Rating: PG-13ish-maybe a little worse in the swearing dept than the show.

Credits: All disclaimers were made in parts 1, 2 & 3-so I think that suffices. Lyrics in this chapter are from Neko Case's Furnace Room Lullaby and are used without permission.

Feeback: welcome-please-pretty please! pm or email: jarment@us.ibm.com

Wake and Rise, part four

Buffy arrived at her front porch the following night. It was late, Dawn should have been in bed, but Buffy could clearly see the television flickering through the front window.

"Dawn, you are so busted! You're supposed to be asleep!" Buffy called out as she opened the front door.

"She is, well she was-might not be now with all that shouting, Slayer." Spike answered, trying to sound flippant.

"Spike." Was all Buffy said.

"Yeah?" Then changing tone, realizing Buffy wasn't calling him, "She went to bed a coupla hours ago. Wanted to stay up for when you got home."

Buffy glared at him slightly. Was he trying to make her feel guilty? "Did Giles and the others come by while I was gone?" Buffy asked, trying to keep herself from starting an argument.

"They were here earlier, they went to the magic shop. Some Scooby meeting, I guess." Spike said, giving the bait.

Buffy took it, "Without me?"

"Now don't get your knickers in a twist, Slayer. I'm just having you on. They came by with pizza and left a few hours ago. They were worried though. So was Dawn." Spike said, finally coming to the point.

"I bet." Buffy said, although with no real malice.

"They were." Spike said, "not like you, staying gone like that."

"I know. There were things I had to take care of." Buffy said.

"Did you tell him the truth?" Spike said.

"He knew." Buffy replied, knowing exactly what Spike was talking about.

Spike nodded, but Buffy could tell he was crushed. He stood there awkwardly for a moment, and then said, "Well, I better be off-it's going to be light soon."

Buffy said nothing as he walked out the door.

*****

Giles, Willow, Tara, Xander and Anya were, in fact, having a Scooby meeting at the Magic Shoppe.

"I am not saying I'm not happy Buffy is back," Giles said, for what seemed to be the thirtieth time.

"No, of course not Giles. You're just so thrilled about it you haven't stopped lecturing us since she left." Xander sniped back.

"Xander, be quiet!" Giles nearly shouted. This stunned everyone into silence. Giles quietly continued. "I am not lecturing anyone," noticing Willow's look, "at least I am not now. However, did any of you give any thought to how emotionally scarred Buffy would be? Did you think at all about the dangers you put yourselves in, not to mention Buffy?"

There was uncomfortable silence throughout the room as Giles let his anger erupt.

"You all deliberately withheld information from me," Giles continued, "not to mention you tampered with extremely volatile magicks, which, at best have serious consequences."

"Like creating demons!" Anya interjected. She paled at Willow's look, which was not lost on Giles.

"And were you going to tell me about this?" Giles asked, very pointedly to Willow.

"Giles." Willow began, ".we were going to tell you! But with everything that happened since you got back. Giles, we took care of it. Yes, there was a demon that was created as a result of the spell, but we took care of it." Willow attempted a small smile.

Giles breathed deeply. "Very well, then. Of course, you have dealt with the repercussions." Giles paced through the room, still obviously upset with the group, but trying to keep his emotions under control.

"Giles," Xander started, "I understand why you feel this way." Giles just looked at him, doubting Xander greatly. Xander continued, "We know that we took way too many risks, but I can't help but feel we did the right thing here. Buffy was in Hell. We got her out."

"Oh, are you, too, looking for congratulations?" Giles lashed out, and then regretted it. He saw Xander's face pale, and tears spring to Willow's eyes. Willow quickly stood up and left the room. Tara stood to follow but Giles interrupted saying, "No, Tara. Let me talk to her." Giles walked to Buffy's training room.

Willow looked up and frowned when she saw Giles, "What, is this a continuation of our previous discussion where you called me a 'rank, arrogant amateur?'" Willow said, mocking Giles' accent.

"Or it could be a reprise of your threatening me," Giles quietly said back.

Willow looked a bit contrite and there was a moment of truce-silence. Willow spoke first.

"Giles, I understand why you're mad. I do. We, I took great risks in bringing Buffy back. But, Giles, don't you see we had to? We couldn't leave her there, Giles!"

"Willow, leave her where? Do you even know where she was?" Giles asked, very quietly, very kindly.

"Of course! She told us, Giles. She said she was in Hell and that it was too awful to." Willow gasped as Giles blanched, "You didn't think she was trapped, Giles?"

"No. I.no, I never thought that. I-I assumed-she died saving us all. I assumed.she would be rewarded. I-I never thought." the enormity hitting Giles so terribly that he just sank to a crouching position in the middle of the training room.

"Giles." Willow said, trying to get his attention, "hey, look, I get the whole 'hubris' thing. It was so my bad. But Giles, we did a good thing."

"Willow, please promise me that you'll tread lightly with your spells. Using these dark magicks, however noble or genuine your intent, it will take its toll on you. Trust me. I know. You're at risk."

*****

Spike sat alone in his crypt, hardly enjoying the re-décor. He stood and walked over to his CD collection he had begun, "Ramones, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Ramones, Destiny's Child? What the hell? Dawn! I am going to ring your neck!" Spike tossed the offending item to the back of the crypt and turned around. He found someone standing just out of the light at the entrance, but the long blonde hair was unmistakable.

"Jesus, Slayer! Don't you ever knock?" Spike yelled.

"I'm not Buffy," Anya said, stepping into the crypt.

"Yeah? Well what do you want, and make it quick. Not in the mood for company." Spike snarled, then added, "What are you doin' out at night alone anyway? Didn't anyone ever tell you that there are some big-fanged nasties out there? Particularly in this neck of the woods?"

"Oh, it's okay, I brought this!" Anya cried out, in near childlike delight, thrusting out a huge, plastic-jewel encrusted cross for Spike to see.

"Jesus, bint! Get that thing away from me!" Spike roared.

"Oh! Did it burn?" Anya asked.

Spike just looked over at her for a moment, "Yeah, it did. And, it's bloody gaudy."

"By the way, I have always wanted to know this. Why is it you vampires can't touch crosses, but you say "Jesus" and "Christ" and "Goddamn" all the time. Well, I guess the 'Goddamn' doesn't really count. But shouldn't your mouth burn, or something?" Anya interrupted in one endless stream of breath. "And, why is it just crosses, I mean shouldn't Stars of David, Buddha's, all that stuff-"

"Anya, do you have a reason for being in my home, or were you just a little bored with lackey and decided to wax theological with the vampires?" Spike asked, annoyed.

"Oh, yes. The point. And I do have one! I need a favor." Anya announced and smiled.

"And you thought I'd help why? Out of the kindness of my heart?" Spike asked.

"I'll pay you. Cash! I know you like cash! I normally don't like to part with my cash, except for pretty things, or toys-you know this shop opened up-Bootie Nights-they have lots of fun toys. Xander and I go there a lot, only-"

"Get to the sodding favor, or I swear, chip or no I will rip you in two!" Spike shouted.

"All right! I need to locate someone-a demon actually-a Gnothos demon." Anya said, finally reaching her point.

"A Nocthos demon? They're mercenaries-and they don't frequent the same haunts the Slayer does. No way you'd get one to-"

"No, not a Nocthos, a Gnothos. You know, G-N-O?" Anya corrected.

"Never heard of it. Sorry. Kind of looking forward to some extra cash myself."

"You wouldn't've," Anya said, "They're strictly outer-realm, and also, they don't like vampires much."

"Alright, so what are we talking about here?" Spike asked.

"Right! Well see, the night that Buffy died, when Xander and I were down in the basement searching for the Dagon's Sphere, we had sex and then he asked me if I was okay, and I said 'no' and then he-"

"Christ, Anya!" Spike roared, "I'm talking about the money. How. Much. You. Gonna. Pay. Me?-do I need to spell it out for you?"

"No! I got it. I'll pay you $500.00," Anya said and Spike perked up immediately, "as soon as I reach the Gnothos demon. Not a cent before."

"Yeah, well, I might incur a few expenses locating this demon for you," Spike said, trying to negotiate.

"Expenses? That crap might slide with Buffy but you're dealing with a 1000- year-old ex-demon here, Spike." Anya said flatly, "oh, and another thing? You have one week to find this guy, I deduct $50.00 for every day you're late after that. Spell it out for me, my ass!" And with that, Anya walked out of Spike's crypt.

Spike smiled a little as she left. "Girl's got skills. Full-out looney, but she's got skills," he muttered to himself.

*****

Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn and Fred sat in the hotel lobby that is Angel Investigations.

"I just can't believe that Angel isn't talking! You know, this not talking? Can't be good. Brood boy was just starting to evolve into dorky guy, but now, he's kind of brooding-" Cordelia whined.

"Cor, he is not brooding," Wesley interrupted. "Angel is particularly jovial and with good reason."

"Okay, so maybe not brooding. But definitely silent. And that's in no way good." Cordelia answered.

"W-well maybe he's still a little angry with you guys for." Fred started.

"For what?" Cordelia practically howled.

"Maybe for that gut-wrenching rendition of his and Buffy's love life. You know, the little sketch you and Wesley acted out? And not very good, I might add." Gunn piped in.

"Yeah?" Cordelia countered, "Well, having been one of the survivors of the dark-age that was Angelus, not thinking that rendition was so undeserved."

"I don't understand. How did she love him if he was so bad?" Fred asked.

"Well, it's a long story," Cordelia said and seeing Wesley's look added, "and a very private story. But seeing as Angel's not around, I don't mind sharing. See, Angel wasn't bad when he and Buffy started dating. But then you know they did the whole Othello thing-"

"He tried to kill Buffy because he found her handkerchief in some other guy's possession?" Fred asked, not a little confused.

"No, Fred," Cordelia answered, exasperated, "They 'loved not wisely, but too well.'"

"Good. Because I always thought that was a really poor plot device," Fred said, and then suddenly the color came rushing to her face, "Oh, you mean they-"

"Yes. I mean they-" Cordelia answered. "See, that's when we learned if Angel has his 'one moment of true happiness' (making air quotes) that he goes kind of, well-evil. Hence not the swinger he once was."

"So that's why everyone says Angel's a eunuch!" Fred cried, finally understanding.

"How many times do I have to tell you people that I am not a eunuch?" Angel shouted, coming up from the basement.

"Angel!" Cordelia shouted, taken aback, "we thought you were." struggling to find some excuse, failing and giving up, "oh nevermind."

"Wow!" Fred said, "That must be-something you really don't want to talk about, huh?"

"Not really." Angel replied.

"Okay, Angel. Enough with the laconic act. Come on. You're dying to tell us what happened, aren't you.just a little?" Cordelia pleaded.

"Well, first no I'm not-dead already." Angel quipped, "And second, give you some more grist for the 'Rumor and Innuendo Dinner Theater?' I don't think so."

Gunn tried to change the subject, "So, Cordy, thinkin' of getting any visions? Not trying to lay on the guilt-"

"Oh, as if I don't feel bad enough, you have to go and bring up the no visions thing. What is it with you people? It isn't like there aren't enough evil-doers in this city that you have to wait for one of my mind- numbing, head-throbbing visions?" Cordelia sniped.

"Uh, sorry." Gunn replied.

"Sorry doesn't cut it, mister!" Cordelia replied. "No, I am thinking single- tall, non-fat, low-foam latte!"

Gunn sighed and started to leave to get the drink. Cordelia muttered to Wesley, "bad acting my ass!"

"You know, Cordelia. Maybe it isn't a coincidence that your visions stopped after Angel killed that man who was.you know."

"Trying to kill me to get evil guy out of the burning ring of fire?" Cordelia asked.

"Actually, it wasn't a ring. It was more like a flaming cube." Angel said.

"Whatever!" Cordelia snapped. "Yes, the thought occurred to me. It also occurred to me that maybe-Aaaaahhhh!"

Cordelia arched her back and grabbed her head with the pain as the images flashed before her eyes. It lasted maybe 5 seconds, but the pain and emotion brought Cordelia to her knees, supported by Wesley and Angel.

"Cordelia, can you talk?" Angel asked gently.

Cordelia began crying-long, wracking sobs-and shook her head no.

"I told that bitch if she ever tried to get to me through Cordelia I'd-" Angel shouted, practically vaulting to the weapons cabinet.

"Angel," Cordelia sobbed, "It was a real vision. I think." Her voice was hoarse from crying.

"Can you tell us?" Wesley asked as he helped Cordelia to the couch.

"It was so awful. Angel-it's Buffy, and Dawn. They're.in danger.Spike." Cordelia rasped.

"I'll kill that son-of-a-bitch!" Angel swore.

"Angel?" Cordelia interrupted, "in the vision, there was one other thing. Doyle was there."

Everyone sat in stunned silence.

"Who's Doyle?" Fred asked.

*****

Buffy awoke in her bed. Two weeks and she still felt like she was suffocating when she woke, frantically trying to claw her way out of her coffin. She wondered if this would ever stop, if she could ever forgive the ones who brought her back to this. She wondered if they would ever figure out what was wrong-and if they did, what would they, what could they do about it. Buffy quickly changed into sweats and a tank top, quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

She stood there for a while, just brushing. When she spat, the toothpaste- foam was bloody. Alarmed, Buffy stopped brushing, turned off the water and went downstairs. Willow, Dawn, Tara and Giles were already up and in the kitchen. Everyone was chatting amiably, obviously enjoying their coffee, except Dawn, who drank juice.

"Look who's the late sleeper!" said Dawn.

"Yeah, well if it's so late, why aren't you at school?" Buffy asked. The kitchen became quiet.

"Buffy, it's Saturday." Dawn said, looking at her sister like she was daft.

"Oh, yeah." Buffy said shrugging it off. Then noticing the others' looks, "Hey! It's not like no one else here has ever forgotten what day of the week it is.(and more quietly) it's not like I got a job or school or anything."

"Right, Buffy." Giles said, with more determination than agreement. "You need to get into a routine again. Why don't we start training today."

"Alright, Giles!" Buffy said, with faked enthusiasm, "Absolutely! Just, what time is it?"

"It's about eleven," Willow said, looking at her watch.

"Giles, can we make it one? I need to run a couple of errands." Buffy said.

"Of course, Buffy. Do you want me to drive you?" Giles asked.

"Nah. That's okay." Buffy said, swigging down her coffee. "See you." And she took off out of the back door.

A few minutes later she was at Spike's crypt. She opened the door quickly, dashed in and shut it behind her-for minimal sun exposure. But Spike was not upstairs. "Oh great," she thought, as she went downstairs, "I get to see Spike's underground lair."

Music was playing softly in the background:

"I can't seem to find my way

Out of the basement

A demon holds my place

On earth 'till I die"

"What do you want? I told you I was on it. I'm not going to do it with you bloody watching me all the time!" Spike shouted, from the corner of the room.

"Spike, I am not even going to ask what you're talking about." Buffy said, shaking her head with feigned disgust.

"Oh, Slayer. Thought you were Ah-someone else." Spike quickly recovered, "And you're here, why?"

Buffy paused for a second, and as she did, she heard the whir of a CD player on repeat, ending a disc and beginning again. Suddenly, the CD began and the twangy sound of steel guitar and a woman's voice, sounding not unlike Patsy Kline, filled the room. Buffy's eyes widened in surprised shock.

"Country music?!?" Buffy shouted excitedly.

Spike ran over to the CD player and turned it off.

"It's not what you think, Slayer." Spike began, realizing he sounded very guilty.

"No, not at all. Big bad Spike listens to country music. Is this a side- effect of the chip?" Buffy teased.

"Hey, I'll have you know, country music comes from old English ballads!" Spike defended.

"Uh-huh," Buffy teased, "You can say anything you like, Mr. 'I wanna be sedated.'"

"Alright now, enough is-you like The Ramones?" Spike asked.

"We are so not going there again!" Buffy joked.

"Yeah. So apart from my musical tastes, you stopped by for what again?" Spike asked, a little stung by the reminder of that night with Buffy.

Buffy sensed this and changed the tone of her voice. "I actually came her to see if you wanted to spend the evening with Dawn and me. A sort of thank you for all you've done."

Spike was visibly taken aback. "Uh, yeah." He said, trying to sound calm. "I, uh, have some things to do after sundown. Doing a favor for someone, but I can be there afterwards."

"You're doing a favor for someone?" Buffy asked, skeptically-but not mean.

"Yeah!" Spike said, sounding indignant, "I mean they're paying me, but-"

"It's not a favor if you get paid, Spike." Buffy said. But still, her tone was pleasant. "So what's the favor?"

"Trackin' down some guy for someone." Spike said, noncommittally. Then added, "You know, like a private detective" then inspired, "Hello, Spike Investigations: Sod the Helpless!" Spike mimicked Cordelia almost perfectly.

Buffy glowered at him, "That's not funny, Spike."

"Yeah? Well, I'm bad, blondie."

"Don't make me regret inviting you over." Buffy said, a little less friendly than before.

"Ah, Slayer. Such a thin skin you have. All right. No more Angel jokes if the country thing stays our little secret. Wouldn't want that gettin' out, you know."

"No, 'cause listening to country music would ruin your perfectly good Billy Idol image." Buffy said as she started to walk away.

"Take that back! I do not look like Billy Idol!" Spike cried out, indignant.

Buffy turned, before she climbed back upstairs, "Of course, nothing says evil like a big-ole 10-gallon black hat and a bolo tie." And with that, Buffy left.

Spike chuckled to himself after she left. Suddenly, he stopped laughing.

"She isn't doing well." Spike muttered to himself.

*****

"Angel. You need to calm down. Overreacting will not help Buffy or Dawn." Wesley reasoned.

"We just got her back. I am not going to lose her again. Gunn, get the weapons. We're leaving." Angel said.

"In what, Angel, the sewer-subway train to Sunnydale? Hello? High noon. Daylight. Kind of anathema to you vampire types." Cordelia said, also trying to reason with Angel.

"Angel. We'll leave just after sundown. Buffy will be fine. She's the slayer. If Spike attempts anything-" Wesley said.

"You mean 'when he'-it's Spike we're talking about." Angel interrupted.

"Yeah, Angel. It's Spike. And what part of your years in Sunnydale do you not remember? Because I remember that the saga of Buffy and Spike always ended with his getting his ass kicked by your girlfriend." Cordelia said, a little more forcefully now.

"But it's different now, Cordy. Buffy thinks.thinks he's changed. She thinks he's good now." Angel insisted.

"Alright," Wesley said, unnerved by this news, "Angel, we'll leave later this afternoon. We can't risk more direct sunlight-even with blankets. But we can get there a little after sundown."

"OK," Cordelia said, "I'll start packing weapons."

"And I'll see if there's any word on Darla or Drusilla's whereabouts." Wesley offered, and then noticing everyone's look, "Am I the only one who remembers that they were inseparable for a hundred years?"

"No," Angel said softly.

to be continued...