25. A plan explained
 

“Feeling better?” Dawn asked quietly when he began to stir.

“Not really” he grumbled, but his voice was strong enough to tell her he was okay, “feel like someone used my chest for target practice” he opened his eyes and managed a weak grin, “Oh that’s right someone did”

Her eyes twinkled and she gave him an indulgent smile, “You gonna be on your feet for the big briefing this afternoon?” she asked, “You’ve got a couple of hours yet”

“I’ll be there,” he told her, pulling himself up into a sitting position “plans all set then?”

“Willow’s had her head in musty magic books all morning and Giles and Faith have been doing their battle strategy thing. So I’m guessing we’re good to go” she leaned back and looked at the ceiling, “Giles asked if I’d rather Angel do it” she paused looking back at him, “you know the biting” she watched the hurt of rejection flash behind his eyes, and hurried on, “I said no, I wanted you. Is that okay, will you be strong enough?”

He smiled at her affection and pride written on his face. “If you trust me too?” She nodded and he continued with mock offence. “Course I’ll be bloody strong enough, cheeky little chit”

The sound of the door opening interrupted their budding banter. “You’re awake.” Willow sounded surprised as she entered the room, Xander at her heels.

“Er, yeah” the vampire replied looking questioningly at Dawn who just shrugged.

“We, er, we came to, to see if you were. Awake that is” Willow babble. “But not just that, we, er…”

“Good to see you alive and well” Xander came to his friends aid, plopping himself down on the neighbouring bed, “well figuratively speaking of course”

“How are you feeling?” Willow’s brow was creased in genuine concern.

“Been better.” Spike grumbled self consciously, oddly touched by her concern. She was a sweet girl shouldn’t be worrying herself about a monster like him.

He watched curiously as she poked Xander in the ribs with her elbow and gave the young man a pointed look. “Oh yeah” he delved into the bag at his side pulling out a bottle of cheap scotch, “Best the local Quickie Mart could offer” he smiled apologetically.

Spike raised his eyebrows questioningly at the two friends, “Kinda a thank you” Willow clarified, “For saving Xander”

“Oh” Spike expression was delightfully nonplussed, Dawn had to stifle a giggle at his awkward acceptance, “Er thanks. I, er, it was nothing”

“Nothing to you maybe” Xander responded, “But a chest fulla bullets woulda done nothing for my figure” he paused fixing the vampire with a serious look, “I owe you one” he told him sincerely, offering his hand.

Spike leant forward shaking the outstretched hand firmly. “Anytime mate”

…………………………..

“So the slayer still lives?” Marcus asked, not looking up from the map spread out in front of him.

“Yes sire” Solomon responded plainly, he had failed and he would offer no excuses, make no pleas for clemency, he was Vaith. “The witch’s power was greater than I anticipated sire, she undid the cloaking spell in moments.”

He straightened his back, standing to his full height, he remembered his father, a noble and courageous warrior, telling him once that there is no shame in failure, there is only shame in hiding from your failure. Honour, a Vaith’s code, he had pledged his sword to Marcus and he had failed, his life was forfeit, honour demanded.

“Are the preparations made, have the generals they’re orders?” Marcus asked glancing up at his lieutenant.

“Yes sire, all is ready” he replied professional to the last. “The divisions are in position, ready to move on your mark.”

“And the shaman?”

“Arrived not an hour ago, sir” he waited for long moments until it became clear Marcus was not going to speak. “Sire” he began, “my Kimidel. It is time”

Marcus looked up confusion creasing his handsome features, “Kimidel?” he asked. “I’m not familiar with that word”

“Kimidel, sire, is the sacrifice of life, for honour” Solomon’s voice was gravely and solemn. “The price of failure”

Marcus gave an amused chuckle, “you Vaith” he tutted, shaking his head, “so old fashioned. No Kimidel for you I’m afraid Solomon, you’ll just have to live with the failure. I need you to guard the sanctuary during the battle, it’s unlikely but…” he trailed of distracted by his own thoughts

“Sire?” the question drew his attention slowly back to his lieutenant.
“During the alignment, our shaman will be here at the Sanctuary to perform the channelling ritual” he explained, “It’s unlikely that our enemies have any knowledge our lord Velmorick’s power, but we can take no chances, you will retain a small force of my most trusted demons here at to protect the temple”

“As you command sire” Solomon bowed stiffly. He had been granted the opportunity to redeem his warrior’s honour. He swore a silent oath to his ancestors that the temple would not fall to their enemy.

……………………

Buffy was having a really weird dream. In her dream she and Willow where making chocolate chip cookies in Giles’ old house in Sunnydale.

“I think they’re baked” Willow commented looking at the oven. “We should get them out”

“We can’t” her dream self cautioned, “they might not be ready”

Willow laughed at her and picked up a brightly covered oven mitt. “We won’t know till we taste them,” the redhead told her sageously as she opened the door.

“Don’t” Buffy shouted urgently, “they’re not done” But Willow was already placing the delicious smelling biscuits on a cooling plate.

“Careful” Willow warned. “They’re hot”

“I can handle it” Buffy told her confidently as she reached out for a cookie. It was delicious, warm and sweet in her mouth, she smiled to herself, they tasted just like the ones her mom used to make when she and Dawn were little.

“Don’t I get a cookie?” a deep accented voice asked behind her. She leant forward and picked up a cookie, blowing on it to cool it, before turning to offer it to him.

“…sunshine most of the day, temperatures around…” she leant over and slammed her hand down on the radio alarm clock. She sat up and stretched yawning noisily, strange how sleeping in the day always seemed to make her feel even more tired.

Leaning over to see the luminous digits of the clock’s display she noticed the glittering band of diamonds and gold, she reached for the ring, turning it over in her fingers so that it flashed in the late morning light and sighed, she hadn’t corrected Angel, she’d merely nodded and pleaded exhaustion till he left her to sleep.

Had she thrown everything away? A whole new life, a wonderful man? Richard was everything she should want, he was kind and considerate, loyal to a fault and he loved her. Oh how he loved her, he would have given her anything, done anything to please her and she had broken his gentle heart with barely a second thought.

Maybe he’d take her back, she could head back to California, bury her head in the sand and pretend none of this had happened. Pretend Spike hadn’t come crashing back into her life all noise and thunder, pretend she wasn’t helplessly in love with the man that tried to rape her sister.

‘Almost.’ She heard Dawn’s voice in her head, ‘he stopped’. Did it make any difference? The intent was there, rape, violence, murder, just par for the course for a creature like Spike. She flopped back down onto her back, eyes studying the ceiling, her mind drifted to the airport, conjuring images of Spikes body jerking uncontrollably as bullets riddled his chest. He had saved Xander today, without Angel’s blood he could’ve died, was that a monster?

“Uch!” she grunted in frustration, rising from her bed and padding over to desk on the far side of the room. She riffled through the draws until she found a small brown paper envelope. She sealed the ring inside and scribbled an address on the front before dropping it into her bag. No going back now.

…………………..

Slayer central was buzzing with anticipation. Young girls with newly sharpened swords and fresh stakes milled about in the main briefing hall, only half listening to last minute advice from their protective watchers.

Word had spread like wild fire, Buffy Summers had arrived and she was legend. Most of the girls had served with the veteran slayers of Sunnydale, or had heard their story through the grapevine. Buffy Summers, The Slayer, the source, the visionary that had given them the power they now wielded.

“Settle down” Faith’s voice boomed over the chatter, instantly silence descended, tense and expectant.

“Now we know we got a war to fight” she told them, “and we’re ready” She paused for effect, funny how easily she of all people had taken to the role of General in the army of Slayers. “The odds are against us, yeah it’s true. But anyone who was in Sunnydale ‘ll tell you they always are” a murmur of agreement from the veterans.

“But we got ourselves a plan, and we got ourselves some reinforcements” she indicated to the group sharing the raised platform with her. “The original gang from Sunnydale, most of you know Xander” He raised a hand in greeting. “An you’ve all heard of Willow Rosenberg” a excited murmur rippled through the crowd, the witch that had made it all possible, yeah they’d heard of Willow Rosenberg. Faith ignored the interruption and pressed on “and Buffy Summers”

Instantly the crowd quieted, each slayer and watcher studying the petite blonde, such a little thing, most had expected her to be taller, more imposing. But looks can be deceiving, they were all proof of that, the Slayer’s power was not doubted.

“Hi” Buffy greeted, not in the slightest bit unnerved by their awed scrutiny, the Slayer was in charge, and she had work to do.

“Some of you know me, some of you don’t. It doesn’t matter. What matter’s is that we know how to fight Marcus, we know where his power comes from,” She indicated to willow, “and we have the means to fight it”

“What we need from you is…” she was cut off when the door sung open, banging noisily against the wall.

“Starting without me pet?” His voice was honey and fine wine, suggestive and assured as he swaggered across the room towards the stage.

Whispered questions filled the hall, “Who?” young slayers asked they’re mentors, who asked they’re section leaders, who asked the veterans of Sunnydale, “Spike” the reply filtered back, leaving the hall in stunned silence.

Spike. The vampire who had loved the slayer. Whose love had led him on a quest for a human soul, and had eventually burned brighter than the sun to destroy the hellmouth. Their young romantic hearts had embraced his story, embellishing it with each telling.

Buffy Summers was legend, William the Bloody was myth.

…………………….

“Is that really Spike?” Jenna whispered in Rona’s ear, her eyes riveted to the handsome slight built man standing at the blond slayer’s shoulder

“Yeah that’s Spike,” she told the younger girl, “I trained with him back in Sunnydale when I was a potential.” She paused, enjoying the girl’s awed gasp. “Didn’t always see eye to eye with him, none of us did, but Buffy believed in him, and he came through in the end.”

“Meet Spike.” Buffy’s strong voice called the hall to order. “Now you all know who and what he is. Now if anybody has a problem with him being here” she let her eyes travel threateningly over the crowd. “Now’s the time”

She let the implied threat hang in the ensuing silence. “Good” her tone was business like again, “now here’s the plan”

“Marcus wants this war tonight” she told them, “he picks the time, we pick the place” she stepped to the side indicating to the large map projected onto the wall behind her. “Breaker’s Field. It’s easily defended and has good visibility, Faith and the main force of the Slayers, alpha through gamma section, will hold the hill. Vi, your force will take cover in the woods to the left, once they attack the hill you will flank them. That leaves Rona and delta section on the right, the covers not good here so you’ll hold off until you can attack their rear.”

She stopped looking to the section leaders for nods of ascent. “Now here’s the kicker, at midnight an astral alignment will allow Marcus to channel power into his army, making each demon twice as strong and virtually unkillable. Giles, could you” she indicated vaguely at the slayers.

“Of course” he cleared his throat and removed his glasses nervously. “Marcus will channel the power of the demonic god Velmorick through the amulet he wears around his neck, and an effigy of the god housed in an underground temple. Fortunately. Thanks to information provided by, er, Spike.” He nodded awkwardly in the vampire’s direction “We know the location of this temple, Buffy and the elite unit will attack there just before midnight. Once inside Willow will attempt to hijack the magical conduit created during the alignment and use it to destroy or at least severely weaken Marcus’ army. The key to the success of this plan is timing”

“We get there too soon, there’s no channel for us to use, too late and we have an unstoppable demon army to contend with” Buffy explained. “If we succeed you’ll know, if we don’t your only chance is to get to Marcus and destroy the amulet”

“Your section leaders have detailed orders” Giles told them, “we move at sunset”.

26. A gift of power
 

“Quite the entrance” Buffy’s voice startled him from his thoughts. He looked up from the half smoked cigarette he’d been contemplating.

“Yeah well” he seemed embarrassed “gotta keep up the image” he dropped his eyes again unwilling to hold her open gaze. “You need something Slayer?” he asked through a heavy sigh.

“Just some pre battle company is all” she stated lightly coming to sit next to him on the cold back stairs.

“From me?” he asked incredulously. “Slayer head back over to your mates”

“Don’t wanna” she let the silence hang for a while watching his pensive face. “What’s up?” she asked softly, “you look like you got something on your mind.” She frowned a little, “I mean other then the impending bloody death of us all” her gallows humour didn’t raise a smile.

“Angel should do it,” he told her not looking up.

“Eh, do what?” she asked her head tilting endearingly to the side, God but she was beautiful, almost childlike in her gestures.

“Be your mystical vessel or whatever” he caught her eyes with his, “my fangs shouldn’t be anywhere near the nibblet and we both know it. Even if she won’t see it.”

She regarded him with open puzzlement. He seemed so contrite, so regretful, years of slayer training told her it was impossible, but her heart disagreed. “She chose you Spike, she trusts you” she emphasised the word you, her voice dropping and her eyes boring into his.

“She shouldn’t” was his sharp reply, “you know that better then anyone. Trusted me once yourself, didn’t you? Look where it got you” he sighed rubbing at his face, “Slayer, Buffy, please talk to her, make her see…” he trailed off when he felt her hand come to rest on his arm.

“Its okay Spike” she tried to sound firm, but her voice came out like a whisper.

“No it’s not” he responded in kind, “what if I hurt her, what if I take to much, or I can’t stop, I….”

“You can do it Spike” she interrupted, “you can do this and keep her safe.” She told him sincerely “I believe in you”

…………………….

“You can come out now” Spike said after Buffy ran off telling him she had something for him, his tone was conversational and relaxed, but the set of his shoulders told Angel all he needed to know about the others mood.

“Spike” his voice was laden with disgust as he stepped into view.

“Angelus” Spike greeted with elaborate bonhomie, “Good to see you, how’s my old grandsire?”

Angel ignored the attempt to irritate him. “What are you doing here?” he asked taking a menacing step towards the seated vampire, “What are you up to?”

Spike came to his feet casually, un-intimidated by his grandsires posturing, he sneered at Angel. “Here to help” he told him, “just like you” he smirked as if amused by his own thoughts “I want to save the bloody world”

“Save it for Buffy” Angel dismissed his declaration, “I know what you are Spike, so I’m telling you, go now, stay away from Buffy and I might decide no to kill you”

“Oooohh!” Spike couldn’t resist the opportunity to needle the dark vampire, “Some ones jealous. Thinks I’m gonna seduce his precious Slayer” He paused leaning in and adopting a conspiratorial tone, “again”

He stepped back and regarded the fuming vampire in front of him. “Don’t remember much about what happened in Sunnydale,” he told Angel his tone pleasant, as if he were making small talk with an old friend. He tilted his head and ran his tongue suggestively over his teeth, “but I do remember her screaming my name till she was hoarse”

Angel sung sloppily at him, an easy block and a hard punch in the nose put distance between the two again. “Now, now Angelus, play nice, wouldn’t wanna upset the Slayer now, would you?”

“I mean it Spike, I won’t let you hurt her again.” The words felt like a punch in the gut, stopping him in his tracks and stealing the unneeded breath from his body. He stepped back to lean heavily against the wall as images of Buffy’s hurt and frightened face rose in his mind, and guilty tears pricked his eyes, he squeezed them shut, not now, not in front of Angel.

“She doesn’t need you Spike” Angel pursued sensing weakness, “she has her friends and family, her fiancé, the people she loves.” He relished Spike’s violent flinch at the mention of Buffy’s intended. “She doesn’t need a thing like you, maybe she did once, but she wasn’t herself then, she’d been through something terrible and she used you to punish herself. She’s better now, she’s only letting you hang around because she’s soft hearted. Do yourself and the rest of us a favour and f**k off”

Spike swallowed hard and met his grandsire’s stern stare, his own eyes glassy with tears. Damn Angel for being right. The disjointed and broken memories of his time with the slayer told a story of self destruction and abuse, of a lost and frightened girl seeking comfort in sex and violence. “Will ya tell the nibblet I’m sorry?” he asked softly pushing off the wall and running a hand over his face.

“Sure, just go, I’ll make sure Dawn understands” Angel encouraged, anxious for Spike to leave before Buffy came back.

“What the hell is going on here?” Too late. The slayers angry voice turned both vampires around to face the furious girl.

“Nothing to worry about pet” Spike tried to placate her, “just talking battle strategy with gramps. I’m just gonna go see is Dawn’s all set” he backed away, he’d made his decision, he had to leave now, if he stayed, if he looked at her he’d never do it, he was too weak, too selfish to walk away.

“Stay where you are” she ordered her hand raised as if the gesture could physically keep him there. “Angel” she turned her angry glare on her first love, “you and I had this conversation last night. I told you then and I’ll tell you again. I. Need. Spike.”

She didn’t let herself look at him but she felt his reaction, felt the tension stiffen his body and sharpen his eyes, she could picture his face, his posture, perfectly in her minds eye. “Buffy, we don’t need him, we can find the temple without him” Angel was talking, trying to persuade her.

“I didn’t say we” she held his gaze letting him know how serious she was, “I said, I need him. Go away Angel, Faith wants to go over some things with you”

“Buffy” He tried again moving towards her, hands coming up as if to take her elbows.

“Go” her voice was low, but the command in it was unmistakable, he left sending Spike a deathly look that went unnoticed as the younger vampire kept his eyes trained on the floor.

……………………..

When he finally managed to raise his eyes and look at her he truly wished he hadn’t, she was looking at him with big wet eyes, and expression of bemused pain on her beautiful face. “You’re going to leave me” she accused in a whisper, tears spilling over to run down her rosy cheek.

Weak as he was he gave in, resolve melting away in the face of her tears. “Pet,” he moved forward one hand coming to rest on her arm, the other raised to brush stray tears from her soft skin. “I have to, I can’t be around you, I can’t risk hurting you again”

She shook her head unable to find words, he couldn’t leave her again, he’d only just come back. “Spike” she tried no to sound as if she was begging, but she knew her eyes gave her away. “You don’t” her hands where gripping his forearms with bruising force.

“Buffy” his voice was a husky warning, filled with regret and desire as his hand cupped her cheek more firmly. She didn’t let him finish, a slender finger pressed against his lips, cool and soft under her heated skin.

“Ssshh” she commanded softly drifting closer to him, the irresistible pull of his body drawing her in. This is crazy, Buffy told herself firmly, after everything he’s done, everything you know he's capable of. Stop it. Just stop it. But one of his strong hands had slipped under her hair to tilt her head back and the other was caressing the curve of her hip.

She held his eyes as he dipped his head towards hers, letting them fall shut only when his lips hovered scant centimetres above her own. Immediately images flashed across the screen of her mind, her own anguished face drawn in charcoal grey, Dawns torn blouse, Spike’s pained face when he told her what he’d done.

She moved away, but he’d beaten her too it and was already backing towards the open door, “I’ll stay for the battle” he told her, “then I’ll go. You know I have to. Maybe I’ll come back when…” he trailed off looking away from her.

Her mind flashed back the motel the half forgotten scribblings alongside Dawn’s smiling face, the name of a demon and a location in Africa. He was going to do it again, cross hell and earth to reclaim what Drusilla had stolen from him so long ago, face the trials and win a soul, for her.

“Spike” she tried again conflict tearing at her heart, a soul, a moral guarantee, a muzzle a hundred times more effective then any piece of silicon. If he had a soul they could put it all behind them, the attack on Dawn, on her, would be another creature’s crime, he would be absolved.

With a human soul his hands wouldn’t smear the crimson blood of countless innocents on her skin when he touched her, his kisses wouldn’t condemn her as a killers consort. It’d be okay, if he had a soul no one would judge her.

“No slayer” he was backing away, “just don’t say anything. It’s almost time, I have to talk to Dawn” with that he was gone, a tactical retreat in their running emotional battle.

She stared after him, fingers unconsciously stroking cool leather, she looked down at the heavy black coat, damn, she had meant to give it to him for the battle.

……………………

Angel was glaring at Spike, Spike was staring at Dawn, Dawn was looking apprehensively at Buffy, and Buffy was sending Angel angry accusing looks, that Willow was surprised hadn’t turned him to ashes already.

Giles spoke, breaking the circle, “I believe it’s time, for, er, for…” he faltered as if suddenly losing faith in the wisdom of their course. “Time for Dawn to, er, transfer her, um…”

“Oh for…” Dawn interrupted exasperated, “come on Spike you’re up, it’s drinky time”

Spike stepped forward diffidently his eyes capturing hers, gentle and questioning, “here?” He asked sounding slightly panicked, “Pet you might wanna” He gestured with his thumb towards a private room. “It can be a little intense, maybe…”

“Here” It was Angel that cut him off, “you think we’d let you bite her without us keeping an eye on you. How stupid do you think we are?”

“You want me to answer that you bloody ponce” Spike spat, glaring at his grandsire over his shoulder, Angel may have been right about his leaving, but that didn’t mean he was going to let the big poof accuse him of planning to hurt Dawn.

“It’s fine here” Dawn rolled her eyes in frustration, “come on guys, it’s really no big”

Both vampires gave her incredulous looks but neither spoke. She stepped closer to he favourite vampire, pulling back glossy hair to expose her pale throat. “Ready?” she asked nervousness making her sound impatient

Spike swallowed hard, suddenly overly aware of the sound of her heartbeat, accelerating despite her calm façade. He could smell her too, sweet skin and hot blood just beneath. Bollocks, he couldn’t do this, he could hear Buffy’s shallow breathing behind him this was all wrong he couldn’t do this not here, not in front of Buffy.

He took a step back ready to bolt when the slayer was suddenly at his side, her hand on his elbow stopping him, “It’s okay” she reassured him, “If you don’t want us here we can go” she held his eyes, letting the implied trust shine in the intensity of her gaze.

“Buffy, are you insane” Angel’s outraged voice shattered the moment leaving them both blinking. Spike cast an irritated glance at the dark vampire, bloody bastard thinking he’d hurt the nibblet. Resolve straightened his back. He’d show him.

Two smooth steps forward and he had her held gently in his arms, one arm loosely around her slim waist, the other reaching around to gently coax stands of dark silky hair off her neck.

His lips hovered over her the skin as his fangs descended, “You okay?” he asked, Dawn heard the difference in his voice, muffled slightly and knew he was in game face, a half expectant, half frightened shiver ran through her body and she nodded deliberately.

Despite his warning the sharpness of the pain caught her by surprise causing her utter a shrill squeak, fear griped her as his fangs burned into her soft flesh instinct took over and she tried to pull away, his arm tightened around her waist holding her to him as his free had stroking her hair comfortingly.

A moment ore of burning pain as his initially delicate sips gave way to strong gulps of her ancient blood, and then a strange sensation of bliss a floating surrender that made her feel at once weak and infinitely powerful. She felt her body go weak and didn’t fight it, trusting him to keep her standing. He was growling now the vibrations running through her skin to raise goose bumps, instinctively she raised her hand to draw him closer to her throat.

From her place at the pair’s side Buffy could just make out the ridges of Spikes game face, this was the demon at work, the darkness within him that for so long had been an impenetrable wall between them. The same darkness he would cleanse with the burning fire of a human soul

She heard his growls grow louder as he gulped greedily at her sisters blood, his arms tightening around her like a deathly vice. The slayer rose within her, instincts as old as time demanding action, destroy it, her lineage commanded, destroy it now.

She was about to move, hand already reaching for the stake in her waist band when she stopped, letting her heart and mind hold sway for a moment over the raging righteousness of her destiny. His arms where not a prison around her sisters delicate frame but a unbreakable protective circle, his possessive growl claimed her as his, but not as prey, for she was his, his to love, to care for and most of all to protect. His Dawn, his little bit, no demonic instinct could overcome the unremitting protectiveness of his affection. He had proved it already, even with all memories of her eclipsed from his mind, still his heart had known

Dawn’s desperate needy moan broke through her musing, she sympathised with her sister, she had once felt the seduction of a vampires bite, the intoxicating force of its demonic lure. But Spike was already pulling away, gently disentangling Dawn’s arms from around his neck his hands going to her sisters face, eyes gentle, almost regretful, “You okay pet?” he was asking, his voice soft and concerned, his blue eyes searching her face for reassurance “I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“I’m fine” Dawn answered fingering the wound, evidently she had enough blood left to blush crimson, oh God, he had warned her, why hadn’t she listened? Buffy had been watching while she tried to climb all over Spike, she was so embarrassed her hands came to cover her face. “Oh God I’m sorry. I’m such a…” she began but he stopped her.

“Not your fault pet” he assured firmly, “nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s my nature that’s to blame luv, not yours.” He ruffled her hair until she batted at his hands and gave him an affectionately annoyed smile. Buffy couldn’t help but envy them the simplicity of their relationship, even after the intensity of what had happened still they found they’re equilibrium again with consummate ease.

“I reckon we got all the juice you need red” He looked over at the witch, “never tasted anything like it. Like slayer blood, but older, more powerful”

Buffy only half listened while Willow once more outlined the workings of the spell, a frown etched deep on her forehead, when she had heard Spike denounce his demonic nature an unexpected sense of unease had settled on her, a foreboding that left her stomach tying itself in nervous knots that had little to do with the upcoming battle. Spike planned a quest for a soul and that was a good thing. Right?

27. A battle commences
 

“Your certain?” Marcus asked her gently. “That is where they’ll make their stand?”

She nodded distractedly, eyes unfocused, head titled to the side as if listening to some unheard voice, “they’re like Jack and Jill” she told him with a knowing smile, “tumbling down”

“Well done darling” he leaned in and kissed her long and passionate on the lips. “You stay here my love, Solomon will defend the house, keep you safe”

Her eyes widened, comical and childlike, “who will keep him safe?” she asked in a stage whisper her eyes darting to the Vaith.

He smiled indulgently at her, “Velmorick” he answered as if imparting a great secret to a small child.

She clapped her hands, “Oh I forgot he’s coming to the party. Our guest of honour, I wonder if he will dance with me.”

“How could he resist” Marcus indulged fingering her silk gown, “you look so beautiful” She smiled and twirled away from him, dancing elegantly to silent music.

“Solomon” Marcus barked, “Spread the word to the generals, we attack Brakers Field an hour before midnight”
…………………..

Angel noticed two things about Buffy that left him more than a little concerned, firstly she was wearing an oversized black leather duster that looked suspiciously like the one Spike had stripped from the still warm corpse of the New York slayer Nicky Wood, and still more worryingly her diamond engagement ring was conspicuous only by its absence as she griped the aged leather to pull it more tightly around her small frame. There was a chance of course that Buffy had removed it in order to keep it safe during battle, but Angel couldn’t help but think that that was wishful thinking, especially considering the glances she was casting at his seemingly oblivious grandchild.

Damn Spike, what had he done to Buffy? How had he got under her skin so badly? She couldn’t love him, not really, he was a soulless demon, a creature of unrepentant evil. Perhaps she harboured feelings for the souled version that had fought with her in Sunnydale, but there was no way Buffy could feel anything for Spike, not really.

Spike watched her too, drowned in the coat of a long dead sister, did she know where he’d got the duster? No she couldn’t, wouldn’t wear it if she did. Just another barrier between them, a barrier only a soul could breech. His mind was made up, as soon as Marcus was defeated, and he was confident they’d win, absolute faith in the small girl alongside him, then he’d leave, go to Africa, face the trials.

“There” Buffy looked down Spikes outstretched arm to see an elegant modern house set in large grounds.

“Nice place” Xander commented dryly. Moving to the slayer’s other side, “so what’s the plan?”

“Side entrance” Spike told them, “should be able to sneak in commando style”

She turned to the group, the elite force where kited out commando style at least, tight black sweaters and combats. Knives, stakes, swords and crossbows strapped to every inch of their bodies. The elite where Faiths best troops, the Slayer SAS high kill ratios and special training, the best of the very best, she just hoped it’d be enough. “You know what to do, fast and silent” she told them. “Anna, you’ll hang back, make sure Giles and Willow get in there. Angel, you and Xander to the left, Spike and I’ll take the right”

Curt nods signalled she was understood and then they where spreading out, moving silently towards the house in open formation. She could feel Spike just behind her, moving silently in the darkness, she tuned him out and focused her Slayer sense on the house, definitely defended, she could sense demons up ahead, looks like they’d have to fight their way in after all.

As they approached the house a strangled gasped to her left signalled the first kill of the night.

……………………

Faith had never been afraid to fight, since the age of ten when she accepted the life pretty much sucked, she had not been afraid to die. But tonight she was afraid. Afraid for the girls under her command, afraid she would fail them, lead them astray. The irony of her, the eternal loner, being so weighed down with the responsibility for the lives of others that she could barely form a logical series of thoughts was not lost on her.

“Sir” Becky, an advance scout caught her attention, “Still no sign of anything, shall we expand our radius” she waited a long beat for her commander to answer, “Sir?”

“No, recall the lookouts” Faith kept her eyes trained on the distance, “Fighting pairs, form line, he’ll be here”

“Sir”

She watched her order spread with efficient speed through the ranks until a thin defensive line formed around the summit of the hill. Looking left she could she Maria Akuba leader of the African contingent standing proudly before her troops, the blade of her sword glistening silver in the moonlight. To the right Lady Jane Parker a Hertfordshire heiress and Vi’s second in command moved among the European force offering words of encouragement six different languages

They where ready, ready as they’d ever be at any rate, nothing to do now but wait. Damn she hated waiting.

………………………..

She caught his eyes in the low light, angling her head upward in silent communication. He understood of course, he always did. There had only been two things Spike and Buffy had ever done right together, one of them, well that was the obvious, and the other was fighting, whether they be side by side or face to face, when they danced, the music cut to their tune.

He cupped his hands, launching her up onto the high roof before moving slowly along the wall towards the group of watchful guards. That’s right Spike, just enough noise to make them jumpy, that’s it get them looking your way. She heard one of them give a murmured command, sending two burly demons Spike’s way, he’d take care of them, that left three for her, she levelled her impact cross bow and waited for the right moment, that’s right ugly, just a little to the left and… Whoosh one arrow straight through two hearts, perfect, she dropped down behind the third before it could react dragging a wicked blade across its leathery throat.

Spike was beside her as they crossed the threshold, no magical wards, that was something. She turned back into the night and gestured for the others to follow, confident they could see her clearly backlit in the doorway.
………………….

They heard them long before they saw them, the thunders sound of thousands of demon feet, driven on by the relentless hammering of their drums. At their front came Marcus’ cannon fodder huge mindless Fyral and Melick demons, too blood thirsty and stupid to realise they where little more than a sacrifice, further back came his best troops, the one Marcus’ planned to still have alive when the alignment came, cunning vampire’s and fierce Vaith, powerful Apeathens, poisonous Trex and tens of species Faith didn’t recognise.

Watching the approaching army Mari-Claude was reminded of her history teachers vivid descriptions of Napoleon’s columns marching under a burning gold eagle towards the seemingly fragile thin red line of Wellington’s forces, for once her patriotic heart was glad that the British had won.

The column was an awesome sight, terrifying and magnificent, a diverse army of demons united in a rhythmic chant of Marcus’ name. There where so many more than they could ever have anticipated, Bedrogs screeched as they circled above the marching horde adding to the cacophony of sound. The line faltered, a step back rippling for one frightened slayer to the next, Faith felt it rather than saw it, felt uncertainty and fear spreading like a virus through the troops.

She took a step forward, deliberate and decisive, and felt them steady behind her, felt their unconditional trust in her, the faith they placed in her judgement, God please let them be right. “Come on B” she mumbled to herself “we’re gonna need you.”
……………

It was going well, better then expected, between them they had killed all the perimeter guards without raising the alarm, and so far they’d met no resistance within the house. Spike stopped, getting his bearings, she waited, no need to worry he’d work it out. He moved left and she followed, funny how it never occurred to her to doubt him.

Angel and Xander where directly behind her, then Giles and Willow surrounded by a protective circle of Slayers. Faith’s orders had been clear, get the witch to the temple at all costs. If she’d had the time Buffy would have been surprised and impressed by Faith’s unquestioned authority, by the fierce loyalty of her troops.

“Just through there” Spike leaned in close to whisper, Ok Buffy this is not the time to be distracted by sexy vampires lips on your ear, focus. She caught his eye from the briefest moment before turning to the others to wave them forward through the double doors to Marcus’ private chambers.

Ah, maybe not going quite so well after all. Within the large room where at least a hundred demons, she recognised the large horned demon that was obviously their leader as Vaith, nasty fierce bastards that took a hell of a lot of killing.

She heard Angel warn the Slayers to stay clear of the two Trex demons paralysing venom. “Swords” she commanded drawing her own weapon, “beheading ‘ll work on all of these.” It was more than an order to her team, it was a threat, said loudly so that the facing demons could clearly hear her.

Unsurprisingly it was Spike who broke the tense stand off, launching himself at the demons with a savage growl, Buffy followed immediately unable to stop herself emitting an answering growl of her own.

……………………….

Stella could make him out clearly from her advanced position in the trees to the advancing columns left. It had to be him. Pretentious bastard, done up like bloody royalty with his gold armour and black horse, what was this the bleeding middle ages? She levelled her bow, even at this range she could hit him, she was one of Vi’s best marksmen accurate at 300 yards.

Taking a calming breath she trained her eye along the arrow, fixing it on Marcus’ throat, no way she could penetrate the armour at this range, but she could certainly incapacitate him. Her finger closed around the trigger letting the mechanism spring forward to release the arrow. Suddenly Vi was in front of her the arrow in her hand, caught even as it left the bow.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” her commander asked, voice low and full of warning.

Stella stood to attention eyes trained straight ahead “I had a clear shot Sir” she justified herself.

“Your orders to remain hidden until we can attack their flank” Vi dropped her voice to a threatening hiss “Is that in anyway unclear?”

“No Sir, but I believe I could have taken out their leader”

“Brilliant! That would only have left another two thousand demons to fight. Without Marcus Buffy can’t execute the plan and we will all die, do you understand?”

“Yes Sir” Stella felt foolish but she kept her back straight and her head held high.

“Good, hold your fire”

28. A small victory
 

“Wait” Faith’s command echoed through the section and team leaders, rippling down the line, “Wait”

She took a deep breath holding her nerve in the face of the charging horde of Fyral, “wait!” just a little closer, just a little, “Fire!”

The front rank loosed their bolts in a flurry of pings and whooshes, the leading demons fell, crashing heavily to the ground, to trip and slow their comrades following behind. “Fire!” the second rank fired another devastating volley of crossbow bolts. There was no need to order the reload, “Fire at will” she commanded raising her own bow.

Each Slayer managed another five or six arrows before the leading rank of demons smashed into their line, order gave way to chaos, directive to instincts as the girls ceased to be an army and became what each one truly was, a slayer and the Slayer fights alone.

Faith had felt it before, alongside Buffy when they had been the chosen two and again in the hellmouth years later. She had felt how even with your sisters at your side you where ultimately alone, because you are a slayer and that’s how it works, looking left and right as she fought she saw girls fiercely swinging razor sharp blades and wicked looking battle axes, their faces contorted with their battle cries, slayers everyone of them. True they where horribly outnumbered, and if Buffy failed they would surely all die tonight, but my God would they go down fighting.

……………..

Vi gave the order to move just moments after she saw Marcus’ column slam into the Slayer’s line her relatively small force crashing violently into the demons’ flank. Surprise bought them only a few moments, a few precious moments when they could kill without resistance, then a section broke from the column, turning to face Vi’s girls, claws and fangs flashing in the moonlight.

………………

Rona had never in her life felt so useless, waiting, just waiting for the endless procession of Marcus’ army to pass. She heard the unmistakable sounds of battle, loudly from the summit of the hill and more subdued from over near the tree line. Her blood screamed for her to join her sisters in battle, the Slayer heritage demanding she take action, that she protect the others.

She waited, attack now and we’ll be dead before we get anywhere near that column, just wait, we can’t help them if we’re dead.

…………………….
“Willow” Giles pulled her down against the wall with him as she began conjuring a second fireball. The first had cut a bloody swathe in the temples defenders leaving several dead and still more injured.

“Giles” she tried to stand, “I can help”

He pulled her back down shaking his head, “you need all your energy for the spell” he hissed urgently, “let them handle it” he held her unconvinced eyes “it’s what they do”

Looking up into the chaos above her Willow could see the Slayers moving with terrifying speed and precision, cut, duck, slash, kick, spin, they were made for this, mystical creatures of war, Giles was right, let them handle it.

…………….

“Spike” Angel heard Buffy’s urgent call as the soulless vampire disappeared beneath a swarm of demons. “Spike” she called again, fear and desperation colouring her voice, as she fought her way towards him.

She disappeared too, swallowed up in a sea of clashing swords and savage blows. He moved to follow, drawn as always to protect her, his beautiful fragile Buffy.

Suddenly she appeared hurtling upwards toward the high ceiling, turning in the air, a perfect tuck somersault that had her slamming back down into her enemies her sword sweeping down with devastating force to crack two skulls simultaneously. Angel beheaded the nearest demon and turned in her direction again, a clearer view now, she saw Spike throw her up into the air before spinning away to avoid the downward strike.

……………….

She had to get to Marcus, she could make him out up ahead, a bright beacon in his golden armour, she sidesteps a spray of Trex venom and impaled the creature on her blood-coated sword. No time to check if it was dead, just keep pushing, steadily closer to the bastard responsible for all this. Hell even if they failed, even if B and Willow couldn’t pull it off, even if they failed and she couldn’t destroy the amulet, even then, that bastard was going down, she’d make sure of it.

………………

She’d lost too many girls already, nearly half her force dead or injured. They’d known the flank was a dangerous mission, but they hadn’t realised they’d be quite so badly outgunned. Vi sung her sword again, taking grim satisfaction in the sickening squelch it made as it ripped through the demons cuts, that’s for all my girls you bastard.

…………….

Maria Akuba was dying, she could feel her spirit slipping away, hear the call of the nether world, she fought it for a moment longer, opening her eyes to meet the tearful gaze of her first lieutenant. Gathering her remaining strength she pressed the hilt of her sword into the girl’s hand, before closing her eyes to welcome the spirit guardian.

With an anguished roar Ebu rose swinging the mystical Jhas blade in a perfect circle that turned half a dozen vampires to dust.

………………..

Xander felt the blood flowing steadily down his left arm, clotting and caking in his shirt. It didn’t matter, didn’t matter if he bled, he could still swing a sword, still help to safeguard the hundreds of exceptional girls he had personally brought into the family of slayers. His breathing was coming in harsh gasps, his chest constricting with exhaustion, it didn’t matter, he could still swing a sword.

…………….

“Buffy” Spike’s timely warning sent her rolling forward, narrowly avoiding the Polgara’s skewer. He was at her side when she came to her feet, hell he was always at her side, always had been.

“There?” she pointed to the heavy metal door just feet away from them.

“Probably” he punched an approaching demon, “few more to kill and we can have a proper look” with that he was fighting again, plunging into the fray with vicious enthusiasm.

She followed him in; maybe it was her that was always at his side.

………………

It was too dark, and too chaotic to check her watch so she had no idea how close they were to midnight, no idea how long she had to fight the last few tortuous feet to Marcus. She hoped she had time, hoped she would arrive just in time to know which way things had gone for B, hoped she wouldn’t fail if she was needed.

………………..

Solomon felt the weight of failure fall upon him, felt himself drowning in it, choking and suffocating on it. His force was decimated, just him and a handful of Apeathons left, powerful warriors true, but the Slayers had fared much better, only a few of their number where dead, just six or seven girls to his butchers bill of almost a hundred. He cast his gaze about the room eyes fixing on the redhead crouching against the far wall, the witch, the powerful sorceress from the airport.

Realisation cold and certain filled his mind, they had brought the witch to sabotage the ritual, to poison lord Velmorick’s power and rob his master of his rightful place as leader of all demon kind. He had not failed yet, if her could destroy the witch, Marcus’ would be victorious and his honour would be restored.

With a desperate roar he launched himself across the room, whirling his sword around his body like a dervish, cutting a path through the fight towards the witch, a kamikaze manoeuvre designed to sacrifice his own life to ensure the death of his masters enemy, a swing of his sword split a girls stomach, her guts pouring out into her own clutching arms. He took no satisfaction in it, it didn’t matter, he was so close, one more swing and the witch would be dead.

Willow’s eyes widened in fright as the huge, horned demon swung its sword towards her, frozen in fear her magic defensive failed her, she didn’t have time throw together the collection of words that could have saved her. I’m gonna die, Oh God I’m gonna die. She closed her eyes and braced for the final strike.

Every fibre of Anna’s body demanded she move, to do her duty and protect the witch. Faith and Buffy had each given her the specific responsibility of ensuring Willow made it to the temple. It was important they had told her, more important than any single other duty in this whole war, she must get Willow Rosenberg safely to the temple.

She wasn’t afraid, she was a slayer and death was part of her heritage, she was proud in that last moment proud to sacrifice herself for the witch, for the other slayers, for the world, but most of all she was proud that she had not failed her leader that when the dust settled Faith would know that she had done her duty well.

Willow opened her eyes to see the girl, Anna was it? Fall to the floor just feet in front of her, eyes open and lifeless, blood pooling in her flaxen hair. The demon was still standing above her clawed hands clutching at the hilt of the sword protruding from its chest, for a moment it looked at her before it’s eyes fell heavily shut and it toppled to the floor

…………………………..

“Go” Finally Rona gave the order to attack. The girls moved eagerly forward, quickly covering the open ground between them and the rear of the column. Anger and frustration carried them forward, swords raised, eager to make amends for their time spent crouching hidden in the darkness while their sisters fell on the field.

……………………………

The door was heavy steel, held shut by a coded electronic lock, Buffy frowned at it, damn she had not planned for this. “I can open it” Willow told her, “I’ll have to use magic, but I…”

“No” Buffy cut her off, hand raised “we’ve got time, we’ll get it open, you need every drop of magic for the ritual”

Spike appeared at her side a large metal bar in his hands she couldn’t help but smile, that was her Spike, brute force and ignorance just like her. She took the bar and wedged it in the door.

…………………..

Angel felt the door move a little more and indicated for one of the girls to help him. Spike and Buffy had worked on the door for five minutes before handing over to him, now they where sitting together on the far side of the room talking in low whispers, he strained his hearing to try and catch their conversation as her pushed against the bar.

“So it’s not wearing off or anything?” she asked barely resisting the temptation to brush her fingers gently over the angry bruise on his jaw. “You still all keyed up?” she laughed at her own pun making him roll his eyes and give her a faux annoyed look.

“Yeah” he answered anyway, “Little bit’s just fulla surprises, blood like this could keep a fella buzzing for days”

Buffy fought the irrational jealousy that rose in her, she wondered what kind of high her slayer blood would give him and couldn’t help but hope it would be better. Maybe they’d find out some day? Okay now that was a weird and oddly exciting thought.

“You okay Slayer?” he asked snapping his fingers in front of her eyes, “no time for spacing out pet”

She flushed prettily making him smile, “I, er was just thinking”

He leaned in close, “what about?” he asked his voice deep and suggestive, his smirk letting her know he had a good idea exactly what direction her errant thoughts had followed.

“Er, about, um” she began, trying desperately to come up with a clever response that would wipe the conceited gin of his gorgeous face. The loud clang as the door sprang free save her the bother and had them both across the room in the blink of an eye.

“Ready?” she asked Willow

“Ready”

29. A power struggle
 

Buffy managed to swivel her eyeballs left, straining to see Spike frozen beside her, Xander just behind him equally immobile. She forced her unresponsive eyes frontward again desperately ordering her body to move, to surge forward and help her friend.

Willow’s fragile body slammed hard against the rock wall of the temple as another bolt of powerful magic struck her square in the chest, Buffy wanted to call out to her friend but her jaw was as paralysed as the rest of her, held prisoner in the cloying magic of this deceptively ordinary looking man, like a mosquito trapped in solidifying amber.

Willow dragged herself to her feet with excruciating slowness her breathing coming in harsh shallow gasps, she hadn’t been prepared for this, hadn’t thought to focus on combat magic, never in a million years could she have anticipated the brutal power of Marcus’ shaman.

“Ministro tutamentum” she raised her hand deflecting the next bolt up into the caverns roof, shards of stone and dirt rained down on her but she ignored it letting the magic itself guide her. “Debello” her own charge of magical destruction hurtling towards the shaman.

He laughed, pathetic mortal, how could a human, even one as powerful as this witch, presume to challenge him. Catching her shot between his outstretched hands he smiled cruelly at her while he turned it over casually before flinging her own magic back to send her flying again.

Willow groaned, the gentle healing and peaceful idealism of the earth magic she had practiced since Sunnydale where no match for the shaman’s dark power. For a moment she resisted the thought, weighed the risks and decided the price was too high, then she saw him turn towards her static comrades one hand raised as he gathered his power, he could kill them all, there was no doubt in her mind that he could reduce her friends to ashes with a single phrase.

The decision was made for her, she had no choice but to call on the long dormant well of black magic held prisoner at her very core, she turned her consciousness inwards picturing herself unlocking a heavy iron.

It cried for joy at it’s renewed freedom, swirling and rushing through her body until power crackled in her ebony hair and sparked across her fingertips.

“Stop” she commanded, no need now to court the power with pretty Latin. She was the power, pure, savage and blacker than the darkest midnight.

She spun the shaman’s body like a fly in the web of her magic, silken and deceptively beautiful, deadly and unbreakable. A cruel tinkling laugh bubbled from her, “Arrogant fool” she hissed her voice gravely “do you know who I am?”
She gave him no chance to answer, spinning his suspended body faster and faster, she laughed manically as the sheer velocity began to break the shaman’s body. His eyes bulged until they burst in their sockets blood pouring down his face and splattering on the temple walls like a grotesque parody of a contemporary artist at work.

Buffy swivelled her eyes to read the twin looks of horror in Spike and Xander’s as they watched, mesmerised by the gruesome spectacle. Looking back she surmised that the shaman was dead long before his arms and legs detached themselves from his body and his skull caved in.

Willow raised a hand to toss the ruined form aside with negligent casualness as she advanced on the group. “Release” she commanded with a nasty grin, “it’s no fun if they don’t try and fight back”

…………………

Faith ducked low, sheltering behind the massive bulk of a fallen Melick demon, out of sight of Marcus and his personal guard, but close enough that if she had to, she could make a move. She squirmed further beneath the stinking carcass pressing the small button on her wrist watch, the digital display was suddenly illuminated proudly displaying the time as eleven fifty one, God almost time, one way or another it’d be over soon. As she crouched low listening to sounds of battle, the clashing of swords, the cries and screams of pain, the low pitiful moans of the dieing, she could barely bring herself to care which way it went, she was just glad it would soon be over.

……………..

“Willow” Buffy tried to break through the shroud of darkness that had engulfed her oldest friend, “please Willow, it’s me Buffy”

“I know who you are, Slayer” God was that even Willow’s voice it sounded so deep and hoarse so distorted by hatred and evil.

“Will” Xander moved cautiously towards the witch, arms outstretched as if in welcome, “Wills listen…”

“Silence” she commanded with a wave of her hand, “you helped her once with your pathetic sentimental words” another wave of her hand and his lips began to merge and seal shut, she smirked as if infinitely amused by the sight, “I wont let you do it again”

“She’s in there” Buffy latched on to the admission, “Willow listen you have to fight it, we need you, you have to fight it. I know you can do it Willow, fight it.”

With an angry snarl the witch discharged a searing bolt of magic from her fingertips smashing the Slayer hard in the side of the head and crumpling her, stunned, to her knees. “I said silence!” she hissed.

“Willow” Giles’ took his turn, “Willow, you can do it, use the white magic, it’ll help you”

Willow fought, trapped inside the caverns of her mind she struggled against the darkness running through her being she called on the gentle goddess of the earth, summoning the light of her healing power.

“Fight it Red” she heard Spike mumble from his place crouched next to the kneeling slayer”

“Willow” Giles was trying again, desperately trying to reach her, “Willow use the magic”

She was trying, trying so hard to fight the all consuming power of her dark magic, fighting back against it’s control with every fibre of her being, damn it she was Willow Rosenberg and she would not go down that easily, “Back” she commanded in her mind cracking a surge of powerful white magic like a whip, to beat back the darkness. “Back to your place, and cower there until I call for you” another crack of the whip and she felt it begin to retreat like a whimpering dog, tail between its legs towards it’s prison deep in the dungeons of her exceptional mind. “Back” one last powerful command that had it finally locked away.

Willow collapsed forwards into Xander’s waiting arms. Her hair once again the colour of autumn leaves, “Are you okay?” he asked, moving his mouth experimentally side to side, popping his jaw.

“I’m okay, I’m sorry” she felt tears of shame prick her eyes, she had nearly killed them all, again.

“Nonsense my dear” Giles patted her comfortingly on the back, “you did quite well”

“No Giles” the tears where flowing freely now, “I totally lost it, I was gonna kill you all. Oh Xander, I’m so sorry I didn’t mean…”

“Er, I hate to break up your pity party” Spike’s rich voice cut her off, “but is that supposed to be happening”

They turned as one to follow the direction of his outstretched arm, behind them the still bleeding body of a teenage boy lay naked on a low stone slab, around the corpse where magical amulets and herbs in a sand circle. Towering over the slab was a stone effigy of the demon god Velmorick and around it’s neck an amber amulet glowing very faintly at its centre”

“It’s starting” Buffy took command, “Giles, Willow, quickly we have to do this now” she stepped back giving the pair room to work as they drew their own circle in golden sand alongside the large red one that surrounded the body, the circles touching to form a lopsided figure of eight. Willow sat cross-legged in its centre, “Spike” she called and the vampire to join her as she ran a blade between her palms.

Spike kneeled opposite her taking the proffered blade and slicing his own palms. They joined hands, the blood flowing between their clasped fingers to drip onto the stone floor, as Willow began to chant softly.

“Buffy” Giles whispered urgently, drawing the slayers attention away from the scene, “I’m afraid the fight will have taken too much out of her” he told her sadly, “I don’t think she’ll be able to pull it off”

“We don’t have a plan B Giles” the slayer told him with a slight shake of her head, “She has to pull it off”

………………..

Seconds ticked by excruciatingly slowly as the witch and vampire sat motionless save for the slight movement of her pink lips. Looking up Buffy could make out a very high above them in the centre of the temple’s domed ceiling, through it she could make out a small section on the night sky, in which three bright stars shone in and almost perfect line, “the alignment” she whispered to Giles indicating to the ceiling with her head.

“Come on Will” Xander encouraged softly to her left, “come on”

Willow could feel the power of Dawn’s blood, pouring from the vampires veins, ancient and serene humbling and empowering her all at once, they where close, she could feel the stars shifting high above them, it was almost time. Just a little more…

A loud thunder crack heralded the midnight hour, as three bright stars formed a perfect line directly above the temples centre.

…………………

The amulet burned around his neck searing the skin with delicious white-hot agony. He thought he heard his own voice cry out in pain, but he might have been mistaken, his mind processed nothing but the power flowing through the amulet, through his body, through his mind.

This was it his destiny, his vision come to life. He felt the infinite well of Velmorick’s power open to him, felt it bending to his will as it flowed through the amulet. “These creatures are mine” he declared “Give them strength and make them ever obedient to me”

He could feel the amulet gathering its power to work his will, feel it preparing, shifting, to obey him. It was coming, it was coming.

………………
Willow drew deeply on the power in Spikes blood as she felt the channel to Marcus’ amulet begin to form, pulling at the edge of the conduit, trying to dislodge it from effigy and make it her own. She felt herself falter, felt her own power draining from her weakened body. She tried to rob a little of the Key’s power but it was already swirling in a impenetrable vortex of contained destruction she willed her self to continue to dig deep into the resources of her mind and body, but it wasn’t enough, she needed more.

Buffy watched Willow slump slightly forward, her lips stilling and her dark eyes flickering shut. Damn Giles was right, Willow didn’t have enough juice left to complete the ritual. Suddenly she heard Spike’s voice in her head, words from earlier that day, words she barely registered at the time. “Like Slayer blood, but older…” of course, Dawn wasn’t the only one with power in her blood. Maybe, it might just work.

She grasped the discarded knife and quickly slashed both her palms, before stepping into the circle.

“Buffy no” Giles cried from behind her, too late she had already broken the magical boundary and paid the price as scorching pain burned her skin, she ignored it, dropping to her knees besides the witch and the vampire she broke one of their joined pairs of hands apart and took one hand in each of hers forming a circle.

Willows eyes shot open and her back straightened as she felt a new surge of power flow through her. She felt the fierce power of the Slayer bolstering her weakened body, lending its fathomless depth to her flattering resources. She felt Buffy, her dearest friend strengthening her mind with love and faith, “You can do it Will” she heard Buffy’s voice in her mind, “Take what you need from me, you can do it”

Willow let her head fall back as she absorbed the Slayers power, pouring it into the words of her ceaseless chanting.

…………………..

Faith saw the blinding light emanating from the medallion around Marcus’ neck and knew Buffy had failed. She had to destroy the amulet before Marcus could use it to create his super army. She surged forward with an enraged battle cry charging towards him.

Romelek felt power surge through his body, sharpening his fangs and claws, fortifying his scaly hide. He had never known such a feeling of strength and he praised his master’s name for it. He saw the dark haired slayer charging towards them, her flat out run looking slow and ponderous in his new eyes. He raised an arm with casual disinterest and brushed her aside as if she where a buzzing insect.

He gave a triumphant roar, she was an insect, they where all nothing more than insects now that Marcus had elevated him. “Hail Marcus” he cried, his voice booming over the field.

“Hail!” came the unanimous reply as every demon left standing in Marcus’ army felt his gift, “Hail”

…………………..

Willow felt the edges of the conduit give and redoubled her efforts, around her she could feel Buffy’s power supporting her and the older vastly stronger energy of the key hovering within the vampire’s body waiting for it’s moment to be release.

One more pull and the conduit broke away from the effigy, she could see it now a swirling magical pipe waiting to deliver her poison arrow right into Marcus’ force.

She gripped Spike’ hand harder, calling the power out of him and directing it down the conduit, one final command sending it on it’s way, “Destroy them all”

………………….

Faith landed hard on the ground, all the air escaping her lungs in a painful whoosh as her back slammed against the earth. She struggled to her feet turning back to look at Marcus and almost wept, she had been thrown a good sixty or seventy feet, no way in hell could she get back to him now. She was too late anyway she realised as she listened to the victory chant of the Demon army. Her legs gave way and she fell to her knees, her hands going to her face as she sobbed out her failure and her grief, for her girls and for the world.

………………..

Marcus felt the change in the power flowing through him immediately, felt it’s intent and tried desperately to repel it. “No” he commanded, one hand going to rip the amulet from around his neck, but it had it’s own purpose now and it resisted.

Another bright flash of light, followed by a simultaneous howl of pain from Marcus and all his army as the keys timeless energy worked Willow Rosenberg’s will within their bodies, burning and melting them from the inside out.

……………………

It was done, Buffy knew it, she could feel Willow’s relief, feel the redhead preparing to release them from the circle. She wanted to resist, she didn’t want to let go, not yet. She had never felt such connection, such oneness in her life as she had felt here one hand holding Willows firmly, the other buried in Spike’s gentle grip.

She had felt Willow’s power, her confidence, her desire to do good and it had made her want to cry with affection for her friend. She had felt Dawn too, through Spike, gentle and wiser than she could ever truly fathom and she had felt Spike. Boy had she felt him, his love complete and unconditional welcoming her into the circle, promising her his protection, his loyalty, his life and most of all his heart. He offered himself to her, hers to do with as she pleased, hers to destroy, hers to rebuild as she saw fit but always hers.

Willow released her hand and she felt the connection slipping, felt herself returning to the isolation of her own mind and whimpered in protest. Spike followed the witch’s lead and tried to let go of her hand, “No” she heard herself whisper, clutching desperately at his hand, her eyes closed against the reality of separation.

“It’s okay pet” he was reassured her gently, his free hand stroking her face, “we did it pet, you can let go now”

“No” she protested weakly her eyes opening to meet his, there it was again, that connection, that same welcome, that same offer made again through his eyes. Tears filled her own eyes as she realised it had always been this way, that he had always been there, giving himself to her, hers, always hers.

“Buffy” Angel turned her around by the shoulder, breaking the connection, “Come on Buffy we have to go”

………………..

Faith watched with grim satisfaction as the Slayers moved among the agonised demons methodically destroying every one of them. “Sir” Lady Jane’s cultured voice broke through her thoughts. “Mr Howard and his team have just left with the seriously injured. Ms Roberts and the others are collecting the rest of the wounded”

“Good” Faith took a deep breath and tried to steady herself, even so her voice came out choked “and the dead?”

Lady Jane let out a shaky sigh, “Vi and some of Rona’s girls are helping Mr Ward collect the bodies. We’ll take them home”

Faith nodded unsure of her voice, before squeezing her eyes shut and whispering, “how many?”

“We’re not sure” Lady Jane’s voice had taken on the aloof business like tone that Faith recognised instantly as a defence mechanism, “Best guess would be between two hundred and two hundred and fifty. I’m terribly sorry sir”

Faith nodded again, and turned away indicating that the conversation was over, two hundred and fifty, of the nine hundred and eighty four girls that had come to Brakers Field two hundred and fifty where going back in body bags. She looked down at the broken amulet, lying in the dust beneath her feet and let the tears come, single tracks of watery regret flowing unhindered down her cheeks, two hundred and fifty girls.

……………….

“You spoiled my party” a shrill feminine voice accused from off too their left as Buffy and the others made their way out of Marcus’ lair.

“Beatrice” Spike whispered in Buffy’s ear.

“Beatrice” Buffy greeted jovially, stepping forward, she really wanted to kill something.

“Ahh” the seer screeched covering her eyes melodramatically, “You, you burn my eyes”

“Oh yeah” Buffy shifted her weight onto one hip as she pulled a stake from the pocket of Spike duster. “I also dust your ass, ain’t that a coincidence?”

With that she launched herself at the vampire falling effortlessly into the rhythm of the dance, she was so hyped she could of fought another ten vampires, a single loony wasn’t the challenge she wanted, still it could still be fun.

Angel moved to help her when Beatrice landed a heavy blow on the vampire slayers jaw sending her stumbling back against the wall. Spike’s arm shot out across his path, pressing against the taller man’s chest. “She don’t need no help mate,” Spike told him, “just enjoy the show”

Angel narrowed his eyes at the younger vampire but stepped back and focused on the slayer. Spike was right about one thing, it was a hell of a show.

Spike couldn’t help but smile as he watched her fight, his duster billowing and twirling around her as she fought, lending a balletic quality to her movements, not that she wasn’t always poetry in motion in his opinion. She ducked a sloppy swing from the vampire twirled in and came up behind, her fist slamming down in a hammer blow on the back of the vampires neck another flurry of kicks and punches, one quick thrust of her stake and the vampire was dust.

He couldn’t resist it, he brought his hands together in a slow clap that made her turn to him with an amused smirk, “Nice work, luv” he complimented in a lazy drawl.

She rolled her eyes as she walked over to him and clipped him lightly on the back of the head. Angel watched the easy playful affection of the act and frowned, did Buffy even know how intimate they where together, was she really aware of how obvious it was to everyone else. Probably not, affection for a soulless killer was not something Buffy Summers was likely to advertise.

30. A moment in the aftermath
 

“Hey” Buffy sat down next to a dejected Faith, “how you doing?”

“I lost two hundred and twenty seven girls,” Faith told her, her voice even, expression blank.

“I know, I’m sorry” Buffy touched the other girls knee gently, “You did your best Faith, we all did”

“I know” Faith rolled her shoulders, “Always casualties in war, right B?”

“Doesn’t help does it?” Buffy asked catching the darker girls eyes sympathetically.

“Really doesn’t” She sighed rubbing at her face, “These girls are family. Only family I ever really had”

“I know, and they know too. They would’ve followed you anywhere Faith. They still would. They know you’ll always do your best by them, and that’s the most any of us can do”

Faith gave a watery smile, “yeah” she paused for a moment before standing up, “I’m gonna do the rounds, check on the wounded”

Buffy nodded and watched the Slayer leave, if anyone was proof a person could change, it was Faith. She let a smile quirk her lips, well no actually it was Spike, but really not the time to split hairs.

She frowned, that reminded her she needed to give Spike back his coat.

………………….

“Buffster” Xander greeted as she walked into the canteen, “you gonna join us for a victory donut?”

Buffy gave the rather sorry looking collection of treats a sceptical look, “maybe later. I was trying to find Spike, you guys seen him”

“Yeah just a minute ago” Dawn answered, “he popped in, he was acting well weird, even for Spike.”

Alarm bells rang noisily in the slayers head, “Weird how?” she pressed

“Just weird. Gave me a hug and said he’d see me soon. Well duh! Buffy where are you going?”

……………….

Buffy thought she had run fast when Xander had told her to chase after Riley, now she realised she’d barely been jogging. If she had felt even a fraction of the urgency than that she felt now she would’ve arrived long before the helicopter took off. Rounding a corner of the car park she saw him, hot-wiring a motorbike over by the far fence.

“Spike” she yelled desperately sprinting towards him, “Spike”

He straightened up his back to her, “Buffy” he said her name like he always did, with such feeling and weight that it almost undid her.

“What are you doing?” she asked gesturing wildly at the bike, “where are you going?”

He sighed and faced her, why did she have to make this even harder, coming chasing after him wearing his coat and looking so adorably lost. “I told you Buffy, I have to go. There are” he paused “things. I need to do”

“What things?” she asked knowing deep down what he was planning but needing confirmation, “Where?”

He sighed again and stepped towards her “Buffy” he whispered, his fingers coming up to run gently down the side of her face, love pouring into the gesture like a waterfall, “I gotta go, I’ve heard of a place where I can fix my little problem”

“What problem? There’s not problem,” she denied hotly, her own hands grasping at his biceps.

“Buffy” his voice held a note of gentle chiding, “You know I can’t stay here like this, can’t be around you or the little bit like this.”

She shook her head opening her mouth to speak, but he placed a gentle finger on her lip’s “I reckon you know what I got planned, saw what I had written back in the motel didn’t ya? You know I have to, Buffy it’s the only way”

“No Spike” she protested weakly, he would do it for her, get his soul back, turn his whole life upside down change his very nature, he’d do it for her, because he loved her.

He silenced her with a gentle kiss, his lips brushing tenderly over hers. “I gotta go lamb. Take care of the nibblet for me”

She nodded mutely her watery eyes boring into his, shaking her head as if to clear it she stepped back and stripped off his coat and handed it to him. “You might need this,” she told him with a wan smile.

“Spike” she tried one last half hearted protest while he pulled on the coat, “you don’t have to do this, you don’t know what it’ll do to you, you don’t remember…” she trailed off as she looked at him standing there in his duster, looking so very much like the dangerous Spike she had once demanded he be despite his soul.

“Yeah I do” he told her chucking her gently under the chin, “I remember everything. All came rushing back during red’s spell.”

“Then why?” she questioned, tears flowing down her face, how could he be doing this, knowing how much a soul would hurt him, how weak it would make him, how God damn hard it would be to live with all the things he’d done.

“Because in the end” he told her gently running his hands down her arms to clasp her hands in his. “In the end it was worth it”

He released her hands and swung his leg over the bike in a swirl of black leather. She watched silently while he touched two exposed wires together and the engine roared into life.

What did he mean ‘worth it?’ in the end it was worth it? Realisation almost knocked the breath from her, it had been worth it, ‘I love you’, ‘No you don’t but…’

Oh God he was really doing it, doing it because if he had a soul then she could love him, really love him, the way he loved her. He was doing it because without a soul he was beneath her, an evil, disgusting thing, just like she had never tired of telling him.

Her head shot up, she could make him out racing along the sweeping curve of the road to her left. He was doing it so she could love him. She ran right, leaping over the high fence in a single bound and racing down across the open ground towards the tree line. She pushed through the trees ignoring the sting of twigs and branches lashing at her face, she could see the road through the trees where it swung back round on itself, hear the roar of the motorbike to growing louder to her left. She sped up as she reached the embankment hurtling down the steep slope at break neck speed towards the road, a collision course with the speeding bike, as her feet hit the tarmac she jumped, barrelling into the bikes rider, knocking them both clean away from the machine, as it went sliding riderless down the road.

Spike had been trying very hard not to turn back, eyes fixed on the road ahead concentrating hard on the feel of the wind rushing by, on the roar of the engine, anything but the tearful blonde he had left standing alone in the car park of slayer central. The impact had taken him by surprise, sending him rolling across the tarmac a small strong bundle of slayer rolling with him, their arms and legs entangled as they went, finally coming to rest on his back in the verge, with a winded Buffy Summers draped across his bruised body.

He groaned in response to the pain in his back and shoulder as he brought his arms up around her slight figure. “You okay pet?” he asked her softly

She pulled air painfully into her lungs letting it out in a slow deliberate breath, “yeah” she whispered.

“You gonna tell me what the bloody hell you think you’re doing?” he asked, his gentle voice belying the harshness of his words, “Coulda got yourself killed”

“I had to tell you something,” she admitted not willing to meet his eyes, “before you go, there’s something you need to know”

He sighed rolling her off him so they could sit side by side on the damp verge, “I think I know everything I need to” he told her impatience creeping into his voice, “I gotta do this”

“Ok” she whispered.

“Ok?” he asked incredulously, “You knock me off my bike at eighty miles an hour for ‘Ok’?”

She couldn’t help but giggle at his affronted tone, before she grew serious. “If you gotta do this, then ok, go I won’t try to stop you. But you have to be doing it for you” she paused looking deeply into his eyes, “not for me”

He frowned leaning back slightly to get a better look at her face, of course it was for her, everything he did was for her, what the bloody hell else would he want a soul for.

“That’s what I needed to tell you, don’t get a soul for me, don’t get a soul because you think it’ll make me love you” She watched pain fill his eyes and desperately wanted to touch him, chase the hurt away with gentle kisses, but she held back, he had to figure this out himself.

“Right” he turned away, couldn’t bear to look at her, knowing that despite what he thought he’d seen since his return he’d been right that day, ‘No you don’t, but thanks…’

He took a deep shaky breath, “Right then, I’ll just…” he began to stand, he had to get way from her, couldn’t bear being this close to her knowing how very far away he really was. Her hand stopped him. Gripping his arm with bruising force and yanking him back down.

“What I mean” she told him, grabbing his chin to pull his face around to look at her, she was gonna have to spell it out after all, “Is you don’t need a soul for me to love you” funny how until the moment she actually said the words out loud she hadn’t really believed them herself. There had been too much fear, prejudice too deeply ingrained in her mind, the instincts of her calling to strong in her consciousness for her to really believe it. But telling him now she knew it was true, knew that she did love him despite the barriers between them despite there opposing nature, she loved him, just as he was.

He met her eyes them, his own questioning and unsure, disbelief etched in the lines of his frown. “Buffy you can’t mean…” he trailed off looking so unbearable sad that a tear rolled down her cheek in sympathy, her admission wasn’t supposed to make him sad.

“Listen” he wiped the tears away with his thumb and held her face in his hands, “I know you felt something, when I came back, relief or gratitude or whatever, but you don’t have to pretend… I couldn’t ask you to…” he broke off and looked away, squeezing his eyes shut against the onset of his own tears.

He didn’t believe her, couldn’t blame him really she hadn’t exactly made it easy for either of them, she bit her lip, what the hell could she say that would make him believe her, she wished suddenly that their roles where reversed, he’d know what to say, he always did. An idea struck her, a few alteration and it’d work, and he’d know she remembered everything he’d said that night he’d know how much it had meant to her.

She placed a gentle hand on his cheek guiding his face back so she could meet his eyes “Hey, look at me. You’re not asking me for anything” She took a deep breath if this didn’t convince him nothing would

“When I say, ‘I love you,’ it's not because I’m grateful or I’m thinking of the souled version. It has nothing to do with me.” She paused watching recognition flicker in his dark blue eyes.

“I love what you are, what you do, how you try.” She was crying freely now holding his watery eyes with hers “I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are.”

She watched the awed expression on his handsome face, the nervous expectancy, as if his whole world hinged on what she would say next and realised she hadn’t covered all her bases. She buried her head in her hands and let out a bark of nervous laughter. Looking back at his confused frown she gave him a self depreciating smile, “I didn’t think this far ahead” she admitted self consciously, “I don’t suppose I can call you a hell of a woman?”

He laughed then rich joyful music to her ears, her hand came automatically to rest on his thigh, comfortable and intimate, “You are the one though” she told him seriously, “the one for me”

 

31. A love reclaimed
 

“Giles. Have you seen Buffy?” Angel asked as he entered the watcher’s makeshift office.

“Er no, I’m afraid I haven’t” Giles looked up from the pile of paperwork in front of him. Such a painful task, but someone had to make the arrangements. Make the arrangements, a horrible euphemism for sending the bodies home. He sighed so many brave girls lost, and yet he couldn’t help but be relieved that it was his children that remained standing.

“I did see Willow and Xander heading to the canteen with Dawn” he told the souled vampire, “perhaps Buffy joined them there”

“Thanks Giles” and with that he was gone, looking for Buffy as always. Giles wondered absently if Angel would ever stop worrying about the girl, woman, he corrected himself.

He shook his head he had work to do. He trailed his pencil down the list, Claire Wilson, seventeen years old, family in New York, he picked up the phone to make the call.

….……

"So, er, what about your boyfriend?” he asked as they wandered side by side back towards slayer central the disdain in his voice a thin veil over his apprehension.

She grinned, that was her Spike, so very jealous, so endearingly insecure “Broke it off before we left” she told him waggling the bare fingers of her left hand right in his face.

He batted her hand away and smirked, “before or after you where planning to jump my hot little body?” so paradoxically egotistical

She narrowed her eyes, “Before” she told him haughtily.

Spike picked up on the playfulness beneath her tone, “Oh yeah, and you wouldn’t have let me take you in the grave yard the night before, fiancé be damned.” He paused shaking his head and tutting “Strumpet”

“Strumpet” she repeated incredulously, “what am I some buxom eighteenth century serving wench?”

“Na” he swung and arm around her shoulder, “You haven’t got the figure for it”

Outraged she dug her elbow hard into his ribs making him laugh and splutter. She smiled broadly and snuggled back under his arm, could it always have been this easy, this good, if she’d just have let it. Probably not, you have to pay the price, go through the pain and all that rot. God she was even thinking in Spike speak, this could be a very bad relationship for her vocabulary.

They walked in silence the last hundred feet to the canteen entrance, shifting to walk hand in hand, Spike marvelled at the feel of her strong little hand in his as they approached the door, never in a million years would he have believe he’d have her like this.

She hesitated, nervous tension gripping her body, making her shoulders tense, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled at her. She nodded and stepped deliberately through the open door. Willow, Xander and Dawn where sitting together in the centre of the room, Xander excitedly recounting the heroics of the battle at the temple to a bewitched Dawn and smiling Willow.

He felt her pause, felt the fear rolling off her in waves and almost took pity on her, almost released her hand from his grip, but she needed to do this, they both needed her to do this. With a deep breath an a quick roll of her shoulders she gripped his hand tighter and led them over to the table, “Hi guys” she greeted, nervousness making her sound shrill.

“Hey” Willow and Dawn greeted simultaneously, “Xander was telling me all about the fight” Dawn told her seemingly oblivious to the couples joined hands.

“Yeah, if you wanna hear all about it you need to pull up a chair and grab some sugary goodness” Xander waved his hand at the battered donuts on the centre of the table. Buffy frowned, why hadn’t they noticed yet, this was just dragging it out, putting off the inevitable tirade of warnings and recriminations.

“They got a bit damaged in transit” Willow told them conspiratorially “I think someone sat on them” she gestured with her head towards a guilty looking Xander.

“They’re still good” Xander defended, “Come on you two sit yourselves down, I’m just getting to the good bit”

Right, Buffy decided, time to make them notice, she was done with subtle. She guided a perplexed looking Spike to a free chair and plonked herself down on his lap, one arm around his neck.

“So” Xander continued once they where seated, “Buffy grabs the knife and cuts her hands” he made a pair of slashing motions across his own palms. “Then she…”

“Guys” Buffy interrupted impatiently, “I’m sitting on Spikes knee we came in holding hands.” She gestured at herself, "Notice anything different about me?”

“Oh yeah” Dawn smiled, “I’m glad you guys finally made up”

“Yeah congrats Spike” Xander gave the vampire a wry grin that spoke of male solidarity, “guess you wore her down eventually

“So she leaps into the circle,” he continued his story to a wide-eyed Dawn.

“Is that it?” Buffy interrupted incredulously, “No ‘what’s wrong with you Buffy?’ ‘Have you lost your mind?’ No ‘What have you done to her Spike?’ Not even a little ‘Buffy, do you really think this is a good idea?’”

“Buffy” Willow stifled a giggle at the Slayers outburst, “we’re all cool with this. We know how you two feel about each other”

“Plus” Xander continued with a magnanimous shrug, “Spike saved my life which puts him right at the top of my, ‘Demons who can date Buffy ‘ list”

“We want you to be happy Buffy” Dawn told her, “its all we’ve ever wanted”

Buffy brought a hand to her mouth as happy tears began to flow freely down her face, “Oh, you don’t know what that means to me. I love you all so much” she stood up and the four friends joined together in and awkward four way hug.

“Can you lot pack that in” Spikes annoyed voice broke them apart after several long moments spent holding each other in silence, “it’s enough to make a fella nauseous”

…………………..

“I’m thinking about going back to work” Buffy announced taking a bite of the jammy donut that she and Spike had spent a long time bickering good naturedly over until she had resorted to pouting and he had reach over to grab an iced one instead muttering about ‘Bloody women’ and their ‘dirty tactics’

“I didn’t know you’d quit” Dawn asked in confusion, a frown marring her pretty face.

“Oh no” she clarified looking between the groups matching questioning looks, “back to work” she mimed staking Spike and laughed at his affronted look.

He vamped out and growled playfully, bringing his jaws snapping shut millimetres from her exposed throat. She squealed and tried to squirm out of his vice like grip, moments before she fell heavily on her backside as he was pulled violently out from under her.

It took her a moment to realise what was going on, looking up from her position on the floor she saw Angel slam a surprised Spike hard against the neighbouring table.

“Bloody hell Angelus” Spike sat up in the splintered remains of the table, “What the hell did you do that for?”

“I warned you Spike” the dark vampire spat contempt dripping from the words, “I told you I wouldn’t let you hurt her”

Spike narrowed his eyes shaking his head in an effort to understand what the souled vampire was talking about. He rolled his eyes with realisation, “You though I was biting her?” he asked, “Here? In front of her friends? While eating donuts?” he raised and eyebrow in disbelief as if he was having a hard time comprehending just how stupid Angel was.

“Angel” Buffy’s annoyed voice sounded from behind him as Spike climbed to his feet, “We were just playing. It was a joke”

“You joke about eating people now?” Angel questioned incredulously thrusting his hands into his pockets. Buffy caught Spike’s eyes to see him smirking at the same recollection, from her party years ago, ‘we do not joke about eating people in this house’

“Only sometimes” she said with a giggle as she crossed over to stand beside Spike her hand running possessively up his arm.

Angel noticed the gesture and realised that she had been sitting willingly on his knee a moment ago, not held prisoner in a death grip. “Buffy, you’re not” he gesture between her and Spike, “You can’t seriously be considering…” he trailed off as if there were no words sufficiently repugnant to describe such a relationship.

Buffy straightened, of course it had been too easy, she wasn’t going to get off scot-free after all. She braced herself to begin her defence when she felt Spike’s hand come to rest in the small of her back, offering silent support, she was immediately glad she had her boyfriend with her. Boyfriend, she smiled at the thought, that’s what he was and she didn’t have to justify herself to anyone, least of all Angel.

“No I’m not considering a relationship with Spike” she told Angel firmly, ignoring the feeling of loss as Spike stiffened and removed his hand. “I’m all done considering” She reached for her boyfriends hand, clasping it tightly in her own.

“Spike and I are together. It’s not up for discussion” she fixed Angel with a challenging look. “Now I’m tired,” she told him, “and I’m going to bed”

She dragged Spike with her as she went, leading him out of the canteen towards the accommodation area, what was her room number again, they’re grand exit would loose some of it’s punch if she had to scurry back in and ask someone.

The moment the double doors swung shut behind them she found herself pressed against the corridor wall, Spike’s mouth attacking hers with possessive desire. She grasped at his shoulders, pulling herself closer to his body as they kissed, her mouth opening in welcome.

She broke away breathless, “Room 340” she gasped, surprising what you could recall given the right motivation.

Spike swept her up into his arms, making her squeak in delighted surprise as he dashed for the elevator. Once inside he set her down and she kissed him again, her hands running greedily over his back as he pressed her against the wall. Oh God it was so good, so right to be back in his arms, she hadn’t even realised how much she’d missed this, how poultry and insipid everything else had been in comparison. She dug he fingers into his short spikes, tilting his head demanding he deepen the kiss.

“Excuse me” the girls nervous voice pulled them reluctantly from their lust filled haze, “is this your floor?” the young slayer asked from the other side of the lifts open door.

Buffy giggled, “Yep this is us, um, sorry about that” she took Spike’s hand and ran past the girl, pulling him with her towards her room.

They tumbled together through the door, kissing and laughing as they went. Once inside he picked her up and tossed her onto the small double bed delighting in her happy squeal as she hit the mattress bouncing and laughing, he shed his duster in one smooth movement and advanced on her slowly.

The playful laughter died on her lips as she watched him stalk towards the bed with predatory intensity, oh god did he know how hot that was, actually knowing Spike yeah he probably did. She swallowed hard as he crawled up the bed on his knees and knuckles, his muscles clearly visible, playing under the thin cotton of his tee-shirt.

He stopped when he reached her chest, dipping his head to inhale the scent of her skin, exposed by her v-necked top. “Buffy” he whispered his voice low and hoarse with desire.

She gripped his hair pulling him up so she could kiss him, her hands wandering down to free his tee-shirt from the waist band of his jeans, greedily slipping underneath to caress the cool skin of his back.

He tore his lips away from hers, trailing open mouthed kisses down the column of her throat while his free hand stroked slow long lines from the curve of her hip to the underside of her breast and back down, dislodging her top as it went.

He pulled away, resting on his elbow, one hand drawing light patterns on the soft skin of her tummy, “Hello” he whispered, a soft smile playing around his mouth.

She smiled back with a lazy blink of her big green eyes, “Hello” she purred, squirming like a contented kitten against the cheap bed cover. His eyes became serious, she felt the tension in his body, the residual uncertainty as he opened his mouth to speak. “I love you” she beat him to it, a hurried declaration designed to make his own easier.

His huge smile told her he’d never tire of hearing that from her, “say it again” he confirmed her thought, his blue eyes shining with awed wonder.

She trailed her hands over his chest and back down to hang loosely around his waist, “I love you” softer this time, slower, telling him with the timbre of her voice the gentle colour of her eyes that she did, that she really, finally did.

“Love you too,” he murmured leaning down to kiss her slow and languid on her soft swollen lips. He could have stayed like this forever, just kissing her, holding her, knowing that she loved him, could have ignored the animal call of her body to his and simply lain with her feeling her warm hands brush gently over his back.

“Ummmmm” she moaned as his hand travelled over her breast, “Spike” the need in her voice spurring them both on. Their kisses became more urgent, hands moving erratically, grasping at clothes and skin as they went. His shirt went first, ripped clean in half by the desperate slayer, exposing smooth pale skin to her amorous exploration.

He pulled her shirt over her head, sparing the fabric and deftly undid her bra. One handed, Buffy thought absently, I wonder how he learned that, Dru strikes me as more of a corset kinda girl. Silly irrelevant thoughts fled as he lavished kisses on her chest teasing her sensitive flesh until she arched up against him. She moved on autopilot lifting her legs so he could remove her jeans, leaving her naked and writhing beneath him.

He moved down, trailing kisses over her belly, she was sorely tempted by the direction of his attention, she knew, after all, exactly what he could do. “No” she whispered tugging on his shoulders wanting to bring him back up to her, that particular game could wait, they had all night, this first time was about connecting about being truly close to each other and she wanted him close, so very close.

The smooth skin of her belly was warm under his lips, smelling of sweat and jasmine, he moved southward wanting to make this good for her, make it everything she could possibly want. Her strong hands gripped his shoulders pulling him away, “No” a whispered plea. ‘No please Spike stop’

Suddenly her heat was cleansing fire, burning his skin like holy water. With a startled cry he scrambled back, tumbling of the bed and backing into the small desk, eyes wide, breath coming in harsh unnecessary gasps. “Oh God, I… Buffy, I’m sorry, oh God. I didn’t”

“Spike” she immediately recognised her mistake, never say ‘No’ during sex with the man who tried to rape you she thought wryly. Funny how this was so much harder for him than it had ever been for her.

“Baby” she crawled to the bottom of the bed opening her arms in invitation, “It’s okay, come here. I just wanted to kiss you”

He regarded her with wide suspicious eyes, looking unconvinced and wary. “Come here” she commanded more firmly, “I promise it’s ok” time for the big gun, “trust me”

He relaxed visibly, of course he trusted her, he always had. “Buffy” one last residual reservation as he moved back to her arms.

She shushed him gently pulling him down to lie with her, “it’s okay baby,” she murmured into his hair as she cradled him against her chest, “its okay”

They lay like that for a long time, lost in their own thoughts, concern and regret keeping each of them silent. “Kiss me” Buffy broke first her own desperate longing making her selfish, she knew she should wait, give him time to come to terms with everything, but she just wanted him so damn much. Wanted to soothe him with her kisses, reassure him with her body. He complied of course, he was her willing slave after all, nothing had happened in the long years since he had pledged himself to her to change that.

She wanted to hold back, let him take his time, let him lead. But it was taking too long and the twin aches of her heart and body demanded she be with him; connect with him body and soul. She deepened the kiss rolling them over so he lay between her legs, revelling in the weight of his body, the feel of his skin against hers.

She felt his reluctance, his fear and stroked comforting circles on his back, one hand playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. Dirty tactics really, she knew how much he liked that.

“Buffy” he moaned her name with needy intensity, his own hands beginning to map the soft curves of her body. She could feel the passion building again, so easily reignited in both of them, their hands becoming greedy and demanding their kisses frantic. “Buffy, Buffy, Buffy…” he murmured her name into her skin as he lavished her throat with wet kisses.

“Spike” she rejoined her hands travelling to his belt. She could feel his desire in the involuntary movement of his hips, in his raspy suppliant moans, and yet still he held back, tensing as she undid the heavy buckle.

“Buffy are you sure?” he whispered desire and uncertainty making his voice sound strange in the suddenly silent room.

She smiled holding his eyes, trying to convey with her relaxed expression and the gentle pressure of her hands tugging on his waistband that she really, really, was, “I’m sure” she told him sweetly as she popped the buttons of his fly “I’m the surestest”

Whatever she had done it seemed to have been enough to convince him, his mouth slammed down on hers urgent and demanding as she struggled to help him kick of his jeans.

He paused to look into her face as she angled her hips upward, inviting him in, holding her eyes as he entered her, watching her expression. She resisted the urge to throw her head back and moan, it felt so good, so damn good, to have him inside her again. Her body longed to push up hard against him, her hands itched to claw at his back, she stayed still eyes locked on his lips slightly parted.

“I love you,” she told him softly as he hovered motionless above her, buried deep in her welcoming body “I love you”.

Her declaration snapped him from the trance like wonder of being with her again and he began to move, an easy steady rhythm that she matched instinctively, punctuated with deep kisses and murmured words of love and devotion.

She peppered his neck and jaw with soft breathless kisses, “I love you,” she whispered against his skin, strange how now she’d said it once she just couldn’t stop telling him. Not that he’d ever complain about that.

“Buffy” he kept moving as he pulled away to look into her watery eyes, “I love you, my sweet precious Buffy.”

She picked up the pace titling her pelvis and urging him on with her own thrusts. “Buffy, Oh God Slayer, Love you. Love you so much”

“Spike” she groaned, pulling his lips to hers in a deep needy kiss as they began to move together more quickly smooth deep strokes that made her moan into his mouth in time with each thrust of his hips. God it was perfect, just perfect, there would be time later for the hard violent sex they both enjoyed, time for games and teasing, she knew that later she would let him tease her until she was clawing at him like a wild cat. Later they could spend hours reacquainting themselves with each others bodies, but right now this was perfect, moving steadily together towards release, their tongues tangling ceaselessly, his hands buried in her hair, hers gripping his shoulders as she came.

She wanted to tare her mouth away from his and scream out her pleasure, but she just couldn’t stop kissing him couldn’t break the tender connection of their mouths. He kept kissing her long after he hand moaned into her mouth and his movements had slowed until they where motionless except for the gentle caresses of their lips and his left hand running slowly through her hair.

Eventually he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers, “Buffy” he mouthed silently. She smiled sleepily at him, as sense of deep contentment settling on her, “hey” she greeted her hand coming up to stroke his face. He leant into the touch, his free hand stroking her hip. God it was good to have him back.

“Hey yourself” he replied eyes twinkling, as his hand move sensually along the dip of her waist to brush lightly under her breast.

She felt the air thicken around them, charging with his changing attitude as his thumb brushed lightly across her nipple making her gasp slightly. He looked at her mischievously drawing his hand down to brush over her ass pulling her out of quiet post coital relaxation and coaxing her again toward mindless desire, oh yes, it was good to have him back.

………………………
32. Epilogue
 

Buffy’s mobile phone rang as she faced the group of robed demons, it’s cheery electronic ditty incongruous in the eerie quiet of the graveyard.

She held up a hand, stopping the demon that was advancing slowly on her, “Hang on” she muttered retrieving the phone and glancing at the screen which proudly informed her that ‘Dawn Mob’ was calling.

She threw the phone behind her without looking, “get that would you babe?” she asked, “tell Dawn I’ll just be a minute”

“No problem pet” he answered flicking open the phone, eyes trained on the small slayer as she rushed the nearest demon.

“Hey Nibblet” he greeted, his tone friendly and unconcerned, “How’s my best girl?”

“Hey” Buffy’s offended shout sounded over the clanging of swords.

“Sorry bit, second best girl” Spike amended with a smile. “So how did your exam go?”

He nodded listening to the girls excited answer, “Knew you could do it pet” he told her proudly.

“She’s just slaying a few Reych demons” he watched Buffy lean back, swinging her sword in an arc behind her head that sliced the throats of the two idiots who thought they could sneak up behind her.

“Nah, you may as well hold on she’ll only be a minute”

He frowned at something the younger Summers girl said. “Do I know this Martin?” he asked, saying the name as if it tasted bad.

“I don’t remember, oh your birthday party, great long streak o’ piss with no sense of style?”

He shook his head, “yeah well, you just make sure he knows what’ll happen to him if he hurts my girl”

He smirked at her exasperated huff, “Slayer’s free now, I’ll pass you over”

“Hey Dawnie. Exam okay?” she smiled at Spike while Dawn gave her a blow-by-blow account of her victory over the evil exam.

She moseyed over to her lover who was leaning back on a tomb stone lighting a Marlboro, “Uh huh?” she prompted as Dawn launch into an excited exposition of extreme yummyness of Martin.

Spike lifted his arm and she slotted herself in alongside him, “We’re good” she told Dawn looking at his profile as he exhaled smoke through his nose. “Giles has us in San Antonio helping Erica and Beth kill off the Followers of Rohana”

She paused, “yeah the field works great. Lots of action, no ties, lots of alone time in motels” she smirked at Spike who clearly caught Dawn’s disgusted ‘ewww’

“Ooh” Buffy continued excitedly, “we get to see lots of Xander” she eyed Spike mischievously, “it’s great he and Spike are like best friends, always going out drinking and shooting pool”

“Hey” Spike cut in, clearly taking offence.

She ignored him and continued, “We’re nearly done here so we’ll be back in a couple of days.”

She waited, nodding occasionally, “okay, see you then, love you. Oh and say hi to Wills, bye”

Spike raised an eyebrow at her after she’d popped the phone back in her pocket. “Couple of days?” he asked a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he discarded his cigarette, “I thought that was the last of ‘em”

She smiled coyly, running her hand up his chest, “It is,” she purred.

“So we’re staying for?” he questioned his suggestive tone telling her he knew exactly what she had in mind.

“Alone time in motels of course” she answered innocently, “race ya back”

With that she was gone sprinting through the graveyard with a giddy laugh. He watched her go for a moment and smiled, still couldn’t quite believe she was his, before taking off after her, guided by the sound of her breathless laughter.

End.