Chapter: 8 of 15
      
Rating: PG-13 for language and other minor things
      
Pairings: B/S (what else?), X/A, W/T, Spike/Scooby friendship
     
Summary: A sequel to 'Little Hero'; takes place a month after the
events of the first story.  Buffy is tiny again, but this time, the
person behind it is making sure he gets her.  Of course, he's got
the Scoobies standing between him and his prize.  It's a race
against time to keep her safe and find the counter-spell.  The
Scoobs may need a little help...
    
Disclaimer: Wishlist consists of Lindsey, Spike, and Xander.  Joss
owns all, but he's sharing.  Making me a happy fanfic writer.  ^_^
 
< --- >
 
  "How long will we be staying there?"
  Willow shrugged.  "The last time this happened, it took a few days
to get her back to normal.  If we don't find out the cause of this,
then I guess we just protect her until she becomes big again.  A few
days, at the most."
  "Okay then," Dawn said, heading up the stairs.  "I'll go pack." 
She paused, turning back to Willow, a hopeful look on her face.  "I
don't suppose there's a chance I could bring my bikini with..."
  "NO!"
  Dawn rolled her eyes.  "Yeesh.  Subtlety, thy name is not Willow."
  As the teen trudged up the stairs, Willow turned to glare at
Spike.  "You should never have let her buy that thing."
  Spike looked up at her, the perfect picture of innocence.  "What
did I do?"
  With a growl of exasperation, Willow threw her hands into the air
and stormed off into the kitchen.  Spike smirked at her retreating
form.
  His smirk fell as he watched a certain little one head up the
stairs.  "What's up, kitten?" he asked, trying not to sound worried.
  Buffy turned to him, smiling.  "M'gonna go help Dawnie pack. 
She's gots lotsa things to fold an' stuff."
  Spike chuckled at her language.  Normal sentences, and she could
change them into something adorable and abnormal and completely
hers.  "With all the clothes she's packin', she'll need lots of
help.  Think she'd like that, you helpin' her."
  Buffy beamed and headed up the stairs again.
  "She's not going to run away again," Tara said softly.
  Spike sighed, looking at the witch.  "That obvious?"
  Tara giggled.  "At least to me.  I know you're worried about her
taking off again, but I talked with her last night.  She's not going
anywhere, I promise you."
  Something in her tone made him believe her.

< --- >

  Buffy had almost reached Dawn's room when she heard it.  A song. 
A smile appeared on her face as she listened to the music.  It was a
kind of slow beat, but it still made her want to jump up and dance. 
Slowly she crept up to Dawn's door and peered in.
  Dawn was folding a pink tank top, mouthing the words as the voice
continued to sing.  She too was smiling, and as she placed the tank
in the duffel bag and headed over to the closet, she twirled in time
to the beat.
  "Do you dance?"
  Dawn stopped and turned to Buffy, who was standing in the
doorway.  The older Summers grinned.  "A few times I took classes,
but I never really got into it.  I sorta dance in my own way.  What
about you?"
  Buffy giggled, stepping into the room.  "I like to ice skate. 
That's kinda like dancing, innit?"
  "I'd have to say so, yeah," Dawn said with a smile.  "So, what
brings you to my room?"
  Buffy shrugged.  "I thought you might needs help.  Lotsa things
an' stuff to pack!"
  Inwardly Dawn was jumping up and down with joy.  Her sister had
barely talked to her since the previous night, and it seemed that
they were back on solid ground.  "I do need some help.  You wanna
assist?"
  Buffy nodded eagerly.  "Then let's get moving!" Dawn said
cheerfully, heading over to the duffel bag with a handful of clothes.
  The song changed, and Dawn's face lit up.  She absolutely adored
this song.
  Buffy watched Dawn begin to beam.  "What's this song?" she asked.
  Dawn quickly threw the clothes onto the bed and hurried over to
her stereo.  She turned back to Buffy with a grin and pressed a
button.  The song began again.

  'Do you believe in magic, in a young girl's heart?
  How the music can free her, whenever it starts?
  And it's magic, if the music is groovy,
  And makes you feel happy like an old-time movie...

  I'll tell you 'bout the magic and it'll free your soul,
  But it's like tryin' to tell a stranger 'bout rock and roll.....'

  Dawn reached over and grabbed her sister's hands, and began to
spin them around.  Buffy broke out into peals of laughter as they
spun in the middle of the older girl's room.
  Spike and Tara exchanged looks from downstairs.  They'd heard the
music start, and hadn't been surprised.  The laughter coming from a
certain blonde had them raising their eyebrows and their curiosity.
  Willow peeked her head in from the kitchen.  "Uh, guys?  What's
going on up there?"
  Spike shrugged.  "Sounds like a good time, whatever it is."
  The three glanced at each other, before simultaneously heading for
the stairs.  They tip-toed up, and peered in the bedroom from the
side of the door.
  Buffy and Dawn were dancing in the middle of the room, smiles on
each their faces.  As Dawn got down and began to groove, Buffy
stepped away from the older girl and raised her hands in the air. 
She began to twirl in circles, laughter bubbling from her.

  'If you believe in magic, come along with me,
  We'll dance until mornin' 'till there's just you and me,
  And maybe, if the music is right,
  I'll meet you tomorrow, so late at night...

  And we'll go dancin' baby, then you'll see,
  How the magic's in the music and the music's in me.....'

  Spike stared at her, a smile blossoming on his face.  She looked
picture perfect twirling in the middle of the room.  Hair flying
about, hands spinning above her head, and rosy cheeks from dancing...
  Buffy stopped twirling, trying to catch her balance.  As she
attempted to get the room to stop spinning, her eyes caught sight of
the others on the other side of the door.  She giggled, her smile
threatening to crack her face.  "Come dance with me, Spike!"

  '...Do you believe in magic...?'

  Spike grinned and ran into the room, grabbing her hand.  She
laughed as he held his arm out, letting her spin under it. 

  'Believe in the magic of a young girl's soul,
  Believe in the magic of rock and roll,
  Believe in the magic it can set you free!
  Ahhh...Talkin' 'bout the magic.....'

  Tara watched from the doorway as Spike continued to dance with the
little one, even while the music faded away.  When the song ended,
Spike elaborately bowed, earning another giggle from Buffy.  "Thank
you for the dance, m'lady," he said in as proper an accent as he
could.
  Buffy took the hem of her yellow sun-dress in her hands, fanning
out the bottom as she curtsied.  "Why thank you, good sir."
  The two looked up at the same time.  Their eyes met, before they
began to laugh.
  "Where'd you learn that line, kitten?" Spike asked, still laughing.
  Buffy shrugged.  "Mommy reads me lotsa stories.  When the prince
says what you said, the princess ALWAYS tells him what I said!"
  "Oh, so now I'm a prince, eh?"
  The blonde giggled.  "Yup; the bestest prince ever!"
  Tara watched as Spike's face lit up.  She smiled, before nudging
Willow.  The two headed back down the stairs in search of tapes for
the road trip.

< --- >

  Edgar cleared his throat, gazing up at a graying man.  "Sire?"
  The man he was addressing was standing in front of a stone table
the size of a coffin.  He placed the last of the chains in one of
the four corners and turned to Edgar.  "Yes?"
  "They, um, they're leaving for LA, my liege.  Just like you
thought they would."
  The man snorted.  "They run for help, and right into my hands. 
Would you assist me in moving the sacrificial altar just a tad,
Edgar?"
  "Oh!  Of course, my liege," Edgar said, scrambling forward to
help.  Between the two, they managed to push the altar until the man
was satisfied with its position.
  The man sighed.  "I grow old and weary, Edgar.  I'm not as I was
two thousand years ago."
  Edgar nodded.  "I know, my liege.  Soon, you shall feel much
better."
  The man turned to Edgar, a nasty smile on his face.  "Yes.  Soon."
  "Do you require anything else, sire?"
  The man shook his head.  "Nothing I can think of.  Just remind the
four fledglings to be training their muscles.  Their task is not an
easy one."
  Edgar chuckled.  "No, my liege, it isn't.  Holding a slayer..."
  The man smiled at the vampire.  "Yes, well, they'll have to.  I'll
be a tad occupied.  Oh, and prepare the Talonics, if you don't
mind.  They should be ready and waiting for my signal."
  "Yes, sire."
  As Edgar walked away, the man turned to the altar and sighed,
placing a silver knife in the center.  "Soon."


 

Chapter 9:

 
< --- >
 
  Xander placed the last of the suitcases in the back of the SUV. 
The group had decided to use Joyce's old SUV, which was still parked
in the garage.  With sun-tinted windows for both Buffy and Spike and
the size of the group traveling taken into consideration, it made
the ideal vehicle.
  The man turned to Spike, and the two shared a grin.  "Any more
suitcases from Dawn?"
  Spike shook his head.  "Nah, no more luggage.  Girls'll be out in
a bit."
  "Good thing the garage is connected to the house," Xander
commented.  "Otherwise, you'd be one crispy vamp."
  Spike winced.  "And as temptin' as that thought is..."
  Xander laughed just as Willow and Tara came out.  "All set?" the
redhead asked.
  "Ready to go," Xander confirmed.  "And the others would be
where...?"
  Tara rolled her eyes.  "Something about getting cookies.  I wasn't
really paying attention.  Oh, here's the cooler with drinks for
all.  Your blood is on the right, separated from the other things,
Spike."
  "Ta, pet."  Spike was about to comment on the look of disgust
Xander was now sporting when the garage door opened again.  He
turned, and couldn't help smiling at the sight he was now viewing.
  Buffy was wearing one of the sun hats they'd bought, along with
her sunny yellow dress.  Her little white sandals completed the
picture.
  The others turned to see what had caught Spike's attention and
smiled as well.  "Ready to go, Miss Sun?"
  Buffy giggled, nodding. 
  The group got her situated in the SUV, then buckled themselves
in.  As they rolled out of the driveway, Willow began to dig through
her purse.  "What should we listen to first?"
  Buffy began to bounce in her booster seat.  "That pink tape!"
  Xander couldn't help cracking up as he turned to see Spike with a
horrified look on his face.  The vampire glared at him, before
turning to Willow, his face pleading with her.  "Red, please, for
the love of everythin' good and pure, don't put that tape in."
  Willow giggled from the passenger seat.  "Oh, you hush.  It's not
that bad.  What exactly would we be listening to, if you could pick?"
  Xander didn't have to turn from driving to know that Spike's face
had brightened visibly.  "Good stuff.  REAL music."
  "Like who?" Dawn asked, raising her eyebrows at him.
  "Like the three best in the field.  Like Led Zeppelin, Sid
Vicious, and Ghost of the Robot.  What's wrong with them?"
  From the driver's seat, Xander was nodding in agreement.  Willow
sent him a scathing glare, and he quickly stopped.  "I think we
should listen to 'Kid's Best Singalong Tunes'," the redhead said. 
Spike shuddered at the thought. 
  A tapping on Willow's shoulder made her turn around.  "Can we
listens to something else, please?" Buffy asked.
  "You don't want to listen to the sing along?" Willow said,
surprised.
  Buffy shook her head.  "I always listens to that tape.  Something
diff'rent?"
  Willow shrugged her shoulders and went back to the tapes. 
Truthfully, she hadn't been looking forward to a sing along tape,
either.  Her eyes lit up as she found another tape.  This one would
do.
  "How about this one, sweetie?" she asked, as Buffy leaned forward
to see.  As Buffy grinned and nodded eagerly, Spike tried to bend
and see what his fate was going to be.
  Willow pulled the tape away, and Dawn started to giggle at the
pout Spike was now sporting.  "It's not any of the ones you were
hoping for," she whispered.
  "Thanks ever so, Bit.  Feel so much better now," Spike said, his
voice filled with sarcasm.  He was doomed, doomed, doomed...
  With a smirk in his direction Willow popped the tape in.  From
soft to loud applause entered the speakers, right before a soft
guitar could be heard.  Spike whimpered and banged his head against
the back of Xander's seat.  Xander, in turn, tried not to laugh.
      
  'Puff, the Magic Dragon,
  Lived by the sea,
  And frolicked in the autumn mist,
  In a land called Honali...'

  Spike stopped banging his head against the seat at the sound of a
child singing.  The singing wasn't coming from the speakers,
either.  He turned to see Buffy singing quietly along, smiling.

  'Little Jackie Paper,
  He loved that rascal Puff,
  And he brought him strings and silly wax,
  And other fancy stuff, oh...'
 
  Another voice joined Buffy's, and the little blonde glanced back
at Tara, who had begun to sing as well.

  'And together, they would travel,
  On a boat with billowed sails,
  And Jackie kept a lookout
  Perched on Puff's gigantic tail...

  Noble kings and princes,
  Would bow when'ere they came,
  Pirate ships would low'r their flags
  When Puff roared out his name!' 

  By the time the third chorus rolled around, Xander, Willow, and
Dawn had joined in the singing.  Anya shrugged and began to sing as
well.
 
  'A dragon lives forever,
  But not so little girls and little boys.
  Painted wings and giant's rings
  Make way for other toys...

  One gray night it happened,
  Jackie Paper came no more,
  Puff that mighty dragon,
  He ceased his fearless roar...'

  Spike watched with a frown as the others kept singing, but one
person stopped.  The same person that had started the Scooby sing
along.  "What's wrong, kitten?" he whispered.  "Don't you know the
words?"
  "I do," Buffy replied miserably.  "It's jus' a sad part.  It makes
me wanna cry."
  "Oh, sweetheart..."  Spike placed a kiss on the top of her head,
trying to soothe to disheartened little one.

  'His head was bent in sorrow,
  Green scales fell like rain,
  Puff no longer went to play,
  Along the Cherry Lane...

  Without his life-long friend,
  Puff could not be brave,
  So Puff that mighty dragon
  Sadly slipped into his cave...'

  Buffy sniffled, as tears began to form in her eyes.  She realized
Spike was watching her, and quickly wiped them away.  "A crybaby. 
That's all I am," she whispered sadly.
  "That's not true," Spike said gently but firmly.  "You're a hero. 
Don't ever forget it.  And just 'cause you cry when somethin's sad
doesn't make you a wuss or a crybaby.  Makes you YOU."
  "M'Puff."
  Spike frowned.  "Try 'gain?"
  "I said, I'm jus' like Puff.  M'not brave 'less I have my
friend."  She sniffled and said, "You help me be brave.  It's 'cause
you're here that I'm a hero."
  Spike smiled at her, reaching over to take her hand in hers.  "Not
gonna leave you, kitten.  Always be there for you.  Promise."
  Buffy sniffled and smiled.  The chorus came back, and two more
voices joined the sing along.

  'uff, the Magic Dragon,
  Lives by the sea, (Present tense!)
  Frolics in the autumn mist,
  In a land called Honali...'

  Tara smiled at the vampire and the little one as they both sang
along.  She'd heard the conversation, but hadn't said anything. 
Buffy was a hero because of Spike, yes.  That was obvious, whether
it was big or little Buffy in question.  What Tara realized that no
one else seemed to was that Spike was a hero as well.
  All because of the blonde girl sitting next to him.

< --- >

  They went through three more tapes, with the group singing along
all the while, before they reached the hotel.  "Be nice," Willow
warned, throwing glares at both Spike and Xander.  The men merely
rolled their eyes.
  "Ready, kiddo?" Dawn asked, unbuckling Buffy from her seat.
  Buffy paused, before finally nodding, not looking pleased.  Spike
snorted, trying to hide his laughter. 
  Willow sent him one last withering glare as she got out of the
car.  The sun was hiding behind the hotel, so Spike was safe to walk
in without a blanket. 
  As Tara and Willow headed down to the desk, Buffy looked around
the large room.  Round red seats that looked comfy, and two big
staircases caught her attention first.  "Wow," she breathed, her
eyes lighting up. 
  "Willow!  It's so good to see you again!" a female voice said. 
Buffy turned to see a gold-haired woman smile and hug Willow. 
  "Good to see you too, Cordelia."
  "Cordy?" Xander said, stepping forward.  Cordelia laughed and gave
him a hug as well.
  Xander raised his eyebrows.  "Uh, what happened with the hair?"
  Cordelia shrugged.  "Figured it was time for a change.  Heaven
knows we've got enough of those around here," she muttered.
  Two more people entered, and Buffy listened to the names.  Wesley
and Gunn.  Big smiles on both their faces; they looked like nice
people.
  "You guys are here a little early." 
  Buffy turned to see a dark-haired man dressed in dark clothes walk
down the stairs.  He stopped on the landing, his eyes narrowing at
the group.  "Spike," he growled. 
  Spike stepped out from behind Dawn, rolling his eyes when Cordelia
took a step back.  "On your side, cheerleader.  Yeah, it's me,
Peaches.  Play nice; got lil' ones here."
  All eyes whirled to land on Buffy.  Suddenly all the nice people
didn't look so nice.  Her lower lip began to tremble, and she began
to back away.
  Spike's eyes widened as he realized what was going on.  In less
than two seconds he was scooping Buffy into his arms.  She whimpered
and buried her head in his chest, her tiny fists clutching handfuls
of his shirt.
  "Spike's right," Xander said, giving Angel a pointed look.  "Be
nice.  She's only five."
  "Uh, pardon my stupidity, but who the heck is she?" Gunn
asked.  "I've heard about all of you, and I was kinda under the
impression that you were all lots taller.  You're Xander, pretty red-
head here is Willow, and the blonde back there must be Buffy."
  Wesley frowned, glancing at where Gunn was nodding towards.  "No,
that's not Buffy."
  "Who, me?  I'm Anya, Xander's fiancé."
  Cordelia turned to Xander.  "You're engaged?"
  "Where is Buffy?" Angel demanded.
  Spike grinned.  Oh, he was gonna love this... "She's right here,
Peaches."
  All eyes swiveled to the little one nestled in Spike's arms.  She
smiled slightly, waving at the group.  "Hi," she said meekly.
  Angel promptly fainted.

< --- >

The song used is 'Puff the Magic Dragon', by Peter, Paul, and Mary
from the CD 'Peter, Paul, and Mommy too'.
 

      
Chapter: 10 of 15
       
Rating: PG-13 for language and other minor things
       
Pairings: B/S (what else?), X/A, W/T, Spike/Scooby friendship
      
Summary: A sequel to 'Little Hero'; takes place a month after the
events of the first story.  Buffy is tiny again, but this time, the
person behind it is making sure he gets her.  Of course, he's got
the Scoobies standing between him and his prize.  It's a race
against time to keep her safe and find the counter-spell.  The
Scoobs may need a little help...
     
Disclaimer: Wishlist consists of Lindsey, Spike, and Xander.  Joss
owns all, but he's sharing.  Making me a happy fanfic writer.  ^_^

NN: Sorry about the long stretch in between chapters!  Had to make an
emergency family trip, and I've just found the time to reach the net.
 Again, sorry about the wait!
 
< --- >
  
  "So, let me get this straight...that little girl is Sunnydale's
nightly terror?"
  Xander rolled his eyes. "Yes, Cordelia, that little girl is Buffy. I
thought we'd gotten through all this."
  "How?" Wesley asked, frowning.
  Dawn shrugged. "We don't know. It's happened once before, but she
turned back before we could find out the cause. We're pretty sure it's
a spell."
  "A spell with a time limit," Tara corrected. "Possibly not an
intended limit, but in a few days, she'll be back to normal."
  Angel said nothing, but continued to stare at Buffy. Buffy stared
back. "You two are starting to creep me out," Gunn commented. "Can you
blink at least?"
  "That's why you're here," Wesley said, ignoring Gunn. "You wanted to
see if we had a book on this particular spell."
  Willow nodded. "We've searched all of ours; we're kinda hoping you'd
have something."
  "We could have just told you over the phone if we'd found anything,"
Angel finally said, never taking his eyes from Buffy.
  "What, and miss the starin' contest and the faintin'? Doesn't sound
like fun to me," Spike said, earning a giggle from Dawn.
  Angel finally turned away from the blonde child to glare at Spike.
"Why are you even here?"
  "'Cause I wants him to be here," Buffy said, frowning. Angel was
supposed to be a hero, but she wasn't liking him very much.
  Willow squirmed in her seat. "There's actually another reason we're
here. See, both times she turned into a child, mercenary demons
started chasing."
  Cordelia's eyes widened. "After..." She stopped, as Xander and
Willow shook their heads rapidly. 'Her?' she mouthed, jerking her head
towards Buffy. The two nodded. "Oh," she said quietly.
  "Wait a minute," Gunn said, giving Buffy a questioning look. "Does
she know about...?"
  "Vampires? Oh yeah. She knows she's supposed to be bigger, that
she's a Slayer, that Spike and Angel are vampires, yadda, yadda,
yadda." Dawn shrugged, as if she was bored.
  Buffy was staring at Angel again. Angel frowned. "What's wrong?" he
asked. He didn't know how to deal with children, and the thought of
this little girl being Buffy, a girl he'd kissed and had done...THAT
with made him even more uncomfortable.
  "Your hair," she said simply.
  Angel frowned. "What? There's nothing wrong with my hair," he said,
touching it self-consciously.
  Buffy nodded. "S'all icky looking, an' it looks like a dead rat."
  Spike burst out laughing as his sire clutched at his head. Angel
turned to glare at the laughing person, before he realized that
everyone else was cracking up, too. Buffy kept a straight face,
staring at him and his rat hair.
  Glowering at the entire group, Angel sauntered upstairs to fix his hair.

< --- >

  Spike yawned, staring at the books that defied them. They'd been up
for days it seemed, searching for a 'cure' to Buffy's smallness. The
little one herself had been tucked into bed well over six hours ago.
He looked up at the clock blearily. Keeping human hours really did not
agree with him. Especially at...three in the morning? Oh, for crying
out loud...
  "You lot find anythin'?" he asked, tossing his book into the
'nothing' pile.
  Cordelia shook her head, stretching. "Nothing to report here.
There's a spell to make you a smaller version of yourself, but it
doesn't make you a child again."
  "Maybe it was modified?" Willow said, sounding doubtful.
  Dawn blinked, trying to stay awake. "Head upstairs and get some
sleep," Cordelia urged her. "No reason for you to stay up like a nutcase."
  Dawn smiled tiredly. "Thanks, Cordy." She headed up the stairs,
stumbling over her feet.
  "Will Buffy be okay?" Angel asked, frowning. "After turning back?"
  Xander nodded. "Don't worry about that; it's the turning itself that
needs to be thought about."
  "Buffy was fine last time," Tara said, offering the vampire a smile.
"I'm sure she'll be no different this time."
  The sound of pounding feet caught their attention, and they turned
to the stairs to see Dawn lean over the railings. "Something the
matter?" Wesley asked, concerned.
  "It's Buffy," Dawn said, glancing down at Spike. "She's awake, and
she's obviously upset about something, but she's not..."
  "Comin' out to get me," Spike finished with a sigh. "Damn her, I
told her to get me!" In seconds he was hurrying up the stairs and
towards Buffy's room.
  Gunn nodded after the vampire. "He didn't seem too happy."
  Tara smiled, shaking her head. "He's just worried about her, that's
all. There's..." She swallowed before continuing. "There's an
additional factor involved, and it's made Spike very protective of
Buffy, big and small." No need to tell them about Buffy's father
abusing the little one; Tara was sure that wouldn't go over well.
Spike could get nasty, but from what she'd heard, Angelus was worse.
  She smiled as the LA crew began to frown. "She's in good hands.
Don't worry."

< --- >

  Spike was still a few rooms down when he heard her heartbeat
pounding in his ears. Too fast...He crept up to the door and peered
inside.
  Buffy was laying on the bed, curled up. Her tiny body shook
slightly, and her breathing was hitched. From the little light in the
hall, Spike could see her curling up tighter, whimpering as she did so.
  Quietly Spike made his way over to her bedside. He knelt down beside
her, watching tears escape from her tightly shut eyes. "Kitten?"
  Buffy's eyes snapped open, and he smiled at her, trying to not show
her how much it hurt to see her like this. "What's wrong, pet?"
  She sniffled. "I had 'nother nightmare. I-I was a Slayer, an' I was
falling..." Her voice began to speed up as she kept going. "A-And
mommy was bein' pulled 'way, and I was 'lelling, and, and, I
couldn't...couldn't find you, a-and I was so scared..."
  "Hush, shhh," Spike soothed, pulling her from the bed and into his
arms. He rocked her back and forth, letting her clutch at his shirt.
  "Why didn't you come get me?" he asked softly.
  Buffy laid against his chest, not releasing his shirt. "You was
doin' grown-up things, an' I didn't wanna bother you."
  Spike sighed, placing a kiss on her forehead. "Kitten, I told you,
if you ever need me, come and get me. Doesn't matter if I'm sleepin',
or anythin'. You need me, I'm here. All right?"
  She nodded, and Spike slowed his rocking. Her breathing had evened
out, and she seemed to be fine. "All right. Let's get you back in bed."
  "Nooo!" she wailed, clutching at his shirt desperately. "Please, no,
Spike, I don't wanna..."
  "Shhh," he crooned, placing her on the bed. "I'll stay with you for
a bit. Okay?"
  "'Kay," she said, instantly placated. She settled down among the
sheets, her tiny hand reaching for his. He smiled and took her hand in
his, marveling at the size difference. Buffy closed her eyes, and was
soon fast asleep.
  Spike yawned and took a seat in a chair next to the bed. Keeping her
hand in hers, he told himself he'd watch her until he was sure she was
asleep. Then, he'd head back downstairs, and help the others. He could
just close his eyes for one...minute...
  A few minutes later Tara came up to check on Buffy. She smiled at
the two sleeping in the room and headed back downstairs. The little
one would be fine now.


 

Chapter 11:

< --- >

  Cordelia was setting up the office for the day when she heard the
soft pitter-patter of feet coming down the stairs. Glancing up, she
was greeted with the sight of a little blonde rubbing her eyes as she
descended.
  Cordelia couldn't hold back a smile at the picture the little one
made. "You're up early," she commented.
  Buffy looked up and yawned. "Where's everybody else?"
  "Still sleeping," Cordelia said with a grin. "hey're all a bunch of
lazy bums, who can't get out of bed."
  Buffy giggled and plopped down on the red cushioned chair. "Who
makes breakfast here?" she asked.
  Uh oh. Breakfast. "Well, who usually makes breakfast for you guys?"
Cordelia asked, trying to stall.
  "Willow," the little one answered with a grin. "She makes pancakes
with surryup, an' eggies an' beacons an' toasts!"
  Cordelia turned around, trying to not laugh. Did she realize how
adorable she was? "I think we can manage something like that," she
said when she'd calmed down enough to turn back.
  Buffy's face brightened visibly. "Really? I don't see 'nany
kitchens, though."
  "Well, we don't have one," Cordelia admitted. "But we do have a
restaurant right around the corner, and they deliver whatever you
want, right here to the building."
  Buffy stared at her, eyes as round as saucers. "Really?" she breathed.
  "Really," Cordelia confirmed. "Just tell me what you like, Buffy,
and I'll have 'em send it over."
  "You'd do that for me?"
  Cordelia had been in the process of reaching for the portable phone
when Buffy posed her question. The older woman frowned, turning to
glance at Buffy. The little girl was staring up at Cordelia, biting
her lower lip. She looked nervous, frightened, but hopeful.
  If this was part of that 'additional factor' Tara had mentioned
earlier, Cordelia didn't want to know what it really was. "Sure!" she
said, putting on a smile too bright. "Of course I will."
  "But you don't even know me," Buffy said, frowning in confusion.
  "Maybe not," Cordelia said, kneeling down in front of the little
one.  "But I know the others, and they're good guys. I trust them with
my life. If you're a friend of theirs, then you're a friend of mine.
Besides, I do know big you. And big you is a very nice person."
  Buffy smiled bashfully. "You think so?"
  "I know so," Cordelia said, smiling back.
  "Are you Cordelia?"
  Cordelia nodded, her smile broadening as Buffy twisted her tongue in
an attempt to say the name. "You can just call me Cordy, if you like,"
she said.
  Buffy's relief was instant. "'Kay. Thank you, Cordy."
  Cordelia grinned and stood up. "What are friends for?" Reaching for
the phone, she asked, "What would you like for breakfast, kiddo?"

< --- >

  When Spike came down an hour later, he was greeted by the beautiful
sound of laughter. A child's laughter.
  He glanced over and found Buffy laying on her stomach on the floor,
munching on strips of bacon. Cordelia would say something, causing the
little one to laugh even more. She looked happy, and not the least bit
concerned of fathers or demons.
  Someone yawned behind him, and Spike turned to see Tara smile
sleepily at him. "You look like you should still be in bed," he scolded.
  She shook her head, laughing quietly. "I'm awake, just not all the
way there. That's all." She glanced down at where Spike was staring
and chuckled. "She looks rather happy with her bacon, doesn't she?"
  Spike nodded. "Was just thinkin' the same thing. Sorry I didn't come
back down last night."
  "Don't worry about it," Tara said, dismissing it with a wave of her
hand. "We knew you were tired, and your worry for her probably wasn't
helping."
  "You find anythin' after I'd left?"
  Tara shook her head. "We still have one box that we haven't touched.
If we can't find an answer after that, then we just have to wait it out."
  "I don't like it," Spike grumbled, worried. "Playin' by somebody
else's rules, and we're not aware of what the game plan is."
  "Spike!"
  Spike turned just in time to see Buffy launch herself at him. He
grinned and picked her up, causing her to giggle. "And what would you
be eatin'?" he asked, raising his eyebrow at her.
  "Beacons!" she said, beaming. Behind her, Tara smothered her smile.
  "Well, I wouldn't want to take you away from that. Sounds awful
tasty," Spike said, glancing up at Cordelia. "Got any for the rest of us?"
  Cordelia shook her head in exasperation. "As of matter of fact, I
do. Buffy mentioned something about the gang having an appetite, and
if you're anything like Xander, my assumption on how much to order
wasn't that far off."
  "Are you implying something?" Xander said, stumbling down the stairs.
  "ME? Sweet little me? Now why would I do that?" Cordelia said with a
smirk.
  Xander rolled his eyes as the gang laughed. "You seem awful giggly
this morning," Tara commented, smiling at Buffy.
  "Cordy was telling me jokes!"
  At the gang's look, Cordelia shrugged sheepishly. "Just a few
knock-knock jokes. That's about it."
  "Spike."
  Spike's smile disappeared at the sight of his sire coming down the
stairs. Buffy frowned and clung to Spike. "Yeah, Peaches?"
  Angel stared at the little blonde clinging to Spike's shirt, then
back at Spike, who had his arms wrapped firmly around Buffy. His eyes
flashed an emotion that Spike couldn't read, and then the older
vampire was brushing past him. "In my office, if you wouldn't mind."
  The gang exchanged worried glances. Spike sighed and began to put
Buffy down, only to have the little one whimper and clutch his shirt
tighter. "Kitten, I'll be right back," Spike said, in an attempt to
reassure her.
  "Promise?" Buffy whispered, biting her bottom lip.
  "Promise," Spike agreed. "Go play, have some fun, all right?" When
she finally nodded, he smiled and laid a soft kiss on the top of her
head. He turned and headed into the office, closing the door behind him.
  Angel sat in the chair behind the desk, staring at him intently.
"Make it fast; every minute I'm in here makes her that much more
worried. Believe me when I say you don't want her upset."
  Still Angel said nothing. "Out with it, Peaches."
  "Children are wonderful things, aren't they?"
  Spike blinked. Where the hell had that come from? "You try and eat
her or somethin', I will stake you," Spike started, only to have Angel
wave him off.
  "Not like that. Look out there into the lobby, right now, and tell
me what she's doing."
  Puzzled by the request, Spike strode over to the window and peered
through the blinds. Buffy's right hand was firmly clasped in Xander's
left, and she skipped as they opened the large doors leading out to
the garden. She jumped out into the sunshine, the sun gleaming on her
golden hair.
  "She's playin', like I told her to. Looks adorable, too," he added
with a smile.
  "Where is she playing, Spike?"
  Spike turned on his sire with a frown. "You can see her from your
chair, you big poof. Why are you askin' me to..."
  "Where is she playing?" Angel demanded, more harshly this time.
  "Outside!"
  "In what, Spike?"
  Spike glared at Angel. "In the bloody sunshine, you..." His glare
faded as he realized what the older vampire was getting at.
  Angel's look was one of sympathy as he said quietly, "She's five,
Spike. She belongs outside, playing with other children her age."
  "She's not s'posed to be five," Spike argued, smirking triumphantly.
"She's a grown woman, who works in the dark, and lives in the sunshine
when she wants to."
  "Where do you think Buffy's children will want to play?"
  Spike stared at his sire, his heart shattering in his chest. "I know
you two are involved," Angel continued. "I can smell her all over you.
I thought I would warn you of what's to come. That's why I left her;
to give her a better life. A life with a white picket fence, a dog,
children of her own, and a husband that could join her for walks in
the sun."
  Spike slumped into a chair in front of the desk, tears stinging his
eyes. He knew Angel was right. Buffy had once told him, while on
patrol, the names she wanted for a child, if it was a boy or a girl.
She'd made a point out of NOT naming the child William, or Spike. He'd
merely smirked at her, telling her not to name the poor thing Buffy. A
horrid name, he'd said, and the two had bantered for the rest of the
night. That had been before they'd gotten involved.
  But even now, Spike knew that Buffy hadn't given up on that dream of
having children. She may care about him, but in the long run, he
wasn't what she needed.
  "I'm sorry, Spike. I wish I could've told you something else. That
dreams do come true, or other garbage like that. But you know that's
not true."
  Spike snorted, wiping tears away. "I know, Angel. I know."
  He stood and headed over to the window once more, gazing out at the
little golden goddess. So happy, so bright, so pure. Who was he to
drag her down into the dark world of demons and evil?
  "Still got a job to do," Spike said, turning back to Angel. "Not
gonna abandon her; she needs me to protect her. But after this..." He
swallowed, shutting his eyes. He was throwing it all away. For what
purpose?
  For her. He would do anything for her.
  Even if it cost him his heart.

 

Chapter 12

< --- >
 
  It was around four in the afternoon when a triumphant shout was
heard from the middle of the lobby. Buffy, who had been sitting on the
stairs playing quietly, jumped at the sudden noise, biting her lower
lip. She glanced over at the others, who were happily looking as
Wesley waded towards them through the books.
  There was nothing wrong. What a coward she was. No hero at all. She
jumped at a bang, shout, thud...she jumped at any sound, really. What
kind of hero did that? Spike didn't get scared each time someone
dropped a book, or yelled.
  She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't realize Spike
was watching her, his heart aching for the melancholy look on her
face. He was sure he knew what her thoughts were, and he wished that
he could help her somehow.
  'Stay away from her,' a voice inside his head warned him. 'That's
the best way to help her. She needs a normal life. She doesn't belong
in the dark with you.'
  "Did you find it?" Willow asked hopefully, not noticing the
grief-filled look on Spike's face.
  Wesley nodded, practically beaming. "I believe I have. It's a spell
on how to 'change the time, yet keep it the same, old to young, the
time circle spins again', or something like that."
  "Tell us there's a counter-spell," Xander said, his eyes begging
Wesley for a good answer.
  Spike frowned and turned when he felt a tugging on his shirt. Buffy
was gazing at him, biting her bottom lip. "Can I sit next to you?" she
asked hesitantly.
  "You don't need to ask," he replied, trying to smile at her.
  Buffy paused, before climbing up to sit next to him. The two sat in
uncomfortable silence while the others continued to talk. Only Tara
noticed the strain between the two. She frowned, but said nothing.
  "I believe the counter-spell is in here, yes. It's a rare spell, and
this is a first and last edition of the book. The only other source
would probably be the original scroll with the chant, but that's in a
demonic language that precedes most of the Watcher's knowledge."
  It took a few seconds for this to sink in, but by the time it did,
their eyes were wide with nervousness. "We're dealing with someone
pretty smart and powerful, then," Gunn said, frowning. "I don't like
the sound of that."
  Cordelia shook her head to agree, and opened her mouth to voice her
opinions. She never got the chance.
  The front door and windows exploded with a crash, sending glass and
wood flying. With a battle cry a demon leapt in, followed closely by
at least twenty more.
  "The mercenary demons!" Xander shouted, as the gang jumped to their
feet.
  "Cordy, the weapons!" Angel yelled, throwing himself at the nearest
demon. A few punches sent it flying out the door.
  Buffy backed up to the stairs, then turned and ran as fast as she
could. This time, she would stay upstairs, and not try to help. Who
was she kidding? She couldn't help, anyways. She'd just get in their way.
  Unfortunately, a demon noticed her trying to slip away. "Mashkar!!"
he yelled, catching the attention of two of his friends. The three
started up after her, causing Dawn to glance up.
  "BUFFY, RUN!!!" she screamed, before crying out as a demon
carelessly shoved her down. She cringed as the demon pulled back his
weapon, ready to finish her off.
  The blow never struck. The demon fell to the floor, dead, a sword
protruding from its gut. "You all right, Bit?" Spike asked, helping
her up.
  "There's three demons after Buffy," she gasped, pushing him towards
the stairs. "Spike, help her!"
  He didn't need to be told twice. Spike scrambled up the stairs,
sword still in hand. He could hear a racing heart-beat ahead of him,
and then a scream. His undead heart clenched at the thought of her
hurt. 'Please, no, let her be all right...'
  Just as he rounded the corner, he was thrown into a wall, his head
spinning. He tried to stand, but another blow stopped him.
  "Lemme go!! Noooo!!"
  Spike managed to raise his head just in time to see one of the
demons hoist Buffy over his shoulder. "No," he rasped, forcing himself
to his feet. He stumbled, falling into the wall. 'C'mon Spike, move
it. She needs you, mate.'
  With all the strength he could muster he shoved himself away from
the wall and reached the top of the stairs in time to see Angel and
Xander trying to stop the demons with Buffy.
  Spike started down the stairs, then grunted as he felt someone slam
into his back. He tumbled down to the landing with a 'thud'.
  A demon jumped over him, apparently thinking him dead. He raced to
catch up with the others, the kidnappers tossing Angel and Xander to
the side.
  Buffy whimpered and caught sight of Spike, lying in a crumpled heap
at the bottom of the stairs. "S-Spike!!!" she screamed, reaching for
him. "SPIKE!!!"
  Spike looked up and could only watch helplessly as Buffy was carried
away, sobbing and screaming. Her face pleading with him was the last
thing he saw before he fell into blackness.

< --- >

  Buffy whimpered as she was thrown onto a cold surface. She was
alone, and she was very, very scared. Was Spike okay? He'd come
looking for her, to save her, and had gotten hurt.
  "No need to be afraid, little one," a deep voice said, causing her
to jump back.
  The deep voice chuckled, then stepped forward to reveal an elderly
gentleman. His gray hair made him look very old, and almost like a
grandfather. But the scar on his right cheek told Buffy that this
wasn't someone that was very nice.
  "Wh-Who are you?" she asked.
  The man smiled. "My name is Eldon. Do you know how old I am, little
slayer?"
  Buffy could only shake her head. "H-How did you know that I-I was a..."
  "A slayer?" Eldon said, chuckling. "I told you, little one, I'm very
old and wise. In fact, I am thousands of years old. I look good for my
age, no?"
  "Y-You look very nice," Buffy stuttered, trying to be polite.
  Eldon bowed to her. Maybe he wasn't a bad guy after all. "My many
thanks, little one. Or should I say, Buffy? That is your name, correct?"
  Buffy nodded. "Are you...are you a magician?" she whispered.
  "Yes, actually, I am," he said, smiling. This time, his smile
was...cold. Buffy shivered, and didn't really know why. She stared at
his scar, fascinated by the way it stretched from his right ear down
to his chin.
  Eldon chuckled as he realized what had caught her attention. "This
scar was given to me by a slayer, just like you," he said, and his
smile was even colder than before. He took two steps towards her, and
Buffy began to crawl away.
  "But as I said before, I am thousands of years old. I won't live
forever, and probably not for much longer. That is, if I don't
consider the ritual."
  "R-Ri..."
  " Oh yes, let me explain. You see, little one, the blood of the
slayer is not only the tastiest blood out in the world; it also has
magical properties, if applied correctly in say, a ritual. The blood
of the slayer, no, a young slayer has many powers, child."
Buffy's eyes widened. "You're gonna use my blood to makes yourself
live longer?" she asked fearfully.
  Eldon laughed and applauded her. "Very good! For someone so young,
you are very smart."
  "B-But M'not a slayer or 'nanything like that! M'just a lil' girl!"
she said, trying to be brave. Her blood wasn't special; her blood was
the blood of a yellow-belly.
  "Unfortunately, I now know that. I figured it out the last time I
turned you into a child. I headed down into the temple where you had
changed back to analyze the blood you'd left behind from your head
wound, and found, to my dismay, that it was nothing but child's blood.
Young, sweet, but nothing special."
  "A-Are you...are you a vampire?" she asked, backing away from him.
  He shook his head. "No, child. I am a warlock with distinct
credentials and years behind me. I turned you into a child so you
would be that much easier to capture and drain."
  Suddenly Buffy began to get angry. He was nothing but a big bully!
"You're a meanie!" she hissed, standing. "And you're wrong! Spike's
gonna come an' save me, an' your big and evil plans'll be mushed!"
  She gasped as Eldon glared down at her, snapping his fingers. "I
think not, child. Put her somewhere safe, please. Edgar, set up the
ritual. It is time."
  Strong arms wrapped around her waist, hoisting her into the air. She
kicked and fought, trying to get away. The demon holding her merely
laughed at her attempts. He carried her up a flight of stone stairs
and yanked something open. She whimpered as she was thrown into a
cage, suspended above the main floor. The demon locked the door,
placing the key in his pocket.
  Buffy turned and gazed out at the main floor. Demons were
EVERYWHERE. The whole place looked like the entrance hall of a
mansion, or museum. And Buffy was hanging above it all, unable to get
away.
  She watched the demons run around, taking numerous things into a
black door down a hallway. All for the ritual, she was certain.
  "M'sorry, Spike," she whispered, thinking back to her friend. Was he
hurt badly? What about the others? What if they didn't come for her?
She wasn't a hero; what was she going to do?
  Curling up into a ball, Buffy began to cry.


 

Chapter 13:

< --- >

  Spike awoke with a groan and a splitting headache. Alerted by his
groan, a few of the gang came over to see if he was all right.
  "Where is she?" he asked immediately.
  Tara sighed, looking anywhere but at him. "They took her. We tried
to stop them, but..."
  Spike swore and sat up, then swore again as pain rocketed through
his skull. "Are you okay?" Xander asked, frowning.
  "Peachy, Harris. Just had someone I love very dearly whisked off to
who the hell knows where, and I've fallen down a flight of stairs, but
yeah, I'm just fine!"
  "Spike, calm down," Tara ordered, glaring at him. "You're not
helping matters."
  "We all understand the urgency of the situation," Wesley said,
placing a bandage on Willow's brow. "We're deciding on our next move."
  "Get her back and kill the bastard who did this," Spike said simply.
  Angel rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because that'll work."
  Spike turned on his sire, eyes blazing, but Tara stopped whatever
had been about to come out of his mouth. "Listen to me! Our first step
is to find out where they are. Wills and I are out of magic for the
moment, so you'll have to find another way. Something tells me that we
have to move fast. I don't think we have a lot of time left anymore."
  "And how do you figure this?" Gunn asked.
  Tara said as calmly as she could, "Because we had little Buffy for
five days before she changed back at midnight. It's been five days."
  All eyes turned to the clock hanging above the office. Nine thirty.
Spike swallowed, chills running up and down his spine. Whoever had
turned her into a child only had a few hours left to do what he wanted
with her, before she returned to her former state.
  They were running out of time, and fast.
  "What type of demon was that?" Cordelia asked, heading for the
books. "Maybe that'll give us a clue."
  "Talonics," Willow answered almost immediately. "We looked them up
before. Basically, an old line of contract demons that will do
whatever you command, so long as you know the right words and have the
right amount of cash."
  Dawn turned to Willow from her seat on the floor. "Right words?
'Please do this' doesn't cut it?"
  Wesley's eyes widened, and he rushed past Cordelia, beating her to
the books. "But of course! The Talonic demons have a very old
language, answering only to those that have mastered it. They consider
it the right of the person that wishes to hire them to learn the
language; whoever's making the offer should extend that much of a
courtesy, I suppose."
  "How easy is it to get a hold on this language?" Willow asked, frowning.
  "I'm thinkin' it's not found in the nearest library," Gunn quipped.
Xander grinned at him, despite the tension.
  Wesley offered a grim smile. "The books that carry the language are
few and far between. Most were destroyed around the turn of the
millennium."
  Anya blinked. "I'm sorry, did you say...?"
  "Turn of the millennium, yes. It's that old. You yourself may be
familiar with the text, 'Draveshel's Canticle of Demonic Languages',
Anya?"
  Anya pondered for a moment, before nodding. "I've heard of it, and
that's only by reputation. One of the greatest books ever written,
before they were burned for some religious reason or another."
  "Um, strayin' off topic a bit?" Spike said, glancing back at the clock.
  Wesley noted his urgency and sped things up. "Um, yes, well, at any
rate, I believe this works in with the spell. The spell that turned
Buffy into a child in the first place? Again, that required quite a
vast knowledge of demonic languages. The Talonic language isn't even
written in books anymore; scrolls are the only thing left of it. And
the scrolls themselves are written in a language that hasn't existed
for millennia."
  As the words sunk in, Dawn raised her hand. "So...time traveler,
really old vampire, or..."
  "Could be, but with the kind of magics involved, I think we're
dealing with a warlock. A very, very powerful and old warlock," Willow
said, not looking enthused about her own diagnosis.
  "Either way, we have to arm up, right?" Cordelia said. "Well, find
out where he's staying first, then arm up and..." Suddenly she gasped,
clutching her head. Angel leapt towards her, grabbing her and easing
her towards the floor. The others began to head her way, but Wesley
waved them off, assuring them she'd be all right.
  "Vision?" Gunn asked. "'Cause if it is, I'm not sure we can take
anymore trouble. We got enough on our hands as it is."
  Slowly Cordelia began to recover. "Someone up there really, 'really'
likes us," she muttered, glancing over at the group. "I know where she
is. An old mansion off the west side of town, near the carnival. It
used to be a museum at one point or another, I think."
  "Did you see her?" Dawn asked, biting her lower lip.
  Cordelia nodded, still a little shaky from the vision. "She's fine
for now, but not for long. He's got big plans in store for her, and
they involve lots of her blood. We have to move."
  "You saw the person?"
  "Yes, Wes, I saw him. Gray hair, looks really old, nasty scar on the
right cheek."
  Tara took a seat next to Spike, who hadn't said a word since he'd
last looked at the clock. "You sure you're okay?" she asked quietly.
  Spike stared down at his hands. "My fault that she's gone. If I'd
kept my eyes on her, kept her safe, she'd still be here."
  "You don't know that."
  Spike chuckled bitterly. "Yeah, I do. I was too busy tryin' to stay
away from her that I put her in danger."
  "Why were you avoiding her?" Tara asked, trying to mentally project
all her good feelings towards the distraught vampire.
  It wasn't working. "Angel showed me somethin'. Showed me that I
shouldn't be takin' a life from her. A life that she deserves. Big or
small, I'm not the right man for Buffy. I can't give her a house with
big windows, can't give her a warm body to curl up with at night, and
I can't give her..." He closed his eyes, before saying softly, "I
can't give her children."
  "Spike..."
  "Found somethin' out these past days. Found that children are
beautiful, wonderful people. Have such life, such purity. Such
happiness. I was blessed to have lil' Buffy as long as I did. Adult
Buffy'll never have that, if she sticks with me. Never have the chance
to find out that her own children will be just as beautiful, and just
as full of life as she is. They would bring her such joy. Who am I to
stand in the way of that?"
  For a while, the two sat in silence. Finally, Tara sighed and
glanced at Spike. "Personally, I think you're making a mistake. I also
think that Buffy should have some say in it, shouldn't she? You're
talking about her life, and one of her decisions in her life was
having you as a lover. I think she knew what she was forsaking if she
chose you, but she chose you anyways. Talk to her, at least. Do that
for me?"
  Spike looked up at her then, eyes glistening with tears. He nodded,
not appearing to be very convinced with his own agreement.
  "I think we should get her back first, so you can talk to her in the
first place," Tara teased gently, finally earning a smile from the
vampire.
  "Thanks."
  She nodded, giving him a smile.
  Angel turned to the group, who glanced back at him. "Who's ready?"
  Determined looks were his answer. "Good. Then let's go; we've got a
slayer to save."

 

Chapter 14:

< --- >
 
  Buffy didn't know how long she cried, but eventually her sobs
tapered off into sniffles. Feeling a little braver, she peered out of
the cage, trying to see if there was some way she could get out.
  She was surprised to see no one there. The entire main floor below
her was vacant of people. She couldn't hear anything, either. Was that
good or bad?
  Wiping her eyes on the back of her arm, Buffy turned to the lock on
the cage. Maybe she could pick it open, like she saw people do in the
movies. Gingerly she reached around and tried to stick her hand in the
hole. Nope; option two.
  She tried to push each finger into the hole, finally succeeding with
her ring finger. Still, it felt a little tight, like it would get
stuck, so Buffy opted for her pinkie. She twisted her finger around in
the lock, trying to find the clasp to unlock the door.
  A noise startled her into pulling away. She spun around to look down
and saw the front door open. She ducked, peering over the edge to
watch the newcomers.
  She sighed as she realized it was just a bunch of vampires. Great. A
vampire came out to greet them, before leading them towards the black
door, and then silence descended once more.
  In a small fit of anger she kicked at the door. A loud 'bang' echoed
through the large hall, and Buffy winced. Oops.
  One vampire stuck his head out of the door. "Knock it off!" he
yelled. "We'll see to you soon enough." He slammed the door behind him
as he went.
  Buffy began to sit back against the bars, then stopped and hurried
over to the edge as the door opened again.
  More vampires. Buffy whimpered, telling herself not to cry. Would
her friends never come?
  A vampire came out to greet them, like before, and the group chatted
together. As Buffy sat on the floor of the cage miserably, she could
overhear their conversation.
  "Expecting anyone else, Edgar?"
  "There is a group of foreign demons coming for the occasion. This IS
a very important get together, you do realize. This marks the return
of Eldon, the greatest warlock this dimension has ever seen. At any
rate, don't stare at the demons; they do cover themselves with black
cloaks so as not to attract too much attention."
  A pause. "Ah, not too easy on the eyes, I take it?"
  Chuckling was heard. "Not exactly, no. So please, refrain from
staring at them."
  Another pause. "Understood completely. Now, do show us to the liege,
if you would."
  The footsteps soon faded away, and Buffy could hear the slam of the
door. She hugged her knees to her chest, wiping away tears that
threatened to fall. Her friends weren't coming for her.
  She continued to stare at the floor, until the front door was heard
opening again. That would probably be those ugly demons they were
talking about before. Still, it couldn't hurt to look, could it?
  Sighing, Buffy turned and looked at the new guests. Black robes;
she'd been right the first time. She turned back to staring at the
floor of the cage, silent tears rolling down her face.
  "Kitten?"
  Buffy blinked. She whipped her head around, then peered down again.
The black robes were being thrown off, and her friends were gazing up
at her.
  And there was Spike. He'd come for her, just like she knew he would.
  "You came for me," she breathed, a smile reaching from ear to ear.
  Spike smiled, his own eyes watery. "Yeah, kitten. I came for you."
  "Buffy, sweetie, where are they right now?" Willow asked, clutching
Tara's hand.
  Buffy pointed towards the black door. "They've all been goin' in
there, an' they don't come out, 'cept one, an' his name's Edgar."
  "How many do you think there are?" Gunn asked, twirling his sword.
  "Lots an' lots an' lots."
  "Oh," Dawn said, her face falling. She gripped her weapon closer, as
Spike called up to Buffy softly.
  "Just hold on, sweetheart. Spike's comin' up to get you out, all right?"
  Buffy nodded, wiping her tears away. "'Kay."
  "Let me do that," a cold voice said, causing the gang to spin
around. An elderly gentleman stepped out of the shadows, looking
anything but happy. He glared up at Buffy, and Buffy glared right back
at him.
  "And you would be?" Wesley asked.
  The gentleman turned back to the group, his eyes flashing black for
a short moment. "Eldon. Eldon, the greatest warlock in this
dimension." He snapped his fingers, never taking his eyes from the group.
  A strangled cry was heard from above, and Spike glanced up at the
cage. A burly demon had a hold on Buffy's foot, and was yanking her
from the cage. Buffy whimpered as he pulled her out of the cage and
into his arms.
  "It is time, at long last," Eldon said, smiling at the struggling
child. "Bring her."
  "I don't think so," Angel said, swinging his weapon towards Eldon.
He blinked and found himself flat on his back.
  Eldon merely spun around and headed for the black door, the burly
demon following after. Buffy screamed, reaching out for Spike.
  "BUFFY!" Spike yelled, running after them. Vampires and demons began
to flood out from behind the black door, stopping Spike from getting
any further.
  Eldon disappeared inside, closing the door behind the burly demon.
Spike fought desperately against two vampires as he watched Buffy
vanish from sight.
  With a roar he knocked them down and began to make his way towards
the door. Whatever demon or vampire came in his path met with a
gruesome death.
  "Push on!!" Cordelia shouted, dusting a vampire. Slowly but surely
the group began to gain some footing.

< --- >

  Buffy shivered as she looked around the room. It was scary, and her
earlier bravery was quickly disappearing.
  The burly demon put her down, grabbing hold of her shoulder with one
hand. Eldon came over with a white something in his hands and offered
it to Buffy. "Put it on," he ordered. "There's a screen over there to
stand behind."
  Buffy unfolded the something and found it to be a plain white slip,
much too big for her. It looked like mommy's slip, which she sometimes
pretended was her wedding dress. "Why?" she asked. "S'too big for me."
  She gulped at the glare Eldon sent her way. "If you do not put that
dress on, I will send the demon behind you out to beat your friends
into a bloody pulp, if they're not dead already. Clear?"
  Buffy glanced down at the floor, defeated. He could hurt her
friends, and she didn't want that. Besides, her friends would be in
here soon to rescue her.
  Once more Eldon pointed to the screen on the other side of the
darkened room. "Go change. Now."
  Clutching the white slip in her right hand, Buffy made her way over
to the screen. She changed as slowly as she could, trying to buy the
gang time. Time to save her from the evil bully.
  "Slayer!" he roared, causing her to jump. Apparently he knew exactly
what she was thinking. "Change and get out here, now! Or I will send
my friend out to deal with yours."
  Buffy quickly changed into the slip, then tentatively peered out
from behind the screen. She was going to trip in this big thing, and
it kept trying to fall off.
  She gasped as the big demon grabbed her and hauled her over to the
lit part of the room. A stone table stood in front of her, and at each
corner, a vampire knelt. Buffy struggled as she was laid down on top
of the table, something cold and hard clinking around her wrists and
ankles.
  Eldon pulled out a book and began to chant, tossing herbs and
powders into the air. Buffy didn't pay any attention to him. Her eyes
were riveted on the door.
  She whimpered as the cold and hard something around her wrists and
ankles was tugged and held hard, keeping her immobile on the table. It
felt like she was being pulled apart, a piece of her ready to go off
into different directions.
  Ow! What WAS that? That feeling growing inside her? Buffy shivered
as Eldon continued to chant, oblivious to the little one's pain. Her
eyes continued to gaze at the door, a small mantra starting in her head.
  'Save me Spike, save me Spike, save me, save me...'


 

Chapter 15:

>
 
  The last demon fell to the ground, lifeless. Instantly Spike was
running towards the black door, praying they weren't too late. The
gang stayed right on his heels, bloody but ready for more.
  With a snarl Spike ripped the door open, halting suddenly at the
sight in front of him.
  A stone altar was arranged at the opposite end of the room, with
Eldon behind it, a book in hand. Four vampires knelt at the corners
of the altar, each pulling a length of chain. The chains were
connected to two tiny wrists and two tiny ankles, which in part were
connected to a terrified Buffy.
  Her eyes widened with hope as she caught sight of the
group. "Spike!" she yelled happily.
  A growl came from Spike's left, but Spike was more than ready. With
a flick of his wrist Spike sent a dagger flying into the demon's
throat, causing it to fall to the ground, dead.
  Eldon finally looked up from his book, blinking in surprise at the
gang's appearance. "I must admit, I'm quite shocked to see that you
got past my small army. Each and every one of you." He set the book
down and reached past it for something else.
  It was only then that Spike noticed the little girl's attire. Her
sun dress had changed into a woman's slip, much too big for the
little one. He frowned, glancing back up at Eldon. "Well, we did.
Went down pretty fast, but not as fast as you will. Not gonna let
anythin' happen to her. Ever."
  "Really?" Eldon asked, sounding amused. "Nothing's going to happen
to her?"
  Suddenly Buffy gasped, staring straight up at the ceiling. Her
breathing began to sound labored as she started to shake. Spike could
only watch in silent wonder as Buffy's body grew larger, until he was
staring at a gasping slayer. She blinked, trying to get her bearings.
  "Now!" Eldon roared, and the four vampires at the corners yanked on
their chains at the same time. Buffy cried out as the loosened chains
were tightened once more to accommodate her sudden size change. Her
body continued to shudder as she blinked away tears of pain. This
time, the vampires weren't holding back their strength as they pulled
on the chains.
  The something Eldon had been reaching for made itself known as a
silver knife. Buffy was still trying to cope with the sudden
onslaught of new memories and sensations when Eldon raised the knife
above her stomach.
  Willow gasped as Spike and Angel began to run forward, switching
into game-face as they went. Eldon raised his eyes towards the
ceiling, before glancing down at the trembling slayer.
  Without a word he slammed the knife into her.
  Spike and Angel came to a screeching halt, staring with horror at
the embedded knife. Buffy gasped, tears sliding from her eyes. Eldon
calmly reached over for a bowl and let the blood pool from the wound,
waiting for it to pour into the bowl.
  He yelled as he fell backwards, tackled down by a large someone. He
looked up into the eyes of a furious vampire. "Game over, mate," he
hissed, before grabbing him by the scruff of his shirt. Spike threw
the warlock over to Angel, knowing he couldn't actually kill the
warlock himself. Angel would have to see to it. From the look on the
older vampire's face, he didn't look like he minded.
  The four vampires were quickly dusted, and the gang began to work
on the chains. Spike crossed over, swallowing at the sight of the
knife. Her crimson blood flowed all over the white slip, which now
fit perfectly. Spike turned to assure Buffy that she'd be all right,
and found her head slouched on her shoulder, her eyes closed.

< --- >

  The tingling sensation had grown into something painful, suddenly
gripping each and every part of Buffy's tiny body. Then, Buffy wasn't
so tiny anymore. She had breathed as deep as she could, then gasped
at the sensation of growing lungs. Growing limbs. Growing mind.
  She could hear noises, but before she could identify them, she'd
been bombarded by images and memories of the past five days. Turning
into a child, staying with Spike practically each night, saving
Spike, running away, the trip to LA, the kidnapping...every single
moment of it, in less than ten seconds. Her mind whirled at the
sensation, and she began to feel dizzy.
  Her body apparently hadn't liked shifting from child to adult so
fast, either. The minute she'd finished growing, body shaking tremors
had gripped her entire frame, not helping the dizzy sensation at all.
  She'd been so lost in the swirling images and sensations that she
hadn't been able to realize what had been going on. She'd quickly
been brought back to the present when the knife had been plunged
inside of her. The chains ripping at her limbs hadn't hurt this much.
  Something black had flashed over her, and she had heard growling,
and then her world had faded into black.
  But something was pulling her back now. Something...something soft.
A voice. A voice she knew very, very well.
  "Buffy, wake up. C'mon luv, I know you can hear me. Wake up! Stay
with me, pet..."
  Slowly her eyes opened to reveal an anxious vampire hovering over
her. His expression instantly changed to relieved at the sight of her
emerald eyes. "Welcome back," he said softly.
  Buffy tried to answer him, but a searing pain shot through her
body. "You'll be all right, now that the knife's out," Spike
promised, helping her up.
  Buffy glanced around at the faces surrounding her. Wesley.
Cordelia. Willow. Xander. Angel. She whimpered, her head falling onto
Spike's chest.
  Spike gently pulled her into his arms and carried her out, the
others following right behind them.

< --- >

  Buffy yawned and reached over for Spike, then frowned when she
realized he wasn't there. "Spike?" she called softly. No sense in
waking the others up, even though the couple's door had been closed
for obvious reasons.
  She sat up, grimacing at the pain throbbing from the wound. Two,
no, three days now, and it still hurt from time to time. It would
eventually go away, she knew, but it was still an annoyance.
  Turning, she caught sight of her lover leaning against the window
frame, staring outside. His face was emotionless, much like it had
been for the past couple of days.
  Inwardly, Buffy sighed. Ever since she'd been turned into an adult
again, he'd been quiet, rarely speaking to her unless directly spoken
to. Buffy had let it go, thinking he'd been upset about her being
hurt.
  But three days running, and she knew it wasn't about some stab-
wound. Slowly she stood, making her way over to him. "Spike?" she
said again, wrapping her arms around his waist. He stiffened at her
touch, his eyes continuing to gaze ahead.
  Buffy refused to let go, glancing outside, then back up at him. The
sun would be rising soon. "Talk to me, please," she begged. "You're
starting to really scare me. Please."
  It was Spike who sighed out loud. "It's nothin'. Really."
  "Spike, I know you. This is not 'nothing'. Not when you won't talk
to me."
  "I just..." Spike finally turned to her, his eyes reflecting
indecision. Pain. Buffy bit her bottom lip, wishing she enfold him in
a hug, and tell him it was all going to be okay. Somehow, she got the
distinct impression that he wouldn't appreciate it at the moment.
  "You were really adorable as a child, you know that?" he said,
startling her with the abrupt change in the conversation.
  "Huh?"
  Spike glanced back out through the window. "You were so precious,
so pure, so full of life. Never seen anythin' like that before in
anyone."
  And she wasn't like that now? Buffy looked away, hurt by his words.
  Spike didn't seem to notice her pain. "You were so trustin', so
full of love." His smiled slightly, lost in the memory. "Wanted to
keep that adorable bundle of light, before I lost it for good."
  Ow, ow, and ow. Was she that horrid? That horrid, that he would
want a child her over the adult her? She swallowed past the lump in
her throat, her vision beginning to blur.
  Spike glanced over at her, his eyes widening at the broken look on
her face. "I didn't mean it like...oh, sweetheart," he murmured,
wrapping his arms around her. Buffy laid her head against his chest,
her hands clutching at his shirt.
  Spike winced as he felt his shirt dampen from her tears. She was in
pain, hurting, because of him. He had to do this.
  He pulled away from her and wiped her tears away. "What I was
tryin' to say was that I loved lil' you, too. I missed you so, so
much, but I enjoyed the time with lil' you too."
  "And this is leading to...?"
  Spike sighed, placing his hands on her shoulders. At his serious
look, Buffy frowned. "Spike, what's going..."
  "Talked to Angel before we left."
  Buffy's frown deepened. "Okay, you're not calling him Peaches. And
whatever he told you, you're taking to heart. Really starting to
freak me out..."
  "Pointed somethin' out to me. When he dragged me into his office?
Had me look outside, where you were playin' in the sun."
  "And...?"
  "In the sun, Buffy. Where all children belong."
  Buffy's eyes widened. She'd heard this one before, from the mouth
of the other vampire. Apparently, he'd decided to pass his knowledge
on to Spike. "I'm not a child," she argued, pushing his hands
off. "I'm a grown woman, Spike, who finally knows what she wants. And
that's you."
  "Yeah, but what happens after, Buffy? What happens when you want
the house with big windows, picket fence, and..." Spike stared
anywhere but at her. "And children?" he whispered.
  She was going to lose him. Goddess, no, she couldn't... "Spike,
listen to me, please."
  "You deserve better than this," he said quietly, shaking his
head. "Can't give you what you deserve."
  "You give me what I want!" she yelled.
  That stopped him. Spike stared at her, eyes wide at her small
outburst. "Listen to me, please," she pleaded. "Spike, please."
  Spike nodded, continuing to stare at her.
  "This is the exact same thing Angel told me. This is why he left
me. Because he couldn't give me what I 'deserved'. Well, maybe I
don't want what I deserve. Maybe I want what I want." Her voice began
to rise in volume. "And I know...I know what I want, now. I finally
figured it out, you know? Y-You can't just walk away and leave me,
like he did, not when I want you, need you, because Spike I need you,
I..."
  "Shhh," he hushed, pulling her into his arms. He rubbed her back,
in an attempt to calm her near hysterics.
  "Don't leave me," she whispered. "Spike, please, don't."
  "You deserve..."
  "You. I deserve you."
  Spike gazed down at her, their eyes meeting. "What about..."
  "Children? Haven't you ever heard of adoption?"
  "And..."
  "Putting up a fence is easy, and we can easily paint it white,
purple, whatever we want. Big windows can easily be covered by blinds
or curtains."
  He stared at her, before he began to chuckle. "I think you had all
this covered long before the ideas were introduced to me."
  She winked at him. "They might've crossed my mind a time or two."
  The two shared a smile, before their lips met. Buffy moaned,
tangling her hands in his hair.
  They finally broke apart, Buffy gasping for breath. "That's
something I would've missed way too much," she panted.
  "The things you do to my ego," he smirked, grabbing her at the
waist. She giggled as he spun her around, before dropping her onto
the bed, bracing his hands on either side of her head. He leaned
down, placing a kiss on her lips.
  "Gonna miss lil' you, though," he admitted quietly.
  Buffy smiled, her right hand coming up to cup his cheek. "I know.
We'll get a few little ones of our own, eventually. But for now..."
She turned reaching for something on her nightstand. Spike frowned,
watching her look it over in her hands, before she gave it to him.
  He settled down on the bed next to her, taking it from her. "A
photo?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
  She merely smiled. "I thought you might want it."
  Giving her an odd look, Spike glanced down at the photo in his
hands. His mouth dropped at the image, and tears burned in his eyes.
  It was a picture of him and little Buffy, asleep on the sofa. His
arms were curled around her protectively, not letting her go. Her
hands rested on his arms, holding on to him. Both looked safe and
content.
  Spike glanced back up at Buffy, bewildered. "How did..."
  "Willow. She came down to make breakfast, and apparently found you
two on the couch. She ran back upstairs, grabbed her camera, and took
a snapshot before you two woke up. She gave it to me when we came
back to Sunnydale."
  She leaned forward and whispered, "So you see? You end up getting
both of us, anyways."
  He laughed, placing the photo to the side. Gently he pulled her
towards him, curling up with her in his arms. The two drifted off,
dreaming of a future filled with the laughter of children.

THE END