DISCLAIMER: Whedon's characters, any recognizable dialogue, and the canon events of their storyline are not mine.

A/N: 19 September 2017

Chapters 13-18 have been edited down significantly.

The basic plot/storyline/character arcs remain the same as the original version.

[

A/N: 17 June 2016

See Chapter 12.

In this installment: reinforcements come and go, jealous vampire crap, Spike and Buffy get their first opportunity to train a new Slayer.

CHAPTER 14

Ruthie the Vampire Slayer

The morning news broadcast on KOUS-TV was filled with speculation about the eruption of chaos in the streets. The female anchor was reading from the teleprompter:

"Good morning, I'm Kari Klein and here is today's top story. The extraordinary events of the past two days heightened last night in downtown Sunnydale. The sidewalks and pavement in the shopping district appeared to be covered in volcanic ash, though it seems clear that is not possible. Theories and conjecture are all that authorities have to go on at this point.

"Those who have witnessed the fiery deaths of their family, friends, and neighbors call the sight horrific. It has disrupted formal and informal gatherings alike – from kids' birthday festivities to college frat parties to family picnics. Some wedding celebrations scheduled for today will not include receptions, as a safety precaution. Some neighborhood associations are setting up a formal process of arbitration to settle any disputes that may arise during this crisis.

"Some of you may be saying to yourselves that this is unnecessary, but if you lived in one of the neighborhoods that has been affected by this, you might think differently. Yesterday, there was a disagreement among a group of children that resulted in tragedy. One couple had this to say …"

Now on the screen was an interview with a married couple standing in a suburban lawn, their faces covered with soot that was streaked with tears. The woman began, "We tried to help him … and the others – we truly did. Our son was spinning out of control on the driveway after …"

The mother could not continue, so the father took over the narrative. "One of the kids from the neighborhood decided to tell all the others about Santa Claus. Apparently, the news was more than a few of them could handle. It began with shoving and escalated into a fist fight. Soon, the ones who were most upset were spinning out of control. Flames were flickering and jumping between them until they were ablaze. We got blankets, even the garden hose, but we couldn't put it out in time." He turned from the interviewer to face directly into the camera, "Please, be careful out there. Take care of your loved ones. Until someone figures out what is causing this and how to stop it … just be careful."

The reporter on the scene had this to say: "One neighbor was able to catch a few minutes of video before things got out of control. We will only show a portion of this, but be warned, it is difficult to watch. Here, one of the boys is defending his side of the argument, basing his belief in St. Nick on the fact that his father always tells him to behave because Santa is watching."

It switched to amateur video. In center of the screen, the boy was singing: "My dad is always telling me, 'Santa Claus will know. He will take away a present for every tantrum that you throw.'"

Then, the reporter in voiceover said: "As the boy sings more defensively and as he is confronted with what the instigator continues to shout at him, the edges of his clothing begin to glow like pieces of charcoal in a grill or wood in a fireplace."

The troublemaker sang back at the other boy: "It's not that I'm a devil child – my mean streak is quite small. It's only that your father's words don't interest me at all." [1]

By the end of this segment, flames could be seen on a couple of the youngsters.

Returning to the studio, the anchor at the desk said, "With pressure from Sunnydale municipal authorities and out of an abundance of caution, the costume party in honor of Halloween that was scheduled for tonight at the Bronze has been postponed. A new date will be announced after all this – whatever this is – has resolved. Please check the info crawling along the bottom of your screen for other event cancellations. And now, here's Jordan Aaron with your weather forecast."

"Thank you, Kari. Today, mostly sunny skies …"

[

Giles had just unlocked the Magic Box for another business day when a cab pulled up in front of 5124 Maple Court. He was already inside when the trio of females fresh from Cleveland unloaded their luggage from the vehicle. While Eileen and Ruthie took in their surroundings, Lydia paid the cab driver. As they were struggling to get the front door open with their hands full, Anya rounded the corner and provided much needed assistance.

As the group made their way to the center of the store, Anya announced to Giles, "Our spare Slayer and Watchers have arrived. What would you like me to do with them?"

Giles rubbed his eyes and replaced his glasses while saying, "Thank you, Anya. I'll take it from here." He extended a hand to Lydia. "Good of you to come, though I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances." Turning to Eileen and Ruthie, he said, "Hello, I'm Rupert Giles, Watcher assigned to Buffy Summers, who is not here at the moment, but will be soon."

"Hello, I'm Eileen Sherwood-McKenney. This is Ruthie. Lydia tells me you prefer to be called Giles. Where shall we begin?"

Eileen had beautiful brunette hair and stunning blue eyes. Her dress was fairly conservative and the lilt in her voice indicated her Irish heritage.

Giles took note of her appearance and temperament as he replied. "We should get you settled at Buffy's house … or at least, have someone take your things there."

As Wes, Lorne, and Xander came through the front door, Angel was coming in from the training room. Lydia turned to see Angel buttoning his shirt and upon recognizing his face from her research, she became flustered.

Lydia directed her comment at Giles. "I see that we are not your only reinforcements."

"That would be correct. Let me introduce you to Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, former Watcher. His colleague Lorne, from Pylea. And it seems that Lydia knows who Angel is."

Lydia nodded to Wes, acknowledging their connection by way of Watcher training. She tentatively smiled at Lorne, who seemed friendly enough. Then, she turned and walked toward the vampire in their midst. "Angelus – I'm sorry … Angel, of course. It is just extraordinary to see you in person."

Angel looked over her shoulder to Giles, seeking some context for the situation before him.

Giles spoke as he moved books around on the table. "Angel, this is Lydia, a member of the Watcher's Council. She is here in the States assisting newly activated Slayer, Ruthie, and her Watcher, Eileen." After gesturing to the women, he paused and then continued, "She is aware of your history, as she wrote her thesis on your old friend Spike."

Although Lydia had been nervous meeting Spike for the first time, she had come to accept that if Buffy was willing to enlist the assistance of a select number demons, then they must be (to a certain extent) trustworthy. Therefore, she was more excited than nervous as she now came face to face with another legendary vampire.

Angel, on the other hand, was none too happy that this woman had chosen to write her thesis on Spike rather than him. That definitely got under his skin and would take a good long while to work itself out.

Eileen was taking in all the faces around her as Buffy walked through the door. Eileen asked bluntly, "How many of you are human? And those who are not, what are you?"

Buffy took off her jacket and leaned against the counter. "Wow, you just dive right in, don't you? Good. I like that. We don't have time for anything else. I'm Buffy, by the way." She looked around the room as she spoke, "When I say your name raise your hand, so the new people know who I am talking about. Xander, Giles, and Wes are human. Anya, a former vengeance demon, is now human. Lorne is a very friendly demon with a lovely singing voice. Angel is a vampire with a soul. Are we all caught up now?"

Although Eileen had heard about it, now faced with the reality, she was unnerved about the alliance this Slayer had with vampires and demons. Ruthie was a bit unsettled that the things she had learned in her short time as a Slayer were being turned upside down.

Giles said to Xander, "Why don't you take their luggage over to Buffy's house."

Eileen and Ruthie assisted Xander taking the suitcases to his car. While he was putting the bags in the trunk, the two females stood on the sidewalk. As his car pulled away, Eileen's face wore a worried expression. She embraced the young Slayer and stroked her hair. Then pulling back, Eileen looked into her eyes, as if to reassure her that everything would be okay. However, these are the words they sang to one another:

"Why did we fly? Why did we roam? Oh, why oh, why oh did we leave Ohio? Maybe, we'd better go … O – H – I – O … Maybe, we'd better go home." [2]

Instead, they walked back into the store to confront this new reality with which they were faced.

[

While the combined forces of the Scooby gang, Angel Investigations, and Watcher's Council plugged away with their current research at the Magic Box, Lydia prattled on about the research she had done on Spike. Although Angel tried repeatedly to get her interested in his exploits as The Scourge of Europe, he didn't feel he had made any progress. She was interested (in fact, more than he perceived), but since Spike's part in his history still held some of her interest, that was too much for Angel. He'd had enough and excused himself from the group, quietly going to the basement to follow Spike's scent through the tunnels.

When Angel arrived at the crypt, he proceeded to pick a fight with Spike about anything and everything he could think of – he just wanted an excuse to wail on him. Fortunately for Spike's furnishings, he was able to redirect the scuffle out of the lower level of his home and into the tunnels. The singing portion of their argument went a little something like this.

Spike could only take so much of Angel's self-congratulatory speech: "You gloating ignoramus. You haven't any shame."

Angel, overly proud of the fact that he had built a business in L.A., countered with: "I'm a famous shamus. Most people don't know your name."

In the end, they both just threw insults and punches as fast and as hard as they could. "You're nothing without me – a puppet, an upstart, a loser who is destined to fall. I'm everything you always wanted to be. Let's deal with the issue: You wish you were me. You're nothing without me." [3]

When they had finished, they were as bloodied and bruised as you would expect.

[

Dawn had finished all her homework and joined the group at the Magic Box. They did not seem to want or need her help with what they were working on. She pretended to dust items on shelves while looking for something pretty and shiny to take home for her collection. She found an unusual pendant and tucked it in her jeans pocket, careful not to be seen. She put the feather duster away and sat down next to Buffy.

"Since I don't seem to be needed around here, I was wondering if I could go to Janice's."

Buffy turned to her, "Today? Right now?"

"Actually, no. Tomorrow, Sunday. And stay overnight? Her church's youth group is having a party, so nothing evil or dangerous. I'd be back Monday after school."

"I don't know. What if there's dancing? It could get dangerous before you know what's happening."

"I think the plan is to play games. Also, if the Diamondbacks win tonight, the World Series will go to game 7 and that will be on tomorrow. They're talking about renting a big screen tv."

"Since when do you care about baseball?"

"Since the cute pitcher from our school's team started paying attention to me … including asking if I would be at the party." By now, Dawn was nearly whining. "Pretty please?"

"Pitcher for the baseball team? Well, that means he can go out in the sunlight. At least you know he's not a vampire. Okay, fine – but no dancing! And you call if any trouble starts. Don't do anything to make me regret trusting you this soon after the last time."

"Got it. Thanks."

Willow and Tara had been in the loft looking through the texts up there, but mostly getting lost in each other's eyes.

Dawn managed to get a moment alone with Tara. "I'm glad you guys made up. That fight you guys had about magic and stuff? It gives me belly rumblings when you guys fight."

Tara was confused by what she was hearing, "Dawn, ... Willow and I never fought about …"

"It's okay. It's just ... you guys are so great together." With that, Dawn bounced away, leaving Tara to ponder the implication of her words.

[

After some consideration, it was decided that the group would split up for the evening and make the most of the opportunity afforded them by having gathered in Sunnydale. Angel and Buffy would patrol. The four Watchers would have a private dinner at Giles' apartment. The rest of the group was hanging out at the Summers' house – pizza, games, telling tales of demon fighting to Ruthie, the newest and least experienced Slayer.

After dinner, Ruthie asked all kinds of questions. She was having trouble wrapping her brain around all of this. For a while, she turned her curiosity toward Anya and Lorne – about being demons. Then, she asked Willow and Tara about witchcraft. Ruthie was fascinated with all this real-world experience, rather than the book knowledge she'd had access to up until now.

When a few people yawned, Tara noticed the time and suggested calling it a night. As the others were heading to bed, Xander and Anya took Lorne back over to Giles' apartment on their way home.

[

Wes, Giles, Eileen, and Lydia had been talking shop during dinner. Lydia encouraged Giles and Wes to tell some of their experiences, which were more wide-ranging than hers and Eileen's. The male Watchers regaled the women with tales of genuine heroics, outright stupidity, and utter comedies of errors. They told abridged versions of their more adventurous exploits, which were largely unauthorized activities for Watchers.

Eventually, the conversation rolled its way back around to the current crisis.

"Let's start with the basics: what do we know for certain?"

"We know that a demon arrived – possibly, summoned – and it is causing the singing and dancing that results in death."

"'Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.'"

"Indeed. It – the demon – is here, but we don't know why."

"Or the purpose of the song and dance … or what it can cause."

"Or how to make it stop."

Giles, ever the leader: "So, to sum up: all we really know is that the musical extravaganza is demonic in nature."

Wes groaned and slumped in his chair. "Unfortunately for us, aptly put."

"Right. More brandy, anyone?" asked Giles.

[

While out on patrol, Angel and Buffy quite predictably found themselves near Spike's crypt. She had noticed the evidence of a fight on Angel's face when he returned to the Magic Box earlier, so she asked him to wait outside while she dropped in to see Spike.

She entered, closing the door behind her. "You haven't been around much the past couple days."

"Well, Peaches is not exactly my favorite."

"He said pretty much the same about you."

"Still not happy that you're hanging out with me?"

"Apparently, you're no happier that he showed up to help." She gestured to his bruised face.

"I guess help is a good thing – long as that's all it is." He found himself thinking about what future-Buffy had said about the visit two years from now. But she didn't mention this visit. Had something changed? Was it a good change?

"What else would it be?" She paused. "I'll admit it is confusing when we're together – he and I, that is – for both of us. But …"

"But what?"

"It's nothing."

"No. It's not nothing. And if you won't let me get away with holding back, then I'm not letting you off the hook either."

"It's nothing. I mean … it's really nothing – he and I … are nothing. Well, friends and allies." She shrugged slightly.

"So, friends and allies … like us, then?"

"No. Different than that."

"How different? Different how?" He pressed her for an answer he needed to hear.

"Is that one question or two?"

"Two."

"How different? Much. Different how? In many ways," she said warmly.

Spike wanted to believe this indicated something hopeful for him. Staring at her, he found a connection in her gaze. Swept up by emotion, he began to sing a lush romantic ballad. As he sang, his eyes skimmed over her, in all her beauty. He closed the distance between them. She backed up against the wall next to the door as he approached her. By the time he had finished singing, they were nose to nose – barely an inch separated their lips.

Buffy held perfectly still as she said, "I can't do this right now."

"Why?"

"You know why. So many reasons why. I have to finish patrolling … and I assume you're not coming along to help. Which reminds me, Angel is waiting outside. Oh, God! He's probably right on the other side of the door … listening." She was angry now. "Did you do this on purpose? Oh, you two are going to drive me nuts! You're like children … fighting over me like a toy."

Spike held her against the wall and whispered to avoid being heard by Angel. "Buffy, just stay still a minute – I want to say this without being overheard … so you'll know I'm not staging this for an audience."

Her only response was to stop wriggling.

Spike continued to whisper directly into her ear. "You know I love you. What I just sang to you is nothing new. Don't need a truth-telling tune spell to get me to profess my feelings for you. Just felt the need to remind you. He'll be gone and I'll still be here. Until then, I've decided to stay out of the way. But tonight, you came to me." He pulled away and looked her in the eyes for the briefest of moments. Then, he stepped back and reached for the doorknob.

There was a faint sound as he touched the handle, but it was enough for Angel to know it was time for him to step away from the crypt, lest he be caught eavesdropping.

As she was leaving, Spike added, "Goodnight, m'lady. Let me know … when I can be of further service."

Now alone in the crypt, Spike was continuing his melancholy. Would there ever be a time when he would be secure in the knowledge that she was his? When he thought of future-Buffy, it seemed so tangible. But when he looked at the circumstances before him, it was a force of his will to believe in a future he had yet to see.

As Buffy exited, Angel was a few headstones away. He had made eye contact with Spike before the door closed.

Angel asked smugly, "I assume he won't be joining us?"

"No."

"He finally realize that he has no chance when I'm around?"

"I doubt that's what he's thinking." She was currently bothered by both vampires and decided to have a bit of fun at Angel's expense. However, she made sure that they were walking away from the crypt and that she was speaking softly as she continued. "In fact, he seemed pretty confident – said that he was willingly stepping aside for the moment, because he knew he'd have me to himself when you left."

"Is that so?"

"And by that you mean … what? Are you questioning whether it was his decision to not come along tonight? Or that during your visit, he's made himself scarce by his own choosing? That he plans to continue spending time with me after you – as we know you will – go back to L.A.? True on all counts. I could sing it for you if you're not convinced."

"I'm getting the brush off—"

"Not the brush off. I just don't have the time or the patience for whatever game it is the two of you are playing. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm here … alive again."

That seemed to shut Angel up for a while. Buffy welcomed the silence. They made their way through town and were heading back to the Magic Box to meet up with Lorne and Wes for their return trip to L.A.

Angel wanted to leave things in a good place between he and Buffy. He thought the conversation they'd had at the hotel weeks ago would be that talk, the closure they needed. He found himself searching for what to say, now that they only had a few more minutes alone. "The thing is that I wish your purpose, your future … I wish it involved me. And I guess to a certain extent it will, but not the way I mean, not the way I wish. I get it – we can't be an 'us' because we can't be together in the biblical sense without it involving a minor apocalypse … which would be biblical … in a sense. But I digress." He paused and spent a minute pretending to examine his shoes. "It was never easy seeing you with other guys … you know, at the Bronze or wherever … when you were in high school. But that's high school and I wasn't really worried about it. I genuinely disliked seeing you with Riley – mostly because I knew he could give you what I couldn't: a normal life, everything you deserve. But it's … well, I'm not sure there's a word to describe how difficult it is for me to think of you and Spike even being friends. But my issue is more with him than with you. I want you to be happy – whatever that means for you. But there's a part of me that will always distrust Spike. So you'll have to allow me to be a bit protective of you."

"You don't get to be possessive. You don't own me."

"I didn't say possessive. I said protective. There is a difference – a fine line, I'll grant you. But I'm here – always here – if you ever need me. For any reason."

Buffy chose to avoid most of what he had said, simply saying, "It means a lot that you came."

They stood there for a moment, just staring at one another – saying so much without saying a word. Then, they walked the rest of the way to the Magic Box. They found Wes sitting in the car and Lorne leaning against a lamppost, looking casually cool.

When Lorne saw Buffy and Angel approaching, a wide smile spread across his face. "Now, I'm sure you're expecting a closing number from me. I could go with a more obvious choice like 'So Long, Farewell' from The Sound of Music. Or something more brusque, like 'Goodbye!' from The Producers. Or we could find a fourth for a barbershop quartet and do 'Goodnight, Ladies' from The Music Man. Or any number of tear-inducing goodbye songs from stage productions new and old. But why insist on emphasizing the goodbye, when instead ..." he took a dramatic pause and an equally dramatic pose before he began to sing. "There's a magical phrase, I'll tell it to you: Always honor the old, but live for the new – out there, somewhere about to be discovered. Trust yourself and each new day will show how every goodbye is a hello." [4] He gave her a big hug, kissed her on the cheek, and said, "Goodbye, doll. Take care of this wonderful town of yours."

Wes gave her a one-armed hug as he said, "It seems that Giles has this well in hand. But should you need us, give me a ring."

Angel now had his pouting face on.

Buffy asked, "Why with the mopey?"

"How come they each get a hug goodbye, but I don't?"

"Good gracious, you're such a baby!" She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, you guys, for coming. We've got this from here."

[

Buffy was making a pass through another cemetery, but was not really paying attention to anything around her. She was contemplating the implication of choices – the impact they have on our lives, our futures. She decided that it would be difficult to quantify or qualify the effect of things you did not do, did not say. But if you don't know about the roads you don't take, you can't miss what you don't know and never had.

Try as she might to hold back the melodious wave, her thoughts came out in song. Spike overheard the singing as he approached her. On instinct, she spun around and ran into him, nearly staking him.

"You want to watch where you're pointing that, luv." Taking a good look at her expression which matched what he had just heard, "You seem awfully introspective this fine evening." When she did not reply, he asked, "Buffy, what's wrong?"

She took in a long breath and sighed slowly as she leaned against the nearest stone. "Just the everyday not-so-internal monologue of the twice-dead Slayer who still can't figure out why she's here and what she should do. If fact, I find myself wondering if I've done anything right. I think that may be the hardest thing to swallow – because if I haven't done anything right, anything of value – well, then it's all pointless. Isn't it? The pain, the struggle, the dying, the living." By this time, tears streamed down her face. "Sorry. I'm sure that you don't want to listen to me whine about being given a third chance at life."

"Not complaining, luv. But mind if I ask why you're not telling all this to Angel?"

"He left for L.A. a little while ago."

"Can I ask one question? … uh, you know, after the one I just asked."

She rolled her eyes and nodded.

He continued, "Your idea or his?"

"Both, but if he had wanted to stay, I would have asked him to go."

"Why?"

"I thought you said 'one' question," she teased. "Short version: he isn't needed here right now."

"That what has you so upset? Him leaving?"

"No, not directly." Seeing that he was waiting for further answer, she reiterated, "Honestly, no."

Spike leaned over to wipe a tear from her cheek. Singing softly, he offered comfort. "When tears are in your eyes and you can't find the way, it's hard to make believe you're happy when you're gray. Baby, when you need a smile to help the shadows drift away, come to me." [5]

Buffy was touched by his words. He had indeed been the one she could go to since being brought back to life. Although she was surprised by that, she was coming to accept this as part of her new normal.

Silently, they made their way back through the cemetery. Each headed toward their respective homes.

[

[

By the time Buffy got up, Dawn was already on her way to Janice's house. The six women remaining in the house – Buffy, Willow, Tara, Ruthie, Eileen, and Lydia – all managed to get ready and eat breakfast without too much incident. Though, Buffy was glad there were not normally this many females under her roof. They crammed into one vehicle and met up with Giles at the Magic Box.

[

Buffy left the others there and headed to Spike's crypt.

"Do you mind if the newest Slayer comes by?" When he shrugged, she said, "Good, 'cause I told Giles to bring them over in a little while."

"Them? Oh, right, she's got two Watcher types with her." After a long stretch of silence, he quipped, "What do you propose we do to pass the time?"

"I haven't had a backrub in a while."

"Luv, know you don't even have to ask. I'd be more than happy ... to help you work out any kinks you might have."

Her reaction to his comment was mixed: her eyes glared at him, but there was a crooked smile on her lips as she said, "Just a backrub, please."

[

When Giles indicated that it was time to go, Tara volunteered to stay behind to mind store, but encouraged Willow to go since she had been doing this work with Buffy longer – she would have more to contribute to the young Slayer's training. Mostly, Tara just wanted an opportunity to research what spell Willow might have done to wipe the memory of an argument from her mind.

The group set out for the cemetery. When they arrived at Spike's crypt, Giles knocked on the door, causing Buffy and Spike to jump apart – even though nothing untoward was going on. Buffy stood up and went to open the door.

As the guests from Cleveland entered, Spike said, "Welcome, ladies, to my humble abode." He looked back and forth between Buffy and Giles, "What precisely did you have in mind?"

Giles said, "A tour. Then, allow for Eileen and Ruthie to ask some questions."

The pair from Ohio were quite surprised at what a comfortable living space he had made for himself.

When Buffy suggested showing them the way through the tunnels, Spike said, "Let me go down ahead of you, just to be sure I don't need to tidy up." After a minute, he called up the ladder, "All clear."

Buffy was first down, then Willow and Lydia, followed by Ruthie and Eileen, and finally, Giles.

"As you can see, it's actually quite posh. Got all the furnishings a fella could want or need. A couple of nice art pieces, though some older vampires are bigger collectors than I am. I do have a good number of LPs – we should compare collections sometime, Giles."

Lydia was taking it all in, practically giddy. "You actually sleep here? During the day? Why then the need for traveling by way of the tunnels?"

"Well, there are times when a certain someone has been known to interrupt my normal sleep cycle to ask for help." Faking a cough, he then changed subject. "Shall we head for the tunnels?"

Giles answered, "Yes, I think we shall."

As they traversed through the subterranean network and the conversation went round the interesting details of the "life" of a vampire, Eileen picked up on the fact that Giles was somewhat cautious in his interaction with Spike. Willow talked to Eileen and Lydia about how it worked with the Scoobies helping Buffy – some of which Lydia knew. But now that she was somewhat involved in the training of a Slayer, Lydia could see how it helped Buffy to transition between everyday life and her slaying duties.

Ruthie was fascinated with seeing all of this up close and personal. She began to ask questions about what was different now that Spike had a chip. Spike looked to Buffy to know how much he should say, like when he told stories to Dawn.

"Well, I still crave blood – after all, vampire here. But since I can't harm a human without bringing a world of hurt on myself, I've learned to subsist on animal blood. In much the same way that a human changes his diet for health reasons, I've learned to live with flavorless nourishment, but never quite feel satisfied."

"So if it wouldn't cause you pain, you would kill all of us right now and drink our blood?" Ruthie asked him.

"Well, no." He did not quite know how to make her understand.

Ruthie continued to press him. "I mean, I kinda get it with Angel. He has a soul … so he would feel bad about killing a human. But what would keep you from doing it, since you don't have a soul?"

The adults, other than Buffy, were intently listening to how he would respond. Buffy did not need to hear the words, she knew why.

Spike tried not to become angry about the comparison to Angel as he formed his answer. "I may not have a soul, but even without it, I am capable of caring about others, even capable of loving. Angel without a soul – Angelus – is only capable of horrific, destructive acts. Ask them, they'll tell you." He pointed to Giles and Buffy, then looked down at his feet as he continued, "It's not just the chip that keeps me from hurting all of you. This group has become like family to me. Joyce was like a mum; Dawn's like a little sis. We all depend on one another – and at times, annoy one another. But I could no more kill any of you than … well, I just couldn't."

Buffy linked arms with him, leaned her head against his shoulder, and began to walk away from the group and toward the Magic Box.

[

Once the group rejoined Tara at the Magic Box, Giles suggested that Ruthie might benefit from going out on patrol with Buffy and Spike later in the evening. Eileen and Lydia were apprehensive about it, but agreed to consider the possibility.

While the rest of the group resumed research and brainstorming, Buffy, Spike, and Ruthie went to the training room to do a bit of sparring – very low-key, low-impact. Eileen and Lydia were there to observe in order to determine their comfort level with Ruthie being around Spike. At first, Ruthie just observed the vampire and the more experienced Slayer.

Then, she and Buffy paired up while Spike observed, pointing out weaknesses he saw, openings that Ruthie was giving for a vampire to hurt or even kill her. Buffy suggested that Ruthie have a go at Spike herself – with a plastic stake and Spike using slightly less force than he did with Buffy. When Ruthie left an opening, they would pause for Spike to point out where she had let down her guard and what she could have done differently.

Ruthie commented that it was quite instructional getting to work with a real vampire who was trying to help her rather than kill her.

Buffy added, "How much has Lydia told you about him?" She looked to Ruthie and then Lydia, understanding that the young Slayer was unaware of a key piece of information. "Working with Spike is the best education you'll ever get on the topic of how not to get killed by a vamp. He knows exactly how to get past anything we can throw at him – he's killed two Slayers."

Ruthie looked stunned. She turned to face Spike. "Is that true?"

"Yeah. Long time ago."

"How long ago?"

"Before Buffy was even born. I was … different then. Things were different then."

The young Slayer was still curious. "I'm guessing from the heaviness of this conversation that it's unusual to meet a vampire who has killed one Slayer, let alone two."

"That would be correct," Buffy replied as Spike nodded soberly.

Lydia and Eileen had been conferring off to the side and decided they wanted to speak with Spike alone – well, separate from Ruthie, but out in the store where Giles and the others could be their backup if necessary. This left Ruthie and Buffy alone in the training room.

As they were talking alone, Ruthie asked if Buffy found it difficult to deal with boys and dating – having Slayer strength, plus keeping up with training and her duties.

Buffy admitted that she had her share of difficulty trying to balance dating and slaying. "Being a Slayer has some perks, but it's not such a great way to get guys. In fact, it's a good way to lose a man." She thought back through all the failed attempts at relationships and disastrous first dates – even before she moved to Sunnydale.

Ruthie looked pretty bummed as she said, "You mean, I'm never gonna have a boyfriend? Never fall in love?"

"Well, I don't know about never. There are some good ones out there and you might find a way to make it work. Best thing I can say is have a few good friends around you. Keep them close. Don't take them for granted. Be there for them and let them be there for you." She smiled genuinely at the young girl. "It helps. It helps more than you think possible." She stopped speaking, but her thoughts continued: And I wish it were enough ...

[

After interrogating Spike and consulting with Giles, Eileen and Lydia finally came to the conclusion that more good than harm would come from Ruthie going on patrol with Buffy and Spike.

As they were departing, Giles gave a pointed look at Spike and then said to Ruthie in a very serious voice, "They would not intentionally put you in danger. Therefore, if they give you an instruction, do not question them – just do it. Ask later – after the dust settles. They'll explain then. In the heat of battle, there won't be time for explanations – just orders to be obediently followed. Can you do that, Ruthie?"

"Yes, I think I can."

And with that last bit of instruction from the Watcher, Ruthie followed Spike and Buffy out into the night – one stake held firmly in her hand, a spare in her jacket pocket.

Buffy added one last tidbit, "Just remember … do not get near Spike with that stake. The other one was plastic; these aren't."

"Got it."

They did not see much action – only a group of vamps concentrated in one area of town, which they dusted after a brief fight. Buffy asked Spike to stand with Ruthie while she took care of two of them by herself. Then, Buffy had Ruthie take on the remaining vamp – while she stood by in order to observe, also in case Ruthie needed backup. Spike was keeping a lookout for any others that might be lurking about. Sure enough, another demon joined the mix, which gave him something to fight.

After the three of them had taken care of the situation and had done a little debriefing, they wandered through a few parks and cemeteries. Spike pointed out places where evil types would likely hang out or even nest.

They made a quick stop at one of the less dangerous demon bars, just to give Ruthie a quick look. She was a bit disgusted when Spike ordered some pig's blood with a vodka chaser. Mostly, she was fascinated by the relationship between Spike and Buffy – more than friendship, more like flirting. This must be the thing she had heard of called "chemistry."

Ruthie guessed that she should not ask about it directly, but decided to ask a bit about the rumor she had heard about Buffy and Angel. "Do Slayers ever … I mean, I guess I'm asking if you have ever … dated or kissed or whatever with a vampire?"

Buffy and Spike exchanged a glance. She asked Ruthie, "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I thought I heard Lydia saying something to Eileen about you and Angel. I guess I could have heard wrong, but it sounded like you and he … and well, it ended badly or something."

"Or something," muttered Spike.

"Yes, I guess you could say that. That it ended badly." Seeing that Spike was as uncomfortable now as he had been during the talk with Dawn, Buffy tried to choose her words carefully. "When I met Angel, I didn't know he was a vampire. He just showed up … as a timely friend to assist me. I was already interested in him when I found out. Even if he weren't a vampire, it wouldn't have been a good idea for me to date him. I was really young and even as a human, his age was significantly older. We tried to stay apart. Then, we tried being together. But there's this curse on him and he turned evil for a while. It's a long ugly story – the point is that he and I function better as friends and allies."

Ruthie digested that for a minute and then pressed the conversation a bit further. "What about the two of you? You seem to get along well. He's got that chip. And I assume no curse, because you haven't mentioned it."

"We do get along well – now. And you're right, there's no curse on Spike."

"So?" asked the inquisitive young Slayer.

"So, I think we're done talking about this." Buffy cleared her throat and glanced at Spike. "I think you should worry about your training and about slaying vampires, rather than the possibility of a relationship with one. Because truth be told, these two are rare occurrences – vampires who I can trust and depend on when I need them. You may not ever come across one that you could be allies with. Though when an apocalypse comes, you take whatever help you can get. Just remember that at the end of the day, the vampires want your blood … and your calling is to slay them. Keep your head in the game. Don't lose focus."

Spike added: "Like I told Buffy a while back: all it takes is for you to give an opening, show a weakness … and if the vamp is having one particularly good day – well, that's all it takes."

"I'll try to remember that." Ruthie said with gratitude.

[

When Buffy, Spike, and Ruthie arrived back at Buffy's house after patrol, Ruthie rambled excitedly about her evening while she ate a late dinner. As Ruthie changed her clothes, which had gotten dirty while they were out, the others talked. The three Watchers decided that it seemed that the trip had been useful in terms of team building and Slayer training. However, there did not seem to be much reason for them to stay. Although the occurrences around town were highly unusual, it was not clear what one Slayer – let alone two – could do about any of it.

Ruthie gave hugs and thanks all around, including Spike. Eileen and Lydia found this mildly disturbing, but they had seen Dawn hug him without the others seeming to mind. They tried to take this in stride. The events of the past couple days made for quite a paradigm shift for the two women who still clung to the traditional notions of their Watcher training.

As they said their goodbyes, Eileen made a point of reiterating to Giles that she would keep in touch – and not just about Ruthie's training. She also mentioned that perhaps during Ruthie's school breaks they could return for visits. With a last round of waves, the Cleveland trio climbed into Xander's car for the drive to the airport for their flight back to Ohio.

When the car pulled away, Giles, Buffy, Spike, Willow, and Tara sat down and tuned into the late local news to see if the journalists of Sunnydale had anything to add to what little information they had been able to gather. The Scoobies watched as horrific events unfolded on the tv screen.

Feeling the need to do something, Buffy tapped Spike on the shoulder and said, "Let's make one more sweep … through the part of town we skipped earlier. Just to be on the safe side."

[

There was not really much for Buffy and Spike to see at this point. Most of the action had already run its course for the night. But they could see where the hot spots – so to speak – had been. Every day, it seemed the demon targeted a new sector of town. Tomorrow, the two of them would focus on the areas that had as yet gone unaffected.

While they walked, they talked – about lots of things. Among the topics: how natural it seemed for them to train Ruthie and how gratifying it was to be able to pass on the information first hand, not just have Giles pass it on through diaries.

Buffy recalled the night she had asked Spike to tell her about how he had killed the other two Slayers. "It was not easy to listen to – and I think you were enjoying it a bit too much as you told me. But it was helpful to know. And I'm sure it will be for her too." They walked in silence for a short while before she said, "Been thinking about the concept of dancing lately – because of this spell, I guess. But also thinking about what you said about the dance … uh, between us."

"Yeah, Slayer. We've been dancing for years. But it's a different dance now."

[

When Buffy got home, the others were watching a breaking news report. While she and Spike were on one side of town, things had been erupting in another neighborhood. In these superficially melodious days, there was tension bubbling to the surface, fueled by socio-economic disparity and exacerbated by clashing musical genres.

Some town folk had organized a peaceful protest. They had lost too many of their young people to violence – before and during this spell. How much more could they stand? Dazed with grief and shock at what they had seen in past few days, they now marched methodically through the center of town, singing what began as a dirge and grew to be an anthem that flowed from their heart's cry:

"Give the people a day of peace, a day of pride, a day of justice we have been denied. Let the new day dawn, oh, Lord, I pray. We'll never get to Heaven till we reach that day." [6]

Buffy went to sleep with those last words ringing in her ears. She had been to Heaven. This world – particularly the current conditions of Sunnydale – this was definitely not Heaven.

A/N:

Many thanks for reading. Until next time…

~Jen

17 June 2016

SONGS in this chapter:

[1] Norman Rockwell's American Paradise (Kehde / Scarpelli) (1998 Charleston WV) "Discovering Santa"

[2] Wonderful Town (1953 Broadway / 1958 tv / 1986 West End) "Ohio"

[3] City of Angels (1989 Broadway / 1993 West End) "You're Nothing Without Me"

[4] John & Jen (1995 Off-Broadway) "Every Goodbye is a Hello"

[5] Jersey Boys (2005 Broadway / 2008 West End / 2014 film) "Who Loves You"

[6] Ragtime (1996 Toronto / 1998 Broadway / 2003 West End) "Til We Reach That Day"