Basically the first part deals with the following.

1. Willow goes away fro the summer and cuts lose
2. Buffy gets worried and goes after her.
3. Giles with a new look, Spike and Anya come in to help and this is where
our story begins.

And be gentle this is my first crack at writing about buffyverse...

Stefan Cilia


By: Stefan Cilia

Chapter 1: Where on Earth is Willow Rosenberg

"Oh great, more dust." Buffy muttered as she brushed said dust of her
shoulder. Willow I hope you know the trouble I'm putting myself trough to
find you. She thought.
"Yes I guess it can be a bit of a bother." Giles, her Watcher, said as he
stepped out the shadows and brushed some dust of his shoulder.
"Giles, I asked you not to follow me." Buffy said with a frown and paused
"and what on earth are you wearing." She said and nodded to the black
overcoat, gray turtleneck and black dress pants. As she asked that, Spike
and Anya, came walking up behind Giles
"Actually they insisted on coming." Giles said. "As for the clothes, well
about two days after you left in search for Willow, the girls decided that I
was in need of a 'make-over'" He finished the last word laced with sarcasm.
"And then you came looking for me?" Buffy asked and glared at her allies.
"No actually Sunnyhell was boring so I thought I'd check on the San
Francisco, since I had so much fun here during the sixties and seventies."
Spike said with a grin.
"And you what's your excuse?" Buffy asked the former demon.
"Same as Spike. I remember this place since before, but I would love to get
to know now that I'm not a demon." She said.
"So who did you leave on the Hellmouth." Buffy asked.
"Faith, is there of course and so is Angel and it's summer so it's less
activity." Giles said.
"So have you had any luck locating her?" Giles asked.
"None what so ever. How about you three?"
"None." Sighed the former demon.
"I've been somewhat unsuccessful." Said the first brit.
"Not even a strand of red hair." Cursed the second.
"Okay so we don't have zip to go on."
"What about the occult stores?" Giles asked. "You did check them didn't
you?" He asked.
"You didn't did you?" Spike said.
"Well no I was."
"Just running around blindly trying to find her." Anya said.
"Stop it!" Buffy shouted.
It had been a week since Willow said she was going to San Francisco,
something concerning magic and witches and when she did call, Buffy had
gotten worried and four days later she'd headed out and now her watcher had
arrived with two of her allies, something she didn't need right now since
her feelings were all jumbled.
"So where's Xander." Buffy asked Anya.
"He ran into something earlier tonight." Giles said.
"What?"
"A wall." Giles said deadpan and gave a small smile.
"He's back at the hotel." Anya said.
"So since we're all here we might as well check out the occult shops." Buffy
said and started walking.
"There's more to this than meets the eye." Anya muttered.
"Old news Anya, old news." Spike said.
"You coming?" Buffy said over her shoulder.
Giles shrugged.
"Like we have bloody choice." Spike muttered.


* * * * * *
*

Willow moved through the darkness of the club, the various children of the
night danced around her. She felt the pulse of the night, the smell of magic
and most importantly she felt alive. Yes this break from Sunnydale, was
turning out rather well.
"So you're the new witch in town." A figure said as it stepped out of the sh
adows, in a voice that sounded like the night wind.
"That depends on who wants to know." Willow said.
"Daniel Night." The figure said, the smile obvious in it's voice. Willow
gasped in her mind but didn't show any sign of it as she went on.
"Willow." She said and offered her hand.
"And you know who I am?" He asked as he gently took her hand and kissed it.
"Of course, you're the Prince of the city." She stated bluntly.
"That I am and I'm curious about your reasons for blowing into my city."
"And since when does the Prince concern himself with a lowly witch?" Willow
asked.
"When said witch arrives from the Hellmouth." He said back.
"Okay good enough reasons, but I'm afraid you'll be a bit dispointed."
"Try me?"
"Then lets sit down." She said and picked up a globe with red liquid.
Now that she saw the Prince in a flickering candlelight, she noticed his
features, probably Italian by birth, a distinctive nose, brown eyes tinted
with green, black hair and a tall forehead.
"In as few words as possible." Willow said. "I needed to get away." She
said.
"Explain." He asked.
"You see this." She motioned to her red hair, with silver streaks and her
jade green, formfitting outfit.
"How could I not."
"Well this isn't me. Not most of the time anyway."
"Let me guess the librarian look" He stated with a grin.
"More or less." Willow said and sipped from the goblet.
"So you came here to cut lose."
"Well not actually cut lose. Maybe have a little fun."
"You know the rules?" He asked dead serious.
"Yes and I will honor them."
"That's all I needed to hear." Daniel said and stood.
"You're leaving." Willow asked looking up.
"The fun you want is not the kind of fun I can give you." He said. "Plus I
sense there is someone special you wish to share your new self with." He
added and disappeared into the shadows.
Who do I want share this with. She thought to herself and looked into the
goblet. As she focused her magic on the liquid an image formed in it. Then
flickered away leaving Willow stunned.

* * * * * *
*

Buffy and Giles walked through the last shop on the street, books, jars,
parchment and all things magic lined the walls.
"Why did Spike and Anya come with you?" She asked her Watcher. "And I want
the truth."
"Amazingly that was it. Anya said she wanted to see San Francisco and she
felt that Willow would need her help. Spike came because he craves action,
it's not in his nature to sit and read the Codex."
"So they're basically here because they're bored from research."
"Well.. yes." Giles said as a the clerk and most likely wicca of the story
came up to them.
"Can I help you two with anything?"
"Yes, we're looking for wicca that might have come through here?" Buffy
asked.
"Many daughters of the goddess come through my doors." The woman said.
"About this tall, red hair, green eyes." Buffy went on describing her
friend.
"Powerful?" The woman asked.
"No. Levitation is the height of her powers right now." Giles said.
"Then she hasn't walked through my doors."
Buffy's shoulders slumped and the woman gave her sympathetic look.
"But there was a girl here that matches your description, although she was
more powerful then the scholar indicates." The woman said and then looked
Buffy over.
"If you're friend is in the city she's most likely staying with coven which
means you won't find her easily." She said and picked up a piece of paper.
"But most of the younger wiccas can be found in some of these place after
the sun goes down." She said, wrote down some names on the paper and handed
Buffy.
"Thank you." Buffy said and accepted the paper.
"I do hope you find you're friend." She said to Buffy as they were about to
leave and the woman spoke to Giles. "And you shouldn't hide your gifts."
Once they were outside Buffy turned and faced Giles.
"Gifts?" She asked.
"Explain later." He said and walked on.
Buffy pouted. Oho no you don't. She thought and turned back into the store.
"You're back?" The woman commented.
"Yes, I was kind of curious..." She said and looked down. Why am I nervous.
She thought. "What gifts does my friend have."
"The scholar is powerful, but refuses to acknowledge it." She said and
handed her a small book. "Give him this, perhaps it will help."
"Thank you, I will." Buffy said and took the book
"I can see why she likes you Elisabeth." The woman said in a soft voice.
Buffy looked up.
"How did you." But the woman was gone and she was standing outside the
hotel.
"Weirdness." She muttered and looked down at the book.



* * * * * *
*


"Lily." Willow said in a startled voice as she turned on the lights in her
apartment.
"Your friends came by the store looking for you." The woman said.
"You didn't tell them I where I was, did you?" Willow asked.
"No, but I fail to understand why you don't want to meet them?"
"I needed to get away I told you that."
"Running away never helped anyone. At best it's only a temporary solution."
"I know I just want to see what it's like, you know with out them protecting
me at every step."
"Then why don't you tell them how far you've come?"
"No, not now, it would scare them."
"How can you be so sure."
"They only know the fluffy Willow and I'd like to keep it that way for now."
"You mean you're afraid Elisabeth will stop liking you if you change?"
"No, that's not the reason, it's just." Willow didn't finish because Lily
was gone.
"I HATE when she does that!!"

Chapter 2: Of Dreams and Dreamers

"Morning Rupert. We're home awfully late." Spike commented with out looking
up from his book.
"Has Buffy returned?" Giles asked as hung up his coat.
"Came in looking like she'd seen a ghost actually and went straight to bed."
"Anya and Xander?"
"He regained consciousness and from the sound of it he's very much alive."
"You sure your alright Spike." Giles asked before he stepped into his room.
"Never been better why?"
"No reason."
This is just too much fun. Spike thought to himself. Well it'll be dawn
soon, time for all little vampires to go to sleep. Bloody hell. I'm starting
to sound like them.

Buffy tossed her head from one side to the other, the book lying discarded
next to her.
"Buffy." Came the sweetest voice she'd ever heard. Her eyes fluttered open
and she found herself lying in high crass with an endless blue sky above
her.
"Is this a dream?" She asked.
"What to you think." The voice said, this time whispering into her ear.
Buffy turned around and saw Willow lying next to her, the sun reflecting of
the silver streaks in her hair and her simple silvered dress.
"Willow?" Buffy whispered, not believing her eyes.
"Is it so hard to believe." Willow said with a smile and then stood. "Walk
with me."
"Where are we going?" Buffy asked she stood, rolling hills as far the eye
could see.
"To the end of the rainbow." Willow said.
"Are you serious?" Buffy asked as they started walking.
"No but it beats to infinity and beyond." Willow said and then stopped. "We'
re here." She said.
"Where?"
"The beginning." Willow said and swept her hand across the landscape
sprawled out below them. "This is the road you must walk." She said and
looked down.
"What road?" Buffy asked as she looked down. They now stood on brick road
that disappeared into the distance.
"This road symbolizes your life."
"Will you walk it with me?" Buffy asked as she took the first step.
"It's your dream?" Willow said with a smile.
"Then walk it with me." Buffy said and offered Willow her hand.
"If that's your wish." Willow answered and took Buffy's hand.
"Who are those people?" Buffy asked when they'd walked for awhile and looked
at the people along the road.
"Those are the people you've met or will meet. Some still with us, other
passed on and some even not born yet."
"Is that Spike?" She asked and pointed to the man playing with a young child
Buffy asked.
"That's the Spike that will be?" Willow answered.
"He looks so nice, yet sad."
"That he is." Willow said.
"Is that Giles and mom?"
"Yes."
"Ewww."
"My thoughts exactly."
"Who's that?" Buffy asked and pointed to a figure in the distance.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Then Buffy froze. She saw as two figures came into view. It was her and
Willow, kissing. She looked at her guide.
"Don't look at me I'm just a creation of your subconscious."
"But that was you and me."
"Yes it was." Willow said.
Buffy stopped next when she felt rice land on her shoulder and hand and she
saw a weeding in the distance under the moonlight.
There was silence until the next image came into few, a white house, no
wait, it was the mansion. She saw herself a little older then she was now,
sitting on lawn playing with a small child, Willow sitting in the porch
swing smiling.
"The distant future." Willow said.
"But I."
"Look old, that happens you know."
The next figure was young woman with reddish blond hair.
"Is that?" Buffy asked as she watched the girl. The familiar features and
the smile she'd always connected to Willow.
"Yes it is and one day you will meet her."
"Why are you showing me this?" Buffy asked as they stepped into a cemetery.
"Because in the morning this will all be forgotten."
"I wont remember any of this?"
"I'm sorry, that's way it has to be."
"Will I really live that long?" Buffy asked and looked down at the
headstones. Hers and Willows side by side.
"If you choose the right path, yes."
"I can't believe this will be all just fading memory when I wake up."
"You will remember one thing though." Willow said as she turned around to
face her.
"What?"
"This." Willow said as she pulled her close and kissed her. The kiss was
passionate, seemingly fueled by pure desire and love. Her blood felt like it
was on fire, tingling sparks running trough her very being. The landscape
melted away and she found herself looking out over the faces of her friends
and family. Then she woke up.
Buffy arose in her bed, gently touched her lips, smiled and then lay back
down again.

* * * * * *
*

Giles couldn't sleep. He wandered around his room reciting prophecies and
Latin verbs. His eyes eventually came to rest on the long wooden box he'd
brought with him. He slammed it down on the bed and opened it. Staring down
at the obsidian blade of the sword which lay within it.
"Why, why, why?" He asked himself as he picked it up the scroll that lay
next to it. Written in Latin, his mind translated it once again:


The blade thou hold
the sword of the
night protector
to the undying ones.
if wielded with fire
and controlled by will.
Brings about the end
or the beginning.

One shall it wield
who is both dark
yet illuminus
one of magic and
blood of blue
illusion his power
with hidden rage
of a nights warrior

Warning words
shall thou heed
fire must burn
in control with
mind and soul
anchor thou seek
close it is
yet far away

Seek the wiccan
who love with
thou shares
goddess' daughter
whom a chosen
one loves
help them
then thou road begins

He then rolled up the scroll and lifted the sword out of its box. It was a
simple sword, with runes and symbols engraved in silver along the hilt. He
swung it once, twice. Hearing it sing as it cleaved the air. Willow you
picked a terrible time to go on a trip of self discovery. He thought as he
picked up the swords sheath and placed it in it.
"Just another destiny to follow." He thought and sat down with a leather
bound book.


From the Journal of Rupert Giles

Summer is almost upon us and I find myself faced with two problems. Buffy's,
my slayer and in way daughter, fear of facing the truth about her feelings
towards her closest friend and my own dilemma in face of the latest turn in
my destiny. These dilemmas ironically have the same goal. Buffy must find
Willow and in turn sort out her own feelings and I must find Willow, first
and foremost to help her and Buffy find what they both seek and also to ask
for Willow's help in understanding the changes in my destiny, although I
fail to see how she can help.

Rupert Giles.

Giles sighed and placed the book back on the desk. What in hell was he
supposed to do now.

* * * * * *
*

Willow found herself in the familiar place that was the dreamworld. This was
a dream she never remembered until she dreamed it again.
"Why have I been summoned here?" She demanded.
"You are troubled." Said a female voice.
"Of course I am. I thought that was the reason for me coming here."
"Are you happy?" The voice inquired.
Willow thought for a moment. She'd learned that lying to the voice didn't
get her anywhere.
"No."
"Is it because the girl is not with you."
"Yes."
"Why do you not go to her then?"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"You know mighty well why."
"But you are denying yourself happiness my child."
"How can you be sure."
"Time is nothing to me. I see what was, what is and what will be." Came the
answer as an image appeared on one of the walls. The image was not unknown
to Willow, she'd seen the same image in glass. It was an image of herself
and Buffy embracing kissing and looking happy and full of live. Willow shut
her eyes, but the image remained.
"It will happen, it has happened."
"She'll never understand what I've become." Willow protested.
"How can you be sure?" The voice said and faded away.
"I just know." Willow said and reached out to touch the image of Buffy that
appeared in front of her.
"Hello Willow." The image said.
"You're not real." She protested.
"What is real."
"This is just a fantasy." Willow said as felt herself move closer.
"It could be real." The dream Buffy said with a small smile.
"I'm afraid."
"Don't be." The dream said as she caressed Willow cheek.
"Will I remember this?" Willow asked and leaned closer.
"This yes, but you know the way of things."
"I can live with that." Willow said and kissed the dream, who then slowly
began to fade away.
"Remember this." It whispered as the walls of the dreamworld fell away and
Willow found herself awake with the sun caressing her cheek.

Chapter 3: In the Prince's Court

Buffy drifted through the streets along with Giles. They'd wandered from one
club to the other since the sun had gone down.
"How many places can there be where a witch goes to cut lose." Buffy
muttered to no one in particular.
"Apparently quite a few." Giles answered, then his ears perked.
"Did you hear that?" He asked.
"Yep." Buffy said withdrawing a stake as the broke into a run.
"Drop her." Buffy shouted as they ran into an alley.
The figure looked up, laid it's pray on the ground and then ran. They
quickly ran to the limp body on the ground.
"I'll go after." Buffy stopped as she felt a hand on her shoulder,
restraining her.
"I'm afraid I can't allow that." The figure said.
"And you are?" Giles asked looking up from his crouch on the ground.
"My name is Daniel Night. I am an undying one." The figure said.
"But that thing just killed her." Buffy protest and looked down at the limp
woman on the ground.
"She's not dead." Giles stated.
Buffy turned to face the man that had introduced himself as Daniel Night.
"You're not a vampire." She stated.
"That's true."
"But you just said you were undying."
"That I am." He answered. "Perhaps your scholar can explain."
"Giles what's this guy talking about?"
"The undying ones are a myth and according to it they're an offshoot of the
human race."
"Human vampires?"
"In essence yes, immortality with out the demon, but still with the need for
blood."
"And our rules forbid the killing of humans." Daniel said and stepped back
making a gesture of peace with his hands.
"Explains why I couldn't sense the vampire who just ran away or you for that
matter." Buffy stated looking the man up and down.
"Buffy we really should be going." Giles said.
"Buffy what's your true name?" Daniel asked.
"What to you mean?
"It's Elisabeth isn't it?"
"How did you?" Buffy asked, lifting the stake.
"You search for a wicca named Willow." Daniel went on not flinching at the
sight of the stake.
"Yes you know her."
"I know of every child of the night that passes through here yes."
"Can you take us to her?" Giles asked.
"I can show you that she's save, but nothing more."
"Why?"
"It short she doesn't want to be found." Daniel stated bluntly.
"That's ridiculous we're her friends." Buffy exclaimed.
"Well my offer stands."
"We except." Giles said.
"Giles." Buffy hissed.
"At least this way we know she's alright."
"Coming." Daniel said and walked out of the allay.
"It's up to you." Giles said in soft voice.
Buffy looked at Giles, then at Daniel's back.
"Hey wait up." She shouted as they ran after him.

* * * * * *
*

Willow was once again getting lost in the night, forgetting and living. It
strange how easy it is to forget and let yourself go. Forgetting the dreams
of the previous night, forgetting the bangs of guild for lying to her
friends, lying to Buffy. Forgetting everything but the night and being
alive.

Buffy looked over the club from the office. Where the man named Daniel Night
had brought them in promise of seeing Willow.
"I don't see her?" Buffy said and looked back.
"She'll be here, wait and watch." Daniel said as he poured tea into Giles
cup.
"Tell me more about the undying ones?" Giles asked as he sipped his tea.
"There isn't much more to tell actually. There are several clans, each city
or area has a prince who makes sure that everyone more or less gets along
and that no one breaks the rules."
"Who is the prince here and what are the rules?" Buffy asked from the
window.
"Some fellow named Night." Daniel said with a grin.
"O!".
"You're. you're the prince?" Giles said.
"Yes, when I heard the Slayer had come to the city, my first duty was of
course to seek her out."
"And why's that?" Giles asked.
"There are rules and I have to be sure the Slayer understand them. First
undying ones to never kill humans. Second humans must never find out about
us."
"So you want me to careful." Buffy asked.
"No I want you to do nothing. You will not kill my kind is that understood."
"And if I do?" Buffy asked turning from the window.
"If you do, I will be forced to take action."
"But what about the demon kind?" Giles asked hoping to calm both sides down.
"Those you can kill." Daniel said with a flourish of a hand.
"How generous of you.." The commented died on her lips as she saw Willow.
"What, what is it." Giles said and quickly stepped to her side.
"Willow." Buffy said as the redhead passed into view again.
"So you see why she doesn't wish to see you?" Daniel said as he stepped next
to the staring pair.
"She's not your librarian when she's here."
"But." Buffy said as she watched Willow spin around the dance floor between
partners of both genders.
"She's free here." Daniel went on.
"Why didn't she tells us."
"That I can't answer."
"I have to go to her." Buffy stated and made for the door.
In a blink of an eye Daniel stood in front of her blocking her way.
"I can't allow that. Image for one second what would happen if you would
storm out there and demand an explanation."
"I."
"You don't know do you. Rupert help me out here." Daniel said tearing Giles
away from the window.
"I'm afraid he's right Buffy. Willow will in most likelihood turn and run
and that it turn would only make things worse."
"But she's my friend and I mean this isn't how she acts." Buffy said as she
stepped back to the glass and watched her friend. "There has to be something
wrong and I want to know what it is."
"There is nothing wrong Elisabeth." Came Daniels voice. "She just grew up
and you missed it. When the time comes I'm sure she'll share all with you,
but until then." He trailed off.
"I'm not leaving the city if that's what you are hoping for." Buffy said.
"I wouldn't dream of it, which brings us to the second reason why I sought
you out."
"And that is?" Buffy asked.
"Please have a seat both of you." Daniel said and motioned to the chairs.
Both Buffy and Giles took the offered seats.
"Now the job of prince isn't an easy one, there is always someone trying to
kill you, ruin things for you and so on."
"Your point is?" Buffy asked,
"There will be an attempt on my life sometime within the next two months. I
want to hire you two and even those who came with you here to make sure that
doesn't happen." Daniel stated bluntly.
"Why?" Giles asked.
"I know the attack will be made by the demons and I can't allow them to
succeed."
"And why should we take this offer."
"Because if you don't and they succeed this city will become like the
Hellmouth."
Both Buffy and Giles went silent.
"You see the reason for the massive chaos surrounding the Hellmouth is
caused by two reason, first of course is the gateway and second is because
there is no prince to keep order. So in light of this will you help me."
"How much?" Buffy asked.
"Buffy." Giles whispered.
"Giles what if he's right. We can't risk that."
"What about the Hellmouth?" Giles asked.
"Giles it's summer and we're only a day away. Plus being paid for slaying
can't be that bad. I mean think of collage for one moment, education isn't
free you know."
"What else is involved?" Giles asked.
"You will have to move into my mansion of course, but other then keeping
your eyes open and following me around not much."
"For two months?" Buffy asked.
"Two months and you will be paid handsomely." Daniel stated.
"Free room and board?" Giles asked.
"Yes and expenses."
"Well since we are going to be in town for a while." Giles said.
"And waiting for Willow to come to us." Buffy added.
"Then to we have a deal?" Daniel asked with a salesman smile.
"What do you think Giles." Buffy asked.
Giles just shrugged.
"It's up to you." He said.
"We except." She said and offered Daniel her hand.
"Excellent, now the cars will arrive tomorrow at sundown to pick up you and
your companions."
"You knew we were going to say yes?" Buffy asked.
"I'm the prince." Daniel said like it would explain everything.
"Oho!" Buffy said and moved back to the window as Giles Daniel discussed
plans.
Willow what are you doing. She thought to herself, as she watched Willow
flirty shamelessly with another girl. This isn't the Willow, I know, or
maybe it is. Have I been blind. What's she done with her hair.
"Buffy ready to leave?" Giles question snapped Buffy out of her thoughts.
"Uh!"
"Ready to go?" Giles asked looking concerned.
"No you go ahead and explain everything. I think I'll just stay here and
watch for while."
"Well see you at the hotel." Giles said as he left.

* * * * * *
*

Giles stepped out into the night. She's confused, but I hope she'll come
around sooner or later.
He walked until he found his way blocked. He looked up at two demonic
vampires.
"I don't have time for this." He muttered.
"Well if it isn't the Slayers pet." One of the vampires commented, obviously
a Sunnydale survivor
Last thing it said as a streak swept trough its neck.
"Like I said I don't have time for this." He said as he swung for the second
vampire. He walked away from the piles of dust, his eyes seemingly on fire.


* * * * * *
*

Willow woke in a bed that was not her own and left it before dawn. She'd
screamed Buffy's name in the night, she was sure of it. Right now she felt
tired and unclean. Still it had been her choice. Then why on earth was it
making her feel like she'd just done something that would dishonor Buffy?
Buffy was her friend, she'd understand, right? She turned on the light and
nodded to Lily.
"What do you want now?" She asked.
"You did it didn't you?" Lily asked.
"Yes I had sex."
"But why?"
"That's a weird question."
"You know very well what I mean." Lily scowled.
"Because I wanted to feel what it would be like, because if I closed my eyes
I could imagine it was Buffy." She looked around and saw that Lily was gone.
Well you had give the woman credit she knew how to get you to confess things
to yourself. Even if the things you realized where not the things you wanted
to hear.

Chapter 4: Power Revealed

"Wow!" Buffy exclaimed as she stared at the front of the mansion. She'd just
stepped out of the limo that had brought them there.
"Too bad Anya and Xander decided against coming." Giles commented as he
stepped out and gazed over the mansion.
"Well I'm not regretting coming along." Spike said as he came up behind
them.
"Welcome." Came the voice of Daniel as he descended down the front steps.
"This the wanker we're supposed to keep alive?" Spike asked in low voice.
"A wanker with very keen hearing and William the Bloody I assume." Daniel
said extending his hand.
"Not the last time I checked." Spike said as he shook it.
"Well I'll give you the grand tour." Daniel said as a motioned for the
carriers to get their bags.

"And this is your room Elisabeth." Daniel said as they entered the last of
many rooms they'd been shown. They'd already seen the ballroom, the dining
room, the den, the gym, the library which Giles was most likely itching to
get back to, the indoor swimming pool and Buffy could have sworn she saw a
bowling lane somewhere in there. Now her eyes traveled over the canopy bed,
the walk in closet, the door leading to her personal bathroom. A girl could
get used to this. She thought.
"Well make yourself at home." Daniel said. "And oho someone will be around
shortly to take some measurements."
"Measurements?" Buffy asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You'll see." Daniel said with secretive smile.
"Alright William let me show you your quarters. I'm sure Elisabeth would
like her privacy." Daniel said as he motioned for the men to follow him.
Buffy waited for the door to close and the footsteps to fade away, before
bolting for the balcony doors. One foot over the rail she was stopped by
voice that outright demanded it.
"Oho no you don't." Came a very sharp Irish voice. Buffy looked up and saw
woman, not old as in old, but still a old, respectable old, the kind of old
that demanded respect, or something.
"You're not going anywhere until I've measured you." She said as she stepped
out onto the balconies. Buffy pulled the foot back and stood straight.
Bringing herself to her full height, but one stare from the woman and it all
grumbled.
"That's better now come along dear." The woman said and walked back in.
Some measurements later. Buffy had found out that the woman's name was
Jillian June, but most people around here just called her Auntie June.
"So who's the lucky boy?" Auntie June asked as she was measuring Buffy's
bust.
"Who?" Buffy asked a little confused.
"The boy you were sneaking of to meet?" The older woman asked again with a
soft smile.
"Oho no I wasn't. I mean there is no boy." Buffy stuttered.
"Oho a girl then." June said as she took Buffy's wrist. "Lift!"
Buffy gave a shocked look, before trying to stutter something.
"Don't be so shocked dear, I've been around for awhile you know." The older
woman said as she measured the length of her arm.
"There! All done." She said after a long silence. "Go on I know you want
to." She said as Buffy's eyes wanderer to the balconies.
"You're not undying are you?" Buffy asked.
"No, afraid I'm just plain old human." June said with a smile. Buffy nodded
and bolted for the balconies.
"Young love, or in this case soon to be love." June muttered as she left the
room.


* * * * * *

Great three hours and no Willow. Buffy thought to herself as she dusted yet
another mortally challenged. Sure are a lot of them around for this time of
year. I thought Daniel had this place under control. Buffy was so deep into
her thoughts, that she didn't noticed the green cloaked figure who floated
in the shadows.
"Great, more soon-to-be-dust straight ahead." She muttered. As she was
almost upon the when she felt hands around her neck.
"Hey!" She yelled as she threw the attacker over her head. Amazingly the
attacker somehow managed to land on his feat.
"You're strong." He commented.
"And you're dust." She said a threw a stake. Which the attacker just
grabbed.
"Afraid that's not going to work." He stated as the vampires Buffy had
sensed earlier came up behind him. Buffy took a fighting stance.
"How to you want it." She said.
"Phu-lease, you won't even get close."
"Just wait and see."
One, two, three went down, but the group was still large. Four, five, six.
When will this end.
Then all of a sudden the battle stopped and a booming voice could be heard
echoing through the street:
"Get away from her!"
A green cloaked figure stepped out onto the street, the moon getting clouded
behind her.
"Or what?" The leader asked. There was a smile under the hood and green eyes
could be seen flaring. A small pale hand appeared from under the cloak.
"Something like this." The figure stated in a calm voice.
The leader muttered something along the lines of: "Oho crap." and felt
something slam against his chest, moments later he was flying through the
air. Morphing into a bird as went and then taking flight..
"Damn!" The cloaked figure muttered and turned her gaze upon the vampires
surrounding Buffy.

Buffy found herself staring at the cloaked figure who'd just saved her neck,
or at least saved her from some serious trouble. The figure stood tall,
maybe three inches taller than she did, the cloak which she wore was green,
tripped with gold and those eyes that seemingly shone from under. Buffy
thoughts where cut short when she felt a blow to her head.

The cloaked figure watched as Buffy was knocked out, the vampire question
quickly found piece of exquisitely carved wood sticking out off its chest.
Then the battle begun anew. One vampire found itself on the receiving end of
a fireball, another lost its head to an animated blade, two fell to a single
word.
"Pyro." The cloaked figure muttered. The last seemingly fell from a sweep of
a hand, by the cloaked figure.
Then all was quiet and the moon shone once again on the street. The figure
knelt by Buffy's side and pulled back the hood. Revealing silver streaked
red hair.
Turning her palm down and running it gently across Buffy's face. Buffy's
eyes fluttered open.
"Willow." She whispered.
"Hello Buffy." Willow said a soft voice.
"The vamps?"
"Gone." Willow said with a small smile, happy to see that her friend was
save.
"You?" Buffy asked.
"Guess so. Come on lets get you of this cold street." Willow said and heaved
Buffy of the ground.
"You okay." She asked, as she watched Buffy steady herself.
"Fine." She said looking at the dust on the ground. "Your stake." She
muttered as she carefully bent down and picked up the decorated stake,
turning it over in her hands.
"It's magical if that's what you're wondering." Willow said as she pulled
the hood back on.
Buffy looked at Willow's cloaked face.
"What happened Willow?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" Willow asked back.
"All this." Buffy said as she swept her hand across the ground.
"I grew up. I came here to do just that."
"You did it awfully fast." Buffy commented.
"This all began long before I came here." Willow stated.
"When?" Buffy asked.
"Don't know for sure. When Oz left, maybe even sooner." Willow said and
looked into Buffy's eyes and there was a long drawn out silence.
"Why did you leave?" Buffy asked finally.
"I live in different world now. My life is more complex, hell I am more
complex." She burst out and then lowered her voice down to a whisper. "And I
thought what I had become would scare you away."
"Willow." Buffy said and reached out to touch her.
"Don't, please." Willow said as she flinched away.
"Why are you doing this?" Buffy asked tears welling up in her eyes. "I
thought you were my friend, my best friend."
"I am and I'll always be, it's just that." Willow looked down.
"What Willow, please tell me." Buffy said gently stroking Willow's cheek.
"I don't trust myself around you." Willow whispered.
"You what?" Buffy asked a little to loud.
"I don't trust myself around YOU!" Willow screamed and threw up her hands.
Clouds gathered in the night sky. There was a thunder and then the rain
poured down. The wind blew up, blowing back the cloak and the hood,
revealing wild green eye and flowing red hair and as quickly as it all began
it stopped. That said Willow grabbed Buffy and kissed her hard and long.

Buffy couldn't believe her ears and then there was wind and rain and then
Willow, sweet caring Willow, crushing her lips against her own. Buffy felt
hands slide up her back as she struggled to make sense of the things running
through her. Then she felt an almost electric jolt shoot through her as
Willow broke the kiss.
"I need time?" Willow whispered as she collapsed against her.
"I can give you that?" Buffy whispered back as she stroked her friends wet
hair.
"You wouldn't be my Buffy if you didn't?" She said and leaned closer.
"I have to go now." She whispered after a few minutes.
"I know and I'll be here when you're ready."
Willow pulled back and took Buffy's hands in her own.
"You won't have to wait forever I promise."
"I know." Buffy whispered.
"Before I go." Willow said and slit her palms together, pulling out a
crystal tear glistening on a golden chain.
"A reminder." She said and laid it in Buff's hand and with that she was
gone.
Buffy sighed as she looked down at the tear. She held up the tear and when
it spun Willow's face seemed to appear inside it. Buffy smiled, her friend
was save.
"I love you Willow." She whispered into the night and she could have sworn
she felt a fingers on her cheek for just a moment and then it was gone.

The wind carried the whisper down the street. Willow looked back from the
shadows and smiled.
"I love you too Buffy, more then you could ever imagine." She whispered
back.

Chapter 5: Times Remembered, William Blood

As I sit in the highest tower of my castle. Watching the flicker of candles
on this old book I feel my mind drift back to the days when I was bit
younger, with blond hair and I had the best job in the world. My name is
William Blood and this is my story.

Words of warning for those who read this dust covered tome: I was for a long
time a man of action not words, so the words may seem wrong and events
described not quite as they happened. So I ask of you to keep in mind that
these are memories and thoughts of times past as they come to me in the
night.


I've lived a long life, most of my friends from times past are long gone
now. I'm their children's and children's children friend now. Still a few
live on. One still watching and another still traveling. But theirs is story
for another night.
The mind wanders back through the decades, back to the summer at the dawn of
the new age.
I remember watching Elisabeth falling in love, Willow grow powerful and
Rupert fulfilling his destiny. I also remember the days when I couldn't see
the sunrise or the sunset, but since that fateful day all those years ago I'
ve seen thousands of dawns.
Some images and memories have faded, mostly the dark ones, the bad ones,
ones filled with sorrow and grief. Others remain sharp and bright in my
mind, those are the memories I cherish. I remember the day when I told
Elisabeth and Willow that I was in love with their daughter June, the day I
stood under the moon watching my friends declare love everlasting, the
morning I awoke with the sun on my face, seeing Rupert stumbling to propose,
so many memories, but this is my story, so lets get the bloody hell on with
it shall we.


The day when I first saw the sun after two hundred years would be good place
to begin. We'd been all over the known world and I had stood on top of a
pyramid in the center of the Amazon jungle, prepared to die, but as usual
life isn't always fair to me and that didn't happened. Of course my will to
life returned shortly after when I found my friends and my first love again.
After that I said that I would stay with them as long as it suited my needs,
so the months turned into years, the years into decades. I lost love and
found it again along the way. Once at the beginning and the again two
decades later. My children are long since flown from this castle where it
stands on it's island, some continue the fight we started, although not all
have followed the path set by my friends and for that I am glad. Knowing
that some of my children may never have to see what I have seen.


One particular year comes to mind as I look out at the stars and snow. It
was the year after Rupert took off and Elisabeth and Willow had had their
child. I was pretty busy at the time myself, raising my daughter and it was
not an easy job being a single father. The mansion was teeming with life,
laughter echoed through the house, always some coming or going, we even all
lived there for awhile. It was a quiet year. For some reason things had
quieted down somewhat shortly after the dawn of the new age.
Faith left us in search of Rupert early in the spring, promising to drag his
sorry ass back, or at least beat the daylights out off him when she'd find
him. She went on to do more then that if my memory serves me correctly.
Those were good times, times filled with joy. We celebrated Christmas and
the entire family gathered at the mansion, everyone still alive came, even
my poof of a sire made an appearance. The biggest surprise came late in the
evening, with the fire burning slow and me reading from Christmas Carol,
there was knock at the door. Elisabeth was the first to jump up and run to
the door. Buffy tearing it open, hopping against hope that her adopted
father had returned. Although we had to remove her hands from Faith's neck
moments later, since it seemed someone had hung mistletoe over the door. It
was nonetheless a joyous occasion. Faith later told us that she'd found
Rupert in a monastery in Italy and that the little incident on the porch was
something that wouldn't repeat itself. Well it did eventually some years
later, but again another story.

Which makes another memory drift into my mind one from the time when I
discovered my rather unfortunate attraction to June. It was during a
turbulence time in all our lives, Rupert had taken of again and this time
taking Faith with him in search of allies. Willow and Elisabeth were in
Europe battling the threads there. So I was left in Sunnyhell to stand watch
alongside the new generation. June was no longer a little girl, but quickly
becoming a woman and I realized at that time how hard it must have been for
Angel to be with Buffy, but once it began it couldn't be reversed. I tried
to stay away, tried to distance myself, but with little success. As stubborn
as both her mothers it was only a matter of time before I gave in. I know it
's the most masculine thing to say, but that's how it happened. Then came
the day when they all returned and I tell you it was a disaster. One
accidental peck on the lips and the cat was out of the bag. Rupert reverted
to Ripper before our very eyes, Elisabeth had a sword at my throat, Willow
took it with the calm that came with her wisdom, but still her eyes blazed
and Faith just gave a knowing smile..

"You up here again William?"
"Just writing memories dear, for the future and all that." I look up at her,
still beautiful, still ready to share forever with me.
"Well Rupert just arrived, along with some of the others, they said it's
urgent."
"I better not keep him waiting then."
"I'll tell him you'll be down." She says and turns to leave, long reddish
hair flowing down her back. I'm glad that I choose to live this life,
despite everything.

* * * * * *

Chapter 6: The Trenchcoat Brigade

"I'm not going to wear that!" Rang through the mansion at noon the next day.
Buffy had returned home after her earlier encounter with Willow to find that
Spike had taken up watching over Daniel at night and that Giles was
apparently holed up in the library.
Now she stood looking at for the lack of a better word, a suit and overcoat,
laid out on her bed.
"Come now dear." June said and padded Buffy's shoulder. "Give it try."
"Are there anymore surprises in the dress code?" Buffy asked with a frown,
as she picked up the pants.
"Well except for this. None." June said and handed Buffy a small box.
"A ring! Why?" Buffy asked as she looked at the box and opened it.
"Well you see dear. This ring indicates that you serve the prince. It will
give you access to places a human couldn't normally enter in this city. Now
if you're supposed to report to the armory at three so there's no rush to
get ready." June said and turned to leave.
"It went well by the way." Buffy said, pulling on the blouse.
"Knew it would." June said with a smile. "And don't forget the armory at
three PM."

* * * * * *

Swords, guns, armor, high-tech stakes. Buffy thought as she looked over the
weapon rack in the armory. Interesting. She thought as she picked up a black
metal cylinder.
"Wonder how this works." She muttered as she rolled it over.
"Press the little red button." Came Spike's voice as he stepped into the
room.
"Spike?" Buffy asked looked at the suit and tie.
"Elisabeth." Spike nodded back smirking at her appearance in a suit and
coat.
"Don't you laugh." She threatened pushing the button and a thin stake, made
out of reddish wood, popped out of the cylinder.
"I'm not laughing, the Dana Scully look really suits you." He said with a
grin.
"Oho now your asking for." She growled at pulled a sword from the wall.
"And what are you going to do with that?" Spike asked drawing a blade from
seemingly nowhere.
"This." Buffy said with a glint in her eye. That said a battle ensued. Coats
billowing and swords clashing.
"I see you're practicing. Excellent." Giles said he stepped into the room.
When they didn't stop fighting and when a chair was neatly cleaved in half
he sighed walked up to the wall, picked up a gun, checked it and then fired
it into the air. Both fighters stopped.
"That's better." He said calmly and sat down.
"Sorry." Both muttered as they took their seats around the round table.
"Where's Daniel." Buffy asked.
"Should be here shortly." Giles said as Spike put his feet on the table.
"I don't like this." He said.
"Don't like what Spike?" Buffy asked.
"Last night, there wasn't a single vampire around, at least not in any
places we went to."
"I found a few." Buffy muttered.
"Did you dispose of them?" Giles asked.
"I did my share, but actually Willow did most of the work." Buffy said.
"So you found her?" Giles asked, his eyes softening.
"No she found me, made it very clear she doesn't want to see us." Buffy said
carefully manipulating the facts.
"Why should she not want to see us?" Giles wondered out loud.
"She's powerful Giles and I mean powerful." Buffy stated.
"How so?"
"Weather control for one thing, healing spells, telekinesis, need I go on."
Buffy counted of the things she'd seen Willow perform.
"It seems like Red has been keeping secrets." Spike commented, focusing the
words towards Buffy and then there was silence.
"Good day." Daniel said as he entered. "I see you've been practicing." He
commented noticing the cleaved-in-half chair and the burn mark on the
ceiling.
When no one commented he just smiled and sat down.
"Lets get down to business then shall we. Last night went very well and
William seems to be most capable for night duty." He said and looked at
Buffy. "Now Buffy. I would like you to accompany me this afternoon. Giles
has been with me since this morning, but it's only fair you should get to
know what the job's all about."
"You want to go out during the day?" Buffy asked quite stunned.
"I'm not a vampire. I'm undying, but not reanimated flesh like William here,
no offense." Daniel explained.
"None taken mate."
"So sunlight is no problem given that I've fed."
"So where are we going?" Buffy asked and stood up.
"Just some meetings, nothing important and no one will question you." Daniel
said and turned to Giles. "Now I believe you want make some more use of the
library."
Giles nodded.
"Spike why don't you arm Buffy and I'll be waiting upstairs." He then said
and stood to leave.
"You did more then just talk." Spike commented when both Giles and Daniel
had left.
"How do you know that?" Buffy asked strapping the shoulder holster on.
"I smell her on you, so what did you do?" Spike asked handing her the gun.
"That's none of your business and why do I need a gun?" She asked.
"Well for starters it's loaded with balls filled with holywater and second
it's a required prop for the part."
"Good point." Buffy said.
"The swords are useful too." He added and Buffy grinned.
"Couldn't agree more."

* * * * * *


"So I just wear these." Buffy said and put on a pair of sunglasses. "And
look grim."
"That's pretty much it." Daniel said as they rode into down.
"Were you born?" Buffy asked after a moments silence.
"Yes, some undying ones are born it's rare, but it happens."
"But you also turn people right?"
"Yes, but every turning must be approved by me or at least I must be told
when someone is embraced."
"And they don't become a different person."
"No the personality remains the same."

* * * * * *

Willow sat in a lotus position, eyes closed. Focusing or at least trying to.
Still the images of last night came back to her.
"I knew this would happen." She muttered and opened her eyes.
"It was the right thing to do." Came a voice from above.
"Astral projection that's a new one." Willow stated as she looked up at Lily
's image floating above her.
"Well this way you wont try anything." Lily commented as her image floated
down.
"And what makes you think I would?" Willow asked innocently, but her eyes
flared.
"You choose to embrace your passion when you first came to me. Well knowing
the consequences." Lily said in matter of fact tone.
"But she's my best friend and I'm so afraid that I'll hurt her." Willow said
looking down.
"You didn't the last time." Lily said, reminding Willow of her little
adventure a few nights ago.
"That was different, with Buffy. I summoned the thunder without thinking."
Willow said.
"It wont go away you know, the wanting must be fulfilled."
"No, I can't not with Buffy." Willow said shutting her eyes.
"Meditate all you want Willow, but it wont change what's done, the fire has
been lit and sooner or later it will burn out of your control." Lily said
and faded away.
"Must be calm, must be calm." Willow recited repeatedly, before just giving
up and screaming out in frustration. She stood and walked over to the orb on
the table.
"Buffy." She whispered and an image of Buffy appeared inside the orb. Willow
smiled and slumped down into a chair. Buffy looked nice in that outfit, in
grown up sort of way. Then the image shifted. A vision of the future
appeared before her eyes. A battle, Buffy dying, Giles screaming and
charging at something. Spike just sitting on the ground holding Buffy and
cursing someone. Cursing her! Willow's eyes fluttered open it was dark
outside. She pulled the green cloak around her, suddenly it all became so
clear and she knew just what to do. Find Giles, must find Giles. She
thought.

Chapter 7: Talking with Giles
Willow looked around the library she'd just appeared in, it had been risky
teleporting in here, but she'd didn't have the luxury of time.

"Giles we need to talk." Willow said making Giles jumped out of his seat.
"Will. Willow." Giles said taking of his glasses polishing them and then
putting them back on.
"It's me Giles relax." Willow said and pulled back the hood.
"I thought you didn't wish to see us?" Giles asked calmly, trying to retain
some dignity.
"I didn't, but things change." Willow said and took a seat. "I had a vision
Giles, a vision of the future."
"What did you see?"
"You and Buffy dying?" She stated calmly.
"Well. that's." Giles tried to form the words.
"What are you hiding Giles?" Willow asked as she looked at him.
"What are you talking about?"
"I sense a power around you, a growing power." She said and put her palm
out.
"You have been given the Blade of the Night. Haven't you?" She finally
asked.
Giles started to protest, but his shoulders slumped as he stood and drew out
the obsidian blade.
"Yes, but how did you know?"
"I've been reading and learning for a long time now Giles, longer then you
might think."
"Then you know the prophecy of the blade?" He asked.
"Some of it, but the one I read was incomplete."
"Here. I assume you can read runes?" He said handing her the sword.
"Interesting." Willow said as she lay the sword on the table. After moment
she looked up. "Well looks like you've been chosen as a divine matchmaker
Giles." She with a smile.
"Well it's bloody uncomfortable if you ask me."
"Don't worry Giles. Why were you given the sword anyway, it's usually given
to someone of the night."
"It was delivered to my house a few weeks ago, no message just a plain
wooden box."
"We'll have to focus on that later." Willow said with a wave of a hand.
"Right now I just want to prevent the vision from coming true."
"So you will be staying."
"I have to. No matter how afraid I am, Buffy's life may depend on me staying
with you until the vision has passed."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"In my vision, after she died, I saw Spike holding her, cursing my name over
and over again."
"What will you do once the vision is passed. Will you fade back into the
shadow and drive Buffy mad with worry again?" Giles asked looking over his
glasses.
"Giles she has to learn that I can take care of myself." Willow said
throwing a small spark into the air to make her point.
"I think she learned that last night Willow and she really does care about
you. If you leave it will hurt her more then you could imagine."
"I know that very well Giles, better then you can imagine." Willow said in a
calm voice.
"Then what are you afraid of?" Giles said. She's calm, like a true wielder
of power. He thought.
"I've done things Giles, things she might not understand, things that would
make her hate me if she ever found out about them and that I'm not." Willow
paused.
"You're not what?" Giles asked.
"I'm not the same Willow that she once knew." She said, never even breaking
the calmness of her voice.
"I think she knows that"
"But how can I ask her to accept what I've done over these past few months."
"She is your friend she'll understand."
"I'm not so sure of that Giles, I mean I've."
"Shagged around." Came a voice from the door and there stood Spike jacket
casually slung over his shoulder.
"Among other things." Willow said as Spike stepped into the library.
"Daniel and Elisabeth left a message saying they'd be a little late an
unexpected problem" He said to Giles before taking a seat and turning
towards Willow.
"Glad to have you back Red. Now what secrets have you been keeping?" Spike
asked.
"Watch it Spike." Willow said, her eyes seemingly flaring up.
"Hey only trying to help. Although I don't really understand what all the
fuss is about. I mean she loves you for crying out loud." Spike stated
probing his feet on the table.
"You don't think I know that Spike." Willow stated, keeping calm. Beating
Spike into a bleached pulp wouldn't accomplish anything.
"And you love her don't you?" Spike said with a knowing grin.
"I'm here because I must." Willow stated in a flat tone.
"Cold Red, real cold."
"You've been hanging with the girls to much Spike." Willow countered. "Gone
soft."
"Well after two hundred years of playing Mr. Bad-ass it was time for a
change."
"Will you please stop this infernal banter." Growled Giles and slammed his
fist on the table.
"Temper." Spike commented.
"It's the sword." Willow said. "It brings out his aggressive side."
"Explains allot." Spike murmured.
"Giles look at me." Willow ordered and Giles immediately faced her. "You can
't let it consume you. The sword amplifies the emotions needed for the
wielder to fight. Accept it, use it." She stated calmly.
Giles nodded.
"Guys. I think. we have. a problem." Buffy said in a labored breath as she
leaned against the doorframe. Numerous cuts visible on her clothes, her hair
stained with blood, dust covering her coat and there was dark stain where
her stake stuck out of her shoulder.
"Buffy!" Willow shouted and rushed to her friends side.
"Hey Willow you came back.. Knew you would." Buffy's eyes closed.
"Get June now!" Giles ordered, but Spike was already gone. "And gather the
clans." He yelled after him.

Chapter 8: Reunion


"ARGH!" Buffy screamed in pain and tried to arc up from the bed, but Spike held her down. Giles was talking to the clans leaders gathered outside, he glanced back at the door as the scream rang through the halls.
"Just two more pulls, then it will all be over." Willow said as she pulled at the stake again, which had been lodged in pretty tight and therefore they had had to inch it out inch by inch.

"One more pull!" June said as she readied the bandages.
"Hear that Buffy?" Willow asked
"Great just pull." Buffy muttered through the pain and bit down.
"Ready?" Willow asked looking into Buffy’s eyes, wanting nothing more then to take the pain away. Buffy nodded. Then there was a muffled cry as the stake came free and June set to about getting Buffy out of the stained and dusty clothes and dressing her numerous wounds. Willow turned to Spike.
"Spike go and see what’s going on." She said and Spike merely nodded and left, she then kneeled down at Buffy’s side.
"How are you feeling?" She asked, moving a strand of her from her face, the calmness of her voice replaced by sincere concern.
"I’ve had better days." Buffy said in a weak voice as the adrenaline and pain faded.
"You’ll be fine dear. Now sleep." June said as she finished the bindings on Buffy’s shoulder. There was no sound, except for the soft chant Willow sang while June salved and dressed the numerous cuts on Buff’s body and then dressing her in a fresh set of clothes. The chanting stopped and Willow carefully laid a hand on Buffy’s forehead. Willing the magic to flow from herself into Buffy. Brushing against her friend’s soul.
"Well if there is nothing else?" June said and stood.
"You’re leaving?" Willow asked her voice once again calm.
"You’re here and that’s all that she needs right now." June said gently.
"How can you be so sure?" Willow asked and for a moment the secure Wicca was replaced by a scared young woman.
"Give the woman some credit will you." Came a female voice from the corner.
"Lily what are you doing here?" Willow almost hissed.
"I bring a warning. The Slayer must no fight and no buts because this comes straight from upstairs."
"Any reasons?" Willow asked looked over Buffy’s now sleeping form and noting June’s discreet exit.
"Smart woman." Lily stated.
"I repeat what are the reasons?"
"It’s not her fight, it’s yours?" Lily said and Willow stopped before she could form a response. She had wondered why exactly she’d been called here and now she knew the why and under any other circumstances she would have just nodded, asked who she should go kick into the next realm and be done with it. Now Buffy was caught in the middle and that changed the entire equation.
"What does the kidnapping of the prince have to do with me?" She finally asked.
"That’s merely just one string in the larger plot. A warlock seeks reentrance into this realm and of course he wants to establish a power base when he does. Therefore the prince had to be removed."
"Why now I mean the stars are all wrong and Buffy should have…" Willow was cut off, but the sound of Buffy’s voice.

"They struck early." Buffy said trying to sit up.
"Glad to see you’re awake." Willow stated. "This is Lily my mentor of sorts." She then added.
"Pleasure, now what’s this about me not fighting." Buffy said and rose a bit more.
"You’re showing progress Willow." Lily commented.
Buffy looked at her cuts that had now faded. The wound on her shoulder still remained.
"I ask again: What’s this about me not fighting?" Buffy asked in a firmer tone.
"Well you see this will be a magical battle and a simple stake or a drop of a sword just won’t do the trick." Lily explained."Why do I feel insulted by that?"
"I’ll still need your help." Willow said. "This guy isn’t alone." She added.
"So I do get to fight?" Buffy asked. Feeling a little snubbed, but Willow seemed to be in control.
"Of course, you’re my friend and there is no one I would rather have at my side" Willow said looking down at Buffy.
There was a soft ahem that broke the mood and both girls looked at Lily.
"I’ll leave you two to…" She paused and the went on. "Plan for the coming battle.." Lily then added and handed a parchment to Willow. "That’s all the information the coven has. Take care Willow." And with that she was gone. Before Willow could reply to the below the belt shot she’d just received.

"So that was your mentor?" Buffy asked, maybe a bit heavy on the sarcasms, as she tried to move her shoulder but winched.
"She’s really nice when you get to know her." Willow said gently forced Buffy to lie down, by laying a hand on her good shoulder. "And try to remain still. The spell can only do much. The rest is up to you."
"I missed you?" Buffy said. Willow’s hand didn’t leave the shoulder it rested on."I haven’t been gone that long?" Willow said her voice taking on a different tone.
"Feels like forever." Buffy whispered back.
"Buffy I want nothing more than to talk to you about everything and nothing right now, but I need to know where they took the prince?" Willow asked."Not sure, but I think I can find the place."
"No need just give me the location where you were attacked I’ll take care of the rest?"
"I am going with you!" Buffy stated firmly.
"Of course you are." Willow said with a smile, but the voice replied calm.
"This is really wigging me out." Buffy sighed.
"What is?"
"You being so calm, so in control of everything. I mean you’re going to face a warlock and you act like it’s something you do everyday. you don’t, I mean fight big baddies everyday, do you? And why am I rambling?" Buffy asked casting her eyes downward
"You’re a little scared aren’t you?" Willow asked as she absentmindedly started stroking Buffy’s hair. Buffy looked up into Willow’s eyes, which seemed to glow a faint green glow of fires burning within and it felt like they were drawing her in. Willow started back into her friend’s eyes, in them she saw a mixture of love and fear.
"In more ways then one." Buffy whispered as Willow’s head lowered."Why are your eyes green…" She whispered."Long story…" Willow whispered back, feeling hot breath on her lips.
"Gotta tell it to me someday…" Buffy muttered as their lips met, it was nothing like the searing kiss Willow had given Buffy the night they’d met again. It was like the feel of the seasons rolled into one sensation, to each other it almost like kissing something ethereal being. Their senses overloading from the briefest touch of lips. Willow’s mind sought out another, the wiccan in her seeking more then just physical contact. Buffy allowed her in, the walls falling away, every emotion every memory laid bare. Every pain, every sorrow, all the regrets of paths not taken and all the love and joy, every single aspect of their beings. Open be to explored by each other.
Then it stopped.

TBC

Royalty
By: Stefan Cilia

Chapter 9: Inner Fires

"Buffy." Willow gasped as Buffy pushed her away.
"You lied to me!" Buffy whispered. Willow looked at her friend with sadness
in her eyes. "I saw everything, the battles, the training. all the secrets."
Buffy paused as tear ran down her cheek. ".the lovers."
"Buffy I." Willow began.
"Don't say anything, just don't." Buffy said holding up her hand.
"I never meant, I mean I didn't fully realize until recently that.." Willow
tried again.
"What that you're gay." Buffy shouted as she sat up, the pain replaced by
burning anger.
"Buffy please don't?" Willow whispered.
"Wasn't I good enough, you had to sneak away to get your kicks."
"You were. are my best." Willow tried to explain as a tear ran down her
cheek.
"Then on top off all that you hide everything from me, I mean I'd accepted
the fact that you'd grown up but."
"I wanted to tell you." Willow pleaded, but Buffy blinded by anger and the
feel of utter betrayal didn't stop.
".this, I mean how could you have done some of those things. seen and not
told me I'm supposed to be your best friend..."
"STOP IT!" Willow shouted. "You dare to accuse me?" She said in a trembling
voice. "I left because of you, I left to protect you!" Her eyes flared up.
"Do you even realize how much power I have." She shouted as a faint glow
seemed to come over her and outside a thunder could be heard.
"Willow." Buffy whispered and for the first time in what seemed like years
she felt truly afraid.
"I left to spare you from what I've had to go through. The lovers were
something to ease the pain I felt because of you! I've seen things no one
should ever see, I know things that make the things in the Codex look like
fairytales. You things these streaks of silver are highlights think again."
Willow shouted she lifted slightly from the bed.
"I."
"You know nothing." Willow said through glanced teeth and then Buffy felt
herself being pinned down. "You could have had me long before I started down
the road I now walk, no questions asked, I would have forgiven you if you'd
left by dawn, but you never saw it."
"Will." Buffy was cut of as she felt Willow forcefully enter her mind and
mouth. Hands caressing her, but the caress weren't ones of love, but born of
rage, stored up anger and frustration.
"Willow please don't." Buffy pleaded as she tried to struggle. She couldn't
remember when she'd felt this helpless.

"Get of her." Spike shouted out in utter outrage as he pulled Willow of
Buffy.
"Have you completely lost your marbles Red?" He asked as Willow struggled in
his grip.
"Spike let me go!" Willow commented. Buffy curled up into a fetal position,
as
Willow broke out of Spike's grip.
"I don't want to fight you Red." He said solemnly. Willow drew a slender
sword from underneath her cloak.
"This isn't you Red. You don't hurt your friends." Spike said as Willow
struck, but the sound that was heard was one of clashing metal.
"Look who's talking." Willow hissed as the flames in her eyes flared and her
eyes turned completely green. Spike pushed her back and glanced at Buffy,
which lay at the head of the bed, sobbing.
He felt the anger growing, but forced it down and attacked, moving fast,
catching Willow slender blade in his hand and brought his to her throat.
"Look what you've done!" Spike ordered in a low voice and forced Willow to
look at Buffy. Blood tripping down the blade of the sword onto the floor.
Buffy was curled up into a ball, the nightshirt June had dressed her in was
now torn in several places and there were claw marks visible on her thigh.
"Take a good long look at your handy work." He said as Giles burst through
the door. Willow dropped sword and looked down at her hands, the flames in
her eyes fading.

"Get out!" Giles hissed after he'd examined Buffy's tear streaked and terror
stricken face. Willow didn't move she just stared down at her hands.
"Get the hell out off here before I do something I might regret, which at
this moment is doubtful." Giles said in eerie calm voice and half drew the
dark blade from its sheath. Willow looked up at Giles and then at Spike and
finally at Buffy. She then closed her eyes and was gone.
"What the hell happened here?" Giles demanded.
"The reason she didn't wish to see you." Came June's caring voice.
"What do you mean?" Spike asked as he wrapped up his hand, the blade was one
of magic and therefore the wound was permanent.
"I was approached by Willow's mentor after I left the room, she told me
something important." June said as Giles gathered Buffy into his arms and
started rocking her back and forth.
"The green glow." Spike suggested.
"Among other things. It seems that your friends powers are not growing hand
in hand with her control. Your friend didn't do this to Elisabeth."
"Looked that way to me." Giles said as Buffy began to cry into his shoulder.
"No, she was overcome by her power. It brought everything to the surface,
every hidden emotions, every primal wanting." June said in solemn voice.
Buffy's sobs got louder. Spike growled, his honor and strangely his demon
both demanded revenge.
"I'll make her sorry she was ever born." He said in full game face and
picked up the blade Willow had dropped.
"You will do no such thing." Anya stated as she stepped into the room.
"Anya?" Spike said in disbelief.
"Buffy!" Xander shouted as he ran into the room, dropping a bo-stick along
the way. Spike glanced outside, the guards were standing up, looking rather
angry, but he motioned for them to stand down.
"I told you I'd be needed." She said as she extended her hand. "Give me the
sword!"
After having glared at each other for a moment Spike reluctantly handed it
over.
"What will you do now?" Spike asked.
"I'll go and find Willow. Then we'll sit down and talk. If that doesn't work
I'll just have to knock some sense into her" Anya said.
"How about we skip the first part?" Xander suggested, but there was no humor
in his voice as he looked up, only anger and hurt.
"Xander stay with Buffy, she'll need to have her friends around her." Anya
said as she turned to leave.
"Let me send some guards with you." Giles suggested.
"No Giles. I will go alone, no reason to scare Willow more." She explained
and left.
Giles stood up and carefully laid Buffy now sleeping form down.
"What do we do now?" Xander asked.
"They won't kill Daniel until the time is right. Which is in a month or so."
Giles said.
"We take control." Spike stated simply. "The clans will need leadership in
the Daniel's absence and we're it." He explained as he picked up the
parchment on the nightstand.
"How? We have no authority." Giles began.
"Leave that to me, politics are my game." Spike said, glanced at Buffy and
left.
"Xander?" Giles asked.
"I'm staying with Buffy." Xander said firmly.
"Of course. June please take care of her?" Giles said and started checking
the guns and stakes in his coat.
"You're leaving?" Both Xander and June asked.
"Someone has to protect the city tonight." He stated as he took of his
glasses, bent down and kissed Buffy's forehead.
"You're not going to anything stupid are you Giles?" Xander asked and got no
reply, because Giles was already gone.
"At least call Faith or something!" He shouted after him.

Royalty
By: Stefan Cilia
Chapter 10: Inner Fires: William Blood

Now how in hell am I gone pull this thing off. Spike thought as he strode
down the corridors. I can't just burst in there shooting. Although that's
not such a bad idea. Don't even go there Spike! Good point alright. I'll
walk in sit down and ask for the word. Can't be that hard, can it? Ah!
Bloody hell I royally screwed. He now stood outside the double door leading
into the conference hall. The argument echoing loudly out into the hallway.
He fixed his tie, buttoned his jacket, checked his sword and gun and made
his neck crick. Lets get this show on the road. Wait I need a proper name to
go by. These are snobs and business types in there, can't just go in there
and say Hi my name is Spike, damn that sounded too cheerleader like. William
the Bloody, no to aggressive, William Smith, nope, William Clinton, dear
Satan no, William Blood, hey not bad okay William Blood it is. Now lets get
busy. He thought and flung the doors open. Impulsive but effective. Bloody
hell when this is over and done with I'm getting myself a shrink.


"Ladies and Gentlemen! If I may have your attention please!" He called out
as the doors slammed into the walls.
"Who the hell are you?" One of the fifteen clan leaders gathered around the
conference table demanded as the secretaries and assistants, lined up behind
the them, looked up over their notebooks and palmtops.
"My name is William Blood" Spike said as he stalked around the table.
"I'm here to make sure that none of you clan Royals do anything stupid." He
said and came to rest behind the Prince's chair at the head of the table. He
went on as he removed his coat. .
"As my associate Rupert Giles has no doubt informed you of, the Prince has
been kidnapped and as we speak Rupert and a number of the Prince's guard are
out looking for him." He said and draped his coat over the chair.
"What of the Slayer?" A dark haired woman, with gray eyes, asked.
"Regent Luna is it not?" Spike asked and the woman nodded.
"The Slayer was badly injured in attempting to protect the Prince and is
currently resting." Spike answered and sat down. There was a shocked and
almost collective gasp at the table and from the secretarial staff.
"May I ask why you're sitting in the Prince's chair Mr. Blood?" The First of
the Elders asked from the far end of the table. Seemingly not taken back by
Spike's actions.
"Daniel often told me that keeping the peace and keeping the balance between
the clans was a prince's foremost duty." Spike said.
"That is correct." The man stated.
"What I heard when I stepped into the room were not signs of peace and
balance." Spike said.
"What exactly do you mean?" A silver haired woman asked, which Spike
identified as being one of the Chroniclers, asked.
"Daniel had not sired any childe and has no natural children of his own, so
there are no obvious candidates. Therefore there will most likely be inner
fighting among the clans about who will govern the city until the Prince is
found which were seemingly well under way when I entered. So I ask you this:
Who will be the regent prince in Daniel's absence?" Spike asked.
"That would be up to the council."
"And has a decision been reached?" Spike asked.
"No we were in the middle of a discussion." A young looking man said,
frustration and anger in clear in his voice.
Spike held up his hand. Keep calm. He reminded himself.
"I've heard enough. It is obvious that some of you are more then ready to go
toe to toe over who will be regent prince and to tell you the truth I don't
have much faith in the fact that when the Prince returns."
"If the Prince returns." Someone said, but earned a piercing glare from
Spike.
"Like I said I don't believe that "when" the Prince returns that that person
will stand down quietly."
"Just who the hell do you think you are?" The young looking man demanded.
"Viktor." Luna pleaded.
"No I want to know what right he has to come marching in here and insult us.
He's not royalty, he's not even undying." The man spat out.
Spike looked calmly at the man. Keep calm and reasonable, it won't help
anything if you clean the floor with this prick. He reminded himself.
"He's right I'm not undying and I'm not of blue blood." He stated in a calm
voice.
"There you see he admits it himself." Viktor said with satisfied smile
"I'm not finished." Spike said and the smile on Viktor's face died.
"I am here to uphold the balance and the peace. I know from what I've seen
during the last few weeks that the peace between the clans is fragile at
best and this is no time for internal fighting among you. So this is my
proposal: I will serve as regent prince until Daniel either returns or is
confirmed dead after that point I will step down. I'm willing to sign a
declaration, or perform a blood oath regarding this if that is what you
wish."
"What if I refuse?" Viktor asked.
"Viktor, his claim is reasonable and he's right we can not afford a drawn
out fight amongst ourselves." The First of Elders said.
"Shut up old man. I ask you again William Blood: What if I refuse your
proposal?"
"Lets put it to a vote first shall we and if the vote is in your favor I
will stand down and allow you to slug it out and should the council choose
to back me, you may challenge me for the throne." Spike said. I just hope he
doesn't have the skills to back up that mouth. He thought to himself.
"Very well lets put it to a vote." Viktor said.
"All in favor?" The elder asked and raised his hand. There were ten more.
"All apposed." Viktor alone raised his. Only two other leaders raised theirs
alongside him.
"The Chroniclers abstain." The woman with the silver hair said.
"Very well since my own sister betrays me." Viktor said and glared at Luna.
"You leave me to choice." He stood. "I challenge you, William Blood, for the
position of regent prince."
"I accept your challenge Viktor Argent." Spike said and stood. Thank good I
remembered his name or else I would have lost some serious face. I'm
definitely going to see a shrink when this mess is over. I even think like
them.
"Lets take this outside shall we don't want to mess up the furniture." He
said and took out his gun and placed it on the table, as Viktor strode out.
Everyone else, including the ones that had voted against him remained
seated. At least I have some respect. That's good.
"Ladies and gentlemen if you would be so kind as to step outside and I shall
be with you shortly." Spike said and the leaders and their secretaries
walked out leaving Spike and Luna standing at the table. Spike started
removing his jacket and then placed it on the table.
"I will not kill if that's what you're wondering." Spike said taking his
sword out of the coat and strapping it onto his back. "Humiliate him maybe."
He added with a grin.
"I was going to congratulate you on how you convinced the council, but thank
you anyway."
"I take it there is some sibling rivalry between the two of you?" Spike
asked as he rolled up his sleeves. Use the charm mate, you need all the
allies you can get right now. His mind reminded him.
"I'm half human." Luna answered.
"Ouch!" Spike said. Half-breeds weren't actually the most loved ones of the
children of the night.
"Got that right." She muttered and then smiled. "You sure you're a demon
vampire?" She asked.
"Honestly, I don't know anymore." Spike said and paused. "Come now lets not
keep your brother waiting."



In the huge gardens behind the mansion the clan leaders were waiting. Many
of them trying to talk Viktor out of his decision.
"Last chance to stand down." Spike offered as he stepped down the steps with
Luna by his side.
"Is this how you treat family?" Viktor demanded as he saw his sister.
"He has every right. His intensions are honorable, when yours are selfish as
always." Luna answered and kissed Spike's cheek.
"Was that really necessary?" Her assistant asked.
"He's cute." Luna answered with an impish grin and the woman sighed.
Spike waited for Viktor to draw his sword. Then Viktor attacked without a
warning, but Spike side stepped and they circled each other.
"Oh! I'm impressed!" Viktor mocked. Spike just cocked his head and the
sparing began. Viktor being lighter and quick moved in and out while Spike
blocked. Let him think I'm on the defensive. Spike thought and began to
back step. The boy is arrogant use it. His mind taking on Giles voice
reminded him.
Viktor stepped up the pace of his attack. But Spike deflected each strike.
"This is a rather one sided duel don't you think." Luna's assistant
commented.
"Wait." Luna said.
Viktor scored a hit on Spike's arm
"That was my best shirt." Spike said calmly and soon Viktor was on the
defensive. Spike stepped up his attack and soon Viktor found himself pressed
pretty hard. A hit to the thigh, another to the ribs. Not enough to kill,
but enough to draw bllod. Another one to his forearm and then his side.
"Death by a thousand cuts." Luna whispered to her assistant. The silver
haired Chronicler nodded when she heard Luna's comment. The leaders where
also gaining respect for Spike, young as he might be.
"Had enough?" Spike asked as he pushed Viktor away after their swords had
locked. Viktor just growled and scored a hit on Spike's hand.
"As a dear friend of mine would say, you are so paying for my next
manicure." Spike said, spun around, went into a crouch and swept the legs
from underneath Viktor.
Viktor was on his back with the point of Spike's sword at his throat. I'm
definitely, positively getting me a shrink.
"That wasn't fair." He said through glanced teeth.
"Who said I was fair?" Spike asked and withdrew the blade, saluted and then
stepped onto the steps leading into the mansion.
"Now if we can return to the conference hall. There are some issues that
need to be discussed regarding what measures should be taken regarding the
save return of the Prince. Also let it be known that I bare no ill towards
Viktor and that he is free to return to his seat at the table." He looked
around, but Viktor was gone. Spike looked out over the yard, sighed and then
walked back into the house, followed by the clan leaders and their
secretaries, all talking among themselves.
"He'll come around. You hurt his pride and he'll probably go somewhere and
mope." Luna said as she fell into step next to him.
"I was hoping he'd stay. I don't bloody need another unstable factor." Spike
said. Some of the calmness fading from his voice.
"You sound almost like Daniel." Came a weak voice from the hallway.
"Buffy?" Spike asked and turned around.

Chapter 11: Inner Fires: Elisabeth Anne Summers

"Last time I checked." Buffy said. Well Spike's seems to have things under
control. She thought.
"You should be in bed." Spike said running up to support her.
"No can do and you called be Buffy." She said with a weak smile.
"Well circumstances." Spike muttered and looked up at Luna.
"Sorry, Elisabeth, Luna, Luna, Elisabeth." Spike said as he steered Buffy
into a empty room.
"Luna would you be so kind as to tell the council to start without me?" He
asked.
"Of course regent prince." Luna said with a nod and left.
She seems nice. Buffy thought.
"So you're a prince now?" Buffy asked.
"Until Daniel gets back. Buffy why are you here and where are Xander and
June?"
"June is fixing dinner and Xander well."
"There you are!" Xander exclaimed as he limped through the door supporting
himself on his staff.
"He kind of got in the way." Buffy finished.
"She wanted to run of and find Willow." Xander explained as he allowed
himself to fall onto a sofa.
I don't need their help. Buffy thought.
"Well I'm still going to." She said firmly
"Look at yourself Slayer. You can't barely stand and what do you plan to do
when you find her."
"Tell her that I forgive her." Buffy said, tears welling up again. I do, no
matter of hard I try I just can't hate her. She thought.
"You what?" Xander asked, but got waved down by Spike.
"Elisabeth look at me." He said, but she didn't look. "Look at me god damn
it."
Buffy looked up.
"I know she hurt you and I know that you love her. But I beg you if not as
your friend then as your ally. To think about what you're about to do?"
"I." Damn it why did he have to become Mr. Sensitive-know-it-all all of
sudden. Buffy thought.
"You don't know do you?" Spike said.
"Buffy loves Willow that's old news." Xander said frustrated, stroking his
forehead checking for blood.
"Why you." Buffy said as she pushed passed Spike. Xander just looked up at
her with calm eyes.
"What? It's pretty freaking obvious that you do. You actually think I'm that
naïve, that I wouldn't notice something like that?" Xander asked.
Buffy's face fell. They know, they all know.
"Face it Buffy, your friends grew up." Xander stated as he stood up.
"He's right Elisabeth, I mean look at him." Spike said and turned his gaze
towards Xander, where he was folding his bo-staff together.
"Why don't you go somewhere and think." Spike suggested. "Get your head
together, because right now you're not thinking straight. I mean you just
beat up one of your friends for what reason?"
"I guess you've got a point." Buffy said wiping away the tears.
"Of course I do. Now I have to get back to the meeting, but I'm not leaving
you alone." Spike said and turned to Xander. "Xander keep an eye on her.
Take her wherever she wants to go." Spike said and threw a pair of keys and
a money-clip to Xander. "Take the Jaguar outside. Just keep an eye on her."
"Spike you really don't..." Buffy began.
"Like I said: I'm not going leave you alone to wallow. That's soulboys style
not yours" Spike said firmly. "Now go and get cleaned up and Xander I'm
counting on you." Spike said and walked out of the room.
"Wow!" Xander exclaimed.
"Help me back to my room?" Buffy asked as she reached out her hands.

I really wished I had time to help her, but I must keep the clans together.
Well Xander is a grown man. He'll do fine. Can't believe I just said that. I
'm going soft. Spike thought as he marched into the conference hall.

"Where is Elisabeth?" June asked as she placed a tray on the table.
"Taking a shower." Xander said looking up from an Anne Rice novel.
"I'll just lay out some clean clothes for her then." June said and went to
the armory.
"She wears those?" Xander asked as June laid a suit and coat on the bed.

I never knew. Buffy thought as the water hit her. Everybody grown up. Xander
held out for almost ten minutes in no holding back fight. What do I do now?
I mean Xander won't let me out his sight, Spike is all bossy and Giles is
somewhere beating the pulp out off the undead population looking for Daniel.
She stepped out of the shower and noticed the cross on the counter. No I
couldn't, why should I, then again it's not like I have allot of choice. I
can't talk to Xander about this.

Buffy peaked her head out of the bathroom door.
"Xander you mind waiting outside?" She said and Xander just nodded and
stepped outside carefully closing the door behind him.
Now first get dressed. She thought and looked down at the suit, it wasn't
the standard black one she'd grown used to, instead June had laid out a blue
one..
Change is good. She thought dressed, when she pulled on the jacket her eyes
drifted to the crystal tear on the nightstand.
She carefully picked it up and looked into it. The night when Willow had
given it to her came back to her. She gripped the tear as a real one ran
down her cheek. She shut her eyes and stuffed it into her pocket. Then she
pulled a suitcase from underneath the bed.
Always be prepared. She thought as she drew out old fashion stake covered
with carvings, she'd taken it the night Willow had saved her and a slim
sword. Cut it out. She reminded herself as more pictures floated into her
mind.

"Take me to a church." She said to Xander as she slit into the Jaguar.
"A church?" Xander asked.
"Yes Xander a church and please don't ask why."
"I won't." Xander said as the car moved down the driveway.
After a silent drive they pulled up outside an old church. Saints looked
down from their perches and above gargoyles looked down over the city. Above
the door something was written in Latin. A circular stoned window rested
above the door.
"Wait here." Buffy ordered.
"Buffy." Xander began.
"I'll be back, I promise." She said and slipped out of the car. Xander
sighed and picked up the book.


She pushed open the heavy wooden door. The church was empty, the were
candles seemingly everywhere, she walked down the aisle as her shadow danced
on the walls and columns. The eyes of the saints on the statues and
paintings seemingly to following her. She came to a stop on the steps
leading up the altar. Here goes nothing. She thought as she fell to her
knees.
"I know I haven't talked much to you before, but I just." She whispered and
looked up at the crucifix. ".I mean I fight for the world all the time and I
just need. Well I need to get some things of my chest." She said with a
small smile. "You must think I'm the biggest hypocrite right now. I mean you
being the last one I turn to, but I'm afraid. truly afraid right now. I mean
I just found out that I'm in love with my best friend. but you probably
think that's wrong too, I mean I'm not stupid I know the church has some
mixed feelings about." Buffy paused and then went on. ". about gays.." There
I admitted it. She thought to herself. "I know it's asking much but could
you please look out for my friends, just keep them save. I know they don't
need me as much as they once did. But would you please just keep the save
for all the times I've saved your creation. I'd think you owe that much."
Buffy stopped as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Chapter 12: Inner Fires Rupert Giles

Friendship.
A head roles.
Honor.
A head roles.
Courage.
The dust falls.


Rupert Giles smiles a thin smile. The guards are spread out all over the
city. He now stands alone. Which is what he wants right now. To be alone.
What makes their problems so much greater then mine. He thinks to himself as
he stalks of into the shadows.
No don't think about it. Focus on the here and now. Don't let the blade take
control.
"This is far from normal." He mutters and looks at the throng of vampires
that are marching down the street completely filling it from end to end.
He turns and sees their destination, a church.
"Bloody hell." He mutters as he runs towards it.
A Jaguar parked outside.
Someone inside reading.
Xander.
A knock on the class.
Xander jumps.
"Giles?"
"No time to explain. A throng of vampires and maybe some minor demons are
heading this way and we have to make a stand."
"Okay." The younger man mutters and steps out of the car.
"Do you have a weapon?"
The younger man grins and starts putting his staff together.
"That's not going to be enough."
"Wait and see, ye of little faith." Two blades are fastened onto either end
of the staff.
"Who is inside the church?"
"Buffy. Should I go and."
"No time."

They step onto the street and Rupert draws a line with his sword on the
ground.
"They can not be allowed to pass."
"Understood."
"Move or die." A thundering voice commands from the front of the throng."
"Sorry can't do that."
"Then you will die."
"If I had a dollar for every time I've heard."

Battle.
A witty pun.
Steel clashing with steel.
Sparks.
A grunt.
A gash.
A defiant scream.
Heads roll.
Dust falls.
The air becomes thick.
Then there is silence.
Heavy breathing.
Blood dripping from wounds.

"You alright?" Rupert asks.
"Yep! Just a few scratches." Xander says holding up a his hand.
"Is there a first-aid kit in the car."
"Yes."
"Use it. I'll go and check on Buffy."
"Be carefully she beat me up pretty nicely earlier when I tried to stop
her."
"Understood."

The door opens. A girl is on her knees in front of the crucifix. He goes to
one knee and crosses himself.
Not such a bad idea. He thinks to himself as he silently walks up to her.
He places a hand on her shoulder. She stops her praying and looks up at him.
"Hi!" She whispers.
"You alright." He asks as he goes down to his knees.
"I'm. better."
"That's good."
"You don't look so good."
"Ran into a small hindrance."
"Is Xander okay?"
"He's taking care of some minor wounds but he should be fine." He says and
looks up at the crucifix.
"Did you find."
The doors burst open and a thunder is heard.

Chapter 13 Inner Fires: Willow Rosenberg

"Willow." Anya said as she moved through the house. The Willow's sword
poised in her hand.
"Go away!" Echoed through the house.
How did she find me? The sword, stupid, stupid Willow. Willow thoughts as
she moved through the house.
"Willow I just want to talk to you."
"I don't care."
Anya dodged a magical blast. Why do I bother. She thought.
"Willow this isn't funny."
"No it isn't."
"She will forgive you."
"No she won't."
"Denial isn't just a river in Egypt."
"Funny."
A shadow passed in front of her.
"Why are you making this hard on yourself." Anya said as she ran her hand
over the wall. "If you don't get your silly little head together she'll
die." She said.
There was silence.
"You know that don't you?" Anya asked after a minute or so
"Yes."
"I can help you." Anya offered and blew some glittering dust from her hand.
"Your not supposed to know how to do that." Willow said from the shadows.
"I've still got a few surprises left."
"I can't control it." Willow said and green eyes flared in the darkness.
"I know that power isn't something easily tamed that's why I'm here."
"You think you can help me?" Willow asked in a mocking voice as a shadow
passed before Anya eyes,
"I know love when I see it." Anya said and reached out her hand.
"You know nothing!"
"Okay I've just had about enough of this." Anya said, spun around, grabbed
Willow and slammed her against the wall.
"Now you listen here little girl. Buffy is hurting, Giles and Spike are
acting like they've lost their marbles and Xander is worried sick and when
he gets worried I get worried."
"Go to hell."
"To late."
Anya felt herself being slammed against the opposite wall.
"Never attack a spell caster directly. You of all people should know that."
Willow said.
"If you insist." Anya said a threw some more glitter over Willow.
"Fairy dust can't harm me."
"No but it will calm you. Now sleep." Anya said in a soothing voice Willow
took a step forward and then fell down.
"Glad that worked." Anya muttered and picked Willow up.

Willow stood on a green field.
The whole world seemed to spin around her and then there stood Buffy..
"Hello Willow." She said and touched her cheek.
"Buffy I."
"Don't say anything, just lie with me." Buffy said as pulled Willow down.
"I'm sorry." Willow cried.
"For what dear." Buffy asked. They were still laying in the field. But it
Buffy seamed older.
"Nothing." Willow said and hugged Buffy close.
A red haired girl came running over the hills, with Spike and another girl
following close behind.
Willow smiled and then found herself sitting in a church.
"Dearly bellowed we're gathered here today."
Spike and who is that woman next to. Oh! Dear. Willow thought. The scene
faded.
"Hello grandma." Spike said kissing her cheek, she was now standing in a
hospital, accepting a baby into her arms.
Then she was back in the familiar room
"You're back." The voice said.
"I didn't have a choice."
"You want to be free of your powers."
"Yes."
"The future you saw will not be if you do. William will die alone and your
daughter and granddaughter will never be born."
"It hurts."
"I can only tell you that it gets better." The voice said.
"Willow." Came Anya's voice.
"Go." The voice said as the scene faded away.

"Willow." Anya said repeated and Willow's eyes fluttered open.
"It gets better." Willow muttered.
"What does?" Anya asked.
"Everything." Willow answered.
"That's good to hear, now you ready to be reasonable?" Anya asked laying the
sword on the bed.
"I'll help them, then I'll leave." Willow stated calmly.
"That was quick. So what's the plan?"
"I'll end this threat before it begins." Willow said bluntly and stood.
"You sure that's such a good idea." Anya asked, but Willow waved her hand
Anya was gone.
"No I'm not." Willow said and threw the hood over her head.
This is how it has to be. I'll go save the Prince and then destroy the
foothold the Warlock has in this world. She looked over to the desk. Pen and
parchment. She sat down and started to write.

Dear Buffy.

If you're reading this I'm either leaving, gone, maybe even dead. Either way
I'm asking you not to blame yourself. This is my choice and I beg of you to
respect it.

Love you as always

Willow


p.s. I know you'll come after me no matter what I say, but you will not find
me.

Short and to the point, she'll like that. No drawn out goodbyes or long
sappy letters. She thought and sealed the paper. She then pointed at the
letter and it was gone.

"Now lets go save the world." That said she now stood outside an old
warehouse.
Warehouses always with the warehouses. She thought. The two guards went down
in flames. She tried the doors, but they didn't budge.
"Everything the hard way." She muttered, laid a palm against the door and
chanted until it blew inwards.
Maybe this wasn't such a bright idea. She thought as she heard snarls and
growls from inside. Oho what the heck. The only light came from the
moonlight the came in through the roof windows.
"I've come for Prince Daniel Night." She thundered as she stepped through
the doors.
"Then you have come to your death." A voice that sent chills down sounded
across the warehouse.
"And you are?" Willow asked as she staked a vampire sneaking up behind her.
"My name is Viktor Argent." The voice said and a man stepped into the
moonbeam in the center of the room.
"Were is the Warlock?" Willow damned.
"He's around." Viktor said with a gesture of a hand and a shadow could be
seen moving around the room.
"You're the undying that attacked Buffy." Willow stated as she torched
another vampire.
"Guilty as charged."
"Then you must face judgment." A British accented voice echoed through the
warehouse
"You!" Viktor snarled.
"Yes me!" Spike said as he stepped up next to Willow. Sword in one hand and
a shotgun in the other.
"Spike what are you doing here?" Willow hissed.
"Taking care of business." Spike said simply.
"Oh then I must introduce you to my business partner." Viktor said and a
dark shadow rose behind him.
"Red what the hell is that?" Spike asked.
"The Warlock." Willow answered.
"Bloody." Spike said and then him and Willow went flying through the air and
slammed against the walls.
"Hell." Willow finished.
Viktor side stepped as the shadow took on the shape of a man in a billowing
red cloak.
"Red I thought this thing wasn't supposed to enter this plane until the
stars where aligned?" Spike asked as he hauled himself of the floor.
"Well apparently not." Willow stated.
"Okay what's the plan Red?"
"We need to get him to someplace holy." Willow said.
"But you told Anya you were going to kill him."
"In his shadows state yes."
"Just great. There is a church a few blocks away, now all we have to do is
get him to follow us." Spike said.
"Easy." Willow said and let loose a fury of bolts.
The figure turned and snarled.
"Nice plan pet. Now run!" He ordered as he pushed her through the door.
"Which way?" Willow asked once out on the street.
"This way." Spike pointed as he pulled a bike onto the street.
He started it and then the Warlock burst through the door.
"Get on." He ordered as Willow threw more bolts at the Warlock and then
climbed onto the bike.
Spike sped down the street, the Warlock following appeared as a blur of red
in the rearview mirror was not a pleasant sight.
They came to a shrieking stop next to a dark green Jaguar.
"Xander get your stick ready." Spike yelled as he threw open the door.
"We're in trouble right." Xander said as he looked up from wrapping his arm.
"Could say that." Spike said as Willow said as she started firing randomly
down the street.
"This is getting tiresome." She muttered. "Hey Xander."
"Hey yourself." Xander said as he picked up the staff lying in the passenger
seat.
"Spike you sure you can get in there I mean it's a." Willow started.
"I'll manage." Spike said as they ran to the door
"Get in. I'll set up some wards to stall him." Willow yelled over the
thunders and started weaving patterns with her hands.
The doors where flung open and a thunder crashed. The two figures kneeling
at the altar spun around.


Chapter 14: Beginnings Of The End

"Spike, Xander." Buffy and Giles exclaimed as the duo burst through the doors.
"You’re here good." Spike said, running up the aisle and looking around the church. Crucifix not good. He thought and pulled out a small mobile phone.
"Report." He almost barked.
"We’ve got the prince, but he’s in pretty bad shape sir."
"What to you mean." Spike demanded.
"Blood loss and it’s massive."
"Just get him somewhere safe and get him treated William out."
"The wards should hold for five maybe ten minutes." Willow said as she came running up to them and the doors closed behind her.
"Spike what’s going on here?" Giles demanded.
"In short, we’ve got the big bad Warlock about to bust through that door." Spike said and loaded a shell into the shotgun. "The Prince is safe but in critical condition…" Another shell. "…and Willow is here to help." He finished with a pump of the gun.
"Talk later okay." Willow said, sounding very much like her old self, to a dumfounded Buffy and started scanning the church.
"So what’s the plan?" Buffy asked as she followed her gaze around the church.
"There is no plan. You guys go out the back and I fight him."
Buffy shook her head.
"No deal Willow." She said.
"Buffy please." Willow pleaded and looked back as the doors started to bulge.
"Willow we’re not leaving you." Xander said.
"Giles?" Willow asked.
Giles just shook his head.
"Spike?"
"No deal Red."
"Great, just freaking great." Willow cursed..
"Okay Spike what other weapons did you bring."
"One large crossbow, three small ones, a dozen stakes…" He stated and lifted the right flap of his coat. "...and these." He said holding out the left flap, revealing a row of solid silver railroad spikes.
"Good, now Giles the sword you wield might hurt him." Willow said turning to Giles.
"Might?" Buffy asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Now Buffy, Giles and Spike, I need you three to distract him long enough for me to banish him. Xander I need you to watch my back." Willow said.
The whole church started to shake.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Spike exclaimed with a devil might care grin and threw the large crossbow to Buffy and two smaller ones to Giles.
"Why do I only get one?" Xander said with mock hurt.
"Do the math stick boy." Spike answered. I swear if I get through this in one piece I’m going to see a shrink. He thought.
"Wait I need an object to trap him in. Buffy you still got the crystal?" Willow asked.
Buffy looked down, drew the crystal from her pocket and handed it to Willow.
"Thank you." Willow said and there was a brief silence as they stared at each other. There was a soft ahem from both Spike and Giles and both women snapped out of their trance.
"Now taking his head of might do the trick, just don’t count on it." Willow said calmly as she took up position at the base of the steps.
"Anything else, like shotgun blast…" Spike asked as he stepped in front of her.
"Or large nasty arrows?" Buffy added.
"No, but it’ll hurt him…" Willow was cut off as the doors exploded.
"Get ready people." Spike yelled.
"I’m here to destroy you…" A red cloaked figure boomed as it rushed up the aisle, but got shot in the chest.
"Yeah, yeah! Heard it all before." Spike muttered and pumped the gun as the figure fell down and didn’t stand up. A empty shell could be heard hitting the floor.
"Something isn’t right here." Spike muttered and walked over the body sword poised and the shotgun at his site.
"Spike?" Willow asked. Spike just glanced back and kept on walking.
Standing over the figure, Spike carefully removed the hood.
"Viktor?" He exclaimed
"Surprise!" The undying said with a smile and shot Spike in the chest. There was a blur of motion over were the body had fallen and six shoots could be heard.
"Wait if that’s not the Warlock…" Buffy began as the windows exploded into the church.

"Say farewell William Blood." Viktor said as he shot Spike again
"Should have known…" Spike muttered, gripping onto the shotgun.
Viktor fired again.
"Should have killed…"
And for the fourth time a shot was heard
"…you while I..."
The fifth time.
"…had the chance."
The sixth shot rang out and Spike fell back against the wall, closing his eyes.
Viktor walked calmly over to were Spike was lying, throwing away the empty gun and pulling out a knife as he went.
"I shall give your heart to my sister." He said with a smile.
Spike’s eyes open and he smiled back with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
"My turn." He said, pointed the shotgun at Viktor’s head and pulled the trigger.
"Almost like an exploding melon." He muttered to himself as the body hit the floor.
He then pulled out a silver railroad spike and ramed it into Viktor’s chest.
"Better safe then sorry." He said in matter of fact tone and then looked up as the glass began to fall.
"Bloody hell!" He cursed and ran back to his friends.

Giles, Xander, Buffy and Willow where standing back to back in a protective circle.
"Where the hell is this guy." Buffy asked as she scanned the church.
"I guess that’s him!" Xander said and pointed at the outlines moving flickering through the church.
"Great invisibility. Which also means he’s almost invulnerable." Willow muttered as Buffy let an arrow fly, but it went straight through.
"Glad you could join us." Buffy nodded as Spike joined them. Ripping open his shirt, revealing six bullets lodged in his armor.
"Red how do we fight this thing?" Spike asked, checked his gun and fired, but hit nothing but air.
"First we’ve got to uncloak him and Spike I think silver sticks in him." Willow said with a wicked grin and looked at Spike.
Spike’s eyes brightened as he vamped out and sniffed the air.
He drew out another spike, focused his eyes, threw it and then it seemingly came to a halt in midair.
The figure howled out in pain.
"Well that’s one way of seeing him." Xander commented as Spike let another one fly.
The group scattered as a magical bolt came flying towards them.
"Hey look we can see him." Xander yelled as a red cloaked figure appeared in the middle of the church..
"Xander no!" Willow yelled as Xander ran off and impaled it.
The Warlock looked down at Xander and simply pulled out the staff, dark liquid dripping from the blade.
"Guys some help here." Xander squeaked as he got thrown back towards the doors.
"Do I have to do everything around here." Willow exclaimed as she blasted the warlock back.
Spike threw another spike, but the figure held up its hand and the spike dropped to the ground.
Buffy quietly circled around, as Giles shot at it with the smaller crossbows, and lined up for a shot. The Warlock turned around and lightning bolt tore into Buffy’s midsection.
"Buffy!" Both Giles and Willow yelled. Buffy flew back and hit the floor with a thud.
"Giles no!" Willow screamed and waved her hand. Giles who had thrown away the smaller crossbows and drawn his sword, now found himself glued to the floor.
Things where turning out just like she’d seen them. She poised herself in front of the altar.
"Warlock your fight is with me and me alone!" Willow thundered and watched as Spike ran to Buffy. The Warlock turned and red eyes glowed underneath the hood.
"If that is what you wish." He said in a monotone voice devoid of all emotion.
Willow’s answer was a green ball of energy. The Warlock held up his hand and stopped it midair. Then sent it back to the source. Willow countered with a shield of blue energy. The battle was on.

Spike laid the shotgun on the floor and looked Buffy over. The blast her thrown her backwards almost towards the blasted doors, her suit was scorched and he smelled something burning. Still alive. He thought as he heard a steady heartbeat and started ripping her blouse open to check for injuries. Wait a minute. He thought.
"Smart girl." He muttered with a smile.
"William." Luna exclaimed as she rushed through the broken doors.
"Luna?" Spike stated a sounding a little confused.
"There are uprisings all over the city." She explained as she looked over Buffy’s prone form. "The clans are doing what they can but…"
"Spike we’ve got incoming." Xander yelled as he stumbled to his feet and looked out onto the street.
"Like flies to a corpse." Spike cursed.
There was an explosion as the battle raged inside the church. Giles came loose and rushed over to Buffy. Completely ignoring, Willow, the Warlock and his own personal safety his only thoughts on the girl he love like his she were his own daughter.

" Luna, take care of her. Her armor took most of the blast, but she’s unconscious. Get her somewhere safe and keep your head down. I’ll be right back." Spike said, as Giles knelt by Buffy’s site. Spike then kissed Luna’s cheek, grabbed the crossbow that Buffy had been using and rushed to the door.
"Giles get over here now." He ordered. Giles glared at him with fire in his eyes so intense that it made Spike want to turn away.
"Luna?" Spike asked with a look that spoke for him. Luna nodded and turned to Giles.
"Go she’ll be safe I promise." Luna said in soft voice. Giles looked at Luna then down at Buffy. He then bent down, kissed Buffy’s forehead, calmly stood up and walked towards to the doors.
"They’re drawn to the Warlocks power." He stated as he looked out over the masses of vampires and several minor demons that were marching towards the church.
"Any bright ideas?" Xander asked.
"We fight. Plain and simple." Spike said and let an arrow fly, twenty meters away a vampire turned to dust.
"And wait for backup right…" Xander asked as they took a stance on the front steps and Giles pulled the cork out of a small vial of holy water a poured it in circle around them. Muttering prayers.
"Right?" Xander asked again.
Great something tells me I’ll need more then a first-aid kit when this is over. He thought to himself.
Behind them a battle raged, as Luna carefully dragged the unconscious Slayer to relative safety, but they all knew that right now no place was safe.

Chapter 15: End Game

"Just die!" Willow screamed as she weaved golden patterns with her hands and then threw them at the Warlock.

"Don’t let them enter the church!" Spike yelled as he took the head of the first vampire that reached the steps.

"Keep fighting, no one quits until every last one of them is dead." Lily shouted to the witches gathered her side.

"Willow…" Buffy moaned as her eyes started to open.

"Stand fast." The First of the Elders ordered outside the gates of the mansion.

"Not good!" Willow exclaimed as fell back towards the floor.

"Yeah ha!" Xander cried out as he cut left and right with his staff.

Giles swung the obsidian blade with grace and silent determination. No sounds nor thoughts. Only pure control.

Willow rolled out the way of the animated bladed as it cut into the floor. Her eyes fell on the crystal tear she’d tied around her wrist. For Buffy. She thought and pulled herself of the floor.

"Must help her." Buffy stubbornly groaned as she tried to sit.
"Lie still child." Luna ordered the Slayer.
"Must help… love…" Buffy said as her vision blurred and she felt a burning pain.
"I know you want to, but were there is love there must also be trust." Luna said.
"Trust is good."

"Spike you’re buying the beers when this is over." Xander exclaimed as he high kicked a vampire in the face. Didn’t know I could do that. He thought to himself.

Willow stepped defiantly in front the Warlock holding the crystal out in front of her.
"With love and faith I banish you…" She thundered as sparks danced in her eyes.

Buffy stirred as her senses tingled.
"Willow be careful…" She whispered.

"From this land and from this plane…" Willow went on as her eyes took on a green hue.

"Spike they just keep coming." Xander yelled. "What do we do?"
"We Sing!" Spike stated as he slammed a spike into the chest of a minor demon.
"Okay you first." Xander said as he went through sequence with the staff that resulted in two piles of dust.

Spike started as he ramed stake into a vampires heart.

Giles and Xander joined in.

Show me the meaning of being lonely
Is this the feeling I need to walk with
Tell me why I can't be there where you are
There's something missing in my heart

"Do you hear singing?" Buffy asked as the tones drifted into the church.
"Yes."
"If those are angels singing I’m disappointed." Buffy muttered as her eyes closed again.

"By the power of goddesses and the God in which house we stand…" Willow felt something hitting her chest and she fell back, but she didn’t stop chanting.

On the steps Spike, Giles and Xander fought on and sang. The vampires kept coming barely noticing them or their singing. Spike got clawed across the chest, but didn’t stop singing.

Life goes on as it never ends
Eyes of store observe the trends
They never say forever gaze
Guilty roads to an endless love
There's no control
Are you with me now
Your every wish will be done
They tell me

"Slayer?" Luna asked with concern as the Buffy seemed to be getting paler. Buffy open her eyes.
"Still here." She answered with a weak smile and grimaced. "Buffy." She after the pain faded.
"Luna."

"By the powers I have called I banish you…" Willow whispered as she lay on the floor staring up at the crystal in her hand.

There were shouts from the back of the mass of vampires outside the church. The undying ones came marching from one side and the wiccans from the other. Xander took a hit to the leg, but fought on and never did the singing stop.

"How are they doing?" Buffy asked and Luna looked back.
"They’re doing great."
"Good and Willow?"
"She’s hanging in there. She’s very brave." Luna stated.
"Of course she’s my Willow." Buffy said with pride.

"With my love for the one you hurt I cast you out. Forever and ever, to the end time and end of space." Willow’s voice rose as she stood from the floor.

"Anya." Xander shouted as the former demon cut down the vampire in front of him.
"Miss me?" She asked with a smile.
"You’ve no idea." Xander answered with a loop side grin.
Spike started to sing a new song.

Adventure seeker on an empty street
Just an alley creeper light on his feet
A young fighter screaming with no time for doubt
With the pain and anger can't see a way out
It ain't much I'm asking I heard him say
Gotta find me a future move out of my way
I want it all I want it all I want it all and I want it now
I want it all I want it all I want it all and I want it now

Xander shook his head and kept on fighting as they drove the vampires away from the steps into the fighters behind them.

A scream echoed through the church and out into the street. Willow stood over the huddled form of the Warlock, holding the crystal out.
"Your time here is over." She said a calmly as the Warlock was drawn into the crystal which turned crimson red. Then there was silence.

Chapter 16: The End

"Buffy." Willow whispered and rushed over to the corner where Buffy lay.
"You did good Willow." Buffy said with a smile.
"You… you okay?" Willow stammered as she reached out to touch her friend, but then drew back.
"Willow don’t…" Buffy said as she took Willow’s hand and brought it to her lips.
"I forgive you and I could never hate you." She said and kissed Willow’s hand.
Luna walked over to the approaching group. Giles looking concerned and Xander looking exhausted but happy holding Anya.
"Give them a moment." She said as she led them outside.
Willow’s drew her hand back and it hovered over Buffy’s stomach.
"Does it hurt?" She asked.
"A little." Buffy said.
"Want me to make it better?" She asked. The gentleness Buffy’s always associated with her returning to her green eyes.
"Please." Buffy said and was caught a little of guard when Willow kissed her as she gently laid her hand on her stomach.
"What was that."
"The anesthetic." Willow said with a impish smile as she started to chant.
"Goddess I beg of you to heal the one I love more then life itself, the one who forgive me …"
Buffy’s eyes grew wide and then she just smiled as her friend, her love, worked her magic.

"You think they’re okay in there?" Xander asked as Anya salved his cuts.
"Oh I’m sure they’re fine." She said. Spike stood with a group of Royals. Luna standing close to him.
"What you think they’re talking about?" Xander asked.
"Daniel is in a coma." Giles answered. "And they’re discussing whether or not Spike, or should I say William Blood, ought to remain regent prince."
"Good ears G-man."

"So are you willing?" The First asked Spike.
"I said I would serve as prince until Daniel was found, but…"
"William the clans need leadership now more then ever." Luna pleaded.
"I need to talk to my friends first." Spike said.
"Of course." The First nodded.

Spike walked Luna away from the growt.
"Your brother is dead." He said simply.
"I know." She said and kissed his cheek.
"You’re thanking me for it?" Spike asked.
"No I’m forgiving you." She answered.

Willow and Buffy came walking out of the church. Buffy leaning on Willow, looking pale and tired. Their friends rushed to them.
"Buffy are you alright?" Giles asked.
"I’m fine Giles, Willow did a healing spell." Buffy answered.
"Lets go home then shall we." Giles said. Buffy whispered something into Willow’s ear and the redhead blushed.

Epilogue 1: Prince William Blood

"They want me to be Prince until Daniel recovers." Spike said to the people gathered around the table.
"Spike that’s great." Willow exclaimed.
"You want our permission?" Giles asked.
"Yes, since you’re my allies and all."
"Spike this city needs you more then Sunnydale ever will." Buffy said.
"Why thank you."
"No I didn’t mean it like that. You could do so much more here." Buffy said.
"You’re welcome to visit from time to time." Spike said his throat feeling tight all of a sudden.
"Of course we will your family." Xander stated.
"Spike?" Anya asked after a moments silence.
A blood tear ran down Spike’s cheek. Willow went over and hugged him.
"Spike don’t cry." She said.
"I can’t stop it. Bloody hell I need a shrink." He cursed with a smile.

They all stood in the conference hall as each of the Royals knelt by Spike. Buffy and Giles serving as his honor guards.
"All hail Prince William Blood." The First exclaimed in the booming voice as he rose.

Epilogue 2: Rupert Giles

"So you’re leaving?" Buffy stated as she leaned against the wall in his room at the mansion.
"Just for the summer." Giles answered.
"Why?"
"I need to know more." Giles said and then he hugged Buffy.
"Don’t worry Faith is proving herself and Wesley is getting better."
"Maybe I should retire then." Buffy said with a smile.
"Nothing would make me happier." He said, broke away and bent down to pick up his case.
"No let me." She said and picked it up.
Once they were at the door they found everyone waiting for them.
"Hope you weren’t planning on leaving with out saying good bye." Spike said. Giles spared him a comment on how one couldn’t see where the white suit ended and Spike began.
"Of course not." He stated and hugged them one and all.

Epilogue 3: Talk

"So why did Viktor kidnap the Prince and attack me?" Buffy asked as over the dinner table.
"Power. He wanted my job." Spike answered.
"So no grand plot to end the world?" Xander asked.
"No he just wanted to be Prince."
"He could just have settled for Symbol or The Artist." Buffy said.

Epilogue 4: Willow and Buffy

Willow stood on the balconies looking over the city. Buffy walked up behind her and placed her arms around her.
"Come back to bed." She said.
"In a minute just have to do something first." Willow said and produced the crystal.
Buffy closed her fist over it and Willow place her hand over Buffy’s and they squeezed until it broke.
"The past." Buffy whispered into Willow’s ear as the red pieces of glass fell the ground.
"I love you." Willow said in a trembling voice.
"And I love you."
"I can’t stay you know that?" Willow said.
"Yes." Buffy said as she picked her up. "But we’ve time and I want to make the most of it."
"I’ve wanted this for so long." Willow murmured as Buffy laid her on the bed.
"Two hours are a long time now?" Buffy asked as she started trailing kisses down her throat. Both knew happiness that night and new paths had been chosen. Somewhere a soul yet to be born was smiling

The End

Royalty: Willow Rosenberg
Cilia

From the Journals of Willow Rosenberg.

Willow collected her book and walked inside. Magic awaited among dusty tomes and on the nightstand stood pictures of her and Buffy. Her, Spike and Xander and a group shot taken at the midnight barbeque they’d held. On the bed there rested an oversized, slightly worn, blue sweater. Willow smiled. She would never feel alone, she was happy although her love was oceans away.

Letters.

Ran into Giles in London, he gives his best and apologizes for not returning as he promised. He looked okay, but like he had a lot on his mind. But he’s collected some pretty need stuff during his travels.

I miss you wait I already wrote that, anyway I plan on returning as soon as I’m done here.

Love and kisses

Yours W.p.s. no new silver streaks.A ruby on gold chain fell out off the hidden compartment. Interesting. Willow thought as she rolled it over in her hands. No magic in this. Still it’s pretty.

Willow pushed the letter into the mailbox with a sigh, the third letter from Rome. The stay in Rome dragged on and the months blurred together and in late fall Willow found herself sitting in a café and writing once again.

From the Journals of Willow Rosenberg

It’s been almost a year now sine I saw Buffy in person, she’s studying archeology alongside with the occult. Daniel is awake, but still weak so Spike’s still a prince. Buffy tells me that he’s warming up to Luna. I hope he’s happy he deserves it.
I miss her and I wish she was here…

Willow looked up from her book in the near empty café and saw the midsection of approaching person. Heels clicking on the marble, black pants, white blouse, a jacket casually slung over resting on shoulders. A hand with a golden insignia ring came to rest on her table, defiantly feminine. Willow’s eyes traveled up, a ruby on a gold chain around smooth neck, familiar lips curved up in a smile, a nose she remembered kissing, small sunglasses rested on the tip of it and gray eyes looked over them.
"Hello Willow." Buffy said as her friend stood and hugged her tight. "Miss me?" She asked.
"Yes, yes, yes." Willow said kissing her repeatedly.
"Missed you too." Buffy said the smile obvious in here voice.
"I just can’t believe your really here, I mean I was writing wishing and then here you are and it’s like a dream, but is it real, your real aren’t you."
"Willow, babble alert." Buffy said and called for a cappuccino which appeared surprisingly quickly.
"I know isn’t it great." Willow said beaming and watched as Buffy sipped her cappuccino.
"So what brings you here?" Willow asked.
"You, silly." Buffy answered.
"No there is something more." Willow said looking into Buffy’s eyes.
"Well yes, but…" Buffy said and scratched her short cut hair.
"What?" Willow asked getting curious. Buffy sighed and pulled out a picture of small golden disk.
"See this." She said and placed the picture on the on table and traced the glyphs along the rim of the plate with her finger.
"I don’t recognize it." Willow said.
"No one does that’s why I’m here." Buffy explained.
"Why don’t you tell me the whole story?" Willow asked and ordered an espresso.

TBC

Royalty: Elisabeth Anna Summers

Cilia

Spike was going nuts, the Slayer had been brooding the entire winter, doing almost nothing but studying and skating. The person who’d complained about wanting a normal life finally had it and what did she do, she buried herself in books. Still there had been that party she’d thrown, the one which ended with cops and ambulances showing up, man had that cost him. Still after that she’d returned her dull, but less costly, self.

"What’s with the long face Slayer." Spike asked as he looked up from the pile of papers on his desk. Shortly after Buffy started school again she’d taken up studying in Spike’s office just for the sake of having company. She’d discovered that she liked archeology for some reason and since Spike was an actual relic. It made a perfect mix.
"It’s nothing it’s just this test." She lied.
"She’s still in Rome isn’t she?" Spike asked with a sympathetic look.
"Yep!"
"And you want to go to her?"
"Yep!"
"Why don’t you then. It’s not like you can’t afford it?"
He was right, she’d been paid handsomely for her time as Daniel’s bodyguard and she stepped in as Spike’s from time to time. It was strange protecting someone she’d once tried so hard to kill.
"Spike, school, education, remember."
"That can wait. How about a research project then, take your exams and mail them and so on? You’ve covered four semesters in two." He stated the obvious.
Giles would have been proud hadn’t he taken of to discover himself, still her mother was proud enough for two, even three.
"A project on what Spike?" She asked as Spike opened a drawer on his desk and threw a golden disk at her which she caught.
"You trying to take my head of?" She asked as looked at the disk..
"No one has been able to decipher the glyphs on the rim or make heads or tales of the insignia, but I have a friend in Rome who could help locate someone who might be able to help." He explained.
"And who is going to fund this little trip. The William S. Blood Foundation?"
"Actually… Yes!" Spike answered.
"This isn’t a joke?" Buffy asked looking up at Spike.
"No."
"Your sending me to Rome to meet Willow."
"And to find out what the plate says. Yes." Spike answered.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Buffy exclaimed as she rushed over and hugged Spike.
"Now you understand that this must look authentic so the university will believe it. I can’t just wave a wad of cash in there face." He said and pushed her gently away.
"Which means you finish your exams and then do research and wolla you’ll be in Rome by late fall." Spike said with a wave of a hand.
"Thank you. Still isn’t the wad of cash idea is worth a try" Buffy said and slammed the book shut. "I’m going to tell June what nice prince you are and Luna how lucky she is."
"You really don’t need to…" Spike started but the Slayer was gone.
"Bloody hell." He muttered.

I’m going to see Willow again, should I tell her? Been month since I got a letter. No I’ll surprise her I’ll find her in that café she always talks about. Buffy smiled a plan forming in her head. Still it’s unfair of me. She thought as she passed a mirror noticing how long her hair had grown. I’ve really been out of it haven’t I?" She thought. Well one more surprise for Wills.

"June guess what?" Buffy asked as she burst into the kitchen.
"William is sending you to Rome." The calm older woman said as she rolled out some dough.
"How did you."
"He’s been secretly plotting for weeks, but you didn’t hear it from me understand." June said.
"Of course what you making."
"Blood Kidney pie."
"Eww!"
"For Spike.
"Explains it."

Now I’ll need a new wardrobe, can’t believe I’ve gone so long without doing some serious shopping. Buffy thought. Well when you’re brooding over someone who’s far away. God I must have been a complete Angel. She thought. Well he had Cordy to keep him company, who knows what might happen. Eww! Bad visual thoughts. Back to Willow, okay not so bad visual thoughts.

"Luna I need your help." Buffy exclaimed as Luna opened her door.
"What vampires, demons, did William’s laundry escape. What?" She asked with a smile.
"No shopping."
"Spike sending you to Rome then."
"You too just how many know of Spike’s little scheme?" Buffy asked as Luna pulled her coat on.
"Just me and June and Xander and the council…" Luna counted off as Buffy dragged her out into the car.
"Hey I want one of those." Buffy said as she pulled Luna into a store.
"Buffy."
"No buts, now sit I’ll be right back." Buffy said and put the hat on.
Minutes later she emerged from the dressing curtain.
"Hello Dr. Jones." Luna nodded at, the for a lack of better words, ‘Indiana Jones get-up’
"I’ve got a whip that would go nicely with that." She then added with a grin..
"Hey I going on a treasure hunt and keep the whip. I don’t want to make Spike angry at me." Buffy said as she went to change back.
"Now a haircut." She stated as she walked out of the store.

"Hello dear." The hairdresser said as she kissed Luna’s cheek.
"Cassandra meet Buffy. Buffy this is Cassandra my savior." Luna introduced them.
"Ah! So you're the one with the globe traveling lover." Cassandra said with a knowing grin.
"Luna!" Buffy hissed at her friend.
"Sit!" Luna ordered.
"Now we could do something like this." Cassandra said as they flipped trough the pages.
"Short." Buffy stated simply.
"Short." Cassandra asked with a raised eyebrow and took a good length lock of hair in her head.
"Short." Buffy said again.
"Oh dear." Cassandra gasped.

Flight 505 for Rome now boarding at gate 35." Was announced.
"That’s me." Buffy said as she picked up her bag.
"Be careful." Spike said and shook her hand.
"You too Spike, you too."
"Farewell my friend." Daniel said leaning on his cane.
"Bye Daniel." Buffy said as she hugged him.
"Here." June said and handed Buffy a paper bag.
"June you shouldn’t have." Buffy said as she kissed her cheek.
"Be happy." Luna said simply and hugged her.

One the plane she went over the date she’d collected on the disk. Its origin was completely unknown it didn’t resemble anything ever found. The glyphs resembled Egyptian hieroglyphs, but she’d found no match, she’d even tried the trick from Stargate. But there was something about them. Perhaps the disk was magical and Willow could help. Willow only two days away. She thought with a smile.
Back to the task at hand. It was solid gold and but the decorations puzzled her, an ankh within a cross and in each corner there was what she’d had determined were elemental symbols. Then there was a strange low dent in the middle of the disk, which formed a circle right in the middle of the cross. She fell asleep on the flight and soon found herself in a very familiar dream. The white mansion, the red-haired little girl, soft kisses on the porch watching the sunset, a wedding. She smiled in her sleep. Then the smile went down a bit. Why was Spike marring the red-haired girl?

"So I landed, got my luggage, checked into the hotel, slept and then came to find you." Buffy finished, sitting in the café the afternoon had turned into night.
"Can I see the disk?" Willow asked in a enthusiastic voice.
"Of course that’s one of the two reasons I came to find you." Buffy answered sipping at the third cup.
"One of two?" Willow asked with a sly grin.
"No actually three, no wait make that four, well actually more like.." Buffy counted of as Willow waved for the waiter.

There was a desperate search for the card to the door. Buffy resisting the urge to kick it in.
"Got it." She exclaimed.
"Then hurry up." Willow pleaded as she nibbled at her ear.
"Floor, couch or bed?" Buffy asked as the door closed behind them as Willow started pulling at her clothes.
"Floor, then couch and end with the bed." Willow said as she claimed her lips.
There was a muffled: "Sounds good to me." As they fell to the floor

"Promise me you’ll never leave?" Buffy asked as she held Willow as the sun streamed through the windows.
"I promise." Willow answered.

Royalty: William Blood

Cilia

"I wonder what Spike’s doing?" Buffy wondered as she kissed Willow good morning and sat down at the breakfast table they’d set up on the balconies.
"Uhm! Dancing around the mansion in his red silk boxers while wearing a white tailcoat and singing along with a Bat out of Hell." Willow suggested with a grin as she sipped her tea.
"Bad mental image, bed." Buffy grinned as she bit into her toast.
"Any luck on the disk?" She then asked.
"None!" Willow exclaimed holding the object in question up to the sun.
"Well we better go meet this friend of Spike’s then." Buffy exclaimed.

Spike danced through the house. No more brooding Slayer, the Slayer was in Rome. He thought as he slit down the stair rail. Probably cuddling up with Red. Now there is a thought. He grinned as he waltzed into the kitchen.
"You’re looking extremely pleased William." June commented as he opened the fridge. Spike wasn’t the normal Prince of the city, he often ate in the kitchen and went more then often personally to solve problems. Much like Daniel had done it. Still Daniel hadn’t asked for his seat back and Spike didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
"Why shouldn’t I be. The Slayer is gone to Rome and the dark cloud that’s been hanging over the mansion along with her." He commented as he took out what appeared to be a bottle of wine.
"Hope she’s happy." June said and handed Spike a glass when he looked likely to drink the blood straight from the bottle.

Spike sat at the conference table. In the last year he’d found himself missing the good old times when he’d been a Master vampire. Here everything was politics not that he was bad at politics, but it was just so much easier beating people into submission. The plus was noone had tried to kill him. Daniel had slipped into the roll of advisor soon after he’d returned from hospital and Luna had become his most trusted ally on the council, among other things. Still like it had been for the Slayer the last year had been somewhat dull. Granted he enjoyed his time with Luna, but his restless nature was stirring once again.

"Maybe I should go after them." He thought out loud as he absentmindedly stroked Luna’s hair that night.
"You know to keep them out of trouble." He added.
"Hiding in shadows and doing cloak and dagger routine." Luna said with a smile.
"Something like that." He said and kissed the top of her head.

Three days later he stood outside the Daniel’s jet. He’d nominated Luna as regent princess two days earlier and then told the council that he would be traveling to the Old World to make allies. Which he planned on doing, but also keeping tabs on Buffy and Willow.
"You sure you want me to go luv?" He Asked as he hugged her close.
"They’re your family." She answered.
"I’ll be back before you know it."
"It’s not like we’re going to be out of touch." She said and padded the palmtop in his pocked.
"Forgot about that." He said with a loop-side grin and kissed her.

He sat down inside the plane, every window was covered. Now they left for Transylvania two days ago. That’s in Rumania now isn’t it. He thought to himself. Went by train, interesting. He thought. Now I arrive before they do, so you should have enough time to meet woth the local leaders and catch some moon. The palmtop beeped at him.
"What already?" He wondered, pulled it out and read the e-mail.

From: Unknown
To: Spike

Spike I know your heading to Europe so I'm sending you this to warn you. Watch your back. There is storm coming buddy and you better have your umbrella ready, better yet make that a umbrella with a hidden sword.

X

Xander, but he doesn't. Well nobody has heard from him in since the brake. Spike leaned back in thought. Just when I thought I could relax.

He stepped out of the jet into the crisp night, looking first left then right and sniffing the air lightly.
Ah! Good old Transylvania. Wonder what Vlad’s up to. He thought to himself. No wait he’s dead.
"Prince Blood welcome to Transylvania." The driver said as held the car door for him.
"The Count is looking forward to meeting you." He commented has they drove through the town.
"Should I be glad or sad." Spike asked.
"Extremely glad, your reputation precedes you. It’s not often a demon rises to lead the undying. Legendary even"
Great I’m a legend. Spike thought. Nothing new, but it’s the first time it’s a legend in a good way.

"Prince Blood it’s a pleasure." The Count said as he shook Spike’s hand. Spike held back a smile. The man was just so, so Dracula, Black hair with graying temples and very sharp features, topped with cape, he was the was every bit the stereotype of a vampire, although he assured Spike that the cape was just for special occasions. Then Spike sat and steeled himself for more politics.

In a train traveling across Italy, two figures cuddled together, content smiles of joy playing on their lips

END