Chapter 166
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Faith brought Buffy and the others to see Richard Wilkins. Along the way, they were attacked twice. Those who attacked them were former vampires, specifically those who'd been killed by one of these slayers. They had more free will since those battles, but they couldnt forgive the slayers for taking their second lives. Buffy and Faith were able to kill them again, without losing anyone. Had these two groups worked together, they might have stood a chance of winning. Buffy wondered, how many other citizens of this kingdom had been vampires once? Maybe they were still afraid of the good guys. Faith kept her word and brought the Scooby Gang to Wilkin's home. He seemed happy to see everyone here.
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Wilkins: Ms Summers, it's good to see you again.
Buffy: You seem happy, considering where you are.
Wilkins: Well you know what they say, "It's better to rule in Heck than serve in Heaven."
Giles: I'm fairly certain that Milton said Hell.
Wilkins: Please, watch your language. Just because we're in Heck doesn't mean we should resort to foul language.
Buffy: Faith says you might be able to help me find Dawn.
Wilkins Maybe. And let me just say what a relief it is to see such devotion to family in this day in age. Now, we have actually looked for Dawn.
Giles: To use as a hostage no doubt.
Wilkins: Please mr Giles, don't interrupt. That said, you are not wrong. But despite our best efforts we were unable to find her. It is possible she was hiding. If you were to stay here, and help us in our efforts, she might be more willing to come forward. Perhaps together we can find your sister.
Buffy: Thank you.
Giles: I also appreciate any help in finding Dawn. That said, what price are you demading for your help?
Wilkins: I honestly don't know yet. I will decide later. But for now, I supposse a gesture of good faith is not unreasonable.
Giles: What do you have in mind?
Wilkins: Jessie McNally.
Xander: He was my best friend.
Willow: Mine too, until the Master turned him into a vampire and Xander dusted him.
Wilkins: He's in a nearby kingdom, one ruled by this Master vampire. I believe that he's being used as a hostage against ms Summers. I can give you his approximate location, and you four, along with Faith, can rescue him. This is to prove that I can be trusted, only one string attatched. I would just like for Xander and Willow to say thank you.
Willow: Thank you.
Xander: Yeah, thank you for helping to find my friend mr mayor.