Part 3

The Magic Box
Friday, May 18, 2001
10:15 am
Xander and Anya are talking in the training room.

"Anya," Xander started, "I don't know what brought on this sudden need to break up with me. What happened?"

"I told you," she replied. "You've been pushing me away."

"Can't we work this out? I don't want to lose you."

"You won't lose me Xander."

"So you're not going to turn me into a troll or give my syphilis again are you?"

"No."

"Good cuz that syphilis was not fun."

Anya just laughed.

"Can we still be friends An," Xander asked.

"I'd turn you into a toad if you didn't," she replied.

The Magic Box
Friday, May 18, 2001
10:30 pm

With hours of researching, the Scooby gang still had no information on what Glory needed the key. Xander slams his book shut.

"Nothing."

Buffy looks at her frustrated friend. "Relax Xander. We'll find out how to stop Glory in time."

"Yeah. I know. But it's different. I don't want anything to happen to Dawn. I care about her."

"So do I. She's my sister you know."

"Yeah, sorry I went all 'big brother'. Dawn's like the little sister I've never had."

Giles comes into the store with an armload of tomes. He glances at his watch. "Buffy, isn't it about time to patrol?"

Buffy moans. "I guess. Xander want to come and keep me company."

"Sure, I'm up for some action."

"Just don't go all Riley on me."

"You mean let some vampire whores suck on me?"

Buffy hits him in the back of the head. "No! Don't act all commandoish."

"Don't worry Buff. I won't."

They leave as Giles starts flipping through some of the books the Watchers Council gave him on Glory and The Key. Anya gives him a cup of tea.

"Do you think something's going to happen soon? Because it seems like the big bads are always doing there plan around this time."

"I'm sure of it." After a moment of silence Giles speaks up. "I know I don't normally get involved in all of your relationships, but are you and Xander okay?"

"Yes. We broke up, but we will remain friends. He helped me adjust to human life, so I won't be turning him into a toad or anything."

"Why did you break up in the first place? I know he loves you."

"He was distant after the psychic demon told him he was destined for another."

Willow and Tara perk up and listen to find out who.

"I can't say. I want her to do it because she loves him, not because she thinks she's supposed to."

Willow looks the other way. She's talking about Buffy. I guess Xander wasn't kidding.

"It's not me is it," Tara asked. "Because I love Willow."

Willow just stared at her girlfriend.

Spikes Crypt
Saturday May 19, 2001
12:20 am

Spike is watching a late night infomercial.

"A bleeding knife that cuts through a lead pipe. Now I've seen everything."

A voice from behind him says, "I thought we had an appointment."

Spike gets out of his chair and turns toward the voice.

"Glory," he said. "So good to see you. You look lovely."

"I always do. Now should I kill you now or later? You were supposed to be at my place today at two o'clock. Where were you?"

"Watching Passions. All bloody hell is breaking loose."

"Do you think Grace will forgive her husband," Dreg asked

"I hope not. The bloke cheated on her with bloody Crane."

"Enough of this ladies. You have information."

"Yeah. I know where the key is. I know how you can get it too."

"Give it to me. Now!"

"I don't have it on me now love," Spike replied. "I want to make a deal."

"What kind of deal," Glory asked.

"I want this chip out of my head. Do that, and I give you the key?"

"Why should I trust you? You worked with the slayer. If memory serves you have a thing for her."

While they talk Dreg sees something covered up under a blanket. He takes it off and sees a Buffy Bot.

"This looks like the slayer," Dreg said.

"HEY! Get the bloody hell away from my Buffy Bot."

Glory grabs Spike by the throat. "Apparently you still love the slayer, why should I help you?"

"I know where the key is. Isn't that enough."

She throws him across the room.

"You know where to find me, I NEED the key by Monday."

"What happens Monday," Spike asked.

"I go home," she said simply.

On the other side of the Cemetery…

Buffy and Xander are fighting off three vampires. Buffy manages to stake hers, but she sees Xander struggling. She's about to lend a hand when the third attacks her. Xander sees this and stakes his vampire and rushes the one attacking Buffy. He punches it a few times and stakes it.

"Somebody ate their spinach."

Xander in his best Popeye voice said, "Of course Olive. I love me spinach."

Buffy smiled. "I can't believe you. One minute you're heart broken, the next making jokes."

They start to make their way out of the cemetery.

"I know. It's just the way I deal with the pain. Beats dealing with it."

"Are you okay? Breaking up with Anya must be rough on you."

"Yeah. It is. I'll deal. We're going to be friends and all. Best part is when she gets her powers back she won't give me syphilis."

"She'll get her powers back?"

"Yeah, that's what the Host told her, but don't worry, it's for good not evil."

"Great, because dealing with Glory is enough to worry about."

"Speaking of her. She's been out for a while. You think something big is coming soon?"

"I hope so. I just want to end this so I can relax."

"Hey Buff. You ever notice that during the summer it's quiet around here?"

"Yeah. You noticed that too?"

"It's like we're on some TV show."

Los Angeles
Saturday, May 19, 2001
8:00 am

Faith is standing before a parole council.

"We hereby grant you 3 months parole. Stay out of trouble and it can be longer."

"Thank you."

"Any plans," one of them asked.

"I'm going to see an old friend."

The Jungle
Saturday, May 19, 2001
10:30 am

"I've got reports of trouble brewing in Sunnydale, California. Near as our resources can tell, it has something to do with the planets aligning. This could possibly open the Hellmouth there. Agent Finn. You know the area well. You'll be leading the mission. Find out everything you can from the slayer when we return."

"Yes sir."

The Magic Box
Saturday, May 19, 2001
9:00 am

Anya is asleep at the counter. Tara is asleep on her book, and Willow is asleep at the computer. Giles is still reading through his book. He takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. I've been at this for hours. There has to be something in here.

He flips the page and reads. He begins to look nervous. He places his glasses on and reads it again.

"Good Lord."

End Part 3