Of course then some vigorous debate ensued on how to get there. I mean not short of options here. Road and good old British Airways, vengeance demon powered wish travel, and spells. Don't like magic much. Always wanted to try a window seat, plus duty-frees. After the last couple of hours I'm almost out of fags, and in dire need of a good smoke.

I got overruled. Get the speed factor - it's the risk of being turned into a stink beetle bit I've never been keen on. Dru did it once playing with the mojo. Not one of the best weeks I've ever had.

The shaman refused to travel by wish. Mother wouldn't approve. So spells it was. Isn't that always the way.

I get the day-pacs out of the landrover - seem to have been allotted sherpa duty in this scenario. Shaman gets with the chanting - and presto perfectly camouflaged landrover. More chanting - synchronised with Giles this time - and some sparkly powder and presto Magic Box.

It was empty of people and looked like a vandal horde had been through it. So that accounts for Willow and Buffy.

Giles and Anya shot up the stairs to see what of the heavy stuff had gone. Shaman did some meditating stuff. I checked out the weapons. Picked up a few throwing knives in case I need distance. Wish I had the shotgun here. Giles really has to bring the weapons chest into the 20th century at least. Not asking for the 21st. Added a nice axe, grabbed the last bag of blood in the small fridge. Hit the spot. It was old, but I'm gonna need to be in full control, and don't know when I'll eat again. Really don't want to have to kill the witch, especially after the last few hours, but might have to. Ironic much huh?

Giles and Anya came down looking well pissed off. They were also carrying some powders, amulets and books. Books - what a surprise. It was - most of them seemed to have lost the words from the vellum. Take it that is not good, judging by their faces. If it were just Anya I might think she was just pissed off about losing valuable merchandise, but both she and the watcher looked a bit scared, as well as determined. A scared vengeance demon - now I am officially, as Buffy would say, wigged.

Shaman looks up. "I have found the dark witch. She has a great deal of her own power, but also that of another. One as dark but more controlled."

"Rack, gotta be."

Giles starts at the name. "He's here?"

"You know him? Must be. Red got in with him. Did something to her. She got totally off her head and bust Nibblet's arm."

"Nobody told me Rack was involved. I would have come... no, I couldn't - but I would have ensured he was dealt with. Anya? Why didn't you tell me about him."

"Xander never told me. Nobody ever criticises perfect Willow to the ex- demon. No its all Willow is addicted, poor Willow, we have to help her not call her on stealing our memories or anything."

"Know how you feel luv. Couldn't do anything myself - human. Tried to warn Buffy - but same story as you pet. How do you know him."

"He was an acolyte of Ethan for a while after I left him. Was into mind trip magic rather than power. Bad stuff, damages the users and opens them to worse. Not like real magic, that's not addicting - that's rot. Willow already opened that door in herself in re-souling Angel. I told myself her natural sweetness could stop her sliding into darkness. I was deluding myself. The rot was already there. We've all seen it. Or been blinded. Should have stopped it when she threatened me."

"Umm.how are going to do that now?" Enquiring minds wanna know.

Anya starts putting amulets round our necks. "These are protective against black magic, but allow protective and healing spells on the users. Very valuable - don't damage them."

"Samuel, are you ready?" He was, and starting making motions and yet more bloody chants. If I hear much more chanting I'm going to think I'm a monk - and lets face it - not exactly suited for that as a lifestyle.

Once this was finished Giles picked up his crossbow, and a sword. Anya was packing the powders which apparently stunned, confused and induced sleep. She was also carrying a blindfold, chains and a ball-gag. Mm hadn't noticed any toys in the basement, must keep 'em upstairs. Plus she gave us the how to make effective wishes to vengeance demons lecture - so they don't result in your own painful and protracted demise. Precision is the key apparently.

Rupert and I looked at each other and almost simultaneously said, "Once more unto the breach dear friends".