Chapter 48
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After Bianca disowned Erica she and the rest of the group prepared to fight Belial. Specifically Bianca and Kendall planned to sit on the sidelines while the four fighters fought. Kendall vowed to protect her little sister. She wasn't sure what she could do, especially if the four demon fighters couldn't, but Kendall would die to protect Bianca and her baby. They fought this demon. Belial looked almost human, but could make more insects from his own skin. They fought well. When one of the bigger bugs latched unto Spike Riley rammed his sword through Spike's body. It hurt him like hell, but saved his life. It was a messy fight, but in the end Belial was defeated and killed. All his little insects seemed to die with him, but the group took no chances and burne them all. Riley helped treat Spike's wound and they talked in private.
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Spike: That's the second time in two days I got hurt, which would have killed a human.
Riley: You're welcome. I couldn't think of how else to kill the bug.
Spike: You could have told me to turn around.
Riley: It's easy to realize that now, I acted in the heat of the moment.
Spike: Fine, I'm a Monday morning quarterback. You enjoyed hurting me.
Riley: I saved you because you helped save Bianca and her baby. Don't think I haven't figured out why. You're in love with Buffy.
Spike: Someone up there seems to have a sense of humor. First I can't kill anyone, now I'm in love with a woman I can never have. Maybe I am in Hell. For you, it's Heaven. You get her, and you get to watch me suffer.
Riley: Do you know why Buffy fell for me? I was helping people, saving lives, before I ever met her. Before I ever had a chance with her. I would give my life for my country, to save innocents. You're incapable of that kind of sacrifice.
