SURVIVING THE NIGHT

 

Author- Valerie

Disclaimer- Joss owns the Buffy verse.

Pairings- B/S W/G X/A F/Z

Rating- R- for sexual content and violence.

Feedback- Always of the good. (even if it's bad)

Authors note- Willow was never gay in my reality. I took the idea of the sun from Angel, I've changed things to suit my own purpose.

A spell was cast to block out the sun, day becoming night. Buffy and Spike, along with the rest of the scoobies must somehow survive the night and bring back the sun, and defeat the First.

 

Part 1

 

Buffy and Spike slowly made their way through the cemetery. Neither speaking, though alot wanted and needed to be said.

Since freeing Spike from being held captive by the First, they had spent most of their time together. They always found a reason to touch each other.

When sparring, helping the other to their feet, but not releasing hands right away. Tending Spikes wounds, her hand would linger on his chest. Helping Buffy on with her jacket his hand would brush her hair from her face, all which did not go unnoticed by everyone.

After building up her courage, she decided it was time to open up and tell him how she felt. She quickly turned to Spike and came to a complete stop.

Spike stopped abruptly. When Buffy stood there saying nothing, he started to worry.

"Buffy, you alright luv?" he asked putting his hand gently on her shoulder.

Buffy felt her determination start to fade, until she looked into his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm okay Spike. I just..........we have to talk." Buffy replied nervously.

Spike nodded. "Alright luv , where would you like to start?" he asked quietly.

"The beginning seems as good a place as any." Buffy replied a little more confident.

"Right, the beginning it is." Spike said trying to brace himself for whatever direction this was going to go.

They stood there for a few minutes while Buffy pulled her thoughts together. She tilted her face to look directly into Spikes eyes, drawing determination and courage from him as she began to speak.

"Okay, the first thing I have to say................"

"AHHHHHHHHHHH."

Buffy was interrupted by Spikes widening , pain filled eyes and gut wrenching screams and as she looked down she noticed Spike had a sword protruding from his chest.

The sword was violently yanked out as Spike crumpled to the ground, clutching his chest.

Standing in front of Buffy was a demon no taller than her, resembling a human, other than it had spikes on his elbows, black eyes and clawed feet.

Buffy quickly ducked to avoid the deadly swing of the demons sword as she spun bringing her foot around, taking his feet out from under him. When the demon landed on his back, Buffy quickly jumped up and grabbed his sword, then thrust the sword deeply into his chest.

Buffy ran back to Spike and as she turned him over, she heard a rustling of leaves. When she looked up, she saw the demon rising unsteadily to his feet. He started pulling the sword from his chest as Buffy ran, jumped and delivered a roundhouse kick to the head, spinning him around and knocking him to his knees. Buffy grabbed hold of the sword and ripped it out of his chest and took a final and deadly swing, severing the demons head from his body.

Dropping the sword to the ground Buffy went to Spikes side.

She lifted his blood soaked shirt to check his wound. His blood was pouring out the four inch gash in his chest, showing no signs of slowing, and when she looked into his eyes she could see the pain he was feeling.

"You're gonna be okay. Let's get you home." she said soothingly as tears fell from her eyes.

Spike tried to give a reassuring smile, but was in too much pain to speak.

Slowly Buffy got him to his feet, putting most of his weight on her, the made their way back to Buffy's.

The walk was long and painful, with having to stop several times when they were attacked by vampires. Buffy would stake them as quickly as possible, then resume the walk home.

They made it to the front steps before Spike collapsed, no longer able to stay conscious as exhaustion overcame him.

"Oh god! Spike! Stay with me." She said as fear pounded in her chest getting no reply from the fallen vampire.

"GILES." Buffy screamed. "GILES, HELP ME." she yelled through tears.

At hearing Buffy's anguished scream, Giles came running out to the porch.

"Buffy, are you alright?" he asked quickly, the looked down to where Spike lay.

"Y-you have to help him. He's hurt pretty bad. H-help me get him inside." Buffy said between sobs.

Giles picked up Spike as gently as possible and brought him into the house.

Buffy led them to the bathroom and Giles laid him on the floor as Buffy grabbed the first aid kit. Giles started to lift the shirt, but Buffy grabbed it and ripped it down the front. Buffy then continued to pull the shirt gently out from under him, and up his arms removing it altogether.

Giles filled the sink with water and took some face cloths and dropped them in soaking them, then wringing them out, before coming to Spikes side.

Quickly cleaning the blood from his chest and stomach, Giles was able to see and clean the wound more thoroughly.

"Some stitches and rest. He'll be fine Buffy." Giles said as he grabbed the needle.

"The other side too." Buffy said, her eyes never leaving Spike.

"The other....." Giles looked down and saw the blood slowly seeping out from under Spikes still form. "Oh dear. Well , we'll patch this side, then we'll start on the other side." Giles said as he started sewing up the wound.

After the bandage was applied, Buffy and Giles gently rolled Spike onto his stomach.

Giles repeated the process on his back. When finished they rolled him gently on to his back.

"You sit with him for awhile. I'll go get the sofa made up." Giles said as he started to leave.

"No. My room. He'll stay in my room." Buffy said as she caressed Spikes face.

"Buffy. I really think the sofa is a..."Giles began.

"No. He stays in my room."Buffy replied , ending the discussion.

"Very well." Giles replied, not agreeing with her decision, but complying with her wishes as he helped carry Spike to her room.

"He's going to need blood when he wakes. Not pigs blood. Human." Buffy said pulling back the covers as Giles laid him on the bed.

"I'll call Willow and see if she can get some and bring it over." Buffy said as she removed Spikes belt, then started undoing his jeans.

"Buffy, what are you doing?" Giles asked.

"Making him comfortable. Unless you want an eyeful, I suggest you turn around, if I remember correctly, Spike isn't one for underwear." Buffy said as she started pulling off his jeans.

"Right. Well, I'll be in the living room." Giles said turning quickly and leaving.

After removing his jeans, Buffy pulled the blanket over and covered him.

She sat on the bed beside him, resting her hand on the side of his face, caressing his bottom lip with the pad of her thumb.

When she looked up she noticed her reflection in the mirror on top of her dresser. Her clothes were covered in his blood. Slowly she got up and moved to the dresser and pulled out a fresh change of clothes.

Closing the door quietly behind her as she left the room, she went down the hall to the bathroom.

She quickly stripped her clothing and stepped into the shower. As the hot water poured over her, she let her tears fall, as she leaned against the shower wall for support.

After her cries subsided, she cleaned herself then stepped out of the shower, dried off, then dressed.

She checked on Spike before going downstairs to use the phone. He had lost so much blood, his complexion was visibly paler than usual. She closed the door and went downstairs.

Buffy picked up the receiver as Giles stopped her.

"I already called Willow. She's not got her phone with her. So I tried Xander, then Anya. Neither of them answered." Giles said.

"I'll go. Could you please sit with him. I don't think he should be alone." Buffy said as she grabbed her jacket.

Giles closed his eyes, knowing what was happening. But not knowing what to do.

"Buffy. Give me the address, I'll go. You stay." Giles said deciding to be supportive on what he knew was coming.

"Thank you." Buffy said as she handed him the address.

Giles slipped the address into his pocket and left.

Buffy went into the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After drinking it, she put the glass in the sink and headed back upstairs. She watched his still form as she walked into the room. Slowly she moved to the other side of the bed,she sat down moving closer to the middle of the bed. She leaned back against the headboard and closed her eyes, resting one hand on his shoulder, gently caressing it. Images of Spikes face, when he was skewered with the sword, twisted in pain. Hearing his tortured scream over and over. She raised her head as she blinked back the tears and fixed her gaze on Spikes face. Taking in every detail ,his defined cheekbones, his sensual full lips, the small scar on his eyebrow, memorizing every line. She watched him so intently, moving her hand up to caress his brow.

After awhile she laid beside him. Moving onto her side and laying her head on his shoulder and placing her arm across his abdomen, her legs leaned against his and her feet were tucked under his. She slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

 

Giles came into the house and hung his jacket over the back of a chair as he walked through to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerate and put the bags of blood on the door.

He started up the stairs to let Buffy know he was back when the phone rang.

He went back down to the living room and picked up the phone.

"Hello, Summers residence." Giles said matter of factly.

"Rupert. We need to talk." Wesley replied in the same manner.

"Wesley." Giles said a little surprised.

"Rupert, you need to hear this." Wesley said as he went on to explain the situation with Giles.

Giles' eyes widened, then closed as he listened. He moved and sat in the chair, feeling the intense need to sit before his knees buckled.

After the call ended, he sat there with his elbows on his knees and cradling his head in his hands.

"Oh dear god." He said to himself quietly.

Slowly Giles got to his feet and headed upstairs. Quietly opening the bedroom door, he looked upon the bed. As he moved closer, he took in the scene of Buffy curled up on the bed with Spike. Spikes position hadn't changed since Giles laid him on the bed.

As he looked at Buffy, he saw the exhaustion and worry she carried, even in her sleep.

He slowly and quietly turned around and left the room.

He was going to give her this time, if nothing else. Let her rest now. When she wakes, she's going to be in for the fight of her life. They all were. Only god willing will they survive.

Giles went back to the living room and picked up the phone and dialed.

"Xander. Pack some clothes and come to Buffy's. Call Willow and Anya, tell them the same thing." Giles said quietly, but with authority when Xander answered the phone.

"You wanna tell me why?" Xander asked.

"I'll tell you when you all get here." Giles said as he hung up.

Giles picked up the phone and dialed another number. After six rings, it was answered.

"Quinten, this is Rupert. We have to talk." Giles said calmly, but demanding Quintens attention.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*********************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike slowly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, wondering how long he's been out of it. His eyes shifted to the arm wrapped around him and the vision of beauty laying on his shoulder. He brought his hand up and lightly caressed her arm as he tilted his head to lay against hers.

At his slight movement Buffy stirred.

"You're awake." She said quietly as she shifted to face him, so she could see his blue eyes.

He smiled slightly as he stared into her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Buffy said as a tear slid down.

Spikes brow wrinkled. "For what luv?"

"By wanting to talk, it distracted us. You ended up getting hurt. I picked a lousy time to wanna talk." Buffy said as a few more tears fell.

Spike smiled and brushed away her tears.

"Buffy. I always want to hear what you have to say. It doesn't matter where we are, or what's happening around us. I'll always stop everything, even if you just wanted to say hello. It wasn't your fault luv. It just happened. I'll be alright Buffy." He said smiling at the beautiful woman he was holding in his arms.

Buffy put her hand on his cheek and brought her lips to his, kissing him softly and thoroughly.

When they broke apart, she looked directly into his eyes. "I love you." she said softly.

Spike sucked in an unneeded breath.

"That's what I wanted to talk about. I was going to tell you, I was tired of trying to be what I thought they wanted me to be, or expected of me. I want to be happy. You make me happy." Buffy said running her finger along his bottom lip.

Spike looked at her in awe. "Say it again." He replied whispering.

"I love you." Buffy said smiling and leaning closer.

"I love you Buffy." Spike said huskily.

Buffy leaned into another kiss. The kiss was gentle at first, but became hungry with need as their tongues wrestled with dominance.

Spike wrapped his arms around her and started to roll her onto her back, but broke the kiss gasping in pain.

"Oh god. Lay back. You need to rest, this can wait 'til you're better." Buffy said starting to rise from the bed.

"Bloody hell. No it can't." Spike said , wincing as he grabbed her and brought her down to straddle him. "Waited long enough." He said huskily as he pulled her down gently and captured her lips in a soft, but searing kiss.

He broke the kiss long enough to pull her top over her head and discard it on the floor. Her bra landed on the floor a minute later.

Buffy got up and stood by the side of the bed to remove her pants and underwear. In a minute she was back on his lap and grinding into him.

Spike closed his eyes , feeling her soft skin against his was pure ecstasy.

When he opened his eyes, he slowly slid his hand down her chest, then her stomach, until his hand rested between her thighs.

Buffy gasped and moaned as his fingers slid into her.

Buffy was riding his hand as his talented fingers caressed her inside.

Buffy began moaning when his fingers found her G- Spot, hitting it, as his fingers slid in and out ,

as his thumb rubbed her nubbin. After only a couple of minutes, Buffy cried out as she orgasmed.

When her body stopped shaking, she looked deeply into Spikes eyes as she shifted and impaled herself on him.

Spike inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, as he gently grabbed her hips. When she began to rock gently, Spikes hands moved up and began softly kneading her breasts.

Their eyes locked on one another's. Buffy lowered herself until her forehead rested against his.

His hands slid around caressing her legs, making their way up to caress her ass. Then slowly up her back, down her arms, then up, resting on her rosy cheeks.

She slowly and steadily moved her hips, enveloping him. She started to tighten around him, when she felt him throbbing.

She lowered her lips to his in a long, slow, penetrating kiss.

The kiss was broken as she started to orgasm, quickly followed by Spike.

In the midst of the orgasm, Buffy moved her mouth to Spikes ear.

"I love you." She whispered as she lowered her mouth to his neck and bit down until she tasted copper, drinking from him.

She turned her head and looked into his eyes.

He was looking at her lovingly and in amazement.

She brought her hand up and brushed her hair aside, baring her neck for him.

She lowered her herself, she placed her hand on the back of his head, raising his head to her neck.

His fangs slowly descended and penetrated into her tender flesh.

After drinking from her, he retracted his fangs and licked the wound.

He laid his head back and sought out her eyes.

"I love you." He said as he gave her a loving kiss and wrapped his arms around her.

"You're mine." She whispered.

"Always been yours." He whispered back.

They laid together for awhile until Buffy begrudgingly began to rise.

"I would love to stay here, but." She said, not finishing her sentence as she slowly began to dress. After she dressed she sat on the bed and caressed his cheek.

Spike threw the covers off and painfully started to rise.

"No. You have to rest." Buffy said trying to gently push him back down.

"No. What I need is something to eat and to be with you." Spike said sitting on the edge of the bed. "Where are my clothes?" Spike asked looking around the room.

"Your pants were full of blood and your shirt was trashed. You can wear these." She said moving to her dresser. She pulled out a pair of sweat pants and an over sized t-shirt.

Spike put them on, with a little help from Buffy.

They left the bedroom and went down to the kitchen. She grabbed a bag of blood from the fridge, put it in a mug and warmed it in the microwave.

She handed Spike the mug and he drank it hungrily. As he set the mug on the counter he looked at Buffy.

"It's human." He said quietly.

"You heal faster." She replied moving in for a kiss.

After breaking the kiss they wrapped their arms around each other.

Spike nuzzled her neck and placed a kiss on his mark. Are you ready luv?" He said quietly.

"Always." She replied by grinding her hips into his.

Spike chuckled quietly.

"Yeah.......well..........that will have to wait. What I meant was, everyone is here. In the living room, I can hear them." He said rubbing the small of her back.

"Oh." Buffy said disappointedly, wishing they had a little more time alone.

Spike placed a kiss on her forehead and left her embrace.

"Shall we?" He said moving toward the doorway.

Buffy walked over and held his hand as Spike looked at her.

"Are you sure?" He asked quietly.

"Let's go." She replied placing a kiss on his lips and moving towards the living room, her grasp tightening around his hand.

 

When they entered the living room the first thing they noticed was all the suitcases and bags.

"Okay. What's going on?" Buffy asked as she helped ease Spike into the chair, and then sat on the side of the chair with her arm around his shoulders, and his hand resting on her leg, caressing

her knee.

Everyone looked at Buffy and Spike, but said nothing.

Giles eyed the marks on Buffy's neck, then the marks on Spikes neck. He lowered his eyes before speaking.

"Wesley called to speak with me very early this morning. It was concerning Angel." Giles said looking at Buffy.

Spikes hand tightened on Buffy's knee at the mention of his grand sires name. Buffy in turn, caressed her claim mark on his neck reassuring him, lessening his grip on her knee slightly.

"What did he want?" Buffy said, and in an after thought, "What's with all the luggage?"

"Giles told us too pack our clothes and come here. He wouldn't tell us why." Willow said looking around at everyone.

"We got here a few hours ago." Xander said uncomfortably.

"Apparently we were early, what with all the orgasms going on upstairs." Anya stated

Spikes jaw dropped slightly as he looked at a red faced Buffy. Everyone else intently studied the carpeting, finding it very interesting at the moment..

Giles cleared his throat and began cleaning his glasses.

"Yes, well, getting back on topic. As I said Wesley called with some rather interesting , if not frightening news. I also said it was concerning Angel......or rather Angelus." Giles said as he looked around the room guaging everyone's reaction.

Buffy and Spike exchanged looks, recalling the last time Angelus made an appearance. Spike had come to Buffy and formed an alliance with her to stop Angelus from bringing forth Acathla.

Giles began to speak breaking into their thoughts.

"There was a demon that performed a ritual last night, apparently with the help of Angelus, unbeknownst to them of course, he seemed like Angel, they had no idea. The result of the ritual,

is blocking out the sun. Turning day to night, no more sun. Demons, vampires, have free reign. It's already begun in L.A. After the ritual, it happened immediately. Wesley said he'll call back when he has more information on what we're up against. He also said the sun will become hidden here in the next day or two." Giles said quietly trying to remain calm.

"So, Angelus is back. This time he did it, literally hell on earth." Spike said as he pulled Buffy closer.

Buffy slid onto Spikes lap and wrapped her arms around him.

"What happens now?" What do I have to do?" Buffy asked quietly, resting her head on Spikes shoulder.

Spike closed his eyes, thoughts of something happening to her flashing in his brain. Worry etched into every line on his face.

"No. What do we have to do." He said raising her face to look at him. "I'll live or die by your side." Spike said only loud enough for her to hear.

Buffy hand came up to rest on Spikes hand, which was cradling her cheek. Her eyes spoke volumes, without her having to say a word.

"You're not alone Buffy. We're all in this. Together." Xander said.

Buffy looked at Xander and smiled.

"As to what to do, I don't know. I'll have to consult my books, as well as wait to hear more from Wesley. The council is looking into it as well." Giles said pinching the bridge of his nose.

Buffy's and Spikes eyes widened.

"Oh god." Buffy breathed as she and Spike raced to the front door and out to the porch. Quickly followed by everyone.

They watched in horror and resignation, as the last vestiges of the sun disappeared behind a black cloud.

"It started early." Was all Buffy said as she leaned into Spikes protective embrace.

Chapter 2

"Oh dear god."Giles said as he watched the sun disappear.

"Giles, we have to do something." Willow said as the sun was swallowed by darkness.

"Willow, you look into your books, see if there's any mention of a ritual that would cause this. Xander, Anya, come with me. You can help by making more weapons and researching." He stopped and looked at Buffy and Spike. For five minutes, before he told her of Wesleys call, she looked happy. Happier than she'd been in a very long time. All to brief of a time, he thought as he saw her face, almost resonating defeat, Spikes expression was mirroring hers.

"Buffy, Spike. Take a few minutes. When you're ready, come in and join us." Giles said softly.

"Thank you Rupert." Spike said looking at Giles with respect and gratitude, before turning his head and resting it on top of Buffys.

Giles, suprised at the use of his given name by Spike, nodded and gave a small smile before entering the house, closing the door behind him. giving them some privacy.

He leaned against the door and sighed. He wanted to give them what ever he could, because deep down, the majority of the battle will rest on their shoulders. He also knew if Buffy was to die during this fight, Spike wouldn't stay this time. He would help them until they finished, and the world was saved, but he would walk in the sun after, not wanting to live without her again. If Spike died in the fight, Buffy again would finish the fight, but she would become a shadow of herself, totally closed off from anyone and everyone, defeated.

Giles pushed himself off the door and headed into the living room.

Xander and Anya were making stakes and going through books.

Willow was bringing books down from her room and taking them to the dining room, where she already had her laptop set up.

Giles went over and took some of her books and helped carry them to the dining room.

"How are you doing?" Giles asked quietly as he set the books on the table.

"About as good as you are." She replied resting her hand on his.

He gripped her hand in his and squeezed slightly.

"This is going to be the hardest fight we've aver encountered. What with the sun, or rather lack there of, as well as the First. Honestly, I don't think we're all going to survive." Giles said as he looked into her eyes.

Willow looked back, then to the livingroom, then to the front door, then back to Giles.

"Thanks, was that the sugar coated version?" Willow said quietly.

"Actually, yes it was. You know I can never lie to you, no matter how small the lie." Giles said as he brought his hand up to brush a few stray hairs from her face.

"I know, that's one of the reasons I fell in love with you." She said moving into his arms. "I also don't want to hide our relationship anymore."

"I was just worried........." Giles began.

"Worried what everyone thought. Especailly about the age difference." Willow finished

Giles nodded.

"You're much younger than the majority of Buffys boyfriends. Spike, as you said when he first came here was barely two hundred. So, all in all, I got the younger boyfriend." Willow said smiling.

Giles smiled. "Very well, no more hiding." He said as he moved in and captured her lips in his.

"Wow. Giles.........and Willow." Xander said from behind them.

Willow and Giles broke apart and turned to see Xander and Anya standing there holding stakes and knives, looking dumbfounded.

"I always thought you were like a FATHER figure, giving advice of the AGES." Xander said.

"Xander." Willow warned.

Xander looked at Willow, she could tell by his expression, he was not going to stop.

"Anya.......How old are you?" Willow asked looking at Xander.

Anya turned and looked at Xander. "Over eleven hundred years old." She replied waiting for Xander to say something.

Xanders face flushed from embarassment as he turned around and went back to the livingroom.

"I think it's about time you two came out." Anya said smiling.

"You knew? How long?" Willow asked.

"Not long after you came back from England. The glow that was around you when ever Giles called, and then when he came back. I think Xander is the only one who didn't know." Anya stated.

"Wait. Buffy and Spike know?" Giles asked.

"Well yeah. Spike was the first to know. Vampire, strong sense of smell. Hello. Said he could smell you two all over each other. We all laughed, trying to picture Giles, the uptight stuffy british guy in the throes of passion." Anya said laughing slightly.

Willow and Giles just stared at Anya in shock, and a little dismay.

Seeing their faces. Anya stopped laughing and cleared her throat.

"I think I'm going to go help Xander." She said as she spun on her heel and hurried back to the living room.

"Well, that was............." Giles said

"Yeah." Willow said.

"I don't think I like the idea of them picturing me in the throes of passion." Giles said.

"Well I don't need a picture, and it's definately not something that's funny. I ought to know." Willow said as she placed a searing kiss on his lips.

They broke apart breathing heavily.

"We can't.....I mean...."Giles said.

"I know. Book mode. We'll all have to work in shifts. When we have our rest..." Willow replied.

Giles smiled as he headed to the living room, picked up a book from the pile and sat down and started reading.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ********************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How many times do we have to do this? What if we can't this time? Save the world. There's only us Spike." Buffy said quietly.

"That's all there's ever been. And we do it. You do it. But you're right, we need help. Not all deamons would be happy to embrace what's happening. I"ll see what I can gather from the deamon world." Spike replied.

"We can't expect any help from the people of sunnydale. They still refuse to open thier eyes and see what happens around here. Angels definately out of the question. Sunnydale police, not on the likely." Buffy said.

"Wait. There's still two possible options here. Not that I like them, but they're our biggest bet right now. There's the Initiative..................and Faith." Buffy stated.

"It's your call. No matter what, I will never leave your side." Spike said softly.

"No. You never have." Buffy said looking into his eyes. "Promise me, what I'm about to ask, you'll do, for me. For us." Buffy said almost in a whisper.

"I'll do anything for you luv. Anything you ask of me, you know that. Tell me." Spike replied placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

Buffy smiled as she started to speak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ****************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giles put his book down and headed to the kitchen to make some tea when Buffy and Spike

came in from the porch.

They quickly went to the kitchen and heated a mug of blood for Spike.

Spike drank it down quickly, as he set his mug down he looked at Buffy.

"Are you sure about this baby?" Spike asked quietly.

"Never been more sure about anything." Buffy said as she held him close.

"More sure about what?" Giles asked as he poured hot water into his mug.

"What? Oh. Nothing. Find anything yet?" Buffy enquired.

"No, nothing yet." Giles scowled.

"Oh." Buffy said quietly.

"Maybe we should patrol, makes some contacts at the same time." Spike said.

"Your not well enough. I'll go." Buffy said.

"Not alone you're not. I'm fine. It was a sword, not a stake. I'm sore, but very capable. Let's go." Spike said ending the conversation. "'Sides, there's no time for rest."

"Make what contacts?" Giles asked.

"Oh right. There's deamons out there that's not big with what the world will become. They might join us and help in the fight. I just need to put the word out. We're gonna need all the help we can get." Spike said.

"Oh. My...I would never have thought of that." Giles said a little shocked.

"Giles, I need you too get a hold of the council again. Have them pull some strings, do what ever they have to. She should be here." Buffy said.

"Who?" Giles asked.

"Faith." Buffy stated.

"Faith. Are you sure Buffy?" Willow asked as she came into the kitchen and leaned against Giles.

"You know how I feel about her. But she turned herself in, she tried to do what was right. We need her here." Buffy said.

"Very well, I'll go put a call through." Giles said going into the dining room.

"I know we need help. But Faith." Willow breathed.

"At least with Faith here, we have a better chance. She's a slayer. She's just as fast and relentless when slaying. If we want to survive, we need her." Buffy said.

"Okay. You're right. Just caught a little off guard with the whole Faith thing." Willow stated.

"What about the local witches? Are they gonna lend a hand?" Spike asked.

"Ya, I sent word online, they're all gathering together. They'll be here by morning. As well as a few from out of town. Hope you don't mind alot of house guests, there's about seventeen coming, maybe more." Willow said.

"No, hey.......the more the merrier. Well.....as long as I don't have to share my room." Buffy said.

"I think the three rooms upstairs will be occupied by us. They can make due with the basement and the livingroom." Willow said.

"We should leave now." Spike said.

Buffy shook her head. "I'd better try to call Riley first." Buffy said as she went into the hall with her cell phone. She pulled the number Riley had given her out of the desk and dialed.

Buffy came back into the kitchen and stood by the back door.

"Where's Spike?"

"He's on the back step having a cigarette." Willow stated.

"Really, wow. That's the first one I've seen him have since he became all soul having." Buffy said as she looked at Willow.

"We're not all gonna make it. You know that right." Buffy stated rather than asked.

"Yeah. I know there's a good chance of it." Willow replied.

"I Love you Will. If something happens to me, take care of Giles for me." Buffy said.

"You know I will and I love you too. But we don't know for sure anythings going to happen to any of us." Willow said.

"Not for sure, but a very big chance. I just want to make sure things don't go unsaid this time." Buffy said as she smiled at Willow.

Buffy turned and opened the door and stepped out to the back yard closing the door behind her.

Willow watched as the door close. She grabbed her drink and went back to the diningroom.

After her conversation with Giles earlier, and now the one she just had with Buffy. She was renewed with determination to find something, anything that could help end this, and keep the ones she loved alive and well.

She sat down at the computer and started surfing the net, and leafing through books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ******************* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spikes chest tightened as his mind replayed Buffys statement over in his mind.

'We're not all gonna make it. You know that right.'

The last time he heard her say those words, she died within a couple of hours.

For 147 days he lived without her. He wouldn't go through that again, couldn't do it again.

"Spike, what are you thinking about?" Buffy asked as she closed the back door, coming to stand where he was at the bottom of the steps.

"What's that luv?" He asked looking at her.

"You were a million miles away just now. Where were you?" Buffy asked as they started heading toward the sidewalk.

"Oh. Uh nothing. Just wondering what's to come. What we're in for." He said as he looked ahead of them. Spike came to a complete stop.

Buffy stopped and looked in the direction Spike was staring.

A block and a half down the street there were six vampires on one side of the street, and a dozen deamons on the other side coming out of the cemetary , going in the direction of the group of vampires.

"Didn't take long did it." Buffy stated.

"Apparently." Spike replied. "Those are Shwent demons, they don't much care for vampires, gonna be a hell of a fight. One we won't win, too many of them. Come on." Spike said grabbing her hand, as they saw seven more vampires emerge from the cemetary, and start coming up behind the Shwent demons.

"Damn." Spike said as he quickly dragged her away from the streetlights.

"Where are we going?" Buffy said picking up her pace to keep up with Spike.

"Sewers. The demons are all above ground now, we don't stand a chance above ground for very long, not until I'm fully healed. Now you see why I wouldn't let you come alone." Spike said as he raised the manhole cover.

Buffy nodded as she jumped into the sewer. Spike followed replacing the cover behind him.

"This way." Spike said as he held her hand and started walking.

Buffy held his hand tightly as she followed along beside him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *********************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's nice to see them back together." Willow said to Giles, as she looked at Xander and Anya.

"Yes it is." Giles replied from his chair beside Willow, looking around the stacks of books piled in front of him, to see the couple sitting in the livingroom. Xander had completely taken over making weapons and Anya had herself buried in the books.

"They look wiped out." Willow said as her brow wrinkled.

"I guess they would. Xander was at his job since seven this morning. Anya's been setting up in her new store for the past few weeks. Then there's after hours work of fighting the First, and now this." Giles said as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"We're all tired baby. We'll take the first shift. Why don't you go tell them to take thier rest now. We'll take ours when Buffy and Spike get back." Willow said squeezing his hand.

Giles nodded in agreement as he rose from his seat and went to the livingroom.

Willow watched as they nodded thier heads and slugishly went upstairs to the guestroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ********************* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Spike reached down and helped Buffy out of the sewer. Buffy turned around and looked at her surroundings.

"Wow, another dark alley. Nothing could go wrong here." She murmered to herself.

Spike smiled and chuckled to himself as he replaced the sewer cover.

"This isn't Willy's. Or any other demon bar I've been too. Is this a new one?" Buffy asked, her voice brimming with curiousity.

"Actually, this is the oldest one. There's one of these bars in every city. It's a peaceful bar. Any vampire, demon, you know, your run of the mill creature of the night. They can come here for peace and quiet, and to relax. The same way humans do. But the difference, is with the patrons, they are all peace loving and against anything evil. They even help humans when they see fit." Spike said as he led her through the door.

"How come you never told me about this place?" Buffy asked.

"When you want information, you go to Willy's and do what?" Spike said raising an eyebrow amd smirking. "This is a peaceful place, it wouldn't go over well if you came here and roughed up the clientel now would it."

"I don't always rough them up." Buffy replied quietly like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Spike chuckled as he shook his head. "S'alright, I love your fire baby." He said quietly to her.

Buffy smiled as she followed him to the bar.

"Verik." Spike said nodding to the bartender.

"Spike, haven't seen you around for awhile." Verik replied.

"Do you know what's happening?" Spike asked.

"Well, I saw the sun go down if that's what you mean. Not a good sign." Verik said.

"Can we talk?" Spike asked .

Verik looked at Spike, then lowered his eyes. He quickly looked back at Spike.

"It's that bad?" Verik asked.

"Yeah, that bad." Spike replied..

Verik nodded. He looked over Spikes shoulder. "Terran, take over for me." He shouted to a tall burly Styeen demon, who quickly took his place behind the bar.

Verik glanced over his left shoulder to a group of six demons sitting around a table. As they glanced up and looked at him, Verik nodded his head slowly. They in turn replied, then rose from the table. The bar fell silent as the patrons watched the group rise and enter the back room of the bar.

"Spike what's going on?" Buffy asked looking around at the now silent room.

"Verik, this is Buffy." Spike said as he put his arm around her waist.

"The slayer." Verik said lightly. "And by the way, love your work." Verik said smiling at Buffy as he started for the back room.

Buffy looked from Verik to Spike, not sure what was happening.

"S'alright baby." Spike said as he led her to follow Verik. "I got you. As I said before, peaceful. We're going to have ourselves a little parlez." Spike said to Buffy as they entered the room.

Buffy looked around the room. Verik was the first to speak.

"Introductions are an order." Verik nodded to the first demon on the left. "This is Spike, and Buffy, the slayer." Verik finished, looking at the demon to begin.

A reptile like demon took a step forward.

"I am called Melnick. I am the leader of the Bagandahl." He said as he took a seat at the table.

"And I am Verrah. Leader of the Kreelote." A thin wraith like creature said as he took a seat next to Melnick.

An eight foot tall , hairy, burly demon, came to stand in front of Buffy.

Buffy braced herself for a fight as Spike chuckled.

"Easy luv." Spike said smiling, and then looked at the demon. "Okay, you had your fun. Take your human form." Spike said amused.

The demon smiled and then slowly took the form of a human.

Buffys jaw dropped to the floor.

"Hi Buffy. How have you been?" The now human asked smiling at Buffy.

"Willy. I'm...fine." Buffy stammered out as she looked from Willy to Spike.

"Oh wait." Willy said smiling and holding his hands up. "Let me do the whole speech thing."

Willy said as he morphed back into his demon.

"I am called Derclon. Leader of the Siantee." Willy said then became human again.

"All those time I beat you. Why did you let me?" Buffy asked.

"I get information from my bar, the same as you do. But I couldn't just tell you, I needed a good cover. You never really hurt me, It was fun letting you think you did.." Willy said smiling as he took his seat.

"Spike, Buffy." The vampire said stepping forward. "Spike and I are already aquainted. My name is Zaaron. I am the leader of my kind." He said as he sat at the table. "And I might add, when news went around about your soul, and how you got it, at least three hundred vampires, that I know of, went to Africa to regain thier souls." Zaaron said.

"How many passed the trials?" Spike asked as his curiousity was piqued.

"Almost two hundred and fifty have made it back alive, so far, and with thier souls intact." Zaaron replied.

"Alive. What does he mean alive? Spike. What were the trials?" Buffy asked trembling.

"It doesn't matter. I'm here Buffy." Spike said in her ear, as he caressed the small of her back in reassurance, before looking back at Zaaron and aknowledging Zaaron with respect due to a vampire of his standing.

"I'm Kreegin. Leader of the Towagan." A female deamon said, making Buffy and Spike turn from the table and face the demon. The deamon had pale, light green skin, long black hair and amber colored eyes. Her body , very human looking, very feminie and attractive. She was staring at Spike, and not in a good way.' But I have no reason to be jealous'. Buffy thought to herself.

"Spike. It's been a few years. Wondered if I was ever going to uh.......see you again." Kreegin said purring, looking Spike up and down hungrily.

'I can't believe Spike was with that skanky ho. Okay, yeah jealous.' Buffy thought.

"Back off Kreegin. He's been claimed." Zaaron said as Spike looked at her .

"I don't care about that." Kreegin said as she took a step toward Spike.

"You should." Zaaron replied as Buffy stepped in front of Spike, blocking Kreegin from getting any closer to Spike.

When Buffy stepped in front of Spike, on the outside Spike remained calm, but inside he was blown away with love, and a little amused that Buffy was going to fight for him. His insided were doing summersaults as he basked in the love he felt for his mate.

"And why's that?" Kreegin, as she looked at Zaaron.

"Because of me." Buffy stated as Kreegin turned to look at her, then too Spike.

"You're the slayer." She replied amused. "The slayer claimed a vampire, and a vampire claimed a slayer." She said as she looked at the marks on their necks. "Well, there's a first time for everything." Kreegin said as he moved and took a seat at the table.

"No. Not the first time." Zaaron said quietly.

"What do you mean not the first time? There have been others?" Buffy asked.

"Slayers can only feel complete, when mated to an equal. Slayers have demonic strength, speed, stamina and senses, like that of a vampire. How better to kill your adversary, then to be like them. A slayer could never be content with the limitations of a human mate. Though you probably tried, but it didn't fit , did it? You need someone who can match you. Your every step, kick, punch...........and your heart. A human isn't capable of such devotion to their mates. A vampire will die willingly to save you. They are fiercely loyal, and will never leave your side. The same as a slayer." Zaaron said pointing out that Buffy was going to fight for her mate not even five minutes before.

"How do you know all this?" Buffy asked.

"I have been around for a very long time. I have been mated to two slayers." Zaaron replied.

"If you don't mind me asking, when, and how old are you?" Buffy asked curiously.

"I don't mind. The first time, I was a fledgling. Her name was Eanna. The second time was around six hundred years ago. Her name was was Hannah. And as to my age, I am almost fifteen hundred years old." Zaaron answered.

"Are there many vampires as old as you?" Buffy asked.

"Yes. Many even older. Some as old as time itself. The old ones, the grandfathers." Zaaron answered.

"Buffy looked at Spike, with confusion and shock in her eyes. Then she turned and looked at the last demon standing on the far side of the room.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you wait." Buffy said apologetically.

"It's alright. I understand. It's alot for you to take in all at once. Hi, I'm Sam. Leader of the Vasaree." He said smiling as he stepped forward and took his seat at the table.

"Sam huh, easy name to remember, and to say too." Buffy said smiling at Sam.

Sam didn't seem to have a defining look about him. He was going to be hard to descibe to Giles.

"He's a shape shifter." Spike whispered in her ear.

"Oh." Buffy replied quietly as they took the last two remaining seats around the table.

The room was silent as Verik began to speak.

"Well you already know my name, so.......I am head of this council. I am also the leader of the Dioclondonish. Now let's get this moving along shall we." He said looking at Buffy and Spike.

"What's going on out there, that you came to us for help?"

Spike looked at Buffy as she nodded her head. "Tell them." Buffy said quietly to Spike.

"Everything." She finished

Spike turned to face the demon council, as he began to speak.

 

tbc

Chapter 3

Giles came into the diningroom carrying a plate of sandwiches and a pot of tea.

"Here. You have to eat something darling." Giles said as he set the food and drink on the table.

"We've been so busy I hadn't even realized how hungry I was. Thanks." Willow said as she grabbed a sandwich off the plate and took a bite.

"I know." Giles said quietly grabbing a sandwich and placing a kiss on Willows temple.

Giles began to eat as he poured two cups of tea.

He was about to take a sip of his tea when the phone rang. Willow and Giles quickly looked at one another.

"That's either Wesley or the council." Giles said as he hurried to the phone.

"Or it could be Buffy." Willow said as she followed behind him.

"Hello." Giles said anxiously. "Quentin." Giles said.

"What do you mean, she's not there. She what?" Giles looked down and started rubbing his temples.

"No, that's quite alright. Thank you for trying.............Yes, please. I'll talk to you soon." Giles said as he hung up the phone.

"Okay, what's happening? What about Faith?" Willow said warily.

"It seems that, Faith broke out of prison yesterday morning. Several guards were hospitalized, and a car was stolen." Giles said exasperated.

"Were the guards hurt bad?" Willow asked worriedly.

"No, a few concussions, couple broken legs, broken noses. Nothing serious, as far as what Faith is capable of. " Giles said.

"Nothing can be done about it. Let's get back to work." Giles said as he and Willow went back to the dining room.

Giles and Willow sat down and were immediately absorbed by work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *********************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The council sat there listening intently to Spikes every word. When Spike finished speaking, he sat back in his chair, holding Buffys hand, awaiting thier response.

"Angelus." Zaaron replied disgustedly, breaking the silence. "He always was a destructive, impudent little child. He will be easily taken care of."

"There's a spell that can be performed that will give him his soul back. He's only like this when...."

"Buffy." Spike breathed cutting her off as he looked at her.

"No. A soul makes no difference. The loss of a soul only relieves guilt. If Angel, wasn't overcome with guilt, he would be Angelus. That is all. I have no soul. Spike had no soul. Neither of us ever tried to destroy the world. Angels soul was a curse to him. Yet Spikes, as well as the vampires who took it upon themselves to go to Africa, see it as a gift. Angelus is a mere bug, easily squashed beneath my bootheel." Zaaron finished.

Buffy sat back staring at Zaaron, understanding for the first time, the real difference between Angel and Angelus. Guilt, and nothing else.

Buffy looked at Spike as he looked back at her, waiting for her reaction. She squeezed his hand in aknowledgement of his worried expression, and letting him know she was alright.

Spike gave a nod and a reassuring smile as he turned his attention back to the council.

"The First. That's going to be a job and a half." Verik said lightheartedly and smiling. "But alot of fun." He said slapping his hands together and rubbing them greedily.

Buffy was taken aback by his statement and jovial attitude.

Spike chuckled at Buffys expression. "He's a Verento deamon luv. They hate evil with a passion, but they love fighting, physically or magically. Otherwise they live quietly and peacably." Spike said leaning over to whisper in her ear.

"Yes, Verik is right. Fighting the First won't be easy. I'm suprised you've done so well, and lasted this long on your own." Kreegin said eyeing Buffy up and down. "You're so small." She said bitterly.

Buffy couldn't help but smile at Kreegins obvious jelousy over Spike.

"We've done okay." Buffy said as she brought her hand over and caressed the back of Spikes hand, which still held her other hand.

Kreegins eyes narrowed as she looked at buffys amused yet smug expression. Spike raised an eyebrow and smirked as he looked at Buffy.

"A little jelously makes the heart grow fonder,does it not." Zaaron stated only loud enough for Spike to hear. Spike looked at Zaaron in amusement over his mates actions.

Zaarons amused expression faded as he looked at Kreegin, then to Buffy. He returned his gaze to a questioning Spike.

"Buffy is correct, to be wary of Kreegin. You should be too." Zaaron warned.

"She's not to be trusted then?" Spike asked.

"For all matters discussed here, she's very trustworthy. She'll never betray the cause, even if it meant her life. She is jelous. A jelous woman is capable of doing a great many things." Zaaron said.

Spike nodded and glanced at Kreegin, then to Buffy, tightening his grip on her hand.

"Okay, we don't have vampire hearing. Hello. Not a vampire." Sam said from the other end of the table. "I can look like one, but that's all, no super senses or anything." He finished annoyed at missing the conversation.

"Sorry mate, just catching up on the last hundred years is all." Spike said wanting to keep thier conversation private.

"Catch up time later. The lack of sun and the First, first." Buffy said as her brow knitted at her words.

"Right then." Spike said. "You too." He said whispering to Buffy as he looked at her with a knowingly fake stern face.

Buffy looked amused at his expression, but complied a little flushed with embarassment at him noticing her reation to Kreegin.

"Well, 'the lack of sun' is easy to deal with." Sam said quoting with his fingers as he looked at Buffy. "You keep patrolling and slaying........" Sam said.

"There's too many of them." Buffy stated.

"As I was saying, you keep patrolling and slaying one area of town. We'll have ours out patrolling the other areas. Every inch of Sunnydale will be taken care of." Sam finished.

"Oh. Sounds good." Buffy replied.

"Each slaying team will meet ahead of time, so they will recognize one another and there will be no mishaps." Melnick added.

"Good idea." Spike said.

"Now the First. That's going to take everything we got. Possibly more." Veerah stated as he reached for his drink.

"We have no idea how to fight the First." Derclon said.

"We've been researching. We haven't found anything yet. But we're looking." Buffy replied.

"How can you be sure we can win this?" Kreegin asked.

"Everything can die. There's always something or someone, stronger, better, faster. Nothing , no

one is unbeatable. You just have to find thier weakness, and chip away at it." Buffy replied stiffly, void of emotion.

Kreegin saw a glint of fear quickly pass over Spikes face at Buffys words. 'Was this fear for himself.' she thought. 'No, that was fear for her. He feared something would happen to her.' she realized as she glanced at Buffy and Spike before returning her gaze to Verik.

"Who do you have researching this?" Verik asked.

"There's Giles, Buffys watcher, and Willow, very smart and also a powerful witch. The watchers concil is also looking into it." Spike said.

Veriks eyes danced at the mention of a witch. "As far as I know, there won't be much on the First in print, as far as the watchers council goes. Unless they have books that we don't. I'll have our researchers crack the books and have a looksy."

"If you have the same books, what good will that do? Won't it waste your time?" Buffy asked.

"Time. There is so much of it, yet so little. Yes, we have their books, but we also have our own. Books written and added to by deamon races since the beginning. If there's anything on the First, that's where we'll find it." Verik replied.

"We have alot of work ahead of us. Go home. Rest tonight. No patrolling. Tonight will be the calm before the storm. The deamons will be wary until they know the sun is gone for good. We'll send out some of ours tonight to keep the deamons inline as much as possible tonight. We'll meet back here at noon tomorrow. All the patrolling teams will meet here, if this is agreeable with everyone. This will be the base of operations for us." Verik said.

"Noon tomorrow." Spike said nodding in agreement as he rose from the table.

"Thank you. For everything you're about to do." Buffy said looking around the room as she stood.

The group nodded in unison.

Spike and Buffy left the room. followed by Zaaron and Derclon.

"Too bad we meet again under such circumstances." Spike said to Zaaron as they neared the exit of the bar.

"Yes I agree." Zaaron said as they stepped out into the alley.

"We'll see you at noon." Spike said as he bent over too lift the sewer cover.

"What are you doing?" Derclon asked.

"Sewers. Safer than up here." Buffy replied.

"That's why we're here. We'll see that you get home." Zaaron said.

Spike agreed as he grabbed Buffys hand and led them out of the alley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *********************** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow sat there rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"I'll keep looking , you go rest." Giles said softly.

"No. I'm okay." Willow said pouring another cup of tea.

"You can barely keep your eyes open. Go up to bed and get some sleep." Giles said caressing her cheek.

"No. Not without you." Willow said softly.

"Darling, you........" Giles started but quickly ended his statement when he saw the look on her face.

"Very well dear. I'll make some more tea." GIles said as he went to the kitchen.

"Oh god. No more tea. Get the chocolate chunk brownies from the cupboard. A sugar rush would be good, and a coffee." Willow said over her shoulder as she scanned her computer screen.

"Yes dear." Giles said as he shook his head and smiled. He quickly pulled out the brownies and the coffee. He placed the brownies on a plate and moved to the perculator.

"Buffy and Spike should have been back by now. What if something went wrong." Willow said breathily. "What if they're hurt and need help?" Willow said panicking as she came into the kitchen.

"I'm sure they're alright. If they needed help, they'd call." Giles said.

"What if they're not near a phone?" Willow asked worriedly.

"Buffys got her phone with her." Giles replied.

"Oh." Willow said. "You're sure they're okay?"

"They'll probably walk through the door any moment now." Giles answered.

"What if they're not okay?" Willow asked hurridly.

"They're fine Willow." Giles said crinkling his brow. "Are you sure you want coffee?"

Willow just looked at him.

"Yes dear." Giles said as he poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Willow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ********************* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy ducked as Spike punched the first deamon in the face, sending it back a couple of steps.

"Spike behind you." Zaaron yelled who was busy fighting three deamons himself.

"I got it." Derclon said casually coming to Spikes side as his eight inch claws easily ripped the deamons throat out. "No sweat." Derclon said as he languidly sauntered over to the group of six on coming deamons.

Buffy staked the deamon Spike had punched , sending him to the ground clutching his chest.

Zaaron easily threw one deamon against the wall as he withdrew his sword and decapitated the other two in one fatal strike. "Childs play." Zaaron said as he walked over and picked up the deamon slumped against the wall. He threw him in the air, but remained grasping his legs. He pulled him down hard, impaling the deamon on a fencepost.

Zaaron dusted his jacket off and sheathed his sword, then casually turned to watch the others.

Derclon was fighting with two deamon, well toying with them actually to Zaarons amusement, as he saw the other four deamons scattered about in peices on the ground.

Derlon, now bored with them, grabbed one deamons head with one hand and twisted it, severing it's head from it's body. At the same time, shoving his claws on his other hand into the chest of the other deamon and thrusting upwards.

After their bodied hit the ground, Derclon walked over and stood by Zaaron.

"Should we help them?" Derclon asked watching Buffy and Spike.

"No. There's only three left. They can do that in thier sleep. They've already taken out five." Zaaron said. "Thay fight in total sync. They know what move the other is going to do beforehand." Zaaron said enjoying the show.

"Yeah. They've always been like that. Even when he was trying to kill her. Spike calls it dancing. He said they always danced well together." Derclon said as he too enjoyed the performance.

Buffy pulled a knife from her boot and drove it quickly into the deamons chest. When the deamon fell, she threw the knife over her shoulder. Spike caught the knife and thrust it under his arm into the stomach of the deamon coming up behind him. Spike quickly spun around slitting the deamons throat and embedding the knife in the last remaining deamons neck in one smooth motion.

Spike ripped the knife out as the deamon crumpled to the ground.

Buffy and Spike made thier way over to Zaaron and Derclon.

"Shall we continue." Zaaron said.

Spike held Buffys hand as they continued the walk back to Buffys.

They made it over halfway home with only a couple more minor runins.

But as they rounded the corner, and only five more blocks to go, they saw fifteen vampires attacking a woman.

They picked up their pace, only to see the womans lifeless body fall to the ground.

They stopped running, but were already seen as the group of vampires converged on them.

Zaaron stepped in front of Buffy and Spike.

Six of the vampires stopped and looked at Zaaron. They bowed thier heads, turned and walked away.

The nine remaining vampires watched them in confusion, shouting cowardice remarks as they advanced on their target.

Zaaron looked at them and smiled.

"What are you smiling at?" the vampire snarled as he came closer.

"You're new. A mere fledgling." Zaaron replied. "You should show respect for your betters." Zaaron said as his eyes glowed amber for a split second.

"Who are you?" The vampire snapped.

"My name is Zaaron." He spoke quietly, but steadily.

Two more vampires bowed thier heads and walked away.

"Don't know you, never heard of you." The vampire spat out venomously.

"No. Now you never will." Zaaron said as he unsheathed his sword and severed his head in one fluid motion.

"Oh, sweet move Zaaron." Derclon said smiling.

"Thank you. I have had many years to perfect my technique." Zaaron said lightheartedly.

"Okay, let's have a go, shall we." Derclon said as he, Buffy and Spike came to stand beside Zaaron. "You're not gonna have all the fun." he said smiling at the bewildered vampires.

Spike and Zaaron who were standing shoulder to shoulder, leaned slightly in the opposite directions, as two arrows , narrowly missing them slammed into the hearts of two vampires in front of them, turning them to dust.

Spike and Buffy turned around, but Zaaron and Derclon eyes never left thier enemies.

"Nice shot." Buffy said suprise evident in her voice.

"Thanks B." Faith replied walking up to stand beside Buffy. "Thought you might need some help, but I see there's only five puny vamps." Faith said scowling.

Buffy held back a grin as she looked at Spike. Spike raised an eyebrow and smirked, as they extended their arms, allowing Faith to walk past them , as she came to stand beside Zaaron, and smiled at the very confused vampires.

"This is gonna be so easy. It's like slaying, but not." Faith said as she jumped in front of the first vampire and staked him immediately.

"She's a ball of fire isn't she." Spike said to Buffy.

"Yup, that's Faith." Buffy replied as they watched with enjoyment as Faith staked another vampire.

"Two down." Derclon said happily, keeping score.

Zaaron watched Faiths every move. Her movements were not as smooth and defined as Buffys. Hers were rough, raw, but just as deadly. He smiled at her obvious enjoyment as two more vampires became dust.

The last vampire turned and began to run.

"Hey, leaving already. I'm just getting warmed up." Faith sang as she got ready to chase her prey.

"I'll get him." Derclon said anxiously.

"No. I'll do it." Faith replied.

"Why should you get all the fun." Derclon said as he started to head in the direction of the escaping vampire.

"Hey sasquatch, I said I'd do it." Faith said running beside him as they started arguing.

"I'm a Siantee deamon. Hello." Derclon said smugly as he continued the chase.

"Like I care bigfoot." Faith replied.

Spike, Buffy and Zaaron just stood there, bewildered at the display of childish behavior coming from Faith and Derclon.

"Told you she liked her job." Buffy said as her brow wrinkled.

"Maybe, a little too much." Spike and Zaaron said in unison, tilting their heads as they continued watching, dumdfounded.

"Look, he's getting away. They're too busy fighting each other." Spike said as he saw Faith and Derclon stop chasing the vampire, and stand there yelling at one another.

Zaaron rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"I'll get him." Zaaron replied begrudgingly.

Before Buffy could blink, Zaaron was no longer standing beside them. As she looked towards the vampire, Zaaron appeared in front of him, bringing the vampire to a complete stop.

In one swift movement, you saw the moonlight glinting off the sword, as the vampires head fell to the ground, before turning to dust. Zaaron sheathed his sword and started to walk back to Buffy and Spike.

"How did he do that?" Buffy asked.

"Used a sword. Cut off his head." Spike stated.

Buffy gave Spike a playful punch in the stomach as she smiled.

"You know what I mean." Buffy said trying to sound scornful.

Spike laughed softly. "It's just something you pick up over time. A technique you master is all." Spike replied.

"I've never seen you do that." Buffy said.

Spike smiled. " I can. Not as fast as Zaaron yet. But I can."

"I've always been able to catch you." Buffy replied smugly as she smiled and looked into his eyes.

""Cause I wanted to be caught by you." Spike replied just a smugly.

"You let me. Right." Buffy said as she rolled her eyes.

Spike smiled as he walked about fifteen feet away. As he turned to look at her, his smile grew. In a flash he was gone.

"Hello cutie." Spike said as he nuzzled her neck from behind.

Buffy spun around and stared into his sparkling blue eyes.

"All these years. Why did you let me?" Buffy asked as his arm snaked around her waist.

"I've always loved watching you dance." Spike said as he kissed her softly.

They broke apart at the sounds of voices becoming louder. They looked over too see Faith, Derclon and now Zaaron arguing in the distance.

Spike and Buffy rolled their eyes in unison as they moved towards the group.

"Spike, isn't it us, that always gets lectures on our childish behavior from Giles?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, and here we are, marvelling at their behavior. Giles would be afraid. Wonder if it was really us." Spike said lightheartedly.

Buffy chuckled as they approached the group."Can't we all just get along."

Spike smiled at the group as they stopped arguing and looked at them.

"If you're through, I think we should be going. Your arguing probably has every deamon in the area honed in on us by now." Spike said casually looking from one to another.

The three quietly turned, glaring at each other as the walked the rest of the way to Buffys, with no more interuptions.