Author: Kelley (beanyb1999@hotmail.com)
Rating: PG-13…the language is a little more colorful, but it isn't quite up to the R rating status.
Feedback: Yes. I like feedback. Throw me a review!
Summary: Spike and Tara have figured out what is wrong with Buffy and now Spike has begun the journey of fixing it. Possible spoilers for season six.
Disclaimer: Still the same as all the others before. Joss owns it all. Spike is only mine in my dreams. Of course, I wonder if I could get sued for that too.
Dedication: For Christy, the totally awesome helper of the story. For Shelley, the one who writes warped Buffy-fics with me. For all my reviewers, you guys are so awesome!
A/N: I don't know if I'll be able to update daily or not. I try not to take more than a day, but sometimes it's unavoidable seeing as I have three English classes, two Theatre classes, a One Act festival, and about 30 books to read for class. Someone have pity on me and pray that I don't lose my poor mind.
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In the darkness, Buffy looked around. There was nothing to be seen, just a black void of nothingness.
"S-Spike?" she called out.
No answer.
She looked around more, on the verge of panic.
"Spike? Where are you?"
"Right here, pet."
She squealed and turned around, having been taken by surprise by his sudden presence. She was happy to see him. Wherever they were, she didn't want to be alone.
"Where are we, Spike?" she whispered.
Spike looked around. "I have no clue, Slayer."
Suddenly, it wasn't dark anymore. They were in a room. It looked like a waiting area, except there we no doors, no walls, no people, no magazines. Just one chair.
Buffy looked up at Spike. He shrugged. "I guess this is where you wait, pet."
"Oh," she said softly. "What do you do then?"
"Uh, wait? I guess. Sit yourself down, luv."
Buffy slowly made her way to the chair. Wherever they were, it was definitely strange. They were surrounded by a light blue color. There was no real up or down to the place. It was just there. She sat down in the chair, staring at Spike the whole time.
"Ahem." A voice came from the left of Buffy. She looked over at the man who came out of nowhere. He wasn't short, but he wasn't tall either and slightly overweight. His hair was almost gone and he had little glasses which had small, light brown, yet beady eyes behind them. He was holding a clipboard. He appeared nervous and seemed to be quite afraid of Spike. "Ah, William the Bloody?"
"That would be me, mate," Spike answered.
"Yes, yes, of course," the man nodded his head, nervously.
"You ok?" Buffy asked.
"Well, yes. It's just unusual to bring a vampire up here, that's all." The man smiled weakly.
"Uh, yes. Can we get on with it?" Spike asked impatiently.
"I'm most terribly sorry. We'll be getting started in a moment." He looked down. "William the Bloody will be retrieving the soul of one Buffy Summers, correct?"
"Seems that way, mate," Spike said evenly.
"O-ok. Miss Summers, before we get started, I must tell you this. Upon the return of your soul, any memories you have left of this place you spent a considerable amount of time will be completely erased."
"Wh-Why?" Buffy asked.
"The only way we feel you could feel truly happy is if you forget about spending time there."
"So, what does this mean? What AM I going to remember?"
"Well, uh, nothing. You'll remember being away. You won't remember how happy you were. It will be more of a void in your mind. We believe it will make you happier in life."
"Oh great," Buffy mumbled. "Whatever. I just want my soul back."
The man smiled. "Good. We agree then."
"What do I do to pass the time?" Buffy questioned, annoyed.
"Don't worry. This will seem like only a minute to you." He winked.
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "How long will it seem to Spike?"
"However long it takes," he simply replied.
"Bloody wonderful. Well, let's get to it."
"Spike?" Buffy called out. "Get my soul back. Got it?"
He smiled. "Don't worry, luv. It's coming."
Buffy got up and hugged the vampire before he left. After a minute, she let go and smiled, going back to her seat.
"Ready, Mister William?" the skittish man asked.
"Yeah," he grumbled.
"Come with me."
Spike took one last look at Buffy before following the man.
Buffy watched as the two disappeared. She blinked and then sighed.
Spike suddenly found himself in a different area. He scowled. The place was bright, but not harsh brightness. It was soft. It appeared to be perfect. He could sense the happiness and the peace. It was all very serene and rather quiet.
Spike hated it.
He also knew he wasn't welcome. He could sense it.
"William the Bloody, your guide will be here in a moment," the man said and then disappeared.
Spike scratched his head.
"Excuse me, sir," came a familiar voice from behind Spike.
Spike turned around and gasped in shock, stepping back. He stared into the blue eyes that were staring right back at him.
"Bloody hell!" He gaped at the man in front of him . . .
The man blinked in surprise. "Could you tell me? What rhymes with . . . effulgent?"
. . . the man he used to be.