Wow. Another request for a Spike epitaph. I'm trying a different style on this one, so don't hate me. Quotes in this bit are from 'Death of Rinaldo - Legends of Charlemagne' by Thomas Bulfinch. A part of it has been paraphrased into something that fits more with the theme. Original version printed on bottom.

This is kinda Spuffyish. If this isn't what you had in mind, feel free to complain.

Reviews, as always, most welcome!

-----
Epitaph - Redemption


Buffy voiceover: "I perceived him as fallen into great sin, and have broken the words we entrust, but mercy is greater than sin; and if he repents from his heart, and lead a new life, there is yet hope for him that all will be forgiven, because what is past is past. I have also been the cause of the death of many of my friends, who took my part, not because they thought me in the right, but only for love of me. I have also held sin and shame, but my redemption will come, but his salvation is at hand."

- Three Months Before -

Spike was still dangling the amulet from his fingers, trying to test his knowledge on what tortures it could possibly move on him. Buffy was outside, enjoying her last night outside her house, on the front porch, where they had had many of their fights. Smiling a bit, he turned back to his amulet until another glint caught his eye. Reaching down, he spied Andrew's duffel bag. Rolling his eyes, he pulled out the camera. "Andrew!" he bellowed.


He heard footsteps above him that clattered down the stairs in annoying, obnoxious pounds. "Yes, Spike?"


"I thought I told you to get rid of this thing," Spike said, handing him the camcorder. "Why you keeping it anyway. You want your confession to be on hand when we finally get out of this bloody town?"


"I was hoping to interview some people who said they weren't going to make it," Andrew said, proudly ejecting a tape. "It has ten minutes left. Want to try?"


Spike glared at him. "Bloody no."


"Please?" Andrew whined. "You're the male lead hero and all male lead heroes have to say something heroic before they die, or before they think they're going to die." Andrew began squirming more. "I overheard Buffy say that you were a champion. If you die tomorrow, what would you want to say to her?"


"You have a point," Spike sighed as he set the amulet down. "All right, get on with it."


Andrew replaced the tape and lifted the camera onto his shoulder. "When you're ready."


"I'm at a loss for words," Spike replied.


"Come on," Andrew complained again. "I know you don't have thinker's block. You're just trying to shy away because you're so cool and I'm not."


"You're an annoying twit," Spike replied, nodding his head. "That's my version of a happy ending."


Andrew held the camera for a good five minutes before Spike finally caved. "All right. Turn it on."


Andrew clicked the red button.


Spike stared at the camera a moment before lifting the amulet. "You see this? You have given it to me because you trust me as a champion, as a hero. But what if I'm not what you say I am? Sure, I fought by your side for three years now, so that should count. We did have that incredible year in that we, well... it's in the past. I've moved on from that. I like the way it is now, the way it will end. You, falling asleep in my arms, trusting me to give you strength, strength you know I have to give to you.


"You've died twice. The last time I felt as though my world had died and ended, right then and there. I felt as though my entire being was useless, because I had done the one thing I should never have done before - I broke a promise to a lady. I broke my promise that I would protect her, guide her. I tried to get over it, but it's not the sort of thing you get over quickly. I love the bit. If anything happens tomorrow, you know I'll hold true to my promise, and I'll watch over her and protect her, until the end of the world.


"I know I'm a monster, but you treat me like a man, and that's more than I ever dreamt I can have from you. You have given me your heart, I can feel it at night. But I've given you my undying word and the love I have, which may hold true. I'll love you now, and then, even after death. Because I'm already dead, and you've given me a stronger hold than anything as I could have thought. You are the reason that I am what I am. You gave me my soul, you've given my salvation. Now it's time for me to finish it.


"Take care of the bit for me. Watch after Xander and Anya. Clever lady that one is. Don't let her go, Xander. Take care of her. Willow, I know you think you don't have the strength to do what you know you can, I believe in you. You can do more wonderful things if you just believe in yourself. Carry my faith with you, it will lead you to places beyond the black-eyed girl phase. Take care of the slayers. Faith, be good. You'll find your place in this world. Trust Buffy, she's died twice, she's still standing, and she's still leading. She's not luckier than us, she's earned her role. Giles, you have always been a role model for me, even though you're an annoying git from Britain and I can't stand your uptightness. You've got a good army to watch over now. They need you. All of them.


Buffy, I love you. You know I love what you are, what you stand for. Remember me when everything falls into place and you achieve your one true moment of peace. I'll be there. I promise you, I'll be there."


He glanced at Andrew, who stood there sniffling, his eyes watering. "You bloody moron," Spike growled. "Turn off the camera."


Andrew clicked it off, never taking his eyes off Spike. "You are so cool."


Footsteps sounded above as Buffy came back into the house.


"If I live, we bury that tape," Spike said as Andrew hastily packed his equipment. "Now go before she sees you and gets suspicious."


Andrew ran upstairs and out of the house.


A moment later, Buffy came down.


Standing, they stared at one another, knowing the challenges they'd have to face. Together. Tomorrow.

* * * * *
Original quote: "Friend, I perceive you have fallen into great sins, and have broken the commandments of God, but His mercy is greater than your sins; and if you repent from your heart, and lead a new life, there is yet hope for you that He will forgive you what is past."