Disclaimer: I don't even think I could ever have owned Buffy. Would have made crap out if it, while Joss Whedon made something wonderful. He and others own Buffy, and I don't.
Author's notes: If I don't update often, it's not that I'm lazy (oh... wait... I am, but... oh well lol) but I take lots of time to add stuff to my stories. First because I need imagination (as everyone, I guess), second, cause, well, I always have to check twice to see if there are mistakes. And I saw some in the first chapter. Gonna correct them and re-upload it later, but since they're just some grammar mistakes... ^-^;; This chapter is a bit shorter than the previous one, for I don't wanna write everything now. He he he.
"This time it will work" by Akarui Kibuno
Chapter 2 : Back to business
When she woke up, Buffy first checked where Spike was. Still on the couch, with her, so that was a good point. She smiled. She would never had thought she was actually happy to be that close to him. She finally decided to get up, trying not to wake him up, and made some coffee. Ha, and she would need to call the others at the Magic Shop, too. Since they all had seen the note, they would ask questions. She tried to calm down a bit, wondering what she could say.
Before being able to do anything else, she felt some arms around her.
- Oh, you're up too, Spike! Hey wait, can I call you William ?
- Huh, why not, Buff'.
- I'm so happy that you're here! Oh wait, I can't stay long in this kitchen gotta go to the Magic Shop to tell the others.
- About me, too ?
Buffy paused. And took a deep breath.
- Yeah, I'm gonna tell them about you, too. Cause I don't wanna lie to them, and I don't wanna hide either.
- Well, that's a good thing. Not that I can wander around as I want, but that's a good thing.
- You could come with me.
- Huh, remember the dust thingie we have to go through when we see lil' ol' sunlight ?
- I'm not that stupid. But you have to come. But promise me you won't kill anyone if they make bad comments.
- Duh, I can't do anything anyway, so I guess I can try to find a way to come.
- Great! Hmm, I'm gonna get ready while you figure this out, okay ?
- That's fine with me!
Buffy got upstairs while Spike went back to the couch. At that moment, it was Dawn who finally got downstairs, with big yawns.
- Ha! The little one's up!
- Morning, Willy.
- Not going to school today ?
- Huh, yeah, maybe I should do that and prepare my stuff. See you later, Willy!
Spike smiled. "Life" was going to be better now, or so he hoped. Not that living on the Hellmouth was great, but being on it and loved by Buffy was definitely something wonderful. She loved him, she had said it to him, and she was going to say it to her friends. He was going to have a new life, after all. But he still was a vampire. He sighed and looked at the stairs. Buffy loved him, right, but that didn't turn him into a human being. His body was still Spike's, and even though he knew that Buffy was in love with Spike, he wished he could have been William to take her anywhere...anytime. This flow of thoughts stopped when Buffy got back from the shower.
- So, how are you going to do ?
- Well, as usual, hiding under my coat, I guess.
- Or if you want to, we can wait until tonight. I think they can wait, even though I can't.
- Hey, we can do this now. We said we'd do it now, so we're gonna do it. Besides, the sooner they know, the better, huh ?
- Yeah. You're right. Dawnie! We're leaving! Be sure to have everything when you leave for school okay!
- No problem, Buffy! answered Dawn from her room.
- You promise ?
- I promise!
- Good girl! We're off! See you tonight!
- Bye, Buffy!
Spike took his coat and got ready for the sunlight. He and Buffy ran to the Magic Shop, where everyone was.
- Buffy, you're back after all! said the Scoobies in one voice.
- Yeah, but, huh, I have to... huh......tell you some things before you ask me anything.
Spike rushed to a non-sunlighted spot [Note: dunno if this phrase exists] and took off his coat.
- Tell me Buff, why is he here ?
- I think I may talk first.
She went to Spike's side and took his hand. Xander looked at them, everyone looked at them, but of course Xander spoke first.
- Huh, was that spell cast again or something ? [Note: you all saw "Something Blue", I bet, :P]
- No. It's not a spell, it's just, me. Now everyone sit down, cause I'm gonna tell you everything. When I left, it was right after having been all night with Sp...William, and I wasn't sure of anything. Because Angel was still somewhere in my head. So I had to make sure of what I felt for Angel before accepting that I could love someone. So I went to L.A., thinking it would settle things for good. I saw him, and realized he wasn't the man I loved: I had been crazy over him, but now that I was grown up, and in front of him after all this time, I realized he wasn't the one, even though he'll be someone precious forever. When I realized that, I knew I could come back. To the one I do love. William.
- So... basically, you're telling us that you're in love with Spike, huh ?
- Yeah.
- Are you sure of what you're doing ? asked Willow.
- Way sure.
- Well, not that I'd love to interrupt, said Anya, but does anyone remember why we're all here at the same time ?
- What's that ? asked Buffy.
Everyone looked at her, a bit embarrassed.
- Well, huh, we didn't tell anyone but, hem, something happened while you were gone.
- WHAT ?! asked Buffy and Spike.
- Don't panic, though, oh well, you may, said Willow, but, we've tried to figure everything out but it hasn't worked for now.
- And what's the problem ?
No one really wanted to answer.
- Please, don't tell me it's a new apocalypse coming.
They tried to look away even more.
- It's that, right ? Great, as if we couldn't have a bit of life sometimes! What do you know for now ?
- We...we just know that this demon comes for the Slayer.
- All of them came for that.
- No, you don't understand. This one was made to kill the Slayer. All the others, well, they're just, demons, who wouldn't even care about you if you didn't kill them to save the Earth. This one was made a long time ago, when the evil world realized that the Slayer was too powerful.
- Oh. So this thing is gonna come and kill me, just like this ?
- Well this is all that we know for now.
- Why not calling Giles ? said Tara. He...he may just know. I mean, he could have books and stuff.
- Hmm. Yeah, said Buffy. I'm gonna call him. Geez, sometimes I wish I had stayed in that other world with Mom and Dad.
Everyone looked at her, shocked.
- Hey, don't worry. I know I couldn't stay there anyway cause none of you was with me, Buffy added with a smile.
Everyone sighed of relief. Before taking the phone, Buffy went into Spike's arms and closed her eyes.
- Do you think it could be a serious threat, William ?
- I don't know. I don't think so, though. You always win, right ? You can win anything.
Buffy looked at Spike, as if she was reassured by these words. Then she kissed him and went to the phone. Hopefully, Giles was home at that moment.
- Buffy! It's been quite a few days since you last called! How are you ?
- Hmm, been to L.A. to see Angel, and, huh, when I came back, Willow told me that there's a demon in town that comes for me.
- For you ? Ha, that's quite surprizing, since they all...
- Willow told me that all that they know for now is that this demon was made especially for me, a long time ago, when it was realized that the Slayer was too powerful. Can you do some research for me, or even, well, ask the Watchers' Council ?
- Oh, I can try and I'll call you back if I find anything. What do you think of that ?
- That's... that's great! Thanks, Giles!
They both hung up at that moment. Buffy turned to her friends.
- Giles doesn't seem to know anything more than we do. But, huh, how did you know about this demon ?
- Well... said Anya. We were in the shop, at night, as usual, and there's this weird looking thing that comes, apparently wanting to get some stuff. We were suspicious, especially when I thought he was gonna steal some things, but then he smelled us, and said, "You little stupid humans, you smell the Slayer. Where is she ?" and we didn't answer, and then the demon left, saying "I'm gonna get her" and then he left.
- Well, when Anya says this, she doesn't mention that we didn't understand the demon's language, Xander added.
- I did. I still speak my old language, Xander. So I understood this, told the stuff to Willow and now, your turn to tell, Willow.
- Yeah, we, um, looked through the books and only found a short paragraph with its picture, saying exactly what I told you.
- Oh. This is so weird...
- Yeah, it is, Spike said. I don't even remember it. If it was such a special demon, I would have seen it near the Slayers. I mean, if this demon was really made to kill Buffy, I bet it would have tried earlier.
- Hmm. Good point for you, huh... how are we supposed to call him now ? asked Xander.
- Huh, you can still go for Spike, if you find this funny. Or William. That's my real name after all.
- Okay, said Willow, I'm fine with that, but I think we really have some more research to do, cause I don't wanna see this creature again.
Buffy sat down, Spike was near her. She took his hand, and thought.
- Hmm. We could try to think a bit first. Maybe this demon isn't here to kill me.
- Then it must be something worse.
- What could be worse than dying, Tara ?
- Well, when you die, everything's over, except for vampires of course, but, hem, with regular humans, when you die, no more suffering, no more duties. So if this demon isn't here to kill you, it must be here to make you suffer or something like that.
- Oh. Sounds really great. I hope Giles can find some stuff to help us, cause I don't wanna have to go through all those evil things again before a long long time. I wanna live a great life with the people and the man I love. I wanna have a normal life, as anyone would.
- That's right, Buff, plus you pretty deserve it, right ? Xander said with a smile.
Buffy smiled in return. He was right. She deserved a normal life, more than anyone else.
---- In England. At the Watcher's Council. Giles was surrounded by people, and we couldn't see their faces. [Note: I bet no one even has an idea of what the Watcher's Council looks like. I don't have one, so I made this up]
- Mr Giles, it appears that this demon is Kerock. The only one we can't fight. The only one the Slayer can't fight.
- What do you mean ?
- Mr Giles, this demon is the one that has killed all the previous Slayers, vampires excepted.
- What ?
- This demon was created long ago and its only power is to destroy the Slayer. She can't win. Once the demon has found her, it's over.
- So you mean Buffy won't even survive ?
- No. She can't. No Slayer ever survived. And the ones who didn't die from the demon died because of vampires who killed them. That is, not that much.
- And why don't you do anything about it ?
- Because when one Slayer dies, one other is called. This system started when the demon was created, because it was too strong. The only reason why one Slayer comes right after one is dead is because of this monster.
- But why does it have to come now ?
- Because it comes when the Slayer is at her strongest point. She's now stronger than she ever was, and we may remind you that, when she dies from this demon, she can't be recalled. Now, Mr Giles, you can leave. You know enough.
- No. I also want to know how this monster will kill my Buffy.
- This we can't tell. It has its own methods which we don't know.
---- Cut to Giles in his living room. He took a huge suitcase, throwing in anything he could, and then rushed to his car to get to the airport, praying to God that he wouldn't be late.
-- Back to Sunnydale, the next day, at night. Everyone was at the Magic Box again. Buffy didn't know how to think. Not that she was really freaked out, cause she had fought so many demons that this one wasn't going to be more trouble, she thought; but if it was really what she had heard, then it may be more difficult than expected. Suddenly there was the noise of a car outside, and all the Scoobies, plus Spike and Buffy, turned their heads to the door, which pulled open, revealing a really tired Giles. Everyone rushed to him to greet him, except Spike who stayed in his corner.
- Buffy, I'm so so so sorry... said Giles, starting to cry.
Everyone stared at him. What was that ?
- What happened, Giles ?
Buffy made Giles sit down and sat down near him.
- I... I went to the Council and... they told me... Oh it's so horrible!
- What did they say exactly ?
- They said that this demon is the one that killed all the Slayers, except when a few vampires came first. They said that this demon is the reason why Slayers are reborn right after the previous one is dead. Because this demon, named Kerock. And they said, too, that if it comes only now it's because it comes when the Slayer is stronger than she has ever been.
- Did they... did they say how it killed the Slayers ? asked Willow.
- No. They didn't, because they don't know. And I don't think they ever wondered either. They don't really care about the Slayers. All that they watch is how the Slayers do their job. That's why they fired me when I told you about that test.
- That stinks! Xander said. How come they are considered so important when they don't even care about the ones they're supposed to watch ?
- I don't know, Xander. All that I know is that I don't want to see Buffy die again... because of her duty. I want to find the way to save her, if there's any.
- Hey, I'm gonna be in it too. Now that I'm with her I don't wanna lose her again.
Giles looked at Spike, who had just spoken. Of course, Buffy hadn't had the time to tell him yet, because he had just arrived. And, of course, since he had never really liked Spike, he raised his eyebrows, as if he was thinking "why the hell is he saying that".
- Huh, yeah, Giles, that's because I didn't tell you yet... I'm with him.
- That is ?
- We're in love with each other.
Giles almost chocked but then calmed down and smiled.
- I don't see why I would say anything. As long as you're happy, Buffy.
Then he turned to Spike, to shake his hand.
- I wish there was a way I could help you.
Everyone stared at Giles. If he was saying this to Spike, that meant that he was accepting him, at last. The Scoobies didn't know what to do. The situation was so complicated... Xander moved first towards Spike and hugged him, immediately followed by the others.
- Yeah. I think we all wish that, considering the situation.
Spike and Buffy looked at each other, happier than ever. What a paradoxical situation, huh ? Being so happy at the worst time... But they didn't think of it. And even though she hoped she would win, she knew it would be the hardest step on her way to peace. Because it really meant the end this time. All the apocalypses they had been through, well, there had always been a solution. The solutions were in the books, everything was described and the Slayer had known what to do. But now... what if there wasn't anything to do but die again ?
- Well, said Willow, we...we can still bring her back, and get rid of the thing we make afterwards. Can't we ? she added, seeing that Giles' face grew sadder.
- No, we can't, he said. This time, it looks like the Council spoke a lot, because they are convinced we'll fail, but, well, they said that when this demon kills the Slayer, she can't be brought back, because of the power of the demon itself.
- I can't let this be! shouted Spike. I don't wanna see this and I won't. We just HAVE to find something.
- Hey, William, we don't wanna see this either, Willow answered. We're gonna research, and you're gonna help us and we're gonna help you and we're all gonna smile in the end, okay ?
Spike smiled. Oddly enough, he was close to Buffy's friends only in hard times. But he didn't care. He was sure they would still be accepting him in the end, when the monster would be defeated.
- We may go to my house now, Buffy said. This monster may be after me, but I think we have to sleep, too.
- I don't think it's a good idea to leave the shop, Tara said. If there's a need to do a spell or something to try to stop the monster, we have everything that's needed.
- Hmm. Tara's right, Anya added. Plus maybe you and Willow can make some blankets and pillows, stuff like that ?
The two smiled. That was basic magic, and easy to do for them. Everyone gathered in Buffy's former training room. Then Willow and Tara made appear anything that would be needed, so that the group could prepare for what could be their last night.
Author's notes: If I don't update often, it's not that I'm lazy (oh... wait... I am, but... oh well lol) but I take lots of time to add stuff to my stories. First because I need imagination (as everyone, I guess), second, cause, well, I always have to check twice to see if there are mistakes. And I saw some in the first chapter. Gonna correct them and re-upload it later, but since they're just some grammar mistakes... ^-^;; This chapter is a bit shorter than the previous one, for I don't wanna write everything now. He he he.
"This time it will work" by Akarui Kibuno
Chapter 2 : Back to business
When she woke up, Buffy first checked where Spike was. Still on the couch, with her, so that was a good point. She smiled. She would never had thought she was actually happy to be that close to him. She finally decided to get up, trying not to wake him up, and made some coffee. Ha, and she would need to call the others at the Magic Shop, too. Since they all had seen the note, they would ask questions. She tried to calm down a bit, wondering what she could say.
Before being able to do anything else, she felt some arms around her.
- Oh, you're up too, Spike! Hey wait, can I call you William ?
- Huh, why not, Buff'.
- I'm so happy that you're here! Oh wait, I can't stay long in this kitchen gotta go to the Magic Shop to tell the others.
- About me, too ?
Buffy paused. And took a deep breath.
- Yeah, I'm gonna tell them about you, too. Cause I don't wanna lie to them, and I don't wanna hide either.
- Well, that's a good thing. Not that I can wander around as I want, but that's a good thing.
- You could come with me.
- Huh, remember the dust thingie we have to go through when we see lil' ol' sunlight ?
- I'm not that stupid. But you have to come. But promise me you won't kill anyone if they make bad comments.
- Duh, I can't do anything anyway, so I guess I can try to find a way to come.
- Great! Hmm, I'm gonna get ready while you figure this out, okay ?
- That's fine with me!
Buffy got upstairs while Spike went back to the couch. At that moment, it was Dawn who finally got downstairs, with big yawns.
- Ha! The little one's up!
- Morning, Willy.
- Not going to school today ?
- Huh, yeah, maybe I should do that and prepare my stuff. See you later, Willy!
Spike smiled. "Life" was going to be better now, or so he hoped. Not that living on the Hellmouth was great, but being on it and loved by Buffy was definitely something wonderful. She loved him, she had said it to him, and she was going to say it to her friends. He was going to have a new life, after all. But he still was a vampire. He sighed and looked at the stairs. Buffy loved him, right, but that didn't turn him into a human being. His body was still Spike's, and even though he knew that Buffy was in love with Spike, he wished he could have been William to take her anywhere...anytime. This flow of thoughts stopped when Buffy got back from the shower.
- So, how are you going to do ?
- Well, as usual, hiding under my coat, I guess.
- Or if you want to, we can wait until tonight. I think they can wait, even though I can't.
- Hey, we can do this now. We said we'd do it now, so we're gonna do it. Besides, the sooner they know, the better, huh ?
- Yeah. You're right. Dawnie! We're leaving! Be sure to have everything when you leave for school okay!
- No problem, Buffy! answered Dawn from her room.
- You promise ?
- I promise!
- Good girl! We're off! See you tonight!
- Bye, Buffy!
Spike took his coat and got ready for the sunlight. He and Buffy ran to the Magic Shop, where everyone was.
- Buffy, you're back after all! said the Scoobies in one voice.
- Yeah, but, huh, I have to... huh......tell you some things before you ask me anything.
Spike rushed to a non-sunlighted spot [Note: dunno if this phrase exists] and took off his coat.
- Tell me Buff, why is he here ?
- I think I may talk first.
She went to Spike's side and took his hand. Xander looked at them, everyone looked at them, but of course Xander spoke first.
- Huh, was that spell cast again or something ? [Note: you all saw "Something Blue", I bet, :P]
- No. It's not a spell, it's just, me. Now everyone sit down, cause I'm gonna tell you everything. When I left, it was right after having been all night with Sp...William, and I wasn't sure of anything. Because Angel was still somewhere in my head. So I had to make sure of what I felt for Angel before accepting that I could love someone. So I went to L.A., thinking it would settle things for good. I saw him, and realized he wasn't the man I loved: I had been crazy over him, but now that I was grown up, and in front of him after all this time, I realized he wasn't the one, even though he'll be someone precious forever. When I realized that, I knew I could come back. To the one I do love. William.
- So... basically, you're telling us that you're in love with Spike, huh ?
- Yeah.
- Are you sure of what you're doing ? asked Willow.
- Way sure.
- Well, not that I'd love to interrupt, said Anya, but does anyone remember why we're all here at the same time ?
- What's that ? asked Buffy.
Everyone looked at her, a bit embarrassed.
- Well, huh, we didn't tell anyone but, hem, something happened while you were gone.
- WHAT ?! asked Buffy and Spike.
- Don't panic, though, oh well, you may, said Willow, but, we've tried to figure everything out but it hasn't worked for now.
- And what's the problem ?
No one really wanted to answer.
- Please, don't tell me it's a new apocalypse coming.
They tried to look away even more.
- It's that, right ? Great, as if we couldn't have a bit of life sometimes! What do you know for now ?
- We...we just know that this demon comes for the Slayer.
- All of them came for that.
- No, you don't understand. This one was made to kill the Slayer. All the others, well, they're just, demons, who wouldn't even care about you if you didn't kill them to save the Earth. This one was made a long time ago, when the evil world realized that the Slayer was too powerful.
- Oh. So this thing is gonna come and kill me, just like this ?
- Well this is all that we know for now.
- Why not calling Giles ? said Tara. He...he may just know. I mean, he could have books and stuff.
- Hmm. Yeah, said Buffy. I'm gonna call him. Geez, sometimes I wish I had stayed in that other world with Mom and Dad.
Everyone looked at her, shocked.
- Hey, don't worry. I know I couldn't stay there anyway cause none of you was with me, Buffy added with a smile.
Everyone sighed of relief. Before taking the phone, Buffy went into Spike's arms and closed her eyes.
- Do you think it could be a serious threat, William ?
- I don't know. I don't think so, though. You always win, right ? You can win anything.
Buffy looked at Spike, as if she was reassured by these words. Then she kissed him and went to the phone. Hopefully, Giles was home at that moment.
- Buffy! It's been quite a few days since you last called! How are you ?
- Hmm, been to L.A. to see Angel, and, huh, when I came back, Willow told me that there's a demon in town that comes for me.
- For you ? Ha, that's quite surprizing, since they all...
- Willow told me that all that they know for now is that this demon was made especially for me, a long time ago, when it was realized that the Slayer was too powerful. Can you do some research for me, or even, well, ask the Watchers' Council ?
- Oh, I can try and I'll call you back if I find anything. What do you think of that ?
- That's... that's great! Thanks, Giles!
They both hung up at that moment. Buffy turned to her friends.
- Giles doesn't seem to know anything more than we do. But, huh, how did you know about this demon ?
- Well... said Anya. We were in the shop, at night, as usual, and there's this weird looking thing that comes, apparently wanting to get some stuff. We were suspicious, especially when I thought he was gonna steal some things, but then he smelled us, and said, "You little stupid humans, you smell the Slayer. Where is she ?" and we didn't answer, and then the demon left, saying "I'm gonna get her" and then he left.
- Well, when Anya says this, she doesn't mention that we didn't understand the demon's language, Xander added.
- I did. I still speak my old language, Xander. So I understood this, told the stuff to Willow and now, your turn to tell, Willow.
- Yeah, we, um, looked through the books and only found a short paragraph with its picture, saying exactly what I told you.
- Oh. This is so weird...
- Yeah, it is, Spike said. I don't even remember it. If it was such a special demon, I would have seen it near the Slayers. I mean, if this demon was really made to kill Buffy, I bet it would have tried earlier.
- Hmm. Good point for you, huh... how are we supposed to call him now ? asked Xander.
- Huh, you can still go for Spike, if you find this funny. Or William. That's my real name after all.
- Okay, said Willow, I'm fine with that, but I think we really have some more research to do, cause I don't wanna see this creature again.
Buffy sat down, Spike was near her. She took his hand, and thought.
- Hmm. We could try to think a bit first. Maybe this demon isn't here to kill me.
- Then it must be something worse.
- What could be worse than dying, Tara ?
- Well, when you die, everything's over, except for vampires of course, but, hem, with regular humans, when you die, no more suffering, no more duties. So if this demon isn't here to kill you, it must be here to make you suffer or something like that.
- Oh. Sounds really great. I hope Giles can find some stuff to help us, cause I don't wanna have to go through all those evil things again before a long long time. I wanna live a great life with the people and the man I love. I wanna have a normal life, as anyone would.
- That's right, Buff, plus you pretty deserve it, right ? Xander said with a smile.
Buffy smiled in return. He was right. She deserved a normal life, more than anyone else.
---- In England. At the Watcher's Council. Giles was surrounded by people, and we couldn't see their faces. [Note: I bet no one even has an idea of what the Watcher's Council looks like. I don't have one, so I made this up]
- Mr Giles, it appears that this demon is Kerock. The only one we can't fight. The only one the Slayer can't fight.
- What do you mean ?
- Mr Giles, this demon is the one that has killed all the previous Slayers, vampires excepted.
- What ?
- This demon was created long ago and its only power is to destroy the Slayer. She can't win. Once the demon has found her, it's over.
- So you mean Buffy won't even survive ?
- No. She can't. No Slayer ever survived. And the ones who didn't die from the demon died because of vampires who killed them. That is, not that much.
- And why don't you do anything about it ?
- Because when one Slayer dies, one other is called. This system started when the demon was created, because it was too strong. The only reason why one Slayer comes right after one is dead is because of this monster.
- But why does it have to come now ?
- Because it comes when the Slayer is at her strongest point. She's now stronger than she ever was, and we may remind you that, when she dies from this demon, she can't be recalled. Now, Mr Giles, you can leave. You know enough.
- No. I also want to know how this monster will kill my Buffy.
- This we can't tell. It has its own methods which we don't know.
---- Cut to Giles in his living room. He took a huge suitcase, throwing in anything he could, and then rushed to his car to get to the airport, praying to God that he wouldn't be late.
-- Back to Sunnydale, the next day, at night. Everyone was at the Magic Box again. Buffy didn't know how to think. Not that she was really freaked out, cause she had fought so many demons that this one wasn't going to be more trouble, she thought; but if it was really what she had heard, then it may be more difficult than expected. Suddenly there was the noise of a car outside, and all the Scoobies, plus Spike and Buffy, turned their heads to the door, which pulled open, revealing a really tired Giles. Everyone rushed to him to greet him, except Spike who stayed in his corner.
- Buffy, I'm so so so sorry... said Giles, starting to cry.
Everyone stared at him. What was that ?
- What happened, Giles ?
Buffy made Giles sit down and sat down near him.
- I... I went to the Council and... they told me... Oh it's so horrible!
- What did they say exactly ?
- They said that this demon is the one that killed all the Slayers, except when a few vampires came first. They said that this demon is the reason why Slayers are reborn right after the previous one is dead. Because this demon, named Kerock. And they said, too, that if it comes only now it's because it comes when the Slayer is stronger than she has ever been.
- Did they... did they say how it killed the Slayers ? asked Willow.
- No. They didn't, because they don't know. And I don't think they ever wondered either. They don't really care about the Slayers. All that they watch is how the Slayers do their job. That's why they fired me when I told you about that test.
- That stinks! Xander said. How come they are considered so important when they don't even care about the ones they're supposed to watch ?
- I don't know, Xander. All that I know is that I don't want to see Buffy die again... because of her duty. I want to find the way to save her, if there's any.
- Hey, I'm gonna be in it too. Now that I'm with her I don't wanna lose her again.
Giles looked at Spike, who had just spoken. Of course, Buffy hadn't had the time to tell him yet, because he had just arrived. And, of course, since he had never really liked Spike, he raised his eyebrows, as if he was thinking "why the hell is he saying that".
- Huh, yeah, Giles, that's because I didn't tell you yet... I'm with him.
- That is ?
- We're in love with each other.
Giles almost chocked but then calmed down and smiled.
- I don't see why I would say anything. As long as you're happy, Buffy.
Then he turned to Spike, to shake his hand.
- I wish there was a way I could help you.
Everyone stared at Giles. If he was saying this to Spike, that meant that he was accepting him, at last. The Scoobies didn't know what to do. The situation was so complicated... Xander moved first towards Spike and hugged him, immediately followed by the others.
- Yeah. I think we all wish that, considering the situation.
Spike and Buffy looked at each other, happier than ever. What a paradoxical situation, huh ? Being so happy at the worst time... But they didn't think of it. And even though she hoped she would win, she knew it would be the hardest step on her way to peace. Because it really meant the end this time. All the apocalypses they had been through, well, there had always been a solution. The solutions were in the books, everything was described and the Slayer had known what to do. But now... what if there wasn't anything to do but die again ?
- Well, said Willow, we...we can still bring her back, and get rid of the thing we make afterwards. Can't we ? she added, seeing that Giles' face grew sadder.
- No, we can't, he said. This time, it looks like the Council spoke a lot, because they are convinced we'll fail, but, well, they said that when this demon kills the Slayer, she can't be brought back, because of the power of the demon itself.
- I can't let this be! shouted Spike. I don't wanna see this and I won't. We just HAVE to find something.
- Hey, William, we don't wanna see this either, Willow answered. We're gonna research, and you're gonna help us and we're gonna help you and we're all gonna smile in the end, okay ?
Spike smiled. Oddly enough, he was close to Buffy's friends only in hard times. But he didn't care. He was sure they would still be accepting him in the end, when the monster would be defeated.
- We may go to my house now, Buffy said. This monster may be after me, but I think we have to sleep, too.
- I don't think it's a good idea to leave the shop, Tara said. If there's a need to do a spell or something to try to stop the monster, we have everything that's needed.
- Hmm. Tara's right, Anya added. Plus maybe you and Willow can make some blankets and pillows, stuff like that ?
The two smiled. That was basic magic, and easy to do for them. Everyone gathered in Buffy's former training room. Then Willow and Tara made appear anything that would be needed, so that the group could prepare for what could be their last night.