Chapter 1
Doors of Perception

Wonder-Worker (wuhn-der-wur-ker) noun. A worker or performer of marvels.

Fragile you are but stronger by far.
-Apoptygma Berserk
-You and Me Against the World



Present Day

Spike ducked under the arc of the swinging broad sword, sliding to the angry demon’s side. Before it could turn and wield the blade again, the vampire pivoted, plunging his own sword deep into the demon's chest. Spike watched as it collapsed, taking his only weapon with it. Swearing, he gripped the hilt and wrenched it free.

The Slayer twisted, savagely kicking a second demon in the stomach. Grunting, it doubled over, clutching its midsection. One strong downward slice severed the head neatly.

More demons crowded through the narrow doorway.

Spike turned toward the Slayer and their eyes met.

He cocked an eyebrow.

She nodded.

Together they raised their swords and charged.


Two Weeks Previous

Willow anxiously twisted around in her seat and scanned the entrance. “What could be taking so long?”

Buffy leaned forward across the table. The band was so loud tonight she could hardly hear Willow. “What?”

Willow cupped her hands around her mouth. “I said, what could be taking Tara so long?”

The decibel level in the Bronze dropped considerably when the band finished playing their first set and disappeared offstage for a fifteen minute break.

Breathing a sigh of relief at the sudden quiet, Buffy replied, “I'm sure she'll get here soon, somehow I don't think she'll miss her own birthday party.” She smiled a greeting at Xander and Anya sliding into two empty seats across the table.

“Hey Buffy, Will. Everybody got their dancin’ shoes on?” Xander set a bottle in front of both girls. “I picked these up at the bar on the way over here.” He looked around at the crush of people. “The bronze is seriously crowded tonight.”

Willow starting peeling the label. “Everyone's here for the new band.”

“Thanks, Xan.” Buffy picked up her bottle and nodded at the people crowded around the bar. “Isn't that Spike? It's hard to miss that radioactive hair.”

“Yeah.”

Willow interrupted her friends’ conversation. “Tara invited him to the party, Buffy. She likes him and asked if he could come, too. I hope that was okay, he has been helping us on patrol lately.”

“It's Tara's party and she can invite anyone she wants.” Buffy glanced curiously at the black clad figure. “So why is he over there and not over here bothering us?”

“I don't know. Xander, did he say anything to you?”

“Captain Peroxide voluntarily speak to me? Nah, he didn't even acknowledge I was at the bar.”

Willow suddenly squealed, “There she is.” She flapped her hand wildly. “Tara! Over here!”

The quiet blonde broke through the throng. Smiling shyly at the group, she sat down in the seat next to her girlfriend. “H-h-hello, everyone.”

Anya beamed at the shy Wiccan and held out a brightly wrapped gift. “Happy Birthday Tara, I hope you enjoy the expensive gift Xander and I purchased for the occasion.” She turned to her boyfriend. “Was that the correct salutation?”

Xander smiled affectionately and patted her hand. “That was good, Anya, except for the part about the cost of her gift.”

“But it was costly.” Anya frowned. “Why shouldn't the recipient be made aware of that fact? It seems to me that should only be a problem if it weren't expensive.”

“Never mind.” He turned to Tara and asked, “Would the birthday girl like a drink?”

“That would be nice. Thank you.”

“No need to haul your bulk out of the chair, Harris. Got it covered already.” The vampire silently materialized beside him. “Here you go, Glinda.” He set a bottle and a glass in front of Tara and placed a small box next to the bottle and smiled. “Many happy returns.”

Tara smiled in return. “Thank you Spike, that was very thoughtful.” She pointed at the empty seat next to Buffy. “Please sit down and join us.”

Spike put his hand on the chair next to the Slayer and raised an eyebrow in her direction. “Evenin’ Slayer.”

Buffy glanced up and nodded. “Hello Spike. Have a seat.”

The band walked back up on stage. While they picked up their instruments for the next set, the lead singer stepped up to the microphone and smiled out at the crowd. “Hello Sunnydale. It's nice to be here. My name's Drake.”

He grinned at a group of people seated in the corner laughing loudly. “You sound like you're all having fun tonight. In case you missed the flyers tacked up all over the city, we're Alchemy. We hope you enjoy the magic we're gonna make onstage for you now. This is a song that I co- wrote with our drummer; it's called ‘Missing you.’

The drummer pounded out a fast paced beat and the rest of the band picked up the melody. Drake pulled the microphone close and started singing about lost love.

Spike snorted. “Guess nobody clued him in on Sunnyhell. We've got plenty of our own magicks here; don't need some band with a poncy name for that.”

“They're really good.” Xander lightly tapped the table in time with the drumbeat. He turned to his girlfriend. “Hey An., want to dance?”

She nodded and pushed back her chair.

Willow and Tara soon followed.

Taking a long swallow of Jack, Spike gave Buffy a speculative look over the rim of the glass, gauging the Slayer’s mood. Ever since Tara had issued the party invitation, he'd been thinking about asking her to dance tonight.

He'd spent the previous thirty minutes standing at the bar working on some liquid courage, but with his bloody constitution he was still stone cold sober. At least with her friends out of the way now he had an opportunity.

Taking an unneeded breath, Spike set his glass firmly on the table and turned fully toward her. It was almost his undoing. The recessed lighting highlighted her blonde hair and large hazel eyes, giving Buffy a soft luminous quality. The Slayer looked incredibly beautiful. And completely inaccessible. Spike reached over and grabbed his glass again. No bloody way.

Trying to listen to the band, Buffy ran a nervous hand through her hair and stared down at her drink. She wasn’t comfortable sitting here at the table alone with Spike. She felt too accessible, too easily approached.

She and Riley had broken up two weeks ago after an enormous fight. Exasperated, the soldier had declared heatedly that he didn’t know what she wanted in a boyfriend. Buffy didn’t know what she wanted either, except that it wasn’t Riley. He didn’t understand her or her Slayerness at all. She’d spent a lot of time during their relationship trying to placate Riley’s raging feelings of insecurity over her strength and power and it had gotten old. Really old.

Fed up, Buffy told him to take his fragile ego and hit the highway. Hard. She needed some solo time without cute guys muddying up the water. Independence. A chance to regroup. Then later, much later, hopefully find someone who would understand and approve of her and her weird life.

If the party tonight had been for anyone but Tara she’d have begged off. The Bronze was so not the place for solo time and now on top of it she had an annoying vampire sitting there steadily drinking in the seat right next to her. Buffy glanced over and caught Spike watching her with the oddest expression. Well, more odd than usual.

So what’s up with him? Maybe I should say I'm going to the Ladies room and then sneak out the window. I so need something to hit.

“Excuse me, are you Buffy Summers?”

Buffy looked over warily at the thin dark haired boy of about thirteen or fourteen standing next to the table. “Yeah, I'm Buffy Summers.”

The teen held out an expensive looking envelope. “Then this belongs to you.”

Buffy frowned and reached for the envelope.

Spike narrowed his eyes. “And you are?”

Nonplussed, the teen ignored the rude man staring at him and offered a tentative smile to the blonde woman. “Hi, my name's Kyle. Some man at the bar offered me ten bucks if I’d give this to you.” Raising his hand to point, he shook his head. “Sorry, he’s gone. Well, have a great night.”

Buffy watched the boy thread his way through the crowd. When he disappeared from sight she looked down at the envelope. Rubbing her index finger across the heavy cream colored paper, Buffy realized that the thick envelope felt as expensive as it had appeared. She noted her name written with a flourish; the penmanship old fashioned and well crafted.

Spike's curiosity overwhelmed him. “Well, Slayer, aren't you even goin' to open it?”

Flipping the envelope over, Buffy touched the wafer thin circle of red melted wax that secured the flap. Someone had stamped the wax with an ornate letter 'C'.

“This is a little wiggy.” She showed Spike the back of the envelope.

He snorted. “Looks like someone wants to invite you to a special Hellmouth garden party that’s guaranteed not to end well.”

She agreed with the vampire. Hoping it didn’t explode or turn them both into rats or something, Buffy cautiously pried open the envelope. Taking care not to destroy the wax seal- seals on the Hellmouth are never good- she raised the flap. Nothing happened. She held the unopened envelope in her hand and sighed in relief.

Spike watched impatiently as Buffy stared at the unopened envelope and asked, “Are you tryin’ to read the message with ESP, Slayer?” He smirked. “Try placing the envelope against your forehead á la Carnak the Magnificent.”

“The Magnificent Who?”

“You know, Johnny Carson.” Spike pantomimed holding an invisible envelope to his forehead and intoned, “Sis Boom Bah.” Pretending to open the invisible envelope, he read the question contained inside. “What’s the sound that a sheep makes when it explodes?”

“How much have you had to drink tonight Spike? You sound like you’re only one jello shot short of true liver damage.”

The vampire chuckled at the quip, shaking his head. “Sometimes I forget how bleedin’ young you really are, Summers. Have Red do a computer search for you on Johnny Carson, a real comedic genius.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “I’m not that young, Spike, you’re just really old and it so happens I do know who Johnny Carson is.”

“Fine, you’re a bloody fountain of comedic knowledge” he retorted. “So, Ms.Wiki, are you goin’ to open the poncy letter?”

“Well, since we didn’t blow up or turn into rats.”

“Rats?”

“It’s a long ugly story.” She glanced at him and smiled. It was always fun bantering with the quick witted vampire, even if he was a pain in her posterior more times than not. She scooted her chair to the side so Spike could read the letter over her shoulder.

Accepting the unspoken invitation, he leaned forward. Buffy lifted the paper higher and together they read the elegant script.

Dear Ms. Summers,
I apologize for not meeting with you in person. I am in dire need of your assistance
and pray that you will consider my request. It is of the utmost importance and could have repercussions for the whole of Sunnydale. Please meet with me tonight at midnight at the address below. I anxiously await your arrival.
Sincerely,
Roger Chaplaine

Glancing at the address, Buffy realized it was across town. She placed the letter and envelope face down on the table and sighed. Absolutely nothing in her life was ever easy.

Spike leaned back in his chair again and reached for his cigarettes. “It could be a trap.”

“Yeah, but it seems like an awful lot of work. The usual vamps and demons around here wouldn't bother with any of this. They just wait around outside in the alley and try to kill me. No fooling around with written invitations, especially something that looks like it's out of an old issue of Miss Manners Etiquette Guide.”

“Yeah, it does seem a bit formal for the locals.” He slid his lighter back in his duster pocket and looked at the blonde expectantly. “So, Slayer, what are ya goin’ to do?”

Buffy had to admit that her curiosity was piqued and at the very least it was a valid excuse to leave the Bronze. Squinting at her watch, she realized if she wanted to actually show for this unorthodox meeting, she'd have to leave. Looking over at the vampire still watching her, she asked, “Would you drive me?”

Surprised at her request, Spike raised an eyebrow. “What about your mates? Harris has a car.”

“I don't want them along, in case this does turn out to be some sort of trap.”

Struggling to keep from smiling at the thought of them alone together in the Desoto, Spike answered casually. “I’ve got enough petrol, so I guess I could give you a lift.”

“I'll go over and tell Tara that I have to leave on Slayer business. I'll meet you out front.”

Spike swallowed the last of his drink and dug out his car keys. “I'll pull the car around.”

By the time Spike had driven to the front of the Bronze, Buffy was already waiting outside. He pulled up and jumped out to open her door.

“Spike, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like? I'm opening your door.” Spike gritted his teeth. What the bloody hell am I doing?

“Oh.” Oh. “Thank you.” Tucking her feet in as Spike closed the door; the Slayer began to feel as though she’d been transported head first into the Turner Classic Movie channel.

First the fancy handwritten invitation and now Spike and his door opening bit. The image of the vampire coupled together with old fashioned manners was seriously warped. Buffy just hoped this didn’t turn out to be some sort of really bad spell. She wracked her brain, trying to remember the kind of mood Willow had been in earlier.

If Spike starts playing Big Band music on the radio, I’ll know we’re doomed.

Feeling as though he wanted to bang his head hard against the steering wheel, Spike pulled his own door closed. He needed something to calm his nerves. Reaching over, he cranked up the volume on his Ramones CD. “Is the music too loud?”

Buffy exhaled loudly. “No, that’s absolutely perfect. That’s the Ramones isn’t it? They didn’t start until when, the 1980’s?”

“Uh, more like the late 70’s.” Spike reached for his cigarettes and lighter, still embarrassed over his faux pas. His Dark Princess had expected chivalrous things like her door being held for her and decades long habits were really tough to break. The Slayer was shocked but she must have actually liked it. After all, she’s not even complaining about the music.

“Earth to Spike.”

He snapped back to the present. “Yeah?”

“We need to get going.”

“What's that address again?”

Buffy squinted in the dark and read it aloud. “I think this is out west by the convention center. Take the Cross Town Expressway.”

Spike fumbled under his seat and produced a street map of Sunnydale. “As the only one of us who's actually driven these streets, I believe it's in the suburbs east of town. I'll get us movin' and you look it up.”

“Fine.”

Once Spike had the car pointed in the correct direction, which had actually turned out to be north, Buffy spoke. “Thanks for driving me, Spike.”

“No problem, Slayer.” He glanced at the blonde. “Have you thought of your plan yet?”

“No, no plan. I just thought I'd play it by ear.”

“You should really have some sort of a plan. If you want, I'll go in with you,” Spike offered.

“You do think this is a trap.”

“Just get bored waiting around is all and you've got to be prepared either way.”

“That's the Slayer motto, ‘be prepared’.”

“Actually, pet, I believe that's the Boy Scout motto.”

“Are you sure? Giles says it all the time.”

“I’m sure. I’ve eaten a few Scouts back in the day.”

“Well, now, it's the Slayer motto too.”

“I’m sure they’ll share.”

“Especially since it’s me that keeps them from being eaten now.”

Well, except for that one weekend last spring. But that wasn’t my fault, their Leader should have known better than camp out in the woods around Sunnydale.

Spike flipped on his left blinker and turned a corner. “Almost there.”

“You can come inside with me Spike; we'll both check it out. After all, I wouldn't want you to get too bored.” She smirked. “There's no telling what you'd do.” She folded her hands in her lap. “That is, if you can actually get inside.”

“I'm sure they'll take one look at my devastatin' good looks and invite me right in.”

Buffy chuckled at the quip. Tonight wasn’t turning out so bad after all. There didn’t seem to be any wonky spells involved, just a plain old trap and she hadn’t needed to sneak out the bathroom window to avoid guys, either.

And if I’m really lucky, I’ll get to hit something.

She settled deeper in the seat and listened to the Ramones.

Chapter 2

Out In the Haze


Spike pulled to the curb and cut the car’s engine and lights. The only sound that could be heard within the older neighborhood was the occasional cricket chirp. No other sounds or illumination emanated from the nearby houses this late at night and the absence of street lights meant the full moon offered the only ambient light.

Closing the Desoto’s door, Buffy peered through the darkness. The three story Victorian house, built long before developers had heard of zero lot lines, stood far back from the street in the middle of a wide tree shaded lot. Ancient oaks, leaves moving gently in the night breeze, cast crazy patchwork shadows across the front dormers, while shuttered windows added to the desolate air.

Buffy stared thoughtfully at the dark façade. “It definitely has that whole Scream thing going for it.”

“It says Halloween to me.” Spike cocked an ear. “Slayer, I can’t hear any sound in there.”

“Okay, getting a serious trap vibe now.” There better not be any insane vampires locked up inside. Been there, done that.

Spike leaned against the car and scanned the street. “Slayer, wait a minute.”

“What?”

“Do you even have a weapon?”

“No. Remember I thought I had a ticket for relaxing fun night, not springing a stupid trap night.”

Spike opened his trunk. “Here.”

Buffy ran an appreciative eye along the blade of the short serrated knife. “Thanks.”

The couple walked quietly through the yard and climbed the wooden steps to the large veranda. Upon closer inspection, the house appeared to be in good repair. The front door gleamed with fresh paint and the porch had recently been swept.

Spike touched Buffy's shoulder. “Did you notice all of those silver designs wrought around the windows?”

“They're protection wards. Giles taught me about them last year.”

“I bet that's why I can't hear anyone inside; there are protection and dampening spells in place.” Spike shook his head. “I don't like this Slayer. Someone living here knows a lot about some very powerful magicks.”

Buffy sighed. Drat, I just knew there’d be magicks mixed in somehow. “Yeah, I don't see an elderly lady and fifty cats in there either. So let's find out who Mr. Chaplaine is and what he wants with the Slayer.” She rapped the brass door knocker hard against the front door.

The door opened. “I wondered how long you planned to stand outside staring at the house.” It was Kyle, the kid from the Bronze. “Please come in, Ms. Summers.”

Buffy surprised, didn’t budge. “You need to invite Spike.”

“When I saw you sitting with the Slayer, I thought you might be joining us. Please come into our home, Spike.”

Kyle ushered them in, closing and bolting the heavy door. Beckoning them forward, he led them through a small front parlor where it appeared nothing had changed since Queen Victoria had ascended the throne.

Continuing through the small room Buffy noticed a pretty floral sofa and several small tables with delicate lacy ferns. Cute knickknacks adorned any remaining empty space. No electricity in evidence, several gas lamps had been lit. She decided the overall effect was homey in a turn of the century sort of way.

Moving into the polished hall beyond, Buffy almost expected women in beautiful floor length dresses to glide toward her, offering tea and little iced cakes. Amused at her own thoughts, the Slayer knew that would be the last thing to happen on the Hellmouth.

Unless they’re some type of socially adept demon.

Spike, last in the odd procession, was not equally entranced; quite the opposite, he was experiencing an uncomfortable feeling of déjá vu. He had hated the ostentatious Victorian era and it only held bad memories for him.

With obvious distaste, Spike sidled around the uncomfortable horsehair sofa and tried not to touch any of the tiny tables crammed with the ugly Dresden figurines. The vampire half expected one of those simpering women the era had bred in abundance to jump out and offer tepid tea and stale cakes, while looking down her nose at their lack of calling cards.

A pleasant image of throwing a china shepherdess at an attacking demon to save the Slayer flitted through his mind. Spike was trying to decide which figurine would be best suited for the purpose when Buffy’s impatient voice snapped him back to reality.

“Okay, Kyle, so why didn't you just tell me the envelope was from you? Oh, and while you were at it, maybe what was inside it, too. It would have saved us a lot of time and Spike's gas. Not to mention this late night march through an old house.”

Spike watched the Slayer poke Kyle strongly on the shoulder, causing him to stumble. Uh oh, he's pissed off the Slayer. He should just run away now and save us all trouble.

Kyle paused outside a closed door at the end of the long hall. “The Bronze isn't the place to discuss anything that needs to remain private and anyway the invitation wasn’t from me.” He knocked lightly and opened the door. “It was issued by my grandfather. I was just the messenger.”

Kyle swung the door wider and moved aside to allow them entry. “Ms. Summers, Spike, please allow me to introduce my grandfather, Roger Chaplaine, Imperial Wizard of the World High Wizard Council.”

The distinguished white haired man stood facing a large stone fireplace. Turning to face the blond couple, he walked a few feet using a heavy wooden cane for assistance.

Smiling at them, he spoke in a low, smooth voice. “Ah, the Slayer. It's so nice to finally meet you Ms. Summers. I'm sorry your Watcher, Mr. Giles, could not attend. I would have liked to have met him also. I've heard so many good things about you both.”

“William the Bloody.” He inclined his head toward the vampire, his voice amused. “It's been a great many years since I've allowed any vampire through my wards, especially a Master Vampire.” His eyes crinkled. “But you are a most unusual vampire, one who deigns to help the Slayer here on the Hellmouth.”

“I like to keep myself occupied.” Spike rocked back on his heels. “And it's just Spike these days.”

The wizard gestured to a pair of overstuffed chairs in front of the hearth. “Thank you both for coming. Please sit down. We haven't a great deal of time and I have much to explain.” He looked over at his grandson. “Kyle please bring our guests some refreshments.”

Kyle left the room, pulling the heavy door closed behind him.

Buffy sat gingerly on the chair. “Now, Mr. Chaplaine, what's so important that I had to drive all the way over here?”

Spike couldn't sit still; never fond of magicks, he could feel powerful energy crackling around the room. He elected to stand behind the Slayer's chair.

Amusement again crossing his face, the wizard sat down slowly in the chair opposite Buffy and carefully placed his cane on the floor next to his chair. The fire flared, briefly highlighting the sigils swirled deeply into the dark wood.

Staring at the wizard’s staff, the Slayer wondered again why he’d requested her presence.

“I'm sorry I've had to be so secretive, Ms. Summers, but there are spies in the most unlikely places and this is a secondary residence for me, so I'm unfamiliar with the local denizens. I used Kyle and the letter so no one would have a chance to interrupt our meeting.”

“Why would anyone want to try?”

The elderly gentleman sat straighter in his chair. “Perhaps I should begin by explaining that I am the head of an organization which prefers to keep a very low profile. I'm retiring from my position within the organization in ten days' time and my daughter Margot will be assuming my position.”

He waved his hand briefly. “It is a time honored tradition that whenever the head of the Council steps down, he has the right to choose his successor.”

Still standing behind her chair, Buffy heard Spike snort.

The wizard stared at the vampire. “I can assure you that she is not being elevated because she is my daughter. Margot has studied and planned for this moment since she was a small child and she is the most qualified. There is no one who disagrees with the choice.”

Buffy shifted. “Okay, got that, new boss. What does all this have to do with me?”

“My daughter has been kidnapped and I want you to locate her.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like someone disagreed.” He moved to sit in the chair next to the Slayer.

Kyle chose that moment to reappear with a tray loaded with tall glasses of iced tea.

Buffy took a sip of hers and shot a questioning look at the wizard. “I don't think this is a Slayer type job.” She looked between Kyle and his grandfather and asked, “Do you have any idea where she is or who took her? Was it demons?”

“Kyle, why don't you enlighten Ms.Summers about your recent activities.”

Kyle, slouched against his grandfather's chair, stood up straighter. “My mother and I arrived here together for a short holiday.”

“You came to the Hellmouth for a vacation?”

Spike cut his eyes toward the Slayer. Buffy’s amazed expression caused him to smirk.

Kyle raised his chin higher and replied, “We used to live here when I was small and recently we've been here several times. This house has been in our family for almost two centuries. The energy here is strong but we control any darker influences, so it's a good place to rest and rejuvenate.”

The boy started to pace the short distance between the chair and the fireplace. “We'd been here for three days when my mother received a telephone call. She didn't tell me who called, but said she needed to meet with someone. I wasn't too concerned, my mother is a very influential person and people often seek her out for various reasons.”

Kyle stopped pacing and looked down at his hands. “But she left and never returned. I waited all night for her and then notified my grandfather. That was two nights ago.” He stared at the Slayer. “I tried to do a location spell the first morning but it didn't work.”

Buffy shook her head and started to speak, but the elderly wizard lifted his hand to stop her. “Kyle is still within his apprenticeship, he does not have the control nor the abilities yet to do anything else and someone had already masked Margot's aura. My grandson did the correct thing by notifying me.” Chaplaine nodded at his grandson. “He also did the prudent thing by notifying no one else.

Ms. Summers, it is vitally important that this not become common knowledge. If Margot does not step forward to attain her position, she forfeits her right and this will create a very serious power vacuum.” He grimaced. “Not only would this be a grievous blow to our organization, it would throw many other forces out of balance.

It is very important that the position at the pinnacle of the Wizard Council not be vacant, however briefly. There are dark forces which we help to hold at bay that would love to have the opportunity to, let us say, cause problems. One of the problem areas would most assuredly be here at your own Hellmouth.

I can assist you, but personally I must seem to be merely visiting my daughter and grandson before the ceremony. I can not be outwardly involved in any way; any sense of impropriety would cast doubt on Margo's ability to lead.”

“I'm still not sure this is something that a Slayer can help you with and besides, if the Hellmouth is gonna act up, it sounds like I'm going to be busy.”

“Ms. Summers, if you will assist me in finding my daughter I have something that I can offer you personally in return.”

“What exactly would that be?” she asked suspiciously.

“I understand that your mother is seriously ill and as of yet no one has been able to offer you any assurances about her ongoing health.”

Buffy's eyes narrowed. “Just what does my mother have to do with this?”

“I can see that she is healed.”

“Slayer, be careful. This sounds like very dark magicks.”

“On the contrary, it is within the purview of the Imperial Wizard during the period of their installation to grant a boon. Any request may be granted, even within the realm of life and death. Locate my daughter, Ms. Summers, and not only will dark forces continue to be kept at bay, but Margot will save your mother's life.”

Buffy turned the thought over in her head. Was it possible this elderly man could really make sure my mom would be okay?

Spike watched the Slayer trying to arrive at a decision. He knew Joyce had been ill for quite awhile. Dawn had filled him in on all the different doctors and various tests and how they still didn't have a diagnosis, much less the possibility of a cure.
Deep within the house, a grandfather clock chimed twice.

“It is late and Ms. Summers has much to contemplate.” Chaplaine gestured to his grandson. “Kyle, please show our guests out.”

Buffy rose from the chair and the wizard caught her eye again. “Ms. Summers, please decide quickly. The longer my daughter is missing, the more fearful I become for her life.” He passed a hand across his face. “There is even now a gathering darkness which waits any missteps during this transfer of power.”

“I’ve already decided Mr. Chaplaine. I’ll do it.”

“That is a wise choice Ms. Summers.”

“But I still don't see what I can do; I'm not a detective. My job is to kill things, not find lost people, wizards or even somebody's dog.”

“Detectives I could hire if so inclined.” Chaplaine held out his hand, palm up and a delicate silver bracelet appeared within a burst of pale blue light. “What I need is someone strong enough to wear this and contend with whoever has taken Margot.”

Buffy watched the small bracelet sparkle in the flickering light. “This must be worn by a Champion of the People, but someone not well acquainted personally with magicks. That would be you, Ms. Summers. A Slayer is the perfect candidate.”

The wizard closed his hand around the bracelet and stared at Buffy. “This will help you to locate Margot. It has other functions as well which may prove useful.”

The lines etched upon the old man's face suddenly seemed to have become deep furrows. Chaplaine rose wearily. “Kyle will meet with you tomorrow at a time and location of your choosing. He will bring the bracelet and explain its functionality.”

Chaplaine extended his hand to the Slayer. He had a firm handshake and Buffy felt the sudden tingle of extreme power within the grasp. She realized that although the Imperial Wizard appeared elderly and somewhat infirm, he was still a very potent force and not to be underestimated.

“Thank you Ms. Summers, you won't regret your decision.” Dropping her hand, he gestured again to his grandson and turned back to the fire.

Chapter 3

Long Way While Learning

Giles pulled a manila folder from the bottom drawer of his file cabinet and passed it to Buffy. “The photos are in here. Do you see him?”

His Slayer had shown up early this morning on his doorstep and regaled Giles with the entire story, including the fact that she'd agreed to meet Kyle at the Watcher's apartment later in the day.

Picking a photograph from the top of the stack, Buffy stared at the image. “This is definitely him, although he looks a lot older now. Giles, why haven't I heard about this Wizard's Council before now?”

Perched on the edge of the couch, Giles replied. “They are performers of white magicks; so in essence, we are all on the same side; however the Watcher's Council and the High Wizard Council have an extremely tenuous relationship. They've had serious disagreements between them in the past over how various incidents have been handled. So if needed, we prefer to use other covens.”

“Can Mr. Chaplaine be trusted?”

“I believe so. Imperial Wizard is not a political post; he would have had to pass intense scrutiny to acquire the position and he's been their leader for years. I would have heard if there were questions concerning his integrity.”

“This can't be right.” Buffy had flipped the photo over and read the handwritten inscription. “This states that Mr. Chaplaine was born in 1950.” Confusion crossed her face. “The man I met looked seventy at least.”

“The position of Imperial Wizard holds a great deal of responsibility. One of their primary functions on this plane of existence is to help restrain the forces of darkness and to counteract black magic whenever possible. The Imperial Wizard's main duty is to act as a sort of focusing lens for other wizards; it must be an incredibly taxing position and one that I'm sure would age someone prematurely.”

Giles slipped the photo back in the manila folder. “Buffy, Mr. Chaplaine is absolutely correct in one respect: if the Wizard's Council doesn't have a leader at the appointed time, the forces of darkness would be given an opportunity to cause problems. We really have no choice but to help them.”

Buffy bit her lip. “Are you going to tell the Watcher's Council?”

“No, I don't believe alerting Quentin Travers would be in anybody's best interest at this point. But I would be very surprised if he hasn't already heard that something is amiss, although he may not know the extent of the problem. Travers and the Council have always maintained a keen interest, but wouldn't get involved unless the situation degraded to the point where they felt it was absolutely necessary. Even then, I'm not sure they could really render much in the way of actual assistance. The Wizard's Council would still need to remedy the situation themselves.”

“There's another reason I agreed to do this. He said he could help my mom. Do you think he can really do it?”

“I don't know what they're capable of doing, but if he told you that they could help Joyce, then I'm sure they must have the ability. You and I both know how powerful Magicks can be in the hands of someone well trained in the arts. These white wizards are the pinnacle of their profession both in talent and training. Most are born into families that have been practicing for centuries.”

Giles looked grim. “Which means that whoever managed to kidnap the next Imperial Wizard without a struggle and right under the nose of her own Council has to be skilled, ruthless and completely unafraid of reprisal.”

Buffy slumped back against the couch. “Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too.” She brightened. “But wait until you see my awesome bracelet.”

*****

Spike couldn't sleep. Slouched in his easy chair drinking breakfast, he thought over the events of the previous night and the Slayer's decision. She had confided on the return drive that she planned to talk with Giles before her meeting with Kyle. Spike knew already that the Watcher would agree with her decision, even though it was dangerous. Going up against anyone with that much power would be incredibly risky, but if that old wizard could be trusted, they needed the Slayer for the job.

Spike lit a cigarette and his thoughts turned to Joyce. He knew the opportunity to help her mum had been the deciding factor in Buffy's decision. Spike genuinely liked the Slayer’s mum; she had always treated him with respect and kindness. Making a sudden decision, he stood up. The Slayer was going to need some help and he should be the one to do it. He would help Buffy find the missing wannabe. Not only was this a chance for Buffy to see another side of him, he wanted to do it for Joyce. She deserved every chance possible. He grabbed his blanket and started for the sewers, he needed to get to Rupert's apartment before the young wizard to persuade the Slayer and her Watcher to accept his help.

*****

“Spike?” Giles was surprised to see the vampire in the middle of the day, even as he stepped aside to allow the blanket covered figure entry. “What are you doing here?”

Spike dropped the smoking blanket in the corner near the door. Holding his chin up, he looked across the room at Buffy and spoke directly to her. “I came to help you, Slayer. You'll need someone to watch your back.”

Confusion colored her expression. “Why?”

Giles stood with his arms crossed and scanned the vampire’s visage. “Yes, why Spike?”

Still gazing into the Slayer’s eyes, he replied, “I like and respect your mum and this could help her.”

Spike knew he had yet to convince the Watcher. Turning to Giles he added, “The old wizard asked to keep this quiet and I already know about the situation, so I'm your logical choice.”

“Giles?”

“Hmmm.” Giles thought out loud. “Although the Imperial Wizard seems to expect you to work alone, in a situation such as this I’d be more comfortable if you had some backup. Since Spike is already involved to a degree, he is the most logical choice.”

“Alright Spike, you're part of the team.”

*****

When Kyle arrived, he didn't seem too surprised to see Spike. He shook hands with Giles, and sat down on the couch next to Buffy.

The Watcher spoke first. “Kyle, I'd like to begin by saying that I'm sorry about your mother.”

When the teen acknowledged the comment, he continued. “Secondly, I'd like to ask you for any additional information that you may have concerning her disappearance. Who else knew that you were coming here to Sunnydale?”

“Unfortunately, a lot of people, including my sister, my grandfather and the Council. My mom didn't exactly keep it a secret.” He shrugged. “Wasn't any reason to, really. Everyone knew she was going to stay until the installation ceremony. This was supposed to be her last break for awhile.”

“What about your father?”

“My father’s been dead since I was an infant. My mom remarried a couple of years ago but divorced Grant last year.” Kyle clasped his hands tightly together. “I've gone over and over all of this in my head. I don't know who could have done this to my mom. She’s an extremely formidable woman.”

Buffy leaned toward the Boy. “Is there anyone on the Council that didn't want to work with your mom?” She waved her hand. “I know what your grandfather said, but sometimes there's somebody who goes along with a change, but isn't really happy, maybe someone like that?”

“Not that I'm aware of, but I don't know many of those people well.”

Spike spoke up. “What about her ex? He a wizard, too?”

Kyle rubbed a weary hand across his eyes. “Yes, he's a wizard on the High Council, too, but I really don't believe that he had anything to do with this. If you want to check on his family, you could speak to his son. It's okay to tell him about mom, he won't say anything. You both saw him last night. His name's Drake and he's the lead singer for the band Alchemy.”

Spike smirked. “I told you that was a poncy name for a band.”

Buffy ignored him, concentrating on the boy next to her. “What do you think happened to your mom? Not what you have to say in front of your grandfather, I want your real opinion. Do you think she might have taken off on her own?”

“I’m sorry, I wish I knew more. She answered the phone and I heard her say she'll be there in twenty minutes. She hung up, came out and told me she was going out for a couple hours and then she just vanished.”

He looked at the trio and his gaze settled on Buffy. “Please Ms. Summers, you’ve got to find her,” he implored, his voice cracking.

“I'm really worried. No, this is not in character for my mom and I don't believe she left on her own. For the past three months, she’s been so excited about finally stepping forward to become the Imperial Wizard after all the hard work. She couldn’t wait to fulfill her duty. My personal opinion? I think someone wants to stop the succession and destroy the High Council.”

The young boy’s expression was glum. “My grandfather is weak; he's already having difficulty focusing power except in short bursts. His abilities are decreasing daily and will cease completely by the appointed hour.”

“If my mom isn’t there to take over control, all of the Council’s attuned power will scatter.” Kyle’s expression became even bleaker. “My grandfather won't even tell me what would happen in that case, but I know the results of such a vacuum would be devastating.”

Buffy shifted on the couch. “No one wants to see that happen.” She held out her hand. “So let's see this magical bracelet.”

Kyle pulled the small white box out of his pocket and held on to it. “As much as I want you to find my mom, there is something important that my Grandfather neglected to explain that you need to understand first.

He wouldn’t say anything because he has such complete confidence in your ability to locate and save her. However in the event that you can’t find her, the bracelet might cause some discomfort if the Council’s powers become scattered.”

Spike scowled at the boy. “Are you saying that if the Slayer can’t find her by your ‘appointed hour’ she’ll need to remove the bauble quickly or something might happen?”

Kyle clutched the box tighter. “But that’s just it, you see. Once you don the bracelet, it can't be removed unless you locate her.”

The Slayer smiled gently at the young boy and reached for the box. “I understand. Thank you Kyle.”

Buffy lifted the box top and peeked inside. Nestled within tissue paper was a thin antique silver bracelet with several charms. Lifting it from its box, she held it up for Spike and Giles to see. The light from the window highlighted the finely wrought links.

It's absolutely gorgeous so delicate and yet it must be incredibly powerful.

Spike beheld the Slayer's reaction to the elegant bracelet. Still concerned over the magicks, he held his tongue while the Watcher fastened it around her wrist. A small blue light flashed briefly when the clasp snapped closed.

Giles stepped back. “How do you feel Buffy?”

“I’m perfectly fine.” She moved her wrist and the bracelet tinkled lightly. “Okay, Kyle, I’ve got the pretty, now how does it work?”

Kyle shifted in the chair. “Let me start by saying that it will only make noise for the next hour. After that, the dampening spell will have taken effect and it will be soundless. My grandfather used almost all of the remainder of his own personal power to craft this. It's not actually a charm bracelet, but a charmed bracelet. Hold out your arm and look at each of the objects attached to the bracelet. Can you name them?”

“Don't really like the quizzing, but here goes.” She lifted her arm and peered closely at the bracelet. “This one is a moon, with an arrow through the middle.”

Kyle nodded. “That’s right. That charm will help seek my mom for you. It's tuned to her, so it will turn faintly blue if she is nearby. Since someone continues to mask her aura, you’ll need to be really close though and the deeper the color turns, the closer you actually are to her.”

“Okay, got it. This second one looks like a candlestick.”

“If you place your thumb and one finger on it and pinch, it becomes a beacon of light, roughly the same as a small flashlight. The light will last until you touch the charm again in the same way.”

“This next one looks like a hand mirror.”

“It's a glamour charm. Touch it and it will cloak you. You will automatically blend into the background.”

“A small bottle.”

“That one is a truth charm. Touch it and then someone else and they have to reveal the answer to one question. Unfortunately it only works briefly, so be quick and pose the question.”

Kyle shrugged apologetically. “It's very difficult to force people to go against their free will with this type of spell, especially when the caster is not present.” He grinned. “But it can also be a great lie detector. If someone is telling an untruth, the back of the charm will turn black.”

“This one, I'm not sure, it looks like a twisted strand of something.”

“Ah, that's the binding charm. Touch it and then someone else and they will be forced to remain quietly where they are until you touch them again. It will last for about an hour, maybe two. I helped with that one. Do you see the last charm?”

“It's a couple dancing, I think.”

“If you touch it and another charm together, you can share a power, until you touch the couple again. The bracelet is yours, so you can only share, not give the power away permanently. It takes a very strong being to harness these without being harmed and it must be someone who doesn't use magicks. A witch or wizard's personal energies would interfere with the charms' abilities. That's the main reason my grandfather needed the Slayer, or another Champion such as yourself. You haven't been trained in the arts.”

Kyle searched through his jacket pockets, pulled out a scrap of paper and handed it to Buffy.

“What's this?”

“This is the phone number from the telephone call my mother received just before she left the house. When she didn't return I hit star 69 on our phone.”

“If you wankers had the number, why didn't you check it out?”

“I tried to call the number that first morning, but it just rang. No one answered the phone. When I spoke with my grandfather later, he forbade me from trying anything else.”

Kyle reached back into his jacket pocket. “Here's a recent picture of my mom at my sister's college graduation. It might come in useful.”

Buffy looked down at the photo of a thin, pretty brunette standing next to a girl wearing a cap and gown. Kyle's mom had her arm wrapped around her daughter and both of them were smiling. Buffy suddenly felt the urge to run home and hug her own mom.

“If we need to reach you or your grandfather, how should we handle it?” Giles asked.

“I wrote my cell phone number on the back of the picture. I'll get word to my grandfather if he's needed. It would be better if you weren't seen at the house again.”

Buffy nodded. “Alright. We'll call you soon.”

“Thank you Ms. Summers.” The young wizard suddenly looked much older. “I just hope you find my mom, for everyone's sake.”

After Kyle shut the door, Buffy stared down at the telephone number scribbled on the scrap of paper. “Okay, short of going to the police or the telephone company, how are we ever going to figure out whose number this is?”

Spike leaned over and read the number. “Slayer, you just got a lucky break. I know that number. It belongs to the telephone in the back room at Willy's Bar. The kid didn't get an answer because the bar doesn't open until afternoon.”

Chapter 4

Retreat to Advance

The Slayer wanted to question as many of Willy's customers as possible, so she and Spike waited at Giles' apartment. The kind of patrons that frequented Willy's bar never showed up until nightfall.

Pushing open the scarred door, Buffy could see that the bar was still fairly quiet this early in the evening. A handful of customers, mostly gathered at the long bar, stood talking and drinking among themselves. They all turned and warily watched the blond couple head toward the back room.

Willy's back room was the stuff of legend. Every demon in Sunnydale spent time there, either as a player in one of the constantly revolving poker games, or standing around in the adjacent smaller room that Willy used for storage making or breaking the deals that helped create a vital Hellmouth economy.

Spike walked through the door first and was greeted by a couple of the demons already involved in the first poker game of the night. Noticing the Slayer that followed him, their mouths clamped shut and they lowered their eyes, staring intently at their cards.

This isn't goin' to be easy with Buffy along. Spike pulled the Slayer back into the hall and whispered. “Maybe you should go and check the telephone. Use your new pretty and see if there's any residual energy.”

Buffy nodded. “Okay, I'll do that, but this had better work.” She headed for the storage room.

Spike returned to the game. “Okay, I've only got a few minutes before the Slayer returns. I need to find out who would know anythin' about a kidnappin' scheme goin' down. I'll keep your names out of it, but the Slayer will owe you one.”

“How's you find out so quick? He just got snatched a couple minutes ago.”

Confused, Spike stared at the behemoth holding a full house. “Sorry, mate; I'm not sure what you're on about. I'm talkin' about a human woman, couple of days ago.”

It was the poker player's turn to look confused. “Oh, I thought you were talking about the human kid with you. I heard he was just grabbed by some vampires, although on second thought, I guess that's not really a kidnapping, more like takeout.”

Spike ran a hand through his hair. “What kid?”

“The one that came in right behind you and the Slayer. Everyone figured he was with you since he watched you come back here and then settled into one of the booths along the wall, like he was waiting for you.”

Spike grimaced. “Where is he now?”

“Wayne and his crew stuck him outside in their van. I heard they're taking him to their nest. His girlfriend got hurt and can't hunt.”

A couple minutes later Spike and Buffy cautiously crept up on the green van parked on the side of Willy's pothole strewn parking lot. The Slayer grabbed the van's door, yanked it open and staked the vampire in the driver's seat before he could start the engine.

Spike opened the back door of the van at the same time and staked a second vampire.

Crossing his arms and leaning against the open door, he chuckled. “Hey Slayer, you've got yourself a shadow, except he won't be shadowing anyone right now. You want me to leave 'em in here? He'll be put to good use; he's supposed to be dinner for a sick bird.”

Kyle, hands tied behind his back, sat on the floor of the van staring at the floor.

“Hi Kyle. Didn't anyone ever teach you that trying to be inconspicuous in a demon bar when you're human is harder than it looks?” Buffy grinned at the uncomfortable teen. “Besides, I don't think you're old enough to even be in a bar.”

She turned to Spike. “Maybe we should just call his grandfather. I'm sure he'd be interested in what Kyle does in his spare time.”

“Please Ms. Summers, don't do that. I just had to make sure you were really going to look for my mom.”

Buffy took pity on the kid. After all, it was his mom that was missing. “Haul him out Spike and untie him.”

When Kyle was standing in front of them rubbing his wrists, Buffy said, “You've got to promise me that you aren't going to ever go in Willy's again.” She crossed her arms. “Even when you are old enough to drink.”

The teen looked down at his shoes and mumbled. “I promise.”

“Spike I think we need to take Columbo home now.”

“First, I want to know how long you were followin' us.”

“I waited around Mr. Giles' house all afternoon and then I followed you two over here on my bike.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “I must be losin' my touch. I never heard or smelled you.”

“I used a cloaking spell that allows someone to be undetected for hours.”

“Pretty smart. But why didn't you keep it up in the bar?”

Kyle blushed. “Well, actually, I'm not very powerful yet and it stopped working just as you went in the door. I knew you'd detect me when you came out, so I tried to blend in with the other people in the bar.”

Spike and Buffy both laughed. “Kyle, there's no way you could ever blend in at that bar.”

Spike clasped the teen's shoulder. “Come on, we'll drive you home. Where's your bike hidden?”

Once in the Desoto, they waited to pull out of the parking lot while a black Cadillac crossed through the intersection.

Kyle stared openmouthed at the driver. “Hey, I've seen that guy before. He came to see my mom a couple days before she disappeared and they went out to lunch.”

Frowning, Buffy asked, “Are you sure?”

“I'm sure. I didn't get to meet him, they were already pulling out when I got home, but it's definitely him. He was driving that same car.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Did she ever say anything about him after that?”

“Not really. But she goes out all the time with people I don't know, mostly Council people. I didn't even remember him until now.”

“He’s definitely not with the Wizard's Council.”

“You know him Slayer?”

She nodded. “I wonder why he needed to see Kyle’s mom.”

“Who is he?” Spike turned his key in the ignition.

“His name's Ethan Rayne.” She watched the Cadillac stop at the red light. “He’s always a problem when he’s in town.”

“I remember that name. He’s the wanker that changed Rupert into a fyarl.”

“That’s him. I’d sure like to know what he’s doing in Sunnydale.”

“That can be arranged.” Spike wrenched the wheel left and stomped on the gas pedal, muscling the Desoto across the line of oncoming traffic and into the queue headed slowly through the business district.

“Spike? What are you doing? Kyle's house is in the other direction.”

“I know where the kid lives, Slayer.” He glanced over at her. “I thought you wanted to know where Rayne is headed.”

“I do, but this will never work. It’s going to take about sixty seconds before he notices us following him. This car's not exactly hard to miss.”

Kyle leaned forward. “I can help with that. Touch your glamour and the couple charms together when I say so.” He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath.
“Okay, now.”

Buffy did as he requested and touched the charms. She felt a tingling in her wrist that felt almost as if she'd been lightly shocked by an errant home appliance. Strange but not altogether unpleasant, the tingling feeling ended quickly.

“I don't see anything different.” She twisted around in the seat so she could see the teen. ”Nothing happened.”

“We're stopped at the red light. Look over at that big plate glass window in the front of the clothing store. What do you see?”

Buffy looked over at the window. She saw Rayne's Cadillac and a red convertible waiting behind him reflected in the big window. Amazingly, the Desoto, third in line, appeared to be a green van.

“I thought the charm only hide me or maybe me and one other person.”

“Normally, that's exactly what would happen.” A wide grin spread across his face. “I just boosted the spell a little bit.”

Spike looked at the reflection in the store window and barked a laugh. “Slayer, we're ridin' around in the vamps' van.” Amused, he looked in the rear view mirror at Kyle. “That's pretty slick, wizard.”

Kyle shrugged his shoulders, but couldn't keep the pride out of his voice. “I can do some advanced stuff, it just won’t hold together long.”

The light changed and the line of cars started moving again.

“Spike, he's turning up ahead.” Buffy turned back to the teen. “So, Kyle, how long would you say we'll be incognito people?”

“Um, I'm not sure. It's a fairly powerful spell, but it should hang together for a little while at least. Maybe a half hour?”

“I'd say the point is moot. He's stoppin' up ahead.”

Rayne had pulled the Cadillac over to the curb in front of a row of apartment buildings.

“Keep driving, Spike. Go around the block or something.”

“Way ahead of you, pet.” Spike turned at the intersection and started back around the block. Turning on the street again, Spike pulled the car over to the curb.

“Before we park right behind the git, we better decide what we're doin'.” Looking over at Buffy, he asked, “What's your goal here pet? Do you want to do a recon?”

Buffy shook her head. “It's too dangerous with Kyle. We'll watch where he goes and come back later.”

“Now wait just a darn minute.” Kyle’s voice was low pitched and mutinous. “You might lose your chance to see what this guy is up to, and if I hadn't been here, you wouldn't have gotten this far. He's my clue. You can't take me home now. I won’t go.”

“The junior wizard's got a point, Slayer.”

Buffy chewed her lip. She hated involving innocents and Kyle wasn’t any older than Dawn, but the young wizard had a valid point and he’d already demonstrated the ability to think on his feet.

“Alright, but you absolutely wait in the car.”

His face brightened. “No problem. I'll wait.”

“Okay, pull up and park behind him, Spike.”

Spike moved the car down the block, parked a few spaces behind the Cadillac and shut off the motor. “Let's go.”


*****

Ethan pulled out a key and unlocked the door. “I'm back.”

A blonde lying on the couch watching television sat up and asked. “How'd it go?”

“No problem.” He threw his keys on the small table beside the door. “I gave them the information and left.”

She stood up. “Can you stay?”

“No, I need to take off. I don't want to be seen here. It's too dangerous. I just had to see you again. I've missed you.” He reached over and gathered the woman in his arms. “It won't be too much longer. I'll call you tomorrow morning.” He kissed her.

She pressed her body into his and murmured. “Are you sure you have to leave?”

He pulled away. “I'm sure. We don't want anything to go wrong after all this careful planning.”

Buffy and Spike had reached the corner of the hall when Ethan came back out the door.

Ducking into a deep old fashioned alcove, they waited until he went down the hall stairs. Following quietly behind him, they watched from the landing while he exited the building. Once he’d slid behind the wheel of the Cadillac and pulled out, they ran back to the Desoto.

Twenty minutes later, they’d followed Rayne to the old warehouse district outside Sunnydale when Kyle spoke urgently. “Spike, stop the car. The spell's breaking apart.”

Spike pulled into an alley and turned off the ignition.

Buffy felt a light tingle in the wrist that wore the bracelet. “The spell's over, isn't it? I could actually feel it break.”

Kyle nodded. “What you felt was the end of your part of the spell.” He slumped in the seat. “I can’t do anymore for awhile, large spells like that drain my energy.”

Spike turned the ignition. “This area's all dead end streets; Rayne must be holed up in here somewhere.”

“We can come back and track him. Right now, we need to take Kyle home.”

Buffy turned to face the backseat and saw the disappointment written across his face. “You really helped a great deal, Kyle. We'll come back later tonight and find out what Ethan's up to.”

She leaned over to touch his hand. “But you have to understand something, too. Ethan Rayne is a rat, but he might be a rat that has nothing to do with your mom's disappearance. It could just be a coincidence. ”

Solemnly, Kyle asked, “Will you call me tomorrow?”

“Absolutely. After tonight, I consider you one of the team.”

Spike looked at the boy in the rearview mirror. “So, wizard, just how much training have you had? That cloaking spell was bloody brilliant.”

Buffy watched as Spike’s comment caused the teen to break out in a grin. Relieved that he wasn’t so glum anymore, she listened to his answer.

“Well, I've been studying since I was four and I'm nearly through my apprenticeship now. But the real wizard in my family is my older sister. My mom says Claire is even better than she was at her age, that she's already good enough to become a Council member. I have to work really hard, but Claire's a natural. The art has always been easy for her.”

“How does a spell like that work? It seemed like you actually added to my bracelet in some way.”

“That’d exactly right. When I was small, my mom explained it like this. A wizard can’t fundamentally change someone else’s spell, but they can enhance the original intent. For example, it’s a chilly day so you put on a long sleeved shirt. That’s your original spell.

But you’re still cold so someone gives you a sweater. That’s their addition to your own spell. The sweater enhances your shirt’s ability to keep you warm. The sweater can’t make you colder, because you originally intended for the shirt to help protect you from the cold. Magic is all about intent and personal strength of will.” He smiled again. “And lots and lots of practice.”

“How long can a spell last?”

Kyle shrugged. “It depends on the wizard casting the spell. Someone as powerful as my mom or my sister could conjure a spell that lasts a lifetime. Me? Obviously not as long.”

“Your sis and your mum looked happy in that picture.”

“I actually took the picture.”

“Your sister’s a bit older than you, eh?”

“Yeah, she's eight years older. I’m fourteen and she’s twenty-two.”

Buffy broke in to the conversation. “Kyle, has your grandfather called to let your sister know about your mom?”

“He spoke with her yesterday. She lives in New York, but she said she'd be here as soon as she could get away.”

Spike stopped for a red light. “I'll bet she's upset about your mum.”

Kyle didn't answer right away. Picking at a loose thread in the hem of his shirt, he finally responded. “Usually they get along really well. But the last couple times we've all been together my mom and Claire have argued. A lot. In fact, Claire was supposed to come with us on this vacation, but she backed out at the last minute.”

“What were they fightin' about?”

Kyle shrugged. “I have no idea. Neither one of them will tell me anything. But I do know who might have heard.”

“Who?”

“The last time they had a huge fight; Claire ran off and stayed with Drake.”

Spike pulled the Desoto up to the curb in front of the Victorian and popped the trunk.

Kyle got out of the car and turned back to Buffy. “You'll definitely call me tomorrow?”

“I'll call, I promise.”

“Don’t worry Kyle. The Slayer won’t break a promise. It’s that whole white hat thing.”

Kyle nodded. “Okay, then I'll talk to you tomorrow.” Pausing briefly, he turned back to the couple and managed a smile. “Thank you both for everything you're doing.” He turned and continued pushing the bike up the walk.

Buffy watched him enter the house. “You know, Spike, there goes a really great kid.”

“Yeah. Now all we've got to do is find his mum, so he can be a kid awhile longer.”

Chapter 5

Fruits of Deception

The full moon cast elongated shadows among the ruined buildings within the warehouse district. Long fallen into decay, the broken brick facades cried out for renovators to remake them into upscale loft apartments.

But this was Sunnydale. Instead of baby boomers returned from restaurants or the theatre, the ramshackle buildings were refuge for the vampire nests and powerful demon clans that called the Hellmouth home.

Buffy and Spike crept slowly along the main road, hugging the shadows. Heightened awareness enabled them to remain unobtrusive to the inhabitants yet hunt for their own prey.

“This is where we saw Ethan last.” Buffy whispered under her breath. “Anything?”

Spike concentrated on the surrounding area. “No.”

“He probably continued on after we stopped.” She silently slid forward, twitching her shoulders. Her tinglies had gone off countless times since leaving the Desoto.

They had reached the fence that encircled an old junkyard when Spike abruptly stopped. “Here.”

He put his mouth close to Buffy’s ear. “I can hear and smell at least a half dozen demons and one other human besides Rayne in there.”

She nodded and motioned toward the back of the debris filled yard. The couple silently leaped the warped fence and circled widely toward the building Spike had indicated.

Buffy slid to the edge of a shed and peeked around the corner. She hissed in Spike’s ear. “Sentries. Two Vorrine.”

He raised an eyebrow.

Buffy took his hand in hers and touched the glamour and the couple charm. The same tingling electrical charge as before radiated from her wrist.

Spike winced. “That’s bloody uncomfortable.”

Leaving the security of the shadows, they walked boldly toward the front entrance and the two horned demons that stood guard.

Slipping around a mound of ancient cars, Spike whispered “So Slayer, what’s the plan?”

“Plan? No plan.”

“Not again. I told you before that you need a bloody plan.”

“I thought we’d just grab Rayne and kill anything that gets in the way.”

Spike grinned. “That sounds like a great plan.”

Buffy didn’t understand the mechanics of the bracelet, but she knew it worked when neither guard indicated that they’d noticed anything unusual as the couple slipped past.


Walking across the threshold with Spike at her heels, her wrist suddenly tingled. Uh oh.

The demons inside immediately turned and raised their weapons. The largest snarled and advanced.

“For some reason the bracelet stopped working.”

“I noticed.” Spike lifted his sword. “Did I mention that I hate bloody magicks?”

“Wait.” Ethan Rayne, standing in the midst of the demons, held up his hand forestalling the demon attack. “Slayer. I’m certainly surprised to see you here, but I can’t say that it’s really a pleasure.”

“Rayne.” Buffy stood legs wide apart, her sword at her side. “I need to talk with you.”

Ethan looked pointedly at her sword. “It doesn’t look like talk was your original intent.”

“If you’ll answer some questions, this won’t become a bloodbath.”

Ethan waved at the room full of demons. “Why Ms. Summers, I believe it would be you taking the bath, not me. And as much as that does sound entertaining, I’m much too busy tonight.”

The wizard snapped his fingers and Buffy’s feet felt fifty pounds heavier. Trying to lift them, she discovered they were somehow glued solidly to the floor. It felt like she was mired in thick tar. An elementary school trip to the La Brea tar pits flashed through her mind.

Hearing the muttered “bloody hell,” behind her, she knew Spike wasn’t mobile either.

“Ethan, what are you doing?” The feminine voice rang with authority. “Release Ms. Summers and the vampire immediately.”

Ethan shrugged and nonchalantly snapped his fingers again.

Spike’s feet, free once more, carried him swiftly across the floor to stand eye to eye with Ethan. “You ever do that again and I’ll see that your liver gets pulled out through your nose.”

The curtain parted and Buffy’s mouth dropped open. “I know you; at least I think you’re you.”

Hearing the Slayer’s surprise, Spike turned. “Who is she?”

“Spike, this is-“

The woman interrupted, holding out her hand. “I’m Margot Chaplaine.” She moved closer. “And you’re the Slayer that lives here on the Hellmouth, Buffy Summers.”

She looked at the vampire. “And just who might you be?”

Spike drawled, “Well, pet, I thought I was part of your rescue party.”

“This is Spike.” Buffy gripped her sword. “We’re both here to save you.”

Margot lifted her hand to ward off the sword. “Oh, that won’t be necessary, Ms. Summers.” She turned to Ethan. “Ethan, why don’t you send the Vorrine back to their lair while I explain to the Slayer- she tipped her head toward Spike- “and her partner what’s really going on here.”

Ethan nodded and spoke what sounded like gibberish to Buffy, but evidently the demons understood the nonsense syllables. The room emptied quickly.

Margot gestured to the curtained doorway. “Come in here, we’ll be more comfortable.”

The back room of the building housed a scarred wooden table and several chairs. “Please, Ms. Summers, Spike, have a seat.”

Spike turned one of the chairs around and straddled it. Buffy slid into the one next to him and cautiously laid her sword across her lap.

Margot sat across from the couple. Nodding at the sword, she said, “You won’t need it. Anyway, I can assure you this building is warded, you wouldn’t be able to use it in here.”

So that’s why the bracelet stopped working at the door. Buffy stared at the older woman.
“Okay, I get that you don’t need rescuing. So why haven’t you called Kyle or your dad?”

At the mention of Kyle’s name, Margot’s face fell. “I miss them so much. Tell me, is Kyle alright?”

Spike shifted in the chair. “He misses his mum.”

Margot clasped her hands together and looked over at the wizard leaning against the wall. “Ethan, isn’t it about time you checked the perimeter?”

Taking her cue, he disappeared through the curtain. When Buffy heard the door close she placed her palms flat on the table and asked, “So, Ms. Chaplaine, what exactly is going on here?”

“Call me Margot.” She pushed her bangs away from her eyes. “I guess I should start at the beginning.”

“That’s as good a place as any, pet.”

“How well do you know Ethan?”

Buffy grimaced. “I’d say pretty well.” She searched Margot’s face. “I’d also say if you’re working with Ethan Rayne, than we’re probably not going to get along.”

“I don’t work with Ethan. Ethan works for me, as an interpreter. He happens to be fluent in several demon languages. You can see that I’m not being kidnapped; no one is holding me against my will.” She sighed. “To make a long story short, actually I’m bait.”

“Bait?” Buffy echoed. “Bait for what?”

“Three months ago someone approached me with a message from the Gashi Clan.” Her lips quirked. “It seems I’m an unknown quantity, so possibly open to being convinced to look the other way about certain activities.”

“Who are the Gashi?”

“One of the worst demon clans in the area. The Chieftain of the Gashi makes Angelus look like an altar boy.” Spike lifted an eyebrow. “What did you say?”

“That I was definitely open to the idea of course.” She placed her left hand, balled into a tight fist, on the table. “But they wanted a concession, something to prove I could be trusted.”

“What concession?”

“Me. I had to take a blood oath the day I arrived here at the Hellmouth.” Turning her hand she opened the palm to reveal a deep triangular cut.

“You can’t do that. Your father, who sent us looking for you by the way, said if you didn’t take your position at the right time, the Hellmouth would go all freaky.”

Margot suddenly stood up and paced. “That’s true and I will attend my installation. I’ve been working to become Imperial Wizard since I was six. I have to be installed to honor any agreements, so they won’t stop me.

And if I don’t honor my side of the bargain, a High Wizard would be infinitely more valuable to them. I had to disappear. My father had begun to sense something was going on.”

Spike leaned back in the chair. “So, I’m assumin’ that the Gashi are never going to get their hands on you, blood oath not withstandin’.”

“You’re quick, vampire.”

“I’ve planned a few double crosses over the years.”

“That’s where Ethan comes in. He’s about to carry a message to the Thesa Clan offering them the Gashi Chieftain. The terms of the deal are being hammered out tomorrow morning. But the deal will never come to pass because I’m going to destroy them myself once they take down the Gashi.”

Spike lifted an eyebrow. “The Thesa are bitter rivals of the Gashi so I can see them salivating at the chance to take them down. You’re going to double cross both Clans? I’ve gotta say, wizard, you definitely have some brass testies.” He smirked. “So to speak.”

“Let’s just say I’d like to start my time in office with a bang, not a whimper.”

Buffy concentrated on all the information presented. “Okay, let me see if I understand. You’ve got your demon Sharks and your demon Jets. The Sharks want a piece of your power and you’ve offered to give it to them or they get you. The Jets want the Sharks and you’re going to offer that, too. Only nobody gets what they want, everyone is double crossed.”

“Essentially, yes.”

“How are you going to keep the demons from double crossing you? After all, demons.”

Margot shrugged. “I don’t see much possibility of that, neither Clan speaks to the other and if this works, both Clans will be weakened for a very long time.”

“Okay, but I see one very large hole in your plan.”

Margot chuckled. “Only one? What’s that?”

“That you actually believe you can trust Ethan Rayne. Aren’t you aware of his reputation?”

“It was his reputation that I needed in this case.”

Buffy thought out loud. “You needed someone that would make the demons believe you’re telling the truth.”

“Exactly. If I’m working with Ethan, then I’m probably not so lily white after all.”

“But how will you keep Rayne from double crossin’ you?”

“He won’t. I have something he wants very much and as long as he plays straight with me, he’ll get it.” Margot’s eye’s narrowed briefly as her gaze settled on Buffy. “You can’t tell my father or Kyle any of this. I’ve let it be known that I’m working on my own and they’re not involved. It’s the only way I can protect my son.”

“So you’re asking me to pretend that I’m still trying to find you for the next few days?”

“Yes, that would be best.”

Buffy nodded slowly. How far can I really trust her? “I’ll do what you want on two conditions.”

“And they would be?”

“That I can keep an eye on Rayne.” And you.

“I don’t think it’s really necessary, but I can’t see the harm as long as no one catches on to what you’re really doing. And the second condition?”

“That I’m in on the takedown. Deal?”

“I can always use a Slayer on my side. Deal.”

“I love a good double cross. I’m joinin’ up, too.”

Margot stood against the wall, relieved. “Okay then. Welcome to my own personal Shakespearean play. I’m thinking Caesar, myself.”

Spike shook his head. “He got stabbed in the back. Go for Brutus.”

Margot looked at the gorgeous vampire in front of her and pretended to pout. “But then I have to be ridden with self doubt and guilt. Do I look ridden enough to you?” She casually thrust her chest forward.

Spike, amused, looked the woman up and down and drawled. “No, and I think that could be a real problem, luv. You don’t appear to be ridden enough at all.” He grinned.
“Maybe I can help with that in some small way.”

“I’m not interested in small help. I like my help on the larger side.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never had any complaints.”

Margot licked her lips and glanced at Buffy. “I’m looking forward to working very closely with your cute vampire.”

Buffy watched Margot and Spike flirt and felt a rising irritation. She’s old enough to be my mother. A small voice in her head reminded that Spike was a lot older than he looked. But she is a mom and one that won’t even send a message to her worried son. Buffy suddenly realized she didn’t like her very much at all.

Hearing her name repeated, she gave herself a mental shake- Why do you care so much anyway? It’s just Spike- and replied hotly, “He’s not my vampire. He isn’t anyone’s vampire and shouldn’t be. I mean, Spike and I just work together.”

Margot raised an eyebrow quizzically at the heated response. Turning back she noticed Spike, dumbstruck, openly staring at the Slayer. Annoyed, she dismissed them both with a wave of her hand. “I’ll consider the help.”

Trying to ascertain what was going on in the Slayer’s head-Did Buffy just sound jealous?- Spike replied distractedly, “Then I’ll see you around, pet.”

“We’ll both be back tomorrow evening.” Buffy added as they turned to leave.

Chapter 6

Crash Landing Again

Buffy stared out the window while Spike started the Desoto’s engine and shifted into gear. Once they’d pulled out of the alley and into the light traffic flowing back into downtown Sunnydale, she twisted around in the seat so she could see his expression.

“Spike, what do you really think of Margot’s plan?”

He took a long drag from his cigarette and considered the question. “It’s a tempting idea. It’s true that it would tip the Hellmouth power structure in the white hats favor for a good long while, but she hasn’t convinced me yet that her plan will work. In fact, I think there are several valid reasons why it’s really pretty rash.” His expression wry, he added. “And I’m an expert on rash plans.”

Buffy acknowledged the joke with a slight smile. “Okay, so what are some of the reasons?”

Spike glanced at the Slayer. She gazed back at him, her hazel eyes large and solemn. Buffy was requesting his opinion, deferring to his greater knowledge of the demon underground. Maybe the past couple days had helped the Slayer see that he could stand at her side. Maybe she was actually beginning to see him.

Tamping down the sudden ecstatic feeling, Spike gathered his thoughts and continued his line of reasoning. “The Gashi Chieftain is ruthless and incredibly smart. You have to be to control that much power. I think she’s severely underestimating him.”

Spike stubbed out his cigarette and tossed the butt through the open window. “As much as the Thesa want the Gashi’s turf, they’re going to be extremely cautious. It’s not every day an offer like this gets dropped in their laps. It’s too bloody unusual. Even the slightest hint of doubt, the lightest whisper of a double cross, and the wizard’s bloody plan is blown; she’s goin’ to be in serious trouble and us along with her. You, me, Rayne and anyone else she’s involved.”

He rolled his window up. “Personally, I think the wannabe Imperial Wizard has a very large ego and I’m wonderin’ if she’s even really telling us everything.”

He watched Buffy chew her lip while she thought about what he’d said. “I get the feeling that there’s more to this than she said, too. But until we figure everything out, we’ll need to help strengthen her position against the demons in some way.”

She shifted, turning back around to face the front. “I’ve got to talk with Giles, get his take on what I need to do.”

She hadn’t said we. The chasm yawned open between them again. “This is more complicated than we thought. I hope Rupert doesn’t feel compelled to spill to the bloody Watchers.”

Buffy heard the tenor of Spike’s voice change. He sounded upset over something. Surely he wasn’t that concerned about the Council and Giles. Had she said something else?

Buffy tried to think through their conversation, but Spike interrupted her thoughts. “There’s someone else you have to consider in this, too.”

“Kyle.”

He nodded.

Buffy sank against the soft leather seat and sighed. “Believe me, I haven’t forgotten about him. It would be so much simpler if Margot would let us give him some hope, maybe relay some small message. I know he’s freaking out and it’s going to be hard lying to him.”

“Then don’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you promised to call him and tell him about Ethan Rayne. Tell him that we found Ethan but we’ve got to follow him and see what he’s up to. That’s all true; just don’t mention his mum. A sin of omission.”

Buffy nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea. I can do that. I’ve got to report back to Mr. Chaplaine at some point, but I can wait awhile to speak directly with him. Once I talk to Giles, I’m going to try and find out more about Ethan by visiting that apartment. Then I’ll meet you back at your crypt just before sunset.”

Spike parked in front of Buffy’s house. “If you need me sooner, Slayer, you know where I’ll be.”

He idled at the curb until the Slayer shut her front door. Smacking the steering wheel with a clenched fist, Spike pointed the Desoto toward Restfield and gunned the motor.



*****


Ethan stumbled again. Reaching out, he scrambled to grab at the rough cave wall. Leaning against the wall to catch his breath he tried to peer farther down the path to check for any more obstructions. Unfortunately the minimal light thrown by the sconces hammered into the wall at such long intervals cast more shadow than actual light. Giving up the attempt, he wiped his hands on his pants and continued cautiously picking his way.

Glancing at the luminous dial of his wristwatch he grimaced. The protocols of any meeting with the Thesa Overlord were known and rigidly enforced. The image rose in his mind of being nailed to the throne room wall crucifixion style, mouth open in a wordless scream. He started jogging.

*****

Buffy hung up the phone. “Well, that wasn’t of the fun.”

Giles poured more tea in his cup and added a small lemon slice. “I assume Kyle wasn’t satisfied with your abbreviated version of last night?”

Sinking back into the couch, she replied morosely. “I know how I’d feel if it was me looking for info on my missing mom and the person supposedly helping just came up with a big fat zero.”

“It’s perfectly understandable to feel that way. However we must abide by Ms. Chaplaine’s wishes. The situation has become very convoluted and we dare not place her child in danger.”

Buffy scowled as Giles sipped from his cup. “Yeah, but Giles, it’s her fault it’s so convoluted.”

“I would like to know more about her relationship with Ethan. What hold could she possibly have over him that would pressure him enough to act as an emissary?”

Buffy bit into a pecan Danish. Swallowing, she replied. “That’s what I want to know. I’m going to check out that apartment building. Maybe we can get some answers.”

“I think that would be the prudent course of action.” Giles set his cup down. “Just do be careful.”

*****

“Overlord, the emissary has arrived.”

The Thesa Overlord, compound eyes glowing in the twilight of the throne room, motioned for the human to enter.

Ethan cautiously stepped forward into the cavernous room. Speaking in the Overlord’s native tongue, Ethan introduced himself. “I am Ethan Rayne, emissary for the High Wizard Council.”

The Overlord raised one of his six arms and waved negligently. Speaking in English, he replied. “I know who you are.” He motioned to one of the Clan members clustered nearby to close the heavy door. Ethan made a conscious effort to appear calm as the sound echoed throughout the rocky chamber.

The Overlord’s voice rumbled again. “Why would an emissary representing the White Council dare stand before me?”

Ethan swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Remember the agreement with Margot. You have to get through this in one piece. Although it was barely possible for him to glance at the Overlord without grimacing, Ethan straightened his shoulders and looked directly into the demon’s face. “I have been requested to offer a proposition to the Overlord of the Thesa Clan.”

“This proposition of which you speak is not from the entire Council. This I already know.” The Overlord leaned forward and his iridescent wings spread wider, shimmering in the flickering light. “Yet I will deign to listen.”

“You have a mighty friend in the successor Imperial Wizard. She wishes to offer an allegiance that will benefit the Clan.”

The Overlord gazed at Ethan impassively. “Continue.”

“She has the means to offer death to an old enemy, the Chieftain of the Gashi.”

The gentle murmuring that had been background noise rose until it threatened to drown out their conversation. The Overlord paid no attention. Continuing to stare at Ethan, he queried . “And in return?”

“She wishes a certain portion of the gain.”

The murmuring grew louder.

The Overlord jumped to his feet and thundered. “I am First Overlord of the Thesa Clan. I will not pay tribute!”

Ethan shrank back. “Forgive me, Overlord, for I’ve misspoken. The Imperial Wizard merely wishes a small one time compensation. There is something that the Gashi Chieftain has within his possession that she wishes to obtain, but otherwise all land and activities associated with the Gashi would clearly be yours. She has no interest in either.”

The Overlord retook his throne and motioned the hall to quiet. “What does the White Wizard seek?”

“I am sworn not to reveal that information unless you choose the alliance.”

The demon inclined his head. “I will consider this alliance. Return in one day.”

Ethan nodded and backed away from the throne. “As you wish.”

When Ethan had left the room accompanied by several of the Clan, the Overlord turned to one of his guards. “Send a tracker. I want to know everywhere the emissary goes until his return.”

Pulling his wings close to his body, the Thesa Overlord settled comfortably within his chair to consider the ramifications of allegiance with a white wizard. He questioned the motives of a leader who would covet something so badly that she would align herself with a known enemy to acquire it. He began to think of possible ways to exploit that lust.

Chapter 7

Changing Structures


Giles checked his watch. It was after the dinner hour in London. Pulling out his personal address book, he dialed a number and poured another cup of tea while he listened to the phone ring. “Gillian? It’s Rupert Giles.”

“Rupert, my dear boy, how wonderful to hear from you.” The elderly woman’s voice held enthusiasm. “Where are you?”

“I’m with the Slayer on a Hellmouth in Sunnydale, which is near Los Angeles. How are you Gillian?”

“As fine as an old woman can be. I could bore you with my myriad ailments, but I’m assuming you haven’t called to inquire about my health. What is it you want, Rupert?”

Giles smiled. How like Gillian to get right to the point. He allowed himself a moment of nostalgia for his old mentor. “Actually, I do have a reason for calling. After you stopped teaching magic to student Watchers, I know you spent a good many years as liaison between the Watcher’s Council and the Imperial Wizard Council.”

Her throaty chuckle echoed through the line. “Well, I don’t know if I would call them good years, but yes, I was liaison. What’s this all about? You’ve not become involved with the wizards, have you? Quentin won’t be pleased, boundaries exceeded and all that rot.”

He skated around the question. “What can you tell me about them? I’m mainly interested in the Chaplaines.” He could hear the clink of crystal as Gillian poured a post prandial brandy as clearly as if he were sitting across the desk in her book lined study. It was amazing the advances in technology. Suddenly tired, he wondered how long it would be until he could retire from the field. Not while Buffy still needed him at any rate. Gillian’s voice through the line snapped him back to the present.

“The Chaplaines, eh? The wizards play it close to the vest, but in my capacity I spent a fair amount of time around them, especially the Imperial Wizard. In my estimation, Roger Chaplaine is a good leader and tactician, impeccable credentials, from one of the oldest families. Widowed when his daughter was about eight, he was left to raise his only child alone. Utterly devoted to her, he groomed Margot to take over the reins. The mother had some sort of hereditary illness, became bedridden and finally succumbed.”

“What’s your take on his abilities?”

Giles could hear her taking a sip of brandy. He realized she was trying to decide how much she could actually tell him.

“I was allowed to participate in one of their inner sanctum rituals once. One of the Council’s inner circle died quite suddenly and the preparations couldn’t be stopped. As the only other person trained in the field at the time I was chosen as a temporary replacement.

We were attempting to close a huge time vortex that had opened in Barcelona and the power required was immense. Chaplaine acted in his capacity as Imperial Wizard and everything we could muster was channeled through him. It was incredibly draining; afterwards I was unable to do the most elementary spell for nearly two weeks.

Roger focused all that power and closed the rift. It was the most amazing and humbling thing I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Roger Chaplaine is the most accomplished wizard I’ve ever known.”

“What do you know about the daughter?”

“Margot is a beautiful young woman, brilliant in her own right, passionate, protective of her own, headstrong with a quick temper, rash upon occasion. In my youth we would have called her fiery. Quite a handful when young, but grown into her own now.”

“I understand she was widowed.”

Gillian’s voice softened. “Margot Chaplaine and John Carter were a perfect love match. Childhood playmates raised together among the closed society of upper crust wizard families, they came to love each other madly.

As sometimes is the case, opposite temperaments attracted. Where Margot was rash, John was analytical. Margot quick to anger; John calm and easy going. He was good for her, Rupert, helped settle her, made her a better woman and helped hone her potential.

He was also being groomed for the inner circle, possibly at her right hand. His natural abilities were nearly as strong as hers. His sudden death left behind an enormous hole to fill on the Council and a completely devastated woman with two young children, one still in nappies. I don’t believe Margot ever got over John’s death and I hesitate to say that she ever really will.”

“What happened to him? Was he ill, too?”

“No, John was in excellent health. Because of his temperament, Roger asked him to be a mediator between two demon clans warring over territory. Normally this would have been a Watcher’s Council matter, but we were in a dither at the time. All within the same week we lost our Slayer to vampires, our Potential died in a freak car accident and an unexpected Hellmouth opened. We were all sixes and sevens and the Wizard Council stepped into the breach at our request. It should have been a walk in the park as these things go. John was sent to the summit and disappeared. They found his body two days later. He had been killed in a most gruesome fashion. Quite obviously a power play, it was never proven which demon clan did the deed, but it drove a wedge between the wizards and the watchers still in effect today.”

Giles murmured. “So that’s what caused the rift. What happened after Carter’s murder?”

“Although grief stricken himself, Champlaine tried to control the fallout, but his Council voted unanimously to never again become involved in anything except their own specific area of expertise. They became isolationists. Margot passionately led the charge against her father, campaigning tirelessly against anymore involvement with us. It caused a huge rift between them.

I returned to London at this point; there was no need for a liaison any longer. Later I heard through the grapevine Margot reconciled with her father and had been put up as Successor.”

“Thank you Gillian for both your prodigious memory and your candor. This has been most enlightening.”

“Rupert, I’d like to leave you with one piece of advice.” He could hear the hint of warning. “I don’t know what you’re involved in, but it would not be prudent to cross the Council or the Chaplaines. There are no stronger wizards in the entire world.”

I don’t know what I’m involved in either. After promising to phone the elderly educator again soon, Giles hung up. Taking a sip of his now-tepid tea he pondered everything Gillian had revealed about Margot.

Given her history it was no surprise she had seized the opportunity to deal a serious blow to the demon community. Giles now understood that for Margot Chaplaine, revenge was the name of today’s dish and she was serving it icy cold.


******


The Gashi Chieftain wiped his mouth with the linen napkin and bared his serrated teeth in the parody of a contented smile. “Luncheon was excellent.” He gazed at the man cowering before him in front of the finely set trestle table. “My complements to the Chef. Provided you cook this well every time, human, you’ll be allowed to continue in my service.”

He nodded to the Clan soldier holding the end of the Chef’s chain. “Take him back to the kitchen and chain him again.” As the soldier pulled the man toward the door, the Chieftain called, “For dinner I would like a cheese soufflé with braised Portobello mushrooms and steak béarnaise, not too heavy on the sauce.”

He turned and waved a furred brown arm at another soldier hovering in the room. “Kill the wine steward- that was a most appalling vintage.” The soldier nodded and turned away. “Afterward bring some port to my office.”

The Chieftain pushed away from the table, stood up and held out a paw to his mate. She rose gracefully, tail twitching lightly. The couple, arm in arm, strolled toward their personal quarters. It was their custom to nap after lunch.

The Chieftain escorted his mate to their den. “I’ll return a bit later, Sweetling, I have some work to do.” He held the door for her until she silently passed through and then closed it. Continuing down the hall, he turned into a roomy study lined with books and sat down in his leather chair behind a large mahogany desk. A light knock on the door preceded a soldier bearing a crystal decanter and glass.

“Tell tonight’s Raid Leader that I will require another wine steward and yet another lady’s maid. The last did not please my mate.” He shrugged his enormous shoulders and spoke conspiratorially, “Females, what can you do? If they’re not happy, we’re not happy.”

Taking a sip of Port, the Chieftain began rummaging through his desk. Completing his search, he pulled out a small, antique book. He hated Grimoires, having no use for anything he could not subdue with teeth, claws or cunning, but this particular book held a newfound interest.

He had spent several hours searching for its location, having misplaced it after removal from a conquest years before. Now that he was about to embark on a partnership with the Imperial Council, he wanted to see if anything within the book could enlighten him on their peculiar ways. He prided himself on understanding any enemy as completely as possible, thus allowing him to always remain one step ahead. This philosophy had enabled him to rise and remain Chieftain within the Gashi Clan.

Unfortunately he couldn’t read any of it and recent raids hadn’t uncovered anyone else who could read the obscure language either. He leafed through it for a few minutes staring at the incomprehensible words and willing them into either Gashi or English.
Growing increasingly frustrated, he closed the book and dropped it back in the drawer.

He just needed to remain patient. Each nightly raid brought the possibility of acquiring an interpreter. Then he would discover the secret to controlling and using the wizards. Feeling confident of his prowess in the art of leadership, he went off to find his mate. Giving her the news that she was to have another new maid offered the hope that she would have sex with him several times this afternoon. If she refused he would be afforded the additional pleasure of beating her until she acquiesced.

*****


The delivery boy scanned the hall of the apartment building. After only a few days working lunchtime deliveries in Sunnydale, he had already learned to check stops carefully. Balancing the pizza box, he used his free hand to knock.

When a woman opened the door, he smiled and tried to hand over the box. Instead of reaching for it, she motioned him forward. Warily, he looked behind her, but couldn’t see anything or anyone. Stepping closer to the apartment’s entrance, he placed the box over the threshold and into her waiting hands. “Here you go ma’am, one large deluxe. That’ll be fifteen even.”

Holding a twenty between her thumb and forefinger, she waved it gently.

He reached across the threshold again and took the money. The door closed abruptly.

The words “Thanks. Enjoy the pizza” died on his lips. Shrugging, he headed for the exit.

Buffy waited a few seconds for the delivery boy to start down the stairs before slipping away from the alcove and over to the apartment door. Stepping close, she pressed her ear to the door. No dice. The heavy oak door muffled any sound inside.

Disappointed, she wished she’d waited to do this until tonight. She could have used Spike. The vampire would’ve been able to give her complete intelligence on everything going on in there. He’d know whether the woman she’d seen was demonic and even how many other people or demons were hiding in the apartment. If she’d decided it was necessary, the vamp would have helped take them down, too. He reveled in a good fight.

Stepping back from the door, Buffy blinked. She hadn’t realized until this moment how much she’d begun to depend on Spike. It felt as if things had changed between them. Somehow he just didn’t seem too evil or even really annoying any more. What in the world is going on?

A little voice inside her head played devil’s advocate. Remember Tara invited the vampire to her party. She must have noticed something going on with Spike. Maybe he was changing long before now and you just hadn’t given him any opportunity to show you.

Putting the demons in the apartment out of her mind for a moment, Buffy focused on the last couple of days. Almost dazed she walked over and sat on the stairs, trying to get a handle on the confused thoughts swirling around in her head. She thought back to the things she’d noticed but had been too busy to really digest.

First had been Spike agreeing to chauffeur her to that initial meeting and continuing to drive her all around Sunnydale although she knew he had very limited money for gas. You never asked Giles to pay him gas money either, even though it was official Slayer business. Grimacing at the voice, she continued her mental list.

He’d offered to help find the wizard for Joyce’s sake, not for money. Joyce liked Spike and Spike had a soft spot for Buffy’s mom, so that rang true. Giles had never offered to pay him and Buffy knew the Imperial Wizard wasn’t compensating him. In fact, she wasn’t sure the wizard was even aware the vampire was helping. Spike didn’t seem to care whether or not anyone knew either, so he definitely wasn’t doing it for the accolades.

Next was Spike’s kindness and affection toward Kyle. Spike had made a conscious effort in the car to make the boy feel better. Then later the declaration from his own lips that they needed to find Margot for the child’s sake.

Several times during the last couple days, Spike had proven that he was ready and willing to fight at her side. He would certainly never expect her to hold back, in fact the vampire would laugh uproariously at the very idea of the Slayer not going all out.

Last night in the car when she’d asked for his opinions about Margot, Spike had tried to help her by opening up and offering his thoughts and impressions of both the wizard and the demons. Then you ran to Giles and shut him out.

He’d even voiced concerns over how Margot’s crazy plot would affect everyone involved. Okay, he’d given her a loophole for her phone conversation with Kyle, but hello, that didn’t necessarily make him evil. You willingly grabbed the out and ran all the way to the phone with it.

Okay, it was true. The real deal. For whatever reasons, Spike had obviously changed, and maybe she’d done a bit of changing, too. With the result that during the past few days she and the chipped vamp had forged a bond.

With complete clarity, Buffy realized that Spike had become someone she could call a good friend. Huh.

Still pondering this perplexing epiphany, Buffy stood up. She’d spent enough time sitting around on the analyst couch. Time was getting away from her. Moving back to the apartment’s door, she concentrated on returning to Slayer mode.

No matter what the end result of all this thinking was, besides making her head hurt, she was solo now. She needed to get into that apartment. Raising her hand to finally knock on the door and mean business, she heard someone else climbing the stairs.

Drat. Grumbling that the stupid hall was busier than the Sunnydale train station, Buffy slipped back into the shadowed alcove again.

Chapter 8

Blame My Heart

“You can come out of your priest hole Slayer. It’s only me.” Spike leaned against the corner of the alcove.

“Spike. There’s no priest in here.” Buffy frowned at the vampire. “There isn’t even a church for miles.”

“Remind me to check if your telly actually receives the history channel.”

“Why do you care about the history channel so much? The only things you ever watch are Passions and Monty Python Oh wait, they’re really old.” Buffy smirked. “I bet they’re both featured during prime time. What are you doing here so early? I mean, it’s after lunch so it isn’t really early, but for you…”

“Yeah, I know. Creature of the night, yada yada. I’ve had enough shut eye. I knew you were comin’ over here and I’ve got to own up to a fair amount of curiosity about this apartment. During my little stroll past the door, I could hear two human heartbeats but neither one of them is Rayne. What do you say to a little visit with the occupants?”

His eyes twinkling, he added, “Unless you’d rather spend some quality time together.”

Buffy rolled her eyes and said, “No one’s doing any spending in here.” She suddenly felt a little dazed at the fleeting vision in her head.

Shaking off a mental image of standing in the alcove with Buffy pressed against him, Spike chuckled at the rejoinder. “Suit yourself luv. So what’s your plan?”

“Plan? I don’t have any plan. I was just going to knock and then force myself inside when they opened the door.”

He snorted. “You’re right, that’s not a plan it’s a home invasion. Slayer, when are you ever goin’ to learn that you should always have some kind of plan?”

Mentally shaking her head at the vampire’s familiar refrain, she replied, “Okay, then we’ll use the bracelet.”

“Because it worked so bloody well before. Remember our last outing disguised as rocks stuck to the wizard’s floor?”

“I don’t want to be a rock or a dinosaur either. Do you know that I actually dreamt about being covered in mud and getting dropped in a tar pit after that? But I doubt Margot’s ever warded this place, so it really should work.”

Spike pushed a vision of Buffy covered head to toe in mud to the back of his mind to be considered at a later time. “I’ll go along with usin’ the bracelet, providin’ I can get inside. If it doesn’t work, we go with your original idea and I’ll guard your back out here. Now what exactly are we tryin’ for?”

“Our objective is to find out who the mystery people are inside and what they’ve got to do with Rayne. See if we can find out what leverage Margot’s got on him. We need to know that it’ll continue to work.”

“Sounds good.” He grinned. “And now, you’ve got a plan. See how easy that was? Especially with yours truly here for guidance in all things nefarious.”

Buffy laughed and reached down for Spike’s hand. I never noticed how slender his fingers were before. She touched the two charms and they both grimaced at the uncomfortable sensation.

“You’d think someone as powerful as Mr. Chaplaine could do something about that icky feeling, wouldn’t you?”

“Yeah, because all wizards are so very interested in other people’s bleedin’ comfort.”

The Slayer knocked lightly on the door and they both waited impatiently. Buffy realized she still held Spike’s hand. Flustered, she let go and crossed her arms.

Spike glanced at her curiously and stuck his hands in the side pockets of his duster.

After another moment, the door opened and a familiar looking man peered out. Puzzled at not seeing anyone, he walked into the hall toward the stairs. Seizing the opportunity, the couple slipped into the apartment.

The man came back inside and closed the door. “That’s odd. There wasn’t anyone there.” He spoke to a brunette sitting at the dining room table, the remains of the leftover pizza still in front of her. “I don’t like this. How could no one be out there and yet we both heard the knock?”

The brunette shrugged. “Someone probably realized they had the wrong apartment and left before you opened the door. It’s been known to happen, Drake.”

Buffy stifled a gasp. Drake! That’s why he looked so familiar. It’s Margot’s stepson, the singer from the Bronze. She looked over at Spike. He placed a finger on his lips and nodded. He had recognized the man, too. Motioning to the wall, he and Buffy slid close together and slipped back against it.

The brunette picked at the pizza. “You’re becoming too paranoid.”

“And you’re not paranoid enough, Claire. This is a dangerous game Margot has you playing.” Buffy’s brain had stepped into overdrive. So this was Kyle’s sister, Claire. I thought everyone said she was in New York. She concentrated on the ongoing conversation.

Drake ran his hands through his hair. “When is Rayne supposed to come back here?”

“Probably pretty soon. Mom’s going to call.”

“Then I better leave. Please be careful.” Drake touched her shoulder.

Claire smiled up at him. “I’ll be fine, big brother. After all, it’s almost over.”

A cell phone on the table started ringing. Drake closed the door behind him as Claire picked it up. “Yeah?” She paused as someone on the other end-Margot?- said something.

“Fine. I’m ready. Okay. Bye.” She hung up and wheeled around to the wall where Buffy and Spike were standing.

“Okay, you’ve got about ten seconds to tell me who you are and why you’re in my apartment before I rip you into teeny tiny pieces.”

“Bloody hell. Didn’t I tell you the bracelet wouldn’t work?” Spike scowled at Buffy, who looked confusedly at Claire and held up her wrist. “How can you see us? When Mr. Chaplaine gave this to me, he swore it would work and so far it hasn’t more than it has.”

The brunette starting laughing. “My grandfather made it? Well, there’s your answer. Anything a white wizard fashions can’t be used against another white wizard without expending an enormous amount of energy, especially on someone in his own family.”

“Drake didn’t notice you; he’s not trained in the arts, so obviously it does work.” She perched on the end of the couch. “So, we must be on the same side. I’m Claire Chaplaine. Who are you exactly?”

“I’m Buffy Summers.” She joined Claire on the couch. “I’m the Slayer here on the Hellmouth and this is Spike. He and I are friends and we work together. It’s a long story and I don’t think we’ve got enough time to go over it, unless you want Ethan Rayne to catch us here but we’re actually helping your mom.”

Spike walked around the living room looking at the very expensive knickknacks and listened to the Slayer and the wizard play twenty questions. He was running his finger across the intricate pattern of what was almost certainly a late Ming dynasty vase when he heard Buffy state categorically that not only were they partners, which was a shock in itself, but that they were friends as well. Friends.

Utter shock warred with amazement and Spike caught the toe of his Doc Marten on the base of the pedestal and stumbled. Quickly catching his balance, he steadied the rocking vase and managed to mumble the requisite “sorry” when both women turned to stare at him. Bloody hell. But friends!

Buffy looked to see what had caused the graceful vampire to stumble. At a loss, she patted the couch cushion next to her. “Spike, why don’t you sit over here?”

Ignoring the interruption, Claire continued. “I can’t afford to use any dampening spells in here, so the bracelet will work fine on Ethan.”

She looked quizzically at Buffy. “So you’re a Slayer. I’ve never met one before.”

Turning to the cute but clumsy guy walking toward her, Claire added, “I can feel that you’re not human. Vampire? I’ve never met one of those either.” She grinned. “This must be my month for new experiences. So how did you two get mixed up in my mother’s glorious mess?”

Spike dropped down on the couch next to Buffy and offered a brilliant smile to both women. “Just really lucky. But now tell me something, pet, how’d I get in here without an invite?” He turned to Buffy, willingly sitting right next to him. “Was it the bracelet?”

Claire shrugged. “I don’t know anything about your bracelet, but this apartment isn’t owned by anyone I’m actually acquainted with. My mom borrowed it from a Brachin demon, so there’s your answer.” She gazed at the two blonds. “My turn. What are you two doing here?”

“We’re keeping tabs on Ethan and we followed him to this apartment yesterday.” Buffy was beginning to like Claire. “What’s going on between you and Ethan?”

“I’m doing my mom a favor, keeping Ethan in line. We’ve done a powerful joint glamour on me and love spell on Ethan. He thinks he’s in love with a blonde bimbo named Candy Apples.”

She snickered. “Candy Apples. Can you imagine how difficult it is to keep a straight face every time he says it? You see, we had to use this one type of naming ritual for the binding part of the spell and it specifically required fruit and then we needed something sweet for the love spell and well, you get the idea.”

Buffy giggled helplessly.

Waving her hand airily, the wizard continued. “I’ve been trapped in this apartment by Margot the wicked wizard until Ethan completes the ambassador thing. Then we’ll live happily ever after in wedded bliss, where I presume I’ll get to change my name, although one has to wonder if Candy Rayne is truly the best alternative.”

Claire sobered. “As you heard, obviously Drake hates it. My stepbrother doesn’t trust the magicks to hold, so he keeps running over here between gigs to check on me. He’s afraid Ethan will wake from his fruit induced haze and slice Ms. Apples into little pieces in her sleep.”

“There’s got to be another way of keepin’ him in line.”

“It was the best way we could come up with to keep really close tabs on him and yet make it appear fairly normal. He’s a strong enough wizard in his own right that we can’t really make him do anything completely out of character. This works well. He’s around here constantly and he tells me everything he’s doing.”

“But it’s not like you’re thinking. Darling Ms. Apples hasn’t peeled for him.” She grinned at the vampire’s amused snort. “Mostly I just act sexy and helpless and then turn hysterical over my situation. He doesn’t even stay overnight; we placed a suggestion that it’s much too dangerous.

It’s not a nice thing to do, I know, but Ethan’s not really a very nice guy and after all, he started the ball rolling when he brought the offer to my mom from the Gashi, so obviously, he’s in bed with them. But they’re the only ones he’s going to bed with.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

“No, I’m pretty set, except there’s only so much fast food a gal can eat. At this rate, Ms. Apples will be shaped like her name fairly soon.”

They heard a key turn in the lock. Buffy and Spike hurried to the door and when Ethan opened the door and immediately rushed toward Claire, Buffy and Spike slipped out. Claire winked at them and closed the door.

They had just reached the alcove when Spike pulled Buffy inside and hissed. “Slayer, there’s somethin’ comin’.”

Peering around the corner Buffy saw a large winged demon reach the top of the stairs. It advanced slowly down the hall and stopped at Claire’s door, cocking its head.

Buffy whispered. “That bug demon is trying to hear inside the apartment.”

“That’s a Thesa Tracker. The Overlord must have Rayne under surveillance, too.”

“If he’s being followed, Margot may be in danger.”

The demon, apparently having no more luck listening through the door than Buffy had earlier, backed up and shuffled toward the stairs. When it began the descent, she made a decision. “I’m going to see where it goes. We need to try to find out if the Thesa have figured out where Margot is hiding.”

“Be careful, Slayer, Thesa demons are incredibly tough to kill.” He lightly touched her arm. “I heard you tell Claire that I was working as your partner. Did you mean it?”

Buffy nodded, still watching the demon. “I’ve been thinking about all the things you’ve done these past few days. We make a really good team.”

Don’t be a ponce. Ask the question. “What about the rest of it?” He placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her gently toward him and searched her face. “Slayer, do you really consider us friends?”

Staring directly into his eyes, she replied gently. “It took me awhile to really figure out what I thought and for that I’m sorry. But yes, Spike, I think you’ve not only become a true friend, but you’re quite possibly the only one around me who understands what it actually means to be the Slayer.”

She lowered her eyes. “Which is why I know you won’t try to hold me back when I say I’ve got to go, I don’t want to lose the trail.”

Spike dropped his arms and stepped back. “You’re not even carryin’ a weapon.” Frustration with the situation gave his voice an edge. “With the sun still so high, you’ll have no back up either.”

“But you’re right, I would never hold you back.” Spike feigned a nonchalance he didn’t feel. “Watch yourself Slayer.”

Buffy knew what it had taken for the vampire to give in so gracefully. “I’ll be fine; I’m only going to follow it.”

She held up her wrist. “This will be enough. While I’m gone I need you to take the sewers to Giles’ apartment and tell him what we’ve found out so far. I’m going to follow the demon to ground, and then go home for dinner. I’ll meet you at sunset and we’ll weapon up. After all, I know you wouldn’t want to be deprived of a chance at a really great bloodbath.”

“Ah, you know me too well, Slayer.” Spike pushed away from the alcove wall. “I’ll see you at sunset.”

Buffy left the alcove for the stairs. Cursing his inability to accompany her, Spike stood at the landing and watched the Slayer walk out into bright afternoon sun before he turned for the sewers.


******

Margot set the porcelain bowl filled with tepid water on the table within her salt circle and mentally prepared herself. Scrying was extremely difficult, even for someone with her natural talent and years of practice. She had hit a blank wall so many times in her attempts to locate John’s Grimoire that she was almost afraid to try again. But two years ago when she’d discovered irrefutable information that the Gashi had been at fault in his death, she knew the Chieftain had it and realized she’d have to curb her infamous impatience.

Then Rayne had shown up this past spring and dropped the possibility of getting it back right in her lap and she knew the fates were finally on her side. She had readily agreed to the blood oath to insure a closer connection and a better chance at finally seeing where it was hidden.

It had been all she could do to hide her frustration and demand its return during the ceremony with the Gashi ambassador. She absolutely had to have it. With only one more week until her installation, time was running out. Margot sent a quick prayer to the Goddess, took a deep calming breath and stared into the still water.


*****


Giles, expecting Buffy when he answered the door, was unhappily surprised at his actual visitor.

“Hello, Mr. Giles.”

“Kyle.” Oh dear. “I’m sorry, but neither Buffy nor Spike are here at present.”

“Actually, I’m here to see you. My grandfather asks if you might have time for a short visit.”

“Now?”

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

“I would very much like to meet your grandfather, Kyle. I think we’ve much to discuss. Let me get my car keys and I’ll drive us both.”

*****

Spike dashed across the yard to Giles’ front door and immediately realized no one was home. Cursing, he was trying to decide what to do when he spied a familiar bicycle locked to the gate.

Luckily the Watcher’s mid life crisis car is too small to hold the junior wizard’s bike.

He needed to go back to the cemetery and pick up the Desoto. By that time it would be dark and the Slayer would have finished tailing the Thesa and be eating dinner. Spike decided to grab his own meal while at the crypt and then pick up Buffy. He could drive them both over to the wizard’s house and find her errant Watcher.

Spike lifted his blanket over his head and ran back toward the sewer entrance.


*****

Buffy was bored tailing the demon. Playing Nancy Drew wasn’t any fun at all, she would’ve much rather been killing it. That would have been fun.

She skirted a large crack in the sidewalk, keeping the Thesa demon in sight. A giant bug leaves a building in broad daylight and no one even notices or cares. Gotta love Sunnydale.

At first she’d tried to avoid gaining its attention by hiding behind signs and cars, but the demon seemed almost preprogrammed. Not paying attention to anything around it and staring strictly forward, the Thesa continued to move at the same steady pace. Finally Buffy gave up the hiding ploy completely and just went for Ms. Obvious.

Now she was just walking a block behind the demon, trying to figure out where it was headed and occasionally window shopping. She stopped to admire a cute top and almost missed seeing it turn into an abandoned building at the edge of the shopping district. Now this was more like it. She could watch where it went to ground, go back, grab a weapon and wipe out one nasty demon bug infestation.

Buffy chuckled. Instead of a sword maybe I’ll try to find a huge rolled up newspaper or an industrial sized can of raid.

Musing to herself about whether a newspaper or a magazine was the better choice for smashing bugs, she cautiously crept up to the old building and tried to peer in the window. Unable to see anything, she was surreptitiously wiping a clean spot at the corner of the filthy glass when she heard a hiss and whirled around, raising her leg to kick. A large stinger on the demon’s forearm shot out, plunging deeply into her calf. Seconds later, unconscious, she slumped to the ground.

Chapter 9

Destroy Me While You Still Can

Kyle opened the heavy door and gestured for Giles to enter the study. Softly closing the door behind the Watcher, he bent close to the keyhole.

Giles walked into the room and got his first look at the Imperial Wizard, and although resembling the picture in his file, in person Roger Chaplaine looked far older and much more careworn.

Buffy was certainly right, the job has aged him tremendously.

Standing firmly erect with an almost military-like bearing, the wizard extended his hand. “Rupert Giles. It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person; I am such an admirer of yours. I’m Roger Chaplaine. Please sit down. May I offer you some tea? Or perhaps you would prefer a glass of wine?”

Giles shook the man’s hand and sat in the chair indicated by his host. It was then he noticed a tray sitting on a cherry side table laden with the teapot and trimmings that constitute a cream tea. “Tea will be fine.”

Handing over an aromatic cup of Earl Gray and a filled plate, Chaplaine spoke. “I’m American; however I spent several years in England during the early portion of my tenure and acquired the habit of afternoon tea.”

Reaching for the cream, he continued. “As I’m sure you’re aware, I have had the occasion to meet with your Slayer and I was most impressed. Ms. Summers is forthright and I admire that. I raised my daughter Margot to be a strong individual, too. I can’t abide solely decorative women.”

Giles placed his cup and saucer on the small table next to his chair. “Buffy is doing everything possible to locate your daughter.”

“I’ve actually asked you here for two reasons. First allow me to preface my remarks by saying that although our organizations no longer work together, I nonetheless follow the Watcher’s Council and its members. I feel that you are Quentin Travers’ most capable and knowledgeable Watcher. It is because of your training and resources that the current Slayer has had such longevity in the field.”

“Buffy Summers is the strongest Slayer we’ve had since Nikki Wood. She is very resourceful in her own right.”

“Please do not misunderstand, I do not mean to impinge on your Slayer’s personal abilities. As I stated a moment ago I admire her tremendously. I merely wish you to know that I realize you have had a strong hand in her successes.”

“Thank you.”

“My true hope is that someday our organizations can again be close allies in the fight against the dark.”

“As do I.” Giles sipped his tea and studied the older man. An obviously formal man, Chaplaine projected both power and strength. Gillian was correct. It would be foolhardy to cross him without an extremely good reason. He cleared his throat. “You spoke of two reasons for this meeting?”

“Yes. I believe you and I should join together to sort this problem out. It would be a good first step for our organizations. As allies, this would mean that we can not have secrets from each other, so in good faith I shall be the first to show my hand, as they say. I know your Slayer has already discovered the location of my daughter.”

Giles murmured. “The bracelet.”

“Of course. Did you really believe I would fashion such an intricate object and not have a way to track its bearer? I placed a beacon that alerted me the moment your Slayer found her. It also allowed me the knowledge that my daughter is both alive and well.”

“We had no choice in the matter. Ms. Chaplaine swore Buffy to secrecy.”

“Margot is an impetuous woman who has no doubt hatched some wild scheme as a last grand hurrah before assuming her position.”

“So you knew she hadn’t been kidnapped all along.”

“I surmised as much. However I was not absolutely certain until you located her.” He leaned forward. “Mr. Giles, she’s not only the Successor, but my only child. You must tell me what she has planned.”

“In the spirit of mutual cooperation and because she didn’t mention keeping her undertaking a secret from the Imperial Council, I’ll tell you everything I know.”

Kyle shifted his weight and leaned closer to the keyhole. He listened as Giles quickly summed up Margot’s plot. He straightened up and stepped away when he heard a loud knock at the front door. He opened the door to see Spike standing on the wide porch.

“I need to speak with the Watcher. I know he’s here.”

“Hi Spike.” Kyle thrust his hands in his pockets. “You’re right, Mr. Giles is here. But before you see him, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“What is it?”

“Why didn’t Buffy tell me you’d found my mom?”

Spike stopped short. “How?” He noticed the scuff marks in front of the study door. “Listening in at keyholes eh? I did the same thing when I was your age.”

Spike studied the young boy. Kyle was staring at his sneakers, his shoulders hunched over. Suddenly the memory of another young boy growing up in a house very much like this flashed through his mind.

Spike placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and his voice softened. “I’m truly sorry, Kyle. Your mum made us both promise. If it was up to me, I would’ve told you. But the Slayer’s too honorable for that, she’d never go back on her word. She really worried over it too. Felt real bad about keepin’ the truth from you. We both did.”

Kyle lifted his head. “I understand she couldn’t break her promise. She’s the Slayer.”

“That’s right. The Slayer is very serious when it comes to her callin’ and doin’ the right thing.” Spike smiled. “And even though I’m not naturally predisposed in that direction, now that I work with her, she makes me toe the line, too. Now, where’s her Watcher? We’ve got a problem to sort out.”

Kyle pointed toward the study. “They’re in there. My grandfather invited Mr. Giles to afternoon tea.”

“How bloody civilized, those two takin’ afternoon tea together. No, don’t wait out here in the hall. Everything you’d done lately, I think you’ve earned the right to come in and join their boys club.”

Giles looked up sharply when Spike strode into the room, Kyle at his side. Before he could speak, Spike beat him to the punch. “Slayer’s gone missin’. I drove to her house, thought I’d save her a walk and Joyce said she didn’t show for dinner. She missed our meeting, too. Last time I saw her, she was trackin’ a Thesa demon that was spendin’ its time following Rayne around Sunnyhell.”

Kyle’s gasp could be heard in the sudden quiet of the room.

Chaplaine looked over at his grandson. “Kyle, please retrieve my staff.” The wizard looked at Giles. “I can help you find your Slayer, the bracelet will track her.”

While they waited for Kyle to return with the staff, Spike filled them in on the visit to the apartment that afternoon and their discovery that Claire was helping Margot in her endeavor.

Chaplaine shook his head. “I never even considered that Claire was anywhere but at home in New York.” He sighed. “I fear I am getting much too old for all of this.”

Kyle returned with the staff. Chaplaine took it, placed it in his lap and gripped it tightly with his right hand. Making a fist with his left hand, he muttered an incantation. A soft burst of light appeared around the closed hand. He opened his eyes and indicated for Spike to move closer. Warily he obeyed.

“Hold out your hand.” Champlain’s voice was tired.

The wizard dropped a small silver ring into Spike’s open palm. “This ring will lead you to the Slayer. It is a companion piece to the bracelet. Go to the last place you were with her, say the word “reveal” and it will indicate the way.” He slumped against his chair obviously exhausted. The lines that bracketed his eyes and mouth were more pronounced than ever.

Giles poured the elderly man another cup of tea.

Spike slipped the ring on his finger. “I’ll run by the crypt and grab a weapon, and then I’ll start tracking the Slayer from the apartment building.”

“Spike?”

“Yeah?”

Giles pulled out his key ring and removed a key. “My place is closer. Get something out of the weapons chest.” At Spike’s surprised look, he added. “Time may be of the essence.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll find her.” Hesitating, he added. “Ta.”

Spike opened the study door and Kyle followed him out. “Spike? Could you give me a ride back to Mr.Giles’ apartment? I need to pick up my bike.”

“Sure.”

Once in the car, he turned to Spike. “I wanted a chance to talk to you.”

Spike started the ignition and pulled away from the curb. “Okay, you have your chance. What is it?”

“I want to help Buffy. Will you let me see the ring?”

Spike handed the ring over.

Kyle held it in his hand and closed his eyes. Muttering an incantation under his breath, he opened his eyes again. “Here.”

“Are you goin’ to tell me how you magicked up the ring, or am I supposed to know intuitively?”

“I added something.”

“Oh? And what might that be? Not thinkin’ I’m going to be needin’ a vamp van tonight.”

“No, but you might need to be a vamp van so I added a glamour spell. Touch it, whisper the word “glamour” and then hold a picture in your mind of whatever you want to be in disguise. You’ll appear to be that until my spell stops holding, probably about an hour, maybe a bit longer.”

“An hour can be an eternity and trust me, I know eternity.” Spike glanced over at the young boy staring solemnly at him. “Thanks wizard. Your spell might help save the Slayer’s life.”



*****

Buffy wasn’t sure whether it was the horrific stench or the cold water dripping on her face that awakened her, but the way she felt when she opened her eyes made her almost wish she was still unconscious.

Sitting up slowly, she winced at the pounding in her temples and checked her calf. The puncture wound replete with deep purplish bruising hadn’t begun to heal. That meant she’d only been unconscious a short time.

Along with her leg and jackhammer headache, the Slayer felt weak and uncoordinated, her energy level depleted. There must have been something in the bug’s sting that had sapped her Slayer strength.

Scanning the area around her, Buffy realized she was incarcerated in a completely different building. The demons must have moved her while she was unconscious.
Now she was sitting on a cold stone floor in a small barred cell that smelled like it was part of the Sunnydale dump.

The only illumination was a small metal lamp hammered into the wall outside her cell. She couldn’t decide which smelled worse, the room itself or the fuel burning in the lamp.

Trying not to gag at the stench, which would only make her head hurt worse, she ran her hand across the rough stone wall. The blocks were too solid to punch through even at full strength. Ignoring the headache, she tilted her head. The ceiling was comprised of the same stone blocks, several cracks running through the mortar.

More water dripped from one of the cracks, splattering the top of her head and face. Wiping her eyes, she slid a few inches, gritting her teeth at the sudden pain.

Using one of Giles’ breathing techniques to lessen the stabbing pain, Buffy concentrated on listening to the sound of the water splashing into the growing puddle on the floor.

Finally ready, she stood up trying not to place any weight on her leg. Leaning against the wall, she touched her bracelet and illuminated the cell. Carefully skirting the growing puddle while putting all her weight on the good leg, the Slayer slowly limped/ hopped around the perimeter.

Completing an entire circuit of the small room was exhausting. Wiping off the beaded perspiration, she sat leaning against the iron bars that comprised the cell’s door. When she felt rested again, she turned around. Gripping the bar in front of her with both hands, she tugged. Nothing.

Scooting slowly across the front of the cell, Buffy tested each bar individually. They stubbornly refused to bend, she just didn’t have the strength to force them apart. Frustrated, she rubbed her temples where the struggle with the bars had worsened her headache.

Giving up the idea of immediate escape, she decided the best course of action was to rest, giving her Slayer constitution time to heal her leg and force the demon’s poison out of her system. If that didn’t work, at some point someone would show up and open the cell door.

Sliding as far from the puddle as she could, Buffy stretched out on the floor in the only position that didn’t hurt her leg. Wishing for a flyswatter the size of a troll’s hammer to materialize while she rested, the Slayer closed her eyes.




*****


The fleeting vision disappeared. Buoyed by the information she’d received during the scrying, Margot picked up the bowl, tossing the water through the window where it would soak into the parched ground.

She had been right in her supposition. The Grimoire was definitely in the possession of the Gashi Chieftain. Worriedly she thought about another piece of information she had acquired during her vision. She had been shown the Chieftain leafing through the Grimoire.

Shuddering at the potential, she knew he needed to be stopped as quickly as possible. Pulling out her cell phone, she punched a familiar number.

“Ethan? There’s been a change of plan. I want you to tell the Gashi that we need to push our meeting up….Yes now. I need to meet with the Chieftain to finalize our deal before my installation…….I don’t care what excuse you choose. Tell him I just received word I have to leave the country on important business or something. Tell him anything. Just get him to agree. Since we’re moving this up, we’ll need to do it here on the Hellmouth, so give him the alternate location we discussed…… Do you think I’m stupid? Of course I realize we’re giving him the advantage. I have my reasons, just do it……. Yes, I still want you to meet with the Thesa Overlord. We’re continuing with the plan so we need him…… Then go now, before your meeting. The Gashi are nocturnal.” Her voice hardened. “I’m warning you Ethan. Don’t screw this up.”

The final stage had been set in motion. Margot walked through the filthy rooms where she’d spent the past week. She missed her children and her comfortable bed. She missed her life.

The certain discovery of John’s Grimoire had caused memories to resurface that she’d thought long buried.

Stopping at the small sink, she splashed cold water on her face. Staring at her reflection in the cracked mirror, Margot hardly recognized the woman that solemnly stared back, exhausted eyes too big for the overly thin face.

She continued to inspect the gaunt face with the ancient eyes, trying in vain to find some resemblance left of the young woman who had been in love with life and still had her entire future before her. A woman so consumed by love for a man that she couldn’t fathom living without him.

But the man had been dead for many years, gone forever with a single cruel twist of fate and the woman had lost that love of life. Replaced now by a powerful wizard, balanced precariously on a knife’s edge, poised to either save her world or destroy it.

Walking to the scarred table, Margot laid her head down on her arms and awaited the arrival of the Slayer and her vampire partner. The wizard had a gut feeling about the pair. The unexpected players in the game, they could tip the scale in her favor and help her undo the hubris of youth.

Chapter 10

Disharmonic Key

Spike hefted the knife. It had nice balance. Dropping it in the duster’s side pocket, he closed and locked the weapons chest. Gunning the Desoto, he ran all four traffic lights, reaching the apartment building where he’d last seen the Slayer in record time.

Bounding up the stairs, he knocked on Claire’s apartment door. When the petite brunette answered, Spike spoke quickly. “There’s been a delay. The Slayer’s gone missing. Call your mum and tell her.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Not at this point. I’ve got it covered.”

Claire nodded and shut the door. She’d have to use the phone quickly. Ethan was stopping by shortly to see her before leaving on a sudden errand.

The door shut and Spike went to the alcove. Following the instructions he had been given, he stood on the exact spot he had last seen the Slayer.

“Reveal.”

His finger tingled and the ring shone brightly, but glancing around the hall, he couldn’t see anything different. There were no ghostly footprints in a path leading across the carpet, no little floating light in the air, nothing at all that he could use to follow the Slayer’s trail.The tingling stopped. Disgusted, he looked down at the ring and saw that it had grown dull.

“Bloody hell. It didn’t work.” Muttering about incompetent wizards, he turned to leave. Right in front of him stood the Slayer.

Spike realized immediately that his eyes were deceiving him. This woman wasn’t his golden Slayer; the figure had no heartbeat, no smell, no fire. He watched as the apparition flickered briefly, like a candle flame caught in a light breeze.

A magical construct, this Buffy didn’t respond to either Spike or her surroundings. Instead, she mimicked the Slayer’s movements from earlier, holding up her wrist to show him a ghostly bracelet, then turned and ran for the stairs.

Closing his hand tightly to keep the ring from slipping, Spike hurried to follow.


*****

Kyle pulled his bike into the garage and locked the door. Walking in, he headed for the study. He had reached the hall when Giles threw open the study doors. “Kyle. Thank goodness, you’ve returned. Your grandfather has had a heart attack. He’s still alive and I’ve called for an ambulance.”

His heart pounding, Kyle ran to his grandfather. In the distance, the wail of a siren could be heard. Giles hurried to open the door for the paramedics. Gesturing to the two uniformed men carrying the gurney, he moved aside and pointed through the door. “This way.”

Watching them pass, he wondered what would happen if Chaplaine died tonight. Buffy was missing, Spike was still following her trail and the Successor Imperial Wizard had not yet been sworn into office, or even made an appearance.

The paramedics quickly ascertained that the unconscious man needed transport to the hospital. They hurriedly loaded him into the ambulance and drove away, siren wailing.

Giles turned to the young boy. “Call your sister and explain what’s happened. She needs to reach your mother immediately. It’s time for Ms. Chaplaine to come out of hiding. While you phone, I’ll put out the fire in the fireplace and then we’ll leave for the hospital.” He watched Kyle mentally gather himself together and head for the phone.

The boy’s tough. He’ll be fine. I just hope that’s true for the rest of us.



*****


Deeply concerned over the Slayer’s whereabouts, Spike was amused as well. Walking on the sidewalk and keeping an eye on the phantom Buffy, he watched as she hid behind signs and parked cars. Obviously the ring’s spell called for imitation of every movement.

Spike knew the exact moment she became bored with hide and seek. He snickered when Pod Slayer as he was calling her in his head, stopped, stamped her foot petulantly and openly moved to the sidewalk.

He continued to follow the apparition while she window shopped, occasionally turning her head to watch her quarry. Spike realized he was the only one that could actually see her when the apparition walked between two people carrying on an animated conversation. She even occasionally walked right through people.

Mentally pushing her to move faster, he hoped it wasn’t much farther to the real Slayer’s location.

Finally arrived at the abandoned building, Spike witnessed the attack and understood why the Slayer had disappeared so completely. Seeing her lying crumpled on the ground, he worriedly wondered what would happen now that the apparition had reached the point where the real Slayer had been rendered unconscious and no longer moved of her own volition.

Letting out the unnecessary breath he’d been holding, Spike mentally praised the wizard’s clever spell as the unconscious Slayer was lifted by unseen hands and carried into the building through a side door.

Closing the unlocked door, he saw her disappear through the wooden floor in the center of the empty room. Bending over the same spot, he felt around until he discovered a hidden latch. Placing his ear to the floor, he couldn’t detect any demons below.

He popped the latch and slid open a narrow trapdoor. Dropping through the access, he landed with a soft splash. Looking around Spike realized he was ankle deep in filthy water somewhere within a dark stone tunnel.

Gagging from the foul stench, he quickly stopped inhaling. Changing to game face for better sight he noticed the tunnel gently slanted downhill.

Reaching overhead, he quietly slid the trapdoor back into place. Peering through the low light, Spike saw the apparition being carried around a bend in the tunnel thirty feet ahead. Trying not to touch a brown sticky residue on the rough stone walls that was the main source of the foul odor, Spike hurried to catch up.

After slogging downhill for nearly ten minutes through the ankle deep muck following the imitation Slayer, Spike finally detected demons. Shuffling sounds and rapidly beating demon hearts announced members of the Thesa Clan were only a few yards ahead around another bend in the circuitous tunnel. He stopped and touched the ring.

A moment later he felt the now familiar tingle of a working spell. Walking confidently forward around the tunnel’s bend he saw that the floor leveled out into an enormous vaulted cavern. Milling within the space were not only non military Clan members, but dozens of armed Thesa soldiers. The space, lit with flickering metal sconces hammered into the walls, threw the demon’s shadows against the sticky encrusted walls, giving them a warped and jagged appearance.

A cacophony of sounds reverberated around the cavern making it nearly impossible to judge where any one individual sound originated. Spike followed the wall upward with his eyes to the ceiling of the domed cavern. He could see bleached bones carefully hammered into place all around the top. Dozens of skeletons, they represented a myriad of demon species and the odd human or two. Spike immediately recognized them for what they were-war trophies.

Abruptly bumped by a soldier, Spike quickly moved aside, nodding his head diffidently. The demons wore no rank insignia that he could see so he had no way to know the difference between foot soldiers and their commanders. Unobtrusively as possible, he continued to the center of the cavern.

Rapidly scanning the area Spike realized the stop to change his appearance had cost dearly, he’d lost sight of the apparition’s direction. Trying not to attract undue attention, the vampire quickly walked the cavern perimeter. His heart sank when he realized it was the main juncture for four distinct tunnels. Without a scent or heartbeat to follow, he had no idea which direction to choose. Balling his fists, Spike stood closer to the rough wall and tried to decide what to do.


*****


The unscheduled meeting with the Gashi went much better than Ethan had expected. After being announced he was ushered into a room with a large table. Seated around the table were the Gashi Chieftain, his sons and various underlings. Ethan recognized the ambassador he had met previously.

The Chieftain offered him a seat at the end of the table and a goblet of wine. Afraid to insult his host, Ethan accepted courteously. Taking his time drinking the dry cabernet, he ran the various arguments through his mind that he hoped would persuade the leonine demon to agree to the sudden changes.

Finally when he could stall no longer, Ethan set his empty glass on the table and launched into an explanation. The Chieftain listened politely. Finally, he signaled that Ethan could stop and immediately agreed to the new terms.

Ethan realized that for some unknown reason the demon actually preferred the new location and date. He shrugged away nagging questions that sprang to mind concerning why the leader would readily agree to the changes without demanding concessions.

Instead, thrilled with the quick acceptance, Ethan shook hands with the higher ranking members of the Clan and allowed himself to be politely escorted from their den.

When the door closed behind the wizard’s emissary, the Chieftain turned to his eldest son. “Have one of the soldiers unchain our newest acquisition and bring him to my study. I want to hear more about what he has translated. It has been most enlightening.”

Standing up in preparation for following his father, the son smiled. “This meeting was very fortuitous, especially after finally locating a translator.”

“The humans have a saying. ‘Good things come to those who wait.’” The Chieftain chuckled. “I believe that waiting so long and then discovering a way to destroy our enemiesand the humans living on the Hellmouth would fit that particular saying very well.”

Chapter 11

Back On Track Again

Ethan waited to be announced outside the Thesa Overlord’s throne room. Already exhausted, he’d left the Gashi Chieftain in the early morning hours and traveled immediately to the Thesa. After the usual arduous journey through the tunnel system, he sat on the lone stone bench within the hall with his eyes closed.

Struggling to stay awake, he heard two soldiers arrive to relieve the throne room guards.

Moving to stand by the closed door, one of the departing guards’ spoke in that guttural mix of clicks and basso sounds that had taken Ethan several painstaking months to learn.

“The Overlord wishes the human prisoner in the fourth cell to be brought before him after Main Meal.”

“I will send two of the one-marks. Still weakened, she will not be a problem.”

She. The soldiers were discussing a female prisoner. Ethan thought of the crucified bodies hung throughout the tunnel system. He hoped for the anonymous woman’s sake they killed her quickly.

The throne room door opened. Eyes downcast, shoulders slumped tiredly; Ethan rose and shuffled through the doorway, trying to control his usual shudder as the stone door rumbled closed, locking him in with the demons again.

The Overlord waited until Ethan stood before him to speak. Using his native tongue, he said, “I have made a decision. I will agree to meet on the field of battle against the Gashi united with the Successor.”

Ethan started to reply, but the Overlord raised a hand. “However, before I add my strength to hers, I have a concession which must be agreed upon. I would know more about this unexplained item the Successor covets.

When the Gashi Chieftain and his sons have fallen in battle, I will automatically come to own this item. I want assurance that the wizard will honor our agreement. This is for protection of my own forces. I have no wish to fight a second front.”

“That is a reasonable concession, Overlord, and I have been authorized to fulfill it. The item the Imperial Wizard wants is merely a sentimental remembrance of a murdered lover. It has no intrinsic value to anyone other than her.”

The Overlord stared intently at Ethan. “And the Gashi hold this book? That explains much. At battle’s end, I will honorably relinquish it. Leave now. Tell the Imperial Wizard she has made an ally this day.”

“The Imperial Wizard will value highly the alliance with the Thesa Clan.” Accompanied by two soldiers to the end of the hall, Ethan started slowly for the tunnel system, his thoughts on the alliances. Everything had gone smoothly and according to Margot’s plan, even with the date and location changes.

A born pessimist, Ethan couldn’t help but wait for the other shoe to fall.


*****



Spike was growing increasingly impatient. He’d lost Buffy’s trail and time was running out on Kyle’s cloaking spell. Unable to stand around and do nothing any longer, he’d decided to risk walking around among the soldiers. He would begin with a systematic visual search of the three unknown tunnel entrances. Maybe he’d discover a clue that would lead him to the Slayer.

Carefully pushing through the densely packed soldiers, Spike checked out the tunnel closest to him. The largest opening, it was also the most heavily traveled. Soldiers and regular Thesa demons continuously flowed in and out. This was too much traffic for a detention area. He decided the tunnel led to either training facilities or personal quarters, possibly both.

He moved to the next tunnel, carefully skirting a large knot of soldiers arguing in raised voices. Stepping aside quickly, he watched as one of the largest demons struck the smallest, knocking him to the ground. Instead of stopping the fight, the other demons encouraged it, ringing the fallen soldier and his opponent and shouting in their incomprehensible language.

Spike had been a vampire far too long not to understand the subtext, even with the language barrier. Thesa soldiers rose up the ranks by standing on the backs of fellow fallen soldiers.

Using the noise and distraction of the fight as cover, Spike grabbed the opportunity to walk a short way into the second tunnel. A few yards away, it split into three smaller auxiliary branches.

Discouraged, he was about to move to the third tunnel when he suddenly heard something different, something unexpected. He shifted farther from the entrance and concentrated. There. Far down the smaller tunnel that branched to the left Spike detected a human heartbeat. Not Buffy, but one he did recognize. Rayne.

Spike glanced behind him. The demons in the vicinity were still distracted by the fight. Walking briskly, he set off into the tunnel toward Rayne. Turning into the left branch, he couldn’t hear any indications of demons and he started running.

*****

Ethan heard another noise echo within the tunnel. Something was moving toward him at an incredible pace. Afraid for his life, he ran his eyes around the tunnel trying to find a safe hiding place.

“Rayne. Wait.”

Ethan thought he recognized the North London accent through the darkness. “Spike?”

A Thesa soldier appeared from the recesses of the tunnel. “Yeah, it’s me.”

Ethan no longer afraid, eyed the demon critically. “That’s not a bad disguise except you forgot the neck scars Thesa use to denote rank. I wouldn’t get too close to any real soldiers if I were you, without any scars you’ll be considered weak and an easy target.”

“I don’t understand a bleedin’ thing they say; believe me I’m stayin’ as far away as I can.”

“What are you doing here? Has something happened to Margot?”

“No, as far as I know the wizard’s fine.” Spike peered past Ethan into the tunnel. “Is there somewhere out of the way where we can talk?”

Ethan chuckled. “This is as private as it gets, vampire. The Thesa live in a militaristic hive.” He gestured forward. “Come on, we can stand over here, it’s the way outside for guests. No soldiers ever come through, especially since the tunnel is precarious at the best of times.”

He grimaced. “It’s deemed a trial for petitioners to the Overlord. You have to survive the tunnel’s obstacles to be considered worthy of an audience.”

“I’m assumin’ they don’t get too many petitioners.”

“That assumption would be correct.”

“Yet you’ve accomplished this trek how many times?”

“It’s easier each time, plus I’ve had Margot’s help.” Ethan pushed his sleeve up and Spike could see a small symbol etched on his wrist. “It guides me around the worst obstacles.”

“The Imperial Wizard couldn’t have her emissary falling into a pit, eh?”


“It’s true if I’d fallen into one of the traps, it definitely wouldn’t have helped her credibility.”

Spike patted his pockets looking for his cigarettes, realized what he was doing and crossed his arms. “I thought the negotiations were finished.”

Ethan watched the Thesa demon pat its plated body. “They don’t smoke you know.”
He yawned. “I’m here with zero sleep because Margot’s gotten antsy for some reason. She pushed up the date for the meeting with the Gashi and changed the location, too. It’s going to be here on the Hellmouth now, in two days.”

“Why?”

“I have no idea. She doesn’t let me in on everything.” Ethan sounded disgusted. “I’m just a glorified errand boy.” Checking over his shoulder for any sign of soldiers he added, “Your turn vampire. Are you and the Slayer trying to screw this up? What could you possibly think you’re doing in here?”


“The Slayer went and got herself caught trackin’ a Thesa last evening. I’m the cavalry, except I can’t locate her in all these tunnels and the sand’s rapidly falling in the hourglass on this glamour.”

The overheard conversation at the throne room door clicked. “Spike, you’ve less time than you realize. I overheard two soldiers say they were bringing a female prisoner to the Overlord after Main Meal. They’re planning on killing her, I’m sure. The Thesa Overlord isn’t exactly known for mercy, he prefers watching his enemies tortured in rather gruesome fashions.” Ethan checked the time. “That’s about three hours from now. They said she was being held in a cell on the detention level.”

“Any idea where that is in this maze?”

“This place is honeycombed with tunnels going every which way but I know it’s on the lowest level. The Thesa keep close tabs on their ‘guests’ so I haven’t had much chance to explore. There’s a cross tunnel about twenty yards ahead that slants downward. You’re standing on the main level, which is actually two levels below the surface, so you need to find your way down two more levels. I would assume once you’re on the lowest level you’ll be fairly close to the cells, since the majority of the hive is located in the opposite direction.

If you do manage to release her, this would be the best way out. The Thesa don’t consider this tunnel anything but a death trap. They wouldn’t even follow you through here. Instead, they would assume you’d try for the main exit on the other side of the hive, or else their secondary entrance which ends at an abandoned building outside Sunnydale.”

Spike nodded. “That’s the way I came in. I was plannin’ on leavin’ the same way. It wasn’t guarded earlier.”

“You just had lucky timing. Margot and I noticed there’s a very brief gap between shifts which might allow someone to slip in that way. But right now? There are at least two troops of soldier stationed between the main cavern and there. You’d never make it, even with the glamour.

Go this way and you’ve got a chance, provided you can avoid the obstacles. With your night vision and strength, it shouldn’t be that hard, just don’t trust anything on the path that you can’t actually test first.

Once you make it outside, follow the tree line to the sheer rock face. There’s a fissure near the bottom that’s actually a cave. You can use it to hide in; the entrance has been magically altered. It was a failsafe in case these negotiations didn’t go well and I needed to get out quickly. Pick up the black onyx rock at the foot of the fissure and toss it hard at the rock face. When the cave entrance appears, you’ll have about thirty seconds to move inside. From there it’s about a five or six hour walk to Sunnydale.”

“Thanks Rayne.”

“Margot’s made it very clear that we’re both on the same side. Besides, I don’t like demon clans.” Ethan hesitated briefly before continuing. “Spike, there’s one more thing you should know. The soldiers didn’t seem to think they’d have any trouble handling the Slayer. It sounded as if she’d been incapacitated in some way.”

The image of the pantomimed attack arose in Spike’s mind. “Right now I just need to find her. I’ll worry about anything else after that.”

“Good luck vampire.”

Spike raised his hand in farewell and hiked farther into the tunnel.

Chapter 12

Lost in the Storm

Margot hurried through the automatic doors that led into Sunnydale Hospital’s emergency wing, flinching as they closed behind her. They shut with such a sound of finality.

Claire had called her mom two hours ago and given her a boatload of bad news; the Slayer had gone missing, Margot’s father had suffered a heart attack and she still hadn’t heard from Ethan.

Margot had nixed Claire’s offer to leave the apartment and go in her stead. Margot was Roger Chaplaine’s Successor as well as his daughter; it was her place to be at his side. She couldn’t hide any longer no matter the consequences, so she’d banished her memories to a back burner and phoned Drake for a ride.

Crossing through the quiet reception area she stopped in front of the glass partition at the nurse’s station. “Please could you tell me where my father, Roger Chaplaine is now? They brought him in earlier; he’d suffered a heart attack.”

Waiting impatiently while the nurse punched buttons on her computer console, Margot heard someone arrive at her side. “Ms. Chaplaine?”

She turned to see a tall Englishman. “Yes. Are you the doctor?”

“No, my name is Rupert Giles. I was with your father when he suffered the heart attack.” Giles lowered his voice. “I’m Buffy Summer’s Watcher. May I speak with you privately?”

Margot felt a prickle of fear. “Is my father alright? Where is he Mr. Giles?”

Giles placed his hand on Margot’s arm and gently steered her away to a private corner. “Your father suffered a very mild heart attack and is resting comfortably in a private room. Kyle’s with him. The doctors want to keep him several hours for observation, although he’s adamant about leaving as soon as possible.”

“He’s very stubborn. I doubt they’ll be able to convince him to stay any longer than absolutely necessary.” She searched the Watcher’s face. “But there’s something else you need to tell me.”

“Actually, there are several important things we need to discuss before joining your father. Perhaps I could persuade you to have a quick cup of coffee with me?”

“Very well.”

Margot blew on the hot coffee before taking a tentative sip. Grimacing, she set the Styrofoam cup on the table and surveyed the small cafeteria. At three o’clock in the morning, the only other occupants were the two nurses talking quietly at a corner table. Satisfied, she turned back to the Englishman.

“What do you need to say Mr. Giles? In my experience when a Watcher wants to speak with me it’s never good news.”

“First, Buffy has vanished, tracking a Thesa soldier from your daughter’s apartment. I sent Spike to locate her but as of yet, I haven’t heard anything, so I have to assume she is still missing.”

Compassion crossed her face. “My daughter told me when she telephoned earlier. I’m terribly sorry.”

“I felt you needed to be aware of a fluid situation.” Giles set his own cup down. “Also, your father and I have reached an agreement to work together, until your installation.”

Margot’s mouth set in a hard line. “I don’t want the Watcher’s Council involved in either my personal affairs or those of the Imperial Council.”

“At this point I’m working independently of our Council, continuing to serve as the Slayer’s Watcher in the field. In this spirit of cooperation, your father harnessed his personal powers in an effort to locate Buffy. It’s his spell aiding Spike.”

“I’m sure the vampire will locate her, he seems most resourceful and unusually committed to your Slayer. I’ve placed a call to Ethan to see if he’s heard anything, he had a meeting with the Overlord within the hive earlier. Unfortunately, until he gets closer to a cell tower, we won’t know anything.”

She opened a sugar packet, dumping the contents in her coffee. “Mr. Giles, I need to be honest with you. I dislike Watchers. The Watcher’s Council has screwed around with my life and the lives of other wizards far too much in the past. However, I’m willing to make an exception in your case, based on my father’s decision. He’s always been an astute judge of character. It’s absolutely imperative that my plan reach its conclusion and frankly, the Slayer is an asset that I can’t afford to ignore.”

Giles watched the wizard add cream to the cup. The strain she was under evident in the worry lines that creased her forehead and bracketed her mouth, while the slump of her shoulders spoke of utter exhaustion. Yet, she had such inner strength; he could see it in the way she held herself rigidly under control. Here was someone who would never crack under the pressures of leadership. His respect for her arose a notch.

Continuing to observe her from behind his glasses while Margot stirred her coffee, Giles read courage, intelligence and compassion in her face. When she finally looked up and met his eyes, he witnessed the final necessary requirement the woman in front of him possessed which had allowed her ascension to the highest position within the Imperial Wizard Council. The signature of raw power.

Margot thrummed. With his previous training, Giles wondered that he hadn’t noticed before now. The tendrils were so strong he could almost reach out and grasp them. This wizard, not yet installed, already held more personal power than anyone he’d ever met, including her father.

When she receives all the power that goes along with the office, she’ll be a truly formidable wizard.

Shaking down the urge to touch her, Giles concentrated on the conversation. “There are things in play of which you are not aware. Once my father is safely home and the Slayer has returned, we’ll continue our conversation.”

Crumpling the empty cup, the Successor dismissed him. “Right now, I want to see my father.”

Giles nodded. “Allow me to show you the way.”

*****

Waiting quietly in the cross tunnel Spike watched the platoon of soldiers march past.

Since he’d left Rayne, he’d passed two such groups and several other demons in groups of two or three, usually carrying on conversations in that incomprehensible clicking language that was giving him a headache.

To keep from being noticed, Spike had perfected a technique of standing with his head down and his shoulders hunched. The passing soldiers either couldn’t see the lack of neck scars or just didn’t care. They ignored him completely, pushing past Spike in their haste to arrive at their destinations.

Spike carefully broke a cigarette in two. At the first junction, he’d hit on a plan to mark the route back through the maze of tunnels. Each time he came to another split in the tunnel, he’d peel the wrapper from a cigarette and press a little shredded tobacco deep into the wall’s slime. Kentucky made bread crumbs.

Impossible to detect in the dim light, the tobacco was also virtually undetectable by smell, except by the vampire. Dropping the pack of cigarettes back in his pocket, Spike turned into the last cross tunnel.

After a quarter mile, he noticed the floor finally flattened out, he had arrived at the lowest level of the hive. Slowing down, he concentrated, listening for anything that would alert him to the Slayer’s whereabouts. There. Buffy was somewhere farther down this very tunnel. Hoping that his luck continued to hold, Spike hurried in her direction.


*****



Buffy’s stomach growled again. She hadn’t had anything to eat since lunch yesterday and she was starving. You’d think even stupid bug demons would feed their prisoners.

Sitting up, she stretched and took inventory. The brief nap had banished her headache and her leg felt better. Checking the bruising on her calf, she discovered it was nearly gone, so it was time to test her leg again.

Using the wall for leverage, she stood up. Carefully skirting the puddle, she walked the length of the cell and back. She still limped but the pain had lessened. It would do for now.

Hoping the partially healed leg meant that some of her Slayer strength had also returned, Buffy gripped two of the iron bars and pulled. Still nothing. She was moving to check another set when she heard the first outside noise since she’d awakened incarcerated.

There it is again. What is causing that racket?

She quickly turned off the light on her bracelet and watched the door. A few seconds later, a Thesa soldier appeared. Staring at the prisoner, it hissed and clicked.

Confused, the Slayer didn’t respond. Waving its arms, the demon moved into the room and continued the same annoying incomprehensible chatter, only louder this time.

Frustrated, Buffy rattled the bars. “I’m not deaf, you moron! Take me to your leader! Do you understand? I want to speak to the boss! Now! Did you get any of that, you stupid cockroach?!”

At the Slayer’s frustrated yelling, the soldier jerked away from the cell. More loud noises filtered from the tunnel outside and the demon abandoned its prisoner to peer out the door.

Frustrated at not being able to see what was going on, Buffy listened to the escalating noises. Scuffling and other mysterious sounds coupled with loud demon speech bounced around the stone walls. There were so many echoes; she couldn’t be sure of what was really happening.

It sounds like a fight. Hopefully they’re killing each other off in some sort of demon coup.

The strange noises outside the room suddenly stopped. Buffy’s jailer made a hissing noise and pulled out a knife, as a second Thesa also carrying a knife, charged through the door. The second demon leaped toward the jailer.

It is a coup. She watched as the two bugs grappled with each other. The second Thesa demon was really fast. Whirling around the small space brandishing a serrated knife, it overcame the jailer, plunging the knife deeply into its chest.

Buffy stared at Mr. Tasmanian Devil. Standing there cleaning off the knife, there was something familiar about him, something about the way he fought. She was trying to place what was off when the demon spoke. “Really Slayer, ‘take me to your leader’? It was a Thesa soldier, not Marvin the Martian.”

Buffy watched as the Thesa demon did something to its hand, causing it to shimmer briefly and suddenly the blond vampire stood there.

“Spike.”

“Ready to go home pet? I could hear your stomach growlin’ thirty feet away.” He smirked. “Of course, if you’re really that hungry, I heard they’ll be serving lunch in a couple hours. We could stick around, force an invite.”

Buffy grinned. It was good to see the vampire. “No, I think I’ll wait ‘til we get back to Sunnydale. I don’t know how to pronounce the word for ‘ketchup’ and I’m pretty sure I’d need at least a vat.”

“As long as you don’t let that stomach give us away.”

“My stomach wasn’t that loud.” Buffy pouted. Damn vampire hearing.

Spike grinned. “I actually heard your stomach growl before your heartbeat. For a minute there, I thought it was another kind of demon.”

Spike had taken in the Slayer’s situation and it was only a matter of seconds before he had the cell door open. “Can you walk?”

“Yeah, but I won’t be running any marathons today.”

Spike searched the Slayer’s face. Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he nodded. “Okay, let’s go, then. I don’t know how many next of kin will be along shortly.”

Helping her out of the cell, they stopped by the side of the fallen soldier and Spike nudged the demon with his boot. “Pet, turn your light on for a minute and take a good luck at that bloke’s neck. Our disguise needs to include those scars.” Buffy leaned over the fallen demon, aiming the pencil thin beam at its neck. “Okay, got it.”

She touched the bracelet and thought about the Thesa in front of her. A minute later, two Thesa soldiers were slowly walking toward the first cross tunnel. Although replete with the requisite scarring, they were speaking in English.

“How did you figure out where I was?” Buffy pitched her voice low.

“The Imperial magicked up a trinket that mimicked your movements, so I could follow your trail from the apartment building.”

Spike noticed the Slayer limped more in the steep uphill tunnel. Gently, he lifted her arm and placed it around his neck and slid his arm around her waist. “We’ve got a long hike ahead of us, pet. Lean on me as much as you can and save your leg for company.”

Buffy grimaced. “I wish our wings really worked.” She could feel Spike’s arm, clad in the duster’s soft leather, holding her firmly around the waist. “So you followed my trail everywhere?”

“I caught every bit of your shadow act, Slayer, even the bloody shoppin’. By the way, that yellow skirt in Friedman’s window? Don’t do it, not your style. But the black dress? Now that would be fetching with your hair.”

“How … wait. You liked the black dress better than the yellow skirt? Why? I mean, how did you know about the skirt or the dress?”

Helping Buffy up the steep incline, Spike filled her in on how he’d received the ring, Kyle’s spell, the activation, and then how he’d traced her to the Thesa hive.

“I lost your other self and the trail inside the tunnels, but then I came across Rayne and he helped me out.”

“Ethan Rayne was here again? Why?”

“Seems the Successor changed the date for the meetin’. She’s moved it up to day after tomorrow. Wouldn’t tell Rayne why. She’s also moved the location from wherever it was originally.”

“Where’s it going to be now?”

“Right here at our very own scenic Hellmouth.”

Buffy’s mouth thinned. “We’re going to need to have a little talk with wizard Margot when we get back.”

Any more conversation had to be postponed when a battalion of Thesa soldiers marched through a cross tunnel ten yards ahead of the couple. Spike dropped his arm and the couple separated, walking slowly so Buffy wouldn’t limp. When the sound of their footsteps couldn’t be heard any longer, Spike reached out automatically to help the Slayer again.

Walking past yet another cross tunnel, Buffy began to realize how vast the Thesa Overlord’s underground realm really was. She’d been spirited into Demon Central and was starting to get the feeling she wouldn’t have made it out again, if it hadn’t been for Spike. By coming in after her, the vampire had saved her life. You trusted him and he came through.

Warily watching another large platoon of soldiers following the first, she prayed the joint glamour would hold. The wizards certainly managed to create unusual spells. She felt exactly like usual Buffy and if she turned her head slightly, she could see usual Spike. But whenever they stopped to allow demons to pass, everyone else around them just saw two more anonymous soldiers.

Buffy was very aware of Spike’s arm around her waist, although the familiar scent of leather and tobacco that reminded her of the vampire was gone. The magick had replaced it with a sort of nothing scent. Neutral. It was enough to give anyone a serious wiggins.

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the vampire tilt his head. Nostrils flaring, he located the next beacon and oriented the couple. “This way,” he murmured.

Spike followed his tobacco trail, walking confidently through the tunnels. Enjoying the feel of his arm around the Slayer’s waist, he was loath to remove it even when soldiers approached. Only the thought of putting her in more danger gave him the impetus to move aside.

The magicks had removed any trace of her perfume or personal scent, but Spike didn’t care. He’d found her. The Slayer was here, warm and alive and that’s all that mattered. He was going to make bloody sure they both got out safely. Unconsciously, he gripped her a little bit tighter, pulling her closer into his side.

Buffy felt the vampire tighten his grip. Surreptitiously she searched his face, but she couldn’t tell what Spike was thinking, except that he looked determined. But there was something else that she could see reflected deep in his eyes. Contentment. Buffy sighed and nestled her head back against his arm. I know just how he feels.

Spike heard the Slayer’s sigh and felt her lean back against his arm. He knew she must be exhausted, he’d seen the conditions of the cell where she’d been held. He tried to read her expression but the dim flickering lights made it impossible, even for him. They really should try to take another rest break soon.

Deep inside the hive, a gong was being struck. The sound traveled through the tunnels, reverberating against the solid stone walls, filling every space with the harsh cacophony. Over and over it continued, until every tunnel rang with the sound.

Buffy clapped her hands over her ears. “What is that awful noise?”

Spike looked grim. “I’m guessin’ the Thesa just discovered the entertainment they were plannin’on to go with their meal cancelled her appearance.”

“We better pick up the pace before they seal the tunnels.”


*****

The knife embedded in the wood, a millimeter from his thumb. He tried to snatch his hand away but the chains held him tightly in place. Shaking he looked up at his captors and tried to explain again.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t read it and that will continue to be true, even if you cut off my entire hand.”

He stared at the strange beings that had removed him by force from his office. They’d hauled him a great distance, chained him up and then thrown an ancient text at him and ordered a translation. “I’m an academician, not a professional linguist or a translator. This is hardly my area of expertise.”

The leader of the group snarled. “You were able to translate the first portion.”

The man cringed. “Yes, the first half of the text was ancient Latin and I do have some familiarity. However, the second half of the book, while written by the same hand uses a language that I’ve never seen before.”

Warming to his subject despite his situation, the elderly man lectured. “The unknown language is symbolic. It appears to be some sort of derivative of ancient Egyptian; it resembles writings from the early Lower Kingdom.” He realized he was rambling and finished quickly. “However it will be quite impossible to decipher without a key.”

The demon’s voice became persuasive. “Professor Metterle, if I could find a key, would you be able to translate the text?”

The old man shrugged. “With a key it would be simple; anyone could translate it, even a child.” Meeting the demon’s eyes, he added, “If I do it, will you then release me?”

“I’ll release you. Now, where might I locate a key?”

“Where did you obtain the book? It’s possible that the previous owners would have the key.”

The Gashi Chieftain’s eyes gleamed. “But of course, I need to look to the source. How stupid of me.”

He spoke to his son. “Get me a wizard.” Mindful of the impending treaty, he added. “Make it someone unimportant.”

Turning back to the elderly man, he smiled. “Good news professor. I shall be releasing you much sooner than expected.” He turned to the guard. “Kill him.”

Chapter 13


Frequency of a Soul

Margot opened the door to the hospital room and walked in, closing the door quietly behind her.

“There’s no reason to be so quiet, daughter, I’m neither asleep nor dead.”

Her father was sitting up in bed, wide awake and looking reasonably healthy. He had a deck of playing cards spread across a rolling table in front of him. The only sound was the steady hum of a monitor next to the bed and the flick of the cards.

Her mouth quirked. “It didn’t take you too long to become bored. Where did you find the cards?”

“When I learned I would be stuck here for a few hours, I sent Kyle down to buy them in the gift shop. You know how I can’t stand television.” He pointed to the empty chair in the corner. “Sit down, Margot. I think we need to have a talk.”

“Where’s Kyle?” Margot inquired, pushing the chair closer.

“Rupert is taking him home to get some sleep. He wanted to stay, but I told him you’d see him in the morning. I wanted to speak with you privately.”

“So you’re on a first name basis with Watchers now?”

Gathering his cards, he stacked them neatly. “Only this one. He’s a good man.”

“I already got the message, play nice with the Watcher.”

“Which is more than you’ve been doing.” Raising an eyebrow, he commented. “You look much too thin, hiding does not become you.” Clenching his fist, he asked, “So tell me, in the end will all this cloak and dagger really be worth it?”

He shuffled the cards trying to regain his calm. “What exactly are you trying to do Margot? Leave your children motherless and the Council in ruins?”

“The Gashi offered me a chance to destroy them. I couldn’t pass that up.”

He eyed her sourly. “Are you telling me this entire charade is merely for vengeance? I thought better of you than that.”

“There’s more at stake than vengeance.”

“Then what?”

“I’ve learned for certain that the Gashi Chieftain has John’s Grimoire.”

Chaplain laid out another spread. “It’s no more than we surmised at the time. It’s interesting, but not important enough to wage war on a demon clan, especially right before a succession when the tie between our powers has thinned.”

“Father, he’s made at least one attempt recently to read it. He obviously believes it will enlighten him about wizards. If the thought weren’t so frightening, it would be amusing.”

The elderly Wizard flipped a card over, holding it in his wrinkled hand. “He won’t be able to translate it. No wizard would break the code, they would choose death first.”

Margot slumped in the chair. “I can’t leave this to chance. It’s been left far too long now. Everything that happened, that will happen, is my fault and my responsibility. I have to take care of this.”

Laying his cards down, the wizard looked over at his only daughter. “You’re not alone in this Margot. There are people around you who will help, including me.” He leaned forward. “Now, come closer and help me with a healing spell, I have lost my interest in Solitaire.”

*****

“The prisoner has not been located, Overlord. We have soldiers at both exits and they report no sighting.”

“Have the cross tunnels been sealed?”

“Yes, Overlord. The tunnels were sealed immediately after the alarm sounded.”

“Continue the search.”

The soldier made the obligatory salute and departed.

The Overlord was furious. Somehow the female had bent the bars of her cell and easily overpowered two of his soldiers. He did not understand how this could have happened. The poison injected into her system should have been enough to keep her powerless for much longer. Not only that, but without any idea of the hive’s layout, she had seemingly vanished into thin air. The escape was not logical, unless….

“Get me the Tracker.”

When the Tracker arrived, the Overlord gave his instructions. “Take a large contingent of four-marks. I believe the female is attempting an escape through the visitor’s tunnel.”

The soldier started for the door and the Overlord called after him. “Be vigilant. I do not believe she is alone.”


*****


It’s finally quiet again. Buffy carefully picked her way around another rock impediment. The couple had rushed to the visitor’s tunnel, narrowly avoiding the soldiers that had moved to block it. Once inside they didn’t need the glamour, so Buffy had touched her bracelet and canceled it.

They both agreed that calling this a tunnel was definitely a misnomer. It had almost immediately spread out, joining with a cave system. The only thing man-or demon- made inside were the traps and obstructions across the winding, steep path.

She and Spike had worked their way in far enough that she could no longer hear that horrendous gong. Her ears were still ringing madly, but her leg was finally better. It barely hurt at all now even with climbing over all the boulders and even once, crawling along a very narrow ledge.

“Do you suppose there’s much call for a Slayer that’s become hearing impaired?
If not, since it was work related, do you think I’m due some kind of compensation?”

Spike shook his head and winced. “I dunno. I’ll think about it once I get that racket out of my own head, but I wouldn’t bet on it. There’s no one tighter with the dosh than that bloody Council. Rupert was always bitchin’ ‘bout that when I stayed with him.”

Buffy watched as Spike continued down the slope in front of her, stopping just out of range of her sight. “There’s a rope bridge here. It’s the only way across this ravine.” He eyed the narrow swinging bridge thoughtfully. Remembering Rayne’s warning, he carefully tested the supports.

Buffy walked up beside him. “Looks like that bridge in Indiana Jones. Do you remember the food scene in that movie? They served him monkey brains. An entire vat of tomato goodness wouldn’t have improved that meal.”

She looked over the edge. “We need to triple check this bridge, that’s a seriously long way down.”

She ran her hands slowly down the sides to the posts, looking to see how it was knotted. “Seems solid.”

The vampire stood up, where he’d been looking beneath the bridge. “It looks sturdy enough under here, too.” He placed his weight on the first plank. It held. “I’m heavier than you, I’ll go first.”

Buffy waited until the vampire moved to the second plank and followed, walking one plank behind him. They were nearly across the swaying bridge when they heard the tramp of feet behind them.

“Spike.” Buffy hissed. “Soldiers almost to the foot of the bridge.”

The vampire turned to look. It was a platoon marching downhill toward the bridge. “They must have a secondary tunnel. Come on Slayer, we’ve got to get off this bridge.”

Hurrying across the last few planks, they could hear the soldiers stepping onto the bridge. Warily the soldiers stopped a little short of half way. Waiting for the bridge to stop swaying from so much movement and weight, they notched arrows and took aim at Buffy and Spike.

Jumping off the last plank, the couple dove behind a boulder as the volley of arrows landed in the bridge planking just behind them.

Buffy peeked around the boulder and saw the soldiers continuing to stand on the bridge, notching more arrows. She realized the demons would walk the rest of the way using the arrows to keep the couple pinned. They needed to stop the soldiers fast.

“If they get across the bridge, we’re toast. I’ve thought of a plan, but you’re not going to like it.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “That’s just the perfect start to any presentation.”

“I’ll need your knife.”

“Why?”

“I’m going to throw it and cut the bridge support. With only one, it’ll turn enough that they should all fall, or at least be so busy grabbing at the other support, we can finish them off.”

“They’re waitin’ for one of us to stand up and do somethin’ just like that.”

“That’s where you come in. I need a diversion, a decoy.”

“Bloody hell. This moves from the realm of decoy to sitting duck. You don’t need a diversion, Slayer, you need a volunteer pincushion. In case you didn’t notice, those are wooden arrows. Besides, I think I’ve seen this skit on Monty Python.”

“We’ll only get one chance and I throw better than you.” She looked around the ground.
“Here, you can put this big flat rock over your heart; it’ll keep the arrows from getting through.”

Buffy watched Spike open his mouth and clamp it shut again. “Look, we’ve got to do something and this is an actual plan. That should be worth something. All I need is the chance for one throw.”

“They might not shoot all their arrows, that’ll leave some to aim at you. It’s too risky.” At her stubborn expression, he tried another tack. “Are you absolutely certain you can hit it with one quick throw?”

“I recognized the handle on your knife; you must have gotten it from the weapons chest. It’s the one I train with all the time. Easy, peasy, lemon squeesy.”

He sighed. “Fine. I don’t know what you just said, but I’ll do it.” He slipped off his duster. “Here, hang on to my coat, no sense in getting holes in it, too.”

Spike looked around the boulder and grabbed a handful of the biggest rocks, which were sure to make quite an impression on an entire platoon of well trained demon soldiers.

Maybe they’ll laugh themselves to death.

He gave her a look that was a cross between glower and resignation and slipped the large flat rock Buffy had indicated under his shirt.

Daft woman didn’t even consider my head. But then, I’ve obviously got rocks in it already.

He gave the Slayer another look. She actually gave him a thumbs up. Bloody hell. He shook his head, gripped the rocks tighter and slipped away through the boulders.

He quietly worked his way around the largest boulders back toward the edge of the clearing. Peering out at the armed platoon slowly crossing the bridge, he muttered, “Sod it.”

Spike popped up, put on a burst of speed and ran the rest of the way into the clearing at the end of the bridge. Using all the vampiric strength he could muster, he hurled the rocks at the startled soldiers and yelled at the top of his lungs, “Hey you bloody arses, what’s the air speed velocity of a fully laden swallow?”

The demons acted just as Buffy predicted. First confused and then angered, the entire platoon took aim at Spike and let fly their second wave of arrows. Still yelling something about weight ratios, the vampire dodged the volley by hurling himself across the open space, diving behind a boulder on the other side of the bridge support.

Buffy swore later he grinned madly the entire time.

After the soldiers loosed their volley of arrows at Spike, the Slayer stood. Determined, she quickly took aim, throwing the heavy serrated knife straight toward the bridge support. It lodged expertly in the main rope, slicing it neatly in two.

Buffy and Spike watched from their twin vantage points as the bridge shuddered, shifted and finally turned sideways, causing the entire platoon to drop to their knees. Sliding on the wooden planks, the soldiers scrambled for support, dropping their weapons and scrabbling to grab onto the edge. The bridge groaned under the excess weight placed on the remaining tie and the second rope support sprung loose. The demons and the bridge fell, landing among the boulders in the steep ravine.

Jubilant that their hair brained scheme had really worked and neither of them had even received a scratch while employing it, the pair ran to each other jumping and laughing.

Before he realized what he was really doing, Spike grabbed Buffy and kissed her. Right on the mouth. Hard. There might have even been tongue.

Later Spike tried to figure out what had caused him to act so impulsively. It might have been the thought that they’d almost died. Buffy for the second time and if he counted poncy William, his dusting would’ve made twice for him, too. That would’ve been four times between them.

Or maybe it was the euphoric realization that he hadn’t been hit with any arrows. Not one. And arrows really bloody hurt.

It could have been the fact that the Slayer finally came up with her own plan, albeit an insane one that had literally put him in the line of fire, but also trusted that he could save his own skin and still get the job done. Insanely, they’d faced down twenty- five well armed, well trained demon soldiers with one training knife and an armload of rocks and won.

Hell, it might’ve even been the bits of silly Python verse he’d flung around. Or it could have been all those things bound together with one even stronger reason.

He’d fallen in love with her.

Dazed, Buffy wasn’t analyzing why she was kissing Spike either. If asked, she probably couldn’t have listed even one of the reasons, because even if she’d wanted to, there just wasn’t enough time. She was too busy wrapping her arms around Spike and kissing him back. Just as hard.



*****

Rupert pulled the car up to the curb and turned to his passenger. “If you don’t mind, I‘d like to stay here tonight, Kyle.” He looked at the luminous clock on the dashboard. “Make that this morning.”

Kyle shook his head. “That’s really not necessary, Mr. Giles.”

“Nonsense.” The Watcher looked kindly at the tired boy. “Besides, when will I ever get another chance to stay in such a beautiful home? I adore the Victorian period and would very much like an invitation.”

He watched the boy nod gravely. “We do have a nice guest bedroom on the second floor.”

Stepping out of the car, Giles turned to retrieve his overnight bag from the boot as Kyle started up the sidewalk.

Hearing a scuffle erupt behind him, Giles turned to see two furred demons grabbing the young wizard. Kyle was putting up a valiant fight, struggling and kicking, but the demons were enormous and much stronger.

Giles grabbed the cross bow he had stashed in the trunk. Looking down to notch it, he didn’t realize a third demon was stealthily stalking him. He never saw the demon before he was hit over the head with a wooden club.

Preparing to stab the fallen man, the other two demons called out. “Hurry up, there’s a car coming.”

The demon shrugged. His orders hadn’t including any specific instructions regarding the wizard’s companions, so he kicked the watcher viciously in the side and retreated, joining his fellow demons. The demons, having subdued Kyle, threw him in the van, slammed the doors and drove away amid a cloud of exhaust.

Giles was left lying beside his car in the street, unused crossbow at his side.

Chapter 14

Deep Red

It had only taken Margot a few minutes to set up and perform a powerful healing spell. Her father had immediately looked better, color returned to his face and his breathing became much less labored. She summoned the doctor on duty and requested that her father be released.

Sunnydale being Sunnydale, the physician hadn’t questioned the miraculous recovery of the odd gentleman in room 208, but acquiesced and signed the release forms. They were free to leave.

She was pulling out her cell phone to call Drake for a ride, when it rang. Ethan was back from the Thesa hive and was returning her phone call. He agreed to pick them up in his car.

After they’d settled the elderly wizard in the back seat and Ethan started the engine, Margot turned to him. “Did you hear anything about a female prisoner while you were there?”

“I know they captured the Slayer.” Ethan filled Margot in on everything he and Spike had discussed. “The glamour he was using was really good. I’m sure he made it to the cells.”

Margot was still thinking about the turn of events when they pulled up behind Giles’ convertible.

Chaplaine, getting out of the back seat, immediately realized something was wrong. The trunk was still open and he could feel negative energy in the air surrounding the car. “Margot, there’s something very wrong.”

Margot’s voice came from the other side of the car. “It’s Mr. Giles. He’s been hit on the head. He’s alive, but unconscious. We need to get him inside the house. Ethan, help me lift him.”

Once they’d settled Giles on the couch and grabbed a cloth for his head, the Watcher began to come around. Blinking his eyes, he focused on the trio of wizards beside the couch. “Is Kyle alright?”

Margot’s face turned ashen. “What are you talking about? Isn’t Kyle upstairs asleep?”

The Watcher struggled to sit up. “We were attacked before we made it inside. Demons. There must have been three of them. They’ve taken Kyle, although I haven’t the foggiest idea why.”

Roger Chaplaine moved closer to the wounded Watcher. “Rupert, do you have any idea who they were?”

Giles turned his aching head toward the wizard. “Yes, I recognized the species immediately. They were Gashi.”

“They won’t hurt him.” Margot glanced at her father. “They need him too badly.”

Confused, Giles tried to follow the conversation. “Are you saying this wasn’t a random attack?” He turned to Chaplaine. “Roger, what is she saying?”

His shoulders slumping, the elderly wizard walked over to a chair and sat down heavily.

“Rupert, there is more to this than you know and I promise we will discuss this at length. But now, you need some time to recuperate and I myself must rest. For the moment, Kyle is perfectly safe. The Gashi won’t harm him. Yet. We can be sure of that.”

Margot nodded. “I agree with father. Why don’t we meet again in two hours after everyone has rested?” Turning to Ethan lounging by the doorway, she said “Ethan, I know you haven’t had much sleep, so I’d like to drop you off at your apartment and borrow you car.”

“Margot, where are you going now?”

“Don’t worry Father; I’m not going on a one woman crusade.” She added wryly, “It’s too late for that anyway. But I’m guessing by now the Slayer has made her way to the fissure and could use a ride home. It’s a long way to walk.”

Giles perked up. “You’ve heard something about Buffy?”

“Come on Ethan, let’s go. My father will explain what we know, but I should have your Slayer back to you within a few hours.”

Giles nodded. “I’m willing to wait and Ms. Chaplaine?” Margot turned back to the Watcher. “I think after everything that’s gone on, shouldn’t we be on a first name basis by now?”

Margot smiled softly. “I agree, Rupert.”

“Most people call me Giles.”

“I think I prefer Rupert.” She turned to leave and hesitated. “Thank you Rupert, for everything.”



*****

“What is your name?” The Gashi Chieftain stared at the sullen boy sitting in the chair.

“Kyle”

“Well, Kyle, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I have sons myself, one of whom is probably about your age.”

“So?”

Ignoring the rudeness, the Chieftain continued. “You’ve been brought here for a reason. I want you to translate the second section of the book in front of you. Just transcribe whatever you can on the blank paper next to it. When you’ve completed my little request, you’ll be returned to your home.”

Hope flared in the boy’s eyes. “Then I can go home?”

“After the translation, I’ll release you. Oh, and Kyle in case you think you can drag this out until someone comes for you, I want the translation by early this evening.”

“What if I don’t know the language? I’m just a kid.”

The Gashi’s smile widened, giving Kyle a frightening view of his serrated teeth. “Oh, I don’t think that will be a problem, I’m sure you won’t disappoint me. After all, you do want to go home, don’t you?”

When the boy nodded, the Gashi smiled again. “Then you’d best get started. This might take awhile.”

Kyle waited until the demon closed the door before opening the book. Curious, he leafed through the pages scanning the text. The book was a wizard’s Grimoire.

The first section, written in Latin, was a basic primer all wizards used. It held several elementary spells. On one page, Kyle recognized the basic glamour he’d been taught and had subsequently used on Spike’s car and his grandfather’s ring. The remainder were basic spells, too, which seemed to have been written down mainly as a memory aid.

Kyle knew that wizards tried to memorize incantations, but like any other person, some had better memories than others and almost everyone had days when they’d forget little things. Kyle’s mom had always been proud of the fact that he never forgot anything; he had a really good memory.

Hurrying past the primer, he turned to the second portion and recognized the language immediately. It was the archaic language of white wizards, used among the private circle that had practiced their art for millennia.

Kyle had known from the first moment the demon had spoken that it would be the ancient language; what else could a demon possibly need a wizard to decipher? He also knew there was no way he’d ever break his oath, he’d just have to think of something.

Moving to another page, his eyes widened.

This Grimoire’s owner was John Carter. My father. These are the very spells that my father mastered or invented for himself.

Kyle turned to the following page and settled in to read.

*****

The incredible kissing went on and on and on. Spike was starting to believe he’d actually been knocked unconscious by a rebounding rock and was in the middle of a fantastic dream. The Slayer had her arms around his shoulders; her warm body pressed against his and hadn’t displayed any inclination to move.

Until now.

Gasping for breath, Buffy pulled away, her eyes wide. “Wow.” Blushing, she backed up, opening more space between them. “Uh, I guess we sort of got carried away with the whole dead demon celebration.”

Spike’s eyes narrowed speculatively. A century of experience told him the Slayer had kissed him as enthusiastically as he’d kissed her. Had he pushed too hard? Spike worried that she’d enjoyed the act but not the who or maybe thought that he was just looking to score with her. Things don’t usually happen this fast between two people.

Unless the attraction is already there.

Buffy seemed to read his mind. “Spike, we can worry about whatever just happened later; we’ve got to get out of here. I’m sure once those demons don’t report back; this whole area will be crawlin’ with soldiers.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“So lead on Duff.”

“The saying is ‘Lead on Macduff’. Duff is the name of the beer on the Simpson’s.”

“Oh yeah. Hey, I bet you didn’t know that I can name all seven dwarves from that episode.” Without waiting for a reply, she recited, “Tipsy, Queasy, Surly, Sleazy, Edgy, Dizzy and Remorseful.” She grinned.

Spike chuckled, drawn into the conversation in spite of himself. He didn’t seem able to stop moving toward her either, his feet naturally closing the gap between them.

“So, Slayer, which one are you? Since they don’t have Daft, my dosh is on Dizzy.”

“I don’t drink much, but I can definitely guess which one you are.” she countered, surprising him by closing the remainder of the gap between them. I can’t seem to stay away from him.

“Oh? And which one would that be?” They were almost nose to nose.

His eyes are so blue. “I’d say Surly, or possibly Sleazy.” She teased, her voice sounding husky.

Spike voice purred. “Now, there you’d be wrong, luv, on both counts.” She’s so beautiful. He put his hands on her arms and gently tugged her forward.

Buffy was so close she could smell that musky Spike smell she’d missed so much during the glamour. “Why am I wrong?” She pouted and put her arms around his neck. We fit together so well.

“Because everyone knows that I’m Edgy,” he countered, staring into her face. I could drown in you.

“But that’s just not true, Spike.” Her lips hovered just above his.

He could feel her warm breath on his face. So alive. “Why not?”

“Because if you were Edgy, you’d be kissing me right now,” she murmured.

“Certainly wouldn’t want to lose my hard won reputation.” He pressed his lips to hers tenderly.


******

“Rayne said that bridge wasn’t too far from the exit and gave me instructions for a safe place where we can wait until the soldiers get bored.”

Buffy nodded. “That sounds good.” She carefully stepped around a gap in the path. After the gentlest and sweetest kiss Buffy had ever experienced in her entire life - and that included Angel’s and Riley’s - Spike had stepped back and gruffly announced that they needed to get themselves sorted, so for the moment they had a tacit understanding to hold off any personal discussions until they were well away from the Thesa domain.

They emerged from the visitor’s tunnel, blinking in the sudden change from dark to dawn. The sun was beginning to rise. The couple quickly moved to the tree line and a brisk ten minute walk later they were standing in front of the fissure. The Slayer found and tossed the onyx stone, the door appeared, and they both ran inside. The door closed immediately, enveloping them in total darkness.

“I know this is just what I wanted, more time underground in a cave.” Buffy touched her bracelet and the thin beam highlighted a medium sized cave with a high ceiling. “Well, at least it’s dry. It would even be homey; if you were a bear or-she smirked at Spike- maybe a bat.”

“You know bloody well vampires don’t turn into bats, at least none with an ounce of self respect,” Spike protested. Prowling around the cave, he spoke over his shoulder. “Slayer, there’s a crate over here in the far corner.”

“It’s got food and water and yay, a lantern.” Buffy pulled out the lantern and handed it to Spike. “You’ve got your lighter, don’t you?”

Spike nodded, rummaging around in his pockets. Soon the cave took on a cheery glow.

“How will we keep it from using up all the oxygen? Still need to breathe here.”

Spike frowned. Being human themselves, surely the wizards had thought of that important little fact. Hunting around, he discovered a stone niche shaped like the small lamp carved into the wall. “I think it must sit on this.”

Placing the little lantern in the niche, they watched as the stone above it dissolved, changing into a chimney. Spike could smell fresh air. The chimney had been majicked, providing not only a place for the smoke to escape, but a continuous stream of fresh air. Spike would’ve bet his lighter that the lantern’s smoke disappeared when it reached the outside.

Buffy continued to open pouches. “Oh, here’s cheese and crackers, salami, even pickles.”

“No ketchup Slayer?”

“No monkey brains, no ketchup needed.”

“I don’t see her Imperialness eating monkey brains, but I wouldn’t put it past her to feed them to Rayne.”

“You don’t trust her, do you?”

“Probably about as much as you do.”

Setting the food packets down, Buffy frowned. “There’s something missing in this entire deal, I just can’t figure out what.”

“Slayer, I think we’ve got something else missin’, too.”

Buffy looked up from assembling her meal. “What?”

“I’ve lost the Imperial’s ring. It must have slipped off when I was playin’ stone the demons.”

“Is there some sort of deposit on it, like a pop bottle?”

“What? No, he didn’t even mention returnin’ it.”

“Well, I don’t think it really matters then. It’s not like the “one ring to rule them all” sitch. You were supposed to use it to find me and I’m found. No harm, no foul.”

She twisted the top from a water bottle and continued. “Anyway, it probably wasn’t really meant to have a long shelf life like those waxy little chocolate donuts Xander likes, but more like a bakery éclair or a Napoleon.”

“That’s true about the ring; it was made for that one purpose. Anyway, it’s not like I can go back and look for it. I’ve already dodged arrows today; I’m not playin’ tag with a bunch of demons out in the sun, too. Besides, it’s probably at the bottom of that ravine.”

“Exactly. We probably couldn’t find it even if we went back and looked. No one could.”

“Hey do you suppose there’s any chocolate in here?” She rummaged in the crate and came up triumphantly holding a Hershey’s Candy Bar.

“Chocolaty goodness. Spike, I’m sorry there’s no blood.”

He shrugged. “I’m fine for now, although you could share that chocolate bar.”

Breaking off a piece from the offered candy, he munched thoughtfully. If they hadn’t been in a cave hiding out from a demon army, this would have been a nice picnic, sitting here with the Slayer, sharing a chocolate bar. Man, you’ve got it bad.

Finishing the chocolate, Spike watched Buffy stifle an enormous yawn and realized how exhausted they both were. “Slayer, I think we’re going to be stuck in here for awhile. The sun’s up and we’re going to have to outwait the demons anyway. What do you say to a little kip?”

“I’d say “what are you doing in a cave and not in a stream somewhere”, ‘cause kip sounds like the name of a little tiny fish.”

Hearing Spike’s snort, she grinned. “But yeah, I think you’re right. I’m almost asleep on my feet. I wish Margot had thought about throwing in a blanket, I’ve had enough of cold stone floors to last a lifetime.”

“My Lady.” Spike spread his duster with a flourish. ”Your wish is my command.” He added, “Proven by my death defying stand earlier today.”

“I just knew I’d hear about that again at some point.” She sighed theatrically, causing Spike to smile.

Buffy sat down cross legged on the duster and Spike mirrored her actions. Gazing into the vampire’s eyes, she said softly. “What happened at the bridge between us was unexpected, but I can’t say I didn’t want it to happen. I wanted it as much as you did. Before we leave to go back to Sunnydale, we need to decide just where this is going between us.”

At the vampire’s easy assent, she laid down. Spike rolled next to her, putting his arm over her waist and pulled her close. Closing their eyes, they were both sound asleep in seconds.




*****



The Thesa Overlord recalled his troops. The woman had outwitted him. After interrogating his soldiers, he understood that she and an accomplice using some type of spell, had slipped into the west tunnel just before it was blockaded.

He’d sent a platoon of his best soldiers in using the parallel tunnel. An hour later, having heard nothing from his troops, he’d sent in a Tracker.

The Tracker had returned to report the astonishing fact that the soldiers were all dead, perished at the bottom of a ravine, the bridge support sliced through cleanly.

The Overlord looked down at the ring sitting in the palm of his hand. Turning the ring to the light he could see the inside band, engraved with an ornate crest that he’d seen before on documents, the crest of a venerable wizard family.

The Overlord threw the ring to the floor. If it hadn’t been for magicks, the human’s companion wouldn’t have been able to roam freely through the hive, wouldn’t have found and assisted the woman in her escape. He’d still have his prisoner and his soldiers would still be alive.

The Thesa Clan had been betrayed by the Successor or someone close to her. The Overlord refused to allow this to become the first of many such betrayals.

He motioned one of his soldiers closer. “I need you to take a message for me to the Chieftain of the Gashi Clan. Tell him I must meet with him in secret, under a flag of truce, as soon as possible. Tell him it is a matter of life or death for us both.”

Chapter 15

Seeds of Destruction

The Slayer’s years-long habit of sleeping for only the few hours between late night patrols and early morning classes, coupled with an uncomfortable floor and the unresolved Spike issue had Buffy wide awake again within a couple hours.

She carefully slid from beneath the slumbering vampire’s arm. After stretching her sore muscles, Buffy rummaged through the nearly depleted crate for another bottle of water. Twisting the cap from the bottle, she settled next to the crate and stared at Spike.

The Slayer was always amused whenever she heard someone use the term “slept like the dead”, knowing they’d never been around a sleeping vampire. One look at the still body in the black tee shirt and jeans lying on the ground in front of her and they’d have the wiggins for a month.

Taking another drink of water, Buffy contemplated the last few hours. She thought she’d had everything figured out right up until the initial demon-celebration smoochies. She’d even managed to chalk the seriously long kissage up to after- battle euphoria, that and the not-so-surprising fact that the vampire was an incredible kisser. She’d told herself that she was just lost in the moment. Uh huh.

But then along came the second kiss he’d bestowed by the bridge, so different from the first. They’d been doing their usual verbal back and forth when she’d felt something change, a pull drawing them together.

That second kiss had been everything the impulsive first one wasn’t. Oh, it was still hot enough to burn, but it was also sweet and tender, and most important of all, completely open. She’d unconsciously asked and he’d shown her exactly how he felt about her. Scary, but it was also seriously of the good.

Would a relationship work between her and Spike? Buffy had no earthly idea. She knew that it would give her friends something to gossip about and would increase Giles’ gray hair and don’t even mention the utter wrongness of the whole Master Vampire/ Vampire Slayer thing, which she’d done already. Been there, got the torn and stained tee-shirt to prove it.

But when push came to shove, she was willing to give this relationship a chance.

Based on one incredible kiss.



*****

Spike was having a fantastic dream. He had just run a Prator demon through with his sword and turned to find the Slayer standing in the bright sunshine beside him. He dropped the sword, gathered his girl up in his arms and kissed her.

Buffy pulled away giggling, tossed her head and started running through a lush field of corn, laughing at him over her shoulder. Spike ran slowly so he could watch her blonde hair blow in the wind, the pump of her slender legs, the bounce of her gorgeous ass. Finally putting on a burst of speed, he caught up to her at the edge of the field.

They dropped to the warm earth, Buffy straddling him. He shaded his eyes from the sun and looked up into those enormous hazel eyes. Solemnly, she stared back at him.

He reached up and ran a finger across her cheek. “Mine.”

“Yours” she agreed, leaning over to place deliberate kisses on his forehead, his eyes, his nose and just as she kissed his mouth, the dream kaleidoscoped, dissolved, and transitioned into reality.

Spike opened his eyes to see the real Buffy, his golden Slayer, next to him atop the duster on the cold stone cave floor. She was leaning over him, cupping his head with her hands, placing gentle, deliberate kisses on his face.

“Buffy?”

“I thought this would be a good way to wake you.” Lying down next to him, she continued, her voice light, full of promise. “You see I’ve come to a decision about us while you were finishing your beauty sleep.”

Spike could feel her warm body next to him, so close it was beginning to warm his own. “I figured that would be a mutual decision, luv.”

“Well, you see as the Slayer, I’m used to making decisions alone.” She shifted closer when he ran his hand lightly down her arm. “But it was such a monumental decision that I needed to tell you about it right away. That’s why I woke you.”

He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “So tell me.”

“First, I need you to tell me, out loud, that all of this is really real, that it’s not caused by our sudden reliance on each other the past few days, and it’s going to disappear just as suddenly.”

“Not going to happen, luv. I’m not certain when this started for me, but it’s so bloody real that I’m nearly mad from it. I can’t get you out of my mind; you’re even there when I go to sleep. Hell, I was just dreaming about you, and although the dream was oddly reminiscent of some poncy Sting song- the point is I’m completely besotted. I want to bury myself in your scent and your heat every time I’m near you.”

“That’s exactly how I feel, too.” She took a deep breath, let it out slowly and asked, “Are we both completely insane?”

“Well, there are different degrees of insanity, trust me pet, this I know.” He stared into her darkening eyes. “There’s insane and then there’s insane.” He pulled her on his lap.
“Frankly, this crazy is definitely at the better end of that scale.”

“Then we’ll just have to be crazy together. Spike, I’d really like to be kissed now.”

“I’ve wanted to kiss you since you woke me up. Dream Spike had a head start and you know how much I hate to lose at anything.”

The couple became so lost in each other that it was several minutes before either one realized someone was standing in the cave. It finally took an amused snort to pull them completely apart to stare in dazed confusion at the visitor leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

“Well, well. Now, I’ve heard of détente between enemies, but somehow I didn’t think it was supposed to include vampires and Slayers getting busy.”

Amused, the wizard beheld Spike’s thunderous scowl and Buffy’s flushed face and drawled, “I’m sorry; I guess I should have knocked. Should I come back in an hour, or have I just insulted you Spike?” Margot smirked. “Maybe I should have said much, much later this afternoon.”

She continued to lean against the cave wall, eyes twinkling, and watched the couple hastily climb to their feet.

“We were not busy” Buffy sputtered, her face crimson. “We were just—“

“Snogging?” Spike supplied. Upset about the interruption, Spike watched the Slayer try to slip into denial mode and started to think that having a witness to their real relationship wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Margot was the first step in alerting people that things had changed. He hated secrets.

Buffy smacked his arm, protesting. “I was going to say talking over serious issues.”

Margot chuckled. “Yeah, it did look like you were really serious about something.”

Spike’s bark of laughter still ringing in her ears, Buffy placed her hands on her hips and asked suspiciously, “How did you get in here anyway?”

The wizard glanced around the cave and replied, “This is my magical construct; I can come and go at will. Look, I’m here to get you out and we need to move fast. This spell is going to break apart shortly and the cave will disappear, integrating back into the rock face and I’d like to be long gone before that happens; it might become a bit uncomfortable.”

“It’s still sunny outside, how’s Spike supposed to do that exactly?”

“The car’s only about fifteen feet from here and I’ve brought a blanket.” Margot smirked at the Slayer. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of letting your sometimes partner fry in the sun.” She watched Spike shrugging into his duster. “After all, that would be quite a waste.”

Buffy scowled at the woman. Keep your witchy mitts to yourself, he’s mine.

The drive back to Sunnydale was filled with Margot explaining what had happened during the couple’s absence. They listened to a description of her father’s illness and the subsequent return to the Champlaines’ house to discover the attack on Buffy’s Watcher and Kyle’s kidnapping.

Driving past the Sunnydale sign, Margot said, “We’re planning a meeting in a couple hours. Giles mentioned that your mother left yesterday on a buying trip for her gallery and your sister is staying with friends, so I was hoping you wouldn’t mind just grabbing some things and freshening up at my house? Giles is impatient to see you, he’s been worried.”

“That’s fine.”

“The same goes for you, Spike. We’ll swing by your crypt, too. Oh, I had Drake run by the butchers and pick up blood for you.”

“That was very considerate, wizard. Ta.”

“No problem, we’re all on the same team here. Buffy, help yourself to anything you might like to eat or drink, too. I’ve already extended the offer to Rupert. In fact, you’re welcome to stay with me until the Installation if you’d like. We’ve loads of room and it might make it easier to work together if we’re all under the same roof. Rupert has already consented to stay.” She turned to Spike. “You, too, Spike.”

Buffy nodded. “That’s a good idea. Thanks.”Rupert?


*****


Margot’s father, who was sitting on the couch reading when they walked in, suggested that the allies might be more comfortable having the meeting around the dining room table, rather than crowded in the small study.

Margot nodded her understanding and motioned for the couple to follow her up the staircase. When they continued past the second floor she said, “I hope you don’t mind sleeping on the third floor, but I’ve already given Rupert the last available room on the second floor.

It’s actually nice up here, very quiet, since everyone else sleeps below. Here Buffy, this is you’re room at the end of the hall.” Margot opened the door to a large airy room, with a mahogany four poster bed. “It’s our main guest room up here and the bed’s very comfortable.”

She turned to the couple. “Or would you prefer to stay together?” Noticing the blush creeping up the girl’s face, she added. “I’m not trying to embarrass you, I’m just asking.” Hmmm, so it is a new relationship.

“No, two rooms would be a lot better.” Buffy answered quickly, glancing over at Spike. He was studiously looking at his hands. “Besides, Spike’s going to need some place without windows.”

The vampire looked up. “Don’t do too well with a view, wizard, but I’ll be fine in the basement.”

“It’s not an issue actually. I’ve got just the spot for you; the center bedroom on this floor has only one small window and it’s covered completely by an old fashioned floor to ceiling wardrobe.” She pointed to a door. “It’s right through there. Well, I’ve leave you two to get cleaned up.”

Leaving the two standing in the hall, she turned for the stairs before innocently adding, “Oh, I hope this isn’t a big problem, but those two particular rooms share the adjoining bath.” You’re a bad, bad woman, Margot. Chuckling quietly to herself, she descended the stairs.

Buffy stood and watched Margot walk down the stairs before turning back to Spike. Awkwardly she mumbled, “Uh, I need to call Dawnie and see how she’s doing, so do you want the first shower?” Oh God, wipe that Technicolor image of Spike naked in the shower quickly from your brain. You know you’re not ready to take that step.

Spike, amused at the wizard’s ploy, noticed the nervous embarrassment play across the Slayer’s face. Looking into her eyes, he spoke gently, “It’s alright Buffy. We’re going to take this at our own speed.”

Seeing her visibly relax, he knew he’d made the right call, even though having his Slayer right next door for the next few nights didn’t bode well for his ability to sleep, much less his actual sanity. Maybe I can talk her into some midnight cuddling at least.

“Go call the Bit and I’ll see you downstairs later.” He hefted the duffle and pushed the bathroom door open; certain this would be only the first in a series of very, very cold showers.

****

Buffy walked through the door into the kitchen and saw Spike leaning against the counter waiting for his blood to heat. She watched him notice her and smile before peering in the microwave again. “You’d think two minutes wouldn’t be that bleedin’ long.”

She caught herself staring while he pulled the door open and reached in for his mug. Her eyes ran down the vampire’s lean, muscular body. He had the most incredible back, but oh, that butt… God, Buffy, you’ve got it bad.

Striving to come up with something to talk about that would pull her mind from Spike’s body, she racked her fogged brain. “You must be starving.”

At his amused look, she slapped her forehead and said, “And the winner of the Ms. Obvious award goes to…”

Spike leaned against the counter, sipped his blood and watched the Slayer walk to the refrigerator and open it. Her hair, still damp from the shower, flowed across her shoulders. My golden girl.

The door swung open again and Giles came in, carrying a coffee mug. “Buffy, I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been so worried.”

Spike watched the Slayer hug the older man tightly. “It’s so good to see you, too, Giles.”

Moving apart, Giles noticed the vampire for the first time. “Spike.”

“Rupert.”

The Watcher turned back to Buffy. “When we finish this meeting with the wizards, I’d like you to tell me all about your experience in the hive. I’m not aware of anyone else who’s ever been able to gather such intimate knowledge of Thesa behavior.”

“There wouldn’t have been any gathering from Buffy either, if it hadn’t been for Spike.”

Giles dipped his head briefly at the vampire leaning against the counter, sipping his blood. “I have to admit that I was wary of having you participate in this joint venture with Buffy, but you’ve handled yourself admirably. We’ll have to see if we can work out some sort of payment for all your effort.”

From behind Giles, Buffy winced at his words. Her eyes met his across the kitchen. Please not now, not here.

Spike lifted his chin and met the Watcher’s eyes. “I can always use the dosh.” His eyes flicked back to Buffy for a second before he added “After all I wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression about my motives.” Standing back up, he added, “I’m going out to the porch for a smoke.”

Buffy watched him rinse his mug in the sink and walk away without a backward glance.

Buffy tried to concentrate on Giles conversation, but her mind kept sliding back to Spike’s expression. You hurt him and you’ve got to make this right. “Giles? I need a couple minutes before the meeting; I’ll see you in there.”

“What? Oh fine.”

Giles was refilling his mug from the coffee maker on the counter when Margot strolled into the room. She watched him add some cream before saying, “Rupert. I was hoping to speak with you before we all got together.”

“Oh?”

“First, I’d like to apologize for my abrupt behavior last night at the hospital.”
She walked up to him and placed a hand on his arm. “It also finally occurred to my sleep deprived brain that I hadn’t yet thanked you for your help in saving my father’s life.”

“There’s no need to thank me. I just did what was necessary at the time.”

Her mouth quirked. “You’re the most unusual Watcher I’ve ever encountered. You get
co opted into someone else’s mess, lose your Slayer for a bit, even get conked on the head and yet, you’re still here, ‘doing what’s necessary at the time’.”

Giles gazed at the woman in front of him. She’d had less sleep than any of them and yet refused to give into what she perceived as weakness, instead trying to make amends for being human. He realized that he admired her now more than ever.

“And you are the most unusual wizard that I have ever encountered.”

Margot threw back her head, laughing, and suddenly looked years younger.

She had a full bodied, exuberant laugh and Giles found himself smiling in response. He noticed how very pretty she was when the weight lifted from her face.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Margot said. “Neither of us fit into those very constricting molds that we’ve been desperately trying to force each other into, do we?”

When she saw him smile and shake his head, she added, ““Rupert, I think that you and I are going to become very good friends.”

Taking off his glasses to clean them on his shirt, Giles gazed into her smiling face and replied. “I sincerely hope so.”

*****

The wide back porch, wreathed in shadows from the ancient oak trees, was quiet in the early evening light. Spike sat in an Adirondack chair, feet propped on the edge of the railing, carefully staying away from the patches of sunlight that occasionally spilled across the deck when a breeze moved the canopy.

Smoking his second cigarette, he’d finally calmed down from the little scene in the kitchen. Unsure of why he’d first left the room, he’d finally come to the conclusion that ultimately he wasn’t angry, but hurt. Buffy had stood right in front of him and allowed Rupert to humiliate him, without speaking a word in his defense. Instead, she’d actually ask him to go along with it, allow the Watcher and everyone else to think that he was only around for the money.

He hadn’t even wanted anything initially, donning the white hat for Joyce and now they’d turned it into something ugly.

Spike watched the smoke from the cigarette catch an air current and float out into the sun. He should have known the Slayer would never publicly admit to being involved with another vampire, especially after the mess Angelus created when they were dating.

Hell, even I’d think twice. But I won’t be anyone’s dirty little secret, either.

Morosely wishing he’d never gone in the damn kitchen to begin with, he lit another cigarette.

“You’ll get lung cancer.”

He’d been so wrapped up in his problems that he hadn’t even heard the Slayer open the back door. “Vampires can’t get lung cancer and you bloody well know that.”

Buffy winced at the brittle tone of his voice. She’d sliced him deeper than she’d realized. He won’t even look at me. Why can’t I ever handle things right?

Trying to keep her tone light, she replied. “Then you’ll use up all your lighter fluid and matches would not be of the good.”

When he didn’t respond to the quip, she moved in front of him. “Spike, I’m sorry about the convo in the kitchen. After you left, I set up some time to talk with Giles after the meeting. I’m going to tell him about us.”

Exhaling, he finally allowed himself to look at her. Buffy was standing there, twisting her hands together. When he looked up, she added, “I never meant to turn this into something wrong. I was taken by surprise when he came in and I just didn’t think that was the time or place for a heart to heart.”

Gruffly, he countered. “That was the trouble Summers, you just didn’t think.”

“I know that.” She bit her lip. “I didn’t mean to hurt you; the whole thing just sort of took off on its own.”

“Is it really true you’re goin’ to spill to the Watcher?”

She nodded. “When all this is over, I’ll tell everybody. Will you forgive me?”


“I already have.” He tossed the cigarette into the dirt. “Can’t stay mad at you for long.”

Smiling with relief, Buffy sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck. “I never meant to hurt you so badly.” She stroked his face. “I’m sorry.”

Spike pulled her to him hungrily. “Apology accepted.”

*****

Margot stood at the head of the table. “There are some gaps in your understanding of the situation, because up until now I haven’t been completely forthright.”

With the Successor’s pronouncement, Spike looked across the table at Buffy. Her eyes met his. Their instincts had been right, there were pieces missing to the puzzle.

“I’ve kept things from all of you.” Margot glanced at her father. “To begin with I really don’t care about the demon clans or what their future plans hold. Obviously I would never join with them, but I also haven’t any interest in starting a war with them either. I’ve been trying to create an atmosphere of confusion so that I can safely retrieve my husband’s Grimoire.”

Buffy looked confused. “What’s a Grimoire?” Her eyes darted to Spike.

He shrugged. “Sorry, pet, no bloody idea.”

“An antique book.” Giles answered automatically. Looking up, he realized she had actually asked Spike. He frowned.

Giles looked over at Margot, who was watching him intently, and asked, “What was in your husband’s Grimoire?”

“Let me preface my answer by explaining to anyone not familiar with our traditions- she smiled at Buffy and Spike- that each wizard is given a Grimoire with several blank pages when they begin their training. They write within it whatever they wish. My husband, John, although one of the most accomplished wizards I’ve ever known, also had the absolutely worst memory.”

Her eyes lit up in remembrance. “It was a joke between us that it was a miracle he could remember either my name or his own, much less those of our children.

John wrote everything down, every word to be spoken, all items he might need in the way of supplies, any changes he’d made to a spell and he notated it in a private language of which only wizards have knowledge.”

Comprehension crossed Giles face. “That’s why the Gashi wanted Kyle. They have the Grimoire, don’t they?”

Chaplaine broke in and answered the Watcher. “It was common knowledge between both the Watchers and our own Council that the Gashi had a hand in John’s death. It was shortly after the incident that the current Chieftain arose to power.

I’ve already told Margot to let this be, they can do nothing with the knowledge even if Kyle were to transcribe it. The book is essentially worthless to all, magically locked to any except the owner, it alters spells so that they become impossible to replicate. The Gashi would need the trigger incantation which Kyle does not know.”

Margot gazed impassively at her father during his recitation. “Isn’t it amazing what time will do? John’s murder has become merely another ‘incident’ in the history of the Council.”

She turned back to Buffy. “It must be the same way when a Slayer dies. At first everyone is upset, so concerned. Then after awhile, it becomes just another incident written up in some musty Watcher’s diary. But I digress.

You said John’s Grimoire was unimportant, but you’re wrong, father. There’s another piece to the puzzle that even the Imperial Wizard doesn’t know. The Grimoire contains written instructions for the last spells John and I worked on together.”

Her father frowned. “What are you talking about Margot? You two shouldn’t have been working on anything together without the express permission of the entire Council.”

He stared at his daughter and demanded harshly, “I want an explanation immediately.”

Margot raised her chin. “Please, allow me to tell this my way.” Her eyes went around the room and stopped on the Slayer again. “You see, my fate was determined at a very young age, although it wasn’t until I was older that it was officially sanctioned with a ceremony. The night after I had been officially chosen Successor, John came to me with an idea for a spell. He’d been working on it in secret for years.”

“I’m sure you’ve all been told how the job of Imperial Wizard is incredibly draining.” She glanced briefly at her father before looking at the others again. “My father is an anomaly. He’s the longest living Imperial Wizard in written record. All others have died within six, maybe eight years of assuming office. This is my fate and I accept it. I will die fairly quickly in the line of duty.”

Spike glanced over at the Slayer in time to see her blanch, her hands clasped tightly together. He realized Buffy had seen the parallels between Margot’s and her own unique circumstances.

“My husband and I knew each other all our lives. He was there when my own mom died and left me alone. He couldn’t bear the thought of the same thing happening to our own children. Myself? I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my husband. I was very young and I never considered that he could die before me.”

Her voice wavered and she paused briefly before continuing, this time her eyes lit on Spike and she smiled. “My husband loved me enough to go against everything wizards have believed in for millennia. He did what he thought he had to do, to make sure I would be safe. Surely you can understand.”

Spike nodded firmly, of course he understood. “What did he do?”

“John had cleverly devised a joint spell that would help me remain strong during my tenure, help me remain alive. We implemented it two days before he was sent to meet with the Gashi.”

Buffy’s voice whispered. “You came up with a way to stay alive. Why is that such a problem?”

Roger Chaplaine’s eyes flashed. “You see Ms. Summers; every spell needs power to run it. Most of the time a wizard uses their own. But some spells are of such magnitude that they require the harnessing of enormous amounts of energy, more than a single wizard could possibly produce.”

His eyes swept his daughter. “Or two wizards in this case. So Margot, where did you get the power? It wasn’t from the Council; I would have felt it immediately.”

She spoke so quietly that everyone had to lean forward to hear. “Do you remember where we were when you sent for John? We harnessed the energy from right here. We tied our spell to the Hellmouth.”

Giles voice cut through the stillness. “Oh no.” He looked across the table to see how the elder wizard handled this staggering discovery. He watched Chaplaine slump back against his chair, shaking his head, his mouth hardened to a firm line.

Looking back at Margot again, he saw the woman was holding herself rigidly together. He took a deep breath and asked kindly, “Margot, if the spell has already been cast so many years ago and nothing has happened, why is it so important to retrieve the Grimoire now?”

Margot exhaled loudly. “John was extremely clever. He tied the spell’s activation to my installation. When I take control of the Council’s power the spell will begin to pull energy from the Hellmouth, too. The additional energy is what would be needed to keep me from using all of my own personal life force to channel and focus the Council’s demands.”

Chaplaine muttered. “The energy here is so dark; it would taint your life force over a long period of time.”

Buffy interrupted. “What will happen to the Hellmouth when the spell kicks in?”

“John and I assumed nothing at all; since we would be here to control it. I had planned to move our home here permanently again.”

Spike cocked his eyebrow. “You said we.” He stared openmouthed at the wizard.
“This is a two man job isn’t it? You were both needed to control the power drain.”

“That’s it exactly. The spell was structured for two. John had always been expected to become second in command, it was only logical that he would help me control the negative energy.

But without John to control his portion, the bleeding will occur at a much faster rate than I can handle by myself. I will end up channeling all the negative energy and it will combine with the positive energy from the Council at a much stronger rate.”

“Then what happens?”

Roger Chaplaine lifted his head from his hands. “When negative energy combines with positive in enormous amounts, the result is catastrophic.”

Giles pulled off his glasses and began to polish them. “Is there anything we can do?”

Margot studied Giles for a moment before answering. “That’s why I need John’s Grimoire. We didn’t know what the future would hold for the Hellmouth. There are written records of occasional closings as well as more active periods, so in case of some emergency John devised a fail safe. Written in his Grimoire is the only copy of the counter spell he devised.”

“What about the lock on the information. Is there another way to retrieve it?”

Margot nodded tiredly. “I know the incantation to open the book and if that doesn’t work, the Imperial Wizard can do it.”

Chaplaine agreed. “It hasn’t been done for years, but it is feasible.”

Buffy rose from her seat. “Well, there is no way I’m going to let Sunnydale blow up or evaporate or whatever that spell will do. We’ll just have to get the book back before your installation.” She swept her eyes across the others. “Okay people, we need to come up with a plan. Pronto.”

Chapter 16

Come Across the Bridges


Kyle had always heard adults use the expression “between a rock and a hard place” and now he finally understood it. He could see a scale in his mind’s eye, one side held the wizard’s code of honor which he’d sworn to uphold and the other side held his actual life.

So he tried lightly placing a surreptitious finger on the scale.

The moment he’d begun reading the second portion of the Grimoire, he’d realized that it was locked, the spells essentially useless. To a wizard, they read like top secret military forms that had been heavily redacted.

Okay, he mused, to a wizard they appeared this way but not to an unknowing demon. He decided to copy them exactly as they were shown. It would buy him time to either figure out an escape plan, or hopefully for someone to spring him.

Kyle stopped writing to squint at the small, crabbed handwriting. His father’s memory was so bad; he’d used the book not only for its intended purpose, but also as a day runner and diary. Kyle read notations about different people he’d met, their likes and dislikes, information on various Council functions, birthday reminders, even witty anecdotes jotted among the spells. The young boy was fascinated. A veritable cornucopia, it offered insight into the daily life of the man he’d never gotten the chance to know.

The magicks themselves, even with the missing components, were works of art, simple and elegant. His father had known exactly what he was doing and he did it well.

Kyle’s heart swelled with pride and he knew he would never allow that weird demon to get his hands on them. It would be an insult to allow some thing as gross as that Chieftain to steal his work and use it against everyone his father had loved.

Kyle continued to turn the pages and scribble pieces of spells, adding in a minor spell of his own that turned any piece of fruit into a banana. He’d use that one if the demon demanded proof that the spells would work.

Yawning, Kyle realized it was getting late and he still had the last few pages to read and transcribe. Rubbing his tired eyes, he picked up the book and squinted at the handwriting again. The pages held several more handwritten reminders and notes, along with some long, extremely complicated incantations.

Kyle sucked in a breath and sat up straighter in the chair. Sneaking a look at the empty window housed within the locked door, he rapidly reread the incantations. Different than anything he had transcribed so far, the words stood out, harbingers for the abomination of dark magicks. Kyle translated the words for control, power, death and Hellmouth. Most of the remaining spell was impossible to read.Father, what did you do?

Debating how to remove these from his translations, he heard a noise in the hallway. The door to his prison swung open and the Gashi Chieftain appeared holding a riding crop. Smiling at the young boy, he said, “So, Kyle, I see you’ve been very busy.”

Kyle closed the thick book. “I’m not finished. The translations are very hard,” he lied.

“Not a problem. I have a meeting to attend. When I return you and I shall have our own little meeting.” He reached for the doorknob. “Then you can explain to me just how all of this works and include a little demonstration.”

Opening the door, he turned back to Kyle and his voice hardened. “Just in case you think you can play me, I’ll make the choice for the demonstration. I do hope you’ve got them all translated correctly. I’m sure you wouldn’t like it if I had to wait.”

Once he heard the lock click again, Kyle exhaled noisily and slumped in his seat. Biting his lip, he tried hard not to cry.



*****


The Imperial Wizard demanded, his tone petulant, “Are we absolutely certain this meeting should be adjourned?”

“There is nothing more to discuss.” Giles wondered if his voice sounded as tired as he felt. “We’ve already agreed that rescuing Kyle and the Grimoire are the number one priority, and Buffy and Spike will use the bracelet to recon and then attempt his rescue later this evening.”

He watched the elderly man think about his answer briefly, before nodding. “You’re right. If you’ll all excuse me, I believe I shall go up to bed, I’m not feeling all that well.”

Giles noticed Buffy and Spike had their heads close together whispering. How long has she allowed him to stand so close to her? Suddenly the air in the room felt too close. Turning to leave, he heard Buffy call his name.

“Giles? Could we maybe cover the bug stuff tomorrow when we get back? I’m really tired and I need some rest before heading out later tonight.”

“Of course, but didn’t you want to discuss something with me?” Giles watched her turn back to Spike once again. Before she could speak, he heard the vampire’s voice. “It’s okay, Pet, you need your sleep more right now.”

“Are you sure?” She glanced over her shoulder at him. Giles watched this discourse with mounting concern. There was definitely something going on, they’d been acting strangely since their return from the Thesa hive. Sneaking glances at each other throughout the meeting, they had behaved like two school children with a secret.

Irritated at the entire conversation, he nearly shouted to just spill whatever it was they were covering up, let him in on their deep dark secret. Now Spike smiled softly-softly!-and Giles heard him say, “It’s enough right now to know you’re goin’ to do it.”

Do what? I have the right to know what’s going on, she’s my Slayer. Afraid if he continued the conversation much longer, he’d create a scene by demanding to know what the hell was going on, Giles acquiesced. “I agree that it’s much more important for you to get some rest right now, Buffy. We’ll talk in the morning.”

Afraid of the niggling little thought trying to force its way to the forefront, he watched her walk up the stairs, the vampire close at her heels. Spike’s baritone and Buffy’s reply, both lost amid light laughter, floated down to him. He clenched his fists. Turning toward the kitchen he felt a hand rest on his arm.

Margot stood in the hallway and waited until the Watcher turned before speaking. “Rupert, would you have a drink with me before you retire for the evening? It’s been a very trying day and I could really use some company about now.”

“I think I could use a drink myself.”

******


“This is a beautiful suite.” Giles surveyed the living area of the enormous two room suite. Cherry furniture, Chinese in design and more modern than the remainder of the house, complemented the long leather couch and colorful wool rugs situated in front of the fireplace. Several smaller antiques shared space with a cherry sideboard outfitted as a bar. The result was both comfortable and refined. It suits her.

Margot smiled at the complement. “I had the walls knocked out between three of the bedrooms up here when the children were small. We used the area then as a combination family room and play room. Modern kids are so much more exuberant than Victorian children, and I feared for the antiques down stairs. Later, when they grew too old for the space, I had it converted for myself.”

“Please, Rupert, make yourself at home.” Behind the bar, he could hear the quiet slide of doors, then the tinkle of crystal. “You look like a scotch drinker to me.”

“That will be fine.” Sitting on the end of the long couch, he scanned the walls. “You have some lovely pieces.”

Margot handed him a tumbler, and placed a crystal decanter on the coffee table in front of him. Sitting at the other end of the couch, she replied. “Thank you. Some of this stuff has been in my family for generations.”

She grinned. “All except the one you’re looking at, it’s a fake. Claire had a couple years where she was completely enamored with playing softball indoors and out. I sold the original. It deserved much more reserved owners.”

He watched as she sipped her drink. “Do you have any children of your own, Rupert?”

“No.” His mouth quirked. “At least none of which I’m aware.” He took a drink of the smooth scotch. “Very nice.”

He continued the conversation. “Although over the years, Buffy has become like a daughter to me.”

“She is an exuberant woman, yet very strong. I see a lot of myself at that age in her.”

“When Buffy was first approached by your father, I made a phone call to Gillian Peters.”

Margot’s face lit up. “Oh, Gilly, tell me, how is the old dear?”

“Still as hearty as ever. She called you fiery and impetuous.”

Margot threw back her head and laughed. Giles suddenly realized how much he enjoyed hearing the sound. Her laughter, genuine and full bodied, filled the space.

“I’d be surprised if that was all she said. It was me that basically forced her into retirement.” Her eyes twinkled. “I was quite the wild child in those days, rebelling against almost everything, including my father. But you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you Ripper?”

At Giles amazed expression, she laughed again. “You’re not the only one who can check up on people.”

Pouring them each another drink, she handed back his tumbler. “So tell me, Rupert, why have you never married?”

He took another sip before replying. “I suppose I’m married to the job. A Watcher with an active Slayer in the field needs to remain focused.”

“I get that. Wizards don’t have the luxury of much time outside of the job, either.” Tucking her feet under her, she asked, “So there’s never been anyone since Buffy was called, no one you have loved?”

He watched the firelight play across the planes of her face, softening the fatigue lines, making her eyes seem enormous.

“There was one woman. Her name was Jenny. She was murdered by a vampire a few years ago.”

Continuing to stare at the fire, Margot spoke softly. “I knew you’d suffered a deep loss, I could see it in your aura.” She hesitated before finally adding, “It marks one forever doesn’t it? Never truly going away, making it that much harder to trust the next time.”

“What about you? I understood you’d married again after John died.”

He watched her shrug. She had elegant shoulders. “It was a marriage of convenience. He was a minor member of the Council and needed to cement his standing and I thought Kyle needed a male influence. It lasted three years.” She brightened. “But out of that I got my stepson, Drake, whom I adore.”

She smiled softly. “He loves my daughter Claire but is afraid to tell her. You see, he isn’t a wizard, his talents lie elsewhere and his mother was smart enough not to force it, but that makes him insecure, because they’re so different.”

She stared impassively at Giles. “What do you think? Can a person ever be truly happy with someone from a completely different world?”

Giles gazed into his glass. “I suppose it’s possible. I think it would depend on the two people and how badly they wanted it to work.”

She nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. They both sat quietly for a few moments staring at the fire.

Margot murmured, “What about a Watcher and a wizard? Do you think there would be any chance they could find some common ground?”

Giles looked at the lovely woman next to him. “I think they already have.”

She moved closer and whispered. “Would you stay with me tonight?”

Removing his glasses, he reached for her. “I’d like that very much.”

When he kissed her, she tasted like peaches and fine scotch.



*****

Disdainfully, the Chieftain surveyed the plain room. The Thesa Overlord had predictably stuck to the agreement in his usual gauche way.

“I’m here, what’s so important that you’d actually request a personal meeting?”

Other than three accompanying Clan members each, it was supposedly just the two of them on neutral territory, sitting down to a civilized meeting, mano e mano.

Except that neither were men nor truly civilized and he knew that either would, without hesitation, easily kill the other right here, right now.

This is why I’ve brought several Gashi with me, waiting outside. If I so choose, I will kill him. He is nothing to me.

He glanced at his watch. “Time is of the essence, I have a prior engagement that I’ve had to postpone.”

The Overlord stared at his old enemy. He hated the Gashi; they were soft, pretending to live like humans and they had no honor. He had expected the Chieftain to show up with his sons and members of his Clan and attempt to murder him on the spot, which was why he had several three-marks secluded within this building. If necessary, they could arrive within minutes. It would not be him that would die this night.

Sitting down at the small table, he gestured for the other demon to sit. Still cautiously watching the Overlord, the Chieftain obeyed the request. “I ask again, what do you want?”

“I have sent for you because I know that you have made an agreement with the Imperial Wizard and their Council and I wish to discuss this fact.”

“I make agreements with demons, humans, wizards, whoever can benefit me and my Clan. Why is this any of your business, Thesa?”

“Because I, too, have made an agreement with the Successor. She sought me out with a personal request.”

Narrowing his eyes, the Chieftain studied his old adversary for signs of a double cross.
“What type of request would the wizard possibly make of you?” Quietly, he flicked his tail, the signal for his men to move forward.

“Before I tell you, I must have your word as a Clan Leader that you will continue the parlay beyond this meeting. There is much we must discuss.” The Thesa opened his wings and one of his soldiers quietly slipped out of the room.

The Gashi shrugged. “I will listen to your meanderings if it doesn’t take all night. What was the request?” He noted the soldier slipping from the room and flicked his tail once more.

“She does not trust you and wishes for your death. If I kill you, then I receive your lands and all possessions.”

Clenching his fist, the Chieftain snarled. “That is an unbelievably stupid proposal. You could never take over my operation; my sons would see to it that you and all other Thesa were killed in a most unpleasant way as retribution for daring to murder a Chieftain of the Gashi Clan. What possible good has it done to bring me here and tell me this?”

“I had hoped that we would parlay and arrive at a mutual agreement, to either work together to bring down the wizards, or else drop this endeavor completely.”

Jumping to his feet, the Chieftain glared at the other demon. “I work only for my own benefit. What purpose would an alliance serve for me? I can see none at all.

There could never be an agreement between us. You are and always will be an imbecilic soldier. You attempt to bludgeon your way through everything, while I reason using a higher intellect. That is why I have won in the past when our paths have crossed and why I will win going forward.”

He could hear faint noises nearing the room. Lifting his chin he continued. “I have acquired something that will take care of the wizards and the humans on the Hellmouth. It doesn’t matter what agreement I have made with the wizards, I will bury them all and when I am finished, I will have more power than ever before.”

The Chieftain signaled his bodyguards. “There is no reason for me to ally with you, for you have backed the wrong players. When this is over, the Successor will be dead and so will your agreement.” The bodyguards stepped forward to stand beside him.

“You are making a grave mistake by not continuing this parlay. I am giving you a chance to stand with other powerful demons. Together we can bring down the white wizards and even the Slayer. Together we could own the Hellmouth with all of its power. We would have much glory.”

“I have no interest in glory and I have nothing more to say to you. I hold all the chips in this game. We have always been enemies and will remain so.”

The Gashi moved to leave and found the door blocked by the three armed Thesa soldiers. He snarled and demanded, “Make these soldiers move, or I will move them for you.”

His bodyguards crossed to stand with him as more Gashi came through the front door.

The Overlord spoke again, his voice icy cold. “Ah, but you see, there’s a flaw in your brilliant logic, demon. You consider me merely a stupid soldier, but you are too cunning for your own good.”

Several more armed Thesa three-marks rushed through the back door and stood with their leader. Spreading his wings fully, the Overlord stared into the countenance of the snarling Chieftain.

“I already know what it is you have in your possession and it is of no value to you. The Successor will not allow you to hold it for long, it is too important to her. Mark my words, the wizard will retrieve it either by force or stealth, but either way your Clan is too soft and weak to repel an attack by such as her. I have myself been infiltrated by the white hats. This has not happened before in the fifty years I have been Overlord.

An open war now between you would upset the balance of power throughout the Hellmouth. There are already several smaller demon clans and two vampire houses nipping at our heels, waiting for either of us to make a false move and we have both become enmeshed in this because of your ill founded plans and enormous ego.”

“They are not ill-founded! I could easily win in a battle with the wizards; you are just too thick to understand. What I possess holds the key to everything.” Angered beyond control, he flashed his claws. “If I must fight her, it is of no consequence, I will win!”

Staring at the demon across the table, he growled again. “I have the item in my possession and I also hold a hostage. There is no way she would dare move against me.”

The Thesa rose from the table. “Every soldier no matter how ‘thick’ learns tactics; it is the basis for winning all battles.” At the flick of his wrist, his soldiers pulled out their weapons and aimed them at the Gashi.

“I have had several days to decide my options and my tactics.” The Overlord pulled out a large serrated knife. “I have given you a chance to act honorably, to join with other demons.” He advanced toward the Chieftain.

“But you are a leader that is acting rashly and I will not allow you to pull the Thesa down with you. I do not want to fight against the Wizard Council over a mere possession that is useless to us both.”

He motioned again and his men advanced. “Since we can not reach an agreement, I will complete the terms of my agreement with the wizards.” He held up the knife. “You have left me no alternative.”

“Then you and your Clan will die for your lack of foresight and misplaced honor.” The Gashi signaled his bodyguards. Growling, they pulled out their own hidden weapons and ringed their leader.

The Thesa soldiers engaged the Gashi bodyguards in a clash of sharpened steel, claws, and venom.

A lone Gashi bodyguard, hidden behind a tree outside, listened to the commencement of fighting and left for the den. He had orders to carry out.

Chapter 17

Full Circle- Redux

Buffy couldn’t sleep. According to the clock on the nightstand she’d said a lingering good night to Spike almost forty minutes ago and here she was, still wide awake.

Her brain just wouldn’t shut off, it continued to cycle over and over through things Margot had said at the meeting.

It must be the same way when a Slayer dies.

At first everyone is upset, so concerned. Then after awhile, it becomes just another incident written up in some musty Watcher’s diary.

This is my fate and I accept it. I will die fairly quickly in the line of duty.

Buffy heard her own voice, too.

You came up with a way to stay alive. Why is that such a problem?

But she’d known it would be a problem even as she’d ask the question. Champions die. That’s the way it was, the way it would always be. There won’t be any cheating the fates out of their fun.

I’ve died twice already. How many more chances will I get?

The Powers never allow their champions to tip the balance merely to survive. Warriors just didn’t rate that high on the list. Taking down the baddies at any cost, now that was numero uno, top of the hit parade.

It would take the power of a Hellmouth to keep an Imperial Wizard alive. How high the cost for a Slayer?

She slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom to splash some water on her face. Opening the door, she found Spike smoking a cigarette and staring out the window.

Shirtless and barefoot, his slender body framed against the backdrop of the moon, while sharp cheekbones stood out in stark relief, the vampire created an illusion of the perfect marble statue. David in black jeans.

When he turned dark blue eyes toward her, Buffy’s breath caught. He was the most beautiful creature she’d ever seen.

Spike turned when the door opened and gazed at the Slayer in the doorway of the old fashioned bathroom. Standing there in her pink nightgown, blonde hair mussed and reddened eyes swollen from lack of sleep, he thought she was the most gorgeous woman in the world, although right at this moment, probably the loneliest.

The chosen one. He’d always hated that particular title; it was so like Watchers to accentuate a Slayer’s aloneness. They had the galling tendency to forget they were dealing with young women, not impersonal killing machines.

Tossing his cigarette out the open window, he broke the silence. “I knew you weren’t sleeping, I could hear you toss and turn.”

Managing a slight smile, she replied, “Gotta love that vamp hearing.” She shrugged and added, “I can’t shut off my brain. I keep thinking about Margot and her situation. It’s wrong that she had to resort to that spell, she just wanted to be normal for a while.”

He stepped quickly across the floor to her. “Come on luv”, he murmured, placing his arm around her waist as he had during their trek through the hive. Together they walked slowly back to her room. “I’d wager there are other thoughts circling round and round in that beautiful head, too, maybe even a few about your own situation.”

Glancing at him, Buffy said, “You’re always so perceptive. How do you do that?”

“Easy, luv. I just keep my eyes open. I noticed at the meeting how personally you took the things she said.”

He helped her climb back into bed and started to tuck the blanket up around her shoulders when she gazed up at him and said, “Spike, please don’t leave. Stay. I sleep better when I’m with you.” The little voice encouraged her. Tell him how he makes you feel. But how do I feel?

I would never, could never leave you hurting. “Of course,” he replied, and obligingly crawled under the covers, lying so that Buffy could nestle her head against his shoulder.

She sighed and whispered. “Margot and I have such similar situations that I just can’t help thinking about it.”

“No Slayer, see that’s where you’re wrong, your situation is different from hers.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’ve got me.” Always. He kissed the top of her head. “Now, sleep. It’s only a couple hours until we play Rescue Rangers.”

“Rescue Rangers, huh?” Snuggled on his shoulder finally fully relaxed, she teased playfully, “Okay, but I get to be Chip.”

He responded with his trademark smirk. “What are you goin’ on about Slayer? You know I’d be Chip. You can be Dale.”

“No way, Spike. Besides, I distinctly remember an incident with you and a certain Hawaiian shirt. Anyway, Chip’s the boss, hence you’re Dale.”

“But Chip has the good coat.”

“What about Monty?” She giggled. “He’s really strong and he’s got that aviator jacket.”

“Oh, so now I’m an overweight Aussie with a penchant for cheese and a green mosquito for a sidekick. There’s a bloody improvement.”

“Zipper’s not a mosquito, he’s a fly.”

“Slayer, we both need to fly to sleep.”

“That was quite an odd segue.”

He looked down at her, eyes twinkling. “Liked that, did you?”

“Liked? That was seriously bad punning.” She giggled again. “Good night Spike.” I think I love you.

Spike leaned over and kissed her again. “G’night, Buffy.” I love you.

She yawned and knew she could sleep now. Mr. Perceptive was right; he’d already made such a huge difference in her life and things between them just kept getting better and better.

But coat or no coat, he still doesn’t get to be Chip.


*****


“Slayer, it’s time to go.”

Spike hated to awaken her. It seemed as if they’d just fallen asleep. But the Slayer would never forgive him if they didn’t get to Kyle in time and Spike knew he’d never forgive himself either, so he reached down and gently nudged her.

Touching her like this was nearly his undoing, much worse than when he’d held her a couple hours ago. Then she’d needed his comfort and he’d gladly given it pushing aside any thoughts about how incredibly sexy she’d looked in her pale pink nightgown and bare feet. But now…. he stared down at her blonde hair fanned across the pillow and his eyes glazed over.

He cleared his throat and whispered, “Buffy? Wake up, pet.”

Buffy opened her eyes and smiled at the rumpled guy leaning over her. Spike with bed hair. Yum. The little voice in her head shamelessly whispered that there were lots of things they could be doing in this very bed that would make him look even more rumpled.

Spike frowned. Buffy had awakened and was staring at him like she’d suddenly been turned and he was about to become lunch. He could hear her heartbeat and pulse accelerate. Hmmm, I wonder…. Well whatever’s going on, I need to get away from her, or I’m goin’ to lean over and…. He practically leaped out of bed. “Pet, we have to leave, so I’m goin’ to get dressed.”

“Right” she replied briskly and started sliding out of bed. “I’ll meet you in your room in ten.”

He watched her shake off what? Spike knew he’d been enduring a serious case of unresolved sexual tension for the last two days. If Buffy was, too….. . Now there’s a thought to get a bloke’s blood flowing. He grimaced as his jeans tightened. Bloody hell.

Turning away from her, he swallowed hard. “Fine, but I’m going to need a little more time than that to get myself sorted, let’s make it fifteen, and I’ll meet you at the stairs.”

She was already rooting for her clothes. “Okay, see you in fifteen.”

Exactly fifteen minutes later they were slipping quietly down the stairs. Crossing the second floor landing next to Margot’s room, Spike caught the sound of two familiar heartbeats and snickered.

Well, well, well. Rupes is bunking with the wizard tonight. There’s one I didn’t see coming.

He filed the knowledge away, to be trotted out if necessary when Buffy confided in her Watcher about their relationship. I dare him say something out of line, when he’s just been caught out himself.

Cheerfully, he held the door open for the Slayer. “It’s a beautiful night for mayhem isn’t it luv?”


*****

Giles stopped kissing Margot and lifted his head. “What was that noise?”

Margot listened for a moment. “I think it might be Buffy and Spike leaving. Do you need to speak with her?”

“No, no, not at all. I just thought-”

“Thought what?” She smoothed a lock of hair away from his eyes.

“I just thought for a moment that I heard someone laughing. Never mind, it’s nothing.” He turned back to her. “Now, where was I?”

“I believe you were just about to kiss me.” She tilted her face up.

“Ah yes, I remember now I was about to kiss you.” He lightly touched her breast. “But I believe I’d been planning for a bit farther down.”


*****

Kyle sat up abruptly. There were several noises outside the door. Rubbing his eyes, he realized that one of them, a sort of loud bang, was what had startled him. He heard the bang noise again. What was going on out there?

He had been trying to puzzle out the remainder of the steps for at least two more of the least powerful incantations, hoping that if he could offer a choice between three different spells, the demon might pick one of those for the demonstration. Then he might not learn of the deception before Kyle could figure out an escape.

But there was a flaw in his plan. Kyle hadn’t known any of the spells he’d read and had finally resorted to plugging in anything that seemed logical and hoping it would work while becoming more and more nervous and frightened with each passing moment.

But he’d sucked it up and was doggedly continuing work on the incantation for a shield spell that had had his hopes up when he’d come across it. But so far he hadn’t been able to keep his pencil from poking his arm, so he still had something messed up.

Ignoring all the noise, he muttered a different phrase and winced when the point stuck his arm again. He was leafing through the Grimoire trying to find something with less information missing, when he heard the door being unlocked.

His heart sank.


*****


“It sounds like about a dozen demons, all at various points inside the building.” Spike reported after a brief recon.

They’d left the wizard’s house and the vampire had led her to the Gashi Chieftain’s den, uneasily admitting that he’d actually been there once, long ago.

Surprisingly, Buffy hadn’t made any comments, merely asking if he remembered anything about the layout.

“Not really, pet. He didn’t let me inside, made me wait on the porch. I was collecting on a poker debt.” He scratched his head. “There has to be at least one more entrance, no self respecting demon is goin’ to have only one way in or out of his place, but I didn’t see it anywhere, so it must be a tunnel.”

“It’s probably really well hidden. This place isn’t as big as the hive is it?”

“Nah. The Chieftain likes to pretend he’s civilized and lives like a human. He maintains another residence or two nearby for the rest of his Clan. Here it would be him, his mate, their own sons and his personal guards. This building we’re seeing is all of it, except for maybe that escape tunnel.”

He watched the Slayer tick the information over in her head and couldn’t help his next question. “So what’s your plan and it better not include any rocks.”

Groaning, Buffy looked over at the laughing vampire. Spike had been in an uncommonly good mood the entire trip over here. She was attributing it to him feeling as rested as she did coupled with the possibility of some serious fighting. The promise of a fight, usually with terrible odds, always made him happy.

“Any idea if Kyle’s in there and where they’re keeping him?” She peered around the shed where they were currently hiding to stare at the large house. For a crappy demon’s lair, it looked reasonably normal. “Not much for lawn maintenance is he? He’s got serious crab grass issues.”

“Somehow I don’t picture him out on Saturday afternoons with a weed whacker.” Spike shook his head at the picture that made in his head. “I’m sure he keeps a low profile, even if this is Sunnyhell.”

“He could always get a service” Buffy mused. “He probably has lots of money with that whole demon leader thing going on.” She turned back to the vamp. “Any luck?”

Spike listened for another moment just to be certain. “Kyle’s somewhere in the middle of the house.” He grimaced. “Slayer, the kid’s wide awake and terrified.”

“Well, at least we won’t have to carry him.”

“The way his heart’s racin’, I think it’s goin’ to be more of a case of just trying to slow him down enough to steer him in the right direction.”

Buffy hefted the cross bow. “Okay, here’s the deal. You bring the swords; we’re going in through the front, loud and fast. Hopefully they won’t be expecting anyone. When we get inside, I’ll keep them at bay with the bow and you barricade the door, so we won’t need to watch our backs for a few. We’ll work our way to Kyle and then out again. If we need to, we’ll use the bracelet to get us back through their soldiers. How is that?”

“The bracelet saved our asses in the hive; I’m startin’ to believe it might work occasionally. As for your plan, wonder of wonders, I detected no rocks in it anywhere.”

She snickered. “Per your request, Dale.”

Shaking his head, he reached for her arm. “Just a minute Chip.” Pulling her close, Spike kissed her. “That’s for luck.”

Buffy dropped the crossbow and wrapped both arms around him tightly. “We’re going into a very powerful demon’s den against a dozen hand picked body guards. We have no knowledge of the layout or exactly where our objective is located. I think we need a little more luck than that.” She kissed him again harder. “Okay, now I think we’re ready.”

Spike shot her a searing look that sent a bolt of heat right through her middle. “Oh, I’m ready all right.” Gotcha Slayer.

Buffy sent him a smoldering look in return that made his jeans tighten all over again. “Yeah, me, too.” Bollocks.

Picking the crossbow up she added, “Let’s get this done, so we can go home and celebrate.”

Spike swung the swords and grinned. “Now that’s the type of plan I can definitely work with.”


*****

“The Chieftain said to get here as quickly as possible, so I ran the entire way.” The bodyguard gulped air, trying to continue his explanation. “I heard the fight start.”

The Gashi Chieftain’s son frowned. “So it was a trap after all. I told him it was a mistake to trust the Thesa. They have always wanted our territory.”

“I don’t believe it was our territory that they were after.”

“Then what?”

“Before I left the room, the Overlord spoke of the wizards.”

“Of course.” He paced around the room. “We shall have to see what the young wizard has discovered within the book. Then, as the new Chieftain, I will be able to decide what to do.”

“I am not certain that your father is dead. I left before the outcome had been determined.”

“It does not matter,” he retorted. “I am in command here at present.”

Suddenly they both heard a loud bang.

“Find out what that noise was and send two bodyguards to the boy’s cell. I’m going to question him right now.”

“Yes, sir.”

Another bang sounded. The door opened and one of the guards stuck his head in the room. “We are under attack!”

“Then get out there and protect the den.” He reached for a knife. “Go. Now!!” Turning to the tired bodyguard, he pointed toward the back of the building. “Go phone the other dens and get some back up here right now.”

*****


“Ready Slayer?”

Buffy strung an arrow and aimed the cross bow at the door. “Ready.”

Spike kicked the metal door and they both winced at the loud bang. The door, obviously heavily reinforced in some way, sagged on its hinges but remained steadfastly closed.

Cursing, Spike leaped again, this time using both feet. The bang was louder, preceded by the sound of the hinges giving way.

Three enormous demon guards rushed forward. Buffy shot the first through the heart with the cross bow. It fell backward soundlessly. She looked down to notch another arrow but the second enormous demon guard rushed forward and knocked the cross bow from her hands. It clattered across the floor and wound up in the far corner. “You jerk, that was my favorite bow,” she yelled at the demon.

Spike leaped away from the broken door, pitching Buffy’s sword to her. “Slayer, catch.”

She looked up and caught the sword expertly. He grinned. That’s my girl.

Spike turned back just in time to duck under the arc of the third Gashi guard’s broadsword. Pivoting, he plunged his own sword into the guard’s furry chest. It collapsed with a groan, pulling his sword down with it.

“Bloody hell.” He tried to pinpoint Kyle’s location again while wrenching the sword free.

Buffy twisted, kicking the Gashi bodyguard hard in the stomach. It roared, trying to rake her with its claws as it doubled over. She skipped sideways, bringing her sword down and severing its head at the shoulders.

Blowing a strand of hair from her eyes, Buffy watched the dismembered head roll to the corner, stopping to rest against her cross bow. She grimaced and thought that the floor just had to slant to that corner. Now there’s demon ick spewing all over my best crossbow.

Several more Gashi guards wielding broad swords and growling loudly, crowded through the narrow doorway from somewhere in the back of the den, blocking them from getting to Kyle.

Buffy saw Spike cock an eyebrow. We have to get through them to grab Kyle.

She nodded. Let’s do it before even more reinforcements show up.

Together they raised their swords and charged.

The guards met them with a clash of swords

Chapter 18

Lost in Translation


Margot bolted up in bed. “Oh no.” Urgently she shook the slumbering man next to her. “Rupert, wake up.”

“What is it?” He fumbled for his glasses as he felt her rise from the bed. Locating them, he brought his lover into focus. “Margot, what’s wrong?”

She was already belting the sash on her robe. “It’s my father. He’s dying.”

Giles reached for his pants. “I’m not sure I understand. Are you certain? Although tired, he seemed so much better.”

“That was only the spell that he and I performed at the hospital. We both knew it wouldn’t last for long, although I had hoped it would be longer than this.” Her voice caught. “The spell wrapped him safely in a sort of cocoon, but it’s begun to unravel. I can feel it.”

She dug in the night stand next to the bed and tossed him an address book. “Could you call Claire? Tell her it’s time to end the stay at the apartment. She knows what to do about Ethan. Ask her to notify the Council for me.”

She shivered. “I can feel the power starting to leave him and coalesce here in the house.”

“Of course I’ll make the call for you. But first, I’m going to make you some tea.”

Her eyes had taken on the haunted look again. “We’ve probably got about ten or twelve hours before everyone arrives for the installation, and even less to revoke the spell.”

“I’m sure Buffy will return with the Grimoire before then.”

Rupert?”

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you’re here.” She turned for the door. “I’m going in to say good bye.”

Giles nodded, but she was already out the door and didn’t notice. He grabbed his shirt and started for the stairs.

Hurry Buffy.



*****


“Take the carcass back to the hive and string it up in the central meeting hall.” The Overlord nudged the dead Gashi Chieftain with his toe. “I wish for all the Thesa Clan to look upon this sight and understand that this is the result of living too soft. The Chieftain had forgotten what it meant to be a demon on the Hellmouth.”

He folded his wings and spoke to his main three-mark. “The way is now open for us to take control of the Gashi homeland. Go to the hive and raise a platoon. Kill them while their Clan is in confusion. If you locate the Successor’s book, bring it to me. We will show the wizards that the Thesa know how to behave with honor. It will be to our advantage someday to have them owe us this favor.”

*****


The arrow whistled past her ear. Turning around, Buffy charged at the archer. “Hey you jerk, that’s my bow!” She leaped across the pile of dead Gashi bodyguards lying in the middle of the room and hit the demon hard in the temple with her fist. Dazed, he slid down the wall and sprawled in the corner and the compound bow fell from his paw.

Buffy picked it up and checked it over critically. “You damaged it!” She turned a murderous eye on the demon, still lying in the corner. Notching the bow, she shot it through the heart and glowered. “You’re just lucky it’s fixable.”

“Yeah, because you could do so much more to him,” Spike drawled.

She turned to see him leaning against the wall, smiling, his sword bent and a bloody smear across one cheek. She touched her hair self consciously and looked around. “Where’d all the demons go?”

“I think we killed them all, pet.”

“Where’s Kyle?”

Spike grimaced. “That’s what I came to tell you. Sometime during our little melee, some of the wankers booked and they must have taken Kyle with them.”

“What are you saying? He’s not here anymore?”

“That’s what I’m sayin’. I can’t hear his heartbeat anywhere in here.”

“What about the Grimoire?”

“Well, since I’m not sure what it actually looks like, I won’t say for sure, but I’d guess that when they grabbed the junior wizard, they probably took the book.”

“Yeah, they kinda do go together. But if all the Gashi are gone, then what’s that loud noise?”

Spike peered out the window. “Slayer, we better find that escape tunnel fast.”

“Why, what is it?” Buffy joined him at the window. “Now that’s a seriously large amount of bug soldiers.”

“Yeah, it looks to be at least two platoons, maybe more.”

“Now, that’s just wrong. We kill off all the Gashi and then they show up.” Buffy was indignant. “What, now they get everything that’s here?”

“They can have it as far as I’m concerned, crab grass and all. It’s not like we can take out that many of ‘em without some serious firepower. Two swords, one of which is bent and a nearly busted bow won’t be doin’ the trick.”

“Well, if we have to, we can blend in with them again, I’ve still got this.” Buffy held her wrist up, flashing the bracelet and Spike suddenly experienced déjà vu for the second time that same week.

But this time the scene he was watching differed from the two previous times as he watched the clasp open and the charm bracelet fall to the floor. Before Buffy could reach down to pick it back up, there was a burst of blue light and the bracelet disappeared.

“Oh my God, where is it?” Buffy clutched her wrist, staring frantically around the floor. “Spike, it’s not here anymore.”

“I think it just broke for good this time. Is this where I get to say again that I hate bloody magicks?” He grabbed her hand and pulled urgently. “Come on, Slayer, that door will never hold against all those soldiers, we’ve got to find that escape tunnel.”


*****

One of the Gashi prodded Kyle in the back, urging him to move faster through the tunnel. He couldn’t be certain if it was one of the same two that had opened his prison door earlier because the demons were all dressed exactly alike in some sort of uniform.

The loud noises had turned out to be a horrendous fight somewhere else in the house. He could hear it better once the demons threw open the door to his prison and Kyle was almost certain it had to be the Slayer. Before he could get his hopes up for a rescue, two demons grabbed him and the Grimoire and dropped them both through a hole in the floor hidden within a kitchen cabinet.

The demons had dropped down after him and now they were all walking single file away from the house through a fairly narrow, two story high tunnel to an unknown destination. Kyle clutched the Grimoire and looked around cautiously. He counted four other demons besides the two that had grabbed him.

One of the demons seemed to be female; she was dressed differently and sort of reminded Kyle in a vague way of a lioness from some really bizarro nature channel. He assumed the rest were male. None of them had spoken, so he wasn’t sure if any of them spoke English.

The only good thing so far was that he hadn’t seen the older mean demon. Kyle fervently hoped that they weren’t going to meet up with him either. He didn’t have the spells finished and those teeth along with that riding crop made him really nervous.


*****

“Father.” Margot stepped into the bedroom and felt the tendrils of her father’s personal power floating freely within the room. The time had come.

She moved to the bed and leaned over. “It’s Margot.” She touched him tenderly on the forehead. “Can you hear me?”

The elderly man, his face ashen, opened his eyes. “Daughter.” He coughed briefly. “I’m glad you came quickly. I wanted the chance to see you one last time before the transfer.”

Margot took his hand in hers. “I felt you calling to me. I love you.”

The elderly wizard smiled briefly. “I love you, too. Finally, I shall see your mother again. I’ve missed her for so long.”

Margot smiled softly. “Tell her hello for me.”

“Has the Slayer returned with the Grimoire yet?”

“No, but I’m sure it will be soon.”

“Everything will work out. Margot, you will make a fine Imperial Wizard, just trust in your instincts. I’m so very proud of you.” He grimaced. “It’s time.” She bent down and kissed his forehead.

The Imperial Wizard waited until she stood back up and spoke loudly. “This gift of power is freely given.”

Margot felt the release of an enormous burst of power. Closing her eyes to shield them from the bright light throughout the room, she held her arms out in front of her and opened her hands, palms up. Speaking loudly, she replied, “This gift of power is freely accepted.”

The power floating around the room coalesced, streaming through her open palms. She opened her eyes and lowered her arms to her side. It was done. She had absorbed her father’s personal power. The only thing that remained was her formal installation where she would be given a token gift of power from each individual wizard on the Council, insuring her ties to each.

She took one last look at the empty bed where her father had lain and whispered,
“Good bye father.”

Walking back down the stairs to Rupert, she fervently wished for Buffy and Spike to come charging though the door with Kyle. Time was running out for them all.

She could smell the tea before she entered the kitchen. “That smells wonderful.”

Giles stepped from the stove and hugged her tightly. “I’m sorry about your father Margot. I only knew him briefly, but I respected him and sincerely enjoyed the chance to know him.” He inspected her face. “Are you alright? Do you want me to take care of the details for you?”

Margot looked confused. “Details?” Suddenly she understood. “You mean with the coroner or something, don’t you?”

When he nodded, she smiled. “That’s very thoughtful, but there’s something I guess I should explain about the post of Imperial Wizard. You see, after awhile the power pretty much consumes a person’s body, that’s the reason most of us don’t live a very long life. When my father died, his body, at least what was left of it after all those years, disintegrated and the power was the only thing left. His spirit left to be with my mom and he passed his power to me. So in a way, he’s still with me.”

“That’s certainly unexpected, but I would assume it’s very comforting.” He held out a cup.

“Yes, actually it is.” Margot took the cup and moved to the table. “I would have thought as a Watcher you would know about this stuff.”

“I’ve never really delved into it, since our two Councils were not really involved any longer. My emphasis has always been on Slayers and for the past few years, the Hellmouth.”

“Of course, I understand completely.” Margot set her cup on the table. “Rupert, as you know my father had hoped that both Councils could work together again when needed and I’ve been giving it some thought. It is time that we put the past to rest, so I’ve decided that the first act of my tenure will be the reinstatement of our working relationship.”

She smiled at his surprise. “After all, haven’t you and I proven that it’s not insurmountable to come from different worlds and have some type of relationship?”

“Yes, that’s quite true.”

He took her hand in his. “Margot, I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but since you’ve brought up the subject, I’d like to ask what happens now with us?

“Unfortunately for the first couple months, I’ll be very busy.” She gripped his hand tightly. “But I’ve always loved this old house and going forward, I’d like to move here again, unless I’m the one being too presumptuous.”

He reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. “That would be wonderful.”

“I’m planning to tell everyone after the Installation that provided there aren’t any emergencies, I’m going to need at least a week before I start my tenure to work out some personal details.”

“I assume I’ll be one of them?”

“Well, you know what they say; it’s all in the details.”


*****

“I can’t believe those big demons fit through this tiny hole.” The Slayer, forehead wrinkled and hands on hips, stood in the tunnel, staring critically at the small escape access they’d both squeezed through.

She looked over at Spike in time to see him shrug. “What were you worried about? You didn’t have any trouble wiggling through there.” And that particular memory will fuel my dreams for weeks to come.

“Well, you didn’t seem to have any trouble either, except for that moment when your coat got caught and you starting yelling.”

“I wasn’t yelling and anyway it wasn’t my coat that got caught.”

Buffy smirked. “Yeah, ‘cause the rest of you is just so darn big.”

“For you information Slayer, there are portions of my anatomy that are bigger than most.” He smirked.

Rolling her eyes, she rejoined, “Yeah, those boots are enormous.”

Spike ignored the quip. “Well, I don’t see ‘em fittin’ through there either, but I can smell Kyle’s scent down here.”

“We better get moving, no telling where they’re headed. Can you keep tracking them?”

“Yeah.” Spike nodded. “Kyle’s scared out of his wits and I can smell his sweat.”

“Ugh, Spike, TMI.” Buffy brightened. “Hey, I think I just figured out how they got down here. I bet the Gashi are like some dogs. You know, the ones that are all fur and not much body? I bet if we shoot them with a water hose, they’d be really skinny underneath all that hair, kind of like an Afghan or a Chow Chow.”

They started picking their way down the tunnel. “I dunno Slayer, when we slice into them with a sword, they’re meaty enough.”

“Oh yeah.” Buffy pondered the problem some more. “Well, then maybe we’re only left with a couple really little ones to kill.”

“That would be a nice change of pace, especially since my sword isn’t exactly in the best of shape.”

“What did happen to your sword?” She slipped her hand companionably into his.

“One of the blighters was wearin’ some sort of metal vest underneath that ugly uniform. Rather unsporting actually.”

“You should just cut off their heads, like I do. It works every time.” She shifted conversations. “What do you suppose the Thesa were doing there?”

“Taking advantage of a situation. Somehow they knew the Gashi were weakened, decided to pick the bones.”

Buffy flashed on the skeletons she’d seen hanging in the hive. “Yeah, they’re big on the whole decorating with bones scheme. Their interior decorator must have convinced them that they really go well with slime.”

Musing out loud she continued, “I didn’t get the feeling that anyone was really in charge back there. I mean, they just came at us, no one was roaring any orders.” Buffy brightened. “Do you suppose Margot’s plan actually worked?”

“Anything’s possible.”

“I can’t figure out why my bracelet broke either. It wasn’t supposed to come off unless this mess was completely cleared up.”

“I wondered about that, too, and I’m thinking that we’re not goin’ to like the answer.” Spike’s nostrils flared. “They’re up ahead, maybe a mile or so.”

“Okay, we move quickly until we get within hearing range for you and we can figure out how many we’re dealing with.”


*****

The group had arrived at a split in the tunnel, the first that Kyle had seen so far. The demons immediately began arguing over which direction to choose. Even though he didn’t understand their language, it was obvious to Kyle that there were two distinct factions. He leaned against the tunnel wall and watched while the female and two of the male Gashi tried to convince the other three to turn into the auxiliary tunnel.

The other group of three, which included the demon that kept prodding Kyle, obviously wanted to continue in the direction they were already headed. The teen didn’t care which tunnel they chose; he knew that neither would be in his best interest. The only direction that appealed to him was back the way they’d just traveled. Back to the demon’s lair.

Whoever had been fighting with the demons in the house had obviously won, causing these to bolt and force him along with them. Kyle figured the winners would have to be an improvement over his current situation, so he continued to lean against the wall and wait for his chance. It came quicker than he could have hoped.

After a cursory look behind him to check on his prisoner, Kyle realized that his guard was no longer paying attention to him, having become embroiled in what was rapidly escalating into a very heated argument. The teen leaned over and surreptitiously dropped the Grimoire into his shirt for safekeeping.

When one of the Gashi suddenly punched another, Kyle seized the opportunity. Straightening up quickly, he pivoted and bolted down the tunnel.



*****

“So why isn’t it a planet anymore?”

“I have no bloody idea. The last I heard they’d downgraded it from a planet to an asteroid; something about it was too small or in the wrong place for a planet or some such bollocks.”

“So it’s big enough that its a planet all this time and now it’s too small? And it needs to move closer or something?”

“Uh huh.”

“But that’s just wrong. There’s even a Disney character named after it.”

“It just goes to show, Slayer, you wait long enough and almost anything can change.”

Spike had continued down the tunnel when he noticed he was talking to himself. Turning around he saw Buffy standing in the middle of the tunnel with an odd expression on her face.

“What’s the matter pet?”

“What did you just say?” she whispered.

He walked back to her side. “You mean about waiting long enough and anything can change?” Spike couldn’t quite pinpoint her expression, but the term gobsmacked crossed his mind. Surely surprise over Pluto’s newfound situation wouldn’t justify all of this.

Buffy placed her hand on his arm and stared in his eyes. “Yeah, cause it’s so very true and everything points to that very fact.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m afraid you lost me awhile back, pet. Just what are you tryin’ to say?”

“I love you.” She’d spoken so loudly that her voice echoed in the empty tunnel. It came out as I-I-love-love- you-you. She lowered her eyes embarrassed.

In rapid succession her thoughts were: Oh my God I really said it. Damn that was really loud and finally blech, of all places why did I chose this tunnel to tell him?

She’d been walking along, enjoying another of their weird conversations and she’d just felt so good, and then she’d heard that sentence and knew it was an omen. She had to say it. Right here, right now.

I love you. Well, to be exact I-I-love-love-you-you. She suddenly realized that the silence was total; Spike hadn’t said anything since she’d blurted it out. Cautiously she lifted her eyes.

Spike was standing stock still with an expression that could only be described as gobsmacked on his face. Suddenly a huge smile blossomed; he pulled Buffy into his embrace and kissed her with another one of those mind shattering kisses, a mirror image of the one at the bridge. Her knees started to buckle.

Pulling away, he gazed at her. “Don’t know what reason you had for sayin’ it right here and now, but I love-love you, too.”

He touched her face. “Aren’t we just the romantics? Tellin’ each other something as important as this in a ruddy tunnel of all places, but the location doesn’t matter. It was wonderful just to hear you say the words.”

“It’s feels good just to get the words said.”

He pulled her gently to his side. “Why now pet?”

“I don’t know. When you made that comment about Pluto, I suddenly needed to say it.”

“Well, in that case, I’m going to put Stephen Hawking on my Christmas card list.”

She laughed. “Even I know he didn’t have anything to do with that poor wannabe planet, besides vampires don’t write Christmas cards.”

“After this, I’m very tempted to start.”


****



Kyle was losing his breath and he could feel a stitch in his side but he refused to give up now. No matter which of the two demon factions won the argument, he knew that he’d never be allowed to go home. He had also known the minute this idea had popped into his head that if he seized the moment, he’d have to see it through. This bid for freedom was it.

He could feel the book slipping. Never breaking stride; he reached down and pushed it back up inside his shirt. He could feel his lungs beginning to burn and his heart felt like it was going to burst from his chest. Flirting momentarily with the idea of trying to find somewhere to rest briefly, the knowledge that he hadn’t seen anything in the barren tunnel and the sound of heavy demon feet somewhere back behind him continued to propel him forward.

He fervently hoped that there was some real reason to be running this way because Kyle already knew he’d get caught before he could find a way inside the house. There weren’t any ladders to climb back out of the tunnel; he was running toward a dead end. If no one was in this tunnel except his jailers, he was well and truly screwed. No, way worse than that. He was dead.

*****

After Buffy’s impetuous confidence, the couple continued to move forward through the tunnel until Spike slowed and finally stopped. Buffy watched the vampire listen intently, the smile he’d been sporting thinning to a line.

“What’s going on?”

“Slayer, it sounds like Kyle, running this way from the tunnel ahead and there are at least two, possibly more, demons chasing after him.” He hadn’t completed the sentence before Buffy sprinted down the tunnel. Gripping his bent sword, Spike rushed after her.

Chapter 19

Hearts Kept on Burning

“Hi Mom, I’m home.” Claire called through the door of the kitchen. Her mother and a stranger rose from the table. “I’ve always wanted to say that; doesn’t it sound like I’ve become some character in a situation comedy?”

Her mother smiled and Claire noticed how tired she looked. She hadn’t seen her mother since the very beginning of this escapade and Margot looked as if she’d aged twenty years in two weeks. Claire hurried over and hugged her, murmuring “I’m so sorry about Grandfather.”

“Thank you sweetie. He was lucid and not in pain. We were able to make the exchange.”

“Who’s the guy at the table?”

“This is Rupert Giles, Buffy’s Watcher.”

The tall gentleman walked around the table and held out his hand. “We spoke on the telephone.”

A Watcher, huh? He didn’t mention that on the phone. The kitchen door swung open again and Drake walked in with a very sullen Ethan.

Margot shoulders stiffened. “Claire, what’s going on?”

Claire shrugged. “The spell didn’t dissipate when I crossed the apartment’s threshold, so I had to bring him along. It’s just beginning to break apart now.”

Ethan interrupted. “I demand to know what’s going on here Margot.”

Giles stepped forward. “Might I suggest that we retire to the study?”

Claire watched her mother’s shoulders sag, but when she turned to respond to the Watcher, her face brightened and she smiled softly. “Yes, that would be a good idea.”

Hmmm. There’s more going on here than anyone’s said or my name isn’t Claire Morgana Chaplaine. “Mr. Giles is right, mom, I think we should move into the study, too. I know we’ve got some things to discuss.”

“First, I need to speak with Ethan. Why don’t you and Drake go on into the study and I’ll be there in a moment.” She motioned to a chair. “Rupert, please stay.”

Claire watched as the Watcher opened his mouth to say something, then closed it and nodded, although he made no move to sit. He remained standing between her mom and Ethan, as if shielding her. She noticed how her mom seemed to lean toward him across the space.

He telephoned me and now he’s deferring to my mom just like…Oh Goddess, they’re sleeping together. Well, this little dramady just keeps getting better and better.

She turned to see if Drake had caught on yet, but he was still staring at Ethan suspiciously. Claire was tempted to giggle. My, he looks so fierce, like one of those pug dogs. But he’s so thick when it comes to affairs of the heart. He never catches on to what is right under his nose.

Out loud, she said, “Come on Drake; let’s get a blazing fire going in the study.” She deliberately glanced between her mother and Giles and added, “I think I’m the only one here that hasn’t started one yet.”

Giles watched in amusement as the young woman left the room, followed closely by Margot’s stepson. So that’s Drake and Claire figured out immediately that her mom and I have a relationship. Ironically, she hasn’t caught on to how he feels. It’s amazing how blind the young can be at times.

His eyes narrowed as he turned to the remaining member of the group. “Ethan.”

“Ripper, how are you?” Ethan smirked. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you and you’ve changed quite a bit since then.” He slid into a seat. “So, Margot, my dear, it seems that there’s been a bit of a subterfuge going on around here.” He glowered at her. “You’ve been playing old Ethan.”

She sat down across from him. “I’m sorry about that Ethan, but I was desperate at the time. You were my only chance.”

“I have to admit that it was a bit of a shock when I realized what was going on.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve arrived at a solution that should ensure your complete understanding and absolution.” She looked up at Giles. “Rupert, do you have a twenty dollar bill?”

Giles reached into his wallet and pulled out the requested bill. He handed it to Margot. She held it in her hands briefly and then passed it to Ethan. “This should cover any inconvenience.”

“Twenty dollars? I have to admit that your daughter was a fun snog, but surely you’re joking.” He glared at her. “It’s a mistake to double cross me Margot.”

“When you arrive at your next destination, deposit this bill in any bank and you’ll be able to live quite comfortably for the next six months.” She leaned back in her chair. “The amount is more than generous. Just take the money and go.”

Margot’s eyes blazed. “Don’t even consider trying for some kind of petty retribution. Trust me; it would be a big mistake on your part.”

Giles leaned forward. “I urge you to listen to her.” He crossed his arms. “You’ve never been welcome here. Buffy will be quite upset if you don’t leave Sunnydale immediately and I shall relish being the one to tell her.”

Ethan looked from one to the other. “Watchers and Slayers working with Wizards again. My, my, a new age of enlightenment has truly begun. Well, I guess I can’t say that I haven’t done my share of interesting spells to other people in my day.” He smirked at Giles. “Isn’t that true Rupert?”

Tucking the bill into his pocket, he stood up. “Well, Margot dear, I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t say that our relationship has been a pleasure.”

He turned to leave. “Oh, by the way, I heard from an informant that the Gashi Chieftain was murdered earlier tonight by the Thesa Overlord and his Clan is in ruins. I thought you might like to know, just for old time’s sake.

Good-bye Successor, I’m so sorry that I can’t remain for your installation, but I’ve got a bank to locate. No need to see me out. Rupert, but do tell the Slayer good bye for me.”

*****


“Here Claire, let me help you with that.” Drake lifted the logs and carefully stacked them in the fireplace.

“Thanks, Drake.” She perched on the edge of the overstuffed chair in front of the hearth. “I wish we could get rid of these chairs, they really don’t serve the purpose at all.”

She watched while he lit the fire and replaced the screen. “Did you notice that Mr. Giles and mom are in a relationship? I think they’re sleeping together.”

He turned around and frowned. “So what? You make it sound like it’s a bad thing.”

“No, I didn’t mean for it to sound so blunt. I guess I’m just surprised.”

Drake sat in the other chair and searched Claire’s face; she was telling the truth, she didn’t look upset at all.

“So you don’t think it’s going to be a problem for her?”

Claire looked confused. “In what way?”

“Because she’s an Imperial Wizard and he’s a Watcher; they don’t usually do even the most rudimentary spells.”

She leaned back in the chair and sighed. “Drake, it doesn’t matter what they are or aren’t, as long as they love each other. You need to poke the fire, it’s not catching right.”

He got up and moved the screen again. “So you really believe that wizards can be happy loving people who aren’t involved in the art?”

Claire frowned. “Of course. Love knows no boundaries.”

Drake beamed. “That’s really great. I never knew you thought like that.”

“Well, I guess the subject’s never come up before.” She watched him replace the screen and flop into the chair again. He was so eccentric sometimes- she figured it was the musician in him- and she suddenly realized how much she’d missed that.

“Why do you care what I think?”

“No reason. Did I mention we’re playing at the Bronze again next weekend? Would you come and hear us? I’ve written a new song that I’d like for you to hear.”

“I’d love to hear your new song, Drake, I love your voice. Actually, I’ve been thinking about not returning to New York for awhile. Mom’s going to be so busy with her new position and someone needs to be around for Kyle.”

“Oh, that’s great Claire. It’ll be so awesome to see you more often.”

She smiled at him. “Yeah, we haven’t been able to spend much time together lately and I’ve really missed it. I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve really missed you too.”


*****

The demons were gaining; farther back in the tunnel, Kyle could hear their footsteps hitting the ground, moving closer and closer. His heart was hammering and he knew he wouldn’t be able to run much farther, even though he hadn’t seen anyone else. His great last ditch effort was becoming an utter failure.

Or was it? Farther up ahead, he could almost make out something approaching. Praying that some of the demons hadn’t somehow circled around, Kyle summoned his last bit of strength and pushed himself, forcing out one final burst of speed.

And ran right to the Slayer. “Oh Goddess, Buffy.” He moaned and collapsed in a heap at her feet. “They’re right behind me,” he managed to gasp and then nearly passed out.

Cool strong hands lifted him up and a British voice drawled, “Don’t worry Junior Wizard, the Slayer and I will make sure they slow down.”

Spike!

He carried Kyle to the wall and left him sitting in the shadows. “You can catch your breath now, which is never a problem for me,” the vampire joked. He touched the teen on the shoulder and turned back to Buffy. “I can hear four headin’ this way Slayer.”

Buffy moved a little left of center, planted her feet and lifted the cross bow to sight down the tunnel. “Four. Got it.”

Kyle watched Spike walk over and stand next to her. She cut her eyes over to the vampire. “So what are you gonna be doing while I shoot them full of arrows?”

He snorted. “With that half busted bow? You’ll be lucky to take down one. So that’ll leave three for me.”

“Ha. You and that bent sword take out three? Never gonna happen.”

“Well, I was plannin’ to use the first one to straighten’ out my sword.” Spike brandished the sword and grinned at the Slayer while she rolled her eyes.

“Not going to work, they’re too soft.”

Kyle watched the blonde couple casually quipping back and forth while they stood confidently awaiting the demons. They’re incredible, they actually love this stuff.

For the first time since he’d been kidnapped, Kyle felt hope blossom again. Buffy and Spike were true warriors and they’d never let the demons take him again. He settled back to watch the show.

The first demon, running ahead of the other three, saw the Slayer and tried to slide to a stop. Buffy loosed her arrow and hit him on the left side of the chest. She watched him clutch his chest and fall while she complained, “Darn, this bow is gonna need some serious work. That was supposed to hit dead center.”

Spike, engaged with the demon that had been running right behind Buffy’s, swung his sword and called, “I told you so, Slayer.”

Kyle watched avidly as the vampire ducked a strike from the Gashi’s sword, quickly slid to the side and struck the demon through the middle of its back. It collapsed in a heap on the floor. He smirked at the Slayer. “That move never gets old.” He glanced down at his sword and frowned. “Bollocks. My sword’s still bent.”

“I told you they’d be too soft.” Buffy retorted as she dropped her broken bow and engaged the third demon with her own sword. She and the demon parried back and forth across the narrow tunnel, until the Slayer bumped up against Spike’s dead demon.

The Slayer had no where else to move and Kyle held his breath. Buffy improvised rapidly, leaping onto the dead demon and using the added height to somersault above her enemy. She struck down and across with her blade, easily severing its head while she crossed above it, executing a perfect back flip. Kyle exhaled audibly. That was so cool, she even stuck her landing.

He turned back to watch Spike fight the last demon. Disgusted with his useless weapon, the vampire had pitched it aside and was circling the demon Kyle recognized as his jailer when it tried to stab Spike in the heart with the sharpened cane.

Agitated, Kyle looked around. Where’s Buffy? Spike doesn’t even have a weapon anymore, why isn’t she helping?

The Slayer was casually leaning against the opposite wall, her arms crossed. He finally noticed her when she called out, “Spike, quit playing around with your food and let’s get moving. I’m ready to go now.”

Fascinated, Kyle watched as Spike’s face changed, the bones elongating and his forehead becoming ridged. Golden eyes gleamed at the Gashi still trying to stab him with the cane.

The vampire grinned toothily and called out, “I’ll be there in a tick, pet.”

He danced closer to the demon. “Sorry, mate, but it’s rude to keep a beautiful lady waiting.” He caught the pole and yanked hard. Off balance, the demon slid forward. Still holding the cane, Spike twisted, forcing the demon into a 180 degree turn.

With the demon’s back to him now, the vampire leaped up gracefully and broke the demon’s neck, the snap echoing audibly all the way to Kyle. Wow.

The young teen watched Spike shift back to his human face as he sauntered over to the Slayer, duster flapping around his legs. At that moment, Kyle decided that Spike was the coolest guy he’d ever seen in his entire life.

Kyle’s eyes widened as the vamp reached the Slayer, pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her deeply. His breath caught when she wrapped her arms around him in response.

They’re both so much more awesome than anyone in a comic book or on television.


*****

“Well, I think that’s everyone on the list, mom.” Claire leaned back in the chair and exhaled. “Your installation will be the day after tomorrow at 6:00.”

Margot turned a worried face to Giles sitting across the room talking quietly with Drake. “I can’t help wondering what’s happened to Buffy and Spike.” She held herself tighter. “And Kyle.”

“Mom!!!” Kyle came rushing through the door, followed by Buffy and Spike. The vampire smiled at the Slayer. “Couldn’t have asked for better timing for our entrance, could we pet?”

Watching the teen hang on his mom while she cried, Buffy shook her head. “No, that was definitely perfect.”

After a few moments, Margot wiped her eyes and smiled at her son. “It’s so good to see you, Kyle.” She turned to the blonde couple standing in the doorway. “Thank you both so much. There just aren’t any words for this.”

Buffy lifted her chin. “Just do the spell from the Grimoire so I can have a couple days off and we’re even.”

“Buffy and Spike explained about dad’s Grimoire on the way back.” Kyle reached in his shirt. “Here Mom, I never gave that dumb demon any information out of it either.”

Margot looked into her son’s eyes. “Kyle, I never expected any of this to happen to you and I’m so sorry that it did, but I’m very proud of the way you’ve handled yourself through it all. When everything calms down again, you and I will sit down and talk about your dad and look through the book together.”

She glanced over to Claire. “Right now, Claire and I need to translate the counter spell. Rupert, would you mind fixing something for us all to eat?”

Giles stood up. “Drake? Would you mind helping me?”

“If you don’t mind me skippin’ on the culinary artistry that I really don’t need anyway, I’m knackered and I’d like to get some kip.” Spike started for the stairs.

The vamp did look really tired Giles thought and started to agree when Buffy spoke up. “Actually, I’d like a bath more than any food. Giles, I’m going upstairs, too. Don’t wait on me either.”

“Fine. We’ll see you both later.”

Kyle trailed behind Giles and Drake toward the kitchen. “Drake, wait until I tell you about the demon battle that I watched when I got rescued. Buffy and Spike were so awesome.”

“Really? What happened?”

Kyle started regaling everyone with a play-by-play version, starting with his own capture. Everyone quickly became engrossed in the tale and when Margot joined them at the kitchen table, she was relieved to discover that everything that had happened to Kyle was already being absorbed and turned into an adventure. She knew then that he would be fine. Encouraging him to finish the story, she said, “So then what happened?”

After swallowing an enormous bite of his western omelet, Kyle looked up to see everyone hanging on his words. Swelling up with pride at being the center of attention, he completed his account.

“So then, after Spike threw down his sword- remember I said it was broken?- and after he killed that last demon without even a weapon - which was the one that I told you was poking me with that pointed cane- Spike strolled over to the Slayer. Drake? You remember that movie we saw last summer where the superhero walked so cool?”

He paused until Drake nodded his head and then he continued. “Well, that’s just how Spike looked. He sauntered over to the Slayer, really nonchalant-like, pulled her close and kissed her just like the superhero always does at the end of all the movies. That’s when I knew the battle was really over.”

Giles, startled, stopped with his forkful of omelet poised inches from his mouth. “I’m sorry, but I think I missed something. What did you just say, Kyle?”

Kyle obediently repeated the last portion of his story, ending with, “and then Buffy wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.” The teen smirked. “It was so hot. Way better than any movie kiss I’ve ever seen.”

Everyone at the table laughed except the Watcher. Giles dropped his fork and pushed back his chair. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I need to speak with Buffy.”

Margot laid a restraining hand on his arm and said gently, “Rupert, I know this probably comes as a bit of a shock, but your Slayer is a grown woman. Surely she deserves the same privacy, not to mention respect that you and I would expect from her?”

Giles realized that everyone at the table was staring at him. He sat back down slowly and rubbed his face. “I’m not sure what to say. I didn’t realize anything was going on between them.” That’s not entirely true; you know that you’ve been wondering what secret they’ve been keeping from you.

Margot smiled gently at the obviously discomfited man at her side. “I think I have a perspective on this that you can’t achieve; you’re too close to the situation. Spike is really good for her. I know that it’s hard to understand how two people from such different worlds could manage to overcome what must seem like insurmountable obstacles, but it does happen sometimes, doesn’t it?”

Reluctantly, he nodded. “Yes, I guess it does happen occasionally.”

“There is one other thing that no one has mentioned, although I’m sure everyone has thought it.” Margot clasped her hands. “Since I’m the one most uniquely qualified to understand, I’ll say it. Frankly, Rupert, she has a short life span. Let her enjoy it.”

He sighed. “I guess I’m just going to have to get used to the idea of Buffy and Spike together.”

Margot grinned. “I think that’s a given.”

Standing up, she motioned to Claire. “If you gentlemen will excuse us, we need to prepare for the spell.”

*****

Buffy and Spike left the room seconds apart, but each step they took pulled the couple closer until by the time they’d reached the top of the second landing, they were practically melded together.

They arrived in front of Spike’s door and Buffy turned around. Placing her arms around his shoulders, she asked coyly, “You’re not really that sleepy are you?”

Spike ran a finger lightly down her arm. “What do you think? But please tell me that you really want that bath. The thought of you and me in that big old fashioned tub has starred prominently in my fantasies ever since I first saw it.”

“Oh yeah, a bath would definitely be of the good.” She tugged him gently toward the door. “I noticed a nice bottle of bubble bath in there, too.”

Allowing himself to be pulled through the door, he asked suspiciously. “I like bubbles as much as the next male would in this situation, but exactly what fragrance are we talkin’ about here?”

“Umm, I think its French Lilac.”

“Lilac? Why couldn’t it have been somethin’ a little more manly like wild cherry or maybe lemon?”

“Lilac can be manly.”

Spike watched Buffy lean across the tub to twist the tap and his eyes glazed over.

“Whatever you say, luv.” He reached over and locked the door.

Chapter 20

Set Myself in Fire

“Here’s the milk thistle.” Giles laid the herb on the table next to the mortar and pestle in front of Claire. “You certainly have an extensive stock of herbs, although I suppose one should expect that in a wizard’s home.”

“Thanks.” She read over the list again. “Where’s Drake? Is he back yet? What a hassle that the spell calls for fresh allium moly.” She shrugged. “Guess I wasted my time drying so much of it last spring.”

“Drake hasn’t returned yet from the herbalist. Do you think I should check on Margot?”

“No, she’s fine. While you were off looking for this, she announced that she wanted some time alone to meditate before the spell.” Claire smiled. “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. My father would never have conceived a counter spell that would harm her.”

She scanned the page and muttered. “We’re still missing bishop’s weed and yarrow. Rupert, they’re both out in the drying shed.”

The Watcher nodded. “I’ll get them.”

Claire stared down at the translated page and frowned. The counter spell was actually a little dicier than she and her mom had told the others. The spell itself seemed solid, Claire wasn’t lying about that, but it called for Hellmouth energy as a key ingredient.

Translating the spell, she and her mother had come to the same conclusion. For the spell to be effective, it required Margot to channel some of the dark energy.

So instead of repelling or even restraining the energy, Margot would need to embrace it. She would have to allow the energy to run through her and then command it to leave and that would hopefully give back her resistance and control during the Installation.

Claire shook her head wryly. Because considering an inoculation of Hellmouth energy to be on the same level as a flu shot is just such an every day occurrence.

Goddess, we live a weird life. I wonder what it would be like to be a normal average person, even for just one day?

She envied Drake and his music.



*****

“Spike, I just can’t wait much longer.” Buffy’s voice was breathy, urgent.

He trailed his tongue along her bare shoulder, listened to her slight moan, and murmured playfully, “Haven’t you ever heard the expression ‘good things come to those who wait?’”

Buffy sighed and reached for him. “I don’t like to wait for the things I want.”

“Then this is good practice for you.” He gently pushed her hands down. “Buffy, do you trust me?’ He planted tiny kisses along her neck.

“Of course I trust you.”

“Then let me take my time, do this my way and I promise it’ll be worth it.” He lightly bit her bare shoulder and she shuddered in response.

Whispering, she asked, “Where ever did you learn this?”

“It’s called a century of experience, luv.” He pulled back. “Done.”

He passed her the hand mirror with a flourish. “My lady.”

Buffy held up the mirror and examined her hair critically. “You’re right, that’s the most professional French braid I’ve ever had.” She beamed at him. “It looks fantastic.”

He shrugged, secretly delighted at her response. “I’ve got talented hands.”

Her eyes darkened and she replied, “Yeah, you definitely do.” She kissed him and murmured, “It felt great when you washed and brushed my hair, too, quite the turn on.”

Spike smiled at her fondly. “Anytime, pet, I love your hair.” Standing up to light a cigarette, he gazed at his Slayer, naked except for the pair of black bikini panties, sitting in the middle of his-no, theirs now- rumpled bed staring into the mirror and carefully touching her blonde hair.

Even if I am a demon, I’ve died and somehow managed to get into heaven. There’s just no other explanation for this scene.

Buffy set the mirror down and crooked her little finger, beckoning the gorgeous naked vampire back to her side. God, I’m the luckiest woman in the world.

Spike extinguished his cigarette and sat down next to her. Staring into her eyes, he growled, “You’re still being impatient, Slayer. I hadn’t finished my cigarette. Don’t call me back unless you mean it.”

She smiled and trailed her finger lightly down his chest. “Oh, I meant it alright.” She squealed when he pushed her back down to the sheets. “Wait, what about my hair?”

“If you let me have my way with you woman, I promise to repair any damage.”

“Oooh, can you do an upsweep too? That would be perfect for Margot’s Installation.”

Spike reached for her. “It’s a good thing I’m so secure in my masculinity.”


*****


“Margot? Are you awake?” Giles knocked lightly on the bedroom door. Not receiving any response he quietly opened it. “We’ve got everything ready for the counter spell.”

Margot, wearing a velvet robe, sat at her dressing table staring into space. When he crossed the room to stand by her, she tilted a tear streaked face. “It’s time already?”

Giles touched her arm and asked gently, “What’s wrong? Has something happened?”

She tried to smile. “Just when I think I’ve got a handle on my past, it comes back again and hits me on the head. Or should I say in the heart?”

She pointed at the Grimoire sitting on the table. Giles glanced at the book and noticed two pages had been removed and placed to the side.

“It’s a letter to me from John. When I used his unlock incantation earlier today, it appeared.”

She started to cry. “The Gashi threw him in a room and tortured him off and on for two days. Evidently, they didn’t consider the Grimoire important, so John had access right up to the end.”

Giles gathered her in his arms. “Oh Margot, I’m so sorry.” He held her tightly until the sobbing stopped. “I know the sudden shock makes this very hard, but you’ve actually received an incredible gift.”

She reached for a tissue. “What do you mean?”

Giles smiled softly. “You’ve been given the chance to hear him say goodbye.”

At her thoughtful nod, he added, “I’m going to go back down now and tell the others that you’ll be ready in an hour or so. Would that be alright?”

“That will be fine. I just need to get dressed.” She watched him walk toward the door. “Rupert?”

He turned back to her, his hand still on the knob. “Yes?”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll see you downstairs.” He quietly shut the door.

When she heard the door shut, Margot picked up the letter. She carefully placed it back inside the Grimoire and shut the book.

*****


An hour later, Spike and Buffy wandered into the kitchen. Drake was making coffee, filling the carafe with water from the tap. He watched the couple enter the room and head for the refrigerator. “There’s stuff for sandwiches if you’re hungry.”

Buffy opened the fridge. “I’m starving.” She rummaged for another minute. “Here’s some blood for you Spike.” She smiled at him when his hand brushed hers.

“Thanks, luv.”

“Worked up an appetite huh?” Claire strolled into the kitchen and smirked at the pair.

Buffy blushed, but Spike just grinned. “Takes a lot of energy to save the world, or in this case, one really feisty kid.”

“Yeah, it takes energy for all sorts of activities.” She reached for a coffee cup. “By the way, if you ever want to have any secrets in this house, you might want to reconsider macking in front of Kyle.”

Buffy’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

Claire poured her coffee and replied, “Well, while you two were upstairs taking baths and resting, all of us, including Buffy’s Watcher, were being subjected to a blow-by-blow description of all the actions performed to save said kid.”

She grinned. “And I do mean all the actions.” She stared over the rim of her cup at Spike. “You’ve got quite the fan in Kyle. He thinks you’re a genuinely awesome hero.” She smirked. “And everyone knows the hero always kisses the girl.”

Spike chuckled, “What can I say? We hero types are like that. Aren’t we, luv?” he turned to Buffy.

The Slayer was standing shock still. “Oh no, Spike. That means Giles knows.”

“So? It was bound to come out sooner or later. You’d already decided to tell him yourself. ” He turned back to the wizard. “How did Rupes take it?”

Drake joined the conversation. “At first he wasn’t too keen on you guys being together. But Margot talked to him and he finally agreed that it really wasn’t his place to agree or disagree on your personal relationships.”

Buffy exhaled. “Oh, that’s good. I need to thank her for running interference for me.”

“Buffy, is that you?” Giles appeared in the doorway.

Speak of the devil. “Yes Giles?”

“I thought I heard your voice. We’re going to do the incantation in the dining room and I need you and Spike to remove the table and chairs, so we have plenty of room.”

She nodded. “Sure, no problem.”

He noticed the food in her hands. “After you eat of course.”

“Okay, we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

He turned and left the kitchen.

“Well, I guess in Rupert’s mind, agreein’ with the relationship means completely ignorin’ it.”

“It could definitely be much, much worse.” She started putting her sandwich together. “We’d better hurry, though, no reason to make him any more upset.”

Drake spoke up. “I wouldn’t worry about him, at some point he’ll come around completely, everyone does. I’ll go start moving the chairs. We’ll just need you guys for that enormous mahogany table. I don’t think all of us together could lift it, but for you two, it’ll be a piece of cake.” He walked out whistling.

Claire stood there staring after him. “You know, he’s been in an uncommonly good mood for two days.” She raised an eyebrow in Buffy’s direction. “Men are so odd.” She followed him out.

*****


Margot, holding her staff in her right hand, stood ringed by several lit white pillar candles and the herbs which had been placed in their proper locations according to the directions within the Grimoire. She raised her left hand and began the incantation.

Spike and Buffy held hands, standing around the circle with everyone watching the wizard call the dark energy.

Buffy knew the instant that Hellmouth energy breeched the sanctuary of the house. Pushing freely past the protection wards, the temperature inside plummeted.

At the same moment a thick swirling yellow- green mist appeared. Flowing into the room, it slowly twinned sinuously around each person in turn, leaving the Slayer for last.

Gliding around the Slayer, it felt like thousands of tiny pinpricks across her skin. She gasped and felt Spike tighten his hold.

Instinctively, Buffy knew that it craved her. Deep inside, she could hear an insistent voice beckon her. The mist stayed, swirling around her for several long moments before reluctantly moving to obey the wizard’s summons.

It wound slowly around the outside of the circle, buffeting the candles. They flickered, throwing ghostly caricatures of each person across the walls.

The gas lamps in the room died, plunging the room further into darkness. Buffy squinted, it was difficult now to see the wizard because she had become completely enveloped within the mist.

The Slayer could still hear Margot’s composed voice, never wavering, as she continued the slow and rhythmic incantation. The mist coalesced tightly around her, coiling like some great, evil boa constrictor.

Buffy glanced in Spike’s direction. He had unconsciously vamped, watching the proceedings through narrowed golden eyes.

Staring through the flickering candle light, Buffy concentrated on locating the others. She saw Giles first, directly across the circle from her. He appeared frozen, arms crossed, eyes on Margot, jaw locked. He grimaced as if in pain.

On Giles’ left stood Drake. Holding Kyle’s hand tightly, he was moving farther away from the circle, insistently pulling the teen with him.

Claire, on the other side of Buffy, had her eyes focused intently on her mom. She straightened her shoulders, stepping deliberately toward the circle. Buffy reached for her. Her mouth dry, she whispered, “No, Claire. It doesn’t want you.”

It was at that moment Buffy saw the Hellmouth energy enter Margot’s body. The wizard shuddered as her pupils dilated, her eyes changing from light blue to jet black.

Margot’s body twisted at a nearly impossible angle. Throwing her head back, the wizard slanted her mouth in a rictus, reminding Buffy of a walking cadaver.

Or a marionette with someone holding the strings too tightly.

Claire tugged at Buffy’s arm. “Let me go. It’s too strong; it’s going to kill her.” She pulled toward the circle, but Buffy held her tightly. “You can’t go in there; it could kill you, too.”

She cast a frantic look in the circle. “We’ve got to stop it.”

Buffy spoke urgently. “How?”

“We need to get the staff. That will allow me to raise the wards again and expel the energy from the house.”

Buffy nodded. “I’ll do it.”

“Slayer, wait.” Spike held her hand tightly. “I could feel it. It wants you. If you go into that circle, you could become as lost as the wizard.”

“If I don’t go, the Hellmouth will continue to control Margot. Then we’ve got an even more serious problem.”

Claire looked determined. “I need to do it. I’m the only one that can say the incantation.”

Spike looked equally determined. “All right, but I’ll go in there with you.”

Buffy opened her mouth to protest and he shook his head. “I’m a demon, Slayer. It doesn’t want me. It already owns a part of me.”

He turned to Claire. “I’ll distract it and you grab the staff.”

Buffy held his arm. “That won’t work, Spike. You said yourself it already owns a piece of you. I’m the one that it really wants in this room. So same plan, different bait.”

He exhaled, frustrated. “Now you come up with a bloody plan?”

Suddenly, they saw Margot stiffen. She held the staff in the air and spoke loudly. “I expel thee, that which inhabits my body. Leave now. I am not for you. I order you to return to your rightful place. ”

The mist flowed from her body, swirling around within the enclosed circle. The wizard brought the staff down and broke it into two pieces while speaking the second portion of the incantation.

The mist disappeared instantly. Margot dropped the pieces and looked over at the three staring with open mouths. She grinned. “Thought I was a goner, huh?”

She took one step forward and fainted.



*****


“I’m going to need a new staff before the installation.” Margot’s voice was rueful. “I didn’t think I’d have to go that far.” She was lying in bed, mainly due to Giles’ insistence.

“We’ll find something before then. Claire’s out scouting for one now. If necessary, you can always use your father’s; it’s still in the study.” He touched her arm. “How are you feeling?”

“As I’ve said the last two times you’ve asked me, I feel perfectly fine.” She smiled at the man sitting anxiously at her side. “I really scared you guys didn’t I? I could hear everything going on around me, I was just sort of shut into a little compartment inside myself, waiting for the right time. Although I have to admit, there were a couple moments there when I thought I was going to have to get a jackhammer out to open the compartment.”

She placed her hand on his. “It’s wonderful to know that I’ve got such caring and strong people surrounding me. I’ve never had that before.”

She glanced around. “Speaking of which, where are all the caring people?”

“Well, as I said, Claire’s out searching for a suitable staff, Kyle’s asleep, Drake’s at band practice and I sent Buffy and Spike out to patrol. I want to make sure all this activity around the Hellmouth hasn’t awakened anything untoward.”

“So we’re alone?”

“Actually, yes.”

“Good. I need a shower desperately. How would a certain Watcher like to further relations between the sides and help a tired wizard scrub her back?”

“I think that can be arranged. All for the common good of course.”

“Of course.”


*****
“What a nice night.” Buffy avoided a sunken footstone in the old cemetery.

“We’ve been through four different cemeteries in as many hours and not a single vamp or demon lurkin’ anywhere.”

“Well, I for one, call a rest break.” She hopped up on a headstone and patted the spot next to her.

Spike pulled out a cigarette, lit it and jumped up beside her.

“It really is a clear night. The stars are so bright.”

“Yeah, that’s one thing about an old cemetery, no light pollution.”

She stared above her. “Which one is Pluto?”

“You can’t see Pluto from here.”

“Why not?”

“It’s too far away.”

“But I thought you said it moved.”

Spike pointed to a cluster of stars. “Don’t worry about the wannabe, Slayer. See that constellation over there? You’ll like that much better. It’s called Orion, the hunter.”

“The one with those three stars in a row?”

“Uh huh. That’s Orion’s belt, from which those-” Spike pointed again-“make up his sword.”

He glanced over at Buffy. She was staring at the sky in fascination.

Smiling, he warmed to his subject. “Those stars over there? That’s Rigel, Betelgeuse and Sirius.”

“How do you know so much about astronomy?” Buffy’s voice was impressed.

Spike shrugged. “I’ve spent over a century outside at night, not all of it was fighting. It’s an interestin’ subject, especially when it’s combined with mythology.”

“Tell me more about Orion.”

“He’s a strong hunter like you. The ancient Greeks believed that he stood next to the river Eridanus with his two dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor.” Spike pointed to each star as he named it.

Buffy shook her head. “I would never hunt with dogs. Too iffy, they’d most likely get eaten. So you’ll have to be Orion.” She smiled. “But you’ll need to get your sword fixed first.”

She looked at the chuckling vampire. Tonight in the moonlight he’s not a marble statue, instead he’s become my own Greek God.

Spike in turn stared at his beautiful Slayer, nodding at her joking proposal. I would agree to anything, be anything for you. “Okay, I’m Orion.”

“But then who can I be?” She pretended to pout. “No, don’t even go there. I will not be the radio logo or that beetle juice guy in the stripes.”

Spike touched her face. “Oh no, if I was to choose someone from Greek mythology for you Slayer, it would have to be Artemus. She was a daughter of Zeus, king of the gods and the Goddess of the hunt.” Just as you will always be my Goddess, strong and beautiful.

She moved closer to him. “Dogs?”

He put his arm around her. “Bow and arrow.”

Buffy leaned against him. “She sounds like a good hunter.”

“An excellent hunter, very smart and very beautiful.” He turned toward her and murmured. “And her hunting companion was always Orion.”

He kissed her for a long time underneath the bright stars.

Epilogue

Shine On

One week later

“Buffy, hi.”

The Slayer looked up. “Hi Claire. How are you? I haven’t seen you since your mom’s Installation.”

“Yeah, I’ve been busy trying to move my stuff back home. I’ve had to fly to New York twice now. So what have you been up to?

“Just the usual, slaying and hanging out. Would you like to sit down?”

“Sure. I honestly don’t know anyone here except you and Drake. He made me promise to come and listen to his band tonight and he mentioned that you and Spike would be here.”

“Yeah, his band is really good.”

“My mom wanted me to give this to you.” She held out a small ring box and a folded piece of note paper.

Buffy lifted the top. Nestled inside was a small ring set with an unusual stone.

“What is it?”

Claire smiled softly. “It’s the granting of your boon from the Imperial Wizard.”

Buffy opened the folded paper and read the note.

Dear Buffy,
I’m sorry that I couldn’t give this to you sooner, but I needed to make absolutely sure there wasn’t any residual effects from my little Hellmouth adventure before I crafted it.

Give this ring to your mother; it will automatically adjust to any finger. Make absolutely sure she wears it every day, never removing it, for two weeks.

During that time, she’ll notice the stone becoming progressively darker. Once the two weeks are up, the stone will be a dull brown. At that point throw the ring into any fire.

I lost my mom young; I won’t let it happen to you and your sister.

Thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for me and my family.

Much love,

Margot Chaplaine

“I’m not sure what to say. Please tell her thank you.”

“It’s okay; we both understand how important this is to you. Listen, do you care if I change my mind? I think I’m going backstage instead. I haven’t seen my brother for a week.”

“No I don’t mind at all. Have fun. Claire?”

“Yeah?”

“He’s really not your brother, you know.”

“Yeah, I’ve started to realize that lately. See you around Slayer.”

“Bye, Claire.”

She had just vacated the seat when a familiar hand lightly touched her shoulder. “Hello pet.”

“Spike, where were you? We were supposed to meet twenty minutes ago.” She looked up and realized the vampire was still standing. “Aren’t you going to sit down?”

“Actually, pet, I was wondering if you’d come with me instead.”

“Where are we going?”

“Bloody hell, Summers, can’t a bloke ask you outside without the third degree?”

“Usually when a bloke asks me outside, it’s for unpleasant reasons, like attempted murder.” She stood up. “This better be good, Spike. This is a new dress.”

“You look gorgeous. I told you the black dress suited you better.”

“So where are we going?”

“What part ofoutside did you misunderstand?” He held the door open for her. “Over here, Slayer.”

“It’s your car. Big surprise. I say again, where are we going?”

He held the door open for her. “Come on.”

Ten minutes later they pulled up to the old cemetery.

“There is absolutely no way I’m going to slay in this dress.”

“No slayin’ tonight.”

Spike coaxed her into the middle of the cemetery and Buffy’s breath caught.

Spread out between two of the headstones was a blanket, a picnic basket, candles, wine and even flowers in a straw basket.

“I thought we could have a midnight picnic out here.” Spike’s voice was gruff. “I can’t take you on a proper picnic during the day.”

“Oh Spike, it’s wonderful.”

“Here, let me open the wine.”

“What’s that other stuff over there?”

“It’s a telescope and a book on astronomy. I thought I’d show you some more constellations.”

“Will I be able to see Pluto with the telescope?”

“For the last time, forget about bloody Pluto. Here, have some dinner.”

“Do you have any ketchup?”

“Here’s the ketchup.”

“Spike, can we see Mars later?”

“Sure, I can show you Mars.”

“What about that sea planet, Neptune?”

“It’s not really a water planet, but yeah, I think I can find it with the telescope.”

“Then why can’t you set it for Pluto?”


The End