Joss Whedon is the genius, not me.

Walk Through the Fire
Prologue
by Zzilly14

Buffy walked along the streets of Rome, hoping she'd turn the corner and find something to kill. The Immortal was beginning to annoy her and she longed for a change.

Maybe I should try a new hair color? She thought.

She continued walking, but suddenly turned to face the other direction and aimed her crossbow at a figure hidden in the shadows.

"You know, I really hate it when you guys sneak up on me."

The figure headed into the light, and Buffy raised her eyebrows. This demon was none like she had never seen - blue hair, bright blue eyes, and a skin tight outfit that made Buffy blink a few times.

"Do not harm me," the demon said.

"And why not?" Buffy questioned. "I mean, unless you were sneaking up on me because you find me attractive... but demons usually don't have the hots for Slayers."

"I am not a demon," it spat in disgust. "I am the god-king Illyria."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better about not killing you? Look, I've already dealt with a god, and it didn't work out well." After a pause, Buffy added, "You're not after the Key, are you?"

"The Key is not of my concern. You are."

"Uh-huh..." Buffy replied. "So, Ice Goddess... Explain to me, in five words or less, why I should spare your life."

"Angel requires your assistance," Illyria said before she cocked her head to the side. "Immediately."

Buffy immediately dropped her weapon. "Angel? Is... is he okay?"

"I sense that you have feelings for the half-breed," Illyria stated. "It is ironic that a vampire slayer would be attracted to the very thing she is born to kill."

"Shut up, Uhura, and just tell me what what's going on."

"The two half-breeds, Gunn, and Wesley decided to wage war on the Senior Partners. Wesley and Gunn have perished. Spike is missing, and Angel is near death."

"Did you just say Spike?" Buffy shrieked.

"Yes. The blond half-breed fought well, but after the battle I could not find him. I fear that he is dead as well. If that is the case, I will grieve for him. He was my pet."

"But... he already died. How did he... He was your pet?"

"I found him to be quite fascinating. He had feelings for this shell, but yet did not hesitate to fight me."

"Um... okay." Buffy wiped her forehead. "So where's Angel now? Is he here?"

"He would not have survived the journey if he came. He is still in Los Angeles."

"But what if he dies before I get there?" Buffy snapped. "You just left him by himself?"

"No. Connor is there with him, tending to his wounds."

"Who's Connor?"

"His son."

Buffy's eyes widened. "His son? Are you kidding me? If he had a son, which is impossible, he wouldn't be more than... four years old, at the most. What game are you playing at, Smurfette?"

"I am not playing any games, Slayer. If I were, I would be playing Crash Bandicoot. For some reason it amuses me." Illyria paused. "But we do not have time for such matters. You must gather all the Slayers available and return to Los Angeles at once, or else all that has occurred will have been for nothing."