Part VI

Buffy's Place- following week

"Hey Buff. Can I come in? Ya know as long as there's no half naked people around." Xander said with a nervous smile.

"Of course. And there's no one here but me, and I'm decent, well dressed anyway." she said with a grin.

"So."

"So."

"Um, Giles and I were talking and we thought it best if Willow went to that coven for awhile. She's been improving, but I think professional help is the way to go." he said as he sat down on the couch. Buffy following, sitting on the coffee table.

"Really? How she taking it?"

"Well, she's been indifferent to nearly everything, but Giles thinks it's best so... Besides, staying at my place ain't exactly therapeutic."

"Uh, Xander, about things with Spike. Well we sorta worked things out, which I'm sure you noticed."

"Listen Buff, you don't have to explain things to me. It's just, it caught me off guard, ya know? And, we all make mistakes. I guess everyone's allowed forgiveness, once in awhile."

"Wow. I'm impressed. That must have been hard for you to say." she said half jokingly.

"Yeah, well, me and Anya had a long discussion, well, several. I came to realize certain things. Actually did a little growing up. So, how are things between you and Deadboy Jr.?"

"Way better. And things lookin' up between you and Anya?"

"Yeah. Ya know, just takin' small steps at a time; startin' fresh.... But like Will said, time's short. We all have to realize our own mortality- or immortality for others."

Cut to Willy's Bar, Later that night....

"So, the traitor has been back for awhile now. I think it's best we make our move tonight- just in case he decides to hightail it outta here again."

"But what about the Slayer? She'll protect him."

"Don't worry. I've got a present for her."

******************

Near Spike's Crypt

"Buffy, I thought I was meeting you at your place, luv." Spike said as he swaggered towards her, lighting up a cigarette.

"I know. It's just, Dawn had a couple of friends over and they were driving me insane. And I was all like 'been there, done that.' So I called Giles, he came over, and before he could protest, I bailed."

"So, Niblet and her mates gave you a major headache, huh?" he said while smirking at her.

"Yeah, which you can personally attend to - later. Now is officially Patrol Time." she replied while walking away.

"You're right, Summers. work first, and hours of pleasure later." he said while dropping his voice seductively on the last part of the sentence.

"Well, that's one promise you won't be keeping, traitor." said a particularly large vamp.

"Ooh, goody. A little spot violence always gets me revved up for a good shag." he said nonchalantly, more to Buffy than to the vamp, who was soon followed by five other vamps.

"Spike- look, guys, if you don't wanna die, well tonight anyways, I suggest you leave (though I seriously doubt it)." she said in a defensive stance as Spike flicked away his cigarette.

"I don't know if you noticed Slayer, but you and the traitor are greatly outnumbered." he said gruffly and sneering at the both of them.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time. Now can we stop the banter and start with the fighting? I'm really looking forward to kicking your ass."

"Sure just one thing- a present from me to you." he said with a devilish smile, knowing that his gift was aimed and ready at the Slayer.

"And what's that, you incredibly, stupid git." Spike retorted, getting quite annoyed at all of the pointless banter. It only worked if both parties were interesting, and those blokes surely weren't.

"Well, your gift is..."

Buffy felt something puncture her neck, and her entire body went limp. She collapsed to the ground. Spike dropped beside her and pulled the dart out of her neck. While he was distracted, four of the vamps picked him up and held him upright. The other two went to the incapacitated, yet fully conscious slayer.

"You bloody bastards! If you hurt her I'll-"

"You are in no position to threaten anyone. Besides, we didn't come for her. The only thing the drug did was immobilize her. But she'll be ' up and kicking' in an hour or two. You on the other hand..." he took an overly dramatic pause to crack his knuckles. "will be reduced to a pile of ash. See, I wanted the slayer fully aware of what was going to happen to you. Her pain is a lot more rewarding than actually killing her. Besides, killing demons is her job, not yours. You have a blatant disregard of the number one demon rule- to not kill other demons. So, you must be disposed of immediately; well, not exactly immediately. Gonna bet you to a bloodly pulp, first. Oh, and if you try to escape, my guys over there will take a sampling of that wondrous slayer blood."

Spike knew he was in a bind. No one was gonna come for them. It was truly the end.

"Right, then. But uh, you mind fulfilling any last requests I might have mate?"

"Depends."

"Well, could ya just torture me and not dust me?" he just glared at Spike.

"Didn't think so. Could you give my chain and coat to the Slayer? I'd rather not have them be dust, at least." he gave Spike a nod and two of his minions started to remove said items and tossed them on the ground. Then the larger one and two of the four that was holding Spike beat on him relentlessly. Buffy was forced to watch in horror. Her body couldn't obey her brains commands to fight back. She couldn't even move her lips to voice her protest. The situation was hopeless. A deluge of tears silently made its way from her eyes down her cheeks.

Spike didn't mind the beating. Hell he went one on one with a Hell god. But it was Buffy's pain that hurt him the most. But after awhile, he couldn't see ot of either eye. The end was coming. Buffy thought she might throw up at watching the horrific scene before her. First, it was just your typical beating. Then they brought out a special black bag filled with goodies of holy water and sharp knives. But Spike refused to give them the pleasure of screaming. All that came from him was the occasional grunt or moan of pain. Then it stopped.

"I must say that was fun. But, see you in hell, Spike. Hope ya like it."

With his last strength, he said, "Fuck you, pillock." and then he was dust.

TBC