Spike and Groo stood in the kitchen quietly discussing the events of the previous night. When Groo had asked to talk to Spike the evening before, he had realised that the young vampire Spike had talked to was someone he knew. The Pylean had been curious to know why Spike had been so upset and also wanted to know why he had been considering talking to the sunrise. He interpreted that statement to mean his fighting companion was considering suicide.

Groo had absolutely no intention of allowing his new associate to kill himself. In preparation for the upcoming conversation, he had meditated, gathering strength for the confrontation. He knew that Spike was a strong fighter and wanted to be at his best. The Pylean Champion had woken an hour before the sun rose and sat waiting for Spike to make his move.

"Why do feel that you must sacrifice yourself to the sun?" Groo asked.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Spike growled.

"You said that you were going to talk to the dawn," Groo explained. He frowned when the vampire started laughing. "What is so amusing?"

"No… Nothing!" Spike laughed. "Dawn is Buffy's baby sister. The vamp I staked was her friend." Spike stopped laughing and stalked over to the confused Pylean. If any of the Scoobies had seen his expression they would have been screaming for Buffy or reaching for a stake. "She knows Janice was vamped and nothing else. She doesn't need to know the rest, you get me?"

"Absolutely. I shall carry the secret to my grave." Groo placed his hand on Spike's shoulder. "I was not looking forward to stopping you from greeting the sunrise. Your lover would not have been pleased if I had injured you too much." Groo grinned at the now gaping vampire.

"You, hurt me? Not if I was pissed, tied up and blindfolded, you nit!" Spike grinned at the taller man. "You would have stopped me for Buffy."

"Indeed, the two of you have true kerumption."

"Bless you," came the sarcastic response.

"I did not sneeze. Kerumption is when two warriors meet and find that they are true soul mates. Such as yourself and Buffy," Groo explained.

Spike's Big Bad expression slid off his face. He blinked and smiled tentatively. "You think Buffy and I are soul mates?"

"Yes indeed," Groo replied. He then clapped his hand on Spike's shoulder. "Come, let us prepare a feast for our companions!"

* * * * *

"Buffy? You still there?" The shower muffled Dawn’s voice slightly, so she popped her head out to see her sister still sitting on the counter.

"Yeah, I'm here, Dawnie. You okay?"

"I'm okay, I guess." Dawn ducked under the water and rinsed her hair. "Can I have a towel?" She grabbed the soft warm towel Buffy held out and wrapped it round her body as she stepped out of the shower.

"You want me to brush your hair?" Buffy asked.

"Sure." Dawn shrugged and turned. Buffy began to carefully pull the brush through Dawn's hair while Dawn pulled off the plastic bag taped over her cast.

"I'll call the school and tell them you have a fever. I think you need some time off, okay?" Buffy stated. She peered over and caught Dawn's eye.

"That would be good. You don't mind?"

"I wouldn't have offered otherwise. Also, you've had a good attendance rate this semester, not like last summer…"

"Thanks, Buffy. I don't think I could just go in and act like nothing was wrong. I need to get my head round Janice's being dusted."

"Do… do you want to talk about her?"

"I guess so. I just can't believe she's gone!"

"I know, sweetie, I'm sorry." Buffy carefully untangled a knot. She stayed silent, waiting for Dawn to talk. She knew her sister needed to vent.

"I'm really lucky aren’t I?"

"What do you mean, Dawnie?"

Dawn hesitated for a second. Her slim shoulders slumped. "I could have been with her! It could have happened to me. Ow!"

"Sorry," Buffy unclenched her fist and smoothed Dawn's hair, trying to ease the pain. "I didn't mean to pull your hair." Buffy's mind raced. From what Spike had told her, she didn't even want think about Dawn being turned and used like that. Anger overcame her at the thought of Dawn in that place. "Look Dawn, please don't say anything like that to Spike. He was really upset about Janice. He'd flip if he heard you saying things like this."

"I know. He's such a big brother!” She paused, her thoughts drifting back to her former friend. “You know what I mean, don’t you? Buffy, we hang… um, hung out all the time. I was just really lucky!"

"We were all lucky Dawnie. Janice played Russian roulette with her life and lost. Just promise me…"

Dawn interrupted her sister before she could say any more. "Buffy, I promise no more stupid stunts. I swear." The two sisters hugged.

"I know, Dawn, I know. I love you so much. Go get dressed and I'll call the school. Wait ‘til you see Groo!"

Dawn grinned at her smaller sister. "Cute, is he?"

Buffy shuffled her feet. She briefly glanced over at the door, checking for Spike. "Weell, he's is kinda cute, if you like big and muscley types!" She knew that Spike might be able to hear her from downstairs, but Buffy didn't think he'd be tuning into the sister’s conversation. His somewhat neglected Victorian morals kicked in at the weirdest times.

Spike was aware that Dawn and Buffy would need some time to talk and would never intrude on Dawn's privacy. Even if he did overhear the Groo Appreciation Society, Buffy knew Spike would realise that 'his girl' was just trying to cheer up Dawn. 'Cos the Big Bad knows, thatI’m his and he’s mine! Ego much, Spike?' She grinned at the thought of her vampire with a big ol' brand on his butt saying, ‘Property of the Slayer…’

"What, like you did before Spike slinked onto the scene, flashing his baby blues and the Big Bad attitude?" Dawn teased.

Buffy phased out for a split second, appreciating the yumminess that was Spike. "He is gorgeous, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but what's best is that he loves you." Dawn reached over and began pulling on her clothes. During their conversation, Buffy had finished her sister's hair with a French braid. "Smells like breakfast is ready."

"Dawn, before we go down… if you need to talk or cry… anything, I'm here." Dawn nodded and hooked her arm through Buffy's. As they headed down the stairs, Buffy stopped and turned to her sister.

"Dawnie, why is Anya sleeping on the camp bed?"

"Oh my God! She was so freaked out by Xander. He was all with the ‘I don't approve of Buffy and Spike.’ She was all supporto gal and he got really mad with her." Dawn paused for a breath. "He grabbed her and shook her real hard! Tara and I were right there. I think he realised his bad ‘cos the rest of the day, Xander's all big eyes and making nice."

"Xander grabbed Anya and shook her?" Buffy yelped. 'My God he is losing it!' She turned to Dawn. "Is she alright?"

"I am alright Buffy." Anya appeared from the bedroom followed by Tara. Buffy went over and ran her hands over Anya's arms checking for bruises. "No, really. I am okay. No bruises, I promise. Xander scared me, though. I just didn't think I would ever see his father in him."

"I don't understand him. He is always so worried about becoming like his Dad. Why would he do this to you?" Buffy kept her hands on Anya's shoulders and Dawn shifted down the stairs as Tara came behind Anya. She stood on the step behind the ex-demon and rested her fingers over Buffy's.

Unbeknownst to any of the girls, Wesley had slipped out of Dawn's room and had overheard most of their conversation. He stayed back, not wanting to get in the way.

"He was mad about us not supporting him in his rant about you and Spike. I am still glad you are both happy, Buffy." Anya smiled tremulously.

"What are you going to do?" Buffy asked gently, concern colouring her voice as she looked Anya. Unused to this sort of situation, she was at a loss.

"I really don't know. I am not sure where I stand with him. I just don't know," Anya confessed.

"Anya, if you want stay here, you are welcome for however long you want. I'm really sorry that this happened because of us."

"Buffy, don't. The potential for Xander's anger was always there. I just hope that with time and my support I can help him rediscover the sweet boy I met in High School. Time will tell…" Anya sighed.

"We'll be here for you, whatever happens. Remember, you are my friend. I may not have said it before, but you're one of the Scoobies. Once you get into the inner circle we don't let go!" Buffy squeezed Anya's shoulders gently and smiled.

"Okay, now you're going to make me cry!" Anya's eyes filled with the threatened tears.

"Anya, I'll always be here for you," Tara offered. Dawn nodded in agreement.

"Grub's up." Spike's voice echoed up from the kitchen. "Come on girls! Love, can you drag the Watcher's lazy arse down here?"

"I'm up," Wesley announced quietly. He took a step back at the combined squeaks of the four girls. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle all of you." Wesley smiled gently at Anya and then nodded for the girls to precede him downstairs.

* * * * *

Amy crept into her apartment. She had taken an early lunch. Stopping for a moment, she tried to locate Willow. Her new flatmate had been very secretive and was spending most of her time either meditating or at the library. She claimed that she was catching up on her studies. However, Eric had mentioned that Willow had been ‘playing with the lights’ in the apartment most of the day yesterday. Amy had interpreted her baby brother's comments as Willow spell casting, and she was worried.

Rack had disappeared. She had seen a couple of his regulars' obituaries in the morning paper yesterday. There had been no mention of neck contusions, so she guessed that Rack had drained their life forces. Michael had emailed her at work to ask if she had heard from Jane, his girlfriend who was also one of Rack's regulars. She hadn't. All of the information she had found added up to something bad. When she tried a location spell, Rack was off the radar.

What Amy was now worried about was Willow. Why had she been casting in the apartment after everything that had happened? It was like sending up a flare for Rack to find her. Scanning the sitting room, Amy spotted a pile of papers with Willow's neat handwriting all over it. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of her Mom's Book of Shadows opened with a half empty coffee cup sitting on it. 'She's really gone off the deep end! This is the girl who freaked if someone bent the edge of a schoolbook down to mark his or her place! Now she's so into her magicks that Mom's book is a coaster!' Amy stared worriedly at the closed bathroom door.

In the background she heard Willow in the bath, chanting a purification spell.

Edging closer to the coffee table, she grabbed the notes and began leafing through them. As the young Wiccan digested their contents, her eyes widened. 'Oh shit!' She glanced over at the closed bathroom door and grabbed her cell out of her coat pocket. She then searched through Willow's purse for her Palm. Quietly, she backed out of the apartment and sat down on the stairs. She quickly put up a barrier on the entire apartment.

Muttering under her breath, Amy copied Willow's notes into her spiral notepad and zapped them back onto the coffee table. She looked down at her Book of Shadows. Amy didn't want to leave it in the apartment. She had trusted her friend and Willow had betrayed her trust. She had not only used the precious book, she’d used it for a coaster! Amy was hurt and angry. She picked up her mother’s book then concentrated for a moment. A glamour of the precious tome appeared in its place, with the mug back on the opened page.

Amy scanned through the Palm until she found Xander's number in the Contacts section. 'Hm… Not much with the friend making is she?' She gazed at the numbers, wondering if he would believe her. Or, if he did could he help?

* * * * *

"Nibblet, you gonna blink anytime soon?" Spike teased his surrogate sister. He ducked as the teen swiped at him, blushing furiously.

"Shut up!" she hissed and tried not to look over at Groo, who was talking with Wesley and Buffy by the fridge. The moment Dawn had spotted the big man, she’d blushed and gone quiet. Groo had treated her with a great deal of gentleness and charm, causing an instant teen crush to occur.

"He really is a fine specimen of a man!" Anya announced as she eyed Groo appreciatively. She ignored Tara's giggles. "Really, he must work out constantly."

Groo turned to the fascinated girl and smiled, revealing his even white teeth. "No, I am blessed with my strength. In Pylea, I was the only one of my kind. I trained in weapons and fighting. I earned my wealth through tributes and spoils of war. Others worked in markets and farming for their money, but I was a warrior."

"Did you say Pylea?" Anya frowned. "I've been there, has two suns and tall green demons. I cursed a very offensive horned man. His wife asked for his genitals… Umph!" Tara's hand clapped over Anya's mouth.

"Teenage ears!" Tara yelped, trying not to laugh.

"Hey these teen ears would like a distraction!" Dawn flicked her braid over her shoulder. "Spoil my fun!" she groused.

Buffy smiled at her sister's antics, knowing that Dawn was trying hard to be happy. Spike wrapped his arms around the girl and brushed his lips over her shining hair, offering his silent support to his Nibblet.

"You have visited my dimension?" Groo asked as he drew out a stool for Anya to sit on.

"Yes, it was very pastoral. A lot of dairy farming, I gather," Anya answered as she heaped her plate with eggs and bacon.

"Dairy farming?" Groo asked puzzled.

"Yes, the woman who called me said her husband was more interested in his cows than in her." Anya pulled a face at the memory. Wesley coughed as his coffee went down the wrong way. He waved off Spike, who pounded him on his back. Wes shook his head at Groo before the Pylean could explain what cows were in his home dimension.

Buffy stood between Spike's legs and leaned back against him once he had perched himself on the kitchen counter. She watched her rapidly expanding family and smiled. She felt safe and happy. Spike's hand appeared in front of her face and he pushed a fork heaped with scrambled eggs into her mouth. She chewed contentedly, occasionally opening her mouth for more food or a sip of freshly squeezed orange juice. The others ate and chatted happily. The new residents of Sunnydale gradually acquainted themselves with the more established ones.

"Buffy, something happened last night." Tara's quiet voice stalled the chatter as everyone turned to listen to the Wiccan.

"What happened, Glinda?" Spike dropped the fork he had been using to feed his girl onto the now empty plate. He wrapped his arms around Buffy and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"That evil I sensed, it came back." She held her hand up to forestall the flurry of questions. "It was strange. At first it was weak, but the second time I sensed it, there was much more of a punch to it. The wards I put up kept it away and when I pushed back, it vanished. I can't sense it anymore." She hesitated for a second. "It's not been back again. I...I think its lying low, regaining strength. What for, I don't know."

"So you are the one who wove the web of protection around this house?" Groo was impressed by the quiet girl's power. Tara nodded and blushed, embarrassed by the attention.

"How can we find out more about it?" Buffy asked the room. "Wesley, could you, Anya and Tara put your heads together on this?"

"Guess I'm going to be earning my keep," Wesley interjected wryly. "Tara? I haven't had a chance as of yet to thank you for the ointment."

Tara interrupted him. "May I?" She walked over and examined the now healed cut. She gently probed the scar and smiled when Wesley didn't react to her examination. "The scar should fade." He put his hand over hers.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. What you did for a complete stranger…"

"No, not a stranger. You're Buffy's friend and therefore mine. I would like to say anytime, but…" She folded her arms and tried to look stern. "I don't think I will, ‘cos no more nasty knife wounds, please!"

Wes laughed and nodded. "I will do my best to avoid anything sharp and pointy, I promise."

"Good." Tara sat back down and sipped at her now cold coffee. "Should we go to the Magic Box to research?" The others nodded.

"Also, we can show Groo around town," Anya suggested. She turned to Spike and Buffy, who were still digesting Tara's news about the latest Big Bad. "How will you get there?"

"The usual way. Blanket and the car. Thanks for asking, pet." Spike was surprised at the ex-demon's concern. "Also, the Watcher hasn't seen the newest Slayer Central." The vampire turned to Groo. "She's got some nice weapons and a training room in the back that you may like to check out."

"Dawn, will you help me with the stock reordering?" Anya asked.

"Sure, I'd like that," the teen answered, relieved to be included and also to have something to take her mind off Janice.

Tara slipped upstairs. She reappeared with the box of kittens and Miss Kitty. Buffy and Dawn fussed over their babies, watched over by a grinning Spike. The two new Summers were cuddled, cooed over and fed. Buffy then blocked off the door to the kitchen, to keep them contained until they got back. There was a rush of activity before the house fell silent for the day.

The Desoto's doors slammed and muffled complaints filtered out of the darkened car. The phone rang in the empty house. After a while, the answering machine clicked on and Buffy's soft voice filled the room.

A frantic voice responded after the beep. "Buffy? Are you there? It's Amy. Look, if you get this message, please call me. I left a message at the store as well. It's about Willow. I think she's lost it. Dawn's in danger! I'm going to the Magic Box to see if I can find you guys there. Goddess, I hope it's not too late

* * * * *

"My God, I can't believe how much this town has changed!" Wesley reached in and helped Anya and Tara out of the car. Both stretched, relieved to be out of the cramped space. Groo straightened stiffly on the other side. He then pulled Dawn gently from the front seat. A very rumpled Buffy crawled out, unaided, after her sister. She half-heartedly attempted to straighten her hair and finally giving up, she tucked it behind her ears. Leaning into the car she chatted quietly to Spike, who was waiting for Anya to open the shop.

Wesley peered up and down Main Street, taking in all the new shops before turning to the Magic Box. He nodded, impressed at Mr Giles for his foresight in renting the property and in turn leaving a useful tool for Buffy and her friends' work.

"Spike, you can come in now," Anya called as she swung the door open. She stepped out of the way of the smoking and cursing blanket. She tried not to laugh at the swearing and stomping that emanated from the dark shop. Wes wandered in behind Spike, followed closely by Groo. Both were curious as to the set-up of the shop and they were surprised by what they saw. After the limited resources of Angel Investigations, the Magic Box was a virtual paradise.

* * * * *

Buffy, who was irritated and tired of messing with her hair, growled and plaited it into Pippi Longstocking braids on either side of her head. Dawn and Anya stood together at the counter, flipping through a pile of papers and making notes as they chattered away. Buffy smiled at her sister, amazed at her resilience and how mature she was getting.

Wes and Tara wandered from shelf to shelf talking quietly about the various texts they had in common. She had also taken him up onto the galleried area and they had sat for a while, discussing the more dangerous texts which were shelved there. Tara had shown him the hidden magical texts and paraphernalia some of which Giles had bought, or that Buffy had retrieved from 'bad guys' on patrol. The bulk of the items had come from an unlikely source. Spike had appeared with them a couple of days after Dawn's attempted raising of her mother. He had hauled in box after box without a word. After making his impromptu delivery, Spike had nodded to Giles and, with a dramatic flick of his duster, stalked out of the shop. He had left without a backward glance, ignoring the startled exclamations from both Giles and Anya when they opened one of the boxes. He’d shrugged off Buffy’s questions about his injuries as his borrowed blood had seeped out of the Ghora bite and stained his shirt.

In the training room, Buffy could hear Spike and Groo discussing her stash of weaponry. Unable to resist, she checked with Dawn to make sure she would be ok with Anya, then slipped into the training room to join them.

"Alright there, Heidi?" Spike's mouth twitched her at childish hairstyle as he twirled a fighting stick in one hand. Groo was examining the balance of the broadsword he had discovered hanging on the wall.

"Bored. No one to play with!" She pouted over at her entranced lover. "Spar with me?"

Spike ran his tongue over his teeth. He tossed the stick over to Groo, who caught it without looking away from the broadsword. "Anytime, luv." He shrugged out of his duster and rolled his shoulders to loosen up. "He-Man, spot us will yah?"

Before the Pylean could reply the two blondes launched into action.

Groo blinked, amazed. It was pure poetry. They were matched exactly. There were a flurry of punches and kicks that even his sharp eyesight couldn't catch.

"Come on, Blondie Beaaaar! Is that the best you can do?" Buffy taunted as she flipped over the training horse one-handed and landed firmly on both feet. Her hazel eyes sparkled with anticipation and enjoyment. She bounced up and down lightly on her feet and grinned wickedly at her opponent.

Spike growled in mock anger and with a standing leap, he vaulted over to her. He grabbed the squealing girl around the waist and tickled her. "Don't call me that!"

"Ahhhh, let go! No fair! You’re cheating..." Buffy gasped. Groo laughed at their antics, secretly amused at their vivaciousness, a startling contrast to the seriousness of Angel and his friends. Spike continued his assault on her ribs and back. "Stop, or I'll pee!" Spike let go and jumped back.

"That's disgusting, Slayer!"

She shrugged. "Well Giles taught me to use everything at my disposal!" Buffy grinned and did a victory dance. "I win! I win! You lose!" She childishly stuck out her tongue at her lover.

"That an invite, luv?" Spike drawled as he moved closer to the giggling woman-child. He was enchanted by her antics and more than a little appreciative of her wriggling backside as she carried on her victory dance.

Buffy stopped and closed her mouth abruptly. She blushed bright red. "Spike, we're not alone!" She winced. “And, ow! I bit my tongue,” she pouted.

“Come, let me have a gander.” Spike pulled her to him and pressed a light kiss to the tip of Buffy’s nose. She blushed and wriggled away, giving Groo an apologetic glance. Spike shrugged and turned to the quiet man.

"Sorry mate, but what's a bloke to do when he’s presented with his lady love, wriggling around like a cat on a hot tin roof?"

"Indeed." Groo grinned at both of them.

"Hey, are you guys coming? Tara and Wes have got coffee and donuts for everyone!" Dawn called through the door.

* * * * *

Some time later, the bell to the shop door rang. "Hey, guys. Miss me?" Willow's voice made them all jump. She stepped hesitantly into the Magic Box. There was no sign of Rack's influence on her pale and freckled face. The two days with Amy had helped her come down.

"Wills! How's your Nana Rosenberg?" Buffy stood, resting her hand on Spike's shoulder. Willow frowned at the seemingly casual movement. When she looked into Buffy's clear eyes, she saw it.

"Oh!" Willow's eyes flickered from Buffy's hand to Spike's face and saw the faint challenge in his eyes. "You two are together?" Before either could reply, Willow continued. Her eyes flickered around the table searching for Xander. He must have gone to work early. "Nana's fine. Hey, looks like there's been some changes while I was off playing the Good Samaritan," Willow commented chirpily.

The red headed witch eyed Groo and Wesley. "Wesley? Is that you? Wow! So, um… What are you doing here?" Willow was completely wrong footed. There was something definitely going on with Buffy and Spike. Also, what was Wes doing here? She needed to get to Dawn and there were too many obstacles in her way.

"I've decided to move back here. Are you well Willow?" Wesley examined her closely, sensing something was off with her. Spike sniffed the air and recognised the same scent of magicks around Willow as those that had been in the destroyed shop. He glared at the unconcerned girl and nodded imperceptibly to Buffy. Groo's hand tightened on the knife at his waist, eyes locked on the magic user who had entered evoked a sense of nausea in him. He was unsure as to what to do. The others seemed to know the girl.

"Oooh, coffee, cool!" Willow pouted. "None for me? No fair."

"The others are getting more and some extra donuts. We ran out..." Buffy trailed off.

"That’s nice." Willow walked over to the counter completely oblivious to the looks she was getting from all the others. "Sooo, Buffy. Anything you wanta tell me?" Willow nodded to Buffy's hand, which now was white knuckled as she gripped hold of Spike's shoulder. Her slayer senses were tingling but she couldn't figure out why.

"What? Oh yeah. Guess you're the last to hear. Well, except for Giles." Buffy loosened her grip. "I would have told you yesterday, but you were with the Nana-visiting!" She turned to the still silent vampire next to her and smiled. "Spike and I are..." Before Buffy could finish, the bell chimed as Anya, Tara and Dawn came in carrying donuts and coffee. Tara's smile vanished when she saw Willow standing in the shop. Anya and Dawn just glared.

"Tara, honey. You came back!" Willow stepped forward, thrilled that Tara may have decided to forgive her.

Tara stepped back, her face ashen as she tried to breathe through her mouth. Willow's scent had changed completely. Spike stood slowly, as did Groo, at the white Wicca's reaction. Tara felt Anya's free hand in the small of her back, pressing reassuringly. Tara sniffed the air again and nearly passed out. ‘Oh goddess! She smells like whatever tried to attack us last night. Oh Willow, baby, what have you done?'

Willow's face crumpled at her erstwhile lover's reaction. She raised one hand. It shook slightly. "Tara? What's wrong?"

"N...nothing Willow. What are you doing here?" Tara stuttered slightly.

Willow frowned. "What do you mean?" Before Tara could say anything more, Buffy shook her head slightly and raised her eyebrow at Tara.

"What, you guys don't want me here?" Willow laughed nervously wondering if they knew about how the shop got messed up and that’s why they were all acting weirdly.

"No, of course not. It's just… Tara thought you'd still be looking after yer Gran, is all." Spike muttered. He caught Groo's eye and they both stepped away from the table. Wesley shifted slightly, making room.

"Hey, Dawnie, did you miss me?" Willow waved at the teen trying not to show her excitement at the fact that Dawn was here. She had already searched the High School. The house was to have been her next stop, after the Magic Box. If she could just get the girl on her own, then everything would be okay.

Dawn glared at Willow as she walked past her. She dumped the donut boxes on the table as she sat down next to Wesley. Anya clattered over and joined them, pulling Tara along with her. The normal loquacious ex-demon remained silent, very aware that there was something going on.

Willow frowned at Dawn's reaction. 'The teen sulkage is getting boring!' She leant against the now repaired glass counter and watched the frozen tableau of figures. "So, I'm guessing that's a no then, Dawn?" Her voice had a slight edge to it, which caused Spike to growl quietly.

The phone rang.

Everyone jumped.

Anya trotted over to get it. Her usual welcoming spiel faded away as she heard Xander’s' frantic voice. Her face paled and she turned to look at Willow. "You sure?" she hissed into the phone. "Okay." Anya's hand shook as she carefully replaced the handset. "Xander's on his way over, something's come up." She tried to edge away from the counter and Willow.

Willow turned to face Anya. She really didn't like Xander's taste in women. She hadn’t been able to hear what Xander said, but from Anya’s reaction, it was something about her. Willow’s eyes narrowed. "What's wrong, Anya?" Willow shifted her weight slightly and stood.

"Nothing." Anya licked her lips nervously, glancing over at Buffy and the others.

"Nothing?" Willow echoed, glaring at the ex vengeance demon. "Come on, Anya, look at you. Xander's obviously worried about something. Care to share? I mean, come on, you share everything else from penis size to stamina to outfits worn." Willow snapped nastily, really not in the mood for niceties.

"Willow!" Tara's soft gasp of horror made Willow stop and turn to face her. The redhead’s expression was anxious. Her eyes flitted from side to side, worried that maybe she had said too much. "What's wrong with you?"

"It's Rack, he’s been using her power, doing stuff to her!" Amy's breathless voice answered. She leant against the doorjamb clutching her side. "Man! I have been all over town! Your house, the High School... Dawn wasn’t there! I didn’t think to come here first. Did Xander call you?"

“Amy!” Willow stared at the newcomer, her mind whirling. She hadn’t counted on the de-ratted Wiccan being around when she tried to sort everything and everyone out. She didn’t think Tara would pose much of an obstacle, but Amy had more power. “What’re you doing here?”

“Willow, it won’t work. I know what you’re trying to do. You’ve got to stop before it’s too late!” Amy gasped as she tried to catch her breath. “What Rack did to you, it’s messed with your mind.”

“You don’t know anything!” Willow shouted.

“Red, you been back to that git? After what happened to Nibblet the last time?” Spike snarled as he moved to position himself in front of Dawn.

“Willow, you promised that you wouldn’t go there again,” Buffy added as she too moved to protect Dawn.

“Promise shmomishe!” Willow waved her hand carelessly, unaware of the sparks that flew in its wake. Wesley frowned at the magicks that the young witch had manifested without noticing. He surreptitiously reached for a book that Anya had given to him to read. A book that Giles had given his assistant for safekeeping and one he had instructed to be used only for extreme emergencies. Wes slowly paged through the ancient text until he located the relevant text.

Anya slid into the seat next to him and eyed the page he was tapping casually with his finger. She didn’t recognise the language. She looked up wide-eyed at the ex-watcher and shook her head slightly. Tara noticed their quiet interaction. With an imperceptible gesture and a quiet whisper, the White Wiccan touched the page. As her fingers made contact, the text shimmered and changed into English. All of this went unnoticed by her ex-lover, who was busy arguing with Buffy.

“Willow, what’s wrong with you?” Buffy demanded angrily.

“Nothing, but there does seem to be something wrong with you, though, isn’t there?” Willow snapped back. She eyed the blonde girl. There was something different about Buffy. She reeked of strong magics. Willow glanced at Spike and curled her lip in disgust. “What is it with you and Aurelian vamps? Next you’ll be switching teams and sleeping with Dru.” Buffy’s eyes widened in shock and pain.

Spike snarled and stepped forward, his hands fisted at his sides.

“What’re you going to do, Spike? Pass out from pain all over me?” Willow dismissed the vampire with another flick of her hand. She was too far gone to realise that the hateful things she was saying had hurt Buffy, Spike, Dawn and Tara.

Willow turned back to Buffy. “Also, Buffy, don’t be so high and mighty about me and my magic. You stink of it!” Small black veins appeared around her eyes and began to pulse.

Buffy’s eyes narrowed and she stepped forward. “It’s none of your business, but if you really want to know, it was something I had to do to move on from Angel.”

“Oh really, what?” Willow drawled. Her hair rippled into a darker shade of red.

Buffy glared at her friend and took a deep breath. Before she could answer, Spike spoke.

“The git had claimed her without consent. So she went to him and sorted it. What’s your excuse for the magic makeover, Red?” He paused and eyed her darkening hair. “Or should I say Brown?”

“So, all clear for you to stake your claim, huh?” Willow snarled. She turned to Buffy. “And to think you were pissed with Riley when he went to that vamp for suck jobs. Looks like you showed him the way.”

“Shut up!” Dawn screamed. Her eyes narrowed in hatred at Willow as her protective instincts kicked in. “Leave Buffy alone. She’s nothing like Riley. If she decides to let Spike claim her, then I think that’s amazing. At least she’ll be safe with him. It’s not like he’d do anything to hurt her, like you did to Tara!”

“Now Dawnie, that’s not a nice thing to say. What I did was for the best.” Willow’s eyes turned pitch black. She ignored Tara’s gasp. “Now you’re making wonder why I want to do anything to help you.”

“I don’t need anything from you. So why don’t you just get on your broomstick and bug off!” Dawn shouted. Willow glared at the teen. Gradually, the black veins began to crawl across her cheeks and forehead.

“Willow, your hair and face!” Amy whispered. Everyone in the room gasped. Black veins popped out all over the redheads’ face and her hair gradually phased to black. The dark magicks that Rack had infused her with had lain dormant over the last two days. Once Willow drew on it for power, there was a change in her. A change for the worse!

Spike looked at the girl, contempt all over his face. “Somehow, Red, I think you may just be a bit off the chart to register as human…”

“Shut up!” Willow stepped closer to her goal. Subtlety had gone out the window with Amy’s appearance. Dawn was terrified. She huddled into the back of Spike’s duster, trying to make herself as small as possible. Tara stood and moved next to Dawn. Her hand slipped into the shaking girl’s clammy hand, she squeezed it reassuringly. Tara stared at her first love in horror. The transformation of her sweet girl terrified her.

“Willow, please stop. Your face and hair, it’s changed,” Tara whispered.

Willow’s hands ran over the raised veins and pulled a lock of her black hair forward. She shrugged carelessly, “Hey, I needed a change.” She turned swiftly to the research table and with a gesture Anya and Wesley’s mouths sealed shut. “None of that please!” The two dropped the book, their hands reached searchingly to their faces. The horror and fear in their eyes made Dawn cry. “Much better. Now, where was I?”

“About to get off the crazy, witchy, merry-go-round Wills.” Xander interrupted. He walked into the shop, his eyes taking in everything. “Hey Willow, don’t like the new look, it just screams ‘I’m a psycho ask me how’.”

“Xander, come to join the fun?” Willow drawled. She managed to cover her panic. The sight of her oldest friend was making her nervous. She didn’t want him to be here for this.

“Is there fun to be had? Looks more like a brown trouser ride! Willow, how about you and me blowing this pop stand?” Xander was beginning to sweat. The shock of his sweet Willow going all Elvira was beginning to get to him. He hadn’t wanted to believe Amy when she called him at work, but something in her voice had made him wonder. So, Xander had offered to go to the lumberyard and left. He had driven through every red light to get here. Once Xander had seen Willow’s transformation, he had realised that Amy was telling the truth. “Come on Wills, how about it? We can go get ice cream and talk this out at my place.”

“I can’t, I need to make this right. Then everything will be better.” Willow’s hair faded to red and back to black as she spoke to her childhood friend.

Before anyone could stop her, she lunged towards Dawn, brushing Spike and Buffy aside with a flick of her hand. Willow grabbed hold of the screaming girl and began chanting in a language that no one recognised.

Spike and Buffy scrambled over to Dawn. They both tried to help Tara pull the terrified girl from Willow’s iron grip.

“No, Willow! You’re saying it wrong, it won’t work!” Amy screamed and lunged forward, only to be bounced back by the barrier Willow had erected.

Wes, Anya, Groo and Xander rushed forward and were also repelled. They fell to the floor, landing on their backs. Willow pinned them with a glance. They struggled in vain against the magical paralysis.

A green glow gradually began to emanate from Dawn, covering the five figures inside the barrier.

“Willow, stop! You’re hurting me!” Dawn screamed at the top of her lungs, struggling ineffectually against Willow’s superhuman grasp.

Tara began chanting, calling on Artemis and Gaia for help.

Buffy and Spike wrapped their arms around Dawn’s waist and pulled.

Willow grasped one of Dawn’s hands and Dawn winced at the added pressure to her broken arm. Willow was lost in her power, unaware that she was twisting the teen’s injured arm. Dawn screamed in agony.

Tara held the other.

As Willow chanted, her eyes gradually turned Obsidian. Blood began pouring out of her nose and mouth.

Dawn screamed one final time, a pain filled scream, and then was silent.

Her body began to shake violently.

Then it stopped.

Willow kept chanting, as did Tara.

Buffy started screaming and crying for Willow to stop hurting Dawn.

Spike cursed under his breath, unaware of the tears coursing down his cheeks.

The two lovers wrapped their arms tighter around Dawn. They pressed their faces to hers. They shut their eyes, the bright glare emanating from Dawn blinding them all.

Dawn gasped, and in a burst of green light, vanished.

There was no movement in the Magic Box. Wesley was laid out on top of Anya, his body shielding hers. Xander had been thrown backwards onto the stairs. His head was bleeding and his legs shattered from the blast. Amy was at his feet curled into a small ball, her arms wrapped around her head, trying to shield herself from the magical backlash. Groo had fallen face down onto the research table, his knife still clutched in his fist.

Tara was curled around the spot where Dawn had last stood. To her right, Buffy and Spike lay with their arms wrapped tightly around each other, tears staining their faces. Willow was slumped, face down, in a heap at their feet, blood pooling around her head. Her hair was still black and black veins rose in a lattice across the backs of her hands, pulsing with power.

A groan broke the silence as Groo levered himself up and rolled over. He propped himself onto his elbows and scanned the shop. He frowned, Dawn was missing and the others were either unconscious or bleeding. He shakily rose and staggered over to the most injured figure. Carefully, he pulled Xander off the stairs and laid him flat. Using part of his shirt, he wrapped Xander’s head tightly then ran his hands over Xander’s legs. With a quick glance to check that he was still unconscious, Groo reset the breaks. Xander remained unconscious throughout the entire experience. Groo then pulled Amy to him and patted her white cheeks, trying to wake her.

“Mmmm,” Amy’s eyes fluttered open.

“Are you okay, miss?” Groo smoothed her brown hair off her face.

“I ache all over. The others?”

“Injured, unconscious and Dawn is gone.”

“No!” Amy sat up and scanned the shop. “Oh, goddess. Help me up.” Groo pulled the shaking girl to her feet. “Over there, have to help those two.” She pointed over to Wes and Anya. Groo helped her over.

Amy knelt down next to their still forms, searching for pulses. “Oh yes! They’re alive. Quick, turn him over, I need to be able to touch his face.”

Groo carefully rolled Wesley off Anya then sat back on his heels. “You can help them speak again?”

“Yes, Willow picked this trick up from my Mom.” Amy gently ran her fingers over Wesley and Anya’s faces and muttered an incantation. There was a brief flash of violet light and then their mouths reappeared. “Good, they’ll be okay now.” She glanced over at Tara, Buffy and Spike and frowned. “I don’t know about them...”

“Ahhhhh!” Anya sat up, her hands reaching for her mouth. “Oh my God! I am going to kill her! I don’t care if she is Xander’s best friend, she’s gone too far this time!” Anya ranted. She stopped when the recent events came flooding back. “Oh no! Dawn?” She looked over at Amy and Groo. They shook their heads. Anya took a deep breath and began to cry in great, big, gulping sobs; the noise woke Wesley.

“What happened?” His eyebrows shot up when he realised he could speak. He looked over at the now trembling Amy. “Thank you, that was an extremely unpleasant experience.” He reached over and pulled Anya to her feet and then helped Groo to steady Amy. His eyes assessed the situation quickly. “Right. We need to restrain Willow, wake the others and get Xander to the hospital.” He turned to Groo and nodded at him. “Your work?”

“Yes, his head is bleeding badly, I managed to reset the breaks in his legs, but as for the others…”

“Groo, can you tie up Willow? There must be ropes in the back.”

“Yes, I’ll show you.” Anya pulled the Pylean with her into the training room. They returned quickly. Anya pushed Willow over with her foot and then helped Groo to tie her up. “We should gag her as well, that way she can’t cast anymore spells.” The Champion nodded and ripped another piece off his shirt and quickly gagged the unconscious witch. The left her propped against the counter then turned to help Amy and Wesley.

Amy had Tara cradled in her arms. Wesley was trying to pry apart Buffy and Spike.

“Dawn?” Buffy moaned as she finally began to wake up. Her voice woke Spike. They both sat up and opened their eyes.

“What the hell?” Wesley’s composure slipped at the sight of their eyes. His involuntary exclamation woke Tara as well. Amy gasped at the green glow at the edge of Tara’s irises, identical to Spike and Buffy’s eyes.

“Buffy, you alright, pet?” Spike cradled her face in his hands and kissed her. Mid-kiss he paused and pulled back, looking into her eyes. He echoed her frown.

“Your eyes,” they both said in unison. Suddenly, they realised that Dawn was missing.

“Dawn!” Buffy cried out as she pulled away from Spike and ran her hands over the blackened spot where her sister had stood. An animalistic wail resonated out of her body and she collapsed on the floor, sobbing.

Spike lunged at her and wrapped himself around her shaking body. “No...no...no...no...no! Nibblet?” He moaned and then threw his head back and vamped out. The howl that erupted out of him was so loud, it woke Xander.

“Aww! Jesus, my head.” He tried to move only to be stopped by Anya’s hands, which pressed him to the floor.

“Stay still, you’ve hit your head and...” she trailed off.

“Broke my legs, I can feel it,” he panted as the agonising pain in his shattered limbs began to register. “What the hell hit me?”

“Willow,” Tara muttered. Her eyes glowed emerald green then faded to a pale jade. She pulled herself up from where Anya had dropped her, and stumbled over to the blonde couple who were still crouched together in mourning.

“What’s that frickin noise? It’s making my bones ache!” Xander demanded.

“Spike,” Anya replied.

“Why is he doing an imitation of a Klingon Death Howl?” Xander panted. Sweat beaded his brow and he grimaced in pain when he tried to move.

“Willow killed Dawn,” Anya whispered. She began to cry again. Xander looked at her face in disbelief and then passed out.

* * * * *

“He slipped and fell,” Anya offered to the two paramedics as they lifted Xander onto a gurney. “I was cleaning and he didn’t realise the floor was wet and well...” She trailed off and pointed at the damp floor where they had swiftly cleaned all the blood away. Wesley and Amy were seated at the research table and nodded in agreement with Anya. The spot where Dawn had been incinerated by Willow was washed clean, adding to the excuse for Xander’s fall.

The others were hidden in the training room.

Anya followed the paramedics out to the ambulance. They had all agreed it was best if she went with her fiancé. The others would remain behind and tend to the mess that Willow had made.

Once the shop door shut, they sprang into action. Amy flipped the closed sign and locked up, dropping the shutters down. Wesley moved to the training room, swung the door open and looked in.

Spike and Buffy were curled together on a training mat. Amy had cast a sleep spell over them, as no one had been able to calm either of them down. Wesley had decided that the noise that they were both making would have been too difficult to explain away. Tara was sitting by them, stroking their hair and trying to keep from breaking down.

Groo stood watch over the still unconscious Willow. He had the broadsword he had admired earlier in one hand.

“Xander’s on his way to the hospital.” Tara glanced over at Wesley and nodded. “Maybe you could wake them up?”

“Sure.” Tara passed her hand over both their faces and their eyes snapped open. An unearthly green glow filled their eyes and then faded outwards to the edges where it remained. “Buffy? Are you okay?” she asked softly. “Spike?” Neither of them answered, but they sat up and leant against each other. Buffy shook her head and curled into Spike’s side.

“What’s that bitch still doing here?” Spike glared over at Willow.

“We need answers,” Wesley explained as he reached down and helped Spike up, pulling Buffy with him.

“I get that, but I don’t want her near either of us.” With that, Spike picked up Buffy, cradling her in his arms as he stalked out of the room.

“What do we do?” Groo asked the overwhelmed Watcher.

“Dawn’s not gone.” Tara levered herself up. “I can feel her all around Buffy and Spike.” She hesitated and glanced over at Willow. “Also in Willow and I think... myself.”

“Would explain your eyes.” Wesley peered closely at Tara’s eyes. “I can’t recall the colour before, but now they are a pale green.” He walked over to Willow and pulled one of her eyelids upwards to reveal the same tinge of colour.

“I was trying to keep Dawn safe,” Tara explained as the three of them left the training room. They propped the door open and Groo remained on guard.

“Indeed. I heard you invoke a protection spell. Do you think that possibly her energy was absorbed into those of you in contact with her?” Wesley asked as he sat down tiredly next to Amy and the silent blondes.

“I think so... But I don’t know how.” Tara rubbed her hands tiredly over her face.

Buffy looked up hopefully. “You mean Dawn is still alive?”

“We think possibly her essence is within the four of you. How we get her back, I don’t know,” Wesley admitted. He looked around the shop. “I need a drink.”

Tara disappeared around the counter and pulled out a bottle of Scotch. “Here.” He nodded his thanks and took a long pull. He offered it to Amy and she smiled and took a long pull from the bottle.

“Buffy, I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner. I tried. Didn’t you get the message I left on the answering machine?”

“No, we were too busy.” Buffy reached over and patted the distraught girl on her arm. “You tried, though, thank you.” She took the bottle from Amy’s hand and passed it to Spike, who took a long drink and then put it to her lips. Buffy took a sip and stuck her tongue out. “Blergh!” She handed it to Tara then snuggled back into Spike’s arms.

“Do you think these will help?” Amy reached into her bag and pulled out the notepad in which she had transcribed Willow’s notes. She pushed it over to Wesley and gently laid her mother’s Book of Shadows next to the pad. “She used this for reference, I think. I... I found it all in the apartment. I grabbed everything and ran.”

“This is invaluable, thank you.” Wesley began reading through the pad. Tara sat next to him and read over his shoulder.

“She is stirring,” Groo announced as he stepped into the training room. Spike launched to his feet, placing Buffy next to Tara.

“You two stay here,” he instructed. Buffy opened her mouth to argue, but he placed a gentle finger on her lips and shook his head. “No arguments, neither of you need to be in there. I won’t let her upset either of you. No.” He turned to Amy. “You need to talk the bint in there?” She shook her head. “Right, keep an eye on these two.” With that, he dropped a kiss on Buffy’s upturned lips. He lingered on her soft mouth, inhaling her breath. Both their eyes darkened to a deep green. Spike rested his forehead on hers for a moment before he spun and followed Wesley into the training room.

* * * * *

Willow opened her eyes. They were almost entirely black, shot through with green veins. She glared at the three men who stood before her.

All three took a step back, surprised at her telepathic power.

Spike shook his head. “Get out of my head, bitch. You will answer our questions and nothing more.”

“Aww, doesn’t Spikey like the Big Bad Wiccan talking to him?” Willow taunted as she struggled against the ropes.

“I don’t have much to say to you.” Spike lunged forward and grasped her chin in his hand. “All I want to hear from you is why. Why did you kill Dawn?”

Willow’s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. “No. No I didn’t. You’re lying.”

“No, he’s not. Whatever you did has caused Dawn to cease to exist,” Wesley interrupted.

“Speak up, Willow, or I’ll let He-Man loose on your arse.”

“You’re not worth the headache!” Spike stood and turned to Wesley. “Don’t think she’s of any use to us. Just put her out of our misery!” He turned to glare at Willow, his blue eyes tinged with verdegris.

“I’ve nothing more to say to her.” He stormed out of the room and back to Buffy.

“Right. Well that’s Spike’s opinion on your fate. Must say, it’s not far from mine. However, I do want to know why you did it.” Wesley sat down cross-legged in front of the sobbing witch. “Look at me.” Willow turned her head and looked over at him. “That’s better. Now, unlike Spike, I have nothing to restrain me. Unless you explain yourself, I will start to get very cross.”

“I would believe that is now out of the question,” Groo commented.

“Yes. So, the spell was to repair Dawn’s broken arm.” Wesley eyed Willow suspiciously. “However, instead, you unmade her.”

“I didn’t mean to, I promise. I love Dawnie.” Willow blinked, trying to clear her eyes.

Wesley looked over his shoulder at Groo. “Well, you may have loved her, but it didn’t appear you cared enough about her to make sure that the spell you used was phrased correctly. Now, I have your notes and Amy appears to have reclaimed her mother’s book, but I want to know why you felt that the words you used would not result in this debacle.”

“He means, why say remove that which was not. Return everything to as it was.” Tara’s voice echoed through the room. “Willow, you returned Dawn to her previous form, a ball of green energy.” She stormed over and sank to her knees next to Wesley. “Open your eyes, I need to see.”

Willow opened her eyes and hesitantly looked over at Tara. “Tara, baby? I didn’t mean to do this. I’m sooo sorry.”

“You never do, Willow!” Tara sighed. “Cookies won’t fix this. I need to know exactly what you said. Show me.” Tara placed her hand on Willow’s forehead and linked their minds. Everyone was silent for a moment. Tara finally removed her hand and opened her eyes. She shook her head. “Giles was right, you are a rank, arrogant amateur.”

“Tara, no, don’t say that, baby, please.” Willow began to shake.

“I tried to show you, to teach you. But you never listened.” Tears began to pour from Tara’s already reddened eyes. “Ever since you brought Buffy back, it’s gotten worse. Willow, you haven’t even asked about Buffy.”

“There are always consequences to magic. Now you have to deal with it. Buffy deserves an explanation.” Tara stood and brushed her hands on her sweater. “I’ve got everything I need here. I’ll see if Buffy wants to talk to her.” She left without looking back.

Moments later, a voice came from the doorway. “Willow.” Buffy came through the door, Spike’s arm around her waist. “Why?”

Willow began to cry. “I’m sorry, so sorry. I wanted to fix her arm. Then everything would be okay. She was so angry with me; I couldn’t stand it anymore. She... She wouldn’t even look at me.”

“So it was all about making you feel better?” Buffy asked.

“Well looks like you got what you wanted. Dawn’s gone. So everything’s back to normal in Willow’s world!” Buffy shouted.

“Luv, don’t.” Spike rubbed his cheek against her hair. He didn’t want her to regret anything she said, they were old friends. One day, maybe, Buffy and Willow could attempt to become friends again.

“Willow. Always so worried about yourself! You haven’t even asked about Xander.” Buffy turned and left.

“The young man, Xander? He was badly hurt. We are waiting to hear from the hospital to see whether he is alright,” Groo commented as he left the room, leaving Wesley to watch over Willow.

“Both his legs are broken and his skull was probably cracked as well. There was a lot of blood.” Wesley shifted uncomfortably. Willow didn’t say anything. She closed her eyes and sobbed.

* * * * *

“Where is she?” Anya stormed into the Magic Box.

“We sedated her, she’s in the back.”

“Wake her up. I want to give her a piece of my mind.”

“How’s Xander?” Buffy asked.

“Two broken femurs, a cracked skull and twelve stitches in his hairline. But the doctors said he’ll be all right. I’m glad I forced him to get full medical and work coverage, otherwise…” Anya looked at the pale blonde. “Buffy, I’m so sorry about Dawn.” She came over and awkwardly patted the Slayer on the shoulder. She paused and looked into Buffy’s eyes. “When did you get coloured contacts?”

“We think it’s Dawn.”

“What?” Anya bustled over to the research table and began to look at the notes and texts scattered over it. “How? Can we get her back? Please say yes!”

“We don’t know,” Wesley admitted. “However, it appears that Tara managed to infuse Dawn’s essence into those in contact with her whilst Willow cast her spell.”

“Is Dawn inside you, can you talk to her?” Anya asked hopefully.

“No. We can’t. She’s in here.” Buffy put her hand over heart. “But, it’s like there is not enough of her in each of us to talk to her. Tara and Amy seem to think she’s not even conscious of anything that’s happening. It’s hard to explain…”

“No, I get it. It’s like a computer programme. Tara sorta saved Dawn in each of you. You all got different parts of her filed in you,” Anya surmised.

“I guess. It’s just… I couldn’t do anything to stop Willow, so I tried to save as much of Dawn as I could.” Tara fidgeted under Anya’s understanding gaze. “Willow’s spell was too unstable, I...”

“So what was she trying to do?” Anya asked.

“Heal her arm, it appears.” Wesley gestured for Anya to sit down. “However, her phrasing was incorrect. She unmade her instead.”

“I’m not surprised. Willow’s spells are pretty much hit and miss.” Anya glanced over at Buffy. “I mean, really, someone should have put a stop to her earlier. She made Xander a demon magnet, Giles blind, released Olaf and made Buffy and Spike want to get married.” She eyed the pair in question who were wrapped around each other. “Though she may have been not too wrong about that.” She raised an eyebrow at the two of them.

Spike grunted and pulled Buffy closer. He was terrified that if he let go, she’d disappear too.

Anya continued, “I think that possibly there was some form of intervention when we raised you.” She nodded at Buffy. “There is no way that Willow was an able enough witch to do it without outside help. I think possibly the Powers needed you back here.” She shrugged at everyone’s reaction. “Oh come on! I know what you’re thinking; she’s just a shopkeeper. Well you’re wrong! I have a lot of experience in the occult and in summonings. Come on, think people! How did I get my vengeance on?” She looked around the table, waiting for an answer to her question. She rolled her eyes at them. “I was summoned by wronged women! Honestly!” Anya took a breath. “The research I did after you came back indicated that there was no way Willow could have managed it on her own.”

“You researched the raising, demon girl?” Spike leant forward and rested his arms on the table. Buffy had slid off his lap and was huddled into his side.

“Well, Giles and I did.”

“Giles!” Buffy exclaimed. “We have to tell him what happened. I don’t think I can do it…”

“Allow me.” Wesley rose. “What’s his number?”

“Press 1 on speed dial.” Anya came over and stood by him. “Oh, wait, there’s a message.”

“It’s me. Don’t bother,” Amy explained.

“Mr Giles. Yes, it’s Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. Why am I calling?” Wesley paused. “I’m in Sunnydale, Buffy asked me to accompany her.” He listened quietly for a moment. “No, I don’t believe that’s the case. She is quite capable, however, she does need assistance in research.” Wesley frowned at something Giles said. “May I interrupt you for a moment? There is something important I have to tell you.”

Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed, she rested her head on Spike’s shoulder drawing strength from him.

“It’s about Buffy’s sister, Dawn. What?” Wesley took a breath and listened to Giles’ angry voice. “Of course I’m not drunk! Willow has managed to… Hello? Hello?” Wesley put the phone down. “He told me I was either drunk or insane, then asked me not to call him again about imaginary sisters and hung up.”

Tara frowned. “What did he mean?”

“He doesn’t remember Dawn, ‘cause she never existed as far as he’s concerned,” Buffy whispered.

“If that’s the case, why do we remember?” Amy asked.

“It’s possible that it’s because we were all present during Willow’s spell casting,” Wesley suggested. “It would be the most logical course of thought.” The others nodded in agreement.

“Makes sense.” Spike reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. “Sorry, pet,” he apologised to Anya as he lit it with a flourish.

“It’s alright.” Anya pushed over a saucer for him to use as an ashtray. She then grabbed the abandoned bottle and took a long drink from it.

“So what do we do?” Groo asked.

“Research. There must be a way to restore Dawn,” Tara suggested as she pulled the book she had been reading in front of her and began to scan the page.

“I still want to talk to Willow,” Anya insisted.

Amy rose. “Come on, I’ll wake her. You may not get any sense out of her,” she warned as the two headed out.

* * * * *

“Stop faking!” Anya snapped as she glared down at Willow. “I know you’re awake.” She reached down and shook Willow hard.

“I really don’t want to touch you, I just want to look you in the eyes!” Anya shouted.

“Well I’m looking at you. Come to spank me? Everyone else thinks I’ve been a naughty girl.” Willow hid her guilt behind bravado.

“Oh! I do want to hit you for what you did to all of us. Also, not impressed with using your magicks to silence me in such an underhand way. .”

“Well I was impressed. It’s the first time I managed to shut you up. I have no idea how Xander can put up with you. Yap... yap... my money... yap... yap... Sexgasms… yap... yap... Boooring”

Crack! Anya’s small hand lashed out and slapped sharply across Willow’s face.

“Feel better?” Willow rolled her head up to glare at Anya; her gag absorbed a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth.

“Much better. So you do want to know what happened to Xander? Or don’t you care?” Anya massaged her palm, which stung badly.

“You broke both his legs,” Anya informed her curtly. “You also cracked his skull and he needed stitching up.”

“That’s all? No, ‘I’m sorry? Can I see him?’ I thought he was your best friend!” Anya shouted.

“There’s nothing I can say or do to make it better.” Willow looked down at the floor.

“You could say sorry. Do you even care about Xander or Dawn?” Anya paused, unable to resist. “Well, you could always try to heal him. Maybe this time you could undo the fabric of this universe!” she snarked.

“Yes, I do care. I was only trying to fix everything, but no, I won’t try to heal Xander, not… not after Dawnie. I was only trying to make her happy...” Willow looked down at her bound hands.

“More like making yourself happy. I may have only been mortal for a few years, but even I know some things have to be left to fix themselves!” A thought suddenly occurred to her and Anya’s eyes narrowed. “Anything else you need to fix or own up to?”

“What do you mean?” Willow avoided looking at Anya. She glanced accusingly at Amy. “You told them about the shop didn’t you?”

“No Willow, she didn’t, but you just did. So, you’re not as powerful as you like to think you are. I think you need to practise more on your one-to-one telepathy.” Anya turned to Amy. “I’ve said my piece and heard more than enough. Put her back to sleep, please.” She walked out and left Amy alone with Willow.

“Well, that went well, didn’t it?” Amy squatted down and ran her fingers over Willow’s reddened cheek. “I think you got off lightly, though. I just wanted to say, sorry.”

“Taking you to Rack that first time. I had no idea that you would flip out like this. No one else has…” Amy stopped. “Wait a minute, he’s done something different to you. Do you know what?”

Willow looked over at her erstwhile friend. “I don’t know. Nothing maybe? I think that he just released the power in me that I didn’t know I had.” All her attempts of being indifferent disappeared. “I just wish I could take back the last few days...”

“I know, Willow, but it’s done. Now we have to try and get her back. Xander will heal, but I don’t think Buffy will if Dawn is gone for good. Spike seems just as angry and upset about what you’ve done. Now sleep.” With that, Amy ran her fingers over Willow’s eyes as they fluttered shut.

* * * * *

“Silly ratty, you didn’t do it right.” Rack sat up and rolled off the dingy bed. He reached for the switch and flicked on the light. It illuminated the dirty motel room that he had managed to teleport himself to. It was north of Los Angeles and a good fifty miles from Sunnydale.

He had holed up there to regain his strength and plot his next move. He was now almost ready to collect his prize; he just needed a boost of power. He reached over for the phone directory and began to flick through the pages, letting his fingers do the walking. A smile creased his scarred face. “Dinner time.” He tore out a page and left the room.

Rack pulled over and checked the address. The sign read Madame Vaccani’s House of Palmistry. He turned off the engine and exited the car.

The bell jingled as he pushed open the door and entered the warm, incense-filled room.

“I’ll be out in a minute, please take a seat,” a strongly accented female voice called from the back of the store. Rack sat down at the circular table. It was covered in a plush red velvet throw, fringed with a gold braid. In its centre sat a large crystal ball on an ornate Gothic stand. On the walls were astral charts and pictures of a large family, predominantly women, all of which were dark-haired and smiling for the camera. There were also several shots of a toddler with dark curls and a toothless smile.

Candles flickered as a large dark-haired woman entered the room. She was in her late fifties and dressed in a flowing red dress. Her hair was in ringlets and she wore a large pentagram necklace. “Sorry, was just settling my granddaughter for the night, my daughter works late, so…”

“No problem. I was wondering if I could have my palm read.”

“Sure.” Madame Vaccani sat down on the opposite side of the table as she reached over for Rack’s left hand. Cradling it in hers, the palm reader ran her fingers over the prominent lines on Rack’s palm. “Oh, no. Don’t, please…” She looked up at the grinning man, the agony on her face carving deep lines around her eyes and mouth.

“Sorry, I need a boost,” Rack snarled as he drained the life force from the palm reader. “Powerful. Wonder if your granddaughter is as well?”

Madame Vaccani slumped forward, dead. Rack rose and disappeared into the back. There was a cry of a child and then silence.

“Much better! Time to go get my Strawberry.” Rack threw a silver coin onto the table, it span for a moment before hitting the woman’s lifeless hand. He looked over. “Heads, you lose.”

The bell rang as the door slammed shut and Rack disappeared into the night.

* * * * *

Wesley looked up from Willow’s notes and frowned. “I don’t think we are getting much accomplished. Maybe we should get some rest. It might be better to approach this with fresh minds in the morning.”

Tara nodded in agreement. “What do we do about Willow?”

“I can stand watch,” Groo offered. He turned to Anya. “That is, if you don’t mind me staying here alone.”

“No, of course not.” Anya turned to Tara and Amy. “Would you like to stay with me? I don’t think I can be alone tonight.”

Tara turned to Spike, who was cradling Buffy as she slept. Tara had felt a bit guilty when she had given Buffy the sleeping potion. She and Amy had mixed it up earlier with Anya’s help. It had been their only option, the two Wiccans had exhausted their magicks and the herbal path was all they had left. After her confrontation with Willow, Buffy had begun to hyperventilate, which in turn had distressed Spike. He had kicked one of the chairs across the shop floor, cursing angrily. His frustration at being unable to comfort Buffy had become too hard for him to suppress.

When Buffy had started sobbing and apologising for letting Dawn and her mother down, Wesley had intervened. He pulled the three girls aside and quietly suggested a potion be made up and slipped into Buffy’s tea. It had worked quickly, Buffy wilted over the book she had been staring blindly at. Once she had fallen asleep, Spike had calmed down and pulled her into his lap, nodding his thanks.

“Spike?” Tara whispered.

“Yeah luv?” He looked up from the book he held awkwardly in one hand.

“Will you be all right if I keep Anya company tonight?”

“No problem, Columba. S’long as you’re all safe.”

“We’ll be fine. Umm, Spike? Columba? That’s a new one.”

Spike quirked his scarred eyebrow, “Sorry, guess it’s all the Latin in these books.” He indicated the pile of books they had been using to research. “Means dove.”

Tara smiled, reached over and ran her fingers over Buffy’s sleeping face. “I like it.” She nodded to Buffy. “I think she’ll be out for at least another eight hours. Let her sleep if off.”

“I will. You birds need a lift?”

“No. I can take them home. Anya, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll go home. It’s just… I need to see my Dad and Eric in the morning. I’ll bring as many of my texts as I can carry and come here after.” Amy reached for her Book of Shadows and stood.

“Oh, sure that’s fine. Will you be okay on your own?” Anya asked worriedly, she had taken an instant shine to the quiet Wiccan. Amy smiled, nodding as she shouldered her bag.

“Right, so the two of us and the Watcher’ll head back to Revello Drive.” Spike turned to Groo. “Are you sure about staying here?”

“I will be fine. I am trained to survive without sleep. In the past, I have managed to last a week.” Groo turned to the training room. “It’s best that she is not left alone.”

“Indeed.” Wesley stood and shook his arms, trying to loosen the tension in his shoulders. “Let’s head off.”

Spike turned to Anya, he shifted Buffy slightly in his arms so that her head rested under his chin. “Pet, will you be going to see the Whelp tomorrow?”

“Of course, why? Do you want to send him flowers?” Anya asked slyly.

Spike rolled eyes. “No, but the Slayer here will probably want to see the boy. Could you come and get...?”

“No problem, I’ll come by in the morning. Tara are you ready?”

Tara nodded tiredly. “Yes. Oh, Groo, don’t worry about Willow. She won’t wake up unless Amy or I remove the sleeping spell.”

Anya pulled Groo away from his post, showed him the shop’s amenities and gave him a set of keys to lock up after they had all left. Bidding them all goodnight, the three girls headed out into the night.

* * * * *

Spike hesitated at the front door. He looked down at the sleeping girl in his arms. He didn’t want to go in. He couldn’t believe his Nib wouldn’t be curled up asleep on the couch waiting for Buffy to get home safely. He sighed. Wesley came up beside him and placed a comforting hand on Spike’s shoulder.

“It’s hard, I know, but there is hope.”

“Yeah, I know, Watcher. There is but... But, right now, I feel pretty damn useless. I mean it’s not like I can rip the stupid bitch’s head off for what she’s done. Slayer here wouldn’t stand for it! Also, the chip may have something to say about my beheading the silly cow as well, but it’d go a long way to making me feel better!” Spike growled angrily, his eyes flashed gold for a split second.

“I understand, but I don’t honestly think it would achieve much.”

“Yeah, I know, but she took something so precious from us. I just can’t bear it. The house is going to be so empty without Dawn.” Spike sighed. He frowned down at Buffy. “She’s not going to be able to cope. When Glory got her mitts on Nibblet last year, she went into a catatonic state. That was after she lost her mum… was the final straw. She just shut down, couldn’t cope. She doesn’t have any family left.” Spike grimaced. “Well, except for her git of a Dad.”

“She has you, all of the others as well, and I’m not going to stop until I find a way to get Dawn back, I promise.” Wesley took the keys from Spike and quickly unlocked the door. He ushered Spike into the house and locked the door behind them.

Spike stood in the hallway and breathed deeply, taking in as much of Dawn’s scent as he could, trying to grab onto something tangible of his girl. “Thanks, mate. Look, you gonna be okay if we head up to bed?” Spike nodded to the stairs.

“Yes. I think I may get some tea, it may help me sleep.”

“Night.”

“Goodnight Spike, try and get some rest, if you can.”

* * * * *

Spike pushed open Buffy’s bedroom door.

He had hesitated at the master bedroom then dismissed the idea. He’d sort it out in the morning once the Slayer had headed off to the hospital. It had rankled him that Red had not offered to move out of Joyce’s room once she had dragged his Slayer out of heaven. ‘It would have been the right thing to do, but then again, Red doesn’t seem to know what’s right and what’s wrong these days!’

He avoided looking over at Buffy’s dressing table. There were too many pictures of his two girls, smiling and hugging each other. The images were painful to look at.

Spike placed Buffy gently onto her bed. Stripping her clothes off, he tucked her under the covers and stood back. Running his hands through his hair Spike gazed down at her. Even in her sleep, there was a hint of sadness to her face. Her mouth was compressed into a tight line and there was a tiny furrow between her eyebrows.

“I’m sorry, luv. I failed you again. I broke my promise to you.” He sighed. “I can’t fix this.”

He sank to his knees by the bed and rested his head on Buffy’s stomach. ‘Pull it together mate. Big Bads don’t fall apart. She needs you to be strong.’ Spike took a deep breath.

He rose and stripped.

Crawling into the warm bed, he curled himself around his sleeping girl.

“I’m sorry.” He pressed his lips to Buffy’s neck in a soft kiss.

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