and bad and the gang was taking their beatings but none of them too serious. Of course by the time they had offed about two thirds of the grimy, smelly beasts, they seemed to be slowing down tremendously with the slaying.

Spike hadn't noticed that Buffy had moved farther away from him and since she was out in the open she was a sitting duck. Spike finished off the demon he was fighting by easily slicing off it's head and then it happened. He bent over in pain, but nothing had hit him. He quickly looked down at his belly when another pain shot through his head. He couldn't see a thing. Something else went off and right away he acknowledged it. Buffy was in serious trouble and he had sensed it. He would have to find out later just how. Right now he had to go and protect his girl.

Swiftly, like the predator he was, he was flying through the air and crouching over her prone body, vampire features in full view, a menacing snarl rumbling from deep. The others, who had already championed over their adversaries, stood and watched the scene with awe. They dare not get too close; they all knew Spike was the best candidate to rid them of the three remaining demons. Giles was amazed when the demons looked at one another, looking a bit intimidated. Was Spike speaking to them? Strange sounds were coming from his deep inside of him, Giles was positive it wasn't normal vampire sounds. He was even more amazed when the trio turned and ran. The Scoobs walked over to the couple as Spike seemed to be checking her over for injuries. When they were within his parameter, he turned on them. Quickly his demon visage melted away and the growls halted. He physically started shaking all over, falling onto his knees next to her and cradling her head in his arms. He began to stroke her hair in such a tender manner.

"Spike," Giles spoke softly. Spike looked up at him. "Spike, may I look her over, please?"

"Sure," his voice was even shaky. "But she's alright. Got the wind knocked out of her right before she took the blow to her head."

Giles kneeled and checked for bumps, bruises and gashes. Spike was correct.

"Giles," Spike whispered, "I felt something when Buffy was knocked about. Felt the pain in my gut, then in my head and I wasn't fighting anything at the time. Then something happened. Don't know how to explain, but I knew that Buffy was in serious trouble. Am I out of my tree again?"

"I must be honest, I'm not sure why you experienced Buffy's pain not to mention why you knew she was in danger. I'll have to---."

"I know," Spike mumbled, "Research it."

"Why, yes, I'm sorry. There are just some things that are still an anomaly to me."

"Yeah, me too, and I've been around for over 120 years." They both shared a small chuckle.

Buffy moaned and started to move around slightly. Giles had let Spike continue to hold her close to him while he inspected her and he remained cradling her head gently. Buffy's eyes slowly opened and tried to focus on the two faces hovering over her. A grin spread over her face as she realized she still had her head. "Hi."

Spike chuckled. "Hi, luv. Welcome back to the land of the living and the not so living. How's the melon?"

She sat up. "Fine, I think. A bit of a headache but that's good, right? Means I have all parts of my body still attached. That pesky headstone got in the way of my falling down."

"Yes, all parts, still attached." Spike mumbled as he and Giles helped her to stand.

She looked over the others. "Did we win?"

Xander got excited right away. "Yeah, Buffster, we beat 'em good."

"Good. Can we go home?"

Buffy leaned into Spike while he wrapped his arm tightly around her waist.

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Once they were all back at the house, Spike took off again without anyone realizing he had departed. Buffy was well looked after, she didn't need an extra body bumbling around her. She healed quickly and would be back to herself in no time. Besides, he was a man, or a vampire on a mission. He knew he wouldn't be gone for very long.

Giles instantly went into research mode once Buffy was deposited onto the couch and the girls messed about her.

"I'm fine, really, Willow, Dawn, Anya. Please, just sit down before I pass out again. It will soon pass. So tell me what went down. I remember fighting three of those ugly buggers---oh, god, I'm talking like Spike now. What happened after I hit the, may I just say, very solid and very hard headstone? Owie. "

Willow and Dawn sat down across from Buffy and went into detail about Spike, the brave protector, embellishing on every fact. Xander sat close by, shaking his head and grumbling as the girls made Spike into a superhero. Anya was playing along with them. He noticed Buffy's face become flustered. Why was that? Was she embarrassed or---. No he really didn't want to think those thoughts about Buffy and Sp---. Xander couldn't even say the two names in the same sentence together. He was going to offer Spike to move into his apartment again and do it very soon.

About an hour later, Buffy was back to herself. She had disappeared upstairs for a bit and had come back down carrying a large department store bag, sitting it on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. The girls had gathered some snacks and had decided to watch a movie for relaxation. Halfway through it, Buffy sat up quickly on the edge of the couch, scanning the room.

"What's up, Buff?" Dawn noticed the tension in her back.

"Has anyone seen Spike? He's been gone for, like forever. Did he say anything about going to sleep?"

Dawn shook her head. "No, but I'll go check."

She made her way to the basement, but he wasn't there. When she stepped back into the kitchen, he was coming in the back door.

"Hey, where ya been?"

Before he answered, Buffy ran into the kitchen, a panicked look on her face. She almost collided with Spike and he noticed tears were forming in her wild eyes.

Spike grabbed onto her forearms. "Whoa, slayer, Buffy. Love, what's wrong?"

"Ahh, Spike. I didn't hear---I mean I didn't see---. Where were you? I was worr---. I mean---." And the floodgates opened up as she stood in front of him shaking uncontrollably.

"Buffy?" he was exasperated. "Buffy tell me what's wrong."

Dawn had walked over to comfort her not knowing what was going on either.

"I don't know really. I had this feeling, a heavy, dark feeling. It had something to do with you. I was---worried---you were gone---that something may have happened---. Where did you go?"

"Just to Willy's, luv, that's it. Nothing or nowhere else. Had some personal business to take care of. Didn't want you to have to come along. Just to let you know, you're bounty hunter has been taken care of. No worries, luv. None at all."

"OK. Umm, I've got something to give to you. For helping tonight and taking good care of me and the others, for protecting me." The tears she previously shed were now drying on her face.

"You know you don't have to give me things. Just knowing you and the bit are safe and sound is enough for me."

"You're getting to be such a softie." Buffy smiled and punched him gently on the arm. He winced and grabbed the spot she hit, eyebrows creasing.

"I know. Bugger."

The three wandered into the living room where the other four were still sitting. Buffy grabbed the store bag and brought it to him. In front of all watching eyes, she handed it to him. He didn't know what to do, he felt a little embarrassed.

"Go on," Buffy prodded.

Spike opened up the bag and pulled out a very old and worn black duster.

"You kept this old thing? I thought for sure you would have tossed it.--- Would you like it? It once belonged to a slayer, I think it only fitting you take it."

"No, it's yours. You keep it."

"Thanks, Buffy. Honestly, luv, don't think anything of this but--- it's not me anymore. Don't feel right wearing it seeing how I came about it."

"Then you do whatever you want with it." She actually understood what he was trying to say as she watched him walk over to the weapons chest, pull out a good size knife and shred the duster into strips. When he was finished, he let out a long sigh. Buffy met his gaze and gave him a reassuring look before walking away.

Giles had been oblivious to the whole scene. He stood up quickly, a look of excitement spread across his features as he yelled out, "Aha!"

Buffy looked at him rather puzzled. "Giles?"

"I think I have found something. Something extraordinary. Something about vampires and slayers. Something about the two of you."

TBC

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Giles looked up and noticed everyone was staring at him, wide-eyed and waiting.

"Ok, Giles you're giving me the wiggins. Spit it out." Buffy calmly said though her insides were twitching.

Spike realized Buffy had grabbed a hold of his shirt sleeve and held on tightly, her knuckles turning white. 'She must be really nervous---or really scared', he thought.

"Buffy, this is astounding. Incredulous even. Maybe you should sit down."

"Giles, you're scaring me now. Just tell us, what did you find."

Giles took off his glasses, but didn't start cleaning them, which in a way was a good sign.

"Well, I've been going over a few things this past week. The Thoroughgood Manual for one. He was a seer in ancient times, and he wrote about many possible prophecies. Not too different from Nostradamus."

Everyone shook their heads up and down once he compared the two seers.

"Just recently, I discovered a bit of interesting information. A former Watcher, Gustaf Kreiger, had ascertained some notable documents of which he wasn't supposed to have possesion of. He accomplished decrypting the notes and writing it down in another language, I believe it was in Cherokee. A mate sent me the english version a few weeks back."

"Giles, please, I love you but get to the point." Buffy huffed a bit.

"Well, yes. Apparently Higher Members of the Council know that slayers, all slayers dna contain minute traces of a rare molecule. And even though vampires are unliving, they carry the same molecule. These findings resulted in the affirmation that slayers and vampires are linked genetically. The first slayer was born from a male vampire and a human female."

Buffy released a breath that she had been holding in. Spike ended up sitting down, a little nervous of what else was coming.

"Ok, I think I can handle that info," Buffy sighed. "What else you got?"

"There's no question that you and Spike were destined to have met and remain, um, on friendly terms. At first I thought it might be Angel it was referring to, because we already know he plays a vital part in the big apocalypse; he will become human."

Spike cringed. Lucky wanker.

Giles looked right at Spike. "I always thought you had a higher purpose, William."

"Bloody hell, he's calling me by my given name. Give it to me straight, Watcher." Spike ground out.

"Since you have a soul now, you are connected to the slayer mentally and apparently physically. That may be because you have shared more intimate, uh, moments with each other. It's almost a telepathic line though I don't think you can speak to each other telepathically---yet. There's more to the two of you than meets the eye. You both are very much alike in spirit, share a lot of the same traits, personalities are close. Probably why you argue constantly, but understand each other so well. Together, the two of you flow smoothly together when slaying, always knowing where the other is or what the other is about to do. Fit together like two separate pieces of a puzzle. I believe, Spike, you will also be a vital part in the coming apocalypse. I will research more. If you have questions, don't hesitate to come and ask me. I'll try my best to look them up."

Both Buffy and Spike turned and looked at one another. Spike cocked his head to the side, trying to read her. She looked surprised, amazed even, possibly fearful? He felt the same. So they were supposed to be a team. They were connected. A moment of giddiness trickled through him. Could mean something---maybe.

Not too long after Giles' revelations, Spike wandered into the kitchen and noticed Buffy standing near the back door, peering out into the darkness. She was holding herself and he wasn't sure how to approach her.

"What's on your mind, Slayer?" Damn, he should have called her by her name instead of her title. Sounded so cold and callous that way. She wouldn't turn around.

"You mean you can't tell me?" Her reply was cutting.

"Well, I can probably guess. Amazement, disbelief, confusion, fear---why you?---why me?"

She had turned to look at him while he spoke, crossing her arms defiantly across her chest.

"You know me so much better than I even know myself. I realize some things now. I've always understood the reason why I've been brought back here, back to the living both times, or three if you count almost dying from the gunshot wound. I have a purpose to fulfil, I've known that for a while. I also know why I went to you when I was brought back from heaven. It was a pull, like a magnetic pull. I felt safety in your presence. Didn't have to talk, didn't have to do anything, just be in your company and I felt safe and sheltered." Her voice softened. "I know I was wrong, starting the thing between us. We could have had something much more meaningful if I hadn't screwed---."

"Buffy, luv," Spike whispered, reaching out to place his hand along her cheek. She leaned into it, closing her eyes, a tear escaping. "I don't regret any of it. I love you so much and wouldn't trade the time we had together for nothing. Not even for this blasted soul I got."

Buffy reached out to him, leaning forward, head lowered, til her forehead rested on his chest, hands splayed across him next to her face. He enveloped her in a tender, loving embrace and she began to sob. He kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent. It was a mutual understanding that they would be there for each other til the other perished or til the end of time.

Buffy's sobs came harder. Spike worriedly held on, stroking her hair gently.

"Breathe, Buffy. Everything has a purpose and all will be well. Now's probably not a good time to tell you that I'm leaving."

Buffy's head whipped up, her face wet and eyes burning a hole in him. She hissed.

"What?!"

"Just to my own place, moving out. Not very far away, I promise. Willy owes me one so he offered me his extra apartment near the bar. I help him out, he helps me. I think it will be better this way, us apart, since we're "connected" to each other. I want to be with you, and I hope you want to be with me."

"I do, just not---".

"I know, just not now. But eventually, right? If we take it slower?"

She smiled sweetly at him. "Yes, eventually and slower. I like. Just--- give me a little bit more time, not much mind you. I'll let you know when I'm ready, I promise.

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Another month passed by, the research was still going strong. The coming apocalypse was drawing closer though none of them knew when it would hit exactly. Giles had come across tidbits of information that was helpful but the best of all lay hidden in a very ancient text he had "taken" when no one was looking. He wanted to read it aloud to the gang so he had them gather around the table at the Magic Box one evening.

"I wanted you all to hear this bit of prophetic information I have recently found. It reads, 'The battle to end all battles will be nigh and the chosen one, the one who bears the mark of the last slayer will lead the world to triumph. The two named protectors will follow her way into battle, the Gaelic child to the left hand of the chosen one, the Saxon child to the right. The dark essences they carry will be overshadowed by the light within them. Both immortals will perish at the hands of the hellbeast, only to be born to the world again through their previous lives, to become and remain mortal.' I have deduced that the named protectors are Angel and- -- Spike. Angel's given name was Liam, an Irish form of William and the name William means 'to protect'." Giles slowly raised his eyes from the text and looked over at them all ending with his gaze on Spike.

Spike shot up out of his seat as if everything hit him all at once and causing the chair he was sitting on to fall back with a loud smack. All heads turned in his direction. He released a breath, sounding a bit shaky, as he walked away from the table and the stares. Buffy glanced back at Giles and he shrugged his shoulders slowly, not knowing what to do or say. Buffy stood just as Spike turned back around to face them, running a trembling hand through his hair. He straightened up and stared at Buffy.

"Well, whatta ya know? I don't know---what to say really. Which, yes, I know is highly unusual for me."

"Are you going to be ok?" Buffy started to walk to him. She slipped her hand into his, not caring that everyone was now watching them.

"Yeah, it's just a lot of information to have to soak up. A little shaky right now, but it'll pass. I'll deal."

He headed to the back of the store, into the training room that was still set up with equipment. Buffy heard him mumble before he made it to the door.

"Bloody hell."

TBC

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February came into California bringing a cold wind like they never felt before. It didn't seem to faze the demon population as they continued to wreak havoc on a not so sunny Sunnydale. Kept the Scooby gang and the slayer on their toes, constantly. Didn't mean they never had time for one another. The month of love had it's icy grip on all of the subsequent couples in the gang. Xander and Anya were actually dating again, promising each other not to rush into anything life altering. Willow had met a fellow witch. Actually, the wiccans had run into one another, both trying to help a lost little girl when she was cornered by a nasty demon. Megan was a tiny sprite, but had a lot of magical powers up her sleeve. The two spent a lot of time together and she slowly became one of the gang.

Spike still pursued Buffy, but never overdoing it and never pushing her. He stood by, waiting patiently, enjoying the time he spent with her, fought alongside her, talking with her, and playing with her. (Playing in the general sense of the teasing and the joking, fun and games type of play.) He was becoming frustrated though, for as long as they'd been with one another since he came back with the soul, he had not even kissed her. Sure there was the touching, the hugging, the nuzzling and the hand holding. A guy, or a vampire, can only hold out for so long though and it was wearing on him. He vowed that he would wait, and wait he did.

On one particularly frigid, damp night, the group set out to locate a cliff dwelling demon or possibly a nest of them. There had been a few attacks around the pier which had left one human dead and another maimed. The description the injured person had given them clearly matched the cliff demon they found in their research materials.

By the time they reached their destination, the light drizzle had everyone soaked to the bone. Buffy thought they all looked like they just went swimming in very icy water but then she caught herself staring at Spike, who out of all of them looked quite nice all soaking wet. The freezing drizzle didn't seem to bother him one bit.

It didn't take long for the monsters they were tracking to come out and play. Only two of them, that was of the good, but they were massive in size. Hopefully that made them slower. Nope, was wrong on that account. The largest one zipped over towards Xander, Giles and the girls,while Buffy and Spike took the smaller of the two. The two warriors beat the demon down, weakening it. Buffy noticed the others were not fairing as well. Even the witches magic had no effect on it whatsoever. She asked Spike if he could handle finishing the demon they were fighting off. He waved his affirmation to her.

Buffy launched her attack but was surprised as she found herself in as much trouble as the others when she realized her body did not respond well when in was nearly frozen. The demon had pulled a large, pointed, wooden jousting stick out of nowhere. He probed and pushed them into a huddled mass edging them closer to the cliff's dropoff. Xander peered over and tried to calmly announce that they were in deep. The cliff was at least a 25 foot drop.

Out of nowhere, a bleached blonde blur zipped by them, taking the very large demon with him. He seemed to have a good grip on it when the stupid thing lurched around trying to dust Spike with it's weapon. The sudden movement caused both of them to topple over the steep edge. There were gasps and outcries as both the demon and the vampire yelled out their final warrior cry. Buffy dropped to her knees, sobbing. Xander was the only one brave enough to look over. He saw the demon but not the vampire.

"Do you think the demon dusted him before he hit the ground?" Dawn sobbed hysterically.

After a while, they all stood in a group huddle, facing the cliff that looked out over the ocean, paying their last respects for a brave warrior who fought to the very end. Every one of them was crying. Even Xander had a sniffle or two.

"What's all this moaning and groaning about here? You're all blubbering like someone died."

Dawn swiftly ran and threw herself into the very muddy arms of the vampire as the rest of the gang, sans Buffy, quickly shuffled over to him as well. He received slaps on the back, neck squeezes, arm rubs, hugs, and even a hair tousle.

"Well, if I knew how much concern you all would have for my undead life, I would have gotten myself dusted a long time ago." the whole group laughed along with the vampire.

Buffy stood rooted in the same spot, watching the festive homecoming, arms crossed in front of her, no expression at all on her face. Finally they noticed she was not joining in and they stepped away from Spike. He walked towards her slowly and stopped a few paces from where she remained rooted.

"You're killing me here, Slayer." he said sheepishly.

"That's my job, get used to it." she ground out.

He spread his arms out to her. She turned her head away and he noticed in spite of the rain, tears were running down her face.

"Buffy, I survived the fall off the platform a few years back, a fall like that wouldn't do me in, besides I grabbed onto a ledge on my way down. Had to walk around it til I found some good climbing rocks to make my way up. I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."

She came at him, fists flying blindly, thumping his chest and weakening with every hit. Her sobbing was wild and uncontrolled.

"Don't you ever die on me, ever like that again. Or else I'll---I'll stake you good and proper, you hear?"

He wrapped her up in his arms and held her but she quickly pulled away from him, staring deeply into his bright blue eyes. She rushed at him again, this time sliding her hands behind his head and pulling him into a deep, seering kiss that made time stand still. The gang, after a second or two of complete astonishment, turned away and began conversing between each other. The kiss lasted forever and when they slowly pulled back from one another, leaning foreheads together, Spike chuckled softly.

"Do I get this treatment after everytime I supposedly die? Cause if I do--- "

Buffy whacked him hard on the arm. "Don't joke about it, please."

"Alright, luv. No more jokes about death. I promise. Kiss on it?"

She glared at him even as they resumed the smoochies until both clearly felt the presence of someone standing close by. Someone who was clearing his throat and making a general nuisance of himself.

"Um, sorry to interrupt the kissagefest, but we're wet, sore, tired and hungry and we wanna go home." Xander stood there shivering next to them.

"Harris, you whine. Has anyone ever told you that?" Spike was perturbed that the grand moment had been interrupted.

"Everyday of my life." He grinned even while his teeth were chattering and cold rain ran down in streams.

"Well, then, you got your quota in for the day. Let's go home then."

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The following Saturday, Buffy's house was buzzing. Everyone was there, enjoying the festivities that was brought about by the Summers' women. They all knew why they were there celebrating, that is all except for Spike. Dawn had secretly gone behind Spike's back and found out when his, or rather William's original birthdate was; February 25. It was the 23rd but this was the only night that everyone was free to come over and celebrate his special day.

It was odd when Buffy and Dawn took him by the arms and led him to the chair in the center of the room. One by one they took turns and executed their very own speeches to him filled with praises and good wishes. Buffy swore he was blushing. When everyone was finished, Buffy presented him with a very large wrapped box. He looked at her in disbelief.

"What's this then?" he stared at the festive box.

"Happy Birthday, Spike." "Yeah, happy birthday." "Cheers." "Best wishes." They all chimed in.

"Birthday?" he mumbled as he slowly started in on the wrapping paper. Without warning, he began to rip through it, throwing the lid off in one felled swoop. He picked the item up and stood, the other half of the box sliding down to the floor.

"For once, he's speechless," Xander joked. They all chuckled.

"I--I don't know what *to* say."

"Try it on," Dawn tried to contain her excitement as Spike slipped on the luxurious leather coat that every single scooby member had chipped in and bought for him. It wasn't anything like his duster, but he could get very attached to it, he thought. He looked at the gazing party goers and smiled while running his hands over the smooth material.

"Thanks. Really, you shouldn't have but thanks."

Later, while everyone mingled with each other, Buffy noticed Spike walk out the back door. She excused herself and went in search of him, finding him only at the edge of the porch, sitting. She sat next to him trying to get a feel of his emotions. Was he crying?

"Spike, are you alright? Are you mad, sad, irritated?"

He turned and looked at her, blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears. He reached up and laid his hand along her cheek.

"Happy. Just happy for the first time in a long time.

TBC

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Time seemed to pass by quickly. It was spring in California and the Scoobs were still patrolling every night. New and different species of demons came and went. The hellmouth seemed to be actively pulling them into town, but the slayer was always there on her toes, prepared to deal with whatever came her way.

Spike, since he had moved into his own place, seemed to be drifting away from her and the others for some reason. She wasn't sure why or the reason behind his solitude. She visited him one day at his apartment and he seemed irritated that she came by.

"Spike, is there something wrong? You don't seem to be your usual self lately. Have I done something to make you mad, or someone else, one of the scoobies maybe?"

"No, I'm fine, just going through some things right now. Nothing to worry yourself about, nothing at all."

She walked up to him, placing her hand on his cheek gently. He pulled away slightly. He wouldn't look at her, in fact he wore a pained expression on his face. She knew something was bothering him, but why wouldn't he tell her?

"Spike," she whispered. "Please tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."

Spike grabbed her forearms, and squeezed them.

"Buffy," he hissed. He loosened his grip, his head falling forward, touching hers.

"God, I love you so much." He let go of her and turned quickly. "Leave me, please. Just too much right now."

"But I don't want to leave."

"You have to, before---something---bad---."

"Spike,---please." He looked over his shoulder at her. Her eyes were welling up with tears as well as his own. She heard glass breaking and noticed blood dripping onto the floor at his feet.

"Please, go, Buffy,---luv. I'll be fine and I will let you know when things are better. Just let me deal with this on my own."

She left without saying another word. He fell to his knees, sobbing hysterically.

"Bloody hell, shut up," he screamed to no one in particular.

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She moped around day in and day out, but wouldn't tell anyone what was wrong. Dawn was getting worried about her big sister and asked Buffy where Spike was and why they didn't see him as much. Buffy would just shrug and leave it at that. Dawn didn't want to push, at least not just yet.

Giles thought that maybe Spike was dealing with the harsh reality of the upcoming apocalypse and what was to happen. To become human after 125 years or so of being a vampire would be a rough transition. He proferred to Buffy an idea, let him struggle with the demon he was fighting. Soon, he would be back to a semblance of normality. If Spike told her he would seek her out when things were better with him, Giles was sure he would do just that. He could tell Buffy missed him desperately, though. Giles couldn't help with that. He could just try to take her mind off of it.

The following night, the gang went out to patrol and met Spike half way through the cemetery. He smiled and seemed jovial enough, like nothing had even happened with him the past month.

"What is this Spike? You don't call, you don't write. I thought maybe you dropped us like a bad date and left town for good," Xander piped in, jokingly.

"Had some personal issues to deal with. Didn't want to hassle you with my problems. Kept my distance because of it.---Hey Buffy, how are you, luv?"

"I'm fine, and you seem to be doing fairly well." She was cold towards him. It didn't surprise him in the least. He thought she would be frigid what with their last meeting.

"Better, yeah. Thanks for your concern and I'm sorry if you got hurt. I just---didn't want you around to get hurt again, you know what I mean, I hope?"

"Just wish you would have let me know some things. I could have---."

"No you couldn't have, let's just leave it at that, luv. Hey bit. You look so grown up anymore. Quit growing." He had changed the subject quickly and Buffy noticed. She turned away to patrol as Spike and Dawn followed.

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Spike had to woo his girl back, which he knew he probably would have had to do. But Buffy was a softie when it came to Spike now and it didn't take too long for her to welcome him back to her open arms, and snuggles, and kisses and all the other mushy stuff that always went on between the two of them.

They trained on a daily basis. Buffy missed the sparring with Spike. They always had fun, teasing each other and seeing who could get the upperhand by pinning the other down, trying new moves and bettering others. Dawn always liked watching them train to get pointers and learn some new tricks. At least she liked watching up until they got too playful. Today, they were at the Magic Box, sparring in the training room. Spike was in his jeans and t-shirt, shoeless and sockless, Buffy in her normal workout attire. The two had been going at it for 45 minutes with Dawn standing in the doorway taking mental notes. Spike was smirking at the slayer, Buffy grinning at the vampire, giving him a come-hither look.

"Come on, baby, let's see whatcha got," she drawled out seductively. Spike placed the tip of his tongue under the top of his front teeth, momentarily causing her knees to go weak.

"All right---baby!"

Dawn rolled her eyes and turned away from the doorway.

"Giles, they're doing it again. Make 'em stop."

Spike chuckled evilly and lunged towards his girl. She feinted but he countered the feint. That surprised her and as he grabbed for her leg to knock her off balance, she swiftly jabbed her elbow into his chest, knocking him flat on his back. She stepped over him but before she pinned him down, he grabbed her feet and flipped her backwards off-balanced, himself springing forward and straddling her, pinning her arms above her head.

"Gothcha, slayer. My point."

"Don't think so---vampire." She snuck a leg up and flung him over her head, ending up on top.

"My point. We're even."

"Even." He growled and sat up quickly, holding her arms behind her. She surprisingly wasn't reluctant as he trailed kisses across her jawline and down her neck tasting the sweat from their frisky play. She leaned into him causing them to fall back down on the mat in a moment of heated passion. Dawn walked in a few minutes later, standing with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot impatiently.

"I swear I will go get the hose. I will."

Buffy and Spike broke the passionate kiss and turned to look at Dawn, both smiling at the teenager.

"Why you two can't keep from tearing each other's clothes off when your sparring with each other."

Spike looked back at Buffy. "We're dancing. Always have been. Clothes are optional."

"Whatever, why don't you just get a room. Geesh. Did you get it out of your system? Cause I want to train, just with Buffy. I don't want to train with Spike until he cools down. Eww, that's just gross."

Spike chuckled at the young girl as Buffy got off of him and grabbed her towel and bottle of water. Spike scooted back on the mat to watch his two favorite girls train.

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Buffy and Spike were growing so much closer everyday. When slaying together, they flowed around one another, complimenting each other. He constantly told her he loved her in different ways, in different places, and telling her he would give her all the time in the world to voice her feelings about him. The passion that burned and engulfed them needed to be doused soon before one of them blew a gasket. They were having a hard time keeping hands to themselves and deemed it unsafe to be in a room together for too long lest one or the other advanced the kissing and fondling into a naked bout of wrestling. He made it known to her though that he wanted to know how she felt before proceeding any further.

Buffy was on the verge of being the one to advance it along. She planned on making her decision known to him soon as well as voicing her true feelings. The day she decided to tell him, they had got caught up in a moment of kissing. A few minutes into it, Spike grabbed his head, Buffy knowing he was in deep pain. She knew he had not hurt her, couldn't be the chip, so what was the problem?

"Spike, what's wrong?"

"Don't know. Hurts. Bad."

She began to rub his temples but he threw his arms up pushing her hands away forcefully.

"Stop," he hissed. "Let's just go get the others, go patrol."

He turned and walked out of the room, not once looking at her.

"Alright," she mumbled, a little worried of his outburst.

Patrolling went smoothly, nothing too nasty that they had to deal with. Buffy noticed Spike was like a killing machine butting in and striking demons down even if someone else was fighting it. She felt concern wash over her.

When they were finished and ready to head home, Buffy took Spike by the hand and pulled him away from the others.

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah, better. Sorry 'bout all that, luv."

"Will you come home with me tonight? I'd really like for you to stay with me. Got something I want to tell you."

Spike looked lovingly at her. "Oh you do, do you? I've got something to do, but leave your window open and I'll come by as soon as I'm finished."

"Can do. I'll see you later---baby."

"Ooh, there she goes with those pet names again." He smirked at her. "I'll see you later, luv." He pulled her to him and kissed her roughly.

"Oh, yeah, but not much later."

"Not much," he growled seductively as he reluctantly walked away.

Ten minutes later, Spike stood in the dark and dank school basement running his hand along the familiar wall. Suddenly, he grabbed his head, shutting his eyes tightly and wincing, doubled over in severe pain. He fell to his knees and as quickly as it started, the pain subsided. He looked around the room, tears evident in his eyes.

"Everything is going to your plan, Master. Soon, very soon," he said huskily.

TBC

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Hours passed by and still there was no Spike crawling through her bedroom window. 'Where in the hell could he be? He so better not be getting into any trouble. What if---no stop it' she thought to herself. She was so angry but decided she was not going to get out and search for him. He was a big boy, could take care of himself. She fumed. Fine, she would just go to sleep. If she could just get to sleep. An hour later, her body succumbed to the drowsiness but it was a fitful, restless slumber.

She woke early, dressed quickly, rushed downstairs and headed out to look for a certain blonde vampire. Buffy had a key to Spike's apartment and she was a determined woman. The anger welled up so bad her hand holding the key was shaking and she had a hard time getting it in the keyhole. Finally. She threw the door open and it banged against a chair that sat behind it.

"Ok, where is she, where's the ho---oh," she stopped suddenly.

Spike, holding his stomach, carefully pulled himself forward on the overstuffed chair.

"Buffy," he moaned, his knuckles white as he gripped the arm of the chair, most definitely in pain. He was bruised and looked badly beaten

"Oh--oh, god, Spike." Buffy ran over to him, falling to her knees in front of the chair. "What happened? Don't move. Let me look you over."

Spike reclined back into the chair, eye swollen shut, cuts apparent on his bare chest, lip busted and swollen as well. He hadn't looked this bad since Glory had laid into him. She was sure there was much more on him that was hurt. She poked and prodded as gently as she could. A few broken ribs, but no other major bones seemed broken. Looked like he had fought back by his bloodied knuckles.

"How are you feeling?" She ran her fingers through his mussed hair; it seemed to be the only place not bleeding or bruised.

"Fine, for having the bleeding crap beat out of me. Have a headache."

"Do you think you can make it back to the house later this evening? I can fix you up there better."

"Without fainting from the pain? Sure, I'm the big bad. Ok, I'm the sorta bad sometimes, the other just sounds tougher. You'll have to help. Sure you want to take care of me again?" he smirked at her.

"I know I do. Let me at least wrap your ribs. I'll call Giles and he can bring the car by at sundown."

It took them a while to make it down the stairs. Giles rushed to help Buffy with Spike once they made it to the car. Back at the house, they both set about doctoring him up. Once done, they let him rest on the couch. Giles and Buffy moved to the kitchen.

"What happened to him, Buffy?"

"Not sure, I asked but he never said anything about it. Other than he got the crap beat out of him. I let him sleep all day after taking care of his ribs. Maybe he will tell us more later."

No one was around when Spike woke a few hours later. He managed to sit up, feeling dizzy and very sore. Slowly he pulled himself off the couch and dragged his beaten body to the kitchen. Giles was sitting on a stool, sipping his tea and reading out of his notes.

"I need to talk to you," Spike ground out between clenched teeth. "I think we've got a problem. I think I've got a problem."

"What is it?"

"The chip. Something is wrong with it. It's been going off when I'm not even doing anything, almost like it's malfunctioning or what, I don't know. I didn't want to tell Buffy, but it's been going on for over a month now. The reason why I stayed away so much. I was scared, am scared, Giles. I was afraid I would hurt someone, someone I care about. The pain was driving me to anger, I felt so out of control. Do you know anyone, someone who can check it out?"

"Maybe, I will have to check around. When does it go off?"

"A lot when I'm around Buffy, or even think about her. Don't take this the wrong way, please don't take it the wrong way. It's almost like two different people inside my head. The one, me, loving her, doing anything for her, wanting nothing but to be with her. The other---wanting to---", Spike looked up at Giles, eyes full of pain and sadness. "---to kill her."

"Spike, do you think your demon is fighting a battle with your soul again?"

"No, I don't think this is part of me, Giles. It's foreign, like someone or something getting inside my head. Everytime that happens, the chip goes off. And I've been missing time. I'll wake up somewhere else not knowing how I got there and hours have passed by."

"I wonder if it is because of the chip, something is locking in on it, able to manipulate it, therefore manipulate your brain waves, your thoughts, your actions," he mused outloud. "Under any other circumstances, I wouldn't be suggesting this, but maybe it is time to get it taken out. I think you've travelled this far on the road to redemption, your soul, your humanity will keep you in line still. It will totally be your decision."

"I believe I am strong enough to stay on this path but I don't think Buffy would be too fond of the idea your posing."

"She won't have to know. At least not until after the procedure of course. If you happen to turn back to your old ways, she has the right to---."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Stake me good and proper. I know the drill, believe me."

"I'll make some calls, see what I can come up with."

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By the end of the week, Spike had healed comparably close to normal. He had been having the headaches still and Giles noticed it *was* whenever Buffy was close by. Giles had reached a friend of his, a neurologist, who specialized in the demon field. The initial meeting with him was the day after tomorrow and Giles planned to take him. The Dr. would be able to tell if the chip could be extracted safely and harmlessly.

That night, after sunset, Spike headed back to his place. Said he needed some quiet time. Giles understood he needed the time for contemplating the turn of events, whether he was strong enough, brave enough, whatever to go through with the operation. He had come to depend on the implanted chip, sometimes it was his security blanket. He realized eventually it would come down to this. He was ready for it, at least he thought he was. He needed to spend some quality time alone, though.

The four occupants of the Summers' home had all turned in around 11 that night. An hour later, pounding on the front door sent all of them in a frenzy down the stairs. Buffy holding a very sharp sword in her hand, opened the door quickly expecting the worse. Spike pushed in, breathing rather hard and fast.

"Spike, something's wrong." Buffy walked up to him but he turned away and headed to her weapons chest.

"Something bad is going down. At the school. Need to grab some weapons. Get there as soon as possible."

"Let me get dressed and I will come with you." She rushed upstairs and was down in record flat.

"Giles, call the others and then follow. I might need back up." Buffy and Spike flew out the door and down the street towards the school.

Once there, it seemed to Buffy it was eerily quiet. If something was going on, they were well hidden. Spike walked behind her the whole time not saying a word. They ended up in the school basement, the exact same place where so many months ago Spike was holed up while dealing with his new soul.

"Spike, there's nothing or nobody here.---Spike?" Buffy turned but Spike was no longer behind her.

The ground started to tremble and Buffy grabbed onto a desk to keep her balance. After facing forward again, there, standing a few feet from her was Spike. He didn't look right, something was off.

"Slayer, you are easily fooled. You may be strong in body, but you are weak in mind. You have allowed this vampire, this demon to possess your heart. But he is as weak as you. Full of humanity and love. You have turned him against his wicked ways. He will forever now be useless to the evil kingdom."

Buffy was feeling a tinge of fear. The voice coming from Spike was not his. The eyes were not his. Whatever this was that was using Spike, taking over his body, his mind was definitely not her Spike.

"Who are you and what do you want?"

"Come closer and I will show you."

Buffy reluctantly walked over to Spike, making sure she was far enough away. Spike's head dropped then suddenly he took a large gasp of air.

"Buffy, get out of her," he hissed. He bent over in pain but when he straightened up, he was no longer himself again.

"I am older than time itself. I was here before, ruled over everyone and everything. And I will do it again. You, little girl are in my way."

The floor began to tremble again, this time splitting a crooked seam next to her, steam rising up from the opening, tendrils sneaking out and grabbing Buffy by the ankles and the wrists. Giles and the gang rushed in just at that very moment.

"Buffyyyyy," Dawn screamed.

As she was pulled into the hellmouth, Spike was sent flying through the air, knocking the wind out of him. He struggled up into a kneeling position, shaking his head, tears flowing freely down his cheeks.

"Oh, god, Buffy, Buffy. What have I done?"

The End

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****A/N2: Please watch for the continuation to follow soon. The sequel titled "In The End A Beginning" will also be revised (the 6 chapters) but not reposted. I hope to have a new chapter to add to it. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say about it as well.