A/N: I know, I know…you've been waiting to read this. : -D Have I ever told you how much I love that you enjoy this story. : -D Well I do!  Thanks for waiting and I hope you enjoy this chapter…it turned out much longer than I had originally thought it would be, which is why it took me so long to finish it…idea's kept vying for dominance in my mind… sometimes I surprise myself…scary, huh? ; -D   Hopefully if RL would stop interfering so much, I'll have the next part out much sooner… don't they understand I'd rather live in my fantasy world, we're Spuffy runs rampant?

 ; - D Guess not…oh well.  Enough of my rambling… go on now…read…I know you want to. And send me a review…I love reading them. ~ Spunkles.

Chapter 33

The Final R:  Resurrection

Hours later…the crew arrived in Sunnydale. 

Few slept, for the trip had been a giant source of entertainment…due to Spike, Xander, & Gunn, who had remembered about the TV from the first place  & the rest of the entertainment center, minus the TV that Spike had shoved Riley head in at the second place. 

"I'm tellin' ya…the LA crew got first dibs on choice," Gunn said, pointing his facts out yet again.

"No way, no how…we already called dibs."

"Dibs don't count squat if you ain't there to cash in."

"We'll come back up for that.  If we didn't have all of you in the car, we'd have already gone back to get it…right Spike?"

"True."

"Will you boys…" Giles just shook his head as they ignored his plea…for the sixth time.

"Your not going back for that TV or the rest of that stuff Xander."

"And how will you be stopping me 'Bossie the Cow'? Your not allowed to hurt me, cause of your precious soul…and just cause you're too much of a Nancy Boy to go get it, doesn't mean that the rest of us have to suffer."

"Did you just call me a Nancy Boy?"

Spike laughed, but said nothing about Xander's use of his phrase for Angel.

Angel, however, wasn't so accommodating.

"Had I known how chummy you two were gonna become…I'd have put you boys together sooner."

Spike & Xander gave each other one of those we-are-so-not-gonna-fall-for-that looks and went back to discussing which team was getting what with Gunn.

Angel sighed and went back to driving.

Ashta & Dru & Cordelia were giggling.

Dawn, Willow, Tara & Fred, however, missed the whole exchange…they had nodded off.

Wesley wasn't sure what he should do. He'd like to be sleeping, but they were making way too much noise for him to do that.  Now…they were amusing, but he really thought they should be coming up with a plan regarding the next phase of their journey.

Xander caught Wesley's expression and whispered to Spike,

"Look at him.  I bet you he's over there thinking about how unorganized and un…un…give me another word he might use."

"Do I look like a poncy git?"

"No."

"Than what makes you think I know what that Wanker is thinking about us."

"Alright, alright…I'm sorry. Better?"
"Yeah...I'm feeling all appreciated now."

"Glad to oblige."

Gunn laughed.

"You two are crazy."

"Bloody right," Xander said, mocking Spike.

Spike shoved him playfully, but had to hold his head when he got shocked for doing so.

"You alright man?"

"Yeah…I'm alright. No bloody piece of plastic can hold me back for long."

"Cause you're the Big Bad," Gunn replied

"And you know it," Spike grinned at him.

Xander looked over at Giles and seeing his brassed off expression said,

"What did we do now?"

"What did you do now? What haven't you done for the whole bloody trip should be the question. Honestly I don't know why I put up with either one of you."

"Its simple Giles," Xander said…after giving Spike a look & getting a wink & a nod from the vampire in return.

"We…are…the champions…my friend," Xander began singing.

"And we'll…keep on fighting…to the end," Spike sang with him.

Both joined together to sing,

"We are the champions, we are the champions…

Mumble, mumble, mumble mumble

Cause we are the champions…"

"Of the world," Gunn joined them to add his voice to theirs for the ending.

They all looked at one another & then looked at Giles's shocked expression & then burst out laughing.

Angel was chuckling, having found it hard pressed not to join them in singing.  Only the knowledge of how badly and tirelessly both Spike & Xander would taunt him kept him from singing as well.

Giles had opened his mouth to chastise them, but the absurd picture they made got to him & he burst out laughing instead.

Wesley's incredulous expression gave them all extra fuel & sent them into further peals of laughter.

Dru, Ashta, & Cordelia were bowled over, & they were laughing so hard Cordy was having problems breathing & Gunn had to lean over & check on her.

When she had the breath, she leaned back & told him she was fine.

"But," she continued, "you guys have got to give it a rest…I'm gonna be sore for days now.  Another round or two like that & I'll die laughing."

The boys snickered but nodded.

"So…Ripper…what should we be planning?"

Giles rolled his eyes.

"Doesn't matter now…in case you hadn't realized it…we're here."

Angel pulled in front of the Magic Box saying,

"This stop, Sunnydale…Magic Box.  Last stop for this line…everyone out."

"I think he gets off on telling us what to do," Xander mock whispered to Spike.

"Ya get that, do ya," Spike agreed while at the same time, Gunn nodded and said,

"Oh yeah!"

Xander and Spike then leaned over to shake awake Willow & Dawn, while Giles & Gunn woke Tara & Fred.

Tara and Fred woke up with no problems, stretching and getting up, following Giles & Gunn out of the van. 

For Xander and Spike, however, it was no easy task.

Xander was confronted by a very, sleepy Willow who promised, in no uncertain terms, to turn him into a giant yellow crayon if he didn't leave her alone to sleep.

Still, he was better off than Spike.

Spike leant forward to wake Dawn and was confronted with her balled up fists & then once she stopped pummeling at him, he was regarded with a glare from one sleepy, but still, steely blue eye as Dawn told him to leave her alone. Dawn then closed her eye, rolled onto her side, and went back to sleep.

Xander looked surprised, but Spike took it all in stride.

"Man…you just let her dole out that kind of punishment on you?"
"Not much of a choice, Harris.  Besides…she's a Summers…violence is usually involved when a Summers' is involved, except for Joyce, of course.  I'm figuring she didn't much get the chance to pass on the non-violent traits.  That…or Buffy & Dawn must take after their father.  Since I never met the sodding git, who knows."

"Is she always like this in the morning?"
"Most of the times…that I've seen."

"Then remind me to NEVER have to wake her up.  I bruise easily."

Spike laughed & then watched while Xander told Willow that she could turn him into a giant yellow crayon some other time, cause they were home.

Willow muttered darkly, but got up and out, with Xander following.

Spike then shook Dawn again.

"Yes, I know, "he said when she opened the same steely eye to tell him off again, " but we're here.  Now…if you need me, I'll carry ya, but I thought you'd want to walk by yourself."

Dawn opened the other eye, glanced around at the others, who were starting to unload the van & some who were heading into the store, and then decided.

'No…still sleepy."

She then launched forward, wrapping her arms around Spike's neck & putting her head on his shoulders, so that Spike was forced to catch and pick her up before she fell out of the van.

Spike chuckled, but said nothing as he effortlessly carried his Niblet inside the shop.

"Hey Demon Girl, is there still a cot in the back room?"

"Do you want the roll-away?"
"Yeah, bring it here, will ya?"
"Alright…I'll bring it over to the research table."

Spike nodded his head at her& waited until Anya had brought him the bed with a few blankets. He then thanked her as he lay Dawn down. He picked up the blanket & tucked her in.

As he headed back towards the van, he heard her mutter his name.

"Spike?"

He turned back around and stood over Dawn's cot.

"Yeah Niblet?"
"You forgot something."

"What?" he asked.  He was pretty sure they had remembered everything, but he'd go double-check every bag to make sure.

"You were tucking me in…"

"Yeah…I've done that before, you know."

"But you forgot something."

Spike sighed," What did I forget?"

Dawn gave him a sleepy, but mischievous smile, before she said,

"My goodnight kiss."

Had she been going by expressions, his open mouth shocked expression would have satisfied her…since it wasn't, she just chuckled, but wait to see what he'd do.

Once he regained his composure, he snorted.

"A goodnight kiss…what kind of Nancy do you take me for?  Evil Soulless demon here, you know…not the kind of demon most want giving sodding goodnight kisses too."

"Are you gonna rant & rave much longer…wanting some serious sleep time here & needing to be tucked in good and proper to get it?"

Spike growled and mumbled curses under his breath.

Dawn gave sleepy chuckles.

"Better hurry 'fore Xander or the others see."

"I should rid myself the bother of you and just bite you and be done with it."

"Ya didn't bite me when you didn't have the chip, and you can't now cause of the chip…besides…you love me."

"Soddin' love."

Dawn laughed again.

"Some time today William."

Spike leaned over and caressed her face with one hand.

"Shouldn't taunt a demon so, Bit…not really the best.  Now…get some rest, we've got an adventure ahead of us."

"Still waiting for my kiss."

"Bossy bit of goods, aren't you?"
"Bitty Buffy…or so you said," Dawn said with a shrug.

"That I did," he said with a smile as he leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.

"There's your soddin' kiss…now go to sleep."

Dawn smiled lovingly at him, as a child does to a parent tucking them in, before falling instantly asleep.

Spike shook his head before saying,

"I'm such a git."

He then gave Dawn one last loving look, and then walking out to the van.

Before he walked outside he turned to Anya,

'Two things Anya."

"What?"

"One…watch her for me."

"Will do…and the other?"

"You tell…I'll kill you."

Anya just smiled widely, but nodded her agreement.

Spike sighed, straightened and walked outside to help the rest unload.

Once everything was unloaded and everyone clear, Ashta waved her hand and all three cars unmerged.

Angel walked up to check and double check his car.

"Oh come on Angelus…it's fine.  Quit being a giant baby and help us carry this lot in. Most of it is Cheer Girl's shopping spree stuff."

Angel mimicked him, but came to help.

While Cordelia protested Spike's opinion that she had the most stuff.

As they walked in the door, Wesley approached Anya.

"Anya, where did you say the book was?"
"It's over on the counter…. Wesley?"

"Yes…it's me.  It's um…nice to see you again."

Anya raised her eyes," Yeah…sure…even though the whole pleasure thing…"

"Anya," Xander jumped in, breaking off what was sure to be an insulting response," aren't ya glad to see me.  I missed you," he said, jumping up and kissing her lovingly.

When they pulled apart Anya sighed & said," That was almost worth you going away.  I can't wait until tonight when we have it's-great-to-see-you-and-we're-back-together-sex."

The Sunnydale crew just chuckled.

Gunn looked at them and looked at Spike.

"Is that normal?"

Spike nodded.

"Oh yeah. And this…is mild."

"Wow," Fred said.

"If those two are done making me oh so glad I left Sunnydale if just to avoid this kind of scene…is that the book we need?" Cordelia asked, pointing to a thick, ancient looking leathery book that was to the far left of the counter.

"Spot on Cordelia," Wesley said, picking up the thick book and carrying it to the table.

However, when he attempted to locate the lock to open it, it merely disappeared and reappeared in the center of the table.

"Someone isn't worth-y," Gunn and Spike sing-songed at the same time.

They looked at one another and winked.

Xander laughed.

At Wesley's look, he said,

"Oh you've got to admit…that was funny…for more than the obvious, too.  Back when Spike was trying to kill us…Giles said he heard Spike sing-song the same kind of thing…but what was it then Giles?"
"Someone's in the ceiling, I believe."

Spike smiled…remembering.

"Really?" Gunn asked him.

"Oh yeah…I was around here then…I heard him loud and clear…since he was near my…well…mine and Willow's, hiding spot.  I so thought you were gonna find us."

"And where were you hiding?"

"Closet…utility closet.  I thought you were gonna find us for sure."

"And how did you get out?"
"Well…see…when you and Buffy fought…and everyone got out…Cordy and I were in the closet.  And Cordy prayed…a lot…all night.  She even prayed to be nice to everyone…except during certain times of the month, when…if I remember it correctly…even The Lord could not hold her accountable for her actions.  Of course…as you see…she reverted to form after a while."

Cordelia rolled her eyes.

Gunn, Fred, Tara, & Spike chuckled.

"Anyway," Willow continued. "I think we stayed there all most all night. Until one of the Sunnydale policeman came and opened the door.  Cordy almost beamed him with a broomstick…or maybe it was the handle to a mop.  Either way, he dodged it and then we realized he wasn't dead…I mean living dead…and they told us that everyone was heading home and we would too…that the danger was over… and the gang on PCP had left."

The Sunnydale crew smiled and the rest of the gang nodded. 

Gunn looked at Willow.

"PCP?"

"I'm sure the LA police chose something or other to call the demon attacks, don't they?  For our police… vampires are gang members on PCP."

Gunn laughed.

Spike then looked over towards Dawn, who he noticed was still sleeping soundly.

"Didn't she sleep last night?" Giles asked him.
"Just a little bit."

"Precious little, I'm sure."

"You know her like I do Rupert."

"That I do,' Giles smiled at the Sunnydale vampire while he leaned forward to attempt to open the book.

"Guess I'm next to give it a try,' he said as he attempted to open the book.

He got a little further than Wesley did. He found the lock and just as the book appeared to be unlocking, the book reappeared on the center of the table again.

"Bugger that."

"Guess you aren't all that worthy either,' Wesley said, only a little smugly.

Spike & Xander gave each other a look…and then rolled their eyes.

"Oi, Precious Demon?"

Ashta wandered over to them, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Yes Champion?"
"Who can open this sodden book?"
"Only those who are worthy."
"Okay…than who can we set aside…as shouldn't bother trying to open the book?"
"You've already discounted three.  You have but to discount six more."

"Riddles, riddles and more riddles."

"It's not that hard you Brooding Ninny.  Three down. People left would be me, you, Harris, Gunn, Red, Glenda, Fred, Cheer Girl, Dawn, Ashta, and Dru…right?"

" I'm going to go on the bet that I can't open it either, " Xander said before he picked up the book and got only as far as Giles.

"See…I told you.  Five left."

Fred, Gunn and Cordy figured they probably couldn't open it either and were proven right when they tried and got no farther then Wesley had.

"And then there were two left."

"Two Xander?"
"Two more who can't open the special book…I was counting down from Ashta's words."

"Oh."

"Ashta?"

"Yes?"
"Come try to open it."

"I can't…I'm not allowed."

"And then there was one."

"Right…but whose left?"

"Okay…now we're left with Angelus here, me, & Dru – three vampires, Dawn, Key, and Willow & Tara, witches."

"And one of these beings is not like the other,

One of these beings just isn't the same,

Can you tell which being is not like…"

Xander stopped mid song as he saw all eyes turned his way.  He then cleared his throat and said,

"I'm sorry…it just jumped out."

Giles shook his head and asked silently, "Why me?"
The rest kept looking at Xander until Spike started laughing.

Then the rest followed suit.

"Okay…it's gonna bother me until I ask…what the bloody hell were you singing, Whelp?"
"Sesame Street…what…don't you ever watch TV? Sometimes when your in your house or crypt…. it's the middle of the day and you don't have anything better to do…flip on the channel and see kids cartoons and learning shows and just…I think I've said too much."

"Oh yeah," Gunn said chuckling.

Xander blushed and said,

"So…about that…book…who else can't open it. Come on people…anyone got an idea."

"My money's on Dru," a sleepy voice said from behind Spike.

They turned to see a newly awakened Dawn, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"And why's that?"
"Well, me…vital.  I have the dreams and all…and the same goes for Spike.  Willow and Tara are key witches…and we'll probably use them.  Angel has a soul and his blood is needed.  Which leaves Dru as the extra."

"But we got the chant from Dru."

"Actually we got the chant from Dru AND Spike…. catalyst, reaction.  Without one, we might not have gotten the other.  I say let Dru try…worse thing happens is I could be wrong and we'd get the book opened."

"I'm up for the try…won't you come and open the book Dru?"

"Can I go play if I do?"

"No hunting in Sunnyhell either Pet."

"I never get to have any fun…bad William."

"I know…I know…Mrs. Edith will be very mad at me."

" Ms Edith doesn't say your name anymore…she knows you don't belong with us any longer.  She used to worry…"Dru stopped mid rave, looking anxious.

"What is it?"

"I've left Ms. Edith…she'll be mad at me. She'll punish me."
"You didn't leave her Dru…I have her…won't don't you try to open the book? We're watching and waiting," Ashta said, holding up Ms. Edith so Dru could see her when she looked her way.

"Alright," Dru said as she saw her precious Ms. Edith doll in Ashta's hands.

The book allowed her to pick it up and she stared at it and started swaying.

"Share with the group Pet…what do you see, feel?"
"This book is full of power…it glows…like Ashta."

"I don't see a glow."

"Most of us don't…hush…I want to hear what else she has to say."

"Sor-ry."

"Anything else you feel…or see Dru?"

"It's coming at me in waves."

"Can you open the book Pet?"

Dru tried…but the book shimmered in her hands…and then appeared in the center of the table once again.

"Okay…I'm gonna go with a…that's all folks. The remaining are worthy…who would have thought Spike fitted in with that group."

"Not I Whelp," Spike, admitted to them.

"So…who opens the book?"

"I don't know…the rest of us are worthy…but…still…is there an order? Ashta?"
"The remaining are worthy…no order needed to open the book," Ashta said as she handed Ms. Edith back to Dru.

Giles nodded and looked at Willow & Tara,

"Do you want to be the ones to open the book?"
Tara shook her head no, while Willow said,

"Um…no…I think…I think we'll see…. we'll wait.  I know…we'll open it next time…okay?"

Spike chuckled.

"It's alright ya know, Red."

"Thanks Spike," Willow said sheepishly.

Dawn tapped Spike.

"I don't want to open it either."

"Why not?"
"Just doesn't feel like I should. I know it won't hurt me…but I don't feel like I'm supposed to open it. Do you get that?"
"I know what you mean by feelings, but I'm not getting the same ones."

"Why don't you open it then?"

"If Angel doesn't want to …I will."
"Why you gonna let him open it first?"
"He's older."
"So you're kinda respecting him? Jeez Spike…I thought you were a rebel."

Spike gave her a pointed look.

"I'm just saying, is all," Dawn muttered.

Spike chuckled.

He then looked at Angel who was looking at the book.

Angel leaned over to pick up the book and then stopped.

All eyes were on him.

He leaned closer to the book and right before he touched it he stopped.

"Okay…that's weird."

"What?"
"Doesn't feel like it wants me to pick it up."
"The book?"

Spike chuckled & then said,

"Well…guess it's up to the Big Bad then."

He leaned forward and picked up the book, looking at its etchings. He then put his hand over the latch and watched in awed fascination as it glowed a brilliant blue, before opening.

"Wow Spike."

"How many others are flashing back to Spike, Dawn, Dru & Ashta's light & restoration spell?" Xander asked the group.

Many of those who were there and saw raised their hands.

"What are you talking about?" Anya asked him.

"Remind me to tell you later, Sweetie." Xander replied, looking back towards Spike & the book.

"That doesn't look like English to me?" Xander said, coming over to peer at the words on the page.

"Do you see the riddle Ms. Edith…there are words upon words within words upon the page," Dru told her doll.

"What does that mean?"

"I'm figuring she means that it's in code or so, Xander." Wesley replied, coming closer to peek over Spike's shoulder to catch a glimpse of the book itself.

"Well who can read that?" Cordelia said

"Has anyone else noticed that neither Dawn nor Spike have said anything since he opened the book?" Tara asked Willow.

Willow looked to see both Spike and Dawn apparently enraptured by the contents of the book.

"I think they can read it?" she said to Tara…and then when they had moved closer so she could get a better look at the two she was sure of it.

"They can…they're reading it.  Spike…what does it say?"

"It tells of what the others said already," Dawn answered for him.

Spike turned and looked at her.

"Bossy chit," he replied softly, knowing Dawn could hear him.

Dawn poked him and then her expression turned wicked as she rested her fingers lightly on his sides.

Spike & Dawn's eyes clashed for a second, before Spike turned away and bent back over the book.

The rest caught Dawn's laughing eyes, but she refused to enlighten them.

"Why don't you tell them what you read Spike," she said, in order to get them off of her amusement, but she did take her hands off his sides.  No good having him stress out that she'd tickle him.  Besides, if she let the cat out of the bag, she wouldn't be able to torment him with it.

"The book said the resurrection should take place two days from now…midnight.  Well…technically, a day and a half."

"Well…according to my research…that would be blood moon night's first phase…. so that matches."

"Yes," Giles said.  Then on a thought,

"Spike?"

"Hmmm?"
"How can you read it? And you Dawn?  What language is it in?"

"What are you talking about Giles?" Dawn asked. "It's in English…see right there," she said, pointing to the passage she had just finished reading.
"It's not in English Dawn."

"Well how else would I be able to read it?"
"It's not in English Dawn…it only transcribes itself to those who need to see & whom it chooses to read it," Ashta explained to her quietly.

 "And you both appear to be reading the same passage, but are getting different phrases. What's that all about?" Xander asked.

"The Order of the Sasketl Lustoria…is a mysterious book Xander," Ashta said.

"Well I could tell that.  I'm just saying…it's only telling us what we already know. So why was it so vital?"
"The books information isn't important, Xander…the book itself is needed for the resurrection."

"And how is the book gonna help?"

"You'll see."

"What I want to know…is why it would only let a few of us open it…and for those that were, for lack of a better word, worthy, why would it give offsetting vibes to all but Spike to open up?"

"So many questions…and not the time to answer any of them."

"Ashta?"

"Yes Xander?"
"You know cryptic is so not a good color on you."

"But I do it so well…it's part of who I am."

Xander laughed.

"Are we done reading the book that tells us nothing?"

"Yes Anya," Xander said, walking back over to her side.

'So we have a relaxing day tonight, well…the rest of the night that' left, and tomorrow…and then it's Buffy's coming back party…am I right?"

Dawn and Spike looked at Ghostly Buffy who rolled her eyes.

They laughed and then looked and nodded at the rest.

"Well…if we're done here.  I guess we can pick up tomorrow."

"Yes…Ashta?"
"Yes?"
"Is there anything else we need for the raising?"

"No…everything has been procured…we've only to wait for blood moon night.  All pieces will come together then."

"Good…then okay folks…Anya and I will see you tomorrow...night."

As they headed out of the shop, Anya shouted back to Giles.

"Yes…we are going home now…for lots of lots of sex.  Please count the money, but no fondling it…cause that's just for me.  Just count out the drawer and close up the shop.  I'll be in tomorrow."

She didn't get an opportunity to say anything else; cause Xander yanked her through the doorway, just then.

The remaining in the group chuckled as Giles walked over to the counter to begin to shut down the shop.

"Then I'm guessing it's head home time," Gunn said, " Trouble is…where do us out-of-towners stay?"

"Oh you can stay at our house…well…most of you…I guess," Dawn said.  "Let's see. I have my room…Ashta you can sleep in there with me. Spike is in mom's old room. Sorry…no one sleeps In Buffy's room…we're leaving that as is.  If someone wants to…they can camp out in the living room…we have a couple sleeping bags…and tent stuff in the basement. Oh…and of course…the basement…it has a cot or two…and it's not a spooky or dank kind of basement…it's really nice.  So that's another room."

"Wesley, you can stay at my apartment," Giles told him as he finished up closing up the shop. He winked at Dawn behind Wesley's back.  And hid a smile as Dawn sighed soundlessly with relief.  "We have room for one more…if anyone else would like to come," Giles offered.

The remaining from the LA crew wondered where they should go. 

After a few moments of self-debating, Cordelia said,

" I'll come with you Giles.  I do get the bed, right? Cause I'm a girl…and your all old and British and cultured.  I'd stay at Buffy's…but I don't feel like bunking on the couch or in a sleeping bag.  Wesley, come and help me with my bags.  You did get rid of that old hideous car you used to have, didn't you Giles? Cause really…"

Whatever else Cordelia had to say was lost as Giles shepherded them out of the shop doors towards his car, sighing all the way.

The remaining group laughed and then each wished Giles good luck silently.

He came in a few seconds later to say,

"We'll meet at your house Dawn tomorrow night.  Just to discuss some stuff. Whoever is last to leave, please lock up with your key.  Thanks.  See you all tomorrow."

"Bye Giles," was the chorus he received.

"Spike?"
"Hmm?"
"Is the mansion up on Crawford still in good standing?"
"Yeah…it's still good."

"Anyone in there?"
"Naw…no one's moved in there since you left."

"Good…Dru and I'll stay there."

"Ms. Edith is mad at you daddy dear…you've forgotten her."

"He didn't mean it, my Black Princess…and you know Ms. Edith will always forgive him.'

Dru smiled and swayed.

Then clicked her teeth and hands together.

"True, true.  Come Ms. Edith. Our old home is waiting for us…can't you hear it's song.  Just for a few nights…we won't have to stay here that long."

With that said, Dru headed out to Angel's car.

Angel wished them all goodnight, before heading to the car, easily catching up to Dru, who had stopped to watch and dance under the stars.

Dawn looked at Gunn and Fred. 

"That means you two will be coming with us. Which is cool…cause both of you are like…way fun."

Fred smiled and Gunn winked at her.

As they left the shop, Dawn locked it up with Buffy's key.

"There," she said, "all secure…so Anya won't kill us."

The group smiled.

They all headed out to the cars…repacking the van Spike had 'borrowed' a few days ago. 

"Spike?"
"Niblet?"
"Can I drive…if I'm real careful?"
"Hell no."

"Oh balls."

"Hey!"

"What?"
"That's not the kind of language I want to hear from you, young lady."

"I'm not a child."

"You're not fully grown either, " Spike said as they all climbed in the van and he started it up, heading towards Revello Drive.

"It's not even bad…I could say far worse things, you know," Dawn said, minutes later, they were about a few minutes from the house.

"You do and I'll wash your mouth out with soap…then I'll take a whipping to ya."

"Gosh Spike, it's the 21st century…not the 20th   and certainly not the 19th. You advanced enough to look like Billy Idol…couldn't you up your morals as well."

"First of all, Niblet…. Billy Idol stole his look from me…. poncy git.  Should have bitten him when I had the chance."

"When did you meet Billy Idol?"
"When Dru dragged me to one of his concerts."

"You went to a Billy Idol concert?"
"Will you please stop repeating it.  You heard me the first time.  And stop trying to change the subject.  I want your promise not to say those words."
"You say them all the time."

"Yeah…and I'm an evil soulless thing."

"Bull…"

"I am."

"Soul less…kinda…evil…no way."

"I am too."

"You are not."

"I bloody well am too!"

"You bloody well are not."

Spike narrowed his eyes at her.

Dawn gave him a nervous chuckle as they pulled up to the house.

She wouldn't put it past him to attempt to wash out her mouth with soap.  She knew how he felt about her using, what he called, un-ladylike words. And she wasn't getting any sympathy from Buffy.  She agreed with Spike.

She sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry…and I'll try…okay?"

Spike rolled his eyes, knowing she was giving him that sad puppy dog look to get out of being in trouble.  Problem was…it was gonna work.  His Niblet had him wrapped along her finger…and the horrible thing was she knew it.

"Come on Spike…say something."

"Help your guests carry in the bags Dawn."

"Okay…but…about the other thing."

"Your forgiven…okay.  And stop with the badgering…you know you've been forgiven."

 Dawn squealed and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Yeah, yeah…come on Niblet…get off me… we have company."

Dawn smiled and let go of him…and then applied herself to helping the others unpack things into the house.

Gunn looked at Spike.

"Say it and I'll kick your ass all the way back to LA."

"Wasn't gonna say a thing…mate."

"Better not," Spike muttered as they hauled the belongings in to the house.

Gunn just smirked, but helped.

After they had brought in everything…Fred was shown up to Dawn's room, for she didn't mind sleeping with the girls.

Spike pulled Gunn into the living room.

"Okay…two…well…three.  First choice, you can sleep on the couch here.  It's nice and comfortable. Colorful past. Don't ask, we won't tell. Second choice is a sleeping bag. We can pull one out of the attic for you. Third choice is the basement.  It's nice and clean, kind of crowded to the side. There's a cot we can set up there. Also room so you can practice sparing."

"Hmm…choices. Sounds kinda like the Ritz," Gunn said with a smile.

"We aim to please," Spike replied.

"I think I'll take the couch. If I don't like it…I'll take the basement tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan. You hungry?"

"Yeah. What do you have to eat?"

"Let's go check," Spike said, heading into the kitchen.

They met up with Dawn, Fred & Ashta who were already there.

"We don't have anything to eat Spike."

Spike opened the cupboards and looked at the cans of food in the house. Not a lot, but it wasn't like there wasn't anything.  He looked at Dawn.

"Well…do you want to cook this?"

At his shake of the head, she said,

"Well me neither. Can we order a pizza? Please Spike."
"Sure Niblet. That'll do fine. I'm going to watch an episode of Passions. Order and let me know when the pizza gets here."

"You're the best Spike."

"I know."

"Passions?" Gunn asked, following him. Ashta followed them both.

"Yeah it's great. Take a seat and watch."

"Is it the same one we saw in LA?" Ashta asked.
"Nope…different episode."

"Oh…I can't wait to watch it then," Ashta said sitting down.

Fred joined them.

"Can…Can I join you too?"
"Sure, pull up a couch," Spike told her as he rewound the tape and started playing the show.

Dawn came into the living room a few minutes later to say,

"Okay…the pizza will be here in about 20 minutes or so.  Oh my god," she said as she noticed what they were all watching so intently. "You're all watching Passions? What is it with you people and that show?"
"Quit fussing, Niblet. You know you love it. Just don't want to have it known cause someone might think you're a big spaz for watching it."

Dawn gave a shocked and outraged expression. And then when she realized that no one was paying her all that much attention…she gave it up.

"Fine," she said, squeezing in between Ashta and Spike.

The rest smiled, but didn't say anything.

In the middle of the show, the doorbell rang and Spike went to the door to get the pizza.

He came back 10 minutes later with a smirk on his face.

Dawn was immediately suspicious.

Mostly due to the wicked grin on Spike's face, the fact that it took 10 minutes, and the fact that Buffy was rolling around on the floor laughing.

"Did you scare the pizza guy?"
"Who me?" Spike asked innocently.

"Spike!!!"

"Pizza's here kiddies…eat it while it's hot," he said ignoring Dawn and putting the food down in front of the rest of the guests.

"Aww come on Spike."

"Aren't you hungry Niblet?"

Before Spike had a chance to think through why he shouldn't ignore and tease Dawn, she leaned over and tickled him mercilessly.

Spike jumped up and over the coffee table, barely missing knocking Fred in the head.

Dawn stood up as well, eyes locked on Spike as if he were her next meal.

She slowly stepped over the coffee table to bring herself closer to him, but he kept the distance by stepping back every time she stepped forward.

"Bit…what are you doing?"
"Why are you avoiding me Spike? Afraid I might …do something?"

Spike kept backing away.  The look in her eyes clearly stated that she was gonna tickle him until he told her what he had done.

Now if they had been alone…that would be fine.  And they would both have a merry chase around the house.  But they weren't.  And they were in plain view of their guests, who having missed Dawn briefly tickle Spike, didn't know why Dawn was stalking Spike or more importantly, why Spike was backing away.

Buffy was only glad that she wasn't alive at the time, cause a person could die from this much laughter she was sure.  Just when she thought she was gonna be okay…stop…maybe have a conversation with Spike or Dawn…they started up again and she was back rolling in laughter.

"What's going on guys?"

"Yeah Spike," Dawn taunted him, "What's going on?  Why don't you come and sit back down so we can finish watching Passions."

"I'll sit back down if you sit down…next to Fred."

"And where will you be?"

"On the couch."

"Not next to me Spike?"
"You promised Bit."

"Xander's not here…so I've kept my promise.  You want me to keep it here too?"

"Of course I do. Have you gone sack-a-hammers?"

Dawn laughed softly.

"Not me."

"Then why the bloody hell are you trying to torture me in my sanctuary."

"Torture?" Fred and Gunn asked, but the other two didn't pay any attention.  Ashta just watched as Spike and Dawn continued as if they hadn't heard the others.

"I asked you what happened with the pizza guy."

"And I told you nothing…cause nothing happened."

"No you didn't…you didn't tell me anything.  And I know your lying now."

"Am not."

"Then why is she doing that? And what was that I-did-a-wicked-thing smirk for when you came back?"

Ashta looked over to see Buffy still rolling on the floor laughing.

She looked at Spike and concentrated for a bit…and then burst out laughing as an image came to mind.

Dawn's head snapped to look at her.

"Do you know Ashta?"

Ashta was so busy laughing she couldn't get the words out, so she just nodded.

"See," she pointed at Ashta as she glared at Spike.

"She knows whatever you did too…you might as well tell me."
"I didn't do anything.  Now leave me alone."

"You leave me no choice.  Prepare yourself William…I'm gonna catch you…and I won't be appeased until I've …shall we say, wiggled, the information right out of you."

"Wiggled?" Gunn asked.

"It kinda rhymes with what I'm going to do to him…wanna try to figure it out…you'll know soon enough.  Come here Spike."

Spike turned and bolted.  Damn his image…he didn't want her catching up with him.

Dawn laughed, following, and the chase was on.  Ashta bounded to her feet, chasing after them, she had to see how this played out. 

Gunn and Fred looked at each other and then looked at the entranceway that they had just disappeared from. 

Spike was grateful that he knew the layout of the Summers' house, for he knew his way around…but he could only avoid and hide here.  There had been a better chance of escape for him when they had been at the hotel…. more running room.   Spike hid in the second closet he came too.  Praying that Dawn would think he had run to the first closet or into his room so he could get by her and back downstairs and out the door.

Unfortunately for him…Dawn stood in the middle of the hallway…measuring…stalking.

If she had the vampiric or slayer ability, Spike would swear she was trying to hone in on his scent and essence.  He tried to pretend to be invisible.

Ashta and Buffy came right up the stairs behind her and just stopped…both waiting to see what would happen next.

Dawn moved towards the first closet and then stopped.  She looked at the door and smirked and then moved away from it heading down the hall.

If he could, Spike would have broke into a sweat.  If his heart wasn't dead, it would be pumping away like a locomotive, he thought.  Oh God, he thought, she IS stalking me.  What did I do to deserve this?  I can't let the others know…please, he began to pray, please don't let her catch me.  I'll do whatever you want.  I'm a good guy now…you know I am.  Why must you torture me so…oh put a stake in me…I'm starting to sound like my poofy sire.

Buffy laughed, having heard Spike's plea loud and clear.

Dawn turned to look at her and Ashta and after winking at Ashta silently asked Buffy where Spike was.

Sorry…can't tell…no matter how badly I want to.  Besides…I want to see how this plays out.

Dawn rolled her eyes and looked at Ashta.

"I'm not telling you either," Ashta said out loud," but yes…I know where he is as well."

Dawn sighed and flipped her head back around, trying to refocus and get back into the grove she had going a few minutes ago.  As she advanced slowly down the hall, Spike began to pray again.

Dawn glanced at his room door, her room door, and Buffy's room door.  She then looked at the door to the closet in which he was also now hidden. 

 "Inny, miny, miny, Moe…" she said out loud…as she walked towards the closet door.

"I wonder if the Big Bad has hidden in this closet," she said, as she got closer to it.  She stopped…cause she thought she heard a strangled sound behind her.  She moved closer to the closet, but didn't open it.  The noise came again.  It was in Spike's bedroom. 

She smiled and turned, bolting towards the room laughing,

"Aha…I caught you Spike.  I thought vampires were supposed to be quiet," she gloated as she threw the door open…

To behold an empty room. 

Where did that noise come from then? She wondered while she stood glancing over the room.  She took one step into the room, turning on the light as she did so, still not seeing anything.

Spike took the moment to make a break for it.  He was almost ecstatic that she hadn't chosen the closet door.  He was oh so glad he had learned that, how to throw your voice, trick and had adapted it to make someone look otherwise for him.  It had come in handy since he had been chipped.  Got him out of a lot of fights with humans the chip wouldn't let him beat to a bloody pulp.

He burst soundlessly from his hiding spot and coming up behind Dawn, picked her up and tossed her onto his bed before closing the door and running downstairs, past Ashta and Buffy.

Dawn squealed and bolted up, almost ripping the door off the handles.  She took off running down the stairs, almost running down Fred and Gunn who had come running up the stairs to see what was going on, just before Spike came flying down them.

They had spread up against the wall when Spike came flying down and had just relaxed when Dawn came flying down.  Fred flattened up against the wall, but Gunn didn't have time.  It was either jump over the banister or fall down the stairs, so had jumped, landing perfectly crouched.  Fred went running, reaching Gunn's side in seconds.  Dawn hadn't even stopped.  She was so focused on catching up to Spike; she hadn't even seen them.

"Charles, are you okay?"
"Yeah Fred," he said straightening up.  "I'm fine.  I guess all that demon fighting is good for the cardio and reflexes, huh?"
Fred smiled and nodded at him.

"I think we'd be safer in the living room."

"I'm thinking your right Fred…let's go watch some more Passions."

"Alright."

The two headed back into the living room, only having to flatten out of the way once more as Spike and Dawn came blazing by. 

Ashta laughed and also went back into the living room.  The time at hand was soon…and she wanted to experience more of this 'Passions' before The Resurrection.

The chase went on for a little longer.  The crew in the living room had watched the rest of the show and then had turned off the tape and watched some other shows and ate pizza while waiting for the other two to calm down and tell them what was going on.

Dawn was getting tired of chasing Spike.  Her slayer-type speed was starting to lag, so Spike was getting harder and harder to catch up with…he might actually get a chance to escape.  She was going to have to count on him thinking she was right behind him.

So she did an abrupt-face in a main corridor and doubled back.  She came face to face with Spike, who had kept running.  Spike's eyes went wide.  He only had two choices of escape.  Running outside and running into the living room.  He felt his internal alarm go off…and knew that he didn't even have those two choices.  It was nearly dawn.  Damn, he thought.  He turned and headed into the living room. 

The pause and his indecision however were his undoing.  Dawn had taken his pause to catch her breath and was upon him in seconds.  She tackled him to the ground.  She then straddled him like she had seen her sister do to some demons and grinned down at him…her hands already at his sides. 

"Now Spikey…running wasn't nice.  You made me get all…cranky."

Spike raised his eyebrow at her.

"It was something I heard Willow's evil vampire twin say once…. it was cool," Dawn shrugged before going back to her game.

"Now, where was I…Oh yes,' she said lightly brushing one of her hands up his side.

Spike squeezed his eyes closed, clamping his mouth shut.

"Uh uh uh…Not gonna be that easy William."

Spike opened his eyes again, but didn't unclench his teeth.

Dawn laughed.

"Now…do you want to tell me what you said to the Pizza guy?"
Spike shook his head.

Dawn ran her hand back down his side again.

Spike silently whimpered and started squirming.  If I can just buck her off me I can escape this torment, he thought.

"Wrong answer."

Gunn and Fred were watching them intently.  Trying to figure what was going on.

Dawn knew they were watching, but really couldn't stop herself.  How many times could you get your guardian on the ropes?  She decided to make the most of her situation.

She moved both hands up and down his sides.

Spike tried to buck her off him.

She laughed, as she held on tight.

She leaned over and whispered in his ear.

"Buck me off…and I'll tickle you right here so they can see.  And I'll see if they want to join me."

Spike stilled almost before she had finished the words.

"That's my vampire," she whispered.

Spike growled softly at her, but she only giggled.

"Hmm…" she said out loud. " Okay…if you didn't say anything…did you do anything to him?"

Spike was silent.

"Not cooperating?"  Dawn said, "Now we know what happens when we don't cooperate, don't we?"

Spike figured he had died and he was in hell.  But no…if he had…both Harris and the Poof would be there.  Waiting.  He must still be alive…or…well…un-alive.  He knew he was buggered either way.  He 'd tell her what he had done to the sodding git at the door…and she was gonna tickle him either for not calling her and letting her watch or for not telling her when she asked.  Or…he really was in hell…and both the poof and the whelp were gonna show up any minute now.

He had to get her off of him. 

Can't buck her…I know.

No sooner than he thought it, did he reach up and pull her down to him as if to tell her a secret.  Dawn relaxed, thinking he was going to tell her what he had done.  It was her mistake, but a lucky break for him.  For he then rolled over until he was straddling her and then jumped up and headed towards the hallway.

Dawn scrambled off the floor and caught up to Spike in the middle of the room.  She launched a full attack on his sides and looped her arms around his waist to get to his stomach, tickling him mercilessly.

Spike shrieked, unable to hold back his reaction to the sudden and unexpected attack on his sides and stomach.  Dawn laughed and did it once more, cause she couldn't stop herself.  Spike laughed and shrieked again before he could get her arms away from him. 

He then turned and looked at the others with horror on his face as Dawn shrugged and sat down triumphantly before the pizza box… grabbing a nice thick slice to eat.  All that exercise had made her super hungry.

Gunn and Fred looked from Dawn to Spike and then burst out laughing.

Spike sighed deeply.  He was truly buggered now.  He waited for the tormenting to begin.

Fred had calmed down enough to see the sad, dejected look on the vampire's face.  And decided to comfort him.

"It's okay," she said coming up to pat his shoulder.  "A lot of people, and I'm sure a good many of demons, are just as ticklish as you are.  It doesn't make you any less terrifying you know."

"Don't patronize me," Spike muttered.

"I'm not.  If I didn't know you were on our side…you would have terrified me."

Spike gave her an I-don't-by-that look.

Well…you would have if I hadn't spent five years in a demon dimension and seen all sorts of gross and horrifying things. "

Spike rolled his eyes and looked at Gunn…. who merely smirked at him.

Spike sighed.

Gunn's smile got bigger.

"You're gonna be a right prat about this, aren't you?"

"Don't know what a prat means?"
"You're gonna give me hell about this, aren't you?"
"Nope."

"Really?"

"Yep."

Spike thought for a beat.

"Why not?"
"Cause you're my best pal."

Spike chuckled.

"Why else?"
"Cause you just settled a debate that's gonna give me and my team the edge."

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?"

"Did you hear that Fred…we're getting the good TV from that mansion."

"Oh no you're not."

"I think we will."

 "And what makes you think that?"

"Let me guess…this little…shall we say, wiggle, affliction of yours…"

"Yes?" Spike said narrowing his eyes.

"I'm guessing…Angel and…what's his name…Xander…aren't aware of it…are they?"

"No," Spike all but growled.

"Well…see…that answers that right there.  We get the TV."

"Aww come on now."

"Did we want to throw in the DVD and VCR as well?"

"This is blackmail."

"Yes…and doesn't it feel oh so good?"
"Knew there was a reason that I liked you," Spike muttered collapsing into the pillows of the sofa.

Gunn laughed.

"Feelings mutual."

"Fine then…. you get the TV.  But you either have to come with me to steal another one exactly like it…or come up with a good reason why our side can't have that one…other than the real reason."

"Hmm…let's see…we're good guys…so the first option…not really open."

That's right, Buffy told him.

"You stay out of this Slayer.  If you hadn't told the Bit I was ticklish, I wouldn't be in this predicament in the first place."

Buffy, Dawn, Ashta, and Fred giggled.

Gunn chuckled, but went back to talking with Spike.

"Okay…hmm…a good reason.  What if you told him it was broken?"

"Please…the whelp trusts me as much as you lot trust Dru won't try to snack on you in the middle of the night."

"He'd want to go look and make sure, right?"

"Yep."

"I know…why don't you go pick it up on the way back…and then Spike could say that it was gone when he and Xander try to get it later.  That way Spike could tell him how someone else came up and swiped it and Xander would just blame Angel for it getting taken."

Spike was tempted to hug her.

"Thanks Fred…for that…as soon as the sun goes down…I'm buying you a couple of tacos."

Fred smiled.

"Glad to help."

"Okay…all…it's time to bed down.  Gunn…if you want to watch more TV…feel free...  I'm gonna go round and check all the doors and windows before I get too sleepy to bother.  Girls…go to bed.  Fred…you can do what you like."

Fred smiled at him, but decided to sleep as well…she was starting to lag and since they had been up all night, it seemed right to go to bed then. 

Ashta was feeling the sunrise as well, so going to sleep was top on her list of things to do. 

With a goodnight kiss to Spike and a hug to Gunn, who she liked, Dawn lead the group up to her room.

After checking the entire house and locking them up, Spike headed back out front with a blanket for Gunn.

"I'm going to bed now," he said, as he handed him the blanket.

"Thanks."

"Welcome. Night."

"Night.  Hey…Spike?"
"Hmm?"
"Are all vampires ticklish?"

Spike rolled his eyes.

"I don't know.  Planning on tickling any?"

"Well I'm not touching Angel, so get that weird look out of your eyes.  I do plan to get Cordy or Fred to, though…but not until we get home, so don't freak out."

Spike sighed.

"I don't know if Dru is ticklish or not Gunn…. but your guess is as good as mine.  We never bothered with that kind of stuff when we were together."

Gunn nodded.

"Just curious."

"You're gonna tickle her tomorrow…aren't you?"
"Maybe.  Maybe not.  Maybe I might just feel like keeping you on your toes."

"That's right…let's all play with the Big Bad."

"It's a fun game…you should try it."

"Liking you less and less."

"I'm a smart ass…I know.  But you can't help but like me."

"And why is that?"
"Cause I'm just like you," Gunn said, chuckling before turning over and calling out, "Night" before closing his eyes and going to sleep.

Spike thought about it for a second…and then chuckled.

"Night," he called softly as he headed up to his bedroom.

He stripped out of his clothes and put on the pajama bottoms Dawn had had Giles buy specifically for him. 

He remembered the incident and smiled.  It had been after they had been at the Angel's hotel for one night already and knew they'd be there another few days, working out the details. Dawn knew they were sharing a room and wanted Giles to take him shopping for some things.

***

"Giles, come on…He needs to have something.  He has nothing but clothes and underclothes."

"Then he can wear that at night."

"Personally I'd rather not wear…"

"I'm too young for you to continue that sentence,"

"And I'm too old and straight to want to really know," Giles had said, both cutting him off from telling them anything.

Spike had chuckled and let them continue their debate.

"I'll come with you both."

"You want to come into a men's department store?"
'Well no…I'd rather be going into a woman's department store…but I want to make sure you buy something he'd wear.  Or at least, if anyone sees him wearing it it won't be such a big deal for him.  He is kinda picky."

"Hello…do either of you bloody gits remember I'm standing right in front of you?"

"Spike…don't interrupt…I'm trying to get you something that Xander wouldn't wear, or tease you for wearing, and that doesn't make you look like a doof like Riley…not to mention something that isn't…tweedy…making you look like a punk- Giles- type."

Giles gasped and Spike slumped down in his chair.

Twin murmurs of "Bugger" were heard.

Dawn had smiled and said," So…sunset…we head out, right?"

Both had merely nodded their heads.  And once they were at the mall, they had just let Dawn lead them.  No point in making a scene.  Dawn would just act out.

Dawn had charmed a young sales guy into helping them and they had the outfit Dawn had wanted within minutes. 

She had bought him a couple, mostly in black, cause she had played on his vanity and had told him that it made him look dead sexier.

He had rolled his eyes, but allowed her to pick up a few all the same.

Giles had merely laughed and told him, when Dawn was out checking out other clothes she thought Spike should start considering after everything was done,

"She's got you wrapped around her finger."

"I know you're not talking."

Giles had laughed. 

"No…I guess not.  I think I'm just observing.  How did it happen, do you suppose?"
"How the bloody hell should I know?  Must be the Summer's gene I'm figuring.  All three Summer's women…just…"

"I know how you feel.  Yeah…must be the Summer's gene."

Spike & Giles had shared a smile before Dawn had coming running up to Spike with a bright blue shirt telling him that no matter what else he thought, he had to buy that shirt.

"And why do I have to buy this shirt?"

"You're eyes, silly.  It goes perfectly with your eyes."

At Spike's eye roll, she had turned to Giles.

"Doesn't it match his eyes, Giles?"

"I think you're asking the wrong person Dawn," Giles said with a deep sigh, then turned around and walked out of the shop to sit on a bench close by. 

Spike eyed Giles with an expression akin to envy.  If only Dawn would let go of his arm, he could go join him.  But Dawn had had no intention of letting him go before he promised to get the shirt. 

She stopped a group of teenaged girls and asked them,

"Excuse me…I'm sorry to bother you…but I kinda need your help…all of you.  My brother is …well…I found this shirt and I want him to get it but he's not sure…he's a man.  Can you tell him you're opinion of it if he tries it on?"

The girls eyed Spike and nodded, willing to do whatever to feast their eyes on him for a bit longer.

Dawn winked at the girls and pushed Spike into one of the dressing stalls. 

"Put it on…we'll wait out here for you."

Spike sighed but didn't bother not doing it.

He put it on…and then came out.

He thought for a minute that the group of girls had stopped breathing.  Even Dawn seemed to catch her breath when she saw him in it.

"What?  Isn't it okay?"

"Wow" "That's great!" "You have to get that shirt." "Do you have a girlfriend?"

He smiled at the girls and then looked at Dawn.

"So…what do you think, Bit?"

Dawn closed her mouth and winked at him before saying,

"You'll do."

Spike laughed and then sauntered into the dressing room to take the shirt off.

When he had returned he had gathered the shirt and the few other items she had picked out for him and had headed for the cashier where he had paid for his purchases with Giles's credit card.

When asked for ID, he had muttered curses and told Dawn,

"Go get Dad."

Dawn giggled but bolted out, pulling a reluctant Giles back into the store without telling him what it was for.

"What now?" Giles asked.

"They need your signature and ID, Dad." Spike said, with a wicked smile on his face.

Giles blinked and was still, but didn't flinch…then he pulled out his wallet and told Spike.

"Take your sister to the woman's department across the walkway."

Spike's face registered horror, while Dawn's face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"What did I do?"

Giles merely said, "Sometime today William."


Spike dropped his head and turned as If he was going to the gallows and slowly trudged toward the front of the shop.  Dawn was prancing around him, ecstatic that she was going to get some clothes too…cause even if Giles had only meant it to torture Spike, she was gonna make him live up to it. 

Giles had an unholy look of glee on his face as he dealt with the purchases, before following after them.

He had caught up with them a few stores away…and had to pay for his joke for Spike had recovered by this time and helped Dawn pick up everything he thought she had to have…not to mention things she thought she'd never be able to do without…causing Giles to pay more for her clothes than his.

It had been a fun day, Spike remembered…minus that whole middle part.

It was the last thought he had, before he dropped off to sleep.

*********

Hours later, as the sun was setting, Spike awoke.

He found Buffy sitting on the edge of his bed, looking down at him.

"Buffy, love…what…"

She interrupted him by shaking her head and pointing at the sun…. which was covering him from the open window.

"It's almost time William. "

"I should be burning."

"The light can't hurt you here…it covers and protects you here, William.  It knows you do it's bidding."

"What are y…"

"Do not interrupt the lesson, this will not last long.  It's almost time.  And things will change.  Will you be ready?"
"I will… .as long as you return and Dawn is safe.  I'm fine."
"Would you give up your life?"

"I'd trade mine for yours... you know that."

"That is great…but not necessary… it wasn't what was meant.  It is time for me to go."

"Wait…"

"I can't stay…not here. I'll be here soon.  Tell me then."

"That makes absolutely no sense."

"It will," she says as she fades away.

Spike was just about to get up and attempt to follow Buffy when this large buzzing sound went off to his left.  He turned to face it but didn't see anything.  He looked back to where Buffy had been standing, but now saw that the light was gone and the moon was looming and shining on him.  Just as Spike was about to about to get up and walk over to the window when the large buzzing sound was back…but it was right by his ear.  He looked…but still didn't see it.  It stopped and he ignored it.  He looked at the window again and it was midday.

"Okay…that's weird," he muttered to himself.

But before he could figure it out he was forcing air out of his lungs as something hard and solid landed on his chest.  He struggled to get up and it moved.  He vamped out and growled; opening his eyes wide…and encountered Dawn.

He quickly unvamped and sighed.

"Jeez, Bit.  I almost attacked you.  What's with making me your trampoline?"

"Well…we tried to wake you up a million other times.  Buffy told me just to toss water on you, but I thought that was mean."

Spike glared at the Ghostly Slayer who was smiling brightly at him, giggling.

He rolled his eyes and looked back at Dawn.

"But jumping on me wasn't?"

"Well I had to do something.  You sleep like the dead."

"I AM dead."

"Living dead."

Spike sighed.

Buffy laughed.

Dawn giggled and said,

"Come on… its time to get up anyway.  And we need to go grocery shopping…or unless you want to order pizza again."

Spike smiled.

"If you do…you might want to call a different place.  I don't think that guy is gonna be coming up to the house anymore."

Dawn stalked over and straddled him.

"Come on…tell me…what did you do?"

Spike grinned.

"Ask Buffy."
"She can't stop laughing hard enough to answer me.  And the same goes from Ashta…who saw it in your mind or Buffy's…do ghosts have minds?"

Spike and Buffy rolled their eyes and laughed.

Both ignored answering her questions.

"Now if I didn't tell you last night…what makes you think I'm gonna tell you know?"
"Cause…last night you were fully clothed.  And now…I've got a quicker…and by far better, for me, access to your sides, stomach, neck, arms, and feet…all, which I have found out are extremely ticklish to you.  Just push me."

Spike sighed…cause he knew what she said was true…last night all she had access to was his sides, stomach, and neck…he was moving to fast for her to tickle the rest…but he wasn't so fast now.  Hell…he'd just woken up seconds ago.  He'd have to tell her.

"I vamped out at him."

"Why?"

"Cause he caught a glimpse of you through the window and was leering at you."

"Spike!!!"

"Well…he did.  And no one looks at my bit…got it?"
"I'm gonna have boyfriends you know."

Spike growled.

"Stop growling…it's true and you're gonna have to deal…But your not telling me all of it…are you?  You disappeared for a lot longer than that."

Spike rolled his eyes.

"What else?"

Spike sighed.

"I chased him down the stairs and to his car.  And then while his car was backing out of the drive I jumped on the hood and ripped off the door threatening to drink his blood and bath in it if he ever dared to come within 15 feet of the house or you ever again."

"You didn't?"

"I did."
"Oh…my…God.  No wonder Buffy and Ashta were laughing so hard…. you're insane.  Absolutely insane."

She muttered more about his insane behavior as she got off him and walked downstairs. 

Buffy and Spike looked at one another and laughed.

"You know…if ya had been able to control your laughter a bit harder…I wouldn't be going through this right now…or last night."

Ha…like that really mattered.  It's your fault for pulling a deranged Martin Lawrence on the pizza guy…and the way you chased him.  I swear…I thought he was gonna mess himself.  And the way he tripped over himself just trying to get to the car, in the car, and then the way he fumbled trying to get the car started.  If I was alive I'd have died laughing had I saw the scene.

"It wasn't that funny luv."

Oh yes it was.  Come on…you can't lie about all day…night.  It's time to get up.

"Oh I'm up."

I am so not hearing this.

Spike laughed as Buffy disappeared, quickly.

I love it when you blush, luv, he thought towards her.

Then got up and after showering, got dressed.

********

Downstairs he found Fred fixing a meal.

"Hi Spike," she greeted him with a warm mug of pigs blood.

"Here you go, drink it all up."

Spike raised his eyebrow at her, but shrugged and drank it down.

"Thanks Fred."

"You're welcome.  If you want to eat some other food…I've left you a plate.  The others ate earlier."

"Thanks again…and not that I mind…but why are you fixing our meals and such?"

"Felt good to have something to do.  Usually I get a kick out of research and such…but there's none of that to do here…at least not now…I guess we won't have anything new to research until Buffy returns, right?  So…I don't mind cooking."

"Thanks then."

Fred smiled at him.

"Oh…and I'm gonna get you those tacos once the sun goes down.  I'd go now…but that would make a crispy Spike-sized dust pile."

"And we can't have that."

"That's right."

Fred laughed and then asked him.

"Angel usually sleeps all day.  How come your awake now?"
"Two…three reasons."

At Fred's look he said,

"One…dream.  I'll have to double-check that with Buffy, cause she was in it.  Two…I usually wake up only a few hours until sundown now anyway.  Teenage girl to raise for the time being… not big on the sleep the day away stage, unless she's exhausted.  Three…Passions comes on in the afternoon…got to be up for that if I'm not taping it.  And last…but not least…teenage girl in reason number two decided my chest was a wonderful way to start her career as a trampoline artist.  Sometimes I think she forgets I'm a vampire and wants me up all day with her."

Fred laughed and then laughed harder as Dawn waltzed into the kitchen.

"So what are we doing today?" she asked Spike.

"Today…we are having a Passions marathon.

At Dawn's look, he said,

"In honor of Ashta…who swears she needs to see them all before the resurrection gets underway tonight."

Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Okay…Passions marathon and then…"

"What do you want to do Dawn?"
"Noooothing."

"Spit it out Niblet."

"Well…ya see…some of my friends want to go to the cinema to see the new movie…"

"You can go…but be back before nightfall.  You know what this town holds…not to mention the fact that the," Spike sighed, "gang is all coming over for Buffy's pre-resurrection party."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Dawn said, and made a dash to the front door, trying to get out before Spike had anything else to say.

She wasn't fast enough.

"And Dawn?"
"Yeah?"

"I smell one boy on you…and I don't mean a brush against you smell; I WILL FIND AND TORTURE HIM.  Got it."
"Spppiiiiike," Dawn whined.

Spike just gave her a good glare.

"That's so not fair, Spike."

"Deal with it," was his retort as he closed the door after her, returning to the living room to find all his Passion tapes to set them up for their marathon.  Fred came into the living room with snacks and sodas.  Gunn had gone upstairs to wash up and came back, seeing the tapes, smiled and settled into a comfy chair to watch.  Ashta had already been waiting and since they were all there…they settled and sat down to watch.

Hours went by and before nightfall, Dawn returned, pouting a little that she had to be in so early.

Spike rumpled her hair and whispered something in her ear and handed her something that the others could not see, which caused her to grin.  She then ran up to her room looking thrilled about something. 

At Gunn's look he shrugged.

"I bribed her.  Money works wonders sometimes, don't ya think?"

Gunn laughed and they went back to watching the show.

Dawn came back downstairs a few minutes later, joining the rest of them.

A couple of hours later, the phone rang.  The group had finally tired of watching Passions and had opted for listening to Spike's stories…especially after Dawn told them that they had to hear one.  After listening to the first one, they had plied him with more and more.

Dawn, near the phone, answered.

Hearing Giles's voice she told him to hang on and then handed it over to Spike.

"It's Giles."

Spike gave her a look that clearly said, Oh-sure-stick-me-with-the-boring-part.

Dawn gave him a wide Buffy-like smile.

Spike chuckled silently before turning his attention to whatever Giles was relaying to him.

After a few moments he said," Sure Rupes.  Now…this is all fascinating information, or so you think so, but why are you telling me about all this now.  Won't you be here in about an hour?"

"Well…yes," came the response," but I thought you'd want to know…okay…I forgot.  I was just excited about my findings."

"Glad you found a hobby, now just show so when the Whelp gets here I don't kill him."

Giles laughed.

"Okay Spike…see you in an hour."

They hung up and at the curious faces around, he said,

"Giles is gonna be here in an hour…so let's make this place party ready, shall we?"

The rest agreed and helped him organize for the party.

******

An hour later, the party was in full swing.

Giles had shown up early and was working effectively well at keeping Xander away from Spike…well…as much as possible.  Xander had taken to seeking Spike out to bother him, until he caught Willow giving him that…I-know-what-you're-doing-and-you're-gonna-be-in-big-trouble-Mister look.

He sighed and stopped trying to torment Spike.

Spike flashed him a smirk.

He growled.

Spike laughed.  Even from across the room, he knew what Xander was doing.

Besides, he could hear him.

He turned toward Buffy's voice, answering her in turn.

Must you torment Xander like that?
He's tormenting me…I'm just getting my own back.

You're incorrigible.

You know what that means?

Shut up.

Spike laughed out loud.

"Thank you Spike," Anya said, "no one else seems to think my joke was funny, but I'm glad you appreciate it."

Spike looked confused for a second and then covered,

"You're welcome Anya…always willing to help an ex-demon."

Anya gave him a wide smile and then moved towards Willow and Tara.

Dawn sat down next to him.

She leaned into him and whispered in his hear,

"You have no idea what her joke was, do you?"

"Not a blessed word."

Dawn laughed.

"I knew it."

"Yeah…well, don't go break it to her that I don't know what she's talking about, alright?  She seemed happy enough."

"I won't, I won't."

"And…I saw how you haven't bothered Xander, even though I'd love to see you do it."

"That would just be so you could…you know?"
"Yes…it would be.  But Buffy told me I had to be good…that although she had enjoyed yesterday, I've reached my torture Spike quota for a day or so.  Shucks the luck."

Spike laughed.

Angel and Dru walked through the door then.

Xander's night brightened.  Oh…another vampire to torture.  He stopped himself seconds before rubbing his hands together in glee.

He looked toward Spike and when he caught his eye he nodded towards the door.

Spike looked, caught Xander's expression, and laughed…knowing what was coming.

Xander smirked at him.

Then wandered over to Angel.

"Dru…. Bossie, glad you could join the party."

Angel glared at Xander.

Dru laughed.

"Don't start with me boy, I'm, not in the mood."

"Now, now Angelus, "Spike said, strolling over, "don't get all wound up.  We're here for the celebrating.  Couple of hours for now, we get our Slayer back.  Learn to be cheerful and merry, or get out."

"You act like this is your house."

"Well…until Buffy returns…it is."

Angel growled at him.

Dru laughed harder at Spike's bored expression.

"My William loves to tease Daddy," she told Gunn, who was standing next to her.

"So I see," Gunn laughed.

"No one quite crawls under the skin to bother him so, "Dru continued.  


Gunn just kept laughing.

Dawn stepped up to Angel.

"Alright…here's how it goes. Spike lives here…at least until Buffy returns.  He's my protector…so he's got to live in."

"I could protect you."

"From LA?"

"I could…"

"Enough okay.  Now I like you much better than I did while you were here…specially when you went all evil and tried to kill me and my family and friends…but we're good now.  So…keep it good.  Don't try to push away anyone I consider family.  Alright?"

Angel stared silently at her…and then turned to look at the rest of them.

He sighed and then nodded.

Dawn squealed happily and threw herself into his arms.

Angel was shocked and gave Spike a wary glance.

Spike gave him a look that said Just-hug-her-mate-she-likes-that.

Angel gave him a ghost of a smile and hugged Dawn back before she released him.

She bounded over to the stereo and turned on a song before coming back to the front area where they were still standing and grabbed Dru's hand.

At the vampiresses look, she said,

"This song's good…and I know you want to dance."

Dru smiled and danced with her.

 Ashta, Fred, even Cordy joined her.

Gunn and Spike looked on.

Xander grabbed Willow and Tara and began to dance…. or what he considered dancing.

Gunn looked at Spike.

"We're gonna have to go redeem the poor boy…aren't we?"

"You got eyes, right?"

"Yeah…I see.  I sure hope you can dance, Pale Boy."

"I got your Pale Boy, right here," Spike told him as he moved towards the dance floor.

Gunn laughed but joined him as they began to dance with the girls.

Angel, Giles, and Wesley leaned to the side, watching and drinking, but not joining in the dance.  But Wesley and Giles did have smiles on their faces, so they seemed to be enjoying their selves.  Angel was watching, but he didn't seem to be upset…just observing…. and when Xander danced his way to bug him, he ignored him for the first two times, but had to trip him the third time.

At Giles's look, he said,

"I let it go twice."

Giles laughed, but didn't say anything and Xander didn't bother Angel any more, remembering that Angel could hit him, if he bothered him too much.

A few hours later, the party wound down.  Everyone pitched in and cleaned up and then sat down to wait, since there was about forty minutes left until it was time to go resurrect Buffy.

"So…we got about forty minutes left, what should we do?"
"How far away is the cemetery?"

"About 15 minutes."

"So we should leave…soon.  Do we want to be early?"
"Might as well…an hour can pass quickly if we're all doing something."

"Sounds like a plan."

The group nodded and then after checking that they had everything they needed, gathering it and picking which car to ride in, they headed off.

Once they arrived at the gravesite, they took their time, grabbing what they need, heading towards the grave.

Spike and Dawn were last, and Dawn grabbed his hand and squeezed.

At his look she leaned over and told him.

"You know I love you right?"
"Of course, Sweet Bit.  I love you too."
"I'm so excited…and now that it's time…I'm really nervous and scared."

"Whatever happens…I'll be here for you Dawn."

"I know…and I'll be here for you too."

"Glad to know…never know when you'll need a special Key."
"Hey!"

Spike laughed and jogged ahead of her, stopping seconds later because Buffy appeared directly before him.

"Jeez luv, you gotta stop doing that."
You won't hurt me if you go thru me, you know.

"I know…but …what's up? 

You wanted to talk to me?

"Listening in to one's dreams, luv?"

Didn't have to listen…I was there.

"What did it mean?"
You'll see.

"You know don't you?"
Some of it…I had to make a choice.

"What choice?"
Now if I told you, I wouldn't get to see the look on your face when you find out.

"Aww…come on luv."

Buffy stepped closer, leaned in and said,

No.

"You're a tease luv."

She just laughed and disappeared.

"Don't know why we're bothering to resurrect you, Slayer.  You're a pain in the arse."

You love me anyway.

Spike sighed and then muttered.

"Sodding love."

Dawn and Buffy laughed as they strolled towards the rest of the group.

Ashta appeared in front of Spike then.

"Jeez…what's with you women?  What's all this about then?"

Ashta understanding just laughed.

"Don't tell me I startled the Big Bad?"

"Hardly," Spike said, giving her a wry smile.

"Did you want something?"
"I have something to give you."
"What?"

Ashta leaned forward and much like the way she did to Dawn, she pointed her finger at Spike's chest.  A brilliant blue and white light ball spun in front of him, and after a few moments a heart shaped necklace exactly like Dawn's appeared on around his neck…the same initials in the center, like Dawn's was.

A blue  & silver light radiated around and through Spike before disappearing completely.

"Wow."

"That was kinda neat."

"What was that?"
"It was nothing."
"Spike, are you alright."
"Feelin' fine…is time yet, Rupes?"

"A good many minutes 'til, we might as well head over to the grave."

The group as a whole nodded and then headed that way after grabbing the essential elements.

****

They reached Buffy's gravesite a few minutes later.  They unloaded the books and scrolls…giving them a last minute look through to make sure that they had everything. 

"Do we have to stand anywhere specific?" Xander asked.

"Yes, how bright of you to mention that, Xander."

Xander grinned at her.

"Sometimes I use the brains I have.  So…you'll tell us where to stand, right?  And we've got all the people we need.  So what's the book do?  The Order of Sex Kittens Lust Ordeal?"

All of them turned to him, eyes wide before they burst out laughing at what he had said.

"And sometimes my brains go on hiatus."

That just made them laugh harder.

"It's not that funny guys."

The group couldn't be bothered answering; they were too busy rolling on the ground laughing.

Xander sighed.

"We have to bring back Buffy in a few minutes, guys…don't you think we should be finding out where we're supposed to stand?"

Ashta straightened out and stood up first.

"Oh that was fun…but he does have a point."

The rest of the group struggled to contain their laughter and stand up.

"We're good."

Ashta nodded.

"Alright, Dawn, you stand at the foot of the grave, Spike, you stand next to her, on her right side, Angel, you stand on the left side of the grave and Willow, you'll be next to him, on the right side, Giles, you and Xander stand at the head of her grave, Giles across from Dawn and Xander across from Spike, behind the tombstone, Dru, you'll be on the right side of the grave and I want you across from Willow, Tara, you'll be next to Dru, across from Angel.  Wesley, stand directly between and about three feet behind Giles & Xander, Fred, the same distance and position behind Dru & Tara, Gunn, the same distance and position behind Dawn & Spike, and Cordelia the same distance and position behind Angel and Willow."

"What about you?"
"I'm the only one who can move around once the chant begins and you are all locked in place.  I'll be circling you all."

"Sounds like fun."

"What else needs to be done?"
"Well…Dru will start it off…once Angel is where he needs to be, he'll pat Dru, who he has kept by his side and she'll dance off and begin her part.  Then she'll begin the chant you need to repeat.  When she and you, because she'll be saying it once and you will be chanting with her, say the line that mentions you or a role you will play, you'll step forward to the places I have told you and that I have marked with the white roses I have in my hands.  You will all say the chant three times and then it will get interesting.  Please don't ask…I'm not allowed to tell you more about the later parts…okay?"

The crew nodded.

"Now…when we chant the Key of worlds line, Dawn will step up to her position, Blood of Souled, Angel will step up to his position, at the Ashes line, Giles will step up, at the chant line, Dru will step up to her position.  At the all bound together line Spike, Willow, Xander and Tara will step up to their positions.  At the Raise our Warrior line Gunn, Cordy, Wesley and Fred will step up to their positions.  Now once you're in position, don't move from that general area.  You can shift around, if you need to, but the area you're in is vital, understand?"

The group, as a whole, nodded.

"Great.  Now…for the next line…you will connect your hands…just the first time…and just the first row…and leave them connected to form a circle for the remaining two times you have to repeat the chant.  Spike and Dawn will start it off…with the love line…and they will be the only two to speak it the first time.  Both of you will extend your arms, but Tara, do not grasp Spike's hand until your line comes forward. At the blood line…Angel and Willow will grasp hands and connect with Dawn, and only those two will say that line…at the death line…Giles and Xander will speak the line and grasp hands and Giles will connect with Willow.  At the Life line Dru and Tara will speak the line and grasp each other's hands and Xander and Dru will connect and Tara and Spike will connect their hands as well."

"How come Giles and I get the death part?  Are you trying to tell us something? And if so…can we not…can't I switch with someone else?"

Ashta chuckled and so did the others.

"No Xander…it's a line and also…Giles has the vial of Darla's dust…which had to happen for the resurrection…which is sort of a death…understand now?"

Xander nodded and grinned at her,

"Just checking."
"Okay…. now after Tara and Dru complete the circle, I'll say the words Spirit and then everyone completes the phrasing by uttering 'Combined' and then the last line."

Everyone nodded.

Willow raised her hand.

They all looked at her, with amused glances.

Willow gave a sheepish smile and then said,

"Sorry, habit.  But I do have a question.  If Dru's chanting everything before us the first time, won't she mess it up a bit if she says the words that we're only supposed to say by ourselves the first time?"

"No…she's gonna stop right before the line.  She'll finish her first, solo, chant with the Raise our warrior line and then she'll be silent until her and Tara's life part and then after my part she'll continue with the rest of you."

"Okay…I understand now."

"Won't that be a bit hard to remember…the starting and stopping?"
"Dru's pretty bright you know…besides…she'll probably be under the influence of the stars…it'll be natural for her, am I right?"

"You are champion, you are.  Giles…do you have the copies of the lines for everyone?"

"Yes…here," he said as he passed them out.  "Just look at them now…you won't be able to hold them during the ceremony," he said with a pointed glance towards Xander.

Xander gave him a look.

Giles smiled wickedly, but said nothing else.

"Do not worry Giles…it will be done fine."

"If you put a hand in, I'm sure it will."

"What do we do…we're too far away to hold each other's hands…and we're not supposed to move, right?"

"It's actually up to you…if you want, you can clasp the shoulders of the two in front of you, or you can keep your hands to your sides, or you can even hold your arms out towards the others as if you could connect. But there are four of you…so at least two of you need to be doing the same thing to keep the symmetry going."

The four talked and decided that they would grasp the shoulders of the two in front of them.

Once that was agreed, Ashta told them,

"You have about five minutes left."

"I've a question, what do we do during our lines, besides stepping into our positions."

"Dawn merely has to step into position, Angel, since you're here and didn't turn, during your turn, take this dagger, " she said as she passed it to him, "and slice your right palm and then hold it over the grave, palm facing down, until a few drops land on it.  Then you can remove your hand. If you hadn't been here…well…we'd have needed the jar of blood you had left."

"Why the difference?"
"Freshness and something else, I'm not sure what, though.  Those were the instructions, however."

"Oh."

"Now… at the ashes line…Giles, I want you to uncap the jar and just toss the ashes over her grave, towards Dawn and Spike.  Don't worry about it…it'll be contained to just the grave.  And both of you, don't drop the items you have…I'll collect it as I'm circling around you."

They nodded.

"The rest of you…. when your line comes, you just step into position."

"Now…that's pretty much it.  Do not unbind your hands until you're done the chant.  And the rest…. you'll see.  Now I'll take your papers now…"

Buffy looked at all her friends, but knew that they couldn't see her.  She looked upwards and then looked at Spike and Dawn and told them, I'll see you soon, before disappearing from their sight.

"It's time for you to get in your first positions," Ashta told them softly, after laying the Order of Sasketl Lustoria in the center of the grave and placing all the white roses where she wanted them to stand.

Everyone seemed to release a breath and stepped into their areas.

Dru, once Angel released her to get to his correct position, began to twirl around, her eyes glazed over…and she began to sing:

Chant my phrase

Three times round

To bring you're precious from the ground

She grows, she rumbles & earth gives her prize

And within a few moments, she'll materialize

Dru danced over until she stopped in her position next to Tara.

The others looked at Ashta, who merely answered,

"It's started…soon Dru will begin the chant.  Make sure you repeat each line…Dru will only say it once and you need to repeat it three times.  Remember, step up to your second position after your line in the phrase has been uttered the first time.  Once you have moved, do not move again…and keep your position…only I will be able to move around without disrupting everything."

They nodded understanding.

Dru began chanting and they uttered the phrases behind, as everyone did what Ashta had told them to do.

THE KEY OF WORLDS SHALL BE YOUR GUIDE

BLOOD OF SOULED WILL HELP REVIVE

THE ASHES OF 'RETURNED' FOE AND

THIS CHANT WHICH CAME FROM A LONELY LOST SOUL

ALL BOUND TOGETHER ON BLOOD MOON NIGHT

RAISE OUR WARRIOR AND RESTORE HER TO OUR SIGHT

LET LOVE, BLOOD, DEATH, LIFE & SPIRIT COMBINED

BE YOUR GUIDE TO RETURN YOU TO US ONE MORE TIME

As the ashes were scattered on her grave & the blood poured from foot to head, the grave started to glow…. first gold, then blue, then green and finally purple.

They repeated the chant a second time; Dawn & Spike's voices together seemed to be much louder although they weren't shouting.

Ashta wasn't just circling the group, and collecting items, by the time they had reached the middle of the second chant, she was dancing and twirling around like Dru had done earlier.

The ground rumbled.  They steadied themselves, but didn't stop chanting. 

They then repeated the chant for a third time.

When they had finished…they felt a large wave of energy surge through them, pushing and pulling at them, and when it died finally died down, after what seemed like hours later, they released their hands.

There was a crackling, popping noise, and something sounding like a door opening, but although they looked around, they saw nothing.

"Hold up…don't tell me that after all that, she doesn't appear.  That sucks."

"That does it…" Spike growled and looked up towards the sky," When I get my hands on you bloody ponces I'm gonna rip off your heads.  You promised to give her back.  We did the soddin' ritual, we got the bloody items, we're here, on time, doin' what we were told to do.  So bring her back already,"

The earth shook again.

But when they looked around…they still didn't see anything.

Even Angel growled this time.

"We did everything correctly, right Ashta?"
"Everything was done correctly.  You need not worry…she's coming."

"She is…you're not fooling us, right?"
"I'd never joke about something so serious."

"Good to know."

"Can we move now? Or must we stay here?"
"You can move now Wesley, you all can."

Some of them moved, like Xander and Wesley and Tara, but most of them stayed in place.

"How much bloody longer do we have to wait?"
"Are you in that much hurry for a beat down, Spike?  You know she's gonna hurt you when she gets back," Angel tried to taunt him.

Spike merely smiled at the thought.

"You really think that's gonna deter him," Xander asked Angel incredulously, "He likes when she beats him up."

Angel looked at him and Xander rolled his eyes at him.

"You really are a poncy git."

Spike laughed and the others chuckled.

"Ashta?"
"Yes Rupert?"
"Really…where is she?" he said looking around and seeing nothing different…and definitely no Buffy.

"Don't worry Rupert…she's…" Ashta broke off and just looked behind him.

He was just about to ask her what was going on when he noticed Spike and Dawn.

Spike was staring at something behind him as well…as was Dawn.

Although Spike was looking in awe and Dawn just had a large smile on her face.

He noticed then that everyone minus Dru, who was looking up at the stars instead, were all looking with expressions that were the same as either Spike or Dawn.

He turned around slowly…. to find himself a couple of feet away from Buffy, who was draped in a very old-fashioned long white flowing dress, her hair, loose and framing her small shoulders, with a few flowers arranged nicely throughout her tresses.

A giant smile was on her face, that matched the one Dawn had, as she looked at all of them and knew she was back and they could all see her.

She winked at them all and then said,

"Hi guys…miss me?"

TBC…

* A/N: See…I told you I'd bring her back. : - D Yeah I know…more soon, right?  I hope so.  : - D Hope you enjoyed it so far.  More too come soon.  ~ Spunkles