A/N: Here's the part where I spend about 5 pages explaining how immensly sorry I am for not updating sooner. Sorry, sorry, sorry,sorry sorry! There was a mountain of things between me and this chapter, one being writers block, two being real life. So I would like to apologise a thousand times.
Disclaimer: I would be sarcastic, but I feel to guilty. Oh and by the way, I own nothing.
Spike is sitting at the dining room table. Buffy enters and stands at the doorway.
BUFFY
(Tiredly)
Hey
Spike looks up at her
SPIKE
Hey, how's Red doing?
BUFFY
She's dealing. Giles is still with her though, I don't think she's up to seeing anyone yet
Buffy comes and sits next to Spike.
SPIKE
Have you checked on the bit?
BUFFY
Yeah she slept right through it though. I told her it was probably best if she stayed in her room for a while.
Brief silence.
SPIKE
That was something, up there, I mean I'd heard what Willow was like when she was all mojoed up but… I've never seen anything like that before. She was kicking some serious power.
BUFFY
Oh you've got no idea. Last summer when Tara died and Willow went off the deep end, I was honestly scared. Scared that I had lost her completely. But she pulled through it, started to move on, and now…
SPIKE
The First is making her take a not pleasant trip down memory lane. Looks like we are not the only ones with inner demons to face.
BUFFY
I can't believe that it would go that far, that it would do that to…
SPIKE
It's evil luv. Pure, merciless. It plays on your weak spots, hits you were it knows you will fall. If anyone should know that it should be us two.
BUFFY
I guess I just wasn't expecting it. I mean you and me, yeah sure it makes sense, but Willow…
SPIKE
Maybe she's got a bigger part in this. Maybe the First knows something we don't.
BUFFY
Still… I can't imagine what she's going through.
SPIKE
I have a fairly good idea.
Buffy looks at him curiously.
SPIKE
When the First was - looking back on it now - setting up my trigger, it used to talk to me, mostly it was one of my victims or Dru but other times…
Buffy looks slightly apprehensive and worried. Spike stares at his hands in front of him.
SPIKE
Sometimes it would be you. It would say things, trying to get me to hate you, but when it figured out that wouldn't work it play back some of the times that we had, when you broke up with me, when I…
Spike hangs his head.
SPIKE
It would leave me alone after that, for a little while anyways; leave me with the memories of what I had done. And somehow that was always worse then when it was actually there. Because when it wasn't there there were new types of demons. One's that wont be quiet no matter how much you scream.
Spike pauses for a moment and then he seems to shake himself out of it.
SPIKE
So yeah, I know abit about what Red's going through although I'm not gonna pretend that I understand her situation I mean…
Buffy takes his hand on the table and interlocks their fingers. Spike looks down at their hands.
BUFFY
I get it.
She looks at Spike with a mixture of hope and sadness. He looks at her, a little comforted. He squeezes her hand. Footsteps can be heard and Spike quickly pulls his hand away. Buffy looks at him slightly confused.
Xander enters.
BUFFY
How is she?
XANDER
Giles is still with her, I think he was gonna get the coven on the line, see if they can't calm her down
BUFFY
Is that really necessary?
XANDER
Well Willow seems to think that the only way for her to not hurt anyone is for the coven to remove her powers completely.
SPIKE
Well that's just stupid. You can't remove power, not like that. Even if you tried it would probably kill her.
XANDER
I know, but she's scared that the First is gonna come back and start messing with her again. She doesn't want anyone to get hurt.
BUFFY
So we'll find a way to keep the First from getting in.
SPIKE
Pet, you can't dis-invite evil, it's not a vampire.
XANDER
Spike's right we should… wait did I just say Spike's right? Were did that come from?
Spike raises an eyebrow at Xander.
BUFFY
I don't care we need to do something. Otherwise the First is just gonna carry on pissing us off one by one. It could be one of the girl's next, remember Chloe? We can't let that happen.
XANDER
So what exactly do you suggest we do?
BUFFY
We hit research mode. We dig up our sources. If we throw everything we've got at this then we can come up with something
XANDER
Yeah well that's not exactly…
BUFFY
(Interrupts)
Look I don't know how we are going to do this. But right now I'm gonna go concentrate on Willow, she's in pain and she needs me.
Buffy stands up and goes to walk into the kitchen.
XANDER
Err Buff, Willow's the other way.
BUFFY
I know, I'm gonna go bring her some tea. Might help her calm down.
She goes into the kitchen.
XANDER
Tea when you got problems thought that was a British thing.
SPIKE
Well to be fair, tea is a problem solver. Opens up all sort off…
XANDER
(Interrupts)
What's going on with you and Buffy?
SPIKE
What?
XANDER
Oh come on don't give me the innocent act. I've seen you together, and it's all goo goo eyes and inappropriate glances. Don't think I don't see what's going on here.
SPIKE
Well it's good that at least one of us can
XANDER
You're in love with Buffy, I know that, and I bet your thinking now that you have your new soul that she will just fall into your arms like she did with Angel
SPIKE
HEY! I am NOT like that bloody…
XANDER
The point is, Buffy's got a lot on her mind right now, there's a lot of pressure and know that she will never admit it, but she need's you. I don't know why and I certainly don't like it but it's not my choice. But I will say this, I may not be a powerful witch, or a demon but if you hurt Buffy I will…
SPIKE
(Interrupts)
I would never hurt her. Not after… trust me I would rather take a walk in the sun then cause her any kind of pain.
XANDER
I'll hold you to that.
Buffy enters and with a mug of tea and goes upstairs shooting a smile at Spike.
XANDER
See? Goo goo eyes.
WILLOWS ROOM
Buffy enters with a mug; she sits down next to Willow
BUFFY
I brought you some tea
Willow looks at her and gives a very weak smile.
BUFFY
Do you feel like talking yet?
WILLOW
I can't… its too…
BUFFY
It's OK, I get it
WILLOW
No
Buffy looks surprised and a little hurt.
WILLOW
I mean I'm sorry Buffy but you don't, seeing her again it was like … all of my dreams come true and then to see him…
She bows her head.
WILLOW
It took me to a place I didn't want to go again. I thought I had moved passed it… I didn't know I still had that rage inside of me, I thought that was just the power but, it isn't. It's me and I can't pretend it's the magic that sends me off the deep end anymore because I know really that I'm the one to blame.
A small tear drops down her cheek.
WILLOW
But seeing Tara being… violated by the First like that. It just made me so mad I just lost control
BUFFY
But you didn't
She puts down the mug and takes Willow's hands in her own.
BUFFY
Will, you and I both know that you could have done a lot worse, but I saw you when it happened and you were fighting every step of the way
WILLOW
But it's just so hard… I don't think I have that kind of strength inside of me Buffy, I don't, I can't fight anymore
BUFFY
(Forcefully) You can. You are one of the strongest people I have and not just because of the magic's but because of you, plain old Willow
WILLOW
Yeah, plain old Willow, like she was any good.
BUFFY
She's the reason I'm still here.
WILLOW
Again, that wasn't the old Willow, I brought you back using magic and look how well that turned out, I snatched you out of heaven and I brought this whole apocalypse on us! How can you say that I am strong?
BUFFY
Because I know you, the real you, the girl who wore pinafores and fought demons but still couldn't face up to Cordelia.
Willow chuckles slightly.
BUFFY
We'll get through this, it's nothing a little Buffy and Willow time can't solve
WILLOW
I don't know Buffy, there is still so much that I can't even begin to…
XANDER
(From the door)
Hey you heard the lady, its nothing a little Buffy, Willow and Xander time cant cure.
Buffy looks up at him with a little smile and a raised eyebrow as he enters the room and sits down next to Willow.
XANDER
Ok so maybe those weren't your exact words
WILLOW
Thanks you guys but I think maybe I just need to sleep
XANDER
Nonsense! Haven't you heard? Sleep is sooo out especially in this house
He grins and puts his arm around Willow.
BUFFY
This is just what you need, some good old-fashioned Scooby time
XANDER
Who gave us that name anyway?
BUFFY
I don't know, But I've gotta admit I always saw myself as a Daphne; you know cause of the hair
XANDER
Really? That's so weird cause I always saw myself as Freddie… guess that means you and I should… (Winks suggestively)
BUFFY
Ew! Gross Xander!
XANDER
Oh right yeah I forgot, your to busy seeing imaginary hearts whenever you see Captain Peroxide
BUFFY
I do not! And will you quit calling him that! It's soo high school
WILLOW
Oh come on Buffy even I can see it, and I'm gay!
BUFFY
Great, now you decide to jump into the conversation
XANDER
Hey we're just calling them as we see em, and considering I only have one eye, there must really be something going on for me to pick up on it…
BUFFY
Have you finished ganging up on me now?
XANDER
Anybody notice how she's not denying it?
BUFFY
Well if you would give me a chance…
GILES
(Entering the room with a cup in his hand)
A chance to deny what exactly?
XANDER
Hey G-Man, we were something that will probably make you go all stuffy and British avoidey
Giles come over and sits next to Buffy.
GILES
Thank you Xander for that fleeting yet highly inaccurate character study… Willow, I brought you some tea
XANDER
See? What did I tell ya? British people and tea it's like a reflex to every problem 'Oh you've fallen off a cliff? Here have a cup of tea'
GILES
I am not even going to dignify that with an answer.
WILLOW
Thanks Giles, for the tea I mean
GILES
(Softly)
Not at all
Willow gives him a grateful smile.
GILES
How are you doing?
WILLOW
It's better when I don't think about it, there is still a lot of stuff that I need to work through you know up here (she indicates to her head)
Xander kisses her head, and Willow gives him a full smile and looks round at both Buffy and Giles.
WILLOW
Thank's guy's, for you know being here, It makes it easier when you around.
Buffy squeezes her hand.
BUFFY
(Smiling)
We're not going anywhere
FAITH
(At the door)
Whoa, sorry to break up the group hug
BUFFY
Faith!
FAITH
The one and only
GILES
I though you were still…
FAITH
Yeah well the slayer gig aint without its perks, plus I think that Andrew kid helped somehow I could have sworn I willed myself better just so I could punch him
The group chuckles slightly.
FAITH
Speaking of which…where are the wannabe's at? I didn't have to fight for the bathroom and that got me a little worried
GILES
(To Buffy)
I sent the girls downstairs, I thought it was best that they were kept out of this
FAITH
Keep them out of what? Did I miss something?
GILES
There was an… incident
There is an uncomfortable silence
GILES
Perhaps we should let them out, it's been a while, they are probably worried
FAITH
Let them out from where? What did you guys lock them in the basement or something?
Giles stands up looking slightly embarrassed at the situation and leads Faith out.
WILLOW
What do I tell them? I mean they've all heard about big scary Willow but to see it first hand…
BUFFY
Don't worry the girls will understand. We all know why you did what you did.
XANDER
And we love you just the same.
WILLOW
Yeah but…
BUFFY
We'll deal with it.
BASEMENT
The door opens and Giles and Faith walk down the stairs. Kennedy and Andrew are tied to the staircase.
KENNEDY
Giles! Thank God! You can untie me, I need to get to Willow!
GILES
Why exactly are you tied to the staircase?
RHONA
She wanted to go upstairs and save Willow but we figured she would only do more harm then good
GILES
You figured right
ANDREW
Giles! It isn't fair I didn't even do anything!
AMANDA
Are you kidding? You threatened to eat us!
ANDREW
I was merely suggesting that we find alternate food supplies seeing like in…
FAITH
You finish that sentence and I kick your ass.
KENNEDY
I can't believe you tied me up with this sick freak! Giles untie me please!
Giles sighs and makes his way over to Kennedy.
GILES
Faith, a little help here?
FAITH
You take the geek, I ain't untying him
Faith unties Kennedy who immediately heads for the staircase.
GILES
Wait Kennedy, you can't go up there just yet
AMANDA
You mean were not leaving?
GILES
Not just yet, Willow still needs some time, if we can all just give her some space…
RHONA
(Interrupts)
What's the big emergency with her anyway?
VIVIAN
Is it gonna take much longer? Coz I really need to use the bathroom
They all continue to bicker. Kennedy attempts to sneak up the stairs but Faith's hand shoots out in front of her
FAITH
And where do you think your going?
KENNEDY
Look, Willow needs me and right now I should be with her
FAITH
Really? Coz I'm thinking Willow could use some time with her friends right now
KENNEDY
How do you even know what happened?
FAITH
Giles filled me in. And I don't think you running up there is gonna help the situation. Just back off.
KENNEDY
And if I don't?
FAITH
Well then I guess I will have to just tie you to Andrew.
Kennedy looks slightly scared at that. Faith just grins evilly.
FAITH
Look I'll go see what the score is on your girl.
She gives Kennedy a brief smile.
FAITH
(To Giles)
Yo Giles, I think I'm gonna go upstairs you know, check on Buffy and that
Giles turns around from where Amanda and Andrew are now arguing.
GILES
(Pleading)
Hurry
Buffy and Xander come down the stairs just as Faith walks out of the kitchen.
FAITH
Hey, any improvement on Willow? I said I'd check on her for Kennedy
BUFFY
She's fine, she should be down soon. Where's Giles?
FAITH
Downstairs sorting out World War 3, apparently Andrew threatened to eat the girls or whatever
Buffy, Faith and Xander are now all in the living room. Spike enters.
SPIKE
She alright?
BUFFY
She's better. But I think it affected her more than she's letting on
XANDER
We'll be there for her.
BUFFY
I just hope that's enough…
Drusilla appears in the room and interrupts Buffy.
DRUSILLA
Ooo I see all the little bits of fun are here
BUFFY
(In a dangerously low tone)
Get –
DRUSILLA
(Interrupts)
Not now Mummy's talking, but don't worry you'll get your cake soon
FAITH
Who the hell is…
DRUSILLA
(Interrupts)
Sh,sh! Bad little whispers, can't have them spoiling it all now can we William
BUFFY
Spike, What is she talking about?
SPIKE
Don't have a bloody clue luv
DRUSILLA
(Walks up to Spike)
Don't you remember? You were just a little thing, so new to the dark…
She raises her hand and acts as if she is stroking his face.
DRUSILLA
And we were in London with so many little dollies to play with… all over the streets abandoned they were, crying out for there mummy and daddies… but they never came
SPIKE
Dru, what exactly are you…
DRUSILLA
(Interrupts)
There were thousand's of them, little things that bite, except they weren't friends … eating our food. Made the party drinks taste horrible
Spikes face turns from one of confusion to horror.
SPIKE
Buffy get the potentials out of here now
DRUSILLA
(Moves to step in front of Buffy)
Now now, Buffy. They'll be now leaving until the party guests arrive. That's bad manners that is
SPIKE
(Forcefully)
Now!
Buffy runs off to the basement.
DRUSILLA
Silly Spike, always spoiling my fun. Even then, you wouldn't let me drink even though we had all the food laid out.
Buffy returns.
BUFFY
They're gone
Buffy takes a step closer to Drusilla.
BUFFY
(Angrily)
What did you do with them?
DRUSILLA
Shhh, they're almost here, can you hear it? Can you hear them singing?
A very faint growling can be heard all around the house.
BUFFY
Spike…
SPIKE
(Never taking his eyes of Drusilla)
I hear them pet.
FAITH
Hear what?
DRUSILLA
They were so many of them. Scurry about they would, making the party not fun anymore. So many… Can't risk that happening again…
Drusilla walks up to Buffy smiling evilly.
DRUSILLA
Do you know what me and dear William used to do them? Hmmm?
She is standing right in front of Buffy now.
DRUSILLA
(Claps her hands at the same time as she speaks)
Trap!
On her clap, various demons enter bursting through the windows and the doors, from every angle.
DRUSILLA
(Laughing evilly)
Oh goody, the partygoers have arrived. Now we can all have some fun.
Drusilla disappears. All of the demon's come attack, Buffy Spike and Faith at once. Faith is holding her own, with fist-to-fist combat but in a second Buffy has the weapons chest open and is throwing various weapons to Spike and Faith. A demon attacks her from behind but she swiftly turns round and snaps its neck.
FAITH
Wow, B check out your new moves…
She is cut off when another demon punches her in the face and she goes back to fighting.
BUFFY
(Shouts)
Spike! Where's the scythe?
SPIKE
(Fighting a demon about two feet taller than him)
By the (punch) doorway (punch)
Buffy runs over to the doorway but her path is blocked by an incredibly huge demon. She delivers a spin kick to its chest and sends it flying sideways into the bookcase. She turns round to see Willow standing there and her hair is several shades lighter.
BUFFY
(Confused)
Will?
WILLOW
(Chanting)
Ego duco super vox of orbis terrarum ut rid illa everto ex illa moenia,
BUFFY
Will, do you really think you should…
She is hit on the back of the head by a demon's axe. Instead of knocking Willow she bounces of a green shield around Willow which becomes visible only at Buffy's contact with it. Willow seems undisturbed. Buffy lands on the floor to the side of Willow. She stares up at her amazed.
WILLOW
(Chanting)
Ego dico super validus dea tribuo mihi vires quod sino mihi ut
The demon raises his axe above Buffy.
WILLOW
(Shouts)
EXPEL!
A huge wave of blinding green energy emits from Willow along with a large bang, and all of the demons pause then disappear.
FAITH
(Slightly out of breath)
What the…
The demons can seen outside all on their backs. One of them attempts to get up and charge at the house.
Willow holds up one hand towards the oncoming demon and turns her head to face him.
WILLOW
Protect!
A force field appears and sends the demon flying backwards. All of the demons run off.
Faith walks up to Willow.
FAITH
Wow Willow, You kicked some major ass there.
Spike walks over to Buffy and holds out a hand to help her up. She accepts and stands up.
BUFFY
Will, what did you do?
WILLOW
Cleansing spell. Something the coven taught me, rids any demons from a certain place.
FAITH
That could be so useful…
SPIKE
Then why am I still here? I'm a demon
WILLOW
Yeah but your essence is linked with Buffy's enough so that your not pure demon like those guys were
FAITH
Wait, Spike's essence is linked with Buffy's? What the hell does that mean? Is that why they are holding hands?
Buffy looks down and realises that she didn't let go of Spike's hand when he helped to pull her up.
WILLOW
Its complicated, I did a spell to help Buffy and Spike, I'll explain later.
FAITH
Check out Willow, getting down and dirty with the magic's
WILLOW
It's not like that
FAITH
Hey I ain't one to judge, just didn't realise how much had changed since I been away, Willow's a bad ass and Buffy's shacked up with another vamp…
BUFFY
Hey!
FAITH
Wanna explain why you two are still holding hands? The Buffy I know would have pulled her hand away years ago, its like you and Angel all over again…
SPIKE
(Angrily)
Why does every one think that I am like that…
BUFFY
(Interrupts)
Spike! We don't have time for this; we need to find the girls
WILLOW
Right, where do you think they could be? I could do a locator spell but I don't know how well that would work with so many of them…
BUFFY
We don't have time for that (she turns to Spike) Do you think you could find them?
SPIKE
I think we both could remember? I'm not the only one who can smell them anymore, we should go now though
Buffy and Spike walk over to the door.
FAITH
Should we just stay here?
BUFFY
I need you here in case they come back, but we need to get to them, they're helpless without us
SPIKE
I did notice that all the more powerful members of the group got left behind, but why set the demons on us? Why not let them loose with the girls?
BUFFY
Because it wanted to distract us so it could take the girls to… wherever I don't know, the point is we need to make sure they are safe.
She bends down and picks up the scythe off the floor where she last left it.
BUFFY
Let's go.
Buffy exit quickly, leaving Willow and Faith. They both turn round to see the mess the demons left behind.
FAITH
Rock, paper scissors over who gets to explain to Xander?
Super long chapter there for you, kind of my version of penance. I was going to bake cookies... Oh and by the way, just in case anyone was interested, Willow's spell which is in latin translates as:
I draw upon the power of the earth to rid these demons from these walls,
I call upon the mighty goddess give me strength and allow me to... and then obviously Willow shouts expel which ends the spell.
REVIEW! TELL ME IF THIS IS GOOD OR BAD I BEG OF YOU!