Title: If you love somebody, set them free - Chapter 15 of How Many Days
Disclaimer: Joss doesn't play with his toys anymore. Someone has to, dammit!
Rating: R
Pairing: Buffy/Spike, Dawn/Other, Willow/Giles, Willow/Other
Summary: Post-Season 7. This is a sequel to 'Don't Stop the Dance'
Distribution: Anywhere you like, just let me know.
Feedback: is welcome. Thank you: Maribel dusty273, my amazing beta and amazing friend.
A/N: This is a relatively short chapter, but necessary for the doozy that's coming. Enjoy!

If it's a mirror you want, just look into my eyes
Or a whipping boy, someone to despise
Or a prisoner in the dark
Tied up in chains you just can't see
Or a beast in a gilded cage
That's all some people ever want to be
-Sting

If you love somebody, set them free

He'll never get used to it. He knows this probably isn't even real, but oh…

Spike stretches his sun-kissed skin and relishes in having to squint to see Cassie as she approaches him on the beach. The sun frames her golden hair, making her appear more angelic than usual. He offers her a bright smile, but she doesn't return it. She seems somehow forlorn, and he sits up as she kneels down beside him on the blanket. Not looking at him, instead she turns her face to the sky and closes her eyes, inviting the warmth of this seeming summer day to permeate her melancholy.

"What is it, love?"

His concern always touches her. She finally gives him the smile he's been wanting, and he doesn't disappoint. The joy of his time in this plane has infected her. Before him, she was alone. Lonely. But being with him, as he is awakening, is like seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. Everything amazes him; everything amuses and delights him. He doesn't even ask for Buffy as often; his mind drifting away from his mortality like an orchid on a gentle but insistent stream.

That concerns her, but He has assured her that Spike will be fine once he returns to the world. She'd seen others, Tara, for instance, that didn't hold on to their pasts. Not for long, anyway. It is easier that way, He said. It isn't natural to hold onto pain after mortal death. Tara had learned quickly to let go. She was special. Very special.

Cassie smiles.

"That's better." He wiggles his toes in the sand and waggles his eyebrows simultaneously. It makes her laugh. He gives her a peck on the cheek.

"Much better." She agrees, her eyes dancing merrily with his. If only he could stay, she wouldn't be so alone. And just as quickly as it had come, her mirth is gone. Spike frowns now, sensing her need to be serious.

"Why the long face?" She shrugs and turns to face the sea. "Something happened? You need me to help with anything? 'Cause, I tell you, all this lying about is alright but I've been feeling kind of useless. So if you need anything…"

"I just had to do something unpleasant." He moves closer to hear her.

"Unpleasant?"

"Yeah. I don't really like telling people to move on, but it's the only way they get to where they're supposed to be. I mean, I know it's the right thing to do and all, but still…"

"It sucks bursting someone's bubble." She nods in agreement. "But, you have to do it, right? Otherwise, people would just follow the wrong dream or keep up false hope or whatever, right?"

"Yeah." She sighs long and hard. "It's still a bitch to do." She looks off down the beach the way that she'd come from. To where she'd left Buffy, on another plane, anyway.

"How'd you get this gig?" He offers her a bowl of fruit he'd been snacking on earlier. "Are you an angel-in training or something?" She barks a laugh.

"Hardly." She takes a bite of a strawberry. He follows the movements of her mouth. "Spike?"

"Hmmm?" He blushes. "Sorry."

"How about a swim?" She stands and pulls the gown over her head, revealing a modest swimsuit. Spike jumps up and bounces backwards on the balls of his feet.

"Last one in 's a rotten egg!"

"What are you, two?" She giggles.

"Depends," he replies before darting towards the water. Cassie laughs aloud, clasping her hands together in glee.

Does he have to go back so soon?

I'm sorry, my dear Cassie.

She dashes after the overgrown toddler, resigned to losing the only companion she's had.

Willow checks the circle. The ash smells faintly of sandalwood and cedar, a combination that's always given her a sense of calm control. For some reason, today it isn't having its desired effect.

Perhaps the weight of what she is about to attempt is finally catching up to her. Perhaps she feels some hesitation, knowing what could happen. What will likely happen. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the luxury of indulging in her own insecurities. She is the definitive authority figure now, not Giles and not Buffy.

She lifts the hem of her robe and steps into the circle, feeling the tension of the barrier test her and then relent, allowing her to pass with only a whisper of protest. Walking the circumference, she knows that she is really only stalling now. Everything is in place. Everyone is at the ready, awaiting her word to begin.

Willow turns to find Giles staring at her, as if reading her mind. She smiles and he nods. Her voice echoes throughout the room.

"Resplendent Lady, Goddess of the Starry Vault, Goddess of Magic, give us your blessing! Give us your ear that we may say what pleases thee. Show us the way."

"Show us the way." Giles and Wesley echoed her last words. A low wind howls through the room, giving everyone pause.

"Hecate, the Beauteous, you I invoke." Willow is shouting over the increasing roar. "You, of heaven, of earth, and sea as well! I entreat, O Maiden, your presence in this sacred circle!"

Giles, Wes, Angel and Gunn make up four points of a square outside the circle, representing the box.

Behind them, Colin stands guard over a weak Dawn who shivers in her seat. Fred stands across from them holding the book open that Willow will need for the ritual.

Willow takes in the entire scene. All eyes are upon her, looking eagerly toward the display of power she must show to fulfill this prophecy. To correct the wrong that was done in the cavern. She takes a deep breath as her eyes fall again on Dawn. Seeming to sense her attention, Dawn becomes lucid and stands, with Colin's aid, to face the luminous goddess-like creature that Willow has become. Her long, silky hair whips in the wind.

"It's time?" Dawn's voice sounds hollow, but her eyes glow a fiery gold.

"Yes." Willow whispers in reply. "It is, Dawnie." She holds out her hand and Giles gives her the box containing the amulet. She pulls it close to her breast, taking a deep breath, and then opens it.

TBC - Chapter 16: The Change