Xander closed the door to the basement and walked back to the kitchen where Willow and Dawn were busy lighting candles and Anya was pigging out on potato chips like they were the last she would ever have. A radio babbled in the background.
Well, it's not the breaker or fuses. I think it's safe to say the wind has knocked a power line down somewhere. Xander stopped and looked at the radio. Okay, how did you make that work?
Willow smiled and her eyes twinkled.
Dawn giggled. Yeah, it was the best magic she's ever worked! It's called a battery. Have you ever heard of it?
The girls laughed and Xander smiled. He was glad they were not panicking. The wind outside was wicked and Buffy was out there somewhere. He couldn't help but worry. Xander didn't want to worry the girls, but something felt wrong.
Well, I guess we won't be finishing our movie tonight, so what do you guys say to a riveting gave of Monopoly? Willow asked while lighting the last candle.
Ooh! Free money to buy stuff! I'm in! Dawn grinned and tried to steal a chip from Anya who quickly closed the bag and crumpled it to her chest.
Sounds like fun, Will. Xander smiled.
Suddenly the group fell silent and listened to the radio. Willow turned it up.
...Sunnydale, California. I repeat, there is a hurricane warning for the residents of Sunnydale, California. All residents are requested to lock all doors and windows and stay inside their homes, preferably in the basement or a shelter if available. Everyone is asked to stay together and not panic. Again I repeat, an unexpected hurricane has hit Sunnydale, California. All residents...
Dawn turned off the radio and looked at her friends with fear in her eyes.
Buffy--Spike! We have to find them and warn them! Tears threatened her eyes.
Oh, Dawnie. Willow moved over to the slayer's sister and put an arm around her. They'll be okay. Spike will take care of Buffy. Ooh! And she went to see Angel, remember? He would never let anything happen to her.
***
Buffy gasped for breath and groaned as Chris ran towards her again. Buffy moved to the side and used Chris' momentum to throw him into a tombstone. Even that took a lot out of her.
Chris stood up and grinned at the slayer. Is that all you've got? I thought you had super strength! You're the slayer, remember?
Buffy looked at Chris and blinked--there were three of him! Buffy shook her head to clear it. She felt so weak and he wouldn't give up!
Chris saw the slayer was having some trouble and he saw his chance. He charged!
Buffy saw Chris coming at her again and she frowned. Closing her eyes she braced herself. She was just too tired and weak to fight anymore.
Buffy waited for the collision but it never came. Slowly opening her eyes, Buffy sighed with relief.
Angel had recovered from the impact of the bullets and now had Chris pinned to a tombstone. Angel had Chris by the throat and had slipped into his vampire face.
If you ever come near her again, I will kill you! Do you understand? Angel spat the words at Chris and tightened his grip.
Chris just stared blankly at the vampire. He was having a hard time comprehending what just happened. He had seen the slayer's friend go down after Chris had shot him three times in the chest. Now, all of a sudden, the same guy had stood up and attacked him! To top it off, the slayer's friend was a vampire. None of it made any sense.
That didn't happen, Chris replied absently.
Angel growled and tightened his grip on Chris, choking him. Chris winced.
Um, okay that did happen, Chris gasped.
Angel growled louder at Chris who's eyes widened with fear.
Okay! Okay! I w-won't touch her again! I swear it! D-Don't bite me! Please! Chris was now shivering in terror.
Angel slipped back into his human face and, letting go of Chris, punched him hard in the face. Chris stumbled backwards and, tripping over his own feet, fled into the howling winds.
Angel watched the man to make sure he didn't come back then slowly turned to Buffy smiling.
The wind was now so strong that it was starting to uproot trees. Some bushes were already being blown around the cemetery like tumbleweed. Angel had known what was coming as soon as the wind started. He could smell the hurricane, strong!
Buffy saw Angel finally come toward her and she smiled. Their plan had worked! It was a good thing vampires were immune to bullets otherwise Angel's plan would have been useless. Buffy remembered when Angelus and herself were possessed by ghosts and she shot him. She had been quite surprised when he got up and walked away.
With the fight over and Angel obviously all right, relief flooded the slayer. Unable to keep her up anymore, Buffy's legs gave way and she fell to the ground. She tried to get back up but she was just too tired. All she wanted to do was sleep.
In an instant Angel was at the slayer's side. Buffy, are you okay?
Angel knelt next to Buffy who's breath was coming in short gasps. Bending over Buffy he he suddenly felt as if someone had hit him in the chest.
A dark red spot was growing fast at Buffy's waist. The blood came from a tiny hole in her white sweater--a bullet hole!
Angel shook his head with confusion. How could that have happened? How could his plan have failed?
Buffy was shivering violently. Angel quickly removed his coat and threw it over her.
Angel carefully picked up the slayer and tried to steady himself in the strong winds. Rain started to pelt his face and he began to panic. He had to get her out of there!
Buffy had felt numb but now a searing pain started to burn her side. She moaned as Angel shifted her in his arms.
It's okay, Buffy. I've got you. Angel's heart broke as he looked at the pain written on the slayer's face.
Buffy opened her eyes to a huge blurry mess. she said weakly and closed her eyes. I want Spike.
***
It didn't take long for Spike to find the fight but what he saw chilled him to the bone. He was too late. The wind threatened to blow him away as Spike fought to get to the slayer who was now in Angel's arms. Angel? What was he doing there?
Spike's heart would have missed a beat, if he were alive, as he saw complete horror come over Angel's face.
Spike yelled at the wind. No! She can't be dead! Not again!
Spike saw Angel look up at him, fierce anger overtook the horror on his face.
Spike finally reached the other vampire and quickly glanced at the slayer lying limp in the vampire's arms. Rain wetted her face. Her eyes were closed. She looked like an angel. She looked dead.
Lighting flashed and thunder rolled overhead as Angel slipped into his vampire face. Stay away from us!
Spike looked up at the sky which was now covered in large black clouds threatening to break over Sunnydale. Spike didn't want to fight Angel, not now. Spike had to shout to be heard over the thunder and wind.
We don't have time for this! We have to find cover for Buffy!
I'll do it myself! Get out of my way! Angel screamed and started walking against the wind.
No! You have nowhere to go! You can't reach her house in time and the hospital is even further away! My crypt is closer! Spike shouted.
Spike saw Angel hesitate and look at Buffy. His coat covering her was soaked.
Dammit, Angel! We don't have time! Spike yelled impatiently. His voice was already hoarse.
Reluctantly, Angel gave in and nodded in agreement. He had to--for Buffy.
Spike turned and began to walk to his crypt. He tried to run but the wind slowed him to a walk. Angel followed slipping out of his vampire masquerade.
The crypt was not too far away but it took the two vampires quite a few minutes to reach it. Spike kicked open the door and the vampires threw themselves in. Spike struggled with the door before finally slamming it shut. Quickly he moved to the small door leading to the lower part of his crypt.
We'll be safer down there. Spike didn't have to yell, but he still spoke loud to be heard over the wind.
Angel just glared at him.
Look, soul boy, I don't like it any more than you do! But in case you haven't noticed, you have an injured slayer in your arms and there's a nasty hurricane brewing out there! She'll be a whole lot safer underground and a lot more comfy too. I have a bed and some blankets down there that will keep her warm, dry and comfortable.
Without a word and slight hesitation, the slayer laden vampire walked towards the door and carefully made his way down. It would have been easier if he had let Spike pass Buffy down to him, but Angel was not giving her up.
Spike jumped down after Angel and pulled the door shut above him, latching it tight. Pulling a cigarette out of his pocket, he leaned against the wall and lit it. He had to act cool now, even though it was killing him inside to see Buffy hurt. He couldn't show his feelings for the slayer, not right now. It would only do Buffy more harm.
Spike watched as Angel gently placed the slayer on the bed. Spike walked over to see what had actually happened to her. Angel blocked his view.
So the slayer's losing her touch, is she? Spike tried to get Angel to move so he could see Buffy. He didn't.
She hasn't lost anything! Angel snapped. Slayers just can't fight humans and win.
Spike grinned tightly. He was getting somewhere. It was a human. That would explain the gun shots. Spike froze for an instant before continuing with his act. No slayer's perfect you know, he smirked.
After a few minutes of silence, Angel slowly stood up but kept his back to Spike. No, but they're still human and none of them are immune to death. Angel spoke softly.
Angel had moved slightly and Spike was finally able to catch a glimpse of Buffy .
Bloody hell, Spike murmured as he saw the dark red spot on Buffy's sweater. More blood slowly crept down her side and started to puddle on the bed. Spike fought the urge to run to Buffy's side and fought even harder to keep tears from surfacing. The latter battle he lost.
Quickly Spike turned his back to the slayer and the other vampire as the tears began to flow freely. He didn't want to look at Buffy and he certainly didn't want to be seen crying. He never should have left Buffy alone! Even though she didn't want him around, he had known something felt wrong! He should have stayed. This was all his fault!
A loud, breathless groan from Buffy grasped Spike's attention. He fiercely wiped the tears from his face before turning around. Angel was putting pressure on the slayer's wound with his hands in an effort to stop the bleeding. Angel's hands were covered in blood and the air stank of it. Spike was surprised to see Angel shaking badly.
We need to stop the bleeding! Bandages! We need bandages! Angel panicked. Make it stop--it won't stop!
Spike stared at the other vampire. He had once been the scourge of the earth--the vampire that everyone feared. Now he was covered in a slayer's blood and crying like a pathetic twit!
Another, even louder moan from Buffy threw Spike out of his thoughts. Instinctively, he pulled off his duster and placed it on the bed next to her. Silently he removed his shirt and began tearing it into strips.
Angel glared at him. What are you doing? he demanded.
Spike said nothing as he continued to tear his shirt into strips. Tearing the last strip, Spike slowly moved to Buffy.
Angel shot up and slammed Spike against the wall. Stay away from her!
Spike winced as the rock cut into his back. We need to stop the bleeding. If we don't, she will die. Let me help her, he said softly.
You touch her and I will kill you! Angel's voice was cold as ice and hard as stone.
Spike glanced over at Buffy. She looked so helpless and fragile. Suddenly her eyes opened and for an instant wore a simple tired expression before closing tight in pain.
she breathed as a red hot pain seared her side.
Angel looked over at Buffy with confusion and unbelief then at Spike with fury.
Spike ignored the look of death in Angel's eyes. Now was not the time to fight. Spike had to care for the slayer.
This time Buffy cried out in desperation.
Spike pulled away from Angel who now just stood and stared at the wall in shock. Spike rushed to Buffy's side and began to dress her wound.
The pool of blood had grown quite large and the coppery smell stung Spike's nostrils. He began to worry. She had lost so much blood! Spike didn't know how much longer the slayer would last. She needed a hospital badly!
Buffy, pet, can you hear me? Spike continued to dress the slayer's wound and winced as she moaned. He didn't want to hurt her more and he knew his cold hands didn't help.
Buffy slowly opened her eyes again, this time tears welled up in them, and looked at Spike, her voice breathless and weak. It hurts so much.
Spike's heart shattered into a million pieces. He found himself fighting back his own river of tears. I know, luv. I know. Spike finished the dressing and covered Buffy with the blanket on his bed.
Buffy reached up and held Spike's wrist as he stood. Please don't leave me, she whispered weakly.
Spike looked down at her hand holding his wrist and then at Angel who was still staring at the wall.
I'm not going to leave you, pet. Spike smiled reassuringly.
Almost reluctantly Buffy let go of him. She began to shiver and Spike placed his duster over her. She was soaked to the bone and he knew he had to dry her off somehow.
Buffy, I have to take your wet clothes off. There are some dry ones that you left here. I have to put them on you okay? Spike didn't want to scare Buffy and he certainly didn't want Angel to get mad because Spike was touching Buffy. Angel didn't know that Spike had touched Buffy in ways Angel would never have believed. Spike was not willing to make Angel believe.
Buffy slipped her hand into Spike's and squeezed gently. She didn't have any strength left. Spike knew Buffy was consenting to him dressing her and he hoped Angel wouldn't notice.
Spike walked over to a shelf and grabbed a small handful of neatly folded clothes then walked back to the bed. Keeping one eye on Angel, Spike slowly and carefully pulled off Buffy's wet, bloody clothes and even more carefully replaced them with dry, clean ones. It was a painstaking effort to dress her without hurting her and Spike winced every time she moaned.
After many long minutes, Spike covered Buffy up with a dry blanket and pulled his duster back over top of the blanket. His duster was dry now and it would be warmer for her.
I'm so tired, Buffy whispered absently as her eyes fluttered and closed.
Spike went whiter than normal--if that was possible. No, Buffy! Spike stopped himself as Buffy jumped at his sudden outburst. Softening his voice he continued. Listen to me, pet, you have to stay awake. Spike gently lifted her head and slowly slid in behind her on the bed, resting her head in his lap. He had to keep her awake somehow.
Please, Spike, Buffy whispered weakly. Let me sleep. If I sleep then it won't hurt so much. Tears fell from the corners of her eyes and landed on Spike's lap.
Spike's throat tightened and tears welled up in his own eyes. Softly he began to stroke her hair. Seeing the slayer in so much pain hurt him worse than any torture could--even worse than the time Glory had got to him.
I know it hurts, luv. Spike swallowed and gently brushed her tears away. Try not to think about it, okay?
I can't--it hurts too much. Buffy covered her face with her hands and began to sob.
A tear escaped Spike's eye and slid down his cheek. He ignored it. He didn't care anymore if the pouf saw him crying. All that mattered was keeping Buffy alive, safe and comfortable. He couldn't do that while trying to be his harsh, cruel self.
Spike carefully pulled Buffy into a semi-sitting position and held her in his arms as he would a newborn baby. Pulling the blanket and his duster up around her, the vampire held the slayer close. He had to take her mind off the pain somehow.
Buffy's shoulders shook violently as she cried. Her side ached fiercely and she desperately wanted sleep. One of her hands came away from her face and her fingers clutched at his bare chest.
Please, Spike, she sobbed. Please make it stop.
Spike held her closer and started rocking side to side very slowly. He glanced at Angel who sat on the floor with his heads in his hands. He was still as death but Spike knew he was crying too.
Sleep, luv. Spike didn't want to chance it but he knew the pain was too much for Buffy. She had to sleep or she would go into shock and die. He would keep a close eye and ear on her while she slept and wake her if there was any danger. he whispered.
