DISCLAIMER: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know the drill, anyone appearing on or mentioned on BtVS are ME's. New characters introduced here are mine.

SUMMARY: Evil attacks. Angst much? It's Xander's turn...

WARNINGS: Language, slanguage and general wackiness!

____________________________________________________________

Love And Darkness And My Crossbow

by Eris © 2002 -- All rights reserved.

Chapter Three: Brushed By Shadow

The next afternoon at the Magic Box. "Well, Xander and I didn't find anything of substance in the cemetery that could lead us to a demony suspect yet but we're not exactly "CSI" with all the lovely forensic equipment and great medical dialogue writers." Buffy quipped.

"Too bad none of us woke up color blind and naked on an island off the coast of Seattle this morning. That "John Doe" guy makes "MacGyver" look like a double D." Willow offered.

"I think I've checked every book here twice and I haven't seen anything remotely like him." Xander moaned exhausted, "We really need to finish that demon identification database." He said without thinking.

"Xander." Buffy chastised.

He had forgotten. How could he have been so stupid, "Oh, right, no hurry." He jumped up, "I'll just get the rest of the books from the store room and drop them on my tongue repeatedly on the trip back."

But Willow felt their uneasiness, "It's okay guys. You don't have to tippytoe around it. It's my bad. I haven't been pulling my weight with that project," she waxed nostalgic. She and Tara had decided to make an easily accessible database to try and make the long nights of being buried under books a thing of the past. But they had stopped work on it when they broke up and Willow didn't have the heart to look at the undertaking since, "I think I can do it now... again." She breathed.

"S'okay, Wil, take you're time." Buffy encouraged gently. "Tried and true method works wonders so far."

Xander looked at his watch anxiously, "When is Anya getting back?"

"Didn't say," Buffy replied, "but you know it'll be STDP."

Xander quirked and eyebrow at her.

"Sooner Than Demonly Possible, as God forbid, one of us idiot children might lose a sale," they looked around the customer lite shop, "or file a receipt out of numerical order."

"As if." Willow chuckled, "Oooo, good idea," she sat up from her reclining position among the books, "maybe I should de-alphabetize her filing cabinet. That should be good for at least a thirty minute spin."

Xander turned and raised his hands, "Uh, no, see, that would be bad," he gestured, "cause then I'd have to stay here, which would not only piss me off -- infinity, but make me late for my date again and you don't know what I had to do to convince Shayla I didn't just blow her off the other night. I've spent over half my paycheck on flowers and cards."

"Sweet." Buffy uttered.

"Yeah well, for penny pinching purposes, we just better make sure nothing happens tonight. I stand her up again and even Payday Man's bounty plus Anya's Swiss chocolate savings won't be enough to make it up to her a second time." Xander slapped his hands to his head, "Oh God, I just had a horrible thought! What happens if something happens and I don't make it and Shayla does the wish thing. I'm toast. I'd be Cajun toast. Anya'd get her revenge on me. She could do anything to me. Buffy you gotta help me. Make things all right."

"Poof, things are all right." Buffy quipped.

"I'm serious," Xander sweated and began to pace, "I've gotta make this date tonight."

At that moment Anya teleported into the shop. "Oh, thank the Gods you're all here."

"Anya, you left us here to watch the shop where else would we be?" reminded Buffy.

"Right." She replied but her mind was a million dimensions away.

Buffy folded her arms and tilted her head. "Are you okay?"

"No, I am definitely not okay. My family is being picked off. D'Hoffryn is beside himself," she turned to Willow and in a calm tone said, "Oh, Willow he said to say a big hello to you," then resumed her anxiety attack, "we're in serious trouble. *I* am in serious trouble. I-I could be next. I don't want to die," she whined holding herself tight and chewing on her thumb nail.

Attempting to ignore the dramatics she put her hands on her hips and shifted back and forth in thought. "Any leads?" she asked.

"No, nothing. Whoever is responsible isn't showing up on mystical radar. So, that means they are either a total fucking amateur or a triple really big in the big bad department of Evil-Mart."

"Great," Xander clapped his hands, "this is just fascinating but I'll see everyone later," he announced terribly eager to leave before anything bad happened.

"Wait, where are you going?" Anya whined.

"Anya, we've already been through this, I have a date tonight. Thus, I am *going* on my date."

"A date? You can't go on a date now," she wobbled, "my life is in danger."

"Uh, can and will," he affirmed.

"That's right, leave me in my time of need," she groused. "Oh, wait, that's what you do."

Xander suppressed the urge to throttle her, "See, I told you," he said to Buffy. "Didn't I tell you?"

"You told us." She affirmed.

He then focused his attentions back to Anya affixing his best diplomatic face and said, "An, what purpose could my hanging here possibly serve, other than to add sugar to your bowl of Gloaty-Os?" she was about to debate him when he raised his arms and continued, "If, on the off chance Mister Big Bad Undetectable just happens to stroll in here wanting to wear your entrails as a stylish new hat, what could I do? Oh, let me see... cower in the corner and watch you die? My being here wouldn't make an ounce of difference to something that powerful. Buffy is the Slayer, slaying is her job."

"It's not just a job it's a birthright." She beamed.

He shot her a sideways glance and gritted his teeth, "She and Wil will protect you--"

"Hey, whoa, don't bring me into this." Willow sounded.

He shot her evil eye, "Again with the not helping."

She bit her lip affecting an air of innocence, "Sorry."

Anya opened her mouth to protest but Xander gave her a stern look and held up his fingers, she stayed silent. He began to back out of the shop. She moved again to speak and they repeated the motions over again. Xander opened the front door, "I'm leaving now," he said, "see everyone tonight," and made his grand exit.

"Dick." Anya muttered under her breath and went back to chewing her nails.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rue stood in the living room of the Summers' house. She stared at the couch. "Something bad happened here. On that couch." She said to the air. She didn't know what, but she could see the end result. The woman lying there quietly. "This is her picture." She continued moving to the mantle, "Ah. What was her name? Can't be that long." she nodded sympathetic. "I'm sorry. You could have said something it's not like this is new or I wouldn't see it. Did surprise me though, upstairs." She moved out onto the front porch, "I'm not understanding everything." She sat on the stoop, "Things are so different here. It's like floating in a dream most of the time." She paused and scratched her eyebrow, "I still don't understand why. It makes no sense. What I did... I should be dead." She hung her head then snapped it up and stared intently into the air. "So many others ... innocents." She flinched and frowned, "Yes. Yes, I trust you. I-I just need... more help." Her ears pricked as she caught the sounds of Dawn and Janice coming down the street from school.

She spied Rue on the stoop and waved. They said their byes and Janice made for her house as Dawn bounced up the walk. "Hi." She said flopping down beside her.

"Hello."

"Whatcha doing?"

"Waiting." Rue replied.

"For what?"

"Willow."

"Sounds like fun." Dawn said sarcastically, "Were you here all day again?"

"Yes."

"How come you don't go to school with Willow?"

"Willow said to stay." Rue said simply.

"You do everything she says?"

"Yes."

"You're weird." Dawn remarked shaking her head, then blurted out, "Where'd you get the nickname Rue from?" but before the girl could answer she continued, "I don't like it. It doesn't suit you. I like Becca better."

She smiled softly and looked at her feet.

"What?" Dawn quirked an eyebrow.

"S'what my family called me."

"Called? Are they gone?" she asked truly interested.

"For some time now."

"Our mom's gone too," she offered openly resting her chin on her knuckles, "I miss her a lot. She died of a brain cancer two years ago. What happened to your family?"

Rue scratched at her eyebrow, she hadn't spoken of it she didn't think ever. "M-my Dad died in a car accident when I was six. Mom miscarried. She never remarried... or found anyone else. I don't have any other siblings. She died... was killed when I was twelve." Her face grew dark, "Demons."

"Sorry."

"S'okay. Sorry about you're Mom too."

They sat quiet for a moment then Dawn continued, "Did you have anyone to take care of you?"

She shook her head no, and stared at the step then, voice quavering slightly replied, "I was alone for about three years. It was scary but then I was rescued."

"Being alone is terrible, I didn't know what to do after Mom died, then Buffy. I thought I'd end up in foster care for sure but Willow and Tara took care of me till we got Buffy back."

"Back?" Rue echoed leaning in.

"Oh yeah," Dawn relayed animatedly, "Wil did this amazing spell and it called for the spirit of the Slayer to return and she did, but--"

"Slayer?!" Rue said suddenly agitated taking Dawn by the arm, "Buffy's the Slayer?"

"Well, yeah," she nodded, "Willow didn't mention it?"

Rue shook her head, no.

"Guess she figured you knew being a werewolf and all." Dawn didn't think twice about it, "Most of the time it's pretty kewl but sometimes she takes it way too psycho serious like her shit don't stink." The words popped out before she could stop them, "Oops, you won't tell her I swore? I don't wanna sit through that seminar again."

Rue shook her head, no.

"Thanks." A new thought popped into her head, "Hey, can you fight? I mean, like now, when you're not all wolfy?"

"Yeah."

"Kewl! Buffy said she'd teach me but so far she hasn't shown me much. Maybe you could teach me?"

"I dunno." At that moment Dawn's cell phone rang. She dug it out of her backpack and answered it.

While Dawn was engaged Rue closed her eyes and chewed her lip attempting to mull over everything she had just learned from the girl. Things were so different, she was totally not prepared for this.

"Okay." Dawn finished then turned and held out the phone to her companion, "That was Buffy she wants us to meet them at the Magic Box. She's putting Wil on for you."

* * * * * * * * * *

Bthozopth'Thtrop'thyek had been a very busy demon, two more vengeance demons were eliminated and after some insidious persuasion and a bit of flash and fancy, Cranston Silvermane was lulled back into his sense of supremacy over his unwilling slave. He now possessed the additional powers of strength and speed to occupy his time plus three new suits hung his larder. Things were falling into place for Bthozopth and tonight he would make his move for release. Again he called forth the shadows. Twisting and turning they transformed from the gloom towards the demon. "We have work this night. Go. Seek out the girl."

Downtown Sunnydale, a night like any other... and that's saying a lot for a town built over a Hellmouth. People mixed and mingled casually going about their business under the bright winter's moon. But evil things were a foot, literally. An unseen black shadowy mist snaked close to the ground spreading methodically throughout the town. It melted into the grass, into the ground and the pavement. Where it disappeared dark bubbles roiled up and erupted leaving small creatures. Things resembling insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, and then some, began to crawl, slither, and flutter about. The demon fanned itself out pushing his senses to encompass the city. His limitations on this plane were being tested. Where? Where was she? Then he felt it. A vibration, a pinpoint of power within the spectrum. He honed his senses to the pulsation. There. Yes. Contact. Thus the retrieval process began. That which came forth of the true demon to quest now set about feeding on whatever they came into contact with fulfilling their objective by nourishing the demon.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Come on Becca, you said you'd teach me." Dawn badgered pulling at her sleeve on their way to the Magic Box.

"No," she clarified, "I said *I* could fight."

"Pleeeeease?" she whined.

"It's up to you're sister."

"That is sooo not fair," she protested. The waxing moon shone bright as they walked, all of a sudden something skittered across their path, it looked like a big rat. Another appeared then another and another. "Look, what's that?" They observed a group of funny, fuzzy, feathery beasties bobble their way towards them. Pushing and shoving each other they fell about like little stooges. "They look like Muppet Babies." Dawn laughed all wide happy faced. She bent down to touch one but Rue grabbed her arm.

"Careful," she warned, "appearances can be deceiving." And peered about suspiciously sniffing the air.

"Aw, but they're so cute," she remarked pulling free and touching one any way, "it's so soft." She picked it up and stroked it like a kitten. "Hello." She cooed at it. It wiggled and squirmed gleefully in her hands. More began to arrive swarming around her feet desirous to be picked up too.

"Put it down and let's go." Rue said warily.

"But--"

"Now." She commanded giving the girl a hard push forward.

But as Dawn went to lower the creature to the ground its eyes began to glow green and it abruptly turned and bit her in the soft flesh between her thumb and forefinger. "OW!" she yelped flipping her hand and shaking it but the creature held fast.

Rue moved in and tried to pry it loose but it was firmly embedded in the skin.

"Get it off!" Dawn panicked.

"I'm trying." Rue answered yanking at the little thing's mouth but it wouldn't budge.

The demeanor of the ones on the ground was changing too. Where once they played and prodded one another standing up on their hind legs begging to be picked up, they now growled and fought and began to attack the girls' boots nipping and clutching trying to climb up their pants legs forcing them to kick at them to keep them at bay.

"Becca please! Ahhh, it's hurting." Dawn pleaded biting her lip and jumping up and down to control the pain.

But she couldn't get the little teeth to release without taking the huge hunk of flesh from Dawn's hand. Her mind raced searching for a solution, "I think I've got something it won't like," she grumbled. Reaching into her duster pocket she produced a butane lighter, "Hold very still." She instructed and struck the lighter. A flame erupted like a mini blow torch and she grabbed the body of the critter and gave it a good tug. Dawn winced. Placing the flame under its chin, it squealed and screeched then finally released its grip with a huge shriek. Rue tossed the beastie as far as she could and pushed the girl to a quick step. As they moved she examined the wound. "Let it bleed free a bit then put pressure on it." Again reaching into her pockets Rue pulled out a bandanna to wrap around the bite till they could get it attended to properly.

The creatures were everywhere now seemingly drawn to them like a magnet. Rue held Dawn's shoulders and steered her down the sidewalk to steady her for fear of falling as the demons were purposely under foot. All of a sudden something hit Dawn in the head, she squawked and began slapping at herself. The frenzied things were launching themselves from the trees and anything else they could climb up on. Rue slapped at them pulling them off along with some handfuls of hair. This was getting serious. She peeled off her duster and draped it over Dawn for protection as they bolted down the walk jerkily fighting the pursuing horde. The Magic Box was not far but it might as well have been miles away the way these little brutes were coming at them.

The hunters were relentless, like a pack of hounds to fox multiplying by leaps and bounds as they ran full out, finally, safety, they thought reaching the block of the shop, but Dawn and Rue were stopped dead in their tracks, the sheer numbers awaiting them left them open mouthed. The sight was overwhelming, the demon spawn carpeted the street near knee deep clinging to every bench, light pole and sign post like a plague of locusts. Rue desperately tried some of the car and shop doors hoping for quick shelter but no such luck. The beasties were feverishly closing in the ranks from behind, it was a trap, they were surrounded. Glimpsing the lights on at the Magic Box and no back tracking, they had no choice but to press on. Wading through the biting, clawing monsters Dawn began calling out for Buffy hoping against hope to get her attention and some extremely crucial back-up.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Scoobies were quietly buried in their ancient tomes glossing over countless bits of information when it began. The bell on the door chimed, again, then again and again. The shop door slammed, time and time again, customers had entered or so they thought; Anya hoped, but they were noisy, agitated, not normal. This caught Buffy's attention but it was Anya who rushed to their service. "Welcome to the Magic Box, can I be of assistance?"

"Outside, there are things filling up the street outside." A frightened lady said shakily pointing.

"Things?" Anya echoed with a bemused smile.

"Yes. Look." A man holding his young son pointed.

Buffy crossed over to the entrance and peered out the glass cautiously, she then opened the door and went outside. "What the?" Weird little creatures skittled about the sidewalk and street. They appeared to be sniffing the air, laughing and giggling as they bandied about. Anya and Willow joined her out front.

"Well, this is new." Anya announced with irritating flair.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Buffy asked.

Wil began, "They look like--"

"--Evil mini Muppets." Buffy finished.

Anya quirked an eyebrow, "What's a Muppet?" but they ignored her.

"Anyone else getting that evil bodey ominousy vibe?" Wil hoped surveying the block.

"Hello," Anya persisted, "cultural reference clue for the needy. What is a Muppet?"

As they watched, a few steadily became more, and more became, 'Whoa, that's a lot.' The amused giggles of pedestrians on the block abruptly changed to alarmed yells, screams and frantic running about in panic as the funny, fuzzy, muppety, jesters suddenly became violent, needle-toothed, glowing- eyed, gremlins of death.

"Oh Gods." Anya began to freak, "They're here to kill me."

"I doubt that." Buffy tried to calm her but the number of creatures continued to grow. "Inside, now." She commanded. Trailing the two she kicked at the green-eyed demons trying to clear them from the doorway behind her. They hissed and bit at her ankles as they tried to enter the shop and she was forced to clip one with the door to close it.

"Hey," Anya protested, "watch the monster shavings, I just had the floors waxed."

The group watched as the frenzy outside heightened. "An, Wil, we need to... 'work the books'," she hinted cryptic motioning with her head at the refugees and customers now gathered at the window.

Anya stepped up, "Ah, folks, may I have your attention? It appears we have an emergency situation outside. As owner of this shop, I will need you to move to the safest part of the store. This is for your own protection and to prevent anyone from suing me should you be eaten alive by those things as my insurance does not cover demonic infestation."

"ANYA!" Buffy scolded.

"What?! It's the truth," she protested.

"No!" Buffy interjected waving her arms at the people, "Not to worry," then turned and whispered aside to Anya. "Stop scaring them." Turning again she directed a laugh towards their guests, "Just a bit of Magic Box humor, that's our Anya." Then turned again and shot daggers at the demoness.

Anya continued, "...anyway, uh, the authorities have been alerted and the situation is in hand, this is just a precaution." She hurriedly ushered the customers into the back room and securely locked them in. She glared at Buffy, "If I lose my business license for this little stunt I'll never forgive you," then changed to a more pleasant tone. "but please, continue to save my life."

Buffy cast her a sideways glance.

"What do we do next?" she asked eagerly.

"Slaying vampires is one thing but a demonic midgi-army is new territory." She looked to Willow for guidance.

"Something's up, the dark's vibrating pretty good now..."

As Buffy and Willow discussed their ors Anya stared out the window lost in her own troubled thoughts when, "Buffy, there's somebody else outside." She alerted abruptly.

She pressed her face to the glass, the silhouette was unmistakable. "Clem."

He was doing his best to navigate through the street but the rabble was dragging him down.

"I gotta help him." Buffy announced.

"You can't go out there, you'll be gnawed alive." Willow warned.

"I've got no choice. Wil." Buffy moved to the door, Willow in tow, Anya following up the rear after grabbing a broom from behind the counter. "On three," Buffy said bracing herself against the door. "Three!" And she pushed with all her Slayer strength managing to crack the door enough to squeeze through. Anya slapped at the lucky demons who raced inside with her broom sweeping the rest back out then joined Willow to help pull the door closed again.

"Clem!" Buffy called wading through the calf deep throng punching and kicking and pulling them off her. Slowly she made her way towards him.

"Buffy, what's going on? Spike and I went for ice-cream. We got separated somewhere on Hamilton. These things are everywhere."

Buffy nabbed him and they fought their way back, fought through the tearing, fought through the biting, fought through the teeth and claws and barbed spines of the evil swarm.

It took all four of them to open the door again and even greater effort to try and close and lock it once they were safely inside but finally they were able to muscle the door shut. The tide of demons was still rising. The Scoobies breathed a hard sigh of relief, Buffy and Clem were exhausted.

Buffy slid into the comfy chair of the nook to catch her breath and inspect her wounds.

Anya retrieved the first aid kit from under the counter as Willow counted the chunks taken out of Clem's meaty person.

Then Clem spoke up, "We just wanted ice-cream. They came out of nowhere. They were so cute..." He sighed, "Then, then..."

"The killing started." Buffy droned.

"We got out of there but somewhere on Hamilton, they separated us." his eyes glazed over at the memory.

Buffy's interest was piqued. "Are you saying you think they did it on purpose?"

"I'm sure something's controlling them... I think?"

"See, I told you, it sent them to kill me." Anya began to spin again but they ignored her.

Clem continued, "After they devil-dolled they herded us like cattle, down specific streets, doing the divide and conquer thingy."

"Poor Spike." She mumbled under her breath.

"I don't think they wanted him." He shook his head, "probably don't like dead flesh. Not very tasty to most predators."

"That's comforting." Willow said sarcastically.

"But me..." he held out his arms gesturing head to toe, "snack lover's dream. Just tattoo Frito-Lay on my ass." Then grinned wide at his joke.

All of a sudden a faint cry was heard from outside the shop. "BUFFY!" And again. Everyone froze, they had been so busy they'd completely forgotten.

Buffy went pale at the sound. "Dawn -- Rue." Buffy and Willow said in horror racing back to the door.

Outside Rue and Dawn were being mobbed. They had made it to the middle of the street but were hip deep in demons. It was a constant battle and they were losing, slowly being ripped to pieces. Rue pushed forward thrashing and clawing a path, her hands bloodied. Dawn clung to her side, kicking and squashing them as they labored on. She slashed and hacked at them with the athame Rue had given her but the assault was never ending. Each foot seemed an eternity though, eventually, somehow, they managed to make it to the front door of the shop.

Buffy and Clem who had struggled so hard to keep the door shut now fought feverishly to push it back open. They pushed at the door from inside as Rue strained to pull it against the weight of the mob, all the while shielding the girl and trying her best to not get her crushed against the building. Finally Buffy with Anya and Clem's extra demon might managed to wedge the door open just a bit, Willow squeezed in-between the group and Rue shoved Dawn inside to her. Willow then grabbed at her hand but she twisted loose and pulled her arm back out before the crushing weight of the demon horde on the door severed it. The door slammed shut knocking them to the ground. "BECCA!" Dawn screamed pulling away from Willow and pressing up against the door banging her fists in anger, the Scoobies, picking themselves up, watched in amazement as she disappeared under wave after wave of the beasts. "Buffy, do something!" they could see the struggle turn and move then a dark, bloody, claw fingered hand pounded against the shop window. Rue had shapeshifted but was swiftly being over powered by the sheer number of the beasts. Great yellow eyes peered inside seeking help, snarling lips pulled taught over long sharp fangs howled in anger. She turned and was gone. An instant later blood splattered the spot she had just inhabited startling the group inside, and the glass began to creak and crack under the stress threatening to shatter.

A chill went down her spine and Willow screamed, "NO!" She pushed Dawn out of the way and threw her weight at the door again and again but to no avail, 'Not again.' Her eyes began to well with tears of frustration and fear.

Buffy moved to comfort her friend putting her arm around her shoulder but Willow would have none of it.

"No," she uttered harshly choking back the tears then lowered her head and took a step back.

"Do it!" Dawn urged, "Hurry!"

"Dawn!" Buffy snapped, "No, Wil," she begged knowing full well the power needed to countermand the evil outside would full tilt boogie her magic meter past the 10 mark and deep into the dark danger zone.

"I'm not helpless, not this time," she growled raising her head to reveal her now black soulless eyes. The room grew cold and a slight wind wafted past the stunned group.

"Wil, no." Buffy cried, "Don't." But it was too late, her friend was overwrought and tapping directly into the mystical nougat center of darkness.

"Effractum." she said waving her hand. The air crackled becoming heavy, knickknacks trembled on their shelves and the front window bowed and strained in its frame then shattered as a green energy leapt forth. The door wrenched open snapping its hinges and the demon spawn began to spill in. "Discedo." Willow ordered and with a flick of her wrist the beasties, broken glass and rubble were blown back like leaves under a blower, still others began levitating in the air. As the electricity jumped about frantically they sizzled and popped out of existence with hideous echoing shrieks. She cleared a path and steadily walked out the door leaving an energy bubble in her wake to protect her friends inside. She could see the Rue-wolf thrashing about furiously, writhing like a person drowning in quicksand, the demons clinging to her. As quickly as she tore through one, two more took its place biting and chewing at her flesh, even with enhanced strength the constant assault was beginning to take its toll. Willow reached out her consciousness through the power and touched something. Something that didn't want to be touched, it took her by surprise, distracting her for but a moment till Rue howled in desperation. "DEFENDO!" she shouted creating a tremendous shock wave, it shook the ground like an earthquake. Slamming Rue to the pavement it hurled the creatures into the air like mini missiles throughout the street.

* * * * * * * * * *

Bthozopth'Thtrop'thyek blinked, his concentration suddenly broken by a shift in the mystical forces. It slapped him like a scream in the night, an unexpected surprise on this plane. Another being of dark power making itself known, interfering with his plan. He quickly shielded his presence sneering with disappointment at the setback but was quick to negate the evening a total failure. His powers had grown two fold at the hands of his spawn, yet he decided not to challenge this new opponent and squander his ill-gotten energies. He would wait, he still had time, time to try another plan to capture the girl and free himself completely of Silvermane. But he could taste her now, the modicum of essence he had harvested was sweet on his lips and he craved more. That girl would be his one way or another.

* * * * * * * * * *

The gang filed out of the Magic Box to examine the battle scene. Willow's assault had worked, the rabble were dazed and disoriented and try as they might, they couldn't penetrate the barrier but increasingly strange was that they seemed disinterested in even trying anymore.

The she-wolf lay there on the cleared street not moving.

Willow ran to her side. "Rue?" she said eyes returning to normal, touching her softly.

Dawn came running up, "Becca" she dropped to her knees next to Willow and shook her. Sickened she pulled her hand away, it was drenched in blood. She was covered top to toe in bites, scratches and deep gashes. Wil stroked the coarse canine face gently when her eyes suddenly flickered open. She involuntarily lashed out grabbing Dawn roughly, the panic and rage of the wolf not yet quelled.

Willow in return grabbed at her to release the girl.

Her yellow eyes made contact, opened wide and the fog lifted as recognition set in. She released Dawn and backed away recoiling in fear, she looked about then looked at her clawed hands. They were covered with blood and bleeding.

"Dawn, gimme the jacket." Willow demanded extending her arm.

She removed Becca's jacket and handed it to her.

Holding it out in front of her she stepped towards the trembling wolf-girl whose clothes had been shredded by the demons and the transformation. Wrapping the jacket around her shoulders Willow held her watching as she slowly morphed from wolf form back into human. The wounds beginning their healing process.

Anya and Clem had hung back near the entrance to the shop, they stared with mounting concern, "Isn't tomorrow the...?" Clem whispered to Anya pointing up.

Anya nodded her head, "Yes."

"Should she be able to...?" he continued.

Anya shrugged, "I'm no expert but, no."

Rue stared into Willow's deep green eyes, "Are you hurt?! I-I didn't hurt anyone did I?"

She shook her head, "Only demons."

A frantic look crossed her face, "Dawn?!?" she reached out her hand.

"I'm here. I'm okay." She said taking it.

She pulled her near for solace, "I can't remember w-when I change like that, the evil took hold, I only know rage an-and I need to tear stuff apart." She swiped a palm at her forehead repeatedly as if trying to wipe something off.

"Shhh." Willow hushed her holding her tight, "it's okay. You're safe." But as much as she tried to comfort her loved one she trembled inside with the mind echo of the dark force she had just encountered.

The Scoobies watched as the demon spawn who had once been so spirited began to slow almost like their batteries were running low. The ones with glowing eyes, the brilliance dimmed, then in due time ceased. One by one they all began to topple over dropping in place. Before long they oozed out a slimy, nasty substance and their beings started to liquefy. They melted into one another, into the asphalt. Their remains released a foul smelling green vapor that hung in the air like death. Rapidly they dissolved till nothing was left but a fine gray ash that played on the winds. The danger was over ... for now, but the Scoobies were left with more questions than answers.

Willow helped the dazed and confused Rue to her feet, gripping her around the waist she hoisted her up bearing her weight across her shoulders.

Dawn stepped in hugging her middle and Rue put her other arm over the girl's shoulder for support. As they steered her to the Magic Box she said weakly, "You did good, Dawn," and gave her a squeeze.

"I was sooo sacred," she admitted eyes still wide with excitement.

"Never would'a guessed," she faltered.

"That was so kewl when you hit that demon with the lighter," she began to gush, "I never heard a howl like that, an, an, oh man, the squishy noises... An when we hit the block an-and they were everywhere--I thought we were so dead. You should have seen it Willow."

"I did, Dawnie." She reminded.

Buffy looked on incredulously taking mental notes as they passed. Something was not right.

"...from this side... the cars and the doors..."

Out of the corner of her eye she caught a twinkle in the street. Buffy walked over to it, it was a knife. Must be the one she saw Dawn hacking away with. She picked it up, upon examining it a bewildered look played over her pretty face. She knew this knife. There was no way to mistake it. But how? The sounds of the Scoobies calling to her roused her from thought, "Be there in a minute," she said and carefully put the knife in her boot for later.

* * * * * * * * * *

If one could say it, and believe it, things were getting back to normal after the attack. Anya had released the folks taking shelter in the back room and in a very generous gesture, especially for Anya, had given them all complimentary crystals and a coupon for 25% off their next purchase. "Come back again." She said perkily maneuvering them through the broken glass and out the crookedly hanging door. When they were at a decent distance she crossed behind the counter and opening the back door said, "Okay, coast is clear." Willow and Clem entered carrying Rue. "Sorry, Clem, but I think they went through enough without you scaring them by, well... being you."

"Oh, I understand." He said cheerily. "You wouldn't believe how many people are frightened by floppy ears." He smiled and shook his head in goofy demonstration.

"Uh... yeah." Anya replied as she directed them to the back room. They set Rue down on the couch and Anya and Clem returned to the main room while Willow turned on the tap soaking a wash cloth in the sink.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the main shop area at the research table Buffy ordered an overly fidgety Dawn to, "Hold still," as she attempted to inspect the severity of her wounds.

"I wanna see how Becca's doing." She whined.

"Let Wil handle it, 'sides she's got rapid healing, you don't." She said trying to gauge the need for stitches but she wouldn't sit still and continued to try and pull away, "Aaa, not until we're finished." She warned.

"I'm fine." Dawn whined then screamed, "OWW!" as Buffy hit her scalp with disinfectant.

"Uh-huh, you're fine all right, a chunk the size of Rhode Island is missing from yer head but yer okay," she continued to dab with her sterile pad and make small talk. "So, what happened tonight with you and Rue?"

"Becca," Dawn corrected.

"Okay, Becca." Buffy echoed.

"Becca was amazing!" she careened down the Speedtown highway recounting the entire evening's adventure to Buffy in only a few short minutes.

Buffy listened intently attempting to find a connection, she was certain Rue was somehow involved, "So, everything was fine till you touched one?" Dawn nodded her head yes. "And Rue--" Dawn opened her mouth to correct her but Buffy did so herself "--Becca, told you not to but you did any way?"

Dawn nodded her head, yes, again.

"She never touched them?"

"Uh-uh." she shook her head, no.

* * * * * * * * * *

Clem grabbed the trash can from behind the counter and gave Anya a much needed hand with the cleanup.

"Look at this!" Anya griped not knowing where to begin with the glass, "I just had it redone from the last time. This is coming out of Willow's pocket sure as shit this time...Not paying another $800 out of profits, oh no."

Clem let her ramble.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Looks like you're Dawnie's Can-Do-No-Wrong, now." Willow said, inspecting Rue's hands for damage and cleaning away the blood with the warm wet cloth.

Rue looked at her quizzically.

"Superhero," she simplified.

She rolled her eyes, "Some superhero." then glowered ashamed to reveal, "All I could think of was getting to you, making sure *you* were safe."

Willow paused and met her gaze, "But you got *her* here safe." She smiled softly urging, "Stop with the Boo-Boo Kitty face." Then moved on to check her scalp trying to cheer her gloomy companion, "I see you care. You two have been bonding," she noted, "Becca." And playfully swiped at her nose with the cloth.

She lowered her head still troubled, "But I thought about... it. I just couldn't... I-I couldn't leave her. I'm weak."

Willow looked shocked, "No," she blurted out then crooked a finger under her chin, raised it, and kissed her gently on the lips, "you're a good person. You didn't. Don't beat yourself up. There's been enough of that tonight." She moved on to examine her legs and changed the subject, "Amazing, most of these wounds look like they've had a few days to heal even though the blood's still fresh. And the bruising's already purple here."

"I'm five by five," she offered.

Willow threw her a to worry glance. 'What an odd thing to say.' And the way she said it sent a slight chill down her spine as she handed her the wash cloth, "I think your clothes qualify as a "What Not to Wear" at this point. Let me see if we have anything." She crossed to the lockers searching for some clothing. Rummaging about she found some old sweats, maybe Xander's, or left over from Riley, but they would do for now.

Rue wiped at her bloodstained foot, "Shit, where'd my boots go?" she said noticing for the first time she was barefoot except for part of a sock.

"Probably outside ... in pieces."

She sighed, "Those were my best boots-they were my only boots but... I got them from you." She began to strip, unbuttoning what was left of her black leather pants and slowly easing them from her bruised body. She held them up, "Damn, I liked these pants," they looked worse than Swiss cheese, she threw them down in frustration, "they fit in all the right places, ya' know, like a second skin."

"Oh yeah," Willow blurted out, "I mean, better them than you." She set the sweats down for her, "Clothes are replaceable you're not."

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow exited the training room leaving Rue to dress and rest a bit longer. She spied Buffy putting the first aid kit back together and headed towards her, "Hey," she said timidly fidgeting with her hands.

"Hey." Buffy echoed eyes lowered. "Becca okay?" she asked flatly.

"Yeah, nothing a little disinfectant and a few days rest won't cure." She smiled weakly. Buffy acknowledged her but still didn't look up continuing to attend to the kit. They shared an awkward silence till Willow could stand it no longer and blurted out, "You're disappointed."

"No." Buffy rolled her eyes, "Yes. Kinda," she breathed exasperated, "it all worked out, so..." she closed the kit loudly.

Willow affected a hurt expression, "Share the mad." Willow coaxed.

"I don't know." Buffy barked.

"I think you do."

But she truly didn't know how to answer her friend without starting another fight. She was mad that she wantonly broke her promise and delved into the dark magicks even if it were for a good cause. She was especially mad that she did it for the girl. And in some warped ego maniacal way she was even kinda mad that she disobeyed the Slayer's wishes. What if things had gone the other way, all horrible and twisty? Could she have stopped it? And what if it were a trick and the dark forces overwhelmed her taking control? Could she have brought Wil back? Could she have protected everyone or would there be funerals all round come morning? She wasn't sure as she wasn't quite sure what the Hell had happened tonight. Those doubts laid heavy on her mind as well as the fact that Willow in control was a potent thing but what would be the end result of that raw dark power unfettered? In her heart this is what she feared most of all, the one day she would find out. "Okay. Truth?"

Willow nodded her head, yes.

Buffy stared angrily, "Yes, I'm angry you went all dark, Wil."

"I'm sorry. Something had to be done," she said apologetically.

"You couldn't find some other way?" Buffy sought.

"Didn't see many options being bandied about at the time and Rue's was running out," she asserted.

Buffy went silent her face still troubled.

Willow tilted her head trying to catch her eye, "I would have done the same thing if it were Dawnie."

"I know." Buffy said plainly.

"Or you."

"I know." She repeated voice slightly more gruff.

There was another awkward pause and then, "I couldn't just stand there and do nothing." She attempted to justify away her actions.

"I know." Buffy repeated voice steeped with anger now. "It's just so dangerous. We don't know what we're dealing with yet. What if that were a trap? You could have played us all directly into the Big Bad's hands."

Willow suddenly felt a wave of insecurity wash over her. She was going to tell Buffy about the dark mind she encountered, but now... if she did, Buffy would fly off into Lectureland. She couldn't deny the fact that whoever it was was extremely powerful, but for whatever reasons they didn't oppose her, just the opposite, they fled, throwing up a barrier and disconnecting when she appeared at the bad part of magic town. So, how big of a Big Bad could they be? Anya's earlier assumptions brought her no comfort and she hoped they were dealing with dabbling neophytes and not a Big Bad on the three plus side. She decided for the time being it was best to keep this information to herself, unruffle the Slayer and not to argue. She pursed her lips, sighed and fidgeted with her hands some more. "I'm sorry." She repeated tersely.

"So am I." Buffy shot back winding down becoming pensive, "I jus... don't wanna lose anyone else because we were reckless." She revealed then went silent.

Before the silence became too intense Willow said, "I didn't want to lose another someone," then looked away. Her eyes glazed over as reflection bubbled to the surface, "It was so fast," she began catching Buffy off guard, "I know there was nothing I could do but a part of me will always feel guilty. My fault, just cause I was there. And she looked at me..." she turned her head away, this was the first time she put voice to her feelings about that day to her friend. Hot tears cascaded down her face, "The way she looked at me to do something. Trusted m-" Willow's voice faltered, she cleared her throat and continued, "Trusted me to keep her safe ... and I couldn't." She halted for a moment then composed herself, wiped at her cheeks, stood up straight and faced her, voice lowered, "Tonight I could. And I did. And I'd do it again and I don't feel guilty. I won't. So go ahead, be mad. Hate me. Whatever it takes to get us beyond."

"I don't hate you, I'm scared for you." Buffy hugged her bestest buddy, "I'm scared for us all."

* * * * * * * * * *

Some time later:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Becca, we got 'em." Dawn announced gleefully as she and Clem came back inside. Flopping down next to her at the round table and handed her her boots. They looked the worse for wear, stained, ripped, nibbled upon, scratched up and through, and the front completely blown out of one.

"Thanks," she said offering up a crooked smile, "guess they're broken in now."

"We'll get you new boots, sweetie." Willow said flipping through yet another one of the numerous books stacked high on the table.

"This is my brain," Buffy said to no one in particular, "this is my brain on demon hunting," and let fall her head to the book she was reading with a loud *THUD*. "We're getting nowhere very slowly." She said into the book then raised her head, "I've cross referenced every option till my eyes've crossed. I don't know what else to look under."

"Maybe we should call Giles?" Willow offered.

"Already did. The Council were being their usual cryptic; said he was away on urgent Watcher business but would give him my message as soon as he checked back in."

In the background Becca pulled a roll of duct tape from her duster pocket and she and Dawn proceeded to duct tape her boot back together.

"I'll email him then just in case they purposely forget." Willow offered.

"Good idea."

Becca gave Dawn a black sharpie and set her to coloring the duct tape.

At that moment Spike wandered in.

"Hey, buddy!" Clem's face lit up relieved to see him and shot him a high five.

"Looks like you had yourself one Hell of a party, here," he announced noting all the damage.

"Spike, you're okay!" Dawn yelled all smiles.

"Course I am, lil' bit. Take more than a demon horde to stop the Big Bad." He boasted.

Buffy got up and crossed over to him to check him out, "So where'd you end up hiding?" she asked quietly.

He leaned in and in hushed tones replied, "Atop the roof of the Hot Diggity Dog stand." But Rue heard him and laughed out loud. "You, piss off!" he barked, "You have no idea," he waved a pointed finger at her, "those things were ravenous, all fangs, like--"

"Little vampires?" she jabbed.

"Haa!" Willow snorted.

"Nooo," he sneered at them, "more like, like... land piranhas."

She cocked her head and folded her arms across her chest.

"What?" he said suddenly self conscious under her gaze, "Don't play the saint to me." The game was on again, he lunged at her in jest, "You creep with the best of 'em." Leaning over her he raised his hands and hooked his fingers like claws, exaggerating a scowl meant to be serious but making her giggle, "How many people have you ripped to pieces with your bare hands, eh?"

"Spike." Willow said tired of his constant badgering.

He put a hand on the back of her chair and hunched down between them, "S'matter, doll, not interested in your puppy love's past?" he flashed her his pearly whites, then turned back to the shapeshifter and moved in close, "Have you told the witch? All... you're... bloody secrets?"

She leaned even closer till she was inches from his face, squinted at him and curled her lip, "Have you told Buffy?"

She called his bluff, 'no fun.' "Aaaa, why am I talking to you?" he pulled away stood up and brushed her off. 'Next.' Then moved behind Willow, bent over and leaned into her, invading her personal space. In one swift move he buried his nose in her hair and inhaled imprinting the fragrance in his mind. He then delicately pulled back the red tresses and pressed his face to her ear, she felt the cool of his skin along her jaw line as he whispered softly so enhanced ears couldn't descry, "She's feisty. Let me know when you tire of her." Then nuzzled her and bit at her earlobe.

The experience seized her body and soul, suddenly she flashed back to the night Spike tried to kill her. Buffy was away and she was at his mercy. She yelped and jumped up surprised which inadvertently set Rue off.

She felt her fear, jumped up and grabbed Spike roughly by the throat. Pulling him away she spun him towards the counter.

He laughed giddy as a schoolgirl.

"Okay, enough!" Buffy yelled leaping between and separating them, "Put the testosterone down and back away." She ordered, "Spike, go over there." She pushed him into the counter, "Becca, heal." She looked to Willow, "Wil?"

"I'm okay," she said feeling all wicked jumpy now, wringing her hands.

"Oh, come on, I didn't hurt her." Spike said, "It's just a game we play. Willow?" he appealed.

Rue glared at him still twitching to go, "You don't touch her." She stepped forward, "You wanna play, you play with me now." She growled seriously.

"Down, girl," Buffy said putting up her hands, "Wil, we need to decompress, NOW."

Willow quickly crossed over to Rue and touched her arm, "Hey, it's okay. He just startled me s'all. Come on." She tugged at her. Rue complied. Willow breathed deep calming her nerves, grabbed a stack of books in one hand and dragged Rue off with the other retiring to the nook to continue monster hunting. She pushed her into the big comfy chair, handed her a book and climbed onto her lap throwing her legs over the arm rest. She snuggled into her shoulder and closed her eyes. They talked quietly.

"What's the matter with you?" Buffy slugged Spike in the arm, "...all hormones on parade like that?"

"Ow, hey," he feigned pain face and rubbed his arm.

"I know what you're up to." She waggled a finger at him, "It won't work. Getting rise from Willow will not call Becca's attention to you. She's not boyfriendly, or anybody friendly except Wil, or hadn't you noticed."

"Ha," he gloated, "as usual you've got it all wrong." He then smiled broadly and his face lit up with excitement, "Red just gives such good squirm, ya' know. Too tempting for a bloke like me to resist."

Buffy shook her head at his shenanigans, "Yeah, well, keep at her and *I'll* resist the urge to stop the girlfriend from ripping your throat out next time you feel a case of the stupids coming on."

"Rubbish." He blew her off and began to walk away.

She snatched his duster sleeve, "Look, Spike, just try and be of some use or leave, we've already been to the edge and back tonight."

"Fine with me, luv. I only stopped by to pick up a package Anya's been holding for me."

She quirked an eyebrow, "Another one? What'd you do join the stinky cheese of the week club?"

"Cheese," mused Clem joining the conversation, "There's an idea--"

Spike held up his palm cutting him short, "Wouldn't you like to know." He directed at her.

"No," she shook her head, "the more I know about what you do with your time the more my head aches."

"There's more than one this time," Anya piped up.

"I can get 'em if they're in the same place?" Clem offered. Anya nodded and he made for the storeroom.

Buffy sighed returning to her chair, she stared at the books on the table, "Seven years of these," she grumbled, "you think we'd have 'em memorized by now," and cracked open a different book.

At that moment Xander appeared outside the Magic Box with his date, he saw the missing window, cracked and hanging frame, and remnants of broken glass missed by the initial clean up. "Whoa, what happened here?!" Hurrying inside, he sounded concerned, "Is everyone all right?!"

"We are now." Anya said from behind the counter, "No thanks to you."

He ignored her snide comment and crossed over to Buffy, "Buffy, did the Big Bad--?"

"Uh, more like a lotta little bad. Yeah. Didn't you see them?"

"No. We did the dinner and a movie thing. Saw "Red Dragon". Two hours of scary goodness in a darkened theater." He waggled his brow as a big sheepish grin crossed his face. "And by the way," he turned and reached out his hands to his guest ushering her forward, "everyone, I'd like you to meet Shayla." He puffed proudly. They gazed at the statuesque strawberry blonde in the tight dress as Xander made his introductions. "Shayla, this is Buffy Summers."

"Hi." Buffy waved from amid her stack of books.

"Her sister, Dawn."

"Hey." Dawn smiled up from her shoe painting.

"That's Anya Jenkins and Spike over there."

They passed a glance between them. Spike waved awkwardly, Anya just grinned smugly.

"And over here, Willow Rosenberg and Rue, uh...?"

"Sloane." Willow chimed looking up from their book, "Hello." She smiled. Rue just stared intently.

"Pleased to meet you all," came a sweet yet seductive voice, "I feel as though I know everyone already, Xander's done nothing but talk about you all evening--" she halted herself at her comment putting her hand over her mouth and giggling at the awkwardness of it, "Oh, not in a bad way. You know what I mean. Everyone being such close friends and everything..." she turned to him draping herself over his arm, "Sorry, I'm a bit nervous."

He took her hand intertwining their fingers, "Isn't she sweet?" he smiled enraptured.

Spike stifled a laugh. Anya slapped at him.

Buffy threw them a sideways glance, "No need, Shayla, we don't bite," she assured.

"Most of us anyway." Anya helped.

"Psshh, speak for yourself." Spike piped up.

Willow snorted, "Ignore him, Shayla, his bark is far worse than his bite."

"Oh, ha-ha. Lana Lick-a-lot's made a funny." He taunted, "I see we're feeling better now that we're safe in Nursemaid Nanna's paws." He pulled a face at her across the shop still high from their earlier verbal sparring.

Willow glowered, "Scratch that, he's all bark and no bite."

"That so, Glinda," he mocked, "you must have old-timer's disease, or was that a different redheaded Scooby who pulled a fair wiggins just minutes ago?" Then affected a sarcastic grin and turned his attention to Xander's new girlfriend becoming overly dramatic, "Pay attention, Shayla, Willow knows what she's talking about as all her dates bark at the moon."

Shayla laughed at their tawdry banter.

Willow scowled and ground her teeth. "Forget what I said, Spike, you just plain suck."

Xander closed his eyes and held up his hands, "Did I miss something? What's going on here?" he inquired uncomfortably of Buffy.

Spike, wound up and eager to play was disappointed by Willow's sudden silence, "What's the matter, Witchiepoo, no more snappy comebacks, or has Lassie got your tongue?"

Willow seethed.

"I'm not really sure," Buffy confided, "at first I thought it was a pissing contest but I think it's escalated into some kind of weird new bonding ritual now."

"Okay," he tried to wrap his brain around her words, "a simple 'you don't want to know' would have sufficed because if Spike and Wil are bonding, I *really* don't wanna know."

"You don't want to know." She echoed.

"See, much better, I'm still in my happy place in my mind."

Spike and Willow continued to bicker. "Ya' know Spike why don't you just take your box of toys and go... wherever."

"I'm not finished conducting business yet, why don't you take your chew toy and go home."

"Mmmm, there's an idea." Rue mumbled so only Willow could hear.

"Speaking of home." Xander interjected. "I think we should be on our way. Just wanted to show off my classy new lady," he patted her hands and smiled at her fondly. She in return snuggled into his arm, "...and check in, you know, make sure everyone's all right. And you are... physically..." His voice trailed off, "...mentally though." He rolled his eyes, "Wow... what a couple of hours can do."

Buffy stood up, "Well, you two crazy kids have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." She said. Dawn, Spike, Anya and Willow all giggled. "What?" she looked around at them, "Okay, guys."

"Kinda set yourself up for that one, Buf." Xander helped with a boyish smile.

"Yeah... et all friends of mine."

"What are we for, if not to remind you of every tiny, little, embarrassing moment of your life repeatedly and share it openly with everyone we meet?" Anya helped.

Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed.

"I'm gonna give Shayla a ride home now before I need to break out the hip waders." Buffy nodded her head in agreement, "Good night."

"Night, Xander. Shayla. Drive safe. See you in the morning."

"Night," he motioned to everyone.

"Good night everyone. It was so very nice meeting you." Shayla waved, "I hope to see you again." And they turned and headed for the door.

Spike smiled and shook his finger, "That Harris, he couldn't fool me," he uttered to Anya as they left, "I always knew he orbited the planet Klosoph." She elbowed him in the stomach, grabbed him by the duster and hurriedly pushed him at the back door. "Bloody Hell, woman!" he protested at her manhandling. She opened it and shoved him outside slamming the door behind them.

Dawn overheard Spike's strange comment and though she didn't understand what he was talking about knew she had heard that word or read it somewhere before, curious she searched the stacks of books till she found one in particular and went into deep research mode.

Willow watched the strange expression on Rue's face as her eyes followed Xander and Shayla out of range, "What's the matter? You have face."

Rue sighed and tried to explain, "That woman..." she began.

"She's definitely dollsome." Willow tried to help.

"No," she bit at her lip, "that's not it," and struggled to think. "She smelled ... not right."

After a bit the back door opened again and Spike and Anya returned, Spike oddly quiet now. He headed for the storage room to retrieve Clem and their stuff. With the twosome of cuteness gone the coast was clear for him to come out again.

"I've had it." Buffy announced, "My brain is fried cheese sticks." She closed her book and tossed it onto one of the stacks, "I can't look at one more book or badly rendered rendering of a demon with an unpronounceable name tonight!"

"Maybe we need to just back away and start fresh in the morning?" Willow offered enthusiastically, plans for the rest of the evening not involving dusty old tomes dancing through her brain.

"Oh my God!" Dawn interjected. She reread the last paragraph of her book then turned the page, "Oh my God, I found it!"

"What?!" Buffy asked excitedly hoping with all hope it was a lead.

"The demon!" she squealed, "Not whatever went on outside but what Spike said, Klosoph. Look. Klosoph Demon."

"What is that?" Wil, Rue & Buffy surrounded her staring at a picture of a blue-gray, scaly demon with shocks of white fur and funky, googily, bloodshot eyes. The caption read: Klosoph Demon 3rd class.

"Demon." Rue made the connection now, "I knew she smelled funny."

"That's Xander's date... or what he really looks like." Dawn corrected.

"Shayla is a guy?!" Buffy said shock faced.

"Demon guy." Dawn reiterated.

"Hello, "Crying Game." Wil quipped.

Dawn continued to read, "Ew gross! This thing is a-a lust demon. And it ... EW!" she quickly handed the book to Buffy squirming in her chair.

Buffy's eyes grew wide and her jaw went slack at what she read in the passage, she pushed the book at Willow, "SPIKE!"

Willow and Rue snatched the book and read on rapt. "Oh...Ooooooh," Willow's eyes went wide, "we need to stop them!" she blurted out and bolted for the door.

Rue followed, "The car's long gone. They could be anywhere in Sunnydale by now." She said meeting her outside.

"And we have no clue where this demon lives, or if they even went to its lair."

Willow took Rue's arm, "Can you track him?" she asked concern in her voice.

Rue looked at her earnestly, "If they were on foot but not in a car."

"Ooo!" Willow shook her arm excitedly a thought popping into her head, "His cell!" and ran back into the shop. She headed straight for the table and her purse. Digging out her cell she quickly tapped the memory button.

A tweedling noise came from behind the counter. Anya, oblivious, bent down and emerged with a phone, "Hello, Anya Jenkins, here."

"Shit!" Willow hissed.

"Excuse me?! How rude. Who is this?" she barked into the phone.

"Anya, it's me." Willow said waving her phone at her.

She shot her an angry glance, "Willow why are you pranking me? That's not funny... and you're not very good at it."

"SPIKE!" Buffy repeated.

"You bellowed?" Spike said emerging from the storeroom arms full of his opened package.

"All right you. Spill." Buffy ordered.

"Beg pardon?" he eyed her, "What are you on about now?"

"I want info."

"I told you, luv, this is my business." He said indicating the package.

"Not your stupid packages." She groused, "That demon."

He glanced about conspicuously then up at the ceiling. Then scratched his cheek and said flatly, "What demon?"

She folded her arms and affected a stern tone, "You know which demon."

"Uh, sorry, Slayer, I'm at a loss. I saw hundreds, if not thousands of demons tonight and you want me to identify one? You're daft."

Buffy finally lost her temper with him, "Spike, you knew Shayla was a demon and you just let Xander go off with it without a word."

Attempting to act surprised he brought his hand to his heart, "She was a demon?" he said affecting mock innocence, "Huh, what do you know about that?" But failed Buffy's scrutiny miserably.

"You know it was," she raised her voice.

"Figures," he toned, "you always gotta look out for the pretty ones, right "Ginger Snaps"?" and shot Rue a glance attempting to change the subject.

But Buffy wasn't buying it. "Spike!" she snatched his duster collar with an iron hand and jerked him about.

"Okay, okay, no need to get rough." He frowned straightening his duster, "Yes, I knew it was a demon," he offered reluctantly. "So what? What's the big deal?"

She furrowed her brow, "Why didn't you say anything?"

He sighed, "I didn't see the need. Magilla's a big boy. If he wants to join the girl's club and date demons who am I to step up?"

"Spike." she growled and put the pinch on him

"Ow, okay, you know what, this isn't worth the aggravation." He pulled her off him, "Anya gave me forty dollars to keep my mouth shut."

"WHAT?!" she replied exasperated.

"Happy now?"

Buffy was not happy she looked about for Anya who had mysteriously disappeared from the counter area to otherwhere. "Aaan-Yyyya." she called and went in search of her.

Anya had grabbed her feather duster and retreated to the library room at the front opposite side of the shop.

"Anya," she repeated entering the room.

"Oh, Buffy. Did we find?" she asked innocently using her patented wide eyed perky face.

"Anya, is Xander in any danger?"

"What?" she feigned shock, "Danger? What are you talking about?" but nervously continued to dust the books.

"Cut the crap, Spike's already fessed."

"Damn, that chicken shit," she seethed through clenched teeth. "No, he won't hurt him." she sighed. "Put the fear of God into him, maybe, ruin him for all other women, possibly, but, hurt, no."

Buffy put her hands to her forehead and brushed her bangs back, "Anya you really need to stop this and move on."

"What are you getting all over me for? I didn't set this up." She stopped dusting and headed back to the center of the shop, "No matter how much I'd thrill to take the credit for this as a vengeance, he found this demon all by himself." She began to giggle, "You must admit it is kind of funny."

"No, it's not."

"Oh, yes it is."

"No, it's not. Did you read what the book said."

"Didn't have to I dated one once. Definitely learned a thing or two about sex and the sexes during that relationship." She smiled waxing nostalgic.

Buffy threw her a troubled look.

"What? It's now my fault a lust demon found Xander hot?"

"Xander sure is a demon magnet." Dawn mused, "Why do you think that is?"

"I dunno." Buffy shrugged, "We all seem to have formed these horrible patterns of destruction where our love lives are concerned."

"Yeah, you date vampires. Wil dates werewolves. Xander dates demons--" she suddenly stopped and looked at Buffy in earnest now, "I don't have a hope do I?"

"Let's see, a vampire and a guy with a magic jacket. Nope you're screwed." She grinned evilly.

* * * * * * * * * *

Xander's Date (Optional):

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xander opened the car door for his date and held out his hand, "Thank you." She said easing out of the front seat. "I had a really nice time tonight," she smiled softly. "And I liked your friends they seemed like a real nice bunch. And they were so funny," she gushed.

"That's us the nice and funny bunch. Not to be compared to "The Brady Bunch" of course because we don't have an Alice."

Shayla giggled taking his arm and walking him towards the gate of her apartment. She fingered the security keypad and the electronic gate buzzed open. Xander held it for her fully expecting to say his 'goodnights' right there but instead. "Why don't you come in for a little night cap?" She offered, "That is what they say in those sixties sitcoms, right?"

Xander's heart skipped a beat as his mouth suddenly went dry as the Sahara. He tried to wet his lips to speak but it came out all croaky, "Uh, yeah," he cleared his throat nervously, "I mean, yes, it is."

Up on the second floor Shayla held the door of her apartment open for Xander and turned on the lights. "Make yourself at home, I'll just be a moment with those drinks."

Xander looked around the living room, it was genteelly decorated with expensive French furniture, oil paintings, various and sundry frilly accessories and porcelain knickknacks. He suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, a bit out of his league, a bit like a dirt farmer, he carefully perched on the edge of the sofa gawking at the silk curtains and baby grand in the corner.

Shayla returned with a tray of wine, cheese and nibbley bits stopping briefly to dim the lights and light a few candles for atmosphere before sitting down beside him. "What's the matter?" she inquired sensing his discomfort and pouring him a glass of Port.

"Nothing," he blurted out nervously, "You're apartment, it's just -- Wow!"

"Simple, I know," she smiled coyly, "but what is life for if one can't enjoy the finer things it has to offer?" she clinked his glass and sipped her wine.

"Ya' know, my friends and I were pondering that question just last week over pizza and suds at the Strike Zone Bowling Pavilion." Xander joked fidgeting with his glass, "That, and who wore these oh so fashionable shoes before me?"

Shayla chuckled attempting not to snort her beverage then set it down on the coffee table, "You truly are funny. I like that in a man," and wrapped her arms tightly around Xander's neck. She affected an air of seriousness and stared into his eyes, "Want to know a secret?" Xander nodded his head, yes. "I've spent all evening wondering what you look like under that dress shirt," and ran a finger down his cheek along his neck stopping to unbutton his top button.

"O-oh?" he stammered completely at a loss for words his heart threatening to jump out of his chest.

She nodded her head, yes, "Now's you chance to impress me," and leaned in kissing him firmly then stood up, took a single step back, and let loose the spaghetti straps on her dress dropping it to the floor. "See anything you like, just raise your hand ... or body part of your choice," and seductively chewed at her finger.

Xander was completely thrown off his guard, he sat wide eyed, mouth slightly open gazing at the ravishing creature before him. Standing there in the mood lighting like that, just in her heels and a thong she was the most stunning thing he'd ever seen. Simply breathtaking. Her strawberry blond curls shown like hot copper reflecting the candlelight and her skin elegant as the porcelain pieces decorating the room. He likened her to a finely crafted marble statue similar the ones he used to drool over on highschool trips to the Sunnydale Museum of Arts and Sciences. Back then he'd had erotic dreams about the Greek Goddesses and nymphets coming to life to do their bidding with him and now ... was he dreaming? 'Oh mamma,' he hoped not. He reached over and pinched himself on the arm, "Ow." Nope, he was awake. Wide awake and very much at attention.

Shayla leaned over, took him by the hand and led him off to the bedroom. He almost wished the rest of the Scoobies were there to witness this moment, almost, but then the thought of all the back-seat mothering he would receive put him off. He took back everything negative he thought and said that night at The Bronze when Rue approached Willow so brazenly as now it was his turn for some fast paced McAttention. Indeed, it felt good to be wanted and extraordinary to be wanted by someone new, an exquisite hottie- type babe such as this.

Shayla pushed Xander to the bed, he hit the silk comforter and almost slid off the edge but recovered at the last second. "Are you a betting man, Xander?" she asked a slight smile curling her luscious lips.

Xander furrowed his brow not sure how to answer. "Yes?" he replied timidly hoping that was the anticipated response.

She grabbed him by the hair pulled his head back and continued, "I'll bet you I can remove your shirt, undo your belt, button and zip and remove your pants all with only my mouth. Then..." she paused for effect watching as his eyes dilated, "tickle your fancy till your toes curl."

His jaw went slack and he stared up at her unable to speak as all the blood drained from his brain to his nether regions. He twitched slightly and blinked attempting to regain a little self control, 'Oh God,' he thought, 'yes.' He didn't care if she actually could or not he just wanted her to try, more than life itself, try, but suddenly before he was fully back from the fantasyland adventure campground in his head he found himself answering automatically, "And if you can't?" 'What? Who said that? Oh, that was so not me! Was it?! Stupid ass monkey! STUPID, NO!' and he closed his eyes frightened of her response.

"If I can't," she said leaning in and whispering into his ear, "you get to fuck me all night long."

'Yes, mamma. Win win!' Xander's brain, amongst other parts screamed at the top of their non existent lungs. But on the outside the vestiges of his excitement appeared only as a warm blush, a big wide goofy grin and a tightening of his dress slacks. He did his best to verbalize and in an unstable voice reminiscent of puberty he said, "Let the games begin," and Shayla pushed him down onto the mattress.

* * * * * * * * * *

To be continued in Chapter 4