Rating 2M
Settling In.

By: Awatcher2

Chapter 6 Bargaining.

Buffy enters the crypt. It is cold and dark. The lamps are not lit. She tries to make her way around. Till she can find what she is looking for.

Buffy: (With anxiety in her voice.) Spike. Spike are you here? (There's no answer.) She finally gets over to one of his lamps is about to turn it on when.

Spike: Stop. Leave it off. Get out of here. I don't want you around when I'm like this.

Buffy: (She can hear the strain and the emotion in his voice.) Spike I can't see you.

Spike: Just leave get out of here. Before I go all evil and hurt you. Or didn't your friends finish prepping you on just how wrong, and bad I'm for you?

Buffy: Is that what's this is about? My friends? They have nothing to do with this. With you and me. (She finds the light. The whole place is trashed. And he's there in the cold dark crypt, head down, submerged in his misery.)

Spike: It has everything to do. The least little thing goes wrong and it's kick the Spike. He's evil.

Buffy: You never cared what they thought before. None of this ever mattered why now?

Spike: Cause you're part of my life now, I'm part of yours, and they're part of yours. Things are gonna be real bad if they're off trying to stake me, and you're all choosing sides.

Buffy: (She goes and knees down beside him.) We're married now. I think that means I've already chosen sides. If it comes to it. But it won't cause they're wrong.

Spike: How do you know? How can you be sure? What if they're right this time. I don't know what's wrong, what's causing this. What if they're right? What if I hurt you or Dawn? I couldn't live like that. I rather be staked and ashes.

Buffy: (Again Buffy can hear the emotion in his voice. As he looks up finally she can see that he's crying.)

Spike: You really got the worst part of this deal didn't you? I luck out for once, and you got the worst part of the deal. Sugar, Spice, my Goldilocks is everything nice, and what am I made of? Frogs snails, and initiative tails. All chips in my head, all evil demon. You got the worst deal.

Buffy: No I did not get the worst part of this deal. I have love and light and fire back. That's what she said.

Spike: That's what who said? Don't think I quite followed you round that bend love.

Buffy: The night we got married, the night you found me on the floor. That's what she said. The first slayer.

Spike: The first slayer told you it was a good idea to be with me? She said that?

Buffy: No. She said I had the fire back, that I had let love in. She was so right. I really hadn't before. You are wrong you know. What you said about being all bad, you're so wrong. Without you loving me, I would have died. I wanted to die. For the longest time I wanted to die. Then when I was invisible, when I thought I was going to die, that was the first time that I realized that I wanted to live, but you gave me a thread to hold onto, till I could see straight. That thread is this bond that we have, which is stronger than anything I know. You are part of me. I won't leave you, and I won't let you leave me. No matter what. So if this chip is causing crazy things to happen, then we are going to figure it out together. I promise.

Spike: So what else did the slayer say?

Buffy: She said that we are all kindred. She showed me that I don't really know where I came from or what I am. The fire that is in me, is the same fire that is in you. We are all one big, bad ass kindred. So what is in you is in me. I was so scared. I always thought it was so clear cut. I am the slayer. I am made out of everything good, I fight evil. There is nothing bad in me. Then I found out that the same thing that makes you what you are, makes me the slayer. The powers that I have, the drives the hunger, the passion. The fight, it's all from the same source, that's why our destiny's are always going to be linked. Slayers and Vampires throughout history and time. You are not anything that I am not. But the essence in you chooses to be evil. I am a keeper of sorts, a tamer. Your kind would have run wild, but then they choose the first slayer, they induced her with the same dark essence. The wildness that you are capable of, it's all in me. The only difference is your drive and blood lust is to drink blood, mine is to fight your kind. But it's all rooted from the same line. If the first slayer could over come the darkness inside her and win. We can over come anything. Together. (She takes his hand.) I have love in my life because of you. Do you get that? And I love you?

Spike: I think I get that. You make me more than I knew I could be. You made me get more out of this undead life than I ever thought I could. That's why I love you Buffy.

Buffy: (She wipes at his face with her hand. She kisses him gentle on the lips.) Be with me.

Spike: I'm afraid. What if I go all chip in my head mad again, and hurt you?

Buffy: Is that what happened here? (Looking around at the crypt again.)

Spike: No. I was just in a bad mood. (They both laugh. The tension is gone for the moment. He reaches her and touches her hair.) I don't want to miss a moment with you.

Buffy: You won't. (She kisses him and takes his lip gentle between her teeth. She plays with his lips. Then he joins in unbidden. All the pent up fear, anger and rejection finding an outlet at last.)

Spike: He reaches out and takes her full bodied to him. He pulls her lips to his, as her arms lock around his neck, and the kiss steals all breath, all air, all consciousness. It's hot, and hungry, and they taste each other. They breath into each other, what each needs for survival. To be vital to have life. They are each others life's essence.)

Buffy: (She unbuttons his shirt. As her hands make their way under his clothes. Loosing her patience she pulls it open tearing away the last two. Pressing her self into him, for survival for emotional warmth.

Spike: (As his hands start to explore. He raises her arms and removes her shirt. He trails hungry kisses up her neck. Then goes back to her lips. An oasis in the desert. A life preserver to a drowning man which he is. And she saves him.)

Buffy: (As he removes a few more articles of her clothing. Coming up for air just enough.) I'm cold. (She's shivering because he's turned off the heat in his crypt.)

Spike: Then I'll warm you. (There is pure fire in his eyes, as he says it.) As he moves his fervored and hungry attention back to her lips and the rest of her. He moves then to his rug. Followed by a hasty retrieval of a blanket nearby.)

Buffy: (Their clothes are outside the blanket. And their melded bodies are within. He warms and caress every part of her. Lovingly, slowly, gently. She is mindless with happiness.) I need you. (Suckles the nape of his neck with her mouth.) Closer.

Spike: (He brings them fully together. With as much closeness as two people can know physically, or emotionally. They disappear together from this plain, from the painful moments of now. They are together, it's bliss. There is only this moment. It's calm, yet intense, it's peaceful, yet erotic and hungry. All the emotions and feeling meld into one, and join them there on his rug as their passion for each other mounts. Their togetherness is defiance against the odds that say they will not work, or that their union is wrong. It's them together.)

Buffy: (He comforts her, she comforts him and they take comfort in each others arms. In the final few moments before they are completely raptured up in bliss, before all thought is lost.) Spike I love..

Spike: I know. Me too. (Then he takes them the rest of the way to their own Nirvana.)

Back at Anya and Xander's place. Dawn has calmed down. She is thinking more clearly. She has had dinner with them. Xander has turned in early, and her and Anya are in the kitchen getting the dishes. Dawn while drying the dishes, breaks a glass. While clearing up the glass she broke, she cuts her finger and small tiny droplets of blood start to pour from it. In that moment she knows she's wrong. She knows Spike would never hurt her. She remember the promise they made about being family, and the blood ties they tried to create. She starts to break down and cry. She feels really bad about how she shut him out.

Anya: It's ok Dawn. I've broken a glass before too. It wasn't even an expensive one. It will be ok. I will just buy a new one, with all the money I won from you tonight.

Dawn: That's not why I'm crying.

Anya: Oh did you break something more expensive?

Dawn: No. I feel bad. About Spike. I was awful to him. I shut him out. We're family. I said it, and now he thinks I hate him. What if he leaves?

Anya: I am sure he won't leave you and Buffy. But I bet he feels bad about everything that happened.

Dawn: I have to go. I have to go see him. I have to tell him. I didn't mean it.

Anya: You want to go see him now?

Dawn: I have to.

Anya: But Dawn it's late, and Buffy would never want you out this late by yourself.

Dawn: I have to. Spike needs to know I so don't hate him. You have to let me go. I said we were family. When you care about someone, you accept them for who they are. You love all of them, and not just when they are good. When Buffy found out I was the key she was there for me. And Spike he said I couldn't be evil, and I said I couldn't be good, and he said he wasn't good but he was ok. He was there for me. He's always been there. Him and Buffy. I just walked out and left them. You don't turn away from the people you love. No matter what. You have to let me go.

Anya: Maybe you're right. When you love someone, you accept them for who they are. Their past and everything about them. Fine go. Not like I can stop you anyway. Super girl Dawnie that you are.

Dawn: I'll be careful. I have supplies in case I run into anything along the way.

Anya: Maybe I should come with you.

Dawn: No I'll be fine. This is my family. (She gives Anya a hug and slips out into the night. She is going to the crypt.)

Anya: (After Dawn leaves. Anya starts to think about all that she said. About family and acceptance. And she wonders again, about her wedding day that never came, and the one that's not coming up. She thinks about her and Xander and their future.)

Back at the crypt. Buffy and Spike are lying downstairs on his bed fully dressed, on top of the covers. They are spent from the last few hours they spent together. The crypt is warm once again.

Buffy: We could be more comfortable you know.

Spike: You're not thinking what I think your thinking. Where do you get the energy from?

Buffy: Guess it's all part and parcel of the whole super slayer package.

Spike: Kisses her. What a package. Kind I like unwrapping.

Buffy: You could you know. I mean unwrap me again.

Spike: Don't want you sleeping all naked and vulnerable, case my chip goes off again.

Buffy: But that shouldn't stop you from sleeping all naked and vulnerable. (She kisses him.)

Spike: We know how well that would work. I'm not sure I should have let you stay. But I love having you here. With me. Sides what choice do I have?

Buffy: Cause it's where I belong. (It's a statement and not a question.)

Spike: You think Nibblet's ever going to forgive me?

Buffy: She has to come around. She was shaken up by the whole thing. I'm sure she doesn't really hate you.

Spike: I love you both. I'd die rather than hurt you. You know that.

Buffy: (Kisses him again.) I know. (They settle down and are just about to fall asleep when. The crypt door can be heard slamming.)

Dawn: Spike. Are you here.

Spike: Nibblet?

Dawn: I have to talk to you.

Spike: What's wrong? You can come down.

Dawn: (She makes her way down the ladder. See them and goes over to Spike.) I sorry. Spike: Bout what?

Dawn: (Feeling miserable.) About everything. About how I treated you. I know you didn't mean it. I know you would never hurt me. Not intentionally.

Spike: There now bit. What's with the water works. It's not your doing, this buggy old chip in my noggin causing all the problems.

Dawn: Do you forgive me?

Spike: Nothing to forgive. (Holds up his finger, and puts it to hers.) Family remember. Less you prefer to spit and shake on it.

Dawn: (She smiles.) That still has the same eww factor it did before.

Spike: That's what I thought. Just checking. He ruffles her hair.

Buffy: (Interrupting.) You snuck out again. In the middle of the night?

Dawn: Sort of.

Buffy: Do you have any idea why I should not ground you till you're like fifty.

Dawn: Because you love me. And I'll let you borrow my new shirt, and because I still have that get out of jail free card from the wedding.

Buffy: Sounds about right. I'm glad you're here.

Dawn: Me too. Looks like we're a family again.

Spike: Looks like.

Dawn: Birds of a feather.

Spike: Flock together.

Buffy: (Rolls her eyes.) If you two start singing songs from grease or something, you're on your own.

Dawn: Womp bop a looma.

Spike: A womp bam boom (Looks at Buffy.) What?

Buffy: (She shakes her head and rolls her eyes.)

The three settle into Spike's crypt. They stay there together for the night.

The next day. Willow and Tara are at Willow's apartment.

Tara: I checked to see if possession could be a problem. Demon inside demon. Also to see if it was a glam of some kind. Then I checked a whole bunch of other things. I did a lead in spell to see the truth on what's causing the problem and someone is doing this to Spike. He's not doing it himself.

Willow: You mean someone's taken the time to go out of their way to turn Spike evil. The initiative is not in town again, are they? (It's time like this Willow misses the accessability she had with her magic. It's hard to not be able to turn to the power herself and see what is happening and who is doing it.)

Tara: Give you three guesses. And the first two don't count.

Willow: Warren again?

Tara: Looks like.

Willow: I know we didn't take them seriously at first. But that's getting into some dark stuff even for them. Magic's, Murder, Madness or what ever is happening to Spike. What exactly did you see, or what did it reveal?

Tara: They are using some kind of powerful devise to interrupt and warp the signal. That's what's causing his head aches and all the outburst from yesterday.

Willow: Got any idea how we can stop this?

Tara: Just take Warren's little toy away from him permanently.

Willow: But this could happen at anytime. Anyone can do this.

Tara: Not a whole lot of people know about the chip in Spike's head. Much less what it does. There's us. The initiative, and now Warren and his group. If we stop them, we stop this. Unless the initiative wants to do more experiments which I doubt. And none of us want's to see Spike go and lose his mind. Specially not if it hurts Dawn or Buffy.

Willow: We have to find everyone and tell them.

Tara: Anya should be at the Magic box. Xander at work. We can check to see if Spike, Buffy, and Dawn have returned to the house.

They set off for the Magic Box.

Xander makes and important stop, before heading to the Magic Box.

Xander: Hey I was worried that your plan would be delayed.

Giles: I got on the first available flight, after you called me.

Xander: True to your word.

Giles: I did say if he mistreated her in anyway I would be back on the first flight. So you say he almost injured Dawn?

Xander: We don't know what it is right now. But I have my suspicion that the chip might be failing.

Giles: Then Buffy needs to see that, and we need to take care of this. (He remembers Angelus.)

Xander: He claims he's not doing whatever happened yesterday.

Giles: But you don't believe him?

Xander: Once evil, always evil. Plus feels a little too all like history repeating itself.

Giles: Well let's get to the Magic shop. We will gather everyone. See what we can come up with. If you are right. I will not hesitate. I know Buffy said she loves him, and it seemed like he loved her, but I will not have her going through this again. She deserves some happiness. She has been through enough already.

Xander: Exactly, what I think.

At the Troika's lair.

Andrew: How are the components doing?

Warren: This is what we have been working on for months. I think it's finally ready.

Andrew: Will it really open up dimensions?

Warren: It should be able to tear the fabrics that lie between this dimension and others. The only problem is there are so many dimensions we want to make sure we go to the right one. Andrew: Then we could be super villain king pins in that dimension just like in this one. We could rule and be kings.

Just then Jonathan enters from upstairs and makes his way into the lair.

Warren: Didn't think you would come back so soon. (But he's happy to see that Jonathan has come to his senses.)

Jonathan: I'm not back. I'm just getting my stuff. I told you. I'm finished.

Andrew: So you're not staying? (He sounds sad.)

Jonathan: You could have hurt Dawn. I'm not letting you hurt anyone else. I'm just getting my stuff. But if you try to hurt Buffy or anyone else. (He tries to sound brave.) You're going to have to come threw me first.

Warren: What's all this? I thought we were friends. Buds. Just cause things get a little out of hand is no reason to walk away.

Jonathan: Just stay out of my way. (It's hard for him to turn against this group that's brought him so much friendship and enjoyment. But he's trying to made a strong moral stand and he plans to stick to it. He gets his stuff.) You know Buffy is going to figure out everything. Then she'll come after you.

Warren: Well be ready. (Goes over to Jonathan.) Look I'm sorry about the way things turned out. I just want you to know I always thought of you as a friend. (He takes something out of his pocket.) I want you to have this. (He hands him the object.) It's a reminder of when you did think of us as friends. I'm really sorry to see you go, I'm gonna miss you man. Andrew too, we've been through so much together.

Jonathan: (Takes the object. Looks at it suspiciously.) What is it?

Warren: Think of it as a charm of sorts. Look I'm sorry bout all that's happened. I hope we can be friends again. When all this is over with.

Jonathan: I just don't want to see anyone get hurt. (He gather's the last of his things. Prepares to leave.)

Andrew: (Waives looks sad. He sniffles a little. ) If you're really leaving for good. I want you to have this. (He hands him something.)

Jonathan: (Rest's down his stuff for a second to take it from Andrew.) But I can't take this. This is a rear collectors item. You've been holding onto this forever. I think this pre-dates Star Wars. And you want me to have it?

Andrew: We're friends right?

Jonathan: I know. But...

Warren: Just gonna turn your back on your friends? It was an accident. I wouldn't have let anything happen again. That device should never have even found that frequency, it's a fluke. I can't believe you're deserting the team. My had plans man. We were gonna rule. We were gonna get cash, and girls, we were gonna rule Sunnydale. We still can.

Andrew: I don't want you to leave. Who's top score am on going to beat in video games? Who's gonna touch all my stuff and throw it on the floor? If you leave you'll break up the team.

Warren: Everything we planned is still on track. Sides we're you gonna go? We could have everything we ever wanted. Aren't you sick of being left out? For once we have an in. The three of us could still rule this place. You could be super Jonathan again. This time for real. Girls, cars, mansions. You won't have to crate an alternate universe. You'll be living in it.

Jonathan: I just don't like the way things went. I don't mind having fun. I have fun with you guys, but I just don't want anyone getting hurt.

Warren: NO ones gonna get hurt, less Buffy tries to stop us.

Jonathan: That's just it. You know she's gonna come after us eventually. Then what? How are you gonna stop her. She's the slayer. She'll kick our butts.

Warren: That ain't gonna happen. She'd have to find us first, and remember we've got an out.

Jonathan: Do you really think it's gonna work?

Warren: There is only one way to find out. (He aims the device. A huge tear is made in the wall directly in front of them. The wall disappears and turns into a glowing, pulsating ball of energy. It's luminates and there is energy from without and within It does not stay very long and it soon closes in front of them and the wall is once more.

Jonathan: (He is amazed by the site in front of him. He can't believe what his eyes have just seen. The invisible gun was on thing, and making time go wonky for a few minutes, or hours another, but this defies everything that he ever hoped or imagined. He's put so much time and so much energy into this he can't believe his ears.) That's incredible. We really did it. It's gonna work!

Warren: You bettcha. We ever fail at anything like this that we tried before. Electronic's are us.

Andrew: Actually electronics are us is a store on main street. Beside the chicken gallaria. You can't miss it. I worked there one year, it had the coolest electronics. I imagined building things so I could be like Timothy Dolton, the coolest James Bond ever.

Warren: (Just looks at him.) Don't make me hit you. (Turns back to Jonathan.) So bud, how bout it you in?

Jonathan: I don't know. What about Buffy? What about when she comes after us?

Warren: I've been thinking. About that. I don't think we should wait for her to come to us. I think we should go to her.

Jonathan: But then what? And I don't want to see her get hurt. I think when she sees what we have lined up she'll see things differently. Sides if all else fails we have plan b. And we know plan b works. (Taps the device still sitting in his hand. The one that opened up the energy space in the walls a few minutes before.)

Andrew: Yeah a super villain should always have a back up plan. I got that from Joker, in batman episode 17...

Jonathan: That's was not from the Joker, it wasn't even from that episode. (Him and Andrew begin arguing.)

Warren: Would you two cut it out. We have more important things to discuss. Sides you're both wrong it was actually from... (They argue back and forth about the episode, which villain said what and when, then they talk about their plans for the Slayer.)

The Magic Box. Anya goes about her daily routine.

Giles: (Enters the magic Box.) Hello Anya. (He smiles as he watches her busily going about her store tasks.)

Anya: Giles? Oh my gosh what are you doing here? Have you come to see that the store is doing ok. Cause I assure you it is. I'm selling all the right produces, and I'm charging outlandish, yet equitable prices for merchandise. (She moves her hand back and forth, in that go team go way, that only Anya can do.) Oh and it's good to see you. (Here she smiles in that perkey way. Goes to give him a hug.)

Giles: Good to see you too. No I have not come to check on the store. I'm here to help Buffy. I know about what's happening. I flew from yesterday. My time. Last night your time. Now I'm here.

Anya: Well as long as you're not here about the store it's good to see you.

Xander: (He enters the store.)

Anya: Xander look who's here.

Xander: I know An, I'm the one who called him. He took the next flight available and he's here.

Anya: You didn't tell anyone you were going to call Giles. Kinda feels like you went behind our back. NO wait you did go behind our backs. You didn't even tell me.

Xander: I just thought we needed Giles for this one. Wasn't trying to go behind anyone's back here.

Anya: But that's what you did.

Giles: I'm glad he called. I meant what I told Buffy at the Wedding. First sign of trouble or that he wasn't treating her good and I would be back.

Anya: Well I don't think it's so much that he's not treating her good. I think there's some malfunction with his chip making him act all crazy and you know a little dangerous. Specially with the Dawnster. Good thing she's got those super powers and stuff. She wasn't too badly hurt.

Giles: Now how did you find out about Dawn?

Anya: Oh apparently there's this vampire from the wedding that she forgot to give a dance to and he's stocking her. I let him into the house, and Dawn kicked his butt.

Giles: You let a vampire into Buffy's house. You don't even live there.

Xander: She was. Long story. Needless to say Tara did a de-invite spell and we're rolling in puppies again. But now there's the other vamp that they can't de-invite cause he lives there.

Giles: Oh yes Spike. And at this point all we have is speculation on what's happening?

Anya: Well Xander has decided to speculate that Spike has gone all evil Angelus, but I'm thinking it's the chip.

Xander: But it could be a lot of different things.

Giles: So we are really back at square one where we came from. I wish we had more files on the initiative and we knew exactly what the chip did and did not do.

Just then some more visitors enter the magic shop.

Willow: OH my gosh. Giles. You're here. (She goes over and gives him a hug.) How are you?

Giles: Better now that you are here. (Looks at her.) I have missed that logical and practical little head of yours. Maybe you can shed some light on what happening. (Then he looks over and sees Tara.) Tara.

Tara: Hey Mr. Giles. How goes it?

Giles: Now, now there's no need for such formalities. How have you been? I wish we'd had more time at the wedding to chat. (Goes to give her a hug.)

Tara: Doing good. When did you get in? We didn't know you were coming.

Giles: I flew in today.

Willow: How did you know we needed you?

Giles: Xander called, and I took the first plain. If Spike is going evil. Buffy needs all the support she can get.

Tara: Oh but that's just it. He's not evil.

Xander: I thinking proof here would be nice.

Tara: Last night after we left I felt really bad. I mean we didn't really give him a chance we just jumped all over him being evil. So I did a spell. To see if there was interference with his energy going out, or possession. Like another demon trying to enter the body. But I could see interference. Someone's been messing with the signal in Spike's head.

Anya: Is it the initiative? Cause they were never very demon friendly. I don't want a chip in my head.

Xander: Do think that would happen sweetie.

Willow: Yeah. They'd have to kinda be able to find your brain to stick a chip in.

Anya: So says the ex magi-addict making fun of the ex-demon.

Xander: Would you two stop. This is serious. Tara. If you're right, who's doing this? If it's not us and not the initiative. Who else knows about the chip in Spike head to be able to do something like this?

Coming up the stairs from the basement.

Spike: Warren and his holo deck crew.

Xander: Spike. How did you get here?

Spike: We took the tunnels. Got the whole day light sensitivity happening for a few more hours.

Buffy and Dawn come up the stairs after Spike.

Buffy: Giles. You're here. (She walks over and give him a hug.) I'm glad you're here. (She been ok with Spike and Dawn. But there is just something so good and reassuring about Giles and having his wisdom and shoulder to lean on.)

Giles: I've missed you. Dear girl this must be dreadful for you. (He brushes her check with his hand.)

Buffy: Not anymore.

Giles: Dawn. it's good to see you. And Spike.

Spike: When did you get here? And do I have to ask why?

Buffy: Yeah why did you come?

Xander: (Looks uncomfortable.) I called him Buff.

Buffy: But why? When?

Xander: Last night after we left. The why should be obvious. I didn't want you and Dawn hurt just in case this was.... Not the chip.

Spike: You mean case I was evil. Going to bite you all to little pieces?

Xander: Yeah. Something like that.

Buffy: Xander you had no right. We were handling it.

Xander: I just didn't want a repeat on the past on our hands.

Buffy: You mean Angel.

Xander: I mean, I did what I though was best.

Giles: We should get back to the topic at hand.

Buffy: Yeah, so this is Warren? He's the one doing this? He's the one responsible for all the weird headaches Spike has been getting and for what happened at the warehouse?

Giles: When Buffy told me about Katrina I was surprised, but I thought they had left town. Gone on the lamb so to speak.

Willow: Looks like wonder boy has learnt a new trick.

Spike: (There is only one question on Spikes mind.) How do I stop him?

Tara: We think he's using some kind of devise to warp the imput to the signal. First it was stimulating it to give you headaches at odd times. Then he used it to do whatever it was that happened at the warehouse.

Giles: But can that be right? I didn't even think Warren knew about the chip. How could he have found out enough information to be doing this?

Spike: (Feels stupid, cause he might have brought this on himself.) I went to him. I wanted to know if my chip was working.

Giles: When was this?

Spike: (Looks uncomfortable.) After I realized it stopped working on Buffy. But worked for everyone else. Went to them, to see if it was still working ok.

Giles: (Gives him an unpleasant look.) Yes and I can't possibly imagine how you made that chance discovery that your chip didn't work with Buffy.

Buffy: But that was months ago. Sure they could have found away by now to do this.

Spike: When I left Warren didn't know what the chip did. Said he'd love to know. But I didn't let on.

Dawn: So it this nerdy trio doing this. But why? (She's still a little upset with how they used it against her.)

Giles: That's the question.

Willow: It's because they can. That's the answer. When I was into the magic. I didn't have to use it all the time. I just did. Cause I could. It's power, power corrupts.

Spike: Also I threatened to rip the head off this Boba Fett toy they had. They were pretty upset about that.

Xander: Not Mr. Boba Fett? He's a rear collectors item.

Anya: Yeah him and that klingon girl you have a thing for. Nerd boys USA strike again.

Buffy: Back to the problem at hand. How do I find him and how do I pound him. They're a giant pain in my ass now. Guess they weren't kidding when they said they were my arch nemesis's.

Giles: We need to know where to find them and fast. Doesn't sound like we want anymore repeats of what happened yesterday.

Buffy: Fine. I think we should divide up into more ground. Willow. You and Xander can swing by their old hang out. See if there are any clues we missed or left behind. Tara and Anya you stay here and see if you can find out anything more about the device they might be using to cause the chip to act up. See if there's any spells or information we can use to over ride this. I'll go back to the house for some weapons. I have a couple of idea myself. Giles you and Spike can go through the tunnels and check out some of the spots I think they could be using. It's not that big a town. We will find them. Sides the van is not that hard to spot.

Dawn: What about me?

Buffy: You stay here with Anya and Tara. I don't want you getting hurt.

Dawn: Can I come with you. (She doesn't just want to sit around.)

Buffy: I don't want you getting in the way. I have to stop by the house first.

Dawn: I want to talk to you. I could go to the house with you, then back here to the Magic Box.

Buffy: Fine lets go.

They divide up into the groups of two, Buffy assigned. Anya and Tara are left at the store to do more research on stopping Warren. They want to see if there is anything in the magic shop, that might help. Willow and Xander go off to check out the former hide out to see if they can find any clues that they might have missed the first time. Giles and Spike take the tunnels. Giles with his cross bow in hand. They are going to see if they can locate the new hangout of the trio. Buffy and Dawn go back to the house. Buffy to gather weapons and Dawn to talk with her.

Willow: Gosh, trip number 2 into the geek land of Oz.

Xander: Actually they have some really cool things, they left behind.

Willow: Yeah a smorgus board of geekdom. But they did have some cool spells and charms... (She stops herself before she begins salivating. She still gets that twinge everytime, but she is in control again.)

Xander: You ok there Will?

Willow: Yeah. Just a flash back. I'm doing ok now.

Xander: Speaking of doing ok. I noticed you and Tara are back together again.

Willow: Yeah but we're taking things slowly. She's forgiven me, but it's going to take time to get back to where we were, but since it's my fault I guess I will just be glad for a second chance. Hey how bout you and Anya? You seem all happy and back to your normal routine with Mrs. Go money, money go. Yeah money. (She laughs.) Sorry couldn't help it.

Xander: Laugh if you will, but Anya's a great girl. After I called off the engagement she didn't eviscerate me or anything. Call that progress in my book.

Willow: You called off the engagement?

Xander: Yeah. Free of all ties, but I've still got a great gal in the bargain. No more crazy stuff.

Willow: And Anya's ok with this?

Xander: Sure. I let her keep the ring. She let me keep all my parts intact. No more craziness. No more arguing or fighting.

Willow: Well long as it works for you. Sounds like you got the best part of the bargain. Xander: Guess so. Hey we should go. I don't see too much around here that will help Spike and Buffy. We should probably get.... Holy heck, would you look at that. (He points.)

Willow: What? What? Is it something that can help?

Xander: Better. It's a poster of the original Valcan female officer.

Willow: I don't know Xander. I like my woman with a little less pointy around the ears, and a little more curvey around the halo deck. If ya know what I mean.

Xander: I do indeed. (He still takes the poster with him.)

They continue to investigate the rest of the old hang out for any clues about the new location.

Back at the Magic Box. Tara and Anya look for a solution that might assist Buffy and Spike in finding Warren.

Tara: I just wish there was a book or spell that we use to stop this. That's what I miss about Willow she was really smart with this stuff.

Anya: You must be pretty good too. Or you wouldn't have figured out Warren. And you are pretty non judgemental, or you wouldn't have even looked for a possibility outside of Spike going evil again.

Tara: He just seems to love them so much. I just don't think it could be him wanting to do this. He seemed so upset about us thinking he was purposely trying to hurt Dawn. When you really love someone you don't want to see them hurting, and you believe in them no matter how bad things seem.

Anya: Like you and Willow? You two seem pretty cosy again.

Tara: Yeah we are back together. I forgave her, but we are going slow. I want to trust her not to hurt me again but it takes time to forgive people when they hurt you. But we still love each other so we are working through it.

Anya: That's just like me and Xander. I love him, so I forgave him for calling off our wedding and engagement.

Tara: He called off the engagement? I thought when you too got back together you would reset a date. I'm sorry hear that.

Anya: It's ok. This is what Xander wants and now we don't argue all the time. Knowing that there won't be a wedding has made things a lot easier around the house.

Tara: But is this what you wanted? (She can hear Anya when she talks and she looks subdued.)

Anya: I just want Xander. I want to be with Xander. This way we are not crazy all the time, fighting and arguing. Guess it's what I want too. I just don't want to be on edge all the time, never knowing if I'm going to get married when and if ever. Now I know.

Tara: Yeah but are you happy with that? (She doesn't need an answer cause she can see it in Anya's eyes.)

Anya: Hey come on it's my turn to start. (Takes her hand. They finger wrestle for fun.) I think I will have all your money if we keep going this way.

Tara: No way. I am so going to beat you this time at finger wrestling.

They finger wrestle and joke around, but that certain sadness remains for Anya for the vows that will never be spoken. They then go back to doing more research.

In the tunnels below Sunnydale. Spike and Giles make their way around the city. They are using the tunnels to get to a spot where they think Warren and the troika may be holding up.

Giles: I have missed these dank dark tunnels. How do I stay away for such lengths of time?

Spike: Yeah they do sort of grow on you don't they?

Giles: Yes, much like flesh eating bacteria.

Spike: (Handing Giles a stake.) If this goes wonky, or doesn't work. I'm counting on you to watch my back.

Giles: (Taking the stake from him.) Watch your back? (Slowly he comprehends, what Spike is asking of him.)

Spike: I love them if this don't work, I don't want to be like this. Last time I almost hurt Dawn. I couldn't control what I was doing. I'd never put them through that. I love them more than the blood I drink, and I care about them more than this undead life I lead. Need to know you'll cover my back when I'm ready, case this don't work out.

Giles: You know I always wondered if this chip had been placed there for a higher purpose. Now I know.

Spike: Yeah it was a curse, there to always remind me how evil I am. That I'm a disgusting evil creature who will end up hurting those that I love. You didn't need a chip, you always thought that anyway.

Giles: That's just it. I now know that it was placed there for a higher purpose. Look at you bargaining with me to stake you, rather than risk the possibility of hurting those you love. In this moment do you realize you are more human, than the monster doing this to you? Do you not see that it shows me just the opposite? You have transformed before my eyes. Buffy is family to me, and she loves you, her and Dawn both. I will do what you ask, but not if we can help it. She would never forgive me if we didn't try.

Spike: Glad to hear it. Sides would ask Xander. But he'd be too quick on the draw.

Giles: I do see what you mean.

They continue to make their way threw the tunnels. It's almost dark. Then they can go above ground.

Buffy and Dawn arrive at the Summers residence and go they go inside the house.

Buffy: I'm just getting some weapons, then you're back at the Magic Box with Anya and Tara. I don't want you staying here alone.

Dawn: Buffy. I'm scared.

Buffy: It's going to be fine

Dawn: But what if it's not?

Buffy: We'll find Warren, and stop this we will.

Dawn: What if it's like Mom all over again?

Buffy: What do you mean? (She stops her weapon gathering at the mention of their mother.)

Dawn: We thought it would be ok. You said. (She sounds pained.) Now she's gone. What if it can't be stopped. What if he stays like that ? Are we going to have to ...are we going to have to.. (She can't say the word.) Stop him? Are we going to have to stop him? Are we going to have to hurt Spike?

Buffy: I'm not going to let that happen. Do you hear me? We lost mom. I almost lost you. I'm not losing anyone else. I'll do whatever it takes to stop this. I promise.

Dawn: I just don't want to lose anyone else. I'm scared. Everytime I begin to think we have a real chance at a family, something happens everyone leaves us.

Buffy: Dawn trust me. I'm not letting this happen again. I'm not letting us be torn apart like this.

Dawn: It's just I love you, and I love Spike. Now that you are back. Now that you are really back, I just got use to it. Now I don't want to lose Spike. I just want it to be real this time. I just wish I could stop everyone from leaving, going away, or getting hurt. (She starts crying.)

Buffy: It will be fine. I won't let it come to that. We're together now, all of us. I'm not going to lose that. We got Summers blood. I got Slayers blood. We're an unstoppable combination. We'll be ok. (She goes over and gives Dawn a hug.)

Dawn: We share a lot of things. Not just slayers blood. (She wants to tell Buffy about the training and what might be happening with the new found powers.) Buffy. I..that is... (The door bell rings.)

Buffy: Can you get that. I just have to go, upstairs and get the rest of the weapons.

Dawn: (She gets up to answer the door. Looks through the glass. It's Xander at the door. She opens it.) Hey Xander. How is it going? Did you and Willow find anything out at the geeks lair?

Jonathan: No. But I found something else.

Dawn: Really what?

Jonathan: This. (He sprays her with something that he has in his hand)

Dawn: (She falls to the floor.)

Buffy: (Comes down the stairs.) Dawn, who was that at the door? (Sees Dawn on the floor, sees Xander at the door.) Xander what happened? (She goes over to bend down to see if Dawn is ok. Jonathan sprays her with the same chemical, and falls to the floor.)

Jonathan: Sorry Buffy. But there is no other way. (He morps back into himself, wearing a duplicate of one of Xander's outfits.)

Warren: Good job. I'm proud, of you man, you really came through for the group.

Jonathan: (Still not sure about all their plans with Buffy, but he likes all the other work on the site. I copied Xander to a tee.) It's not my best work, but I like pretending to be other people, so this helps.

Warren: Come on we better hurry. Help me get them into the van. We'll commence with part two of get rid of the slayer, without even getting our hands dirty. (They get Buffy and Dawn loaded into the van.)

Andrew: Now we're just like two face or joker, on Batman. True Supervillians.

Warren: I like to think of myself as slick. Like Lex Luthor, on superman.

Andrew: We' ll when we tie them up and force Spike to come try to save them, only to have him destroy them, if they doesn't all do what we want. That will make us true comic bad guys.

Warren: Did you leave the little hint for Spike, as to our whereabouts?

Andrew: Yeah. They will be able to find us. I told him to come alone.

Warren: Ok. Let's go. We don't have much time.

After going through the tunnels and checking out a couple of locations that they Trio might be hanging out at Spike and Giles have had no luck. Then Spike gets a strange sensation.

Giles: What's wrong. (He sees the look on Spike's face.)

Spike: Don't know. Just have a bad feeling. Comes to me sometimes when bit's in trouble. Like extra sensory radar. Too much time spent taking care of her over the summer, and now with living at the house with her. I've become a real bloodhound, when it comes to this. Maybe we should get back to the house.

They return to the house and find nothing. Well almost nothing. They find the little hint that Jonathan, Andrew and Warren have left for Spike.

Spike: (He reads the note. If says. -We have the Slayer and her sister. Come by 8:00 pm or she's toast. Oh and come alone. -)

Spike: What's all this?

Giles: Our local nuisances hard at work.

Spike: This is bleeding stupid. When I get my hands on them. (He vamps out.)

Giles: There now, you are not the only one. What could they possibly be playing at? Do they realize how serious this is, what they are doing?

Spike: I'm going after them.

Giles: Might want to get some back up. I will call over to the Magic Box.

Spike: I don't have time. This is family, blood now. Got to go.

Giles: Let us help.

Spike: Do what you need to, but I'm going.

Spike leaves the house as another dark figure watches in the shadows, and begins to trail Spike from a distance.

Giles calls the Magic Box. Xander picks up Giles goes about bringing them up to speed.

Giles: They have Buffy and Dawn.

Xander: What but how? She would send them flying into the walls, if they tried to lay a hand on her or Dawn. She has super slayer strength.

Anya: (In the back ground.) Yeah her and Dawn. She's now Super slayer sister to the slayer.

Xander: (Putting the phone away from him for a second.) Thanks for the reminder sweetie.

Giles: Well he has taken them both. Spike has gone after them, at their master mind hang out. I wonder if it's just one too many episodes of Star Track and then these types just crack up and go criminally insane?

Xander: Personally I think it's all the time spent in a dark cramped basement. Couple more years and who knows where I would have been. (Xander relays all that Giles has told him to the group. They respond.)

Willow: They are really taking this arch rival, arch nemesis thing way too far.

Tara: But what do they want with Buffy, Dawn, and Spike?

Xander: Don't know. (He goes back to Giles.)

Giles: From all that they have been up to so far, it can be nothing good. I'm concerned they'll harm Buffy and Dawn.

Xander: Well we can't just sit here and do nothing.

Giles: Maybe you can get some of the stuff that you confiscated from them, and meet me at the location they left. (He gives them the location.)

Xander: We still need to formulate a plan.

Giles: I plan to go after them and kick some butt, as you Americans would say.

Xander: Sounds like a plan. We will see you there.

They hang up the phone, and Giles goes to join Spike.

Spike as he walks slowly senses someone behind him. He goes around a corner.

Spike: Don't have time for you right now. Go away. Know you're there. Will stake you later.

Syica: (Comes out of the shadows.) Works, cause I don't think I have time for being staked right now.

Spike: Got places to be.

Syica: Why the hurry?

Spike: Got more important heads to bash. Gonna have to take a number.

Syica: What's with this town? Everyone's dance cards fill up so quickly.

Spike: Get lost. I have family business to tend to.

Syica: (Staying out of the fanged vamps way.) Oh yeah family business. Like the stuff that makes you not quit the vamp you could be, or family business like when you tried to take the head off Miss. Muppet?

Spike: Family business like the kind where I hurt anyone, who comes between me and mine. Now you can go, or I can make you. (Stops walking.)

Syica: Well I'm feeling kind of peckish. Guess I'll go. Not like I care about you and your family business.

He leaves and Spike continues where he was going.

Back at the Magic Box.

Xander: Are we all set? We've go to get there and help Dawn and Buffy.

Willow: All set. (They all four go out the front door of the magic shop.)

They are all in the magic shop.

Xander: You hear Buffy and Dawn are in trouble? Willow can you get some of the weapons from the store room.

Tara: Is there anything that will help?

Xander: Well Anya knows about some of the demons that have been used.

Anya: Maybe we can take that conjurers harp with us.

Willow: (She returns with the weapons.) This should do the job nicely.

Xander: Are we all set? We've go to get there and help Dawn and Buffy.

Willow: All set. (They all four go out the front door of the magic shop.)

They are all in the magic shop.

Tara: I don't know bout you, but does this seem familiar?

Anya: I think we're looping.

Willow: It's just like when Buffy told us about the day at the magic shop that wouldn't end. What a nightmare that was. A whole day of listening to Anya talk about money.

Xander: We have to find a way to stop this. (He panics and goes out the front door.)

Xander comes back into the magic shop.

Anya: Good try sweetie. But it looks like we are all stuck here till we figure out what's setting off the loop. It could be anything.

Tara: I hate when things go all loop the loopy on me.

Willow: It's ok Baby we are here together. (She puts a supportive hand on her shoulder.)

Xander: That's great Will. But we have to find a way to help Dawn and Buffy.

They continue in loop pattern. Compliments of the troika.

Inside the warehouse Buffy and Dawn are tied up and the Troika are getting ready for Spike's arrival.

Buffy: I get free of this. I'm gonna beat some heads. What do you think you're doing? You know your not getting away with this? What ever this is.

Warren: This is us saying we think it's time we had a nice little chat. On our terms. You hear us out. We might be able to make some kind of arrangement.

Buffy: The only arrangement I'm going to make, is you behind. Plated bars, with some guy named butch as your cell mate.

Dawn: (Waking up. From across the other side of the room.) Buffy. Buffy. I can't feel my legs.

Warren: Relax. I had to drug you with something more powerful than your sister. Nice little kick you got there. (Dawn had woken up just as they were about to get them into the warehouse from inside the van. She had sent Andrew flying backwards threw the back of the van and had been about to do more, when warren drugged her with some very powerful relaxant.)

Buffy: I get my hands on you, and you'll find out how I kick. And your ass won't be the only thing I go after. Now let us go.

Warren: You really think your something don't you? And we're what nothing? Geeks. Brainers with a little too much time on our hands?

Buffy: No I think you've just seen way too many viewing of criminally insane are us. Insert craziness here. (She points to his head.)

Warren: You really don't get it do you? You think you have all the power, and we're just these boys with toys.

Buffy: You said it I didn't. I'm not the one who built the April sex bot remember.

Warren: We're men. Men with missions. Men with power.

Buffy: Men who are huge gigantic pains in my ass?

Warren: We have power that you can't imagine. We can see inside and outside. We know the moves you make, the steps you take. And I have power over that little husband of yours. What do you think your friends would do should he let's say, accidentally freaks out and attacks you, or Dawn over there? How about if he attacks one of them? What if I just point and leave the control at that setting? He becomes a menace to society. Not that he isn't already. But a real menace to society. He could be out having violent outburst anytime of the night, or I could make it happen in the day. He freaks out, forgets his little sun problem, pouf instant divorce how about that?

Buffy: How bout when I get out of this. We see if your still singing the same story?

Warren: How about her. (He points to Dawn. ) What if she just didn't come home one day. We could make your lives real lonely without your little Dawn. How about that? What do you think now? Still just some geeks out for a good time. See we have this wired and we are going to rule this town. We just have little one obstacle. That's you Slayer. Now you can cut us some slack and stay out of our way, or.... (He trails off and does not finish his sentence.)

Jonathan: (In a whisper to Warren.) You said we weren't going to hurt them right. Just make her leave us alone, and stop going after us.

Warren: I'm thinking I'm going to do what it takes. If she doesn't see things our way, then we go to phase two.

Andrew: (Also in a whisper.) What's phase two again?

Warren: It's all about throwing her game off. Spike gets here, and she still won't cooperate then we watch her dust him, or... (He smiles here.) Or he does some major slayer damage. Puts her out of commission and out of our way till we can finish what we need to. Either way I get what I want. She cooperates then we get her out of our hair. She doesn't cooperate, then we'll force her to dust her vamp. An emotional Slayer forced to dust the vamp she loves. So poetic. I almost really like that option. She kills him. We have her on our tails, but a grieving Slayers gonna be pretty devastated, and a lot easier to throw off her game. Option three. She let's him do her some major damage and we have Slayer out of commission, and her friends, I'm pretty sure will dust him, if he hurts her. Either way we throw her game off.

Jonathan: But you said she wouldn't get hurt.

Warren: She won't, if she dusts him, before he can attack her should it come to that. I left a stake within her range. She can move her hands enough to grab it and then bye -bye vamp. And we all agreed that Spike was expandable right.

Andrew: Yeah he is an evil vamp.

Jonathan: I guess, but Buffy does love him.

Warren: Yeah and he'd love you for lunch if he got the chance. Now come on. We're all on board her right?

Jonathan: I guess. We've come this far.

Warren: Now that's the sprit. I'm going to go back to reasoning with her. (He continues to threaten Buffy with what will happen if she does not stay out of there way.)

Spike Arrives at the destination the Troika mentioned in their note. It looks much like your average super-villain warehouse. He goes inside.

Spike: Ok monkey boy. I'm here.

Warren: So good that you could join us.

Spike: I'm gonna tear your head off.

Warren: Now what's with all the unpleasantries. I think I have something, or should I say someone's that you want.

Spike: You know you do.

Warren: Then all you have to do is come and save them.

Andrew: Yeah you have to save them.

Jonathan: Yeah. You have to save them.

Spike: You. (Points to Andrew, and Jonathan.) I don't want to hear a word from. (Looks around.) Where are they? I'm gonna tear your head off. But if you've hurt them.

Warren: Relax. I bearly laid a hand on them. They're right here. (They are revealed to be strapped onto tables. Buffy and Dawn are on an upper platform. Buffy on one side and Dawn on the other side.) I'll let you choose. Who you want to save? Or you could choose option three.

Spike: What game are you playing at?

Warren: No game. All we want is your Come and get who ever you want to save.

Spike: No choice. They both come with me.

Warren: Fine then. All you have to do is come and get them.

Spike: He leaps onto the stairs making his way up towards the platform. (He goes up the side closest to him.)

Warren: Oh did I forget to mention one little thing. See this? (Points to a device in his hand.) It's tuned into the frequency in your brain. It has a setting from one to ten. When it his ten. That chip in your heads going pull a real bad repeat of what happened yesterday. If you can get to them in time before I get to ten your good. But if not... (He trails off, with a sinister look on his face.)

Spike: If not I go all Jeckell and Hyde. That's the game you're playing at? That's really twisted.

Warren: Yeah I know. It was genius when I thought it up.

Andrew: You thought it up. It was my idea to put them at different ends of the platform.

Warren: Not now Andrew. Let the games begin. (He turns the device in his hands on.)

Jonathan: (To Warren.) He's not co-operating like he's suppose to be.

Warren: It's ok. My plan's still falling into place watch.

Spike: (Spike moves with lightening speed towards where Buffy is. He gets up to the platform in record time and is heading towards Buffy when his head explodes again.)

Warren: Whoa you are way faster than I thought. Thought we could do this slowly but lets start you off at five and work our way up. What do you say? (He watches as Spike holds his head in extreme pain, and anguish. But he still proceeds to where Buffy is.)

Spike: (He's on the platform where Buffy is. But he feels the rage coming on. He can feel his head getting flooded again with Rage, and anger. He realizes that Warren is not going to let him get to Buffy without putting the device all the way to ten. She is cuffed to the table and he doesn't want to hurt her.) Don't think my head gonna let me do this love.

Buffy: It's ok Spike. I trust you. (He's close enough so that she can see him.)

Spike: (It's painful for him to watch her chained and trapped, bound and to be so close and not be able to rescue her because of what he might do to her.) Not sure I trust myself.

Warren: Isn't that cute. What happens if I do this. (He twist the knob a couple more inches.) What's seven get you? You still have time to do things my way. If not you hurt your Buffy or she stakes you.

Spike: (He just twists in pain, and slams to the ground. His head is flooded with violence, but his last thought is to protect Buffy. And he's who she needs protecting from. He gets up and throws himself violently into the wall beside him. He's thrown to the ground. He gets up and does it again. Repeatedly. If he's unconscious he can't hurt her.)

Dawn: Spike. (Her and Buffy are calling his name as they watch him do this to protect them from himself. If as painful for them to watch emotionally, as it is for him to do it physically. But he would rather hurt himself. Than see them get hurt.)

Warren: (He continues to be amused by the device and the control he has over the little group assembled before him.) Just give into it. You know you want to. He rises the knob on the device once more.)

Spike: (His head fills with more pain. But instead of all at once like last time, he is being flooded slowly, losing who he is inch by inch, it's even more torturous. He continues to knock himself unconscious. Hoping he can pass out before all thought is gone and he's just a violent wrecking machine.)

Giles: (Just then arriving out of the shadows. He arrives sees Spike with Buffy and he knows Spike has little or no control left. He raises his crossbow and he takes careful aim. He has witnessed as much as he wishes to see.)

Warren: (He raises the device, it's right in front of him. He is about to see if he can put the frequency up a bit more. Then suddenly the device is smashed out of his hand by an arrow.) Hey! (He sees Giles set out of the shadows. ) Andrew this would be a good time.

Andrew: (He blows his yet another conjurers harp. He has gotten a different one, since Buffy confiscated his old one.. Suddenly the room is filled with 5 demonic looking creatures, who are set on blood lust.)

Warren: Sorry but seems like we have to be going now. Our apologies you understand. Oh and incase you thought of following us. I'm taking her with me for insurance. (He unchains Dawn. Sticks her with some muscle relaxant, cause she's struggling. They leave the room and the door closes behind him, Andrew and Dawn. The three in the room are left with the demons and a fight soon ensues.)

Spike: (His head stops pounding, and he frees Buffy. Then he goes over to help Giles.) Cutting it kind of close there hun?

Giles: Yeah well I was waiting till I could get a clear shot.

Spike: You were trying to hit the device without hitting him?

Giles: Actually I was aiming at his head. Hitting the device was a fluke.

Spike: Wow you're one bad ass Ripper.

Giles: Oh I assure you I was quite serious.

Spike: I know. (The two smile at each other.)

Giles: We should go after him.

Spike: Just getting my head screwed on straight.

Buffy: (She's recovered from her restraints and comes over to help fight.) He's got Dawn.

Spike: I'll go after him. You and Giles gonna be ok here?

Buffy: (A demon comes charging at her. She knocks it tot he floor. And sends another flying back.) You have to ask.

Spike: Just love knowing you're safe sweetheart. (He goes to follow after Warren and Andrew who has taken Dawn to another room.)

Dawn is trying to struggle, but her body feels very weak. Whatever Warren re-drugged her with is making her body barely function.

Warren: Andrew. Get everything ready. We might have to get out of here in a hurry.

Andrew: You said this would be easy. You said they would either fall in line, or kill each other. Then we wouldn't have to worry.

Warren: Slight change in plans. But we still have our sweet little insurance here. Don't we Dawny. (Looks at her)

Dawn: (Spits at him.) You are so dead when Spike gets a hold of you. (Her muscles are not responding like they should, and she feels like she can bearly stay upright, but she is still fighting mad at them for all they are doing to her family.)

Warren: (Wipes his face.) Next time no more emotional young woman, that we have to drug. That never really seems to end well.

Spike enters the room. Warren has Dawn on the other side.

Spike: If you let her go now. I might let you keep your head on. Probably not though.

Warren: If you come closer. I won't be the only one to lose my head. (Points a weapon at Dawn.)

Spike: Ok robot-boy what do you want?

Warren: I want a house in Milan. Beautiful wife. Money, Power. The usual.

Spike: (Just gives him a look.)

Warren: Oh from you. I would say. Just this. Now Andrew.

Andrew: (He shoots an arrow into Spikes right side.) I got him.

Warren: Good shot.

Spike: My hearts on the other side. Same side as yours, own I rip it out. Let her go.

Warren: Actually I kind of had something else in mind. Now Andrew.

Andrew: (He pulls a switch and Spike is made immobile where he is standing. Then he is pull then thrust backwards into the walls. Still unable to move.)

Warren: You can't tell me they were worth all this pain. (He moves right into Spikes face giving him an ominous look.) Defanged once again how does it feel?

Spike: (He can't move. But he can move his head. He head butts Warren. Then throws his head back in pain. The normal functions of the chip working once more.) Feels bout the same as before. Good to have the old chip back to normal. But head butting you, that was worth it.

Warren: You're going to pay for that.

Spike: Been paying all night. What's another dollar.

Warren: (He shoves a stake into Spike's body. ) I always wanted my own personal pin cushion.

Just then an unexpected figure makes his way into the warehouse through an opening in the ceiling vent.

Syica: Private party or can any vamp join?

Spike: What are you doing here? Thought you didn't care bout my family business.

Syica: I don't.

Spike: Then what are you doing here?

Syica: Told you I was feeling a little pekish. (Looks at Dawn and grins.)

Warren: Ok. Who are you?

Syica: Puts his party face on. I'm the vamp, who been cooling his heels waiting for a dance, with that Little Miss Muppet.

Warren: Why do these sub plots, keep interfering with my plans. So you are here to save her I get it. Help foil the bad guy.

Syica: No. I am just here for the dance. I am a bad guy. Give her to me, and you can do whatever it is you were doing to him. (Points to Spike.) Nothing personal, but I don't think you're my type. Just looking for the one special dance.

Spike: If you lay a hand on her. I will hunt you down.

Syica: Yeah, I remember what you said last time. Before your head exploded. I won't lay a hand on her, what I have planned is going to require two hands, at least. (Puts on a wicked grin. Turns to face Warren.) Any more objections.

Warren: Hey any villain on the side of bad is a friend of mine.

Syica: The only side I'm on is my own. I don't have any friends. If I did, you wouldn't make the list. (Goes over to Dawn.) How bout that dance? You smell as good as I remember.

Dawn: (Still weak from whatever Warren drugged her with. Starts to struggle with the vamp.) Let go of me.

Syica: (Puts her struggling over his shoulder.) I love it when they struggle. Come on Miss Muppet, we've had this dance coming for awhile. (He takes her out the way he came in.)

Warren: Have fun with her. No need to be gentle. (Turns to Spike.) He's kinda twisted. Think he likes your little Sis there. She should make a good snack.

Spike: I get free of this. I'm gonna kill you.

Warren: You'll have to find me first.

Warren: (Sticking Spike in the chest with the stake some more.) This is nothing personal, but I just am not ready to be captured and carted off to jail yet. Sides no one died right.

Spike: No one died? You killed Katrina, your own girlfriend. And they call me soulless. What kind of a monster are you?

Warren: I am not a monster, I have a soul remember. Sides Katrina was an accident. I am a super-villain. I am doing what super-villains do. Went to that high school for how many years. Did your little Buffy ever acknowledge me in the hallway, her or any of her other little friends? Take a look around. Who rules the world now? Who's got the control, who's got the power. I'm gonna have everything I want and you are going to be gone.

Spike: You're bloody twisted, more than I could ever dream of being. Normally I'd say I like you, but I really don't like you.

Warren: Now you're just hurting my feelings. Well as much as I'd love to stick around and chat I have to go. Other worlds and dimensions that need me. (Pushes the stake further into Spikes chest.) Don't worry the stake is plastic wood grain, you will live. That is till the poison kills you. A little bird told me about that one, a robin I think. Should be fun seeing this a second time around. Don't worry I hear your little Buffy has the cure for what ails you. Least I don't feed off my friends.

Spike: Like you have any. And just cause you don't drink their blood, don't mean your not a leech.

Warren: Again, adieu. Till next time. (Points a ray gun at the way. There is a portal that opens up. Jonathan, Andrew and Warren enter into the space as the hole closes behind them.)

Spike: Twisted little Bastard.

Buffy enters the room.

Buffy: (Buffy finally locates Spike.) Spike. (Goes over to the where he is.) What did he do to you?

Spike: Nothing too much worst than the head ache I was getting. (He directs her to turn off the power on the beam. He is once again free.) We better hurry. The sun will be up soon. I don't have much time left. We have to find Dawn.

Buffy: Me and Giles will go after her. We will find you some shade, it will be ok.

Spike: He put some venom in me. Vamp moo. Poison.

Buffy: (Remembers what happened with Angel.) Like what happened with Angel?

Spike: Except. Thinking I'm not going to be so lucky.

Buffy: It has nothing to do with luck. I've got the cure for what ails you. (She touches her neck. Thinks about the three times she's been bitten in the past.) What's one more drink for the road.

Spike: Not gonna drink from you. Not like Warren, don't feed off my own.

Buffy: It has nothing to do with that. This is about saving you. Saving us.

Spike: I'm not a leech. You're my wife. Not dinner, when it suits me.

Buffy: This is not when it suits you. You're my husband. I'm not letting you die.

Spike: (Tries to walk away.) Don't want to talk about this now. We have to go after DA..

Buffy: (Realizes he really means it.) We are going to talk about this. I don't know how much he gave you. What if it kills you in the next hour?

Spike: (Looks at her.) Guess that's the chance, I'm gonna have to take.

Buffy: Well it just not good enough. I am not loosing you. Angel could do this why can't you? Why is this so difficult for you?

Spike: Why was it so easy for him? I just can't do this. Feed off my own, It's just not within me.

Buffy: Guess I'll have to convince you the same way I convinced him. (She hits him. He blocks her the first few times.)

Spike: (He is starting to weaken. The effects of the poison are slowly starting. He realizes that Buffy is going to have to let it out.) Come on pet. Lay it on me. Cause this is not happening. I love you too much to use you like that.

Buffy: (She gives him some punishing hits Till she sends him flying into the corner.) And I love you too much to loose you like this. I just know I'm not going to loose you. You are in here now. (She points to her heart.) You are a part of me now. You're in my system now. I'm not going to loose you, and I'm not going to loose you to some false sense of noble vamp logic that means nothing, if you are not here. This is not fair to me. This is not fair to Dawn. How can you do this to me? To her? Things are just starting to get good.

Spike: This isn't about you. It's about me, and who I'm becoming because of you. Something's changed. I can't do it. (Turns away, looks ashamed.)

Buffy: We made vows. You made a promise, how can you do this? You are just like everyone else. Everyone ends up leaving. What is so wrong with me that everyone leaves? You would rather die, then take one drop of me into you. Am I that bad? Is that why everyone goes? Why everyone can't wait to high tail it out of here?

Spike: But that is why. Don't ya get it? You are inside already. I've drowned in you. That's why I can't. You're here. (Points to his head, to his heart.) You're everywhere. I told you a long time ago. You were becoming a part of me. Till I'm just this shell of me outside, with you ...everything about you inside. That's never changed for me, never stopped. If anything it's just grown. I love you Buffy, you're a part of me, as much as I'm a part of myself. That's why I can't.

Buffy: (She's in tears.) It's the same for me. I don't know when it changed. But sometime between the wedding, and now it did change even more for me, it's grown. I love you, and it means something, but I don't think I knew how much. You asked if I'm afraid of you leaving, the truth is I'm terrified. No ones stayed the way you have. Really been there, like you ended up being. I'm terrified. No ones put up with my garbage like you have. You're as essential to me as the air that I breath. (She looks into his eyes. And it's heaven, yet hell, because his love is reflected there, but he is going to die.) I can't loose you! (Then in desperation to save him. She takes out his knife out of his pocket. He's still on the ground. She takes it and she cuts her wrist and forces it to his lips.) Drink from me. My blood is roots are the same as yours, the darkness in you, is the same darkness that I'm descended from. We're the same. Where it essentially matters. We're apart of each other. This is nothing. (Then she is bribing him, and bargaining.) It's just this once. It means nothing. It's not as important if you die. (She forces her wrist into his mouth and watcher her blood flow into his mouth.)

Spike: (It's warm and fresh, fresh and sweet, like liquid honey. It flows into his mouth, and it's so good. It's the first time in over a years that he's had a fresh, clean, willing, and flowing sample. Since Dru's visit to town. The taste because it's fresh and human is almost intoxicating. It's warmth caresses his tongue, the sensation and smell pollutes his senses, till he can't think straight. The warmth bubbles along past his lips, into his mouth, along his tongue. It's almost complete bliss for a moment. He pulls her wrist closer to his lips, prepared to take what she is offering. Then he opens his eyes for a second and looks into hers, then into her, and into her soul. Before the blood can pass his throat into him, he stops, and chokes on it to prevent taking it down, he turns away from her wrist to the side, and spits it out.) I can't!

Buffy: (Shocked and hurt she get very upset.) What are you doing? That's your life I'm giving you with my blood, my life's blood.

Spike: No! You're wrong. That's not my life. And not my life's blood. YOU! You are my life, my life's blood. You're what I live, and take in this undead air for. How could I live and continue this undead life, if I had to know that I feed on you to do it? How could I look at you? How could I look at Dawn.

Buffy: It's ok she would understand. How can I look at her if you die. She would never forgive me. She would understand this. (Then she gets upset again. She is emotional and doesn't want to lose again, doesn't want to lose another person she loves.) I don't understand. I don't want to understand. I can't lose you. (Her misery is complete, and she desolves into tears on him. He uses his hand to comfort her. He wraps up her wrist to stop the blood flow. They stay there cuddled motionless. Just holding each other.)

Spike: (He can sense her capitulation regarding his decision. He knows his fate is sealed, but he knows his fate has been sealed with her, since the day they meet.)

Giles unseen by either has walked in on the last part of this, and he's been held in his spot, silent and mute by the unselfish display he has just witnessed by both. He takes off his glasses and wipes away a stray tear. Then moves further into the room.

Giles: (He can see that they are still cuddling in the corner. Consumed by their misery. But facing it with courage, and conviction of his speech. He clears his throat, just loud enough to gain their attention. They pull apart just enough to look up at him.)

Giles: Buffy I couldn't help over hearing. There might just be another way.

Buffy: What other way? It's always blood. That's what gives life. It's always blood. There isn't going to be a something for nothing, he needs blood to live, not just any blood he needs kindred blood, slayer blood to live. Always some sacrifice right? (She moves away from Spike and goes over to Giles, as she speaks.) Me to save Dawn. Me to save the world, me from heaven to save. When does it end? Why me? Why this destiny? Why again?

Giles: (See she is devastated, bleeding and not in a very clear state of mind. He opens his arms and she goes into them for comfort.) There, there dear girl. Not this time, not again, not if I can help it. We just need transference. There is many ways blood can be transferred.

Buffy: (She looks up threw her fog of confusion and misery. Tears still on her face.) How?

Spike: (He gets up, looking hopeful. He looks towards Buffy.) Killed me the thought of leaving you and bit. Ripper don't get our hopes up. What's your notion?

Giles: We could do this the old fashioned way. Just do a transfusion. We'll take just enough from Buffy to cure you. While we put enough back into her.

Spike: (He looks disappointed.) Can't do that. Don't have the stuff it takes. It takes living bodies for that sort of thing. Live pumping veins. Not dead things like me. stuff. Got the living dead here.

Giles: I am amazed by the lack of knowledge, vampires have about their own physiology, and make up.

Spike: What you mean?

Giles: Has it never occurred to you, how much of you physiology does still function and remarkably well, I might add. You smoke, and your lungs don't need air, but you can take in and expel air. You drink and get drunk. A physiological function again. You direct blood flow constantly as your body, or rather undead body chooses to. There must be some sort of retrograde vamp circulatory system functioning, or you could not do half the things you do. I've found that even the watchers council, have very little foundation in some cases to base their assertions on. Most watcher's have not had the close contact that I have, the chance to watch, study, research, evaluate, learn, and even experiment.

Spike: There's that word again. You haven't been hanging around captain cardboard again have you? I'm not going to get another chip planted in my noggin am I?

Buffy: (Interrupting.) What are we waiting for. How soon can we do this.

Giles: With a few instruments and some sterilization, right away. We could do it at the house. I need borrow a few pints of blood from the hospital. But we could do it at the house.

Buffy: Make the arrangements. I am going to look for Dawn. I'll meet you there as soon as I can.

Giles: (He helps Spike who is starting to weaken.)

They leave to go and get what they need. Preparing to save more than Spikes life.

Back at the Magic Box. The loop continues.

Xander: You're witches do something. (They have ripped the bell off the door. They have removed several objects. Yet the loop repeats everytime they try to leave.)

Willow: It's not that simple. With these loops it could be anything. You have to find the right objective to get the looping to stop.

Anya: Yeah. We could be looping all day, and into tomorrow. But only so much real world time passes. It seems like forever, but that just cause we are in the loop.

Xander: Can we go out the basement to the sewers.

Tara: Well it didn't work the last five times you tried it. But who knows maybe we found what's causing the loop.

Xander: But your witches powerful witches.

Willow: Well technically. Tara's the only practicing witch. Sides Anya you're an ex-demon. You must have come across this several times.

Anya: Yeah but I've never been stupid enough to get caught in one. These loop things can get people acting all crazy, cause no matter what we do, the moment we leave it's like it never happened. We take the bell off the door. Go through the door, the bell is back on the door and we are right back inside. Bell is back on the door.

Willow: . We need a clean slate to figure this out. A Tabula Rasa. We have to figure out what's causing the loop.

Xander: Yeah. We have to go help Dawn and Buffy.

Tara: Wait Xander. What were you saying?

Xander: That you are powerful witches, who should be able to figure this out.

Tara: No after that.

Xander: Oh. Just what we've been trying to do all evening. We have to help Dawn and Buffy.

Tara: Exactly.

Willow: I don't get it.

Tara: It's what started the loop. When we were leaving. He said we have to go help Dawn and Buffy.

Xander: But we haven't been able to.

Willow: Cause we've been stuck here all evening.

Tara: Exactly.

Willow: So how do we break the spell.

Tara: We help Dawn and Buffy.

Xander: But how. We are trapped here and they are out there.

Tara: Exactly, why we haven't been able to break the loop. Let's find out what they need, and help them from in here. That should break the loop.

Xander: So if we find a way to help them. You think that will do it?

Willow: Worth a shot.

Anya: Can't be worst than the several other really lame things Xander has tried this evening.

Xander: How did I know the funky monkey and the Snoopy dance would be so obsolete?

The caves of Sunnydale. Deep inside. They arrive at his nest.

Syica: If you don't stop, we will dance right now. (Dawn stops struggling.)

Dawn: Where are we? Were are you taking me? What are you going to do?

Syica: Stop struggling!

Dawn: (Yelling.) Why should I. Put me down.

Syica: You're messing up my hair.

Dawn: Oh! Put me down. I think I'm gonna hurl all over you.

Syica: Best reason you've come up with the whole time. (Puts her down finally.)

Dawn: (Feeling shaky on her feet.) If you're gonna kill me, or dance with me just do it! (Has enough energy to cross her hands and stand defiantly.)

Syica: Like I said, a girl with moxie. (He smiles.)

Dawn: Stop smiling and why do you talk like that?

Syica: Like what? (Moves over to caress her face.) Shall we dance, or did you want to catch your breath. (Locks eyes with her.)

Dawn: (Looks at him even more defiantly. She is feeling even more shaky. But not due to the effects of the drugs.) Like that. You use words like moxie.

Syica: (Breaks the intense look off.) Must be my time period showing. Always liked that word, when I was alive. Moxie. It was one of my favorite words. Fist it was my medicine, then my drink, now it's my word for you.

Dawn: Well it's stupid and outdated, and no one would use a word like moxie.

Syica: Well I do. What word should I use then to describe you?

Dawn: I don't know. You don't have to use anything. Just let me go.

Syica: Is that what you want. You don't want to dance. I'm really quite good at it.

Dawn: I'm sure you are, but I don't want to dance. I'm not ready to die. Just let me go.

Syica: I meant the real kind. Bodies pressed together, swaying in rhythm. Dancing. I'm very good at it. We might as well get at least one out of the way. I have been wondering. I know your blood tastes sweet, but are you as light on your feet as you seem? (Gives her a suggestive look.) When we truly dance, and you're all lifeless, I want to be the one to bring you to that place. Sides who knows, if you're a good dancer, I might turn you. Make you go all the way ...make you a vamp. How would that be?

Dawn: Gosh do all you vamps talk the same way. (She sounds annoyed.)

Syica: You talk to a lot of vamps?

Dawn: Ah, my sister is married to one. Sides that's not what I mean, the first vamp I killed, he threatened to turn me. See what happened to him. (Some of her bravado coming back.)

Syica: So just straight forward death, no being turned then?

Dawn: What's wrong with you? You're so twisted. First you threaten me, then you kiss me, then you rescue me, now your all threatening to kill me again.

Syica: I never kissed you. And this is not a rescue, you're not much good to me already dead. I've been thinking about it a lot, and you winding up dead before I have a chance doesn't work.

Dawn: You did so kiss me. (She sounds embarrassed and blushes.) You didn't have to find me. Why did you?

Syica: Because I could.

Dawn: Oh. (Her ego is a little hurt by his denial.) You bit me. But you kissed me.

Syica: It's less painful if I make it fun. I just wanted a little taste. I've always liked playing with my food. That's all it was Miss Muppet.

Dawn: I'm not food, and I have a name.

Syica: You're not food yet, and Dawn right? What kind of name is that?

Dawn: What kind of name is Syica?

Syica: Long story. So Dawn? It actually dawned on someone to name you that?

Dawn: My mother named me that. (She sounds emotional) She's dead now.

Syica: (Feeling a twinge for teasing her about her name. In kinship with her about her pain.) I had a mother once. Father too. They are gone now.

Dawn: (Still upset about her name comment.) Of course they are gone now, what are you like a hundred?

Syica: Not near that old. And they died before I became a vampire. But I know the loss of family. I have known.

Dawn: (Sensing emotion in his voice for a change she is curious.) How did they die?

Syica: Sacrifice and toil. Like so many people of that time. But that is a bedtime story for another day.

Dawn: Were you close? I was close to my mom before she died. My sister died but now she's back.

Syica: Yes we were all very close! For a mere human. You live in a very strange world.

Dawn: I'm not human.

Syica: Funny, (Looks her up and down.) I don't see fangs, or a tail. Maybe you are a shape shifter. Maybe that's what's different about you. I wondered that I could grow so obsessed with a mere human.

Dawn: I'm the key. Or at least I was. I was not originally human. These ancient monks turned me from this ancient energy to human. My blood opens dimensions. All dimensions. Some people think I'm evil. My sister died to save my life. So now I'm just a regular girl in high school. (She sits down feeling shaky again.)

Syica: You either have some imagination. Or one of the strangest existence's I have come across. No wonder, I thought there was something special about you. Sister to a slayer, sister in law to a vamp. You've inhabited with witches, and an ex-vengence demon. You were an ancient key that opens dimensional portals. Did I leave anything out?

Dawn: I don't think so. Oh wait. I live on a hell mouth. See I'm not your average girl.

Syica: No. But you are human now. Which still makes you a happy meal, for me once the dance ends. But I will regard you and savor you with more relish. Now that I know how unique you are. (He kneels beside her for a moment.) Little Key.

Dawn: Did you say would savor me with relish. Cause I would taste so bad with relish. I'm more of a ketchup person myself. Sides I would make a terrible happy meal. (Tries to make a joke, his closeness is doing strange things to her.)

Syica: So says the chicken and the cow in the double meat medley, at the Double Meat Palace.. Quite tasty. But not what I'm in the mood for. (He gets up again.)

Dawn: Do you do whatever your in the mood for? Whenever it suits you?

Syica: Yes!

Dawn: Is that why you kissed me?

Syica: Again I did not kiss you. I don't kiss humans. Not in the way you mean. I was playing with food. Possibly you don't know enough about vampires to understand that. What do you know of vampires? (He looks her up and down.) Or men for that matter?

Dawn: I know lots. And that was a kiss.

Syica: I won't argue with food. Weak pail looking food. What did the human do to you?

Dawn: I think he drugged me. He still has Spike. I have to get back to help him.

Syica: Yes in your current condition, you are not even fit to be food, doubt you'll be much help. Why do you care? I stopped caring. Before I turned I stopped caring. Humans are not worth the effort. Still your brother-in-law is a vampire, but he fraternizes with humans.

Dawn: So do you. You go to house parties and you talk like us so you must fraternize. (She has that , so there. Look on her face.)

Syica: I blend in. I learn the talk of the period. I mix as much as I have to. I make connections when I need to. I probably won't stay in this town. Heard it was a hell mouth. Feeding ground like everywhere else. But meeting a Slayer was interesting. The ex-demon, and the key. What stories I shall have to tell my friends. Bet they have never seen a key, (points to her.) Like this before. (He seems amused.)

Dawn: Hey. (She's annoyed cause he's making fun of her again.) Besides why are you all playing at this. Why haven't you tried to bite me yet?

Syica: I have patience and YET is the operative word. I get bored. You've been fun. I have eternity to kill. You're a fun game. Sunnydale was getting a little boring.

Dawn: But I can't fight you right now. You would win.

Syica: Exactly. Then where would the challenge be? Even amongst thieves, their is honor. Besides I don't like to pick on helpless things. It's a failing that was transferred with the turning. I was tortured and danced with for several days before my turning. I begged for death. Then I received this undead life.

Dawn: So the vampire that turned you tortured you? (She sounds grossed out, but curious.)

Syica: Not the vampire. He saved my life.

Dawn: I don't get it.

Syica: It's not a pretty bed time story. Especially not for pretty dimensional keys, such as yourself.

Dawn: So you think I'm pretty?

Syica: Yes. A pretty morsel of food. (He is amused again by her looks and expressions.) I was tortured by humans. Ones capable of more torment and misery than I have ever visited. Except for when I first turned. I evened what was till then, an unfair score. I could die at their hands, or I could turn. I choose this. I think I wanted this. So here I am. That's the pretty part of the story.

Dawn: So that doesn't explain why you haven't bitten me. I don't think.

Syica: When I turned. I found I did not like to feast on the feeble, or the weak. A shameful failing that was transferred over. When you are at full strength, then I shall feed.

Dawn: But I have to leave. I have to get back to Buffy and Spike. They are in trouble. I have to go and help.

Syica: Again. Why should I care?

Dawn: Because they are my family. Both of them. I love them.

Syica: Still waiting.

Dawn: Because if you let me go. (She gulps but goes through with her next words.) I promise I will let you have the dance. The one you've been asking for.

Syica: (He is interested, but cautious. He looks at her.) If I let you leave. You'll just come back of your own free will. And battle with me. Somehow my first instinct is not to take you at your word. If I keep you here I get what I want.

Dawn: You won't. I'll be too upset to fight. And I won't eat. I'll have a really rumbly tummy when I don't eat. I probably just do a lot of hair pulling. But...but If you let me go. I'll come back. (She sounds desperate. She is really worried about Spike and Buffy.)

Syica: (He hears her voice, but he's still not sure he should bargain.) I don't bargain with food.

Dawn: I'm not going anywhere. You can find me anytime you want to.

Syica: Funny how we seem to keep getting interrupted everytime I do.

Dawn: I will come back. I swear. But I just have to see if they're ok.

Syica: Go. If you lie to me. I will find you, and when we dance. It won't be a slow waltz, but a tango. If you lie to me. (He sounds angry and threatening.)

Dawn: (Gets ready to leave.) Ah. Where's the way out? (She starts to shiver. She's been crouched in the corner. As she gets up she realizes how cold it is. But she is feeling stronger on her feet.)

Syica: Come. I will lead you out. (He hands her a jacket.)

Dawn: You're giving me your jacket? (She sounds hopeful. Maybe he's not all bad.)

Syica: I just don't want my food to get cold. (Their eyes connect for a moment. He wraps the jacket around her, and leads her out of the caves.)

Back at the Magic Box. They are all gathered around Tara, who is in a yoga meditative state.

Xander: I don't know about all this tinkling are you sure it will work?

Anya: Shhh. Xander she needs to concentrate. This is the best way to help Buffy, Dawn, and Spike right now.

Xander: But it seems so simple.

Willow: When Tara did the determining spell that's what it said. So be quite. Go ahead Baby.

Xander: Again Willow can I just say. Did you know your girlfriend was Tinkerbell?

In the heart of Sunnydale. Buffy is looking for Dawn. She has no idea where to look for Dawn and the vamp that has taken Dawn. She is also not sure how much time Spike has. She is desperate for anything. Then suddenly a small blue light is in front of her.

Buffy: (She tries to swat at it. Then she hears a voice.) I should follow it?

Willow: (Telepathically.) Just go with it. It will lead you to Dawn.

Buffy: (She starts to follow the light. Tara is leading Buffy to where Dawn is.)

Buffy finds dawn.

Dawn: Buffy. (She runs over and hugs her.) I was coming to find you.

Buffy: Are you ok. Are you hurt? Did Warren, or the vamp hurt you?

Dawn: I'm fine. Warren drugged me with something but I'm fine. The vamp didn't hurt me.

Buffy: (She examines her for marks.) He didn't bite you?

Dawn: He let me go.

Buffy: But why?

Dawn: Guess he got bored. (She puts her hands into the pocket of the jacket, which she is still wearing.) Is Spike ok. They were hurting him when I left.

Buffy: We have to get back to the house. (Suddenly the little blue light does a dazzling sparkle dance and disappears.) Thank you.

Dawn: What was that?

Buffy: A little help to light the way. Let's just say I found you in time, now we can go and help Spike.

Dawn: Why what's wrong with Spike. (She sounds worried.)

Buffy: Long story. I'll explain on the way. Let's just go.

They leave and head back to the house to locate Spike and save his life.

The magic Box. They open the front door go through, and nothing happens. They are outside. They all excitedly cheer. Then realize how tired they are and go back into the magic shop.

Xander: It worked. Never thought I'd be so happy to see the outside pavement again.

Tara: I guess no matter how small it was we helped Buffy.

Willow: Yeah. I guess that was all that was needed. Cause the spells broken.

Xander: I'm calling the house to see if they are there. (He calls Giles answers.)

Giles: Buffy and Dawn are on their way. Are you sure?

Xander: Yeah. Tara tinkered her magic, and they are. They should be heading your way soon.

Giles: That's great Xander. I can't talk right now. But once she gets here things should be fine. I can't explain right now. I will fill you in on all the details tomorrow. I'm staying here for the night. But we will all be fine, if your sure Buffy and Dawn are on their way here. (He hangs up the phone.)

Xander: (Hanging up the phone.) Looks like they did ok without us.

Anya: Hey not completely without us.

Xander: Giles says they will all be ok. Once Buffy gets there. He was kinda vague. Says he'll fill us in tomorrow. Anyone up for pizza and bed. Cause I know I'm had enough of the Magic Shop as I can handle.

They leave and go to their houses. Agreeing to regroup tomorrow, for Giles and his fill in.

Next day at the Magic Box. Giles arrives at the store and fills in everyone on how things went, and how Buffy is doing.

Giles: The trio have disappeared. They used some sort of a portal device. Spike said they just disappeared through some sort of portal. Willow I will let you have a look at the plans I discovered at their lair, when I went back early this morning. I gathered everything I could and took it all back to the house. It's the strangest thing, but Warren seems to have discovered the little trick joke Faith played with Angel.

Xander: The one where he pretends to be all evil, and she jiggles on his lap, cause faith pulled that trick with a lot of people. (Holds up his hand.)

Giles: (Looking less than amused.) No the one with the poison arrow. Where she almost kills Angel.

Willow: You mean Warren did that to Spike? Buffy must be devastated. Is he going to be ok?

Giles: Actually he's going to be just fine.

Tara: But how you said it was poison. Did you find a cure in time?

Xander: Of course he going to be fine. (Looks disgusted.) He has a ready cure all lined up for him. Shape of a Buffy pop. Probably drained her drier than the Sahara. Comes down to it. They are all the same. I don't know what she sees in these vamps.

Giles: Actually Xander you're quite wrong this time.

Xander: Enlighten me. Spike's not walking around with a yummy delicious pint of Slayer blood inside him, courtesy of Buffy.

Giles: Well I did not say that.

Xander: Either he is or he isn't. Can't have it both ways.

Giles: But that's just it. He was going to die. Knew he was going to die. But he refused her. She practically shoved her neck into his face, and he refused. She cut her wrist. (He takes off his glasses, moved by the memory of it. He goes over all the events of the previous night and gives them a play by play of events.) I have had the most remarkable evening.

Willow: You mean he would rather die, than bite her. But why? Angel bit her.

Giles: That's Angel. I was able to find a solution that suited everyone's needs. (Tells them all about the blood transfusions.)

Tara: But he's a vampire can you do that?

Giles: Seems like I did. It worked.

Xander: Still it seems like Buffy's always sacrificing for these guys. I just don't like it.

Anya: It's not for you to like Xander. She's an adult. He's her husband, and she loves him. She can take care of herself.

Giles: Anya's right. More over, I think we misjudged Spike. I think he is in the process of undergoing a remarkable transformation. I think he has changed. Based on what I saw, I would not go so far as to say he has a soul. Not in the way we regard souls, but humanity, in the way that it counts.

Willow: I think, I kinda feel bad about what I said.

Tara: Me too.

Anya: It's not as bad as all the stuff, Xander said. But I feel bad too.

Xander: Thanks Anya. But what are we going to do? I mean there's no hallmark card for sorry I thought you were a blood sucking leech. Is there? (Looks at Anya.)

Anya: Not officially, but you can have your own cards printed up.

Giles: I rather have another idea of what we might do for Spike and Buffy. But we need a key to their house. It would be a surprise.

Anya: Oh well I still have a key from when I was living there.

Willow: Yeah me too. I just moved out before Anya, moved in.

Tara: Yeah I still have mine too.

Xander: Got me mine right here. Buffy gave me one cause I'm so essential.

Anya: Yeah. Essentials like picking up Dawn after school or looking after the house.

Giles: Am I the only one who doesn't have a key?

Xander: That's ok big guy. You have something better. You're the man with a plan.

Giles: Yes I rather knew there was a silver lining to this cloud.

They continue to discuss Giles plan for Spike and Buffy.



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