Hope this dose of Spuffy can last you for the next week and I promise there will be more. The ups and downs are why I love this couple so much. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Yes, I know Oz left but I am not sticking strictly to the original story line. I am taking liberties and I loved Oz and Willow together. I thought that Xander could use a good partner to help him out. I think that they are hilarious together and they are fun to write. You might find other details that are different as well and I did that to be original or different than the TV storyline. I still have more to come so thanks to everyone for reading and for the comments.
Chapter 24 Needle in a Haystack
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Giles and Willow made it to the study without being noticed. Spike and Buffy had shown them the way and then had disappeared to find out more about the key.
The study was very large and there was no one around. They both were in awe of the amount of books there. They were not sure where to start.
"This place is full of books Giles. Where do we start?" Willow was twirling around looking at all the shelves of books. This was like a candy store to her.
"I guess there is really no wrong way. Just start reading the spines and see if anything jumps out at you." He stopped and thought about that for a moment. "Well, let's hope it doesn't literally jump out." Willow laughed a little at that.
They began reading and pulling out books at random. They hoped that it wouldn't take too long to find something about the symbols. Getting caught was not part of the plan.
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Buffy and Spike went back to the basement door where they had stood that first night in the castle when they had seen Anne's ghost. No one seemed to be about. They must all be busy with their chores Buffy thought. Lot's to do around a big place like this.
She put the key in the lock and turned but nothing happened. It didn't work. She was so sure that the key would fit something else as well. I guess she thought wrong.
"Don't worry love. It's not time to give up yet. This is just strike one. We have plenty more doors to try." Spike was trying to make up for his statements earlier. He didn't want Buffy mad at him. Not after all she had done for him.
"I know Spike. But I was so sure about this. Let's keep looking." They decided to try the third floor. They hadn't been there yet and maybe more surprises were waiting for them. They went down the hallway and came to another door with the dragon head. Buffy knocked lightly first and no answer. She tried the key and it worked.
"See pet, you just need to have a little faith in old Spike." He shot her a smile and Buffy softened a little. His eyes were shiny blue pools again and she could tell he was getting better. She must have been staring a little too long because he spoke up again. "What's wrong love?"
She closed her eyes and then opened them again. "Nothing. I just hope that we find something, that's all." She did hope that but it wasn't the whole truth. It would have to do for now.
They entered the room and soon realized that this was Julian's room. His clothes were neatly hung up and the room was very elaborate. Certainly fit for a prince, or a king. Buffy noticed that the bed looked a little rumpled. It looked as if someone had been lying on it after it was made.
"This is the ponce's room all right." Spike didn't like being here. He didn't like Julian and he was going to make sure he knew it when they met again.
"Don't be so nasty Spike. We don't know that Julian is a willing participant here. We don't know for sure that he was the one who poisoned you." Buffy was still looking around but managed to catch Spikes reaction out of the corner of her eye. He wasn't pleased.
"Bloody hell slayer. What is it about this guy? Don't you get it? He's evil. He's trying to kill you to save his sister or whatever she is. It's bloody unnatural if you ask me. He tried to sodding kill me. Why do you insist on watering it down?" He was yelling now and Buffy turned to shush him.
"Keep your voice down. You want someone to hear and find us here? I don't know why Spike. I just have this feeling about Julian. I don't think he is the mastermind behind all this. It just doesn't fit." Buffy was talking in a whisper now and trying to keep her cool.
"Yeh, well, he might not be the mastermind but I know where his mind is Buffy. It's on you. I've seen the way he looks at you and I don't like it." He walked over and grabbed her by both hands.
Buffy was surprised when he grabbed her and felt the chills run through her. Why was his touch so wonderful? He was looking at her again, staring into her soul. She felt like he could see right through her.
His voice was much lower this time. Raspy. Just the right tone to make her crazy. "I am the only one allowed to look at you that way love." She wasn't sure she even heard what he said because the next thing she knew her lips were on his.
The kiss was soft but intense. It was just as she had remembered and had secretly longed to feel again. When they pulled apart he was looking at her again with those eyes. "Just remember slayer who kissed who first." Buffy looked at him and replied. "I will." Soon they were in each others arms again oblivious to their original reason for being there.
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Xander and Oz were ready for what was about to happen. They thought for sure they were caught. A hand reached down and opened the desk drawer and removed a key. They kept very still and the footsteps then crossed to the other side of the room.
They peaked around the desk and watched as a man put a key into the table next to the wall and turned it. He then pulled back a painting to reveal a large mirror. They watched as the man chanted some words and then were stunned when the man's reflection disappeared and there was a dragon looking creature staring back at him. They tried hard to catch what was being said.
"I am sorry your highness. I tried to control Mary but she seems to be determined to undermine me. I plan to take care of her as soon as possible." Mr. Hargis was a little nervous about telling the king he had failed.
"No need you fool. I have succeeded in spite of your incompetence. The plan is almost complete. It won't be long before I have my Anne again. I have taken care of everything. I no longer need your services." The king was angry with Hargis.
Mr. Hargis was a little surprised by this. "Fine, sir, if that is what you wish. I will just be taking my payment then and be on my way."
The king was laughing now. "You fool. There will be no payment. I have no intention of paying you for your mistakes. You are lucky to be leaving with your life."
Mr. Hargis was about to say something else but the mirror turned white and the king was gone. He knew this was going to end badly for him. He needed to pack his things and get out of town before the king changed his mind about the letting him live part.
Xander and Oz had been listening and heard bits and pieces of what was said. It was enough to convince them that Mr. Hargis had information they needed. They nodded to each other and then jumped out from behind the desk nearly scaring the old man to death.
"You aren't going anywhere mister until we get some answers." Xander was pointing the tazor at him in a threatening manner. Oz had taken a sort of boxing/judo stance. They both looked a little ridiculous.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my home?" Mr. Hargis had gathered his wits now. "If you must know we are friends of Buffy's and we know what you have done. You are going to tell us what we need to know." Xander was speaking up first and using his firm voice. He had practiced it enough on Anya.
Mr. Hargis looked a little uneasy. "I don't know what you are talking about. I am going to call the police." He started towards the phone. He had no intention of using it of course.
"You do that. Then you can explain to them about the missing girls and our missing friends and how you helped with that. I am sure you will like your new orange jumpsuit and roommates."
Mr. Hargis sat down in the chair. This had been a dreadful day and it wasn't getting any better. "Fine, what do you want to know?"
The guys looked at each other again surprised that their intimidation had worked. "We want to know how to save our friends." Oz was the first to respond this time.
"You're wasting your time then. It's too late. The king will complete the ritual and your friends will die. You can't help them now." The room was dead silent then. Xander looked at Mr. Hargis and he was angry at his response.
"Well, you better hope for your sake that's not true."