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Chapter 10
"Are you ready?" Spike asked.
"Yep" Buffy said quietly.
"Well you realize you'll have to get off the motorcycle right?" Spike said patting her hands, which were still around his waist
"Yes, I'm, I'm just not ready to kill him" Buffy said sadly. "I mean you're a vampire and you've just been amazing. What if other vampires can learn to be good too?"
"Do you still love him?" Spike said quietly.
Buffy paused and pressed her forehead against Spike's back. "No I don't think I ever really loved him, not in that way anyway, but that doesn't mean I want him dead er dust."
"Buffy" Spike said taking a big unneeded breath not knowing how to say what needed to be said. "Don't you ever wonder why I am the way I am?"
"Lancelot, Gweniviere what's the hold up?" Xander's voice came across the communications device.
"Bloody hell" Spike hissed almost inaudibly before clicking the com unit on. "We just need a few more minutes to discuss something, hold your position Arthur"
"We should just go get this over with," Buffy said as she slid off the bike.
"Oh no you don't" Spike said grabbing Buffy and pulled her to him to keep her from walking away. "I'll not have you go in there with doubts in your head. That sort of thing will get you killed"
Buffy didn't respond, but she didn't move away either so Spike continued. "I told you about how I was before I was turned."
Buffy nodded.
"William just wanted to be loved, when I was turned my demon locked on to that desire and made it it's own. I would have done anything to be loved, bloody well did. Anything Dru asked of me I did. Anything I could do to make her happy or make her love me more I did. That wasn't William that was the demon. And now there's you. William still isn't in control of this body. It's the demon that wants to please you because I love you, it loves you."
"Riley loved me," Buffy said. "So doesn't that mean"
"No that's not how it works. Take Angel for instance, he was an arrogant bugger who thought he was more important than he really was, he always wanted to be upper crust when he was just middle of the road. So when he was turned he wanted to be the most powerful wanted to be in control of his clan. To use the humans as his play things, you know what he did to Dru before he turned her."
Buffy's eyebrows raised in realization "So what ever Riley's focus in life was is what his demon will fixate on." She paused briefly "and what he was focused on was becoming dangerous and thrill seeking to impress me. Oh god, we have to stop him. Let's get going"
Buffy quickly pulled him into a hard brief kiss before turning and walking towards the rest of the scoobies. She turned her head slightly "Be careful."
Spike just nodded and re-started the bike. "Well kiddies are we ready to rumble?" Spike asked into the communication unit as he saw Anya and Xander creep into position next to the large front doors.
"We ready when you are" Xander whispered into the microphone. Spike then zoomed off towards the old factory guns a blazin' literally as Xander and Anya each slid a section of the large factory doors open.
As Spike rocketed through the door he felt a rush of wind as a large net dropped uselessly behind him and he heard loud swearing from the minions that had been posted above the door to trap the scoobies when they entered. They hadn't counted on the motorcycle and the speedy entrance.
Across the factory Riley could be heard barking out orders to the immense number of vampire soldiers he had accumulated. Spike quickly cut down the many minions that we foolish enough to stay within the reach of the flames as Spike sped around the main area of the factory.
Meanwhile the second wave of Scoobies entered the doors. Buffy led quickly to a defensible position in the middle of the factory staking several vamps who were unfortunate to be in the path of the determined slayer. Xander, Anya and Dawn quickly formed a semi-circle to guard Buffy's back with their super soaker water guns filled with holy water. Willow and Tara quickly set up their circle of protection for themselves near the entrance to keep a way clear for retreat. Willow began chanting and by pointing her finger up she engulfed the net droppers and they combusted immediately. "Nice one honey" Tara said impressed.
Riley's barking of orders became more frantic as his numbers were quickly being wiped out by the efficient army of scoobies. Darla had begun to do a lot of shouting as well quite upset with the way the battle was turning. Many of the minions were dust and ones that we still left were looking for a way to escape. Some of them were even trying to climb the ladders to gain access to the large skylights in the roof.
All the scoobies were grinning from ear to ear as they realized this was going to be an easy win. Even Spike could be heard laughing loudly as he chased down minions on his motorcycle.
"Enough!" a shout rang out from the scaffolding that hung above the office area of the factory. "Or your watcher dies"
A chill ran down the spines of every member of the scooby gang. They recognized that voice and they recognized the inflection in it. It wasn't Angel it was Angelus. "Oh god please no" Buffy hissed as she whipped around to face the area the shout was coming from. It was Angelus, leather pants and all, and he had a blindfolded and gagged Giles firmly in his grasp.
"Buffy you said that his soul was permanent!" Dawn cried.
"Dawn shhh, I don't know" Buffy said back. "Run to Willow and Tara Now! All of you run"
They didn't wait to be told twice. They ran quickly into the circle of protection. Willow and Tara were already chanting to strengthen the protection.
Spike had already gotten to Buffy's side and dismounted from the bike. Angelus, Darla and Riley walked casually in hers and Spike's direction with Giles in tow. Giles looked worse for wear but he didn't appear to be hurt too badly.
"Hello lover," Riley said arrogantly.
"I do believe that's my line" Angelus said forcing Giles to his knees beside him. "You know you really should keep and better eye on your watcher, what would the counsel say about you losing him all the time? So, has my boy here been keeping you in line" he said indicating Spike who just growled in return.
"Angelus, I'm impressed. You fooled me with your little Angel impression last night but it doesn't matter you won't be getting the opportunity to do that again." Buffy said her voice sounding surer of herself than she really felt.
"Oh I don't think so," Angelus said laughing at her. "You see we've got a fool proof plan and we're holding all the cards. You see Giles here isn't my only hostage but I'm guessing he's enough. So here's what we're going to do. We're going to make a little trade, you for the watcher and I let all of your little friends run away," he said waving at the scoobies who were gathered by the door. "How's that sound?"
"Never" Spike said taking a small step forward and in front of Buffy.
"Grown a pair, have you my boy?" Angelus said seething "Don't you worry your pretty peroxided head because my dearest new friend Riley has plans for you as well"
"Yes that's part two of our little bargain. We knew you wouldn't want to give up your precious little slayer so we're going to give you a chance to win her back. Me and you one on one. Winner takes Buffy." Riley said as he glared at Spike and Buffy.
"Ok this is not going to happen" Buffy said angrily. "I'm no ones property to win" she said taking a small step forward and placing her hand on Spike's back quickly slipping a stake into the waist band of Spike's pants.
"Oh this is going to happen" Darla said "but don't worry I'm sure between the three of us we'll be able to make your stay memorable.
"Maon twelve o'clock" Xander whispered into his com device after spotting the flying beast hovering above the skylight.
Buffy was startled at the whispering in her ear but covered by saying "Fine! Riley couldn't beat his way out of a cardboard box last time we sparred. Just turn Giles loose and we'll get this party started"
"As you wish lover" Angelus said as he crooked his finger at her urging her to come take Giles place.
Spike tensed at the prospect of Buffy in Angelus grasp but knew that there was nothing he could do yet. Buffy held her head high as she walked to Angelus who quickly threw one arm around her neck as he booted Giles sending him sprawling. Giles quickly ripped his blindfold off and scrambled to where he spotted the rest of the gang.
As soon as Giles was safely inside the circle Buffy gave Spike a pointed look before yelling "Now!"
Maon heard Buffy and crashed through the sky light instantly to the surprise of the evil trio. Buffy and Spike both used the diversion to their advantage.
Buffy quickly slid a stake from her sleeve and spun breaking Angelus' grip on her and imbedding the stake in his chest. She turned away quickly not wanting to see the face of Angel turn to dust.
Spike in turn lurched forward punching. He landed a fist in the face of Riley and one in the face of Darla knocking them back in surprise. Darla flew back farther and landed with a thud in a pile of boxes and rubbish. Riley was just knocked back a few feet and returned quickly to return a punch of his own.
Buffy saw Darla go flying and Spike and Riley engaged in a fight that Spike was obviously winning.
"And this is the difference between a fledgling and a master" Spike said as he rained punches down on Riley who at this point was just trying to deflect the blows of the very powerful vampire.
She quickly somersaulted in the direction of Darla grabbing a shard of wood from the broken boxes and staking Darla before she had time to recover from Spike's punch.
"Buffy!" Willow yelled. "Angelus!"
Buffy quickly spun around to see Angelus standing over her a wooden stake still sticking out from his chest. Buffy's eyes became wide and her mouth hung open in shock. 'But I never miss' she thought frantically.
"Little harder to kill than I was last time. Maybe you should try a sword?" Angelus sneered and he plucked the stake from his chest and walked forward menacingly as Buffy scrambled backwards trying to think what her next move was going to be. Suddenly she saw Maon lumbering his way towards them. He casually reached out with one of his long claws and quickly decapitated Angelus. Sparks flew and Angelus' body made a few more clumsy steps before falling forward at the feet of Buffy.
"Another freaking robot!" Buffy screamed as she jumped up and kicked the now de-activated android.
Spike was enjoying beating the whelp even though he knew he should just stake him and get it over with. Then he heard Buffy scream. Spike quickly looked up and past Riley to make sure that she was ok. That diversion was all Riley needed to turn the tables on the fight. Riley quickly crouched down and came up with an uppercut, knocking Spike back a few feet.
Buffy realized her outburst had cause Spike to get distract so she quickly turned and ran landing a flying kick to Riley's back. He flew forward towards Spike just as Spike withdrew the stake from the back of his waistband. Riley flew right into the stake and scattered to the wind.
"You know I could have bloody well handled that" Spike complained while brushing the dust from his shirt.
"Yeah bloody whatever" Buffy said as she crossed the few feet between them and wrapped her arms around him kissing him soundly. Soon groaning could be heard coming from Xander.
"Give it a rest willya?" Xander complained.
"So right" Giles agreed "Could someone put that blindfold back on me"
Buffy and Spike ignored them until she felt her stomach vibrate. "What the heck?" she said as she broke the kiss.
Spike sheepishly unclipped his phone from his belt "Sorry pet it's on vibrate" he said before answering the phone. "This better be good," he said into the phone. "Bloody hell how did you get this number? . . . . oh really? Well I guess me and Dawn will have to have a little talk about that. Yeah . . . . hold on a second" Spike pressed the phone to his chest "It's Angel" he said holding the phone out to Buffy and glaring at Dawn who hid behind Tara while mouthing sorry at her aggravated friend.
Buffy took the phone from Spike while take a quick glance over her shoulder to see Willow examining the now headless Angelus bot. "Hi Angel . . . I was acting funny earlier? . . . . yeah I guess I was, sorry about that . . . . yeah it's a long story . . . . Can I call you tomorrow to get you up to speed." Buffy suddenly got a big smile on her face "yeah and I think Willow's going to have present for you to come pick up in a couple days . . . . . . . . . Well you'll just have to wait and see what kind of present it is. Ok, bye" Buffy finished and handed the phone back to Spike.
"Pet, that's just mean" Spike chided "An Angelus bot will drive him crazy" Spike paused "I'm so proud of you" he said as he put his arm around her waist and guided her over to her friends
"Xander will you go up to the office and release the other hostages?" Giles said pointing up the stairs as he leaned heavily against Maon.
"Right away G-man" Xander said as he quickly headed up to the office.
"This is so weird," Willow said as she backed away from the bot. "Do you really want me to fix it up for Angel"
"Yeah it will be a hoot, besides the me-bot did come in handy with the whole Glory thing" Buffy said.
"Well if the excitement is over for the evening I think I'll be on my way before I scare those hostages," Maon said.
"Oh sorry Maon, thanks for all your help" Buffy said giving him a sweet smile. "We couldn't have done it without you" she said helping Giles to lean on her.
"No problem just passing by and heard the commotion I'm glad I could help at least one slayer" Maon said. "It was a pleasure to have met all of you," he said to the group as he backed away.
"Bye Maon" everyone said as Maon walked out the front door of the factory and took flight.
Xander then appeared at the top of the stairs with several hostages. When they reached the bottom of the stairs they all made a run for it; they were still scared after their ordeal.
"Where's Warren? I thought he'd be one of the hostages" Buffy inquired.
"He was" Giles said sadly. "They took him away last night . . . ." he trailed off not needing to finish the sentence.
"Well at least most of the hostages got out, our percentage rates are good, right?" Anya asked.
"Right Ahn" Xander said sadly.
After a few quiet moments "Well we better get you to the hospital, huh Giles" Buffy said.
"No, I'm just weak, just need to eat and rest." Giles answered.
"Yeah didn't you promise us pizza Buffy?" Dawn asked as she and Tara walked over to help Giles out to the car.
"That I did Dawnie" Buffy said turning Giles over to the girls.
"Willow and Tara said I could spend the night earlier but we got busy and I forgot to ask so can I?" Dawn asked
"Sure you can Dawn, let's collect the bot. Then you guys head to the dorm and Spike and I will stop and order the pizzas and have it delivered."
Within a few minutes they had loaded the car and the gang and drove off to the dorm. Buffy walked back to the factory so she and Spike could get on their way. As she entered the factory Spike was closing his cell phone. "Pizzas are ordered luv," Spike said as he leaned against his bike.
"So" Buffy said as she walked to stand in front of him.
"So" Spike repeated as he extended his arms to rest a hand on each of her hips.
"Now what?" they said in unison.
"You first" Buffy said.
"Well I could say something corny like we can live happily ever after or I can tell you the truth" Spike said.
"Well let's have the truth," Buffy said.
"The truth is simple. I. Love. You. I'm not saying its going to be sunshine and roses, in fact I pretty much guarantee a complete lack of sunshine where I'm concerned but I'll be there when you need me. And I'll be there when Nibblet and the rest of them need me." Spike said his voice full of hope.
"That's all I've ever needed, I love you too." Buffy whispered as she leaned in for a slow gentle lingering kiss.
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"So what do think taking Buffy and Spike so long" Dawn asked innocently. "I mean the pizza arrived like twenty minutes ago"
Suddenly everyone else in the dorm became completely fascinated with their own dinners and avoided Dawn's questions.
Dawn was just about to ask another question when the phone rang. "I'll get it!" Willow and Tara said at once but Willow was closer and quicker and picked up the phone.
"Hello . . . Oh Hi Buffy" Willow said loudly "yeah that's ok . . . uh huh had to do a sweep of the cemetery, right . . . . Yeah we'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
Willow hung up the phone and shrugged her shoulders at the group.
"She's totally boinking the undead again isn't she?" Dawn asked.
Giles started to choke on his pizza and Xander patted him on the back "I know how you feel man" he muttered.
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Buffy hung up the phone and rolled back over in bed and snuggled up against Spike's bare chest.
"Shame pet, lying to your mates like that" Spike chided.
"What lying? We did a sweep of the cemetery" Buffy argued.
"We drove, very fast by the way, through the cemetery on the way home. That's not a sweep"
"It was sweepish" Buffy argued. "I so would have staked a vamp if it had been in the way and if I would have had any stakes"
Spike just grinned and brushed another kiss to Buffy's forehead. "Anything you say pet"
Buffy just snuggled closer and they both drifted off to sleep the rest of their lives or un-lives ahead of them.
The End.