Epilogue --In All the Old Familiar Places

The rain that had been hiding behind the desert heat of the Santa Ana's had finally quit threatening and started to drench the city. The sun wasn't going to show itself today. I could hear the downpour beating on the roof and the cold air blowing through the ruined front of the club. I looked around at the tattered remains of our little army. There weren't too many left standing. Half a dozen demons and vampires stood in stunned knots, too numb to gossip, too tired to move.

Anyanka's fragrance wrapped around me, a scent of lilies and exotic spice, I've got to go now, Xander.

Anya, stay. Please.

She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling. You know I can't, lover. She touched my lips with her fingertips and purred, I'll be seeing you, though.

I crushed her tight in my arms, and she kissed me like there'd be no tomorrow.
When I opened my eyes, she was gone, as though she'd never been there. I'd seen her true face, now. I knew what she was. Deadly, beautiful Anyanka. I was a lucky man to have known her. I'd be luckier still if I could get her back. I knew one thing for sure, I'd keep trying.

Dawn was wrapped in the strong arms of her sister, this time with her mind released from its prison and restored to sanity. Buffy was happier than I'd ever seen her. The sisters walked out of the rubble of the ruined nightclub and out into the pounding rain toward the cars.

Spike looked around at the mess that was all that remained of the ballroom and began to laugh. A big gut-busting laugh. He slapped my back affably, still snorting with laughter.
Well, by damn, we had us a fine old time, didn't we? I'm blowed if I know what happened, but it was a helluva thing.

I laughed a while too. What else are you gonna do? Let's scram before the flatties get here.

We gathered up our merry band and faded. Me, to a tall stack of wheats and a damn fine cup of coffee at the Nighthawk cafe. The others, back to that shady side of town reserved for them.

I don't know what the hell we ran into tonight, but we all got off easy. Sometimes you don't know if you've won or lost, but I think, with a little help from Luck or Fate or whatever you call it, we scored one on the side of good. Sometimes you get lucky. That's they way it is when demons are your business.


the end

AN: Coming Attractions: Harmony Kendall is being blackmailed. Or is she? Spike goes after a Zombie Master and gets more than he bargained for. Xander Harris: Private Investigator takes on the case of the Dangerous Curves