Chapter 8 – Wednesday, Alternate Reality

It was dark. Buffy struggled to consciousness to find herself tied to a stake in the ground, back to back with another figure. She knew Spike was near, and looking over her shoulder, she could just make out the pale blonde hair glinting in the little light there was. His head was still slumped to his chest. She struggled a little, trying to loosen her bonds, but knew it would take some time before she could free herself. The light was completely eclipsed as a hulking figure approached. "Don't get any ideas," he started in a remarkably sympathetic voice. "Even if you can get out of the ropes, you're pretty well surrounded. There's only one way out of here, and you don't know it. These caves have are like a maze inside."

During this, Buffy felt Spike sit upright and knew he had heard. The owner of the voice spotted this and continued, "Both back, eh? Just sit comfortably, and I'll go and get someone to talk to you."

"You ok, love?" Spike asked as the figure receded into the distance.

"Yeah, I s'pose," she replied, trying anew to loosen the ropes around her wrists.

"He's right, you know. These caves have an extensive system of tunnels. You could wander around here for weeks and not get out. So, it won't be enough to get ourselves untied, we'll have to find us a guide, too." Spike seemed to be cheered by the prospect of a little intimidation.

"Chip, remember?" Buffy sounded exasperated.

"Didn't say the guide had to be human, pet, did I?"

Buffy sighed. Spike was spoiling for a fight. She recognised the signs. He was completely unable to sit still. "Let's wait," she told him. "Let's see if we can get these people to co-operate before we start trying to kill them, shall we?"

Spike's reaction was exactly what she had expected. He made an inarticulate sound, which eloquently indicated his dissatisfaction, and slumped down as far as his bounds would allow. She knew exactly what the expression on his face would be. Thinking this, she realised she had come to know Spike so well since she had been back. She had been reluctant to share things with her friends – especially the fact that they had dragged her out of heaven. Spike hadn't been in on her resurrection, so he was the one she had told. Since then, she had come to rely on his presence in her life. She hadn't even seen any harm in that until the night they had kissed. She fought to repress the memory. As she did so, she realised Spike was wriggling against her.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"Just trying to take the pressure off my back a little. I'm healing fast, but it's still uncomfortable."

Buffy tried to make sure her contact with him was minimised, although she couldn't do anything about the stake.

The next few moments passed in silence, the only light coming from a pair of torches some distance away in the cavern. When they heard footsteps, they looked up to see the demon they had seen before followed by two others – apparently human. As they approached more closely, Buffy was able to make out their faces and gasped in astonishment. She recognised both instantly. One was Jenny Callander and the other – Oz! The two sat so that both captives could see them. Taking a look, Jenny told the demon, "Go and get Chakka, please, we may need him." There was silence after this, as the two newcomers appraised the others.

Impatient as always, Spike broke the silence. "Who are you and what've you got us tied up for? We're not a threat to you."

"You may not be a threat," Jenny answered him, "but I prefer not to take chances. I have some questions which you need to answer, but I'd prefer that Chakka was present, so I'll wait."

There was no apparent recognition of the captives by either Jenny or Oz. Buffy sighed. Her other self had really cut herself off from everyone. She struggled to understand why she had done so. Buffy watched Oz. Always inclined to the monosylabic, he said nothing. She could feel Spike starting to twitch again. She hoped something would happen soon to convince him of her course of action or she was afraid he would take matters into his own hands.

Someone else approached. He looked more or less human if you discounted the unnatural-looking fuschia of his skin. He sat on the other side of the captives from the others, his legs crossed. He looked almost as if meditating as he closed his eyes. Jenny started to speak. "Now, why don't we start with what you're doing here. A human and a vampire – not what you might call natural companions."

Buffy took a deep breath. She decided not to tell the whole story. The business of alternate dimensions seemed a little far-fetched. "We're running from the Initiative. Spike's place was bombed by them yesterday. We spent the night at my house. They arrived there this morning and we decided to run."

"That doesn't explain why you're with him. Vampires prey on humans. The demons we harbour here are not aggressive. We shed no tears that those who are a danger to humans are being killed by the Initiative. So, why?"

Buffy thought. She couldn't mention the chip. The Initiative in this dimension hadn't apparently made any attempt to control vampires, so the chip would confuse the issue. So how could she explain Spike? She didn't have to.

"Easy, pet," Spike spoke up. "Yes, I'm a vampire, I'm the Big Bad. I came to Sunnydale to kill the Slayer. I've already killed two. Problem was, this one was too strong for me. And the more I tried to kill her, the more I admired her. She's the only human who could give me a run for my money. Only one who ever has. And I fell in love with her. Yeah, I know, corny, isn't it? But it's true." He fell silent. Jenny looked towards Chakka who now opened his eyes. "Their words are, for the most part, true. They are hiding something – something I don't understand."

"You said for the most part. Is something untrue?" Jenny was abrupt.

"When the vampire said that the Slayer was stronger than he was. He does not believe that. He believes they are evenly matched."

Jenny seemed to consider this for a moment before asking, "So, what are you hiding? Is it a plan to turn us over to the Initiative or their lapdogs?"

"Bloody hell," thought Spike. "I thought I recognised his type." To Buffy he said, "He's a Truthseeker, love – he can judge the truthfulness of what you say. We might as well tell the whole story – unlikely as it seems."

And so they told the details of having awoken in this reality, which was in so many ways different from the one with which they were familiar. They told them about Spike's chip and how it prevented him from hurting humans. When they were finished, they all looked again at Chakka. He gave his verdict. "They believe in the truth of what they say. I cannot guarantee they will not be a danger to our existence here, but they have no plans to betray us, and the vampire harbours no intention to feed on humankind at present." He stood up, saying, "May I return to my other duties?"

With an impatient wave of her hand, Jenny sent him away. Oz had still to say something. He took a breath and then seemed to change his mind. Instead Jenny spoke. "So, you're the Slayer. We had heard rumours that the Slayer lived in Sunnydale, but that she had never taken her calling seriously. The story you told seems unlikely, but Chakka has verified it. Is this why the Slayer has at last decided to become involved? And, are the other rumours also true? I had heard that the Slayer of this dimension had a vampire lover, is that also true in your reality?"

At this, Buffy blushed and Spike smiled ruefully. "No, this Buffy hasn't realised I'm the only one for her – yet." The way he said this was a downright challenge and Buffy recognised it. Oz smiled widely – the first reaction he had shown to the whole proceedings, then added, "Untie them."

Jenny looked at him, surprised. "They could be useful," he added, getting up and leaving the cavern. To the surprise of the captives, Jenny did as she was told. "Rest for now," she told them. There's a meeting in four hours. You can hear the latest news we have. We'll see if you can live up to Oz's confidence. After the meeting, someone'll show you where you can get something to eat. No blood, though," she added looking at Spike.

As the two stood up, rubbing wrists, they found they were alone in the cavern. Spike's bag had been left close by, and he went to it, checking it was as he left it. He removed a bag of blood and some snacks and something to drink for Buffy. He swallowed the blood and then shrugged off his shirt. Delving into the bag, he pulled out another smaller bag and handed it to Buffy. Inside she found some of her clothes – including some clean underwear. "Where did you get this? Have you been helping yourself from my drawers again?" She was angry and it showed in every muscle of her body.

"No, love, I was just packing some stuff I thought might be useful if we had to get away quickly. That was in the basement – looked clean. I thought you'd like some clean clothes." Spike was irritated too, now. He understood why she assumed what she did. There was a time when he did steal her clothes. But that was a long time ago. He'd changed, and he was hurt that she didn't see that. Buffy watched the emotions on her companion's face. She realised he wasn't so much angry as hurt by her lack of trust. And she was very glad of some clean clothes. "Sorry, Spike," she said, "It's just…"

He looked up at her and nodded, understanding. He turned around and she was able to see his back, which had so recently been a gory mess of burnt flesh. It was still far from healed, but it looked much better, reddened skin replacing the open flesh visible before.

Someone had left some blankets for them, and Buffy pulled one round her shoulders as she ate, then rolled herself up in it and lay, looking at the light in the cave which danced on the walls as the flames in the torches flickered. Spike was pacing. He felt an uncontrollable urge to do something – anything. Yet he knew that information was the key to acting effectively. After a while, he noticed a change in his companion's breathing and realised she was asleep. Deciding she had the right idea, he rolled himself in another blanket and lay down beside her.

They were wakened some time later by an unknown human. Buffy woke slowly, and as she stretched became aware of the presence at her back. Realising who it was, she pulled away quickly and was rewarded by an exasperated sigh from Spike. They got up and Spike pulled his shirt back on. The woman who had come in was waiting wordlessly for them. If Buffy had been told that there was a secret hideout for persecuted demons, a sort of resistance movement, she would have assumed the number of humans involved would be negligible, but here, there seemed to be a lot of humans. The woman introduced herself as Sally and told them to follow her. She held a torch aloft as they left the cavern in which Spike and Buffy had been held. The route seemed tortuous, and Buffy doubted she could find her own way back. She hoped Spike's sense of direction was better than hers. At last they emerged into a huge cavern, which unlike everywhere else they had seen, was lit by electricity. Listening closely, Buffy heard the telltale sound of a generator in the distance. The area had what passed for a meeting table in the centre. The fact that it was obviously made up from an assortment of packing cases and other rubbish made its purpose no less clear. It was surrounded by a further selection of rejects, which were obviously intended as seats. Around the walls of the room, were a variety of communications devices including computers and mobile telephones. This was so at odds with the rest of the set up that Buffy initially smiled. Realising that all this was necessary if the threat of the Initiative and their vigilantes was to be overcome, she felt an admiration for these people and demons.

As they stood, taking in their new surroundings, more had arrived. The proportion of demon to human seemed about two to one. The demons were of various shapes and sizes, and Spike kept up a running commentary in Buffy's ear with the details of each species. She was amazed. The only demons she had been familiar with were the aggressive and dangerous ones. Those assembled here, which included about a dozen species, were apparently harmless – to humans anyway. The last to arrive were Jenny and Oz. As soon as they appeared, the others made their way to the table, and the Slayer and her companion followed. Taking their seats, they waited while Jenny got up to speak.

"We have two new members in our midst. I thought it best to formally introduce them – especially since one of them is of a species not usually admitted. The woman is Buffy Summers – also known as the Slayer." There were surprised whispers around the table. "Those of you who have heard of the Slayer should know that her memories of the past do not tally with popular knowledge. The reasons for this are too involved for this meeting. The other is a vampire. He calls himself Spike, but he is also known as William the Bloody. Chakka has heard their stories and has assured me they mean no harm to our group. I therefore ask that you accord them appropriate respect." She paused, looking around the table as if waiting for objections. There were none. "Now to business. The last time we met, we had had information from a sympathiser to the effect that demon-induced death in Sunnydale was on the increase. This doesn't make sense given the current demon population of the area. Those aggressive species currently in the area could not possibly be responsible for such a death toll. Oz, you agreed to try to get confirmation of this information. How has that gone?"

"Well, I've done everything I can think of, but I think security's been increased. I'm not really much of a hacker, and I've not been able to access the systems I need."

Buffy thought this was the most she had ever heard the man say. It was so strange to have someone she considered a friend in front of her and to know that he didn't know her. As she thought about the Oz she remembered, her thoughts inevitably moved to her best friend.

"Willow!" she said, belatedly realising she had voiced the thought. Everyone at the table was looking at her. She continued, "I know someone who could do it. At least, I think she could."

Spike looked at her. "Remember, love, Willow might not want to help. She doesn't know you."

Buffy smiled. "I know, Spike, she may not know me, but I know her, and the Willow I know can't resist two things."

Spike looked at her expectantly." And what are those, pet?"

"Mocha and a really meaty challenge," Buffy replied, grinning.

"Wait," Spike added, looking at Jenny. "Why do we need Willow? You're a teacher – you teach others about computers, don't you? Couldn't you do it?"

Jenny stiffened, but ignored the question. When she spoke it was as if Spike had not.

"Are you willing to contact this Willow? I have to warn you, although you're human, there is a good chance you're on the 'Wanted' list. If anyone knows you helped Spike to escape, you'll be almost as vulnerable as he is. We can help you to change your appearance, though." She looked at Buffy thoughtfully. "And you would have to go alone."

"Wait a minute, there," Spike interrupted. "She's not going alone. I'll be going too."

"Then neither of you will return," she told him coldly. "The vigilante groups are armed with equipment which can identify a demon from a significant distance. You will be a liability."

This silenced Spike. He took his self-imposed role as Buffy's patrol partner seriously. He knew he couldn't bear to lose her again, and therefore took the decision to always be with her when she was in danger.

"Yeah, I'll go," Buffy said, looking at Spike. The look managed to convey both an apology and irritation at the same time.

"Any more news?" Jenny asked the group. One demon raised his hand shyly. "Y..yes, I heard it just five minutes ago – I was monitoring the vigilante radio frequency. Finn's coming back. He's due later today."

This news silenced the company. The humans at the table visibly blanched. It wasn't clear what happened to the demons, but it could be assumed they did their own equivalent. They all knew that the return of Finn was likely to mean an increase in anti-demon action.

The rest of the meeting was of less significance. When it finished, Jenny took Buffy aside to discuss details of her plans. As he watched her, feeling left out, Oz came up behind him.

"You deserve an explanation," he started, pulling the vampire to one side. "You're right, Jenny taught computing at the High School. She taught me, and Willow, for that matter. Problem is, a while ago, Jenny had a run in with Riley Finn and the rest. She had a friend – a vampire with a soul, if you can believe that. Jenny spoke up against the blanket death sentence on demons. Thy killed her friend, and took her prisoner. They did some experiments on her, apparently they were trying to prove that she was at least part demon. The result was that she lost her memory. Everything up until the day we managed to rescue her from them is gone. She didn't even know her own name. She's had to relearn everything, right down to learning to speak again. Fortunately, she doesn't remember her friend either."

Spike looked at Oz. "This friend, went by the name of Angel?"

Oz looked surprised. "Yeah, how did…?"

"I know him. He's still alive in our reality." Spike looked sombre. "Do me a favour, don't tell Buffy? She and Angel had a thing .. you know. They're not together for various reasons, but she still cares. I'll try to find a way to tell her, if that's ok?"

Oz nodded in agreement. As an afterthought, Spike added, "How about you? How did you get involved with this lot? In our reality, you're a werewolf. Is that the reason?"

Oz looked surprised. "No, I'm not. My… my brother was. The Initiative got him. I used to lock him up for three nights every month. He never killed anyone, but that didn't matter. They killed him anyway."

The vampire nodded, understanding. He had his own score to settle with the Initiative.

Spike approached the two women who were still planning. "Hey, Spike, I'm going to have a change of hair colour, what do you think?" Buffy sounded excited, and she was trying to be conciliatory.

"I like your hair the way it is, but if it'll keep you safe…."

"Well, I don't need your permission anyway. You have no right…"

"Yeah, I know, I've got no rights where you're concerned. No right even to keep you safe. You've made that clear often enough. I've not even got the right to get you to tell me what's going on between us. Fine." He turned away, arms swinging by his sides as he strode out of the hub, but Buffy saw the hurt in his eyes before he could mask it. She sighed. She hadn't meant to hurt him, not this time, but he made her so mad. She'd kissed him once, and he wouldn't believe that she didn't want a repeat of that, much less to embark on a relationship with him.

Spike started to look around. He followed the crowd into a nearby cavern, and he soon smelled food. Joining the end of the queue, he picked up some breakfast and went to sit down. A little while later, he was joined by a couple of Jelka demons. Now, they were a strange breed. They seemed not to have individual identities. He'd never even come across one who could understand the concept of individuality. They didn't even have names.

Spike was feeling very frustrated – in every sense of the word. He needed to do something. If he didn't, he wouldn't cope with being cooped up here. As they made short work of their platesful of what looked like a concoction made from assorted insects, Spike overheard their conversation.

"Any word on training?"

"No, they can't find anyone who wants to do it. The humans are too puny – they don't fancy teaching us to fight, and the demons here have never been inclined to violence. I suppose we'll just have to hope we never have to fight."

Spike immediately felt better. "You want to know how to fight? I'll teach you. Can't promise I won't hurt you, but you'll learn some useful tricks. Who do I speak to, to set this up?"

There was almost nothing Spike liked better than a bit of gratuitous violence. When they had finished eating, the two demons dragged him off to talk to someone else. When Buffy returned later, her hair cut short and now a rather attractive chestnut brown, Spike was nowhere to be found. She was due to leave for Sunnydale almost immediately. There was a car leaving in a few minutes to take her and a couple of others with business in town, She didn't have time to look for him, and was disappointed she couldn't see him before she went. When she realised she was disappointed, she was annoyed at herself. The whole way into Sunnydale, she berated herself for even thinking that Spike mattered.

Once in town, Buffy made for the University Campus. As she had two days previously, she waited outside the psychology building. When Willow emerged, she was again with Xander. This time, as luck would have it, the two said goodbye on the steps of the building and Xander left. Willow started to walk away, but Buffy stopped her.

"Hey, Willow, it's me, Buffy Summers, remember? Listen, I heard you were the person to speak to about a little problem I have. Can I buy you a mocha and chat for a while? I think you'll find the problem interesting."

Willow looked intrigued. "Yeah, ok, I don't have a class just now. There's a good place fairly close, is that ok?"

Buffy agreed and followed Willow's lead. "So, you're with Xander, eh?" Buffy started to make conversation.

"Yeah, since my junior year at High School. Don't you remember? No, you probably didn't know. So, what're you doing? You enrolled here now?"

"No, I'm just visiting," Buffy replied. She didn't want to get into the whole 'other reality ' thing yet. She thought Willow might just run away.

"So, what sort of problem is it?" Willow asked.

"Computer-related," Buffy answered, hoping that this Willow was as proficient as her other self.

Willow's face lit up. "Ok, my favourite kind – so long as its nothing illegal – you know."

Buffy had forgotten. Before she became involved in Buffy's slaying activities, Willow had been a stickler for following rules. This might be a problem.

"Look, all I'm asking is that you listen. If you don't want to be involved, that'll be the end of things, ok?"

Willow looked worried and bit her lip. "I guess."

When they reached the coffee bar, Buffy bought them each a mocha and chose a couple of pastries she thought Willow would enjoy. When she sat down, both women sipped their coffee thoughtfully. After a few minutes, Buffy took the plunge.

"What do you think of the demon situation in Sunnydale?" she asked.

Willow looked surprised. "I thought this was a computer problem."

"It is, but it's related to the demon problem," Buffy replied.

"Well, back when we started High School, there started to be a lot of them around. Vampires and stuff. A lot of kids died. Then a couple of years ago, there was this government group started getting rid of them, and that's got to be good, hasn't it? I mean, there've got to be less people dying. And there're groups of people keeping the population down now."

"What if I told you that even though the demon population is lower than ever before, reported demon-related deaths are on the increase?"

Willow shook her head. "Doesn't make sense. If demon related deaths are on the increase, there must be more demons."

"When we were at High School, did you see demons often?"

"Well, not often, but fairly regularly – we could see vampires in the street at night. We didn't go out after dark. Willow shuddered.

"And now?" Buffy persisted.

"It's been a while, I thought it was because the Initiative had done its job. Look, what did you want me to do?" Willow was getting more nervous.

"For a start, just some research for yourself. There must be records somewhere – records on demon deaths and demon-related deaths. I have a friend who has a theory that the deaths are being caused by something other than demons, and I want to find out if that's true. If you find that everything's hunky dory, then that's the end of it."

Willow was obviously worried. "Y ..you mean hacking into computers – the police or the hospital and the Initiative. That's illegal."

"Willow, just think about it. I can't force you to do anything. But if you do find anything, you can contact me on this number." Buffy handed her the number of one of the mobile phones in the meeting room, or hub, which she was told, would be answered twenty-four hours a day. Willow hesitated for a second before she took the card. It had only the number, no other details. Putting it in her pocket, she picked up her bag and ran out of the shop. Buffy wasn't sure whether she'd persuaded her friend or not. With a sigh, she left. She had some time to spare before catching her lift back to the caves. She decided to spend it shopping – she really needed some more practical clothes – although with her available cash, she couldn't afford much.

Spike had been having fun. He was by far the smallest and lightest in the room, but none of his 'students' had the faintest idea how to fight. He'd doled out quite a few bruises, and some of them were far from happy. But he'd started letting them land a few hits, and the sense of achievement this gave them made them try harder. Spike knew he'd never make an army out of them, but they had the weight and strength to do some serious damage if they were shown how. He was glad of something to do. The news that Riley was on his way back was worrying, and that was on top of the fact that Buffy was out of his sight. He was very unhappy about that.

In Sunnydale, Buffy had made a few purchases, and had more or less run out of money. She headed to the pick up point with fifteen minutes to spare. Dropping her purchases at her feet, she watched for the expected car. She didn't notice when one occupant of a passing van gave her more than a cursory glance. And she didn't notice that the same van came back for a second look. She did notice when the van stopped at the kerb in front of her, and two men got out. It still didn't register as a threat. They came around behind her, and she felt a needle in her arm. She started to struggle as four arms snaked out to hold her, but didn't stand a chance as she saw the world go black.