Chapter 18

"So what did you guys find out while we were gone?" asked Buffy.

Willow looked up at Buffy and Spike, his duster looked exactly that, dusty.

"You have some trouble while you were gone?" asked Willow.

Buffy frowned.

"No, why?" asked Buffy.

The others looked at them, noting their dishevelled appearance; Dawn had a knowing smirk on her face.

"Never mind, Dawn and I found out some stuff about W&H buying up Sunnydale, they managed to buy it only a matter of days after the 'freak earthquake' Well that was the mayor's official line on the disaster," said Willow.

"I've been called a lot of things in my time, but never a freak earthquake," said Spike.

"Oh very funny," said Buffy recalling what he'd once said about being called a champion.

"So did you hear from Angel at all?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, he got back to me, he's gonna help us, although not in person, seems his time is too full running his shiny new law firm, he says he is going to send some security related stuff to get us into the site so we can do a recon of the area from the inside, some of us will be posing as a team of inspectors from W&H, he could only drum up four security passes, without it looking suspicious," said Buffy.

"Let me guess, I won't be one of the four," said Dawn.

Buffy looked at her sister.

"You guessed right, but there's also the fact that you don't look old enough to be a lawyer type," said Buffy.

"Face it kid, you're just along for the ride, like me," said Andrew.

"I am not a kid," said Dawn angrily.

"Spike and I are going, Xander you have a knowledge of construction or whatever, it might help if we actually sound like we know what we are talking about, and Giles you look like a lawyer more than any of us, are you in?" asked Buffy.

"I'll take the lawyer remark as a compliment, I think," said Giles.

"Count me in," said Xander.

"Right that's sorted, I think we should get the vehicles off the road, don't want anyone asking questions as to why we are here," said Buffy.

"Well who's gonna tell Faith and Wood?" asked Dawn

All eyes turned to Andrew.

"Why do I always get the crappy jobs? I'll have you know that I was once part of an evil plan for global domination, that deserves a little respect," said Andrew.

They all groaned,

"Respect this," said Dawn as she threw a cushion at Andrew's head.

Giles shook his head, why did it sometimes feel like they were in a big playpen, with him as appointed babysitter. Spike appeared to be feeling the same way, if his expression was anything to go by, thought Giles. He had to admit to himself, that souled Spike had a much higher level of maturity that the unsouled version.

"I'll go tell them," said Spike.

He gave Buffy a quick kiss and got out of the RV.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike walked the few paces to the school bus; he listened carefully before banging on the doors. He didn't want to be the means of ruining their wedded bliss. It was several moments before any one came to answer; Faith pulled back the curtain, wrapped in nothing more than a sheet. She looked at Spike bleary eyed, before opening the doors.

"What can I do you for Spike?" she asked in her husky voice.

"Buffy needs you to move the bus off the main road, for all we know come daybreak this area could be swarming with W&H employees," said Spike.

Faith brushed her hair out of her face and sat down on the steps of the school bus.

"Now you've disappointed me, I thought you were here to at least suggest a threesome," she grinned at him.

Spike looked at her slightly shocked, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Got a smoke, I'm all out and there's not exactly a 711 around here," said Faith

"Sorry kinda quit," said Spike.

"Oh well, but nice to see you kept your biggest vice," said Faith.

Spike looked puzzled.

"B," she said.

Spike smiled fondly.

"Yeah she is a hard habit to break," said Spike.

The engine of the RV in front of them, fired into life.

"That's my cue to be getting back in the fold," sighed Spike.

"Not much fun touring with Buffy's nearest and dearest?" asked Faith.

"You could say that," said Spike.

He walked off and got back into the RV and Faith went to wake Robin.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was 6:00am, everyone was asleep except for Buffy and Spike; they were crouched down, partially concealed by a large Joshua tree.

"What exactly are we waiting for?" asked Spike.

"We'll know when it arrives, besides we have to be here to meet who or what ever, as our location that I gave to Angel has changed since we moved the vans," said Buffy.

They could both hear the distant approach of a vehicle, Buffy stepped out, but Spike pulled her back.

"Better not reveal ourselves before we know who it is," said Spike.

A Fed-Ex van came over the horizon, a cloud of dust billowing up behind it, it parked a few feet away from them. A large man got out of the van; he took his baseball cap off and scratched his head, looking in all directions.

"Buffy Summer?" he said hopefully to the empty road.

Buffy popped up from behind the tree.

"That would be me," she said awkwardly.

The deliveryman looked surprised, he hadn't really expected an answer, he'd had the thought in the back of his mind that this whole job was a wind up; it wouldn't be the first time. Any way he shrugged and went around to the back of the van, extracting a large box. Spike came from behind the tree at that moment; the guy raised his eyebrows at the new addition. He placed the package on the ground and hastily thrust the clipboard at Buffy to get her signature, eager to be off.

"Thanks, have a nice day," he said before scurrying off in his van and driving away as if chased by the hounds of hell.

"Think you kinda scared him," smiled Buffy, as she picked the box up off the ground.

"Probably thought we were gonna murder him or something, must have looked weird, us both popping up from behind a tree," chuckled Spike.

Buffy laughed seeing the funny side of it. They started back to the vehicles, Spike tried to take the box from her.

"Spike, this isn't the 1880's I think I can manage a box," said Buffy.

He looked hurt and she wished she had not uttered her thoughtless words. It was only his William side, surfacing as it sometimes did, but then his expression changed. He scooped her into his arms package and all.

"Spike!" she exclaimed as he hauled her into his arms,

He just grinned at her and carried on walking.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

By the time they got back to the van, nearly everyone else was awake; Dawn was in the kitchen cooking up breakfast. Andrew was still fast asleep. Buffy looked at her sister in surprise.

"Thought I'd give him a break, besides I have to have something to do in this hell on wheels," said Dawn.

Buffy put the box on the kitchen counter, Robin and Faith joined them a few minutes later. Faith eyed the box on the table.

"Hey did I miss someone's birthday?" asked Faith.

"Anyone got a knife?" asked Buffy.

Faith pulled an evil looking bowie knife from her back pocket and placed it on the table. Buffy looked at her.

"You gotta be prepared at all times B, you know that, besides it was a wedding gift," she said, smiling at Robin.

"Yeah, I know the way to my girl's heart," said Robin.

Faith smiled at him.

"So what's in the box?" asked Faith

"That's what I am trying to find out," said Buffy,

She unsheathed the knife and cut across the top of the box. There were four security passes as well as four lab style coats in a uninteresting grey as well as four red hard hats with the W&H logo on them.

"Grey is definatley not my colour," said Buffy.

She looked in the box again, there was a red shiny box in the bottom, covered with silver ribbons. Buffy took it out, looking at it puzzled.

"Guess it was someone's birthday after all," said Robin.

Dawn came over and looked into the big box.

"Oh look there's a card with it," she said picking it up.

"I believe that's for me," said Buffy taking it from her sister before she tried to open it.

"Something smells nice," said Xander.

"Open the box, for God's sake," said Giles, feeling less than happy, he'd never been a morning person.

Buffy pulled open the bright coloured box, inside was a large assortment of freshly baked cookies. Her face flushed bright red, she put them down on the table. And opened the envelope, she read the few lines that Angel had scribbled inside.

It read: Dear Buffy, hope these things have been some help to you, good luck with your mission. If you need any more assistance, just call, I hope you and Spike enjoy the cookies, they should still be warm. Take care of yourself, I wish you both happy, really I do, well you more than Spike maybe. ANGEL

Buffy handed the card to Spike, he read it and laughed wryly.

"What I don't get love, why cookies?" asked Spike.

"Never mind I'll explain it to you one day," said Buffy.

"Can we have some Buffy?" asked Dawn.

"Sure help yourselves," she shrugged.

Xander got himself two large double choc chip cookies, Andrew chose to awake at that moment, and he frowned at Xander.

"What about that low fat diet, I am trying to help you with?" asked Andrew.

Xander flushed.

"A couple of cookies won't kill me," said Xander.

"Yeah until you are that guy who got so fat, that when they wanted to get him out of his own home, they had to knock the wall down," said Andrew.

Dawn and Willow laughed, Xander suddenly didn't feel so hungry. He put the cookies backing the box.

"All the more for me," said Dawn.

"Right lets get breakfast over and head up toward Sunnydale," said Buffy.

"As you don't need my and Robin's help this morning, okay if we find a town where we can get some supplies, kinda running low," said Faith.

"Sure," said Buffy.

"Oh can I come with you?" asked Dawn.

"Any other takers?" asked Faith.

"I think I'll stay here," said Willow.

"I'll come," said Andrew.

"Fine, but you'd better behave yourself," said Faith

"Or you'll have me to deal with," said Robin, putting on his best School principle look.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

An hour later, they were all ready to go their separate ways, Buffy had put her hair up under the red hard hat, and had donned the grey lab coat. Spike came out of the bathroom dressed the same.

"Anyone dare laugh," warned Spike

"I think you look great, but that's just me," said Buffy.

She leaned in to kiss him, they bumped hard hats before they even got close. Buffy giggled. They watched the school bus drive off, Willow sat at the table furiously tapping away at the keyboard of her laptop,

"You gonna be okay here on your own Will?" asked Buffy.

"I think the Goddess will be safe for a while," said Spike.

Giles emptied out his leather briefcase and filled it up with a few blank sheets of paper. He added a few smaller weapons for good measure. A small battle-axe and a couple of knives.

Xander joined them, dressed in an identical outfit.

"Let's mount up," said Xander, anxious to be on his way, it was just like old times and he was loving it.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Half an hour later they were at the security gates of the place they once called home. Spike could feel Buffy's tension and fear, he squeezed her hand reassuringly. It was not fear of the mission, it was just the bad memories of what had happened here.

"It's okay Buffy, I am with you," said Spike

"Thanks," she said returning the pressure of his hand.

"Now let Giles and I do the talking, we are the brains of this operation," said Xander.

"Yeah right," said Spike sarcastically.

They came to the main gate, a security guard eyed them suspiciously.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

Giles adjusted his glasses.

"We're from the LA branch of W&H, Mr Angel asked us to oversee your progress here,," said Giles.

The security guard disappeared back inside his booth, returning with a clipboard. He went down the list of scheduled visitors, stopping at a name.

"Rupert Giles?" asked the guard.

"Yes that's me," he said

He went back to his booth, a buzzer sounded as the large steel gates slowly opened.

"If you go and wait over there, the site manager will be out to deal with you," said the guard.

They walked over to a small block of portable buildings.

"So far, so easy," said Xander, letting out a sigh of relief.

The roar of the diggers, made it difficult for normal conversation, they stood around and waited for several minutes. Finally a young man in an Armani suit came out of one of the makeshift buildings.

"Sorry to keep you, I'm John Richards, I was on the phone with Mr Angel, I will admit, I was surprised to hear of your visit, especially as this is project is being handled by our Reno branch, anyway do you want the full tour?" asked John.

"That's what we're here for," said Xander.

A vehicle came around the corner, it was a small open topped army style jeep, it stopped a few feet from them. He looked at their surprised faces.

"It's pretty big site, we can go on foot if you want, but it might take all day," said John.

"No this will be fine," said Buffy, getting in the vehicle,

Spike sat next to her, still silent.

"You okay?" asked Buffy, at his continued silence.

"Yeah, I think so," said Spike.

As they neared the crater, they were surprised to see it wasn't really a crater anymore, if anything W&H were efficient. They had managed to carve out rough dirt roads, so that they could get their digging equipment in. They had gone a way in, so far there had been very little to see. Buffy had at least expected to see broken remains of all the homes and lives that the hell mouth had taken with it. They came to a stop.

"Sorry this is the end of the road, it's an elevator ride the rest of the way down," said John.

TBC

Chapter 19

The doors of the cage like elevator, closed on the party of five. It was gloomy in the interior; Buffy took advantage of the dark, to slip her hand in Spike's. There was a slight jolt as the elevator started its downward journey.

"Is this the only way down?" asked Giles.

"At the moment, we are working building a much larger elevator than this, so we can send more of our findings to the surface quicker," said John.

"Find anything interesting yet?" asked Xander.

"Well we have a team of archaeologists working down there, top of their field, but it's a little different to what they are used to, this is like digging up a disaster site," said John.

"So you haven't found it yet?" asked Buffy.

John frowned.

"You know about the amulet, don't you?" he asked.

"It's our job to know everything, you should know that by now," said Giles, fixing him with a stern look, one he'd often used on Buffy, but to no avail.

It seemed to have the desired effect on the young man though. Buffy shivered, the further they went down, the colder it got, everyone's breath was visible. They had been descending for about five minutes, when the elevator finally came to a stop. John Richards pulled back the doors and stepped out into the brightly lit cavern, the occupants of the elevator squinted in the harshness of a hundred spotlights.

"Welcome to Sunnydale, by reading old maps of the area and accounts from several ex residents, we think this is somewhere where the new Sunnydale high school used to stand," said John, cheerily.

Buffy, Spike and the others looked around the vastness of the crater; a respectful silence fell over the four, as they surveyed what could only be described as a war zone. John looked at the faces of the W&H V.I.P's, he recognised their expressions, or at least he thought he did, not knowing that this had once been their former home.

"You want some time alone, to get used to it?" suggested John.

"Yes, thank you," said Giles removing his glasses and extracting a hanky to wipe away at a suspicious wetness in his eyes.

"I'll be back in a few, just need to talk to one of the diggers," said John.

Buffy put her arm through Spike's drawing comfort from his presence, it was then than she felt the severe tremors going through his body, tremors that were too acute to be caused by the coldness of the crater.

"Spike! What is it?" asked Buffy, getting more alarmed by the second.

Spike didn't speak, he opened his mouth, but no sound came out, his eyes rolled up in the back of his head, he would have fallen to the ground, if Buffy hadn't caught him. She held him in her arms, crying as she laid him on the cold cavern floor.

"Giles! Xander! Help me," said Buffy urgently.

Xander and Giles knelt beside Spike, not really sure what they could do, with Spike not being the average run of the mill human, they looked up at Buffy.

"Buffy, I don't know what to do," said Xander.

Seeing their faces, she took matters into her own hand and slapped Spike across the face, hard, as much as she hated doing it, her actions had the desired effect and Spike opened his eyes. She smiled at him in relief.

"Kinda lost you there for a moment," she said.

"Kinda lost myself," said Spike, still feeling slightly disorientated.

"What happened?" asked Giles.

"I dunno, I started to feel strange on the ride down, just put it down to nerves, you know, about visiting the scene of my death and all, but then my chest started to burn, like it was on fire, it felt like that time, you know, when I died," said Spike.

"Undo your shirt Spike," said Buffy

"Now's not really the time to be getting all get a roominess," said Xander

Spike looked around, John was still fully occupied with one of the employees, and he quickly undid several buttons on his shirt, exposing his chest, revealing the scar left there by the amulet.

"Oh, Spike," said Buffy touching his chest,

She traced the scar, which wasn't so much of a scar anymore, more like a raw wound, similar to a burn.

"That looks nasty, wanna put a band-aid on it, might get infected," joked Xander.

"Xander, you're not helping," said Buffy.

A strange expression passed over Spike's face, Buffy looked at him afraid he was going to collapse again.

"The amulet, it's near, I sense it," said Spike

Spike started to walk forward as if drawn by an invisible force.

"Where are you going?" asked Giles.

"Sshhh!" Said Buffy, hushing the others up.

Spike put out a hand as if testing the air.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Faith had taken the wheel of the school bus, even though she had turned over a new leaf and was a semi do gooder, Andrew had sorely tried her patience, Robin had read the look on her face and had pulled over to the side of the road, thinking in his mind that it was better her hands were occupied with driving the school bus than flexing themselves behind Andrew's neck.

"What are you thinking about Faith?" asked Robin.

"How much I would like to squeeze the life out of that little nerd, the gals at my prison woulda had him for breakfast, maybe we could pay em a visit," said Faith.

"Okay, shutting up now," said Andrew hastily.

"Good, cos if I had to hear the green bottle song again," said Faith warningly.

Dawn patted him on the shoulder, feeling the teensiest bit sorry for him. Andrew turned and looked at her, his eyes narrowing slightly, studying her expression and misinterpreting it.

"Sorry, I just don't think of you that way," he said.

Dawn's expression changed.

"Ewww, ego much, as if," said Dawn.

She got up from the seat she was sitting in and made her way to the back of the bus. Andrew flushed uncomfortably, looking at Faith and Wood to see if they had heard the interchange, both had their backs to him as they stared out at the road. Faith's shoulders were shaking slightly at the effort to keep in her laughter.

"Honey we're home," said Faith, as she pulled off the road.

The RV looked lonely and deserted as they pulled in next to it. Willow came out of the van, she had had enough of being alone, the others had been gone for several hours and she was more than a little anxious. Faith was the first out of the school bus; Robin and the others soon joined them.

"Buffy not back yet?" asked Dawn

"Not yet, we knew it might take some time as they didn't know what to expect, I tried them on Giles's cell phone, but the signals not very strong around here," said Willow.

"Well the fact, that they are in a big hole in the ground won't help that," said Robin.

"So what you been doing all day?" asked Faith.

"On the Internet mostly, been IM-ing with Celine, she's head of the coven I stayed with, during my rehabilitation in England, needed to pick their brains," said Willow.

Faith looked At Willow.

"Evil Willow, I would have liked to see that," said Faith, finding it hard to imagine.

"No you wouldn't!" Said Andrew and Dawn in unison.

"You really wouldn't," said Willow.

"You're scaring me," said Faith sarcastically.

"So were your coven friends any help?" asked Robin.

"Yes I think they may have been, at least I have an idea how to beat this thing, as long as we get our hands on the amulet, then it looks pretty good," said Willow.

"That's great! Can't wait to tell Buffy and the others when they get back," said Dawn excitedly.

"Now hang on there Dawnie, we don't want to raise false hopes, so keep a lid on it just for the moment, until I have more time to look into it, it's a bit radical, I want every one together when I tell," said Willow.

Willow got back into the RV and returned to her laptop.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy looked around to see if anyone was watching them, the last thing they needed was to draw more attention to them selves. It was hard for Giles and Xander to keep up with Spike; Buffy easily covered the distance. Xander looked behind them, more than a little worried they wouldn't find their way out again, there had been many twists and turns, the path ahead was shrouded in darkness.

"Do you think we should have left a trail of breadcrumbs?" asked Xander

Xander's irony was lost on Giles.

"Guess they haven't started digging here yet," said Giles.

"Spike slow down," said Buffy.

"Can't have to keep moving, it's here Buffy, I can feel it, not much further," said Spike desperately.

They came up against a solid dirt wall; Xander and Giles joined them moments later, both out of breath.

"We could do with shedding some light on the situation, any one bring a flashlight?" asked Giles.

"Sorry," said Xander apologetically.

"Hang on," said Buffy putting her hand in the back pocket of her jeans.

She passed the object to Spike. He flipped open the top and his lighter sparked into life, illuminating the tunnel.

"My bloody lighter! I knew it was you who nicked it," said Spike softly.

"Actually it was your number one fan, Andrew, I took it with me to the airport on your first night back, I meant to give it to you, but I sort of got attached to it," Buffy confessed.

Spike smiled at her, raised the lighter, looking at the solid earthen wall ahead of them.

"There's no way we're getting through this without digging tools," said Xander.

"Guess you're the expert, we'll have to come back later, with the cavalry," sighed Buffy.

Spike looked disappointed.

"Why have you got such a Jones for your instrument of death?" asked Xander, seeing Spike's expression.

"I don't, I just want this over, but in a good way mate," said Spike slightly annoyed.

They turned to leave, as nothing more could be done, bumping into the young lawyer, John who had shown them around the place.

"About to send out a search party for you, thought you might be lost, one of the workers got lost down here, when we first started digging, didn't find him for two weeks," said John.

"Better late than never," said Xander.

"Maybe, but he didn't see it that way, he was dead, anyway you'll want to be getting back," said John.

They took the elevator ride back to the surface in silence. The daylight was harsh and bright after the gloom of the elevator shaft. They rode back in the jeep, to where they had started out. Spike looked across the site, he noticed a small brick building, tucked away from the other ones, a thick plume of black smoke emitted from it.

"What's that for mate?" asked Spike.

John looked truly uncomfortable for the first time, since he had met them.

"That's the crematorium," said John.

"For?" asked Giles.

"Um er, the bodies, not everyone got out of Sunnydale, you must understand they have been down there for three months, have you ever seen a body that has been dead for that long?" said John.

Xander paled.

"Anya," he said quietly.

Xander grabbed John by his shirt collar.

"You bastard, why didn't you try and contact the relatives? Some of them must have had I.D. on them," said Xander angrily. His fist rose to strike the man.

Spike stayed his hand, violence would have been second nature him not so long ago, but he was growing heartsick of it, in any form. He removed Xander's hand from John's shirt.

"Come on mate, let's get you out of here," Spike said, leading Xander away.

Giles watched open mouthed as Spike walked with Xander, a supportive arm on his shoulder. Buffy pulled Giles along with her.

"C'mon, you'll catch flies," said Buffy, putting a hand on Giles's chin, to close his mouth.

They caught up to Xander and Spike, waiting for the large gates to open and then they were once more on the outside.

"We have to get that amulet, and tonight, I don't know how much that John guy heard of our conversation in the tunnels earlier," said Buffy.

"I agree, let's get back and rally the troops, and wait for the cover of darkness," said Giles.

"Just tell me where you want me," said Xander, with steely determination in his voice.

TBC

        Chapter 20

When Buffy and Spike and Giles and Xander arrived back at the parked vehicles, they were greeted by Faith, who was leaning against the RV, dragging on cigarette.

"Took ya time didn't you, so how did your little field trip go?" Asked Faith.

"Really don't want to talk about it right now," said Buffy.

Buffy and Giles and Xander got back in the RV, but Spike hung back. He looked at Faith's cigarette.

"Got a spare one of those?" He asked.

"Thought you'd quit," she said, handing him one.

"Yeah, well I guess old habits really do die hard," said Spike, lighting up a smoke with his newly returned lighter.

Faith looked at Spike, still wearing the W&H hardhat and grey overall, she smirked.

"Now there's a new look for you," she grinned.

"I appreciate the humour Faith, but it's been a bit of a bad day all round," said Spike.

"Why don't you tell me about it, dammit I am starting to sound like B, never mind, if you wanna talk it out," she offered.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Xander was lying on one of the beds, staring at the walls of the van. Willow sat next to him, stroking his hair.

"If there's anything you need Xander?" she asked.

"A little time alone, but thanks for the offer, or as much alone time as one can get in this thing," he replied.

Willow kissed him on the cheek and got up from the bed to join the others. She sighed sadly, he hadn't been this down in a while, and Buffy had told her what had happened at the site, it must have reopened all Xander's wounds where Anya was concerned.

"Is he okay?" asked Dawn.

"I think so he just needs a little time," said Willow.

"Speaking of time, we need to get everyone together to plan how we are going to get the amulet back," said Buffy.

"Fine, I'll go get that missing wife of mine," said Robin.

"Oh, she's outside talking to Spike," Giles informed him.

Buffy didn't miss the tightening of Robin's lips. It must be hard for him, having to see the instrument of his mother's death like this, even if Spike was no longer the mindless demon that had slaughtered her. But at least there was an unspoken truce between them, which right now, was better than nothing. Robin, Spike and Faith returned moments later.

"What about Xander?" asked Andrew.

They all looked over to where Xander was lying down.

"Leave the poor bugger, he's asleep, he could do with the rest," said Spike.

"Right, so that you are all up to speed, we have located, or should I say, Spike has located the resting place of the amulet," said Buffy.

"Well why didn't you bring it back with you?" asked Dawn.

"It was buried in a solid dirt wall," said Buffy.

"Oh," said Dawn.

"How did you find it?" Andrew asked Spike interestedly.

Buffy answered before Spike had a chance.

"He sensed it," said Buffy.

"Cool, like the ring, in Lord of the Rings, precious," said Andrew trying to do his best Gollum impression, and failing badly.

"Yes, well moving swiftly along," said Giles.

"The plan is simple, they have the amulet, and we need it, so tonight we breech the perimeter fence and go and get it," said Buffy.

"All of us?" asked Dawn, hopefully.

Buffy looked at her sister, as if seeing her for the first time in a really long time. It suddenly occurred to her, what Dawn had been trying to tell her forever. She was no longer a child, but a young woman, a sometimes annoying young woman granted, but one all the same. Buffy smiled at her sister.

"Everyone, even you Andrew, I am sorry I can't go into one of my motivational speeches right now, kinda run out of those, but I need everyone's help for this plan to be a success," said Buffy, looking around the room at all their faces.

She took the silence as their agreement. After the disaster, while Faith had reined slayer supreme, it had taught them all valuable lessons, as much as they hadn't liked it at the time. Buffy really was a born leader, even if at times she didn't wish it so herself. Andrew looked utterly contented, he was going to be allowed to tag along, even if he did end up with a lot of the unpleasant jobs, it was still an improvement on being left behind.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy and Spike walked along the road, the sun was setting. The fading light shed an orange glow on everything, if only they didn't have this night to get through, it would have been the perfect romantic setting. Spike had suggested they go for this walk together, he knew Buffy well enough to know when she needed a time out. He'd literally had to drag her out of the RV, but she'd seen things his way in the end.

Buffy sighed, looking up into Spike's face.

"I have to admit, this is one of your better ideas," said Buffy.

Spike stopped walking, and took Buffy in his arms.

"Ah, but why do you think I had it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She loved it when he looked at her like that, His eyes travelled up her body, the tip of his tongue poking out of his mouth. She leaned into kiss him, capturing his tongue, gently between her teeth, before allowing it entry to her mouth. Their passion fired out of control as it always did when they touched, but there was a new kind of desperation to their touch. The fear that the next time they made love would be the last time. Something neither of them wanted to voice, Buffy unbuttoned his navy blue shirt, placing her hand on his chest, forgetting the raw wound on its surface. Spike drew back and hissed in pain.

"Oh Spike I'm sorry, I forgot," said Buffy.

"It's alright, it's just a bit tender, feels like half a gallon of holy water got tipped on me," said Spike.

"Maybe we'd better stop," said Buffy.

"Well I might still be able to manage it, if you were on top," he grinned.

"Your wish is my command," she giggled.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It was midnight; the 'gang' for want of a better word were assembled in the darkness of the RV. Their only source of light was cast by the moonlight

"Now is everyone clear on what they have to do?" asked Giles.

"We're only gonna get past a few guards, it's not exactly the first is it," said Faith.

"No, but that sign they have up, 'Trespassers will be dealt with" hardly inspires confidence, does it," asked Spike.

"We have to remember W&H are powerful and they dabble in who knows what," warned Buffy.

Andrew looked nervous.

"We are taking weapons right?" asked Andrew.

"Sure, Faith and I have a few kicking around, we might lend you one if you ask nicely " said Robin.

"Take no notice Andrew, he's just playing with ya," grinned Faith.

"Let's be on our merry way then," said Spike

Xander and Willow smiled at each other; they were both the last out of the Van. They trailed behind the others; it seemed the most natural thing in the world, when he slipped his hand in hers.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They were almost there; the lights were not as bright as the previous night. Andrew looked at the sight before him, awed by the size of the site.

"Size really does matter," said Andrew.

Dawn giggled,

"Could you make anymore noise?" whispered Buffy angrily.

Dawn and Andrew looked instantly repentant. Dawn made a zipping motion across her mouth.

"Dawn, Andrew, you two are the lookouts okay, If it looks dangerous, make for the RV," said Buffy.

Buffy looked at Andrew

"Andrew, I am trusting you to look out for my sister," she said.

Andrew's expression changed, he beamed at Buffy,

"With my life," he said sincerely.

"Yeah, I get the short end of the straw, hiding in bushes with responsibility boy," said Dawn.

"And don't you two get any ideas while we're gone," grinned Faith.

"One more remark like that and I'm going back," said Dawn.

Dawn and Andrew found a place to hide, they watched the others walk off to the main perimeter fence.

        * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The others made their way to the fence, finding the darkest area, Robin was about to touch the fence, wire cutters in his hand.

"Now be on your guard, we don't know what to expect," said Buffy.

Wood started cutting through the fence.

"Chill out B, we're not exactly new to the game," said Faith.

Spike squeezed Buffy's hand.

"Good advice pet," said Spike.

Robin made quick work of the fence; they all squeezed through the small opening. Xander's shirt snagged on the sides of the fence and there was a ripping sound.

"Couldn't you have made it just a little bigger?" asked Xander.

"Yeah let's leave a big gaping hole, so they know we're all here," Said Spike sarcastically.

Willow put out her hand to help Xander up.

"Come on, I'll buy you a new shirt," she grinned.

They kept low to the ground.

"Willow, Xander you search the offices see what you can come up with," okay?" asked Buffy.

"Sure, right on it," said Xander.

He knew Buffy had given him this responsibility, because she had worried there might be danger of some kind, if only she had witnessed him fighting at the school that day, he thought to himself. And Willow wasn't much for fighting unless she was being all veiny and evil.

The group parted again and the remainder, Spike, Buffy, Wood & Faith and Giles headed off for the main entrance to the Sunnydale crater.

"This place is huge," said Faith.

"How are we going to get down there, today?" asked Robin sarcastically.

"Ah well, this is the risky part of the plan, we are gonna have to use one of their vehicles," said Giles.

"We'll have to take it slow and with the lights off, I'd better drive as I am the only one with good night vision," said Spike.

They all climbed into one of the parked jeeps. And pulled away.

"Never thought I'd be visiting this dive again," said Faith.

"You can take the girl out of Sunnydale, but you can't take Sunnydale out of the girl," said Buffy.

"True," Spike replied.

After that none of them spoke until they reached the elevator shaft, not wanting to distract Spike from having to drive in almost total darkness. Spike switched off the engine and they got out and entered the elevator.

"This is easy," said Faith.

"Yeah too easy," Wood replied.

"What's the matter Wood, afraid you'll end up the way of the other principles?" asked Spike.

"No one's snacking on my man, well except me," grinned Faith.

"Robin does have a point," said Giles.

They reached the bottom a few moments later. Spike pulled back the cage door.

"Wow!" said Faith.

The crater wasn't so brightly lit has it had been on their earlier visit. There were many dark corners and shadows.

"What?" asked Spike.

"This place gives me the creeps," said Faith

Buffy looked at Spike.

"You okay?" she asked him

"You mean am I going to collapse like last time? I'll get back to you on that one," said Spike rubbing at his chest.

Buffy wasn't taking any chances. She put an arm around his waist, he led the group forward. They were all surprised, so far they had not encountered so much as a security guard.

"I don't like this, Wolfram and hart don't strike me as the sort of firm to be so lax in their security," said Giles.

"Stay alert people, that's when they are most likely to strike, their guards may not be of the human variety," said Buffy.

Spike carried on leading them toward the place he'd sensed the amulet. They came to the dead end several minutes later. Giles removed a flashlight from his holdall, the tunnel was bathed in light.

"Dammit they've already started digging here, I knew that guy had overheard our conversation, it is still here isn't Spike?" asked Buffy.

Spike put out his hand and smiled.

"They haven't found it," said Spike letting out a sigh of relief.

"Well they've left their tools here, that has to be a bonus," said Buffy.

She bent down and picked up a shovel, throwing at Faith.

"How's your digging skills?" asked Buffy.

"Five by five," grinned Faith.

"How's your fighting skills?" asked Robin.

"Why?" asked Spike.

"Because we have company," said Robin.

They turned to see a large group of vamps in game face. Giles scrabbled around inside his holdall, pulling out several stakes.

"Stakes all round then Giles? Good job you brought the party pack," said Spike

TBC

Chapter 21

"Vampire security, makes perfect sense, cheap too, blood & smokes and a dark hole to live in, and the odd hapless trespasser to snack on," said Spike

Faith gripped the stake firmly in her hand; she looked at Buffy and smiled.

"God I've missed this," said Faith.

Buffy smiled back.

"Me too in a funny kinda a way; let's hope after three months I'm not rusty," said Buffy.

"Shall we find out? Ladies first," said Spike

"Thanks Hun," Buffy said, giving him a quick kiss, as she and Faith advanced on the group of Vampires.

Giles, Wood and Spike followed their lead. Buffy looked at the group of vamps, she gave them her best smile, Buffy and Faith launched the attack on the vampires who were supremely confident, not knowing they were in the presence of two slayers and a semi-God. Buffy did a spin kick, hitting a vamp hard in the chest, the force of it sent several of the others behind him scattering like bowling pins. Faith dusted a vamp that had been stupid enough to try and grab her by the throat.

Wood, Spike and Giles advanced on their intended victims. Spike's hand held high, stake in hand, about to send a vamp to hell, when something rather un- expected happened to him, light shot from his hand, the stake fell to the floor, and the vampire in front of him, instantly turned to dust. He looked awed at his hand, for signs of burns or injury, but it was unharmed. He raised his hand again and light shot from his fingertips once more, he raised his hand and dusted all the remaining vamps, the other members of the group just stared at him. Buffy was the only one who looked truly horrified, it reminded her too much of their final moments in the hellmouth. Spike was becoming more powerful, and that could only mean one thing for them, time was running out.

Faith looked at Spike.

"Not that I'm not grateful, but all riled up and no one to dust, coulda saved me a couple, how'd you do it?" asked Faith, looking at her redundant stake.

"Yes, that's a neat trick Spike, how did you do it?" asked Giles.

"I don't know, I just thought that I wanted them to die and it happened," said Spike.

"Remind me not to piss you off any time soon," said Wood.

"C'mon lets get that amulet, and stop wasting time," said Buffy.

She wiped away a tear, thinking no one had noticed, but Spike saw, he walked over to her, taking her to one side.

"What is it love?" he asked.

Buffy sighed.

"Don't you get it? Every time you do something like that, it just hammers home the fact that you could be taken from me at any time," said Buffy.

"Sorry it wasn't planned," said Spike.

"You two just gonna whisper sweet nothing or are we going to get this job done?" asked Faith.

Buffy was glad of the gloom, which hid her blushing cheeks. She picked up a shovel and attacked the dirt wall, channelling all her anger into digging for the amulet.

"Not trying to bail out of the physical labour, but do you mind if I sit this one out, I am feeling a little weak, after my little light show," said Spike.

He sank to the floor, exhausted.

"You okay?" asked Buffy, going to his side.

He squeezed her hand.

"Fine really, lets just get that bleedin poofy trinket and get the hell out of here," said Spike.

Buffy turned back to help the others, reassuring herself for the moment that Spike was just fine. Giles, being the oldest of the group was finding the physical labour quite hard.

"That's what happens when you are a watcher, not a doer, you get all flabby," smirked Spike.

"I am doing this for your benefit, a little gratitude, might be in order," said Giles, breathlessly.

Robin and Faith laboured on, trying to ignore the dialogue between the two men. There was a metallic twanging and a couple of sparks as Wood's Spade hit something hard.

"Tone it down guys, I think Robin may have just struck the jackpot," said Faith as she addressed the glowering Giles and Spike.

Wood got on his hands and knees and clawed away at the loose earth, pulling out, one very dirt encrusted amulet. Faith grinned at her husband and looked at the others.

"See anything you like?" asked Faith.

Buffy rushed over to her, taking the amulet from Faith's grasp. She turned it over, examining it closely.

"I think it's it, Spike take a look, you had it longer than anyone else," said Buffy.

She took the amulet over to him; he instinctively shied away from it.

"Sorry, it just brought back bad memories, bet you weren't so fond of heights after you came back from the dead, and in answer to your question that's the sponsor of my recent fiery death," said Spike

"True," said Buffy understanding him.

"Let's get out of here then," said Giles.

"Right with you on that one," said Faith.

Spike got up off the floor and they turned to go, he stumbled slightly as he moved forward, Robin caught him and put a supporting arm around his shoulder. Spike looked, up into his face, stunned that his saviour was Wood.

"Thanks mate," Spike mumbled as he leaned on the support Robin gave him,

They got back to the surface; and Giles drove them back to the starting point, Spike was still feeling a little weak Willow and Xander were waiting anxiously for their return.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dawn's legs were starting to cramp; they had been hiding behind said bush for nearly two hours.

"No I do not want to play another round of I-spy, what is there to spy Andrew, there's only bushes and a fence," said Dawn, complainingly.

Andrew looked hopeful as another idea struck him.

"How about a game of truth or dare?" Andrew suggested.

Dawn perked up.

"Ok you're on," she said a little warily.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"You got it?" asked Willow.

"Hello, nice to see you too," said Faith

"Yeah we got the trinket, how about you?" asked Buffy.

"We got a few files, not much, most of it was on computer and encrypted, there just wasn't the time," said Willow

Buffy put her arm around Spike, taking over from Robin.

"Thanks," she said sincerely.

Robin nodded and took his place beside Faith.

"What's up with Spike?" asked Xander.

"Let's just say, he went all glowy and took out about 20 vamps," said Faith.

Willow nodded, looking at Spike understandingly.

"The glowy thingy will take it out of you every time, give him a couple of hours, he'll be just fine," said Willow.

"Hadn't we better check on Dawn?" asked Giles.

The group nodded in agreement and made their way over to the opening in the fence. They all scrambled out.

"Never been so keen to leave Sunnydale in my whole unlife," said Spike.

"Sssh! I hear something," hissed Faith.

She pointed to the clump of bushes; that they had left Dawn and Andrew behind. They listened to the raised voices.

"Show it to me now, I want to see how big it is," demanded Dawn.

"I am not!" said Andrew.

"But you promised you would let me see it," said Dawn in return

"Ok, but don't laugh," said Andrew.

"Here let me," said Dawn.

Buffy looked at Spike, wide eyed.

"Guess it runs in the family," said Spike.

Buffy broke out in a run. She hauled Andrew and Dawn up out of the bushes.

"Andrew Wells, don't you dare show my sister anything! Not unless you wanna feel the pointy end of a stake, works real good on humans too," said Buffy angrily.

"Looks like we got here just in time, thought I told you kids to behave yourself," said Faith.

Dawn looked confused for a moment, as realisation dawned on her face.

"You thought Andrew was gonna show me his..., Oh my God!" said Dawn.

"If you'd let us give you a chance to explain, we were playing truth or dare, you guys were gone like forever, we got bored," said Andrew defensively

"Well just what exactly were you going to show her Andrew?" asked Xander.

Andrew shifted about nervously.

"He has a heart shaped mole on his back, which he still hasn't shown me," supplied Dawn.

"C'mon Drew, show us it," said Faith.

"When hell freezes over," said Andrew.

He walked off toward the main road.

"Leave the boy alone, and lets just get back, I for one, am about ready to collapse here," said Spike.

"Spike's right, we need to put some distance between us and this place," said Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They got back to the RV without incidence, Spike and Buffy were last in, and they had lagged behind a little, due to Spike's fatigue.

"Don't worry it's going to be okay love, I trust your friends to see me right," said Spike.

"I hope you are right," said Buffy.

"Hey I heard that," said Xander.

"She may have a point," said Giles.

"Don't give up hope, I may have some good news for you all, I have been talking to Celine from the coven while you were out earlier today, just didn't want to mention it before tonight's adventure, but we have the amulet now, " said Willow.

"Let's hear it then, I could do with some good news" said Buffy, tiredly.

"Not before some hot cocoa, do we have any mini marshmallows left?" asked Spike hopefully.

Dawn smiled sadly, she looked at Buffy, surprised to see the same expression on her sister's face, they were both thinking of their mom.

"Sure I'll get it," said Buffy.

"I'll have a piece of that," said Xander.

Buffy ended up making cocoa for everyone. Dawn helped with the trays. Buffy handed the mug of steaming coca to Spike, the rapidly melting marshmallows bobbing on its surface. Spike took a sip, leaving a frothy moustache around his lips. He had picked up on Buffy's sadness vibe. He pulled her onto his lap and put his arms around her.

"Every bit as good as Joyce's cocoa," he whispered in her ear.

Buffy turned to look at him, seeing the foamy moustache on his upper lip, she licked it from his lips. A discreet coughing noise brought her back to the present.

"You really oughta do something about that cough Rupert, sounds nasty," grinned Faith.

"That was hot," said Andrew, under his breath.

"Can I start now, are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin," said Willow.

TBC

Chapter 22

Willow had the floor as well as every one's attention. Andrew had made himself up a bowl of microwave popcorn, which he was noisily munching from. Dawn seated herself next to him and grabbed a handful from the bowl; Andrew moved it out of her reach.

"Get your own," he complained.

"Fine, you're a pig Andrew," said Dawn disgustedly.

Willow sighed, trying to ignore them.

"As I was saying earlier, I have been in contact with the coven, what is needed, is the opening of a portal on some kind of hallowed ground, obviously there are not many churches or graveyards around here since Sunnydale took a one way ticket, so I need input, any suggestions, guys?" asked Willow.

"Why does it always have to be a portal? They never go well," said Xander.

She searched the faces of the group; most of them seemed to be drawing a blank. Buffy looked up remembering something a hopeful look on her face as she turned toward Giles.

"What about that place in the desert, not far from here Giles, the one where we contacted the first slayer, isn't that some kind of hallowed ground?" asked Buffy.

Giles thought about it for a minute.

"Well it's definitely considered sacred, that's true," answered Giles.

"Well we have to give it a try, Spike may only have a few hours left to say the least, and I am sure it won't be long before Wolfram and Hart come a knocking for their trinket," said Buffy.

"Buffy's right, I know a little of what these lawyer guys are capable of, and I don't think we should be hanging around here," said Faith.

"Are we going to be involved in the opening of this portal?" asked Robin.

Willow gave him a direct look; she knew what he was thinking of, the time when Willow had sent Buffy to another dimension to talk to the guys who had empowered the first slayer.

"I won't lie, I may need to draw on the energies of the strong ones among you for it to work," she admitted.

"Where do I sign up? I have more than enough to go round," said Faith.

"Count me in," said Wood

Faith smiled at him, Buffy looked at both of them, tears shimmered in her eyes. Most of this group really didn't have to help Spike if they didn't want to; they were finally treating him as if he was one of them. Something she hadn't always done herself she admitted guiltily. The next few hours would either restore Spike to her on a permanent basis or, she didn't want to think about the other alternative. She thought she'd already lost him once; her heart really couldn't take a second time.

"I think together you will both be enough, Faith's energy will more than make up for it," said Willow.

Spike had fallen asleep as if he didn't have a care in the world; Buffy was still perched atop his lap.

"So are we going to move anytime soon or just wait for the bad guys to show?" asked Andrew sarcastically.

Giles got up, and sat in the drivers seat.

"Makes sense for me to drive as I am the only one who knows the way," said Giles.

"Robin and I will be right behind ya," said Faith

The couple exited the RV to get in their own vehicle.

The RV started up, the jolt of the vehicle had Spike waking with a start.

"What, how, where am I?" he asked, disoriented for a moment.

"We're on the move, we're going to the place where I communicated with the first slayer," said Buffy.

"Met her in slayer heaven, didn't like her very much at all," said Spike.

"You met her?" asked Buffy in surprise.

"Yeah wild chick, a bit fashion challenged unless you like wearing head to toe bandages," said Spike.

"That was her," smiled Buffy.

She was glad of the lighthearted chitchat; it took their minds off the task ahead, even if only for a little while.

"Shall we sing a song?" suggested Andrew.

"Ughhh," Dawn groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Give him a break Dawn, he's just trying to pass time like the rest of us," said Spike.

"Since when did you become Andrew's champion," Dawn snapped at Spike, embarrassed at being publicly scolded.

"He is a champion, so give Spike the respect he deserves," said Buffy angry at her sister's bratty behaviour.

Dawn flushed guiltily.

"Sorry Spike, Andrew," she said quietly.

"No offence taken little one," grinned Andrew good-naturedly.

"How about I make amends and make everyone an anchovy and black olives pizza, we have some bases right, Andrew?" asked Dawn enthusiastically.

"No, I used them all up," lied Andrew.

"Thank you," mouthed Buffy to Andrew, behind her sister's back.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Nearly there now," said Giles.

Almost everyone had fallen asleep, exhausted by the days events, just Willow and Xander remained awake, and of course Giles.

"I think we'd better wait until tomorrow to perform the ritual, everyone is so whacked out," said Willow.

"Yeah, awww look at those two," said Xander.

Willows eyes instinctively flew to Spike and Buffy.

"No, not those two, those two," said Xander

He was pointing at Dawn and Andrew, they had been sitting together, playing snap with Andrew's trading cards, at some point they had nodded off, Dawn was resting her head against Andrew's shoulder and he had put an arm around her in his sleep.

"Wait for the fireworks when they both wake up," said Willow.

"Which hopefully won't be for a few more hours," said Xander.

"We're here," Giles announced a few minutes later.

The school bus pulled up behind them. Faith got out and knocked on the van, the noise woke Buffy and Spike. Willow opened the door and let her in.

"So this is the sacred slayer place, a little dusty, I was hoping for more, at least a bar or something," said Faith.

Giles raised his eyebrows in despair.

"Slayers are supposed to avoid alcohol, it ruins their performance," said Giles

"Don't get any performance complaints from my guy," grinned Faith.

"Buffy won't get any from me," leered Spike.

"I was talking about battle performance," said Giles frustrated.

"We know what you meant old guy, just kidding with ya, so what the plan for this evening then?" said Faith.

"We get some rest, big day for all of us tomorrow," Willow.

"What a cute couple they make," said Faith.

"Thanks love," said Spike.

"Not you blondie, those two, I thought they were sweet on each other," said Faith looking over at Andrew and Dawn.

"Anyone up for stretching their legs before we turn in for the night?" asked Xander.

"Great idea," said Willow.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Most of them got out of the van, except for Andrew and Dawn. The van door slid shut; they were alone at last. Dawn lifted her head from Andrew's shoulder like a scolded cat.

"I thought they'd never go, no way was I letting them know I'd been awake for the last ten minutes, so they could tease me," said Dawn.

"Well I had to listen the awww, aren't they cute crap too," said Andrew.

Dawn looked at Andrew, considering him for a moment.

"Have you ever even kissed a girl Andrew?" she asked.

"Loads of times," he lied.

"Prove it," said Dawn.

"How am I supposed to do that?" asked Andrew

"Duh! Not very bright are you science boy, and you thought you were brainy enough to take over Sunnydale?" groaned Dawn.

"Are you offering?" asked Andrew uncertainly.

"This is a one time never speak of it again offer on the pain of violent death," said Dawn.

Andrew smiled, he was finally gonna get to kiss a girl, even if it was more a favour thing, but he would take what ever he could get. He closed his eyes waiting for it to happen, a few moments went by and nothing, he opened his eyes to see Dawn drumming her fingers on her arm.

" Thought you'd fallen asleep again there for a minute, I am so not kissing you, you have to kiss me," said Dawn.

Andrew leaned in to kiss her, Dawn let out a little giggle. Andrew frowned,

"If you don't wanna do this?" said Andrew

"Hurry up and get it over with before the others get back, if I get caught in another compromising situation with you again, I will scream," said Dawn

Andrew kissed her, nervously at first, then he deepened the kiss, Dawn was surprised, she thought that by the looks of him, he would kiss like a little girl, but his lips were surprisingly strong, Dawn pulled back quickly as she heard the RV doors slide open,

"Say a word and you die," warned Dawn.

"My lips are sealed," said Andrew, with a slightly dreamy expression on his face.

"And don't expect seconds, ever," she hissed at him.

"Hi guys, have a nice nap?" asked Willow innocently.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"See you guys in the morning, I am about ready for bed," Faith, kissing Robin.

The newly weds went inside the bus and closed the curtains.

"Sleeps not on their minds I'd wager," said Spike.

Buffy giggled.

"What's so funny?" asked Spike.

"Oh it's just when you used that word 'wager' it reminded me of the time Willow did the mind wipe on us and you were Randy Giles, all British and kinda proper," said Buffy.

"And you acted like you had a stake up your ass JOAN," he emphasised.

"It was wrong of Willow to do that spell, but for a while everything was so much more simpler, no bad memories," sighed Buffy.

"And I got to play at being all noble and good for a little at the same time," he grinned.

"Yeah, but you could be noble and good back then, I just refused to see it, you had the capacity to be good without the soul, I was just too messed up at the time to notice," she said sadly.

"Let's not think about the past, besides not all the old times were bad ones," Spike replied.

She went into his arms at that moment and wrapped her own tightly about his waist, clinging to him as if she would never let him go and she never would. Buffy had no idea what would be asked of her tomorrow when they entered the portal, but she knew in her heart no matter what happened, she would not be parted from him again, not ever, even if it meant dying by his side. He would not send her away again like last time.

TBC

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