Normandy

Hold your head high
Don't look down
I'm by your side
Won't back down
You wanted a hero tonight
Made Of Steel' by Our Lady Peace

Where's the bloodrat?

He'll be here Xander. Or rather, he'd better be here.

I still don't see why we need him, at all.

Buffy sighed and leant up against one of the stacks. Her and Xander had been desperately searching through books up until about half-an-hour ago when they'd given up. Then the sun had started to go down and people had started to arrive. Now the only two missing were Oz and Spike.

Because we have no idea how strong this thing is going to be, and I might need back-up.

So take Kendra. Or one of us. You can't be saying that it would be safer taking him than us?

Safer for you guys. Kinda.. Seeing as you will be fighting Angelus.

Hmm. Not seeing the logic here Buffy.

Do you think Vampire's have watches? Buffy asked hastily.

What? Oh. Dunno. Though it would be good for my thriving black market business if they did. Stake one, steal his watch...

Okay, it sounded more dangerous than non existent'.

He must have a stake-wish. I hope he does know he's late. And that he's panicking.

Doubt it Buff. Unless some giant white Harvey-style rabbit is chasing him informing him of the fact. I'd be panicking.

Hmm. I don't really care, Xander. Its just that we need all of the group on board. Even if Spike's not part of the gang, it would be stupid to go in one man down.

***

Willow curled up in the Library chair and pushed her head further into the book. If anyone had been paying attention it would be obvious that she was not reading, her nose was almost touching the pages, but they weren't. Giles was flitting around collecting weapons and books from obscure parts of the Library, being dogged by Kendra who on occasion shot questions at him. Buffy and Xander were up in the stacks and Cordelia was staring boredly, her eyes only half open, at a book in front of her. While Buffy seemed to be annoyed by the absence of Spike, no-one had asked yet about Oz.

It was hard for Willow not to think about her boyfriend, even if they were teetering on the edge of two apocalypses. She didn't think that she had been dumped, but she didn't really understand. And that was the problem. Why couldn't she understand Oz? Was she so... defective? The things that he had told her made her worry for him, but there was no way that she'd be able to talk to him again tonight. He seemed to have made up his mind that they needed a break from each other. Fine.

Buffy, I think we should start the meeting now. If Spike's coming he'll be here. Giles called in the direction of Buffy and Xander's voices, breaking Willow from her inner monologue. Slowly the two friends poked their heads around a stack.

All right Giles. Buffy replied, before muttering rather audibly, Damn Vampire.

Cordelia slammed her books shut with obvious relish and sighed, as Xander slid into a seat next to her, their hands immediately intertwining.

Each member of the gang found a seat and used it except for Kendra and Giles. Giles stood at the head of the table with Kendra just behind. Perhaps it wasn't polite to sit when someone stood where she was from. Who knows? Everyone looked towards Giles. He blinked several times, removed his glasses, cleaned them, and placed them back on just as he started to speak.

The allegorical beast--Kakeaner--as we aptly dubbed him, has been relentless in its, uh, pursuit of death. This morning three teenagers were found in the woods.

Willow questioned.

I'm afraid so. Their deaths, though tragic, do show us that the beast is still in the forest... and therefore easier to find than if... Giles paused and considered.

He was not? Xander supplied.

Well, yes. As you all know Buffy--we have decided to split into two groups. One to conquer Kakeaner and the other, Angelus. There will be a Slayer in each group and..uh..

Buffy stood and took over the floor authoritatively, Kendra quirked an eyebrow but stayed silent. It was becoming apparent that this girl was not the same one that she had met a few months ago, intent on saving her boyfriend. She was now a killer, a true Slayer. And all Kendra's worries about killing the once loved Vampire disappeared.

And you guys all know your jobs. Xander and Cordelia, stick close to Kendra, stake as many Vamps as possible but don't go for Angelus or Drusilla... Leave them to the Slayer. Willow, you're here casting spells. Giles will be on Angelus duty which leaves Spike and I kicking immaterial ass. Assuming he ever turns up.

Wait.. Buff, we're doing this tonight?

You can think of a better time?

Oh, how about when we're... prepared!

Xander. You are. Buffy glanced at the whole group and said with certainty, You all are. You can do this. I have faith in you.

Faith: belief in the unbelievable. Nice. But Mr Motivator speech aside Buffy, I still think we should wait... I mean, we have school tomorrow and everything.

The longer we wait the more people who die.

Call me selfish, but if we go now the dead people could be us.

No one is going to die if we act now. Buffy stated, Xander began to argue again but she shot him a glare, No one. There will be no dead people here.

The door to the Library smashed open and in strode Spike. He seemed perfectly unaware of the noise he made or the stares he was getting. His gaze only focusing on the Slayer. The blonde Slayer that is. He walked over to her as if he was about to say something, but instead just stared.

Its nice to have an exception to prove the rule.. Xander commented quietly.

What are you looking at, Spike? And why are you late?

Didn't give me a time luv.

Ugh.. Have you been drinking? She questioned with a disgusted expression, then added as an afterthought, Don't call me

If Spike had been about to make an apology all words were stilled in his throat by the stake suddenly being pressed to his chest. In truth he probably was just about to make another smart-assed comment and drag out the time again anyway. Kendra glared up at the Vampire and pushed the stake a little further into his clothes.

What's with the wannabe, Slayer? he finally managed to say.

Buffy considered saving Spike for a second, but at least having a stake jabbed to his heart was making him a little more serious. A little. She leant up against the table, facing Spike and away from the majority of the group who seemed to be watching with interest.

She's the real deal Spike, another Slayer, don't you remember? Church, Angel, organ? Buffy made a squishing motion with her hands and enjoyed the look that crossed Spike's face.

Should I stake him now, Buffy? Have you got the information you require?

Oh, Kendra, this is Spike. I'll be fighting Kakeaner with him while you kill Angelus.

But he is a Vampire. I fought with him the last time I was here. He is evil.

All true, but we made a.... a kind of deal. He's strong, in an annoying kind of way.. and he's expendable.

Kendra withdrew the stake hesitantly, her eyes never leaving the Vampire. He might be helping' now, but there had to be some other reason behind it. Maybe she was wrong about Buffy's maturation, she'd watch this Vampire.

I suppose so... she agreed reluctantly, And afterwards you'll stake him?

Vampire standing right here. Spike waved his hands, Besides. Stake me? In her dreams.

Oh. Poor Spike. Don't be disappointed, but I never dream of you.

Like hell--

As exciting as this all is. Slaying. Big Evil. Apocalypse. So maybe you two can save the Jerry Springer audition for later--and what the hell have you done to your hair? Cordelia intervened, the last comment winning her a bearing of teeth from Spike, but it pulled both fake blonde's out of insult mode.

Yeah. Whatever. Buffy mumbled softly before addressing the group again, So we attack in two groups while Willow casts the spell... Giles, we need to know more about this...

The spell? Well, its fairly simple. I'll give you one talisman from a pair and you'll take it out on your hunt for the beast. Willow will keep the other one and cast the spell around it. As they are twins your talisman will also be affected and you just need to.. throw it.. he punctuated this with a throwing motion, ..at the beast and that should make it... fightable.

Why can't she just cast the spell on it now and then help out you guys?

Because the spell has to be active as the talisman touches the beast. She has to be casting it at the time.

How will we know when its active?

It will...uh...glow.

So... Wait... The Slayer kept me from leaving town to fight some woodland animal that dies from having shiny rocks thrown at it? How have you been training this girl Watcher?

As it is hardly your concern Spike, and you clearly don't know what you're talking about I suggest you shut up.

Ah-ha, testy--

Spike, shut up. The talisman doesn't kill it, it just makes it material so that we can fight it. That is where you come in. Buffy explained.

Its so nice to be needed. So while we're frolicking in the woods the other bint will be killing Angelus will she?

Spike stayed strangely silent, but there was an obvious look of disbelief on his features. It was lucky that most of the group did not care what the Vampire thought or said, but Buffy picked up on it. She'd talk to him. Talk to him about what? His manners? It wasn't as if he was sticking around long enough for it to matter. Or for him to care. Maybe she'd just stake him after the battle, like Kendra had suggested.

After a moment of silence from the group Cordelia and Xander leant in to whisper to each other and other private conversations sprouted up around the room. Spike and Buffy observed it all in quip-free silence for only a moment before...

You name the demon all by yourself Slayer?

Giles named it, actually.

Figures. Evil man. he snorted.

Just... shut up.

Great come back. Practice that at home did you?

Actually I practice punching you in the face, but seeing as I need to exploit you I don't think it would be a good idea.

Exploit me? Interesting choice of works... Come on Slayer, one little hit won't hurt. You know you want to.

You're sick Spike. You want me to hit you?

What can I say? It-- Her fist connected with his face with a satisfying smack, she smirked but he barely jerked away, instead continuing to speak --turns me on.

Buffy looked disgusted.

Spike licked his lips suggestively, teasing her a little more before becoming serious. Enough foreplay, Slayer... Grab your weapons and lets go.

Its what you wanted, right?

Well....Yeah. Yes. Okay. Is now a good time Giles?

What? Oh, as good as any Buffy. Giles said, pulling out of a conversation with Kendra.

Is everyone else ready?

We'll leave a little after you... get Willow set up and everything first.

Buffy nodded and disappeared into the cage and started rifling through weapons with heavy clinking noises. Giles bent in to talk to Willow who had been strangely silent for a while now. A battle axe slid out of the cage and across the floor dangerously just before Buffy appeared again.

What do you want, Spike?

Don't need any weapons.

I thought they made you feel all manly?

There are other things that make--

All right! Geeze. Lets go already! Buffy almost shouted as she picked up the axe from the floor. Spike nodded, wisely not saying anything and just turning towards the door.

Uh, Buffy, wait. Giles intervened, straightening and walking over to her. He pulled a circle of clay from his pocket, smaller than the palm of his hand and with a symbol stamped onto it, This is the talisman.

Thanks Giles. Buffy glanced at the group, Good luck everyone... then specifically to Kendra, Take care of them..

I shall.

You up to it Willow? Willow, where's Oz? Buffy asked, the two questions coming in quick succession as she realised the usually silent boy was missing.

Uh...he's just... Late. I'll call him.

Good. Everyone meet up here afterwards! Buffy called, barely listening to Willow's answer as she walked towards the door. Her last words were shouted before she exited after Spike.

Silence descended upon the room as each friend looked at each other. They were left without their leader and frankly, it was frightening. Somehow they knew that they should be moving, but none wanted be the first to say it. Slowly Willow rose from her seat and said softly,

I'll call Oz.

(Author's Note: No need to say anything. Self-Flagellating now. Thanks for all the reviews people.)